Title: Coming Home
Author: Morgana  ---  morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Website; http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon 
Pairing: Glorfindel/Erestor and Elrond/Celebrían
Rating; nc-17
Summary; Imladris’ newest addition proves to be a handful and quite a mystery.
Disclaimer: These characters are all Tolkien’s. 
Warning: AU, angst, mention of physical abuse. No rape. 
Author’s Note: All mistakes are all mine; yeah, I am greedy! And remember; this is 
AU! 
Beta read by Lady Mirfain, thanks! The stunning artwork is courtesy of Punisher, 
thanks sweetie. You did a great job! Second drawing by Enye, thanks!
 
 
 
 Delicious smells coming from the kitchens made his mouth water and fill with saliva. 
He was drooling, breathing in the sweet scents, and promptly his stomach growled. 
Bowing his head, he rubbed his empty belly. He couldn’t recall the last time he had 
eaten something. It must have been on his way here; he had been living on nuts and 
berries mostly, staying away from any settlements. But then the lights of this 
beautiful place had called him closer and he had obeyed their call, as he had been 
overcome by a strange longing. 
 
He had sneaked inside without anyone noticing him. His past had shaped him into a 
quiet observer, who managed to stay away from curious eyes. He still vividly recalled 
his wonder when he had entered this unearthly place for the first time. A sense of 
peace and serenity had invited him closer and he had stealthily slipped inside. 
 
The first things to take his breath away had been the valley and the house. He 
vaguely remembered a time in which his mother had told him tales of the Valar, and 
for one moment he had been afraid that he had somehow trespassed into their lands, 
but then the first Elf had appeared, carrying a basket full of luscious fruits. His 
stomach had growled and he had pushed deeper into the shadows. They couldn’t find 
him – ever.
 
Using the cover of the night, he had started to explore. The valley appeared to be full 
of apparently happy and content Elves. That should have reassured him, but it scared 
him instead. This couldn’t be right. No one was this happy and certainly not a whole 
community!
 
But, as time passed by, he realized these Elves did feel at ease and jested among each 
other. They teased, sung, danced, ate and drank together. He even came upon a few 
couples engaged in more romantic activities and he had quickly left, not wanting to 
spy on them. 
 
But even seeing these Elves so carefree and happy didn’t encourage him to make 
contact with them. In his past, he had learned not to trust anyone and he had learned 
that lesson well. So he lurked instead and remained hidden in the shadows.
 
Imladris had gained a new addition, but none of the resident Elves knew of his 
presence and he wanted to keep it that way. His safety lay in invisibility. 
 
But his belly still remained empty and he was beginning to feel weak due to the lack 
of nourishment. He didn’t dare take away much food, and merely dreamt of stealing 
an apple or some bread. If he got the chance, he would take his precious treasure to 
the stables, where he had created a small nest up in the rafters. From his hiding place, 
he could easily spot new arrivals and flee if necessary. 
 
The horses had given him an experimental sniff when he had first appeared and he 
had stroked their noses, which had reassured them. After that, they had accepted 
him. There was one, powerful stallion that seemed to like him best and the horse 
even allowed him inside the box to sleep close at night. Sometimes, the need to feel 
something warm nearby overwhelmed him and then he would snuggle up to the 
proud steed. 
 
His stomach growled again, reminding him that he desperately needed to eat 
something. And this time, he was afraid that nuts and berries wouldn’t do the trick. 
He needed something more substantial. 
 
Tremors ran through his thin form and he wrapped his arms around his waist, trying 
to dampen the growls coming from his stomach. He had avoided venturing into the 
kitchens for a long time, as there were too many Elves about. The danger of getting 
caught was high, but now that he was starving he had little choice left. He had to take 
the risk. 
 
He slowly rose from his nest of hay and looked down at the ruined clothes he wore. 
The black shirt had definitely known better days and showed several cuts and large 
holes. His brown leggings were so thin that they hardly offered any protection against 
the cold. Barefooted, he sneaked over to the ladder and climbed down. 
 
On the ground floor, the stallion raised his head and intelligent eyes took in the 
raven-haired Elf’s form. The first time this strange Elf had appeared he had been a bit 
reluctant to allow him inside the stables, but after the stranger had stroked his nose 
he had changed his opinion. The mighty steed didn’t smell any danger or evil on the 
stranger and decided he liked him. 
 
“Be quiet, please,” said the raven-haired Elf. “I cannot be found. I told you that 
before.” He quickly stroked the mighty neck and rubbed behind the ears. Leaning in 
closer, he rested his frail body against the stallion’s flank. From where he was 
standing now, his gaze caught a name, written on the inside of the door. “Asfaloth? Is 
that your name?”
 
Asfaloth nodded his head and maintained eye contact with the stranger. It would 
only be polite if the Elf shared his name as well. 
 
Blushing weakly, he said, “I forgot my manners, didn’t I? My mother called me 
Erestor, though it has been a long time since she called me that.” Saddened by his 
memories, he buried his face in the long, white mane. “You are the only friend I have 
here.”
 
That was definitely a shame, decided Asfaloth. The raven-haired Elf had become his 
friend as well, but it would be best if Erestor had Elven friends instead. The hungry 
growls made him study Erestor. The noble stallion had long realized that this Elf was 
different from Glorfindel, or the other Elves that visited the stables. Erestor was 
smaller, frail and much dirtier than any self-respecting Elf would ever be. 
 
“I will be back later, my friend. I need to find some food first.” Erestor pressed a kiss 
on Asfaloth’s nose and giggled softly, surprised by his bold deed. “You are soft.”
 
Asfaloth snorted; this was a silly Elf. Just as silly as Glorfindel could be at times. 
Erestor moved away from him and he nudged the Elf toward the exit of the stables. 
He hoped the dark-haired Elf would go straight to the kitchens. Compared to the 
other Elves, Erestor was much too small.
 
Erestor looked over his shoulder at the stallion and smiled. Maybe he would also be 
able to steal an apple for his friend.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The cook placed the freshly baked apple pie on the window sill to cool and turned 
away, eager to start preparations for tonight’s dinner. The hunters had returned with 
game and he knew that Lord Elrond enjoyed a nice meal. He would do his best not to 
disappoint his Lord. 
 
Drawing by Enye, thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor stood in the shadows and waited for the cook to leave. When the Elf did, he 
knew his time had come. He had never been so bold before to steal something that 
would be so easily missed, but he needed the food! The tremors had worsened and he 
felt constantly light-headed now. Taking advantage of the afternoon’s shadows, he 
sneaked over to the window sill and took hold of the apple pie. He almost dropped it, 
because the plate was much too hot to hold. Erestor grabbed a napkin, scooped most 
of the apple pie out of the dish and put a knot into the fabric, carrying it that way. 
 
Commotion near the doorway told him that the cook was about to return and he fled 
the kitchen, diving into the shadowed corridor. He hoped no one had seen him! He 
had forgotten to snatch an apple for Asfaloth, but he knew the stallion would forgive 
him, as the horse was well-fed on a daily bases.
 
Erestor carefully made his way back to the stables. Asfaloth snorted, softly, upon his 
entrance and Erestor’s eyes widened, finding the golden-haired Elf, who often visited 
and rode the steed, in the horse’s box. He remained hidden from the azure eyes, 
which now lovingly took in Asfaloth’s form. The fair Elf rubbed behind the stallion’s 
ears and whispered compliments. Erestor grew impatient, wishing the blond Elf 
would finally leave. The sweet smell of the apple pie might float into the stranger’s 
nostrils and pique his curiosity.
 
“I will take you out riding later,” said Glorfindel, stroking Asfaloth’s flank. “It 
promises to be a wonderful evening. We will head for the Bruinen at sunset.”
 
Erestor could tell that those words pleased the stallion, as he scraped his hoofs across 
the floor. Asfaloth was impatient and would prefer to leave right now. 
 
“Don’t be so impatient, my friend,” said Glorfindel, amused. “I will return here 
shortly.” He rubbed the stallion’s nose one more time and then left the stables.
 
Erestor released an audible sigh of relief now that the other Elf was gone. He waited a 
few moments longer, just to make sure that the blond Elf wouldn’t return 
unexpectedly. Once he was certain that he was relatively safe, he soundlessly walked 
over to the stallion. “I am sorry, my friend, but I forgot your apple.” His belly made a 
loud and angry sound; the food was near and he should be eating instead of 
apologizing to Asfaloth!
 
The stallion shared that opinion and gently nudged him toward the ladder. 
 
Erestor smiled, gratefully, and carried his treasure to his hide-away. After settling 
down, he untied the fabric and began eating – fast – as he was starving. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The cook scratched himself behind his right ear. He was certain that this was where 
he had left the apple pie, but now it was gone. This was most odd.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Satiated, Erestor had fallen asleep and he only woke because there was noise below 
him. Curiously, he peeked below and found that the golden-haired Elf had returned. 
The fair Elf was readying Asfaloth for their ride and now that he felt safe and 
comfortable, Erestor studied the other Elf more closely. The most intense cerulean 
eyes he had ever seen stared back at him from a friendly and kind face. A handsome 
face as well – he noticed, distractedly. The red lips were full and pouted as Asfaloth 
kept dancing impatiently, making it harder for Glorfindel to move closer. Long, fair 
hair tumbled down the Elf’s back and reached his narrow hips. The blue shirt 
snuggled tightly against the broad chest and the leggings hugged the powerful thighs 
close. This Elf was obviously a warrior and Erestor grew more careful, knowing from 
past experiences that he didn’t stand a chance against someone, such as this fair Elf. 
 
“Calm down!” said Glorfindel, amused. Asfaloth was particularly impatient today! A 
few moments later, he swung onto the stallion’s back and guided him outside. 
 
Erestor sighed, softly, and even managed a smile as he returned to his sleeping place. 
He made himself comfortable and closed his eyes, trying to recall the way the apple 
pie had looked and smelled. He wished he had more food, but knew he couldn’t grow 
greedy. The cook was probably already wondering about the missing pie and he 
couldn’t venture into the kitchens for days now. He shouldn’t have eaten it all and 
saved some for later, but he had been too hungry to think of that!
 
Curled up beneath the hay, he felt safe and allowed himself to drift off into sleep. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“I am so sorry, my lady, but the pie… disappeared.” The cook cringed; the lady 
Celebrían had requested he baked a pie today because she wanted to take it with her 
on the picnic she had arranged for. “I do not know what happened to it. I left it to 
cool and when I returned it was gone.” 
 
“It is no disaster,” said Celebrían, soothing the nervous cook. “There is enough food 
available to take on this picnic.” She felt a bit disappointed though; apple pie was her 
favorite and she had been looking forward to sinking her teeth into the sweet pastry.
 
“I will bake a new one!” announced the cook, but he also knew it wouldn’t be ready 
in time. “I wonder who took it.”
 
Celebrían shrugged once. “It does not really matter who took it, but I would like for 
you to bake a new one.”
 
“I will,” said the cook, determined to guard the next apple pie he baked. No one was 
going to take that one!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor woke from a restless sleep the moment Asfaloth and his rider returned. 
Shifting slightly, he realized he was able to watch them from his sleeping place. The 
fair Elf was handsome, he mused, handsome and obviously in a good mood. He 
laughed almost constantly and rubbed Asfaloth’s slightly sweaty skin. The Elf 
dismounted and grabbed a handful of straw to rub Asfaloth dry. During the entire 
time, he kept talking about Elves Erestor knew nothing about. He heard names, 
which meant nothing to him, but he tried to remember them nonetheless; Elrond, 
Arwen, Celebrían… Those were the names the fair Elf used most. 
 
“Glorfindel! I was looking for you! I should have known I would find you here!” 
 
Erestor involuntarily held his breath, seeing a second Elf enter. This Elf was dark-
haired and wore long, formal robes.
 
“Elladan, I wanted to ask you to join me, but I couldn’t find you!”
 
“My father requested my presence in his study as a delegation from the Golden Wood 
arrived today.”
 
“Ah, that’s why…?” Glorfindel pointed at the outfit.
 
“Aye… I cannot wait to change back into a shirt and leggings again. Robes are 
uncomfortable!” Elladan leaned against the wall and smiled. “I should have known I 
would find you here. I looked for you in the barracks first.”
 
“I decided to go for a ride.” Glorfindel finished tending to Asfaloth and uncovered a 
carrot from a pocket, which the stallion slowly devoured. 
 
Erestor smiled, seeing Asfaloth munch happily. The stallion hadn’t gotten his apple, 
but the carrot would do as well. His attention shifted from the horse to the two Elves; 
he knew their names now, and he repeated them softly to himself. The blond Elf was 
called Glorfindel and the dark-haired one was Elladan. He didn’t know why it was so 
important to remember these names… /I do know,/ he admitted a heartbeat later. /I 
feel lonely./ He longed for companionship, for someone to talk to occasionally, but he 
was much too scared to make the first step. It was better this way. 
 
“Come, my friend, dinner is about to be served!” Glorfindel folded an arm around 
Elladan’s shoulder and together they walked toward the doorway.
 
Elladan smiled; knowing there would be little left of the dessert the moment they got 
there. Apple pie was his mother’s favorite.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor felt safer now that the two Elves had left, but not safe enough to go 
downstairs and seek Asfaloth’s company. A lazy, pleasant warmth radiated from his 
stomach and he was content to simply rest. Maybe he could stay here for a while. As 
long as he remained unnoticed, he was safe. He just had to find other ways of 
acquiring food. Stealing into the kitchens again wasn’t an option. 
 
But there were gardens as well, and he had seen trees carrying fruit. He could go 
there and pick the ripe fruits, even bring back an apple for Asfaloth. 
 
But not this evening. This evening his belly was already full and he purred, softly, 
dozing off once more.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“The apple pie simply disappeared?” Elrond enjoyed teasing his wife, who had just 
claimed the largest part of the newly baked pie. “That is a most hideous crime! We 
should find the perpetrator and punish him!” 
 
Celebrían giggled, hearing her husband’s silly banter. “I cannot blame the thief. This 
apple pie is delicious.” She guarded her plate closely and swept Elrond’s hand away 
when the half-Elf tried to steal a little piece of her pie. “Behave, or you will be 
sleeping on the couch tonight.”
 
Arwen chuckled, softly. She was still rather young as she had just reached her 
majority, but saw that her brothers were laughing as well, and they were much older 
than she was. 
 
“Glorfindel, I hereby command you to find the thief and to bring him before me,” 
declared Elrond, good-humoredly. He wouldn’t ‘punish’ the Elf of course, but had 
grown curious as to whom enjoyed apple pie as much as his dear wife. 
 
Glorfindel groaned, playing along. “Must I, my Lord? It is already late and my bed is 
calling me.”
 
“You don’t have to do this now,” said Elrond, enjoying their little game. “But it will 
be your first priority in the morning.”
 
“Are you certain it wasn’t your lovely wife who took the apple pie and thus made the 
cook bake a second one?” Glorfindel gave Celebrían a humorous wink.  
 
Celebrían’s giggles grew louder. “I should have thought of that, my Captain, but I 
didn’t! However, I will keep it in mind the next time the cook bakes a pie!”
 
Lovingly, Elrond gathered his wife’s right hand in his. “I will order the cook to bake 
one every day if that pleases you.” Even after so many centuries he was still utterly in 
love with her and he would do everything to make her happy, even if it meant 
replacing rose bushes with apple trees. 
 
“I cannot eat that many apple pies.” Celebrían playfully nudged her husband with her 
elbow. “It is only so special because I cannot have it every day. Let us keep it that 
way.”
 
Elrond nodded once. “As you wish, my love.” He raised her hand and brought it to his 
lips, pressing a kiss on the back. 
 
“Oh, please!” Elladan bowed his head and covered his face in his hands. His parents 
always flirted and the rest loved teasing them about it. “Don’t tell me you are 
planning on siring more children, father.”
 
Elrond grinned. “We might, Elladan. Just a little brother to annoy you.”
 
“I already have one,” said Elladan, dryly, and was prompted kicked in the shins by his 
dear twin brother. “I will get you for that later!”
 
“Children, behave!” But Celebrían’s eyes sent out a different message; namely that she 
didn’t want them to stop bantering. Her family made her happy and she hoped they 
would never stop their playful arguments.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Surely you were merely jesting yesterday?” Glorfindel frowned, seeing Elrond shake 
his head. 
 
”I was not. I want to know who took my wife’s apple pie.”
 
”But, the patrol is about to leave and new guards need to be trained! There are reports 
to write and…” Glorfindel shook his head. “You cannot be serious.”
 
“Of course, I am… not,” said Elrond, finally bursting out laughing. “I was just playing 
you. I know how busy you are. But, if you by any chance ever find the thief, let me 
know.” Elrond clasped Glorfindel’s shoulder briefly and then left the training 
grounds. Glorfindel’s expression had been highly amusing. 
 
“Half-Elves have a strange kind of humor,” mumbled Glorfindel, flipping back his 
hair, which he had forgotten to braid that morning.
 
“I heard that!” called out Elrond from the distance, raising a hand in goodbye. “There 
is nothing wrong with my ears.”
 
Glorfindel cursed, softly, releasing a litany of Dwarven curses Gloin had once taught 
him. “Your ears are much too sharp for a half-Elf,” he whispered, certain that Elrond 
could no longer hear him.
 
“I heard that too.”
 
“Damn it!”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor waited until the dark of night had settled over Imladris before venturing out 
of the stables. Deep down, he was afraid he was making a grave mistake, leaving his 
hide-away so shortly after his visit to the kitchens, but now that he had tasted food 
again, he wanted more. He wanted to form a supply so he could eat whenever he was 
hungry. If he succeeded in doing this, it would be an unknown luxury, having food at 
his disposal at all times. 
 
He passed Asfaloth by and the stallion opened an eye to look at him. “I will get you 
that apple. A promise is a promise.”
 
Asfaloth wanted to reassure the frail Elf that it wasn’t necessary and that he should 
rest instead, but unfortunately he was only a horse, without a way to communicate 
this to Erestor. 
 
Erestor silently closed the door behind him and sneaked away from the stables. He 
hoped he correctly remembered where the orchard was located, as he planned on 
collecting all the fruits he could find. That way, no one would miss any food.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor used the already dirty napkin to collect the fruits in. Ripe, juicy apples had 
fallen from the trees and he gathered them quickly. There were cherries as well, and 
pears, but there was only so much he could carry. Unable to resist temptation he 
pushed a cherry into his mouth, and sighed, blissfully, at the sweet taste. Spitting out 
the stone, he reached for another one, but then realized he wasn’t alone.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel stared in wonder at the strange Elf, who was hurriedly collecting the fallen 
fruits. He prided himself on knowing each Elf who lived in Imladris and he made a 
point of greeting their guests, so he knew who was supposed to be in Imladris and 
who wasn’t. He was absolutely certain that he had never seen this Elf before.
 
The stranger’s brown eyes locked with his and they reflected fright, shock and utter 
panic. Glorfindel studied the other Elf’s gaunt face and was shocked to see just how 
sunken in the features were. He had never seen an Elf looking so starved before. The 
threadbare clothes looked much too big for the other Elf and were covered with dirt 
and grime. Did he also see old blood on the fabric? Long, dark and dirty hair framed 
the pale face and the haunted eyes were deep-set in their sockets. 
 
Fear ran through Erestor and in his panic, he dropped the napkin and the fruits. 
 
“Please, don’t run! There is no reason to fear me!” But the words came too late; the 
frightened Elf had already taken off and was now running toward the stables. 
Glorfindel briefly considered taking up pursuit, but discarded the thought eventually, 
not wanting to frighten this Elf further. 
 
Elf? Had it been an adult Elf? Or an Elfling? He had looked so small – so frail and 
breakable! And he had dropped the gathered fruits! /The apple pie! He looked starved; 
did he take it?/ Glorfindel felt guilty for scaring the poor Elf off; it was obvious that 
he had been in search of food!
 
Glorfindel sat on his heels and gathered the bruised fruit in the napkin, which he 
neatly tied together. He left it beneath the apple tree, hoping against all odds that the 
starved Elf would return to collect his food. But his instincts told him he wouldn’t. 
The stranger no longer felt safe. 
 
/He left in the direction of the stables. I will start my search there at dawn./ He also 
realized that he would have to do his best not to scare the strange Elf again. He knew 
instinctively that this was an Elf who didn’t trust easily. /I am sorry I chased you off. 
That wasn’t my intention./ 
 
But, in the end, he was glad that he had come by here tonight. For now he knew that 
someone needed his help. He just had to find a way to make it clear to the stranger 
that he wanted to help.
 
/Those large, drawn eyes…/ They already haunted him. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor panted hard by the time he reached the safety of his hide-away. He quickly 
hid himself beneath the hay and listened closely to find out if Glorfindel had followed 
him. He hoped not – by the Valar, he prayed not! He couldn’t be discovered and 
captured again! He wouldn’t survive being enslaved a second time!
 
Part 2
 
“Forgive me for disturbing you whilst you are having breakfast, but…” Glorfindel 
impatiently waited for the couple to gesture for him to approach. He hated barging in 
on Elrond and Celebrían like this, but felt it was necessary they talked.
 
“What is so important that you seek us out at such an early hour?” Elrond gestured for 
his friend to seat himself at the breakfast table and a servant quickly added a third 
plate so Glorfindel could have breakfast with them.
 
“I had an unsettling encounter in the orchard last night,” started Glorfindel, moving 
the eggs around on his plate. He didn’t feel hungry at all, remembering the famished 
expression in those anxious eyes. 
 
“An unsettling encounter?” Celebrían frowned; normally Glorfindel would offer more 
information without prodding.
 
“I was on my way to the barracks when I passed by the orchard. I thought it would be 
deserted, but it wasn’t. A lone Elf was gathering fruit there.”
 
Elrond raised an eyebrow. “And why is this reason to call the encounter unsettling?”
 
“This Elf is no Imladris’ resident. I have never seen him before,” supplied Glorfindel.
 
“Maybe he is part of the delegation from the Golden Wood? They arrived yesterday,” 
offered Celebrían, feeling intrigued.
 
“Nay, this wasn’t one of the Galadhel. This was… Maybe even an Elfling. It was hard 
to tell.” Glorfindel locked eyes with Elrond. “His clothes were old, dirty and frayed, 
his hair a complete mess, and I have never seen such sunken in features before. He 
was so frail that I was afraid he would break and he looked absolutely starved.”
 
“What did you do?” asked Celebrían, captivated by Glorfindel’s words.
 
“He was gathering fruits and I scared him, so he dropped everything and ran away. 
He headed toward the stables so I want to start my search there.”
 
Elrond considered everything very carefully. “Find him, Glorfindel. I will not have an 
Elf hungry and hiding from us in fear. We must help him.”
 
“My thoughts exactly.” Glorfindel pushed the untouched food away from him and 
rose from the chair. “Though, I think we should move slowly. We don’t want to chase 
him away again.”
 
“Keep me informed,” said Elrond after exchanging a look with his wife. He could 
easily tell that she was upset by the news that someone was too afraid of them to ask 
for help and food. They *had* to help this Elf. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel first visited the kitchens. He had briefly thought about taking the bruised 
fruit, wrapped up in the napkin with him, but the frail Elf had looked like he needed 
more than just a few pieces of fruit. So, he packed bottled milk, a flask of miruvor, 
bread, meat, cheese, honey and cake into a basket and then headed for the stables, 
hoping to find the elusive Elf there.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Finding his mysterious Elf proved easier than he had thought. Glorfindel smiled, 
pleased, coming upon his puzzling Elf, huddled close to Asfaloth. The stallion had lain 
down, allowing the raven-haired Elf to rest against him. “You like him, then?” The 
look Asfaloth gave him was remarkably intelligent and seemed so say; /Don’t you?/
 
Glorfindel smiled and nodded once. Asfaloth trusted this stranger and even allowed 
him into his box to sleep close to him. That meant the horse sensed nothing evil, not 
that he had thought anything evil clung to this delicate Elf. “I have brought food,” 
said Glorfindel, trying to figure out his next step. “Should I leave it here? Or should I 
wait for him to wake?” He didn’t want to scare the raven-haired Elf again. 
 
Glorfindel shook his head, wondering what he was doing asking advice from his 
stallion. He would simply follow his instincts. Glorfindel entered the box, sat down 
close to the strange Elf and removed his cloak, which he used as a rug to place the 
food upon. Then he leaned back against the wall, waiting for those large, 
apprehensive eyes to open.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor blinked before fully regaining awareness. Surprised, he felt a warm body 
against his, and he briefly panicked, but when he realized it was Asfaloth, he calmed. 
He recalled leaving his safe nest high above and making his way down. His encounter 
with Glorfindel had left him shaken and he had needed to feel something warm and 
real close to him. So he had sought out Asfaloth and the stallion had allowed him 
close.
 
“Good morning. I brought breakfast, so eat!” Glorfindel kept his tone warm and light, 
but the stranger still startled. 
 
Erestor panicked; he simply didn’t know what to do. He wanted to get to his feet and 
run away, but Glorfindel’s long legs blocked the exit, so he wouldn’t get past him that 
way. In the end, he remained motionless, waiting for the inevitable to happen. It 
wouldn’t be long before he would be taken in front of their Lord and judged for his 
behavior. He would probably be heavily punished for trespassing and stealing. He 
stared at Glorfindel from behind a curtain of dirty and tangled hair. 
 
The fear in the troubled eyes hit Glorfindel like a physical blow. “I am not going to 
hurt you in any way.”
 
But Erestor didn’t believe him. Others had said the exact same words to him and it 
hadn’t been long before the blows had started to descend onto him.  
 
Glorfindel carefully considered his next words. Whilst making certain he remained 
absolutely motionless, he said, “I want to apologize for scaring you last night. That 
was never my intention.” He knew that if he made only the tiniest movement the 
other Elf would bolt. “I gathered your fruits, but you had already left so I brought 
breakfast to make up for my behavior last night.” The distressed eyes spoke of utter 
distrust and the panic continued to increase. But he had to make contact!
 
/Please, Asfaloth,/ thought Glorfindel. /Whatever you do, don’t get up./ The stallion 
presented a barrier between them and he suspected it was the only reason why 
Erestor appeared that calm. /But he isn’t calm; he is nervous and panicking. He just 
doesn’t want me to see./
 
Erestor checked for a way out of the box, but Glorfindel blocked the only exit. He 
was trapped.
 
“Please, eat something.” Glorfindel took a chance and moved, selecting a slice of 
cheese. He began to nibble on it, hoping the dark-haired Elf understood he only 
wanted to help. “There is nothing wrong with the food.”
 
Erestor still didn’t trust Glorfindel, or the food. “I won’t submit,” he said eventually, 
his voice raw with fearful anticipation. “You can beat me as much as you want, but I 
will never obey you. I escaped before… I will escape again.”
 
Glorfindel’s eyes widened. “What?” He must have misheard! “What did you say?”
 
Erestor wondered about the stunned expression in Glorfindel’s eyes, but didn’t let it 
distract him. On the contrary, he used the other Elf’s surprise against him and jumped 
to his feet. He managed to make it past Glorfindel’s long legs, but then stumbled and 
was sent crashing hard into the wall. 
 
Glorfindel reacted at once, cursing himself privately for his slow reflexes, but 
Erestor’s words had unbalanced him. Did the dark-haired Elf really expect to be 
beaten into submission? Maybe. After all, he knew nothing of the other Elf’s history. 
 
He reached the stumbling Elf and caught him before he could take a fall. Glorfindel 
was shocked to find just how little resistance he met. His mysterious stranger hardly 
weighed a thing! “I have you.”
 
Erestor’s worst nightmare was quickly becoming true, feeling strong arms wrapped 
around him. “Let me go! Don’t touch me!” He struggled fiercely to free himself, but 
Glorfindel wouldn’t release him. “Please, let me go. I am not doing any harm! I am 
sorry I took that apple pie and tried to steal that fruit, but I was hungry and I 
promised Asfaloth an apple.”
 
“I am not going to hurt you,” repeated Glorfindel, as the frail Elf stopped struggling in 
his arms. He then made a very risky decision. “But I would like for you to eat 
something. You look like you are about to collapse.” The raven-haired Elf now leaned 
heavily against him. 
 
Erestor lacked the strength to fight Glorfindel any longer. His mind was rebellious 
and he didn’t want to undergo any punishment, but his weakened body left him with 
no choice. 
 
“Please, sit.” Glorfindel slowly assisted him in sitting down. “Drink.” 
 
Erestor accepted the flask filled with miruvor and sipped slowly. Had Glorfindel put a 
sedative in it? Would he lose consciousness and wake up in a cell? It had happened 
before so it could happen again. 
 
“Will you tell me your name?” Glorfindel sat down opposite Erestor. Asfaloth 
watched them with interest and Glorfindel saw traces of concern for the mysterious 
Elf in the stallion’s expressive eyes. 
 
The miruvor temporarily strengthened Erestor, and when he looked at the fair Elf, his 
gaze was filled with rebellion. He wouldn’t go down without a fight! “Why?”
 
“Because it would be nice to properly address you.” Glorfindel gave him a most 
charming smile. 
 
Erestor’s lips became a narrow line. “I don’t know why I should tell you.”
 
Glorfindel couldn’t believe a simple conversation could be this taxing! This Elf fought 
him on everything! “Let me introduce myself then.”
 
“I already know your name. You are Glorfindel,” said Erestor, smugly, enjoying the 
surprise on the fair Elf’s face. 
 
“Aye, I am Glorfindel.” This Elf had been watching him and he hadn’t noticed! “Now 
kindly share yours?”
 
“Erestor,” he said, eventually, biting his bottom lip the moment he had said it. He 
hadn’t wanted to give the blond Elf his name, but it was hard to deny him and his 
charming smile. He emptied the miruvor and refused more. He knew what effects 
this sort of drink had on him and wanted to remain clear-headed. 
 
“Do you live here? In the stables?” inquired Glorfindel, adding honey to a slice of 
bread and nibbling on it. He tried to appear casual and calm, hoping that it would set 
Erestor’s mind at ease. 
 
“Not anymore.” Erestor bit his bottom lip. Even if he managed to escape he would 
have to find a new shelter and now, they would be looking for him. The only option 
he had left was leaving Imladris all together. That was *if* they would let him!
 
Glorfindel read all that and more in the easy-to-read eyes. “Aye, I agree. You 
shouldn’t have to live here. The guestrooms are much more comfortable.”
 
/Guestrooms? That is the first time I heard the holding cells being called that!/ “What 
are you going to do with me?” 
 
Glorfindel raised an eyebrow. “Nothing you do not want. You can stay here if you 
want to. You obviously befriended Asfaloth and he is a good judge of character. If he 
trusts you then that is good enough for me.” He had missed breakfast and was hungry, 
so he buttered another slice and added cheese to it. “Do you want this?” Slowly 
leaning in closer, he offered it to Erestor, clearly seeing the hungry, tempted 
expression in the gloomy eyes. “I hope you don’t think I am trying to poison you.” To 
prove his point he took a bite out of the slice of bread and then offered it to Erestor 
once more. 
 
Erestor stared at the offered slice; he *was* hungry. Fighting an inner battle, he 
wondered if he could trust Glorfindel in this matter. /He can easily overpower me. He 
doesn’t need to sedate me./ Now that he fully realized this, he grabbed the bread and 
devoured it.
 
Glorfindel was stunned, seeing how fast Erestor wolfed down the food. But why was 
he surprised? Bones were sticking out of the skin! Pouring Erestor milk, he placed the 
glass close to the raven-haired Elf. “There is more where this came from.” He had 
wanted to add; /but you already know that as you took the apple pie from the 
kitchen./ But he couldn’t say the words, knowing eating it was probably the very 
reason why Erestor was still on his feet today. 
 
Erestor pulled his knees closer to his chest, rested his back against the wall and stared 
at Glorfindel. There was still more food, but was he allowed to eat it? 
 
Glorfindel correctly interpret that expression and offered Erestor some of the meat. 
“You can eat it all, if you want, though I would advice against it if you haven’t eaten 
for a long time.”
 
Erestor knew that as well, but his starved body desperately begged for more nutrition. 
So he nibbled on the meat, feeling full for the second time in the last twenty-four 
hours. “Will you now drag me in front of your Lord and punish me?” That was what 
the villagers had done when they had been displeased with him. 
 
“Drag you? Punish you? Where do you get such ideas?” Glorfindel shook his head. 
“We would never do that to one of our kind.”
 
“The humans did.” 
 
Glorfindel swallowed, hard. “That explains much.”
 
“Does it?” Erestor couldn’t help growing sleepy. In the last twelve hours he had eaten 
more than ever before and it was taking a toll on him. His body needed the little 
energy he had left to digest the large amount of food and he was falling asleep again. 
/I cannot fall asleep! If I do, Glorfindel can do whatever he wants! I will wake up in a 
holding cell!/ 
 
Glorfindel literally smelled Erestor’s fear and knew he had to act carefully now. He 
couldn’t do anything that would compromise the little trust he had managed to build 
between them. “Where do you usually sleep?”
 
“Up…” whispered Erestor; his guard was down now that he was drifting off into 
sleep. 
 
“Up in the rafters. A perfect hiding place and an excellent choice.” Glorfindel waited 
for Erestor to fully fall asleep and then rose from the floor. He pushed his arms 
beneath Erestor’s body and lifted him. He frowned, realizing Erestor didn’t weigh 
much more than an Elfling did. This was so wrong!  
 
Moving carefully, he managed to climb the ladder one-handed. Once he had reached 
the rafters, he immediately spied the little nest Erestor had built for himself. He 
gently deposited him amidst the hay and then went down again to collect the remains 
from their ‘picnic’, which he placed close to Erestor, so the Elf could eat and drink the 
moment he awoke. 
 
He would have preferred to take Erestor with him to the guestrooms or the healing 
wing, but he knew that the dark-haired Elf would never trust him again if he woke in 
strange surroundings. /I have to take this slow. I will visit with him tomorrow and 
bring more food. Clean clothes as well./ Glorfindel knew that gaining Erestor’s trust 
would be hard, but he was confident that he would win it in the end. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Did you learn anything new today about our mysterious stranger?” Celebrían 
entered her husband’s study, pleased to find Glorfindel was also present. “I have been 
wondering about him.”
 
Glorfindel rose to his feet and waited until she had seated herself. “I did, but what I 
learned wasn’t pleasant.” He informed Celebrían and Elrond and heard their shocked 
gasps. 
 
“Did he really say all that?” Elrond shook his head in disbelief. “Did he really say he 
expects to be beaten into submission?”
 
“And to be dragged in front of us and punished for taking that pie?” Celebrían’s eyes 
mirrored her husband’s shock. 
 
“Aye, all that and more. He also said that humans had done so to him in the past. 
From the way he looks, I think it is very possible that they kept him as a servant, 
maybe even as a slave.”
 
“And when he didn’t do as he was told, he was punished with beatings.” Elrond 
leaned back into his chair. “At times like these I feel ashamed to be part human.”
 
“I suggest we proceed cautiously. After Erestor fell asleep I took him up the rafters so 
he would wake in familiar surroundings.” Seeing Elrond’s admonishing look, he 
added, “Aye, I want him in the healing wing as well, but forcing him to go there will 
do more harm than good. We have to gain his trust first.”
 
“And how do you suggest we do that?” asked Celebrían, eager to help. 
 
“We let him set the pace and don’t force our presence upon him. I am not saying we 
should ignore him, but let him decide when he is ready for more contact. For the 
moment I will visit him on a daily bases to bring him food and water. He could also 
do with a clean set of clothes.”
 
