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

3

Lovely drawing by Punisher

 

 

Elrond cursed and pretended not to see Narwain's shocked expression. For the Valar's
sake, did Erestor never curse then? Of course not. Erestor made a point of always
appearing calm and in control. Narwain had probably never seen Erestor upset or
frustrated. "You should have informed me earlier!"

 

"But my Lord, you gave explicit orders that no one was to disturb you!" Narwain's gaze
shot towards the doorway, wishing he could simply walk out of there. But Elrond had told
him to help him dress, and although the half-Elf wore his formal robes again, the long
hair was still a tangled mess.

 

"Fetch me a comb or a brush, and hurry!" Elrond shook his head, frustrated. He was cross
with himself and not with Narwain, and disliked himself for taking it out on Erestor's
assistant.

 

"Take your time, Elrond. I already took care of matters." Erestor stealthily entered the
half-Elf's private rooms, crossed the distance to the window and sat down on one of the
comfortable chairs there. "You may leave, Narwain, but stay close in case I need you."

 

Narwain nodded once, relieved to have permission to leave and dashed out of the room.

 

"What did you do, Erestor?" asked Elrond, who had finally managed to get hold of a comb.
But he was doing a poor job at untangling his hair.

 

Erestor left his seat again and came to stand behind the half-Elf. He took possession of
the comb and let it slide through the dark mane of wet hair. "I have done this for you
before, let me do it again."

 

Elrond couldn't help smiling, remembering times when Erestor had performed this duty for
him. Erestor had brought him back from near death and feeling the long, agile fingers
move through his hair had always felt soothing. "What did you tell Legolas?"

 

"Merely that he would join you for lunch, which I ordered to be served on the balcony of
your study."

 

"He was not surprised that I failed to greet him?" Elrond briefly closed his eyes,
enjoying Erestor's touch whilst the advisor braided his hair and put knots into the long
strands.

 

"He arrived a day early, Elrond. Do not worry about that." Erestor finished the braids
and placed the comb on the dresser. Turning Elrond around, he checked his handiwork. "How
do you feel about meeting Legolas?" he asked, whilst pushing one braid back into place
again, which had slipped from behind Elrond's ear.

 

"Tell me, does he much resemble his father?" Elrond walked over to the window and looked
at the tiny clouds forming in the sky. Vilya always reacted by making changes in the
weather when he felt ill at ease.

 

"Physically? Some... Spiritually? I doubt that very much." Erestor reached for Elrond's
outer robes and helped his friend to slip into them. He had wanted to inform Elrond of
Thranduil's demand that Legolas find a mate, but judged the time too short for such a
discussion. He would inform Elrond later.

 

"That reassures me somewhat," said Elrond, finding the courage to joke. His eyes scanned
Erestor's face and his smile widened. "And how are things between Glorfindel and you?"

 

"I seem to be going too fast," said Erestor in an unguarded moment. He hadn't intended to
speak his thoughts out loud. "But I am certain we will find a pace that is acceptable to
both of us."

 

"He surprised you, did he not, by accepting you?" Elrond fell into step beside Erestor
when the two Elf-Lords walked toward the doorway.

 

"I had hoped he would give me this chance," said Erestor, thoughtfully. "But hearing him
say it was something completely different." Pleading eyes sought out Elrond's. "I will do
everything I can to make this work."

 

"You cannot force love," warned Elrond, "but you can nurture it and maybe then it might
grow."

 

Erestor recognized the wisdom in those words. Maybe he had overacted in his desire to
capture Glorfindel's heart. Maybe he had to slow down a little. "Your words are true."

 

Elrond then patted him on the shoulder, smiling brightly. "When I blessed your bond I saw
hope in Glorfindel's eyes. He wants to make this work as well. Let him participate. Do
not take his choices away from him. Make certain he has as much say in this relationship
as you have. You can be overpowering, my friend."

 

Erestor chuckled softly, recalling the first time they had been intimate. His ardor had
taken Elrond rather aback. "You are right once more. I will let him take the lead for a
while."

