Love Enough To Share

Love Enough To Share

Posted: June 1, 2007
Title: Love Enough To Share
Author: Amber
Type: FCS
Characters: Elrond/Glorfindel, Celebrían/Glorfindel implied
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Characters belong to Tolkien; I am only borrowing them for now.
Beta: Oli
Timeline: Imladris, third age, approximately 150 years since Celebrían has sailed for most of the story.

Summary: Celebrían saw a need for contingency plans to be held in the time after she was gone.

*****

As he opened the door to let his son’s enter, Elrond noticed the twinkle and laughter in their eyes. It’s presence left him with hope for their future. It was the first time they had been so light hearted since their mother had sailed. He had begun to fear that he would lose them to the hatred that was consuming them. Elladan flopped across a chair as Elrohir took the brush from his father’s hand and signaled him to sit.

“I will put the braids in your hair Ada. It will be faster and we are hungry,” Elrohir said as he began his task.

“I knew there was an ulterior motive for this,” Elrond teased lightly hoping he wouldn’t destroy their mood with his remark. They proceeded to exchange small talk about their day as Elrohir knotted his ada’s hair. He was finishing the last braid when Glorfindel entered after a short knock. He was carrying a large bouquet of roses wrapped in green ribbon.

“I see your secret admirer is visiting again,” he said as he handed the roses to Elrond.

Elrond groaned and looked pleadingly skyward as the twins burst out laughing. Now he knew why they were in such a mood. It was no secret that Prince Legolas of Mirkwood had been attempting to court Elrond for over a thousand years. He and his wife used to find it highly amusing before she had been forced to sail. The prince cared not that he was a bound elf and refused to take no for an answer. He was so stubborn and full of himself that he could not comprehend not attaining what he wanted. Since his Celebrían had sailed a 150 years ago, Legolas had increased his efforts showing up every several years for intense courting. Legolas’s continued suit and Elrond’s reactions to it had been providing entertainment for the various Elvin realms for years. He should be thankful that his sons did not take offense and hurt Legolas but he could not bring himself to feel that way.

“You would think that he had learned by now not to give me my own roses. I much prefer them on the bushes where they belong,” Elrond said as he tossed the flowers out the balcony door that Glorfindel was holding open in anticipation of his reaction. “I also think you are all enjoying this too much.”

As they all headed down for dinner Elrond resolved to find a way to end Legolas’s attentions. While funny at first, they had begun to annoy him greatly. Since his wife had sailed, Legolas’s attentions had begun to worry him. Maybe he could nudge him towards Haldir when he came to visit next week. He was known to fancy males and would keep the boy firmly in hand.

Elrond managed to avoid Legolas through dinner with Glorfindel’s help. As they retired to the Hall of Fire afterwards, Legolas became more forward, obviously emboldened by the amount of wine he had drunk. Erestor and his wife helped Glorfindel run interference but after several hours they retired for the night. As the night deepened and many left to pursue other activities, Glorfindel left with the twins to pour over maps planning their next orc hunt. Elrond saw Legolas head towards the gardens to clear his head of the effects of the wine and took this opportunity to say his good nights and retire. Something would have to be done soon to make the boy give up his chase Elrond thought as he walked to his quarters. He was becoming a prisoner in his own house whenever the boy showed up.

Some time later, Elrond was jolted awake by the feel of someone climbing into bed with him. Turning to confront the individual he froze in shock as he realized that it was Legolas. Never before had the boy dared to invade Elrond’s personal rooms.

“You have refused to listen to reason and acknowledge that you are mine so I will just have to show you,” the prince told Elrond with a look of smug satisfaction on his face.

“Leave my bed and these quarters at once and never return,” Elrond said coldly as he realized that maybe he had not acted soon enough to stop Legolas. “Do not make me hurt you.”

“No, I think not. It is time you learned who exactly is in charge of this relationship, and it isn’t you,” Legolas responded as he reached out to grab Elrond.

Elrond pushed his hands away as he began to rise and forcible remove Legolas. He was pushed back down and began to fight until he felt a scratch and burning across his left shoulder. He felt numbness spread through his body rapidly and began to try and bring his healing powers to fight it as he fell back onto the bed. He realized that he had been poisoned with something very strong when his powers had no effect. Soon he was paralyzed and began having trouble breathing as his lungs began to shut down. He was beginning to panic.

“Do not panic, I know what I am doing,” Legolas told him as he saw the fear rise in Elrond’s eyes. “You will not perish as I plan to bond with you at the moment of death to save you. None will be able to refute my claim on you then, not even you. I know that you consider yourself too important to Middle-Earth to let yourself die rather than accept the bond. Then I only have to show you your proper place.”

As Elrond saw the darkness begin to cloud his vision from lack of oxygen he took the only option left open to him, praying to the Vala that it would work. With the last of his strength he projected a mental plea for help. Then darkness closed in totally.

In Lothlorien, Galadriel sat up suddenly crying out Elrond’s name. Celeborn came awake instantly at the sudden movement and held his wife as she tried to make a mental connection with their son-in-law. Haldir popped his head in the door after a discreet knock.

“My Lord?” he asked.

“Ready an escort to ride as fast as possible to Imladris. Wake my chief counselor for instructions. I will be ready shortly and do not wake Arwen if possible,” Celeborn instructed him as he turned back to his wife to wait out her trance. He needed to know as much as she could tell him before he left.

In Greenwood, King Thranduil looked up from the reports he had been reading as he felt a strong spike of evil that did not go away. Calling his seneschal, he ordered that the guard be doubled and everyone be pulled back inside the protected area. Dread settled into his heart as he went to the window and stared into the dark.

“Legolas, what have you done?”

Radagast and Mithrandir had been sitting together before the fire of Radagast’s forest home when they both felt the sharp rise of evil.

