Title: Aroon
Author: Milly 
Author's Email: ElrohiradoresElladan@gmx.net	
Pairing: Thranduil/Elrond; Glorfindel/Erestor
Rating: R
Summary: This is supposed to be a prequel for a story I intend 
to write next, it will be based on the challenge: "Thranduil and 
Elrond are lovers. Elrond gets Thranduil pregnant, but 
Thranduil doesn't know how to tell him. Elrond doesn't know 
that male Mirkwood elves can get pregnant as it is one of 
Mirkwood's most sacred secrets." By my friend Chey. But I 
always had my own head, so it might change during the story. 
*winks* 
Disclaimer: They belong to me in my dreams and in my 
stories, but I understand and accept that this is life and I don't 
hold any rights on them. I'm sorry if my playing with them 
offends anyone. Please show mercy though. It's hard enough 
not to have them.
Warning: mpreg, angst, h/c, char death [implied], au, bdsm 
[one never knows...], some sort of soft non-con [that's for chap 
4]
Authors Note: [Alternative Universe means that I do not intend 
to stick to Tolkien's canon, I read his books and love them 
dearly, but for this story I just can't use several chars who 
should appear if it was canon. Like Celebrían... I already 
stated several times that I like Elrond's wife, but as I don't 
want her to play evil bitch and want Elrond to be with 
another... And it means that *any* of these chars lives and 
dies in the way I want them to. *smiles sweetly*] I hope that's 
enough warnings for this, I don't want you to get a terrible 
surprise whilst reading. Thanks to Chey for the nice challenge 
and to Az for interdroucing me to a song I listened to a lot 
while I wrote this. *hugs her friends* You were a great help, 
sweet ones. :)
Oh, and as I didn't claim that I need it for such a long time 
now, I absolutly adore to get feedback. Please feel free to mail 
me about everything you liked or disliked. In fact even flames 
would be welcome because Esteliel said that they are funny to 
read and I believe her.  

Aroon

Prologue

~Mirkwood~

They are gone. All of them. Or rather, most of them. And I 
remain to guard what is left of this realm, supported by 
soldiers who should have left as well. But Atar would not listen 
to my words. He did always know better than I did and I am 
not allowed to doubt his wishes. I am young and know nothing 
about the dangers that linger outside the borders. That is what 
he told me. More formal and polite of course, but it was the 
same to me. A child I am in his eyes and I will remain a child 
until the ages pass and we leave. There is nothing I can do 
about it. Guarding a realm is an important duty and I would 
accept it without question. But I had hoped to see the Lord of 
Imladris once more. To impress him with the archery skills of 
mine, to show him that I am capable of commanding a troop. 

Atar told me that I should play chess if I want to learn about 
strategies. But when I explained that I would need a capable 
player then he only laughed and tugged one of my braids, 
telling me that I am to stay and that he would lock me up for 
the next Millenia if left Mirkwood. He knows me far too well 
though I only tried to join his soldiers once. His punishment 
back then however, convinced me that I do not intend to try 
disobeying his wishes again. It is just boring, really boring to 
sit here and wait as neither good nor evil creatures come to 
entertain us, now that the greates battle takes place. Not even 
the argument, that I cannot seriously explain to my children 
that I didn't join such a battle, did help me. Safe. He did not 
dare to tell me that he thinks me unable to defend myself, but I 
know that is why I weren't allowed to join. 

The other Elves call me a spoilt little prince for a reason. If 
Atar allows me to fight it is leading a troop of his best soldiers 
against a few Orcs and even though I have been playing in 
caves and on trees during my whole childhood I fear I lost 
most of my talents to playing foolish games with atar's 
advisors and his soldiers. Perhaps he never thought how 
boring my life became during the last centuries. Now I will 
once again spend my time worrying about my friends and my 
family instead of aiding them. It comforted me to hear that 
Elrond left Erestor to look after Imladris. At least it means that 
others share my destiny, being worried about and cared for 
and asked about their opinion in times of peace. And in times 
of War we are ignored, said to be too wise and intelligent to 
join. I wish I could have seen Erestor's face when the 
Loremaster of Imladris told him that he is too wise to go to 
War.

The thought cheers me. Perhaps I should sent Erestor a letter, 
forgetting Atar's order not to send messengers who could be 
caught by the enemy. The enemy who is lead by the dark Lord 
Sauron and is obviously waiting just outside the borders of 
Mirkwood to see if any elf rides to Imladris. I wished I could do 
it myself, but if Atar found out that I left against his order I 
could as well ride to War. No, I must guard my home like I 
promised. But I wished I could leave and see my lover. It is not 
like I suggested that he should go to War, but I should have 
known. If the Highking goes to War, Elrond goes as well. And I 
cannot complain about it, knowing that I would fight as well if 
Atar would allow it. 

