Athrana (Wandering Shadow)

Chapter 42- Those left behind

TA3019, March 2nd

Erestor opened the connecting door and sighed. Everything was so quiet. He grinned then he noticed the mess she had left. It was always the same when she went out on some errand or another. He knew she needed to do this and worrying wasn't making her come home any faster, but he was terrified. The last time he had seen her riding out like this, she had been going to her death. He couldn't live through that again. As he stood looking around her rooms he expected two arms to snake around his waist, but they didn't. He felt so alone.

Glorfindel stood by the window and watched as they disappeared into the distance. They would be OK, they had to be. Despite what he had said to Athriel that morning he was terrified. Yes she had looked after herself for 80yrs and the Brethren were accomplished warriors, but he was scared. If he thought it would help he would have begged Elrond to let him go, but he was needed here.

He stayed looking out of the window long after they had gone. He wondered how Erestor was taking this. He wanted more than anything to go and find him, but he couldn't. He wouldn't force himself back into the councillor's life. Erestor had his independence now, and he didn't want to take that away from him. If Erestor wanted him back, he would let him know.

He had been so caught up in his thoughts Glorfindel jumped when he heard the knock on the door. Who would be knocking on his door? Slowly he walked over and turned the handle...

TA1975

Glorfindel was exhausted, but at least now he was clean. The first thing he had done when he arrived home was take a long relaxing bath. It had been exactly what he needed. It was as if the hot water had evaporated all of the stress in his body. He had washed away everything that had happened on the battle field. He was no longer Glorfindel of the Golden Flower, the reborn Warrior and Slayer of the Balrog, he was just Glorfindel and he was home.

The moment he and Asfaloth had crossed the borders he had been so relieved. It was as if his body didn't know how to relax unless he was here in the valley. As always Erestor had met him in the courtyard. His best friend would always greet him with a relieved smile with Athriel by his side. But somehow things had felt different. Athriel had been the same as always laughing and joking with him before running off with the twins to cause some mischief, but Erestor. Erestor had been different. Yes the relieved smile had still been there, and he had been greeted with an embrace, but something was off. As they had walked together towards their rooms he had asked the advisor what was wrong, but he hadn't received an answer. He seemed distracted and nervous, so different from the way he usually acted. As they reached their doors, Erestor had made some excuse, leaving Glorfindel to his bath. Now the warrior having finished bathing stood in nothing but a towel contemplating his friend's behaviour.

Suddenly the door knocked and Glorfindel looked up who would be knocking on his door. Everyone knew that he was recently returned from battle. Only one elf would disturb him now, but Erestor hardly ever bothered to knock. They had been friends for so long. Without thought he strode towards it and turned the handle. On the other side stood Erestor, looking as nervous and distracted as he had before. "What's wrong?" Glorfindel asked seeing how upset he looked. Without saying anything Erestor propelled himself towards the blonde and kissed him deeply. Before he even had time to react Glorfindel missed the contact as Erestor pulled back. He could do nothing but stare in shock as the councillor finally spoke. "Have dinner with me tonight?" He asked, but all Glorfindel could do was nod.

Glorfindel opened the door wide trying to banish his memories. On the other side just like before stood Erestor. He was twisting his hands and looking at him nervously. "Erestor what's wrong?" the warrior asked, although he already knew the answer. Propelling himself into his mates arms Erestor pulled himself against the strong chest. Without thinking Glorfindel put his arms around the smaller elf and closed his eyes. It was as if he was finally back where he belonged. "She's gone Findel, she just left." Sighing Glorfindel did his best to calm him. "Shh Shh, it's alright. She'll be fine and she'll be back home in no time. You'll see." As he stood there he hoped frantically that his words would come true. For all of their sakes.