Hello everyone and welcome to my latest fic! For those of you who are just joining us, this story is the continuation of Landslide which can be read at either fanfiction.net or the Library of Moria @ www.libraryofmoria.com. I really suggest reading Landslide before reading this sequel. I also suggest reviewing! ^.^
Also for people new to my writing, I would like to assure you that I remain closely with LoTR book cannon with very little taken from the movies. While the movies are indeed wonderful, and among my favourite films of all time (ORLANDO BLOOM!!), I simply prefer the depth of the books. As such, I attempt at all times to make my writing consistent with the style and tone of Tolkien's original work. Thus, although I am an American (and PROUD of it, baby!) British spellings will be used.
Disclaimer: Yes! Of course I own The Lord of the Rings! In paperback and hardcover! However, I do not own any of the characters, settings or intellectual property of our dearly esteemed Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. So please, don't sue! (Especially not Mary Sue! *shudder*)
Warnings: Just the usual. Blood, violence, mild swearing, ANGST! and slash (male/male themes).
Sorry…too much espresso…now, on with the story!
On the West Wind Sails the Gull
By NekoMegami_chan
Imladris awoke blanketed in a crisp layer of new snow. The clouds, now devoid of their heavy burden, had drifted away during the night to leave the sky a frigid blue. No wind disturbed the leaves of the hedges and trees in the gardens.
Chickens fluttered and clucked in the hen house. In the stable, the horses grunted and pawed, demanding their morning feed. A disgruntled young maid yawned into the back of her sleeve and began her day by lighting the main stove and sending the kitchen boy to fetch a few logs from the woodpile.
Erestor watched the world beyond his balcony churn slowly into motion. He nursed a hot mug of spiced cider in his hands, letting the warmth seep into his long fingers. Being an elf he was highly resilient to the biting cold, though the creamy skin over his cheeks and nose had turned the colour of spring Roses mere moments after he had stepped outside.
Glorfindel joined him silently, cradling a cup of his own. They often began their days together and frequently Elrond joined them, though he was not present this morning. It had been their policy for centuries to discuss naught of affairs of state ere they had finished their breakfast. It was a practice that Glorfindel was known to remark upon as being the cornerstone of his continued grip on sanity.
Leaning back against the rail and crossing his ankles, Erestor sought out Glrorfindel's gaze. The Balrog Slayer simply inclined his head and sipped from his mug, inviting his friend to speak his mind.
"I shall miss the twins dearly," Erestor sighed. "They have been such a part of my life for so long that I do not know how I ever got along without them. When they chose not to accompany their mother to the west, I came to believe that they would be among the last to depart the shores of Arda."
"I too will feel their absence keenly," Glorfindel said thoughtfully. "Yet you know as well as I that it is in their best interests to leave. The sea longing is not an affliction to be easily set aside."
Erestor nodded sagely. "Aye, nor should it be."
They fell into a comfortable silence whilst they finished their cider, each elf perusing his private thoughts. Erestor was the first to rouse himself. Setting aside his cup, he approached Glorfindel and unobtrusively began to weave several small braids into the Elda's long locks, tying simple knots at the end to keep the plaits from unravelling. When he had finished he gently lifted the ceramic mug from Glorfindel's fingers and stood patiently while the favour was returned.
On the days when other matters prevented Elrond from their morning rituals the Lord of Imladris was sure to appear in creased robes and a circlet upon his head, his dark hair gleaming and brushed straight but unadorned by the braids signifying his rank. While all of them were perfectly capable of dressing themselves yet the companionship maintained by caring for one another was sorely needed. With no significant females in the household Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor had adapted centuries ago to living their immortal lives in one another's company.
When his own hair had been tightly braided and pulled back from his face and ears, Erestor stepped back to admire his work. Glorfindel was dressed smartly in a tunic of emerald green wool and a deerskin waistcoat of a darker green. Thick grey wool leggings and tall, soft leather boots covered the lower half of his body. "You are riding with the patrol today?" Erestor asked, though there was little question in his tone.
"Aye. Though I would prefer to tarry around in the healing house another day, I must not ignore my duties," the blonde Elda affirmed. "And you? You intend to spend the day working in your office?"
"As you say, there is much that has gone undone these last days," the raven haired advisor smiled. "Perhaps you will return in time to join us all for a few glasses of mulled wine after the evening meal?"
Glorfindel only nodded noncommittally and excused himself, his mind already making plans for the patrol as he threaded his way through the Last Homely House and towards the stable yard.
