Hidden Love 7

Hidden Love

Part 7

Posted: November 11, 2005
Title: Hidden Love
Author: Janalynn27

*****

When Erestor arrived at The Hall of Fire it was well past dinnertime. As he walked into the chamber, he saw Glorfindel sitting near the fire with a stranger. 'Meleth (Love)?'

Glorfindel continued to listen to Lathron talk about his travels as he said, 'Melui nín (My sweet), it is about time you arrived.'

Walking over to Lostariel who was talking with Lindir, he said, 'I still have work to do but I took pity on Mel and stopped for the night. How was the rest of your day?'

'I missed you.'

Smiling, he put his arm around Lostariel, "Good evening, elloth dithen (little flower)."

Leaning into Erestor, she smiled up at him and said, "Erestor, I did not see you at dinner. Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes, just a lot of work to do. Hello, Lindir. Is Lostariel practicing as she should be with her music?"

Laughing Lindir said, "She is a quick study. She is doing quite well; I am almost jealous."

Blushing at the compliment, she was saved from giving a reply by Glorfindel, who had just walked up to them, "Erestor, I would like to introduce you to Lathron from Lothlórien. He was sent on ahead to tell us that Arwen and the twins should arrive by tomorrow morning."

"Good evening, My Lord," Lathron bowed slightly to Erestor.

Nodding to Lothron, he said, "And you. Did you have a safe journey from Caras Galadhon?" Erestor was having a very difficult time staying away from Glorfindel.

"On our journey, we did spot tracks of a few bands of orcs but we were able to avoid them, making our journey safe. Haldir had decided, early yesterday, that they would camp when dusk set in today, so he sent me on ahead to tell of their impending arrival. They should arrive by late tomorrow morning."

Suddenly Lostariel became stiff and Erestor followed her gaze to the door. 'Meleth, it looks like Lostariel has lost her heart to Calanon. He has just walked in and she trembles in my arms.'

Looking from Lostariel's flushed face, Glorfindel followed her gaze and watched Calanon walking through the chamber to stop at a table where a game of dice was in play. Suddenly he had an idea.

Upon seeing the look on Glorfindel's face, Erestor said, 'Glor, you are not going to do anything that would embarrass our elloth dithen are you?'

Looking at Erestor, he took Lostariel's hand and asked, "Would you be so kind as to walk with me, elloth dithen? I am feeling rather parched; let us go and get something to drink."

Looking to where Calanon was, she blushed as she saw that they would have to pass right by him in order to reach the table with the wine. Looking up at Glorfindel she whispered, "You will not leave my side?"

Smiling down at her, he said, "Of course not. Erestor, why do you not take her other arm and let's see that our elloth gets something to drink," nodding, " Lathron."

They soon each had a drink and stopped next to Calanon to watch the game, "So, Calanon, who is winning?" Glorfindel asked.

Calanon was keenly aware of the beautiful elleth that was with Glorfindel and Erestor. He had been secretly watching her from a distance for sometime. For some reason, he felt a pull towards her and he had barely spoken to her. Turning to look at the three of them, he said quietly, "Seidior is winning this game but I think Daugion is just toying with him."

Smiling, Glorfindel said, "Yes he is good with strategy. Calanon, have you met Lostariel?"

Nodding to her, he said, "Only briefly. How do you do this evening, my lady?"

Tightening her grip on Erestor's hand, she said, "I am well, and you?"

"Just fine," he said, then he turned and asked Glorfindel about tomorrow's training schedule due to the feast and the arrival of the party returning from Lothlórien.

"We will break early in the afternoon to give everyone the chance to get ready for the feast. In fact, I have to get an early start tomorrow and I do not suppose you could be so kind as to see that Lostariel gets to her home safely? I think she would like to stay for a while longer," Glorfindel said and gave a kiss to Lostariel's brow.

Calanon was a little flustered with the request, though he did not let it show. Instead he bowed low and said, "It would be my honor."

For a moment Lostariel looked up at Glorfindel with a panicked look until he bent and whispered in her ear, "If you truly wish for me to stay, I will, elloth. But just think? Now you can spend some time with him, for I have been observing him and I think he is smitten with you."

Looking wide-eyed up at Glorfindel, she knew that he would not lie to her. So taking a deep breath, she smiled at Calanon and said, "I would really like to stay, but if you have something else you were going to do, then, I think I can manage on my own."

Finding himself eager to spend time with her, Calanon found himself assuring her that he had no plans and held out his arm for her so take and walked her over to Lindir and his group.

Smiling as he watched Lostariel and Calanon walk away, Erestor said, "I think I will walk with you, Glorfindel. I find that I am tired from all of my work today and I am ready to turn in, as well."

As they made their way to Glorfindel's chambers, they walked in silence, neither touching the other. Those who they passed in the hallway they respectively nodded a greeting to. If those who passed by thought it odd that Erestor seemed flushed and walked a little off-balanced, they just assumed that he had imbibed too much drink, but the truth was, Glorfindel was talking.