“What has happened?” the brown wizard asked his friend as he watched him go into a trance. When Mithrandir returned to awareness he did not look happy.

“I must leave for Imladris immediately. Something is wrong with Elrond,” he replied as he rose and gathered his belongings. “I feel war between the Elvin realms in the air.”

Down the hall in the library Glorfindel and the twins all went silent as they felt a sudden rise in evil. Then all three heard Elrond’s mental plea for help. Dropping what they were doing, they ran out of the library toward the family wing. As they rounded the corner they crashed into Erestor who was hurrying from his quarters to Elrond’s room. A quick glance into Glorfindel’s eyes confirmed what he had heard mentally. The grim look on Glorfindel’s face only increased as he watched the twins, who were several steps ahead, find the entrance locked and barred against them.

“Stand back,” he said as he lifted his leg to deliver a forceful kick to the locking mechanism of the door.

Running through the broken door, they saw Legolas sitting on the bed beside their Adar slicing his palm open with a bonding knife. Without even thinking about it, Elladan launched himself at Legolas knocking him off the bed and knocking the knife out of his hands. Erestor followed Elladan around the bed and helped him subdue the prince while keeping him from killing him. Glorfindel and Elrohir hurried to the bed and Elrond’s side. Seeing him unconscious and not breathing, Elrohir placed his fingers against Elrond’s throat only to feel a single beat before he felt no more.

“No,” he screamed as tears began pouring down his face.

“Glorfindel,” Erestor called as he tossed a ceremonial knife laying on Elrond’s mantel to him. “You must bind with him; it is the only chance we have to save him. Remember your promise to Celebrían.”

Glorfindel nodded his understanding as he caught the knife and looked to the twins for their permission. The bonding could destroy their family and he wanted to be sure that they understood. Watching as they looked to each other in silent communication, he saw their understanding and sighed with relief as they nodded their approval for him to continue. Slicing his palm, then Elrond’s, he laced their fingers together and recited the oath of binding.

“No… He’s mine,” Legolas screamed in anger as he realized what Glorfindel was doing. He struggled trying to free himself so he could stop the binding but Elladan and Erestor would not let him up. Finally being fed up with the prince’s fight, Erestor slugged him as hard as he could across the jaw knocking him out.

By this time, the screams and commotion had attracted quite a crowd. Lindir pushed his way through the people crowding the doorway to try and restore order. He sent everyone to the Hall of Fire to wait with the promise of updates as soon as they knew anything. He ordered the cooks to provide drinks and a continuing light repast as he knew routines would be disrupted for many for a while. Erestor nodded his thanks as he went to the balcony to retrieve the first of what he was sure would be many messenger birds arriving. He also ordered Lindir to call the counsel together in Elrond’s study so that they would be near as decisions needed to be made.

Falinan, the lead healer behind Elrond, had worked his way through the crowd into the room. He wrapped a bandage around Glorfindel and Elrond’s hands to prevent their separation then moved the now unconscious Glorfindel onto the bed beside Elrond. He checked Elrond over and discovered the wound on his left shoulder. He called to Erestor to get his attention.

“Erestor, you need to search Legolas but do it carefully. There is a wound on Elrond’s shoulder that has a foreign substance in it,” Falinan said. “Elladan, you and Elrohir carefully check the bed and surrounding area. We need to know what he used on your Ada.”

Calling his assistant over with the medical bag, he cleaned the wound as best he could and bandaged it. Checking Glorfindel to ensure he was still breathing, Falinan then ordered his assistant to boil a big pot of water for various teas that he was sure would be needed. Seeing that Erestor had completed his search of Legolas without finding anything, he checked Erestor’s hand to ensure he had not damaged it when knocking the prince out. Then he checked the prince and discovered that Erestor had broken his jaw. Erestor called over two guards to carry Legolas to the healing halls and keep guard over him until treated.

Erestor called in Glorfindel’s second of command and ordered him to take over the guard until further notice. He also ordered him to double the guard on the borders letting in none but elves. Any from Mirkwood within the realm were to be placed under guard and restricted to their quarters. Representatives from the other Elvin realms were to be given rooms and told little. Erestor would deal with them himself. As Legolas was carried away, Elrohir found a glass tube with a pointed reed at the end of it in the covers at the far side of the bed. Giving it to Falinan to be examined, he allowed Erestor to lead him over to the settee where his brother had already been placed.

Seeing that everything was settling down into a waiting mode, Erestor decided to take the time and explain about the precautions their Ame had put into place before she had sailed. He told the twins about their Ame’s and his research about multiple bindings and their finding that if all three parties agreed and bonded fully together then the Doom of Finwe was avoided. He told them that their Ame had selected Glorfindel as a third if the need ever arose for their Ada to bind again. He let them know about Glorfindel’s love for their father and told them of the written contract between Glorfindel and Celebrían that he held in his possession. He also ensured them of their grandparent’s agreement as they were the witnesses to the document. He let them know that the only unplanned for subject was their father’s reaction.

Having calmed them down some with his explanations, and gaining their assurance of assistance in convincing their father too accept the bond, Erestor gave them some tea to drink to further calm them. He smiled to himself as he watched their eyes droop from the effects of the tea. As the stress and tension left their bodies, they closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep. The healer’s assistant helped Erestor arrange them comfortably on the settee and cover them with a blanket. Erestor then left to inform the counsel of what was going on and to start them thinking of contingency plans for a variety of instances. After he was done there, he checked on his own family before returning to Elrond’s rooms for what he knew could be a very long wait.

*****

As Glorfindel said the final words of the oath binding himself to Elrond, he felt himself fall as he was dragged into the darkness. He followed the tunnel that appeared hoping that he would be able to find Elrond’s fëa before it entered Námo’s domain. As he exited the tunnel before Mando’s Halls he saw Elrond at the entrance standing before Namo. Fearing he was going to be too late, he ran and wrapped his fëa around Elrond’s.

