Title: Finding Hope (19-21/30) Rating: NC-17 Type: FPS Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond/Erynoron, Caladir/Gurvelon, Melpomaen/Turidon, Lindir/Taurfaeron Author: Aglarien Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cats. Master Tolkien owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them. Warning: AU. Beta: Lady Mirfain Summary: Feeding a little elfling with a sweet tooth; Elrond & Erynoron get a little more comfortable with each other. ‘____’ indicates self-talk. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 19 When breakfast arrived, Erestor held Faelion on his lap and mashed up a ripe peach for him. He fed the little elfling a small amount. Faelion squealed happily and opened his mouth for more. Erestor smiled as he gave him more. “Oh, you really like that. Look, Glorfindel, he likes the peach!” The baby opened his mouth for more. Erestor grinned as he continued to feed the happy elfling. “I cannot wait to try cooked apples. Oh, and maybe some mashed ripe strawberries.” “What a good little elfling he is,” Glorfindel said. “How about trying some porridge?” Glorfindel put a bit of his porridge on the tip of his spoon and got up to feed it to the baby. “Here my little one, try some of Ada’s good porridge.” He put the porridge in Faelion’s mouth. The elfling scrunched up his face, and suddenly the porridge adorned Glorfindel’s face. Erestor and the older elflings burst out laughing, and even Glorfindel had to smile. “Oh, that was not a good little elfling, spitting porridge at Ada,” Glorfindel said, grabbing a napkin and wiping his face. Erestor took some porridge and mixed it with the mashed peach. “Here, sweetling, try this one,” he said, putting it in the baby’s mouth. Faelion happily ate it and opened his mouth for more. “Ah, you like your porridge sweet, and Ada Glor’s porridge was not sweet. Glorfindel, add some honey to the porridge and let us see if he likes it.” Glorfindel took some porridge and added some honey to it, then took some more and added some jam to it. “Here, sweetheart. Try these.” Erestor took a bit of the one with the honey and fed it to Faelion. The baby happily ate it and opened his mouth for more. Erestor next took the porridge with the jam. Faelion happily ate it. Erestor grinned at Glorfindel. “Our little elfling has a sweet tooth, my love.” Glorfindel chuckled and the other elflings giggled. “Maybe we would have liked porridge better with honey or jam in it, Ada,” Gailion said. Glorfindel took his porridge and mixed both honey and jam in it, and placed it in front of the elflings. “Try it, little ones. I think you will like it. Faelion likes it.” Erestor took a spoonful from the bowl for Faelion, as the other elflings tried the porridge. Gailion and Amdiriel looked at each other and smiled. “It is really good, Ada,” Gailion said, dipping his spoon in the bowl again. Glorfindel picked up his spoon and they all shared his porridge. ~~~*~~~ Erynoron awoke to find Elrond seated in a large upholstered chair next to the bed, looking at him with a small smile. The gray eyes twinkled with silver. “How are you feeling this morning, my friend?” Elrond asked softly. “Better?” Erynoron’s green eyes with the gold specks in them were the most beautiful he had ever seen. He thought he could sit for hours just looking into them, although his face and the rest of the Lothlorien elf’s body were wonderful to look at too. “Aye, I believe I do feel better, my…Elrond. You did not sit in that chair all night, did you, my…Elrond? Tell me I did not cause that?” Erynoron said, feeling guilty for being in Elrond’s bed. Elrond chuckled. Erynoron still could not remember to say his name without starting to say “my Lord” first. He found it adorable. “Nay. I slept for a while on the sofa. It is quite comfortable. Would you like to try and walk this morning? I think you may be ready for that.” “Aye, my…Elrond. I would like to. I am anxious to begin my work. Surely the work must be stacking up with you caring for me.” “Nothing of importance. Melpomaen and some of the others are handling the routine items. Do you know Melpomaen?” Elrond asked as he helped Erynoron to sit up. “Nay, my…Elrond. Only what Erestor has told me of him over the years.” Erynoron felt slightly dizzy sitting up and closed his eyes. “Tell me what you are feeling, my friend. Nauseous again?” Elrond asked, watching in concern as Erynoron’s eyes closed. “Nay, just a little dizzy. It is passing, my…Elrond.” “Good. I am just going to check the wound on the back of your head while you sit for a moment.” Elrond removed the bandages and gently moved the long blond hair out of the way. “It is healed over, and the lump is almost gone. I think we can do away with these bandages now.” “I think I am ready to try getting up now, my…Elrond. The dizziness is gone.” Elrond helped Erynoron swing his legs over the edge of the bed. “Go slowly. You may be dizzy again.” Elrond wrapped his arm around the advisor to help him stand. Erynoron