'Melui, when we get to my chambers I am going to ravish you, hervenn nín (my husband)'

Quick intake of breath.

'How should I take you?'

A lick of the lips.

'Hmm... should I take you slow and soft?'

A gulp for air.

'What about hard and fast?'

A shiver.

'Should I tie you up again?'

A moan.

Reaching his chambers Glorfindel opened the door and walked in, waiting for Erestor to enter. When he was just past the door, Glorfindel slammed it shut and pushed Erestor up against the door. Nibbling on his chin, Glorfindel said, "How about I just take you in every way?"

All Erestor could do was purr as Glorfindel captured his lips and carried him to the bed.

*****

Elrond was sitting at his desk when he got the news that the sentries had spotted the party returning from Lothlórien. They would be within the gates of Imladris shortly and Elrond hurried to the courtyard, eager for the reunion with his children. If he were completely honest with himself he was anxious to see Haldir also. His thoughts flew back to that first night in Imladris after Celebrían had left. He had been strong for his grieving children and those who lived in Imladris, for Celebrían had been well loved. Elrond had held his own grief in until he was alone in his chambers. Their relationship had always been one of deep affection and though Elrond had truly loved Celebrían and she him, they both knew that they were not soul mates. He was lying in bed, silent tears falling down to soak his pillow when suddenly a shadow fell over him. Looking up, he had seen the Marchwarden staring down at him. He had been visiting Imladris when Celebrían had been attacked and now he was in his chambers. For some reason, Elrond did not oppose his silent offer of comfort and allowed Haldir to crawl into his bed beside him. When Haldir pulled him into his arms, he, willingly, rested his head upon Haldir's shoulder. Neither one of them said a word that night; there seemed nothing to say. When morning came, Elrond found he was alone, having found respite in a dreamless sleep, where before he had thought it would be impossible for him to sleep at all. When finally he was composed enough to venture from his chambers, he found that Haldir had left Imladris early that morning. Elrond had been hurt and disappointed that he did not have a chance to thank him for his comfort. When Elrond had gone into his office later that day he had found a note upon his desk. Sitting down and opening it, he read:

My Lord Elrond,

I apologize for not telling you goodbye in person, but I found myself at a loss for words and could not think of any that could possibly express my sadness for your loss. I hope, that in some small part, I was able to give you some comfort.

Your devoted servant,
Haldir o Lothlórien

Since that night, he had not seen the Marchwarden again. Every time Elrond had visited Lothlórien over this last century, he found Haldir on patrol and the Marchwarden never came to visit Imladris again.

The sound of horses brought Elrond back to the present and he found that Glorfindel had come to stand by him. Absently, Elrond patted the pocket of his robes to make sure he still carried the note from so long ago.

When Glorfindel had entered the courtyard, he had seen the far off look in Elrond's eyes and the fact that he did not seem to realize that he stood next to him caused him to remain quiet.

"Glorfindel, I am sorry; I was lost in thought," Elrond said, as he watched the horses approach.

Looking to Elrond, once, then back to the approaching riders, he asked, "Is everything well with you, mellon nín (my friend)?"

Smiling reassuringly to him, Elrond said, "Yes, mellon nín, I am fine; just remembering things past."

'Melui (Sweet), the party is arriving.'

Not looking up from his desk so as to not alert Melpomaen that anything was different, Erestor said, 'Oh, how I wish I could be there to greet them. I still have a couple of hours of work to do.'

'I miss you, melui nín (my sweet),' Glorfindel said, then could not control his groan as he saw a certain blonde elf riding with the party.

Upon hearing Glorfindel's groan, Erestor frowned and asked, 'Meleth (Love), what is it?'

'Legolas,' was all Glorfindel said.

Erestor was shocked. 'Surely, hervenn (husband), you do not still feel threatened by Legolas.'

Sighing, he said, 'No, melui, but I longed to have you to myself for a while longer. It is bad enough that I must share you with those who live here in Imladris.'

Erestor covered his smile with his hand; how he loved his hervenn. Suddenly he thought of something and decided to test their bond.

Glorfindel had to hold his breath in order to stifle his moan as he felt lips dancing up and down his neck. 'Melui, what are you doing?'

Standing up and walking to his bookcase behind his desk in pretense of searching for a book, he playfully nipped Glorfindel's collarbone through their bond and almost moaned himself as Glorfindel's desire raced down his spine, making him hard.

By then the party had came to a stop and Elladan and Elrohir jumped down from their horses and raced into their adar's (father's) arms. When they were done embracing Elrond they turned to Glorfindel and Elladan asked, "Glorfindel, are you well? You look flushed."

Taking a deep breath, he said to Erestor, 'Melui, if you do not stop what you are doing, I will tell everyone in this courtyard that hervenn nín (my husband) is being a naughty little ellon (m. elf).'

Pouting, Erestor said, 'But I was having fun. Gerich veleth nín (I love you) Glor,' and broke the connection.

