Title:  Eldar Bonds
Author:  Dane
Email:  sbyte@emailaccount.com
Beta: LadyHawksShadow – Thanks so much!!!
Rating - R.  
Disclaimer:  None is mine.  All belongs to Master Tolkien and his estate.
Genre:  Romance and a tiny bit of angst (but there is a happy ending)
Pairing:  Erestor/Legolas, Erestor/Glorfindel, Legolas/Lindir, Erestor/? 
(Would spoil the surprise)
Summary:  Erestor has for years harbored a secret love.  He tries to find 
love with another, thinking the other out of reach. Legolas has a problem.
Warnings:  This is AU, so if you do not care for alternate universe, you 
needn’t read further.
Author’s Notes:  Sentences or phases inside hash marks /example/ reflect 
thoughts.  Asterisks around words are used to reflect extra emphasis.  
Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir are between 1500 and 2000 years of age.  
Erestor, Glorfindel and Ecthelion are Eldars.  The nicknames Tor, Fin and 
Thel (respectively) are used by the three in reference to one another.  


Eldar Bonds

Chapter One

A cool breeze blew, perfuming the air with the scent of spring.  Birds sang 
as if to perform especially for the utter enjoyment of the residents of 
Imladris.  Buds burst open to reveal the beauty locked within.  Life in 
Imladris seemed touched by magic.  That was the only way Legolas could 
account for the sensual beauty of Lord Elrond’s chief advisor.  Nothing 
this side of Valinor could come close to the grace, beauty and poise 
evidenced by the dark haired elf.  

Legolas watched as Erestor walked back to the Last Homely House.  His 
attention did not go unnoticed.  Glorfindel eyed the younger elf with 
speculation.  He knew the prince’s reputation and could well guess the 
thoughts the prince was no doubt entertaining.  Although he was all but 
certain that it would not change the prince’s actions, he decided to let him 
know that his interest had not gone unnoticed.  His friend would not 
welcome the type of attention that Legolas would bestow.

Sounding like he were addressing a guard about to be put on report he 
asked, “Why did you follow him into the garden?  I *know* you don’t 
think I believe you merely wanted to escape the entertainment.  Then 
again perhaps you were considering that he might provide entertainment 
more to your tastes than that of our dear minstrel.”

Legolas turned sharply at the voice.  He hadn’t heard the approach which 
was unnerving to one used to the forests of Mirkwood.  “I don’t know 
what you are talking about.”

Glorfindel chuckled at the young blonde.  He was so young and sure of 
himself.  He had so very much to learn.  “You know very well of what I 
speak.  Your eyes betray you.”

Suddenly Legolas found his feet to be very fascinating.  This was the 
famed balrog slayer, the one reborn.  The warrior said he could read him.  
Well Mordor.  “Oh all right.  He is very fair of face.  There is no harm in 
looking, is there?”

“No there is no harm in looking, if that is all you wish.  I bid you good 
night Prince Legolas.”  /Let him find out for himself just how little his 
regard of Erestor’s beauty will get him.  Erestor knows his worth, young 
prince.  He is not going to be impressed or lured to your bed by honeyed 
words. /

“Good night Lord Glorfindel.”  Legolas walked in the opposite direction.  
He needed to think.  He was drawn to the dark haired elf.  It wouldn’t do 
to be so transparent though.  But then an elf reborn must see things others 
do not…surely.  Legolas let his mind wonder to what the darker elf might 
look like in the grips of passion.  It made a nice picture, so he decided to 
find out for himself.  After all, he was the Prince of Mirkwood.  There is 
no way that someone the level of an advisor could resist him.  He would 
probably be complimented by the attention.  But then he recalled that 
Erestor wasn’t just any advisor.  He was chief advisor to Lord Elrond; 
second in command of Imladris and apparently well known if the reaction 
of Mirkwood advisors meant anything.  Still, one would think that a prince 
might have a more than decent chance.  There would be no knowing 
without making the effort.  That decided, Legolas wondered off to find a 
companion for the night.

The following evening the sound of hoof beats were heard entering the 
courtyard, bringing both Elrond and Erestor out of the study where they 
had been working after hours.  The patrol had returned less one elf.  
Glorfindel was questioning the riders.  Looking bereft and angry, he 
turned to see Elrond approaching.

“Orcs.  The patrol ran into a group of orcs on the fringes of the forest.  The 
orcs were all slain, but at the expense of one elf.  He was so young.  This 
was his first patrol and now…  If I had been there perhaps he would be 
alive right now.  I should have been there.”  Glorfindel had been 
particularly close to the young elf, helping to raise him when his parents 
passed to the Halls of Waiting.  

Elrond stepped forward putting a comforting arm on Glorfindel’s 
shoulder.  The young elf lying lifeless on a litter in the middle of the 
courtyard had been like a son to the warrior.  

“The orcs are dead.  You can not be all places at once.  You trained the 
young elf to the best of your ability, and he was unfortunate.  It is a 
terrible loss, but it is *not* your fault.  I won’t let you take this on 
yourself.  He chose the life of a guard, knowing the risks.  He was an 
honorable, brave and loyal young elf.  Be strong for those under your 
command if not yourself.  Come inside.”

Erestor drew Glorfindel forward.  Not a word passed between them as the 
blonde was embraced.  Glorfindel’s shoulders shook, letting Elrond know 
the warrior was letting go of his grief.  Elrond saw that the guards 
dispersed and the body tended by healers before returning to Glorfindel 
and leading the pair to his study.  

“Drink this.  It will help steady your nerves.”  Elrond handed Glorfindel a 
goblet containing something of a dark red/brown color.  The warrior didn’t 
have a clue as to what it was and didn’t inquire.  Instead he drank it down 
in one go.  Elrond urged him to remain behind the closed doors of his 
study until he had gotten control over his emotions.  He didn’t want the 
warrior’s grief to be on display for every elf in Imladris that happened by.

Glorfindel felt hands massaging his temples and knew it for Erestor.  He 
leaned into the touch and tried to relax.

Elrond rose from his chair and walked toward the door before turning to 
address the warrior.  “I am going to get you something to help you sleep, 
and I want you to take it.  You will need your wits tomorrow.”

Glorfindel protested.  “I would rather not.  The dreams will follow me.”

Erestor spoke softly.  “I will guard your dreams.  Elrond is right.”  After 
Elrond fetched the sleeping draught, Erestor wrapped an arm about 
Glorfindel’s waist and guided him to his rooms.  

Glorfindel stripped and got into bed before drinking down the rather 
noxious tasting brew Elrond had provided.  Erestor didn’t see any point in 
borrowing a pair of the warrior’s sleep pants as he knew they wouldn’t fit.  
Instead he followed suit, removing his clothes and slipping into bed albeit 
on the other side.  

Erestor softly spoke, “Idho mae. Hebithon in roeg o le.”  Whether due 
to Erestor’s words or Elrond’s brew, the warrior almost immediately 
fell deep into reverie.  (Sleep well. I will keep the demons from you.)

The next morning Glorfindel woke and found the advisor comfortably 
sleeping next to him.  He rolled over and propped his head up on his hand 
and watched Erestor sleep.  When finally Erestor roused Glorfindel 
couldn’t help teasing a bit.  “Some guard you make.  Sound asleep.”

Erestor stretched.  “I didn’t drift off till it began to get light.  Besides, you 
didn’t seem to be having one bit of trouble sleeping.”

Glorfindel leaned forward and brushed Erestor’s lips with his own.  “I 
know, and thank you for staying.”

Erestor swept a wayward lock behind Glorfindel’s ear.  “You would do 
the same.”

Glorfindel smiled.  “You know elves are going to talk.”

Erestor returned the smile.  “They already talk.  This will just give them 
something to talk about.”  He then rolled over the top of the blonde and 
left the bed.  “I will run the bath.”

Glorfindel chuckled.  He loved their close friendship and guarded it 
zealously.  They had been friends over many millennia, and after his 
arrival in Imladris began to occasionally share a bed.  Their friendly banter 
often contained suggestive innuendo and many residents of Imladris 
believed them to be lovers.  What they did not understand was that 
Glorfindel’s heart lay with Ecthelion, Lord of the Fountain and Erestor’s 
closest friend.  The eldar elves knew the distinction between finding 
comfort and companionship in the arms of a friend and that of a lover.  It 
was a line that neither was willing to cross.  


Chapter Two

Legolas had watched the scene in the courtyard the night before, drawn by 
the noise.  He had seen the embrace and interpreted it as friendship.  
However when he saw Erestor emerge from Glorfindel’s room in leggings 
and a sleep robe the next morning, he knew the two were more than 
friends.  It bothered him that the dark beauty had given his favors to the 
balrog slayer.  He wasn’t sure why it should, but nonetheless he was 
disturbed.  He could not ignore the advisor’s presence though.  

“Good morning Erestor.”

Erestor had rather hoped to make it to his rooms without notice, but had 
not really expected it.  He certainly hadn’t anticipated being addressed 
though.  Some elves might look, perhaps stare at the sight of Glorfindel’s 
sleep robe on Elrond’s advisor, but with the exception of the twins, he felt 
no one would openly address him.  

“Prince Legolas, I’d not expected to see you so early.  Most of us have to 
work but you are at your leisure.”

“I am in the habit of rising at this time.  I won’t keep you standing in the 
corridors in a sleep robe.  Perhaps we will break our fast together.  Good 
morning.”  Legolas left determined to find someone who knew more about 
the advisor’s relationship with the warrior.  Who better than the twins?  
Surely they would at least know the gossip, if nothing else.

When asked about his tutors, Elladan, the bolder of the two, came out and 
asked the question that was on the minds of both twins.  “Which are you 
interested in?”

Legolas tried for a convincing tone.  “Neither.  I ran into Erestor leaving 
Glorfindel’s room this morning and was curious.”

Elrohir answered.  “They are very close friends.”

Elladan added, “They aren’t bonded if that is what you are *curious* 
about.  There is talk about their relationship, but so far as anyone knows 
for a surety, they are just close friends.  That isn’t to say that they don’t 
occasionally share a bed.  No one, to my knowledge, has come right out 
and asked them about it though.”

Elrohir smiled.  “Nor would it be wise to do so.  There are some things 
that you *just* don’t ask and what they do in their beds and why is right 
up there at the top of the list.  Glorfindel’s reaction to that little question 
would be bad enough, but it would get *really* ugly if you were to ask 
Erestor.”

Now he understood and was a much happier prince.  “So they are 
companions rather than lovers.  Glorfindel probably needed to be 
comforted last night.  I heard the riders come in, and he seemed quite 
shaken.”

Elladan frowned.  “That was a tragedy.  It is a great loss when anyone 
passes to the Halls of Waiting, but the loss seems greater when it is one so 
very young.  He was barely a century old.”

From there the conversation drifted, finally degenerating till all three were 
laughing about nothing in particular.  Finally getting angry glares, they 
retreated to a more conducive environment.

Chapter Three

Legolas watched Erestor walk out onto the balcony of the Great Hall.  He 
wasn’t wearing one of his many robes.  Instead he wore dark gray leggings 
that enhanced the muscles as he walked.  Legolas had not suspected the 
advisor to be toned.  The shirt was loose and white as snow.  It provided a 
beautiful contrast to the raven black hair that hung loosely to his waist.  
Legolas followed, finding the advisor alone.

Erestor turned as he felt the presence of another, and was surprised to see 
the prince.  “Prince Legolas, it is a fair night.  I am surprised that you 
aren’t in the company of the twins.”

Legolas smiled seductively and came a bit closer.  “The night is fair 
indeed.  I rather preferred company of a different sort this evening.  You 
should wear leggings more often.  They become you.”

Erestor turned to face the prince, ignoring the compliment.  “What sort of 
company do you prefer this evening?”

Legolas approached Erestor, moving in a manner that almost suggested a 
cat stalking its prey.  “I had hoped to spend some time with you, and here 
you are.”

Erestor lifted an eyebrow.  “Why would you want to spend your time with 
an old advisor when there are so many beautiful young elves that would be 
glad of your company?”

Legolas moved one step closer.  “I have always been drawn to beauty, and 
you are beyond beautiful.”  Legolas reached out and traced Erestor’s jaw 
line.

Erestor reached up and firmly grasped the hand moving it away.

Legolas demurred.  “I meant no offense.  I speak no more than the truth.  
Surely I am not the first to have told you so.”

A voice from behind Legolas queried, “Is there a problem Erestor?”

“No Glorfindel, nothing I can’t handle.”

Glorfindel chuckled.  “I’m sure you can handle it, but we don’t want a 
kinslaying out here on the balcony.”

“Really Fin.  You are impossible.”  Erestor laughed at his friend.  

“Yes, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.”  Glorfindel beamed, 
missing the glare he received from the Mirkwood prince.

Erestor smirked.  “If you will excuse me, I am going for a walk.”

“Wait up.  I’m coming with you.  Good evening Prince Legolas.”  
Glorfindel turned and hurried after Erestor.

Legolas watched the pair as they left.  /Usually I am attracted to blondes, 
but I could really learn to hate that elf. /

“Erestor slow down.  What happened with Legolas?”  Glorfindel had 
followed Erestor to the garden and wanted to find out why he had found 
his friend holding Legolas off.

Erestor stopped and smirked.  “Let’s see…his words were that he is drawn 
to my beauty.”  Erestor rolled his eyes.  “He is young and was feeding me 
a line.  I removed his hand, so as to make it crystal clear that his touch is 
unwanted.  It was nothing really.”

“Do you want me to talk to him…maybe *encourage* him to leave you 
alone?”

Smiling at the visual his friend’s offer provoked, Erestor replied, “Nay, 
that won’t be necessary.  He is harmless, I think.  He doesn’t know me, 
and overstepped his bounds.  If he continues, I will clarify things for him.”

Glorfindel chuckled and replied, “OK, just don’t harm him too badly.  He 
is Thranduil’s son, and it wouldn’t look good.”

“Oh, and you *encouraging* him to leave me be would look good?”    

Glorfindel smirked.  “Everyone expects me to be brash.  Nobody would 
bat an eye.  You however are a different matter.  Very few know that side 
of your personality.”

Erestor glared.  “I am not brash!”

Glorfindel’s voice became condescending.  He knew Erestor hated it when 
he used that tone.  “No, you are not brash.  You carefully consider your 
actions, where I simply act.  You can be very cold blooded, my friend.”

“Phffft.  It isn’t considered a bad thing to think before acting Fin.”

Glorfindel lifted an eyebrow.  “That depends on what you are thinking 
about.  You, my friend, do not think happy thoughts when someone 
oversteps their boundaries with you.  However, you were very polite in 
your rebuff of the prince, at least what I saw of it.  I wonder if he will take 
the hint.  He is used to getting what he wants and it seems that might just 
be you.”  Glorfindel had noticed that several Imladris elves had already 
seen the prince’s bed during his stay.

Erestor sighed.  “Oh, let us forget about Legolas.  I can always claim that 
you are my lover and that I won’t betray you.”

Glorfindel stroked the long dark hair.  “You might ask me first.  It is good 
form to get permission from the other party before bandying that kind of 
thing about.”

Erestor looked amused.  “Well then, would you allow me to tell Legolas 
that you are my love…my reason for being?”

Now it was Glorfindel’s turn to look amused.  He ran a hand over the 
sensitive tip of Erestor’s ear.  “Even if you could fool Legolas, the twins 
would tell him differently unless we act the part.  Do you want to act as 
my lover Erestor?”

Erestor knew that was a loaded question.  He had learned to expect such 
things from Glorfindel though.  “I can do that, if you can.  Can you be a 
convincing lover?”

Glorfindel gave Erestor a wolfish smile.  “Oh yes, that is one role that I 
play well.  In fact, I think I would enjoy it very much.”

“Don’t get carried away.”

“I’m not.  It has been a while since I last enjoyed your favors.  I rather 
hope Legolas becomes a bother because I find myself looking forward to 
it.”  The blonde’s countenance had become openly mischievous, letting 
Erestor know that Glorfindel was having way too much fun with this.

Erestor rolled his eyes.  “Playing the part in public does not necessarily 
translate to doing so in private you know.”

Glorfindel played his ace in the hole.  “It does if you want me to go along 
with this little charade.  Besides it might not be necessary…a pity that.”

“Blackmail?  You are going to blackmail me?”  Erestor’s eyes had 
widened.  He had not anticipated this so didn’t have a ready come back.  

Glorfindel smiled.  “Oh, you will enjoy it.  Haven’t you always?”

“Yes, but those instances were not the result of blackmail.”  His friend 
might not have spoken totally in jest and Erestor knew it.  He was the only 
elf currently in Middle Earth with whom Glorfindel did not feel 
constrained to deny the needs of the flesh.  Although it was only an 
occasional need, once in a while the body demanded release.  That being 
said, it had actually been a while since he had relieved the needs of his 
own body.  He wasn’t averse to the idea of doing so in his friend’s bed, 
but the blonde didn’t have to know that.    

For his part, Glorfindel wondered if he should encourage Legolas to go 
after Erestor.  No, but maybe he could put the idea in Elrohir and 
Elladan’s minds.  This was right down their alley.  He was not looking for 
a committed relationship with Erestor and his friend understood that and 
concurred.  Their relationship would never be allowed to develop into 
more than that of life long companions.  Neither elf would let it.  Playing 
the part of Erestor’s lover for a night or two would not cause 
complications, though and might be quite pleasant.  


Chapter Four

The following day found the twins pondering their tutor’s words.  
“Elladan, do you really think Legolas could be interested in Erestor?”

Elladan grinned.  “Why not? Most of Imladris has had fantasies about him.  
It wouldn’t surprise me if Legolas tried to seduce him.  He has already had 
several of the guards.”

Elrohir took his brother’s hand.  “We are attracted to him, but we also 
know better than to do anything about it till he decides he wants it.  
Legolas doesn’t.”

Elladan smiled at the thought.  “Erestor will understand and act 
accordingly.  Besides, it could be rather enjoyable to see how far he will 
let the prince go.”

“You know this is more your style, but it just might be interesting at that.  
We should probably help him out.”  Elrohir found himself to be curious.  
Legolas was obviously well practiced in the art of seduction.  He 
wondered if the prince would fare any better than the elves that had come 
before him.

“Help Legolas try to get Erestor into his bed?  Are you insane?  The pay 
back Erestor would deal out is not something I want to experience.  If 
somehow there were a way to lend a hand without seeming directly 
involved though, that would be a different matter.”  Elladan smiled.  
“What did you have in mind?”  Elladan was warming to the plan.  

“We could throw out bits of information here and there.  If Legolas 
chooses to act on them, it is none of our affair.  The blame will not fall on 
us.  We don’t say anything that is blatantly untrue, but perhaps he doesn’t 
need to know everything.”  The twins continued making plans, completely 
losing sight of the fact that Legolas was very well equipped to seduce 
almost any elf in Imladris.

Late that afternoon, Legolas met with the twins at the training ground 
intending to shoot a few arrows.  Archery was a skill at which he excelled 
and one of his favorite pastimes.  Legolas had bested the twins with the 
bow a few times, but he had not yet convinced them of the superiority of 
Mirkwood archers to those of Imladris.  

After exhausting their supply of arrows, Elladan decided to broach the 
subject of the advisor.  “I noticed you watching Erestor last night.  He is 
beautiful is he not?  You would certainly not be the first harboring a secret 
desire for him.”

Legolas looked inquisitively at the twin.  “Have you?”

Elrohir answered.  “For years…centuries…we both lust after him, but 
have not done anything about it yet.”

“Why not?”

Elladan replied, “We have grown up around Erestor.  It is different for us.  
He knew us as elflings.  So far, the opportunity has not been right.”

Legolas looked intrigued.  “Do you think he is open to a relationship?”

This was an opportunity to put an idea in Legolas’ head so Elrohir 
responded.  “Not just anyone could attract him.  If the right elf approached 
him, he might be.  He would have to be intelligent, beautiful and probably 
bold.  He respects strength.  Yes, he might just respond to the right elf.”  
Elrohir felt quite satisfied with his answer.  He hadn’t lied.  Erestor might 
be open to the right elf.  Never did he outright tell Legolas that he was that 
elf.

Legolas was encouraged.  After all, he was beautiful…everyone told him 
so.  He was intelligent and was not a weak elf.  He could make this work.  

The next morning found Erestor and Elrond sparring as was their habit in 
a secluded garden just below Elrond’s private quarters.  Only this morning 
unnoticed by either, a pair of sapphire eyes watched intently.  A 
particularly viscous sortie provoked a startled gasp from the visitor 
gaining the attention of both elves.  Elrond spoke as he parried a blow, 
“Prince Legolas, what brings…you…here?”

“My pardon if I am interrupting.  Please don’t let me interfere.  I was 
simply walking about and upon hearing the sounds of steel, decided to 
investigate.  I didn’t expect to find you so involved.”

Erestor lunged to the right drawing a reaction from Elrond.  Anticipating 
the movement, Erestor used it to create the opening he had desired, 
disarming and then laying the point of his sword to his Lord’s throat.

“Ai.  I yield.  Well done.”

Legolas smirked and failed to completely stifle a chuckle at seeing the 
great Lord Elrond defeated by his advisor.  /Ada would have loved to have 
seen this. /

“Prince Legolas, does it amuse you to see me bested?  Of course it does.  
Perhaps you would make a more worthy opponent.  That is if my Chief 
Advisor here would indulge us.”  Elrond knew he shouldn’t egg the prince 
on, but that smug expression irked him.

Legolas smiled.  This might be amusing.  “I would enjoy the opportunity 
of crossing blades with you Lord Erestor.  That is if you are still up to 
it…if you aren’t too winded.”

Erestor knew what his Lord was doing, and sighed.  He really didn’t want 
to do this, but it seemed he really had no choice.  “Are you sure you want 
to cross swords?  Perhaps I would not be enough of a challenge.”

“Oh, I shall quite enjoy testing your blade.”  Legolas took Elrond’s 
proffered sword, removed his over tunic and moved to a fighting stance.

Sighing Erestor swung wide, drawing Legolas in.  Blows were exchanged 
as Erestor measured his opponent’s abilities.  With each blow he 
encouraged the prince to increase the force of his attack.  Lord Elrond 
knew that Erestor was toying with Legolas.  He wondered if Legolas knew 
it yet.  

The look on Erestor’s face bore no similarity to that of a scholar.  Gone 
was the Chief Advisor.  Legolas was gazing into the predatory eyes of a 
warrior.  He quickly stopped holding back and began to fight with all he 
had.  Erestor surprised him by blocking his best efforts with ease.  Even 
more frustrating, Erestor seemed to be biding his time…holding back and 
enjoying himself.  

Elrond heard the approach of another and turned to see Glorfindel joining 
him.  Glorfindel whispered so as not to disturb the combatants.  “You 
were late, so I thought you might be sparring with Erestor.  Why is he 
sparring with Legolas instead?”

Elrond looked rather sheepish, an expression seldom seen from the Lord 
of Imladris.  “I suppose I goaded them into it.  He found it rather 
humorous that Erestor had bested me.  I shouldn’t have done it, but it just 
popped out, and I put Erestor in the position of having to accept the 
challenge.  He is going to get even with me for this.”  Elrond actually 
shuddered to imagine what his old friend would demand as just pay back.

Glorfindel smiled at his friend and Lord.  “You know he could keep this 
up all day.”

Elrond chuckled.  “Erestor, we do have work to do.”

Erestor nodded and smiled.  With a well timed sidestep, quick flick of the 
wrist and leg to the back of the knee, Legolas was on his back.  He was 
disarmed, looking up at a sword pointed at his throat and further to its 
owner’s dark frightening gaze.

To say he was surprised would be an understatement.  Legolas swallowed 
hard as he tried to learn to breathe again.  The look in Erestor’s eyes was 
merciless, hard and unforgiving.  

“I yield.”

