Title: Doren En Ind

Author: Anarane Narmalanya

Type: FCS

Characters: Erestor/Glorfindel

Warnings: angst,

Rating: NC-17

Disclaimer: I hereby quote that I Anarane Narmalanya receive no profit for publishing LOTR Fan fiction. I do not own the characters (Except for Glorfael, Hathel and Meren) or make a profit.

Summary: Ecthelion and Erestor are twins. Glorfindel wants Ecthelion, but the feeling isn't mutual. Erestor, however does want Glorfindel. Glorfindel talks his father into an arranged marriage between the houses...Ecthelion is aware of Erestor's feelings, talks him into trading places with him at the wedding...and Glorfindel doesn't figure it out until the wedding night. The whole situation, of course, manages to bleed over into Imladris.

~~~ Chapter 21 ~~~

The Return

Erestor felt as if someone had winded him. He was back. Dear valar, he was back.

Elrond cast a concerned glance at his gasping councillor, but barely had time to ask when a great white stallion trotted into the courtyard.

"Tis a descendant of the mearas," an elf gasped in awe.

The elves within the courtyard gasped in amazement as a great warrior, of immense breadth and length appeared before them. Long, wild, golden hair trailed down his back and his shining armour glistened in the sunlight. He was spectacular... a vision of the Valar in elven form.

Elrond stepped forwards, his arms open in invitation, a warm smile upon his face as the startling Vanyarin gracefully dismounted.

"Lord Glorfindel of Gondolin, I welcome you to Imladris as its founder and leader Elrond Peredhil,"

The great warrior- more powerful, more brilliant, more advanced than his predecessor- dismounted, bowed low and removed his sword, laying it at the Peredhil's feet.

"My Lord, I lay down my sword as appointed by the Valar in service to you for as long as I walk this earth. The Valar have given me to you in any way that you see fit, but first and foremost as your protector."

Elrond smiled down at the warrior, "I foresaw this day, you will be our salvation Glorfindel of Gondolin,"

Erestor stared at Elrond in disbelief. The Peredhil Lord knew of his coming?

"Come, rise up. You are a Lord within your own right and you bow to no one," Glorfindel rose to his feet before bowing his head to the Lord, "You will be appointed to Seneschal and leader of my army, I will see you personally assigned as such,"

Erestor turned, his heart racing, and made to slip back into the house when he heard a hesitant voice call from behind.

"Ecthelion?" The advisor stiffened and froze, "Tis you... is it not?" Erestor felt a disturbing rage settle in his stomach and spread throughout his body. He whirled to face the returned warrior, his eyes gleaming with fire.

"Ecthelion is dead!" he snapped and the warrior stepped back, startled at his vehemence, "Surely you knew that when he was at your side in Mandos?" he continued darkly. Erestor stepped closer to Glorfindel, glaring into his wide, blue eyes. "Then who else is there who looks so like him you ask yourself? The forgotten one, the runt... Erestor," with those harsh, clipped words he spun on his heel and stormed away.

Glorfindel stared after him, his lips moving in silent disbelief.

"What in all arda was that about?" Elrond asked in confusion.

The stunned Elda turned back to his new Lord and swallowed thickly, physically forcing aside his emotions.

"Forgive me my Lord, I meant not to offend you or your advisor. Erestor and I have a history, but it will not jeopardise my position as seneschal, of that I can assure you,"

Elrond clasped Glorfindel's powerful shoulder, smiling encouragingly as he led the old Vanya towards the house, "You have caused no offence Glorfindel and I do not doubt that you will do your position justice. What is occurring between you and my advisor is unmistakably private and delicate and I shall not interfere lest it does begin to cause public discomfort and notice,"

"It shall not my Lord," Glorfindel murmured as he rested his hand above his heart and bowed his head.

"Good, for now Glorfindel you should settle down. Give leave of your troubles for now," Elrond paused outside of Glorfindel's chambers and looked the concerned and confused Vanyar in the eye, "I understand you are feeling ungrounded now my friend, but we will make this transition for you as easy as possible. Rest and recuperate and then tonight we will celebrate your return with the honour you deserve,"

"I do not deserve such honour my Lord,"

Elrond frowned in confusion at the guilt that flickered through wise, blue eyes, "Of course you do my Lord, without your sacrifice I would not be here," he smiled encouragingly at Glorfindel who bowed solemnly, "And for that I thank you. Now, a bath has been prepared as has fresh clothing and your belongings will be brought to you,"

"You are prepared for my coming?" Glorfindel asked in amazement.

Elrond's smile softened, "As I said mellon, I foresaw this day,"

Glorfindel looked over the Peredhil with curiosity, "I have very little my Lord,"

"Tis no matter, we have all that you need here. I shall have refreshments sent forth to you and Lindir, our head minstrel, will come to escort you from your chambers to the dining hall this evening,"

"Le hannon hir nin,"

"I know it is a lot to absorb, particularly with your dispute with Erestor, but it will become easier over time," he smiled mysteriously, "I promise you that. Rest well mellon, for there is much to do here,"

"Thank you Lord Elrond,"

Elrond smiled compassionately before silently walking along the hall, his heavy robes swirling gracefully about his form. With a sigh and slumped shoulders Glorfindel entered his chambers.

His rooms were not as magnificent as those in Gondolin, yet they were beautiful none the less. Graceful arches, elven designs and navy furnishings decorated his chambers, yet still they did not feel like home.

Relieved he was finally alone; Glorfindel sank wearily onto the bed, removing his tunic as he did so. His thoughts centered on Rivendell's furious chief advisor and guilt, suppressed long ago, he returned tenfold. Erestor had every right to be angry with him.

With a sigh the golden Lord closed his eyes, his tension easing as he slipped into much needed reverie.

TBC

Translation:

Peredhil: Half elf

Le hannon hir nin: Thank you my lord

Mellon nin: my friend