Title: With a Little Help

Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon

Pairings: Elrond/Celebrían, Lindir/Melpomaen.

Rating: PG-13
Summary: Erestor begins to feel more comfortable in Imladris and continued to take little steps toward recovery.

Disclaimer: Not mine. These characters belong to Professor Tolkien. No copyright infringement is intended. I'm not making any money out of these stories!

Warning: AU of course, mention of child abuse.

Beta read by Patricia and DA, thanks sweeties!

All remaining mistakes are mine.

With a Little Help

Glorfindel looked up from the report he had been reading. It had become a habit of his to sit in Melpomaen's study during the afternoon and to watch the Advisor teach Erestor how to read and write. Erestor suddenly stood before him and was waving a sheet of paper in front of him. An excited smile shone from the Elfling's face and Glorfindel wondered for the umpteenth time at just how much Erestor had changed during the last two weeks that he had been staying in Imladris.

Erestor's eyes shone with happiness and that old, wretched fear only seldom appeared in them. The lips were often curled in a smile and the face had already begun to fill out a bit since the child was eating three meals a day. Not to mention that the cook, Elrond, Melpomaen, and Glorfindel himself often brought Erestor treats that he always eagerly devoured. The long raven hair which had been nicely trimmed reached below Erestor's shoulders and Elrond had made a habit of brushing and braiding it into a loose plait each morning. That way, the hair didn't hinder the boy when he was attending his lessons.

"What is it, Erestor?" Glorfindel placed his report aside. He was hopelessly behind on his paperwork, but he also knew that Elrond didn't mind since the reason why he had such a backlog was a certain Elfling who needed all the love he could get.

"I made this," Erestor said in a small voice, but even though his tone suggested he felt shy, his eyes revealed joy. The boy was obviously pleased.

"What did you make?" Glorfindel made a grand show out of placing the reports far away from him and leaning in closer to examine Erestor's work.

Erestor smiled and then bowed his head. He was still a little shy, even around Glorfindel when he wasn't certain how the adult Elf would react. He hoped Glorfindel would be pleased – he really did. "I made this." Erestor extended his hand and offered the sheet of paper to the golden-haired Elf. Glorfindel had become his favorite. He even preferred spending time with Glorfindel over Elrond, or Melpomaen and Lindir. He liked all of them, but he liked Glorfindel best.

Smiling at the timid-looking Elfling, Glorfindel carefully took hold of the sheet of paper. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you write this?" Erestor had only been having lessons for one week so far and for Erestor to have written something more was a sign to how quick a study he was.

"I wrote my name…and yours." For some reason which he couldn't label, he grew flustered. He didn’t know why he had written their names on that sheet of paper. He could have used Melpomaen's or Elrond's, but he had wanted it to be Glorfindel's name and no one else's. "You don't like it?" He didn't know what to make of Glorfindel's puzzled expression. Shuffling his feet nervously, he wondered if he had made a mistake. Maybe he shouldn't have shown it to the warrior and kept it to himself instead.

"Oh, Erestor! I like it! I really do!" Realizing his silence was worrying the child Glorfindel quickly nodded his head and smiled again. "I am merely amazed that you are picking up on these skills so quickly. It took me a lot longer before I could write my name." Erestor's handwriting was far from perfect, but Glorfindel could make out their names. "You did well," he said and then leaned in closer to press a kiss onto the raven hair.

Erestor's blush deepened and he even giggled once Glorfindel's lips had left his head. "Do you want me to write something else?"

Glorfindel leaned back in his chair and studied the Elfling standing in front of him. Erestor was growing more confident, smiled a lot more, and had stopped addressing Elrond and him as 'Milord', for which he was truly thankful. Erestor was flourishing with the love and care every child should receive. "You could try writing Elrond's name as well. I know that would please him."

Erestor raised his head and smiled at him. That smile almost blinded Glorfindel because it was full of affection. /Thank the Valar that we entered the village. If we had not done so, we would never have found you there and you would still be used by that wretched Man./ Glorfindel had never felt so grateful before. "Return to Melpomaen now, Erestor. He looks eager to continue your lesson."

Erestor nodded his head and in a show of affection which had become much easier during the last two weeks, he awkwardly hugged Glorfindel, still too small to properly enfold the adult in a hug, but he was trying.

Glorfindel returned the hug and then patted the boy's back. "I will still be here when you finish with your lesson. Go now." Melpomaen was smiling at both of them and Glorfindel could tell that the Advisor enjoyed having such an eager student.

Erestor let go of Glorfindel and walked back to Melpomaen's desk. Glorfindel was struck by the differences in Erestor's behavior when compared to the twins'. The twins would be running around, creating mayhem, but no matter how safe Erestor felt, his movements remained thoughtful and solemn.

The twins… Glorfindel hoped the boys would accept Erestor into their lives. He knew enough about children to realize that they would dislike having to share their father with Erestor and children could be unnecessarily harsh toward each other. /We will have to be careful when we introduce them to each other./ And how would Erestor react? Thankfully, they still had a few months left before the twins and their mother would return to the valley.

~~~

"Erestor? It is a very special day today." Elrond had seated himself on the bed and had lifted the boy until Erestor could settle down on his lap. Erestor had begun to trust him, but Elrond also realized how fragile such trust could be. Erestor had opened up his heart to them and they had to prove their worth time and time again.

"Why is it a special day?" Erestor felt confident enough to ask Elrond the question. He had finally accepted that the adult Elves meant well and would not hurt him. And although Glorfindel was his favorite Elf to be around, he liked Elrond a lot too, but in a different way. Erestor had never had parents and what he was feeling for Elrond came pretty close to the feelings a son would have for his father.

"It is a special day because your room is ready. You will finally have a place all for yourself." Elrond wasn't certain if Erestor would think of it as good news though. During the night, the boy snuggled up to him out of his own accord and Erestor seemingly liked the closeness between them, which had not been so at first.

"My own room?" Erestor didn't know what to think of that. Why did he need his own room? "You don't want me here no more?" It was a testimony to how comfortable he felt around Elrond for him to have let that slip.

Asking Elrond a question – no matter what kind of question – still felt too forward to him and to ask that particular question made it only clearer how much he had come to trust Elrond. For Erestor had implied that Elrond had grown tired of him and wanted him out – that he had displeased the adult and was being punished for it. It had been exactly the sort of behavior that his former master, the slave trader, had beat out of him. It was only Erestor's trust in the Elf-Lord that enabled him to take that hurdle and return to his childlike questioning.

Elrond drew in a deep breath and prayed for patience. This was the reaction he had been afraid he would receive. "I still want you to stay with me, Erestor. I merely thought you would like having your own room. You would have your privacy, your very own bed to sleep in, and you would not feel watched every moment of the day."

"What did I do wrong?" Another forbidden question, one which Erestor would never have dared ask the slave trader.

"You did nothing wrong, Erestor. You are not being punished in any way. This is a gift." Elrond cringed. How was he going to explain this to the Elfling? "In a couple of months my family will return to Imladris and then you can no longer sleep in my bed. My wife will want to sleep in it instead." Oh, how was Erestor going to take that? Elrond prepared himself for whatever reaction Erestor might show.

Erestor blinked. "Yes, I understand that." His former master had also talked about that: how his customers would always return to their wives and sleep in their beds, even if they had just sought out pleasure elsewhere. But understanding Elrond's motives for no longer wanting to hold him at night didn't make him feel any better. He still felt miserable, but didn't want to appear ungrateful. After all, Elrond thought of this as a gift and so it was only appropriate for Erestor to smile, be thankful, and accept the present, even though he wanted nothing more than to cling to Elrond and continue to sleep snuggled up to him at night. "Thank you, Milord."

Elrond cringed: Erestor had returned to addressing him formally. "I am sorry, Erestor. I did not mean to upset you. I believed you would be happy about receiving your own room." He had expected some sort of negative reaction, but not such a strong one. Erestor's bowed head showed the disappointment and rejection the Elfling was experiencing. Making Erestor feel miserable had *not* been Elrond's intention. "Will you at least look at it?" It had taken Melpomaen so long prepare the room for a reason. All of the Elves had been determined to make Erestor's new room comfortable and pleasant for a child to live in and Melpomaen had had the room painted and new furniture ordered.

"Of course, Milord." Erestor ignored his emotional pain and did his best to look enthusiastic, though it was hard to accomplish. He didn't need a new room. What he needed was someone close: Elrond, Glorfindel, Melpomaen, or even Lindir. He had lived without any emotional warmth for so long that he soaked up the affection they gave him and could only do that when he was close to them. But…he would do whatever Elrond wanted him to do.

Elrond drew in a deep breath and regretted that the conversation was going so badly. He had hoped Erestor would be pleased to have his own private space. Elrond extended his hand and while normally Erestor would quickly place his hand inside the offered hand, this time, Erestor moved more slowly, as if it pained him.

Erestor placed his hand inside Elrond's larger one and the gesture reminded him that he would soon lose the adult's closeness. Elrond would leave him behind in his new room and then the Elf-Lord would return to his. Without any doubt Elrond would be relieved when he didn't have to care for him throughout the night. After all, he *had* woken up due to nightmares repeatedly.

Elrond didn't have to read Erestor's mind to see that the Elfling was taking this all the wrong way. He rubbed the boy's digits between his fingers and then used his other hand to raise Erestor's head. "If you do not like your room, you do not have to stay there. We will find another room for you, one which will suit you better."

Erestor shrugged his shoulders. Elrond's words meant little to him. "I want to stay with you." His eyes widened and he used his free hand to cover up his mouth while he gave the adult a startled look. He hadn't meant to say that aloud. "I’m sorry. You’re being so good to me and I should be happy… I will try harder to be happy."

Erestor's words tore at Elrond's soul. "What would make you happy, Erestor? Really happy?" He had a suspicion that he already knew what the boy was going to say.

"I don't want to be alone. I want to be with you. I like it when you hold me in my sleep. You feel warm and you said you would protect me." It was unusual for Erestor to speak that freely – that openly – and his features contorted as he awaited the Elf-Lord's reaction to them. "I want to be happy… I really do…"

Elrond rested his hand on the raven head and then stroked the hair. "I am not cross with you, if that is what you are afraid of. I do not want you to leave my rooms either, but Erestor you will quickly grow older and will want your own space. Maybe not yet, but in the future, and then you will be happy to have your own room."

"But not yet." Erestor mumbled the words and lowered his head again. "Can't I stay with you?" He felt like he was about to lose Elrond for always and he couldn't bear the thought. Moving closer, he pressed against Elrond's chest and rested his head against the adult's shoulder. "I will do whatever you want if you let me stay."

"You do not have to do anything, Erestor. You can stay with me. It was never my intention to make you feel unwanted or rejected." His plan had backfired and Erestor was clinging to him with a measure of desperation that worried Elrond. He could only hope that by the time his family returned Erestor would be comfortable enough to sleep in his own room. "I want to show you your room and after doing so, we will return here."

"And you won't force me to stay there without you? All alone?"

Erestor used that wide-eyed look on him once more and Elrond sighed. "I promise to bring you back here. I will not leave you behind in there." He would discuss this matter later with Glorfindel. Maybe his friend knew of a way to make Erestor more agreeable to moving into his own room.

Erestor nodded his head reluctantly and Elrond took that as a sign to put the boy on his feet. After rising from his bed, Elrond made certain he had a good hold on Erestor's hand and then made their way over to the doorway. "I will never desert you, Erestor." Erestor looked up at the adult. The Elfling's eyes were watering. He really wanted to believe Elrond, but the Elf-Lord had scared him witless a moment ago.

Elrond stepped into the corridor and pointed out the door to Erestor's room to the Elfling. "It is opposite mine, you see? That is the door to Glorfindel's rooms and that is where my sons will be staying when they are back."

Each time Elrond mentioned his sons, Erestor felt guilty, although he didn't know why. Maybe it was because he felt guilty for taking up so much of Elrond's time. He knew that once the Elf-Lord's family had returned Elrond would spend his time with them and not with him. But then again, that was one more reason to savor Elrond's closeness for the moment.

Erestor allowed Elrond to raise his hand and place his fingers around the door handle. Together they pushed it down and the door opened, revealing a spacious room warmed by sunlight. Elrond took a step inside and Erestor followed. He blinked in surprise. Artists had done their best to paint him a forest, complete with trees, flowers, birds, and even little squirrels which were hiding between the branches. This room was every child's dream, except for Erestor's. He didn't want a magical forest. He wanted Elrond close at night.

Obediently, Erestor followed Elrond over to the bed and sat down when the adult did. The mattress was soft and warm woolen blankets along with furs covered the bed. From where Erestor was sitting he had a view of the balcony and the waterfall that cascaded down the rocks. He would have loved it there if the room had come with an Elf to hold him at night. "It's beautiful," he said and meant it. He could tell that Elrond had gone to great lengths to make him feel at ease there. Unfortunately, it wasn't what he needed or even wanted. "Can we go back to your rooms now that you showed it to me?"

Elrond fought the urge to sigh again, not wanting to distress the boy further, and nodded his head instead. "Of course we can." He rose from the bed and regretted that, although the room was well-suited for a child of Erestor's age, it had done little to convince Erestor to stay there. Erestor walked next to Elrond and felt happy that he didn't have to stay there and could return to the Elf-Lord's rooms with the adult.

"Erestor?" Elrond stopped in his tracks and sat on his heels again so he could probe the boy's eyes. "Why are you so eager to return to my rooms?"

"Because you will be there."

Elrond noticed that Erestor hadn't added the typical 'Milord' this time and that told him that he was back in the child's favor. "Why is that so important to you?" He would only receive the answers he needed if he asked Erestor questions.

"Because I don't want to be alone at night. I always feel warm and safe when you are close. You will protect me, won't you?" Erestor gave Elrond a hopeful look.

"Aye, I will protect you." A hug was in order and Elrond pulled Erestor close and enfolded him in his arms. "I look upon you as my son, Erestor, and I will never abandon you. We will find a way to deal with this. Do not lose your trust in me." Elrond managed a weak smile when he felt Erestor petting his back. He would doubtlessly make more mistakes where Erestor was concerned...he wasn't *that* experienced yet in parenting, but he would eventually learn how to do things right.