But Elrond's forster father does even ask him to go to battle 
and my father insists that I stay at home. Erestor would 
suggest me to accept the things I cannot change, I am sure, 
but spoken honestly I cannot agree with those words. I will 
have to remember to burn this note before Atar returns, but for 
the moment I need to sort my thoughts. They will not doubt my 
decision to ask Erestor to come would they? Could he even 
leave if his Lord did order him to stay in Imladris? Would 
Elrond be mad if he knows that it was my desire to see my 
friend that made him disobey his orders? 

It is difficult to say. At times my love does very much 
ressemble my father whilst on other days he is still almost as 
young and foolish as I am. It would depend on his mood and 
after coming home from War I do not see him too happy. Even 
if they are to win, which is what surely every good creature in 
Arda prays for at the moment, there will be deaths to mourn, 
not as many as there will be if they will lose but still I do not 
see my love be still as cheerful and jaunty as he used to be 
when I first met him.

Chapter 1

~Mirkwood~

It took ten months until they finally ceased fighting, ten months 
of suffering, dying soldiers and scared families, waiting for 
messenges and praying that their people were alive. And then, 
finally, evil was defeated and the free folks of middle-earth 
returned to their realms, to celebrate their victory and mourn 
their losses. The Mirkwood-Elves waited for their King to 
return home and when finally the first troop returned Thranduil 
needed governing he learned not to run outside and greet 
them. He slowly climbed down the main talan of Mirkwood 
where he had lingered, searching for them from afar and 
waited for them to dismount. 

Suddenly the feeling that something was amiss struck him. 
These weren't Mirkwood Elves, they were from Imladris. It was 
one of Elrond's troops and before he could even search for 
him he saw Lord Glorfindel walking towards him. "I bear a 
message of Lord Elrond for you, my prince." He said in a tired 
voice, obviously he hadn't rested since returning from War and 
Thranduil couldn't help but fear what could have been urgent 
enough to Elrond to send his best friend on such a mission. 
But Glorfindel just handed him the message, seemingly not 
eager to tell him of the news or, which was also possible, not 
allowed to."I thank you, Mylord. Please allow me to escort you 
to the guest rooms." Glorfindel nodded, allowing the young 
prince to do what he had always done when highranked 
guests from Imladris or Lórien arrived.

There was enough trouble ahead of him, but Elrond was 
determinded to speak to Thranduil himself and Glorfindel had 
promised not to say anything until his Lord arrived. All of the 
Elves who had witnessed the slaying had been grateful that 
the Lord would speak to the prince for it was well known that 
the only one who had ever been able to talk sense into 
Thranduil had been Elrond.The older elf silently glanced at the 
younger, wondering once more how he would cope with the 
news. He still looked so childish, so well-protected from all evil 
by a mighty and caring father who wished to do everything for 
his only son.

A sigh passed Glorfindel's lips and it did not go unnoticed. But 
Thranduil didn't react upon it, knowing better than to question 
Elrond's orders towards his advisors. Instead he just guided 
Glorfindel to his room and ensured that the servants saw after 
his wishes before going to his own study to read Elrond's 
message. It was short, obviously written in a hurry for his 
lover's usual neat hand was more spidery and he could barely 
read the words. In general it held the information that Elrond 
needed to speak to Erestor before coming to Mirkwood and 
would arrive about three days later than Glorfindel, apart from 
the promise that he would stay for two weeks before he had to 
return to his realm. 

Thranduil sighed and placed the note towards the other 
messages he had collected, wondering if he could convince 
Glorfindel to at least tell him the main reason for Elrond's visit. 
But first he had to allow his guest to rest, but perhaps he could 
ask him about the War during dinner. Or was that impolite? 
Speaking about killing and dying during mealtime was 
something Oropher had never allowed. With a sigh Thranduil 
got up to sort his clothes, wondering what he would wear 
during dinner with Glorfindel and which clothes he should pick 
for greeting his love. 

Then a frown crossed his forehead and he barely kept himself 
from throwing his clothes to the floor. /I'm not a child who has 
to impress his first lover./ But still it was not to be doubted that 
he had to take care in which way he dressed if  guests were 
around. Even if those guests were his lover and his lover's 
best friend, they were still the Lord and the Seneschal of 
Imladris and though he would surely not ruin any political 
relations between their realms by the way he dressed it was 
still important not to openly insult them before his people.

Chapter 2

~Mirkwood~

Three days had passed and Thranduil had tried the most 
charming ways to make Glorfindel tell him what Elrond's 
message was about. But while the Lord had treated him as 
friendly as always no word had crossed his lips concerning the 
topic the prince wished to speak about. It was amusing to 
speak to Glorfindel though. The servants in the castle were 
either too polite or too boring to have a nice chat with him and 
he enjoyed being around someone who was highranked 
enough to laugh with him and tell him his honest opinion.

