Pairings: Glorfindel/Erestor, OC/Erestor

Rating: G this chapter

Warnings: AU

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or its characters. I make no money from this fiction.

Summary: The realization of who you are and where you belong is never easy.

A/N: Sequel to "Tolerance"

Erestor sat upon a crumbling wall situated underneath a large and shady cottonwood tree trying to escape the heat of the day. A basket filled with food sat next to him, and in his hands he held a book that he was avidly reading. He was dressed in a loose, white flowing shirt with ties at the cuffs and neck. The ties at the neck were undone, and the 'V' in the shirt gaped open to expose his chest. His leggings were a soft brown and they hugged his body all the way down to his bare feet. A pair of sandals rested on the ground beneath him.

In the field in front of him a large class of warriors was being put through their paces by their commander, Glorfindel. There were warriors of all types, from new to experienced running around the field and performing exercises of various types and sparing under the watchful eyes of their mentors. Erestor would look up every so often to watch Glorfindel, who was his "betrothed" as it were. Glorfindel would occasionally catch Erestor's eye and smile. Erestor would smile back and return to his book, waiting for Glorfindel's break so they could have lunch.

For two months now they had been "together," and it had become something of a ritual for them to share whatever meals they could. Both of them were busy, Erestor with studies and Glorfindel with his duties as Seneschal and head of the Imladris forces. Today was a rather easy day for both of them. Erestor had only light reading that did not require the prolific taking of notes or quiet of the inner sanctum of the library. The books beside him were happily devoured as Erestor appreciated the rare chance to be outside.

Glorfindel was doing some light training with his troops. It was a voluntary workshop day, or, as the soldiers put it, voluntary let-the-supervisors-beat-me-into-the-ground-and-hope-to-learn-something day. It was rather funny, watching the youths and low-ranking officers sparing with those much farther up the skill ladder. Truthfully, they did learn a lot. It was a chance to work with different teachers, highly skilled and renowned teachers, and, despite the chagrined pain of falling over one's self when tripped by one's own sword, it was an amazing learning opportunity.

Erestor smiled as Glorfindel stepped in to correct the stance of a set of younger sparing partners. He really was a good teacher, Erestor had learned, and at more than just sword work. Ever since the day of the ball, Erestor and Glorfindel had lived in the same apartment together. Glorfindel helped Erestor gain confidence in who he was and who he was growing into. They had exchanged many stories and anecdotes with one another and each passing day saw them fall deeper and deeper in love. Erestor thought that it would be easy for anyone to fall on love with the admirable warrior, and Glorfindel thought the same for Erestor. They marveled that they had found each other at all, considering how few elves shared their sexual preferences.

Erestor looked up from his book as he heard a weary shuffle approaching, hoping it was Glorfindel. His eyes widened and he quickly looked down at his book as he saw who was seating himself in the grass under the tree. It was one of the boys, the ring leader actually, of the group that had harassed Erestor for most of his life about his sexual orientation. The other young elf, Corchvorn, released a tired sigh as he flopped down, and groaned in a pained way as he lay back.

Erestor tried to ignore him, but Corchvorn kept making noises that indicated that he must be in pain, and quite a bit at that. After a few minutes of listening to the other elf, Erestor sighed and put down his book to regard the prone figure below him. "Are…you alright?" he asked hesitantly, unsure of his welcome.

The elf on the grass didn't move, but he did cease his moaning. "I'm fine," he mumbled.

"You're sure?" asked Erestor one more time before he started on his book again.

"I'm fine," Corchvorn repeated as he tried to turn onto his side. He released a short, sharp cry as he stopped in mid-turn and fell onto his back again. Erestor raised an eyebrow and simply observed as Corchvorn tried several more times to rise and failed each time. Eventually, the other elf stopped trying to move and instead cocked his head to regard Erestor sitting on the wall. "I…I hurt my back," he confessed reluctantly. "I thought that lying down would help, but now it hurts so bad…" he looked away from Erestor. "I…I…I can't stand up."

Erestor pondered his situation. He was suspicious of Corchvorn's motives; namely Erestor wondered if this could be an elaborate plot to pull some kind of cruel joke on him. However, it wouldn't be prudent for Corchvorn and his gang to do such a thing. It would just lead them into Glorfindel's bad graces again. Erestor looked around for any signs of accomplices and found none. He pushed himself off the wall and landed lightly beside the incapacitated elf. "Well," said Erestor, "I can't carry you, but I could probably help you stand up. If I get you standing, do you think you can walk to the healing halls?"

"Maybe."

Erestor sighed. Corchvorn would be so much help, he could tell already. "Just work with me then," Erestor sighed in defeat as he sized up the much larger elf. After much grunting and a near collapse the dark-haired elf finally had the larger boy standing. Corchvorn leaned against the wall, breathing heavily through the pain.

"Can you make it to the healing halls now?" Erestor asked.

The other elf regarded Erestor with pain-filled eyes which then lowered in embarrassment. "No," was the quiet reply.

Erestor looked around for Glorfindel, and caught the bright flash of sun off golden hair not far away. "Just wait here a second. I'll be right back." Erestor took off across the field at a sprint, not noticing as other elves stopped to watch him. Glorfindel gave his betrothed an odd look as the slender elf pulled up in front of him.