Elrond began to struggle fearing that Legolas had caught up with him. Glorfindel held Elrond until he had given up in exhaustion and defeat before finally trying to speak with him.

“Elrond calm yourself, it is I Glorfindel,” he said as he turned him around to face him.

“Glorfindel? I don’t understand,” Elrond said in confusion.

“The twins and I were able to stop Legolas before he was able to bond to you. Unfortunately, your heart stopped beating shortly after we arrived. I bonded with you to save your life. Come, let’s return home,” Glorfindel said as he released Elrond from his grasp.

“No,” Elrond said shaking his head and backing away up the steps toward Namo. “I will not come. I will not sentence Celebrían to the Doom of Finwë. I will enter the Halls for eternity before I allow that to happen.”

“Elrond, stop please. You don’t understand, no one has to go to the Halls, trust me,” Glorfindel pleaded. “I was sent by the Valar to protect you, I would not consider letting you doom yourself to the Halls protection. Celebrían made plans, please Elrond.”

Elrond wavered on the steps just below Namo, who had not said a word the entire time. Looking to him for confirmation of what Glorfindel said, he received no response. He wanted to believe Glorfindel, there was so much unfinished that his death could destroy. Dare he take the chance? Taking a final look at Namo above him, Elrond made the decision to go back with Glorfindel. He could always return to the Halls later if needed. There was too much at stake for him to just give up. Besides, he had secretly been in love with Glorfindel, despite his feelings for Celebrían since he had first met him.

“Elrond, son of Eärendil, do you agree to Glorfindel’s binding with you?” Namo asked him suddenly.

“Yes,” he answered as he looked uncertainly at Namo.

“Glorfindel,” Namo called and held out his hand.

When he approached, the Vala dropped a small glass bottle into his hand.

“The healer will know what to do with this,” Namo said, then disappeared.

Glorfindel’s fëa returned to his hroa and he regained consciousness almost instantly. Quickly checking Elrond he felt a slight slow heart beat. Looking around quickly, he spotted Falinan and handed him the bottle.

“Namo said you would know what to do with this,” Glorfindel said as he unwound the bandage holding his and Elrond’s hands together.

“Don’t separate your hands; you are the only thing keeping him alive. His fëa is feeding off of yours right now,” Falinan told him. “Is this the antidote?”

“I know not for sure but would assume so,” was the response.

“Elrohir found a tube with a pointed reed on the end in the bed covers earlier. We were able to determine that it held a powerful spider venom, but we have no antidote here,” the healer said as he lifted Elrond’s head enough to tip some of the liquid into his mouth. He then managed to get Elrond to swallow some water to help wash the medicine down. After about ten minutes, Elrond’s heart began to beat at a steadier pace and a shallow breathing had returned. All breathed a sigh of relief as the blue tone slowly left Elrond’s skin.

“I should warn you now that this is not over,” Falinan said to those assembled in the room.

“What do you mean?” Elrohir asked as he rose from the settee and came around to the bed.

“I do not know anything about this venom or its effects,” Falinan said. “I have sent a message to the Mirkwood healers by bird carrier but we can only hope for an answer to our questions at this point. Also, Elrond was without oxygen for a long time. There may be lasting damage to his brain. I know he chose to be elvin but he is still part human, I do not know how that will effect his healing other than to make it slower. You must all consider what will happen if he does not wake or is incapacitated permanently. That is especially true for you now Glorfindel. You will not be able to complete the bonding process without him being conscious. How long will you be able to hold out with him draining your strength?”

“I will hold out as long as I must,” was Glorfindel’s only reply.

“First things first,” Erestor said as he took charge. “Elladan get Glorfindel a bowl of that soup on the hearth and some bread. Elrohir, get him a glass of wine. After you eat you must sleep. This has taken a lot out of you and we need to ensure that you keep your strength up. I have already ordered your second of command to take over your duties. Elladan will help him as needed and act to replace his Ada for now. Elrohir, you are the diplomat and healer. You will take over these duties of your ada’s. Working together we will get through this.”

Elrond slipped into a coma later that night as his breathing slowly gained strength. The afternoon of the next day he began having seizures. These would rack his body for several minutes at a time every hour. They were not able to give him any fluids except water as even that would bring on a seizure of its own. Tests of his nervous system showed that he had no feeling in his extremities and they worried that it was a result of the spider’s toxins.

They approached Legolas once he had awoken and asked about the venom used, but he refused to answer their questions. All he would say to them was that if he could not have Elrond, nobody would. A search of his belongings and rooms turned up no further information. Questioning of the other Mirkwood people within the realm turned up little information except that their was not an antidote for most of the different spider toxins. All that you could do was flush a persons system and hope that they were strong enough to live until their body had broken down the venom of its own accord. Almost all venoms were deadly to humans for they did not have the same healing properties and didn’t live long enough to flush the toxins from their systems.

As the information about what had happened and the effects of the poison moved through Imladris, many began to make plans to leave if Elrond died. It was recognized by most that if Elrond died, so would Glorfindel. The twins were not considered ready to rule by the people. It was also not guaranteed that they would survive their ada’s death. Many considered sailing if the worst happened. Elrond was a tower of strength for the Elvin realms and many feared the return of darkness if he perished.

It was into this atmosphere of shock and despair that Celeborn arrived the following week. They had ridden hard, only stopping to rest the horses, since the night they had left Lothlorien. The feeling of increased evil had only receded a little since they had left and they had had to battle their way over the mountains. They hid instead of fighting whenever they could but it still took them a full eight days to arrive. The horses they rode were broken in the flight to the valley and would never be of service again but even they understood the urgency and forgave their riders as they were led to the stables to be cared for.