Erestor helped the prince to his feet, and shook his head.  “I am going to 
the bath before venturing to the study.  I smell like an orc.”

Glorfindel laughed.  “When you are right, you are right.”

“Oh shut up.”  Erestor left without looking back.

Elrond laughed at the interaction between his two dear friends.  “You 
really know how to push his buttons, don’t you?”

Glorfindel wagged his eyebrows and returned, “I do try.”

Legolas shook himself off and approached the two legends.  “When did he 
learn to fight like that?”

Glorfindel turned an unreadable expression on the prince.  “Erestor’s true 
skill does not lay with scholarly pursuits.”

“But he is the chief advisor, a scholar!  He was a warrior?  If he was a 
warrior, why is his post that of advisor?  Did he do something to cause the 
shift in responsibilities?”  His stare was incredulous, but Legolas couldn’t 
help it.  Things just didn’t work this way in Mirkwood.  

Elrond grew serious.  “You honestly can not understand why an elf might 
desire to become a scholar after having followed the life of a warrior, can 
you?  You find warriors to be a cut above scholars.  He is a master of the 
blade pen neth. He has seen more blood than you can possibly imagine.  
He helped me form Imladris.  After the War of the Last Alliance he agreed 
to become my Chief Advisor.  At that time in his life, he wished for and 
needed a time of peace.  The dream of a haven where all elves were 
welcome, appealed.  I count myself very fortunate to have an Eldar of 
such skill and note at my side.”

Glorfindel pretended to sniff the air.  “You know, it still smells like orc 
here and Erestor has long since vanished.”  

Elrond gave a lopsided grin.  “You are as subtle as a warg…to the bath 
then.  Legolas, I hope to see you at dinner.  Glorfindel, you I will see 
shortly and we can speak of wargs and the advisability of comparing them 
to one’s Lord.”

Glorfindel smiled unrepentant and watched the two depart.


Chapter Five

In the privacy of his quarters, Legolas could be alone with his thoughts.  A 
vision of ebony eyes and raven black hair swam through his mind.  One 
question plagued him that he had not allowed himself to answer.  It had to 
do with the true nature of his feelings toward the advisor.  He knew there 
was a great deal of lust, for the elf was breathtaking.  If it were just lust, 
would seeing him with Glorfindel provoke such strong feelings?  Nay, 
there was more than lust at work, but could it be called…no.  It couldn’t 
be.  But what if it were?  He was not going to go there. Was the attraction 
mutual?  He had the sinking feeling that it was not.  

He had approached Erestor as if he were just another beautiful elf to fall at 
the feet of the Prince of Mirkwood.  He now realized that had been a bad 
move.  The advisor had not only refused to fall, but had let him 
know…albeit quite politely…that he was out of line.  Then there was 
Glorfindel hovering about.  To top off everything, it seemed that his entire 
perception of the advisor was off base.  It would take work to recover 
from his mistakes, but the rewards of the extra effort would be well worth 
the time.

He decided there was no time like the present and went in search of 
Erestor.  He headed for the study, correctly surmising that the elf would 
likely be at work.  The door was open so Legolas quietly entered.  Erestor 
heard the visitor and looked up, not entirely happy about the interruption.

Legolas smiled.  “Lord Erestor, I am sorry for interrupting you, but want 
to apologize for my behavior this morning.  It was not my intention to 
cause offense, but I fear that I managed to do just that.  Please forgive 
me.”

Barely looking up, Erestor replied, “An apology is quite unnecessary.”

Knowing that as a guest Erestor would give him some latitude, he 
persisted.  “I disagree.  I have a boon ask.  You have, I think, a bad 
impression of me, and for that I am entirely to blame.  I would like the 
opportunity to render that.  Would you have dinner with me in my quarters 
and perhaps a game of chess afterward?  Before you answer, this is simply 
an invitation for dinner and a game of chess.  This isn’t a come on, and not 
intended to make you feel uncomfortable in any way.  Please say yes.”

Erestor cocked his head and studied the pleading gaze before him.  /What 
would it hurt? / “Very well, I will join you for dinner and chess tonight in 
your quarters.”

Legolas felt his heart take a leap.  “Wonderful!  I will leave you to your 
work.  I look forward to seeing you soon.”  Legolas almost bounded from 
the room.  He had preparations to make.

Legolas asked the kitchen staff to prepare a dinner to Erestor’s tastes and 
left the dinner to more capable hands than his own.  The serving staff 
knew of Legolas’ nightly escapades, and had learned not to assume 
anything where the prince was concerned.  When he requested a scented 
candle, they returned with a large selection.  He only selected one as it was 
not his intention to create a romantic ambiance.  That would be left for 
another night.  Elrohir had been only too glad to lend his chess set for the 
evening, wishing Legolas luck in the process.  

After all preparations had been made, Legolas brooded over which clothes 
to wear in order to impress but appear casual.  Finally after having decided 
on leggings of a deep black/green and a silk shirt of the palest tan, he took 
a long bath and set to braiding his hair.  Then the waiting began and with 
the waiting came butterflies.  He felt like an elfling on his first date and he 
detested it.

Erestor opted for deep earth brown velvet leggings under a loose shirt with 
billowing sleeves.  He wore a few intricately woven braids in otherwise 
loose and flowing locks.  The braids were adorned with mithral beads that 
stood out beautifully against his dark tresses.  The look was perfectly 
Erestor. 

The door was opened almost immediately after Erestor knocked.  Legolas 
motioned for him to enter.  “I am so pleased you came.  The kitchen staff 
has really outdone themselves.”

The two ate and spoke about nothing of import for a while before Legolas 
decided to gain a more personal note.  “You certainly surprised me this 
morning.  I had no idea you were a warrior.  I suppose that could come in 
handy when council meetings get out of hand.”

Erestor gently smiled.  “It has been tempting on a couple of occasions, but 
taking blade to diplomats is frowned on.”

Legolas allowed a polite smile to grace his face as he answered.  “I can 
only hope that I don’t in future instill those feelings in you.  Lord Elrond 
said that you helped found Imladris.”

Erestor’s gaze seemed far away.  “I helped true.  At the time, such a place 
was needed badly.  There had been too much death.  Many elves felt a 
sense of hopelessness, and there was much grief over those lost at Barad-
dûr.  A place of peace, acceptance and understanding was important to 
some of us.  It has been a pleasure to watch Imladris grow.”

Legolas had never heard any details of Imladris, as Thranduil did not like 
the mention of anything connected with Elrond.  “In Mirkwood, I never 
learned why Imladris had been founded.  I suppose I assumed it to simply 
be Lord Elrond’s home and nothing more.  It does seem like a tranquil 
haven apart from the world…at least until something occurs to remind us 
of the outside.”

“Let us not speak of the young guard tonight.  I would rather not end the 
evening with the thoughts of death and the unfairness of life preying on 
my mind.  Instead, tell me do you miss Mirkwood?” Erestor replied.

“Yes, I would be lying if I said that I don’t miss my home.  However in 
Imladris I find there is much to learn.  It is nothing like I imagined.  Adar 
does not speak well of Elrond and by association his family, friends and 
even home.  Instead, I have found a lovely home to some of the nicest and 
most interesting elves I’ve ever met.  Imladris boasts not only the famous 
Lord Elrond, but also the famed balrog slayer and Lord of the House of 
the Golden Flower, a minstrel with the sweetest voice in all of Arda, and 
the famous Chief Advisor Erestor, feared in council chambers throughout 
Middle-Earth.  It is quite an assemblage of impressive elves.” replied 
Legolas as he flashed a winning smile.

Erestor noticed that Legolas was making an effort, but also heard and filed 
away the information that Thranduil was keeping Mirkwood uninformed 
about much that lay beyond his realm…interesting and useful.  With the 
meal at an end the two moved to the chess board set up on a small table 
near the balcony.  Erestor was a skilled strategist, and excelled at the game 
of chess.  He looked forward to playing against someone new.  Thranduil 
had passable skill at forming unusual strategies, and he hoped some of that 
knowledge had been passed to the son.  

The game was engaging.  Legolas used a style that was unconventional, 
rendering it more difficult to anticipate moves.  After three hours, Erestor 
emerged victorious.  Legolas was not to be so easily dissuaded. 

“I demand a rematch.  Now that I know your style, victory is not assured 
the next time round.”  Legolas knew very well that victory against a 
strategist such as Erestor was nothing more than wishful thinking, but he 
enjoyed both the challenge and company.  It was also a way to spend time 
furthering his goal of seducing Erestor to his side, or bed, whichever.  
Both would result in the same outcome.  

Erestor graced him with a wicked smile.  “If you wish for another lesson, I 
would be pleased to grant it.  The following two nights are taken, but be 
prepared to fall to defeat three nights hence.  Oh, and return Elrohir’s 
board.  We will use a set in the sitting room just off the main library.  It is 
a beautifully crafted gift from Lord Celeborn.  The evening was pleasant.  
I thank you for your hospitality.  I must retire as Lord Elrond will demand 
my presence only a few short hours from now.  Good night Prince.”


Chapter Six

Glorfindel groaned.  “You are falling for him aren’t you?”

Erestor looked away briefly and answered in a clipped voice.  “No, of 
course not.  What gives you that delusion?”

“You are falling for him.  I’ve seen your gaze on him.  It is not distaste or 
annoyance in your eyes.  You want him don’t you?”  Glorfindel did not 
approve, but Erestor was old enough to know his mind and heart.  He 
certainly wouldn’t want advice on love.  

Erestor’s eyes flashed and his voice became quiet.  “Is a person not 
allowed to look without causing others to see things that aren’t there?  
You can’t really believe that.”

Glorfindel eyed his friend closely before continuing.  “If you were anyone 
else, a look however filled with longing, would be no more than a look.  
More often than not, you just appear bored or uninterested with elves that 
pursue you.  But now you turn your gaze on Legolas, and it is not with 
disinterest.  Yes Erestor, I do really believe that.”

Erestor looked into azure eyes and a level stare.  Suddenly unable to meet 
that gaze, he looked to the floor.  “Oh Valar Fin, how can this be 
happening?  I don’t know what to do.”  Long ago necessity caused Erestor 
to firmly lock away his feelings of love and longing.  He had not expected 
to feel anything for Legolas, yet over the course of the last three weeks he 
had felt something stir within him.

Glorfindel wished now that the prince had never arrived.  A casual fling 
was one thing, but real emotions…that was another matter all together.  
Legolas was the last elf he would trust to treat his friend with the love and 
respect he was due.  

“These things are not planned Erestor.  It is happening because something 
in your fëa calls to his.  You have to decide whether to act on those 
feelings, but before you do, you need to…nay must…determine the nature 
of his attraction to you.  I know you well enough to realize what the result 
would be if he were only attracted on a physical level.  Also, this could be 
a passing infatuation.  You’ve been the obsession of many…still are…and 
well you know it.”

Erestor sighed and looked troubled.  He had not been looking for this.  He 
had not wanted this.  His heart had been taken long ago.  That elf was out 
of his reach, but now there was Legolas.  He was beautiful and could be 
delightful company, but was what Fin said true?  Could this be a passing 
fancy or perhaps another elf obsessing or fantasizing over him?

“I may need your support my friend.”

Glorfindel leaned forward and took Erestor’s hands.  His gaze was filled 
with compassion.  “I will be here for you.  Never doubt that.  I will be here 
to pick up the pieces if things go badly.  You are not alone.  As much as I 
hate to say this, if he actually means something to you, you must find out 
if this is real or illusion on his part.  If it is real, you have to take the 
chance.”  Erestor would never know how hard it had been for Glorfindel 
to say those words.

Erestor’s eyes became soft and filled with warmth.  Glorfindel meant more 
to him than he would ever admit.  The bond was unspoken and Glorfindel 
felt it as well.  He didn’t deserve someone as caring as the blonde.  
“Whatever would I do without you?”

Glorfindel grinned.  “You would be insufferable.  You do realize this does 
not cancel our little agreement out.”

Erestor was momentarily caught off guard.  “Um…which agreement 
would that be?”

He absolutely loved the nonplussed expression playing across Erestor’s 
features.  “Why, the arrangement where I become your lover.  That was to 
become active if he continued to pursue you, I believe.”

Erestor’s eyes became huge.  “Oh you don’t mean to follow through with 
that.  You wouldn’t…you would…Fin!”

Glorfindel nearly choked in his effort to stifle the laughter that threatened 
to bubble forth.  Smiling sweetly Glorfindel all but purred.  “He no doubt 
already suspects us to be lovers.  Don’t you want to know if he will 
become jealous of your affections?  What would he do if another tried to 
claim your favors?  You know me well.  Yes, I do intend to hold you to it.  
He isn’t so far off base anyway.  We have been companions and shared 
much throughout the millennia.”

“Fin, this isn’t funny.”

Glorfindel tried for an innocent expression, but didn’t succeed.  “This isn’t 
a joke, love.  If he really wants you, it will not deter him.  If he isn’t 
willing to fight for you, he isn’t worth your time.”

“Fin!”

“Erestor love, you are in the best of hands.  Trust me.”  Trust was 
definitely not what was instilled by the look on Glorfindel’s face as his 
expression totally belied his words.   

Erestor heaved a long suffering sigh.  “You have that look on your face.”

“Which look is that?”  Glorfindel all but batted his eyes.  He really was 
terrible at acting the innocent.  

“The look that tells me that nothing I can say or do will make one bit of 
difference.  You are so stubborn,” replied Erestor.

Glorfindel smirked.  “You should know how to spot stubbornness in 
others.  It is one of your more adorable quirks.”

“Oooooh!  Sometimes you are just too much,” replied Erestor.  

Glorfindel smiled not willing to pass up the opportunity to tease his friend.  
“You have always been able to accommodate me in the past.  I’ve never 
been too much.  Perhaps a stretch, but then you have always seemed to 
enjoy it immensely.”

Dark eyes suddenly widened.  “Fin!  Fine.  I walked right into that one.  
Never are you too much my, dear warrior.  You are just right until you 
open your mouth.”

“You said that you like my mouth.  I believe you described it as gifted.”  
Although he managed to keep a straight face, Glorfindel felt like he was 
about to keel over with laughter.

Erestor’s cheeks were blazing by this point, but whether from 
embarrassment or frustration was debatable.  “You know what I 
mean…and you do possess considerable skill.”  

Glorfindel’s voice took on a more serious note.  “I doubt your prince will 
approve of our relationship.”

“We were close for millennia before his birth.  His approval does not and 
never will affect that.  Nor will that of any other.”  Erestor smiled fondly, 
tucking a stray strand behind Glorfindel’s ear.  

Glorfindel cherished the closeness he shared with Erestor, and it was 
reflected in his eyes as he gazed back at his friend.  “I never doubted it.  
He won’t like it though.” 

“The challenge will be to get one so young to understand our relationship.  
It will be a measure of his intelligence and trust.  I know not the full 
measure of either.  I hate to admit it, but I couldn’t live without you.  I 
would fade to nothingness.  Still, you can be insufferable, grumpy and 
soooo frustrating.”

Glorfindel was surprised at Erestor’s spoken admission.  They rarely gave 
voice to their feelings for one another.  They went unspoken…an 
understanding that didn’t require words to make it real.  “Erestor, you are 
a treasure.  If he hurts you, he will answer to me.”

Erestor knew he meant it, as Erestor felt the same way.  He knew that even 
if he forgave an offense, Glorfindel would not.  The feeling was mutual.  
Erestor knew that his temper was quite a bit more fierce than that of the 
warrior; his idea of vengeance much darker.  There would be a reckoning 
for any affronts offered to Glorfindel, no matter his feelings on the issue.


Chapter Seven

Erestor finally secured from Glorfindel his agreement not to interfere with 
the budding relationship.  During the course of the next few weeks, 
Legolas and Erestor began spending more time with one another.  It began 
with tea and ended with long walks or rides through the countryside.  
Erestor found himself becoming more attracted to the prince.  When 
Legolas made that first move and kissed him after walking the grounds 
one night, it did not come as a surprise, nor was it unwelcome.

The night for which Legolas had been striving had finally arrived.  The 
time was right and preparation good.  He would bed Erestor this night.  
Erestor concurred knowing that this night would be the culmination of 
desires that had been building and demanded expression.

Dinner found neither hungering for food.  Small talk would not come, and 
the sexual tension became palpable.  Erestor had made certain gestures to 
ensure that the other knew his advances would be welcome.  This failing, 
he planned to take more direct measures.  Legolas however was very 
happy to take the lead.  He had in fact intended to do just that. 

Legolas moved to the settee beside Erestor bringing a hand to his shoulder 
and gently pulling him till they faced one another.  Looking into his eyes 
but saying nothing, his hand drifted up through raven locks to trace the 
line of a delicately pointed ear before stroking the sensitive tip.  Fingers 
moved to lightly press on lush lips before he leaned in, brushing them with 
his own.  Erestor’s lips parted and his tongue flitted across Legolas’ lips, 
inviting him to further his explorations. 

“Pen vain,” whispered Legolas as he drew back to stare into liquid pools 
of deepest black. (beautiful one)  

Legolas’ words were answered with a slow, lingering kiss.  

Legolas let his hand lazily drift over the collarbone and down to stroke a 
nipple already hard but hidden beneath silk.  The light touch elicited a soft 
moan.  Not loosening dark eyes from his gaze, Legolas unfastened and 
cast the shirt aside.  After nibbling his way around and down the exposed 
neck, his mouth roved till it was lowered to a hardened pink nub.  The tip 
of his tongue teased as his fingers played.  Passion laid hold of Erestor 
who gasped and moaned at the tongue’s slow torture.   

Legolas hands lowered, exploring the planes of Erestor’s abdomen and 
coming to rest over the bulging leggings.  “Mmmm” was the only sound 
as Legolas’ hand brushed the arousal.  Finally the lacings were opened and 
the arousal freed.  Drawing Erestor to his feet, Legolas slid his hands 
down hips and thighs till Erestor’s leggings lay in a pool on the floor.  

Once the beautifully toned body was laid bare, Legolas nipped and 
suckled delicate skin, all the while pressing Erestor backward to the bed.  
As they moved, hands pushed and pulled till Legolas’ clothes lay across 
the floor marking a trail to the bed.  Pulling the dark haired vision to his 
body, Legolas stroked the raven black hair and moved in to suckle the tip 
of the elfin ear.  When Erestor began to tremble with need, he pressed him 
back into the bed, following him down with a lingering kiss.

Erestor moved to the center of the bed and Legolas covered his body.  As 
he ground himself against Erestor, he looked into the dark eyes glazed 
with lust.  Moving down, he kissed and suckled the soft skin of the neck.  
Giving in to a strong urge, he let his teeth pierce the delicate skin, leaving 
a perfect imprint of his teeth.  This drew a sharp gasp.  The prince moved 
further down over the hard chest.  He circled a hard nipple with his tongue 
while his hand rolled and fondled its partner.  A frustrated moan sounded 
Erestor’s protest when Legolas left the nipples to further explore the body 
stretched out before him.  His lips kissed and tasted as he furthered his 
descent, only stopping when he reached parted thighs.  Erestor moaned 
and pleaded, but to no avail.  His needy arousal was ignored.  

Legolas brought a pillow under Erestor’s hips before resuming his 
explorations.  He laved his tongue over tight testicles, sampling delicate 
flesh.  Furthering its explorations, his tongue roved once again, finding 
and drawing circles around the cleft.  Erestor’s head thrashed, but 
Legolas’ arms held his body firm.  He lapped at the entrance letting his 
tongue dart inside, till he felt Erestor’s arousal to be nearing the point of 
pain.   

Erestor’s exquisite torment ended when a tongue lightly teased the crown 
of his cock.  A strong arm prevented his thrusts as Legolas’ lips laved 
kisses along the underside of the arousal.  Erestor’s taste was addictive 
and Legolas let his tongue slowly lick its way along the prominent vein.  
Erestor was reduced to whimpers when Legolas let his tongue return to flit 
across the tip of the arousal.  Legolas gazed into Erestor’s eyes as he took 
him into his mouth.  He set a rhythm moving up and down the length of 
the arousal.  Whimpers became moans of pleasure.  When moans became 
near screams, he pulled back.  Erestor glistened with sweat.  His head was 
turned to the side, his damp hair partially obscuring his face.  Trembles 
racked his straining muscles.  The cessation of movement brought pleas 
for mercy.    

Erestor spread his legs wide hoping Legolas would hear his silent plea.  A 
bottle of oil waited on the nightstand.  Legolas coated a finger before 
circling and sliding into Erestor.  When he felt Erestor respond by pushing 
back, he added a second finger.  He knew his aim true when Erestor cried 
out and thrust in earnest.  When the third finger was added, Erestor’s 
desire hit a new level and he cried out to be taken.

Legolas moved up the body beneath him and whispered, “Taste yourself 
on my lips.”  Erestor tasted himself on Legolas’ mouth as he felt an 
arousal press the entrance to his body.  It did not breach him, but waited 
poised. 

When the kiss broke Erestor softly spoke, “Ernilen.”   (My Prince) 

Legolas looked deeply into his eyes and asked, “What do you want of 
me?” 

“Garo nin” (have me)

Legolas did not relent.  “Tell me…I want to hear the words.”  

“Oh Valar…please…”  Erestor *really* did not want to talk at this 
particular moment and was not beyond begging. 

“Shall I make you mine?  Do you want that…to be mine and only mine?”  
Legolas had heard the plea in Erestor’s voice, but ignored it and demanded 
an answer.

Barely able to form a coherent thought Erestor fairly gasped, “Please… 
yes… please… Legolas…please take me.”  

Legolas persisted, pressing his weight down and not allowing Erestor’s 
thrusts.  “Mine and only mine…is that what you want…to be mine?”

Finally Erestor found the words the prince wanted to hear.  “Yours…only 
yours.”

Legolas entered Erestor in one slow, hard and deep thrust.  Erestor bucked 
but Legolas stilled to allow him to become accustomed to the considerable 
fullness.  Erestor pled till Legolas relented and began a slow hard rhythm.  
When he felt Erestor nearing the edge once again, he stroked the needy 
shaft once, then twice before seed spilled over his hand.  Continuing to 
thrust through the muscles clenching his arousal, he finally came spilling 
his seed deep into Erestor’s body.  Legolas looked into glazed eyes as he 
pulled Erestor into a demanding and passionate kiss.  Finally, Legolas left 
Erestor’s body, moving to draw a bath.  

They bathed each other, touching, caressing and bestowing kisses 
throughout.  Legolas looked at a particularly deep bite as well as several 
dark passion marks against ivory skin and smiled.  “You bear my mark.  
You are mine now, heart, body, and soul.  He cupped Erestor’s cheek and 
kissed him lazily.”

Erestor responded to the kiss willingly, acknowledging Legolas’ claim.  
Erestor pulled back and whispered.  “Now, my prince, I will make you 
mine.”  With an intense expression and note to his voice, Erestor added, “I 
will have you.”

Legolas hissed, head lolling back.  Erestor gently bit Legolas’ exposed 
neck before drawing him from the water.  Wet bodies slid against one 
another before Erestor drew the prince to bed.  Erestor claimed the prince 
that night, leaving pronounced marks on Legolas’ neck ensuring all knew 
he had been touched and claimed.

Glorfindel noticed his friend wore high necked robes to the meeting the 
next morning.  Erestor hated high necked robes, likening them to a torture 
devised in the deepest pits of Mordor.  There is only one reason he would 
don that robe voluntarily.  After the council meeting, he dogged Erestor’s 
steps till they were in the study.  

“I take it you had a good time last night.”

Erestor smiled.  “You could say that.”

Glorfindel reached out and unfastened the collar to reveal one large bite 
mark and several dark bruises.  He allowed his fingers to trace the marks 
of the bite.  “That had to hurt.  The youngster got a bit carried away.  You 
never minded a bit of pain, though, did you?”

Erestor became amused and quirked a lopsided grin at Glorfindel.  “That 
all depends on who is giving it.”