“Consider it done,” said Celebrían, certain some of her sons’ clothes would fit Erestor, 
and if they didn’t, she would instruct the seamstress to make new ones, but making 
them would take time. She would search her sons’ wardrobes first.
 
“I would feel more comfortable if he saw a healer,” said Elrond, thoughtfully. 
 
“He is definitely malnourished,” replied Glorfindel in a similar tone. “But I didn’t see 
any injuries on him.”
 
“I will trust your judgment in this matter then.” Elrond rubbed the bridge of his nose. 
“Keep me informed. The moment he collapses I want you to take him to the healing 
wing and to call for me.”
 
Glorfindel hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor’s eyelids fluttered as he began to wake up again. Normally, his dreams were 
haunted by memories, but last night his sleep had been peaceful and undisturbed. He 
had actually slept several hours instead of startling awake every hour. Suddenly 
realizing he was smiling, he rubbed his full belly. 
 
Then, the encounter with Glorfindel returned to him and he sat upright with a start 
to check on his surroundings. To his utter surprise he found himself in the safety of 
the hay. Glorfindel hadn’t taken him to the holding cells… Why not? 
 
Another quick look told him that the remains from breakfast had been set beside him. 
Glorfindel must have carried everything upstairs. Tempted, he reached for a slice of 
the sweet cake and nibbled experimentally. His eyes closed in bliss when the sugar hit 
his system. This was absolutely delicious!
 
But then the truth settled in; Glorfindel knew his whereabouts – his hide-away. And 
now that the blond warrior knew, the Lord of this valley would find out as well. 
Then, they would come dragging him down and punish him. Maybe it was best if he 
packed up the remaining food and left before they could come for him?
 
“I brought you clean clothes.” Glorfindel left the ladder and took one step toward 
Erestor, but froze at seeing the bewildered look in the dark eyes. “Is something 
amiss?”
 
“Why am I still here?” Erestor’s eyes darted wildly in their sockets, finding his way 
out blocked once more. 
 
“Where else should you be?” Glorfindel placed the blue leggings and gray shirt on the 
hay next to Erestor. “They were Elladan’s once, but he no longer wears them. They 
might be a little bit too big for you, but once you start to eat regularly you will grow 
into them.” 
 
Erestor stared at the clothes as if they were deadly weapons, ready to strike at him. “I 
don’t understand you.”
 
Glorfindel sat cross-legged and smiled, dipping a finger into the honey and licking the 
sweet substance from his digit. “What is there to understand? You are a guest here 
and I am treating you like one.”
 
“A guest? I stole from you!” Erestor hadn’t wanted to say that, but the words had 
slipped out in his confusion. 
 
“You were hungry and you took the food you needed. No one holds that against you, 
certainly not the Lord of this valley.” Glorfindel studied Erestor, seeing the hope that 
tried to blossom in the dark eyes, but the raven-haired Elf was too afraid to allow it 
in. “Lord Elrond and the lady Celebrían are actually concerned about you.”
 
“You told them about me.” It was as he had feared!
 
“Aye, I did. They rule this valley and they take their roles as hosts very seriously. 
Furthermore, Lord Elrond is an excellent healer and would offer you his services, but 
I told him you wouldn’t want him to examine you.”
 
Erestor’s confusion mounted. “You did what?”
 
“You can remain here, up in the rafters if you want, but we prepared guest quarters, 
just in case you would reconsider. Lord Elrond would also like for you to visit the 
healers, but that is your choice. If you don’t want to go to the healing wing, we will 
accept that.”
 
Too fast – he was going too fast. He saw it in Erestor’s baffled eyes. “But enough of 
that for now. Why don’t you eat, drink, and change into your new clothes? If you 
want to bathe, you could go to the communal baths or the Bruinen. No one will 
hinder you.”
 
/This is too good to be true. I don’t believe you, Glorfindel. You have a hidden 
agenda./ Erestor was still convinced that leaving Imladris as quickly as possible was 
his best option to stay alive and, more importantly, free.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Arwen and the twins immediately noticed Glorfindel’s worried expression and 
scooted closer to their former tutor. “What is amiss?” It was close to dinner, but their 
parents hadn’t joined them yet.
 
Recalling that the children didn’t know about Erestor yet, Glorfindel updated them. 
The twins sat heavily on their chairs, hearing the upsetting news and Arwen released 
a shocked gasp. “I thought something was different,” explained Elrohir. “When I 
visited the stables a few days ago I felt like I was being watched.”
 
“You probably were,” confirmed Glorfindel. “He doesn’t present a danger, Elrohir. On 
the contrary, he is extremely afraid of us.”
 
Arwen nodded. “The poor soul. If he was mistreated that badly in the past, he will 
expect for it to happen again. It is very understandable that he doesn’t trust us.”
 
“Don’t go near him yet,” said Glorfindel. “It would be best if he made contact of his 
own accord, instead of being forced in to it.”
 
Elladan agreed. “But if he ever needs a healer, please come to us.” 
 
Glorfindel smiled, kindly. Father and sons were known for their gentle healing touch. 
“I will.”
 
Celebrían and Elrond chose that moment to enter and the elder half-Elf proudly 
guided his wife to the head table where they sat down. “So, the mystery of the 
missing pie has been solved?” asked Elrond, starting up their conversation.
 
“He was so very hungry,” replied Glorfindel, thoughtfully. “When I brought him 
breakfast, he wolfed it down so fast I was afraid he would choke on it.” Glorfindel’s 
thoughts still circled around Imladris’ newest addition. “I wanted to fold my arms 
around him and to take him to the healing wing so the healers could check on him, 
but he is so easily scared. I couldn’t get as close to him as I wanted.”
 
Celebrían’s features had darkened and Elrond wondered what specifically had upset 
his wife. “What is it, love?”
 
Celebrían lifted burdened eyes to meet her husband’s. “We have such a good life here, 
husband-mine. There is food and water in abundance, we wear exquisite garments 
and all our needs are taken care of. Do we appreciate enough that what we have? 
Erestor has so little.”
 
“But he has his freedom,” replied Glorfindel. “Which is more than he had when living 
with those villagers.”
 
“Did he treat you with suspicion?” inquired Elrond, concerned. 
 
“He did, until I took a bite first to show him that the food didn’t hold a sedative.” 
Glorfindel’s eyes misted over with sadness. “The eyes, Elrond. You should have seen 
the fear in them and yet he remained defiant. The first thing he said was that he 
would never submit, no matter how harsh the beatings.” Suddenly a proud gleam 
appeared in Glorfindel’s eyes. “He is weak, malnourished and exhausted, but they 
didn’t break him. For that, I am thankful.”
 
“It sounds like you are making progress,” said Elrond, who had lost most of his 
appetite. “Are you certain he has enough food? I don’t want him to be hungry.”
 
“I brought ample for breakfast. He has more than enough left to eat.” Glorfindel 
sighed; he didn’t like the thought of Erestor all alone up in the rafters, being afraid 
and hungry. “I will bring him more in the morning. I don’t want to scare him away 
by visiting too often.”
 
“Did you also bring him Elladan’s clothes?” asked Celebrían, who was pushing her 
food around on her plate.
 
“Ah, that is where my clothes went!” But Elladan didn’t mind. On the contrary, he 
was glad he was helping in a small way. “I will go through our wardrobe to see what 
else he can use.” And he had complained about his formal roves being uncomfortable! 
Erestor didn’t have much to wear to begin with! He had never really realized just well 
taken care of they were!
 
“I did and he stared at them like they would strike him down.” Glorfindel’s sad eyes 
locked with Celebrían’s. “I don’t think that he is used to any kindness.”
 
“He will grow used to it, if we can convince him to stay long enough.” Elrond 
exchanged a look with his Captain. “What will he do next? What do you think?”
 
Glorfindel carefully considered the question. “I hope he will stay where he is, though 
I saw the urge to flee in his eyes. Maybe the food and clothes will start to convince 
him that we mean well. By the Grace of the Valar, I hope he stays!”
 
All family members nodded firmly; so did they!
Part 3
 
 
Erestor had finished the food Glorfindel had brought and had rested for an hour to 
give his body time to digest it. He had spent that hour snoozing and wondering if he 
could really be that lucky. Glorfindel had had the chance to take him to the holding 
cells, but he had woken up amidst the hay instead. Did that mean he could trust the 
blond warrior? 
 
Elladan’s clothes caught his gaze and he slowly got to his feet. Bending down, he 
picked them up and let his fingertips explore the soft fabric. Soft and clean. Looking 
himself down, he cringed, realizing how dirty he really was.
 
Going to the communal bathes as Glorfindel had suggested was out of the question, 
but maybe he could risk a quick swim in the river? What had Glorfindel called it? 
The Bruinen. But what if they saw him? 
 
/They already know I am here. If they really wanted to lock me up, they could have, 
but they didn’t./ It was hard for him to trust in general and he fought his private 
battle for several minutes. In the end, the desire to be clean and wearing warm 
clothes won out over his angst and he climbed down the ladder. 
 
Asfaloth snorted, curiously. Looking at Erestor, he realized a soft glow had appeared 
on the cheeks and the eyes didn’t look that lifeless any more. Apparently Glorfindel’s 
visits were helping. Where was Erestor going now, though? 
 
“I am going to the Bruinen… I should clean up. I probably smell, don’t I?” He said the 
words in a joking tone, trying to hide the underlying pain.
 
To the Bruinen? Now that sounded interesting. Asfaloth wouldn’t mind the exercise. 
He had never understood why the other horses were content to stay in their boxes. 
He wanted out! Demonstrating his skill and intelligence, he managed to move the 
handle that kept the door to his box locked and proudly trotted toward Erestor. Using 
his teeth, he managed to grab hold of the ragged clothes and began pulling the Elf 
with him. Thankfully, Erestor got the hint. 
 
“You want to go too?” Big-eyed, he wondered what to do. “But that will attract even 
more attention!" It was night and the gray horse would practically light up in the 
darkness!
 
Asfaloth didn’t mind drawing any attention; a war horse always did! Erestor was 
trying to move away from him, but he didn’t allow it, and pulled the Elf close again. 
It was so frustrating that he couldn’t communicate with anyone! 
 
Erestor gave Asfaloth a wondering look. “You are not offering what I think you are 
offering?”
 
Just what did the silly Elf think he was offering? Asfaloth snorted, exasperated. All he 
wanted was for the frail-looking Elf to get on his back so they could leave!
 
“I have never ridden a horse before…” said Erestor, thoughtfully. “I would fall off.”
 
Asfaloth shook his head; he would be extremely careful! He simply didn’t want 
Erestor to walk the distance to the Bruinen. The stranger probably didn’t know it was 
a two hour walk there!
 
Erestor sighed and eventually gave in. Slowly, carefully, he slid onto the stallion's 
back and wrapped his fingers in the white mane. His long, dirty fingers seemed to 
stain the stallion’s purity and he wanted to dismount, not wanting to blemish 
Asfaloth in any way. But the stallion had different ideas and trotted toward the stable 
door. Pushing it open with his head, he stepped outside, pleased. 
 
Erestor held on for dear life, terrified that he would fall. “Slowly, please.”
 
Asfaloth complied, and set a comfortable trot. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel’s eyes took in an unexpected sight; although Erestor should be in control 
high on Asfaloth’s back, he wasn’t. The stallion moved with ease and confidence and 
chose their path. As they were moving slowly, Glorfindel could easy keep up and he 
followed them – unseen – to the Bruinen. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor cautiously slid from Asfaloth’s back. In retrospect, he felt grateful that the 
stallion had insisted on taking him here as he wasn’t certain he would have been 
strong enough to walk the distance. “Thank you, my friend.”
 
Asfaloth nudged Erestor toward the water and took up grazing, but always kept an 
eye on his charge. 
 
The first thing Erestor did was scan his surroundings to make certain he was 
absolutely alone. After several minutes of listening, he began to feel more comfortable 
and peeled off the dilapidated clothes. Now that the dirty fabric was off of his skin, he 
already felt better. Looking down, he could easily count his ribs and his features 
contorted, realizing the overall bad condition he was in. The villagers had fed him 
regularly, but after he had escaped it had been almost impossible to find food. Letting 
his hair fall in front of his face, he slowly waded into the cold water. 
 
Shivering, he continued to wade in, determined to clean up. Once the water reached 
his shoulders, he dipped his head under the surface to wash his hair. A circle of dirt 
formed around him and briefly he felt guilty for spoiling the clear water. 
Experimentally, he began to swim. 
 
Soothed by the silence, peace and dark, Erestor began to relax. Floating in the water, 
face up, he smiled, staring at the star-lit sky. This was pure bliss! 
 
But the little exercise was already wearing him down and he swam back toward the 
shore. Asfaloth was still there, grazing. Erestor lingered in the water, trying to 
remove the last traces of dirt from his body. 
 
Sudden splashing almost made his heart stop and he froze in terror. An Elf had 
jumped into the water and was now making lots of noise, splashing a second Elf, who 
more carefully waded into the water. Oh, he knew one of them! One of them? But 
there were two and they looked identical! /Elladan has a twin,/ realized Erestor. 
 
Oh, he needed to get out now and return to the safety of the stables, but the twins 
were swimming and splashing their way over to him. It was only a matter of seconds 
before they would notice him!
 
Elladan noticed Erestor first. Seeing the gaunt, ghost-like apparition in the water 
stopped him right in his tracks and his movement died down. 
 
“Elladan?” Elrohir frowned, wondering what had alerted his twin. Letting his gaze 
travel over the river, he also noticed the strange Elf.
 
“That must be Erestor,” whispered Elladan. “Who else can it be? Oh, by the Grace of 
the Valar, Glorfindel was right; just look at him!” The way Erestor looked shocked 
him. Now that the dirt and grime had been washed away Erestor appeared ever more 
frail and starved, with his bones sticking out. 
 
Elrohir stilled his movements as well and stood beside Elladan. Erestor finally looked 
at them, and he cringed, seeing the horror at being discovered in those eyes. “What 
do we do?”
 
“I don’t know!” Elladan felt frustrated. What was the best course of action? He didn’t 
want Erestor to run away, but he didn’t want to pretend he wasn’t there either. 
 
Erestor measured the distance to Asfaloth. How quickly could he cover the distance 
and climb onto the stallion’s back? But there were two of them! They could easily 
catch him! What would they do to him? 
 
“Greetings, friend,” said Elrohir, taking the initiative. “I am Elrohir and this is my 
brother, Elladan. You are free to join us in our play if you want to.” But secretly he 
wondered if Erestor wasn’t too frail for frolicking around in the river. He looked like 
he could easily break. 
 
Erestor’s eyes widened and he quickly hid behind a curtain of wet hair. What? They 
were inviting him to join them? There had to be a hidden motive! The moment his 
guard went down they would attack him!
 
“So Asfaloth decided to tag along?” Elladan grinned. Until now Glorfindel had always 
been proud on being the sole rider the stallion accepted. Apparently, that had 
changed. 
 
Erestor nodded, shyly, still inching closer to the shore. The twins weren’t moving and 
he grew more confident that he would escape them. Oddly enough, he realized he 
wished Glorfindel were here. For some reason he had begun to trust the blond 
warrior and he would feel a bit more confident with him close.
 
“We could comb and braid your hair for you,” offered Elrohir, who maintained his 
distance. Everything about Erestor screamed angst. 
 
Erestor quickly shook his head and the tangled mass danced along. Wrapping his arms 
around his waist, he fought the urge to rock himself. Why had they come here to 
swim? Why now? Why find him?
 
“Ah, there you are, you little escape artist!” Glorfindel had correctly read Erestor’s 
body language and chose that moment to show himself. Walking toward Asfaloth, he 
pretended frustration. “I need to put a better lock on that box.”
 
Asfaloth looked him up and down and for one moment Glorfindel just knew what 
was on the horse’s mind. A better, stronger lock wouldn’t keep him inside either. “Is 
this your way of telling me you want to go out riding more often?”
 
Asfaloth didn’t pay Glorfindel any more attention and returned to grazing.
 
Erestor felt torn. He wanted to run toward Asfaloth and Glorfindel because he would 
feel safer then, but his nakedness kept him confined to the water. 
 
Glorfindel gave Erestor a look filled with understanding. “They are friends, Erestor.”
 
The twins drew in a deep breath, simultaneously, now that Erestor seemed to 
marginally relax. “Glorfindel is right,” said Elrohir. “We are friends.”
 
Erestor wanted to believe them, but they were moving closer and he felt forced to 
back away from them. 
 
Glorfindel’s features darkened, taking in Erestor’s fragile condition. It would take a 
long time before the first fat would cover the dark-haired Elf’s bones. He picked up 
Elladan’s old clothes, realizing Erestor’s dilemma.
 
So did Elladan. “We brought towels, which he can use. They are over there.”
 
Glorfindel nodded, thankfully, and picked up one of the towels. Walking toward the 
water, he extended his arm and handed it to Erestor. “Use this.”
 
Everything was happening too fast and Erestor felt dazed. Neither twin was trying to 
lunge for him and they always maintained distance, although they had managed to 
steal a bit closer. They couldn’t be trusted, though.
 
“Elladan, Elrohir, why don’t you go back to swimming? I will stay with Erestor.” 
Glorfindel knew he had to break the tension or else Erestor would flee.
 
“Hum, of course…” Elrohir gave Erestor one last, stunning smile and a wink. 
 
Now Erestor felt truly confused, but before he could react to that wink, Elladan had 
pulled Elrohir beneath the surface and their games started anew. Now that they were 
no longer focused on him, Erestor sighed in relief. 
 
“They mean well. Don’t hold their youthfulness and energy against them.” Glorfindel 
moved the towel up and down, trying to catch Erestor’s attention. 
 
Absented-mindedly, because his attention was still focused on the twins, Erestor took 
hold of the towel and began to dry his skin. 
 
Glorfindel took a few steps away from Erestor and eased himself down on the grass. 
Asfaloth walked toward him and nudged his head. Glorfindel grinned and rubbed the 
warm nose. “You did well, my old friend.” Pleased, the horse returned to grazing.
 
Erestor had finally exited the water and grabbed hold of Elladan’s old clothes, which 
he quickly slipped into. The shirt was a bit too big, as were the leggings, but he didn’t 
mind, as they were thick and whole. They would do their job and keep him warm. 
Now that he was dressed, he felt lost. What was he supposed to do now? The twins 
were still fooling around in the water and Glorfindel had lain down. If he wanted to, 
he could run away. But how far would he get in his current state? And Asfaloth didn’t 
seem inclined to move much either as he was rolling in a patch of sand which he had 
located. He was stuck here, then.
 
Glorfindel told himself to be patient and to allow Erestor to make up his own mind 
instead of telling him what to do. His instincts told him that Erestor had been forced 
to follow orders for much too long.
 
Even though they were frolicking in the waves, the twins kept a worried eye on 
Erestor as well, making certain everything was fine with Imladris’ latest addition. 
They kept their distance and ignored him, realizing it was the best course of action.
 
Erestor nervously shuffled his feet, finally admitting that he would feel more 
comfortable if he were closer to Glorfindel. Taking it slowly, he made his way over to 
the fair Elf and sat down. 
 
Glorfindel’s right eye opened and a blinding smile appeared on his face. “You look 
much improved.” It was true; now that the dirt no longer covered Erestor’s face, he 
could finally make out the other Elf’s features. Even though he was too thin and pale, 
Erestor was handsome. “But your hair is a mess.” He smiled to ensure that his remark 
was made in good jest and not meant to hurt. “The twins probably brought a comb 
with them. I could check and untangle your hair?”
 
“Nay, thank you,” whispered Erestor, taken aback by the offer. He wasn’t ready yet to 
allow Glorfindel *that* close to him. He ran his fingers through the dark mane, trying 
to get out the worst tangles.
 
Glorfindel loved looking at Erestor, as he finger-combed the hair. The ends rested on 
the grass now that the delicate Elf was sitting down. He wanted to compliment 
Erestor, but knew his remark would be met with much suspicion. 
 
Ithil chose that moment to leave the clouds that had partly hidden him and his rays 
descended onto Erestor in their full glory and Glorfindel completely, utterly, and 
unconditionally lost his heart to him. He had never believed such a sudden love could 
take possession of him, but it did. Elbowing himself into an upright position, he drank 
in Erestor’s sight. The large, chocolate eyes called to him and he involuntarily raised 
his right hand to touch the ebony strands. 
 
Erestor quickly moved away from the touch and his alert eyes searched Glorfindel’s. 
What had possessed the fair Elf to touch him?
 
Oh, he was such a fool! Glorfindel shook his head; he had fallen into the trap of his 
heart. He should have recognized his feelings when he had first met Erestor in the 
orchard, but he had been too struck to make much sense of them. He was falling in 
love with Erestor!
 
“Why did you do that?” Erestor sat at a distance now, making certain Glorfindel 
couldn’t reach out again. 
 
“Because I desired to touch you…” Oh, he was a romantic fool! Glorfindel forcefully 
pushed those feelings away and concentrated on putting Erestor at ease once more. 
“Indulge an old fool occasionally, would you, Erestor?”
 
“Old fool?” The teasing was lost on Erestor, who wondered what was wrong with 
Glorfindel. He momentarily forgot about his fear and moved closer again. “You 
probably had a long and hard day and now you are here, instead of resting.”
 
“I can rest here,” replied Glorfindel, quickly. “But I am worried that you will leave 
the moment I go to sleep.”
 
“Why does that worry you?” Erestor frowned, still inching closer.
 
“Because I like your company.” Glorfindel’s heart filled with love and admiration for 
Erestor. By the looks of it the dark-haired Elf was beginning to trust him, as he had 
now inched over to sit at his side. “Aren’t you tired, then?”
 
“Tired?” Erestor pulled his knees close to his chest, wrapped his arms around his legs 
and rested his head on his knees. “I sleep much lately. I always fall asleep after 
eating.”
 
“Your body needs the energy to digest the food,” explained Glorfindel, carefully 
taking the next step. “Why don’t you lie down as well? I wouldn’t mind taking a nap.”
 
“Here? And now?” The thought of going to sleep in the open scared him. Anyone 
could sneak up on him here!
 
“What if I tell you that we are safe here?” Glorfindel rolled onto his right side, so he 
could watch Erestor more easily. 
 
“I am never safe,” whispered Erestor.
 
“Why is that?”
 
“They are probably looking for me – even now. I tried to shake them off, but it is only 
a matter of time before they arrive and make me go back with them.” Fear colored 
Erestor’s eyes.
 
“The villagers?” Glorfindel bit back the growl that almost escaped him. Hearing it 
would only aggravate Erestor further. “You *are* safe here. Lord Elrond will never 
allow them in.”
 
“They will sneak in, just like I did. You didn’t know I was here either.” Erestor tiredly 
rubbed his eyes with his right hand and then rested his head on his knees once more. 
Rocking slightly, he tried to banish the fear. “I vowed to never let them get their 
hands on me again. I would rather die than let them take me.”
 
Glorfindel abruptly sat up and could tell Erestor was barely containing his flight 
instinct. “You *are* safe here,” he repeated. “I personally vouch for that.” 
 
The fiercely protective expression on Glorfindel’s face took Erestor aback. “Why 
would you do that?”
 
“Because… because that is what I do. I protect my kind. It is my first duty as Captain 
here.” Oh, that wasn’t what he had wanted to say, but he couldn’t tell Erestor that the 
dark-haired Elf had captured his heart! First, he had to win Erestor’s trust!
 
“Oh,” escaped Erestor. For some reason he felt disappointed, but he couldn’t label the 
feeling. Maybe he had hoped Glorfindel would have a more personal reason to be 
worried about him. How foolish of him to think that!
 
“Seriously, Erestor. You are safe here. No one will hurt you or force you to leave. You 
are under the protection of the Lord of this valley. You don’t know Elrond and I 
understand you feel apprehensive, but he is a kind ruler. He will do his best to ensure 
your safety.”
 
“I want to believe you,” said Erestor in an unguarded moment. “But I am scared. I am 
scared to put my fate into someone else’s hands. Someone I've never met before.”
 
“Then put your trust in me instead!” Reacting impulsively, Glorfindel succeeded in 
taking one of Erestor’s hands into his. The fingers looked too thin, too brittle, but he 
had already learned that a strong and unbreakable mind occupied this frail body. “I 
know we only just met and that you are very suspicious of my motives, but I tell you 
that you can trust me! I am an Elf of honor! I would never lie to you!”
 
Something in the passionate outcry and strong eyes told Erestor that Glorfindel was 
completely honest and serious. “It is hard for me to trust… you… I don’t know if I 
can.”
 
“You can try, can you not?” Glorfindel gave Erestor a hope-filled look. 
 
How could he deny such hope? Such devotion and passion? “I can, aye.”
 
“Will you?” Glorfindel was amazed that Erestor allowed him to stroke his fingers, and 
decided to take advantage of the moment by continuing rubbing the digits. It was his 
first real contact with the other Elf. 
 
Erestor felt a bit pressured, but at the same time he did want to trust Glorfindel. It 
was a huge step – actually trusting someone – but he felt that Glorfindel was worthy 
of his trust. So far, the fair Elf hadn’t hurt him or lied to him. “I will try.”
 
Glorfindel had seldom been happier. “Thank you!” If it had been up to him, he would 
have buried Erestor in a hug, but he knew it was too soon for that.
 
“Are we interrupting?” 
 
Erestor almost jumped to his feet, but as Glorfindel was still holding his hand, he 
couldn’t move much and only squirmed, finding the twins so close, so unexpectedly
 
“At least you dressed!” For one moment Glorfindel had been afraid that they had 
joined them naked. 
 
“We aren’t Elflings anymore!” Elladan stuck his tongue out at Glorfindel and seated 
himself on the grass, close to Glorfindel and Elrohir, but still at a respectable distance 
from Erestor, whose fear was palpable.
 
“Says he and sticks out his tongue,” whispered Elrohir, shaking his head in 
exasperation. “Sometimes I just cannot believe you are the oldest and heir to 
Imladris.”
 
Erestor’s eyes widened and Glorfindel could actually feel Erestor’s hand turn clammy. 
“What is amiss?”
 
“You are a Lord here?” Erestor swallowed, convulsively.
 
“Lord? Lord of the sand box and almond cookies!” Elrohir laughed and squeezed 
Elladan’s shoulder. “Imladris will never survive you coming to power. Good thing 
there is also little old me.”
 
“Little, how very adequately phrased, my dear brother,” retaliated Elladan. 
 
Glorfindel could tell that all this bantering was upsetting Erestor further and took 
control. “Elladan and Elrohir are Elrond’s sons. They might one day inherit Imladris, 
*if* they behave.”
 
“*If* we behave?” Elladan wanted to continue their bantering, but also noticed 
Erestor’s withdrawn expression and calmed. “We are misbehaving in front of our 
guest. We apologize, Erestor.”
 
“No need to apologize… Certainly not to someone such as me.” Erestor seemed to 
shrink into himself, becoming even smaller. 
 
Elladan’s eyes shone with determination. “Erestor, every Elf is precious and every 
soul unique. You are just as worthy of living here and receiving our respect as… 
Glorfindel for example.”
 
“Thank you!” Glorfindel gave Elladan a wink. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
 
“That’s not true,” said Erestor in a small voice. He had learned to fear the Lord of the 
village, who had often ordered the beatings.
 
“It is, and you will realize that in time.” Deciding they should leave Erestor and 
Glorfindel alone for now, Elrohir pulled Elladan to his feet. “We will leave now, but 
you look like you need this more than we do.” He placed a beautifully crafted wooden 
comb at Erestor’s feet. “You should attend to your hair. It would be a shame if it had 
to be cut short due to the tangles.”
 
Glorfindel’s heart missed a beat. “A true shame.”
 
Erestor no longer knew how to react to them, so he simply remained silent. 
 
The twins left and Glorfindel tried to catch Erestor’s gaze, which was hard as the 
dark-haired Elf’s eyes were directed at the grass. “Erestor?”
 
“What?” He had been lost in thought and Glorfindel’s voice had surprised him. 
Looking up, timidly, he finally made eye contact.
 
“May I attend to you hair? I will be careful and not pull.” Glorfindel gave him the 
most pleading look ever, hoping Erestor wouldn’t deny him. 
 
Erestor shifted, slightly, uncertain what to do. He had just promised to try trusting 
Glorfindel, but it was harder than he had thought. “If you want to… but I don’t want 
to take up too much of your time.”
 
“It is not a bother,” assured Glorfindel, picking up the comb. “Would you turn away 
from me? It will be easier that way.”
 
Erestor turned his back toward Glorfindel and swallowed, nervously, as the warrior’s 
fingers moved through his hair for the first time, closely followed by the comb. What 
was he doing? Why had he thrown precaution overboard? But oh, he wanted to trust 
Glorfindel! He just prayed the fair Elf would never betray his trust.
Part 4
 
It was a pleasant, almost sensual sensation to feel Glorfindel’s hands slide gently 
through his hair. His mother had combed and braided his hair when he had been 
little, but that seemed a lifetime ago. In spite of his fears, Erestor relaxed, and even 
leaned back against Glorfindel for comfort.
 
It was a pity that Erestor couldn’t see Glorfindel’s blinding smile. The blond warrior 
realized that Erestor was beginning to trust him; letting him straighten out his hair 
was the first sign that the dark-haired Elf felt at ease around him. “I have to cut this 
tangle out. I cannot remove it by using the comb.”
 
“Do it.” Erestor shivered, feeling the sharp dagger cut his hair ever so carefully. 
 
Glorfindel placed the tangled strands on the grass next to him. It was a beautiful, 
almost magical night and he felt blessed to have Erestor this close. He continued to 
work on the ebony hair and suddenly encountered something hard, close to Erestor’s 
scalp. “What is this?” It felt like a piece of metal had tangled in Erestor’s hair.
 
Erestor briefly closed his eyes to gather his courage. “A last gift from my mother 
before she died.”
 
“What?” Surprised, Glorfindel’s fingers explored the object. “What is it?”
 
“A ring.” Erestor looked at Glorfindel from over his shoulder. “She said it was the one 
thing that would guide me to my father if I ever needed to find him. Please leave it in 
and don’t tamper with it.” Breaking eye-contact he stared straight at the grass. 
 
“Your father? Erestor?” So many questions swirled in his mind! “Maybe you should 
tell me more about you? And your mother?”
 
“I don’t want to do that.” Erestor began to move away from Glorfindel, but the 
warrior still had a strand of raven hair in his hand and Erestor was forced to return to 
his original position. Sitting motionless, he waited for Glorfindel’s next words. 
 
“I hope you will tell me one day,” said Glorfindel, eager to break the newly risen 
tension between them. “I will leave it alone for now, just as you requested.” But 
curiosity had arisen and he wondered if there was a way to study the ring. Maybe 
once Erestor was asleep again?
 
“Thank you.” It was the first time in a very long time that someone showed him 
respect and Erestor in turn, appreciated that. 
 
“Finished!” Glorfindel felt rather pleased with the result. “You should comb it 
regularly, Erestor. It will become even more silky and shiny if you do.”
 
/Silky and shiny?/ No one had ever called his hair that before! Erestor was tempted to 
look at Glorfindel, but didn’t, afraid his emotions were too easily readable. The blond 
warrior was becoming the first friend he had ever had and he didn’t know how to 
accept that maybe his life had really changed. Glorfindel had even offered him his 
protection! 
 
“Erestor? Would you turn around and look at me?” Glorfindel found he was still 
caressing a strand of Erestor’s hair and reluctantly let go. 
 
Erestor drew in a deep breath and shifted until he sat facing Glorfindel. There was an 
odd look on the fair Elf’s face, which made Erestor wonder why the warrior was this 
interested in him. Why had the Captain taken him under his wing?
 
“I know that you don’t believe me when I say that you are safe here, but you are. I 
vow to never let anyone harm you.” Glorfindel smiled, seeing the expression in the 
dark eyes change. For the very first time they were free of fear. “I mean it. You have a 
friend in me and if needed, a protector as well.”
 
“That would be a first,” replied Erestor, opening up a tad. “I never had a friend 
before…”
 
Asfaloth snorted and looked at Erestor, hearing that. He knew what Erestor was 
trying to say, but he couldn’t resist playing the Elf a bit.
 
“You are a friend as well,” said Erestor, quickly. “But… you aren’t Elven.” He gave the 
stallion an apologetic look. “I need someone I can talk to.” His eyes widened, realizing 
what he had just given away. His gaze shifted to Glorfindel and he trembled, slightly, 
seeing the incredibly warm smile on the other Elf’s features. 
 
“You have two friends then,” said Glorfindel, rescuing the situation. 
 
Asfaloth neighed, amused, and moved his head up and down, signaling he 
understood. 
 
Glorfindel briefly felt peeved for having to share Erestor’s attention with Asfaloth, 
but then he laughed, softly. He wasn’t growing jealous of his horse, was he? 
Glorfindel placed his hand atop of Erestor’s and was hugely pleased when the raven-
haired Elf allowed the touch. 
 
Being touched by Glorfindel was becoming easier for Erestor. The first time the fair 
Elf had touched him, he had cringed and pulled back, but he felt no longer intimated, 
which delighted and frightened him at the same time. He felt delighted to have a 
friend, and frightened because he was letting his guard down for the very first time 
since his capture. 
 
Glorfindel was content to simply sit close to Erestor and to hold his hand. 
Conversation wasn’t really necessary between them and when he gestured for Erestor 
to move closer against him now that the ebony-haired Elf was growing tired once 
more, Erestor hesitantly did. Glorfindel’s heart thumped softly, for he was happy that 
the trust between them was growing. 
 
Erestor didn’t know exactly why he accepted the invitation and was snuggling up to 
Glorfindel. Maybe it was because it felt nice to feel a warm body against his, to inhale 
Glorfindel’s scent, to merely know that he wasn’t alone any more. He had finally 
made two friends. 
 
Involuntarily, Glorfindel listened to Erestor’s breathing, and judging by the soft, 
steady rhythm, the other Elf had fallen asleep once more. It was a bit unnatural for 
one of their kind to sleep as much as Erestor currently did, but he contributed the 
need for sleep to Erestor’s weakened condition. Maybe it was best to go home.
 
Lifting Erestor carefully in his arms, he carried the Elf over to Asfaloth. He placed 
Erestor on the stallion’s back and then slipped into place behind him, steadying him./ 
He must really be catching up on a lot of sleep if this doesn’t even wake him./ It also 
illustrated how easy of a prey Erestor would be if those villagers *did* decide to come 
after him. 
 
Asfaloth walked slowly, keeping in mind that one of his riders was asleep. He was 
happy that things were working out this well. Glorfindel would be a good friend, and 
Erestor needed as many friends as he could get.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel dismounted, caught Erestor, and carried the still sleeping Elf toward the 
stables, but then paused. Maybe he should take advantage of the moment and take 
Erestor to the guest quarters instead? A warm, soft bed would be so much better to 
sleep in than a bundle of hay. But he didn’t want to betray Erestor’s trust and decided 
to take him up the rafters instead.
 
“Glorfindel?” Elrond had been unable to fall asleep and had opted for a walk instead. 
He had subconsciously headed for the stables, perhaps hoping he would run into 
Glorfindel or their mysterious guest. And now that he encountered them both, his 
curiosity got the better of him. 
 
