Part IV
Summary: Glorfindel and Celeborn bicker, Erestor and Lindir go shopping. Lindir has a body part to big for his own good. And it is not what you are thinking! Well, it depends on what you are thinking...
Rating: PG, for one word I think.
"So, what did you plan for Lindir today?" Glorfindel whispered into Erestor's ear during breakfast.
"We are going shopping."
"Oh?"
"Yes, he needs to build some self esteem and I have it planned out."
"Oh."
"Glorfindel, one would think you are more articulated than that." The advisor pointed out while sipping his tea.
"Well, it is rather difficult with you running your hand up my thighs." The blonde Elda said grinning from ear to ear.
"Glorfindel! I am not doing such thing...but if you do feel hands on your legs, let me warn you Mithrandir is sitting on your left." Erestor was delighted to see the shocked expression on Glorfindel's eyes.
"I heard that!"
"My apologies Mithrandir." Erestor said bowing his head.
"Very well." The Wizard returned his attention to buttering his bread while eyeing suspiciously all elves sitting at the table.
"What is wrong?" Glorfindel asked.
The mage coughed nervously. "I am curious to whose name Lindir drew." He said smiling sheepishly when the Balrog Slayer burst out laughing. "Have you thought it could be you Glorfindel? If it is, how in the world will the boy seduce you?"
"Oh please Mithrandir! If he snaps his fingers and says: me, you, no clothes, bedroom, oil, now; I would be naked before he mentioned 'no clothes'."
Erestor spit out his tea coughing and turned to his friend cocking an eyebrow at the elf. "I did not know you had such an interest in Lindir."
"Ha! Come on Erestor, really..."
"Oh, right, you sleep with anything moving as long as it does not have a beard."
"What about Cirdan?" Celeborn asked batting his eyelashes innocently.
"You have lost all your elven grace, Celeborn."
"I have been spending too much time with you, Glorfindel."
"And noting you do that with your clothes on, it has been a waste of time so far." Glorfindel said grinning madly watching Erestor and Elrond choke on their food and Celeborn blush.
"You never asked me to take them off Lord Glorfindel, it has been a miscommunication problem only." The lord of the Golden Wood answered smiling triumphantly.
"I shall ask from now on, be certain I will. So, Erestor, have you molested Lindir yet?"
"Glorfindel what is wrong with you? Are you having withdrawal symptoms? How dare you say something like that!" Erestor's face flushed in outrage and he fixed the high collar of his dark gray robes. "You had better manage that, Celeborn."
"What? Why me? You are all insane! Do not look at me like that Glorfindel, I am not a rabbit on the run!" The silver haired elf's eyes widened in shock as Elrond's Seneschal almost kissed Erestor thankfully and stood going around the table and walking towards him. "'Get away from me, oh by the Valar...get him off of me!"
"Oh please My Lord, I am merely leaning over to get the honey, do not think that highly of yourself."
Celeborn stood up holding menacingly the butter knife "Glorfindel..."
"You would not dare....Celeborn!"
"Uh...oh" Celeborns eyes widened making him look millennia younger as he backed away from the Balrog Slayer, having just, accidentally, of course, splashed butter over the blonde's robes. "Wait, wait, I am sorry, I will buy you new robes! Glorfindel, I am still a lord, do not dare to get near me with the strawberry juice, Glorfindel!"
"Have you noticed they are doing all that in front of everyone? So much for elven grace." Mithrandir whispered to Elrond as the inhabitants of Imladris watched bemusedly the Lords they respected so much, act as gang of Men after drinking dwarven ale.
Elrond cleared his throat as he saw Lindir enter the room and the elves sitting at the main table straightened themselves, Glorfindel reluctantly took back his seat, rubbing a napkin over the stain on his green tunic.
"Good morning Lindir, sit here." The blond said winking and patting Erestor's leg.
"But Erestor is sitting there."
"I know." Glorfindel wriggled an eyebrow and Elrond bent under the table to 'retrieve his fork' and stop himself for laughing and spitting the orange juice he had taken to drink now.
"I appreciate you thinking I am comfortable enough to sit on, the Valar know how experienced you are on finding living seats," Erestor said arching an eyebrow "but Lindir and I are going shopping this morning, and we want to have time at our disposal, so we will be going."
"But he did not even eat!"
"I am quite all right Lord Glorfindel, I picked up an apple in the kitchens, I had to pay a visit."
"Oh. But you ought to eat! In no time there will be nothing to grope there."