“So you didn’t mind feeling his teeth piercing your delicate flesh.”

Erestor’s gaze became serious which rather surprised Glorfindel.  “Pain 
delivered by Legolas in the midst of passion…that feels wrong.  The 
teeth…yes they did hurt, but he is rather possessive.  Fin, I may have done 
something…he asked…and I told him…”  Erestor’s face was worried, his 
gaze fixed firmly on the ground.  

Glorfindel knew his friend well enough to realize this was serious to bring 
about such a reaction.  He was concerned.  What had happened to put 
Erestor in this state?  Carefully he took Erestor’s hand and led him to a 
chair.  Kneeling in front of him, he stroked the back of white knuckles.  
“Start at the beginning Erestor and tell me what happened.”

Erestor’s voice came out barely above a whisper.  “He asked…we 
were…and he”

“Erestor slow down.  Take your time.”

Erestor took a deep breath and seemed to gather some of his wits.  “In the 
heat of passion, I may have said something that I should not.  He wanted 
me to say that I was his and only his.”

Glorfindel immediately pictured what had happened but didn’t interrupt.

“I would have said anything.  It was wrong, and it was a lie.  I am going to 
have to talk to him.  Fin, I’m afraid.”  Erestor had not intended to share his 
dilemma, but it had been something of a relief to do so.

Glorfindel knew this boded ill.  The young elf would never be able to 
understand what passed between eldar elves.  He couldn’t be expected to.  
Therein lay the problem.  Erestor had seen and done things that had 
scarred his fëa.  Legolas could not understand what Erestor would not tell 
him.  There had been times when Erestor had come to him for the comfort 
and understanding that their common history, shared experiences and 
close bond of friendship provided.  Erestor would not deny the love he felt 
for his friend.  Neither would he renounce it.  He was too loyal to 
Glorfindel to ever consider it.  Because of that, Erestor was about to be 
hurt…badly.  

“Erestor, whatever happens, I am here for you.  Give him an opportunity 
though.  He might surprise you.”

Erestor looked defeated.  “No, he won’t.  He will react as if I have 
betrayed him.  He will see a lie and won’t look beyond.  I am going to lose 
him, Fin.  The sooner I get this done the better.”  Erestor rose and slowly 
walked from the room.  He knew that Glorfindel did not know the extent 
of the lie, and he never would.

Glorfindel sought out Elrond and asked him to watch Erestor.  He told him 
he had a personal problem, but didn’t elaborate.  Elrond, to his credit, 
didn’t ask but promised to look out for his old friend.


Chapter Eight

Legolas was thrilled that his beloved had slipped off during the middle of 
the day.  “Mellamin, come inside.”

Erestor entered but didn’t speak for a moment.  He bowed his head and 
braced himself.  After taking several deep breaths, he began.  “Legolas we 
have to talk.”

Legolas had watched, not understanding the body language he was picking 
up on.  He drew Erestor to the chairs by the window and sat not knowing 
what to expect.  “All right love, let us talk.”

“Last night was wonderful…don’t speak…not yet.  Let me finish.  Last 
night was incredible and meant more than words will convey.  I love you.  
Please believe that.  No matter what else happens, know that I love you.  
You asked me to tell you that I belong to you and you alone, and I did.  
That was not the complete truth.  There is no one in Middle Earth that I 
love as I do you, but…”

Legolas kept his gaze steady, not betraying the surprise, hurt and outrage 
he felt inside.  His composure was unnerving to the older elf.  
“Glorfindel.”

Tears were building turning his eyes to swimming black pools.  “We have 
been close longer than you have been alive.  Can you understand that?  
There is a connection that just can’t be broken.”

“Yes, I understand.  You love him.”

Erestor bit his lip to keep from screaming.  “Yes, there is love, but it isn’t 
what you are thinking.”   

Legolas’ eyes became hard and his voice cold.  “And what am I thinking?  
That you share a bed?  You do, don’t you?  Am I thinking that you whore 
yourself to him?  That he owns your heart?  Perhaps I am thinking that last 
night meant nothing to you beyond a pleasant interlude.  Or maybe I am 
thinking what a hypocrite you were to ask me to forswear all others when 
you would not.  Which is it?”

Erestor had known this was coming, but that did nothing to lessen the 
impact.  The words fell like blows upon his soul.  “He doesn’t own my 
heart.  I love him yes, but I love you as well.  It is a different kind of love.  
Last night…how can you believe it was naught but a pleasurable tryst?  To 
me, it was a beginning, a beginning of love and hope.  It was a beginning 
of a future with you.”

Legolas spoke softly.  “No, it was not.  Perhaps you hoped to include me 
in your life, but there could never be a future so long as your heart is 
touched by another.  I can’t and I won’t do that.”

“Legolas, please try to understand.  I do not love him in the same way as I 
love you.  We have been through so much together.  We have been there 
for each other through blood, death, loss, joy, and love.  Through it all we 
could count on the other for support, no matter what.  A bond developed 
and grew through the millennia.  Neither could survive the loss of the 
other, but our feelings are not the same as my feelings for you.  Fin and I 
share a deep friendship.  You are my lover Legolas.  Please try to 
understand the difference.  Please.  I love you so much.”  Large eyes 
begged. 

“Hush, Erestor.  Just hush.  I will not share you with anyone.  I can not.  I 
can’t love you knowing you also love one who has known your favors 
over many millennia.  Is that insecurity?  Perhaps, but it is reality.  
Glorfindel has more in common with you than ever I could.  I knew that 
all along.  He loves you and you love him.  He shares your heart as well as 
your bed.  Do not ask me to give my heart to you when you are bound to 
another.  It isn’t fair, not to me or him.  I do love you, but I won’t do 
*anything* in order to be with you.  If you won’t consider my feelings, I 
have to do so for myself.”

Erestor couldn’t speak.  Tears blinded him as he rose to leave.  Legolas 
drew him to his body and held him till he gathered his composure.  He 
then tilted Erestor’s chin up.  “I know you love me…just not enough.  Go, 
he will be there for you.”  He walked Erestor to the door and closed it 
quietly behind him.  He then proceeded to walk to the balcony and watch 
the waterfall.  It had been too perfect.  Perhaps he should have known it 
wouldn’t last.  He had not planned to ask for commitment, but the desire 
had been born.
A single tear slipped past his eyes to mark the loss.


Chapter Nine

Elrond entered Erestor’s study to find him sitting in one of the overstuffed 
chairs, sobbing uncontrollably.  Walking forward he drew Erestor’s hands 
into his own.  “It is Legolas, isn’t it?”

Erestor could only nod.

“Can I do anything?”

Erestor sharply shook his head.

“You had a fight?”

“He ended our relationship.  He sent me away.”  Erestor’s voice was only 
a whisper.

Elrond knew there was much more to it, but would not press his advisor.  
He had not seen him so broken in millennia.  “You are not to come in to 
work for the next few days.  You need to work through this first.  Do you 
want me to stay?”

Erestor found voice enough to whisper.  “No, please, I need to be alone.”

“Very well, you know where to find me.  Don’t hesitate to seek me out.”  
Elrond returned to his office, and drafted a message to be delivered to 
Glorfindel.  He then proceeded to mix a strong sedative.

Glorfindel was on the training grounds when he received the message.  It 
said merely that he was needed in Elrond’s office immediately.  He left his 
second in charge and rushed to Elrond’s summons.

“Elrond…is something amiss?”

Elrond’s look was grave.  “Yes.  Go to Erestor.  He needs you.  Go now.”

Glorfindel knew then that Erestor had talked to Legolas and that it did not 
end well.  Glorfindel stepped into Erestor’s study to find the elf hugging 
his legs to his chest and resting his forehead on his knees.  He walked 
forward, not saying a word and brushed a hand over the long raven mane.  
“You spoke with Legolas.”

Erestor was not normally given to tears, but now he sobbed 
uncontrollably.  Glorfindel’s heart lurched to see his friend so broken.  He 
moved Erestor forward in the chair, knelt and pulled his head down onto a 
strong shoulder.  Stroking his hair and rubbing circles on his back, 
Glorfindel let his friend cry till there were no tears left.  “Can you walk?”

Erestor looked at him with huge red rimmed eyes.  Glorfindel drew his 
friend up and encircled his waist, walking him to Elrond’s office.  “I need 
something to help him sleep.  He needs rest.  He is emotionally exhausted, 
but I don’t think he will sleep on his own.”

Elrond handed him the sedative that he had prepared and sighed.  
“Glorfindel, I want you to take the next few days off and stay with him.  
Elladan and Elrohir will take your patrols, and your second can take 
whatever else comes up.  Erestor is going to need you.  Is there anything 
else I can get for you?”

“Yes.  Strong liquor.  He will need something…”

“Say no more.”  Elrond went to a side cabinet and withdrew a bottle.  
“This is dwarven, and particularly strong.  I was given a cask in thanks for 
giving aide to a stonecutter a few years ago.  There is more where this 
came from.  It is a bit much for me.  If you need anything else all you need 
do is ask.”

“How strong is the sleeping potion?”

“It will last for several hours.”

Glorfindel poured some of the draught into a small cup and put it in 
Erestor’s shaky hands.  The warrior’s hands covered Erestor’s own and 
began lifting the cup to his lips.  “Drink this.”  Erestor drank without 
comment. 

“Glorfindel, you need to get him into bed quickly.  The potion will act 
rapidly.”

Glorfindel drew his arms tightly around Erestor’s body and walked him 
towards his chambers.  When Erestor began swaying under the effects of 
the potion, he lifted him into his arms.  Erestor managed to whisper 
through a sleepy haze, “Where are we going?” 

“You are going to bed.”

Erestor laid his head against Glorfindel’s wide chest and let the potion 
work its magic.  By the time Glorfindel had arrived at his rooms, Erestor 
was sound asleep.  Carefully he sat Erestor on the side of the bed 
supporting him against his chest.  He drew off the tunic, and then opened 
the lacings of the leggings.  Laying Erestor back, he removed the boots 
and leggings before putting him under the covers.

Glorfindel looked down on the tear stained visage of his friend sleeping 
fitfully in his bed.  A rage filled his being at the thought of that shattered 
heart.  Erestor was a kind and gentle soul with a tender heart.  He did not 
deserve this.  After gently kissing Erestor’s brow, Glorfindel left to gather 
what he felt would be needed during the coming hours.

Help was enlisted when he spied Elladan lurking in the corridors.  
Grabbing him by the arm, he drew the startled twin along behind him to 
the wine cellar.  Elladan read the grim countenance of the balrog slayer 
and kept his peace.  He knew something was very wrong.  Glorfindel went 
to a far corner and gathered six bottles thrusting them into Elladan’s arms.  
He then walked down several aisles before finding what he sought and 
gathered several bottles more.  He returned to his rooms sitting the bottles 
beside the mysterious dwarven liquor.  That is when Elladan saw Erestor 
lying in the middle of the bed.  

“Glorfindel, what has happened to Erestor?”

“Legolas happened”, was the only answer he got.

“What did he do to him?  He looks like his world has fallen away.”

“He was unable to speak when I found him.  I don’t know what he said to 
do this to him, but I intend to find out.  Stay here till I return.  Legolas and 
I are going to have a talk.”

Elladan moved to a chair feeling overcome with guilt that he and Elrohir 
encouraged Legolas to pursue their mentor.  It had never occurred to him 
that actual emotions and feelings would develop.  

Glorfindel didn’t knock.  Instead he entered Legolas’ quarters and locked 
the door.  

“Now my prince you will deal with me.  Erestor is unconscious on my 
bed.  He hasn’t been able to speak due to the sobs wracking his body.  He 
couldn’t even walk unaided.”

Legolas’ voice was hard and unfeeling.  In his opinion Erestor got what 
was coming to him.  “If he is upset, it is of his own making.  He came here 
to tell me that he couldn’t give me his heart.  You already hold it.”

Glorfindel’s reply was immediate.  “No, that he didn’t say.  He loves you.  
If I have a place in his heart, it did not lessen his feelings for you.”  

Looking the warrior in the eye, Legolas countered.  “That is what he said, 
but then he gives you more than a place in his heart, doesn’t he?  He also 
gives you a place in his bed…in his body.”

Glorfindel’s eyes fell to half mast and blazed fire giving Legolas a glimpse 
into what the balrog might have seen prior to death.  Then the prince felt 
himself fly across the room from the force of the blow delivered to his 
jaw.

Glorfindel stood looking down upon the form of the fallen prince.  “I told 
him you were not mature enough to understand our relationship.  Erestor 
can usually read elves like a book.  I wonder if he knew what was coming, 
but hoped beyond all reason that he might be mistaken.  Perhaps he was so 
smitten that he could not read you at all.  Get up.”  Glorfindel hauled 
Legolas to his feet when he didn’t move.  Backhanding him, Legolas 
landed on the floor once again.  This went on until Elrond broke the door 
down having been alerted by Lindir of the sounds issuing from Legolas’ 
quarters.

Elrond grabbed Glorfindel by the shoulders and pulled him away from the 
fallen form.  “Get hold of yourself.  Lindir, take him to the Healing Wing.  
Erestor would not want this, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel stood defiant, proud and angry.  He would not apologize for 
this, not even to the Lord of Imladris.  “Erestor would do much worse if 
positions were reversed.  Your pretty little prince would at this minute be 
gracing the Halls of Waiting and you know it.”

Elrond knew that while the Halls of Waiting might be a bit of a stretch, it 
was true that Erestor would have done much worse.  That was not what 
Glorfindel needed to hear though so he responded, “That does not make it 
right.”

“He hurt Erestor, and he will hurt in turn.  There is justice in that.  I do not 
see a wrong.”  Blue eyes blazed.

“Glorfindel go to your room and get cleaned up.  You need to get yourself 
under control before Erestor wakes.  He will need you.”

That was the only thing that Elrond could have said to penetrate the rage 
that still consumed his soul.  Erestor would need him, and he would be 
there.

Elrond’s heart went out to Erestor, and in a deep dark place hidden in the 
recesses of his mind, he wished he had been the one to cause Legolas pain.  
Those thoughts were not allowed to gain purchase over his actions, but 
they were there nonetheless.  Legolas was not a child.  He had seen nearly 
two millennia.  He had handled this badly, whether by accident or out of 
spite and a will to lash out.  As leader of Imladris, Elrond had to remain 
impartial.  As Erestor’s long time friend, he seethed.


Chapter Ten

When he woke, he felt as if the weight of Arda were pressing down upon 
him.  Legolas hurt in places he never knew existed.  His moans brought a 
healer to his side which only added to his confusion.  He didn’t know this 
elf.  Where was he?

“Don’t try to move Prince Legolas.  You are in the Healing Wing of the 
Last Homely House.  You have been injured, and we are taking care of 
you.  Your jaw is shattered.  You will not be able to speak for at least a 
week.  When you are able to write, a parchment and quill will be provided.  
Till then, you will need plenty of rest.”  A bowl of smoking herbs was 
brought to his face.  “Inhale the vapors.  It will help relieve pain and send 
you toward a healing sleep.”  

Legolas inhaled deeply hoping the pain relieving qualities would take 
effect quickly.  Soon he was drifting into a much needed healing sleep.  
He hadn’t remembered what had happened, nor had he made note that 
neither Lord Elrond nor his sons were waiting by his bedside. 

That same day Erestor woke.  Waking in Glorfindel’s quarters, he was 
temporarily confused.  Then it all came crashing down.  It had ended.  His 
hope for a love and future with Legolas was but a dead dream.

“What am I doing in your bed?”  

Glorfindel moved forward looking with concern on his friend.  “Elrond 
gave you a sedative.  You have been asleep for quite a while.”

Erestor closed his eyes and moaned.  What a fool he had been to try to 
love again.  Legolas had sent him away.  The dream had ended and hope 
along with it.  For millennia he had been haunted by a love that could not 
be.  Through strength of will alone had he survived fading.  He wondered 
now if it was worth the effort.  He didn’t want to leave the bed.  He just 
wanted to curl up and make the world go away.  Glorfindel would have 
none of it though.

“Get up.  You are taking a bath.  It has been over 24 hours since you had 
anything to eat.  After the bath you *will* eat.”  Glorfindel knew he 
sounded more like Erestor’s adar than his friend, but right now he needed 
someone to take control.

Erestor winced at the tone of command.  “Did anyone ever tell you that 
you are a mother hen?  If not, let me be the first.  You are a mother hen 
mighty Balrog Slayer.”

“Up.”  Glorfindel’s arms were crossed and his eyebrows arched as he tried 
for his best ‘captain of the guard’ stance.  

Heaving a mighty sigh, Erestor left the bed and made for the inviting bath 
Glorfindel had run.  Once Erestor was in the bath, Glorfindel asked a 
servant to send to the kitchen for a dinner for two to be served in his 
quarters, as well as a cold plate of foods that could be munched on 
throughout the hours ahead.  

Erestor left the bath and rummaged through Glorfindel’s wardrobe 
drawing out a sleep robe.  That done, he combed out his long dark locks, 
till Glorfindel took over the chore.  

“It is over isn’t it,” asked Erestor in a soft voice.  “He is really gone.  It 
wasn’t just a terrible dream.”

“No, you know it is no dream.  I wish it were.  It had been my fondest 
hope that you had found love,” replied Glorfindel.

Realizing that Glorfindel would nag till he did, Erestor ate his meal.  With 
that done, the blonde poured two goblets of the dark liquor Elrond had 
given him.  He handed one to Erestor and ordered, “Drink.”

Erestor eyed the sinister looking liquid.  “What is it?”  

“Elrond says it is dwarven liquor,” replied Glorfindel.

Erestor twirled his glass.  “So this is the stuff the stonecutter sent him.  
Isn’t it a bit early to drink?”

“Erestor, the dinner chime sounded a couple of hours ago.  We are 
drinking because we are going to get incredibly and gloriously drunk,” 
answered Glorfindel.

Erestor’s eyebrows shot up.  “I don’t get drunk.  I haven’t overindulged 
since Barad-dûr.  We all had reason to seek oblivion during that dark time.  
Alright, before you say it, there were a few times in Gondolin.  That 
wasn’t entirely my fault though.  I was surrounded by bad influences.  I 
never stood a chance.”  Erestor and Ecthelion had been the most audacious 
elves in Gondolin.  Overindulgence was a relative term where that duo 
was concerned.  

Glorfindel chuckled.  “You have a selective memory.  Don’t you 
remember the time in Lorien when…?”

“That was different!”  Erestor had forgotten the blonde had been around to 
witness that little binge.  He and Celeborn had gotten trashed.  Haldir had 
come to their aide, hiding his Lord from Galadriel for two days straight.  It 
was just his luck that Haldir and Glorfindel were friends.

Now Glorfindel was in the throws of a full out belly laugh.  “You really 
should have seen the two of you.  I don’t know which of you were more 
hilarious.”

“Oh very funny…like you haven’t ever over imbibed,” was the comeback.     

Glorfindel held his glass up.  “Cheers.”

Erestor smiled.  “Cheers.”

The two proceeded to go through a good portion of the liquor Glorfindel 
and Elladan had pilfered from Elrond’s stores.

The next day, Elrond decided to check on Erestor.  When he arrived at 
Glorfindel’s door he was startled to hear rather loud laughter.  Tentatively, 
he knocked.  The door was opened by a somewhat shaky and totally 
inebriated blonde.  “I came to look in on Erestor.  Is he in as good a 
condition as you?”

Glorfindel graced his Lord with a goofy smile.  “Come in and join us.  
Erestor is good.”

Elrond rolled his eyes, took a deep breath and entered the room.  Erestor 
sat cross legged in the middle of the bed wearing nothing but a bed robe 
and holding a half empty bottle of something that was dark brown.

“Erestor, I hesitate to ask but, how are you doing?”

Erestor sobered and looked at Elrond with a serious stare.  “If you mean, 
am I pining away, gnashing my teeth and crying over a love than cannot 
be…Glorfindel won’t let me.  Instead, he deemed it fitting that we spend a 
few days totally inebriated.  I would imagine that after that time, a new 
definition will be given to the term ‘Mother of all Hangovers’ and your 
healing touch will be urgently requested and required.”

Elrond shook his head.  He wasn’t so sure this was a good idea, but at least 
Erestor wasn’t as broken as he had been yesterday.  It would hit him when 
he sobered again.  This postponed the problem, but it didn’t solve it.  His 
friend was going to feel his world crashing around him and then have to 
find a way to deal with it. 

Elrond shook his head.  “You are both to get something on your stomachs.  
I will make arrangements for your meals to be sent to this room for the 
next few days and check with you tomorrow evening.  I would say come 
to me if you need anything, but I doubt either of you would be able to 
make it unaided to my office.”

Elrond returned to his study and fell into a chair.  

“Ada?”

Elrond looked up to find two pairs of gray eyes looking worried.

“Yes?”

“Ada, we were wondering about Erestor.  How is he?”

Elrond closed his eyes as his hands rubbed his temples.  “Beware the 
drunken Eldar.  My Chief Advisor and my Captain of the Guard are well 
on their way to setting a record for the greatest amount of liquor imbibed 
by elven kind.”

Elladan quickly glanced down.  “Is Erestor all right?”

“Right now, it is hard to tell.  He isn’t as drunk as Glorfindel.  Other than 
that, I’m not sure.  He was not very talkative.  I fear that the worst has not 
come.”

When Elrohir spoke his voice was quiet, but his question demanded an 
answer.  “Will he fade, Ada?”

“No.  Glorfindel will not let that happen.  I won’t let that happen.  We can 
not lose him.”  Elrond was determined that this would not happen to his 
old friend.  He had not known the depths of the love the two had shared, 
but from Erestor’s reaction it must have been profound.   

“Will Legolas fade?”

“No.  Legolas will not fade.  He is not grieving, and does not feel the loss 
as intensely as does Erestor.  Legolas will be fine after his physical 
wounds heal.”

Four days later, Glorfindel and Erestor woke with viscous hangovers.  
When they ran out of liquor, both had proceeded to pass out.  Now they 
both wished for a return to the realm of dreams, as the waking world was 
filled with the sound of drums playing in their heads.  The disheveled pair 
of eldar elves moaned and berated each other for making too much noise.  
They were in pain. 

Elrond arrived to the sad sight and had to stifle the urge to laugh 
uproariously.  The feared Balrog Slayer was curled in a fetal position with 
his hands over his head.  His dignified Chief Advisor was lying on his 
stomach at the end of the bed with his head smothered in his hands.  
Neither elf moved when Elrond entered the room.

“This is a pitiful sight.  Two eldar elves laid low by … just what all *did* 
you drink?”

Erestor peeked up through a mass of black hair.  “I don’t have a clue.  It 
was brown, red, darker brown and something that was almost black.  After 
a while, it all tasted the same.”

“Ssshhhh.”  This was the only sign of life coming from the fallen warrior.  
Otherwise, he was still curled in a tight ball, trying to lock out the world of 
sound.

Elrond had anticipated that something like this would happen.  The old 
line ‘you are old enough to know better’ played through his mind, but 
under the circumstances he decided it was not appropriate.  Instead he 
made herbal tea and handed a cup to Erestor, who immediately made a 
face.  

“What is in this stuff?  It is horrible!”

That of course did not encourage Glorfindel to partake of the proffered 
tea.  The pounding in his head however did.  “Just give it to me.”  The 
warrior held his nose and downed the mixture.  “The taste has something 
to do with punishing us for breaking into your liquor, doesn’t it?”

Elrond smiled at his friend.  “No, but I will remember that for future use.”  
Elrond ran a bath and fetched some of Erestor’s clothes before ordering 
easily digestible food to be sent to Glorfindel’s room.

Elrond waited till the pair had emerged from the bath, combed and braided 
their hair, dressed and eaten some of the prepared food before addressing 
Erestor.

“Erestor, how are you feeling…really?”  Elrond’s expression left no doubt 
as to the reason he had asked.

