Series: Razor's Edge Trilogy
Title: One Sweet Memory
Authors: Orchyd Constyne
Contact: orchydconstyne@hamena.org
Fandom: LOTR
Archive: Any, so long as I know where it is  ^^
Rating: NC-17
Beta: Silvara, the most patient beta in existence...
Cast: Elrond/Thranduil
Timeline: Fall of 3021
Spoilers:  None
Summary: Elrond sets sail with the Ringbearers, leaving Thranduil
behind in Middle-Earth.
A/N:  This follows the "One Step Closer" trilogy.  This trilogy will
answer all the questions and more.  ^^  There is a companion trilogy
staring Haldir and Celeborn, since they made an appearance in "One
Step Closer" and in "Razor's Edge."  I will be posting "Before The
Dawn" sometime next week, after all four parts of this trilogy have
been released.  I hope everyone likes the finale!

---

Grey Havens - September 28th, 3021 of the Third Age

Elrond stood by the shore, looking out over the Sea.  He was filled
with anticipation and excitement, mingled with a deep sorrow.  Just
over two years had passed since his daughter's wedding.  His sons
remained in Imladris, having taken their rightful place as Lords of
the valley.  There were not many still residing in the Last Homely
House, many of them were here with him.  But, members of his staff,
like Melpomaen and Lindir, remained behind.  He knew Rumil and Orophin
were expected after they completed their tasks in Celeborn's service.
His home was now one of the last refuges for their kind.

Arms snaked around his waist and he leaned back into the warm comfort
of his Chief Councilor.  Erestor's pain was still there, was still raw
and sore, but he had survived his parting with the golden warrior.
They would set sail at first light on the morrow, but right now the
peaceful lull of the waves and cool, salty sea-spray caressed their
pale faces.

"Thranduil never came, never tried to reconcile with you?"

Erestor had been in Gondor most of the past year, helping Elessar and
Legolas.  This was their first opportunity to speak in some time.
"No, he never did.  Celeborn sends word to me from Eryn Lasgalen,
telling me that the King is in good health, though poor in spirit.  I
would go to him if I thought he would see me."

Erestor released his Lord and smiled softly at him.  "We are all here
for you, my Lord.  Perhaps, when time has eased his shame and guilt he
will seek you out in Valinor."

It was a small hope and one Elrond held onto with a death grip.  He
needed to believe Thranduil would come to him.  Erestor began his trek
back up to the main house, but turned with his arms crossed over his
chest.  He looked somber in his dark robes, his hair loose and flowing
in the breeze.  "You should try one last time, meldir.  Give him the
opportunity to say goodbye.  You may never get the chance again."

Elrond nodded, watching his friend's shape disappear in the distance.
Goodbye, something Erestor never got to say to Glorfindel.  Perhaps...
perhaps Thranduil would let him in, let him speak for a moment.

The Peredhel easily cast his mind out, away from the shore and over
the vast mountains, through the dense woods and echoing caverns,
following that warm, pulsing essence of his lover.  His eyes, shining
like high polished mithril in the moonlight, gazed sightless to the
West.  His vision was of the cozy bed chamber Thranduil was laying in,
the scent of pine enveloping the salty air.

/Melethron?/  Elrond felt the shock of the other mind, mirroring his
own that he had gotten through to the King.  It had been so long since
he felt those thoughts, those emotions and that deep love that he was
pleased to see still existed between them.

/Elrond./

/I didn't expect for you to answer./

/We never expected a lot of things./

Elrond send a wordless answer, one of sheepish agreement.  /I wanted
to say goodbye./

/Goodbye?/  Elrond became dizzy for a moment when Thranduil sat up
suddenly from his bed.  /Elrond, is that the Sea I smell?/

/Aye, it is.  I am sailing with Galadriel, Erestor and the Hobbits
tomorrow.  Among others.  I am leaving for Valinor./

Shock reverberated through their connection.  /How did it come to
this?/

A sharp sting of humiliation, anger, betrayal, and jealousy heated the
link between them -- Elrond allowing Thranduil to see exactly how they
had come to this.  To him standing in the Grey Havens giving a
farewell to his lover of three thousand years while said lover was in
his bed in Eryn Lasgalen.

/Are you saying this would not have happened if I had not bedded
Melpomaen that night?/

Elrond shook his head.  /I am saying that we are here, now, because of
that action.  What could have been is not worth arguing over.  What is
simply is, meleth.  And what is is that we are over.  But, I needed
to say goodbye -- I owed you that./

/Melon lle./

/I know.  Melon lle, Thranduil.  But, it doesn't seem enough anymore./

/I don't believe it ever was./

They were silent for a while, Elrond ignoring the tears of bitterness
finding their way down his cold cheeks and Thranduil wiping them from
his own.  The Imladris Lord took a steadying breath and cast a wave of
affection to Thranduil, sharing sweet memories with him -- memories to
last them an eternity.

/Goodbye, Thranduil./

Elrond's eyes cleared, becoming cool grey once again and his knees
gave out under his weight.  On the shores of Lhûn, Elrond Peredhel
wept for all he had lost.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Eryn Lasgalen, Realm of Thranduil - September 30th, 25 of the Fourth
Age

Thranduil stood alone in the large audience chamber looking with a sad
heart at the now-empty room.  The walls were bare of their exquisite
tapestries, the ornately carved chairs were packed away, even the
raised dais that had housed the throne had been removed and broken
down for the journey.

