Title: Through the Eyes of a Child

Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon

Main paring; Thranduil/Lindir.

Side pairings: Elrohir/Legolas, Dûrel/Elrond, Elladan/Glorfindel and Erestor/Ereinion.
Haldir/Melpomaen mentioned.

Overall rating: NC-17
Summary: Now that Dûrel has become the new High-King of the Firstborn, peace returns to
Imladris. But for some there is no peace yet. Thranduil, accompanied by Lindir, travels
home and deals with memories he never felt strong enough to face before.

Disclaimer: Not mine, Tolkien’s.
Warnings: mention/memories of severe child abuse. Thranduil witnesses murder and
violence. This story is completely AU, of course.

Author’s Note: this is the sequel to Inside the Dark Forest the Secret Lies.

Beta reading, translations and research by Patricia Pleasant, thanks! I couldn’t have
written this story without your help!

All remaining mistakes are mine.

 


Through the Eyes of a Child

Part 7

 

 

Galednel, Thranduil’s Seneschal, Mithrilas, the King’s Chief Advisor, Barandhraug,
Captain of the royal guards and even Tharmalthen had joined Legolas in the Prince’s
chambers at the younger Elf’s request. Elrohir felt a bit nervous, being surrounded by
Elves who he hardly knew. Except for Tharmalthen, they all intimidated him. Elrohir
sensed their age and their gained wisdom and felt awfully young in their presence.
Legolas however, didn’t appear intimidated by their presence.

 

“Thank you for joining me,” started Legolas, watching his father’s friends and
confidents. He had played on Mithrilas’ lap when he had been little, had pulled at
Galednel’s hair and had won from Barandhraug in countless mock-fights and no, these
ancient Elves didn’t intimidate him in the least. He knew that their outer appearance was
one thing and their true nature another. “I asked you to join me because I have
questions.”

 

“Regarding…?” asked Mithrilas, who knew the Crown Prince the best of all the councilors
as he had been Thranduil’s replacement when Legolas had been young. Whenever Thranduil
had been caught up in matters of state, Mithrilas had found a way out of the meetings to
look after the young P

 

“Oropher and Saerif.” Legolas exchanged a look with Elrohir. They had discussed this last
night, before asking the royal council to join them, and although Elrohir had advised him
not to follow through, Legolas had ignored that advice. His need to know the truth was
too overpowering. “It has come to my attention that Oropher’s character changed
dramatically after Saerif appeared in Mirkwood. Is this true?”

 

Galednel raised an eyebrow. He *had* wondered why Legolas had wanted them to join them
and now he had his answer. He should have expected Legolas to ask these questions
eventually. “That is true.”

 

Legolas’ inquisitive eyes focused on the Seneschal. “Did you know Oropher personally?”

 

“We all did,” said Mithrilas, shifting on his chair. “Why are you bringing this up now?
You should let the past rest.”

 

“I cannot do that. I need to know the truth.” Legolas walked over to Galednel and looked
his father’s Seneschal in the eyes. “Do you know where Saerif hailed from?”

 

“It is said that he accompanied Fëanor and his sons on their voyage,” said Barandhraug
after drawing in a deep, steadying breath. “Saerif *and* his companions did. But Saerif
was the strongest and he became their leader.”

 

Elrohir leaned back against the comfort of his chair and listened closely. He wanted to
understand what had happened millennia ago so that he could advise Legolas if asked.

 

Legolas nodded once. “I already suspected that.” His attention shifted to Barandhraug, as
the Captain had answered his prior question. “And Oropher’s character changed after
Saerif appeared?”

 

“It did,” replied Barandhraug. “When Oropher married Gaelveril he was a gentle, even a
romantic Elf. He was a good leader and much loved. That changed once Saerif became his
second in command.” His thoughts returned to the past. “I do not know if Oropher ever
realized how substantial Saerif’s influence on him was. Maybe he did, but he probably
realized it too late.”

 

“I want to know what Saerif did to Oropher,” said Legolas in a firm voice. “If Oropher
was truly such a gentle Elf before Saerif entered his life, something important must have
happened for him to change in such a drastic way.” Legolas closed his eyes, recalling a
passage he had read in Thranduil’s diary. “What Elf would force an eleven year old to
walk the maze, armed with a only sword, which he could not even wield?”

 

Memories overwhelmed Barandhraug. “I pulled Thranduil from the maze, saving his life that
day. Saerif and Oropher were finally through watching Thranduil struggle and laughing
about his poor attempts to stay out of the spiders’ reach. They left *after* Thranduil
had been stung! He would have died, if I hadn’t pulled him from the maze!”

 

Tharmalthen nodded his head once. “Thranduil was in a poor way. The spider had shot a
large amount of venom into his bloodstream and he was barely breathing by the time
Barandhraug brought him to me. I needed my every skill to keep him alive.”

 

Anger overcame Legolas and his fist crashed onto the table. “How can a father walk away
from their dying child?”

 

“Oropher was no longer himself,” replied Mithrilas. “The more time he spent in Saerif’s
company the harsher he became.” His eyes narrowed. “Why can you not let this rest,
Legolas? Your father is finally putting his past behind him and now you want to uncover
those wounds?”

 

“There can be no true healing without understanding,” said Legolas, determinedly.
“Everything leads to Saerif. He is at the heart of Oropher’s dramatic change. I need to
know what happened to cause this change!”

 

“Let it rest, Legolas.”

 

Thranduil’s voice unexpectedly echoed through the room and made Legolas spin around on
his heel. “Ada1!” What was his father doing here? He had counted on Thranduil spending
the morning with Lindir!

 

Thranduil had left to investigate when the members of his council had failed to attend
the meeting. The last place he had checked were Legolas’ rooms, not thinking he would
find his advisors there. Hearing them discuss Saerif and Oropher had made him feel
apprehensive and he had quickly revealed himself. He had to stop Legolas from discussing
this further.

 

But Legolas had different ideas and uncovered the booklet. “I need to know why Oropher
did these horrible things to you! Don’t you want to know, Ada?”

 

“I left those questions in the past.” Lindir’s love had made that possible.

 

“But I can not!” Legolas walked toward his father and placed his hands on Thranduil’s
shoulders. “Ada, I want permission to enter the maze and to question Saerif.”

 

Thranduil froze. “Nay, I forbid it.”

 

“Ada, if you do not give me permission I will go at any rate.” Legolas knew he was
playing with fire, seeing the dangerous expression in his father’s eyes.

 

“I won’t allow it!” Thranduil frantically searched for a way to distract his son, to
change Legolas’ mind. “You do not know how dangerous the maze is!”

 

“I know its traps,” said Legolas, calmly. “I have walked the maze.”

 

Thranduil’s eyes widened, showing shock. “What?”

 

“The year I reached my majority I entered it and made my way through it.” Legolas
cringed, seeing his father’s pained expression. “I am sorry, Ada, but I had to do it!” He
had heard so many stories about the maze that he had wanted to try walking it himself.
“And I *will* walk it again! If Saerif is still alive, I will find him and drag the truth
from him!”

 

“Legolas, you cannot do that!” Thranduil looked to Elrohir for support. “Legolas, you are
my only son! If Saerif does not kill you, the spiders will!”

 

“I can hold my own! The spiders won’t injure me like they did you! I am not an eleven
year old!” Legolas disliked himself that very moment for putting his father through this,
but there was no other way!