Erestor watched him go, hardly eager to seclude himself in his study and begin the various tasks that awaited him there. Yet just as he was turning to do so, movement among the distant trees bordering Imladris caught his eye. Anxious to know if the approaching riders were friend or foe, Erestor leaned over the balcony railing, squinting past the glare of the sun on snow.
A familiar figure at the fore raised a hand in greeting. Erestor grinned and laughed merrily. Estel had come home to Rivendell!
* * *
King Elessar of Gondor dismounted his tall gelding stiffly. He was bundled tightly against the winter cold and the extra layers of cloth and leather hindered his usually fluid movements. Behind him his escort - a hand selected group of thirty-two men - followed his lead through they gawked at the white shrouded beauty of the Elven realm.
Aragorn cast about for the nearest soldier and pressed the reins of his gelding firmly into the other man's gloved hand. He was not surprised to see Glorfindel striding over the snow towards him, dressed for the morning patrol, but he was taken aback by the fact that the Elda remained at Imladris. Had they given up the search for Legolas so soon?
One of the escort took in a sharp breath and exclaimed, "What trickery is this that he walks upon the snow?"
"No trickery, it is the way of Elves," the king interjected, his words cutting through the astonished murmurs that had broken out among his men. "Mae govanen Glorfindel, mellon-nin!"
"Well met, Estel," Glorfindel shook the man's hand and drawing him into a firm embrace. "It is good to see you again." The Elda paused, feeling the taught muscles of Aragorn's body, and released him. "Is all well with you? What brings you here in such dismal travelling weather?"
Erestor's silvery laugh ran through the courtyard like moonbeams on water as he ran lightly up to the group gathered in the snow, his long blue robes fluttering around his slender legs. "I sent for him, of course! Who better to help us search than the High King of Gondor?"
Noticing the agonized expression on Estel's face, Erestor placed a comforting hand on the other's shoulder. "Peace Estel! Alas, you were too slow to be of much use after all. The prince was found the night before last and lies even now in the Healing House," Erestor said, adopting the strict tone he had used when the young human had been tardy to lessons.
Aragorn felt a huge burden lift from his shoulders. "I shall like to see Legolas as soon as provision has been made for my men and horses," he said.
Glorfindel clasped Estel's forearm and nodded. "Tell them to come with me," he instructed. "I was just on my way to the paddock to meet my patrol. The stable master can take charge of their care."
Elessar turned and swiftly issued commands to his weary escort. He had pushed them hard over their journey to Imladris, waking them all well before dawn this morning and continuing their exhaustive march at first light.
As the men were walking towards the barns, a booming voice issuing from beyond the trees caused Aragorn to spin around. "I told you, Elf! I do not need your guidance! I have visited this realm before and I am perfectly capable of…" Gimli broke into the clearing and stopped dead in his tracks, his complaint melting away. "Aragorn?"
"Aye, 'tis me friend Gimli! Good day to you!" the king of Gondor smiled. He glanced briefly at Erestor, who remained at his side. "Your doing also, I assume?"
"You are correct," Erestor replied, as he had many times during Estel's tutelage.
Gimli had trudged up to them, his stout form chest deep in the snow. Six other dwarves accompanied him and their elven guide simply bowed quickly to Erestor before vanishing back into the woods. "Why are you all standing about? Legolas is…"
"In bed, where he ought to be," Aragorn interrupted. "And I was on my way to see him. Would you care to accompany me while your companions go with mine to find a hot meal?"
One of the other dwarves spoke up loudly. "Which way to the kitchens? I assume that even elves must have a few fried eggs about?"
"I am quite sure that sufficient provision can be made to satisfy even the greatest of appetites. You will find my Lord Elrond to be a gracious host indeed!" Erestor, ever the diplomat, bowed and extended his hand in an elegant sweeping gesture. "This way if you please?" The dwarves muttered and trundled after Erestor.
Aragorn suppressed a hearty laugh and clapped Gimli around the shoulders. "Then all is settled. Let us go! Legolas awaits!"
* * *
That's it for this chapter! I hope everyone enjoyed and intends on reviewing on their way out! I know, I'm shameless.
In any case this chapter was fun to write because it came so quickly and easily, that's why I'm a few days ahead of schedule with this update. In any case, this chapter was only the beginning and a bit slow. I had originally intended to have more going on, but that will just have to wait until the next post.
Thanks for reading and check back soon for another chapter. Maybe 4 days? No promises though. ^-^