It had been roughly two years ago that Celeborn had come to the
Mirkwood King and expressed his intent to empty East Lorien and travel
to Imladris to await his departure to the Grey Havens and Valinor
beyond.  Thranduil had taken the news to his people and inquired of
their wishes.  A great number of the Sylvan Elves had agreed that
their place was no longer in what remained of the Great Greenwood.
Preparations had been made since then, culminating today in the
start of the journey of his and Celeborn's peoples to Imladris.

Imladris.  The name still sent dual pangs of love and regret straight
to his soul.  The irony was not lost on Thranduil that today was the
anniversary of the day Elrond Half-Elven stepped on the shores of
Valinor.  The Sinda remembered the sting -- like a great blow to the
stomach -- that had signified to Thranduil that his bondmate was no
longer in Middle-Earth.  While the bond did not immediately vanish,
there was a great emptiness in Thranduil's mind nonetheless, as he
could no longer feel Elrond's emotions or Farspeak him.  His love was
truly gone from his world.

It was his duty as King of this realm to go once more over the echoing
halls of his home.  All doors lay open to him, each as empty and
lifeless as the other.  Memories swept over him; he had spent close to
six thousand years in these halls...  He could barely remember a time
outside of this cavernous palace.  Those few centuries spent in Lindon
were Ages past, almost another lifetime.  When he was young and very
much taken with the High King's Herald, when he was ruled by his
father's desires.

He had married his wife in these halls... paced up and down them while
she gave birth to their first son.  His son's wails could be heard all
through the palace and many rejoiced with their King.  He regretted
those early years, though, with Sîdh...  He had been new to being a
King, still lost in his grief over the loss of his father.  His sons
would never know the might that had been Oropher, King of Greenwood
the Great.

Thranduil entered the room that had been the nursery for all three of
his sons.  He had not learned to love and play with them until Legolas
came into his life.  From the moment he held his youngest, his heart
was no longer his.  The bright, shining eyes that reminded Thranduil
of the Sea... so blue and deep.  He had spent as much time with
Legolas as he could spare.  Playing games through these rooms, hiding
in the alcoves and weaving around his advisors as Legolas and he
played chase games.

The King of Eryn Lasgalen sighed and turned from the room he had
occupied as King all his long years.  His wife's comforting
presence beside him, warm and welcoming, accepting his name and the
right to bear his heirs.  His sons jumping up and down on the great
bed that had once stood in the center of the room.  Melpomaen helping
to pass the cold, lonely nights after his wife left for Valinor.

His final memory, the one he held onto the most, was of the last
winter he and Elrond spent together in Mirkwood.  They had barely left
the room, having meals brought to them and bathing in the King's
private baths.  They had played chess until the sun kissed the sky...
Spent long hours in silence while reading books... They had made love
each night...  But Thranduil's most prized memory was his simplest.
Waking each morning before Elrond and watching his love sleep,
innocent and without worry in his dreams.

He slowly made his way to the large gates that once protected his
people from the evils that had infested the Greenwood.  Thranduil
stepped heavy, making his footsteps echo through the vast, desolate
palace.  He would never again see his youngest son's shining head run
through the stone corridors, calling out to him in eager happiness.
He would never give audience to the Men or Dwarves that populated the
lands outside his realm.  He would never again ride through the dense
wood, inhaling the fragrant scents that budded in the spring.

He would never see his great home again.

It was over.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Imladris - June 15th, 30 of the Fourth Age

He had resided with Celeborn and the Peredhel twins for five years in
Imladris.  It was strange for the two great Elf-lords, lost without
kingdoms but with their Elves still looking to them for guidance.  The
House of Elrond was full of voices once again, helping to ease the
pain Thranduil felt after leaving behind his empty wood.

Celeborn's days, though, were spent locked in one of the many rooms.
Thranduil had thought to ask once who it was that would weep or scream
from behind that closed door, but chose to let it lie.  Elladan and
Elrohir had become wonderful Lords, presiding over the busy community
that Rivendell had become once again.  Thranduil thought Elrond would
have been pleased to see how his sons took to leadership.  They both
had worried about their children and their roles in this life.

Reclining in the sun on one of the lawns, Thranduil turned his face up
to the golden warmth.  Yes, Elrond's beautiful sons had taken to
Lordship well.  Just as his own son had.  Legolas had taken up the
wooded areas near Emyn Arnen, just as he had warned the twins decades
ago.  The Elves there adored their Prince, who was a fair ruler -- if
one could call him a ruler.  Legolas spent much of his time in either
King Eomer's court in Ithilien or in Elessar's great home, advising
the King.

Life had moved on.  The times were not as difficult.  And they had
been sent word from Legolas that Arwen was with child, she was
expecting a son in the next few months.  Thranduil and Celeborn had
already decided that they would journey to Gondor when the time of the
birth came closer and Elladan insisted Elrohir go with them.
Thranduil had made the case that Elladan should accompany them as
well, but Elladan felt that one of the four should remain in Imlardis.
He chose himself.

Another development in his new life in the valley of Imladris had been
his bed partner.  A few months after arriving with the last of his
Elves, Melpomaen had come to him.  Last year, he had asked the Advisor
to share his quarters with him.  There was still that hole in his
heart and soul where Elrond had once been, and their bond still
reminded him of all he lost, but it was comforting to once again wake
to a warm, welcoming body.  To indulge in carnal pleasures and have
someone who missed the times past as well.

