Title: Second Chances.

Author: Morgana (morganalebeau@yahoo.com)

Homepage; http://www.avalon.cobweb.nl

Pairings: Elrond/Elros, Glorfindel/Erestor, Elrond/Ereinion and Elrond/Celebrian
mentioned.

Summary; Elrond is stunned, finding the Valar returned Elros to Arda. After the joy of
being reunited with his twin, old issues begin to surface. Elrond has to face his
feelings and make his peace with past decisions. At the same time Glorfindel finds
himself responsible for a very cranky chief advisor who becomes bed ridden. Accepting his
duty to care for Erestor, Glorfindel finds the advisor is hiding old hurt and a fragile
hope. Set after Celebrian’s departure from Imladris.

Rating: NC-17 for explicit m/m sex/ and twincest.

Disclaimer: They are Tolkien’s, not mine… such a pity!

Warning: This is AU and fluff! Don't expect a plot or deep ponderings! And oh, yeah,
there is twincest!

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Part 1

Although he had never been here before, the place felt familiar, almost like home. He
looked about, admiring the beauty found in the stone statues and the elegance of a single
drop of dew that flowed down a rose petal. Looking at the large collection of books, he
sighed, wishing he had the time to read them. But he wasn’t even sure if he was here to
stay or merely passing through. Much depended on Elrond’s decision.

 

“Can I be of some assistance?” Glorfindel had been on his way to collect some scrolls
when he came across a stranger standing in Elrond’s study -- a place usually off limits
to visitors. “Do you need directions?”

 

“Directions…”

 

Glorfindel shivered as a chill swept down his spine. /That voice… That tone…/ Why was his
friend acting in this odd way? “Elrond?”

 

“I am not Elrond,” the dark-haired Elf said, keeping his back toward the Elda. “But I
would like to speak with him.”

 

“Your voice sounds just like his,” said Glorfindel thoughtfully. Looking closer, he
quickly realized that this stranger was of the same height and build as Elrond, and his
hair was raven as well. All it lacked was the butterfly hair clip Elrond usually wore.
“May I inquire what your business is here tonight?” Why had the servants allowed this
stranger to enter Elrond’s private study?

 

“My business here tonight…” He paused to gather his thoughts. “My business is with Elrond
Half-Elven.”

 

Glorfindel, alert and growing increasingly suspicious, advanced on the stranger. “In that
case, give me your name and I will inquire if Lord Elrond can see you.”

 

“My name…” He slowly turned around, realizing he couldn’t put off this confrontation much
longer, as Glorfindel would find out the truth eventually.

 

Glorfindel sucked in his breath in shock. Elrond’s mirror image stood before him.
Granted, this Elf had fewer lines of worry etched onto his brow, but he could easily pass
for the half-Elf.

 

“They used to call me Elros before I made my decision to belong to the race of Man.” His
calm, gray eyes searched Glorfindel’s, easily reading the stunned disbelief in them.
“Maybe now you could inquire if Elrond is willing to see me?”

 

“I do not understand…” Glorfindel’s voice trailed off. “Elros died many centuries ago.”
The resemblance this stranger bore Elrond was uncanny and greatly worried Glorfindel, who
for some reason didn’t believe this was Elros incarnate. “Who are you and what is the
nature of your business here?”

 

Elros gave Glorfindel a look filled with understanding. “I am more than willing to
explain myself, and past events, but I would prefer to do it only once. So if you could
contact Elrond now, I would be grateful.”

 

“You cannot be Elros!” And yet the expression in the calm eyes, the well-hidden nervous
twitch near the corner of the lips, the regal posture, and the arched eyebrow seemed so
incredibly familiar. “Elrond? Are you playing games with me?” But why would the half-Elf
do that? “’Tis you, is it not? Elrond?”

 

“I assure you that I am Elros; now kindly fetch my twin for I need to speak with him.”
Like Elrond, his temper occasionally got the better of him, but this time he managed to
control it. “Now.”

 

Glorfindel swallowed hard. His mouth had gone dry and he nodded instinctively. “I will
fetch Elrond.” He was convinced that he wouldn’t find Elrond in his rooms because the
half-Elf was standing in front of him. What had caused his friend to lose his sanity?

 

“Go and fetch him for me.” Elros felt relieved when Glorfindel finally got into motion,
almost running out of the study. Now that he was alone again, he surrendered to his
nervousness by placing his hands on the back of a chair, clawing at the wood. He appeared
calm and controlled, but the truth was that he had no idea how Elrond would react upon
seeing him.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Erestor was on his way back to the library, carrying several heavy books, when Glorfindel
crashed into him, knocking the books out of his hands and causing him to lose his
balance. He fell, the back of his head hit the sharp edge of a side table and he landed
hard on the floor with a sickening snap sounding from his neck and lower back, causing a
burning pain to radiate through his body from those areas. Aiya, that hurt!

 

Glorfindel stared at Erestor in shock. He hadn’t been looking where he was going and as a
result he had knocked Erestor off his feet. “I apologize, Erestor, but I am in a hurry.”
Reckoning that the advisor could take care of himself, he continued to march toward
Elrond’s private chambers, but hearing a pain-filled whimper, he stopped dead in his
tracks.

 

Had that whimper really originated from Erestor’s lips or had he just imagined it?
Turning around, he studied the advisor, who was awkwardly trying to sit up, supporting
his head with his hands – and failing miserably. “Are you all right?” He felt torn,
realizing he should be informing Elrond, but at the same time he couldn’t leave Erestor
if the Elf was in pain, and it definitely seemed that way.

 

“I am not all right!” scowled Erestor, rolling onto his side as his neck and back still
vibrated with spiraling pain. Carefully probing the injury with his fingers, he found
that warm blood was flowing down his neck, originating from the back of his head where he
had hit the table. “But I can manage! There is no need to pause and help me.”

 

Glorfindel winced, hearing the sarcastic tone to Erestor’s voice. It was true that they
barely got along and managed civilized politeness at best, but now he felt he had to
offer Erestor his help. “Let me help you back to your feet.” He extended his hand and
nearly pulled it away again when Erestor glared, sending dangerous daggers at him.

 

“Be on your way, Glorfindel, and leave me alone.”

 

No one could quite explain why Elrond’s captain and chief councilor were always at odds
with each other. They fought verbally on a constant basis and an icy atmosphere descended
onto the room whenever both were present. Glorfindel had grown accustomed to that
hostility and had long ago stopped wondering what had caused them to behave in that
manner in the first place. “I…” Glorfindel looked down the corridor. He was so close to
Elrond’s chambers right now!

 

“Go on! Do not mind m…e…” His voice hitched on the last word and Erestor’s eyes widened
as pain traveled down his spine from his neck. The discomfort would fade within the next
few days, as his Elven healing ability would take care of the injury, but right now he
was in agony. Warm blood was sliding down his neck and he felt grateful that his dark
hair hid it from view.

 

Glorfindel sighed. He would help Erestor and then quickly alert Elrond so he could return
and assist Erestor to his quarters or the Healing House. A chair stood close by and
Glorfindel quickly made up his mind. “We will do this my way.”

 

Erestor held his breath, shocked to feel Glorfindel’s arms go around his shoulders,
pulling him to his feet. “Nooooo!” More pain erupted from his neck and back, and he
pleadingly stared at the Elda, hoping Glorfindel would let go of him.

 

Glorfindel’s features contorted, realizing he was adding to Erestor’s pain. “Let us try a
different approach, then.” Ignoring Erestor’s futile attempts at swatting his hands away,
he placed one hand beneath the advisor’s knees and the other below his shoulders, lifting
him slowly.

 

Erestor bit his bottom lip as the pain remained constant, but bearable. He sighed,
relieved, when Glorfindel finally placed him on the chair. And now what?

 

“Wait here. I will be right back,” said Glorfindel softly, truly regretting accidentally
hurting the dark-haired Elf.

 

Erestor gave the blond a frustrated look. “And where am I supposed to go? I can hardly
move!”

 

“I am sorry,” said Glorfindel softly, gathering the books and placing them next to the
chair. “Just wait here for me. I won’t be long.”

 

Frustrated, Erestor watched Glorfindel sprint down the corridor. “Elbereth, why did this
have to happen to me? He won’t be back. He will get caught up with something and forget
about me.” Erestor sighed, realizing he had to deal with this situation without
Glorfindel’s help. Hopefully a servant would pass by shortly.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Elrond? Elrond!” Glorfindel was panting softly by the time he reached the half-Elf’s
rooms. He didn’t really expect to find Elrond in here as the Peredhel was still in his
study. There simply couldn’t be two of them – not any more!

 

“Glorfindel? What is amiss?” Elrond rose from the chair he had been sitting on, reading,
and advanced on his friend. “You look like you have seen a ghost.”

 

Glorfindel stared at the half-Elf in disbelief. Elrond was here; did that mean it really
was Elros in the study? But how? /The Valar allowed me to return, why not Elros? But
Elros was not Elven. His fëa should not have traveled to the Halls of Mandos in the first
place./ “I have seen a ghost indeed,” said Glorfindel, finally regaining his wits. “I did
not want to believe it at first, but now that you are here, I know I saw Elros. He is in
your study, waiting for you.” Elrond would think him mad, but he had felt the same way
when happening upon Elros. “Go now!”

 

Elrond arched an eyebrow. “Have you drunk too much wine?” Why was Glorfindel bringing up
old pains? He had lost Elros long ago!

 

“No, I am speaking the truth! He really is in the study and he wants to talk to you. You
have to go there, now.” Pain was reflected in Elrond’s eyes and Glorfindel wished he
could take it away, but if this really was Elros, Elrond had to face his twin.

 

“Glorfindel,” said Elrond, soothingly resting a hand on the captain’s shoulder. “Elros
died many centuries ago. I do not know what is causing you to act in this way, but we
should find out. Maybe we should go the Healing House where I can examine you.” Worried,
he searched Glorfindel’s blue eyes.

 

“I know he died, but he is back! I did not want to believe it either at first, but I
returned from the Halls of Waiting, so why shouldn’t Elros?”

 

“Because my twin chose not to belong to the Firstborn. His soul could not have traveled
to the Halls of Mandos.” Elrond began to steer Glorfindel toward the doorway. “Come with
me to the Healing House. Maybe you will calm down there.”

 

“I know I am acting oddly, but I am telling you the truth! Elros is in your study! Now
get going! Don’t keep him waiting!” Glorfindel took charge, pushing Elrond toward another
exit, which would also take the half-Elf to the study, but it would keep Elrond from
happening upon an injured chief advisor on his way. Having to explain that one as well
would only make things worse. “Go now!”

 

“Glorfindel, I worry about you.” Elrond studied his friend’s eyes. “Why are you making
this up?” The half-Elf wasn’t giving up yet. Maybe if he calmed Glorfindel down, his
friend would confide in him.

 

“He really is in the study!” repeated Glorfindel, growing impatient. “Humor me and go to
your study! If he is not there and I am hallucinating you can tell me, but you are going
there now!”

 

Elrond realized it was best not to argue with his friend, though his worries for
Glorfindel increased. Glorfindel had never acted this irrationally before. “Fine, I will
go to my study, but it will be empty. Why don’t you come with me to convince yourself
that no one is there?”


”I cannot do that.” Glorfindel’s brow furrowed. “I had a little accident on my way over
here.” He still continued to push the half-Elf into the corridor.

 

“Accident?” What was this all about? Elrond was tempted to order Glorfindel to accompany
him to the Healing House right now, but the blond seemed determined to take him to his
study. Before he knew it, Elrond was standing in front of the beautifully carved door
that gave access to his study.

 

“Now go talk to him.” Glorfindel nodded encouragingly. “I am not hallucinating.” He
pushed down the door handle and dragged the Peredhel inside with him.

 

Elrond suddenly grabbed Glorfindel’s wrist, determined to show Glorfindel that he was
hallucinating after all. “See? There is no one here…” His voice trailed off, seeing a
dark-haired Elf standing in front of the fireplace, his back toward them. His hold on
Glorfindel’s wrist loosened and the Elda used that moment to make his escape. Elrond let
him go, wondering what this stranger was doing in his study. “My study is off limits to
guests.”

 

Elros turned around slowly and then met his twin’s eyes. “Even to me, gwenneth?”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Erestor did his utmost to ignore the pain, but a whimper still escaped his lips. He had
always managed to stay away from any grave injuries in his long life, but that had
changed once Glorfindel had joined Elrond’s household. The blond was a walking menace, as
far as he was concerned. When there was some sort of trouble, he could count on
Glorfindel being at the source of it.

 

“What do I do now?” He had tried pushing himself to his feet, but paralysis was slowly
setting in. He could hardly move his neck, and his legs and back also refused to
cooperate. His injury would get worse before it would get better. And the fact that he
was sprawled on this chair – rather uncomfortably – wasn’t helping either.

 

Normally, these corridors were swarming with Elves, but now they were deserted. Why did
these things always happen to him? In the end, he realized that he had only one option
left; to wait for Glorfindel to return. /And what if he does not come back? What if he
has forgotten about me? Why would he remember me? I am only the cranky advisor, making
his life difficult because I insist he attends Elrond’s council, and…/

 

“Erestor! I am sorry that it took me so long, but Elrond was… uncooperative.” Glorfindel
came running around the corner, concentrating on the injured Elf. “Are you feeling any
better?”

 

Erestor glowered at him. “If I were, I would not still be lying here!” Acting cross with
Glorfindel had long since become second nature to him. It was easier to act infuriated
than charmed. He had to emotionally distance himself from the Elda, knowing Glorfindel
didn’t feel the same way about him. He had realized that a long time ago, hence the
hostility between them: it served to cover up his attraction. And he could always count
on Glorfindel to get angry with him in turn. But then again, even when the Elda was cross
with him, it did mean he was getting *some* attention. He would always take the negative
attention over none at all.

 

“I should take you to the Healing House,” mumbled Glorfindel thoughtfully.

 

“No, I refuse to go there. If you have to take me anywhere, take me to my rooms.” Erestor
didn’t want any of the healers fussing over him. “I just need to rest so my body can
recuperate from taking this fall.”

 

“Are you certain?” Glorfindel cocked his head and his eyes narrowed. “Can you move at
all?”

 

Erestor gnashed his teeth and slightly moved his legs. “Of course I can! Now help me back
to my rooms and go harass someone else. You’ve already caused enough problems for me.”

 

Glorfindel’s expression grew shadowed. “I didn’t do it on purpose,” he said in a child-
like tone. Taking a step toward Erestor, he gently pushed his arms beneath the advisor’s
body, lifting him.