“He is asleep, Elrond.” Glorfindel felt tremendously protective of Erestor, and eyed 
Elrond closely. “We should keep it that way.”
 
“I agree.” Elrond soundlessly approached. “You were right; he is much too thin.” The 
scrawny face revealed pain and suffering and yet, a soft glow warmed the cheeks. “I 
wish I could examine him properly.” Cocking his head, he studied Imladris’ newest 
resident.
 
“I followed him to the Bruinen where he went for a swim. Except for his emaciated 
state he seems fine.” Glorfindel was growing impatient. “I should take him back 
inside. I don’t want him to wake up and find us discussing him.”
 
Elrond nodded once. “One more moment, though.” He raised his right hand and let it 
hover just above Erestor’s brow, never touching the skin. “He doesn’t feel feverish.” 
His healing instincts told him that Erestor was weak; but with the right tender, loving 
care, he would make a full recovery. “Take him inside and tuck him in.”
 
Elrond watched them go with a heavy and burdened heart. He wanted to reach out 
and help Erestor, but if Glorfindel’s words were true, the dark-haired Elf was not yet 
ready to make his acquaintance. He had to be patient and bide his time. At least he’d 
had the chance to quickly assess Erestor’s overall condition. Assured that the Elf was 
in no immediate danger, Elrond continued his walk, but his thoughts continued to 
circle around their mysterious guest.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel climbed the ladder again and was about to place Erestor in his comfortable 
nest when he noticed several new items had found their place up here. Two warm 
blankets had been placed next to the hay and with it another set of clothes. A comb, 
brush, a bar of soap rested atop the clothes. A basket filled with delicious food items 
stood close to the ladder and several carafes filled with water. A tiny note 
accompanied the gifts and Glorfindel immediately recognized Celebrían’s 
handwriting. He smiled; the lady of Imladris had always had a kind heart and he 
should have expected this.
 
After placing Erestor amidst the hay, he unfolded one of the blankets and covered 
Erestor’s form with it. Erestor felt cool, which Glorfindel found most odd, but 
attributed it again to the other Elf’s weakened state. 
 
In his sleep, Erestor rolled onto his side and curled up in a fetal state. Glorfindel 
moistened his lips, nervously, realizing he could now sneak a look at the ring, if he 
wanted to. But it had meant so much to Erestor that he had respected his ‘no’ earlier! 
 
Glorfindel shook his head once. No, he wouldn’t betray Erestor’s trust! He wouldn’t 
peek! Tucking Erestor in, he said his goodbyes for the night and used this opportunity 
to press a chaste kiss on the raven-haired Elf’s brow. /My, I think I love you./
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Arwen and Celebrían wanted to do as Glorfindel had asked and not impose on 
Erestor, but they were worried. Elladan and Elrohir had told them about their 
midnight encounter and Erestor’s skinny form. The two she-Elves felt they needed to 
take action, so they had carried food, toiletries, more clothes and blankets up the 
ladder to make certain Erestor had the things he needed. But they still weren’t 
content and wanted to do more. But what else could they do?
 
Seated in a gazebo in the rose garden they consulted with each other and it wasn’t 
long before Elrond came upon them. Joining them, he smiled at his wife and 
daughter. “I know you want to help, but Erestor isn’t ready for that yet. Give him 
time.”
 
“But, the thought of him all alone and in need worries me,” said Celebrían.
 
“He is not alone any more,” said Elrond, slyly. “He has Glorfindel now.”
 
“Glorfindel?” Arwen cocked her head, interested in this development.
 
“I met them upon their return to the stables. Erestor was fast asleep and Glorfindel 
carried him. It was the look on our friend’s face that made me wonder. I have been 
thinking about this and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Glorfindel is developing 
more than friendly feelings for our mystery guest.”
 
“You think so?” Celebrían smiled, extremely pleased. 
 
“Don’t give me that smile,” said Elrond, teasingly. “I am not playing match maker. We 
know nothing of this strange Elf.”
 
“You didn’t know that much about me either when we first met,” said Celebrían, 
reminding her husband. “And we fell in love and we are still happy, aren’t we?”
 
“Aye, we are.” Elrond captured her hand in his and kissed the back. “Very happy.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor stretched, waking up in a warm cocoon. He blinked once and found that a 
blanket covered him. So *that* was why he had felt so deliciously warm! Sitting 
upright, he smoothed the material and only then noticed the changes that had taken 
place during his sleep. Taking in the different gifts, he felt immensely thankful, and 
for the first time, suspicious feelings left him alone. Apparently, these people really 
cared about him.
 
During his time with the villagers, he had always hoped they would treat him 
friendly as well, but they never did. They loathed the very sight of him. It was 
different here – in Imladris. He repeated the name several times now that he knew it. 
So far, he had met Glorfindel – whom he liked – and the twins. He didn’t know what 
to make of them though. Their playfulness and banter confused him.
 
/I should thank them for these gifts./ But how? Erestor got to his feet and looked 
down himself. He was wearing his new, clean clothes and his hair danced against his 
back, untangled and shiny. 
 
He walked over to the basket with fruit and selected an apple. After making certain 
no Elves were in the stables, he descended the ladder and sneaked over to Asfaloth. 
“Here, my friend. I promised you an apple.”
 
Asfaloth sniffed and then bit into the apple, munching happily. Erestor looked much 
improved, now that Asfaloth compared the Elf’s looks to the first time they had met. 
He even looked like an Elf, instead of a dirt-covered human!
 
“I should thank them for this, but I don’t know how… And even if I did, I am not 
comfortable yet with contacting them.” The only one he felt at ease with was 
Glorfindel, but he was already taking up too much of the warrior’s time. If he’d had 
quill and paper he might have written a thank you note, but he didn’t, and he wasn’t 
even sure he could still write. His mother had still been teaching him at the time of 
the attack. But how else to thank them as he didn’t dare thank them in person?
 
This meant sneaking into the main building again and locating a study or the library 
where he could write his thank you note. Then, he would place it for all to see and 
leave again. The most important part was not to get caught.
 
He didn’t want to take these risks, but he had to let them know he appreciated their 
efforts to make him feel welcome and he didn’t know when and if Glorfindel would 
visit with him today, so he had to do this now.
 
Straightening his clothes, he gathered his courage. He had sneaked inside before; he 
could do it again.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Elrond placed his quill down and stared at the letter he had just written. This was a 
first, cautious attempt to tighten the alliance between Mirkwood and Imladris and he 
wasn’t certain how Thranduil would react. He hadn’t seen the blond Elf for millennia 
and although they had been friends once, the Battle of the Last Alliance had caused 
them to grow apart. Only time would tell if Thranduil would accept the terms.
 
It was a warm summer day, but Elrond already smelled the first rain. It wouldn’t be 
long before the leaves would start to fall and the days grew shorter. Autumn would 
come quickly and bring cold to Imladris. Not even Vilya could change the seasons, 
neither did he want to change them. But he had enjoyed summer’s heat whilst it 
lasted.
 
Eager to catch a few more of the golden rays, Elrond rose from his chair and walked 
toward the balcony doors. Opening them, he stepped onto the balcony and basked in 
the sunlight. The rays made his skin tingle and a soft breeze played with his hair. 
“Stop that,” he chided the wind, kindly. He was wearing his circlet today and the 
breeze was messing with the intricate braids Celebrían had put in this morn. 
 
He walked over to the large, fluffy pillows placed in the corner closest to the waterfall 
and he sat down, enjoying the view. Imladris was at peace, and so was he.
 
Unexpected noise coming from his study made him frown, though. He wasn’t 
expecting any visitors and his friends and family knew to seek him out on the balcony 
should they find the study empty. Curious, Elrond got to his feet again and made his 
way back to the balcony doors. There, he froze, unwilling to disturb, and probably 
scare, his unexpected visitor.
 
Erestor stood behind the desk, moving nervously and uncertainly. He picked up the 
quill and pulled a sheet of paper close. Elrond could tell by the way that Erestor was 
holding the quill that the other Elf wasn’t used to writing and the words he was 
trying to write were unreadable. Becoming frustrated with his inability to write 
properly Erestor glared at the quill.
 
/Why is he here and what is he trying to put on paper?/ Elrond used the moment to 
study Erestor further and wondered about the same thing Glorfindel had – his age. 
Just how old – or young – was Erestor? 
 
Elrond shifted, trying to get a better look at Erestor and his foot accidentally bumped 
into a plant, sending it falling. Elrond involuntarily held his breath, knowing he had 
revealed himself.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The quill snapped in two and one sharp end drove itself into the palm of his hand. 
Erestor had thought he was alone, finding the study empty upon entering it, but had 
been wrong. Why hadn’t he checked the balcony? Angry with himself, Erestor cast a 
longing look at the doorway. The other Elf wasn’t blocking it, and if he wanted to 
escape, he had to act now!
 
“Please stay! I mean you no harm!” Elrond lifted his hands, palms up in an effort to 
show Erestor that his intentions were honest. “I would like to speak with you.”
 
Erestor remained in place, but only the knowledge that his way out wasn’t blocked 
allowed him to face the other Elf. /He must be someone important,/ thought Erestor, 
eying the other dark-haired Elf, who wore luxurious, velvet robes and even a circlet. 
His heart missed a beat, as a terrible fear sneaked up on him. He hadn’t trespassed into 
the Lord’s study, had he? Shivering violently, he fearfully pressed himself against the 
wall. “I didn’t steal anything! Please, you must believe me, I…” Then he remembered 
the broken quill and placed one end on the table. “It was an accident. Please forgive 
me and show mercy.” The other end was still stuck in the palm of his hand and he hid 
it behind his back. “Please, be merciful.”
 
Elrond’s eyes had grown big, revealing his surprise, but Erestor didn’t seem to register 
that. “Calm yourself, my friend. I am not cross with you.” Seeing that only part of the 
quill had been placed on his desk, he correctly interpreted the meaning of the droplet 
of blood clinging to the white feather. “Did you hurt yourself?” 
 
“That is of no importance. May I leave now, or…?” Frightened, he held his breath 
now that Elrond was approaching. The distance between them decreased and he 
should make his way for the doorway *now*, but found he couldn’t move. There was 
something about the other Elf that made him want to stay and talk, even though he 
feared the consequences of his actions.
 
“It *is* important,” insisted Elrond. “Please, show me your hand.” Elrond hoped 
Erestor didn’t know who he was, because if he did, Erestor might feel even more 
intimidated. “I am a healer; I can help.”
 
“A healer?” There had been a healer in the village, but his owners had never taken 
him there when he had been hurting. 
 
“Aye, I am a healer.” Elrond graced Erestor with a beatific smile. “I want to help.” He 
extended his hand toward Erestor in a pleading gesture. “Let me see.”
 
Erestor was caught between hope and the instinct to flee. Once the healer had a hold 
on his hand it would be nearly impossible to flee. Waveringly, he shuffled his feet. 
 
Elrond forced himself to continue to smile and to keep his hand extended. “I want to 
help. You don’t have to fear me.” He hoped Erestor would take the risk and trust him. 
It would be a first step in the right direction for them. “I am a friend of Glorfindel’s,” 
he said eventually. “A very good friend.” Seeing the expression change in the troubled 
eyes was amazing and caused Elrond’s smile to brighten considerably. “You can trust 
me.”
 
Erestor waged his inner battle, but in the end, the stinging sensation in his hand made 
the decision for him and he abruptly extended the injured appendage toward the 
other Elf. 
 
“Please, sit down.” Elrond pushed the chair away from the desk and made a point of 
not watching Erestor whilst his guest sat down. He collected the emergency supplies, 
which he always kept in his study, and returned with bandages and healing herbs. He 
also placed a washing basin, filled with water on the desk. “May I?” Correctly 
interpreting Erestor’s look, he moved slowly and carefully, knowing he could easily 
scare his guest off.
 
The quill was sharp and had deeply buried itself in Erestor’s flesh. “I have to remove 
it.”
 
Erestor nodded; he had born pain before and this injury didn’t compare to what he 
had endured in the past. Yet, he noticed that the healer’s touch was gentle whilst 
probing the wound and he was grateful for that.
 
Elrond pulled the quill out of the bloodied flesh and flung it onto the floor. Blood 
gushed from the wound and he quickly immersed the injured hand in water, after 
adding healing herbs to it. “What were you trying to write?”
 
“A thank you note…” said Erestor, trying hard not to groan due to the pain that stung 
his hand. “The people here have been kind to me and I wanted to let them know that 
I am thankful for that.”
 
Elrond nodded, thoughtfully, carefully considering his next words. “I don’t think I 
have seen you here around before.”
 
Erestor swallowed hard and watched the water turn red with his blood. “I arrived a 
few weeks ago.”
 
/Weeks?/ Elrond managed to hide his surprise. He guided Erestor’s hand away from 
the water and spread a towel across his knee. Sitting down, he placed Erestor’s hand 
on his thigh and cleaned the wound, which still carried traces of ink. 
 
Erestor’s heart missed a beat, suddenly realizing something which had escaped him 
before. “You know who I am!” Why else had the healer mentioned Glorfindel?
 
“Aye, Glorfindel mentioned you to me. You are called Erestor, aren’t you?” Elrond 
opted for the truth, knowing that lying wouldn’t get him anywhere.
 
“I am…” Erestor thoughtfully watched the healer’s face, whilst the other Elf 
bandaged his hand. “I am sorry for trespassing, but I didn’t have a quill, ink or paper, 
but I did want to say thank you.”
 
“Don’t worry about it. I am not cross with you.” Elrond finished bandaging Erestor’s 
hand, but didn’t rise from the desk yet. “You don’t have to live in the stables. We 
readied one of the guest quarters for you.”
 
“I like it there…” Erestor shrugged once. “I never had a room for myself before and I 
enjoy living in the stables.”
 
“Erestor?” Elrond slowly placed a finger beneath Erestor’s chin and lifted the face so 
they *had* to make eye contact. “Imladris is well-known for her hospitality. You 
would honor us by accepting what we are offering you.”
 
“I am not worthy,” said Erestor, nervous now that the healer didn’t allow him to look 
away. 
 
“Oh, but you are.” Elrond bestowed a gentle caress onto the gaunt face and then rose 
from the desk, unwilling to overwhelm Erestor. “Always remember that.”
 
“Thank you, my Lord,” said Erestor, taken aback. He had finally figured out that this 
wasn’t just a healer. Only a high-ranking person could officially offer him hospitality. 
 
“And I will let my wife know that you appreciated her gifts. I assume you already 
thanked Glorfindel personally?”
 
Cold sweat erupted from Erestor’s pores. /His wife?/
 
“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Elrond Half-Elven and I call Imladris 
my own.”
 
Erestor shivered over his entire body and he wanted to flee now that he apparently 
faced the Lord of this valley, but his body wouldn’t react and all he was capable of 
was sitting there – defeated and fearful. 
 
Elrond realized he had come across a bit too strong and sighed. “I didn’t mean to scare 
you… It is just… I am not used to Elves who are so easily intimidated. Please accept 
my apologies.” He walked over to the side table, picked up a glass, and poured some of 
Imladris’ sweet wine. “Drink this. It will do you good.” He walked over to Erestor and 
when the other Elf didn’t react, he gathered Erestor’s good hand in his and pressed 
the fingers around the glass. “Drink, Erestor.”
 
Erestor obeyed, automatically, now that he had been given a direct order and sipped. 
The potent wine burned his throat and his body awoke from its momentary stupor. 
“I… I… My Lord, I…!” Erestor didn’t know how to apologize properly; Elrond’s 
words hadn’t fully registered with him yet – no Lord would ever apologize to *him*!
 
“I regret startling you, Erestor.” Elrond thought their situation over and then opened 
the door to the antechamber. “Fetch Glorfindel,” he said, hoping his assistant would 
quickly locate the warrior. Addressing Erestor again, he added, “Glorfindel will join 
us in a moment.”
 
The glass in Erestor’s hand shook so hard that the wine almost sloshed over the rim. 
Elrond noticed it and wished he had reacted differently. “Erestor, don’t fear me. You 
have no reason to.”
 
But Elrond’s words were lost on Erestor; Elrond’s mere presence intimidated him, 
knowing from personal experience just how much power a Lord wielded. 
 
“You called for me, Elrond?” Glorfindel entered, smiling, but the smile froze seeing 
Erestor’s stricken face. “What are you doing here?” He had been under the 
assumption that Erestor wanted contact with no one – except for him, then. 
 
“I found him writing a thank you note,” explained Elrond in a guilty tone. “I startled 
him and now he is too afraid to talk to me.”
 
“Oh, Erestor! You don’t have to be afraid! Elrond is a healer first, and ruler second. He 
cares about everything alive and that includes you!” Glorfindel had made his way 
over to Erestor and cringed, seeing the bandage hand. “What happened?”
 
“I broke the quill and it got stuck,” said Erestor in an uncertain voice. He didn’t dare 
look at Elrond and kept his gaze on Glorfindel instead. “Can I go now? Or will I be 
punished?”
 
Elrond’s heart cringed. “No one will punish you.” Elrond drew in a deep breath and 
returned to Erestor’s side. Glorfindel stepped aside to let him pass and Elrond went 
down on his heels, finally successfully catching Erestor’s gaze. “I am not like that, 
Erestor. I don’t enjoy inflicting pain on others. I am a healer. I want them whole and 
happy. I am not like the Lord you met before.”
 
The shivers grew stronger, but at the same time Erestor’s expression became steadier. 
“Does that mean I am free to return to the stables?”
 
Elrond sighed, disappointed. “Aye, you are, but I wish you would accept my offer and 
stay in the guest quarters instead.” He got to his feet again and exchanged a glance 
with Glorfindel. “Take good care of him.”
 
Those words weren’t lost on Erestor and when he looked at Elrond again, it was with 
hope in his eyes. 
Part 5
 
 
“Would you like me to escort you back to the stables? That way you don’t have to 
sneak your way out of here.” Glorfindel smiled, encouragingly. The look in Erestor’s 
eyes was less frightened now, and the dark-haired Elf even occasionally dared to cast 
a glance in Elrond’s direction. 
 
“I would,” said Erestor, without any hesitation. He rose from the chair and wavered 
before addressing Elrond. He didn’t make direct eye-contact however. “Thank you for 
bandaging my hand and the kind words.” 
 
Elrond smiled, luminously. “Nay, thank you for allowing me to do so. I know trusting 
me wasn’t easy for you.”
 
Erestor nodded once. His gaze remained fastened on the floor and he quickly fled the 
room, leaving Elrond and Glorfindel behind. 
 
“You had better catch up with him.” Elrond sat down, and selected a new quill so he 
could continue with his work. “You don’t want to lose sight of him.”
 
“Thank you,” said Glorfindel. “For not scaring him off.”
 
Elrond’s rueful eyes met Glorfindel’s. “I am not so sure I didn’t. He is running, isn’t 
he?”
 
“Not because he fears you,” explained Glorfindel. “He just feels insecure.” He bowed, 
respectfully, and then followed Erestor, easily catching up with him. “Is it back to the 
stables right away, or would you like to see more of the Last Homely House?” 
Glorfindel could tell Erestor felt inwardly conflicted. The dark-haired Elf wanted to 
make contact, Glorfindel realized that much now. Maybe all Erestor needed was him 
at his side when doing it? /If he wanted to remain hidden he would never have sought 
out Elrond’s study. Maybe he wanted to be discovered – subconsciously./
 
“I don’t know…” Erestor’s voice faded, uncertainly. He wanted to see his hope 
confirmed that these were good people, but was afraid to be disappointed. When he 
had been little and living with his mother, there had been more kind Elves, but when 
those humans had captured him, he had lost hope to ever find benign people again. 
 
“Why don’t we start with visiting the kitchen?” suggested Glorfindel. “Did you 
already eat today?” He gave Erestor a serious look, hoping it would make Erestor 
answer him truthfully. Instead, Erestor smiled – no, he actually giggled!
 
Glorfindel couldn’t look stern, even if he tried, decided Erestor. “I haven’t,” he said, 
honestly. “But I only ate yesterday so it’s not something to worry about.”
 
“But it is! I want you to eat three meals a day!”
 
“Three?” 
 
Erestor’s eyes would have been comical, hadn’t Glorfindel known how little eating 
the dark-haired Elf was used to. “Kitchen, now,” he ordered.
 
Erestor decided that protesting wasn’t worth it, but something else *did* bother him. 
“Won’t the cook be cross with me? I stole that pie.”
 
“He baked a second one,” said Glorfindel, shrugging his shoulders once. “In case you 
hadn’t noticed, Erestor, let me enlighten you. We have food in surplus here.”
 
“I did notice,” said Erestor in a tiny voice. “I just didn’t feel comfortable stealing it.”
 
“You don’t have to steal any longer.” Glorfindel rested a hand against the small of 
Erestor’s back, curious if the other Elf would allow it. Erestor did, and his heart filled 
with hope. 
 
Erestor *did* wonder about Glorfindel’s tendency to touch him, but reached the 
conclusion that the warrior was just a very tactile person. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The cook shook his head, seeing this bony Elf standing in front of him. “You need to 
eat!”
 
Erestor stared, defiantly, at the cook. Inwardly, he felt small and confused, but the 
fact that Glorfindel stood beside him gave him the courage he needed to face new 
Elves.
 
“Sit down. I have just the thing for you to eat.” The cook pointed at the kitchen table 
and disappeared in the large pantry.
 
Glorfindel nodded once. “He means well. He is the chief cook, Erestor. He loves 
feeding us.”
 
Erestor followed and sat down beside Glorfindel at the kitchen table. “I am not used 
to someone fussing over me.”
 
“I know that.” Glorfindel placed his large hand atop of Erestor’s wrist. “But you seem 
more comfortable when dealing with new people. The first time we talked, you 
bolted.”
 
Erestor managed a weak smile. “I didn’t believe you meant well.”
 
“And now? Has that changed?” 
 
Erestor nodded, slowly. “It has…” He wanted to add more, but the cook reappeared 
and placed a large plate in front of him. He had seen these fruits before, but had never 
been allowed to eat them. “Strawberries?” 
 
“Accompanied with whipped cream,” added the cook. “Enjoy.”
 
The joyous – almost ecstatic – smile on Erestor’s face made Glorfindel smile as well. 
“Go ahead, eat.”
 
Erestor selected a strawberry, added whipped cream to it, and then slowly pushed it 
into this mouth. The next moment, his toes curled.
 
Glorfindel laughed, amused, seeing the rapturous expression on Erestor’s face. “Looks 
like you like them!” Erestor smiled, nodded, and attacked the rest of the strawberries. 
Glorfindel almost expected Erestor to wolf down the fruit, but this time, Erestor ate 
more slowly. 
 
Belatedly, Erestor realized that Glorfindel might like some strawberries as well, and 
although he wanted to eat them all, he pushed his plate closer to the warrior. “Would 
you like some too?” 
 
“I would love some.” Glorfindel dipped a strawberry in the whipped cream and 
slowly devoured it. Feeling playful and bold, he prepared another strawberry with 
cream and brought it close to Erestor’s lips. “Open.” Erestor’s eyes widened in 
surprise, but the lips parted and Glorfindel pushed it inside. 
 
The twinkling in Glorfindel’s eyes puzzled Erestor. The fair Elf was kind, brave, and 
easy to befriend, but he still wondered why Glorfindel was this interested in him. 
 
Glorfindel knew he had gone too far too fast the moment he saw the surprise in 
Erestor’s eyes and was content to eat a strawberry occasionally, allowing Erestor to 
eat the majority of the sweet fruit.
 
The cook continued to observe Erestor, and the speed with which the dark-haired Elf 
ate. It didn’t take him long to add everything up and realize the apple pie thief had 
been starving. He still had some ripe apples left – just enough for a big pie.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Are you certain that this is the way to the stables?” Erestor frowned; his instincts 
told him they were going in the opposite direction. Another Elf passed them by, 
shooting him a curious look and Erestor averted his eyes, knowing only too well how 
many questions his presence evoked. If it were up to him, he would run to the stables 
and hide there.
 
“I thought I should show you the guest quarters, just in case you would reconsider 
and accept Elrond’s offer.” Glorfindel opened a door, and gently pushed Erestor 
inside. “What do you think?”
 
Guest quarters? These rooms looked like a Lord’s private chambers to him! There 
were two rooms – a bedroom and a study – a separate bathroom and a balcony, which 
afforded him a lovely view over Imladris. These rooms were gorgeous! And surely not 
meant for him! “I want to go to the stables.” He felt safe there and they weren’t 
luxurious at all. He would feel awkward, staying here.
 
Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders once. “Who knows, maybe you will reconsider in 
time.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“They are looking at me!” Erestor felt highly uncomfortable the more Elves they 
encountered. One or two Elves had even stopped and asked Glorfindel to introduce 
them. Erestor had hung on to his composure and had pushed the need to hide behind 
Glorfindel’s broad back away. He had stood his ground, even though he had been 
trembling and unsteady on his feet. 
 
“They don’t know you and are curious.” Glorfindel always remained close, sensing 
Erestor’s unease. Unexpectedly, two females’ voices drifted around the corner and 
Glorfindel cringed, knowing exactly who was heading their way.
 
Celebrían and Arwen were talking softly, trying to determine how to help Erestor 
best when they suddenly stood in front of said Elf. Arwen coughed, covering up her 
surprise. Celebrían reacted at once in her very own way. “Glorfindel! I didn’t expect 
to see you here! Who is your friend?”
 
“May I introduce Erestor to you?” Glorfindel smiled, hoping Erestor wouldn’t panic. 
 
Celebrían inclined her head and offered Erestor her hand in greeting. “I am Celebrían 
and this is my daughter, Arwen.”
 
Erestor knew those names; he had heard them before when Elladan had visited 
Glorfindel in the stables. Acting instinctively, he lowered his eyes and said, “My 
ladies…”
 
Arwen exchanged a look with her mother. Erestor seemed intimidated, which 
puzzled her.
 
“There is no need to call me that, Erestor.” As Erestor didn’t seem courageous enough 
to take her hand, Celebrían took control – and a big risk. She carefully wrapped her 
arms around Erestor and said, “Welcome to this sweet valley. I hope you will make it 
your home.”
 
Glorfindel held his breath, seeing the tension and panic mount in Erestor’s delicate 
form. /Please don’t run. She means well./
 
Erestor forced himself to accept the embrace. The only she-Elf he clearly remembered 
was his mother and he had always much loved and respected her. He could do no less 
for Celebrían, although he didn’t feel worthy of receiving such a warm embrace. 
 
She released him, but continued to smile. “Maybe you will join us for dinner when 
you feel comfortable around us?” Celebrían cast a quick look at Glorfindel. 
 
Glorfindel knew that look only too well. It meant he had better take good care of 
Erestor! “I also introduced Erestor to your husband, Celebrían, and Elrond seemed to 
like him as well.”
 
Suddenly Erestor understood. This was the Lady of Imladris; Elrond’s wife! Only a 
moment ago he had dared to look at her lovely face, but now he quickly averted his 
eyes again. 
 
Arwen had noticed Erestor’s odd behavior and intuitively knew what was going on in 
the other Elf’s mind. “You are most welcome here, Erestor.”
 
“Thank you, my Lady,” replied Erestor in a shaky voice. It took every ounce of his 
self-discipline to face them. 
 
Realizing their presence made Erestor uncomfortable, Celebrían gestured for her 
daughter to continue their walk. “I hope to see you at dinner in the future, Erestor.” 
 
Erestor released a deep sigh, relieved now that Glorfindel and he were alone again. 
He liked it best that way.
 
“You did well,” said Glorfindel, complimenting his companion. His hand returned to 
rest against the small of Erestor’s back, and the touch seemed to comfort Erestor 
further. /Aye, you are doing remarkably well./ The shy, frightened Elf he had found 
in the stables was growing much stronger. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel didn’t head for the ladder at once, but made a detour to say hello to 
Asfaloth. He had seen the stallion’s impatient glare the moment they had entered. He 
watched with interest as Asfaloth ignored him and nudged Erestor instead. /He 
knows precisely what Erestor needs./ An idea formed in his mind. “Erestor? I need to 
leave shortly as the patrol is about to return and I must debrief them, but Asfaloth 
made it very clear yesterday that he would like more exercise. If you feel up to it, 
would you take him out for a ride? You could visit the Bruinen and wait for me there, 
that is, if you want me to join you later this eve.”
 
Erestor’s heart fluttered, unexpectedly, at hearing Glorfindel’s words. He had hoped 
that Glorfindel would continue to spend time with him, because he enjoyed the 
warrior’s company as well. “I will wait for you there.”
 
Erestor’s words, uttered in a soft and caring tone, encouraged Glorfindel. Maybe the 
feeling was mutual? Until now, he hadn’t considered that.
 
“But what do I do if the twins are there? Or other Elves?” Erestor let the raven hair 
fall in front of his face like a curtain. 
 
“Then you try to socialize,” advised Glorfindel. “Erestor, I hope that you will decide 
to stay in Imladris and that you will call it home one day. That also means you need 
to interact with her inhabitants. And the twins are easy-going. Try not to panic?”
 
Erestor rubbed behind Asfaloth’s ears and the stallion snorted, contented. “I was kept 
apart when I lived in the village. They kept me locked up whenever they had no use 
for me. It is hard for me to interact with people.”
 
“What else did they do to you?” Erestor’s bandaged hand hung loosely down his body 
and the other now stroked Asfaloth’s nose. Glorfindel caught that hand in his and 
held it loosely. “You can tell me.”
 
Erestor shrugged once. “They made me work – hard. They made me do the work no 
one else wanted to do because it was too exhausting. And after I was done, they 
locked me up in a small room. I was only allowed outside when they wanted work 
done.”
 
“How long were you forced to live like that?” Glorfindel slowly entwined their 
fingers. He didn’t know why Erestor allowed it; maybe the dark-haired Elf was too 
much in thought to notice, or maybe he actually craved the contact. Glorfindel just 
didn’t know.
 
“I lost count of the years. I stopped counting my misery. Why should I? I didn’t think 
I would ever escape.” Erestor’s voice trembled with emotion. 
 
“How *did* you escape?” Glorfindel affectionately stroked the long digits, once more 
surprised at their cool feel. 
 
“I was working the fields that day.” Erestor’s voice took on a distant tone. “A terrible 
thunderstorm was moving closer and lightning hit one of the nearby trees, splitting it 
in two. The two villagers, who were keeping an eye on me, were startled and I 
realized my time had come. I ran. I ran as hard and as far as I could.”
 
Glorfindel moved closer, tentatively wrapping an arm around him, hoping Erestor 
would accept the embrace. He carefully enfolded the trembling dark-haired Elf in a 
hug, whilst Erestor continued his tale.
 
“I don’t know how long I ran, but in the end, I collapsed. I must have been 
unconscious for some time, because when I woke I heard their hunting dogs closing 
in on me. I pushed myself to my feet and forced myself to run again. I don’t 
remember when they lost track of me, it must have been somewhere in a forest. The 
trees were whispering to me, telling me where to hide and I was too desperate to 
question their advice. So, I hid. I survived by eating nuts and berries, but I grew 
weaker. Then, one of the trees told me to head north, which I did. I ended up here.” 
 
Erestor suddenly noticed that he was locked in a tight embrace; Glorfindel’s arms 
were wrapped around his waist and some time ago the blond warrior had guided his 
head to rest against his shoulder. Amazingly enough, his first reaction wasn’t to flee, 
but to press close. He had longed for intimacy for so long – for someone to hold and 
comfort him. And now, that he finally had it, he didn’t know what to do. 
 
“Erestor, do you have any idea how old you are?” Glorfindel rested his hand against 
the back of Erestor’s neck, cradling it. “Any idea?”
 
“I don’t know,” whispered Erestor against Glorfindel’s chest. “Maybe a few 
millennia?”
 
Glorfindel raised an eyebrow in utter surprise. “But…?”
 
“Humans died and children were born, whole generations passed by.” Erestor threw 
caution to the wind and pressed closer against Glorfindel. “I was captured by Orcs 
when I was rather young… My mother was still teaching me how to write.”
 
“Orcs?” Erestor hadn’t mentioned Orcs before! Only humans!
 
“Oh, they attacked my mother’s escort and murdered everyone. My mother, the royal 
guards, everyone except for me. They took me with them.”
 
The royal guards? Why were they escorting Erestor’s mother? Come to think of it, 
*who* was Erestor’s mother? And who was Erestor? Glorfindel felt stunned. “So you 
were these Orcs’ prisoner before the humans got hold of you?”
 
“The humans bundled their forces and attacked one night. They killed the Orcs and 
took me prisoner. They thought I was a traitor and had helped them raid villages. I 
never managed to convince them otherwise.” Erestor felt tired, now that he had 
revealed his past. He hadn’t thought he would tell Glorfindel his tale that soon. It 
only illustrated just how much he trusted the warrior already.
 
“So that is why they kept you prisoner. I wondered about that.”
 
“That, and the fact that I wasn’t like them. They didn’t like the fact that I was 
different. That my ears were slightly pointed and that I didn’t grow old as they did. I 
gave this matter much thought and I believe they were jealous. They wanted what I 
had.”
 
“That doesn’t make it right.”
 
“I never said it did,” explained Erestor, smiling ruefully at hearing Glorfindel’s firm 
tone. “I just tried to explain why they did it.”
 
“That is behind you now,” whispered Glorfindel, slightly pulling away so he could 
look into Erestor’s eyes. “You have a new life – here – with Elves who care about 
you.”
 
“At least with one Elf who cares about me.” Erestor held his breath, wondering if he 
had overstepped any boundaries. 
 
“Aye, I care about you.” Reminding himself that he had to go slow, Glorfindel pressed 
a firm kiss on Erestor’s brow. “And I wish I didn’t have to leave now, but I must.”
 
Erestor rested his head one more time against Glorfindel’s shoulder and enjoyed the 
contact. “Thank you for welcoming me to Imladris and for helping me the way you 
did – are still doing.”
 
Glorfindel actually blushed. “It is nothing.” And it was true; he was just being himself. 
“Will you meet me at the Bruinen when Ithil stands high in the sky?”
 
Erestor nodded against Glorfindel’s chest, regretting they had to part. “I will.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Asfaloth started with a careful trot, but as Erestor seemed more confident, the stallion 
sped up and moved on to a gallop. Briefly, Erestor worried that he would be 
catapulted off of the horse’s back, but once he got accustomed to the rhythm, he 
began to enjoy horse back riding more and more. Bending forward, he rested his 
upper body against Asfaloth’s neck and held on, fingers buried in the mane. 
 
Feeling Erestor shift only confirmed Asfaloth’s suspicions and he let go, racing over 
the lands and toward the Bruinen. Hopefully Erestor would take him out riding more 
often now that Glorfindel was tied down with his duties. 
 
The wind made his hair dance and his blood sung with freedom. Erestor had never 
thought he would enjoy riding on horseback this much and they reached the Bruinen 
much too soon. 
 
Asfaloth came to a halt, snorted, and threw back his head in delight. Erestor slid off of 
the stallion’s back and folded his arms around the horse’s neck, hugging tight. 
Asfaloth seemed amused and after a while nudged Erestor toward the Bruinen. 
 
Erestor took the hint and walked over to the riverside. It was a lovely evening. Last 
night’s clouds had disappeared and the stars sparkled brightly. Ithil was full and 
illuminated the evening sky. Erestor carefully looked about, wondering if he should 
expect another surprise visit from the twins.
 