Erestor took Celeborn and Haldir straight into counsel with the their counselors and told them everything. After asking about the twins, Celeborn made the decision to take over as Lord of the Valley for now. Haldir was sent to assist Rendir, Glorfindel’s second, and to oversee daily operations as Celeborn made the decision to close the valley to all visitors. He ordered that all not actively in apprenticeships be sent back to their home realms so that only residents of the valley were within its borders. Later that same day, Galdor of the Havens arrived as Círdan’s representative and was appraised of the situation by Erestor. He sent a coded letter to Cirdan and explained the happenings in the valley as they affected him both personally as Legolas’s kinsman, and politically as master of the Havens and an elder of their people.

After a short rest Celeborn went to see his family. They were all in Elrond’s bedroom as the twins refused to stay anywhere else. Elrond was in the middle of a seizure when he arrived and he closely watched Glorfindel to assess his well-being. Realizing that Glorfindel was being drained by the bond, Celeborn privately gave neither long to live if help could not be found. After coming to this conclusion, Celeborn made a drastic decision. Calling the guard, he had the twins forcibly removed from the room and placed under guard in their rooms. Orders were given that they only see their father for an hour a day in the evening. He would try to separate them from their Ada in the hopes that if he died, they could be sedated and shipped over the sea before they faded. Celeborn retired to his rooms that night to mind speak with Galadriel and appraise her of everything and receive any advice she could give.

Another three days passed with no change in Elrond’s condition except that he was becoming thinner. Glorfindel was much weaker now as the seizures caused Elrond to draw strength from him. Everything would happen fast now unless something drastic happened. That something happened with the arrival of Mithrandir the next morning. After being appraised of the situation and seeing Elrond and Glorfindel, he went to see Legolas who had been moved to the caves below the house after being released from the healing wing. After two hours Mithrandir returned to the house and sent a carrier bird summoning King Thranduil to Imladris.

Mithrandir strengthened Glorfindel as much as he was able in his reduced form and mixed up more of the antidote given them by Namo. They had used all of the medicine given to them by Namo within three days and had been afraid to try anything else for fear of making matters worse. After doing this he went in search of Celeborn to ask the questions circling in his mind. Once apprised of Celebrían’s contingency plans, he had a better idea of what needed to be done.

After two days of being given the antidote mixed by Mithrandir, Elrond’s seizures began to slow. By the next day they had stopped totally. The healers were able to slowly rehydrate Elrond and stabilize his condition. Glorfindel’s condition began to improve as Elrond stabilized and Erestor seized the opportunity to pamper Glorfindel and speed the return of his health as much as they could. Everyone realized that the two were living on the grace of Ilúvator as anyone else would have faded by now from not completing the bond.

The morning after the seizures stopped, Elrond began to sweat and shake profusely as he developed a high fever. The poison had begun to work its way out of his system thankfully. Several times they came close to losing him from the high fever and dehydration as they had a hard time feeding him much needed fluids. It was eighteen hours later that the fever broke to much celebration. Elrond’s breathing returned to normal and sensation slowly returned to his limbs over the next several days. But still he did not show any signs of waking.

Glorfindel had weakened to the point of collapse now. He was restricted to the bed and watched over with the utmost care. Even he began to despair over Elrond ever waking. He could accept dying if Elrond rejected the bond and him, but to not even be given a chance was beyond all that he held sacred-and Elrond was one of the things he held in high esteem. He was fast losing hope of Elrond ever waking.

Mithrandir greeted King Thranduil when he arrived the following day. He was allowed to clean up and eat before being called into counsel. He hung his head in shame when he learned of what his son had done and after much argument gave his blanket approval and support of whatever punishment they chose for Legolas. He knew it was the only way to avoid a war with the other Elvin realms and Legolas was not his only son. When appraised of Glorfindel’s fading, he angered the counsel by making the comment that if Glorfindel faded, Legolas was well and strong enough to bond with Elrond to keep him alive. The twins and Erestor threatened a Kin-slaying if Legolas came near Elrond again. Mithrandir smoothed the situation over by commenting that Legolas was not a suitable mate for anyone until this evil streak was removed from him. The counsel ended on that note as all turned in for the night.

*****

Elrond returned to consciousness three days after Thranduil’s arrival. He did not show any emotions or awareness of who or where he was. Everyone was elated that he had awoken but those in the inner circle knew of the fears of the healers. He only stayed awake for a few minutes but it was enough to give hope to many. After that initial time he would wake for a few minutes every few hours.

Glorfindel was apprehensive as he watched Elrond during his small moments of wakefulness. He had gained a little of his strength back as Elrond grew stronger but had become withdrawn mentally. He had to wrestle with the questions of whether or not to try and complete the bond despite Elrond’s mental state. How much brain damage was too much? When was it considered kinder to let him fade regardless of the circumstances? Could he be useful in Middle-Earth at all if he remained alive in a reduced mental state? Unfortunately, a talk with Mithrandir ensured him that these decisions were his alone to make as Elrond’s protector. When he had accepted the Valar’s quest to come back and protect Elrond, he had taken on the responsibility of deciding a certain amount of Elrond’s fate. There would be no one that could help him with this decision.

One day when they were left alone for several hours to rest, Elrond woke with more awareness in his eyes than normal. Glorfindel noticed the difference and decided to take advantage of it.

“Elrond, do you know who I am?” he asked. When Elrond used his eye lids to signal a yes, Glorfindel continued. “Do you remember anything of what happened?”

Elrond closed his eyes as a look of pain crossed his face and again used his eyes to signal that he remembered. Then he listened as Glorfindel informed his of his physical condition and the healer’s medical prognosis.

“We must complete the bond soon if we are to live. I want to know if you feel you can do this. Are you capable of beating this and would it be advisable?” Glorfindel asked in a rush. Realizing that Elrond still could not answer him he asked his questions again in a yes or no format that Elrond could answer with his eyes. After receiving his answers, he was silent for a moment before he continued. He proceeded to tell Elrond of Celebrían’s research on multiple bindings, and the results of the research. Then he took a big chance.

