The Scars We Hide By:
Erestor83 and Tamuril2
Disclaimer from Tamuril2: *looks around* Nope Middle-Earth and its characters still doesn't belong to either of us (i.e. that means no profit, money, or ownership, etc…yep, none).
Notes from Tamuril2: Erestor83 and I just wanted to make sure it was understood that this is set Pre-FOTR. Also, sorry for the late update (my muses deserted me!).
Pairings: Erestor/OC and Glorfindel/OC
Chapter 4
For several moments neither one, Elithraniel or Erestor, said anything. Then Elithraniel cleared her throat softly and thrust a document at him. Erestor blinked and then settled for a glare, which he leveled at her.
"I went to get a book and saw this," Elithraniel tried, hoping he would take it now. Erestor's reply was only more silence and narrowing his eyes. She lowered the manuscript, unsure of herself now. When she had seen the document lying on his desk, she'd recognized it as important and hurried to bring it to the ellon, hoping her kind act would clear some of the tension between them both.
"And you brought it here because?" he finally answered, eyebrow rising. Elithraniel couldn't help but notice that one section of his hair was slightly out of place, making him look rather handsome from her point of view. Elithraniel shook her head viciously, shocked at her own thoughts. What was that? She'd better leave before she did something stupid…like fix the unruly hair. Oh, wouldn't that go over well?
"It's for the –"
"I can see that."
Elithraniel couldn't miss the condescension in his tone, even if she wished to. Irritation at the unfair treatment rose up quickly, yet she forcefully pushed it back down. She couldn't allow herself to lose control like that. She was older than that.
Patience, Elithraniel. He's merely tired from the preparations for the Lothlorien feast. She reasoned to herself. Satisfied with her explanation, Elithraniel turned her attention back to Erestor.
"You need it," Elithraniel attempted again. As soon as it left her lips though she knew she'd phrased it wrong. What was wrong with her? She could talk to a room full of bickering nobles and get them to agree within a half hour, yet she could never seem to say the right things to the one ellon who she truly admired.
Erestor instantly tensed. How dare she insinuate that he'd forgotten it!
You DID forget it! His inner voice of reason butted in.
She didn't have to mention it though…
"That came out wrong," she hurriedly inserted before Erestor could voice his anger. Erestor's eyebrow went higher.
"I meant I thought you might need it…well, you already know that…I mean…AHHHH!" Elithraniel finished with a frustrated yell. She tossed the manuscript at a surprised Erestor and stormed away. Erestor blinked once, slowly, watching the elleth march angrily down the hall, and closed his door. He shook his head. What was that about?
OoOoOoOoOoO
"I'm an idiot! I'm a complete and total IDIOT!" Elithraniel wailed to the deserted hall. How could she have been so stupid as to run off? She had looked like an idiot – she was an idiot!
"I think that's a rather harsh thing to say about oneself, Milady," a voice interrupted from behind her. Elithraniel whirled. So much for the deserted hall part, now someone had witness her mental break down. She came face to face with a tall ellon. He had long, midnight black hair and dark eyes. His face was thin and had high cheek bones.
"I apologize, hir nin, I thought this hall deserted. I did not mean to intrude."
"My, aren't we diplomatic?" the ellon teased back. Against her will, Elithraniel chuckled. Not many had the nerve to contradict, or tease her; the exception being mainly Erestor, for criticizing, and Glorfindel, teasing.
"I suppose so. My name is Elithraniel, Lady Advisor of Imladris," Elithraniel said, putting out her hand.
"That explains the diplomacy," the ellon replied, as he kissed her hand. "Yet that does not explain why you're distressed."
Elithraniel sighed at that and she looked down.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you, or pry. I was merely worried," the ellon hastily said.
"No, you didn't offend me. I'm just frustrated, is all."
"Oh? Might I know why? Sometimes it helps to have a second opinion."
"Are you sure you're not a diplomat?" Elithraniel asked with a smile, which faded quickly, "I think I'm in love."
"Really? That's wonderful, my dear…but why would you call yourself an idiot for that?"
Elithraniel sighed again. "Whenever I'm around him I can't seem to say anything right. I insult him more often than not."
"Don't worry, dear, that happens sometimes. If he's truly meant for you it'll work out in the end."
"I suppose," Elithraniel replied.
"Trust me."
Something about the way he said that rang wrong with Elithraniel, but she dismissed it as nerves and smiled at him.
"Alright."
"Might I know who the lucky ellon is that has captured your heart so? Maybe if I see him I could talk to him."
"Maybe…"
"Well?"
"Erestor. His name is Erestor."
Maybe it was the lighting in the hallway, or her nerves again, but Elithraniel could've sworn that a strange glint appeared in the ellon's eyes at the name.
"Do you know him, hir nin?"
"Wha…No! I've only heard of the Seneschal by reputation."
"Ah…"
"Well, we had better get ready. I heard there's to be a feast tonight."
"Yes," Elithraniel agreed, then paused, "I'm sorry. In all the confusion, I forgot to ask you your name. Could you tell me now? I would like to know to whom I owe thanks for advice."
"How rude of me," the ellon replied with a smile, "My name is Hadereth."
TBC...
