Part III
Chapter summary: Lindir has his first seduction lesson with Erestor. Rating: G – PG...
Lindir cleared his throat and knocked on the door shifting on his feet.
Erestor smiled at the elf's punctuality and headed for the door, opening it with a big smile.
"Lindir! You are right on time, come on in."
"Good evening Lord Erestor."
The dark haired elf watched amusedly as Lindir shuffled into the room and wondered how on earth he would seduce someone. It was obvious Lindir had all the requirements to seduce someone, he was beautiful, intelligent, charming and had a enchanting voice, but that charmed people, it did not seduce. The art of seduction did not always demand beauty, but a sharp mind and good conversation, and of course the right personality, which happened to be the younger elf's problem. Erestor simply could not imagine the extremely shy minstrel acting like Glorfindel to conquer a one night stand.
The advisor motioned for the other Lindir to take a seat at the dinner table he had asked to be set in his rooms.
"Sit," Erestor also sat, clasping his hands together before resting his face on them.
"Lindir, tonight we start our lessons. Are you nervous?" He asked merely trying to start some conversation, but all the answer he got was a nod.
"Well, do not be, you will do well, you will learn all you need. It is in you, believe me, we just have to explore that side of you. Now, tell me, if you were to ...perform your task tonight, how would you proceed?"
"Well, I guess I...would invite...him or her to dinner and...I guess I would make a picnic, under the night sky." Lindir spoke nodding, his voice seemed sure of what he was saying even though he paused to gather his thoughts before speaking and the elf seemed impressed with himself.
Erestor nodded. "That is very nice, very romantic. The question is, what would you do next? Seduction is not only about the place you choose, or the time, it is mainly about the words you say and the way you act. Dinner is a great occasion for seduction, just as a walk in the gardens, or a private conversation. The setting matters very little if you are sure of how to proceed, but it is true that if you have a romantic setting you have more..."
Erestor searched for the right word. "tools at your disposition." The dark haired elf stood to fetch a bottle of wine that was resting on the side table along with their dinner. Pouring some of the sweet beverage for them both, he took his place at the table and sipped calmly, knowing Lindir was probably wondering how the stern elf could possibly know anything about seduction.
He had practiced quite a few times, but the real knowledge came from observing other's behavior, something that had always fascinated the elder elf.
"Go on Lindir, what would you tell this elf? How would you act?"
The white haired elf looked up into Erestor's eyes, mouth agape, scratching his cheek as he wondered what to say. "I would..praise their beauty and qualities and...ah...ask them to dance?"
"That is good, the dance I mean. Praising one's beauty is sometimes too...affected; you can tell the intentions behind the words, so when seducing, instead of trying to hide, you should show them. For an example; your hair is extremely beautiful, meldir." Erestor said honestly, admiring the natural shine to Lindir's hair.
"Thank you."
"Yes, now, watch this," Grinning, the advisor stood and walked to Lindir. Kneeling beside the minstrel, he took a strand of the silk-like white hair, marveling at how soft it felt, before returning his mind to the task at hand. He brought the strand closer to him and inhaled the elf's scent and locking eyes with the younger elf he whispered: "Your hair is extremely beautiful, meldir."
Watching the fair elf blush and avert his eyes Erestor smiled and reluctantly stood, returning to his chair.
"You could notice the difference, could you not? Both in the way I spoke and the way you reacted. The words were the same, but the way I acted was not. Instead of hiding your intentions, make them clear, subtle words, not so subtle actions. Oh! And never break eye contact. Could you tell that even though I complimented your hair, doing so while looking into your eyes, was much more intimate and suggestive? Do you agree?"
"Yes.." Lindir was amazed at how each word Erestor spoke made sense, he could imagine someone trying to seduce him in the way the advisor described, and the thought was thrilling. He intently watched the taller elf move, his eyes capturing the most subtle movements, the way the fabric of the elf's robes flowed around him, it all seemed to be conspiring. He could do this...he had to succeed in this task.
"Very well, Lindir you were given fifteen days to achieve your goal and you should start approaching this elf as soon as possible, even before our lessons finish, that way you will have more time. Salad?" Erestor's honey colored eyes looked up questioningly and at Lindir's nod he served the young elf, then himself, and started eating.