“I love you Elrond, you know this. She knew of our love and had even seen us kissing in the library. You know that I honor her and would never have interfered in the bond between the two of you if there had been a choice. She has made it possible for us to be together if you will accept this. Will you give us a chance?”

Elrond stared into his eyes for a long time before signaling yes to him.

“We don’t have much time left Elrond. I have grown weak and it gets worse by the day. If we do not complete this within the next few days I fear I will be unable to. Are you ready to do this when we can?” he asked with apprehension in his voice.

At Elrond’s signal of affirmation, Glorfindel sighed with relief.

“Should we attempt this now? He ventured. He waited as Elrond considered what was being asked. At his signal of agreement Glorfindel leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

Knowing that he would have to do all of the work, Glorfindel decided to be taken first. Getting up and stumbling to the door, he told the guard outside not to let anyone in for several hours. Mithrandir walked up as he was issuing his orders and looking deeply into his eyes he understood what Glorfindel was going to attempt.

“I will wait out here until I sense you have done. If you need help of some kind just call out to me mentally, I will hear you,” Mithrandir told him as he touched Glorfindel’s temple. After feeling a slight pressure in his head, he felt a burst of strength and nodded his thanks as he closed the door and returned to the bed.

Removing both of their clothes, Glorfindel found some oil and decided to prepare both of them before beginning to make things go faster. After oiling himself, he climbed onto the bed and spread Elrond’s legs. He lay down beside him and kissed him as he slowly inserted first one finger and then another. Elrond cried out silently into Glorfindel’s mouth when his pleasure gland was found and Glorfindel began to gently rub it. When he judged that Elrond was near coming, he removed his fingers and moved over Elrond. Lining himself up with Elrond’s shaft, he slowly lowered himself onto the large member. Hearing Elrond’s deep groan (the first sound he had made since the attack) Glorfindel knew that neither of them would last long. He slowly began to move himself up and down gaining speed as the need increased. As he felt Elrond approaching his climax, he began stroking his own member in time to his strokes. It only took another minute before Glorfindel cried out as his fëa was shattered and joined with Elrond’s as they both came.

He stayed joined with Elrond for several minutes as their fëa wrapped around each other and explored. Slowly he came back to himself enough to realize that Elrond was weary and that he needed to complete the bonding quickly. He had no way of knowing if Elrond would wake with the same level of awareness again and knew that he could not wait. Climbing off Elrond he slid beside him and rolled him onto his side facing away. Pushing Elrond’s top leg forward he lined himself up with Elrond’s hole and slowly pushed in. He fought to control himself as the tight heat enveloped him. Once he was most of the way in he stopped to give Elrond a chance to adjust and himself a chance to rest. He was feeling weary himself and was beginning to wonder if he could complete the bond. After a minutes rest he felt Elrond’s muscles gently clench onto him. Taking this as a signal to move, he began to pump gently in and out. Grabbing Elrond’s hip with one hand and his shoulder with the other, Glorfindel began to pump faster as he adjusted himself until he was hitting Elrond’s gland with every stroke. Feeling their fëa joined again, he was soon pumping into Elrond with all the strength he had left. Elrond couldn’t move so he squeezed his inner muscles as hard as he could as he came forcing Glorfindel’s own organism from him. They floated together as one as they drifted off to sleep still joined together.

Out in the hallway, Mithrandir smiled as he felt the joining of their fëa. Given enough time and everyone controlling their tempers, everything would be alright. After an hour Mithrandir entered the bedroom to check on his patients. He separated them with difficulty as Glorfindel clung to Elrond stubbornly and cleaned them up. He settled for putting only sleeping pants on them and covered them with blankets as Glorfindel rolled into Elrond and snuggled against him. Smiling to himself he knew these two would be alright given time and he thanked Ilúvator for allowing the moment of clarity that allowed the bonding. He had really not wanted to lose his friends and their respective families not to mention that Elrond’s death would have meant the end of a free Arda. With them bonded, Glorfindel would stay by Elrond’s side and help him until he could cross the sea and spend time in Este’s gardens healing.

The next morning found Mithrandir apprising the counsel of the completion of the bonding and ensuring them that given enough time, Elrond would heal enough to ensure his survival until he could sail. They called a day of rest for everyone and declared a feast for the next day to celebrate the binding. Over that day the feeling of evil that had been building over Arda since Elrond’s attack receded. Everyone sighed in relief and breathed easier as night approached. Elrond and Glorfindel slept around the clock with different members of their family and friends taking turns watching over them.

Glorfindel recovered quickly after the binding and was soon up and about. He never wandered far from Elrond’s side and did not resume his duties. While no longer being drained through their bond, he would not recover fully until Elrond returned to health. Elrond still woke for only short amounts of time during the day and was totally unresponsive during most of these awakenings. He was regaining sensation in his body but was not conscious for long enough to test his motor control. He had still not said anything when awake and the healers were beginning to worry about possible brain damage.

After two months the counsel and representatives from the various realms debated declaring Elrond incapacitated and scheduling him to sail. They wanted to turn the Lordship of the Valley over to someone else but not the twins whom they deemed unready. They even talked of contacting Saruman for advice on who to leave in charge of the valley. It was at this point that Mithrandir stepped in even though he had remained silent at the other meetings.

“It would be unwise to distract Saruman from his work at this time with these troubles,” he said. “We should be able to settle this amongst ourselves.”

“Why are you including yourself in this, Mithrandir,” Thranduil asked distrustingly. “You have never before tried to interfere in our decisions.”

“I am merely trying to keep the peace and prevent trouble between the realms,” he answered. “Why are you so ready to replace Elrond so quickly Thranduil? It is your son who is responsible for this whole mess, why should you have any say at all? What are you up too?”

