Title: Finding Hope
Rating: NC-17
Type: FPS
Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, Caladir/Gurvelon, Melpomaen/Turidon,
Lindir/Taurfaeron
Author: Aglarien
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cats. Master Tolkien
owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I'm done
playing with them.
Warning: AU. Death and destruction from an Orc attack.
Summary: When Glorfindel finds a village destroyed by Orcs, and returns with seven orphaned elflings, life will never be the same for Erestor and their friends.
Note: You may have noticed that in my little universe, Celebrian is
not around. I have unashamedly played with the timelines, and she
sailed for Valinor a good 1200 years earlier than Tolkien had her
leave. Which means she has been gone for at least 100 years.


Imladris, 1300, T.A.

Chapter 1

Glorfindel and Caladir set out with their patrol of one hundred
elves, towards the Misty Mountains. All they had to guide them were
their dreams, given by the Vala Lorien without their knowing, and the
pull on their hearts. All they knew was that something bad had
happened, and they were called to that place.

On the morning of the third day after setting out, they finally found
what they were looking for at the base of the mountains, sheltered in
a small valley. The village they saw in their dreams. It was a
small village of perhaps only eight or nine families. Only eight or
nine families who had set out to build a new life. Only eight or
nine families who had been brutally destroyed.

The patrol stopped, and stared in horror at the sight. Flames still
licked at the trees and outbuildings. Glorfindel's heart broke at
the sight. It was not the burnt homes or barns that tore at his
soul, it was the bodies of the dead settlers. Elven bodies, both
male and female. They had fought, defending their home, but they
were too few.

"We're too late. We took too long to get here," Caladir moaned,
tears streaming from his eyes. Glorfindel just nodded.

The warriors dismounted, and the elves started reverently gathering
the bodies of their fallen kin. Orc remains were thrown into the
still smoldering fires. Glorfindel sent scouts out to search for
traces of the Orcs. He and Caladir walked the small village looking
for any sign that would tell them why they had been called to this
place. They could not believe they had been sent here for only this.

It was at the very end of the village when Glorfindel spotted
something untouched by the flames. It was a small stuffed animal, a
bear, something an elfling would have. "There were no elfling bodies
among the dead, Caladir, but there was at least one elfling here.
Where are they?"

"Orcs wouldn't care about elflings. If they were here, they would
have killed them like their parents." Caladir shook his head. "I
don't know, Glorfindel."

One of the scouts approached them at a run. "We have located the
Orcs, my Lord. There are only about fifty or so of them, over that
rise." The scout pointed out the direction.

Glorfindel shoved the small stuffed animal under his tunic. "Let's
go," he said with quiet anger.

The patrol easily and quickly eliminated the Orcs. There was no sign
of any elflings. Returning to the burnt out village, the elves
erected pyres for the dead villagers, then reverently stood as they
burned, singing the souls of the fallen to the halls of Mandos.

Dusk fell and the elves rested, but Glorfindel and Caladir still
pondered the question of the elfling, or elflings. "Think like a
parent, Caladir. If you were here, and had an elfling, what would
you do?"

"My Lord?" A warrior known for his own large family of elflings
approached. "I have been thinking. If I lived here, with my family,
outside of the protection of a city, and too far to go for help, I
would have a plan in case of attack."

Glorfindel nodded. "What sort of plan?"

"Well, the first thing would be some sort of signal to the children.
A signal that when they heard it, they were to run and hide
themselves. You found that toy bear at the edge of the village.
Maybe the children were running to where they were told to, and it
was dropped."

Glorfindel nodded. "But where would you send them? There is no
shelter here except for the trees. It's too open." He thought for a
moment. "Do you remember those caves we passed late yesterday?"

The warrior nodded. "Aye, my Lord. Those would be just the place.
If the children could get away unseen, they would be safe there.
They are far enough away, but close enough to walk - or run - to."

Orders were quickly passed. They would leave at first light, as it
was now too dark to start out. Glorfindel and Caladir paced the rest
of the night away, anxiously awaiting the dawn. Finally unable to
wait any longer, they woke the others, mounted their horses and set
out just before first light.

Dawn was just breaking as they reached the caves. Glorfindel held up
his hand for silence, and the patrol stopped. The elves listened
intently for any sound.

"Caladir, do you hear that?" Glorfindel whispered.

Caladir nodded, and pointed just south and above of where they were.
The two elves dismounted, and silently began their ascent to the top
caves. The area was treacherous, a mountainside dotted with hollows
and caves, shaped by some unknown source. The sound started up
again, and Glorfindel and Caladir grinned at each other. It was the
cry of a tiny elfling.

Glorfindel pointed to the entrance the sound came from. "Careful, we
don't want to scare them." The two elves carefully made their way
along a ledge to the cave entrance and peered inside. A candle was
quickly snuffed out, too soon for them to see anything. But they
could be seen clearly, outlined against the entrance. Screams joined
the baby's wails, as they heard shuffling from inside.

"It's all right, little ones, you are safe now," Glorfindel spoke
quietly. "We are elves. We have been looking for you. We are here
to help you."

The candle was relit. Glorfindel and Caladir looked upon the huddled
group of elflings. A boy of about twenty with shining golden hair
held a small baby in his lap. On one side were two little girls about
five years old, huddled together grasping the boy's arm, their dark
hair half covering their faces. On his other side, a slightly older
girl with auburn hair and green eyes peered at them, terrified, as
the boy sheltered her in his other arm.

"It's all right now," Glorfindel repeated. "You are safe now. We
will take care of you." The two grown elves slowly moved into the
cave. "My name is Glorfindel, and this is Caladir. We are from
Imladris, and we have been looking for you."

"Im..l.l.adris?" the boy stuttered. "Ada told me if anything
happened, to try to get to Imladris."

Glorfindel nodded. "Little ones, do you know what happened in your
village?"

Four little heads nodded. "We..we..saw. Orcs.they killed our
parents." The boy bravely bit on his lip as the little girls burst
into tears.

Caladir gathered the two dark haired girl elflings into his arms, as
Glorfindel wrapped his arms around the other three.

"Oh, little ones, I am so sorry. I am so sorry." Glorfindel held on
the elflings and rocked them gently.

The little elflings in Caladir's arms looked up at him with teary
eyes, and he saw for the first time they were twins. His heart broke
at their grief. "We will take care of you now little ones," he
whispered as he kissed the top of their heads.

"Are you all one family?" Glorfindel finally asked.

The boy shook his head. "Faelion is my little brother," he said,
indicating the little golden-headed baby he held in his lap, then
nodded to the little auburn haired elfling. "Amdiriel is my sister.
She was my cousin. Her parents were killed two years ago and my ada
and nana adopted her." He nodded to the two little elflings Caladir
held. "Calariel and Glawen are our neighbors." The boy stifled a
sob. "I am Gailion."

"You are very brave, Gailion," Glorfindel said softly. Your ada and
nana would be very proud of you for taking care of the others and
keeping them safe." He stroked the boy's hair, so like his
own. "Are you all of the elflings? Were there any more?"

Gailion nodded. "Two more - a brother and sister. We.we got
separated. I don't know what happened to them." The elfling finally
broke down and sobbed into Glorfindel's shoulder.

"We'll find them, little one, we'll find them," Glorfindel whispered,
stroking the boy's back, as he continued to cradle the quiet little
Amdiriel in his other arm. His heart broke for her, losing two sets
of parents in two years, and he softly kissed her brow, and then her
brother's.

A warrior entered the cave and stood at the entrance. "Glorfindel,
Caladir? We thought you might need some help."

Glorfindel nodded. "Gailion, what are the names of the other two
elflings?"

"Lainon and Laerien," the boy hiccupped, his tears finally stopping.

"Tell the others there are two more elflings to find - a girl and a
boy, Lainon and Laerien. Then have two or three come and help carry
the children down." Glorfindel looked down at Gailion. "How old are
they, little one?"

"Lainon is twenty, like me, and Laerien is ten."

The warrior nodded and left. In a few moments, they heard elves
calling for the two elflings, telling them it was safe to come out.
More guards appeared at the cave entrance to help carry the
elflings.

"Come, little ones, let's get you to your new home."

The two little elflings in Caladir's arms looked up at him, and he
smiled down at them. "Are you going to be our new ada now?" one of
the girls whispered.

Caladir's heart melted, and tears formed in his eyes. "Would you like
me to be your ada?" The two little elflings nodded.

"Then I will be," he said softly. "I will be your new ada." Caladir
held the little girls tighter. He couldn't wait for Gurvelon to see
their new daughters. Together, they would help these two precious
elflings start a new life.

"Glorfindel, who is going to be our new ada?" Gailion asked
shakily. Amdiriel reached a hand up and touched his face, looking at
him with those striking green eyes.

Glorfindel's heart stirred in his chest. This was what they had been
sent for. He felt it. He knew Erestor would agree. "I will," he
answered. "Will you let me be your new ada?" The two older children
nodded. He smiled down at them, and said, "Then let's go home."

They were all just leaving the cave when one of the guards shouted up
to them. "We found them! We have the other two elfings safe!"

Glorfindel smiled at Gailion, and took the baby Faelion into his
arms. It would be hard for the children to overcome what they had
been through, but they would have his love and Erestor's. They would
help them through this. They would be a family.

Tbc..

The elflings names:
Gailion - Bright son
Faelion - Gleaming brilliance, or Brilliant son
Amdiriel - Daughter of hope

Calariel - Maiden or daughter of the lamp
Glawen - Radiance - Radiant maiden

Lainon - Free male
Laerien - Maiden of summer

Chapter 2

The elflings were half starved, the baby was soaked and crying, and
all of them were filthy. Two or three of the guards with elflings of
their own had latched onto Lainon and Laerien, Glorfindel noticed,
thankfully. Caladir and he had their hands full at the moment with
their own little ones. He would make sure those two had a new family
to love and care for them as well.

Elves gathered food and water for the little ones, and Glorfindel
decided his first order of business had to be changing the soaking
baby. Thank goodness he had lots of experience helping to raise
Elladan and Elrohir, and he was confident he could manage without
embarrassing himself in front of his men. He found a soft blanket in
his pack, and tore it into large squares to use for diapers. He laid
another blanket on the ground, placed Faelion on it, and removed the
baby's sodden diaper and clothes, all the while softly talking and
making funny faces at the beautiful little elfling. Taking his water
flask, he wet one of his makeshift diapers and cleaned the baby's
face and body as well as he could, given their circumstances. Little
hands grabbed at his golden hair as the baby focused his bright blue
eyes on Glorfindel and cooed up at him.

Glorfindel was just about to put one of the clean diapers on the baby
when a stream of warm pee hit him square in the face. Damn, why
hadn't he remembered little boy elflings liked to do that? He
reached for the cleaning cloth he had used and quickly laid it over
the baby's middle, as guards started laughing all around him.

"Forgot about that one, did you Glorfindel?"

"He got you a good one! Won't be the last time."

Glorfindel grinned up at the guards holding Gailion and Amdiriel.
The other elflings were grinning at their little brother and new ada,
as they munched on dried fruit. Well, if it made the older elflings
smile, it was worth the embarrassment.

"You got your new ada good, didn't you little one?" He gently
tickled the baby's stomach as Faelion giggled and cooed, then grabbed
a dry diaper and wiped off his face. Putting a dry diaper on the
baby, he said, "Now, how are we going to feed you, my little one?
You must be hungry, and we don't have any milk. What do you think
about lembas soaked in warm water, hmm? Would you like that?"

"Glorfindel, look - there," one of the guards called. Glorfindel
looked up and saw one his younger guards, obviously an enterprising
one, returning to the camp. In his hand he held a rope, the other
end of which was tied around the neck of a large mountain goat.
Trailing along behind was her small offspring.

"Look what I found, my Lord." The young guard called. "Milk for the
baby! I just explained to her that we had need of her services, and
she came along."

Glorfindel grinned. "I hope you know how to milk her."

The young guard just grinned, found a cup, then sat down and expertly
began to milk the goat. A leather glove with a small hole cut in the
little finger provided an acceptable substitute for a bottle, and the
baby was soon suckling happily, cradled on Glorfindel's lap.

The guard continued to milk the goat. When the elf finally had a cup
of milk for each of the other elflings, he thanked the animal, and
brought her kid to suckle. He stroked the she-goat's head and talked
to her about what a lovely life she and her kid would have in
Imladris.

Faelion finished his milk and stared, drowsy and sated, up at
Glorfindel. "Don't forget to burp him, my Lord," the young guard
said quietly. Glorfindel placed the baby over his shoulder and
rubbed and patted his back until the little elfling let out a loud
burp. The young guard grinned. "He must have liked his milk."

Glorfindel smiled and laid the sleepy infant down on the
blanket. "Thanks to you and your new friend. Will you watch him for
me while I see to the others?" The guard smiled and nodded as
Glorfindel rose to take care of his other two new elflings.

"Come on you two, let's see if we can get you cleaned up."
Glorfindel took Gailion and Amdiriel from the two guards who were
holding them, one in each arm. They had located a small stream, and
he headed there to give them a bath. A guard followed, carrying
blankets and clean tunics for the elflings.

Caladir and several guards were already at the stream with the other
elflings. Caladir was gently washing Calariel's hair. Glawen had
already been washed and was wrapped in a blanket watching her sister
and new ada. She sat in the lap of one of the guards as her hair was
gently combed and braided.

Lainon and Laerien were being coddled and washed by other guards, who
spoke to them softly and handled them gently. Glorfindel smiled at
the scene. Elves loved all life, but little elflings were to be
treasured and were especially loved.

Glorfindel removed the children's filthy clothing, and set the
elflings down gently into the shallow stream. Gailion sighed as he
felt the gentle water ripple over his body. The silent Amdiriel just
stared at Glorfindel with her piercing green eyes and held onto a
lock of his hair with one hand, and his arm with the other.

One of the guards came over to them with soap and noticed the hold
Amdiriel had on Glorfindel. "Gailion, will you let me help you wash
so your ada can help your sister?" He smiled down at the boy, whose
hair and eyes were a mirror of Glorfindel's. Gailion nodded, and the
guard knelt in the water with Glorfindel.

Glorfindel watched his new little daughter, his heart breaking again
at the child's grief. So young to suffer such loss. He cupped the
elfling's face in his hands. "You are so lovely, sweetheart. Such a
beautiful elfling to be so sad," he whispered. "I promise I won't
leave you sweetheart. I will always be here for you. You will not
lose me. I promise." A single tear ran down the elfling's face, and
he caught it on his finger. He kissed her cheek, and held her tight,
his eyes filling with tears. "You will not lose me, my little
sweetheart."

Finally regaining his composure, he kissed the child again, and
said, "Let's get you washed up so I can see how beautiful you really
are." He gently washed her face, then smiled down into the green
eyes. "Oh, my. You are even more beautiful then I thought you
were." He reached for a cup and scooped up water, pouring it over
her hair. Dirt ran off, and the true color of her long locks began
to show through. He added soap, and gently massaged it through the
hair, then rinsed the soap out. The dark auburn hair turned a
shining, deep red, so dark it was almost brown, as ringlets gently
curled around her face. "Oh, there's my beautiful little
princess. You should have told me you were hiding under all that
dirt. Oh, you are going to steal Erestor's heart away from me, my
beautiful one," Glorfindel said.

"Who is Erestor?" Gailion asked, as the guard scrubbed his golden
locks.

"Well, my little ones, instead of having a nana and an ada like you
had before, this time you will have two adas. Erestor is my
husband. Caladir also has a husband, whose name is Gurvelon."

Gailion nodded. "There were two elves in our village who were
married to each other. They were really nice. I..I'm going to miss
them," he whispered.

"I know you will, my sweet one." Glorfindel reached an arm around
the elfling. "Never forget them, or your parents. Honor their
sacrifice always, and keep them alive in your heart, little one. I
promise you, Erestor and I will love you so much, that one day you
will be able to think of them without sadness."

"Is Erestor nice, too?"

"Oh, very nice." Glorfindel smiled at the elflings. "He's even
nicer than me. Now let's finish getting you washed and out of this
water before you turn into prunes, and then I will tell you all about
Imladris and Erestor. "

All of the elflings were finally washed and clothed in clean tunics,
which comically hung around their ankles and covered their hands,
sleeves dragging on the ground. The elves laughed at the sight, and
then decided on a few needed alterations. The excess fabric was cut
away, and pieces of rope held the garments around their waists.
Clean hair was combed and dried in the sun, then elegantly braided,
before six sleepy elflings were set down to sleep.

Caladir rested his back against a tree, with two little heads lying
on his lap. Stroking the soft hair, he closed his eyes and reached
out with his mind to his husband. "Gurvelon, my love, we are
returning. I have two wonderful surprises for you, my love. Two
beautiful little surprises. We should be home in two days." He smiled
at the words he heard in his mind. "Then hurry home to me, my
darling warrior. Hurry home to me."

Glorfindel watched two of the guards holding Lainon and Laerien as
the elflings fell asleep. He stretched out beside his own sleeping
elflings, wrapping an arm over the three of them. Amdiriel was close
against his chest. Gailion lay on the other side, the infant between
him and his sister. The older elfling had an arm protectively over
his siblings. He suddenly remembered the little bear. He carefully
pulled it out from his tunic, and watched as Amdiriel grabbed it from
his hand. The little elfling whimpered in her sleep and held the
bear close to her chest.

Caladir smiled. "Guess you found whom that belongs to," he
whispered.

Glorfindel nodded. "Did you tell Gurvelon?" he whispered back.

Caladir shook his head. "I want to surprise him. Told him we'd be
home in two days."

Glorfindel grinned, and settled down comfortably against his elflings
to rest and watch over their slumber.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Erestor," Gurvelon called. "Where are you?"

"Here, Velon, in Elrond's office."

The elf lords looked up as Gurvelon entered the office. "Have you
heard from Caladir?" Elrond asked.

"Aye, my Lord. They are on their way home. They should be here in
two days. He said he had a surprise for me, but did not say what it
was."

Tbc.

Chapter 3

Glorfindel had managed to fashion a carrier of sorts for Faelion. It
consisted of basically tying the babe comfortably to his chest,
allowing him to keep his arms free. It was not the best arrangement
when the little one was wet and needed his diaper changed, but it
would do. It allowed Glorfindel to place Gailion and Amdiriel in
front of him on the horse while he held onto them tightly. Afraid
that they might not feel he really loved them, he didn't want to
relinquish any one of his elflings to someone else just yet.

Caladir held Calariel and Glawen in front of him as well. Glorfindel
noticed the guards carrying Lainon and Laerien together, so the
brother and sister would not be separated, although they changed whom
the elflings rode with at each stop. It seemed like all of the
guards wanted a chance to spend time with the little elflings, and
mild teasing would occasionally break out over whose turn it was.
The young guard with the goats carried the little kid over his horse
in front of him, while the she-goat tagged dutifully along behind.

The journey back to Imladris was slow. What would have taken them
less than a day on their own took them two days. They stopped for a
long period of time at mid-day, allowing the elflings time for eating
and rest, and made camp early at night. Glorfindel was continually
thankful for the milk the goat provided, not only for the baby, but
for the other elflings as well. A diet of lembas and dried fruit was
not enough for growing elflings, who needed to recover from their
shock.

Making camp the first night, Glorfindel sent some of the guards out
to hunt, hoping they would find something to provide a hot meal for
the elflings. They returned with several plump rabbits, which they
carefully hid from the children and butchered. Others found wild
onions and herbs, and soon a hot, flavorful stew was bubbling away.
Small pieces of dried apple were added as well.

Glorfindel held the quiet Amdiriel on his lap. He was concerned that
the elfling had not yet spoken one word. She just stared at him,
clinging to his arm or hair with one hand, and her little bear with
the other. Glorfindel talked constantly to the elflings, telling
them all about Erestor and Imladris. He told them how much fun they
would have with the other elflings, and how everyone was going to
love having them there. And always he told them he loved them, and
how Erestor would love them, and how they would never leave them.
Gailion attached himself to Glorfindel and seemed to be afraid if the
warrior left his sight.

Caladir was having fewer problems with his little elflings. The
twins were younger, and more adaptable to their new situation. The
little elflings clung to their new ada, chattering at him as he held
them. The big warrior was clearly besotted with his new daughters,
and they already called him "ada". Glorfindel longed for the day he
would hear that from Gailion and Amdiriel.

Lainon and Laerien began to question their guards about who would
take care of them when they reached Imladris. Glorfindel knew in his
heart which elves he would place them with, just as he knew how
joyously they would be received. He quietly told the guards to tell
them about Amarion and Diwen, and their son Saercaeron, who would be
their new big brother. The guards grinned. It was well know how
much Amarion and Diwen longed for more elflings, but Saercaeron's
birth had been difficult, and Elrond had warned Diwen she must never
become pregnant again, or risk her death.

The second day was just turning to dusk as they rode into Imladris.
Erestor and Gurvelon rushed out of the house and down the steps,
anxious to see their returning husbands. Elrond and most of the
other elves from the house followed to greet the returning warriors.

"Erestor, look! Elflings!" Gurvelon cried. He had spotted Caladir
at the head of the patrol with the two little girls and ran to them.
When he reached Caladir, the warrior leaned down and said
softly, "Come, meet your new daughters, my love."

Gurvelon's face lit up with a huge smile. "Oh, Caladir.Oh, look at
them. They are so beautiful." Tears rolled down his smiling face as
he opened his arms and took the little elflings Caladir lowered down
to him. "Oh.hello little ones."

The little elflings wrapped their arms around Gurvelon, to his
delight. Their other new ada looked just like Caladir had described
him. "Hello, Ada," Glawen shyly said. She nudged her sister. "Tell
our other ada hello, Calariel," she whispered.

"Hello, Ada." Calariel smiled at Gurvelon.

"Oh.little ones.Oh.Caladir.we have elflings." Gurvelon beamed up at
this husband.

Erestor and Elrond were so distracted watching Gurvelon and the
little elflings, they had not yet searched for Glorfindel. Then
several of the guards were calling for Amarion and his
family. "Amarion! Diwen! Come get your new son and
daughter." "Saercaeron, come and see your little brother and
sister." Erestor and Elrond watched with tears in their eyes as
Amarion and Diwen reached for the elflings. They laughed as they
watched the elflings nearly smothered in kisses. Saercaeron still
had a crutch for his healing leg, but managed to join his family
quickly enough, telling his ada and nana to quit smothering the
elflings and let him see his little brother and sister.

Erestor's eyes searched for Glorfindel and finally located him just
coming through the gates. "Oh, Elrond, look.Glorfindel." He started
slowly walking towards Glorfindel, staring at the elflings he held,
as if in a trance. Reaching Asfaloth and his passengers, he placed a
hand on the horses head and looked at Glorfindel, then at the
elflings.

Amdiriel held tightly to Glorfindel and stared wide-eyed at Erestor.
Gailion turned to Glorfindel and asked, "Ada, is this our other new
ada?"

Glorfindel's heart overflowed when he heard Gailion call him "Ada".
He looked at Erestor and said softly, "Aye, little one. This is your
Ada Erestor."

Erestor's gaze was caught by piercing green eyes. He found himself
smiling at the beautiful little enchantress, then at the older
elfling with hair and eyes so much like his beloved's. "Hello, my
beautiful little ones," he said softly. "Oh.I..I don't know which
one of you to hug first.Oh, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel smiled at his totally stunned husband, who could do
nothing but stand there with a silly grin on his face. He thought
Erestor looked adorable. He never thought he would see the day when
Erestor was not in control or when he did not know what to do. "Why
don't you take our beautiful Amdiriel, my love, and I will help
Gailion down. Faelion is asleep, although he is quite wet and his
diaper needs changing again."

Erestor noticed the baby strapped to Glorfindel's chest for the first
time. "Oh.a baby too. Oh Glorfindel, oh my," he whispered.
Suddenly he laughed. And laughed. And laughed. And took his
beautiful new daughter from Glorfindel and swing her up to his
shoulder. He cradled her head with his hand and twirled around with
her in his arms, laughing with joy. "Elrond!" he cried. "Come and
see my new elflings!" He grabbed Gailion from Glorfindel and twirled
around with both of the elflings, laughter and tears mingling on his
happy face.

Glorfindel grinned and joined in Erestor's laughter. He rubbed
Faelion's back gently. "I'm glad you're still asleep little one. A
baby probably shouldn't see his new ada acting like a little elfling."

Tbc..

Chapter 4

Elrond sent servants hunting in the attics for his children's
clothing from when they were elflings, diapers, stuffed animals, and
of course a cradle and little beds. He sent each of the families to
their rooms so the elflings could start acquainting themselves with
their new parents, and quiet down after all the excitement. There
would be time for more celebration later.

He requested two of the more senior guards, Glaurion and Dolvelig, to
come to his office and tell him what had lead to their finding the
orphaned elflings. He didn't want to keep Glorfindel or Caladir away
from their families just now.

Sitting across from Elrond at his desk, the two guards told their
Lord what had happened.
"Thank the Valar you found them," Elrond said. "The little girls
with Caladir seem to have adjusted better than the others, but
Amdiriel worries me. I never heard her speak."

"No, my Lord, she hasn't," Glaurion answered. "This was the second
time her parents were killed. She was Gailion's cousin. His parents
adopted her when her birth parents were killed two years ago."

"Oh, sweet Elbereth," Elrond sighed. "The poor little one. She will
be afraid that Glorfindel and Erestor will leave her, too."

The guards nodded. "Gailion seems to be really attaching himself to
Glorfindel, and Amdiriel is afraid to let go of him." Dolvelig
added. "Amarion's two I think will adapt well. Still, it will be
hard on all of them. They can't just see their parents killed and go
on as if nothing happened."

Elrond nodded. "We will help them. And perhaps we should have a
memorial for their parents every year. We don't want them to think
that we don't want them to remember their birth parents."

"Glorfindel told Gailion to always honor and remember them. A
memorial would be good for them, my Lord," Glaurion said. "Maybe you
could even arrange for something sooner?"

"Perhaps in a few weeks after they settle in. I will speak to their
new parents about it and see what they think." Elrond thanked the
guards and dismissed them, then sat at his desk considering what he
could do to help the elflings recover.

The servants returned laden down with everything they could find.
Luckily the twins had gone through several sizes and variations of
little beds, so there were enough. They would need to decide on what
arrangements each family needed as far as living quarters, but there
would be plenty of time for that later. Tonight the only important
thing was getting the elflings settled in with their new families,
bathed and fed, with a comfortable place to sleep.

Elrond had two of the little beds sent to each family, with the
cradle added for Erestor and Glorfindel, then sorted through the rest
of the items in his office, assisted by several excited, willing
helpers.

Melpomean and Turidon found the baby bottles and diapers. They went
to the kitchens to clean the bottles and fill a couple with warm
milk, and grab some muffins and pastries for the older elflings, then
delivered them to Erestor and Glorfindel. They hurried back to
Elrond's office to find clothing for all three of Erestor and
Glorfindel's elflings, and linens for the beds. A small stuffed
horse for Faelion, a stuffed oliphant for Gailion, and an adorable
little doll for Amdiriel completed their stash. They hurried back to
Erestor and Glorfindel with their treasures to help with the elflings
and make up their beds.

Lindir and Taurfaeron gathered what Caladir and Gurvelon would need,
along with two dolls for Calariel and Glawen, and hurried off.

Elrond and two servants found clothing and linens for Amarion and
Diwen's elflings, as well as a doll for Laerien and a stuffed pony
for Lainon. The servants hurried off to deliver their bundles.

At this point, Elrond was rather glad they had spoiled the twins and
Arwen, and there were so many clothes and dolls and stuffed animals.
There was enough clothing to get by until larger wardrobes could be
ordered for them, and they had even managed to come up with
nightshirts for the elflings. The only thing they really needed was
shoes, but those would have to be ordered from the shoemaker. He
gathered some healing supplies in case he might need them, and set
off to visit with each family to check on the elflings.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Erestor was giving Faelion a bubble bath. The baby splashed and
giggled, making Erestor smile and chuckle. He tickled the baby, and
was altogether having a wonderful time with his new little one.
Glorfindel had managed to whisper what had happened to them, and told
him about Amdiriel not talking and losing both sets of her parents.
Erestor's warm heart broke for the little elfling's pain, and he
looked forward to cuddling his new gorgeous little daughter. But a
wet, less than clean baby came first. Glorfindel would stay with the
others while he acquainted himself with his youngest son.

Glorfindel was showing Gailion and Amdiriel the kittens when
Melpomean and Turidon arrived to deliver the milk, diapers and
pastries. They handed Glorfindel the items and dashed off again,
telling him they'd be back with more things.

"Look, little ones, pastries!" He sat down next to the elflings and
handed them the gooey rolls.

"Thank you, Ada," Gailion said, taking the offered pastry.
Glorfindel grinned. Gailion had called him "ada" twice!

Amdiriel gingerly reached for her pastry and nodded at Glorfindel,
but did not say anything. Tinnu sat and watched the little elfling.
Something was wrong with this one. He slowly walked over, and
crawled onto her lap, then reached a paw up and touched her cheek.

Erestor had finished giving Faelion his bath, and stood in the
doorway holding the baby wrapped in a fluffy towel and watched.

Amdiriel looked questioningly up at Glorfindel. "This is Tinnu,
sweetheart. He is the kittens' ada." Glorfindel reached over and
stroked Tinnu. "He likes you."

Holding her pastry in one hand, Amdiriel slowly reached the other
hand to the cat, cautiously petting him. Glorfindel grinned. Who
cared that Tinnu now had sticky sugar in his fur? Tinnu purred, then
gave the little elfling's cheek a lick. Amdiriel giggled. Tinnu
decided this one needed him the most, and curled up in her lap,
purring. Amdiriel sighed, almost happy, and took a bite of her
pastry.

Erestor smiled, and walked into the room. "Is that a bottle of warm
milk I see there, my love?" he asked.

"It is indeed, compliments of Mel and Tur, along with diapers."
Glorfindel handed Erestor the bottle.

Erestor sat on the floor next to the others, cradled the infant in
his arm and gave him the bottle. The baby sucked hungrily, cooing
and waving his arms at Erestor. Erestor smiled down adoringly at his
littlest son. With his big blue eyes and blond, curly locks, Faelion
would be just as beautiful as his older brother. The two boys looked
like they were Glorfindel's birth elflings. He sighed happily, and
looked up at Glorfindel. "Thank you, my love."

Glorfindel knew Erestor wasn't thanking him for the baby's bottle; he
was thanking him for bringing the elflings home to him. Glorfindel
nodded, and mouthed, "I love you," to his husband.

Erestor finished feeding the baby, expertly burped him, and laid him
on the floor. The diapers were sitting next to Amdiriel. Smiling at
the elfling, Erestor said softly, "Would you hand me a diaper for
your little brother, sweetheart?" Amdiriel picked up a diaper and
handed it to Erestor. "Thank you, sweetheart." Amdiriel nodded,
then petted Tinnu again, spreading more sugary stickiness in his
fur. Erestor and Glorfindel bit their lips to keep from laughing at
the poor cat.

Glorfindel grinned at the two older elflings, and put his finger to
his lips. Erestor was about to find out something about Faelion.
Erestor unwrapped the baby, lifted his little legs in one hand, and
slid the diaper under him. And then it happened, right on queue. A
warm stream of pee hit his chest. Glorfindel rolled on the floor
laughing as Erestor quickly flipped the towel back over the baby.

Gailion laughed and Amdiriel let out a small giggle. "He always does
that, Ada. Every time you put a new diaper on him," Gailion said.

Erestor's heart thumped when he heard Gailion call him "ada". "Oh,
he does, does he. And you let me get it and didn't tell me before,
huh?" He grabbed Gailion and tickled him madly.

The elfling rolled on the floor, laughing hysterically with tears
running out of his eyes.

"No..Ada.don't tickle me! Hahahaha. Adaaaa." Erestor finally had
mercy on the elfling. He scooped him up in his arms, smothered his
face with little kisses, and finally set him down.

A knock sounded on the door before it opened. Mel and Tur dropped
their bundles on the floor. "Clothes, linens, toys. Going to get
your dinner. We'll be back." The door shut.

Glorfindel and Erestor laughed. Erestor resumed diapering the baby
as Glorfindel reached for the bundles.

"Oh, presents! Come, my little elflings! Let's see what Mel and Tur
brought us this time!" Glorfindel undid the bundles and sorted out
the clothing. "Oh, Amdiriel look at the beautiful dress they brought
for you, sweetheart!" He held up a beautiful emerald green velvet
gown with gold lace trim, made for Arwen when she was small. "It
will be beautiful on you with your lovely eyes. It will be perfect
for you. Do you like it?"

Amdiriel nodded, and a small smile broke on her face. "Oh, look!
More dresses. These are for you to wear during the day and play
in." He held up three more practical dresses, but they were still
lovely and beautifully decorated. There was a white one, embroidered
with red flowers, a light blue one, decorated with silver thread, and
a light green one with cream flowers sewn around the neckline.
Amdiriel's large eyes grew even larger. She had never seen such
beautiful dresses before.

"Is there a nightshirt in there for this little one by chance, my
love?" Erestor asked.

"Let's see. A nightshirt, a nightshirt. Ah.no, too big. This one's
Gailion's, this one's Amdiriel's.oh.here we go! A little one for the
littlest one." He passed the nightshirt to Erestor.

Amdiriel reached for the nightshirt Glorfindel had identified as
hers, and lovingly ran her hand over it. It was soft, and white, and
warm, and beautifully embroidered. Little pearl buttons ran up the
front. Erestor watched her, and directed Glorfindel's eyes to her
with a small head motion. The two parents realized that the elflings
had probably never had or seen such things before. Their life in the
village would have been much simpler. The hard work required would
not have left much time for making fine clothing or decorating them,
although Amdiriel probably was already somewhat skilled with a
needle. Little girl elflings were usually taught sewing before they
reached her age of eight.

Glorfindel returned to sorting through the clothing. "Look Gailion,
oh these will look good on you." He held up a deep blue pair of
velvet leggings and a light blue silk tunic. "These are for dressing
up. Let's see what else we have. Ah, here they are." He uncovered
several pair of blue and brown leggings for everyday wear, and an
equal number of blue and brown tunics.

"They are very nice, Ada," Gailion said.

"They belonged to Lord Elrond's sons when they were small, many years
ago. You will meet them soon. They have been out on a patrol on our
borders for a month, and it is almost time for them to come home.
The dresses belonged to Lord Elrond's daughter, Arwen. She is away
visiting her grandparents, the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien, but she
will be home soon, too."

"We will thank them when they return, Ada." Gailion said.

"They will be very happy to see you in them, little one. They will
love having all of you here with us," Glorfindel said. "Now what
else do we have here. Oh, good, some underwear for you all. Clothes
for Faelion. Oh, look Erestor! Remember this?" Glorfindel held up
a delicately embroidered baby's gown.

Erestor smiles. "I do. Elrohir's. He always looked adorable in
that. But may I say, I do believe our little Faelion will look even
more adorable than he did?"

Glorfindel chuckled. "Indeed he will. I am surprised how well all
these clothes held up over the centuries. They were stored well.
Now, what else is here?" There were more clothes for Faelion and
more diapers. Under the linens for the beds, he found the
toys. "And what do I have here?" Smiling, he passed the small horse
to Erestor for Faelion. Erestor held it in front of the baby, who
instantly grabbed it and shoved a leg in his mouth. "Look, Gailion,
a new friend for you." He handed the oliphant to Gailion. The
elfling smiled and hugged it to his chest. With a great display, he
held up the doll for Amdiriel.

The little girl's mouth formed a perfect "O", and she held out her
arms for the doll. She held it in her arms and stroked the doll's
hair, looking down at it. A tear rolled down her face, and she
whispered, "I'll never leave you. I won't."

Tears rolled down Erestor's face as his heart broke again, and he
pulled the little elfling onto his lap, cat, doll and all. He held
her tightly and rubbed his cheek against her soft hair. "I'll never
leave you. I won't. Oh, my little sweetheart. I'll never leave
you."

Tbc..

Chapter 5

Erestor gently rocked Amdiriel in his arms. "I'll never leave you,
sweetheart, I won't," he whispered, again and again.

Glorfindel pulled Gailion in his arms for a cuddle, partly to keep
himself from sobbing. Amdiriel had finally spoken, and it broke
their hearts to hear her grief. Erestor with his big heart would be
so good for her.

Mel and Tur knocked and entered the room with their dinner. Erestor
finally lifted his head and spoke to Amdiriel. "Are you hungry, my
little one?" The elfling nodded. "Let's go and see what our friends
brought us, then. Tinnu, my friend, you have to get off of
Amdiriel's lap now." The cat rose, stretched, and gave Amdiriel's
cheek another lick, making the elfling giggle. Then he strolled back
to his basket to clear the sticky sugar off of his fur. Elflings!

Melpomaen and Turidon set the trays with their dinner on the table
then found the linens they had brought earlier and took them into the
bedroom to make up the elflings beds. It was pretty obvious they had
walked in on a private moment.

Erestor and Glorfindel carried their elflings to the table. The
cooks had outdone themselves, and the trays were laden with fresh
bread, a steaming meat dish of some sort, grilled vegetables,
cheeses, several kinds of fruit, and sweets for desert. There was
wine for the older elves and milk for the elflings.

"Oh, yummy." Glorfindel said. "Are you hungry too, little one?"
Gailion nodded. They added some pillows for height on two of the
chairs, and set the little elflings in their chairs. Erestor made a
plate for Amdiriel, while Glorfindel took care of Gailion.

Erestor set the plate in front of Amdiriel. "Here you are
sweetheart." Erestor poured her a glass of milk and set it in front
of her. The little elfling laid her doll next to the plate on the
table and picked up her fork, then looked up at Erestor. Erestor
nodded to her. "Eat, little one. I'm not going anywhere."

Melpomaen poked his head around the door. "The beds are all made up,
Erestor. Um..we were wondering," he pointed to the baby, still
happily chewing on his horses leg on the floor. Erestor smiled and
nodded, and Mel picked up the baby and carried him into the bedroom.
A few moments later they heard sounds of giggling, cooing and silly
elves talking baby talk coming from the room. Erestor chuckled,
grateful that his friends were looking after the baby so they could
concentrate on the older elflings.

Amdiriel was still not eating. Gailion was happily digging into his
plate, and said "Eat Amdiriel, it's really good."

Erestor moved his chair around next to her, and sat, taking his own
plate from Glorfindel. "Thank you, my love." He began to eat and
watched out of the corner of his eye. Amdiriel began to eat when he
did. "Mmmm..this is good," he said between bites. "Do you like it
little one?" Amdiriel nodded, and continued eating. She had
obviously been hungry. Erestor beamed at Glorfindel.

After dinner, Erestor and Glorfindel thanked and hugged Melpomaen and
Turidon, and invited them to come back and baby sit any time they
wanted. It was obvious they were very taken with Faelion and had
enjoyed watching him.

Glorfindel first introduced Melpomaen to Amdiriel. Mel knelt down in
front of the elfling so he wouldn't tower over her. "I'm so very
glad to meet you Amdiriel. And I'm so glad you're here. I am a very
old and good friend of your new Adas. Will you let me be your
friend, too?" Amdiriel decided she liked this elf. He was nice, and
he and the other elf had brought her the doll. She shyly nodded her
head. "Oh, good. Will you let me give you a hug?" Another nod.
Melpomaen carefully enfolded the little elfling in his arms and
kissed the top of her head. Then he tickled her behind her ear, and
she giggled. "Would you like to met my husband?" Another nod. He
stood up, carrying the elfling over to Turidon. "This is my husband,
Turidon. But you can call him Tur. And you can call me Mel. He is
a warrior, and he is very, very old."

