Title: The Strong Heart
Rating: NC-17
Type: FPS Erestor/Glorfindel; Caladir/Gurvelon
Author: Aglarien
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine. Except for the cats.
Warning: AU. Fluffy in part. The usual elf slash.
Beta: Lady Mirfain (Thank you lots!)
Summary: Erestor and Glorfindel are determined to find out what, or
who, is hurting their friend.


Chapter 1

Imladris, 1300 T.A.

Twenty Galadhrim guards from the realm of Lothlorien had arrived two
weeks ago. Elrond and Erestor had finally managed to convince
Galadriel and Celeborn of the necessity of exchanging warriors for
training; perhaps the Orc attacks Imladris had experienced had
finally resolved the matter in their minds. Twenty Imladris guards
left for Lothlorien last week in exchange.

Erestor and Glorfindel were taking a day off, Glorfindel having
delegated today's training to Caladir, his second in command. They
were in their now `private' garden, relaxing under a large tree.
Elrond had come upon them in the garden one night when they were
engaged in.well, it's enough to say that the next day he ordered a
high wall constructed around a small garden outside their rooms where
they would have privacy.

Glorfindel was leaning against the tree, legs spread, with Erestor
comfortably lounging between them, his back resting on his husband's
chest. The book they had been reading was now put aside.

"Glorfindel, my love, I am so very happy. You've made me so very
happy." Erestor sighed and purred. Their binding had been six
months ago, and they were now settled into a life of marital bliss.
Their love and lust for each other, however, had continued to grow.
Each wondrous passion filled night - or day - was amazing.

Glorfindel tightened his arms around his mate, and chuckled at the
words and purrs coming from Erestor. "As you have made me, beloved.
I love you so much." Leaning his head down, he suckled and nipped at
the pale, soft neck, which was always most arousing to Erestor, and
thought about what he was going to do next to drive his beloved wild.

Erestor was reaching his hands to draw Glorfindel's mouth to his own,
when they were rudely interrupted. A soft ball of black fluff landed
in his lap, followed by a gray one.

Erestor giggled and picked up the little black ball. "Well, hello
Brogdithen. What have you been up to?" He rubbed the little kitten's
long soft fur against his cheek. Picking up the gray fuzz ball, he
handed it to Glorfindel. Sparkling blue eyes blinked at
Erestor. "Here, you take Gwathren. Go to Glorfindel, sweetheart."

A moment later, two more balls of fluff landed in Erestor's lap, as
Tinnu and Glirien deposited their remaining two kittens. The two
grown cats lay down under the tree, wrapped around each other, and
promptly fell asleep.

"Erestor, sweetheart, I think our cats are telling us these fuzz
balls have worn them out and we're the designated kitten-sitters."

Erestor giggled again. "I think you are correct, my love." He
picked up a gray and white mirror of Glirien, and handed her to
Glorfindel, after placing a kiss on the furry little head. "Here,
take Cenedril." Holding the longhaired black fuzz ball, Brogdithen,
in one hand, he picked up the remaining kitten from his lap. The
last kitten had short, shiny black fur, and sparkling white paws,
chest and chin. "Galvorn, you little cutie, what have you been up
to? Have you been driving your Ada and Nana to distraction and
wearing them out? "

Erestor laid the two kittens in his lap again and drew one finger
around their little heads and through whiskers. The kittens raised
tiny paws and tried to catch the finger. Erestor giggled again, and
looked back to Glorfindel, who was entertaining the two gray kittens
with a leaf.

Erestor had never giggled before Glorfindel and he had become
lovers. He was always careful to never allow such undignified
behavior to be seen by anyone other than those he considered his
family. That definition included Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, as
well as their friends Caladir and Gurvelon, Lindir, Melpomaen, and
one or two others. And of course, Glorfindel, his dear friend and
secret love for centuries, and now his devoted and cherished
husband. He wondered if their love now was as strong as Caladir and
Gurvelon's, whose bonding was certainly blessed by the Valar.

Gurvelon was a tiny scribe, smaller even than Erestor. The two had
been friends for many years before Caladir first laid eyes on his
future husband, and had been enthralled by sparkling green eyes and
long auburn locks. Erestor had watched the love between the petite
scribe and huge warrior bloom into something that was magnificent.
They had been married now for many centuries, and could sense each
other so well. They often mind spoke with each other, even over
distances, so they were never apart. Erestor and
Glorfindel's `oneness' was still growing, and though they could sense
each other, they had never mind spoken with each other. Erestor
knew that one day he and his husband would be able to do that as well.

