Notes: Part of the "Unexpected Love story arc". Will eventually be used in "Saving Grace".

Translation of Elvish: Peredhel - half-elven. Pen-neth - young one. Melin chen - I love you. Melethen - my love. Inquista (Quenya) - please. Goheno nin - forgive me.

The moment Glorfindel fell asleep was the moment he began wishing he had not done so. Shadow and Flame... Once again it stood before him, rearing its horny head - the Balrog of Morgoth. Opening its mouth to release the roar that put fear into the hearts of both elves and mortals it ... knocked?

It took Glorfindel's sleep-fogged mind a while to realise that it was not the Balrog but someone outside his chambers who had thankfully woken him from his nightmare with that insistent knocking. Moving his heavy limbs off the bedding, he walked towards the door, stifling a yawn that threatened to suck all oxygen from the air around him. Opening the door, he was faced with two big storm-grey eyes. Usually filled with mirth and happiness, they now shone with dread.

Nervously, Elrohir gazed up at him, for a moment looking more like the small elfling he had once been than the fifty-year-old elf he was. Oh yes, he was of age now and probably wanted to tell his former tutor he was no longer in need of his schooling - if one could call it that. Why did this thought put such fear into him all of a sudden? It had to happen sooner or later. Though Glorfindel had indulged himself and hoped that the young peredhel would see him as more than an instructor... Obviously he had been wrong.

"I am sorry, Glorfindel. I ... I did not mean to disturb you. I just..." The younger elf seemed at a loss for words. "There is something I need to talk to you about..." Why was he so frightened? Did he not know that no matter what he said or did, Glorfindel could never be angry with him? Not after all those nights he had kept the nightmares at bay. But those times were gone now, and he would lose one of the few people he treasured more than his own sad excuse for a life.

"You know you are always welcome here if you need to speak to someone. Please enter." Stepping aside to let Elrohir come in, he then closed the door behind him while turning to face his guest. No, not guest ... his friend. The younger twin had started to pace and seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts. Gently, Glorfindel placed a hand on Elrohir's shoulder, bringing him out of his reverie. "Please tell me what troubles you. I hate to see you so distraught..."

Elbereth, what was he dreading so? Never in those fifty years of his life had the young peredhel seemed this paralysed with fright. His voice wavered as he began to answer, though his face was set and his eyes were studying the Balrog Slayer intensely. "I think ... nay, I know ... I have developed certain feelings..."

Glorfindel's heart missed a beat. So young Elrohir had already chosen a mate. No matter who it was, he or she could call themselves very lucky indeed. Both twins had grown into rather handsome elves, and especially the younger had maintained a childlike air of ease and was always graceful in anything he did and... And why were these musings piercing his heart like a dagger? 'Stop this, Glorfindel!'

Pulling himself together, the blond realised that Elrohir had continued with his explanations. "But I am afraid he will never believe me. He ... he knows me since I was little. And anyway, he is so radiant, shining like Anor... What would he want with someone like me?" This was getting ridiculous. What could have put such ideas into the young peredhel's head?

"Elrohir, no! Anyone would feel nothing but great joy at being offered the chance of being with you." Thinking the dark-haired half-elf's words over, he tried to figure out who it was Elrohir had set his heart upon. Maybe a Lórien elf. They were quite radiant, yes. And arrogant... 'Will you pull yourself together?!'

Elrohir's eyes lit up. "You think so? You do not believe that he would send me away, claiming I am too young? I know what my heart tells me, and this has nothing to do with age." His voice had become steady, gently caressing the Seneschal's. The same calm voice that had fought back the demons of his past... 'Yes, and he will never ever do so again. Face it, Glorfindel.'

Softly touching Elrohir's cheek, the Elda gazed into his eyes as he replied, "It is unusual to chose so early in your life, yes. But if he is not completely insane he will see this as the gift it is. Love always is..." That insistent little voice at the back of his head began to chuckle, 'Yes, as if you know anything about love.'

A broad smile appeared on Elrohir's face, and, leaning closer, he said, "Oh good. Because you see, I think ... nay, I know that it is you my heart has chosen ... a long time ago." With that he closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Glorfindel's.

It took the Balrog Slayer a few moments to come to terms with what had just happened, was still happening... Abruptly, he stepped back causing Elrohir to tumble forward until he regained his balance. He looked as stunned as Glorfindel was. "Elrohir..." Shaking his head to disperse his contrasting thoughts, he tried again. "What..."

"I thought that was obvious. Melin chen, Glorfindel. First as a friend and fellow mischief-maker. But then my feelings changed. I knew that you would not even listen to me before I was of age, so I waited until today. Melethen, inquista..."

Pleading eyes locked with his, but no matter how tempting it was, he could never give in to this infatuation of Elrond's son. Slowly he moved back to the door and opened it. "Get out of here." His heart screamed at him as he added, "Do you think I want to bed a child? Go out and find someone who you can charm into your arms..."

The peredhel's face fell. Tears welled from his eyes as he stumbled towards Glorfindel, "You do not mean this. You said yourself that anyone would..." Cutting him short, the blond replied, "That was before I knew you were so foolish to desire me. Now get out." He was getting louder with every word, almost shouting the last few.

Elrohir seemed unable to respond to this. As if in a dream he walked out of the room, and Glorfindel only heard the first heartbroken sob before he slammed the door shut, collapsing to the floor next to it. "Goheno nin, pen-neth. But your heart will heal soon. You are young and will soon find someone deserving of your love. How could I force you to enter the hell I am living in?"

Pulling his legs up to his body, he hugged them to himself, resting his head upon his knees. Hot tears soaked the soft cloth of his leggings. He did no longer have to sleep for his nightmares to find him. His waking life had turned into one...