Betad by Saikagrl
Glorfindel rubbed his eyes wearily as he exited his room the next morning. Erestor had not been hesitant to call out several times during the night but it had not been for him. He had called for either Elrond or Lindir. Each time Glorfindel had answered the summons, Erestor had told him promptly that he was not needed. Glorfindel would retire each time nearly falling into revere when Erestor would call out again. After what had felt like the millionth time, Erestor had stopped.
He sighed. He had known this was not going to be easy.
Glorfindel made his way down to the kitchen to gather things for Erestor's breakfast. Imladris' head cook, Ihunaew, looked up from where she was kneading dough. "Good morning Glorfindel."
Glorfindel stifled a yawn. "Morning lovely."
Ihunaew laughed as she used a cloth to wipe her hands. "You sound tired my Lord. Should I be jealous? Were you out entertaining all the young ladies last night?"
The seneschal chuckled enjoying the early morning banter. He took pleasure in the cooks company. She, unlike some other elves, treated him no different than any. She treated him with respect, but not with the reverence some of the other elves did. Being a reborn balrog slayer at times had its disadvantages. "Not likely."
She tilted her head, a stray lock of auburn hair falling loose from her bun. "Is it our dear Erestor then?" At Glorfindel's look she continued. "Elrond has told me to prepare Erestor's meals and that you would be collecting them."
Glorfindel's green eyes met her own. "Do you think I am wrong?"
Ihunaew studied him a moment before a dazzling smile lit her face. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "No. Now you better be on your way. You have yet to face Erestor's temper."
"That does not sound reassuring."
Glorfindel knocked on Erestor's door before entering carefully balancing the food tray. He dropped it as he fell backwards barely avoiding being hit by a small vase. The glassware shattered against the wall with a resounding clatter. He looked up in surprise at the angry advisor. "Erestor!"
"Get out of my room." Erestor snapped. "I want to talk to Elrond."
Glorfindel sighed softly. "If that's the way you want it."
"I mean it Glorfindel."
Glorfindel stood up cautiously. "I am not leaving here until you've had your breakfast and we do your morning exercises."
The advisor's stare was dark with fury. "You can not make me."
"I do not think you want to put a wager on that."
"I do not find this amusing Glorfindel."
"Neither do I." Glorfindel returned. A timid knock interrupted them. Glorfindel stood in the doorway blocking the intruder's way into the room. He arched his brow at the young elf maid that stood there nervously. "Yes?"
"My Lord, Elrond sent me to see if anything was needed." The maid murmured biting her lower lip.
"Yes-"
"Send for Elrond." Erestor shouted. "I need to speak with him immediately."
Glorfindel ignored the advisor's words. "Yes, go down to the kitchen and ask Lady Ihunaew to send up another tray."
The maid's eyes flicked to the door nervously before she curtsied and disappeared.
Glorfindel turned shutting the door firmly behind him then turned to lean against it. "Let's try this again. You will eat breakfast then do your exercises. After that, we will get dressed then go to the gardens for a bit of fresh air and to have lunch."
"Why are you doing this!"
Glorfindel didn't seem disturbed by the outburst. "After lunch you can decide whether we will try riding or swimming. Then it is time for dinner. We will do a series of stretches then you can either stay up and read or go to bed."
"Are you mad? I cannot stand much less ride or swim."
Glorfindel snorted. "I will be with you to make sure you will not fall or drown so you're safe unless you really irritate me."
"You cannot do this to me."
The seneschal stood tall his arms crossed insolently in front of him. "Watch me Erestor."
Anger radiated off of the raven-haired elf in waves. This was not right. Why was Glorfindel treating him so? And where were Elrond and Lindir?
A soft knock at the door made Glorfindel turn and Erestor looked eagerly for Elrond. Glorfindel eased the door open. Erestor was shaken to see only the maid carrying a tray. Where was Elrond?
"My Lord?" The maid murmured.
"Thank you." Glorfindel replied taking the tray and placing it on a nearby stool. "Is that all?"
The maid shook her head. "Lord Elrond wondered if you required anything else?"
Glorfindel shook his head. "No. Thank you."
The girl nodded. "Good day then sir."
Erestor sat there stunned. Glorfindel was telling the truth. Elrond and Lindir were not going to help him. He felt numb. He did not even realize Glorfindel had moved until the tray was set on the bed. He looked up finding Glorfindel's emerald eyes studying him closely.
"Erestor." Glorfindel commanded gently. "Eat your breakfast."
He nodded dumbly but was only able to swallow several mouthfuls before he was no longer able to eat. Glorfindel seemed displeased, but for the moment didn't push the matter as he set about clearing the bed and starting the exercises Elrond had instructed him to do. Erestor remained quiet. He was unsure and felt betrayed. Feelings and insecurities he hadn't had since he was a child rose within him. He managed to pay enough attention as Glorfindel helped him dress before he was lifted to his feet and guided into the gardens.
Glorfindel leaned against the wall wearily. He had left Erestor in the garden under the shade of a large oak. He had left the advisor a book, juice, and some fruit in case he wanted something. He wanted to give the younger elf some time alone and truth be told he need some space himself.
His gaze wandered up to the heavens. "I could really use some help here."
"Are you worn out already?"
Glorfindel whirled around his heart pounding hard in his chest. He gave a sigh of relief seeing Elrond. "You scared me."
Elrond arched a brow. "Were you expecting one of the Valar?"
Glorfindel's lips twisted in amusement. "Maybe."
"Erestor?"
Glorfindel's face fell. "I don't know Elrond, one minute he fights me the next he doesn't react to anything I do."
Elrond nodded. "I am not sure of your faith on this matter. Medically speaking I believe Erestor will not walk again. He has shown no signs of feeling or movement. Everything is healed."
Glorfindel brushed his blonde hair back. "I don't know what to tell you Elrond, I just know. There is something..."
"I believe you Glorfindel, if I didn't Erestor would be on his way to the Grey Havens."
"Thanks."
"Don't you lose hope though."
Glorfindel smirked. "Oh I am not ready to concede yet. I have never backed down from a fight, just ask the balrog."