Title: Mating Rites Author: Morgana morganalebeau@yahoo.com Website; http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon/ Pairing: Glorfindel / Erestor and Elrond / Legolas Rating: NC-17 Summary: What happens when Elrond orders Erestor and Glorfindel to participate in the Elven version of Beltane? Elves gather on this night to find a mate, and when they found that certain somebody, they jump over the fire to seal their love. Glorfindel's hand is seized unexpectedly and he is forced to make that jump. Once his feet are safely back on the ground again, he looks into the face of his new mate and is more than just surprised. What more will this night of magic and passion bring? Disclaimer: These characters are all Tolkien’s. Warning: AU, fluff, romance. Author’s Note: All mistakes are all mine; yeah, I am greedy! And remember; this is AU! Beta read by Jenn and Aduial! Thanks, sweeties! Mating Rites 2 Erestor dreamily looked at Glorfindel, who was still soundly asleep against him. They had fallen asleep locked in each other's arms and hadn't moved during the night. But the night had passed and it was time to rise and start the new day. /A new day,/ thought Erestor, /I wonder what this day will bring./ Until the ceremony had been concluded by Elrond, Glorfindel still had the right to reject him. Glorfindel's chest rose beneath his head as the blond drew in his next breath. Entranced, Erestor pushed himself up onto all fours and hovered above the warrior. He had wanted Glorfindel from the first time he had laid eyes upon him, but the blond had never shown an interest in him so he had resigned himself to this situation. For a brief while Elrond had taken Glorfindel's place in his dreams, but the half-Elf had been unable to return his feelings. Arien appeared from behind gray clouds and Erestor heard several Elves rise to their feet to make their way back to the Last Homely House. Painfully aware of the fact that they were both naked, he rose slowly and collected their robes. The fire had died and Erestor's brow furrowed. What would the future bring? Was this one night all he would have, or would Glorfindel give him this year to win his love? He returned to Glorfindel's side, knelt, and leaned forward, kissing the bruised lips. "Good morning," he whispered, when Glorfindel's eyes regained awareness. "Glorfindel... I..." Suddenly at a loss for words, Erestor slid his hands into the golden mane and returned to the soft lips for another kiss. Saddened, he felt Glorfindel tense beneath him and pull away slightly, breaking the kiss. "Please do not hate me, Glorfindel. I cannot help loving you." His raven hair fell in front of his face, shielding him from Glorfindel's probing glance. "I love you so much." Glorfindel was dumbfounded. Last night's events slowly returned to him, reminding him how Erestor had taken himself and had then pleaded with him to take control of their lovemaking. "I never knew," he said, honestly. Erestor's hands still moved through his hair and the gentleness of that touch surprised him. "Why did you do this?" "I figured it was my only chance to get close to you." Erestor peeked at Glorfindel through a curtain of black hair. "Within the hour we must appear before Elrond for the last part of the ceremony." He flinched, wishing he could hide his fears better. "You may still decline this bond, Glorfindel." "Do you want this so badly, then?" Glorfindel experimentally raised his hand to run the fingers along Erestor's jaw line. "I have nothing to lose, Glorfindel. Even if you reject me, I will know I have tried. That is all that counts." Erestor cocked his head, leaning into the touch and rubbed his face against the palm of Glorfindel's hand. "We should freshen up... and... you need time to think this over." Regretting having to break the contact, Erestor moved away from Glorfindel, but not before covering the other Elf with his midnight-blue robes. Glorfindel stared thoughtfully at Erestor. The red ribbons that had kept the curls in place were gone and the hair danced wildly against the other Elf's back. The curls were slowly losing form and turning straight again. The ruby lips were passion-bruised and several small marks showed on the advisor's throat. In other words: Erestor was beautiful and he desired him. Odd that he hadn't realized that before today. "Thank you for giving me this hour to sort out my thoughts. This is utterly unexpected." Erestor nodded once and dressed himself in his crimson robes. "I know that I seem distant most of the time -- arrogant even -- but it is my way to keep people from seeing how much I care. I care too much about you, Glorfindel, and as you never showed an interest in me, I thought it best to keep my feelings hidden. I