 

"Good," said Elrond, "And now you will introduce me to Legolas. As Thranduil and I do not
manage to get along, it would be helpful if I could befriend Legolas." Erestor's eyes
suddenly narrowed dangerously and Elrond immediately grew alert. "What are you thinking?"

 

"Nothing," replied Erestor, trying to reassure Elrond, but his shrewd mind had supplied
him with a truly delicate assignment. Elrond was lonely and Legolas in need of a mate.
What would be more perfect than these two Elves to befriend each other? Maybe all the two
Elves needed were to be nudged in the right direction.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel was more than content to just stare at the sun-filled canopy above his head.
Erestor's bed was extremely comfortable and he laughed, amused. Who would have thought
Erestor was hiding that much? But the thought also sobered him and he sat upright,
looking about. The walls had been painted in a soft yellow and carried an impressive
collection of paintings. Heavy bookshelves, made from ancient oak were home to hundreds
of parchments and books; on the top shelves stood pots filled with ivy. Small, green
leaves and brown branches had found themselves a way amidst dozens of scrolls.

 

Silently, Glorfindel left the bed to explore the rest of the rooms. He scanned the book
titles with his eyes, encountering many of Elrond's tomes in here as well. What caught
his attention though were mithril hair clasps, sitting smugly between silk ribbons.
Glorfindel reached for one clasp, portraying a star and fingered the material. Had
Erestor by any chance known Gil-galad? For this clasp carried a design only the High-King
had worn. In the end, he put the clasp back in its original place and moved on.

 

Feeling quite the intruder, he opened Erestor's closet, expecting to find mostly black,
brown and blue robes. But there was also a collection of green, gray and crimson robes,
complete with the cloak Erestor had worn last night. Last night... Had it only been last
night that they had made love? A blush surfaced on his face, recalling the need with
which Erestor had taken himself. Closing the closet, he turned around and took in the
room in general. It breathed comfort, warmth and even a bit of seduction. By Elbereth, he
could grow used to living here!

 

Walking aimlessly, he ended up next to Erestor's dresser. Long, raven strands still
tangled in the brush and he remembered how it had felt to run his fingers through the
ebony tresses. More plants and flowers stood near the windows, contently sucking up
Arien's light and warmth. He had always thought Erestor's rooms would be like the aloof
advisor himself, but he had been wrong.

 

Glorfindel returned to the bed, kicked off his boots and stretched his long legs. It was
a good thing that he didn't have to go back to the barracks until today's patrol returned
and he went back to staring at the sun-speckled canopy, feeling extremely content.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Erestor opened the door to Elrond's study and then stepped aside to let the half-Elf
enter. They had first made a stop at Legolas' rooms, but a servant had informed them that
the Woodland Elf had already been escorted to the Lord's study. Apparently Legolas had
grown a tad restless and had decided to explore a bit.

 

Elrond's eyes quickly scanned his study in search of Legolas. Erestor had told him that
the younger Elf resembled Thranduil in appearance and he was curious to meet with
Legolas. He found Legolas standing on the balcony, overlooking Imladris, and the mere
sight of the golden-haired Elf took his breath away. He had seen grace in their kind
before, but never such perfection. The head was held high, the eyes open, and Legolas'
nostrils flared slightly, inhaling Imladris' flowery scents. The golden hair tumbled down
a gracefully curved back and the ends teased the small of the Elf's back. The Prince had
dressed in soft-blues, which was rather an unusual color to wear for a Woodland Elf, but
by Elbereth, did that color make him look good! Elrond shook himself, shocked to find he
was almost drooling at the exquisite sight.

 

Amused, Erestor watched Elrond flush a delicate red. Aye, this one was beautiful and
Elrond had always been one to admire beauty and to fall in love with it. "Legolas? May I
present Elrond Half-Elven to you?"