Glorfindel placed his two sleepy kittens in Erestor's lap with the
others. The four kittens immediately piled atop each other and fell
asleep. After watching the kittens for a few moments, Glorfindel drew
Erestor back against him. "Now, beloved, where were we," he
whispered, and turned Erestor's head to him, engulfing his mouth in a
passionate kiss.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was lunchtime. Gurvelon put aside his work. Rising and
stretching, he wondered for a moment where Caladir was, and then
remembered he would be out training with the Galadhrim. His warrior
mate would often forget about things like meals when he was training,
if Gurvelon let him.

Gurvelon prepared a lunch tray for them in the kitchens, grabbed a
blanket on his way past their rooms, then carried it out to the
training grounds to find Caladir. Spotting him sparring with one of
the Galadhrim, he spread the blanket under a large, shady tree, and
sat and watched.

Caladir knew Gurvelon was waiting. He could always sense whenever he
was near. Ending the sparring match, he told the Galadhrim to go and
have their lunch in the barracks with his men. Turning to join
Gurvelon, he missed the look on the face of one of the guards.

The Lothlorien guard was disgusted. How could that puny little
scribe think he was good enough for a strong warrior like Caladir?
Caladir would be his, and that little mouse would be gone. Grabbing
his sword, he followed the others to the barracks. Standing just
inside the barracks doorway, he watched the two, envy burning through
his veins.

"Did you bring me lunch, sweetheart? What did I ever do to deserve
you?" Caladir swept his little love up into his arms, and kissed him
soundly.

"Hmm, I don't know. Maybe it was what you did to me last night?"
Gurvelon laughed as his feet touched the ground again. "Come, sit
down and eat, my love." He poured a fresh cold glass of water, with
the lemon slices Caladir liked, and placed it in front of him.
Caladir cut slices of cheese, bread, and fruit, and they ate their
lunch, content in each other's company.

After a few minutes of silence, Caladir spoke. "You know, I've been
wondering, how did you ever hide your presence from me that day you
arrived in the camp, my love? How did I not sense you?"

Gurvelon shrugged and smiled. "You had much to distract you that
day, beloved. You had battled with Orcs, Erestor was gravely
wounded, and besides, you did not expect to see me there."

Caladir agreed that was probably it. He helped Gurvelon clean up the
remains of their lunch, folded the blanket over his arm, gave him a
sweet kiss, and sent him back to the house with a promise he would
see him at dinner.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
It was late in the afternoon when Gurvelon rose from his desk to find
a book he needed in the library. After long minutes of hunting for
it, he finally found it and returned with it to his desk. In the
center of his desk sat a plate with his favorite honey pastry on it.
Caladir must have come in while he was out and left it for him.
Smiling, he picked it up, popped it in his mouth, wiped his fingers
and settled back to work.

Ten minutes later, Gurvelon doubled over with a sharp pain in his
stomach. His head was spinning. Elves didn't get sick! Crumbling
to the floor, he vomited. Curled into a fetal position on the floor,
his thoughts went out seeking Caladir. `Caladir! Come! I need you!
Help me!'

Out in the training field, Caladir stopped in mid-lunge, threw down
his sword, and raced to his love.


Note on the meaning of the names:
Caladir - Man of light.
Gurvelon - Strong heart/counsel.
Cenedril - Mirror
Brogdithen - Little bear
Gwathren - Shadowy
Galvorn - Light + Dark. Also the name of a metal made by a dark elf.

Names or words used in names used are from the COE site.

Chapter 2

Tinnu and Glirien had finally woken and claimed their offspring,
carrying them off to the big basket in Glorfindel's sitting room.

Erestor and Glorfindel were just thinking of getting up from their
bed, where they had spent a delightful afternoon, and dressing for
dinner, when a wailing scream sounded through the halls of the Last
Homely House. Quickly throwing on their robes, they hurried out of
their rooms.

Elves were gathered outside the small office used by Gurvelon and
Melpomaen. Glorfindel quickly moved them aside, and he and Erestor
entered to find Elrond on the floor, kneeling next to Caladir.
Caladir, tears streaming down his face, was cradling his little
husband in his arms; Gurvelon was sobbing in pain.

