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!

Lovely Manip by azmodan 76! Thanks, sweetie!

Coming Home

Part 4

It was a pleasant, almost sensual sensation to feel Glorfindel’s hands slide gently through his hair. His mother had combed and braided his hair when he had been little, but that seemed a lifetime ago. In spite of his fears, Erestor relaxed, and even leaned back against Glorfindel for comfort.

It was a pity that Erestor couldn’t see Glorfindel’s blinding smile. The blond warrior realized that Erestor was beginning to trust him; letting him straighten out his hair was the first sign that the dark-haired Elf felt at ease around him. “I have to cut this tangle out. I cannot remove it by using the comb.”

“Do it.” Erestor shivered, feeling the sharp dagger cut his hair ever so carefully.

Glorfindel placed the tangled strands on the grass next to him. It was a beautiful, almost magical night and he felt blessed to have Erestor this close. He continued to work on the ebony hair and suddenly encountered something hard, close to Erestor’s scalp. “What is this?” It felt like a piece of metal had tangled in Erestor’s hair.

Erestor briefly closed his eyes to gather his courage. “A last gift from my mother before she died.”

“What?” Surprised, Glorfindel’s fingers explored the object. “What is it?”

“A ring.” Erestor looked at Glorfindel from over his shoulder. “She said it was the one thing that would guide me to my father if I ever needed to find him. Please leave it in and don’t tamper with it.” Breaking eye-contact he stared straight at the grass.

“Your father? Erestor?” So many questions swirled in his mind! “Maybe you should tell me more about you? And your mother?”

“I don’t want to do that.” Erestor began to move away from Glorfindel, but the warrior still had a strand of raven hair in his hand and Erestor was forced to return to his original position. Sitting motionless, he waited for Glorfindel’s next words.

“I hope you will tell me one day,” said Glorfindel, eager to break the newly risen tension between them. “I will leave it alone for now, just as you requested.” But curiosity had arisen and he wondered if there was a way to study the ring. Maybe once Erestor was asleep again?

“Thank you.” It was the first time in a very long time that someone showed him respect and Erestor in turn, appreciated that.

“Finished!” Glorfindel felt rather pleased with the result. “You should comb it regularly, Erestor. It will become even more silky and shiny if you do.”

/Silky and shiny?/ No one had ever called his hair that before! Erestor was tempted to look at Glorfindel, but didn’t, afraid his emotions were too easily readable. The blond warrior was becoming the first friend he had ever had and he didn’t know how to accept that maybe his life had really changed. Glorfindel had even offered him his protection!

“Erestor? Would you turn around and look at me?” Glorfindel found he was still caressing a strand of Erestor’s hair and reluctantly let go.

Erestor drew in a deep breath and shifted until he sat facing Glorfindel. There was an odd look on the fair Elf’s face, which made Erestor wonder why the warrior was this interested in him. Why had the Captain taken him under his wing?

“I know that you don’t believe me when I say that you are safe here, but you are. I vow to never let anyone harm you.” Glorfindel smiled, seeing the expression in the dark eyes change. For the very first time they were free of fear. “I mean it. You have a friend in me and if needed, a protector as well.”

“That would be a first,” replied Erestor, opening up a tad. “I never had a friend before…”

Asfaloth snorted and looked at Erestor, hearing that. He knew what Erestor was trying to say, but he couldn’t resist playing the Elf a bit.

“You are a friend as well,” said Erestor, quickly. “But… you aren’t Elven.” He gave the stallion an apologetic look. “I need someone I can talk to.” His eyes widened, realizing what he had just given away. His gaze shifted to Glorfindel and he trembled, slightly, seeing the incredibly warm smile on the other Elf’s features.

“You have two friends then,” said Glorfindel, rescuing the situation.

Asfaloth neighed, amused, and moved his head up and down, signaling he understood.

