Fic: Bling 2/5

[sbyte]

Series: Bling
Ch. Title: Jail Bait 2/5
Series: Bling
Author: Sbyte
Beta: Chloe Amethyst
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: AU, Silliness, Slash (male/male), Violence, Torture, Sex (spoken of, hinted at, but not described), OMC character death
Author’s Notes: www.elvenrunes.com was utilized for OMC character name generation. (Glorfindel’s second-in-command) See www.automaticfreestyle.co.uk for a video of the achievement of the orgasm line in tablero. (The elves are much more skilled than he was.)

Summary: Awkward questions and disturbing answers. A drinking game and Gil-galad’s rule lead to a memorable performance. Erestor is tested (ouch), and secrets are revealed

Bling
Chapter 2: Jail Bait

Glorfindel was preoccupied as he walked into the changing room to fetch his bracers and fencing boots. Elrond made it an order, so he had to say something. He was going over ways to approach the Counselor, when the elf in question burst into the room. He was wearing one of the robes of his office, and seemed to be out of breath. Glorfindel cocked an eyebrow.

“Oh Glorfindel, I am so sorry for being late. Lord Elrond required that I drop by the office. Don’t worry; I brought a change of clothes.” And just like that, he turned around and dropped his robe to the floor.

“Uh, there is no problem.” Glorfindel gulped as he looked at the sight of the suddenly nude elf. His eyes zeroed in on the area of greatest interest, and followed its progress as Erestor bent to pick the robe up off the floor. “No, I was just...” There it was! For a moment there, it shined!

Erestor was slowly folding up his robe, seemingly unaware of Glorfindel’s scrutiny.

“You were just what, Glorfindel?”

Glorfindel cleared his throat. “Putting bracers and fencing boots on. Er, what... I mean...uh...”

Erestor turned in mid motion, “Yes?”

“Um, the tattoo on your ankle...I was thinking how much it must have hurt.”

Erestor shrugged.

Glorfindel floundered, but continued on. “I haven’t seen many elves who voluntarily allowed their flesh to be altered.”

Erestor sat the robe on a bench, and began pulling his hair into a thick, loose braid as he spoke. “No, it did not hurt. The artist was quite talented.”

Erestor bound a leather strap around the braid to hold it all in place, before walking across to where Legolas had left a bow leaning against the wall in the corner. Glorfindel bent slightly and tried to spy what was causing the play of light off the counselor’s privates.

Suddenly Erestor turned around, almost catching Glorfindel in the act. He hefted the bow and said, “It is a representation of a stylized symbol honoring Tulkas.”

“Are you going to get dressed, or do you plan on sparring in the buff?” asked Glorfindel. // Not that I have anything especially against it. //

Erestor casually walked over to the pile of clothes he had laid on a chair. He then said, “I apologize if nudity makes you uncomfortable.”

Once he had turned to reach for his leggings, Glorfindel peered down and cocked his head in concentration as he mumbled, “No, of course not.” It was then that Erestor turned his head, and smiling said, “Good. From the way you looked at me, I was not certain.”

Glorfindel had been caught looking. He could only imagine what Lord Elrond would say about it. Sighing, Glorfindel began to pace. Erestor hastily donned his leggings, cocked his head (and hid a smile). “What is it Glorfindel? You have wanted to say something to me ever since I entered the room this morning.”

“I would not say that I want to ask, but Lord Elrond has ordered me to do so.”

“If it concerns the proposed simulation...”

“No, it is nothing like that. Have you ever seen sunlight glinting off a sword blade?” asked Glorfindel.

“Yes”

Glorfindel cleared his throat. “Yesterday at the river, I saw something.”

“What did you see? There wasn’t someone lurking nearby with a weapon was there?” asked Erestor.

“At the time, I wasn’t sure what I saw. In fact, I am still not sure. It was when you dove into the river.” Glorfindel took a deep breath. “You shine Erestor!”

Erestor grinned. “I shine?”
“It is more like sunlight reflecting off of metal, like a sword or dagger.”

Still grinning, Erestor asked, “So, let’s see if I understand you. I was diving into the river, and then all of a sudden I shined like sun reflecting off a sword blade?”

Glorfindel shook his head. “Not you per se. It was just a piece of you; your jewels.”

Still smiling, Erestor cocked an eyebrow and asked, “You were looking at ‘my jewels’ yesterday?”

“Not on purpose. They were just there.”

Erestor laughed. “And today?”

“I was just... I mean...” sputtered Glorfindel.

Erestor smirked. “You were about to break your neck trying to look at ‘the jewels’. You thought I wouldn’t notice?”

Glorfindel blanched. “Erestor, I am sorry. I shouldn’t have, but you did it again and...”

“Glorfindel, it is a guiche piercing.” It was obvious to Erestor that Glorfindel had no idea what he was talking about. “It is a form of body art.”

“You are pierced...THERE?” was Glorfindel’s automatic response. “Oh Valar!” Glorfindel shuddered. “Why would you do such a thing?”


Without hesitation, Erestor answered, “Sex. It enhances sensation...a lot.”

“Sex is precisely why you should not do such a thing! You could have damaged something!” Glorfindel looked out the door to make sure nobody was around. He was quiet for a moment, and then whispered, “Where do they...um...do it? How did they do it?”

Erestor loudly whispered, “Behind the scrotum. The artist poked and prodded; even stimulating my prostate so she would get the placement just right. She saw a slight swell, marked the spot and told me to start taking deep breaths. I took one breath, then two breaths, and then on three she plunged a big needle though.”

Glorfindel turned a lovely shade of green and croaked, “Oh Valar.”

Erestor grinned wickedly before adding, “For a few seconds, the pain was truly excruciating.”

Still green, Glorfindel asked, “But now?”


