Fic: BLING
Nov. 24th, 2009 04:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sbyteThis is silliness and sends a very old plot bunny to the evil plot bunny graveyard. Thank you sooooo much Chloe!!!
Series: Bling
Ch. Title: Shine for Me 1/5
Beta: Chloe Amethyst
All remaining mistakes are mine.
Type: LOTR FCS
Characters: Glorfindel/Erestor, Lord Elrond, Haldir, Prince Legolas, Elrohir, Elladan, OMC
Disclaimer: The world of LOTR belongs, in its entirety, to Master Tolkien and his heirs. This is simple fan fiction.
Warnings: Completely AU, Silliness, Slash (male/male), Violence, Sex (spoken of, hinted at, but not described)
Summary: Glorfindel sees something, but knows not what. He makes a few awkward attempts to find out, and Lord Elrond intervenes.
Bling
Chapter 1: Shine for Me
“You know what to do with it?” asked Erestor.
“Yes, it will be taken care of before day’s end.”
Erestor handed a large file to the soldier, and then watched him take his leave. He then walked into Lord Elrond’s office, shut the door and said, “It is done.”
Later that day, in an office across the courtyard, a young elf approached the legendary Captain of the Guard.
“Glorfindel, do you have a moment, sir?”
Normally, Glorfindel would have answered with a brusque ‘NO’, but Leihon’s presence beside the young elf piqued his curiosity. Although Leihon was his second in command, he was something of a mystery. He was an outstanding warrior, and many were his admirers among the guard. However, he did not seem to have much of a social life. If he had a vice, Glorfindel didn’t know it. There had to be more to the elf than met the eye.
Glorfindel put his quill down and answered, “Only just. What do you need soldier?”
The elf looked slightly embarrassed. “Sir, I am tasked with going through our files, and drawing up the annual physical fitness evaluation and training schedule for non-military citizens of Imladris.”
Glorfindel began, “That can be a boring duty assignment for a young elf. However, I hope that you aren’t here to ask for reassignment, because if you are...”
“No sir! This file was pushed to the back of the archived files and...”
Cocking an eyebrow, Glorfindel asked, “Why are you looking through files from past year’s exams?”
“I was looking through the older files in an effort to be thorough, sir,” answered the young soldier. Leihon looked down and smiled at the young elf’s enthusiasm.
Failing to note his superior’s amusement, the young elf continued. “This is such a large file, that I assumed it was of importance. However, the label is in a script that I am unfamiliar with. As I could not tell upon first glance what it was, I pulled it and...”
Gruffly Glorfindel interjected, “So you pulled it to satisfy your curiosity. Soldier, I am a busy elf.”
“Hear him out Glorfindel. He may have stumbled onto something.” Leihon very much wanted to watch his superior deal with this. Erestor remained untouchable by him, but it would be very interesting to see what he would do in the presence of Glorfindel.
Glorfindel snorted and made a gesture for the soldier to continue.
“Sir, this involves an overdue weapons and fitness evaluation.”
“What! You two interrupt me because someone is overdue for physical training? Send a memo
and get him or her in here. End of problem.”
Quietly the elf responded, “Sir, I do not have the rank necessary to issue a summons for this individual.”
“You need rank to ask a citizen of Imladris to attend his annual physical training...his mandatory evaluation and training. Rank may excuse some from their obligations in King Thranduil's realm, but not here."
“Y...yes, sir.” was the nervous answer.
//It isn’t rank holding the young one back; it is fear. // Glorfindel was upset that someone had made this young soldier so uncomfortable. However, he was aware that this could be an insecure elf that was overreacting, or inexperience coupled with his youth.
Glorfindel addressed the young guardian in a compassionate voice, “Do you believe that Lord Elrond is so unapproachable?”
“No sir!”
“No one outranks him, so I don’t understand the problem.” Glorfindel was growing impatient.
Leihon finally took pity on the young elf, taking the file from his hands and plopping it onto Glorfindel’s desk with a thud. “You will be interested in this. Our soldier is out of his depth in this instance.”
Glorfindel made a gesture of dismissal to the younger elf. “You are dismissed.”
Once the young soldier had taken his leave, Leihon shrugged and said, “You may not think that this is as important as our young friend believes it to be. However in his defense, there is some merit to the argument that this needs to be resolved”
“If it is unimportant, why this?” said Glorfindel, gesturing to the huge mountain of paper that had been dropped onto his desk.
“I did not say that it is unimportant. This pertains to an elf whose position does not lend itself to easy access. He is privy to every communication, secret and military movement of not only Imladris, but to an extent, the Golden Wood as well.” Leihon quirked a smile having said enough. Only one elf fit that description.
Glorfindel sighed. “Tell me that you aren’t speaking of Lord Elrond’s second-in-command, Erestor?”
Leihon nodded. “Yes, it is Erestor. He has to have the ability to defend himself at the very least. On page sixteen you will see a highlighted notation indicating some type of training years ago, but it wasn’t conducted by this office. Since that though, nothing.”
“And why is that?” Glorfindel looked at the file. “Clearly he didn’t simply slip through the cracks.”
Leihon answered, “Hardly. You obviously haven’t dealt with the elf very often. Our counselor has cowed and intimidated many an elf with little more than a glance; myself included. And consider his position. Without endorsement from Lord Elrond, he cannot be compelled to do anything, especially something that would create a void within the Office of Chief Counselor. He ignores summonses or responds with form letters that basically all say the same thing. It is always something about how he cannot be spared as issues in one of the elven kingdoms demand his attention. Valar only knows what it would take to persuade him to interrupt the flow of paperwork going through Elrond’s office.”
Slightly annoyed, Glorfindel snapped, “He is just a paper pusher, Leihon!! What are you frightened of; his quill?”
Leihon quipped, “Lord Erestor can do more with a flourish of his quill than a battalion of orcs armed with the finest Mordor has to offer. I wouldn’t say that I fear his quill, but I certainly have respect for its power.”
Glorfindel attempted to glower, but the look he was getting said a lot. Leihon did not think that even the famed balrog slayer could deal with Erestor. With what he hoped was a very put upon sigh, Glorfindel drew the folder near, opened it to the first page and growled, “Happy?” To which Leihon replied with a chuckle, “I will be.” Glorfindel looked up, cocked an eyebrow and started reading.
--- --- --- ---
Erestor was bored out of his mind. The papers on his desk represented nothing more than ‘make work’. Still, there wasn’t anything else to do until the inventories and projected budget for the upcoming replenishment of linens were finalized. That was one of the most tedious jobs of the year, and it was going to arrive very shortly.
“ERESTOR!”
The sounds of elven bellowing followed by a door being slammed brought Lord Elrond out of his office.
“Glorfindel? What is the meaning of this?” Lord Elrond stood in his doorway, puzzled at the unwarranted outburst.
“Ask your Chief Counselor!”
Erestor shrugged and mouthed ‘no idea’ to Lord Elrond.
Lord Elrond cocked his head and said, “Glorfindel, you barge into these offices sounding like a wounded orc, and you expect Erestor to explain? Speak up. What is so bloody important?”
Glorfindel waived some documents in the air while wearing an expression of frustration and anger. “This! He has not attended a single physical evaluation or training session in years, and absolutely none that have been conducted by my office.”
Erestor rolled his eyes. Lord Elrond turned slightly so Glorfindel could not see his smile and coughed. He had to remember to capture on canvas the balrog slayer’s fierce countenance as he brandished his weapon of choice--a handful of paperwork. It was all aimed at Erestor, the least likely of any in Imladris to be intimidated.
“The purpose for maintaining simple battle readiness should be apparent to both of you," Glorfindel declared. Erestor knows everything that goes on around here. There is no more valuable target for capture and interrogation. To think that he has had no training in arms or even basic self-defense by my office...it makes my blood boil that he is so cavalier about protecting our secrets.” Glorfindel’s face was red by the end of his rant, while both Erestor and Lord Elrond wore similar expressions of amusement.
As if speaking to an errant student, Glorfindel said, “I have moved you to the top of the list Erestor.”
“What list?” both Erestor and Lord Elrond asked.
“The list of elves scheduled for an evaluation of their physical fitness and ability with weapons. I have augmented the standardized testing and come up with a training regimen designed especially for you. Oh, just so you know...I am going to take a personal interest in your training. I want to see you in my office at the first opportunity. Lord Elrond, I expect your support in this.”
Erestor gave an almost imperceptible nod. It was not uncommon to utilize this type of testing prior to placing an elf into the position of spy. In his opinion, this wasn’t an entirely surprising development.
Lord Elrond said, “You are quite correct in pointing out his value to an enemy. My acceptance is conditional, however. The only way that I will allow his participation is if you oversee it in person. I am sure that your soldiers are competent, but making an elf such as Erestor talk requires a good bit more skill than they possess. ”
Erestor’s back was turned to Glorfindel, so he missed the glare and mouthed words ‘thanks a lot’.
Glorfindel answered, “It has been a long time since I've been involved in this type of simulation. I will ensure that it is run in such a way as to be meaningful.”
Erestor’s stomach did a flip. What would the famed balrog slayer consider to be a meaningful simulation? He had agreed to do this for Lord Elrond, but hadn’t considered all of the possible ramifications.
“You have a week, Glorfindel,” said Elrond. “Any longer than that and you will perform his duties yourself; that is if there are any that you are competent to perform.”
