Chapter 44

Of His Possessiveness

Glorfindel kept a good distance away from her, not too close to cause irritation, but enough to rush to her when he was needed. But as he stood there, concealed by the large pillar covered by frost, he knew he was not needed. He successfully coaxed Erestor into telling him the story about Erynlith, the events in Greenwood a thousand years ago; and he must say: he did not expect such a story. He never would have guessed she endured that much—that she left Greenwood because of her love for Erestor. The Chief Counselor did not sound a bit sorry though; whether he was clueless or what, Glorfindel could not tell. He shifted uncomfortably from his supposed hiding place, standing on one foot already made him numb. He was sure he was obscured from their eyes, or rather, her eyes, as his blue gaze pierced her back. Centuries of warfare made him no stranger to stealth and stalking, if that what was he was doing.

His ears perked up in a feline manner when he heard her laugh. She was in the company of the Sindarin captain again: two elves walking around the snow-stricken courtyard of Imladris. She wore Gildor's red scarf about her neck, her hands tucked beneath the folds of her tunic. The captain was laughing with her, in a jest he surely created. Glorfindel leaned closer to the pillar, not daring to think that eavesdropping was such a disgraceful conduct. He had heard from Celebrían that Captain Raithon was a good friend, and she had teased that Glorfindel should not feel jealous at all. Hearing that from her surely made heat rush to his face.

"Lord Glorfindel," someone called out to him, and he flinched as he looked over his shoulder. Elladan and Elrohir approached him, each wearing a matching blue scarf that Gildor had no doubt gave as well; in fact, the traveler sure had enough time to spare last month. Both brothers were smirking, their grey eyes twinkling in mischief as they scooted closer to the taller golden elf.

"Ah, children," Glorfindel addressed them with a smirk of his own. He knew well how the brothers disliked being referred as such, though Arwen did not seem to mind. He found her more pleasing in company than her mischievous brothers. "What brings you here?" he continued, sounding casual about his eavesdropping.

Elladan glanced at Erynlith and Raithon, before turning back to his brother with a devious smile. To Glorfindel, he arched a slender eyebrow and said, "If you are jealous, all you have to do is say so."

The statement was followed by suppressed snickering from the two younger elves.

Glorfindel blanched, unsure how to defend himself from such a tease. At length, when the brothers had ceased their snickering, he said, "I do not feel so, child. I am merely… observing…" His voice faltered reluctantly.

"Is that so?" Elrohir simpered this time, draping an arm around his brother's shoulder and giving the golden elf another mischievous look. "But you've been glaring at Captain Raithon for a while now. Surely, when he is to be alone, you will pounce on him like a mad cat and scold him for taking Erfaron's attention."

At that, Glorfindel's face flushed with embarrassment. How could Elrond endure such naughty elves for hundreds of years? His eyes briefly glanced back at his subject; she and the captain were now leaving the courtyard and would soon be upon Celebrían's gardens. If he wanted to watch her, he needed to rid himself of the brothers first. Then, he cleared his throat, like what he would do to his impatient young soldiers.

"Rest assured, children, I will not pounce on Captain Raithon like a 'mad cat', as young Elrohir puts it," he said coolly, earning a glare from the said younger elf. He suppressed a laugh and continued: "Well then, why don't you run along now and bother someone else? You have pestered me long enough for today. I will see you both later at luncheon."

Elladan and Elrohir, particularly the latter, smiled and huffed at the golden elf. The two quickly scampered back into the main house, eager to tell their father and Erestor about their encounter that morning. Glorfindel watched until they disappeared from his sight. Though utterly mischievous and sarcastic, he found them more charming in character than Arwen. The Evenstar, as what the elves called her of late, was as quiet and thoughtful as her father, rather than having Celebrían's eagerness that the brothers had.

Sighing to himself, Glorfindel turned back to his hiding place and blinked—his subject was already gone.

Every day following Yule, Raithon kept Erynlith's company for most of the day. None of the other elves seemed to mind; Erestor raised his brow and shrugged it off one time, and never mentioned it again. The Silvan elf guards who were with Raithon mingled with that of guards in Imladris, sharing countless stories. Raithon did not dare to question what the contents of Thranduil's envelope were, but he guessed that they were something very personal, judging from how red and puffy Erynlith's eyes were the next day. They usually talked together, with him telling stories ever since her departure from Greenwood; and there was still more to share. He felt obliged not to mention of Celairis's rise to Chief Counselor, on how she might become the Elvenking's consort soon.