~~~

"It does not surprise me that Erestor reacted that way." Glorfindel sipped his herbal tea and cast a look in the boy's direction to make certain Erestor wasn't listening to the conversation he was having with Elrond.

Erestor was trying to play the flute. Lindir was valiantly trying to teach Erestor the beginnings of music, but so far, the minstrel hadn't succeeded and the most awful sounds were filling the room.

Glorfindel found it odd that Melpomaen continued to smile, even when another horrible sound hurt their ears. It was even odder that the Advisor's gaze wasn't trained on Erestor, but on Lindir. Glorfindel was quick to draw his conclusions. Those two had actually fooled him for he hadn’t realized that they were together. Glorfindel couldn't help but wonder when their relationship had started.

Elrond shrugged and flinched when Erestor failed to hit the correct note once more. "I did not think it would have such an impact on him."

"He has become attached to you, Elrond."

"To the both of us," Elrond corrected his friend.

"And to Melpomaen and Lindir, but that is different," Glorfindel continued. "Erestor depends on you to hold him through the night. *You* fend off his nightmares, *you* keep him warm, and *you* read to him each night…"

"I see the point you are making." Elrond sought out Glorfindel's eyes. "But what am I supposed to do? Erestor is right: he still needs me. It is too early for him to move into his rooms."

"But we have to make certain that he does not come to depend even stronger on you, Elrond. What if you can not make it to your rooms on time one night? What will Erestor do?" Glorfindel understood why Erestor needed Elrond, but the behavior could have some negative effects in the long run. "We could take turns."

Elrond's eyebrow inched higher. "Explain yourself."

"We could take turns in watching over Erestor at night. It would be best if he did not spend *each* evening with you. He can sleep in my room occasionally." Glorfindel's gaze drifted back to Melpomaen and Lindir. "I am not certain where Melpomaen and Lindir stand in this matter."

"Certainly they will want to help?" Elrond replied.

Glorfindel chuckled. "Aye, they want to help, but their love is new and they need to explore its depth."

Elrond almost choked on the tea he was sipping. "Excuse me?" What had Glorfindel just said?

"Can you not see it? Elrond, you used to have such sharp senses!" Glorfindel couldn't help teasing his friend just a little. "Just look at them."

Elrond did and realized the truth. The emotion that lay in Melpomaen's eyes whenever he looked at Lindir gave the couple away. How odd that he hadn't noticed their feelings before, but then again, he had been focusing on Erestor. "We will ask them. Maybe they will not mind looking after Erestor occasionally."

Glorfindel nodded. He shared Elrond's opinion. Melpomaen and Lindir would help. "So what are you going to do next where Erestor is concerned?"

"I will watch over him tonight. Maybe tomorrow, Melpomaen can guard his sleep. Your idea to take turns could work out just fine." Erestor finally hit the correct note and Elrond smiled encouragingly. "Sometimes, when I look at him he looks like a normal Elfling."

"But he is not a normal Elfling," Glorfindel commented sadly.

"I know that," Elrond replied. "I will never forget the way he had looked and acted upon that scaffold."

Glorfindel reached for Elrond's hand and placed his calloused one atop of it. "We are doing well, Elrond. Do not doubt yourself. There will be setbacks, like with Erestor's room, but once the time is right, Erestor will want to move in there."