did not want to embarrass you -- or myself." "I do not know you at all," realized Glorfindel, stunned. Next, was the realization that he *did* want to get to know Erestor better. But that meant accepting this bond. "I will see you in the Hall of Fire in one hour and I will inform you of my decision then." "Thank you," said Erestor, inclining his head in respect. Turning away from Glorfindel, he was fully aware of the fact that his fate would be decided in one hour -- and his fate rested in Glorfindel's hands. He hoped the blond would give him his chance, or, if not, let him down gently. Glorfindel watched Erestor's form until the advisor had faded from sight. Why hadn't Elrond warned him his secret admirer was Erestor? /Would it have made a difference though? Would I have not jumped, had I know it was Erestor?/ Those were questions he needed to answer within this very hour. Getting to his feet, he slipped into his robes and slowly made his way back to his rooms. He had much to think about. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Erestor had seldom felt more nervous, standing before Elrond all alone, whilst Glorfindel was supposed to stand at his side. With every passing moment, his hope dwindled and doubt replaced it. One hour had passed and there was no sign of Glorfindel. Apparently the blond had decided against binding with him for a year. All alone, Erestor raised his eyes to meet Elrond's puzzled ones. Several couples had already been bound for the duration of one year and he was the last one waiting for his chosen one to join him. The terrible truth was slowly settling in; Glorfindel wasn't joining him. "Erestor?" Elrond rose from his chair and advanced on his advisor. Only a handful of Elves were still present, among them Lindir, Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen. These were Elves Erestor had known from birth and all cared much for him. It hurt them, seeing him stand there -- abandoned. "I cannot draw this out much longer." Feeling deeply for his hurting friend, Elrond caressed Erestor's face, trying to offer some small measure of comfort. "I really thought he would accept." "I hoped so as well," whispered Erestor, crestfallen. "I should return to my study now. I still need to reply to Celeborn's letter and several reports need to be read and filed." Elrond's heart hurt for his friend. "I do not understand Glorfindel," he offered, sincerely. "You are a true treasure and he is a fool to let you go." Arwen, having heard her father's words, advanced on Erestor as well and smiled weakly. "Maybe we can walk in the gardens before you start on your correspondence?" Erestor had comforted her many times after her mother had left for Aman; the least she could do was offer her company in turn. "Thank you," replied Erestor, "But I have to decline. Maybe later?" He wanted to be alone. Smiling ruefully at Arwen, he waited for her to realize he was in no mood for company and when she did, he turned away from them and headed for the doorway. "Wait! Do not leave!" Panting hard, Glorfindel came to an abrupt stop in the hallway. He had merely wanted to consult with his second-in-command concerning today's training, but then a guard had been injured in a sparring match and Glorfindel had been needed to apply first aid. The result was that he was awfully late now. "Do not leave, Erestor!" Seeing the dark-haired advisor so close to the doorway, he quickly covered the distance between them and took hold of his wrist, much like Erestor had done last night. "I apologize for being late, but there was an accident at the training grounds. I hurried over here as fast as I could." Inwardly conflicted, Erestor finally met Glorfindel's eyes. The blond was here, but what was Glorfindel's answer? "Glorfindel, I..." Visions of last night flashed before his mind's eye, showing him Glorfindel is his naked glory, moving above him. That image enough made him hard with desire, and embarrassed, he averted his eyes. "We cannot leave Elrond waiting," said Glorfindel, pulling Erestor along with him until they stood before Elrond, who had returned to the alleviation where his chair stood upon. He made his decision right there and then, looking into Erestor's hopeful eyes, which finally locked with his. Until this very moment, he hadn't been certain what to do. Elrond smiled, pleased, and then addressed the small gathering of Elves in the Hall of Fire. "The last couple has appeared in front of me on this fine day. They jumped over the fire last night, and as tradition demands now appear in front of the Lord of the valley for his blessing." Elrond tried to read the expression in Glorfindel's eyes, but was unable to label the emotion in them. For Erestor's sake, he hoped Glorfindel wouldn't reject him. "Who took the first step last night?" "I did," replied Erestor in a shaky voice. "I made him jump over the fire with me." "And you jumped?" asked Elrond, smiling smugly at his blond Captain. Glorfindel nervously shuffled his feet. "Aye, I did." /Blindfolded!