A/N Apologies for taking so long to upload a new chapter
and many thanks to LadyJanelly and anonymous slashlover for their reviews and support
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The bedchamber was almost pitch black; Erestor was sat on the side of the bed with a damp cloth in his hand. Glorfindel clung to him desperately, delirious in his sleep and sweating profusely.
Erestor rinsed the cloth in the basin, before wiping his friend's brow again, all the while speaking reassuring nonsense. Erestor sighed, over the last three months Glorfindel's dreams had become worse, to the point now, where he was almost inconsolable.
It was curious, Erestor thought wryly, that he was now soothing an elf; who not so long ago had comforted him in much the same way.
Having consoled the golden haired elf many times over the previous months Erestor was able to tell when the worst was over, and after cleaning him up climbed into the bed and pulled the elf into his arms. Glorfindel snuggled up to him, having become used to his occasional presence and his reverie became calmer. Before falling into dreams himself, Erestor pondered the often odd reaction that Glorfindel had towards him in the mornings, and wondered why it was that he seemed unusually shy towards him on those occasions, he reached no conclusion before reverie claimed him.
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A sharp knock on the chamber door raised both elves from their night's rest the next morning, and with no further warning a maid entered carrying a tray laden with food and juices.
She cleared her throat before saying, "You have missed the morning meal; Lord Gil-Galad instructed me to bring you something here."
Erestor noted that the maid looked quite irritated to be charged with such a task, and shocked too, to see the two of them apparently naked and in the same bed. He briefly wondered what type of rumours she would spread about this encounter.
Glorfindel rose, forgetting momentarily that he was naked and in the presence of a female, Erestor threw him a towel, which he hastily wrapped about his waist before bowing low, "Please accept our most sincere thanks My Lady."
Erestor rolled his eyes slightly at the ridiculousness of the encounter; certain that Glorfindel's attempt at flattery would only make the situation worse.
The maid eyed the golden haired elf appraisingly; it was not often that a chambermaid was addressed thusly by a half naked, and very attractive young elf. She blushed in response as Glorfindel walked her to the door and shut it quietly behind her.
"What do you say to breakfast in bed, Erestor?" He said with a grin, picking up the tray as he returned to his room.
"I'd say that it was decadent, but seeing as it is your begetting day, I think you can be forgiven for such an indulgence, though the crumbs in the bed will likely have the maids talking for weeks." Erestor replied, sitting up in the bed.
"She will not talk," Glorfindel said confidently placing the tray upon the bed and a piece of fruit in his mouth.
"And why would she not?"
"For if she does I will not dance with her at my begetting day feast tonight."
"You are truly despicable Glorfindel" Erestor replied in an exasperated tone, helping himself to a pastry.
Glorfindel laughed as he sat on the bed, "It would be quite rude of me to dance with none but you, you know."
Erestor rolled his eyes.
Erestor glanced with distaste at the hunting knife that Glorfindel kept on his bedside table and left to stand by the window as Glorfindel began to dress, occasionally pausing to take a bite from a pastry or fruit.
"Happy begetting day Fin, It will be a beautiful day, you are fortunate that your begetting day falls upon the Gates of Summer."
On hearing no answer, Erestor turned to face Glorfindel and was concerned by what he saw; Glorfindel had paused in his dressing and was staring into space, his expression solemn.
"Fin?"
The golden haired elf seemed to shake himself out of his thoughts and raised his eyes to the dark gaze. "Something terrible has happened Erestor, I sense it"
"What do you sense?" Erestor said as he moved to sit beside Glorfindel.
"I cannot say, I feel grief, such as I have not felt since my Naneth and Adar passed over the sea, yet it is worse."
Erestor sighed, "I cannot help but wonder if it is not just the aftermath of your dreams Glorfindel, it is the day of your majority, you should not let the darkness that haunts you, rob you of your joy this day."
Glorfindel managed a smile, "You are right of course, I have much to keep me occupied today, I shall think on it no longer."
Erestor did not think that Glorfindel was convinced by the words he spoke, but he seemed resolved to try at the very least. Certainly he felt that Glorfindel was correct in one respect, his begetting day was usually the busiest day of the year. The Gates of Summer Festival in Balar was renowned. There would be contests of arms to keep the golden haired elf occupied and markets and come evening a great feast, with dancing and songs.
"Will you come and watch the contests Erestor?" Glorfindel knew it was unlikely, but still each year he asked. He found the elfling's attitude towards weapons and sparring peculiar, and his excuses unsatisfactory, but despite this, he would not force Erestor into doing something against his will."
"I wish to visit the markets" Erestor replied, easily dismissing Glorfindel's request.
The hurt look that flashed across Glorfindel's face for just a moment; was not lost on Erestor, and he lowered his eyes to study his hands, a slight ache settling in his heart.
"We should go and see Lord Gil-Galad, he will wish to congratulate you, and we should apologise for our tardiness." Erestor said, changing the subject.
"Aye we should, will you be going like that? Or do you wish to change first?" Glorfindel replied teasingly. Erestor's appearance was dishevelled, his hair mussed, and he was dressed only in loose blue sleeping pants. Glorfindel thought that he had never looked better.
He smiled at the scowl he received for his teasing, as Erestor darted out of the room with an "I'll be ready in just a moment."