 

Erestor bit his bottom lip, but couldn’t stop a pained whimper from fleeing his lips. He
could tell that the Elda was trying to be careful with him, but he still hurt.

 

Glorfindel also realized that his charge was in pain, but he couldn’t put him down again.
What Erestor needed was a competent healer, a warm bed and lots of rest; things, which he
wouldn’t get lying sprawled on a chair in a drafty corridor. “Can you put your arm around
my neck?”

 

Erestor mumbled something unintelligible, but managed to comply. Now that he had a firm
hold on Glorfindel, he was slightly more comfortable in the other Elf’s arms. Oh, what he
wouldn’t give for this to be a romantic encounter instead!

 

Glorfindel made his way to Erestor’s quarters. “Can you push down the door handle? I do
not have to seem any hands free.” If it hadn’t been for the pained expression on
Erestor’s face, he might have found this funny. /I am carrying him over the threshold./
Chuckling mentally, he wondered about the advisor. /I doubt anyone will ever carry him
over the threshold in *that* way. Our chief councilor is not one for marriage. I cannot
seriously think of a single Elf who would dare courting him./

 

Erestor pushed down the door handle and bit down the pain that swept through his lower
back. Normally, he would never allow Glorfindel inside his rooms, but he really didn’t
have much of a choice.

 

Glorfindel was pleasantly surprised when he stepped into Erestor’s rooms. He had expected
them to be sparsely furnished and chilly -- much like their inhabitant – but he found
them warm and luxurious instead. The fireplace had already been lit and oil lamps
adequately illuminated the bedroom. Holding his breath involuntarily, Glorfindel studied
the exquisite tapestries, beautifully woven in bright colors, which decorated the room.
Several bookshelves made from dark oak were piled with scrolls and books. Splendid wooden
carvings hung on a wall and the detail of them amazed him. Who had carved these Elves and
animals? The big and comfortable four-poster bed standing next to the fireplace with the
covers already turned down caught Glorfindel’s attention next.

 

Erestor, growing impatient now that Glorfindel seemed absorbed in studying his quarters,
tugged at a golden tress, unable to reach something else due to his compromising
position. “Put me down!”

 

Glorfindel shook himself from his musings and advanced on the bed. Silk sheets, he
noticed, and big, fluffy pillows. Not what he had expected at all. Concentrating on his
charge and his task at hand, he slowly lowered Erestor onto the bed. “Your rooms are…
different from what I had thought they would be.” He cringed at seeing the hurt – and
knowing – expression in Erestor’s dark eyes.

 

“You expected them to be as cold and chilling as I am?” Erestor wanted to be furious with
the Elda, but lacked the strength. He wanted to roll onto his other side so he would face
away from Glorfindel and curl up, but he couldn’t move much, not when this terrible pain
tormented his back. “You brought me to my rooms. You can leave now.” He started to shiver
and tried to reach for the warm blankets, but found they were out of his reach.

 

But Glorfindel had noticed. “Let me help.” He pulled the covers up and tucked them around
Erestor’s form. If looks could kill, he would be dead now, but he tried to ignore the
venomous look in those dark eyes. “I am not certain I should leave you alone. You can
hardly move and—“

 

Erestor cut him short. “I will manage.”

 

Glorfindel, realizing Erestor was determined to dismiss him, slowly made his way over to
the side table. He filled a glass with water and placed it on the nightstand, easily
within Erestor’s reach. “Are you certain you want me to leave?”

 

“I am certain. Now kindly leave my rooms.” He had never wanted Glorfindel to see his
quarters in the first place.

 

Deciding arguing wouldn’t get him anywhere, Glorfindel nodded. “I will leave you then and
I offer you my apologies again. I was in a hurry and not looking where I was going.”

 

Erestor’s left hand turned into a fist beneath the covers. Why couldn’t Glorfindel just
let him be?

 

Glorfindel knew better than to voice his objections, determined to check on Erestor
during the night when the dark-haired Elf wouldn’t notice his presence. He wouldn’t be
able to sleep anyway, knowing Erestor was in pain and alone in his rooms. “I will be on
my way then.” He had to find out how Elrond had handled finding Elros in his study,
providing the stranger really was the long dead twin. Looking over his shoulder before
closing the door behind him, Glorfindel saw hints of agony on Erestor’s brow. “Maybe I
should stay?”

 

“No, leave me.” Erestor’s tone was clipped and controlled, wishing Glorfindel would
finally close the door behind him, so he could stop pretending he was fine when in
reality he was in severe pain.

 

“As you wish,” said Glorfindel. /I don’t care if you want to be left alone. I will be
back to check on you tonight./ When he closed the door behind him, he felt guilty and
upset, surprised that he was worried about the chief councilor, whose presence he barely
managed to tolerate most of the time. /But it was my fault. I ran into him./ Burdened by
the knowledge that he had caused this accident – and Erestor’s  pain – he reluctantly
headed for Elrond’s study. He wanted to be there in case his friend needed his support.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Now that Glorfindel was finally gone, Erestor’s eyes widened with pain and he released a
series of tormented whimpers. The best thing he could do was to move as little as
possible and allow his body to heal itself.

 

Second Chances

Part 2

 

 

 

Elrond stared at his reflection in shock. “Elros?” It couldn’t be, yet every fiber of his
being was telling him he was standing opposite his twin. “Elros?” Swallowing hard, he
felt frozen. Unable to move, he studied the other Elf.

 

Elros was dressed in gray robes, lined with the darkest blue and specks of silver. His
long, raven mane was braided into a single plait and the large, gray eyes hid nothing
from him. This was Elros, he was sure of that, but… “I don’t understand.” Afraid to
believe that his dearest wish had come true, he remained at a respectful distance. Elros
would surely disappear once he tried to reach for him!

 

Elros was going through a similar process, seeing his twin after so long a time. Elrond
had always possessed a sense of authority he had lacked and yet, at the same time, his
twin also radiated compassion. “I assure you it is I, gwenneth.” He felt unable to take
that first step, lacking the courage to cross the distance between them – much like
Elrond did.

 

Standing opposite each other, their eyes searched the others’. In the end, it was Elrond
who gathered his courage first. “I know it is you. I can sense it, but…” Taking a step
closer to his twin, he cautiously raised a hand and let it hover against Elros’ face, not
yet touching. “Are you real?”

 

“I am real.” Now that his brother was reaching out, Elros felt encouraged and caught his
twin’s wavering hand in his. Upon contact, both trembled, realizing this was really
happening. Elros stared in amazement at his brother’s hand, which now rested inside his.
Elrond felt warm and real, and acting instinctively, he tugged at the arm, pulling Elrond
close against him. His arms came up behind his twin’s back and he hugged him close, never
wanting to let go again. “Aiya, I missed you so much!”

 

Shocked that Elros hadn’t disappeared, and that there was a warm and solid body against
his, Elrond finally completed the embrace, brining his arms up behind his twin’s. “Am I
dreaming? Hallucinating? What sweet madness is this?”

 

Elros smiled warmly, burying his face in his twin’s hair. “No dream. No hallucination. No
madness.” Elros preferred action over words and settled for holding his younger brother
tightly. “I missed you so much!”

 

Elrond, trying to wrap his mind around the fact that he was actually holding his twin in
his arms, gasped for breath and then his silent sobs started. Trembling fiercely, he
pressed closer against his twin. “This cannot be!”

 

Realizing Elrond was crying, Elros pulled back to establish eye contact with his twin.
“’Tis really happening.”

 

“But how? When? Why? Who?” Elrond desperately buried his fingers in his twin’s mane. Now
that he had a tight hold on Elros, he refused to let go again. Tears flowed down his
face, dripped from his chin and onto Elros’ clothes. “I saw you die!” He had been there
during his brother’s last moments and had seen him release his last breath.

 

“I will tell you, gwenneth, but we should probably sit down first before you faint in my
arms.” Elrond had never acted this emotional before, but then again, one didn’t find a
dead brother standing alive and well in one’s study every day. It was a lot to take in
for Elrond. “Sit with me.” Guiding Elrond closer to the fireplace, he sat down, pulling
his twin with him.

 

Elrond reacted automatically, settling down in his brother’s arms. Oh, how he had missed
this: this feeling, this intimacy. “It must be a dream.”

 

“No, ‘tis not,” repeated Elros, slightly amused. Stroking the dark hair, he maintained a
tight hold on his younger brother. He had missed this as much as Elrond had. “Rest
against me and be assured that I won’t vanish on you whilst I tell you what happened to
me these last few days.”

 

Elrond rested his head on his twin’s shoulder, listening to the soothing and slightly
entrancing tone of his brother’s voice. “I am listening.”

 

Elros smiled, wondering how his twin would react to his tidings. “The Valar sent me back,
gwenneth.” They hadn’t told him why. They had just hinted that it had something to do
with Elrond. “And I am here to stay…That is, if you want me.” Seeing the happy expression
in his twin’s gray eyes when Elrond raised his head to look at him, he already knew the
answer.

 

“You have a home here with me.” Elrond gingerly raised a hand and placed it against his
brother’s face. He knew Elros had much more to tell him, but that could wait. First, he
wanted to bask in his brother’s presence and love. Snuggling up to his older twin, he
relished the silence and listened to Elros’ steady breathing.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

An hour later, Elrond gingerly freed himself from his brother’s embrace. “I am completely
forgetting about my duties as your host. You must be tired, even hungry maybe?”

 

Elros gave his brother a grateful smile. “I am, actually. It takes time, getting used to
being alive again.”

 

Now that piqued Elrond’s curiosity. “May I ask… Are you mortal or…?” In what form had the
Valar sent Elros back?

 

“I honestly don’t know,” replied Elros, “And I am not very eager to test my mortality or
immortality. I have the feeling we will find out in time.” Brushing a strand of knotted
hair away from his twin’s face, he smiled warmly. “I missed having you close.” There was
so much more that he wanted to tell Elrond, but he didn’t have the strength or courage to
address those matters now. He needed to eat and rest, and maybe then he would feel
confident enough to bring them up.

 

“Come with me to my rooms. You will be comfortable there.” Elrond refused to give up
their physical contact and held onto his twin’s hand, whilst pulling his older brother to
his feet. Standing close, they studied each other. Elrond still had a hard time believing
he was actually looking into his twin’s eyes. “Don’t ever leave me again, gweniaur. When
you died—“

 

Quick to silence his brother, Elros placed a finger across Elrond’s lips. “Not here, not
now. Later.” He also knew they had to address this, but not when they both felt this
emotional at being reunited. Folding an arm around his twin’s waist, Elros allowed
himself to be led into the corridor. “I scared Glorfindel, didn’t I?”

 

“I am afraid you did. When he entered my rooms he looked like he had seen a ghost. And
when he told me about you I seriously considered taking him to the Healing House, but he
refused and dragged me over here instead. I am glad he did.” Elrond gave his twin a
sparkling smile. He maintained his hold on Elros’ hand, still worried his twin might
disappear unexpectedly.

 

Fortunately, they encountered no one in the corridors, and when Elrond closed the door to
his quarters behind him, he was struck by the feeling of how right it felt to have his
twin in here. “Please seat yourself. I will tell one of the servants to fetch something
to eat.” He disliked letting Elros out of his sight for even the shortest moment, but he
needed to instruct Lindir.

 

Elros, sensing his twin’s insecurity and need, advanced on his brother’s bed, sat down
and stretched his limbs when he had lain down. He couldn’t remember the last time he had
slept in a bed! Snuggling deeper into the comfort of the fabric, he sighed and closed his
eyes. He was more tired than he had thought and slowly drifted off to into sleep.

 

By the time Elrond returned, he found his twin fast asleep on his bed. Curled up, Elros
was hugging one of his pillows. Sitting down on the side of the bed, Elrond reveled in
the fact that his brother’s face was young again, unmarred by the passing of time. When
he had seen Elros last, his hair had been gray, his face wrinkled and his twin’s eyesight
had diminished considerably. To see him restored to his former glory made his heart
thunder madly.

 

Reaching out gently, he brushed a few wayward strands of hair behind his twin’s ear. He
had forgotten how much he loved his older brother. When Elros had told him about his
decision to become mortal, he had cried bitter tears, beseeching his twin to change his
mind. But Elros had been determined to follow through, saying his destiny lay elsewhere.

 

He had been so incredibly lonely after Elros had left and he had tried hard to deal with
the loss, but the truth was that his heart still carried the scars his twin’s choice had
left behind. /And now he has returned to me. But for how long? And what are the Valar’s
motives? Why sent him back? And does Elros have the answers to my questions?/

 

“My Lord? I brought the refreshments you requested.” Lindir, standing in the doorway,
frowned at finding a dark-haired Elf in his Lord’s bed. The fact that Elrond was
caressing the stranger’s hair puzzled him, but it was not his place to question his Lord.
Placing the tray on the side table, he tried to catch a glimpse of the stranger’s face,
but as the other’s back was turned toward him, he failed.

 

“You may leave now, Lindir, and please see to it that we are not disturbed.”

 

Lindir cleared his throat. “Lord Glorfindel is waiting in the corridor and seems rather
determined to talk to you.”

 

Elrond sighed and then nodded his head. “He may enter.” There was no use in sending
Glorfindel away. The blond knew about Elros and would remain close because he was
worried.

 

Lindir left and Glorfindel hesitantly entered. Seeing the two dark-haired half-Elves on
the bed, his heart expanded with relief. He made his way over to them and carefully
rested a hand on Elrond’s shoulder. “How are you dealing with this?”

 

Elrond looked into his friend’s sea-blue eyes. “I am afraid he will leave me again.”

 

Glorfindel noticed the way Elrond’s fingers were curled around his twin’s – possessively.
”I understand that you feel that way, but… Are you sure this really is Elros?” He hated
saying that, but he didn’t want Elrond to delude himself.

 

“Oh, this is my twin all right,” said Elrond thoughtfully. “We always shared a very
strong connection and I can sense him in my mind.”

 

“Do you know how he—“

 

Elrond cut him short. “He said the Valar sent him back, but that he doesn’t know why.”

 

“And you believe him?”

 

“I have no reason to doubt his words.” Elrond stared into Glorfindel’s eyes. “I don’t
know why he is here, or if he is mortal or not, but he is here and I am content with
that. I want to savor the moments given to us. Yes, I have questions, but those can wait
until he is rested and fed.”