Glorfindel briefly felt peeved for having to share Erestor’s attention with Asfaloth, but then he laughed, softly. He wasn’t growing jealous of his horse, was he? Glorfindel placed his hand atop of Erestor’s and was hugely pleased when the raven-haired Elf allowed the touch.

Being touched by Glorfindel was becoming easier for Erestor. The first time the fair Elf had touched him, he had cringed and pulled back, but he felt no longer intimated, which delighted and frightened him at the same time. He felt delighted to have a friend, and frightened because he was letting his guard down for the very first time since his capture.

Glorfindel was content to simply sit close to Erestor and to hold his hand. Conversation wasn’t really necessary between them and when he gestured for Erestor to move closer against him now that the ebony-haired Elf was growing tired once more, Erestor hesitantly did. Glorfindel’s heart thumped softly, for he was happy that the trust between them was growing.

Erestor didn’t know exactly why he accepted the invitation and was snuggling up to Glorfindel. Maybe it was because it felt nice to feel a warm body against his, to inhale Glorfindel’s scent, to merely know that he wasn’t alone any more. He had finally made two friends.

Involuntarily, Glorfindel listened to Erestor’s breathing, and judging by the soft, steady rhythm, the other Elf had fallen asleep once more. It was a bit unnatural for one of their kind to sleep as much as Erestor currently did, but he contributed the need for sleep to Erestor’s weakened condition. Maybe it was best to go home.

Lifting Erestor carefully in his arms, he carried the Elf over to Asfaloth. He placed Erestor on the stallion’s back and then slipped into place behind him, steadying him./ He must really be catching up on a lot of sleep if this doesn’t even wake him./ It also illustrated how easy of a prey Erestor would be if those villagers *did* decide to come after him.

Asfaloth walked slowly, keeping in mind that one of his riders was asleep. He was happy that things were working out this well. Glorfindel would be a good friend, and Erestor needed as many friends as he could get.

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

Glorfindel dismounted, caught Erestor, and carried the still sleeping Elf toward the stables, but then paused. Maybe he should take advantage of the moment and take Erestor to the guest quarters instead? A warm, soft bed would be so much better to sleep in than a bundle of hay. But he didn’t want to betray Erestor’s trust and decided to take him up the rafters instead.

“Glorfindel?” Elrond had been unable to fall asleep and had opted for a walk instead. He had subconsciously headed for the stables, perhaps hoping he would run into Glorfindel or their mysterious guest. And now that he encountered them both, his curiosity got the better of him.

“He is asleep, Elrond.” Glorfindel felt tremendously protective of Erestor, and eyed Elrond closely. “We should keep it that way.”

“I agree.” Elrond soundlessly approached. “You were right; he is much too thin.” The scrawny face revealed pain and suffering and yet, a soft glow warmed the cheeks. “I wish I could examine him properly.” Cocking his head, he studied Imladris’ newest resident.

“I followed him to the Bruinen where he went for a swim. Except for his emaciated state he seems fine.” Glorfindel was growing impatient. “I should take him back inside. I don’t want him to wake up and find us discussing him.”

Elrond nodded once. “One more moment, though.” He raised his right hand and let it hover just above Erestor’s brow, never touching the skin. “He doesn’t feel feverish.” His healing instincts told him that Erestor was weak; but with the right tender, loving care, he would make a full recovery. “Take him inside and tuck him in.”

Elrond watched them go with a heavy and burdened heart. He wanted to reach out and help Erestor, but if Glorfindel’s words were true, the dark-haired Elf was not yet ready to make his acquaintance. He had to be patient and bide his time. At least he’d had the chance to quickly assess Erestor’s overall condition. Assured that the Elf was in no immediate danger, Elrond continued his walk, but his thoughts continued to circle around their mysterious guest.

