internal thoughts be in italics


Laer, Mithlond, 2510 T.A.

As the white sails disappeared over the horizon, Erestor collapsed to the ground, sobbing.

“Come, mellon nín, let me help you back to your room.”

“She has gone from Middle Earth.”

Glorfindel picked up the distraught elf and held him tightly as he left the pier; he was bound for their rooms in Círdan’s home. As he carried the darkling elf in his arms, his own grief threatened to overwhelm him, but he would not succumb to it while Erestor was vulnerable and in his charge.

As he entered the gardens around Círdan’s house, the door opened and Galdor came out to aid him with Erestor who had fallen into a fitful sleep from exhaustion. As Glorfindel laid him on his bed, he asked, “Please, Galdor, prepare a sleeping draught. He has not truly slept in so long but I fear that his pain will not let him sleep still.” Galdor nodded and left the room. Once he was gone, Glorfindel undressed his friend and himself, putting loose silk sleeping pants on them both.

When Galdor returned with the tray, Glorfindel was in the bed comforting his friend who had awoken and was sobbing quietly. Galdor handed a stoneware mug filled with warm tea to Glorfindel. As he turned to leave, he said, “I will be near if you need anything more. There is a mug of tea with a scant amount of the sleeping draught in it for you as well. Your exhaustion is almost as evident as his.” He closed the door quietly behind him.

Glorfindel lifted Erestor’s head from his chest and placed the mug to his lips. “Please drink, mellon nín. This will aid your rest and recovery. I will stay and keep you safe from dreams.”

Erestor opened red rimmed and swollen eyes and looked into the concerned blue ones looking down at him. As he caught his breath, he put a shaky hand to the mug at his lips and took a sip. He had no words left, so he just drank the tea and gave himself over to sleep. Glorfindel set the empty mug aside and laid Erestor down on the pillows. After drinking some tea himself, he lay down next to the darkling elf and tried to put his own sorrow aside long enough to care for his friend.

~~~*~~~

Glorfindel woke with Anor and glanced down at the warm body next to him. He surveyed the toll the last year had taken on the beauty before him; once thick, silken locks were dry and no longer gleamed, their onyx hue dimmed. The normally thin features were now gaunt and the alabaster skin no longer glowed with an inner light, but was instead wan and grey. The chocolate brown eyes were closed with dark smudges under them.

Aíya, Erestor, you have neglected yourself for far too long. Celebrían would not have wanted you to suffer so on her account. She loved you and would be pained at how far down you have let yourself fall. I shall remedy this, meldir. We are not returning to Imladris until you are much recovered.

Glorfindel arose, and once he was refreshed, he found Galdor and Círdan. After a short conversation, he requested that a light meal be brought to Erestor’s room. When the warrior returned, he found the darkling elf resting fitfully. The blonde crossed to the bed, sat down, and gathered him up his arms. Fin began to hum and rub circles in Erestor’s back, trying to soothe his pain. Soon, he calmed and Glorfindel just held him, enjoying the warmth.

As Glorfindel began to resettle Erestor on the pillows, a thin hand grabbed at his tunic and brown eyes fixed upon his. Whispered words floated to his ears, “Hannon le. I apologize… When we return to Imladris…” The dark elf’s words were cut off by the Elda, “We are not returning to Imladris until you are stronger, mellon nín. I took the liberty of sending a messenger to Elrond that we cannot return for a few months, yet.”

Erestor struggled to sit up, his anger evident as he spat, “You have no right to decide such things for me. Elrond and the twins need us. Arwen needs us. We will leave here soonest.”

Glorfindel was well familiar with Erestor’s ire, having often received the brunt of it in the past, so he did not even flinch at the icy tone. “No. We are going nowhere. You have neglected yourself over this past year.” When Erestor was about to interrupt him, Glorfindel placed his finger over the pale lips. “You have no choice. I care not what you think of me or whether you are happy with my decision, but Círdan and Galdor are in agreement with me. You will stay here and regain your strength. And only when they and I deem you strong enough, shall you be permitted to leave.”

“Permitted to leave? Am I to be a prisoner here in Mithlond, then? Held against my will?” Brown eyes were narrowed in disbelief, whilst icy daggers were directed at the golden elf.

Glorfindel began to rub Erestor’s back again, trying to soothe him. He spoke in his most placating voice, “You are not a prisoner, think of yourself as more of a patient, really. Besides, how do you expect to care for Elrond and the children if you can barely stand? Mellon nín, if you refuse this on your account, at least consider Celebrían’s last request of you. You swore that you would care for her family, but she also insisted that you take care of yourself.” Erestor’s eyes were swimming and he relaxed into the Elda’s arms, whispering, “You are right… I know. I feel I have failed her. I cannot fail her children as well.”

“Erestor, hear me.” He took the dark elf’s face in his hands and stared deeply into his eyes. “You did not fail Celebrían. She loved her children. She loved you. It was not enough. If she and Lothon could have bound themselves, she may have regained enough strength to stay, but even that is not certain. She will be healed and returned to herself in Aman. That was not possible here. Let her go as she asked. Please…” Glorfindel’s words trailed off as he caught himself. He had almost added, “For me” to his plea. He sighed. This nearness to Erestor was becoming too much, but he could not move away. Not now. His friend was too fragile.

