Savor The Moment

Savor The Moment

Posted: May 16, 2008
Title: Savor the Moment
Author: Elohir Mornedhel
Type: FCS
Characters: Erestor/Glorfindel
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: They belong to Tolkien, his estate and any copyright holders. It’s their sandbox; I’m just playing in it.
Warnings: None really save some angst and maybe some tissue but not a lot.
Beta: None at present therefore all mistakes are mine.
Author's Notes: Zhie’s Challenge – Lights Out

Summary: A wrong turn leads to a right love.

*****

Glorfindel was exhausted. Nothing about his day had gone as planned. From the moment he had opened his eyes until now, when he trudged through the silent halls of the Last Homely House. A small excursion with new recruits had ended in various bumps, bruises, scratches and one broken leg. Since when did elves fall from trees?

The council meeting had been tediously boring until a very nervous Elladan had accidently spilled his tea, gone cold during the talks, down his father’s back. Glorfindel had had to stifle his laughter to save Elladan further embarrassment. Not to mention himself from the dreaded Eyebrow.

Arwen, darling elfling as she was, had spilled an entire container of orange marmalade in his lap, making him a sticky mess. The poor thing had burst into tears and he couldn’t truly be mad at her. After all, he had asked her to pass the gooey substance.

There had been the argument with Erestor and Asfaloth’s unexpected escape from the stables, not to mention a hundred other tiny things that had conspired to drive him insane. Now the seneschal was plodding back to his room, so exhausted he couldn’t see straight. All he wanted was to strip naked, climb into bed and snuggle up with his current lover. Though lately all Melpomaen had wanted to do in bed was sleep. His paramour had been decidedly cool of late. The scribe refused to discuss the matter with him and Glorfindel was not one to push the issue.

Turning, he shoved the door open and practically stumbled into the room. For some reason, none of the candles had been lit. Assuming Melpomaen was already ensconced in his bed, Glorfindel began stripping his clothes from his body. Muscles rippled beneath sleek golden skin.

Clad in just his leggings, he pushed the door to his bed chambers open. Absently he noted the moonlight spilling on either side of his bed. It left the top portion in shadow but illuminated the foot of the bed. Had Mel rearranged his rooms? He hoped not, otherwise he was going to be furious… tomorrow.

Sapphire eyes wandered over the slender outline barely discernable in the current light. His lovely petite scribe, his quiet little lover, was sleeping on his side. Glorfindel inhaled deeply, taking a different scent into his lungs. Had Mel changed his soap? He hoped not as the scent of patchouli reminded him most disturbingly of Erestor.

The councilor had been the bane of his existence in the last several years. Glorfindel didn’t know when things had changed. Perhaps it had been the night the darkling beauty had accidently climbed into the seneschal’s bed instead of his own. What had followed had been one of the most deliciously satisfying nights of the Balrog slayer’s life.

Erestor had sworn it was exhaustion that had caused the whole situation. It was true the advisor pushed himself way too hard and Glorfindel swore he slept in his office more often than his bed. In truth, the golden warrior had wished it was something else entirely. His attraction to the dark haired ellon was his best kept secret. Given Erestor’s behavior since that night, it would remain so. Since then, the councilor had nothing pleasant to say to him. It made Glorfindel sad but he accepted what he could not change.

With a careless shrug, he climbed into bed and spooned up behind Mel. He pressed close, rocking his burgeoning arousal against the firm rounded cheeks of his lover. Had his little scribe been working out? He nuzzled the silky hair away from the ellon’s neck and buried his nose against the exposed flesh. Mel must have changed his soap. His skin was even softer than Glorfindel remembered, more silky and tempting. Sharp white teeth lightly grazed the curve of a shoulder and a low moan echoed through the room. Glorfindel slid his hand beneath the blankets and made a very delightful discovery. Mel had forgone the long nightshirt he’d taken to wearing in bed. The golden warrior was intensely appreciative as he’d always preferred skin to skin contact with those he chose to sleep with.

Though small little warning bells were ringing in the back of his now passion hazed mind, Glorfindel didn’t stop the avid pursuit of his lover’s pleasure. Never had Mel been this vocal and the seneschal was enjoying it a great deal. Moans and whimpers of delight accompanied the slow movement of his hands beneath the sheets. Tremors shook the body before him, allowing him to savor the joy of pleasing his partner.

Tugging the sheet down to expose Mel’s body, Glorfindel followed the fabric’s path with tongue, teeth and lips. The scent of patchouli filled his nose along with a distinctly exotic scent he couldn’t place but was intoxicated by just the same. Never had he been so aroused by another. Well, at least not since that night with Erestor. The golden elf shook his head, pushing that thought away. It did no good to dwell on the impossible no matter how badly one wanted it.

Finally Glorfindel reached his goal, the very turgid arousal of his lover. Smiling with predatory delight, he lightly licked the straining shaft before him. Hips bucked and he laughed softly as a little wail of pleasure filled the room. He could truly get used to this side of Melpomaen. With a wicked glint in his sapphire eyes, Glorfindel took Mel’s shaft deep into his mouth, swallowing as the head hit the back of his throat.

