T.A. 2951 Hithui
Gray. Imladris was shrouded in it, with pregnant gray clouds that carried within them a cold, steady rain. Hints of the approaching winter sent many of Imladris' residents indoors and the first lighting of fireplaces warned off the chill of the evening. Gil-galad had sought shelter and large qualities of Miruvor in Imladris' vast libraries. He now lay quite inebriated, staring mesmerized into the flickering flames that burned in the large fireplace. His thoughts were fuzzy, the earlier discord and torment but a distant memory. The knowledge that it had all been for nothing had sent him in search of escape; that he found solace in the bottom of a bottle led to his current prone state. What else was one to do when the evidence that their life and death had changed nothing has confronted them?
Erestor had left him alone after imparting the events that occurred after his death. That no one had bothered him or sought entrance into the libraries for hours gave credence to the suspicion that the Chief Councilor had warned all others away. The soft opening and closing of the door signaled that someone was brave enough to ignore Erestor's warning, but Gil-galad's fuzzy mind showed no interest in learning the identity of his intruder. It was the flash of jeweled-toned slippers out of the corner of his eyes that first caught his sluggish brain's attention. His slightly blurred vision traveled up the burgundy-robed form to rest on Elrond's slightly disapproving features.
Gil-galad smirked at the frown the Peredhel wore and raised his glass, mockingly saluting the Elf-lord. "G-good even-tide, Elrond," he slurred, his words sounding fine to his ear.
Elrond sighed and reached down to remove the half-empty glass from Gil-galad's unstable hand. "Erestor told me he had shared with you what Middle-earth is currently facing, but nothing was said of its fate sending you to drink," Elrond moved away, and removing the glass from Gil-galad's reach.
"G-give me t-that," Gil-galad cried and stumbled to his feet, but halted and clung to the sofa as the room tilted. Closing his eyes and regaining his senses, Gil-galad finally registered the remarks Elrond had just made. He opened his eyes to stare incredulously at the Peredhel. *Elrond could not understand how the news of the Dark Lord's return might send him to drink!* Bitterness and anger fueled by alcohol overcame any inhibiters. "You see no reason why I might have turned to drink after receiving such tidings from Erestor?" Gil-galad spat at Elrond.
Despite the warmth from the fire, the atmosphere in the room became frozen as Elrond stared into the burning gaze of Gil-galad.
Gil-galad forced the hurt away not allowing it to show in his voice, but the fierce anger and injustice had found a target. "Were you too busy, Elrond? Or did it simply not occur to you that I might have wanted to hear from your lips the news that I died upon the slopes of Barad-dûr for nothing? 'Tis enough to know my place in this Arda has been brushed aside by the Valar, that they would send me back without any warning as to the horrors I would find. Unprepared was I, yes, but always with the hope that this was a better Arda than the one I dies for. One that existed without shadow. That I had some small part to play in that foolish dream of a peaceful Middle-earth was some comfort in Mandos' Halls. That, and the dream of you." Gil-galad said, unable any longer to keep the heartache from seeping from his voice and showing in his eyes.
Elrond turned away and spoke without looking upon Gil-galad. His voice if it trembled was brushed aside as his words ignited the fires of Gil-galad's anger all over again. "Nothing was foretold of your coming. No visions of foresight showed a place in this conflict for you, Ereinion. Indeed, Galadriel and I have seen much of this coming war with the shadow and we are of like mind in that you have no place in this struggle." Elrond still did not face the former King, not seeing the rage and pain that darkened the otherwise fair features.
Gil-galad felt his fragile hold shatter, and with quick strides and a soundless cry he grabbed Elrond and spun him around, too far gone in anger to read the fear in the half-Elf's eyes. He roughly shook Elrond, furious hurt words pouring from his heart and lips. "Curse you and the Valar, Elrond! They send me back here to play consort to an Elf who rejects me at every turn. I will no longer be a pawn for them or you, Elrond, and I will play the eunuch no more!" Gil-galad pulled a shocked Elrond to him and fiercely claimed Elrond's mouth.
Gil-galad's ruthless hold pinned Elrond tightly against him, Elrond's hands made useless by their trap against Gil-galad's chest. Elrond's cry of outrage allowed Gil-galad's tongue to plunge inside and take possession of every inch of the Peredhel's mouth. Hungrily and selfishly he explored the sweet depths that had been denied him. Gil-galad's tongue captured Elrond's and he sucked strongly on that muscle, pulling it unwilling into his own mouth and forcing engagement.
Gil-galad broke the harsh kiss, breathing heavily. One hand reached up to fist in Elrond's hair and he pulled sharply back, arching the half-Elf's throat. Gil-galad's lips, tongue, and teeth took eager advantage of this new territory, marking the pale flesh with teeth and mouth. Elrond's moan barely registered as Gil-galad once more took the Peredhel's lips for his own. Kiss after kiss was roughly taken and then, eagerly returned as Elrond lost the battle over his own sense.
