Title: Enough for Tonight (7-8/22) Author: Aglarien Rating: NC-17 – this chapter PG-ish Type: FPS Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cat. Warning: AU. 3 Pages of Fluffity Fluff, Fluffity Fluff. Kitty talk. Summary: Glorfindel and Tinnu talk. This one’s for all the cat lovers. *~*~*~*~* Part 7 Erestor’s work sat undone on the desk in Glorfindel’s sitting room. He had planned on Glorfindel napping after their bath, knowing he would wear his lover out. He had not planned on wearing himself out as well. He was wearing his usual daywear robes, this one a soft-to-the-touch rich blue, so dark it was almost black. In the center of the bed, leaning against the richly carved headboard, he watched Glorfindel sleeping, cradled in his lap, long golden hair spread out over blue robes. He had somehow managed to get Glorfindel into a fresh night robe before his beautiful lover had literally collapsed into sleep. Stroking Glorfindel’s hair, Erestor suddenly realized he had not seen Tinnu since – when? Yesterday before dinner? Yes, that was right. He wondered what the little scamp was up to now, but was not concerned. Tinnu had long ago made himself at home in Imladris. He was usually welcome just about anywhere, including the kitchens, where he never took without asking. Not that he didn’t have the cook and kitchen servants wrapped around his little paw. All he had to do was sit prettily, gaze up longingly with those bright amber eyes, give a little plaintive meow, and anything he wanted was his. Erestor closed his eyes, a smile appearing on his face as thought back to their bath. That wonderful bath, oh how wonderful it was to touch Glorfindel like that. He was almost proud of what he’d been able to do to Glorfindel. He just loved it when a good plan came together. It wasn’t long before he joined Glorfindel in reverie, and they slept the morning away. Erestor woke at the sound of a knock at the door, and knew it would be the twins with lunch. He gently woke Glorfindel. “Glorfindel, my love, wake up. It’s time for lunch and we have guests.” Glorfindel murmured and stirred, eyes regaining focus. The brilliant smile that lit his face took Erestor’s breath away. He couldn’t resist giving Glorfindel a small kiss– well, maybe more than small – more like a big, deep one. Managing to reluctantly extricate himself from Glorfindel, he hurried to open the door and ushered in the twins with their lunch tray. “I’m sorry to take so long boys, we were both asleep,” hoping he wasn’t blushing too wildly. Elladan and Elrohir laughed, and when they had placed the tray on a table, engulfed their old tutor in hugs. “Erestor, we’re so very happy for you and Glorfindel! Ada told us.” “Boys, what are doing to my beloved?” The smile on Glorfindel’s face belied the stern voice. The twins subjected Glorfindel the same treatment, but were careful not to hurt his shoulder. Glorfindel had managed to get an outer robe on over his night robe, hurriedly brush his tangled mane, and had even remembered to put on the sling. Erestor walked over to Glorfindel, wrapped an arm around him, and escorted him to a large, comfortable looking chaise, insisting he lie down again, then sitting beside him. “Thank you Elrohir, Elladan. Your approval means a lot to us, as does your father’s.” “You know you are both very dear to us, Erestor. It’s been obvious to us for most of our lives that you two loved each other. We’ve always wondered why neither of you could see it,” Elrohir said, chuckling. “Indeed most of us could see something, but did not think it our place to bring it up,” Caladir added, strolling to his captain’s rooms, accompanied by Elrond. A very contented Tinnu was wrapped around Caladir’s neck, calmly surveying his world. “The blessing of the Valar on you both. Glorfindel, I’m afraid the word has gotten around, what with these two young Lords here!” “Tinnu!” Erestor exclaimed. “And just where have been for almost an entire day?” “I thought you might be looking for him, Lord Erestor, so I brought him along. He’s been cheering up the wounded still in the healing house.” Tinnu meowed. “I’m sure he’s done a world of good for them all. If he didn’t have us all laughing until we cried with his antics, he was curled up next to some poor wounded elf giving them comfort. When he started showing off by leaping from bed to bed without touching the floor we were all amazed. Extraordinary animal.” “He is indeed, Caladir,” Erestor said. At that, Tinnu leapt straight from Caladir’s shoulder to Erestor’s lap, causing Erestor to flinch when he landed. “Tinnu! I’ve told you about that before. Keep your claws in when you land, please!” The room exploded with laughter. Tinnu just walked off Erestor’s lap, meowing non- stop, and sat down next to Glorfindel. The variety of meows coming from the cat was amazing – there were trebles and