Amdiriel stared wide-eyed at the big elf. He was as big as
Glorfindel. And then Turidon smiled and held out his arms to her.
She nodded to Mel and allowed the big elf to take her and hold
her. "Hello, beautiful one. I am very happy to meet you." Tur
smiled at her, and she shyly smiled back before holding her arms out
to Erestor.

Erestor couldn't be happier. Amdiriel had actually asked him to take
her. He held her as they watched Gailion be subjected to the same
treatment.

"We'll leave you all alone now. Just send someone for us if you need
anything, all right?" Turidon said, as he and Mel gathered the dinner
trays to return to the kitchen. "We'll just leave the fruit and
sweets that are left here in case the little ones get hungry later.
Good night everyone."

Erestor and Glorfindel thanked them again before they left. "What
good friends we have," Glorfindel said.

"Aye, and we are not the only ones," Erestor said. "Mel told me
Lindir and Taurfaeron are helping Caladir and Gurvelon, and two of
Amarion's friends are helping him and Diwen."

"Is everyone so nice here, Ada?" Gailion asked Glorfindel.

"Aye, little one. Everyone in Imladris is. We all help each other
whenever someone needs help," Glorfindel answered.

Gailion nodded. "We did, too. In the village, I mean."

"It is what elves do, sweetheart. It is how we are," Erestor
said. "Now, how would you two like to get a bubble bath and then get
into your nice soft nightshirts instead of these tunics the guards
fashioned for you?"

"What is a bubble bath, Ada?" the inquisitive Gailion asked.

"Well, it is a nice hot bath in a big bathtub with soap that makes
lots of nice big bubbles. How did you bathe in the village, little
one?" Erestor asked.

"In the river. When it was cold and snowy outside Ada would bring in
a big barrel half and fill it with water for us in front of the
fire. I liked that."

"Well, let me show you what we have in here. You will really like it
then." Erestor replied.

A few minutes later, the two elflings were sitting in a hot bubble
bath, giggling happily as their adas washed them.

At a knock at the door, Glorfindel yelled, "Enter."

"Erestor? Glorfindel? Where are you?" Elrond called.

"In the bathroom."

Elrond walked to the bathroom and stood in the doorway looking at the
happy scene. "I just wanted to check how everyone is doing." He
was please to see Amdiriel looking happier.

"As you can see, my Lord, we like bubble baths." Erestor said. "Oh,
Elrond, would you mind just checking if the baby is all right? He is
in his cradle."

Elrond walked to the cradle and found the baby soundly sleeping, a
soggy horse's leg lying on his chin. He grinned, remembering his own
sons at that age.

"He is just fine, Erestor. Sound asleep. I forgot you might like to
have a rocking chair for him. I will have someone bring one up.
Anything else you need?"

"No, thank you, Elrond. Thank you for everything," Erestor said.

Elrond nodded and smiled. "Goodnight then. I will see you in the
morning." He winked at the elflings and left.

A few minutes later, the rocking chair arrived and was placed in the
bedroom.

Erestor and Glorfindel finally managed to coax the elflings out of
the bathtub. Bath time was never going to be an issue with them, it
seemed. They dried the elflings with large fluffy towels, put on
their nightshirts and set them in front of the fire to dry their
hair. By now it was evident that Erestor was going to be Amdiriel's
primary caregiver, and Glorfindel would be Gailion's - at least for a
while, until the elflings felt more secure.

Amdiriel sat on Erestor's lap as he gently combed through her
hair. "Such beautiful hair you have, my lovely one. You are as
beautiful as a princess." He leaned around and planted a loud kiss
on her cheek. "I love you, sweetheart."

In a little while, their hair was dry. Glorfindel picked up a sleepy
Gailion and sat on the elfling's new little bed, his back against the
wall, and held his oldest son, humming a soft song.

Erestor picked up Amdiriel and sat in the rocking chair with her,
cuddling and rocking her. Amdiriel touched his face with a small
hand, exploring it. "Will you love me and stay with me forever?" she
whispered.

"Forever, my darling. I will love you forever, and I will stay with
you forever," Erestor whispered.

"My Ada. I love you, Ada." Amdiriel snuggled into Erestor's chest
holding him tight, and so she didn't see the tears of joy streaming
down her Ada's face.

Tbc..

Chapter 6

A while later, the elflings were all sound asleep in their beds.
Erestor and Glorfindel stood with their arms wrapped around each
other, contentedly looking down at them.

"Bath or sitting room," Erestor whispered.

"Bath. I'm filthy."

Erestor grabbed nightshirts out of their wardrobe, and they quietly
moved into the bathroom, carefully closing the door behind them.
They would have to keep quiet. That would be a change. Erestor
opened the taps to fill the bathtub, and glanced at the bath oils.
Lavender, nice soothing lavender would be nice. He added the oil to
the water, and then helped Glorfindel undress. Time to take care of
a husband. Yum.

Glorfindel sat at the end of the bath, head laid back and eyes
closed, unwinding from five days of riding, a minor Orc battle,
finding the village, the elflings and all the rest.

Erestor removed his robes, leggings, and undershirt, letting them
drop haphazardly to the floor. Entering the bathtub, he seated
himself on Glorfindel's lap, wrapping his legs around his lover's
waist. "Hello, my love," he whispered. Welcome home." He kissed
Glorfindel's closed eyes, and then the tip of his nose, before
capturing his mouth in a kiss that left them both breathless.

Glorfindel wrapped his arms around Erestor and whispered in his
ear, "Have I told you yet today how much I love you." Erestor's ear
was licked and gently nipped.

"Glorfindel, my dear husband, if you do not take me this minute, you
will wish you were back with the Balrog," Erestor whispered, as he
gently nibbled on Glorfindel's neck. Dear Valar, how he loved this
elf. Glorfindel was the other half of his soul.

Glorfindel took a sharp breath. "And just how would you like to be
taken, my lusty sweet one," he whispered. One of Erestor's nipples
was captured in a hot mouth and suckled.

Erestor groaned as silently as he could. Reaching for a vial of the
thick, waterproof oil they had discovered, he poured it over his
fingers, reached behind himself and quickly thrust two fingers
inside, rapidly preparing himself. He removed his fingers, poured
more oil over them, then reached in front and covered Glorfindel's
engorged member with the oil. Covering Glorfindel's mouth with his
own to smother his moans, he rose up, and impaled himself on the hard
cock in one swift movement.

Glorfindel's tongue thrust in his mouth as he raised himself up again
and thrust back down. Glorfindel's hands cupped his buttocks,
helping him move up and down on the thick member. Mouths parted
briefly for a breath, then attached again. Again and again he
impaled himself forcing Glorfindel's cock against his prostate. The
air filled with the familiar electric sizzle, the physical
manifestation of their bond, as the lovers rocked silently against
each other.

`Oh, Erestor, oh baby, I love you.' The words rolled through
Erestor's mind. Their lips never parted.

`What..was that..Oh Glorfindel..I heard you, I heard you....in my
mind.'

`I hear you too, baby..I hear you.'

`Oh, my love..it's wonderful, so wonderful..Oh, I love you..Oh, you
feel so good.'

`Oh..baby..I love you..I love you, my Erestor.' Glorfindel thrust
his hips up and wrapped a hand around Erestor's hard cock between
them, stroking in time with his thrusts.

Erestor whimpered softly. `Oh, I love it when you do that.'

Lips finally drew apart for breath, and Erestor rested his brow on
Glorfindel's, lost in his oneness with his husband. He was no longer
even able to raise himself up, he just felt, and felt, and listened
to Glorfindel's sweet words in his minds.

Glorfindel could feel Erestor was close, and he covered his mouth
with his own. `Come for me, my sweet one.'

Erestor's wail as he came was stifled by Glorfindel's mouth.
Glorfindel pressed their lips tighter together and
screamed, `Erestor!' in his mind as he thrust once more and filled
his husband with his essence and love. The two elves collapsed,
panting against each other, waiting for the electric sizzle to leave
their bodies.

`Oh, I am so happy, my love. I love you, my darling Glorfindel. You
have brought me such joy this day.'

`I love you, my sweet Erestor.' Glorfindel sighed
contentedly. `Your joy is mine, my love.'

Finally, after long minutes had passed, they roused themselves,
changed the bath water, and actually bathed. They donned their never-
before-used nightshirts, and lay in front of the fire, draped across
each other, waiting for their hair to dry, then crawled into their
bed together.

"Erestor, I do not think I like these robes between us," Glorfindel
whispered.

"Neither do I," Erestor whispered back. He rolled over to face
Glorfindel, and set about unbuttoning their nightshirts from top to
bottom. "Good thing these silly things open all the way down." Then
opening them wide, he curled himself against Glorfindel. "We just
have to remember to hold them closed if we have to get up for the
little ones."

"Hmmm..so much better, my clever little love," Glorfindel whispered.
Then he gave Erestor a sweet, gentle kiss, and they joined their
elflings in reverie, arms securely wound around each other.

Tbc...

Chapter 7

It was the middle of the night when Erestor felt a tug on his
sleeve. He woke abruptly, and turned his head around to find a
disheveled elfling kneeling on the bed next to his, holding her doll
in her arms. He quickly unwrapped himself from Glorfindel and
buttoned several buttons down the middle of his nightshirt, then
rolled over.

"What is it, little one?" he whispered, gently smoothing Amdiriel's
hair off her face.

"Scared, Ada," the elfling whimpered.

Erestor wrapped his arms around the little elfling and gently pulled
her close, holding her next to him. Her little body seemed cold to
him, so he pulled the bedcovers over her as he whispered, "What are
you afraid of, sweetheart? Nothing bad will happen to you here, I
promise."

"Don't want the Orcs to get you, Ada,"

Glorfindel had woken and quickly buttoned his nightshirt, then got up
and moved around the bed to lie on the other side of his little
daughter.

"No Orcs will come here, sweetheart. Your Ada Glorfindel makes sure
nothing bad ever will. There are lots and lots of guards outside,
all around Imladris, so nothing bad will ever get to us," Erestor
said softly as he rubbed her back.

"At night, too?" Frightened green eyes stared into brown.

"Especially at night, my little one," Glorfindel said. He wrapped an
arm securely over the elfling and Erestor. "All day and all night we
make sure Imladris is guarded with lots of elves."

Amdiriel turned her head to Glorfindel. "No wargs?"

"No wargs," Glorfindel said. "Both your Ada Erestor and I are very
strong warriors and we will always keep you safe, sweetheart."

"And your Ada Glorfindel is the strongest elf warrior that ever
lived," Erestor said. "Evil things like Orcs and Wargs run away from
him."

"Sweetheart, I'm so sorry I couldn't find your village in time to
save your parents," Glorfindel whispered as he gave Amdiriel a soft
kiss on her brow.

Amdiriel nodded. "Stay here?" she asked, looking at Erestor.

"Of course you can, sweetheart." Erestor stroked her hair, then
kissed a soft little cheek. "Can you go back to sleep now?"

Amdiriel nodded and curled up next to Erestor. "I love you, Ada.
Ada Glor keeps us safe?"

"Yes, sweetheart, he keeps us safe. I love you, my little one."

Glorfindel looked at Erestor, and mouthed, "Ada Glor?"

Erestor grinned.

"G'night Ada. G'night Ada Glor," Amdiriel said, muffled in Erestor's
chest.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," Glorfindel whispered.

"I love you, Ada Glor."

"I love you too, sweetheart." Glorfindel beamed at Erestor.

`I love you too, Ada Glor.' Erestor's words echoed in Glorfindel's
mind, and he leaned over and kissed his sweet little spouse.

`I love you too, Ada Erestor.' Erestor smiled.

"Ada, can I come too?" Gailion said from across the room.

Glorfindel grinned. "Of course you can, little one. Come." He
moved over so the elfling could squeeze in between him and his
sister. "Were you scared too, sweetling?"

"Maybe just a little. Are you really a great warrior, Ada?" Gailion
whispered.

"Aye, as is your Ada Erestor."

"The Orcs.the ones at the village. They won't come here?"

"No, little one. We killed them all before we found you," Glorfindel
answered.

"Good. Goodnight Ada." The little elfling snuggled against
Glorfindel. "I love you, Ada."

"I love you, little one. Goodnight." Glorfindel kissed the
elfling's head.

"Good night Ada Restor."

"Good night, my sweet son," Erestor whispered.

"I love you, Ada Restor."

"I love you too, sweetling."

`Ada Restor? I wonder where that came from.' Erestor was amazed this
was so easy to speak to Glorfindel this way. It was almost as if all
he had to think of speaking the words to Glorfindel, and it was done.

`Must be the same place that Ada Glor came from, my love.'

`Good night, my darling husband.' Erestor silently said.

`Good night, my sweet one.' Glorfindel answered.

Erestor snuggled down against Amdiriel and wrapped his arm around
both elflings. He felt Glorfindel's arm wrap around all of them, and
smiled. This was nice, he thought. All they needed was Faelion, who
thankfully was still sound asleep in his cradle.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In the quarters next to Erestor and Glorfindel resided the head of
the servants, Amarion, along with his healer wife, their son
Saercaeron, and their two new little elflings. Saercaeron had his
own room, small, but separated from his parent's room by the
bathroom. Happily, the three elflings had forsaken the new beds,
which had been placed there for the smallest elflings. All three
were piled together in Saercaeron's bed. The little elflings slept
well with the protection of their "big" brother.

Next to Amarion's quarters dwelled Caladir and Gurvelon, along with
youngest elflings, tiny Calariel and Glawen. The little girls had
not been asleep in their beds for more than five minutes when they
awoke screaming in terror. Caladir and Gurvelon rushed out of the
sitting room, where they were just beginning to finally enjoy their
happy reunion, into the bedroom. Their little ones would obviously
not be able to sleep without their nearness, so forgoing their own
pleasure, they comforted their new daughters and brought them into
their own bed with them.

Tbc.

Chapter 8

In the morning, Erestor and Glorfindel woke to the sounds of a baby
crying. Faelion was wet and he was hungry. Erestor was closer to
the cradle and made it to the baby first.

"Shh, sweetling, Ada has you. Oh, my, you are thoroughly soaked.
Ada will fix that while Ada Glor goes and gets your milk for us, yes
he will!" Erestor laid the baby back in his cradle to change the
diaper, remembering to strategically cover him after he had removed
the sopping diaper. Glorfindel threw on a robe and dashed to the
kitchens with two empty bottles.

Erestor cooed at the baby and tickled his feet to try and stop the
infant's wails, all to no avail. Finally dry and freshly diapered,
he picked up the baby and offered him a finger to suckle on. It
didn't work. The baby still sobbed.

Amdiriel ran to the cradle and retrieved the elfling's little horse,
and held it up to Erestor. "Give him the horsey, Ada."

Erestor took the horse and showed it to Faelion. The elfling grabbed
it and immediately stuck a leg in his mouth and quieted. Erestor
wiped the baby's tears away, and looked down at Amdiriel. "Thank
you, sweetheart. That was very smart of you to think of the horse."
Erestor sat down in the rocking chair with the baby, then made room
on his lap for Amdiriel.

Glorfindel returned to the room with Faelion's bottles to find
Erestor rocking their two youngest elflings on his lap, while Gailion
sat at their feet, his arms on Erestor's lap.
"Oh, what a lovely picture. What a beautiful family I have," he said
quietly. He took the baby from Erestor to feed.

Erestor lifted Gailion onto his lap. They sat watching Ada Glor feed
Faelion while they rocked together for long minutes, until a servant
arrived with breakfast for the rest of the family.

"Are you hungry, my little ones?" Erestor asked. Two little heads
nodded. "Shall we be very lazy and eat breakfast before we get
dressed?" Nods again. "Come then." He wrapped an arm around each
elfling and carried them to the table, sitting them down in their
chairs. Glorfindel sat in his chair with the baby.

Erestor poured milk for the older children and tea for Glorfindel and
himself, then arranged muffins, eggs and fruit on the children's
plates. "What else would you like, sweetlings? Maybe jam on your
muffins?"

The two elflings looked at each other, then back at Erestor, then
smiled and nodded.

"Ada Restor?" Gailion said. "We don't have porridge for breakfast?"

"Not this morning. Would you like some?"

"Oh, no Ada. We don't like porridge," Amdiriel said. "We like this
better."

"Oh, good," Erestor said, handing each elfling their muffin and
jam. "Don't forget to eat your eggs and fruit too, all right?"

"We will, Ada," Amdiriel said.

Erestor winked at Glorfindel. `They must have only gotten porridge
for breakfast before.'

`Aye, looks that way, my love,' Glorfindel silently said.

After breakfast, Erestor washed and dressed Amdiriel. He chose her
light green gown with the cream flowers around the neckline. It fit
her perfectly. He combed her hair, leaving it free with its soft
curls around her face. "You look enchanting, sweetheart. A
perfect little princess. Would you like to visit with the kittens
now, while I take care of your little brother?" Amdiriel nodded.
Erestor moved the cat's basket into the bedroom so she wouldn't be
alone.

Glorfindel had been taking care of Gailion, and he was soon clean and
dressed in his new leggings and tunic. He had chosen a pair of dark
blue leggings with a light blue tunic. Glorfindel braided the
elflings hair to match his own, and fastened the braids with one his
gold hairclips bearing the symbol of the House of the Golden Flower.
Gailion moved his hand to the back of his head and touched the clip,
smiling. Glorfindel then found a lovely pale blue gown for
Faelion. "Will you sit with your sister and the kittens while I go
and help your Ada Restor, little one?"

"Yes, Ada," Gailion answered.

Erestor had finished bathing the baby, and was putting a fresh diaper
on him. Faelion's soft blond hair curled around his little head and
his blue eyes were watching everything. The happy baby gurgled and
cooed at Erestor, and little hands grabbed strands of dark hair,
bringing it to his mouth.

"I know your Ada Restor is good enough to eat, little one,"
Glorfindel said, as he unwound the baby's fingers from Erestor's
hair, "but we really should leave him some hair or he'll look funny."

Erestor smirked and kissed Glorfindel soundly. "Want to dress him
while I change, sweetheart?" Erestor looked down at his wet
nightshirt. "I think I got a bath, too, but I forgot to undress
first."

Glorfindel chuckled and took the baby. "Come on, sweet one. I have
the perfect little gown for you and your blue eyes."

Erestor dressed in dark green robes, lined with a light green. "They
need shoes, my love. We can't have them running around in bare feet
and getting hurt."

"I will go to the market today and see if there are any house shoes
available, and order sturdier shoes for outside for them," Glorfindel
answered. House shoes were softer and did not require a perfect fit
like outside shoes or boots did.

"I believe we are ready to go visiting and check on your friends,
little ones," Erestor said to the children.

"We're going visiting?" Gailion asked.

"Aye, we thought you would like to see your friends this morning,"
Glorfindel said.

"Oh, yes, Ada. We'd like that," Gailion answered.

Glorfindel carried Faelion in one arm and held Gailion's hand. "My
blue and golden elves," Erestor said.

"Aye, and my green and dark elves," Glorfindel answered as Erestor
picked up Amdiriel. "I think we all look perfectly..perfect to go
calling." Glorfindel grinned. The children carried their horse,
oliphant and doll with them.

The family left the room, closely followed by Tinnu and
Glirien. "Look, Ada. The kitties are going visiting with us!"
Amdiriel said.

"Aye, they are. They must want to visit your friends, too," Erestor
said.

Entering the hall, they walked all the way to the next door and
knocked. Amarion greeted them and invited them in.

"Down, Ada, please," Amdiriel said. When Erestor set her down, she
rushed over to Laerien and the two little elflings hugged, then sat
and compared their dolls. Gailion rushed over to Lainon and
Saercaeron, and an oliphant, a pony and a bear were soon engaged in a
mock battle on the floor. The cats wandered around the children,
sniffing, as little hands reached out and petted them.

The adults sat and quietly compared notes on the elflings. Amarion
had taken Faelion to hold until he fussed for his Ada and was
returned to Glorfindel.

It wasn't long before Caladir, Gurvelon, and their little elflings
joined the group. The little girls joined their friends on the
floor, and squealed over the cats, petting them softly with little
hands.

"The girls woke screaming after only five minutes of sleep last
night, and we had to keep them with us in our bed," Gurvelon said
softly. "How did the others fare?"

"Ours slept with their new big brother, and we didn't have any
problems," Diwen said. "Your poor little girls. It was their first
night without being right next to Caladir since the awful day.
Hopefully, their fear will begin to lessen."

"How did you two do, Erestor?" Gurvelon asked.

"They slept fine for some time, but them Amdiriel came to our bed.
She was afraid the Orcs would get me. We explained to her that
wasn't going to happen, and we ended up with both of her and Gailion
with us for the rest of the night. Amdiriel seems to be getting
better by the hour, but we'll have to wait and see what happens
tonight," Erestor said.

"Don't stop trying to put them to sleep in their own beds, Gurvelon.
It really will be better for them." Diwen said. "They will let you
know if they need you. And don't expect a major improvement all at
once. They may sleep soundly for two nights, and then be back to
screaming in terror. They will not recover from the trauma after
just a night a two. We were lucky last night, but that could change
tonight."

"We'll do as you recommend. After all, you are a healer and a
mother." Gurvelon grinned at Diwen.

"We are really going to have to do something about living quarters
soon, though. We don't even have a place for the children's
clothes," Erestor said.

"Diwen and I were talking about that last night," Amarion said. "We
were thinking of asking Elrond if we could have a cottage, as she
would like to have our own home with the elflings. These quarters
are larger than either of yours. You could divide them in half, and
easily have room for a bathroom and two or three bedrooms on each
side. You could even have room for a common playroom and a small
kitchen in the middle. That way, neither of you would have to
relocate, and your children would be close to each other. If you
wouldn't mind, I could bring mine over when I come to work each day,
and both Diwen and I would help mind the children."

"That sounds like a very good solution, Amarion," Glorfindel
said. "What say the rest of you?"

"Aye, thank you, Amarion. A good suggestion it is," Caladir said, as
Gurvelon nodded.

"Well, if we're all in agreement, perhaps we can ask Elrond to stop
by and see if he agrees?" Erestor said. The others nodded.

"Erestor, you didn't by chance remember to bring any diapers did
you?" Glorfindel asked.

"Oh dear, I never even thought of it. Let me take him, and I'll go
change him. And don't talk about anything too interesting until I
get back," he snickered.

The cats followed him out and back to their rooms. Erestor quickly
changed the baby. Taking a bag, he tossed in some diapers and a
bottle of milk, then picked up Faelion and headed back to the
others. Unseen by Erestor, there were now four animals following him.

Erestor returned to find Elrond sitting with the others, talking
about the suggested move and improvements.

"I think it's a wonderful idea. There is a cottage available, and we
could start the changes to these rooms as soon as you want. I was
actually a little concerned about how far my Chief Councilor,
Seneschal, and their "second-in-command" would be from their offices
and me, and this is a perfect solution!" Elrond exclaimed.

"Ha! You were supposed to wait until I returned!" Erestor teased the
others, placing his bag on the floor and taking his seat again.

Just then, Tinnu walked over to Gurvelon and deposited the gray and
white kitten he was carrying into the scribe's lap. Glirien went to
Diwen, and deposited the gray kitten in hers.

"Erestor, what are they doing?" Gurvelon asked.

"I think...Tinnu, are you and Glirien giving them a kitten for their
elflings?"

Tinnu meowed, and nosed the kitten further into Gurvelon's lap.

"I believe that is a definite `aye'. Did you see how they were in
here earlier checking the children? I think they wanted to make sure
they would be good for their kittens," Erestor snickered.

"What a good idea! Thank you Tinnu. Thank you Glirien," Diwen
said. "The kittens will be perfect to help the children heal."

Gurvelon and Caladir thanked the cats as well, then called the girls
to see their new little friend. "This is Cenedril, little ones. You
must be very careful with her, because she is just a little cat, like
you are little elves," Gurvelon explained. The elflings petted the
kitten on their Ada's lap gently, and smiled.

"May I hold her, Ada," asked Calariel.

Gurvelon nodded and handed the kitten to the elfling. Calariel took
the kitten and held it against her chest, rubbing her cheek on the
soft fur. "Oh, she's so soft. You try now, Glawen." Her sister
took the kitten and held it against her face, giggling.

"And you can come visit your kitten anytime, Tinnu," Caladir said.
The cat meowed loudly, as if to say "Well, of course I will, what did
you think?"

Diwen called to Lainon and Laerien, "Come see your little kitten,
little ones. Her name is Gwathren. Tinnu and Glirien brought her
for you." The elflings rushed over to their new Nana and claimed the
kitten, setting her on the floor with their older brother for the
three of them to play with.

Tinnu was pleased he had been able to talk Glirien into parting with
two of their kittens. The non-elf had told him that little elflings
would be coming, and would need his kittens to help them heal.

"Tinnu," Elrond said to the cat, "I am very proud of you for doing
this, my friend. You and Glirien will help our little elflings so
much by sharing your kittens with them."

Tinnu purred. "Now, the rest of you, I have been thinking. I
believe it would be wise for you all to take as much time off as you
can right now. The children need your full attention right now."

"Elrond, you cannot possibly do everything by yourself! However
would you manage without us?" Erestor asked.

"My sons will be back in a week. They can take over Glorfindel and
Caladir's duties. In the meantime, we have Suithoron and Torladen
that can step in. And it will be good experience for Elladan and
Elrohir." The two warriors nodded.

"But who can replace me and Gurvelon?" Erestor asked.

"Well, my very dear friend and exalted councilor, I just happened to
far speak with Celeborn last night. I thought he should know about
what happened to the village, and would enjoy hearing about the
elflings. My esteemed father-in-law insisted on sending his own
chief advisor to us for an extended period. Melpomaen will assist
him. Will that be alright with you?"

Erestor grinned and nodded. "Aye, that will do, Elrond. Erynoron is
an excellent elf and adviser. I have known him for many centuries,
and he will serve you well."

"Amarion, I thought to have Lindir take over your duties for the time
being, if that is alright with you. And Diwen, as long as we don't
have anything happen to cause a lot of injuries, the rest of the
healers will be able to manage if you're not there. What say you?"

"Thank you, my Lord, we accept," Amarion answered for them,
gratefully. It would give them time to spend with the elfings and
set up their new home.

Tbc.

The non-elf Tinnu referred to is the Vala Lorien.

Erynoron - Forest flame.

Kitten's names:
Gwathren - shadowy. Solid gray.
Cenedril - Mirror. Looks just like her mother, Glirien. Gray with
white paws and chest and neck.

Chapter 9

Elrond, Erestor, Gurvelon and Diwen began to plan the changes to the
quarters.

"Well, while they are doing that, what say the three of us go off to
the markets? I need to find shoes for my little ones," Glorfindel
said to Caladir and Amarion.

"I think that is a fine, idea, Glorfindel," Caladir said.

Diwen looked up at the three. "Don't forget to measure the elflings
feet if you are getting shoes, or you'll all come home with the wrong
sizes."

"Aye, Nana," Amarion answered with a smile. He found a measuring
tape, and the three adas took measurements. While they were at it,
they decided to measure them for clothes as well. Gurvelon stopped
planning for long enough to write everything down for them.

"Here's the list of the sizes, my love. Don't lose it, and a you'd
better take that tape with you as well," Gurvelon said.

Caladir just smiled, and kissed him goodbye.

"Anything else I should get, sweetheart?" Glorfindel asked Erestor.

"See if you can find any simpler dresses that Amdiriel can play in.
I can't see her making mud pies in the garden with that gown. I'm
sure Arwen wore all hers out, which is why there are only fancier
ones," Erestor said. "And a cloak for her and Gailion would be
good. And you'd better get some more nightshirts and underclothes
for all of them."

Glorfindel took the list from Caladir. "Would you mind writing all
that down for me sweetheart? And anything else you'd like."

"Erestor, add the same things for our girls, too, would you please?"
Gurvelon said.

"And for Laerien as well," added Diwen. "And a cloak and nightshirts
for Lainon. Thankfully, there are plenty of leggings and tunics. Oh,
and more underclothes for him. And Amarion, make sure you get
something for Saercaeron, too. We don't want him left out, even if
he really doesn't need anything right now."

Glorfindel grabbed the list, kissed Erestor, and the three made a
hasty exit before their spouses thought of anything else. They would
take the fun out of shopping!

Entering the marketplace, the three adas decided to take care of the
list first, then have some fun. They headed to the section where
clothing and shoes were sold, and easily found shoes for inside the
house, and sandals for playing outside. It was summer, and sandals
were just fine for play. They ordered leather boots for the boys,
and soft little boots made with suede and lined in fur for the
girls. Glorfindel got several pair of little booties in every color
available for Faelion, and found a pair of sturdy shoes that would
fit him when he started walking, which would not be too long away.

Clothes were next. Nightshirts and underclothes were easy. But
dresses, that was interesting. The adas spent what seemed like hours
looking and deciding. In the end, Caladir had more than a dozen
matching gowns for each - he couldn't decide, so he simply got them
all. There was a blue one and a red one, blue trimmed with white,
blue trimmed with dark blue, pink, soft coral, another blue, white
trimmed with blue, a green one, another light blue, a lovely mauve,
and a deep burgundy. And a few more blue ones. When the merchant
asked if he was sure he wanted so many blue ones, Caladir's only
answer was, "But they have blue eyes."

Glorfindel fared no better. Except his were mostly in greens, to
match his little angel's eyes. And of course the lovely mauve and
deep burgundy one. And a deep red one, because Erestor looked so
good in red. And blue, because it was the color of his house, and he
liked the boys in blue. And a couple more blue ones, so the family
could all match on some days. And a few more green ones.

Amarion knew he had a wife at home to answer to, and so wisely only
bought eight. One for every day of the week and one to spare. Of
course Glorfindel and Caladir couldn't see how Amarion could possibly
pass up on some of the lovely colors, and wanted to purchase gifts
for the other children as well, so they silently purchased a few more
each for Laerien and secretly added them to his package.

After they left, the merchant closed his stall, not that there was
much left in it, and hung a sign which read, "Gone for the Summer and
Fall on Holiday. Back before Yule."

Then came the cloaks. Oh, how to choose? The boys were easy. All
dark blue to match their eyes, and a richly made black one with gold
trim for dress. But how could the girls wear a blue cloak with a red
dress, or a red cloak with a green dress? And so there were blue
cloaks, and green cloaks, and deep red ones and rust colored ones.
And a stunning black one embroidered with gold to match the boys'.
All made of lovely fabrics and lavishly lined. Amarion wisely
purchased just two. One dark blue and one deep burgundy. But of
course Glorfindel and Caladir secretly added a couple more to his
package. They couldn't have Laerien and Lainon think they had gotten
less than the other children.

The packages were all sent to the Last Homely House, and the adas
went shopping for toys. "Oh, look," said Glorfindel, "what adorable
stuffed bunnies! The children will adore them!" Seven bunnies were
purchased. "No, we forgot Saercaeron. Better make that eight,
please," Glorfindel told the merchant.

Caladir found already made doll clothing. They purchased every item
of doll clothing the merchant had and split it four ways for the four
girls. "Oh, and look. Are those kits to make dollhouses? Oh, the
girls will just love them, and we can have the boys help us put them
together." Four dollhouse kits were added. And the girls just had
to have more dolls, so they purchased four more for each.

Wooden horses, sets of carved wooden warriors, and tiny tents and
weapons to set up a full battle scene were purchased. There were
stuffed ravens and hawks, turtles and frogs, always in quantities of
eight.

When they finished their toy purchases and moved on to another area,
the toy merchant looked at his wife and said, "Oh, my dear, we will
be able to finish the addition to the cottage now!"

Next came hair ribbons and lovely clasps to hold back braids. And
broaches for their cloaks. And sweet little jeweled bracelets for
the girls. An emerald pendant for Amdiriel, and sapphire ones for
the others. And of course Glorfindel ordered gold circlets for his
children. They were children of the Lord of the House of the Golden
Flower now, after all.

They finally headed back home, merry after a hard day's work, and
hungry for their dinners.

They collected their families from Amarion's quarters. The plans
were finalized and Amarion's family would be moved into their cottage
the next day and the renovations could begin. It was a good thing
because with all the new purchases, the quarters of all were now well
and truly full.

Amarion calmly explained to Diwen that no, he had only purchased
eight dresses, and that Caladir and Glorfindel had obviously added
the others. And no, he had not purchased all the toys; the other two
had simply insisted they were gifts for their children. And said
the same thing about all the jewelry. Honestly they had.

Gurvelon and Erestor simply laughed at their silly husbands, and
joined in the fun of opening packages and telling them what a good
job they had done at the market.

Tbc...

Chapter 10

The Valar Lorien and Orome stood before Manwe. "He is still greatly
troubled and fears, my Lord," Lorien said.

Manwe sighed. "We cannot allow him to remain so. If your vision did
not give him peace, Lorien, there is only one thing we can do. It is
time, Orome."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Turidon had left Melpomaen helping Elrond. He roamed the woods,
thinking. Lorien had shown them what would have happened if Thalahir
had lived, but still he was worried, and his guilt was heavy upon
him. He was still a kinslayer. What if the Valar would not grant
him entry to Aman, and he was separated from Melpomaen forever,
doomed to wander middle-earth, alone and faded?

Tears rolled down his face at the thought, and he sat heavily on a
fallen log and gave in to his misery. Dimly, he heard a voice
calling him, and looked toward the sound. A hooded figure stood in
the shadow of the trees.

"Who are you, and why do you disturb me?" Turidon called.

The figure approached him. "Do you not recognize me, my old friend?
Eons ago, near the Waters of Awakening, you knew me well."

Turidon stared at the figure as it came nearer. The hood was thrown
back, and Turidon saw the grace of Aman shining in the figure's fair
face.

"My Lord Orome," he cried, bowing low before the Vala, before he fell
to his knees.

"Why do you weep, old friend?" Orome asked.

"I am a kinslayer, my Lord! I took the life of another elf, and I
fear I am banned from ever sailing to Valinor!"

"Turidon, rise, my friend," Orome said. Turidon rose shakily and
stood in front of the Vala. "Did you think we would forsake you in
your moment of great need after your long faithfulness, and ban you
from us? You killed no one, Turidon."

"But, my Lord, I did! I shot the arrow! It killed him!"

Orome smiled. "Aye, you did shoot the arrow. But your shot would
have missed; your hand was shaking so. `Twas I, my friend, whose
hand guided your arrow, at Manwe's command. You killed no one." The
Vala placed his hands on Turidon's shoulders. "Feel me, Turidon. I
am really here and this is real. Hear me. You killed no one. I was
there with you. Manwe commanded it. I guided the arrow. When the
time comes, you will sail to Aman with Melpomaen, and reside there in
happiness until the end of Arda."

Turidon grasped Orome's arms. "Truly, my Lord? I know it is you.
The heart does not forget so great a friend as you were to me in the
early days. I know you would not be false to me."

Orome smiled. "So do you now know and believe you are free of
guilt? I shudder to think what Manwe will do next time if he has to
send another of us to you."

"If you tell me so, then it must be. Aye, I believe, my Lord."
Turidon's face lit with a smile. "Thank you, my Lord."

"Fear not for Thalahir. You know elves do not die. Even now he
rests within Namo's Halls, and is being cleansed of his deeds and
renewed. One day he will chose to be reborn, and will again be as
innocent as you were, the day I first saw you beside the Waters of
Awakening."

Tears of joy and thankfulness welled in Turidon's eyes, and the elf
and the Vala walked peacefully in the woods for a time, speaking of
the olden days.
~~* ~~*~~*~~*~~

Erestor and Glorfindel fed the elflings, and then allowed them to
play with their new toys for a while. They sat on the floor with the
children, and Glorfindel and Gailion set up a mock battle. Erestor
held the baby, who clutched his new bunny, sucking on an ear, and
helped Amdiriel select new doll clothes for all her new dolls. They
would wait until tomorrow morning to show the elflings all the new
clothes and shoes; they were quite excited enough for tonight with
all the toys.

`Tomorrow, my love, we must switch elflings, and I will play battle
with Gailion while you play with Amdiriel,' Erestor silently said.

`Aye. We must be careful they don't think either of us loves one or
the other of them more, beloved. We will both show them we are
interested in whatever they do.' Glorfindel smiled at Erestor.

The evening passed quickly, and it was time for their baths. Erestor
took the baby in the bathroom first for his bath. Faelion was such a
good little elfling, and loved the bubbles. He giggled and screamed,
splashing his hands down in the water. Erestor giggled and laughed
at his little one's happy antics, and didn't mind at all being
splashed. He enjoyed this part of the day.

"You will turn into a prune, my sweetling. Time to get you out and
into your nightshirt and have a rock and your bottle." He lifted the
baby and cooed at him. "My little sweetling loved his new bunny from
Ada Glor, didn't he? Oh, that ear just tasted so good! Well, let me
tell you all about what froggie legs taste like." He was having such
a lovely time with Faelion, he forgot all about the baby's favorite
trick. Just as the warm pee hit him in the face, he heard Glorfindel
laugh from the doorway. "Oh, Ada Restor is going to get Ada Glor for
that, isn't he sweetling?" Erestor chuckled. "Our son has a wicked
aim, doesn't he, my love?" Erestor said, wiping his face.

"Oh, indeed he does. You got off easy the first time!" Glorfindel
answered.

Erestor diapered the baby, then tickled him until he was laughing and
screaming.

"Let me have him, sweetheart. It's my turn to rock him and give him
his bottle." Glorfindel took Faelion and settled in the rocking
chair, and Erestor changed the water in the bathtub and added bubbly
soap.

"Come, my little loves. It's time for your bath," Erestor said to
the two other elflings. He was wet anyway, and needed a bath himself
after the baby's hitting him. After helping the elflings undress, he
stripped and joined them in the bathtub. They played a game of who
could blow bubbles the farthest, followed by sculpting each other's
soap filled hair into wild arrangements. The baby had finished his
bottle, been duly burped, and then rocked to sleep when they finally
emerged laughing from the bath.

Erestor dried them all with fluffy towels, and sat the elflings in
front of the fireplace while he found nightshirts.

Glorfindel laid Faelion in his cradle, along with the bunny. "I'll
just take a quick bath while you do that, love, and be right out to
help," Glorfindel said.

Erestor quickly put on his own nightshirt, set one in the bathroom
for Glorfindel, then helped Gailion and Amdiriel with theirs. He sat
behind them, brushing and fluffing their hair so it would dry.

"Ada Restor, do you know any stories?" Gailion asked.

"Yes, my love, I know many, many stories. Is there a special one you
would like to hear?"

"Tell us about Arien and Tilion, Ada," Amdiriel said. "We like that
one."

So Erestor told them how the Valar had chosen the Maiar Arien, the
spirit of fire, to guide the sun, and Tilion the hunter with his
silver bow to guide the moon.

"You tell good stories, Ada Restor," Gailion said.

"Thank you, sweetheart. I have many, many stories I will tell you if
you would like."

"We'd like that, Ada Restor."

Glorfindel stood in the doorway, listening. `Isn't it interesting
how they always speak for both of them, my love?'

`Aye, they are very close,' Erestor answered. `They both do it, and
the other never seems to mind.'

"Are my two little sweethearts ready for bed, Ada Restor?"
Glorfindel asked, smiling at his children.

"What do you think, sweetlings? Are you ready for bed?" Erestor
asked the children.

"Will you sing us a song, Ada?" Amdiriel asked.