Glorfindel, who had left Elrond’s side to attend this meeting, had finally decided that it was time to speak up. Standing and walking to the head of the table, he gained everyones attention when he slammed his hand down on top of the table.

“There will be no change in the Lordship of the Valley. Elrond is still alive and recovering although slowly. Erestor and I are still here to support him and the twins are here for further support. I know you do not feel they are competent because of a lack of experience but they have been trained to run the valley in place of their father. If we need assistance we can always call for help from Lothlorien or the Grey Havens at that time. There will be no change,” Glorfindel said challengingly.

As others began to argue with Glorfindel, Celeborn stepped in to calm everyone down. After giving the group several minutes to calm down he brought up a fact that everyone seemed to have forgotten.

“Have you all forgotten the sharp rise in evil when Elrond was on death’s door or the fact that you all seemed to feel when and know why the evil spiked?” Celeborn asked. “This alone should warn you that Elrond’s presence is needed here in Middle-earth.”

“Celeborn is correct you know,” Mithrandir said as some still wanted to argue. “You should not be surprised that evil has struck out at one of the oldest and wisest of you. What should be your concern is that it used one of the youngest and more innocent of you to do it. Some of the fault there lies with Thranduil, and his indulges toward his youngest son, but not all of it. Some fault also lies with Elrond for not being more forceful in stopping the continued infatuation. We have grown too protective of our youngest while allowing unseeming behavior in them because they are so few in number.” At the nods of approval and agreement, he continued.

“Legolas is a mighty warrior, what better way to bring him down than through this. And consider, if he had succeeded, you would have lost the twins also for I have no doubts that they and their sister would have followed their Ada to Mando’s Halls. The enemy seeks to destroy us from within for he knows that it is our youngest who will take the fight to him,” Mithrandir said as he sat and waited for this to sink in.

“So Elrond stays with Glorfindel by his side,” Galdor said. “What do we do with Legolas?”

“He must be punished. We cannot ignore that he almost committed a Kin-slaying even if it was misguided,” Celeborn warned them.

“What if we force him to sail? He will receive the help he needs in the West,” Thranduil suggested even though leaving Arda went against his principles.

“No,” Mithrandir interjected. “He has an important part to play in the future yet. Let him be sent to Lothlorien where he is under to supervision of Celeborn.”

“I will not have him subjected to that Noldorean witch,” Thranduil said jumping up. As Celeborn rose to argue it was Erestor who intervened.

“Yes Thranduil, you will,” Erestor told him. “I understand what Mithrandir is trying to do and he is right. Lothlorien is the only one of our realms that is totally closed off from others not of our kind. There we can treat him if it is not too late, find out what drove him to commit this act and correct it without outside influence.”

“It will also be his punishment, for we will not treat him as a spoiled prince but as the lowest recruit,” Celeborn said. “Let him relearn humility and the worth of work, it may help him while giving him plenty of time to think over what he has done. If this treatment does not work we can always try something else.”

“It is decided then?” Mithrandir asked. Looking around the table, he saw the others agree then ended the session.

*****

Legolas left the valley two days later under the escort of Celeborn’s private guard. The missive they carried with them would explain to his counselors and guard what they were to do with him. Celeborn had already mind spoken with his wife about everything that had gone on and knew that she would see that everything was taken care of. He himself would stay in the valley through the coming winter to help out as needed and comfort their grandsons if possible.

King Thranduil watched his son leave with mixed feelings that morning. In his heart he knew that this was the best chance for Legolas to be healed but his mind was tainted by his father’s prejudices against the Noldorean that Celeborn had married. He made his own plans to leave within the week. Galdor had volunteered to go with him and spend the winter in the woods before heading home to the Grey Havens. Maybe he would be able to settle Thranduil’s mind about his son.

Mithrandir chose to stay for a while and sent Radagast a message inviting him to stay in the valley for the winter also. He stood on the front steps of the last homely house, beside Celeborn, as the twins rode out after Thranduil’s party. No amount of pleading could change their minds about going. They were still burning with the hatred of their mother’s attack and now had the additional rage of seeing their father incapacitated. All prayed that they could be healed but also acknowledged that right now the twins needed to release that rage elsewhere before someone got hurt. The only concession being made this time round was that a sizable party of warriors was going with them to hunt.

Erestor, as chief counselor, had taken over the daily running of the valley with help from Glorfindel. Until this time Glorfindel had contented himself with protecting the valley and Elrond’s family, now the need had arisen for him to know more. Every day after the noon meal Erestor would spend time in Elrond’s room with Glorfindel going over the running of the valley. Never before did he realize exactly how much work Elrond had actually done or the amount of information one needed to know. While he had been lord of his house in Gondolin, the actual running of his house had been attended to by his counselors due to his age, at first, and then because it was habit. The running of the valley was proving different from Gondolin also because of the various inhabitants. Here, you had to consider the needs of several different races and the needs of several out lying villages associated with the valley. By the time they stopped before the evening meal most nights, Glorfindel’s head was usually spinning.

After another several weeks had passed Elrond began to be more coherent in the short spans he was awake, but he still had not spoken. Falinan began to test his control over his body in the short times he was awake. The results were disappointing at first but Mithrandir ensured them that given enough time his control would improve. Soon he was spending more time awake and his eyes showed that he had regained control of his thoughts. His weight improved and he was allowed to sit on his balcony in the fresh air when the weather permitted.

Radagast arrived in the valley in time to celebrate the harvest feast. It would be the first time he had spent any length of time here and he was looking forward to spending time in its libraries. Elrond was sitting on the balcony enjoying the afternoon sun when Radagast came by to greet him. Elrond attempted to give him a little bow and place his hand over his heart but was unable to control his body enough to complete the gesture and turned his head away in shame.