Erestor’s eyes snapped open as pleasure smashed against his senses. He arched his back, practically screaming with ecstasy. Long fingers buried in the sheets of his bed as he tried to breath. Hot wet heat surrounded his cock, pushing all rational thought from his head. It had been entirely too long since he’d last experienced this particular pleasure. In truth, it had been too long since he’d had a lover… not since THAT night.

As the head of his cock was caressed by his mystery lover’s throat, Erestor buried his fingers in silken hair. Moonlight glinted off muscular buttocks and thick thighs. He barely made out the lines that curled over his lover’s hips as his legs were positioned on broad shoulders. A logical thought tried to break through the haze of his passion, something to do with those shadowy lines but it was broken into a thousand pieces as he felt the wet slide of a strong tongue against his entrance. He couldn’t breathe as the wet appendage prepared him in such an erotic way.

Removing one hand from the satin locks of his partner, he grasped his leg and pulled it to his chest, opening himself further in offering. His breath came in short pants as his world narrowed to that one delightful sensation. He couldn’t have said a word if he’d wanted to and the only thing he wanted was to be filled and ridden hard until he screamed his release.

“Saes,” was all he managed.

Glorfindel continued to prepare his lover. He couldn’t wait much longer before sinking his aching shaft into the delightfully responsive body beneath him. Exhaustion gone in the face of desire, he gave his lover’s opening one last long thrust of his tongue before shifting to position himself between slender thighs.

Hissing as the head of his cock pressed against the wet muscle, Glorfindel closed his eyes. He savored the feel of slipping slowly inside the tight passage and it felt like coming home. It had never felt this way with Mel before and he had no idea what had changed. He could only savor it, relish it, and hope he wasn’t imagining the feeling. It would crush him if he was… or worse, if he was the only one experiencing it. He knew love when he felt it.

Finally he was buried deep and could barely catch his breath. He lowered his head to his lover’s shoulder and tried to slow his racing heart. Nipping the sweet flesh, he whispered into Mel’s ear.

“By the Valar,” he said. “You are so tight, such a perfect fit, as if you were made for me. So sweet… melethen melui.”

Erestor’s mind froze in shock. No, it couldn’t be. But he would recognize that husky voice anywhere. Tears filled his eyes as he realized who was making such sweet love to him and who Glorfindel THOUGHT he was loving. It was too cruel to have this happen not once but twice and yet, he couldn’t stop the moans and whimpers that escaped his lips. He could not prevent his hands from gripping those powerful shoulders nor his long legs from wrapping around narrow hips as the golden warrior thrust between his thighs. The councilor couldn’t stop from shattering in mind-numbing pleasure as he spilled between their straining bodies. How was he going to survive this with his heart intact?

Glorfindel growled deep in his chest as he felt his lover’s passage clench around him. Rippling muscles milked his shaft and he couldn’t resist the exquisite pleasure.

“Erestor.” He moaned softly as he came, not realizing what he said, what he wanted so desperately.

Long slender arms wrapped around the balrog slayer as the golden warrior collapsed on him. Erestor sighed, feeling the tears sliding down his face and into his hair. Closing his eyes, he relished the feel of Glorfindel’s weight pressing him into the mattress. The huge ellon made him feel small, almost delicate, but infinitely safe and cherished. Too bad it was a lie, a figment of his frivolous imagination.

Though he was slight, Erestor was in no way petite and he knew from his many discreet observations of the golden warrior that Glorfindel preferred his lovers tiny, much smaller than the captain was. The advisor, on the other hand, could look the golden warrior in the eye by lifting his chin a fraction of an inch. While the others had been clearly meant for sedentary passive lives, Erestor had proven he could handle a sword as deftly as he handled a quill… or his tongue. There were so many areas where the councilor differed from the seneschal’s lovers. He would never have Glorfindel the way he wanted him. He would never have the enchanting golden warrior forever as his own.

“Savor the moment,” Erestor whispered to himself as he ran long slender fingers through Glorfindel’s golden tresses. “It will have to last until the end of Arda.”

***

The knock sounded as Erestor was coming out of his bathing chamber. He had made up his mind to wait until Glorfindel woke up before kicking the seneschal out of his rooms. Looking at the warrior’s face, he’d seen the clear signs of exhaustion. Having personal experience with the effects of very little sleep and extreme amounts of stress, Erestor had let him sleep. Besides, he had to compose what he was going to say to his unexpected lover in order to keep his secret. Erestor couldn’t let Glorfindel know how much he loved him and the only way to do that was to make the seneschal believe he hated him. Every harsh word the councilor spoke to his beloved tore at his heart.

Gliding over to the door, he was surprised to see Lord Elrond there with Melpomaen. The peredhel looked worn out and the scribe looked… peeved. Well, pissed off would be a more appropriate term for the expression on Mel’s face.

“Good morning Elrond,” he said politely before nodding to the scribe. “Melpomaen.”

“I am sorry to disturb you at such an early hour Erestor,” Elrond began. “However, I was wondering if you knew where Glorfindel was. The patrol returned extremely late last night with injuries and I wanted to make sure he was okay. You know how he is when he gets hurt. He tells no one.”