Instead, he fed her with other stories.

"You should have seen the look on the counselors' faces," Raithon said as he laughed. "They were too dumbfounded to even speak their minds."

Erynlith laughed with him. "I would have wanted to return to Greenwood, to see how things are going, tra-la."

"We would love to have you back," he answered earnestly, looking into her eyes. He took her hand and laid on his arm, and then continued walking. "Everyone will be talking about Erfaron, and Thranduil would be happy to see you again."

Really? She wanted to ask, but decided not to. She could not get her hopes up too easily. "I would return, but not for him…"

He tilted his head. "What keeps you in Rivendell, Erfaron? Rather, who? Is it Erestor?"

Thranduil had once mentioned how Erynlith chose the counselor than him, a rather frustrating choice in the Elvenking's part. He had been so enraged that day that his voice snapped at her. Perhaps it was one of the reasons he did not pursue her; she was too attached to her brother that Thranduil found it hard to compete with him.

She shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Not only Erestor, but someone else," and that was the truth.

No matter how hard it was to stable Glorfindel after a night's outburst, she did not mind soothing him thereafter. She did not mind the bruises he left on her when he tried to fight the Balrog again; she did not mind leaving the comfort of her room just to lull him back to sleep. Rather, she loved the idea of being his protector, as his comforter, and as he once referred, his "guiding light".

"You do not mean that tall golden-haired Elda, do you?" Raithon frowned at the thought of it. He had met Glorfindel many times before, either in the Halls or in the barracks. He did not deny that the golden elf was very handsome, soft-spoken and polite—something that would make any maiden swoon—and his face always bright with a smile. But Raithon had also noticed how his eyes would follow Erynlith's trail, as though a shadow.

"Yes, him."

"Oh, that Glor… Glored, uh… what's his name again?"

"Glorfindel." Erynlith laughed.

"I heard from Lord Elrond everything about him." He shrugged as they continued to walk through Celebrían's garden. The small fountain that was there was as equally frozen as the trees and flowers pots around. "Is it true? That he was reborn and sent back from the West? I have never heard of such a thing," he continued, shuddering again at the thought of being reborn.

"He was," she answered. "He believes that he was brought back to serve Elrond. The horror of his death continues to torture him every night, so I cannot leave him."

"Simple." The captain scoffed and his voice sounded disdainful, something that reminded her of Thranduil. "Let someone else do the job. Have another elf attend to him. He seems to be quite the celebrity here, you know. Maidens swoon at the sound of his voice and worship the ground he walked on. You are very lucky to be beside him for many hours a day."

She laughed whole-heartedly. Did she really feel lucky that Glorfindel's attention was darted to no one but her?

"But really—I cannot leave him. You will understand when you see him every night."

"You are fond of him?"

"Everyone is," was her answer. Another truth. With a reborn, mighty Elda prancing around Imladris in all his glory and splendor, who would not adore him? "When do you plan on returning to Greenwood?"

"Next week," he said. "We are required to be back before spring breaks. You should know how impatient our dear Elvenking really is. If not for his counselor's advice, and mine as well, he wouldn't have allowed us to travel. He is far too lazy and uninterested for his own good."

"Sounds like the Thranduil I know," Erynlith said, imagining him seated upon his throne, doing nothing but yawn. "I bet someone keeps him company in the palace?"

Raithon flinched. "Uh-huh, something like that…"

I shouldn't have asked. She mentally berated herself.

He glanced over his shoulder and did not fail to notice the shadowy figure between the two pillars. He briefly met the blue eyes of the warrior they were talking about earlier. He looked at Erynlith and murmured, "Does he always do this?"

"Hm? Do what?" She looked where his thumb was pointing, and saw that Glorfindel moved a little to the left, hiding himself. "Oh, not really."

"Looks like a predator ready to pounce." Raithon shuddered. "Are you sure it's safe to be around him?"

She laughed and placed her cold hand on his shoulder. "Of course he is. Perhaps he is just curious."

"I don't feel good when someone stalks us while we talk." He gestured for the stables. "Would you ride with me out to the valley? I am sure Lord Erestor would not mind if you're gone for a few hours."

Would he not? Erynlith glanced at the main house and saw Elrond and Arwen walking together. No sign of her dark-haired brother anywhere. So, looking back at the grinning Sindarin captain, she herself grinned and bolted off to the stables with him.

