Title: Coming Home

Author: Morgana  ---  morganalebeau@yahoo.com

Website; http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairing: Glorfindel/Erestor and Elrond/Celebrían

Rating; nc-17

Summary; Imladris’ newest addition proves to be a handful and quite a mystery.

Disclaimer: These characters are all Tolkien’s.
Warning: AU, angst, mention of physical abuse. No rape.

Author’s Note: All mistakes are all mine; yeah, I am greedy! And remember; this is AU!

Beta read by Lady Mirfain, thanks!

Coming Home

Part 3

Erestor had finished the food Glorfindel had brought and had rested for an hour to give his body time to digest it. He had spent that hour snoozing and wondering if he could really be that lucky. Glorfindel had had the chance to take him to the holding cells, but he had woken up amidst the hay instead. Did that mean he could trust the blond warrior?

Elladan’s clothes caught his gaze and he slowly got to his feet. Bending down, he picked them up and let his fingertips explore the soft fabric. Soft and clean. Looking himself down, he cringed, realizing how dirty he really was.

Going to the communal bathes as Glorfindel had suggested was out of the question, but maybe he could risk a quick swim in the river? What had Glorfindel called it? The Bruinen. But what if they saw him?

/They already know I am here. If they really wanted to lock me up, they could have, but they didn’t./ It was hard for him to trust in general and he fought his private battle for several minutes. In the end, the desire to be clean and wearing warm clothes won out over his angst and he climbed down the ladder.

Asfaloth snorted, curiously. Looking at Erestor, he realized a soft glow had appeared on the cheeks and the eyes didn’t look that lifeless any more. Apparently Glorfindel’s visits were helping. Where was Erestor going now, though?

“I am going to the Bruinen… I should clean up. I probably smell, don’t I?” He said the words in a joking tone, trying to hide the underlying pain.

To the Bruinen? Now that sounded interesting. Asfaloth wouldn’t mind the exercise. He had never understood why the other horses were content to stay in their boxes. He wanted out! Demonstrating his skill and intelligence, he managed to move the handle that kept the door to his box locked and proudly trotted toward Erestor. Using his teeth, he managed to grab hold of the ragged clothes and began pulling the Elf with him. Thankfully, Erestor got the hint.

“You want to go too?” Big-eyed, he wondered what to do. “But that will attract even more attention!" It was night and the gray horse would practically light up in the darkness!

Asfaloth didn’t mind drawing any attention; a war horse always did! Erestor was trying to move away from him, but he didn’t allow it, and pulled the Elf close again. It was so frustrating that he couldn’t communicate with anyone!

Erestor gave Asfaloth a wondering look. “You are not offering what I think you are offering?”

Just what did the silly Elf think he was offering? Asfaloth snorted, exasperated. All he wanted was for the frail-looking Elf to get on his back so they could leave!

“I have never ridden a horse before…” said Erestor, thoughtfully. “I would fall off.”

Asfaloth shook his head; he would be extremely careful! He simply didn’t want Erestor to walk the distance to the Bruinen. The stranger probably didn’t know it was a two hour walk there!

Erestor sighed and eventually gave in. Slowly, carefully, he slid onto the stallion's back and wrapped his fingers in the white mane. His long, dirty fingers seemed to stain the stallion’s purity and he wanted to dismount, not wanting to blemish Asfaloth in any way. But the stallion had different ideas and trotted toward the stable door. Pushing it open with his head, he stepped outside, pleased.

Erestor held on for dear life, terrified that he would fall. “Slowly, please.”

Asfaloth complied, and set a comfortable trot.

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Glorfindel’s eyes took in an unexpected sight; although Erestor should be in control high on Asfaloth’s back, he wasn’t. The stallion moved with ease and confidence and chose their path. As they were moving slowly, Glorfindel could easy keep up and he followed them – unseen – to the Bruinen.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Erestor cautiously slid from Asfaloth’s back. In retrospect, he felt grateful that the stallion had insisted on taking him here as he wasn’t certain he would have been strong enough to walk the distance. “Thank you, my friend.”

Asfaloth nudged Erestor toward the water and took up grazing, but always kept an eye on his charge.

