An Uir 21

An Uir

Part 21

Posted: May 18, 2007
Title: An uir
Author: Zilah

*****

The Yule finally came, and the whole Imladris waited for the royal wedding. After Celebrian’s departure, they had very few opportunities to celebrate, but now everything was different. Captain Glorfindel was well loved in Imladris, and his soon-to-be hervenn seemed a worthy mate for him.

Glorfindel stared at his reflection in the mirror. He was dressed in dark blue leggings, a white undershirt and pale blue tunic with gold embroidery. He also wore the traditional braids of his house. In a word, his outfit was stunning.

Glorfindel still found it hard to believe that soon he would be bound to the most beautiful elf in Arda. How he loved Thranduil… his beauty… his power… his wicked sense of humor… everything in him. Glorfindel stirred from his thoughts when he heard a warm chuckle behind him.

“I’m so happy that you are with me on this miraculous day, tór dithen (little brother).” Glorfindel smiled fondly at Erestor.

“And I’m happy to finally see your happiness, meldir (my friend). Thranduil is a worthy mate for you, and he loves you as you deserve to be loved.” Erestor said softly. He was so happy for Glorfindel; he deserved his happiness after suffering so much.

“This all still feels like a miracle; I never thought I would love again… and you have found love and happiness with Elrond. Ecthelion would be so proud of you, Erestor.” Glorfindel whispered with wonder in his voice.

“I know and someday, we will see him again. But now… be happy with your new mate. I so hope that you find the same happiness as I have with Elrond.”

Erestor smiled as he led his dearest friend to the Fire-hall, where a royal wedding was about to begin. Glorfindel walked slowly towards Elrond, who waited for them, ready to perform the binding ceremony. He bowed respectfully to the Imladris Lord and then waited for his soon-to-be hervenn.

As they waited, Glorfindel secretly observed Elrond and Erestor. He hid his smile, thinking about the surprise that waited for Erestor. Elrond had confided to them, saying that he was sad because Erestor didn’t receive a proper binding-ceremony.

“You really are lucky one, tór díthen. Elrond has proved himself worthy for you, and tonight you will have the celebration you deserve.”

Glorfindel’s features softened into a smile when he remembered how his betrothed had suggested the solution to Elrond’s problem. Thranduil was indeed a generous and loving elf, and soon he would be his.

They didn’t need to wait long, but every moment felt, to Glorfindel, like an eternity. He was nervous, though he was sure of one thing; he wanted Thranduil as his own more than he had ever wanted anything. Glorfindel’s heart started to race when he finally heard footsteps from the corridor.

When Thranduil finally came to the Fire-hall, Glorfindel could only stare at him, his mouth agape. His betrothed was breathtakingly beautiful in his bright green, regal robes with mithril embroidery.

“Glorfindel? Are you still here with us?” Erestor whispered teasingly at his friend, but Glorfindel didn’t pay him any attention. He saw only his betrothed, this beautiful elf that had stolen his heart at the very first sight.

Thranduil tried to stay calm as he walked closer, but found it extremely difficult. Mostly because he sensed Glorfindel’s heated gaze. Still, Glorfindel’s next move came as a surprise. Thranduil stopped when Glorfindel suddenly closed the distance between them, and pulled him in his arms. He didn’t have time to say anything, because the very next moment Glorfindel kissed him possessively.

They both were breathless when Glorfindel finally broke the kiss. Thranduil still leaned into Glorfindel’s embrace, not wanting to let go just yet. He stared into cerulean eyes that looked at him so lovingly, almost drowning in them.

“Glorfindel, meleth? Don’t you think we should start the ceremony?” Thranduil finally whispered, reluctantly breaking the spell between them.

Glorfindel obeyed, his cheeks flaming. He was embarrassed by his lack of control, but Thranduil’s charm was just too much to resist. Glorfindel’s worry eased when Thranduil kissed him on cheek, smiling lovingly.

“Just like that. Shall we, meleth nín?” The King said softly, relieved that Elrond didn’t tease them, even if the Elf lord had obvious difficulties hiding his mirth. Thranduil couldn’t care less. Soon he would have his heart’s desire.

Together they took the last steps, and the ceremony finally began.

* * * *

Elrond raised his voice, beginning to recite the words that would bind Glorfindel and Thranduil together for the rest of their lives.

You two have declared your love, your wish to be bound eternally. From this moment on, you are one body, one heart, one soul. Together you will walk the paths of your lives, loving and supporting each other. Pains and trials, joys and sorrows, together endured will seal that bond, so that it will last as all Eä (world) exists.

So, declare your love, for all of us to hear.

Glorfindel gently took Thranduil’s hand, and began utter the words that would seal his vow. Deep in his heart he knew that Thranduil was his true soul mate, and they would be together till the end of Arda. While speaking, he looked into bright green eyes that seemed to shine only for him.