Lindir's eyes widened terribly and he blushed. "Yes, let us go Lord Erestor. Thank you for your worry Lord Glorfindel." Lindir bowed gracefully, his light hair barely distinguishing from the white robes as the strands came to rest on his shoulders.
"Oh! But Lord Celeborn and I are going with you!"
"We are?"
"But of course! You have to buy me those new robes." Erestor just rolled his eyes and grabbed Lindir's arm walking away from the pair and making his way to the nearby market.
"I am sorry Lindir, I did not intend on them coming with us."
The younger elf shrugged wondering just how much more of this he would have to take from 'The League'.
Erestor led Lindir through the crowded market paying little attention to the tents and products being sold as he knew exactly where to head. Lindir on the other hand was quite marveled. He had, of course, been in this market dozens of times, but it had been quite a while ago and it had grown immensely. Where once stood less than twenty tents each selling different things, now the large alley went on until he lost sight of it and surely over a hundred tents were there now, with different products and a variety of similar ones too. Clothes, weapons, food, music instruments, animals, jewelry, there was all to be acquired.
"Lindir, this is it." Erestor stopped in front on a large, straw colored tent, one of the largest they had passed by. Piles and piles of clothes were neatly folded, resting on top of several tables as well as exposed on wood hangers to show the quality of the products. Two piles of clothes were completely unorganized as customers rummaged through them examining the fabric, quality, price, finish and so on. The young minstrel noticed three maidens and a young male elf dressed alike in the same straw color of the tent fabric helping people that wandered in asking for information, trying on clothes, buying, or simply taking a look.
After staring at the place for quite a few moments it slowly started to clear down until one of the attendant maidens was free. Erestor called her and the brown haired lady walked gracefully to them, her large coal eyes framed by thick black eyelashes drew attention to her, the slightly flushed cheeks giving her an aspect of pure joy and pleasure as an inviting smile blossomed on her lips.
"Good morning, my lords, I am Britlha. Is there anything I can help you with?" She asked bowing respectfully, recognizing Erestor.
"Yes there is, thank you. The young lord here needs some new clothes, but what he really needs is to build up his self confidence, so I was hoping you could help me with it." Turning to Lindir to let him know the words were directed to both. "I want him to pick the clothes he sees more fitting for a special occasion and I want you, Lindir, to point it out to me why it suits you. I want you to pick pieces that compliment your physical attributes." Erestor said swallowing nervously.
"As I assume, Britlha, that you know very well how to see the outstanding qualities of a customer, I was hoping you could help me...judge his choices and guide him to better ones if needed." The advisor now spoke with the young lady smiling kindly at her as she smiled brightly, delighted at the idea.
"Yes Lord Erestor, it will be my pleasure to assist you. Your name is Lindir, am I right?" She asked.
"Yes." The minstrel said simply, smiling shyly.
"Very well, come with me. Here we have our best clothes. The quality of the fabric is indisputable. All the silk here is from Lothlórien, where our father works with this specific fabric. The velvet, cotton, linen and any other fabrics were either brought from Mirkwood or made here in Imladris. We manufacture the clothes here in the Valley, the embroidered is made with special threads, some of them are embroidered with gold and silver threads. Please feel free to choose."
Standing on a distance with Britlha, Erestor watched as Lindir shyly examined the clothes, touching the fabric, marveling with the embroidered, unfolding them to measure the size.
"My Lord, may I ask why he would have a low self esteem?"
"I believe it is only his shyness, but we will see to that, will we not?" Erestor asked in a friendly tone looking over his shoulder to see if he could spot Glorfindel and Celeborn. So far, no sign of them. Noticing Lindir was looking expectantly at him, the dark haired elf walked over.
"Have you chosen?"
"Yes..."
"Can he try it on?" Erestor asked the attendant.
"But of course. Follow me, there is a small closed 'room' with a mirror behind the curtain." Leading the white haired elf to the small place and separating it from the rest of the tent by closing the curtain the elleth held the fabric closed. "If you need any help, I am right here."
"Lindir are you ready?" Erestor asked tapping his foot on the ground after waiting for a few minutes.
"Yes. I will be out in a moment."
Lindir shyly opened the curtain and stepped out. Erestor's eyes widened at the sight.
"What in the Valar's name are you wearing(!" He almost yelled, regretting seeing the minstrel flinch.
"I mean, I am sorry, but...why did you choose this!" He said pointing at the hideous clothes.
"You did not like it(!" Lindir seemed almost outraged.
Erestor arched an eyebrow analyzing the clothes, good lord! Lindir had put on yellow leggings and a blood red shirt and the combination was eye hurting. The elf just stood there fidgeting.
