Title: Because You're My Light Author: Milly Author's Email: ElrohiradoresElladan@gmx.net Pairing: Thranduil/Glorfindel, elf/elf, Elrond/Celebrían (implied) Rating: R Summary: Thranduil made a mistake and Glorfindel isn't too happy.. Disclaimer: I'd so wish I'd own them but they belong to Tolkien and I bow before the copyrights. I make no profit with this, it is merely written to entertain those that like to read it. Warning : h/c, undeliberate non-con, AU Authors Note: This story is for my lovely Az-sweet, it's based on the pairings she wanted and on a plot she chose - well more or less... I still have my own mind as well... *cough* Thank you for allowing me to write this for you, my love, I have actually enjoyed being forced to stay away from my favourite main-pairing. Because you're my light Soft laughter came from the library.. it sounded sweet, so much sweeter than anything Glorfindel had heard during the past twenty years. The day had been busy and he was heading to his room, wishing nothing but to get rid of his riding clothes and take a soft bath, but that voice.. this lovely, familiar voice kept him from his way and he walked towards the library, feeling curious like a little elfling though he was far older than most beings in Imladris. Even older than the Lord of the Realm and surely his soldiers would have been amused if they had seen him, standing in front of the closed door and suddenly unsure whether he should really open it. It wasn't a strange thing to hear laughter from this room, though Elrond and Erestor both forbid the younger elves to fool around while they were reading or playing chess. But Elrond and Celebrían had departed for Lórien to introduce their youngest child to her grandparents and Erestor was still busy with his tasks, no one would forbid them to act up right now. Though... it was not the voice of Elrohir or Elladan which gently but firmly demanded another elf to stop, though he was sure that Elladan was inside the room, he had heard his voice as well, earlier, chirping something he hadn't understood because he wasn't close enough. This voice without any doubt belonged to the most beautiful elf on the face of Arda. Thranduil Oropherion, the King of Mirkwood and the love of Glorfindel's life since he had first met him, shortly after returning from Mandos. Knowing that he could meet Thranduil usually cheered Glorfindel and made him forget every trouble, but something seemed different today. The way the King was laughing and chiding reminded him of something and the picture that formed in Glorfindel's mind made him tremble with rage immediately. ************************************************ There were two decisions... to storm into the room and find out whatever his lover and his prince were doing while he was out or to spare himself the trouble and go to his rooms. But he couldn't bring himself to leave and he couldn't walk into the room either. He didn't really want to know and yet... he did.. As if he would just walk away, he knew himself well enough to admit that he wouldn't find any sleep, wondering if Thranduil had truly cheated their love or not. He leaned against the wall, breathing as calm as possible and well aware that any sound might make the Elves inside the libary aware that he was standing here. Somehow he wished to make a sound, to give them the possibility to tear apart, to lie to him and fool him - so that he wasn't forced to find out what they did. This just couldn't be true, couldn't be real. Thranduil had promised to love him until the end of time, him and only him. And even though he knew that Elrond's sons were both smart and sweet he just didn't want to believe that Thranduil had broken his promise. Unwillingly his mind trailed of, seeing Thranduil who was wearing a simple green tunic and brown leggings, just like any other Mirkwood-elf would. His hair had been sparkling in the sunlight and the blue of his eyes had been matching with the sapphire of Vilya. The first moment he had seen him, of course he remembered it better than anything. And there had been so many great days between that day and now. Back then he had made a fool of himself, believing that Thranduil was a mere elf and addressing him as the fairest of their kin. But the younger elf had not been offended by his ignorance, he had merely laughed on the still ancient sounding language of the Eldar and told him that by no means he could be the fairest being on Arda, seeing that he could never be compared to such a wonderful creature. Glorfindel still wasn't sure if Thranduil had been mocking him, not being used to compliments like that as they had come out of fashion during the centuries he had spent in Mandos and Valinor. It didn't matter... as Thranduil loved him and he loved him back. Both Celebrían and Elrond had been overjoyed to hear that he was in love and had given their blessings to the relationship, happy not only for their trusted friend but also for the young King of Mirkwood. He smiled, remembering the expression in Celebrían's face... it had been almost as merry as it had been when she had first learned that she was with child. ************************ Suddenly a sound interrupted his thoughts and the smile vanished whilst his world broke into tiny pieces. He had never thought something could hurt more than dying but if anything could it was this... the feeling of his heart being cut from his chest and slowly growing cold as his throat started to ache and his tears run silently down his cheeks. One little sound but it hurt more than any weapon could. *Im mela lle...