Title: Finding Hope (25-27/30) Author: Aglarien Rating: NC-17 Summary: Love seems to abound in Imladris, and it’s not even Spring! To avoid distracting little ** or //, the opening conversation is Elrond and Celeborn far speaking. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 25 Elrond sat in his chair, eyes closed, as he reached out with his mind for Celeborn, and smiled as he heard his father-in-law in his mind. “Celeborn, there is something I need to tell you.” “There is no need, my son. Galadriel foresaw it. What is the gift of foresight for, if not to help our loved ones? Why do you think we sent Erynoron to you? He is a wonderful advisor, but your happiness and his are far more important to us. There are others here who can take his place, but only he will be able to fill your heart again, Elrond.” “I do not know what to say…” “Just take good care of him for us, and allow him to take care of you. He will be very good at that, you know.” “Thank you, Adar. Thank you.” “And Elrond? Tell Taurfaeron that the answer is aye.” “The answer? What was the question?” Celeborn chuckled. “My good lady tells me that he proposed marriage to Lindir tonight, and has written to us asking to be relieved of his duties to us and stay in Imladris. Watch out for him for us, will you? He will be missed, but we will not keep him from the one he loves.” “Then I thank you again, Celeborn, for Lindir is dear to me.” “Good night, my son. Hug my grandsons for me.” “Good night, Adar. Hug my daughter for me.” Elrond lay back in his chair resting, a large smile lighting his face. ~~~*~~~ Erestor’s hands clawed at the sheets. On his hands and knees, his face was buried in the pillow, his teeth biting into it in an effort to keep from screaming, as Glorfindel pounded into him and whispered sultry words in his ear. They had not been so abandoned in their lovemaking since the elflings had come. “My sweet baby…my beautiful baby. Oh…you feel so good…I love you baby, I love you.” Erestor panted and writhed beneath the onslaught, and wailed into his pillow. Glorfindel began pulling nearly all the way out and slamming home again. Erestor felt like lightening was flashing through his body. Glorfindel was driving him wild, and he loved it. “Is this what you want, baby? Can you feel me deep inside you? Tell me, baby…tell me this is what you want.” Erestor wailed, “Ayyyyyeee!” and thrust his hips up to meet every thrust. Glorfindel filled him with love, with passion as well, but most of all with love. “Love…you. Love…you. Glor..Ai!” His length was taken in a strong hand and pumped, and all Erestor was capable of doing was screaming into his pillow to muffle the noise he was making as he came hard, spilling over Glorfindel’s hand. When he felt Glorfindel’s seed splash deep within him, he cried out again, as his husband muffled his own cries against his neck. Erestor collapsed down on his stomach, and Glorfindel rolled to the side to keep from squashing him. “Oh…Erestor…baby…that was…” “Amazing…” Erestor panted. “Love you.” “Love you.” Their breathing slowed as they slowly drifted off into reverie, gold lights falling all around them. ~~~*~~~ After their breakfast, Elrond and Erynoron went to Erestor’s office, where Melpomean helped show the new advisor what work awaited him and where everything was. Erynoron was nearly ecstatic at the thought of getting to work with Elrond every day. Elrond had been so sweet to him over breakfast that Erynoron hated the thought of not having every meal privately with him in the future, but working with him would make up for it. After an hour or so, Elrond called Erynoron into his office. “Come, look at this with me and tell me what you think.” He didn’t really need Erynoron to help him, but it was an excuse to be close to the advisor. “What is it, my…Elrond?” “Drains. We need to put in new drains, and need to find the best spot for them. I am not sure if they should go here, here, or here,” Elrond said, pointing out the spots on a map. “Hmmm. Not here. You see how the ground sloops? If you put the drains there, they may pollute the hot springs beneath the house. The same for this spot. They should go here.” Erynoron touched the third spot with his finger. Just as he did so, Elrond moved his finger to the spot and said, “Here, then.” His hand brushed Erynoron’s, and a shiver hit him. He gently wrapped his hand around the Advisor’s and their eyes met. The green eyes flashed with gold. “Wildfire,” he breathed. “My flame.” Erynoron drew a sharp breath and watched as Elrond slowly moved closer, until “My flame,” was breathed against his lips, and his mouth was captured in a soft kiss. Throwing his arms around Elrond’s neck, he wove his fingers through the silky dark hair and moaned into the kiss, as he felt a warm tongue press against his lips. Feeling the long fingers running through his hair, Elrond pressed for entrance, and moaned when it was granted. Their tongues writhed around each other in the lover’s dance as old as