"Well, no."
Erestor calmed down, not wanting to scare Lindir. He looked to his side and noticed Celeborn and Glorfindel were approaching, but ignored them.
"Why did you pick these clothes(" He asked blithely.
Lindir's big blue eyes looked up from his hands.
"I...I thought the red would make a contrast...with my hair. And...I am sorry. I will choose another outfit."
Erestor walked over to Lindir and placed a hand on the elf's arm, smiling.
"Do not apologize Lindir, I should apologize, I did not mean to be rude. I was surprised. Try not to choose such bright colors, they take the attention from you to your clothes. Instead of complimenting you they steal the focus."
Britlha stepped up beside Erestor, smiling as well. "Lord Erestor is correct, Lindir. Colorful pieces are complimenting and attractive, but if combined with the right clothes. This red shirt would look lovely with black leggings, but two bright colored items usually do not work well together."
Lindir nodded. "I understand."
"Good. Now pick another outfit and remember to choose it to compliment your features, not only because you like the colors, despite them being discreet or not." Erestor said.
Lindir nodded and rummaged through the piles of clothes finally picking a new set a clothes. From afar, Erestor could not tell what colors they were. He turned to the maiden and addressed her.
"Do you have any black outfits( Completely black. I know it can be a dull color, but I think it will be a nice contrast with his skin and hair, to use at night. Oh, and light colored clothes as well, please. Sky blue, green, I trust your judgment. There are clothes that would look great on him, but I doubt he will choose them, so I want to buy them as well."
The elleth nodded, a little intrigued about the whole episode, but excited to make such a big sale for the chief advisor of Imladris and a renowned minstrel. It would be great for business.
After some time of waiting, Glorfindel and Celeborn finally reached them. The blonde elf with an impossibly wide grin.
"Have you not peeked(" He asked leaning over the table Erestor was standing by and supporting himself with his hands.
"Peeked what("
"Erestor, you may be demure and respectful, but you are not a fool, much less an innocent elfling. I mean Lindir."
Beside him, Celeborn apparently had found an edible flower and was quietly munching on it, as he liked to do. Glorifndel just shot an annoyed glance at the Golden Wood king and rolled his eyes before turning to Erestor.
"Of course I have not peeked! I am not you, Glorfindel."
"Oh please Er..." Glorfindel stopped when Lindir spoke.
"Lord Glorfindel( Oh, well, I am coming out in a moment." He said nervously.
Britlha opened the curtain and Erestor looked for something to steady him as Lindir walked out of the room. He was wearing black, polished leather, boots and black leggings, a white shirt, that Erestor came to notice, was made of a transparent material that moved gently with the elf's movement's, making it a shame he had a tunic on top of it, allowing only the transparent sleeves to how. The tunic was of a deep blue resembling a summer night sky after the sun had sat, with a remainder of light still illuminating it, making it not quite black. Silver embroidery adorned the tunic in simple, but magnificently worked patterns.
There was something incredibly complimenting about that outfit on Lindir, and when many would have chosen bright colors and silk as fabric, the discreet clothes seemed to make the young minstrel stand out even more, because he was not dressed to catch everyone's attention, he was dressed to catch only one pair of eyes. Yes, he was learning well.
Celeborn's flower fell off his lips as his mouth dropped open. Glorfindel nudged him and then turned to Lindir as well. The minstrel moved as gracefully as always, but there seemed to be something different, not quite right. The pants seemed tight.
"You look incredible, Lindir." Erestor said.
"Thank you...but it is uncomfortable, they are tight." Lindir shifted and watched nervously as Britlha approached him and crouched examining the pants and chuckling when suddenly there was a 'pop' and the pants opened.
Lindir's eyes widened and he grabbed the pants just in time, the attendant helping him.
"What is wrong( Why did the button just pop(" Glorfindel asked, voicing Erestor's question.
"It seems you have an advantaged backside, Lindir." Britlha said chuckling.
Erestor frowned. "What("
"He has a big butt" Celeborn whispered to the advisor, whose eyes widened just as much as Lindir's. "It is a great feature though." The Golden Wood lord commented nonchalantly.
While Lindir tried to hide his face, Glorfindel's had taken a maniac expression. "Erestor! Go there and feel it up!"
"WHAT(!" Erestor's face flushed with outrage.
"Well if you will not, I will." Glorfindel launched himself in Lindir's direction, but before he could reach him, Erestor grabbed him by the waist.