Caladir looked up at Elrond. "Please, my Lord.he is in so much pain."

"Bring him to the healing house. Hurry." Elrond ran to the healing
house ahead of them to alert Nestoron, his chief healer.

Caladir rose with Gurvelon in his arms, and assisted by Erestor and
Glorfindel, hurried behind Elrond.

Nestoron led them to a room where he gently laid Gurvelon on the bed.

"Caladir, what happened?" Elrond asked, at the same time beginning
his examination of Gurvelon.

"I know not. I was on the training field, and I suddenly felt a
sharp pain in my stomach, and heard him call to me." Caladir knelt
on the floor next to his little husband, and stroked his hair. "He
had vomited. Could it be something he ate? But we ate the same
things, together, for lunch." Gurvelon moaned in pain. Caladir
encircled him with his arms, sobbing. His heart was breaking to see
the elf who held his heart in pain.

"Erestor," Elrond said, "quickly, go see if you can find anything on
his desk or in the room." Erestor ran from the room, followed by
Glorfindel.

Elrond looked at Nestoron. "We cannot wait. Mix every antidote we
have that will not harm him if it is not needed."

Nestoron ran to gather the needed herbs and plants. Some he quickly
brewed into a tea. Handing the tea to Elrond, he then took a leaf
from one plant, part of the stem from another, and part of the roots
from a third. Placing them in a cup, he mashed them together, then
formed several small balls of the sticky substance.

With Caladir holding Gurvelon up, Elrond had managed to get the
little scribe to take a sip of the tea. Taking the cup with the
small balls, he placed one in Gurvelon's mouth. "Velon, you must
swallow these. Take another sip of the tea, and wash it down."

"Please, beloved, do as Elrond says. I know it hurts, sweetheart.
Please, for me."

One by one, Gurvelon swallowed the sticky balls, finishing the tea,
and collapsing against Caladir, eyes closing, moaning.

Elrond looked at Caladir and Nestoron. "Now, we wait."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Erestor and Glorfindel ran back to the small office and began their
search. Papers flew off the desk. Nothing. Looking around the
room, Glorfindel spotted a small plate on the windowsill.

"Erestor, there's a plate." Taking the plate from the sill, he and
Erestor examined it.

"It had his favorite sweet on it. Those honey bars."

Glorfindel lifted the plate to his nose and sniffed, then put it
close to Erestor's nose. "Smell."

Erestor sniffed. "Not quite right, is it?"

"Let's get it back to Elrond," Glorfindel replied. The two elves
hurried back to the healing house.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Erestor and Glorfindel entered the room. Erestor handed the plate to
Elrond. "Smell it."

Elrond sniffed, then handed the plate to Nestoron to smell it.
Nestoron sniffed and nodded. "Poison. The antidote was in the
plants I chose, and enough of it, thank the Valar. We are lucky we
didn't wait, or he might have left us by now."

Elrond bent over Gurvelon, still being held in Caladir's arms. He
gently stroked the auburn hair. "Velon, can you hear me?"

"Aye." Gurvelon's voice was raspy and shaky.

"Velon, where did you get the plate with the honey pastry on it?"

"Caladir left it on my desk when I was in the library."

"Sweetheart, I didn't. I never left the training fields. Someone
else.who would do that? Why?" Caladir raised his red-rimmed eyes to
Glorfindel. "Poison? Why? Who would want to hurt my sweet Gurvelon?"

"I know not, my friend, but we will find out." Glorfindel answered.

"And were they trying to hurt Velon, or Caladir?" Erestor said. The
others nodded.

"Velon," Elrond said. "Are you feeling any better? Is the pain
less?"

"Aye, the pain is leaving, and the nausea is beginning to go away."

"Good. You should continue to feel better, and it will all hopefully
be gone by the morning. But I want you to rest tomorrow, alright?"

Gurvelon, nodded, then moaned. Nodding was not a good idea; the room
was spinning again.

Caladir looked up at Elrond in alarm. Elrond whispered, "shook his
head - bad thing to do." Caladir nodded, and held Gurvelon tighter.

"Caladir, I want Gurvelon to stay here and have Nestoron watch him
for at least two more hours. If he is still doing better, you can
take him to your room tonight,"
Elrond said.

"Thank you, my Lord." Caladir answered.