The first thing Erestor did was scan his surroundings to make certain he was absolutely alone. After several minutes of listening, he began to feel more comfortable and peeled off the dilapidated clothes. Now that the dirty fabric was off of his skin, he already felt better. Looking down, he could easily count his ribs and his features contorted, realizing the overall bad condition he was in. The villagers had fed him regularly, but after he had escaped it had been almost impossible to find food. Letting his hair fall in front of his face, he slowly waded into the cold water.

Shivering, he continued to wade in, determined to clean up. Once the water reached his shoulders, he dipped his head under the surface to wash his hair. A circle of dirt formed around him and briefly he felt guilty for spoiling the clear water. Experimentally, he began to swim.

Soothed by the silence, peace and dark, Erestor began to relax. Floating in the water, face up, he smiled, staring at the star-lit sky. This was pure bliss!

But the little exercise was already wearing him down and he swam back toward the shore. Asfaloth was still there, grazing. Erestor lingered in the water, trying to remove the last traces of dirt from his body.

Sudden splashing almost made his heart stop and he froze in terror. An Elf had jumped into the water and was now making lots of noise, splashing a second Elf, who more carefully waded into the water. Oh, he knew one of them! One of them? But there were two and they looked identical! /Elladan has a twin,/ realized Erestor.

Oh, he needed to get out now and return to the safety of the stables, but the twins were swimming and splashing their way over to him. It was only a matter of seconds before they would notice him!

Elladan noticed Erestor first. Seeing the gaunt, ghost-like apparition in the water stopped him right in his tracks and his movement died down.

“Elladan?” Elrohir frowned, wondering what had alerted his twin. Letting his gaze travel over the river, he also noticed the strange Elf.

“That must be Erestor,” whispered Elladan. “Who else can it be? Oh, by the Grace of the Valar, Glorfindel was right; just look at him!” The way Erestor looked shocked him. Now that the dirt and grime had been washed away Erestor appeared ever more frail and starved, with his bones sticking out.

Elrohir stilled his movements as well and stood beside Elladan. Erestor finally looked at them, and he cringed, seeing the horror at being discovered in those eyes. “What do we do?”

“I don’t know!” Elladan felt frustrated. What was the best course of action? He didn’t want Erestor to run away, but he didn’t want to pretend he wasn’t there either.

Erestor measured the distance to Asfaloth. How quickly could he cover the distance and climb onto the stallion’s back? But there were two of them! They could easily catch him! What would they do to him?

“Greetings, friend,” said Elrohir, taking the initiative. “I am Elrohir and this is my brother, Elladan. You are free to join us in our play if you want to.” But secretly he wondered if Erestor wasn’t too frail for frolicking around in the river. He looked like he could easily break.

Erestor’s eyes widened and he quickly hid behind a curtain of wet hair. What? They were inviting him to join them? There had to be a hidden motive! The moment his guard went down they would attack him!

“So Asfaloth decided to tag along?” Elladan grinned. Until now Glorfindel had always been proud on being the sole rider the stallion accepted. Apparently, that had changed.

Erestor nodded, shyly, still inching closer to the shore. The twins weren’t moving and he grew more confident that he would escape them. Oddly enough, he realized he wished Glorfindel were here. For some reason he had begun to trust the blond warrior and he would feel a bit more confident with him close.

“We could comb and braid your hair for you,” offered Elrohir, who maintained his distance. Everything about Erestor screamed angst.

Erestor quickly shook his head and the tangled mass danced along. Wrapping his arms around his waist, he fought the urge to rock himself. Why had they come here to swim? Why now? Why find him?

“Ah, there you are, you little escape artist!” Glorfindel had correctly read Erestor’s body language and chose that moment to show himself. Walking toward Asfaloth, he pretended frustration. “I need to put a better lock on that box.”

Asfaloth looked him up and down and for one moment Glorfindel just knew what was on the horse’s mind. A better, stronger lock wouldn’t keep him inside either. “Is this your way of telling me you want to go out riding more often?”

Asfaloth didn’t pay Glorfindel any more attention and returned to grazing.