 

“Legolas, please do not do this!” pleaded Thranduil, now that he realized that his son
couldn’t be stopped. One way or the other, Legolas would follow through!

 

“I urge you to reconsider, Legolas,” said Mithrilas. “Your father is correct. Saerif and
his accomplices might still be alive and they are dangerous, even unarmed. And then there
are the spiders. You would be vulnerable, an easy target.”

 

“He won’t enter the maze alone,” said Elrohir, rising from his chair and walking toward
Legolas. “I will come with you.”

 

Legolas nodded once; he had expected nothing less from his mate. “Ada, I *will* do this,
with or without your permission.”

 

Barandhraug, Mithrilas and Galednel exchanged silent glances. “In that case, Sire, allow
us to accompany Legolas. We will do our best to keep him and his mate safe.”

 

“Have you all gone mad?” Thranduil stared at them in disbelief. They couldn’t be serious!

 

“I will come with you as well,” announced Tharmalthen. “You might need a healer.”

 

“Nay, I forbid it!” Thranduil tried exercising his authority one last time. 

 

“You know, meleth2, they are right.” Lindir had followed Thranduil when his lover had
left their rooms in search of his advisors and had overheard most of their conversation.
“I also want to know what caused Oropher to mistreat you in that way.”

 

“And why he had my grandmother murdered,” whispered Legolas. Only after those words had
left his lips, he remembered they weren’t alone, but none of the advisors seemed
surprised to hear this.

 

Thranduil felt frustrated now that they were all determined to defy him. “Is there
nothing I can do to change your mind, my son? Are you really going to put me through this
pain?”

 

Legolas’ heart raced, seeing the distress in his father’s eyes. “I wished I did not have
to do this, but I need to know the truth. I need to know why.”

 

Realizing that he had lost this fight, Thranduil gave in and did the only thing he could
do. “In that case, I will walk that maze at your side, Legolas. I cannot let my only son
enter it, knowing he might die in there. I will keep you safe.”

 

“Ada, you do not have to do that!” Legolas had never expected that!

 

“And I will cover *your* back,” said Lindir, wrapping an arm around Thranduil’s waist.

 

“Nay,” said Thranduil resolutely. “You will stay here where you are safe! I will not risk
your life!” Thranduil glared at Lindir – at least his mate *would* listen to him!

 

“That is not your decision to make,” said Lindir, softly. “I make my own choices and I
choose to accompany you.”

 

Legolas flinched under his father’s resentful glance and he hesitated. Was uncovering the
truth worth endangering so many lives? But it was like Lindir had said, they had all made
their choices and he wasn’t responsible for what would happen inside that maze. They all
entered it out of their own free will.

 

/Is that the truth?/ whispered his conscience. /Aren’t they entering the maze only to
protect *you*?/ But Legolas refused to listen – he *had* to find out what Saerif had done
to Oropher.

 

~~~

 

“Legolas, it is not too late to turn back. Please reconsider what you are doing.”
Thranduil had armed himself with his sword, long knives and carried his bow and a quiver
filled with arrows on his back. His advisors and Elrohir were equally heavily armed.
Legolas had already uncovered his long knives and looked extremely determined to follow
through.

 

“Do you not understand, Ada? Do you not want to know what changed your father into such a
monster? Do you not want to lay your worries to rest that one day you might change as
well? I know that possibility has occurred to you, even worries you.” Legolas gritted his
teeth and signaled Barandhraug to open the doors to the maze.

 

“I would have found peace of mind without those answers,” realized Thranduil, looking
into Lindir’s eyes. “But I now understand that it is *you* who needs these answers.” For
his son’s sake he would face the maze a last time.

 

~~~

 

Elrohir felt ill at ease, entering the maze. There were seven of them, against Saerif and
his four accomplices and he felt confident that they could best them. But the spiders
were the unstable factor. The spiders could attack them, but could also corner the
assassins.

 

They covered each other’s back and Barandhraug, who knew the maze best, led them deeper
into the labyrinth.

 

Barandhraug raised a hand, signaling the group to stop. He went down on his heels and
studied the tracks in front of him. “I see only three sets of footprints.” That led him
to believe that two of the assassins had already died inside the maze. “We should remain
careful, in spite of the fact that we outnumber them.”

 

Thranduil nodded once, agreeing with his Captain. He could only hope that they all
survived this dangerous trip into the maze.