 

Glorfindel nodded. “I do hope the Valar mean well with the two of you.” His last doubts
that this wasn’t Elros vanished. Elrond was convinced that this was his twin, so he
accepted that as the truth. “Take good care of him, my friend.”

 

“I will.” Elrond determinedly nodded his head. “I will never let him go again!”

 

Glorfindel smiled and headed back to the doorway, realizing the two of them would like
some privacy. /And I still have to check on our cranky advisor./

 

Once Glorfindel had left, Elrond slid into place behind his twin. Now that he was lying
comfortably, he pulled his older twin closer to him, wrapping arms and legs around him.
He would make sure Elros didn’t vanish overnight!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel soundlessly sneaked into Erestor’s rooms, which were still warmly lit by
several oil lamps. Apparently the advisor hadn’t bothered to get up to extinguish them…
or was Erestor still unable to move about much? After casting a look at Erestor to make
sure that the dark-haired Elf was soundly asleep, Glorfindel began to explore the room.

 

First, he studied the tapestries, realizing they depicted Gondolin. Why hadn’t he noticed
that the first time around? Stepping closer, his fingertips moved along the fabric. He
could actually recognize parts of the city on this tapestry. How had Erestor gotten a
hold of them? And why had he never shared them with him? Erestor knew how much he missed
looking upon Gondolin’s glory, he had told the advisor.

 

Continuing his exploration, he gave the scrolls and books a critical look. Books on
Gondolin – no surprise there – books on tactical warfare – now why would Erestor need
those? – and books on lore. The scrolls he didn’t touch, for fear that the sound of paper
being unfolded would wake the advisor. But he did pick up one of the carvings to study it
closer. Surprised, he noticed it resembled him. Had Erestor made it? But no, Erestor
surely didn’t possess the necessary skills to create it. There was a warm expression on
the carving’s face and he doubted someone as cold and distant as Erestor could put it
there.

 

These rooms breathed a caring and pleasant atmosphere, which confused him, considering
their inhabitant. Turning around, he looked closely at Erestor. The dark-haired Elf
looked young, even small in the big four-poster bed. The bed itself stunned him, having
expected a cot instead. He moved over to it and knelt on the floor, not wanting to wake
Erestor by sitting down on the side of the bed. Erestor was fast asleep, but there was
also a pained expression on his face, and Glorfindel felt a twinge of guilt. /Maybe I
should ask one of the healers to check on him?/

 

Uncertain what to do next, he figured it would be best to let Erestor sleep. He was about
to get to his feet again, when the dark eyes unexpectedly filled with awareness. At the
same time, a pained whimper fled Erestor’s lips. Panic appeared in the dark eyes and
Glorfindel acted at once, kneeling down again. “What is amiss?”

 

Erestor, stunned to find Glorfindel in his rooms once more, tried to glare at the blond,
but was utterly unable to pull it off. The pain made it impossible. “Cannot move…”

 

Glorfindel frowned, concerned. “What do you mean *exactly*?”

 

“I cannot move…” Erestor hated admitting his weakness to Glorfindel. “Cannot move my
legs…”

 

“How about your arms?” Glorfindel was growing increasingly alarmed.

 

“I can move my fingers… but my arms are too heavy to move.” Erestor was trying hard to
keep his mounting panic from his voice. “What did you do to me?”

 

“A healer needs to properly examine you,” said Glorfindel, feeling guilty for causing
Erestor’s problems in the first place. “Let me fetch one.” The chilling look Erestor was
giving him almost caused him to reconsider, but then he realized it was the dark-haired
Elf’s way of hiding his pain and discomfort. Erestor probably hated being vulnerable and
being dependent. “I cannot stand by and let this happen, knowing I caused it.”

 

Erestor gnashed his teeth in frustration. Rationally he knew Glorfindel was right, but…
“Make sure it is either Elladan or Elrohir. I want no one else to examine me. And don’t
you dare disturb Elrond over something this trivial.” Erestor wanted to point a warning
finger at Glorfindel, but lacked the strength to do so.

 

Glorfindel considered telling Erestor about Elros’ arrival, but then decided this wasn’t
the right time for it, not whilst the dark-haired Elf was in obvious pain. “I will be
right back. Don’t go any—“

 

“And where would I go in my current condition?” sneered Erestor, upset now that the
paralyses was spreading further. “I cannot even move properly! And that is *your* fault!”

 

“I already said I was sorry!” growled Glorfindel, his temper showing now that Erestor was
uncooperative. They glared at each other, neither of them willing to lose this battle of
wills.

 

In the end, it was Erestor who broke eye contact first, simply because he had to close
his eyes against the pain. Just leave me be, he said in
ability will take care of it eventually. Just excuse me when Elrond asks for me.”

 

“Oh, no, I am going to get one of the twins to look you over.” Glorfindel marched out of
the room; feeling frustrated and cross with Erestor. Getting the dark-haired Elf to agree
to something was even harder than slaying a Balrog! He suddenly froze in his tracks,
realizing something important. /By the Valar, he is *good* at keeping me at a distance
and playing me! He probably anticipated my reaction and acted accordingly./ Erestor had
succeeded in chasing him away from his rooms.

 

Tapping his foot on the floor, he took a moment to gather his wits. /Elrond must have had
his reasons to make Erestor chief advisor… Scheming and manipulation are two qualities
Erestor possesses in abundance. I wonder what other qualities he is hiding./ Grinning
like a cat, he headed for the Healing House, deciding he would look upon Erestor as a
challenge to be conquered.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond couldn’t stop staring at his twin. He wanted to stay close to Elros for forever
and never let him out of his sight again. But seeing Elros this close also triggered
other memories. For long years they had slept in this way, holding each other tight and
with arms and legs wrapped around each other. They had continued to sleep that way long
after reaching majority. Spreading their wings, they took to traveling with Gil-galad’s
army. At first, the other soldiers had been puzzled, seeing them sleep side by side, but
their sleeping methods had become accepted once they had begun building a reputation as
skilled fighters.

 

Then, one night, it had happened. Elros had kissed him on the lips with an unexpected
expression of desire – lust even, clearly visible in his gray eyes. Elrond had been
stunned, had pushed his twin away from him and had stared at Elros in shock. Mentally, he
replayed their conversation that night.

 

“Why did you kiss me?” Staring at Elros in shock, he ran his fingertips along his lips,
still feeling an echo of his twin’s lips against his. He was grateful that they had put
their bedroll down away from the main camp, as Elros had expressed some need for privacy.
At least now their comrades in arms hadn’t seen Elros kiss him.

 

Elros averted his eyes, looking depressed and disappointed. “I am sorry, gwenneth. I lost
control. You looked so lovely and you were so close…”

 

Elrond shook his head, desperately hoping the conclusion he had reached was wrong. “Why?
Tell me why you kissed me.” The sad expression in his brother’s dark gray eyes took him
aback. There was so much love in them!

 

“I made a mistake. Can we please forget about it?” Elros seriously didn’t want to explain
his actions to his twin, fearing the outcome if he did. He kept his eyes averted, hoping
Elrond wouldn’t pressure him. In Elbereth’s name… What had possessed him to kiss his
twin? He had controlled his emotions and desires so far, why had they now gotten the
better of him?

 

“I cannot let this go,” said Elrond in a trembling tone. “You kissed me… on the lips!”
Leaning in closer, he grabbed hold of his twin’s shoulders, shaking him. “And the look in
your eyes tells me something I really don’t want to know!”

 

Elros closed his eyes, but knew it was too late, as the loving expression in them had
given him away. “Do not do this. Please,” he said, shaking his head.

 

“Elros?” Elrond pleadingly stared at his brother. “Tell me why.” But did he really want
to find out why there was such desire in his brother’s eyes?

 

“I am in love with you,” Elros eventually said in a choked tone, looking back into his
twin’s eyes. Blinking, he tried to maintain eye contact with his twin, but it was hard to
face Elrond now that he was finally revealing his true feelings. “It started shortly
after we entered adulthood. I always tried to keep this from you, but… I don’t know what
happened just now. I know I shouldn’t have done it.”

 

Elrond tried hard to truly understand his twin’s admission. “You are in love with me?
But…” His features contorted. “Such a love is a monstrosity. You must fight it!”

 

Elros gasped, hearing Elrond’s condemning words. /A monstrosity; that is how he sees my
love for him. I wish I had never spoken of it to him. I wish I had not kissed him. And
what if he is right and it is a monstrosity? We are brothers! I should not feel that way
about him./ Hanging his head in defeat, he sighed deeply. “I am sorry. I will never speak
of my feelings for you again. You are right; I should fight them and not give in to
them.”

 

Taking heart now that Elros saw how wrong his feelings were, Elrond moved closer again.
He had distanced himself when hearing his twin’s admission, but now he felt the need to
reestablish close contact. Elros’ feelings of misery brushed against his mind and he
couldn’t bear knowing his twin was in misery. “We will face this together, gweniaur. I am
sure you are strong enough to best these feelings.”

 

But the problem was that he didn’t want to best them. He wanted to give in to them, feel
Elrond pressed close against him and to reclaim those lips, bruising them with passionate
kisses. But Elrond had said this was wrong and he wouldn’t pressure his twin into
accepting it. However, it would make things easier for him when he had to make his
choice. He would choose mortality, as he didn’t want to live an immortal life in such
torment, knowing his twin close, and yet so far away from him.

 

“We should go to sleep now,” said Elrond softly, gathering his brother in his arms. But
this time it felt different, knowing Elros desired him in such a carnal way. Hesitantly,
he lay down, face to face with his twin. There was a sense of discomfort between them
that had never been there before. An invisible wall had been erected. And that barrier
consisted of forbidden love.

 

“What are you thinking of, gwenneth?” Elros had woken some moments ago and seeing the
distant look on his twin’s face, he had realized Elrond was lost in thought.

 

Elrond briefly trembled against his twin, eternally regretting his reaction to Elros’
kiss. That kiss had been the reason why they had drifted apart. When Elros had made his
choice, Elrond had cried, knowing they would not be together until the end of Arda. Elros
had left him alone and he had often wondered if things would have developed differently
if he had accepted his brother’s love for him. Had the Valar now given him a second
chance to make up for his past mistakes? Whatever the reason was for the Valar to return
Elros to him, he was going to make the best of it. 

 

“Gwenneth? Did you hear me?” Elros was growing worried now that his twin wasn’t answering
him. He rubbed Elrond’s back, hoping to reassure his twin by touch.

 

Realizing that he was worrying Elros, Elrond gave his brother an apologetic smile. “I was
just remembering the past.”

 

“Those were not happy moments you were thinking of.” Elros didn’t want to remember their
past; he had made one fatal mistake and was determined not to repeat it. He would keep
silent about his feelings for his twin and never give Elrond a reason to look at him in
such a way again. That expression still haunted him. It had been one of utter shock,
disgust even, and he never wanted to see that expression again.

 

“Our past,” commented Elrond, relishing the fact that his twin was rubbing his back. He
had missed this intimacy. “We shouldn’t dwell on the past.”

 

“We should look to the future instead.” Elros smiled and was utterly embarrassed when his
stomach growled hungrily.

 

“I am remiss again,” said Elrond, grinning. “Lindir brought some refreshments, but you
were already asleep by then.”

 

“I am awake now.” Elros regretted letting go of his twin, but the food was calling him
closer.

 

Elrond rose from the bed, waited for his twin to join him, and then claimed his brother’s
hand again. “I am not letting you get away again!”

 

Elros was pleased to hear those words. “I don’t plan on leaving you, gwenneth.”

 

Once they had seated themselves at the table and Elros had started eating the soup,
Elrond asked, “How did you return to Arda? Did you talk to the Valar or…?”

 

“I saw Manwe,” said Elros thoughtfully. He had been overwhelmed when meeting the Vala and
that sensation was quickly claiming him again. “Before he appeared I… I didn’t exist, I
think. I remember releasing my last breath – and you were holding my hand, I still
remember that – and the next moment… there was nothing.”

 

Shudders coursed through his twin’s body, urging Elrond to move closer. He released his
brother’s hand so he could wrap an arm around Elros’ waist. “I cannot imagine what that
must have been like.”

 

“I don’t want to dwell on it,” said Elros determinedly, biting off a chunk of bread and
munching on it.

 

Elrond waited patiently for his twin to continue.

 

“When Manwe appeared I had no idea what was happening to me. It took time to get
accustomed to being alive and conscious again. When I found my body had been restored to
me, I grew even more confused.”

 

“What did Manwe say?” Elrond couldn’t help being curious; his brother had met the most
powerful of the Valar!

 

“He was rather vague,” said Elros thoughtfully, now eagerly eying the omelet on the tray.
It wasn’t long before he started eating it, together with more freshly baked bread and
wine. After a moment, he continued, “I forgot how good food tasted!”

 

Elrond smiled dotingly. “You can have more later. Now tell me about Manwe.”

 

“As I said, he was rather vague.” Elros drank more of the wine, and now that he had
finished the omelet, he started on the sausages. Seeing his brother’s amused look, he
shrugged his shoulders and said, “I am hungry! It has been millennia since I ate last.”

 

“I can only imagine what it must be like for you, being alive again…” Elrond rested his
hand on Elros’, thusly limiting his twin to the use of only one hand to feed himself. But
Elros didn’t seem to mind, as he curled his fingers around his twin’s in approval.
“Please continue to eat.”

 

Elros happily obliged him, finishing his meal with a juicy pear. “Manwe said I had some
unfinished business on Middle-Earth and that he was sending me back for a reason.”
Elros’ eyes momentarily narrowed. “He said it had something to do with you. Maybe you are
in some sort of danger.”

 

“Danger?” Elrond didn’t think so. Yes, these were dangerous times with Sauron trying to
regain possession of the One Ring, but he didn’t consider himself a serious target. Not
now that the Ring had left Imladris. “I am in no danger.”

 

“We will see about that.” Elros pushed his now empty plate away from him. “Remind me to
compliment the cook later.”

 

“I will.” Elrond gently squeezed Elros’ hand. “I still cannot believe you are really
here.”

 

Elros arched an elegantly formed eyebrow. “I am here to stay. Manwe did say I would spend
the rest of my life here – but he didn’t tell me if I am mortal or not…”

 

“What do you think? How do you feel? You were immortal once, you should remember how that
felt.”

 

“That was a lifetime ago, gwenneth. Only time will tell. For now, I feel pleasantly
full.” Looking out of the window, he found it was the dead of night. “Maybe you can show
me around tomorrow?”

