Companion

Companion

Posted: July 28, 2006
Title: Companion
Author: Decadence and Sileya
Type: FCS
Characters: Elrond/Haldir
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: JRR Tolkien is a god. We pay homage at his altar. We're sure our view is very colored by Peter Jackson's interpretations, so we thank him as well. Especially his casting director.
Beta: minuial_nuwing, a dear friend and our elf expert. This was a mess before she stepped in!
Author's Notes: AU, in that it is set before Lord of the Rings and doesn't consider the future. Also, to make certain things possible, we played with Arwen's age, and she is much younger than canon.

Summary: Elrond finds a reason to continue living.

*****

Looking up at the towering mallorn trees, Elrond smiled as he felt peace of the Golden Wood fall about him. It was a long journey to bring his daughter to visit with his her grandparents, but well worth the time. The twins had joined them, and they would all benefit from the visit. Elrond himself was looking forward to some quiet time.

Haldir had trailed the delegation from Imladris through the edges of the Golden Wood for well over a half-day. He watched curiously each time as the delegation paused in their travel to examine some aspect of the Wood, fascinated by things that seemed trivial to Haldir, who had lived so long amid the wonders of Lórien. Several times he caught a glimpse of Elrond's raven locks as the elf Lord turned his head to answer a question from his daughter.

Elrond smiled indulgently as Arwen asked to gather flowers for her grandmother. Her older brothers, already warriors in their own right, also smiled as the young elleth happily dismounted her pony and started picking colorful blooms. The other guards relaxed as well, knowing they were safe in the Wood.

Deciding it was time to make his presence known, Haldir dropped gracefully from the tree, landing in a patch of moss some distance from the approaching party. He bowed in reverence. "I trust you traveled well, my lord."

Elrond raised an eyebrow and nodded regally in greeting, stopping his horse several yards from the marchwarden. "Well met, warden of the Golden Wood. Our journey was, thankfully, without incident, and we are greatly pleased to be here. We shall be on our way to the great city...once Arwen has gathered her bouquet," Elrond said gravely, though his eyes sparkled. The twins chuckled, smiling down at their little sister who was paying them all no attention, striving to choose the best blooms for her beloved grandmother.

Haldir bowed deeply before stepping forward. "I am to be your escort, my lord. Lord Celeborn requested that I keep you company while you are in Lorien."

Elrond's lips twitched, and he inclined his head. "I am indeed honored." He glanced down as Arwen, who was pulling on his robe, her arms full of flowers. A guard lifted Arwen onto her father's horse, and Elrond chuckled as he turned to Haldir. "I believe we are ready."

Haldir walked beside the slow-moving caravan, glad for the respite from border duty he would enjoy during the month Lord Elrond's delegation remained in Lórien. He pointed out various points of interest, at times looking back to find Elrond's eyes on him and feeling utterly foolish playing guide to elves who'd walked these woods long before he'd even been born.

Elrond watched the warden, thankful that Haldir was explaining the forest about them as Arwen listened avidly. This was the first visit to the Golden Wood, that she could remember, and she had asked incessant questions the last three days.

When they approached Caras Galadhon, Haldir halted the caravan and reached unthinkingly for Arwen. "I have something to show you, milady..."

Well used to guards and attendants, Arwen allowed Haldir to take her from her father's horse. "What is it? Is it beautiful? The whole of the Wood is so beautiful." she piped.

Haldir held the squirming, inquisitive girl on his hip, stepping the last few steps to the top of the rise. He pointed to the tall, gold trees that seemed to shine in the setting sun. "That is your grandmother's home, pen neth. You will sleep at the top of that tree this night."

Arwen's gasp of wonder drew Elrond's attention from the conversation with his sons, and he dismounted, walking to stand next to Haldir. He smiled appreciatively at the view.

The young elleth looked to her father. "Is it true, Ada? I will sleep at the top of the tree? Will I not get cold?"

Elrond chuckled, his eyes dancing with mirth, and turned to Haldir. "You may explain, warden."

Haldir shared a smile with the powerful elf lord before turning his attention back to the young elleth in his arms. "In Lórien we sleep in flets, or talan. They are built into the trees. Your grandmother and grandfather have the grandest talan in the Golden Wood, and it is nestled in the arms of the tallest Mallorn tree in the forest."

Arwen smiled and looked at her father. " Ada, may we visit Grandmother and Grandfather now?"

Elrond nodded. "By your leave, warden, we are ready to enter the city." As he mounted his horse, he wondered who this warden was, to be assigned to him by Celeborn...as well as why his father-in-law would do such a thing, when Elrond had declared his intent to seek solitude for a time.

Haldir nodded and offered Lady Arwen back to her father. "We will be in the heart of Lórien in the blink of an eye," he promised the child as he sat her on her father's horse once more. "This way," he ordered, leading the way for the caravan.