“He did not come to his rooms last night,” Mel added though he didn’t seem too upset by the fact.

Erestor looked from one to the other. Heaving a sigh, he stepped back and allowed them to enter. Motioning them to be quiet, he opened the door to his bedchambers. Glorfindel lay sprawled on his back in the middle of the councilor’s bed. One muscular arm was thrown over his head, his golden hair spread over the pillows and around his body to his waist. The sheet just barely made him decent while his other hand rested just above his groin. All together it was an extremely erotic sight.

Elrond turned to his chief advisor and raised The Eyebrow. He took note of how quickly the other elf, normally not shy or submissive in any way, lowered his gaze with a furious blush. Acting on an instinct he would examine later, Elrond looked deeper and nearly gasped out loud. Oh, his two closest friends had a great deal to talk about… to resolve because, it seemed, the Valar had taken the decision out of their hands.

The sound of flesh meeting flesh filled the room. Erestor stared at Melpomaen in shock as the tiny scribe shook his stinging hand. Brown eyes seethed with fury as the tiny ellon stared at the chief advisor. The rage emanating from the smaller elf was almost palpable. Reacting instinctively, Mel swung again only to gasp in shock as his wrist was grabbed in a severe grip.

Glorfindel stood in front of Erestor, his eyes blazing with fury. He never approved of violence unless it was the last resort. His grip on Mel’s wrist was almost crushingly strong.

“Do not strike him again,” he growled low in his chest. “EVER.”

He gave a flick of his wrist and the smaller ellon when tumbling backwards. He fell to the floor with a crash and stared up at the huge warrior. Desire coursed through him and along with it a fury that was almost blinding. Fortunately, Mel knew when to back down and one ALWAYS backed down when challenged by Glorfindel. For the first time since he realized what his preferences were, he was able to get it from his lover even if it was unintentional.

“NOW you give me what I need,” he said sarcastically as he rose to his feet. “Finally.”

“It is clear you need a rougher hand than I am willing to give. It would have been nice to know this several months ago instead of the cooling ardor and unresponsiveness in my bed. I do not read minds without permission, Melpomaen. It is rude. You should have told me.” Glorfindel said as he crossed his arms over his broad chest.

Before their conversation could continue, there was a loud slam. Turning, the seneschal found his clothing on the floor outside Erestor’s bedchamber. He looked to Elrond and then down at his current state of undress. With a cynical snort, he donned his leggings and walked towards the hall. Giving in to the urging of his heart, he took one last look over his shoulder. He wanted to savor the moment, fleeting as it was.

“Given the circumstances, I will not berate you for hitting Erestor. However, I expect better from my people and my staff in particular, Melpomaen. Do you understand?” Elrond said as he led the other elf out of the room.

“Yes hiren and I am very sorry. I lost control of my temper. It will not happen again.” The scribe answered, bowing his head.

“I am not the one you need to apologize to. Now explain something to me. Why is it you stayed with Glorfindel for so long? You do not love him.” Elrond asked.

“I love him in my own way Lord Elrond,” Mel said with a sigh. “He is a gentle considerate lover and so very generous. He always thought of my pleasure first but… “

“But?” the peredhel encouraged.

“Gentle was not what I needed, what I crave. At first, I stayed with him because I was ashamed of what I desired. I felt like I should not want such things. I stayed because I needed to belong to someone, needed to feel loved even if it was not a soul deep love. Glorfindel gave me that.” the petite ellon sighed. “I was too afraid to tell him what I wanted him to do to me. After awhile, I started to resent him though the issue was mine and I honestly did not know how to end it.”

“Not everyone has the same needs and desires when it comes to physical pleasure Melpomaen. You should not be ashamed of enjoying rough sex. I know it is difficult to talk to your lover; however, you should have made the effort. You both got hurt in the end did you not?” Elrond said.

“Yes, I guess we did. It does hurt to know Glorfindel slept with Erestor, especially given the treatment he has received from Erestor. What a mess.” Mel said quietly. “I must have made him feel poorly indeed if he decided to have sex with someone who dislikes him so. What does that say about me?”

“It does not say anything about you,” Elrond pointed out. “However, it does say a great deal about them.”

“Indeed.”

***

Centuries Later

Elrond never thought he would see the day Glorfindel lost his lust for life. Since his return, the Balrog Slayer had savored every aspect of living. He had taken joy in the simplest of things and shared it with any and everyone. The light of his spirit had been almost physical, touching everyone around him. He’d drawn even the most reclusive people to him, brought joy to those around him. Quick to laugh and always with a smile upon his face, Glorfindel had walked through his second life as if nothing weighed him down or dampened his spirits.

Now the joy was gone. The light of his soul grew dimmer with each exchange of harsh words Glorfindel had with Erestor. The balrog slayer received the sharpest end of the councilor’s tongue. The only time they were remotely civil with each other was when they were in council or in public. Yet, the tension was still there just beneath the surface.

“How long have you loved him?” Elrond questioned one evening after a particularly brutal argument.

“It does no good to dwell on what cannot be changed,” Glorfindel answered quietly. “I can only savor those brief moments and let them be enough.”