time. Finally forced to break for breath, they stood panting in each other’s arms, eyes locked. “My Elrond,” Erynoron whispered. “Aye, yours.” Elrond said softly, before his lips were captured and controlled by the Advisor’s. ~~~*~~~ Glorfindel opened the doors and stepped out onto their balcony. “Erestor, come quick, love! Look!” Erestor ran out on the balcony and looked to where Glorfindel pointed. And a smile broke out on his face. “Oh, I am so happy for them. How sweet they look.” Elrond and Erynoron walked hand in hand through the gardens, their heads close together, and they looked to be talking. Suddenly, Erynoron pulled Elrond into his arms and kissed him passionately. “Oh, my. Noron, I never knew you had it in you.” Erestor chuckled. Glorfindel grinned, watching as his Lord was thoroughly kissed. “How wonderful for Elrond. Exactly what he needs. Someone who is strong enough to overlook his position and take what he wants. Good for Erynoron.” “Come, my love,” Erestor said. “Let us stop staring at them before they see us out here.” He pulled Glorfindel into their bedroom. The children were playing quite happily in their room, so he grabbed his husband and kissed him senseless. ~~~*~~~ “Elrond…oh, I cannot believe I just did that. I do not know where this courage comes from, but I find I can no longer be the shy and unassuming advisor with you,” Erynoron whispered into Elrond’s neck. Elrond chuckled. “I am glad you cannot. Perhaps it comes from here,” he said, placing his hand over Erynoron’s heart. “Aye, it does, my Elrond. It does,” the advisor answered. “I know not what happened, but from the first moment I saw you, my heart has sung.” “As mine sings for you, my love,” he whispered. Holding Erynoron’s face in his hands, he gazed into his beautiful eyes. “So beautiful. My flame,” he whispered, then kissed his new love deeply. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 26 Deciding to get themselves ready before the elflings, Glorfindel and Erestor dressed in the robes that had been made for their wedding. The velvet robes sparkled with embroidered gold flowers and jewels. The only difference was Glorfindel’s was royal blue with sapphires, and Erestor’s was a deep red with rubies. They fixed each other’s hair as they had done on the day of their formal marriage, weaving jewels among the elaborate braids and finishing with their golden circlets. When Erestor and Glorfindel walked into the children’s room to get them ready, they grinned as they saw the children stare at them wide-eyed. “It is just your Adas, sweetlings,” Erestor said. “Oh, Ada. You are…you are…beautiful!” Amdiriel squealed. “Oh…Ada Glor is so pretty, too.” “Well, just wait until we are done with the three of you. We will be the most stunning of everyone at the party!” Glorfindel said. Erestor dressed Amdiriel in her new green gown, and wove emeralds that flashed when she moved her head into her dark curls. Her beautiful emerald bracelet and pendant were next. “Come, see what you look like sweetheart.” Erestor stood her in front of the mirror. “See how beautiful you are?” “Oh, Ada, is that me?” Erestor chuckled. “Aye, that is my Amdiriel.” Glorfindel finished with their oldest elfling, and Gailion joined his sister in front of the mirror. The only thing left was their gold circlets. Glorfindel wove them into their hair while Erestor dressed Faelion and coaxed the baby into letting him put his circlet in his hair. Finished, they looked at themselves in the mirror. “Stunning, my dears. Simply stunning,” Glorfindel said. Erestor laughed. “Let us go then, or we will be late.” As they walked to the dining hall, Erestor reminded the children that his cousin, Mirfaineth, would be taking them back to their rooms, along with Calariel and Glawen, shortly after dinner. The children could come to the Hall of Fire after dinner for a few minutes to see everything, but it would be too late for little elflings to stay up longer. Mirfaineth’s husband was out on patrol, and she was expecting their first child. She was looking forward to watching the elflings for the practice. The children liked Mirfaineth, and Erestor trusted her, so it was a good solution. At the doors to the dining hall, they paused. “Do you remember what to do, little ones?” Erestor asked. Two little heads nodded. Glorfindel held Faelion in his arms, and Erestor held Amdiriel. Gailion would walk between them. The two adas smiled at each other, extraordinarily proud of the sight they would make. Glorfindel opened the door and they stepped inside. Walking to their place at Elrond’s table, they could not help hearing gasps and other sounds of admiration. If the elflings were awed by the crowd of elves in the room, they did not show it. Gailion and Amdiriel noticed Amarion and his family, and gave a tiny wave to their friends, hoping their adas would not mind. Elrond and Erynoron had not arrived yet, so they took their places at the table. Erestor noticed that Calariel and Glawen were looking