Finally one of the guards announced that the troop of Lord 
Elrond had been seen and both Glorfindel and Thranduil got 
up to greet the Elves. The prince sighed, cursing himself for 
remaining with Glorfindel instead of picking new clothes, but 
he just had to hear what Elrond wished to tell him and the 
thought of insulting him by not greeting him at all was worse 
than that of greeting him in informal robes. And when they 
stepped towards the horses of the new guests his love 
seemed so tired and sad that Thranduil became scared. He 
had known something was amiss, ever since the first Elves 
who reached Mirkwood after the War had been from Imladris 
and not from Mirkwood.

Elrond exchanged a short glance with his seneschal before 
dismounting and walking towards Thranduil. The young prince 
bowed, feeling a bit strange at the thought how it felt to kiss 
Elrond's lips while greeting him formally. "Mae govannen, hir 
nin." He shuddered when he heard the way his own voice 
sounded and he noticed the concerned glances. But Elrond 
didn't comment on it and his lover's voice was firm and 
serious. "Well met, prince Thranduil. As I explained in my 
message I bring urgent tidings, please follow me."

For a moment Thranduil considered if it was wrong to follow 
his guest into his study, but Elrond was both older and of 
higher rank and he decided not to doubt his decision. It 
surprised him that Glorfindel stayed with the troop instead of 
joining them, but seemingly it was what the Imladris Elves had 
agreed on earlier as Elrond didn't turn back. 

Once they were inside Thranduil's study the Halfelf sighed 
deeply and pulled him close. "I have missed you, my heart, I 
missed you a lot." He whispered gently before placing a 
desperate kiss to his lover's forehead. "I will hurt you with my 
words, my poor Thranduil. But I cannot change what has 
happened, no matter how much I wished I could do it to spare 
you any pain."

Thranduil shook his head before Elrond had even spoken. "He 
died... you... you wish to tell me that my father died." The truth 
had finally come to him, struck him into the face in a way he 
hadn't imagined. It did match, his father hadn't returned, 
Glorfindel hadn't been allowed to tell him and Elrond wasn't 
sure how to word his message. When Elrond's face went pale 
as he nodded Thranduil broke down, sobbing against his 
lover's chest and he felt himself lifted upon Elrond's arms and 
carried to the bed. 

For a long time he just cried, not even feeling the gentle 
caress on his skin. Elrond didn't try to comfort him, he just sat 
there, unsure how he could ease Thranduil's loss. But he 
knew that nothing could really replace what the younger elf 
had lost. Elros and he had been young children when their 
parents had vanished and he couldn't really remember them 
any longer. His brother's death however had seemed to him 
as the end of the world for a very long time even though his 
forster father and his friends had remained by his side. 

He could imagine how his lover had to feel for everyone knew 
that the Mirkwood Elves had never respected their prince and 
that he had been protected from any trouble by his father. And 
now Oropher was dead and couldn't help his child any longer. 
A sudden wrath upon the Orcs and their master, upon a 
certain human who had ignored them and upon destiny in 
general scared Elrond. It wasn't like him to become furious if 
he knew that he couldn't change anymore. 

But his love had a very hard time ahead of him and he couldn't 
just accept that his foolish descendant had ruined their efforts. 
Could he tell Thranduil that such a terrible amount of brave 
and good men had been slain and now a child had claimed 
the right to have the one ring, that they couldn't feel save even 
though his father among so many others had given his life for 
this?

No he couldn't, not yet at least. Just like he wouldn't just now 
explain to Thranduil that he would be King of Mirkwood now, 
that he suddenly had to be the grown man he had always 
wanted to be. The elf in his arms was more similar to a child 
than Elrond had ever seen him, shaking and crying desperatly. 
And there was nothing he could do apart from holding him 
close and trying to focus on the coming events. 

Thranduil would need either Erestor or Glorfindel to help him, 
someone he could trust completly and without doubt. 
Someone who had enough experience to lead the realm on 
his own for the first months until Thranduil had gotten used to 
it. But it would be difficult to convince them. At least if he only 
wanted one of them to leave. Going on without both of his best 
friends and advisors?  Well maybe for a month or two, until 
Thranduil had found a way to control his grief. 

Elrond sighed, realizing that the crying had stopped and his 
lover had fallen into an unresting sleep. The halfelf gently lay 
Thranduil's body upon the bed before lying down as well, to 
hold him close, not even trying to sleep as he knew he 
couldn't. Just thinking of the War was terrible, something that 
would haunt him for several centuries, maybe even longer. 

Chapter 3

~Mirkwood~

When Thranduil awoke he felt another body pressed against 
him and he smiled, leaned forward and kissed the familar 
black hair. His love had returned to him unharmed, life would 
finally make sense again. But his happy thoughts faded when 
he remembered Elrond's words. /Ai Atar... may the Valar 
guide and bless your way./ He managed not to cry again. 
Oropher had never allowed him to cry, had always explained 
that it was wrong for a prince to show such feelings. And he 
surely would not have wanted him to mourn openly. 