took a tentative step, and felt fine. He slowly walked to the bathroom, with Elrond beside him still supporting him. When they reached the bathroom, Elrond asked, “Will you be all right on your own for a few moments while I find you some clean clothes?” Elrond knew that Erynoron would be embarrassed if he stayed again. “Aye, my…Elrond. I feel well.” Erynoron was thankful that Elrond would allow him to relieve himself in private this time. Elrond closed the door behind him and went to his wardrobe to find some clothing. Erynoron was only slightly shorter than he was, so he chose a soft, comfortable bed robe that was not too heavy. The advisor would be comfortable in bed with it, and more comfortable than in a light nightshirt when walking around a bit. Elrond thought perhaps they could spend some time relaxing on the balcony today. He would not be allowing Erynoron to begin work for another two days, just to make sure he was fully recovered, and looked forward to spending the time with him. He took the robe to the bathroom, as well as fresh garments for himself, and lightly tapped on the door. “May I enter, my friend?” “Aye, my…Elrond,” Erynoron said. Elrond entered and found the advisor gazing longing at the luxurious bathtub, which was sunk into the floor. The bath was covered with mosaic work in blue, green and gold, the designs echoing the light, open architecture of Imladris. Vials of oils, bottles of sweet smelling soaps, and jars of herbs marched around one side, and plush white towels were stacked at the end. Erynoron was sure he had never seen anything lovelier, other than Elrond himself, and it was calling to him. Elrond smiled, knowing what Erynoron must be thinking. “Would you like to take a bath, my friend? You must be longing for one by now.” “Oh, aye. But please, my…Elrond, surely it is time that I moved to my own room? I would not dream of imposing further on you, and I can easily use your public baths.” “When the time comes, your rooms will have your own private bath, Chief Advisor Erynoron,” Elrond said, reminding the advisor of his status, “but that time is not yet.” Elrond smiled warmly. “Your healer is not yet ready to release you, and you will stay here for at least two more days, resting.” The advisor started to object. “Nay, Erynoron, I am your healer, as well as the Lord of Imladris, and I will hear no more about it.” Elrond looked at Erynoron, smugly. “Aye, my Lord. I will do as you say.” “Good. And it is Elrond, remember?” “Aye, my…Elrond.” Elrond smiled at hearing Erynoron say “my…Elrond” again. “Now, let us get you in the bath. I am afraid I cannot leave you to bathe alone. It is too soon, and I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you.” Elrond opened the taps to fill the bath with warm water from Imladris’ underground hot springs, and chose oil and soothing herbs, which he added to the water. The room filled with the scent of lavender and rosemary. Erynoron slowly unbuttoned his nightshirt as he watched Elrond. Oh, he hoped he would not embarrass himself. Thinking how wonderful Elrond was and the tingles he got when the half-elf touched him, he prayed he would be able to control himself. “Come, Erynoron, your bath is ready,” Elrond said. He helped the advisor remove his nightshirt and led him to the bath. He placed his arm around Erynoron’s waist to help him step down into the bathtub, and heard the advisor draw a sharp breath. “Are you all right, my friend?” “Aye, my…Elrond,” Erynoron said shakily. Elrond settled him in the bath, then knelt behind him and rolled up his sleeves. “Let me wash your hair for you, my friend. I do not want you to open your wound again.” He took a pitcher of warm water and poured it slowly over the blond hair, then added soap and began to gently massage Erynoron’s head. The advisor’s hair was heavy and long, reaching down to his waist, and felt amazingly soft and silky. As he washed and massaged, Elrond daydreamed of holding Erynoron and running his hands through the silken waves as they kissed. He would look into those amazing eyes as he gently stroked a perfect ear, as he ran his fingers lovingly along the lone, pale neck, slowly moving his mouth closer… ‘What am I doing, for Valar sake! I absolutely cannot dream like that while caring for Erynoron. He trusts me as his healer. What if I scare him off? Stop it, you stupid elf. I am a healer and this is my patient.’ Erynoron had never felt anything so nice as Elrond’s hands gently running through his hair, his fingertips softly stroking his scalp. He practically purred, as he relaxed and closed his eyes. He wished he could have Elrond always touching him. ‘You will only make yourself sad, silly elf. What would a great and wise Lord like Elrond ever want with you? Stop torturing yourself. Just be thankful Celeborn sent you to this beautiful place and you will get to work with Elrond for a while.’ Erynoron sighed softly. “Comfortable, my friend?” Elrond asked. “Aye, my...Elrond. That feels wonderful.” Elrond chuckled softly, then poured fresh water over Erynoron’s head to rinse the soap away, and laid the long hair out of the way along the floor. “All done.” He moved around the side of the bath. “My friend, I need a bath as well, and it would be easier for me to wash you if I am in the bath with you. Would you mind if I joined you?” ‘Oh, you idiot. Why did you ask that? Now what are you going to do?’ Erynoron smiled softly at Elrond. He was going to wash him? “Of course not, my…Elrond. I do not mind.” ‘Oh Valar, why did I say that? How are you going to control yourself now, you foolish elf?’ Elrond could not believe his good fortune. Erynoron was going to allow him to join him! He quickly disrobed and stepped into the bathtub. Erynoron had to bite on his lip to keep from moaning when he saw Elrond’s beautifully proportioned body. His skin was golden, and muscles rippled in his battle-hardened body. His long and shapely legs, the firm muscular thighs…. ‘ Stop it! Do not look! No one will ever want me. He does not want me. I probably look revolting to him. He will never want someone like me. I am nothing but a simple scribe who happened to fall into being chief advisor because there was no one else available. He will never want me.’ Elrond took a cloth and poured soap on it, then began to wash Erynoron, starting with his hands and arms. Erynoron couldn’t help watching Elrond’s eyes. He looked for a sign of disgust or loathing in them, and surprisingly could find none. Elrond moved the cloth to his chest, and then his sides. Coming across a scar he had not noticed before, he asked, “What is this scar from, my friend? It looks old, but it has never healed completely.” “It…was from the…claw of a…warg…my…Elrond. Not a very big one, but I am…not…skilled in fighting…or defending myself…and…” “What happened?” Elrond asked, concerned. “I was with a guard…he killed it and…saved me,” Erynoron said. He would not tell Elrond that he had really thought he loved that guard. When he had laughed at him and made fun of him in front of all his friends because he could not defend himself properly, it had ended any hopes that Erynoron had of their being a couple. Erynoron watched Elrond’s eyes again, expecting to see the loathing he knew would be there when the Lord heard he could not defend himself. But all he could see was kindness and concern. “Thank the Valar you were not injured more seriously,” Elrond said. “I have some cream that we will put on it that should help the scar to fade. It does not look like it was tended to properly at the time. What did the healers do for it?” “I did not…go to the healers, my…Elrond. I tended it myself.” “Why?” asked Elrond, amazed. “I was ashamed…I could not…defend myself against a small warg, my...Elrond.” Erynoron hung his head. Elrond gently lifted the advisors chin with a finger. “Erynoron, my friend, not all elves have the same gifts or skills. We are not all healers, or warriors, or scribes, or metalworkers. You had nothing to be ashamed of.” It was obvious that the incident had caused Erynoron to doubt his worth. He would just have to help him see that there was no cause for him to doubt himself. Erynoron looked into Elrond’s kind eyes, the wisest in all of Arda. Could what Elrond said be true? “You had nothing to be ashamed of, my friend,” Elrond repeated. He smiled gently. “You *have* nothing to be ashamed of.” “I have nothing to be ashamed of? Truly?” Erynoron whispered. “Do you mean that my Lord?” “Aye, truly. I would never lie to you, Erynoron. You have nothing to be ashamed of. And it is Elrond. I have become rather fond of your calling me ‘my…Elrond’. I miss it when you do not say it.” Elrond chuckled and smiled at the advisor. Erynoron smiled back. “Thank you, my…Elrond.” Elrond laughed, and Erynoron thought it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. “Come on, my…friend. Let us finish this bath before the water gets cold.” Erynoron laughed at the way Elrond said ‘my…friend’. “Am I truly your friend, my…Elrond?” he asked. “Aye. I think you and I are going to be very, very good friends, Erynoron.” Erynoron smiled. “Friends help each other, do they not?” Elrond nodded. Erynoron took the cloth from Elrond’s hand, added more soap, and looked up at the half-elf. “Then may I?” he asked, motioning to Elrond’s chest. Elrond nodded, happily. Erynoron gently ran the cloth over Elrond’s chest and arms. ‘I cannot believe I am doing this,’ he thought. ‘Where did this…courage…come from? I am probably going to hate myself later when I realize how much I have just embarrassed myself, but I want to do this.’ Elrond took the cloth back, added more soap, and washed Erynoron’s feet and legs. Then Erynoron did the same for Elrond. As much as he wanted to wash the rest of Erynoron’s beautiful body, Elrond was afraid to do more, fearing that it would shatter this new more comfortable relationship between them. He smiled at Erynoron. “I am starving. I think we both missed dinner last night. Let us get out of here and get dressed and see if our breakfast has arrived.” Elrond helped Erynoron out of the bath. After drying themselves, Elrond reached for the robes he had brought. “I hope you do not mind wearing my things for now, my friend. Your things were taken to your rooms, but I asked the servants to wait until you moved there before they unpacked anything. I did not want them to disturb anything personal you might have brought without your knowledge.” “I do not have anything very personal, my…Elrond, but it is most kind of you to concern yourself with me and share not only your rooms but your things with me.” Elrond almost frowned, but kept his tone light. “Ah, such a diplomatic answer. I thought we were friends, Erynoron.” “Forgive me, my…Elrond. I am honored to wear your robe…Nay, I mean I thank you for…Nay, I am sorry my…Elrond. What I mean is, I like wearing your robe,” Erynoron nearly whispered and blushed. What a fool he was making of himself. Elrond chuckled, once more finding Erynoron simply adorable. He helped the advisor into the robe, then dressed himself. “Come, let us see what the servants have left us for breakfast.” Taking Erynoron’s hand, he led him out of the bedroom to the sitting room with its small dining area. By the time they had finished breakfast, the half-elf realized how kind and wise the advisor was. Elrond was also quite sure that he was very much in love with Erynoron *~*~*~*~* Chapter 20 The plan for the day for the House of the Golden Flower was Glorfindel and Gailion would finish making the dollhouse, while Erestor took Amdiriel and Faelion with him to visit Erynoron and Elrond. Glorfindel would also oversee the nearly finished renovations, as Erestor tended to hover over the workers. Erestor was anxious to have the rooms completed, and was having a hard time containing his excitement. Much progress had been made in the last two days, and it was expected that the renovations would be complete by the next day, as long as Erestor stayed out of the way of the workers. The icebox was due to be installed later that morning, along with the stove, and they expected that the kitchen would be completed by the evening. The children’s rooms, playroom and dining room were nearly complete, and would be ready sometime the next day. Erestor washed and dressed Gailion and sent him to Glorfindel. After washing Amdiriel and Faelion he asked, “What shall we wear today for visiting my friends, sweetheart? Green or blue?” “Can I wear that one, Ada?” Amdiriel asked, pointing to a dark green gown. It had a separate underdress of very pale green fabric that made up the elaborate full sleeves. “That would be lovely, sweetheart.” Erestor said, slipping the pale underdress over her head. The full sleeves hung to her wrists. The dark green followed. Pale green ruffles peeked out at the neckline and hem. “Pretty as a princess,” Erestor said. “Now, how about if we put your golden flower in your hair?” Erestor brushed her long hair and gathered part of it back from her face, securing it in the back with a hair clip. Dark green slippers for her tiny feet followed. “Now, would you like to pick out my robes for me to wear while I dress your brother?” Amdiriel nodded and ran to Erestor and Glorfindel’s wardrobe. Erestor dressed the infant in a soft pale green gown. “These, Ada,” Amdiriel said, pointing to a shimmering pale green floor length tunic with a dark green sash and surcoate. Hardly the thing Erestor would normally choose for day wear, but if it made Amdiriel happy, he would wear it. He quickly dressed, gathered diapers, milk and bunny for Faelion in his bag, and announced, “Well, I believe we are ready to go. Gailion, take care of your Ada for me today and do not let him get into any trouble, all right?” Gailion giggled. “I will, Ada Restor. We will be good today.” Glorfindel kissed Erestor and the two little elflings goodbye, and shooed them out of the door, Tinnu trailing behind them. The cat wanted to visit his friend Elrond. Erestor held Faelion in one arm, and held Amdiriel’s hand with his free one. He noticed the cat following as they headed off down the hall and chuckled. “Coming visiting with us, Tinnu?” “Reow-eow-ow! ” “I am sure Elrond will be happy to see you, too, my friend.” Arriving at Elrond’s door, Erestor knocked lightly. Elrond opened the door, smiling. “Erynoron, we have visitors, although I must confess I have no idea who these resplendent elves are!” Erestor laughed and they entered. “We brought another visitor to see you, Elrond,” he said, nodding to Tinnu. “Tinnu, how good to see you, my little friend,” Elrond greeted the cat. “Reow!” ~~~*~~~ “Good, they are gone.” Glorfindel grinned. “Gailion, my son, we have something very special to do today, and without Ada Restor. We will give them a few minutes to reach Lord Elrond’s rooms, and then we are off!” “We are not going to finish the doll house, Ada?” “We will, but later today. First we must take care of a little surprise for