"And in the meantime, we will guard his sleep." Erestor gave him a smile and Elrond quickly returned it. He had tried to press Erestor's recovery and had unwillingly scared the boy.

~~~

That evening, Erestor snuggled up close to Elrond. The adult was stretched out on his back and Erestor had cuddled up to the half-Elf's right side. He had placed his head on the Elf-Lord's chest and had draped an arm across the adult's waist. Elrond had then tucked the covers around them and had started to read aloud. This was what he needed, not a fancy room for himself.

"I am sorry I scared you today," Elrond said after finishing the tale he had been reading. He placed the book aside and waited for Erestor to raise his head and look at him. The Elfling didn't disappoint him and met his gaze. Erestor's tiny hand patted his abdomen and the boy even managed a sleepy smile.

"It's all right," Erestor mumbled and then rested his head atop of Elrond's chest again. "I will try to be stronger… I will try not to miss you so much."

Elrond's eyes began to water at hearing those words. "But you will never lose me, Erestor. I would be asleep one door away from you."

"Too far away to sleep," Erestor whispered in a drained voice. "Sleep now?" His eyes were growing blank with exhaustion and he rubbed his cheek against the fabric of Elrond's night shirt. "Sleep," he repeated and this time, a huge yawn accompanied his words.

"Aye, we will go to sleep now. I will stop talking and you can go to sleep."

Elrond's hypnotic tone had the right effect on Erestor and the boy began to doze off. Elrond ran his fingers through Erestor's hair and realized he would miss this. He would miss holding Erestor in his sleep and that fact convinced him that they had to carry out Glorfindel's suggestion.

"Tomorrow night you will sleep in Glorfindel's rooms." Elrond didn't want to think of how empty his rooms and his bed would be without Erestor. It was amazing, but the little Elfling had really found a way into his heart and Elrond wasn't certain he could picture a life without the boy in it. "I love you like a son," Elrond said and then pressed a parental kiss onto the raven hair. "And I *will* protect you, just like I promised."

TBC

Part 2

"I can't visit with Glorfindel today?" Erestor looked crestfallen and gave Elrond his most pleading look. The question 'Why?' died on his lips for he felt apprehensive about voicing it.

Elrond however saw the unspoken question in Erestor's eyes. He hated being the bringer of bad news, especially after unintentionally scaring the boy only the other day. They were still in bed and Erestor had snuggled up to him upon waking up. Elrond was petting the raven hair and sought out the big eyes, which showed distress. "I forgot to tell you that Glorfindel has to lead today's patrol. He will be away most of the day, but he should be back in time to join us for dinner."

Erestor raised his head and cocked it, making him look even more disappointed. "I won't see him until dinner? And what's a patrol?"

Elrond breathed a sigh of relief. For one moment he had been afraid Erestor would become emotional again, like the previous day, but it looked like the child was more curious than anything else. "You remember that Glorfindel said he wants to protect us, right?"

Erestor solemnly nodded his head. "I do."

"Well, he can only protect us if he makes certain there are no intruders in our lands. So, occasionally he leaves the Last Homely House – along with a large number of guards – and searches the lands for intruders."

Erestor nodded again. "And what happens if he finds them?"

Elrond carefully formulated his reply. "Then he makes certain they no longer pose a threat to us. That is why you can not visit with him today. Glorfindel is out there, searching the lands."

"Because he wants to protect us." Erestor finally understood. "And he will return tonight?"

"Aye, he will be back around dinner time." Elrond congratulated himself on handling the situation so well. Erestor looked disappointed, but not upset. "Would you like to spend the morning with Lindir instead? He has been teaching you to play the flute, has he not? Maybe you would like another lesson?"

"I like Lindir," Erestor answered softly. "He knows so many tales!" He would have preferred to spend the morning with Glorfindel though. "You are sure I will see him tonight?"

Elrond immediately realized who Erestor was referring to. "Aye, I am certain. How about this…" He let his voice fade for a bit of a dramatic effect and Erestor reacted by moving closer. "Would you like for Glorfindel to hold you in your sleep tonight? That way he can make amends for having to abandon you during the day." He had recalled Glorfindel's suggestion to take turns watching Erestor's sleep and the warrior *had* offered to look after the boy that night. "Would you like that?"

Erestor's big eyes filled with wonder and he eagerly nodded his head. "Yes, please!" A moment later, he regretted being enthusiastic because he didn't want to hurt Elrond's feelings. "I like sleeping in your arms too."

"I know you do," Elrond said, soothing the child. "You are not ridding yourself of me that easily." Elrond playfully ruffled Erestor's raven hair. "Go wash up and change into your clothes. I will brush your hair and then I will walk you to Lindir's rooms."

Erestor nodded his head again. "I like that." But he didn’t want to leave the warm bed yet and so rested his head back onto Elrond's chest. His too short arms tried to enfold Elrond in a hug and he rubbed his cheek against the fabric of the adult's nightshirt.

Enjoying the intimacy of the hug, Elrond completed the embrace and hugged Erestor close. He would miss holding Erestor close that night, but at the same time, he also knew it was the best thing for the boy to spend more time with Glorfindel, Lindir and Melpomaen. "I love you too, Erestor. Now…" Elrond failed to finish his sentence as Erestor's head snapped up and the dark eyes stared at him in surprise. "What is it?"

"You said…you said…" Erestor swallowed convulsively.

Elrond blinked, showing his surprise. "I said I love you." Was it the first time that those words had been directed at the child? By the Valar, he hoped not! "I love you like you were my own flesh and blood, Erestor. You have gained a father, in case you had not realized that yet. A parent's love is unconditional."

"I don't understand," Erestor whispered and stared at the Elf-Lord. "How can you say…? How can you love me? No one loves me… No one ever will. *He* said so."

Elrond's expression hardened. "That *Man* had no right to say such things to you." His anger was overcoming his rationality and Elrond quickly brought his resentment under control. "The things he said and did were wrong, Erestor. He had no right to take away any gifts that had been bestowed on you… No right at all to tell you that no one would ever love you!" His voice gained in volume, but Erestor wasn't flinching. The Elfling seemed to understand that the adult was angry with the slave trader and not with him.

Suddenly, Elrond wondered… "Do you remember nothing of your parents? Or where you lived when you were little? Anything at all?" Erestor must have had loving parents once, but who had they been? And were they still alive? What if they were mourning their lost son? What if they were still searching for Erestor?

"I'm sorry, but I don't. I was too little." Erestor wanted to tell Elrond whatever the adult wanted to hear, but he really didn't know the answers to the questions. "I don't remember anything."

Elrond's eyes narrowed. Maybe hypnosis would help Erestor recall what had happened the fateful day when the slave trader had captured him. But it was still too early to suggest such a thing. Erestor was as yet too vulnerable and needed to grow stronger first. He had to continue building the trust between them. "Do not worry about it. You will remember when the time is right."

Realizing their conversation had come to an end, Erestor released Elrond from his awkward hug. "I will go wash up now and change."

"That is a very good idea, little one." Elrond sat upright, hugged Erestor for a moment, and then placed a parental kiss onto the boy's brow. "Go on, then." He lifted Erestor up and placed the child on his feet. Erestor headed for the bathroom, but, before he disappeared inside, he looked at Elrond from over his shoulder. He even waved before stepping into the bathroom. Elrond smiled at Erestor and waved in turn. That boy had truly captured his heart.

~~~

The day lasted much too long for Erestor's taste. He tried to pay attention to the lessons Lindir and Melpomaen were giving him, but he just couldn't concentrate. His thoughts always drifted off to Glorfindel and for some reason, he felt worried.

Lindir gave Melpomaen a thoughtful look. The lovers were sitting near the blazing fireplace in the Advisor's study and watching the Elfling trying to write Elrond's name. Erestor sat cross-legged on the carpet with a sheet of paper in front of him on the floor.

Erestor was growing frustrated as the quill continued to refuse to cooperate. All the letters came out wrong and in the end, Erestor almost flung the quill onto the rug. At the last moment, he controlled the urge and placed the quill slowly onto the paper, careful not to create any stains. "It won't work," he said as he pouted. Erestor crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at the blots on the paper. All he could think of was Glorfindel.

Melpomaen left his chair and sat down in front of Erestor on the rug. "What is wrong, young one?" He placed a hand on Erestor's knee and squeezed gently.

"I can't concentrate… My thoughts drift…" Erestor peeked at Melpomaen. He wasn't certain he could confide in the Advisor. Melpomaen had seemed content to talk to Lindir and since the two Elves were very comfortable together, Erestor didn't want to disturb their conversation.

"And where do they drift to?" Melpomaen smiled encouragingly at Erestor. "You can tell us. Lindir and I want to help."

When Melpomaen mentioned his name, Lindir felt he should offer his support as well and joined the Elfling and his lover on the rug. "Melpomaen is right, Erestor. You can always talk to us about anything."

Erestor's gaze continued to shift between the two Elves. He liked both of them, but he liked Melpomaen best and so addressed the green-eyed Advisor, "I worry about Glorfindel." There! He had said it!

"Glorfindel?" Melpomaen frowned. "Why are you worried about Glorfindel?"

"Because he’s on patrol!" For the first time in his life, Erestor showed off that he had learned something new. "He's chasing away bad people! Protecting us! That must be dangerous." The last thought had only occurred to him *after* Elrond had delivered him to Lindir's rooms. "I’m worried."

Melpomaen and Lindir exchanged an amused look. "Erestor," Melpomaen started as he ran his fingers through the raven mane, which had escaped being braided by Elrond that morning. "Glorfindel is a seasoned warrior and knows how to take care of himself. You do not have to worry about his safety." But the moment he saw Erestor's defying gaze, he realized the boy was determined to worry about Glorfindel. "You like Glorfindel a lot, do you not?" Melpomaen caressed the boy's face and then cupped Erestor's cheek in the palm of his hand.

"He rescued me… Elrond and he did…" Erestor averted his gaze, suddenly feeling uncertain of himself. "I like Glorfindel, yes…" He couldn't help but wonder if Glorfindel loved him the way Elrond loved him. He wanted that.

"Glorfindel will be back before sunset," Lindir said in an attempt to soothe the boy's nerves. "Would you like for me to sing you a song? It does not look like you are making progress with your writing. I know a lovely song…a lullaby."

Erestor blinked. "A…what?" What was the word Lindir had just spoken?

"A lullaby." Lindir smiled once he gained Erestor's interest. "Let me fetch my lyre." He rose from the floor, retrieved the instrument, and then settled down again.

"Erestor? Do you want to come over here?" Melpomaen patted the space next to him on the rug and opened his arms, offering Erestor the hug the Elfling so desperately needed.

