Mithrandir leant against the bench back in the private gardens, savouring the goblet of wine in his hand.

"It is quite extraordinary how young Erestor has grown."

Gil-Galad smiled fondly, "Aye, he has grown like a bean stalk this last year, I wonder if he will not be even taller than Glorfindel. Though not knowing his parents it is difficult to say."

Mithrandir appeared thoughtful, "He will be tall, though likely not much taller than he is now."

Gil-Galad's eyes narrowed, "You seem to imply knowledge of the fact?"

The Istari gave a slight smile but shook his head, raising a hand to acknowledge the four young elves that were passing.

"Glorfindel and Erestor I know, who are the other couple?" Mithrandir asked, swiftly changing the subject.

"That is Dînnen, he was a page of Glorfindel's house in Gondolin, he has been with us now for some fourteen years, I think that my Captain sees him more as a son than a servant, he is very protective of the youngster, his companion is Rosuil's youngest daughter, I can see those two bonding sometime soon."

Mithrandir nodded, "They make a fair couple."

They sat in silence a time, watching the younger elves walking through the gardens. As they passed out of sight Mithrandir asked, "Will you be attending the bonding ceremony of Eärendil and Elwing?"

"Nay, I am advised against it, I do not wish to bring troubles to such a joyous day with my presence."

In answer to the Istari's questioning glance, he continued, "there is still a fragile peace between the Noldor and the Sindar in that city, and many still hold me, or at least my position responsible for the kinslayings, I cannot say that I blame them."

"They are wrong to think such a thing, perhaps that is why you should attend?"

Gil-Galad laughed bitterly, "Consider their point of view, my friend.

I am the King of the Noldor, as King Turgon was before me. If we do not have the power to keep our Lord's in check, then are we not responsible for such acts? Or perhaps the Sindar believe that by turning a blind eye, we sanctioned that heinous crime? While it sickens me to the core of my being that they might think this way, I understand their reasoning."

Mithrandir sighed, "If there was anything that Turgon could have done, he would have, you know this, the sons of Fëanor will answer to none in this matter, you are not responsible for their actions."

"I am their King! I am answerable! As was King Turgon, though I know he had his own woes."

Mithrandir shook his head at the High King's words knowing that he would not be easily swayed from this view, even though it was incorrect and served no purpose.

"Círdan will attend if he is able and Corupeth will represent me."

"Will he be taking Erestor with him?"

"I suggested that course, I thought it might be advantageous, but oddly Erestor has refused, most vehemently. It is strange, I thought he would have been interested to see another city, and to be involved in such a prestigious occasion, but I will not force him to attend if he is set against it."

Mithrandir frowned, "That is a shame."


Six years later found Erestor climbing two stairs at a time up to the top of the west tower. Upon reaching the top platform he paused, Glorfindel stood there alone looking out across the ocean, it seemed a very private moment and Erestor felt loath to break it. But he was concerned, and if his friend was in need of comfort, he would be there to give it.

"Fin, are you well?"

Glorfindel turned towards him, it was clear to Erestor that he was upset, so he wasted no more time in closing the distance between them. The Captain welcomed him into his arms easily, wrapping his arms about the Advisor's slight form even as he was himself embraced.

"I will be fine. See?" Glorfindel motioned out to sea, "My Lord Tuor and the Lady Idril's boat. They sail to the West."

"Oh Fin, I am sorry, but you know that you will meet them again." Erestor felt more than heard the chuckle that erupted from his Golden Lord.

"Aye, I know, but it does not make the parting easier, how foolish I am."

Erestor pulled away, guiding Glorfindel to sit upon a low bench and kneeling between his legs. "Nay! You are not foolish, you could never be foolish."

Glorfindel smiled fondly and sighed, "I think your unwavering faith in me is misguided."

Erestor blushed slightly and smiled, "Nay, I think my faith in you, is just as it should be, and I am rarely wrong about these things."

The Golden Lord laughed, "and you are modest with it!"

The elfling grinned, "One of my more admirable qualities."

Glorfindel raised a brow.

"Lord Gil-Galad was looking for you earlier, did he find you?"

Erestor nodded, "He wanted to ask about my begetting day."

