Glorfindel stood rooted to the spot, unable to believe his eyes as he watched the two elves dancing about each other, knives glinting in the afternoon light. Blinking several times and even pinching himself to ensure he was not dreaming he came to admit that he really was seeing Erestor spar with knives.
Shaking off his bemusement he studied the form of the two elves with the eye of an instructor in arms. While it was clear that Lord Celeborn had more skill, the younger elf had an affinity with his weapons, a raw talent that could easily be cultivated. Glorfindel felt his heart surge with pride; for while he did not know yet the exact circumstances that had brought Erestor here onto the training field, he was certain that it had not been easy for him to pick up those weapons.
Focusing once more on the task that had brought him in search of Erestor he moved with stealth to where Erestor's outer robe lay upon a bench, deposited the hand written missive in plain sight and disappeared into the shadows to wait until the letter was discovered.
Glorfindel did not think he had ever seen his friend look as relaxed as he did leaving the field with Lord Celeborn. He noted that the air of sadness that often followed the younger elf was gone, there was a sureness in his step, and a lightness in his laugh that he did not remember noticing before, and it gladdened his heart to see it.
He continued to watch as Erestor picked up the missive, looking at it curiously before donning his robes and disappearing with Celeborn into the house.
-
Erestor,
Would you do me the honour of foregoing the evening meal in favour of a ride with me tonight?
I shall meet you in the stables an hour before sunset.
Please come.
Yours always,
Glorfindel
Erestor read the letter several times, his curiosity piqued. On the one hand he was heartily relieved that Glorfindel wished to see him, but on the other this invitation was so unlike Glorfindel that it raised a deep suspicion.
There was no doubt in his mind that he would attend, and so decided he sent a message to Celeborn and Gil-Galad offering his apologies and set about readying himself for his engagement. Glancing out of the window he noted that he did not have long before the appointed hour and disappeared into the bathing chamber in haste.
Entering his chamber once more he pulled out of his wardrobe a dark green riding outfit that was elaborated trimmed and embroidered in gold. He smiled quirkily as he considered the outfit. It had been part of his begetting day gift from Gil-Galad and he remembered wondering at the time what had possessed the king to have it made for him, for while it was undeniably a fine garment, it was also so far removed from his usual attire as to be impractical in the extreme. He had never thought he would consider wearing it, yet here he was wondering if he was brave enough to do just that. Throwing caution to the wind he quickly changed, and checking his reflection, had to admit that the outfit was rather flattering, the tight leggings hugged the contours of his legs perfectly and the matching tunic accentuated his lithe form most becomingly.
Finally he pulled back his hair and fastened it with another gift, a golden pin decorated with the ivy leaves of Doriath. Satisfied with his appearance he left the room, drawing his cloak about him securely, just as the tower bell sounded the hour.
-
Glorfindel could never remember feeling as nervous as he was now; he had spent the two hours since he dropped off his invitation in dressing and fretting. And now he paced the stables, every moment that had passed since the tower bell had sounded causing his confidence to shrink a little more. Barely five minutes had passed since the bell and Glorfindel had already convinced himself that his invitation had been refused, thus he jumped startled when he heard Erestor's melodious voice speak his name.
"I did not think to catch you unawares, were you not expecting me?"
Glorfindel smiled in relief, turning towards his guest, his heart melting at the sight, for never had he seen Erestor looking so radiant and comely. When at last he found his voice he replied shyly, "I was not sure you would come."
Erestor smiled, picking up his saddle "and why would I not? So, where are you spiriting me off to?" He asked brightly.
Glorfindel grinned, as he threw a saddle over his horse's back, "The rock pools."
Erestor raised a brow in surprise, it had been some years since they had journeyed to the rock pools, and never had they been there at night. He remembered their last ride out with fondness, it had been the height of the summer and the naturally stepped bathing pools had been a welcome distraction from his studies.
The long silence after his admission gave rise to Glorfindel's nerves once more and looking over Asfaloth's back he enquired, "Is something wrong?"
Startled from his musings, Erestor returned his gaze with a smile, "Nay, nay, I was just remembering our last visit to that place; it has been long since we travelled that far from the castle."
Glorfindel nodded, and led Asfaloth out of his stall, Erestor leading Naurwen out a short time later.
"Are you ready?"
"Aye, I am ready, but should we not take some provisions with us?"
Glorfindel mounted, "Nay there is no need, at Erestor's concerned look he added with a grin, "Would you trust me?"
"Of course." Erestor replied easily, wondering why Fin was acting so oddly, and what the night would bring, he mounted swiftly, following Asfaloth out of the stables at a walk.
-
-
A/N CapriceAnn Hedican-Kocur – Thank you for all your comments :o)
Crecy – Welcome back! I hope you enjoy the rest of this tale :o)
Otaku666 – Thank you for your flattering words, alas I am not or all these lovely elves would belong to me! ;o). I'm just borrowing :o)
Ilaaris – Thank you!