In the waters of Nargothrond by ohboromir

In the waters of Nargothrond

There were many pleasures in the hall of the king of Nargothrond. Glittering gems and fine silks, sweet wine, beautiful music. The single pleasure that Orodreth liked best, however, was watching Adanedhel.

Deep within Nargothrond, hot springs bubbled, and piped water ran to the bathrooms and kitchens of the city. In the king’s chambers there was a private room for bathing - Finrod, preferring talkative company, had used it on long nights, when he did not wish to cause a disturbance in the public baths, or when he claimed that the water helped him think. Orodreth indulged in it far more regularly, and it was only Adanedhel’s company he desired.

His captain was not one for long, lounging baths, and he was scrubbing his skin with a look of fierce determination that made Orodreth giggle; it was endearing how everything seemed a challenge to him. Battle, bathing, love-making - his captain’s brow was always furrowed, a pale scar through his left eyebrow that crinkled as he did. He sometimes wished, in his deepest moments of fancy, that he could kiss away the stress that lined Adanedhel’s face. But then he would not get to see his favourite expression.

Orodreth had bathed already, and now he reclined on the marble bench, his towel over his lap, combing out his hair to the sight of Adanedhel. His adan rinsed off the last of the soap, and climbed from the water, creating a small tidal wave that soaked Orodreth’s bare feet as he did so. Orodreth dropped his silver comb.

Adanedhel raised his scarred brow. Elf and adan looked at each other for a moment - Orodreth drank in the sight of water dripping down Adanedhel’s chest. Then Adanedhel relented and crouched to pick up the comb. He offered back to Orodreth, who leaned down (Adanedhel was truly breath-taking from this angle) and kissed his brow, lips lingering over the scar. Adanedhel was still, letting out a soft breath. Orodreth ran his finger down his face to his chin, turning his face upwards.

“Thank you, captain. Your generosity ought to be rewarded." Adanedhel’s eyes darkened, knowing the promise in those words.

"I am at your pleasure, my king.”