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

5

Lovely drawing by Punisher!

 

 

Legolas patiently waited for Elrond to join the hunting party that had gathered in the
courtyard. He had been surprised to find out there would just be the four of them. Two
guards would accompany them and these soldiers also carried the two hawks that would go
on the hunt with them. He had envisioned a larger escort, but then again, this was
Imladris and not Mirkwood. There weren't any evil spiders lurking in Imladris' forests.
Rubbing his stallion's nose, he whispered sweetly into the horse's ear. Uir (eternity)
had been his trusted steed for many years and had always served him well.

 

Elrond's mare, Aur (morning), was growing impatient and raised her head, trying to see if
the half-Elf was already approaching. She sensed the impending excitement and was ready
to set out for the forest.

 

"Ah, there you are! You are early!" Elrond stepped onto the courtyard and headed for the
small party.

 

Legolas' eyes narrowed in amazement. Gone were the formal robes; Elrond was dressed in
hunter's garb, wearing brown and gray colors, which definitely suited him. The amazingly
tight leggings hugged the elder Elf's body and left little to the imagination. Legolas
also found that Elrond was more muscularly built than he had originally thought. The dark
hair had been tamed and forced into a pony tail, which made Elrond look younger. Legolas
almost purred in delight seeing Elrond in something else than those formal robes. "I am
curious to find out more about your lands and eager to start the hunt."

 

Elrond nodded, indulgently. "Then let us not waste more time than we already have!"

 

Legolas admired the apparent grace with which Elrond jumped onto his mare's back.
Following the half-Elf's example, he mounted his own stallion. The hooves barely touched
the ground when they took off for the forest. For now, Legolas was content to follow
Elrond's lead, hoping there would be room for conversation during the hunt.

 

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

 

The arrow, which Elrond released, hit its target, causing the wounded bird to tumble from
the branch. Elrond had picked one of the older, larger birds instead of one of the young
ones, who still needed to start their own little families. One of the guards fetched the
bird, and then released the hawk, seeing a pigeon sporting an awkward wing, trying to fly
away. The poor animal was no match for the hawk, and the bird of prey proudly collected
its victim. Elrond preferred to hunt the weak and old animals, trying to keep the game
healthy and strong in his realm.

 

"Excellent shot," said Legolas, honestly. "I tend to forget you fought your fair share of
battles." Looking at Elrond now, in his hunter's grab, he could finally imagine the
Herald fighting at the High-King's side. Picturing such a thing was a lot harder when
Elrond walked beside him wearing long, formal robes. "Your name has become legend."

 

Elrond's eyes darkened briefly, overwhelmed when he was allowed a glimpse into the
future. His gift of foresight had caused him much pain in the past, and when he saw
Legolas fighting the forces of the Evil One, he instinctively feared for the fair-haired
Elf's life. "You will have your own battles to fight," he said, ruefully. "And maybe the
day will come that you will wish you had not been so eager to see your share of war."

 

Legolas frowned, deeply. "I have heard that you possess the gift of foresight. Did you
see something just now?" Elrond's features had darkened with worry.

 

Elrond hesitated to reply. What was he supposed to say? "A gift, you call it. I say it is
a curse." He would have been spared much misery and despair had he not possessed this
'gift'.

 

"What did you see?" Legolas steered his stallion closer to Elrond's mare. "Please tell
me."

 

Elrond lowered his eyes and his hands stroked Aur's gray mane in an effort to reassure
himself. "You will be called upon to fight in a war -- a war that will decide Arda's
fate."

 

Legolas gasped, stunned. "What else did you see?"

 

"I saw loss, pain and grief."

 

Distressed at this news, Legolas paled slightly. "It has always been my greatest wish to
fight the Evil One and to make my father proud, but hearing there will be pain and loss
grieves me."

 

"War goes hand in hand with pain," said Elrond, thoughtfully. "You are still young," he
said, pointedly ignoring the pouting look Legolas gave him. "Aye, you *are* young
compared to me and you have not seen real battle yet. Fighting Mirkwood's spiders or Orcs
does not come close to what you will experience in the future. That experience will
change you forever."