"Yes?" the warrior coaxed of the slightly panting boy in front of him. The blond couldn't help but smile at Erestor's beautiful face with it's delicate blush of exertion. It had been no little jaunt across the field, and Glorfindel was internally pleased at the duration and endurance of Erestor's sprint. He was nothing, if not a commander after all. Such things were not only noticed, but greatly appreciated.

Erestor cleared his throat and blushed a little deeper in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry to interrupt," he said, soft voiced, "but Corchvorn hurt his back and needs help to the healing wing. I'll be back in a little while so we can have lunch, if that's alright?"

Glorfindel nodded and leaned down with a smile to kiss Erestor's cheek. Erestor smiled shyly and kissed Glorfindel back before he turned and took off across the field again.

Glorfindel's second in command watched the darkling speed across the grass. He cleared his throat and turned to Glorfindel with a light of amusement sparkling in his eyes. "If I wasn't inclined towards the fairer sex…and married…I'd be in serious contemplation of that little beauty. Actually, I think I'd be making a considerable attempt anyway if I didn't think you'd beat me to a pulp."

Glorfindel smirked as he heard mutters of consensus throughout the crowd. "All of you, stop ogling my betrothed."

"We're only appreciating the aesthetical appeal of the boy, Glorfindel," the other warrior responded. "He's in a class all his own. A beauty created by the Valar, much like the Lady Celebrían, may the Valar keep her." Many of them bowed their heads at the remembrance of Lord Elrond's late wife. Lady Celebrían had arguably been one of the most beautiful elven ladies of all time, taking after her mother Galadriel. Those who remembered her soft gaze and gentle nature still missed her light among them. Those who tried to rescue her from the orcs mourned being too late to save her.

"Valar keep her," Glorfindel responded quietly.

Silently, the other warriors went back to sparring and Glorfindel watched contentedly with his second at his side.

"You think the boy is safe with Corchvorn?" his friend wondered.

Glorfindel smiled confidently. "I've been teaching Erestor a few things about self defense. He could hold his own long enough to call for help. And anyway…" here he smiled rather deviously. "I assigned Corchvorn's sparing partner today. I specifically instructed him to, 'Teach him a thing or two.'"

"You sly bastard," the other elf laughed. "I'm sure you also instructed him to be at least a little careful?"

"Of course," Glorfindel scoffed. "It wouldn't do to seriously harm the boy, after all. A few judicious lessons in humility are, I believe, complete necessary."

A shake of a head. "That boy always was worst than the rest. Talking back, arrogant, snide."

The golden warrior snorted. "Don't I know it. I honestly wasn't surprised when I saw him bullying Erestor. I'd wondered when I'd catch him doing something of that nature."

"His father is no different," the other elf confided. "He's a lower ranking guard. I've trained him a few times when I've rotated through their battalion on the teaching circuit. He's always rather unpleasant. Feels that he already knows everything, that I have nothing to offer him. I'll admit, the man's a good warrior, however I dislike his attitude. He's just a babe, never even seen real action. Border patrols and a few orcs. I've been through war, and I'm wise enough to know that one can ever know everything."

"I have to say that I'm glad I've never worked with the man, and I could almost feel sorry for the boy."

His friend nodded. "Can't be easy, living with someone like that."

"Indeed," Glorfindel agreed. "I understand now where he's learned that attitude of his. Arrogance is highly contagious."

"As is bigotry."

Glorfindel looked askance at his friend. "You know, I never did hear a peep out of you after I declared Erestor my betrothed. You can't tell me that you took the news without a blink."

The other elf laughed and shouted a censure to the group of boys showing the beginning of a playful melee than a sparing session before replying. "Oh, I blinked. I believe I blinked and said something along the lines of, 'What in Mordor?'"

"Blindsided you, eh?"

"Horribly. But believe me when I say I was happy for you. I'm still happy for you. I always wondered when you'd finally settle down with someone. I just didn't expect you to be a cradle-robber," he wagged his eyebrows and smirked teasingly.

Glorfindel shoved the other elf's shoulder, sending him stumbling a couple of steps while laughing at Glorfindel's subtle blush. "You know I would never take advantage of one so young."

"Indeed, my friend. I just enjoy needling you sometimes. It's not often I can tease you about anything." He straightened himself out and dusted non-existent dirt from his uniform. "Truly though, the boy is awfully young. Not even at his majority yet. What do you plan on doing with him?"

"I'm going to let him make his own choices. He needs some time to figure out who he is. While he does that…I'm going to court him."

"Who could resist the full magnitude of you charm when it is heaped upon them? The boy is so starry-eyed it's a wonder the moon doesn't mistake him for the night sky. Everyone can tell he's head over heels for you, my friend. I don't think he would choose anyone but you."

Glorfindel sighed, but a small, happy smile graced his lips. "Be that as it may, I still want to make sure I'm not backing him into a corner. I want him to have the freedom to choose."

"I'm sure that as long as you are involved, it won't be much of a decision."

"I can only hope, my friend. I can only hope."

TBC…