* Those three words, whispered to him in love and in passion more often than he had tried to count. Loving, wonderful words which had brought him more joy than anything until this day. Until the day they were spoken not to him but to Elrond's son... he didn't even think about storming the room anymore. It hurt too much, far too much to face those two. And he knew that Elladan was not to blame for this. The twins did not know about Thranduil's and his relationship. They were considered too young by their parents as well as by their mentors to know of such things. And then he realized something even worse than the thought that his love had betrayed him. Elladan was a child, protected from the knowledge of lust and love, of bounds between adults... and Thranduil had taken advantage of him, he had taken an elfling, unknowingly, maybe, but he had done it. The twins had been placed into their mentor's care.. but how should Erestor know that Elladan would not be save around Thranduil? Glorfindel barely kept himself from sighing desperately. How could Erestor think something like that when he still couldn't believe it though he had heard Thranduil's words. He hung his head, not able to face his lover and tell him that he would never see him again. Of course he would take the blame for what had happened if he could, protect Thranduil from whatever Elrond and Celebrían would think right. But he couldn't imagine to forgive him... forgive him for doing something that awful and evil, for destroying all the hope he had placed into their love and their future. ************************* The seneschal decided to leave, feeling sick and disgusted by his lover's actions and made his way towards the servants to ask them to prepare hot water for his bath while he had some food. He felt as if he would starve though he had been without food for longer times. But it would be good to eat, maybe he would be able to face Thranduil later, when he was full and relaxed. A growl of his stomach seemed to match with his thoughts and even though he was really unhappy he had to smirk on his body's reaction on the thought of food. Being hungry and tired had never been a good idea if one wished to think on something. The maid he encountered hurried to follow his wishes, obviously not eager to spend her time with him. And he couldn't blame her... Most people in Imladris didn't enjoy being around him for long. Apart from Erestor and Elrond and his family many people feared him or were unsure what to do or say while the famous Balrogslayer was around. Also they seemed not to wish to test his patience or to find out if he actually *did* eat little elflings for dinner... Foolish they were, the young elves, but instead of being angry on those ill manners he was amused on the thought of them running away, if he announced that he wished to fight against one of them. It was confusing that they acted like that, but at least it granted an anciently old elf some peace. *************************** When he was about to reach the kitchen he felt two hands, gently placed upon his eyes. "I am neither from Gondor nor Gondolin and live far from the fair golden woods, if I tried to hunt down a Goblin, I'd make sure to use my black hoods." Thranduil's voice sounded melodious and playful and when he turned to face him he found gentle lips, placed upon his own and he was pulled into a possessive embrace. For a moment he just relaxed, even leaned into his love's touch... and realizing just how much he had missed being around his lover and no matter how much he wished it gone... how deeply his love for this elf run. It was Thranduil who pulled away, a worried frown on his forehead with his eyes searching those of his lover... "You are troubled, melamin, what is it you are worrying about?" Oh Thranduil's voice was so sweet, it sounded sad and unsure, as if he had no idea what this was about, but no matter how much Glorfindel wished to believe that he had misheard it... he knew that it had been his lover's voice. And the thought that Thranduil thought him stupid enough to believe that enraged him... His eyes dimmed and he glared at the younger elf. "Do not pretend that you don't know what this is about, Thranduil ò Mirkwood. Do me that one favour..." He shook his head, seriously facing the Sindar and trying his best to sound calm and arrogant, not wishing to let him know how hurt he felt. "No word, Thranduil, I wish to hear neither lies nor excuses. Just listen to me and make sure that I do not have to see you again after I am finished. I would never dare to ban you from my Lord's house, but I do not wish to meet you.." Glorfindel could hear Thranduil gasping and he could see his eyes widening in shock and pain. Obviously he hadn't known that Glorfindel had heard them. But he did now and he would listen until all was said. "I heard you in the library, I know what you did and I hope that you will be ashamed of your deeds for the rest of