 

Legolas regretted he had ever asked Elrond what the half-Elf had seen, but couldn't
simply change the subject. That would be considered impolite. "I do not wish to throw
myself into a meaningless battle. I want to fight for the good that still dwells here on
Arda. My father told me that a day will come when all Elves will leave Arda, but I cannot
imagine such a thing."

 

"You are full of life, aye," said Elrond, musing. "But life cannot exist without death."
And Legolas would see and bring his share of death in the upcoming battle. Elrond
gestured for the guards to fall back as he wanted a moment of privacy with the Mirkwood
Elf. "Legolas, why are you here?"

 

Surprised, Legolas looked Elrond in the eye. Why had the half-Elf changed their subject
so unexpectedly? "How well do you know my father?" he asked, treading carefully.

 

"Well enough to know he can cause trouble," said Elrond, diplomatically. "But then again,
it has been a while since I talked to him last. About two millennia, in case you are
wondering."

 

"He means well." Legolas lifted his eyes when one of Arien's rays illuminated the leafy
ceiling above him. The trees' large branches formed a perfect shelter from the sun,
making it even more special to see that one ray push through.

 

Elrond saw the delight in Legolas' eyes and wished the younger Elf would look at him in
such a way. "I do not want to pressure you or impose myself on you, but you can turn to
me for counsel, if you need any." Oh, how he hoped Legolas would trust in him!

 

Legolas cocked his head and studied Elrond for some moments. "My father decided that the
time is right for to me find a mate."

 

Elrond pretended to be surprised at hearing this. "Is there a special reason why he
thinks so?"

 

"I celebrated my one thousand five hundredth begetting day a few moons ago and he told me
he was sad because I had not found a suitable mate yet. He even offered to find one for
me."

 

Elrond chuckled, softly. "I reckon he already has someone in mind?"

 

"Maybe." Legolas shrugged his shoulders. "I am not exactly eager to find out."

 

"So what *do* you hope to find here?" inquired Elrond, who guided Aur to the right where
a stream of cool water divided the landscape. "Are you interested in one of my children?"

 

"Nay," replied Legolas, slowly, considering Elrond's question. "I hoped to get away from
my father for a short while." Elrond told his mare to come to a halt and Legolas eagerly
took in the elegant form when the half-Elf dismounted. There was grace and strength to
the Peredhel's frame. /I am not interested in any of your children, but I might be
interested in you./

 

Elrond's feet were only inches away from making contact with the ground, when commotion
to his right, coming from the bushes, alerted him. But Elrond reacted too slowly --
surprised by the attack -- and tripped, landing gracelessly in a heap. A wild boar,
growling now that he had been disturbed, immediately attacked and targeted the startled
half-Elf.

 

Elrond tried moving out of the animal's path, but a sharp pain emanated from his right
ankle, making him collapse. The boar sensed his chance to eliminate the intruder and
charged.

 

All of a sudden a rain of arrows swooshed past him, missing his form expertly and burying
themselves in the boar's head. Before the frenzied animal could reach Elrond it dropped
dead to the ground, convulsions violently shaking his body. Elrond stared at the dead
animal, feeling a bit dazed.

 

Legolas was off his stallion's back and on his feet within two seconds and quickly made
his way over to Elrond. One moment they had been talking, and the next, a boar had
appeared, attacking the half-Elf. His instincts had kicked in and he had sent a shower of
arrows flying to take out the crazed animal. "Are you hurt?" Sitting on his heels beside
the half-Elf, he quickly checked him over and immediately noticed the flinch when Elrond
tried to get back to his feet again.

 

"It is my ankle," said Elrond, still panting softly. "I never saw that boar coming!" He
had beheaded Orcs, defeated Nazgūl and had stood by Ereinion's side when they had fought
the Evil One and in all those times he had never faltered. Had always stood his ground.
But this boar had brought him down -- injuring him. Staring at the dead animal, he
shivered, recalling how fast and accurately aimed those arrows had been. Had Legolas' aim
been off for just a little, he would have been dead as well. It was a testimony to the
other Elf's skill that the arrows had only hit their target.