Elladan and Elrohir had not been pleased with the new rooming
arrangement, but Celeborn had kindly reminded them that Elrond had
sailed and that Thranduil had every right to seek a new lover.
Elladan had balked over it for a few weeks, but Elrohir, who had
inherited his grandmother's gifts, had only smiled sadly at him.
Elrohir knew Thranduil's heart and the pain and guilt he relived every
moment.  But, only Elrohir.  Not even Melpomaen knew the depth of his
shame and longing for Elrond.

So lost in his own torment, Thranduil did not notice the dark-haired
Elf approach.  When his shadow blocked the bright rays from above,
Thranduil's eyes focused on the compassionate face of the Noldo.
Melopmaen sat astride Thranduil, leaning down to cover the mighty
King's body with his own.

"My Lord, you will miss the afternoon meal."

Thranduil cupped Melpomaen's face in his hands and smiled softly.
"Why do you remain here, with me?"

The Advisor sighed, leaning down to kiss his lover gently.  "I stay
because I am needed.  It is good to be needed.  The twins desire my
counsel, you desire my presence.  Why must I leave behind my home and
those I love when I am not ready to?"

The Mirkwood Elf's eyebrow arched.  "Love?"

Color suffused Melpomaen's cheeks and he drew back from the Elf-lord.
"I am sorry, my Lord, I did not mean to imply that..."

"That what, saelbeth?  You did not wish to imply that you loved me?"
Thranduil lifted himself up onto his elbows, his level, emerald gaze
boring into his lover's dark chocolate one.

Melpomaen sighed heaviy and stood from Thranduil, his back to his
Lord.  "I do love you, my Lord.  Though, I know you do not, and
cannot, love me.  I cannot stop the whim of my heart, though."

Thanduil stood and wrapped his arms around the slender waist hidden in
thick robes.  "Forgive me, pen velui.  I care deeply for you, I always
have, but my love is not for you.  If you wish for us to cease our
relationship, I will understand."

The Advisor turned to him suddenly, pulling the King into a deep,
passionate kiss.  After long moments, he pulled back and looked into
the depths of Thranduil's green eyes.  "No, my Lord.  To do such a
thing would break my heart more than remaining in your arms for
whatever time we have together."

The blond Elf brushed a wayward braid from Melpomaen's brow and
smiled.  "You will find an Elf worthy of your love and affection,
Melpomaen.  I know you will."

The were silent for a moment, then Melpomaen's bright smile graced his
face once again.  "We shall be late, my Lord.  Elladan and Elrohir
have had a special meal prepared for you!  They say it is the foods
they found in your court, long ago when they fostered in Mirkwood."

Thranduil allowed his lover to pull him toward the small dining room
they shared.  They took their meals together, in the room where
Thranduil realized he loved Elrond more than he had when he met him in
Gil-Galad's court in Lindon Ages ago.

That night, when he had felt part of a true family once again, seemed
a lifetime ago.

And, he supposed, it was.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Tirion, Valinor - August 21st, 68 of the Fourth Age

Elrond laughed, watching the five She-Elves dancing, weaving the long
ribbons around the tall pole with an intricate design.  He sat
on the stairs leading to his home, basking in the presence of
his family.  Beside him, on his right, sat his best friend.  Erestor
had a sparkle in his eyes that the Peredhel had missed over the years.
That sparkle was due to the attentions of the Noldo who sat beside the
Councilor.  Gildor had been caring and gentle with the broken-hearted
Elf and Erestor flourished under his tender ministrations.

The three Lords from Imladris dwelled together, sharing a modest home.
Erestor had been reluctant in the beginning, but Gildor and Elrond had
settled him in nicely and they were close and as happy as they could
be.  To his left sat one he had not expected to find, one he had never
met, but was related to.  Thingol laughed as Nimloth ducked under
Galadriel, nearly running into Earwen.  Celebrian danced out of
Idril's way; Elwing laughed and missed a step, tripping slightly on
her long skirts.  After a moment, however, everyone recovered, and
they returned gracefully to the fluid pattern.

Leaning on the support column next to Gildor was Turgon, relaxed and
noble, watching the women with a faint smile.  Sitting on the low
railing that circled the front of Elrond's home was Dior, who called
out a cheeky comment to his wife, causing Nimloth to blush furiously
and Galadriel to chastise him good naturedly.

Yes, he was as content as he could be without his sons or his lover.

Thingol leaned over, clasping Elrond on his shoulder.  "Tell me,
Elrond, do you not have children with your fair wife?"

The great Elf had only just become aquainted with his kin and was
eager to learn all he could.  Elrond felt Erestor stiffen next to him.
Just like Elrond, Erestor worried about the fate of the twins should
they choose to come to the shores of Valinor.  Elrond cleared his
throat.  "Aye, we have three children together.  Twin boys and a
daughter."

Turgon had turned his attention to the Half-Elf, not understanding his
reluctance to speak of his children.  He and the others had also
noticed that Celebrian resided with her mother, not with her husband.
Although much was known in Valinor about every Elf in residence, the
three Elves from Imladris who sat on the stairs had kept much to
themselves and their family would not comment.  "Do you not wish to
discuss your family, meldir?"

Elrond sighed.

"Elrond," Erestor whispered, "they are your kin.  You should speak of
them, even if they never come to us."