Elrond's hands sought escape for entirely different reasons; freedom denied once more, his fingers sought clasp and hooks within his reach. The fumbling hands against his clothes finally reached Gil-galad's passion glazed senses, and he moaned in rising ardor. His hands loosed their hold, only to grasp Elrond's robes and raise them over the half-Elf's head, too impatient to wait for a slower removal.
"Off," Gil-galad growled, tugging on Elrond's undershirt. His eyes watched every move as Elrond obeyed his command, drawing the offending shirt up over his head, sending his chestnut hair flying.
Gil-galad's own garments were torn away with little regard. Nude, he dropped to his knees, his hands reaching up to circle Elrond's bare waist. He looked up into those burning gray depths, his own cobalt eyes blazing just as fiercely, and with just as much want. Keeping their eyes locked, Gil-galad unlaced Elrond's leggings and pulled them slowly down the half-Elf's legs until Elrond could step free. Only then did Gil-galad let his gaze travel down the Peredhel's body bared for him after so long a drought. He growled as his eyes fell on Elrond's heavy arousal arched high and hard against the half-Elf's stomach.
One hand circled Elrond's hip before resting on one taut buttock. His other hand grasped Elrond's hungry length, using this hold to pull the half-Elf to his waiting mouth. No prelude or gentle foreplay, just Gil-galad swallowing Elrond whole. The cry from above was ignored as his own groan sounded when the rich, heady flavor burst over his tongue. Gil-galad sucked strongly, tongue ravenous as it explored Elrond's arousal. Gil-galad's head slowly pulled back; each inch that left his mouth brought a tremble to Elrond's frame. Pausing only long enough to swirl his tongue around the head and gather the juices there, back deeply did he once more take Elrond's length. Again and again he tasted, until the sharp pull of Elrond's hands in his hair brought him back to himself.
Deep blue eyes rose and locked on heavy lidded gray ones. Gil-galad waited, mouth still firmly wrapped around Elrond's length; ignoring the pleading in those eyes. Only after a desperate cry left the Peredhel's lips did he suck the rigid flesh back in mouth. No teasing now, just the fast thrust and withdraw as Gil-galad allowed Elrond to use his mouth. Gil-galad's fingers tightened on Elrond's rear and he pulled the half-Elf sharply forward. One movement of his throat around the head of Elrond's arousal was all it took and with a loud cry Elrond exploded, shooting his seed down Gil-galad's throat.
Gently his tongue bathed the sated sex and his arms provided support for Elrond's trembling form. Gil-galad wrapped his arms tightly about Elrond's waist and rested his own flushed face against the Peredhel's stomach. Breathing heavily, he fought for some control over his own need. Gil-galad pulled away and looked up into Elrond's gaze. He hid nothing. His eyes spoke of his love and his fierce want. Gil-galad watched his love, his body growing cold as Elrond's warm gray eyes filled with fear.
Elrond's face reflected an almost horrifying fear and his eyes, they held such pain and terror that Gil-galad's own filled with tears. He watched as Elrond pulled free from his arms and bent down, picking up his robe. It was Gil-galad's face that now filled with fear, a terror he had never shown not even at his own death. For this was worse, worse than any horror and torment he could imagine. Elrond was leaving him once more.
Elrond pulled the robe over his head. He tuned to look at the kneeling figure of Gil-galad. Gone from his features were any emotions. Indeed, the half-Elf's face was as blank as the marble statues that graced his home. When he spoke, his voice was soft but oh so final. "I will not do this again, Ereinion. I cannot go through this again." Elrond walked quickly to the door, his rush to leave Gil-galad's presence sending a stab of ice into Gil-galad's heart. Elrond paused briefly, his back trembling. "I-I would not survive a second time," he whispered before leaving.
Gil-galad stared at the closed door. No more tears did he have to shed. No numbness could compare to this, not even the vast nothingness that was Mandos' Halls. Gil-galad stumbled to his feet. His body heavy, he dressed, his movements old and resigned. He knew it was time long past time for him to go.
It did not take long to gather his meager possessions, and he encountered no one as he made his way to the stables. Gil-galad did not allow his mind to think past the details needed to leave, and only once did his fractured heart feel anything. That was when he took one last look at Elrond's Imladris before he rode away.
T.A. 2952 Rhîw (Winter)
Elrond stared out into the frosted valley of his home. His eyes did not see the beauty of snow-toped trees or the perfectly formed icicles that hung from his balcony. Elrond's thoughts were on the one who had left more than a year ago. Ereinion. No word had been heard of the once High King; it was as if had disappeared off the face of Arda. Elrond had been sure that Ereinion would have returned to Lothlórien, but a messenger from the Golden Wood had known nothing of this. Elrond had been too proud, too stung by Ereinion's departure to make direct overtures to Mirkwood and the Havens. No, his pride would not allow him to admit to any that Ereinion had left him.
Elrond wearily leaned his forehead against the cool glass. The only thing that had kept him from complete despair had been the instinctive knowledge that he would have known if Ereinion had once again passed to the Halls. He had sent Glorfindel into the woods after the fleeing Elf, but Gil-galad's trail had been lost. There were moments when his thoughts began to torment him, and he felt his fragile hold on his emotions begin to unravel. Elrond did not know which fear was worse, the terror of never seeing Ereinion again, or the panic that gripped him when he looked upon the re-born Elf?