Glorfindel didn’t know if he had been insulted or not. A knock at the door interrupted his train of thought, and a blond, blue eyed elf popped his head in.
“My Lords! I’m not early am I? I didn’t mean to interrupt anything,” said Prince Legolas of Mirkwood.
“Greetings, Prince Legolas! You know Lord Erestor, of course. May I present Glorfindel?” responded Lord Elrond.
“It is an honor.” Truth be told, Prince Legolas suffered from a bit of hero worship for the hero of Gondolin. However, it was not appropriate for a son of King Thranduil to be seen as a groupie.
Elrond looked at Glorfindel and grinned. “Glorfindel is trying to convince Lord Erestor to attend fitness training. He fears that our counselor’s battle readiness is in doubt.”
“Oh?”
“It has been years since his most recent fitness screening. My concerns represent more than doubt.” insisted Glorfindel.
Prince Legolas laughed. “Have you forgotten how to hold a sword, Uncle?”
Erestor turned to Elrond, “My Lord, I need to go over a few things with Prince Legolas before day's end. Now, if you will excuse us.” Without pausing for an answer, Erestor turned and followed the Prince out of the room.
Skeptical, Glorfindel asked, “Uncle?”
“It is an expression of affection, rather than an indication of a blood bond. For several years, Erestor lived in Mirkwood, serving as an ambassador of sorts. He enjoyed a congenial relationship with King Thranduil, and as time passed, they became close friends. After the prince’s birth, King Thranduil was anxious for more free time to spend with his family. It is largely unknown, but during that time, Erestor worked as a personal assistant to the king. For a while, some of the work coming out of King Thranduil’s office had in actuality been done by Erestor. The prince grew up around him.”
Glorfindel sniffed. “Why didn’t King Thranduil just delegate? Surely he has qualified people working under him. Why use one of yours?”
“Mirkwood is very different from Imladris. At the time, there were several who vied for favored positions within King Thranduil’s office. These were powerful elves, each wishing to be the power behind the throne. Had he approached any one of them, an imbalance would have been created and petty in-fighting reached zenith proportions. Erestor was the intelligent choice. He had no hidden agenda and was smarter than the lot of them. Perhaps more important was that, as a friend, he would go to great lengths to make King Thranduil look good, rather than to promote himself and his own self worth.”
Glorfindel pinched the bridge of his nose. He still remembered headaches brought on by the political maneuvering within King Turgon’s government. The madness had even reached some of the people working within his own house. He shook his head and sighed. //A prince calls him uncle and a king calls him pal. Oh great. // It seemed that he may have spoken hastily when promising to take personal interest in the scholar’s training. A Noldo elf that King Thranduil’s son calls uncle is not one to be taken lightly; no matter his demeanor. It didn’t promise to be a relaxing week.
--- --- --- ---
Seeing Erestor crossing the square the next morning, Glorfindel called his second in command to the window. “Tell me, what was so hard about making him attend fitness evaluations?”
Leihon did not rise to Glorfindel’s goading. He was well aware that very seldom was Erestor made to do anything. He had agreed to undergo evaluation and training, but only because he wanted to. That begged the question of why.
Glorfindel was famous due to the unique circumstances surrounding his return from the Halls of Waiting. On the other hand, Erestor, though not famous, was feared and respected by some of the most powerful elves currently living. Leihon knew it, but assumed that Glorfindel did not. Perhaps he should have given his boss notice, but it never crossed his mind to do so. That it did not spoke to more than his knowledge of the elf in question. He suspected that Erestor’s arrival had nothing to do with maintaining physical fitness or improving weapon skill.
Erestor entered Glorfindel’s office after being greeted by a couple of acquaintances. The first thing that Glorfindel did was berate his choice in attire; perhaps not the best way to start an elf’s day.
“I realize that you are a man of books rather than physical labor. However, even you should realize that leather chafes. You didn’t seriously believe that outfit was proper attire for exercise did you?”
Erestor slowly looked Glorfindel up and down. “I do not own anything remotely similar to what you are wearing. Perhaps you mistake me for one of your cadets.”
Leihon bit his lips in order to keep from grinning. “I’m sure we can find something, Captain.”
Ignoring him, Glorfindel responded, “Even new recruits are expected to wear appropriate attire. Although you are not one of my soldiers, you will find clothing appropriate to the activities we will take you through.”
A broad smile crossed the counselor’s face. “It may take time to find acceptable clothing in my size, but be assured that I will endeavor to do just that.” He then turned to leave.
Glorfindel jumped to his feet. “Erestor! I did not give you permission to leave. Come back here this instant!”
Erestor stopped dead in his tracks. Then slowly he turned around to face Glorfindel.
As if on cue, Prince Legolas walked into the office wearing a cheeky grin that cut through the tension like a knife. Remembering Lord Elrond’s comment of the previous day, he had followed Erestor in hopes of seeing what the balrog slayer had been so worked up about.
In a soft, but somewhat ominous tone, Erestor said, “Permission?”
Not catching the nuance, Glorfindel replied, “I did not dismiss you.”
Legolas stepped outside and spied Elladan and motioned the elf over. Elladan entered the office, stopping short upon seeing the look on Erestor’s face. “What's going on?”
Legolas whispered, “Unless I miss my guess, Erestor is about to explain chain of command to your captain. As much fun as it would be to watch Uncle take down the balrog slayer, you’d better break it up. Your father isn’t here, but maybe they will listen to you.”
Elladan whispered. “You have got to be kidding. If I say something, Glorfindel might back off in deference to Ada, but Erestor won’t. He will just give me one of those looks.”
Glorfindel pounded on his desk and said, “It was hard enough to get you out of Lord Elrond’s offices in the first place, and now you try to walk out before we have even begun!”
“You told me to find ‘appropriate attire’. I can’t do that standing in your office.” Erestor’s lips pouted, but there was steel laced to the velvet quality of his voice.
Elladan considered his options, none of which were good in his opinion. He had learned long ago to pick his battles. While he worshiped the ground Glorfindel walked on, Erestor was a friend and wielded more authority.
Being the eldest son of Lord Elrond, Elladan knew that he could say things that others would not dare. “It is amazing to see the hero of Gondolin red faced in anger over an elf’s choice of trousers. Get hold of yourself, Glorfindel. I’m sure that he didn’t intend to work out in them. By the way, you look very good in black leather Erestor.”
“You can wear my leggings,” Legolas volunteered. “I have a couple of pairs stowed in the changing room.” As he turned to leave, Legolas glanced at Elladan. “Glorfindel needs to get laid or something. He sounds more like my father than the hero of Gondolin.”
Glorfindel sat back and considered the elf before him. Whatever he might think of Prince Legolas, his trained eye told him that he was all muscle. To see a scholar attempting to wear clothing tailored to fit the athletic body of a young warrior prince would be quite the hoot. Although the counselor looked good in a robe, that was a far cry from trying to don a warrior’s garb.
Leihon kept to the back of the room, taking it all in. He suspected that Erestor was playing Glorfindel, but what was the game?
--- --- --- ---
“Why did he blow up over what you are wearing?” asked Elladan.
“Honestly, I do not know. My guess is that it had nothing to do with clothing. I was more interested in his comment about not having given me permission to leave. It implies an authority that he does not possess. It was the type of misstatement that an elf in his position cannot afford to make. Leihon made note of Glorfindel’s mental lapse. He is an intelligent elf, and one that bears watching.”
“Erestor, your guesses are rarely far off the mark. I’ll leave you to change. When you are ready, meet me in the gym.” responded Elladan.
Prince Legolas waited for Elladan to leave before speaking. “Glorfindel thinks to test you, but he is the true subject of this week’s endeavors isn’t he? Does Lord Elrond doubt him in some way?”
Erestor gave Legolas a wry grin. “Leihon might be wondering the same thing right now.”
Legolas tossed a pair of leggings and a soft cotton shirt in Erestor’s direction. “Try these out. I’d wait around, but have someone waiting for me. Maybe I’ll see you this evening at dinner?”
“I will be looking forward to it. Run along. I’ll be fine.”
Erestor dressed and made his way to the gym. Since this was one of the few places in Imladris that he’d never entered, he took the opportunity to examine the room more closely. A mirror ran the length of one wall. A large mat covered much of the floor. Various training implements lay scattered in a mess throughout the room. He idly wondered whether this was a common occurrence.
Elladan paused, seeing Erestor in Legolas’ clothing. He thought Legolas looked good in those leggings, but they fit the counselor like a second skin. Not often did Elladan think of a male as sexual. However, attired as the counselor was, the only word that fit was ‘hot’. He wasn’t attracted to males, but damn! If he were...
“Erestor, I see that you found something that Glorfindel can’t take issue with.” Elladan started walking around the room, moving things away from the mat. “Let’s go ahead and get you warmed up. I don’t know who Glorfindel will send to work with you this morning, but if someone doesn’t come along pretty soon I’ll do it.”
“How do you want me to begin?”
Just then Glorfindel stepped into the room. “You will start with stretches. As you stretch, I will be observing muscle movement. Once you are appropriately warmed up, we will move to flexibility. I’ve arranged your training regimen to measure stamina as well as endurance. It will give me more of an idea as to what chance you might have, based on physical ability, to elude capture.”
Erestor raised an eyebrow. “That is a pretty subjective measure, Glorfindel.”
“Yes counselor, but it is mine to make. From there, I will make a determination of what type of defensive training you require, if any.”
Elladan spoke up, “You are just going through training in defense?”