What would it be like not to know what Atar wanted him to do 
anymore? If he could just guess what the King wished for him 
to do. The King... Thranduil bit his lip, finally realizing just how 
terrible his life had become. Yes, it wouldn't be dull anymore. 
But coping with the task of governing a realm after being kept 
away from all the tasks he would have to fulfill until now? And 
even if he could mourn silently and behave like a King, would 
the other Elves accept him? They called him a spoilt little 
prince, even the mate of the Elrond if they thought he didn't 
listen. How could they accept him as the King of their realm?

Perhaps he could just leave. Give his realm to someone else 
and go to Imladris with Elrond instead of caring himself. It 
would be so much easier, but it surely wasn't what Oropher 
had wanted him to do. Or was it? If he followed his boundmate 
to Imladris and gave up his realm he would be safe. And that 
was what his father had always wanted him to be. But he 
wasn't a coward, he had never really been the frightened little 
child his father had tried to make him. There had been years 
in his life when he had climbed the hightest trees and dived 
until he went out of air. Until his mother had left for Valinor and 
his father had become overprotective towards his only child. 

He looked at Elrond with a guarded smile as he realized the 
halfelf was waking up. /This is my love, I can trust him!/ His 
heart explained but all of a sudden he felt unsure if he could 
any longer. Was it right to spend too much time with Elrond? It 
was possible that he would use his position to assure that 
Imladris was safe. Hadn't Oropher said that it was important to 
keep in mind that no matter how friendly and wise Elrond was 
his main interests were surely to care for Imladris and not for 
Mirkwood? Thranduil bit his lip, angered by the way his stupid 
ideas were confusing him. But whom was he supposed to 
trust. All his friends were living in Imladris, serving his lover 
with their wisdom and intelligence.

And he couldn't just ask Erestor if he thought it possible that 
Elrond would put his realm above his love. If Gil-Galad 
perhaps would ask his forster son to make his lover come to 
Imladris. Just to ensure that Mirkwood and Imladris were 
following the same interests. When Elrond opened his eyes 
and smiled at Thranduil the younger elf sighed, cursing 
himself once more for his foolish thoughts. They were in love 
and the older elf had surely never even considered that he 
could possibly become King, after all Oropher had been a 
smart and skillful fighter.

"You look troubled, my heart." Elrond's voice was worried, 
knowing that the thoughtful expression on his lover's face 
meant that he had already started to think on the future. It 
would become difficult for him and the halfelf could do nothing 
for him, apart from offering his support and his comfort to the 
younger elf. But it was more difficult to comfort him today than 
it had been during the last night, it was easier to hold 
someone who was crying than it was to console him. 
Especially if the person refused to speak about the problems 
he had like Thranduil did. 

Silence settled on the two Elves for several moments until the 
young King took his place in his lover's lap with a determind 
expression on his face. He did not wish to discuss politics now 
and neither did he want to hear Elrond say that he was sorry 
for what had happened or think upon the future. It felt good to 
be back in his lover's arms, to feel save and protected. And 
even though he might possibly have to fight for his freedom 
from them later on he should couldn't do that yet. The loss in 
his heart was too great already to send away the one he loved 
in this hour. Instead he snuggled close to the warrior's body, 
smelling the scent of wood in his hair.

Chapter 4

~Mirkwood~

"Please, my love, I do not wish to think just now." Thranduil 
whispered and Elrond understood him. From another such a 
request would have seemed strange to him. But he knew 
Thranduil, knew well enough that the younger elf would mourn 
his father desperatly. This was merely a need to confirm the 
bondes he still had. And if it was making love what his mate 
wanted Elrond would not deny him his wish. Skillfully he 
undressed first the elf in his lap and then himself before he 
searched Thranduil's eyes. "Are you sure you want to do 
this?" But the determind expression that had settled in the 
blond's eyes left now doubt of his feelings and intentions. 

Elrond got up to get the salve he knew was hidden in the 
chest next to his lover's bed, but Thranduil shook his head. "I 
wish for you to take me hard." He whispered, blushing on his 
own demand. And Elrond's expression changed, revealing 
what he thought upon the matter very clearly. But he didn't 
protest, instead he hugged his lover close. "You do not need 
this, my heart. It isn't your fault that he died and you don't 
have to punish yourself for what has happened." 

Thranduil let out a frustrated sigh. "Love, I do not wish to 
punish me for anything. I just wish to feel you, really feel you 
hard inside of me." He carefully freed himself from his lover's 
arms and caressed Elrond's chest, gaining a purr from the 
halfelf as if he had stroked a cat. But still he hadn't won for the 
darkhaired elf was known to be stubborn and difficult when 
something went against his wisdom. And obviously he thought 
it wrong to do anything but gentle lovemaking so closely after 
the King had died. 

Lazily Thranduil's fingers slid down, fondoling his lover's 
member though he saw the warning expression in the grey 
eyes before him. Elrond seriously hated it if his body was used 
against it and even more did he hate to be cut off while he was 
still discussing a topic. But he couldn't deny that his body 
wished for this as his shaft was hardening on the slightest 
touch and he moaned in frustration. 