"Aye, sweetheart, I will. Come, let's go to the rocking chair,"
Erestor answered. He gathered both elflings into his lap, and
sweetly sang a lullaby of trees and how birds went to sleep at night
in their boughs, and squirrels rested in their limbs, until the
elflings nodded off.

Glorfindel sat and listened to Erestor's beautiful voice, and fell
even more deeply in love with his amazing husband than he thought
possible. Taking Amdiriel in his arms, he laid her in her bed,
kissed her brow, and whispered, "I love you, my angel." Then he laid
Gailion in his bed, kissed him, and whispered, "I love you, my sweet
one."

He took Erestor's hand in his and helped him up from the
rocker. `Please, beloved, come to the sitting room, now. I love you
so much, if I can't have you this minute, I shall burst.'

Erestor grabbed the oil from their bedside, and they crept out of the
room, softly shutting the door behind them.

Glorfindel grabbed Erestor and kissed him deeply and long, leaving
them both breathless. He quickly unbuttoned their nightshirts,
ripping off a few buttons in his haste, shrugged his off, then slowly
pulled Erestor's off, kissing and nibbling skin as he went.

`Oh, my love, I want you now,' Erestor said.

`Aye, sweetheart.' Glorfindel pulled him down to the soft fur rugs
and straddled him. Lovingly and slowly, he worshipped Erestor's
body. He lapped and nibbled at the beautiful pale neck, then sucked
a pebbled nipple into his mouth until Erestor arched beneath him.

`Please, love..please,' Erestor moaned in Glorfindel's mind.

`Soon, my heart, soon. Let me taste you, let me love you.' He
opened the oil and coated his fingers with it. Slowly licking his
way down, he lapped at the tip of Erestor's engorged member before
taking it whole into his mouth and wrapping his tongue around the
sensitive backside. Erestor arched and screams resounded in his
mind. He gently massaged around Erestor's opening then pushed a
finger in, all the while sucking and lapping. `Oh, beloved, I love
the taste of you. I love having your cock in my mouth, tasting those
luscious drops that fall from the tip.' He dug his tongue into the
slit. `Oh, so good. I love making you come in my mouth, swallowing
you whole.'

Glorfindel was going to take advantage of the children sleeping; he
knew he drove Erestor crazy with his sexy talk, and was going to make
sure tonight his husband heard and felt how much he was loved. It
was wonderful to be able to mind speak while having a hard cock in
his mouth, to be able to say all those things he couldn't say before
when his mouth was otherwise occupied.

`More.please, love, oh..more,' Erestor wailed, as he firmly held his
lips together to stifle any sound. A second finger joined the first
and bent to find his sweet spot, as he listened to Glorfindel's words
in his mind.

`Do you like this, my sweet one? Do you like it when I touch you
like this while your beautiful cock is in my mouth? Oh, I can't get
enough of you, baby. My sweet baby.' Three fingers now pumped in
and out, hitting that special spot with every thrust. Erestor
writhed beneath him and his screams of ecstasy filled Glorfindel's
mind. Erestor didn't know whether to thrust up into the warm, moist
heat, or thrust down onto those magical fingers.

`Oh.Glorfindel..beloved.what you do to me..Oh. More. More.
harder..deeper. Ooooh..so good.'

Glorfindel thrust his fingers deeper, withdrawing them almost all the
way, and thrusting them back in again. `Is this what you want baby?
Good and hard, in and out, while I suck on your sexy, sexy cock. In
and out. In and out. My beautiful baby.'

`Oh, Glor..can't last.going to come.'

`Let it go baby. Come for me. Give me all of you. Come for me,
baby. Give it to me.'

Erestor arched and a moan escaped his lips as a scream filled his
mind, his seed filling Glorfindel's mouth, shooting down his throat
as he came again and again, thrusting wildly.

Glorfindel swallowed greedily. `Oh how I love the feel of you when
you come, baby. How I love the taste of you. Give me all of it,
baby.'

Erestor's hips and back slumped back down to the floor as he labored
for breath. `Glorfindel, my love, my darling, I love you so very
much. How did I live before you, before us?' Glorfindel moved up
and kissed him deeply, and the feel of the hard cock against him
aroused him again. `Take me now, my love. Fill me. Thrust your
hard cock into me. Give me your beautiful, hard, thick, long cock.'
He pulled his knees up to his chest along side Glorfindel's chest.

Glorfindel gave him one last kiss, then raising himself up,
positioned his member and thrust in swiftly to the hilt. `Aye baby,
you have it. You will always have it. It belongs to you, only to
you, my beautiful sexy husband.' Erestor's arms wrapped around him
and he wound his legs around his waist, as he pulled out and slammed
back in, again and again. `Does my cock feel good in you, baby? Do
you feel how big it is for you? How hard? Only for you, baby. Only
for you.'

`Oh.Glor.love you.I love you.I love you. Only you.forever.forever.
Oh.what you do to me. So good. So good.'

`I love you, my Erestor. Only you. I love you.forever.' Glorfindel
said. Tiny whimpers escaped Erestor's lips. He fought to maintain
control. He wanted this to last.for Erestor. It's why he made
Erestor come first, so he would last. He stopped mind speaking for
long enough to focus his energies. It had to last, for Erestor.

`Oh, it's never been so good, my love. Oh..my Glorfindel..' Again
and again, Glorfindel slammed into his special spot, driving him mad
with ecstasy. `Can you feel how good it is for me? Oh, can you feel
me.' Erestor wailed silently as more tiny whimpers escaped his lips.

`I feel you, baby.I feel you. I can feel your love for me. Only
me. Oh, my sweet baby,' Glorfindel said, as Erestor wailed again in
his mind.

Erestor could hardly breath. His body writhed as lighting flashed
through it and around it. `Oh.Glor..fin.del' he screamed. And
Glorfindel didn't stop. Again and again slamming into him. Erestor
clutched his arms around his beloved and pulled himself up.
`Hold me.hold me..don't let me fall, help me,' he screamed.

Glorfindel wrapped his arms around Erestor's shoulders and pulled him
tightly against his chest. `I have you, baby..I have you, beloved.
I won't let you fall. Just feel, sweetheart. Just feel how I love
you. Feel how we are one. Your body is my body. Your heart is my
heart. Your soul is my soul. Just feel, beloved.'

They felt as if they were bound to each other anew. As if all that
came before was nothing compared to this. This union, this oneness.
Their love made them soar to the heavens and they danced through the
stars. The souls merged and fused and their hearts joined as their
bodies joined. And Erestor finally came wailing and screaming into
Glorfindel's mouth from the intensity, unable to hold his voice
inside any longer, as Glorfindel filled him with his seed and his
love, again and again. The air around them crackled and sizzled from
the force of their love, as the two lovers collapsed, drained, and
fighting for breath.

Long minutes later, breathing finally restored, the two lay entwined,
half asleep. Terrified screams woke them instantly. "Amdiriel!" Two
separate voices spoke at the same time. Throwing on their
nightshirts, not stopping to button them, they rushed to the
door. "Amdiriel, I'm coming, Ada's coming!" Two separate voices
spoke as one.

Tbc...

Chapter 11

Elladan and Elrohir returned early from their patrol and were walking
down the hall to their rooms. They were just outside Erestor and
Glorfindel's rooms when they heard screams coming from within. They
burst through the door, swords drawn, causing more terrified screams,
and found Erestor and Glorfindel in their bedroom sitting next to two
elflings, holding them and trying to comfort them.

"Ada, Orcs!" Amdiriel screamed, wrapping her little arms around
Erestor's neck and holding on to him tightly.

"You are safe here, sweetheart. No Orcs. Your Adas will keep you
safe, little one. No Orcs," Erestor said softly, holding her close
and kissing her little face. "It was just a bad dream, sweetheart.
You are safe. These two are just Elladan and Elrohir. They heard
you scream and came to help you. You are safe now."

The twins sheathed their swords, and Elladan went to the cradle where
an infant had just started wailing, startled awake by his sister's
screams. He picked up the little elfling, speaking soothingly to
him, and rocking and cuddling him in his arms.

Elrohir knelt next to the bed, looking up in surprise at his
friends. "Elflings!" he whispered. "You have elflings!" Glorfindel
and Erestor nodded. He reached out to stroke the blond hair of the
elfling clinging to Glorfindel. The elfling looked at him with large
blue eyes.

"This is Elrohir, little one. Remember I told you about Elladan and
Elrohir?" Glorfindel asked. Gailion nodded. "They are home from
patrol early. They will protect you, too, just like Ada Restor, and
Mel and Tur, and everyone else."

"Indeed we will, little one," Elrohir said. "You will always be safe
with Elladan and I. I'm sorry if we scared you when we came in, but
we heard screams, so we rushed in to save you. Were you afraid of
Orcs?" he asked the elfling.

Gailion nodded. "Orcs came to our village and killed our parents.
But Ada killed them and brought us here. We don't want the Orcs to
get Ada and Ada Restor," he whispered to Elrohir.

"We won't let that happen, little one." Elrohir was shocked at the
elfling's response. He stroked the soft hair. "So much like you,
Glorfindel," he whispered. "Tell me your name, little one," he said.

"Gailion."

"A fitting name for you, little one, for you do shine brightly."
Elrohir smiled at the elfling, then turned to Erestor. "And who is
this you have, Erestor?" he asked.

"This is my sweet Amdiriel. Will you lift your head and greet
Elrohir, my love?" Erestor asked.

Amdiriel kept her tight hold around Erestor's neck, and simply turned
her head, still tucked into Erestor's neck. Piercing green eyes
stared into Elrohir's gray ones. "Oh, but you are beautiful,"
Elrohir said. He carefully stroked her exposed cheek. "What a
little enchantress you are." His gently kissed her brow. "Have no
fear here, my beautiful one. No harm will come to you. This I
pledge to you. I will always protect you." Elrohir spoke softly and
gently to the elfling.

"Will you protect my Ada from the Orcs, too?" Amdiriel whispered.

"Aye, little one. Your Ada does not need my protection, for he and
Glorfindel are the ones who taught me to be a warrior, but I will
protect them always."

"And my brothers, too."

"Aye, my lovely one, your brothers too. I will always protect them,
and you, and your Ada."

"And Ada Glor, too?"

Elrohir grinned at Glorfindel's name. "Aye, little one. Is there
anyone else you would like me to protect for you?"

"Lainon and Laerien and Calariel and Glawen, and their Adas, and Nana
Diwen. Oh, and Mel and Tur, too."

Elrohir bit his lip to keep from laughing, and somehow managed to
continue looking serious. "Ah, and who are these good folk?
Although I suspect I know who Nana Diwen and Mel and Tur are, I do
not know the others names."

"They are our friends." Amdiriel answered.

Erestor spoke. "Lainon and Laerien are the little elfling siblings
adopted by Amarion and Diwen, Elrohir. And Calariel and Glawen are
the sweetest little twin elflings adopted by Caladir and Velon.
Well, the sweetest after my precious Amdiriel, that is."

"Well, in that case, my lovely one, of course I must protect them,
too," Elrohir answered. "And Mel and Tur and Nana Diwen. But what
about Saercaeron? Shall I protect him for you, too?"

Amdiriel nodded.

"And what about me, little one?" Elladan had finally quieted the
baby. "Do you want me to protect you too?"

Amdiriel looked from Elrohir to Elladan and back again. And then she
smiled at Erestor. "Twins, Ada?"

"Aye, my love. They are twins." Erestor smiled down at his precious
little elfling. "That is Elladan holding Faelion."

Elladan and Elrohir chuckled. "Gailion and Faelion. Brightness and
gleaming brilliance. What perfect names!" Elladan said. "Look
Elrohir, Faelion is the perfect little image of his brother and
Glorfindel as well!"

"Aye, he is indeed. But how did you come to have those beautiful
green eyes and fire in your beautiful hair, little one?" Elrohir
asked. Erestor flashed him a warning glance.

But Amdiriel answered. "I had a different Ada and Nana before Orcs
killed them. And then I had a new Ada and Nana and went to live with
them and my new brothers. And then Orcs killed my Ada and Nana. And
I don't want the Orcs to get my new Ada and Ada Glor," the elfling
wailed into Erestor's neck, sobs wracking her little body.

As the horror of the picture the elfling had painted hit him, tears
formed in Elrohir's eyes. "Oh, sweetheart," he said shakily, "I am
so sorry. We won't let Orcs get them. I promise. Elladan and I
will protect them. We will protect all of you. I will always
protect you." Gentle Elrohir, so fierce and strong in battle, found
his heart breaking for the little elfling's fears. It was no wonder
the little one had nightmares that woke her, screaming in terror.

"Aye, little one, we will," said Elladan, his voice raspy. "This I
also pledge to you. Elrohir and I will always protect you."

Unknown to all, Elrond had also heard the screams and come running.
He stood in the outer doorway, watching the scene unfold. He walked
into the bedroom. "Welcome home, my sons," he said and held open his
arms to embrace the twins, being careful not to squish Faelion
between them. "You are back early. I am glad to see you both well
and safe, and back with me again."

The twins embraced their Ada and kissed his cheeks. "Aiya, Ada, but
look what we found when we came home!" Elladan said, grinning. "And
we were only gone for a few weeks!"

Elrond smiled. "Come with me and I will tell you all about it," he
said.

"Aye, Ada, we will let Glorfindel and Erestor take care of their
little ones," Elrohir said. "Unless they want us to stay?" The two
new adas shook their heads. "Let me have Faelion first, Elladan, I
didn't get to hold him yet." Elrohir took the infant, who was
falling asleep again, and kissing the top of his head, laid him in
his cradle. "Good night, precious little one," he whispered.

"And you, my beautiful one," Elrohir told Amdiriel, "always remember
you are safe now." He gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek. "Aiya,
this one has stolen my heart, Erestor," he whispered.

Erestor smiled and nodded. "Aye, and mine as well, my friend."

Elrohir next moved to Gailion and gave him a kiss on his
brow. "Gailion, always remember, Elladan and I have pledged to keep
you safe. You have nothing to fear now, little one."

Elladan next said his goodbyes, and he also kissed the elflings and
repeated his pledge.

"Goodnight, my friends," Glorfindel said, "and thank you." The twins
left with their father.

"Are you feeling better now, sweetheart?" Erestor asked, kissing the
child sweetly. Amdiriel nodded. "Then come, and you and your
brother may sleep between Ada Glor and I again, and we will keep you
safe."

So the four elves climbed into the big bed. After goodnight kisses
and "I love you," was said many times, they snuggled together, and
slept peacefully until morning.

~~~*~~~
It was late when Elrohir finally found his rooms. After a relaxing
bath, he lay down on his bed, but found he couldn't sleep. The
memory of piercing green eyes, hair of fire, and the horror the
elfling had witnessed refused to leave his mind. He and Elladan
would help make sure the remainder of childhood for all of the
elflings was blessed and happy.
And especially little Amdiriel's.


Tbc...

Chapter 12

After Orome left him, Turidon finally left the woods and returned to
Melpomaen's rooms. No, their rooms now, he reminded himself. He had
his Melpomaen, his gift from the Valar. Orome had told him this as
well. He and Mel were meant to be together. He was not a kinslayer,
and was not banned from Valinor. And Thalahir was healing in Mandos'
Halls, and one day would be reborn. His heart felt lighter than it
had in a long while.

He and Melpomaen had bound themselves to each other only a few days
ago. He remembered the night of their binding and every night since
in vivid detail. They were the most wonderful nights of his long
life, but had been overshadowed by the fear in the back of his mind
that he was not good enough, he was too old, and one day he would
have to be parted from his little Mel. But now he could give himself
freely. The fear was gone, and he smiled.

He found Melpomaen waiting for him in their rooms. The small elf
flew into his husband's arms. "Where were you, my love? I couldn't
find you and I was worried."

"I was walking in the woods. Mel, my darling, come sit with me. I
want to tell you what happened." They sat in Mel's favorite place,
on the rugs in front of the fireplace, and Turidon told him of all of
his fears, and how Orome had come and explained everything to him.

"Oh, Tur, I would never have sailed without you. Did you think I
would? I could never have left without you. I will remain with you
forever, wherever you are." Mel held Turidon's face in his small
hands. "Once before I told you this; I was born for you alone, my
love, only for you."

"Aye, my darling Mel, I know that now," Turidon whispered against
Melpomaen's lips, before kissing him passionately. When they finally
broke apart for breath, he whispered, "And now I can love you freely,
for my fear is gone. You are mine, my love, and I am yours, and I am
so very happy."

"Then come show me what it is like to be loved by my free, unafraid
husband, my love." Melpomaen grinned.

Turidon laughed, then picked the little elf up in his arms and
twirled him around the room before depositing his laughing and
giggling lover on their bed. He quickly stripped, and then gently
removed Melpomaen's clothing, every so often stopping to kiss or
nibble a shoulder or a nipple or a soft side, saying, "This is mine,
and this is mine, and oh, this is mine." He kissed the firm abdomen
before slowing removing Melpomaen's leggings. He grinned up at his
little love. "And this is mine," he said before drawing his tongue
from the base to the tip of his husband's engorged member. Melpomaen
groaned. He moved back up over Mel and kissed him soundly.

"Sweetheart, will you do something for me?" Turidon asked.

"Anything, my love," Mel answered, wrapping his arms around his lover.

Turidon rolled them over and settled Melpomaen between his
legs. "Will you make love to me tonight, beloved?"

Mel's eyes opened wide. "I have never.I mean I don't know how..I
mean, Oh, Tur. Oh, I want to, my love, but I've never made love to
anyone and I am afraid I will disappoint you."

Turidon smiled softly and stroked Melpomaen's hair. "You would never
disappoint me, my darling. Whatever you do and however you do it, it
will be wonderful." He pulled Mel up for a kiss. "I have a
confession to make, love," he whispered. "I know it may be hard to
believe because I am so old, but I have never.I mean no one has ever.
I mean you would be the first," he said shyly.

"Truly, love?"

Turidon nodded. "I want to give myself to you. I want to know what
it's like to feel.to feel what you feel. To surrender myself to
you. Please, love?" He had never allowed anyone to love him the way
he was asking Melpomaen to. He had never allowed anyone to take away
his control. Until now.

Melpomaen nodded, then kissed his love passionately. If this was
what Tur wanted, he would make his husband's first time as special as
he could. He remembered all the things Tur had done to him, and
determined to replay them on Tur's body. He moved his mouth to
Turidon's ear. After licking his way to the tip, he gently sucked on
a pointed tip. Turidon moaned and the sound went straight to his
groin. He lovingly kissed and lapped at the creamy neck, then moved
down the muscled chest and licked at a nipple. Turidon arched up off
the bed with a wail. Mel smiled as he sucked the nipple into his
mouth and bit gently on the nub.

By the time Melpomaen reached his husband's hard member and gently
suckled on the tip, Turidon was writhing and moaning and begging for
more. Turidon groaned when Mel's mouth left him to reach for the
oil.

Melpomaen thought he had never seen a more beautiful sight that his
big warrior husband, undone and writhing beneath him, his dark hair
loose and spread over the pillows. "I love you so much, Tur," he
whispered, stopping to give him a passionate kiss, which left them
both breathless.

Turidon moaned as Mel's tongue wrapped around his. "Oh, Mel," he
panted when the kiss finally ended, "I want..I want.I don't know
what I want. Just don't stop, don't stop."

"I've only just gotten started, lover. I don't intend to stop."
Melpomaen answered. Turidon drew his head down for another deep
kiss. Mel eagerly complied and took control of the kiss, drawing
Tur's tongue into his mouth and sucking on it. Turidon groaned when
Melpomaen released him, then groaned again as Mel once again started
to kiss down his body.

Turidon arched his back up as Melpomaen took his hard member into his
mouth, wrapping his tongue around the sensitive backside. And then a
finger massaged around his entrance and gently pushed in.

Melpomaen was not prepared for Turidon to be so tight. For some
reason, he had expected it to be easier. He withdrew his finger and
released Tur's member from his mouth, and said, "My love, you will
tell me if I hurt you, won't you?"

"Don't worry, sweetheart, you won't hurt me. Just go slowly."

Melpomaen swallowed hard. He was getting nervous about doing
this. "I'm afraid, Tur. I'm afraid of hurting you." He was letting
Turidon down, and he really did want to make love to his husband. He
wanted to return the pleasure Tur had given him. Tears started to
fall from his eyes.

Turidon sat up and pulled Mel into his arms. "Don't be afraid, my
love. I want this. I love you so much. I want you to make love to
me so much." He kissed his lover gently and wiped the tears from his
eyes. "Would you like me to help you? To talk you through it?"

Melpomaen nodded and hugged Turidon tightly. "I want to do this for
you. I'm sorry I'm such a coward. I just love you so much, and I
don't know what I'm doing, and it scares me." He buried his head in
his husband's shoulder.

"It's alright, sweetheart. I'll help you." Turidon lifted Mel's
head from his shoulder and kissed him breathless. "Let me help you,
my love." He took the oil and coated his own fingers. His hands and
fingers were larger, and maybe if he could stretch himself first, Mel
wouldn't be so afraid.

Melpomaen watched as Turidon coated his fingers and lay on his side,
drawing one knee up to his chest, and inserted a finger into
himself. He drew the finger in and out several times, then inserted
two fingers. It was the most erotic thing he had ever seen, and
suddenly, he wanted to be the one doing it. He took the oil and
poured it over his fingers.

"Put one of your fingers in next to mine, my love," Turidon
whispered, as he took Mel's hand and moved it down.

If watching was erotic, feeling his finger in the tight channel
nearly made him come. Mel moaned loudly as he moved his finger along
side Turidon's, then he added another finger and his husband withdrew
his own. Laying atop Turidon's side, he closed his eyes and moved
his fingers in and out, scissoring them the way he had felt his lover
do to him.

"Add another finger now, sweetheart, and move them in and out," Tur
told him. Mel removed his fingers, added more oil, and gently pushed
all three fingers in. He moaned when he felt the muscles flutter
around his fingers.

Tur pushed back on the fingers. Oh, it felt so good. "More.please,
love.more," he moaned, and Mel began to thrust his fingers in and
out. "Bend your fingers towards the front for me now, sweetheart."
As Mel followed his instructions, he found that hidden spot. "Oh.
again.do that again.please," Turidon begged. Never had he felt
anything more amazing. He cried out as Mel rubbed the hidden nerves
again.

Melpomaen's confidence returned as he saw the state his fingers had
reduced his lover to.

"Are you ready for me now, my love? I want to be inside of you." He
gently pulled his fingers out.

"Aye, I want you now, sweetheart. Lie down on your back for me, and
let me help you." Melpomaen's stature had nothing to do with the
size of his endowment, and Turidon didn't want him to be afraid of
hurting him. He grabbed the oil again, and coated Mel's shaft with
it, running his hand down the length to spread the oil and making his
lover arch into his hand. He straddled the smaller elf and reached
back to guide his member, then slowly and carefully lowered himself
onto his husband's shaft.

Mel moaned as he felt himself engulfed in the tight heat. Nothing
could have prepared him for this feeling.

Turidon closed his eyes and bit his lip to keep from crying out. He
hadn't expected it to hurt so much. He was a warrior, for Valar's
sake, and a large one. Aiya, his husband was big. When he had
finally taken Mel all the way inside, he stopped, panting.

"Oh, my love, I'm so sorry," Mel said, seeing the pain on his
husband's face.

Turidon opened his eyes, and smiled down at Melpomaen. "I am fine,
sweetheart. Just give me a minute." He lowered his head and kissed
Mel lovingly. The pain was leaving, and he slowly raised himself and
pushed down again, wailing in ecstasy as Mel's member hit his
prostate, driving any remaining pain away.

With a strength belied by his small figure, Mel rolled them over
until Turidon was beneath him. Raising himself up, he began to
thrust into the tight heat. He knew he had found the right angle
when Tur moaned loudly and began to raise his hips and move with
him. "Oh, Tur.so.good," he said unsteadily. Turidon writhed and
whimpered beneath him, giving himself totally over to his lover. Mel
lowered his head and placed his lips on his husband's. "I
love...you," he whispered, never stopping his thrusts.

Turidon wrapped his hands around Mel's neck and kissed him
greedily. "Oh, Mel, I never knew.I never knew," he whispered, as
tears of bliss began to roll down his face.

Mel knew he was close and his thrusts grew harder and wilder. He
reached between them and grasped Turidon's member and stroked it
firmly. Turidon came, screaming Melpomaen's name. Before the scream
had ended, Mel came hard into his lover, wailing Turidon's name, as
the convulsing muscles pulled his climax from him. He collapsed on
top of his beloved, and the two elves held each other tightly,
panting and whispering words of love.

~~*~~
In Caladir and Gurvelon's rooms, the little girls were softly sung to
sleep by their adas. The warrior and the scribe had just snuck into
the sitting room, and were engaged in a passionate kiss, when the
screams began. Caladir moaned and Gurvelon said, "I am going to be
one frustrated elf!" as they ran to the girls.

~~*~~
Erestor woke to a little hand shaking him and a voice whispering in
his ear that said, "Ada, wake up, Ada."

"What is it, sweetheart, what's wrong?" he whispered.

"I have to go to the bathroom, Ada, and you're holding on to me too
tight for me to get up," Amdiriel whispered.

Erestor smiled at his precious little one as he unwound his arms from
her and helped her get up. "Don't forget to wash your hands when
you're done, sweetheart," he whispered as she dashed to the bathroom.

"Erestor, what's wrong?" Glorfindel asked, awakened by the whispering.

"Nothing, my love. Our daughter had to go to the bathroom."

Glorfindel grinned as Erestor leaned back against the headboard,
smiling. "What are you thinking of, beloved?" he asked.

"How very much I love being an Ada, my love," Erestor
answered. "Thank you for bringing us our elflings." He leaned over
and gave Glorfindel a kiss. "I love you, I love our elflings, and I
love being an Ada."

"As do I, beloved, as do I."

Amdiriel ran back to the bed and crawled in between Erestor and her
brother. "I washed my hands, Ada," she said, as she snuggled back
down in Erestor's arms and went back to sleep.

Tbc...

Chapter 13

In the morning, Glorfindel was the first to reach Faelion, who was
loudly protesting his wet state and empty stomach. Erestor ran to
the kitchen to get the baby's milk and ask a kitchen servant to
deliver breakfast for the rest of them. He would be glad when the
renovation of the rooms currently occupied by Amarion's family was
complete, and he would be able to keep some basic things for the
children, like the baby's milk, in the small kitchen they had
planned. He was even looking forward to preparing some simple meals
for them.

Returning to their rooms, Erestor found Glorfindel sitting in the
rocking chair with all three of the elflings squished onto his lap.
He was rocking them and teaching the older elflings one of the songs
he remembered from his own childhood, as Faelion sucked on a bunny
ear. Erestor, smiling at the lovely sight, took the baby from
Glorfindel to feed, and joined in the singing.

When the baby was fed, Erestor laid him in the cradle with his
bunny. He picked up Amdiriel from Glorfindel's lap and said, "Are my
elflings hungry? Breakfast is here. Come and eat." Glorfindel
picked up Gailion, and they set the children in their chairs.

"Oh, look little ones, no porridge again!" Glorfindel said.

The children grinned at him. "Do we have jam this morning again,
Ada?" Gailion said.

" Indeed we do. There is jam, and toast to put it on, and fruit and
eggs." Glorfindel said, taking his turn and serving them this
morning. "Would you like some toast with your jam as well, Ada
Restor?"

Erestor chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with a lot of jam and a
little toast, is there, my elflings?"

The happy children shook their heads and smiled at their Adas.

When breakfast was over, Erestor told the children, "Your Ada Glor
and I need to take a bath. Shall we all take one before we dress?"

"With bubbles, Ada?" Amdiriel asked.

"Oh, lots of bubbles," Erestor answered.

The entire family, Faelion included, fit in the bathtub with room to
spare. The elflings really did not need their hair washed, since
Erestor had done it last night, but it would be a good way to switch
places again. Trying to make sure the elflings felt loved equally by
both their Adas, and grew comfortable with both, Glorfindel held
Faelion safely while Erestor washed Gailion's hair, and then Erestor
took the baby so Glorfindel could wash Amdiriel's.

When they were in danger of having permanently wrinkled skin, Erestor
thought it might be a good time to mention that there was new
clothing and shoes to look at this morning. Even though Gailion had
enough clothing that Elladan and Elrohir had grown out of, Glorfindel
had made sure he purchased some new clothes for him that would not be
hand-me-downs.

After coaxing the children out of the bathtub with the promise of new
clothing, Erestor dried Faelion and set him on the warm rug near the
fireplace. Quickly drying themselves and putting on leggings, they
then switched elflings again. Erestor dried Amdiriel, then brushed
and braided her wet hair, while Glorfindel took care of Gailion.

Erestor pulled out the new clothes and laid all of Amdiriel's new
dresses out on one side of the bed, while Glorfindel laid out all of
Gailion's and Faelion's on the other.

"Look at all the new dresses your Ada Glor bought for you yesterday,
sweetheart," Erestor told Amdiriel. "Are they not lovely?"

Amdiriel's eyes grew large, as she looked at all the dresses,
touching some of them shyly.

"Oh, Ada, there are so many. They are so pretty." She ran to
Glorfindel and held her arms up for him to pick her up, which of
course he did. "Thank you, Ada Glor. I have never had so many
dresses before." She kissed Glorfindel shyly on his cheek. "I love
you, Ada Glor." She gave Glorfindel a hug.

"I love you, too, sweetheart. I am very happy that you like your
dresses. Now, do you see one you want to wear today?"

"I am not sure yet, Ada Glor. Can I go look at them again?"
Glorfindel set her down and she ran back to the other side of the bed
with Erestor. "Ada, what color should I wear?"

Erestor realized there were just too many for the little elfling to
decide on her own. "Well, yesterday you and I wore green. What
about if we wore blue today? And Ada Glor and your brothers can also
wear blue and we will all match. Would you like that?"

Amdiriel nodded, smiling at Erestor.

"What a good idea, my love," Glorfindel said. "Gailion, which ones
would you like to wear today, little one?"

"Hmmm..those Ada." The elfling pointed to a set of dark blue
leggings with a marching dark blue tunic that sported gold
clasps. "Ada," he said, "thank you for all my new clothes."

"You are very welcome, my sweet one," Glorfindel answered. "Do you
love Ada Restor and me, too?" He added with a little grin.

"Of course, Ada! But not just because of the clothes and toys. We
would love you even if you did not give us presents," Gailion said.

Amdiriel nodded. "We would, Ada," she told Erestor.

"Thank you, my love. Your Ada Glor and I love all three of you very
much, and we want to do nice things for you because we love you.
Now, since Gailion has chosen dark blue, what if you wore this
beautiful dark blue dress and I wore my dark blue robes? See, the
dress even has gold buttons, and we will put a gold flower clasp in
your hair."

"A gold flower clasp, Ada?" Amdiriel asked.

"Aye, love. Your Ada Glor bought them for all of you yesterday. The
golden flower is the symbol of Ada Glor's house, so it is our symbol,
too. It is mine, because I am his husband, and you and your brothers
because you are our children now. Do you understand?"

"I think so, Ada," she answered.

"So you see my ring, little one?" Erestor showed her his wedding
ring. "It is just like Ada Glor's. They are the rings we exchanged
when we married, and it has a golden flower in it too."

Amdiriel smiled up at Erestor. "So when we wear golden flowers it
tells everyone that we are yours, is that right, Ada?"

"That's right, my love," Erestor answered with a smile.

"Ada, do Faelion and I have golden flowers too?" Gailion asked
Glorfindel.

"Of course, sweetling. You all have a golden flower hair clasp and a
golden flower broach for your cloaks. And the gold circlets I
ordered for all of you has a golden flower on them."

"What is a circlet, Ada?" Amdiriel asked.

Erestor opened a drawer and took out his gold circlet. "This is a
circlet, love. We wear them on our heads on special occasions like
when we have important visitors, or on days like Yule. Both your Ada
Glor and I are Lords of Imladris. But your Ada Glor was also a great
Lord in Gondolin long ago. You are our children now, so your Ada
Glor ordered circlets like this, but smaller so they will fit you, to
wear on special days."

"Ada and Nana used to tell us stories of Glorfindel of Gondolin,"
Gailion said. "He killed a Balrog and helped save the people, but he
died. Are you named after that Glorfindel, Ada?"

`Oh, sweet Elbereth, what do we tell them now?' Erestor heard
Glorfindel's words in his mind.

`Let me try, my love,' he answered.

"Gailion, come sit with your sister and me for a moment, and I will
try to explain something to you." He sat on the floor and pulled the
elflings onto his lap. Glorfindel came and sat beside them, and
picked up Faelion. "You both understand that elves are immortal,
meaning we are supposed to live until the end of Arda?" The elflings
nodded. "Sometimes, though, when an elf's body is hurt too badly for
the soul to remain, the body dies and the elf's soul goes to Mandos'
Halls." He waited for the elflings to nod again.

"That is what happened to Glorfindel of Gondolin's soul, and what
happened to the souls of your parents. So even though your parents
are not here with us, they are still alive in Mandos' Halls, which is
in Valinor, because elves do not die even though their bodies can.
Sometimes, when a soul wishes it and when Mandos allows it, an elf is
reborn and their soul is given a new body. Usually they are born
into a new family with a new body, so they might look different. We
do not know if they ever rejoin their old family, even though they
remember them when they are grown up, at least I have not heard of
that happening. I think most of them must decide to stay in Valinor
when they are reborn because it is such a wonderful place to live,
and wait for their old families to join them there. Do you
understand so far?"

"I think so, Ada," said Gailion. "So if our Ada and Nana were
reborn, they would probably stay in Valinor, and we might see them
when we go there?"

"Aye, little one, that is right," Erestor answered. "Now, what
happened to Glorfindel of Gondolin was very special, because he had
something very special to do. The Valar made a new body for him that
was exactly like his old body. In fact, it was his old body,
recreated by the Valar. His soul returned to that body, and the
Valar told him he had to return to Middle-earth, even though all of
his family and friends were gone, because he was needed here. They
told him that he was to protect Lord Elrond and his family, and fight
against the evil things here. Lord Elrond is the descendent of one
special family that Glorfindel saved in Gondolin. That family was
the ruler of Gondolin, his daughter and her husband, and their little
son. The little son was Lord Elrond's father, Eäärendil."

"The same Eäärendil that is the star, with his ship, Ada?" Amdiriel
asked.

"Aye, sweetheart, the very same." Erestor answered. "And so
Glorfindel returned to Middle-earth, as the Valar asked him to, and
came to Imladris. So you see, your Ada Glor is the same Glorfindel
of Gondolin that killed the Balrog."

The elflings looked wide-eyed at Glorfindel. "Really, Ada?" Gailion
asked in an awed whisper. "You died and came back?"

"Really, my little ones," Glorfindel answered.

The two elflings threw themselves at Glorfindel, nearly squishing
their little brother in the process. "I am glad you came back, Ada
Glor," Amdiriel said, "so you could be our Ada."

"Ada, you will not die again, will you?" Gailion asked.

Glorfindel smiled. "I certainly do not intend to, sweetheart. I do
not think the Valar would send me back just to have me die all over
again. I am very careful not to, because I still need to protect
Lord Elrond and protect all of us from the evil things. And I am
very sure that the Valar help me so nothing really bad happens to me."

"But what does all that have to do with golden flowers, Ada Glor?"
Amdiriel asked.

"In Gondolin, I was the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower, so
the golden flower has always been my symbol."

"And now it is ours, too," Amdiriel said, matter-of-factly.

"Aye, sweetheart, now it is yours and your brothers' too," Glorfindel
said.

"Now, let us get dressed and see if your new shoes and sandals fit,
and then we will go and see if our friends need some help moving to
their new cottage," Erestor said.

When the family was dressed in their dark blue and gold, including
Faelion, Erestor packed his bag with some diapers, a bottle of milk,
and assorted toys for the children. They checked on the cats and
left the doors to the balcony open so they could wander into the
walled garden and Tinnu could get out to catch his and Glirien's
breakfast, and set out for the neighboring rooms.

The move of Amarion and his family to their cottage had already
begun, so Erestor and Glorfindel collected Saercaeron, Lainon and
Laerien to keep with them while Amarion and Diwen supervised their
move. Next, they called on Caladir and Gurvelon, and they all
decided an outing by the river with a picnic lunch and games for the
children, and maybe fishing for the boys, would be a wonderful way to
spend the day. So they gathered baskets of food for lunch, blankets
and fishing poles.

Erestor went to check on Elrond, and found him working in his
office. "Elrond, there is really nothing urgent there, is there?" he
asked.

"Not particularly. I just thought I would try to keep up with it so
we do not get behind."

"If I help you with it tomorrow, will you come with us today? We are
all spending the day at the Bruinen, and you have not taken a day off
in a long while." It would do their Lord good to get away from his
office for a while.

"With fishing? And a picnic?" Elrond asked. He enjoyed fishing, and
loved picnics. He did not really feel like spending the day working,
and was glad for the excuse not to.

Erestor chuckled. "Aye, fishing and a picnic."

"Then may I suggest we also get Mel and Turidon? And Lindir and
Taurfaeron as well. Lindir can bring his harp and play for us."
Elrond grinned.

Erestor laughed. "I will go find Mel and Turidon. You go and get
Lindir and Taurfaeron. After all, Elladan and Elrohir are here and
can supervise the training. Oh, and I will tell the cooks to have
someone bring us out some more food and drink, and tell the twins to
join us for lunch."


Tbc.

Chapter 14


Elrond decided he would like for them all to go to his favorite
fishing hole, which was near the border of Imladris. It was an
idyllic spot, even if it was a little far. The access to the river
was good, and the river flowed gently there. There was a beautiful
meadow full of grasses and wildflowers, and wonderful trees for
climbing and sitting under. Deer and rabbits were always there to
feed and drink, and the trees were full of squirrels and songbirds.

"It is early yet, and the children will love feeding the animals. We
can catch fish and cook them over a fire. It will be perfect,"
Erestor agreed. "The children need to get away from the house and
out into the air and nature."

"But I want us carrying weapons, then, Elrond," Glorfindel
said, "That spot is too close to the border and we have had much Orc
activity lately. You do not think the sight of the weapons might
distress the children?"

"Perhaps for a little while," Elrond agreed. "But carrying weapons
is a fact of life. Hopefully it will make them feel safe and
protected instead of distressed." The others agreed.

"Well, we need a few more things then. Gurvelon, will you get your
kitten and Amarion's and put them in our garden with the others?
Tinnu and Glirien will take care of them until we get back so we will
not have to worry about them. Glorfindel, you go to the stables and
get the horses and a wagon for Saercaeron to ride in ready. We can
put the rest of the things we are bringing in the cart as well.
Lindir can watch the children for us until we are ready to go. Mel
can go to the kitchens and get whatever we need to cook the fish, and
extra milk for Faelion. The rest of us will get our weapons. And I,
for one, am going to exchange these robes for a pair of leggings and
tunic, and get some more toys for the children to play with, and a
book or two. And more diapers, and a change of clothing for the
children in case they need it, and towels in case anyone wants to
swim, and their cloaks.. " His voice trailed off down the hall as
he hurried to their rooms.

Glorfindel chuckled. "Well, everyone, I believe we have our orders,"
he said, handing Faelion to Lindir.

No more than twenty minutes later, they were all gathered in the
courtyard, ready to leave. Erestor, in his dark blue leggings and
tunic, knives strapped to his back, lifted Amdiriel onto his horse
and mounted behind her. Saercaeron sat at the front of the wagon
along with a guard who would drive it. Two sturdy horses would pull
the wagon. Gurvelon, sword hanging from his waist, elected to ride
in the cart along with the supplies and his little daughters, and
held the happy Faelion. Glorfindel and Gailion rode on Asfaloth, and
Lainon and Laerien rode with two of the guards who had cared for them
on their journey to Imladris. Ten other guards, all equipped with
weapons, accompanied them. Glorfindel was taking no chances with his
Lord, Erestor, and the children with them.

The hour later they arrived. Elrond jumped down from his horse and
called out "Who wants to go fishing with me? Find your fishing
pole!" He picked up the laughing Saercaeron and their poles, and
dashed with him to the river so they could get his favorite spot.
Almost everyone decided to try their hand at fishing, with the
exception of Erestor, Lindir, Gurvelon, Caladir, and the four little
girls. The horses were allowed to roam, and the guards stationed
themselves around the area.

"Would you like to help us set out the blankets and things, little
ones?" Erestor asked. The girls were handed the toys to carry to
the spot they had selected while the elders spread out the blankets
and carried the food baskets.

Caladir and Gurvelon arranged stones and gathered twigs and fallen
wood for the fires they would need, assuming anyone caught some
fish. Finished with that task, Caladir leaned back against a tree,
and pulled Gurvelon over. The smaller elf sat between his husband's
legs, leaning his back against the broad chest with strong arms
wrapped around him. They talked softly, and smiled as they watched
their Calariel and Glawen playing with the other girls.

A large comfortable area was soon laid out. The girls sat with their
many dolls on a blanket and played contentedly. Lindir and Erestor
sat with them and made up silly and funny stories about what the
dolls were doing, while Faelion lay cooing along side of them. "Oh,
look, sweetheart, your doll is having tea with Faelion's bunny!"
Erestor told Amdiriel.

"Silly Ada, she's not having tea with the bunny. She's having tea
with Faelion!"

"The bunny did not get invited to tea? Poor Bunny," Erestor said.

"Here Bunny, you sit and have tea with Frog and Raven," Lindir said,
arranging the stuffed animals. Faelion screamed loudly.

"Lindir, Bunny may not have been invited, but Faelion definitely
wants him for tea." Erestor took the bunny and handed it back to
Faelion, who promptly sucked on a long ear.

Lindir laughed and tickled the baby. "Oh, you want to eat Bunny, do
you little one?" Faelion giggled around the bunny's ear and grabbed
Lindir's hair.

"Careful," Erestor chuckled. He likes hair for tea, too." He
unwound Lindir's hair from the baby's hand. "Lindir, would you mind
watching Faelion for a few minutes? I need to talk with Caladir and
Velon."

Lindir shooed Erestor off, and continued playing with the baby and
the girls.

Erestor sat with Velon and Caladir, and asked, "Did the girls sleep
any better last night?"

Gurvelon shook his head. "You are looking at two very frustrated
elves, my friend."

"Oh, dear," Erestor said. "At least Glorfindel and I get to spend
some time together on our own, right after they go to sleep."

"That time lasts about three minutes for us, Erestor," Caladir said.

"Do you think the girls would be all right if the two of you went off
for some private time now?" Erestor asked. "Would you let me try
talking to them?"

"Well, I suppose you could try," Gurvelon answered, "but would it not
be better if we talked to them?"

"Something is telling me they might understand better if it came from
someone else."

Gurvelon and Caladir nodded for Erestor to go ahead, and he went back
to the girls. He sat next to Calariel and Glawen and pulled them
close to him. "Little ones, would it be all right with you if your
Adas left for just a little while and you stayed with Lindir and me?
They would not be gone long, there is just something they need to do."

Calariel looked at Erestor, then at her Adas. "Are they going to try
and make elflings, Restor? Ada and Nana always said that was what
they were doing when they wanted to be alone for a while."

Erestor and Lindir blushed a deep pink. Erestor was tempted to tell
the elfling `aye' and let Caladir and Velon explain it to her later,
but did not think it was good to lie to an elfling. "Well, little
one, two Adas cannot make elflings. That takes a Nana and an Ada.
But your Adas are married, just like your Nana and Ada were. And
married elves need to spend some time together alone. It keeps them
happy together."

"All right Restor, we will stay with you so Ada and Ada can be alone
for a little while," Glawen said. The two little girls got up and
ran over to Caladir and Gurvelon and kissed them. "Bye Ada, bye
Ada. We will stay with Erestor while you are alone." Then they ran
back to Erestor and their friends.

Erestor grinned, and threw a blanket that was still folded up at
Caladir and Gurvelon. Gurvelon caught the blanket, and they ran off
into the woods. "Now, what would all of you sweetlings like to play
now?" Erestor asked.

Erestor and Lindir played with the girls, and read them a story or
two. Squirrels and deer hovered around, and Erestor brought out
pieces of bread and fruit, which the little elflings fed to the
animals. Then Lindir played his harp and softly sang for them as
Erestor changed and fed the baby. Before long, four little girls and
one baby were sound asleep on the blanket. Lindir decided a little
nap sounded good and made himself comfortable.

Erestor smiled, thinking of Caladir and Velon, and knowing they were
enjoying their `alone' time. He started gathering wildflowers and
making little wreaths for the girls to wear. His fingers working
with the flowers, he sent his thoughts out to Glorfindel.

`Can you hear me, my love?'

`Aye, beloved. Is everything all right?'

`Aye, I just missed you. Will we have fish for lunch?'

`Of course we will. How can you doubt all these intrepid fisherelves
out here?' Glorfindel heard Erestor chuckle in his mind. `Wait
until you see, sweetheart. Your valiant husband and your Lord are
catching more than everyone.'

`Do not forget you will have to carry what you catch back here, my
love.'

`Nay, we will just call the horses and put the baskets on their back.'

Erestor's laugh woke Lindir. "What is it Erestor?"

"Nothing, my friend. I am just checking on Glorfindel."

"Ask him how Taurfaeron is doing."

`My love, Lindir wants to know how Taurfaeron is doing.'

`Tell him there are so many fish here, even our guard from the Golden
Woods is managing to catch his share.'

`When will you all be back, my love? The girls will be hungry when
they wake from their nap, and the little ones with you must be
getting hungry as well.'

`Soon beloved. I do not think our baskets will hold much more.'

`You had better not be joking, Glorfindel. Now I'm hungry.'

`Just start the fires, sweetheart. We will be there soon. I love
you, my beautiful councilor.'

`I love you, my golden warrior.'

"Glorfindel says they are catching a lot of fish and to start the
fires. Taurfaeron is quite the fisherelf as well, apparently,"
Erestor told Lindir.

"Well, as long as they clean them." Lindir grinned.

"You stay with the children and I will see to the fires." Erestor
said.

The fires were just beginning to burn perfectly when they heard the
fisherelves returning, all singing merrily. They had indeed called
the horses, and were walking along side them, holding the baskets on
their backs. Elrond carried Saercaeron, who was smiling happily.

Gailion ran to Erestor. "Ada Restor! Ada Restor! I caught so many
fish, Ada. It was fun!"

Erestor picked up Gailion, laughing. "I am glad you had fun, my
love. Did your Ada Glor catch a lot of fish, too?"

"He caught the most of anyone!" Gailion answered. "And he showed me
how to do it."

The girls woke up just as Caladir and Gurvelon returned from the
woods, arms wrapped around each other and looking at each other
adoringly. Calariel and Glawen ran to them, and were picked up and
swung around before being hugged and kissed. "Were you my good
little elflings while we were gone?" Caladir asked.

"We were very good, Ada," Glawen answered. "Were you and Ada good
while you were gone?"

Gurvelon laughed at the innocence of elflings. "Oh, little one, your
Ada was very, very, very good." Caladir actually blushed, then
laughed.

Enough fish for everyone was soon cleaned and cooking over the
fires. The remainder of the fish was put in the wagon to be taken
back to the kitchens. Bread, fruit, cheese, and skins of water and
wine were brought out of baskets and set around the blankets. The
children were fed first, and Melpomaen and Turidon carried food to
the guards, then the rest of the elves sat down to enjoy their meal.
Elladan and Elrohir rode out to join them for the meal, then returned
to their duties.

There was much exclaiming on how good the fish was, and many tall
fish tales were told about the ones that got away. The children
played in the trees and ran and chased each other, and there was
merry singing before they decided they should head back.

They were just beginning to pack everything up to put in the wagon,
when one of the guards sounded the alarm, "ORCS!"

The children screamed, and Elrond and Glorfindel yelled to Gurvelon,
Melpomaen and half of the guards to gather the children and keep them
just inside the woods with them. Erestor thrust Faelion into
Melpomaen's arms. Velon and Mel were not the strongest warriors, but
they and the guards would keep the children safe.

The others watched the Orcs quickly approaching the river. There
were probably fifty of them, and Erestor, Glorfindel and Elrond
quickly calculated the odds as everyone drew their weapons. "We will
take out twenty or so with arrows when they cross. Leaves around
three for each of us. Good odds," Glorfindel said.

Twenty Orcs never made it across the river, as the guards with bows
and arrows felled them. The elves ran closer to the river away from
the children and met the remaining Orcs full on. Glorfindel glowed
brightly as he quickly sliced his sword through five of them.
Erestor and his knives began their dance of death and four more were
down. Lindir's knives easily slew another two, and Elrond's sword
ended the life of four more.

Caladir, Turidon, Taurfaeron and the remaining guards disposed of the
rest.

If it were not for the continuing and growing threat of evil and the
children's fears, the Orcs and the small battle would have been more
of a nuisance than anything else.

"Damn them," Elrond said quietly. "They have dirtied my favorite
fishing spot with their filth."

"The Bruinen will quickly clean itself, Elrond," Erestor said. "Let
us dispose of this filth."

The elves piled the Orc bodies near the shore, as far downstream as
they dared to go, and set them ablaze. Then they cleaned as much
Orc blood from their clothing and skin and hair as they could before
returning to the children.

Gailion and Amdiriel threw themselves at Glorfindel and Erestor. The
elflings sobbed and clung to their Adas.

"It is all right now, my precious," Erestor told Amdiriel, as he held
her tightly and stroked her head. Your Ada Glor and I are safe. We
all are. Did we not tell you that we would always protect you? Do
not cry, my darling. You are safe with us."

Glorfindel held Gailion and comforted him with much the same words.
Gailion finally stopped sobbing, and said, "Ada, you glowed."

"Ada Glor glows because he was reborn and lived in Valinor with the
Valar, sweetheart," Erestor answered.

"Oh." Gailion said. "You were pretty when you killed the Orcs, Ada
Restor."

Erestor smiled. "Thank you. Amdiriel, do you think Ada was pretty
when he killed the Orcs?"

Amdiriel sniffled and nodded. "Aye, Ada. You were dancing. And Ada
Glor was pretty when he glowed, too."

The elves gathered everyone and headed back to the house. They
stopped at the cottage to deliver Saercaeron, Lainon and Laerien to
their parents, and wanted to make sure Amarion and Diwen got the
story about the Orcs from them instead of just their children. The
guards returned to the barracks, and all but Erestor, Glorfindel,
their elflings and Elrond returned to the Last Homely House. Elrond
took a small basket of fish from the wagon to leave for Amarion and
Diwen as well.

The cottage was a beautiful, spacious home, located near the Last
Homely House, and designed in the same style. There was a large
sitting room, kitchen, and three bedrooms, as well as a spacious
bathroom. Diwen had fallen in love with it the minute she walked
in. The kitchen was already stocked with all the wares she would
need for cooking and serving meals, and linen cupboards held towels,
sheets, and other necessities.

A hoard of servants had arrived and began moving their furnishings,
while others helped Diwen pack and move their clothing and other
belongings. By midday, you would have thought the family had lived
there for ages. Clothing was neatly put away in wardrobes, and
cupboards held the children's toys. The kitchen held a good supply
of vegetables, fruits, cheese, milk, eggs, flour, sugar, spices and
every thing else needed to supply a family, all generously sent over
on the orders of Lord Elrond. They had even been sent some special
baked goods and wine as a cottage-warming gift.

Diwen made tea, and everyone gathered in the sitting room. Erestor
held Amdiriel, and Glorfindel sat with Gailion as Elrond held Faelion
and explained what had happened.

"I am most grateful to all of you for taking such good care of our
children, my Lords, and very thankful that none of you were hurt. We
will have to continue to be cautious with all this Orc activity."
Amarion shook his head. "Orcs again, on Imladris' border."

"We will be cautious, we have much to protect here," Glorfindel
said. "It is good to see you settled in your new home, my friends."

"And the cottage is lovely," Erestor added. "Oh, we put your kitten
with Tinnu and Glirien for the day so she would be safe and fed. We
will bring her to you tomorrow."

"We hoped you had done something like that when we could not find
her! The cottage is wonderful," Diwen said. "Lord Elrond, we cannot
thank you enough for it, and for everything in it. You are most
generous."

"As are you and your husband, Diwen. You both contribute much to
Imladris. I am happy I had the small opportunity to repay you,"
Elrond answered. "We will not stay. As you can imagine, Glorfindel
and Erestor are anxious to get their family back to their rooms. We
have had a long day indeed."

They said their goodbyes and walked back to the Last Homely House.

"I cannot wait to bathe," Glorfindel said.

"Aye, that will be lovely. What do you say to that, little ones?
Does a nice bubble bath sound good?" Erestor asked.

"Aye, Ada," Amdiriel answered. "We would like that. Will you let us
wash your hair tonight? And Ada Glor's?"

Erestor chuckled. "Of course we will, sweetling."


Tbc..

Chapter 15

A Week Later..

The renovations to the rooms that had been Amarion and Diwen's were
progressing nicely. There would be two bedrooms and one bathroom for
the children added on Erestor and Glorfindel's side, and one large
bedroom and a bathroom for the little twins added on Caladir and
Gurvelon's. The extra bedrooms would be accessed through the sitting
rooms, and the bathrooms from the new bedrooms. Next to the
bedrooms, a hall would lead to doors that opened onto a large shared
playroom. The playroom could easily be divided into separate rooms
later when the children were older. Each family would also have
their own dining area on the other side of the hall, and their own
kitchen.

Erestor and Glorfindel knew that Amdiriel would not want to stay by
herself in a separate room until she and the boys were older, but one
day she would want a room of her own. For now, they would make the
extra bedroom into an office and move Glorfindel's desk out of the
sitting room.

A worker was showing Erestor the kitchen area. "The stove will go
here, my Lord. It is made of iron, and the fire goes underneath, so
you can cook or heat things on the top. And there is a separate
space next to the fire that you can use to bake things for the little
ones. It will also provide more heat than a fireplace in the
winter."

"And where will you put the ice box to store the milk? Surely not
here, next to the stove?" Erestor asked.

"Oh, no, my Lord. The ice box will be there," he pointed to the
other side of the room. "And you will have a work table in the
middle. Next to the stove will be shelves for storing your cooking
implements, and next to the ice box, a cupboard for storing food
items."

Erestor nodded. "I think that will work very nicely. But I am a
little worried about having the stove with the baby. He will begin
walking soon."

"I have already thought of that, my Lord," the worker smiled. "I
have young ones of my own, so you will have the same arrangement that
I use. It is a folding metal barrier, but it has bars to allow the
heat into the room. The bars are too close together for the little
one to put his hand or arm through. It is lightweight, and the sides
are on hinges. You just open it and set it a few inches in front of
the stove. The sides will reach back to the wall, so the little one
will not be able to move it any closer to the stove. My wife even
leaves it up when she cooks."

Erestor smiled. "Thank you. That was kind of you to think of that."

"The other thing you will need, my Lord is a tub of some kind for
washing up. This isn't like the kitchens where it is convenient to
the outside. I will put a tap for water in it, and a drain to below
the house for you to empty the water. Just like a bathtub. Where
would you like it to be placed?"

"What about on the back wall? That should be a convenient place."

"Aye. I can put it there."

They moved into the rest of the new rooms to make sure Erestor would
be pleased with everything.