It had never been his intention to make Ereinion flee from him. Ereinion's return had sent him into a panic that had not since abated. Oh, he knew that the Valar had told the re-born Elf that he was being returned to Elrond because the half-Elf had suffered so much loss. Elrond had seen their design when he first looked into Ereinion's midnight-blue eyes, but Elrond did not believe the Valar.
No, he knew their real reason. It was to face the shadow that once again was rising in Middle-earth. Why else send back one of the fiercest warriors in the history of Elvendom? One who had faced the Dark Lord himself, one who had led the Last Alliance that united the races of Man and Elves? No indeed, he did not believe the Valar could be so concerned with his great loss and suffering.
Elrond knew he could not do it again. He could not stand and watch Ereinion consumed by the Dark Lord's flame once more. The first time had almost destroyed him; he surely could not withstand the second. Elrond could no longer see the dark indigo eyes full of love, but only the charred remains of beloved's body. With each glance, each touch, his mind was swept back to the slopes of Barad dûr and the horror of watching Ereinion burn. Was it so very wrong to try and protect himself from such hurt? Elrond did not know the answer to that. He hurt now; pushing Ereinion away had not prevented this pain.
It was true, what he had so coldly told Ereinion. Neither Galadriel nor he had seen any signs of the former King's presence in future conflicts with the Shadow. His head told him that, but Elrond's heart refused to listen. His plea's had not brought Elros back or receded the tide of mortal death from his beloved twin. Nor had appeals to the Valar protected Ereinion upon the slopes of Barad dûr, and there was no Valar intervention given to ease Celebrian's suffering after her abduction and torture by the minions of shadow. So, how was he now to convince his aching heart that this time, the Valar thought of his happiness?
Elrond sighed and dragged himself away from the frosted window. The dinner hour was approaching, and he had to once again present himself in the main dining hall. His frequent absences at mealtime and the increasingly loose fit of his robes had finally brought both Glorfindel and Erestor to see him. He had endured their concern and fussing, promising to take better care of himself, but the guilt of pushing and pushing Ereinion until he had finally fled Imladris ate at him, and made that difficult. Elrond jerked as the door was abruptly opened and, Glorfindel breathlessly appeared.
"Elrond, the gwanûn have returned, and Estel is with them!" Glorfindel rushed out in the same speed he had entered, Elrond quickly following in his wake.
Elrond sped after Glorfindel to the torch lit courtyard. His eager eyes focused on his returning sons. Elrond skidded to a halt, however, upon spying who had arrived with Estel, Elladan and Elrohir. Curses filled the air as the twin's complaining companion was helped from his horse.
"Elrond!" Gil-galad shouted. "Only you, Peredhel, would raise sons more ornery than yourself," Gil-galad continued to curse as he was helped, limping, towards the Healing wing.
Elrond could only watch, stunned, as Gil-galad was led off by Estel. He turned opened-mouthed to observe his smirking sons. "W-what, W-where?" he stammered.
"We had to practically tie him to his horse to get him to return here with us," Elrohir said, approaching his Adar. "Really Ada, whatever did you do to the Elf to make him dislike Imladris so much?" Elrohir pulled his mute, shocked father into his arms, hugging him tightly.
"I, he, uhm, left angry-" Elrond mumbled as he accepted another strong embrace from Elladan.
"Obviously," Elladan remarked with a raised brow, pulling back from Elrond's arms.
Elrond struggled to gather his scattered wits, his eyes moving to the Healing wing. "Is he injured badly?" he asked, voice quivering.
"No, Ada, 'tis only a sprained knee from a spooked horse. Come, we will see if Estel has need of your assistance," Elrohir guided Elrond towards where Gil-galad had been taken, exchanging a concerned glance with his twin. Neither of the twins had seen their father this shaken since Celebrian had been rescued from the Orcs.
The trio entered the wing only to hear Estel arguing fiercely with an annoyed Gil-galad. "I do not want to stay here! Now move aside, Estel, I will not remain where I am not wanted!" Gil-galad shouted.
"Ereinion, stop tormenting Estel. He is just trying to assist you," Elrond said appealingly as he entered the room where Gil-galad had been taken.
Gil-galad was sitting upon one of beds resisting Estel's efforts to uncover his injured knee. "I would if he would stop trying to get my leggings off me!" Gil-galad fussed, slapping Estel hands away from the ties at his waist.
Elladan and Elrohir both roared with laughter at the blush that covered Estel's face.
"Out," Elrond ordered. "I will see to Ereinion's injury. Estel, you and your brothers need to clean up, and I am sure you could use some food." Elrond did not look at Ereinion as he moved about the room gathering the supplies he would need. He ignored the suddenly concerned looks that his sons directed at him as they vacated the room. Silence descended as Elrond and Gil-galad were left alone.