“There are millions of nerves in that area. The sensations are incredible. This is definitely one of the most erotic piercings that I’ve ever had.” Erestor winced. “But when leggings are tight, it can be a problem.”

Glorfindel thought about yesterday’s exercises. “Yeah, I’m sorry about that.”

Erestor let him sit, lost in thought, for a couple of minutes before saying, “Glorfindel?”

“I was just remembering a friend.” Glorfindel responded. “He was the most audacious elf that I’ve ever met. Your piercing put me in mind of him. Were he here instead of me, he would be asking where to get one.”

“What about you?” Erestor kidded.

“I am not about to let someone jab a needle near my jewels! I get quite enough stimulation as it is!”

The emphasis with which he said it was enough to make Erestor erupt into peals of laughter. Finally noting the Captain’s discomfort, he changed the subject. “I take it that we are going to spar with swords this morning.”

Glorfindel tried to switch into his role of Captain, with limited success. “Yes, we will work with swords for most of the morning. After that, we will move on to daggers. Lord Elrond wants me in his office late this afternoon, but we can go to the archery range after lunch and get a couple of hours in.”

Erestor grinned. “I get to leave early?” It didn’t happen often.

“Do you know what today’s meeting is about? After lunch yesterday, you mentioned something,” asked Glorfindel.

“It has to do with the test you plan on putting me though. You know...the one where you try to make me scream and give up the secrets of the great Elven realms. He won’t be giving us the same information, so there really isn’t much that I can say.”

Glorfindel grumped. “Fine, how long has it been since last you practiced with a sword?”

“I own a couple of swords, and practice when I can. Last night was the last time I handled a sword.” Although his expression was impassive, Erestor was working to maintain a straight face.

Glorfindel inquired, “Last night? Where did you practice, in your rooms? It is hard to spar in total darkness.”

“Oh no, I was in the Library’s archive.”

“WHAT?” Glorfindel roared with laughter. “I have a mental picture of you wearing robes of office, and doing battle with a shelf of books. The library isn’t really the type of practice that I had in mind when I asked.”

“I didn’t really think that it was.” Erestor grinned. “I would never take a blade to books; it was Lord Elrond. You remember that he asked me to make an appearance after being released?”

Glorfindel’s mouth was hanging slightly open. “I do. He wanted to spar in the Library? How unexpected. Does he do that sort of thing often?”

A grin spread across Erestor’s face. “He is fairly spontaneous.”

“I had no idea that he kept swords in the Library.”

Erestor raised an eyebrow. “That could have something to do with the fact that you don’t ever come to the Library. We have a variety of weapons displayed, ceremonial or very old for the most part. There are a few very valuable specimens.”

Glorfindel nodded with interest. “I will check it out after leaving Lord Elrond later today. What kind of sword did you use last night?”

“Last night, I used an Elven sword much like my own. Lord Elrond chose a blade favored by humans. There is no question which is the better blade,” Erestor replied, but did not elaborate.

“Good. You at least know the basics of swordplay. It will make this morning’s exercises more meaningful. Are you ready?” asked Glorfindel.

Once on the training field, Glorfindel began scanning the elves already practicing. Erestor began getting a feel for the training sword he had been given.

“Good morning, Captain,” Elrohir said in way of greeting.


Glorfindel turned at the voice. “I didn’t expect to see you for quite some time. How have you been?”

“Ada had a rider intercept Haldir and me, asking us to return. There is something he wanted to discuss with him.” Elrohir was speaking to Glorfindel, but looking at Erestor.

“He looks almost like a soldier out there.” remarked Glorfindel.

“No Captain, none of your soldiers look anything like that.” Then walking across the practice field, Elrohir yelled “Erestor!”

“Elrohir!” answered Erestor.

Elrohir gave him a lopsided smile and asked, “What on earth are you doing here?”

Erestor nodded toward Glorfindel. “He insisted on physical fitness training, and your ada caved.” Then he shrugged. “It gives me a few days away from paperwork, and to be honest, I’d rather enjoy the outdoors than be stuck in the office today. We aren’t going to tell the Captain that. He very much likes to think that I am here at his behest.”

Elrohir smiled. “Looking like that, he may want to keep you here longer than Ada had planned.”

Erestor laughed. “You are kind, but I very much doubt it.”

Although Glorfindel was watching the exchange, his thoughts were back in the locker room. He couldn’t get the picture of Erestor on all fours waiting to be pierced out of his mind.

Elrohir was the first to notice the odd look on the warrior’s face. He nodded his head in the general direction and asked, “What is with him?”

Erestor knew very well where Glorfindel’s thoughts were. From across the training yard, he yelled, “Oh Captain! Captain Glorfindel! I’m ready when you are.”

Glorfindel’s head snapped up. “Right, I’m coming.”

Once they stood across from one another, the vision of Erestor on hands and knees returned. Glorfindel couldn’t shake it. The expression on his face left little doubt as to the nature of his thoughts.

Elrohir looked at Erestor and shrugged.

Smiling wickedly, Erestor said, “The pain is only momentary. It leads to such pleasure that it is quickly forgotten.”

Elrohir lifted an eyebrow, knowing something was up, but having no clue just what it was.

Glorfindel gulped and stepped back. “Elrohir, would you be good enough to spar with the Counselor for me?” Then he walked up and whispered, “I can’t concentrate.”

Nodding, Elrohir took the practice blade from Glorfindel, and proceeded to go through some basic sparring techniques. Once Glorfindel left and Elrohir was certain he wasn’t coming back, he called a halt to their sparring. He knew Erestor was capable with a sword, even if the Captain did not.

Out of curiosity he asked, “What was that all about?”

Erestor grinned. “Earlier, we discussed body art.”

Elrohir was silent for a moment. “I’m not sure that I follow.”

“He has been that way ever since I answered a couple of questions about a piercing.”