the days. You used me, you betrayed our love and you made me lose my illusions and my dreams. You stole from me the best years of my life and you stole my heart and all the love I could ever feel for another elf. I wanted to bind myself to you, to stay with you forever and to laugh and cry with you, to hold you and kiss you, to show you what it means to be loved by the person you love... and to show you what it is we exist for. But even though I would still give my life to save you from sorrow and pain I just cannot forgive you... I..." When his eyes blurred with tears, facing just what it actually meant to both of them what he had said and he felt as close to chocking as if he had been held beneath the water for several minutes, he noticed a movement, Thranduil shaking his head in denial before he turned around and left. ********************************* His stomach hurt from hunger, but now that the pain had settled and he deeply felt it running through his body he couldn't think of food anymore. Neither did he want to take a bath, to clean himself from the dirt of the errand and it was merely the thought that he shouldn't waste the prepared water that made him walk into his room and to slowly but steadily clean every part of his body. He missed Thranduil, knowing that his lover would not only love to wash both his hair and his body but would also be able to take away all the pain he felt inside him. But he could not go and drag him to his bed, after just telling him that he never wanted to see him again. That for sure wasn't the best idea he had had. Instead he smirked cynically about his stupidity and got up, drying and dressing himself before going to bed. He pulled the covers close, as if to replace his lover, both longing and dreaming for his beautiful love and regretting his words deeply for he couldn't face eternity without Thranduil, no matter what he had done. He remembered all the good and bad days they had spend, wishing that he had not heard those words in the library, wishing that it wasn't true that he had told the King that he never wished to see him again. But wishes didn't help him now and so he was thankful when his mind drifted into the realm of dreams, for he did not want to trouble himself with the worries and the sorrow he would have to face tomorrow. ******************************** The night was filled with Thranduil and he felt his love for the elf running deeply through his veins with every imagine of the wise King of Mirkwood and his playful but gentle mate. Suddenly the younger elf touched him, just softly padding his shoulder and he reacted instinctively, pulling him quickly beneath him and kissing him passionately, not leaving him any chance to think or consider. But Thranduil struggled, trying to get free and he knew that he had to do more to convince him that he wished to stay. Never ceasing to kiss the other he sneaked his hands beneath his lover's robe to caress his legs, slowly making his way towards the younger elf's arousal. It always worked if Thranduil had decided to play these games, pretending not to wish for his touch, just to arouse them both some more. Today it was different... when his hands made contact with the younger elf's member he cried out as if in pain and increased his struggles. That wouldn't have been a reason to stop as Thranduil was a very playful elf and he could imagine his love to make up a new one game without telling him. But the flesh against his hand was soft, not even slightly erect even though they had been kissing and teasing for minutes. And even though he did not wish to lose their touch he stopped his hands, pulled the robe in place and hugged the other elf before forcing himself to cease kissing him. "What is wrong with you, melamin?" He asked, confused and slightly irritated and he prayed that Thranduil hadn't taken his words to his heart and decided that he was right. But then... what other explanation was there? He heard a sound, both surprised and amused. "That explains your actions, dear friend... I was about to search for my daggers and slit your throat." A chuckle followed those words, proving that they weren't meant though he feared that the other elf wasn't too happy either. And he couldn't blame him, his deeds had been... strange. "I came to inform you and Thranduil that you were missed greatly at breakfast and was surprised not to find him with you. Did you have a quarrel?" Glorfindel starred at Erestor, not knowing how to answer that question without telling him the truth. As the thought of a lie towards the Chief advisor of Imladris... sounded like an idea as good as offering yourself tied up and without any weapons to a horde of trolls or orcs. Erestor would know and he would find means and ways to make him talk about what had really happened if he didn't find any good excuse to explain Thranduil's absence the dark-haired elf would try his best to console him and what he did not need were Erestor's advises while he was busy thinking how he could forgive Thranduil without giving up his pride... though his pride... no, if he wished for his lover to still take him serious he had to keep his pride. But first he needed to find an answer for Erestor. "My errand has been unnecessary, mellon, we only made