"Caladir, do you need us to bring you anything?" Glorfindel asked.

"Nay, thank you, my friend. Glorfindel, will you try to find out why
this happened for me? I can't believe someone would try to hurt him!"

"Aye, rest assured that Erestor and I will find out. You just take
care of Velon, my friend."

Caladir nodded, and Erestor and Glorfindel left the room.

"Sweetheart, would you like to lay down?"

"Nay, better like this. Just hold me, my love. Promise you'll never
let me go."

"Never, beloved. I will never let you go. You are my life, my heart
and soul,"

Gurvelon sighed, and snuggling against the broad chest, felt a kiss
placed to the top of his head. Closing his eyes, he rested.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Erestor and Glorfindel were back in the rooms, dressing for dinner.
They had spoken with Elrond after leaving the healing house. Elrond
had made it very clear he expected them to both solve this mystery
and make sure their friends were safe.

"Where do we start, my love?" Glorfindel asked.

"I think with questions. After dinner, I will take the plate to the
kitchens and see if they can shed any light on it. You ask the
servants if they saw anyone go into the office this afternoon. In
the morning, I'll start on the scribes, and you start on the guards.
Mel and Lindir were working together in the library all day, but we
need to ask them as well."

Glorfindel nodded. After checking on the cats, they left for dinner.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Nestoron had allowed Caladir to take Gurvelon back to their rooms,
where his little love had asked for a bath. After being sick in his
office, he really needed and wanted one. Caladir had gently washed
his hair and then the rest of his body, and they were now lying
snuggled together in their bed. Caladir had moved the bed in front
of the fire, to Gurvelon's delight. His experience with the poison
had left him a little chilled.

"Caladir, why would anyone want to poison me?"

"I don't know, sweetheart, but I trust Erestor and Glorfindel to find
out." Caladir pulled Gurvelon closer, and gently captured his mouth
in a long, deep, slow kiss. Finally releasing his lover's luscious
mouth, he said, "Rest now, my darling one. I will hold you safe in
my arms, I love you so much, my strong little heart."

"I love you, my light." Gurvelon answered, as he fell into reverie.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After dinner, Erestor went to the kitchen to talk to the servants
there, and Glorfindel went to find Amarion. No one in the kitchen
could remember anything special about the plate or the pastry. All
the kitchen staff was well known to Erestor, and he trusted them. He
told them what had happened, and asked their help to watch everything
closely. They were especially to never let any food prepared for
Gurvelon or Caladir out of their sights.

The kitchen staff was shocked. How could anyone want to hurt their
sweet little scribe? Or the kind, generous warrior?

The chief cook spoke for all of them. "We will be careful, Lord
Erestor. Nothing made for them will leave our sight until it is
delivered." All the elves nodded in agreement.

Erestor thanked them and left in search of Glorfindel. He finally
located Glorfindel with Amarion in his office. Amarion had been
placed in charge of all the house servants after leading the
defenders in Imladris against the Orc attack. Glorfindel was
explaining what had happened to Amarion as Erestor entered his
office.

Amarion was as shocked as the kitchen staff was. "Why would anyone
want to hurt Velon or Caladir? It makes no sense!"

"We don't know, my friend, but someone does. It's too late tonight
to start questioning the servants, but will you arrange to have
everyone here tomorrow morning? There is not one of them we do not
trust with our lives, but they may have seen something."

Amarion agreed to bring the house servants to Erestor's office in the
morning. Bidding his friends a good night, he left with a worried
look on his face.

Glorfindel looked at Erestor, and felt his worry for their
friends. "Come, love," he said softly, taking Erestor's hand, "time
for us to get some rest."

Returning to their rooms, Erestor went to the cat's basket. Kneeling
down, he reached in the basket and lifted out Tinnu. Holding him
tightly in his arms, he began to softly cry.
Tinnu didn't know what was wrong, but he knew his friend needed him.
He purred softly, and licked Erestor's face. Glorfindel knelt down
beside them, enfolding both cat and elf in his arms. He drew
Erestor's head to his shoulder, and softly rubbed his back until
Erestor had cried all his tears.

Finally raising his head, Erestor lifted his tear-stained face to
Glorfindel for a kiss, saying, "Thank you, my love." Glorfindel
kissed him softly, took Tinnu from his arms and placed the cat back
in the basket with his family. Then lifting Erestor into his arms,
he carried him to the bedroom, laid him on the bed, gently removed
his clothing, and pulled the bedclothes up to his chest. Glorfindel
banked the fire, undressed, and slid into bed beside Erestor.