Elrond nodded and looked at his wife's laughing face.  "Arwen chose to
wed the King of Gondor.  She has chosen the path of Man and will pass
after Elessar leaves Middle-Earth."

"I am sorry, Elrond," Dior said, his brow furrowing with obvious
sorrow.  "It must be a relief to still have your sons."

"I am not sure they will come here."  Elrond leaned his head on
Erestor's shoulder, drawing strength from his old lover.  "Their lives
are... complicated and I am sure they fear the Valar and their
judgement on their life choices."

"What could they have done to receive the wrath of the Valar?"  The
idea of Elrond's sons having done something that dreadful upset
Thingol terribly.

When Elrond remained quiet, Erestor took it on himself to explain.
"Elladan and Elrohir have chosen one another as lifemates.  They share
an intimate relationship with one another and fear the Valar will
condemn their love."

"Though," Gildor added, "they share that love with their bonded,
Legolas -- Oropher's grandson."

Turgon smiled.  "I am sure Oropher will have words with Thranduil once
that child arrives.  He tried his damnedest to keep Thranduil from the
Noldo, and now his grandson is bonded to not one but both the Peredhil
heirs."  A chuckle was shared among the group.

Elrond cleared his throat.  "Those shall not be the only words he will
have with his son, should Thranduil arrive here."

Dior cocked his head as Thingol raised an eyebrow.  "Why is that?"
asked Dior.

A broad smile crossed Erestor's face.  "Because our Lord here is the
bondmate of Thranduil Oropherion."

Another round of laughter was shared, then Elrond felt the meloncholy
return.  "I am not certain he or my sons will come to us."

"Your sons have nothing to fear, Elrond."  Elrond raised his head from
Erestor's shoulder to regard Thingol with a questioning look.  "What?
Did you not realize your own line?  Why, you and Celebrian are
cousins.  Celeborn and Galadriel were cousins, as well."

"Nimloth and I are cousins," Dior piped up.

"Love is love, meldir," was the piece of knowledge Turgon offered.
"The Valar do not judge love.  We love who we do, and sometime we
marry because we must."

Erestor was chuckling, reveling in the look of pure shock painted on
his friend's face.  It was then that Turgon leaned down between
Erestor and his lover, whispering in the Councilor's ear.  "I wouldn't
laugh, if I were you.  There are surprises in store for you about
*your* heritage, meldir."

Erestor's eyes widened.  "Do not tell me Gildor is my brother... or
Glorfindel was my cousin..."

The rich sound of Turgon's laugh sent shivers down the Noldo's spine.
"Oh, you are not related to either Gildor or the golden warrior, but
you do share a deep relationship beyond your knowledge with Lord
Glorfindel of the Golden Flower."

Fear crept into Erestor's heart.  "What...?"

Turgon offered his hand, ignoring the odd looks from Gildor and
Elrond.  Everyone else assembled knew what Erestor was about to find
out, but they respected Manwe's request that no one frighten the Elf.
"Come with me, Erestor of Imladris.  You have an audience with Manwe
himself shortly."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Grey Havens - January 15th, 126 of the Fourth Age

Thranduil stood aboard the ship with the last of the Elves leaving
Middle-Earth.  This was the final trip for Cirdan, the way to Valinor
would be closed after they landed.  They had left Imladris behind,
where Thranduil had resided for the last century.  They had been good
years, years spent with the twins, Celeborn, Haldir and his brothers
and with his lover.  Melpomaen had been a wonderful companion, someone
Thranduil had grown to love, though not in the manner the Advisor had
so sorely wished for.

He no longer felt guilty for his relationship with Melpomaen.  After
seventy-five years together as steady lovers, Melpomaen had found one
he loved who could love him as much in return.  Rumil had surprised
everyone when they announced the relationship.  Thranduil had been
pleased, very happy that Melpomaen would have all the selfless Elf
deserved.  His last years in Imladris had been spent without a
bedmate; he just could not find it in him to take another to his bed.
Melpomaen had been the only other Elf besides Elrond for Thranduil in
the last seven centuries of the King's life.

Now, he was going home, going to Valinor.  Going where Elrond had gone
long ago.  Legolas had sailed six years prior, leaving without a word
to anyone and taking that annoying Dwarf with him.  He planned on
giving his son an earful when they got to land.  The last of
the Mirkwood Kings felt a nervous anticipation inside, wondering how
much Elrond and Erestor had changed.  He knew he had changed much: his
temper had mellowed, and he had found humilty while living without his
lover.

Thranduil spent most of the trip to the Blessed Realm in his quarters
below deck, brooding over his choices and all the wasted time and all
the squandered chances in his life.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Shores of Valinor - January 16th, 126 of the Fourth Age

The party of Elves stepped from the ship and onto the dock, greeted by
a host of Elves from the city.  Legolas ran up to Thranduil, his eyes
bright and content, a smile making his face light up.  "Ada!"

Thranduil wrapped his arms around his son, an entity in his life he
had missed for almost two centuries.  "Ion... how I have missed you!"

"I have missed you, Ada," the younger Elf whispered, his voice filled
with restrained tears.

The King held his youngest son away from him, an angry look on his
face.  "You left, Legolas, without even telling me goodbye!  That was
very unfair of you!"

Legolas hung his head slightly.  "You were in Imladris, I did not wish
to go back to the valley and thought it would just be easier on
everyone if I sailed without informing anyone."