~~~*~~~
Lord Celeborn's Chief Advisor, Erynoron, was arriving. Elrond,
Erestor, Glorfindel, Melpomaen, Lindir and Taurfaeron had gone down
the steps to greet him just as he and his escort entered the
courtyard. Suddenly the Advisor's horse stopped and reared up on his
hind legs. Erynoron hung on tightly to the reins, but the horse's
movements only got wilder, bucking and rearing again and again. A
member of the Lothlorien escort attempted to control the horse
without success.

Erynoron lost his grip and was thrown violently onto the cobbled
courtyard. His head hit the ground hard, and he lay unmoving as
blood began to seep onto the cobbles. His escort immediately moved
in between the fallen advisor and his crazed horse to protect him
from further harm as the Imladris elves rushed over.

Glorfindel grasped the horse's reins and spoke to him gently,
reaching to gently stroke his nose. It was then he saw what had
caused the horse to react so violently. He had been stung by an
insect, probably a bee, and the long stinger was still imbedded in
his nose. Still talking quietly to the animal to calm him,
Glorfindel led him away from the commotion in the courtyard to the
stables where he could be attended to.

Elrond knelt by the unconscious advisor and gently assessed the
damage. "There are no broken limbs, thankfully, but the wound to his
head could be dangerous," Elrond said. "Erestor, have the healers
bring a litter over quickly. And tell Nestoron I need him as well.
We will take him to my private rooms where I can watch him and care
for him personally."

Erestor quickly ran to the healing house and moments later, he
returned with Nestoron and two other assistants with a litter.
Elrond and his chief healer picked Erynoron up carefully and laid him
on the litter. "We will take him to my chambers," Elrond said.

When they reached his rooms, Elrond ran ahead of them and quickly
pulled the bedclothes down so the assistant healers could place
Erynoron on the bed. "Remove his robes, Nestoron, so we can examine
him for any other injuries," Elrond told his healer, as he gathered
herbs, bandages, and other supplies he would need. Erestor went to
the bathroom and emerged with the bowl of warm water and cloths.

Nestoron's assistants helped him remove the advisor's robes. "Only
his head appears to be seriously injured, my Lord," Nestoron said,
after his assistants had helped him turn Erynoron on his stomach. He
motioned to the assistants that they could return to the healing
house. The elves silently bowed and left the room. "There are some
abrasions to his arms and back, but not serious." Nestoron took the
bowl of water and cloth from Erestor and bathed the wound, removing
the blood from the pale blond hair surrounding it. When he was done,
Elrond took a clean cloth and applied gentle pressure to help stop
the blood flow, as he sent healing energy into the region from his
hands.

"That is enough, Elrond," Nestoron said, speaking quietly. "You are
draining yourself." He removed Elrond's hands from the unconscious
advisor's head. "Erestor, will you help him lie down for a few
moments to recover?"

Erestor wrapped an arm around Elrond's waist and helped him walk to
the other side of the large bed and lie down. "You used too much
healing energy again, Elrond," Erestor chided him.

"What was I supposed to do, Erestor? This is Celeborn's Chief
Advisor."

"Aye, Elrond, I know perfectly well who it is. He happens to be a
friend of mine. But that is no excuse." Erestor was cut off in mid-
sentence.

"Rest and regain your strength, Elrond. I will make sure Erestor
waits until you are recovered before I let him scold you anymore,"
Glorfindel said, as he entered the room.

"What happened to make that horse do that?" Elrond asked.

" A bee sting. The poor animal was stung on the nose, of all
places. The only place that would guarantee he would be crazed with
it. A healer is tending to him," Glorfindel answered. "Now rest or
we will have my husband scolding both of us." Elrond laid back, and
almost immediately fell into a light healing sleep.

"How is he, Nestoron?" Erestor asked.

Nestoron had applied the herbs and bandages to Erynoron's head, and
was smoothing salve on the abrasions on his arms. "We will have to
wait until he wakes to be sure, but I hope with Elrond's healing he
will recover. Head wounds bleed profusely, even if slight, but I
think we can be sure he has a concussion at least." The healer took
the bowl of bloody water into the bathroom to empty and rinse it,
then returned and placed the empty bowl on the nightstand. "He may
be nauseous when he awakens, so we will be prepared. Come, both of
you and help me turn him on his back again."

Erestor and Glorfindel turned Erynoron on his back as Nestoron placed
soft pillows beneath his head, being careful not the disturb the
bandages, and pulled the bedcovers up to his shoulders.

"Glorfindel, my love, I would like to stay and be here when he
awakens. He knows me, and my being here may help make him feel more
comfortable, just in case he is not himself when he wakes," Erestor
said. "But I have not been away from the children for so long since
they came. I am torn."

"I am sure Gurvelon and Caladir are taking very good care of them,
but I will go and get them and stay with them. I can always bring
them into Elrond's sitting room to visit with you, sweetheart."

"Oh, would you Glorfindel? Then I can feed Faelion and spend a
little time with Amdiriel and Gailion before you take them back to
our rooms." Erestor smiled at Glorfindel and kissed him sweetly
before he left to bring their elflings to visit their Ada Restor.

Nestoron drew a chair along side the bed. "Erestor, go and make
yourself comfortable in the sitting room. I will be here watching
over these two and will call you if Erynoron starts to wake."

Erestor nodded. "Thank you, Nestoron." He left the bedroom, quietly
closing the door behind him. He made himself comfortable on the sofa
where he could sit with all the children and Glorfindel.

It wasn't long before Glorfindel arrived with their three quiet
elflings. Gailion sat next to his Ada Restor as Amdiriel climbed up
into Erestor's lap, and said "Did your friend get hurt, Ada? Ada
Glor said we have to be real quiet because your friend is hurt."

"Aye, little one. My friend Erynoron hurt his head when his horse
threw him off in the courtyard, and he has not woken up yet. But
Lord Elrond will take care of him and he will be fine. Ada just
wants to be here for him when he wakes up because he does not know
anyone else in Imladris very well, except for Taurfaeron."

"When will he wake up, Ada?"

"I do not know, my love. We just have to wait."

"Oh. I missed you, Ada."

"I missed you too, sweetheart. That is why Ada Glor brought you and
your brothers here." Erestor smiled down at his little daughter and
hugged her, then pulled Gailion into his lap as well for a
cuddle. "Did you two have fun with Gurvelon and Caladir today? I
missed you all very much."

"Aye, Ada Restor. Caladir is making dollhouses for Calariel and
Glawen, and he let me help," Gailion said.

"And Velon played with us and then he took us to the kitchens and we
had cookies and milk," added Amdiriel.

"Soon we will have our own kitchen in our chambers, and then we can
bake cookies and all kinds of good things. Would you like that?"

Amdiriel smiled and hugged Erestor. "We like cookies. Will you
teach me how to make them, Ada?"

"Of course, sweetheart. We can all make cookies together. That will
be fun."

The two elflings nodded. "Ada, will you make cookies with us, too?"
Gailion asked Glorfindel.

Glorfindel sat next to Gailion holding the baby, who was contentedly
sucking on his bunny. "I would not miss it for anything. I remember
making cookies with my nana when I was just a little elfling in
Gondolin. I will teach you how to make the kind of cookies we made.
Would you like that?" Gailion smiled and nodded.

"Erestor, my love, would you like to feed this little elfling before
he eats his bunny?" Glorfindel asked as he pulled out a bottle of
milk from the bag he carried.

Erestor unwound his arms from the other elflings and held them out
for the baby. He laid the infant on his lap with his head on
Gailions's lap and his feet on Amdiriel. Erestor chuckled, "See, you
all fit. Are you hungry, my beautiful little one? Is my little
elfling hungry?" He tickled the baby's tummy, and Faelion giggled
and merrily lifted his arms up and down in the way that babies
everywhere do.

Erestor fed the baby, and talked to the other elflings about what
they had done during the day.

"You know, Gailion, I have to make Amdiriel's doll house. Now that
you have helped Caladir, perhaps you will show me how?"

Gailion grinned. "Silly Ada. You do not need to know how to do
it!" The elfling laughed.

"But I have never made one before, and you have." Glorfindel gave
Erestor a wink.

"A doll house, Ada Glor?" Amdiriel asked. "I will have a doll
house, too?"

"Aye, love. Gailion and I will make you a nice, big one for all of
your dolls. Would you like that?" Glorfindel asked.

Amdiriel grinned and nodded excitedly. "Thank you, Ada Glor."

"You are welcome, sweetling. Maybe we can start working on it when
we go back to our rooms, alright?"

They talked and sat together for a while longer until Nestoron came
and told them that Erynoron was starting to wake. Erestor kissed his
family goodbye, then went to the bedroom. He moved a chair to sit
next to Nestoron. Elrond woke, feeling refreshed, and got up to join
Erestor and Nestoron on the other side of the bed.

Erynoron mumbled something every minute or so, and moved
restlessly. "Erestor, speak to him and see if you can wake him up.
You see how his eyes are dilated? He definitely has a concussion.
Are his eyes normally that color, Erestor?" Elrond asked, concerned.

"Aye, the color is normal, Elrond, do not worry," Erestor replied.
Erynoron's eyes were a unique shade of deep green with gold specks in
them. "I always teased him about the color."

Elrond looked into the unusual eyes, thinking how beautiful they
were. "He must have been named for his eyes. He is a stunning."

"Aye. He is most fair. And among the kindest, wisest elves I have
ever known," Erestor replied. "Rather like you, in fact."

Erestor moved to the bed, sat next to the advisor and took his hand
in his own. "Erynoron, my friend, it is Erestor. You are in
Imladris. Can you wake now, my friend?" He rubbed Erynoron's hand
and continued to speak to him. Finally the advisor's eyes began to
focus. "That's right, my friend, wake now. It is I, Erestor."

"Erestor?" Erynoron's voice was horse and shaky. "What happened?
Why am I here?"

"Your horse threw you, my friend, and you hit your head on the
cobbles. You have a concussion."

Erynoron looked confused for a minute, then said, "I remember now.
The horse went wild."

"He was stung by a bee on his nose," Erestor said.

"May I have something to drink?" Erynoron asked.

Elrond filled a cup with tea that would hopefully help with the
advisor's healing. "Erestor, may I exchange places with you?"
Erestor rose and Elrond sat next to Erynoron. "Raise his shoulders
just enough for him to drink." When Erestor was carefully holding
Erynoron up enough, Elrond put the cup to the advisor's lips. "Take
little sips. Do not try to drink it too fast."

Erynoron drank several sips. "Thank you," he said. He looked up
into the face of Elrond for the first time, and felt his heart beat
faster.

Tbc...


Erynoron - Forest Flame

Chapter 16

Erynoron looked into Elrond's ageless face. His eyes were gray with
the light of the stars in them, sparkling like polished silver. His
hair was dark as night. Erynoron thought he had never seen such
wisdom and kind compassion in any other elf before. "My Lord
Elrond?"

"Aye, I am Elrond. Welcome to Imladris, Erynoron. You must lie down
and rest, my friend."

Erestor still held him up, and Erynoron attempted a small bow of his
head and upper body. Oh, that was a bad mistake. His head spun and
nausea swept over him. He groaned.

Nestoron was immediately at his side, gently pushing Erestor aside
and lowering Erynoron as Elrond rolled him to his side. Nestoron
grabbed the bowl and placed it in front of Erynoron just in time, as
the advisor vomited. Erestor ran to the bathroom to fetch
washcloths, towels, and a bowl of fresh water.

Erynoron was so embarrassed, but oh, he felt so sick!

Elrond wiped his face with a cool cloth, as Nestoron took the bowl
away. "Erestor, pour a bit more of that tea for me please," Elrond
said. He gently rolled Erynoron onto his back, and slipped one arm
under the advisor's shoulders. "I am going to raise you very
slightly, my friend. Just let me do the work. Do not try to move on
your own."

He lifted Erynoron and placed the cup to his lips. "Sip slowly
again." Erynoron sipped the tea obediently, and Elrond laid him back
down. "Feeling better?"

"Aye, my Lord. Thank you," Erynoron answered, his voice unsteady.

"Rest now," Elrond said. "You will feel better when you wake
again." Elrond laid a hand on Erynoron's forehead, gently rubbing,
soothing him as he again sent minute quantities of healing energy
into the advisor. "Rest."

Elrond's hand felt wonderful. The hurt in his head lessened, and
Erynoron slipped into a healing sleep.

"He will sleep for several hours, Erestor. Go back to your family,
my friend. I will send word when he wakes, unless it is in the
middle of the night." Elrond said.

"Thank you, Elrond. Just send for me if you need me."

When Erestor left, Elrond said, "Nestoron, will you help me put a
night robe on him? He should stay warm. Then you may as well go
back to your other duties." Elrond took one of his own warm robes
from the wardrobe, and the two healers slipped it on the healing
advisor without waking him.

"Send for me if you need me, Elrond," Nestoron said as he left the
room to return to the healing hall.

Elrond was a bit tired after using his healing energy again. He
thought about lying down on the sofa, but decided since Erynoron was
asleep, he may as well be comfortable. He lay down on the empty side
of the bed, and watched the beautiful advisor for a long time before
he too drifted off into sleep.

~~~*~~~

Erestor returned to their rooms to find Glorfindel and Gailion
happily working on the dollhouse on the sitting room floor as
Amdiriel and Faelion watched.

Amdiriel sprang up and ran to Erestor. "Ada, you are back!" she
said, happily, holding her arms up to be picked up and cuddled.

Erestor picked her up, kissed her cheek, and hugged her
tightly. "Aye, I am back home, my love. Are Ada Glor and Gailion
doing a good job with your dollhouse?"

Amdiriel giggled and nodded.

"Is your friend all better, Ada Restor?" Gailion asked.

"Not yet, sweetheart. But he woke up and I talked with him for a few
minutes. He is asleep now," Erestor answered.

"How is he, my love?" Glorfindel asked.

"He has a concussion, but he remembers what happened. Elrond said he
would sleep for several hours." Erestor sat down with Amdiriel on
the floor, setting her next to him, and picked up Faelion to hold him
on his lap. "It is almost time for dinner. Is everyone hungry? I
know I am."

Everyone nodded enthusiastically. "Ada Restor, can we have dinner
outside?" Gailion asked. "We like eating outside sometimes."

"I think that is a wonderful idea. What do you say, my love?"
Erestor asked Glorfindel.

"Aye, I would like that as well. Shall we have dinner in our
garden? Would that be all right, little ones?"

"Can Tinnu and Glirien and the kittens have dinner with us, too?"
Amdiriel asked.

Erestor chuckled. "I do not think we would be able to keep them
away, sweetheart."

So when their dinner arrived, they laid blankets out under the trees
and settled down on them enjoying their picnic. The kittens played
together and tumbled around, while Tinnu and Glirien sat quietly
waiting for their treats.

"Here you are, you little beggars," Erestor said, giving the cats
some choice tidbits off of his plate. The two kittens ran over
when they saw their parents getting food, and sat quietly next to
them looking at Erestor with big amber eyes. "Taught them to beg, I
see, Tinnu," Erestor said, grinning. He took two small treats from
his plate and fed them to the kittens.

Glorfindel sat holding Faelion cradled in one arm. The baby had
gotten cranky and alternated between crying and holding on to
Glorfindel's fingers and pulling them into his mouth. Suddenly,
Glorfindel yelled, "Ow! He bit me!"

"I think our little one has started teething, Glorfindel. I am
afraid to say it, but we are probably going to be in for some
sleepless nights," Erestor said. "I thought it was about time for
that to start."

"Time for an old Gondolin remedy, then." Glorfindel whispered into
Gailion's ear, and the elfling got up and ran into their rooms.

"What old Gondolin remedy?" Erestor asked.

"Oh no, if I tell you, you will not let me do it," Glorfindel said,
grinning.

Gailion ran back out, carrying a bottle of brandy.

"Glorfindel, you are not going to give Faelion brandy!"

"My nana used it on me, and look at me! I am not going to feed it to
him, sweetheart, just rub it on his gums." Glorfindel opened the
bottle and poured some brandy in a cup. He dipped a finger into the
cup, then ran it along the baby's gums. Faelion cooed and
smiled. "See, he likes it."

"He likes that you are rubbing his gums, Glorfindel, not the brandy,
for Valar sake!" Erestor was not particularly happy with the
development. He took the baby from Glorfindel, and said, "I will be
right back. I am going to take Faelion to Nestoron and see what he
says. Brandy, indeed!" With that, Erestor flounced into their rooms
and out of the door, heading for the healing hall.

"Ada Glor, is Ada mad at you?" Amdiriel asked.

Glorfindel grinned. "Nay, sweetheart. He is just worried about
Faelion. You will see, he will be right back and everything will be
fine. Would you like to feed the kittens while we wait?"

So they feed and played with the cats while they waited for Erestor
to return.

A few minutes later, Erestor quietly returned with the baby. "Very
well, Glorfindel. Nestoron says a little brandy on his gums will not
hurt him and will help with the pain. But only four times a day,
mind you. And we can start feeding him some mashed up fruits and
vegetables. He also gave me some herbs to make into a poultice and
rub on his gums."

"Thank you, my love," Glorfindel said softly. Gailion cuddled close
to Glorfindel, eyes big, but not saying anything.

Erestor handed Faelion back to Glorfindel and sat down. Amdiriel
climbed into his lap. "Ada, do not be mad at Ada Glor, please?" The
hint of tears sprang into her eyes as she pouted. "I love you, Ada,
and I love Ada Glor, and I do not want you to be mad."

Erestor looked stricken, and wrapped his arms around Amdiriel. "Oh,
sweetheart, I am not mad at anyone. I love your Ada Glor very, very
much. And I love you and Gailion and Faelion very, very much. I am
sorry if I upset you, my precious. I was just worried about your
little brother. Please, do not cry sweetheart. If you do, then I
will have to cry because I made you cry. And then Ada Glor will cry
because I am crying, and Gailion will cry because Ada Glor is crying,
and then even Faelion will cry again. And then Tinnu and Glirien
will cry because we are all crying and then their kittens will cry.
And then Lord Elrond will come to see why we are crying, and he will
cry and then Elladan and Elrohir will cry because their Ada is
crying. And then Mel and Velon will come and see why we are all
crying, and they will cry, and then their husbands will cry, and then
everyone in Imladris will cry."

By the time Erestor was finished, Amdiriel was giggling. "Silly
Ada." So Erestor tickled her, and soon they were all laughing. Even
the cats.

~~~*~~~

Erynoron woke, remembering he was in Imladris. But where in
Imladris? It was the middle of the night, and the moon shone into
the room. This was not his room, Erynoron thought. The room was
full of someone's belongings, and the furnishings were richly
appointed. His eyes roamed around the room searching for an answer,
until the finally landed the sleeping elf beside him. Lord Elrond?
Were these his rooms? He is a great healer. Perhaps he was here so
Lord Elrond could care for him? Why would he do that? He would have
been fine in the healing hall with the other healers. If these were
really Lord Elrond's rooms, he would have to make sure they moved him
out of them quickly. Lord Elrond was so beautiful, but what would a
great lord ever want with him?

Erynoron had only become Celeborn's chief advisor a short time ago.
Prior to that he had just been a minor advisor and a scribe. His
friendship with Erestor had developed while he as still a scribe and
the Imladris elves had visited Lothlorien, but he had not ever seen
Elrond before. He was no one special and he knew he certainly did
not deserve this special treatment.

He had to use the bathroom, and soon. Not wanting to wake Elrond,
Erynoron slowly moved his legs off the side of the bed and sat up.
He was a little dizzy, but was pretty sure he could make it. He put
his feet on the floor and stood. Holding on to the bedpost, and then
the side table, he managed to take a step before the nausea hit him
again. He swayed, and groaned, holding on to the table desperately
to keep from falling.

Before he could think what to do next, Elrond was at his side and had
wrapped an arm around his waist. "Erynoron, what are you doing up!
Let me get you back into bed."

"My Lord, I thought.I need to use the bathroom, and.I thought.I did
not want to disturb you," Erynoron whispered miserably.

"Then let me help you." Without another word, Elrond picked him up
in his arms as if he weighed no more than an elfling and was carrying
him to the bathroom.

"Please, Lord Elrond, I can walk," Erynoron said, thinking he had
never felt anything more wonderful than to be in Elrond's arms.

"Nay, you cannot right now. Let me help you, my friend." Elrond set
him gently on the floor in the bathroom, in front of the privy, still
keeping his arms wrapped around Erynoron. "I cannot leave you here
alone, or you will fall.

"My Lord, please.."

Elrond moved Erynoron's hair out of his face, stroking his
head. "Just Elrond. Tonight I am just your healer helping his
patient," he said softly, still stroking the blonde hair. "Just a
healer. Do you need me to help you, or can you manage the robe by
yourself?"

"I think I can manage, my..Elrond." Erynoron slowly lifted his robe
while trying to hide what he was doing. Embarrassed beyond belief,
he finally relieved himself with a sigh. "Thank you, my.Elrond," he
whispered, not knowing what else to say.

"You are welcome, my friend. Let me get you back into bed, then I
will wash you up a bit." Elrond gently picked Erynoron up in his
arms again and carried him to the bed. "I will be back in just a
moment." He returned to the bathroom, filled a bowl with warm water
to which he added a small amount of cleansing oil, and grabbed a
washcloth and towel.

When Elrond returned to the bed, he set the bowl on the side. He
rolled up the sleeves on Erynoron's night robe, then took the cloth,
wet it in the bowl, and washed his face, arms and hands. "Does that
feel better? I wish you could have a bath, but it's too soon after
your injury. I know how it feels after a long journey."

"Thank you, my.Elrond. But surely there is someone else that can do
this? You should not be tending to me yourself, my.Elrond."

Elrond smiled. He rather liked Erynoron calling him `my.Elrond'.
Too bad there was that little pause before his name. "And why should
I not be tending to you myself? You are Celeborn's chief advisor, as
well as a friend of my dearest friend Erestor."

Elrond began washing Erynoron's feet and legs. The advisor did not
know what to say to Elrond's answer. "Are these your chambers, my.
Elrond?"

"Aye, they are." Elrond unbuttoned the top half of the night robe
and began to wash Erynoron's chest.

"They are very beautiful, my.Elrond, but you should have me moved to
the healing hall now. I cannot stay in your bed."

"Why not? I can care for you easier here." The washcloth moved up
the advisor's chest to his neck, then back down again. More buttons
were unbuttoned as Elrond talked to himself in his mind. `You are a
healer. You are talking care of a patient. It does not matter that
he has a beautiful body and you want to see more of it. I am a
healer. This is my patient.' He moved the cloth down and gently
washed Erynoron's groin and member. `I am a healer. This is my
patient. I am a healer.sweet Elbereth, he is beautiful, and it has
been so long.'

Erynoron gulped as the cloth moved over his stomach, then his upper
thighs, and finally his groin. `Oh, Valar, that feels good!'

Elrond dried Erynoron's skin with the towel. `I am a healer. This
is my patient. I am a healer. I am not becoming aroused from doing
this. I am a healer.'

"Now, let me turn you over and I will wash your back," Elrond said
nonchalantly.

He gently rolled Erynoron onto his stomach. Rinsing the cloth into
the bowl again, he washed the back of the advisor's legs, then lifted
the robe up as high as it would go and washed his back, trying not to
look too hard at the perfectly rounded twin globes. `I am a healer.
This is my patient. I am a healer. This is my patient. Oh, so
beautiful. I just want to run my hand over them and caress and... I
am a healer. This is my patient. I am a healer. This is my patient.'
He gently moved the cloth over the small of Erynoron's back, over the
perfectly round globes and across the hips and upper thighs.

Erynoron bit his lips to keep from moaning when Elrond washed his
backside. It felt like a caress, and he wanted more.

