For [livejournal.com profile] iavalir: "Giving New Beginnings a Fighting Chance" (Erestor

Dec. 25th, 2011 01:06 am
[identity profile] empy.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] lotr_sesa
Title: Giving New Beginnings a Fighting Chance
Author: Amber
Beta: Oli
Rating: G
Characters: Erestor/ Elrond
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Tolkien; I am just borrowing them.
Summary: Erestor must make Elrond decide to live and begin again.

Notes: Written for Slashy Santa 2011.
Request by [livejournal.com profile] iavalir:
Fic, fanart or either?: Fic please
Pairing(s)/Character(s): Pairings: Haldir/Legolas, Erestor/any elf of your choosing male or female
Erestor/elf: prompts are: forest, ghost, moon, snow.



Erestor knocked on his lord’s study door and waited to see if an answer would be forth coming before entering anyway. Elrond had been moody and withdrawn ever since their return from Gondor and Rohan. As winter’s worse weather hit for the first time in ages, their lord had retreated from everything even further. Rarely was he seen outside of his rooms and he had ceased to go outside at all. To further trouble things Glorfindel had told him earlier that the cooks had come to him and reported that Elrond had stopped eating several days ago.


Upon hearing no response Erestor opened the door and walked in to set the tray of food he was carrying on a table near the fire. Not seeing his lord in the room he proceeded to check both his lord’s private sitting room and bedroom. Then he noticed water on the floor next to the balcony doors. Opening the door for a closer look he found his lord standing in the shadows. It took but a second for it to register that Elrond was wearing only a tunic and trousers. Caring nothing for decorum, or his lord’s wrath, he grabbed Elrond by the front of his tunic and pulled him into the bedroom and dragged him into the study were he pushed him into a chair before the fire.


“Glorfindel,” he shouted knowing that the elf lord would answers as his rooms were right across the hall.

“You called?” came the sarcastic response as he entered the room.


“This is not the time,” snapped Erestor. “I need dry clothes and a blanket please. He was attempting to hide from me on his balcony. Damned fool is trying to get him self killed.”


Glorfindel did not even bother to answer as he went and gathered the requested items. In his opinion, if anyone could control Elrond, it would be Erestor. As he grabbed a towel to dry Elrond’s hair he wondered if Erestor had it in him to keep their friend alive until the time came that they put him on a ship west. Elrond may not be able to fade because of being Peredhil, but he could end his life by starving himself to death or by an accident. He doubted that Elrond would overtly take his life but he had given up wanting to live. Glorfindel suspected the Elrond had foreseen that the fate of his sons lay with the second born even though he spoke of it not.


He stopped and closed the balcony doors locking them at the top in addition to the normal lock. He would have to station a guard in the garden below to ensure Elrond did not freeze himself to death this winter although he doubted it would do any good. Elrond could disappear with no trace when he really wanted to. Although he had told no one, he suspected that Elrond could shape shift if he really needed to. His Maiar blood was too strong for him to be really normal. Gathering up a brush with the rest of the items he made his way back in to the study.


It took them mere minutes to change Elrond’s clothes, wrap him in a blanket, and straighten his hair. Then Erestor proceeded to spoon feed him the thick soup and bread the cook had provided. While he would not eat him self, he did not fight them if they fed him.


“I will stay with him tonight,” Erestor told Glorfindel. In a single glance they exchanged an agreement to take turns watching over Elrond until they all sailed. Luckily, Erestor had stayed behind from Arwen’s wedding and planned everything out that needed to be done in the next two years before they sailed. Others could ensure the plans were carried out and completed easily enough so that they could devote their time to caring for Elrond. Few truly understood the depth of pain and loss Elrond was experiencing. None other would have been able to survive what he had.


After Glorfindel had left Erestor blew most of the candles out and stoked the fire high so it would burn most of the night. Elrond had already drifted off into a light sleep and he hoped he would stay that way for a while. Settling in on a nearby couch, he let his memories of times past come as he waited for the dawn.





