The Librarian 6/
LotR 1914 words
PG13 for silly romantic clichés
Summery Erestor = Erestor! w/ Glorfindel & Melpomean
Disclaimer: All LotR characters and settings are the exclusive property of the Tolkien estate. I do not have permission to use them.
For kharessa & machiavellian. Thank you Hawk, Maggie, Laiqalasse Belle, Manon, Mirasaui, Larien
and LK for continuing to read and comment AN Borndo is a game of strategy that combines elements of chess, D&D and Risk, only not. Elves replay various battles, using models and figures of the scene. Any element that was actually in the battle is allowed, and therefore knowledge gives players a distinct advantage. Imagine a roomful of elves pontificating about ancient battles aided by pewter figurines and dice. And trivia. Lots and lots of trivia. AN2 I have a sneaking suspicion some of my dialogue is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. I haven't seen the movie in years but Rhett and Scarlett keep flashing in my head, and in the interest of full discloser I figured I should note it. If it's not then I'm just nuts so ignore me.
"Your technique needs work"
Melpomaen looked up from Erestor's door, startled. The Galadhrim was leaning against the wall, his amusement clear. Languidly he moved towards Melpomaen.
"Surely you don't think you can seduce Imladris' Chief Advisor with such timid little mouse moves?" he continued.
Melpomaen blushed furiously, stepping backwards.
"No, Erestor is an Elf of ideas and art. If you want him, that is where you must appeal to him. I can help you"
And Melpomaen stopped, torn between an instinct to flee and the honeyed voice that said everything he wanted to hear. He took a step towards Haldir, then another until they were walking away, leaving Erestor's doorstep together.
*
Erestor breathed heavily. Glorfindel had pushed past him and arranged himself comfortably in a chair next to the bed. Erestor had been so close to simply taking Melpomean, and now his body refused to acknowledge that grabbing the closest available elf, namely Glorfindel, was not an option. Throbbing and insistent, it kept sending images of the seneschal nude. Erestor desperately needed some time alone, but judging by the way Glorfindel was settling himself in, time alone was a long, long way away.
"I thought you might be restless tonight, so I brought Borndo. It has been a long time since we played and I missed it." Glorfindel began laying out game pieces.
Erestor groaned. Borndo was an involved game of war strategy and trivia, typically lasting several hours, but could go on for days. Glorfindel was unnervingly good at it, besting Elrond during their last match by arguing that had Gil-Galad's second cousin (twice removed) ordered dwarven nails instead of human ones, then the catapults would have supported 24 additional pounds, allowing actual Elvin archers to be hurled into enemy territory, and therefore the Orc legion under Kurmz would never have beaten back Tuor, which made the whole 'lost ring of power' debate moot. After that everyone refused to play with him.
He yawned conspicuously. "Really Glorfindel, I'm quite..."
"Nonsense" Glorfindel smiled "I cannot return to my rooms until Elladan has given up his prowling outside my doors. I have you to thank for that, my friend. I think the least you can do is keep me entertained until he tires out and goes to sleep. Besides, I have brought wine".
Defeated Erestor sat down and began organizing his armies. At least the tedium of the game ought to kill his almost painful state of arousal. He lined up a battalion of Orcs then on to a row of humans. Each piece was a depiction of an actual being, the likeness captured in fine detail. Erestor noted with amusement that Glorfindel's own piece was carefully wrapped in protective silk, set apart from the bulk of the elves. Special care had been given to the gold of his hair and the gleam of his armor. He set up the elves delicately, his tapered yet powerful fingers caressing miniature swords and tiny features. The unconscious sensuality was doing nothing for Erestor's concentration or his arousal. Gritting his teeth he laid out the last few pieces, ready to play.
Only Glorfindel didn't seem particularly interested in starting the game. Instead he had leaned back, allowing his robe to fold open, exposing tanned skin in a most alluring... Erestor pinched himself, HARD. Whatever else might be going on, the last thing he needed was to moon over his longtime friend and mentor like some love struck elfling. Time to end that wayward thought train RIGHT NOW.