/ he added in thought. "Erestor, do you desire Glorfindel as your mate?" Elrond smiled, seeing Erestor blush fiercely. Oh, he was fairly sure they had already consummated their love instead of waiting until after this ceremony had been concluded. "I do," whispered Erestor, breathlessly. Unable to look at Glorfindel now, Erestor averted his eyes. In a moment he would find out where Glorfindel stood in this matter "Do you accept Erestor as your mate for the duration of one year, Glorfindel?" Elrond clearly heard Erestor's sharp intake of breath, signaling his friend's nervousness, and he understood too well. He was nervous as well. Glorfindel looked at Erestor, saw the closed eyes, tense shoulders and sensed the other Elf's apprehension. Erestor was afraid he would reject him. Glorfindel smiled, nodded, and then said, "I do." Erestor's eyes fluttered open and stared at Glorfindel in disbelief. "You do?" He had hoped Glorfindel would accept him, but he had been too afraid to hope it would actually come true. "Aye, I do," said Glorfindel, repeating his answer. "I accept you as my mate for the duration of one year." Elrond gestured for Arwen to approach, whispered something into her ear and then waited for his daughter to fetch him what he needed. A moment later, she returned and handed him a cord. "Give me your hands," said Elrond, steadfast. Both Elves extended their right hands and Elrond tied the wrists together using the red cord. "You are lovers now, and you will work on deepening this relationship. In exactly one year you will return here, either to dissolve your relationship or to confirm your love." Glorfindel stared at the red cord that now symbolized his temporary union with Erestor. He was a bit surprised to find that Elrond had chosen a red cord to bind their wrists. Red stood for strong will, passion, strength, courage, health, vigor, lust and danger. /Well,/ he thought, /Erestor is dangerously beautiful./ And he had already got a taste of the advisor's lust, strength and courage. It appeared red was the most appropriate color after all. Erestor's mouth had gone dry now that he had accomplished what he had set out to do. Glorfindel was his mate for one year now. His surprise eventually wore off and acting impulsively, he grabbed hold of the warrior and pulled him close to shower his face with kisses. "I love you, Glorfindel," he said, panting softly from excitement. "I promise you won't regret this." Glorfindel chuckled, softly. His face tingled where Erestor had kissed him. It was obvious that he had made Erestor very happy today, but a small voice in the back of his mind questioned his motives. Why had he done this? He didn't love Erestor, did he? So why accept him? /Or are you falling in love with him?/ asked that tiny voice. /Would that be such a terrible thing?/ Nay, it wouldn't, decided Glorfindel. He had been alone for millennia and maybe he could learn to love Erestor, like the advisor loved him. Elrond removed the cord, freeing their wrists again. "Glorfindel? Maybe you would like to confirm this temporary bond?" Glorfindel placed his hands on either side of Erestor's head and then leaned in closer for a proper kiss. Involuntarily, Erestor held his breath. Glorfindel's soft lips claimed his and his toes curled when the kiss deepened. Cheers erupted around them and Glorfindel gave Erestor a warm smile, ending the kiss. The twins, Lindir, Arwen and even Elrond were cheering them on. /One year,/ he reminded himself, /I have one year to get to know Erestor./ Subconsciously, he hoped he would fall in love with Erestor. Elrond sat down, grinned cheekily, and said, "You will move your belongings to Erestor's rooms, Glorfindel, as you will be living together from now on." Erestor's quarters were more spacious, luxurious and comfortable than Glorfindel's. And the blond would probably be surprised, seeing Erestor's bed for the first time. /Pleasantly surprised, I hope./ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Glorfindel watched Erestor closely, who was busy gathering tunics and leggings to take to the advisor's chambers. Ever since the ceremony the dark-haired Elf had grown unusually quiet and he wondered why. "Erestor?" Glorfindel made his way across the room, which looked empty now that most of his belongings had found their way into Erestor's chambers. He came to a halt behind Erestor and waited for the other Elf to turn around and look at him. When Erestor did, Glorfindel