 

~~~

 

A rain of stones suddenly descended onto them, making them run for cover. From above,
they heard Saerif screaming orders and hearing his voice served as a warning. Legolas
admitted to himself that he had grown careless during these last few minutes and now they
were paying the price. A quick look told him that all members of the party were unharmed
and had found shelter. All save for one… He couldn’t find his father. Thranduil had
disappeared!

 

Panic overwhelmed him and Legolas searched his surroundings. Had Saerif succeeded in
capturing his father? “Elrohir! We need to circle around them and take control of the
situation!”

 

Elrohir had also found Thranduil missing and nodded once.

 

Barandhraug appeared to Legolas’ right and together they climbed the rocky wall, whilst
Elrohir, Lindir and Mithrilas headed left. Tharmalthen, who was obviously out of his
element remained close to Galednel, who led their way up the rocky slope.

 

Suddenly, everything went lightning-fast. Saerif and his remaining two companions
appeared behind them and attacked. Legolas and Barandhraug were outnumbered, but held on
until Mithrilas and Elrohir had reached them. Even Tharmalthen managed to defend himself
when one of the assassins attacked.

 

Saerif suddenly found his way over to Legolas and seeing the Woodland Elf’s exposed back,
made ready to deliver the lethal blow, but then Thranduil appeared, storming toward his
nemesis. Legolas spun around and realized the danger he had been in. His father had saved
him from certain death.

 

The battle didn’t last long. Saerif and his companions were already exhausted due to
famine and were outclassed and mastered. Thranduil felt some satisfaction when he placed
the tip of his sword against Saerif’s throat, but he never forgot how easily the tables
could turn. Only a moment ago Legolas had been in lethal danger! “My son has some
questions for you and you had better answer them!”

 

Legolas shook himself from his surprise. Thranduil acted confident and was obvious in
control. Lindir appeared close to Thranduil, ready to defend the Woodland King in case
Saerif might launch a last, desperate attack.

 

Lindir had felt terrified, finding Thranduil gone and had feared for the worst. Seeing
his beloved alive and well soothed his nerves and his confidence grew.

 

“What do you want to know?” Saerif’s eyes narrowed, eying Legolas contemptuously. The
fact that they had defeated him angered him, but he also knew he still had a trick up his
sleeve. Reinforcements would arrive any moment now and then Thranduil would be at *his*
mercy!

 

“What did you to do Oropher?” Legolas remained alert, advancing on Saerif. “He began to
change after you arrived!”

 

Saerif gave Legolas a scornful glare. “Oropher was weak when I met him. He merely
*pretended* being King. Instead of hardening his soldiers he was reciting poetry to his
future wife!”

 

“What did you do?” spat Legolas.

 

Thranduil was the first to sense the strange presence trying to enter his mind. It wasn’t
Lindir – he knew how the texture of the minstrel’s mind felt. “That is how you gained
control over my father!”

 

Legolas gave his father a curious look. “What do you mean?”

 

“I feel him in my mind… He is whispering to me…” Thranduil immediately blocked Saerif and
cast him from his mind. “You poisoned him from within!”

 

“What are you? A sorcerer?” Legolas eyed Saerif closely.

 

Saerif realized he had made a fatal mistake. He had been convinced that he could take
control of Thranduil’s mind, but the Woodland Elf was stronger than Oropher had been and
had cast him out. “Aye, I guided Oropher… advised him… showed him what true leadership
entailed.” He laughed, bitterly. “There has only been one Elf who truly deserved the
title of leader – Fëanor! Oropher did not even come close to him – not even with my
guidance!”

 

“Your guidance…” Thranduil’s voice was soft and deceivingly dangerous. “You corrupted
him. He would have been a good father and a good husband if it had not been for you! You
wrecked my life! And my mother’s!”

 

“And you ruined Oropher’s,” added Legolas, his voice hard and bitter. “You truly deserve
to die.”

 

“Nay, it is *you* who will die!” screamed Saerif, seeing the spiders had arrived. “Take
them out! Kill them!”

 

The spiders roared, raising their large, hairy legs and reached for the party of Elves.
Saerif’s accomplices chose to retreat, valuing their hide more than extracting revenge on
Thranduil and his companions. Only Saerif remained and he used the distraction the
spiders presented to his advantage. He kicked Legolas off his feet and whilst the Prince
stumbled forward, Saerif grabbed Legolas’ knife and prepared to strike.

 

Thranduil watched the scene unfold as if it was happening in slow motion. He wanted to
help his son, but a giant spider blocked his path. A shudder coursed through his body,
recognizing the beast. It was the very spider who had injured him as a child, who had
almost killed him. His mind, still reeling from feeling Saerif’s mental touch, was
vulnerable and for one moment, he sensed the spider’s presence. He didn’t know what
happened between them in those short moments, but suddenly the spider turned, raised a
leg and buried the tip, which dripped with venom in Saerif’s back.

 

Saerif screamed in shock, feeling the deadly poison spread through his body. The spider
raised his leg again, taking Saerif’s convulsing body with him. Saerif’s body continued
to twitch for a few more seconds and white foam appeared on his lips. The eyes froze in
death, whilst the convulsions continued.

 

Thranduil felt paralyzed, watching the horrid scene. That spider could have taken him,
yet it had turned away and had targeted Saerif instead. Saerif must have been
overconfident to turn his back to the spider, believing it under his control. Or had the
spider made a conscious decision not to take Thranduil’s life and to take Saerif’s
instead?

 

For one long moment the spider’s beady, black eyes met Thranduil’s and then, the spider
flung Saerif’s body far away from him. Thranduil was almost certain that he saw deep
contempt in the spider’s eyes, just before the creature turned and stalked away from the
group of Elves.

 

“Ada? What happened just now?” Legolas felt deeply shocked, realizing how close first he
and then his father had come to certain death. “Did that spider spare your life and take
Saerif’s instead?”

 

“It looks like it,” said Thranduil, musing aloud. “We will probably never know the
truth.” Had the spider recognized him? Had the creature recalled stabbing him? Leaving
him behind to die? Thranduil didn’t know what had happened and he made his peace with
that. “You are alive, my son,” he said, giving Legolas a grateful look. “Let us leave
this maze, seal it and make certain that no one enters it again.”

 

Lindir walked up to Thranduil and locked gazes with him, grateful that his mate had been
spared. The group of Elves left the maze, unharmed and with the answers they had come to
find.

 

~~~

 

“Stroke more firmly… Aye, like that…” Ereinion couldn’t take his eyes off his shameless
mate. Erestor had exited the bathroom naked and had sat down in front of the mirror,
sporting an erection. The mischievous expression in the almond-shaped eyes made sure that
he looked on, spellbound and addicted to Erestor’s fluid motions as the Advisor brought
himself to orgasm.

 

Erestor licked his bottom lip, purred and parted his legs further, giving his lover quite
the show. During their lifetime he had loved driving Ereinion to the edge – and further.
His lover would then react by throwing him onto their bed and claiming him, making it
very clear that he belonged to the King. He had loved Ereinion taking control like that!

 

“Touch yourself more intimately, meleth…”

 

Erestor considered his possibilities, wondering how he could please Ereinion best and a
most wicked thought came to him. Carefully, he lifted his legs and placed the soles of
his feet against the mirror. Leaning back, he shifted until he had attained a comfortable
position. “Do you like that, Ereinion?”

 

“Oh, if only I were alive!” It was the one thing he missed the most in death, making love
to Erestor. And now that his beloved mate was alive again, all he could do was watch.

 

“And then what?” Erestor demonstratively licked a fingertip, lavishing it with saliva.

 

“Then I would claim you.” A moan fled the mirror and reached Erestor’s quivering body,
caressing it like a hint of wind. “Ah, you always were… bendy.”

 

Erestor laughed and placed a slick finger at the opening to his body. All the while, he
continued stroking his erection, which glistered with transparent pre-ejaculate. “I will
imagine it is you entering my body, meleth.” With those words, he thrust that finger
inside and searched for his prostate. “I miss you, Ereinion. I miss feeling you move
inside of me… Talk to me,” he pleaded, unable to keep his head raised any longer. Letting
it fall backward, he impaled himself further, slipping a second finger inside.

 

“Oh yes, take yourself, Erestor. Take yourself and remember what it felt like when I
possessed you. The King’s own…”

 

Erestor shivered, violently, unable to stop himself from coming. “Aiya!” He had hoped to
last longer, to give Ereinion more time to enjoy seeing him take himself, but his orgasm
was ripped from him and his semen splashed against the mirror, smearing the surface.

 

“I can almost taste you,” whispered Ereinion, touched that Erestor had done this for him.
But with joy also came regret and even resentment. Resentment, aimed at the Valar for
taking Erestor away from him.

 

Erestor yelped, riding the last waves of bliss, which he had been denied for millennia.
“I wish you were here,” he whispered, raising his head to look at Ereinion. But the
mirror no longer showed his lover’s features. Ereinion had fled and Erestor’s eyes filled
with tears. Quickly, he removed his fingers from his passage and used a towel to clean
himself up. He bent forward to clean the mirror’s surface as well. /You knew what price
we would pay in order for me to be with our son and we accepted this arrangement, and
yet, I wish we had not. I want to be with you. I should never have left./

 

~~~

 

“Are you ready to leave?” Dûrel had offered to escort Erestor to the Hall of Fire, where
a feast would be held in order to celebrate the summer solstice. He had dressed in his
finest robes and had draped Ereinion’s cloak across his shoulders.

 

“You even wear the circlet Ereinion had made for you,” said Erestor, dragging his
fingertips along the black gold. “I remember the first time I saw it.” He felt depressed,
but tried to act the part, just for Dûrel’s sake. Too fresh was Ereinion’s retreat from
the mirror after he had found release. It almost felt like a chasm had opened at his feet
and that it was about to swallow him. What if Ereinion wouldn’t use the mirror to talk to
him any more? What if such contact became too painful for his husband? How could he go on
then?

 

“You seem troubled,” offered Dûrel, worried.

 

“I miss your father,” said Erestor, unable to lie. “We had grown close again during these
last few millennia, which we spent in the Halls of Waiting. We had been apart before –
when I was taking care of you – and that was inevitable, but this…” This had been their
choice.

 

“Do you regret returning to me?” asked Dûrel with a growing pain in his heart. Guilt
gnawed at him, realizing he was the reason why Erestor and Ereinion had been forced apart
again. He had also been the reason for their first separation!

 

“Dûrel! Never think that it is your fault that Ereinion and I are apart. We were
presented a choice and we decided that I should return to you, even if that meant being
apart. It was Ereinion’s choice and mine… not yours, so do not dare feel guilty over
something you had no say in!”

 

Dûrel offered Erestor a weak smile. Rationally, he knew Erestor was right, but his heart
told him that he was to blame for their parents’ enforced separation!

 