adorable in their new finery as they sat on their adas’ laps, and sported matching sapphires around their necks and wrists, as well as in their hair. He smiled at Caladir and gave Gurvelon a wink. Glorfindel helped Erestor sit with Amdiriel in his lap, before seating himself with Faelion. The little girls were still too small to sit in the chairs in the dining hall and reach anything. Gailion was just big enough, so he sat between his adas. Besides, there were plenty of friends around if need be. They greeted Lindir and Taurfaeron, seated across from them, and Erestor noticed a flash. “Lindir?” Erestor said, “Is that a mithril ring I see on your finger perchance, my friend?” He wished Taurfaeron would move his hand so he could if the Lothlorien captain wore one as well. Lindir blushed prettily and nodded. “Indeed it is, Erestor,” Taurfaeron said proudly. “My beautiful love has consented to marry this hardened old warrior.” He held up his hand to show off his matching ring. “Oh, I am so very happy for you both,” Erestor said. “Glorfindel, is it not wonderful?” “Indeed it is. My congratulations to you both,” Glorfindel smiled. Melpomean and Turidon were seated on the other side of Lindir and Taurfaeron, and joined in the congratulations. “Lindir,” Mel laughed, “do you remember telling me once that you wished you had a big, strong warrior to sit beside? I think you got your wish, my friend.” “And more than I ever hoped for,” Lindir answered, looking adoring up at Taurfaeron. The minstrel looked so adorable that his big, strong warrior had no choice but to lean over and kiss him, to the delight of all of their friends. Just then, Elrond finally arrived with Erynoron at his side. As usual, the Lord of Imladris looked elegant and regal in his dark blue and cream robes of state. With his mithril circlet and silver stars laced through his hair, he was as beautiful as always. But Erynoron was stunning. The tall elf was dressed in beautiful deep green robes that shimmered with golden embroidery and amethysts. Peeking out through slashes in the sleeves were wisps of pale, sheer lavender. Emeralds and amethysts woven into his carefully arranged hair flashed as he walked. Behind them walked Elladan and Elrohir. The assembled elves rose, and as the party passed, bowed respectfully to their Lord. Erestor could see a faint blush on Erynoron’s cheeks. He doubted if his friend had ever been so elegantly attired before – Elrond had certainly done his best to make sure his new love shined for all to see. “Ada, Noron is pretty,” Amdiriel whispered. “He is indeed, sweetheart,” Erestor whispered back. “Now do not forget to bow your head when Elrond comes to the table, all right?” When Elrond, Erynoron and the twins reached the table, Amdiriel, still held in her Ada’s arms, inclined her head as Erestor had taught her to do, and the other elves bowed. Elrond introduced Erynoron and explained to the assembled elves that Celeborn’s Chief Advisor would serve as their Chief Councilor, along with Erestor, and relieve Erestor of most of his regular duties to allow him time with his new family. Erestor was touched that Elrond had said Erynoron would serve along with him, and gracefully acknowledged the complement with a bow of his head. He longed for the time off from his duties, but it felt good to still be needed and recognized. “We have another cause to celebrate this evening, my friends,” Elrond continued. “Our dear Lindir and our new friend Taurfaeron of Lothlorien, are betrothed.” The assembled elves cheered and applauded, and a blushing Lindir held onto Taurfaeron’s hand tightly. “Taurfaeron, Lord Celeborn bids me tell you that your request to leave his service has been graciously agreed to. We welcome you to your new home, Taurfaeron of Imladris.” At this announcement, Taurfaeron grabbed Lindir and kissed his soundly, to the cheers and applause of all. “After dinner there will be entertainment and dancing in the Hall of Fire,” Elrond continued. “Please, be seated, and enjoy the meal and the rest of the evening.” When they were seated, Elrohir, who was seated on the other side of Erestor, spoke to Amdiriel. “Hello, little princess. Do I get a hello hug?” Amdiriel giggled, and held out her arms. Elrohir took her from Erestor and set her on his lap. “My, you look beautiful tonight, princess. Who put all those emeralds in your hair?” “My Ada did.” Amdiriel giggled again. “Are you going to save me a dance later tonight, princess?” “Ada says we have to go back to our room with Mirfaineth after dinner.” “Ah, he does, does he? Erestor, may I have one dance with your little princess before she has to go with Mirfaineth?” He looked at Erestor with puppy dog eyes. “Please? Just one small one?” Erestor laughed. “Would you like to dance with Elrohir, sweetheart?” “I would, Ada. May I?” The little green eyes sparkled up at Erestor, and she smiled. Erestor knew he could not deny her. “Just one then. And then you must go to bed, all right?” Amdiriel grinned and