Erestor felt torn. He wanted to run toward Asfaloth and Glorfindel because he would feel safer then, but his nakedness kept him confined to the water.

Glorfindel gave Erestor a look filled with understanding. “They are friends, Erestor.”

The twins drew in a deep breath, simultaneously, now that Erestor seemed to marginally relax. “Glorfindel is right,” said Elrohir. “We are friends.”

Erestor wanted to believe them, but they were moving closer and he felt forced to back away from them.

Glorfindel’s features darkened, taking in Erestor’s fragile condition. It would take a long time before the first fat would cover the dark-haired Elf’s bones. He picked up Elladan’s old clothes, realizing Erestor’s dilemma.

So did Elladan. “We brought towels, which he can use. They are over there.”

Glorfindel nodded, thankfully, and picked up one of the towels. Walking toward the water, he extended his arm and handed it to Erestor. “Use this.”

Everything was happening too fast and Erestor felt dazed. Neither twin was trying to lunge for him and they always maintained distance, although they had managed to steal a bit closer. They couldn’t be trusted, though.

“Elladan, Elrohir, why don’t you go back to swimming? I will stay with Erestor.” Glorfindel knew he had to break the tension or else Erestor would flee.

“Hum, of course…” Elrohir gave Erestor one last, stunning smile and a wink.

Now Erestor felt truly confused, but before he could react to that wink, Elladan had pulled Elrohir beneath the surface and their games started anew. Now that they were no longer focused on him, Erestor sighed in relief.

“They mean well. Don’t hold their youthfulness and energy against them.” Glorfindel moved the towel up and down, trying to catch Erestor’s attention.

Absented-mindedly, because his attention was still focused on the twins, Erestor took hold of the towel and began to dry his skin.

Glorfindel took a few steps away from Erestor and eased himself down on the grass. Asfaloth walked toward him and nudged his head. Glorfindel grinned and rubbed the warm nose. “You did well, my old friend.” Pleased, the horse returned to grazing.

Erestor had finally exited the water and grabbed hold of Elladan’s old clothes, which he quickly slipped into. The shirt was a bit too big, as were the leggings, but he didn’t mind, as they were thick and whole. They would do their job and keep him warm. Now that he was dressed, he felt lost. What was he supposed to do now? The twins were still fooling around in the water and Glorfindel had lain down. If he wanted to, he could run away. But how far would he get in his current state? And Asfaloth didn’t seem inclined to move much either as he was rolling in a patch of sand which he had located. He was stuck here, then.

Glorfindel told himself to be patient and to allow Erestor to make up his own mind instead of telling him what to do. His instincts told him that Erestor had been forced to follow orders for much too long.

Even though they were frolicking in the waves, the twins kept a worried eye on Erestor as well, making certain everything was fine with Imladris’ latest addition. They kept their distance and ignored him, realizing it was the best course of action.

Erestor nervously shuffled his feet, finally admitting that he would feel more comfortable if he were closer to Glorfindel. Taking it slowly, he made his way over to the fair Elf and sat down.

Glorfindel’s right eye opened and a blinding smile appeared on his face. “You look much improved.” It was true; now that the dirt no longer covered Erestor’s face, he could finally make out the other Elf’s features. Even though he was too thin and pale, Erestor was handsome. “But your hair is a mess.” He smiled to ensure that his remark was made in good jest and not meant to hurt. “The twins probably brought a comb with them. I could check and untangle your hair?”

“Nay, thank you,” whispered Erestor, taken aback by the offer. He wasn’t ready yet to allow Glorfindel *that* close to him. He ran his fingers through the dark mane, trying to get out the worst tangles.

Glorfindel loved looking at Erestor, as he finger-combed the hair. The ends rested on the grass now that the delicate Elf was sitting down. He wanted to compliment Erestor, but knew his remark would be met with much suspicion.

Ithil chose that moment to leave the clouds that had partly hidden him and his rays descended onto Erestor in their full glory and Glorfindel completely, utterly, and unconditionally lost his heart to him. He had never believed such a sudden love could take possession of him, but it did. Elbowing himself into an upright position, he drank in Erestor’s sight. The large, chocolate eyes called to him and he involuntarily raised his right hand to touch the ebony strands.