"It wasn't easier, pen-neth.  Wasn't easier at all."  Thranduil
embraced his son once more, then turned to his two older children,
receiving their welcome with uncharacteristic enthusiasm.  Melpomaen
walked up behind his Lord and laughed.

"This is the most animated Lord Thranduil has been in years!"  Rumil
nodded his agreement with his lover, but then was pulled away to be
greeted by the Lady Galadriel and other Galadhrim he had known while
in the service of the Golden Wood.

Slowly, but with much happiness and many joyful tears, the last Elves
of Middle-Earth left the shores and ventured into the main city.  Each
companion bid the other a brief farewell, promising to meet up with
one another once they had settled into their new lives in Valinor.
Standing by the dock still, though, was the lonely figure of King
Thranduil.  He was welcomed as a royal, but he felt out of place now
that he had no realm to rule.  He had no idea what his life in this
place was to be like, but he did know that Elrond did not want to be a
part of it.

The Peredhel had not come to greet him like the rest of his family and
loved ones had.  Even his father, who he had not expected to see, had
been there to welcome him home.  Oropher had looked wonderful, his
spirit much improved since his time as the King of the Great
Greenwood.  Thranduil longed for the time he and his father would have
to recount all Oropher had missed after his demise at Dagorlad.  But,
the one he had hoped to see, the one who he had prayed would forgive
him, had not been there.

The gentle lapping of the waves against the docks and the quiet cry of
gulls above gave him some comfort.  Thranduil started when a hand came
to rest on his shoulder.  He turned and came face to face with the oak
leaf green eyes of his father.

"Adar."

"Thranduil, I know there is something troubling you."  Oropher had the
amazing insight, Thranduil thought, to know exactly when his son was
emotionally unbalanced in some way.  "It is Elrond Half-Elven, isn't
it?"  The slight sharp edge of Oropher's tone caused Thranduil to
sigh.  Was it ever going to be over?

"Don't worry, Adar, Elrond left me long ago.  I just hoped..."

Oropher took his son's face in his hands, like he had when Thranduil
was but an Elfling, and looked deep into his eyes.  That was how the
mighty King always knew if Thranduil was lying about something naughty
he had done.  "You betrayed him, didn't you, ion?"

A light blush crept over Thranduil's pale cheeks.  "Aye, Ada.  I did."

"I thought I taught you better than that, pen-neth."  Oropher smiled
when the endearment left his lips.  Thranduil was far from being a
young Elf any longer.  But, he was still stuck in the past,
remembering a son so much more innocent, so much softer and full of
life and laughter.  This closed-off, quiet Thranduil irked Oropher.

"You did, Ada.  I was wrong, but I was too full of pride to admit it
to him.  He left Middle-Earth before I could make ammends."

Oropher pulled his son into a tight embrace, relishing in the feel of
having his pride and joy in his arms once more.  "It is never too late
to be forgiven, ion.  Never too late."

Thranduil snaked his arms around the broad body of his father,
stinging tears softly slipping down his cheeks.  How he had missed his
father and the wisdom the elder Elf had always freely given.

*****

Oropher led Thranduil to the home he had procured for the King.  As a
Lord of one of the Elven Realms in Middle-Earth, they were afforded
larger, more elaborate homes.  This one was no exception.  Oropher
opened the gate at the end of the lawn and motioned his son through.
Before Thranduil knew it, though, his father had closed the gate and
smiled at him.

"Come to my home around sunset and have dinner with your family.  I
would love to have my son and my grandson together with me this night.
But, I need to be on my way, you have a guest."  Oropher smiled
knowingly and let out a small chuckle at Thranduil's confusion.  "Go
on, ion, I will still be here when you have settled in."

Thranduil watched the golden head of his father stroll down the
tightly packed dirt path, leading up the hill and out of his sight.
He sighed and turned to go up the walkway to his own home, thinking it
was much too large for just himself.

From the outside, he could tell it was a sprawling two-story building
with many windows and balconies, perfect for an Elf who had spent long
years in a cavern but who loved the fresh breezes and warm sunlight he
so missed from when his father ruled a great Elven city in the trees
of Greenwood.  He noticed, though, that those windows and doors were
thrown open to the light, salt-smelling air of the early afternoon.
He dismissed it, though, figuring his father had simply decided the
home needed to be aired out before Thranduil took up residence.

As the Elf got closer to the front of his new home, though, he saw
that he did indeed have a guest.  He was a tall, slender, dark-haired
figure wearing rust colored leggings, a shimmering gold shirt with a
loose fitting crimson tunic accented with more gold.

The colors of Imladris.

Thranduil stopped a few feet away from that figure who stood on the
uppermost step of his home, smiling serenely in the way only the Elf-
lord could.  Grey eyes filled with soft, unnamable emotions regarded
the shocked jade gaze in front of him.

"Welcome home, my Lord.  I hope I have not overstepped my bounds by
coming here to open your new home up and set out a small mid-day meal
for you."  Elrond's deep baritone flitted to Thranduil, who shivered
ever so slightly.

Thranduil found his ability to speak lacking, opening his mouth and
finding only unintelligable sounds tumbling from his lips.  He
stopped, closed his eyes for a moment and cleared his throat and tried
once again.  Opening his eyes with more confidence this time, he said,
"No, my Lord, not overstepping at all.  I thank you for your
thoughtfulness."