out a single troop of Orcs and ended up, sleeping in the mud. Míranion lost our Lembas and we had to cope without our rations for three days. Three days, smelling like Orcs and growling like them, my troop has been complaining as if they had never been without food before and joked about deserting us and fight for the men or the Dwarves, pointing out that they at least brought food with them though they were clumsy and stupid. When we finally got back to Imladris three of them went to the healers and two horses had to be brought to the Smiths. It is not like I cannot cope with hearing stupid jokes or being without food, but I hate seeing my party endangered without any serious reason. And then, when I came back home I just didn't wish for company, not even for Thranduil's." Well that was close enough to the truth, apart from the last words and luckily Erestor believed his words. He had been grumpy before if his troop acted as if they were Elflings in their second year of training and the dark-haired elf smiled compassionately. Then his friend obviously relieved that he wasn't troubled more seriously, remembered his tasks and excused himself, leaving Glorfindel to his brooding. ******************************* It had taken some time, maybe minutes, maybe hours, the seneschal wasn't sure of it anymore when he had finally made up a plan. Actually he had thought of it earlier, but was unsure if it would work. And when he wasn't able to make up anything else he decided that this would have to be alright. Slowly he made his way to the guest-rooms, hoping that his lover was dwelling in the rooms he had used before they had become a couple. He was disappointed but when he continued his search he encountered the twins who told him that Thranduil had left to have a walk through the gardens. Without any further comment on the past night he thanked them and left. Outside he shivered slightly, suddenly feeling the need to hold his love close to him even more. But first he had to prove that he was not giving in to both of them. He would demand from Thranduil to admit his mistake and apologize. That was pretty forgiving in his eyes and surely his lover would not risk their relationship out of false pride. Or would he? Glorfindel was unsure of his reaction, not knowing whether Thranduil would try to convince him that he hadn't done anything. He found the King, kneeling in the grass and either lost in thoughts or meditating. Oh Thranduil was beautiful, prettier than the sunlight that was drying his hair. For a moment he was about to chide his lover before remembering that Thranduil wasn't a Peredhel like the twins he was looking after and wouldn't catch a cold if he dried himself outside, even though it was early spring and still becoming warmer again. When he stepped up to Thranduil the Mirkwoodelf turned to face him and his heart nearly melted, seeing the sadness and desperation in his lover's eyes. If he hadn't already made up a possibility to forgive him he would have thought of one now. He knelt down next to the other elf and looked at him for a moment, not sure how to voice it now that they were actually facing each other. "I thought about last night and... I want you to know that I do not wish to lose you, Thranduil. If you admit that you cheated me and promise that you will never do it again I will forgive you for what you did..." Glorfindel shuddered slightly when he saw Thranduil's expression. There was no new hope in his eyes, or any relief... did he actually love Elladan? Did he want to leave him? Maybe he was too old and his lover had been happy to meet someone closer to his age. But instead of telling him that he loved Elrond's son Thranduil shook his head, slowly and seriously. "I did not cheat you, melamin. I love you and I would not seek another's arms. Whatever you've been told was wrong and whatever you think has happened has never taken place." A frown stole to Glorfindel's face and he barely kept himself from glaring at his lover. "I wasn't told you did it, I heard it myself." For a moment Thranduil's expression became unsure before he crossed his arms and shook his head once more. "You have misheard then, melamin and after the way you treated me it is only the love for you I feel that keeps me from just leaving you to your stupid assumptions. Hear my words, Glorfindel ò Imladris, I did not cheat you and I do not intend to cheat you in future, I love you.. but if you do not stop accusing me of things I never did this might not end well. And the Valar know just how much I would regret losing you to your jealousy." Again Glorfindel eyed Thranduil silently for several moments, unsure what he should make of this answer. At least his lover didn't wish to leave him, but the lies were so obvious and he was angered by them. Well he would be able to make Thranduil speak. He nearly smiled victoriously when the possibility set up in his mind. Though he wouldn't want to do what he would say, but of course he wouldn't mention that. "As you wish, melamin... I will go and talk to Elladan then." Thranduil's eyes widened in shock and he gulped. He looked to the ground and seemed to consider his options. When he lifted his head again to face Glorfindel his expression was more serious than before. "Do