But it wasn’t one of the twins who suddenly appeared on the river’s surface. It was 
Elrond, enjoying a swim. 
 
Erestor failed to stop the distressed sigh that left his lips. Why now? Why here? Why 
did the Lord of Imladris have to choose this moment for his swim?
 
Elrond immediately sensed that he wasn’t alone. Vilya sparkled at his ring finger and 
the power of the ring had momentarily connected him with the river and the lands, 
empowering him. Elrond swam toward the shore and left the water. He reached for 
his robe, fastened it around his frame and smiled at Erestor. “I didn’t expect to see you 
here.”
 
“Glorfindel took me here yesterday and I liked it here… So he suggested we visited 
the river again. He will join me later – hopefully.” Erestor nervously shuffled his feet, 
still too intimidated to make eye-contact with the Lord of Imladris. 
 
Asfaloth came to stand close to Erestor, giving Elrond a curious look. The stallion’s 
behavior made Elrond smile. Apparently Glorfindel *and* his horse had taken a liking 
to Erestor. “You have a formidable protector at your side.” He finger-combed his long 
hair and walked toward Erestor. 
 
“Asfaloth likes the exercise. He likes to run – to feel free.”
 
“Like you do?” ventured Elrond, leaning casually against the trunk of a tree. 
 
“I haven’t felt free for a long time.” Erestor’s hands became fists, determined to hide 
his nervousness whilst talking to the Lord of the valley.
 
“You are free now… You *do* know that?”
 
“I am beginning to realize that, but it is hard to accept my life has so drastically 
changed. I have been a prisoner for so long.”
 
“How long?” Elrond wanted to find out as much as possible about this mysterious Elf.
 
“Millennia.”
 
Elrond stepped away from the tree and walked until he stood in front of Erestor. The 
other Elf tried to look away again, but Elrond placed his hands on either side of 
Erestor’s head so he could study the eyes. “They are old. I should have seen that 
before.” Old eyes stared back at him; eyes, which had seen too much pain and 
suffering. “Do you know who you are, Erestor?”
 
The question frightened Erestor for some reason. “I know what I am.”
 
Erestor allowed it. “And what is that?”
 
“A wandering soul… Searching for a home and friends. I really want Imladris to be 
that to me – my home, but I am afraid to believe that.”
 
“I am offering you a home here, Erestor. You are one of the Firstborn and you belong 
here. Imladris can be your home if you want it to be.” Elrond’s fingertips encountered 
Erestor’s pointed ears and caressed them, sending sparks of delight into Erestor’s 
frame. They were a bit round though for an Elf. “Stay here and give us a chance. Get 
to know us, Erestor.”
 
Erestor smiled, weakly. “You are Master here, how could I deny you?”
 
Elrond frowned. “I am not forcing you…” But then he understood. Erestor had made 
his first attempt at humor and he grinned. “Aye, I don’t react well to being denied. 
And please move into the guest quarters. I would feel better, knowing you have a 
warm, dry and safe place to sleep. I don’t want you to take a fall climbing up into the 
rafters.” Elrond released Erestor from his hold and sent out a mental call to his 
stallion. “Erestor, you are most welcome here and if you want to talk about your 
future, or your past, you can always come to me. I am a good listener.” Before 
stepping away from Erestor he caressed a strand of raven hair, only one shade darker 
than his own. 
 
Surprised, Erestor watched as the black stallion advanced on them, ready to collect 
his rider. Elrond mounted and raised his hand in goodbye whilst galloping away.
 
Erestor remained behind and sat down on a rock to stare into the water, which 
glittered like silver now that Ithil’s beams reached it. He had much to think about.
Part 6
 
 
Glorfindel slowly walked up to Erestor, who was still seated on a rock and visibly lost 
in thought. He had met Elrond on his way here and the half-Elf and he had spoken, 
briefly. Elrond had informed him of their conversation, and Glorfindel had shared 
Erestor’s confessions regarding the Orcs and the villagers. The one piece of 
information, which Glorfindel didn’t share, concerned the ring, braided tightly into 
Erestor’s hair. Sharing that didn’t feel right; Erestor should decide if he wanted 
Elrond to know or not. They had then said their goodbyes. Elrond had continued his 
way to the Last Homely House, whilst Glorfindel had steered his mare toward the 
Bruinen. 
 
Glorfindel didn’t want to sneak up onto the raven-haired Elf, but Erestor just didn’t 
seem to notice him, so in the end, he cleared his throat by coughing, softly. That got 
Erestor’s attention and the raven-haired Elf looked up from his musings. A dazzling 
smile appeared on Erestor’s features and the mere sight of it made Glorfindel’s heart 
beat faster. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
 
“I have been thinking,” said Erestor, leaving his rock and walking toward Glorfindel. 
He loved it here; the Bruinen was a calming presence and Ithil’s silver light 
surrounded them, making him feel safe and protected. 
 
“What about?” Glorfindel extended his right hand and was delighted when Erestor 
accepted the touch and went one step further by entwining their fingers. 
 
“About Imladris, and Elrond’s invitation to make myself a home here.” Erestor walked 
toward the water and stared at its surface. “I like it here. I even like the Elves here.”
 
“Are you telling me that Elrond convinced you to give us a fair chance?” Glorfindel 
asked, smiling, teasingly.
 
“He did, but your presence comforts me more than his words ever could.” Erestor sat 
down on the grass, pulling Glorfindel with him. The blond warrior sat down beside 
him and Erestor gave him a shy smile. “I am not usually this bold.” It wasn’t like him 
to take the initiative; he was used to following orders, but with Glorfindel it was 
different. He felt free to act the way he wanted around the fair Elf. 
 
“*This* is bold?” Glorfindel laughed, amused. “I welcome it, then.” There was 
something in Erestor’s eyes he hadn’t seen before and it called to him. Maybe it was 
the night’s magic, the gentle rocking of the Bruinen or Ithil’s silver light, but there 
was certainly some sort of magic at work here. Erestor was close – so very close – and 
he had to touch him… kiss and caress him! Glorfindel was still privately discussing if 
he could risk kissing Erestor when the raven-haired Elf took control of their situation 
and leaned in closer. Glorfindel’s heart thundered, feeling Erestor’s lips pressed softly 
against his for the very first time. 
 
Erestor had never been this bold before – so much was true. He didn’t feel like he had 
a choice and that made him act. His desires commanded his actions and he simply had 
to kiss Glorfindel and taste the fair Elf. 
 
Glorfindel reacted by resting a hand against the back of Erestor’s head, cradling it 
delicately, and pulling Erestor a bit closer. He wanted to deepen their kiss and explore 
Erestor’s mouth, but the lips remained closed. The moans, which glided from 
Erestor’s lips told him that the other Elf was thoroughly enjoying the kiss and 
reacting in every way a new lover should, but the lips remained sealed, denying him 
entry. And then he understood. 
 
Gasping for breath, Erestor was forced to break the kiss. Uncertainly, he stared into 
Glorfindel’s eyes, noticing the dilated pupils and flushed cheeks. A gigantic burden 
fell from his shoulders, realizing the kiss had been welcome and that Glorfindel had 
enjoyed the shared intimacy. 
 
“That was your very first kiss,” whispered Glorfindel with much pain and regret in his 
voice. He hadn’t understood right away, but Erestor’s inexperience in this matter had 
shown when the dark-haired Elf hadn’t known how to deepen the kiss.
 
Erestor blushed, weakly, and let his hair fall in front of his face to hide behind. “Did 
the kiss please you?”
 
“Oh, it must certainly did.” Glorfindel drew in a deep breath and stared intensely into 
the eyes, whose expression had changed; they radiated passion and desire now. “I 
would be lying if I said that I hadn’t thought about kissing you before, but I was afraid 
you would reject me. We only met a few days ago.”
 
Glorfindel’s fingers stroked the back of his head and Erestor’s eyes closed in pure 
bliss. “I have never had a lover before, Glorfindel. I don’t know what to do… I am 
nervous.”
 
“I understand that,” replied Glorfindel, cocking his head and smiling at Erestor. “I am 
nervous as well.”
 
“You are?” Glorfindel’s admission surprised Erestor. “But I thought…”
 
“Aye, I have had lovers before, but it is different every time and with you… with you 
*everything* is different.” Glorfindel moved closer and bestowed a gentle kiss on 
Erestor’s lips. “I hoped you would feel attracted to me, for I greatly desire you.”
 
Erestor’s blush intensified and he tried to look away, but Glorfindel’s hand easily 
turned his head back in his direction. Forced to look at the fair Elf, Erestor shyly 
admitted, “I never thought this would happen. I have never felt such an attraction 
before. I want you close all the time and I want to touch you, hold you, and kiss you.”
 
“I feel the same way, my love,” whispered Glorfindel. Slowly, he reclined until he was 
flat on his back. At the same time he pulled Erestor atop of him until the raven-haired 
Elf straddled his hips. Confusion and excitement shone from Erestor’s eyes and 
Glorfindel ran his fingers through the dark mane, soothing his nervous lover. “We 
will take this slowly,” he said eventually, staring into pools of chocolate. 
 
Erestor nodded, relieved. “I would like that.” But he had enjoyed kissing Glorfindel as 
well. Experimentally, uncertain how the blond warrior would react, he bent forward 
to kiss him again. The kiss was more forceful now, hoping it pleased Glorfindel. 
 
“Part your lips… and teeth,” whispered Glorfindel, breathing the words into Erestor’s 
mouth. He would teach Erestor the fine art of lovemaking.
 
Erestor eagerly complied, wondering why Glorfindel wanted him to do this. But then 
a soft and moist tongue pressed against the inside of his lips and slowly inched in 
deeper. Erestor let Glorfindel keep control of their kiss, following the other Elf’s lead 
and soon he was moaning and rubbing himself against Glorfindel -- ancient needs and 
instincts taking over.
 
Glorfindel ended the kiss, which had been ardent and slow, just the way he liked it. 
And by the looks of it, Erestor had more than just enjoyed the kiss too. “Am I not 
moving too fast?” He didn’t want to chase Erestor off!
 
“You aren’t,” said Erestor, reassuring the blond Elf. “I like being kissed by you.” The 
kiss had relaxed him and he rested his upper body and head atop of Glorfindel’s chest 
and shoulders, softly rubbing his cheek against the silk of the uniform. “Are you sure 
about this?” he asked after a silence had fallen. “You and I? You don’t really know 
me.” 
 
“I doubt that. You have a good heart, are kind towards animals, and trusting, although 
you won’t easily admit that. Those are good qualities, qualities which my lover should 
have.”
 
“Your lover?” He was someone’s lover now! Erestor’s head spun with thoughts and 
emotions. “I will have to stay, then,” he whispered, absent-mindedly, trying to deal 
with this new situation. 
 
“Aye, you should,” whispered Glorfindel, adoringly wrapping a strand of Erestor’s 
hair around a fingertip. “Stay with me.”
 
Erestor was briefly speechless, but then the dam broke and tears of happiness left his 
eyes.
 
Alarmed, Glorfindel stared at the tears. “Why are you crying? Did I displease you?”
 
“Oh, these are tears of happiness,” said Erestor, practically glowing with love for 
Glorfindel. “I don’t understand why this is happening to me, but I am glad it did. I am 
so happy I found you!”
 
Slightly reassured, Glorfindel nodded once. He hadn’t expected an emotional outburst 
and hadn’t been prepared for it. “Good things happen to good people. You just had to 
wait a long time for it to happen.”
 
Erestor dried his tears using his sleeve and gave his new lover a doting look. “I will try 
to please you.”
 
“Don’t. Just be yourself, Erestor.” Glorfindel loved the feel of Erestor’s hair, as he 
finger-combed the mane. Then, his fingertips encountered the ring once more and his 
curiosity awoke with the touch. “Maybe you should take this out and see if you can 
find your father.” Erestor’s eyes darkened and Glorfindel knew he had made a mistake 
when changing their topic. 
 
“I don’t want to know who he is. He abandoned my mother.” Erestor sat up 
straighter, still straddling Glorfindel’s hips though and placed his hands on the 
powerful chest to balance him. 
 
“Will you tell me what happened?” Glorfindel was displeased, seeing fresh droplets of 
blood appear on the bandaged appendage.
 
“I don’t know what happened, exactly,” said Erestor, reluctantly. “I only know that 
my father sent us away. My mother told me so.”
 
“You mentioned earlier that royal guards escorted you… Did your mother ever 
explain their presence?” 
 
“Nay, she didn’t. They always were there. I grew up around them.” 
 
Glorfindel moistened his lips. “Erestor, please try to remember… When did this 
happen? Was there any event that stuck with you?”
 
Erestor cocked his head, dismayed that Glorfindel insisted on discussing this. He 
would rather go back to kissing! But, because it was Glorfindel who was asking him to 
remember, he tried his best. “The guards often talked about a battle they had fought 
in. They had been victorious, but had lost their leader… their High-King? I don’t 
remember the name… But I do know it consisted of two parts.”
 
Glorfindel sucked in his breath. Could Erestor really be talking about the battle at 
Mount Orodruin? That would make him three thousand years old, and he had 
thought he had been dealing with someone who had just passed his majority! “The 
name, was it Gil-Galad?”
 
A smile of recognition appeared on Erestor’s face and he firmly nodded his head. 
“That was it!”
 
“Then you are over three thousand years old!” Glorfindel carefully thought this over. 
“Do you know where those guards were taking you? Did they ever mention a name? I 
know it has been a long time, but try to remember!”
 
“They mentioned different names… One of them was the Gray Havens…Another 
one was Lindon, but we weren’t headed that way.” Erestor closed his eyes, trying to 
remember. “I think they also mentioned… Imladris?” His eyes opened, abruptly, and 
stared at Glorfindel in astonishment. “There was a siege?”
 
“You were on your way to Imladris?” Glorfindel wondered what to make of this new 
information. If he pieced everything correctly together it would mean that Erestor 
had been born around the Battle of the Last Alliance and that his mother and he had 
been on their way to Imladris after it had been liberated!
 
“I don’t know, Glorfindel. I am sorry, but I tried to forget the life I led with my 
mother.” Erestor’s sad eyes pleaded with Glorfindel to stop prodding. 
 
“One more question and then I will stop.” Glorfindel placed his hands on either side 
of Erestor’s head and pulled him close. His breath practically caressed Erestor’s face, 
asking this last, but very important question. “What was your mother’s name?”
 
A heartrending smile appeared on Erestor’s face. “My mother?” She had been the sole 
person to love him and to take care of him! But no, that wasn’t true. He had 
Glorfindel now!
 
“Do you remember her name, love?” Glorfindel rubbed the scalp beneath the thick, 
raven hair, hoping to keep Erestor in this relaxed state. “Do you?” Glorfindel’s thumb 
moved over Erestor’s bottom lip, lovingly caressing it.
 
Erestor nodded, slowly. “She was beautiful – so very beautiful. Kind and loving… She 
was called Yestarë. Her hair shone like black gold and her eyes were of the deepest 
green I have ever seen. Her voice… She sang so lovely.”
 
The name seemed strangely familiar to Glorfindel, but he failed to remember why. 
Not wanting to distress his lover further, Glorfindel gently stroked Erestor’s face. 
“Erestor, you are over three thousand years old and were born during or shortly after 
the Battle of the Last Alliance. You know your mother’s name and royal guards 
safeguarded you. Please explain to me why you don’t want to know your father’s 
identity?” By now, Glorfindel was convinced Erestor’s father had been a high-ranking 
Elf in Gil-Galad’s army for only someone entrusted with command could give such 
orders.
 
“Please let it rest. I don’t want to know the name of the one who abandoned us. What 
good would it do me?” 
 
“You would know your heritage. Not knowing my father’s identity would have 
driven me insane.” Glorfindel intuitively knew he should stop pressuring Erestor, but 
this was important to him. 
 
“You asked your questions, now let it rest, please.” Erestor broke free of Glorfindel’s 
hold and moved off of the warrior. Kneeling beside Glorfindel, he looked at the other 
Elf from behind a raven curtain of hair. “I want to live in the present, not the past. 
You respected me saying no a few days ago, please do so again.”
 
Glorfindel sighed, and elbowed himself into an upright position. “I respect you and 
your decisions, and I won’t speak of it anymore. I just want you to know that if you 
ever decide to search for your father that I will help.”
 
“Thank you,” said Erestor, smiling. “And now, no more of this.”
 
Glorfindel nodded, reluctantly, and pulled Erestor back onto his lap. The raven-
haired Elf wavered briefly, but then complied, wrapping long legs and arms around 
him. “Glorfindel, do you also feel… scared?”
 
“Nay, I don’t. I feel ecstatic that you return my feelings.” Glorfindel brought his arms 
up behind Erestor’s back and held him close. Erestor felt skinny in his arms and 
nothing about the raven-haired Elf was soft. He would have to render that. “Why are 
you scared?”
 
“I never had a lover before. This is new.” Erestor raised his good hand and caressed 
Glorfindel’s face. “I don’t want to lose you.”
 
“You never will.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“A thunderstorm is brewing,” remarked Glorfindel, studying the darkening sky. In 
the distance the first of thunder could be heard. “Would you mind returning to the 
Last Homely House with me? I should be there in case lightning strikes.” They had 
spent several hours here, kissing and holding each other and with every passing hour, 
Erestor had relaxed more. Glorfindel didn’t want to return yet, but felt he didn’t have 
a choice; he was Captain of Imladris and responsible for his people’s safety. 
 
Erestor pushed himself to his feet and joined Glorfindel in staring at the heavens. 
“That would be best, aye.” 
 
Asfaloth, and the mare Glorfindel had ridden to reach the Bruinen, appeared to their 
right. 
 
Glorfindel considered their situation. The storm was quickly moving closer and he 
preferred to stay ahead of it. “Ride with me, Erestor. We will be traveling at a high 
speed and I don’t want you to fall accidentally.” He jumped onto Asfaloth’s back and 
extended his hand, which Erestor eagerly accepted. After pulling Erestor in front of 
him, he wrapped his arms around him. 
 
“What about the mare?” asked Erestor, concerned now that the first bolts of lightning 
tore at the heavens.
 
“She knows to follow us.” Glorfindel pressed his heels into Asfaloth’s flanks and the 
stallion promptly reared, sensing the urgency of their situation. Glorfindel held on 
tight, feeling Erestor tremble in his arms. Asfaloth began to run then – as fast as the 
wind – closely followed by the mare.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Look!” Alarmed, Erestor pointed at the black clouds that had formed above the Last 
Homely House. “This is bad.” There was one strong thunderstorm behind them and 
another in front. If they met above the Last Homely House there would certainly be 
much damage.
 
Glorfindel cursed, as they entered the courtyard. Elladan had taken charge over this 
section and directed the Elves, as they struggled to close all hatches, windows and 
doors. The wind grew stronger with every passing minute and tore wildly at their 
clothes and hair. 
 
“Glorfindel! We are in the middle of these storms! I need help securing everything!” 
Elladan raced to help two Elves who were desperately trying to close the main door to 
the Hall of Fire.
 
Glorfindel slid off of Asfaloth’s back and turned to address Erestor. “Find a safe place 
and stay there.”
 
“I can help!”
 
“I know you can, but you don’t know your way around the Last Homely House. The 
wind can blow you off a staircase, which you didn’t know was there. Please, Erestor, 
it would help if I knew you safe!”
 
Erestor nodded once, showing he understood. “I will seek shelter.”
 
“Erestor, over here!” Celebrían had spotted their elusive guest and gestured him to 
join her and Elrohir. They were on their way to her and her husband’s private 
chambers, which were situated in the heart of the structure. They would be safe 
there. 
 
“Go, join them!” Glorfindel pushed Erestor into Celebrían’s direction and then took 
off to help Elladan. 
 
Erestor bit his bottom lip, but did as he was told. He really wanted to help instead, 
but would comply, so Glorfindel didn’t have to worry about him. 
 
The wind pulled at Celebrían’s elegant dress and the small she-Elf steadied herself 
against the increasing wind. She resolutely grabbed Erestor’s arm and felt grounded 
now that she had an Elf at either side. “This will be the worst storm we ever 
witnessed in Imladris,” said Celebrían, who was eager to know everyone in safety. 
 
Erestor felt watched and when he looked up, he found Elrohir staring thoughtfully at 
him. Had he done anything to displease the twin?
 
“We haven’t been able to find Arwen yet,” said Elrohir, as he shooed his mother into 
the corridor. 
 
Erestor understood Elrohir’s dark expression now; he was worried for his sister’s well-
being. “I will find her!” He escorted Celebrían to her private rooms and once she was 
safe inside, he turned and left, quickly, before Elrohir could stop him. “Stay with your 
mother!”
 
Elrohir frowned, frustrated. He had planned on asking Erestor to stay with his 
mother, but now the other Elf had beaten him to it!
 
“Celebrían!” Elrond, who had been shouting instructions to the panicking Elves, made 
eye contact with his wife, relieved to know her safe. “Where is Arwen?”
 
“I don’t know!” She wrung her hands, feeling helpless. “Erestor is looking for her!”
 
Elrond grimly nodded his head. “Elrohir, stay with your mother. Don’t leave her 
alone. I will tell Elladan to join you once we secured everything.”
 
“Will you join us as well?” asked Celebrían, concerned for her family’s well-being.
 
“Later! First, I need to see to the safety of others!” Elrond would have preferred to go 
looking for his daughter personally, but he was needed here. They needed his 
instructions – his reassuring presence. He could only hope Erestor would find Arwen.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel had been right when he had warned him to seek shelter, as he didn’t know 
the Last Homely House’s lay-out. Erestor had almost been blown through a window 
by the raging winds and had only managed to rescue himself at the last moment. 
Now, he searched the seemingly empty rooms one by one. 
 
“Lady Arwen! If you can hear me, answer me!” Erestor encountered no one; room 
after room was empty. The residents had already left for the safety of the shelters. 
 
“Lady Arwen! Answer me!” He brushed his hair behind his ear, irritated that the 
strands blocked his view. “Lady Arwen!” He came to a halt in the Hall of Fire, which 
was utterly deserted, dark and silent. “Answer me!” He wouldn’t give up until he had 
located her!
 
A soft moan was almost deadened by the blazing storm, but Erestor had heard it and 
spun around to check on it. “Are you here? Lady Arwen?” Another sound – a groan 
this time – led him toward one of the windows. In their panic, the servants had 
knocked over chairs and even the heavy, velvet curtains had been pulled down. He 
pushed the chairs out of his way, relieved to hear that the groans became louder. He 
hoped it was Arwen, but he would rescue this Elf, no matter who was buried beneath 
the curtains. 
 
A violent bolt of lighting shattered one of the main windows and Erestor raised his 
arm to shelter his face from the shards that exploded around him. “Lady Arwen!”
 
“Here…”
 
The word was soft, almost inaudible, but Erestor detected it. Resolutely, he pulled the 
curtains aside and sighed, relieved, seeing Arwen’s form beneath it. “I will take you 
into safety!” He carefully helped her to her feet and supported her. Her long hair was 
a mess and her dress torn. “Are you injured, my Lady?”
 
Arwen experimentally shook her head. “I am fine, I think. I just couldn’t free myself 
of the curtains – they were too heavy.” Arwen leaned heavily against Erestor and 
looked him in the eye. “We need to move, now.”
 
Erestor nodded once and moved toward the corridor. He supported her and held her 
close when the wind tried to carry her with him. “You must help me. I don’t know 
what corridor to take!” Arwen directed him through the corridors and Erestor felt 
incredibly relieved, finally seeing the courtyard below him. He was on familiar 
terrain once more. He even spotted Glorfindel, who was helping the last Elf to make 
it safely into the building.
 
Glorfindel felt eyes upon him and instinctively looked up at the passageways. His 
heart stilled momentarily, seeing Erestor and Arwen hurry toward him. What were 
they doing here now that the heart of the storm was situated above them?
 
Elrond appeared at Glorfindel’s side. “Was this the last one?” As far as he could tell 
everyone was inside the building, save for Arwen that was. He hadn’t seen his 
daughter join them yet.
 
“Nay!” Glorfindel had to shout for Elrond to hear him above the roar of the 
thunderstorm. He pointed at Erestor and Arwen’s struggling forms. 
 
“My daughter!” Elrond’s eyes widened with concern. He was about to head toward 
her when another bolt of lightning struck, this time hitting the staircase Erestor and 
Arwen were descending. The power of the blow knocked large sections of stone out 
of the staircase and it crumbled. 
 
“Arwen!” Elrond threw caution to the wind and ran across the courtyard.
 
“Erestor!” Glorfindel followed suit; his heart beating with fear. 
 
“It won’t hold!” Erestor quickly considered his options. Elrond was close – close 
enough to catch one of them in time. “Jump,” he told a startled looking Arwen. “Jump 
toward your father. He will catch you.” 
Arwen didn’t get any time to protest that decision as the stone beneath her feet gave 
way. She jumped, extended her arms and called out for her father.
 
Elrond’s heart stopped for one terrible moment, seeing Arwen falling toward him. His 
instincts projected him forward and he succeeded in breaking her fall. He thanked the 
Valar for the fact that she didn’t weigh much and cradled her protectively in his arms 
before putting her back on her feet. 
 
“Erestor!” Glorfindel scanned his surroundings, trying to find a way for Erestor to get 
into safety. But he waited too long – or maybe there just weren’t any options – and 
Erestor tumbled forward, falling. Glorfindel forgot to breathe and screamed his lover’s 
name. 
 
Erestor knew he was in immediate danger and acted mechanically, rolling with the 
wind and making himself as small as possible by curling himself into a tight ball. 
When he hit the stone floor, the impact shook his frame and his right arm and 
shoulder produced an appalling snapping sound. His breath was knocked out of him 
and he released a pain-filled yelp. 
 
Glorfindel quickly covered the distance between them and pulled Erestor close to 
him. Tears of joy flooded his eyes, finding Erestor alive. Ignoring Erestor’s yelps, he 
lifted the injured Elf and placed him across his shoulder. One look at Elrond told him 
that the half-Elf was eager to move as well. Arwen, who was able to run unaided, 
stayed at her father’s side, who kept a close eye on her, whilst Glorfindel carried an 
injured Erestor into safety.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“How could you do that to me?” Glorfindel was furious with Erestor; the scene of the 
staircase crumbling was fixated on his retina and he relived Erestor’s fall time and 
time again. “I told you to stay with Celebrían!”
 
Erestor, safely tucked away in the couple’s four-poster bed, simply stared at 
Glorfindel. “I am alive!”
 
“Barely! You could have died!” Glorfindel paced, furiously, ignoring the looks he was 
attracting.
 
Arwen and Celebrían sat near the fire-place, holding each other. The twins were 
pacing as well, but on the other side of the room, as they didn’t dare cross their 
former tutor. Elrond had settled down in a comfortable chair, watching the scene 
unfold. The thunderstorm was slowly moving away from Imladris and he would soon 
face the damage it had done, but he didn’t want to leave yet, seeing the state 
Glorfindel had worked himself in. 
 
“My arm is broken and my shoulder dislocated; that is it!” Erestor was growing 
frustrated as well. He had done what he had to do in order to save Arwen’s life.
 
“Glorfindel, what Erestor needs most is your support. Not you yelling at him!” Elrond 
rose from his chair and walked over to the bed to check on his patient. 
 
Glorfindel wanted to voice his opinion again, but seeing Erestor’s pain-ridden 
expression, he shut up. “I am sorry, but you scared me! I can still see you falling!”
 
“I had to put her first. Surely you understand that?” The pain in his shoulder and arm 
was bearable, but still stung horribly. 
 
Elrond reached for the tea, which had now finished brewing and helped Erestor sip. 
“This will help you relax and go to sleep.”
 
“I don’t want to sleep!” Erestor’s hand freed itself from beneath the sheet and 
searched for Glorfindel’s.
 
The blond warrior reacted at once and clasped it tightly whilst sitting down on the 
edge of the bed. “Don’t ever do something like that again!”
 
Elrond smiled; he knew Glorfindel had only reacted so violently because he had been 
worried and scared. “I will thank you properly later, Erestor, for saving my daughter’s 
life, as you should rest now. I assure you that Glorfindel will no longer yell at you. 
Try to sleep. That way you will heal faster.”
 
“Glorfindel?” Erestor tightly squeezed Glorfindel’s hand. “Would you…” Suddenly 
recalling that they weren’t alone, he reconsidered and didn’t voice his request.
 
But Glorfindel heard the question Erestor didn’t ask and stretched beside his lover, 
carefully staying away from any injuries. “Sleep, I will be here when you wake up 
again.”
 
Elrond and Celebrían exchanged a meaningful smile, which wasn’t lost on any of 
their children. “Someone is in love,” whispered Elladan into Elrohir’s ear, but soft 
enough so only his brother, and maybe his sister, could hear. 
 
Elrohir nodded, his eyes sparkling with joy. “It was about time someone tamed 
Glorfindel and captured his heart.”
 
Arwen smiled, thoughtfully, realizing only too well Erestor had saved her life. She 
and her family were forever indebted to him.
Part 7
 
 
Now that the storm had moved on, Elrond and Glorfindel deemed the time right to 
inspect the Last Homely House for damage, but the Captain was reluctant to part with 
Erestor. 
 
Elrond carefully schooled his features, as Glorfindel wasn’t in the mood for teasing, 
and walked over to the bed. “It is time. We should join the others.” Elladan, Elrohir 
and Arwen had already left to offer guidance to the Imladris’ residents. “We cannot 
keep them waiting.”
 
“I don’t want him to stay back alone,” whispered Glorfindel, carefully extracting 
himself from Erestor’s hold. The injured Elf had wrapped his good arm around him 
and had snuggled up to him in his sleep. 
 
“I will sit with him,” offered Celebrían. “No harm will come to him.”
 
Glorfindel gave her a nod, feeling thankful, knowing she would keep him safe. “Make 
sure he doesn’t leave the bed. He can be stubborn.”
 
“And you are extra protective of him because you love him,” said Celebrían, grinning 
from ear to ear. “I will keep him safe for you, now go, and help my husband.”
 
Glorfindel had the grace to blush. “Aye, I love him.” He rose from the bed and stood 
beside Elrond, giving Erestor one last, longing look. “I never knew it could happen 
this fast.”
 
Elrond gave his wife a meaningful look. Things had happened fast between them as 
well. He folded an arm around Glorfindel’s shoulder and guided him out of the room. 
“Come, much work awaits us.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor awoke due to the stinging sensation in his shoulder. His eyes opened – when 
had they closed? – and the first person he saw was Celebrían, whilst he had hoped to 
see Glorfindel instead. 
 
“Please, move as little as possible. Your arm and shoulder will heal within the week, 
but only if you rest.” Celebrían poured more of the herbal tea Elrond had brewed and 
placed the cup aside to help Erestor sit upright. 
 
Erestor gritted his teeth, biting down the growl that wanted to escape him as the pain 
intensified. Thankfully, Celebrían assisted him in sitting upright and she pushed a 
pillow behind his back so he could lean into its comfort. He accepted the cup 
reluctantly, as he didn’t want to go back to sleep just yet, but seeing her pleading 
expression, he sipped once. “Where is Glorfindel?” 
 
“They left to take in the damage done by the thunderstorms.” She shifted a little 
closer on her chair. “How do you fare? Are you in much pain?”
 
“It is bearable.” Erestor forced a smile onto his face to reassure her. “I will recover.”
 
Celebrían rearranged the folds of her dress, feeling nervous all of a sudden. “You 
saved my daughter from certain death. Arwen is still alive because of you.”
 
“I don’t know about that,” whispered Erestor. “She might have been injured, but I am 
certain she would have survived. Elves don’t die that easily, do they?”
 
“She is only half-Elven, much like Elrond and my sons.”
 
“Half-Elven?” Erestor’s brow revealed puzzlement.
 
“Aye, half-Elven. Elrond’s father was mortal and his mother Elven. He is a half-Elf,” 
Celebrían explained, patiently, surprised that Erestor didn’t know this. “You could say 
that our children are three parts Elf and one part Man.” The sheet had partly slipped 
from Erestor’s bare chest and she tucked it back around his form. “When the time 
comes they will have to make their choice; either to belong to the Firstborn and sail 
for Aman, or be counted among the mortals.”
 
Erestor grew silent, hearing this. “They aren’t fully Elven? They are part Man?”
 
“They aren’t like the mortals you encountered – who kept you prisoner. The power of 
the Firstborn is strong in them. I fear for Arwen though, her future is shrouded in 
mists.”
 
Erestor could tell that this knowledge saddened her. “You should cherish every 
moment with her, then.”
 
“I do,” replied Celebrían, humbly. “And I have you to thank for all future moments 
Arwen and I will share.”
 
Her gratitude made him shy and he blushed. “It was nothing.”
 
“Oh no, on the contrary, it was very courageous of you.” Seeing the conversation was 
wearing him down, she ordered him to sip more of the tea. It wasn’t long until he was 
asleep again. 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“The damage is quite severe,” stated Elrond, dismayed. “Repairing the roof of the 
stables will take several days.”
 
“But it will force Erestor to accept your offer and move into the guestrooms. For that, 
I am grateful.” Glorfindel calmed the horses, which had been startled during the 
thunderstorm.
 
“Speaking of Erestor…” Elrond’s voice faded, giving Elladan a thoughtful look. His 
firstborn was instructing the servants in how to repair the damage done to the Hall of 
Fire. Elladan would make an excellent ruler one day and Elrond already entrusted 
more and more responsibilities to him. “Don’t be cross with Erestor for saving 
Arwen’s life.”
 
“I am not cross with him,” clarified Glorfindel, lowering his eyes, guiltily, recalling 
his outburst earlier. “I was scared that I would lose him. I don’t know how it 
happened or why, but I lost my heart to him and I can’t envision a life without him.” 
He laughed, joylessly. “We only met a few days ago!”
 
“True love does that to you,” said Elrond, wistfully. “Enjoy being in love, Glorfindel.”
 
“And he loves me back!” Glorfindel’s eyes colored with love and excitement. “That is 
why I reacted like that.”
 
“I know that, but you might want to be a bit more careful in future. Erestor has 
known a lot of violence and anger in his life. You don’t want him to associate those 
emotions with you.”
 
“I will watch my temper,” vowed Glorfindel. He just hadn’t realized how deep his 
love ran for Erestor!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“I will sit with him now. Thank you for watching over him.” Glorfindel gave 
Celebrían a grateful smile. 
 
“Take good care of him.” Celebrían left, giving Glorfindel a chance to talk to Erestor. 
 
Erestor was still asleep, and Glorfindel cringed, spying blood on the bandage that 
supported the injured Elf’s arm. “Erestor? Can you wake up for me?”
 
Erestor’s eyelids fluttered, weakly, but then the eyes opened. “It is you,” he mumbled, 
contented. “I dreamt of you.”
 
Glorfindel blushed, weakly. “We will discuss that dream later, my love. First, you will 
tell me how you fare.”
 
“I am fine as long as I don’t move about too much.” Erestor drank in the sight of the 
Elf he loved. “When are we leaving?”
 
“Leaving?”
 
“These are Elrond’s quarters, aren’t they? I can’t occupy his bed much longer.” He 
already felt guilty for imposing on the couple in this way.
 
“But you cannot stay in the guest quarters either.”
 
“Why is that?” inquired Erestor, curiously.
 
“You are injured, love. You shouldn’t be alone.”
 
“I can take care of myself,” replied Erestor, somewhat indignantly. 
 