“Why do you do this?” came a tired voice several hours later.


“You should be sleeping,” Erestor finally responded.


“I will not,” was the only answer that came.


Erestor finally nodded as he realized Elrond was merely stating a fact and not arguing. “I do this because I care. I have always cared.”


“Why?” Elrond finally asked. “No one else does.”


“Glorfindel cares,” he answered gently.


“Only because he promised my parents and sees me as his responsibility,” Elrond said as he looked away.


“He cares more than you realize and not for that reason,” came the censoring answer. “That may have been his primary reason but long since he has changed his mind.”


“You still have not answered my question,” Elrond commented.


Finally realizing Elrond was not going to let this go he gave a short answer that was only half the truth.


“I do this because I have learned to care for you as a good friend over the years, and I see that few others do.”


“I do not need your pity,” snapped Elrond before he retreated into himself again.


‘At least I do not now have to tell you the truth.’ Erestor thought to himself as he continued to watch the fire. They both sat there in quiet until Glorfindel arrived after dawn with another tray.


This routine continued for over a year until Celeborn and Galadriel arrived with the people of Loth-Loríen. No one knew what the two had said to Elrond in private but he no longer locked himself in his rooms and again was seen walking in his gardens. He regained enough strength in the two months before leaving for the Havens to almost appear his former self although he was quieter and still somewhat withdrawn.



They had arrived on Tol Eresséa two months after leaving the Havens. Elrond had spent most of his time on deck by himself. Glorfindel and Erestor had taken turns keeping an eye on him and ensuring he ate. Upon arrival Elrond had stood quietly on the dock and watched as others had family and friends to greet them while he remained alone. Finally Celebrían came to greet her mother but she totally ignored Elrond. After an hour, Elrond went on to Valinor and the Gardens of Loríen with the other ring bearers while Erestor and Glorfindel were required to stay for a time on the island to rest and cleanse their fëa of Endore’s taint.


Two centuries later the pair left Tol Eresséa and headed for the mainland. They separated with promises to keep in touch and see what happened. Glorfindel left to find friends and family in Tirion while Erestor continued on to Loríen to search for Elrond. Upon arrival in the Gardens Erestor learned that Elrond had just up and disappeared about seven years before. Knowing not what else to do, he made his way to Valmar to explore while he thought about what to do next.





Erestor was drinking a cup of tea at an outdoor café table one afternoon two years later when a nearby conversation caught his interest.


“So you say that they believe a ghost inhabits the forests in to upper North West lands,” one ellon said as he sat at the table and order food.


“I thought that area was inhabited by dark creatures,” commented another ellon sitting at the table.


“No, that is in the south. Tulkas has pretty much cleaned up the Northern areas,” came the quick answer.


“Few bother to go into the North as the weather and lands are so harsh. It is only adventurous hunters who travel up that way. Some return saying that the ghost of an elf wanders the forest alone scaring all of the game away,” commented the first ellon.


“More likely they have picked up the old Endorean tale of houseless spirits to justify their inability to shoot any game.”


To that all of the ellon agreed and laughed. They never noticed the dark haired ellon at the table beside them leave with a very determined look on his face.



Several months later Erestor entered the forest area his research and questions had told him most likely to contain the ghost ellon. He only had to search the area for three days to find what he was looking for. The fresh snow on the ground showed clearly the tracks of a familiar tread. Smiling to himself, he set his trap and waited.


As the full moon rose to its highest point that night Erestor heard his trap spring, closely followed by a rather long bevy of oaths in several languages.


“Well, it is nice to know you have not gone totally wild,” Erestor said as he stepped into the light before his quarry.


“Cut me down!” Elrond shouted as he saw Erestor standing before him.


“Temper, temper,” came the teasing chide. “I will only cut you down if you promise not to run.”


After a few more minutes, Elrond finally gave in and nodded. Once on the ground again he stood and started to leave.


