Chapter 6--Passing Time Erestor closed the door and sat down in a chair. "You should get some sleep. It might help you heal faster," he said. "It is too early. I will not be able too," Glorfindel said. His eyes fell upon a book lying on the bedside table. "Perhaps you could read to me?" he suggested. Erestor muttered something best left unrecorded and picked up the book. Opening it, he began to read aloud. Glorfindel relaxed, enjoying himself. He was surprised how soothing the advisor's voice was. No wonder he had so little trouble reading the twins to sleep. He studied Erestor's face then his gaze lingered on the dark haired Elf's lips. I wonder how they taste, he thought then chuckled. Erestor had been uncomfortablely aware of Glorfindel's gaze and frowned at him. "What do you find so amusing, seneschal?" he demanded. "Nothing of importance. Please continue," Glorfindel said. Erestor went back to reading then somehow without meaning to Glorfindel fell into reverie. The warm sun shining on the bed awaked Glorfindel. He hadn't meant to fall asleep! He looked for Erestor and finally saw him sitting in a chair, eyes glazed in reverie. Glorfindel felt a bit sorry for the advisor. The chair couldn't have been very comfortable. He tried his sprained hand and found a bit regretfully that it was healed. He returned his gaze to Erestor. He looked young and harmless in sleep, but Glorfindel knew better than to believe that now. "Erestor?" he called. He was startled when Erestor woke up immediately and looked at him. "What is it?" Erestor asked. "Nothing major except that it is time for breakfast and I am starved," Glorfindel said. "Very well, I will go to the kitchen and fetch something," Erestor said. He stood and left the room, not five minutes later there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Glorfindel called. The door opened and Elrond came in. He looked around and frowned. "Where is Erestor?" he asked. "He went to the kitchen to get us some breakfast. He will be back soon," Glorfindel said. Elrond nodded and leaving the door open came to the side of the bed. "How are you two getting along?" he asked. "Well enough, though I do not think he appreciated having to help me use the privy last evening. He was redder then I have ever seen anyone by the time it was done," Glorfindel chuckled. Elrond laughed at the image then sobered. "How are your injuries?" he asked. "The sprain has healed, but my arm and ankle have been aching," Glorfindel sighed. "I never thought skinny Erestor could do such a thing to me." "I will fetch something to ease the pain right now," Elrond said. He stood and left the room. Erestor returned, carrying a tray shortly after. He shoved the door closed with his foot. "Who was here?" he asked. "Elrond came to check on me. He will be back shortly," Glorfindel said. Erestor set the tray in Glorfindel's lap. "I trust by now that your sprain has healed and you can feed yourself," he said. "Aye, but you can feed me if you like. I enjoyed it," Glorfindel offered. "I am sure you did, but you can feed yourself, seneschal," Erestor retorted coolly. "You are no fun at all, lirimar," Glorfindel sighed. Erestor scowled at him and moved away to look out the window. "Are you not going to eat?" Glorfindel asked. "Tend to your own business and I will tend to mind, seneschal. I do not require a caretaker," Erestor said. A soft knock on the door drew their attention. "Come in, Elrond!" Glorfindel called. Elrond entered, carrying a bottle. "I have brought the potion I promised. This will help with the ache. Good morning, Erestor," he said. "Good morning, Lord Elrond," Erestor said. Elrond frowned. "You are not eating?" he asked. Erestor sighed. "I am not hungry this morning," he said. "I think he is on a diet, so he will stay pretty," Glorfindel joked slyly. Erestor scowled. "May I have leave to return to my chambers long enough to bathe and change clothes?" he asked. "Aye, you may," Elrond said. Erestor left without another word, closing the door behind him. Elrond poured some of the potion into a cup and handed it to him. "Drink it, Glorfindel," he said. Glorfindel took the cup and took a drink. It tasted awful. He held his breath and drained the cup. "What do you use in this? Never mind I truly do not want to know," he grumbled. Meanwhile Erestor went into his chambers and closed the door and locked it. He went into the bath chamber and filled the tub warm water before stripping off his clothes. He paused to look in the mirror. A tattoo of the symbol of Rivendell was on his left shoulder with a capital 'E' woven into it. The tattoo's enchantment bound him to Elrond, so he knew where his Lord was at all times and would know immediately if Elrond was in danger. He shook of his thought and stepped into the tub. Elrond watched while Glorfindel ate. "I am sorry that I did not tell you about what Erestor