Elrond approached the bed where Gil-galad sat. "Ereinion, you will have to remove those leggings for me to see how badly you have sprained your knee." Elrond struggled to keep his voice detached and calm. But, he could not stop his eyes from greedily roaming over the former King, eagerly assuring himself that Ereinion was here and whole. Surprisingly, this time when he looked upon his former mate, he did not see the burning and ashes, but instead deep indigo eyes that followed his every move, frustrated desire in their depths.
Gil-galad said nothing as he stripped off his pants and modestly covered himself with a corner of the blanket on the bed. He watched as Elrond flushed and looked down at the swollen limb extended for his inspection. Gil-galad felt a perverse satisfaction as he observed the sign that his absence had affected Elrond. The Peredhel had lost weight, his robes much looser than when Gil-galad had left, and under his bright gray eyes were purple shadows that told of sleepless nights. Gil-galad flinched as Elrond's badly shaking hands fumbled at his sore knee. Gil-galad frowned and without thought grabbed the Peredhel's trembling hands in his own. "Why are your hands shaking, Elrond?"
Elrond looked up into Gil-galad eyes, unaware that his own revealed all the heartache he had gone through when Gil-galad left. He did not answer Gil-galad's question. "I am so sorry, Ereinion. I never meant for you to leave Imladris," he whispered, dropping his gaze once more to tend to Gil-galad's knee.
Gil-galad's eyes had narrowed at what he had seen deep in Elrond's gaze. He saw *fear*. "Elrond, what are you afraid of?" Gil-galad pleaded, his tone beseeching Elrond to finally open up to him.
Elrond halted what he was doing, his hands no longer stable enough for such delicate work. Here was his chance to make Gil-galad understand, but could he face his fear? Would he look up only to see, instead of his lovers face, a burnt- out shell? Elrond felt the tears begin sliding down his face. He had not cried when Gil-galad had left, but now faced with him once more, he could no longer hold the tears in.
He looked up finally, his eyes gray pools swimming with misery. "I cannot watch you burn again, Ereinion."
Gil-galad reared back, stunned. Of everything he had imagined- Elrond no longer loving him, worries that the Peredhel's children would come between them, or Elrond blaming him for dying and leaving him so burdened, nothing could have prepared him for Elrond's words. I cannot watch you burn again. This is what had been holding his love back? The fear of losing Gil-galad again? He could say nothing, could not wrap his mind around the words needed to respond, and Elrond stared at him out of frightened, almost resigned, gray eyes.
Elrond rose suddenly and before Gil-galad could stop him, he left the room. Only the sound of the door-closing drove through his amazement, and without thought he jumped up to follow. Gil-galad cried out as his injured knee refused to support his weight and he stumbled, meeting the floor hard as he fell.
"Elrond!" he cried out, but it was not the half-Elf who responded to his cry.
Erestor opened the door and rushed to help Gil-galad from the floor. "He is gone," Erestor said, his voice calm as if he soothed a spooked animal.
Gil-galad lay panting on the bed, face tense as pain spread up his entire leg. He flung an arm across his face, not wanting the Advisor to see his pain or the tears that threatened. When would Elrond stop running?
"I believe he went to speak to the gwanûn," Erestor spoke as he went about wrapping Gil-galad's knee.
"How did you come to join the twins and Estel? When you left, in the middle of the night," there Erestor's voice paused, reproach heavy in his tone, and Gil-galad flinched, chastised as only the Chief Counselor could accomplish. "We were sure you would return to Lothlórien, but the messenger knew nothing of your whereabouts." Erestor brought Gil-galad a cup of hot laced with herbs and watched closely as the Elf finished every drop.
Gil-galad winced as the bitter liquid left a foul taste in his mouth. He watched as Erestor pulled up a chair and knew that the stoic Elf would not leave until he answered his questions. "I came upon them by sheer chance along the Sarn Gebir, and it was a good thing. They were in a fierce battle with many Orcs, Elrohir had taken an arrow to his sword arm. After the battle, they welcomed me and offered their companionship if I cared to travel with them. They did not know who I was and I did not enlighten them. It was not until Estel joined us and recognized me that the gwanûn came to learn my real identity." Gil-galad sighed tiredly. He had not wanted to return to Imladris, instead he had planned on journeying to Lothlórien, but the hurt knee and the forcefulness of the twins overruled his desire.
"They accepted you?" Erestor asked, with some surprise at this notion.
"Yes," Gil-galad answered, pride in his voice. "We had traveled some time together. The twins and I had fought together protecting each other. I came to like and respect them, and I had hoped the same from them. When Estel arrived and expressed his amazement that the pair had not recognized me, I think they were more embarrassed by that lapse than anything else." Gil-galad gave the Advisor a startled look at hearing the usually serious Elf snicker.
Erestor actually giggled at the mental image of the gwanûn's chagrin. The very idea that they had traveled with one whose face graced the very walls of their own home and had not recognized the Elf sent the Councilor into peals of laughter. Erestor struggled to control himself at the look of shock upon Gil-galad's face, but he could not prevent the laughter in his voice. "They should have paid more attention to their lessons." This sent the Elf into fresh laughter.