squeaks, purring rumbles and chirps, accompanied by long ‘reows’ and short ‘nows’. “Erestor, what is he doing?” Glorfindel whispered, staring fascinated at the cat. “It’s perfectly obvious, Glorfindel. He’s telling you all about his stay in the healing house and giving you a report on your men.” Glorfindel grinned. Stroking the cat, he began talking to it. “Really? He did? No, tell me more. And then what happened? He said what?” “Lord Elrond,” Erestor said, “I regret to tell you, I am madly in love with a very foolish elf. Is there any hope for me?” Elrond just laughed, and motioned to his sons to begin serving everyone lunch, including Tinnu. *~*~*~*~* Part 8 Glorfindel and Erestor relaxed on the chaise with Tinnu curled up beside them. The room had suddenly become silent. Elladan and Elrohir sat grim-faced, Caladir simply stood staring at the floor, while Elrond paced. Glorfindel knew immediately that something was wrong. “Elrond? What are you not telling us? What has happened?” Elrond stopped pacing and gave Caladir a nod. Caladir moved a chair next to Erestor and Glorfindel and sat facing the two of them. “I sent the regular patrols out yesterday, as always. We did not expect any problems after what happened two days ago, but it appears we may have underestimated our enemy. The patrol on the Eastern border was attacked by a large group of Orcs.” He paused for a moment and drew an unsteady breath. “I am sorry, Glorfindel. I should have been with them. Only two of the patrol survived.” Elrond placed a hand on Caladir’s arm. “You are not to blame, Caladir. It is not your fault. No one blames you. Sauron only is to blame.” Erestor and Glorfindel were shocked. They had truly believed that the borders would not be threatened for some time. Elladan crossed the room and stood next to his former tutors. “There is something different about the Orcs the patrol encountered. The two survivors report they were larger and stronger. They saw hundreds of them, and we believe they came from the Misty Mountains.” “Elrond,” Glorfindel spoke forcefully, “this threat must be dealt with. You know this. Wounded or no, I insist on leading our warriors to deal with it.” Elrond and Erestor were very aware of the fact that they would not be able to hold Glorfindel back from taking action. The Seneschal would not let others deal with the threat while he remained behind. Erestor clasped Glorfindel’s hand. “And I go with you, Glorfindel.” “No, Lord Elrond, we cannot allow our Chief Councilor to endanger himself in this manner!” Caladir was amazed when the other elves laughed at his statement! “Caladir,” Elrond responded, “Erestor would be no more in danger than any of the rest of the patrol. Erestor fought at my side when Eregion was overrun, and again when the Last Alliance was formed and we battled Sauron. He is a most skilled warrior.” Erestor acknowledged the compliment with a bow of his head. “Well, I am amazed! How is it I have never heard this before?” “It was not something Erestor chose to have widely know, Caladir, and we have always honored his decision. Glorfindel hones our skills with the sword, but it is Erestor we look to for skill with the knives. Indeed, I trusted my sons’ training with them to no other.” “Well, that certainly explains your skills, my young Lords.” Glorfindel squeezed Erestor’s hand. “Erestor, my love, I know your skill. Never have I seen a deadlier elf with knives than you, but I would prefer it if you remained in Imladris. I cannot bear the thought of you in danger.” “No, Glorfindel, where you go, I go. The matter is closed.” “Elrond! Can you not make him see reason?” Elrond held up his hand to silence Glorfindel. Hands clasped behind his back, eyes focused on his feet, the Lord of Imladris began to pace back and forth in the room. The remaining elves knew he was deep in thought, and kept their silence. After several minutes, Elrond stopped. “Glorfindel, have we four unwounded, strong warriors who are proven leaders that the others will follow?” “Aye. Lathron, Suithoron, Conuion, and Torladen all fit that description, my Lord.” Elrond nodded and resumed pacing. Several more minutes passed. Elrond stopped. “Erestor, you may go with Glorfindel. In fact, we all go,” gesturing to all the others, “but not all to the same place. We have roughly 2,000 warriors at present. I estimate about 1,700 are fit for duty, correct?” The Seneschal and his second nodded, agreeing. “This vale is safe, but I am not arrogant enough to think we cannot be assailed. The North and South borders are most vulnerable to attack from the Misty Mountains. We take 300 with us to the East, and place 200 on the least vulnerable Western border.” “Leave 200 on the Eastern border in case they circle around us, and place 500 on each of the more vulnerable North and South borders,” Erestor concluded, realizing