~~~*~~~

Glorfindel strode into the room and threw open the curtains to allow the bright morning light to enter the room. He had risen early and decided that Erestor had spent enough time resting within the four walls. It was time to extend his ‘healing house’ to the beach where they would picnic today.

Erestor groaned and burrowed under the pillows to hide from the overly bright light. Glorfindel just laughed and pulled all the covers and pillows off the bed, leaving him exposed. He blinked sleepily up at the Elda, who was reaching to drag him from the bed as well. “No. Leave me be. You insisted I rest. I am doing that and now you disturb me? Make up your mind.”

The Elda smiled a blinding smile and tugged Erestor to standing. “Come along now. I have already drawn you a warm bath to start your day. You have spent the last three days resting here; I think you need some fresh air. We are going walking along the beach and we will take our midday meal there. If you feel up to it, we can stay out the entire day.”

As he was speaking, he was pushing Erestor into the bathroom. Once they arrived, the Elda began to tug at the laces to his sleep pants, but was stopped by a thin hand laid upon his. He glanced down, and then back up, and found that Erestor was blushing brightly. He had been so excited about their plans for the day that he had failed to notice the darkling elf’s arousal. “Oh. Forgive me, Erestor. You will be fine, then?” He turned to leave. His question was greeted with a short nod from the bowed head and the door was quickly shut behind him.

Glorfindel stared at the door, in wonder, for long moments. The scene behind it came, unbidden, to his mind’s eye. He could imagine Erestor sliding the loose pants down to pool at his feet and his hardness jutting proudly from dark curls as it was released from its bonds. Glorfindel rested his forehead against the door, trying to gain his composure and, at the same time, listen to the sounds from the bath.

Erestor slid into the warm water, his entire being over heated from Glorfindel’s nearness and accidental touch of his arousal. His glorious friend was so near, but as distant as ever. He sighed, and images of the golden one flashed into his head as he began to stroke himself. He dreamed that it was the golden warrior that was touching him, as he tweaked first one nub and then the other. He moaned, quietly, and began to stroke himself faster and harder. He reached his release and cried out hoping Glorfindel had not heard!

But, Glorfindel had heard and felt himself quite aroused by it as well. He took a deep breath to steady himself and quickly left the room so that Erestor would not know. He needed to be away from that room, right now, for he was unsure that if he saw Erestor come from the bath in simply a towel, or worse, nothing at all, that he could restrain himself from throwing the darkling elf on the bed and ravaging him.

