Excerpts from Erestor's Journal
3018 October 20
At last the One Ring has reemerged in Arda. Glorfindel arrived bearing not only
the Ring, but a small, injured Halfling as well. This Halfling is named Frodo
Baggins and seems to have inherited the Ring from his Uncle Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo
is our guest here at Imladris and has been for twenty years. I cannot imagine
what turmoil this will bring to all who live in Rivendell, nor to those of Middle
Earth. Ever we have heard of the darkness rising in the east and now our worst
fears are confirmed.
Sauron returns.
3018 October 22
Despite the presence of the Ring in Rivendell and all it presence portends,
I find I have other things on my mind. Namely, a problem pertaining to the Twins
and their father.
Yesterday, the Prince of Mirkwood arrived at Imladris, sent to us by King Thranduil. Gollum, the hapless creature enslaved by the ring for all these centuries, has escaped and none now know his location. Yet Legolas’ presence here in Rivendell is of far more personal consequence to Lord Elrond.
I accidentally overheard a conversation this morning that left
me cold and shaken. Elrohir and Elladan were in the garden, along with Legolas,
and the discussion was not of Orc hunting.
3018 November 18
I have been mercilessly dragged into this plot hatched by Lord Elronds' sons
and their friend, Legolas. I should, perhaps say, their lover, rather than friend.
I grow more and more concerned.
Having no other choice, I felt it necessary to confront the conspiring Elves yesterday. I have gathered information; some spoken and some read between the lines, that has distressed me. I can only imagine what it will do to Elrond.
3018 December 21
I can honestly say that last night was the worst, most humiliating night of
my entire existence. I should never have agreed to participate in the scheme
set forth by Elrohir, Elladan and Legolas. I should have known nothing but disaster
could come of it. I did try to tell them, though, but they would not listen.
Now Elrond is angry with me. I can't say that I blame him. Sneaking into his bed and pretending to be one of the dream lovers was not the brightest idea any one has ever had. In my own defense, I can only say that I was swept away by three beauties whose pleas were met by an overly romantic heart. My own.
I was hiding under a table in the library when Glorfindel and Lord Elrond arrived. Their conversation I have recorded here, as much as I was able to recall considering my state.
"I had an interesting evening last night. Would you care to guess what happened?" Elrond asked. At first I did not know to whom he spoke and pushed myself deeper into the well under the desk.
"Ah, no, I would prefer not to make such speculations." I was relieved when I heard Glorfindel's voice as it meant that Lord Elrond was not aware of my presence.
"Let's just say that I saw a side of Erestor I've never before seen. Would you know anything about that?"
I am glad there was no one to bear witness to my flaming face and ears. I detected the most vague hint of irony and double entendre. Oh, how clever Lord Elrond can be with words.
"I was made aware of certain circumstances while the scouting party was away," he admitted. "I cannot say who else is involved, besides Erestor."
Admittedly, my jaw sagged a little when I overheard those words. I was unaware of Glorfindel's knowledge, or even interest, in the goings-on in Lord Elrond's bedchamber. Or did he have a role at all? Glorfindel has eyes and ears all over Imladris. I suppose it is the amount of lovers he has taken over the centuries. He has quite a devoted following. Elrond's next sentence frightened me back to the present.
"Find Erestor, Glorfindel. I would like to speak to him." Elrond rose from his seat and walked to the door. "I have been made a fool of and I like it not."
"Please, Elrond, I do not think that Erestor had your humiliation in mind. I believe his actions stem from love."
I could happily have kissed Glorfindel at that moment.
"Do not speak to me of love or duty or kindness. Your words and Erestor's actions taste of pity. I am neither so old nor so lonely that I need anyone's pity."
Glorfindel's next words sent me reeling, and for a heart-stopping moment, I feared he had discovered my hiding place. "Erestor, I promise you, Elrond is the least of your worries. Should he choose not to post your head in the courtyard, I will personally dump your broken body at Sauron's Black Gates."(You didn't mean to put this here, did you?)
I have taken myself off to cellars so as to remain out of Elrond's reach for the day.
3018 December 23
Spent the night perched in a tree like an owl. I feel utterly ridiculous. I
am hiding from half of Rivendell.
Of course, Glorfindel would be the one to find me. Lord Elrond
could have been the one to climb up in my tree, so I suppose I should be thankful.
That, and he kindly brought me an apple for breakfast.
"Sleep well?" Glorfindel asked me.