nodded. “Thank you, Ada.” “Thank you, Ada,” Elrohir echoed and grinned, earning him a little slap on his shoulder from “Ada”. Dinner was an elaborate affair with all the best Imladris had to offer. Erynoron secretly peeked at Elrond whenever he could, and Elrond was peeking back when he could. Lindir and Taurfaeron had eyes only for each other. Mel and Turidon happily chatted with everyone. Caladir and Gurvelon were having a wonderful time with their pretty little elflings. Servants helped the four new adas prepare plates for the elflings, cut up the children’s food for them, and even brought mashed fruit for the baby. Faelion happily chewed on Glorfindel’s hair after his Ada had fed him and was finally eating his own dinner. Elrond and Erynoron fawned over all the elflings and told their adas what wonderful, beautiful children they were. Erestor whipped the baby’s bunny out from under his robes and handed it to Gailion to give to his brother to chew on instead of his Ada’s hair. “Always prepared, my friend,” Erynoron laughed. “I am learning, my friend. I am learning,” Erestor chuckled. When dinner was over, all of the elves moved into the Hall of Fire. Musicians played in a corner, and soft music filled the hall. Elrohir claimed his dance, whisking Amdiriel off to the dance floor. He swirled around with her in his arms, as she laughed merrily. Caladir and Gurvelon danced together, each with an elfling still in his arms, and Erestor found his heavily pregnant cousin for one not- too-lively dance before she took the elflings away. Glorfindel simply picked Gailion up in his other arm and twirled around the floor with his two sons, laughing joyfully. After their one dance, Erestor and Gurvelon accompanied Mirfaineth to Erestor and Glorfindel’s rooms to help get the children ready for bed. Before they left, Calariel and Glawen were curled up together in the unused bed in the children’s room, Faelion was peacefully asleep in his cradle, and Amdiriel and Gailion were just falling asleep in Gailion’s bed. At Erestor’s insistence, Mirfaineth was stretched out on Amdiriel’s bed, resting. “If you are sleeping when we return, we will not wake you, love. Just stay here for the night. You need to be careful in your condition, you know,” Erestor said. He was very protective of his cousin, especially when her husband was off on patrol. “Aye, Nana,” Mirfaineth answered with a grin. Erestor just chuckled and kissed her chastely on the cheek. When they returned to the Hall of Fire, Erestor sought out his husband. “Dance with me, Glorfindel my love?” Glorfindel smiled down at his beautiful mate. “Always, sweetheart.” Sweeping Erestor into his arms, he twirled him out onto the dance floor. Erestor looked up at Glorfindel with love shining from his eyes and smiled. There were few things he liked better than dancing in Glorfindel’s arms, and they had not been able to do much of it lately. After two or three lively dances, many of their friends had left the dance floor to catch their breaths. The music slowed and grew soft, and still they danced slowly in each other’s arms. “I love you, my Erestor,” Glorfindel said softly. Erestor fit so perfectly in his arms, the dark head cradled under his chin. “I cannot remember life without you, without your love. I love you so very much.” “I love you, my Glorfindel, and I thank the Valar daily for your love. You are my heart, my soul, my light.” Erestor lifted his head and moaned so softly that only his husband could hear as Glorfindel kissed him sweetly. Elrond, Erynoron, and several others stood watching the couple. “They are so beautiful. So much in love,” Erynoron said. “Aye, it shines from them,” Elrond answered. Golden lights began to sparkle here and there around the dancing couple as they kissed. “What is that?” Erynoron asked. “I…I do not know, at least for certain. I have heard of such things, but have never seen it before,” Elrond replied. The golden lights grew stronger and more numerous. Other couples dancing began to notice, and stopped to watch, amazement on their faces. “Turidon, have you seen it before? Do you know?” Elrond asked. Turidon was one of the first elves, and if anyone would know, it was he. “Aye, my Lord. I have seen it. Long ago when the Valar walked among us and in the Undying Lands. I know what it is. But never have I seen it among elves. It was only known among the Valar.” There was wonder in Turidon’s voice. “What is it, my love?” Melpomaen asked. “Tell us?” “Love. We are seeing love. Their love. See how it passes from one to the other and then overflows into the room? They have been greatly blessed, and we have been greatly blessed to witness this. It is their love. Come, my little Mel. Come and dance with me,” Turidon said softly. “Turidon, perhaps it would be better if...” Elrond began. Erestor and Glorfindel were gazing into each other’s eyes before they kissed again. The golden lights again grew more numerous. “Nay, my Lord. You do not understand. It is to be shared. That