#finally bit the bullet and actually used a/b/o terms in the darn abo au

[lordgrimwing]

“And the people who are possessed with spirits, you call them ‘alpha’ and ‘omega’? And those without possession are ‘beta’?” Glorfindel checked, tilting his head to the side as he looked at his instructor.

Erestor, sitting across from him on the picnic blanket, frowned again. “You can frame it like that, I suppose. But no one is possessed by evil spirits. We’re all just people with different needs and desires. No one is dangerous just because of their sex.” 

Glorfindel continued to look unconvinced.

Erestor had spent the afternoon trying to explain the nature of secondary sexes to the strange elf who was quickly becoming his friend. He wasn’t sure how well the endeavor was going, but he’d certainly learned some uncomfortable details about the Avari tribe and the horrific way they dealt with children who presented as alphas. The vivid, puckered scars on Glorfindel’s neck and wrists took on a new meaning over the last several hours. He wished they hadn’t. 

He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long sigh. The conversation had become mired down for the last half hour, and he suspected there was little use in trying to push the topic further. Reasoning through superstition wasn’t effective, and he should probably talk with Pengolodh before seriously trying to deconstruct an entire belief system. It would also be a good idea for them to become more familiar with each other’s native language so things were easier to explain.

“At least, don’t try to fight every alpha we meet? And don’t take all your clothes off to do it.” Though Erestor had to admit that proved an effective way of getting the alpha who tried to have a casual conversation to back away. However, it also drew a bit of a crowd. “We’ve caused enough trouble for Elrond, I think.”

Glorfindel considered the request as a line of ants marched toward the crumbs left from their lunch. “I will wait to drive them off until the spirit takes hold of them.”

“Thank you,” because that sounded like some kind of compromise. Then, “Elrond’s married to an alpha, so you’ll need to get used to having one around when she returns.”

“The one who covers himself in so much cloth and always has food? He has no evil spirit,” Glorfindel insisted, confused.

Erestor blinked. “Oh, you mean Gil-galad. No, he’s a beta, you’re right. I mean Elrond’s wife, Celebrían. You haven’t met her yet.” 

It was Glorfindel’s turn to frown and look concerned. Whatever bothered him, he didn’t share it, and Erestor didn’t push. Celebrían wouldn’t be back for a couple weeks, plenty of time for the new house guest to get used to the idea of not chasing her off on sight (hopefully).