 

“Of course! And you have to meet my children!” Enthusiastically, Elrond nodded his head.
“You have to meet Arwen and my sons.”

 

“Sons?” Elros laughed goodheartedly. “Don’t tell me you have twins!”

 

“I do, actually,” said Elrond, smiling. “Their names are Elladan and Elrohir and they
reached majority long ago. They are skilled warriors now.”

 

Elros didn’t want to ask, but his curiosity got the better of him. “And their mother?” He
immediately regretted asking that question as his twin’s gaze darkened with pain.

 

“I lost her. She sailed for Valinor after she was attacked by Orcs.” His voice trembled,
revealing distress and sadness, which still lingered in his heart after so many
centuries. “I still miss her.”

 

“The Valar have not been kind to you,” whispered Elros, compassionately rubbing his
brother’s knuckles. “First you lose me and then her.”


”I lost Gil-galad as well.” Elrond bit his bottom lip, realizing what he had given away
to his twin.

 

“Gil-galad?” Elros frowned.

 

“We were lovers once, but Sauron took his life, leaving me alone again.”

 

Elros buried his twin in a warm and tight hug. “I am so sorry you had to go through so
much heartbreak.” His twin’s suffering was palpable to him through their connection,
which once more existed and bound them. “You have lost so many loved ones.”

 

“But at least you are back now.” Elrond looked at his twin through a curtain of dark hair
and a mist of tears. “Don’t ever leave me again, do you hear me?”

 

“I hear you,” said Elros soothingly. “And I will try to stay with you for the rest of my
life. You won’t lose me again.” He only hoped the Valar would cooperate and not separate
them.

 

Beta read by Sulien.

All remaining mistakes are mine.

 

Second Chances

Part 3

 

 

 

“Elladan? I need your expertise and healing skills.” Glorfindel marched into the room,
relieved to have easily located one of the twins. Elladan arched an eyebrow and the Elda
grinned. The twins had certainly taken after Elrond. It was hard to find any traces of
Celebrian’s features in Elladan’s face. “Will you come with me?”

 

Elladan looked up from identifying bundles of dried healing herbs and questioningly
looked at his former tutor. “Did you hurt yourself during sparring?” That would surprise
him though. Glorfindel had yet to be defeated in battle.

 

“No, but I… I hurt someone else… accidentally, I might add!” Glorfindel gave Elladan a
pleading look. “I ran into our chief councilor, literally. I knocked him off his feet and
it appears he took a bad fall. He is unable to move.”

 

Elladan sighed. “Why does it have to be Erestor? He is probably the worst possible
patient one can imagine!” He wasn’t looking forward to attending to his former mentor,
knowing how deadly Erestor’s glares could be. As long as he could remember, Erestor had
never set foot inside the Healing House. But he couldn’t really deny Glorfindel. If
Erestor really needed his help, he should comply. “Let me gather some herbs.”

 

Glorfindel nodded, impatiently tapping his foot. “He appeared to be in a great amount of
pain and he said he could barely move.” Recalling the pained expression in Erestor’s
eyes, he added, “I think his injury is graver than he wants me to believe.”

 

Elladan had gathered his herbs and bandages and placed everything inside a bag. Signaling
for Glorfindel to lead the way, he asked, “I wonder how he will react upon seeing me. I
doubt he will be pleased. Does he even know you are bringing me along?”

 

Glorfindel’s brow furrowed. “I did not leave him a choice. I told him I would either take
him to the Healing House, or bring you to his rooms.”

 

“Don’t tell me you are actually worried about him!” teased Elladan. Erestor had been a
just and well-versed teacher, but the elder Elf had always maintained an emotional
distance. Neither Arwen, nor he and his brother, thought Erestor cold or distant. But
there had always been an air of authority to Erestor, which had made it hard to create an
effective bond between them.

 

Glorfindel gave Elladan an awkward grin. “I would never admit to being worried about
Erestor.” But in reality he was. Erestor had never shown any pain or discomfort before
and the fact that the chief advisor had moaned in pain unnerved him.

 

Opening the door to Erestor’s rooms, he walked over to the bed, finding that Erestor
hadn’t moved at all. Dark hair obscured part of the advisor’s face, but he could still
tell the other Elf was in pain, seeing the fingers claw at the blanket. “Erestor? I am
back and I brought Elladan with me. Are you still awake?”

 

Lowering himself onto his heels, he gingerly brushed some dark strands of hair away from
Erestor’s face. Finding the eyes open and alert, he pulled back his hand, under the
impression that Erestor thought him to be trespassing. However, he was shocked to find
his fingertips come away wet with warm blood. “You are bleeding,” said Glorfindel when
realization set in. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Erestor glowered at him, but this time
Glorfindel didn’t allow the advisor to mentally push him away.

 

“Why should I?” Erestor briefly closed his eyes, feeling slightly dizzy.

 

“Let me examine you,” said Elladan, realizing Erestor’s injury was more serious than he
had thought. Seeing Erestor’s glare shift toward him, he acted quickly, knowing his
former tutor’s stare might make him reconsider this examination. “Glorfindel, we need to
roll him onto his stomach.” That way Erestor also couldn’t glare at him any longer.

 

Erestor knew he was at their mercy and gnashed his teeth when the two Elves slowly rolled
him over. The pain was still present, but numbing slightly. Vexed that he couldn’t look
at Elladan and Glorfindel any longer, he sighed, letting the half-Elf proceed with his
examination. Hands, which were surprisingly gentle, swept his dark hair aside to probe
the injury.

 

Elladan frowned, finding the wound still bleeding. “Can you tell me what happened,
Erestor? I know that Glorfindel crashed into you, but…”

 

“I fell,” whispered Erestor into his pillow, his voice barely audible. “My head hit
something hard and sharp… The side table, I think.” He winced when Elladan’s fingers
probed deeper.

 

“Glorfindel? Fetch me some tepid water? I need to clean the wound.” Elladan selected some
clean bandages and began to wipe away the excess blood. “Where does the pain originate
from?”

 

“My neck… and lower back…” Erestor bit his bottom lip, smothering a whimper that
threatened to leave his lips.

 

Glorfindel returned from the bathroom, carrying a bowl filled with tepid water, which he
placed beside Elladan on the floor.

 

Elladan, who had carefully seated himself on the edge of the bed, soaked one of the
bandages in the water and began to clean up the blood in earnest. “The wound is deep and
the paralyses probably very frightening, but your natural healing ability should undo the
damage in a few days. Until then, you will be in some considerable discomfort. I would
like to move you to the Healing House.”

 

“No… I want to stay here,” whispered Erestor, cursing his inability to shoo them from his
rooms.

 

“In that case, I suggest someone sits with you until you are able to walk again.” Elladan
had finished cleaning the wound and considered his next action. “I want to remove your
robes so I can properly examine your back.”

 

Erestor cursed privately, for that meant they would have to roll him onto his side or
back again in order to undo the buttons. “Why don’t you cut the fabric away? I refuse to
move!” He didn’t want to go through that rush of agony again!

 

Glorfindel’s eyes widened slightly, stunned to hear Erestor’s remark. “What?” Erestor
wore luxurious robes of thick, warm velvet, which were lined with cloth of gold. “And
ruin a perfectly good robe?”

 

“I don’t care!” sneered Erestor. “I am not moving onto my back again!”

 

Glorfindel finally understood, realizing moving about would add to Erestor’s pain. “I
will be careful,” he said, removing his dagger. Leaning in closer, he slid the blade down
the long back, cutting the robes in two. He stepped back, giving Elladan space to work
with.

 

Elladan pushed the robes aside, revealing a pale, yet elegantly curved back. Letting his
fingers explore the damaged area, he had to apologize several times, hearing Erestor hiss
in pain. “There is some considerable swelling down your spine. You need to rest, Erestor.
You have to stay in bed for the next few days.”

 

“I will rest,” forced Erestor from between clenched teeth. He would do anything to aid
his recovery. Shivers suddenly erupted over his body, making him moan in discomfort.

 

“What is amiss?” Elladan placed his hand palm down on Erestor’s back, but stayed
carefully away from his patient’s injuries. The elder Elf felt cold to the touch. “Ah, my
father once told me that an Elf who is suffering from an injury is sensitive to the
cold.” Wondering how to get Erestor warm permanently, he grinned at Glorfindel. “You
caused his injury, you keep him warm.”

 

“I am not joining him in bed!” said Glorfindel firmly. “And you are the healer. *You*
take care of him!”

 

“I would never allow you into my bed!” sneered Erestor frustrated. Why couldn’t they just
leave him alone?

 

Elladan decided to ignore Erestor’s comment. “I am expected back in the Healing House,”
he pointed out to Glorfindel. “You caused his injuries, you take care of him.” Finding
that Erestor’s shivers were growing worse, he covered the injured Elf with warm blankets.
Opening his bag filled with healing herbs, he began to squeeze the juice out of some
leaves. Gently, he brushed the dark hair aside and massaged the liquid into the skin,
working his way down the damaged spine. “Glorfindel, you could fill several water skins
with hot water. That would keep him warm. However, that does mean you have to refill them
regularly.”

 

“I prefer warm water skins in my bed to Glorfindel,” said Erestor, trying hard not to cry
out at Elladan’s touch. The half-Elf was gentle and cautious, but he still hurt.

 

Glorfindel’s eyes narrowed, wondering why Erestor had said that. Normally he would be
tempted to react in a similar way, but he refused to play along. Now that he was going to
look after the chief advisor, he wanted to keep the hostility to a minimum. “Elladan, is
there anything else I can do?”

 

“Why don’t you make sure those water skins are filled whilst I sit with Erestor in your
absence? I do think someone should stay with him at all times.” Elladan also wanted a
moment alone with his former tutor.

 

Glorfindel nodded once, determined to carry out Elladan’s instructions. If Erestor needed
to get warm, he would see to it.

 

“Erestor? Glorfindel is gone. Will you now tell me in how much pain you are really in?”
Elladan moved strands of hair until he had a clear view of Erestor’s face.

 

Erestor stared at Elladan, grateful the half-Elf had waited to ask him until the Elda had
left. “The pain is fading slightly, but I still hurt… badly.” He would never have
admitted it to someone else, but he had helped raise Elladan and he had always trusted
the twins. “Why did you make Glorfindel look after me? You know I don’t like him.”

 

Elladan gently tucked the blankets around Erestor’s shoulders. “I can help you out of
your robes, if you want me to.”

 

Erestor had to admit he would be more comfortable without them, but… “I am so cold.”
Shivers traveled down his spine, adding to his discomfort.

 

“The hot water skins will help and we can cover you with as many blankets as you want.”

 

“Do it now? Before he gets back?” Erestor didn’t want Glorfindel to see him naked. It
wasn’t due to modesty; he just didn’t know how he could bear the blond’s gaze when
looking upon him whilst he was in such a vulnerable state.

 

Elladan drew in a deep breath, knowing it was essential he didn’t jostle Erestor at all.
It took him several minutes, but in the end, the cut robes slid onto the floor. “What
position are you most comfortable in? Back? On your stomach? Your side?”

 

“Stomach, definitely,” whispered Erestor, slightly breathless after being moved about so
much. Once he was settled as comfortable as possible, he looked at Elladan from over his
shoulder. “Can’t you stay instead of Glorfindel?”

 

“I really think he should be the one looking after you. Maybe it will teach him that you
are not as cold and haughty as he thinks. The two of you need to reach some sort of truce
after millennia of giving each the cold shoulder. Seriously, Erestor, I have no idea why
the two of you dislike one another that much.”

 

Erestor knew why, but kept silent. He couldn’t tell Elladan that he was in love with
Glorfindel – actually had been in love with the Elda for millennia. “He just irritates
me, Elladan.”

 

“Ah, I knew it!” Glorfindel stood in the doorway, precariously balancing several water
skins in his arms. “I knew you found me irritating!”

 

“Well, you are,” teased Elladan, knowing he had to prevent an escalation. “Now bring
those water skins over here.”

 

Shooting Erestor an annoyed look, Glorfindel deposited the water skins on the floor. One
by one, he handed them to Elladan, who slipped them beneath the blankets, making sure
they rested close against his patient’s body. “Better?”

 

Erestor sighed blissfully. “Yes, thank you.”

 

Glorfindel felt unappreciated. “I arranged for them!”

 

“Well, Elladan didn’t leave you much choice, now did he?” Erestor was growing tired of
making these spiteful remarks, but seemed unable to stop himself. He just wanted
Glorfindel out of his rooms so Elladan would have to stay instead.

 

Elladan, realizing what was going on, rose from the bed, gathered what was left of his
herbal supply and walked toward the doorway. “He is all yours now, Glorfindel.”

 

Groaning, Glorfindel looked at Erestor, finding a stubborn – yet tired – expression in
the dark-haired Elf’s eyes. “In what way did I ever offend the Valar? Why me?”

 

Erestor, too tired to react, closed his eyes and drifted off into reverie now that the
healing herbs were taking effect. His last thought was how scary it was to have
Glorfindel loose in his rooms.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elladan decided it was best to inform his father that Erestor couldn’t perform his duties
for the next few days and headed for Elrond’s rooms. Not bothering to knock – he never
did – he entered the room and quickly located his father, who was standing near the
window, looking outside. “Erestor will be indisposed for the next few days.”

 

Elros, taken by surprise by this young Elf who had entered so abruptly, turned to ask
whom the other was, as he couldn’t envision Elrond being comfortable with people entering
without knocking first. But when he looked at Elladan, the words remained stuck in his
throat. Elrond’s features

– and thus his own – were prominently present in this Elf’s face and made it easier for
him to reach the right conclusion. He was looking at one of his brother’s sons.
“Indisposed?” He had no idea what the younger half-Elf was talking about, but he wanted
this conversation to continue.

 

Elladan nodded once. “Apparently he took a bad fall and he needs to rest for several
days. If you need someone to help you with the correspondence I am sure Elrohir or Lindir
will be more than happy to assist you.”

 

/Elrohir… So this is Elladan./ He had envisioned their first meeting differently, though.
“And where is your brother now?” Elladan gave him a questioning look and he hoped that he
hadn’t aroused his nephew’s suspicion.

 

“He is leading today’s border patrol, but he should be back in a few hours.” Elrond was
usually sharp and knew these things. Looking closer, he wondered about the odd expression
in his father’s eyes. “Did you rest enough, Ada? You look—“ Elladan failed to finish his
sentence when another dark-haired Elf entered the bedroom. His eyes nearly bulged from
their sockets, seeing double. “Ada?” he said, but he wasn’t sure whom he was addressing.