Elrond nodded and the small, well-guarded procession followed the warden down into the center of the Wood, soon arriving at the foot of the greatest mallorn. Handing Arwen off to Elladan, Elrond dismounted and gave the reins to a waiting stable hand. He turned to Haldir. "I thank you, warden, for your escort."

"I have only done my duty, my Lord," the warden answered briefly.

Raising an eyebrow, Elrond did not comment on the other elf's changeable mood. "We are ready to ascend, then," he said, as the twins and Arwen joined him, the elleth leaving a trail of flowers behind her that Elrohir kept picking up.

Haldir led the way to the receiving room of the royal talan, bypassing the formal greeting area and ascending the steps into the personal rooms of Celeborn and Galadriel. He bowed as he entered the room. "Milady, milord, I have brought much sought after visitors to your home."

Galadriel smiled warmly. "I bid thee, enter, Haldir, with these most welcome of guests." She looked to her husband seated nearby.

Haldir led the others inside, stepping to the side as he waited for the Imladrian family to greet the Lord and Lady.

==

Relieved beyond words that his mother-in-law had taken on Arwen, and that the twins were joining the wardens in the forest, Elrond stood on the balcony of his flet, sighing deeply. He had come here at Galadriel's urging, knowing he needed a rest, a new outlook on life. He had only existed since sending Celebrian to sail.

After strolling aimlessly through the gardens below, Haldir had finally worked his way up to the balcony level of Lord Elrond's flet. He had been asked by the Lord and Lady of the Wood to provide companionship for the visiting Lord. He stood in the shadows of the open doorway for several long moments, watching the way the sun reflected off of the lustrous hair of the darker elf. He sighed inwardly, admitting the attraction to himself. Realizing he should make his presence known, he coughed softly.

Turning his chin slowly, Elrond smiled slightly in welcome, seeing the warden politely standing some distance back. "Good evening to you, marchwarden," he said pleasantly, although he was obviously tired.

At the greeting, Haldir stepped forward. "Good eve to you, sire. I trust your visit has been pleasant thus far?"

Nodding, Elrond turned his body to face his visitor, his hands still tucked into his robes formally. His shoulders remained rigid as if he didn't know how to relax. "Yes, I enjoy Lórien and its peacefulness. The Lady of the Wood knew well what my family needed."

"May I speak freely with you?" Haldir asked, stepping closer to Elrond.

Arching an eyebrow in amused surprise, Elrond nodded, the corners of his mouth quirking.

Sitting near the elven lord, Haldir turned to view the late afternoon sun. "What do you and your family need?"

Elrond's face darkened, and he cast down his eyes as he considered the question and just how seriously he wished to answer it. He turned back to the balcony, still stiff. "My children need to enjoy themselves. For too many years now they have not been allowed to be happy, to enjoy life. Arwen has not been allowed to be a child. Here, they can find that."

Haldir dared to touch the other elf, hoping that the light pressure would not offend. His hand settled on Elrond's tense shoulder, his voice lowering as he allowed some of the attraction he felt for the other elf to bleed through. "And you, my lord?"

The dark elf's chin turned ever so slowly toward Haldir, until dark, ancient eyes met lighter ones, eyes that were carefree in a way Elrond's had not been for far too long. He almost made to move away, his muscles gathering to shift, but he stopped as he gazed into Haldir's eyes, seeing only honest curiosity and simmering attraction. Caught by surprise, Elrond paused, murmuring, "I suppose I need to find my life again."

Deciding to test his luck, Haldir asked, "Will a lover play part in your life when you find it?" His thumb brushed lazily over the knob of Elrond's shoulder.

Elrond blinked, amusement bordering on shock flitting through his eyes. No one had spoken to him thusly in so long, he wasn't sure how to respond. But a tickle of mirth won him over, and he once again smiled. "Are you interested in applying?" he bantered softly, eyes sparkling.

Haldir shrugged a shoulder elegantly. "Mayhap. It has been several long seasons since I last had a lover. I find that...that I feel..." He paused as a blush cut through his bravado.

Enchanted, Elrond watched Haldir's bravado melt into a charming flush. Smile growing, he took some long moments to study the other elf's features: broad, pale and masculine, perhaps unhandsome to some, but quite appealing to himself. And the light hair...the dark elf reached out to carefully comb his fingers through the ends of the long locks. "You feel..." he prompted gently.

At the gentle touch of fingers in his hair, Haldir was able to meet Elrond's eyes. "I feel," his voice came out in a hushed whisper, "alive...for the first time in centuries..."

Eyes widening, Elrond was speechless. Such a declaration...he looked Haldir over in wonder, eyes caressing the features as he wondered what the Valar had in mind by sending him this lovely marchwarden. Intrigued, the dark elf lifted his hand so that the backs of his knuckles brushing Haldir's chin.

Haldir's face followed the gentle touch, tilting slightly. The hand on Elrond's shoulder had ceased any movement several moments before, but now it squeezed gently, coaxing the tensed muscles to relax.

