Title: Erestor’s Gift (13-16/20) Author: Aglarien (agie@aglarien.com) Type: FPS Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond/Melpomaen Rating: NC-17 Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. The great Master Tolkien’s estate owns everything. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them. Warning: None, except for fluff. Beta: Lady Mirfain Summary: Erestor is sure Glorfindel forgot his begetting day, and Elrond meddles. Author’s Note: Not a part of my usual Erestor/Glorfindel universe. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 13 When Erestor stirred and groaned, Glorfindel immediately left his chair and was at his beloved’s side in bed, stroking his soft, dark hair. Erestor turned, looked at Glorfindel with shock in his eyes, and let loose a sorrowful wail. He turned away from Glorfindel and sobbed loudly into his pillow. Glorfindel pulled Erestor up into his arms and held him tightly against his chest. “Shhh, my love, it’s all right. Please do not cry so, love. It breaks my heart.” “How can you…stand…to see me…after last night,” Erestor sobbed out into his lover’s shoulder. “I am nothing…but a…whore!” “Nay, Erestor. You were beautiful. You showed me how much you loved me. Never a whore. You were like a….a loveable little kitten.” “A cat in…heat!” Erestor cried so hard his words were nearly intelligible, and his whole body shook. “Erestor, beloved, I need you to listen to me. What happened last night was not your fault. The twins gave you wine that contained an herb that is not good for elves. Both you and Melpomaen were drugged. We were very fortunate because you did not drink much of the wine. It was not your fault.” Glorfindel’s words had no effect on Erestor. The miserable elf kept sobbing and wailing. “You will not love…me now. I even…bit you. I…hurt…you! I did not…mean to…hurt…you. I am so sorry…so sorry. I did not mean…to hurt you. I am so sorry. You hate...me now…I know you hate me. You do not… want to… marry…me now.” Erestor’s cries grew louder. “Don’t leave me, Glorfindel! I did not mean to hurt you!” Erestor’s cries and sobs tore at Glorfindel’s heart. He took the miserable elf’s head between his hands and forced Erestor to look at him. “I love you, Erestor,” he said softly. “I will always love you. I want to marry you more than anything else in all of Arda. You did not hurt me. I love you. I love you so very much.” He dried Erestor’s face with his hands and kissed his lips, his eyes, and his cheeks, but the tears did not stop. “Elrond gave me some tea for you and said you must drink it, my love. Let me get it for you. Are you hungry?” Erestor looked at Glorfindel mournfully and nodded. . “You lie here and rest for a moment and I will bring you the tea and some food. When we have eaten we will take a nice hot bath together. Would you like that?” Erestor sniffled and nodded. “Don’t leave me, Glorfindel,” he said hoarsely. “I am so sorry.” Glorfindel was grateful that Erestor had at least stopped crying and sobbing so hard, even if his tears continued to fall. He realized that telling Erestor about the wine had had no effect on him, but reassuring him of his love did. He had to continue to reassure Erestor that he still loved him and still wanted to marry him then. “I love you, Erestor. I will always love you. Never doubt that. I will never leave you. I will be your husband and you will be mine very soon. Let me get your tea, my love. It will make you feel better.” Erestor clung onto Glorfindel tightly. “Don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me. Please don’t leave me. I am so sorry. Don’t hate me. I cannot live without you, Glorfindel. Please don’t leave me.” Glorfindel wrapped Erestor up in his arms and held him close. “I will never leave you, my sweet one. Never. I love you. You are my life, my love.” But he had to get that tea into Erestor. “Come, my love, let me hold you. I will carry you and hold you in my arms and we will have some of the tea. I will not let you go, Erestor. I will never let you go.” He wrapped Erestor in a blanket, picked him up, and walked with him in his arms to the table. Sitting in a chair with Erestor on his lap, he held the cup to the councilor’s mouth. “Drink, love.” Erestor was thirsty, and emptied the cup. He lay in Glorfindel’s arms and rested his head on the warrior’s shoulder. “It’s good. I am hungry, Glorfindel. May I have something to eat?” “Of course, my love.” Glorfindel reached for the tray and uncovered a bowl of sweetened porridge. He fed Erestor a few spoonfuls, then alternated it with fresh strawberries and sips of more tea until Erestor had finished everything and had finished three cups of tea. “Are you feeling a little better now, love?” Erestor nodded. “Can we have a bath now, Glorfindel? You will stay with me, won’t you?” “Aye, love. We will bathe together, and then you can rest some more. I will stay right beside you.” Glorfindel kissed Erestor’s brow, just as a knock came at the door. “Glorfindel?” Arwen’s voice called from the hall. “Ada sent me to bring you some more food. May I come in?” Glorfindel straightened Erestor’s blanket around the lithe elf and called to Arwen, “Aye, come in.” Arwen carefully opened the door while holding the tray. “I have more tea for Erestor, Glorfindel, and regular tea for you. I will bring you anything that you need today, so no one will know of this.” She set the tray with the tea, bread, fruit and cheese on the table and took the old tray. I will be back in a couple of hours with more. If you tell me when you want to leave, I will have your horses brought to the front of the house so you do not have to go to the stables.” She paused, looking at Erestor, who was hiding his head against Glorfindel’s chest. “I am so sorry, Erestor,” she said quietly. “My brothers are sorry too. They said to tell you that they will