Erestor extricated himself from Glorfindel's embrace and moved to sit on the divan again, motioning for Glorfindel to join him, which, after a moment he did, taking the seat next to Erestor, for this was not a time for formality between them.
"I don't suppose you can tell me why you did it?"
Glorfindel looked uncomfortable, "Nay, I am sorry Erestor, I am really not sure, Mithrandir believes that it is possible you got caught up in one of my nightmares. I had a recurring nightmare after my death."
Erestor looked curious, "What was it of?"
"It was centred about a true event," Glorfindel paused. "A year before the fall of the city one of my patrols was ambushed by orcs and two of my men taken." Glorfindel paused, his eyes exuding a leader's guilt, "We found them and freed them but they had been defiled to such an extent that recovery was impossible."
Erestor snaked an arm about Glorfindel's waist to offer what comfort he could, "What happened to them?"
Glorfindel sighed, "One fell upon his sword, the other attempted to make a meal of himself, he jumped into one of the boiling cauldrons in the kitchens to get rid of the feeling of the hands upon him."
Erestor cringed.
"He survived, though his injuries were severe, and he sailed to Valinor shortly after."
"That is the answer," Erestor stated softly," your only words were that you would not be so defiled, you thought I was going to hurt you."
"I am so sorry, little one."
"Nay, this is not your fault, however considering I am but a few years younger than you, I will not be called little one."
Glorfindel chuckled, "You are many more than a few years younger than me Erestor."
Erestor looked determined, "not as far as I am concerned My Lord," Erestor teased, "you are my friend and I fully intend to treat you no differently, that shall be your penance."
The Golden Lord laughed, "very well Erestor, we have a deal, you shall treat me no differently and I shall not call you little one."
Erestor grinned, "Good, now that that is settled, shall we go and eat?"
Later that day Glorfindel and Erestor sat with Gil-Galad and Círdan in the private gardens. Their conversation was dominated by the events of the past days. Glorfindel was quiet, and for the most part only listened to the chatter about him while still trying to come to terms with the change in his allegiances and the foreboding he had about the future.
Erestor though was in his element, there was little that he liked more, despite the graveness of the occasion, than a good discussion involving political manoeuvring and allegiances, and he had much to add to the discussion. Círdan and Gil-Galad indulged him and both had to admit that he had some good points to make. Gil-Galad's mood remained sober and Círdan remained ever supportive.
Frowning Gil-Galad turned his head to look behind him and asked, "Will you not join us Mithrandir?"
The wizard stepped from the shadow of the building, where he had been lurking for a few moments, before replying, "I will, though I regret that I am unable to stay long."
"You are leaving us?" Círdan asked as Mithrandir took a seat.
"I am, though I could not do so without seeing this to its rightful place." Mithrandir produced the bundle that Gil-Galad recalled delivering to him some days ago.
All eyes looked expectantly at the wizard for none knew what the package contained or to whom it would be gifted.
"Glorfindel, I regret that you may have a need for this sometime soon."
Glorfindel rose to his knees from the grass where he had been reclining, and took the bundle from Mithrandir reverently before seating himself back down. He unwrapped the object from its leather raiment and gasped, raising astonished eyes to Mithrandir, "How is this possible?"
Mithrandir merely smiled as Glorfindel raised the sword from the leather.
"It will need some attention of course." Mithrandir stated.
Of that there was no doubt, there was little left of the blade, the metal that remained bore witness to its last engagement, like the wax that runs down a long used candle it bore drips of once molten metal running to the hilt. The hilt though remained relatively unscathed, soot covered brass with intricate carvings of vines and golden flowers; it was quite beautiful for a weapon of war.
"Thank you Mithrandir, and please pass on my gratitude if you have occasion to the Eagles of Cirith Thoronath."
Mithrandir nodded once, "I regret I must leave you now, the ship waits upon my arrival."
Glorfindel lent against a stack of wooden crates on the dock as he watched Mithrandir's ship sail off into the distance. He had to admit that the wizard's presence had been welcome, he above any other knew the trials that still awaited him in this new life and he had found his presence reassuring. Still Mithrandir had promised to visit him next year if he was able and Glorfindel found he looked forward to it.
Glorfindel blinked a couple of times at the departing ship and turned to his faithful companion, "The hour grows late, we should return." Erestor did not protest, knowing from experience that his friend was always a little emotional after Mithrandir had left, and so he let his friend take charge.
"Do you know of a good forge?" Glorfindel asked as they walked up the main street.
Erestor looked at him curiously, "I can in all honesty say that I do not. Now if you wished to know the best place to have a book bound, or where to get the finest inks," he paused, a teasing smile on his face, "there, I could help."
Glorfindel chuckled at the realisation that asking Erestor such a question was akin to asking Lord Gil-Galad where the best place was to get thread for embroidery.
He shook his head absently as they continued on to the castle.
A/N CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur – thank you :o)
Crecy - :o)
RMC – thank you for your kind comments, I'm so glad you are enjoying the tale