not go to speak to Elladan if you love me. I will admit cheating you, I will promise that I will never do it again, but do not go and speak to him, please. He would be so embarrassed if you did." Glorfindel nodded, silently accepting his lover's plea and waiting for him to continue. And Thranduil did continue, explaining that they had been joking and teasing at first and that he had never thought that they would actually make love. He had obviously seen Elladan as far too innocent to think about things like that, but his body had reacted to the younger elf. Time had passed and they had drunken a little, the effects of being not used to alcohol spoiling their minds. It had been the first and only time for Thranduil to think of another and he was sure that Elladan hadn't been against it. Thranduil was sobbing softly, his cheeks red with shame as he spoke the words he had tried to keep to himself. And when he started to stutter and shake Glorfindel pulled him into his arms, holding him securely in his arms. The younger whispered that he was sorry and that he would never act like that again. Obviously he regretted what he had done and once again Glorfindel's heart melted and he tightened his grip, kissing his lover's hair tenderly. "Do not cry my love. I will not blame you for what you did as I can see that you are sorry about it." Even though his words had been sweet and forgiving it took a while until Thranduil really relaxed into his arms, leaning into his touch and his kisses. Now all was well again, he had his lover back, he had admitted what he had done and they could go on with an annoying memory, but it was forgiven and in some time it would be forgotten. It just worried him that Thranduil was still unhappy and that he had pleaded him not to speak to Elladan about what had happened. ************************************** Days had passed and Glorfindel woke up, his arms still curled around his lover's waist like they had been the whole night. He turned to kiss his lover's forehead tenderly. And realized that Thranduil was silently crying in his sleep. He sighed, worried by his lover's behavior and caressed his hair soothingly. "All is well, melamin... you are only dreaming, there is nothing you would need to cry about." But he knew he was wrong, Thranduil had been sad and taciturn for the last days and if he had asked him what he was thinking about he had just smiled and denied that he had been brooding at all. /Ai... I wished you would tell me what's ailing you. If he did enjoy it.. it hasn't been that bad. You should not think of it like that.../ Glorfindel leaned his head against Thranduil's, trying to comfort him though he knew that it wouldn't work. His lover had turned from him, even though they were making love every night and he said that he loved him and he was happy... Glorfindel could feel that he did not really think of him like it he used to. And it slowly drove him mad. It hadn't been his fault that Thranduil had been with Elladan and it had been his right to demand to know the truth. But he found himself wondering if it had been better if he had said nothing about it. Maybe then they would still be as happy as they had been before... Or had Thranduil changed in the minute he had tasted Elladan's mouth? Was he missing him? Maybe he was even dreaming of dark hair spilled upon the pillows while they were making love? Were those sweet moans still his or had he just reclaimed his lover's body? He shook his head determinedly, he didn't want this to be true and didn't want to think about it either. When he was about to get up alone and dress he felt Thranduil snuggling against him and he felt his body react immediately. Even if he didn't have his lover's mind, both of them were surely still attracted to each other and if this was all he could have he would have to learn to live with that. It was better than Thranduil leaving him... or wasn't it? At least it still gave him the right to claim his lover's lips and that was exactly what he intended to do right now. ****************************************** Thranduil tasted so sweet, like he had done the days before and like he had always done. It didn't make a real difference while he was sleeping. As if his mind was distracted by dreams he couldn't stare into the air and until now he hadn't uttered Elladan's name. For several moments they kept kissing and when Glorfindel pulled away Thranduil groaned and pulled him back, slowly becoming aware of his surroundings. "Do you have to get up?" It was obvious that Thranduil wanted him to stay and though Glorfindel was surprised about that he was also very pleased that his lover finally showed more interest in his presence again. And that was what he did. As soon as Glorfindel had said that his presence wouldn't be required until breakfast Thranduil moved on top of him, kissing him passionately. It felt incredibly good to feel him like this again, acting and not just reacting to being touched. But when Glorfindel leaned back and smiled, intending to relax into his touch he felt his lover, pushing him against the pillows and moving down. For a moment Glorfindel felt to stunned to react, but when he felt skilful lips teasing his member and his groin reacted by hardening immediately