accept any punishment you choose for them. I hope you give them a very stern one.” Erestor did not reply, but nodded slightly against Glorfindel’s chest. “Thank you, Arwen,” Glorfindel said. “Is Melpomaen still sleeping?” “Aye. Ada said he would sleep for several hours more.” Glorfindel nodded. “We will see you in a couple of hours. Thank you, Arwen, for everything.” Arwen nodded, then left them, taking the old tray away. “Do you want anything else to eat before our bath, love? Elrond said you would be very hungry.” Erestor shook his head. “Just the bath right now. I feel….dirty.” “I love you, Erestor,” Glorfindel said. He hoped his beloved was not feeling dirty because of what happened, but did not think it was a good idea to ask him. “I promise I will always love you and never leave you.” He kissed Erestor gently on his brow and eyes. “Come, love, let us have our bath.” He carried his lover into the bathroom and set him on a chair that stood against the wall. “Can you sit for a few moments while I fill the bathtub, love?” Erestor nodded and lifted his sorrowful eyes to watch Glorfindel. If he couldn’t keep touching the elf he loved while he sat on his own, he didn’t want Glorfindel out of his sight. Glorfindel opened the taps to fill the tub from the hot springs under the house, and added plenty of lavender oil, hoping the scent would help calm Erestor. He quickly undressed and went back to his beloved. Erestor was sitting looking at him, and tears rolled down his face again. “What is it, love?” “Your back. I scratched you. I am so sorry, so sorry, Glorfindel.” Glorfindel took the blanket away from Erestor and picked his up in his arms. “They are nothing. They do not hurt. And I loved what you were doing when you made them. Do your sides hurt where I bruised you, love? I’m sorry. I got a little carried away last night too. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Erestor blinked and wiped at his eyes. “You…didn’t hurt me. I…loved it when you…held on to me like that.” It was a good thing the bathtub was large enough for ten elves. After Glorfindel stepped into it carrying Erestor, he was able to arrange the smaller elf so he was sitting comfortably crossways on his lap. Glorfindel could hold him in his arms and see his face. And it was a very comfortable position for kissing. “I love holding you. You are so precious to me, love.” He kissed Erestor’s eyelids gently. “I love your eyes.” He kissed the tip of his nose. “I love your nose.” He kissed his lips softly. “And I love your lips. I love kissing you.” He graced Erestor’s lips with another very soft kiss. Tears sprang up in Erestor’s eyes again, and he wrapped his arms around Glorfindel’s neck and cried in earnest. “I…love…you….Glorfindel. I love…you…so much,” he sobbed out. Glorfindel rocked Erestor gently. “Don’t cry, my sweet one. Please don’t cry. I love you…I love you…we are together, and everything is all right now.” Erestor lifted his head and his tear filled eyes looked up at Glorfindel. “Would you…kiss me again, please?” “Oh, my love, all of my kisses are only for you…all for you,” Glorfindel said, his lips touching Erestor’s. Softly and slowing he ran his tongue over Erestor’s soft lips before allowing it to slip inside. Erestor moaned as Glorfindel’s tongue gently caressed his. It was the softest, most sensual, most beautiful kiss he had ever received. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 14 By midday Erestor began to feel better as his depression lifted. After their bath, Glorfindel had helped him dress, then brushed his long, dark hair, and braided it into one heavy rope that hung down his back. Erestor had drunk more of Elrond’s tea, and they had both eaten. Glorfindel made up Erestor’s bed with fresh linens, and they lay on the bed to rest, arms wrapped around each other. “Glorfindel, will you take me away today?” Erestor asked, his head on Glorfindel’s chest. He was feeling much better, just tired. Glorfindel loved him still and was going to bind with him. If only he didn’t still feel so ashamed over what had happened. “Aye, love, as soon as you feel well enough to travel for an hour or two.” “Just an hour or two? We will still be inside Imladris then?” Glorfindel nodded. “Aye. It is a very special place. We will be quite alone, and very safe and comfortable, and we do not have to return until five days from now.” “Sounds nice,” Erestor said dreamily. “I really am feeling better, love. Can we leave soon, please? I would like to go away with you, and just forget everything for a little while. I feel…so ashamed. I know no one but you saw me, but I just don’t want to see anyone else for a little while.” Glorfindel was saddened by Erestor’s words. “And do you not wish to go away to marry me, my love? Only to get away from everyone?” Erestor raised his head and looked at his golden love. “I want to marry you with all my heart, Glorfindel. Forgive me for making it sound as if getting away from everyone was the only reason. My mind is still a little garbled, but of one thing I am sure – I love you with all my heart, all my body and all my soul.” Moving his head closer to Erestor’s, Glorfindel whispered, “Will you kiss me?” He knew Erestor was still feeling shy about initiating anything since last night. Erestor’s silky lips descended on his, and he moaned softly. There was nothing more beautiful than his lover’s sweet mouth. Restraining himself, he allowed Erestor to fully control the kiss. Erestor could not resist running his fingers through Glorfindel’s hair and caressing his neck. Ghosting his tongue over satiny lips, he was rewarded with a soft whimper. Emboldened, he nipped at the lower lip and then caressed it with his tongue. Remembering Glorfindel’s earlier kiss, he gently pressed past lips and teeth and softly touched the warrior’s tongue with his own. Glorfindel whimpered