Elrond took the towel and gently dried Erynoron. And if he lingered
a little longer than necessary on a certain area, who could blame him?

"There, all done." Elrond reluctantly lowered the robe. "Now let us
turn you over again," he said as he gently rolled Erynoron back on
his back. Erynoron quickly moved his hand to hold the front of the
robe together, but could not quite cover everything in time.

`Oh, sweet Elbereth, did I make him aroused? When he is ill and
nauseated? Maybe I have a chance with him,' Elrond thought.

Tbc..

Chapter 17

Glorfindel had finally managed to get Faelion to sleep, and then two
adas gave Gailion and Amdiriel their bath. The elflings were dressed
in their soft night robes, and sat on the rugs in front of the
fireplace with their parents.

"Ada, what are we going to do tomorrow?" Gailion asked Glorfindel.

"What would you like to do, little one?" Glorfindel asked.

"Can we finish making the dollhouse, Ada?"

"Of course we can, little one," Glorfindel said.

"What would you like to do, sweetheart?" Erestor asked Amdiriel as he
held her on his lap.

"Can I stay with you, Ada?"

"Aye, my love, of course you can." Erestor kissed her head. The
soft, dark auburn curls tickled his nose and he chuckled. "Have I
told you yet today how beautiful you are, sweetheart?"

Amdiriel shook her head and wrapped her arms around Erestor's
neck. "You are beautiful too, Ada."

"Thank you, sweetheart." Erestor chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"Ada Restor," Gailion said, "Amdiriel and I, we want you and Ada Glor
to have alone time tonight."

"You do?" Erestor asked. The elflings nodded and Glorfindel
grinned. "That is very nice you both. But what about if you have a
nightmare again?"

"I do not have as many nightmares any more, Ada," Amdiriel said, "and
I will sleep with Gailion. You have not even kissed Ada Glor
tonight, Ada," she chided Erestor. "You need alone time."

Erestor smiled, then leaned over and pulled Glorfindel's head to him,
kissing him sweetly. "I love you, Glorfindel," he said.

"Hmm.I love you Erestor."

"Are you ready to go to bed now, sweetlings?" Erestor asked.

"Aye. Ada Restor, will you sing us a song first?" Gailion answered.

Erestor sang a lullaby for his tired little elflings, his beautiful
voice turning it into a caress. Glorfindel's heart filled with an
overwhelming love for his husband, as it always did when he heard
Erestor sing to the elflings.

They put the sleepy elflings to bed in Gailion's bed. "Goodnight my
little ones," Erestor said, kissing their brows.

"Sleep well, my loves." Glorfindel said, tucking them in and kissing
the tops of their heads.

Erestor took Glorfindel's hand, and drew him into the bathroom for
their bath. He closed the door and wrapped his arms around his
husband's neck, drawing him close. "I love you so much, Glorfindel,"
he whispered before capturing Glorfindel's mouth with his own and
thrusting his hungry tongue into the sweet depths.

Glorfindel moaned as he wrapped his arms around Erestor's back. He
slid his hands down, cupping the firm, round globes and lifting
Erestor against him, crushing their groins together. `Erestor, my
love.my heart.my soul. I love you'

Erestor groaned as he was held against Glorfindel and heard his
beloved voice echo in his mind. `Oh, beloved.I want these robes off.
I want to feel you against me.' He pulled his mouth from
Glorfindel's and whispered, "Please..." as he started to unfasten
clasps, all thoughts of their bath abandoned.

Glorfindel lowered him and their robes were quickly unfastened and
dropped to the floor around their feet. Erestor pulled Glorfindel's
head down to plunder the mouth as Glorfindel's hands caressed his
bottom, and he was once again lifted.

Glorfindel turned them around and pressed Erestor against the wall,
as his hands held him up, caressing the firm globes. Erestor wrapped
his legs around Glorfindel's waist. `Oh...take me.take me, my
love.' Their tongues thrust against each other before Glorfindel
sucked Erestor's into his mouth.

`Oh, Erestor.baby.I love you so much.' He reached one hand out to
grab a bottle of oil from the shelf and popped the cork off with his
thumb. Holding the bottle in his fingers he tilted it into his palm,
emptying it over his hand, and allowed the bottle to fall to the
floor. The oil ran over his fingers and he moved his hand to
Erestor's crevice, seeking and gently massaging the opening. He
thrust two fingers inside, then quickly moved them deeply in and
out.

Erestor moaned into his mouth. `More.more! I want to feel you
inside of me. Claim me.take me.now!'

Glorfindel removed his fingers and quickly coated his throbbing
member with oil from his palm, then thrust his cock into Erestor to
the hilt, slamming it into his sweet spot. Erestor wailed `Again!'
in his mind and used his hands on Glorfindel's shoulders to push
himself up.

Glorfindel thrust up into the tight channel, and just at that moment
Faelion woke, screaming.

Both elves moaned as Glorfindel slowly lifted Erestor free and set
him on the floor. They groaned, then quickly donned their robes and
rushed into the bedroom. Gailion had gotten up and was bending over
the cradle trying to shush his little brother.

"It is all right, sweetheart, I will take him," Erestor said as he
lifted the crying infant from the crib. "Go back to bed, love. Your
Ada and I will take him to the sitting room so you can sleep."

"I am sorry Faelion woke up, Ada," Gailion said as Glorfindel tucked
him and Amdiriel in again, "It is your alone time."

Glorfindel smiled. "It is all right, sweetling. Go back to sleep
now." He kissed the elfling's brow and stroked his head, then did
the same to Amdiriel. "Good night, little ones." He followed
Erestor into the sitting room, shutting the door behind them.

Erestor rocked the baby in his arms. "Feel him, Glorfindel. He
feels hot."

Glorfindel placed his hand on the baby's face. "A fever?"

"I am taking him to Elrond. He is closer than Nestoron. Stay with
the children?"

"Aye, love. Go."

~~~*~~~
Elrond had just finished tucking Erynoron comfortably into bed after
he had finished washing him, when he heard a knock at the door.
Hearing a baby crying, he ran to open the door and found Erestor
holding Faelion.

"Elrond, he is hot! He has a fever! What is wrong with him? What
do I do?" Erestor said, distraught.

Elrond took the infant from his arms and laid him on a sofa to
examine him as Erestor huddled over him. "He is teething, Erestor.
Sometimes even elflings will get a little fever when they teeth. I
will fix some herbs for you to make a tea for him that will help.
Placing him in a bath with cool water will help, too. Rub a little
brandy on his gums every so often to numb them, and give him things
to chew on. I will have your new icebox delivered in the new rooms
tomorrow. Take a cloth and wet it very well in water, then place it
on the ice to freeze. When it is frozen, roll it up and give it to
him to chew on. Oh, and be prepared for some very messy diapers.
They go along with this. Elrohir's were terrible!" Erestor picked
up the baby as Elrond began gathering the herbs.

"Erestor?" Erynoron called from the bedroom. "Is that you?"

"Aye, my friend." He walked into the bedroom with the still crying
Faelion. "I am sorry we woke you, Erynoron. Faelion has a fever,
and it scared me."

Erynoron smiled. "Will you bring him here so I can see him?"

Erestor lowered the infant so his friend could see him, and Faelion
decided that looking at a new face was interesting. He whimpered,
and his lower lip trembled, but he stopped the loud cries. "Oh, what
a beautiful little elfling you are! Much too beautiful to be
crying." Erynoron exclaimed softly. "What is wrong, Erestor? He
cannot be ill?"

"He is teething, and Elrond says a little fever is normal."

Erynoron nodded. "Aiya, I do not envy you and Glorfindel right now,
my friend."

"Erestor, here are the herbs. Steep a spoonful in water, let it cool
and put it in his bottle. He can have as much as he will drink of
it."

"Thank you, Elrond. I am sorry I disturbed both of you, but I did
not know what to do."

"Do not worry, my friend. This is normal. I just hope he does not
keep you up night after night as the twins did me." Elrond said.

After bidding good night to his friends, Erestor hurried back to
Glorfindel and told him everything Elrond had said. "Will you fix
the tea, my love? I will get him into the bath," Erestor said,
handing Glorfindel the herbs.

Glorfindel was glad they had started keeping a kettle for hot water
in their rooms, and took the kettle from the hearth to prepare the
tea. He placed the herbs into a large pitcher, then added the hot
water. `Erestor, I am going to the kitchens to get some honey to
sweeten the tea and some ice.' Hearing Erestor's `Hurry back' in his
mind, he ran to the kitchens.

In the kitchens he located the honey, then took a pitcher and a heavy
knife and went to the cold pantry for some ice. He used the handle
of the knife to break off pieces of ice and filled the pitcher with
them. He put the knife away, then located a sieve, spoons, and
another pitcher to take along. Placing everything on a tray, he
hurried back to their rooms. He could feel Erestor's distress.

Reaching their rooms, he strained the steeped tea into the empty
pitcher and added honey to it, stirring it to dissolve the honey in
the hot water, then added a handful of ice to cool the tea. When the
ice had dissolved, he carefully filled one of Faelion's bottles with
it, and went to the bathroom to join Erestor.

Opening the door to the bathroom, his heart broke to find Erestor
bent over the bathtub, sobbing as he held the crying baby in the cool
water. "Oh, sweetheart," he said softly. "Let me help you." He
knelt down next to Erestor and wrapped an arm around his
shoulder. "Would you like me to do this for you?"

Erestor shook his head. "I just cannot bear to see him so miserable,
Glorfindel," Erestor sobbed.

Glorfindel placed his hand on Faelion, feeling if he was still as
hot. "He is cooler, sweetheart. Let us get him out of here and see
if we can make him more comfortable."
Erestor nodded. Glorfindel grabbed a towel to wrap the infant in and
held it open in his hands for Erestor to lay Faelion in. Erestor
laid the baby on the towel and wrapped it around him, then lifted
him, rocking him in his arms. Glorfindel wrapped his arm around
Erestor and led him back to the sitting room.

"Will you get the brandy, please my love?" Erestor asked, sitting on
the chaise longue. Faelion had not stopped crying, and tears still
ran down Erestor's face.

Glorfindel brought the bottle and poured some into a cup. "Here,
sweetheart, drink some first," he said, handing the cup to Erestor.
Erestor looked at him gratefully, took the cup, and had a large
swallow.

"Thank you, my love. I needed that. Here, you put it on his gums
while I hold him," Erestor said, handing the cup back to his
husband.

Glorfindel dipped his finger into the cup, and gently placed it in
Faelion's mouth in the middle of a loud cry, rubbing it on his gums.
The baby stopped crying and began to suck on Glorfindel's finger
before biting on it. Glorfindel simply grit his teeth and let the
baby chew on his finger.

"What is it, love?" Erestor asked softly.

"He is chewing on my finger," Glorfindel whispered tersely. "He has
quite a bite."

"Oh, sweetheart. Where is the tea?" Erestor asked. Glorfindel
pointed to the table. "Just take your finger out if you can and grab
it. He can chew on the nipple."

Glorfindel removed his finger, painfully. He grabbed the bottle,
dipped the nipple in the brandy, and placed the nipple in the baby's
mouth before he could scream too loudly. Faelion happily chewed and
sucked, drinking the tea.

"Oh, thank the Valar," Glorfindel said, sucking on his finger, as he
went to join Erestor on the chaise. He lifted Erestor's legs onto
the long seat, then sat behind him and drew him back against his
chest. He wrapped one arm around Erestor, and with the other stroked
Faelion's soft head.

The baby soon finished the bottle and fell soundly asleep. Erestor
carefully placed him over his shoulder and rubbed his back until he
heard a soft burp. "We need to get a diaper on him, my love," he
whispered. "I would just leave the towel, but Elrond said the fever
and the teething may make his diapers really messy, and I do not want
to take a chance."

Erestor and Glorfindel carefully diapered the sleeping baby, then
laid him in his cradle in the bedroom. They silently removed their
robes and slipped on their nightshirts, then returned to the sitting
room, closing the door behind them. Glorfindel lay on the chaise and
held his arms open for his husband. Erestor collapsed on top of him,
wrapped his arms around Glorfindel's neck, and laid his head on the
beloved chest, sighing.

Glorfindel gently stroked Erestor's back and hair. "Rest for a
little, sweetheart," he said, bending his head to kiss Erestor's
brow.

"Hmmm."

"I love you, my Erestor."

"I love you, my Glorfindel," came the muffled reply. "Do we still
have time for our `alone time'?"

"Aye, love. Rest a little first, and then I promise to ravish you."

"Oh, good."

Tbc..

Chapter 18

Erestor lay contently on Glorfindel's arms, relishing his
closeness. "I believe I have rested enough, my love," he whispered,
before softly kissing Glorfindel's neck. "Kiss me, my sweetest love."

Glorfindel kissed him deeply before gently rolling them over so
Erestor lay beneath him. Nightshirts were quickly removed and tossed
to the floor. "My beautiful, beautiful, husband," Glorfindel
whispered, running his hands tenderly up the lithe body, as Erestor
purred. He lowered his head and lapped at a rosy nipple, then sucked
it into his mouth, pulling a moan from his mate. One hand moved
lower and cupped two soft sacs as a thumb gently rolled them in his
palm.

`Oh. my love.what you do to me.' Erestor's words reached out to
Glorfindel.

`What do you wish, my darling? What do you want from me, my precious
love?' Glorfindel spoke in Erestor's mind, as his mouth moved along
the pale neck.

`Anything.more.just more.anything.take what you want, beloved.'
Erestor arched as Glorfindel's mouth sucked and gently bit on an
ear. `Oh.touch me...please, my love.'

Glorfindel's mouth moved to Erestor's and he thrust his tongue deeply
into the sweetness as he hand wrapped around Erestor's engorged
member. Erestor moaned into his mouth and thrust into his hand.
Their earlier interrupted lovemaking had them now even more aroused
than usual.

`Ohhh.Glorfindel.I want.'

`Tell me, my darling.tell me what you want. Tell me, what do you
want me to do for you.tell me.tell me what you want.' Glorfindel
broke their kiss and panted. `Tell me.' His eyes looked deeply into
Erestor's as he continued to slowly stroke the hard member. `Tell
me.'

`Take me.speak to me.with your sexy words.undo me with your words.
love me.please.give me all of you.'

`Always, beloved. You will always have all of me. Only you, my love,
always.' As he spoke, Glorfindel lifted Erestor from the chaise and
moved them to the rugs in front of the fire, placing his burden
gently on the floor. Reaching for the bottle of oil they kept hidden
under the mantle, he quickly coated his member, then his fingers.

Erestor watched as Glorfindel coated his fingers. He was panting,
more and more aroused by Glorfindel's words, and lifted his knees
against his chest, opening himself to his husband. `Hurry, my love.
hurry.I want you now.'

Glorfindel gently pushed two fingers into Erestor's passage, finding
he was still stretched sufficiently from their earlier encounter. He
removed his fingers, and easily thrust his aching member inside to
the hilt. `Wrap your legs around me, baby.' When Erestor did, he
stretched himself out with his hands placed on either side of his
husband's head. Looking into Erestor's eyes, he began to thrust
deeply. `Is this what you wanted, baby? Feel how hard I am for you,
lover. Oh, you feel so good.so tight.so warm. I love moving in and
out of you.in and out. Is it good for you baby? Tell me.'

Erestor arched and writhed under the loving onslaught and wrapped his
arms around Glorfindel's neck to draw his head down for an open
mouthed kiss. `You feel.Oh.so good.my love.more.harder.Oh.I.love you.
love you.'

Glorfindel thrust harder and quicker, hitting Erestor's hidden gland
with each thrust, again and again. `I love you, my sweet baby.only
you.always. Can you feel how much I love you.' Hearing Erestor's
wail in his mind, Glorfindel grinned against his mouth. `Do you like
my big cock in you, baby? Can you feel how big and hard I am for
you?' Erestor's wails in his mind and the whimpers escaping his lips
were nearly undoing him. `I am going to make you come so hard,
baby. I am going to make you come like you never have before.'

Tears of ecstasy began streaming down Erestor's face. `Hold me!
Hold me! Oh...please.please.oh.hold.me,' he silently screamed. `I.
can...not...oooh.'

Glorfindel pushed his arms under Erestor's shoulders and lifted him
up against his chest. He was losing control as the spasms in
Erestor's passage caressed his member. `I have you, baby. I will
never let you go. You are mine and I am yours, always, always. I
love you, baby, my sweet.sweet.baby.'

Lightening filled their grasping bodies as whimpers escaped from both
of their lips. Glorfindel captured Erestor's mouth and delved deeply
with his tongue. `Come for me, baby. Come for me.'

Erestor wailed Glorfindel's name into his mouth as he came, hard. `I.
love.you.I love.you.love you.' It was all he could manage.

`I love you, I love you, baby, my baby, my beautiful baby, my
beautiful baby,' Glorfindel chanted, Erestor's mouth filling with his
sobs as the convulsing channel pulled his orgasm from him.

"Oh, Glorfindel, you are so wonderful," Erestor whispered in his ear,
holding on to his husband tightly as Glorfindel sagged down on top of
him. "So wonderful, my love."

Sometime during the night they crept back into the bedroom and found
their bed.

~~~*~~~
Erestor and Glorfindel woke to Faelion's cries, and smiled and they
lay in each other's arms.

"Good morning, my sweetheart," Glorfindel whispered.

"Good morning, my love." Erestor kissed Glorfindel's lips
softly. "Which would you rather do this morning, our little one or
the dash to the kitchens?"

"Hmmm.decisions. I will do the kitchen run, you do the infant run."

Erestor chuckled. "Race you."

They sprang from their warm bed, hastily buttoning nightshirts.
Glorfindel grabbed a robe, putting it on as he ran through the door,
as Erestor went to the cradle.

"Good morning, my precious little elfling," he said softly, lifting
the baby into his arms. "Oh my, what a wet little elfling I have
this morning." He grabbed Faelion's bunny and handed it to him, then
laid the elfling on their bed to change him. "Oh, and what a stinky,
poopy diaper we have! Ada Glor is lucky he decided to go to the
kitchens, aye, he is! Ada Glor is going to owe Ada Restor for this
one, my sweet, foul smelling little one! Aye, he is! And I think
you and I are going straight to the bathroom for a nice wash. Oh,
that will be nice! Aye, it will!" Erestor crooned, half singing to
the baby. Glorfindel was definitely going to win the race this
morning. He would be long back before Erestor was finished cleaning
up the elfling.

Gailion and Amdiriel had woken up, and laughed, listening to their
Ada. "Silly Ada," Amdiriel said.

"Oh, nay! Ada is not silly! This is a stinky little elfling,"
Erestor continued crooning as he carried Faelion to the
bathroom. "Oh, such a stinky, sweet little elfling." The sound of
running water was heard. "Ada Restor thinks Ada Glor will have to do
this tomorrow morning, aye, he does! No Ada should miss out on this
experience, and what do you say to that, my stinky, poopy little
precious? Ada Restor thinks Ada Glor will get to change the next
stinky, poopy diaper, aye, he does! Here we go, my little stinker,
into the nice warm, bubbles you go!" Faelion cooed and smiled at
Erestor. "Oh, Ada Restor is so glad his little stinky elfling likes
the nice warm water, aye he is! Now he is going to wash his stinky
little elfling aaaall clean."

Amdiriel and Gailion were laughing nearly hysterically when
Glorfindel returned to their rooms with the baby's milk. They
pointed to the bathroom, where Erestor was still crooning to the
baby.

"Oh, and listen to your silly brother and sister laughing, my little
one. They did not have to change that stinky, poopy diaper and clean
up their stinky, poopy little brother! Nay, they did not! If they
had, they would not be laughing. Nay, nay, nay! Ada Glor is going
to have to give Ada Restor lots of nice kisses for this morning!
Lots and lots of nice kisses." Erestor was drying the baby, and
stopped to place a big raspberry kiss on his stomach, making Faelion
scream happily. "Oh, my little elfling is happy now he is all clean
and smelling sweet again! Happy baby! Happy Ada!"

Glorfindel stood at the door chuckling. "Oh, look, Ada Glor is back,
now that you are not a stinky, poopy little elfling any more! Would
you like to tell Ada Glor he gets to do this tomorrow morning, my
sweetling?" Erestor kissed Glorfindel quickly as he passed him, and
took the bottle of milk from his hand. "Ada Glor owes Ada Restor lot
and lots of nice kisses, aye he does!"

Erestor sat in the rocking chair and gave Faelion his bottle. He
smiled sweetly up at Glorfindel. "Did you have a nice run to the
kitchens, my love? There is a stinky, poopy diaper inside the
bathroom that needs to be rinsed out and put in the laundry,
sweetheart. Would you mind doing that for me? I seem to have my
hands full of elfling at the moment."


Tbc.

Chapter 19

When breakfast arrived, Erestor held Faelion on his lap and mashed up
a ripe peach for him. He fed the little elfling a small amount.
Faelion squealed happily and opened his mouth for more. Erestor
smiled as he gave him more. "Oh, you really like that. Look,
Glorfindel, he likes the peach!" The baby opened his mouth for more.
Erestor grinned as he continued to feed the happy elfling. "I cannot
wait to try cooked apples. Oh, and maybe some mashed ripe
strawberries."

"What a good little elfling he is," Glorfindel said. "How about
trying some porridge?" Glorfindel put a bit of his porridge on the
tip of his spoon and got up to feed it to the baby. "Here my little
one, try some of Ada's good porridge." He put the porridge in
Faelion's mouth. The elfling scrunched up his face, and suddenly the
porridge adorned Glorfindel's face. Erestor and the older elflings
burst out laughing, and even Glorfindel had to smile. "Oh, that was
not a good little elfling, spitting porridge at Ada," Glorfindel
said, grabbing a napkin and wiping his face.

Erestor took some porridge and mixed it with the mashed
peach. "Here, sweetling, try this one," he said, putting it in the
baby's mouth. Faelion happily ate it and opened his mouth for
more. "Ah, you like your porridge sweet, and Ada Glor's porridge was
not sweet. Glorfindel, add some honey to the porridge and let us see
if he likes it."

Glorfindel took some porridge and added some honey to it, then took
some more and added some jam to it. "Here, sweetheart. Try these."

Erestor took a bit of the one with the honey and fed it to Faelion.
The baby happily ate it and opened his mouth for more. Erestor next
took the porridge with the jam. Faelion happily ate it. Erestor
grinned at Glorfindel. "Our little elfling has a sweet tooth, my
love."

Glorfindel chuckled and the other elflings giggled. "Maybe we would
have liked porridge better with honey or jam in it, Ada," Gailion
said.

Glorfindel took his porridge and mixed both honey and jam in it, and
placed it in front of the elflings. "Try it, little ones. I think
you will like it. Faelion likes it."

Erestor took a spoonful from the bowl for Faelion, as the other
elflings tried the porridge. Gailion and Amdiriel looked at each
other and smiled. "It is really good, Ada," Gailion said, dipping
his spoon in the bowl again. Glorfindel picked up his spoon and they
all shared his porridge.

~~~*~~~
Erynoron awoke to find Elrond seated in a large upholstered chair
next to the bed, looking at him with a small smile. The gray eyes
twinkled with silver.

"How are you feeling this morning, my friend?" Elrond asked
softly. "Better?" Erynoron's green eyes with the gold specks in
them were the most beautiful he had ever seen. He thought he could
sit for hours just looking into them, although his face and the rest
of the Lothlorien elf's body were wonderful to look at, too.

"Aye, I believe I do feel better, my.Elrond. You did not sit in that
chair all night, did you, my.Elrond? Tell me I did not cause that?"
Erynoron said, feeling guilty for being in Elrond's bed.

Elrond chuckled. Erynoron still could not remember to say his name
without starting to say "my Lord" first. He found it
adorable. "Nay. I slept for a while on the sofa. It is quite
comfortable. Would you like to try and walk this morning? I think
you may be ready for that."

"Aye, my.Elrond. I would like to. I am anxious to begin my work.
Surely the work must be stacking up with you caring for me."

"Nothing of importance. Melpomaen and some of the others are
handling the routine items. Do you know Melpomaen?" Elrond asked as
he helped Erynoron to sit up.

"Nay, my.Elrond. Only what Erestor has told me of him over the
years." Erynoron felt slightly dizzy sitting up and closed his eyes.

"Tell me what you are feeling, my friend. Nauseous again?" Elrond
asked, watching in concern as Erynoron's eyes closed.

"Nay, just a little dizzy. It is passing, my.Elrond."

"Good. I am just going to check the wound on the back of your head
while you sit for a moment." Elrond removed the bandages and gently
moved the long blond hair out of the way. "It is healed over, and
the lump is almost gone. I think we can do away with these bandages
now."

"I think I am ready to try getting up now, my.Elrond. The dizziness
is gone."

Elrond helped Erynoron swing his legs over the edge of the bed. "Go
slowly. You may be dizzy again." Elrond wrapped his arm around the
advisor to help him stand.

Erynoron took a tentative step, and felt fine. He slowly walked to
the bathroom, with Elrond beside him still supporting him. When they
reached the bathroom, Elrond asked, "Will you be all right on your
own for a few moments while I find you some clean clothes?" Elrond
knew that Erynoron would be embarrassed if he stayed again.

"Aye, my.Elrond. I feel well." Erynoron was thankful that Elrond
would allow him to relieve himself in private this time.

Elrond closed the door behind him and went to his wardrobe to find
some clothing. Erynoron was only slightly shorter than he was, so he
chose a soft, comfortable bed robe that was not too heavy. The
advisor would be comfortable in bed with it, and more comfortable
than in a light nightshirt when walking around a bit. Elrond thought
perhaps they could spend some time relaxing on the balcony today. He
would not be allowing Erynoron to begin work for another two days,
just to make sure he was fully recovered, and looked forward to
spending the time with him. He took the robe to the bathroom, as
well as fresh garments for himself, and lightly tapped on the
door. "May I enter, my friend?"

"Aye, my.Elrond," Erynoron said.

Elrond entered and found the advisor gazing longing at the luxurious
bathtub, which was sunk into the floor. The bath was covered with
mosaic work in blue, green and gold, the designs echoing the light,
open architecture of Imladris. Vials of oils, bottles of sweet
smelling soaps, and jars of herbs marched around one side, and plush
white towels were stacked at the end. Erynoron was sure he had never
seen anything lovelier, other than Elrond himself, and it was calling
to him.

Elrond smiled, knowing what Erynoron must be thinking. "Would you
like to take a bath, my friend? You must be longing for one by now."

"Oh, aye. But please, my.Elrond, surely it is time that I moved to
my own room? I would not dream of imposing further on you, and I can
easily use your public baths."

"When the time comes, your rooms will have your own private bath,
Chief Advisor Erynoron," Elrond said, reminding the advisor of his
status, "but that time is not yet." Elrond smiled warmly. "Your
healer is not yet ready to release you, and you will stay here for at
least two more days, resting." The advisor started to object. "Nay,
Erynoron, I am your healer, as well as the Lord of Imladris, and I
will hear no more about it." Elrond looked at Erynoron, smugly.

"Aye, my Lord. I will do as you say."

"Good. And it is Elrond, remember?"

"Aye, my.Elrond."

Elrond smiled at hearing Erynoron say "my.Elrond" again. "Now, let
us get you in the bath. I am afraid I cannot leave you to bathe
alone. It is too soon, and I would never forgive myself if anything
happened to you." Elrond opened the taps to fill the bath with warm
water from Imladris' underground hot springs, and chose oil and
soothing herbs, which he added to the water. The room filled with
the scent of lavender and rosemary.

Erynoron slowly unbuttoned his nightshirt as he watched Elrond. Oh,
he hoped he would not embarrass himself. Thinking how wonderful
Elrond was and the tingles he got when the half-elf touched him, he
prayed he would be able to control himself.

"Come, Erynoron, your bath is ready," Elrond said. He helped the
advisor remove his nightshirt and led him to the bath. He placed his
arm around Erynoron's waist to help him step down into the bathtub,
and heard the advisor draw a sharp breath. "Are you all right, my
friend?"

"Aye, my.Elrond," Erynoron said shakily.

Elrond settled him in the bath, then knelt behind him and rolled up
his sleeves. "Let me wash your hair for you, my friend. I do not
want you to open your wound again." He took a pitcher of warm water
and poured it slowly over the blond hair, then added soap and began
to gently massage Erynoron's head. The advisor's hair was heavy and
long, reaching down to his waist, and felt amazingly soft and silky.
As he washed and massaged, Elrond daydreamed of holding Erynoron and
running his hands through the silken waves as they kissed. He would
look into those amazing eyes as he gently stroked a perfect ear, as
he ran his fingers lovingly along the lone, pale neck, slowly moving
his mouth closer. `What am I doing, for Valar sake! I absolutely
cannot dream like that while caring for Erynoron. He trusts me as
his healer. What if I scare him off? Stop it, you stupid elf. I am
a healer and this is my patient.'

Erynoron had never felt anything so nice as Elrond's hands gently
running through his hair, his fingertips softly stroking his scalp.
He practically purred, as he relaxed and closed his eyes. He wished
he could have Elrond always touching him. `You will only make
yourself sad, silly elf. What would a great and wise Lord like
Elrond ever want with you? Stop torturing yourself. Just be
thankful Celeborn sent you to this beautiful place and you will get
to work with Elrond for a while.' Erynoron sighed softly.

"Comfortable, my friend?" Elrond asked.

"Aye, my...Elrond. That feels wonderful."

Elrond chuckled softly, then poured fresh water over Erynoron's head
to rinse the soap away, and laid the long hair out of the way along
the floor. "All done." He moved around the side of the bath. "My
friend, I need a bath as well, and it would be easier for me to wash
you if I am in the bath with you. Would you mind if I joined
you?" `Oh, you idiot. Why did you ask that? Now what are you going
to do?'

Erynoron smiled softly at Elrond. He was going to wash him? "Of
course not, my.Elrond. I do not mind." `Oh Valar, why did I say
that? How are you going to control yourself now, you foolish elf?'

Elrond could not believe his good fortune. Erynoron was going to
allow him to join him! He quickly disrobed and stepped into the
bathtub.

Erynoron had to bite on his lip to keep from moaning when he saw
Elrond's beautifully proportioned body. His skin was golden, and
muscles rippled in his battle-hardened body. His long and shapely
legs, the firm muscular thighs.. ` Stop it! Do not look! No one
will ever want me. He does not want me. I probably look revolting
to him. He will never want someone like me. I am nothing but a
simple scribe who happened to fall into being chief advisor because
there was no one else available. He will never want me.'

Elrond took a cloth and poured soap on it, then began to wash
Erynoron, starting with him hands and arms. Erynoron couldn't help
watching Elrond's eyes. He looked for a sign of disgust or loathing
in them, and surprisingly could find none.

Elrond moved the cloth to his chest, and then his sides. Coming
across a scar he had not noticed before, he asked, "What is this scar
from, my friend? It looks old, but it has never healed completely."

"It.was from the.claw of a.warg.my.Elrond. Not a very big one, but I
am.not.skilled in fighting.or defending myself.and."

"What happened?" Elrond asked, concerned.

"I was with a guard.he killed it and.saved me," Erynoron said. He
would not tell Elrond that he had really thought he loved that
guard. When he had laughed at him and made fun of him in front of
all his friends because he could not defend himself properly, it had
ended any hopes that Erynoron had of their being a couple.

Erynoron watched Elrond's eyes again, expecting to see the loathing
he knew would be there when the Lord heard he could not defend
himself. But all he could see was kindness and concern.

"Thank the Valar you were not injured more seriously," Elrond
said. "I have some cream that we will put on it that should help the
scar to fade. It does not look like it was tended to properly at the
time. What did the healers do for it?"

"I did not.go to the healers, my.Elrond. I tended it myself."

"Why," asked Elrond, amazed.

"I was ashamed.I could not.defend myself against a small warg,
my...Elrond." Erynoron hung his head.

Elrond gently lifted the advisors chin with a finger. "Erynoron, my
friend, not all elves have the same gifts or skills. We are not all
healers, or warriors, or scribes, or metalworkers. You had nothing
to be ashamed of." It was obvious that the incident had caused
Erynoron to doubt his worth. He would just have to help him see that
there was no cause for him to doubt himself.

Erynoron looked into Elrond's kind eyes, the wisest in all of Arda.
Could what Elrond said be true?

"You had nothing to be ashamed of, my friend," Elrond repeated. He
smiled gently. "You *have* nothing to be ashamed of."

"I have nothing to be ashamed of? Truly?" Erynoron whispered. "Do
you mean that my Lord?"

"Aye, truly. I would never lie to you, Erynoron. You have nothing
to be ashamed of. And it is Elrond. I have become rather fond of
your calling me `my.Elrond'. I miss it when you do not say it."
Elrond chuckled and grinned at the advisor.

Erynoron grinned back. "Thank you, my.Elrond." Elrond laughed, and
Erynoron thought it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

"Come on, my.friend. Let us finish this bath before the water gets
cold."

Erynoron laughed at the way Elrond said `my.friend'. "Am I truly
your friend, my.Elrond?" he asked.

"Aye. I think you and I are going to be very, very good friends,
Erynoron."

Erynoron smiled. "Friends help each other, do they not?" Elrond
nodded. Erynoron took the cloth from Elrond's hand, added more soap,
and looked up at the half-elf. "Then may I?" he asked, motioning to
Elrond's chest. Elrond nodded, happily.

Erynoron gently ran the cloth over Elrond's chest and arms. `I
cannot believe I am doing this,' he thought. `Where did this.courage.
come from? I am probably going to hate myself later when I realize
how much I have just embarrassed myself, but I want to do this.'

Elrond took the cloth back, added more soap, and washed Erynoron's
feet and legs. Then Erynoron did the same for Elrond.

As much as he wanted to wash the rest of Erynoron's beautiful body,
Elrond was afraid to do more, fearing that it would shatter this new
more comfortable relationship between them. He smiled at
Erynoron. "I am starving. I think we both missed dinner last
night. Let us get out of here and get dressed and see if our
breakfast has arrived."

Elrond helped Erynoron out of the bath. After drying themselves,
Elrond reached for the robes he had brought. "I hope you do not mind
wearing my things for now, my friend. Your things were taken to your
rooms, but I asked the servants to wait until you moved there before
they unpacked anything. I did not want them to disturb anything
personal you might have brought without your knowledge."

"I do not have anything very personal, my.Elrond, but it is most kind
of you to concern yourself with me and share not only your rooms but
your things with me."

Elrond almost frowned, but kept his tone light. "Ah, such a
diplomatic answer. I thought we were friends, Erynoron."

"Forgive me, my.Elrond. I am honored to wear your robe.Nay, I mean I
thank you for.Nay, I am sorry my.Elrond. What I mean is, I like
wearing your robe," Erynoron nearly whispered and blushed. What a
fool he was making of himself.

Elrond chuckled, once more finding Erynoron simply adorable. He
helped the advisor into the robe, then dressed himself. "Come, let
us see what the servants have left us for breakfast." Taking
Erynoron's hand, he led him out of the bedroom to the sitting room
with its small dining area.

By the time they had finished breakfast, the half-elf realized how
kind and wise the advisor was. Elrond was also quite sure that he
was very much in love with Erynoron


Tbc...

Chapter 20

The plan for the day for the House of the Golden Flower was
Glorfindel and Gailion would finish making the doll house, while
Erestor took Amdiriel and Faelion with him to visit Erynoron and
Elrond.

Glorfindel would also oversee the nearly finished renovations, as
Erestor tended to hover over the workers. Erestor was anxious to
have the rooms completed, and was having a hard time containing his
excitement. Much progress had been made in the last two days, and it
was expected that the renovations would be complete by the next day,
as long as Erestor stayed out of the way of the workers. The icebox
was due to be installed later that morning, along with the stove, and
they expected that the kitchen would be completed by the evening.
The children's rooms, playroom and dining room were nearly complete,
and would be ready sometime the next day.

Erestor washed and dressed Gailion and sent him to Glorfindel. After
washing Amdiriel and Faelion he asked, "What shall we wear today for
visiting my friends, sweetheart? Green or blue?"

"Can I wear that one, Ada?" Amdiriel asked, pointing to a dark green
gown. It had a separate underdress of very pale green fabric that
made up the elaborate full sleeves.

"That would be lovely, sweetheart." Erestor said, slipping the pale
underdress over her head. The full sleeves hung to her wrists. The
dark green followed. Pale green ruffles peeked out at the neckline
and hem. "Pretty as a princess," Erestor said. "Now, how about if
we put your golden flower in your hair?" Erestor brushed her long
hair and gathered part of it back from her face, securing it in the
back with a hair clip. Dark green slippers for her tiny feet
followed. "Now, would you like to pick out my robes for me to wear
while I dress your brother?"

Amdiriel nodded and ran to Erestor and Glorfindel's wardrobe.
Erestor dressed the infant in a soft pale green gown.

"These, Ada," Amdiriel said, pointing to a shimmering pale green
floor length tunic with a dark green sash and surcoate.

Hardly the thing Erestor would normally choose for day wear, but if
it made Amdiriel happy, he would wear it. He quickly dressed,
gathered diapers, milk and bunny for Faelion in his bag, and
announced, "Well, I believe we are ready to go. Gailion, take care
of your Ada for me today and do not let him get into any trouble, all
right?"

Gailion giggled. "I will, Ada Restor. We will be good today."

Glorfindel kissed Erestor and the two little elflings goodbye, and
shooed them out of the door, Tinnu trailing behind them. The cat
wanted to visit his friend Elrond.

Erestor held Faelion in one arm, and held Amdiriel's hand with his
free one. He noticed the cat following as they headed off down the
hall and chuckled. "Coming visiting with us, Tinnu?"

"Reow-eow-ow! "

"I am sure Elrond will be happy to see you, too, my friend."

Arriving at Elrond's door, Erestor knocked lightly. Elrond opened
the door, smiling. "Erynoron, we have visitors, although I must
confess I have no idea who these resplendent elves are!"

Erestor laughed and they entered. "We brought another visitor to see
you, Elrond," he said, nodding to Tinnu.

"Tinnu, how good to see you, my little friend," Elrond greeted the
cat.

"Reow!"


~~~*~~~
"Good, they are gone." Glorfindel grinned. "Gailion, my son, we
have something very special to do today, and without Ada Restor. We
will give them a few minutes to reach Lord Elrond's rooms, and then
we are off!"

"We are not going to finish the doll house, Ada?"

"We will, but later today. First we must take care of a little
surprise for your Ada Restor."

After a couple minutes had passed, the two elves set out, cautiously
looking around corners to make sure Erestor was nowhere in sight.
They left the house and quickly dashed to the marketplace. Entering
a shop, they were greeted by the owner, a master carpenter.

"Are they ready, my friend?" Glorfindel asked.

"Aye, my Lord. Come and see." He took Glorfindel and Gailion to the
back room, where finished furniture was stored. Whipping cloth
covers off the furniture, he dramatically revealed the first of the
pieces Glorfindel had ordered.

"Perfect!" Glorfindel said, awed by the craftsmanship. Their new
wardrobe was magnificent. Larger than their old one, it included a
full-length mirror in the center panel. Deeply carved flowers
bloomed under towering trees, vines trailing themselves here and
there. Inside were drawers and shelves, as well as a large space to
hang robes. "Erestor will love it!" The carpenter moved aside
another cloth covering and revealed two matching low bedside chests,
and a matching long storage chest. "Excellent!" Glorfindel
beamed. "And the rest?"