The pinch did nothing to quell his desire; in fact, the pain seemed to heighten his excitement. He shifted uncomfortably only to feel the edge of Glorfindel's diary dig into his back. Yet another thing he didn't want to think about. He gulped down some wine, seeking relief and numbness. Then drank some more.
*
"So my dear Librarian..."
"Oh, I'm not a Librarian yet"
The wine Haldir had given him was still warm in his blood, though the warden seemed oblivious to it. He leaned forward and refilled Melpomaen's glass.
"You are more of a Librarian than I will ever be" Haldir laughed depreciatively. "I am but a soldier; scholarly pursuits are beyond my ken"
That the ancient warrior should think so little of his own intellect disturbed Melpomaen, and he hastened to reassure him. And in the way of an eager student on the cusp of becoming an eager teacher, he began to talk of the work in the Library. Haldir proved himself a keen listener, indeed when Melpomaen mentioned the scrolls he appeared so captivated that Melpomaen found himself agreeing to show him the rough cartoon copies he had made.
*
Erestor's head hurt. He rolled onto his side feeling grubby and ill. He'd had far too much wine last night... He sat up abruptly. He was naked and in bed. How had that happened? His thoughts retraced the evening's events. He remembered Glorfindel coming to his room, playing Borndo. He remembered admiring the way Glorfindel's hair caught the firelight and the warm glow of his skin. He even seemed to remember... Erestor blushed. Valar preserve me, he thought, please let the image in my head be my over-wrought imagination. But no, the Gods were not that merciful. Erestor knew with certainty that the visions streaming in his mind; of dipping his fingers in wine and painting Glorfindel's lips, of leaning into him for a kiss, were real. What on Arda had possessed him? What else had happened?
He climbed gingerly out of bed. He didn't feel different. It had been a while since he'd had a lover; surely he'd be able to tell? Unless Glorfindel, but no, that was unthinkable. Glorfindel. He stared out the window for a while until he realized how late it was. Melpomean was undoubtedly wondering what had become of him. He rushed through his bath and dress, duty giving him structure to fall back on. He would work. But first he needed to seek out Glorfindel and find out exactly what had happened last night. He paused at his door, a nagging thought telling him he had forgotten something.
*
He found Glorfindel in the stables, saddling Asfeloth.
"A word, Glorfindel".
"Erestor! How feels the head this morning? " Erestor flushed.
"That is exactly what I wished to talk to you about". Several of Glorfindel's warriors were milling around, attempting to be both inconspicuous and within earshot. Erestor pulled Glorfindel back towards the stable.
"Um. About last night?" Glorfindel studied Erestor, a slow grin spreading across his features.
"What about last night?" Glorfindel reached over and tucked a stray lock of Erestor's hair behind his ear, then leaned in to whisper:
"You were magnificent". Erestor paled.
"I was quite intoxicated last night, Glorfindel. I hope you did not take advantage".
"When you engage in diversions like those, my dear Advisor, you should know that intoxication is no excuse. Inhibitions are lowered, but the original impulses are there with or without drink".
"I have no impulses"
"Indeed" Glorfindel made a great show of checking his saddle bags while Erestor tapped his foot in irritation.
"Whatever happened..."
"Whatever happened shall remain a cherished memory, my dear Advisor. Now stand back; Elrond has decided I must take our 'Lorien kin on a tour of our borders. I have quite a lot of work to complete".
Erestor stood, a furious expression fixing on his face. Glorfindel's teasing and suggestive looks were really unbearable. He glared angrily, refusing to budge.
"My dearest Advisor, your determination to keep me here will undoubtedly cause speculation. Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere... private? I certainly wouldn't mind a rematch" Glorfindel allowed himself a sweeping leer as his eyes traveled the length of Erestor's body.
"I certainly do not wish to keep you here! Indeed I'll be a happier elf for your absence" snapped Erestor.
"Heartless creature. First you jump on top of me, saying... ah what was it again? That you have been 'harboring a passion for me' and then doing fiendishly erotic things with your wine goblet. And now, in the light of day you send me away with harsh words and venomous looks".
"Wine goblet?" Erestor bore an uncanny resemblance to a beet as that part of the evening came rushing back.
"I had no idea you were so talented. Yes, I certainly had a satisfying evening".