Elrond slowly drew a breath. "How...astounding..." he murmured, almost too low to be heard. "I never imagined to find..." his chest caught as he felt Haldir's fingers digging into his over-tight muscles, and an unexpected searing of warmth through his midsection shocked him further.

Feeling a tense spot, Haldir urged Elrond to turn. When the older elf moved, Haldir slid both hands across the tight back, fingers digging into a spot just below an elegant shoulder blade.

A gusty sigh pushed from Elrond's lungs as he almost groaned, the strong hands working on the tightness that had plagued him as long as he could remember. He reached out to brace himself against the balcony railing.

Haldir turned to straddle the bench, thighs bracketing Elrond's hips in an innocent gesture as he ran his palms down the older elf's sides, thumbs digging in near Elrond's spine. He worked them slowly, challenging any knots he found.

Elrond did groan then, low and long, stretching his arms forward to help the process. He dropped his head, stretching his neck, the dark hair swinging off his shoulders. He couldn't fathom the spectacular sensations from just this innocent touch.

As the dark hair parted and fell aside, Haldir's eyes honed in on the spot of milky-white skin that peeked above the collar of the Elrond's robes. An unruly hand reached for it, fingers teasing lightly over the exposed skin before he realized what he was doing. The sensation of touching the elf's skin, in addition to the heady sound of the groan, set Haldir's trousers to tightening.

Shivering as Haldir's fingers lightly danced over his nape, Elrond drew a breath, trying to bring himself under control. Both hands now grasped the railing tightly, and his tongue darted out to wet his lips as he relaxed further under the warden's hands.

As Elrond's tension unspooled beneath his hands, Haldir became ever more tense. His eyes closed as his hands moved over the body in front of him, visions of naked flesh feeding his arousal.

A hunger growing in him unlike any he'd felt in centuries, even for his wife, Elrond tried to consider the consequences of turning and sating that hunger with the elf who worked such magic on him. On the second try, his lips formed the words. "Haldir...please..." he moaned.

Daring to hope against all odds that Elrond would ask him for...for love...at least the physical expression, Haldir breathed a soft, "Yes," as he leaned closer.

Groaning, Elrond reached for Haldir's hands. "Your touch fires my blood," he rasped. "I would feel it elsewhere, if you so desire." He hoped his words were not too much, feeling his comment on par with the warden's forward expression.

Haldir's heart leaped at the offer Elrond put forth, and he did not spare a moment for thought. His arms tightened around the elven lord, pulling Elrond tight against his body. His hands roamed the taut belly, moving lower to caress tensed thighs beneath heavy robes.

Panting now, Elrond gasped as he felt himself held, held for the first time in so long. Haldir's strong hands were a balm that fired his arousal. With a grunt, he turned in the warden's arms, grasping Haldir by the upper arms. "Will you come inside with me?" he asked hoarsely, dark eyes glittering as they looked over the warden's flushed face.

Haldir nodded, rising to pull Elrond to his feet. Once in the safety of the elf lord's rooms, he pulled Elrond into his arms, lips pausing a breath away. Haldir searched the flashing silver eyes for a moment before he closed his own eyes and pressed forward, lips teasing delicately at Elrond's full mouth. Elrond's breath shuddered as light, firm lips drew close, and he could not resist trying to meet them. They nipped at each other's mouths, testing, teasing, until the dark elf growled.

The feral growl fired Haldir's blood, and he deepened the kiss, his tongue pushing inside to wrestle Elrond's own. The Peredhel's taste was sweet and musky, matching the smell that emanated from his body. Haldir's hands wandered restlessly, pushing inside the sleeves of Elrond's robes in order to make contact with bare skin.

Clutching the muscled body closer, Elrond met Haldir's mouth with fervor, his won desire welling rapidly. He wanted this elf...badly. Moving his hands, he began to push and pull at Haldir's robes, seeking the ties that would bare the warden's skin.

Haldir removed his hands from Elrond's sleeves, helping the other elf to remove his clothes. When Haldir was left in only a loincloth, his hands moved to Elrond's body, eagerly pushing the heavy robes aside. At last, he reached skin, his hands splaying on Elrond's bare chest as he nibbled at the delicate tips of upswept ears.

Letting loose a soft gasp, Elrond nearly collapsed into Haldir's arms as the light kisses fell on his skin, and he shuddered, sliding his arms around the warden's neck. Mindless, he moaned for more, pressing his arousal against the heavily muscled thigh in front of him.

Sliding his hands up over Elrond's shoulders and down his slim back, Haldir rid Elrond of his over-abundance of clothing. His hands settled on a softly curved bottom, using the grip to pull Elrond closer to him. He moved the elf in his arms back and forth over his leg, drinking in the moans of pleasure.