Erestor only wavered for a moment and then moved into Melpomaen's arms. He let the Advisor wrap his arms around him and then leaned back against Melpomaen. Lindir began to play and sing and Erestor smiled lazily as he grew drowsy against his will.

~~~

"Erestor?" Elrond walked over to the boy, who had climbed onto a chair so he could look out of the window in search of Glorfindel. Erestor was determined to be the first to sight Glorfindel's patrol and Elrond let him, knowing it was useless to try to stop him. "Are you still worried?" Melpomaen had informed him of Erestor's growing unrest and concern. For some reason Erestor was worried that something had happened to Glorfindel.

"I can’t help it," Erestor whispered. "I want him back."

Elrond chalked everything up to Erestor's extreme fondness for Glorfindel. It was understandable that Erestor worried since Glorfindel had left on patrol. "Glorfindel is a very accomplished warrior," Elrond said and came to a halt behind Erestor. The boy stood on the seat of the chair and was almost as tall as he was. Elrond placed his hands on Erestor's shoulders and pulled the Elfling against his chest. He folded his arms around Erestor's waist and rested his chin on the boy's shoulder. He joined Erestor in staring at the horizon and found himself hoping Glorfindel would return shortly.

"He slew a Balrog once," Elrond said in an attempt to distract the child.

"A what?" Erestor's searching gaze however didn't desert the horizon, even though Elrond's words had made him curious. "What’s a Balrog?"

"A monster," Elrond said, smiling into the distance. "Glorfindel was protecting the survivors of an attack and he stayed behind to cover their backs. The Balrog found him and he slew it." Elrond stopped himself from telling Erestor that Glorfindel had died in the process since he didn't want to upset the boy further. "So, you see… He knows how to keep himself and his patrol safe."

"I’m still worried." Erestor couldn't help it. "I want him back.” A determined expression lay in his dark eyes and his hands had changed into fists. “I want him safe.”

Elrond couldn’t help but chuckle. “You want to protect him as well, do you not, Erestor?”

Erestor forcefully nodded his head. “When I am older, I will become a warrior and then I will protect Glorfindel in turn – and you, of course,” he added, suddenly feeling guilty for putting Glorfindel first. “And Melpomaen and Lindir.”

“I am sure you will become a fierce warrior.” Elrond tried to soothe the Elfling further. He let Erestor believe it. Suddenly, Erestor tensed against him and then fought to free himself from the embrace he was in.

“There!” Erestor raised a hand and pointed at the group of guards which had entered the court yard. “They are back!” Erestor turned around and impatiently moved about. “Can we go see Glorfindel? Now? Please?” There had been too many blond Elves in the courtyard down below to locate Glorfindel and he had to make certain that *his* Glorfindel was all right.

“Aye, we will seek him out now.” Elrond gave in, knowing it was the easiest and fastest way to calm down Erestor. He lifted the boy, placed him back onto the floor, and then walked over to the doorway. Erestor walked faster than he did, even with his much shorter legs, and Elrond did his best to keep up with his charge.

Erestor’s eyes revealed shock when the boy entered the courtyard. From up above, he hadn’t seen that of most guards were covered in dark blood. Some of them were injured, bandaged already, and the Elves whose wounds hadn’t been attended to yet were being helped to the Healing House by Elrond’s healers. “Where’s Glorfindel?” Erestor frantically scanned the courtyard.

Elrond realized that allowing Erestor to come there had been a bad idea. The boy didn’t seem affected by the fact that most of the guards were blood-covered, but was solely focused on finding Glorfindel. /Please, Elbereth, let him be well./ He was afraid of seeing Erestor’s reaction should the Captain be injured.

“Glorfindel!” Erestor had finally spotted the warrior and his first thought had been to run over to the blond Elf, but then Erestor halted in his tracks, frozen. Glorfindel’s uniform was also red with blood and the blue eyes didn’t shine the way they normally did. “I knew it! Something bad happened to you!” With the shock wearing off, Erestor ran toward Glorfindel, and since his hand was still inside Elrond’s, he dragged the Elf-Lord with him.

Glorfindel’s heart missed a beat at finding the Elfling there. What had possessed Elrond to bring Erestor there? He sat on his heels and caught Erestor, who had flung himself into his arms. “I am all right, Erestor. It is only a small wound. It is nothing serious.” Orcs that had been trespassing onto the lands had attacked them upon discovery and one of them had managed to land a blow on Glorfindel’s right arm. But the injury wasn’t dangerous, merely bled liberally. Glorfindel had pressed some cloth against his arm and the bleeding had already slowed down. But it still meant that his uniform carried blood stains. “I am all right. I am here.” Glorfindel no longer registered the discomfort that was coursing through his arm as he held and comforted the Elfling. “I am back.”

“I knew something was wrong! I just knew it!” Erestor stated adamantly.

Erestor’s tone and the certainty made Elrond frown. The Lord of Imladris possessed the gift of foresight and was allowed glimpses of the future. Surely it couldn’t be that Erestor – a mere Elfling – possessed the same gift at such a tender age? It was unheard of!

“I am here, Erestor. Elrond and you are safe now. And so are Melpomaen and Lindir.” The Advisor and the minstrel had also heard the commotion and had joined them in the courtyard. “This is what I do, Erestor. I am a warrior – I am here to protect you.”

“One day I will become a warrior too and keep you safe!” Erestor nodded his head with absolutely certainty.

“I am honored that you want to protect me.” Glorfindel kissed Erestor’s brow and then stood to his feet again. Erestor’s fingers were curled so tightly around his that the boy’s hold resembled that of a vice. “I need to wash up, Erestor. I am going to the baths and then to my rooms to change. I will see you in the Hall of Fire at dinner.” Glorfindel caught Elrond arching his eyebrow and added mentally to his friend, /Aye, I will let you attend to my arm, though it is only an annoying cut./

Elrond nodded to show that he had heard Glorfindel’s thoughts. He walked up to Erestor and wrapped his fingers around the boy’s. Slowly, he managed to undo the crushing hold Erestor had on Glorfindel’s hand. “Give Glorfindel the time he needs to make himself presentable again, Erestor, and we will do the same. A bath would do you good too. I will even create that foam for you. I know you are fond of it.”

But Erestor wasn’t convinced yet. “I want to stay with Glorfindel.”

Elrond gave Glorfindel a conspiring smile. It was amazing to see how quickly Erestor had changed from a shy, afraid slave to a determined boy who wanted to have his way, even if he had to go against Elrond’s wishes.

“Be reasonable now, Erestor. I need to take a long bath and so do you. Go with Elrond and, when it is time for dinner, I will return to your side.” Glorfindel stroked Erestor’s hair. Erestor had finally released his hand and he flexed his fingers to help the blood flow again. For such a small boy, Erestor possessed an amazing strength!

Erestor wasn’t completely satisfied. He didn’t want to be separated from Glorfindel, but with the excitement wearing off, he realized how inappropriately he had behaved. He was in no position to tell Glorfindel -- or Elrond for that matter -- what to do!

Elrond saw the change come over Erestor and rubbed the boy’s digits soothingly. /You are a feisty one./ A lot of will power, determination, and strength lay hidden beneath the obedience that had been beaten into Erestor. Elrond had the feeling they were in for a lot of surprises where Erestor was concerned.

/You are right, Elrond. There is fire in him./ Glorfindel had caught an echo of Elrond’s thoughts. And like Elrond, Glorfindel was curious to find out more about their mysterious Elfling.

~~~

Erestor remained restless and Elrond had to do a lot of cajoling to make the boy to comply when it was time to wash up and change his clothes. The Elf-Lord knew that his Captain was in the best hands with his healers, but he still intended to check on the injury after dinner and he counted on Melpomaen and Lindir to distract Erestor.

“Stop moving about, Erestor! How am I supposed to do your hair when you can not stand still?” He had been distracted and sounded harsher than he normally did when addressing Erestor and the effect was immediate: the Elfling froze. Elrond blinked. Erestor stood so still that the Elf-Lord wasn’t certain he was still drawing in breath. “Erestor?” Elrond, who was sitting on a chair with Erestor’s back toward him, turned the child around and cringed as he saw the frightened expression in the big eyes.

“I am sorry, Erestor. I did not want to use that tone with you. I lost my patience.” The expression in the brown eyes resembled the look which had shone from the eyes the day he had lifted Erestor from a slaver’s platform and onto his horse. “I am not cross with you – I am not. I am merely worried about those Orcs trespassing into my lands and injuring so many of my guards. I am not mad with you,” he repeated in the hope that Erestor would understand. The boy’s expression however remained uncertain and startled.

“I am sorry,” Erestor whispered in a tiny voice. “I really am.” He lowered his gaze and his shoulders slumped forward. “It’s so easy for me to forget my place and I’m beginning to talk back…” He squirmed and kept his gaze trained on the floor. “You make it so easy to forget – Glorfindel and you. You treat me so nice – so friendly. Sometimes I forget what I am.”

Elrond drew in a sharp breath and cursed himself for being so thoughtless. “You are a very bright, sweet boy, Erestor, who is protective of the ones he loves. There is nothing wrong with that.”

But Erestor shook his head. “I am a slave – not even a servant. I forgot that.” And Elrond’s tone had reminded him of that fact. “I will act more appropriately.” The fact that Elrond never disciplined him made it easy for him to forget his place and now it had gotten him into trouble. He would make certain that Elrond would never have a reason again to raise his voice at him. From this moment on, he would act according to his station.

“Ai, Erestor, it was never my intention to hurt your feelings.” Elrond placed the brush aside and pulled the trembling boy into his arms. Erestor allowed it, but the child was still nervous. “I will make amends for raising my voice.” He couldn’t afford to forget that he was dealing with a damaged soul no matter how ‘normal’ Erestor might act. “I am proud of you that you wanted to protect Glorfindel – and me, of course. You are a very brave boy.” He hoped that the praise would act like a soothing balm to the emotional injury he had unwillingly caused. “When the day comes, I will ask Glorfindel to train you.”

Elrond cupped the back of Erestor’s head and the boy rested his head against the Elf-Lord’s shoulder. Although Elrond’s words soothed him, he remained tense. He couldn’t forget his place ever again! “I am sorry,” he whispered, repeating his earlier apology. “I only wanted Glorfindel back. I worried for him.”

That reminded Elrond… “Erestor, can you tell me why you felt worried?” Could it be that the child also possessed the gift of foresight, no matter how small?

“I just knew. I can’t explain it. It was a feeling.” Erestor felt nervous when he couldn’t provide Elrond with a satisfactory answer.

“Did you see the danger he was in? Did you see any…?” Oh, how was he going to explain this to Erestor? “Did you see any pictures in your mind which showed you they were being attacked?” It was how the gift of foresight worked for him.

Erestor frowned. “No, I didn’t.”

Elrond wanted to see the boy’s expression and raised the face until they could establish eye contact. “Nay, do not look away. Look at me. This is important. We need to talk about this.”

Erestor swallowed the ‘why’ which he had wanted to voice.

“Can you explain to me what you felt?”

“I was just very worried about Glorfindel. I felt restless.” Erestor grew a bit flustered and added, “It felt like he was in danger and I couldn’t do anything to stop it. I wanted him back. I wanted him to be safe.”