“The expression on his face didn’t indicate that he was thinking about body art.” Elrohir chuckled. //Glorfindel doesn’t become distracted easily, so I doubt it is as simple as that. //

Glorfindel went to his office and shut the door. It had been a long time since daydreams had caused a lack of concentration while on duty. The vision of Chief Counselor Erestor on hands and knees was unexpected, and surprisingly erotic. He felt like an adolescent elfling. Turning to a report that had lain on his desk for nigh on a week, he attempted to turn his attention to something more mundane.

After reading the same paragraph three times and not having the slightest idea what it said, he gave up. It did rid him of his erotic images of Erestor, but in their place was something much more potent. This picture was of an intelligent, witty and breathtaking elf that had a wild streak few knew of.

What disturbed him was that these were the qualities that had initially drawn him to Lord Ecthelion, his lover in Gondolin. Was his loneliness causing him to see things that were not there? While he did not want to dwell on this, it had to be resolved to the extent that it was not in the forefront of his mind. Lord Elrond would demand his full attention in only a very few hours.

Admittedly, he did not know Erestor outside of work at all. Most of his off hours were spent in the company of other warriors. Perhaps it was a limiting factor that should change. His mind had created an image of Erestor that was not based entirely on knowledge of the facts. He needed to concentrate on sorting fact from fiction.

Obviously the wild side did indeed exist. His piercing alone spoke of audaciousness. Only a bold elf with more than a little self assurance would go on hands and knees to allow someone to put a needle that close to some very important bits. He still shuddered at the thought. There was no way on Arda he would ever do something so crazy.

The elf’s exquisite beauty was a given. In some ways, Erestor was similar to Lord Ecthelion, but there was no confusing the two. Erestor’s looks were more androgynous and exotic. There was a unique quality about him.

When choosing a mate, intellect and wit were important characteristics to consider. //Mate? // No one would deny that Erestor was one of the most intelligent elves on Middle Earth. Nor would any who had dealings with him deny his wit. Lord Ecthelion had been a gifted warrior and well read noble. However, Erestor’s intellect went much deeper. There was no comparison to be made.

Lord Ecthelion’s superiority had been in the areas of weaponry, combat and leadership. There, he had few equals. Glorfindel suspected that the two elves would have been well matched in their knowledge of tactics and strategy. A chess match between the two would have been an interesting thing to watch.

The time spent in introspection had not lessened Glorfindel’s desire to know the elf better, but it had given him some peace of mind. This attraction was not based on his desire for Lord Ecthelion. That being the case, it wouldn’t hurt to become friends. He would have to rein in the inappropriate thoughts he had been having. He refused to mislead and use Erestor for the purpose of physical gratification. His mind made up, he smiled. Calling a scholar friend would be a new and unusual experience. He hadn’t had one of those in years.

In the meantime, Elrohir and Erestor had moved from sparring with swords to knives. Erestor was fairly good with a sword, but with knives he excelled. It was quickly obvious that there was no need to continue. Glorfindel communicated that he wished them to go over basics. Erestor was well past that, so there seemed little point. This left the rest of the morning free. Elrohir left, hoping to avoid being drawn into a teaching role again.

While Erestor wished that he could leave as well, his sense of duty did not allow it. Instead, he went to Glorfindel’s office with the intent of obtaining permission. He was surprised and frustrated to find that the warrior wasn’t there. Waiting around soon became boring, so he looked for something to help pass the time. There was an unfinished duty roster, a funding request that had been rejected pending minor correction, and a write up on one of the new recruits.

He made the corrections to the funding request, and moved on to the duty roster. While looking it over to ascertain Glorfindel’s intentions, he spied a list covered in doodles. The doodles seemed to be random, but the list of adjectives captured his interest. There were stars and check marks beside them, leaving him to wonder what the warrior had been working on. The word beautiful was followed by an exclamation mark and a couple of stars. Beautiful and sexy could pertain to a weapon. However the phrase ‘cute ass’ very definitely could not. Apparently Glorfindel was attracted to someone. Which of his soldiers would he call sexy, beautiful and smart with a ‘cute ass’? The Chief Counselor to Lord Elrond then turned one of the most powerful minds in Middle Earth to the question of which elf the warrior found so desirable. Needless to say, the duty roster did not get finished.

Half an hour later, Glorfindel found Erestor sitting in his office with an oddly amused expression on his face. With something akin to horror, he realized that the list he had been working on earlier was lying on top of the documents on his desk. //Did I use his name? Does he know that I was thinking of him? //

“What are you doing here, Erestor? I left you on the training yard with Elrohir.”

Erestor’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “We finished, and he left. I was tempted to go as well, but thought you would become annoyed to find me truant. Imagine my surprise at discovering you were nowhere to be found.”

Glorfindel tried to be nonchalant when glancing at his desk. Instead, Erestor picked up on panic which intrigued him greatly. The warrior hadn’t wanted him to see that list. The great balrog slayer was embarrassed. He catalogued the knowledge away.

Glorfindel schooled his features before looking at Erestor appraisingly. “We have lived in Imladris for a long time, and yet I know very little about you. I’d like to remedy that.”

Erestor’s teasing smile vanished. “For all the years that you’ve lived here, your companions have all been warriors; every single one of them. I am not, nor do I ever wish to be.” Then he cocked his head and smiled. “I have many friends, and would like to add you to that number. However, I am not certain that the feeling is mutual. There is nothing warlike about me. If that doesn’t dissuade you, perhaps we can get together one evening and play chess. I should enjoy challenging your mastery of tactics and strategy.”

Glorfindel sighed. “I had been hoping we could play a game of chess, but hearing you speak of it like that leaves me feeling like I should brace for war.”

“That won’t be necessary. Just be prepared to lose!”

He would never admit it, but Glorfindel knew full well which of them the superior strategist was. For all of his experience, it was not he. Lord Elrond would not have made Erestor second-in- command over Imladris unless his skill was outstanding.