 

Elrond stifled a smile, seeing the stunned disbelief on his son’s face. “Elladan? May I
present my brother to you? This is Elros, my twin.” He moved to stand beside Elros,
possessively claiming his twin’s hand so he could rub his brother’s fingers. “The Valar
returned him to me.”

 

“I need to sit down…” Elladan swallowed hard, stumbled over to a chair and collapsed on
it. “Your what?”

 

“My twin brother,” explained Elrond patiently. “Believe me, I was as shocked as you are
now when I found him standing in my study. But this really is my brother.”

 

Elros stayed calm, although it was hard, as he wanted to reassure Elladan that it was the
truth, but he judged it better for his twin to do so. He squeezed Elrond’s fingers in
return, hoping his twin would find a way to convince Elladan.

 

“Your brother? Your twin?” Elladan’s big eyes continued to stare at Elros. “But he died!
You told us that he had chosen mortality and died centuries ago!”

 

“I know I did,” replied Elrond, “But Elros returned to me.” Sighing, he leaned against
Elros for support. “Imagine you losing Elrohir and then finding he has been returned to
you.”

 

“I cannot imagine such a thing.” Elladan didn’t *dare* imagine such a thing. “Are you
really… Elros?” He studied the elder Elf’s face and found it impossible to identify any
differences in appearance between them. That was why he had assumed Elros was his father
when he had entered the room.

 

“Aye, I really am he. Manwe allowed me to return to Middle-Earth – to my twin to be exact
– and I am eternally grateful for his gift.”

 

Staring at Elros, Elladan wondered about the fact that even their voices sounded
identical. He pushed himself onto his feet again and advanced on the two elder Elves.
“You are my uncle.”

 

“Yes, I reckon I am,” said Elros, smiling smugly. Slowly, he raised a hand and caressed
Elladan’s face. “I see a lot of my brother in you, Elladan.”

 

Elladan actually blushed when he smiled. “I will take that as a compliment,” he said,
giving his father a wink. “My, this could become embarrassing. I never realized how hard
it is to keep identical twins apart.” To him, there were great differences between
Elrohir and he, but looking at Elrond and Elros, he was hard pressed to tell them apart.

 

“I realize this must come as a shock to you,” said Elros, lowering his hand again. “It
was a shock to me as well. I never expected to be allowed to return to Arda – to my
brother.” Elros took a step away from Elladan, returning his personal space to the
younger half-Elf.

 

“Manwe? Manwe was instrumental in returning you to my father?” Elladan easily identified
the expression in his father’s eyes, which was one of utter bliss and happiness. He had
never fully realized how much Elrond had suffered when losing his twin, but he was
beginning to understand now. “I swear I cannot tell you apart!”

 

“We’ve heard that one before,” said Elrond and Elros simultaneously. Looking at each
other, they smiled warmly.

 

Elladan had never seen anything like this before; it almost seemed Elrond and Elros were…
fusing together. He simply didn’t know how else to phrase it. There was confidence there
and a complete understanding of the other, which he had never managed with Elrohir. He
even envied them for it for a tiny moment, but then his common sense took over. “I cannot
wait for Elrohir and Arwen to meet you.”

 

“I am looking forward to meeting them as well,” said Elros, genuinely interested in
getting to know his twin’s other children. Realizing that Elrond still had a tight hold
on his hand, he raised the limb and cradled it against his chest, not giving the gesture
any thought as it came natural to him.

 

Elladan smiled, seeing the way Elros cherished having Elrond close. It had been centuries
since he had seen his father happy. When Celebrian had left, their whole world had fallen
apart and he had even feared for his father’s sanity. He liked what he was seeing now –
this tight connection between them. “Uncle, may I welcome you properly?” Elros raised an
eyebrow in the same manner his father did, noticed Elladan, when he slowly embraced the
elder half-Elf.

 

Elrond laughed softly, seeing the surprised look on his twin’s face.

 

“They are as affectionate as you are, Elrond,” whispered Elros softly, returning his
twin’s smile. “This feels like coming home.”

 

“You are home,” said Elrond, unable to stand back. The moment his son released Elros,
Elrond moved in to hug his brother, determined to keep his twin close until the end of
Arda.

 

Standing back, Elladan watched them and slowly a frown formed on his face. But it wasn’t
a frown revealing disapproval or worry, it was a frown that signaled his surprise, seeing
the affection and oneness when they held each other close. And it made him wonder if
there was more to them than met the eye.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel was bored. Now that Elladan had ‘sentenced’ him to sitting with Erestor, he
couldn’t really do much. His glance therefore wandered over to the books on the shelves,
thinking he might read one of those just to keep him occupied. Erestor surely wouldn’t
mind, would he?

 

Soundlessly, he left his chair and began to look through the books. Some, he immediately
put away, as they were on politics and warfare and he wasn’t in the right mood for that.
Then he happened upon one about Gondolin’s history and he sat down and began reading it.
He was surprised at finding such a volume in Erestor’s private rooms. Elrond probably
didn’t know it was in his chief advisor’s possession or the half-Elf would have found a
way to ‘acquire’ it for his library.

 

Feelings of melancholy awoke in him as he read about Turgon and the downfall of Gondolin.
He had been happy in Gondolin, surrounded by his family and friends and being together
with his lover Ecthelion. He had lost everything when the city had fallen – not to
mention he had lost his life, courtesy of one very pissed off Balrog.

 

Putting the book down on the side table, he closed his eyes, remembering his past. He had
been Captain of his house – the House of the Golden Flower – and had commanded part of
the King’s forces. He missed that time – the adventure and fun he had shared with
Ecthelion and his other friends. Oh, he enjoyed living in Imladris and had found a new
home with Elrond’s family, but he still felt lonely at times – even out of place.

 

Looking at the volume on the side table, he wondered how Erestor had managed to get his
hands on it. This was valuable documentation, worthy of being archived in Elrond’s
library. His gaze shifted to his charge, finding Erestor’s eyes alert. When had the dark-
haired Elf woken up? “I hope you do not mind me reading one of your books, but I was
bored.”

 

“I couldn’t care less about your ‘activities’, Glorfindel,” hissed Erestor from between
clenched teeth. He hadn’t wanted to sneer at the blond, but his discomfort was not
improving his mood. He was cold again, but refused to ask Glorfindel for help.

 

Glorfindel’s eyes narrowed, as he was about to make a spiteful remark in turn, but he
held back and walked over to Erestor’s bed instead. “Are you still warm or is it time to
refill the water skins?”

 

Erestor briefly considered ignoring Glorfindel, but realized how foolish that would be.
“They need refilling. The water has grown cold.”

 

Glorfindel arched an eyebrow at that mellow and honest answer, which he hadn’t expected
at all. Erestor was already buried beneath a pile of blankets, but the fabric did little
to keep the dark-haired Elf warm now that his healing ability was using up most of his
energy. What Erestor needed was body heat, but he had already told Elrohir that he wasn’t
joining his charge in bed. That was where he drew the line! “I will refill them,” said
Glorfindel, sliding his hands beneath the blankets to extract the water skins. Erestor
tensed up when one of his fingers accidentally brushed the raven-haired Elf’s thigh.
Obviously his charge didn’t like being touched and he quickly pulled back, taking most of
the water skins with him. “I will be right back.”

 

“No need to hurry…” Erestor bit his bottom lip, wondering why he had said that. Right
now, he depended on Glorfindel to take care of him and the blond was making an effort to
be sociable, keeping back his usual comments. “I apologize. I shouldn’t have said that.”

 

“I wonder why you did,” said Glorfindel, thoughtfully, giving Erestor a probing look
before leaving for the kitchens to fill the skins with hot water.

 

Glorfindel’s words left Erestor with a bad taste in his mouth. Since the Elda had
accidentally ran into him, Glorfindel had done his best to help. The blond had even held
back from returning spiteful remarks, so why was he still being mean to the warrior? /I
cannot allow him to see my true feelings. It is best to keep him at a distance. But that
doesn’t mean I cannot act politely toward him./

 

Knowing it would take Glorfindel several minutes to make his trip to the kitchen and back
again, Erestor had time to think about his past actions. If only Glorfindel liked him a
little bit, then they might have been friends. But the blond had rejected him many
millennia ago, and what hurt most was that Glorfindel didn’t even seem to remember doing
it. Or was Glorfindel just pretending he had forgotten? Erestor wasn’t sure what would
hurt the most.

 

When Glorfindel eventually returned, he found Erestor brooding and avoiding his glance.
It made him wonder what had happened during his absence. “Did the pain grow worse?”

 

This time, Erestor thought his reply through before answering the blond. “No, the pain is
mostly gone. I just feel numb and cold.” He could tell that his answer pleased
Glorfindel, as a smile slowly manifested on the Elda’s face. “I still cannot move much
though.”

 

Glorfindel was pleased with Erestor’s sudden change in attitude – and grateful as well.
“I will slip the water skins back in. These should warm you properly.” He kept a close
eye on the hurting Elf and his smile broadened slightly, realizing Erestor wasn’t
flinching away from him when his fingers accidentally brushed his leg. “I never knew you
owned that many books about Gondolin.”

 

Erestor bit his bottom lip, reminding himself to act carefully. “I am a scholar as well
as an advisor and thus I am interested in history and lore.” He couldn’t tell Glorfindel
the truth; that he had lived in Gondolin and had loved the blond from afar, before and
after the warrior had rejected him. That he still loved him in silence, always craving a
kind word or touch, but knowing he wouldn’t get it. “I have many interests and Gondolin’s
history is fascinating.”

 

Glorfindel was under the impression that Erestor was keeping something from him, but he
didn’t push his charge. Once the water skins were in place again, he took a step away
from the bed. “Are you a bit more comfortable and warmer now?”

 

“A bit.” But the warm skins couldn’t do away with the cold in his bones. What he really
craved was lying in Glorfindel’s arms, pressing his body against the blond’s. But he
couldn’t have it – ever. “I regret that you are stuck with nursing me back to health.”

 

“No, Elladan is right. I caused your injury so it is only fair that I take care of you.”
Glorfindel returned to his seat, sat down and studied his charge. “Have you ever been in
Gondolin, Erestor?”

 

Erestor briefly felt lost. He didn’t want to lie to Glorfindel, but telling the truth was
dangerous. “Yes, I have seen her beauty.”

 

Glorfindel’s eyes flared with pleasure. “And you never told me? We could have reminisced
about the beautiful city and her inhabitants!”

 

Erestor swallowed hard, realizing he had said too much. “I only visited there for a short
while.” Which was a blatant lie; he had lived at Turgon’s court as the King’s advisor.
“But we can talk about Gondolin when I feel better. I must admit to growing tired again.”

 

Glorfindel nodded in understanding. “’Tis a healing sleep and I should not keep you
awake. We will talk some more later.” He was surprised to find that he enjoyed talking to
the advisor, something he had thought impossible. But then again, Erestor’s demeanor had
changed since his trip to the kitchen, which made looking after him much easier. “Is
there anything else I can do for you?”

 

“Elrond should know that I will be bedridden for the next few days,” mumbled Erestor,
slowly slipping back into reverie.

 

“I think Elladan already took care of that.” Glorfindel hoped Erestor was comfortable and
would sleep for the next few hours. It would greatly aid his recovery process. “Anything
else?”

 

Erestor, whose carefully engendered caution was slipping due to his near sleep,
whispered, “Yes… you… stay…”

 

Glorfindel’s eyes widened at hearing that admission. /Stay? He wants *me* to stay with
him? Me?/ Frowning, he wondered what had made Erestor say that. Picking up his book
again, he continued to read, regularly checking on his charge to make sure Erestor
remained sound asleep.

 

Beta read by Sulien.

All remaining mistakes are mine.

 

Second Chances

Part 4

 

 

 

“Lindir? Would you please make sure my entire household is assembled in the Hall of Fire
before dinner? I have an announcement to make and I want everyone present.” Elrond
noticed the puzzled expression on Lindir’s face, now that the white-haired Elf was
staring at Elros. He sympathized with Lindir, knowing Elros’ presence raised many
questions, but he wanted to explain his twin’s return to his household once only. “And
please locate my daughter. I need to speak with her.”

 

Lindir nodded; he would carry out these instructions, realizing his Lord would explain in
time. “I will locate Arwen first and then instruct the staff.” He left the half-Elf’s
study, still wondering about the identical Elf who had been sitting on Elrond’s bed.

 

“I think I scared him,” said Elros thoughtfully. “I saw the way he looked at me.”

 

“That is because he doesn’t know how to explain your presence here. Once they know the
Valar returned you to me, he will be as delighted as I am.” Elrond gave his twin a
stunning smile.

 

Elros however, noticed something about the way Elrond continued to phrase that. /Returned
to *me*. Not to Arda, or his family. No, I was returned to *him*./ He actually loved
hearing the possessiveness in his twin’s voice. Millennia ago he had hoped to hear it,
but back then Elrond had distanced himself, probably uncertain about the attraction Elros
felt for him, but that seemed to have changed. “Tell me more about your daughter, now
that I am going to meet her.”

 

“She is the last gift Celebrian left me. She inherited my dark looks, but her features
are Celebrian’s. I love her dearly and already regret having to give her hand in marriage
to Estel one day.” He had seen the future and knew what would come to pass. His heart
grew saddened, knowing Arwen would choose a mortal life as Elros had.

 

Elros didn’t know who Estel was and why this pained his twin, but he felt Elrond’s
anguish as if it were his own. “Each of us needs to walk their own path, gwenneth. You
cannot stand in the way of destiny.”

 

“But she will choose a mortal life, like you did,” said Elrond, hoping his twin would
understand. “I will lose her.”

 

Elros leaned in closer and placed the palm of his right hand against Elrond’s chest,
covering the area beneath which his brother’s heart was beating. “You cannot lose someone
when they live on in your heart. I know you felt like you had lost me, but I was always
with you – here.” He gently rubbed Elrond’s chest through the fabric of the robes.

 

Swallowing hard, Elrond stared into his twin’s gray eyes. “You did leave me, but you are
right. You remained alive in my heart.” He folded his arms around his brother and hugged
him close. “When you told me you had chosen mortality my world collapsed. Why did you do
it?”

 

“I didn’t have a choice,” whispered Elros in his twin’s ear. “I knew my destiny lay in
the world of Man. That I had things to accomplish and certain events to set into motion.”

 

“Was that it? Or was there another reason?” Elrond lifted swimming eyes to meet his
brother’s gaze. “You made your choice after you kissed me.”