 

Legolas spun around, but always remained perfectly balanced. Smiling, he inclined his
head in greeting. "Thank you, Lord Councilor. Lord Elrond, I am honored to finally make
your acquaintance." Legolas' features revealed little of the pleasant surprise he was
experiencing. Erestor might be beautiful, but when he looked into Elrond's eyes he saw
pools of wisdom and knowledge. "My Lord."

 

"Please call me Elrond. There is no need for formalities between us." Elrond was
particularly proud that his voice sounded steady and firm, not betraying his inner
turmoil. Entranced, he stared into eyes which possessed the color of the Sea. Eyes which
were open and welcoming -- curious even.

 

Legolas nodded once and studied Elrond for a short while, averting his eyes before the
half-Elf could possibly notice the attention he was receiving. Such ancient power, such
wisdom... And all that lay in a pair of gray eyes.

 

"Welcome to my home," said Elrond, who had composed himself again. He had reached the set
table by now and gestured for Legolas to sit down opposite him, whilst he seated himself.
It was a beautiful day. Arien was warm, but not too hot and the floating clouds offered
them shade once in a while.

 

"Thank you for welcoming me in your house," said Legolas, seating himself. "The last time
I visited you dwelt in the Golden Wood and I had the pleasure of having your children's
company. They were quite charming and good hosts."

 

"I am pleased to hear that," replied Elrond, practically beaming with joy and pride. He
had forgotten about Erestor, mesmerized by his guest as he was, but hearing the advisor
clear his throat shook him from his admiration. "Oh, Erestor..."

 

Erestor used this opportunity to excuse himself now that Elrond seemed comfortable around
Legolas. "I will leave the two of you alone, now that you no longer need me. I will
remain at your disposal, of course," he added, seeing Elrond nervously glance at him.

 

Elrond raised an eyebrow questioningly. "There is no reason to excuse yourself. You are
more than welcome to join us for lunch, my friend." Erestor had doubtlessly seen how he
had reacted to Legolas' presence and he hoped his friend and advisor hadn't grown
jealous.

 

Erestor couldn't help blushing. "'Tis Glorfindel, Elrond; I would like to speak with
him."

 

Curious, Legolas leaned forward. "Glorfindel?" He had met the warrior during his first
stay and vividly remembered the way Glorfindel and Erestor had bickered constantly.

 

"Aye, I..." Erestor's blush deepened and he buried his hands in the sleeves of his robes.

 

"Glorfindel and Erestor bonded this morn," said Elrond, clearly hearing Legolas'
surprised gasp. "I reckon they would like to spend some time in each other's company."

 

"Glorfindel and you?" Legolas' eyes had widened in surprise. "But I thought..." Oh, now
that bickering made sense. These two had obviously been in denial for a long time.
"Congratulations are in order then, Lord Councilor." Legolas smiled, happily. "May the
Valar bless your union."

 

Erestor coughed, trying to rid himself of the lump that was trying to choke him.
Legolas' words had somehow touched him deeply, but he didn't know why. Maybe because
Legolas assumed that the feelings were mutual, what they clearly weren't. Glorfindel
didn't love him back -- yet. But the sexual attraction was there, for which he was
grateful. "Thank you..." His gaze shifted from Legolas to Elrond. "I will join you again
shortly." /I am perfectly confident that you can entertain Legolas during my absence./ He
had known Elrond for too long to not see the first signs of attraction on the half-Elf's
face. Bowing slightly, he turned and left, eager to be reunited with Glorfindel. And this
time, he promised, he would take things slow.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Glorfindel heard the door open, but didn't open his eyes, instinctively knowing who had
entered. Who else, but Erestor? Soft footfalls told him that the advisor was making his
way over to the bed and then the bed moved, signaling Erestor had sat down beside him. "I
reckon I had better get used to you being called away when we are in the midst of
something?" Lazily, he opened his eyes and looked at Erestor. The ebony braids had
loosened during the day and now tumbled forward. Glorfindel tucked them back into place
again, noticing the way Erestor's expression changed at the touch. The eyes became hooded
with desire and the lips trembled minutely, as if the advisor was restraining himself not
to kiss him. Maybe that was even the case, mused Glorfindel.

