Characters: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond, Galadriel, Asfaloth
Content: Slash, Second Age, Horses
Warnings: Unintentional incest between half-brothers
Disclaimer: This is a work of transformative fiction based on JRR Tolkien's creation, done purely for enjoyment. No money is being made. I promise to give the characters back more or less as I found them.
Notes: Written for Ardor in August 2015 for aprilmoon08.
My heartfelt thanks to curiouswombat for beta-reading, and to my awesome flist for answering endless questions and helping me creating this story. Any remaining mistakes are my own.
A Journey to Lothlórien
by Ysilme
o-o-o-o-o
Prologue
Do you really think this is a good idea?
Elrond stood at the window of his study, staring sightlessly into the night. He nodded, adding a spoken affirmation when he realised his dialogue partner could not see him.
Yes, I do. He has hidden away in this valley long enough. It is high time for him to see more of this country, and find out Ennor is still beautiful, even with Beleriand lost.
He will not like it.
No, I do not suppose he will, Elrond said drily. But I am not giving him a choice. You have known him far longer and better than I do, of course, but I have enough of his refusal to accept that he is no longer a high and mighty Lord of Gondolin, far above 'the likes of us Grey Elves and worse'.
Did he actually say that aloud?
Galadriel's mental voice was full of mirth, even if Elrond could not hear a single sound. He grimaced.
I was not meant to overhear, but he rebuked one of the scribes in this fashion.
Oh dear. My cousin always could be quite prim and proper, particularly if he is feeling out of his depth. Do not judge him too harshly for such words.
I will not. But I think it is high time for him to meet more of these Grey Elves and worse, and find out that we are not as bad as rumour has us.
Another peal of Galadriel's mental laughter made Elrond sense it nearly physically, as if something rippled over his skin.
So be it, then. I will play the game along with you and pretend I insist my recalcitrant cousin comes to finally visit me. There will be a reward for him, at least; you are welcome to use that as leverage.
Elrond's sombre disposition lightened at the lady's acquiescence.
Thank you, my lady, you are most generous.
You are welcome. Do try to keep up with appearances, though, lest each and everybody believes your visit is but a ruse to come kissing my beautiful daughter again.
Elrond blushed, but before he found a suitable retort, Galadriel's presence in his mind faded, and the room around him came back into focus.
oOo
Ennor - Middle-earth