into his mouth. And a knock sounded at the door. Both elves moaned as they pulled apart. “Arwen, is that you?” Glorfindel said. “‘Aye, Glorfindel,” a voice said from outside the door. “May I come in?” “Come in, little one,” Glorfindel called. He whispered to Erestor, “Let us leave, my love. I have our things already packed.” Erestor nodded and moved off of Glorfindel so they could both get up. Glorfindel went into his own rooms as Arwen entered, and hastily scribbled a note at his desk. Returning to Erestor’s rooms, he handed the note to Arwen. “We are leaving, Arwen. Will you take care of this for me, and then have someone bring our horses around?” Arwen glanced at the note and smiled. “Of course, Glorfindel. Is there anything else you need?” “If you would send a servant to bring some flasks of water and a little food from the kitchens for our journey, I would be grateful.” Glorfindel smiled down at Arwen. “Thank you, little one.” Arwen smiled again and dashed off. Erestor went to his wardrobe and reached for his cloak, then looked up at the shelf where he had placed the box with Glorfindel’s brooch. “Glorfindel, may I have my pack? I think I would like to add a couple of things.” Glorfindel retrieved their packs from his rooms and handed Erestor his. Opening his pack, Erestor checked the contents. “Are you sure this is all we will need, love? Two sets of clothing for five days?” Glorfindel laughed. “I am a silly elf. I packed like I was going on patrol. You’re right, of course. We may want to wear fresh clothing every day. I will just go and add some things to my pack as well.” Chuckling at his own stupidity, Glorfindel took his pack into his room. The cottage held a few articles of clothing he kept there, like lounging robes and an extra set of regular daywear, but he would need more if he were not to smell like he was out on patrol. Erestor smiled and took the brooch down and placed it in the pack. He didn’t know where they were going, but Glorfindel had said they would be comfortable, so he added a soft robe he wore for lounging around his rooms that was too sheer to wear in public, a pair of soft house slippers, and three more sets of tunics and leggings. Arwen carefully opened the door to Glorfindel’s rooms. “Glorfindel, are you in here?” she whispered. Glorfindel stealthily went to Arwen, smiling broadly to see her carrying two boxes, each the size of a book. Arwen grinned and handed him the boxes. He kissed her on the cheek in thanks, and she quietly hurried out again. Carrying the boxes back to his bedroom, he peeked inside of them, then buried them at the bottom of his pack. He strapped on his sword and fastened his bow and quiver on his back. He was ready. Erestor had finished his packing, and was brushing his long hair out when Glorfindel rejoined him. The dark hair swirled over his buttocks in soft waves from the braid. He smiled at Glorfindel as he added the brush to his pack and closed it. “I like to feel the wind in my hair when I ride,” he said. The warrior put his pack on the floor and held his arms open. “Come here, my beautiful love.” Erestor moved into the welcoming embrace and laid his head on Glorfindel’s shoulder. “I am excited. I can’t wait to leave with you. Just the two of us, together.” He smiled up at his beloved. “As I am, my love,” Glorfindel said. “I love you so much, Erestor,” he brushed his lips against the smaller elf’s. “You are so beautiful, so perfect,” he whispered against the soft lips before claiming a passionate kiss. A knock sounded at the door. “And that is the last time we will be interrupted for the next five days. Come in, Arwen.” He grinned at Erestor as they parted. Arwen entered the room carrying a small pack. “Your horses are at the door,” she grinned, “and there is fruit and cheese, a flask of water and more tea for Erestor in here.” She handed the pack to Glorfindel. “I will miss you both,” she said, and stood on her toes to kiss them both on a cheek. “Take care of your father and Melpomaen for us while we are gone, Arwen,” Erestor said. “I think your father may need your help with Melpomaen when he awakens.” Erestor took his knives, bow and quiver from the wardrobe. He strapped his knives at his waist and held his bow and quiver, planning on fastening them to his horse. “I will,” Arwen answered. “Now you two go. It is midday already. Do not forget to drink the tea, Erestor. Ada says you must.” “We will be back at the end of the fifth day, little one,” Glorfindel said as he picked up their packs. After they said goodbye to Arwen, Glorfindel and Erestor hurried out to the courtyard. Two stable hands stood by Asfaloth and Erestor’s black stallion, and took the larger packs from Glorfindel to fasten them on the horses. “Fasten both of the packs onto Durion,” Glorfindel said. Lord Erestor will ride with me on Asfaloth. Erestor looked up at Glorfindel, surprised but pleased. He attached his bow and quiver to Durion, then gracefully seated himself on Asfaloth. Glorfindel quickly settled behind him, wrapping his arms around Erestor and taking the reins in his hands. When the packs were fastened, the stable hands stepped back. Glorfindel thanked them, and he and Erestor were off, following the Bruinen south, sheltered in the surrounding forest. They rode in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the open air. Erestor relaxed and leaned back against Glorfindel. Birdsong filled the air and gentle breezes caressed their cheeks and moved their hair. “This is so nice,” Erestor sighed. “Hmmm…” Glorfindel purred, nuzzling Erestor’s head with his chin. “Might I have a kiss, oh fair one,” he said softly. When Erestor turned his head, Glorfindel captured his mouth in a passionate kiss. Erestor moaned. Asfaloth snorted, stomped, and shook his head, and both elves broke out laughing. “I do not care if you approve or