Warning Slash. Male x male interaction. Rated for sexual content, so be warned.

A/N Thanks for your reviews, follows and favorites! Always nice to know there are people reading this despite my slow updates. For this chapter I decided on expanding a bit on surrounding characters. Just to try and make all the different pieces fit. So don't be surprised if there are pairings sprouting up here and there. There is also a couple of -ahem- intimate situations in this chapter though I've edited and downplayed much of the original action so as to not be too offending. But just to give a heads up, see warning above! Anyhow, let me know if you care for more or have any suggestions, want to comment on plot/pairings/Erestor's oddness/my writing etc. Now, Enjoy! Yours, DR.

Summary Many an elf had fallen for those golden locks and many more had been devastated to learn that Glorfindel, formerly of Gondolin, was not all that he promised to be behind that dashing face and disarming smile.

.oOo.

Chapter 6

.oOo.

The house was filled with uproar as the horses poured into the courtyard. Hoves clacked against stone and the sound of armour and spears filled the air. Healers were already milling through the scene, looking over the returned warriors and collecting those in need of their attention.

Erestor watched in silence from his seat on the balustrade. His mind working fervently for a solution to his problem. The sudden return of the border patrol was not unusual. Parties were often sent back for medical attention once their injuries were too severe to be attended to in the wild. No, that Glorfindel the leader of the patrol had returned with his injured troops was what had surprised him.

The advisor had painstakingly pulled various strings and favors in order to get the blond out of his way. Persuading the elf to take two border patrols in a row in order to surveil a 'new threat' on their borders had been hard enough. Now, all his carefully laid plans might all be for naught, should the reborn balrog slayer realise his true intentions.

Searching the moving bodies below, he easily found the familiar head of spun gold. Already, the elf had managed to draw lingering gazes to him, his famed golden mane having an almost magical pull to it. Many an elf had fallen for those golden locks and many more had been devastated to learn that Glorfindel, formerly of Gondolin, was not all that he promised to be behind that dashing face and disarming smile.

Without pause Erestor dragged a lazy eye over the blond hero's form. Glorfindel seemed whole enough; his armor a little dirtied, his face showing hints of exhaustion weeks in the wild would claim off any elf. But all in all there seemed to be little to no injury on him. Indeed, Erestor could see no reason as to why the golden haired elf would abandon his assignment six weeks too early, bringing a galling frown to Erestor's face.

The general commotion calmed somewhat when Elrond arrived at the scene, his tall form taking a straight path to Glorfindel on his white beast. Elrond took a moment to speak encouraginly to the proud elf-steed Asfaloth and thanking him for his service, before welcoming the horse's master.

"You are early, my friend." Elrond didn't manage to hide the worry that fused into his voice, which was understandable considering how troubled the elf probably still was by the Glorfindel's untimely return.

"I am glad to see you too, My Lord," Glorfindel said playfully, his eyes scanning the crowd briefly before dismounting. "We ran into a particularly vicious pack of orcs.. I thought it best to return and update you personally."

"Orcs?" Elrond asked surprised. Orcs were known to roam along their eastern borders, past the mountains and deep in their passes, but seeing them on the plains to the south was uncommon.

"Yes. The foul creatures," Glorfindel spat in disgust as if cursing their very existance. He pulled out a carefully wrapped parcel from his saddle bag, the fabric of which had the tails of crude arrows sticking out of it. "They used a new nasty version of poison I have never encountered before. I brought these, incase they can help with divining an antivenom. We ran out of our healing herbs while treating some of our wounded and need to restock. I thought it wise to bring the rest back for they have suffered the effects of the poison far longer than is advisable. It is beyond my expertise to heal."

Elrond seemed intrigued by this new development. "What have you used?"

"We've stemmed its spread with athelas, but it won't negate it fully. I have only won them time. The rest.. is up to you."

Elrond nodded solemnly, knowing how treacherous orc-poison could be. He took the parcel, careful of its dangerous content and gripped Glorfindel's shoulder, face finally breaking its stern visage. "Take some rest, my friend. I will seek you out once I'm done with this."

The balrog slayer nodded sensing the hidden order in the lord's tone, returning the warrior hold. He watched Elrond leave towards the healing wing before turning Asfaloth over to the eager stablehand. He smiled as he watched his horse eagerly devour the apple the stablehand offered him. Asfaloth was as sure to enjoy his stay back in Rivendell as he himself would if this pampering was to continue. Inwardly Glorfindel was glad that his old friend would be taken well care off for Asfaloth had worked hard indeed to carry many of his soldiers home and away from harm.