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

Glorfindel climbed the ladder again and was about to place Erestor in his comfortable nest when he noticed several new items had found their place up here. Two warm blankets had been placed next to the hay and with it another set of clothes. A comb, brush, a bar of soap rested atop the clothes. A basket filled with delicious food items stood close to the ladder and several carafes filled with water. A tiny note accompanied the gifts and Glorfindel immediately recognized Celebrían’s handwriting. He smiled; the lady of Imladris had always had a kind heart and he should have expected this.

After placing Erestor amidst the hay, he unfolded one of the blankets and covered Erestor’s form with it. Erestor felt cool, which Glorfindel found most odd, but attributed it again to the other Elf’s weakened state.

In his sleep, Erestor rolled onto his side and curled up in a fetal state. Glorfindel moistened his lips, nervously, realizing he could now sneak a look at the ring, if he wanted to. But it had meant so much to Erestor that he had respected his ‘no’ earlier!

Glorfindel shook his head once. No, he wouldn’t betray Erestor’s trust! He wouldn’t peek! Tucking Erestor in, he said his goodbyes for the night and used this opportunity to press a chaste kiss on the raven-haired Elf’s brow. /My, I think I love you./

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

Arwen and Celebrían wanted to do as Glorfindel had asked and not impose on Erestor, but they were worried. Elladan and Elrohir had told them about their midnight encounter and Erestor’s skinny form. The two she-Elves felt they needed to take action, so they had carried food, toiletries, more clothes and blankets up the ladder to make certain Erestor had the things he needed. But they still weren’t content and wanted to do more. But what else could they do?

Seated in a gazebo in the rose garden they consulted with each other and it wasn’t long before Elrond came upon them. Joining them, he smiled at his wife and daughter. “I know you want to help, but Erestor isn’t ready for that yet. Give him time.”

“But, the thought of him all alone and in need worries me,” said Celebrían.

“He is not alone any more,” said Elrond, slyly. “He has Glorfindel now.”

“Glorfindel?” Arwen cocked her head, interested in this development.

“I met them upon their return to the stables. Erestor was fast asleep and Glorfindel carried him. It was the look on our friend’s face that made me wonder. I have been thinking about this and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Glorfindel is developing more than friendly feelings for our mystery guest.”

“You think so?” Celebrían smiled, extremely pleased.

“Don’t give me that smile,” said Elrond, teasingly. “I am not playing match maker. We know nothing of this strange Elf.”

“You didn’t know that much about me either when we first met,” said Celebrían, reminding her husband. “And we fell in love and we are still happy, aren’t we?”

“Aye, we are.” Elrond captured her hand in his and kissed the back. “Very happy.”

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

Erestor stretched, waking up in a warm cocoon. He blinked once and found that a blanket covered him. So *that* was why he had felt so deliciously warm! Sitting upright, he smoothed the material and only then noticed the changes that had taken place during his sleep. Taking in the different gifts, he felt immensely thankful, and for the first time, suspicious feelings left him alone. Apparently, these people really cared about him.

During his time with the villagers, he had always hoped they would treat him friendly as well, but they never did. They loathed the very sight of him. It was different here – in Imladris. He repeated the name several times now that he knew it. So far, he had met Glorfindel – whom he liked – and the twins. He didn’t know what to make of them though. Their playfulness and banter confused him.

/I should thank them for these gifts./ But how? Erestor got to his feet and looked down himself. He was wearing his new, clean clothes and his hair danced against his back, untangled and shiny.

He walked over to the basket with fruit and selected an apple. After making certain no Elves were in the stables, he descended the ladder and sneaked over to Asfaloth. “Here, my friend. I promised you an apple.”

Asfaloth sniffed and then bit into the apple, munching happily. Erestor looked much improved, now that Asfaloth compared the Elf’s looks to the first time they had met. He even looked like an Elf, instead of a dirt-covered human!