he buried his hands into his lover's hair. If Thranduil only kept this licking up he would be undone within a few seconds but it seemed that his lover was too impatient to even wait that long. He started sucking on and Glorfindel groaned in pleasure, losing himself absolutely in the wet heat of his lover's mouth. This felt good, so very good. And he had missed it so much during all that time. It was over far too soon, just like he had feared and he spent himself, moaning loudly. When he came back to his senses Thranduil was nearly done with licking him clean and looked up for a moment, to wink at him. It felt strange, so familar and yet so new. Of course it was his lover and he had enjoyed this more often than he could recall, but it was different after being forced to consider that his lover would leave him for another. Surely Thranduil would never do this for him if he wanted to dump him... or... was this a goodbye? Was it Thranduil's way to thank him for their time? His heart missed a beat when his lover got up and dressed himself. "We should have breakfast, my love." Glorfindel starred at him in disbelief but it was obvious that he wasn't joking. And when Thranduil tossed him his clothes he slowly got up and dressed himself, gaining himself a chaste kiss upon his cheek when he was done and was pulled along. ************************************************* It surprised him when they met the twins at the dinning table. They had been camping near the borders of Imladris for two weeks and Erestor hadn't told him that they were back. Glorfindel smiled and greeted them, relieved to see that they were fine and surprised that not only Elladan but also Elrohir greeted his lover cheerfully. As surely Elladan would have told Elrohir about that evening with Thranduil and it wasn't like the younger Imladris prince to share his brother like this. But it wasn't like he had ever understood the twins. Erestor joined them some minutes later, announcing that Elrond and Celebrían would come later this day. At least that explained why the brothers had come home, they of course wanted to greet their parents. It would be nice to have their Lord back, it was never the same to aid Erestor leading Imladris like it was with Elrond. Of course they were both good leaders, but Erestor preferred staying in the background if he could and Glorfindel did not enjoy to see his friend unhappy and burdened with too many tasks. Elrond seemed to enjoy dealing with others and now when Celebrían was back the twins would stay at home to see their mother and their little sister. On the other hand... he had to explain to Elrond that Thranduil had seduced his son and he feared that it would not only be difficult to explain that to Elrond but it also be awful to tell Thranduil that he would talk to his Lord about what he had done. His lover was silent and sad enough without that, but he couldn't just pretend that nothing had happened to do him a favour. He decided that he would speak to Erestor after breakfast. When they had made their way to the dining room Thranduil had explained that he needed to write some letters later and he would use that time to ask his friend for advise. That was what Erestor was best at and he deserved to know what had happened to his young protégé anyway. Patiently he waited until the twins had left and Thranduil had excused himself and then turned to face his friend, asking him for a moment of his time. As it was to be expected Erestor smiled and agreed, telling him that he needed to search for an old map at the library and asking him to join. Glorfindel smiled and agreed to help his friend, that would be a good reason why they met in case Thranduil asked him. ******************************************* Once the friends had reached the Library Erestor explained how the map would look like and they started searching, both silent as Glorfindel was considering how to start. This wasn't a topic to speak of boldly and he didn't want it to sound as if it had been entirely Thranduil's fault. He feared that Erestor might be upset because he had been avoiding the truth when the advisor Had asked him about the fight earlier. But he couldn't change that. The longer he hesitated the more interested Erestor grew... and he felt his friend's eyes upon him more often than on the bookcases. Finally he turned and smiled. "I did ask you for a word, mellon-nin, and I did so for a reason. I presume that you do recall that Thranduil wasn't with me several moons ago and that I told you that I was just tired from my errand. I did not tell you the full truth back then, because I still had to speak about it with him. It is difficult to explain... Elladan... they made love.. I heard them.. laughing together and I heard Thranduil say that he loves him..." Erestor starred at him for several moments, obviously too shocked by his words to reply. But when he tried to protect his lover from what his friend might think the dark-haired advisor shook his head, lifting his hand to ask him to remain silent. "Did you tell him what you think he did?" Glorfindel was surprised by Erestor's words but nodded, waiting silently as the advisor's hand was still held up. "You have misunderstood what you heard my friend... now I understand why