Sighing, he said, "I am well, mellon nín, it is so good to see you both," pulling both of the twins into a huge hug. By the time he released them, Arwen was being embraced by Elrond and he waited, albeit impatiently, for his turn for a hug. "Pen dithen (Little one), how I have missed you," he said as he twirled her around.

Laughing, Arwen gasped, "Glorfindel, put me down. I have yet to get my feet under me from riding for so long."

Reluctantly he released her and said, "Arwen, you grow more beautiful every day."

Blushing she said, "Glorfindel, ever the flatterer," then went back into Elrond's arms, leaning against his side.

Elrond held Arwen and had to will himself to relax as Legolas and Haldir approached them.

Haldir was nervous and did not know how to act. He had not known what came over him, so long ago, when he had gone to Elrond's chambers and offered him comfort. Nothing had happened, other than holding each other through the night, but that seemed to Haldir more intimate than had they shared their bodies. Bowing low, he said, "Lord Elrond."

This was followed by Legolas' greeting and Elrond smiled and nodded to both of them and said, "Welcome, and I thank you for bringing my children safely home."

Both Elladan and Elrohir said at once, "Hey, what are we, a couple of Elflings?"

Chuckling, Elrond said, "Of course not, ionnath nín (my sons). Come you must all be tired and hungry. I have arranged for a celebration feast tonight for you. We can go into the dining room and see that you get some food," then he led the way into The Last Homely House.

As they all made their way into The Last Homely House, it was Haldir that brought up the rear and all he could do was stare at Elrond's back with longing he did not understand.

*****

Haldir was walking in one of the many gardens that Imladris had. The others in his party were resting from the long journey and Haldir knew that he should be too, but sleep eluded him at the present.

Elrond watched as Haldir walked through the garden behind The Last Homely House. He seemed lost in thought and looked tired from his journey. Grasping a hold of his courage, Elrond walked down the steps into the garden and quietly approached the Marchwarden, not wanting to scare him away.

Haldir tensed; he felt someone approaching him from behind and he knew who that someone was. He longed for and dreaded his company at the same time. Haldir took a deep, steadying breath before he turned around to greet the Lord. Bowing low, he said, "Lord Elrond, is there something I can do for you?"

'What was it about this ellon (m. elf)?' Elrond thought. Smiling, in hopes to make Haldir at ease, he said, "Please, call me Elrond. I would walk with you if you would not mind the company?"

"I would be honored, My Lord," Haldir said. When Elrond raised his brow, Haldir quickly said, "Elrond."

They walked slowly, for minutes, in silence, until, finally, Elrond could not help but say, "I had wanted to thank you for the comfort you gave me so many years ago. I wanted you to know that I greatly appreciated your company, but you left before I had the chance," he said, trying to keep the hurt out of his voice.

Haldir did not look at him for fear that his growing attraction for Elrond would be revealed. Elrond and Celebrían had been deeply in love and surely Elrond would not be interested in someone like him. "I apologize for leaving without taking proper leave; it is just that I...was not quite sure what to say. I know what it is like to lose someone dear to you and you having to be strong for those around you; I just wanted to give you some respite," he said, still not looking at Elrond.

Elrond studied him, watching every little nuance. He was a great judge of character and he thought, nay hoped, that he read Haldir's hesitance towards him correctly. Elrond knew that if he were wrong it would hurt, but knowing if he did not act, he would continue to be alone and that thought was more unbearable than any rejection he would ever receive. Placing a hand upon Haldir's arm, he brought them both to a halt and looked into Haldir's eyes then slowly leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss upon his lips.

Haldir was shocked. If Elrond were to suddenly sprout horns he would not be more shocked than he was now. All he could do was stare at him as he touched his lips with his fingertips. When Elrond caressed his cheek, Haldir closed his eyes and could not help leaning into the touch.

Elrond smiled as Haldir closed his eyes. Taking that as a sign, Elrond gathered him into his arms and held him close.

Haldir was reluctant to put his arms around Elrond. If this was just simple lust he felt for this Lord, he would not hesitate; but this was much more. Suddenly, Haldir could not help but ask, "What of Celebrían, My Lord?"

Elrond sighed and knew that he owed Haldir the truth if they were ever to have a relationship. Elrond yearned for that and he would do anything for the chance of a future with Haldir. Taking his hand, he slowly started to walk them through the garden once more and said, "I loved and will always love Celebrían. We were best friends and she felt the same for me, though we were not soul mates. We understood that some time in the future, both of us might meet the one the Valar had destined for us and we agreed that we would deal with that when it came. Just before she sailed, we both released the other so that we could find our true soul mates," stopping, he turned so he could look into Haldir's eyes and said, "I do not know what this attraction is between us, but I would like to explore it. I can be patient and go slow if that is your wish. I just hope you, at least, let me be your friend."

Looking into Elrond's eyes, Haldir knew that he was not lying to him. Wanting to explore this connection they seemed to have, though a little frightened, he said, "I would like to be your friend."

*****

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