"Satisfying?" Erestor asked weakly. Then I? I would never...I certainly DO NOT! Besides all sorts of things are said drunk, that doesn't excuse you... you..."
Glorfindel leaned in, catching the panel of Erestor's robe and crushed him into a kiss. Lips pressed then parted, tongue seeking Erestor with force and familiarity. Glorfindel tangled his fingers in Erestor's mane, pulling him deeper still, licking, dominating, and swallowing the gasps then tiny moans Erestor made. Erestor felt his legs weaken, he was crumbling, then a strong arm wrapped around him, supporting him even as he felt Glorfindel heatedly grinding into him. His own arousal, fed by denial and last night's drinking sprang to answer, rubbing eagerly against Glorfindel's own. Haze numbed Erestor's mind, allowing only one thought, repeated over and over:
Glorfindel. I'm kissing Glorfindel.
And he wanted to. Had wanted to for a long time, he realized. How could he have not known?
Glorfindel leaned back, smirking. Dazed and breathless, Erestor's bruised lips mawwed in echo and need.
"You were saying?" The cocksure tone jolted Erestor. He glared at Glorfindel.
"Of all the arrogant, conceited..." The normally articulate librarian sputtered at a loss of words. Glorfindel exhaled elaborately.
"You will undoubtedly relieved to know that after you threw yourself at me you promptly passed out. I tucked you in bed almost chastely and only peeked a little. Nice birthmark, by the way".
"I NEVER... YOU YOU..."
"Now if you'll excuse me, Orcs have been raiding villages on the western front. Might as well show our guests some amusement, eh?" Elladan and Elrohir appeared, as if on cue.
"Are you ready, Glorfindel?" Elladan preened for Glorfindel who leapt lightly onto Asfeloth's back.
"Yes, unless my beloved has a parting kiss for me?" A last leer at Erestor.
"I'd rather kiss an Orc!"
"I'll be sure to bring you one then" and with a squeeze of the bridle he was gone. Erestor looked around for something to kick very very hard, finally settling on Glorfindel's tack box.
LotR 1914 words
PG13 for silly romantic clichés
Summery Erestor = Erestor! w/ Glorfindel & Melpomean
Disclaimer: All LotR characters and settings are the exclusive property of the Tolkien estate. I do not have permission to use them.
For kharessa & machiavellian. Thank you Hawk, Maggie, Laiqalasse Belle, Manon, Mirasaui, Larien
and LK for continuing to read and comment AN Borndo is a game of strategy that combines elements of chess, D&D and Risk, only not. Elves replay various battles, using models and figures of the scene. Any element that was actually in the battle is allowed, and therefore knowledge gives players a distinct advantage. Imagine a roomful of elves pontificating about ancient battles aided by pewter figurines and dice. And trivia. Lots and lots of trivia. AN2 I have a sneaking suspicion some of my dialogue is reminiscent of Gone with the Wind. I haven't seen the movie in years but Rhett and Scarlett keep flashing in my head, and in the interest of full discloser I figured I should note it. If it's not then I'm just nuts so ignore me.
"Your technique needs work"
Melpomaen looked up from Erestor's door, startled. The Galadhrim was leaning against the wall, his amusement clear. Languidly he moved towards Melpomaen.
"Surely you don't think you can seduce Imladris' Chief Advisor with such timid little mouse moves?" he continued.
Melpomaen blushed furiously, stepping backwards.
"No, Erestor is an Elf of ideas and art. If you want him, that is where you must appeal to him. I can help you"
And Melpomaen stopped, torn between an instinct to flee and the honeyed voice that said everything he wanted to hear. He took a step towards Haldir, then another until they were walking away, leaving Erestor's doorstep together.
*
Erestor breathed heavily. Glorfindel had pushed past him and arranged himself comfortably in a chair next to the bed. Erestor had been so close to simply taking Melpomean, and now his body refused to acknowledge that grabbing the closest available elf, namely Glorfindel, was not an option. Throbbing and insistent, it kept sending images of the seneschal nude. Erestor desperately needed some time alone, but judging by the way Glorfindel was settling himself in, time alone was a long, long way away.