“He is hardly going to present an offensive threat. An attack specifically targeting Erestor would be designed for capture and interrogation, most likely. We have to determine if there is any chance that he can elude his assailants.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor through shuttered eyes. “Once that is complete, I will find out just what it will take to break him.”
Elladan’s eyes widened. “I thought that this was just an annual exam!”
Instantly, Glorfindel reverted into the role of instructor, concerned that Elladan had the wrong idea. “It has been years since anyone has looked at his physical capabilities and weaknesses. It is my job to ensure that each and every citizen of Imladris is prepared for attack. Erestor is privy to sensitive information, so the bar is set higher. That is why you will not participate in his evaluation. Leihon and I will handle this personally.
Elladan was not surprised to note that the expression on Erestor’s face never faltered. He was a master at concealing his thoughts. Whatever his reaction, Glorfindel would not have the satisfaction of seeing him squirm. It was an admirable trait, but he suspected it would prove to be a painful one as well. It didn’t take much intelligence to realize what Glorfindel had in mind.
“He speaks the truth, Elladan.” Erestor finally commented, “Glorfindel will ensure that the exercise is safe, but I expect there will be pain involved."
Glorfindel turned toward Elladan. “Get these swords put away and take the daggers to my office. Find out who left them in that condition.” When Elladan didn’t immediately move to leave, Glorfindel growled, “Now would be good.”
Elladan finished gathering the weapons from the floor and then, with a last look at Erestor, left for weapon storage.
“Alright Erestor, remove the shirt.”
Erestor cocked an eye at Glorfindel. “I beg your pardon?”
“The musculature on my soldiers is pronounced, and the flow easy to follow. You are a scholar, and not as physically developed. It will be hard enough to see any muscle movement beneath that soft body of yours. I don’t need something blocking the view...such as it is. Now take it off.” Glorfindel turned and bit his bottom lip hard. This was just his professional responsibility. It was no different than with any other elf. He bit his lip harder. Who was he kidding? The elf brought out desires that he kept firmly under check at any other time.
Erestor slipped the shirt over his head, and laid it toward the edge of the mat, then walked to the center of the room. “Better?”
Glorfindel cleared his throat. “Yes, much better. Surprisingly, you aren’t as flabby as I had anticipated.”
In fact, Erestor was built. He didn’t have the large frame and ripped musculature of Leihon or Elladan, but was closer in build to an archer. As the counselor’s job was sedentary, it was an unexpected puzzle.
Glorfindel instructed Erestor in which stretches he was to perform, and then walked around the room observing the elf’s muscle tone. Truth be told, it wasn’t totally with an eye for physical fitness. The elf’s supple movements gave rise to thoughts that were very unprofessional. Shaking himself out of his fantasies, he walked over to a rack near the entrance of the room and selected two hand weights.
“Now you will move on to weight training. Here, take these. Hold both arms out, and to your side. Good. Now hold that position.”
Erestor complained, “What happened to letting me warm up? Surely, that wasn’t the extent of it? The next time you think to submit a request for additional funding, remember this day. It will save you from wasting your time.”
Ignoring him, Glorfindel pulled up a chair, sat down and waited. He judged that after a minute or two the counselor’s arms would begin to tremble. Shortly after that, they would fall. Most book worms didn’t last five minutes. Erestor might last that long, but Glorfindel was doubtful that he would last longer.
Erestor’s body was like stone, not wavering in the slightest. In days long past, he used to stand at attention for hours at a time. No need for the blond to know it though.
From time to time, Glorfindel would walk in a circle around Erestor, looking for signs that his body was tiring. He was more than a little stunned that the counselor had maintained the pose for over an hour. He was curious to learn how long Erestor could hold out, but boredom finally won out over curiosity.
“Leihon, are you out there?” Glorfindel yelled.
Leihon walked into the room and looked past Glorfindel to the figure of Erestor. “What do you need?”
“I’m taking a break. Watch him and come get me if he drops his arms.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor, smirked and left to grab something to drink.
Once he was sure Glorfindel was gone, Leihon said, “He doesn’t know, does he?”
Not moving, Erestor answered, “Know what?”
“That you trained as a spy.”
“I have no idea. It was a long time ago, Leihon. Besides, Glorfindel intends to test me. He wants to learn how much it will take before I break. Thus, I saw no need to enlighten him.”
Erestor’s wondered how Leihon knew anything about his past. He shouldn’t, yet he did. Moreover, he had not shared that knowledge with his superior.
“You are to attend the capture simulation?” Leihon frowned. “He is a strong elf, Erestor, and this is just an exercise. You don’t have anything to prove.”
“He does not see it that way Leihon.” Erestor lowered his head slightly. “I’m well aware how strong he is. What I don’t know is how far he is willing to go. He said that you would assist.”
Leihon cocked an eyebrow. “That is news to me.” Leihon glanced back to make sure the building was still empty. “I don’t know what he has in mind, but it would take a lot to make you talk. Sauron himself would find you a challenge.”
Erestor did not trust Glorfindel’s second-in-command, but had nothing firm on which to base that opinion. It was just a gut feeling. He replied, “I won’t betray the secrets of Imladris to the Dark Lord, or anyone else.”
“Soon, you will have the opportunity to prove the truth behind your words.”
Glorfindel returned in time to hear Leihon’s reply, but paid it no heed. Instead of taking a break, he had gone to his office to consider how best to continue Erestor’s training. The counselor had more stamina than expected. That being the case, he had revised the planned exercise regimen.
“Enough. Put the weights up,” Glorfindel said as he strode back into the room.
“Do you still need me?” asked Leihon.
Glorfindel replied, “Not until later. I want to see some pull ups, Erestor.”
Walking over to the bar, Erestor asked, “How many?”
“Don’t worry, I will tell you when to stop.” Glorfindel stood behind Erestor, watching the muscles in both his back and arms as he pulled up his body weight. After several minutes, suddenly and without warning, Glorfindel said, “Go to the center of the mat and give me push-ups.”
Erestor dropped and began doing push-ups. After close to 200 repetitions, he began wishing that Glorfindel would give it a rest. Glorfindel knew that the counselor should be tiring. In his experience, the body could only take so much. One of the things he wanted to learn was how far Erestor could push himself beyond that point. It was a measure of endurance.
Three hundred pushups later, Glorfindel called a stop to it. “Take ten minutes and get something to drink. When you return, we will continue with some stretches.”
The remainder of the morning consisted of various exercises for arms, chest and back. They broke for an hour at lunch. Erestor’s plan was to grab a sandwich and soak his aching muscles. Unfortunately, Elrond spied him before he made a clean get away and asked him to come to his office after grabbing a fast snack.
“How did the morning go, Erestor? You don’t look any worse for wear.” Elrond was standing by an open window as if he had been observing someone.
Erestor quirked a small smile. “Glorfindel lounged around while I exercised. About half way through, I began wondering what it would be like to relax while he ran budget figures. Turn about, and all that.”
“Elladan dropped by earlier this morning. He was concerned that I understood exactly the extremes Glorfindel intends for you. ”
Erestor nodded. “We explained that Glorfindel is going to examine to what extent I can be trusted to guard the interests of Imladris when put to the test. Personally, I would prefer that he take my word for it, but can understand why he won’t.” Erestor chuckled. “I didn’t expect that to satisfy Elladan. He is too much like you."
Elrond’s voice turned serious. “Glorfindel is a veteran warrior of more than a little skill. I know that you understand what is entailed, but...”
Erestor cocked his head and smiled weakly. “Unfortunately, I do have a good idea of what to expect. It will give me some insight into Glorfindel and how his mind works when judging the capacities of others.” Erestor gave Lord Elrond a puzzled look. “I trust him implicitly, but the leak came from his office. Without getting me into that environment, I cannot nail down the source. I thought that this was part of our original plan?”
Elrond nodded and walked over to his desk. “It was, yet I find myself unsettled. For now, the examination will continue as initially planned. Tomorrow, Glorfindel and I will discuss the scenario he envisions creating. I had only planned on your absence being one week. However, I am not going to place that kind of restriction on an exercise of this nature. Glorfindel will be given broad latitude.
Erestor nodded. The idea hadn’t seemed quite so unsettling until Elrond said he was going to give Glorfindel latitude. He hoped Elrond didn’t put it to Glorfindel in quite that way, or at least forbade maiming his Chief Counselor.
--- --- --- ---
Upon returning from lunch, Glorfindel noted that Erestor seemed subdued. “I had planned to take you through lower body exercises this afternoon. However, I am undecided as to whether we should continue. Are you well Erestor? This can be taken up tomorrow if need be.”
“I’m just preoccupied. It is nothing.” assured Erestor.
“Is there anything that I should know?” inquired Glorfindel.
“Elrond will speak with you about it tomorrow.” With that, Erestor cut that line of questioning off.
Glorfindel knew better than to push. “All right, let’s get to it then. I want you to sit with your back to the wall, and spread your legs as wide as you are able.”
Erestor did as instructed only to meet with, “Is that the best you can do? Grab your ankles and pull!” Although he appeared to try, his legs remained in place.
Glorfindel sat across from Erestor and braced his feet on the inside of his legs. “Tell me when I need to stop.” And with that, he pushed Erestor’s legs so wide that it took his breath away.
Erestor cried out, “Stop, stop, stop. That’s far enough!”
Glorfindel responded by forcing the legs wider.
“Nooooo...”