is why we can see it – to share in it. Did you not see their eyes turning to gold? Come, all of you. Come and dance.” Turidon led Melpomaen out onto the floor and the other couples followed. Elrond and Erynoron, Caladir and Gurvelon, and Lindir and Taurfaeron, moved onto the floor and danced, and soon all of the other couples joined them. And all around them, and on them, golden lights fell. “Can you feel it, my love?” Turidon whispered to Mel. “Aye,” Mel whispered. “It is warm and sweet, and…and…lovely,” he said, pulling Turidon down for a kiss. Elladan and Elrohir stood side by side, watching the dancing elves. The golden lights grew more numerous and spread throughout the room, even falling on the twins. They watched their father in amazement as he looked into Erynoron’s eyes, and the realization hit them at once. “Ada loves him,” Elladan whispered. “Erynoron loves Ada,” Elrohir responded. “Just look at them. How beautiful they are together. Oh, I am happy for Ada.” “As am I, my brother, as am I. Too long has he been alone. Oh…look at Caladir and Velon.” Caladir and Gurvelon, bonded for centuries with a love so strong that Erestor had once wished that he and Glorfindel’s love would be the same, were softly glowing. They always glowed when they made love, but never before at any other time. They saw the glow, and were smiling adoring at each other. “Can you feel it, Dan?” Elrohir asked. “They feel warm.” He held out a hand and watched as golden lights drifted through it. “Aye. They seem to make everything warm and…I do not know how else to describe it.” Elrohir nodded. “Oh, look at Ada and Erynoron!” Elrond had stopped dancing and was drawing Erynoron closer. The twins watched as their father’s mouth captured Erynoron’s in a deep kiss and the Advisor wound his fingers through dark hair. Elladan grinned at Elrohir, who smirked back at his brother. “I do not want to be anywhere near Ada’s rooms tonight, brother,” Elladan said. “No indeed.” Elrohir chuckled. “Erynoron is truly beautiful, is he not, brother?” “Aye. Ada has good taste. And he is Erestor’s friend. Erestor says he is a good and kind elf, which means we do not have to rip him apart to make sure he is good enough for Ada,” Elladan said. “Indeed. It is good that Erestor knows him so well,” Elrohir laughed. “It saved him from Ada’s protectors.” The twins laughed and decided it was time for them to look for something else to do. Like sparring for instance. Anything to get them out of this room and away from all this romance! They went to Elrond’s office and wrote a quick note telling their Ada that they approved of his choice, and to please be gentle with Erynoron because they rather liked him. They took the note to Elrond’s bedroom and left it on his pillow, then went off to change for their sparring. In the Hall of Fire, Glorfindel saw Caladir and Gurvelon leave. He gave them a few minutes to pick up their girls and return to their own rooms, then picked up his beloved husband in his arms. Erestor wrapped his arms around Glorfindel’s neck and rested his head on his strong shoulder, and was lovingly carried back to their rooms. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 27 Mirfaineth was standing at the door waiting for them when Glorfindel and Erestor arrived. She had woken when Caladir and Gurvelon had come for their girls, and knew that her cousin and his spouse would not be far behind. She grinned at the sight of Glorfindel carrying Erestor in his arms. “Greetings, my indulged cousin. The children are sound asleep, and I am awake, so I will return to my rooms.” Erestor opened his eyes and sighed. “I suppose you had better put me down now, my love, as wonderful as it has been.” Glorfindel gently set him on his feet. Erestor gave his cousin a hug and kissed her brow. “Thank you, love. Rest well, and take care of my little nephew you carry.” “I will. Good night, Erestor. Good night, Glorfindel.” Reaching up on tiptoe, she kissed Glorfindel’s cheek. “Take care of my favorite cousin for me, Glorfindel.” Glorfindel smiled. “Always. Good night, Mirfaineth, and thank you.” When she left, the adas went to check on the children. Faelion was sound asleep in his cradle, clutching his bunny. Tinnu and Glirien had left their kittens in the basket by the fire and were sleeping next to the elflings. Erestor and Glorfindel tucked in a blanket here and there, kissed the children softly, gave the cats a gentle pet, then retired to their own room. They lazily helped each other undress and remove the jewels and elaborate braids from their hair, and finally fell into their own bed. Erestor snuggled into Glorfindel’s arms. “I am so happy for Elrond and Erynoron. It was lovely to see them together tonight.” “Hmmm....It was. And the twins seem to be all right with it. I hoped they would be.” Glorfindel pulled Erestor closer and nuzzled his neck. “It was wonderful dancing with you again tonight, sweetheart,” he whispered. “It was. I love it when you hold me. You always