It was the Elven-guard's last night in Imladris. Elrond prepared a little feast for the guards and another letter to send his regards to the Elvenking of Greenwood. As per usual, Lindir led the songs that night, but because of Raithon's request, Erynlith joined them. He remembered how he and his guards used to enjoy it when she sang back then in Greenwood, in the outpost, without Thranduil's knowing. The King ought to be jealous right now. The Elven-guard listened well, all the while sipping from their wine.

Glorfindel sat beside Gildor as he watched his friend; it had been a while since she joined the minstrels, and had almost forgotten that she was one. His eyes were solely focused on her, not daring to blink, as though he might miss something of importance. But his mood was grim; he was not very pleased about what he heard earlier that morning. He noted that the song was the Hymn to Elbereth, something that the minstrels in Gondolin had also sung. He could not decide whether which version he liked most. He watched carefully as Erynlith's fingers touched the harp strings, her singing following the lead of Lindir.

Soon, Elrond announced his retirement to his chambers, and the other elves scattered to retire to their own. The minstrels brought their instruments back with them, the Elven-guard returning to the lodge which Elrond had provided them.

As for Glorfindel, he politely bade Gildor goodnight before marching back into his dreaded bedchambers. But as his hand reached out for the knob, he paused momentarily and ran back down the hallway, to the corner where her room was.

Erynlith jumped from in the middle of brushing her hair. She dropped it on the desk and approached him, looking at her friend incredulously.

"Glorfindel, are you alright?" She began, examining his face thoroughly. "Did you try to sleep again?"

What Elrond had told him that morning made him fearful, and thus, he showed up in her room uninvited. His heart was pounding as he reached out for her and embraced her, too tightly for her comfort. Her eyes widened as her face was buried on the crook of his neck, inhaling unique scent of his. He was trembling as he held her possessively.

"Is it true?" His voice was trembling as he was. "Will you really return to Greenwood?"

She was startled. Who told him? She shook her head and tried to escape his grip. But he held her firmly on place, not caring if the door was still open, and the coldness of winter seeping in. She sighed in defeat, her arms dropping to her sides; and she waited until he stopped trembling. Glorfindel was unpredictable. There were many things which could make him smile and happy, and there were things, more than one could guess, that could inflict fear on him. He was like an elfling who needed protection, who needed a mother's comfort every night.

"Please do not go…"

Erynlith smiled. She now realized she was more needed here than in Greenwood. Her hands began to soothe his back again, calming him gradually. "I will not, Glorfindel, leave you behind. Who told you that?"

"Lord Elrond."

"Well, no matter."

She closed the door and pulled him into her bed, the fireplace blazing beside them. They sat on the edge of the bed, facing each other, and she cupped his cheek softly. Glorfindel sighed at her touch and moved his head sideways to kiss her palm. She gasped at the gesture, not expecting it the very least. The reddish-orange glow of the fire made his short golden hair look more golden, and his blue eyes darker. Ever so slowly, Glorfindel scooted closer to her, his right hand reaching out to hold her firmly at her nape. Erynlith shivered at his cold touch and shook as she felt being pulled closer to his face; his warm breath ghosting over her cheeks. He pulled her closer again, and finally she flinched, clutching his tunic in protest.

"May I?" He asked softly, the hold on her nape also softening. Gradually, Erynlith's clutch on his tunic loosened, settling them in his lap.

She did not answer, and he must have interpreted it as a yes.

His lips tentatively brushed against hers, feeling her shaking beneath him. Receiving no response, Glorfindel cleared his throat and withdrew immediately, releasing her nape. "I am sorry," he murmured, his cheeks burning with unmasked embarrassment.

Erynlith was finally able to breathe again. Her heart was pounding when she felt something touch her lips. But she could not deny the pleasing sensation it gave. Looking at Glorfindel, she could see how sorry he was for acting too carelessly. His brows were furrowed with worry, and his eyes were pleading for forgiveness. She pushed the strange sensations to the farthest back of her mind, forcing herself to forget it, and smiled reassuringly at the warrior.

"There is nothing to forgive, Glorfindel," she whispered, and he smiled.

He sighed in relief and looked around the room. He wanted to make up for his actions, and so, his eyes fell on the golden harp that sat beside the fireplace. "Is your challenge still open, about me playing a musical instrument?"