Gil-galad could only shake his head at the peculiarities of Elrond's household. He was weary, so very tired of having a woe-filled heart. Just a bit of peace had been found in the wilds, but that had disappeared when Estel had revealed his secret to the twins. Gil-galad had held nothing back from the pair. His guilt at deceiving them had not allowed that. Only the Valar's reasons for his return still remained hidden. And he was no closer in figuring out what role he was to play in the twins' lives. How was he to influence their decision? Even the time spent exclusively in their company this past year had not revealed any information.
Estel's company had provided some missing pieces of the puzzle. The twins' teasing of their foster brother had spoken volumes. Elladan and Elrohir had seemed to delight in bringing flushes to the human's features with their references to Arwen and the eagerness young Estel showed in returning soonest to Imladris. Indeed, the very longing that entered the heir of Isildur's voice when he spoke of Arwen Evenstar was telling in itself; that Arwen returned the young human's affections Gil-galad did not doubt. So that part of the visions revealed by the Valar would come to pass. Elrond would lose his daughter. Arwen would choose the same path as Elros.
Gil-galad's heart had bled for his love. To go through such torment of having a loved one chose the path of mortality for the second time was too much for an Elven heart, and if the twins should seek the same path; it would break the half-Elf. But Gil-galad had seen no signs that the pair longed for their sister's fate. If they had made the choice in their hearts, they hid it well. One thing worried Gil-galad; at no time during their journeying together did they discuss Celebrían. The twins asked no questions of their mother's fate.
So lost in his thoughts was Gil-galad that he did not see when Erestor left him alone. Would the twins reveal their feelings to their Adar? Had they out of kindness or some misplaced feeling of atonement not revealed to Gil-galad that they resented his presence here? Would Elrond return, only to tell him that Elladan and Elrohir did not want him a part of Elrond's life? Gil-galad's thoughts were awhirl, and it was with a confused and troubled heart that he drifted to sleep.
Elrond had not gone to his long-missed sons. He had hidden himself in his study, a full glass of miruvor serving as his courage. That is where Elladan and Elrohir found him. He accepted the embraces, but avoided their eyes. He stood once more, back turned, eyes unseeing out the window. "How came you to travel with Ereinion?" he asked.
It was Elladan who retold much of the same tale Gil-galad had imparted to Erestor, with one exception; Elladan did not gloss over Gil-galad's timely intervention in the battle. "He saved Elrohir, Ada. That arrow had paralyzed Elrohir's sword arm, and an Orc approached him from the rear, bent on ending his life. If it had not been for Gil-galad's decapitating that Orc-..." Hear, Elladan could not go on, his voice too overcome with emotion at the very thought of losing his beloved twin.
Elrond too sent a prayer of thanks to the Valar for Ereinion's presence at his sons' side. Finally he turned and went to the twins, hugging them both tightly in thanks of their very presence. Elrond took a seat next to his sons and listened to the rest of the tale. Had his heart been lighter, he too would have laughed at the pair's chagrin and embarrassment at not realizing whom their traveling companion was. Elladan defended them by saying, "One does not expect to see the former High King of the Noldor, who is supposed to be dead, wandering the wilds hunting and cooking like an ordinary Elf."
After the brethren finished their story, silence hung heavy in the air, and it took great courage for Elrond to ask what was on all their minds.
"How do you feel about Ereinion's return to my side, ynen?" Elrond did not shy away from their gazes; this question he had to brave through. (my sons)
Elladan said nothing. It was Elrohir with tears in his eyes who ask the question both brothers sought to understand. "Why not Naneth, Ada?" (Mother)
Elladan spoke before Elrond could. "Is it because he is the one you have always loved, and not Nana?" (Mom)
Elrond rose to pace, unable to look into Elrohir's sad eyes or Elladan's frank gaze. "I loved your mother, Elladan," Elrond said, his steps taking him back to his lonely view out his window.
Elrond heard his sons rise also and felt their presence beside him at the window. "But not as much as you love Gil-galad," Elrohir whispered, no question in his voice; just a simple acceptance of the truth.
"Yes," was all Elrond could say.
Elladan laid a hand upon his Adar's shoulder. "So why, Ada, did Gil-galad run from you and Imladris?"
Elrond turned to face his sons, his face grief-stricken. "I drove him away with my fears."
"What fears, Ada?" Elrohir asked.
Elladan interrupted before Elrond could answer. "Wait have you told Gil-galad of your fears?" he asked his Ada.
Elrond stared blankly at his eldest. That Elladan would even ask such a question showed the esteem the twins had come to regard Gil-galad with. "I-I somewhat... no, n-not really," he finally finished, both twins staring at their unflappable Adar in amazement.
"Why not, Ada?" Elrohir asked, moving close once more to touch his visibly troubled father.
But Elrond jerked away from Elrohir's hold and paced the room, suddenly furious. "I cannot do this again and again!" he declared.
