For Better Or For Worse

Waiting

Erestor remained in control of himself for the long journey back to the Valley, watching as Glorfindel healed ever so slowly. He was barely conscious for a few minutes a handful of times. Erestor felt as if the bond was the only thing keeping his husband alive. Elrond confirmed Erestor's theory as Glorfindel's wounds started to close. The main concern was the head trauma.
It was confusing for Erestor but he was going to take care of Glorfindel now. He would be the one to protect and provide for his husband, the opposite of how it had been for them since the beginning. Glorfindel was the one that needed help now and Erestor would kill anyone who got on his way.
After several months of the slow march back to the Valley, they could hear the river singing as they slowly found themselves home for the first time in years. The entire household was gathered, food, healers, and baths were waiting to welcome the soldiers home. After Erestor had washed Glorfindel and himself, he asked Linder to bring two bowls of soup up to his quarters where he would be redoing the bandages with clean cloth and making sure that Glorfindel was settled into the room.
Linder was glad to do so as it meant that he would be able to fill Erestor in to what had happened while they were away.
Erestor was extremely thorough as he reapplied all the ointments, having to let them be open to the air for a bit, no open wounds apparent. He called for the elf knocking the door to enter. Erestor fed the last of the poppy seed tea to his mate. He ended up having to use a cup that looked like a bottle to prevent him from choking.
Lindir almost dropped the tray, filled with broth for Glorfindel and a hearty stew with a nice, warm loaf of bread for Erestor, at the sight of all the new wounds and the plethora of scars on Glorfindel's body. So many almost invisible in the lighting but still visible to anyone who looked. There were so many scars from arrows, spears, swords, daggers, javelins, and a noticeable scar that looked as if it was still burning. Lindir had a sinking feeling as he realized that it was the one he had received from the Balrog.
"Erestor, is there anything I can do to help?" Lindir asked as he set the tray on one of the empty tables in the messy room.
"Does Glorfindel still have things in his room?" Erestor's voice remained very soft and gentle as Glorfindel's face slowly smoothed out, unconscious again.
"Yes. Is there something in there that will help?" Lindir was intrigued. Erestor nodded to the minstrel.
"He has a special blanket that's green with embroidered flowers on it, stuffed animal, and three books in a language you can't read somewhere near his bed. Could you get them along with the duvet from his bed?"
"Of course! I'll only be a moment."
Lindir swept from Erestor's chambers to a room no one had looked into for fear of losing Glorfindel's trust. The room was flooded with light compared to Erestor's. It was breathtaking, decorated with the most beautiful art, expert woodwork he'd never seen anywhere else in Rivendell, and every single tapestry and all other fabric essentials (pillows, rugs, blankets, quilts, sheets, etc.) was beyond any talent he'd ever seen. It was all clean, organized, and felt like it was a scene from a fantasy book. He gathered the items before deciding to grab a set of sleep clothes from Glorfindel's wardrobe. The sleep clothes were embroidered with what appeared to be spun gold, almost looking alive as if the flowers were swaying in the wind. He had to remind himself that he was needed in the other room. He entered Erestor's rooms without knocking. The look from Erestor, who had moved to sitting on a chair near the fire, made him glad he had returned when he had. He presented the items to Erestor.
"Thank you. Let me just get the Sun Flower dressed and tucked in."
Erestor had accidentally used Glorfindel's nickname out there, relieved to see the short top and shorts that Indis had made for him. Glorfindel had loved to wear this style every chance he could get. The shirt was easy to slip over Glorfindel's head. Erestor easily, masterly maneuvered the shorts on. He tucked the very special blanket around Glorfindel, almost swaddling the golden warrior. The duvet was placed over the bundle. The stuffed animal was placed right next to his head, touching Glorfindel's cheek. The books were placed on the bedside table. Erestor kissed Glorfindel's forehead, moving back to Lindir and the food that was still warm.