“Does it hurt? Usually the body can take more than the average elf believes. Remain still, and try to get your breathing under control. Your muscles will relax, and the pain will subside. Just give it a few seconds.”
For the first couple of minutes moving was totally out of the question. Glorfindel was right though. It did get better....well, sort of. Just as his muscles seemed to stretch out and relax a bit, the size difference between Erestor and Legolas became something of an issue. Erestor began squirming in an attempt to find a comfortable position. He bit his bottom lip and rocked forward a bit, prompting Glorfindel to apply more pressure.
“Is something wrong?”
“These leggings are too tight.” Erestor rocked his hips and leaned forward, only to quickly move back into place.
Glorfindel raised an eyebrow and eyed the counselor skeptically. “The leggings stretch Erestor, and you are very close in size to the Prince. It is hard to believe, but you are.”
Erestor gritted his teeth and gave Glorfindel a meaningful glare. “Listen to me carefully. They are too tight.”
“Oh!” Glorfindel glanced at Erestor’s groin, and said, “Sorry. Instead of this, let’s work on your abdominal muscles. Go over to the center of the mat and lay on your back, legs together and arms by your side.” It took Erestor a while, as his legs did not want to move.
“Now raise your legs two inches off the floor, and hold it.”
Erestor moaned. “I hate this exercise.”
Glorfindel laughed. “Almost everyone does.”
The afternoon continued in that vein until the day neared an end. To wind things up, Glorfindel said, “I want to end the day with a run. We will take the path out of Imladris and make our way to the river. A swim in the river does wonders for tired muscles.”
Erestor sighed, glad for the day to be almost over. “I look forward to it then.”
They set a fairly quick pace considering how tired Erestor was. When the water was in sight, he called on his extra reserves, and picked up the pace. Once at river’s edge, he stripped off his shirt, kicked off his shoes, peeled off his leggings and dove in. After a physically tiring day, this was bliss. He floated on his back with his eyes closed and a smile on his face.
Glorfindel wasn’t so fast to dive in. Instead he took a moment to survey their surroundings. There was a small flash as Erestor dove in the water, but he didn’t see anything to account for it. Shrugging, he entered the water.
After relaxing for half an hour or so, Erestor swam to the bank and called, “I am getting out, but take your time.”
Glorfindel started to leave the water as well, but came to a dead halt when Erestor bent to pick up the shirt he had discarded earlier. The sun happened to shine just right, and there was a brief glint between his thighs. The origin had Glorfindel standing with his mouth open, unable to speak. Something behind Erestor’s balls had glinted in the sunlight!
// The sun shined on his… Huh? //
After the swim, both elves lay in the grass for a while in order to dry off. Glorfindel couldn’t think of a tactful way to ask about what he thought that he’d seen. He suspected that Erestor knew he wanted to ask him something. Finally, noting the sun’s placement in the sky, Glorfindel declared it time to return to Imladris. While dressing, he couldn’t help casting surreptitious glances at Erestor. He wasn’t able to see anything abnormal, but something was very definitely off. Elves do not shine...there.
Upon their return, they made for the changing room. Erestor’s back was turned giving Glorfindel the opportunity to watch as he changed back into the leather trousers from that morning. He felt like a voyeur. However, a brief glint assured him that he was justified in watching. Now, he knew he hadn’t imagined it. Erestor left before he could think of anything to say.
---- ---- ---- ----
Glorfindel was already in the dining hall when Legolas and Erestor arrived. Throughout the evening, his gaze was drawn to Erestor. Did he realize that his genitalia reflected sunlight? Did he know that Glorfindel knew? He didn’t realize that he had been so absorbed in thought until Lord Elrond addressed him.
“Glorfindel, do you have a moment?”
“Of course” Glorfindel replied.
“Let’s talk in my office.”
As they entered, Elrond closed the door behind them. “Is anything amiss? It was brought to my attention that you have been staring at my counselor as if he has two heads. Your demeanor toward him this evening alternated between intense curiosity, aversion, horror and fascination. So tell me, is there a problem?”
“Er...nothing is amiss my lord.” Glorfindel panicked. What was he supposed to say? He could just imagine. //He shines in the sunlight. No, really. The sun glints off of something behind his balls!! Order him to strip and take a close look. // No, that definitely was not a good plan. He realized that his behavior made it seem as if he were hiding something, but he was not sure what he could do about it, except tell the truth. He walked to the window, looking for some way to say this without sounding like a fool. He didn’t come up with anything. With a great sigh of resignation, he turned and spoke.
“Earlier, we were in the changing room after returning from a run to the river. Erestor was changing out of borrowed leggings, and into his trousers. He was nude. We were talking while he changed, and I happened to turn at just the right moment.” Glorfindel sucked in his breath and then forged ahead. “The sun shone through and glinted off of his privates! It wasn’t just a brief flash either. He actually shined while bending to remove his leggings!” That wasn’t exactly the way it had happened, but Glorfindel felt that it was close enough.
Elrond managed to keep a dead pan face, but only from centuries of practice. “You were admiring his nude body, and light bounced off of his ‘privates’. I assume that is the source of your curiosity. What about that elicits aversion and horror?”
The look on Glorfindel’s face was priceless. “Oh my Lord, it is abnormal! I’ve lived a very long time, and never in all those centuries have I heard of anything even remotely similar! Elven genitalia do not shine.”
Elrond leaned back in his chair and used a clinical voice to ask, “Ah, and that abnormality gives rise to fantasy?”
The horrified expression on Glorfindel’s face said it all.
“Glorfindel, have you asked him about it?”
Glorfindel went wide eyed at the thought. “No, sir! I would never ask an ellon about such a thing!”
“He will be very aware of your unease. He has a great talent for reading people, not that he’d need much.” Elrond did not add that Erestor could also read an elf’s unguarded thoughts at times. That particular talent was too useful to make common knowledge. “Ask him about it, Glorfindel. He is not easily embarrassed.”
“I just couldn’t. I mean, how do you broach such a subject?” Glorfindel was not a particularly shy elf, but this just wasn’t your run of the mill dinner conversation. ‘How was your day Counselor? By the way, why does your genetalia twinkle in the sunlight?’
Elrond put on his best stern face and said, “Glorfindel, I can make that an order if need be. I’ll not have the Captain of the Guard looking at my Chief Counselor as you were this evening at dinner. It is very seldom that I am forced to speak to you about appearances. Before tomorrow is over, you are to have asked him about it. At day’s end, I will speak with Erestor. He had better tell me what I want to hear. If not, we will all have this conversation in my office...just the three of us. Understood?”
Glorfindel gritted his teeth and inclined his head. “Yes sir.”
As soon as the door closed, Elrond burst forth in a full throated belly laugh. He really hoped that Glorfindel didn’t ask, because that conversation would be priceless.
After breakfast the next morning, Elrond watched with interest as his Captain of the Guard approached his Chief Counselor. He looked more like a shy elfling, than one of the greatest warriors walking Middle Earth.
Glorfindel cleared his throat and said, “Erestor, today we will test your ability with weapons.”
Erestor lifted a graceful eyebrow and smiled. “I look forward to it.”
Glorfindel abruptly turned, and all but fled the room. He left thinking that there was no way in Mordor he could ask the elf about his shiny assets. He completely missed the wicked smile and chuckle as Erestor’s eyes followed his retreat. Likewise, he did not see Elrond’s amused grin.
Series: Bling
Ch. Title: Shine for Me 1/5
Beta: Chloe Amethyst
All remaining mistakes are mine.
Type: LOTR FCS
Characters: Glorfindel/Erestor, Lord Elrond, Haldir, Prince Legolas, Elrohir, Elladan, OMC
Disclaimer: The world of LOTR belongs, in its entirety, to Master Tolkien and his heirs. This is simple fan fiction.
Warnings: Completely AU, Silliness, Slash (male/male), Violence, Sex (spoken of, hinted at, but not described)
Summary: Glorfindel sees something, but knows not what. He makes a few awkward attempts to find out, and Lord Elrond intervenes.
Bling
Chapter 1: Shine for Me
“You know what to do with it?” asked Erestor.
“Yes, it will be taken care of before day’s end.”
Erestor handed a large file to the soldier, and then watched him take his leave. He then walked into Lord Elrond’s office, shut the door and said, “It is done.”
Later that day, in an office across the courtyard, a young elf approached the legendary Captain of the Guard.
“Glorfindel, do you have a moment, sir?”
Normally, Glorfindel would have answered with a brusque ‘NO’, but Leihon’s presence beside the young elf piqued his curiosity. Although Leihon was his second in command, he was something of a mystery. He was an outstanding warrior, and many were his admirers among the guard. However, he did not seem to have much of a social life. If he had a vice, Glorfindel didn’t know it. There had to be more to the elf than met the eye.
Glorfindel put his quill down and answered, “Only just. What do you need soldier?”
The elf looked slightly embarrassed. “Sir, I am tasked with going through our files, and drawing up the annual physical fitness evaluation and training schedule for non-military citizens of Imladris.”
Glorfindel began, “That can be a boring duty assignment for a young elf. However, I hope that you aren’t here to ask for reassignment, because if you are...”
“No sir! This file was pushed to the back of the archived files and...”
Cocking an eyebrow, Glorfindel asked, “Why are you looking through files from past year’s exams?”
“I was looking through the older files in an effort to be thorough, sir,” answered the young soldier. Leihon looked down and smiled at the young elf’s enthusiasm.