 

"I apologize for leaving in such a hurry, but it is my duty to welcome guests in Elrond's
absence, and Legolas *did* arrive too early." Erestor wanted to add to his apology, but
was silenced when Glorfindel placed a finger against his lips. Oh, temptation overcame
him and his tongue dashed out, licking the digit hungrily. Sucking at the tip of
Glorfindel's finger, he closed his eyes, damning himself for being unable to do as
Glorfindel had asked.

 

A misty look appeared in Glorfindel's eyes as the sucking sensation went straight to his
groin. Oh, the things Erestor did to him! A firm lick was bestowed onto his fingertip and
then the warmth was gone. Erestor had pulled back and now eyed him guiltily. "Do not give
me that look. You knew exactly what you were doing."

 

"I must apologize again then. You asked for me to slow down where my advances were
concerned and I simply ignored that request." Erestor began to move away from Glorfindel,
but suddenly the blond grabbed his wrist, keeping him in place.

 

"I do not mind the kissing, Erestor. Actually, I welcome it, but let us do this step for
step." Seeing hope glow anew in the ember eyes, Glorfindel pulled Erestor close against
him.

 

The raven-haired Elf stretched beside Glorfindel, rested his head on the blond's chest,
and relished the feeling of Glorfindel wrapping his arms protectively around him. "You do
not know for how many nights my sleep was filled with dreams like this one. You would
pull me close, hold me and kiss me."

 

"And doubtlessly make love to you as well," added Glorfindel knowingly.

 

"Aye," replied Erestor, honestly admitting the truth. His hand moved over Glorfindel's
chest, rubbing the skin through the fabric of the shirt. He grew silent then, words
momentarily lost to him.

 

"Erestor, I will need some time to grow used to this, but do not stop kissing me."
Glorfindel pressed a chaste kiss on the top of Erestor's head. "I do not know what
happened last night, but I haven't felt this content for millennia."

 

"I pleased you then?" Erestor briefly lifted his head to make eye contact with the blond.

 

That moment, Glorfindel realized something about Erestor. "You are really eager to
please, aren't you?"

 

"Of course, you are my mate now. I want to make you happy."

 

Unguarded, open eyes stared back at Glorfindel, who frowned. "But you would always take
care of yourself first, wouldn't you? You wouldn't allow yourself to become hurt in
whatever way?"

 

Erestor blinked, confused. "Why are you asking me that question?" Glorfindel's words had
propelled him back into the past. Aye, this had happened before. He had been so eager to
please -- so concerned for his lover that he had gotten injured -- physically and
emotionally -- and he still carried the mental scars to remind him.

 

"I do not know... I am usually not affected by the gift of foresight as Elrond is, but
for a moment I thought I should ask you that question. Please, Erestor, always take good
care of yourself."

 

Erestor pulled away, sat upright and avoided Glorfindel's eyes when the blond tried to
make eye contact with him.

 

"It has happened before, hasn't it?" said Glorfindel, quickly catching on. "Erestor?"

 

"I am not ready yet to tell you," whispered Erestor, "maybe at a later time."

 

"You have all the time you need," replied Glorfindel, gently stroking his mate's raven
hair. Nothing about Erestor made sense to him at this particular moment. But there was
one thing he knew for certain: Erestor loved him. And that was enough to begin to love
him back.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrond regretted having to say his temporary goodbyes to Legolas, but duty called and he
had to attend this afternoon's council meeting. "Maybe you will join me for dinner? My
household will want to welcome you too as you are the guest of honor tonight." He had
been startled to find just how fast time had passed whilst he had been in Legolas'
company. For some reason it was extremely easy to talk to him and they had discussed many
things, the strained relationship between Mirkwood and Imladris being one of them.

 

"I would like that," said Legolas, softly. "I enjoyed our talk."

 

"So did I," admitted Elrond, readily. "I will send for a servant to escort you to the
Hall of Fire this eve."

 

Legolas chuckled softly. "Lest I grow restless and decide to explore your home -- if I
may, that is."

