Got my first semi-flame today, told me that they hated the story, but liked the way it was written, so that's not really a flame is it? More like an "I don't like your opinion but you express it well."
Oh yeah, see first chap for disclaimers.
Thanks for the reviews!!!
For Little she-bear, I'm testing out a new title. I still don't think its that great, but we'll see how people like the change.
BTW: Elrond's my fav now. His frown is great!
I used to think Legolas was pretty… well pretty, but take away the long blonde hair, and he looks like half the guys downtown. Besides, I always like being a tad different.
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It was with a heavy heart Elrond Peredhil returned to his valley home. The skies matched his dour mood with lightening and torrential winds that drove rain into every surface. He left his horse at the stables without so much as an acknowledging nod to the stable hand. His sodden footsteps echoed loudly through the halls of his home as he strode heavier than he had in many months.
The glower on his face kept all safely away save one.
"Elrond, I have need to speak with you." Glorfindel's voice was annoyingly chipper.
Steely eyes regarded his friend. Their gaze was hard enough to melt through the strongest of flesh. Unfortunately for him, Glorfindel was smart enough to avoid the gaze.
"I do not wish to be disturbed," was Elrond's frosty reply.
"Indeed, but there is matter of utmost importance that needs your attention. An Elf seeks our sanctuary. Her parents killed by Orcs..."
"Well, being as this elf is a she, I am certain you are more than capable to handle the situation. Do me a favor, have hot tea and soup sent to my study."
Elrons strode quickly away, then turned and stopped. "Tell the server that I wish no interruptions. For that matter, tell everyone I wish no interruptions."
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Glorfindel sat plotting. Elrond had not yet come out of his study and had locked the door as soon as his dinner was served. He was in there staring out a window at the storm, still in his wet traveling clothes.
Obviously, he wasn't going to be able to break the news to Elrond before he saw Celebrian. Master Elrond had certainly returned. Crabby old Dwarf! That Elf boiled and brewed more than the kitchen pots.
Glorfindel was going to have to do find a way to get Celebrian into that room. He quickly walked down to her room.
Celebrian remained extremely calm as Glorfindel explained the situation to her. One would think he was telling her nothing more upsetting than that they needed to pick a leaf from a tree.
"I believe that I can handle this without your help." Celebrian stated.
"How, climb up the side of the building and look in his window like a specter? Or perhaps you would like to scare him by letting your voice drift through the door."
Celebrian suppressed a laugh. Glorfindel really did overreact to Elrond's health. He had insisted on meeting with Elrond first to "Ease him into the idea." Now he was all worked up about Elrond's mental status.
"I intend to go through his door with the key he gave me."
"He gave you a key?"
"Besotted men often do stupid things. Elrond gave me a key to his study when first he confessed his love to me. I do not think he had the courage to give me the key to his bedroom."
Celebrian was rewarded with a speechless and blushing Glorfindel.
"I must go now, I believe my presence is needed elsewhere, Lord Glorfindel. Please show yourself out when you recover your faculties."
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She stood watching Elrond glare defiantly out his study window. A flash of lightening showed that his face mirrored the window pain. Both were streaked with the tears of a dark cloud.
"I thought everyone knew I was not to be disturbed."
"Elrond"
He turned quickly. His heart was playing tricks on his mind. His love was standing in his house in his study. Her skin was pale, her figure firm, her hair dark. Oh, his mind was combining her perfect person with his own morbidity.
Still, he could not stop himself from rising and going to the haunting presence in the middle of his study. His hand traced along her arm. His vision was so real.
He encircled her form with his arms, burying his face in her hair. Mindlessly, his lips found the base of her neck and worked their way up to her ear. Quickly, he left her ear to claim her lips. Groaning as she welcomed his kiss, he pulled her body close to his.
He pulled her tighter against him as hinds hands wandered over her. He wanted her. He needed this illusion to last. His hands slid lower. Her hand slapped his face.
"Might I remind you Lord Elrond, that I am not your wife." Celebrian pushed herself away from him more affected by his touch than her words showed.
"Celebrian?"
"Do you often grab women that come to talk to you? I was under the assumption that Glorfindel had that reputation."
"You're alive?"
"Of course I'm alive." Celebrian quickly stepped aside when Elrond moved to ensnare her in his arms again.
"I do not think that would be wise at the moment."
Elrond nodded his assent and backed away. "How? Why?"
"I simply used a ruse that you told me Lord Gil-Galad used once to fool the enemy. Why did I not tell you? Because you would not have let me do it, besides, I needed to make sure you could convince my father that you thought I had died."
"I love you."
Celebrian had not expected that. She had expected anger or bitterness or at the least hurt. At her blush to his response, Elrond began to move towards her again only to be interrupted by Glorfindel.
"The sudden ceasing of rain caused me to think you may have made up."
Elrond groaned, "I take it that he helped you to Imladris?"
"I did indeed help the fair Lady here. I must say she looks ravishing with raven locks, don't you think? Very tragic."
Seeing her lover's eyes begin to spark with jealousy, Celebrian suggested that he change into something drier. With a smile he trotted off to his rooms to change.
"I must say I've never seen Elrond quite so buoyant. I hope it doesn't last. It is very unnerving."
"It won't. In a few hours he will laden himself down with wanting to send me home. Then I shall have to remind him I wish to stay. Then a few days later, he will start to brood again."
A silence filled the room as they waited for Elrond to return.
"Glorfindel"
"Yes?"
"I think it would be best if I were not left alone with Elrond to often. We are not even betrothed and…"
"I understand. You need not worry about it."
"Worry about what?" Elrond's voice floated through the room as he returned.
"Ravaging elf lords, passionate ladies, propriety and murderous parents"
Elrond cast a lustful look over at Celbrian. "We will have to see about that."