Drawing Erestor close in his arms, he simply held him, knowing his
little love had finally acknowledged his own pain over what was
happening to his friend, Gurvelon. Long minutes passed, and Erestor
finally spoke. "I love you, Glorfindel, forever. Make love to me,
please? I need you."

"How do you want me, sweetheart?" Glorfindel asked softly.

"I need you on top of me, holding me, keeping me safe."

Glorfindel knew Erestor did not want passionate foreplay this night.
He needed gentle caring and sweetness. Reaching for the oil they
kept on the table next to the bed, he carefully but quickly prepared
his husband, whispering, "I love you, my sweet Erestor," and placing
sweet little kisses on his face and neck.

Placing a pillow under Erestor's hips, and raising his legs to wrap
them around his waist, he slowly pushed into Erestor. Then laying
over his lover and pushing his arms under Erestor's shoulders, he
held him tightly against his chest, just as Erestor asked.

He began to gently withdraw and thrust, finding Erestor's hidden spot
on the first thrust. Once Erestor was moaning and holding tightly
onto his back, he began to thrust harder and faster, moaning, "Oh,
Erestor..oh, my love..my sweet baby..I love you..I love you."

Erestor softly wailed and lost himself in Glorfindel's love. It
surrounded him, surged around him and through him. Releasing a
scream, their souls again joined, lifting them to that place where
only they and their love existed.

Amarion - Son of the earth


Chapter 3

Out in the courtyard, a lone Galadhel paced angrily, `Damn healers',
he thought. `That was supposed to have ended his pitiful little mousy
life.'
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Erestor woke in the morning at dawn, snuggled warmly in Glorfindel's
arms. Shifting, and softly kissing the wonderful, soft lips in front
of him, he snuggled closer, waiting for Glorfindel to awake.

Brilliant blue eyes began to focus and peer into deep chocolate
ones. "Good morning, sweetheart. Are you feeling better this
morning, my love?" Glorfindel greeted his mate with a loving kiss.

"Aye, my love, I am. I am ready to go out and move sky and earth if
I have to. We `will' find out what is happening and save our
friends." Erestor knew that if either Gurvelon or Caladir left them
for the Halls of Mandos, the other would surely soon follow.

Glorfindel nodded. "Aye, that we will. I have been thinking about
all the humans and dwarves that are taking refuge here of late. The
Orc attacks in the Misty Mountains have added to those we need to
consider."

Erestor thought for a moment. "Not yet. Our interaction with them
has been slight, and they have only been in the valley for a few
short weeks. I cannot think of a motive on their part. I doubt
Gurvelon has had any interaction with them at all, but we will ask
him. We should ask the rest of our people about them. Unless
someone has noticed something suspicious, I do not believe we should
apply our efforts to either group yet. Remember, whoever did it was
in the Last Homely House. Surely someone would have noticed if a
human or dwarf was in the house."

Nodding again, Glorfindel said. "You are right, my love. Race you to
the bath?"

Erestor grinned and shot out of the bed, heading for the bathroom.

Their bath took slightly longer than usual, allowing for some
delectable lovemaking. Neither ever had much discipline when it came
to keeping hands off his deliciously naked husband. Finally dressed,
they headed off in separate directions, determined to make some
progress with their investigation.

Erestor's first stop was Caladir and Gurvelon's rooms. Knocking on
the door, he patiently waited for an answer. Finally he heard
footsteps and locks being turned, and Caladir opened the door.

"Good morning, Caladir. How is my dear little friend this morning?"
Erestor asked.

"He is doing much better, but his stomach is still somewhat upset.
The chief cook himself delivered our breakfast tray, and assured me
he fixed it himself and never let it out of his sight. But come,
Gurvelon will be happy so see you."

Gurvelon was sitting up in bed, staring rather pale faced at the
breakfast tray. His stomach was telling him it didn't even want to
think of food. Gurvelon looked up when Erestor entered, a smile
lighting his face.

"Good morning, my friend," Erestor said. He carefully sat on the bed
next to Gurvelon, enfolding the scribe in his arms. "I am so
relieved you are better. I was so frightened for you."