"Do you already have a plan of action?"
Lindir seemed slightly surprised at the question, but nodded. Erestor mentally shook his head trying to imagine what kind of plan the elf's innocent mind could have come up with.
"Ah..Erestor?"
"Yes?"
"What do you all...do, at these reunions?"
"Ah, worry not Lindir, we simply gather to enjoy each others company as good friends and obviously, discuss the things all groups of friends discuss."
"Just that?" Erestor smiled at Lindir's nervousness and nodded.
"Then why...was Haldir almost naked when I walked in?"
"Well, just as you have to seduce someone to become part of the League, that was his admission task."
The white haired elf's eyes widened visibly and his cheeks flushed. "I will not have to do that, will I?"
"No, I do not think so. Calm down Lindir, there is no need to look like you would flee Imladris at any moment, we will not do anything you do not want to." Erestor said grinning and returning his attention to the salad.
"Oh, I should probably inform you, we will be meeting every day, but tomorrow the League will be dining together at a nearby tavern, and you will be joining us."
"A Tavern? But, does not Lord Elrond have to be present at the evening meal here?"
Erestor laughed warmly, his dark hair falling over the slender shoulder as he bent forward.
"No Lindir, although he is the Lord of the house, Elrond has always made clear no such formalities should be held here. He just dines there every night for lack of other places to go, and if you promise to not share it with anyone, the reason why he arrives early in the main hall is his hunger."
Lindir chuckled softly, discreetly analyzing the older elf. He knew Erestor was not the cold, detached elf people took him for, it was merely his behavior while on duty. He had helped the advisor in the library for some time now to know the 'rumors' were false, but still the dark haired elf seemed shy or reserved at the least, and now, although he was not as outgoing as Glorfindel - because that was a hard thing to be- Erestor seemed different, in a lighter mood, a more carefree behavior and it was a nice change.
"Lindir, one of the things that would help you greatly on this task, as well as for the rest of your life, would be letting go of your shyness, there is really no reason for you to have it. Someone who performs in the Halls of Fire so masterfully entertaining and hypnotizing the crowd, should not be shy at all. That is one thing we will have to work on. Tomorrow, before the League meets for dinner, we will go to the nearby market."
"To do what?"
"To buy you some clothes. Now back to the seduction, a good way someone, even if momentarily, is working with your qualities, but making it seem as if you are unaware of them. For example, singing to your 'victim' could be good if done at the appropriated moment. Lord Elrond would very likely use his conversation skills, to befriend, flatter, and involve. Glorfindel would.."
"Get naked?" Lindir offered and Erestor burst out laughing.
"Oh yes, most definitely, he does think his body is his greatest quality, but then again it must be, with a one tracked mind like his, it could not be his intelligence."
Lindir chuckled shyly afraid to offend the Balrog Slayer even thoughhe was not present.
"What would you do Erestor?"
"What?" He looked up surprised.
"What quality would you use?"
"Hmmm, my expertise in the art of seduction?" Erestor said grinning wickedly at the furious blush that crept into Lindir's cheeks.
"I merely jest, but see, again, the right words, provoke the desired reaction. Words are essential my friend, but sometimes not needed. You have to know the right moment to stop."
Lindir nodded and cleared his throat pushing the food around his plate. It was quite more complicated than it seemed.
"Not hungry? I am not either. Come." Erestor said raising from his seat and offering the other his hand.
Lindir shot a questioning look at Erestor but accepted the hand and stood.
"Now, the dance. It is a very important weapon to be used Lindir. Why, you ask? Because of many factors, the proximity of the bodies, the almost public intimacy of being so close to another, the chance to whisper things only the intended ear can hear, the right rhythm setting the mood..." Erestor walked the younger elf to the balcony and stood in front of him admiring the way the moon illuminated the fair skin and pale hair, making them shine, the sky blue eyes reflected the silvery light of the night lightening them and giving the elegant elf an ethereal look.
Lindir himself was lost watching Erestor, his honey eyes taking a darker hue under the darkened sky, the black hair flowing past his shoulders, strands flying with the soft breeze.