"I thought you might be restless tonight, so I brought Borndo. It has been a long time since we played and I missed it." Glorfindel began laying out game pieces.
Erestor groaned. Borndo was an involved game of war strategy and trivia, typically lasting several hours, but could go on for days. Glorfindel was unnervingly good at it, besting Elrond during their last match by arguing that had Gil-Galad's second cousin (twice removed) ordered dwarven nails instead of human ones, then the catapults would have supported 24 additional pounds, allowing actual Elvin archers to be hurled into enemy territory, and therefore the Orc legion under Kurmz would never have beaten back Tuor, which made the whole 'lost ring of power' debate moot. After that everyone refused to play with him.
He yawned conspicuously. "Really Glorfindel, I'm quite..."
"Nonsense" Glorfindel smiled "I cannot return to my rooms until Elladan has given up his prowling outside my doors. I have you to thank for that, my friend. I think the least you can do is keep me entertained until he tires out and goes to sleep. Besides, I have brought wine".
Defeated Erestor sat down and began organizing his armies. At least the tedium of the game ought to kill his almost painful state of arousal. He lined up a battalion of Orcs then on to a row of humans. Each piece was a depiction of an actual being, the likeness captured in fine detail. Erestor noted with amusement that Glorfindel's own piece was carefully wrapped in protective silk, set apart from the bulk of the elves. Special care had been given to the gold of his hair and the gleam of his armor. He set up the elves delicately, his tapered yet powerful fingers caressing miniature swords and tiny features. The unconscious sensuality was doing nothing for Erestor's concentration or his arousal. Gritting his teeth he laid out the last few pieces, ready to play.
Only Glorfindel didn't seem particularly interested in starting the game. Instead he had leaned back, allowing his robe to fold open, exposing tanned skin in a most alluring... Erestor pinched himself, HARD. Whatever else might be going on, the last thing he needed was to moon over his longtime friend and mentor like some love struck elfling. Time to end that wayward thought train RIGHT NOW.
The pinch did nothing to quell his desire; in fact, the pain seemed to heighten his excitement. He shifted uncomfortably only to feel the edge of Glorfindel's diary dig into his back. Yet another thing he didn't want to think about. He gulped down some wine, seeking relief and numbness. Then drank some more.
*
"So my dear Librarian..."
"Oh, I'm not a Librarian yet"
The wine Haldir had given him was still warm in his blood, though the warden seemed oblivious to it. He leaned forward and refilled Melpomaen's glass.
"You are more of a Librarian than I will ever be" Haldir laughed depreciatively. "I am but a soldier; scholarly pursuits are beyond my ken"
That the ancient warrior should think so little of his own intellect disturbed Melpomaen, and he hastened to reassure him. And in the way of an eager student on the cusp of becoming an eager teacher, he began to talk of the work in the Library. Haldir proved himself a keen listener, indeed when Melpomaen mentioned the scrolls he appeared so captivated that Melpomaen found himself agreeing to show him the rough cartoon copies he had made.
*
Erestor's head hurt. He rolled onto his side feeling grubby and ill. He'd had far too much wine last night... He sat up abruptly. He was naked and in bed. How had that happened? His thoughts retraced the evening's events. He remembered Glorfindel coming to his room, playing Borndo. He remembered admiring the way Glorfindel's hair caught the firelight and the warm glow of his skin. He even seemed to remember... Erestor blushed. Valar preserve me, he thought, please let the image in my head be my over-wrought imagination. But no, the Gods were not that merciful. Erestor knew with certainty that the visions streaming in his mind; of dipping his fingers in wine and painting Glorfindel's lips, of leaning into him for a kiss, were real. What on Arda had possessed him? What else had happened?
He climbed gingerly out of bed. He didn't feel different. It had been a while since he'd had a lover; surely he'd be able to tell? Unless Glorfindel, but no, that was unthinkable. Glorfindel. He stared out the window for a while until he realized how late it was. Melpomean was undoubtedly wondering what had become of him. He rushed through his bath and dress, duty giving him structure to fall back on. He would work. But first he needed to seek out Glorfindel and find out exactly what had happened last night. He paused at his door, a nagging thought telling him he had forgotten something.