swore the dark eyes were swimming with emotions. "What is wrong?" Erestor swallowed, awkwardly, and stared at the floor. "Do you think I forced you into this bond? I never wanted to do that. I just wanted to show you how much I love you. I guess I hoped you would return that feeling." He felt guilty for tricking Glorfindel into making that jump with him. Glorfindel's fingertips tenderly stroked Erestor's face. "You did not force me into this. When we stood before Elrond I could have said no, but I did not." "Why?" Erestor's large, pleading eyes made his heart miss a beat. Glorfindel rested the palm of his hand against Erestor's cheek, lovingly rubbing the soft skin. "I have been alone for millennia, Erestor. And then you come along, telling me you love me. I find you beautiful, my friend, and my heart tells me I could learn to love you." "But you do not love me right now." Glorfindel buried his hand in Erestor's hair and his other hand came to rest on the small of the dark-haired Elf's back. "I find you beautiful," he repeated, "And your passion rekindled mine. Why don't you give me time to fully understand what is happening? We have a year to make this work." "Are you willing to try, then? To make this work?" Hopeful, Erestor probed Glorfindel's azure eyes. It would mean a lot to him if Glorfindel did. "I said yes earlier," replied Glorfindel, thoughtfully, "I am willing to make this work, but..." Erestor's heart thundered in his chest at hearing that tiny word. "But what?" "You haven taken me by storm, Erestor. You might need to slow down a little." Relieved, Erestor nodded once. "I will try, but it is hard for me." Glorfindel was close once more and the warrior's scent invaded his nostrils, awakening his desire. "I want you so much." Swaying, he leaned in closer. His lips tenderly pressed against Glorfindel's throat, deeply inhaling the blond's scent. His tongue dashed out, lapping at the soft skin. "You are intoxicating." Glorfindel was slightly taken aback by Erestor's words and clearly felt the other Elf's desire now that the advisor pressed himself close against him. "Erestor, I am trying to tell you to slow down and you are about to instigate more lovemaking." Although the words were direct, Glorfindel's tone was teasing and gentle. "I cannot help it," whispered Erestor, slowly dragging his lips down Glorfindel's throat. "I have wanted you for so long." Glorfindel took a step backward, wrapped an arm around Erestor's shoulder and steadied the dark-haired Elf when he swayed once more. It seemed passion was about to overwhelm the advisor. "What else will I learn about you, Erestor? How is it possible that you hid your love and desire for so long? I never saw through your pretence." "Maybe I am a better actor than you thought." Erestor cursed the fact that his arms were full of clothing, otherwise he would have wrapped them around the fair Elf. "We should take these things to your rooms." Glorfindel was growing more curious by the minute. Erestor was nothing like he had thought the advisor would be and he wondered if the dark-haired Elf's chambers held even more surprises. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Awed, Glorfindel stared at the big four-poster bed that stood in the center of Erestor's bedroom. It was made from dark oak and decorated with luxurious silk. Reds, oranges and golden tones gave it a warm appearance and the colors mingled perfectly with the dark wood. Stunned, he turned to look at Erestor. Erestor chuckled; Elrond had reacted in a similar way when the half-Elf had entered his rooms for the first time. Excellent for sleeping, and even more perfect for lovemaking; that was what Elrond had said back then. "I reckon you approve of our bed?" Our bed... That sounded strange, but that was the way it was going to be for the next year. "It is amazing! May I?" Glorfindel dropped the boots he had been carrying on the floor and walked toward the bed. "But of course. You will sleep in it each night. So please go ahead and try it out." Erestor opened the closet and methodically arranged Glorfindel's clothing, so it stayed separate from his. Glorfindel was taller and their clothes shouldn't get mixed up. Glorfindel sat down on the bed, his eyes still mirroring surprise. The mattress was soft, but not too soft. Perfect, really. "You are full of surprises!" He lay down, stretched, and looked in rapture at the canopy, which had been masterly embroiled with tiny suns, whose rays seemed to reach for him. Oh, he could get used to waking up in this manner. "I never pictured you owning such a bed." "It was a gift," explained Erestor, fighting back painful memories, "My first lover gave it to me. He benefited from the gift as well, of course." After