 

"Feel free to roam the Last Homely House," said Elrond, inclining his head. "I want you
to feel at home here."

 

Legolas almost blushed, but he managed to bring his feelings under control again. For
some reason his attraction toward Elrond was growing. "I will be there."

 

Elrond didn't want to part from Legolas and it seemed the golden-haired Elf had no desire
to leave either, but he needed to join his advisors shortly. "Until this eve, then."

 

Legolas, realizing it would be improper to stall any longer, made his way over to the
doorway. Casting one last look at Elrond from over his shoulder, he smiled before closing
the door behind him.

 

Elrond sighed, deeply, wishing Legolas could have stayed. What sweet madness had taken
his heart? He shook his head, trying to focus at the task at hand: leading today's
meeting.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"I will see you again at dinner," said Glorfindel, who felt somewhat concerned about
Erestor. The dark-haired Elf had grown oddly quiet after their conversation and did his
best to avoid meeting Glorfindel’s eyes whenever the blond tried to make eye contact. It
was obvious that the conversation had upset him, but Glorfindel was at a loss why. What
had happened to Erestor in the past? Whatever it was, it made him feel protective of the
advisor, which was definitely a first. Glorfindel had always assumed Erestor was an
expert at taking care of himself, but he wasn't so sure any more. "Don't I get a goodbye
kiss?" he said, trying to provoke Erestor so the advisor would react and hopefully
address him.

 

Erestor was plagued by unpleasant memories, which he was trying hard to suppress. But he
wasn't succeeding; Ereinion's face was haunting him. Giving Glorfindel another guilty
look, he kissed the blond's lips.

 

Glorfindel could tell that Erestor's thoughts were somewhere else, as the kiss lacked the
passion he had become accustomed to. "We will talk after dinner, yes?" Erestor didn't
look convinced, so he added, "You told me that you wanted to make this work. In that case
you cannot lock me out or keep secrets from me. Do you understand?"

 

Erestor nodded his head once. "You are right, of course, but..."

 

"I will give you the time you need, but we will discuss this."

 

Erestor bowed his head in defeat. "As long as you understand that it is hard for me to
talk about him..."

 

/Him,/ noticed Glorfindel. /I wonder who he is referring to. Hopefully I will find out
tonight./ In order to reassure Erestor that he would support him, he gathered the
advisor's hand in his and reverently kissed it. Erestor blushed at that, and shot him an
adoring look. /All will be well, I can feel it./

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

"So, what is your first impression of our Mirkwood Prince?" inquired Erestor, who had
joined Elrond in the half-Elf's study now that today's meeting had come to an end. Elrond
had been remarkably absentminded and Erestor had come to the rescue whenever one of the
other advisors had asked the half-Elf a question.

 

"I have lived long and seen much," started Elrond. "But never before did I encounter such
grace and perfection in a single Elf. He is stunning." He had opted for the truth,
knowing only too well that he couldn't possibly hope to fool his best friend. "I will
thoroughly enjoy every moment spent with him."

 

"Did he tell you that his father demands he find a mate and enter a bond? Apparently
Thranduil is convinced Legolas would benefit from such a bond." Trying to put himself in
Thranduil's place, he gained more insight and added, "Maybe he fears Legolas might be
lonely."

 

Elrond nodded, understanding Thranduil's reasoning. "And what does our fair Prince think
about his father's request?"

 

"Legolas is not amused, to say the least. From what he told me, Thranduil is quite
determined to find a mate for him and Legolas does not approve of that. He wants to
choose his own mate."

 

"Understandably." Elrond straightened his robes and checked his appearance. They would
join the others in the Hall of Fire in a moment. "So why did he come here? Did he think
one of my sons attractive?" His heart contracted painfully at that thought.

 

"Nay, he does not. He confided in me that neither Elladan, nor Elrohir struck his
fancy." Erestor tucked a braid which had slipped into Elrond's face back into place
again. "I reckon he is stalling, hoping Thranduil will reconsider and abandon the idea to
find him a mate."