“I am not questioning your ability to take care of yourself. I am just saying it would be 
easier on you if you had someone close to help.” Glorfindel loved seeing that spark 
beneath the surface; it showed clearly that those villagers hadn’t broken Erestor. He 
wanted to see more of that fire – that passion – and take it inside him – become one 
with it… with Erestor.
 
“Glorfindel?” The intense glow in the azure eyes puzzled Erestor. Glorfindel suddenly 
shifted closer and took Erestor’s lips in a possessive, passionate kiss. Big-eyed, Erestor 
allowed it and became a willing participant in the unexpected kiss. 
 
Glorfindel broke the kiss, panting hard. “I never desired anyone as much as I desire 
you, Erestor.”
 
That admission made Erestor smile, warmly. “You will have to wait until I am healed, 
Glorfindel.”
 
“I hope I can manage,” whispered Glorfindel, not only just pretending disappointment 
– part of it was real. “You can make it up to me by moving into my chambers, Erestor. 
That way, I have you close and I can ravage those lips whenever I want.” He was 
painfully hard and wished he could make love to Erestor right there and then, but he 
couldn’t – for several reasons.
 
“Move into your rooms?” Erestor raised his good hand and rubbed Glorfindel’s lips 
with his thumb. “Do you really want me there?”
 
“I do! Please?” Glorfindel had never begged before, but now he would do anything to 
make Erestor agree to his proposal. “Did I already mention that a large part of the roof 
of the stables has been burned? Including your spot?”
 
“Nay, you didn’t.” Erestor’s head was cocked so he could stare into the cobalt eyes. “I 
have the feeling you don’t mind my spot being burned to cinder.”
 
“You are correct.” Glorfindel’s tongue dipped out and traced the outline of Erestor’s 
lips. He wondered what kind of lover Erestor would prove to be. That thought was 
enough to send shivers of excitement down his spine. “Drink your tea now.”
 
“I don’t want any of it. I have slept enough.”
 
“Drink it one more time. For me.”
 
“Why?” Erestor couldn’t help growing suspicious.
 
“I want you to be asleep when I carry you to my rooms. You would be in pain if I 
carried you whilst you were awake.”
 
“I can walk, Glorfindel,” stated Erestor, vexed. Sometimes, Glorfindel was a bit too 
protective!
 
“Indulge me this one time, Erestor.” Glorfindel raised pleading eyes and pressed a cup 
filled with herbal tea into Erestor’s hand. “Please?”
 
Erestor found he couldn’t deny Glorfindel when he said please that pleadingly and 
sipped the tea.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
When Erestor awoke the next time it was to a vision of gold and reds. During his 
sleep, Glorfindel had carried him to his quarters and had placed him on his bed. 
Erestor hoped Glorfindel would become less protective of him – he wasn’t used to 
someone acting in this way where he was concerned. The fair Elf wasn’t in the room 
now and Erestor decided to make good use of the peace and silence whilst it lasted 
and studied the room.
 
Glorfindel’s chambers were a dream of suns, golden flowers and reds. The four-poster 
bed had a canopy adorned with a golden sun whose red and crimson rays reached for 
the ceiling. The sheets were a mild yellow, soft, and made from the finest silk. A large 
number of plants had found their way into Glorfindel’s rooms, and Erestor wondered 
if the blond warrior had made the paintings, which adorned the walls, himself. They 
depicted people, cities, delicate flowers and Elrond and his family. 
 
Erestor already felt at home and smiled. These rooms were luxurious and suited 
Glorfindel. His thoughts drifted back to the small room that had been his cell for 
millennia. The faces of his jailors had changed at least twice each century, but never 
in all those years had they offered to set him free, keeping him locked up as a prized 
possession. 
 
He hoped Glorfindel didn’t plan on keeping him confined to this room. He had been 
locked up most of his life and he longed to spend time outside, preferably near the 
Bruinen. 
 
The door opened, slowly and quietly, and the sound of rustling garments followed. He 
shouldn’t be surprised to see Arwen enter, but he was. She looked radiant, dressed in 
a gown made of red and black velvet. 
 
“May I enter and speak with you? Or would you prefer to sleep?” Politely, she waited 
for him to make up his mind, seeing she had surprised him by coming here.
 
“Feel free to enter and speak with me, my Lady,” said Erestor, respectfully. He tried to 
push himself upright, but his shoulder wouldn’t cooperate and he was forced to 
remain flat on his back. He was about to apologize for not rising, when she 
majestically raised her right hand.
 
“Don’t trouble yourself. Please remain comfortable.” She came to a halt at the side of 
his bed and smiled, warmly. “You did a very brave thing, coming back for me when 
everyone else had left. And later, you made me jump, although I was scared. If I 
hadn’t, I would have been buried beneath the debris, and probably be dead. I owe you 
my life.”
 
“My Lady, your mother already thanked me. There is no reason for you…” He grew 
silent when she lightly placed a finger across his lips. The touch was strangely 
intimate and he blushed.
 
“I owe you my life, Erestor. Should you ever need my help, in whatever way, you can 
count on me to be there for you.” Arwen bent down and placed an innocent kiss on 
his brow. “Thank you, Erestor.”
 
Erestor felt speechless; he had never expected such displays of gratitude. First 
Celebrían, and now Arwen herself. 
 
“My brothers and father will probably visit with you as well to thank you.” Arwen 
brushed her fingertips nonchalantly across Erestor’s brow and then turned to leave. 
 
Erestor didn’t know what to say or how to react. The door closed behind her and he 
still hadn’t spoken, as he was too stunned to voice his racing thoughts.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Soft purring echoed in his ear and Erestor blinked, waking up. “Glorfindel?”
 
“Ah, you are awake.” Glorfindel licked the skin of Erestor’s throat and purred. “I was 
hoping that sound would wake you up.”
 
Erestor grinned, amused. “What ails you? You are acting most peculiarly.”
 
“Oh, I am not. My desire for you is growing stronger and occasionally overwhelms 
me. This is one of those moments.” Glorfindel had just returned from a last inspection 
round and the Imladris’ residents were already repairing most of the damage, which 
gave him a chance to spend time with his loved one. He had removed his clothes, as 
they reeked of fire and ash, and had slipped into a clean pair of leggings instead, 
realizing it was too early to show himself fully naked.
 
Erestor swallowed, nervously. “Glorfindel, I told you before that I have no experience 
in this matter.”
 
“Then allow me to guide you?” Seeing hesitance in Erestor’s dark eyes, he added, “I 
will be careful and not add to the discomfort your shoulder is already giving you. All 
you have to do is trust me.”
 
“I do trust you,” said Erestor, more confidently. “But…” Glorfindel didn’t allow him 
to finish that sentence as firm lips settled over his, claiming a deep kiss. Erestor 
squirmed; quickly growing aroused, he stared deeply into Glorfindel’s sapphire eyes. 
They actually glowed with lust and love and their expression made him tremble, 
uncertain what to expect.
 
Glorfindel kneeled beside Erestor and made certain not to put any weight on his 
injured lover. After kissing Erestor breathless, his lips slowly moved downward to 
suckle the warm skin of his lover’s throat. Erestor bucked beneath him and a wicked 
grin appeared on his lips. “Soon, love…” Intent on pleasuring his inexperienced lover, 
his lips left a trail downward until they finally encountered the first nipple. He licked, 
teasing the hard flesh, before suckling it gently. 
 
Erestor’s toes curled in pleasure and he panted softly. His shoulder throbbed now that 
he was moving ever so slightly, but he bit the pain down, as pleasure called to him. 
 
Lovingly, Glorfindel’s tongue sought out the other nipple and he gently nibbled on it. 
His hand came to rest on Erestor’s leggings and he slowly undid the lacing, freeing 
the straining erection. Keeping in mind that this was the first time for Erestor, he 
curled his fingers around the slippery shaft. “You fit perfectly in my hand.”
 
Glorfindel’s actions had reduced Erestor to mere panting and staring. The feelings, 
which Glorfindel awakened in him, were new and overwhelming, and he stared at 
the blond Elf in disbelief. 
 
The dazed look in Erestor’s eyes made Glorfindel feel humble. Erestor had chosen 
*him* to be with for that very first time and he was determined to make every 
encounter unforgettable. Sliding down Erestor’s body, he suggestively licked his lips. 
“I love you, Erestor.”
 
Erestor’s good hand found its way into the golden hair, caressing it. “What are you 
going to do?”
 
“This.” Glorfindel opted for a demonstration instead of more words and licked at the 
head of Erestor’s erection, tasting his lover for the first time. Erestor gasped in 
surprise and Glorfindel sneaked a look at him, seeing pleasure and astonishment in 
the brown eyes. After bestowing a gentle squeeze onto Erestor’s hard flesh, his fingers 
moved downward, cupping and massaging the testes. Bowing forward, he slowly took 
in Erestor’s length and relaxed his throat muscles. 
 
Erestor closed his eyes in pure bliss. The warmth that enveloped him was divine and 
he trembled over his entire body with impending release. “Oh, Glorfindel…”
 
Glorfindel began to work on Erestor’s shaft in earnest now, almost letting the moist 
flesh from his lips before sliding down the length again. 
 
Erestor’s eyes opened, abruptly, to take in the wondrous sight. Glorfindel’s golden 
hair covered his groin area and he brushed it away, so he could actually see what his 
lover was doing. The sight of Glorfindel devouring him took his breath away and his 
groin tightened. “Close…”
 
Glorfindel heard the warning, but didn’t stop, for he wanted Erestor to come! 
 
Erestor could no longer hold back and climaxed with Glorfindel’s firm lips locked 
around his shaft.
 
Glorfindel swallowed, convulsively, unwilling to spill a single drop. The hard flesh 
jerked one last time and then the warm cream stopped flowing from the slit. Grinning 
like a cat, he looked at Erestor and was delighted to see the pupils dilated, the lips 
slightly open and a healthy blush on his lover’s cheeks. 
 
Speechless, Erestor watched how Glorfindel licked the last few drops from his 
softening member.
 
Now that Erestor was clean and satiated, Glorfindel’s lips returned to his lover’s, 
allowing the dark-haired Elf to taste himself. 
 
Erestor’s senses were close to experiencing sensual overload and he panted hard, 
staring wildly into Glorfindel’s eyes. “That… that…”
 
“That was another first,” supplied Glorfindel, always helpful. “I hope it won’t be the 
last time though that we engage in this particular activity.”
 
The wicked grin on Glorfindel’s face was something he would often see in future, of 
that Erestor was certain. “Thank you for that. No one ever…” Glorfindel silenced him 
with another kiss and the blond Elf moved closer. It was then that Erestor registered 
that Glorfindel was hard as well. “What about you?” His right arm was injured and he 
couldn’t possibly return the favor Glorfindel had just bestowed on him. He still wasn’t 
fit enough to do that. “I don’t think I can do that – yet.”
 
Glorfindel smiled, cheerfully, and stretched next to Erestor. Rolling onto his side, he 
lay facing his lover. “Watch then.” He undid the lacing of his leggings and freed his 
throbbing erection. Taking himself into hand, he stroked firmly. 
 
Beads of pre-ejaculate dripped from Glorfindel’s shaft and onto the fingers. Erestor 
had never seen a more bewitching sight in his life and his breathing became hard and 
labored.
 
“Would you kiss me? That is, if it doesn’t increase your discomfort.” Glorfindel’s 
breath hitched and he bucked, wishing he could bury himself in Erestor’s welcoming 
body. A moment later, soft lips met his and he groaned in pleasure, taking control of 
their kiss. With eyes wide open, he fantasized about his lover welcoming him with 
ardor and need. He had parted Erestor’s legs, and in his fantasy he entered his raven-
haired lover smoothly -- in one stroke. Oh, Erestor was so warm and tight! The 
fantasy pushed Glorfindel over the edge and he came violently, his body shaking with 
release.
 
The sensual expression in Glorfindel’s dilated pupils would always remain with 
Erestor. Glorfindel had given everything he was in this encounter and any doubt he 
might have had about the warrior’s character had been taken away. This was someone 
who loved him – truly loved him and wanted to share everything with him. “I think I 
finally found what I have been looking for my entire life. I had almost given up hope 
that I would ever find it.”
 
“And what might that be?” asked Glorfindel, playfully. 
 
“True love.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Thankfully, Glorfindel was already up and about when Elrond knocked on their door. 
Erestor had settled comfortably amidst a few supportive pillows and was growing 
impatient, hoping the healer would allow him to leave his bed.
 
Glorfindel opened the door and Elrond stepped inside, giving his Captain a warm 
smile. He was happy that his best friend had found someone to love. “And how do 
you fare today, Erestor?” He made for the bed and sat down on the edge. Amused, he 
noticed the blush on his patient’s features. 
 
“I am fine. Can I leave the bed, though?” 
 
Erestor’s impatience didn’t surprise Elrond, but he admonished his patient straight 
away. “I must examine you first.” The shoulder should have set and the arm begun to 
heal. “Lean against me.” He helped Erestor to lean forward and his expert fingers 
carefully examined the injured shoulder. /He is not healing as he should./ The 
shoulder was still swollen and the ligaments hadn’t settled yet. Carefully, he helped 
Erestor rest back against the pillows before examining the broken arm. 
 
Glorfindel noticed the deep frown on Elrond’s brow and grew ill at ease, knowing he 
had worn Erestor down earlier. “Is something amiss?”
 
“I am not pleased with the healing rate.” Elrond gave Erestor a serious look. “Did you 
obey my orders? Did you stay in bed?”
 
Erestor nodded once, rather surprised by Elrond’s worried tone. 
 
“And you didn’t engage in any strenuous activity?” Erestor’s blush intensified, 
answering Elrond’s question without words.
 
“Glorfindel!” Elrond glared, accusingly, at the blond warrior from over his shoulder. 
He shouldn’t be surprised that they were already intimate, but he was. He had 
thought Glorfindel would take this slowly! “No more activity of *that* kind, do you 
hear me? Erestor needs to rest or else the bones won’t settle!”
 
Glorfindel gave Erestor and Elrond a look that spoke of guilt. “I will behave.” 
 
“And now kindly join the guards. They are already waiting for you. I desire a moment 
alone with Erestor,” instructed Elrond in an authoritative tone. 
 
Glorfindel caught the building panic in Erestor’s eyes – some things apparently hadn’t 
changed yet. Elrond probably wanted to thank Erestor and to properly welcome him 
to the family. And Glorfindel wanted to give the half-Elf a chance to do all that. “I 
will return later, my love.” Glorfindel bent down and placed a parting kiss on 
Erestor’s slightly bruised lips. Ignoring the pleading expression in the dark eyes was 
hard, but he managed, realizing Erestor and Elrond needed to talk.
 
Why didn’t Glorfindel see that he needed him to stay? Beneath the sheet, Erestor’s 
fingers clawed at the mattress, trying to appear calm and controlled when he wasn’t. 
But Glorfindel took his leave and he found himself alone with the Lord of the Valley. 
Old habits died hard and fear slipped into his mind. 
 
“I only have one daughter and she is very precious to me,” started Elrond in a 
thoughtful voice. “I could have lost her, but you kept her safe.”
 
Erestor nervously shifted on the bed, biting down the yelp that threatened to leave 
his lips when his shoulder acted up. 
 
“What you did, kept my world intact and therefore I want to thank you.” Erestor 
tenderly caressed Erestor’s face, hoping the touch would settle Erestor’s nerves.
 
But the touch only unnerved Erestor further and he tried to move away from it.
 
Elrond failed to notice this and continued any way. “You will always have a home 
here and a friend in me.”
 
Erestor simply stared at the Elf-Lord, barely hearing what Elrond was saying.
 
“I would like for you to settle down in Imladris and to become a part of my family, 
Erestor.”
 
“My Lord, please… What I did wasn’t special!” 
 
Elrond graced Erestor with a kind smile. “My name is Elrond, not my Lord.”
 
Erestor bit his bottom lip. “Why can’t you just stop thanking me?” 
 
“Because I want you to know how much your deed means to me.” Elrond finally took 
pity on his patient and stopped discussing this – for now. “Now, show me your hand.” 
That wound should have healed completely by now. 
 
Erestor offered Elrond the injured hand and endured the examination. 
 
“This hasn’t healed yet.” It had started to, but the wound hadn’t even closed yet. This 
was most peculiar. The Elven healing ability should have taken care of this wound by 
now! “I will apply a calming balm and wrap it up again.”
 
Erestor let Elrond do as he pleased, but now that Arwen was no longer discussed, he 
felt a bit more comfortable and studied the half-Elf in turn. The eyes resembled 
silver-gray stars and the long, dark hair had been braided and knotted. Elrond didn’t 
wear his circlet today, but still radiated authority and wisdom. /He doesn’t mean me 
any harm./ 
 
However, the problem was that he didn’t have much experience in befriending 
people. Erestor slowly allowed the truth to settle in. Elrond wasn’t the enemy, but a 
friend, and he should treat him like one.
Part 8
 
 
“You are worried, husband-mine. Don’t try to hide this from me.” Celebrían stood 
behind Elrond, who was seated behind his old, oak desk. She lovingly folded her arms 
around him and rested her chin on his head. “What worries you?” 
 
Elrond sighed, troubled. “It is Erestor.” He allowed himself to enjoy the familiarity of 
her embrace, her smell and her presence. He had fallen in love with her a long time 
ago and she had made him very happy – was still making him happy. He loved her 
best. 
 
“What is amiss with Erestor?” Celebrían moved until she stood to his right and then 
sat down on the desk, ignoring the papers being crushed beneath her form. She 
maintained her hold on him and encouraged him to close the distance between them, 
which he did by pressing close to her and resting his head against her chest. “It has 
been four days since he took that fall and his injuries should be healing faster, but 
they aren’t. Only yesterday did the wound in his hand close.”
 
Celebrían delicately moistened her lips, rested her cheek against the crown of his 
head and closed her eyes, experiencing a moment of true bliss. “Maybe this is due to 
his overall weakened state?”
 
“Perhaps, but I do not believe that.” Elrond placed his hands on her hips, pulling her 
closer so he could inhale her scent more easily. “Do you remember how long it took 
Elladan to heal after he broke his leg?” 

Celebrían frowned. “What are you saying?” She ran her long, elegant fingers through 
his hair and added another playful knot. She loved putting them in, for then everyone 
knew Elrond was hers. It was her way of marking her territory – she was very 
protective of her husband, knowing what a treasure he was.
 
“There are a number of things that make me wonder about Erestor. Things, which 
Glorfindel told me and things I experienced myself.”
 
“Tell me,” she said, knowing him well enough to realize he wanted to discuss this. He 
would never have brought Erestor up otherwise.
 
“Glorfindel told me that Erestor’s mother was called Yestarë and for some reason that 
name sounds familiar to me. I just can’t remember why. Then, there is the fact that 
Erestor feels cold to the touch – that is not normal for a full Elf.”
 
“What else?” Celebrían’s heart quickened with worry, realizing what conclusion her 
husband must have reached.
 
“His injuries don’t heal as fast as they should and I have seen him sleep with his eyes 
closed. Little things, but important details.” Elrond drew in a deep breath. “Glorfindel 
also told me that Erestor doesn’t know who sired him… It could have been a human, 
but…” He tightened her hold on her and pulled her onto his lap. Looking at her, his 
features softened. “But that doesn’t make any sense either, as Glorfindel told me that 
Erestor and his mother were escorted by royal guards.”
 
“Royal guards? When did this take place?” She straddled his hips and pressed close. 
 
“After the Battle of the Last Alliance. Erestor must have been born shortly after that.”
 
“And now you wonder about his sire’s identity?” She cocked her head, lovingly 
letting her fingertips wander down his cheekbones.
 
“Glorfindel is right; only a high-ranking Elf could have ordered the royal guards to 
accompany them. This makes no sense, Celebrían.”
 
“Did you talk about this with Erestor yet?” It was obvious this worried her husband 
and thus, it worried her.
 
“Nay, he is beginning to feel at ease around me and I don’t want to push for more 
information. He probably doesn’t even know Glorfindel told me these details.” Sliding 
a hand into her silver hair, it came to rest against the back of her neck. “Erestor might 
be half-Elven, my dearest.”
 
“Then he *did* risk his own life when rescuing our daughter. Do you think he 
knows?” 
 
“I am not certain… Nay, I don’t think he does…” Elrond guided her head against his 
shoulder and cradled her affectionately. “But this matter raises many questions and I 
would like to see them answered. If only he would confide in me! I know what it is 
like to be half-Elven!”
 
Celebrían smiled, ruefully, against her husband’s shoulder. “But doesn’t this mean he 
made his choice many centuries ago?”
 
“Maybe, it is different for each of us. Maybe the Valar listened to his heart and 
decided for him, or maybe they are still waiting for him to make his choice.” Elrond 
laughed, suddenly, low and without joy. “Or maybe I am mistaken and he is fully 
Elven. Maybe I am seeing things that aren’t there.”
 
But Celebrían didn’t believe that; her husband was much too observant and 
intelligent to make such a mistake. She could only hope that one day the mystery 
would be solved.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Elrond told you to stay in bed, so you will!” Glorfindel was putting his foot down. It 
was amazing how little was left of the insecure, frightened Elf he had found in the 
stables. Erestor was becoming more and more confident and was testing to see how 
far he could push him. Glorfindel secretly loved that – seeing that fire, that resolve in 
an Elf he had believed shy and nervous. Oh, Erestor could still be shy and nervous, 
but those moments had become limited to their explorations in bed. 
 
“I want to leave the bed! I hate being locked up in this room! Don’t you understand, 
Glorfindel? This is what they did to me for millennia! I want to go outside, sit in the 
sun, and look out over the valley and…” Tears of anger threatened to leave his eyes, 
as Erestor glared at the blond warrior. “Please understand that this is slowly killing 
me!”
 
“And it may be setting back your recovery,” whispered Glorfindel, wonderingly. “You 
*do* know that Elrond will be furious with me for giving you your way?”
 
“Please, Glorfindel. All that I am asking is to be allowed to sit on the balcony!” It was 
true; being cooped up inside was slowly driving him insane, especially during such a 
beautiful and sunny day.
 
Glorfindel released a deep breath, realizing he had lost the argument. “Let me get the 
sling.” Elrond had fashioned a sling for the occasions on which Erestor needed to visit 
the bathroom. 
 
Erestor rested his head against the soft pillows. He trembled over his entire body and 
was close to bursting out into tears. He didn’t do well in captivity and this felt like 
being imprisoned!
 
A moment later, Glorfindel returned with the sling and headed for the bed. Erestor’s 
shoulder and arm were still bandaged to support the healing bones, but the formerly 
injured hand had finally healed. Glorfindel slipped the sling into place and assisted 
Erestor in placing his arm in it, noticing the way his lover gritted his teeth against the 
pain. “I can carry you,” he offered; he loved carrying Erestor.
 
“I will walk,” stated Erestor, determinedly. 
 
Glorfindel relented, knowing better than to fight Erestor on this. He pushed back the 
covers and helped his lover to his feet. Erestor swayed briefly, but Glorfindel steadied 
him and together they made their way over to the balcony. Glorfindel had to let go of 
Erestor to place a comfortable, reclining chair onto the balcony, which he added 
pillows to. “Slowly, now,” he instructed, lowering his injured lover into the midst of 
the fluffy pillows. “Are you comfortable like this?”
 
The tears in Erestor’s eyes had long dried and he enjoyed the soft caress Arien’s 
afternoon’s rays bestowed onto his bare chest – well, the part that wasn’t bandaged. 
Glorfindel even went as far as to collect a foot-stool and lifted his feet so he was as 
comfortable as possible. “Thank you,” said Erestor, regretting his outburst only 
minutes ago. “My words were uncalled for, but…”
 
Glorfindel bent from the waist and pressed a gentle kiss on the apologizing lips. “You 
were right, love. There is no reason why you should be confined to bed. You are just 
as comfortable out here.” Erestor had a lovely view over Imladris from this balcony 
and could even look onto the courtyard, which was filled with busy Elves. “But 
Elrond won’t like it.”
 
“He is right, Erestor, but I will forgive him, just this once.” Elrond had been surprised 
to find the bed empty, but had then heard the voices coming from the balcony. 
 
Glorfindel collected another chair and placed it next to Erestor’s, so Elrond could sit 
during his patient’s examination. 
 
“Thank you, Glorfindel,” said Elrond. “The twins told me they were rather hoping 
you would join them on the training grounds today. You could do with some 
sparring.” It would help Glorfindel release some of the pent-up frustration. 
 
Understanding the order – disguised as a request – Glorfindel grudgingly left. He 
would have preferred to stay.
 
“Erestor, I will be honest with you. You are not healing as fast as I would like.” 
Elrond leaned in closer, trying to read the expression in Erestor’s eyes. These last few 
days, the injured Elf had done a valiant attempt to befriend him and he was happy 
that Erestor was finally letting some of his suspicion go. “The shoulder should have 
set and the arm free of supporting bandages. This vexes me and I wonder what is 
hampering the healing process.”
 
Erestor momentarily felt speechless. What was he supposed to add to that? He had 
also realized that Elrond and Glorfindel were worried about the slow healing process. 
“I never healed fast, my Lo…” He bit his bottom lip and corrected himself. “I never 
healed fast, Elrond. It always took me weeks to recover from an injury.”
 
“That shouldn’t be the case,” said Elrond, thoughtfully. How to approach the real 
subject he wanted to discuss with his patient? “Maybe you would feel more at ease 
with your family surrounding you and taking care of you? I could send for them.” He 
had to keep in mind that Erestor didn’t know Glorfindel had confided in him. 
 
Erestor paled, visibly, having never expected this topic to come up. “My mother died 
when I was little and I have no siblings.” Not any he knew of, at least.
 
“I am sorry to hear that…” Elrond didn’t add to that, hoping Erestor would open up 
to him.
 
“My mother, Yestarë, died when I was little,” repeated Erestor. “But I still remember 
her smile and the love in her eyes.”
 
Again, the name sounded familiar and Elrond wondered why. “And what of your 
father?”
 
“I don’t know my father.” Erestor briefly closed his eyes, wishing Elrond would drop 
discussing this.
 
“You don’t?” Glorfindel had told him as much, but Elrond was curious. Maybe there 
was a way to find out Erestor’s heritage and *if* he was really dealing with a half-Elf.
 
Reminding himself that Elrond had earned his trust, Erestor opened up to the Elf-
Lord. “My mother gave me a ring shortly before she died. She said it would lead me to 
my father if I ever desired to speak with him.”
 
“A ring?” This was new! Glorfindel hadn’t told him about this!
 
“Aye, I wear it knotted in my hair… I take it out occasionally to look at it, and then I 
braid it back in, close to the scalp.” Adding this next admission was hard on him. “I 
don’t want to lose it accidentally.”
 
“May I see this ring?” 
 
“Nay, please don’t ask me that.” Erestor averted his eyes. “I don’t want to know who 
he is.”
 
“Why is that?” Elrond felt frustrated; Erestor had been cooperating until he had asked 
to see the ring!
 
“I don’t want to run the risk of ever meeting him and having to look him in the eye.” 
Seeing Elrond’s confusion, he explained. “He abandoned us. Aye, he arranged for the 
escort, but he wasn’t there when the Orcs attacked or later, when the humans caught 
me. I don’t know how I would react to meeting him in person.”
 
“Maybe he had a good reason for not being there?” suggested Elrond, carefully. 
 
“What better cause could he have than being with his family and protecting them?” 
spat Erestor, poisonously. “Maybe, if he had been there to protect us, the Orcs 
wouldn’t have succeeded in killing my mother and the guards!”
 
“I don’t know if the presence of one person would have made such a difference,” said 
Elrond, hesitantly. “But I understand your anger. I really do. If my father hadn’t been 
searching for a way to Aman, my mother…” Old, almost forgotten heartache 
overwhelmed him. Erestor’s story could have been his with some alternations. “My 
father was obsessed by finding a way to the Undying Lands and when the attack 
came, he was away from home. My mother managed to escape, but… it changed her 
forever.” He wasn’t certain how much of the truth Erestor would believe and he 
decided not to mention the Silmaril and her transformation. “My twin brother and I 
were taken prisoner and raised by… strangers. I often asked myself if my father’s 
presence at home would have made a difference.”
 
Seeing tears in Elrond’s eyes, Erestor acted intuitively. He leaned in closer, ignoring 
the stinging sensation in his shoulder and arm, and folded his good arm loosely 
around the Elf-Lord’s shoulder. He understood Elrond’s pain perfectly – hadn’t he 
experienced the same thing? But now he found himself in a new position; that of 
comforting Elrond and he spoke words he had never thought of before.
 
“But you survived… And you found someone to love, someone to start a family with. 
You are happy now, aren’t you?” The words sounded alien to his ears, but he had 
really said them! Until now, he hadn’t known he thought about it like that! “You 
have a loving wife, a beautiful daughter and…” What flattering thing could he say 
about the twins? “Interesting sons.”
 
Elrond smiled, at hearing that last addition. “You are right, of course. The Valar 
blessed me in many ways.” But they had also taken Elros away from him. 
 
Erestor gave Elrond a thoughtful look. “I didn’t realize that until now.”
 
“What?”
 
“That I should be happy as well, now that I have found Glorfindel – and a home.” He 
added that last part because he knew it meant a lot to Elrond. 
 
“Erestor, I must ask this, because…” Because he was worried that Erestor was only 
half-Elven, but he couldn’t voice that thought yet, so he had to be the diplomat 
instead. “I ask because your father might not know you survived and maybe he would 
like to meet his son.”
 
“I am no one’s son,” said Erestor, calmly. “But if it so important to you I will show you 
the ring the next time I remove it.”
 
Elrond’s expression brightened. “Thank you.”
 
Erestor gave Elrond a worried look. Why were Glorfindel and Elrond so interested in 
finding his father? /I guess they mean well, but I wish they would let it rest./
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“A delegation, consisting of humans, has requested an audience, my Lord.”
 
Elrond looked up, abruptly, from the report he was reading. “Regarding what?” It 
couldn’t be the villagers, could it? They wouldn’t dare venture into Imladris in order 
to claim Erestor as their own.
 
Glorfindel, who had been looking out of the window, turned about and also looked at 
Elrond’s assistant. 
 
The young scribe didn’t notice the attention he was getting. “They wish to set up 
trade arrangements. Apparently, they are well known for their wines and the 
garments they weave.”
 
/False alarm,/ realized Glorfindel, who relaxed, marginally. 
 
“Arrange for a meeting and leave us now. I wish to talk to Lord Glorfindel in private,” 
instructed Elrond. 
 
The young Elf left and Elrond rose from behind his desk to join Glorfindel in staring 
out of the window. “You thought the same thing as I.”
 
“Oh, I want to get my hands on them! They will pay for what they did to Erestor!” 
Glorfindel’s fist slammed hard against the window sill. “He is still worried they will 
come for him and take him with them. Erestor is still afraid this life of freedom and 
happiness won’t last!”
 
“His prior experiences shaped him into the person he is now,” said Elrond, 
thoughtfully. “That cannot be undone in a few weeks.”
 
“I understand that, but it is frustrating!” Glorfindel drew in a deep, calming breath. 
“How did your visit go? Is he beginning to trust you?”
 
“Aye, and we talked about his father. He promised to show me the ring, but he 
stipulated that he would choose the moment.”
 
Glorfindel raised an eyebrow. “Even I am not allowed to look upon it!”  
 
“He will most certainly want you there when the moment comes for him to face his 
past.” Elrond paused, briefly, to gather his thoughts. “I believe he wants to know his 
sire. Otherwise he wouldn’t have hinted he would show me that ring.” He also 
recalled Erestor’s remark that he didn’t want to lose it.
 
“What do you do if his father is dead? Or sailed for Aman?” Then, he remembered. 
“You believe he is human, don’t you?”
 
“It is possible,” said Elrond, patiently. “We won’t know for certain until we see that 
ring.”
 
“What if his mother was just trying to comfort him by telling him that and the ring 
holds no clue regarding his father’s identity?”
 
“We will face that situation when it occurs,” decided Elrond. “Glorfindel, would you 
inform Erestor that I would like to have dinner together? Celebrían and I will come 
to your rooms. It is easier that way.”
 
“You are very interested in him, all of a sudden.” Traces of jealousy sounded in 
Glorfindel’s voice.
 
“Erestor and I have more in common than we thought,” replied Elrond, recalling their 
conversation that afternoon. “For example, a father who wasn’t there when we 
needed him the most.”
 
Feeling guilty for feeling jealous, Glorfindel lowered his eyes in understanding. “I will 
tell him.”
 
“Do you think he will accept?”
 
“Aye, I think he will… He likes you, even though he is afraid to let it show… And he 
likes Celebrían as well. I think that he secretly longs for more company – more 
friends.”
 
“In that case, he has them.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Dinner?” Erestor gave Glorfindel a pensive look. “Why?”
 
“Because they want to spend time with us – you. They want to get to know you.” 
Glorfindel felt vexed; his hands itched to help Erestor, who was doing a poor job at 
cleaning himself up. He had lowered his lover into the half-filled pool, making 
certain the bandages didn’t get wet, and was now frustrated because Erestor refused 
to accept his help. Washing up, single-handedly, proved difficult, but Erestor wasn’t 
one to easily admit he needed help. 
 
Glorfindel leaned against the doorway, keeping quiet, but he desperately wanted to 
offer his help. He respected Erestor enough though to not force his help upon him. 
 
“I can’t do this,” admitted Erestor, eventually, throwing the wash cloth into the 
water. Realizing he only had one option left, he asked, sweetly, “Would you help 
me?”
 
That was exactly what Glorfindel had been waiting for. “Of course.” He joined Erestor 
and sat on the edge of the pool. Taking hold of the wash cloth, he added soap to it and 
then tenderly began to wash Erestor’s back. “Would you like me to wash your hair as 
well?”
 
“Yes, please.” Erestor bit his bottom lip, as Glorfindel’s slow movements caused him 
to grow aroused. The wash cloth glided caringly over his flesh and he sighed, 
blissfully. “Glorfindel, there is something I want to ask you.” 
 
Glorfindel had finished washing Erestor’s back and now gathered the wet, ebony 
mane in his hands. “Whatever it is, you already have it.”
 
“Elrond was rather persistent when he visited earlier and I told him I would show 
him the ring my mother gave me, but…” Erestor looked over his shoulder at the fair 
Elf, and long strands of hair slipped from Glorfindel’s fingers. “I want you at my side 
and I want you to make me a promise.”
 
“What kind of promise?” Glorfindel finger-combed Erestor’s hair, encountering said 
ring once more.
 
“*If” Elrond, or you, recognize the ring, and knows whom it belongs you, I don’t want 
you to tell me. I don’t want to hear. Stop Elrond if he wants to tell me.” Erestor 
swallowed, nervously. “I really don’t want to know my father’s name.”
 
“What if he is still alive and had good reasons for not being there?” Glorfindel felt 
honored that Erestor put that much trust in him. He had finished washing Erestor’s 
hair and now dried it. He still didn’t try to steal a look at the ring, respecting Erestor’s 
choices.
 
“I don’t want to know his name, Glorfindel. Please do this for me?” Erestor raised his 
good arm and rested it on Glorfindel’s knee. 
 
“I won’t tell you,” promised Glorfindel. “But if you ever change your mind, I will.”
 
