This ficlet was written in response to the prompt: Green
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GREEN
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Erestor's hand jerked and slashed across the parchment when the door slammed against the wall. He frowned as a small dust storm surged into his quarters from the corridor outside the library. When the storm came to a panting halt in front of Erestor's desk, the elf quickly moved through a long-established checklist: body - apparently not severely injured, as no disfigurement or blood could be seen; face – smiling, so apparently no great emergency existed in that portion of Imladris favored by the boy's presence that morning; eyes – shining like the brightest of Elbereth's stars with excitement and joy, therefore it might be assumed that this morning was also free of harrowing emotional drama.
Relieved, Erestor slowly set down the now useless quill, inserted the crystal stopper into the inkwell, and folded his hands on the desk before him – he knew well he would not soon be able to return to his task. "Yes, Estel? Was there something I could help you with?"
Estel had now regained enough breath to find his tongue. "Erestor! I had to tell you! I had my first real training in arms today!"
The corners of the elf's mouth quirked slightly as he mused, "Ah. Was that today? I had forgotten."
Seeing the signs that in another person would be an outright grin, Estel laughed. "Yes, and I had the best time! They let us use the short swords in the arms room, although mine was a little bent. But they also let us watch the officers sparring and I saw Glorfindel fight!"
"Did you now? And?"
"And I never got to see Glorfindel fight before and it was amazing! He did like this – " The grubby body leapt into the air and spun, nearly hitting the corner of the desk. "And then like this –" The boy fell to the floor and rolled, springing to his feet while swinging an imaginary sword in a move that nearly brought down the tall candelabra stand that was nearby.
Erestor quickly rounded his desk and caught the young warrior in a firm grasp. "Perhaps it would be better to simply tell me about it, Estel, at least while we are indoors." He released the boy and pulled a chair before the desk. "Sit here and tell me all about it."
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15 minutes later…
" – so strong, and you should see his muscles when he isn't wearing a tunic! The other warriors all said, 'Yes, captain' to him, or 'at once, my lord' and you could see that he is a great commander and –"
"He is one of our greatest heroes, Estel. Naturally those who serve under him love and respect him."
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A half-hour later…
" – and when Elladan cut him he just laughed and brushed at the cut and kept fighting and acted like it did not even hurt while the blood was running down and – "
"Estel, I should be getting back to my work –"
" – and Glorfindel fought all the warriors until they fell down just heaving for breath and then another one would come at him and then –"
"Yes, Estel, he is indeed a mighty warrior, but –"
After several more minutes, Estel finally wound down and just sat in his chair, raptly gazing at the memory of a golden giant who bested all comers, laughing, his hair wild and blazing in the sunlight. Erestor enjoyed a few moments of peace before he noticed the shortness of the shadows on the floor by the balcony. "Estel, it is nearly time for nooning. You need to cleanse yourself and get ready for the meal. You had best change your clothes, as well."
Estel sighed, but knew that his entire family held the inexplicable opinion that he should attend meals at least marginally neat and clean. So he bid Erestor farewell and left the library, once again slamming the door.
Erestor tidied his desk and retrieved some reference scrolls he would need that afternoon. He was waiting for Estel to return and walk to the Hall with him, as he often did. He smiled and shook his head as he remembered how he had acquired his escort. Estel had been four years old at the time, and had overheard Elrond deploring the advisor's tendency to skip meals while engrossed with his work. Elrond had said to Glorfindel that he was afraid Erestor would starve himself into a decline. Estel had taken the statement literally, and neither his father nor the rest of the family could convince the child that the words were an exaggeration. From that day forward, Estel had come to collect Erestor each day for the noon meal, or at least whenever he was not otherwise engaged in mayhem. So this day Erestor waited for some time before it became obvious Estel would not return. He started for the Hall on his own and met Elrond along the way. The two continued to the Hall, Elrond laughing at the tale of Estel's excitement at finally beginning real arms training. They stopped in the doorway to see the High Table already occupied by one re-born warrior and one human boy. The boy's face was raised and glowing as he spoke excitedly with Imladris' marshal. Erestor paused a moment, feeling a strange tightness in his chest.
Elrond gestured toward the charming picture Estel and Glorfindel made. "Estel is seeing his friend in a new light, it seems."
Erestor huffed, "He is the same Glorfindel he was yesterday."
Elrond turned to his friend in some surprise. He stared at him until suddenly he smiled with understanding and placed a comforting hand on a black sleeve.
Erestor stared right back at Elrond, one brow climbing. "What?"
"Oh, nothing really. For a moment it seemed as though your eyes were a little green in this light."
"What? Elrond, what can – oh for pity's sake! You cannot possibly mean that I am jealous of Estel's admiration for my friend Glorfindel? I have never heard such nonsense!"
Elrond carefully controlled his wayward mouth. "I'm sorry, what was I thinking?" He and Erestor took their places and Elrond served his councilor himself as a gesture of penitence for his outrageous accusation. As he placed a lovely venison cutlet with mushroom sauce upon Erestor's plate, he murmured, "Since you are not jealous, it is, of course, unnecessary for me to mention that Estel is just going through a phase; Elladan and Elrohir did the same, if you recall."
Erestor made the soft snort that meant understanding, if not agreement. After a brief glance at Estel, whose attention was still riveted on Glorfindel, he asked his cutlet softly, "Just a phase?"
Elrond smothered another smile. "I assure you. Just a phase."
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End