“I think I know someone here who could help you with your motor control,” Radagast said as he pulled a silver and orange kitten from the pocket of his robes.

Elrond watched as the kitten was placed in his lap. It proceeded to climb all over him sniffing his scent and coming to know the feel of his body. Finally it spun in several circles and settled down for a nap on his lap. Looking at the odd colored kitten and its acceptance of him was comforting but he couldn’t explain why. After several minutes of watching it sleep he raised his head and looked questioningly at Radagast and Mithrandir.

“It is an Elvin kitten. Radagast brought a mated pair with him from the West and this little one is from their latest litter. They will find someone they like and attach themselves for life. This little one seems to have adopted you,” Mithrandir told him.

“You will have to name him. He refused to accept any name I attempted to give him. Maybe he knew that he was destined elsewhere,” Radagast said with a smile. “Playing with him and caring for him will help you regain some use in your limbs.”

Seeing the question in Elrond’s eyes Radagast sighed.

“You have not told him have you?” he asked Mithrandir.

He had intended to await Glorfindel’s arrival but seeing the questioning look turn to panic in Elrond’s eyes he changed his mind. Maybe it was better this way.

“When you were last asleep I did a detailed examination of you. I have also examined samples of your blood. After conferring with Radagast, we have come to some realizations. The spider venom remains in your system. It is from an extremely poisonous variety that none have been known to survive before. With the amount Legolas placed in your system, you should not have lived. Glorfindel should not have been able to bring you back. Only Námo’s intervention with his antidote has saved you but there is something you must understand. Without a sample of the actual spider to make an antidote from, his medicine was incomplete. While it saved your life, it cannot cure you. The poison has been in your system for too long and has cause lasting damage that cannot be cured until you spend time under Estes’ care,” Mithrandir told him quietly. “But, you cannot sail. You are needed here to ensure the future.”

“You must also remember that you are bound to Glorfindel now and he was sent here to complete a job. Your protection was not his only quest here,” Radagast added softly.

Elrond closed his eyes in pain at their words as the true import of their meaning slowly dawned on him. He turned his head away as silent tears began to run down his face. Tears that he did not even have the ability to wipe away. He suddenly felt hands wipe the tears away and was pulled into a gentle hug.

“I heard what you said,” Glorfindel told them angrily as he tried to comfort Elrond. “Now tell him what he can expect, how much he will heal.”

“He will regain his full mental abilities if he hasn’t done so already,” Mithrandir began. “These will grow stronger as he learns to rely on them more to compensate for his other functions. He will regain most major motor control but will need assistance when used for long periods of time. Only limited fine motor control will return as that is the system most affected. This includes the ability to speak. After much consultation and study I have come to conclude that speak will be slow and slurred. You will probably stutter some. You will also most likely suffer relapses of fever from time to time from the poison in your system. We do not know what effect these relapses will have if any.”

“Do not loose hope Elrond,” Radagast said. “You have a good support team already in place. You also have Glorfindel by your side for all eternity. Everything will work itself out.”

“I think you should go,” Glorfindel told them. “He needs time.”

“Call if you need anything or have further questions,” Mithrandir said as he led Radagast out the door.

Glorfindel picked Elrond up and carried him back into the bedroom where he laid down beside him. He did not attempt to say anything, he just held him trying to help him understand that he loved him regardless. Elrond just lay there refusing to look at Glorfindel but was comforted by his touch. He thought about what he had been told and what it would take to carry on. Then he thought about the one who held him and the one who waited across the sea. His life had not been easy, but never before had he been left totally reliant on others. For him, this was a hard lesson to learn. Finally he fell asleep.

When Elrond woke that night, Glorfindel still held him. He could here the music of the feast out on the lawn and decided that he had to take a chance. Speaking to Glorfindel through their bond, he let him know that he wanted to attend the feast at least for a little while. Glorfindel was unsure but knew that Elrond had decided that he had to do this. Calling to the servants, he had a bath prepared and clothes laid out. While waiting for things to be readied, he sent a message to Erestor and Celeborn about Elrond’s decision. Then he returned to prepare them both for the feast.

When they were ready, Glorfindel picked Elrond up and carried him out the door where Celeborn and Erestor waited. They escorted the couple down the stairs and out into the courtyard where Mithrandir and Radagast waited beside a padded couch that had been brought outside for him. The people where shocked at seeing Elrond’s condition but were happy to see him up. Seeing him gave them renewed hope that everything would be all right. Elrond only stayed at the feast for an hour but it was a beginning.

As winter settles into the valley and the twins came home, a routine was set up for running the valley that included Elrond guiding Erestor in his decisions. A simple method of signals was worked out for communication for those Elrond could not mind-speak to. As he underwent an intense form of physical therapy designed by Mithrandir and Radagast, Elrond slowly regained some control over his body. His balance would not be the same but he did finally learn to stand and take a few steps at a time by the next spring.

Radagast left as soon as the weather turned and the passes cleared. Celeborn felt comfortable enough to leave soon after. The twins left again to hunt orc as soon as it was warm. Mithrandir had made plans to leave within several weeks and was preparing plans for his next visit to Lothlorien when Elrond suffered his first setback. A high fever reappeared late one early summer afternoon and everyone held their breath until it broke a week later. After taking a few days to rest Elrond continued his activities with only his abilities to walk and speak being affected. His balance had been thrown out by the fever and it took him several weeks to regain control. He had to relearn what little speech he had gained control of again.

Now having an idea of what the long term affects of the poison would be like, Elrond was able to adjust his routine accordingly. As the years passed, he regained the ability to walk and could even ride if accompanied. He gained enough fine motor control to feed himself and sign his name even though Erestor and a team of scribes did all other writing. As his health returned Elrond realized that he had not lost all of his healing ability. He had to be assisted when fine, delicate work was needed but he gained enough mental strength to guide and control the movements of another’s limbs when needed. It was easier for him to guide his mate so Glorfindel learned the art of healing, sometimes the hard way.