closing the closet, he headed for the bed. Seeing Glorfindel stretched there made his heart beat wilder. Just how many dreams had he had in which the blond had been in his bed? And now that dream had become reality! He sat down on the other side and turned toward Glorfindel, who gave him a puzzled look. "What lover, you wonder," he said, easily reading the blond's facial expression. "I have had two lovers in my life time. My first lover died and I mourned the loss for a long time. My second lover could not love me the way he wanted to love me and set me free." Glorfindel blinked, stunned that Erestor so easily opened up to him. "And you kept the bed?" It was a strange idea, occupying a bed in which Erestor had made love with his lovers. "It was a gift from the heart." Erestor crept closer on all fours, leaned in, and licked Glorfindel's bottom lip. "We still have an hour until we have to join Elrond for lunch." Erestor reminded Glorfindel of a lean, graceful cat, who eyed him predatorily, intent on eating him. Oh, that thought went straight to his groin! He might not have any deep feelings for Erestor -- yet -- but the sexual attraction was already there. Erestor made his move then and straddled his hips. Glorfindel swallowed hard; hadn't he asked Erestor to go slower only moments ago? Erestor continued to lean in closer and the dark-haired Elf's hot breath caressed his skin. Their lips were only inches apart and just when Erestor wanted to kiss him, commotion in the corridor stopped the advisor. "My Lord Councilor! The delegation from Mirkwood has arrived! One day too early!" Erestor sighed, regretfully, and sat upright. "I would have loved to ravish you, Glorfindel," he purred. A lump of expectation had formed in his throat, and when Erestor moved off of him, Glorfindel swallowed hard, trying to do away with that odd sensation. Speechless, he watched Erestor get to his feet again. "I will join you in a moment," called Erestor out to his assistant, who still stood waiting in the corridor. Footfalls sounded next, as the other Elf sped away. Erestor went to stand in front of the mirror to straighten out his robes and redo his braids. Once he was content with his appearance he returned to Glorfindel, kissed him on the lips and then whispered, "I will see you again at lunch. I will count the minutes until then." Erestor headed for the doorway, but then looked over his shoulder and said, "Please feel at home here. I do not have any secrets so feel free to explore my rooms." Glorfindel nodded, still flabbergasted. Erestor closed the door behind him and Glorfindel now stared at a closed door, feeling thoroughly confused. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "A whole day too early!" Erestor cursed softly beneath his breath as he gave orders to his assistant to ready guest rooms. One of the guards received the order to look after the party's horses and a servant was sent to the kitchens to inform the cooks to prepare a larger quantity of food. "Has Elrond already been informed?" "Lord Elrond is in the public baths and left orders not to be disturbed," said Narwain, Erestor's ever faithful assistant. The brown-haired Elf lifted green eyes to meet Erestor's. "Prince Legolas and his escort are already awaiting us in the courtyard." Erestor nodded once. "I will welcome them. And you will go to the public baths to inform Lord Elrond." "But he left explicit instructions not to be disturbed!" "Trust me, he will be grateful that you did. Now go!" Erestor turned around one corner whilst Narwain headed in the opposite direction. /Why now? Why now when I finally have Glorfindel in my bed?/ Forcing his thoughts away from the golden-haired Elf, he focused on the task at hand. Legolas was visiting in order to strengthen the bonds between Mirkwood and Imladris, which were fragile at best. The last time Legolas had visited, the twins, assisted by Arwen, had welcomed and entertained the Woodland Elf. Elrond had been in the Golden Wood, visiting with Celeborn and Galadriel. This time he hoped Legolas and Elrond would meet and talk. From what he had seen Legolas had inherited nothing of Thranduil's temper and prejudices, and the golden-haired Elf had made a pleasant conversational partner. Both realms would greatly profit if a friendship could be formed between the Lord of Imladris and Thranduil's youngest son. Erestor quickly checked his appearance, forced his sped- up breathing to calm down and then stepped out onto the courtyard to welcome Legolas and his escort. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Legolas waited patiently, a bit surprised that no one was here to welcome them. Well, he *was* a day early. The weather had been excellent and they had managed to ride more hours during the day than he had thought. Dismissing his escort, he sent them to the guest quarters; they needed to freshen up and rest. In the end, Legolas stood all alone in the courtyard. His eyes took in the majesty of Imladris and although he would always love Mirkwood and call it is home, Elrond's valley was fair beyond comparison. Ever since visiting the Peredhil he had yearned to return here. The peace and serenity that lingered here was missing in his homeland and it was a soothing balm on his soul. "Welcome to the Last Homely House, Legolas," said Erestor, approaching the golden-haired Elf. Legolas graced him with a warm smile and he found himself smiling back, which was rather uncharacteristically for him. Maybe knowing Glorfindel might learn to love him back had already softened his demeanor. "I trust your escort is already taken care of?" "Aye, Lord Councilor, they are. And it is a pleasure to see you again." He had met Erestor during his first visit and the dark-haired Elf had impressed him, running Elrond's household practically alone. "I hope my early arrival causes you no problems?" Erestor cocked his head. "Lord Elrond has been notified and will join us for lunch. May I show you to your rooms?" Erestor gestured for Legolas to follow him and once the Woodland Elf had fallen into step beside him, he added, "I instructed one of the servants to fill your bath tub. Please take the time to refresh yourself. Lunch will be served on Lord Elrond's balcony. I will take you to his study personally." Legolas nodded, gratefully. "It is good to be back here, Lord Councilor. Imladris' beauty warms and soothes my heart." Erestor felt surprised, hearing this admission and the advisor in him took charge. "Is your heart troubled then, Your Highness?" Legolas chuckled softly. "Please do not call me that. I might be a Prince, but I derive no pleasure from carrying that title. I would rather have you address me by my name." "As you wish," replied Erestor, carefully filing this information away for further use. "Is your heart troubled then, Legolas?" The Woodland Elf had never answered his question and Erestor was growing more curious by the minute. Legolas probed Erestor's eyes. He didn't really know Elrond's Chief Councilor, but what did he have to lose? "I feel lonely, Lord Councilor. My father plans on seeking a suitable mate for me, but I have no desire to bind myself to someone he chooses." "Then why don't you choose someone yourself?" Erestor had met Thranduil a few times and knew the Mirkwood ruler could be stubborn at times, but he was also a good father and would never willingly hurt his children. "What prompted this action?" Legolas considered Erestor's question and followed the raven-haired Elf when the advisor showed him into his guest rooms, which were as luxurious as the first time he had stayed here. Windows had been opened and warm rays illuminated the spacious quarters. "He feels it is time for me to enter a bond." "Fathers can be overly concerned for their children," remarked Erestor, dismissing the servant who had just finished filling the bath tub. "Did you try addressing this?" Legolas smiled slightly. "He told me he knew best and that I should experience the pleasures of a bonded relationship." "And there is no one who warms your heart in that way?" His instincts told him that Legolas preferred males over females, like he did, but saying such a thing would be considered forward. "Nay," said Legolas, sighing. He unclasped his riding cloak and let it drop onto the floor. "I found Elladan and Elrohir charming when I visited last time, but I could never come between them in that way." "And what of other Elves?" Erestor frowned marginally, when Legolas continued to undress. The Woodland Elf had removed his tunic and now stared at him, thoughtfully. "I do not fancy maidens in that way," Legolas stated, eventually, "And although your beauty would warm anyone's heart, I know you are not meant for me." Legolas shuffled his feet, nervously. "I always believed I would recognize the one I was supposed to be with when I laid eyes upon him, but so far I have not been able to find him." Erestor gracefully inclined his head to acknowledge the compliment Legolas had paid him. He then turned around, as the golden-haired Elf was undoing the lacing of his leggings. "Maybe we can discuss this later? I need to inform Lord Elrond of your arrival and there is a private matter I ought to attend to." "I would like to discuss this later," said Legolas, slowly. "Your council must be wise if Lord Elrond values it that highly." Now that Legolas couldn't see his features, Erestor smiled again. The younger Elf was absolutely charming, but not as charming as Glorfindel.