~~~

 

Looking upon Erestor, Elrond found that the Chief Advisor wore the deepest, darkest black
he had been able to find. The hair was loose and danced against the small of Erestor’s
back. Large, almond-shaped eyes radiated mystery and a sense of desolation. Quite the
change from the Elf who had left his study two hours ago. What had happened during that
time?

 

There was a large crowd in the Hall of Fire and Elves of all standing were mingling
during the celebration. The Hall had been decorated with blossoming summer flowers and
Arien’s rays still illuminated the rooms. Dûrel and Erestor appeared at his side and he
greeted them. Erestor returned the kind words, but grew silent after that, becoming
brooding and distant.

 

At the same time, Haldir entered the Hall. His gaze swept through the room and settled on
Elladan and Glorfindel. The two Elves were holding hands and kissing and many of the
other Elves cast envious looks in their direction. Elrond’s oldest son had finally taken
a lover then. He couldn’t fault Elladan’s choice, for Glorfindel was truly a worthy mate.

 

Haldir’s gaze traveled from the happy couple to Dûrel and Elrond. The Herald and High-
King were engaged in discussion and paid him no attention. Behind the High-King stood
Mithrandír, who was chatting with Melpomaen. In the end, he found the Elf he had been
looking for and his eyes narrowed in admiration. When Celeborn had ordered him to seduce
Erestor, he had felt degraded. Aye, it was true that he loved to flirt, but he seldom
took an Elf to bed. So far, he had only had two lovers in his life and he didn’t plan on
bedding Erestor if there was no mutual attraction. He would humor Celeborn, but only to a
certain degree. Erestor was a mysterious beauty and flirting with the dark-haired Elf
didn’t seem like a chore.

 

“Milord Elrond?” Haldir approached his host first, paying the Lord of Imladris his
respects. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

 

“You are most welcome,” said Elrond, smiling at his guest. Following Haldir’s gaze, he
realized that the fair Galadhrim was looking at Erestor. Introducing them would only be
polite and was one of his duties as Haldir’s host. “Haldir, allow me to introduce Erestor
to you. Erestor, this is Haldir of Lórien, a most trusted friend.”

 

Erestor, realizing he was being addressed, met Haldir’s gaze. Haldir was without any
doubt a delight for the eyes. The long, silver hair framed a strong face and the hazel
eyes revealed their owner’s mischievous side. “I am honored to meet you, Haldir of
Lórien,” said Erestor, politely.

 

Elrond, having done his duty, turned his attention back to his husband. From the corner
of his eye, he saw Elladan drag Glorfindel out of the Hall. Judging by the passionate
expression in his son’s eyes, Glorfindel was in for a long and tiring night!

 

“Your presence enriches the feast tonight, Erestor. Tales tell of your wisdom and
loyalty, but the story tellers were badly remiss not to sing of your beauty.” Oh, he
wasn’t at his most subtle, but that might be because his heart wasn’t in it. Aye, Erestor
was handsome, one of the finest Elves he had ever met, but the Chief Advisor didn’t touch
his heart. He would however, act his part.

 

“Thank you, Haldir,” replied Erestor, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Your words are
kind.”

 

“No words could ever describe the black sea of passion in your eyes,” whispered Haldir,
cunningly slipping his fingers beneath the fabric of Erestor’s sleeve to bestow a caress
onto the inside of Erestor’s wrist. “Such beauty should be worshipped.” Erestor’s dark
eyes shone with some emotion Haldir couldn’t label, but it sparked a serious interest in
the Chief Advisor. Suddenly flirting didn’t seem such a bad thing after all. He was
curious to find out just how far he could take this.

 

~~~

 

Ereinion, using the large mirror hanging above the fire place to keep an eye on Erestor,
seethed with indignation, seeing Haldir trying to seduce his husband. How dared the
Galadhrim compliment Erestor like that? /Only I am allowed to do that!/

 

“Ereinion, this was not part of our agreement.” In the Halls of Waiting, Námo
materialized next to the dead High-King.

 

“I no longer care about our agreement! That silver-haired slut is trying to talk my
Erestor into his bed!” Ereinion, well-known for his fast-flaring temper, glared at the
Vala. “That pompous blond making a pass at my husband was not a part of our agreement
either, was it?”

 

“Ereinion,” said Námo, trying to placate the furious High-King. “You cannot begrudge
Erestor enjoying some flirtation. After all, he has been dead and bereft of any tactile
sensation for millennia. Would you really want him to limit himself to touching himself?
Do you love him that little?”

 

Námo’s words stung and Ereinion directed his attention to Erestor again.

 

~~~

 

“I will be direct,” purred Haldir. “I am only staying in Imladris until tomorrow evening
and I would find it most pleasing if you were to keep me company tonight. I have been
told that I have very talented hands…” Haldir leaned in closer and whispered into
Erestor’s ear, “And tongue. I could do things to you, make you squirm and make you beg me
to bury myself inside you.” He emphasized his bold statement by licking the tip of
Erestor’s ear.

 

Flabbergasted, Erestor blinked. Was Haldir seducing him? Luring him into his bed? They
had just met! Didn’t the Galadhrim know he was Ereinion’s mate? “Haldir, I…”

 

“You do not need to speak. Sometimes, being unable to speak and to move can be very
fulfilling. Someone like you, someone who is constantly under a lot of pressure, might
enjoy being tied to the bed.” Haldir, using the benefits Erestor’s robes provided,
slipped a hand inside the fabric and cupped a firm buttock. “I will make you scream with
pleasure.”

 

~~~

 

“Enough is enough! I am not having this!” Ereinion, powerful in his rage, ignored Námo,
who tried to restrain him. He took a step forward, phased through the glass of the mirror
and found himself standing in the center of the Hall of Fire, facing Haldir.

 

~~~

 

The soft chattering died and shocked Elves stared at the apparition in their midst. Some
of these Elves had fought side-by-side with Ereinion at the slopes of Mount Doom and had
seen him die. Now, Ereinion stood in their midst, alive and seething.

 

“Step away from my husband!” Ereinion pushed the Elves aside which stood between him and
Haldir. He brought his face only an inch away from Haldir and glared into the startled,
hazel eyes. “Only *I* tie my husband to the bed, if he so desires! You are trespassing.
If you value your life… Run!”

 

“Ereinion!” Dazed, Erestor reached for his lover. “You cannot be here!” But when he
placed his fingers on Ereinion’s arm his husband felt mighty real to him!

 

Haldir had grown extremely pale and backed away from the furious Elf opposite him.
Erestor had called him Ereinion, but that couldn’t be, could it? This couldn’t be the
former High-King!