“I won’t change my mind. I don’t want to know his name.” 
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Celebrían tried to get a good look at Erestor’s ears to see if they were as pointy as hers 
or slightly rounded like her husband’s. Thankfully, Glorfindel had braided the long, 
dark hair away from the face, giving her at least a chance at spying.
 
“You look better today,” said Elrond, eager to make conversation now that Erestor 
proved rather silent. 
 
“Thank you.” Erestor nodded, distractedly. His thoughts still raced around the 
question if he really didn’t want to find out his father’s identity. What if his father 
was still alive? Maybe he would get some answers then? Perhaps his father could 
explain to him what had been more important than being with his family?
 
“Erestor?” Glorfindel rested his hand atop of his lover’s in an attempt to attract 
Erestor’s attention. “Are you tired?” They had finished dinner, but it was still early. 
 
“I am not sure,” said Erestor, waveringly. 
 
“Maybe we should take our leave,” suggested Celebrían. 
 
“That might be best,” replied Glorfindel, disturbed by his lover’s darkening mood.
 
Elrond and Celebrían rose from their chairs. The she-Elf decided to try one more time 
and leaned in closer to bestow a quick hug on Erestor, who allowed it. She rested her 
cheek close to his, and caught a glimpse of the slightly rounded ears – they looked a 
lot like her husband’s. “Try to rest, Erestor.”
 
Erestor nodded, absentmindedly. Did he really want to know his father’s identity? 
Did he?
 
After Elrond and Celebrían had left Erestor finally made eye-contact with Glorfindel. 
 
“What worries you?” Glorfindel shifted closer and gathered Erestor’s hand in his. 
 
“I am wondering if I really don’t want to know my father’s name… What if you are 
right and he is still alive? He has the answers I have been looking for my entire life.”
 
Glorfindel soothingly rubbed the back of Erestor’s hand. “You don’t have to decide 
this now. There is even a chance that the ring holds no clues at all and that we can’t 
identify your sire. You should keep that in mind as well.”
 
“You are right, of course, but my mother was very adamant that it would guide me to 
my father.”
 
“Elrond and I can have a look at it tomorrow and if we recognize it -- and you *do* 
want to know -- we will tell you. If we don’t recognize it…”
 
“Then my father’s name will remain a mystery forever.”
 
“Maybe… Hopefully not.” Glorfindel carefully gathered his lover in his arms, mindful 
of the injuries and staying clear of them. 
 
“Can we do this tomorrow and can I also decide then if I want to know or not?”
 
“Of course, you can, my love.” Glorfindel held Erestor close, determined to stand at 
the raven-haired Elf’s side and to support him.
Part 9
 
 
Erestor nervously fidgeted with the fabric of his leggings. Elrond, Glorfindel and he 
were seated on the balcony and Ithil’s soft, silver rays still dominated the dawn sky. It 
had taken him most of the night to work up the courage to follow through. 
 
“Are you certain you want us to see it?” asked Glorfindel, knowing Erestor needed a 
last way out. He had never experienced the raven-haired Elf as tense as today. 
 
“I don’t want to do this,” clarified Erestor. “But I must.” Seated next to Glorfindel, he 
used his good hand to guide his lover’s fingers close to the ring. “Undo the knots and 
take it out.”
 
Glorfindel complied and exchanged a worried look with Elrond, but the half-Elf 
nodded, encouraging him to remove the ring. 
 
Elrond couldn’t help being worried. Erestor was only slowly improving. Although the 
shoulder ligaments had finally settled and had begun to heal, the broken arm 
remained a source of constant discomfort for Erestor. Being a half-Elf was the only 
plausible explanation as to why it took the dark-haired Elf so long to recover. 
 
Erestor swallowed, convulsively, feeling Glorfindel’s fingers undo the knot, which 
held the ring. “I don’t want to be here when you look at it.”
 
Elrond sighed. He just didn’t understand why Erestor was this apprehensive about 
finding out his father’s identity, but he respected the raven-haired Elf’s decision 
nonetheless. 
 
Glorfindel removed the ring and closed his fingers over it. “Love, don’t stray too far. 
You are still under orders to rest.”
 
“I will go to the stables,” said Erestor, resolutely rising from his chair. “And please 
don’t tell me my father’s name should you find out.”
 
“I thought you wanted to know?” But then again, Erestor had changed his mind 
constantly. Glorfindel figured Erestor would want to know in the end, but first, his 
lover needed to build the necessary courage. 
 
Erestor gave them both one last look and then left the balcony. He didn’t know how 
he felt; too many different emotions were running through him and they ranged from 
curious to terrified. “Don’t tell me… Just don’t.” He closed the door behind him and 
headed for the stables, hoping Asfaloth’s presence would settle his raging nerves.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel slowly uncurled his fingers and revealed the ring to them. Elrond scooted 
closer to study it. The ring was made of mithril and shone brightly. 
 
“What is all this?” Glorfindel raised the ring between two fingers to get a better look 
at it. His eyes narrowed as he tried to identify the symbols on it. “Is this a bird? And if 
it is, what is it carrying in its beak? Are these stars?” He counted nine of them. 
 
Elrond’s heart stopped beating for one terrible moment. “I know this ring.” 
 
Glorfindel’s eyes narrowed at his friend’s horrified tone, and when Elrond opened his 
hand to collect the ring, he placed it on his friend’s palm. “You do?” Elrond had 
grown awfully pale and the hand that held the ring shook violently. The gray eyes 
had turned large and a nervous twitch appeared near the corner of Elrond’s mouth. 
“Elrond, what is amiss?”
 
“This cannot be, Glorfindel. I cannot be holding this ring in my hand; it is 
impossible!” Shivers traveled down Elrond’s spine and he released a strangled sob. 
“This cannot be… It is impossible!”
 
”Elrond!” Realizing his friend was slipping into some sort of shock, Glorfindel grabbed 
hold of Elrond’s shoulders and shook him. “Why do you know this ring? Do you 
know who it belongs to?”
 
Elrond shook his head in disbelief and his fingers closed tightly over the ring, pressing 
the mithril into his flesh. “I do, Glorfindel. I know who it belongs to!”
 
“You know who Erestor’s father is? Tell me!” What had shocked Elrond in such a 
way?
 
“*I* am Erestor’s father. This ring belongs to me.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor almost reconsidered his destination, finding Elladan was already present in 
the stables. He was about to turn around and leave, but then Asfaloth neighed, 
drawing Elladan’s attention to the new arrival. 
 
Elladan turned around and immediately spotted Erestor in the doorway. He hadn’t 
had a chance to talk to their guest since Erestor had rescued Arwen and he was 
grateful he had finally received a chance. “Please come closer… I am just about to 
finish this up.”
 
In spite of his timidity, Erestor grew curious to what Elladan was doing. “Isn’t that 
Elrohir’s horse?” He moved a little closer and frowned, finding Elladan had worked 
bright, pink ribbons into the mare’s mane.
 
“Aye, it is. It is our begetting day tomorrow and this is my gift for him.” Elladan 
winked, mischievously. Erestor’s expression however, spoke of confusion, so he 
explained. “It is a practical joke, Erestor.”
 
“Ah…” He didn’t have any experiences with practical jokes. Asfaloth snorted and 
Erestor walked over to the mighty war horse. Affectionately, he rubbed the warm 
nose and then settled for rubbing behind the ears. “Does that mean Elrohir will try to 
play a ‘practical joke’ on you too?”
 
“I hope so.” Elladan laughed and joined Erestor’s side. “You know, except for 
Glorfindel, you are the only Elf he is willing to carry.” 
 
“It’s an honor that he accepts me.” Erestor slid his hand down the powerful neck. “I 
wish I could take you for a ride, but Elrond forbad me to move about too much. I hurt 
my shoulder, you see.”
 
Aye, Asfaloth had noticed the bandages and was extremely carefully when playfully 
pushing his nose against Erestor’s good shoulder. 
 
Erestor giggled. “I promise to make things up to you and take you for a long ride 
when I am better.”
 
Oh, he would keep Erestor to that! Asfaloth pushed his nose beneath Erestor’s hand, 
urging the Elf to pet him, which Erestor promptly did.
 
“Erestor, I haven’t had the chance to thank you for…”
 
“Please don’t. I didn’t do anything special.” Erestor had felt surprisingly comfortable 
with Elladan close – until now that was.
 
Elladan noticed the sudden tension between them as well. Fine, he would show his 
gratitude in another way. He was certain he would come up with something. “How 
are your shoulder and arm? Are they finally healing?” 
 
“Slowly, your father seems displeased with the healing speed, but he promised to 
remove the majority of the bandages tomorrow. However,  he wants me to continue 
to use the sling.”
 
Elladan nodded; his father had told him that he worried about Erestor’s recovery. 
“Maybe you would like to join me for a walk in the gardens? We could find a nice, 
shaded spot and take a nap.”
 
“Nap?”
 
“I just returned from a two-day patrol and I must admit I am bit tired.”
 
“Then I shouldn’t keep you! Go to bed and sleep.”
 
“Nah, I like it best in the gardens. Come with me?” Elladan saw doubt in Erestor’s 
eyes, but he still hoped the other Elf would accept.
 
“A walk in the gardens sounds like a splendid idea,” said Celebrían, who had 
overheard part of their conversation. She knew what was happening in Glorfindel’s 
rooms and that Erestor was jittery because they were examining his mother’s ring. 
This was no time for Erestor to be alone. “Join us.”
 
Erestor knew it would be impolite to reject her invitation and nodded his head. He 
would accompany them. Maybe they could distract him from his worries for a little 
while.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Shocked, stunned and speechless, those were the motions Glorfindel was going 
through whilst staring at a pale-looking Elrond. 
 
Unable to remain seated any longer, Elrond jumped to his feet and began to pace the 
balcony. “I should have remembered, but I tried my best to forget that night!” 
Yestarë, the name finally came back to him and he felt the overwhelming urge to 
explain. “It happened the night after Ereinion died. I was crushed because of the loss I 
had suffered. I wished it had been me, who had died on the battle field instead of my 
best friend.”
 
Glorfindel listened, fascinated, as Elrond’s tale took him back in time. 
 
“I wandered through the encampment for hours and was about to collapse due to 
grief and exhaustion when a pair of arms caught me. I had seen Yestarë several times 
before, but we had seldom talked. She was Ereinion’s favorite niece and had insisted 
she stayed with us – mostly to support Ereinion. She was one of his confidants you 
see, one of his advisors. I never paid her much attention, because I was solely focused 
on our ultimate goal – destroying Sauron.”
 
Glorfindel moistened his lips. “Carry on.”
 
“That night, she comforted me. We mourned Ereinion’s passing together. We cried 
and held each other tight.” Elrond’s eyes swam with tears, reliving those moments. 
“In the end, she took me to her bed and we…” Elrond gave Glorfindel an apologetic 
shrug. “We both needed the comfort, the intimacy. In the morning, I gave her this 
ring. Ereinion had it made for me and I valued it highly, but in order to be able to 
begin a new life I wanted to burn my bridges behind me, so I gave it to her, hoping 
she would keep it as a memory of her uncle – and maybe of me.”
 
“She conceived that night,” continued Glorfindel, grimly. 
 
“Aye, she must have. She stayed longer in the encampment than I did. When I left for 
Imladris she was still there.” Elrond collapsed onto his chair and shook his head, 
sliding the ring down his finger. A perfect fit. “I never knew she conceived, 
Glorfindel. If I had, I would have stayed with her and wedded her. I would have 
made her my wife and have taken her to Imladris to live here… To see my son grow 
up.”
 
“But instead, her escort was slaughtered, she herself was killed and Erestor faced a 
lifelong imprisonment at the hands of humans.” Glorfindel’s voice was deadly sharp. 
 
“I didn’t know I had sired a son, Glorfindel!” said Elrond in a shaky tone. “I didn’t.”
 
Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. “Of all the possible outcomes I never foresaw this 
one.”
 
“Neither did I,” admitted Elrond in a broken voice. Oh, this revelation had upended 
his entire life. He had a son he had never known about! A son much older than 
Elladan and Elrohir. “He is my rightful heir, Glorfindel,” said Elrond, shaken.
 
This revelation had enormous consequences, realized Glorfindel, suddenly. Elladan 
was no longer Elrond’s firstborn son and no longer entitled to inherit Imladris. “Will 
you tell your family?”
 
“Glorfindel, I don’t know!” Elrond raised his arms in surrender. “I just found out 
myself! I need to think about this!” Fear suddenly spread across Elrond’s face. 
“Erestor, does he want to know?”
 
“The last time we spoke, he didn’t, but he changes his mind constantly. If he asks, I 
am not certain I can lie to him.” Glorfindel shook his head. “He deserves to know the 
truth, Elrond. He suffered for it.”
 
“I know that!” Elrond’s voice was high-pitched and revealed panic. “News reached me 
that Yestarë had been murdered in an Orc attack, but I never realized there was a 
child – a son.”
 
“I won’t tell Erestor, unless he asks for the truth. I suggest you make good use of the 
little time you have and consider your next step.”
 
“I need to tell Celebrían first,” decided Elrond. “We will decide what to do – we will 
make that decision together.” He needed his wife at his side now – and even more 
importantly, he needed her advice.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Is he asleep?” Celebrían cocked her head to study Erestor’s features. She couldn’t tell 
Elladan of their suspicion that Erestor could be half-Elven, but she could observe 
Erestor and gather information that way. “Elladan?” A sweet smile formed on her 
face, finding her son asleep with his head resting on Erestor’s thigh. When had that 
happened? “You two are more alike than I thought,” she whispered, amused.
 
“Celebrían? We need to talk.” Elrond swallowed, hard, finding Erestor and Elladan 
asleep and his wife watching over them. They could have passed for a happy family 
and he wondered if that dream would ever come true. “Something urgent has come 
up, and we need to discuss it.” His gaze came to rest on Erestor and he flinched, 
seeing the bandaged arm and shoulder, the gaunt face and the deep lines, etched onto 
Erestor’s brow. /My son… Erestor is my son… my firstborn./
 
Sensing her husband’s tension, Celebrían rose from the grass and joined her him. 
Elrond walked away from the sleeping Elves and she followed, wondering what had 
upset Elrond this much. “What is amiss, husband-mine? You know you can tell me.”
 
Elrond drew in a deep breath and looked over his shoulder at Erestor and Elladan, 
wondering if they would still be on friendly terms after the truth had been revealed. 
By the Grace of the Valar, he didn’t want to lose his family over this! 
 
“Something is wrong,” realized Celebrían. “Terribly wrong. What is it, Elrond?”
 
He was about to tell her when they came across Arwen, wandering the rose gardens. 
“Arwen, would you head for the kitchens, pack a picnic basket, find Elrohir and join 
Elladan and Elrohir in the gazebo? Having lunch together might be a nice idea. That 
way you can get to know Erestor better.”
 
Arwen raised an eye-brow, showing she was truly her father’s daughter, but didn’t 
ask any questions. She nodded once and smiled, puzzled. “That does sound lovely, 
father. I think I will do that.”
 
Elrond watched Arwen head for the kitchens and he waited for her to be out of 
hearing range before addressing Celebrían once more. “You are right; something is 
wrong… Or maybe it isn’t. All I know is that I am terribly confused.”
 
She guided him to their private spot, close to the waterfall. Settling down, she leaned 
against him. Her back rested against his chest and she relished the feel of his strong 
arms enfolding her. She leaned back and rested her head against his shoulder. She 
didn’t know what was amiss, but it was obvious that he needed more time to sort out 
his thoughts.
 
Several long minutes passed by and Elrond eventually cleared his throat. “I don’t 
know how to tell you.”
 
“Does this have anything to do with Erestor?” She affectionately rubbed her cheek 
against the fabric of his robes and pressed closer to him. 
 
“Aye, it does.” Elrond drew in a deep breath, closed his eyes, and said, “Glorfindel and 
I examined the ring and I recognized it. I gifted it to Yestarë, one of Ereinion’s nieces, 
after I bedded her.”
 
Celebrían’s eyes widened. “What?” What had Elrond just said? She turned in the 
embrace to make eye-contact with her husband. The first thing she saw was the guilt-
ridden expression in his swimming eyes and the nervous twitching of his lips. Telling 
her was hard on Elrond and took most of his courage, she could tell that much. 
 
“I am Erestor’s father. Yestarë must have conceived during that night and she gave 
him the ring as a momentum. She said it would lead him to his father.” Elrond shyly 
looked at his wife. How would she react to this news?
 
Her head spun with all this new information. “When did this happen?”
 
“The night after Ereinion’s death. We were both hurting and she offered herself to 
me. I accepted.” Elrond trembled over his entire body, hoping Celebrían would 
remain at his side and not desert him. Hearing he had a son was quite a shock to her 
and he didn’t blame her.
 
“Erestor is *your* son?” She blinked once, trying to accept this startling truth. “Are 
you absolutely certain?”
 
“He is half-Elven, just as we thought. That is why it takes him so long to heal. We 
were right about that. And yes, I am certain he is my son.” Elrond moistened his lips 
and gave her a look that spoke of fear of losing her. “Can you accept this?”
 
“I must,” realized Celebrían, frowning deeply. “But this has huge consequences! 
Elladan is no longer your firstborn! We raised him to be the future Lord of Imladris, 
Elrond. How will he take this development?” Celebrían felt bewildered; she had 
never expected this kind of news! She had thought Erestor was one of the sons of 
Ereinion’s Captains… not his Herald’s!
 
“We have to tell our children the truth, but I would prefer doing that with you at my 
side. Celebrían, love of my life, where does this leave us? What has changed between 
us?”
 
“Much,” she said, pensively. “I don’t blame you for seeking comfort the night after 
Ereinion died…”
 
“But you blame me for…?” Elrond’s heart felt like it was about to break.
 
“You should have inquired about her condition! You know as well as I do that one 
night is enough to conceive!” 
 
“I never considered it. I was hurting and…” Elrond closed his eyes, deeply ashamed of 
his past behavior. “I tried to forget about her and that night. It is not something I am 
proud of.”
 
Celebrían shook her head and glared at him. “It was your duty as her lover to keep an 
eye on her to see if she was with child! Males!”
 
Elrond’s face flushed a delicate crimson. “I was on my way to Imladris and Celeborn 
had mentioned a possible marriage to you. I wanted to concentrate on wooing you.”
 
“I simply cannot believe you!” Celebrían freed herself of her husband’s embrace and 
got to her feet. Pacing in front of Elrond, her hair danced wildly against the small of 
her back. “Does Erestor know yet?”
 
“He told us that he didn’t want to know his father’s identity. But Glorfindel also said 
he changes his mind a lot. I don’t know how much time we have to prepare our 
children.”
 
“They have a half-brother… I have another son.” Celebrían ran a hand through her 
hair. “Erestor must become a part of this family and assume his rightful position.”
 
“There is always the possibility that he doesn’t want to rule Imladris in the future. 
That way, Elladan…”
 
Celebrían interrupted her husband in an angry tone. “Elrond, Erestor is your 
firstborn! He is your heir! That doesn’t mean that you love Elladan less, and he knows 
that!”
 
Elrond bowed his head – his shame still growing stronger. “I am afraid I will 
disappoint Elladan.”
 
“Oh, Elrond!” Celebrían returned to his side and knelt in front of him. She took his 
face between her hands and lifted it so he had to look at her. “You have been the best 
father a child can hope for. Arwen, Elrohir and Elladan know you love them! The fact 
that Erestor is your rightful heir will take some adjusting on their part, but they will 
make you proud. I promise you that they will accept this and even more, they will 
come to love Erestor and to care for him.”
 
“You accept this, then?” Elrond had been afraid to hope that much.
 
“Oh, beloved! Erestor is flesh of your flesh. Your blood runs through his veins! How 
could I not accept this? I wish his life had been less harsh, and that he had found his 
way to Imladris a long time ago. Then, his wounds might not have been that deep!”
 
“Oh, I love you so much!” Elrond wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close and 
showered her face with butterfly-light kisses. “I was so scared to tell you!”
 
“There was no reason to be scared, husband-mine. Our love will always pull us 
through.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor smiled, upon wakening. It hadn’t been his intention to fall asleep, but 
Celebrían’s voice had gently lured him into sleep. It was one of the best naps he had 
ever had. The one thing that would have made it even better, would have been 
having Glorfindel at this side. Moving slightly, he tried to stretch before getting up, 
but then found something was weighing him down. Something rested on his right leg 
– something heavy.
 
“Will you stop moving? You make a nice pillow, but not when you are twitching.”
 
/Twitching?/ Curious, Erestor looked at Elladan, whose head rested on his thigh. How 
had they gotten into that situation? “I am not a pillow…” He didn’t know where the 
words had come from, or the teasing note, but he giggled, hearing Elladan sputter his 
protest.
 
“Can we not stay like this a little longer? I am still tired.” In order to stress his words, 
he yawned. 
 
“Elladan? How did this happen?”
 
“You fell asleep and I was in need of a pillow. You didn’t protest!”
 
“I was asleep!” Erestor shook his head, suddenly realizing they were bantering. Did he 
really feel that comfortable around Elladan? That was quite a surprise. Looking about 
he realized something. “The Lady Celebrían has left.”
 
“Aye, father collected her for a walk. Damn, too bad this nap has to end.” Reluctantly, 
Elladan pushed himself upright and stretched like a cat. “We are about to get 
company.” His eyes had made out the forms of his sister and brother. “And they are 
bringing food! Good, for I am hungry!” Elladan rose from the grass and waved at his 
siblings to attract their attention. “We are over here!”
 
Erestor struggled to his feet as well. “I should leave, then.” He didn’t want to impose 
on them.
 
“Nonsense, stay!” Elladan firmly shook his head. 
 
Erestor wavered; he was hungry and he wanted to befriend them further, but he 
wasn’t certain if they were interested in his company.
 
Arwen arrived first and hugged Elladan close. “Did you encounter the enemy on your 
patrols, brother?” She sat down and gestured for Elrohir to put down the heavy picnic 
basket.
 
“Thankfully not. Our borders are safe.” Elladan playfully elbowed his twin in the side. 
“Tomorrow is the big day!”
 
Elrohir marginally smiled at Elladan. “What have you been up to this time?” He 
opened the basket and unfolded the blanket. After that, he placed the bread, fruits, 
meats, cheeses and pies on it. He handed each of them a bottle of spring water and 
then sat down in between Arwen and his twin. 
 
“You will find out soon enough,” said Elladan. 
 
“Erestor? Please sit down.” Arwen smiled, sensing Erestor’s inner battle. Her father 
had been right; this was a good opportunity for them to get to know Erestor better. “I 
hope you are hungry. The cook baked an apple pie, especially for you.” She pushed 
the plate with the pie on it into Erestor’s direction. 
 
Realizing they wouldn’t allow him to leave, Erestor sat down on the grass. His arm 
throbbed and he used his good arm to support the injured limb. Surprised, he looked 
at the large amount of food Arwen and Elrohir had brought. It was enough to feed a 
starving family!
 
Elrohir correctly interpreted Erestor’s expression and shrugged his shoulders. “There 
has always been plenty, Erestor. Plenty of food, water, clothes… We never had to 
want for anything. We are taking this for granted, aren’t we?”
 
“Perhaps,” whispered Erestor. “I am still getting used to the idea that I don’t have to 
go hungry.”
 
Arwen bit her bottom lip at hearing the repressed misery in Erestor’s voice. “Do you 
like it here in Imladris?” 
 
“What my sister wants to know is if you will stay,” explained Elrohir, taking a huge 
bite out of a buttered slice of bread.
 
Erestor selected some of the fruits and ate them. “I think I will.” He felt bashful now 
that they were asking him personal questions. 
 
“And I reckon that has everything to do with our dear Captain? Glorfindel?” Elladan 
gave Erestor a playful wink before setting his teeth in the cheese. 
 
Erestor nodded, blushing. “Aye, it does.”
 
“You are in love with him.” Elrohir pointed a finger at Erestor. “And he is head over 
heels over you!”
 
The blush deepened and Erestor’s nervousness increased. “I believe he loves me back.” 
 
“What is it like?” Arwen inched closer. “To have such a strong warrior for a lover? Is 
he forceful in bed, or gentle?”
 
Her questions made Erestor spit out the fruit and he shot her a glance filled with 
disbelief. Had she really asked him that?”
 
“What my sister wants to know,” said Elrohir, wickedly, “is if he is… well-endowed. 
Let’s put it that way.”
 
“Aye, tell us, how mighty *is* his sword?” said Elladan, chuckling.
 
“Children!” Celebrían realized she had returned just in time to spare Erestor more 
embarrassment. “One doesn’t ask such questions!” 
 
Elrond managed a weak smile and directed it toward Erestor. Thinking of Erestor as 
his son still felt odd, but he was getting used to it.
 
“We just wanted to know if Glorfindel is hung like a horse!” Elladan, sensing 
something was wrong, but unable to label it, decided to continue the banter.
 
“Elladan! If you were younger I would put you across my knee!” Elrond tried to look 
stern, but his emotions were making it hard for him to appear controlled.
 
Erestor cast timid looks in Celebrían’s direction. “We shouldn’t discuss this in front of 
a lady.”
 
Arwen was about to comment on that, when Elladan beat her to it. “A lady doesn’t 
ask such questions, dear little sister.”
 
Arwen’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Then I am not a lady! But would you kindly 
answer the question, Erestor.” 
 
Erestor smiled, realizing this bantering meant they had accepted him into their circle. 
That realization made him feel warm inside. “Aye, my Lady, the Valar certainly 
‘blessed’ him in that way.”
 
Erestor’s answer drew laughs from all of them and Elrond allowed himself to hope 
that his son would accept and want him in his life. /I am your father, Erestor. I hope 
you will be able to accept that./
Part 10
 
 
After his conversation with Elrond, Glorfindel returned to his rooms. He felt rather 
shaken by his friend’s admission and wondered how Erestor would take the news 
when his dark-haired lover was finally ready to hear it. 
 
Shedding his robes, he only kept his leggings on. He walked toward the comfortable, 
reclining chair near the window and sat down, staring outside. In the distance, six 
figures approached and his keen Elven sight quickly identified the Peredhil family. 
/Family indeed, for Erestor is part of it. He just doesn’t know it yet. Ai, sweet 
Elbereth, how should I tell him? How do I tell him Elrond is his father? How will he 
react to that?/ His greatest fear was that Erestor’s flight reflex might resurface and that 
the dark-haired Elf would leave Imladris. /I can’t live without him any more. I need 
him in my life./
 
The family entered the Last Homely House and vanished from his view. Looking at 
the mithril ring on the palm of his hand, several scenarios passed him by. There were 
many ways of telling Erestor, but what he couldn’t predict was Erestor’s reaction to 
the news. Would he accept it? Maybe even be happy that he had found his father? Or 
would he utterly reject Elrond and run?
 
“You are worried.” Erestor closed the door behind him and advanced on his lover. 
Glorfindel’s expression was dark – haunted even. “Is this because of my ring?”
 
Glorfindel raised a hand and opened his fingers, revealing the ring. “Aye, it is. Let me 
return it to you first.”
 
Erestor carefully picked it up and closely studied it, almost expecting it had changed, 
but it hadn’t. For the first time in his life, he slid it down his ring finger. Erestor 
licked his lips, growing nervous. Slowly, he slid onto Glorfindel’s lap, straddling the 
muscular thighs. “Did Elrond or you recognize it? Was my mother right? Do you 
know my father’s name now?” He had examined the ring once, but had no idea what 
to make of the bird and the stars. 
 
“Aye, we recognized it,” said Glorfindel, answering one question after another. “Your 
mother was right; it did lead us to your father’s identity.” A war waged in Erestor’s 
dark eyes and Glorfindel wished he could fight it for his lover, but this was Erestor’s 
decision. “Do you want to know?”
 
Erestor shook his head. “Don’t tell me his name. I couldn’t bear meeting him in 
person, knowing he is my father and abandoned us.”
 
Glorfindel wanted to ask why Erestor was so convinced Elrond had abandoned them. 
Had Yestarë said so to explain the sire’s absence?
 
Erestor lowered his eyes, feeling shy and nervous. “Do you know my father?”
 
“I do,” whispered Glorfindel in a raw voice. 
 
“Is he a… good… person?” Erestor peeked at Glorfindel, giving him a pleading look. 
 
“He is a very wise and kind soul, Erestor.” Glorfindel wished Erestor would command 
him to tell him for then the cat and mouse game was over. Now they were dancing 
around the really important question.
 
“Why did he not want me, if he is such a wise and kind soul, Glorfindel?”
 
Erestor’s expression broke his heart. For one moment he saw the child who had 
longed for his father. “Do you want to hear the truth?”
 
Erestor nodded. “Please tell me what you think.” He carefully rested his upper body 
against Glorfindel’s chest and his head on a strong shoulder. 
 
“I think he never knew you existed. He is an Elf of honor, Erestor. He would have 
come for you.”
 
“I want to believe that,” whispered Erestor, closing his eyes and snuggling up to 
Glorfindel, as much as his shoulder and arm allowed him to. “Because then he 
wouldn’t be to blame for what happened to us.”
 
Glorfindel rubbed Erestor’s back, trying to comfort his lover. “Do you want to know 
his name?”
 
“Nay, not yet. Maybe some day in the future. I did this because it seemed important to 
Elrond – and you.”
 
Glorfindel couldn’t help feel relieved; this meant Elrond had more time than he had 
thought to prepare his family. Changing the subject, he asked, “What did you do all 
day?”
 
“First, I visited with Asfaloth. He was rather disappointed that I couldn’t take him out 
riding. I met Elladan there… He was braiding pink ribbons into Elrohir’s mare's 
mane… He said it was a practical joke because it is their begetting day tomorrow.”
 
Glorfindel smiled. “It sounds like you are feeling more at ease around him.”
 
“I do… and later we had a picnic.”
 
“We?” Glorfindel gently guided Erestor’s head away from his chest to look in the 
brown eyes.
 
“Aye, Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen. Celebrían and Elrond joined us later.”
 
Glorfindel tensed, at hearing Elrond’s name. This had happened *after* the half-Elf 
had found he was Erestor’s father! “Did you enjoy their company?”
 
“Strangely enough, I did.” Erestor ignored the silent throbbing in his arm and leaned 
in closer to steal a kiss from Glorfindel’s lips. “But I enjoy yours more.” Erestor felt 
dazed after finding out that Glorfindel actually knew his father! Furthermore, his 
lover seemed to be very fond of his mysterious father, which confused him further. In 
order to do away with these feelings of restlessness, Erestor decided for action instead 
of more words.
 
Glorfindel’s right eyebrow inched higher. “Are you trying to seduce me, my love?”
 
“Maybe…” Erestor wavered, still feeling shy now that they were to embark on 
another sensual journey. “Do you want this too?” he asked in a small, uncertain voice.
 
“Always, love.” Glorfindel’s eyes misted over with desire and he parted his lips, 
invitingly. “Kiss me…”
 
Butterflies tickled his insides, but Erestor overcame his shyness and claimed 
Glorfindel’s lips again. The heavy, lust-filled expression in the azure eyes took his 
breath away and his body reacted to these ancient mating rites.
 
Glorfindel brought one arm up behind Erestor’s back to cradle the back of his lover’s 
head in his large hand. He moaned into the kiss and thrust involuntarily, needing to 
feel as close as possible to his ebony-haired lover. “You are in my blood, Erestor… I 
never felt anything like this before.”
 
Those words made the blood burn in Erestor’s veins and he rubbed his lower body 
against Glorfindel’s. Through the fabric of their leggings, he clearly felt his lover’s 
arousal. And it wasn’t only his lover who was aroused! 
 
“Allow me…” Glorfindel undid the lacing of Erestor’s leggings first. The hard flesh 
sprang free from its confines and the slick shaft hardened further under his touch. 
“Let me,” whispered Glorfindel, panting hard. “Your arm still hinders you.”
 
Erestor nodded his head once. He arched his back the moment Glorfindel delivered 
the first stroke to his flesh. Erestor moaned, keenly, feeling Glorfindel’s fingers release 
him. “What…?” Dazed, he stared into Glorfindel’s eyes. 
 
Glorfindel took Erestor’s lips violently, staking his claim. At the same time, he tore at 
the lacing of his own leggings, eventually allowing his erection to bob free. Groaning, 
he brought their erections together and then stroked.
 
Erestor quivered, as the sensation overwhelmed him. “Oh, yes…” His passion 
surfaced and he was no longer content with being a passive participant. Attacking 
Glorfindel’s lips, he forced himself a way inside to explore the moist cavern.
 
Erestor’s outburst of passion took Glorfindel by surprise, but he gladly yielded and 
handed Erestor control of their kiss. Concentrating on bringing them to completion, 
he stared deeply into the chocolate brown eyes, which shone with need. Erestor even 
moved his hips rhythmically, mimicking the play of real love making. Feeling Erestor 
move seductively pushed Glorfindel toward orgasm and made him climax. 
 
Erestor wasn’t far behind and he kissed Glorfindel hard, almost biting down on his 
lover’s tongue the moment orgasm took him. 
 
Glorfindel released their now softening members and studied Erestor’s face, which 
glowed in the aftermath. “I have never seen such a lovely sight.” The blush, which 
now spread over Erestor’s face only made him desire his lover more, but he reminded 
himself that he had to go slow; he owed Erestor that much. He wanted to build their 
love making into something unforgettable and their first time together should be 
perfect – for both of them.
 
“Thank you, that was… wonderful.” Erestor wished his blush would finally go away. 
He could practically feel his face glow!
 
Glorfindel smiled, feeling sated, and pressed a loving kiss on the tip of Erestor’s nose. 
“Aye, it was. You are making me very happy, love.”
 
The blush deepened further, making Erestor feel embarrassed.
 
“Don’t,” said Glorfindel when Erestor tried to look away. “I love you just the way you 
are.” Glorfindel ran his fingers through his lover’s silken mane, enjoying the soft 
sensation against his fingertips. /And I love *who* you are, Erestor Peredhel./
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Arwen and the twins were worried. They had seldom seen their father this upset and 
nervous. Elrond was lost in thought and pacing his study, whilst Celebrían had seated 
herself close to her children. She had even taken Elladan’s hand into hers and 
rhythmically rubbed the soft skin. 
 
“Father? You are making us nervous!” Elrohir couldn’t take much more of this. “What 
has happened? What has unbalanced you?”
 
Elrond came to an abrupt halt and stared at his children. “There have been some… 
developments.”
 
“Regarding?” asked Elladan, deeply frowning. The last time he had seen his father this 
anxious had been shortly before Arwen had been born! 
 
“Regarding Erestor,” replied Celebrían, having pity on her husband. She could tell 
that telling his children was harder on him than it had been to confide in her. Maybe 
he expected more frustration, more anger from them. 
 
Arwen gave her mother a thoughtful look. “The picnic was a success. He is finally 
beginning to relax around us.”
 
Elrond drew in a deep breath, realizing postponing telling them would only make this 
worse. “What I am going to tell you might shock you, but I would ask of you to hear 
me out.”
 
“Shock us?” Elladan’s frown deepened further. That didn’t sound good. His father had 
him worried now. 
 
“When you were little I regaled you with stories about times long gone by – a time 
when I fought at Ereinion’s side. We were friends – close friends and his death 
crushed me. I lost my best friend that day. I admired him – maybe even worshipped 
him. He was my hero.”
 
The twins exchanged a look, wondering where Elrond was going to take this. Elrohir 
cradled Arwen’s hand in his and gently rubbed her fingers. His inner alarms were 
going off, but he didn’t know why.
 