"How do you danc,e Lindir?" Erestor asked motioning for the elf to position them.
"Well...it depends, when dancing with a maiden, like this." He said placing Erestor's right hand his shoulder, his left hand on the other's waist, and joining his right hand with Erestor's left one, their bodies at a fair distance.
"I do not tend to dance with lads unless it is for mere fun, but it would be pretty much the same way. Now, when Lord Glorfindel drags me to the dance floor, he tends to do like this." He said moving Erestor's arm around his neck and wrapping his own around the slender waist. "Of course he also presses so close I cannot breathe." He said chuckling along with the dark haired elf.
"Well Glorfindel is right, body language is helpful too. His case is an exception of course, because his body language shows desire towards any moving being, excluding dwarves. But when you hold someone close like this, you tell them you want them close, even closer, if you dance slowly, rest your face against theirs, or on their shoulder, all of that shows intimacy." "When you are seducing someone, you should take the lead, the initiative, therefore, you would be dancing like you are now, arms around the elf's waist, his or hers around your neck, just like that. You should probably whisper things to them, you know...maybe I should just make you watch Glorfindel for a day, that should teach you all you need to know. Now you lead."
Erestor watched amusedly as Lindir clearly had little experience dancing and moved tensely, almost to the point of stumbling over their feet.
/This will be difficult, I can tell..,/Erestor thought letting go of the younger elf.
"Let us go back inside, enough dancing for today." He said taking a delicate hand in his, touched only by music, and led the way. "If you do not have any other questions, I believe we are through for the night."
"I..I do not have any at the moment, but I will surely have some by tomorrow."
"All right then. We will meet after breakfast in my study and from there head to the market. Worry not about money, it has all been taken care of."
Lindir nodded and blushed weakly. "Thank you Erestor, I am really anxious about this whole thing."
"Ah! Nonsense, you will do great, just relax." The older elf said, patting the other's shoulder and bidding him goodnight.
After closing the door Erestor threw himself face down on the bed and sighed. He did not think Lindir could seduce anyone, but he could surely bewitch, he knew it from experience.
TBC...
Chapter summary: Lindir has his first seduction lesson with Erestor. Rating: G – PG...
Lindir cleared his throat and knocked on the door shifting on his feet.
Erestor smiled at the elf's punctuality and headed for the door, opening it with a big smile.
"Lindir! You are right on time, come on in."
"Good evening Lord Erestor."
The dark haired elf watched amusedly as Lindir shuffled into the room and wondered how on earth he would seduce someone. It was obvious Lindir had all the requirements to seduce someone, he was beautiful, intelligent, charming and had a enchanting voice, but that charmed people, it did not seduce. The art of seduction did not always demand beauty, but a sharp mind and good conversation, and of course the right personality, which happened to be the younger elf's problem. Erestor simply could not imagine the extremely shy minstrel acting like Glorfindel to conquer a one night stand.
The advisor motioned for the other Lindir to take a seat at the dinner table he had asked to be set in his rooms.
"Sit," Erestor also sat, clasping his hands together before resting his face on them.
"Lindir, tonight we start our lessons. Are you nervous?" He asked merely trying to start some conversation, but all the answer he got was a nod.
"Well, do not be, you will do well, you will learn all you need. It is in you, believe me, we just have to explore that side of you. Now, tell me, if you were to ...perform your task tonight, how would you proceed?"
"Well, I guess I...would invite...him or her to dinner and...I guess I would make a picnic, under the night sky." Lindir spoke nodding, his voice seemed sure of what he was saying even though he paused to gather his thoughts before speaking and the elf seemed impressed with himself.
Erestor nodded. "That is very nice, very romantic. The question is, what would you do next? Seduction is not only about the place you choose, or the time, it is mainly about the words you say and the way you act. Dinner is a great occasion for seduction, just as a walk in the gardens, or a private conversation. The setting matters very little if you are sure of how to proceed, but it is true that if you have a romantic setting you have more..."
Erestor searched for the right word. "tools at your disposition." The dark haired elf stood to fetch a bottle of wine that was resting on the side table along with their dinner. Pouring some of the sweet beverage for them both, he took his place at the table and sipped calmly, knowing Lindir was probably wondering how the stern elf could possibly know anything about seduction.