Still in the bath, Erestor was holding his head in his hands, tears streaming down his cheeks. Oh, ‘Brí, everything has gone so wrong. I miss you! I pray that the peace of Valinor and Lothon’s love will restore you, gwathel nín. Erestor washed up and left the bath. Once dry, he slipped on a pale blue silk robe and loosely tied it around himself. He then took a towel and comb, sat on the bed, and began to comb out his waist length ebony tresses. The robe must have been Glorfindel’s for it was overly wide on Erestor’s slim form, causing one shoulder to continually slip off. He gave up fighting the robe to concentrate on his hair; he must get all of the tangles combed out before it was dry or they would be nigh impossible to remove later.

Once his wavy hair was tamed, Erestor felt sleep tug at his eyes again. He looked out the window and knew that it was still early. If he slept a bit more there would still be plenty of time for their picnic at the beach. His stomach fluttered at the thought of spending an entire day at the beach with Glorfindel. He tiredly pushed away those thoughts and feelings and laid his head down. As he was drifting off, he could smell the Elda’s unique scent lingering on the pillow and he burrowed his face into it, inhaling deeply. I should stop this, but his scent is intoxicating, maddening! I should guard my heart from him, but I no longer have the strength to. This last year has taxed me more than losing Naneth, Adar, and Laeriel all those long years ago.

~~~*~~~

When Glorfindel returned to the room, he found Erestor asleep on the bed, his face buried in a pillow, one of Fin’s blue robes barely concealing the luscious body before him. The wavy dark hair was fanned out around his back and shoulders. He was curled up, causing the robe to hike up and reveal a tantalizing glimpse of a firm, porcelain ass. The Elda took a deep, steadying breath and cleared his throat, hoping to urge this vision in contrasts to move without his approach.

Awareness returned to Erestor and he stretched languidly, slowly breathing in and pulling his arms over his head as he straightened his legs. At the sharp intake of breath from across the room, he abruptly sat up. His eyes met, and were held by, normally azure blue ones that had darkened to deepest indigo. The shallow breathing and slight flush in Glorfindel’s golden features betrayed his reaction to Erestor’s form.

Glorfindel spoke huskily, “I regret disturbing your slumber, but the day is glorious and I felt that being out in it would be good for you.” He tore his gaze away from the bed with much difficulty and walked to the window. He worked hard to ignore the movements behind him, but he was unable to keep from watching the dark elf’s slow and sensual movements reflected in the mirror. Gods! I wonder if he is even aware of what a vision he is and what he does to me?

Erestor watched the Elda from behind hooded eyes, inwardly delighted at the reaction he had caused. Something long dormant in him surfaced and he slowly stood and stretched again, one shoulder bare and one leg completely exposed to his waist by the now twisted and ill-fitting robe. “Hannon le, for the extra rest. I feel more refreshed than I have in awhile.” He untied the robe and let it pool on the floor as he walked to the armoire. He dressed slowly, surreptitiously glancing in the mirror to determine if he was still being watched, which he was, and quite intently at that.

Once he was dressed, the two friends left Círdan’s abode and began walking toward the beach, Glorfindel carrying the large picnic basket and Erestor carrying two blankets and towels. As they walked together, close enough to feel the heat emanating from the other, but distant enough to not touch, they were quite noticeable on the path. The pair was a study in contrasts, one dark wearing deep gemstone colors, the other fair, clad in the palest of hues. The darkling elf had wavy, almost curly, ebony tresses framing pale skin and large brown eyes, a thin, lithe form clothed in a deep burgundy tunic over black leggings. The blonde had golden hair haloing sky blue eyes and golden skin, a strong, solid form clad in cream leggings topped by a pale blue tunic. The only commonality they shared was their similar heights and the open leather sandals covering their feet.

The walk was pleasant in the late morning sun. The two were mostly quiet during the journey, each with his thoughts, but the silence was never awkward and the snippets of conversation were unforced and relaxed. As they topped the large seaward wall, each delighted in the expanse before him. Vast stretches of blue grey ocean were fronted by black gravel beaches with huge, jutting promontories poking through the sea towards the southwest.

After settling the blankets and picnic basket upon the beach, the elves sat down and rested, relishing the cooling breeze coming from the wide expanse of water. Glorfindel poured cool spring water into two mugs and handed one to Erestor. He eyed the reclining elf, noticing that there were no longer any dark smudges under the large brown eyes and that his skin was taking on a better tone. He was still far too thin, but rectifying that would just take time.