“I should thank them for this, but I don’t know how… And even if I did, I am not comfortable yet with contacting them.” The only one he felt at ease with was Glorfindel, but he was already taking up too much of the warrior’s time. If he’d had quill and paper he might have written a thank you note, but he didn’t, and he wasn’t even sure he could still write. His mother had still been teaching him at the time of the attack. But how else to thank them as he didn’t dare thank them in person?

This meant sneaking into the main building again and locating a study or the library where he could write his thank you note. Then, he would place it for all to see and leave again. The most important part was not to get caught.

He didn’t want to take these risks, but he had to let them know he appreciated their efforts to make him feel welcome and he didn’t know when and if Glorfindel would visit with him today, so he had to do this now.

Straightening his clothes, he gathered his courage. He had sneaked inside before; he could do it again.

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

Elrond placed his quill down and stared at the letter he had just written. This was a first, cautious attempt to tighten the alliance between Mirkwood and Imladris and he wasn’t certain how Thranduil would react. He hadn’t seen the blond Elf for millennia and although they had been friends once, the Battle of the Last Alliance had caused them to grow apart. Only time would tell if Thranduil would accept the terms.

It was a warm summer day, but Elrond already smelled the first rain. It wouldn’t be long before the leaves would start to fall and the days grew shorter. Autumn would come quickly and bring cold to Imladris. Not even Vilya could change the seasons, neither did he want to change them. But he had enjoyed summer’s heat whilst it lasted.

Eager to catch a few more of the golden rays, Elrond rose from his chair and walked toward the balcony doors. Opening them, he stepped onto the balcony and basked in the sunlight. The rays made his skin tingle and a soft breeze played with his hair. “Stop that,” he chided the wind, kindly. He was wearing his circlet today and the breeze was messing with the intricate braids Celebrían had put in this morn.

He walked over to the large, fluffy pillows placed in the corner closest to the waterfall and he sat down, enjoying the view. Imladris was at peace, and so was he.

Unexpected noise coming from his study made him frown, though. He wasn’t expecting any visitors and his friends and family knew to seek him out on the balcony should they find the study empty. Curious, Elrond got to his feet again and made his way back to the balcony doors. There, he froze, unwilling to disturb, and probably scare, his unexpected visitor.

Erestor stood behind the desk, moving nervously and uncertainly. He picked up the quill and pulled a sheet of paper close. Elrond could tell by the way that Erestor was holding the quill that the other Elf wasn’t used to writing and the words he was trying to write were unreadable. Becoming frustrated with his inability to write properly Erestor glared at the quill.

/Why is he here and what is he trying to put on paper?/ Elrond used the moment to study Erestor further and wondered about the same thing Glorfindel had – his age. Just how old – or young – was Erestor?

Elrond shifted, trying to get a better look at Erestor and his foot accidentally bumped into a plant, sending it falling. Elrond involuntarily held his breath, knowing he had revealed himself.

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

The quill snapped in two and one sharp end drove itself into the palm of his hand. Erestor had thought he was alone, finding the study empty upon entering it, but had been wrong. Why hadn’t he checked the balcony? Angry with himself, Erestor cast a longing look at the doorway. The other Elf wasn’t blocking it, and if he wanted to escape, he had to act now!

“Please stay! I mean you no harm!” Elrond lifted his hands, palms up in an effort to show Erestor that his intentions were honest. “I would like to speak with you.”

Erestor remained in place, but only the knowledge that his way out wasn’t blocked allowed him to face the other Elf. /He must be someone important,/ thought Erestor, eying the other dark-haired Elf, who wore luxurious, velvet robes and even a circlet. His heart missed a beat, as a terrible fear sneaked up on him. He hadn’t trespassed into the Lord’s study, had he? Shivering violently, he fearfully pressed himself against the wall. “I didn’t steal anything! Please, you must believe me, I…” Then he remembered the broken quill and placed one end on the table. “It was an accident. Please forgive me and show mercy.” The other end was still stuck in the palm of his hand and he hid it behind his back. “Please, be merciful.”