“Will you be available for a game tonight, Counselor? I’ve not allowed myself the pleasure of utterly crushing a scholar in centuries, and find myself looking forward to it.”

Erestor chuckled. “It is more likely that you have been frightened for centuries that a scholar would totally devastate your field of play. I am sorry, but I already have plans. Lindir wants to teach me to play tablero da gucci.”

A brilliant smile graced Glorfindel’s face on hearing those words. “My dear counselor, you are looking at one of the masters of the game. It is hard to believe that you do not know how. I don’t know Lindir well, but he looks awfully delicate to be much of a player. There is quite a lot of drinking involved.”

Erestor chuckled. “I’ll have to tell him that you said so. While he may appear delicate to one such as you, in mannerisms he is anything but. Lindir could drink us both under the table, and then proceed to play a melody so sweet as to make the Valar weep.” With a smirk, he added, “He asked if I played, not if I knew how. He cleared his schedule to teach me the intricacies of the game.”

Glorfindel shook his head. “Lord Elrond’s chief counselor and head minstrel embroiled in a drinking game...who would have thought it? Does the Lord of the Valley have any idea that two such illustrious elves play tablero?”

Erestor snickered. “We are playing on Lord Elrond’s board. He claims it anyway. Technically, it belongs to Gil-galad. The two of them used to play to blow off steam after a stressful day. There were many of stressful days back then.”

“You are going to play Lindir on a board formerly owned by the High King?”

“The words ‘Gil-galad was here’ are carved into the bottom side of the board. It is one of Lord Elrond’s prize possessions. You aren’t a true master of the game till you have defeated him.”

Changing the subject, Glorfindel said, “Something has been nagging at me. Have you ever undergone anything like the simulation that will be run at the end of the week?”

Erestor nodded.

“Good.” Glorfindel gave an audible sigh of relief. “You understand that nothing is personal. I’m just doing my job.”

“No worries, Glorfindel. I won’t hold a grudge.”

Glorfindel looked over the document Erestor had corrected, and nodded in approval. “I suppose this can go straight to Lord Elrond since it has already had benefit of your review. Thank you for handling it. I’ll take it along when I go to the meeting this afternoon. Were it not for the visiting Galadhrim working with our archers, I would send you to the practice range. As it is, you will have to wait till after lunch. Other than that, you are through for the day.”

Erestor noticed Glorfindel glance toward the window that looked out on the training ground and rose to leave. “I have an easy schedule today, but you do not. I shall leave you to it.”

Glorfindel smirked and said, “If Lindir beats you early enough, perhaps we can have that chess game tonight. I am not opposed to playing after you have had a bottle or two of spirits.”

As he walked out the door, Erestor looked over his shoulder and said, “It is the only way you have a chance of winning. We will be playing in my rooms after dinner. You are welcome to drop by.” Before Glorfindel could formulate a comeback, he was gone.

That afternoon, Erestor arrived at the archery range to find Elrohir and Haldir awaiting him, instead of Glorfindel.

“Elrohir, Haldir, what a pleasant surprise!”

Haldir smiled. “We volunteered to come in Glorfindel’s place when he was called away. It has been a while since last seeing you with a bow.”

“A year at least,” added Elrohir.

Erestor smirked. “I can still out shoot you, Elrohir.”

“Can not!”

“Can, too!”

“Prove it!”

“A challenge!" Haldir exclaimed. "What is the wager, Erestor?”

Erestor paused, considered his options and began smiling madly. “If you win, I will buy you a new sword. If I win, I want four bottles of Celeborn’s Second Ager.”

“Four bottles? I am only getting one sword.” Elrohir protested.

“Your sword is going to be expensive, but the Second Ager only involves pilfering Celeborn’s wine cellar.” When Haldir looked uncomfortable, Erestor clarified. “Celeborn has two private cellars. Elrohir and Elladan have access to the larger of the two. Their grandfather sets aside a number of bottles that he knows will disappear when either of them visits. The wager stands. Do you agree Elrohir, or had you rather just admit defeat now and get it over with?”

Elrohir hefted his bow and said, “The sword must be quality. I wouldn’t expect anything cheap from you, but want that to be stated for the record. Now, prepare to be schooled.”

Erestor exchanged glances with Haldir. In a teasing voice, Erestor said “The only elf here who can take me to school is Haldir.”

For the next half hour Elrohir and Erestor traded shots. At length, Haldir declared Erestor to be the marginal victor. Erestor agreed to suggest to Lord Elrond that he buy his son a new sword. In turn, Elrohir agreed to part with four of the bottles of his grandfather’s Second Ager squirreled away in his room.

At about the same time as the archery competition ended, Glorfindel strode into Lord Elrond’s office. He felt more upbeat than he had all week.

Lord Elrond was smiling, seeming to be at his ease. “Captain Glorfindel. Good, you’re here. I have been looking forward to our meeting. Any problems you would like to speak of before we begin?”

“I am quite well, thank you. There are no problems.” replied Glorfindel.

Elrond furrowed his brow. “I am glad to hear it. Funny though, I heard various reports that you had my chief counselor holed up in your office for quite a while. I assumed that there must have been a problem since you were not working on his training requirements as planned. So there is no truth to it?”

Under his breath, Glorfindel said, “Elves gossip too much.”

“What was that?”

“Oh, it was nothing sir. I just meant to say, no.” Glorfindel shook his head in the negative. “There are no problems.”

“Let us get on with the subject of this meeting then. Since it is Erestor who will be the main focus of the simulation you plan to run later in the week, I will present a challenge. He has been given information regarding a shipment. It will be for you to obtain that information. A chest will be delivered and planted in a specific location. It will be your goal to get enough information from Erestor to locate and retrieve the chest. Once you have it, you will bring it back to Imladris. However, the chest will only remain in that location for a fixed amount of time. After a three day period, it will be picked up and brought back to my office.