"Do not dare!" He said and glared at Celeborn, who just stood watching and chuckling.
"Celeborn! Help me!"
"Glorfindel!" Celeborn spoke up seriously for the first time. "Act according to your age." He said taking a firm hold on the blonde's arm, allowing Erestor to let go.
"If I do that I will just lay still forever, because If I were of any other race I would have decomposed right now."
"But you are not! You are an Elf, a wise one! Act the part, will you( Why can you never take anything seriously(!" Celeborn lashed out, annoyed Glorfindel would go this far and embarrass Lindir.
"Take seriously( I take seriously what I have to! Life would be to sad if I took it all seriously! And who are you to speak "Muncher"( All you do is stand and watch, munching on something!"
"Oh for the Valar's sake! You have been behaving as elflings since the early morning! You are Elf lords and there are people watching! They will not only think you are insane, but Elrond as well, for employing you, and for marrying your daughter." Erestor said turning to each elf, looking apologetically at the crowd that had gathered.
Lindir by now had changed back to his clothes, finding it the perfect excuse to hide for some time and exchanged the pants for a larger number. He was now back inside the changing room, with Britlha taking his measures so their could tailor him pants.
After having that done, he waited inside the closed room until the noise died down and then left. He looked around seeing Celeborn and Glorfindel were gone, and Erestor stood by a table waiting quietly as if nothing had happened.
"Where did they go(" Lindir asked blushing faintly and approaching his seduction tutor.
"I sent them away. They were with those grumpy faces, mumbling, but together." Erestor laughed. "No matter if they are fighting or arguing or not even talking to each other, they do not stay apart."
Lindir smiled "Can we go now(" He asked.
"Surely. I was very pleased with your second choice of clothes, they will all be delivered to you today, or in two days the ones that have to be tailored."
"Thank you."
"Oh it was no sacrifice, Lindir. Now let us go, I have some matters to discuss with Elrond."
Lindir nodded and followed Erestor out of the tent, thanking the attendant and apologizing once more. He could tell people would be talking about their Seneschal's and Lord Celeborn's bickering in no time.
They walked side by side, discussing the happened.
"What was that about(" Lindir asked.
"Honestly( Pent up passion."
Lindir chuckled and looked questioningly at Erestor.
"Well, it has been obvious for quite some time Glorfindel is making moves on Celeborn, but believe it or not, he is the only person Glorfindel does not have the courage to simply seduce." The advisor said amusedly.
"Maybe because Lord Celeborn is the one he does not wish only to seduce( Maybe he really likes him."
"I believe you are right, Lindir. Those are my thoughts as well. I believe Celeborn returns whatever feeling it is they share, but they are stubborn. Glorfindel has been lonely for millennia, and Galadriel departed quite some time ago, her path and Celeborn's did not lay together and so they broke apart."
"They should get together." Lindir said quietly.
"Oh they will, at one point they will stop fooling around. They are stubborn, but not foolish enough to pass out a chance at being happy."
With that their conversation seemed to reach an end and they were almost exiting the wide street with the tents when Lindir jumped and stopped, eyes wide.
"Erestor, did you just slap my buttocks("
"What(" He seemed horrified. "I am sorry Lindir, I knew I had bumped into someone, I did not know it was you." Erestor said coughing.
Lindir's eyes narrowed shooting a murderous look at the advisor. "You did it on purpose."
"Me( Of course not! I am not Glorfindel!"
"You did it on purpose." Lindir stated again and Erestor's resolve seemed to crumble as blood ran up to stain his cheeks.
"You did it!" Lindir yelled.
"I am sorry! But look at that!" He said pointing at Lindir's buttocks. "They were calling to me, standing out like that!" Erestor seemed almost annoyed with himself, but how could he not( He would have to cut his hand off because of the itching if he did not touch it.
"Ohhhhhh Erestor, I never expected that from you!"
"I said I am sorry!"
"We will see just how sorry you are." Lindir stepped forth.
"What are you doing(" Erestor stepped back.
"Chasing you." Lindir said and they both broke into a run, all the way up into the market again, with a yelling Erestor begging for forgiveness and Lindir mentally listing the revenge possibilities he had.
"I will ally with Glorfindel!" He yelled slowing down a bit, panting after running for a long time.
Erestor stopped dead on his tracks. "Oh no. No, not that! I will do anything! But not Glorfindel."
Lindir grinned a most uncharacteristic predatory grin. "I will be nice to you, this time. We will see about it if it happens again." He said, leaning in to whisper what Erestor would have to do.