“Are you hungry now or would you like a swim first?” the Elda asked.

“Oh, the swim sounds lovely.” Erestor’s eyes shone and he began to quickly undress, a lovely smile gracing his face. When his leggings hit the blanket, he raced toward the surf. Glorfindel could only sit and stare, thoroughly enjoying the sight. Erestor turned as his feet hit the waves, “Are you not coming in? The water is cool, but feels delightful!”

“Aye, I think I will. Do not wait for me, though.” The Elda raised his eyes to the cloudless sky and shielding them from the glare, he watched the sea birds wheel and whirl. He glanced down the beach at the very few visitors that were there this day. The warrior wondered at the lack of elves here but then he remembered the main purpose of the Havens, that of last destination in Middle Earth for the Eldar. It is no wonder the beach felt more desolate than he had expected. The blonde ran his hands through his hair and removed the braids, setting his golden flower clasps on the blanket. Glorfindel then removed his clothes and ran to join his friend in the waves.

Erestor was floating on his back enjoying the motion of the waves, and the serenity it brought to his soul. He had never lived near the sea, but he could well understand why there are those who would never leave its shores. The dark elf relaxed completely, until he heard Glorfindel splashing toward him. He was about to turn over, when he was dunked beneath the waves. Rising up from the water and spluttering, he threw his long hair over his shoulders and glared at the golden visage before him. Fin was standing in the surf up to his waist with a huge grin on his face. His tawny mane was thrown back away from his face and water ran in large rivulets down his strong chest. Erestor smiled wickedly, ducked under and pulled the other beneath the surface. Soon they were both laughing and wrestling in the waves, thoroughly enjoying the exertion and nearness of the other.

After Erestor proved what a capable and strong swimmer he was by besting Glorfindel to the nearest rocky outcrop and back, both ellyn desired food and rest. Each dried, and only dressed in leggings, before dropping to the blanket. “What feast have you brought for us? I am famished.”

Glorfindel smiled. The dark elf was flushed from the swim and his eyes bright. He looked better than he had in a long time. “We have cheeses, meats, and crusty bread. Galdor even packed a couple of those goat cheese and onion tarts that you seem so fond of.” He chuckled as Erestor licked his lips. “Oh, and of course, these strawberries, as well as some of the flaky honey and nut pastries that I love. How does that sound?”

Erestor’s stomach chose that moment to reveal what it thought of the offering and he smirked, “I would have to say it sounds like a feast. Is there naught but water to drink?”

“Aye, meldir, I left it cooling in the surf; it is a light white wine that I thought would complement all this. Would you fetch it?” He began to set out the repast.

Light conversation accompanied the food until both elves were sated and relaxed. “No strawberries for you?” Glorfindel asked.

“I do not think I could eat another bite, but I hate to waste those luscious berries…” Erestor groaned in feigned discomfort. “If you please, save me some. Mayhap in a little while…”

Both elves laid upon the blanket their heads near each other as they chatted. “Erestor, may I ask you something?” Glorfindel rolled to his stomach and rested his chin on his hands.

“Of course, mellon nín, you can ask anything of me.” Erestor then gave a half smile, “That, of course, does not mean I shall answer, though.”

“How did you and the Silver Lady grow so close?” He watched the dark elf closely for signs that he had overstepped some boundary. “It is just that it often seemed to me that you were closer to Celebrían than her own husband. I do not mean to intrude or cause you pain, but I never did quite understand and any questions I directed Elrond’s way were always rebuffed.”

“Your question does not cause me pain. In truth, it reminds me of happier days… ‘Brí was my sworn sister. We were very close, confidantes in all matters.” He sighed, remembering some of Celebrían’s saddest confidences, those revealing her unattainable love and soulless marriage. “You must understand, from her first footfall in the valley, she decided that I needed a caretaker. I know not why. I was past my majority by some years, not a long way past, mind you, as I had only recently attained my first century, but she felt compelled nonetheless. She always claimed it was because I had no benefit of a female’s perspective and that my ‘rough edges’ needed to be smoothed.” He laughed at that particular memory, of Celebrían trying to teach manners, breeding, and graces to a particularly impatient student who only wanted to follow Gildor around and learn all that he could of the martial arts.