truly was sooner, mellon-nin. You would not have gotten hurt if I had," he said. "It is alright. I was just caught off guard. I would never expect Erestor of all of the Elves that dwell here being a guardian," Glorfindel said. "He has done well at keeping me safe," Elrond said. "Our dark haired advisor intrigues me more then ever, Elrond. I wish to get to know him," he said. Elrond sighed. "Just be careful how you treat him, Glorfindel. Erestor is no prize to be won and he will not be easily coaxed," he warned. A wicked glint sparkled in Glorfindel's eye. "I am sure of that and I am looking forward to the hunt," he said. Chapter 7--The Hunt begins Reluctant to go back to Glorfindel's chamber, Erestor took his time bathing, but finally he left the tub, dried off and put on clean clothes. He combed out his hair and bound it back at the nape of his neck with a leather thong. Just as he was leaving the room his gaze fell upon a thick book on the bedside table. He went and got it then left. Elrond opened the door at his knock. "Good, you are back. I must go and tend to my duties. I will be back to check on Glorfindel later," he said. He left. Erestor closed the door behind him and walked over to the chair he'd spent the night in. "Erestor," Glorfindel said. "What is it?" Erestor replied. "Would you open the balcony doors? I would like to see the sun and feel the breeze. It seems stuffy in here," Glorfindel said. Erestor shrugged and went to the doors and shoved them open. Sunlight and a fresh breeze filled the room. "Satisfied?" he asked. "Aye, that is much better," Glorfindel said and smiled at him. "I wish I could go outside. I hate being bedridden though the company is worth it." Erestor shook his head. "You are such a nuisance, seneschal," he said. He went back to the chair, sat down, and opened the book. "You mean you are going to just sit there, read, and ignore me?" Glorfindel pouted. "You are whining, balrog slayer, like a child," Erestor chided. "I am bored. I can hold a book, but I can't turn pages and it is making me crazy to just lay here," Glorfindel complained. "So you are trying to make me crazy as well by nagging," Erestor pointed out. "We could play a game of chess. I can do that with only one good hand," Glorfindel suggested hopefully. "I was not aware you played chess," Erestor remarked. "Aye, I play with Elrond often. He has even said that I am a very worthy opponent," Glorfindel said. "Consider it a challenge." Erestor had to admit he was bored too. A game of chess would be welcome. "Very well, your challenge is accepted. Do you have a chess set or shall I fetch the one in the library?" he asked. "I have one," Glorfindel said. He directed Erestor to where he kept it. He got himself into an upright position while Erestor fetched the board and set it up. "If you help me I can sit at the table. It will make it easier to play," Glorfindel suggested. Erestor hesitated then went over and assisted Glorfindel to his feet and over to the table then lowered him into a chair. "Are you comfortable?" he asked. "Very, thank you, lirimaer," Glorfindel said. Erestor scowled. "Stop calling me that," he said. He sat down in the other chair. "You are playing white, so you move first," he said. Glorfindel moved then sat back and watched Erestor make his move. After two hours both of them were impressed with each other's skill. Finally Glorfindel managed to corner the black king where it couldn't escape. "Checkmate, lirimaer," he said. Erestor studied the board then tipped the black king on its side to symbol surrender. "You are a worthy opponent indeed," he admitted. "I think that a prize is in order," Glorfindel said huskily. "What sort of prize?" Erestor asked warily. "I will settle for a kiss, lirimaer," Glorfindel said. Erestor just sighed in annoyance and stood. "Your seductive attempts completely lack in subtlety, seneschal," he said. Glorfindel laughed. "Very well, advisor. Let us play another and I promise to behave, agreed?" he asked. "I doubt the word behave is in your vocabulary, in fact I doubt you even know what it means," Erestor snorted. "Perhaps, but you can teach me all that while we are playing our second game," Glorfindel offered. Erestor finally sat down. "Very well and stop calling me lirimaer. I am not one of your conquest," he said. They were on their third game, trying to break a tie when Elrond came in. "Glorfindel, what are you doing out of bed?" he asked. "Playing chess," Glorfindel said innocently. "Do not do that. You know what I am talking about. You should not be up," Elrond said. "But I was bored and besides we are almost done. I will have him in two moves," Glorfindel said. Erestor made his move. "Checkmate," he said. "WHAT?!" Glorfindel cried. He looked at the board. "Well, damn." "Too bad he had you in one," Elrond said. "Now you will return to your bed." Glorfindel grumbled, but