Crying out his pleasure, Elrond threw his head back as he rode Haldir's thigh, clutching at his lover's shoulders. The heat roiling through him made him shameless as he tossed his hair back, leaning forward to seek that honey-sweet mouth.

One hand broke free from its hold on Elrond's bottom, sliding up to tangle in dark silk. Haldir used his hold on Elrond to coax him to the massive bed that filled the room. As their entwined thighs brushed rough silk, Haldir sighed, "Who will have whom?"

Elrond did not want to give up the illusion that Haldir was the stronger of them, holding him close, taking him..."Have me," he answered, turning dark eyes on the elf who had so pleased him thus far. "I would have you in and around me," he said as he stroked Haldir's flanks.

Haldir granted the sweetly worded request, hitching Elrond up until he straddled the Lórien elf's hips. He then lay them down on the bed, moving on his knees until he rested comfortably above Elrond. "I would have you now," he sighed. "And tomorrow...as long as you may stay here and allow me this privilege."

Reaching up to cup Haldir's face in his hand, Elrond met his eyes. "I am pleased to grant it to one who gives me such pleasure," he whispered. "Stay, as long as you desire."

A slow smile crossed Haldir's face at the words. "Be careful what you grant me, my lord, I may accept your offer." His hands slid down Elrond's body, fingers tugging at the laces to the loincloth. At last, his hands touched hot, dry, hard flesh, and he could not help but squeeze it gently, coaxing moisture from its tip.

Elrond's smile at Haldir's words faded into a gasp. "I will not last...it has been too long since I have had any company other than my own," he said, hips jerking up into the warden's hand. His own fingers dug into the bed.

"Find bliss," Haldir pleaded, pleased to bring the other elf such a taste of pleasure. "There is time for more exploration..." At that, he drifted down Elrond's body, dropping kisses on the smooth planes until his lips bumped the fingers that held Elrond's desire.

A stifled cry escaping tightly pressed lips, the dark elf writhed under Haldir's firm body, the pleasure consuming him as he thrust into the warm, tight fist. He moaned the warden's name, distantly surprised that it came so easily to his lips.

The sound of his name falling from Elrond's lips brought an unexpected burst of pleasure to Haldir. His body tightened uncontrollably, his own arousal wetting the soft fabric of his loincloth. At the first taste of Elrond's musk, he moaned hungrily, swallowing the broad head of the Peredhel's shaft into the recesses of his mouth.

"Valar!" Elrond swore, unable to stop his hips from pressing up into the hot wetness. "I cannot...I..." he gasped, hands grasping wildly at Haldir's shoulders.

Haldir swallowed over and over, hand pumping gently at jerking flesh.

With a keening cry, Elrond spilled, his body stiffening in Haldir's hands as his seed came forth. He shook uncontrollably, gasping, lost in the climax brought on by the warden's touch.

Haldir coaxed Elrond through his release, tasting the lord's release deep inside his mouth. Pressing more kisses over softening flesh, he moved up to rest beside the lax body. He demanded nothing in return, enjoying instead the sated look on the dark elf's face.

Lost in the heated lethargy, Elrond leaned against his elf lover, just breathing, hands sliding about Haldir's waist to keep him close. "I...had forgotten..." the dark elf breathed.

Haldir moved Elrond's hands above his head, stretching the older elf out beneath him as he rolled to cover his body. "I shall remind you as often as possible," he murmured.

Almost purring under Haldir's ministrations, Elrond opened his eyes to look at the blond elf hovering above him. "Will you remind me now of what it feels like to be desired?" he rasped.

Eyes widening, Haldir's voice was low and throaty. "You would accept that of me?" he asked disbelievingly.

A smile curved Elrond's lips and he chuckled, reaching up to cup Haldir's chin. "I would. In fact, I crave it - giving myself over to you. It is...liberating, in a way," he said, fingers sliding down the pale chest in front of him.

Haldir's eyes fluttered closed at the exploring touch on his body. He moved toward it, back arching and pressing his aroused sex, encased in a damp loincloth, against Elrond's thigh. He moved thoughtlessly, hand untying the thin strings that held the piece together, tossing it over his shoulder. The first touch of his flesh against the soft skin of the elf beneath him had him gasping in surprise and pleasure.

Elrond groaned and wiggled underneath Haldir's weight, sliding his hands over well-developed chest and belly to the stiff flesh he encountered below. "Oh yes," he murmured. "Let me feel you..."

Haldir fumbled on the bedside table, finding a vial that smelled of rosemary. He tipped the thin oil into his hand, sliding it between Elrond's legs. His thumb brushed teasingly at the small entrance, tracing round and round it until it clenched beneath his touch. As the involuntary contraction released, he slid his finger inside, spreading oil over the stubborn muscle. His thumb moved in and out, twisting until the small opening would accept another finger. His breath grew short as he thought of being inside this molten heat. He watched the lord's face carefully for any signs of discomfort.