“Ah, I see. You two were so close that I had even contemplated that you shared a bed.” At Erestor’s flabbergasted expression, he continued, “but that was only when I was newly arrived. You must admit that you were more often the Lady’s comfort than Elrond.”

“I well know that. Let us just say that Celebrían and Elrond often had trouble relating to each other and I was there to intercede. I cannot regret their marriage for it was I that introduced the two and encouraged their union. There would be no twins or Arwen if they had not come together, but at times I wonder what would have been had ‘Brí married for love instead of expediency...” Erestor gazed, unseeing into the sky. “There had been so much lost after the Last Alliance… Elrond was in so much pain and ‘Brí was lost, adrift, her parents focused on securing Lothlórien. I thought the two might bring comfort to each other, and, they did for awhile, especially once the children were born. However, it was not to last. It was obvious that Elrond still grieved for Ereinion and ‘Brí’s loneliness would not leave. She spent more and more time in Lothlórien… time with Lothon, I later learned.” He glanced up into sky blue eyes and continued, “I did try to dissuade her from the liaison, but she had never known such love. She would not be moved. I spent much of my time keeping their relationship secret.” His eyes clouded over. “It was not my intention to hurt Elrond by keeping this from him, neither did I want to hurt him by revealing it. I was caught in the middle between them. Aíya, you must understand the confrontation that occurred when he discovered their relationship. Elrond even insisted I leave the valley. He was justified. I had betrayed his trust.”

“You chose the Silver Lady over our Lord?”

“It was not that way at all. I wanted them both to be happy. Elrond was not in love with ‘Brí and his affection was simply not enough for her after she had tasted the nectar of true love. I would wish that it had been different, but I could not change the past. It took some doing and effort on Celebrían’s part, but eventually Elrond forgave me. I am unaware of what she said or agreed to in exchange for my return, but she did curtail her visits to Lothlórien. So, I became her only confidante and that was the state of affairs when you arrived. I can see that you could get the wrong idea, especially as it still took a long time for me to regain Elrond’s unquestioning trust.” He drained his glass of wine and continued, “So now you know it all. Only Gildor, who lived it, knows any more, but only because he was Elrond’s confidante through it all. The children are not aware of any of this, you understand.”

“I wondered if they would have tolerated such a relationship.”

“They probably would not, but that may come soon. Elrond and Celebrían dissolved their marriage before she left Imladris. He freed her to bond with Lothon, if she still desires once she heals. She freed him to take a lover. So the children will need to know some of this, so they can accept it, if Elrond does find another to love.”

Glorfindel contemplated the dark elf before him and let all that had been revealed sink in. There were so many undercurrents and twists in the telling; he was still curious about one thing, so he asked, “So was there every anything between you and Celebrían?”

Erestor laughed, heartily, “No, no. Our relationship was never like that. She always thought of me as her little brother.”

“It is just that you obviously loved her and it has been a while since you and Loriel were together…”

Erestor’s eyes glittered, “I had no idea you noticed when and who I took as a lover, Glorfindel.”

“Uh… it… it…” the Elda stuttered, quite unsure of what to say at being caught. “Is not that, I had remembered that your last lovers were ellyth, so I was curious if you and the Silver Lady… is all,” he finished lamely.

“Is that truly what you are asking, Glorfindel?” Erestor rolled over to his side, his face a hair’s breadth from Fin’s. “Or was there another question that you really want the answer to? Are you curious as to my preferences? Mayhap you wonder if I take ellon to my bed? Is that it, mellon nín?” Erestor asked huskily as he licked his lips.

The tension between them was palpable; Glorfindel’s heart was pounding and Erestor’s words shot straight to his groin, hardening him instantly. He answered quietly, “I have often wondered if you would ever submit in that manner.”

Erestor moved swiftly and rolled on top of the Elda. He leaned into the warm body and kissed him heartily. When Fin moaned in surprised, he took advantage of the opening and plundered the warm cavern. Drawing back before answering, “Is that what you desire from me?” He then ground his arousal into the one beneath him.

Passions long denied swamped both ellyn and a loud moan escaped the golden one’s mouth, which was rapidly seized again in a blistering kiss while long, thin fingers unlaced both leggings freeing both arousals. Gods! Erestor! I have desired you for so long…

