Title: An Unequal Battle
Author: Tuxedo Elf
Rating: PG13
Beta: Elvensong
Pairing: Haldir/Glorfindel
Summary: Haldir wants to surprise his lover, but things aren't going
to plan.
Notes: For Anorienbean - I hope you like it!
******************
How hard could it be? He was after all an Elf who had achieved much
in his life. Head of the Marchwardens, trusted emissary to many other
realms, including the realms of Men, feared warrior and tactician.
This simple task should not be beyond him.
Haldir stared at the pile of raw meat and vegetables. It was just
dinner. So why did it feel like the most unequal of battles? Still,
Haldir was never one to turn his back on a fight. Picking up a small
peeling knife, he rolled up his tunic sleeves and set to work.
Several hours later, he knew that he'd met his match. Half the
vegetables were so over-cooked they were near unrecognisable, the
other half were practically raw. The meat was a blackened lump and
what he'd hoped would be a thick, tasty sauce, was a semi-hard, lumpy
mass in the pot. It was, Haldir admitted, a complete disaster.
He stared despondently at the mess. It was not often his lover came
to Lorien and Haldir had wanted to give him a special welcome with a
romantic dinner and a nice bottle of wine. Now he didn't even have
the wine -- in desperation he'd used it in the sauce to try to even
out the horrible lumps.
"The great Marchwarden, defeated by dinner." He muttered
bitterly. "How pathetic. Oh, Glorfindel, whatever are we going to eat
now?" Sinking into a chair, he searched desperately for a solution.
*****************
"By Eru, Haldir, this is wonderful!" Glorfindel's eyes lit up at the
sight of the food on the table. Crispy vegetables sat around the
perfectly browned meat and a delicious-smelling gravy sat in a
ceramic jug nearby.
"Only the best for you," Haldir smiled. "It was worth the effort to
see your face." He was rewarded for this statement by a gentle kiss
on the lips -- Glorfindel's way of thanking him.
"Let us eat, then," he said, "before it goes cold!" Sitting down at
the table, he uncorked the wine and poured them both a glass of the
rich red liquid.
The meal, Glorfindel thought, was wonderful. However, it was quite
obvious that all was not well with Haldir. He was unusually quiet and
kept looking around almost nervously. Usually when they met both
talked continually, there being a great deal to catch up on. This
silence was rather worrying, not to mention frustrating.
Glorfindel let things be until the meal was done and the plates had
been pushed aside, allowing them to entwine their hands over the
table. Still Haldir said little as he played with his lover's
fingers.
Heaving a sigh, Glorfindel spoke up. "I know, you know." He said.
Haldir blinked. "Know what?"
"That you did not cook the dinner."
His secret out, Haldir's face turned bright red in shame and
embarrassment. He'd gone to so much effort to conceal the disaster --
making sure the spoiled food was carefully disposed of and lighting
scented candles to rid the talan of the smell. What had given him
away?
"I…… ah…… I did……" Somewhat miserably, he gave in and looked up. "How
did you know?"
It was all Glorfindel could do not to laugh at the expression on his
lover's face. He could well understand how humiliating it must be for
Haldir to have failed at something, knowing how the Marchwarden
prided himself on success in whatever he put his hand to.
"A number of things," he replied, "Though the most obvious was
Orophin attempting to sneak out the back window before I got in."
Haldir's face fell. "I did try to do it myself," he explained, "but
it would seem that I am not skilled in cooking and I ruined
everything. I did not know what to do, so I asked my brothers to help
me. Orophin is quite good in the kitchen, as you now know, and he
prepared the meal. Rúmil gave me the wine and helped me clean up."
Sighing, he looked away. "I know I should have told you rather than
deceiving you. I am sorry."
Smiling, Glorfindel leaned across the table to turn Haldir's face to
his and capture his lover's mouth in a soft kiss. "It was a sweet
thought, Love, and your brothers were sweet for making sure it all
worked out. Do not worry about it any more."
"Truly?" Haldir had begun to worry that Glorfindel would be angered
by his lie and he could not keep the hope from his voice.
"Truly." Glorfindel confirmed, an amused smile gracing his fair
features.
Jumping up, Haldir kissed him enthusiastically. "Wait here, I have
something for you," he said, dashing off into the kitchen. Confused,
Glorfindel could only do as requested.
A moment later Haldir returned, a bowl in his hand. Approaching
Glorfindel he carefully straddled his lover until he was sitting on
his lap and facing him. Glorfindel groaned at the contact and
wriggled in the chair, while Haldir smiled wickedly. Holding up the
bowl, Haldir took a spoonful of the sweet pudding and offered it to
Glorfindel, who accepted it eagerly.
"Mmm…… that is good," Glorfindel murmured, cupping Haldir's rear with
his hands and pulling him closer.
Haldir grinned and leaned forward to lick the remnants of the sweet
from his lover's lips.
"Dessert," he purred as he reached for another spoonful, "I did make
myself."
THE END