“The chest will be well hidden, so it will not be found unless Erestor speaks. I have not informed him how much time you have. As in life, he will not know how long the questioning will continue. Spend tomorrow preparing, and let it begin the day after. This morning, I spoke with Marchwarden Haldir. He will assist in the exercise. Prince Legolas will observe, but not take part in any way. Do you have any questions?”

“Yes sir. Why will Haldir take part? What will his role be? Since this is an Imladris exercise, will he be subordinate to me?”

“Haldir will not be your subordinate. He will not interfere with your actions, and likewise you will not interfere with his. He will take part, as I believe it to be an important component in making this more realistic for Erestor. Trust me in this. Is there anything else?”

Glorfindel replied, “Yes sir. Does Prince Legolas have to be there? His presence will give Erestor added moral support. In life, he will not have a friend standing at the ready should anything go wrong.”

“As I said, he will not take part in any way. He will make no move to help either you or Erestor. He is a prince, Glorfindel. There are a great many things that he must know. Unfortunately, the art of war is chief among them at present. Learning and observing the ways of other Elven cultures is an important part of his education.”

“Lord Elrond, what you say is true, and I do understand it. It is just that King Thranduil is not always a friend to Imladris.”

Elrond cocked his head and answered, “He is a closer ally than perhaps you are aware. More than that, he is a close personal friend of my chief counselor. The only thing that Prince Legolas will be able to relate is the performance of those who take part, and Erestor is the only one that will be of any interest to King Thranduil. Do you anticipate something that I am unaware of?”

Glorfindel thought for a moment and replied, “There is nothing specific. I still feel that his presence alone may be enough to affect Erestor’s behavior.”

Elrond shook his head. “If he is thinking about Prince Legolas while being questioned, you are not doing your job. Is there anything else?”

Just in case, Glorfindel asked “What, if any, limitations and restrictions am I under with regard to the methods used to obtaining the information?”

“Do not touch his face. Do not, and I cannot stress this enough, use any other elf as a threat to encourage him to talk. Specifically, you are to leave Prince Legolas alone. All I need is to have a visit by King Thranduil in his capacity as angry ada. Finally, do not let anyone forget that this is an exercise. He is not to come away permanently maimed or injured. Other than that, you have free rein.”

“Very well, let me repeat it back to you. I cannot touch his face, use Legolas against him or cause permanent injury. Other than that, I am free to use whatever means I see fit.”

Elrond nodded and stood. “There is one last thing. If he can’t hold his quill when he gets back, clear your calendar. You will be taking his dictation.” Glorfindel made a mental note to order that Erestor’s hands not be touched.

-- -- -- --

The day couldn’t pass fast enough for Glorfindel. He found himself excited at the prospect of spending an evening with the beautiful chief counselor, even if for nothing more than a game of chess. An hour after dinner ended, Glorfindel arrived at the door to Erestor’s rooms. He knocked and was taken aback when Lord Elrond answered the door.

“Come in! Erestor told us you might drop by.” Elrond smiled and returned to the tablero board. He was queen after all, so couldn’t dally about.

Glorfindel walked in to laughter. Lindir hooted and Elrond yelled “Orgasm!”

Lindir echoed, “Do it. Do it. Do it!

Glorfindel took a look at the three elves and said “Orgasm?”

Erestor grinned. “Lord Elrond swears this is a rule.”

Lord Elrond smiled and said, “Gil-galad said that he read about it, and insisted that it is valid. Thus, the rule stands.”

Glorfindel, still puzzled, asked, “What rule?”

Lindir answered brightly. “The center line is called the Orgasm Line. If a player takes a line of seven, he has to shoot at least four while faking an orgasm.”

Glorfindel grinned. He had gotten away with making up many rules over his two lifetimes, but never had he been so creative. “I’ve never heard of that one, but who can argue with a high king?”

“Will you take the line?” Lindir asked.

Erestor’s answer was to slam back the first two shots. He then licked his lips.

What followed was possibly one of the best orgasms Glorfindel had ever witnessed.

After the final moan, Erestor slammed back the last shot.

There was a shared moment of silence.

Lindir’s mouth was open and his body had sunken down into the chair. As gifted as he was, the only comment he could come up with was ‘wow’.

When Lord Elrond gathered his wits about him, he realized that his body appreciated the excellent performance given by his chief counselor. It appreciated it quite a lot, in fact. Were things different, he would... It was best not to go there.

Glorfindel was leaning against the couch, stunned. Wide eyed, he wondered what the real thing was like, if that was just faked for the sake of a game.

Erestor grinned. “Why Lindir, it seems you aren’t able to refill the glasses. That gives me the victory.”

Lindir dumbly looked at the two empty bottles on his side of the board. Then he chuckled at them all. “You certainly won this round, but there will be a different outcome the next time!”

Erestor grinned slyly and poured from his bottle. “We will see. Let us partake of the toast round.” Glasses were passed to all, and a toast made.

Immediately afterward, Lord Elrond snuck into the bathroom and took the situation in hand. Nobody gave the slightest indication that they were aware of his absence or the reason for it. Of course everyone knew, but they had all been there before. When he returned though, Erestor couldn’t help but snicker.

Lord Elrond looked at Glorfindel and smiled. The returned warrior was slightly old fashioned, yet it was evident that watching Erestor fake an orgasm hadn’t upset his moral code.

“Glorfindel, it looks as if you have missed your opportunity for a game. We are out of liquor.”

Looking cocky and smug, Glorfindel replied “I’m here to defeat your chief counselor in a game of chess.”

Erestor smirked.

Lindir rose to take his leave. “Good game, Erestor. You cheated, but did it quite well.” Lindir grinned lasciviously. “Now, I must get home to the wife. It is still early enough to talk her sister into taking the elflings for the night.”