Failing to note his superior’s amusement, the young elf continued. “This is such a large file, that I assumed it was of importance. However, the label is in a script that I am unfamiliar with. As I could not tell upon first glance what it was, I pulled it and...”
Gruffly Glorfindel interjected, “So you pulled it to satisfy your curiosity. Soldier, I am a busy elf.”
“Hear him out Glorfindel. He may have stumbled onto something.” Leihon very much wanted to watch his superior deal with this. Erestor remained untouchable by him, but it would be very interesting to see what he would do in the presence of Glorfindel.
Glorfindel snorted and made a gesture for the soldier to continue.
“Sir, this involves an overdue weapons and fitness evaluation.”
“What! You two interrupt me because someone is overdue for physical training? Send a memo
and get him or her in here. End of problem.”
Quietly the elf responded, “Sir, I do not have the rank necessary to issue a summons for this individual.”
“You need rank to ask a citizen of Imladris to attend his annual physical training...his mandatory evaluation and training. Rank may excuse some from their obligations in King Thranduil's realm, but not here."
“Y...yes, sir.” was the nervous answer.
//It isn’t rank holding the young one back; it is fear. // Glorfindel was upset that someone had made this young soldier so uncomfortable. However, he was aware that this could be an insecure elf that was overreacting, or inexperience coupled with his youth.
Glorfindel addressed the young guardian in a compassionate voice, “Do you believe that Lord Elrond is so unapproachable?”
“No sir!”
“No one outranks him, so I don’t understand the problem.” Glorfindel was growing impatient.
Leihon finally took pity on the young elf, taking the file from his hands and plopping it onto Glorfindel’s desk with a thud. “You will be interested in this. Our soldier is out of his depth in this instance.”
Glorfindel made a gesture of dismissal to the younger elf. “You are dismissed.”
Once the young soldier had taken his leave, Leihon shrugged and said, “You may not think that this is as important as our young friend believes it to be. However in his defense, there is some merit to the argument that this needs to be resolved”
“If it is unimportant, why this?” said Glorfindel, gesturing to the huge mountain of paper that had been dropped onto his desk.
“I did not say that it is unimportant. This pertains to an elf whose position does not lend itself to easy access. He is privy to every communication, secret and military movement of not only Imladris, but to an extent, the Golden Wood as well.” Leihon quirked a smile having said enough. Only one elf fit that description.
Glorfindel sighed. “Tell me that you aren’t speaking of Lord Elrond’s second-in-command, Erestor?”
Leihon nodded. “Yes, it is Erestor. He has to have the ability to defend himself at the very least. On page sixteen you will see a highlighted notation indicating some type of training years ago, but it wasn’t conducted by this office. Since that though, nothing.”
“And why is that?” Glorfindel looked at the file. “Clearly he didn’t simply slip through the cracks.”
Leihon answered, “Hardly. You obviously haven’t dealt with the elf very often. Our counselor has cowed and intimidated many an elf with little more than a glance; myself included. And consider his position. Without endorsement from Lord Elrond, he cannot be compelled to do anything, especially something that would create a void within the Office of Chief Counselor. He ignores summonses or responds with form letters that basically all say the same thing. It is always something about how he cannot be spared as issues in one of the elven kingdoms demand his attention. Valar only knows what it would take to persuade him to interrupt the flow of paperwork going through Elrond’s office.”
Slightly annoyed, Glorfindel snapped, “He is just a paper pusher, Leihon!! What are you frightened of; his quill?”
Leihon quipped, “Lord Erestor can do more with a flourish of his quill than a battalion of orcs armed with the finest Mordor has to offer. I wouldn’t say that I fear his quill, but I certainly have respect for its power.”
Glorfindel attempted to glower, but the look he was getting said a lot. Leihon did not think that even the famed balrog slayer could deal with Erestor. With what he hoped was a very put upon sigh, Glorfindel drew the folder near, opened it to the first page and growled, “Happy?” To which Leihon replied with a chuckle, “I will be.” Glorfindel looked up, cocked an eyebrow and started reading.
--- --- --- ---
Erestor was bored out of his mind. The papers on his desk represented nothing more than ‘make work’. Still, there wasn’t anything else to do until the inventories and projected budget for the upcoming replenishment of linens were finalized. That was one of the most tedious jobs of the year, and it was going to arrive very shortly.
“ERESTOR!”
The sounds of elven bellowing followed by a door being slammed brought Lord Elrond out of his office.
“Glorfindel? What is the meaning of this?” Lord Elrond stood in his doorway, puzzled at the unwarranted outburst.
“Ask your Chief Counselor!”
Erestor shrugged and mouthed ‘no idea’ to Lord Elrond.
Lord Elrond cocked his head and said, “Glorfindel, you barge into these offices sounding like a wounded orc, and you expect Erestor to explain? Speak up. What is so bloody important?”
Glorfindel waived some documents in the air while wearing an expression of frustration and anger. “This! He has not attended a single physical evaluation or training session in years, and absolutely none that have been conducted by my office.”
Erestor rolled his eyes. Lord Elrond turned slightly so Glorfindel could not see his smile and coughed. He had to remember to capture on canvas the balrog slayer’s fierce countenance as he brandished his weapon of choice--a handful of paperwork. It was all aimed at Erestor, the least likely of any in Imladris to be intimidated.
“The purpose for maintaining simple battle readiness should be apparent to both of you," Glorfindel declared. Erestor knows everything that goes on around here. There is no more valuable target for capture and interrogation. To think that he has had no training in arms or even basic self-defense by my office...it makes my blood boil that he is so cavalier about protecting our secrets.” Glorfindel’s face was red by the end of his rant, while both Erestor and Lord Elrond wore similar expressions of amusement.
As if speaking to an errant student, Glorfindel said, “I have moved you to the top of the list Erestor.”
“What list?” both Erestor and Lord Elrond asked.
“The list of elves scheduled for an evaluation of their physical fitness and ability with weapons. I have augmented the standardized testing and come up with a training regimen designed especially for you. Oh, just so you know...I am going to take a personal interest in your training. I want to see you in my office at the first opportunity. Lord Elrond, I expect your support in this.”
Glorfindel could be very intimidating, although it was not his habit to be so. However, in this instance he felt justified. Expecting an argument, he crossed his arms and gave his best fierce balrog slayer stance. It never failed him.
It was all Erestor could do to keep from rolling on the floor in laughter. The huge warrior elf had forgotten that he was brandishing paper rather than steel. The erstwhile documentation had been squeezed beyond repair. Lord Elrond wasn’t even trying to stifle his mirth. The un-lordly chortles and heaving shoulders did not do the warrior’s ego any favors.
Erestor smiled impishly as he got to his feet. Instead of acknowledging the warrior, he walked across the room and filed the papers that had been on his desk. In a velvet voice that was more appropriate in bed than the office, he replied, “Very well.”
“After all these years of ducking out on exams, that is all you have to say?” While Glorfindel sounded incredulous, he had not missed the inflection. More than just curiosity was aroused by it.
Ever since Glorfindel’s arrival, he had actively avoided dealing with Lord Elrond’s office staff beyond what was absolutely necessary. In this, his second life, he was not the lord of a house, and therefore not responsible for worrying over the mundane. He defined that as anything that fell outside his sphere of influence as the chief protector and defender of Lord Elrond and Imladris. He knew of Erestor’s reputation, but as it had been garnered in scholarly pursuits, he had disregarded the elf.
Taking a step back from his opinions on the elf’s importance to the bigger picture, he took a good look at the elf before him. Erestor wore his long black hair loose and flowing, just brushing the top of a butt so prime, it begged for groping. //Where did that come from? // From the elf’s slow and languorous movements, as well as the seductively voiced concession, he just knew that he would be incredible in bed. //Oh, Valar. I’m not an adolescent with a hard on for everything that breathes.// He shook himself, trying to banish these thoughts from his mind. It was a losing battle. The thoughts rippled through his body like hot, tempting chocolate.
Glorfindel looked away and coughed. Lord Elrond smirked. It didn’t take a mind reader to know what the warrior was thinking about. His counselor was compelling, and when he wished it, radiated an aura of sexual energy to which even he was not entirely immune. Obviously, neither was his Captain.
With an incredibly wicked look, Erestor asked, “What did you expect, Glorfindel? You want to measure my fitness and judge my abilities. I’m agreeable to that. I’ll be in your office in the morning.” Erestor gestured to the paperwork on his desk and added, “I’m sure Lord Elrond will be more than happy to deal with...this.”
Glorfindel had the grace to look sheepish when he saw Lord Elrond wince.
Erestor turned to Lord Elrond. “The household inventories should hit my desk tomorrow. The budget figures for textiles and linens should be arriving within the hour. You’ll need to examine and approve them before...”
“He can probably sort out the budget for sheets and napkins.” Glorfindel interrupted.
Lord Elrond chuckled when Erestor winked at him. He hadn’t allowed Erestor time off for honing his physical skills or testing their readiness. He had not seen a real need. Perhaps that had been ‘cavalier’ on his part, but now it served him well.
Erestor’s velvety voice assured, “I wouldn’t dream of trying to get out of your exercises. Playing...er... practicing and honing my skill with sword, dagger and bow is definitely of great importance. A few days with you and I will be a peak physical specimen. Below these robes will lurk a killer body with skills to match.” Erestor turned to Lord Elrond in what seemed almost an afterthought. “You don’t mind covering for me, do you?”
