Chapter Two: The Burden of Time
Year 2720 of the Third Age
Imladris
Legolas had not visited Rivendell for over a century now, not since the first time. Elrond guessed it was because his father had forbidden it. Thranduil kept his children under strict discipline. The Woodland King probably would not have allowed even the first visit had it not been necessary to discuss trade and the new dwarven settlements in Erebor and the Iron Hills. Elrond was surprised to realise that he actually missed his young lover. He had others, yes, but in his heart an emptiness remained, a hunger that no one else could satisfy.
Early one September morning he stood on the balcony of his rooms, gazing thoughtfully at the Misty Mountains. He had been up and about long before dawn, thinking. Reminiscing.
Glorfindel stepped out, combing his hair.
'A fine morning, isn't it?'
Elrond did not answer. He did not even turn towards his friend and lover.
'Is something wrong?' Glorfindel dropped the comb and put his hands on Elrond's shoulders. He pressed against his back and whispered in his ear:
'I know one or two things that might make you feel better.'
Elrond lifted his hand from the balustrade and slapped off Glorfindel's hands like two irritating flies.
'Let me be. There is nothing you can do.'
'That certainly was not your opinion last night.'
'Be silent!' Elrond turned and slapped Glorfindel on the cheek.
'What have I ever done to you?'
'I told you to be silent!' Elrond yelled, and punched his friend in the chin so hard he fell backwards and sprawled on the floor.
'I have no use for your sweet words and cheerful smiles today.'
But Glorfindel was smiling no more.
'Oh, is that so? My lord has no use for me. So he throws me away. Fine. Fine. Fine.'
Glorfindel was usually merry and peaceful, but now there was a bitter edge to his words. He expected Elrond to help him up and apologize - maybe with a kiss. But no, that was not Elrond's way. Still, it hurt, more than any blow. Glorfindel stood up.
'Fine. I'll go. You know what? I'll pack up and I'll go.' He raised his voice.
'And you know where I'll be going, Elrond half-elven? West, that is where. I've had enough. I don't think I'll miss you very much. CelebrĂan is there, waiting in loneliness, and I'll teach her not to miss you either.' At that last sentence his voice was a low, harsh whisper.
Elrond stared at him. Then he laughed.
'I'm not joking! Elrond, I'm not joking.'
'Glorfindel, you are a joke.'
He moved in a flash. Glorfindel grabbed Elrond by the shoulders and kicked him in the groin with his knee. The lord of Rivendell yelled in pain and bent over.
'Oh, sorry, I must have hit your brain. Or at least the part that was doing the thinking.'
Elrond sat down against the railing of the balcony. He was still shuddering in pain. For a while he stared at Glorfindel with pure rage in his eyes. Then he shook his head, pulled his hand through his hair, and laughed again. But his laughter was now without malice.
'Glorfindel. Oh, my friend. I'm sorry. I deserved that. Please forgive me.'
The golden-haired elf smiled. He knelt down beside Elrond and gave his hand to help him up.
Instead, Elrond pulled him down.
His kiss was hungry. When Glorfindel had his breath back he whispered:
'You're impossible. The way I just kicked you…'
'Nothing broken. A mere shock. Besides, I'm a healer. Let's get someplace softer than this floor and I'll show you!'
Elrond stood up and left the balcony, walking briskly, without looking back to se if Glorfindel followed him. He did, as he always had, as he always would. He told himself he would never get used to Elrond's moods. Of course he loved him as he was, but life would be easier if, for once, their relationship wasn't either ice or fire. Not that he disliked the burning passion of his lover in any way, but Elrond detested all touching and tenderness, except perhaps foreplay. The easiest way to get a hug from him was to wrestle him.