“I see. Well then how long are you going to allow him to shred your heart and soul?” the peredhel questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Until the end of Arda,” came the golden elf’s quiet reply.

“The shadows grow closer Glorfindel. I feel it. The darkness has once again risen in Mordor. You have seen them just yesterday so close to our borders. The council will convene in a few days time. I need you and yet I do not know if I do you an injustice by insisting you attend with him.” Elrond sighed.

“I swore an oath, Mellon, before Námo, to guard your line as I once watched over your father and grandmother. That is where my focus must lie.” Glorfindel answered. “I will not fail you ever. Only when your family has taken leave of Middle Earth will I sail west. I will deal with Erestor.”

“That is my point!” Elrond snapped. “You do not DEAL with Erestor. You allow him to be cruel to you, to insult you and to speak to you as if you have not a brain in your head until he finally crosses the line and then you two go at each other like wargs over a carcass! He is tearing you apart and you do not even realize it.”

“Let it be, Elrond,” Glorfindel said firmly yet gently as he rested his hand on the peredhel’s shoulder. “You cannot heal every hurt. Right now Frodo needs you more than I. Your attention should be on him and what he carries. Leave my heart to me.”

“You have done such a wonderful job with it.” Elrond snorted.

***

“Have you decided who will represent the Firstborn?” Glorfindel asked as he and Erestor walked with the peredhel to the council chambers.

“I have not,” Elrond answered. “I thought perhaps Prince Legolas but he is still rather young.”

“Might I make a suggestion?” the warrior said as he glanced out the windows.

“Of course, Mellon, you know your input is always welcome.” The lord answered ignoring Erestor’s snort of derision.

“Send me,” the quiet words echoed in the silent hallway.

Two dark-haired elves stopped in shock. They stared at him as if he had grown another head. Glorfindel had taken several more steps before realizing they were no longer beside him. He turned back to face them and waited patiently.

“Is there a problem?” He asked.

“No. I just… your request is unexpected, Glorfindel.” Elrond answered.

“I have already faced the nazgul on more than one occasion, Elrond. I know the way to Mordor and Mount Doom. You must admit that I am a good choice to send on such a mission.” The golden warrior pointed out.

“That is true,” Elrond nodded with a sigh.

“At least consider it as an option. Now, if you will excuse me, I have some matters to attend to before the council convenes.” Glorfindel said and then he was striding away.

The golden warrior’s words froze his heart. Send him? No, Elrond simply could not send Glorfindel on this quest. Erestor stared after the seneschal, his eyes glued to the beloved figure. He could not make his voice work any more than he could make his feet take the continued steps towards the council chamber.

“Erestor?” Elrond called.

When he received no response, the lord turned to look at his dear friend and chief advisor. It surprised him to see Erestor’s face completely white, his eyes wide and filled with shock and fear. Reaching up he touched the councilor’s cheek only to find it ice cold. Grabbing his friend by the shoulders, Elrond shook him gently.

“Erestor!” he snapped.

“Not him,” The advisor whispered. “You cannot send him Elrond.”

The peredhel straightened, his eyes narrowing as he studied the ellon before him.

“His reasons are valid. He is an experienced warrior and knows his way. Why not send Glorfindel?” the lord demanded.

“Because.” The advisor answered but the words died in his throat as fear closed it.

“Because?” Elrond prompted. When no further response came, he sighed. “Unless you can give a better reason than that Erestor, I am going to have to seriously consider Glorfindel’s request.”

With those words, the lord of Imladris left his chief advisor standing in the empty hallway. He had too much on his mind to deal with Erestor’s issues. The fate of Middle Earth depended on the choices made in the next few hours.

“Because I love him,” Erestor whispered softly to empty air.

***

Erestor slowly closed the door to his chambers. Turning he leaned back against the heavy wood. On a hiccupped sigh, he slid to the floor as he burst into tears. His chest clenched as he fought for breath between sobs. All the tension that had suffused his body slowly slid away with his tears. The fear that had held him in a viselike grip since before the meeting slowly eased away and the councilor gave way to every emotion he had been holding inside. In the solitude of his rooms, he could show the secret longing he carried deep in his soul.

Glorfindel would be staying in Imladris. Young Prince Legolas of Mirkwood would travel as representative of the Firstborn in the Fellowship of the Ring. Erestor could not have been more relieved than he was at that moment. The fear that had gripped him when the seneschal had made his request slowly faded away. Somehow the dark-haired ellon had known he never would have seen Glorfindel again if the golden elf had gone on the quest. That was something he could never bear. To know his love would never be returned was one thing. To lose his beloved to the Halls of Mandos was entirely another. As long as Glorfindel breathed, Erestor could withstand the dislike and hostility they shared, even if he had to fake his part of it.

Glorfindel stood on his balcony watching the setting sun. It would be several weeks before the fellowship left Imladris. Though he understood Elrond’s decision, he was a bit disappointed. He hadn’t really WANTED to go. He had offered himself as an option only to give his heart a respite from the constant beating it took. After several centuries of hostility, he could have used the break from Erestor’s acerbic tongue lashings. However, it was not meant to be. He would have to accept it.