Lord Elrond smiled and shook his head. “No, I don’t mind at all. If you could drop by at the end of the day though and make sure I was able to take care of everything; what with all of my other duties...”
Glorfindel spoke up, “It has been a very long time since he has been as physically active as he will be during the coming week.” His voice laden with uncharacteristic sarcasm, he continued, “He won’t be able to drag himself to the other side of the compound, much less concentrate on anything as important as household budgets.” Lord Elrond lifted an eyebrow, but otherwise let it pass.
Erestor gracefully crossed the room and began clearing his desk. “Glorfindel has spoken, and you bore witness, Lord Elrond. I’ll be too wiped out to concentrate on anything other than the burn in my muscles.” Erestor grinned. “You know...from centuries of disuse.”
With a dead pan look and voice to match, Lord Elrond replied, “Uh huh.
Glorfindel did not smile. “There is a capture simulation set for the end of the week. Since the timing coincides with Erestor’s training, I intend to make use of the opportunity. We will put him to the test, and see just what it takes to make him break. Considering his position, that may be one of the more important aspects of his training.”
Erestor gave an almost imperceptible nod. It was not uncommon to utilize this type of testing prior to placing an elf into the position of spy. In his opinion, this wasn’t an entirely surprising development.
Lord Elrond said, “You are quite correct in pointing out his value to an enemy. My acceptance is conditional, however. The only way that I will allow his participation is if you oversee it in person. I am sure that your soldiers are competent, but making an elf such as Erestor talk requires a good bit more skill than they possess. ”
Erestor’s back was turned to Glorfindel, so he missed the glare and mouthed words ‘thanks a lot’.
Glorfindel answered, “It has been a long time since I've been involved in this type of simulation. I will ensure that it is run in such a way as to be meaningful.”
Erestor’s stomach did a flip. What would the famed balrog slayer consider to be a meaningful simulation? He had agreed to do this for Lord Elrond, but hadn’t considered all of the possible ramifications.
“You have a week, Glorfindel,” said Elrond. “Any longer than that and you will perform his duties yourself; that is if there are any that you are competent to perform.”
Glorfindel didn’t know if he had been insulted or not. A knock at the door interrupted his train of thought, and a blond, blue eyed elf popped his head in.
“My Lords! I’m not early am I? I didn’t mean to interrupt anything,” said Prince Legolas of Mirkwood.
“Greetings, Prince Legolas! You know Lord Erestor, of course. May I present Glorfindel?” responded Lord Elrond.
“It is an honor.” Truth be told, Prince Legolas suffered from a bit of hero worship for the hero of Gondolin. However, it was not appropriate for a son of King Thranduil to be seen as a groupie.
Elrond looked at Glorfindel and grinned. “Glorfindel is trying to convince Lord Erestor to attend fitness training. He fears that our counselor’s battle readiness is in doubt.”
“Oh?”
“It has been years since his most recent fitness screening. My concerns represent more than doubt.” insisted Glorfindel.
Prince Legolas laughed. “Have you forgotten how to hold a sword, Uncle?”
Erestor turned to Elrond, “My Lord, I need to go over a few things with Prince Legolas before day's end. Now, if you will excuse us.” Without pausing for an answer, Erestor turned and followed the Prince out of the room.
Skeptical, Glorfindel asked, “Uncle?”
“It is an expression of affection, rather than an indication of a blood bond. For several years, Erestor lived in Mirkwood, serving as an ambassador of sorts. He enjoyed a congenial relationship with King Thranduil, and as time passed, they became close friends. After the prince’s birth, King Thranduil was anxious for more free time to spend with his family. It is largely unknown, but during that time, Erestor worked as a personal assistant to the king. For a while, some of the work coming out of King Thranduil’s office had in actuality been done by Erestor. The prince grew up around him.”
Glorfindel sniffed. “Why didn’t King Thranduil just delegate? Surely he has qualified people working under him. Why use one of yours?”
“Mirkwood is very different from Imladris. At the time, there were several who vied for favored positions within King Thranduil’s office. These were powerful elves, each wishing to be the power behind the throne. Had he approached any one of them, an imbalance would have been created and petty in-fighting reached zenith proportions. Erestor was the intelligent choice. He had no hidden agenda and was smarter than the lot of them. Perhaps more important was that, as a friend, he would go to great lengths to make King Thranduil look good, rather than to promote himself and his own self worth.”
Glorfindel pinched the bridge of his nose. He still remembered headaches brought on by the political maneuvering within King Turgon’s government. The madness had even reached some of the people working within his own house. He shook his head and sighed. //A prince calls him uncle and a king calls him pal. Oh great. // It seemed that he may have spoken hastily when promising to take personal interest in the scholar’s training. A Noldo elf that King Thranduil’s son calls uncle is not one to be taken lightly; no matter his demeanor. It didn’t promise to be a relaxing week.
--- --- --- ---
Seeing Erestor crossing the square the next morning, Glorfindel called his second in command to the window. “Tell me, what was so hard about making him attend fitness evaluations?”
Leihon did not rise to Glorfindel’s goading. He was well aware that very seldom was Erestor made to do anything. He had agreed to undergo evaluation and training, but only because he wanted to. That begged the question of why.
Glorfindel was famous due to the unique circumstances surrounding his return from the Halls of Waiting. On the other hand, Erestor, though not famous, was feared and respected by some of the most powerful elves currently living. Leihon knew it, but assumed that Glorfindel did not. Perhaps he should have given his boss notice, but it never crossed his mind to do so. That it did not spoke to more than his knowledge of the elf in question. He suspected that Erestor’s arrival had nothing to do with maintaining physical fitness or improving weapon skill.
Erestor entered Glorfindel’s office after being greeted by a couple of acquaintances. The first thing that Glorfindel did was berate his choice in attire; perhaps not the best way to start an elf’s day.
“I realize that you are a man of books rather than physical labor. However, even you should realize that leather chafes. You didn’t seriously believe that outfit was proper attire for exercise did you?”
Erestor slowly looked Glorfindel up and down. “I do not own anything remotely similar to what you are wearing. Perhaps you mistake me for one of your cadets.”
Leihon bit his lips in order to keep from grinning. “I’m sure we can find something, Captain.”
Ignoring him, Glorfindel responded, “Even new recruits are expected to wear appropriate attire. Although you are not one of my soldiers, you will find clothing appropriate to the activities we will take you through.”
A broad smile crossed the counselor’s face. “It may take time to find acceptable clothing in my size, but be assured that I will endeavor to do just that.” He then turned to leave.
Glorfindel jumped to his feet. “Erestor! I did not give you permission to leave. Come back here this instant!”
Erestor stopped dead in his tracks. Then slowly he turned around to face Glorfindel.
As if on cue, Prince Legolas walked into the office wearing a cheeky grin that cut through the tension like a knife. Remembering Lord Elrond’s comment of the previous day, he had followed Erestor in hopes of seeing what the balrog slayer had been so worked up about.
In a soft, but somewhat ominous tone, Erestor said, “Permission?”
Not catching the nuance, Glorfindel replied, “I did not dismiss you.”
Legolas stepped outside and spied Elladan and motioned the elf over. Elladan entered the office, stopping short upon seeing the look on Erestor’s face. “What's going on?”
Legolas whispered, “Unless I miss my guess, Erestor is about to explain chain of command to your captain. As much fun as it would be to watch Uncle take down the balrog slayer, you’d better break it up. Your father isn’t here, but maybe they will listen to you.”
Elladan whispered. “You have got to be kidding. If I say something, Glorfindel might back off in deference to Ada, but Erestor won’t. He will just give me one of those looks.”
Glorfindel pounded on his desk and said, “It was hard enough to get you out of Lord Elrond’s offices in the first place, and now you try to walk out before we have even begun!”
“You told me to find ‘appropriate attire’. I can’t do that standing in your office.” Erestor’s lips pouted, but there was steel laced to the velvet quality of his voice.
Elladan considered his options, none of which were good in his opinion. He had learned long ago to pick his battles. While he worshiped the ground Glorfindel walked on, Erestor was a friend and wielded more authority.
Being the eldest son of Lord Elrond, Elladan knew that he could say things that others would not dare. “It is amazing to see the hero of Gondolin red faced in anger over an elf’s choice of trousers. Get hold of yourself, Glorfindel. I’m sure that he didn’t intend to work out in them. By the way, you look very good in black leather Erestor.”
“You can wear my leggings,” Legolas volunteered. “I have a couple of pairs stowed in the changing room.” As he turned to leave, Legolas glanced at Elladan. “Glorfindel needs to get laid or something. He sounds more like my father than the hero of Gondolin.”
Glorfindel sat back and considered the elf before him. Whatever he might think of Prince Legolas, his trained eye told him that he was all muscle. To see a scholar attempting to wear clothing tailored to fit the athletic body of a young warrior prince would be quite the hoot. Although the counselor looked good in a robe, that was a far cry from trying to don a warrior’s garb.
Leihon kept to the back of the room, taking it all in. He suspected that Erestor was playing Glorfindel, but what was the game?
--- --- --- ---
“Why did he blow up over what you are wearing?” asked Elladan.
“Honestly, I do not know. My guess is that it had nothing to do with clothing. I was more interested in his comment about not having given me permission to leave. It implies an authority that he does not possess. It was the type of misstatement that an elf in his position cannot afford to make. Leihon made note of Glorfindel’s mental lapse. He is an intelligent elf, and one that bears watching.”
