Return To Middle Earth

Figuring It Out

Erestor waited until Glorfindel was sleeping deeply before gently rubbing the tense muscles. Glorfindel was gorgeous, the slightly red eyes and the skin glistening under the light of the fire. He didn't mind the scars across the soft skin. Erestor studied the visible scars as Glorfindel fell into the deepest stage of sleep, curled up against the gentle elf. Erestor waited a few more minutes before gently lifting the Balrog Slayer up and placing him on the bed, effortlessly gliding across the room to the dresser.
Erestor was shocked at how little the dresser was filled with. Two formal robes, two casual tunics, three pairs of leggings, one pair of nice boots and a single pair of soft sleep clothes that were almost brand new. Erestor gathered the pajamas, a comb, and a hair tie. He placed his gathered supplies on the bed. He slid the boots off of Glorfindel's feet, noticing the red spots that would be painful as blisters were forming on the soft, velvety skin. Erestor quickly returned to his room to gather some soothing oils and healing balm, knowing that Glorfindel wouldn't be able to move tomorrow due to all the bruises and pure exhaustion. Erestor almost ran into Lindir, deep in thought as he was.
"Lord Erestor, have you checked on Lord Glorfindel? He hasn't gone to the Hall for the noon meal and hasn't asked for food in a week." Lindir's light voice brought Erestor out of his thoughts.
"I have. I'm returning to him now. If I am not in the Hall for dinner, send food and the paperwork to Glorfindel's rooms." Erestor's voice held a note of deep concern for Glorfindel. "Leave the food outside of the door. Do not knock and insure no one disturbs Glorfindel and I."
Lindir knew that something happened. He didn't press as Erestor swiftly glided down the halls, determined to help the Vanya elf. Erestor locked the door to the hall as he silently approached the bed.
Glorfindel's face was troubled, surely a memory resurfacing as the storm gathered more force. Erestor placed the oils, ointments, and healing balms on the small table near the bed. He gently ran a hand through the much shorter hair, marveling as Glorfindel's face relaxed once more, so very trusting. Erestor worked gently to remove the clothes and warmed the oils. The room was warm as he massaged the oils into Glorfindel's skin, relaxing taunt muscles. He was careful as he slipped the mini shorts that Glorfindel wore as pajamas onto the sleeping ellon. He repeated the process on the back and gently traced the scars. After the shirt was on, Erestor started working the healing ointments and balms over the sensitive skin, wrapping a few with bandages so that the ointments and balms didn't dry up before it would be effective in repairing the broken skin.
Glorfindel whined when Erestor moved away to keep the rooms warm by adding wood to the fire. Erestor couldn't help the way his heart squeezed as Glorfindel looked much younger and reminded him of an elfling. Erestor sat next to the blond warrior, brushing Glorfindel's hair and braiding the hair away from the slumbering face. Erestor wrapped his arms around the Vanya elf, humming an ancient lullaby. Glorfindel was safe with Erestor, who would protect him from people trying to gain his favor or control over him. Erestor pulled out a book from one of his robe pockets, reading as Glorfindel slept peacefully against him.
The rest of the day passed in the same way, Erestor only moving to keep the fire lit and to gather paperwork and the two plates from the hallway. Glorfindel, only partially awake, ate the soup as Erestor spoon fed him. He fell back asleep before even eating half of the small portion. Erestor was concerned about how stressed and vulnerable Glorfindel was, having a heart of pure gold. He could almost see the deep soul wounds that hadn't been healed before the Valar sent the faithful one back to these cruel shores. He didn't know if the new treatment plan Elrond had proposed would work but Glorfindel needed help and Erestor was one of the only elves old enough to be the golden one's equal.
Glorfindel would wake a few times, when the lightning and thunder was too close or loud. He would start trying to cuddle closer, no longer connected to reality at the moment. His face was too young yet Erestor knew that Glorfindel was the same age as him. Erestor practically had Glorfindel in his lap, terrified every time he would wake. Erestor held him, rocking back and forth.
As dawn approached, the storm grew worse. It was apparent that everyone, except for some unfortunate border guards, were gathered in the Hall of Fire or were working inside. Many elves with shops were still running their businesses. Some elves braved the storm to run some errands. Erestor heard lindir lingering outside the door. He carefully removed Glorfindel, put more wood in the fire, and slipped out of the bedroom and through the other rooms to the hallway, having the doors cracked to hear if Glorfindel needed him or woke up.
Lindir was holding two plates, one was filled with food that was very light on the stomach. The other held a balanced combination of food. Erestor placed the two plates down on the table just inside the rooms.
"How's he doing?" Lindir whispered. Erestor sighed deeply.
"The storm has been very rough on him. He cut a lot of his hair off. The soul wounds are almost practically visible. He hasn't been fully awake yet. I don't fell comfortable leaving him alone at the moment. He hasn't been coherent since the storm started and I don't know what to do but I'll figure it out." Erestor responded. Lindir nodded, handing a missive to him.
"Lord Elrond told me to deliver this if Glorfindel had a bad reaction to the weather. I will also bring the chest he asked to be delivered as well." Lindir bowed, leaving Erestor in the hall with the thick bundle of paper. Erestor entered the rooms, locking the hall door and walked back into the room. He noticed Glorfindel's forehead wrinkled in either pain or a nightmare. He sat in a chair next to the golden warrior. He opened the missive and started to read it.