Swaying just a bit, Erestor waved. “I enjoyed it, Lindir. Next time, maybe I’ll have the pleasure of seeing what you do with a pull of the orgasm line. Tell your lovely wife hello.”

Lord Elrond cocked his head. “You want to play a game of chess? Erestor has played two games of tablero; one against me and the other against Lindir. That gives you quite the advantage, Glorfindel.”

“Earlier today, I assured your counselor that I have no qualms about playing an inebriated opponent.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor appraisingly and nodded. “No worries. In fact, I was remiss in not bringing a bottle along.”

Erestor looked at Lord Elrond, who snickered. “This won’t take long. Have a seat.”

Indeed it did not take long. Within a few moves, Glorfindel found himself checked with no way out. He puzzled over the board, wondering how it had happened. “I never considered that you might be a better player after consuming massive amounts of alcohol.” He moved a knight, knowing it was his doom.

“Checkmate.”

Lord Elrond patted Glorfindel on the shoulder. “Liquor doesn’t aid his game, Glorfindel. It is just something at which he is incredibly good. I’ve never beaten him, nor to my knowledge have any residing in Imladris.” He leaned in and whispered with a slightly drunken slur, “Stick to drinking games if you want to win. He is pretty good, but he can be beat.” Then, of all things, the Lord of the Valley giggled. “And it is a lot more fun when you lose.”

Erestor gathered up the glasses and empty bottles, while Glorfindel examined the tablero board. “This has seen a lot of use.”

Lord Elrond nodded. “It holds lots of memories.” He then wrapped it in felt cloth and slipped it into its case. Few were as careful with a tablero board as he.

“Come, Lord Elrond. I’ll walk you to your rooms.” Glorfindel shook his head and looked at Erestor. “He doesn’t have much to do tomorrow, but we do.”

After they left, Erestor finished cleaning up and thought of the headache he would have the next morning. Dwarven liquor had been responsible for some of his most memorable hangovers. He managed to slip out of his clothes, but once he sat on the bed, there was no getting up. He fell asleep before managing to get under the covers.
-- -- -- --

Glorfindel didn’t get to sleep right away. The darkling elf had managed to awaken feelings that normally were easily kept in check. Lord Elrond hadn’t been the only elf affected by his performance. That he didn’t hesitate or flinch, but took all seven shots instead of just the four required by the rules, raised his level of respect. Even he would pause before slamming back seven! The elf can hold his liquor. That was unexpected. For some reason, he hadn’t expected a scholar to be adept at drinking games. It was more of a warrior’s sport.

The next day, Haldir met with Glorfindel to discuss how Erestor’s test would be run. Both elves were well versed in loosening the tongue of an enemy. It didn’t take long for Glorfindel to come to the conclusion that their combined experience would make success highly probable.

“I do not know the Counselor well, but that he is a scholar works against his chance to come through the ordeal without breaking. His body is not accustomed to abuse. In his case, it will be more a question of mental strength,” commented Glorfindel.

Haldir had some reservations, but his face remained expressionless. “I do know him. You will do well not to underestimate him. That he is a scholar will not adversely affect his ability to resist questioning as much as you seem to think.” Although he didn’t say as much, he knew that Erestor was mentally much tougher than the warrior realized. He was interested to learn how Glorfindel would adapt when Erestor did not react in the way he anticipated.

Glorfindel mused, “Ah. That means Erestor may have more of an idea what to expect from you.”

Haldir’s eyes hardened. That would work in their favor, not Erestor’s. “In my opinion, it will make him more nervous to know what is coming than to guess what could be.”

-- -- -- --

The next morning Erestor dressed in simple clothing; a loose white cotton tunic, black leggings and everyday shoes. His thick black hair was allowed to flow freely down his back with no extra ornamentation. He had risen earlier than usual, which was a good thing.

Guards arrived shortly after the breakfast chime sounded. As he opened the door to leave for the dining hall, he was gruffly taken and his hands bound behind his back. They took him to dungeons set away from the house and far under the ground. After descending several flights of stairs, he was brought into one of the interrogation rooms. Glorfindel, Haldir and Leihon entered shortly thereafter. Prince Legolas watched from an adjoining room.

Glorfindel’s second-in-command, Leihon, was directed to shackle Erestor’s wrists above his head to chains bolted into the ceiling. Even with hands bound behind his back, Erestor fought the warrior well, but finally Glorfindel kicked his feet out from under him. Quickly, he and Leihon were on him, holding him firmly in place. Haldir came behind him and brought his forearm around his neck, cutting off blood flow to the brain. By that point Erestor’s struggles were fruitless, and he passed out within seconds.

Erestor’s arms were spread wide and wrists shackled above his head. His legs were then spread apart and shackled by rings bolted into the floor. He was only out for a couple of minutes, so was spared whatever had been planned for resuscitation.

In an almost friendly voice, Leihon said, “You are completely at our mercy elf, but there is no reason to fear. Just tell us what we want to know and you will be released. Where will the chest be delivered?”

When Erestor remained silent, Leihon ran a finger down his ear and said, “Resistance will only make this unnecessarily difficult. I am prepared to be reasonable, but my superiors are not so patient. If you speak now, I can ensure that you are unharmed. If you don’t speak, I cannot protect you. You are not the only elf who was taken prisoner this morning. They won’t hesitate to kill the others if you remain silent. If not for your own sake, then for theirs, just answer my question. Where is the location?”

Erestor remained silent, and wondered if they really expected him to talk.

Without warning, Glorfindel stepped forward and backhanded him. “Tell me where they are delivering the chest. Make no mistake; I take great pleasure in breaking elves.” Then he grabbed Erestor’s jaw roughly. “Talk!”

“No.”

Glorfindel walked to the side of the room, returning with a long black whip. He wrapped it once around his fist, then leaned in and said, “You will regret that decision.”