allowed himself to be helped back to bed. Chapter 8--Free at Last Elrond carefully examined Glorfindel's arm and ankle then nodded in satisfaction. "The bones are mended, so I can remove the splints, but you should still take it easy for a couple days, Glorfindel," he said. "Thank the Vala for that. I was going mad being stuck in bed!" Glorfindel said. "So he did his best to drive me mad as well," Erestor muttered. Glorfindel smirked in his direction. "Now darling, do not get into a snit," he said. "I know what, you can take a bath with me. You can scrub my back then I will scrub yours." Erestor turned several shades of red. "Darling? Snit? You miserable, arrogant bastard, Take a bath alone! If the Vala smiles on me you will drown!" he snapped and stormed from the room. Elrond shook his head. "You two squabble like you were married," he said. "Sorry Elrond, I just cannot resist. He is cute when he is angry," Glorfindel grinned. "I am almost sorry that I have mended." Elrond raised an eyebrow. "If he tosses you again because of your remarks I may drown the both of you," he said. "Oh, come Elrond, you would be bored to tears without us. Admit it, mellon-nin," Glorfindel said. "Oh no, my friend," Elrond said as he gathered his things. "Just remember what I said about taking it easy." He left the room. Two hours later a freshly bathed and dressed Glorfindel left his room and made his way slowly down to the library. When he reached the door he could hear Elrohir and Elladan laughing. He pushed it open and walked in. He was surprised by the sight that met his eyes. Stuffy, dignified Erestor was sitting on the floor with both twins in his lap reading to them from a large book. The advisor looked a bit embarrassed to be caught in such an undignified pose. "Hi Uncle 'Fin, Uncle 'Tor is reading us a story! You wanna listen too?" Elrohir asked. Erestor looked as if he would have liked the floor to swallow him. "Did Elrond not tell you to take it easy?" he asked. "I am. It is not like I did flips down the hallway," Glorfindel said. He went to a chair and sat down. "Do continue," he said. Erestor looked less than thrilled to have him there, but the advisor returned to his reading. When the story was done both twins hugged Erestor. "Thank you, Uncle 'Tor!" they said. "You are welcome, now go find your ada," Erestor said. The twins scrambled from his lap. "Bye, Uncle 'Fin!" they called as they rushed from the library. Once the door was closed Glorfindel grinned at Erestor. "Alone again, I still did not get my kiss for my victory," he said. "That is right and you never will besides you forfeited that and I never agreed to it," Erestor retorted. He stood and returned the book to its spot on the shelf. When he turned Glorfindel was only a couple inches away. "Really?" Glorfindel purred. "Well, I changed my mind." Erestor realized he was trapped against the bookcase. "Yes, really, now back off for I have not changed mine, Glorfindel. I swear I will toss you again if you do not," he threatened. "Empty threat, advisor, we both know that you will not," Glorfindel said. He leaned forward to claim the advisor's mouth. Suddenly a powerful shove sent him sprawling backwards to the floor. "You are right, seneschal, but pushing I will do," Erestor said coldly. "Do not ever try such a stunt again." He headed for the door. "Playing hard to get again? That is fine. I love a challenge," Glorfindel said, rising to his feet. He lunged after Erestor. He was determined to win this round. Erestor avoided the lunge, but it took him away from the door in the process. "What has processed you?" he growled. Glorfindel smiled and prepared to leap for Erestor again, but then the door opened and Elrond came in. "There you are, Glorfindel, I need to speak to you about your latest report," Elrond said. "Ah, hello Erestor." He added. "Good day, please excuse me," Erestor said. He flashed Glorfindel a triumphant smile and left the room. He could hear Glorfindel swearing loudly behind him. Elrond waited until the tirade was finished. "Are you quite done now?" he asked. "He is infuriating!" Glorfindel growled. "I did warn you it would not be easy to seduce him," Elrond pointed out. "You were certainly right, but I will not give up so easily," Glorfindel vowed. Chapter 9--A Unexpected Surprise Glorfindel moved to Elrond's side when he reached the group. Elrond nodded to Glorfindel then greeted them. "Welcome travelers, I am Lord Elrond and this is my chief advisor, Erestor," he said. "I believe you have met Captain Glorfindel." "Greeting my Lord, I am Tylarien, it is good to see you after all these years, Erestor," the leader said. "Ah then you know my advisor," Elrond said. "Indeed, he is my intended," Tylarien purred. Elrond was surprised at that, but managed to hide it. Glorfindel gave Erestor a quizzical look. Erestor carefully ignored both of