After many years, Elrond learned to project an image of health and very few who did not know the truth were able to tell that Elrond was disabled. Even the human child he adopted and named Estel was near adulthood before he realized the extent of his Ada’s limitations. Then the Ring was found and he had to confront his limits. Not only did he have to rely on Glorfindel to mind link with him so he could speak at the counsel but he had to face Legolas for the first time since that night. Glorfindel and Mithrandir stayed by his side as Legolas apologized for his actions and the prince never saw the extent of the damage he had wrought even though he had been told some of Elrond’s disabilities.

Two days before the Fellowship left on their journey, Mithrandir found Elrond sitting alone in his private garden.

“Soon now it will all be over one way or the other. Either way it turns out you will find healing,” the Istari said as he sat down beside him.

“Maybe, but at what price. I know I have lost my daughter, will I also loose my sons?” Elrond asked using mind speak because it was easier and he could.

“They have not come to a decision yet so I cannot give you that answer,” Mithrandir said. “What else is it that bothers you?”

“I have done a lot of reading over the years and learned much about multiple bindings. I fear for my future,” Elrond told him.

“You have nothing to fear, Celebrían agreed to this binding. It was accepted by the Valar and Ilúvator. None will be sentenced to the Doom of Finwë,” Mithrandir assured him.

“I am not so sure. Celebrían loved me enough to share me with Glorfindel and vise versa, but...” Elrond said stopping as he became unsure of himself.

“But what?” Mithrandir pressed.

“I am not so sure I can share. I love them both so much but I do not know that I am strong enough to share them, even with each other. Valar help me, I don’t know why but that is the way I feel,” Elrond explained.

“Look at me Elrond,” Mithrandir commanded. As he turned, Elrond was locked into a gaze that felt as if it was taking over his mind. He tried to turn away but found he couldn’t. Finally he was released from the gaze.

“Worry not, old friend,” Mithrandir assured him. “What you feel is the fear of the unknown. With everything you have been through and must yet face, it is not surprising you feel this way. I only ask that you promise me that you will make no promises and take no oaths until the future is more settled. Let us deal with one problem at a time.”

At Elrond’s nod of assurance Mithrandir continued.

“Now, it is time you retired to your rooms. On the way out here I saw a certain golden warrior setting up for a romantic night. I very much doubt that he would enjoy me keeping you out here talking all night. It was quite obvious he had other plans for you,” he teased as Elrond slightly blushed and looked to the balcony where Glorfindel was waiting. “After we leave, you must speak to him of your fears. It will ease both of your minds.”

They won. Sauron was destroyed and his adopted son Estel became Aragorn, King of the Edain. He had watched as his daughter embraced mortality and his sons delayed their choice. Now he was standing on the deck of their ship with Glorfindel’s support as he watched the shoreline recede. He was weary. It had almost been too much but he was going to the healing he needed finally. His sons had eased his mind a little before he had been carried aboard the ship. They had come to see everyone off and to tell him of their choice. After much discussion between them, they had decided to embrace the grace granted to them from birth and be counted among the firstborn. All present had witnessed their choice and Mithrandir had accepted for the Valar. He had ensured them that the choice to delay their sailing was still granted until shortly after their sister’s fate was fulfilled. He would at least have his sons.

Elrond grew weaker as the days passed and was taken with a high fever after they passed the curtains of night. It was in a barely conscious fit of delirium that he was carried from the ship and transported to Estes’ gardens where he began treatments for his many injuries and his weariness of the soul. Despite the evil of it, Mithrandir had actually brought a sample spider, provided by Radagast, with them on the ship and an antidote was made from its venom. While the antidote warred with the venom in Elrond’s body, Glorfindel and Celebrían discussed their marriage and took the final step to complete the bond. They figured it would be easier to do this while Elrond could not protest.

As Elrond healed from the effects of the spider venom and regained the full use of himself, he began to confront his past and heal from the many hurts. This was a slow process that took many months but his fëa was much healed from the process. Soon only the weariness of the years remained along with the situation his marriages caused. His mates had refused to talk about the issue with him and Estes had told him that she had muted his bonds while he had healed. Now as he rested from his weariness and felt refreshed he realized that it was time to address the issue. Asking Estes and his grandmother Melian to witness, he called his spouses to him to settle this.

“It is time we discussed what is between us and settled this,” Elrond began. “I love you both beyond measure and know not what to do.”

“There is nothing to decide my husband,” Celebrían told him. “I am your wife and know you. I know when you and Glorfindel first fell in love at first sight, as I know that you would never have acted beyond that one kiss in the library but for Legolas’s greed.”

“You know about the kiss?” Elrond asked in surprise.

“She saw us,” Glorfindel told him with a wicked smile on his face.

“After much thinking, I went to talk to my mother. It was from she that I learned about multiple bonding. Then I had to sit and think though my own feelings and mind. I came to realize that I loved Glorfindel too,” she told him. “That is when I began my research and extracted my promise from Glorfindel. I did not foresee him having to use that promise. I had always figured that this was a battle I would have to fight with you once you were here and healed. Legolas’s actions became a blessing in disguise.”

“His actions allowed us to bind and gave us the time we needed to work out our feeling for one another and for Celebrían,” Glorfindel continued. “We both knew that you would fight this because you fear for us, so we took the decision from you.”

At this point, both of his spouses fully opened their minds to Elrond and he could see the love they all shared and that the bond was fully complete. Such was the shock of this in his wearied state that Elrond passed out. When he came to several hours later, it was to find that he was in his bed with both of his spouses by his sides. Looking at them both he finally understood and told them.

“Yes, I have love enough to share.”

*****

THE END

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