A/N: This story has undergone a rewrite/edit as of April 2019. The title has been changed from Erestor & Melliel to simply Melliel. You will notice slight changes throughout, but the core of the story remains the same. The changes were made to allow for a smooth transition into a sequel that so many of my readers have requested. The sequel is in the works, no estimated completion date at this time.
Melliel moved slowly and deliberately around the bookshelves in Lord Elrond's extensive library, lovingly trailing her fingers over the spines of her favourite novels, her lavender gown brushing the tops of her bare feet as she walked silently. Occasionally she would pull down a book and flip through its pages, all the while keeping a subtle eye on the studious ellon who was busy writing at a desk nearby. He wore finery that reflected his high status: robes of deep blue and a circlet of silver. His raven-dark hair gleamed in the afternoon sun and stirred slightly in the breeze from the open window.
For years she had admired him from afar, appreciating his tall form, intelligent mind, and subtle humour. Her infatuation began long ago - two years before she reached her majority, in fact - when he tutored her in Quenya and Westron. So strong was the infatuation that she had taken up Adûnaic as well, just to prolong their time together. She had always looked forward to the lessons and enjoyed basking in his presence, often feigning ignorance of a passage or two so he would come nearer and lean over her shoulder to help. She would take the opportunity to steal glances at his profile and breathe him in, relishing his scent and his warmth, wondering what lay hidden beneath the many buttons and high collar of his robes. How many times had she imagined leaning just a little closer and pressing her lips to the corner of his mouth? What would he have done? Would he have drawn away and berated her behaviour, or would he have welcomed her boldness? The thought often plagued her waking dreams.
She considered him one of the most handsome ellyn she had ever seen. His dark, indigo blue eyes captivated her and his lips, always set in such a stern expression, seemed to beg to be softened by her kiss. She wondered how he would taste, how it would feel to have his warm weight above her. She wondered what lay hidden beneath the many buttons and layers of his robes, though she had caught but a fleeting glimpse of that masculine beauty one hot summer's day as he sparred in all of his shirtless glory with Lord Glorfindel. She knew he was stronger than those scholarly robes led one to believe. Her cheeks burned with the memory. After that day she had wandered past the training grounds many times hoping for another peek, but to no avail. Many a night had she lain awake imagining all the things she desired him to do to her, and all the things she desired to do to him. The desk in his private study where he had tutored her featured prominently in her nightly fantasies. But why would he want her? She was nothing special, no great beauty. She was young and relatively inexperienced. Her shoulders sagged and tears stung her eyes as she berated herself once again for her foolishness. Sighing softly, she replaced the book she had been pretending to read and turned to go. What was the point? She would never be bold enough to approach him and he would never notice her.
OoOoO
From his desk near the window, Erestor glanced up at the elleth slowly sliding a book back into place on a high shelf. As she rose up on her toes to reach the empty slot the soft material of her gown shifted over even softer curves and the hem lifted to expose delicate ankles and bare feet. He fought the urge to move behind her and press his body into hers while helping to replace the book. He had always thought Melliel was lovely and had silently admired her for several years now. She was the reason he chose to work in the library today instead of his own study. He knew she would be here and he savoured her quiet presence.
He remembered with fondness their tutoring sessions and at the time had been impressed with her wit and intellect. Erestor had enjoyed their easy friendship, had enjoyed conversing with her and watching her face light up as she passionately discussed the stories she loved. He missed seeing her intelligent brown eyes shine with humour and mischief. He missed her laughter. He had known she would mature into an elleth many would desire, he just did not expect to be one of them. But now, as he saw her leave with shoulders slumped and eyes on the ground, he came to terms with the fact that he did most definitely desire her. He wanted to hold her body close to his and run his hands over every curve, bury his fingers in her hair. He wanted to feel her lips on his and taste her mouth. He wanted to have her moving beneath him and wondered at the sounds she would make as the ecstasy of pleasure washed over her. He wanted her to be his. But even if he did manage to work up the nerve to attempt to rekindle their friendship, she would never want him the way he wanted her. He was so much older than her, merely a counsellor and scholar, quiet and unsociable, not a dashing warrior most of the younger ellyth seemed to prefer. Erestor raised his eyebrows, surprised at the direction his thoughts had so swiftly taken, and returned his gaze to the parchment in front of him. Shaking his head, he got back to work. These trade agreements needed to be translated before the delegation of Men from Minas Tirith arrived tomorrow morning and he had no time for distractions.
OoOoO
After leaving the library Melliel had meandered dejectedly through the gardens of Imladris gathering flowers as she went. Her wandering eventually led her to a large, sun-warmed rock near a tall waterfall - one of her favourite places to be alone. There she sat, resting languidly in the heat with her skirt hiked up to her knees and her feet dangling in the stream. Around her were strewn the flowers she had collected, separated into piles of oranges and yellows and reds. Her deft fingers wove them into a circlet, adding bits of greenery and tiny white blossoms dropped by the surrounding trees while the misty sprays of water cooled her over warm skin. The sound of the falls soothed and relaxed, making this particular rock a perfect spot to sit and think, and just now she was thinking about tonight's midsummer's feast.
There would be music, storytelling, dancing under the stars, and long tables filled with delicious food. Lord Elrond would open his cellars for the occasion. Melliel smirked. The wine would truly be flowing! On this night, all the ellyth would wear crowns of fragrant summer flowers upon their heads. It was tradition for an unattached elleth to gift an ellon she fancied with her crown of flowers, signifying that she had chosen him to spend the night with and share pleasure. Melliel had attended many midsummer's feasts and watched as happy couples disappeared hand in hand into the darkness but had never gifted her crown of flowers to anyone. She had danced and shared passionate kisses in the starlight with several ellyn over the years, but the only one she truly wished to receive her crown rarely stayed late enough for the gifting. Erestor tended to keep mostly to himself during the festivities, socialising only with his close friends and seldom dancing. He was much the same as Melliel. Neither felt comfortable at large parties, preferring more intimate gatherings. She wondered if he would dance tonight. As Lord Elrond's First Counsellor it was his duty to attend feasts and celebrations, but dancing was not a requirement. She decided that tonight she would ask him. Tonight she would be brave. Her mind made up and full of false bravado, Melliel determinedly made her way back to her chambers. She would have a long soak in the bath with a glass or two of wine before getting ready for the feast. Perhaps she would even wear her most daring gown. She had not yet had the nerve to wear it to any celebrations. The silken layers of pale green material were thin and clung to her body when she moved, making her feel graceful and seductive. The neckline was cut low, revealing more cleavage than her usual dresses but not too much to be considered obscene, and it laced up the front with ribbons crisscrossing the bodice. She smiled wickedly to herself. Yes, tonight she would most definitely be brave.
OoOoO
ellon/ellyn = mail elf/elves
elleth/ellyth = femail elf/elves