It was the way Thranduil knew he could get what he wanted 
from him, the way he knew that Elrond would react like that. 
None of his other lovers had ever assumed it natural to be the 
master over his feelings, but if the halfelf was honest to 
himself he had to admit that noone had ever been that dear to 
his love. And it was Oropher who had promised him that he 
could bind himself to the prince, who had wished for this 
relationship to grow, just like the two lovers. Elrond felt his 
love grow even more, felt his need to protect Thranduil from 
pain and sorrow run deeper. 

The younger elf had settled himself in his lap, had impaled 
himself on the shaft that had hardened under his touch and 
Elrond couldn't do anything but accept what was happening, 
to accept that Thranduil had tricked him and that he was about 
to take the blond harder than he had ever taken him before. 
And he thrust up hard, unable to deny that he desired this, 
taking Thranduil like this, no matter how loveless the act 
seemed to be. 

It didn't take long until he moaned and spilled his release 
inside of his lover's body, but for some reason it didn't seem 
enough for Thranduil. But when Elrond felt the waves of 
pleasure ebb away and he tried to touch the younger elf his 
hand was slapped away. The halfelf sighed in frustration, 
unsure how to end the maddening dance about him. This was 
neither love nor lust, this was insane and felt a sticky liquid 
against his skin he realized that Thranduil had actually torn 
himself inside. 

"This is not a game!" Elrond shook his head and pushed his 
lover to the bed to carefully pull out of him. Tenderly he pulled 
a blanket around the younger elf's shoulder and pulled him 
close. "Thranduil, if you *ever* do something like that again I 
will lock you up in your like a child, no matter how old you are 
and what rank you have. I will not aid you to do yourself any 
harm again, do you understand me? And I would rather tie you 
to the bed for the next five centuries than to see you acting 
this foolish again. I love you, my heart, I really do." 

With an impatient gesture he wiped away a tear that was 
running down his cheeks and it seemed that Thranduil finally 
understood just how serious Elrond was about this. "I didn't 
really hurt myself, love." He whispered gently and tried to hug 
his lover, but the halfelf shook his head and with a sudden 
movement pressed Thranduil's body to the bed. 

"Do not lie to me, Thranduil Oropherion, do not think me that 
stupid. You cannot believe that I didn't feel your blood upon 
me." With one hand still holding him down he pulled away the 
blanket again. "If you do not allow me to see to the wound out 
of your free will I collect Glorfindel to hold you down for me. 
And I know that you do not wish for him to see you like this. It 
would embarass me as well, but I promise that I would rather 
humilate us than I would see you in danger. Comply to my 
words, my heart."

Thranduil glared up at Elrond but silently spread his legs, 
allowing his lover to acess the wounded part. He hissed 
unwillingly as Elrond carefully touched him and tried to get 
away. But the soft voice of his lover stopped him. "You can 
deny me the right to touch you, my heart. I just thought I 
should warn you that I am going to take you to the healers if 
you do not allow me to see how much damage this caused." 
And the young King sighed deeply, knowing that he had lost 
this time and that no sweet talk could get him out of this 
situation. 

Chapter 5

~Mirkwood~

They had joined the Mirkwood Elves to mourn Oropher, but it 
was easily seen that the Sindar didn't value the idea to have a 
new King, even though everyone knew, it was his birthright to 
be their ruler after his father had died. That made them accept 
the fact that he would govern them, but it didn't cause them to 
be friendlier. And Elrond became worried, knowing that he had 
to leave his lover's side if they should grow to like him. As until 
he left everyone would think Thranduil's good decisions to be 
those of the Lord of Imladris and not his own. 

But still he believed that the young King needed help, after the 
lovemaking they had shared more than anything. Thranduil 
wasn't sensible enough to be left all alone. Elrond was scared 
of it, of this new and unexpected side in his lover, the 
mourning that caused him to hurt himself. And he was unsure 
what to do about it. He couldn't possibly ask the Mirkwood 
Elves to look after their King and make sure that he wouldn't 
hurt himself without making Thranduil sound like a child again. 
But if he sent his advisors to Mirkwood to see after his lover's 
needs it would look as if he didn't trust him to manage to cope 
with the politics. 

No, there needed to be another way. Maybe sending Erestor 
would help. If he claimed that his chief advisor was supposed 
to renew the contracts with Mirkwood. But that would sound as 
if he had more trouble to get along with his lover than he had 
had to get along with Oroper. And that would again sound as if 
he didn't think Thranduil a good leader. He would discuss the 
topic with Erestor and Glorfindel when he was back in 
Imladris. Now he needed to support his lover, though he was 
unsure whether it was a good idea to display his affection 
openly as it made Thranduil look more like his young lover 
than like the King he would be.