"The storage chests and beds for the children's rooms are here, my
Lord." Three beds and matching chests carved with forest animals
were revealed. "And the dining room furniture is over here, my
Lord." The carpenter walked to the other side of the room and
uncovered a dining table with six matching chairs, and a large
matching storage cabinet. There was even a special higher chair for
Faelion to sit in, built with a tray that could be dropped in front
of the infant.

Glorfindel lifted the tray up and down, chuckling. "Oh, he will
really like this for Faelion." The top of the dining table was
gleaming dark wood. The legs of the table and the backs of the
chairs were intricately carved trees. "Beautiful, my friend! Can
you have them all delivered now? Gailion and I will empty the
wardrobe we use now so it can be moved into the children's bedroom,
and the new dining room will be ready for the table and chairs within
the hour."

"Aye, my Lord. We are ready to move them."

"Ada, I thought only the kitchen was going to be done today," Gailion
said.

"Ah, little one, that is part of Ada Restor's surprise. It will all
be finished by the time he returns!" Glorfindel responded. "We need
to hurry back and clean out the wardrobe and bedside tables to they
can be moved to your new room. Will you help me?"

Gailion grinned and nodded.

~~~*~~~
Everything came together perfectly. Elves delivered the furniture,
then helped Glorfindel arrange everything. They even helped put all
their clothing in the two wardrobes, and the children's toys in their
chests. Little tables and chairs were delivered to the children's
shared playroom, along with more toys and games.

More elves arrived to deliver cooking ware, utensils, fine crystal
glasses, mugs, cups, plates, trays, bowls, table linens and more.
Ice from Imladris' ice house was delivered for the icebox. Flour,
sugar, spices, eggs, fruits, vegetables, milk, teas, cheeses and
other supplies were all neatly put away in the kitchen. Breads and
muffins, jams and butter, and a large pot filled with stew for their
dinner arrived from the kitchens. Fuel was placed and lit in the
stove in the kitchen, and a kettle of water set on top to heat for
tea. The pot of stew was placed along side the kettle to simmer.

House servants arrived and make up the beds in the children's room,
covering them with matching quilts in bright and cheery blues,
greens, and golds. Bed curtains, canopies and curtains were in the
same matching shades. Wood and tinder were placed in the fireplace,
ready to be lit. Soaps, oils, towels and other necessities found
their way into the children's new bathroom.

Everything was ready for Erestor's return. When all of the elves who
had come to help left, Glorfindel looked around and smiled
happily. "Perfect," he whispered.

"Ada?" Gailion said. "Our old beds are still in your bedroom."

Glorfindel smiled down at the elfling, then picked him up and sat
down in a chair with him. "Sweetheart, you and your sister do not
have to sleep in your new room until you want to. You can continue
to sleep in our room with us for as long as you want to. Is that all
right with you?"

Gailion smiled happily and hugged his Ada. "Thank you, Ada. We were
afraid you would not want us there anymore when our room was done."

"Of course we want you, little one. We love you." Glorfindel kissed
Gailion's brow. "Now let us have our lunch, and then finish
Amdiriel's doll house, all right?"

Tbc.

Chapter 21

Erestor, Faelion and Amdiriel spent the day with Elrond and Erynoron.
They chatted the morning away, after Elrond examined Faelion, then
had lunch on the balcony. Elrond insisted that Erynoron rest after
lunch, so while the advisor, Faelion, Amdiriel, and Tinnu napped,
Erestor walked with his oldest friend in the gardens outside Elrond's
rooms.

"Elrond, I saw the way you looked at Erynoron all morning. You have
feelings for him." Erestor smiled at his friend.

"Aye, Erestor, I do. You were right.he is kind and wise. His heart
is .good. I can feel it. And he is so very beautiful to these old
eyes of mine. He has stirred feelings in me that I thought long
dead. His eyes.his eyes enchant me."

"Oh, dear."

"Why do you say that, Erestor?"

"You are in love, my Lord," Erestor responded quietly.

"Aye, I am." Elrond cut a red rose off a bush with his
thumbnail. "Do you think he might.like.me?"

Erestor chuckled. "Oh, there is something there, I think. Every
time you turned away, Erynoron could not keep his eyes off of you."

"Truly?"

"Truly, my friend. At the very least he is interested." Erestor
grinned. "And the way he says, `my.Elrond' is so sweet."

"So do you think I might.have a chance with him?"

"Aye, my friend, I do. Elrond, I do not think Erynoron has ever had
a mate or lover before. You will be.careful.with him, will you not?"

Elrond nodded. "Of course I will, Erestor. I would never hurt him.
He is already far too important to me."

~~~*~~~
Erestor, elflings and cat returned to their rooms later in the
afternoon. Opening the door, he laughed to find Glorfindel holding
up Gailion over his head, as the elfling tried to remove Galvorn's
claws from the curtains. The little black and white kitten had
managed to climb to the very top. Glirien sat anxiously, head back,
watching her kitten. The furry black Brogdithen watched from his
perch on the table.

"Neow now," Tinnu meowed loudly at Brogdithen, and the kitten jumped
from table to chair to floor. Cats sitting on tables were not
allowed. Tinnu knew Erestor and Glorfindel would not let anything
happen to Galvorn, and waited patiently for the kitten to be brought
down as he licked Glirien's head, comforting his sweet little mate.

"All right, Ada, I have his claws out." Galvorn's little legs
trashed around as Glorfindel slowly lowered the elfling and kitten,
until Tinnu's loud "Reow!" at the kitten made him stop trying to get
free.

Gailion set the kitten on the floor next to Glirien, who promptly
proceeded to lick the kitten madly, then carry it away to their
basket.

"Hello, my sweethearts," Glorfindel said, picking up Amdiriel with
one arm and wrapping the other around Erestor and Faelion. "Did you
have a good day, my love?" he asked, kissing Erestor soundly. "Those
kittens have been underfoot and getting into trouble all day long.
Did you have a good time visiting today, sweetling?" he asked
Amdiriel, kissing her cheek.

Amdiriel nodded. "Elrond and Noron are nice, and we had lunch
outside on the balcony, and then Tinnu and I and Faelion took a nap
with Noron," she said, not stopping for breath.

Glorfindel smiled at his beautiful little daughter and gave her
another kiss. "Gailion and I missed you all today. Would you like
to see what we did?" Amdiriel nodded. "Close your eyes, then. You
too, Erestor, my love." When Erestor's eyes were closed, Glorfindel
held Amdiriel in one arm and took Erestor's free hand in his
own. "Now no peeking, either of you. Keep your eyes closed."
Grinning at Gailion, he led Erestor into the children's new
room. "All right, you may open your eyes now."

Erestor opened his eyes, amazed at what he saw. A fire burned warmly
in the fireplace, casting a soft glow around the room. Three little
beds were lined up, dressed in matching blue, green and gold, with
carved chests at their foot ends. On a table in the corner of the
room sat a completed large dollhouse.

Amdiriel's mouth had formed an `O' when she saw the doll
house. "Down, Ada Glor, please," she said. The second her feet
touched the ground, she ran to the table. Opening doors and windows
on the doll house, she laughed happily when she saw furniture and
little carved figures inside. "Ada, look! We are inside! There is
Ada Glor, and you and me and my brothers!" the elfling squealed.

Glorfindel grinned as he lifted half of the roof up on its hinge so
Erestor could see inside as well. "Look, little one. When you want
to move us around, just lift the roof and you can reach in." The
detail was exquisite. There were tiny dishes and rugs, and each bed
was covered with a quilt. There were even tiny replicas of the
elflings' toys, including Faelion's bunny. And each room was exactly
like their real chambers.

"Oh, Glorfindel, it is wonderful!" Erestor said, as he kissed
Glorfindel and Gailion. "However did you do it in such a short
time?"

Gailion snickered. "Ada and I have been working on it in secret ever
since that day he went shopping. We fooled you! You did not know we
were doing it!"

Amdiriel hugged her brother and kissed his cheek, then lifted up her
arms to Glorfindel. When Glorfindel lifted her, she
whispered, "Thank you Ada Glor," and rained little butterfly kissed
all over his face. Glorfindel giggled and Erestor laughed.

"Glorfindel, my love, is that not our wardrobe?" Erestor asked,
looking around the rest of the room. "And our bedside tables?" He
opened the wardrobe to find the elfling's clothing neatly put away,
then peeked into the bathroom to find it was as cleverly arranged as
the rest of the room. "Amdiriel, look at your bathroom, sweetheart,"
he said, as Glorfindel carried her into the room.

"Do you like your bathtub, sweetheart?" Glorfindel asked her.

Amdiriel nodded. "It has bunnies and squirrels and birds and trees
and flowers on it, Ada, look," she said, pointing to the large,
elaborate bathtub.

"Just like your new beds and chests do," Glorfindel said. "Come to
our room now, my love," Glorfindel said to his mate, reaching for
Erestor's hand. He stopped at the doorway to their room, giving
Erestor a gentle push in the room ahead of him.

"Oh, Glorfindel, it is magnificent," Erestor whispered, trying to
take in the new wardrobe, bedside chests, and storage chest. He
walked to the wardrobe and opened it, giggling at all the drawers and
shelves. Some of the children's clothing, as well as diapers and
their nightshirts were neatly stacked on a shelf so they would not
have to go to the children's new room for everything. Erestor turned
around and smiled at Glorfindel. He laid Faelion in his cradle, then
took Amdiriel from Glorfindel's arms and set her on the bed next to
Gailion. "I need to borrow your Ada Glor for a minute, my love," he
said.

Erestor turned around and stalked back towards his husband with a
grin on his face. Wrapping his arms around the taller elf's neck, he
drew the golden head down and captured Glorfindel's mouth with his
own for a long, passionate kiss.

Glorfindel moaned into the kiss. When Erestor finally released his
lips, he whispered, "There is more, my love."

"More?"

Glorfindel nodded. He took Faelion from the crib, and holding him in
one arm, grabbed Erestor's hand. "Bring your sister, Gailion", he
called, as he pulled Erestor out of the room.

Entering the dining room, he carefully placed Faelion in his special
chair and lowered the tray in front of him. The baby giggled and
cooed and pounded on the tray with little fists. Erestor laughed
merrily at the sight, and opened cabinets to find dishes and
glassware and linens. "Oh, Glorfindel," he whispered. Glorfindel
pulled him into the kitchen where the kettle and their dinner
simmered on top of the stove. Erestor looked around at all the
supplies, opened the icebox to find bottles of milk inside, and tears
filled his eyes. "A real home. We have a real home, my love."

"Ada, you are going to have to give Ada Glor lots and lots and lots
of kisses," Amdiriel said.

"Lots and lots and lots of kisses indeed," Erestor whispered, looking
up adoringly at his golden husband.
~~~*~~~

After dinner, dishwashing and drying with Gailion and Amdiriel
helping, baths, story telling and lullabies, the elflings were sound
asleep in their parent's bedroom. As usual, their parents had crept
out of the room to the sitting room. Lying naked on the fur rugs in
front of the fire, Erestor held Glorfindel's face in his hands and
looked down into the blue eyes he so loved. `I know not what I did
to deserve you, beloved, but I thank the Valar daily for giving me
such a wonderful husband. I love you so very much, my darling one.'

Erestor's words washed through his mind, and a deep feeling of peace,
contentment, and overwhelming love rolled over Glorfindel. He gently
ran his hands over Erestor's back and caressed the beautiful bottom
that fit so perfectly in his hands. `Erestor.my Erestor.my Erestor.
my love.my life.kiss, me my love.'
~~~*~~~

Lorien drifted through the Last Homely house, making sure all of its
residents were soundly asleep and would remain so. Coming to
Glorfindel and Erestor's rooms, he blew gently on the elflings,
ensuring their deep sleep. He checked the new rooms and looked into
the dollhouse, chuckling when he saw the little figures. He laid the
three elflings' figures in their beds in their parent's room, and
arranged Erestor and Glorfindel in each other's arms in front of the
sitting room fire, chuckling again. Moving to the sitting room, he
looked at the basket of sleeping cats, and gently picked up Tinnu,
then blew on the others. `Come and sit with me, my little friend.'
The shadowy shape sat in a dark corner of the room with Tinnu on his
lap, unseen and unnoticed by the elves.

`Why are you here, non-elf? You will not ask me to give my remaining
kittens away, will you?'

Lorien chuckled in Tinnu's mind. "Nay, little one. I am here for
them.for your master and his mate. And you may call me Lorien.'

`You are not giving them or their kittens away, are you?'

Lorien chuckled again. `Nay, Tinnu. I bring them a gift.'

Tinnu felt a little better and relaxed slightly. `What kind of
gift? Is it a good one?'

"Aye, little one. It is a very good one. You see, Tinnu, your
master and his mate are very special elves. They are very good and
very strong, and they will do much good in the years to come, as will
their children and their children's children.'

`Their kittens will have kittens and will do good things too?'

`Aye, Tinnu. Their.kittens.were always meant to be theirs, chosen
for them since the beginning. Have you not noticed how easily and
quickly their.kittens.loved their new parents? Their souls already
knew them, you see.'

`Oh. What gift did you bring them, Lorien?'

`Watch.'

`Do I have to? I have seen them doing this many times before.'

`This time will be different, little one. That is why I sent
everyone else into a deep sleep. The first time can be a little.
overwhelming.for elves. It is a gift that usually only the Valar and
Maiar share, and we are giving it to them. They have many special
tasks to perform in their years on Middle-earth. This gift will help
them be even stronger. Their love is the strongest of all of Middle-
earth. They will stand before the Nazgul and their fell beasts,
before Sauron and his evil, and they will be victorious.'

`What is a Nazgul and Sauron, Lorien?'

`Later, Tinnu. Watch.'

The air began to fill with golden, sparkling lights. Tinnu reached
out a paw and batted at one, but it passed right through his paw. It
made him feel warm. And then he saw the golden lights were coming
from his master. `Ooooh. Why is Erestor glowing, Lorien? Why is he
gold?' And then Erestor moved, and rolled Glorfindel on top of him,
and Tinnu could see Glorfindel was glowing gold too, and the little
golden lights were coming from him too. `What is happening, Lorien?
What is it?'

`The golden light is their love, little one, that is now a visible
thing. At times, all around them will even be able to see and feel
it. See how the gold from Glorfindel is pouring into Erestor, and
Erestor's into Glorfindel?'

`Why are their eyes changing, Lorien?' Erestor's dark eyes sparkled
with gold, as did Glorfindel's blue ones.

`Because of their love, little one.'

The elves screamed, and Tinnu jumped. `Are they in pain?' he asked
in a panic.

`Nay, little one. It is just very intense for them. I am here to
make sure that they will be all right.'

The way that Erestor was sobbing and crying out for Glorfindel to
take him was unlike anything that Tinnu had ever heard before.
Glorfindel sobbed something about Erestor not being prepared.
Tinnu's round eyes grew rounder as he stared between his elves and
Lorien. The Vala petted the cat to calm him. `It is all right,
Tinnu, they are all right.'

Erestor flipped Glorfindel beneath him and quickly lowered himself on
his husband's hard member, taking it fast and hard inside his passage
as their moans and sobs filled the air, and the golden lights grew
larger and brighter. Erestor lifted his hips and slammed them back
down again and again, before Glorfindel turned them over and started
thrusting wildly into the elf below him. Erestor's fingernails tore
at Glorfindel's back, until Lorien softly blew at the writhing elves,
and Erestor's fingers began pressing instead of clawing.

Erestor could not think or speak. All he could do was feel as
Glorfindel pounded into him and his love poured through him. There
were no words that were needed, because he was in Glorfindel and part
of Glorfindel. Sobbing with the intensity of it, Erestor crawled
inside of Glorfindel, and was wrapped in his love.

`Will it always be like this for them now, Lorien? I mean, they are
awfully noisy, and it does not look like they are enjoying it,' Tinnu
asked.

`Nay, just this first time is like this, Tinnu,' Lorien
chuckled. `After tonight, outwardly it be much like it was before.
except for the golden lights and what they feel inside. That will
stay. And trust me, they are enjoying it, little one.'

Glorfindel wailed as he pounded into Erestor, and every thrust buried
him deeper and deeper until all that existed was Erestor. Erestor
was in him and around him and Erestor was all that mattered.

Finally screaming their completion, the two elves collapsed in each
other's arms, as golden lights still sparkled through the room.

`Time for me to leave you now, my little friend. Your mate and
kittens will wake soon. Go to them, Tinnu.'

`Will I see you again?'

`Someday, perhaps, little one. Someday.'

Tinnu nodded and went to his basket as Lorien waved a hand over
Glorfindel's back, then shimmered away. The marks on Glorfindel's
back disappeared, and Tinnu wrapped himself around Glirien and licked
her head gently, as golden specks of light fell over them, warming
them.

Erestor and Glorfindel slowly recovered and searched each other's
eyes. `What was that, my love?' Erestor whispered. `What happened?
Your eyes are gold.'

`I do not know, sweetheart. It was.it was.so.wonderful.intense.
perfect. And your eyes are gold as well, my love,' Glorfindel said
as he kissed Erestor deeply.

They lay in each other's arms and watched as the gold flickered in
their eyes. Silently and tenderly they spoke words of undying love
as hands and arms lovingly caressed glowing flesh. Golden sparks of
light still fell around them and through them, unnoticed by the
elves. They fell into reverie, and the gold of their eyes slowly
retreated behind blue and brown.

Tbc..

Chapter 22

Erestor and Glorfindel woke when it was still dark and their elflings
still slept soundly.
The fire had died back, and Erestor snuggled tightly against
Glorfindel, drawing the warrior's arms closer around him.

Glorfindel reached for their discarded nightshirts and pulled them
over Erestor, covering him warmly before wrapping his husband snugly
in his arms again and kissing him deeply.

`Warm enough, sweetheart?' Glorfindel asked.

`Hmmm.I am now, my love,' Erestor answered, as he wound his arms
around the elf he loved more than Arda itself. He peppered
Glorfindel's neck with tiny kisses before finding the perfect spot
and suckling gently.

Glorfindel giggled, then moaned. `Sweet Elbereth, Erestor, you made
me giggle!'

Erestor chuckled around the flesh in his mouth before finally
releasing it and moving down to suckle on a rosy nipple, its pert nub
just begging for attention.

`Oh.Erestor, my love.that feels so good.' Glorfindel pulled Erestor
on top of him, caressing the perfect bottom in his large
hands. `Oh...suck on it harder, baby. Please.harder,' he begged.

Erestor readily complied, and sucked hard. Drawing the nipple firmly
into his mouth, he teased the tip with his tongue and nipped gently
with his teeth. Grasping Glorfindel's hand, he drew their hands
between them, and aligning their hardened members, wrapped both of
their hands around them. Finally releasing the abused nipple,
Erestor covered his husband's mouth with his own, and thrust his
tongue deeply into Glorfindel's sweetness, while their joined hands
slowly stroked and squeezed their weeping shafts. Moans filled their
joined minds as tongues and hands stroked. Finally breaking the kiss
for breath, Erestor looked into Glorfindel's eyes. `Oh, your eyes.'

`Our eyes are golden again,' Glorfindel said. `Oh.look, my love.
look!'

Erestor followed Glorfindel's eyes and saw the golden lights filling
the room. `Oh.oh.it is so beautiful.what is it?' He reached out
with both of his hands to touch the lights.

`I do not..aye.I do know.look down, my love. Look at us, my Erestor.'

Erestor looked and saw golden light pouring from Glorfindel into him,
and golden light from his own body pouring into Glorfindel. So much
brilliance that small pieces of the sparkling golden light broke off
and filled the room around them. Glittering and warm, the light fell
around them and through them. `Oh.what is it? It feels so.warm.so.
wonderful.'

Tears filled Glorfindel's eyes. `Once before I have seen this. In
Valinor after I was reborn.I was in Lorien's garden.and saw him and
his lady wife, gentle and sweet Este, holding each other in love.and
they were filled with golden light such as this.and it passed from
each of them to the other, and filled the garden.' A small sob broke
from Glorfindel's lips, though this lips and eyes smiled. "It is our
love, Erestor," he whispered. "It is our love. Can you feel it, my
love?"

Erestor lifted his head. His eyes closed and he breathed deeply of
the golden light. A smile crossed his face as tears of joy began to
fill his eyes and escape down his cheeks. `I feel it, my love.I feel
it.Oh.Glorfindel.I feel it.' He opened his eyes and looked down into
Glorfindel's golden ones.

`Come and kiss me, my love,' Glorfindel said, as he gently pulled
Erestor up to him once again and kissed him deeply. `Make love to
me, baby. I want you inside of me so very much, my Erestor.'
Erestor normally preferred to be on the receiving end, just as
Glorfindel normally preferred to do the taking, but right now he
wanted Erestor so badly it was all he could think of. He pulled a
pillow under his hips and wrapped his long legs high around
Erestor. `Make love to me, sweetheart.'

`I need to...'

`Nay, my love. Remember last night? I did not prepare you and did
not hurt you. You will not hurt me. Make love to me, baby.'

Trusting Glorfindel, Erestor carefully aligned his engorged member,
pushed gently, and it slid smoothly in to the hilt. `Oh.Oh.are you
all right, my love?'

`Oh.it feels so good. I am wonderful, my love. Now make love to me,
please baby, I want you.do it hard, baby,' Glorfindel said, thrusting
his hips up.

Erestor slowly withdrew and thrust deeply back inside, unerringly
striking Glorfindel's sweet spot. `Oh.Glorfindel.Oh.so good.so tight.
Oh.I cannot.I cannot stop,' he moaned, thrusting hard, again and
again.

`Oh...baby.more.more.harder.my love.my love.do not stop.oh, harder.
more.faster.faster,' Glorfindel clutched desperately to his love, as
sobs broke from his lips and tears of ecstasy ran down his face.
Erestor's every thrust struck his sweet spot hard. The golden light
erupted around him, piercing him, and he was surrounded by his
Erestor, filled with him, until all that was left was Erestor and
their love. `Oh.I love you.I love you.I love you.'

Erestor's tears mingled with Glorfindel's as he lowered his head and
kissed his husband deeply, never stopping his deep, rapid
thrusting. `Oh Glorfindel.Oh baby.I love you, I love you.oh.so
wonderful.you are so...beautiful.this is.so beautiful.I love you.I
love you.' He felt Glorfindel wrap around him, enclosing him in his
husband's bright, warm love.

Their loving went on and on, seeming like it would never end, until
the room was filled with golden lights and the elves were incapable
of anything but thrusting and breathing `I love you.' Tinnu and
Glirien's heads rested on the top of the basket as they watched,
fascinated by all the golden sparkling things that floated around the
room. Glirien waved a paw and tried to catch one.

Erestor finally curled his long fingers around Glorfindel's hard
member as it throbbed between them, stroking it firmly. `Come for me
now, baby.come for me.' Brighter and brighter golden lights exploded
into the room as Glorfindel whimpered and his essence erupted hotly,
again and again and again. Erestor felt the throbbing, pulsating,
hot release over his hand, and Glorfindel's passage clenched and
pulled him inside. His release exploded in hot bursts inside his
husband as he clasped his mouth to Glorfindel's, wailing and
whimpering softly.

The elves collapsed into a panting mass, golden lights continuing to
sparkle and cover them completely, warming them.

Finally breathing normally, Glorfindel gently rolled his glowing
lover to his side, and slowly moved away, allowing Erestor's member
to slip out of him reluctantly. Erestor whimpered softly, and
Glorfindel wrapped his arms around his beloved elf, holding and
caressing him.

Glorfindel eventually rose and hurried to the children's bathroom for
towels to clean them up. Wiping his seed from their bodies,
Glorfindel saw it was golden as well, and smiled. He dressed them in
their nightshirts, then gently lifted his precious mate in his arms
and carried him to their bed.

Seated with his back against the headboard, Glorfindel held his
sleeping husband in his arms, caressing his face and his dark hair.
He watched as golden lights followed them into the bedroom to join
with new light still pouring forth from their tired bodies. The
sparkling lights covered the room and fell onto and into their
sleeping elflings, and he smiled before finally joining Erestor in
reverie.

Tbc.

Chapter 23

Morning came and Erestor finally stirred in Glorfindel's arms, and
looked up to find blue eyes beaming down at him. "Good morning, my
darling one," Erestor whispered, softly kissing Glorfindel's lips.

"Good morning, my precious Erestor," Glorfindel answered softly,
caressing Erestor's face, his eyes full of love as he looked down at
his beautiful husband. "How do you feel this morning, beloved?"

"Wonderful, my love, wonderful. I feel your love for me.like.like it
is a solid thing. Something I can touch. It makes me warm and.and.
Oh, Glorfindel.I am so happy. And you, beloved? How do you feel?"

"Oh, my love.it is almost magical, how I feel. I am so very happy.
Your love.I still feel it pouring into me. I cannot describe it.it
makes me feel strong, alive."

Erestor snuggled closer against Glorfindel and drew his head down for
a deep kiss. "Oh, I love you, my darling husband. I love you so
very much," he whispered.

Glorfindel smiled down at Erestor and watched his dark eyes begin to
sparkle with golden lights as he caressed the beloved face. "I love
you, my Erestor. My lover, my friend, my heart, my soul, my
beautiful husband. I love you more than my simple words can say," he
whispered, as he lowered his head and captured Erestor's lips
lovingly with his own.

Giggles came from across the room, and Erestor and Glorfindel looked
up to see Amdiriel and Gailion trying to catch golden lights in their
hands and giggling, while Faelion giggled and cooed and waved his
arms in his cradle. Erestor rested his head against Glorfindel's
chest and smiled as he watched the children contentedly.

"Ada!" Amdiriel squealed. "Look! What is it Ada?" The little
elfling laughed as a gold light passed through her hand.

Erestor held out his arms. "Come, my little ones. Gailion,
sweetheart, will you bring Faelion, please?"

Gailion picked up his little brother, and the three elflings tumbled
into bed with their parents. Erestor laughed as he reached for
Faelion and found his bottom soaking wet. He held the baby up as
Glorfindel removed the offending diaper and flung it across the room
in the direction of the bathroom, then wrapped the baby in a corner
of their blanket and laid him in Erestor's arms along side Amdiriel.
Neither one of them wanted to spoil the moment by getting up.

"Glorfindel, my love, did you notice? Faelion is not fussing today.
I am so glad his poor teeth are not bothering him," Erestor
said. "And how lucky we are this is not a poopy diaper morning!"

Glorfindel laughed and scooped Gailion into his embrace, and held his
whole family in arms. "Oh, now I am the happiest elf on all of
Arda," he said. He planted kisses on everyone's heads, his "Mmmm.I
love this one, and I love this one, and this one and this one,"
sending everyone into more giggles.

Erestor hugged the elflings, lying against Glorfindel, all of them
held in the warrior's strong arms. "Happiest elf after me, my
love." He sighed with contentment.

"Ada? Are you going to tell us what it is?" Gailion asked as he
grinned at the golden lights.

"They are so pretty, Ada. And they feel good." Amdiriel giggled as
another light flitted through her hand.

Erestor looked up at Glorfindel. "Will you tell them, my love?"

Glorfindel nodded and smiled. "The lights, my little ones, the
lights are love."

"Love, Ada?" Gailion asked.

"Aye, little one. The love your Ada Restor has for me, and the love
I have for him. And there is so much love that it shines out of us
and all over the three of you."

"Really, Ada?" Amdiriel asked Erestor.

"Really, sweetheart. We love you so much, and our love lights you up
and keeps you warm, too."

"Is that why your eyes and Ada Glor's eyes are gold, too?"

"Aye, little one. It is the same love, shining through our eyes."

"Oh." She grinned. "Your eyes are all sparkly, Ada. They are
pretty."

Erestor laughed happily and hugged his daughter close.

"What shall we do today, my loves?" Glorfindel asked.

"Hmmm.cook breakfast, eat breakfast, clean up the kitchen and dining
room, have a bath, get dressed." Erestor grinned. "Oh, I know! A
trip to the market. Elrond will have a special dinner for Erynoron
any day now, and we will need the circlets you ordered for the
sweetlings. You can take them and see if the circlets are ready and
make sure they fit. Nay, wait, that would leave me without you all.
That will not do at all! I know what we will do.we will all go!
Does that sound like fun, my sweetlings?"

Amdiriel and Gailion clapped their hands and bounced on the bed,
making Faelion squeal at their antics. "Come, my loves, let us go
find what to fix for breakfast. After your Ada stops in the bathroom
and gets a diaper on your brother, that is."

Glorfindel sent the older elflings into the kitchen, telling them to
get out bread, eggs, fruit, and milk, and their Adas would be there
in a minute, then joined Erestor in their bathroom. Erestor was just
getting ready to relieve himself. Glorfindel wrapped his arm around
Erestor's shoulder and lifted his own nightshirt. The two elves
sighed in relief as they peed together. Glorfindel raised his
eyebrows comically, and said, "Good morning, beautiful one. Have we
met before? Can I help you hold that perhaps?"

After they managed to stop laughing and kissing long enough to wash,
Erestor shooed Glorfindel out to find them some clothes while he
washed and diapered the baby. Returning to the bedroom, he quickly
dressed in a loose tunic and leggings while Glorfindel dressed
Faelion in a clean robe, then they hurried to the kitchen.

Amdiriel and Gailion had set the items Glorfindel requested out on
the table, and Gailion was pumping fresh water into the kettle for
tea.

"Oh, my wonderful elflings. Look, Ada Glor, they have everything out
for us!" Erestor beamed at the children. "Thank you, little ones."
Checking to make sure the fire in the stove was still burning, he
poured milk in a small pot to warm for Faelion. Erestor removed the
apples he left slowly baking in the oven the night before, and set
them aside to cool. He was anxious to see if Faelion would like his
Ada's easy version of applesauce.

Glorfindel and Erestor had been delighted that they could easily keep
the baby safely in his chair while they attended to things like
cooking and cleaning. Glorfindel placed the baby in it, then put a
small piece of soft bread in Faelion's hand to try while his milk
warmed. "Here you are, little one. Let us see what you think about
this." The baby sloppily shoved the bread into his mouth and ate it
happily, then squealed for more. Glorfindel broke off another piece
and put it in the tiny hand.

Amdiriel took over feeding Faelion so Glorfindel could cut up fruit
and bread while Erestor cooked the eggs. Glorfindel showed Gailion
how to make toast, and before long they were all seated at the table,
enjoying their first meal prepared as a family.

Erestor made the mistake of setting the bowl of cooked apple on the
tray in front of the baby, and looking away for a moment. Glorfindel
and the other elflings rolled with laughter when Faelion reached
inside the bowl, squealed, then flung some of the apple at Erestor.
The little elfling laughed gleefully along with the others at
Erestor's apple-splattered face. Even Erestor had to laugh, as he
playfully took a bit of apple from his face, and flung it at
Glorfindel. Before long, fruit and pieces of egg and toast were
flying around the room.
~~~*~~~
They cleaned up their mess and did the dishes, and Glorfindel made
sure that the kitchen stove contained enough hard wood so the fire
would remain slowly burning. He filled kettles for water to heat
slowly while they were gone to the market, and left them on the
stove. After baths and all the other things needed to get ready,
they were finally ready to go shopping together.

Glorfindel carried Faelion and his bag of diapers, milk and bunny.
Erestor held the other elflings hands, and they proudly set out with
their family for the market place. They greeted friends and
acquaintances along the way, and everyone passing smiled at them,
thinking what a handsome family they made.

The first shop they visited was the jeweler, to check on the circlets
for the children. The owner was excited to not only see Glorfindel,
but Erestor as well, and rapidly set out other items for them to see
along with the finished circlets. "Oh, Glorfindel, look at the
sapphire pendant! That would be perfect for Amdiriel when she wears
blue." Erestor said. "Oh, and the sweet little bracelet with
sapphires! What do you think, little one? Do you like this one?" he
asked Amdiriel.

The jeweler beamed and told the elven lords what a lovely family they
had, and could he show them anything else? Perhaps some new hair
clasps? Glorfindel decided that since he and Erestor would wear
jewels braided in their hair for Erynoron's welcoming, they of course
needed sapphires and emeralds to braid in the elflings' hair.

After the jeweler, Erestor wanted to check what elegant children's
clothing was available. Since the first clothier Glorfindel, Caladir
and Amarion had visited after the elflings' arrival was still closed,
they simply went to another known to specialize in more expensive
clothing for children.

Erestor was delighted to find the perfect dark blue velvet baby's
gown for Faelion, with matching little booties in deep blue and
gold. There was a beautiful forest green and gold gown, fashioned in
silk and velvet for Amdiriel, even lovelier than the one she had
inherited from Arwen. Gailion was thrilled with his first ever set
of formal robes in deep blue and gold.

The clothing was purchased and sent on its way to their chambers in
the Last Homely House, and they wandered though the rest of the
market, stopping here and there at anyone's fancy. Erestor purchased
more pots and pans and baking sheets, and anything else that caught
his eye, such as a couple more kettles and tools to stoke the fire in
the kitchen stove. There was plenty of room in their kitchen, after
all, and he wanted the children to learn how to cook and bake along
with the other skills they would be taught.

Glorfindel found a new doll that Amdiriel just had to add to her
collection, as it had dark red hair and green eyes just like hers.
And there was a cleverly carved practice sword for Gailion. Erestor
purchased quills, paper and ink to use when he began to teach the
children to write and read, as well as some excellent children's
books he found.

A set of simple wooden chairs for around the kitchen table was sent
to their rooms. It would be nice to have the option to share a
simple meal like breakfast in the kitchen instead of carrying
everything to the dining room.

If merchants began to set out their best wares and call to the family
merrily when they approached, no one could blame them.

Even though they could get all their food items easily from the
kitchens in the Last Homely House, delicious looking baked goods,
exotic spices, fruits, vegetables, fresh meat and fish that looked
too good to pass up were all sent along to their rooms. They may as
well make use of the icebox for more than milk, after all.

~~~*~~~
Elrond walked to his office to meet with Melpomaen and make
arrangements for Erynoron's formal welcome to Imladris. He knew that
he could not keep Erynoron much longer in his chambers, for to do so
would be abusing his position as a healer. He did not relish having
the advisor leave for his own rooms, not since he realized how he
felt about Erynoron.

Perhaps they could have a picnic today, to discuss what the advisor's
new duties were? Elrond could made some small overtures and see how
they were received. Tonight would perhaps be the last night he would
have the beautiful advisor's company. Tomorrow night they would have
the welcoming dinner and entertainment. All Elrond could do was hope
that Erynoron would return his love.

Tbc..

Chapter 24

"When may I begin my duties, my.Elrond?" Erynoron asked. They were
sitting in Elrond's private garden enjoying the soft summer breezes,
and just beginning to have their mid-day meal.

"Perhaps a little tomorrow, my friend, or the next day," Elrond
answered.

"I really do feel fine now, my.Elrond. I am anxious to begin work.
I cannot keep taking up your time like this.nor your rooms. You have
been most kind to me," Erynoron said softly.

"I have enjoyed your company, my friend. I believe I will miss you
not being with me when you go to you own rooms." Elrond tried, but
failed, to keep the longing out of his voice. "We will have your
welcoming dinner tomorrow. I met with Melpomaen this morn to arrange
everything." He smiled at the advisor. "I do hope you will be happy
here with us."

Erynoron took a deep breath. What was Elrond trying to tell him? He
wished he could be sure. Did the beautiful Lord of Imladris not
realize how Erynoron felt? What being with Elrond was doing to him?
The warmth in his voice was intoxicating, and the advisor had never
wanted anyone so badly. "I am already very happy here, my.Elrond. I
have.enjoyed your company as well."

"Try a strawberry, my friend. They look wonderful." Elrond held a
large, ripe berry to Erynoron's lips, and the advisor took a bite,
the sweet juices spilling down his lips. Erynoron licked the red
juice from his mouth, and Elrond stifled a moan. Oh, he wished he
could have lapped up that juice. The sight of the fair advisor's
tongue sent heat building in his groin.

Erynoron bravely took a strawberry and held it up to Elrond's mouth.
Elrond gently took a bite, his tongue managing to wrap slightly
around the advisor's fingers. Erynoron bit his lip to hold back his
moan, and looked into the captivating sea-gray eyes.

Elrond looked into Erynoron's eyes. Green eyes sparkling with tiny
specks of gold, like a forest fire. Wildfire. Erynoron was
wildfire, and Elrond felt his cheeks burn. He knew he had to stop -
he did not want to scare the advisor away and end his
chances. "After the formal dinner tomorrow, we will have music and
dancing in the Hall of Fire. Do you enjoy dancing, my friend?"
Good, he had managed to get that out without his voice breaking.

"Aye, sometimes, my.Elrond. I.I think I will enjoy dancing here,
though. May I.may I hope that you will.dance with.me?"

"I would like that very.very much." Holding the lovely Erynoron in
his arms, swirling around the floor with him. Elrond nearly panted
just thinking of it. Kissing him behind a pillar, out of everyone's
sight. Feeling those luscious lips. Elrond cleared his throat to
keep from shaking the images out of his head. "Will you dance with
me tomorrow night, Erynoron?" he asked softly.

"Aye, my.Elrond." Elrond's seductive voice was driving Erynoron mad
with desire, and he wanted to grab the Lord and kiss him senseless.
Never had anyone made him feel like this! He was normally a fairly
shy elf, and had never wanted to grab anyone before, let alone a Lord!

Elrond took a piece of cheese and held it to Erynoron's mouth. When
the advisor opened his lips, he slid the cheese inside, and felt soft
lips brush against his fingertips. Oh, this was madness - but such
sweet madness.

Perhaps it was lucky that Elladan and Elrohir chose that time to join
their father and new temporary advisor for lunch.

~~~*~~~
Erestor prepared a delicious dinner with the fish and fresh
vegetables they had purchased. He had even made a lovely custard
dessert, which Faelion adored, and the others too, if he judged by
the amount they had eaten. Especially his sweet husband, who had
showered him with praise. He was so happy, he felt like dancing
around the kitchen. Whoever would have thought that having their own
kitchen and making their own meals would have this effect? Staid
councilor, indeed, he thought with a smile. And look at all the
hidden talents he had discovered in himself! Master chef,
storyteller, and singer of lullabies extraordinaire. Expert diaper
changer, comforter and rocker of elfings. Champion dish and elfling
washer, and fixer of mashed fruit! Tomorrow he would add superb
cookie maker to that list. He giggled at his own silliness.
Glorfindel was sitting with the children in front of the sitting-room
fire, reading a story to them from one of the new books he had found
today. Adding one last swipe to the table, he left the kitchen to
join his family. His family. What beautiful sounding words those
were.

When the story was finished, Erestor lounged on the floor with his
head on Glorfindel's lap alongside Amdiriel's, the baby sitting up on
his stomach, supported by his Ada's hands. Glorfindel lounged back
on pillows, holding Gailion next to him.

"I think there are some sleepy elflings here, Ada Restor," Glorfindel
said.

Erestor chuckled, "Sleepy elflings, comfortable Adas, life is good."

"Ada, can we sleep in our new room tonight?" Gailion asked.

"Are you sure you want to, little one? You do not have to, you
know," Glorfindel answered.

"Amdiriel, my love, do you really want to sleep in your new room?"
Erestor asked.

The little girl nodded. "Aye, Ada, we like it. It is really pretty
and nice, and my doll house is there, and our new bathroom, and our
toys are there, and.everything." She grinned at Erestor.

"What about Faelion?" Glorfindel asked.

"Well, I suppose we could move his cradle into their room." Erestor
said. "What do you think, little ones?"

"Aye, Ada. We should stay together," the wise Amdiriel
answered. "That way, none of us will be scared. But we are not
really scared anymore. And if Faelion cries, we can come and knock
on your door and wake you up!"

Erestor grinned and looked up at Glorfindel. He was certain if
Faelion cried, he and Glorfindel would hear it before the elflings,
even through two closed doors. "All right, little ones. You can
stay in your rooms and see if you like it."

Gailion and Amdiriel clapped, then jumped up and ran to their room,
and opened the wardrobe to pull their sleeping gowns out. They were
so excited. They had their very own room, with their very own
bathroom, and it was all theirs. Their Adas had said so.
~~~*~~~

Glorfindel and Erestor had taken a quick bath and were drying each
other off. "You know what the best part is?" Erestor asked.