“I have just emerged from a drunken stupor.  What do you want me to 
say?  Legolas thinks I would whore around on him.  He doesn’t trust me.  
It is very evident that he never loved me.  It hurts.  To hear someone you 
love say the things he said…  Is that what you need to hear me say?”

Elrond had expected tears.  What he got was a cold dry eyed glare.  “You 
might want to know that he is still in the Healing Wing.  He will be able to 
speak a little in a few days.  He won’t be walking for two weeks.”

Erestor looked to the warrior staring hard at the floor.  “Glorfindel…”

“I told you in the beginning that he would answer to me if he hurt you.”

“Elrond, don’t take this the wrong way.”  Erestor gave the blonde a chaste 
kiss on his brow.  “Thank you.  You shouldn’t have, and this will 
doubtlessly cause trouble, but thank you.”

“I am just sorry Elrond interrupted,” replied Glorfindel. 

“Legolas hurt me…very badly, but he thinks it was justified.  He didn’t 
kill me Glorfindel.”

“Didn’t he?”

“…”

Glorfindel lifted Erestor’s chin, so he was looking into his eyes.  “I’m not 
going to let you fade.  Do you understand me?”

Erestor did not answer.  Glorfindel had no idea that he had been fighting 
to stave off the elven sickness for millennia.  It would be easy to stop 
trying.  Fading seemed an attractive option to the future that awaited him.  

“Erestor, do you understand me?”

Erestor had tears in his eyes, unbidden and unshed.  He could only 
whisper his reply.  

“Yes”

A lump had formed in Elrond’s throat and his eyes also contained unshed 
tears.  “Take what time you need Glorfindel, but don’t let him fade from 
our lives.  He is too precious to too many.”  Elrond left so he could shed 
his tears in private, knowing this would change the lives of more than just 
his Chief Advisor.


Chapter Eleven

For the first time in days, Glorfindel and Erestor arrived for dinner in the 
Hall of Fire.  All eyes were on him as Erestor took his usual seat next to 
Elrond.  Everyone knew what had occurred.  Very few had ever seen the 
advisor gripped by intense emotion.  It made them feel uncomfortable to 
see such a powerful elf brought low.  

Elrond squeezed his advisor’s hand to show his support.  Elladan and 
Elrohir smiled politely, but remained silent, neither really knowing what to 
say.  Erestor was incredibly thankful when the whole ordeal was over.

After dinner, Erestor headed for his rooms.  Glorfindel followed and 
entered uninvited.  Erestor didn’t object, but crossed the room to stare out 
the window.  Glorfindel moved behind Erestor, and gently turned him 
around so they were facing one another.

Glorfindel studied Erestor’s features for a moment before cupping his 
cheek.  “I told you earlier that I won’t allow you to fade.”

Erestor looked into azure eyes; his own huge and dilated to black.  He 
swallowed hard and lowered his eyes.

“Erestor, look at me.”

Erestor complied, albeit reluctantly.  

“Over the millennia we have laughed together, cried together and even 
bled together.  I know how desperately you love him.  In the here and now 
though he can’t give you what you need.  He can not return your love.  I 
can’t count the number of times you have saved me.  Now, I am going to 
save you.  Erestor, love me.  In the here and now, love me.  Take what I 
offer and live.”  He would make Erestor’s heart feel love once more.  
Their friendship was deep enough that he could give him the love he 
needed to heal his grief and pain.  He couldn’t lose Erestor.  

Erestor didn’t know how to make Glorfindel understand that he was tired 
of fighting this.  His friend thought this was all a product of the loss of 
Legolas from his life and he could never tell him differently.

“I…”

“Hush.”

Erestor tried to pull away.  “No.  I don’t want you to offer yourself up out 
of a feeling of duty or pity.”
  
Glorfindel’s eyes flashed.  “You go too far Erestor.  Do you really believe 
that I would offer my heart out of a sense of obligation?  Is there pity 
reflected in my eyes, meldir?  You know there is not.  Just as I know you 
love me, know it is returned in full measure.  I am not asking you to bond 
with me.  I am asking you to let me help you get through this.  Let me love 
you and heal the pain.”  Glorfindel plead, “Love me enough to live.”

Erestor had not moved and barely breathed.  His hand brushed 
Glorfindel’s cheek before pulling him into a loving embrace and slow lazy 
kiss.  Clothes were slowly removed and bodies that had known one 
another long ago melded together once again.  Two friends made love.  
Two friends became one.

The next day found Legolas lay on his bed in the Healing Wing looking up 
at the ceiling.  He had counted every flaw, and noted every nuance.  
Tomorrow he would be allowed to speak.  Next week he would be able to 
sit in a chair, and the week after he would walk once again.  Right now 
though, he felt as if he would go mad long before his release from this 
prison of the infirmed.

Movements made him look toward the end of his bed.  Erestor stood 
looking down at him.  Their eyes met and held for what seemed like hours, 
when only a few seconds had passed.  There was love in Erestor’s gaze, 
but it was laced with great sadness.

“I would never have betrayed you.  I would never have sought the bed of 
another.  What was in the past would have been left there.  As for 
Glorfindel, he was my closest friend.  *No one* would have been happier 
for our love.  *No one* would have been a more devoted friend to you.  I 
could have given you so much.  But without trust love can not stand, and 
you never trusted my love.  I will always regret what we lost…or perhaps 
never found.  I will always love you, but I will not die for you.  
Almost…you almost had my death, but it seems that I have friends who 
won’t allow it.  Find happiness Legolas.  Live and be happy.  Find love 
and do not let go, no matter the obstacles.”
  
Erestor looked on Legolas one last time.  The sting of tears was there, but 
they didn’t fall.  The time for tears was over.  It was time to find 
something worth living for, and that didn’t include the Prince of 
Mirkwood.

Legolas could not speak, and perhaps that is why Erestor had chosen this 
moment.  He memorized every word though and played it back time and 
time again.  Had he been too quick to form judgments?  Was he so 
insecure that he branded friendship as something more?  He did not think 
that the case.  Erestor indicated that he would have faded but for his 
friends…Elrond and Glorfindel no doubt.  He also said Glorfindel *was* 
his closest friend.  Did he mean that to be past tense?  If so, what did that 
mean?  What had happened?  Finally, did he really care?  

His tears flowed unchecked with the realization that Erestor had seen the 
possible problems before he ever allowed himself to fall in love.  He had 
taken that chance.  He had felt it worth the risk.  Misunderstandings and 
inexperience had torn their love asunder.  It was then that his physical pain 
became immaterial to that of his soul.  He finally admitted that he had 
loved Erestor.  


Chapter Twelve

Centuries later, Legolas stood on his balcony thinking back to the last time 
he was in Imladris.  When he left he never thought to return.  Then, he had 
been given a suite of rooms looking out onto a waterfall.  Now he found 
himself in a guest room looking out on the training grounds and courtyard.  
Soon he would leave with the Fellowship and represent elves in a bold 
move to end Sauron’s reign of terror.   

He was so lost in thoughts that he never heard the other elf approach.

“Legolas, it has been a very long time since last you were here.  What of 
your life since leaving?  How have you fared?”

Legolas was not able to conceal his startled expression.  “Lord Elrond.  I 
never thought to return here.  My duties as Prince of Mirkwood have kept 
me very busy.  The darkness has encroached on our forest, and it takes our 
every energy to keep it from consuming our realm entire.  As to how I 
fare, I am as you see me.”

Legolas’ gaze drifted to the two elves leaving the training field, laughing 
at something one had said.  The sight of the two eldar elves was 
breathtaking; black and gold.  Erestor exuded power.  His hair seemed a 
midnight cloud against skin that was still as fair as Legolas remembered it.  
He wore dark leggings and a loose shirt.  His hair was loose as he had 
favored in the past.  That was where the resemblance stopped.  This was 
not the same elf he had known so long ago.  

“He seems changed.”

Elrond’s replied, “You see him now as he always has been.  Eldar elves 
can be intimidating, but he went to great lengths to avoid that.  He long 
ago dropped the pretense of being other than who he is.  Shortly after you 
departed, he was gripped by blood lust.  He left for a time, killing any of 
Sauron’s creatures that crossed his path.  Glorfindel went with him to 
watch his back.  When they returned, he was the elf you see before you.”

Legolas asked, “Are he and Glorfindel…?”  

“Bonded?  No they are not,” replied Elrond.

Legolas wanted to ask if they were lovers, but knew he no longer had that 
right.  Instead he asked, “Is he happy?”

“He is as happy as can be expected.”  Although he had tried, Elrond had 
lost patience with playing host.    

“What is that supposed to mean,” asked Legolas as he turned to face 
Elrond.

Elrond, who had been studying his two friends as they walked across the 
courtyard, turned his gaze on Legolas.  “It means that he is as happy as 
can be expected.  Do you intend to speak to him?”

Legolas paused.  “I don’t know.  Until a moment ago, I would have said 
no.  Right now, I am not sure.  He has changed.”

“Yes, he has.  If you intend to speak with him, do it soon.”

Legolas looked askance.  “Why the rush?”

“Your mind needs to be on the quest…not Erestor.  Speak with him and 
clear the air if that is what you need to do.  Just get it done soon so you 
can focus your mind on the task at hand.” 

Legolas and Gimli had walked to the training grounds and were watching 
the warriors spar, critiquing the action all the while.  Suddenly several 
warriors moved away.  Erestor and Glorfindel moved to the center of the 
training ground while other warriors moved to the sides.  Erestor 
unsheathed a wicked looking sword and stepped away from Glorfindel.  
One warrior took a hesitant step forward, but it was Legolas who was 
drawn to the center of the ring to face the Eldar.  It was as if he were being 
pulled by some force outside of himself.  He was given a sword, but by 
whom he could not say.  His eyes never left the midnight pools that stared 
back at him.  He didn’t notice Glorfindel’s eyes as they narrowed.  Nor did 
he notice that Glorfindel watched his friend carefully and with drawn 
sword in hand.

Legolas was not a defensive fighter.  Erestor did not move and waited for 
him to attack.  Mistaking this for a defensive maneuver, Legolas attacked 
as expected.  The counter attack, when it came, was swift and furious.  
Legolas was almost relieved when he felt his back connect with the 
ground.  That was until he looked into the face of the elf holding the sword 
over his prone form.  He beheld the face of death.  There was no other way 
to describe it.  The sword came up, and Legolas tensed.  The sound of 
steel striking steel split the air.

Glorfindel’s sword had intercepted Erestor’s, and both immediately 
became embroiled in a sparring match of their own.  It quickly became 
apparent that the two were very much enjoying sparring in a manner that 
most would not have considered a workout.  Most would have felt 
themselves to be fighting for their lives.  The two Eldars were grinning at 
each other as if it were all in good fun.

Legolas moved to Gimli’s side as quickly as he could, which wasn’t 
saying all that much considering how shaken he was.  Gimli didn’t take 
his eyes off the two combatants.  

“For a minute, there it looked like you might not be coming with us after 
all.  Do you know them?”

Legolas was irritated at the dwarf’s nonchalant attitude over what he 
considered a near death experience.  “Yes.  The blonde is the Captain of 
the Guard here at Imladris.  His name is Glorfindel.  The hobbits know 
him.”

Gimli asked, “What about the elf that had you on your backside?”

“That is Erestor, Lord Elrond’s Chief Advisor.”  

Legolas’ voice held something.  Gimli couldn’t quite identify what that 
something was, but he did know that something had passed between the 
two.  That might explain the look he saw on the advisor’s face.

“What is he like, this advisor?  I haven’t ever seen a warrior put into the 
dirt by a pen pusher before.”  If the exchange hadn’t been quite so violent, 
Gimli would have been hard pressed not to laugh at the thought.  

“I haven’t been in Imladris for centuries.  He has changed since that time.”  
Legolas left the dwarf’s side and moved off toward the shadows to be 
alone while watching his former lover.

The fight ended when Glorfindel’s upswing left the right side of his neck 
vulnerable for a split second.  That was all that was needed for a sword tip 
to find its way to exposed skin on the blonde’s neck.  Both Eldas froze for 
a moment before bursting into blazing smiles.  They left the training 
grounds laughing as if they had just had the grandest time.

Gimli left the training grounds as well.  He felt new respect for elves but 
he would never admit it, especially to the blonde that was to accompany 
them on the quest.  Better to keep that to himself.  Besides it had quickly 
become apparent that the blonde was not in the same class as the darker 
elf.  

Legolas watched them leave from the concealment of shadows.  He had 
seen his old love, and seen something new and dark in his eyes.  He would 
speak to him, but in a public place.  He didn’t feel quite as confident of the 
meeting as he had moments before.

Erestor was standing in the gardens that had once been Celebrian’s 
sanctuary.  Just as they had centuries ago, her rose bushes still thrived as if 
waiting for their Lady’s return.  Legolas watched Erestor for a time.  Hair 
the color of midnight cascaded down his back blending with the black silk 
of his shirt.  His fair skin seemed even paler and his eyes even larger and 
darker for being framed so by black.  Chocolate brown leggings and black 
boots completed the ensemble which stood in contrast to the robes that 
were his norm in the past.  Legolas took a deep breath and reminded 
himself that he was the Prince of Mirkwood and many centuries older than 
when they last met.  

“Erestor, you have changed.”

“It has been centuries.  I should hope so.”  

Legolas asked, “How have you fared?”  

His face a complete blank Erestor replied, “Why would you care?”  

Legolas tensed.  “I didn’t come here for an argument or fight.”

Erestor’s gaze turned cold.  “Then why did you come?  You aren’t in 
Imladris to see your old lover and reminisce about times gone by.  You are 
here for the Fellowship.  What do you want from me?”

Legolas answered, “You are right.  I did not come here to see you.  Had it 
not been for the summons of the Council, I most likely would never have 
returned.  It wasn’t because I never thought of you.  I didn’t for one 
moment fool myself into thinking you would welcome me back.  I never 
even considered returning an option.”

“You are here now though.” replied Erestor in a dead voice.

Legolas had considered what he should say before approaching Erestor 
and felt he had come up with something that hit just the right note.  “Yes, I 
am.  I am leaving in the morning, and there is a very high probability that I 
won’t be coming back…that I will die ere the ring is ever destroyed.  I 
need to make my peace with you.  I may not have another chance.”  

Erestor smiled.  “So poetic.  What pray tell do you need to say that hasn’t 
already been said?  You called me a whore and liar.  What else could you 
possibly want to add?”

Legolas winced.  This was not going as planned.  He hadn’t thought 
Erestor would be so blunt.  “Erestor, I am sorry for those words.  I was 
hurt and lashed out.  I didn’t take time to consider…”

Erestor had no intention of listening to Legolas try to justify his actions.  
Interrupting the flow of words, he interjected, “No you did not.  You 
didn’t take time to hear me out.  Instead you cut my heart out and threw it 
at my feet.”

Legolas looked the dark elf in the eyes and tried very hard to hold his 
gaze.  “In the Healing Wing, you said many things.  You said things that 
made me think hard and long.  Were we driven apart by 
misunderstandings?”

“Even had those ‘misunderstandings’ never occurred, there would have 
been something else.  You didn’t trust me.  That lack of trust would have 
found a way out eventually,” replied Erestor.

Legolas decided to play nice and did not say the first thing that came to his 
mind regarding trust between the two.  “You told me to take a chance and 
try to love again.  There hasn’t been anyone else in my life.  There have 
been companions, but there has not been love.”

Erestor’s gaze became unreadable.  He had seen the advisor slip into that 
mask before.  It was as unnerving now as it had been then.

Legolas knew he had to end this.  “Valar, you are so different.  This is 
hard for me.  Before leaving, I wanted to tell you that I am sorry things 
didn’t work.  There are many things that I wish had been handled 
differently…by both of us.  If I never see you again, know that I never 
stopped loving you.  I tried, but never could.  Not even when the wounds 
were fresh and raw did I stop loving you.”

Erestor watched him leave.  His face was impassive, but inside he was in 
turmoil.  After all this time and all the hurt, Legolas could still make his 
heart race with but a word.  He tried hard to hate him, but it never quite 
worked.  Glorfindel did a fine enough job for them both on that score.

“Erestor, are you all right?”  Glorfindel came around the bush and placed a 
hand on his shoulder. 

“How much did you hear?”

“I heard it all.  I was standing right back there.  I was going to join you 
when Legolas approached.  I felt it best that I remain hidden.”  Glorfindel 
had been set to intervene if the need arose.  

“I am all right,” replied a tired voice.

Glorfindel looked deeply into his friend’s eyes.  “He can still get to you 
can’t he?”

Erestor looked away.  “Yes.  He doesn’t know it, but he still reaches a 
place deep inside.”

“Come to my room and I will reach a place deep inside and help you 
forget for a time.”  

Glorfindel took his hand and led him away from the garden and memories 
of the past.

The next morning Erestor stood among several elves that had gathered in 
the courtyard to see the Fellowship off.  Legolas had no trouble spotting 
Erestor in the crowd and drawing him aside.  After spending the night 
deep in thought, he had reached a decision. 

“Erestor, before we depart, there is something that needs to be said.”  

Erestor did not reply, but only raised his eyebrows and eyed the prince 
speculatively.  

“I would to pose a question.  If we had handled things differently, perhaps 
understood one another better, do you think things would have worked 
between us?”  

Erestor paused before replying, “Yes, I do.”

“Our love continues even to this day, doesn’t it?  Can you forgive me for 
the things that I said?”

This whole conversation was unexpected.  Erestor knew that this was not 
the time for spiteful comments.  Instead, Erestor replied truthfully.  “I 
forgave those words long ago.  The only thing that I have not been able to 
forgive is that you attempted, with those words, to cheapen the friendship 
that I feel for Glorfindel.  We shared companionship, but we were not 
lovers.  His heart belongs to Ecthelion.”

“Why did you not tell me that he was in love with another?”
 
“Would you have listened?”

“We will never know since you did not give me that chance.  We both 
made mistakes Erestor, but they are not irrevocable.”

Erestor’s expression became uncertain.  “What are you trying to say?”

There was intensity in Legolas as he asked, “Are you bold enough to give 
our love another chance?  I am.” 

With that unexpected statement, Legolas turned and walked away.  A 
sharply indrawn breath betrayed Erestor’s shocked reaction.  His heart 
skipped a beat as he watched the Fellowship depart.  Legolas had thrown 
all of his preconceived ideals about the future into doubt.  He did not 
honestly know the answer to the question that Legolas had posed.  Was he 
strong enough to try once more?    


Chapter Thirteen

The ring had been destroyed and Legolas had returned to Imladris.  The 
ring’s destruction marked a turning point for the elves.  It was the time of 
men.  The time of the Firstborn on Middle Earth had ended.  It was time 
for a new beginning.  Elves were preparing to journey to the Undying 
Lands.  Some had already left.  It seemed a good time to forge a new love 
and life.

To the surprise of the residents of Imladris, the reunion of Erestor and 
Legolas seemed joyous, perhaps made more so by the knowledge that it 
might never happen.  They confessed to one another that they were still in 
love even though both had tried to let it die.  Even more shocking, they 
decided to give their relationship one more chance.    

Erestor looked forward to a new life with Legolas.  The mistakes of the 
past were put behind them.  Their future days, he felt, would be marked 
with happiness and love.  The feelings marring his happiness were best not 
explored.  Some things could never be and it was time he moved on.  It 
would be a wondrous new life.  For him it was returning home and for 
Legolas it would be a fantastic new beginning.  At least that was the 
dream.

It had been a week since his return and Legolas lay beside Erestor gazing 
upon the elf’s exotic beauty.  A hand gently drew him down into a slow 
and passionate kiss.  “When we reach Valinor, I want to make love on the 
beach with gentle waves kissing our skin.”  Erestor’s voice dripped with 
seduction and promise.

Legolas smiled at the picture in his mind.  Erestor’s words never failed to 
bring his imagination screaming to life.  “It will be worth the long wait.  In 
Gondor, my dreams will be filled with visions of your naked skin kissed 
by the surf as you come undone.”

Erestor’s countenance changed, and his eyes no longer held lust.  Legolas 
did not know how to put words to it, but it seemed as if Erestor had drawn 
away from him, though their bodies lay entwined.  

“The boats will leave soon, Legolas.  Surely it will not be a long wait.”

Legolas smiled sweetly.  “I can not leave yet.  I will stay in Gondor for 
Estel’s sake.  He is new to his throne, and I have offered to assist him.  He 
is a dear friend, and I couldn’t do less.  I grew up as heir to the throne of 
Mirkwood and have some experience that may be of value to him.”  

Legolas traced the line of Erestor’s jaw and moved over his body.  As his 
hand began to travel down, it was grasped in an iron grip.

“No.  You intend to stay here in the land of Men rather than travel to the 
Undying Lands?  You will not come with me?”

“Nay, I will come, but after Estel’s death.  He is a friend and it would be 
disloyal to leave him at a time when he may need me.  It will only be the 
briefest of separations and our love will be all the greater at our reunion.”

Erestor was still holding the hand, not having eased the grip.  His voice 
had lost its warmth.  “You would put humans before me.  You put their 
needs above my own.”

Legolas adopted a tone meant to sooth.  Erestor recognized it as he had 
used similar to calm the twins when they were elflings.  It might sooth an 
elfling, but that was not the effect it elicited from the Eldar.

“Erestor, it isn’t like that at all.  I love you with all my heart.  Estel is my 
friend and he needs me.  I can’t just abandon him.”

Erestor pushed Legolas away from his body.  Erestor’s tone now became 
cold, his eyes ice.  “Do you really believe that you can teach Estel what he 
does not already know?  He was taught leadership from a youngling by the 
Lord of Imladris himself.  He was mentored by such elves as Celeborn and 
Galadriel, the Lord and Lady of the Wood, as well as Glorfindel, the elf 
who was Lord of the House of the Golden Flower.  What exactly is it that 
he can learn from you that he could not from these elves?”

“I…”

Erestor left the bed to stand by the open window.  “Estel will welcome 
you as a friend.  He may even be glad of your presence for a time.  Soon 
enough you will become a liability to the king that is Estel.  Humans will 
come to resent your presence.  It is the time of the Secondborn, yet Estel 
will rule with one of the Firstborn at his side.  They will wonder if he rules 
them, or if the power resides in the elf at his side.  You will make him 
appear weak.  But he is your friend, and he would never ask you to leave 
or even distance yourself.  You gravely underestimate him and do him a 
great disservice.”

Legolas moved from the bed to stand near Erestor, but well out of his 
personal space.  “Estel and I have talked, and we both agreed that it would 
be a good arrangement.  He has never ruled and I…”

“And you are the son of the King of Mirkwood so you have some 
understanding that Lords Elrond, Celeborn, Glorfindel and Lady Galadriel 
do not.  Are you really so vain or is it simply naiveté?”

Legolas gently touched Erestor’s shoulder.  “You are making this more 
than it is.  We will be together soon and all this will become a distant 
memory.”

Erestor turned away.  “No.  I will not wait for you.”  He turned to face 
Legolas once more.  His countenance was distant and emotions seemed to 
hold no sway.  “I will accept nothing less than being first in your heart and 
mind.  I will not play second.  I will not be a second to your loyalty to 
Estel.  True love is the most eloquent expression of beauty and sacrifice.  
Look to Arwen.  She did not have to consider even for a moment before 
casting aside immortality itself to remain by Estel’s side.  She wouldn’t 
consider being anywhere else.  You have decided to remain with a friend 
while the one you profess to love above all others sails for the Undying 
Lands.  You may very well feel some sort of love, but it isn’t enough, not 
nearly so.  I’ll not settle, Legolas.  I don’t have to.  My heart is so full of 
love, but it will not be given to one who can not return that love in full.”

Legolas raised his voice in anger.  “You are issuing an ultimatum?  Do 
you really want to do that?  You sound spoiled and childish.  If I don’t sail 
with you then I must not love you.  What is the real problem?  Are you 
worried that I will find someone else?”