Elladan and Elrohir watched their usually self-possessed Adar fling himself about the room, hands nervously waving about. This was as close to full-blown panic they had ever seen Elrond in, and it frightened the stout warriors. Elladan finally had enough and roughly grasped Elrond's shoulders, forcing him to stop. "Ada, enough! Talk to us! What is it that you cannot do again?" he asked.
Elrond looked to his sons, tears heavy in his gray eyes. "I-I cannot endure any more loss. I will not put myself through that again." Elrond all but collapsed in Elladan's hold and the twin led his father to a chair, seating him and moving away to pour a healthy dose of miruvor. He pressed the drink into Elrond's badly shaking hands and watched as he took a sip.
"So you will throw away this second chance to live with the only Elf you have ever truly loved because you are afraid?" Elladan asked, his tone sharply challenging.
"Elladan!" Elrohir scolded, shocked by his brother's tone to their father.
"Hush, Elrohir. I am just asking Ada if he is going to be a coward and toss away this gift that the Valar have bestowed on him, or is he going to embrace this miracle and be happy?" Elladan took and held Elrond's gaze the entire time he spoke.
Elrond stared into the challenging eyes of his eldest. Never has Elladan spoken thus to him! He shook his head, unable to wrap his mind around Elladan's words. Elrohir seemed to come to understand what his brother was about, though, for he came and knelt at Elrond's feet, grasping his father's hands and gently squeezing them. "Ada," he implored, waiting until Elrond's attention focused on him. "Would you have given up any of your love for Gil-galad if you had known when you first met him that it would not be for eternity?"
Elrond's eyes widened. "No!" he exclaimed. "I cherished all the memories of our days together. I would not have changed anything of my time with Ereinion."
It was Elladan who asked the question that the brethren hoped would open their Ada's eyes. "Then why are you denying yourself this opportunity to make more of those precious memories?"
Elrohir gently continued, "Can any amount of loss take that gift of love away from you? Should you not rejoice in the very privilege of having known it and been giving a second chance to experience that love once more?"
Elrond stared back and forth between his sons with amazement. He felt a smile threatening at the corners of his lips. "When did the pair of you become so wise?" he asked, allowing that rueful smile to break free.
Elrohir looked up at his brother, brow crinkling in mirth. "Us, wise? What say you, Elladan? When did we gain wisdom?" Elrohir rose to stand next to Elladan.
Elladan shrugged his shoulders and replied calmly, but his eyes danced. "Must be some mistake, I do not recall any lessons in wisdom from Erestor."
Elrond laughed with the pair. "Better not let Erestor hear you say so," he warned and laughed once more at the pair's blanch of alarm.
Elrond led the brethren to the door. "You both must be dead upon your feet. Rest, refresh yourselves. I have some thinking to do."
Elladan and Elrohir bid their Ada goodnight and closed the door softly behind them, leaving Elrond alone with his thoughts once more.
The hour was late; long abed were the residents of Imladris when Gil-galad made his way through the halls. He stopped in front of one door, listening careful for any noise from inside. When none came, he quietly opened the door and slipped inside. His Elven eyesight adapted to the darkness as he made his way through the outer rooms towards the bedroom. Gil-galad halted in the doorway, watching the sleeping figure upon the large ornate bed. He leaned his forehead against the frame of the door and just watched. For how long, he knew not.
Loneliness and a need so acute that it had physically hurt him had driven him from his bed in the Healing Halls. Elrond's words from earlier that evening filled his head. Elrond had not said that he no longer **loved** Gil-galad. No, the Peredhel had admitted to a paralyzing fear of loss, a loss that spoke of deep want and need, not of indifference. The desire to be close, even it was only an illusion, drove Gil-galad. All those long agonizing months in the wilds, alone with only his memories of Elrond to sustain him, and now to be so close, but still to be separated by misunderstandings and fear, it gnawed at him, and hurt him. It no longer seemed possible to stay away. Surely he could hold the one he loved close, for just a little while? *I will slip away before morning,* he thought.
Finally, unable to resist the siren call from that bed, he moved stealthily towards it. His clothes barely made a whisper as they dropped to the floor, and the sliding between the sheets was just as silent. Carefully he pulled the sleep-warmed figure into his arms, unable to prevent his sigh of longing as the other's firm flesh nestled in his embrace. Gil-galad's eyes greedily moved over the other's features, made all the more lovely by Ithil's grace. The eyes were closed, something that Gil-galad mourned, not being able to gaze into their piercing depths during slumber. The chestnut locks were tousled and spread about the pillows as if the owner had not slept without some restlessness. The sheets were pulled down low and twisted about the other's hips, leaving the solid expanse of the Elf's chest bare. With no small hunger and regret, Gil-galad let his eyes feast.
Gil-galad pushed those hungers away; contentment was found just in holding his love. Weariness won with the promise of peace in those arms, and Gil-galad unwittingly, drifted to sleep, a murmur, a slight whisper of a name upon his lips before sleep claimed him fully. "Elrond."