 

"Lean on me, then," offered Legolas, quickly wrapping an arm around Elrond's waist now
that he had an excuse to do so. He was finally able to touch the elder Elf, but wished
the conditions were different. "We should return to the Last Homely House so we can
attend to your ankle."

 

"It is merely sprained, Legolas, not broken." Elrond cursed himself for being so
careless! He should have seen that boar coming, but he had been too focused on the fair-
haired Elf to notice the danger. But it was nice to have Legolas close.

 

The two guards, shocked at finding their Ruler limping toward them, dismounted and
offered their deepest apologies.

 

"It was not your fault," said Elrond, calming them. "I told you to fall back. Now make
yourself useful and find a way to take that boar with us to Imladris. He will feed us for
a while." Legolas had guided him back to their horses and now assisted him in mounting
Aur. Looking into the sapphire eyes, he saw concern, maybe even shock. "I am fine,
Legolas, just a bit shaken." Seeing Legolas raise an eyebrow, he explained, "My ego is
shaken and my pride bruised at having been caught unaware."

 

Legolas chuckled, softly. "I know how you feel. The same thing happened to me when a
spider sneaked up on me, and I noticed him too late. My father had to save me."

 

"That must have been quite the sight." Elrond bit his bottom lip -- not of pain, but
because he hated the fact that Legolas had seen him incapable of defending himself. He
hadn't exaggerated when he had said that his pride had been bruised.

 

They returned to the Last Homely House, where Legolas helped Elrond dismount, despite the
half-Elf's claim that he didn't need any assistance. Legolas didn't want to hear any of
it. The younger Elf kept an arm wrapped around his waist and Elrond gave in eventually.

 

"I should take you to see a healer," mused Legolas, wondering where the House of Healing
was located.

 

"Nay, take me to my rooms instead." Elrond didn't want Elladan, who was working at the
House of Healing, to see him in this state. His son would make him explain and he would
die of embarrassment, relieving the unpleasant attack.

 

"I will take you to your rooms then." Legolas understood about Elrond's wounded pride. He
had felt the same way after his father had come to his rescue. "Lean on me though. I am
not *that* fragile." Elrond was doing his best to keep his weight off of him, which vexed
him.

 

"Old warrior's pride," replied Elrond, trying to explain his actions. They had reached
the hall and he now stared in dismay at the flight of stairs he needed to climb in order
to get to his rooms.

 

"Then set your pride aside and allow me to help you." Legolas waited for Elrond to
finally start lean on him properly and when the half-Elf did, the Woodland Elf felt
honored. Step by step, taking things slowly, he helped Elrond to climb the stairs. Elrond
never uttered a moan of pain or asked for a pause, but Legolas knew the elder Elf was
hurting. /Let us hope you spoke the truth and that your ankle is sprained and not
broken./

 

Elrond pushed the door to his chambers open. "Take me to the bed." He longed to sit down
as pain was spreading from his ankle, upward his leg.

 

Legolas complied and slowly lowered Elrond onto the bed. "Let me check on your ankle."

 

Elrond considered protesting, but one look at Legolas' eyes told him the younger Elf
wouldn't allow it. Supporting himself by placing his hands behind him, he sat upright and
nodded once. Taking the riding boot off was painful and he gritted his teeth, determined
not to cry out. However, a sigh of relief left his lips when Legolas finally managed to
remove the boot. His ankle had already swollen and had turned black and blue. "I cannot
believe I was so distracted that I never noticed the danger!" Such thoughtlessness would
have gotten him killed on the battlefield in the past!

 

"Do not be so hard on yourself," whispered Legolas, delicately probing the injured limb.
"It feels broken, not sprained." Angry eyes met Elrond's.

 

"I honestly thought it was just sprained," said Elrond, sincerely. But now that he bowed
down and examined the injury himself, he realized that Legolas was right. "I broke my
ankle."

 

"It needs to be set." Legolas stared admonishingly at the half-Elf. "I should not have
listened to you and taken you to the healers instead."

 

Realizing that he needed help to properly set his ankle, Elrond said, "Tell one of the
servants to fetch Elladan."