Elrond chuckled, lowering his eyes and willing his speeding heart to 
slow.  He stepped lightly down to stand before his old lover.  He took 
Thranduil by the shoulders, squeezing lightly.  "It's good to see you, 
hîren.  You must be famished from the trip.  Go in, eat and rest for 
the afternoon.  I will seek you out in a few days time, after you have 
settled into this new life."

Thranduil was still struggling to master his power of speech once
more, but before he could, Elrond gave one last squeeze to his
shoulders and walked off down the path to the main road.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

True to his word, Elrond did seek out the blond Elf a week later.
Thranduil had been reclinging in one the chairs on the main patio in
front of his home, his eyes closed, relaxing in the early morning
sunlight.  He felt a peace here that he had never known.  There were
no subjects to appease or worry about, there was no evil slowly
devouring his precious wood or his heart, there was nothing but the
soft sound of the surf and the heart-warming presence of his family.
He was happy.

When he saw the lone Elf making his way up to him, his heart lept in
his chest.  Elrond had been the foremost thought in the King's mind
the past seven days.  Since arriving, he was very aware of Elrond's
presence.  That dim warmth that had plagued him in Middle-Earth was
now a low-burning blaze, which would ignite into a wildfire if given
the chance.  He could feel the concern and gentle care in his lover's
mind for him, but the Peredhel was careful to guard his thoughts from
him.  He repaid the gesture, allowing Elrond to know of his love and
guilt, but not permitting him the intimacy of his thoughts.

"Maer aur, hîren," was the gentle greeting Elrond bestowed upon 
Thranduil.

The Elf decided he needed to take some initiative and motioned for 
Elrond to join him in watching the sky and the scenery.  As his 
beloved took his seat, Thranduil greeted him with an even more 
familiar endearment.  "Maer aur, peniaur," he said with a chuckle.

A raised eyebrow and that serene smile was the Half-Elf's response.
They sat in silence for some time, the sun slowly making her ascent
into the clear blue of the sky.  Finally, Elrond spoke.  The hushed,
lyrical tones always brought to mind happier times for Thranduil.

"We must talk, meldir."

"Yes, we must."

"You should not have run from me, you know."  Elrond sighed, a slight
wince showing in his features as he remembered the long-ago pain.  "I
would have come back to you, we could have made ammends before now."

Thranduil shook his head.  "No, I don't think we would have.  I was
angry, pen velui.  More at myself than with you.  Bilbo had made me
see that Legolas was the wise choice, the only choice you had.  But, I
refused to allow you that, my pride forced me to punish you for a
crime you had not committed."

Elrond reached over and took Thranduil's hand in his own, a flood of
pure pleasure coursing through both of them at the contact.  How he
had missed his love, how he had longed to run his fingers through the
golden silk of Thranduil's hair once more.  His bed and his life had
been cold and lonely since Thranduil's departure from Imladris a
lifetime ago.

"I can offer you no excuse for laying with Melpomaen.  It was simply
something idiotic I did.  I made matters worse when I allowed him to
become my lover in your absence."  Thranduil turned his fierce gaze on
Elrond.  "I love you, Elrond.  I always have."  He laughed slightly,
realizing that they had had a similar conversation one cold winter
faraway in time.  "This sounds strangely familiar, Elrond.  Didn't we
speak of love denied years ago in your private study, before a fire,
and you informed me that if I wanted your love it would be waiting
along with you in your bed?"

The Imladris Lord's eyes shown with fondness, slightly distant in the
memory.  "Aye.  I had waited for you to come to me all winter.  How
pleased I was when you walked through that door and back into my
life."

"As if there was ever a doubt, seron vell."

They stared at one another for several heartbeats.  "Never leave me
again, Thranduil Oropherion."  The levity and conviction in Elrond's
tone left no room for the Mirkwood King to argue.

"Never."

Elrond stood from his seat and walked to stand in front of Thranduil,
still spread out in his chair.  He gently and slowly lowered himself
to sit astride Thranduil's thighs, bringing their bodies into close
contact.  Elrond leaned in, breathing deep of Thranduil's unique
scent... one of cold, crisp water and fresh earth.  "I have missed
you, mela en' coiamin," he whispered before descending and capturing
the fair Elf's lips with his own.

Thranduil groaned, opening his mouth to his love, snaking his tongue
into the warmth and sweetness of Elrond's mouth.  He wrapped his arms
around the Peredhel's slim waist, pulling him even closer.  Elrond's
hands buried themselves into the blond locks, tilting Thranduil's head
further so he could deepen the kiss.  It was while locked in that
intimate embrace that Elrond did something Thranduil was not
expecting.

/Never, Thranduil.  I shall never let you go again./

The barrage of thoughts, repressed desire and deep-seated love washed
over him, bringing tears to his eyes and rekindled his guilt and
shame.  He was going to withdraw from the kiss and the contact of
Elrond's mind, but the Half-Elf would not allow it.  He added pressure
to his grip and held Thranduil's head still, and mentally soothed the
Sinda's mind.

/No more of this guilt, Thranduil.  It eats away at you.  Forgiveness
is given, it had been long ago.  No more despair.  No more remorse,
let this weight be lifted.  Come back to me./  Elrond finally broke
the kiss, looking down at Thranduil from half-closed eyes, feeling
himself stir at the sight of his lover's flushed face and swollen
lips.  Elrond leaned down again, his breath caressing Thranduil's ear
as he whispered, "Melon lle."