Elrond pondered Erestor’s answer. Maybe the boy didn’t possess the gift of foresight after all. Maybe Erestor had just been extremely worried. “Do not be afraid that your answers displease me. They do not – not as long as you tell me the truth.”

“It’s the truth, Milord! It really is!” Erestor nodded his head repeatedly. “I told you the truth!”

“I know you did.” Elrond buried the boy in a loose hug. Erestor wasn’t capable of lying to him – the child was much too frightened and insecure. “We shall visit with Glorfindel now. Would you like that?” That was a stupid question, Elrond realized. Erestor’s eyes regained their twinkling the moment he mentioned the warrior’s name.

“I would like that.” Erestor finally felt a bit reassured when Elrond gave him a long and caring look. “I *am* sorry for…”

Elrond wouldn’t have it. “Nay, it is I who am sorry. You did nothing wrong.” He placed a chaste kiss on the raven hair and decided not to bother with braiding the mane tonight. “We will let it hang loose.”

Erestor managed a weak smile at the adult. Elrond had reminded him of the slave trader when the adult had raised his voice and, for one moment, he had been back in the merchant’s home awaiting punishment for not following orders. Peeking at Elrond’s face, he saw the regret in the gray eyes. Without knowing he was doing so, he reached out and a tendril of his mind touched Elrond’s. It told him that he had nothing to fear where the Elf-Lord was concerned. Elrond really cared for him and would never hurt him.

Elrond noticed the mental touch and smiled. “Does that make you feel better?” The smile that surfaced on Erestor’s face led him to believe so. “Remember, I am all bark and no bite.” The fear finally left Erestor’s eyes and the smile on the boy’s face gained in strength. “I love you, remember?”

Erestor knew Elrond was telling him the truth – he felt it. “I love you too,” he answered and shuffled his feet nervously. “I always wanted to have someone who cared for me.”

Elrond gave the boy a blinding smile. “We will work out as father and son, Erestor. You only need to be a bit patient with me.” He ruffled the raven hair and then extended his hand so Erestor could place his hand within. “Let us visit with Glorfindel and put your worries to rest.” Only time would tell if Erestor really possessed the gift of foresight.

TBC

Part 3

Erestor forced himself to walk slowly. In reality he wanted to run into Glorfindel’s rooms and convince himself that the warrior wasn’t seriously injured, but he didn’t do that since he was still testing the waters where Elrond was concerned. The incident which had happened just a bit ago still affected him.

Elrond knocked on the door to Glorfindel’s rooms and opened it after a ‘Yes’ had floated out from the inside. The Elf-Lord entered first since he wanted to make certain that Glorfindel’s arm had already been bandaged. He didn’t want to startle or worry Erestor since the boy already was emotional.

To Elrond’s surprise, he found that Glorfindel wasn’t alone in the room: Melpomaen was hovering close as well.

Glorfindel was seated on a comfortable chair and dressed only in clean leggings. The injured upper arm had already been bandaged and the warrior had just dried his skin after soaking in the bathtub for a long time. Welcome help had appeared in the form of Melpomaen, who had shyly offered his services. Glorfindel had accepted and had allowed the younger Elf to help him remove the blood-covered clothes. He had even allowed Melpomaen to wash his hair. Normally, Glorfindel didn’t indulge himself in such a way, but Melpomaen had been eager to help and Glorfindel realized that if the four of them – Elrond, Melpomaen, Lindir, and he – were to become closer that he had to encourage Melpomaen to offer his assistance. And truth be told, he had enjoyed being pampered after being in such an ugly fight.

“Elrond, Erestor! It is good to see you!” Glorfindel leaned forward and opened his arms. “Come here, Erestor. I need a hug!” Erestor wavered though and first glanced at Elrond to find out if the Elf-Lord approved.

Elrond nodded and said, “Go on. I know you want to.” It pained him that Erestor’s recovery had suffered a setback just because he had been foolish enough to raise his voice.

Glorfindel sensed that something had happened to upset Erestor and gave Elrond a questioning look, but the half-Elf shook his head. Glorfindel decided not to address it at the moment. He would do so later. At the moment, he was trying to lure Erestor into his arms. Smiling a lot and inclining his head invitingly eventually did the trick. Erestor was finally in his arms and he hugged the boy close. “Melpomaen told me that you have been worried for me all day. You do not have to worry that much, Erestor. I can take care of myself.”

Erestor pulled back and stared into Glorfindel’s eyes. “But you were injured,” he said and pointed at Glorfindel’s bandaged upper arm.

“Nothing but a scratch that is not even worth mentioning.” Glorfindel proved his words by lifting Erestor and placing him on his knee. “See? I can easily lift you. My arm does not trouble me.” It was true for, since the wound had been closed, the pain had lessened.

“When I am older I will protect you,” Erestor repeated the promise he had made earlier. He was completely serious about it. “I will be a warrior too and then we will go on patrol together. I will keep you safe.” Erestor’s promise touched Glorfindel in a way that he couldn’t put into words and so he simply hugged the boy closer.

Once Glorfindel had finally managed to calm Erestor, Elrond gestured for Melpomaen to join him in a corner of the room so they could talk undisturbed. “I am grateful that you looked after Glorfindel.”

“I knew you would be tied up looking after Erestor and offering my services…” had been bold for Melpomaen’s standards at least. Lindir had encouraged him to seek out Glorfindel. Melpomaen would never have done so before. He was still too shy to do that. “How did Erestor deal with the fact that Glorfindel was injured?” The boy admired Glorfindel and Melpomaen worried about the effects Glorfindel’s injury could have on the child.

“He was good. He was strong.” It had been the supposedly wise Lord of Imladris who had snapped. Elrond’s gaze shifted back to Glorfindel, who was hugging Erestor and talking softly to the Elfling. Suddenly doubt assailed him.

When they had freed Erestor, Elrond had made the decision to become the boy’s main care giver. He had declared Erestor his son and had never given thought to the idea on whether or not Glorfindel wouldn’t be a better parent. Glorfindel didn’t seem to make all the mistakes Elrond made.

/What if I am not the best choice? Did I act too quickly by accepting Erestor as my son? Would Glorfindel not be a much better father?/ It wasn’t that he didn’t want Erestor as his son...he loved the Elfling and Erestor had become a part of his family…but was he the best possible parent for Erestor?

“Milord?” Erestor had told Glorfindel to lower him back onto the floor and had walked over to the Elf-Lord after seeing the distressed expression in the normally calm eyes. “Sir?” But Elrond still didn’t react and he began to grow worried again. In the end, he said, “Elrond?”

The Elf-Lord blinked. It was the first time ever that Erestor had used his name to address him.

“What’s wrong with him?” Worried, Erestor looked at Glorfindel from over his shoulder. He curled his fingers around Elrond’s hand, wanting to establish some sort of connection with the adult.

“It looks like he is lost in thought,” Glorfindel explained. “It is nothing to worry about, Erestor.” He *really* wanted to know what had happened for Elrond to be so absent-minded.

“Aye, Glorfindel is right,” Elrond agreed quickly. “I was lost in thought.” Elrond sat on his heels, rubbed Erestor’s fingers between his hands, and with a radiant smile on his face, he added, “Do you realize what you just did? What you called me?”

Erestor thought long and hard. “Milord? Sir?”

“You conveniently forgot you called me Elrond, did you not?” The blinding smile remained on Elrond’s face when he added, “You make me proud, Erestor. You finally called me by my name.”

“I did?” Erestor frowned. Had he really done so? He couldn’t remember. But since it had pleased Elrond, he figured it was a good thing and he shouldn’t worry about it.

Glorfindel rose from his chair and slipped into a shirt with Melpomaen’s help. There was definitely something odd going on between Elrond and Erestor. Maybe it would be best if he took control. “I am hungry. Let us go to the Hall of Fire and eat dinner. Tell me, Melpomaen, has Lindir recently composed any new songs? I would like to hear something new tonight.”

Melpomaen’s heart missed a beat. Did Glorfindel know that he and Lindir were lovers? Why else would Glorfindel assume he knew if Lindir had been composing recently?

Glorfindel realized his mistake the moment he saw Melpomaen’s startled expression. “I did not think… Did not assume… You do not want us to know?”

“To know what?” Erestor asked. Elrond and he had joined Glorfindel and Melpomaen. The four of them stood near the doorway. Looking at Melpomaen, Erestor found that the Advisor looked upset. The green eyes moved restlessly and the expression in them was one of shock. What was wrong this time?

“I did not know…” Melpomaen’s voice trembled so he stopped talking and coughed to clear his throat. “I did not know you knew.” He lowered his gaze, but instead of encountering the floor, he found Erestor staring back at him. Oh, this was so embarrassing!

“Glorfindel, what do you know?” Erestor felt frustrated. It was obvious that Glorfindel knew something, but what was it?

Melpomaen fidgeted with the fabric of his sleeves and his face grew flustered. He wished he had worn his hair loose that day, but no...Lindir had insisted on braiding it that morning. One careful look at Glorfindel told him that the Captain wasn’t going to tell. The warrior would let him do that.

Melpomaen’s gaze traveled from Glorfindel’s face to Elrond’s. Telling his Lord would be hard on him since he felt emotionally ill equipped to deal with this. He would start to stutter, stumble over his own two feet, or do something even more embarrassing. Looking at Elrond, Melpomaen forgot to draw in his next breath. Elrond was smiling back at him knowingly. His Lord knew the truth! Oh, why couldn’t the floor just open up and swallow him? He had been convinced that Lindir and he had managed to keep their relationship a secret, but now it seemed they had failed. Both Elrond and Glorfindel knew. That left Erestor to tell and he wasn’t good at revealing things.

“Mel?”

Erestor had never called him that before and a lump of emotions formed in Melpomaen’s throat. Lindir called him that occasionally, mostly during intimate moments, and to hear it roll from Erestor’s lips unbalanced him. Melpomaen drew in a deep breath which would hopefully help to compose him and sat down on a nearby chair. “Erestor? Please come over here.”