 

Elrond spat out the wine he had been drinking and his eyes almost bulged from their
sockets. “Ereinion?” he said, hoarsely.

 

“Aye, it is I! And no one, I repeat no one, is going to take my husband to his bed, do
you understand me, Haldir?” Ereinion growled and buried his hands in the fabric of
Haldir’s tunic, actually lifting the silver-haired Elf from his feet.

 

Erestor blinked again. Was he delusional? But, judging by the expression in the other
Elves’ eyes, they shared the same vision with him, so… “Ereinion?” His husband felt real
beneath his touch and although he was at a loss to explain what had happened, his mind
grasped the new situation quickly. “Ereinion, how can the poor Elf run for his life when
you have such a tight hold on him? Release him.”

 

Ereinion reluctantly obeyed. “Run,” he barked and Haldir ran. “And you…” Ereinion turned
to face Erestor. “I am the only one to talk in that way to you! How could you let him
continue?”

 

“Ereinion, aren’t you supposed to be in the Halls of Waiting, my dear?” Erestor raised an
eyebrow.

 

Suddenly growing aware of what had happened Ereinion sucked in his breath. “What…?”
Looking about, he realized just where he was. “But this is not possible!” Námo had been
standing next to him! Surely the Vala would have stopped him from leaving the Halls. And
how could he have left the Halls? “I am dead.”

 

“You seem very much alive to me,” said Elrond, his feelings at war with each other. He
wanted to hug Ereinion but at the same time he wanted to lecture him for scaring Haldir
in such a way!

 

“I am breathing…” Ereinion placed a finger at the inside of his wrist and felt a pulse.
“I am alive, but…”

 

“Look!” The word echoed through the assembled crows and eventually reached Ereinion.
“Look!” And Ereinion looked into the direction the Elves were pointing him in. The large
mirror above the fire didn’t reflect the crowd anymore. Námo had appeared instead.

 

“Hold me,” whispered Ereinion, pulling Erestor close. “And whatever you do, do not let
go.” Maybe if he clung to life, to Erestor, Námo couldn’t take him to the Halls of
Waiting again!

 

Elrond, stunned as well, shook himself and went to stand in front of Ereinion, trying to
shield his former King from the Vala’s power. “Milord Námo,” he said, bowing his head in
greeting.

 

Námo ignored the ruler of Imladris. “Ereinion, what have you done?”

 

“I do not know… You tell me.” Ereinion, all bravado gone, hid behind Elrond’s back,
merely peeking at Námo’s darkened gaze. “I do not want to go back,” he whispered into
Erestor’s ear.

 

“And I do not want you to go back.” Erestor gathered his courage and addressed the
Doomsman of the Valar. “Milord, now that Ereinion has found his way to Imladris, you will
surely not be so cruel to take him away from me again? And from our son?” Erestor
beckoned for Dûrel to join him. Dûrel understood and left Elrond’s side to stand next to
Ereinion.

 

“Ada?” Dûrel’s mouth had gone dry, standing in front of the Elf he had always wanted to
get to know. “Is it you?” He raised a hand and tenderly touched Ereinion’s face. “I
always wanted to touch you just once… Tell you how much I wanted to have you near.”

 

Erestor’s eyes flared. “Milord Námo, I am well aware of the fact that this is not part of
the bargain we struck, but surely you will not take a father away from a son he has never
known?”

 

A mysterious smile appeared on Námo’s face and it urged Mithrandír into action. “Erestor
speaks wisely and Dûrel needs a father – he never had one before. It would surely please
the Valar to know this family complete again?”

 

Námo inclined his head. “Ereinion still cares much for his husband and his son, otherwise
he would not have been able to cross over into the land of the living.”

 

“Then grace Ereinion with the greatest gift you can possibly give, Milord Námo,”
beseeched Elrond. “Allow him to stay. Be generous.”

 

“It *is* within my power to allow you to stay, Ereinion,” said Námo, musing. “However, I
will name one condition. If you agree to it, you will be allowed to stay.”

 

“I will do whatever you ask of me,” said Ereinion, hesitantly, as he didn’t know what the
Vala would demand from him.

 

“You *will* apologize to Haldir – nicely --,” stated Námo with a wicked gleam to his
eyes.

 

Ereinion was about to protest, when he felt Dûrel’s hand on his arm. He swallowed his
objections and nodded once. “I will apologize – nicely.”

 

“Good.” Námo smiled, mysteriously, and then his image faded from the mirror, leaving the
Elves in great consternation.

 

~~~

 

“Ada…” Dûrel embraced his father, not caring what any of the onlookers might think.
Ereinion reacted by burying him in a tight hug and from the crowd came cheering,
applauding and even a battle cry from a seasoned warrior.

 

“Mae govannen3, Dûrel. I am your father,” said Ereinion, grinning. He would honor his
word and apologize to Haldir, but later. Now, he wanted to hold his son.

 

~~~

 

/You did well, Haldir,/ came Celeborn’s mind voice to the Galadhrim. /You did as you were
told and were successful. Your attempt at seducing Erestor enraged Ereinion sufficiently
for him to enter the world of the living. I regret that I could not tell you more, but I
was sworn to secrecy./

 

Haldir, slowly calming down after fleeing the Hall of Fire, concentrated on the
connection. /Milord, sworn to secrecy by whom?/

 