them. This matter was his business and had nothing to do with anyone else. Elrond had the servants escort the group to their rooms before looking at Erestor. "We need to talk about this," he said. "There is really nothing to discuss," Erestor said, hoping to get out of it. "My study, now Erestor," Elrond said. His tone made it clear that no arguments would be accepted. Erestor had no choice, but to follow Elrond to his study. Glorfindel followed them into the room and closed the door. He stood in front of it as if he was keeping guard. "I do not plan to run off," Erestor snapped. "Sit down, Erestor and explain to me about your intended," Elrond said. "He is not my intended anymore. I refused to bond with him because of his actions," Erestor said. "What actions?" Glorfindel asked. "That is not your concern, none of this matters!" Erestor protested. "I would like to know, Erestor," Elrond said. "Our binding was arranged by our parents. I had never even seen him until the day my father held a feast where it was formally announced. I was not unopposed to it at first. Tylarien was handsome and good company. One day I went to his chambers to speak to him. The door was half open so I walked in to find that he wasn't alone. He was with his lover. I left and when my father found out the bonding was cancelled immediately. I started my training and asked to come here when it was done, so I could get away from him," Erestor said. "I understand now. Thank you for telling me, Erestor," Elrond said. Erestor glanced at Glorfindel, expecting a remark, but nothing happened. "May I go, Elrond?" he asked. "Yes, you may go," Elrond said. Erestor turned and headed for the door, but found his way blocked. "Get out of the way, Glorfindel," he said. Glorfindel mock bowed then moved aside and let him pass. Erestor left the study and headed for his chamber. He passed a room and suddenly he was grabbed and pulled into it. It was Tylarien. "What are," he began, but was interrupted when Tylarien took procession of his mouth. He shoved at him, but Tylarien had been trained as a guardian as well. Erestor couldn't get loose. Finally Tylarien pulled back. "You always did have a sweet mouth, my dark lover," he said. "I have never been your lover and never will be. Let me go or I swear I will see you kicked out of here!" Erestor hissed. "Are you warming Lord Elrond's bed or perhaps you are sleeping with the captain?" Tylarien said. "That is none of your concern any more. I am unattached and may sleep wherever I wish," Erestor said. "Come now, Erestor, he was just a fling," Tylarien said. "Do you not mean they? There were two of them in your bed if I remember correctly," Erestor said. "I like a little variety. It meant nothing," Tylarien shrugged. "It meant plenty. It meant I would rather spend eternity alone then with you. Do not touch me again!" Erestor retorted. He stormed from the room and went to his own chambers, locking the door. He hadn't been there ten minutes when someone knocked on the door. "What is it?" he called. "I have brought a meal and wine, advisor," a servant called. Erestor frowned, but opened the door, only to find Glorfindel there instead of the servant. "What are you doing?" he demanded. Glorfindel walked in without waiting to be invited. "I thought you may be hungry," he said. "If I was I am capable of getting something for myself," Erestor said. Glorfindel set the tray down and sat down in a chair. "That explains why you act so frigid. He must have really hurt you," he said. Erestor glared. "Do you have to pry into my life constantly? Why do you not go find someone to seduce?" he asked. "I have, but you will not cooperate," Glorfindel said. "I meant besides me!" Erestor retorted. "Nay, I do not want to seduce someone else, besides most of them would be too easy to seduce. You, my fierce one, are a much more interesting opponent," Glorfindel said. Erestor's hands clenched into fists. "Get out of my rooms, Glorfindel or I will be forced to remove you myself," he warned. Glorfindel took a fresh strawberry from the plate and ate it slowly and hopefully seductively. "Come have a bite to eat. It is delicious," he said. Erestor strode over to Glorfindel, determined to remove him by force if necessary. He grabbed the blonde's wrist. Glorfindel had been waiting for that and this time he was ready. He grabbed Erestor around the waist with his free hand and yanked, sending the dark haired elf tumbling into his lap. Startled, Erestor let go of Glorfindel's wrist and tried to pull away, but that arm went around his waist as well. He couldn't pull away. "Gotcha," Glorfindel purred triumphantly. Chapter 10--First Kiss Erestor was so shocked by what had happened that he didn't resist right away. He stared at Glorfindel who smiled wickedly. "Time for that kiss, " Glorfindel said, leaning towards him. "Let go of me!" Erestor protested, pulling