He had practiced quite a few times, but the real knowledge came from observing other's behavior, something that had always fascinated the elder elf.
"Go on Lindir, what would you tell this elf? How would you act?"
The white haired elf looked up into Erestor's eyes, mouth agape, scratching his cheek as he wondered what to say. "I would..praise their beauty and qualities and...ah...ask them to dance?"
"That is good, the dance I mean. Praising one's beauty is sometimes too...affected; you can tell the intentions behind the words, so when seducing, instead of trying to hide, you should show them. For an example; your hair is extremely beautiful, meldir." Erestor said honestly, admiring the natural shine to Lindir's hair.
"Thank you."
"Yes, now, watch this," Grinning, the advisor stood and walked to Lindir. Kneeling beside the minstrel, he took a strand of the silk-like white hair, marveling at how soft it felt, before returning his mind to the task at hand. He brought the strand closer to him and inhaled the elf's scent and locking eyes with the younger elf he whispered: "Your hair is extremely beautiful, meldir."
Watching the fair elf blush and avert his eyes Erestor smiled and reluctantly stood, returning to his chair.
"You could notice the difference, could you not? Both in the way I spoke and the way you reacted. The words were the same, but the way I acted was not. Instead of hiding your intentions, make them clear, subtle words, not so subtle actions. Oh! And never break eye contact. Could you tell that even though I complimented your hair, doing so while looking into your eyes, was much more intimate and suggestive? Do you agree?"
"Yes.." Lindir was amazed at how each word Erestor spoke made sense, he could imagine someone trying to seduce him in the way the advisor described, and the thought was thrilling. He intently watched the taller elf move, his eyes capturing the most subtle movements, the way the fabric of the elf's robes flowed around him, it all seemed to be conspiring. He could do this...he had to succeed in this task.
"Very well, Lindir you were given fifteen days to achieve your goal and you should start approaching this elf as soon as possible, even before our lessons finish, that way you will have more time. Salad?" Erestor's honey colored eyes looked up questioningly and at Lindir's nod he served the young elf, then himself, and started eating.
"Do you already have a plan of action?"
Lindir seemed slightly surprised at the question, but nodded. Erestor mentally shook his head trying to imagine what kind of plan the elf's innocent mind could have come up with.
"Ah..Erestor?"
"Yes?"
"What do you all...do, at these reunions?"
"Ah, worry not Lindir, we simply gather to enjoy each others company as good friends and obviously, discuss the things all groups of friends discuss."
"Just that?" Erestor smiled at Lindir's nervousness and nodded.
"Then why...was Haldir almost naked when I walked in?"
"Well, just as you have to seduce someone to become part of the League, that was his admission task."
The white haired elf's eyes widened visibly and his cheeks flushed. "I will not have to do that, will I?"
"No, I do not think so. Calm down Lindir, there is no need to look like you would flee Imladris at any moment, we will not do anything you do not want to." Erestor said grinning and returning his attention to the salad.
"Oh, I should probably inform you, we will be meeting every day, but tomorrow the League will be dining together at a nearby tavern, and you will be joining us."
"A Tavern? But, does not Lord Elrond have to be present at the evening meal here?"
Erestor laughed warmly, his dark hair falling over the slender shoulder as he bent forward.
"No Lindir, although he is the Lord of the house, Elrond has always made clear no such formalities should be held here. He just dines there every night for lack of other places to go, and if you promise to not share it with anyone, the reason why he arrives early in the main hall is his hunger."
Lindir chuckled softly, discreetly analyzing the older elf. He knew Erestor was not the cold, detached elf people took him for, it was merely his behavior while on duty. He had helped the advisor in the library for some time now to know the 'rumors' were false, but still the dark haired elf seemed shy or reserved at the least, and now, although he was not as outgoing as Glorfindel - because that was a hard thing to be- Erestor seemed different, in a lighter mood, a more carefree behavior and it was a nice change.