Elrond’s eyes had grown big, revealing his surprise, but Erestor didn’t seem to register that. “Calm yourself, my friend. I am not cross with you.” Seeing that only part of the quill had been placed on his desk, he correctly interpreted the meaning of the droplet of blood clinging to the white feather. “Did you hurt yourself?”

“That is of no importance. May I leave now, or…?” Frightened, he held his breath now that Elrond was approaching. The distance between them decreased and he should make his way for the doorway *now*, but found he couldn’t move. There was something about the other Elf that made him want to stay and talk, even though he feared the consequences of his actions.

“It *is* important,” insisted Elrond. “Please, show me your hand.” Elrond hoped Erestor didn’t know who he was, because if he did, Erestor might feel even more intimidated. “I am a healer; I can help.”

“A healer?” There had been a healer in the village, but his owners had never taken him there when he had been hurting.

“Aye, I am a healer.” Elrond graced Erestor with a beatific smile. “I want to help.” He extended his hand toward Erestor in a pleading gesture. “Let me see.”

Erestor was caught between hope and the instinct to flee. Once the healer had a hold on his hand it would be nearly impossible to flee. Waveringly, he shuffled his feet.

Elrond forced himself to continue to smile and to keep his hand extended. “I want to help. You don’t have to fear me.” He hoped Erestor would take the risk and trust him. It would be a first step in the right direction for them. “I am a friend of Glorfindel’s,” he said eventually. “A very good friend.” Seeing the expression change in the troubled eyes was amazing and caused Elrond’s smile to brighten considerably. “You can trust me.”

Erestor waged his inner battle, but in the end, the stinging sensation in his hand made the decision for him and he abruptly extended the injured appendage toward the other Elf.

“Please, sit down.” Elrond pushed the chair away from the desk and made a point of not watching Erestor whilst his guest sat down. He collected the emergency supplies, which he always kept in his study, and returned with bandages and healing herbs. He also placed a washing basin, filled with water on the desk. “May I?” Correctly interpreting Erestor’s look, he moved slowly and carefully, knowing he could easily scare his guest off.

The quill was sharp and had deeply buried itself in Erestor’s flesh. “I have to remove it.”

Erestor nodded; he had born pain before and this injury didn’t compare to what he had endured in the past. Yet, he noticed that the healer’s touch was gentle whilst probing the wound and he was grateful for that.

Elrond pulled the quill out of the bloodied flesh and flung it onto the floor. Blood gushed from the wound and he quickly immersed the injured hand in water, after adding healing herbs to it. “What were you trying to write?”

“A thank you note…” said Erestor, trying hard not to groan due to the pain that stung his hand. “The people here have been kind to me and I wanted to let them know that I am thankful for that.”

Elrond nodded, thoughtfully, carefully considering his next words. “I don’t think I have seen you here around before.”

Erestor swallowed hard and watched the water turn red with his blood. “I arrived a few weeks ago.”

/Weeks?/ Elrond managed to hide his surprise. He guided Erestor’s hand away from the water and spread a towel across his knee. Sitting down, he placed Erestor’s hand on his thigh and cleaned the wound, which still carried traces of ink.

Erestor’s heart missed a beat, suddenly realizing something which had escaped him before. “You know who I am!” Why else had the healer mentioned Glorfindel?

“Aye, Glorfindel mentioned you to me. You are called Erestor, aren’t you?” Elrond opted for the truth, knowing that lying wouldn’t get him anywhere.

“I am…” Erestor thoughtfully watched the healer’s face, whilst the other Elf bandaged his hand. “I am sorry for trespassing, but I didn’t have a quill, ink or paper, but I did want to say thank you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I am not cross with you.” Elrond finished bandaging Erestor’s hand, but didn’t rise from the desk yet. “You don’t have to live in the stables. We readied one of the guest quarters for you.”

“I like it there…” Erestor shrugged once. “I never had a room for myself before and I enjoy living in the stables.”