 

Elros shivered, dreading this topic. He had to steer Elrond away from it. “Let us forget
that ever happened. You made it very clear that your heart didn’t lie with me and I
always respected that.”

 

Elrond cringed; that was not the answer he had wanted to hear. Looking into Elros’ eyes,
he still saw lingering hurt there. His reaction millennia ago had greatly pained his
twin. “I am sorry I hurt you. That was never my intention, but I was shocked.”

 

“Don’t worry about something that happened in the past. There is nothing we can do to
change that now. I cannot take back that kiss or my admission and you cannot take back
your reaction. I was wrong, not you. I should never have kissed you, let alone tell you I
loved you.”

 

Elrond felt at the brink of a revelation and he just had to ask – had to know. “Do you
still love me?”

 

Elros involuntarily sucked in his breath. “Don’t ask me that.” For he couldn’t lie to his
twin.

 

“Ada?” Arwen walked into the room, and then froze in her tracks – stunned. She placed one
hand against the wall to ground herself. Staring at the two identical Elves, a strange
sensation swept through her. She was hard-pressed to find any differences between them,
but in the end she focused on the eyes. Smiling, she identified her father, reading the
love in Elrond’s gray orbs. Walking toward Elrond, she cocked her head questioningly. “I
reckon there is something you need to tell me?” She had known something was amiss when
Lindir had urged her to join her father as quickly as possible.

 

“Arwen, I want you to meet my twin, Elros.” Elrond’s heart thundered nervously, wondering
how his daughter would react to this revelation. He loosened the hold he had on his twin
and gathered Elros’ hand in his. “Manwe allowed him to return to Arda.”

 

Staring at Elros in curious surprise, Arwen searched her uncle’s face. “Is it really
you?” Seeing Elros nod, her heart rejoiced. Her father had seldom mentioned Elros, but
when he had, his voice had always carried a tone of regret and pain. She smiled at Elros,
approaching him to give him a hug. “Welcome back, uncle.”

 

Accepting her embrace, he blinked at Elrond, relieved this introduction had gone so well.
Arwen felt warm and soft in his arms, but that didn’t fool him, having seen determination
and a strong spirit in her eyes. “Thank you, pen-neth. Finding my brother has fathered
such kind children warms my heart.”

 

Elrond beamed with pride, hearing his twin’s approval. Joining in the hug, he wrapped his
arms around his daughter and brother. But in the back of his head, he replayed Elros’
answer to the question of whether his twin still loved him, realizing his brother had
never answered that question. /If only Arwen had arrived a few minutes later./ Now he had
to wait for an appropriate moment to bring up the question again.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Studying his staff, Elrond realized the news had traveled fast. All eyes were directed at
Elros, who stood beside him, and murmurs traveled through the Hall of Fire. “This is my
twin, Elros, who has returned to Middle-Earth with the blessing of Manwe himself. He will
live here – with us.”

 

Elros’ eyes briefly narrowed; he couldn’t remember discussion his plans with his twin.
Elrond had automatically assumed he would stay here. And that was what he wanted – really
wanted – but could he bear the ever present pain of being so close to the one he loved,
knowing Elrond didn’t love him back in that way? How long would he last? Elrond’s
rejection had driven them apart in the first place.

 

“As my brother, he will hold a place of respect in this household.” Elrond saw most of
his servants nod, easily accepting Elros as part of their household. Raising a hand, he
signaled for his staff to follow him to the set tables so they could eat dinner.

 

“Please sit beside me,” whispered Elrond, gesturing for Elros to sit to his right, whilst
Arwen took her place at his left. Realizing Elladan wasn’t present yet, he wondered what
was keeping his oldest son.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elros felt at peace, eating dinner and watching his twin and Arwen. It was amazing how
much Elladan and she had taken after their father. Even though Celebrian had left her
family, they had obviously remained a tight unit, as the love the half-Elves bore each
other was palpable, and he rejoiced at the fact that they had accepted and welcomed him
into their family as well.

 

If only he could keep Elrond from asking more questions about that kiss and his
admission. He had committed that foolish act millennia ago and thought Elrond had dealt
with it. But apparently his twin hadn’t, as Elrond had inquired about his feelings
earlier. He hoped that he could keep his love hidden from his twin – not wanting to
confront his brother with his inappropriate feelings. If he really wanted to be happy
here – and keep Elrond happy as well – he had to bury his feelings forever.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Elrohir, you are not going to believe this!” Elladan marched into the rooms they shared,
watching his younger twin slip into clean clothes now that Elrohir had been able to wash
up. Elrohir had been on patrol these last few days and seemed relieved to be home again.
Sitting down on the bed, Elladan caught his brother’s glance, hoping he had piqued his
twin’s curiosity.

 

“Pray tell me what has happened then,” said Elrohir in a fatigued tone. Although everyone
was getting ready for dinner, he just wanted to catch some sleep. But his father always
appreciated it when he joined them for dinner, so he would make a brief appearance
tonight. He saw the mischievous spark in his brother’s eyes and wondered about it, but he
also knew Elladan would tell him shortly. His twin was bad at keeping secrets; Elladan
always had been.

 

“Imladris has a new inhabitant,” hinted Elladan wickedly. “And he bears a perfect
resemblance to our dear father. His name is Elros.”

 

Elrohir frowned deeply, wondering why his twin was acting this irrationally. “Elrohir,
Elros died. He was mortal.”

 

“That is true, but Manwe sent him back!” Elladan rose from the bed and advanced on his
brother, grabbing hold of his shoulders. “You will understand when you see him at our
father’s side.”

 

The deep frown remained on Elrohir’s face. “Elladan, this cannot be.”

 

“Glorfindel was allowed to return to Arda, why not Elros?”

 

“Because Glorfindel belonged to the Firstborn and Elros was mortal.” Elrohir calmly held
his brother’s gaze. “This Elf is an imposter.”

 

“Ada doesn’t believe so.”

 

“Ada never truly recovered from the grief of losing Elros! He would gladly accept his
twin’s return, even if it is only an imposter!”

 

“You are wrong, trust me. You will understand when you see them together. There is a deep
connection between them, one we never quite managed.” Elladan moistened his lips, hoping
to convince his twin. “Promise me you won’t step into the Hall of Fire filled with
suspicion and hostility. Give Elros a chance to prove himself to you.” Elladan gently
rubbed his twin’s fingers. “Do it for me.”

 

Elladan had never been able to deny his twin and nodded his head. “I will try.”

 

“Good, that is all I am asking for.” Elladan held his twin’s stare for one more moment
and then nodded contentedly. Elrohir would keep his promise and seeing Elrond and Elros
together would take away his twin’s doubts.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elros looked up from his plate, feeling wary eyes probe his form. The twins stood in the
doorway. He easily identified Elladan by the smile on his face, but the younger twin’s
lips formed a narrow line, obviously displeased. He could understand though. Both twins
struck him as protective of their father and they would make sure Elrond wouldn’t be
emotionally hurt.

 

Elrond had noticed their arrival as well and signaled for them to take their seats.
Elrond easily caught the expression in his oldest son’s eyes and wondered what to do –
what to say. After clearing his throat, Elrond said, “Elrohir, I gather your brother
already told you about my twin?”

 

“He did.” Elrohir’s eyes narrowed. “Are you really Elros?”

 

Elros understood Elrohir’s need for confirmation and said, “Yes, I am. I realize this is
hard to accept, but I really am Elros. The Valar gave me a second chance and your father
has invited me to stay.”

 

Elrohir focused on Elros, trying to find out if the Elf was being sincere. When his
father placed a hand on Elros’ arm, he thought he saw something

-- a soft glow, originating from their point of contact. Instinctively he sensed their
connection, a deep link that bound them. Elladan had been right then; this really was
Elros.

 

His gaze shifted from Elros’ face to his father’s and Elrohir searched the gray eyes,
which were definitely radiant with happiness and bliss. /I cannot imagine the pain Ada
must have gone through when Elros chose mortality. It is amazing that he didn’t fade back
then. If Elladan ever left me…/ But they had already discussed their future and had
agreed to belong to the Firstborn when their time came. Elladan and he would never be
separated. He couldn’t help but wonder though why Elros had chosen to go a separate way
from his twin.

 

Elrond was growing worried now that Elrohir remained silent. “He speaks the truth. Our
bond came alive again the moment he entered my life.”

 

“You are happy to have him back,” said Elrohir thoughtfully.

 

“Very happy. I am finally reunited with the other half of my soul. You have no idea how
empty I felt without him.” Elrond’s eyes sought out his twin’s.

 

“I am sorry my decision hurt you,” said Elros sincerely, “But I didn’t have a choice. My
destiny lay elsewhere and you survived without me. You married Celebrian and sired these
lovely children, who do you much credit. What else could you have wished for?”

 

“I wanted you in my life,” said Elrond in a trembling voice. “I wanted you close.”

 

Realizing his younger twin was growing emotional, Elros reassuringly squeezed Elrond’s
fingers. “You have me now. I am close.”

 

Elrond swallowed convulsively, plagued by the question if Elros was mortal or not. Elros
seemed ethereal to him, wholly Elven, but could he be sure? “Promise you won’t ever leave
me again.”

 

“Not willingly,” promised Elros, wishing he could kiss his brother in another way than
just press a chaste kiss onto his twin’s brow. Even after all these millennia, he still
wanted to taste Elrond’s lips again and to press his brother’s body against his. /But I
cannot have him. Never./ And he locked his feelings away again, making sure they weren’t
palpable on his face.

 

But one person caught that look of desire and need on Elros’ face. Elladan, already
wondering about the tight connection which Elrond and Elros shared, now wondered what
else bound the elder twins. Was it more than brotherly love? /And if it is, how do I feel
about it?/ The suspicion that there was a mutual attraction between his father and Elros
had occurred to him before, but he hadn’t allowed it to fully register with him… until
now.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elros was rather relieved when dinner was over. The twins had been staring at him for
most of the evening, whilst Arwen and Elrond had tried to fill any awkward silences with
pleasant chatter. But now the time had come to retire for the night and he was curious to
find out if he would be given guest quarters or if Elrond expected him to move into his
rooms. Not that he would mind, and his younger twin still had a rather tight hold on his
hand.

 

It was apparent that Elrond still expected him to vanish and, being honest, so did Elros
himself. It was definitely odd to be alive again and now that he had been reunited with
his twin, he didn’t ever want to leave Elrond again. But was that what the Valar had
intended when they had restored him to life?

 

Elrond rose to his feet next to him and Elros followed because of his twin’s tight grip.
Several pairs of curious eyes fixed on them, but his twin ignored them, announcing they
were leaving.

 

Arwen and the twins also rose from their chairs. Studying Arwen, Elros found she was
genuinely pleased and interested in learning more about him. The same applied to Elrohir,
who had apparently let go of his suspicions during the evening. Now it was Elladan who
was eying him questioningly, but he detected no malice in the half-Elf’s gaze, just a
deep curiosity and wondering. He decided to address it once he got a moment alone with
Elladan and let it go for now, feeling Elrond’s hand settle at the small of his back.

 

Elrond was touching him a lot more than he had before he had died. Especially those last
few centuries had been pure torment with his younger brother keeping any physical contact
between them to an absolute minimum. Elrond had acted like even the smallest touch would
trigger an amorous reaction on Elros’ part. /I accepted that you don’t love me in that
way, gwenneth. Distancing yourself from me wasn’t necessary./ Had his younger brother
finally realized that? He probably had, considering the fact that Elrond constantly
instigated a touch or a caress.

 

Leaning into the touch, he fell into step beside his younger brother, curious to find out
what Elrond’s next step would be.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond faced a dilemma. As a host, he knew it was only proper to offer Elros his own
quarters, but he was hesitant to let his brother out of his sight. He wanted – no, needed
– Elros close constantly. After nervously clearing his throat, he said, “I don’t think
Lindir prepared any guest rooms for you yet. Would you mind staying in my chambers
tonight?” Not so subtle, but it would get his point across. When Elros’ eyes met his, he
read understanding in them. Elros knew about his feelings, and his needs, for which he
was grateful.

 

“I will keep you company tonight, gwenneth, if you don’t mind sharing your bed with me,
for I refuse to sleep on the floor! Now that I am back on Arda I want to sleep in a
proper bed!”

 

Elrond laughed warmly. “My bed is big enough for the two of us.” A moment later he
sobered slightly, realizing how close to him Elros would sleep. The last time they had
slept that way had been before Elros’ admission. He wondered what tonight would be like.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Stop moving about so much, gwenneth! I cannot sleep!” Elros had rolled onto his right
side and was now staring at Elrond’s back. His younger brother had been right; the bed
*was* big enough, but the constant tossing and turning on Elrond’s part was making it
hard for him to fall asleep.

 

“It just feels… odd,” mumbled Elrond, slowly turning onto his other side so he was facing
his twin. “I haven’t shared my bed with anyone for so long. I must have gotten used to
sleeping alone.”

 

The sadness that colored Elrond’s words made Elros reach out. Gently, he stroked his
brother’s brow and then let his fingers run through the loose mane. “I loved my wife, and
my children,” volunteered Elros in a shaky tone, “But each night when I went to sleep, I
missed having you close, gwenneth.”

 

Elrond gave his twin a shaky smile. “I am still afraid you will be gone when I open my
eyes in the morning.” His hand found Elros’ and he interlinked their fingers. “I cannot
help myself. I need to touch you.”

 

Elros smiled reassuringly and gently squeezed his twin’s fingers. He was somewhat
hesitant to offer to hold his brother like he had when they had been Elflings and
wondered about Elrond’s possible reactions to such an offer. The last thing he wanted was
for Elrond to retreat behind a wall again, shutting him out. Should he take the risk? Or
not?

 

Their tight connection gave Elrond a brief glimpse at his twin’s thoughts, sensing
Elros’ hesitance to take the initiative in this. “Maybe you could hold me? I would love
to sleep that way again. It seems a life time ago.”

 

“For me, a life time did pass by,” mumbled Elros absentmindedly. He freed his hand of
Elrond’s hold, opened his arms and invited his brother to move into them, which Elrond
promptly did. However, he wasn’t prepared for the sensory overload that now hit him.
Elrond’s scent invaded his nostrils. Strands of hair teased against his face and Elrond’s
warm body pressed back against his, settling down in the embrace. Spooned behind Elrond,
he embraced his younger brother tightly. “I will still be here when you wake up. I cannot
possibly leave without you noticing me get up.”