/Well, Námo of course./

 

~~~

 

Elladan unleashed was almost a scary sight. Glorfindel blinked, being pushed onto his bed
by a very possessive and eager Elladan. The sound of fabric being shredded echoed through
the bedroom and Glorfindel grabbed Elladan’s wrists. He was sorely tempted to empty the
content of a bucket of ice water over his too fervent lover. A musky scent emanated from
Elladan’s pores and Glorfindel’s eyes widened, feeling Elladan rub his buttocks against
his groin. “Elladan, calm down and then slow down!”

 

“Why should I, now that I finally have you all to myself?” Elladan cocked his head and
eyed Glorfindel, rapaciously, trying to decide what section of his golden-haired lover to
taste first. “My father permitted me to court you and court you I will!”

 

“By ripping my tunic apart?” Glorfindel yelped, finding that Elladan was undoing the
lacing to his leggings. “Elladan, I understand that you are excited, but you must slow
down!”

 

“Do you not understand?” said Elladan, breathing hard as he leaned in closer. “I am about
to come just because I feel you beneath me!” But their conversation *was* forcing him to
still his movements.

 

“I know you are hard, Elladan.” How could he *not* feel that? “But you have no experience
in these matters. Wouldn’t it better if you led me lead?”

 

“I do not care who leads! I just want us out of these clothes!” Elladan placed the palms
of his hands against Glorfindel’s muscular chest. “Guide me then!” He would do whatever
necessary in order to find release!

 

Glorfindel lifted a hand and cupped Elladan’s face. “Let us remove our clothes first,
preferably in one piece!” He felt relieved, finding Elladan’s movements less frantic and
they managed to undress without shredding any more garments.

 

“Let me look at you,” whispered Elladan, standing next to the bed on which Glorfindel lay
in all his naked glory. The warrior’s body was perfectly proportioned with muscle tone,
the long legs promised endurance and Glorfindel’s member was quite impressive and already
erect. Panting, Elladan climbed onto the bed, straddled Glorfindel and curled the fingers
of both his hands around the imposing hard flesh. “I have had dreams,” he whispered, “in
which I did this to you and you would moan my name.”

 

“This is not a dream, Elladan.” Glorfindel’s thoughts raced. “Elladan, you have never had
intercourse before, did you?”

 

“I have never made love before…” Elladan stared in rapture at the head of Glorfindel’s
erection on which formed beads of pre-ejaculate. Curious, he slid one droplet onto a
fingertip and then licked it off. It tasted slightly salty, but not unpleasant. Bending
forward, he brought their erections into contact and began sliding his member alongside
Glorfindel’s. He rocked atop Glorfindel, threw back his head and moaned, deep and low in
his throat.

 

“Tell me, Elladan, what do you want? This is your first time and whatever you want, you
will have it, but you must tell me.” Glorfindel placed his large, strong hands around
Elladan’s waist and steadied the half-Elf when he swayed.

 

Aye, what did he want? Elladan’s eyes opened and met Glorfindel’s. “I do not know… I like
the thought of taking you inside of me, but I also relish the idea of burying myself
inside you.” It really wasn’t fair of Glorfindel to ask him to make such a decision at
this point. “What do you recommend?”

 

Glorfindel ran his hands up Elladan’s abdomen and chest, encountered two erect nipples
and rolled them between his fingers, drawing needy moans from his lover. Did Elladan
really have no preference? In that case, he would take the lead. “Do you trust me,
Elladan? Trust me to take care of you? I will never hurt you, although, I might not be
able to spare you some mild discomfort when I enter you.” The groan, which Elladan
released, traveled straight to his eager flesh.

 

“Aye, take me.” Elladan looked trustingly into Glorfindel’s eyes. “Please do it – do it
now.” It was a good thing he had hidden some oil in Glorfindel’s nightstand, hoping that
this would happen tonight. He opened the drawer and pressed the vial into Glorfindel’s
hand. “Be gentle with me.”

 

Glorfindel placed a hand at either side of Elladan’s head and brought him in for a kiss.
After kissing him, he said, “I will always be gentle with you.” Bringing his arms up
behind Elladan’s back, he gently lowered the half-Elf onto his back. “Raise your hips for
me.” Elladan gave him a questioning look when a pillow was pushed below his buttocks and
Glorfindel said, “It will be easier this way.” Elladan nodded once and the trust that
shone from the grey eyes touched Glorfindel deeply. “I will use my fingers first – I need
to stretch you.” Another nod followed and Glorfindel wondered if Elladan had any notion
of what making love was like.

 

Glorfindel removed the stopper and coated a finger with the oil. Parting Elladan’s knees,
he settled between them and placed his fingertip at the guardian ring. He took his time
massaging it and leaned in closer, claiming Elladan’s lips in a kiss in order to distract
him. Elladan twitched beneath him when he slid that first finger inside. “How does it
feel?” He wanted to keep their conversation going, as it would allow him to pick up on
any second thoughts Elladan might have.

 

“Odd, but not unpleasant.” Elladan concentrated on the invasive feeling and decided he
liked it.

 

Satisfied with his lover’s response, Glorfindel added more oil and returned with two,
slowly sliding them inside the loosening passage. “How about this?” He tweaked Elladan’s
nipple and suckled the skin of his lover’s throat in another attempt to distract him.

 

“Feels fuller, but still pleasant.” Elladan decided he liked this feeling better. He
actually felt Glorfindel’s finger stretching him and suddenly… “Glorfindel!” Elladan was
almost catapulted off the bed; the pleasant sensation had almost made him come!

 

“That, meleth, is your prostate.” Glorfindel smiled, relieved that things were going so
well. He would stop the moment Elladan was in pain.

 

“Are you going to take me now?” A slow, lazy feeling was taking possession of him, now
that Glorfindel continued to stretch him. He felt ready to accommodate his lover.

 

“Almost,” whispered Glorfindel, placing cat-like nips around Elladan’s nipples. More oil
was added and he carefully slid three fingers inside, instantly noticing Elladan growing
tense. “Is it too much?”

 

“Nay, give me a moment.” Elladan shifted and raised his hips. Glorfindel’s fingers slid
in even deeper and he panted, hard. “Will it feel like this when you take me?” He felt
full!

 

“I am larger than that, Elladan. That is why I need to stretch you.” Maybe, he
considered, this was a bad idea after all. Maybe he should have let Elladan do the
taking, but his lover *was* inexperienced and could easily fall prey to passion and act
thoughtlessly.

 

“Even fuller than this?” Elladan blinked; Glorfindel had set up a thrusting motion and
massaged his prostate with each stroke. “I think I am ready.”

 

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath and felt more nervous than he had thought he would. He
knelt between Elladan’s legs, covered his member with oil and positioned himself to
penetrate his young lover. “I will be gentle, but there might still be some discomfort.
Tell me if you want me to stop.”

 

Elladan felt vulnerable and feebly nodded his head. The head of Glorfindel’s shaft nudged
against the entrance to his body and he sucked in his breath when the warrior raised his
legs, resting his knees on the blond Elf’s shoulders. He had never felt more exposed
before and blushed. But it was too late now to reconsider his actions!

 

And then, Glorfindel began to open him up. The warrior slid inside slowly, pausing with
intervals to let him adjust to the sensation. Aye, Glorfindel was large and thick and his
passage was struggling to accept the intruder. Elladan had stopped breathing,
concentrating on the invasive sensation.

 

“Elladan, breathe!” Freezing in his movement was torture for Glorfindel but he did so at
any rate as his lover’s well-being came first.

 

Elladan drew in a shaky breath and placed his hands on Glorfindel’s shoulders.
“Continue.” His erection was fading and discomfort had taken over.

 

Seeing his lover’s growing distress, Glorfindel bowed forward and licked one of Elladan’s
nipples back into hardness. Suckling it first, he felt Elladan surge beneath him, raising
his hips and he scraped his teeth along the nub, making his lover squirm.

 

Elladan closed his eyes and all of a sudden, Glorfindel slid in the last part, burying
himself to the hilt. “Oh…” Elladan’s mouth had gone dry and his nails dug into
Glorfindel’s skin. “I feel…” He lacked the words to describe how he felt.

 

Glorfindel, who had shown incredible restraint so far, was losing the fight. Elladan was
incredibly tight and felt so good around him that he couldn’t stop himself from
delivering that first thrust.

 

Elladan gasped and his big eyes fastened on Glorfindel’s. The warrior was a magnificent
sight to behold, as he drove himself home. Strength, power and might moved above him and
Elladan surrendered to it.

 

The rhythm was slow at first, slow and shallow, but as need built inside Glorfindel, the
warrior used more strength to bury himself, practically shoving Elladan over the bed with
each thrust.

 

Elladan did the only thing he could; he released Glorfindel’s bruised flesh and reached
for the headboard, which luckily consisted of several bars, grabbing hold for support.
Staring in wonder at Glorfindel, he whimpered.

 

Glorfindel buried himself deep inside his lover’s body, threw back his head and growled,
finding release.

 

Elladan had never felt anything like it before when Glorfindel’s seed filled him. The
warrior continued to thrust a few more times and those strokes brought Elladan to orgasm
as well. He yelled Glorfindel’s name, shook over his entire body and relaxed beneath his
lover.

 

Glorfindel immediately cradled his lover’s head in his hands, claimed the lips and
stroked the damp hair. Their lovemaking had left both of them sweaty. Elladan’s passage
contracted around him and Glorfindel mewed, bestowing tiny licks onto his lover’s lips.

 

Elladan thought he would faint from blissful exhaustion, but managed to hang on. The bulk
inside him diminished and he whimpered, pitifully, when Glorfindel pulled out. “That was…
intense,” he whispered, drained.

 

“Aye, it was,” replied Glorfindel, breathing hard. He had almost collapsed onto his
future husband’s frame, but had caught himself at the last minute, not wanting to crush
his exhausted lover. He rolled off of Elladan and settled down on his side, draping an
arm and a leg possessively over his beloved’s body.

 

Elladan stared at the ceiling, blinked and shifted experimentally. A sharp pain coursed
through his lower body, making him gasp.

 

“A hot bath will ease your ache. I will fill up the bathtub, but first, I am going to
kiss you.”

 

Elladan quickly forgot any discomfort he was in now that Glorfindel’s lips descended onto
his. He had wanted the warrior and now he had him!

 