“Erestor, your guesses are rarely far off the mark. I’ll leave you to change. When you are ready, meet me in the gym.” responded Elladan.
Prince Legolas waited for Elladan to leave before speaking. “Glorfindel thinks to test you, but he is the true subject of this week’s endeavors isn’t he? Does Lord Elrond doubt him in some way?”
Erestor gave Legolas a wry grin. “Leihon might be wondering the same thing right now.”
Legolas tossed a pair of leggings and a soft cotton shirt in Erestor’s direction. “Try these out. I’d wait around, but have someone waiting for me. Maybe I’ll see you this evening at dinner?”
“I will be looking forward to it. Run along. I’ll be fine.”
Erestor dressed and made his way to the gym. Since this was one of the few places in Imladris that he’d never entered, he took the opportunity to examine the room more closely. A mirror ran the length of one wall. A large mat covered much of the floor. Various training implements lay scattered in a mess throughout the room. He idly wondered whether this was a common occurrence.
Elladan paused, seeing Erestor in Legolas’ clothing. He thought Legolas looked good in those leggings, but they fit the counselor like a second skin. Not often did Elladan think of a male as sexual. However, attired as the counselor was, the only word that fit was ‘hot’. He wasn’t attracted to males, but damn! If he were...
“Erestor, I see that you found something that Glorfindel can’t take issue with.” Elladan started walking around the room, moving things away from the mat. “Let’s go ahead and get you warmed up. I don’t know who Glorfindel will send to work with you this morning, but if someone doesn’t come along pretty soon I’ll do it.”
“How do you want me to begin?”
Just then Glorfindel stepped into the room. “You will start with stretches. As you stretch, I will be observing muscle movement. Once you are appropriately warmed up, we will move to flexibility. I’ve arranged your training regimen to measure stamina as well as endurance. It will give me more of an idea as to what chance you might have, based on physical ability, to elude capture.”
Erestor raised an eyebrow. “That is a pretty subjective measure, Glorfindel.”
“Yes counselor, but it is mine to make. From there, I will make a determination of what type of defensive training you require, if any.”
Elladan spoke up, “You are just going through training in defense?”
“He is hardly going to present an offensive threat. An attack specifically targeting Erestor would be designed for capture and interrogation, most likely. We have to determine if there is any chance that he can elude his assailants.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor through shuttered eyes. “Once that is complete, I will find out just what it will take to break him.”
Elladan’s eyes widened. “I thought that this was just an annual exam!”
Instantly, Glorfindel reverted into the role of instructor, concerned that Elladan had the wrong idea. “It has been years since anyone has looked at his physical capabilities and weaknesses. It is my job to ensure that each and every citizen of Imladris is prepared for attack. Erestor is privy to sensitive information, so the bar is set higher. That is why you will not participate in his evaluation. Leihon and I will handle this personally.
Elladan was not surprised to note that the expression on Erestor’s face never faltered. He was a master at concealing his thoughts. Whatever his reaction, Glorfindel would not have the satisfaction of seeing him squirm. It was an admirable trait, but he suspected it would prove to be a painful one as well. It didn’t take much intelligence to realize what Glorfindel had in mind.
“He speaks the truth, Elladan.” Erestor finally commented, “Glorfindel will ensure that the exercise is safe, but I expect there will be pain involved."
Glorfindel turned toward Elladan. “Get these swords put away and take the daggers to my office. Find out who left them in that condition.” When Elladan didn’t immediately move to leave, Glorfindel growled, “Now would be good.”
Elladan finished gathering the weapons from the floor and then, with a last look at Erestor, left for weapon storage.
“Alright Erestor, remove the shirt.”
Erestor cocked an eye at Glorfindel. “I beg your pardon?”
“The musculature on my soldiers is pronounced, and the flow easy to follow. You are a scholar, and not as physically developed. It will be hard enough to see any muscle movement beneath that soft body of yours. I don’t need something blocking the view...such as it is. Now take it off.” Glorfindel turned and bit his bottom lip hard. This was just his professional responsibility. It was no different than with any other elf. He bit his lip harder. Who was he kidding? The elf brought out desires that he kept firmly under check at any other time.
Erestor slipped the shirt over his head, and laid it toward the edge of the mat, then walked to the center of the room. “Better?”
Glorfindel cleared his throat. “Yes, much better. Surprisingly, you aren’t as flabby as I had anticipated.”
In fact, Erestor was built. He didn’t have the large frame and ripped musculature of Leihon or Elladan, but was closer in build to an archer. As the counselor’s job was sedentary, it was an unexpected puzzle.
Glorfindel instructed Erestor in which stretches he was to perform, and then walked around the room observing the elf’s muscle tone. Truth be told, it wasn’t totally with an eye for physical fitness. The elf’s supple movements gave rise to thoughts that were very unprofessional. Shaking himself out of his fantasies, he walked over to a rack near the entrance of the room and selected two hand weights.
“Now you will move on to weight training. Here, take these. Hold both arms out, and to your side. Good. Now hold that position.”
Erestor complained, “What happened to letting me warm up? Surely, that wasn’t the extent of it? The next time you think to submit a request for additional funding, remember this day. It will save you from wasting your time.”
Ignoring him, Glorfindel pulled up a chair, sat down and waited. He judged that after a minute or two the counselor’s arms would begin to tremble. Shortly after that, they would fall. Most book worms didn’t last five minutes. Erestor might last that long, but Glorfindel was doubtful that he would last longer.
Erestor’s body was like stone, not wavering in the slightest. In days long past, he used to stand at attention for hours at a time. No need for the blond to know it though.
From time to time, Glorfindel would walk in a circle around Erestor, looking for signs that his body was tiring. He was more than a little stunned that the counselor had maintained the pose for over an hour. He was curious to learn how long Erestor could hold out, but boredom finally won out over curiosity.
“Leihon, are you out there?” Glorfindel yelled.
Leihon walked into the room and looked past Glorfindel to the figure of Erestor. “What do you need?”
“I’m taking a break. Watch him and come get me if he drops his arms.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor, smirked and left to grab something to drink.
Once he was sure Glorfindel was gone, Leihon said, “He doesn’t know, does he?”
Not moving, Erestor answered, “Know what?”
“That you trained as a spy.”
“I have no idea. It was a long time ago, Leihon. Besides, Glorfindel intends to test me. He wants to learn how much it will take before I break. Thus, I saw no need to enlighten him.”
Erestor’s wondered how Leihon knew anything about his past. He shouldn’t, yet he did. Moreover, he had not shared that knowledge with his superior.
“You are to attend the capture simulation?” Leihon frowned. “He is a strong elf, Erestor, and this is just an exercise. You don’t have anything to prove.”
“He does not see it that way Leihon.” Erestor lowered his head slightly. “I’m well aware how strong he is. What I don’t know is how far he is willing to go. He said that you would assist.”
Leihon cocked an eyebrow. “That is news to me.” Leihon glanced back to make sure the building was still empty. “I don’t know what he has in mind, but it would take a lot to make you talk. Sauron himself would find you a challenge.”
Erestor did not trust Glorfindel’s second-in-command, but had nothing firm on which to base that opinion. It was just a gut feeling. He replied, “I won’t betray the secrets of Imladris to the Dark Lord, or anyone else.”
“Soon, you will have the opportunity to prove the truth behind your words.”
Glorfindel returned in time to hear Leihon’s reply, but paid it no heed. Instead of taking a break, he had gone to his office to consider how best to continue Erestor’s training. The counselor had more stamina than expected. That being the case, he had revised the planned exercise regimen.
“Enough. Put the weights up,” Glorfindel said as he strode back into the room.
“Do you still need me?” asked Leihon.
Glorfindel replied, “Not until later. I want to see some pull ups, Erestor.”
Walking over to the bar, Erestor asked, “How many?”
“Don’t worry, I will tell you when to stop.” Glorfindel stood behind Erestor, watching the muscles in both his back and arms as he pulled up his body weight. After several minutes, suddenly and without warning, Glorfindel said, “Go to the center of the mat and give me push-ups.”
Erestor dropped and began doing push-ups. After close to 200 repetitions, he began wishing that Glorfindel would give it a rest. Glorfindel knew that the counselor should be tiring. In his experience, the body could only take so much. One of the things he wanted to learn was how far Erestor could push himself beyond that point. It was a measure of endurance.
Three hundred pushups later, Glorfindel called a stop to it. “Take ten minutes and get something to drink. When you return, we will continue with some stretches.”
The remainder of the morning consisted of various exercises for arms, chest and back. They broke for an hour at lunch. Erestor’s plan was to grab a sandwich and soak his aching muscles. Unfortunately, Elrond spied him before he made a clean get away and asked him to come to his office after grabbing a fast snack.
“How did the morning go, Erestor? You don’t look any worse for wear.” Elrond was standing by an open window as if he had been observing someone.
Erestor quirked a small smile. “Glorfindel lounged around while I exercised. About half way through, I began wondering what it would be like to relax while he ran budget figures. Turn about, and all that.”
“Elladan dropped by earlier this morning. He was concerned that I understood exactly the extremes Glorfindel intends for you. ”
Erestor nodded. “We explained that Glorfindel is going to examine to what extent I can be trusted to guard the interests of Imladris when put to the test. Personally, I would prefer that he take my word for it, but can understand why he won’t.” Erestor chuckled. “I didn’t expect that to satisfy Elladan. He is too much like you."