"I will come to see you tomorrow, my friend," he whispered to the steed, stroking Asfaloth's strong neck.

Gathering his traveling gear, he felt himself relax somewhat at the homely feel that surrounded him in the Valley. Tension from the last days of patrolling had left him tired and uneasy. Weariness seeped into him as he finally lowered his guard fully. Here was nothing to worry about. His men were being taken care of, for which he was thankful, but Glorfindel couldn't shake the sudden sensation that something felt odd about coming home. He scanned his surroundings for another moment before his eyes caught the familiar form perched on the balustrade.

His sky blue eyes softened as he saw Erestor's long, slender build lounging on the stone railing, his dark eyes sharp against his pale features, enhancing his midnight hair further. It pleased him even more to see the advisor's hair loose, instead of in its usual tight braid. Its silk like strains fanned out softly over his silver gray robes, adding life to the normally controlled advisor's appearance.

"Have you missed me?" Glorfindel asked as he stopped directly beneath him, a smile growing on his lips when the advisor's lips kept their relaxed state for once instead of thinning out at the sight of him.

He watched the elf dangle his legs a bit while Erestor stared at him, his dark eyes studying him curiously. Glorfindel moved up the stair slowly. The closer proximity immediately revealed to Glorfindel why Erestor was so out of character for by drawing a breath he caught a whiff of heavy red wine lingering on the advisor's breath.

Erestor studied the warrior's face for another moment, before willing himself to be more social. After all, someone needed to distract this elf long enough to ensure the safety of his plans.

"Perhaps," Erestor said in a laidback manner, his head tilting a little to the side. "Not that I would ever confess that to you.."

The golden elf easily took the bait, smiling even wider, which made Glorfindel look all the more smug. "You, my friend, are intoxicated."

"I am not," Erestor said firmly, affronted by the words. His eyes narrowed as he watched the balrog slayer raise a perfectly arched golden eyebrow.

"That shine in your eyes and the flush on you cheeks says otherwise, Erestor." The balrog slayer was impressed. He had to congratulate whoever managed to get the elf drunk. Erestor was much more fun to be around once he loosened up a bit.

"You, Glorfindel, have no right to call me drunk!" He said as he pointed at the blonde with no little amount of irritation. Though, Erestor had to admit he may have overindulged a bit during dinner due to his bad mood. Erestor did have a tendency to drink when something aggravated him. More often than not that something was Glorfindel. The advisor's eyes narrowed at the thought. "Coming here, hair all shiny, showing yourself off like some..! Some-!"

"Yes, yes. I understand. No need to shout," Glorfindel placated while rolling his eyes slightly. "We all know there is no reason for you to envy my hair."

"I do not like your hair!" the advisor said stubbornly.

"Yes, yes.." Glorfindel steered Erestor towards the stairs, pointedly ignoring the cute puffing of Erestor's cheeks as he set a hand on Erestor's upper arm when the elf wobbled slightly. After all, he didn't want to be held accountable for any injuries the dark elf might find appropriate to accuse him off on the morrow.

On the way, he caught some of the admiring gazes the numerous elleth and ellon in the crowd sent him, causing him to sigh in defeat. Glorfindel had hoped to use his time back home after being on patrol for so long doing something a little more relaxing. Not being stuck with a clearly drunken Erestor. Now, rather than relaxing in a warm bed with a warm body pressed up against him, he was sure to be forced to listen to the elf's poems and drowning his loneliness in Erestor's wine stock instead.

'If only you wanted to be more than just friends, Erestor. I could have made this all worthwhile for the both of us..'

Catching the smoldering gaze of a particularly beauteous silvery blond elleth, he masked a groan of frustration.

"What I do for you, Erestor.." he grumbled and shook his head as he continued into the Last Homely House.

.oOo.

The next morning found an almost empty breakfast table in the hall. Elrond watched bemused at its only occupant, who sat in content chewing away at a red apple.

"Good morning."

"Good morning, My Lord," answered Gildor. He gestured towards the empty seats. "Please, pick whichever you wish."