A choked sob escaped the figure beneath Elrond and the arms around him
crushed him closer still.

/Melon lle, Elrond./  He allowed Elrond back in, sharing himself
completely once more with his bonded.  He was home.  His long, lonely
journey was over.  Thranduil held Elrond in his arms once more and he
would not let him go.  Not now that he had him again.

"You amaze me, Peredhel," he said raggedly, emotion thickening his
voice.

Elrond pulled back, smiling brightly.  "How is that, my King?"

He cupped Elrond's cheek, rubbing his thumb lightly over the smooth
skin.  "You are the most forgiving, selfless being I have ever had the
honor of knowing... and loving.  I am made better because of you and
your light, melethen.  You have forgiven me so often..."

"Hush, Thranduil.  No more recriminations.  It is in the past, this is
a new day, a new life.  Let us leave the hurts behind."

Thranduil nodded and moved his hand to the back of Elrond's neck,
pulling the bruised lips back to his own, savoring the taste of his
lover that he had missed for so long.

"Come, Elrond," he whispered, sliding the Peredhel off his lap.  "I
want you to myself, not any Elf that happens to pass us by."

Elrond's face was alight with love and desire as Thranduil led him
into the house.  The rooms were bright and large, smelling of the
outdoors, with a swift breeze caressing them as they came to one of
the large bedrooms.  Thranduil divested Elrond of his loose silk shirt
and deftly unlaced his leggings.  Elrond returned the favor, and soon
the two lovers embraced one another skin to skin.  The Imladris Lord
let out a contented sigh and nuzzled at the golden King's neck.

Thranduil was determined to savor these moments with his lover,
tasting his mouth greedily, causing Elrond to gasp breathlessly.
"Thranduil..." came the soft plea, and the blond Elf smiled wickedly.

"Elrond."  He looked into the hooded eyes, stormy with passion.
Thranduil leaned in, nipping at the tip of Elrond's ear, and was
delighted when his lover's body trembled against him.  He teased the
earlobe with his tongue, slowly drawing the tender skin into his mouth
and sucking gently.

The Peredhel shuddered at the intimate contact.  His arousal swelled
and pressed against Thranduil's thigh, elicting a chuckle from the
Sinda.  Thranduil clucked his tongue, chiding his lover for being
over-eager, then moved his lips down to Elrond's neck.  The tip of his
tongue traced Elrond's collarbone down to the hollow of his throat,
where Thranduil placed a soft kiss.  He trailed the kisses down the
dark-haired Elf's chest and stomach, slowly kneeling as he did.

When Thranduil was on his knees before Elrond, he took in the sight of
the Peredhel's firm erection.  It was a sight he had dispaired of ever
seeing again.  He lightly played his fingertips across the tight flesh
of the shaft, leaning forward to rub his cheek against the soft skin
surrounding the tip.  His touch drifted down to softly finger the
wrinkled sac below, then back up along the entire length of Elrond's
rod.  He poured all of his love and devotion into that touch, letting
Elrond know wordlessly how important Thranduil felt him to be and how
deeply he loved the Half-Elven Lord.

Elrond smiled down at Thranduil as he ran his hands through the golden
hair.  The problems of the past were now literally a world away, and
he and Thranduil could begin again.  Here, in the Undying Lands, they
finally had a chance -- a real, honest chance -- to share a life
together.

The Noldo was wrenched from his musings back to reality when he felt
his cock suddenly devoured by Thranduil's warm mouth.  Hardly had he
let out a gasp, though, than Thranduil had pulled back with a
mischevious look on his face.  He winked at Elrond's confused
expression and plunged his mouth back down onto the Peredhel's
erection.  The second gasp of surprised pleasure almost made the Sinda
laugh, but he managed to refrain.  Thranduil wrapped his fingers
around the base of Elrond's shaft to hold it steady and began bobbing
his head up and down, sliding the firm cock in and out of his mouth in
an easy rhythm.

Elrond's knees suddenly felt weak, and the dark-haired Elf had to put
his hands out against the wall to steady himself.  In between thrusts,
Thranduil pulled Elrond's rod in deeply and sucked hard along the
entire length, as though he could pull forth the Peredhel's seed
simply by suction.  The sensation made Elrond's eyes roll back in his
head, his breathing sped, and his whole body feel as though it had
caught flame.  He could not restrict his sounds to soft gasps and
moans; he cried out loud and long, thrashing his head side to side as
the King voraciously attacked the Half-Elf's cock with his mouth.

Elrond knew he couldn't hold himself back much longer.  "So close..."
he gasped, his voice raw and hoarse from calling out so much.
Thranduil chuckled in the back of his throat, but gave no sign of
slowing or stopping.  Elrond clenched his eyes shut as the feeling of
release welled up within him.  His entire body shook as he came.
Thranduil's name spilled from his lips over and over again even as his
seed spilled from his erection over and over again.  So great was
Elrond's orgasm, in fact, that the King struggled to swallow all of
it.

Thranduil stood slowly, wiping the last traces of Elrond's essence 
from his lips.  The Peredhel moved to embrace him, but so spent was 
Elrond that he all but fell into Thranduil's arms.  The Sinda held him 
close and helped him over to the bed.  After laying Elrond down on the 
large bed, the blonde lay beside him, draping an arm across Elrond's 
chest.