His doubts were forgotten when he felt a hand searching for 
his and he met Thranduil's frightened eyes. It was too hard for 
him, too difficult to understand, that all the protection he had 
cursed for so many years were now gone and would never 
return. But as if things weren't bad enough it seemed that the 
Mirkwood Elves had decided to present their dead King to the 
other Elves without even preparing him for those who hadn't 
seen the horrible death. Elrond cursed them silently when he 
saw his lover become pale and start to tremble. 

For a moment he considered to let them pass silently in order 
not to draw any attention to the wan elf beside him. But he 
decided against it. It was thoughtless and a terrible sacrilege 
to treat the corpse of an Elvenking like Orcs would tend to 
their fallen. With a silent glance to Glorfindel he asked his 
friend to support Thranduil while he stepped forward. "What 
did you think of when you prepared your King for the last 
honor we can grant him after he passed to the halls?" He 
asked sharply and noticed the frightened looks that met him. It 
seemed that the Elves had not only been thoughtless towards 
the body of their former King, but had also forgotten that the 
Lord of Imladris was among their guests.

"We.. are not used to preparing bodies, Mylord." One of the 
Elves explained, blushing slightly. "The Firstborn are immortal, 
we do not think upon death." Elrond closed his eyes, trying to 
hide his impatience upon such a stupid answer. Of course the 
Firstborn didn't die unless from grief or mortal wounds. But 
that was no reason to treat Oropher with less respect than 
when he had been among the living and even though they 
were of pure Elvish blood and possibly didn't know that it 
sounded to him as if they were speaking about his mortal 
ancestors as if they were something unworthy of their trust. 
But he didn't comment on it, there were other transgressions 
to speak upon.

"It is unacceptable to present the dead body to others like that. 
You could have asked for help instead of just assuming your 
skills and knowledge good enough to honor your king. Our 
people are known to be wise, but we aren't perfect and can 
accept help, at least from our own kin. My people would have 
assissted you with your task. They just had a similar 
saddening task to fullfil when they were preparing the 
Highking..." Elrond failed to finish his sentence when he saw 
his lover's reaction upon his words. The younger elf became 
pale and gasped in shock, obviously Glorfindel hadn't told him 
like Elrond had assumed he had. 

He released his breath when he noticed his best friend's 
supporting arm around Thranduil's waist. And instead of 
commenting further upon the sad news he had revealed -he 
would have to discuss those with Thranduil once they were 
alone again- he demanded an brush, a wet cloth as well as 
some proper robes to prepare the corpse of his friend himself. 
It had never been a good idea to leave those tasks to warriors 
instead of giving them to Healers and Elrond knew that he 
would at least be able to make him look a bit less frightening 
to Thranduil.

When the demanded items were handed to him he banned the 
other Elves from the room. He would do this alone, hoping that 
Glorfindel would be able to tend to his lover and thinking 
whether it had been a better idea to leave his task to 
Glorfindel, to take care to Thranduil instead. But he would do 
this later. For the moment there was the young looking body of 
a great ancient warrior lying in front of him and he ran his 
hands through the hair, remembering how hurt he had felt 
while preparing Gil-Galad and Glorfindel for the last honor 
given to him. But the hope that either Gil-Galad or Oropher 
might return like his best friend had was so small that he didn't 
even dare to think upon it. 

Chapter 6

~Mirkwood~

It had taken days to calm Thranduil and when Elrond finally 
thought his lover strong enough he parted from him heavy 
hearted. His desire to remain close to the Sindar increased 
with everyday and the more years passed the more he wished 
the younger elf would come to Imladris with him, to remain 
close forever. He wished to bind their destinies, but he 
couldn't yet. 

It just wasn't the right time for it, as even though he knew that 
neither the Elves of Imladris nor the Elves of Mirkwood would 
mind about the political and personal binding towards their 
leaders, but he would have had to do that before Oropher 
died. As now Thranduil had to prove that he was worthy of his 
title. And that he wasn't only the lover and consort of the Lord 
of Imladris but also a wise and intelligent King for Nothern 
Mirkwood.

He had decided to leave Glorfindel in Thranduil's realm for a 
while and as soon as he could spare him also Erestor. It had 
taken some time until his lover had accepted the fact that 
Elrond's best advisors would stay and there had been a 
worried, discontented frown upon his face, which the halfelf 
had never seen there before and which he didn't like too 
much. Of course it was important that Thranduil had his own 
mind and made his own decisions, but the way he seemed to 
distrust everyone lately was reaching a scaring measure.

Back in Imladris Elrond had a long talk with Erestor, allowing 
him to leave for Mirkwood as he knew that Glorfindel and his 
lover had been missing each other terrible and Erestor was 
still mad at him for the fact that he hadn't been allowed to go 
to War with them. And there was a faint chance that 
Thranduil's best friend would be able to talk sense into the 
new Mirkwood King where others had failed. 