make me feel so warm and protected. I know I do not need protection, but I love feeling it just the same.” Glorfindel stroked Erestor’s silky hair and chuckled warmly. “I love that I can make you feel that way. I would do anything for your happiness, Erestor.” “As I would for you, my love.” The two elves just held each other for a long time, sharing long, languid kisses. ~~~*~~~ Caladir and Gurvelon looked down on their sleeping daughters. The two little girls were snuggled together, their arms wrapped around their dolls and each other, surrounded by their favorite stuffed animals. Their little gray and white kitten, Cenedril, was curled up sleeping on their pillow. “They are so precious, my love. I never thought I could fall so much in love so fast,” Gurvelon whispered, “except with you, of course.” “Aye. So very precious and beautiful,” Caladir said softly. “Just like their Ada Velon. Come to bed, sweetheart,” he said, wrapping his arms around Gurvelon. The little scribe nodded and they quietly slipped out of the girls’ room and into their own bedroom. Quickly undressing, Gurvelon crawled into bed, pulling his husband after him. As he started to remove the braids from Caladir’s hair, he said, “I am so glad they are sleeping better now and in their own room, my love.” “Aye, and not just because I missed having you alone in our bed, but because it means their fears have finally grown less.” Gurvelon nodded as he removed the last braid and ran his fingers through Caladir’s soft, dark hair, spreading it out. Lying down next to his warrior, he covered himself with his husband’s luxurious hair. Together for centuries, Caladir and Gurvelon’s love for each other had grown only stronger. Their passion and lust for each other had never waned, and lay just below the surface, ready to leap into flame at the slightest touch. Velon had always loved to cover himself with the long, dark hair, and frequently wrapped himself in it, using it as a blanket. Caladir was a bear of a warrior, a little taller and broader than Glorfindel, and little Velon was among the smallest of the adult elves in Imladris. Caladir could rest his arm comfortably on his husband’s head when they stood side by side. Through all the centuries they had fit perfectly together, and the strength of their love was widely recognized and admired. “Whatever would you do if I had to cut my hair, sweetheart,” Caladir chuckled. Gurvelon smiled up at the only elf he had ever loved. “Wait for it to grow back, I suppose. I fell in love with you before I knew how wonderful your hair was, if you remember. It was not until after we were married that you finally let me unbraid it at night. Your hair is just something extra that I love about you, beloved. I fear I should still love you, even if you had no hair.” “Perish the thought, sweetheart!” Caladir laughed. “I remember the first time I saw you. You were in the library, reaching for a book. Your beautiful auburn hair loose and curling gently around your lovely, firm little behind.” The warrior’s large hands tenderly caressed Velon’s perfectly round buttocks. “And then you turned and looked at me with your sparkling green eyes, and I saw your beautiful face, your full, red lips smiling at me. You captured my heart the first moment I saw you, and I have never wanted it back, beloved.” “As you captured my heart, my darling warrior,” Gurvelon purred. “My heart never stops singing my love for you.” He pulled Caladir’s head down to him and captured his mouth with his own, delving into his husband’s sweetness. Caladir moaned and reached under the pillow for the oil they kept there. Opening the bottle, he coated his fingers and quickly prepared Gurvelon. After centuries of lovemaking, most of the time more than once daily, it only took a moment. Then easily lifting his little mate, he thrust his hard shaft into the tight channel to the hilt, ramming it into Velon’s hidden sweet spot, just the way his little scribe loved it. He quickly covered Gurvelon’s mouth with his own to stifle his lover’s scream of pleasure that would surely wake the girls Gurvelon wailed in delight and wrapped his legs tightly around his warrior as his hands gripped Caladir’s muscled arms. His wonderful husband always knew exactly what he wanted. His heart sang for the only elf he would ever love for all eternity, and lightening raced through his body. How he loved it when Caladir covered his body with his own large one when they made love, the big, hard warrior above him making him feel protected and sheltered. “More…more. My…love…oh…I love…you. Harder…harder,” he cried out softly. Caladir thrust harder, striking Gurvelon’s hidden spot with each thrust. “So good…always so good…love you…love you,” he murmured. His heart sang in response to Gurvelon’s love, and he felt the pleasure he was giving to his little husband, making it all the more beautiful. “Love you forever…forever,” he whispered. His mind filled with Velon’s thoughts of how much he loved his darling