Glorfindel wrapped his large hand around their erections and stroked, eliciting moans from them. He stroked rapidly while their groans were muffled by each other’s kisses. They reached their release in tandem, showering their essence between them. Erestor collapsed atop the Elda who quickly rolled them to their sides, while pressing their foreheads together. As both panted and struggled to slow their hearts, their eyes met, and Glorfindel tenderly kissed the swollen lips. He grabbed a cloth and hastily wiped at their stomachs before uttering, “Come. This has only whetted my appetite for you. I fear I will never be satisfied with just this one taste.”

Erestor stretched and replied, “I have hungered for you for so long, maethoren valthen.”

After quickly packing up, they returned to Círdan’s home and their rooms. As they walked the occasional brush of limbs sent tingles down their spines, causing their anticipation to grow. This made the journey back seem so much longer than the one earlier.

Once the door closed, Erestor found himself shoved up against the wall, Glorfindel’s body pressed against him and his mouth taken in a bruising kiss. The Elda pulled back to breathe, “Erestor I have long desired you… I need you… I need to feel you around me… Would you do this?” His face was flushed and his sky blue eyes dark with need.

Erestor looked into those eyes and realized that he could refuse Glorfindel nothing, nor did he want to. He wanted the Elda more than anyone before. If he were honest with himself he would have to admit that he had desired the golden warrior from the moment he first saw him ride into the valley, astride his white charger, golden hair gleaming in the sun. Erestor bit the corner of his bottom lip, his eyes half lidded, as he answered, “Aye, Fin, I would do for you as I would no other.” He smirked. “Do you plan to take me right here or should we move this to the bed?”

With that, Glorfindel scooped Erestor up into his arms and carried the darkling elf to the bed. The dark elf wrapped his arms around Fin’s neck and leaned into his broad, strong chest inhaling his clean, spicy scent. He squeaked as the air was knocked out of him when he was summarily thrown on the bed and Glorfindel landed on him. The Elda quickly shifted his weight to his forearms and knees then leaned down and kissed Erestor breathless. “We have too many clothes on, morvir nín. Let me remedy that.” He quickly divested Erestor of his clothes and admired the body beneath him. Soft alabaster skin sheathed dense muscle and sinew. Though the darkling elf was still too thin, he was regaining his form; as he contemplated each body part below him, he stroked it lightly, eliciting soft moans.

“Aí, you are overdressed, melethron.” Erestor’s long fingers deftly removed Glorfindel’s tunic and leggings. “Much better,” he said as he flipped them over and tasted the sweetness in Fin’s mouth. He nibbled an enticing ear tip and began to lick down and bite on the strong jaw until he reached the junction of neck and shoulder. He stopped there then licked and sucked, marking the warrior beneath him. All of his attentions were inflaming Glorfindel and he was thoroughly enjoying making the Elda squirm. He began licking down the broad chest, briefly stopping to suckle both nubs before continuing further down. He passed the warrior’s twitching arousal to nibble the sensitive skin between the thighs. “Aíya, Erestor, stop torturing me. Please,” Fin begged.

Brown eyes glittered wickedly as he chuckled, “I have not even begun your torment, melethron, but since you asked so nicely…” Fin could not restrain a gasp as his length was engulfed in a warm, moist heat. Erestor swirled his tongue around the weeping head and into the slit. He began to hum as he slid up and down the turgid length. The Elda gasped in desperation, “Please… stop… now or I will be finished.”

Erestor pulled away and released Fin’s hardness with a soft plop. He slowly crawled up the hard body beneath him and stopped to seize the pink lips. As their tongues dueled, the dark elf ground their erections together. When he pulled back to take a breath, Glorfindel flipped them over, switching their positions. “This is how I want you. I want you writhing beneath me. I want to hear you scream my name. Hold on to the headboard and do not let go or I will bind your hands.”

Erestor gripped the headboard as instructed and then quipped, “Are you going to do anything more than talk?” He was growing desperate, his desire to be taken increasing with every move of the Elda’s hips.

Glorfindel’s response was simply to growl and reach over him to the bedside table where he fumbled around trying to find the oil. When he finally found the small crystal vial, he waggled it triumphantly and lightly kissed Erestor before saying, “No, I think I shall just lie here and tell you what I plan to do to you.” He laughed evilly.