not, Asfaloth,” Glorfindel said. “Get used to it.” After an hour they stopped in a sheltered glen and sat upon a fallen tree. Erestor drank his tea and ate a piece of fruit while the horses grazed. “Aiya, I have eaten so much today, Glorfindel. I seem to be constantly hungry.” Glorfindel chuckled and pulled Erestor into his arms. “It will pass soon, love,” he said, kissing Erestor softly. “Come, let us continue on our journey.” They called the horses and remounted Asfaloth. Glorfindel veered out of the forest towards the river and they rode along the shoreline for a mile or so. At a bend in the river, he moved back into the thick forest. Just inside the first line of trees was a clearing, unseen from the riverbank. And in the clearing sat a cottage with a small stable next to it. Apple trees grew around the clearing, and their branches were heavy with ripe, red fruit. A small garden next to the cottage was neatly planted with herbs and vegetables. Round balls of cabbage, plump pods of peas and beans hanging on vines, and leafy greens just waited to be harvested. And next to the vegetable garden was a flower garden bursting in color, with roses, lilacs, daisies, and a myriad of other flowers. “Oh, Glorfindel…. it’s beautiful!” Erestor breathed. “But whose is it, and how is it here?” “It is mine,” Glorfindel said. “Do you remember when I first returned, how I needed to get away and be alone?” Erestor nodded. Glorfindel stopped the horses and dismounted, followed by Erestor. The warrior continued talking as they removed their packs and the horses’ saddles and let the horses roam free. “Elrond had it built for me. He told me this would be my special place to come and find myself again. When I disappeared for days at a time, I came here. Even after I no longer needed to be alone, I still came. I love it here. And once in a while, Elrond comes too. We have kept it secret – only a few of the servants even know about it. When he went off alone after Celebrian sailed, this is where he came to. There is something special here, Erestor. The trees, the animals, everything is so peaceful. And now it will be our special place.” “But who tends the garden?” Erestor asked. “The two gardeners who planted it come out once in a while during the season. They love it here too, and it does not require much care. And Elrond or I come out here every so often, although neither of us has spent a night here for many years. It’s almost magical how everything grows here. But no one will come while we are here. Some of the servants came out yesterday and cleaned the cottage and brought everything we will need. When we return, Elrond is going to bring Melpomaen here for a few days to help him recover.” Glorfindel opened the stable door for the horses to find their way inside when they wanted to. He put the saddles inside, then returned to Erestor and helped him carry their packs. “Come, I want to show you inside.” Going to the door of the cottage, he opened it and stood aside for Erestor to enter. “Welcome to your new home away from home, my love,” he said softly. Erestor entered the cottage and wandered around in awe. In the main room was a large fireplace with soft rugs and pillows spread before it. There were comfortable chairs, footstools, side tables, and a long chaise, as well as a large dining table with chairs. Through an open doorway, he could see the kitchen. A door off the main room led to a bedroom containing a wardrobe, dressing table, and a large four-poster bed with canopy and curtains in a deep green fabric shot with gold. Tables stood on each side of the bed, each with a lamp filled with oil sitting on it. The room had its own fireplace, and like the one in the main room, it was already laid and waiting to be lit. There was another door leading out of the bedroom and Erestor opened it, then giggled when he saw a large bathtub with taps, a privy, a basin with more taps, and shelves holding fresh, plush towels and jars of soaps and oils. “There are taps for water, Glorfindel! From the Bruinen?” “Aye. Which means the water is cold, but if we leave a fire in the stove in the kitchen it will heat the water in the pipes for the bath,” Glorfindel grinned. “Come and see the kitchen.” He took Erestor’s hand and led him back through the cottage and into the kitchen. “See, there are sinks with more taps for cooking and washing up, and we even have an iron stove and oven.” There was a large worktable with chairs for preparing food, and shelves held pots and pans, dishes and food staples. A basket of fresh breads, bottles of wine, and rounds of cheese sat on the table, all brought by the servants the day before. “Oh, it’s wonderful, Glorfindel – all of it!” Erestor exclaimed, throwing himself into Glorfindel’s arms. “I am glad it pleases you, my love,” Glorfindel said with a smile. “Do I get a kiss for my surprise?” Erestor pulled his lover’s lips down on his own and gave him a loving kiss. “So what are we going to do with the rest of our day, my love?” he said softly. “I thought I would catch us some nice fish for our dinner. Would you like to come down to Bruinen with me? We can bring a blanket or two, and you can rest while I fish. Then we will make dinner together. How does that sound, my sweet one?” Glorfindel lovingly kissed the dark head. “And if you are feeling quite yourself again after dinner…well, we will see.” He grinned and kissed the tip of Erestor’s nose. Glorfindel gathered his fishing pole, a basket for the fish, a knife to clean them with, and blankets. Erestor put bread, cheese, two glasses and a bottle of wine in a basket, then went outside to the apple trees, plucked two ripe apples and added them to his basket. It was only a short walk back to the Bruinen. Erestor spread the blankets, cut pieces of the bread, cheese, and apple, and poured wine into the two glasses. He set the