"Do not mind if I do." Elrond said, as he took the seat across from the blond. Usually, Elrond was obliged to sit at the end of the table if they had guests, but Gildor was more of an old friend than a visiting official. He could stand to skip on propriety for once.

"Eating breakfast alone?" he asked amused.

"Not anymore.. " Gildor smiled knowingly, "I find most of my usual company are still fast asleep in their beds. Thus, being as considerate as I am, I could not find it in me to wake them."

Elrond smiled warmly. Yes, his sons would certainly sleep in today. After having them escort an exhausted Aerandir to his rooms last night, Elrond had them conscripted into helping him in the healing house. It had been well past midnight when the elflord had afforded to allow them to retire for the night.

"Still, Aerandir is usually up this early," the half-elf pointed out carefully, Gildor could hardly be seen without the youth these days, making many believe that they had grown quite close over the months that had passed.

"I cannot spend all my days by his side, Elrond," Gildor said, tone pensive as he stared across the now filling hall.

Elrond caught unto his tone. "What is wrong?"

Gildor sighed. "I received a message by bird earlier this morning, which is why I am up."

"A message?" He asked surprised, after all, little happened in Imladris without him knowing of it. Vilya guarded the air as well as the lands that belonged to Rivendell's borders. An infringement as pointed as a messengerbird would have been noticed.

"Yes. It is time, Elrond. My traveling companions will pass through here in two weeks time," he said dejectedly. "We will probably stay for the Solstice festival, which is the week after. But then, I will have to return to the roads again."

"And this pains you?" asked Elrond, seeing the conflicted expression on Gildor's face. Had Erestor read rightly into his friend's heart?

"Aye, and greatly so. For I have come to find peace here for a while. Now I find myself unwilling to part from it."

Elrond reached across the table, covering the blond's hand with his own in a simple yet comforting gesture. "Know that Imladris will always welcome you here, Gildor. You and your company are free to come stay with us as often as you wish. We do not reject those willing to seek us out." He smiled as he imagined the true reason for his friend's sudden reluctance towards leaving. "I am certain Aerandir, as well, will be glad to see you return. He is fond of you."

"Aye, that he is. He is almost like a part of myself, as I used to be before I began my travelling ways. On multiple occasions I thought to bring him with me... To show him how beautiful the world east of the sea can be, but that is not to be.." There was a underlying sadness in his tone and his eyes became vacant at the words. "I will not condemn him to a life without a home. Aerandir is much too young yet for such a fate."

Elrond nodded, understanding the oath Gildor had taken on so many years ago. Inwardly, he also knew that his twins would never allow the separation even if Aerandir decided to go with him. Ever since they found out about their half-brother, they became more grounded. They no longer sought to stray from the valley for long periods at a time. Now mere days away from Imladris would have them hesitating before they slowly but surely felt the need to check in on them again. A change Elrond was very thankful for. The Lord of the Valley had long despaired over his sons' unpredictable wanderings while hunting orcs. It was a dangerous business and Elrond would not take this new change for granted now that he had the chance and means to keep his sons from endangering themselves unnecessarily.

Just like Elrond had sunken into his thoughts, Gildor fought the flurry of his own. He recognised the restlessness he knew stemmed from the fact that he had been in one place for far too long. Travelling had become a lifestyle ingrained in him during his long years and now, knowing his fellows were coming for him, Gildor felt the familiar hold that the vast lands of Arda had over him.

Yet, a part of him was held grounded here in Imladris. A fraction of his fëa that seemed almost bound to this place. To the being that had dominated more and more of his thoughts as of late. It was both ridiculous and staggering, it left Gildor short of breath the more he contemplated it. How could a chance meeting with a single elf change a whole lifetime worth of habits?

"Elrond, I have a favor to ask of you."

Elrond, being disrupted from his own thoughts, startled seeing the haunted stare his old friend sent him.

"I need to know you will take care of him."

The half-elf gaped slightly at the straightforwardness of Gildor's request. His clear blue eyes bore into him and compelled him with all their might. If there ever was any doubt of his friend's ancestry, all such thoughts were blown away in that one moment. For Elrond had been on the receiving end of such a royal stare many times before. A more commanding and awe inspiring one, sure. But one of the same backbone none the less.

"I need to know he will be safe."

Elrond turned serious in turn, accepting the solemn request fully. "Aerandir will be safe, Gildor. I will see to it. You have my word."