 

Legolas nodded, relieved, and briefly stepped out of the room to send a servant to the
House of Healing. After closing the door behind him, he returned to Elrond, kneeling in
front of him to remove the other boot as well. "You will be on your feet again shortly,
if you rest and let Elladan attend to your ankle."

 

"I have the feeling you will give me no choice," said Elrond, resigned. He sought out
Legolas' blue eyes, and said, "Thank you."

 

A lump of emotions formed in Legolas' throat at hearing those words. Not trusting his
voice, he simply nodded.

 

Elrond managed a weak smile. "If it had not been for you, I might have carried away
graver injuries."

 

"But I was there," whispered Legolas, nervously. Lifting shy eyes, he added, "And I am
thankful that I was."

 

Those words touched Elrond's heart and his smile became warmer -- more genuine.
Experimentally, he rested his hand on Legolas' shoulder and felt thrilled when the
younger Elf allowed this.

 

They sat in companionable silence, awaiting Elladan's arrival.

 

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

 

Elladan glared at his father. "You should have sought me out at once. I want you to rest
and to keep your foot alleviated. You know what to do, Ada! Healers really make the worst
patients ever!"

 

"Hear, hear..." Elrond cocked his head. "I distinctively remember someone who refused to
let me set his broken arm after his twin brother had accidentally broken it."

 

"That was different," maintained Elladan. He had finished setting and bandaging his
father's foot and his gaze shifted to Legolas. "Thank you for watching over him."

 

Legolas nodded once, smiling at the younger half-Elf.

 

Elrond snorted. "It won't happen ever again!" This injury would serve to remind him to
always be alert.

 

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

 

It was already late in the afternoon when Erestor decided it was time to call for an end.
They would continue the next day and Elrond and he would hear the remaining traders then.
The day had gone well. Most traders were allowed to set up business inside Imladris. But
there was one human who had become angry with him, when the examined goods proved
inferior and he was denied the possibility of trading with the Elven community.

 

All the advisors had already left, and Erestor now dismissed Narwain for the rest of the
day, looking forward to having dinner with Glorfindel. He had missed the blond warrior
during the day. Rising from his chair, he began to make his way toward the doorway when a
sudden jolt to his arm stopped him. Spinning around, he stared into the human's angry
eyes. "How do you dare lay your hands on me? Release me."

 

But the trader just shook his head. "My goods aren't inferior and I should be allowed to
sell my products here."

 

"The toys for the children you presented are hazardous! They broke apart and a child
could have suffocated on the smaller parts if he had put it in his mouth! I am not
allowing such dangerous products in Imladris!" He practically read the greed in the Man's
eyes and instinctively knew the trader would resort to violence when provoked. "Release
me!"

 

"No, not before you give me written permission to sell my goods. I didn't come here from
Gondor to be sent away again!"

 

The hold on his wrist tightened and was becoming painful. "This is my last warning.
Release me or suffer the consequences." Erestor spoke the words in a perfectly cold tone,
hoping the Man understood he was serious.

 

"How do you dare to threaten me?" The Man's eyes flared with anger and he bared his
teeth.

 

Erestor saw the fist coming too late. He tried to duck, but he wasn't fast enough. The
fist connected with his cheek, rocking him off his feet. He was about to retaliate and
deal with this human when Glorfindel appeared out of nowhere, flinging himself at the
startled trader.

 

"You hit him!" Glorfindel glared at the human and restrained him, making certain the
trader would never lay a finger on Erestor again. "For that, Lord Elrond will banish
you!"

 

Erestor remained calm, though his tempter threatened to get the better of him. "Guards,"
he called out and two Elven warriors immediately joined them. "Lock him up until Lord
Elrond can look into this matter." The guards took the human trader and led him away.

 

"Oh, by Elbereth!" Glorfindel quickly advanced on Erestor, eager to check if the advisor
carried more injuries. The spot where fist and face had collided was already beginning to
bruise. "The bastard..."
 

Hearing that word took Erestor aback momentarily. He had never heard Glorfindel say
something like that, but then he shook his musings off and glared at the blond. "What do
you think you were doing? Do you think I cannot defend myself against the likes of him?"