Letting his eyes fall shut, the dark elf relaxed back into the pillows, fully intending to allow Haldir to take him as he wished. But his touch was inflammatory, and Elrond soon found himself aroused again, gasping and moving under the warden's skillful hand.

The hardening of Elrond's flesh against his belly pleased Haldir beyond compare. He added a third finger, intent on making the encounter one of pleasure for them both. His fingers searched for the bundle of nerves hidden inside Elrond's passage, and when the older elf gasped louder, he knew he'd found it.

Withdrawing his hand, he anointed his flesh with oil, moving between the dark elf's thighs. He paused for a moment, gazing down at the beautiful elf who waited to be taken. A slow, sweet smile spread across his face, and he positioned Elrond's legs, moving them higher on his own thighs so that the entry would be less painful. Moving closer, he closed his eyes, a sigh escaping his lips as he touched the still-contracting muscles of Elrond's entrance.

Gripping Haldir's upper arms, the dark elf quaked under his lover, amazed at such sensations after feeling cold and passionless for so long. Giving up on restraint and abandoning himself to pleasure, Elrond allowed the cries and gasps to escape his lips unfettered, letting the warden know how much he was thrilled by his touch. "Yes...yes...I want you..." he gasped as Haldir prepared to push inside of him.

Haldir's hands steadied the trembling thighs before bracing the slightly hitching hips. He swallowed deeply, concentrating on controlling his own desire as he pushed gently. At first, the stubborn entrance tried to bar him, allowing only a fraction of his shaft to push inside, but then the plump head of his arousal passed through the ring, and he was drawn in slowly by the heat of his lover's body. His breath fettered out in an unchecked gush as the searing walls closed around him, pulling him deeper and deeper until his pelvic bones brushed against the round globes of the dark elf's bottom. He wriggled a bit before bending over the body beneath him to reach the parted lips that beckoned for his kiss.

Elrond could not stop the deep groan as his body made way for Haldir's heavy erection, and he licked his lips as he met the warden's mouth in a desperate kiss. He wanted to move, needed to move, to feel that impressive length pushing him toward another pinnacle of ecstasy.

Taking the open lips in a passionate kiss, Haldir began to move as their tongues wove together sinuously. His hands moved to Elrond's thighs, pulling his legs further up his own flanks as he drank in the taste of the elf who surrounded him so perfectly. He sighed into Elrond's mouth, nibbling at a full lower lip as he moved harder, body straining to bring pleasure to the older elf.

"Valar..." Elrond breathed, feeling himself transported, shivering under his lover as desire pervaded his entire body. "You turn me to silk in your hands."

Shaking his head gently, Haldir sighed, "You were silk before, my lord." He thrust steadily into the warmth and heat of Elrond's body, losing control rapidly. "I have but removed your beauty from hiding..."

Moaning constantly as he sought only to hold on and anchor himself in this maelstrom of heat, Elrond mindlessly pushed back against Haldir's thrusts, feeling his gut clench, and he gasped as he felt himself swell for another completion.

Lowering his body flush, Haldir moved in tandem with the body beneath him, feeling the hot shaft between them twitch dangerously. It drew a matched reaction from his own body, and his eyes closed once more as the feelings built to overwhelming completion. He opened his eyes as he came, lavender eyes locking with silver ones as his essence poured into his lover's body.

Eyes flying open as he crashed into orgasm, Elrond cried aloud, his eyes locked with his new lover's, stunned by the energy that pulsed between them as his seed released between their sweat-slick bodies.

The wet warmth that spread between them was a relief of sorts for Haldir. He had not failed the other elf. He had brought pleasure when it had been desired. Rolling carefully, he drew Elrond with him, not ready to relinquish their connection as of yet. Instead, his palm glided gently along the sweaty curve of Elrond's back, tracing patterns in the pool of moisture at the base of his spine.

Moving bonelessly as Haldir settled, Elrond draped himself over the other elf, replete and drained. He settled his cheek against the warden's shoulder, turning his lips to press against the sleek skin of his neck.

Haldir purred contentedly, the sound a low rumble that tumbled from his throat, vibrating against the warm lips of his new lover. He tugged at the coverlet beneath them, draping their bare bodies to foil the cooling breeze of the early evening. His voice was low and his words well considered as he murmured, "Nothing has to change. If you want to hide this from the others, I will abide by your wishes."

Nearly asleep, Elrond knew he should take heed of Haldir's words, but he was so terribly comfortable. "We will talk tomorrow," he murmured, curling his arm tighter about Haldir's waist.

Intending to return to his own flet and figuring the elf lord would desire privacy, Haldir prepared to move. "May the Valar send you pleasant dreams, my lord."

Frowning as Haldir shifted, Elrond tightened his hold. "Where are you going?" he asked, voice sleepy.

Haldir stilled, not daring to hope. "You do not wish me to leave?"