Gurvelon silently hugged his friend for a long moment, then
asked, "Erestor, you and Glorfindel will find who did this, won't
you?" Lowering his voice so only Erestor could hear, he added, "I am
afraid. Not for myself, but for Caladir."

"As we are. We will solve this, I promise. I will leave you to your
breakfast, dear friend. Glorfindel and I begin to question the
servants and warriors this morning." Placing a chaste kiss on
Gurvelon's brow, he added, "Try to take some food. It will help your
poor stomach recover. Alright?"

Gurvelon groaned. "I do not want to eat."

Erestor chuckled, stood, and patted Caladir on the shoulder. "You
have your work cut out for you, my friend. I will see you later
today." Taking leave of his friends, Erestor headed for his office.

Caladir smiled at his beloved. "You see beloved, even Erestor says
you should eat something." The tray contained soft eggs, toasted
bread, a bowl of warm porridge with milk, and soft fruits.
Conspicuously missing was honey or anything made with honey. Caladir
sat on the bed in front of Gurvelon and picked up the bowl of
porridge. "Will you let me help you, sweetheart?"

Gurvelon gave him a dark look.

Caladir lifted a spoon of porridge to his mouth. "I will give you a
kiss if you eat this one spoonful."

Gurvelon quickly grabbed the spoon, shoved it in his mouth, and
swallowed the porridge, grimacing. He raised his face up for his
kiss, which was sweetly bestowed.

Caladir drew back, dipped the spoon in the porridge again, and held
it up.

"Caladir, I want another kiss. You taste better than that porridge,
beloved."

Caladir lowered his head to whisper into his little husband's
ear. "When you eat this spoonful, I will give you a kiss that I
promise will make you pant for more."

Caladir opened his mouth for the spoon and swallowed the porridge.

Caladir set the bowl aside, and drew Gurvelon closer. Capturing his
mouth, he thrust his tongue deeply and gently into Gurvelon's
sweetness. Tongues curled around each other lovingly. Smiling, he
drew back from his now moaning lover. Gurvelon sat, eyes closed,
head still raised, still savoring the kiss.

Caladir grabbed the bowl and dipped the spoon again. "Another kiss,
sweetheart? Open up for more porridge."

Gurvelon opened his mouth and swallowed the porridge. And one kiss
for each spoonful, they continued until the bowl was emptied.

"What do I get for finishing the bowl, my sweet warrior?"

Caladir stood, moved the tray to the table, and returned to sit
behind Gurvelon. He leaned against the headboard, spread his legs
and pulled his little mate between them, resting Gurvelon's back on
this chest. Whispering into the ear in front of him, he said, "I
think I can come up with something special for my sweet little scribe
with the upset tummy."

After slowly unbuttoning Gurvelon's robe, Caladir gently rubbed
circles on his stomach while licking his ear. It only took about ten
seconds for Gurvelon to begin to softly moan.

"More, please love. Touch me." Gurvelon drew Caladir's hand down to
his heavily aroused member.

Caladir thought his husband's penis was the most beautiful he had
ever seen. And living with warriors he had seen many. Perfectly
shaped, it was just the right size for his hand, his mouth, his.well,
it was just perfect. He teasingly ran a finger up the underside,
over the tip and down the front, then stopped to fondle the silky
sacs below.

Gurvelon was whimpering. The simplest touches from his husband had
always had the power to undo him. And that tongue on his ear was
driving him insane! Reaching a hand back, he placed it behind
Caladir's head and drew it down, whimpering, "Kiss me."

Caladir sweetly kissed the rosy lips. Gurvelon's tongue sought his,
deepening the kiss, as Caladir began to firmly stroke the rock hard
member in his hand. Gurvelon sucked Caladir's tongue into his mouth,
clenching his hands around the warrior's strong arms, and moaning his
pleasure.

Finally pulling his mouth away, Gurvelon shakily said, "Oh, please my
love, I want you."

Caladir quickly stopped his stroking and slid from behind Gurvelon.
Quickly stripping, he reached for the oil. After centuries of
lovemaking, it only took a moment to prepare his mate. Sliding three
oiled fingers inside the channel that was made just for him, he
quickly stretched his lover. He removed his fingers and coated his
own throbbing cock. Gurvelon was writhing and wailing and telling
him to hurry.