He loved Erestor. It was as simple as that and yet infinitely complicated. Yes, the councilor treated him badly. Yes, Erestor constantly berated him, picked fights with him, insulted him and was otherwise extremely unpleasant. However, Glorfindel loved him. He would take whatever the dark-haired ellon dished out. As pathetic as it was, he needed interaction with Erestor, no matter what kind it was. He allowed the advisor to batter his heart because the golden ellon needed him as much if not more than he needed air to breathe.

It was a sad state of affairs and one that did not have an end in sight.

***

“You will march on the Black Gate,” the quiet voice broke the silence of his chambers.

“Yes,” Glorfindel answered as he continued to sharpen his sword. His whole body tensed as Erestor walked into his room and closed the door. The click of the lock had his eyes darting up to face his constant tormentor. What was the councilor up to now?

Long elegant hands took the sword and whetstone from him and set them aside. Those same hands pushed his shoulders until he was sitting fully in the chair. Still he said nothing, willing to wait and see what Erestor was up to.

He never expected to see the dark robes slide from the councilor’s shoulders to pool at his feet. Nor had he expected the sight of the bare luminescent skin beneath those robes. Deft hands quickly removed his tunic and released the ties of his leggings, pushing the fabric down around his ankles. He reached up and grasped Erestor shoulders as the naked ellon leaned down to kiss him.

“What are you doing?” he demanded hoarsely, his body raging at him to shut up and let things happen.

“I…” Erestor began softly. “Saes, Glorfindel… Let me… “

All the while, those hands teased over what skin they could reach. On a sigh of surrender, Glorfindel released the councilor’s shoulders and claimed his lips in a searing kiss filled with all the passion inside him. He savored Erestor’s whimper of pleasure as the beautiful ellon straddled his lap.

Moaning at the feel of silky skin against him, Glorfindel wrapped his arms around Erestor. He deepened the kiss, feasting on the dark-haired ellon’s mouth as he worked the slender body into a frenzy of passionate need. He growled as their erections pressed together, sending searing pleasure through him.

“Wait,” Glorfindel whispered as he caught Erestor’s hips before the councilor could impale himself on the warrior’s hard aching shaft. “Oil…”

“No,” Erestor whimpered, trying to take the golden elf into his body. “Please Glorfindel… now… take me now… I… need… to feel you... deep inside... so deep.”

Suddenly Erestor nipped the tip of Glorfindel’s ear, catching the warrior by surprise and causing him to loosen his grip. Immediately he plunged downward, taking the golden ellon deep inside his body with ease. His scream of pleasure echoed through the chamber into the hall beyond, startling passersby.

Throwing his head back, his entire body shuddering with pleasure, Erestor tried to catch his breath. He gripped Glorfindel’s shoulders, trying to steady himself. The sense of completeness washed over him, swallowing his soul in a comforting embrace. He’d only experienced the sensation twice before and it made him want to cry.

“By Elbereth,” the warrior groaned as he was summarily surrounded by hot slick heat. “You… prepared yourself?”

“Just… move. No more talking,” Erestor panted. “Too much talking already. Too many words.”

Wrapping his arms around the councilor’s waist and kicking off his leggings, Glorfindel stood making them both moan with pleasure. He carried his lover over to his bed and lowered him onto it, not once pulling free from his delectable body. He stared into those eyes, so dark and fathomless, eyes he could get lost in if he allowed himself to look too long. He held that gaze as he withdrew, savoring the feeling even as he relished the look of pleasure that transformed Erestor’s face.

Glorfindel chuckled at the moans and whimpers coming from his lover’s lips. Each stroke made Erestor groan with pleasure. He loved how responsive the dark-haired elf was to his every touch. Love swelled in his chest each time he heard his name whimpered. Yet, he said nothing. Erestor was right. There had been too many words already. He didn’t know where this was going to lead. He didn’t even know if Erestor would be there in the morning. All Glorfindel knew was that he was there now and cradling his body in sweet ecstasy.

“Yes,” Erestor moaned, arching beneath his lover as the warrior slammed into his sweet spot. “Glorfindel… more… saes… do not stop!”

“Never,” the warrior growled as he moved faster and faster, driving the slender elf before him.

Higher and higher they flew, words turning into moans and growls as coherent thought shattered in the face of overwhelming passion and love. Each stroke of Glorfindel’s hard cock inside him made Erestor scream. The warrior had wonderful aim. Long arms and legs wrapped around golden muscles as the councilor held his beloved to him. The desire tightened within him, a thin sheen of sweat coated their bodies and Erestor couldn’t tell where he ended and Glorfindel began. Neither did he care. All that mattered was the feel of his love deep inside him, one with him even if only for a short while.

“Close,” the golden elf moaned hoarsely. “So close… mine…”

On one hard thrust he felt Erestor come apart around him, felt the clenching of the dark elf’s passage and heard the scream that was his name bouncing off the walls. Hot wet fluid coated his belly even as Glorfindel came deep inside his lover. Short erratic strokes carried them through the aftermath of their explosive orgasms.

“Mine,” the warrior growled against Erestor’s throat, the words rumbling over his skin and rocking him to his core.