I admitted. "Not really. How is Elrond's temper?"
"Let us say that his self exile to his library is mutually beneficial for all and leave it at that, shall we?"
"How ever did I let them talk me into this?"
"Perhaps if you told me who they are I could more easily answer the question?"
"Ha! No, I think I shall keep my secret a little longer, Glorfindel. I like my head balanced nicely where it is."
"I believe Elrond may be contemplating which one of your heads he's going to mount at the front gate. I also believe it would serve us both if you told me exactly what is going on around here. The fellowship's departure grows nigh and Elrond has much to do to help them prepare. We have no time for this nonsense, Erestor."
Glorfindel's censure was painful. I had always wanted his respect and, in some ways, I had earned it. I could see all my hard work to win over Glorfindel falling away, like water crashing over rocks.
"I would that I could, Glorfindel. I fear, now, that anything I might say will only create a worse situation than already exists."
"I doubt that. Were you aware that last night Elrond sneaked into Legolas' room?"
"I am sure the whole thing will sort itself out soon enough, Glorfindel. Those involved will have to reveal themselves to Elrond before the fellowship departs." I was not about to admit to knowing anything at that point.
"In the meantime, Erestor, would it not be better if you faced Elrond and gave him an account of your role in this?"
"I would rather bed a dwarf." I realized the absurdity of my words as soon as they left my mouth. I had bedded Lord Elrond and now I was afraid to face him. Glorfindel's tongue in cheek quips helped me not one bit. I felt guilty. I admit that what happened in Elrond's chambers were without a doubt the most enlightening sexual experience I've ever had.
"I am under the impression he was quite…diverted."
"Glorfindel, please, do not tell Elrond. I beg you. I will do anything you wish if you will only promise not to reveal that part to him. I could not face him."
"Anything, you say?"
The predatory gleam in Glorfindel's eyes did things to my insides that I would prefer not think on. The aforementioned gleam did things to my outsides that have left me somewhat ashamed.
But a promise is a promise. I only wonder when he'll decide to collect on his debt.
3018 December 24
(Morning)
I spent all of yesterday wandering fields and woods. I have decided to return
tonight, braving Elrond's wrath. I know that tonight many things will happen.
I will possibly be banned from Imladris. Lord Elrond will learn the identity
of those who have been sneaking into his bed at night. He will either banish
his sons or die of sorrow and shame. I may possibly lose my head.
The idea of losing my head is far preferable to whatever I will face with Glorfindel. My insides have turned to water. Unfortunately, that's the only anatomical part of me that has. Odd, I've never had these stirrings before. I can only assume it is connected to the bedroom antics going on in Lord Elrond's chamber.
Tomorrow the Fellowship departs. I must be there for Lord Elrond, even if he wishes me in Baradur
3018 December 25
What a humiliating evening last night turned out to be. I thought being in Elrond's
bed had been an embarrassment, but what transpired in Glorfindel's chambers
was by far worse.
After everyone retired for the evening, Glorfindel corned me and led me to his rooms. I was worried and tense. And unbearably aroused. His prowess as a lover is legendary, and I must admit my curiosity has grown exponentially.
Glorfindel, on the other hand, displayed no curiosity where I was concerned. His only interest was in Elrond and the bedroom antics. By the time the evening was over, I felt as if I had been interrogated. Which, in retrospect, that may well have been the case.
He never once gave me a look that indicated lust or desire. He seemed amused, especially as I recounted the night spent in Lord Elrond's bed. What I relayed, and I was completely truthful and more graphic than my wont, left no hint of emotion on his features. Meanwhile, the memory of Elrond pressed against me had me squirming in the overly warm room. I looked like a fool, I am sure.
I have get control of my emotions.
Whatever transpired the previous evening in Lord Elrond's chambers, the day was a quiet one. The twins departed, along with Glorfindel, to go Orc hunting and add a measure of safety to the party's departure. Now, I am alone and with my own thoughts. I have not spoken with Lord Elrond. He made sure the party left Rivendell and saw to providing outriders to scour the country side for any potential spies. After the company left, he retired to his rooms. I believe he has much on his mind, and not all of it concerning the One Ring.
I empathize with his sorrow. I know some of the secrets that must have been revealed to him last night. I do not think I could bear his grief with the same degree of stoicism.
The Fellowship had departed at last. The tension within Rivendell mounts. I suspect it will continue to do so with each passing day.