food and wine on a rock next to Glorfindel, and they sat together and ate as the warrior fished. The sound of the flowing river was soothing, and when he had finished his meal, Erestor spread his blankets next to Glorfindel, laid down, and promptly fell soundly asleep. Glorfindel gazed down at the sleeping elf, thinking again how beautiful he was, and wondering how he could have been so fortunate to earn Erestor’s love. Glorfindel quickly caught more than enough fish for both their meal that night and breakfast the next day. He took them downriver a ways and cleaned them. Returning to Erestor, he was reluctant to wake the slumbering elf. Deciding that there were still several hours of daylight left and a nap sounded rather good, he lay down beside Erestor. Drawing the elf he loved gently into his arms, he rested and dozed for the next hour. Erestor awoke to soft kisses falling on his face. Giggling, he wrapped his arms around Glorfindel’s neck and captured the warrior’s mouth in a passionate kiss. When they finally broke for air, Glorfindel nuzzled his head in Erestor’s neck, gently nibbling here and there. “How do you feel, my heart?” he asked between nibbles. “I feel wonderful, my love. And I am not even hungry again. More,” Erestor purred, stretching his neck to give Glorfindel more room. Glorfindel chuckled into Erestor’s neck. “Oh…my little imp is back. I so love my little imp. Is my councilor in here too?” He lifted his head and gazed into Erestor’s eyes. “I love you, Erestor. Will you bind yourself to me this night, my dear one?” Erestor could not stop the tears that fell from his eyes. “I love you, Glorfindel. Aye, I will bind myself to you this night, beloved.” Soft lips kissed the tears from his eyes before falling onto his lips. ~~~*~~~ Back at the Last Homely House~~~~ The three siblings sat in the twins room, waiting. None spoke, their eyes seemingly glued to the floor. The silence was shattered by a loud, piercing scream that echoed through the halls. Arwen ran from the room towards their father’s rooms. The twins jumped up and stared at each other, eyes wide in distress and mouths grim. When the second scream split the air, Elrohir whimpered and threw himself at Elladan, seeking comfort in his brother’s arms. They stood together, holding each other tightly, the sound of the screams broken only by their sobs. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 15 Glorfindel lit the fire in the stove, and then he and Erestor went outside to the garden. Glorfindel gathered the herbs they would need, along with onions and carrots. Erestor picked plump pea pods, then moved to the apple trees and began filling a basket with apples. There was a beautiful apple right above his head that he wanted but could not quite reach. Holding his arm high above his head, he jumped up trying to grab it, and missed. He was just about to try again when he was lifted high from behind in strong arms. Giggling, he took his apple and was set back on the ground, spun around and soundly kissed. Hand-in-hand, they carried their baskets back into the cottage kitchen and began preparing their meal. They worked together shelling peas, cleaning carrots, and peeling onions and apples. Glorfindel put the peas and carrots into a pot to steam, and chopped up the onions to fry with the fish. Erestor sliced the apples, put them in a large bowl, and gathered the ingredients he needed from the shelves. He added a little flour and a lot of sugar to the apples, along with spices, then spread the mixture out in a baking pan. Next, he took oats, sugar, and some of the butter that had been brought by the servants, mixed them together, and spread the mixture over the apples. He looked at his creation, pleased with himself. “This is ready to go into the oven, love,” he said. Glorfindel took a heavy cloth and opened the oven door for Erestor to slide his pan in. As the apples baked, Glorfindel fried the onions and fish while Erestor set the dining table and poured the wine. ~~Back at the Last Homely House~~ While Melpomaen slept, Elrond had washed him, changed the bed linens around him, and dressed him in a soft nightshirt. With nothing more to do until his beloved woke, the wise healer researched everything he could find about the herb the twins had slipped to Mel and Erestor. He sat at his desk in the room adjacent to the bedroom where Mel slept, books piled around him and stacked on the floor. He found nothing that he did not already know. Before the first scream had ended, Melpomaen was in Elrond’s arms. “Shhh, my love. It is all right….I have you now, it is all right,” Elrond said softly, rocking his beloved. By the time the second scream ended, Arwen had burst into the room and was preparing the tea for Melpomaen just as her father had shown her to do. When the third scream finally ended, tears streamed from Elrond’s eyes. He cradled Melpomaen in his arms, trying to get him to drink some tea. Arwen finally sat behind her Ada Mel and wrapped her arms around him the best she could. The comfort of two elves holding him seemed to calm him slightly, and Elrond was able to get him to drink the tea. ~~At the cottage~~ After their wonderful dinner, the two elves worked together washing up the dishes and pans, and the kitchen was once again neat and tidy. They filled the bathtub with warm water and plenty of scented oils, and bathed each other lovingly in preparation for their binding. There was an abundance of loving kisses shared, although they spoke little. They knelt facing each other in the center of the bed, their hands clasped together, and as naked as the day they came into the world. Their long hair flowed loose around them, and their eyes sparkled with unshed tears of joy. Glorfindel spoke softly as he gazed into his beloved’s eyes. “Erestor, you have been my closest friend and dearest companion