Elrond released Erestor’s hand and watched the Elfling join Melpomaen. He smiled at Glorfindel. He was convinced that no longer hiding his relationship with Lindir would do Melpomaen good. And maybe then he would receive his answer as to why Melpomaen had felt it necessary to hide his relationship with Lindir in the first place.

“Mel? What’s wrong? You’re worrying me and I don’t want to worry anymore!” Erestor wanted everyone to start smiling again.

“There is no reason for you to be worried.” Mel first cringed, but then smiled. “You should be happy instead.” A quick look at Elrond showed Melpomaen that the Elf-Lord was nodding his head encouragingly. The half-Elf wanted him to tell Erestor!

“Happy? But you don’t look happy, Mel.” Erestor wanted Melpomaen to start making sense.

“You like Lindir, do you not?” Melpomaen hoped he had chosen the best way to tell Erestor.

“I do.” Erestor gravely nodded his head.

Melpomaen coughed again and his blush deepened. “I like Lindir as well, Erestor. I like him a lot… Actually, I love him. Lindir and I have been in love for two years now. That is what Glorfindel knows – and Elrond – and I thought they did not.”

“*That’s* the big secret?” Erestor blinked. “You love Lindir and Lindir loves you?” He had seen people in love before and had always wondered how it felt to have someone who cared for you that deeply.

“Aye, that is the big secret.” Melpomaen drew in a series of breaths and then stroked Erestor’s hair. “I am a very insecure person, Erestor, and I did not want anyone to know. I was afraid I would somehow embarrass myself once people knew the truth.”

“You do not have to worry about that,” Elrond said quickly. He had already surmised that it had been something like that. “Look at the bright side, my friend. You no longer have to hide the fact that you love Lindir.”

Melpomaen sighed. “Once Lindir realizes that our secret is out he will want to kiss me in public.”

“And that’s a bad thing? Why?” Erestor was happy for Melpomaen now that he knew about Lindir and he just didn’t understand why the Advisor looked so miserable. “I always thought that love was a good thing.” However, he couldn’t remember who had told him that. He was certain it hadn’t been the slave trader or any of his customers. Who had told him then? A memory brushed against his mind, but the image escaped him in the end.

“I will grow flustered and become clumsy. I will act awkwardly around Lindir. I just know I will.” Melpomaen wrung his hands in rising agitation.

Elrond took a step closer to Melpomaen and placed his right hand on the Advisor’s shoulder. “Does it matter? Lindir loves you just the way you are. If you blush, you blush. It will not make Lindir love you less.”

Melpomaen looked at Elrond and flashed him a grateful smile. “That is true.” He *knew* it was true because Lindir *did* love him. “Maybe things will not be as awkward as I thought.”

Elrond squeezed Lindir’s shoulder comfortingly. “Let us head for the Hall now. Your lover is waiting for you and Glorfindel is hungry.”

“I’m hungry too,” Erestor said softly.

“And Erestor is hungry too.” Elrond guided Erestor into the corridor and Melpomaen rose slowly from his chair.

“I am sorry,” Glorfindel said. “I did not know that revealing your love would make you feel so uncomfortable. If I had known, I would not have brought it up.”

Melpomaen shrugged once. “Lindir will be glad to hear that you know about our love now. He never wanted to hide our relationship from you. It is me. I am too insecure. Sometimes, I wonder why he ever accepted me as his lover.”

“Because he has good taste,” Glorfindel said in an effort to tease Melpomaen and to reassure him at the same time.

“Thank you,” Melpomaen answered from the bottom of his heart.

~~~

Lindir instantly sensed his lover’s unrest. Melpomaen looked nervous. There were the telltale signs: his lover was avoiding his looks, hiding his hands in his sleeves, and dragging his feet. Thankfully the song he had been playing came to an end and Lindir excused himself. The other minstrels took over and started to sing a bittersweet love song. In the meantime, Lindir tried to move closer to Melpomaen, whose gaze had finally met his eyes, but the green eyes looked startled. Finally, he managed to be close enough to ask, “What is amiss? Does it have something to do with Glorfindel’s injury?”

Melpomaen felt Elrond’s eyes on him and looked at the Elf-Lord. Elrond was smiling and nodding his head, two gestures which were meant to encourage him. Ai, he felt embarrassed and insecure and knew he was going to make mistakes. He felt his face begin to flush and wished he could hide in the shadows again like he had done so long ago.

“Mel?” Acting out of concern, Lindir placed a hand on his lover’s arm.

“They know,” Melpomaen whispered eventually. “Elrond, Glorfindel, and even Erestor know.” He couldn’t look Lindir in the eye when saying it, nor did he dare to make eye contact again with Elrond.

“They know what?” Lindir had long realized just how shy his lover was and, although he had offered to help Melpomaen overcome his shyness, the Advisor had declined his help.

“We know you love Mel,” Erestor said. He had been listening in and had seen the discomfort on the Advisor’s face. It was unlike him to intervene, but he felt sorry for Melpomaen. “And we know Mel loves you.”

Melpomaen felt both relieved and cheated. Relieved because Lindir now knew what had happened to upset him and cheated because deep down in his heart he had hoped to tell Lindir himself. “Aye, it is true,” he added quickly. “They know that we are lovers.”

Elrond and Glorfindel exchanged an amused look, but the two Elves didn’t interfere. Lindir and Melpomaen must handle their problems. However, Elrond decided that they should have some privacy and, as long as Erestor was listening in on their conversation, they wouldn’t have any. So Elrond reached for the boy, lifted him, and placed him on his knee. Erestor allowed it and focused on the food, but he still kept a close eye on Melpomaen and Lindir.

Although Melpomaen’s worried face gave Lindir little reason to react cheerfully, he did and pulled Melpomaen into his arms. Melpomaen immediately hid his face in Lindir’s fair hair so the other Elves could no longer see his expression. “Ai, my love, there is no reason for you to look so glum,” Lindir said. He had no inhibitions and kissed Lindir’s cheek. “I was hoping this would happen some day!”

“I know you did,” Melpomaen whispered, still feeling bashful. “Are they looking at us? They must be looking at us. I just know they are!” He wasn’t good at handling crowds and a large number of Elves had assembled in the Hall. And all those Elves were probably watching him.

“They are happy for us.” Lindir tried to soothe his distressed lover. His fellow musicians were smiling at him and some of the scribes Melpomaen worked with were nodding their heads and smiling as well. “There is no reason for you to feel embarrassed.” Lindir cupped Melpomaen’s face and guided it away from his shoulder so his lover had to look at him. “They know and Middle-Earth still exists. No disaster happened.” Lindir searched Melpomaen’s eyes and wondered where this insecurity came from. He had never pried before, but now his curiosity surfaced again. What had happened in his lover’s past to make him act like this? Hopefully he would find out one of these days.

Melpomaen realized that hiding was no longer an option and shyly studied the faces of the minstrels and scribes they worked with. They all seemed happy for him. In the end, Melpomaen managed a weak smile.

Lindir curled his fingers around his lover’s hand and raised it. Still holding hands, he placed them for all to see on the dinner table. Rubbing Melpomaen’s fingers with his fingertips, he sensed as his lover slowly calmed down. “See? All is still well.”

Melpomaen gave a weak nod. “You give me strength.” Acting impulsively, Lindir wrapped his arm around Melpomaen and pulled him close until his lover could rest his head against a shoulder, which Melpomaen promptly did.

The minstrels began to play their music again and, while listening to it, Melpomaen finally relaxed enough to close his eyes and truly enjoy having Lindir so close in public. “I love you,” he whispered into Lindir’s ear. The blue eyes radiated warmth and the normally pale thin lips seemed much redder and voluptuous to Melpomaen. “Would you mind if I kissed you?” He wanted to now that their secret was out.

“I would mind if you did *not* kiss me,” Lindir mumbled. He smiled, touched Melpomaen’s hair, and leaned in closer.

“They’re kissing!” Erestor quipped in delight. He looked up at Elrond. The Elf-Lord was smiling at the couple. A look to his right showed that Glorfindel was grinning and even gave him a wink. Erestor was content because this was what he had wanted: for the adults to smile again and stop being angry with each other – and with him.

~~~

Lindir and Melpomaen excused themselves early in the evening. The two Elves hurried out of the Hall and Melpomaen felt uncomfortable once more as several Elves grinned at them. They probably thought they were going to make mad love all night long! Just that thought alone was enough to make Melpomaen’s face flushed.

Lindir sensed that Melpomaen wanted nothing more than to hide in their rooms and guided his lover to his chambers. Melpomaen sighed deeply the moment Lindir closed the door behind him and the minstrel saw that the miserable expression had returned in the green eyes. He *had* to do something about his lover’s insecurities, but what?

“What are you doing?” Melpomaen’s eyes widened as he watched Lindir begin to undress, which didn’t take long before he was standing naked in front of Melpomaen.

“I am becoming naked, my love and I suggest you do the same.” He had noticed that it was easiest to talk to Melpomaen when they were in an intimate setting.

“Must I?” Melpomaen cringed at the way he sounded, but he knew that Lindir was doing this for a reason.

“I know you do not mean it like that.” Lindir took a step toward Melpomaen and began to unbutton the formal robes. “I want to talk to you,” he explained when he detected the suspicion in Melpomaen’s eyes. “But you have nothing to fear and you should know that too.”

“I am not used to discussing my…problems,” Melpomaen said, acknowledging that he *did* have problems. He let Lindir undress him, but couldn’t suppress the shivers that coursed through him. “Must I really do this?”

“Aye, if you want our relationship to deepen.” Lindir guided Melpomaen to his bed and the two Elves curled up together. Lindir enfolded Melpomaen in a loose hug and pulled the covers atop of them. “Look at me, love, please. Do not hide from me. We need to discuss this.”