Blinking and propping himself up on one elbow, the dark elf frowned. "No... but if you wish to go, I would not keep you." His voice quietened as he realized the warden might not have planned at all to stay, and the time recently passed in pleasure felt...cheapened, somehow. Elrond buried his disquiet and lifted his hands from Haldir's body so that the other elf might move as he wished.

Haldir moved as soon as his body was released...closer to Elrond. He pulled the tensed body back into his arms, hands resuming their earlier voyaging over smooth muscles. "I wish to stay," he murmured, making himself quite at home in the Imladrian lord's more than ample bed.

Releasing the breath he hadn't realized he held, Elrond relaxed into Haldir's arms, seeking the comfort he had found there, as if the warden were the older, more confident of them. His cheek pillowed upon Haldir's chest, his arms sliding about his waist. "Then stay," he whispered.

"You could not force me away at this time, Elrond," Haldir spoke softly, daring to use the elf lord's given name. "I have made myself rather comfortable in this bed and I find I enjoy the weight of your body as it covers mine. I am afraid you are saddled with me, at least until the morn." As he spoke, a gentle smile crossed his face and his free hand twined into dark locks. "After all, I have no energy left to move," he admitted shyly, "but must rest so I am equipped to be your companion in all ways for the length of your stay."

Warmth and comfortable as he could not remember being for some time, Elrond slowly woke from reverie, suffused with relaxation. He slowly closed his eyes as waking crept upon him, and he started to stretch, stopping when he realized the warmth came from the muscled body he was sprawled across. Eyes propping open, he caught his breath at the sun-lit beauty before him.

A slight gasp pulled Haldir from the relaxing reverie he had enjoyed, and his body awakened before his mind. A warm, firm body covered his, weighting him down pleasantly. He blinked several times before focusing on the elf in his arms, a warm smile spreading across his lips as the light that filtered through the open doors of the room backlit the dark elf, making him appear to glow.

"Good morn," Elrond whispered, reaching out carefully, eyes open with wonder that the elf was still here, that what he had thought was a dream had actually happened.

Haldir's eyes fluttered closed at the gentle touch that explored his face. He opened them to see silver eyes gazing intently at him. Turning his head, he pressed soft kisses to the fingertips that lit upon his face. "'Tis better than good... 'tis perfect."

Blinking as warmth filled his chest and loins, the dark elf smiled. "You are still here," he said quietly, lightly stroking the petal-soft lips under his fingertips.

"'Tis a seemly move on my part," Haldir agreed, "To still be in your bed come morning. I find I could not bring myself to leave during the night." He relaxed completely under Elrond's body, legs spreading to allow the dark elf to come between his thighs. The invitation was subtle, but heartfelt.

Feeling his body shift to recline in the cradle of Haldir's hips, the older elf simply laid his head back against the warden's shoulder, cuddling close, inhaling his warm, sweet scent. "Indeed, a fortuitous choice on your part, from which we both benefit," he murmured, shifting his hips so his groin fell against his lover's.

Haldir's breath stuttered at the sweet friction caused when Elrond's hardening arousal rubbed against his own. "Seems we are both fortunate..." he wriggled his hips. "Among other things..."

Pulling back his head, Elrond lightly licked along Haldir's neck to his ear, nibbling lightly. "Such as?" he breathed, shifting closer, pressing their thickening shafts together.

Settling his hands on Elrond's lower back, Haldir pulled him yet closer. "Desperate for each other?" he suggested in a lightly teasing tone.

"Desperate?" Elrond said as if he were thinking about it. He pulled himself back to prop up on one elbow. His lips curved in amusement. "I cannot remember being so aroused by anyone in centuries," he confided. "I do not even know you, but you fire my blood."

"Then 'tis very fortunate indeed," Haldir smiles, eyes opening to study Elrond's lovely visage. "You are in my system now. Last night was not enough."

The dark elf chuckled. "Perhaps you shall find me addictive," he proposed as he leaned to steal a kiss, his hand straying down Haldir's chest.

Lacing fingers into the hair that swung down, Haldir pulled the older elf flush against his body as his lips spread beneath those of Elrond. His tongue darted out, tasting the delights of the dark elf's kiss.

Shivering, Elrond gave himself over to his lover's kiss, enjoying just this moment, living in the present as he had not for a long, long time. His tongue slid against Haldir's and he moaned at the sweet taste there even after a night's sleep. He pulled his mouth away on a deeper groan. "I find you just as addictive, I fear..."

"Do not fear," Haldir breathed, following Elrond's lips as he pulled away. "Simply breathe...and feel..."

The older elf settled in Haldir's arms. "Will you hold me close," he breathed, seeking reassurance he could find nowhere else.

Haldir's arms wrapped tightly around Elrond, and he turned their bodies so that they were flush under the thin coverlet. "I will hold you as long as you allow it, my lord," he promised.