warrior, as the familiar lightening coursed through his limbs and the air around them sizzled with the force of their love. Oh, how he loved his precious little Gurvelon. How he loved to watch him writhe with passion beneath him. There was nothing so beautiful as seeing his little husband burning with desire for him, and knowing that he was the only one that could ever satisfy that hunger. Gurvelon writhed as Caladir fulfilled his every need. When he felt a large, strong hand wrap around his engorged cock and firmly stroke it, he pulled his husband’s mouth to his own and screamed out in pleasure as his hot seed exploded between them. Caladir thrust one last time and cried out in completion as his essence shot into the tight channel and the convulsing muscles drained him. Gurvelon lay sated as he felt Caladir lovingly clean him. Then he was gathered into strong arms and held closely. Resting his head against the hard chest, the soft, silky hair covered him like a blanket, and he fell into reverie as he heard, “I love you, my darling one,” whispered in his ear. Caladir looked down at his precious love, smiling, before joining him in reverie, their bodies still softly glowing. ~~~*~~~ Elrond and Erynoron, hand in hand, walked slowly back to Elrond’s chambers. As they entered the room, Elrond closed the door and finally spoke softly. “Will you stay with me, my love? I find I cannot bear the thought of you sleeping in your rooms tonight. Please stay?” “I want to stay with you, but…I…I…do not think that I…am ready…for…” Erynoron was struggling for the right words. “My love, I do not ask that of you. I promise I will not rush you, nor touch you in any way that you do not want. You will be the only one to decide when you want more from me. Whatever you are comfortable giving me is enough. I ask only that I may hold you in my arms while we sleep. I would love to have you staying with me in my rooms, but I want you to keep your own rooms as well. That way, you can decide each night where you want to sleep, and have your private place to go if you want to be alone. I will not pressure you, my love, but if you stay with me tonight, maybe you can move a few of your things here where they are convenient for you?” Erynoron nodded, then smiled. “I would like to stay with you tonight, my Elrond. And may I keep kissing you? Will that be all right?” “Oh, I would be very sad if you did not, my love.” Elrond smiled back and caressed Erynoron’s face in his hands. “I love you, my flame. All I desire is your happiness. You fill my heart, my soul. They have been empty for so long.” “As you fill mine, my Elrond,” Erynoron said softly. “I…I never realized how very lonely I was before you. I could never understand how an elf knew instantly when he had met his soulmate until I met you. I know not why the Valar have blessed me so, but I will thank them for the rest of my life. You are wise and kind, beloved. Your light shines so brightly, I am blinded with it.” Lacing his fingers through Elrond’s silky, dark hair, he whispered, “How I love kissing you, my Elrond. How I love you.” Elrond’s mouth was captured in a kiss so passionate that his legs turned to jelly. He wrapped his arms around Erynoron, grateful for his lover’s strength holding him upright. Tongues thrusting deeply, Elrond moaned and pulled Erynoron closer, pressing the heat of their arousals together. Erynoron broke the kiss, whimpering, his arms wrapping around his lover as Elrond pressed their hips together. “Oh…Oh…Elrond…Oh…that feels…so…good,” he panted. “What are you…doing to me?” Elrond’s lips moved along his neck, as Erynoron whimpered with the sensations coursing through his body. “Oh…Oh…Elrond…Elrond,” he moaned. “Has no one loved you before, my beloved? Has no one brought you pleasure?” Elrond whispered. Erynoron shook his head. “Nay.” Elrond stopped, and removed his arms from Erynoron. As he stepped back, he took Erynoron’s hands in his own, and spoke softly. “My love, I promised you that I would not touch you in any way you did not want. I know you are not ready for us to join, and I promise I will not take you until you ask that of me. But even if you were to ask that of me tonight, I would not, nor for many nights to come.” Elrond smiled softly as his fingers caressed Erynoron’s hands. “My love, you are untouched, and there is much joy in slowly learning the delights of love. There is much more to making love than the act that will result in our binding. I would love to bring you pleasure, to make love to you. You must tell me before this goes any further tonight. Do you want this? Do you want me to bring you pleasure, to love you?” “I want…I want…” “Tell me, my beloved. Tell me what you want of me,” Elrond whispered. “I want…your touch. I want…to learn…what it is to make love. If what I just felt was part of learning the delights of love, then teach me more.” Elrond pulled Erynoron close and kissed him deeply. Erynoron looked into sparkling gray eyes as Elrond carefully removed