~~~

 

Later that evening, Elrond, Dûrel, Erestor and Ereinion sat together in the half-Elf’s
study. They had left the feast in order to talk. Especially Dûrel had felt the need to
have his father close. Erestor continued to glance at Ereinion, knowing that one of the
Valar must have hand a hand in this, as his husband could never have returned on his own
strength. But did it matter? He had Ereinion back in his life – his *life*! They were
both alive!

 

“Ada,” whispered Dûrel, finally realizing the dynamics of their little family. “I did not
think I would ever be able to touch you!” He curled his fingers around Ereinion’s and
stared at his father in amazement. He still expected Ereinion to vanish any moment now.
He also now knew what to call Erestor. “Naneth4 and you are together again and I have you
both in my life now.” The guilt, which he had felt because he had been the reason why his
parents had been separated now left him.

 

Ereinion chuckled hearing Erestor being called that. “Your Naneth and I still have some
matters to discuss, my son. I do not think Erestor expected for me to leave the Halls of
Waiting.”


”I am not complaining,” said Erestor, smiling happily. He was already looking forward to
some private moments, which they would hopefully share once Dûrel felt ready to let go of
Ereinion’s hand.

 

“You still looked rather shocked, my dear Elrond.” Ereinion gave the half-Elf a wink.
“So, I gather that we are family now, my son?” Elrond’s pupils widened, making Ereinion
laugh even harder. “Oh, you will grow used again to my charming presence!” Ereinion still
felt stunned, realizing he had exchanged the Halls for Imladris. That thought also
reminded him of a promise he had made. “Erestor, remind me to seek out Haldir later. I
still need to apologize to him.”

 

“You actually scared him,” commented Elrond. “I have never seen him run before.”

 

“There is a first time for everything,” replied Ereinion, cheekily, giving Erestor a
suggestive look. /There is a also a first time for making love in our second life!/
Recalling the way Erestor had looked, taking himself in front of the mirror, he grew
hard. Tonight, he would have his wicked away with his husband – for the first time in
millennia.

 

~~~~

 

“Would you like some company? I saw you sitting here by yourself and… No one should be
alone on this joyous evening.”

 

Haldir looked up from staring at the grass and into Melpomaen’s sparkling eyes. “Aye, I
would like some company,” he said, honestly. The Advisor seated himself on the bench next
to him and Haldir peeked at the smiling face. He had talked to the Advisor on several
occasions, mostly when he had been sent to deliver a message, but they had never before
engaged in personal conversation. “Aren’t you afraid to find a very angry, former High-
King screaming at you? After all, you are sitting with the one Elf who infuriated him
enough to leave the Halls of Waiting.”

 

Melpomaen shrugged his shoulders once. “I have found that most warriors have a temper,
but that it is also quickly subdued again, once the initial shock wears off.” His eyes
narrowed. “If my eyes do not deceive me, I think Ereinion is heading our way. Be at
peace, he is not alone. Erestor will control him.” He had complete trust in his fellow
advisor.

 

Haldir glanced about, looking for the fastest way out of the gardens should Ereinion
threaten him again. He wasn’t an Elf who usually accepted such a verbal beating, but this
was the former High-King they were talking about! And he had heard many stories about
Ereinion’s temper.

 

“Haldir…” Ereinion bowed, slightly. “I am here to apologize. I was rude earlier and did
not act according to my station. The only excuse I can give is that I love my husband
dearly and will never share him.”

 

Erestor smiled, hearing Ereinion’s words and slid his fingers into his lover’s hand. “You
are doing well. Now continue.”

 

Ereinion coughed, clearing his throat. “Thank you for making me angry in such a way that
I fled the Halls. I did not know I could do that.”

 

Haldir remained silent, but did recall Celeborn’s words. He had only been a pawn in this
attempt at returning Ereinion to Middle-Earth. “I accept your apology.”

 

“Thank you, Haldir. I am in your debt. If there is anything I can do to make up for my
rude behavior please let me know.”

 

Haldir nodded once and watched Erestor pull Ereinion back into the house with him.
Melpomaen was still at his side and Haldir found he liked the silence that now settled
over the gardens as most Elves had retired for the night.

 

Melpomaen allowed for a smile to break through on his features. No Elf should be alone on
a night like this and looking at the stars with Haldir at his side suited him just fine.

 

~~~

 

“I already look forward to spending tomorrow with our son,” said Ereinion, leaving the
bathroom first. They had taken a long, hot bath and Ereinion had realized just how tired
he felt. Coming back to life again had drained him.

 

“So do I.” Erestor, already nestled on their bed, quickly placed the vial of oil in the
drawer and closed it. He rolled onto his stomach, closed his eyes and waited for his
husband to join him in bed.

 

Ereinion’s breath caught, seeing his husband presenting himself in such a wanton way. The
long, dark hair cascaded down an elegantly curved back. The swell of firm, round buttocks
caused his member to awaken and twitch and seeing Erestor part his legs and press deeper
into the comfort of the mattress made it much easier for Ereinion to make up his mind.
“You look delicious.” He cast away the towel, which he had wrapped around his waist and
knelt on the bed.

 

“Where are you?” Erestor looked over his shoulder, feeling the bed move, but not seeing
or feeling his lover. Ereinion was kneeling inches away from him and he knew that
smoldering look in those grey eyes only too well. “I prepared myself for you.” He had
coated his passage with oil, stretching the channel so it could accommodate his lover
once more. “I want you. I have waited millennia for this moment.”

 

Ereinion nodded once, drew in a deep breath and moved. He blanketed Erestor with his own
body and maneuvered until his hard flesh rested in between his lover’s buttocks. “Close
your eyes for me. Pretend you are asleep and then awaken when you feel me deep inside of
you.” They had always loved playing games in bed. In death, Ereinion had thought that he
would never get such a chance again, but now…

Erestor stilled underneath him, the body relaxed and peeking, Ereinion saw that the eyes
had closed. He placed his hands on either side of Erestor’s head and raised himself. The
tip of his erection touched his lover’s guardian ring and then pushed deeper inside. He
slid home and buried himself inside Erestor’s passage. Lowering himself onto his lover,
he pushed Erestor deeper into the mattress. His lips moved to find Erestor’s and he
kissed his lover, who still pretended to sleep. Remaining motionless, Ereinion closed his
eyes as well. They had always fit perfectly.