Leihon gathered Erestor’s hair and swept it over his shoulders away from his back. As his shirt was ripped away, Leihon whispered, “Just say the words. Once he begins, they will not allow me to intercede.”

“No.”

Leihon withdrew and left the room, as Glorfindel circled around to face Erestor. What he saw was unnerving. The dark eyes pierced his very soul. This was the object, of course. This same tactic was used in negotiations, where it worked quite well.

Glorfindel’s eyes swept over Erestor’s body as he walked past to take his place behind him. The whip unfurled and cracked the air once before lashes rained down on Erestor’s back. His back was torn again and again. The pale skin turned red and raw. Finally, blood began to mingle with sweat. Through it all muscles remained taught, head unbowed and he made not a sound.

Finally, Glorfindel stopped and walked around to face the bloody elf. “Have you had enough? Are you ready to tell me the location of the chest? I can do this all day.”

Erestor glared at the blond then responded, “Fuck you.”

That gained him a fist in the gut.

“Ooomph”

Then Glorfindel tangled his hand in Erestor’s hair and jerked cruelly. “You should have talked while you had the chance.”

Haldir and Glorfindel departed from the room without another word. The intention was to give Erestor time to wonder and worry about what was coming next.

When next they appeared, Glorfindel was carrying a many tailed whip whose ends were tipped in silver. However quite unexpectedly, it was Haldir who stepped forward. He held a dagger and did not look pleased. The look on his face was enough to make Erestor wince. Glorfindel was one thing, but Haldir with a knife was quite another. Even had he not known what Haldir was capable of, he would have been an intimidating sight. Being very practiced at schooling his features, Erestor forced his face to remain impassive. Although he did not look it, he was intimidated and fairly certain that the Marchwarden suspected as much.

The dagger was dragged across his chest, leaving a fine line. It was then placed to his throat. “I wonder if you will enjoy this as much as I intend to.”

Erestor gulped. He was fairly sure that he would not.

Slowly, the dagger cut the ties of Erestor’s leggings. Haldir then circled behind and cut the fabric completely away. As the dagger traveled down Erestor’s legs, it left long red lines to mark its passage. As Haldir stood, he began to trace the inner thighs. He then stopped and whispered in Erestor’s ear.

What was said, Glorfindel did not know, but it made Erestor pale. He shook his head in the negative, closed his eyes and bit his lips.

Glorfindel then saw Erestor stiffen, and the dagger dip between his legs. It flicked to the side followed by Haldir’s hand. A ping sounded as a small bar and cap hit the floor. Obviously he had known of the piercing. Glorfindel imagined that he had not removed the jewelry gently, but the lack of blood indicated that he had shown skill and care not to cause injury. Still, it made him queasy just to think about it.

Silently, Glorfindel walked behind Erestor. He ran his hand over the ruined back causing Erestor to hiss in pain. At this, he and Haldir exchanged a knowing glance. Unseen by Erestor, Glorfindel handed Haldir the many tailed whip before taking over the questioning.

“Where is the damned chest? Are the contents worth your life?”

If looks could kill, Glorfindel would be dead on the spot. Suddenly the silver tipped whip came down on his back hard. Haldir had not held back. Erestor bit his lips as his body arced with the force of the blow.

“I am going to enjoy this. Scream for me, and I might stop.” Haldir said coldly.

Glorfindel saw the smirk that Haldir did not. “I don’t think that you have a clue what it takes to make me scream.” Erestor wasn’t sure that was an accurate statement, but it sounded good.

Haldir loudly whispered, “Oh, but I think I do.” Then he stepped back and the lashes began once again. Erestor’s body jerked each time the metal tips came down on his torn flesh. Every so often he would pause and say, “Scream for me Erestor”. There would be no reply, so he would begin again. At this, he was a master. He took great care to cause intense pain but not permanent injury.

Glorfindel allowed it to continue for a few minutes before motioning Haldir to stop. Any further and he would lash Erestor to the point of unconsciousness. The pain was intense, and he did not intend to allow it to abate. So far the elf had not uttered a sound save for sucking air and hurling curses their way. Now it was time to allow Erestor to hang for a while, not knowing what would come next or when.

That is when Prince Legolas left. He felt that he had seen more than enough. Their techniques had failed to elicit information, but he was convinced that it was only because of Erestor's mental toughness.

Glorfindel and Haldir extinguished the candles as they left. They left Erestor in the dark, turned so his back was to the door. He was left alone, giving him a chance to relax, to the extent that the situation allowed it. His back stung badly. It would need the attention of healers. So far, that had been the worst of it. Since it was not working to loosen his tongue, they would need to change tactics. Not knowing Glorfindel well, he did not know what he might try next.

By mentally centering himself, Erestor succeeded in bringing about a calm state of mind. Finally, he started yawning. He didn’t know how much time passed till he heard the door to the cell open. Dim candlelight shone from somewhere behind him. He felt a presence approach before a sash was tied around his eyes. He listened to the elf’s footsteps as he moved around the room, but had no idea to whom they belonged. A hand was then held over his mouth firmly, and a burning herb or mixture of some type held near his nose. Although he tried not to breathe it in, he soon became dizzy and began sweating profusely. His felt his heartbeat becoming more rapid, and images swirled before him. He had been drugged. It sounded like the elf had left the room, but he couldn’t be sure.


Erestor felt his head becoming light, and tried to fight the drug’s effects. He was not as studied in herbal lore as he wished. It would take all of his concentration to remain cognizant of the difference between the real world and that of drug induced fantasy. Had Erestor been in his right mind, he would have realized that the drug was far stronger than what would be used on a friend.

-- -- -- --

In the wee hours of the morning just before dawn, Lord Elrond came awake with a start. Something was not right. Vilya sensed danger. He threw on a robe and quickly went to Glorfindel’s chambers.