Erestor grabbed the face above him, pulled it close and said, “You better get busy or you will find the tables turned, melethron.” He then kissed and sucked on Fin’s bottom lip.

Glorfindel grabbed Erestor’s hands and pulled them over his head. “Uh-uh, now I shall have to tie you up.” The dark elf groaned. Fin got off the bed and grabbed the tie from his silk robe. Then he sat beside Erestor and tied his hands loosely to the headboard. As he tugged on his bonds, the Elda lay beside him and began to lick and suck his neck, gently biting it and then soothing it with his tongue. Erestor moaned at the assault and tilted his head allowing greater access. Fin lifted his head to look into deep brown eyes, before moving down the lithe form beneath him.

Glorfindel rubbed his hands down Erestor’s side, delighting in the feeling of the sinewy muscles under the downy soft skin. Unable to resist he took a light brown nub in his mouth and bit gently. The dark elf arched his back and tugged at his bonds. After laving and sucking on the nub, he lightly blew on it, bringing gooseflesh to the sensitive skin. He leaned to the other side and gave that nub the same treatment. Erestor was panting and begged, “Please… Fin…”

Glorfindel smiled and covered the dark elf’s body with his own. He continued his exploration with his hands and mouth. Stopping at Erestor’s navel he delved into it with his tongue causing another moan of delight. As he licked down a lean thigh to nibble at the skin at the back of the dark elf’s knee, he pushed the leg up and began to lick down the back of the thigh. Once back at Erestor’s arousal, he inhaled deeply and then sucked on one sac and licked gently and then did the same to the other. The dark elf could not restrain himself and struggled against his bonds while pulling the other leg up, baring himself completely. “Do… not… tease…” Fin engulfed his arousal to the base, in one quick movement, relaxing his throat to take it in its entirety.

“Ahh!” Erestor shouted and began to thrust upwards until a strong hand held his hips down. The other quickly uncapped the oil and tipped it over into his palm. The dark elf’s world narrowed to the sensation of the humming and sucking on his erection, while fingers were thrusting into him, brushing his prostate. He was held down and could not move; his world had become a vast garden of pleasure, as each stroke to his center shot stars across his eyes. The overload of sensations instantly ceased when Glorfindel released his arousal and withdrew his fingers. Erestor’s eyes shot open and met indigo blue ones, as his mouth was taken in a blistering kiss, and his legs placed against Fin’s shoulders; his oiled length poised at the prepared opening. Glorfindel slowly pushed in, but instantly stopped as a low groan escaped the dark elf’s lips.

“I am no blushing maiden, nor made of glass, Fin. Move!”

With that, the dark elf thrust upwards as the Elda thrust down, until he was completely sheathed inside the tight passage. Erestor gasped and concentrated on relaxing his body to accept the girth. “You are so tight, melethron. Are you well?”

“Aye, you are just far larger than I have experienced before.”

Fin leaned down to gently kiss the swollen lips. As he did, he brushed Erestor’s pleasure center and the dark elf moaned as stars shot across his eyes. Glorfindel pulled back and thrust in, aiming for that same spot. He hit it true and Erestor groaned, “Yes! Again!” The dark elf’s cries inflamed Glorfindel, and he could no longer restrain himself. He set a blistering pace, his balls meeting thigh on each down stroke. Erestor’s incoherent moans echoing in his ears. He almost forgot to take the weeping, turgid arousal in hand, but remembered when his own thrusts began to become erratic. He was pumping in time with his thrusts until he felt the tightening in his groin and fought to hold back his orgasm until his lover had come first. When he felt the warm cream cover his hand and heard the dark elf scream in ecstasy, he let himself go and thrust once, twice, before shooting his essence into the tight passage. The dark elf’s name left his lips as he collapsed onto him. Quickly moving up, he released the bonds and taking the boneless elf in his arms, rolled them both onto their sides; his head buried in the dark tresses.

Both elves lay there sated and limp, trying to regain their senses. Erestor groaned, and Fin leaned over him, concerned. “Did I hurt you?” he asked as he gently pushed dark hair away from the flushed face beneath him.

“I may be a bit sore; it seems I am out of practice at playing the sheath.” At seeing Fin’s concerned expression, he continued, “I am well. You are truly magnificent, melethron.” He smiled brightly and reached to hug the warrior.

His lips were brushed lightly as he was gathered in a tender embrace, soft words whispered against his ear, “You were, without a doubt, the best I have ever had, morvir nín. Rest here a moment. I will draw us a bath.” He nibbled an ear tip and then said, “I am not done with you, so you must regain your strength.” At that, Erestor shivered in delight.