A few minutes passed in silence broken only by the sounds of
breathing.  When at last Elrond felt recovered, he cast his glance
down Thranduil's body, taking in the King's slowly wilting arousal.
He returned his eyes to Thranduil's face and brushed his fingers along
the arm holding him loosely.

"Have you no thought of yourself?" he asked Thranduil lightly.

"As exhausted as you are, melethron, I would never have asked."

Elrond turned his head and kissed Thranduil's lips even as he slid a
hand down the Sinda's body and fondled the stiffening member there.
"There are positions that do not require me to be well-rested," the
Peredhel said coyly.

"Indeed?" Thranduil replied, pretending to be oblivious.

"Oh, yes," Elrond continued in mock-seriousness.  "Would you like me
to demonstrate?"

"I would be most interested to see."

Elrond gave Thranduil's cock a quick squeeze before reaching behind
his head and removing one of the pillows.  He lifted his hips and slid
the pillow under his behind.  He spread his legs wide, exposing
himself completely to his lover.  The openness of the position was so
erotic that merely laying there was making the Peredhel hard a second
time.

Thranduil, still playing up the ignorance, merely nodded.
"Intriguing.  And this is pleasurable?"

"Most pleasurable all around," Elrond said, as though he were a
merchant trying to make a sale.  "Perhaps you would care to test it
for yourself?"

"But is it not traditional to use some form of oil?  I am afraid that
I have nothing of the sort here."

The dark-haired Elf blushed slightly, and the color travelled along
his whole body, causing Thranduil's cock to throb with desire.  "I
took the liberty," Elrond explained, "of furnishing your bedroom with
a small selection.  You'll find them in the bottom drawer of the
wardrobe."

Confused but curious, Thranduil crossed the large room and opened the
indicated drawer.  As Elrond had said, there were half a dozen small
phials of oil awaiting him.  He picked one at random and broke the
seal on the jar.  The rich scent of sage wafted up, and the Sinda
judged the oil to be satisfactory.  He carried the phial back to the
bed, crawling onto his knees between the Lord's spread legs.

Elrond's arousal grew at the sight of Thranduil between his legs, and
his cock swelled to match.  Thranduil tipped the phial slightly and
poured a small amount of the oil down Elrond's shaft.  Elrond sighed
at the feel of the cool oil, then moaned when Thranduil slid a hand
across the slick skin.  The golden King rubbed his palm up and down
over Elrond's rod, occassionally sliding his hand lower and massaging
the oil into the skin surrounding the Half-Elf's tender balls.

Some of the oil dripped down between Elrond's legs, and the Peredhel
used his fingers to rub it across his tight rear opening, dipping his
fingertip inside himself with a moan.  The intent was not lost on
Thranduil, who groaned at the sight.  He reached down, replacing
Elrond's fingers with his own, and gently worked his finger into his
lover's sheath.  He added more oil and made sure that every part of
Elrond's rear passage was slick and wet.  Only then did he apply a
generous amount of the sage-scented oil to his own cock.

Elrond gritted his teeth when he felt Thranduil begin to push into
him, but the pain was only slight and was over a moment later.
Thranduil was gentle, easing himself in only a little at a time,
groaning at the tightness that the new position accentuated.  When the
King was almost completely immersed, Elrond lifted his legs to change
the angle and allow Thranduil to bury himself totally within him.

Thranduil was awash in pleasure at the sensation of once again making
love with his bonded.  He held his arms out and supported Elrond's
legs with his forearms.  He leaned forward slightly and began to
thrust his hips against Elrond, sliding his cock in and out of the
warm tightness.  The Sinda threw his head back, moaning in time with
his motions.

Elrond's moans joined his lover's as he wrapped his hand around his
slick rod and began to stroke himself.  The two moved fluidly
together, lifting their voices in an erotic chorus, Thranduil's light
tenor complimenting Elrond's baritone as their moans became groans and
their sighs became gasps.  Thranduil was the first to reach his
release, gripping Elrond's thighs when the waves of orgasm crashed
through him.  He emptied himself into the Peredhel, who cried out in
rapture barely two breaths later.  Elrond's cock pulsed, spurting
the pearly seed onto his chest and stomach.  The Lord gave a
shuddering sigh as the throes of passion eased, looking up with love
at the blonde-haired Elf above him.

*****

The sun had already set by the time the lovers had cleaned themselves
up.  They lay naked in each other's arms, both enjoying the closeness
that they had missed for so long.

"I had wondered," Thranduil said at length, "why you had such a large
home set aside for me.  I suppose you knew that I wouldn't be staying
here alone?"

"I certainly had my hopes," Elrond replied.  "But don't worry, I don't
eat much, and Erestor and Gildor are very quiet.  Of course, once your
son and my twins join us here, we may have to deal with some tramping
about upstairs, but I think -- "

Thranduil cut him off with a laugh.  "Oh, no, you don't, Peredhel!
I've got you to myself now, and I intend to *keep* it that way!"

Elrond kissed Thranduil softly on the lips.  "We'll talk later," he
said sweetly, rolling over to settle in for the night.

Thranduil blew out the candle.  "Don't bet on it."

End "One Sweet Memory"

Elvish/English translations:
Melon lle : I love you
Saelbeth : Wise one
Hîren : My Lord
Maer aur : Good morning
Peniaur : Ancient one
Melethen : My love

Completed: 11/14/2003
Revised: 11/23/2003