TBC...
Summary: Glorfindel and Celeborn bicker, Erestor and Lindir go shopping. Lindir has a body part to big for his own good. And it is not what you are thinking! Well, it depends on what you are thinking...
Rating: PG, for one word I think.
"So, what did you plan for Lindir today?" Glorfindel whispered into Erestor's ear during breakfast.
"We are going shopping."
"Oh?"
"Yes, he needs to build some self esteem and I have it planned out."
"Oh."
"Glorfindel, one would think you are more articulated than that." The advisor pointed out while sipping his tea.
"Well, it is rather difficult with you running your hand up my thighs." The blonde Elda said grinning from ear to ear.
"Glorfindel! I am not doing such thing...but if you do feel hands on your legs, let me warn you Mithrandir is sitting on your left." Erestor was delighted to see the shocked expression on Glorfindel's eyes.
"I heard that!"
"My apologies Mithrandir." Erestor said bowing his head.
"Very well." The Wizard returned his attention to buttering his bread while eyeing suspiciously all elves sitting at the table.
"What is wrong?" Glorfindel asked.
The mage coughed nervously. "I am curious to whose name Lindir drew." He said smiling sheepishly when the Balrog Slayer burst out laughing. "Have you thought it could be you Glorfindel? If it is, how in the world will the boy seduce you?"
"Oh please Mithrandir! If he snaps his fingers and says: me, you, no clothes, bedroom, oil, now; I would be naked before he mentioned 'no clothes'."
Erestor spit out his tea coughing and turned to his friend cocking an eyebrow at the elf. "I did not know you had such an interest in Lindir."
"Ha! Come on Erestor, really..."
"Oh, right, you sleep with anything moving as long as it does not have a beard."
"What about Cirdan?" Celeborn asked batting his eyelashes innocently.
"You have lost all your elven grace, Celeborn."
"I have been spending too much time with you, Glorfindel."
"And noting you do that with your clothes on, it has been a waste of time so far." Glorfindel said grinning madly watching Erestor and Elrond choke on their food and Celeborn blush.
"You never asked me to take them off Lord Glorfindel, it has been a miscommunication problem only." The lord of the Golden Wood answered smiling triumphantly.
"I shall ask from now on, be certain I will. So, Erestor, have you molested Lindir yet?"
"Glorfindel what is wrong with you? Are you having withdrawal symptoms? How dare you say something like that!" Erestor's face flushed in outrage and he fixed the high collar of his dark gray robes. "You had better manage that, Celeborn."
"What? Why me? You are all insane! Do not look at me like that Glorfindel, I am not a rabbit on the run!" The silver haired elf's eyes widened in shock as Elrond's Seneschal almost kissed Erestor thankfully and stood going around the table and walking towards him. "'Get away from me, oh by the Valar...get him off of me!"
"Oh please My Lord, I am merely leaning over to get the honey, do not think that highly of yourself."
Celeborn stood up holding menacingly the butter knife "Glorfindel..."
"You would not dare....Celeborn!"
"Uh...oh" Celeborns eyes widened making him look millennia younger as he backed away from the Balrog Slayer, having just, accidentally, of course, splashed butter over the blonde's robes. "Wait, wait, I am sorry, I will buy you new robes! Glorfindel, I am still a lord, do not dare to get near me with the strawberry juice, Glorfindel!"
"Have you noticed they are doing all that in front of everyone? So much for elven grace." Mithrandir whispered to Elrond as the inhabitants of Imladris watched bemusedly the Lords they respected so much, act as gang of Men after drinking dwarven ale.
Elrond cleared his throat as he saw Lindir enter the room and the elves sitting at the main table straightened themselves, Glorfindel reluctantly took back his seat, rubbing a napkin over the stain on his green tunic.
"Good morning Lindir, sit here." The blond said winking and patting Erestor's leg.
"But Erestor is sitting there."
"I know." Glorfindel wriggled an eyebrow and Elrond bent under the table to 'retrieve his fork' and stop himself for laughing and spitting the orange juice he had taken to drink now.
"I appreciate you thinking I am comfortable enough to sit on, the Valar know how experienced you are on finding living seats," Erestor said arching an eyebrow "but Lindir and I are going shopping this morning, and we want to have time at our disposal, so we will be going."
"But he did not even eat!"
"I am quite all right Lord Glorfindel, I picked up an apple in the kitchens, I had to pay a visit."
"Oh. But you ought to eat! In no time there will be nothing to grope there."