~~~*~~~

Under Glorfindel’s careful ministrations, Erestor healed both physically and mentally. The physical aspect of their relationship deepened their friendship and the two became inseparable. However, duty called and they both felt the need to return to Imladris and help their friends. Now that they were stronger, it would be easier to aid Elrond, Arwen, and the twins to find their own healing. The elves thanked Círdan and Galdor for their hospitality and care and set out for Imladris.

~~~*~~~

Erestor had to admit to himself that he was quite nervous. So much had changed in his life during the weeks he was away. Moreover, to return now… and behave as though nothing at all had happened; he did not think he was up to the task. He thought upon his changed relationship with Glorfindel becoming public knowledge and shivered with trepidation. At seeing the slight tremor, the Elda moved his mount close to Erestor and touched his lover’s arm. Warm brown eyes slowly left the sweeping vista of the hidden valley and met his questioning gaze. Erestor recognized the unspoken query and answered, “I am fine. I know there is much to be done here now… I am unsure if our… relationship… should immediately be for public consumption. I fear the children need stability and constancy, not further changes.”

“Erestor,” Glorfindel placed two fingers under his chin and tilted his head up. “We will do as you need, but know that I would flaunt for all to see what has passed between us. I delight in your company, but I will follow your lead and do nothing that you feel would cause Arwen or the twins further pain.” He leaned across and placed a feathery light kiss on Erestor’s ruby lips. “Come. We have more hours of travel yet and I would like to have you in my bed tonight.” Azure blue eyes flashed playfully, before the golden elf turned his mount and began the descent into the valley.

Erestor inhaled deeply and the scent of his beloved home infused his being. His world had changed so dramatically in the past year. He had lost Celebrían, but gained a lover, the likes of which he had never before experienced. In his mind, he again heard her advice to him, “Let go, ‘Tor, enjoy the moment. Seize the day and live for now. It will all be well.” I hope you are right, ‘Brí. I want you to be right, for both of us. I will try. I love you, Gwathel. With that last thought, Erestor turned to follow his golden warrior, trusting that this new path would lead him true.

The End

Translations:
mellon nín – my friend
hannon le – I thank you
gwathel nín – my sworn sister
meldir – my friend (male)
ellyth – female elves
ellon – male elf
ellyn – male elves
maethoren valthen – my golden warrior
melethron – lover
morvir nín – my dark jewel
Gwathel – sworn sister