The 'Life in Imladris' Arcstories focused on the inhabitants of Rivendell.
Dandelion

Thank you Amy for my first review. Glorfindel is actually one of the primary characters in the whole arc, so hopefully you'll enjoy the other stories as well, once they are posted.

Disclaimer: This fictional story is completely made up for fun and no profit is made from it. Any similarities to real events or other writings is purely coincidental. The relationship between Lindir and Glorfindel is not an original idea but I took great pains to portray it in an original way. No beta, all mistakes are my own.

Please leave me a review or constructive criticism. I want to be a better writer.

Chapter Three

Lindir had not gone straight to bed, but rather wandered slightly away from the camp to stare up at the stars and the inky blackness that was the mountains. He was very confused and deeply troubled when he returned to the camp, pausing briefly to view the Gondolin warrior whose focus was concentrated on the perimeter of the camp. Pressing his lips together into a thin line, he turned away again and slipped into the tent he would share that night with Erestor and the twins.

His elvish eyes had no trouble making out the three forms already resting inside the dark tent. Erestor was stretched out regally, his hands folded across his chest. The twins were curled together, fast asleep, clearly more tired than they had let on earlier.

Lindir unfolded his bedding silently. He removed his boots and set them next to his bow, quiver, and sword, which he had stowed there earlier. He lay down and was preparing to relax into sleep when he heard Erestor's deep voice.

"You are troubled, my child," he said.

"I do not wish to speak of it," Lindir replied.

"It has something to do with Glorfindel," Erestor continued. Lindir sighed. He sat up again and hugged his knees to his chest. He watched the intertwined forms of Elladan and Elrohir, their chests rising and falling in sync as they slept peacefully.

"I envy them," Lindir mused. Erestor turned onto his side so he could see Lindir better. "The twins," he elaborated, answering Erestor's unasked question. "Elrond's life revolves around them."

"It does," Erestor confirmed.

"I do not even remember my father's face," Lindir admitted softly. "My mother, I can see her as clearly as if she stood before me, but I only see shadows when I think of my father."

"You were old enough to remember him," Erestor commented.

"Perhaps if he had ever been there, I would be able to recall his face. It shames me to say this, but every tear I have shed for my parents has been exclusively for my mother."

"Do not feel guilty," Erestor urged him. "How you feel is not something you can control."

"I know," Lindir mumbled. "Erestor?"

"Yes?"

"I want to sail." Lindir didn't know what sort of reaction he expected, but it bothered him greatly that Erestor remained deathly silent for long seconds that seemed to stretch into hours.

"When did you decide this?" the older elf finally questioned.

"Months ago. I was simply waiting for the right time to leave." He sounded unsure of himself, as if he was questioning his decision. Erestor picked up on this and tried to use it to his advantage. He would greatly miss the minstrel if he left and selfishly didn't want him to leave.

"And now you have changed your mind?"

"No. I am just very confused."

"I think I can see where this is heading. I have noticed that you and Glorfindel are not as close as you were before he left for the Last Alliance." He did not let on how much he actually knew about the situation.

"It is as if he forgot I exist," Lindir frowned. "He has no time for me, ignores me when we are in the same room, and is distant when I talk to him. I still do not understand why he dragged me on this stupid trip, but now that I am here, I am even more confused than before. Suddenly he takes great interest in me again. I do not know what to think."

"I am at a loss as well. You should speak with him."

"No," Lindir shook his head. "I am not his son. He owes me nothing. He has already given me so much."

"Perhaps I should have a few words with him."

"No, please say nothing to him," Lindir begged. "I do not want to burden him. I will simply slip away quietly once we return."

"I cannot change your mind, but I would advise against that course of action," Erestor replied softly. "I give you my word, though. I will not speak a word of this to Glorfindel."

"Thank you," Lindir whispered. One of the twins sighed deeply in his sleep and rolled over before settling back into a deep sleep. Lindir lay down, desperate to escape into elvish dreams and hide from his thoughts for a while.

"We shall find orcs today, I am sure," Elladan announced to the group as they started up the side of the mountain.

"You are quite eager, young one," Adkar chuckled.

"Of course. That is why we are here, is it not?" Elladan grinned.

"That is only part of the reason," Erestor corrected him. "This is also a good learning experience."

"I hope we find an orc today," Elrohir sighed from where he walked next to Lindir, watching his twin jump around at the front of the line.

"You are not enjoying yourself anymore, 'Ro?" Lindir questioned.

"No, I am," Elrohir insisted quickly. "I simply miss my father and would like to see him again soon."

"We will be home before you know it," Lindir assured him.

"Elrohir! Stop being a baby and see if you can throw a snowball further than I!" Elladan challenged. It was impossible that he would have heard the quiet words exchanged between the two friends, but he had sensed his twin's melancholy and tried to distract him. It seemed to work as Elrohir hurried to his brother's side, scooping up snow as he went.

"You seem in a better mood this morning," Glorfindel commented, falling into step beside Lindir.

"I am," Lindir replied.

"Will you not confide in me?"

"No," Lindir answered and refused to speak any more on the topic.

"My lord," Cúrië interjected, stepping up next to Glorfindel and Lindir. He had an impish smile on his face. "Ehtyar has sighted orc tracks about a league north of us. They are only a few hours old and pointed towards the west."

"Perhaps we're not quite ready to engage orcs," Lindir said hopefully, noticing how the twins' competition had turned into a snowball fight.

"Of course we are, that is what we are here for, is it not?" Glorfindel smiled. "We shall travel northwest to try to cut them off. Cúrië, take Lindir, Turma, and Ehtyar to set up a perimeter. Only provide cover, don't kill any unless it's necessary. Try to let the twins take on as many as possible. I shall bring them, Erestor, and the men along quickly behind you."

"Yes, my lord," Cúrië replied.

"May the Valar protect you," Glorfindel told him and then turned to Lindir. "Watch yourself," he instructed in a clearly protective tone. Lindir nodded and then followed Cúrië to find Turma and Ehtyar.

"Erestor. Adkar," Glorfindel called, motioning for the dark haired elf and the leader of the men to drop back to him.

"What is it?" Adkar questioned, having seen the other four elves leave quickly.

"Orcs have been sighted to the northeast. We're going to try to cut them off. The others have left to set up a perimeter with arrows. Please, inform your men to avoid killing the orcs when possible. Let the twins take most of them."

"I will do that," Adkar said with a large smile. He loved the adrenaline rush that came with battle, especially when it was against the foul creatures of Sauron.

"Will you post one man to watch the horses? They are not battle-trained and will probably become frightened."

"I will assign Tarmin to that task," Adkar agreed. He left to tell his men of their attack strategy. Glorfindel called the twins back to his side.

"Orcs have been sited-"

"Finally!" Elladan whooped.

"Calm down," Erestor admonished. He did not think it necessary for Elladan and Elrohir to be led straight into harm's way. They would probably encounter enough danger in their immortal lives to negate the necessity of this exercise.

tbc…

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