Glorfindel easily navigated his way about the castle, he was sure now that most of his memories of this place had now returned, though his early life still seemed somewhat fogged, which mattered little to him, he had no desire to replace the memories of his own parents. He wondered at the sacrifice of the couple that had birthed this frame, to give up their own son to such a strange purpose. Continuing on, he shook that thought from his head for it would not do to dwell upon it.

The elfling was proving to be rather elusive, he had checked the library, and the healing house and now he was heading to the public gardens. Leaving the main house he walked over the lawns to the cherry tree and the formal gardens beyond. He paused by the cherry tree and smiled slightly before climbing into the welcoming branches in a few easy moves. He laughed softly to himself and in the back of his head he could hear Ecthelion's exasperated words, 'you should have been born a wood elf my friend!" though all too soon Ecthelion's soft voice had twisted into a harsh cry and Glorfindel saw him fall, his fair face twisted in pain. Glorfindel was snapped out of his painful thoughts by a songbird that chose that moment to land upon a branch close to him and sing a sweet melody. He smiled and thanked the bird, which gave a tweet, before flying off in search of other company.

Peering through the lush leaves he at last spied his quarry, sitting on his favourite bench. Erestor's book was discarded in his lap and the elfling appeared lost in thought, which was unusual, for Erestor was not one for daydreaming and idleness.

After a moment of observation Glorfindel left the safety of the tree and advanced upon the elfling.

"Erestor?"

Erestor's head shot up at the familiar voice and he rose abruptly, the book falling to the floor, forgotten in his haste, as he bowed low, "My Lord."

Glorfindel chuckled softly and bent to pick up the fallen tome, "I was under the impression Erestor, that we were friends, do you greet all your friends so formally?"

Erestor stared at him as if he had grown two heads before collecting his wits and replying wryly, "Only when they are recently reborn elven Lords of great fame."

Glorfindel raised a brow and smiled, "Ah, that is the Erestor I know and love, straight to the point as always."

"If we are going to talk of these matters we should return to our chambers, these things are not yet common knowledge and our position here is most public."

"Then shall we?" Glorfindel asked offering Erestor his arm.

Erestor took the proffered arm and together they made their way back to their rooms.

"I was not certain we would still be sharing chambers after all that has occurred." Glorfindel stated casually as they entered the main house.

"I was offered other chambers but you know how I like my room, I would not be comfortable elsewhere."

Glorfindel nodded as he entered the audience chamber after Erestor.

Erestor sat on the divan feeling awkward; this situation was so familiar and yet different beyond measure. He did not know how it would play out and he hated the uncertainty.

Glorfindel appeared from his room carrying a tray with fresh water, a cordial and two glasses, which he placed on the table. He took a seat opposite Erestor and studied the elfling, he was small for his age but the dark eyes sparkled with intelligence and possibly a little wariness. He had been struck almost as soon as he had set eyes on the young one by the attraction that his former self had felt towards this elf. He felt the attraction too but more than that he felt a strong desire to protect this elfling, to keep him safe and to care for him. It was this desire that caused the tactical leader in him to emerge; he had to make Erestor see that his actions over this affair could have placed him in harms way, if not sent him directly to Mandos Halls.

"We are sitting here like this because you lied about the events that passed between us three nights ago. Do you realise how dangerous that was?"

Erestor stared at him in wide-eyed shock.

"Of course you not only could have put yourself in danger, but also the High King, not to mention the court and it's inhabitants."

Tears welled up in Erestor's eyes.

"I know that you meant well, and no true harm has come to pass this time, but you should have been more careful."

"HOW DARE YOU!" Erestor had risen and now stood glaring down at the Golden Lord with hardened eyes, there was no hint of the vulnerable elfling in that stare.

"Erestor, listen to me, what I am saying is important."

"You have a nerve! I believe I have listened to enough. Or are you asking me to go to Lord Gil-Galad and tell him of how you attacked me with no warning and no provocation while my back was turned!"

"Erestor." Glorfindel had seen this fury in Erestor a few times before and knew he had crossed a line; his heart ached at the thought that he had hurt him. "It would never be my intention to hurt you, and I know that I did, and for that I am truly sorry. But I am a soldier and if I had any evil intent, which for the record I do not, by lying you put yourself in grave danger, do you not see that?"

Erestor turned from his position gazing into the empty fireplace to look at Glorfindel again, tears running down his face, "Do you not understand Fin? I have lost everything that I have ever cared for, everything! I simply could not stand to lose you, it would break my heart, are you not able to see that?"

Glorfindel sighed as he rose, never before had Erestor stated such a thing, he talked little of his losses and Glorfindel had to admit he had almost forgotten what the elfling had endured. He took a step forward and pulled Erestor into an embrace.

Erestor was at first tense and he looked up at Glorfindel before speaking, "If it is your intention to slay me, I would ask you to do so now, for I find I have no interest in enduring while we are at odds."

"Oh, little one," Glorfindel murmured into the dark hair, "you are braver than I, I think I will not slay you just yet." Erestor could feel the teasing grin that Glorfindel was wearing against his head, "I would miss holding you."

Erestor snorted in amusement, "So I am sentenced to being embraced to death?"

Glorfindel chuckled, "that doesn't seem like a bad place to begin. Am I forgiven?"


A/N Crecy, you are welcome to be greedy if you want :o). Reviews help me to keep writing and I'm honoured you would count this tale among your favourites, thank you :o)