“You gave your word,” came the quiet comment.


“What do you want?” Elrond said as he stopped with out turning.


“Why are you here alone?” Erestor wanted to know.


“Because I am a freak that no body wants around,” Elrond turned and all but shouted at him. “Even my own parents do not want me to say nothing of my wife, or excuse me, former wife. I came here to leave them all behind.”


“I came to Loríen to find you as soon as I was allowed,” he answered quietly.


“Why, why do you care,” Elrond wanted to know. “You never did answer me all of those years ago in Imladris.”


Erestor knew that he would only have one chance to answer this question before Elrond took off again. If he left, there was a good chance Erestor would never find him again.


“When I first saw you in the Havens of Sirion the night before your Adar sailed I was drawn to you even though you were just a child. I have followed you ever since you were returned to Cirdan by Maglor. I have known for a long ages that I loved you. I have contented myself with being by your side as your friend and caretaker as you have always shown a preference for females. I would never have told you of my love if the situation did not demand the truth.”


Elrond just stared at Erestor for a moment before he turned and walked away. Not wanting to let Elrond get away, Erestor quickly grabbed his supplies and followed at a discrete distance. They walked for hours in a northerly direction before leaving the forest. They climbed into the mountains for an hour before they entered a canyon. What Erestor saw there took his breath away. If possible, the canyon was even more beautiful than Imladris had been without all of the work. There were waterfalls all around flowing into a larger river that drained out of the other side of the canyon. Half of the area was claimed by a small woods, while the rest was a gently sloping valley. There were caves scattered in the rock walls of the canyon also. In the distance, through an opening created by a lower section of the opposite canyon wall, Erestor could see the Western Sea.


“I promise you nothing if you stay,” Elrond threw over his shoulder before starting down a path that led into the canyon. “Welcome to my new home.”


Elrond led him down into the valley to a small stone house he had built near one of the waterfalls running into the river. Showing him where he could stow his belonging, Elrond then gabbed soap and towels before heading to the waterfall to bath. Elrond smiled at the surprised look on Erestor’s face when he stepped into the water and discovered that it was warm.


“This particular falls comes from a hot underground spring,” came the smiling answer to his unasked question. “Three of the falls here come from hot springs. The valley is large and has plenty of game as well as loads of fish in the river. If I want lobster or clams, it is but a short way to the sea.”


“This is a paradise Elrond,” Erestor commented. “Truly the Valar have blessed you to lead you hear.”


Elrond only shrugged his shoulders as they dressed and headed back to the house.


“You know that the Valar have denied many claims to settle West of the lands surrounding Valinor,” he explained. “And yet they have gifted you with this beautiful valley. You are the first to see and be allowed to go to the Western Sea also.”


“So,” came the dismissive response. “It means nothing.”


“On the contrary Elrond, it means a lot,” came a voice from behind them. When they turned to look, they both bowed upon seeing Eönwë standing there. “The Eldar King has been waiting for you to arrive and heal before opening the western lands. None other will be allowed this far North or West but as you are kin, he trusts you to abide by the rules. There will be other realms allowed but all will be East and South of here. You and your people will become the guardians of the North and West under Tulkas’s command.”


“There will only be three more ships coming west before the straight road is closed. Tol Eresséa has become crowded and must now be supplied from the mainland as they no longer have the room to support themselves and this causes resentment. We have come to learn that no matter what we do, prejudices remain. Many of those from Endore will find that they are not easily accepted regardless of whether we have said they are taint free or not. This also goes for many being released from the Halls of Mandos. For these reasons and others, the Valar have decided to establish three realms under the leadership of the last three Elvin rulers of Arda Marred. Thranduil will be given a realm under Oromë in his lands to the South. Celeborn and Galadriel will be given lands just west of Valmar.”


“What of the Avari and Cirdan?” Erestor injected.