Lindir's eyes widened terribly and he blushed. "Yes, let us go Lord Erestor. Thank you for your worry Lord Glorfindel." Lindir bowed gracefully, his light hair barely distinguishing from the white robes as the strands came to rest on his shoulders.
"Oh! But Lord Celeborn and I are going with you!"
"We are?"
"But of course! You have to buy me those new robes." Erestor just rolled his eyes and grabbed Lindir's arm walking away from the pair and making his way to the nearby market.
"I am sorry Lindir, I did not intend on them coming with us."
The younger elf shrugged wondering just how much more of this he would have to take from 'The League'.
Erestor led Lindir through the crowded market paying little attention to the tents and products being sold as he knew exactly where to head. Lindir on the other hand was quite marveled. He had, of course, been in this market dozens of times, but it had been quite a while ago and it had grown immensely. Where once stood less than twenty tents each selling different things, now the large alley went on until he lost sight of it and surely over a hundred tents were there now, with different products and a variety of similar ones too. Clothes, weapons, food, music instruments, animals, jewelry, there was all to be acquired.
"Lindir, this is it." Erestor stopped in front on a large, straw colored tent, one of the largest they had passed by. Piles and piles of clothes were neatly folded, resting on top of several tables as well as exposed on wood hangers to show the quality of the products. Two piles of clothes were completely unorganized as customers rummaged through them examining the fabric, quality, price, finish and so on. The young minstrel noticed three maidens and a young male elf dressed alike in the same straw color of the tent fabric helping people that wandered in asking for information, trying on clothes, buying, or simply taking a look.
After staring at the place for quite a few moments it slowly started to clear down until one of the attendant maidens was free. Erestor called her and the brown haired lady walked gracefully to them, her large coal eyes framed by thick black eyelashes drew attention to her, the slightly flushed cheeks giving her an aspect of pure joy and pleasure as an inviting smile blossomed on her lips.
"Good morning, my lords, I am Britlha. Is there anything I can help you with?" She asked bowing respectfully, recognizing Erestor.
"Yes there is, thank you. The young lord here needs some new clothes, but what he really needs is to build up his self confidence, so I was hoping you could help me with it." Turning to Lindir to let him know the words were directed to both. "I want him to pick the clothes he sees more fitting for a special occasion and I want you, Lindir, to point it out to me why it suits you. I want you to pick pieces that compliment your physical attributes." Erestor said swallowing nervously.
"As I assume, Britlha, that you know very well how to see the outstanding qualities of a customer, I was hoping you could help me...judge his choices and guide him to better ones if needed." The advisor now spoke with the young lady smiling kindly at her as she smiled brightly, delighted at the idea.
"Yes Lord Erestor, it will be my pleasure to assist you. Your name is Lindir, am I right?" She asked.
"Yes." The minstrel said simply, smiling shyly.
"Very well, come with me. Here we have our best clothes. The quality of the fabric is indisputable. All the silk here is from Lothlórien, where our father works with this specific fabric. The velvet, cotton, linen and any other fabrics were either brought from Mirkwood or made here in Imladris. We manufacture the clothes here in the Valley, the embroidered is made with special threads, some of them are embroidered with gold and silver threads. Please feel free to choose."
Standing on a distance with Britlha, Erestor watched as Lindir shyly examined the clothes, touching the fabric, marveling with the embroidered, unfolding them to measure the size.
"My Lord, may I ask why he would have a low self esteem?"
"I believe it is only his shyness, but we will see to that, will we not?" Erestor asked in a friendly tone looking over his shoulder to see if he could spot Glorfindel and Celeborn. So far, no sign of them. Noticing Lindir was looking expectantly at him, the dark haired elf walked over.
"Have you chosen?"
"Yes..."
"Can he try it on?" Erestor asked the attendant.
"But of course. Follow me, there is a small closed 'room' with a mirror behind the curtain." Leading the white haired elf to the small place and separating it from the rest of the tent by closing the curtain the elleth held the fabric closed. "If you need any help, I am right here."
"Lindir are you ready?" Erestor asked tapping his foot on the ground after waiting for a few minutes.
"Yes. I will be out in a moment."
Lindir shyly opened the curtain and stepped out. Erestor's eyes widened at the sight.
"What in the Valar's name are you wearing(!" He almost yelled, regretting seeing the minstrel flinch.
"I mean, I am sorry, but...why did you choose this!" He said pointing at the hideous clothes.
"You did not like it(!" Lindir seemed almost outraged.
Erestor arched an eyebrow analyzing the clothes, good lord! Lindir had put on yellow leggings and a blood red shirt and the combination was eye hurting. The elf just stood there fidgeting.