“I can assure you that I am not concerned about who you take to your bed 
in Gondor,” replied Erestor. 

“So certain are you of your position in my heart?”  Legolas gazed at 
Erestor sweeping his eyes from head to toe.  “I wonder what the true 
reason is for your refusal to wait for me.  Is there another elf, someone in 
Valinor?  Or perhaps it is dear old Glorfindel.”  Legolas leaned in and 
whispered.  “Is there another to warm your bed?  Will another feel that 
tight heat?” 

Legolas moved close intending to wrap Erestor in an embrace.  Words had 
not elicited the reaction he had sought, but he knew how to turn Erestor’s 
moods.  He was a very tactile elf.  Before he knew what was happening 
though, a hand was around his throat.  “Leave me...now.”

For a moment Legolas seemed frozen.  A light had taken hold of the Eldar.  
It was the light of Aman.  Legolas turned and fled the room too shocked 
for words.  Events had veered far from his expectations.

Erestor pulled on a robe and left to walk the gardens.  He lost track of time 
as he replayed events in his mind.  He pondered his choices.  Would 
waiting be the right thing?  No, that sounded wrong.  Why did Legolas 
place humans before him?  Were they really in love or had that love died 
long ago?  Was this attempt at reestablishing that love misguided?  Was 
this the result of bad judgment on his part to even attempt to repair the 
damage done to their love so long ago?  Was he just hiding from himself?  
Hadn’t he been running for millennia?  All this was playing through his 
mind as the hours passed.  

He was walking toward a secluded gazebo that had been built for the 
enjoyment of lovers when he heard voices.  He stopped immediately not 
wanting to intrude on a couple’s privacy.  When he heard laughter though 
he quietly moved forward; he recognized that laugh.  

What greeted him was the sight of Legolas’ nude body in the arms of 
another.  Both were in the grips of a passionate kiss.  Lindir’s body was 
pressed to the blonde’s and moans of need issued from both.  

Erestor’s eyes became wide and his jaw dropped, though he remained 
silent.  His heart was shattering and he could not move.  Then he saw it.  
Legolas knew he was there.  The kiss broke and he smiled at Erestor.  
Lindir turned curious eyes on Legolas, who answered the gaze with a 
demanding kiss.  Erestor could not hold the tears inside any longer.  As he 
saw the two elves move to their knees, hands stroking heated flesh, he 
turned and ran. 

Glorfindel looked toward the door at hearing the knock, not really wanting 
to get out of bed to answer it.  It might be important so he supposed he had 
to, but it was under much protest.  The blonde threw on a pair of sleep 
pants and opened the heavy wood door.

“Erestor!  What happened?”

Erestor’s voice seemed tired.  “Can I come in, Fin?  I don’t want to talk in 
the hallway.”
Glorfindel moved aside closing and locking the door after Erestor.

“What happened?”

Erestor was at home in Glorfindel’s quarters, so didn’t ask.  He just went 
straight to a carafe, poured a glass of bourbon and downed it in one 
draught.  After sitting the glass down, he answered.  “He isn’t leaving.  He 
will stay with Estel.”

Glorfindel’s strong arms drew his friend into an embrace.  “You will sail 
without him?  He will not accompany you?  Oh Tor, I am so very sorry.”  
His thoughts were ‘good riddance’ but that was not something that Erestor 
needed to know.

Erestor rested his head on Glorfindel’s shoulder.  “I hoped for as much as 
well, but hopes are not reality.  We have both learned that particular lesson 
well.  It could have been so beautiful.”

Glorfindel stroked the mass of long black hair.  “Will you be all right?”

“Yes, but I didn’t want to be alone tonight.”  Erestor’s wide black eyes 
pleaded.  “Can I stay the night Fin?  I really need a friend.”

“Of course you can stay.  I will always be here for you.  You look 
exhausted.  Why don’t you get out of that robe and go to bed and try to 
relax?”

Erestor had thrown a robe over his bare body before leaving his rooms 
earlier, not bothering with leggings or a tunic.  Glorfindel was 
momentarily surprised, but had seen it all before so didn’t comment when 
Erestor flung the robe away and climbed into bed.  Erestor was in no 
mood for teasing, and neither was he.  Joining him in bed, he drew Erestor 
into his arms. 

“Will you be all right Tor?  How bad is it?”

Erestor relaxed against his friend’s chest, feeling safety and security in his 
arms.  “It hurts.  I really thought we were in love but he rejected me in 
favor of the company of Estel and humankind.  Right after leaving me 
tonight he went to Lindir.  They were…intimate.  I am nothing to him but 
an elf to warm his bed.  My heart aches and my ego bruised, but I will get 
past this.  Beleriand, Gondolin, Barad-dûr and the scores of battles and 
sieges that never knew a name have all left their imprint on my mind.  
They all took loved ones from me.  There was so much loss, so much 
grief.  That was true pain.  That was the killing pain, the pain that isn’t 
erased by the passage of time.  This is betrayal, betrayal of the love and 
trust I had freely given.  I know the difference.  Now I know the elf he is, 
who he truly is.  What I thought we had was never real.  I will not accept 
love that is given only when it convenient for him to do so.  It shames me 
to have been so blind, but I wanted him.”

A lump had formed in Glorfindel’s throat.  A corresponding rage was 
building in his soul.  How dare that elf hurt his friend like this?  He 
realized that right now his friend didn’t need his anger.  He needed a 
friend, something to anchor to, and someone to understand.

“Time and good friends will get me through.  I have time in abundance 
and the best friends one could hope for.  Do not worry about me, Fin.  I 
live in the real world not that of dreams.  There will be love again.  I have 
faith in the grace and gentle touch of the Valar.  The Undying Lands will 
heal this wound quickly enough.  Cheer up Fin.  I will be all right.  I just 
need time to mourn the passing of what might have been.”  Erestor sighed 
as he thought about his greatest loss.  It was a loss that no amount of time 
had healed.  It was an ache deep within his fëa that was his alone to bear.    

Glorfindel pressed a chaste kiss to Erestor’s hair and held his friend 
through the night.  The strength of character his friend displayed was truly 
incredible.  Erestor was hurting, but still saw through that pain to what 
was before him.  He refused to surrender to the loss.  He would not allow 
himself to fall, to be brought low.  Had Ecthelion done as much to him, he 
would not have survived.  Perhaps that said more than words ever could 
about the strength of love between Legolas and Erestor, or lack of it.  It 
was better that he find out now rather than later.  

He promised himself that he would be there for as long as it took for his 
friend to relegate this to the recesses of his mind and move on.  He knew 
Ecthelion would feel as strongly, perhaps even more so.  He had always 
been more passionate about life and love than any elf he had known.  Yes, 
Erestor would come out of this a stronger elf and find love and passion 
again.  


Chapter Fourteen

So it was that Erestor went about the next few days pondering the fickle 
nature of love.  One strove for it, worked toward it, even died for it.  That 
love so valued could also pierce the heart more surely than the sharpest 
blade.  When it worked though, it was magical.  His wounds would heal.  
He had to believe that.  He held to the hope that magic would find him one 
day and two fëar would become one.  It would not be with Legolas as he 
had hoped, but in Valinor there would be another.  There had to be.  
Legolas and he were just not fated to be with one another.  The Valar had 
destined them for other things.  That thought repeated like a mantra 
through his mind.   

In Valinor, Glorfindel would be reunited with the love of his life.  He felt 
great joy for he knew of no one more deserving of such happiness than his 
two best friends.  He also felt a huge loss.  Although he and Glorfindel 
weren’t *in love*, they did love each other, had become companions, had 
shared a bed on and off and had become as close as two friends could, 
perhaps even a bit closer.  Glorfindel even gave of himself to save him 
from fading at a time when such an escape had appealed.  It was selfish, 
but he didn’t delude himself.  He dreaded Glorfindel’s reunion with 
Ecthelion…for many reasons.  He simply held to the hope that the 
Undying Lands would heal his heart, and allow him to find the kind of 
eternal love his friends shared with an elf free to return that love.  The 
Undying Lands were home and happiness.  There was sadness, but 
returning to Valinor would bring life back into his soul and melt the ice 
that had formed around his heart. 

Glorfindel was elated that finally after long millennia he would be 
reunited with his love.  He was also astute enough to realize that his friend 
was suffering.  Although Erestor hid it well, he saw.  He just didn’t know 
how to stop it.  At one time, he would have given him the comfort found 
in the physical expression of the love they held for one another.  That love 
was not the love he felt for Ecthelion though, and the time for it had 
passed.  Both he and Erestor had agreed and it seemed like a good idea at 
the time.  Now, though, Glorfindel wished he could give his friend that 
comfort, just once more.  

Elrond would leave for Valinor with the Fellowship of the Ring and 
Glorfindel and Erestor would leave with him.  So it was that the moment 
arrived.  Glorfindel, Erestor and Elrond left for the Havens.  Elrond was 
anticipating a reunion with Celebrian who had been in such dire straights 
at their parting.  Glorfindel was almost giddy with anticipation of his 
reunion with Ecthelion.  Erestor was quiet, and the silence grew as the 
Havens neared.

On the day of their arrival, Erestor found his quarters and secluded 
himself, not wanting to mar the happiness of those about to be reunited 
with loved ones.  Glorfindel understood his friend and wished he could 
offer some comfort.  Providing physical comfort was not an option.  
Erestor would only see it as a reminder of what he had lost.  Words would 
not help, but only sound like hollow platitudes.  He was at a loss as to 
what to do.

Glorfindel was pondering all this as he walked the beach, not aware of his 
surroundings.  He was almost on top of the elf before he knew he was 
there.  

“Glorfindel!”  

Glorfindel was jerked out of his trance like state to find a wide eyed 
Mirkwood Prince not two feet in front of him.  

Although Glorfindel did not really want to talk to the elf, he couldn’t very 
well ignore him.  He settled on delivering a small jab followed up by a 
polite apology.  “I see the jaw has healed.  I am sorry but I didn’t see you 
there.”

“I noticed.”

Glorfindel looked sad.  It was a strange sight on one so full of life.  
Legolas could care less about Glorfindel’s sorrows, but was curious as to 
what was able to provoke such a reaction from the balrog slayer.  “Why so 
sad?  You are about to depart for Valinor.  Are you leaving someone 
behind?”

“My feelings are not for myself.”  Glorfindel was unwilling to speak of 
Erestor to the Mirkwood Prince.

Legolas looked at the elder elf with understanding in his eyes.  “He has to 
find his own way.  He knew this day would come.”  

“He knew the day would come, but that doesn’t make it any easier for him 
does it?  Just as he knew what would happen when he fell in love with 
you.  Foreknowledge did not lessen the pain of loss.”  Glorfindel struggled 
to remain civil.  

Legolas turned his cool blue gaze upon the blonde.  “He understands my 
reasons for staying, even if he doesn’t agree with them.  I told him that I 
would come to him after Estel’s death, and perhaps after his son’s place is 
made certain and his rule strong.  He would not wait for me.  Not even for 
that short span of years.  It is not me that is being unreasonable.  He was 
the one to end this, not I.  It is he who is responsible for any pain he might 
feel.  You might want to shift the blame onto me and away from your 
friend, but that does not reflect the reality of the situation.  If that is what 
you need to think though, I’ll not burst your delusion.”

Glorfindel was almost overcome with the need to wipe that smug 
expression from the face of the younger elf.  One well placed fist is all it 
would take.  “Oh he understands, all right.  He has always been too 
intelligent.  He knows very well how this will all play out.  We are all 
going to Valinor to be with the ones we love.  Only there will be no one 
for him in Valinor.  His *love* will remain in Middle Earth even though 
the time of elves has passed.  His *love* chose to take another lover only 
moments after announcing that he would not sail to the Undying Lands 
any time soon.  How long do you think it will take before he starts to 
resent seeing so many loving couples, so much blissful happiness?  I know 
him.  He will loathe himself for those thoughts, but they will rise.”

Legolas looked out to sea.  His thoughts were far away.  Glorfindel was 
right.  The Undying Lands would be, in many ways, a prison for an elf 
alone.  He knew that Glorfindel was underestimating his friend, though.  
Erestor would find it in himself to make a life in Valinor.  Perhaps it 
would not be the life Glorfindel would wish for him, but it would be life 
nonetheless.  He also knew Glorfindel hated him for taking Lindir, but he 
had never really intended to commit to Erestor.  They were oil and water, 
never to mix.  No, Lindir was a sweet young thing and Erestor had refused 
to wait.  There was no blame on him. 

“I think you are looking at what you would want were you in his place.  
He is not you.”

Glorfindel’s hands became fists at his side.  He was restraining himself 
and fighting his instincts.  “No, he isn’t.  If he were…  He yearns for love.  
He has for a very long time.  He will be surrounded by those who have 
found what he wants so badly but may never have.  He will live for that 
one chance that someday happiness might find him once again.  What kind 
of eternity is that?”

Legolas knew what the eldar elf wanted to hear.  He also knew he could 
not give him those words.  “It is the eternity he must face.  Now, if you 
will excuse me.”

“Excuse you?  No.  You I will never excuse.  You have no idea what he 
went through.  He might excuse it, but as you have noted, he is not me.  
Don’t let me keep you, though.  I wouldn’t want to delay your departure.  
I’m sure you are anxious to get back to Gondor.”

Legolas stared at the warrior for a moment before walking away in 
silence.

“He isn’t a bad one, for an elf that is.”   

Glorfindel hadn’t known the dwarf was there.  “Master Gimli, it is good to 
see you once again.”

“So this elf you two are so worked up about, it is that dark haired advisor 
right?”

“Yes, we were discussing Erestor.” Glorfindel replied.

“For an elf, Erestor is not bad with a blade.  If I were an elf I might even 
say he is handsome.  But then I am not an elf.  Legolas on the other hand 
is.”  Gimli was fishing for a reaction.  He had no idea where this 
conversation would lead.

“Master Gimli, his opinion of Erestor’s beauty doesn’t really have 
anything to do with the matter at hand.”  Glorfindel spoke as if explaining 
something to a young elfling.

Gimli was not deterred.  “*Lord* Glorfindel, for a famous reborn elf you 
are remarkably obtuse.  If a dwarf can see the attraction, I’d have thought 
those legendary elfin senses would have picked up on something as well.  
I’ve always said that elves are not all they are cracked up to be.  You just 
proved my point.”

Glorfindel couldn’t believe the dwarf’s single mindedness.  He decided to 
set a few things straight.  “There once was something there, but 
misunderstandings led Legolas to accuse Erestor of playing him false.  I 
don’t know what led them to try again.  They have both changed, and do 
not want the same things from life.  Any hope for a future together ended 
when Erestor saw Legolas intimate with another elf.  You may see 
something when he gazes upon Erestor, but it is not love.”

Gimli had not heard the story of what had occurred, but he had reasoned 
out that something had.  Never would he have dreamed his friend capable 
of causing another so much pain.  He still didn’t quite believe it.  Legolas 
had not spoken of any of this, but he had gotten the feeling that something 
haunted his friend.  Now he was fairly certain it had something to do with 
the advisor.  

“How did you ever kill that balrog?  Do you think your Erestor to be as 
fragile as all that?  The elf that I saw on that training ground was no 
wilting flower.”  

Glorfindel snorted.  “No, the elf you saw on that training ground was not.  
He has changed from his first encounters with Legolas.  I doubt Legolas 
knew the extent of the change when they tried to renew their relationship.  
He learned, though.  He was not able to walk all over Tor that second 
time.  Tor didn’t allow himself to be taken for granted, wouldn’t wait upon 
him eager for what scraps the prince chose to bestow.”

Gimli threw up his hands.  “Exactly.  It takes elves a while to catch up 
doesn’t it?  Your Erestor is strong.  He will not be hurt like that again.  He 
made that very clear to my way of thinking.  That sword thing on the 
training grounds was a pretty plain message.  At least a dwarf would take 
the hint.  Elves are a might thick headed at times, but I’d think that a 
sword rushing to part you of vital pieces of anatomy would speak for 
itself.”

“All right master dwarf.  I concede that he doesn’t hurt as easily.  Erestor’s 
heart is not easily breeched but Legolas did just that.  Tor wanted to trust 
him and now feels betrayed.  Perhaps he feels used, although he has not 
said as much.  He will not again approach love as he did with Legolas.  He 
will not trust so easily.  He will put this behind him, but will never forget 
it or the lessons it taught.”  Glorfindel became saddened even as he spoke. 

Gimli pulled Glorfindel down to sit on the beach.  “Legolas knows down 
deep I think, that he might have wronged Erestor.  He is not an 
unintelligent elf.  You heard him, though; he is still thinking that Erestor is 
just being unreasonable.  I have to wonder if he isn’t correct.  Everyone 
always says that time passes with the blink of an elfin eye.  He refuses to 
wait and that hurt Legolas.  So maybe Legolas went to another elf to ease 
the hurt and the advisor was unlucky enough to witness it.  I am close to 
Legolas.  Maybe I could talk to him; help him see the lad’s point of view.”

Glorfindel pondered over the plan.  “Leave it alone Master Gimli.  If you 
remember the elf on the training ground, consider that he was not angry 
and hurting.  He was having an enjoyable afternoon.  Right now he feels 
betrayed and anger is just below the surface.  It isn’t sorrow that you will 
find.”

Glorfindel wasn’t smiling.  The dwarf became a bit more pensive.  The lad 
was a friend, and on a battle field he wouldn’t hesitate to throw his all to 
his friend’s defense.  This was a might bit different, though.  He’d heard 
of eldar elves and really had no desire to cross one, especially one that 
Legolas might have dumped.  No, this dwarf was not dense.  If Legolas 
hadn’t learned anything that day on the training ground, he certainly had.  
He always knew dwarves had more sense than elves, and this proved the 
point.  He decided his best course of action would be to let things work 
themselves out.  He didn’t need to interfere with an elven love life.    


Chapter Fifteen

The ship was met by elves that had not seen their friends and loved ones in 
some cases for millennia.  Celebrian stood waiting for Elrond, whole and 
happy.  It was as if the ordeal with the orcs had never occurred.  Old 
warriors long dead in wars forgotten to history stood proud and tall, 
waiting to meet those friends from whom they had been parted so long 
ago.  Glorfindel and Erestor disembarked together, greeting friends as they 
made their way ashore.  

Finally Glorfindel caught sight of the one who held his heart hostage, 
“Ecthelion!”  Glorfindel rushed to embrace his lover, Erestor quite 
forgotten.  Ecthelion and Glorfindel became lost in their own world, 
speaking of love and exchanging tender endearments.  

Something drew Ecthelion’s eye and he looked to the west.  “Fin, what is 
wrong with Erestor?”

Glorfindel had put Erestor totally out of his mind, so focused was he upon 
his reunion with Ecthelion.  Surveying the crowd, he didn’t see him 
anywhere.  “Where is he?”

Ecthelion motioned with his head, and Glorfindel turned to see a dark 
figure moving off into the distance.  “He is hurting, Thel.”

Ecthelion kissed Glorfindel on the brow.  “Wait for me under that tree.  I 
will be right back.”

Ecthelion moved more quickly as he was familiar with the terrain and not 
enveloped in the fog that held sway in Erestor’s mind.  Taking a shortcut, 
he ensconced himself in a small outcropping and waited for Erestor’s 
approach.

“Where are you going Tor and do I not even get a hello?”  Ecthelion’s 
voice fairly startled Erestor senseless.  He had in fact been brooding and 
not aware in the slightest of his surroundings.

“Thel!”  

He embraced Ecthelion and stepped back to get a good look at a friend he 
had not seen for longer than he cared to remember.  “What are you doing 
here?  Why aren’t you with Fin?”

Ecthelion laughed.  “I told Fin to stay put so I could hunt you down and 
bid you welcome.  Now, where are you going?”

It was Erestor’s turn to laugh.  “I was just walking the beach.”   

Ecthelion wrapped his arm around Erestor’s shoulder, turned him around 
and began walking back toward the dock.  “Don’t you think it better that 
you find out where you will live before taking off to explore the 
countryside?  You are coming with me.  We have millennia of catching up 
to do.  It will be a long time before you are released to exercise your 
wanderlust.”

“You need to do some major catching up with Fin and I am very positive 
that I do not want to be your audience.  If it will make you happy, though, 
I’ll return with you and go in search of a residence.”  Erestor allowed 
Ecthelion to lead him back.

Glorfindel met them.  Ecthelion hooked an arm around either waist and 
led them down a path away from the dock. 

“You are both coming home with me.  Then I want you to wash up while I 
arrange for some food far better than the lembas you had on that ship.”  
Ecthelion’s tone brooked no refusals.  Glorfindel and Erestor allowed 
themselves to be led to Ecthelion’s home, a bit awed at the beauty 
surrounding them.

Ecthelion sent Erestor up to the guest bath and showed Glorfindel to his 
own personal bathing chamber before arranging for a luncheon.  Both 
elves emerged from the bath to find new clothes laid out for them, and 
their own clothes missing.  Erestor was not surprised.  He knew that it was 
just like Ecthelion to get rid of the travel clothes and replace them with 
something far finer.  Glorfindel, however, didn’t expect to be presented 
with such a stunning tunic and leggings.  It took him a moment to realize 
that Ecthelion had gifted him with new clothes.  After combing and 
braiding their hair, the elves dressed and went in search of Ecthelion.  
They found each other instead and were impressed at the change wrought 
by the bath and new clothes.  After mutual admiration, the two searched 
the premises finally locating Ecthelion in the inner courtyard with a table 
set for three.

The meal was a welcome break from the dining selections aboard the ship, 
which consisted of lembas and water.  Old times were remembered and 
newer memories related to Ecthelion.  When the meal had been consumed 
utterly and entirely Glorfindel and Erestor leaned back in their chairs and 
sighed in contentment.  

Ecthelion took that opportunity to reveal his plans.  “This is our home now 
Glorfindel.  I hope you find it comfortable.  It was Gil-ga-lad’s for awhile, 
but he wanted something larger.  Erestor, I want you to stay as well.  
Before you interrupt to protest— and I know you have the protests on the 
tip of your tongue— there is absolutely no reason for you to live alone.  
This villa is huge.  In fact I might as well tell you that I’ve had rooms 
prepared.  It is settled Tor, so don’t waste your breath.  Fin, you agree do 
you not?”

The look Ecthelion shot Glorfindel left no doubt at the answer that had 
better come from the blonde’s lips.  “Of course you should stay.  There 
isn’t any good reason for you to live in some lonely house when you could 
live here.  You are outnumbered Erestor.  At long last I can get the last 
word.  It is so good to see you, Thel.  You have no idea how often he took 
me out with that tongue of his.”

Glorfindel meant that statement to reflect the verbal exchanges that took 
place between he and Erestor.  Ecthelion couldn’t waste the opportunity 
that it presented though.  “What exactly did his tongue do to you, Fin?  I 
know he is gifted…remarkably so…but pray tell which maneuver brought 
you low?  Erestor, I do hope you didn’t totally ruin him for my attentions.  
That would not be well done of you.  I never came close to matching your 
mastery of tongue, lips or mouth.” 

Glorfindel turned a pretty shade of pink as he realized what he had said.  
Erestor loved it.  “I showed admirable restraint with Fin, totally for your 
sake.  It does not take all that much to render him speechless and beyond 
the capability of voicing rational thought.”  Erestor’s reply covered both 
the verbal bantering and innuendo.

Glorfindel was no fool.  He knew he had been ganged up on.  He now 
remembered just how tight Ecthelion and Erestor had been.  One could 
always finish the other’s sentence.  It was uncanny.  Better to concede 
defeat now rather than prolonging the inevitable.  

The conversation and merriment continued for another hour before Erestor 
asked to be shown to his rooms in order to give his friends some much 
desired time alone.  Ecthelion and Glorfindel made good use of that time, 
reaffirming a love so great as to have survived death undiminished.