Elrond’s voice turned serious. “Glorfindel is a veteran warrior of more than a little skill. I know that you understand what is entailed, but...”
Erestor cocked his head and smiled weakly. “Unfortunately, I do have a good idea of what to expect. It will give me some insight into Glorfindel and how his mind works when judging the capacities of others.” Erestor gave Lord Elrond a puzzled look. “I trust him implicitly, but the leak came from his office. Without getting me into that environment, I cannot nail down the source. I thought that this was part of our original plan?”
Elrond nodded and walked over to his desk. “It was, yet I find myself unsettled. For now, the examination will continue as initially planned. Tomorrow, Glorfindel and I will discuss the scenario he envisions creating. I had only planned on your absence being one week. However, I am not going to place that kind of restriction on an exercise of this nature. Glorfindel will be given broad latitude.
Erestor nodded. The idea hadn’t seemed quite so unsettling until Elrond said he was going to give Glorfindel latitude. He hoped Elrond didn’t put it to Glorfindel in quite that way, or at least forbade maiming his Chief Counselor.
--- --- --- ---
Upon returning from lunch, Glorfindel noted that Erestor seemed subdued. “I had planned to take you through lower body exercises this afternoon. However, I am undecided as to whether we should continue. Are you well Erestor? This can be taken up tomorrow if need be.”
“I’m just preoccupied. It is nothing.” assured Erestor.
“Is there anything that I should know?” inquired Glorfindel.
“Elrond will speak with you about it tomorrow.” With that, Erestor cut that line of questioning off.
Glorfindel knew better than to push. “All right, let’s get to it then. I want you to sit with your back to the wall, and spread your legs as wide as you are able.”
Erestor did as instructed only to meet with, “Is that the best you can do? Grab your ankles and pull!” Although he appeared to try, his legs remained in place.
Glorfindel sat across from Erestor and braced his feet on the inside of his legs. “Tell me when I need to stop.” And with that, he pushed Erestor’s legs so wide that it took his breath away.
Erestor cried out, “Stop, stop, stop. That’s far enough!”
Glorfindel responded by forcing the legs wider.
“Nooooo...”
“Does it hurt? Usually the body can take more than the average elf believes. Remain still, and try to get your breathing under control. Your muscles will relax, and the pain will subside. Just give it a few seconds.”
For the first couple of minutes moving was totally out of the question. Glorfindel was right though. It did get better....well, sort of. Just as his muscles seemed to stretch out and relax a bit, the size difference between Erestor and Legolas became something of an issue. Erestor began squirming in an attempt to find a comfortable position. He bit his bottom lip and rocked forward a bit, prompting Glorfindel to apply more pressure.
“Is something wrong?”
“These leggings are too tight.” Erestor rocked his hips and leaned forward, only to quickly move back into place.
Glorfindel raised an eyebrow and eyed the counselor skeptically. “The leggings stretch Erestor, and you are very close in size to the Prince. It is hard to believe, but you are.”
Erestor gritted his teeth and gave Glorfindel a meaningful glare. “Listen to me carefully. They are too tight.”
“Oh!” Glorfindel glanced at Erestor’s groin, and said, “Sorry. Instead of this, let’s work on your abdominal muscles. Go over to the center of the mat and lay on your back, legs together and arms by your side.” It took Erestor a while, as his legs did not want to move.
“Now raise your legs two inches off the floor, and hold it.”
Erestor moaned. “I hate this exercise.”
Glorfindel laughed. “Almost everyone does.”
The afternoon continued in that vein until the day neared an end. To wind things up, Glorfindel said, “I want to end the day with a run. We will take the path out of Imladris and make our way to the river. A swim in the river does wonders for tired muscles.”
Erestor sighed, glad for the day to be almost over. “I look forward to it then.”
They set a fairly quick pace considering how tired Erestor was. When the water was in sight, he called on his extra reserves, and picked up the pace. Once at river’s edge, he stripped off his shirt, kicked off his shoes, peeled off his leggings and dove in. After a physically tiring day, this was bliss. He floated on his back with his eyes closed and a smile on his face.
Glorfindel wasn’t so fast to dive in. Instead he took a moment to survey their surroundings. There was a small flash as Erestor dove in the water, but he didn’t see anything to account for it. Shrugging, he entered the water.
After relaxing for half an hour or so, Erestor swam to the bank and called, “I am getting out, but take your time.”
Glorfindel started to leave the water as well, but came to a dead halt when Erestor bent to pick up the shirt he had discarded earlier. The sun happened to shine just right, and there was a brief glint between his thighs. The origin had Glorfindel standing with his mouth open, unable to speak. Something behind Erestor’s balls had glinted in the sunlight!
// The sun shined on his… Huh? //
After the swim, both elves lay in the grass for a while in order to dry off. Glorfindel couldn’t think of a tactful way to ask about what he thought that he’d seen. He suspected that Erestor knew he wanted to ask him something. Finally, noting the sun’s placement in the sky, Glorfindel declared it time to return to Imladris. While dressing, he couldn’t help casting surreptitious glances at Erestor. He wasn’t able to see anything abnormal, but something was very definitely off. Elves do not shine...there.
Upon their return, they made for the changing room. Erestor’s back was turned giving Glorfindel the opportunity to watch as he changed back into the leather trousers from that morning. He felt like a voyeur. However, a brief glint assured him that he was justified in watching. Now, he knew he hadn’t imagined it. Erestor left before he could think of anything to say.
---- ---- ---- ----
Glorfindel was already in the dining hall when Legolas and Erestor arrived. Throughout the evening, his gaze was drawn to Erestor. Did he realize that his genitalia reflected sunlight? Did he know that Glorfindel knew? He didn’t realize that he had been so absorbed in thought until Lord Elrond addressed him.
“Glorfindel, do you have a moment?”
“Of course” Glorfindel replied.
“Let’s talk in my office.”
As they entered, Elrond closed the door behind them. “Is anything amiss? It was brought to my attention that you have been staring at my counselor as if he has two heads. Your demeanor toward him this evening alternated between intense curiosity, aversion, horror and fascination. So tell me, is there a problem?”
“Er...nothing is amiss my lord.” Glorfindel panicked. What was he supposed to say? He could just imagine. //He shines in the sunlight. No, really. The sun glints off of something behind his balls!! Order him to strip and take a close look. // No, that definitely was not a good plan. He realized that his behavior made it seem as if he were hiding something, but he was not sure what he could do about it, except tell the truth. He walked to the window, looking for some way to say this without sounding like a fool. He didn’t come up with anything. With a great sigh of resignation, he turned and spoke.
“Earlier, we were in the changing room after returning from a run to the river. Erestor was changing out of borrowed leggings, and into his trousers. He was nude. We were talking while he changed, and I happened to turn at just the right moment.” Glorfindel sucked in his breath and then forged ahead. “The sun shone through and glinted off of his privates! It wasn’t just a brief flash either. He actually shined while bending to remove his leggings!” That wasn’t exactly the way it had happened, but Glorfindel felt that it was close enough.
Elrond managed to keep a dead pan face, but only from centuries of practice. “You were admiring his nude body, and light bounced off of his ‘privates’. I assume that is the source of your curiosity. What about that elicits aversion and horror?”
The look on Glorfindel’s face was priceless. “Oh my Lord, it is abnormal! I’ve lived a very long time, and never in all those centuries have I heard of anything even remotely similar! Elven genitalia do not shine.”
Elrond leaned back in his chair and used a clinical voice to ask, “Ah, and that abnormality gives rise to fantasy?”
The horrified expression on Glorfindel’s face said it all.
“Glorfindel, have you asked him about it?”
Glorfindel went wide eyed at the thought. “No, sir! I would never ask an ellon about such a thing!”
“He will be very aware of your unease. He has a great talent for reading people, not that he’d need much.” Elrond did not add that Erestor could also read an elf’s unguarded thoughts at times. That particular talent was too useful to make common knowledge. “Ask him about it, Glorfindel. He is not easily embarrassed.”
“I just couldn’t. I mean, how do you broach such a subject?” Glorfindel was not a particularly shy elf, but this just wasn’t your run of the mill dinner conversation. ‘How was your day Counselor? By the way, why does your genetalia twinkle in the sunlight?’
Elrond put on his best stern face and said, “Glorfindel, I can make that an order if need be. I’ll not have the Captain of the Guard looking at my Chief Counselor as you were this evening at dinner. It is very seldom that I am forced to speak to you about appearances. Before tomorrow is over, you are to have asked him about it. At day’s end, I will speak with Erestor. He had better tell me what I want to hear. If not, we will all have this conversation in my office...just the three of us. Understood?”
Glorfindel gritted his teeth and inclined his head. “Yes sir.”
As soon as the door closed, Elrond burst forth in a full throated belly laugh. He really hoped that Glorfindel didn’t ask, because that conversation would be priceless.
After breakfast the next morning, Elrond watched with interest as his Captain of the Guard approached his Chief Counselor. He looked more like a shy elfling, than one of the greatest warriors walking Middle Earth.
Glorfindel cleared his throat and said, “Erestor, today we will test your ability with weapons.”
Erestor lifted a graceful eyebrow and smiled. “I look forward to it.”
Glorfindel abruptly turned, and all but fled the room. He left thinking that there was no way in Mordor he could ask the elf about his shiny assets. He completely missed the wicked smile and chuckle as Erestor’s eyes followed his retreat. Likewise, he did not see Elrond’s amused grin.