“This happened long before I met your mother,” explained Elrond, avoiding his 
children’s eyes. Instead, he stared at the floor. “I was hurting that night and found 
comfort in the arms of Yestarë. She was Ereinion’s niece and confident.”
 
Arwen’s eyes widened with surprise. “Why are you telling us this?”
 
“Because that night wasn't without consequences. A child came forth of our union.” 
Elrond cringed; seeing the first signs of understanding on Elrohir’s face. 
 
“Erestor?” Elrohir had a hard time believing he had reached the right conclusion, but 
then his father nodded and he realized he had been correct. “You sired Erestor?”
 
Elladan leaned back against his twin, dazed by his father’s confession. “You are 
Erestor’s father?”
 
“He is our half-brother?” Arwen’s eyes widened.
 
“And half-Elven,” supplied Celebrían. 
 
“And he is even related to the High-King!” realized Elrohir, stunned. 
 
Elrond wrung his hands, reluctant to look any of his children in the eye. “I hope you 
can accept this.”
 
“I did,” said Celebrían, supporting her husband. “We know how hard Erestor’s life has 
been and to find out that he could have had a family years ago saddens me. We 
should do what we can to make him feel part of our family. What we have is very 
special, children. He never knew what it is like to have a family.”
 
Elladan’s thoughts raced. “Erestor is your firstborn?”
 
Ai, Elladan had reached that conclusion rather quickly and Elrond nodded. “He is.”
 
Elladan shook his head in utter disbelief. “I am not your firstborn? Not your heir?” He 
didn’t know how he felt about that. He had been raised as the future Lord, but at the 
same time his destiny had also been his burden.
 
“Does Erestor know this yet?” inquired Elrohir, who was also struggling to accept this 
upsetting news.
 
“I don’t know. It depends on his desire to know the name of his sire. The last time I 
saw him, Erestor didn’t want to know his father’s identity.” Elrond finally peeked at 
their eyes, meeting Arwen’s first. “You have a half-brother, Arwen.”
 
“Another brother,” whispered Arwen. She made her decision to accept Erestor into 
her life and her family that very moment. “I like that thought.”
 
Elrond allowed himself to sigh. “And what about you, my sons?”
 
Celebrían rose from her chair and went to stand beside her husband. She curled her 
fingers around Elrond’s hand and looked challengingly at her sons. “Elladan, Elrohir, 
if I can accept this, I hope you will do no less.”
 
“This is too much – too quickly,” mumbled Elladan. “I need time… Time to think this 
over and to determine what this means to me.”
 
“To us,” clarified Elrohir. “Don’t ask for our support this very moment. Give us time 
to consider everything you told us.”
 
“That is reasonable,” replied Elrond. At least they weren’t fuming mad with him! 
“Take all the time you need, but please keep in mind that Erestor might know the 
truth by now. Be tactful around him. Erestor didn’t do anything to deserve your 
wrath. If you must be angry with someone, be angry with me, for I sired a son over 
three thousand years ago.”
 
“And you never knew Erestor existed?” inquired Arwen, feeling intrigued.
 
“I didn’t. I left the encampment long before Yestarë did. I was young and naïve and 
didn’t believe that one night could have such grave consequences.” 
 
“I can’t believe you did that,” whispered Elladan. 
 
“Elladan, I had just seen my best friend and King die before my very eyes and we 
were both hurting! She offered me comfort.” Elrond wrung his hands, wishing his 
sons would understand, but maybe they needed more time to truly comprehend what 
he had gone through.
 
“I am not referring to the fact that you bedded her,” clarified Elladan. “But you should 
have made inquiries and have realized she had born you a son!”
 
Briefly, Elrond’s heart beat with joy. That had been Celebrían’s first reaction as well! 
Maybe there was hope that his sons would eventually accept this! “Please, carefully 
consider what you learned here today. I don’t want you to release any anger or 
frustration onto Erestor. He has no blame in this matter.”
 
“We don’t blame Erestor!” Elladan rose from the couch and was closely followed by 
Elrohir when he made his way over to his parents. “We just need time to accept we 
have an older brother.”
 
Celebrían squeezed his hand to show her support and Elrond managed a weak smile. 
“I pray you will accept Erestor into the family. He deserves a loving family so much.”
 
The twins looked at each other, knowing that their father was right, but were they 
ready to admit that as well?
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
The fact that it was their begetting day tomorrow – an event they had always 
celebrated – was of little importance now as the twins tried to come to terms with 
reality. Reality was that they had an older half-brother, who was their father’s 
rightful heir. 
 
“Elladan? Are you cross with our father?” Elrohir studied his brother. He had 
followed Elladan when his brother had entered the gardens first, and had then 
headed for the Bruinen. Elladan hadn’t stopped walking until they had finally 
reached the riverbank.
 
Elladan sat down and stared at the water. Arien was still riding the sky, but Ithil was 
already announcing his presence. He loved this time of day – twilight.
 
“Elladan? Did you even hear me?” Following his instincts, Elrohir sat down behind 
his twin and firmly wrapped his arms around him. “You can tell me. Are you upset 
because you are no longer our father’s heir?”
 
“Partly,” admitted Elladan in a thoughtful voice. “We were both trained to rule 
Imladris one day, brother, so this concerns you too.”
 
“Not in the same way as it does you, Elladan.” Elrohir rested his chin on his twin’s 
shoulder. “You were always so proud that you were the firstborn, the heir.”
 
Elladan frowned at hearing his twin’s words. “Are you trying to tell me you felt 
jealous?”
 
“Not jealous… I envied you because our father gave you more attention than he did 
me. Your training was more elaborate than mine. I often felt lonely because of that. 
You are my twin, Elladan. I always felt closest to you, but this became a barrier 
between us.”
 
 Elladan finally leaned back against his twin and peeked at him. “You felt lonely? But 
I never noticed a thing.”
 
“I didn’t want you to see.” Elrohir savored the feeling of having his twin to himself. 
“You might not like hearing this, but I wouldn’t mind if Erestor became father’s heir, 
for that meant I could have more of you.”
 
“More of me?”
 
“This… this distance would grow less between us. We would be twins again, not the 
firstborn and his brother.” Elrohir had never spoken of this before and wasn’t certain 
how Elladan would take this news.
 
“I never knew you thought about it in that way.” Elladan felt the beating of his heart 
stronger now than ever before. Maybe it was because Elrohir was so close. Perhaps 
because his twin had finally told him what worried him most. Or maybe the barrier 
that had kept them apart had fallen away. “I don’t want you to feel lonely. You are 
my brother! My twin! You are the person I am closest to!”
 
Elrohir smiled. “I haven’t heard you say that for a long time.”
 
“True,” admitted Elladan. “I am sorry I failed you.”
 
“You didn’t fail me. You just carried out your duties.”
 
“But I forgot that my first duty is always to you, Elrohir.” Elladan pressed back against 
his twin and the embrace he was in tightened. “Maybe this is a good thing after all.”
 
“In what way?” Elrohir closed his eyes and breathed in his brother’s scent. Elladan 
*was* the other half of his soul.
 
“Erestor… I don’t know what to think of him, but I like him. Maybe having an older 
brother isn’t that bad. And Erestor… he has suffered much… I want him to have a 
family.”
 
“I am so very proud of you, Elladan.” Elrohir had pressed a kiss onto his twin’s hair 
before he knew it. “You have a heart of gold.”
 
“I am not so sure about that,” said Elladan, teasingly. “It is you, who has such a good 
influence on me, Elrohir.”
 
/I love you, Elladan. You will never know just how much I love you and it is best that 
way. It is best that you don’t know the truth./ For the truth was that he loved his 
twin more than a sibling should.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“I need to know what Erestor decided!” Elrond looked at his wife. “Does he already 
know that I am his father?”
 
“Then go, husband-mine, and find out,” said Celebrían in understanding. “But do you 
already know what you will do if Glorfindel told him?”
 
“I don’t.” Elrond shook his head. “I will find out when I face him.”
 
“Have you considered telling him, personally?” inquired Celebrían, knowing they 
could only *really* move on once Erestor knew the truth. Until then, the tension 
would continue to mount. 
 
“I am too much of a coward to do that,” whispered Elrond. 
 
“Are you afraid that he will reject you and run?”
 
“Aye.” Elrond bestowed a gentle caress onto his wife’s silver hair. “You accepted this, 
Arwen did, and I am hopeful the twins will also come to terms with it. But how will 
Erestor react?”
 
“You will only find out by confronting him.”
 
Elrond sighed. “And confronting him is what I am so afraid of.” Elrond pressed a 
loving kiss onto his wife’s lips and then headed for the doorway. “Erestor and I need 
to talk – now.”
 
“Then do so. Talk to him and tell him, if he doesn’t know yet. Glorfindel will be there 
to support the both of you.” It pained her to see him so distraught. 
 
Elrond nodded and stepped into the corridor. Postponing this would only worsen the 
situation. He had to face Erestor and tell his son the truth.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Elrond knocked softly, as not to startle Erestor. But it wasn’t his son who answered 
the door, but Glorfindel. Feeling quite the coward, Elrond sighed, relieved. 
“Glorfindel…”
 
“You shouldn’t have come tonight. Erestor was nervous and it took him quite a while 
to fall asleep.”
 
“He is asleep now?” That meant they couldn’t talk!
 
“Aye.” Glorfindel cleared his throat, looked at Erestor, deeply asleep in the bed, and 
then stepped into the corridor, pulling the door closed behind him as he didn’t want 
his lover to overhear this conversation. “He is trying hard to act calm and controlled, 
but inwardly a war rages.”
 
“Did you tell him yet?” Nervously, Elrond licked his bottom lip. 
 
“Nay, he told me he doesn’t want to know his father’s name – yet. But he *did* ask 
several questions related to you and I believe it is only a matter of time before he will 
want to know his sire.”
 
“How long do you think…?” Elrond’s voice faded away.
 
“A few days. The need to know will grow stronger until it eventually overwhelms 
him.” Glorfindel raised his right hand and rested it on Elrond’s shoulder. “I know why 
you are here and I advise against telling him whilst he isn’t ready to hear the truth. 
Give him these few days.”
 
“I will try, but it is difficult. He is my son, Glorfindel. My firstborn. He had to do 
without a father for so long!”
 
“Elrond, Erestor will welcome you with open arms, but please, give him the time he 
needs.”
 
“I hope you are right about that,” whispered Elrond. “That he will welcome me with 
open arms for I am afraid he will reject and shun me.”
 
“Maybe at first,” admitted Glorfindel. “It will take him time to accept that *you* are 
his father. This will be utterly unexpected.”
 
“It was quite a shock to me as well.”
 
“Imagine yourself in his place, my friend. The truth will hit him even harder.”
 
“What do I do, Glorfindel?” Elrond felt nervous, wanting nothing more than to be 
accepted by his son and to hold Erestor in his arms. He wanted Erestor to know they 
were father and son! 
 
“Come by in the morning as planned. Tend to his wounds, remove his bandages and 
examine him. Try to engage him in conversation and be friendly. Show real interest 
in him.”
 
“Do you really think everything will be well in the end?”
 
Glorfindel leaned in closer and gave his longtime friend a warm hug. “Aye, I do.”
Part 11
 
 
Erestor woke in a strong embrace with Glorfindel spooned behind him. Last night, 
they had shed their clothes and gone to sleep naked for the first time ever. It had 
helped soothe his nerves and Erestor had been amazed to learn just how satisfying it 
was to sleep skin against skin. He loved the feeling of Glorfindel’s muscular body 
pressed against his and wouldn’t allow anymore clothes into their bed from this 
moment on. “Glorfindel? I want to follow your advice and be more sociable. Where 
do you normally have breakfast?”
 
“Breakfast?” Glorfindel blinked once, wondering where this change of attitude was 
coming from. “I would normally have breakfast in the main hall, with Elrond and his 
family.” But he wasn’t certain that was a good idea right now, considering the secret 
that lingered between Erestor and the Peredhil family. “Do you want to join them 
today?”
 
“I have been thinking about the things you said and you are right. I should become 
more comfortable around people. I want to stop shaking whenever Lord Elrond stares 
at me, or when his wife touches me. I don’t want to act in such an insecure manner.”
 
/*Lord* Elrond,/ registered Glorfindel. /I am certain Elrond told him to stop using that 
title, but Erestor still feels intimated./ Glorfindel pulled his lover atop of his body 
until his dark-haired lover straddled his hips. “Does he scare you?”
 
“Lord Elrond?” Erestor shrugged, halfheartedly. “Sometimes. I can sense how much 
power he wields in this valley and I am scared I will make a mistake that will anger 
him.”
 
Glorfindel placed his hands on Erestor’s hips and stared into the dark eyes. “He is a 
friend, Erestor. He means well.” 
 
“I know that.” Erestor bowed his head. “It isn’t his fault. It is mine. I am not used to 
dealing with such powerful Elves.”
 
“Oh, Erestor!” Glorfindel brought his arms up behind Erestor’s back and pulled him 
down until the still too bony body covered his. Stroking the raven hair, he wondered 
if his lover’s feelings of inferiority would ever go away. /Maybe having breakfast in 
the main hall with Elrond isn’t such a bad idea after all. It will allow them to get to 
know each other better. They need to spend time together and become more at ease 
around each other./
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Elrond felt restless and had little appetite, so he pushed his eggs around on his plate, 
and ignored the other food items the cook had prepared. He was lost in thought and 
his gaze brooding; not even his wife or his children managed to break through the 
gloomy mood that had taken possession of him. 
 
Celebrían, seated next to her husband, hoped Erestor would find out shortly, for she 
hated seeing her husband this despondent. Elrond was more than ready to try being a 
father to Erestor – and even if Erestor didn’t want a father in his life any more, Elrond 
was more than willing to be a good friend. 
 
The twins tried to cheer their father up, but Elrond didn’t react to their bantering. 
Elladan and Elrohir even forgave their parents for forgetting that it was their 
begetting day, knowing how much they worried about Erestor. 
 
Arwen gathered Elrohir’s hand in her right and then reached for Elladan’s, squeezing 
it and whispering her best wishes on this special day. Elrond and Celebrían didn’t 
seem to register Arwen’s words, though. “They will feel guilty once they realize they 
forgot.”
 
Elladan and Elrohir shrugged, simultaneously. They celebrated their begetting day 
each year, so they didn’t hold it against their parents that they were too worried to 
celebrate today as well. 
 
The twins had spent last night at the riverside and had even fallen asleep there. They 
had returned home in the morning, after Arien had risen and Elladan had to admit 
things had changed for the better between them. It had been centuries since he had 
last felt this close to his twin. 
 
“I wonder if Erestor already knows…” Unable to keep his worries inside much longer, 
Elrond looked at this wife, hoping she knew what to do. 
 
“Glorfindel told you to let Erestor decide,” summarized Celebrían. “And you decided 
to follow his advice, so… there is little you can do.”
 
“It vexes me that I can do nothing but wait!” Elrond gave his children an apologetic 
look. 
 
“We understand,” replied Elrohir, speaking for the three of them. “We know this is 
hard on you.” To say they knew *how* hard it was on their father would be lying, 
because they couldn’t put themselves in Elrond’s position. But they could try. 
 
Glorfindel cleared his throat in the hope of attracting Elrond’s attention. “Good 
morning. Erestor and I decided to join you today.”
 
Elrond’s eyes revealed panic, finding Glorfindel entering the room. A few steps 
behind him followed Erestor, nervously shuffling his feet. Big-eyed, Elrond stared at 
Glorfindel. /Does Erestor know?/
 
Glorfindel correctly interpret the five glances cast into his direction and he 
marginally shook his head. /Nay./
 
Elrond didn’t know if he should feel relieved or not, now that Erestor didn’t know. 
He *did* know that he felt slightly disappointed, because he still couldn’t bury his 
newest son in a hug. Just to make sure, Elrond raised an eyebrow. /He didn’t ask yet?/
 
Glorfindel shook his head for a second time. /He doesn’t know./ 
 
The silent communication wasn’t lost on Celebrían, Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen, and 
they reached the right conclusion as well. Erestor didn’t know yet that he was part of 
this family. 
 
Suddenly Erestor got cold feet. This was very much a family affair and he was 
intruding. He was a guest at best, and certainly not someone who should be allowed 
to join the family table. “I am sorry… I didn’t think this through…” He was about to 
turn around and flee the room when Elrond’s voice stopped him dead in his tracks.
 
“Please don’t leave, Erestor. We are delighted to have you join us. Please sit down.” 
Elrond’s heart thundered, realizing how hard it had been on Erestor to take this step. 
He knew only too well how shy and easily intimidated the younger half-Elf was -- 
coming had taken a great deal of courage on Erestor’s part. 
 
“My husband speaks wisely,” said Celebrían, quickly rising to her feet after seeing 
Elrond jump up. “We would be honored to have you.”
 
Erestor warily looked over his shoulder at the couple. Elrond and Celebrían looked 
eager for him to stay and join them, but he still wasn’t certain he wasn’t imposing.
 
“Come with me,” said Glorfindel, assuming control of the situation by taking hold of 
Erestor’s hand and leading him to the table. “Sit down.”  

Erestor obeyed, very much aware of the tension that had suddenly risen in the room. 
The twins were giving him curious looks and Arwen flashed him a beatific smile. 
Something odd was at work here.
 
Glorfindel piled scrambled eggs, meats, and bread onto Erestor’s plate, whilst he filed 
his own with fruits and cheese. 
 
Erestor’s eyes grew big, seeing the large amount of food that Glorfindel wanted him 
to eat.
 
“You need to eat, Erestor. You need to gain the extra weight. You are much too 
skinny.” Glorfindel placed the plate in front of Erestor and gestured for his lover to 
start eating. 
 
Erestor sighed, picked up the fork, and tried to eat as much as possible. In the 
meantime, one of the servants poured him tea and also placed a glass of water next to 
his plate. He was painfully aware of the silence that had descended onto the room the 
moment he had entered. He *was* imposing, no matter what they said!
 
Elrond felt nervous and the silence was only adding to his edginess. “I want you to 
walk with me to the healing wing after finishing breakfast, Erestor. Hopefully we can 
do away with those bandages today.”
 
“But you will want to examine me first,” said Erestor, trying to contribute to the 
conversation. 
 
“Of course!” Elrond managed a warm smile, looking at Erestor. /This is my son – my 
firstborn. My son found his way here. The Valar must have guided him./ 
 
Elrohir, eager to do away with the tension as well, addressed Glorfindel. “Will you 
join us on the training grounds today?”
 
“I will.” That would give Elrond and Erestor some time alone, he hoped. That was, if 
Arwen and Celebrían allowed it and wouldn’t get involved.
 
“It promises to be a nice autumn day,” said Celebrían. “Arwen, would you like to join 
me in the drawing room? Maybe we can catch the first autumn colors on canvas.”
 
Arwen smiled and nodded her consent, realizing what was going on. She agreed that 
it was important that her father and Erestor talked. 
 
“That is decided, then! Erestor, it looks like you are stuck with me for most of the 
morning.” Elrond didn’t mind one bit – he was actually quite pleased to have Erestor 
to himself for some hours. Maybe a chance to discuss their past would come up. Oh, 
he wanted to tell Erestor so badly! After that, they could start to work on their 
newly-found relationship! He was eager to make amends for his past mistakes.
 
Erestor wasn’t certain what to think of this development. He would rather have spent 
the morning with Glorfindel, but he *had* promised himself to become more sociable. 
“We will manage,” he said, eventually, lost for words. He gave Elrond a weak smile 
and was amazed to see a warm glow appear in the gray eyes. Apparently, Elrond had 
taken a liking to him, which should please him, but he still had a hard time trusting. 
Glorfindel was the sole exception so far. /Maybe I can learn to trust Elrond as well./ 
The least he could do, was try.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Sit,” said Elrond in a friendly voice, whilst gathering a pair of scissors to cut away the 
bandages from Erestor’s shoulder. “Does your shoulder still hamper you?”
 
“Not much,” replied Erestor. He hadn’t been in the healing wing yet and curiously 
watched the healers moving about, wandering below herbs, which had been hung to 
dry. A peaceful calm echoed through these rooms, making him feel at home. “My arm 
still troubles me somewhat, but the discomfort is bearable. Does the healing pace still 
displease you?”
 
Elrond peeled Erestor’s shirt away and carefully examined the injury. Each time he 
touched Erestor he was painfully aware of the fact that it was his son who was 
hurting, and he wanted nothing more than to pull Erestor into his arms and hold him. 
“I am worried, Erestor. Your injuries take a long time to heal.” At least he knew why 
now. He cautiously cut the bandages away and peeled the fabric from Erestor’s 
shoulder. 
 
Erestor bit his bottom lip and managed to hold the groan back that threatened to flee 
his lips. The bandages had been a source of support and he now had to do without 
them. 
 
“Tell me if it hurts,” ordered Elrond, manipulating the joint to see if the dislocated 
shoulder had fully healed. 
 
There was some discomfort, but no pain, so Erestor remained silent. 
 
Elrond’s fingertips examined the shoulder, coming across scars which he hadn’t 
noticed before. “What caused these?”
 
“The beatings… They sometimes used… objects… to beat me with.” Erestor really 
didn’t want to talk about this.
 
Elrond’s heart missed a beat and his hands trembled ever so slightly. “I am so sorry 
you had to suffer so much.” He felt like he had failed his son – and he had. 
 
“It is in the past,” said Erestor. “I want to live in the present.”
 
“You are a very brave soul,” whispered Elrond – his heart aching for his son. 
Attending to Erestor’s arm, he checked on the second injury. “The bone hasn’t set yet. 
The bandages need to remain in place and you will have to continue to use the sling.”
 
“But the bandages around my shoulder can stay off?” Erestor shifted on his chair and 
peeked at Elrond, who stood to his right. He was amazed to see a tear slide down the 
Elf-Lord’s cheek. Why was Elrond crying? And was he supposed to address it?
 
Elrond tried to pretend that nothing was wrong, but Erestor had seen, and Elrond 
wasn’t certain if his son would let it go. It was time for a distraction. “I will check on 
your arm in another four days and I want you to favor your shoulder for the next few 
days. Erestor… You may leave now.”
 
Thinking that Elrond wanted a moment of privacy, Erestor rose to his feet. He bowed 
and made his way over to the doorway. “Thank you,” he said, softly, respecting 
Elrond’s wish to be alone. Stepping into the corridor, he wondered what had upset 
the Elf-Lord.
 
Elrond wrapped his arms around his waist and bowed his head in surrender. “I cannot 
take much more of this. Please, Glorfindel, tell him!”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Glorfindel, may I have a word with you?” Erestor felt self-conscious amidst the 
guards, who were eying him curiously. 
 
Glorfindel, who was sparring with Elladan, gave the half-Elf an apologetic look. 
 
“Go,” said Elladan. “I will seek out my twin instead. It has been a while since he and I 
sparred.” Elrohir always seemed determined to find someone else to spar with. 
 
“Thank you, Elladan.” Glorfindel sheathed his sword and hurried over to Erestor. The 
first thing he noticed was the nervous expression in the large eyes. Something had 
upset Erestor. “Walk with me, love.” 
 
Erestor fell into pace beside Glorfindel and wanted nothing more than to gather the 
warrior’s hand in his, but felt eyes upon them, and he didn’t want to embarrass 
Glorfindel. So, he didn’t. However, he did sneak several admiring looks at his lover’s 
torso, which glittered with sweat, enhancing the nice muscle tone. 
 
“Did you see Elrond yet?” Glorfindel inquired, uncertain what had upset Erestor. 
 
“I did… And he removed the bandages around my shoulder.”
 
“And your arm?”
 
“He wants those bandages to stay in place for another four days.” Erestor looked over 
his shoulder and found they were out of sight of the training guards. Feeling a bit 
more at ease, Erestor gathered Glorfindel’s hand in his. “How well do you know Lord 
Elrond?”
 
“I have known him for millennia. He doesn’t keep many secrets from me.”
 
Erestor swallowed hard and gazed deeply into his lover’s azure eyes. “He was crying.”
 
“Crying?” Glorfindel felt alarmed.
 
“Well, not really, but… his eyes were swimming and a tear left them. I was 
wondering if something has happened to upset him.” Erestor lowered his eyes and 
stared at the grass. “I hope it has nothing to do with me.”
 
“Why would you think that?” Glorfindel pulled his lover close, hugging him. 
 
“He inquired about the scars on my back.”
 
“I noticed them as well.” But he hadn’t inquired about them, thinking such a question 
would make Erestor uncomfortable. 
 
“I told him that they beat me with objects… They used sticks… branches… 
Sometimes even a chain.”
 
Glorfindel hugged his lover close, and showered the raven hair with tiny kisses. 
Glorfindel made his decision right there and then. “I want you to seek out Elrond and 
to talk to him. Ask him why he shed that tear.”
 
“I cannot do that!” Erestor shook his head in bewilderment. “I cannot impose on him 
like that! I cannot pry on his feelings!”
 
“You must! Promise me that you will do this.”
 
“Promise you? Why is this so important to you?” Glorfindel’s request puzzled him.
 
“Trust me in this matter, my love.” Glorfindel touched his lips to Erestor's, kissing 
him. “Do it – for me.”
 
“I will, but only because this is so important to you,” promised Erestor, but he felt 
edgy, wondering why Glorfindel insisted he talked to Elrond. /I will keep my promise 
– for you, Glorfindel. I will seek out Elrond and talk to him./ But he did worry about 
the outcome.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“Elrohir! Are you avoiding me?” Elladan spoke the words in a joking tone, but when 
he saw his twin’s startled expression, his eyes widened. “Please leave us alone,” he 
said, addressing the guard Elrohir had been sparring with. “I must speak with my 
brother in private.” The guard took his leave, and Elladan approached his twin, 
frowning. “Is this about our begetting day?” 
 
Elrohir felt immensely relieved; for one moment he had been terrified that his twin 
had guessed the truth. Grateful that Elladan had already drawn his own conclusions 
about his elusive behavior, he nodded. 
 
“What *was* your ‘gift’ to me, dear brother?” Elladan’s eyes narrowed; he knew he 
was missing something, but he didn’t know what. Something was amiss with Elrohir. 
 
Elrohir grinned, forcing himself to act unaffected. “My mare liked your handiwork 
and even attracted Asfaloth’s gaze, but you could have used a different color besides 
pink. The color doesn’t really suit her.”
 
Elladan inclined his head in acceptance. “I will try to remember that. Now, dear 
brother, tell me. What had you planned for me?” And why had Elrohir cancelled his 
plans?
 
Elrohir cleared his throat and turned a nice shade of crimson. “If you had retired to 
your rooms last night instead of marching off to the Bruinen you would have found 
said gift in your bed.”
 
“In my bed?” Elladan scooted closer. Their faces were just a few inches apart and he 
searched his brother’s worried eyes. /Why worried?/
 
“There is a she-Elf who fancies you and she was more than willing to warm your bed 
last night. Alas, you didn’t show up and she left in the morning.”
 
Elladan felt oddly relieved that he *had* marched for the Bruinen instead. “Why 
would you do that?”
 
Elrohir’s blush deepened. “I thought you were lonely and… She is lovely. You would 
like her – who knows, maybe you would even have fallen in love with her.”
 
Elladan coughed; ah, there was no way to say this tactfully! “Elrohir, dear brother… 
Don’t you know I am not attracted to females? Aye, they are lovely, enchanting 
beings, but I do not desire them and my body doesn’t react to their advances. Surely, 
you know this… Don’t you feel the same? After all, we *are* twins! Or, *do* you fancy 
females?”
 
Elladan’s bold words left Elrohir speechless. He had never thought his brother would 
call him on this! “I…I…”
 
“Be honest, brother. You fancy males as well.” It was only natural Elrohir would, 
considering they were twins.
 
“Maybe I do,” admitted Elrohir. Elladan surprised him by grabbing hold of him and 
hugging him close.
 
“We are twins, silly! We are the same in every way! I bet we even like the same 
type… Dark hair, gray eyes, delicate bone structure, excellent sense of humor…”
 
Elrohir’s heart momentarily stopped beating. His eyes widened in shock; Elladan 
hadn’t said that, had he? Elladan had just described him! 
 
“Hahaha! The look on your face is quite something!” Elladan clasped his twin’s 
shoulder and laughed. 
 
Elrohir tensed; his heart, already fragile and beating slowly, almost didn’t find its 
normal rhythm again. For one moment he had thought Elladan had been serious! But 
no, his brother had made fun of him! /He has no idea just how much he has hurt me!/ 
But Elrohir clung to the conviction that Elladan’s harsh words would help him 
maintain his distance. No matter what happened, Elladan could never find out that 
his brother loved him in that way!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor drew in a deep, steadying breath and knocked on the door to Elrond’s study, 
reminding himself that he was doing this because he had promised Glorfindel he 
would. He would rather not face Elrond this quickly, and would have preferred for 
the Elf-Lord to have some peace and privacy.
 
“Enter.”
 
Erestor nodded once; he could do this. He had to do this! He had promised his lover. 
Slowly, he pushed the door ajar. “My Lord, it is I…”
 
Elrond tensed, seeing Erestor this unexpectedly. His son’s earlier confession that he 
had been beaten so sadistically had unnerved him. “There is no reason to address me 
in that manner, Erestor. To you, I am Elrond, and not the ruler of this valley.” 
Hearing Erestor call him ‘my Lord’, hurt. He wanted Erestor to address him as his 
father instead! 
 
“I will do my best not to address you like that any longer, my… Elrond. Am I 
disturbing you? I can come back later.” Erestor stood in the doorway, feeling 
uncertain and hesitant. 
 
“You aren’t disturbing me.” Elrond got to his feet, left his desk, and headed for the 
pair of comfortable chairs near the fire place. Autumn had brought a chill into the 
lands and today was the first day that his assistant had started a fire to warm the 
rooms. “Sit with me.”
 
Erestor seated himself, making himself as small as possible. Although Elrond had 
always treated him kindly, he still felt self-conscious around the mighty Elf-Lord. 
 
Elrond sat down as well and poured them some of Imladris’ finest wine. He offered 
Erestor a glass and then curled his fingers tightly around his own goblet. “You are 
always welcome to visit with me, Erestor.”
 
“I don’t feel comfortable coming here… I feel like I am wasting your time – and as if I 
am intruding.”
 
Elrond’s large, gray eyes filled with tears once more. “You could never waste my 
time.” Dazed, he realized that another tear had escaped his eye. 
 
Erestor sipped and the wine gave him the courage he needed to address Elrond. “Why 
are you crying? You were also crying earlier when you attended to my injuries.”
 
Cold sweat erupted from Elrond’s every pore. He had promised Glorfindel not to tell 
Erestor, but found he couldn’t keep his secret any longer. The truth needed a way out. 
“I am crying because I am hurting.”
 
“Why?” Erestor was surprised that Elrond had answered him in the first place. He 
hadn’t thought the mighty Elf-Lord would want to confide in him. Elrond looked like 
he was about to burst into tears and Erestor reacted by placing his hand on Elrond’s 
and holding it in an attempt to show his support.
 
That touch meant the world to him. Elrond just hoped Erestor wouldn’t pull away 
from him in loathing once his son knew the truth. “I am hurting because I made grave 
mistakes in the past.”
 
“Mistakes?” Erestor felt confused and watched Elrond nervously sip his wine. He 
squeezed Elrond’s hand, trying to assure him of his support.
 
“I loved a female once – for one night. It wasn’t about passion… it was about comfort. 
We had both lost someone very important to us and were in need of a reassuring 
touch.” Elrond knew there was no way out now, neither did he want to crawl back. “I 
made love to her, and after that night, our ways parted. I journeyed to Imladris, 
whilst she remained in Ereinion’s camp a little longer.” Seeing his son’s large eyes, he 
added. “Aye, we lost our High-King that night and we grieved… together. She was 
hurting as much as I was… She was Ereinion’s niece and his confident.”
 
“I am sorry for your loss.”
 
“It happened millennia ago, but at the time it hurt tremendously.” Elrond returned 
the squeeze and held onto his son’s hand. Erestor’s compassionate expression gave 
him the strength to continue. “What I didn’t know was that she had conceived that 
night and that she gave birth to my son later. I never knew he existed.”
 
Erestor – still completely unaware to why Elrond was telling him something so 
personal – gave Elrond a look filled with sympathy. 
 
“Years later, she was murdered and her son disappeared. I heard about her death and 
mourned her passing, but no one ever told me there was a son!” Elrond placed his 
goblet aside and took hold of Erestor’s glass, only to place it on the side table as well. 
Gathering Erestor’s hands in his, he said, “I didn’t know. If only I had known!”
 
“Why are you telling me this?” The raging emotions, visible in Elrond’s eyes, worried 
him, even made him feel scared for the Elf-Lord’s sanity. 
 
“Because that female was Yestarë and that boy… that boy was you… You are my son, 
Erestor.”
 
Part 12
 
 
He must have misheard! Elrond couldn't have said *that*!
 
Seeing the shock in Erestor’s large eyes, Elrond rubbed his son’s cool fingers between 
his. “I didn’t know how to tell you. When Glorfindel and I realized the truth I 
became scared.”
 
“Scared? Why?” Erestor blinked and shook his head once. Elrond was his sire? Surely, 
this couldn’t be?
 
“Scared that you would reject me. Erestor, you are the true victim here. You suffered 
terribly because your mother and I never discussed that night. A large part of the 
blame rests on me; I should have stayed in touch with Yestarë. Instead, I chose to 
concentrate on wooing and marrying Celebrían.”
 
Erestor still hadn’t *fully* registered Elrond’s words, but did manage a question. “If 
you had known about me, would that have made a difference?”
 
Elrond heard what Erestor was *really* asking him. “Of course! I would have offered 
to marry your mother! And even if she had rejected me, for whatever reason, I would 
have wanted to be a father to you! When we talked in the healing house earlier and 
you told me about those beatings… I… I could have stopped all that from happening, 
if only I had known about you. I don’t know why Yestarë decided not to tell me, or 
told you that your sire didn’t want you, but it isn’t true. I would have accepted you 
into my arms, my son. You are my firstborn, Erestor.”
 
“Continue talking…” Erestor needed a moment to compose himself!
 
“Erestor, your mother was Ereinion’s niece; that means that you are of the royal 
bloodline.” Elrond found courage and hope in the fact that Erestor was still listening 
to him and hadn’t pushed him away – yet. 
 
“I am related to the High-King?” Erestor’s eyes widened.
 
“Oh, Erestor, you are precious to me for many reasons and that is only one of them. I 
would pledge my allegiance to you in a heartbeat, but you are *most* precious to me 
because you are *my* son. My firstborn.” Elrond’s throat had gone dry now that he 
had said everything he had wanted to say. Now, it was Erestor’s turn to speak.
 
“Why are you making this up, my Lord?” Anger glittered in Erestor’s dark eyes. “I 
appreciate the fact that you are trying to make me feel wanted, but I know the truth; 
you are *not* my father!” The idea that someone as noble and wise as Elrond was his 
sire struck him as completely unbelievable.
 
Elrond had half expected those words and removed his wedding band. “Look at the 
inside of the ring and tell me what you see.”
 
