Glorfindel, the great Balrog-slayer padded along the halls of
Imladris to his quarters. It had been a long day spent training
new recruits and then on patrol. Glorfindel was looking forward
to a hot bath and a warm bed having finally escaped Elrond and
his endless dinner-table chat.
Stepping
into the room, he peeled off his dirty clothes as he ran his
bath, making sure to add the primrose scented bath foam he loved.
Once the white bubbles touched the top of the tub, he slipped
in and relaxed in the hot water, laughing as he blew bits of
foam around the room. They’d be gone by the time the maid
came in to clean.
Once
he felt suitably refreshed he stepped out and dried off before
wrapping himself in a sleeping robe. Barefoot he returned to
the bedroom and poured himself a glass of wine. Relaxing in
a chair near the window, he savoured the peace that was Imladris
at night.
*CRASH!*
He
jumped as somebody tripped, sending a tray flying down the hall.
So much for peace...
Finishing
his wine, he got ready for bed. He brushed out his golden hair
from its braids, cleaned his teeth and turned back the covers.
He went over to the bed and sat on the edge. Opening the draw
he pulled out his medli. He smiled at the adored and ancient
item, placing it carefully on the bed. He checked it over as
he did every night; it had to be kept in good condition. It
seemed fine, so he curled up in bed and blew out the candle.
Snuggling down into the covers he drifted off to sleep in record
time.
**********************
Oh,
Glorfindel would be so pleased! Erestor smiled as he hurried
down the halls to the golden elf’s rooms. His favourite
mare had just given birth to a pure white stallion that would
make a fine mount when it was grown. Glorfindel had known the
birth was imminent and had asked to be notified immediately
the foal arrived. They would probably see very little of Glorfindel
over the next few weeks, he would be as close to the foal as
its mother. It was always that way when the golden elf acquired
a new steed. Others teased him but Glorfindel swore it was the
reason he always had such loyal mounts. Erestor didn’t
mind. It meant he got a break from the elf’s incessant
teasing. He smiled slightly. In truth Glorfindel was probably
his best friend, but there were times when he wished he could
rip the eldar’s head off.
He
knocked briskly on the door and waited. Nothing. He tried again,
still no response. He frowned; surely he was in there? He had
quite clearly said that he was going to bed. Perhaps he was
simply in too deep a sleep. The councillor pushed at the door
and found it unlocked. He went into the darkened room. Stepping
into Glorfindel’s sleeping chambers he spotted the blond
elf fast asleep under the covers. He looked so peaceful, Erestor
almost hated to wake him. Almost. He stepped up and firmly shook
Glorfindel’s arm. “Wake up mellon nin. There is
somebody in the stables you want to meet.” A groan came
from the elf in the bed. Glorfindel blinked and stared blearily
up at Erestor. “Huh?” The councillor sighed. “The
new foal, Glorfindel. It was born a few minutes ago.”
“Oh!” Realisation struck the Balrog-slayer and he
sat up sharply.
Something
fell from between his arms.
Glorfindel
paled. Erestor gaped. The golden elf tried to extract himself
from the situation. “It’s not what it looks like!
I was just, ah...” However, he was cut off by the loudest
and most unrestrained laughter to ever be released from the
councillor’s lips. “Hahahahaha! Valar save us! The
great Balrog slayer sleeps with a TEDDY BEAR!” His laughter
echoed round the room, as Glorfindel cringed. This was more
embarrassing than being dragged to his death by his hair. No,
this was worse; he was going to have to live through this.
Suddenly
Erestor reached out and took the bear. It was ancient indeed,
probably as old as Glorfindel himself. (It had in fact been
Glorfindel’s since his childhood in Gondolin and had been
returned to him by Gandalf upon his return. Glorfindel had decided
not to ask why he’d had it in the first place.) Glorfindel
growled and rose from the bed. “Erestor.” He said
warningly. The other elf laughed again. “Ah, what is the
matter pen-neth? Have you not been taught to share your toys?”
Erestor
was extremely lucky Glorfindel didn’t strangle him on
the spot.
“Erestor,
give Medli back.” He demanded. It should have sounded
fearsome, but only caused Erestor to double over and yet more
laughter shook his slender frame. “Medli?” He exclaimed
through his guffaws. “You named your bear, ‘bear’?”
Ai!” The councillor clutched at his aching sides, he couldn’t
remember ever laughing so much. Looking deeply offended, Glorfindel
snatched the bear from Erestor’s hand and stuffed it back
in the drawer. “You will speak of this to no one.”
He ordered trying to restore some of his shredded dignity. Erestor
straightened; a twinkle in his dark eyes. “You forget
Glorfindel; I am not one of your soldiers to be ordered around.
I am your equal; you hold no sway over me.
Glorfindel
fought rising panic. If this got out his reputation would be
in tatters! And as much as he liked and respected Erestor he
trusted him about as much as he trusted the dark lord. “Ai,
Erestor show a little mercy!” Glorfindel begged. “Surely
you wouldn’t destroy me this way?” He was trying
to appeal to the other elf’s better nature - assuming
such a thing existed. Erestor put his hand on his chin. “Hmmm.”
He murmured contemplatively. “What is my silence worth,
oh great Balrog-slayer?” Glorfindel looked blankly at
him. “Worth?” He asked Erestor nodded. “Why
of course. Mercy is not free, at least not where I am concerned!”
He grinned in a way that Glorfindel could only describe as evil.
The Golden elf groaned. “What would you have me do?”
He asked resignedly. Erestor had him over a barrel and he knew
it. Who knew what the evil elf would ask of him? Erestor smiled;
a terrible expression. “Well, for starters I am supposed
to play host to Thranduil when he visits next month. I am sure
you would be more than pleased to entertain the pompous windbag
for me.” Glorfindel looked at Erestor in sheer horror.
“You must be joking!” He cried. “Thranduil?
Oh no! I *cannot* spend a week in that arrogant elf’s
company!” He looked imploringly at Erestor. “Ah
well, never mind then.” Erestor sighed. If you’ll
excuse me, I must find Elladan!” He began to walk towards
the door.
Glorfindel
panicked.
“I’ll
do it!” He cried. “Just please don’t tell
anyone!” Erestor smiled sweetly. “Now why would
I do a thing like that? Just remember, Thranduil and his party
arrive on Wednesday morning. Do try to be prompt.” Glorfindel
looked depressed. “Then are we even?” He asked.
“For now.” Erestor smirked. “At least until
Lady Galadriel arrives next month.” With that he swept
out of his quarters, looking as if butter wouldn’t melt
in his mouth, leaving an embarrassed and peeved Balrog-slayer
behind him.
“Ai,”
Glorfindel moaned as he sat on his bed. “He will hold
this over me forever!” Still, he couldn’t help retrieving
his Medli from the drawer before he left the room to see the
new foal.
Re-entering
his own rooms, Erestor grinned. “Ai, that was priceless!”
He laughed as he climbed into bed. “Poor Glorfindel, he
will fear me for at least a century now! What fun I shall have!”
He smiled at his companion. “As long as he doesn’t
find out about you of course!” With that he curled up
and went to sleep, his beloved Mr Bunny held tightly in his
arms.
THE
END
Medli
- Bear (Sindarin)