 

Erestor's vehement reaction stunned Glorfindel. He hadn't exactly expected gratitude,
but... "I saw him hit you! What was I supposed to do? Stand back and let him continue to
cuff you?"

 

"I can hold my own against the likes of him! You do not need to protect me!" Erestor's
eyes shot daggers. "I do not need protecting!"

 

Glorfindel's brow had furrowed. Why was Erestor stressing that he didn't need protecting?
"I do not doubt you can defend yourself, Erestor. I acted instinctively. I care about you
and I could not bear seeing him hit you!"

 

"I could have fought him off! You did not need to interfere!" Erestor trembled, fiercely.
"I can defend myself."

 

And suddenly everything fell into place. Glorfindel sighed, deeply, and carefully reached
out for Erestor, who instantly tried to move away from him. "I cannot help being
concerned for you, caring for you. Like Ereinion, I need to know you are safe. The fact
that I restrained the bastard does not mean I think you are incapable of dealing with
him."

 

Erestor calmed slowly. "I do not need your protection."

 

"No, you do not, but I want to extend it to you anyway. I cannot help the fact that I am
worried for your well-being." Glorfindel managed to wrap an arm around Erestor and
proceeded to pull him close. "You are in no way a fragile flower that I need to protect
and defend, but I cannot go against my instincts. When I see you are threatened, I
react." Had Ereinion smothered Erestor with his protectiveness in the past? He could
easily imagine that Ereinion would want to make certain Erestor was safe, but somehow
Erestor's pride and sense of self-worth had suffered from it.

 

"Maybe we can spar some time?" offered Erestor, trying to make amends for the tone he had
used earlier. "I apologize for overreacting, but Ereinion..."

 

/He did not believe you could defend yourself,/ finished Glorfindel in thought for
Erestor. "Sparring is an excellent idea. Maybe after dinner?"

Erestor's eyes lit up with pleasure, making Glorfindel smile.

 

"I would like that very much." Erestor rested his head against Glorfindel's chest,
relieved that the blond took him seriously, instead of brushing him off like Ereinion had
done. There had never been any room for discussion with the High-King; Ereinion had taken
all necessary measures to ensure their safety after the incident with the Nazgūl, needing
to know Erestor was safe. And by doing so, he had shredded Erestor's belief that he could
take care of himself. It was nice that Glorfindel was giving him the chance to prove
himself with a sword. /I will make you proud,/ promised Erestor, /I will show you that I
*can* defend myself and that you do not have to come running to fight off any attackers./
But at the same time he understood Glorfindel's protectiveness. It was the same
protective feeling that had made him trick the Nazgūl into following him, guiding them
away from Ereinion.

 

"Please forgive me, Erestor. Forgive me for wanting to protect you."

 

Glorfindel's words caused a lump of emotions to form in his throat. "There is nothing to
forgive. You acted instinctively and I understand why you did it." Glorfindel's blue eyes
sought out his and Erestor smiled reassuringly. "Thank you for understanding."

 

"I understand that you want to defend yourself and that I do not need to do it for you. I
am not Ereinion. I won't smother you with worry."

 

"You really understand," said Erestor, touched. Eager to confirm that everything was well
again, he kissed Glorfindel's brow. "I love you."

 

Glorfindel gave him a wink. "You had better love me, you troublemaker."

 

Erestor blushed. "We should change into something more clean and comfortable. It is
almost time for dinner."

 

Glorfindel happily guided Erestor toward the doorway, wondering what other surprises
Erestor had in store for him.

 

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

 

Legolas stalled; he didn't want to leave Elrond's chambers, but now that the half-Elf's
injury had been tended to, he didn't really have a reason to stay. He remained seated
opposite Elrond, who had followed Elladan's advice to alleviate his foot and to rest.
They had moved out onto the balcony to watch Arien set and Ithil rise. The air was heavy
with the sweet scent of blossoming flowers and the birds provided them with the most
lovely music, singing their songs. He just didn't want to move!

 

"I might not be able to join you for dinner in the Hall of Fire tonight," mumbled Elrond,
who had been lost in reverie, staring at Legolas' elegant features. There was strength in
the younger Elf and it was drawing him in closer.