*
He found Glorfindel in the stables, saddling Asfeloth.
"A word, Glorfindel".
"Erestor! How feels the head this morning? " Erestor flushed.
"That is exactly what I wished to talk to you about". Several of Glorfindel's warriors were milling around, attempting to be both inconspicuous and within earshot. Erestor pulled Glorfindel back towards the stable.
"Um. About last night?" Glorfindel studied Erestor, a slow grin spreading across his features.
"What about last night?" Glorfindel reached over and tucked a stray lock of Erestor's hair behind his ear, then leaned in to whisper:
"You were magnificent". Erestor paled.
"I was quite intoxicated last night, Glorfindel. I hope you did not take advantage".
"When you engage in diversions like those, my dear Advisor, you should know that intoxication is no excuse. Inhibitions are lowered, but the original impulses are there with or without drink".
"I have no impulses"
"Indeed" Glorfindel made a great show of checking his saddle bags while Erestor tapped his foot in irritation.
"Whatever happened..."
"Whatever happened shall remain a cherished memory, my dear Advisor. Now stand back; Elrond has decided I must take our 'Lorien kin on a tour of our borders. I have quite a lot of work to complete".
Erestor stood, a furious expression fixing on his face. Glorfindel's teasing and suggestive looks were really unbearable. He glared angrily, refusing to budge.
"My dearest Advisor, your determination to keep me here will undoubtedly cause speculation. Perhaps we should continue this conversation somewhere... private? I certainly wouldn't mind a rematch" Glorfindel allowed himself a sweeping leer as his eyes traveled the length of Erestor's body.
"I certainly do not wish to keep you here! Indeed I'll be a happier elf for your absence" snapped Erestor.
"Heartless creature. First you jump on top of me, saying... ah what was it again? That you have been 'harboring a passion for me' and then doing fiendishly erotic things with your wine goblet. And now, in the light of day you send me away with harsh words and venomous looks".
"Wine goblet?" Erestor bore an uncanny resemblance to a beet as that part of the evening came rushing back.
"I had no idea you were so talented. Yes, I certainly had a satisfying evening".
"Satisfying?" Erestor asked weakly. Then I? I would never...I certainly DO NOT! Besides all sorts of things are said drunk, that doesn't excuse you... you..."
Glorfindel leaned in, catching the panel of Erestor's robe and crushed him into a kiss. Lips pressed then parted, tongue seeking Erestor with force and familiarity. Glorfindel tangled his fingers in Erestor's mane, pulling him deeper still, licking, dominating, and swallowing the gasps then tiny moans Erestor made. Erestor felt his legs weaken, he was crumbling, then a strong arm wrapped around him, supporting him even as he felt Glorfindel heatedly grinding into him. His own arousal, fed by denial and last night's drinking sprang to answer, rubbing eagerly against Glorfindel's own. Haze numbed Erestor's mind, allowing only one thought, repeated over and over:
Glorfindel. I'm kissing Glorfindel.
And he wanted to. Had wanted to for a long time, he realized. How could he have not known?
Glorfindel leaned back, smirking. Dazed and breathless, Erestor's bruised lips mawwed in echo and need.
"You were saying?" The cocksure tone jolted Erestor. He glared at Glorfindel.
"Of all the arrogant, conceited..." The normally articulate librarian sputtered at a loss of words. Glorfindel exhaled elaborately.
"You will undoubtedly relieved to know that after you threw yourself at me you promptly passed out. I tucked you in bed almost chastely and only peeked a little. Nice birthmark, by the way".
"I NEVER... YOU YOU..."
"Now if you'll excuse me, Orcs have been raiding villages on the western front. Might as well show our guests some amusement, eh?" Elladan and Elrohir appeared, as if on cue.
"Are you ready, Glorfindel?" Elladan preened for Glorfindel who leapt lightly onto Asfeloth's back.
"Yes, unless my beloved has a parting kiss for me?" A last leer at Erestor.
"I'd rather kiss an Orc!"
"I'll be sure to bring you one then" and with a squeeze of the bridle he was gone. Erestor looked around for something to kick very very hard, finally settling on Glorfindel's tack box.