Erestor remained awake even as Glorfindel drifted off to sleep, the golden warrior’s weight pressing him into the mattress just the way he liked, the way he remembered. Long fingers stroked golden hair and caressed smooth skin. He gave a soft sigh. This had been an impulse, a desperate need and defied his logic. He was hopeless.

In the morning Erestor was gone as Glorfindel knew he would be and though he expected it, the reality did not hurt any less. He donned his armor with a sad heart and met Aragorn and the others out in the courtyard of the White City. As absorbed in his thoughts as he was, the warrior did not realize dark eyes watched him, praying for his safe return.

“He will come back to you,” Elrohir said. “After that, it is up to you to stop this foolishness.”

“Fool I am,” Erestor said, leaning his head against the stone. “Fool for falling in love with one out of my reach.”

“A fool if you cannot see he loves you in return,” Elladan growled almost silently remembering his father’s admonition not to interfere between the two elves. It was something they had to fix for themselves no matter how much others wanted to help.

***

Finally it was over. The ring destroyed, Sauron defeated and Dol Goldur cleared out. Mirkwood was restored and renamed Eryn Lasgalen. The kingdoms of men flourished while those of the Firstborn faded. Erestor sighed as he looked upon the white ship that would carry him away from Middle Earth. All was right with the world. So why didn’t he feel happy and joyful?

Because all was not right with HIS world and never would be. Glorfindel was not coming with them. The warrior would remain behind on Middle Earth until the twins sailed at Arwen’s passing. Only then would the oath he’d sworn be fulfilled. The councilor doubted his world would be right even after the golden elf arrived on Aman. No, nothing would change between them even on the white shores.

Glorfindel watched the solitary figure standing down on the docks. Erestor looked so… alone. He sighed softly. The councilor was a contrary creature. One moment he was driving the warrior insane with desire, the rest of the time the darkling elf was tearing him apart with his sharp tongue. The seneschal didn’t know what to think or how to react. For centuries they had behaved this way with only the briefest of moments where they shared incredible mind-blowing pleasure. He’d never known why Erestor had come to him that night and the councilor refused to even acknowledge it, much to Glorfindel’s frustration.

How much was he expected to take? That’s what the warrior wanted to know. Would his days in Aman be the same? Would he spend hours and weeks arguing with Erestor? Taking his insults until he couldn’t stand it anymore and then lashing out at the dark-haired elf until they were screaming at each other? If the answer was yes then Glorfindel wasn’t sure he wouldn’t prefer remaining in Middle Earth to fade with the last memories of their race. A heart could only take so much.

“I will never understand them,” Elessar said softly as he wrapped his arms around his wife. “They love each other so much. It is almost painful to see and yet they continue to deny it.”

“Sometimes I do not think they know any other way,” Arwen answered. “Yet, I have to believe they do. Erestor’s hostility is a defense. The love he has for Glorfindel is not returned. He has convinced himself of this. He hides his feelings behind sharp speech to prevent Glorfindel from finding out. Our stalwart Balrog Slayer, for his part, allows Erestor to abuse him BECAUSE he loves him. Any interaction with Erestor is worth it in Glorfindel’s mind. The problem lies in their inability to see what is right before them. If they were to look, truly look, into each other’s eyes, they would see the truth. However, we cannot force them to do this. They must find it on their own.”

“Perhaps when Glorfindel sails west, they will come to know the truth and finally be at peace.” Elessar answered. “We can only pray for such a thing.”

***

He was dying.

Glorfindel watched the ship slowly glide away from the dock. The further it travelled the emptier he became. When he could no longer see it, he was hollow inside. There was nothing left. His heart had sailed away. The light of his soul dimmed, no longer glowing from beneath his skin and he felt more tired than he’d ever felt before. He had only his oath to sustain him now. It was a poor substitute for what he need, who he needed.

Erestor was gone.

***

Aman

“And I thought Peredhil were stubborn,” Gil-galad commented as he watched Erestor.

“Oh really?” Elrond smiled. “Whatever gave you that idea?”

“Please,” Gil-galad said drily. “Everything you did was done with a single-minded determination that rivaled a dwarf’s stubbornness. Celebrian and I have had long talks about you and we agree. Peredhil are stubborn creatures.”

“Have you MET her mother?” Elrond snorted.

“Yes,” Gil-galad laughed. “She is a very lovely ellith.”

“And stubborn as a dwarf but she hides it behind that sweet smile. Bria did the same thing,” Elrond mused. “Damned annoying is what it was.”

“You loved every minute of it,” the former king laughed.

“True. I did love Bria. I still do but…” Elrond paused, feeling a little guilty when he realized where the conversation was going.

“Elrond,” Gil-galad admonished. “Do not feel ashamed that you fell in love with another. I never wanted you to be alone. We had our time and we are blessed with more. Celebrian is a lovely lady. She never wanted you to be alone either. That’s why she released you. Of course, if you HAD to pick a lover did it have to be Thranduil?”

“He was good to me and never expected more than what I could give him.” The peredhel said quietly. “I know Oropher was a bit of an ass but he did right by Thranduil. I have the sneaking suspicion that he truly loved another. I was never able to figure out whom though.”