 

Legolas was quick to react and steer the conversation in the direction he wanted it to
go. "I must admit that I am not looking forward to going to the Hall of Fire myself.
Would it be too forward to suggest we have dinner together? Here? I could come to your
rooms at dinner time."

 

Elrond's heart missed a beat. Oh, he had wanted to suggest exactly the same thing, but
Legolas had beaten him to it. "Not forward at all. I would love to have your company this
evening." Their gazes met and a warm, needy sensation was born inside him. He craved the
fair-haired Elf, craved Legolas' strength and dedication. "But we should change our
clothes first. We still carry the leaves and dirt of the forest."

 

Legolas slowly rose from the chair. "I will return here shortly, then." He wanted to
refresh himself as well. What he needed right now was a long, cold bath to smother his
desire, which rose just by looking at Elrond, or hearing the half-Elf's soft, seductive
voice.

 

"I am already looking forward to spending the evening with you," said Elrond, wondering
if his motives weren't too obvious. Looking closely, he saw the fire in the azure eyes,
illuminating the blue irises from the inside. Could it be that this Prince of Mirkwood
returned his affection and *was* interested in him? If that was the case, he had to find
out, or he would never forgive himself for missing this second chance at love. /Tonight.
I will find out tonight./

 

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

 

"You need to pay more attention to your defense," judged Glorfindel once their sparring
session had come to an end. "And you need to spar more often. When was the last time you
practiced?"

 

Erestor, panting slightly, considered the question and then said, "Almost a decade ago.
When Celeborn visited he challenged me."

 

"Celeborn?" Glorfindel raised an eyebrow, inquisitively.

 

"It started millennia ago... Celeborn offered to train me, seeing how miserable I felt
because Ereinion didn't think I could defend myself. But then Celeborn left and my
training sessions stopped. However, he did manage to teach me a thing or two." Erestor
gave Glorfindel a pleading look. "I am not *that* bad at handling a sword, or am I?"

 

Glorfindel replied truthfully, "You have potential, Erestor. But it shows that you seldom
spar."

 

"Maybe you would be willing to work with me? Teach me how to properly defend myself?"
Erestor licked his lips, delighted at seeing Glorfindel half-naked in front of him, and
his eyes followed a droplet of sweat when it slithered down the muscled chest.
Glorfindel's hair clung to the handsome face and the sweat that covered the warrior's
body only enhanced the flow of muscles moving down the skin. /He could pass for one of
the Valar right now./

 

"I will work with you," promised Glorfindel. "If I had known you desired to master the
sword I would have offered earlier, but I never did. You never showed an interest in
weaponry."

 

"I was afraid you would laugh at me," whispered Erestor. "I did not want you to think
lowly of me."

 

Glorfindel sheathed his sword and advanced on Erestor. When he was close enough to touch,
he wrapped his arms around the sweat-covered Elf. Erestor had worked hard to please him
and hadn't spared himself. "I never thought lowly of you."

 

Erestor shrugged within the embrace, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "I worked so hard to
maintain my front and I could not let you see pass it."

 

"But you are doing so now."

 

"You are my mate now -- only for one year -- but you are my lover." Erestor averted his
eyes, rested his head on Glorfindel's shoulder and enjoyed being held so tightly. "I am
afraid to think of what will happen next year when Elrond calls us in front of him once
more. I realize there is a good chance that you will not want to prolong our bond and
that you will ask me to set you free, and I will try hard to accept that..."

 

Glorfindel interrupted Erestor, whose voice had become tired and nervous. "I am not so
certain I will want to let you go." Those words had their desired effect and Erestor
lifted dark eyes to meet his gaze. "Now that I am getting to know you I find that I like
you very much."

 

"Like me or love me?"

 

Glorfindel moistened his lips, determined to be completely honest. "I think I am falling
in love with you."

 

"You are?" Wide-eyed, Erestor tried to comprehend and accept Glorfindel's admission. "In
love? With me?" Glorfindel merely nodded to confirm his words and Erestor leaned in
closer, kissing the blond deeply. "I love you too," he whispered against Glorfindel's
lips. "Always have, always will."