3019 January 8
The outriders, including Glorfindel and the Twins, have all returned. Rivendell
has breathed a collective sigh of relief. Now the fate of the Fellowship lies
in Gandalf's capable hands. I witnessed the homecoming and welcome of Elladan
and Elrohir. To say their welcome was warm would be an understatement.
Glorfindel looked magnificent as he leapt from his great steed. His blond hair was windblown and his cheeks were flushed with triumph. I was left with the assumption that they had been able to kill many Orcs on their outing.
I was also left with an ache that I am completely at a loss to explain. As he walked past me, he gave me a slight bow and a warm enough greeting. I found myself wishing to be engulfed in his arms and held close against him.
3019 January 12
I had the most erotic dream last night. I dreamed that Glorfindel and I were
on his steed and we were naked beneath the stars. His hand roamed my chest and
the gait established by the horse was a sensual rhythm. In the dream I could
feel him pressed against me. I awoke before the dream ended.
Glorfindel has taken to avoiding me. I suspect it is because every time I get near him, my lust for him shows on my face.
Is this how Lord Elrond felt?
3017 December 22
The rumors about E's late night trysts seem to be true. There has been, according
to some of my more gregarious sources, a visitor to E's rooms during the last
few weeks. Speculation has run rampant. Everyone from the young Master Frodo
to Legolas of Mirkwood has been suspect. Personally, I lean towards the Prince.
He would have the audacity, I think. I was admittedly surprised to discover
that he has, after all these centuries decided to take lover to his bed. However,
I was even more surprised to discover, via conversation with E, the identity
of his lover.
Apparently the old seneschal still has a few surprises left in him. I cannot erase the image of that one's pert bum raised in the air all a-quiver from my mind. Though E gave no details, I cannot imagine the evening ending in any other way.
Now, of course, the big coward has opted to take himself off to who knows where. E has dictated that I use my warrior skills and find the wretch and return him post haste.
I much doubt that it is from the desire to see his lover again. In truth, I believe it's so E can hang the silly old Elf.
23 December 3017
Found E's missing lover. Perched in a tree, very much resembling a bedraggled
robin. I grilled him about his escapades, but he remained mum.
He did offer a cryptic remark about the whole incident being resolved to night. The indication is that the main party is from the Fellowship. I am more and more intrigued.
Delightedly, I have extracted a promise from the seneschal that will answer my questions. I hope, if he doesn't decide to move to Mirkwood, first. He promised me anything if I would tell E I couldn't find him
Oddly, he looked as though I wanted to tie him to the bedposts. I wonder what that's about?
24 December 3017
Preparations for our departure continue at a breakneck pace. My night spent
with the seneschal was twofold. One, I learned more about E and his sexual tastes
than I ever wanted. I also learned more about my guest's preferences. Am still
not sure what to make of the details I was given.
Apparently the Elflings have fallen in love and, having a friend (or perhaps lover) in the similar situation, have decided to act up on their emotions.
I have decided to meditate on the situation.
25 December 3017
Followed the party from Rivendell and trailed to borders before turning to Mirkwood.
I am still in shock over the information I was given. Could he have made it up to lead me down a false trail? I think not, for his imagination sorely lacks in that imagination. Can't imagine what E has made of this. He remained quiet as party departed.
I have avoided the subject with my companions, as it does not seem my affair. I am, however concerned. Should word leak out, then the whole of Rivendell would be torn asunder. As much as I love E and my companions I cannot help but feel repulsed. This relationship that has been allowed to flourish is beyond my ability to understand. They have chosen to violate every law of nature. I understand the nature of true love, though such a gift has never been mine. I cannot easily reconcile my companions to their relationship with E. My thoughts and feelings are torn.
5 January 3018
My companions are enjoying the hunt. They have given no hint of their deeper
relationship. I am thankful.
8 January 3018
Home at last. I am relieved. Despite the departure of the company, there remains
a bustle of activity here at Rivendell. Preparations are being made. War is
upon us all, now. Whether or no the quest succeeds, the armies of Elves and
Men will again march.
I watched the greeting between my companions and E carefully. I could detect nothing that spoke of a relationship. I am, once again, relieved, as I do not have to confront my own feelings.
Why did the seneschal seem so glad to see me? He's never greeted me on a return from an Orc hunt before. How odd.
11 January 3018
Taken to avoiding E's assistant as he keeps looking at me like I'm lunch.