back. He tried to get up, but Glorfindel wouldn't let go. "Nay, lirimaer, not until I get my kiss," Glorfindel said. He slid one of his hands up, so it was between Erestor's shoulder blades and forced him forward. Erestor opened his mouth to protest again, but Glorfindel's mouth covered his before he could get the words out. Since the advisor's mouth was open, Glorfindel thrust his tongue into Erestor's mouth and deepened the kiss. By Elbereth, he tastes sweeter then I ever imagined, Glorfindel thought. He tightened his grip, crushing Erestor closer to him. It felt like his blood was boiling. Erestor wanted to pull away, but at the same time he wanted to stay where he was for an eternity. Finally his mouth was released. His breath came in short pants as he stared at Glorfindel, stunned. Glorfindel studied the stunned advisor, seeing his lips swollen by the kiss and his skin flushed with the beginning of passion. Beautiful, so lovely, he thought. "Amazing, this is the first time I saw you speechless, lirimaer," the Seneschal grinned. He stood, pulling Erestor to his feet as well. "You have a sweet mouth as well as a sharp tongue. Shall we continue this someplace more comfortable? Like your bed?" Suddenly the advisor's hand was on his throat, fingers pressed into the skin. "Have you heard of a maneuver called Eagle's Claw? Of course you have not. Let me explain, with it I could tear open your throat with one yank. You have three seconds to get out of my room or I will demonstrate it to you," Erestor hissed. "Nay, you will not harm me, Erestor. You and I both know it," Glorfindel said. He caught the advisor's hand and pulled it away from his throat. "I think you liked that kiss and it upsets you that you liked it." Erestor hissed in anger and frustration then tore his hand free. "Just get out, I want no lover," he said. Black and blue eyes warred silently, neither of them wanted to lose the battle of wills, but a knock on the door distracted them. "Uncle 'Fin! If you are in there with Uncle 'Tor then ada wants to see you!" Elrohir called. "I will be right there, pen-neth!" Glorfindel called. Running footsteps disappeared down the hall. "Better hurry, Uncle 'Fin," Erestor said, stressing the nickname. "I am no part of a fish, lirimaer," Glorfindel said. "Nay, but you are still impossible to digest," Erestor retorted, "and stop calling me that." Glorfindel grinned. "Are you planning to eat me, my sweet advisor?" he purred. "You forget that I am well aware of what a dirty mind you possess and I do not even want to THINK in that direction," Erestor retorted. "Erestor, you insult me," Glorfindel said in mock hurt. "What? Not filthy enough for you?" Erestor snorted. "Now whose the one with the dirty mind?" Glorfindel teased. "That depends on what images you are conjuring!" Erestor returned. Glorfindel threw his head back and laughed heartily. "Bravo, advisor! Your wit is as sharp as ever. Unfortunately though I would rather trade barbs with you I must go see what Elrond requires. I will look forward to seeing you at dinner. Until then, lirimaer," he said then left closing the door behind him. Erestor glared at the door for a long moment before cursing vividly. "Damn that blonde fool for this!" he growled. "I will not be another one of his many conquests! I will not!" he vowed. Really? His mind whispered. You liked the kiss, wanted to melt into his arms. I think that you might want to share his bed. Erestor shoved the thought away. "I do not!" he said aloud. By the time dinner was to be served Erestor had regained his scattered composure and he was sure he would need all he had. He would have to spend the evening with both Tylarien and the annoying balrog slayer. It was going to be a long and difficult night. --------------------------------- Glorfindel couldn't help staring hungrily at Erestor when the dark haired advisor swept into the dining hall. He wore fine burgundy robes that suited his black eyes and ebon hair perfectly. Erestor felt Glorfindel's eyes more intently then any in the room, but he refused to react to the Elda's unsubtle staring. He bowed politely and took his place between Elrond and Glorfindel. Glorfindel leaned close to the advisor, so his breath tickled the other's ear. "You look delicious, perhaps I will get to nibble on you later," he whispered. He was delighted when Erestor actually blushed. "You are less subtle then a drunken Orc! Leave me be, Seneschal," Erestor retorted in a low voice. "You don't want me to do that and we both know it," Glorfindel returned and pulled away before Erestor could reply. Erestor picked up his wine goblet that a servant had just filled and drained the contents in one gulp. He had been more correct then he'd known. It was going to be a long night indeed. Glorfindel smirked and settled back comfortablely. Tonight was going to be very entertaining. TBC...