“Erestor?” Elrond slowly placed a finger beneath Erestor’s chin and lifted the face so they *had* to make eye contact. “Imladris is well-known for her hospitality. You would honor us by accepting what we are offering you.”

“I am not worthy,” said Erestor, nervous now that the healer didn’t allow him to look away.

“Oh, but you are.” Elrond bestowed a gentle caress onto the gaunt face and then rose from the desk, unwilling to overwhelm Erestor. “Always remember that.”

“Thank you, my Lord,” said Erestor, taken aback. He had finally figured out that this wasn’t just a healer. Only a high-ranking person could officially offer him hospitality.

“And I will let my wife know that you appreciated her gifts. I assume you already thanked Glorfindel personally?”

Cold sweat erupted from Erestor’s pores. /His wife?/

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself! My name is Elrond Half-Elven and I call Imladris my own.”

Erestor shivered over his entire body and he wanted to flee now that he apparently faced the Lord of this valley, but his body wouldn’t react and all he was capable of was sitting there – defeated and fearful.

Elrond realized he had come across a bit too strong and sighed. “I didn’t mean to scare you… It is just… I am not used to Elves who are so easily intimidated. Please accept my apologies.” He walked over to the side table, picked up a glass, and poured some of Imladris’ sweet wine. “Drink this. It will do you good.” He walked over to Erestor and when the other Elf didn’t react, he gathered Erestor’s good hand in his and pressed the fingers around the glass. “Drink, Erestor.”

Erestor obeyed, automatically, now that he had been given a direct order and sipped. The potent wine burned his throat and his body awoke from its momentary stupor. “I… I… My Lord, I…!” Erestor didn’t know how to apologize properly; Elrond’s words hadn’t fully registered with him yet – no Lord would ever apologize to *him*!

“I regret startling you, Erestor.” Elrond thought their situation over and then opened the door to the antechamber. “Fetch Glorfindel,” he said, hoping his assistant would quickly locate the warrior. Addressing Erestor again, he added, “Glorfindel will join us in a moment.”

The glass in Erestor’s hand shook so hard that the wine almost sloshed over the rim. Elrond noticed it and wished he had reacted differently. “Erestor, don’t fear me. You have no reason to.”

But Elrond’s words were lost on Erestor; Elrond’s mere presence intimidated him, knowing from personal experience just how much power a Lord wielded.

“You called for me, Elrond?” Glorfindel entered, smiling, but the smile froze seeing Erestor’s stricken face. “What are you doing here?” He had been under the assumption that Erestor wanted contact with no one – except for him, then.

“I found him writing a thank you note,” explained Elrond in a guilty tone. “I startled him and now he is too afraid to talk to me.”

“Oh, Erestor! You don’t have to be afraid! Elrond is a healer first, and ruler second. He cares about everything alive and that includes you!” Glorfindel had made his way over to Erestor and cringed, seeing the bandage hand. “What happened?”

“I broke the quill and it got stuck,” said Erestor in an uncertain voice. He didn’t dare look at Elrond and kept his gaze on Glorfindel instead. “Can I go now? Or will I be punished?”

Elrond’s heart cringed. “No one will punish you.” Elrond drew in a deep breath and returned to Erestor’s side. Glorfindel stepped aside to let him pass and Elrond went down on his heels, finally successfully catching Erestor’s gaze. “I am not like that, Erestor. I don’t enjoy inflicting pain on others. I am a healer. I want them whole and happy. I am not like the Lord you met before.”

The shivers grew stronger, but at the same time Erestor’s expression became steadier. “Does that mean I am free to return to the stables?”

Elrond sighed, disappointed. “Aye, you are, but I wish you would accept my offer and stay in the guest quarters instead.” He got to his feet again and exchanged a glance with Glorfindel. “Take good care of him.”

Those words weren’t lost on Erestor and when he looked at Elrond again, it was with hope in his eyes.

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