what Elrond was planning. “Experienced warriors must be equally mixed with those less experienced in all cases, except in the case of our 300. Only the best go with us, as it is the most dangerous.” “Well, Erestor, there is a reason you are my Chief Councilor. Continue, please.” “Glorfindel, of the four warriors named, who are the best two?” “Suithoron and Torladen.” “Very well. Suithoron takes the East border, Torlanden the West. Though they are the least vulnerable, they will have only one of the strongest leaders. Elladan along with Lathron will take the North, and Elrohir with Conuion the South. Elrond?” “Aye, Erestor you know my mind, as always. The warriors on each border must stay hidden within the tree lines.” Elrond looked at his sons. “Space them out in pairs, no more than twenty paces apart on the North and South borders, no more than fifty paces apart on the others. The entire border must be surrounded. This will all be for naught if Imladris is invaded. If we fail to the East, you, my sons, must keep this haven safe. You must keep evil out. I depend on you, as well as the other leaders, to make any changes necessary if you are besieged to keep Imladris safe. Do you understood?” “Aye, Ada. We will not fail you.” “Good. Caladir, please go with my sons and instruct your leaders. Ready all our warriors. We leave in the morning. I would speak with Erestor and Glorfindel alone now.” When the younger elves had gone, Elrond sat in the chair next to Glorfindel and Erestor, “Well, my old friends, we go to battle again.” He sighed heavily. “I wish to speak to you both about something that concerns no one but you.” Erestor raised an eyebrow. “You know you can speak freely with us, Elrond. What is it you wish to say?” Elrond smiled. “First, Glorfindel, feel free to take off that sling. It does seem silly, now, does it not? When we ride to battle in the morning?” “Oh, thank the Valar.” Glorfindel removed the offending item and tossed it across the room. Finally having two arms to wrap around Erestor, he wasted no time in doing so. “The second thing I wish to speak about I fear is more personal. I fear I intrude, and know not where to start.” Erestor snuggled against his lover. “Elrond, out with it! I promise we will take no offense.” “Very well. Have the two of you discussed binding yourselves to each other?” “We have not, Elrond.” Glorfindel gazed into Erestor’s eyes. “Erestor, my love, I think I owe you an apology. I simply took for granted you would bind with me when I healed. Forgive me.” “Nay, beloved, for I assumed the same.” Erestor placed a chaste kiss on Glorfindel’s lips. “Elrond, why do you ask?” Elrond smiled at his friends, happy with their response. “For a very selfish reason. You have been my friend and companion for nearly five millennia, Erestor, and Glorfindel for three. You are both very dear to me. You are part of my family. I would gladly give my own life for one or both of you. I do not want to lose you. I do not want Imladris to lose you. If you were bonded, you would strengthen each other should anything happen. I fear for this battle that comes.” Understanding dawned in Glorfindel’s eyes. “Erestor, my sweetest love, will you bind yourself to me? Will you be my husband forever?” Tears welled in Erestor’s eyes. “Aye, Glorfindel, beloved, I will bind with you. I will be your husband forever.” “Erestor of Imladris, I bind myself to you. You are my heart and soul, my eternal love. You are the gift the Valar gave me for returning to this world. You hold my heart in your hands. I will always love you, always protect you, and always care for you. May Eru bless our binding. I love you.” Erestor had never heard more beautiful words, and so with tears streaming down his face, repeated them to his love. “Glorfindel of Gondolin and Imladris, I bind myself to you. You are my heart and soul, my eternal love. I thank the Valar for giving you to me. You hold my heart in your hands. I will always love you, always protect you, and always care for you. May Eru bless our binding. I love you.” Glorfindel’s mouth sought his new husband’s. Their tears mingling, they sealed their vows with a kiss. Elrond cleared his throat, trying to keep tears from his own eyes. Rising, he folded his arms around his friends, whispering, “May the Valar bless you both forever.” He placed a chaste kiss on each brow, and walked to the door to leave the two new lovers alone. Reaching the door, he turned back once more. “My friends, don’t worry about joining us for dinner. I’ll just bring a tray later and leave it on the desk in case you want anything during the night, shall I? I think that should be enough for tonight, don’t you? Oh, and you can forget about what I told you about no strenuous activities. I will see you in the morning.” And he exited the room, softly closing the door behind him. Tbc…….