"Ah, your majority day feast"

Erestor rolled his eyes, "You know that I do not much care for such celebrations. So there will be no feast."

"No feast?

My dear Erestor spare a thought for your guests, how am I to dance with you, if there is no feast?"

Erestor frowned, "I do fear that he will not heed my request, so I would ask you to help dissuade him from such an idea."

Glorfindel stared at him as if he had gone mad. "Erestor, I regret that this I cannot do, a feast would do you good, and it is my duty to ensure that you have the celebration you deserve."

Erestor sighed heavily; he knew that his pleading would come to naught, "Fin, really I want no feast. I am but a year older, that is all."

Glorfindel thought back over the years and to the many, many times he had wished this day would come. Rather than fading as was once suggested, his feelings for Erestor had grown and grown with the years, and he would mark the long awaited day with a feast. A large feast, one that Erestor would hate he thought guiltily; perhaps they could find a compromise.

His friend had sat back and was wearing a thoughtful expression on his face. The Golden elf marvelled at the way the late afternoon sun danced across his companion's pale skin lending it a golden tint, and how the raven hair cascaded down Erestor's shoulders with a healthy shine. In his eyes Erestor was perfect, how could he not long for the day when he might court him, and not wish to celebrate the same.

Wrenching himself from such thoughts, Glorfindel frowned slightly, "Erestor I am at a loss as to what to gift you for your majority, is there anything that you want?"

An expression that the Golden Lord had never seen before crossed over the younger elf's face and a smile played at the edges of his mouth as the dark eyes fixed upon him.

Erestor raised himself so he was kneeling upright and leaned into Glorfindel's body, his forearms and hands resting automatically on the older elf's thighs. "Aye there is something that I desire. Allow me to demonstrate."

Glorfindel gulped, Erestor was so close he could feel the heat of his body between his legs, and his hands stroked his thighs. He gazed lovingly into the fathomless dark eyes, spellbound by the vision before him.

Erestor smiled predatorily before closing the distance between his lips and those of his Golden love.

"Erestor!" Glorfindel warned.

"Shh…" countered the advisor as he placed another chaste kiss upon his love's mouth.

"This is not wise," Glorfindel stated, desperately trying to keep his passions in check and forcing himself not to return the kisses he had waited so long for.

"I grow tired of being wise." Erestor had moved to Glorfindel's neck and was suckling at the soft skin, "you asked what I wanted. This is what I want."

Glorfindel closed his eyes, savouring the sensation, his resolve shattering.

Erestor's heart leapt as he felt Glorfindel's arms close around him, and sword calloused hands tracing the contours of his back. He moved back slightly to better see his lover's face only to have lips descend upon his own. Their kiss was loving and passionate, filled with years of unsatisfied desire, an exploration of tongues, and a brief union of souls. Erestor thought his heart would burst with joy, his legging becoming tight with his arousal and he sighed his delight into his love's mouth.

The clearing of a throat caused their eyes to snap open in alarm, and Glorfindel could feel a sinking in his stomach, knowing that word of their actions would be all around the castle by the evening meal. Breaking apart, they turned their heads towards the intruder.

Standing in his guard uniform at the top of the stairs Mîrgaer's brother stood with barely contained mirth. Glorfindel breathed a sigh of relief, ever since his welcome feast the young elf had been a silent support and had become a good friend, he would not speak of this.

"Do you two not have a chamber to go to?" The guard asked, laughter colouring his words.

Glorfindel rolled his eyes, his hand still tracing patterns on the advisor's back.

"I will be joined in but a few moments by more of the guard, if you do not wish to be seen, and have this common knowledge" the guard's speech trailed off, his meaning clear. He smirked before adding under his breath, "not that any would be surprised"

Glorfindel nodded once and rose, Erestor doing likewise, before he leaned in and whispered into his beloved's ear with a smile, "I will consider your request."


A/N CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur, Crecy, RMC, and arcrose - I promise to keep the updates coming, thank you for your comments

Faby – I don't think Erestor wants anybody else, I'm sure they figured it out!

Asha Dreamweaver – I'm glad to hear from you, thanks for finding the time to comment