"Well, no."
Erestor calmed down, not wanting to scare Lindir. He looked to his side and noticed Celeborn and Glorfindel were approaching, but ignored them.
"Why did you pick these clothes(" He asked blithely.
Lindir's big blue eyes looked up from his hands.
"I...I thought the red would make a contrast...with my hair. And...I am sorry. I will choose another outfit."
Erestor walked over to Lindir and placed a hand on the elf's arm, smiling.
"Do not apologize Lindir, I should apologize, I did not mean to be rude. I was surprised. Try not to choose such bright colors, they take the attention from you to your clothes. Instead of complimenting you they steal the focus."
Britlha stepped up beside Erestor, smiling as well. "Lord Erestor is correct, Lindir. Colorful pieces are complimenting and attractive, but if combined with the right clothes. This red shirt would look lovely with black leggings, but two bright colored items usually do not work well together."
Lindir nodded. "I understand."
"Good. Now pick another outfit and remember to choose it to compliment your features, not only because you like the colors, despite them being discreet or not." Erestor said.
Lindir nodded and rummaged through the piles of clothes finally picking a new set a clothes. From afar, Erestor could not tell what colors they were. He turned to the maiden and addressed her.
"Do you have any black outfits( Completely black. I know it can be a dull color, but I think it will be a nice contrast with his skin and hair, to use at night. Oh, and light colored clothes as well, please. Sky blue, green, I trust your judgment. There are clothes that would look great on him, but I doubt he will choose them, so I want to buy them as well."
The elleth nodded, a little intrigued about the whole episode, but excited to make such a big sale for the chief advisor of Imladris and a renowned minstrel. It would be great for business.
After some time of waiting, Glorfindel and Celeborn finally reached them. The blonde elf with an impossibly wide grin.
"Have you not peeked(" He asked leaning over the table Erestor was standing by and supporting himself with his hands.
"Peeked what("
"Erestor, you may be demure and respectful, but you are not a fool, much less an innocent elfling. I mean Lindir."
Beside him, Celeborn apparently had found an edible flower and was quietly munching on it, as he liked to do. Glorifndel just shot an annoyed glance at the Golden Wood king and rolled his eyes before turning to Erestor.
"Of course I have not peeked! I am not you, Glorfindel."
"Oh please Er..." Glorfindel stopped when Lindir spoke.
"Lord Glorfindel( Oh, well, I am coming out in a moment." He said nervously.
Britlha opened the curtain and Erestor looked for something to steady him as Lindir walked out of the room. He was wearing black, polished leather, boots and black leggings, a white shirt, that Erestor came to notice, was made of a transparent material that moved gently with the elf's movement's, making it a shame he had a tunic on top of it, allowing only the transparent sleeves to how. The tunic was of a deep blue resembling a summer night sky after the sun had sat, with a remainder of light still illuminating it, making it not quite black. Silver embroidery adorned the tunic in simple, but magnificently worked patterns.
There was something incredibly complimenting about that outfit on Lindir, and when many would have chosen bright colors and silk as fabric, the discreet clothes seemed to make the young minstrel stand out even more, because he was not dressed to catch everyone's attention, he was dressed to catch only one pair of eyes. Yes, he was learning well.
Celeborn's flower fell off his lips as his mouth dropped open. Glorfindel nudged him and then turned to Lindir as well. The minstrel moved as gracefully as always, but there seemed to be something different, not quite right. The pants seemed tight.
"You look incredible, Lindir." Erestor said.
"Thank you...but it is uncomfortable, they are tight." Lindir shifted and watched nervously as Britlha approached him and crouched examining the pants and chuckling when suddenly there was a 'pop' and the pants opened.
Lindir's eyes widened and he grabbed the pants just in time, the attendant helping him.
"What is wrong( Why did the button just pop(" Glorfindel asked, voicing Erestor's question.
"It seems you have an advantaged backside, Lindir." Britlha said chuckling.
Erestor frowned. "What("
"He has a big butt" Celeborn whispered to the advisor, whose eyes widened just as much as Lindir's. "It is a great feature though." The Golden Wood lord commented nonchalantly.
While Lindir tried to hide his face, Glorfindel's had taken a maniac expression. "Erestor! Go there and feel it up!"
"WHAT(!" Erestor's face flushed with outrage.
"Well if you will not, I will." Glorfindel launched himself in Lindir's direction, but before he could reach him, Erestor grabbed him by the waist.