A week went by which saw Erestor spending most of his time in his 
rooms.  Occasionally he wondered the countryside near Ecthelion’s home 
but most time was spent either reading or in silent contemplation.  He 
chose the path his life had taken long ago and it was much too late for 
second chances.  He had made his decisions and would have to live with 
the consequences.  There was no going back.  Briefly he had carried the 
hope that a relationship with Legolas would be enough to exorcise the 
loneliness of his existence and blossom into a future filled with love.  That 
was not to be.  He supposed their relationship never stood a chance.  For 
all that had happened between them, he hoped Legolas would find true 
love.  It was too late for him but he would not wish this existence on 
anyone. 

Glorfindel and Ecthelion rarely left one another’s side during that first 
week.  They had been parted for far too long, time in which each had 
longed for the closeness they now enjoyed.  After a week had passed with 
little sign of Erestor, Ecthelion called Glorfindel into the study and locked 
the door.  Ecthelion moved to lean against the back of a chair, crossed his 
arms and lifted an eyebrow.

“OK Fin, what is up with Erestor?”

Glorfindel was relieved beyond words to share this with Ecthelion.  He 
relayed what had transpired between Legolas and Erestor beginning with 
their initial attraction and ending with their final break up.

Ecthelion had remained silent throughout, facial expressions giving away 
none of his inner thoughts.  “He allowed Tor to come here alone?  They 
are not bonded are they?”

Glorfindel shook his head.  “No, they haven’t bonded, thank goodness.”

Ecthelion’s gaze was piercing.  “Let me get this straight.  He bedded Tor 
and let him think it was love.  He then fucked another elf right after telling 
Tor he was to sail alone to the Undying Lands.  The elf must be on the 
intellectual level of a warg to let Tor go.  It seems likely that he was 
looking for an elf to be waiting in his bed when he finally did arrive and 
he wanted Tor to be that elf.  Obviously he wasn’t too choosy though or he 
wouldn’t have gone to another right after leaving Tor.” 

Glorfindel smirked.  He knew Thel was going to understand.  “Tor broke 
it off when he told him that he wouldn’t sail till the King of Gondor 
passed.  Tor told him that there would be no relationship where he was not 
first in his heart.  He asked Tor to wait, but Tor told him it wasn’t going to 
happen.  He is trying not to show that he is hurting, but the pain is there.  
He says it will pass, and I’m sure it will.  He just didn’t deserve this.  He is 
one of the most generous and loving elves I’ve ever met.  This is so 
wrong.”

Ecthelion smiled at the thought of his old friend and sighed.  Tor was right 
to insist on being first in the elf’s heart.  He knew better than most just 
how deserving Tor was of that level of commitment.  “Are you sure it was 
love, or did Tor just want to be in love?  He is strong and if anyone can 
handle something like that it is he.  Was he asked to remain and travel to 
Gondor rather than sailing?”

Glorfindel paused.  That is not something he had thought about and it 
should have occurred to him in Imladris.  “No, he was not.  Legolas didn’t 
invite him to stay.  The King of Gondor was raised in Imladris as foster 
son to Lord Elrond.  Erestor was his mentor and became a good friend.  
No, Legolas didn’t ask.  Arwen and Estel would have rejoiced to have him 
there if he had been invited.  Erestor wanted to be in love.  I don’t know 
whether he ever really was, but the first break up was terribly difficult on 
him.”  

Ecthelion’s eyes had narrowed.  “He didn’t love Tor.  That was lust.  
There wasn’t even respect enough to make a clean break before taking 
another elf.  I don’t know *how* Tor could fall for someone like that.  Let 
me talk to him.  He should stay here for a while.  This villa is huge.  He 
can have all the privacy he needs.  I don’t want him alone till he is more 
himself.”  The conversation then took a surprising turn changing long held 
perceptions.  


Chapter Sixteen 

Erestor sat on the balcony of his bedroom gazing at the beautiful scenery 
of the Undying Lands.  He had always been drawn to the beauty of nature, 
and here it was in all its glory.  He was so focused that he didn’t notice the 
approach of another till he felt a hand draw his hair over a shoulder and 
lips place a soft kiss to the exposed skin at the nape of his neck.  

“Thel!”

Ecthelion’s smile was beautiful.  “How can you tell it is me from a kiss?”

Erestor turned and grinned.  “Your lips are rather memorable, Thel.  Sit 
with me.  I have missed your company.”

Hands swept Erestor’s hair away from his face and tilted his chin so 
Ecthelion looked directly into his face.  “Glorfindel told me that you 
became involved with an elf in Middle Earth who treated you badly.  
Those were not his words, but that was the gist of it.  I told Glorfindel that 
I wanted to speak with you, so he decided this was a good time to spend a 
couple of weeks with his parents.”

This was unexpected.  He wondered what Fin and Thel were up to.  Black 
eyes twinkled and an eyebrow arched.  “He needed to leave…for weeks 
no less…so we could have a conversation?  What kind of discussion 
requires his extended absence, Thel?”

“That was his idea actually.  He knows we are close and absented himself 
so we could spend this time together.”  Ecthelion’s fingers traced Erestor’s 
jaw line.  

Erestor’s mind went on over drive.  What was happening? 

“Thel?”

Ecthelion had anticipated that Erestor would become uneasy when he 
heard that Fin had opted to leave before their conversation.  They had 
discussed many things, and Fin had surprised him greatly.  

Ecthelion dropped into a chair.  “We need to talk.  First, we need to 
discuss this incident with that elf in Middle Earth and get it over with.  Fin 
told me the basics.  What he could not tell me, and I doubt he knows is 
why you got involved with him in the first place.  But for you to try at it a 
second time sounds ridiculous.  Tor, you knew better.  What happened?”

Erestor did not want to have this discussion with Ecthelion.  He knew his 
friend well enough not to bother protesting though.  He was relentless 
when he went after something be it elf, orc or confessions from his best 
friend.  Heaving a great sigh, Erestor prepared to answer the Inquisitor of 
Valinor.

“I spent the entire trip pondering that.  I did not care for the answers, but 
did find them.  Thel, I just wanted someone to love me.  Not the love of a 
good friend, but a lover.  He was attracted to me and not unpleasant to 
look upon.  I know…that is not the basis for a great passion, but you work 
with what you’ve got.  Attempting to revive the relationship was 
incredibly insane.  I came to the conclusion that it was a desperate attempt 
to find love before leaving Middle Earth and coming to Valinor alone.”  
Erestor laughed bitterly.  “The whole thing was a pathetic attempt to force 
a love where it didn’t exist.”

Ecthelion was almost sorry he had opened this up for discussion seeing the 
bitterness reflected in Erestor’s eyes.  “Tor, I think that there was some 
love.  Perhaps not on his part; I can’t say never having met him.  I do 
know you well though, and you would never have become emotionally 
involved if you had not felt love on some plane.  That second attempt 
caused me to wonder though.  It didn’t sound like you.”  

Ecthelion paused for a moment before posing his next question.  The 
answer to this question would determine much.  “Tor, why were you 
afraid to come here without a mate?  Why did you fear coming to Valinor 
alone?”

Erestor closed his eyes and bowed his head.  “I am just so tired of being 
alone.  Fin is a dear friend, as is Elrond to a lesser degree, but they were 
the only elves that I was really close to in Imladris.  Here, everyone that I 
could call friend has a love and life that I will partake of only from the 
perimeter.  Desperation was borne from the thought of an eternity of 
isolation and separation.”

Ecthelion had thought as much but felt strongly that there was a deeper 
reason.  He needed to hear the other say it before proceeding.  “Tor, do 
you feel isolated from Fin and I?  Speak the truth in this.”

Erestor cocked his head and wondered if his friend actually thought he 
would lie.  “Yes, I do.  How could I not?  You asked me to live here for a 
time as you are my two closest friends and both worry too much.  You are 
lovers first, though.  I continually find myself trying not to get in the way, 
interrupt or lessen private time.  Thel, it was beyond kindness for you to 
invite me here, but frankly I feel uncomfortable.  I am in the way here.  Do 
not tell me that I don’t interfere with your love life as that would be 
untrue.”

Ecthelion didn’t think of this before asking Erestor to live with them, but 
would not have done differently if he had.  Erestor had been extremely 
reclusive, but he and Fin had thought that he was simply brooding on the 
terrible incident with that elf back in Middle Earth.  To think that he 
simply didn’t want to inhibit them was upsetting.  This would not 
continue. 

“That isn’t the whole of it.  What is the real reason that you did not want 
to come here; to see me before you found a mate?  Tor, be honest with me 
and be honest with yourself.  You need to speak it and I need to hear the 
words.  That is one of the reasons we need this time together.  It is the 
reason Glorfindel left before we began this conversation, and the reason he 
will not return for a time.”  Ecthelion rose and moved next to Erestor’s 
chair.  

It was hard for Erestor to speak of this after millennia of forcefully stifling 
the emotions and desires.  This was Ecthelion and he had a right to know.  
This had to come out and it was better that Glorfindel would not be around 
to hear it.  With a deep sigh, Erestor began.

“Thel, this is so hard.”  Erestor’s eyes closed.  He could not look at 
Ecthelion when he spoke the words.  He didn’t want to see the pity.

“What was between us never died; not in my heart or mind.  When I 
stepped aside, it was out of love for you, but the depth of my need and 
love never faded.  You love Fin, and he is more deserving of that love than 
any elf I’ve ever known.  But it is awkward for me to see the expression of 
that love.  I am sorry Thel, but I just can’t do this anymore.”

“I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, Tor.  Since you didn’t mention it, I 
will.  Glorfindel has already told me that you shared a bed at times and 
I’m OK with it.  If that bothered you, forget it.  You and I have been close 
for millennia, long before Fin ever entered the picture.  If you believe that 
my feelings have died, you presume too much.  We both feel a strong 
connection to you.  That you feel left out saddens me.  Seeing our love 
hurt you and for that I am sorry.  That you feel yourself to be an 
interruption makes me realize that you have missed an important dynamic 
that is at work here.”  As he spoke, Ecthelion played a hand through 
Erestor’s hair.  

Erestor seemed to study Ecthelion before quirking a slight smile.  “You 
know me better than to think I would be bothered by what you thought of 
Fin and me relieving our needs or providing comfort to one another.  You 
could care less.  Had he gone to a stranger, the situation might have been 
different.  But you know full well that I would never encroach upon what 
is so plainly your own.  Fin probably had some concerns, though.”  

Erestor drew a deep breath before continuing.  “I am aware that you both 
feel close to me as I do you.  I hadn’t missed that, Thel.  Perhaps you 
believed that I would not feel discomfited by being so near, being forced 
to watch as the bond grew between you and Fin, but I am not that strong.  
Fin does not know anything, at least not from me.  But you are lovers, and 
no one should be allowed to intrude upon that.  Thel, I’ll not be made to 
feel guilt for speaking truth to you.  I do feel uncomfortable and I am an 
intruder here.  I should leave and you know it.”

Ecthelion’s eyes looked into Erestor’s with warmth as he smiled gently 
and drew him to his feet.  Ecthelion’s hand traced the outline of Erestor’s 
face as he looked into large black eyes.  Nothing was said, but much 
passed between the two elves.  Ecthelion’s hand swept behind Erestor’s 
head and drew him into a gentle loving kiss.  

“Stay.”

Erestor’s wide eyes searched Ecthelion’s face for answers to the questions 
raging though his mind.  He saw love, a sweet love.  

“You know that I can’t.”

One hand claimed Erestor’s waist preventing him from moving while the 
other stroked his long black mane.

“No, I don’t.  Stay.”

There was a lump in Erestor’s throat and the sting of threatened tears 
presented itself.  How could Thel be so cruel? 

“Your sweet lips kiss me gently, and remind me of my boundaries.  If for 
no other reason than mercy, please let met go.”

Ecthelion’s lips brushed across Erestor’s before moving to gently nibble 
on the sensitive tip of his ear.  “When did boundaries ever prevent you 
from taking your desire?”

Erestor’s eyes were closed and his heart racing.  He valiantly swallowed 
his moans.  One word could he speak.  “Fin”

“He gives us this time, Tor.”  

Erestor was trying to remain unaffected, but it wasn’t working well for 
him.  “To talk you said.  This isn’t leading to talk.”

Ecthelion was ever an elf of action.  He crushed Erestor against his body 
and took his mouth with a searing kiss.  Erestor was taken off guard and 
by the time his mind had registered what was happening all he was 
capable of was moaning and hoping Thel’s arms remained tight as he was 
unsure that his legs would hold.  

A small voice called from deep within his mind that Ecthelion was doing 
this as a means to comfort a friend.  This meant nothing to him, and that is 
why Glorfindel did not object.  In fact, he had left Ecthelion to it and 
departed for his parent’s home.  The thought was there, but it never found 
a voice.  Erestor was too overcome and soon too far gone to voice it.   

When the kiss broke, Ecthelion held Erestor firmly.  He knew the affect he 
was having on Erestor.  His eyes captured the dark eyes before him and 
refused to relinquish their hold.  

“It is time for secrets to be laid bare.  Fin and I were honest with one 
another.  He knows, Tor.  He does not want this to be repressed any 
longer.  I told him my deepest feelings.  I told him of the feelings that did 
not diminish with time or with the love I felt for him, and he surprised me, 
Tor.  We both underestimated him.”  Ecthelion watched intently for his 
words to take purchase in Erestor’s mind.  Whatever Erestor had been 
expecting, he was sure that this was far from it. 

Thoughts raced through Erestor’s mind.  Ecthelion had feelings for him?  
Which feelings had not diminished?  What had Glorfindel said?  
“Ecthelion, you ask me to take in much.  You also demand the truth.  I 
will ask it of you as well, and speak plain.  You forced words from me, 
words that I never thought to give voice.  Now I ask you for the words.  
There is no room for misunderstanding here.  What did you tell him?”  

Ecthelion did not hesitate in his answer but looked Erestor straight in the 
eye and spoke loud and true.  “I told him that I love you very deeply and 
not in the manner of friends.  I told him that I had loved you for millennia 
before anything developed between the two of us.  I also told him that you 
stepped aside when I began to develop feelings toward him.  You 
encouraged me to explore them and not commit before knowing their 
depth and breadth.  I told him everything.  The truth had to come out in 
order for us all to go forward with our lives.”

Erestor felt his heart skip a beat.  He had never thought to hear those 
words from Ecthelion again.  It was a hope he gave up long before 
Gondolin fell.  Now Ecthelion was telling him that he never stopped 
loving him.  He wanted to ask why, if he loved him so deeply did he leave 
to be with Glorfindel, but he knew the answer.  He loved Glorfindel much 
more than he ever could love him.  What should he say to such a 
declaration?

“Thel, I…I am not sure what to say.  You tell me that you still have some 
feelings of love.  Even so, the love you have for Fin is too great for 
anything you might feel for me to be of import.  I doubt Fin had a problem 
with your confession of remnants of a past love.”  

Erestor was not going to get any hopes up, only to have them dashed.  
Glorfindel and Ecthelion would formally bond, and any feelings that 
might remain between them would end.  He could not afford to allow 
feelings to surface that could only result in grief.  Too many of those 
feelings had already found the light of day.

Ecthelion practically dragged Erestor into the room and away from the 
open balcony.  He swung Erestor around and forcefully jerked him against 
his body.  “What do I have to do to make you understand?  My words are 
not enough.”  

Ecthelion took Erestor’s head in his hands and drew him into a 
demanding, needful and almost brutal claim kiss.  “I love you Erestor.  To 
the depths of my fëa, I love you.  The depth of my love for you never 
lessened.  On the contrary, it is a love that will last till the end of time.  
Nothing and no one will ever sever the bond our love wrought so long 
ago.  You never allowed a formal union, and in Gondolin I learned why.  
Now things have to change.”

The declaration of heartfelt love dissolved Erestor’s remaining willpower.  
His eyes became large pools of ink threatening to spill over and stain pale 
skin.  His lips had parted, but only with difficulty could he speak.  

“What did Fin say to you?  How did he react to your words?”  Erestor 
knew he couldn’t bear it if Glorfindel looked at him with hatred in his 
eyes.

It was as if Ecthelion could read his thoughts.  “Peace, Tor.  Fin does not 
feel hatred or resentment for this revelation.  He understands why you held 
your silence.  He doesn’t understand how you did it, but he does 
understand the why of it.  For long moments he was silent when I told 
him.  He then told me that he understood.  That did not surprise me so 
much as what followed.  He told me that he too was in love, a love he 
knew could never come to its full fruition.  He assured me of his love, but 
repeated that he feels love for another as well.  As I said, we were 
completely honest with one another.”

Erestor had never known Glorfindel to exhibit love for another elf.  To his 
knowledge there had been no one in Imladris.  He had never even 
suspected a thing.  Of course, Glorfindel had lived long before Gondolin 
ever fell.  Perhaps it was not surprising in such a long life that he might 
fall in love with someone who was not free or able to return those feelings. 

“I never suspected he harbored feelings for another.  Truth is a needful 
thing between lovers, but I am sorry if it caused you pain.”

Ecthelion’s smile was dazzling and shocking considering the subject 
matter.  “It gave me great joy to learn who had earned his love.  He is the 
only elf that I would entrust with such a precious gift as Fin’s heart.”  

Erestor was shocked truth be told.  For Ecthelion to intimate that he found 
happiness at the thought of another elf holding even a shred of Fin’s heart 
was just unbelievable to him.  He wondered if he had ever met the elf but 
decided it was none of his concern.  If Glorfindel had wanted to share such 
a personal thing, he would have done so long ago.  

Ecthelion wrapped an arm about Erestor’s waist and gently led him to sit 
on the edge of the bed.  “Erestor, he is in love with you.  He has felt more 
than friendship for centuries.  He did not act on it for my sake.  I can not 
tell you how my heart soared at hearing this.  Fin and I are both deeply in 
love with you, Tor.  You have heard what we feel, but what are your true 
feelings toward Fin?”

Erestor’s jaw had dropped to the floor.  Ecthelion was holding his hands 
between his own and telling him that Fin was in love with him.  “What are 
my true feelings toward Fin?  I…I need a moment.”  After centering 
himself and attempting to force his thoughts into some semblance of order, 
he tried to sort through his feelings. 

“Fin and I love each other yes, but I had always thought it the love of 
friends that were closer than most.  Thel, I never thought he felt that way.  
It never occurred to me.  I never explored my feelings as he is so totally 
and completely yours.  It just never entered my mind to do such a thing to 
one you loved.  To love him as anything other than a friend would be a 
betrayal of your trust.”  Erestor’s eyes swam with unshed tears.  “I would 
never do that to you.  Not for any reason.”

A gentle smile spread across Ecthelion’s countenance, and understanding 
filled his eyes.  “There is no betrayal, Tor.  He used you as a surrogate in 
the beginning, and you knowingly allowed it for a time.  When he came 
back to reality, it was not I who held his heart.”

“You always held his heart, Thel.  I simply gave him companionship and 
release.  We share the love of friends, good friends.  It is not a love such as 
you share.”

“Tor, don’t.  Just don’t.  You do not sleep with friends, no matter how 
close.  You love him and he returns that love.  Don’t look so surprised.  
Even had he not spoken thus, his eyes could not hide.”  

Complete silence reigned while Erestor tried to come to grips with what he 
was hearing.  At length, he lowered his head as a tear slid down his face.  
“I do not know.  Even if I had felt it keenly, it would never have been 
revealed, least of all to him.”  

Erestor clinched his fists and took a deep breath.  “I did allow Glorfindel 
to use me in his fantasies of you.  He was losing himself; losing his grip 
on reality.  Would I do that for a friend?  No I would not.  I did it for you 
not him.  Over time love did develop, but I named that love friendship and 
refused to see more.  But Thel, please believe me.  I never did or said 
anything to lead him to believe there was more than a close friendship.”

Ecthelion gathered Erestor in his arms and held him tightly.  “You hid 
your love for me from Fin and you hid your love for Fin from yourself.  
Oh, Tor!  It is over.  The hiding and suffering in silence is over.  Never 
again keep your feelings hidden like that.  Don’t do that to yourself, and 
don’t do it to Fin or I.”

Erestor rested his head on Ecthelion’s shoulder.  It felt good to be held for 
a time, even if only briefly.  “All right, you know my heart.  How does 
that change anything?  I am still unnecessary and even more an intrusion 
than had secrets remained locked away.  We love each other, but you and 
Fin will bond.  As much happiness as I feel for you, it still hurts.  I will 
lose you both.  We will remain friends, but you and I both know that 
friendship will lessen and your bond grow with the passage of time.  
Airing all of this emotional chaos was appropriate for a couple who intend 
to become bonded, but it does little good for those who find themselves in 
my place.”

Ecthelion pulled Erestor away until he could look him in the eyes.  “We 
want more from you than friendship.  We want your love.  We want you to 
love us…for an eternity.  Become one with us, Tor.  You love us and we 
love you.  Make our union whole.  Without you we will never be 
complete.”

When a mouth descended on his neck and a wide chest pressed against his 
back, Erestor’s eyes sought out Ecthelion.  Glorfindel had returned, unable 
to stay away.  He whispered into Erestor’s ear weaving a spell both 
seductive and hypnotic.  “For long have I yearned to speak my heart.  Im 
mellen chen, Erestor.  My heart has been yours for many years.  Meleth, I 
have felt your love, no words were needed for me to know it.  They aren’t 
needed now, but I would hear them.  I would hear those words flow from 
your beautiful lips.  Speak your heart to me and let me love you.  Let me 
love you with all that I am as my lover and as my mate.” (I have loved 
you)   (love)

Erestor searched Ecthelion’s face for the answers he was seeking.  
Ecthelion cocked one elegant eyebrow and flashed a slightly predatory 
smile.  Erestor met the gaze with a cocked eyebrow of his own.  A wicked 
smile formed as he watched Ecthelion’s tongue slowly lick his lips.  A 
message had been delivered and received.

Erestor turned, pushing Glorfindel back on the bed and straddling the hips 
of the nude balrog slayer.  The look on his face was one Glorfindel had 
never seen.  It both intrigued and caused him to wonder just how much 
Erestor had kept locked away.  It was at the same time predatory and 
promising of delights heretofore unimagined.  It was not what had been 
anticipated as answer to his pronouncement of love.

“If you want the words, you shall have them.  Melin chen.  It is a love that 
transcends friendship.”  Erestor quickly turned to Ecthelion and winked 
before turning back to Glorfindel.  “Feel my passion and know the heat of 
my desires and depth of my love.”  
Erestor then proceeded to show Glorfindel the mastery of tongue, lips and 
mouth that Ecthelion had alluded to and Glorfindel had dismissed as a jest.  
It certainly was no joke.  (I love you)

Ecthelion moved away from the bed and removed his clothes.  He returned 
and rested behind Erestor, enfolding him with strong arms.   Talented 
hands sensually caressed as clothing was removed, never interfering with 
the mouth that so totally ravished Glorfindel to the point of insensibility.  

With the removal of the last vestiges of clothing, Ecthelion and Erestor 
moved to either side of Glorfindel and gently moved him to the center of 
the bed.  The ravishment of the blonde continued, but with two dark 
manes playing across and teasing sensitized skin. Glorfindel’s eyes were 
shut tightly so he did not have any warning before a mouth took him entire 
at the same time an oiled finger slid into his heat.  The finger became two 
and his sweet spot brushed repeatedly causing him to thrust hard into a 
willing mouth.  Ecthelion and Erestor brought the blonde to climax and 
held him as he rode the sensations.  

After the sensations faded, Glorfindel watched with sated eyes as Erestor 
and Ecthelion moved to kneel on either side of his body.  They came 
together in a kiss that told of a passion of the millennia, old, deep and 
strong.  Ecthelion then marked Erestor high on his neck as Glorfindel 
looked on.  With grace that spoke of the union of two minds that think as 
one, Erestor moved over Glorfindel as Ecthelion moved behind Erestor.  
Hands and lips moved with sensuality as the lovers prepared to possess 
one another completely.  