“The Avari have agreed to settle under the rule of one of you three,” Eönwë explained. “As for Cirdan, he has been granted the rights to sail the seas around Valinor to your Kingdom here. He will probably settle a small town for docks and repairs just south of here. He only cares to keep building and sail. He has already agreed to your Lordship over him and his people.”


“But what if I do not want to be a leader again?” Elrond complained.


“That is exactly why you were chosen for this position, youngling,” came the amused response. “Very few of the Maiar have the capability for leadership. It is not something that was considered natural for us. Only a handful of us have been granted the skills necessary including you and me.”


“But I am not Maia,” Elrond tried to argue.


“Yes you are,” came another voice from a cloud of lights that materialized into Lord Námo. Only you and your parents carry the mixed blood of the Peredhil. Your father has been changed and is a celestial being now. Your mother settled with your father and it is her responsibility to see to him and Vingilot. She spends more time as a bird now among her friends there. That is her destiny. Yours destiny is different. You have always felt the calling to serve and done well. The Maiar blood in you was enhanced upon sailing and now you are more one of us then Elvin. It is the way Eru wants it. If one of your sons chooses the path of the firstborn, they will be made totally Elvin. By the way, Eru has dissolved your marriage bonds and you are free to mate again.”


With that announcement, Lord Námo was gone leaving Eönwë to finish explaining everything.


“Groups of those released from Mandos and Loríen will begin to find their way to the new Elvin realms in the next few years after we have given you time to establish yourselves. Glorfindel is even now leading a group from Tol Eresséa here following the trail Erestor left behind him. There are many who find they do not fit in anywhere for various reasons who will find their way to you. With your unique gifts, you will be able to help them settle and become profitable members of society. Do not be surprise if you find several Maia settling here also. We have been eying this valley for a while but Manwë would not let us come here before. If they settle here they will be subject to your rules also. Do not fight this Elrond, it is what you were created for,” Eönwë said in parting as he faded away.


Elrond said nothing further as he prepared to eat and retire for the night.


After several days of putting up with a moody Elrond, Erestor decided he had to do something.


“You know, I have had it with your brooding,” he growled at Elrond as he cornered him in the house. “It is time to stop feeling sorry for your self and grow up. It is time to start living again. The past is gone and cannot be changed, Eru has given you another chance, take it.”


“But…” Elrond began before Erestor cut him off.


“I will be here for you and remain by your side,” he told him before pulling Elrond into a kiss. “Give it time.”


Elrond finally nodded as he stared into Erestor’s eyes. Maybe everything would be alright he thought as he leaned into the next kiss.


“It is about time!” came the loud comment as they both jumped. Standing in the door were Glorfindel and Lindir. “Still, you can smooch later. We have a city to plan and build. Besides, I am hungry. What is for lunch?”


Elrond just rolled his eyes as Erestor laughed. Then he grabbed his hand and pulled him outside to greet the others Glorfindel had brought with him. ‘Yes, it was time,’ he thought.

Date: 2011-12-25 02:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] iavalir.livejournal.com
This was a cute story. Though sad it was to see one of my favorite couples having been dissolved in their marriage, it appeared to be necessary in order for Elrond to become closer with Erestor. Thank you.

Date: 2011-12-26 12:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] j-flattermann.livejournal.com
I liked your take on what happens to Elrond after the War of the Ring. And it seemed only fitting that he should take up the lead and rule of his people again.
Thank you for sharing.

Date: 2011-12-26 04:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] alex-quine.livejournal.com
I have to admit that I have never explored as much of the elven heritage as I probably should have, but it is always intriguing to wonder what might have happened to them after setting sail. Thankyou for letting us share this most promising of beginnings to a new life.

Date: 2011-12-27 07:06 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] foxrafer.livejournal.com
I, too, have not given much thought about the elves' lives after they sail and this is a really nice look at how Elrond was given a second chance at life.

Date: 2012-07-09 02:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] oneee77.livejournal.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6M_6qOz-yw

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