"Do not dare!" He said and glared at Celeborn, who just stood watching and chuckling.
"Celeborn! Help me!"
"Glorfindel!" Celeborn spoke up seriously for the first time. "Act according to your age." He said taking a firm hold on the blonde's arm, allowing Erestor to let go.
"If I do that I will just lay still forever, because If I were of any other race I would have decomposed right now."
"But you are not! You are an Elf, a wise one! Act the part, will you( Why can you never take anything seriously(!" Celeborn lashed out, annoyed Glorfindel would go this far and embarrass Lindir.
"Take seriously( I take seriously what I have to! Life would be to sad if I took it all seriously! And who are you to speak "Muncher"( All you do is stand and watch, munching on something!"
"Oh for the Valar's sake! You have been behaving as elflings since the early morning! You are Elf lords and there are people watching! They will not only think you are insane, but Elrond as well, for employing you, and for marrying your daughter." Erestor said turning to each elf, looking apologetically at the crowd that had gathered.
Lindir by now had changed back to his clothes, finding it the perfect excuse to hide for some time and exchanged the pants for a larger number. He was now back inside the changing room, with Britlha taking his measures so their could tailor him pants.
After having that done, he waited inside the closed room until the noise died down and then left. He looked around seeing Celeborn and Glorfindel were gone, and Erestor stood by a table waiting quietly as if nothing had happened.
"Where did they go(" Lindir asked blushing faintly and approaching his seduction tutor.
"I sent them away. They were with those grumpy faces, mumbling, but together." Erestor laughed. "No matter if they are fighting or arguing or not even talking to each other, they do not stay apart."
Lindir smiled "Can we go now(" He asked.
"Surely. I was very pleased with your second choice of clothes, they will all be delivered to you today, or in two days the ones that have to be tailored."
"Thank you."
"Oh it was no sacrifice, Lindir. Now let us go, I have some matters to discuss with Elrond."
Lindir nodded and followed Erestor out of the tent, thanking the attendant and apologizing once more. He could tell people would be talking about their Seneschal's and Lord Celeborn's bickering in no time.
They walked side by side, discussing the happened.
"What was that about(" Lindir asked.
"Honestly( Pent up passion."
Lindir chuckled and looked questioningly at Erestor.
"Well, it has been obvious for quite some time Glorfindel is making moves on Celeborn, but believe it or not, he is the only person Glorfindel does not have the courage to simply seduce." The advisor said amusedly.
"Maybe because Lord Celeborn is the one he does not wish only to seduce( Maybe he really likes him."
"I believe you are right, Lindir. Those are my thoughts as well. I believe Celeborn returns whatever feeling it is they share, but they are stubborn. Glorfindel has been lonely for millennia, and Galadriel departed quite some time ago, her path and Celeborn's did not lay together and so they broke apart."
"They should get together." Lindir said quietly.
"Oh they will, at one point they will stop fooling around. They are stubborn, but not foolish enough to pass out a chance at being happy."
With that their conversation seemed to reach an end and they were almost exiting the wide street with the tents when Lindir jumped and stopped, eyes wide.
"Erestor, did you just slap my buttocks("
"What(" He seemed horrified. "I am sorry Lindir, I knew I had bumped into someone, I did not know it was you." Erestor said coughing.
Lindir's eyes narrowed shooting a murderous look at the advisor. "You did it on purpose."
"Me( Of course not! I am not Glorfindel!"
"You did it on purpose." Lindir stated again and Erestor's resolve seemed to crumble as blood ran up to stain his cheeks.
"You did it!" Lindir yelled.
"I am sorry! But look at that!" He said pointing at Lindir's buttocks. "They were calling to me, standing out like that!" Erestor seemed almost annoyed with himself, but how could he not( He would have to cut his hand off because of the itching if he did not touch it.
"Ohhhhhh Erestor, I never expected that from you!"
"I said I am sorry!"
"We will see just how sorry you are." Lindir stepped forth.
"What are you doing(" Erestor stepped back.
"Chasing you." Lindir said and they both broke into a run, all the way up into the market again, with a yelling Erestor begging for forgiveness and Lindir mentally listing the revenge possibilities he had.
"I will ally with Glorfindel!" He yelled slowing down a bit, panting after running for a long time.
Erestor stopped dead on his tracks. "Oh no. No, not that! I will do anything! But not Glorfindel."
Lindir grinned a most uncharacteristic predatory grin. "I will be nice to you, this time. We will see about it if it happens again." He said, leaning in to whisper what Erestor would have to do.
TBC...