Glorfindel resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Although he should be grateful, those were the first words Erestor had spoken to him since leaving Rivendell. The counselor had not been pleased finding that Elrond had decided to send him along. Glorfindel had been witness to a low and furious argument before the dark haired advisor grudgingly got on his horse and headed out of the courtyard. Glorfindel, feeling like he was on his way to the gallows, had followed reluctantly. They had maintained a steady silence since.
Erestor was not a chatty elf Glorfindel discovered after several vain attempts in engaging the younger elf in conversation. The dark haired advisor seemed to prefer quiet and solitude or else he just didn't want to talk to him. Guess which one he was betting on.
Glorfindel had noticed though that Erestor was a skilled tracker and seemed to have a passing knowledge of woodcraft. There was also the interesting fact that Erestor was carrying a sword and it intrigued the seneschal a bit as the only time he had seen the advisor was sitting behind the desk. Elrond had said he would not be babysitting the other elf. Truthfully he was slightly fascinated with the Erestor at this point. Maybe the elf would open up a little bit while they made camp. He started to turn to question Erestor again.
"Are you going to stay on your horse all day Lord Glorfindel?"
Glorfindel clenched his jaw in frustration. Did the advisor always have to have a sharp tongue in his head? This was exactly why he did not like the advisor. "No." He couldn't help but be curt. "I will care for the horses, you can set up camp."
Erestor's tone was just as sharp. "I can care for my own horse, my Lord, thank you."
"As you wish." Glorfindel growled. This trip was not going to be over soon enough.
(LOTRLOTR)
Erestor finished caring for his mare, Meril, before starting a small fire to warm water for tea. Why, oh, why did Elrond insist on sending Glorfindel with him? The Balrog Slayer seemed to have something against him as it was. He did not believe in Elrond's assurances that they could be friends. From their first meeting when Glorfindel arrived in Imladris there had always seemed to be steady tension between them.
He probably had sounded rather harsh. No, he had meant it rather impertinently. He should apologize. He sighed softly. He had just been waiting for Glorfindel to make a derogatory comment of some kind concerning his fighting prowess. He had noticed more than once that the Vanya had been starring at his sword and studying him in turn. He had been just so ready to protect himself he had automatically took a defensive stance. Granted the Vanya had seemed unaware of his actions towards him but Erestor's pride refused to let him bring them to light. Glorfindel had probably not meant anything by it when he had handed the reins of his horse over to him the first time he had arrived in Imladris. He could have forgiven him that. Maybe. The part that really irked the advisor was during the meetings concerning border guardians. Glorfindel had pretty much taken over ignoring Erestor's positions on such issues. Erestor knew it had to do with the fact that he did not join in the warriors' practices. But Glorfindel's dismissal of his fighting skills irked him to no end.
He had served as a spy and advisor under Gil-Galad during the Last Alliance. He knew how to fight outside the rules of normal combat. That was his talent. He was skilled in breaking the rules of engagement. Granted he did not take part in the warriors' games and sparring matches that were held, but he was a warrior. He chose his practice partners carefully. Elrond and he sparred regularly and sometimes Lindir would join them.
He bit his bottom lip thoughtfully. As deadly of a warrior as he was fighting was just not in his nature. He fought because at the time it was necessary like so many other elves. Now that they had found peace he was more than content to act as an advisor to Elrond. He had found no reason to prove his prowess on a battlefield to anyone, but it still irritated him to be seen as a defenseless elfling.
He had seen Glorfindel fight many a time when training the other warriors and he well remembered the stories told of the mighty battle between the blonde and the Balrog. He had oft wondered what a match would be like between them. But it came down to the fact he didn't want to have to prove himself to anyone. That and he didn't want to use what he knew against the Vanya. His sometimes unorthodox ways of fighting tended to come to the fore in a fight and he did not want to fight like that were Glorfindel was concerned. It would have been seen as unfair in normal combat. It was why he only sparred with people that knew him well, like Elrond or Lindir. They would not judge him harshly for it.
He sighed.
(LOTRLOTR)
Glorfindel sighed patting Alysa on the shoulder before letting her wonder off to graze. Of course with as friendly as Erestor was being maybe it would be better to join the horses. Bracing himself for an unpleasant night he headed over to the fire. He glanced over at the dark haired elf but he seemed lost in thought. He settled himself across the fire pouring himself a cup of tea. He removed several supplies from his pack to make a light meal for them both.
As he worked he glanced several times at the advisor but Erestor still seemed to be reflecting on something. Glorfindel's own thoughts drifted as he worked. He remembered his first time meeting Erestor. He had just ridden into Imladris. An elf dressed much like any of the stable hands had come up and Glorfindel unthinkingly had handed the reins over to him. There had been a surprised then hostile look before the elf had disappeared. It was only later after talking to Elrond he had realized his mistake. He had tried to apologize later but Erestor seemed to ignore him after that.
The few times they had been together after that were mainly during council meetings concerning border guards. Elrond had given him free rein in training and setting up the patrols making him seneschal. Glorfindel well use to taking command had automatically done so. Somehow it seemed to have irritated Erestor even more. He was beginning to think he might have been wrong assuming Erestor had no previous skill in weaponry. But the other elf had never joined in on any of the warriors' practices.
He rubbed his forehead wearily.
Seeing that the stew was done he filled the two bowls. "Erestor."
The dark haired elf seemed to rouse himself. "Yes?"
"Stew."
"Hannon le." Erestor nodded taking the bowl.
An uneasy silence settled around them as they ate. For the life of him Glorfindel couldn't think of anything to say to the other elf. Glorfindel set his plate to the side. "I will take first watch."
"Fine." That one word was as cold as ice.
Now what did he do?