 

Elrond grinned, being reminded of the fact that Elros had always acted as his ‘big’
brother, who had to protect and reassure him. Even though Elros was only a few minutes
older, his twin took his responsibility and duties extremely seriously. It also made him
wonder if Elladan felt the same way where Elrohir was concerned.

 

One thing he could definitely rule out where his sons were concerned was the possibility
of them being in love with each other. Elladan had displayed a great interest in Rumil
the last time Celeborn had visited and he had definitely seen Elrohir making eyes at
Orophin. It would be fortunate if the two brothers returned their feelings, but he hadn’t
made any inquiries yet, knowing his sons would tell him when the time was right.

 

Elros simply enjoyed holding his twin close. The familiar sensation almost overwhelmed
him, causing tears to form in his eyes and he felt grateful that Elrond was facing away
from him. Instinctively, he placed a chaste kiss on the top of his brother’s head.

 

Elrond smiled, pleased, when a kiss was bestowed onto his hair and he snuggled closer,
pulling his twin’s arms as tightly as possible around his frame. “May Elbereth grant you
sweet dreams tonight, gweniaur.”

 

“And may yours be equally sweet,” whispered Elros in a shaky tone. Holding each other
close, both half-Elves finally managed to fall asleep.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

A hungry growl, originating from Erestor’s stomach, immediately drew Glorfindel’s
attention. His charge had slept peacefully for most of the night, but now seemed to be
waking up, judging by his eyes beginning to blink. He was eager to find out if Erestor
had already regained some mobility. It had to frustrate the chief advisor to be unable to
move and be confined to bed. Leaving his chair, he walked over to the bed and carefully
sat down on the side. “How do you fare this morning?” He closely monitored Erestor’s
reaction, reading confusion and puzzlement in the large, dark eyes.

 

“What are *you* doing in my rooms?” Upon awakening, his mind was still blank and he
managed to slightly move away from Glorfindel, not fully realizing he was actually moving
again.

 

Glorfindel frowned at the words, but was relieved to see Erestor pushing away from him.
Some mobility had been returned to the dark-haired Elf then! Good! But why was Erestor
moving away from him? “You had an accident, remember? And I am taking care of you because
it was my fault. Please don’t tell me you have amnesia now as well.”

 

Erestor blinked one more time; his memories slowly returning to him. “You ran into me.”
Glorfindel had caused him to bang his head against the sharp end of a table, leaving him
nearly paralyzed. Yes, he remembered now. He also remembered that they had been getting
along the last time they had talked and that he had been trying not to be sarcastic when
the blond was close. “I remember. I have no amnesia, Glorfindel.”

 

The frown on his brow deepened. Erestor had
companionable tone and he replied softly in return. “I am glad for that. Forgetting parts
of your life is frustrating.”

 

That statement caught Erestor’s attention. Now that he remembered that Glorfindel only
wanted to help, he relaxed and even gave in to his curiosity. “You speak as one who knows
from personal experience.”

 

Suddenly feeling nervous, Glorfindel cleared his throat. “I would rather not talk about
this.”

 

But Erestor wouldn’t have it. “Did you suffer from amnesia once?”

 

Sighing, the blond gave in. “I still suffer from it.” He wasn’t sure if he wanted the
advisor to know, but it looked like Erestor wasn’t giving him a choice. Seeing the dark
eyes grow large, he shrugged his shoulders once. “After my rebirth some memories never
returned to me.”

 

Erestor raised an eyebrow. “Tell me more.” Although he had trained himself not to act
compassionately around the one he secretly loved, he failed to keep the concern out of
his voice, something that Glorfindel distinctly noticed, judging by the surprised
expression in his azure eyes.

 

Glorfindel felt awkward, seeing the genuine interest and concern in Erestor’s eyes. It
took him aback, and he had to glance down for a moment. He cleared his throat to cover up
his surprise at seeing it. “That is why I was so delighted to hear you had been in
Gondolin. My life there only exists in shards of memories. I remember Turgon and
Ecthelion – and that bloody Balrog of course – but so many things faded from my memory!
Knowing I lived through some events, but being unable to remember them is frustrating.”
His gaze darted over to the books and scrolls on Gondolin. “When I saw those I wanted to
read them all and I did make a start in doing so, but…” His eyes hesitantly searched
Erestor’s, “You have been there. You could talk to me about the city and its inhabitants,
maybe trigger more memories.”

 

Erestor swallowed hard; had Glorfindel really forgotten about him completely? The fact
that they had known each other in Gondolin? That he had embarrassed himself by expressing
his wish to court Glorfindel in order to find out if they were suited for each other?
Hoping they would bind in the end? /Glorfindel laughed at me, telling me I wasn’t his
type and that such a union would be ill-fated./ Being rejected in such a manner had hurt
tremendously and he had suffered from heartbreak since, but he had quickly realized that
Glorfindel would never fall for an advisor. The blond had spent his days in Ecthelion’s
company and that of his men. He had never been able to compete with them, being one of
Turgon’s trusted advisors just wasn’t good enough for Glorfindel to even consider him in
that way.

 

Having been rejected was the very reason why he had given Glorfindel the cold shoulder
since that very first day the blond had arrived to train the twins. When he had looked
into Glorfindel’s blue eyes that day, his heart had ached, realizing the Valar had
restored the blond to his old form. Those were the eyes he had fallen in love with
millennia ago. Those were the high cheekbones and the golden tresses, which he had wanted
to caress, but Glorfindel had made it very clear that he wasn’t interested in him. So he
had retaliated with cold indifference. He always acted politely in Glorfindel’s presence,
but never touched the blond, never said a kind word. His heart had been hurt too deeply
to forgive the Elda for it now.

 

Oh, he still remembered the day Gondolin had been attacked. He had seen Ecthelion being
burned and the mayhem and chaos erupting all over the city. Once he had realized it was
everyone for themselves, he had tried to find Glorfindel, hoping they could make an
escape together. But he should have known better. When he finally found Glorfindel, the
blond was breaking off from the escort of the refugees to battle a Balrog, single
handedly, in order to keep the creature from harming the refugees and to give them time
to flee. He had witnessed Glorfindel’s final battle and had watched his love fall toward
his death, taking the Balrog with him. Horrified at witnessing these events, he had
stumbled along to join the few Elves that had managed to escape the burning city, but his
heart had frozen, seeing Glorfindel die.

 

“Erestor? Erestor!” Glorfindel had grown worried, seeing the distant and pained
expression in the dark eyes. He had no idea what was going on with his charge, but he
deemed it best to act now, before Erestor slipped deeper under the spell he was in.

 

“Sorry,” whispered Erestor, still shaken by his memories. He looked at Glorfindel to
reassure himself and actually smiled, finding the blond this close and looking at him in
a concerned way. “I was remembering some unpleasant events.”

 

“Then don’t,” said Glorfindel, frowning. “You are still recovering and shouldn’t allow
yourself to be dragged under by such memories.”

 

/Did you really forget about me?/ wondered Erestor. /Did you forget my declaration of
love, which I delivered in a shaky voice, hoping you felt the same way? Did you forget
laughing in my face and dismissing me like I was still an Elfling? I am older than you
and originate from an even more renowned House. Did you truly forget me?/

 

“You are doing it again,” said Glorfindel displeased. Maybe it was because he had brought
up Gondolin? Maybe Erestor didn’t have any fond memories of that place? “I apologize if
it was something I said.” He was completely stunned, seeing the warm and welcoming smile
on Erestor’s face, which was directed at him. Erestor never smiled at him! He quickly
looked over his shoulder to see who was standing behind him, but there was no one.
Erestor *was* smiling at him!

 

Erestor wasn’t sure what to say. His feelings for Glorfindel had never gone away and he
still loved the blond from the bottom of his heart, but was he really going to set
himself up for more heartbreak? Glorfindel had rejected him millennia ago – even though
the Elda might not remember it – so it was most likely Glorfindel would do it again. And
he didn’t know *for certain* that Glorfindel had really lost *those* memories. It was
safest not to warm up to the blond and he should keep his guard up instead. But what if
he had a chance to win Glorfindel’s heart this time?

 

“Erestor? You are worrying me.” The way Erestor was staring at him made Glorfindel
wonder. “Is anything amiss? Do I need to fetch Elladan?”

 

Erestor composed himself. “No, that won’t be necessary.” At the same time his stomach
growled again. “But I would be most thankful if you would fetch me something to eat from
the kitchens.” It was early morning and the cooks were probably preparing breakfast. “You
must be hungry too.”

 

Glorfindel nodded; yes, he was hungry and Erestor’s suggestion suited him just fine. “I
will be back in a few minutes.” He rose from the bed and walked toward the doorway.
However, hearing Erestor’s voice again, he stopped and looked over his shoulder at the
dark-haired advisor.

 

“Glorfindel? I was thinking… Maybe we can talk about Gondolin some time? And you are
always welcome to borrow any books you want to read.” Erestor fought down the blush that
threatened to spread over his face at taking this first step. How would Glorfindel react
to his offer? The smile that spread over the blond’s face was warm, yet showed surprise.
Erestor relaxed, realizing his offer had been accepted.

 

“I would like that. Thank you… Erestor.” It felt odd, speaking the other’s name without
the usual sneering tone attached to it. Feeling awkward, he shuffled his feet and then
left the room, heading for the kitchens.

 

Erestor, also smiling, hoped they could put the sneers behind them and start building a
friendship. He regretted that it would never be more than that, but having Glorfindel as
a friend was more than he had dared hope for.

 

Beta read by Sulien

All remaining mistakes are mine.

 

 

Second Chances

Part 5

 

 

 

“Good morning.” Elros had woken first that morning and was content to just hold his twin
close, occasionally stroking the silken hair. Waking up like this brought back long
forgotten memories and he controlled his passion for Elrond rigorously, knowing he
couldn’t grow aroused now that his twin was beginning to trust him again.

 

Smiling, Elrond turned in the embrace until they were face to face. “And a fine morning
it is.” He had woken next to Gil-galad and Celebrian in the past, but having Elros close
again felt even better. It was probably due to the tight connection they had always
shared and which was growing even stronger now. He felt Elros’ contentment, and his
twin’s regrets, but he ignored those for now. “I will have to work in my study for a
while today,” he started, “but we can spend the rest of the day together.”

 

“I would like that.” Elros looked deeply into his brother’s eyes and almost tried to kiss
his twin’s lips. He caught himself just in time, restraining himself. “Do you want to use
the bathroom first?” He had to get Elrond out of bed, or himself, before something
happened that would show his attraction. He couldn’t take that risk.

 

Elrond saw worry in his twin’s eyes and easily figured out why it was there. Why? Because
he was feeling something he had never experienced before; an attraction where his twin
was concerned. Looking into the stormy gray orbs, he realized he was slowly falling in
love with Elros, something he had thought impossible.

 

When he had lost Elros to mortality, his heart had been broken and now it was finally
beginning to mend. /I am not going to lose him again – no matter in what way./ He had
often wondered what life would have been like if he had accepted and returned his twin’s
love. The Valar had given Elros back to him – for whatever reason – and he was determined
to do things differently this time around. “You never answered my question,” he said
eventually.

 

Elros frowned, hoping Elrond wasn’t addressing what he thought was he addressing.
“Gwenneth…”

 

“Elros, I need to know. I need to hear you say it!” Elrond cupped his brother’s cheek in
the palm of his hand, gently rubbing the soft skin. “Do you still love me?”

 

Elros felt trapped; Elrond was close, caressing his skin and there was no escape. His
twin wouldn’t allow it. “I told you not to ask me that question again.”

 

“Stop avoiding answering it. Do you still love me?” Elrond was growing frustrated. He was
fairly sure Elros still felt the same way about him, but he needed to hear him say it.

 

Elros was desperate to stall. “When I admitted my love for you, you reacted with loathing
and we grew apart. Now that I am back, I don’t wish to repeat past mistakes. I would
rather lie to you or not answer you at all, for I couldn’t bear losing your love over
this. I refuse to chase you away again.”

 

Elrond had his answer, but he still wanted Elros to admit it verbally. “Do you still love
me?” Keeping his eyes trained on Elros, he could tell the exact moment his brother gave
in.

 

“Of course I do. Do you really think I could ever stop loving you? You are in my blood,
my soul. You are a part of me – the most important part. But I don’t want to lose you
over this. I restrained myself in the past whenever we were close – except for giving you
that one kiss, which I still regret to this very day. You don’t have to be afraid I will
overstep your boundaries ever again. Just don’t turn me away. Please.”

 

Until now, Elrond had never fully realized how much his rejection had hurt Elros. Tears
gathered in his eyes, whilst he gently stroked his brother’s cheek. “I will never turn
you away again, and I don’t want you to deny yourself these feelings.”

 

Elros, extremely confused, blinked. “But…”

 

“I have changed,” started Elrond thoughtfully. “I am no longer the same person I was when
we drifted apart. I have loved – and lost. I now know how rare and precious love is and I
want… I want to give us a chance.” Nervously, he moistened his lips, watching Elros’ eyes
widen dramatically. “I know this is unexpected, but the truth is that… I am developing
similar feelings for you. When I fell in love with Gil-galad and Celebrian, I felt this
way, and now it is you I want.”

 

“Elrond…” Lost for words, Elros tried to make sense of what his twin was telling him.
After gathering and sorting out his thoughts, he said, “I don’t know why you are saying
these things, but they cannot be true. You rejected my love in the past because you
thought it was wrong and I agree with you. We shouldn’t be in love.”

 

Frowning slightly in consternation, Elrond quickly placed a finger across his twin’s lips
to silence him. “I have grown wiser since then. The Valar and our Elven kin may frown
upon our love, may even shun us for it, but I don’t care. You are back in my arms and I
refuse to let go. You are mine. Mine!” In order to impress upon Elros the sincerity of
his words, he removed his finger from his twin’s lips and claimed them in a kiss full of
passion and need.

 

Manip by SayAye, thanks!

Elros’ eyes widened in surprise. He even tried to pull back, convinced Elrond was going
against his own instincts for some reason, but when the tip of a demanding tongue pushed
against his teeth, he parted them. Elrond’s tongue entered his mouth, exploring, and
Elros lost himself in the sensation, letting the younger half-Elf do as he pleased. A
part of him couldn’t believe this was happening, but another part eagerly craved it and
wished the kiss would never end.

 

Growing breathless, Elrond had to release his twin’s now bruised lips. Meeting Elros’
questioning gaze, he smiled brilliantly. His own actions and feelings baffled him, but he
was convinced he was doing the right thing. Elros’ lips tasted divine and he wanted to
possess them again, but seeing the puzzled expression in the gray eyes he knew more
questions were about to follow.