“I love you more than life itself, and my home is in your heart, now and forever. Linnon an meleth vîn…For you my soul is singing, for you and only you my heart is beating. You are the only love of my life, the other part of my soul, my beloved and cherished spouse from this moment till eternity. Every day I thank Valar for you, for your love, for your very being.”

Thranduil’s heart quivered from emotions. The exquisite feeling of Glorfindel’s love washed over him, and he shed tears of happiness. Despite that, he found it unexpectedly easy to express his own vow, when his turn finally came. With a clear voice, he said the words, older than the time itself, binding himself to the elf he loved more than anything.

“I love you more than life itself, and my home is in your heart, now and forever. Linnon an meleth vîn…For you my soul is singing, for you and only you my heart is beating. You are the only love of my life, the other part of my soul, my beloved and cherished spouse from this moment till eternity. Every day I thank Valar for you, for your love, for your very being.”

Thranduil had hardly completed his wow, when Glorfindel pulled him into a breathtaking kiss. They didn’t hear the last words that Elrond spoke, sealing their bond.

May Eru (the One) bless your union, giving you peace and happiness, helping you to love each other wholly, with all your heart and soul. Your lives have now sealed together and you are one, till the end of times and beyond.

When Elrond finally ceased, the Fire Hall filled with heartfelt cheers and applause. Many hearts warmed seeing Glorfindel’s and Thranduil’s love for each other. Elrond and Erestor bid their well-wishes to the happy couple, and then Legolas and the twins. All were ready to leave to the Great Hall for the feast, but Elrond stopped them. Erestor looked at him, surprised. Then he noticed that Glorfindel and Thranduil had stepped aside, leaving him and Elrond alone on the podium. Erestor turned his gaze from their grinning faces, back to his mate’s and saw Elrond kneeling down.

“What? What does this…” He gasped, but Elrond waved him silence.

“We two have declared our love, and bonded each other eternally. We already are one body, one heart, one soul. Together we will walk the paths of our lives, loving and supporting each other. Pains and trials, joys and sorrows, together endured will seal that bond, so that it will last as all Eä (world) exists.”

“So, now I declare my love for you, so that everyone has no doubt who is the keeper of my heart. Would you say the words again for me, meleth nín? Would you bind with me, now, in front of all Imladris?” Elrond asked, hopeful smile on his face.

Erestor was overwhelmed. The only thing he could do was to throw himself into Elrond’s arms, and whisper his answer. He buried his face into Elrond’s neck, and wept with joy.

“Don’t cry, meleth. This would be the day of happiness, not sorrow. And I want to see your beautiful smile tonight.” Elrond said softly, helping his mate to stand. He still kept his arms around Erestor waist, looking deep into his dark fathomless eyes. Elrond saw unreserved love and happiness in them, as he started to renew his vow.

“I love you more than life itself, and my home is in your heart, now and forever. Linnon an meleth vîn…For you my soul is singing, for you and only you my heart is beating. You are the only love of my life, the other part of my soul, my beloved and cherished spouse from this moment till eternity. Every day I thank Valar for you, for your love, for your very being.”

Erestor leaned into Elrond’s embrace, wanting nothing more than to stay right here, in his meleth’s arms, forever. He didn’t notice how people around him gasped. They saw how Erestor’s inner light had started to glow brighter than ever before, making his beauty almost ethereal. When he finally started his vow, everyone in the Fire hall shed tears of emotion.

“I love you more than life itself, and my home is in your heart, now and forever. Linnon an meleth vîn…For you my soul is singing, for you and only you my heart is beating. You are the only love of my life, the other part of my soul, my beloved and cherished spouse from this moment till eternity. Every day I thank Valar for you, for your love, for your very being.”

Elrond closed his eyes, feeling Erestor trembling in his arms. He held him close until the surge of emotions finally settled. Elrond felt himself humble and privileged to have Erestor and his love.

* * * *

Glorfindel didn’t remember what they ate or drank. Afterwards, he would remember only the overwhelming happiness and joy, not only for himself and Thranduil, but for Erestor and Elrond. The dark haired couple seemed to be completely in their own world, wrapped in each other and their love. But soon, Glorfindel forgot them when he looked at his own mate, this silver-haired beauty, who would be his this very night. He could hardly wait for the moment when he would carry Thranduil to their wedding bed and make him his.

When they finally made their way to their chambers, Glorfindel felt that fate had bound them together long before this very moment. The door closed behind them, and silently they undressed each other. Despite their need, they didn’t hurry. Nor did they speak, for this was not the moment of words.

The only noise that echoed in the chamber was Glorfindel’s moan as he saw Thranduil standing in the middle of the room in all his glory, opening his arms to him as silent invitation.

*****

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