Anor's rays across his face pulled Elrond from slumber. Ignoring its call, he snuggled back into the warmth around his body. He felt such ease in the cocoon that embraced him that leaving the bed seemed an almost impossible task. Only gradually did awareness find him.
The facts invaded his senses one after another. No blanket could keep one this warm, nor did mere bed-covers provide safety and a sense of belonging. Sheets did not move under one's head and no ordinary fabric would beat with the pulsing of a heart.
Elrond slowly lifted his gray eyes, feeling an almost unbelievable hope, despite himself, in his heart. The dark blue eyes that met his own were filled with their own hopes, fragile light shining from them.
"Ereinion," Elrond whispered, before covering the Elf's lips with his own.
Gil-galad fought to escape the sheets that trapped him in Elrond's arms. No force, not even a horde of Orcs, could have sent his heart pumping faster than the fear that rose in him from the feel of Elrond's lips against his. Finally the need for breath pulled Elrond away from him. Gil-galad eyed Elrond, not seeing passion-glazed eyes, but remembering a similar occasion when that gray gaze has turned cold and rejecting. Elrond had taught him to well to now accept this gift without some trepidation. Elrond's mouth moved closer to his own once more, and Gil-galad could not help the flinch that pulled him away.
"Why do you move away from me, Ereinion?" Elrond whispered, his morning voice low and sensuous.
"I am waiting for you to wake up," Gil-galad replied.
Elrond shook his head, fighting to clear the morning fog. He could see the fear and uncertainty in Ereinion's orbs, but it took several moments for the reason for that apprehension to come to him. "He fears I will pull away, like before!" Elrond knew not what to say to alleviate Ereinion's fears, so he did not try. Elrond reached down and captured Ereinion's lips once more. He placed a brief hard kiss upon Ereinion's lips then pulled away. Elrond placed a finger against Ereinion's lips when Ereinion tried to speak. "Do not say anything, I beg of you, Ereinion. I love you. I want you; please let me show you just how much," Elrond pleaded, unashamed, knowing he did not deserve a second chance, but praying to the Valar that he be granted one.
Gil-galad could only nod. In his eyes were all his hopes, dreams, and love, laid bare once again for Elrond to accept or reject. He could not hide from the half-Elf, never could. Come what may, he was Elrond's.
This time the kiss was tender and equally participated in by both. There was no reclaiming, only an almost tentative rediscovery, as if they had never shared intimacy before now. Their lips brushed, silk-like, skin against skin. Sweet moist breath mingled as each parted their mouths, tongues meeting gently, then retreating, and then meeting once more. Both Elves rested their hands lightly against the shoulders of the other, with their bodies still separate. They wanted not to rush this, now there was no need for haste or fear. Kisses grew from slightly tentative exploration to a hungrier pressure. Elrond's earlier excitement rekindled by the taste of his lover, he eagerly explored Ereinion's mouth, discovering all over again that addicting flavor.
Gil-galad remained passive, not out of fear now, but fully under the Peredhel's spell. Willingly he surrendered to Elrond's desire, and in return had his own ignited and sent blazing. He moaned as Elrond's lips and tongue sought other ground. His ears received gentle bites and a much hungrier pull from Elrond's mouth. His hands were drawn away from Elrond's shoulders and pressed down onto the mattress. "Let me," Elrond whispered. And Gil-galad did. Elrond's lips and tongue next explored Ereinion's neck. There Elrond paused to nibble, lick, and suck. Hungry lips left passion marks, and Gil-galad could do nothing but take it...and moan.
Elrond slid a knee between the legs flush against his own, so that he was kneeling between Ereinion's wide spread thighs. Elrond purred as his lips traveled down Ereinion's wide chest, his tongue flicking lazily across one nipple, then the other. Gil-galad groaned, and his hands reached up to grasp the ornate headboard of Elrond's bed. Satisfied that his attention had caused the nipples to harden, Elrond proceeded to suck strongly, teeth nibbling, each rosy nub in turn. This feasting continued until Elrond was happy with the cries he wrung from Ereinion's lips.
With his tongue licking like a cat with a bowl of cream, Elrond moved lower. Each hipbone received a sharp nip of teeth before Elrond attacked Ereinion's belly button. His tongue performed an intimate dance, in, out, in, out, each thrust brought Ereinion's hips off the bed. Elrond did not give in to the thrusting hips or the pleas that fell from Ereinion's lips. His lips and tongue followed the line from hip to where it met thigh, lingering in the crease there with broad swipes of his eager tongue. Elrond knelt further back so that he was on his knees. He pushed Ereinion's legs further apart and licked a path down to the inside of Ereinion's knee. There he paused and lifted his eyes to meet Ereinion's. His tongue started a slow journey, down to right before Ereinion's groin. He stopped and gave Ereinion a devilish smile.