 

“Why are you doing this?” Elros involuntarily stroked his brother’s back, enjoying
holding him this close, but he was afraid that Elrond would unexpectedly jerk away from
him and look at him in utter disgust.

 

“I lost you once, I won’t lose you again.” Elrond gave his twin a long, probing look. “I
speak the truth when I say that I am falling in love with you. I would prefer to take
this slow and to keep this attraction private, but I definitely want to explore our
feelings.”

 

“I want to believe you,” mumbled Elros, “But I can’t.”

 

Elrond opted for the only thing that might convince his twin and claimed Elros’ lips
again in a slow and passionate kiss, allowing all of his newly awakening feelings to pour
forth into it. Pressing the length of his body against Elros’, he was determined to make
sure that nothing would ever separate them again. Convincing Elros would take time, but
he vowed to succeed.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

When Glorfindel returned from the kitchens, he found Erestor struggling futilely to push
himself into a sitting position. He could tell by the expression in the chocolate brown
eyes that the advisor was growing frustrated with his inability to move about. “Let me
help,” he said, placing the tray on the side table and then hurrying over to the bed to
assist Erestor. The glare Erestor threw at him stopped him in his tracks, confusing him.
He thought they had gained some measure of understanding, now that Erestor had stopped
fighting him about everything.

 

Erestor, seeing Glorfindel halt, realized what he was doing and quickly lowered his eyes,
centering himself. It was hard to change his whole demeanor after so many centuries. Once
he had composed himself again, he reestablished eye contact with the blond. “I cannot sit
upright.”

 

Realizing Erestor was trying to make up for his previous glare, Glorfindel nodded and sat
down on the side of the bed. “Let me do this?”

 

Erestor nodded once and let Glorfindel maneuver him into a sitting position. He had
regained a small amount of control over his hands and feet, but his movements were still
awkward and he lacked the ability to control them. Resigning himself to the fact that he
couldn’t possibly eat breakfast without the blond’s aid, he forced himself to accept
being fussed over.

 

“Are you comfortable?” Glorfindel had put several pillows against the head end of the bed
before settling Erestor against them and now waited for an answer.

 

“Yes, I am comfortable. Thank you.” He gave Glorfindel a weak smile, reminding himself to
act politely and nice. /Did you really forget you rejected me?/ The question continued to
haunt him, but he lacked the confidence to confront Glorfindel.

 

Glorfindel rose from the bed, collected the tray and sat down again, placing the tray on
Erestor’s lap. The cook had prepared porridge this morning, and he doubted his charge
could feed himself. “Erestor… I…”

 

“I understand,” said Erestor, sighing, “You may feed me… Just this once though!”

 

Glorfindel gave the dark-haired Elf a reassuring smile and lifted the first spoonful to
Erestor’s lips. His charge ate the porridge obediently and they managed to empty the bowl
in a few minutes. “Would you also like some tea?”

 

Erestor nodded and waited for the blond to place the cup against his lips. Shakily, he
tried to raise his right hand, but it fell back onto the bed once it had reached mid-air.
Erestor sighed, frustration mounting again.

 

“You are improving,” offered Glorfindel softly. “Yesterday you couldn’t move at all. You
should make a full recovery within the next few days.”

 

“Did you already tell Elrond that I am unavailable?” Erestor preferred not to address his
current state and tried to introduce a new topic.

 

“I did.” That reminded Glorfindel there was something Erestor should know. “I must also
tell you, something unexpected has happened. The Valar returned Elros to us.”

 

Erestor’s eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about?” Glorfindel forced him to sip more
of the tea, which he did and he eagerly waited for the blond to explain this to him.

 

“I found Elros standing in the study. At first I thought it was Elrond, having lost his
mind and pretending to be his twin, but when I went to fetch him, I realized there really
were two of them.” Glorfindel put down the now empty cup. “I am happy for Elrond.”

 

“Are you sure this is no imposter?” Erestor reminded himself that the Valar had also
returned Glorfindel to Middle-Earth, so it could have happened again.

 

“I am certain.” Glorfindel cocked his head, enjoying the relaxed tone of their
conversation. “You will instinctively know that it is Elros when you see them together.”

 

Erestor decided to take Glorfindel’s word for it. It wasn’t like he could confront Elros
now that he was confined to bed. “I am happy for Elrond. He has been lonely since
Celebrian left for Valinor.”

 

Glorfindel smiled warmly, slicing an apple into small pieces, which he slowly fed his
charge. Privately, he had to compliment Erestor for accepting his help without sneering
at him. This had to be hard on the dark-haired Elf.

 

“You don’t have to sit with me for the entire day,” said Erestor, after eating the last
slice of apple. “I know you always have a fairly busy schedule during the day.”

 

Erestor was right, but Glorfindel still wavered. “I don’t want to leave you alone when
you are still this immobile.” His gaze searched the room and Glorfindel reached out with
his right hand, wrapping his fingers around the wooden carving that he thought resembled
him. “When I first saw these I wondered how they had ended up in your room. They are
beautiful.”

 

Erestor blushed weakly. “Do you really think so?” Only a few Elves knew he was a skilled
artist and that he occupied himself during his lonely evenings by carving these.

 

“Who made them?” Glorfindel placed the wooden carving on the blanket, and then met
Erestor’s nervous gaze. /Nervous? Why is he nervous?/

 

“I did,” admitted Erestor in a reluctant tone, doubting Glorfindel would believe him, but
he couldn’t tell the blond lies. “I have been carving them for many centuries. What you
see here is only a fraction of what I made.”

 

Glorfindel’s eyes widened with surprise. “I never knew…”

 

“It is my only true talent,” Erestor said, smiling weakly. Many Elves at Turgon’s court
had asked him to carve representations of their family members, but he had seldom
indulged them.

 

“Your only true talent,” repeated Glorfindel, mystified to why Erestor would say that. “I
am sure that…”

 

Growing uncomfortable discussing this, Erestor said, “You should head for the barracks
and instruct our guards. We cannot risk the border patrols to leave late.”

 

Glorfindel picked up the carving again. “Is it supposed to be me? I think I recognize
some of my features.” Why would Erestor immortalize him in wood? The advisor disliked
him, didn’t he?

 

Erestor decided to ignore the question. “Seriously, Glorfindel, the guards are already
waiting for you. You should leave.” There was no reason for Glorfindel to find out that
he found comfort in looking at his love’s face, even merely carved in ancient wood.

 

“I cannot leave yet,” said Glorfindel thoughtfully, wondering why Erestor had avoided
answered his question. “What if you somehow fall out of bed?” Smiling pleadingly, he
hoped Erestor would go along with the teasing.

 

It took Erestor a moment to realize that Glorfindel was actually joking with him, as he
couldn’t remember the blond ever doing that before. “You are right. I will need someone
to pick me up and tuck me back in.” Just to confuse Glorfindel a tad more, he said it
with a perfectly calm and straight face.

 

Glorfindel quickly caught on that Erestor was retuning the joke, but it still came
unexpected to him. “Very true. We cannot leave you lying on the floor all day long. What
would people think if they walked in on you like that?” The grin that surfaced on
Erestor’s face was an unexpected but welcome sight and Glorfindel was beginning to thank
the Valar for letting him crash into Erestor and knock the Elf off his feet, for the fall
was greatly improving their relationship.

 

“I might be able to help pick him up…”

 

Erestor and Glorfindel’s heads turned, looking at Elladan who had now appeared in the
doorway. “I knocked, but you didn’t hear.” Elladan advanced on them, and he liked what he
was seeing. The two Elves seemed to be getting along for the first time since he could
remember. “How are you feeling this morning, Erestor?” Signaling for Glorfindel to make
way, he sat down on the side of the bed after the blond had vacated the spot.

 

Erestor met Glorfindel’s gaze. He appreciated the blond’s offer to sit with him, but he
also knew Glorfindel was needed elsewhere. “Go. Elladan will make sure that I am
comfortable.”

 

Glorfindel still hesitated to comply. “Are you certain? They can probably manage without
me for a few days.”

 

“No, you need to make sure our borders are safe and now that I cannot assist Elrond you
will have to take my place.”

 

“Aiya, I am not good with paperwork.” Glorfindel’s features contorted dramatically.

 

“Go, Glorfindel, I will sit with Erestor. And he is right. My father will need you at his
side today. He will be rather distracted now that Elros has returned to us.” Elladan
checked the range of Erestor’s movement by manipulating the Elf’s arm. “I doubt my father
will get any work done and with Erestor confined to bed, all work will come down on you.”

 

Glorfindel raised his arms in a pleading gesture. “Ai, may the Valar have mercy on me! I
am a warrior, not a scribe!” Hearing Erestor chuckle, his eyes sought out dark ones,
surprised to hear Erestor laugh. The chief advisor never laughed at things he said! “Are
you sure you don’t have a fever? Or are hallucinating?”

 

Erestor released one last, pleased chuckle, and nodded. “I am fine, Glorfindel. Now go
and help Elrond.” Watching the blond leave, he was unable to wipe the smile off his face
just yet. He was grinning madly, delighted that Glorfindel seemed to like him after all.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“Elr-rrr…” His younger twin’s name came out as an unintended growl, as Elrond’s lips
unexpectedly – and possessively! – claimed his. Wondering why Elrond was acting in such
an odd way, Elros tried to free himself of his twin’s embrace, but the other half-Elf
wasn’t letting go.

 

Elrond ignored his twin’s squirming and moved closer, determinedly straddling Elros’ hips
and burying his hands in the long, loose mane. An insane urge to make sure his twin
stayed close consumed him and feeling Elros move beneath him only made him hungrier for
his twin’s touch. Briefly releasing Elros’ lips, he looked possessively at his twin,
whose lips were bruised, his dark hair disheveled and with his mouth agape. He had
definitely surprised Elros, as had been his intention. “I want you,” growled Elrond, “I
need you. You are not leaving me ever again!” Diving in closer, he claimed Elros’ lips
again, exploring his twin’s mouth and easily besting his twin’s tongue in a one-sided
duel as Elros remained passive beneath him. “Do you hear me? Never, Elros...You are
mine!”

 

Elros was at a loss. Why was Elrond reacting in this way? Now that his brother was
staring at him, he managed to whisper, “I won’t leave you, I promise.” Raising a shaky
hand, he brushed a wayward lock behind Elrond’s ear. “You don’t have to pretend that you
want me in that way to make sure I stay.”

 

“Pretend?” Elrond frowned, displeased that his twin had reached the wrong conclusion. “I
am not pretending. I want you!” His right hand tangled in his twin’s hair, whilst the
other slipped beneath the fabric of the tunic, moving down Elros’ side.

 

Although he had thought it impossible, Elros’ confusion continued to mount. “But… You
rejected me!”

 

“I was a fool back then,” grumbled Elrond, displeased that his twin was bringing this up
now, when all he wanted was to kiss him again. Looking deeply into eyes that were
identical to his own, he saw the desire in them, but also doubt. Once more he was
reminded that they needed time to get reacquainted, time to rebuild the trust. The bond,
love, desire and need consumed them both, but Elros was calm and intelligent enough not
to act rashly, and for that, Elrond felt grateful. “Gweniaur, I had no idea what I was
saying no to. Only *you* have ever truly understood me – loved me the way I craved being
loved, but I didn’t understand that at the time. Can you forgive me?”

 

“There is nothing to forgive,” mumbled Elros absentmindedly, running his fingers down his
twin’s long back. Elrond was still straddling him and his body reacted instinctively,
growing aroused. “You did what you thought was right. You followed your heart at the
time.”

 

“But now my heart dictates a different course.” Gazing at Elros, he nearly lost himself
in the gray sea of his twin’s eyes. “Will you give me a second chance? I want one, but do
I even deserve a second chance after what I did to you?”

 

Elros tenderly caressed his twin’s face, tracing the strong jaw line. “Are you serious?
Or are you doing this out of guilt? For if you are acting out of guilt, we will fail.”

 

“I have felt guilty for so long, gweniaur,” mumbled Elrond sincerely, “It started when
you chose mortality. But it ended the moment I held you in my arms again. Although there
is still an echo of guilt inside me, it is not directing my actions. As I said earlier, I
am falling in love with you, but I won’t force this on you. I need to know if you are
willing to take this step and walk this path with me.” Seeing Elros’ wavering expressing,
he added, “And I *am* certain. I know what I want, and I want you.”

 

“In *that* way, gwenneth?” Elros swallowed hard. He had wished for this to happen for so
long, but had given up hope after choosing mortality. “Elrond, please be honest with me.”

 

“Yes, I want you in that way,” said Elrond as firmly as he could muster. “But not yet. I
need more time to really understand that you are back in my life. I was thinking that
maybe we could explore… slowly.” Elros searched his eyes for a long time and Elrond
involuntarily held his breath, realizing his twin was using their bond to establish the
sincerity of his words and his motives. Having nothing to hide, he looked deeply into
Elros’ eyes, hoping to convince his twin that he was being honest.

 

“I believe that you think you want this, but you might be acting like this because you
are afraid of losing me again.” Elrond wanted to interrupt him, but Elros stopped him
with a determined look. “No, hear me. You are overreacting, gwenneth.”

 

“Can you not give me a single chance to prove my feelings to you?”

 

Elrond looked truly lost, and seeing his younger twin like that caused Elros’ heart to
ache. “How far do you want to take this?”

 

“Kissing? Caressing?” Elrond grew hopeful again.

 

“I will agree to the following,” started Elros, “Let us continue the kissing and touching
for some time, but we won’t go any further until you are fully convinced that I am not
leaving you. Once you feel secure knowing me close – and you still desire to be with me
in that way – we will discuss this again.” Disappointment showed on Elrond’s face and
Elros moved to caress it away, tenderly touching his twin’s brow. “Your feelings might be
temporary, gwenneth. You are afraid you will lose me again.”

 

“I don’t agree with that,” growled Elrond, growing frustrated now that his twin wasn’t
cooperating. “But I will agree to your offer.” At least that way he could continue
kissing those luscious lips and feel his twin against him in such an intimate way. “I
will prove to you that my feelings are true.”

 

“I am looking forward to that,” said Elros slowly. “I hope you will succeed. I hope it
from the bottom of my heart.”

 

“I won’t let you down,” vowed Elrond, leaning in closer to claim Elros’ lips again.

 

Beta read by Sulien.

All remain