He would miss both his seneschal and his chief advisor 
greatly, but the chance of helping his lover, no matter if it 
would be bad for his reputation was more important than 
anything. Yes, the Sindarelves would be mad to see two 
Noldo advise their King, but it would be worse if they 
witnessed him hurting himself or bursting to tears. Erestor 
promised to do what he could and Elrond sighed with relief. 
Knowing that his most trusted friends were with his lover in the 
hard times was important as he couldn't have stayed any 
longer. He had too many tasks of his own to remain in 
Mirkwood for longer than a month.

Chapter 7

~Mirkwood~

Thranduil sighed, angered once more about the way his 
friends were acting. Or perhaps rather said, his lover's friends. 
It was not only that they would critize his actions and remind 
him to eat and drink, no it was also the way they were 
displaying their affection so openly. Erestor was his best 
friend. He did not wish to see him holding hands, even kissing 
Glorfindel. And it made him miss Elrond even worse than 
usually. The feeling of soft hair between his fingers, a tender 
caress to his shoulder while he was passing by, even the 
knowing eyes that always seemed to see whatever was wrong 
with him. But now his bones were aching and he felt tired and 
the two Noldo were behaving like young Lovefools. 

Still he couldn't send them away without offending both them 
and his lover greatly and he dressed and braided his hair 
anew before leaving his room to join the two Elves for the 
meal. It was almost unbearable as when they had drunken 
some wine Erestor sat down in his lover's lap and started to 
feed him with berries. It wasn't that they couldn't behave like 
that, there was none but them around anymore and Thranduil 
had seen them flirt many times already. But now the jealousy 
almost stabbed his heart and he got up to excuse himself from 
his amused guests. 

"You will eat before you leave, my dear friend." Erestor's voice 
was soft, but even though he had been busily feeding his lover 
and the blond elf was still sucking playfully upon his finger's he 
managed to sound serious enough to make Thranduil stay. 
They had agreed that he had to eat at least a little as 
otherwise the Noldo would inform his lover and he didn't feel 
like arguing with Elrond. Neither did he want his friends 
around though. And he again and again found himself wishing 
that he could just hide from all his tasks."But I am unwell," 
Thranduil replied, hoping that he could just convince them by 
words. 

Erestor shook his head and exchanged a glance with his 
lover. They were concerned, without doubt, but Thranduil 
didn't appreatiate that, he wanted them to leave him alone. He 
was old enough and he had to learn to lead a realm, he 
couldn't always ask his friends to overtake his duties. "You will 
eat, Thranduil, at least a little. I know that you are unwell and 
that you are missing your father but Elrond is going to slay us 
if we allow you to fade." Erestor turned his head and looked at 
his lover and with a it was too late when the Sindar 
understood their intentions.

Suddenly he found himself pushed and tied to a chair and 
cursed himself. He should have known this would happen one 
day. Drunken Elda who became concerned were unbearable 
fools at times. Especially if they considered themselves your 
friends. And both Noldo surely did that. Glorfindel squatted 
down next to him and Erestor gently pulled his hair. "As I told 
you, my friend. You can either eat or we will make you. I don't 
want to do this, but if you insist of behaving like a child again 
we will treat you like a child. And don't think that I do not 
remember what it was like to help raising you. I remember that 
very well, dear Thranduil, so please just say you will eat and 
we don't need to have you sit here all night."

As usually Erestor's voice was soft. He did not have to yell at 
people to make them listen and he knew well enough how to 
explain to Thranduil that he wouldn't get out of this situation 
again without eating. It was useless to fight it now if he didn't 
wish to stay all night tied to a chair. "You will rue that 
tomorrow morning, my friends." He hissed, before loathly 
starting to accept the food Erestor asked him to eat and both 
Noldo laughed goodnatured at his thread. Usually they tried to 
take him serious, but he had to admit that a tied up, younger 
elf couldn't really claim that he could match with two ancient 
warriors, even though one of them didn't fight anymore lately. 

When he had finally eaten enough in their eyes Erestor leaned 
down  and kissed his cheek. "Thank you, I was growing 
worried that you wouldn't eat at all and I do not wish to lose 
you. Please forgive Glorfindel, you know that he had to aid 
me, it's my fault, but I was merely trying to help you." 
Thranduil nodded, but didn't reply. It hadn't even been that 
bad, but still he felt sick and tired now. Glorfindel untied him 
and shot him an apologetic glance. They had reached their 
aim, he had eaten enough to ensure that he wouldn't starve 
and now they were normal again. And... as Thranduil realized 
with surprise, they didn't even seem to be drunk anymore. 