Ecthelion sat back and stroked the midnight hair.  Feeling the time to be 
right, he gently hooked his arms around Erestor and pulled him up.  
Erestor sat straddling Glorfindel’s hips while his back rested against 
Ecthelion’s muscled chest.  

A mouth descended upon his neck before moving to his ear.  “Bond 
yourself to us, Tor.  Till the end of time let us love and cherish you.  Let 
the Valar bless this union of flesh and fëa.  Become one with me; become 
one with Fin.  Let three hearts beat as one.”

Erestor’s looked down into azure blue eyes.  “Fin, do you want this?”  The 
blonde was languorous and sated.  He smiled contentedly before 
answering in a purred, “Ummm, I wish it, Tor.”

Glorfindel watched a wicked smile grace Ecthelion’s fair face.  
Ecthelion’s arm moved down to press Erestor more firmly against his 
arousal before whispering, “It was his idea that I be the one to approach 
you.  My power of…persuasion…has always been greater than his.”

Erestor’s head rolled back.  “Persuade me, Thel.”  

Ecthelion buried himself to the hilt in one slow thrust.  Erestor’s back 
arched and Glorfindel moved to his knees to support Erestor.  

“I need more persuasion, Thel…much, much more,” was Erestor’s plea. 

Glorfindel held Erestor’s shoulders and moved back, providing a better 
angle.  Ecthelion thrust hard.

“Like this?”  

Under the onslaught of Ecthelion’s persuasive techniques, Erestor gasped 
and clung to Glorfindel for all he was worth.  
“Yes…yes…Thel…uuumh!”  

Glorfindel’s eyes met Ecthelion’s and small nods were exchanged.  
Ecthelion pulled Erestor back to his chest and moved his long tresses to 
the side.  Glorfindel traced a finger along his jaw as Ecthelion’s mouth 
moved to his ear.

His voice was soft as Ecthelion whispered into Erestor’s ear.  “We are not 
complete with out one another, Tor.  Complete us.  Come together with us 
and form the bond.”  

“Melithon chen uireb.”   Erestor felt his heart fill with all of the love that 
had been hidden and locked away for millennia.  “Let us become 
one…here…now.”  There was no hesitation in his voice or eyes.  Erestor 
wanted this.  (I will love you forever)

Ecthelion knew Erestor better than Glorfindel.  Once his mind was made 
up, there would be no hesitancy or prevarication.  Glorfindel though 
expected Erestor to ask for time to consider his answer, or at the very least 
a period of betrothal.  The immediate response took him aback.

“Here?  Now?”  Glorfindel’s words were hardly the romantic 
pronouncement that one might expect after such an announcement.

Erestor’s gaze was charming.  He smiled and his eyes held tenderness and 
joy.  “There is no more appropriate time or place, Fin.  Do you not feel it?  
The touch of the Valar has filled this room with love and grace.  As we 
love one another, let the Valar lay their blessing on our union.”  Erestor’s 
hand cupped Glorfindel’s cheek.  “No time will ever be so right.  Let it be 
now with love suffusing the very air we breathe.”  The smile that lit 
Glorfindel’s face gave him a beauty that Erestor had never before beheld 
on the warrior.    

The circle was begun by Erestor when he recited the ancient words that 
would forge a bond to last an eternity.  Warmth infused the three as 
Ecthelion spoke the words to continue the circle.  When Glorfindel spoke 
the words and completed the ritual, all three felt the joining of fëa.  Three 
hearts begin to beat as one.

Glorfindel lay back upon the bed, gently bringing Erestor with him.  They 
stared deeply into each other’s eyes, never breaking the gaze as Erestor 
entered Glorfindel.  Ecthelion who had remained motionless inside Erestor 
thrust driving him deeply into Glorfindel’s heat.   

With the melding of their bodies in a union of adoration and love, the 
bond was made complete.  The climax when it came was unlike anything 
any of them had ever felt, anticipated or dreamed.  It felt as if an invisible 
bond was wrapping itself around them as they rode feelings and sensations 
that had overcome all three of them.  A light shown from their bodies as 
they felt their fëa meld one into the other. 


Chapter Seventeen

The three elves remained secluded for days reaffirming their love and 
strengthening their bond.  When they finally did emerge, all three were 
changed and no one could doubt that something profound had occurred.  
All three reflected the confidence, peace and beauty of beings touched by 
the Valar.  The sight was breathtaking.

Glorfindel had to tell his parents of the bond, and opted to speak to them 
privately.  He did not want them to feel forced in their reactions, but to be 
able to voice their true feelings.  He hoped they would be positive, but his 
adar was not predictable. 

Erestor and Ecthelion took the opportunity to visit Turgon, and tell him of 
their news.
Their visit would be much more enjoyable; they felt, than Fin’s.  

As expected, the three wound up sprawled out in various areas throughout 
Turgon’s den.  Liquor had flowed, as was often the case when the three 
relaxed together.  Finally Ecthelion let Turgon in on their news.

“You know we bonded, Turgon.  We finally made it official.”  He had 
forgotten that Turgon didn’t know that ‘we’ included Glorfindel.

“Phfffttt.  You and Erestor bonded?  Ai, the terrors of Gondolin made one!  
The ground quakes at the thought.”  Turgon always was one to speak 
whatever popped into his head when into his cups.  The words ‘best 
wishes’ and ‘congratulations’ did not make the cut.

“Fin is bonded to us as well!”  Erestor was very much enjoying the good 
company and fine drink.  He was happy to speak of their new bond, but 
not in the best of conditions to do so.

A loud belly laugh greeted the news.  “There has never been a duo more 
audacious and scandalous to be given the name elf.  Now that you’ve gone 
and bonded Fin to the two of you, one can only pray for his continued 
survival and sanity.  I’ve my doubts about the later, but the former might 
be achievable with luck.”

The friendly exchange lasted late into the night.  Ecthelion and Erestor 
made their way home deep in merriment.  When Glorfindel greeted his 
husbands, he found their high spirits quite amusing.  The next morning 
would doubtless be much more subdued and he would have to tiptoe 
around unless he could talk Elrond out of a cure for hangovers.  Elves 
weren’t supposed to be bothered with such things according to legend.  
The legend had no doubt been created to convince those not elf.  Any elf 
who had seen the bottom of a bottle of Gondolian whiskey could definitely 
give lie to that bit of lore.

The next morning saw two elves with pounding heads, feeling none too 
chipper.  Glorfindel had expected as much, so made his way to Elrond’s 
home.  He had been around them long enough to know that they would be 
impossible to live with till the hangovers had either passed or been cured.  
That being the case, if Elrond couldn’t provide the needed remedy, he 
intended to extend his visit a few hours till nature saw fit to release his 
husbands from the pay back exacted for a night of overindulgence.

Elrond greeted his old friend warmly.  He hadn’t seen him since the day of 
their arrival.  He knew that Glorfindel and Ecthelion had much catching 
up to do.  He and Celebrian likewise spent their time together, wishing to 
feel the closeness they had shared before she traveled to the Undying 
Lands.
 
After the usual pleasantries, Glorfindel told the couple of his bonding.  
Celebrian had never heard of a bond of three and was intrigued.  He 
wound up spending quite a bit of time relaying their history, and how they 
admitted their mutual attractions.  She was interested in how the actual 
bond was formed, but he felt it best if Elrond explained that little detail.  

For his part, Elrond’s initial reaction was surprise.  He had always felt that 
his two dear friends harbored feelings more akin to that of lovers than 
friends.  He had never guessed Ecthelion’s part in all this.  He had always 
been told that the love Glorfindel and Ecthelion shared transcended the 
ages and that none would ever approach the intensity and passion of that 
love.  While he had never heard that from Glorfindel, the accounts filled 
histories, poem and song.  That Erestor had been a part of that love was a 
huge surprise.  Learning that he and Glorfindel lived side by side as 
friends, never admitting the mutual attraction was incredible.

Glorfindel told Elrond of the condition of his husbands and the dangers of 
returning to two warriors deep in the grips of a hangover.  Elrond 
concurred with his assessment of the situation.  Barring his intervention, it 
would not be wise for the blonde to return home for several hours.  
Luckily he had just the thing for a hangover.  He had it squirreled away 
incase he should require a quick fix for himself.  Celebrian had never 
shown any mercy to her hung over husband.  He would mix an extra batch 
to restore his stock later in the day.  History had taught him that it was 
needful to keep emergency supplies close at hand.

Glorfindel quietly slipped inside the house, hoping his presence would not 
be noted till he had healing tea in hand.  It simply was not a good idea.  
When the tea had been prepared, he began the hazardous search for his 
husbands.  He found both elves in the bedroom.  One had a pillow over his 
head and the other was sitting in a chair droopy head in hand.  

He said not a word but put a cup of the healing tea in the hands of the 
seated elf.  It was consumed with haste and the elf returned to his defeated 
posture waiting for the herbs to work their magic.  The other was not as 
easy as he refused to relinquish his hold on the pillow.  It wasn’t until 
Erestor had recovered sufficiently that the two were able to remove the 
pillow from Ecthelion’s grasp, pull him up and force the cup into his 
hands.  Erestor issued the command to drink, and thankfully Thel 
complied.

Within the hour his mates had recovered sufficiently that he judged the 
threat to his health had passed.  When they had bathed, dressed and broken 
their fast he convinced them to pay Elrond and Celebrian a visit.  After 
announcing their union he was anxious that the joy he found in the new 
bond be shared with his friends.  

His friends indeed found great happiness in the face of such love shared 
between their old friends.  Celebrian was intent that such an event be 
shared with all. 

Chapter Eighteen

Celebrian and Idril joined forces to throw a party to celebrate the union of 
Erestor, Glorfindel and Ecthelion.  Elves both young and old were in 
attendance, all wanting to wish the unlikely match their best wishes.

Celebrian took the opportunity to explain that she now knew the 
mechanics of a bond of three ellon.  She also stated that she had a question 
as Elrond had refused to speculate or elaborate.  They knew she was deep 
in merriment when she asked, “Who is on top?  How do you decide?”

Glorfindel and Erestor looked at one another and could only respond with, 
“Ummm…”  

Ecthelion was more than happy to enlighten her much to the consternation 
of his mates.  He felt their embarrassment and found it highly amusing.  
“You see, it all comes down to size.”  Glorfindel and Erestor looked down 
and away, both sporting blushes of a becoming shade of red.

With that Galadriel sidled up to Celebrian’s side, delighted to have found 
someone who could satisfy her curiosity.  Elrond’s face became a mask of 
horror unbelieving that Celebrian would think of, much less ask about 
such things, and with Ecthelion of all the elves in Valinor.  Celeborn 
merely shook his head, rolled his eyes and continued to enjoy the party.

Ecthelion continued to elaborate.  “Fin was never able to comfortably 
accommodate me, but Erestor has a greater capacity to receive love.  
Whoever said that size doesn’t matter must have been celibate.”

Both ladies hooked their arms around Ecthelion and drew him away.  
Finally they had found an ellon willing to depart the mysteries of the 
world of males.  A friendship was born.  Both ladies were greatly 
impressed by Ecthelion’s wealth of knowledge.  He was instantly included 
in their grapevine, sharing with him all the best gossip, much to his 
amusement.

It was through this grapevine that he was to learn of Legolas’ arrival 
almost a century later.

Ecthelion went first to Glorfindel, telling him of the prince’s arrival.  Both 
agreed that they needed to tell Erestor before he learned it from someone 
else.  Deciding to speak to him that afternoon, they arranged to go for a 
swim.  It would be a more relaxed setting in which to break the news.  
Erestor thought a swim was a fine idea and looked forward to an afternoon 
of sun and surf.  After plans had been made however, Glorfindel 
remembered a previous commitment.  He had agreed to elf sit for friends 
who wished for some private time and had persuaded him to aide in the 
cause.  It would be left to Ecthelion to speak to Erestor, never having met 
the prince and having no first hand knowledge of the events that had 
transpired between the two.

That afternoon Ecthelion and Erestor found a secluded stretch of beach.  
After laying out a blanket and removing their clothes, they entered the 
water and began frolicking like elflings.  The sight of the two elves so 
tightly bonded in heart and fëa was a beautiful thing.  At long last the two 
left the water and moved to sit on the blanket content to watch the waves.  

Ecthelion knew the time had come.  He had to tell his mate of the arrival 
of the elf who had caused no small amount of pain in his life.  Cradling 
Erestor in his arms he began.  

“Erestor, you know that Celebrian and Galadriel pass on whatever gossip 
they find interesting.  They told me something earlier that you need to 
know.”  Ecthelion gently kissed Erestor’s ear before continuing.

“Melethron, Legolas has arrived in Valinor.  He arrived yesterday 
afternoon and is staying with Thranduil till he can arrange for a place of 
his own.  Erestor, are you alright?”

Erestor cuddled in Ecthelion’s arms.  “Ummm.”

Ecthelion arched an eyebrow.  “Is that all you have to say?  This doesn’t 
upset you?”

“No, love.  You and Fin are my world.  Nothing else holds even the 
slightest importance. The past is forgotten.  It is over and gone from my 
mind.  I love and cherish you both and will never allow that part of my 
past to intrude on our lives.  Only the love and bond we share holds 
sway.” 

Erestor turned to look into Ecthelion’s eyes.  “Right now, I want to be in 
your arms.  I want to feel your love, strength, tenderness and passionate 
desire.  Echado veleth enni Thel.”  (make love to me)

The elves joined in a gentle and loving kiss before lowering themselves 
onto the blanket.  The beauty of their love was beyond words.  The 
incredible love shared by the two burst forth as Ecthelion entered Erestor.  
Glorfindel felt its intensity and through the bond shared a beautifully 
tender moment.

From an overhang, another shared the moment.  Legolas had been 
exploring his new home when he happened on two elves enjoying the surf.  
Their movements were so graceful and lovely that he found a bush and 
made himself comfortable while he enjoyed the sight.  He only recognized 
Erestor when he left the water.  He started to leave, but when they moved 
to the blanket was afraid to move lest he alert them to his presence.  He 
could not hear their conversation above the sounds of the surf, but 
watched with amazement as the lover’s bond shown forth while they made 
love slowly but with great passion.  He had never seen or felt such a thing.  
It was as if they filled the very air with the essence of their love.  They 
appeared to shimmer and he could tell that their fëa had become one.  In 
all his experiences, he had never witnessed such a thing.  

“They are beautiful, are they not?” 

Legolas nearly jumped out of his skin at the voice that sounded behind 
him.  Turning, he saw a blonde vision.  His eyes were of a soft blue that 
pierced through him.  His hair was light and one could tell soft and silken.  
His whole being was…the only word he could come up with was ‘more’ 
as the elf defied description.

“They are have been given a special blessing by the Valar.  This is not a 
sight meant to be shared.  This is not intended to be a source of your 
entertainment or elucidation, but an expression of their love and devotion.  
Come away.”

Legolas felt like an elfling caught with his hand in the cookie jar.  He was 
accused of using the vision before him as an entertaining way to pass an 
afternoon.  That galled him, but he knew that he should have left the two 
to their privacy.  It was just strange though that an elf would appear out of 
nowhere to guard their privacy.  Who was this elf to accuse him of 
anything?  What right did he have, as he shouldn’t have been there either?

Legolas moved away, quite ignored by the elves on the beach.  He walked 
toward the trees that would lead into the woods separating the water from 
the hills.  When he turned to see if the stranger was following, he was 
astonished to find that no one was there.  The clearing was deserted.  
There was no way the elf could have left the area without his notice.  It led 
him to wonder if he had imagined the whole thing.  

Early that same evening, an elf lightly touched his shoulder.  “Legolas?”

Legolas turned to see the beautiful white haired minstrel he had left behind 
in Imladris so long ago.  “Lindir.  It is good to see you again mellon.”

Lindir had noticed Legolas and wondered about his dreamlike gaze.  “Is 
something amiss?”

He shook his head in an attempt to clear it of memories of the afternoon.  
He smiled sheepishly before answering.  “No, it is nothing.  It was just 
something odd that happened this afternoon.”

Lindir was instantly curious.  In the Undying Lands, he had heard tell of 
many magical happenings.  “What happened?”

His mind was still not completely free of thoughts of the afternoon’s 
events.  “There was this elf.  One moment I was talking to him, and the 
next he simply wasn’t there.  It was like he had vanished into thin air.  I 
only turned my back and walked a few steps before turning around, and he 
was just gone.  I wonder if my imagination is playing tricks on me.” 

This was not unheard of in Lindir’s experience since arriving.  “What did 
the elf look like?”

Trying to put to words the incredible elf was difficult.  “I’m not sure that I 
can describe him.  He had the most beautiful light blonde hair that I’ve 
ever seen.  It shone in the light and almost seemed as a cloud of silk.  His 
eyes were a light blue, but I’ve never seen such a shade.  It felt like he 
could look right through me.  He was incredibly beautiful but that wasn’t 
it entirely.  There was just this indefinable air about the elf.”

Lindir felt he knew something of what might have happened.  “What did 
he wear, Legolas?”

Eyebrows lifted.  “Do you know something?  It looked like hunter’s garb, 
but it was silk.  No hunter would wear such a thing.  It would ruin with 
one use.  Why do you want to know about his clothes?”

With a small smile Lindir answered.  “You probably saw one of the Vala.  
It sounds like Oromë.”


Chapter Nineteen

Galadriel and Celebrian visited the home of their three friends fairly often, 
but this particular visit was a regularly scheduled stop made once a week 
to fill Ecthelion in on the latest goings on.  This time they had some gossip 
they felt he really needed to hear.  After greeting them, they took him to a 
café not far from the house.  This little tidbit wasn’t something they 
wished to relay while in his home.

Galadriel, as usual, began.  “Thel, we have heard some news.  It is 
reported to be from a very reliable source.  In fact, my source says it came 
from the mouth of the very elf who was witness.”

Knowing looks were exchanged by the two ladies causing Ecthelion to 
look from one to the other waiting for someone to fill him in.  “Am I to 
hear this news, or to divine it from your thoughts?  I’m not as skilled at 
that as you, Driel.”

Whispering as if the words were only for the ears of the three seated at the 
table, Galadriel leaned in and told him the news.  “There are rumors that 
Erestor has been seen in the company of another elf.”

Celebrian was quick to speak up.  “Now we know of course that he would 
never do such a thing, but not every elf knows him so well.”

“He would never.  I would know if anything ever happened.  I would 
know it.”  Ecthelion’s warrior instincts flared and he pounded the table in 
anger.  “Who would say such a thing?  Who is this most reliable source 
who saw my husband with another elf?”

Galadriel’s graceful hand covered the warrior’s fist.  “Honestly, I don’t 
know.  I can find out.  Trust me.  I can be rather persuasive when there is 
need.”

“Then do it…now.  I won’t have my husband slandered like this.”  
Ecthelion’s eyes blazed.

Both elleth knew they had to learn the identity of the elf and soon.  “Why 
don’t you go talk to the elleth who told the tale, Driel.  I will just wait here 
with Ecthelion.”  Celebrian poured two cups of tea and Galadriel hurriedly 
left on the mission Ecthelion had set before her.

True to her word, she learned the source of the rumor.  It did nothing to 
ease her worries though.  In fact they increased ten fold.  It was well that 
this had occurred in Valinor rather than Middle Earth lest there be another 
kinslaying.

Upon her arrival, Ecthelion tensed.  His was in battle mode.  He spoke 
only one word.  

“Who”

Upon seeing Galadriel’s worried countenance, Celebrian’s eyes widened.  
Her mother’s worries were rarely reflected on her face.  She wondered 
what could possibly put her naneth in such a state.

“Legolas”

Ecthelion jumped up from the table intent on doing bodily harm to the 
younger elf.  Galadriel was elleth enough to attempt to stop him, or at least 
slow him down.  She placed herself in front of him and told Celebrian to 
fetch Elrond or Glorfindel, whichever she found first.  Ecthelion was torn 
between bodily lifting Galadriel out of the way, and sitting down to plan 
his next course of action…the ruination of one Legolas Greenleaf.  The 
later won out.  

Elrond arrived to find Galadriel pacing, hands fisted and face worried.  
Celebrian hadn’t told him what the matter was.  She had been too upset.  
She merely dragged him from the garden telling him he had to come.

Galadriel rushed to his side and told him what they had learned.  When 
she told him that they had recounted this all to Ecthelion, he could not 
suppress a moan.  His immediate reaction was to condemn the ladies for 
imparting such a thing to Erestor’s husband.  What were they thinking?  
He knew though, that had it not come from them, the rumor mill would 
have had it coming from someone else.

He didn’t know Ecthelion as well as he would have liked given the 
situation, but he recognized a warrior ready to do battle.  This was 
bad…really bad.  It took some doing, but he finally managed to get 
Ecthelion to accompany him to his house.  He hoped that he could prevent 
the elf from going on a rampage across Valinor in search of the Mirkwood 
prince.  He was not all that optimistic.

After reaching his home, he brought out some potent wine, poured 
Ecthelion a drink and handed him the bottle along with the glass.  
Surreptitiously, he told Celebrian to fetch Glorfindel without Erestor’s 
knowledge.  He then proceeded to try to calm Ecthelion down.  

Ecthelion sat the spirits aside.  He understood Elrond’s thought, but he 
needed to remain focused.  He could not have liquor dulling his mind.  
“He would never do it.  There is no question.  What I want to know is why 
anyone would say it.  Any of us would know if the other found an interest 
outside the bond.  You know that.  Everyone knows we are bonded, so 
how could he begin such a patently false rumor?”

Ecthelion’s mind was really trying to divine a reason for the untruth.  
What would prompt such a thing?  If the elf wanted to cause hurt to his 
mate, this was not the way to go about it.  Everyone knew that both he and 
Glorfindel could give truth to the lie.  Why then spread a lie that is so 
easily disproved?  This just wasn’t something an elf said about one who 
was bonded.

His mind was still working madly when Glorfindel arrived.  Elrond 
ushered Celebrian out of the room and closed the door.  Glorfindel sat on 
the couch worried at his husband’s demeanor.  Elrond took a seat a bit 
away from the two and cleared his throat before addressing the blonde.  

“Glorfindel, the ladies Celebrian and Galadriel saw fit to tell your husband 
here about a rumor concerning Erestor.  I want to apologize for their ill 
tongues and lack of thought.”  

Elrond wasn’t sure what to make of it all either.  Glorfindel and Ecthelion 
would know instantly if Erestor strayed.  If this had any truth at all, his 
husbands would have been the first to know.  This was an obvious 
falsehood.  While Erestor and Legolas had their problems in the past, he 
didn’t think Legolas would spread lies about his friend.  He couldn’t think 
of any other answer though.  It was a lie; that much was plain, so why 
would he say it?

Glorfindel, who didn’t know what had happened to put his mate in such a 
state, became more alarmed when he felt Ecthelion’s rage through the 
bond.  His husband was holding it under tight control.  What had 
happened to cause such ire in his beloved?

“Thel, talk to me.  What is going on?” 

Ecthelion’s eyes were hooded and his voice cold.  Glorfindel had seen the 
expression before.  This was the Lord of the Fountain.  This was the elf 
that had killed the prince of balrogs.  This meant big trouble.

“That elf from Tor’s past accuses our husband of seeing another elf.  He 
accuses him of cheating on our bond, Fin.”  Ecthelion’s voice was ice, his 
visage one of barely controlled rage.  Glorfindel knew of only one other 
elf capable of matching the chill in that voice; his husband Erestor.    

Glorfindel considered the words for a moment before throwing his head 
back and roaring his anger.  It was a sound that shook all who heard it, 
save one.  Ecthelion’s eyes gleamed at seeing the fire in Glorfindel.  