through many long years. I love you more than I know how to express in mere words. You are my dearest wish come true. I take you as my husband for all time. I will feel no cold, for you will warm me. I will feel no loneliness, for you will be beside me. I will be the shoulder you lean on, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path, and I will make my home in your heart from this day forward. May Eru bless our binding.” He slipped the ring onto Erestor’s finger and kissed it in place. Cupping Erestor’s face in his hands, he sealed his vows with a kiss. Erestor smiled and looked at the elf he loved through his tears. “Glorfindel, my love, you are my heart and my soul, the very air I breathe that gives me life. I give you all that I am, for you complete me. I take you as my husband for all time. Trials and happiness will come to pass, but no matter what we may encounter together, I will be beside you, to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. With you I will walk my path, and I will make my home in your heart from this day forward. May Eru bless our binding.” He placed the ring on Glorfindel’s finger, then kissed it. His arms wrapped around Glorfindel’s broad shoulders, and as they kissed, Erestor laid back and pulled the warrior on top of him. Glorfindel captured Erestor’s mouth in a deep kiss, thinking nothing was a sweet as his lover’s kisses or the feel of their tongues caressing. Forced to part for breath, he rained soft kisses on Erestor’s face, whispering, “I love you, I love you, I love you,” and answered soft cries of sweetness and enduring love nearly overwhelmed his heart. ~~Back at the Last Homely House~~ Elrond had finally sent Arwen away to rest. She had been so distressed by Melpomaen’s tears that she could not stop crying, and Elrond couldn’t bear to have two of those he loved most in the world in the same state. He had sent her to her brothers, knowing that they would comfort their little sister. Melpomaen had been crying for hours without stop and his sobs were now harsh and raspy. Elrond continued to pour tea into him and hold him close, rocking him and singing to him as one would a child. “Why are you still with me?” Mel finally rasped out. “How can you stand to be near me?” “I love you, my husband,” Elrond said softly, reminding Melpomaen that they were bonded. “I will always be with you. I love you so very much.” “But I hurt you…I know I did,” Melpomaen sobbed out. “I do not know what happened…how I could do that…I hurt you, I hurt you, I hurt you...” “Shhh, my love. It was not your fault. The twins drugged you. They didn’t know it would cause such harm. And you didn’t really hurt me. I thought it was…rather wonderful.” Mel’s sobs stopped when Elrond spoke, so he kept talking, interspersing it with soft kisses to his beloved’s wet cheeks and soft lips. “If I hadn’t been so worried about you, I would have enjoyed relinquishing all control to you. It is rather nice not to have to be in charge all the time.” “But I hurt you….I hurt you.” “Do you love me, my heart?” Elrond asked with another soft kiss to Mel’s lips. “Did you not make love to me last night? Did you not tell me the whole while how very much you loved me?” The smaller elf nodded and looked into Elrond’s eyes. “And did I not tell you the whole time how beautiful you were, and kiss you with passion? Do you remember my telling you how very much I loved you, beloved?” Melpomaen nodded again. “You will not leave me then? You still love me?” “I will love you for eternity, beloved. I will never leave you.” Elrond gently captured Melpomaen’s mouth with his own, softly pressing for entrance. When it was granted their tongues slowly loved together in the sweetest of kisses. Mel stomach rumbled, and Elrond gently broke away. “You need to eat, my love. You must be starving.” The smaller elf nodded. “I am very hungry, but I am so tired.” Elrond laid his beloved on the bed, half sitting against the pillows, and brought the tray of food from the table. Sitting beside Melpomaen, he fed his exhausted mate. ~~At the cottage~~ Erestor moaned as Glorfindel’s mouth worked down his body. “Take me, take me, my husband. Make me truly yours. I want to feel you inside of me. Take me,” he whispered. Glorfindel nodded, his eyes darkened with passion. Taking the bottle of oil, he opened it and poured it over his fingers. Kissing Erestor deeply, he gently began to prepare his husband to receive him for the first time. He moved slowly and gently, until Erestor was writhing beside him. “Please, love. Take me now,” Erestor begged. Glorfindel’s fingertips were repeatedly rubbing against his sweet spot, and he released a soft cry. “Aye, love. Now,” Glorfindel whispered. Erestor whimpered when Glorfindel removed his fingers, quickly took the bottle of oil again and generously slicked himself. Pressing Erestor’s bent legs up against his chest, he positioned himself and gently pushed. Sliding home into the hot, tight channel, Erestor’s legs wrapped around his waist and Glorfindel cried out with something between a moan, a groan, and a growl. The soft moans coming from Erestor spurred him on, and he took two small hands into his own, twining their fingers together as he held himself over his beloved and looked down into sparkling dark eyes. “Are you all right, my love? I did not hurt you, did I?” Erestor’s response was a thrust of his hips and a soft cry. “It is perfect. You are perfect. Kiss me.” Glorfindel fastened his mouth to Erestor’s, withdrew half way, then slowly thrust back into the quivering channel. His mouth captured Erestor’s moan as he unerringly hit the bundle of nerves deep within. Erestor had never known such bliss. Glorfindel slowly made love to him, thrusting gently. His hands gripped Glorfindel’s tightly, and his moans and cries filled the air. It was beyond anything he had ever