zhie | the next bit for those cooking out on the porch

somebody save me a smore and some bbq, here's the next bit of part four.. with my promise that the next time you hear from me, there will be two very naked elves to be dealt with..

“I heard your tour was uneventful,” said Elrond as Glorfindel entered the Elven Lord’s study.

Glorfindel nodded, handing a bundle of letters from Mithlond to the peredhel. “It was quite peaceful, actually.”

“And you private holiday?” Elrond sorted through the stack quickly, leaving them to rest off on the side of his desk.

“I managed to get what I went there for,” Glorfindel confirmed, patting the bulged pocket of his vest. “Were you able to fulfill my indecent request?” he asked with some trepidation.

“Odd as it was, yes, I did,” answered Elrond grimly.

Curiosity got the better of him, and Glorfindel asked, “Which of them did you choose to send?”

“Neither.” Elrond stood up and pushed his chair back, making his way around the desk to where Glorfindel stood with narrowed eyes. “I nearly sent Elladan, but I decided since Celeborn is leaving in the morning-“

“Elrond, that is not what we agreed upon,” interrupted Glorfindel anxiously. “You said it would be one of the twins.”

“I said I would consider sending one of them. The more I thought about it, the more it made sense not to send them. He will have to see them on a regular basis, and so will you. If things become awkward, I will not have one of my sons at the center of it,” Elrond said firmly.

Reluctantly Glorfindel nodded, and then asked, “How long ago did he go to see him?”

“I sent him over as soon as I heard you had entered the courtyard.”

“Then I should go now, to see how he has faired this test,” said Glorfindel in a solemn voice, his hand dipping inadvertently into his pocket to finger the small box hidden there.

“Glorfindel.” Elrond placed a hand upon his friend’s shoulder, and gave him a reassuring smile. “Remember, this is a difficult task you set upon him, one he is not aware of. He has come far in the time you have been with him. If he falters, do not cast him aside for his failure. Continue to guide him; I have faith in you.”

Glorfindel bowed his head. “Thank you.”

---

Evenings found Erestor on the big chair that Glorfindel had favored during his time living in the rooms. His legs would be curled up on the seat with a blanket over his lap that upon further inspection it would be seen was actually the lighter of Glorfindel’s two cloaks. Most often, he read in the quiet solitude of the room, with a small fire flickering and candles glowing in the corners of the room. Sometimes, he painted. He had forgotten the enjoyment he had in the art, and now had time to dabble with his oils here and there.

When the knock came upon the door, Erestor threw the book onto the table and nearly tripped on the cloak as he raced across the room. Trying not to grin to widely, he took a moment to compose himself and then opened the door to let Glorfindel in.

Only it was not Glorfindel on the other side. “Good evening, counselor.”

“Uh... good... good evening, Lord Celeborn.” Erestor’s eyes darted about, checking the hallway for anyone else.

“I was just about to leave for Lothlorien,” said the silver-haired elf smoothly. “I thought I would come to say my farewells before I did.”

“I see. Safe journey to you,” Erestor responded quickly, and made to close the door, except that Celeborn’s foot was in the way.

“I am leaving in the morning.” He took a step forward, and Erestor let go of the door, taking a step back. “I thought we might spend a little time together before I go. You were such a charming host the last time.” Celeborn reached out and took hold of the retreating ellon’s hand, lifting it up to kiss his palm.

Nearly walking himself back into the chair, Erestor withdrew his hand and pointed at the door. “M’lord, you should go.”

“Do you not desire my company?” questioned the ellon in a soft, purring voice.

“I do not do that sort of thing anymore,” said Erestor. “Please leave.”

“What are you worried about? Your golden-haired watchdog?” Celeborn laughed in a friendly sort of manner. “Erestor, Erestor, Erestor, he is not due back until tomorrow afternoon. I will be long gone by then, and he shall never know. One last time, that is all I ask.”

“If you are leaving in the morrow, you should be with Elrond tonight,” reasoned Erestor, finding himself cornered. He stole around the side of the chair, and in his haste, the back of his knees knocked into the bed.

“But you are so eager, even though you play coy,” answered Celeborn as Erestor lost his balance and landed hard on the bed.

A sob caught in the back of his throat. “I said for you to leave! I will scream for help!”

“You will scream, but not for help, my dear,” Celeborn corrected as he descended upon Erestor, leaning in close. “Give me a kiss, sweetling, and then tell me you do not desire this.”

“No! No I will not, now go!”

“Mmm, I like playing this game, too,” Celeborn growled.

“Enough.” Glorfindel stepped in through the doorway, having listened to most of the conversation from right outside the door. Immediately, Celeborn stepped away, and looked around at Glorfindel, waiting for further instruction. “Thank you. That was all I needed to know. Please, enjoy your last night here,” he added as an afterthought.

Celeborn clasped Glorfindel’s arm on the way out and gave it a squeeze. “Good night.” Celeborn stopped at the doorway and looked across the room at Erestor, who was sitting on the edge of the bed in bewilderment, shaking slightly. “I am sorry. I was asked to come here. I hope you harbor no ill will toward me- I do enjoy your company, and not only on a sexual level, counselor. Good evening.” The Elven Lord closed the door on his way out, and Glorfindel stepped over to lock it.