Elrond paled.  Instead of one crazed warrior he had two.  “We need to 
think this through.  I don’t think this is as simple as it appears on the 
surface.  Legolas would not spread a falsehood that he knew would be so 
easily found out.  We need to know exactly what he is saying.  Who does 
he think he saw with Erestor?  What does he accuse them of doing?”

Glorfindel assured Elrond that he could get said information from Legolas 
and would happily do so right before significantly altering the prince’s 
anatomy.  Ecthelion’s voice broke through the haze surrounding 
Glorfindel’s mind.

“We need an elf that can go to Legolas and ask exactly what he saw.  He 
would not tell either of us what he said or saw.  We need to know exactly 
what started this lie so we can deal with it.  Do you know someone 
Legolas trusts who would be able to get the information we need?”

Elrond was pleasantly surprised at Ecthelion’s clear thinking.  It was this 
which made him such a valuable leader.  He replied, “It has to be an elf we 
can trust.  It needs to be someone that knows Legolas but is close to us.  
That is a problem though since he might hesitate to talk to anyone close to 
us.”

“Lindir,” was Glorfindel’s response.  “He knows him well enough to fuck 
him, so the minstrel should be able to pull the information out of him.  He 
still thinks of you as his lord.  Lindir is perfect.”

Elrond agreed with Glorfindel’s assessment so Lindir was summoned to 
his home.  He was told what the elves wanted to know.  The only reason 
he needed was that it was about Erestor. 

Lindir was able to obtain the information later that night.  Legolas had 
been more than happy to talk.  Rather than returning to his home, Lindir 
went straight to Elrond.  His lord had instructed him to come no matter the 
time.  

When Lindir arrived it was rather late.  It was too late to send for 
Glorfindel and Ecthelion as they would be with Erestor.  Instead Elrond 
decided to get the answers for himself and relay them to the elves the 
following morning.  What he found though, gave him pause.  Something 
wasn’t right.

The next morning Glorfindel and Ecthelion arrived to find Lindir waiting 
with Elrond.  After hearing Lindir’s story he had asked the elf to stay the 
night.  He felt his friends would want to question him themselves.  Elrond 
escorted them into the kitchen where the four sat around the table as if to 
discuss battle strategy.

Glorfindel pinned Lindir with azure eyes.  “Very well, Lindir.  Exactly 
what is he saying happened?  His exact words are needed.”

Ecthelion looked intently at the elf.  He did not know the minstrel save for 
yesterday’s brief introduction.  “It is important that we know precisely 
what it is he thinks he saw before we speak with Erestor.”

Lindir was always fond of a good story and was wonderfully talented at 
the telling.  This is one story that he wished did not have to be told.  
Taking a deep breath and looking momentarily at Elrond for 
encouragement he began.

“I asked him the things you wished to know and he quite openly answered.  
He never hesitated or looked away to indicate unease.  On the contrary he 
was relaxed in the telling.  I asked exactly what he saw.  Forgive me, my 
lords, but you would have me speak his words.  He said, ‘I saw him in the 
arms of another elf.  They were in the midst of a kiss so passionate that 
they didn’t even know I was there.’  The next question you wished 
answered went to the identity of the other elf.  Of that he was less certain.  
He told me that he knew it to be Erestor as he was facing him but the other 
elf had his back turned.  He never saw a face and was too far away to note 
anything familiar.  All he knew for certain was that the elf was a blonde.”

Ecthelion leaned forward causing the young minstrel to fight a sudden 
urge to flee.  They had asked after all.  But all Ecthelion wanted was to ask 
another question.

“All right Lindir, why did he mention this in the first place?  What was his 
reason for relaying the incident?”  

Lindir winced.  He had hoped they would skip over that particular 
question, as he really didn’t want to be the bearer of such news.  He just 
didn’t have any luck.  Trying to hide his fear rather unsuccessfully, he 
answered the warrior.

“He said…now these are his words, so don’t think that I believe this 
because I don’t.  
He said that he always knew that Erestor cheated on him.  He was 
surprised though that he would cheat on a bond that he was told had been 
blessed by the Valar.”

Lindir paled and looked down.  Elrond knew that Lindir hadn’t finished, 
but dreaded telling the rest.  “Lindir, they have to know.  They will have to 
talk to Erestor.  He is their husband.  They have a right to know, no matter 
how unpleasant.”

Putting his hands on his forehead, Lindir finished it.  “He said he knew 
Erestor was a … I am so sorry for this…a whore.  He said he just didn’t 
realize how brazen he had become.”

The air radiated the violence lurking below the surface of three elves.  “I 
did tell him that it was not a good idea to voice such things.  He said he 
had that right as Erestor had … um … not been faithful to him either.  He 
is saying that he has much in common with Erestor’s husband.”

Elrond caught it.  “Erestor’s husband?  He did not say husbands?”

Lindir didn’t catch it just yet.  “No, he said husband.”

“How much does he know of our bond?”  Ecthelion knew where Elrond’s 
mind had strayed.  

Lindir finally got it.  “Not enough apparently.  He knows that Erestor is 
bonded to you, Ecthelion.  He saw the two of you together, and said an elf 
told him that you were bonded.  He did not mention Glorfindel.  I don’t 
think he knows.”

Fingers drumming the table signaled Glorfindel’s annoyance and 
impatience with the situation.  “You mean to tell me that he saw Erestor 
and me and is now spreading rumors that Tor is cheating on Thel with me?  
I can’t believe this.”

Elrond went into his Lord of Imladris mode.  “Erestor needs to know.  
Celebrian should fetch him.”

Ecthelion smiled.  “He is a wicked good strategist.  If any elf can find a 
way to set this right it is him.  He is not going to be overly pleased that we 
discussed this without him though.”

Glorfindel concurred.  “Thel, we are likely dead elves when we get home 
if we don’t do some fast talking.”

“It is two against one, Fin.”  Ecthelion knew they were in for a tongue 
lashing.  They hadn’t brought Erestor into it earlier to protect his feelings.  
He had a sinking feeling that they would get no thanks for their 
thoughtfulness.  

Glorfindel knew the likely scenario awaiting them at home as well.  He 
however was not finding comfort in numbers.  “Thel, you are one of the 
greatest warriors I’ve ever met, but this is Tor we are talking about.  We 
are dead.”

Elrond had sent Celebrian to bring Erestor back and now watched the two 
great lords and warriors cringe at the thought of facing his old advisor 
alone.  If he weren’t fairly certain of bodily injury to himself, he would 
have a good laugh at this picture.  There would be time for that 
later…after they left and were out of ear shot.

Erestor entered the kitchen with questions in his eyes.  Four sets of eyes 
looked at him with expressions that ranged from compassion to unease to 
outright fear.  The later came from Glorfindel; giving rise to the question 
of what had the warrior done this time.

Erestor moved to the head of the table and stood looking down at the elves 
with an air of authority.  “Tell me why I have been summoned to appear at 
the kitchen table?”  He pinned Glorfindel with a glare, sensing the weak 
link.

“You need to sit down.  We need to tell you of something that is going 
around.  There is a rumor circulating that you were seen in the arms of 
another elf, one not your bonded.”

Dark eyes turned pitch black.  “WHAT?”

Lindir almost jumped out of his seat.  Glorfindel winced.  Elrond bit his 
lip.  Ecthelion went around the table, led Erestor to a chair and massaged 
his shoulders after he had taken the offered seat.  

“Tor, I told you that Legolas arrived a few days ago.  He knows we are 
bonded, but no one ever told him about Fin.  We think that he saw you 
with Fin.  We think Fin is the ‘other elf’.  From what Lindir learned, he 
never saw the other elf’s face.  All he saw is blonde hair.”

Unfortunately Erestor was thinking like the fabled advisor to the Lord of 
Imladris.  “Why would my actions be of interest to him?  Why would he 
care whether there was another elf or not?  I take it he began the rumor.”

Ecthelion shot Glorfindel a look that said ‘your turn’ loud and clear.  
Glorfindel’s tone became soft.  The thought of telling his love about the 
elf’s spiteful remarks hurt him like a blow. 

“Because he thinks you whore yourself.  He thinks you betray a bond 
blessed by the Valar.  He believes himself to have much in common with 
Thel.  He says you betrayed both.”

The elves around the table expected an emotional outburst.  Only Elrond 
was not terribly surprised at the dispassionate answer.  “That does not 
answer my question.  I did not ask what his opinion of me was.  My 
question is why he cares.  Why should he care if I whored myself to the 
whole of Valinor?  What purpose does he have for spreading these things?  
It is simple enough to determine that I have been faithful to my bond.”

Elrond, Glorfindel and Ecthelion turned as one to Lindir who normally did 
not mind being the center of attention.  This was not anything similar to 
performing for an audience and this attention he did not need.  Quietly he 
answered their silent query.  “I don’t know.  He didn’t say.  Erestor, he 
would only say that he had a right to say whatever he wanted.”

Erestor’s eyes narrowed dangerously.  His breathing slowed and he 
remained motionless for a moment before chuckling, startling everyone at 
the table.  “He is being played.”

“What are you talking about?”  Elrond wondered if his old friend had 
cracked.

“No one has bothered to tell him that I am bonded to a blonde.  No one has 
told him that I am bonded to Glorfindel *and* Ecthelion.  Instead they 
listen to his lies and say nothing.  There is not an elf in Valinor who has 
seen our bond that would believe such a thing.  When he finds out he has 
been allowed to make a fool of himself, he is going to be incredibly 
humiliated.  Apparently even Thranduil is holding his silence.  He is being 
subtly taught a lesson.  He’s not going to like it, but it will make a better 
elf of him.”

Shaking his head, Ecthelion smiled at the way his mate’s mind worked.  
“Sweet Elbereth Tor, I’d forgotten just how easily you cut through the 
minutia.”

Elrond felt a certain pride in the elf that had rescued him from difficult 
situations so many times in the past.  “You are right, but he needs to be 
told that Fin bonded to you both.”

“He will find out, but I don’t think words are what are needed here.  I 
think that he needs to learn a lesson about the affect his words have on 
others.  He will find out that there are elves here that do not play.  He still 
believes that he will not suffer consequences for his actions.  For one, I am 
not impressed and it is time he is made aware of it.”  Ecthelion was not 
smiling.  He was dead serious, and all present knew that Legolas had 
stepped over a line.  He would be taught a lesson at the hands of the Lord 
of the Fountain.  

If the prince had just mistaken Glorfindel for a stranger, Lindir would 
have felt sorry for him.  He would have told him of the bond, and that he 
had been mistaken.  When he called Erestor a whore though, his 
sympathies had died.  He felt the prince needed to be brought down 
several notches and it seemed Thranduil agreed.  He found it interesting 
that Thranduil was willing to see his son left to the tender mercies of the 
Lord of the Fountain and the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower.  It 
said something to the respect in which he held Erestor as well as the depth 
of his disgust at his son’s actions.  He wasn’t going to save him this time.  
He wanted this to be a lesson his son would never forget, and he knew the 
lords were more than capable of delivering it.


Chapter Twenty

The room was reserved for the relaxation and enjoyment of the elves 
present.  Some were eating; others played board games while still others 
were content to enjoy each other’s company.  Legolas did not know the 
elves at his table.  There had been no room at the other tables so they had 
taken chairs at his.  He was anxious to befriend the elves though; as his 
acquaintances in Valinor were limited to the few friends he had in 
Mirkwood.  

He was thoroughly enjoying his meal when all conversation stopped.  The 
elves at his table backed away and he turned to see Erestor’s mate 
approaching his table.  Before he knew what was happening, he was held 
in an unbreakable grip.  A knife was at his throat and not an elf in the 
room moved.  

“You are the piece of warg shit who named my husband whore.”  
Ecthelion spoke through his teeth, sounding just as deadly as he looked.

“No.  I mean I said it but I didn’t speak an untruth.”  Legolas was pleading 
for his life and he knew it.

“I could care less what your rationale is or what rights you claim.  You 
have distressed my mate.”  The knife cut a shallow path across the 
prince’s throat before moving down his chest.  The knife did not pierce the 
skin but the threat was unmistakable.

“You can’t do this.  This is Valinor.  The Valar won’t let you do this.  
Even if no one else stands for me, the Valar will not see me killed.”  
Legolas hoped the mention of the Valar would convince his attacker to 
release him.  It did not.

Ecthelion threw him against the table.  “Do you see any of the Vala here?  
Don’t you think they would save you now if they intended it?  Our union 
is blest by the Valar.  You have committed offense in their eyes.  They 
will not stand for you.  Ignorance does not excuse what you have done.  I 
do not excuse it.”

Oh, he was worried now.  The elf was crazy and no one was helping him.  
“You are crazy.  Stay away from me.”

“Do you know who I am, young one?  Do you have any idea to whom you 
deliver such offense?”  Ecthelion had thrown Legolas to the floor and was 
looking down on the elf.  He was trying his best to back away but having 
no luck due to the chairs and tables littering the floor.

Had Legolas not been frightened out of his wits, he would have known 
Ecthelion was only bluffing.  No harm could come to an elf in Valinor.  
As Ecthelion had predicted would happen, fear and guilt had clouded his 
mind.  

“You are Erestor’s mate, but please he has done as much to me.  We are 
brothers in pain.  No offense was meant upon you, sir.”  Legolas hoped his 
voice was convincing, but his breaths were short, and he knew his eyes 
held fear.

“You dare to call yourself my brother?”  Ecthelion leaned down and 
jerked Legolas to his feet by his collar.  Standing only inches away, he 
hissed.  “You are nothing.  You think to offend the Lord of the Fountain 
and call him equal.  Fear young one, fear a great deal.”  

He shoved Legolas backward and brought forth a sword.  Legolas found 
himself in the unenviable position of having the Lord of the Fountain 
wield a sword aimed at his heart.  

“Who do you think will save you now?”  Ecthelion made swipes with the 
sword intentionally coming just centimeters from slicing Legolas wide 
open.  

Legolas stumbled backward wildly trying to escape the advancing warrior.  
“Please no.  My father will…”

“Your father will do nothing.”  Thranduil’s voice boomed.  He stood in 
the doorway, not moving a muscle in his son’s defense.

“Ada!  Ada, he means to kill me.  I am your son.  Do something!”  
Legolas knew he could count on his adar to save him.  

“This is something you earned.  Do not ask me to defend one whose 
actions are defenseless.  This started in Middle Earth and will end in 
Valinor.  You crossed the line.  You crossed the very Valar who love and 
protect us all.”  Thranduil never hesitated in his reply.  There was no 
compassion, no mercy.  Legolas was alone in this.

The swipe of the sword that sliced his tunic from one side to the other 
brought tears to Legolas’ eyes.  Was he so repugnant that not a sole would 
come to his aide?  “Someone help me.  Please.  He is out of his mind.  He 
is going to commit a kinslaying.”  

That was the moment of Erestor’s arrival.  “Love, I missed you.  Why do 
you waste time here that we could spend together?”  When Erestor went to 
Ecthelion’s side, the warrior turned and kissed his mate with great gusto, 
never lowering his sword.  

Turning back to face Legolas he said, “Meleth, I have decided to teach the 
young one a lesson.  He thinks to sully a bond blessed by the Valar 
themselves.  That can not stand, my love.  He called you whore and for 
that he will pay.”

“I love it when you defend my honor, Thel.  You are so beautiful in your 
rage.  I don’t think he is worth your time, but you have always known best 
in these matters.”  Erestor smiled prettily at Ecthelion who in turned 
smiled quite wickedly.

He returned his attention to Legolas just as Glorfindel made his entrance.  
The blonde didn’t address Ecthelion, but took Erestor in a blindingly 
passionate kiss.  Erestor felt his knees go week.  Glorfindel was definitely 
playing his part with great skill.

Legolas’ eyes went wide when the blonde took Erestor in his arms.  The 
blonde’s back was turned to him, and the picture matched the vision of the 
encounter he had witnessed.  

“How can you just let him do that?  He is your husband?  Don’t you see?  
That is the elf.  He is the one.”

Ecthelion’s laughter was chilling.  “Tor, catch.”  Erestor caught the sword 
and Ecthelion pulled Glorfindel to his body and captured the blonde’s lips 
in a bruising kiss.  Legolas felt like he was going to faint.

This was the point where Thranduil addressed Legolas.  “They are bonded 
pen neth.”

Legolas gasped and winced having realized the depth of his mistake.  
Erestor approached and he was armed.  Legolas tried to back away from 
the dark apparition, but tripped landing on the floor.  Legolas panicked. 

“Erestor, I didn’t know.  I’m sorry.  I just didn’t know.”

Erestor’s smile was evil and unflinching.  The sword never wavered from 
the prince’s chest.  “You have offended the bonded mate of the Lords of 
the Fountain and House of the Golden Flower.  Do you believe either 
would stand idly by while an elf tried to seduce their mate?  The Valar 
themselves know that there is no one in Valinor or Middle Earth that could 
sever this bond.”  With a move too fast for elfin eyes, Erestor planted the 
sword deep in the floor, the flat of the blade actually brushing the skin of 
Legolas’ face.  

Both Erestor’s voice and eyes were cold when next he spoke.  “Do not 
make the mistake of speaking against our union again.  The outcome of 
our next meeting will be much different.  Our bond has been blessed by 
the Valar themselves.  You judged their blessing to be without strength or 
meaning, therefore it is for their forgiveness you should beg.  It is their 
justice which you shall face.  The lessons they bestow are more poignant 
than that of any elf.  Beg to the Valar, Legolas.  None will stand in your 
defense against their righteous anger.  You did not respect the blessing 
they bestowed; although, I am told you were made aware of it by the 
Huntsman himself.  I would be greatly fearful in your place.”  

Legolas paled.  There was no answer to that.  He knew that he had judged 
their bond weak even though he had been told it was a blessed union in the 
eyes of the Valar.  Why had he done it?  What had possessed him to 
attempt to ruin Erestor’s reputation?  Past actions came rushing back.  He 
had wanted to feel Erestor’s pain even in Middle Earth, but why?  He 
didn’t see a way out of this mess.  Erestor was correct when he said the 
anger of the Valar was to be feared more than that of any elf.  Fear them 
he did.  

No one could have expected what happened next.  The words that were 
spoken were meant to show Legolas just how far over the line he had 
stepped.  When Oromë entered, all movement ceased and many breaths 
held.  

The Vala approached Legolas who felt like he was turning into a puddle of 
goo.  This was as bad as it got.  

“Come.”  

The Vala put a hand out and an invisible tether seemed to lift Legolas and 
pull him to follow the Vala out of the room.  All present looked at one 
another in amazement.


Chapter Twenty One

It was years later that Legolas returned a different elf.  Thranduil rejoiced 
to have his son returned to him.  This was not the son who arrived on the 
shores of Valinor.  This was the young elf that had radiated joy to all 
around and whose peals of laughter had echoed throughout the halls of 
Mirkwood.  He praised the Valar for restoring the loving son he held in his 
heart and mind’s eye. 

After making peace with his adar, Legolas paid a visit to the elf he had so 
wronged.  He knocked on the door to have it answered immediately by the 
elf that had annoyed him so much in Middle Earth.  Glorfindel stood tall 
and imposing, ready to protect all that he held dear.

“I would like to speak with Erestor.”  

The innocence in the prince’s eyes and heart felt plea touched the 
surprised warrior.  He led Legolas to the study and left to announce his 
arrival.

Erestor entered the room flanked by his mates.  They had not allowed him 
to meet with the prince without their presence.  He had tried to convince 
them that the prince held no threat, especially in their own home, but the 
two warriors didn’t buy it.

“Legolas, I am told that you wish to see me.”  Erestor maintained a mask 
of complete indifference.  His voice matched his countenance.  

Legolas however radiated contentment and peace.  “I wish to humbly 
apologize for the pain that I caused.  My actions were inexcusable.  Please 
accept my apologies for the hurt that I so maliciously inflicted.  All of it.”

“You seem at peace Legolas.”  Erestor did not rush to accept the prince’s 
words.  He wished to study the elf before him before trusting his words.

“You doubt my sincerity.  I do not blame you for your caution.  The Valar 
removed a blackness that had tainted my fëa.  The ring left its mark, left a 
stain on my being.  The Valar healed me and granted me the knowledge to 
see the love and beauty that blesses this land.  They gave me time to 
contemplate my actions after removing the darkness so I would truly see 
what I had wrought.  The words and deeds of the past can never be 
recalled, but I have repented of them and hope that someday you will find 
it in your heart to forgive me.  You never knew the extent of my offenses.  
For that I am both glad as it would have caused further pain, and ashamed 
as I gravely wronged not only you but another as well.

“You saw me once in the company of another elf.  That elf and I were 
lovers when I entered your bed and tried to insinuate myself in your heart.  
The intent was to hurt you.  My black heart never intended to commit to 
either you or the other who I used so badly.  The darkness is gone but the 
damage has been done.  Nothing I can say or do will provide you with 
reparation, but I hope forgiveness can be found in your heart.  I do not 
expect it, but only hope.

“You once told me to find true love.  You said that I should not let 
obstacles get in the way.  I did not understand what you meant at the time.  
I thought I did, but was mistaken.  I did not know what true love was.  I 
think I have found that love and see the obstacles that must be overcome.  
You overcame so much more.  It is my fondest hope that my heart’s desire 
will see the love I hold and help me shatter all that would stand against our 
union.”  Legolas remained completely open and very obviously sincere.  
He had opened himself up, and made little attempt to justify past actions.

Erestor walked to Legolas and placed a chaste kiss upon his brow.  “I am 
glad that you have been healed and freely accept your heart felt apology.  
Forgiveness does not come so easily.  That will take time.  I do hope you 
find your heart’s desire.  Lindir has a big heart.  If your entreaty is sincere, 
he will forgive the past.  If your love is true, he will break down any 
barriers separating you.”

“How did you know?”  Legolas had cocked his head.  He was truly 
curious.  

“Lindir’s eyes held love that night.  His touch knew your body.  I was 
shocked and hurt by what I saw in the garden, but not blind.  He loved you 
even then.  He knew of us, yet he could not deny what was in his heart.  
You would be fortunate to earn that love once again.”  Erestor returned to 
his mates.  His eyes reflected the love that flowed freely through their 
bond. 

Legolas smiled, feeling honored to see reflected in the three elves before 
him such a blinding love.  “I will take my leave.  I look forward to the day 
when forgiveness can be granted.  Till then please accept my hopes for 
your continued happiness.”

Two years later Legolas did indeed wed.  Elves came to know him as 
loving, happy and generous to a fault.  He had changed much from that elf 
who was haunted by a dark cloud, remnants of Sauron’s black reign of 
terror.  The eternal lands of Valinor were graced with the bond of two 
beautiful hearts joined by the music that was their lives.

The bonding gift most valued by the couple was given by Erestor.  
Forgiveness marked the passage of mistakes and hurts wrought in Middle 
Earth and brought closure to the elves touched by those events.    

Through the years, Erestor and Ecthelion found true joy in finding new 
ways to impart a lovely red glow to Glorfindel’s cheeks.  In turn, 
Glorfindel became adept at turning the tables or failing that retreating to 
the sanctuary that was Lord Elrond’s kitchen.  Their union became 
stronger with the passage of time and none who came into the presence of 
the bond came away untouched.  It was lovely to behold.  Erestor’s 
demons had been banished.  The love that had been hidden for so long 
now shined brightly in one of the greatest loves ever to touch an elfin 
heart.  

The End


Definitions from Hith a Naur

Ada  - familiar usage of father, Dad.
Adar - father 
Echado veleth enni – make love to me
Eldars – elves who made the Great Journey
Ernilen – My prince
Fëa (s) - spirit
Fëar (pl) - spirits
Garo nin – Have me
Im Mellen Chen – I have loved you.
Idho mae. Hebithon in roeg o le. - Sleep well. I will keep the demons 
from you.
Meleth - love
Melin Chen – I love you
Melithon chen uireb – I will love you forever
Mellon – friend
Naneth - mother