Glorfindel waited in the corridor. 'Skulked', his mind helpfully supplied to him. He cringed, no he reminded himself, he merely waited. With the arrival of the Lorien contingent, he was completely on edge. He wanted to make sure that Legolas could walk through the halls without being accosted by Haldir. 'He is still recovering' he told himself firmly. And Haldir had looked the least in control that Glorfindel had ever seen him. Clearly a meeting today would go very swiftly downhill. 'I will just ensure that he is well and then leave him to his own devises, he does not need a nursemaid.' He heard the tap of light leather shoes coming towards him, it was unmistakably Legolas. His heart sped up in his chest and he roundly cursed his own stupidity. 'Like a hapless maiden, Balrog slayer indeed.'
'Well met my lord.' He said as the prince came towards him, adding a gentle smile. Legolas looked severe and a little strained in a beautiful high necked tunic with his hair swept dramatically away from his face, Elrohirs sleek hound accompanied him as he often did. He reminded Glorfindel of the High Lords from bygone times when the world was different.
Legolas put his arm out to clasp Glorfindel in a warriors greeting. 'I am glad to see you my lord, I could use a friendly face at dinner, would you join me?'
'Of course, I would be delighted.'
They turned together and headed down the hall, both equally lost in thought.
Imladris many years ago
Glorfindel stood on the edge of the sprawling balcony of the Last Homely House, the weather was remarkably fine and he could smell the whisper of blossoms in the air. For the first time since the departure of the Lady Celebrain he felt truly at ease in this place.
Below the balcony at some distance, there were three elves sparring with swords. The clang of sharp steel could be heard clearly as they danced away from each other swirling and laughing with bell like voices. The sunlight glittered and reflected off their blades and their long hair gleamed. Two dark and one bright gold.
He allowed himself an indulgent smile as the gold one suddenly leapt under a sloppy guard arm and his sharp blade was placed flat on the neck of one opponent, Elrohir groaned in horror and dropped his blade whilst Elladan taunted him for being bested and Legolas grinned and clapped him on the back.
'They seem to be feeling more themselves today' spoke the Lady who had come to stand beside him.
Glorfindel bowed his head to her differentially.
'Legolas lifts their spirits, like he does for all who know him' he replied.
The Queen of the Greenwood lifted her soft eyes to study his face carefully and he saw understanding kindle within her.
'Ahh, now it becomes clear to me my Lord Glorfindel. How long have you been in love with my son?'
He closed his eyes in horror.
'What makes you say such things my lady? I have known Legolas since he was a babe and he is only just now past his majority this last year…' he trailed off as ideas failed him.
'Yes indeed, and yet we have very little say in what is kindled within the heart and I see yours is already taken. The mighty Glorfindel of Gondolin. Bested by an elf of the forest barely old enough to be out on patrol.' Her silvery voice was tinged with amusement.
'What does he feel for you?' she asked
'He does not know. It would not be proper for me to say anything to him without the Kings consent to a courtship anyway.'
She broke into a large smile at these words.
'Well, I certainly do not envy you that task, my husband is not inclined to be pleased. He loves Legolas dearly and would keep him close to us always.'
Their quiet conversation was brought to a close by the arrival of the three elves. They skipped up the great wide steps and presented themselves, smiling, in front of the speakers.
'Did you see us mother?' Asked Legolas
'Elrohir was distracted by a pretty kitchen maid walking past and left himself wide open.'
Legolas lifted his sparkling eyes to her face and she could not help but smile back at him and share in his delight. This was his gift, to share his joy with those around him.
'We are planning on walking up to the pool at the top of the falls as the weather is so clear' said Elladan, pushing his thick hair away from his neck to help cool himself.
'I would prefer you stay a little closer if you please.' Said Glorfindel, 'There have been reports of some suspicious men near the edge of that border and I would not have you be caught off your guard.'
The young elves looked amongst themselves in obvious disappointment.
' But my Lord, if you were to come with us, would we not be safe?' Asked Legolas, beseechingly to his tutor. 'It is only that poor Elrohir has been trying to show me this particular pool for weeks and this is by far the best day for it. We are leaving tomorrow…' his voice trailed off softly.
Glorfindel felt himself completely drawn in and nearly blushed when he felt the queens half laughing regard fall on him.
'Very well, he muttered, I will come with you if you must go.'
The youngsters whooped with enthusiasm and made their noisy progress towards the family wing to get a change of clothes and some drying clothes.
'I want you to beware Balrog slayer.' Said the Queen in a more serious tone, as if they had not been interrupted.
'He trusts you more than anyone, I believe even than his kin. If you approach him with this, he will do everything to make you happy, even should it cost him dearly. He would go to the ends of Arda and beyond if he gives you his whole heart. This is a great treasure that must be kept with care. If you cannot do that, you must never tell him of this.'
Glorfindel turned to stand looking straight into her eyes.
'You have my word my Lady, if I feel it will cause him harm to tell him of my regard then I will keep an eye on him from a distance. His happiness is enough for me, even if it should be with another. I do not believe the time is quite right. I would have him see a bit more of the world. But in a few seasons, I intend to declare myself, even if it means that I must prostrate myself at Thranduils' feet.'
'Let us hope it doesn't come to that.' The Lady answered, relieved at his words.