“What is ‘this’?” Melpomaen didn’t like the sound of it, but maintained eye contact with Lindir and accepted the caresses his lover bestowed onto his hair.

“Your insecurity. I know that you are not ashamed of having me as your lover, but I can not help but wonder why you felt the need to hide our relationship – and why you reacted like you did this evening. What happened in your past to make you react that way?”

Melpomaen drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes, unable to meet Lindir’s gaze any longer. “I told you that you might not like the real me once you knew me better.”

“That is not it,” Lindir stated determinedly. “Open your eyes and look at me, Mel.” The green eyes opened and looked at him with apprehension. “I love *you*, Mel. I like the real you.” He grinned. “I *love* the real you. I am just trying to understand why you are the way you are.”

Melpomaen shrugged. “What do you want to know?”

Lindir’s fingertips moved over Melpomaen’s face, caressing the skin there. “Why are you so insecure? When I first met you, you acted like you thought that I could never be interested in you. Where does that low self-esteem come from?”

Melpomaen didn’t really want to do this. He had never told anyone before and there was so much at stake for him.

“You must believe that I will stand at your side no matter what you will tell me. I love you, Mel.” Lindir hoped those words would reassure his lover and convince him to confide in him.

Melpomaen didn’t know where to start. In the end, he said, “Maybe my parents were not the best parents I could have hoped for.”

Lindir felt relieved at Melpomaen’s show of trust. “In what way did they fail you?”

“I do not think they failed me,” Melpomaen said quickly, coming to their defense.

“Maybe I phrased that wrong,” Lindir replied apologetically.

Melpomaen closed his eyes again and rubbed his face against Lindir’s shoulder. “Do you remember the first time you held me? Or kissed me? How clumsy I was in returning that kiss?”

Lindir nodded his head once and stroked his lover’s hair. “I do, but you never had a lover before so you were allowed to be clumsy.”

“It was more than that.” Melpomaen relaxed against Lindir and added, “My parents always were distant. Their love was distant too. They seldom hugged me and hardly ever told me they loved me. As a child, I always wanted to please them because I hoped they would then hug me or tell me they cared about me. They seldom did.”

“Go on, love.”

“Whenever I look at Elrond and see the way he showers the twins and now Erestor as well with his love, I grow sad. I always wanted my father to be like that.”

Certain things began to make sense to Lindir, like Melpomaen’s clumsy attempts to kiss and hug him. It had taken Melpomaen some time before he had been able to accept and return a close hug and the intimacy between them had felt awkward at first. Now he understood why. “I had to teach you how to be intimate – how to hug.”

Melpomaen nodded against Lindir’s shoulder. “Aye, that is true. And I felt so ashamed because I did not know how to love you back. I wanted to hold you, but…”

“But you needed time to accept my closeness.” Lindir rubbed the small of Melpomaen’s back and nuzzled his lover’s dark-blond hair. Since Melpomaen was still wearing his braids, Lindir raised his hand and began to undo them. He loved seeing Melpomaen wear his hair loose.

“I worked so hard to please them, but they never seemed interested in the things I did. I tried my hand at drawing, hoping the results would please them, but they hardly looked at the drawings I made. The same goes for my attempts at sword fighting, horseback riding, and even music. I just could not please them.”

“Mel, there is something I would like to know… You speak about them in the past tense. Does that mean they are dead?”

Melpomaen shook his head and then pressed closer to soak up Lindir’s body heat. “Nay, they are still alive, but I never see them these days. They moved to the Havens of Mithlond after I reached my majority. To me, it looked as though they could not wait to leave Imladris. They left the day after I became an adult.”

“I am sorry that they were not better parents,” Lindir offered. “It is sad in a way...they will never know what a sweet, talented, and brave Elf they have for a son.”

Lindir’s words warmed his heart. “You are everything I always wanted,” he said and lifted his head from the minstrel’s chest. “I love you so much and it means a lot to me that you accept me the way I am – complete with all my flaws.”

“You do not have any flaws,” Lindir said and rolled Melpomaen atop of him. “Well, your only flaw might be that you are not yet making love to me.” Lindir raised a hand and caressed Melpomaen’s face. He was very much aware of the fact that tears simmered just beneath the surface of his lover’s eyes and he was grateful that Melpomaen trusted him enough to bare his soul to him. “I love you, Mel. Never forget that.”

Melpomaen leaned in closer and kissed Lindir. He knew that he still had a long way ahead of him, but at least now he had someone at his side who loved him unconditionally.

TBC

Part 4

Erestor felt smug. This was the first time ever that he was sleeping in Glorfindel’s arms and he loved the experience. The golden-haired Elf had slipped into a long nightshirt and had then encouraged the boy to snuggle up to him. Erestor had draped one arm across Glorfindel’s abdomen and the other he had tucked beneath his head to use as a pillow.

Glorfindel in turn was lying on his side and had tucked Erestor against him. After pulling up the blankets he tucked them around their forms. All that showed now were Erestor’s dark eyes and his raven hair. “Are you comfortable?” he asked the boy softly.

Erestor nodded against Glorfindel’s chest. “Very comfortable.” Elrond made a good pillow, but so did Glorfindel. “I was worried about you,” he whispered, needing to express his worry once more. “I was afraid you were going to die.”

“I will not die.” Glorfindel had almost added ‘again’, but stopped himself just in time. There was no need to worry Erestor further. “It is nice having you here.” Glorfindel stroked the raven hair and released a contented sigh. It *was* nice to have the boy close. “What did you do today, Erestor? Will you tell me? I am curious to find out what I missed out on.”

“I studied with Lindir and then I talked to Elrond. He tried to convince me that you would return to Imladris quickly, but I couldn’t stop worrying about you.” Erestor peeked up at Glorfindel and smiled at the adult. “I missed you.”

Glorfindel wanted to end the day on a positive note and in an effort to chase Erestor’s worries away, he said, “Melpomaen and Lindir looked cute together, do you not think so?” He had used the word ‘cute’ on purpose, hoping it would make the boy giggle. And it worked. Erestor chuckled and nodded his head repeatedly.

“Yes, very cute… Mel blushed when Lindir dragged him out of the Hall.” But then his mirth lessened and he became serious again. “I hope they will continue to be happy. I don’t want to see Mel distressed again. I love him too.”

Glorfindel smiled and carefully ruffled the boy’s hair. “I have a good feeling about those two.”

Glorfindel’s words reassured Erestor, who rubbed his cheek against the fabric of Glorfindel’s nightshirt and closed his eyes. Closing his eyes always made it easier for him to fall asleep. “I like Mel…”

“I like Mel too.” Glorfindel inched a little closer and wrapped the boy up in a loose embrace. Smiling, he listened to Erestor’s breathing, which deepened and evened out. The boy was finally asleep. “It was an exhausting day for you, was it not?” Glorfindel whispered, having to voice his thoughts just as much as Erestor had needed to speak his worries. “I am sorry I caused you distress, but Erestor this will not be the last time that I have to lead a patrol.” He was a warrior, Imladris’ Captain, and danger was a part of his life. “But for your sake, I will be as careful as I can.” No matter how many more battles he would face, he would always do his best to come back to Erestor.

~~~

Melpomaen sat upright in bed with a start. Someone was knocking on his door and one look out of the window told him that he had overslept: the sun had already begun to rise. Next to him, Lindir roused as well and Melpomaen’s heart missed a beat at seeing the tousled hair, the bruised lips, and the look of satiation on his beloved’s face. Their lovemaking the other night had been extremely satisfying!

“Master Melpomaen?”

“What is amiss?” Lindir pushed himself upright at hearing the scribe’s voice. A moment ago he had been peacefully asleep and now was looking at his lover’s stricken face.

“I overslept!” Melpomaen panicked.

“My Lord Elrond sent me to inform you that he expects you and Master Lindir in his rooms to join him for breakfast shortly. Please do not take too long.”

Melpomaen gave Lindir a distressed look. He didn’t feel comfortable with the fact that Elrond had known Lindir would still be in his rooms at dawn and wished his secret had never been revealed.

“Please tell Lord Elrond that we will join him shortly,” Lindir said when Melpomaen remained quiet. Footfalls moving away from the door indicated that the scribe had left. “Mel, there is nothing to be upset about. They know we are together, Mel.”

Melpomaen drew in a deep breath and began to relax as Lindir lightly rubbed his lower back. “I am not sure I will ever be used to our love being in the open.”

“What are you afraid of?” Lindir moved closer to his lover and rested his head in Melpomaen’s lap. Looking at his lover, he searched Melpomaen’s eyes.

Melpomaen’s shoulders slumped and he bowed his head. “I am afraid it will end.”

Lindir’s eyes widened and he pushed himself onto all fours. His face was only an inch away from Melpomaen’s as he stared into his lover’s eyes with disbelief. “What did you say?”

“I am afraid you will leave me. When our love was still a secret, I was not that afraid… Even if you left me, it would not matter much because no one knew about our relationship. But now everyone knows about us and…” Melpomaen cringed. He had never wanted to reveal his worst fear to Lindir.

Lindir shook his head and placed his hands on Melpomaen’s shoulder. “I love you and I have no intention of leaving you. Stop being so afraid and enjoy what you have.”

Melpomaen managed a weak smile. “You have to be patient with me, Lindir.” Melpomaen bit his bottom lip and then admitted, “It is in my nature to doubt myself, our love, your love… I really do not deserve you, Lindir.”

Lindir’s reaction to that admission was to claim Melpomaen’s lips and deepen the kiss. He realized it would take his lover time to accept what they had, but in the end, Melpomaen’s self-doubt would be put to rest.

~~~

Erestor woke to tickling fingers which made him burst out laughing. Glorfindel had woken up first and had decided to wake the boy in a way that would drive away any lingering worries. Growling and pulling faces, he pretended to prowl toward the boy and then tickled Erestor’s sides.