His racing pulse settled, and Elrond felt a stronger measure of peace grow within him. Still amazed, he clung to Haldir. "Do you not expect me to be strong and wise, implacable and fearless?" he asked.

"I do not expect you to be any more than you wish to be," Haldir whispered. "While we are in this bed, you are my lover. When we are out in public, you are my companion. You are many things to me, Elrond...least of which is responsible. I require nothing of you."

The dark elf pulled back, eyes shadowed with long-held exhaustion. "And were you sent to me by the Lord and Lady? Or did you come of your own volition? It will not change what has happened, but I would know. Are you here in my bed because you truly wish to be?"

"I was sent by the lord and lady to be your companion," Haldir admitted truthfully, hand carding through dark tresses. "I became your lover because it was my heart's desire to know you as such."

Elrond smiled. "I was enchanted by how you dealt with Arwen. Many warriors have not the patience for a child's questions."

"I have brothers of my own," Haldir admitted. "It would pain me to have seen them discarded because of their age or curiosity." Propping on his elbow, he smiled down at the darker elf. "And she shares your beauty in feminine form."

A black eyebrow arched. "I thought most Lórien elves thought the Noldor ugly and dark," he commented. "I remember my first visit to the Golden Wood - I am a beetle among butterflies."

"You are not a beetle," Haldir whispered. "You are a moth...the dark counterpart to a butterfly..."

Elrond snickered. "I can hear the denizens of the wood now. He's a moth...chewing holes in the fabric of our society..."

"No - I did not mean it as such!" Haldir's eyebrows knit together worriedly. "I meant you are luminescent, exotic...a different sort of beauty..."

Laying a soothing hand along Haldir's cheek, Elrond shook his head. "Nay, I know what you meant. I am only jesting. Erestor is always telling me my sense of humor is mysterious." He chuckled again and leaned to kiss the warden lightly. "I appreciate your compliments. They warm me well."

"They come from the heart," the light elf whispered, face tilting to receive the full effect of Elrond's caress.

"How is it that we have come to each other so quickly, do you think? I am usually loath to trust so early and so much," Elrond said, voice distracted.

Shrugging, Haldir twisted a lock of hair around his forefinger. "Perhaps the Valar saw in us our need for another? For completion?"

A soft smile made Elrond's eyes shine and he simply watched the elf who held him. "Perhaps," he echoed, wanting very much to agree. "I know, now, that I needed...need...you. But you? Why do you need me?"

"I have been alone for years...centuries even. I have always asked the Valar to bless me with another. Mayhap you are an answer to that prayer?" Haldir's lavender eyes held a question.

Honest surprise flickered in Elrond's eyes. "You would have me...as your own?" he asked, voice almost breaking. He could hardly believe it - to be honestly wanted for himself, not his power, not his station, not his beauty.

"I would share you," Haldir answered truthfully. "I understand your bond with the Lady's daughter. I do not wish to take her place in your heart. I merely ask if there is room for me as well."

Moved beyond words, Elrond could merely stare at the pale-haired elf for a long moment before he shook himself and nodded. "Haldir, Celebrian is my wife, and though she is gone from me until I sail, I will always love her." He paused, raising eyes almost black and shimmering to Haldir's. "But there is much of my heart to give, and eons of time to be together."

"Then I would share what you would with me," Haldir asked, voice low and shy in the bright light of morning.

Charmed, Elrond dipped his head to capture the warden's lips, caressing them softly with his own before pulling back. "And might you have some small part of your heart to share with me?"

Haldir's eyes darkened in remembered pain. "All but a small part that perished many years ago, my lord."

The older elf nodded in sympathetic understanding. "Someday, perhaps you will share your pain with me. But for now, I would rather speak of happier things. Will our family be pleased?"

A wide grin spread across Haldir's features. "My brothers shall be pleased that their uptight brother finally found a release for his 'pent up tensions'." Nuzzling Elrond's neck, he asked, "Will your children approve?"

Nodding, Elrond sighed. "Arwen is just at the age where she thinks everyone should be with someone and be happy. The twins will wish me well, we have discussed it many times. I have encouraged them to find happiness as well."

"And the Lord and Lady?" Haldir's voice grew anxious. "What will they think?"

Concerned, the older elf rubbed Haldir's arm soothingly. "They approve, of course. They would not have sent you to me in any capacity if they did not approve of you highly, I suspect. Galadriel, in particular, has been after me to find a lover, for some decades."

Nodding distractedly, Haldir's hand settled on Elrond's chest, fingers playfully teasing over silky skin. "I daresay she planned this."

The lord snorted. "I am sure she planned this."

Haldir rolled on top of the dark elf, a mischievous grin spreading over his features. "We shall not disappoint her, shall we?"

Grinning up at his new lover, Elrond shook his head. Although there were still shadows under his eyes and lines of exhaustion on his face, his eyes sparkled with new life. "Not at all," he purred.