Gil-galad cried out and arched sharply off the mattress as Elrond teeth bit down on the inside of his thigh. He whimpered when the wound was then licked, and looked into suddenly blazing gray eyes that had lightened to piercing silver. He could do nothing but lie there and take Elrond's torments. His stomach quivered and his thighs ached from being spread so far apart. Gil-galad's body shone with a sheen of moisture, every muscle standing out in sharp relief. His length lay hard and hot against his stomach, and under the head, a pool of his seed gathered, released by Elrond's talented lips, tongue, and teeth. Gil-galad panted as the gentle tongue licked along his thighs. He knew not how much more of this precious torture he could take before he exploded!
Elrond ran his hands up Ereinion's shaking thighs, gentling the strained muscles with his healer's touch. He laid a hand upon Ereinion's stomach, feeling the rise and fall as Ereinion struggled for control. Only moments for recovery did he give, before leaning down and running his tongue from root to tip of Ereinion's length. Using both hands to hold down the thrusting hips, Elrond hummed in enjoyment as his tongue circled the tip, gathering the drops there to roll around his mouth, savoring the flavor. The room, the late hour, the other occupants of Imladris awaiting him, all disappeared as Elrond feasted on the proud flesh in his mouth. He sucked strongly, again and again, drawing more of that salty, bitter flavor into his mouth.
Gil-galad reached down, fisting his hands in Elrond's hair. Control was gone, reason deserted him, and only a need to end the torment drove him. Gil-galad pulled sharply, drawing Elrond's mouth from his arousal. Elrond released Gil-galad's length with a wet pop, and he looked up at Ereinion, the Peredhel's hoary eyes fierce in their need. "N-no more, E-Elrond," Gil-galad pleaded. "Take me!"
Any other time, Gil-galad would have found amusement in Elrond's frantic glances about the room. It was obvious the half-Elf had not thought that far ahead, to plan for a need for oil to be close at hand. His frenzied gaze flew to Ereinion's. "I have no oil," Elrond whispered, horror and need in his voice. Gil-galad shook his head, sending more of his black tresses about the pillow. "No time for that," he said and picked up the hand that lay upon his stomach. Bringing two of Elrond's fingers to his lips, he pulled the digits into his mouth, coating them with his saliva. Elrond could only groan and watch as his fingers were sucked strongly and finally released.
Wasting no time, Elrond brought the lubricated hand down between Ereinion's legs. Using one finger, he circled the tight opening, feeling the clench and release of Ereinion's muscles. Slowly he eased the finger into Ereinion's body, shutting his eyes at the exquisite tightness and heat he encountered. Unable to wait, he eased out the one finger, adding its mate before pushing both back into Ereinion. Gil-galad could not help the groan that escaped him as the two fingers breeched his body. Elrond's eyes flew open, and he looked down at Ereinion in concern. Gil-galad bit his lip and nodded for Elrond to continue.
Elrond scissored his fingers, loosening Ereinion's tightness before pulling his hand back and adding a third finger. He held his hand still, giving Ereinion time to adjust to being filled. When Ereinion had once again opened his eyes to look at Elrond, Elrond thrust his fingers deep and arched them, hitting Ereinion's sweet spot. Gil-galad thrust down on Elrond's fingers. The pleasure overtaking any pain, Gil-galad began riding that thrusting hand, each rise and fall of his hips bringing a cry from his lips. Gil-galad cried out again, this time in loss as the fingers were removed. He looked down to see Elrond quickly coating his own length with the pool of seed on Gil-galad's stomach.
Elrond almost whimpered as his hand stroked along his length, preparing himself for Ereinion. Gil-galad pulled his knees to his chest, exposing himself for Elrond's penetration. Elrond groaned and grasp his length, guiding himself to Ereinion's entrance. They both cried out as Elrond breeched Ereinion's outer muscle, sinking a little forward. Shaking, Elrond paused, struggling against the need to plunge forward, to thrust to the hilt. He wrapped Ereinion's legs about his waist and looked down into blazing azure depths.
"Claim me, love. Make me yours," Ereinion whispered.
Elrond sobbed as he thrust his hips forward, sinking into that velvety hot channel. He leaned down to also claim Ereinion's lips just as he claimed his body. Elrond could not stop or slow down his thrust into Ereinion. Gasping, he released Ereinion's lips and leaned back, angling his thrust to wring cries from Ereinion's mouth. Gil-galad's hips rose to meet each downward plunge. His arms tightened about Elrond's shoulders as he moaned at each breech of Elrond's arousal. "Elrond!" he cried out as his length was grasped in a tight fist and stroked. Elrond's hips pistoned faster, and he stroked Ereinion more roughly, wanting to make his love come crying his name.
Gil-galad felt his stomach tighten, and his hips rose once more before he came screaming Elrond's name, his seed coating Elrond's hand and his own chest. Elrond's groan was part sob as the channel gripping him tightened. He thrust once, twice more before crying out his release. He held deep, pressed tight against Ereinion as his own seed filled Ereinion. "Love," Gil-galad murmured drawing the exhausted Peredhel down into his arms. Each was silent, the only sounds in the room their heavy breathing. Finally, Elrond rose to his knees and pulled slowly free of Ereinion's body. He moved to his side and drew Ereinion into his arms.
"Melin chen, Ereinion nin," Elrond proclaimed.
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