He saw relief spread over tight features when he uttered the heavily weighing words, it made Gildor more relaxed and seem almost years younger. Slowly his eyes lost their hard edge and turned a soft icy blue, a warm smile encompassing his whole face.

"Thank you."

.oOo.

Glorfindel groaned as he felt his body awakening from his slumber. He was hot – burning – and he struggled to stretch his sore limbs. Focusing his eyes took a moment and as soon as they cleared he quickly regretted it as the morning sunlight gave him an instant headache.

"My head is killing me.." he grumbled to himself as he used his hand to rub his aching temple. The stubborn pounding inside his scull growing even more vindictive as it escalated into an almost mind-numbing ache that usually accompanied his most liberal of drinking binges.

Slowly adjusting to the light, Glorfindel found the reason for his current immovable state.

Draped over his middle and clinging close to him was the rumpled form of Erestor. Sadly, still fully dressed. As was Glorfindel for that matter... The warrior watched the pale face where it lay against his dark blue hunting tunic. Long, dark lashes lined those usually expressive orbs, which now lay glazed over and unfocused with elven sleep.

'Ai, Erestor! Why do you do this to me?'

Then he remembered yesterday's drinking binge and Glorfindel was surprised to find himself in such an appropriate state, considering the enormous amount of wine they consumed last night. Usually, when getting really drunk on Dorwinnion red, things quickly got out of hand. This time Glorfindel had to commend himself on his good behavior for that beverage had caused him some serious trouble ever since he had returned from the Halls, and Glorfindel was pretty sure going wild on Erestor would have made the elf a little cross with him.

'Still..' he thought surprised. 'Who knew an elf like Erestor could drink so much?'

Even after years of knowing his friend it seems he still has new things to learn about Erestor. Well, it does help that the ancient elf always has something new to offer of himself since the advisor is usually very tight-lipped concerning his own life. Erestor is very private, even for an elf of his capacity.

Feeling hot and slighly aroused now that he found himself in this intimate position, Glorfindel shifted on the mattress, rolling them over to deposit the other elf on the bed instead of on him. Only the hands that clung to him refused to budge.

"Erestor.. Let go." He tried to keep his voice down as each syllable increased the pounding inside his head. With a bit more force he pulled insistently on the sleeping elf's limbs.

The advisor, though unconscious, had a grip of steel, which was certainly not helping in Glorfindel's efforts to try and remove him from his person. Instead all the shifting seemed to alert Erestor to his current position, causing him to press closer to Glorfindel's bodyheat instead. Glorfindel froze immediately feeling his friend pressed up against him. The blond's body reacting to the stimulation against his will, drawing a low groan from his lips.

For a moment, Glorfindel was tempted to make an exception to his rules and simply indulge himself for once, but no. His moral boundraries forbade him from imposing on his friend and reminded him that taking advantage of him while Erestor is in such a vulnerable state is very, very wrong.

Glorfindel steeled himself.

'You've been through this before, Glorfindel. You can resist temptation again,' he thought with his jaw clenched uncomfortably tight, determined to stick to his principles.

Indeed, it was not the first time he had landed himself in this position with the renown advisor of Rivendell. If it was one thing Glorfindel had learnt over the years it was that you needed determination and just a bit of stubborness when dealing with this particular darkhaired beauty.

'Hold to your principles. Determination is key,' he repeated the mantra over and over in his head.

That was until the darkhaired elf snuggled into his chest and moved one leg in between Glorfindel's own. The limb effectively grinding against his already hardening sex. He had to bite his lower lip to stop the moan that threatened to leave his lips. He would not allow it, for Glorfindel would never hear the end of it if it did!

Glorfindel took a moment to collect himself, before he placed his hands firmly on both of the smaller elf's shoulders.

"Hot..!" he hissed at Erestor as he pushed harshly, the strength behind the move dislodging the limpet-like elf from his rapidly heating body, before Erestor rolled over and sprawled hopelessly on the other side of the bed still fully asleep.

Finally free Glorfindel sat up sharply, wincing a little as the sudden movement caused the world to spin around him for a moment. He clutched his head. "Bathroom.." he mumbled, hand grasping strands of his hair hard as he realised he would need a bit more privacy to take care of his 'not so little' problem before he overheated completely.