imagined - this feeling of oneness, of total joining - and his heart and soul soared. When his mouth was released for breath, he gazed into Glorfindel’s eyes and saw the same emotions reflected there. “I love you…I love you…I love you…” was all he could whisper, over and over again, as Glorfindel slowly, so slowly, withdrew and thrust. Glorfindel wanted to pound into Erestor, but the love in his heart for his husband constrained him; he would kill himself before he harmed Erestor. There would be time for that later, but not this first time when Erestor deserved his gentleness. Erestor had wished for the moment of their binding to be special, sacred, and Glorfindel wanted to fulfill that wish. He whispered, “I take you as my husband for all time. I will feel no cold, for you will warm me. I will feel no loneliness, for you will be beside me. I will be the shoulder you lean on, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path, and I will make my home in your heart from this day forward. May Eru bless our binding. I love you.” Tears ran from Erestor’s eyes and blended with Glorfindel’s that fell on his face, and he whispered in reply, “I give you all that I am, for you complete me. I take you as my husband for all time. Trials and happiness will come to pass, but no matter what we may encounter together, I will be beside you, to comfort you when you cry, and to join your laughter with my own. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. With you I will walk my path, and I will make my home in your heart from this day forward. May Eru bless our binding. I love you.” Glorfindel released Erestor’s hands, and put his arms under the slighter elf’s shoulders and lifted him to hold him close. Erestor’s arms wrapped around his shoulders tightly, and a sweet voice whispered in Glorfindel’s ear, “Take me, my husband. I am not fragile, and you will not break me. Make me scream your name. Take me, beloved.” Groaning, Glorfindel quickened his pace and thrust deeply into Erestor. Both elves cried out in pleasure. The warrior captured Erestor’s mouth in a deep, almost desperate kiss, as he slammed into his mate’s sweet spot again and again. Erestor screamed Glorfindel’s name as lightening filled his body and light seemed to sparkle around them. Glorfindel was glowing, and a golden cord of light shimmered around them, binding them together. “So beautiful…You’re so beautiful. Oh…so good,” Glorfindel panted. “Erestor! Erestor! Oh, Valar, you’re glowing. So beautiful, so beautiful.” Erestor wanted to tell his beloved that he was glowing too, but the only thing he could do was scream as he felt his soul bind with Glorfindel’s and become one. In his heart he knew if he truly glowed, it was because of his joining with Glorfindel, for no elf glowed brighter than his reborn warrior. Glorfindel’s thrusting became erratic as he was filled with Erestor’s soul. The clenching muscles around his shaft told him Erestor was close. Reaching between them, he grasped Erestor’s hard member in his hand and stroked it firmly. “Come with me….come with me!” he roared. A moment later warm seed pulsed over his hand, and he came explosively deep within his husband, screaming Erestor’s name. *~*~*~*~* Chapter 16 The twins knocked at their father’s door and waited for an answer. They had waited until the morning was well underway and Arwen had told them they could visit Melpomaen before coming. When Elrond’s soft voice called for them to enter, they quietly opened the door and crept into the bedroom. Elrond sat in the bed, leaning against the headboard and cradling Melpomaen in his arms. Mel ‘s eyes were red and swollen, as were his cheeks. He looked worse then anyone the young elves had ever seen, with the exception of wounded soldiers or men in the house of healing. Approaching cautiously, they knelt beside their father and his mate. “We came to tell you how sorry we are, Ada Mel,” Elladan said quietly. Mel just looked at them with sorrowful eyes as Elrond stroked his long hair. “We are so sorry, Ada Mel. We never meant for you or Erestor to be hurt. We didn’t know. We promise we’ll never do anything like that again,” Elrohir said softly. He took one of Mel’s hands and kissed it. “Please forgive us.” Mel continued to look at the twins for a long moment, and then finally spoke, his voice hoarse and raspy from hours of crying. “I do not wish to forgive you, but I will do so for your father’s sake. I will not add pain to his already broken heart. You have caused great grief and physical pain to the one I love most. Although you both still have my love, I am very angry with you.” The twins nodded and bowed their heads. “We will accept whatever punishment you give to us,” Elladan said. “We know we deserve it.” “My punishment then is this: I will give you no punishment,” Melpomaen said. “I will not assuage your guilt by wiping it away with some onerous chore. My punishment is for you always to remember to think of the consequences before you act, for now you will. And some day when you find the one you are meant to be with for all time you will truly understand what it is like to have the one you love hurt and to be the cause of that hurt.” “Leave us now, my sons,” Elrond said. “Your Ada Mel needs to rest.” The twins rose and kissed Mel’s brow, and then their father’s. “We love you, Ada Mel,” one twin said as the other echoed, “We love you, Ada.” They left the room with tears in their eyes. Elrond held the cup of tea to Melpomaen’s lips. “Drink, my love. It will ease your throat.” After Mel took a few sips, he set the tea aside. “Is there anything else you need, my dearest love?” Melpomaen shook his head. “Only you. Just hold me. I am so very tired.” “Are you comfortable like this, love, or would you like to lie down on the bed?” “Like this,” Mel whispered against Elrond’s chest. “Just hold me and never