"Tell me."

"No more nightshirts!" Erestor giggled and ran to the bed, crawling
on it on all fours. Seductively wagging his shapely behind at
Glorfindel, he looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Come and get
it, lover," he said softly and enticingly.

Glorfindel groaned, threw his towel aside, and hurried to the bed.
~~~*~~~

Taurfaeron and Lindir stood watching the river slowly flow under the
bridge. The night was beautiful; stars shone brightly and soft
breezes rippled through the trees. The Lothlorien captain held the
lithe minstrel's back against his chest, his arms wrapped around
Lindir, and inhaled his sweet scent.

"Lindir?"

"Hmmm?"

"I love you, my sweet one, I love you" Taurfaeron whispered.

"Oh, my beautiful warrior. I love you. I love you so very much."

Taurfaeron gently turned Lindir in his arms and held him tightly as
he captured the minstrel's sweet lips with his own. Ending the kiss,
he breathed against the soft lips. "Lindir.I can no longer imagine
my life without you. I know I cannot ask you to leave your home.
The others here, they are your family. I have written to my Lord and
Lady, asking them to release me to be with you. I know they will do
this for me. Lindir, my love.marry me, please marry me? Be mine
forever, as I will be yours? I love you so much."

Lindir's lips formed into a smile. Tears sprang unbidden to his
eyes, and he nodded. "Oh, Taurfaeron," he breathed. "Aye, I will be
yours forever." And wrapping his arms around Taurfaeron's neck, he
drew his gentle warrior down for a passionate kiss.
~~~*~~~

After Erynoron had fallen asleep, Elrond softly closed the bedroom
door and sat in his favorite chair in his sitting room. He had to
speak to Celeborn and Galadriel. He had been married to their
daughter, and even though Celebrian had freed him from his vows
before she sailed, he still considered them his parents. His
conscience would not allow him to do anything further about his
feelings for Erynoron until he spoke with them.

Tbc.







Title: Finding Hope (25/30)
Rating: NC-17
Type: FPS
Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond/Erynoron, Caladir/Gurvelon,
Melpomaen/Turidon, Lindir/Taurfaeron
Author: Aglarien
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cats. Master Tolkien
owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I'm done
playing with them.
Warning: AU. Very AU. Fluff, romance.
Beta: "Mom kitty? Can I do it again for you? Mirfy's gone to that
party thingy and she said I did a good job. Can I, huh? Can I?"
*Mom kitty looks down at the furry black fluff ball with amber eyes
peaking out of long hair, and doesn't have the heart to tell him no.*
"Okay, Maxie. Just this once more."

Summary: Love seems to abound in Imladris, and it's not even Spring!


To avoid distracting little ** or //, the opening conversation is
Elrond and Celeborn far speaking.

Chapter 25

Elrond sat in his chair, eyes closed, as he reached out with his
mind for Celeborn, and smiled as he heard his father-in-law in his
mind.

"Celeborn, there is something I need to tell you."

"There is no need, my son. Galadriel foresaw it. What is the gift
of foresight for, if not to help our loved ones? Why do you think we
sent Erynoron to you? He is a wonderful advisor, but your happiness
and his are far more important to us. There are others here who can
take his place, but only he will be able to fill your heart again,
Elrond."

"I do not know what to say."

"Just take good care of him for us, and allow him to take care of
you. He will be very good at that, you know."

"Thank you, Adar. Thank you."

"And Elrond? Tell Taurfaeron that the answer is aye."

"The answer? What was the question?"

Celeborn chuckled. "My good lady tells me that he proposed marriage
to Lindir tonight, and has written to us asking to be relieved of his
duties to us and stay in Imladris. Watch out for him for us, will
you? He will be missed, but we will not keep him from the one he
loves."

"Then I thank you again, Celeborn, for Lindir is dear to me."

"Good night, my son. Hug my grandsons for me."

"Good night, Adar. Hug my daughter for me."

Elrond lay back in his chair resting, a large smile lighting his face.

~~~*~~~

Erestor's hands clawed at the sheets. On his hands and knees, his
face was buried in the pillow, his teeth biting into it in an effort
to keep from screaming, as Glorfindel pounded into him and whispered
sultry words in his ear. They had not been so abandoned in their
lovemaking since the elflings had come.

"My sweet baby.my beautiful baby. Oh.you feel so good.I love you
baby, I love you."

Erestor panted and writhed beneath the onslaught, and wailed into his
pillow. Glorfindel began pulling nearly all the way out and slamming
home again. Erestor felt like lightening was flashing through his
body. Glorfindel was driving him wild, and he loved it.

"Is this what you want, baby? Can you feel me deep inside you? Tell
me, baby.tell me this is what you want."

Erestor wailed, "Ayyyyyeee!" and thrust his hips up to meet every
thrust. Glorfindel filled him with love, with passion as well, but
most of all with love. "Love.you. Love.you. Glor..Ai!" His
length was taken in a strong hand and pumped, and all Erestor was
capable of doing was screaming into his pillow to muffle the noise he
was making as he came hard, spilling over Glorfindel's hand. When
he felt Glorfindel's seed splash deep within him, he cried out again,
as his husband muffled his own cries against his neck. Erestor
collapsed down on his stomach, and Glorfindel rolled to the side to
keep from squashing him.

"Oh.Erestor.baby.that was."

"Amazing." Erestor panted. "Love you."

"Love you."

Their breathing slowed as they slowly drifted off into reverie, gold
light falling all around them.
~~~*~~~

After their breakfast, Elrond and Erynoron went to Erestor's office,
where Melpomean helped show the new advisor what work awaited him and
where everything was. Erynoron was nearly ecstatic at the thought of
getting to work with Elrond every day. Elrond had been so sweet to
him over breakfast that Erynoron hated the thought of not having
every meal privately with him in the future, but working with him
would make up for it.

After an hour or so, Elrond called Erynoron into his office. "Come,
look at this with me and tell me what you think."

"What is it, my.Elrond?"

"Drains. We need to put in new drains, and need to find the best
spot for them. I am not sure if they should go here, here, or here,"
Elrond said, pointing out the spots on a map.

"Hmmm. Not here. You see how the ground sloops? If you put the
drains there, they may pollute the hot springs beneath the house.
The same for this spot. They should go here." Erynoron touched the
third spot with his finger.

Just as he did so, Elrond moved his finger to the spot and
said, "Here, then." His hand brushed Erynoron's, and a shiver hit
him. He gently wrapped his hand around the Advisor's and their eyes
met. The green eyes flashed with gold. "Wildfire," he
breathed. "My flame."

Erynoron drew a sharp breath and watched as Elrond slowly moved
closer, until "My flame," was breathed against his lips, and his
mouth was captured in a soft kiss. Throwing his arms around Elrond's
neck, he wove his fingers through the silky dark hair and moaned into
the kiss, as he felt a warm tongue press against his lips.

Feeling the long fingers running through his hair, Elrond pressed for
entrance, and moaned when it was granted. Their tongues writhed
around each other in the lover's dance as old as time. Finally
forced to break for breath, they stood panting in each other's arms,
eyes locked.

"My Elrond," Erynoron whispered.

"Aye, yours." Elrond said softly, before his lips were captured and
controlled by the Advisor's.
~~~*~~~

Glorfindel opened the doors and stepped out onto their
balcony. "Erestor, come quick, love. Look!"

Erestor ran out on the balcony and looked to where Glorfindel
pointed. And a smile broke out on his face. "Oh, I am so happy for
them. How sweet they look." Elrond and Erynoron walked hand in hand
through the gardens, their heads close together, and they looked to
be talking. Suddenly, Erynoron pulled Elrond into his arms and
kissed him passionately. "Oh, my. Noron, I never knew you had it
in you." Erestor chuckled.

Glorfindel grinned, watching as his Lord was thoroughly kissed. "How
wonderful for Elrond. Exactly what he needs. Someone who is strong
enough to overlook his position and take what he wants. Good for
Erynoron."

"Come, my love," Erestor said. "Let us stop staring at them before
they see us out here." He pulled Glorfindel into their bedroom. The
children were playing quite happily in their room, so he grabbed his
husband and kissed him senseless.
~~~*~~~

"Elrond.oh, I cannot believe I just did that. I do not know where
this courage comes from, but I find I can no longer be the shy and
unassuming advisor with you," Erynoron whispered into Elrond's neck.

Elrond chuckled. "I am glad you cannot. Perhaps it comes from
here," he said, placing his hand over Erynoron's heart.

"Aye, it does, my Elrond. It does," the advisor answered. "I know
not what happened, but from the first moment I saw you, my heart has
sung."

"As mine sings for you, my love," he whispered. Holding Erynoron's
face in his hands, he gazed into his beautiful eyes. "So beautiful.
My flame," he whispered, then kissed his new love deeply.

Tbc.

Chapter 26

Deciding to get themselves ready before the elflings, Glorfindel and
Erestor dressed in the robes that had been made for their wedding.
The velvet robes sparkled with embroidered gold flowers and jewels.
The only difference was Glorfindel's was royal blue with sapphires,
and Erestor's was a deep red with rubies. They fixed each other's
hair as they had done on the day of their formal marriage, weaving
jewels among the elaborate braids and finishing with their golden
circlets.

When Erestor and Glorfindel walked into the children's room to get
them ready, they grinned as they saw the children stare at them wide-
eyed.

"It is just your Adas, sweetlings," Erestor said.

"Oh, Ada. You are.you are.beautiful!" Amdiriel squealed. "Oh.Ada
Glor is so pretty, too."

"Well, just wait until we are done with the three of you. We will be
the most stunning of everyone at the party!" Glorfindel said.

Erestor dressed Amdiriel in her new green gown, and wove emeralds
that flashed when she moved her head into her dark curls. Her
beautiful emerald bracelet and pendant were next. "Come, see what
you look like sweetheart." Erestor stood her in front of the
mirror. "See how beautiful you are?"

"Oh, Ada, is that me?"

Erestor chuckled. "Aye, that is my Amdiriel."

Glorfindel finished with their oldest elfling, and Gailion joined his
sister in front of the mirror. The only thing left was their gold
circlets. Glorfindel wove them into their hair while Erestor dressed
Faelion and coaxed the baby into letting him put his circlet in his
hair.

Finished, they looked at themselves in the mirror. "Stunning, my
dears. Simply stunning," Glorfindel said.

Erestor laughed. "Let us go then, or we will be late."

As they walked to the dining hall, Erestor reminded the children that
his cousin, Mirfaineth, would be taking them back to their rooms,
along with Calariel and Glawen, shortly after dinner. The children
could come to the Hall of Fire after dinner for a few minutes to see
everything, but it would be too late for little elflings to stay up
longer. Mirfaineth's husband was out on patrol, and she was
expecting their first child. She was looking forward to watching the
elflings for the practice. The children liked Mirfaineth, and
Erestor trusted her, so it was a good solution.

At the doors to the dining hall, they paused. "Do you remember what
to do, little ones?" Erestor asked. Two little heads nodded.
Glorfindel held Faelion in his arms, and Erestor held Amdiriel.
Gailion would walk between them. The two adas smiled at each other,
extraordinarily proud of the sight they would make. Glorfindel
opened the door and they stepped inside. Walking to their place at
Elrond's table, they could not help hearing gasps and other sounds of
admiration.

If the elflings were awed by the crowd of elves in the room, they did
not show it. Gailion and Amdiriel noticed Amarion and his family,
and gave a tiny wave to their friends, hoping their adas would not
mind. Elrond and Erynoron had not arrived yet, so they took their
places at the table.

Erestor noticed that Calariel and Glawen were looking adorable in
their new finery as they sat on their adas' laps, and sported
matching sapphires around their necks and wrists, as well as in their
hair. He smiled at Caladir and gave Gurvelon a wink.

Glorfindel helped Erestor sit with Amdiriel in his lap, before
seating himself with Faelion. The little girls were still too small
to sit in the chairs in the dining hall and reach anything. Gailion
was just big enough, so he sat between his adas. Besides, there were
plenty of friends around if need be.

They greeted Lindir and Taurfaeron, seated across from them, and
Erestor noticed a flash. "Lindir?" Erestor said, "Is that a mithril
ring I see on your finger perchance, my friend?" He wished Taurfaeron
would move his hand so he could if the Lothlorien captain wore one as
well.

Lindir blushed prettily and nodded.

"Indeed it is, Erestor," Taurfaeron said proudly. "My beautiful love
has consented to marry this hardened old warrior." He held up his
hand to show off his matching ring.

"Oh, I am so very happy for you both," Erestor said. "Glorfindel, is
it not wonderful?"

"Indeed it is. My congratulations to both of you," Glorfindel smiled.

Melpomean and Turidon were seated on the other side of Lindir and
Taurfaeron, and joined in the congratulations. "Lindir," Mel
laughed, "do you remember telling me once that you wished you had a
big, strong warrior to sit beside? I think you got your wish, my
friend."

"And more than I ever hoped for," Lindir answered, looking adoring up
at Taurfaeron. The minstrel looked so adorable that his big, strong
warrior had no choice but to lean over and kiss him, to the delight
of all of their friends.

Just then, Elrond finally arrived with Erynoron at his side. As
usual, the Lord of Imladris looked elegant and regal in his dark blue
and cream robes of state. With his mithril circlet and silver stars
laced through his hair, he was as beautiful as always. But Erynoron
was stunning. The tall elf was dressed in beautiful deep green robes
that shimmered with golden embroidery and amethysts. Peeking out
through slashes in the sleeves were wisps of pale, sheer lavender.
Emeralds and amethysts woven into his carefully arranged hair flashed
as he walked. Behind them walked Elladan and Elrohir.

The assembled elves rose, and as the party passed, bowed respectfully
to their Lord. Erestor could see a faint blush on Erynoron's
cheeks. He doubted if his friend had ever been so elegantly attired
before - Elrond had certainly done his best to make sure his new love
shined for all to see.

"Ada, Noron is pretty," Amdiriel whispered.

"He is indeed, sweetheart," Erestor whispered back. "Now do not
forget to bow your head when Elrond comes to the table, all right?"

When Elrond, Erynoron and the twins reached the table, Amdiriel,
still held in her Ada's arms, inclined her head as Erestor had taught
her to do, and the other elves bowed. Elrond introduced Erynoron and
explained to the assembled elves that Celeborn's Chief Advisor would
serve as their Chief Councilor, along with Erestor, and relieve
Erestor of most of his regular duties to allow him time with his new
family.

Erestor was touched that Elrond had said Erynoron would serve along
with him, and gracefully acknowledged the complement with a bow of
his head. He longed for the time off from his duties, but it felt
good to still be needed and recognized.

"We have another cause to celebrate this evening, my friends," Elrond
continued. "Our dear Lindir and our new friend Taurfaeron of
Lothlorien, are betrothed." The assembled elves cheered and
applauded, and a blushing Lindir held onto Taurfaeron's hand
tightly. "Taurfaeron, Lord Celeborn bids me tell you that your
request to leave his service has been graciously agreed to. We
welcome you to your new home, Taurfaeron of Imladris." At this
announcement, Taurfaeron grabbed Lindir and kissed his soundly, to
the cheers and applause of all. "After dinner there will be
entertainment and dancing in the Hall of Fire," Elrond
continued. "Please, be seated, and enjoy the meal and the rest of
the evening."

When they were seated, Elrohir, who was seated on the other side of
Erestor, spoke to Amdiriel. "Hello, little princess. Do I get a
hello hug?" Amdiriel giggled, and held out her arms. Elrohir took
her from Erestor and set her on his lap. "My, you look beautiful
tonight, princess. Who put all those emeralds in your hair?"

"My Ada did." Amdiriel giggled again.

"Are you going to save me a dance later tonight, princess?"

"Ada says we have to go back to our room with Mirfaineth after
dinner."

"Ah, he does, does he? Erestor, may I have one dance with your
little princess before she has to go with Mirfaineth?" He looked at
Erestor with puppy dog eyes. "Please? Just one small one?"

Erestor laughed. "Would you like to dance with Elrohir, sweetheart?"

"I would, Ada. May I?" The little green eyes sparkled up at
Erestor, and she smiled.

Erestor knew he could not deny her. "Just one then. And then you
must go to bed, all right?"

Amdiriel grinned and nodded. "Thank you, Ada."

"Thank you, Ada," Elrohir echoed and grinned, earning him a little
slap on his shoulder from "Ada".

Dinner was an elaborate affair with all the best Imladris had to
offer. Erynoron secretly peeked at Elrond whenever he could, and
Elrond was peeking back when he could. Lindir and Taurfaeron had
eyes only for each other. Mel and Turidon happily chatted with
everyone. Caladir and Gurvelon were having a wonderful time with
their pretty little elflings.

Servants helped the four new adas prepare plates for the elflings,
cut up the children's food for them, and even brought mashed fruit
for the baby. Faelion happily chewed on Glorfindel's hair after his
Ada had fed him and was finally eating his own dinner.

Elrond and Erynoron fawned over all the elflings and told their adas
what wonderful, beautiful children they were. Erestor whipped the
baby's bunny out from under his robes and handed it to Gailion to
give to his brother to chew on instead of his Ada's hair.

"Always prepared, my friend," Erynoron laughed.

"I am learning, my friend. I am learning," Erestor chuckled.

When dinner was over, all of the elves moved into the Hall of Fire.
Musicians played in a corner, and soft music filled the hall.
Elrohir claimed his dance, whisking Amdiriel off to the dance floor.
He swirled around with her in his arms, as she laughed merrily.
Caladir and Gurvelon danced together, each with an elfling still in
his arms, and Erestor found his heavily pregnant cousin for one not-
too-lively dance before she took the elflings away. Glorfindel
simply picked Gailion up in his other arm and twirled around the
floor with them, laughing joyfully.

After their one dance, Erestor and Gurvelon accompanied Mirfaineth
to Erestor and Glorfindel's rooms to help get the children ready for
bed. Before they left, Calariel and Glawen were curled up together
in the unused bed in the children's room, Faelion was peacefully
asleep in his cradle, and Amdiriel and Gailion were just falling
asleep in Gailion's bed. At Erestor's insistence, Mirfaineth was
stretched out on Amdiriel's bed, resting.

"If you are sleeping when we return, we will not wake you, love.
Just stay here for the night. You need to be careful in your
condition, you know," Erestor said. He was very protective of his
cousin, especially when her husband was off on patrol.

"Aye, Nana," Mirfaineth answered with a grin.

Erestor just chuckled and kissed her chastely on the cheek.

When they returned to the Hall of Fire, Erestor sought out his
husband. "Dance with me, Glorfindel my love?"

Glorfindel smiled down at his beautiful mate. "Always, sweetheart."
Sweeping Erestor into his arms, he twirled him out onto the dance
floor.

Erestor looked up at Glorfindel with love shining from his eyes and
smiled. There were few things he liked better than dancing in
Glorfindel's arms, and they had not been able to do much of it
lately. After two or three lively dances, many of their friends had
left the dance floor to catch their breaths. The music slowed and
grew soft, and still they danced slowly in each other's arms.

"I love you, my Erestor," Glorfindel said softly. Erestor fit so
perfectly in his arms, the dark head cradled under his chin. "I
cannot remember life without you, without your love. I love you so
very much."

"I love you, my Glorfindel, and I thank the Valar daily for your
love. You are my heart, my soul, my light." Erestor lifted his head
and moaned so softly that only his husband could hear as Glorfindel
kissed him sweetly.

Elrond, Erynoron, and several others stood watching the
couple. "They are so beautiful. So much in love," Erynoron said.

"Aye, it shines from them," Elrond answered.

Golden lights began to sparkle here and there around the dancing
couple as they kissed. "What is that?" Erynoron asked.

"I.I do not know, at least for certain. I have heard of such things,
but have never seen it before," Elrond replied.

The golden lights grew stronger and more numerous. Other couples
dancing began to notice, and stopped to watch, amazement on their
faces.

"Turidon, have you seen it before? Do you know?" Elrond asked.
Turidon was one of the first elves, and if anyone would know, it was
he.

"Aye, my Lord. I have seen it. Long ago when the Valar walked among
us and in the Undying Lands. I know what it is. But never have I
seen it among elves. It was only known among the Valar." There was
wonder in Turidon's voice.

"What is it, my love?" Melpomaen asked. "Tell us?"

"Love. We are seeing love. Their love. See how it passes from one
to the other and then overflows into the room? They have been
greatly blessed, and we have been greatly blessed to witness this.
It is their love. Come, my little Mel. Come and dance with me,"
Turidon said softly.

"Turidon, perhaps it would be better if..." Elrond began. Erestor
and Glorfindel were gazing into each other's eyes before they kissed
again. The golden lights again grew more numerous.

"Nay, my Lord. You do not understand. It is to be shared. That is
why we can see it - to share in it. Did you not see their eyes
turning to gold? Come, all of you. Come and dance." Turidon led
Melpomaen out onto the floor and the other couples followed. Elrond
and Erynoron, Caladir and Gurvelon, and Lindir and Taurfaeron, moved
onto the floor and danced, and soon all of the other couples joined
them.

And all around them, and on them, golden lights fell.

"Can you feel it, my love?" Turidon whispered to Mel.

"Aye," Mel whispered. "It is warm and sweet, and.and.lovely," he
said, pulling Turidon down for a kiss.

Elladan and Elrohir stood side by side, watching the dancing elves.
The golden lights grew more numerous and spread throughout the room,
even falling on the twins. They watched their father in amazement as
he looked into Erynoron's eyes, and the realization hit them at
once. "Ada loves him," Elladan whispered.

"Erynoron loves Ada," Elrohir responded. "Just look at them. How
beautiful they are together. Oh, I am happy for Ada."

"As am I, my brother, as am I. Too long has he been alone. Oh.look
at Caladir and Velon." Caladir and Gurvelon, bonded for centuries
with a love so strong that Erestor had once wished that he and
Glorfindel's love would be the same, were softly glowing. They
always glowed when they made love, but never before at any other
time. They saw the glow, and were smiling adoring at each other.

"Can you feel it, Dan?" Elrohir asked. "They feel warm." He held
out a hand and watched as golden lights drifted through it.

"Aye. They seem to make everything warm and.I do not know how else to
describe it."

Elrohir nodded. "Oh, look at Ada and Erynoron!" Elrond had stopped
dancing and was drawing Erynoron closer. The twins watched as their
father's mouth captured Erynoron's in a deep kiss and the Advisor
wound his fingers through dark hair.

Elladan grinned at Elrohir, who smirked back at his brother. "I do
not want to be anywhere near Ada's rooms tonight, brother," Elladan
said.

"No indeed." Elrohir chuckled. "Erynoron is truly beautiful, is he
not, brother?"

"Aye. Ada has good taste. And he is Erestor's friend. Erestor says
he is a good and kind elf, which means we do not have to rip him
apart to make sure he is good enough for Ada," Elladan said.

"Indeed. It is good that Erestor knows him so well," Elrohir
laughed. "It saved him from Ada's protectors."

The twins laughed and decided it was time for them to look for
something else to do. Like sparring for instance. Anything to get
them out of this room and away from all this romance! They went to
Elrond's office and wrote a quick note telling their Ada that they
approved of his choice, and to please be gentle with Erynoron because
they rather liked him. They took the note to Elrond's bedroom and
left it on his pillow, then went off to change for their sparring.

In the Hall of Fire, Glorfindel saw Caladir and Gurvelon leave. He
gave them a few minutes to pick up their girls and return to their
own rooms, then picked up his beloved husband in his arms.

Erestor wrapped his arms around Glorfindel's neck and rested his head
on his strong shoulder, and was lovingly carried back to their rooms.

Tbc.

Chapter 27

Mirfaineth was standing at the door waiting for them when Glorfindel
and Erestor arrived. She had woken when Caladir and Gurvelon had
come for their girls, and knew that her cousin and his spouse would
not be far behind. She grinned at the sight of Glorfindel carrying
Erestor in his arms. "Greetings, my indulged cousin. The children
are sound asleep, and I am awake, so I will return to my rooms."

Erestor opened his eyes and sighed. "I suppose you had better put me
down now, my love, as wonderful as it has been." Glorfindel gently
set him on his feet. Erestor gave his cousin a hug and kissed her
brow. "Thank you, love. Rest well, and take care of my little
nephew you carry."

"I will. Good night, Erestor. Good night, Glorfindel." Reaching up
on tiptoe, she kissed Glorfindel's cheek. "Take care of my favorite
cousin for me, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel smiled. "Always. Good night, Mirfaineth, and thank you."

When she left, the adas went to check on the children. Faelion was
sound asleep in his cradle, clutching his bunny. Tinnu and Glirien
had left their kittens in the basket by the fire and were sleeping
next to the elflings. Erestor and Glorfindel tucked in a blanket
here and there, kissed the children softly, gave the cats a gentle
pet, then retired to their own room. They lazily helped each other
undress and remove the jewels and elaborate braids from their hair,
and finally fell into their own bed.

Erestor snuggled into Glorfindel's arms. "I am so happy for Elrond
and Erynoron. It was lovely to see them together tonight."

"Hmmm....It was. And the twins seem to be all right with it. I
hoped they would be." Glorfindel pulled Erestor closer and nuzzled
his neck. "It was wonderful dancing with you again tonight,
sweetheart," he whispered.

"It was. I love it when you hold me. You always make me feel so
warm and protected. I know I do not need protection, but I love
feeling it just the same."

Glorfindel stroked Erestor's silky hair and chuckled warmly. "I love
that I can make you feel that way. I would do anything for your
happiness, Erestor."

"As I would for you, my love."

The two elves just held each other for a long time, sharing long,
languid kisses.

~~~*~~~
Caladir and Gurvelon looked down on their sleeping daughters. The
two little girls were snuggled together, their arms wrapped around
their dolls and each other, surrounded by their favorite stuffed
animals. Their little gray and white kitten, Cenedril, was curled up
sleeping on their pillow. "They are so precious, my love. I never
thought I could fall so much in love so fast," Gurvelon
whispered, "except with you, of course."

"Aye. So very precious and beautiful," Caladir said softly. "Just
like their Ada Velon. Come to bed, sweetheart," he said, wrapping
his arms around Gurvelon.

The little scribe nodded and they quietly slipped out of the girls'
room and into their own bedroom. Quickly undressing, Gurvelon
crawled into bed, pulling his husband after him. As he started to
remove the braids from Caladir's hair, he said, "I am so glad they
are sleeping better now and in their own room, my love."

"Aye, and not just because I missed having you alone in our bed, but
because it means their fears have finally grown less."

Gurvelon nodded as he removed the last braid and ran his fingers
through Caladir's soft, dark hair, spreading it out. Lying down next
to his warrior, he covered himself with his husband's luxurious
hair. Together for centuries, Caladir and Gurvelon's love for each
other had grown only stronger. Their passion and lust for each other
had never waned, and lay just below the surface, ready to leap into
flame at the slightest touch.

Velon had always loved to cover himself with the long, dark hair, and
frequently wrapped himself in it, using it as a blanket. Caladir was
a bear of a warrior, a little taller and broader than Glorfindel, and
little Velon was among the smallest of the adult elves in Imladris.
Caladir could rest his arm comfortably on his husband's head when
they stood side by side. Through all the centuries they had fit
perfectly together, and the strength of their love was widely
recognized and admired. "Whatever would you do if I had to cut my
hair, sweetheart," Caladir chuckled.

Gurvelon smiled up at the only elf he had ever loved. "Wait for it
to grow back, I suppose. I fell in love with you before I knew how
wonderful your hair was, if you remember. It was not until after we
were married that you finally let me unbraid it at night. Your hair
is just something extra that I love about you, beloved. I fear I
should still love you, even if you had no hair."

"Perish the thought, sweetheart!" Caladir laughed. "I remember the
first time I saw you. You were in the library, reaching for a book.
Your beautiful auburn hair loose and curling gently around your
lovely, firm little behind." The warrior's large hands tenderly
caressed Velon's perfectly round buttocks. "And then you turned and
looked at me with your sparkling green eyes, and I saw your beautiful
face, your full, red lips smiling at me. You captured my heart the
first moment I saw you, and I have never wanted it back, beloved."

"As you captured my heart, my darling warrior," Gurvelon purred. "My
heart never stops singing my love for you." He pulled Caladir's head
down to him and captured his mouth with his own, delving into his
husband's sweetness.

Caladir moaned and reached under the pillow for the oil they kept
there. Opening the bottle, he coated his fingers and quickly
prepared Gurvelon. After centuries of lovemaking, most of the time
more than once daily, it only took a moment. Then easily lifting his
little mate, he thrust his hard shaft into the tight channel to the
hilt, ramming it into Velon's hidden sweet spot, just the way his
little scribe loved it. He quickly covered Gurvelon's mouth with his
own to stifle his lover's scream of pleasure that would surely wake
the girls

Gurvelon wailed in delight and wrapped his legs tightly around his
warrior as his hands gripped Caladir's muscled arms. His wonderful
husband always knew exactly what he wanted. His heart sang for the
only elf he would ever love for all eternity, and lightening raced
through his body. How he loved it when Caladir covered his body with
his own large one when they made love, the big, hard warrior above
him making him feel protected and sheltered. "More.more. My.love.
oh.I love.you. Harder.harder," he cried out softly.

Caladir thrust harder, striking Gurvelon's hidden spot with each
thrust. "So good.always so good.love you.love you," he murmured.
His heart sang in response to Gurvelon's love, and he felt the
pleasure he was giving to his little husband, making it all the more
beautiful. "Love you forever.forever," he whispered. His mind
filled with Velon's thoughts of how much he loved his darling
warrior, as the familiar lightening coursed through his limbs and the
air around them sizzled with the force of their love. Oh, how he
loved his precious little Gurvelon. How he loved to watch him writhe
with passion beneath him. There was nothing so beautiful as seeing
his little husband burning with desire for him, and knowing that he
was the only one that could ever satisfy that hunger.

Gurvelon writhed as Caladir fulfilled his every need. When he felt a
large, strong hand wrap around his engorged cock and firmly stroke
it, he pulled his husband's mouth to his own and screamed out in
pleasure as his hot seed exploded between them.

Caladir thrust one last time and cried out in completion as his
essence shot into the tight channel and the convulsing muscles
drained him.

Gurvelon lay sated as he felt Caladir lovingly clean him. Then he
was gathered into strong arms and held closely. Resting his head
against the hard chest, the soft, silky hair covered him like a
blanket, and he fell into reverie as he heard, "I love you, my
darling one," whispered in his ear.

Caladir looked down at his precious love, smiling, before joining him
in reverie, their bodies still softly glowing.

~~~*~~~
Elrond and Erynoron, hand in hand, walked slowly back to Elrond's
chambers. As they entered the room, Elrond closed the door and
finally spoke softly. "Will you stay with me, my love? I find I
cannot bear the thought of you sleeping in your rooms tonight.
Please stay?"

"I want to stay with you, but.I.I.do not think that I.am ready.for."
Erynoron was struggling for the right words.

"My love, I do not ask that of you. I promise I will not rush you,
nor touch you in any way that you do not want. You will be the only
one to decide when you want more from me. Whatever you are
comfortable giving me is enough. I ask only that I may hold you in
my arms while we sleep. I would love to have you staying with me in
my rooms, but I want you to keep your own rooms as well. That way,
you can decide each night where you want to sleep, and have your
private place to go if you want to be alone. I will not pressure
you, my love, but if you stay with me tonight, maybe you can move a
few of your things here where they are convenient for you?"

Erynoron nodded, then smiled. "I would like to stay with you
tonight, my Elrond. And may I keep kissing you? Will that be all
right?"

"Oh, I would be very sad if you did not, my love." Elrond smiled
back and caressed Erynoron's face in his hands. "I love you, my
flame. All I desire is your happiness. You fill my heart, my soul.
They have been empty for so long."

"As you fill mine, my Elrond," Erynoron said softly. "I.I never
realized how very lonely I was before you. I could never understand
how an elf knew instantly when he had met his soulmate until I met
you. I know not why the Valar have blessed me so, but I will thank
them for the rest of my life. You are wise and kind, beloved. Your
light shines so brightly, I am blinded with it." Lacing his fingers
through Elrond's silky, dark hair, he whispered, "How I love kissing
you, my Elrond. How I love you."

Elrond's mouth was captured in a kiss so passionate that his legs
turned to jelly. He wrapped his arms around Erynoron, grateful for
his lover's strength holding him upright. Tongues thrusting deeply,
Elrond moaned and pulled Erynoron closer, pressing the heat of their
arousals together.

Erynoron broke the kiss, whimpering, his arms wrapping around his
lover as Elrond pressed their hips together. "Oh.Oh.Elrond.Oh.that
feels.so.good," he panted. "What are you.doing to me?" Elrond's lips
moved along his neck, as Erynoron whimpered with the sensations
coursing through his body. "Oh.Oh.Elrond.Elrond," he moaned.

"Has no one loved you before, my beloved? Has no one brought you
pleasure?" Elrond whispered.

Erynoron shook his head. "Nay."

Elrond stopped, and removed his arms from Erynoron. As he stepped
back, he took Erynoron's hands in his own, and spoke softly. "My
love, I promised that you that I would not touch you in any way you
did not want. I know you are not ready for us to join, and I promise
I will not take you until you ask that of me. But even if you were to
ask that of me tonight, I would not, nor for many nights to come."
Elrond smiled softly as his fingers caressed Erynoron's hands. "My
love, you are untouched, and there is much joy in slowly learning the
delights of love. There is much more to making love than the act
that will result in our binding. I would love to bring you pleasure,
to make love to you. You must tell me before this goes any further
tonight. Do you want this? Do you want me to bring you pleasure, to
love you?"

"I want.I want."

"Tell me, my beloved. Tell me what you want of me," Elrond whispered.

"I want.your touch. I want.to learn.what it is to make love. If
what I just felt was part of learning the delights of love, then
teach me more."

Elrond pulled Erynoron close and kissed him deeply.

Erynoron looked into sparkling gray eyes as Elrond carefully removed
emeralds and amethysts from the blonde hair and set them aside.
Braids were undone and long, elegant fingers moved though his loose
mane.

Erynoron raised his hands to Elrond's head and gently removed the
silver circlet. Silver stars joined the pile of jewels as the long
dark hair was set free of braids and elaborate knots.

Erynoron's shimmering robes were slowly and carefully removed,
followed by Elrond's, and soon the two stood before each other,
unadorned and naked. Elrond lightly ran his hands over Erynoron's
chest. "You are beautiful, my flame," Elrond breathed.

Erynoron shook his head. "If I am, it is but a pale reflection of
your beauty, my love."

"Come, my heart, and I will show you just how beautiful you truly
are, for you will see it reflected in my eyes." Elrond led Erynoron
to his bed. "What is this?" he said, picking up a note left on his
pillow. He opened it, read it, and then began to laugh.

"What is it, Elrond?" Erynoron asked.

"Listen, my love," Elrond said, then began to read the note. "Dear
Ada, We thought we should let you know that you have excellent
taste. Indeed, Erynoron is strikingly beautiful. We are glad that
he is Erestor's friend, and Erestor could vouch for his character.
It would have been such a shame if we were made to hurt him a little
until we determined if he was good enough for you. But as we trust
Erestor's word, all is well, and we heartily approve of your choice
in lovers. Ada, now please be gentle with Erynoron, as we find we
rather like him, and are looking forward to welcoming him into our
family. Your loving sons, Elladan and Elrohir."

"Oh.. how kind of them to do that," Erynoron said.

"Aye, I believe I am rather proud of them," Elrond said, grinning,
and setting the note aside. "Now, where was I?" He picked Erynoron
up in his arms and laid him gently in the center of the bed.
Straddling his golden lover, he held himself up on his arms and
stared into the golden green eyes. He lowered his body enough for
chest to meet chest, and teased the advisor's rosy nipples with his
own, before capturing Erynoron's mouth and kissing him passionately.

Erynoron moaned. When an engorged member was moved along his own, he
whimpered, and his hands moved to grip Elrond's strong biceps. His
whimpers turned into moans again as Elrond's mouth descended on his
neck, licking and gently biting, while their groins undulated
together. He pulled Elrond's mouth to his own, his tongue searching
wildly for its mate.

Elrond doubted that Erynoron would last long, and he wanted his love
to remember their first night together as something special. But he
wanted to go slowly with his new love, and let him experience things
as new lovers would, little by little. His lips moved around
Erynoron's neck, gently lapping the soft skin. Working his way down
the lightly muscled chest, his mouth closed around a rosy nipple,
sucking it into his mouth.

Erynoron whimpered as he felt his nipple sucked into a warm
mouth. "Oh.Elrond.oh.that feels.ah.so good," he moaned. And then
long fingers wrapped around his hard member, firmly stroking, and all
he could do was moan Elrond's name as he thrust his hips up in time
with the stroking.

Elrond could feel Erynoron's body tensing, and moved his mouth to the
sweetness of his lips. Whispering against them, he said, "Come for
me, my beautiful love."

Erynoron bucked, and cried out Elrond's name as he came.

Elrond covered Erynoron's mouth with his own, kissing him
breathless. Finally raising his head, he said softly, "Did I please
you, my love?"

"Oh, that was.. amazing. Oh, my Elrond, the things you make me
feel." Erynoron lay, staring into Elrond's eyes, a smile on his
face.

Elrond smiled gently and stroked Erynoron's hair, then took a cloth
from the stand by his bed and lovingly cleaned the advisor.

"Umm.. May I.would it be all right if I.touched you?" Erynoron
whispered shyly.

"You do not have to, my love. Tonight was for you."

"I.I would like to. I know I will not be as good as you, but I would
like to.to.give you pleasure."

"Anything you do to me will give me pleasure, my flame." Elrond lay
on his side next to Erynoron, and stroked the beautiful advisor's
face with his fingers. "I love you, Erynoron."

"I love you, my Elrond," Erynoron whispered.

"Yours," Elrond said as soft lips closed on his and a hand hesitantly
brushed across his weeping member. Elrond moaned and deepened the
kiss.

Encouraged by Elrond's response, Erynoron wrapped his hand around the
hard cock, trying to use the same pressure and strokes that Elrond
had used on him. The feel of it in his hand made him groan. He
never knew that he could find such pleasure in touching another.

For someone with no experience, Erynoron had set Elrond ablaze. It
was only moments before he cried out, "Noron!" and found his release.

Erynoron smiled, and held the panting Lord in his arms until his
breathing quieted, then used the cloth to carefully clean them both.

Held securely in each other's arms, they drifted off into reverie.

Tbc..

Title: Finding Hope (28/30)
Rating: NC-17
Type: FPS
Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel, Elrond/Erynoron, Caladir/Gurvelon,
Melpomaen/Turidon, Lindir/Taurfaeron
Author: Aglarien
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cats. Master Tolkien
owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I'm done
playing with them.
Warning: AU. Very AU. Excessive sweetness, fluffiness and
romance.
Beta: Lady Mirfain
And a big thank you to Aprilmoon, Napolde, and Lady Mirfain for some
of these ideas.