Stumbling over the cold floor wearing only one boot and managing to knock over an empty wine bottle in the process Glorfindel cursed the complex organisation of Erestor's rooms. Reaching the connected bathroom he shut the door tightly, not really wishing for anyone to accidentally stumble in on him during the deed. The sole fact that he had to result to his hand at all was an insult all on its own! Glorfindel hadn't needed to pleasure himself since he was an inexperienced adolescent elfling. After all, there had always been more than enough willing elves in Rivendell to do so for him..

Sliding down the closed door, he quickly unmade the ties of his leggings. His whole body was a raging furnace and silently he enjoyed the cool feel of the bathroom flooring through his clothing. Leaning his head back against the door, he grasped himself tentatively, the touch sending shivers down his spine.

Eyes closing, Glorfindel tried to imagine the smoldering silverblond he had seen yesterday holding him like this. It did not take him long to conjure up her image nor much longer to start drawing pleasure from the way her almost tangible body continued to build the fire within him. Resigned to his fate, Glorfindel surrendered himself over to his fantasy as he let his imagination take hold of him.

He imagined her moving against him, her slender free hand dragging along the planes of his clothed chest, pausing a moment at the hem of his neckline to play with the sensitive skin of his collarbones beneath it. Soft, luscious lips travelled up his exposed neck. Long, silky hair draped over his skin, sending electricity strait to his groin and made him twitch. Glorfindel panted softly when that clever mouth reached the delicate skin beneath his ear, warm breath dusting it, adding more fire to his growing inferno.

The mouth hovered over his ear for a moment and Glorfindel felt his hand tighten in anticipation. His heart racing in his chest.

/Glorfindel../

His eyes scrunched together more firmly, slightly confused by the low, sultry pitch. Tentatively he moved on to the tip of his arousal, his motions becoming more secure, more determined.

He felt the hovering body move closer to him, pressing against him fully as hungry lips dragged along his skin. Down to his chin and then whispering ghost-like along his jaw back up towards his ear.

Glorfindel was hot now, but the body pleasuring him was even warmer – burning! Inducing warmth wherever it touched.

A hand slipped around his neck, anchoring in his golden hair while tugging lightly once, making his head fall back further. Hot air panted against his ear before a tongue touched the rim of it, following the shape up towards its point.

Glorfindel moaned in pleasure as his passion intensified, no longer caring who heard him. Each move became more urgeant then the last. Driving him closer and closer towards blissful release. He was so close now he could feel it...

His breath caught for a second as he thought he heard a short laugh. But in the rush enfolding him Glorfindel dismissed it, but became increasingly confused when he felt a smirk curl against his ear.

/That's right, Glorfindel. Come for me./

The voice purred before pulling away from him, drawing the heat with him. Leaving him breathless.

Glorfindel snapped his eyes open, staring past the lust-induced haze as he watched shocked at the momentary visage before his eyes before everything was overrun by pure sensation. His whole world spinning as it feathered and turned a blindingly blissful white!

When his eyes finally refocused again after the bout of intense pleasure, Glorfindel found himself sitting on the cool, tiled floor, his body shaking like a leaf. The evidence of his release stained his hand and part of the floor in front of him. Luckily, his clothing had been spared. He snatched a towel hanging off a rack and used it to clean first himself then the floor. Then with perhaps a bit more force than strictly necessary he cast the soiled cloth into the laundry basket.

Pulling himself unto shaky legs, he leaned over the washbasin placed beneath the bathroom mirror. His hands gripped the edges of the wooden stand hard as Glorfindel stared blankly into the mirror in disbelief of what just happened. The image he had seen just before his climax still etched vividly into his mind.

The smug grin on a face he knew all too well glowed and made the dark, sultry eyes stand out even more prominently. Drawing Glorfindel deeper into their erotic depths of secret promise and desire.

He had been pleased. He enjoyed seeing Glorfindel so powerless to deny him. Unable to turn him away...

Glorfindel shook his head fervently. His golden locks flinging from side to side in a wild dance. Utter shame and humiliation filled him to know what his mind had desired the most at that deep, unguarded moment. His body still remained a whirl of emotion and he felt his arms strain to hold him upright despite his firm hold. His voice was raw and so unlike himself as he tried to think through the fog of lingering pleasure.

All the while one single thought kept ringing through his mind, willing itself to the surface.

"How can I ever face Erestor again?"

# To be continued...