let me go.” “Always, my love. Always. I love you so very much, my sweet little Mel. Rest, my love. You are safe in my arms and I will never let you go,” Elrond whispered. “My sweet husband, I love you so much.” “Will you kiss me?” Melpomaen asked. Elrond’s lips descended gently on his, and when Mel slowly opened to him and deepened the kiss, it was the sweetest, most loving kiss they had ever shared. ~~~Meanwhile, back at the cottage… Erestor pressed himself closer to Glorfindel. The councilor was awake, his back against the warrior’s chest, and Glorfindel’s arms wrapped around him. He didn’t want to wake Glorfindel, but he just wanted him so badly. His husband sported a morning erection, and Erestor could feel it against his backside. He rubbed his bottom against his husband, suppressing a moan, as his own erection pulsed for attention, dripping against his abdomen. Glorfindel moaned softly, smiling in his sleep. Erestor was rubbing against him, and it felt so good. His arms tightened around his mate as he unconsciously rubbed his hardness against Erestor’s bottom. Hearing the soft moan, Erestor whispered, “Glorfindel? Are you awake?” Biting his lower lip, he rubbed his bottom against Glorfindel again, feeling his husband move with him. Glorfindel’s eyes slowly focused and he woke to find Erestor in his arms. “Hmmm…Good morning, my beautiful husband,” he whispered. He buried his head in Erestor’s neck and nibbled on the soft flesh behind a beautifully pointed ear, wondering if his husband would mind making love again. He felt like he couldn’t get enough of his dark lover. Erestor moaned when Glorfindel’s lips found his neck and the warrior’s hand made circles on his stomach. Taking Glorfindel’s large hand in his own, he placed it on his straining member. “Please,” he whispered. Glorfindel moaned as his hand wrapped around Erestor’s erection. His thumb coaxed heavy fluid from the tip, his fingers spreading it down the hard shaft, as he silently thanked the Valar that Erestor was as needful as he was. Leaning over his lover, he captured Erestor’s mouth, thrusting his tongue into the sweetness. When he was forced to lift his mouth to draw breath, he whispered, “Tell me what you want, my love.” Erestor drew a sharp breath. “You…inside me…please. Take me…hard…just like this. Possess me. Oh, Valar,” Erestor whispered, “I have never felt so needy. I want you so badly, Glorfindel.” Erestor’s words sent a shiver up Glorfindel’s spine and made his swollen length twitch. “Aye, love,” he whispered. “I need you too.” He slid his arm out from under Erestor and reached back for the phial of oil, quickly opening it with his thumb. When…if…they made it out of bed today, he was going to make sure the oil was in an open dish. Fumbling with the small bottle at times like this just was not going to do. Pouring the oil into his hand, he slicked himself first, moaning as his erection pulsed, then massaged gently around Erestor’s opening with his finger. “Please, love…hurry. I want you now,” Erestor whispered. “Just take me.” He moaned as Glorfindel’s finger breached him, moving gently to stretch him. “Please…more,” he said softly, and was rewarded with a second finger joining the first to scissor and stretch. “Now…take me now,” he begged in a whisper. “Take me…take me…take me,” he said, over and over again, begging for the need burning inside of him to be satisfied. Glorfindel’s fingers stroked the hidden bundle of nerves deep inside, and he moaned as white lights flashed before his closed eyes. Glorfindel pushed his arm under his lover again to grasp Erestor’s member, and pressed against him until he lay half on top of the slighter elf. The warrior’s swollen erection twitched when Erestor whimpered softly as Glorfindel withdrew his fingers, and he leaked thick fluid against the firm globes beneath him. Thanking the Valar that this incredible, loving, sexy, and beautiful elf was his spouse, he slowly pressed into Erestor’s pulsing channel. Erestor groaned and moved his hips back, impaling himself on Glorfindel’s hardness with one fast thrust. “Oh, Valar, love...I love you. I love you. I love you,” he whispered. Erestor pushed his hips back again, telling Glorfindel to move. Glorfindel nearly roared as Erestor pushed back, taking him in to the hilt. Whispering, “I love you,” before burying his head in Erestor’s neck and moving his tongue over the sweet flesh, he pulled nearly all the way out and thrust back in forcefully, knowing it was what his lover wanted. His hand tightened around Erestor’s erection and stroked. Erestor’s head fell back against Glorfindel’s chest and he stretched his neck, offering himself up to his mate. Glorfindel was pummeling in and out of him, and with each stroke of his hidden spot he moaned Glorfindel’s name softly. Sucking on Erestor’s neck, Glorfindel felt his climax approaching. Raising his head, he looked down at Erestor, determined to watch his beautiful husband. He wanted Erestor to come first…wanted to see his beautiful mate overcome with his completion…wanted to feel his hot channel pulse around him, drawing his own climax from him. “I’m so close, love. Come with me, my sweet baby.” He whispered. His thumb stroked the tip of his lover’s shaft, making Erestor moan and shiver. Erestor moaned at Glorfindel’s words and touches. As his husband thrust deeply once more, he came hard, moaning Glorfindel’s name, his inner muscles clamping his lover’s shaft inside of him. Glorfindel moaned Erestor’s name as warm seed spilled over his hand and his lover’s muscles clamped around him. Thrusting one last time, he buried himself deep within his mate and came harder than he ever remembered, his seed spurting again and again into the quivering channel. “Erestor, I love you, I love you,” he whispered, holding his mate closely and covering Erestor’s mouth with his own. Tbc……