"Of course, if you are up for it, tra-lay." Erynlith laughed and went to fetch the harp she had previously played. She dropped it on her lap and the golden elf was obliged to sit closer to her. "Here, anyone can learn this one," she said and began showing him the simple tune of Elbereth's Hymn, guiding his fingers through the strings one by one. Both were breathless with laughter from Glorfindel's clumsy mistakes, mixing with the awkward tuning of the song.

At last, their little challenge was over. If Erynlith could dance, Glorfindel could play an instrument. When the strong winds blew the curtains in her room and extinguished the fire, the harp was discarded on the bedside table, and they lay on the bed for several hours. Glorfindel was awake for the rest of the evening, listening to the faint breathing of the lovely elf in his embrace. It was silly for him to attempt such an act, and he was grateful that she shrugged it off cordially. Having enough of combing her umber hair, he kissed her temple and allowed himself to sleep.

With Erynlith around, the demons would not return.

Raithon was disappointed when Erestor announced that both Erynlith and Glorfindel were still sleeping at the time of their departure. He wanted to share some final words to her before he left; it would probably take another thousand years for them to visit Imladris, especially knowing how moody Thranduil was. At Elrond's bidding, Raithon left some final words to Erynlith and took off, followed by the long line of Silvan elves. Elladan and Elrohir rode out them and escorted them until they reached the start of the High Pass.

Back in Imladris, Glorfindel stirred from his peaceful slumber. His arm was numb for not moving for a few hours, and he yawned quietly. He was temporarily surprised of the weight beside him, and he looked down at her. His friend was still sleeping, curled up like an elfling in his arms, her head resting against his chest. Smiling, Glorfindel closed his eyes and pulled her closer, feeling her snuggle on his chest. He was determined to hold her close like that even for the next thousand years.

He was now contented with his new life, especially when he already found someone to share it with.

Next Chapter: Is Thranduil capable of jealousy? ... Maybe.

Author's Notes: Yay for another update! I have been feeling incredibly motivated lately and have written lots of upcoming chapters. Expect weekly updates (like the usual), though if school somehow gets in the way, some chapters could be a little delayed. You know how school can be such a pressure *sighs*

Yup, turns out Erestor's not the only one possessive now, though Glorfindel remains on a lighter scale. And the lovey-dovey part—please don't kill me!

*Mahi'ai - We love Greenwood, don't we? Aww. But don't worry, we'll get back there soon enough. Thank you for the review, and nice to meet you!

*Rousdower - Don't smack Thrandy with a stick! It took hours to get his hair done! *pats Thrandy's head* There, there my sweet King, don't cry... I'll get your shampoo and conditioner right away. Don't be envious if Glorfy has more fabulous (and shorter) hair than you!

*Frostfire613 - LOL. I did intend for a long fic, because elves have long lives and I really want to write Thranduil's character from a Prince to the King of Greenwood. So, yeah, it takes a while. Team Glorfindel still going strong? Yes, I think it does! Thanks for the review~!

*melodicechoes - Welcome to this story, mortal! LOL. Don't worry; I'll keep on updating as often as my schedule allows it. Thanks for reading!

*Zip001 - Yes, it does seem like Thranduil gives back all the memories they shared back to her, and it is just too much for her. *cries* I do feel for Glorfindel, too.

*Eirithdiel - Yup, so Team Thrandy all the way? LOL. I kind of imagine Thrandy fighting for Eryn's attention, while Glorfy just does it without breaking a sweat, because, at it point, Glorfy knows Eryn better. I'd like to write a chapter like that. :'D

*crazykenz - Leave the dramatics to Thrandy. XD Thrandy the moody and Celairis without a sense of humour. It does get a little boring in Greenwood. Thank you for reviewing! I'll be sure to update weekly~!

*Guest- Sorry to find out that you're losing interest because of the lack of Thranduil/Erynlith, but it has been my plan all along. Love stories are not always perfect and couples often have misunderstandings. Some have obstacles; in this case, the other characters (e.g. Erestor, Glorfindel) who are stopping them to be together are the obstacles, and maybe Thranduil and Erynlith themselves. No one has the initiative. Rest assured, though (if this counts as a spoiler), Thranduil and Eryn would sure meet again. Then again, thanks for being so honest! And thank you for leaving a review!

*peinisimo - OMG, I'm sorry! Please forgive me!

P.S. Thank you for reading! Have a good day ahead! (~￣3￣)~