your Ada Restor.” After a couple minutes had passed, the two elves set out, cautiously looking around corners to make sure Erestor was nowhere in sight. They left the house and quickly dashed to the marketplace. Entering a shop, they were greeted by the owner, a master carpenter. “Are they ready, my friend?” Glorfindel asked. “Aye, my Lord. Come and see.” He took Glorfindel and Gailion to the back room, where finished furniture was stored. Whipping cloth covers off the furniture, he dramatically revealed the first of the pieces Glorfindel had ordered. “Perfect!” Glorfindel said, awed by the craftsmanship. Their new wardrobe was magnificent. Larger than their old one, it included a full-length mirror in the center panel. Deeply carved flowers bloomed under towering trees, vines trailing themselves here and there. Inside were drawers and shelves, as well as a large space to hang robes. “Erestor will love it!” The carpenter moved aside another cloth covering and revealed two matching bedside chests, and a matching long storage chest. “Excellent!” Glorfindel beamed. “And the rest?” “The storage chests and beds for the children’s rooms are here, my Lord.” Three beds and matching chests carved with forest animals were revealed. “And the dining room furniture is over here, my Lord.” The carpenter walked to the other side of the room and uncovered a dining table with six matching chairs, and a large matching storage cabinet. There was even a special higher chair for Faelion to sit in, built with a tray that could be dropped in front of the infant. Glorfindel lifted the tray up and down, chuckling. “Oh, he will really like this for Faelion.” The top of the dining table was gleaming dark wood. The legs of the table and the backs of the chairs were intricately carved trees. “Beautiful, my friend! Can you have them all delivered now? Gailion and I will empty the wardrobe we use now so it can be moved into the children’s bedroom, and the new dining room will be ready for the table and chairs within the hour.” “Aye, my Lord. We are ready to move them.” “Ada, I thought only the kitchen was going to be done today,” Gailion said. “Ah, little one, that is part of Ada Restor’s surprise. It will all be finished by the time he returns!” Glorfindel responded. “We need to hurry back and clean out the wardrobe and bedside tables to they can be moved to your new room. Will you help me?” Gailion grinned and nodded. ~~~*~~~ Everything came together perfectly. Elves delivered the furniture, then helped Glorfindel arrange everything. They even helped put all their clothing in the two wardrobes, and the children’s toys in their chests. Little tables and chairs were delivered to the children’s shared playroom, along with more toys and games. More elves arrived to deliver cooking ware, utensils, fine crystal glasses, mugs, cups, plates, trays, bowls, table linens and more. Ice from Imladris’ ice house was delivered for the icebox. Flour, sugar, spices, eggs, fruits, vegetables, milk, teas, cheeses and other supplies were all neatly put away in the kitchen. Breads and muffins, jams and butter, and a large pot filled with stew for their dinner arrived from the kitchens. Fuel was placed and lit in the stove in the kitchen, and a kettle of water set on top to heat for tea. The pot of stew was placed along side the kettle to simmer. House servants arrived and made up the beds in the children’s room, covering them with matching quilts in bright and cheery blues, greens, and golds. Bed curtains, canopies and curtains were in the same matching shades. Wood and tinder were placed in the fireplace, ready to be lit. Soaps, oils, towels and other necessities found their way into the children’s new bathroom. Everything was ready for Erestor’s return. When all of the elves who had come to help left, Glorfindel looked around and smiled happily. “Perfect,” he whispered. “Ada?” Gailion said. “Our old beds are still in your bedroom.” Glorfindel smiled down at the elfling, then picked him up and sat down in a chair with him. “Sweetheart, you and your sister do not have to sleep in your new room until you want to. You can continue to sleep in our room with us for as long as you want to. Is that all right with you?” Gailion smiled happily and hugged his Ada. “Thank you, Ada. We were afraid you would not want us there anymore when our room was done.” “Of course we want you, little one. We love you.” Glorfindel kissed Gailion’s brow. “Now let us have our lunch, and then finish Amdiriel’s doll house, all right? She is going to be so surprised when she sees everything we have made that goes inside.” *~*~*~*~* Chapter 21 Erestor, Faelion and Amdiriel spent the day with Elrond and Erynoron. They chatted the morning away, and after Elrond examined Faelion, they had lunch on the balcony. Elrond insisted that Erynoron rest after lunch, so while the advisor, Faelion, Amdiriel, and Tinnu napped, Erestor walked with his oldest friend in the gardens outside Elrond’s rooms. “Elrond, I