"Aye, my love. Shh.you shall have me now, my sweet one." He
positioned himself and slammed into Gurvelon's channel, striking his
hidden gland, just the way his lover liked it.

Gurvelon wailed in pleasure, crying, "I love you" over and over.
Caladir always knew exactly what he needed. His fingers dug into the
strong back above him as Caladir thrust again and again, hard and
fast, always striking his gland. He wrapped his legs harder around
Caladir's waist.

"Oh, my little one, I love you, I love you forever." Caladir's cries
and moans joined his mate's as he felt Gurvelon's pleasure.

The familiar lightening flashed through their bodies and their hearts
sang in love for each other, a love so strong that the very air
around them surged with it as they reached completion together.

Chapter 4

Erestor made his way to his office, where he found Amarion and the
house servants waiting for him. All of the thirty or so servants
were well known to him, and had worked in the Last Homely House for
many centuries. These were elves he trusted implicitly.

Erestor stood in front of his desk. "Thank you all for coming. I
hope I have not kept you waiting long."

"No, my Lord," said Amarion. We only just arrived."

"Have you told them anything yet, Amarion?"

"No Lord Erestor. I thought you would want to do that."

Erestor nodded and looked at the group. From chambermaids to
laundresses, and elves who served to those who fixed whatever was
needed in the house, all were there.

"Yesterday, a very horrible thing occurred. While Gurvelon was away
from his office, someone placed a plate with a pastry on his desk.
When he returned to his office, thinking Caladir had left it he ate
it. The pastry was poisoned. If it had not been for the quick
actions of Lord Elrond and Nestoron, I fear Gurvelon would no longer
be with us."

Murmurs and sharply indrawn breaths were heard.

"None of you are suspected of doing this," Erestor continued. I
trust you all, not only with my life, but Glorfindel's as well. We
ask your help to get to the bottom of this."

All the elves nodded. "We will do anything we can to help. Tell us
what we can do, Lord Erestor." Amarion spoke for all of them.

"First, think back to yesterday. Who did you see in the house, other
than those of us who live here and your fellow servants or kitchen
staff?"

The elves thought for a moment, and then began to speak.

"Lord Elrond brought one of the human leaders to his office to speak
to him, but that was in the morning, and I saw Lord Elrond escort him
out again."

"Conuion and Lathron were here to lunch with the Lords Elladan and
Elrohir, but they are Captains of our Guards, and they all left on
their patrol after lunch."

"One of the weavers came in the afternoon to deliver some goods that
had been ordered - Glossion, I think. And the seamstress Linnolwen
was here as well."

"Caevudor and his sons came to deliver vegetables to the kitchens
around midday."

One by one the servants named whom they had seen. No one was
unknown. All were trusted, well-known elves, or were escorted by
one. No one had seen anything that was out of the ordinary.

"Thank you," Erestor said. "You have all done well."

"My Lord Erestor?" A small voice came from the back. "There was one
other I just remembered I saw. I passed one of the Galadhrim guards
from Lorien in one of the halls in the afternoon. I was seeing to
one of the guest rooms, so I thought he was probably there to see his
captain in his guest room. I don't know his name, and they look so
much alike, to describe one is to describe them all."

Erestor thanked the little chambermaid, but thought it was strange.
Wouldn't their captain have been out in the training grounds? "Do
you remember when in the afternoon it was?"

"It was late afternoon, I think. I am sorry, my Lord, I do not know
exactly."

Erestor nodded. So it could have been after Gurvelon had been
poisoned and the guards had been dismissed. Or had they? Glorfindel
would know how he could find out. Taking a quill and paper, he made
himself a note to find out.

"The second thing I have to ask you to do is to continue to watch -
everything. Pay attention to anyone you see, especially if it is
someone who is not known to us or not normally here. If you see
anyone or anything that is out of place, or if you remember anything
more about yesterday, please some to Glorfindel or me. Don't worry
about disturbing us; you may come to us any time of the day or
night. Understood?"

The elves agreed. Erestor thanked them again and told them they
could return to their duties.

Erestor next gathered all the scribes and librarians in his office,
and the same process was repeated. The only thing unusual was a
Galadhel that had been seen in the afternoon by one of the scribes,
and was also seen passing through the library by a librarian.

It was time to go and find Glorfindel and compare notes.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Glorfindel had headed out to the training grounds. Suithoron had
taken over the training for the day. Off to the side, Turidon,
finally healed of his wound from the first Orc attack, was sparring
with Glaurion. Torladen was working with the Lothlorien guards.
He called to the four elves he was looking for to join him.