“Well that is a mystery for another time. Right now we need to figure out what to do about your erstwhile councilor.” Gil-galad said. “Now if I understand correctly, they ended up in each other’s bed on two separate occasions. Erestor claims the first encounter was due to being so exhausted he did not realize he was in the wrong room. The second time, Glorfindel ended up in Erestor’s room but made no explanation as to why.”

“That sums it up quite nicely. After the first time, Erestor’s attitude towards Glorfindel became hostile. After the second, it got steadily worse. Glorfindel loves him but Erestor refuses to see it.” Elrond explained.

“I still like the idea of locking them in a room together.” The former king said. “It worked when Cirdan did it to us.”

“We were not quite the same.” Elrond pointed out.

“True, but it did work.” Gil-galad answered.

“We should let them work it out on their own, Gil nin,” the peredhel said softly.

“They have pretty much made a mess out of it so far,” Gil-galad snorted as he pulled Elrond into his arms to kiss him.

“As much as I wish it otherwise, I have to let them do this on their own,” Elrond answered breathlessly. “I cannot heal every hurt no matter how much I want to.”

“Well Erestor has very little time to figure out what he is going to do where Glorfindel is concerned,” Gil-galad murmured as he worked his way down Elrond’s neck with small nipping kisses. “The last ship will arrive in the next few days.”

***

Glorfindel stood on the bow of the white ship watching the approaching shore. His strong arms were crossed over his chest and his entire bearing screamed of impending battle. There was a determined look in those sapphire eyes, a fire burned in them that had been seen only once before. This time was going to be different whether a certain dark-haired ellon wanted it to be or not.

“ Ada is going to kill us.” Elrohir said as he and his brother watched the golden elf from farther back.

“Why? We did not do anything.” Elladan asked.

“I know. But I do not think he will believe us.” The younger twin sighed. “When he left, Glorfindel was… and now it looks as if he is preparing for a war. Ada is going to think we interfered.”

“Well we did not and that is the story we are going to stick to.” Elladan said firmly. “It is not our fault Erestor left one of his journals behind.”

***

The ship pulled into the dock and the gangplank was lowered. The remaining elves disembarked quickly, feeling the tension emanating from Glorfindel. They wanted to see who the focus of the balrog slayer’s attention was but they didn’t want to be in the way when the tension was unleashed.

Sapphire eyes scanned the dock until he found the one he was looking for. Erestor stood back a little ways from the others, alone as usual. His dark robes had been changed to a simple tunic and leggings in a soft deep green. He looked good enough to eat. The idea greatly appealed to the balrog slayer. However, it would have to wait until he finished beating Erestor’s ass for putting them through hell all these centuries. For such an intelligent ellon, the councilor was an idiot. He made a beeline for his beloved.

Erestor looked up as the crowd parted before him. Whatever he’d expected, it wasn’t to see Glorfindel heading his way, a furious look in his eyes. The dark-haired ellon had never backed down before and he wasn’t about to start now.

Before he could say one word, Glorfindel hauled him into his arms and captured his mouth in a searing, mind numbing, breath stealing, toe curling kiss that reverberated through his entire body to his very core. He burst into flames and all he could do was hold on. The next thing he knew, he was being thrown over one broad shoulder and carried away from the dock. The cheers and catcalls from their audience made him blush to the roots of his hair.

“What in the world do you think you are doing?” he demanded from his upside down position, hair hanging in his face and making it impossible for him to see where they were going. “Put me down this instant you blundering oaf. How dare you haul me around like a sack of potatoes?”

“Erestor, I am going to say this once and only once,” Glorfindel said in a menacing tone. “Shut up.”

Normally such a command would have sent Erestor into a tirade of epic proportion. However, he was distinctly distracted by the hand cupping his buttock and kneading softly. Pleasure tingled through his body, setting his nerve endings alight. His cock strained against his leggings and pressed against Glorfindel’s shoulder. He felt heat suffuse his cheeks as he blushed furiously. This would not do at all.

When he was finally released it was to be thrown on an enormous bed. Pushing his hair out of his face, he watched Glorfindel walk back towards the door, slam it closed and lock it. Then the golden warrior turned back to face him as he pulled a slender book from inside his tunic.

“I cannot believe how incredibly stupid you have been!” Glorfindel snarled. “It amazes me that such an intelligent elf as yourself could not see how much I love you. You have made us suffer for CENTURIES because of some misguided belief that I could not possibly be interested in you. In case you had not noticed, Erestor, YOU were the only elf in Imladris who was not petite and tiny compared to me. That night you came to my bed, even if it was an accident, was the best night of my life. BOTH OF THEM! Being with you is like coming home. I swear you took my heart in that moment and I have never been able to get it back nor have I wanted to. By Elbereth, Erestor, it seems like I have loved you forever. There is not another ellon or ellith in all of creation that arouses me faster than you. Once I had experienced your touch, your kiss, felt your body around mine, no one else satisfied. How could you NOT know I loved you?”