“Stop it… Stop it… Glor…fin…del!” Erestor tried to fend off Glorfindel’s tickling fingers, and in the end, he managed to scramble away from the adult Elf. Giggling, he held his sides and tried to recover his breath. “It’s too early for that!” He had been asleep until a moment ago!

“Nay, it is not,” Glorfindel said while reclining against the pillows. “Actually, we are already late for breakfast, but I do not think Elrond will mind.”

“Elrond…” Erestor’s eyes grew big. He had forgotten about the Elf-Lord. “Do you think he missed me? Do you think he’s sad because…because I stayed here last night?” He loved Elrond and didn’t want to cause the Elf-Lord any sorrow.

Glorfindel decided to be honest. “He probably missed you, Erestor. I know I will miss you the coming night when you go to sleep in Elrond’s arms again. Holding you in your sleep feels nice.” The worried expression was back on Erestor’s face and Glorfindel added, “I do not think he will be sad, Erestor. He knows you will return to his arms tonight.”

“But…then you will miss me?” Had he understood correctly?

Glorfindel privately cursed his choice of words when he had only wanted to cheer Erestor up. “Do not worry about that, Erestor, for I am certain Elrond will allow you to sleep in my arms again shortly. Elrond and I will share.” He leaned in closer and placed a playful kiss on the tip of Erestor’s nose, which made the boy giggle. Glorfindel felt grateful as he saw the remnants of worry finally flee the large eyes. “And now, ready yourself for breakfast. I am hungry and you must be hungry too.”

“I am,” Erestor admitted while nodding his head.

“Then move.” Glorfindel pulled back the covers and shooed Erestor out of the bed.

Laughing freely, Erestor ran into the bathroom to clean himself up. He had enjoyed sleeping over at Glorfindel’s room and hoped the adult Elf was right and that he would sleep in Glorfindel’s arms again shortly.

~~~

Melpomaen felt nervous when he shuffled into Elrond’s private chambers. Although he had been there before, it was a first that Elrond had invited him to have breakfast with him. Only the fact that Lindir held his hand and rubbed his fingers gave him the courage he needed to proceed.

“Seat yourselves!” Elrond, already in the process of drinking his tea, gestured for his guests to sit down at the set table. Melpomaen’s nervousness wasn’t lost on him and he did his best to put his Advisor’s mind at ease. “Eat, you must be hungry!”

Melpomaen couldn’t help but blush. He was convinced that Elrond was referring to the fact that Lindir and he had been engaged in ‘activities’ for most of the night.

Lindir, unlike Melpomaen, felt more relaxed and chuckled. “Aye, we are hungry.” Since he had a good hold on Melpomaen’s hand, he pulled his lover along until they finally sat down. Elrond’s table had been lavishly set and featured all kinds of fruit, teas, bread, cheese, meat, milk, and even honey.

“My Lord, I…” Melpomaen had started speaking without knowing what he had really wanted to say and grew quiet.

“My name is Elrond,” the half-Elf said. “Stop addressing me like that, Melpomaen.”

Melpomaen nodded and released the breath he had been holding. “I am nervous…”

“Melpomaen…” Elrond said and then waited for his Advisor to look him in the eye. “I am happy for Lindir and you, and I am always one to rejoice at witnessing new love, especially when it blooms within Imladris. Furthermore, I see you as a friend. There is no reason for you to feel awkward around me. Do you understand?”

Melpomaen smiled and nodded again. “Thank you… It is just… I am not used to showing my feelings in public…and I am even less used to being with someone who loves me…someone who does not mind being with me. It is a novel experience for me.”

“I surmised as much.” Elrond patted Melpomaen’s hand and considered the matter taken care of. A moment later, a little whirlwind dashed into the room and then tackled him. “Good morning to you too, Erestor,” Elrond said, smiling broadly at the boy who had landed on his lap. Erestor’s arms had gone around his waist and the boy was hugging him. He loved seeing the carefree way in which Erestor was now able to express himself. In this one way, Erestor was ahead of Melpomaen, who still had to grow comfortable with showing his affection so openly. “Did you sleep well?” He ruffled the still tousled hair. Glorfindel obviously hadn’t bothered brushing and braiding it and the messy hair gave Erestor a happy air.

Experiencing a dilemma, Erestor pondered his answer. He didn’t want to upset either Glorfindel or Elrond. In the end, he said, “I did, but I also sleep well when you’re close.”

Elrond smiled at receiving such a tactful answer. “My, I believe you will make an excellent Advisor one day.”

Erestor determinedly shook his head. “I want to become a warrior like Glorfindel.” Because then he could protect the blond Elf.

“I am a warrior as well as the ruler of Imladris, Erestor. It is perfectly possible to be both,” Elrond said, giving Erestor something to think about. “Being one does not rule out being the other.”

“You’re a warrior? You?” Erestor stared at Elrond in surprise. He hadn’t realized that before. He narrowed his eyes and thought back to the day when Elrond had bought him. The Elf-Lord *had* carried a sword that day. “So, I can be both if I want?” That thought hadn’t occurred to him before.

“Of course you can,” Glorfindel answered with a smile.

“Are you a warrior too, Mel?” Erestor looked questioningly at the Advisor.

Mel blushed a bit. “Nay, I am not. I am no good at handling a sword.”

“But you are very adept at wielding a quill,” Elrond complimented Melpomaen.

Melpomaen was stunned to hear Elrond say such a thing and his blush deepened. At the same time, Lindir squeezed his fingers and Melpomaen gave his lover a grateful look. He also caught a look from Erestor, who then winked at him. All this overwhelmed Melpomaen, who wasn’t used to being praised and being the center of everyone’s attention. “Thank you, my Lord…” Elrond raised an eyebrow at him and normally the gesture would have intimidated him, but not this time around. This time, he smiled and corrected himself. “Thank you, Elrond.”

~~~

During the next few weeks, Erestor made Elrond, Glorfindel, Lindir, and Melpomaen proud by being the best student he could be. From Melpomaen he learned how to read and write, from Lindir the basic principles of music, and Glorfindel took him out horse back riding and taught him how to care for the animals in the stables. Erestor looked more and more upon Elrond as his father and Glorfindel had become his hero, while he thought of Melpomaen and Lindir as close friends.

For the next few months, Erestor was happy and enjoyed being the center of everyone’s attention, but then, Elrond took him aside and gave him a thoughtful look. The happy feeling that had settled in Erestor’s self began to flee and unrest, even apprehension, took possession of him instead. Something *bad* had happened or was going to happen and Erestor dreaded to think of what it was. At least he knew that it had nothing to do with Glorfindel because the blond Elf was working on the duty rosters in his office. Seated on Elrond’s knee, all he could do was wait.

“Erestor, months have passed by since you first came here and winter has become spring.”

Erestor nodded. He had noticed that the seasons were changing again. The ice had melted and he could no longer walk on the ice that had once covered the Bruinen. Grass was once more sprouting from the earth. More and more birds along with other animals had been sighted and the air felt warmer.

“Spring has come and it is time for my family to return to Imladris. I expect my wife and my sons to arrive shortly.” Elrond’s features contorted since he didn’t know how Erestor would react to learning this. “And although I will still spend as much time as I can with you, I will also have to spend time with my wife and the twins. That does not mean I love you less, Erestor, because I love you very much.”

They had been talking about Elrond’s family returning home shortly before and Elrond had done his best to mentally prepare Erestor for this event. “You still have Glorfindel, Lindir, and Melpomaen to go to if I am unavailable.”

A solemn expression appeared on Erestor’s face. He had known this was coming ever since Elrond had shown him his own room: a room which he hadn’t set foot in ever since. “Does that mean I have to move out?”

Elrond swallowed hard. He had dreaded that question. “I am afraid so.”

Erestor considered his options. “I don’t want to move into that room. I don’t want to be alone at night – yet.”

Elrond was surprised – and impressed – that Erestor was handling the situation so well and calmly! Or had he underestimated Erestor and had the Elfling devised a strategy of his own? “What would you like for to happen then?”

“I could move into Glorfindel’s rooms…” Erestor suggested in a surprisingly sly voice.

Elrond blinked. Oh yes, he was convinced that Erestor would become a very cunning Advisor one day. Even at this tender age the boy was trying to manipulate him! “And what will happen when Glorfindel is away on patrol?”

“Then I can stay with Lindir and Melpomaen.” He had stayed with them on occasion and actually liked snuggling up in between them. “Please?” he added and gave Elrond the most pleading look he was capable of. “It would work.”

“Aye, it would work,” Elrond answered. He would have preferred for Erestor to move into his own room though, but maybe it was still too early for that. The boy obviously still needed the closeness and reassurance.

“Glorfindel won’t mind,” Erestor added, wanting to spark Elrond’s enthusiasm for his plans.

Elrond raised an eyebrow. “Did you already ask Glorfindel if you could move in with him?” The boy was turning out to be a force to reckon with! Who would have thought that shy boy would turn into someone this clever?

Erestor nodded once. “And I asked Lindir and Mel too. They don’t mind me sleeping over on occasion.” He had planned everything very carefully since he had wanted to be prepared for this day. He simply refused to move into that room! If he couldn’t have Elrond close, he wanted Glorfindel!

“If you already made arrangements, I will not alter them,” Elrond said, still feeling impressed.

“Thank you,” Erestor said and hugged Elrond close. “I knew you would understand.”

Elrond chuckled. Erestor hadn’t given him much of a choice. //You *are* doing well, Erestor. You will surprise us all. Great things lay ahead in your future. I am certain of that.// But even Elrond’s gift of foresight wouldn’t tell him yet what those things were.

In the end, all that mattered was that they had managed this emotional storm and Erestor had escaped unharmed. Things were going to change once more, but Elrond felt confident that Erestor had grown strong and would find a way to handle the twins.

The end/

TBC