"Lindir, one of the things that would help you greatly on this task, as well as for the rest of your life, would be letting go of your shyness, there is really no reason for you to have it. Someone who performs in the Halls of Fire so masterfully entertaining and hypnotizing the crowd, should not be shy at all. That is one thing we will have to work on. Tomorrow, before the League meets for dinner, we will go to the nearby market."
"To do what?"
"To buy you some clothes. Now back to the seduction, a good way someone, even if momentarily, is working with your qualities, but making it seem as if you are unaware of them. For example, singing to your 'victim' could be good if done at the appropriated moment. Lord Elrond would very likely use his conversation skills, to befriend, flatter, and involve. Glorfindel would.."
"Get naked?" Lindir offered and Erestor burst out laughing.
"Oh yes, most definitely, he does think his body is his greatest quality, but then again it must be, with a one tracked mind like his, it could not be his intelligence."
Lindir chuckled shyly afraid to offend the Balrog Slayer even thoughhe was not present.
"What would you do Erestor?"
"What?" He looked up surprised.
"What quality would you use?"
"Hmmm, my expertise in the art of seduction?" Erestor said grinning wickedly at the furious blush that crept into Lindir's cheeks.
"I merely jest, but see, again, the right words, provoke the desired reaction. Words are essential my friend, but sometimes not needed. You have to know the right moment to stop."
Lindir nodded and cleared his throat pushing the food around his plate. It was quite more complicated than it seemed.
"Not hungry? I am not either. Come." Erestor said raising from his seat and offering the other his hand.
Lindir shot a questioning look at Erestor but accepted the hand and stood.
"Now, the dance. It is a very important weapon to be used Lindir. Why, you ask? Because of many factors, the proximity of the bodies, the almost public intimacy of being so close to another, the chance to whisper things only the intended ear can hear, the right rhythm setting the mood..." Erestor walked the younger elf to the balcony and stood in front of him admiring the way the moon illuminated the fair skin and pale hair, making them shine, the sky blue eyes reflected the silvery light of the night lightening them and giving the elegant elf an ethereal look.
Lindir himself was lost watching Erestor, his honey eyes taking a darker hue under the darkened sky, the black hair flowing past his shoulders, strands flying with the soft breeze.
"How do you danc,e Lindir?" Erestor asked motioning for the elf to position them.
"Well...it depends, when dancing with a maiden, like this." He said placing Erestor's right hand his shoulder, his left hand on the other's waist, and joining his right hand with Erestor's left one, their bodies at a fair distance.
"I do not tend to dance with lads unless it is for mere fun, but it would be pretty much the same way. Now, when Lord Glorfindel drags me to the dance floor, he tends to do like this." He said moving Erestor's arm around his neck and wrapping his own around the slender waist. "Of course he also presses so close I cannot breathe." He said chuckling along with the dark haired elf.
"Well Glorfindel is right, body language is helpful too. His case is an exception of course, because his body language shows desire towards any moving being, excluding dwarves. But when you hold someone close like this, you tell them you want them close, even closer, if you dance slowly, rest your face against theirs, or on their shoulder, all of that shows intimacy." "When you are seducing someone, you should take the lead, the initiative, therefore, you would be dancing like you are now, arms around the elf's waist, his or hers around your neck, just like that. You should probably whisper things to them, you know...maybe I should just make you watch Glorfindel for a day, that should teach you all you need to know. Now you lead."
Erestor watched amusedly as Lindir clearly had little experience dancing and moved tensely, almost to the point of stumbling over their feet.
/This will be difficult, I can tell..,/Erestor thought letting go of the younger elf.
"Let us go back inside, enough dancing for today." He said taking a delicate hand in his, touched only by music, and led the way. "If you do not have any other questions, I believe we are through for the night."
"I..I do not have any at the moment, but I will surely have some by tomorrow."
"All right then. We will meet after breakfast in my study and from there head to the market. Worry not about money, it has all been taken care of."
Lindir nodded and blushed weakly. "Thank you Erestor, I am really anxious about this whole thing."
"Ah! Nonsense, you will do great, just relax." The older elf said, patting the other's shoulder and bidding him goodnight.
After closing the door Erestor threw himself face down on the bed and sighed. He did not think Lindir could seduce anyone, but he could surely bewitch, he knew it from experience.
TBC...