emeralds and amethysts from the blonde hair and set them aside. Braids were undone and long, elegant fingers moved though his loose mane. Erynoron raised his hands to Elrond’s head and gently removed the silver circlet. Silver stars joined the pile of jewels as the long dark hair was set free of braids and elaborate knots. Erynoron’s shimmering robes were slowly and carefully removed, followed by Elrond’s, and soon the two stood before each other, unadorned and naked. Elrond lightly ran his hands over Erynoron’s chest. “You are beautiful, my flame,” Elrond breathed. Erynoron shook his head. “If I am, it is but a pale reflection of your beauty, my love.” “Come, my heart, and I will show you just how beautiful you truly are, for you will see it reflected in my eyes.” Elrond led Erynoron to his bed. “What is this?” he said, picking up a note left on his pillow. He opened it, read it, and then began to laugh. “What is it, Elrond?” Erynoron asked. “Listen, my love,” Elrond said, then began to read the note. “Dear Ada, We thought we should let you know that you have excellent taste. Indeed, Erynoron is strikingly beautiful. We are glad that he is Erestor’s friend, and Erestor could vouch for his character. It would have been such a shame if we were made to hurt him a little until we determined if he was good enough for you. But as we trust Erestor’s word, all is well, and we heartily approve of your choice in lovers. Ada, now please be gentle with Erynoron, as we find we rather like him, and are looking forward to welcoming him into our family. Your loving sons, Elladan and Elrohir.” “Oh…. how kind of them to do that,” Erynoron said. “Aye, I believe I am rather proud of them,” Elrond said, grinning, and setting the note aside. “Now, where was I?” He picked Erynoron up in his arms and laid him gently in the center of the bed. Straddling his golden lover, he held himself up on his arms and stared into the golden green eyes. He lowered his body enough for chest to meet chest, and teased the advisor’s rosy nipples with his own, before capturing Erynoron’s mouth and kissing him passionately. Erynoron moaned. When an engorged member was moved along his own, he whimpered, and his hands moved to grip Elrond’s strong biceps. His whimpers turned into moans again as Elrond’s mouth descended on his neck, licking and gently biting, while their groins undulated together. He pulled Elrond’s mouth to his own, his tongue searching wildly for its mate. Elrond doubted that Erynoron would last long, and he wanted his love to remember their first night together as something special. But he wanted to go slowly with his new love, and let him experience things as new lovers would, little by little. His lips moved around Erynoron’s neck, gently lapping the soft skin. Working his way down the lightly muscled chest, his mouth closed around a rosy nipple, sucking it into his mouth. Erynoron whimpered as he felt his nipple sucked into a warm mouth. “Oh…Elrond…oh…that feels…ah…so good,” he moaned. And then long fingers wrapped around his hard member, firmly stroking, and all he could do was moan Elrond’s name as he thrust his hips up in time with the stroking. Elrond could feel Erynoron’s body tensing, and moved his mouth to the sweetness of his lips. Whispering against them, he said, “Come for me, my beautiful love.” Erynoron bucked, and cried out Elrond’s name as he came. Elrond covered Erynoron’s mouth with his own, kissing him breathless. Finally raising his head, he said softly, “Did I please you, my love?” “Oh, that was…. amazing. Oh, my Elrond, the things you make me feel.” Erynoron lay, staring into Elrond’s eyes, a smile on his face. Elrond smiled gently and stroked Erynoron’s hair, then took a cloth from the stand by his bed and lovingly cleaned the advisor. “Umm…. May I…would it be all right if I…touched you?” Erynoron whispered shyly. “You do not have to, my love. Tonight was for you.” “I…I would like to. I know I will not be as good as you, but I would like to…to…give you pleasure.” “Anything you do to me will give me pleasure, my flame.” Elrond lay on his side next to Erynoron, and stroked the beautiful advisor’s face with his fingers. “I love you, Erynoron.” “I love you, my Elrond,” Erynoron whispered. “Yours,” Elrond said as soft lips closed on his and a hand hesitantly brushed across his weeping member. Elrond moaned and deepened the kiss. Encouraged by Elrond’s response, Erynoron wrapped his hand around the hard cock, trying to use the same pressure and strokes that Elrond had used on him. The feel of it in his hand made him groan. He never knew that he could find such pleasure in touching another. For someone with no experience, Erynoron had set Elrond ablaze. It was only moments before he cried out, “Noron!” and found his release. Erynoron smiled, and held the panting Lord in his arms until his breathing quieted, then used the cloth to carefully clean them both. Held securely in each other’s arms, they drifted off into reverie. Tbc….