Erestor quickly moved away from the touch and his alert eyes searched Glorfindel’s. What had possessed the fair Elf to touch him?

Oh, he was such a fool! Glorfindel shook his head; he had fallen into the trap of his heart. He should have recognized his feelings when he had first met Erestor in the orchard, but he had been too struck to make much sense of them. He was falling in love with Erestor!

“Why did you do that?” Erestor sat at a distance now, making certain Glorfindel couldn’t reach out again.

“Because I desired to touch you…” Oh, he was a romantic fool! Glorfindel forcefully pushed those feelings away and concentrated on putting Erestor at ease once more. “Indulge an old fool occasionally, would you, Erestor?”

“Old fool?” The teasing was lost on Erestor, who wondered what was wrong with Glorfindel. He momentarily forgot about his fear and moved closer again. “You probably had a long and hard day and now you are here, instead of resting.”

“I can rest here,” replied Glorfindel, quickly. “But I am worried that you will leave the moment I go to sleep.”

“Why does that worry you?” Erestor frowned, still inching closer.

“Because I like your company.” Glorfindel’s heart filled with love and admiration for Erestor. By the looks of it the dark-haired Elf was beginning to trust him, as he had now inched over to sit at his side. “Aren’t you tired, then?”

“Tired?” Erestor pulled his knees close to his chest, wrapped his arms around his legs and rested his head on his knees. “I sleep much lately. I always fall asleep after eating.”

“Your body needs the energy to digest the food,” explained Glorfindel, carefully taking the next step. “Why don’t you lie down as well? I wouldn’t mind taking a nap.”

“Here? And now?” The thought of going to sleep in the open scared him. Anyone could sneak up on him here!

“What if I tell you that we are safe here?” Glorfindel rolled onto his right side, so he could watch Erestor more easily.

“I am never safe,” whispered Erestor.

“Why is that?”

“They are probably looking for me – even now. I tried to shake them off, but it is only a matter of time before they arrive and make me go back with them.” Fear colored Erestor’s eyes.

“The villagers?” Glorfindel bit back the growl that almost escaped him. Hearing it would only aggravate Erestor further. “You *are* safe here. Lord Elrond will never allow them in.”

“They will sneak in, just like I did. You didn’t know I was here either.” Erestor tiredly rubbed his eyes with his right hand and then rested his head on his knees once more. Rocking slightly, he tried to banish the fear. “I vowed to never let them get their hands on me again. I would rather die than let them take me.”

Glorfindel abruptly sat up and could tell Erestor was barely containing his flight instinct. “You *are* safe here,” he repeated. “I personally vouch for that.”

The fiercely protective expression on Glorfindel’s face took Erestor aback. “Why would you do that?”

“Because… because that is what I do. I protect my kind. It is my first duty as Captain here.” Oh, that wasn’t what he had wanted to say, but he couldn’t tell Erestor that the dark-haired Elf had captured his heart! First, he had to win Erestor’s trust!

“Oh,” escaped Erestor. For some reason he felt disappointed, but he couldn’t label the feeling. Maybe he had hoped Glorfindel would have a more personal reason to be worried about him. How foolish of him to think that!

“Seriously, Erestor. You are safe here. No one will hurt you or force you to leave. You are under the protection of the Lord of this valley. You don’t know Elrond and I understand you feel apprehensive, but he is a kind ruler. He will do his best to ensure your safety.”

“I want to believe you,” said Erestor in an unguarded moment. “But I am scared. I am scared to put my fate into someone else’s hands. Someone I've never met before.”

“Then put your trust in me instead!” Reacting impulsively, Glorfindel succeeded in taking one of Erestor’s hands into his. The fingers looked too thin, too brittle, but he had already learned that a strong and unbreakable mind occupied this frail body. “I know we only just met and that you are very suspicious of my motives, but I tell you that you can trust me! I am an Elf of honor! I would never lie to you!”

Something in the passionate outcry and strong eyes told Erestor that Glorfindel was completely honest and serious. “It is hard for me to trust… you… I don’t know if I can.”