He raised a suspicious eyebrow at Erestor who just smiled 
back at him and shrugged. When he made a move to get up 
but stumbled and his friend caught him. "Shall I carry you to 
your rooms or will you be able to walk alone? You are really 
worrying me lately." Erestor sighed and exchanged another 
glance with Glorfindel. They were supposed to inform Elrond 
of this and they both knew it very well. But on the other hand 
they couldn't betray Thranduil's trust. The Sindar seemed to 
sense their thoughts as he silently agreed to Erestor's offer 
and allowed himself to be carried to his room and even 
allowed his friends to undress him before he shooed them. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Special thanks to Hîrwen and Illia for discussing the 7. chap 
with me. I did what I had in mind nevertheless. But it's been 
great to talk about it. :)

Chapter 8

~Mirkwood~

A few days after the incidient in the dinning hall Glorfindel had 
been asked to come back to Imladris as Elrond urgently 
wanted to discuss a new strategy with him. Erestor had 
remained in Mirkwood though and Thranduil tried his best to 
eat normal in order not worry his friend. Yes, he was mad that 
they had made him eat and he still intended to have a sweet 
revenge on that someday, but he knew that it had mainly been 
because they were concerned. And he understood them. It 
was unsual for an elf to become sick and the death of his 
father had been only a few weeks ago. He understood that 
they thought that he was grieving, but he wasn't. 

Oropher had been very important to him and he knew that he 
would miss his father, but he also knew his duties and he 
didn't wish to fail them. And though he knew that he was 
stressed and worried and had assumed that the reason for his 
unwellness for a few weeks he now feared it was something 
entirly different. It was rare, very rare, but yet it wasn't 
impossible for the males of his race to become pregnant. A 
frown spread on his face as he considered the thought once 
more. He did not dare to consult a healer and it worried him to 
think of getting a child. Not only did the thought in general 
frighten him, that as well, of course, but also his lover's and 
his people's reaction. 

How could they accept a pregnant King? The small faith they 
had in him as he was still the son of their old King would 
vanish when they started to see him as the lover of the Lord of 
Imladris instead. And how could they see him differently? He 
submitted to Elrond, he was nothing but his lover's mate, who 
seemingly could not even be trusted to rule his realm without 
help. But that would change. If he could not change the fact 
that he was pregnant he could at least send Erestor away so 
his lover would not learn of the child before Thranduil told him 
and his people would at least see him a little more 
independent from the Imladriselves again.

This was going on for far too long already. And even though 
he would miss Erestor he would rather fight his way through 
alone then hearing them call him Elrond's mate all day. If his 
lover decided to accept that he had sired a child with another 
male. Thranduil massaged his forehead. His life was 
becoming worse with every week lately. And he couldn't help 
but wonder what would happen next. Maybe his lover and his 
friends would turn from him as they hadn't known of the 
possibility of male fertility among the Sindar and his people 
would make them leave his realm for getting pregnant by a 
halfelf?

His worried glance caught the mirror before him and his eyes 
did not fail to notice the small swelling of the normally firm skin 
above his abdomen. He sighed deeply, but caressed the skin 
gently though. /If nobody else will love you, I will, I promise./ It 
wasn't the child's fault that his life was going all wrong lately. 
Though it worried him what he would do if both the Imladris 
and Mirkwood Elves would not permit him to enter their realms 
anymore. Raising the child out in the wilds would be too 
dangerous and asking the Lady and the Lord of Lórien for 
help? He was too shy to dare to go there. 

As if to make things worse a servant knocked to remind him 
that it was dinnertime and he closed his tunic quickly and with 
one last glance into the mirror he left his room to see Erestor. 
This wouldn't be a nice meal with a friend as he had decided 
to inform the Noldo that he wished for him to return to Imladris 
immediatly. It wouldn't become easier if he waited for longer 
and perhaps Erestor wouldn't even be really angry as he 
surely desired to see his lover again. With a sigh he entered 
the dining room and greeted the darkhaired elf and immediatly 
noticed the concerned gaze that met him. If he did not send 
his friend away now he would tell him. And that would ruin his 
last hopes to speak to Elrond.

After they had eaten in silence Thranduil felt his courage fail 
when he saw the loving and trusing eyes of his friends. He 
would hurt Erestor's feelings if he sent him away without an 
explanation and though he felt bad about it he prefered the 
idea of preventing the truth in this case. "Would you hold it 
against me if I asked you to return to Imladris for a while?" He 
looked for confusion in Erestor's eyes, but the older elf didn't 
ask any question. Instead he smiled. "I waited for you to make 
this decision for about a week, my dear friend. You are getting 
secure in your tasks and it's an important step for you to show 
your people that you are able to lead your realm alone."

Thranduil barely kept himself from sighing in relief. "Thank you 
for understanding my request, it surely wasn't meant to hurt 
you. You are welcome to return in a year or two. But I would 
like to be alone for a while." Erestor obviously didn't know that 
he had promised Elrond to keep one of his advisors around for 
the first two years or it wouldn't have been so easy to ask him 
to leave. Happy that he had at least suceeded and sending his 
friend home he hugged Erestor and invited him to go riding 
before the Noldo would go back home. 

~~~~~End of Aroon~~~~~

*~To be continued in the main story "Adar"~*