“Well I do not know, Glorfindel,” Erestor snapped back as he jumped from the bed to face off with the golden warrior. “Perhaps it could be because YOU NEVER SAID ANYTHING! I, unlike you, am NOT a mind reader. You never showed any sign of interest in me. What was I supposed to think? Pardon me for not jumping to the conclusion that you loved me!”

“LOVE not loved, Erestor,” Glorfindel said. “I love you. It really angers me that I had to find out about your feelings from a stinking journal instead of from you. We have spent centuries dancing around our desire for each other. I have taken your verbal abuse because it was the only way you would speak to me. By the Valar, Erestor, so much time has been wasted, time we could have spent loving each other, pleasuring each other until we could not walk.”

“I was wondering where that journal had gone,” Erestor said quietly, all the steam going out of his anger. “I am not one to open myself up to rejection. Perhaps I think too much. However, it seems that all my fears have merely wasted time and hurt us both. I guess it is time I admit how I feel and see where it goes from here. I… “

“Go ahead,” Glorfindel encouraged. “Say it.”

“I love you, Glorfindel,” the councilor said on a sigh as the golden ellon gathered him into his arms.

“I love you too, Erestor, more than anything in this world.” Glorfindel responded. “I intend to spend the rest of eternity showing you exactly how much.”

“There is no way to measure how I feel for you,” the councilor said as he kissed his beloved. “But showing me is a very good place to start.”

“Then it is time we got naked,” Glorfindel teased as he pulled Erestor’s tunic over his head and reached for the ties to his leggings.

“I second that motion.” The dark-haired elf purred.

“I do so love when you make that sound,” the warrior said huskily. “Almost as much as I love the way you smell, the way you feel pressed against me, wrapped around me.”

“Less talk, more action,” Erestor chuckled as he helped the golden elf out of his clothes.

Soon they were stretched out on the bed, hands and mouths caressing every inch of skin they could reach. Skin brushed and pressed against skin in an erotic dance of love. Erestor pressed on Glorfindel’s shoulders, pushing the ellon onto his back. With talented hands and a wicked mouth, he made the golden warrior burn with pleasure. Full lips wrapped around his shaft, sliding up and down and applying just the right amount of suction to bring the mighty warrior to his knees… figuratively speaking.

Erestor savored every moment of the intimate act. There was nothing quite like the taste of his Glorfindel. He wanted that flavor on his tongue and worked diligently to make the seneschal come.

Glorfindel, however, had other plans. He felt the tightening within him and knew it wouldn’t be long before he came. Grasping the slender elf by the shoulders, he pulled Erestor slowly up his body, letting their skin brush erotically. The whimpers his lover made were music to his ears.

“When I come,” the warrior whispered as he nipped on the councilor’s ear. “I want to be buried deep inside you.”

“Yes,” Erestor panted, arching his throat to meet that questing mouth.

Deft fingers slid down his body before delving between the firm cheeks of his buttocks. His moan echoed through the room as one slick finger penetrated his body. He rocked back on that delightful digit, whimpering and crying out his pleasure. His protest was just as loud when it withdrew only to end on another cry as two fingers slid deep inside him.

“I love how vocal you are,” Glorfindel chuckled.

“Saes,” the dark-haired elf whimpered as he rocked his hips.

“More?”

“More,” Erestor pleaded.

Two became three and Glorfindel made completely sure his lover took them easily. There had been enough emotional pain between them, he refused to allow physical. When those slender hips rocked back sharply, he knew it was time. Grasping his shaft, he guided it to Erestor’s entrance and then gripped the other elf’s hips. Slowly he pressed his beloved down, sinking his shaft into the councilor’s body bit by bit, savoring the sensation.

“Glorfindel,” Erestor whimpered, his head tossing back and forth at the torturously slow pace. “More… need you inside me.”

“You will get what you need, A’maelamin,” Glorfindel answered but his pace did not increase. “You are too tight and perfect for me not to take you and savor it.”

Dark hair floated in a cloud around them as the golden warrior set a slow pace, rocking his lover on his shaft with an almost leisurely air. He watched those eyes turn almost black with desire and the emotions dancing across Erestor’s expressive face. In his mind, there was nothing more beautiful than Erestor lost in the throes of passion save the sight of his darkling coming apart in his arms.

After so many years of denial, it did not take them long to reach that exquisite moment where two became one and both were complete. In an earth-shaking climax made more shattering for the knowledge of their love between them, they came together. Nothing registered beyond the sensations rampaging through them.

Erestor collapsed against Glorfindel’s chest, panting for breath. In mere seconds, he was asleep with his beloved not far behind.

When morning’s light came through the windows, it found the two lovers still curled around each other. Inky black waves mixed with shimmering gold locks of hair and tangled around two naked bodies. Glorfindel tucked one arm beneath his head and let the other lightly caress Erestor’s back as he watched his beloved sleep. Never had he thought this day would come and now he savored the moment of utter peace and happiness. He was home.

“I am complete,” Erestor whispered, his breath teasing against the golden elf’s chest. “My heart has joined me in Aman.”

“I followed mine to the white shores.” Glorfindel answered.

All was right with their world and they savored the first moment of an infinite number to come.

*****

THE END

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