saw the way you looked at Erynoron all morning. You have feelings for him.” Erestor smiled at his friend. “Aye, Erestor, I do. You were right…he is kind and wise. His heart is …good. I can feel it. And he is so very beautiful to these old eyes of mine. He has stirred feelings in me that I thought long dead. His eyes…his eyes enchant me.” “Oh, dear.” “Why do you say that, Erestor?” “You are in love, my Lord,” Erestor responded quietly. “Aye, I am.” Elrond cut a red rose off a bush with his thumbnail. “Do you think he might…like…me?” Erestor chuckled. “Oh, there is something there, I think. Every time you turned away, Erynoron could not keep his eyes off of you.” “Truly?” “Truly, my friend. At the very least he is interested.” Erestor grinned. “And the way he says, ‘my…Elrond’ is so sweet.” “So do you think I might…have a chance with him?” “Aye, my friend, I do. Elrond, I do not think Erynoron has ever had a mate or lover before. You will be…careful…with him, will you not?” Elrond nodded. “Of course I will, Erestor. I would never hurt him. He is already far too important to me.” ~~~*~~~ Erestor, elflings and cat returned to their rooms later in the afternoon. Opening the door, he laughed to find Glorfindel holding up Gailion over his head, as the elfling tried to remove Galvorn’s claws from the curtains. The little black and white kitten had managed to climb to the very top. Glirien sat anxiously, head back, watching her kitten. The furry black Brogdithen watched from his perch on the table. “Neow now,” Tinnu meowed loudly at Brogdithen, and the kitten jumped from table to chair to floor. Cats sitting on tables were not allowed. Tinnu knew Erestor and Glorfindel would not let anything happen to Galvorn, and waited patiently for the kitten to be brought down as he licked Glirien’s head, comforting his sweet little mate. “All right, Ada, I have his claws out.” Galvorn’s little legs thrashed around as Glorfindel slowly lowered the elfling and kitten, until Tinnu’s loud “Reow!” at the kitten made him stop trying to get free. Gailion set the kitten on the floor next to Glirien, who promptly proceeded to lick her offspring madly, then carry it away to their basket. “Hello, my sweethearts,” Glorfindel said, picking up Amdiriel with one arm and wrapping the other around Erestor and Faelion. “Did you have a good day, my love?” he asked, kissing Erestor soundly. “Those kittens have been underfoot and getting into trouble all day long. Did you have a good time visiting today, sweetling?” he asked Amdiriel, kissing her cheek. Amdiriel nodded. “Elrond and Noron are nice, and we had lunch outside on the balcony, and then Tinnu and I and Faelion took a nap with Noron,” she said, not stopping for breath. Glorfindel smiled at his beautiful little daughter and gave her another kiss. “Gailion and I missed you all today. Would you like to see what we did?” Amdiriel nodded. “Close your eyes, then. You too, Erestor, my love.” When Erestor’s eyes were closed, Glorfindel held Amdiriel in one arm and took Erestor’s free hand in his own. “Now no peeking, either of you. Keep your eyes closed.” Grinning at Gailion, he led Erestor into the children’s new room. “All right, you may open your eyes now.” Erestor opened his eyes, amazed at what he saw. A fire burned warmly in the fireplace, casting a soft glow around the room. Three little beds were lined up, dressed in matching blue, green and gold, with carved chests at their foot ends. On a table in the corner of the room sat a completed large dollhouse. Amdiriel’s mouth had formed an ‘O’ when she saw the dollhouse. “Down, Ada Glor, please,” she said. The second her feet touched the ground, she ran to the table. Opening doors and windows on the dollhouse, she laughed happily when she saw furniture and little carved figures inside. “Ada, look! We are inside! There is Ada Glor, and you and me and my brothers!” the elfling squealed. Glorfindel grinned as he lifted half of the roof up on its hinge so Erestor could see inside as well. “Look, little one. When you want to move us around, just lift the roof and you can reach in.” The detail was exquisite. There were tiny dishes and rugs, and each bed was covered with a quilt. There were even tiny replicas of the elflings’ toys, including Faelion’s bunny. And each room was exactly like their real chambers. “Oh, Glorfindel, it is wonderful!” Erestor said, as he kissed Glorfindel and Gailion. “However did you do it in such a short time?” Gailion snickered. “Ada and I have been working on it in secret every day since that day he went shopping. We fooled you! You did not know we were doing it!” Amdiriel hugged her brother and kissed his cheek, then lifted up her arms to Glorfindel. When Glorfindel lifted her, she whispered, “Thank you Ada Glor,” and rained little butterfly kissed all over his face. Glorfindel giggled and Erestor laughed. “Glorfindel, my love, is that not our wardrobe?” Erestor asked, looking around the rest of the room. “And our bedside tables?” He