Summary: Of cookies and cooking

Chapter 28


The House of the Golden Flower was making a mess in their kitchen.
Faelion sat in his special chair and watched the activity, squealing
and banging on his tray top, as Glorfindel and the older elflings
shaped cookies at one end of the table and Erestor watched the ones
baking in the oven and pulled out the metal trays when they were
done. Cooling cookies lined the table's other end, and flour and
sugar covered most of the surfaces, including the floor.

Erestor picked up a cooled cookie and tasted it. "Hmmm.these taste
wonderful." Taking two more cooled cookies, he smiled and handed
them to Faelion, one for each hand. The elfling reached out and
grabbed the bird shaped confections, squealing, and immediately put
one in his mouth, sucking and slobbering on it happily. Erestor
went back to helping the others at the table, while keeping an eye on
Faelion and on the cookies in the oven.

"Look, Ada, I made a cat!" Amdiriel said proudly. Her cookie looked
like a curled up sleeping cat, with little ears and a long tail.

"Oh, what a nice cat, sweetheart. I think you had better make some
more of those, because I just have to eat that one when it is baked,"
Erestor said. Amdiriel giggled and started shaping some more cats.

Faelion had managed to consume most of his cookies. What remained
had turned into mush on his face or tray. Suddenly, he opened his
mouth and said, "Aaaa..daaa!"

Erestor and Glorfindel looked at the elfling, smiles and surprise on
their faces. "Did you say Ada, little one?" Erestor asked.

"Aaaa.daaa!" was the response.

"Oh Glorfindel, he said Ada! Say Ada for me again, sweetheart? Say
Ada for Ada," Erestor coaxed.

"Adaaa!" the elfling responded. "Ada.Ada.Ada," Faelion chanted,
banging his tray.

"Oh, what a good little elfling you are, sweetheart. Would you like
another cookie?" Erestor cooed.

"Can you say Ada Glor, little one? Say Ada Glor for me.Ada Glor,"
Glorfindel brought a cookie and tried to get Faelion to say his name,
holding it out to the elfling. "Can you say Ada Glor?"

"Ada.Glug," Faelion responded.

"Say Ada Glor, sweetheart," Erestor said.

"Ada.Glug!" Faelion said. "Ada Glug.Ada Glug.Ada Glug!" Faelion
chanted, grabbing for the cookie.

Glorfindel laughed and gave their little elfling the cookie. "I
think I can live with Ada Glug for a while."

~~~*~~~
When the cookies were done and kitchen cleaned, Glorfindel announced
that he was going to make them all dinner.

Erestor raised his eyebrows. "I did not know you could cook, my
love."

"Of course I can. It has just been a while. Well, maybe more than a
while, but it is like riding a horse. One never forgets!"
Glorfindel shooed everyone out of the kitchen and began gathering
ingredients.

A little over two hours later, the family gathered in the dining room
to taste Glorfindel's creation.

"I cannot wait to try it, my love. It looks wonderful," Erestor said.

Glorfindel filled everyone's plate, and they all took their first
bite.

Erestor sat, food in his mouth, not wanting to swallow.

Gailion and Amdiriel swallowed, grimacing.

Glorfindel swallowed, and the smile on his face turned into a look of
horror. "Ummm.I think it might make a nice change if we went to the
Dining Hall for dinner tonight."

"Thank the Valar," Erestor whispered.

The elfings applauded and cheered.

"Sorry, Ada," Gailion said, contritely.

"Sorry, Ada Glor," Amdiriel whispered.

~~~*~~~
"How nice to have you join us, my friends!" Elrond greeted Erestor,
Glorfindel and the elflings, as they took their places at his table
in the Dining Hall, Amdiriel on Erestor's lap and Glorfindel sat
holding little Faelion. "We see too little of you lately."

They greeted all their other friends at the table, including
Melpomaen and Turidon, and Erestor winked at Erynoron, seated next to
Elrond. "We have been enjoying our new rooms, Elrond, and I find I
very much enjoy cooking. Perhaps we should join you for dinner
regularly, though. Maybe two or three days at week? I do miss
seeing everyone so much," Erestor responded.

Elrond nodded, smiling. "Caladir and Gurvelon join us with their
daughters three or four times a week. It would be wonderful to have
you here as well."

"That is a wonderful idea, love," Glorfindel said. "Now that we know
that I cannot cook, it will give you a welcome break from the
kitchen."

Elrond raised his eyebrow in question. "You cannot cook?"

"His finer culinary skills are just a little rusty, that is all,"
Erestor said, smiling at Glorfindel. "You do prepare wonderful mid-
day meals, my love." Of course they consisted of things like bread,
cheese and fruit, which required no cooking. Glorfindel smiled at
his supportive husband, and leaned over to give him a chaste kiss.

Elladan and Elrohir arrived, apologizing to their father for being
late as they took their places. "However do you handle everything on
your own, Glorfindel?" Elladan asked. "There are two of us and we
have a hard time."

"Centuries of practice, my friends," Glorfindel answered. "And do
not forget I have Caladir to assist me, and you two have neither of
us."

Elrohir had been smiling at Amdiriel, and she shyly smiled
back. "How has my little princess been? I have been so busy lately
I do not get to see very much of you," Elrohir said. "Will you come
and sit with me, little one? Then you can tell me everything you
have been doing."

"May I, Ada?" Amdiriel looked up at Erestor.

"Of course, sweetheart," Erestor said as he rose to take Amdiriel to
Elrohir. He placed her on Elrohir's lap, smiling. He was glad that
his daughter was so comfortable with Elrohir.

"And can Gailion come sit by me, Erestor?" Elladan asked. "We have
not gotten to spend much time with them."

Erestor nodded to Gailion, and he scurried to sit next to Elladan,
smiling.

Faelion squealed. "Ada Glug. Ada...Ada.Glug!"

The elves at the table laughed and Glorfindel looked down at his
little elfling adoringly. "Aye, little one, your Ada Glug."

"Erestor," Elrond said, "Gurvelon and Caladir asked Melpomaen to
start teaching their little ones. We thought perhaps you and
Glorfindel might like to have Gailion and Amdiriel join them.
Amarion and Diwen's elflings will be there as well. It will only be
for two hours a day right now."

"What a wonderful idea," Glorfindel said. "Caladir and I could work
with Elladan and Elrohir for those two hours, and you and Gurvelon
could help Elrond and Erynoron, my love. Think of how much we could
accomplish in those two hours every day."

"I would like that. I do miss the work sometimes. Oh, but what
about Faelion?" Erestor said. Melpomaen would be a wonderful teacher
for his little ones to start learning with, but who could they get to
care for Faelion every day?

"I will help Mel with the elflings, Erestor," Turidon said. "One
more little one is no problem. And we thought we would use the
children's playroom next to yours, so it would be close to anything
we would need, if that is all right."

"That would be perfect. Thank you, both of you," Erestor said,
smiling at Mel and Turidon.

"Good, that is settled then," Elrond said. "We will begin tomorrow
after the mid-day meal, if that is agreeable to everyone?" He smiled
as everyone agreed. Erestor and Gurvelon's help would keep him from
having to spend too many late nights in his office working with
Erynoron instead of having him in his bed. Plus, Erestor and
Gurvelon missed working as well, so it was the perfect solution.

"Did you hear that, my little princess? You are going to begin
lessons with Mel! Oh, that will be such fun for you and Gailion,"
Elrohir said. "He will teach you to read, and tell you stories."

"Will he teach us to write too?" Gailion asked Elladan.

"Indeed he will, little one. And all of your friends will be with
you, too. Oh, you will have a wonderful time," Elladan said. Sweet
little Melpomaen was the perfect teacher for them, he thought. "And
I think Lindir will come sometimes to teach you music as well."

Lindir nodded and smiled. "Of course I will."

Dinner was a happy affair, and Erestor was glad things had worked out
the way they did. Amdiriel sat and ate her dinner on Elrohir's lap,
giggling at his stories, and Gailion asked Elladan questions about
what it was like to be an Imladris guard. His love was beside him,
his children and friends around him, and he was content.

~~~*~~~

Elrond and Erynoron walked in the garden after dinner, each with an
arm comfortably around the other. Stopping under a sheltering tree,
Elrond drew his new love close. "I love you, my flame," he whispered.

"I love you, my Elrond," was the whispered answer. "Will you love me
again tonight?"

"I long to make love to you again, if you wish it. Tell me what you
desire, my heart."

"I desire your lips on mine, your hands touching me, and your hard
body on mine, my beautiful Elrond," Erynoron whispered longingly
against soft lips.

Elrond moaned as Erynoron plundered his mouth in a deep kiss, and his
tongue delved into the sweetness. For such an inexperienced lover,
his beautiful advisor exuded sexuality. He was a natural lover,
seductiveness seeping forth from every pore of his body. His mind
reeled at the thought of an experienced Erynoron making love to him,
claiming him, as he surrendered all that he was to his beautiful
love, and he moaned again into the kiss until they were forced to
part for breath. "Then come to bed," he whispered, need and want in
every word, "and let me give you what you desire."

Minutes later, they were lying in the comfortable bed, clothing
strewn around the room, as Elrond plundered the soft body writhing
beneath him, tasting every inch.

Erynoron moaned as Elrond's lips and tongue caressed his ears, his
neck, his shoulders, and finally his peaked nipples. "Oh.please.
touch me," he begged.

"Soon, my beautiful one, soon," Elrond said, lifting his head to gaze
into the sultry green eyes. "The touch is even more pleasurable for
the wait, my love. Soon you will feel my hands on you, before I take
you into my mouth. My tongue will caress your hard shaft, and my lips
will draw your sweet nectar from you as a bee draws it from a
flower. You will spend down my throat, screaming out my name, as I
swallow every sweet drop."

By the time Elrond had finished telling him what he was going to do,
Erynoron was whimpering. Elrond had resumed his slow journey down
his body, and by the time his lips caressed the flesh where hip and
thigh joined, Erynoron was so hard it hurt and tears of frustration
seeped from his eyes. "Please.please.Elrond.please," he begged,
nearly sobbing.

Elrond played the body beneath him like a fine instrument. His
fingers wafted lightly along the hard shaft, drawing moans, before he
ran his tongue slowly and firmly up the underside. Wrapping a hand
firmly around the shaft, he placed just the tip of Erynoron's cock
into his mouth and dug his tongue into the slit.

Erynoron cried out and tried to raise his hips for more, but Elrond's
body held him down. And then his shaft was consumed into warm moist
heat, and Elrond was lifting his hips, urging him to thrust.
Groaning loudly, undone and unable to control himself, he thrust up
again and again. He felt the tip of his cock hit the back of
Elrond's throat, and he could not stop.

Elrond relaxed his throat, and took all that Erynoron offered him.
He moved one of his hands and ran a finger down the crevice of his
lover's buttocks, placing his fingertip over Erynoron's quivering
entrance and gently massaging as he felt the body beneath him tense
with impending release.

Erynoron screamed his lover's name as he came, then whimpered as he
felt Elrond swallow, draining him. The whimpering turned into
sobbing breaths as a warm tongue lapped every drop from his sated
member. It was just as Elrond had said it would be, and never had he
known such bliss.

Elrond drew the sated, panting elf into his arms, holding him as his
breathing slowly returned to normal, then kissed him gently.

"My Elrond. love you," Erynoron whispered. He wanted to make love to
Elrond, to return the pleasure, but was too drained to move.

"Rest, my love. Sleep," Elrond whispered, as he stroked the golden
hair. His own need could wait. "I love you, Erynoron," he
whispered, before snuggling next to his beautiful lover to join him
in reverie.

Tbc..

Chapter 29

Hmmm.something soft and warm was lapping gently at his throat. A
lick to his ear, then a nip. So good.more lapping.warm lips moving
down his chest. Elrond awoke to find himself in Erynoron's arms, as
the blond head moved further down his body. A warm tongue wound its
way around his erect shaft, and he groaned.

Erynoron, being a very wise elf, knew that he was too inexperienced
to do what Elrond had done to him the night before, but that did not
keep him from experimenting. Maybe if he wrapped his hand around the
bottom part and put just the tip in his mouth.oh, that worked very
nicely indeed. The fact that the advisor found Imladris' Lord tasted
delightful was just an added treat. Now what was it Elrond had done
with his tongue? Oh, that thing with the slit. Erynoron gently
probed with his tongue, and grinned when Elrond's groans turned into
stifled cries of pleasure.

"Ai.please, Noron," Elrond begged. He wanted nothing more than to
thrust himself into his sweet love, claiming him as his own forever,
but it was too soon. "Come and kiss me.I want to touch you.need to
touch you.love you," he whispered.

Erynoron moved back up Elrond's body and suddenly found himself
beneath his lover, as the half-elf captured his lips. Moaning into
the passionate kiss, he grasped Elrond's shaft at the same time he
felt long fingers wind around his own. He wanted more.he wanted
everything. He wanted to be joined to Elrond, to never leave his
side, to hold him and be held forever.

Elrond was on fire. Sweet Elbereth, how he loved this elf. Never
had anyone filled his heart as Erynoron did. No one had ever filled
him with such passion, such love.

Lips barely parted to draw breath before they joined again, hands
stroked and grasped until joint cries of completion filled the air.

~~~*~~~

Erestor and Gurvelon had spent the morning setting up the children's
playroom, readying it to be used as their schoolroom. Little tables
and chairs were neatly aligned. Shelves on the wall were covered
with neat stacks of parchment, books, containers of quills, bottles
of ink, jars of paint, gaily colored papers, and everything else one
would wish for to keep little hands busy.

Immediately after the mid-day meal, Melpomaen and Turidon arrived.
Erestor showed them where everything they might need was kept, as
well as where the cookies and milk for the children were.

Glorfindel had already ushered Gailion and Amdiriel into the playroom
to join the other children, and called goodbye to Erestor as he left
with Caladir to the barracks.

Erestor and Gurvelon were just ready to leave when Faelion woke from
his short nap. Erestor hurried to the crib and picked up
Faelion. "Ada is going to work for a little while, precious. I will
be back soon, and Mel and Tur are going to take care of you while I
am gone. You will be a good little elfling for me, won't you?" He
kissed the smiling infant and handed him to Melpomaen.

Melpomaen held the elfling at arms length with his hands under the
baby's arms. "Ummm.Erestor? He is wet. What do I do?"

Erestor looked at Mel and rolled his eyes. "You change his diaper of
course, Mel."

"Change his diaper?"

Turidon laughed at the lost look on his husband's face. "I will show
him, Erestor. You and Gurvelon go on." He took the elfling from Mel
and cradled him in his big arms. "Come on, little one. Tur will
take care of you while Melpomaen goes and sees to the other
elflings. Would you like that?"

Mel flashed Turidon a grateful look, and headed to the playroom.
Amdiriel, Laerien, Calariel and Glawen sat at one table, while the
older Gailion and Lainon sat at another. Six sweet faces looked at
Melpomaen as he entered the room, and he smiled.

~~~*~~~

Glorfindel and Caladir had made short work of the new guard schedules
and assignments. An hour after starting to work, they were just
beginning to go over some reports with the twins.

"I wonder how the children are doing?" Caladir said.

Glorfindel nodded. "Me, too. I hope they are enjoying it. I wonder
what Mel is teaching them?"

Elladan and Elrohir chuckled. "Would you like one of us to go and
check on them for you?" Elrohir asked.

"Aye, please," Caladir answered. He just wanted to know that his
precious little elflings were all right without their adas close
by. "I just want to know if they are happy there."

"Thank you, Elrohir. Just make sure that Mel and Tur are doing all
right with all seven of them for us." Seven elflings were a lot for
two elves who did not have a lot of experience with elflings.

Elrohir smiled at the two fathers, who were trying to hide how
anxious they were about their little ones. "I will go check and be
right back." He hurried out and headed towards the house.

He quietly entered Glorfindel and Erestor's rooms, walked to the
doorway of the playroom, and silently stood and watched. Mel sat on
the floor on a large fur rug. Turidon sat beside his mate, Faelion
in his arms. The other elflings were spread around them listening,
fascinated by the story Mel was reading. An elf warrior-prince was
rescuing a beautiful elf princess from a dragon. Elrohir smiled.
When the story was finished and the prince had saved the princess,
taking her off to his kingdom to live happily ever after, the
elflings clapped and cheered, and Elrohir laughed softly.

"Elrohir!" Amdiriel ran towards her favorite friend and held up her
arms.

"Hello, little princess," Elrohir said as he picked her up and placed
a chaste kiss on her brow. "Are you having fun?"

Amdiriel wrapped her arms around Elrohir's neck and
nodded. "Elrohir, are you a prince?"

"Well, I suppose there are those who think Elladan and I are princes,
but our ada refused to be made king, so I am not really a prince."

"Oh, good. I am not really a princess. You just call me that, and
Ada, too, sometimes."

"Why did you want to know, little one?" Elrohir asked.

"Because if you were a prince, you would have to marry a princess,
and then you could not marry me," Amdiriel answered.

"You wish to marry me?" Elrohir asked seriously, struggling to keep
from grinning.

Amdiriel nodded her head vigorously. "Will you marry me, Elrohir?"

Melpomaen and Turidon were grinning, and the other elflings sat
quietly watching.

"Well, my little princess, I think your adas would be very upset with
me if I gave you an answer right now. Will you wait until you are
grown to ask me? If you still want to marry me when you reach your
majority, I want you to promise me that you will ask me again. All
right?"

"All right, Elrohir. I will wait," Amdiriel said.

"Good," Elrohir said. "Melpomaen, I was sent by a couple anxious
adas to see if you needed anything. Do you?"

Mel chuckled. "Nay, Elrohir. We are all doing just fine. The
little ones are going to start learning how to write their first
letters now."

"Oh, that sounds like fun." He could see that all of the elflings
were enjoying themselves, so it was time to return to his duties. "I
must return to work now, princess."

Amdiriel nodded and placed a sweet little butterfly kiss on Elrohir's
cheek. "Goodbye, Elrohir."

"Goodbye, princess," Elrohir said as he set her down and watched her
run back to Mel. He waved at everyone, then returned to the barracks
and Glorfindel's office.

At the end of the two hours, four adas and one big brother came to
collect their elflings. "Tell Master Melpomaen thank you,"
Saercaeron coached his little brother and sister. Lainon and Laerien
thanked their teacher sweetly, and told him they would be back
tomorrow.

Calariel and Glawen hugged their adas, and excitedly told them
everything they had learned, before being reminded to thank their
teacher.

Gailion and Amdiriel thanked Mel and Tur with hugs before running to
their adas.

Melpomaen smiled. He had enjoyed teaching the elflings and liked
being with them. Maybe someday he and Tur would be able to have an
elfling of their own, he thought, then chastised himself. That would
mean that another elfling would have to lose his or her parents, and
he did not want that to happen.

"Was Faelion any trouble, Turidon?" Erestor asked, taking his
youngest son from the warrior.

"Nay, Erestor. He was a joy," Turidon answered. Maybe someday he
and Mel would find an elfling they could adopt for their own.

~~~*~~~
Erestor had made a lovely dinner, and after they had cleaned up he
read a story to the children. He and Glorfindel had just finished
putting their elflings to bed and were lounging in front of the
fire.

"Elrond is so smitten with Erynoron, my love. I think they are truly
and deeply in love. It was sweet to watch them. And it was nice to
be working again, even if only for a short while. Gurvelon and I
managed to get most of the urgent correspondence caught up."

"I think Elrond is not the only one who is smitten, beloved."
Glorfindel said. "Wait until you hear what Elrohir told me." He
repeated Elrohir's tale about Amdiriel wanting to marry him.

Erestor stared wide-eyed at Glorfindel. "Oh, dear. What did Elrohir
say?"

"After he told her that we would not be very pleased with him if he
gave her an answer now, he made her promise that if she still wanted
to marry him when she reached her majority she would ask him again"

"Good," Erestor said, snuggling down against Glorfindel, "Then we
will not have to kill him."

Glorfindel chuckled and raised Erestor's head to claim a passionate
kiss.

~~~*~~~

Elrond and Erynoron stood in the candlelit bedroom, their eyes fixed
upon each other's face. Only a few inches separated them, but they
did not touch. They had started a conversation in the garden before
moving to the bedroom.

"Are you sure, Erynoron?" Elrond said softly. "I wanted to wait.for
you. It is hard when I have you in my arms, to not.. You do not
wish this for me alone, do you?"

"I wish it for us, my love. Elrond, we are elves. We know these
things. Our hearts cannot deceive us. My heart is certain. My soul
is certain. I have waited my whole life for you, and wish to wait no
longer."

"You are right, beloved. Galadriel foresaw it, you know. She and
Celeborn have already given us their blessing. "

Erynoron was surprised. "They have? How.? Oh, you far spoke."

"Aye, I did. I needed to tell them, to let them know how I felt
about you, but there was no need. Celeborn told me it is why they
sent you to me."

A smile lit Erynoron's face. "Then why do you hesitate, my Elrond?"

Elrond pulled Erynoron into his arms for a loving kiss. Then,
cradling the advisor's face in his hand, he spoke softly and
earnestly. "Erynoron, I take you for my bonded husband. You fill my
heart. From this night forth, you are mine, as I am yours, forever.
May the Valar bless our binding. I love you so much."

Erynoron wound his arms around the half-elf. "Elrond, I take you for
my bonded husband. I never knew love before you. You complete me.
I am yours, forever, as you are mine. May the Valar bless our
binding. I love you, as I will love you forever," He drew Elrond's
head down for a deep kiss, sealing their vows.

Braids were loosened and clothing strewn on the floor, as the two
lovers groped and kissed their way to the bed. Erynoron crawled onto
the bed, then turned and pulled his lover on top of him. He wrapped
his long legs and arms around Elrond, loving the feel of his
husband's hard body, and captured his mouth in a passionate kiss.

When the kiss finally ended, Elrond lifted his head and smiled down
at his new mate. "As much as I love being held captive, my sweet, if
you want anything else to happen tonight you will need to release me."

Erynoron chuckled and unwound his arms and legs from Elrond. "Oh, I
very much want something else to happen tonight, my love," he said
seductively.

Elrond sat up and straddled the advisor, sitting lightly on his upper
thighs. Reaching to pull a small bottle of oil from the drawer in
his night table, he asked with a grin, "And what might you want to
happen, oh beautiful one?"

Feeling giddy with happiness, Erynoron answered, "I fear if you want
me to tell you, oh wise one, you are asking the wrong elf. I thought
you were the experienced one." He watched Elrond open the oil and
pour some into his hand. "What is that for, my love?"

Elrond raised an eyebrow, then smiled gently at his love, realizing
just how innocent he was. "It will help me prepare you for me, my
sweet. Without it, it would be painful for you." He leaned up to
give Erynoron a tender kiss, then rose and lifted himself up to
spread the legs beneath him and settled between them. "It might be
easier for you if you were on your stomach, my love, but I want to
watch you to make sure I am not hurting you," he said softly.

"I trust you, my Elrond. What do you want me to do?" Erynoron
whispered, beginning to feel a little anxious about what would
happen. All the gossip he had ever heard about how painful it could
be came back to him, and he stared at Elrond's rather large penis,
wondering how it was ever going to fit. Then he felt what his heart
was telling him. This was Elrond, who loved him, and would never
hurt him.

"Just relax for me, my beautiful Noron. I promise you, I will make
it good for you. Soon you will feel nothing but pleasure." Elrond
gently lifted the long legs to his shoulders and leaned forward to
kiss his lover's sweet lips. He sucked a rosy nipple into his mouth
as his finger gently massaged the muscles around Erynoron's opening.
His mouth moved down and engulfed the hard member as he slowly pushed
his finger inside.

Erynoron moaned and lifted himself farther into the moist heat as
Elrond gently pulled his finger in and out of the tight channel.
More oil and a second finger joined the first as he gently stretched
tight muscles. The feel of the muscles gripping his fingers nearly
made him lightheaded as he thought of his cock buried deeply inside
his love, and his moans joined Erynoron's. Elrond added a third
finger, stretching Noron as much as he could, then he coated his
throbbing shaft with oil, preparing to sink into the tight heat for
the first time. Positioning himself, he leaned over his love and
captured his lips, as he slowly pushed himself into the pulsing
channel.

Moaning as he slid to the hilt deep within Mel's body, and his little
love's legs wound around his waist, Turidon whispered "Oh, Mel... I
love you... I love you," huskily as his mate's thrusting hips drove
him deeper. Burying his head in his lover's neck, he pulled out and
thrust again, knowing from the wail Mel released that he had hit his
target.

He cried out as his strong warrior thrust into him again. His
fingers dug into the hard biceps he clung to. "Ai.more.more.harder,"
Lindir sobbed, overcome with bliss as Taurfaeron pounded into him,
again and again.

He lay back as his sweet little love's nimble fingers caressed his
nipples, then moaned as soft lips latched onto his neck, lapping and
sucking. Ah.love, you are supposed to be washing me," Caladir said.
Gurvelon chuckled as he ran his soapy hands up and down his lover's
large chest.

He rolled his husband over and tickled him again. A couple of their
pillows flew off the bed as his little lover tried to throw them at
him, defend himself, and laugh hysterically, all at the same
time. "Aiya.Glor.no.more," Erestor managed to get out, grabbing the
warrior's hands. "I won't tickle you again.promise." Glorfindel
stilled, and smiled down at his beloved husband, waiting for him to
catch his breath before he kissed him breathless again.

He stilled, allowing his sweet mate time to adjust to his size. "Are
you all right, my love?" When the adviser nodded, and looked up at
him adoringly, Elrond slowly withdrew, then pushed in again, making
sure he hit his lover's special spot gently.

"Oh.what was that? Please.do it again." Erynoron cried out as Elrond
thrust harder, sending lightening through his body.

He cried out in pleasure as his husband pounded into him again and
again. "Turidon! Oh.more.love you." Tur wrapped his large hand
around his lover's engorged member and stroked. Melpomaen screamed
his beloved warrior's name as he came hard, gripping Tur's strong
shoulders.

Lorien grinned as he wandered down the hall to Lindir's rooms,
thinking he should have brought earplugs with him this time.

Taurfaeron roared his release as Lindir's muscles convulsed around
him. Pulling his sweet mate into his arms, he panted, "I love you,"
into his ear.

They had not left the bath. The little scribe captured his warrior's
mouth, thrusting his tongue into the sweetness, as he held his
husband's head and rode him hard. Caladir's thrusts sent sprays of
water over the floor, as Gurvelon's scream of release was muffled by
his lover's lips.

Gold lights shimmered and swirled around the room, covering the two
writhing elves. Erestor pulled Glorfindel's mouth down on his own,
moaning, as words of love sounded in his mind and their cries of
bliss echoed around the room.

Erynoron wailed his pleasure as he felt Elrond explode inside of
him. The air around them sizzled with their bond, as he whispered
brokenly, "I love you, my Elrond," and was gathered up into his
husband's strong arms.

Lorien smiled. All was well in Imladris.

Tbc...

Chapter 30

~42 Years Later~

Amdiriel had gone to see the seamstress, Linnolwen, for the final
fitting of her new gown. Tomorrow was the ball for her fiftieth
begetting day, the day she reached her majority. Erestor and
Glorfindel had made sure that everything would be perfect for their
beloved daughter's special day. Celeborn and Galadriel had even
arrived from the Golden Woods for the event, escorted by Haldir and a
large patrol.

While Amdiriel was gone, Glorfindel and Erestor sat together, arms
around each other, reminiscing about their children and the last
forty-two years.

"Remember how you picked up Amdiriel and Gailion and swung them
around laughing when I got back with them?" Glorfindel asked.

"And how you almost bought out the marketplace the first time you
went shopping for them?" Erestor added.

A knock at the door interrupted their musings. "Enter," Glorfindel
called.

The door opened, and a smiling Elrohir entered the room. "Good day,
my friends. May I speak with you both?"

Erestor unwound his arms from Glorfindel. "Of course, Elrohir," he
said. "Come and join us."

Elrohir sat in a chair opposite Glorfindel and Erestor. Clutching
his hands in his lap, he took a deep breath. "Do you remember that
day so many years ago, when Amdiriel said she wanted me to marry her?"

"Aye, I remember," Glorfindel said, as Erestor nodded. "You told her
if she still wanted to marry you when she reached her majority to ask
you then."

"My heart tells me she has not forgotten, and cares for me still.
Please, my friends, do you know, does Amdiriel love me?" Elrohir
asked, a soft plea in his voice.

"That is a question you must ask her, Elrohir, not us," Erestor
answered. "What do you want her answer to be?"

"Do you remember all those years ago, when I saw her for the first
time, Erestor? I told you then that she had captured my heart."
Erestor nodded. "I have never tried to take it back. She holds it
still. I love her, and I want her for my mate. If she does not ask
me tomorrow, I intend to ask her to marry me, if you both will give
me your blessing." He looked at Amdiriel's parents hopefully.

"Elrohir," Glorfindel said, "there is only one thing we need from you
before we answer. It is the same thing we asked of Gailion's mate.
Do you promise that you will sail with us, and her, to the Undying
Lands, when the time comes for us to leave these shores, and the rest
of us sail?"

"I give you my solemn promise. We will sail with you," Elrohir said.

"Then you have our heartfelt blessing, Elrohir. We know you love
Amdiriel, and we could not ask for a better mate for her," Erestor
said, smiling.

"We will be happy to call you our son, Elrohir," Glorfindel said,
wrapping his arms around the younger elf as they all stood. "You
have made Erestor and me very happy today, my dear friend."

Elrohir embraced Glorfindel, then Erestor, and left them with a smile
and lighter steps.

"Oh, my love," Erestor said, "could anything be better?"

Glorfindel laughed joyfully, embracing his beloved. "All we need now
is for Amdiriel to choose him."

"Do you doubt it, my love?" Erestor asked.

"Not for a minute, beloved, if I know our darling daughter,"
Glorfindel answered, kissing Erestor sweetly. "I want to go and tell
Gailion. He will be overjoyed."

"Aye, love, he will. Go and tell him now," Erestor replied.

Glorfindel kissed his mate again, then hurried to the barracks to
find their eldest son. He watched as Gailion finished training a
group of beginning guards. Their son had grown into a handsome, tall
elf, and possessed extraordinary skills with both the sword and
knives. By the time he was forty, he had decided that his place was
with the Imladris guards, and his skills had been honed by
Glorfindel, Erestor, and the twins. He had been married for nearly
ten years now to the one who had captured his heart by the time he
had reached his majority. He and Glorfindel, mirror images of each
other, with their golden manes, blue eyes, and tall, muscled figures,
still retained their special bond.

"Ada!" Gailion called out when he spotted Glorfindel, and walked over
to him. "You are grinning. What have you been up to?"

Pulling his son aside, Glorfindel told him the news.

"Oh, Ada, how wonderful," Gailion said, tears sparkling in his eyes,
as he hugged his father. "Ada, come with me? We must go and tell my
beloved." He knew what his sister's answer to Elrohir would be, so
father and son left to find Gailion's mate and share the news.

~~~*~~~

Amdiriel burst through the doors to their rooms. "Ada, Ada, where
are you," she called, as she headed through the sitting room.

"I am here, sweetheart," Erestor said, coming out of the kitchen.

"Oh, Ada," Amdiriel said, "You should see the gown! It is so
beautiful. Linnolwen will deliver it in the morning." She
practically threw herself into Erestor's arms and hugged him
fiercely. "Come and sit with me, please? I need to talk to you
about something."

"Of course, little one," he said, smiling, and Amdiriel giggled. She
stood a head taller than her ada.

Erestor sat on a sofa, and Amdiriel curled her long legs beneath her
and leaned on his lap. "Ada, do you think Elrohir loves me? I mean
loves me like you love Ada Glor?"

"You love him, don't you, sweetheart?" Erestor asked softly.

"I do, Ada. I love him so much. I always have. He told me to wait
until my majority to ask him, and it is tomorrow. Oh, Ada, what do I
do if he tells me nay? I want him so much," she whispered, eyes
glistening with unshed tears.

Erestor stroked Amdiriel's head and looked into her eyes. His
daughter had grown into a tall, elegant, and graceful woman. Her
beauty rivaled the fairest of their race, and was matched only by her
loving and compassionate heart. "Do not fear, my little princess,"
Erestor said. "Have I not always taught you to be brave and bold of
heart, and never to be afraid of going after what you desire? What
does your heart tell you, my love?"

"That he loves me, Ada," Amdiriel whispered.

Erestor smiled gently. "Then trust your heart, my love." He could
have told Amdiriel that Elrohir had been to see Glorfindel and him,
but he would not take away the joy of their joint discovery, even to
ease his daughter's fears.

Amdiriel's fingers traced Erestor's features, just as they had so
many years ago. "My Ada," she whispered. "I love you, Ada. You
never left me. You and Ada Glor have always been here for me. If
you tell me to trust my heart, I will." She kissed Erestor's brow,
wrapped her arms around him, and laid her head on his chest, happy to
have her beloved Ada hold her.

"I love you, sweetheart. I have from the first moment I saw you,"
Erestor said, kissing the top of her head. The times like this would
be fewer now, and he was content to hold her for as long as he could.

Glorfindel returned a short time later, sat next to Erestor, and
wrapped his arms around his husband and daughter, holding them
close. Faelion returned from his studies and curled up next to his
sister. The four elves sighed contentedly, and before long, golden
lights began to sparkle around them.

Amdiriel and Faelion looked at each other and smirked, then Faelion
winked at his sister. "Ada," he whined, "do you two always have to
do that?"
~~~*~~~

Amdiriel's gown was a rich forest green, edged in gold. Gold
embroidered swirls formed open flowers that sparkled with emeralds
and diamonds. Her fathers presented her with a new golden circlet,
its elaborate flowers and swirls highlighted in more emeralds and
diamonds. Her brothers and Gailion's mate gifted her with a matching
pendant.

Erestor wove emeralds and diamonds through her hip-long hair,
Glorfindel placed the circlet on her head, and Faelion clasped the
pendant around her long, slim neck. Then the three males stood back
and looked at her.

"How do I look?" Amdiriel asked softly, trying to eye everything in
her mirror.

"Oh, baby," Glorfindel said, tears in his eyes. "You are more
beautiful than the stars."

Erestor's tears ran down his cheeks as he added, "You are so
beautiful, sweetheart, and your Ada Glor and I are so very proud of
you."

Faelion just nodded and smiled at his sister. "Come on, you two," he
told his adas. "No crying. You cannot go with red eyes, and it is
time for us to dress now." Faelion, ever the practical one for all
of his forty-two years, led his fathers to their room to dress.
Erestor smiled at his littlest son. He would make a fine advisor one
day.

Before long, jewels had been woven into Erestor, Glorfindel, and
Faelion's hair, the fathers were dressed in their long-favorite
wedding robes, and Faelion was resplendent in dark blue velvet
leggings and a blue and gold velvet tunic.

Erestor set Faelion's circlet into the long blond hair, and looked at
his son. Before long, Faelion would tower over his Ada, just as his
siblings did, but for now they stood eye-to-eye. He placed his hands
on Faelion's shoulders and kissed his brow. "Aiya, little one, you
are so handsome - the image of your Ada Glor and your brother. And
soon you will be all grown up, too."

"Ada," Faelion said softly, placing his brow on Erestor's, "don't you
know I will never leave you, no matter how old I become? None of us
will ever willingly leave you and Ada Glor. We love you. I love
you, Ada."

Tears once again threatened to roll down Erestor's face, as he held
his son, his baby, close. "I love you, little one," he whispered.

"No tears, Ada," Faelion said gently.

"No tears, little one," Erestor answered.
~~~*~~~

The Hall of Fire was alight with music and laughter. Erestor and
Glorfindel stood next to Elrond and Erynoron, watching adoringly as
Gailion whirled Amdiriel gracefully around the floor.

Saercaeron partnered Calariel, and Lainon danced with Glawen, both
couples protectively watched by Caladir and Gurvelon. Arwen took
Erynoron's hand and pulled him away from her father. "Come and dance
with me, Ada Noron," she said, smiling. Erynoron looked back at
Elrond and grinned before twirling across the floor with his smiling
stepdaughter in his arms. Even Celeborn was dancing with Galadriel.

"Everyone is having a wonderful time, my friends," Elrond said.

Erestor and Glorfindel nodded, then chuckled as Faelion gracefully
executed a difficult step with his friend Anoriel, Melpomaen and
Turidon's golden-haired adopted daughter.

Haldir wandered over and joined them, as he watched Taurfaeron
dancing with a beautiful dark-haired maiden. "Who is that stunning
elleth?" He asked.

"Which one?" Glorfindel asked. Haldir knew Amdiriel and Arwen, but
there were many beautiful maidens dancing.

"The one with Taurfaeron," Haldir answered.

"Oh, that is Laerien, Amarion and Diwen's daughter. She reached her
majority two years ago, and is not yet betrothed." Glorfindel
grinned, seeing the look in his old friend's eyes.

"She is beautiful," Haldir said before wandering off to the dance
floor to relieve Taurfaeron of his partner.

Elladan and Elrohir stood side by side, watching the dancers. "Aiya,
brother, look at my beautiful mate," Elladan said longingly. "I just
want to hold my beloved in my arms and dance and kiss the night away."

"Well, brother, let us go then," Elrohir said. "I believe I would
like to dance with your beloved's partner just now."

The twins walked onto the dance floor, and Elladan pulled his
beautiful husband into his arms, filling Amdiriel's arms with Elrohir.

Elladan and Gailion gazed at each other adoringly as they danced
away, before Elladan's lips descended on his beloved mate's.

Elrohir danced Amdiriel off of the floor and onto a deserted
terrace. "Happy begetting day, Princess," he whispered.

Amdiriel smiled up at the elf she loved with all her heart. "Do you
remember that day when I asked if you would marry me?"

"Aye, I remember," Elrohir said softly, as their steps stilled and he
brought a hand up to caress her face. "And do you still wish to
marry me, my princess?"

"With all my heart, I do," Amdiriel whispered. "And will you marry
me, my Prince?"

"With all my heart, I will, beloved." Elrohir said, as their lips
sought each other's in a first kiss.

When they finally parted, Amdiriel stood with her face raised to
Elrohir's, her smile lighting her green eyes so they shone with
diamonds.

"I have a gift for you, my love," Elrohir whispered. "I have already
received your adas' blessing." He pulled a small item from his
pocket. "One year from now, I will replace this with a gold one. I
love you, Amdiriel," he said softly, as he slipped the emerald and
diamond studded mithril band on her finger. Pulling a matching ring
from his pocket, he said, "Will you put mine on my finger, my love?"

Amdiriel took the ring, tears of joy pooling in her eyes, and slid it
onto Elrohir's finger. "One year from now. I love you, Elrohir."
Her arms wound around Elrohir's neck and her fingers moved through
his hair, as she pulled his head down for a passionate kiss.

Glorfindel and Erestor carefully moved the curtain they were hiding
behind back into place, shielding Amdiriel and Elrohir from their
further view, and smiled at each other, tears glistening in their
eyes. "Come and dance, beloved," Glorfindel said, as he took his
beautiful husband into his arms and moved him onto the dance floor.
Erestor rested his head on Glorfindel's chest, overcome with
happiness for their little daughter.

"Lift your head and kiss me, my darling," Glorfindel whispered into a
perfectly shaped ear.

Erestor raised his head, and his lips were captured in a searing kiss
as strong arms held him. As they glided across the floor, gold
lights spread out, covering all they loved.

~The End~