 

“Ereinion…” Erestor’s eyes slowly opened and he caught his lover’s gaze with his eyes.
The connection was still there, was deepening and even growing stronger.

 

Ereinion licked his lover’s skin and rotated his hips, rubbing Erestor’s prostate. The
dark-haired Elf beneath him squirmed and began to pant. “Up… I want you on all fours, my
dear.”

 

That order went straight to Erestor’s throbbing shaft and a wave of pre-ejaculate settled
on the dark head. Obeying, Erestor pushed himself onto all fours and Ereinion shifted
position behind him, always staying inside him and rubbing the sensitive gland.

 

“It has been too long,” whispered Ereinion, thrusting and claiming his husband of old.
Erestor met his next thrust and Ereinion placed his upper body against his husband’s
back. One hand found his lover’s slick flesh and he stroked, thrusting only marginally as
he wanted their pleasure to last. His other hand snuck down Erestor’s flat abdomen,
searching and finding his lover’s second opening. Ereinion thrust a finger, wet with
saliva, inside and grinned, hearing Erestor yelp helplessly.

 

Erestor gasped for breath, being taken in two different ways. Ereinion’s finger put
pressure against the wall of his passage, manipulating his prostate and he wailed,
keenly, when the sensation became too much and drove him over the edge.

 

Ereinion stilled and savored the twin sensation of contractions around his shaft and his
finger. He would never tire of taking his sweet Erestor in this way!

 

Exhausted, Erestor collapsed onto his front and Ereinion followed him, pressing him down.
“I will give you a few moments to recover,” Ereinion whispered, panting hard himself.
“And then I will take you on the desk.”

 

Erestor groaned; Ereinion’s sexual appetite could be insatiable.

 

“And when we go to sleep, I will spoon behind you and we will fall asleep with my length
buried inside you.”

 

Erestor mewed, softly. He had missed this so much!

 

~~~

 

Epilogue

 

 

“Oh, look at our daughter!” Elrond opened his arms and caught his youngest daughter in
them. Celairel had just taken her first few steps and those had been rather wobbly.

 

Dûrel smiled and wiped away the drool that clung to his son’s lips after Taurel had
finished eating his porridge. These two kept them busy all day long, but one look at
Elrond’s ecstatic expression told Dûrel that he had made the right decision two years
ago. As a result of this decision to have children, he had given birth to twins a year
ago. Erestor had been his greatest support during his pregnancy and had held his hand in
the Healing House when Elrond had fainted. Now, one year later, he loved to tease Elrond
with the fact that the Master Healer had passed out during his delivery.

 

“Your guests have arrived,” announced Melpomaen, smiling at Celairel when she tried to
pull at his lover’s braids. His life had changed dramatically during these last two
years, finding himself courted by a very stubborn and determined March Warden.

 

“Then bring them here!” Elrond cradled his daughter close to his chest, preventing
Celairel from gaining a hold on Melpomaen’s braids.

 

“Ada! Elrohir is here!” Elladan, followed by Glorfindel, rushed into the gardens. The six
months, which Elrohir had planned to spend in Mirkwood, had become two years and he
hadn’t seen his twin since!

 

“Melpomaen just told me.” Elrond made a silly face at his daughter, who burst out into
laughter. Arwen, who sat beneath a beech, giggled, hearing Celairel chuckle. She was
delighted to have a sister and had accepted her siblings into her heart.

 

Elrohir suddenly stormed into the gardens and he flung himself at Elladan. Together, the
twins rolled over the grass until they came to a stop in front of Elrond. “Elladan, I
missed you!” Elrohir pulled back, so he could study his twin’s eyes. “You look happy!”

 

“I am happy! And you have changed,” remarked Elladan, thoughtfully. Elrohir was dressed
in greens and browns and still heavily armed although no danger lurked in Imladris.

 

“Sorry, I learned to constantly be on my guard!” Elrohir grinned and removed his
weaponry, placing them out of reach of the children. “Oh, hello there.” Elrohir waved at
Taurel and suddenly realized something. “Oh, twins!” News of the birth had reached him in
Mirkwood, but there had been no details.

 

“Aye, you have another brother *and* a sister,” said Arwen, who pulled Elrohir into an
embrace.

 

“Oh, that is great!” Elrohir returned the embrace and then greeted his newest siblings.

 

A moment later, Thranduil, Legolas and Lindir appeared. All three were dressed in
hunter’s garb and although they had undertaking a long journey to congratulate Dûrel and
Elrond they looked rested and well.

 

Elrond’s eyes first sought out Lindir’s, as he wanted to see how his old friend fared.
Lindir’s eyes were full of life and love and Elrond smiled, realizing he had made the
right decision years ago. “Welcome to Imladris, my friends!”

 

Thranduil’s gaze met Elrond’s and the half-Elf gasped, seeing the change in them. The
tormented expression, which had haunted the emerald eyes the last time they had met, was
gone. Apparently Thranduil had managed to lay to rest the demons which had haunted him.

 

All the Elves sat down on the grass, admiring the babies. A silence however descended
onto them when Ereinion and Erestor joined them. Elrond watched Thranduil closely, hoping
the Woodland King would accept Ereinion’s presence.

 

Thranduil, recognizing Ereinion, rose from the grass. He had heard that the former King
had returned and had had mixed feelings about Ereinion’s return. But now, as he faced
Ereinion, he decided to lay those ghosts to rest as well. Oropher had died at the slopes
of Mount Doom because he had wanted to emerge victorious from the battle, proving to the
world that they didn’t need Ereinion. “Sire…”

 

“My name is Ereinion.” Thranduil extended his hand in friendship. He’d had plenty of time
to consider what to do once he faced Oropher’s son and had decided that he wanted them to
become friends.

 

Thranduil accepted that hand and shook it. Lindir folded an arm around his waist to show
his approval and Thranduil leaned against his husband. Lindir had caused a remarkable
change inside him and had introduced love into his life -- love and lust.

 

Legolas, leaning against a tree trunk, watched the scene unfold. The half-Elves had been
reunited, there had been two additions to Elrond’s family and his father’s eyes shone
with love. For too long had Thranduil looked at the world through the eyes of a tormented
child. That child however, had finally found peace and the adult had eventually emerged.

 

Thranduil had finally become the Elf he had always been supposed to be and the eyes of
*this* Elf mirrored love.

 

The End

 

 

1 Ada  –- dad, daddy, papa (Sindarin, noun)

2  meleth –- love (Sindarin, noun) 

3 Mae govannen – Well met – spoken greeting (Sindarin, phrase)

4  Naneth  - Mother (Sindarin, noun)

 

From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary

 

OC Names:

Dûrel - Dark Star

Saerif – Bitter Bark

Mithrilas – silver leaf – Chief Advisor to Thranduil

Galednel – green elf – Thranduil’s Seneschal

Gaelveril – pale rose – mother of Thranduil

Barandhraug – brown wolf – Captain of Thranduil’s guards

Tharmalthen – golden grass – Thranduil’s chief healer

Celairel – brilliant star – Dûrel and Elrond’s daughter

Taurel – mighty star – Dûrel and Elrond’s son