Erestor’s hands trembled, accepting the ring onto the palm of his hand. He drew in a 
deep breath and then did what Elrond had asked of him. His breathing paused, 
finding the same bird engraved in the metal. “But…”
 
“My family history is somewhat… hard to believe,” said Elrond. “My mother – your 
grandmother – Elwing was attacked because she guarded a very precious item called a 
Silmaril. She tried to flee, but her attackers wouldn’t let her, so the Valar changed her 
into a bird. Because of this transformation she managed to escape. She carried the 
Silmaril in her beak. Now, doesn’t this resemble your ring?” Elrond pointed at the 
ring on Erestor’s finger. 
 
Erestor shook his head – still unable to believe he could actually have such a noble 
heritage. “There are stars on my ring too. They aren’t present on yours.”
 
Elrond nodded. “That ring was a gift. A gift from Ereinion to me and he added the 
nine stars.”
 
“This cannot be!” Erestor pleadingly stared into Elrond’s eyes. “You cannot be my 
father.”
 
“Why? Didn’t I just prove this to you?” Erestor’s reaction surprised Elrond, who had 
expected anger, frustration, even glares filled with hatred, but not disbelief! “I am 
your father, Erestor.”
 
“Nay, this cannot be…”
 
“Why? Why are you so determined not to believe me?” Erestor’s fingers shook amidst 
his hands and Elrond rubbed them harder, trying to warm them up. His son was in 
some sort of shock and he had to find a way to connect with Erestor. 
 
“That would mean my mother lied to me when she told me my father didn’t want 
me,” whispered Erestor, brokenly.
 
“I am certain that your mother thought that telling you that was for the best.” Elrond 
had no intention of putting the blame on Erestor’s dead mother – his one-night-lover. 
“She found herself with child, but with no husband. She did the best she could and I 
am certain she loved you. She was a very kind, good-hearted person.”
 
Erestor swallowed. “Nay, you are lying. I cannot be your son! Look at me! I lived as a 
slave for millennia! I tremble in your presence and I am afraid to address someone 
because I fear their reaction! I am no son of yours! I am not like Elladan and Elrohir! I 
would only disappoint you!”
 
/Ah, so that is why you are so determined to fight this!/ Elrond managed to capture 
Erestor’s gaze and continued to rub his son’s shaky fingers. “Don’t compare yourself to 
the twins, Erestor. Their upbringing was hugely different from yours. They wanted 
for nothing, were loved and nurtured, whilst you had to fend for yourself. You were 
trying hard to survive, whilst my wife and I pampered Elladan and Elrohir. Do you 
have any idea just how strong you are to have survived? To have escaped? Do you 
have any idea how much love – admiration even! – I feel for you?”
 
Speechless, Erestor clung to Elrond’s every word. He *so* wanted to believe the elder 
half-Elf!
 
“Erestor, I wish I had been there for you in the past. I wish I had been there when 
those Orcs and villagers attacked. I wish I had saved you and taken you home to 
Imladris. But that is wishful thinking.” Elrond desperately searched for the right 
words, which would reach his son and convince Erestor of his sincerity. “I cannot 
change the past, but I would, were it within my power. Erestor, the past is lost to us, 
but we still have the present and the future.” 
 
“Do you want me in your life, then?” Erestor still had a hard time trying to accept the 
fact that *Lord* Elrond was his father! 
 
“Of course!” Exasperated, Elrond sighed. “You are part of my family! I want you to 
stay, Erestor. I want to get to know you better and build a relationship with you.”
 
“But… the Lady Celebrían? And your children? Surely they don’t know the truth? 
 
Elrond cleared his throat and stared deeply into his son’s dazed eyes. “They already 
know the truth. I told them after Glorfindel and I found out.”
 
Unable to remain seated any longer, Erestor freed his hands from Elrond’s hold. He 
jumped to his feet and backed away from the elder half-Elf. “They know? You told 
them? Oh, they must hate me!”
 
“Hate you?” Erestor’s reaction stunned Elrond. “Why?”
 
“I… am… not… You know… her son… their sibling!” Erestor nervously wrung his 
hands. 
 
“Celebrían has a heart of gold, Erestor. She likes you and wants you to become a part 
of this family. And as far as my children go… They might need a bit longer to accept 
they have an older brother, but I am confident they will.” Elrond wondered what to 
do; to remain seated and allow Erestor to retreat from the situation or to join his son, 
who stared at him in complete bewilderment.
 
“I don’t want to be the reason for your family to fall apart. I wish you hadn’t told 
them!”
 
Erestor’s words urged Elrond into action. He rose from his chair and covered the 
distance between them. Resolutely, he placed his hands on Erestor’s shoulders and 
looked his son in the eye. “You have every right to be a part of my family, Erestor. 
You are my firstborn… my future heir.” Elrond knew he had said the wrong thing 
when Erestor released a strangled groan.
 
“Nay! I am *not* your heir! I am… I am… I am not worthy of such honor! The twins 
are your heirs – Elladan is!” 
 
“I shouldn’t have sprung that on you,” whispered Elrond, apologetically. He quickly 
steered away from that subject matter and said, “Erestor, what I want the most is a 
chance to get to know you. To be a father to you – a friend. Will you let me? Or are 
you going to run the moment you leave my study?”
 
“I don’t know yet,” said Erestor. “My head reels.”
 
Elrond nodded in understanding. “You expected nothing like this when you sought 
me out… But Erestor, will you promise me one thing?”
 
“What?” Erestor looked into Elrond’s eyes – his father’s eyes!
 
“That you won’t leave Imladris until we have talked again?” Elrond’s grip on his son’s 
shoulders tightened. “Don’t run, Erestor. This was wholly unexpected. Give it time 
and think this over. You have a family here; a father, two half-brothers, a half-sister, 
and Celebrían, who will welcome you with open arms. Furthermore, you have found 
love here. Don’t run – this is worth staying for.” But in the end it was Erestor’s choice 
if he would flee or stay.
 
“I don’t know what to do yet. The idea that you are my father is… I cannot believe 
that!”
 
“Erestor, you are half-Elven like my other children. When it took you so long to heal 
I realized something was different about you. Your ears…” Elrond’s fingertips sought 
and found his son’s slightly round ears and caressed them. “Your ears are part of your 
heritage. The Elven blood is strong in you and you must have made your choice to 
belong to the Firstborn centuries ago. This is who you are… and now you are a part of 
me as well. Stay.”
 
“I am half-Elven?” 
 
“Peredhil, aye, just like me. You belong here – in this valley – with us, can’t you see 
that?”
 
“It must have happened during my captivity. Being Elven was the only thing I could 
still be proud of so I clung to that. Is that what you meant when you said I made my 
choice?”
 
Elrond nodded once. At least Erestor was thinking about this – accepting this. “This is 
where you belong, Erestor. Stay and give us a chance? Please?” 
 
“I don’t know what to say, my Lo…” Erestor stopped himself, seeing the tormented 
expression in his father’s eyes. “I will try not to address you in that fashion any more, 
but you in turn will have to be patient with me… in the time to come.” Addressing 
the elder half-Elf as his father was something he wasn’t yet ready for and he doubted 
he would be for a very long time. 
 
All Elrond heard was ‘in the time to come’. “You will stay, then?”
 
Erestor lowered his eyes, unable to meet his father’s pleading gaze any longer. “I will 
stay… But I don’t know how to act around you… or your family.” But Glorfindel 
would always be at his side and support him through it all. It was that knowledge, 
which gave him the courage to stay. 
 
“Thank you, Erestor. I vow that you will never regret your decision to stay, my son.” 
Finally speaking the words aloud made him feel liberated and Elrond carefully 
gathered Erestor into a loose hug, hoping his son would accept the affectionate 
gesture.
 
Erestor forced himself to stay in the embrace – after all, it was his *father* who was 
hugging him!
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Erestor’s first thought was to run back to the training grounds so he could tell 
Glorfindel! The blond warrior had known Elrond was his sire and hadn’t told him! 
/Well, I ordered him not to. I can’t be cross with him for obeying my request./ 
 
Elrond had reluctantly let him go after that parental embrace; thankfully, his father 
had realized that he needed some time to himself to sort out his thoughts. His world 
had been turned upside down!
 
“Erestor?” Celebrían came across Erestor by accident and sensed his tension, seeing 
the dazed expression in the brown eyes. /He knows./
 
“My Lady.” Erestor composed himself and bowed, respectfully. He had been so lost in 
thought that he hadn’t heard her approach! /She knows… She knows…/ That thought 
made him panic.
 
“Did you and my husband talk?” she inquired, cautiously. She didn’t want to chase 
Erestor away by coming on too strong.
 
“Aye, we did.” Erestor lowered his eyes. “I am sorry.”
 
Unable to place Erestor’s reaction, she raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
 
“I can never be a part of your family, no matter what your husband says.” A pebble 
rested near Erestor’s right foot and he kicked it, frustrated. “I don’t want you to think 
that I am trying to appropriate myself a place here, unrightfully.”
 
“Oh, Erestor!” Celebrían quickly moved closer, not giving him a chance to move away 
from her. She raised his face by placing a finger beneath his chin. “I want you to hear 
me, Erestor. I like you. You are a good and kind soul and I am proud to have you as a 
son. If you want a family, you have it. Shed this self-pity, Erestor. It doesn’t suit you 
and it isn’t necessary.”
 
Gathering his courage, he searched her eyes and found her words true. “You don’t 
dislike me? After all, your husband bedded my mother and I was born out of 
wedlock…”
 
“Oh, Erestor! You are my husband’s son!” Celebrían opted for action and wrapped her 
arms around him and held him close. “I am serious, Erestor. I speak the truth. I want 
you to stay and to become a part of my family, for you already belong here. Don’t you 
understand that?”
 
Looking into her eyes, Erestor finally allowed himself to believe that they *did* want 
him here. “I would have stayed at any rate,” he said, opening up. 
 
“Because of Glorfindel.”
 
“Aye, I love him. I could never leave him behind.”
 
Celebrían smiled, brilliantly. “Then be happy here, Erestor. With your lover *and* 
your family.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Asfaloth immediately registered Erestor’s arrival and neighed, happily. The stallion 
was pleased, seeing that Erestor was improving with the day. Only his arm still 
seemed to trouble him and there was finally some meat on his bones – still too little, 
though, in Asfaloth’s opinion. Scraping his hoof across the floor, he displayed his 
impatience. Why was it taking Erestor so long to reach his box? The raven-haired Elf 
wasn’t admiring that mare, was he? He had to admit that she looked pretty, with 
those pink ribbons, but Erestor was supposed to like him best! Indignant, he reared.
 
“Oh, why must you always be so impatient!” Erestor chuckled, as he made his way 
over to the war horse. “You aren’t jealous, are you?”
 
Jealous? No, he wasn’t jealous. He just wanted Erestor’s attention! 
 
“Let me make it up to you, then. Will you let me ride you? You can decide our 
destination.” He trusted the stallion to be careful with him. 
 
Asfaloth was tempted. He was eager to leave, but… what about Erestor’s arm? Gently, 
he nudged against Erestor’s abdomen, not wanting to get any closer to the injured 
arm. 
 
“I will manage,” replied Erestor in understand. “You will have to be careful with me, 
but then again, you always are.”
 
Asfaloth nodded his head once and his body filled with energy, seeing Erestor 
opening the door to his box. He danced outside and then stood still, allowing his rider 
to mount. 
 
Erestor grabbed hold of the white mane and swung onto the steed’s back. The first 
time he had done this, he had felt intimidated, but not any more. Now, he felt 
comfortable – protected even. “Let’s go, my friend.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“In the name of the Valar, where is he?” Glorfindel was worried. He had searched his 
rooms, the kitchens, and was now on his way to check the stables for Erestor. His 
lover was nowhere to be found and that made him anxious. Elrond had told him 
about the conversation the half-Elf had had with his son, and his friend had assured 
him that Erestor had promised to stay and not to flee, but Glorfindel still worried. 
What if Erestor had said so only to get out of Elrond’s study?
 
Entering the stables, he searched the boxes, eager to see if Asfaloth was present or 
not. If not, Erestor might have taken the horse for a ride. 
 
On his way over to Asfaloth’s box, he encountered Elrohir, who was busy removing 
several pink ribbons from his mare’s mane. “What is this about?”
 
Elrohir looked at Glorfindel from over his shoulder and shrugged once. “Elladan’s 
annual prank.”
 
Glorfindel’s eyes widened, realizing what special day it was. “We forgot!”
 
“Don’t worry about it, Glorfindel. We understand that other matters take 
precedence.”
 
“Thank you. I am certain your parents will make amends once they realize they 
forgot your begetting day.” Glorfindel searched the stables and found Asfaloth’s box 
empty.
 
Elrohir followed the direction of Glorfindel’s searching glance and said, “Erestor and 
Asfaloth departed almost an hour ago. You should have seen Asfaloth run!”
 
“You saw them leave?”
 
“Aye, I did, but I ducked away so Erestor wouldn’t see me.” Seeing Glorfindel’s 
questioning expression, he explained, “I figured my father and he had talked and that 
Erestor wanted some privacy.” Sensing his former tutor’s fears, he walked up to the 
blond Captain. “I am sure they will return shortly, but if you want to go looking for 
them you are free to burrow my mare.”
 
“A mare with pink ribbons in her mane!”
 
Elrohir smiled, gently. “Go, take her. I know you want to search for him.” He 
squeezed Glorfindel’s shoulder and opened the door to his mare’s box. “Go.”
 
Glorfindel acted on impulse and hugged Elrohir close. “You make me very proud, 
Elrohir. You have grown in to a very wise and kind Elf.”
 
Elrohir smiled and watched Glorfindel leave. Once he was alone again, his heart felt 
burdened once more. “But not wise enough to stop himself from falling in love with 
his twin.”
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Elrohir entered his rooms and sat down on his bed. When they had reached their 
majority their parents had decided that it was time for them to have separate rooms 
and Elrohir had chosen these chambers as his new home. At the time, he had felt 
disappointed and frustrated that their parents wanted them to have separate rooms, 
but now he felt grateful. For now he didn’t have to keep up the pretence and he could 
cry softly.
 
“Elrohir?” Elladan stepped into the door and closed the connecting door behind him. 
He was stunned to see Elrohir crying, his twin’s head deeply buried and hidden 
within his hands. Worried, he quickly made his way over to the bed and sat down, 
folding an arm around his twin’s shoulder. “What troubles you? You know you can 
tell me.”
 
/I wish I could, but I can’t! Not you! Never you!/ Elrohir desperately tried to compose 
himself, as he didn’t want Elladan to grow even more worried. For then the questions 
would start for real. Elladan wouldn’t let loose until he knew what had upset him. “It 
is nothing.”
 
“That is a lie. It is not like you to behave like this over nothing.” Elladan pulled his 
twin close and guided Elrohir’s head against his shoulder. “I think I know what is 
amiss.” The way Elrohir tensed in his arms alarmed him. 
 
“What?”
 
“Is this about our conversation earlier? The way I made fun of you?” Elladan felt 
guilty for having been so cruel to his brother. “You *do* know that you are the most 
handsome half-Elf on Arda? Well, except for me that is,” he added, teasingly, hoping 
to break the tension between them. “I was cruel toward you and I am sorry for that. I 
didn’t think before speaking those words.”
 
Aye, it *was* true. Elladan’s words had hurt him, but that wasn’t the reason why he 
was crying. But for their sanity’s sake he would let Elladan think that his brother had 
reached the correct conclusion. “I forgive you, Elladan.”
 
Elladan sighed. Until now, he hadn’t been certain it had been his words, which had 
hurt his twin. “You should whack me, whenever I say something that stupid. Don’t 
you know that you are the intelligent one?”
 
Elrohir wiped at his tears and managed a smile. “So, I am the handsome *and* the 
intelligent one?”
 
Elladan’s heart beat with joy, finding that his brother’s smile had returned to his face. 
“I never meant to hurt you, Elrohir. I might not say this often enough, but I do love 
you, Elrohir. I am nothing without you.”
 
Elrohir rubbed his cheek against his twin’s shoulder. Those words caused a bitter pain 
in his heart. “I love you too, dear brother.” But he loved Elladan in a forbidden way 
and the truth had to remain hidden for all eternity.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Glorfindel felt relieved, finding Erestor and Asfaloth at the riverside. His lover had 
shed his house shoes and sat on ‘his’ rock, feet dangling and splashing in the water. 
“There you are!”
 
Erestor looked up, hearing Glorfindel’s voice. The moment he saw *that* expression in 
the expressive, blue eyes he realized he had worried his lover. “I like to come here to 
think.”
 
Glorfindel sat beside his lover and Erestor immediately moved closer to him. He 
wrapped an arm around Erestor and played with the ends of the raven hair. “Elrond 
told me that the two of you finally talked.”
 
“Aye. Now I know why you insisted I saw him.” Erestor raised his head and searched 
Glorfindel’s azure eyes. “You knew.”
 
“You had asked me not to tell you and I couldn’t violate your trust.” Glorfindel rested 
his cheek on top of Erestor’s head and stared at the Bruinen. “I wanted to tell you, but 
you didn’t seem ready to hear the truth.”
 
“I am grateful you made me talk to Elrond,” admitted Erestor, cuddling closer. “I 
never expected that particular outcome.”
 
“How do you fare now?” Glorfindel rubbed Erestor’s back and held him as tight as 
possible without putting any pressure on his lover’s injured arm. 
 
“I feel… at peace,” replied Erestor, eventually. “There is not much I can do besides 
accepting the truth.”
 
“Elrond and I were scared you would run.”
 
“That thought did cross my mind,” admitted Erestor. “But I can no longer live without 
you. I need you close.” Lifting his head, he lovingly looked into Glorfindel’s eyes. 
“You gave me so much. You accepted me the first time you saw me and you helped 
me in so many ways. You showed me that I could trust you – love you. You gave me 
everything. You gave me your heart and your love.”
 
“Oh, my love…” Erestor’s words made him hungry – hungry for touches, kisses and 
much more.
 
“I won’t do any less.” Erestor lifted his good hand and caressed Glorfindel’s face. “I 
want you to make love with me.”
 
“It is my greatest desire,” said Glorfindel, panting due to his beginning arousal. “But 
not here, love.” He didn’t have any oil on him and wanted their first time to be 
perfect. “Come home with me and make love with me in our bed.”
 
Erestor slipped a hand into place at the back of Glorfindel’s neck and pulled his lover 
closer for a kiss. “Aye, I want that… I want to see our love confirmed in that way. I 
want you, Glorfindel.” 
 
Those words went straight to his groin and Glorfindel almost climaxed there and 
then. Passionately, he kissed Erestor, deepening the sensual encounter by wrapping 
his tongue around his lover’s. /I want you too, Erestor. I want to feel you inside of 
me./
Part 13 
 
 
Erestor cursed the fact that he was limited to the use of one hand only. Glorfindel had 
even reprimanded him when he had tried to raise the injured limb to caress the blond 
warrior’s face. “I love you, Glorfindel,” Erestor said in a serious voice. “You are the 
first to… to…”
 
Glorfindel, straddling Erestor’s hips and practically drooling with delightful 
anticipation now that the raven-haired Elf was naked beneath him, placed a finger 
across Erestor’s lips in order to silence him. “Hush, my love. I know what to do, and 
what not. Trust yourself to me.”
 
Erestor nodded once and looked trustingly into Glorfindel cerulean eyes. The blond 
warrior had been gentle and careful whilst undressing him and laying him down on 
the big four-poster bed. The sun, painted on the canopy above their heads, sparkled 
even brighter and her rays seemed to reach for them. “I love your bed.”
 
“I am glad you do,” whispered Glorfindel, running his large, warrior hands down 
Erestor’s flanks. He had dreamt of them being in this situation and now he finally had 
the opportunity to do with Erestor as he pleased. They were both aroused, but 
Glorfindel didn’t touch any of their arousals yet, content to explore Erestor’s body 
with his fingertips, mapping it. “But I hope you like *me* even more.”
 
Glorfindel’s flirtatious answer took Erestor’s breath away and he yielded quickly and 
with much desire when the blond vision bent down to claim his lips in an arduous 
kiss. Until now, Erestor hadn’t thought about the actual act itself, but now he found 
himself wondering what to expect. They were naked, panting, and hard; everything 
was becoming real in a frightening tempo. 
 
“Relax, my love. I promise to take excellent care of you.” Glorfindel’s lips trailed 
down to suckle the sensitive skin beneath Erestor’s ear. His hands caressed every inch 
of Erestor’s body, alternating speed and pressure of his touches. Soon, Erestor arched 
up against him in mute begging and he eagerly indulged his lover. Returning to 
Erestor’s lips, he kissed him lazily, exploring and teasing the tongue that wanted to 
wrap around his. At the same time, his right hand located Erestor’s arousal and he set 
a slow, but determined pace, stroking Erestor toward completion. 
 
Erestor’s hips rose to meet with Glorfindel’s strokes and surprise shone in his 
chocolate brown eyes. He had thought they would go all the way tonight! They had 
done this before! Was this as far as Glorfindel intended to go? Had he misunderstood?
 
“Hush, love of mine. I want you to be relaxed and sated… That way you will last 
longer when you are inside of me.” Glorfindel grinned, feline-like, seeing the surprise 
in Erestor’s eyes. “I promised you that we would make love, and we will.”
 
“But, I thought…” Glorfindel’s strokes sped up, became more demanding and Erestor 
failed to finish his sentence, now that pleasure was taking over. “Kiss me…”
 
Glorfindel obeyed and possessed his lover’s lips. He suckled on the tip of Erestor’s 
tongue, expertly manipulated his lover’s testes and erection with his nimble fingers. 
As expected, warm cream splashed against his abdomen. “That is one, love.”
 
Panting, and slightly confused, Erestor looked his lover in the eye. “But…?”
 
Glorfindel stopped him by claiming Erestor’s lips once more. Whilst Erestor was 
solely focused on their kiss and the ecstasy running through his body, Glorfindel 
located the small phial of oil, which he had brought to bed with them. “I want you 
inside of me, Erestor…”
 
”I don’t know what… or how…” said Erestor, who tried to calm down his breathing. 
Waves of pleasure still washed over him and he felt lazy and relaxed. If achieving that 
sensation had been Glorfindel’s intention, the warrior had been successful!
 
Glorfindel removed the stopper and let some of the oil drip onto his fingers. He 
would have preferred for their first time to be different – for Erestor to have made a 
complete recovery, as he loved an active lover in bed -- but now it was up to him to 
lead them through this. 
 
Erestor gasped, at the feel of slick fingers coating his member, which, to his utter 
surprise, was growing interested again! Raising his good arm, his fingertips found 
Glorfindel’s lips and caressed their soft tissue. “Glorfindel, I…” Somehow, this felt 
wrong. Like it was supposed to be the other way around – that it should be Glorfindel 
claiming him!
 
“Easy, love. This is our first time together; you are injured and quite inexperienced. 
We should do it this way.” Glorfindel stroked Erestor’s erection back to full hardness 
and then added more oil to the hard flesh. “Just enjoy the experience. I promise to 
take you when you are healed, if that is your desire.”
 
“It is…” whispered Erestor, dazed. The sensations running through his body 
overwhelmed him and took away any objections he might have left. He stared, 
admiringly, at the warrior’s well-trained body when Glorfindel raised and positioned 
himself. “Please be careful…”
 
Glorfindel kissed Erestor hard, touched by his lover’s words. Even now, Erestor 
worried for his well-being! The blunt head of Erestor’s arousal pressed against the 
opening to his body and Glorfindel bit his bottom lip, whilst slowly lowering himself 
onto his lover’s shaft. 
 
Erestor’s eyes widened and he moaned with pleasure as more of Glorfindel’s tight 
heat enveloped him. He had never experienced anything like this before! 
 
Glorfindel’s brow was covered with tiny droplets of sweat by the time that his 
buttocks finally made contact with Erestor’s lap. He had taken in his lover’s length 
and now needed a moment to grow used to the invasive feeling. Erestor’s member 
filled him completely, nicely stretching him. Rotating his hips, he stared at Erestor’s 
lust-filled eyes. “You fill me up nicely,” he said, paying his lover a compliment. 
 
Erestor giggled and the motion sent sparks of delight through Glorfindel’s lower 
body. “Stop doing that… I am close to finding release!” And he didn’t want to come 
yet! Not now, not when he was finally one with his lover!
 
“Sorry,” whispered Erestor, feeling lost. His body screamed for him to move – to do 
something – yet Glorfindel had asked him to remain motionless. By the Grace of the 
Valar, he had never thought making love would feel anything like this!
 
Seeing how difficult this was on Erestor, Glorfindel took pity on his lover and moved. 
 
Erestor moaned, as the movement sent more sparks of promised release through his 
body. “Glorfindel…I…” He placed his good hand on Glorfindel’s hip, rubbing the 
skin there.
 
Glorfindel nodded once in understanding and then began to move in earnest. It 
wasn’t long before Erestor’s instincts kicked in and took over, thrusting up to claim 
him. Glorfindel threw back his head and closed his eyes; Erestor’s thrusts rubbed that 
sensitive nub inside him and almost drove him out of his mind. Then, completely 
unexpectedly, Erestor grasped the back of his neck and pulled him close until their 
lips met in a frantic kiss. Glorfindel’s heart beat faster, finding Erestor was taking 
control of their lovemaking. He had hoped for it to happen, but hadn’t expected it, 
because of Erestor’s injury.
 
Seeing such surrender made Erestor long for more and his instincts got the better of 
him. The pain in his broken arm no longer registered with him, as he brought his 
arms up behind Glorfindel’s back, grabbed hold of him, and then rolled him onto his 
back in one fluent movement.
 
Glorfindel’s eyes widened in dazed delight, suddenly finding himself on his back with 
an eager and forcefully thrusting Erestor between his legs. Growls escaped Erestor’s 
lips and his lover’s pace became feral. Erestor pistoned in and out in a feverish tempo. 
Accepting Erestor’s dominion for now, Glorfindel wrapped his long legs around his 
lover’s waist. 
 
Erestor thrust automatically, grunting hard; his need for them to find completion 
dominated his actions. “Stroke yourself,” he said, panting hard. “I am close.”
 
Glorfindel obeyed, took himself into hand, and stroked in time with Erestor’s deep 
thrusts. Seconds later, they climaxed. 
 
Erestor immediately collapsed on top of Glorfindel. His breathing remained fast, and 
even whilst he was climaxing, he continued to thrust inside Glorfindel. 
 
Glorfindel’s eyes closed, feeling the dual sensation of Erestor finding release inside 
him, and his hand being splashed with his own cream. Using his other arm, he 
wrapped it around Erestor in the hope that his lover would remain inside him a little 
longer. Rubbing large, soothing circles onto Erestor’s trembling back, he held him 
close and pressed a kiss against his lover’s temple. 
 
Erestor giggled again, lifted his head, and stared into Glorfindel’s eyes. There were no 
words to convey the way he felt, and he hoped Glorfindel correctly understood the 
expression in his eyes.
 
Unconditional love and trust was what Glorfindel read in Erestor’s dark eyes. He 
couldn’t find the right words to express his feelings either, so he simply stared back 
and smiled. Erestor inched closer and soon their lips were locked in another 
passionate kiss, confirming and strengthening their love.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Satiated and content, Glorfindel rolled onto his side to study his sleeping lover. Much 
had happened during these last few weeks and he knew that on some profound level 
Erestor’s perception had changed. The raven-haired Elf now knew his heritage; 
Erestor knew that Elrond was his sire and that he was even related to Gil-galad. 
Erestor had found a family and a lover and he hoped that his dark-haired lover finally 
felt happy. Glorfindel leaned in closer and bestowed a light kiss onto Erestor’s lips. “I 
love you.” Erestor, whom he had believed sound asleep, smiled.
 
“I love you too, Glorfindel.” 
 
Now that Erestor was awake at any rate, Glorfindel laughed, and set to kissing his 
dark-haired lover in earnest. “I will stay with you forever. No one will ever come 
between us.”
 
“I will hold you to that promise,” mumbled Erestor, sleepily. 
 
Glorfindel curled himself around his lover and pressed one more kiss onto Erestor’s 
brow. “Sleep now. I will be here when you wake again.”
 
“I like that thought…” whispered Erestor, before returning to his sweet dreams.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Elrond felt nervous, and judging by the faces of his family members surrounding him, 
they felt the same way. He was grateful that his sons had found a way to accept the 
changes in their lives; he knew it had been hard on them – on Elladan especially. But 
they had somehow accepted it, and the twins smiled at each other. Elrond’s eyes 
narrowed, realizing something had changed between them, but what?
 
Celebrían sat at his side – as always. Her large, loving eyes smiled at him and he 
returned that smile, gently cradling her right hand in his. /I love you./
 
/I know you do, my heart,/ replied Celebrían, gently squeezing her husband’s hand. 
/And I will always love you. You are the most important part of me./
 
Elrond guided his wife’s hand close to his lips and pressed a devoted kiss onto its back. 
/I will never stop loving you. Thank you for accepting Erestor into our lives. And 
thank you for remaining at my side. I couldn’t have done this without your continued 
support./
 
She smiled and nodded her head once. Their love ran deep and united them, even 
enabling them to communicate without words over huge distances. 
 
“Will Erestor join us for breakfast?” inquired Arwen. It had almost been a day since 
they had seen him last.
 
“I hope so,” mumbled Elrond, shifting uncomfortably on his chair. “I want to 
officially welcome him into our family.”
 
The twins exchanged a smile. “I like the idea of having an elder brother,” said Elrohir. 
“And I don’t mean you, my dear twin!”
 
Elladan pretended annoyance, but then grinned. “You have two elder brothers now!”
 
Elrohir looked lovingly into his twin’s eyes. /I am grateful you found your way here, 
Erestor. You gave me my twin back – free of the burden of following in our father’s 
footsteps. Elladan can be himself again – he doesn’t have to pretend he is someone he 
is not./
 
Elrond wondered about the new connection that seemed to run between his sons, but 
didn’t comment on it. If they wanted to share this with him, they would – in the end.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
“I am nervous.” Erestor straightened his new robes for the umpteenth time. Elrond 
had requested his presence in the Hall of Fire and Erestor suspected he knew what 
this was about. “Why? Why does he want to make this public?”
 
Finishing one braid and starting another, Glorfindel said, “You are his son, Erestor. 
His firstborn and heir, and Elrond is proud of that, understandably so.”
 
“But, I have no desire to rule this valley one day! I am content being with you!”
 
Glorfindel smiled and wrapped his lover in an embrace from behind. Pressing close to 
the trembling half-Elf, Glorfindel rested his chin on his lover’s shoulder. “Look at 
your reflection, Erestor.” They stood in front of the mirror, two Elf-Lords, perfectly 
dressed. “And tell me what you see.”
 
“I see you,” said Erestor, chuckling softly. But then he quickly grew thoughtful again. 
“I know the other Elf is me, but… I look different.”
 
“It is not just the way you look,” explained Glorfindel. “You have changed a lot since 
we met in the stables. You have become someone else. Oh, the old Erestor is still 
there, I know that because I sometimes catch a glimpse of him when he is feeling 
insecure, but I like the new and improved Erestor best. You have become more 
confident, Erestor. You befriended Elrond and his family, and even more importantly, 
*this* is your birth right, Erestor.”
 
“What if I don’t want it?”
 
“I doubt Elrond will make you decide right now. He has time. But I believe he would 
prefer for you to be his heir – his replacement, when he is away on official business.”
 
Erestor still wasn’t convinced, but he also realized he had little say in the matter. “As 
long as I am with you, I don’t mind too much what position I hold at Elrond’s court.”
 
Touched by Erestor’s words, Glorfindel tightened the embrace. “You have found a 
family here, Erestor. Don’t take that lightly. They won’t be satisfied until you are a 
part of their lives. I know them well enough to understand that.”
 
Erestor sighed. “I hope I will never disappoint them.”
 
“Even if you do disappoint them, Erestor, they will still love you, as will I. Our love is 
unconditional.”
 
“Thank you,” whispered Erestor, looking from over his shoulder at Glorfindel. Their 
gazes met, spoke of love, and their lips locked in a devoted kiss.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Elrond rose from his chair and overlooked the gathering of Elves. Most members of 
his household had found their way here, just as he had requested. Erestor, seated to 
his right, drew in a deep breath and Elrond’s gaze shifted to look at his eldest son, 
encouragingly. 
 
Erestor wished Glorfindel were at his side, but the Captain sat beside Celebrían, at the 
other end of the table and seemed impossibly far away. He listened, feeling strangely 
distant as Elrond introduced him to the Imladris Elves, calling him his long-lost son 
and heir. He cringed at hearing those last few words, as he had no intention of 
usurping Elladan’s rightful place.
 
But Elladan, seated to his right, sensed Erestor’s concern and met his elder brother’s 
gaze. Once he was certain of Erestor’s attention, he smiled and nodded once. “This is 
your birthright,” Elladan said, touched when Elrohir claimed his hand beneath the 
table. “I no longer desire to rule in my father’s place. This is your destiny, Erestor, not 
mine.”
 
“But…” Erestor flinched, seeing Elrond’s right brow inch higher at hearing their 
conversation. “Are you certain?” he asked, addressing Elrond and Elladan 
simultaneously. 
 
“Aye, I am,” said Elladan, nodding once more to stress his words.
 
Elrond felt content now that the matter had been resolved and proudly said, 
“Residents of Imladris, I present to you Erestor, the newest Lord of this valley, my 
firstborn and my heir.”
 
There had been rumors going about that Erestor was more than met the eye, but none 
of the inhabitants had reached the conclusion that he was Elrond’s son and heir. 
Many eyes sought out Elladan for confirmation. Elladan had always been Elrond’s 
heir, and to them he still remained so now. 
 
Realizing action was needed, Elladan reluctantly freed himself of his twin’s hand and 
then pulled Erestor to his feet with him. “My father speaks the truth! Erestor is his 
firstborn and thus the rightful heir. I pledge my allegiance to him!”
 
“So do I!” Glorfindel jumped up from his chair and a moment later, he blushed, 
realizing just how much he had revealed to the assembled crowd. 
 
“We know you already did!” said Celebrían, chuckling.
 
The Lady’s reaction triggered the crowd’s and soon the Elves were chuckling and 
talking about this latest development. Realizing his subjects had accepted this 
revelation, Elrond sat down again, gesturing for his sons to seat themselves as well. 
 
Elladan and Erestor complied, but Erestor felt uncomfortable, as a large of amount of 
eyes were still directed at him. “What do I do now?” To his surprise it was Elrohir, 
who leaned in closer to address him. 
 
Elrohir, seated in between Elladan and Arwen, smiled encouragingly at Erestor and 
said, “Elladan and I will teach you what you need to know about Imladris. And I am 
certain our father will teach you how to rule.” Elrohir’s smile sparkled. “I have 
another brother now… I like that idea.”
 
Uncertain how to react to all the attention he was getting Erestor sought out his 
lover. All throughout dinner – which seemed to last an eternity – they maintained 
eye contact and at the first opportunity, they excused themselves and left the dinner 
table. 
 
Once they were in the corridor and safe from curious eyes, Erestor flung himself in 
Glorfindel’s arms and deeply inhaled his lover’s musky scent. “Feels like coming 
home,” he whispered. 
 
“You did come home to Imladris,” said Glorfindel, burying his lover in a warm hug.
 
“Nay, I didn’t mean it like that.” Erestor lifted his head and looked warmly into the 
azure eyes. “It feels like I have come home to you.”
 
“Oh, love…” Glorfindel fought down tears of happiness and pressed a kiss onto the 
crown of Erestor’s head. “Your home will always be with me.”
 
The End
August 2004