opened the wardrobe to find the elfling’s clothing neatly put away, then peeked into the bathroom to find it was as cleverly arranged as the rest of the room. “Amdiriel, look at your bathroom, sweetheart,” he said, as Glorfindel carried her into the room. “Do you like your bathtub, sweetheart?” Glorfindel asked her. Amdiriel nodded. “It has bunnies and squirrels and birds and trees and flowers on it, Ada, look,” she said, pointing to the large, elaborate bathtub. “Just like your new beds and chests do,” Glorfindel said. “Come to our room now, my love,” Glorfindel said to his mate, reaching for Erestor’s hand. He stopped at the doorway to their room, giving Erestor a gentle push in the room ahead of him. “Oh, Glorfindel, it is magnificent,” Erestor whispered, trying to take in the new wardrobe, bedside chests, and storage chest. He walked to the wardrobe and opened it, giggling at all the drawers and shelves. Some of the children’s clothing, as well as diapers, and their nightshirts were neatly stacked on a shelf so they would not have to go to the children’s new room for everything. Erestor turned around and smiled at Glorfindel. He laid Faelion in his cradle, then took Amdiriel from Glorfindel’s arms and set her on the bed next to Gailion. “I need to borrow your Ada Glor for a minute, my love,” he said. Erestor turned around and stalked back towards his husband with a grin on his face. Wrapping his arms around the taller elf’s neck, he drew the golden head down and captured Glorfindel’s mouth with his own for a long, passionate kiss. Glorfindel moaned into the kiss. When Erestor finally released his lips, he whispered, “There is more, my love.” “More?” Glorfindel nodded. He took Faelion from the crib, and holding him in one arm, grabbed Erestor’s hand. “Bring your sister, Gailion”, he called, as he pulled Erestor out of the room. Entering the dining room, he carefully placed Faelion in his special chair and lowered the tray in front of him. The baby giggled and cooed and pounded on the tray with little fists. Erestor laughed merrily at the sight, and opened cabinets to find dishes and glassware and linens. “Oh, Glorfindel,” he whispered. Glorfindel pulled him into the kitchen where the kettle and their dinner simmered on top of the stove. Erestor looked around at all the supplies, opened the icebox to find bottles of milk inside, and tears filled his eyes. “A real home. We have a real home, my love.” “Ada, you are going to have to give Ada Glor lots and lots and lots of kisses,” Amdiriel said. “Lots and lots and lots of kisses indeed,” Erestor whispered, looking up adoringly at his golden husband. ~~~*~~~ After dinner, dishwashing and drying with Gailion and Amdiriel helping, baths, story telling and lullabies, the elflings were sound asleep in their parent’s bedroom. As usual, their parents had crept out of the room to the sitting room. Lying naked on the fur rugs in front of the fire, Erestor held Glorfindel’s face in his hands and looked down into the blue eyes he so loved. ‘I know not what I did to deserve you, beloved, but I thank the Valar daily for giving me such a wonderful husband. I love you so very much, my darling one.’ Erestor’s words washed through his mind, and a deep feeling of peace, contentment, and overwhelming love rolled over Glorfindel. He gently ran his hands over Erestor’s back and caressed the beautiful bottom that fit so perfectly in his hands. ‘Erestor…my Erestor…my Erestor…my love…my life…kiss, me my love.’ ~~~*~~~ Lorien drifted through the Last Homely house, making sure all of its residents were soundly asleep and would remain so. Coming to Glorfindel and Erestor’s rooms, he blew gently on the elflings, ensuring their deep sleep. He checked the new rooms and looked into the dollhouse, chuckling when he saw the little figures. He laid the three elflings’ figures in their beds in their parent’s room, and arranged Erestor and Glorfindel in each other’s arms in front of the sitting room fire, chuckling again. Moving to the sitting room, he looked at the basket of sleeping cats, and gently picked up Tinnu, then blew on the others. ‘Come and sit with me, my little friend.’ The shadowy shape sat in a dark corner of the room with Tinnu on his lap, unseen and unnoticed by the elves. ‘Why are you here, non-elf? You will not ask me to give my remaining kittens away, will you?’ Lorien chuckled in Tinnu’s mind. “Nay, little one. I am here for them…for your master and his mate. And you may call me Lorien.’ ‘You are not giving them or their kittens away, are you?’ Lorien chuckled again. ‘Nay, Tinnu. I bring them a gift.’ Tinnu felt a little better and relaxed slightly. ‘What kind of gift? Is it a good one?’ “Aye, little one. It is a very good one. You see, Tinnu, your master and his mate are very special elves. They are very good and very strong, and they will do much good in the years to come, as will their children and their children’s children.’ ‘Their kittens will have kittens and will do good things too?’ ‘Aye, Tinnu. Their…kittens…were always meant to be theirs, chosen for them since the beginning. Have you not noticed how easily and quickly their…kittens…loved their new parents? Their souls already knew them, you see.’ ‘Oh. What gift did you bring them, Lorien?’ ‘Watch.’ ‘Do I have to? I have seen them doing this many times before.’ ‘This time will be different, little one. That is why I sent everyone else into a deep sleep. The first time can be a little…overwhelming…for elves. It is a gift that usually only the Valar and Maiar share, and we are giving it to them. They have many special tasks to perform in their years on Middle-earth. This gift will help them be even stronger. Their love is the strongest of all of Middle-earth. They will stand before the Nazgul and their fell beasts, before Sauron and his evil, and they will be victorious.’ ‘What is a Nazgul and Sauron, Lorien?’ ‘Later, Tinnu. Watch.’ The air began to fill with golden, sparkling lights. Tinnu reached out a paw and batted at one, but it passed right through his paw. It made him feel warm. And then he saw the golden lights were coming from his master. ‘Ooooh. Why is Erestor glowing, Lorien? Why is he gold?’ And then Erestor moved, and rolled Glorfindel on top of him, and Tinnu could see Glorfindel was glowing gold too, and the little golden lights were coming from him too. ‘What is happening, Lorien? What is it?’ ‘The golden light is their love, little one, that is now a visible thing. At times, all around them will even be able to see and feel it. See how the gold from Glorfindel is pouring into Erestor, and Erestor’s into Glorfindel?’ ‘Why are their eyes changing, Lorien?’ Erestor’s dark eyes sparkled with gold, as did Glorfindel’s blue ones. ‘Because of their love, little one.’ The elves screamed, and Tinnu jumped. ‘Are they in pain?’ he asked in a panic. ‘Nay, little one. It is just very intense for them. I am here to make sure that they will be all right.’ The way that Erestor was sobbing and crying out for Glorfindel to take him was unlike anything that Tinnu had ever heard before. Glorfindel sobbed something about Erestor not being prepared. Tinnu’s round eyes grew rounder as he stared between his elves and Lorien. The Vala petted the cat to calm him. ‘It is all right, Tinnu, they are all right.’ Erestor flipped Glorfindel beneath him and quickly lowered himself on his husband’s hard member, taking it fast and hard inside his passage as their moans and sobs filled the air, and the golden lights grew larger and brighter. Erestor lifted his hips and slammed them back down again and again, before Glorfindel turned them over and started thrusting wildly into the elf below him. Erestor’s fingernails tore at Glorfindel’s back, until Lorien softly blew at the writhing elves, and Erestor’s fingers began pressing instead of clawing. Erestor could not think or speak. All he could do was feel as Glorfindel pounded into him and his love poured through him. There were no words that were needed, because he was in Glorfindel and part of Glorfindel. Sobbing with the intensity of it, Erestor crawled inside of Glorfindel, and was wrapped in his love. ‘Will it always be like this for them now, Lorien? I mean, they are awfully noisy, and it does not look like they are enjoying it,’ Tinnu asked. ‘Nay, just this first time is like this, Tinnu,’ Lorien chuckled. ‘After tonight, outwardly it be much like it was before…except for the golden lights and what they feel inside. That will stay. And trust me, they are enjoying it, little one.’ Glorfindel wailed as he pounded into Erestor, and every thrust buried him deeper and deeper until all that existed was Erestor. Erestor was in him and around him and Erestor was all that mattered. Finally screaming their completion, the two elves collapsed in each other’s arms, as golden lights still sparkled through the room. ‘Time for me to leave you now, my little friend. Your mate and kittens will wake soon. Go to them, Tinnu.’ ‘Will I see you again?’ ‘Someday, perhaps, little one. Someday.’ Tinnu nodded and went to his basket as Lorien waved a hand over Glorfindel’s back, then shimmered away. The marks on Glorfindel’s back disappeared, and Tinnu wrapped himself around Glirien and licked her head gently, as golden specks of light fell over them, warming them. Erestor and Glorfindel slowly recovered and searched each other’s eyes. ‘What was that, my love?’ Erestor whispered. ‘What happened? Your eyes are gold.’ ‘I do not know, sweetheart. It was…it was…so…wonderful…intense…perfect. And your eyes are gold as well, my love,’ Glorfindel said as he kissed Erestor deeply. They lay in each other’s arms and watched as the gold flickered in their eyes. Silently and tenderly they spoke words of undying love as hands and arms lovingly caressed glowing flesh. Golden sparks of light still fell around them and through them, unnoticed by the elves. They fell into reverie, and the gold of their eyes slowly retreated behind blue and brown. Tbc….