Pounding on the door brought Glorfindel up and out of his bed in a panic. As soon as he saw Lord Elrond standing in the hall, he knew something serious had happened. “My Lord, what has occurred?”

“Something is badly wrong in Imladris. Vilya says there is danger here. I want the guard to search the house and grounds. You and I are going to the dungeon.”

It was very dark in the dungeon, so Glorfindel lit a small torch and led the way. They looked in each room as they descended the staircase. Finally, they heard a barely audible noise. Both ran the rest of the way to Erestor’s cell.

Erestor’s head drooped, his breathing was shallow and his body was wracked with tremors. While Glorfindel lit the room’s candles and mounted his torch to the wall, Lord Elrond looked carefully for indications of what had happened.

“There is a lingering aroma of burning herbs. I don’t recognize the scent.” Few herbs were unfamiliar to Lord Elrond. He removed the sash covering Erestor’s eyes. “Help me get him down.”

Glorfindel carefully held Erestor’s body while Lord Elrond removed the restraints. The elf was almost dead weight. Glorfindel brought a cot in from an adjacent cell in order to avoid moving him any more than necessary.

“Glorfindel call off the search, but bring guards when you return. Someone did this on purpose. Also, I want you to personally find Haldir and have him meet us in the healing wing. Who was the last elf with Erestor tonight?”

“My second-in-command, Leihon, was here when Haldir and I left for the evening. I gave him a small amount of passion flower to use as a mild tranquilizer. It was just supposed to make Erestor drowsy. Surely it didn’t do this.”

“It did not, now go.”

Glorfindel practically ran up the stairs. As soon as he neared the House, he saw both twins assisting in the search. He told them to call it off and prepare the healing wing for Erestor. Then he snagged one of his lieutenants, and told him to gather twelve guards and follow him. He ran into Haldir on the way and gave him Lord Elrond’s instructions before racing back.

Lord Elrond knelt over the cot anxiously. “He is overdosed on a strong hallucinogen. Help me get him to the healing wing. I want the rest of you to scour the complex for anything that might give us a clue as to who did this thing.”

Once in the healing wing, Lord Elrond went into high gear. Charcoal was used as a detoxifying agent. Erestor’s wounds were cleaned, but further attention had to wait till the effects of the drug had passed. It was an hour before the drug began to loosen its hold.

Finally, the healer in Lord Elrond started to relax and the ruler of the valley emerged. The twins remained in the healing wing, while Glorfindel accompanied Lord Elrond to his private study.

“Ideas, Glorfindel. Who could have done this and why?”

This had been uppermost in the warrior’s mind ever since learning that Erestor would live. “As to who, I have guards looking for Leihon. He was the last one to see Erestor before he was drugged. The more frightening question is why someone would do this. We ran the test to see if he could be induced into speaking of secrets. Could someone have actually taken the opportunity to make the test reality?”

Lord Elrond nodded. “That was my thought as well. Speak with Leihon and then see if your guards have found anything useful. I need to return to Erestor. When you learn something, come get me.”

When Lord Elrond returned to Erestor’s side, he was still mildly under the drug's influence.

Lord Elrond stroked the raven hair and asked, “What do you see, Erestor?”

“I see smoke and fire. There are fire drakes and orcs. Two elves are lying dead beside me. They think that I am dead too.”

“Are you in much pain?”

“Yes.”

“What hurts?”

Erestor’s face contorted. “My back hurts where the orc blade hit. It hurts badly.”

Lord Elrond gave him an herbal tea to help speed the effects of the detoxification. Once Erestor had been laid on his stomach to rest, Lord Elrond motioned for Haldir to walk outside with him.

“Allowing Erestor to go through this week’s tests was a cover. In reality, he was working on uncovering the identity of a spy in our midst. From the events of the evening, it looks like the spy got to him first. I would ask that you remain at his side tonight. As a Galadhrim, you cannot be ordered away by anyone. I am going to have to leave to speak with Glorfindel. He knows nothing of this, since the leak came from within his office. There is much that the two of us must discuss.”

Ten minutes later, Lord Elrond was looking into the face of a furious balrog slayer. “We found Leihon just outside Imladris, trying to flee. He fell on his sword before being apprehended. We will never know who put him up to this or why. His secrets died with him.”

Lord Elrond looked grim. “I do not believe he got anything of use. There is more to my chief counselor than you are aware. His training has been thorough. No drug such as that used tonight can penetrate the blocks in his mind."

“Why wasn’t I told that this testing was unnecessary?” Glorfindel asked.

“Erestor was investigating a problem that was traced back to your office. We did not have proof of the spy’s identity until tonight. Erestor suspected Leihon, but even though I value his opinion highly, I required that he obtain proof.” Lord Elrond narrowed his eyes slightly. “Leihon got to him first.”

Glorfindel nodded. “Haldir knows about Erestor, doesn’t he? You could have trusted me with this information, but I am glad that you did not. I could not be as cold to a friend as he.”

“Haldir knows that he has talents other than those of my chief counselor. There was an incident many years ago, where they found themselves in a...difficult...position. Both Haldir and Erestor had to utilize all of their skills to extricate themselves. They learned quite a lot about each other over a short period of time.”

//That is probably when he learned of the guiche piercing.// thought Glorfindel.

“Erestor will be griping about being kept against his will in the healing wing by now. It is only a matter of time before he breaks out, so I’d best return and take care of his back.” Lord Elrond hoped he wasn’t too late. The only patient who was worse than Erestor was Glorfindel.

After Lord Elrond’s departure, Glorfindel stepped outside and looked up at the stars. It had been a close call, but Erestor would be alright. There was just one thing that could not be saved. Idly he wondered whether that couldn’t be resolved as well. Perhaps as Captain of the Guard, it was his responsibility to try.