Thranduil has been so silent lately. Mellon, you framed him of cheating you without any reason, we have merely read to the twins as they were sulky that Lord Elrond forbid them to go to Lórien and visit their grandparents with the rest of the family. Thranduil helped me to calm them, I can hand you the book we were reading if you wish. Glorfindel.... do you realize that you told Thranduil that you do not trust him?" Erestor's voice was sad and compassionate, feeling for his friend as he saw the grave mistake he had made. /You have misheard then, melamin and after the way you treated me it is only the love for you I feel that keeps me from just leaving you to your stupid assumptions. Hear my words, Glorfindel ò Imladris, I did not cheat you and I do not intend to cheat you in future, I love you.. but if you do not stop accusing me of things I never did this might not end well. And the Valar know just how much I would regret losing you to your jealousy./ Glorfindel buried his head in his hands, understanding that Thranduil hadn't lied to him, he had warned him and explained that he hadn't done anything. And until he had threatened to talk to Elladan he hadn't said anything. He had been protecting the young one from his stupid talk. Glorfindel sighed deeply, but he was not famous to be one of the most courageous Elves to hide from taking the responsibility for his actions and he excused himself to Erestor, running to the advisor's study as he knew that his friend had allowed his lover to use his study whenever he needed it. ******************************************* When he reached the door to the study he knocked, unsure what Thranduil would do. Now that the truth had been revealed to him he knew that his lover had every right to be angry at him. The King's voice was soft when he was called inside and he opened the door. Once more he was stunned how pretty the Sindar was. Thinking of how much he must have hurt him with his distrust was even worse when Thranduil rose immediatly to greet him. But before his lover could hug him he went to his knees, trying to show how deep his regret ran. He remembered well enough that Thranduil had even cried, just to make his words sound honest. His lover seemed amused to see him like this, smiling down at him and waiting for him to speak. Glorfindel lowered his head. "I spoke to Erestor... and he told me what happened back then. Ai Thranduil... I cannot tell you how sorry I am for what I did... I should never have doubted your love. And I should have believed your words when..." He stopped when Thranduil lowered himself into kneeling position and hugged him close. "I told you that I love you too much to give you up for your jealousy, did I not? I meant those words and it would be childish to tell you that you should have believed me. You are not perfect, Glorfindel and neither am I. That is why I love you and that is why I rather would allow you to accuse me of violating and murdering my fellow Elves than give up your love. Though I would prefer not having to make up stories to please your imagination anymore. If you intend to accuse me of something else please make up the whole story before telling me." Glorfindel starred at his lover who was chuckling softly and it took some moments until he understood that Thranduil was relieved. Relieved to know that he knew the truth now and that they would be able lead a more normal life again. And he just prayed to the Valar that they would never need to have such a discussion again, promising them that he would never again accuse Thranduil of something and not listen to his explanations. His lover had been kind and patient with him and he was right... they weren't perfect, they made mistakes, but he didn't intend to make the same mistake twice. And he looked deeply into Thranduil's eyes, trying to smile. "I promise that I will always listen to you from now on, I am sorry for what I have done, please forgive me for your failures." "I accept your apology. But I have another request." Thranduil smiled and kissed Glorfindel's forehead. "Would you bind yourself to me, Glorfindel ò Imladris? Because you are the light of my life.. you are the person who makes me happy and whom I would trust myself and all that I own to without any doubt. I do trust you and as you promised to trust me from now on I see no difficulties for this anymore..." When Glorfindel didn't answer, struck speechless by his lover's words he continued, explaining that he hadn't meant that they should bind themselves immediately and that he could get the time he needed to consider this. Now it was Glorfindel who chuckled before he pulled his lover close to kiss him passionately. "Im mela lle, Thranduil ò Mirkwood and even though I do not deserve you I would be a fool to deline such an offer. I will bind my life to yours today, tomorrow or in five-thousand years, if you accept me." Thranduil beamed like he hadn't since their fight and wrapped his arms closely around him once more before pushing him to the floor with a mischievous grin. And when Glorfindel saw his lover's expression he yelped, knowing that this would be a tiresome yet very pleasurable encounter. ---------------------------------- Elvish words: melamin = my love Im mela lle = I love you