“You can try, can you not?” Glorfindel gave Erestor a hope-filled look.

How could he deny such hope? Such devotion and passion? “I can, aye.”

“Will you?” Glorfindel was amazed that Erestor allowed him to stroke his fingers, and decided to take advantage of the moment by continuing rubbing the digits. It was his first real contact with the other Elf.

Erestor felt a bit pressured, but at the same time he did want to trust Glorfindel. It was a huge step – actually trusting someone – but he felt that Glorfindel was worthy of his trust. So far, the fair Elf hadn’t hurt him or lied to him. “I will try.”

Glorfindel had seldom been happier. “Thank you!” If it had been up to him, he would have buried Erestor in a hug, but he knew it was too soon for that.

“Are we interrupting?”

Erestor almost jumped to his feet, but as Glorfindel was still holding his hand, he couldn’t move much and only squirmed, finding the twins so close, so unexpectedly

“At least you dressed!” For one moment Glorfindel had been afraid that they had joined them naked.

“We aren’t Elflings anymore!” Elladan stuck his tongue out at Glorfindel and seated himself on the grass, close to Glorfindel and Elrohir, but still at a respectable distance from Erestor, whose fear was palpable.

“Says he and sticks out his tongue,” whispered Elrohir, shaking his head in exasperation. “Sometimes I just cannot believe you are the oldest and heir to Imladris.”

Erestor’s eyes widened and Glorfindel could actually feel Erestor’s hand turn clammy. “What is amiss?”

“You are a Lord here?” Erestor swallowed, convulsively.

“Lord? Lord of the sand box and almond cookies!” Elrohir laughed and squeezed Elladan’s shoulder. “Imladris will never survive you coming to power. Good thing there is also little old me.”

“Little, how very adequately phrased, my dear brother,” retaliated Elladan.

Glorfindel could tell that all this bantering was upsetting Erestor further and took control. “Elladan and Elrohir are Elrond’s sons. They might one day inherit Imladris, *if* they behave.”

“*If* we behave?” Elladan wanted to continue their bantering, but also noticed Erestor’s withdrawn expression and calmed. “We are misbehaving in front of our guest. We apologize, Erestor.”

“No need to apologize… Certainly not to someone such as me.” Erestor seemed to shrink into himself, becoming even smaller.

Elladan’s eyes shone with determination. “Erestor, every Elf is precious and every soul unique. You are just as worthy of living here and receiving our respect as… Glorfindel for example.”

“Thank you!” Glorfindel gave Elladan a wink. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“That’s not true,” said Erestor in a small voice. He had learned to fear the Lord of the village, who had often ordered the beatings.

“It is, and you will realize that in time.” Deciding they should leave Erestor and Glorfindel alone for now, Elrohir pulled Elladan to his feet. “We will leave now, but you look like you need this more than we do.” He placed a beautifully crafted wooden comb at Erestor’s feet. “You should attend to your hair. It would be a shame if it had to be cut short due to the tangles.”

Glorfindel’s heart missed a beat. “A true shame.”

Erestor no longer knew how to react to them, so he simply remained silent.

The twins left and Glorfindel tried to catch Erestor’s gaze, which was hard as the dark-haired Elf’s eyes were directed at the grass. “Erestor?”

“What?” He had been lost in thought and Glorfindel’s voice had surprised him. Looking up, timidly, he finally made eye contact.

“May I attend to you hair? I will be careful and not pull.” Glorfindel gave him the most pleading look ever, hoping Erestor wouldn’t deny him.

Erestor shifted, slightly, uncertain what to do. He had just promised to try trusting Glorfindel, but it was harder than he had thought. “If you want to… but I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”

“It is not a bother,” assured Glorfindel, picking up the comb. “Would you turn away from me? It will be easier that way.”

Erestor turned his back toward Glorfindel and swallowed, nervously, as the warrior’s fingers moved through his hair for the first time, closely followed by the comb. What was he doing? Why had he thrown precaution overboard? But oh, he wanted to trust Glorfindel! He just prayed the fair Elf would never betray his trust.

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