Dipping his head, Haldir traced his tongue along the seam of Elrond's smiling lips, pressing a lingering kiss to each curved corner. "You may have me at any time, lord of my heart. You need not ask."

Elrond slid his long fingers into the silk of Haldir's hair. "Would you have me again? I find I crave the feel of you claiming me, surrounding me," he whispered.

Haldir studied the face beneath his, staring into the bewitching silver eyes. "Aye. I would have you over and over until the twilight of time." His hands slid along smooth flesh, finding sensitive spots as he explored.

Groaning with delight, the dark elf threw his head back and stretched under Haldir's touch, much like a large cat. The door leading to the next room in his suite slammed open without announcement and before he could react, Arwen had launched herself onto the bed, calling "Ada, Ada!"

Haldir froze in surprise, hands stilling on the suddenly tensed body beneath his. His eyes searched Elrond's, wondering how to react to the sudden intrusion.

Both regret and no small bit of embarrassment flamed in Elrond's eyes before he turned his chin to Arwen, his hands tightening about Haldir's waist, not letting him roll away. "Arwen! What have I told you about knocking?"

The young ellyn sighed. "But Ada...oh, good morning, Haldir, lovely to see you. But Ada, I really want to go to the pond, but grandfather says I cannot go without your express permission, especially if I want to swim!"

Elrond just stared at her for a long moment before closing his eyes, drawing a breath and reopening them. Arwen waited patiently.

Haldir nodded at the young ellyn, keeping his mouth closed but smiling at the exchange between father and daughter.

"You may go, Arwen, but first tell your brothers. And knock next time!" Elrond added strongly at the end.

"Yes, Ada, I promise, Ada," Arwen said happily, leaning over to kiss his cheek. Then on impulse, she kissed Haldir's cheek before scrambling off the bed and running out of the room, the door slamming behind her.

Haldir remained dazed for several long moments after the young female whirlwind left the room. "Was that a kiss of approval?"

Elrond had already stared chuckling and upon hearing Haldir's question, laughed long and hearty. Finally he calmed enough to breathe and answer. "I believe so. Come, let us break our fast. I am afraid more interruptions will be on the way once Arwen announces seeing us together this morning."

Haldir froze again, this time with hand wandering mid-thigh on Elrond's body. "I suppose it would be wise ...lest the twins should give us the same treatment as Arwen..."

"Perhaps we might find a few moments to ourselves in the bathing chamber?" Elrond proposed.

Both eyebrows arching, Haldir smirked invitingly. "Shall I wash you, my lord?"

The older elf wriggled against Haldir's body. "Wash me clean with your scent and essence..." he teased in a low voice.

Haldir pinned Elrond to the bed beneath himself. "I would rather mark you with my scent and essence, and then clean you with my tongue," he suggested naughtily.

Moaning as heat streaked through his groin, Elrond nodded frantically. "Yes...yes...melethron, yes..." He struggled lightly, more to let himself feel himself held down rather than trying to break free, as was obvious. "Have me...make me yours."

Nibbling down the smooth column of Elrond's throat, Haldir nipped at the prominent slope of an elegant collarbone. He flexed his hips against Elrond's. "Shall we move to the bathing chamber?"

"No...no!" Elrond gasped, his knees pulling up to try to press Haldir closer. His hips pressed up as well, revealing his arousal.

Haldir's long fingers, calloused by years of using a bow, encircled their flesh, stroking them in tandem. He moaned against Elrond's skin, one hand still holding the older elf in place as the other teased them both to distraction.

With a soft cry, Elrond grabbed for his lover's hips as his wrists were freed, jutting his hard arousal into the strong hands that serviced him so lovingly. He writhed in place, skin flushing with pleasure.

"Show me your pleasure," Haldir pleaded, hips jerking against Elrond's.

The older elf's eyelids flew open, his eyes pools of rippling desire and ecstasy. "Melethron," he choked out, his body tensing, on the edge with so little provocation, wanting so much to reach the pinnacle, wanting equally to make it last. "You do this to me...only you!"

"Only me," Haldir confirmed breathlessly, still stroking their combined lengths. Body close to releasing, he worked harder to bring pleasure to his new lover.

"Yes...Haldir!" Elrond cried, his body stiffening as they climaxed together at the warden's hand, the thoughts of being loved and sheltered making the experience nigh overwhelming.

"So lovely," Haldir murmured, sliding down the sated body beneath him. His tongue dipped into the pools of their release, cleaning the sticky fluid from the glistening skin of his lover.

Shivering and gasping under Haldir's tongue, Elrond cried out softly as the warden stroked his oversensitive flesh.

The sounds Elrond made went straight to Haldir's heart, burrowing deeply into his soul. "Beautiful," he sighed, "perfect."

*****

Translations:

Elleth - female elf
Pen neth - little one
Ada - Papa (Adar - Father)
Melethron - lover

*****

THE END

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