 

"Enough of Legolas and Thranduil for now." Elrond gestured for Erestor to fall into step
with him upon entering the corridor. "I sense a change in you. Did something upset you
during your talk with Glorfindel?"

 

Erestor drew in a deep breath. Elrond was the only person alive who would dare address
this matter so directly. "He told me he feels overwhelmed and that he needs time to grow
used to this. He asked me to slow down. And I agreed."

 

"But that is not all there is," said Elrond, reading Erestor like an open book. "What
happened to cause you to grow upset, my dearest friend?"

 

"He said something that..." Erestor grew quiet, looked Elrond in the eye, and said, "I
could not discuss this matter with him and I am afraid I cannot address it now either."
Erestor's shoulders slumped. "And once I find the courage to tell him, Glorfindel should
be the first to hear this. He told me that I could not run away from him now that we are
in this relationship, and he is right of course."

 

Elrond smiled, proudly. "Aye, he should be the first to hear." He raised a hand and
caressed Erestor's face. "I hope that he will make you happy in turn. You deserve that."
Erestor blushed, much as Elrond had expected. "Come, let us join our guest of honor...
and your husband." And yes, the blush intensified. "You have a mate once more, Erestor.
Treat him well and always be honest with him."

 

"I will." He would tell Glorfindel what had happened, even if it meant reliving painful
memories.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Legolas cast an amused glance at Erestor, when the dark-haired Elf seated himself next to
his husband. Aye, the bickering did make sense now. Things had apparently already changed
between the two Elves, as Glorfindel softly welcomed Erestor instead of starting another
verbal sparring match. The role Erestor had played during the day -- that of a distant
advisor -- slipped away from him, leaving behind a timid looking Elf. Amazing, mused
Legolas. The changes were remarkable.

 

But then Elrond joined them and he lost all interest in Erestor and Glorfindel. The Lord
of Imladris had dressed in browns this evening and except for two braids, clasped tightly
at the back of his head, the long, dark hair was allowed to flow freely down the back.
The passing of time, misery and suffering had left their traces on the half-Elf's face,
making him look worn and even a bit old, which was unusual for one of their kind, but not
unheard of. It made Elrond even more attractive, mused Legolas. This was an Elf who had
seen battle, who had lost and loved and life had shaped him into a wise and compassionate
leader. All those things appealed to him. "Good evening, Elrond." At first, he had felt
hesitant to call the half-Elf by his name, instead of addressing him as my Lord. Elrond
was an Elf who received respect without having to ask for it, and addressing him formally
seemed much better suited.

 

"Good evening, Legolas. I heard you found your way here early?" The servants had told him
that Legolas had appeared in the Hall of Fire when they had been laying the table, and
one of his guards reported that the Prince had visited the stables to look after his
horse. His guest was eager to explore it seemed.

 

"Aye, 'twas rather easy. I simply followed the direction the commotion was coming from."
The servants had been chattering happily whilst setting the table and had thus showed him
the way. "It is quiet different from the way we live in Mirkwood."

 

Elrond nodded once, aware of the fact that the Woodland Elves either dwelt high up in
their trees, or sought shelter from attacks in the deep caves. "There are no deadly
spiders here and my lands do not border Sauron's. We live here in relative safety."

 

And yet, Elrond's wife had been attacked by Orcs and marred for life. Legolas sighed
deeply at recalling that Celebrían had sailed for Aman, leaving Elrond behind. The half-
Elf had been right to say they lived in 'relative' safety. "Are there still sightings of
Orcs near your borders?"

 

"Occasionally," admitted Elrond. As a matter of fact his sons were now patrolling those
borders, keeping the inhabitants of Imladris safe.

 

Dinner was served and Elrond had no choice but to join other conversations going on at
the head table, but his eyes regularly sought out Legolas. And when they did, Legolas
would intercept that look and smile at him. Their play made Elrond's heart beat louder
and faster. Could it be possible that Legolas liked him as well? Elrond hoped they could
build a friendship before the Prince had to return to his homeland.