"Glaurion, would you mind taking over the training of the Galadhrim
for a while? I need to speak with the others."

"It would be my honor, my Lord." Glaurion answered, and bowing, left
to do as Glorfindel ordered. Unless they were on patrol or in
private, proprieties were always carefully maintained.

"Suithoron, pick one of your men to take over the training, then come
join us in my office," Glorfindel said.

On their way to his office, Glorfindel spotted Saercaeron, the brave
little elfling who had killed the Orc attacking his father, Amarion.
Saercaeron now held a special place in all of their hearts.
Glorfindel and Erestor had even given the elfling his very own pony,
Faerlan. He called to Saercaeron to join them.

By the time they reached Glorfindel's office, Suithoron had caught up
with them. Motioning them into his office, Glorfindel closed the
door, then made sure the window was closed and latched. Seating
himself at his desk, he picked up Saercaeron and placed the elfling
on this lap.

"My friends, we will all speak very quietly. I do not want this
conversation overheard by anyone." Glorfindel then told them what
had happened to Gurvelon the day before.

"Saercaeron, were you out by the yard yesterday afternoon?"

"Aye, Glorfindel. I was watching Caladir spar with the Lothlorien
guards. I like to watch him."

Smiling, Glorfindel said, "I thought you might have been there. Now,
I want you to think really hard." Saercaeron nodded. "Good, now
close your eyes, and think back to yesterday right after Caladir
left. What do you see?"

"All of the guards were staring at Caladir when he left. They all
looked very surprised - except one. He just watched Caladir leave."

"What happened then?"

"The captain told them it was getting late, and they may as well stop
for the day. They all left toward the barracks."

"Think real hard, little one. What do you see? How did they look?"

"Like they were still surprised. Except for the one that wasn't - he
smiled."

"He smiled?" Glorfindel had understood what the elfling was trying to
say.

Saercaeron nodded.

"Do you know who that elf is? Did you hear anyone call him by name?"

Saercaeron shook his head.

"Perhaps he was just glad that the training had ended early,"
Suithoron said.

"Perhaps," Glorfindel responded. "Saercaeron, will you do something
for me, little one?"

"Of course, Glorfindel!"

"I want you to watch everything. You're small, and whoever the bad
elf or person is that hurt Gurvelon won't pay any attention to you.
Go everywhere and just watch for me. When Gurvelon goes back to
work, I want you to help us watch him and make sure nothing bad
happens to him. Can you do that for me?"

"Aye, Glorfindel, I can do that."

"Good. If you see anything that looks funny to you, I want you to go
find your father, Erestor, me, Lord Elrond, or any of these elves
with us here. And go find someone right away, don't wait. Alright?"

Saercaeron nodded. "I'll do that, Glorfindel."

"Thank you, little one. When we're done here, I want you to go back
out with me and show me who the elf is that smiled. Now, the rest of
you, what can you tell me?"

None of the other elves could add any information. They had not been
out on the training grounds yesterday, and did not see anything or
anyone that was out of place.

"Here's what I want you to do," Glorfindel said, "Suithoron and
Torladen, you two gather groups of our most trusted guards and talk
to them privately. Find out if they saw anyone. Tell them not to
speak of this to anyone other than Elrond, Erestor, or us. If anyone
else asks them why you were talking to them, have them say you were
reviewing the new patrol rotation with them. And tell them we want
them to keep their eyes open - if someone tried to kill Gurvelon once
and failed, we can expect them to try again. Let me know at once if
you find out anything."

"Turidon, you I want stationed somewhere. Only the Valar know what
we can expect next. Pick a balcony, or even better, a tree or roof
where you see the widest area below, while remaining unseen. If
anyone sees you and asks, you're just building up your guarding
strength again after your wound."

Turidon nodded. "There's that flat part on the stable roof where the
tree comes over the roof. Do you know where I mean?"

Glorfindel nodded. "It's a good spot. You can sit or stand on the
roof, hidden by the tree, and watch everything but the stables. You
would have a good view of the house and the barracks there. Good."

Suithoron and Torladen left to start talking with the guards, and
Turidon left to gather his bow and arrow and some small throwing
knives and take up his position. He decided to take some food and
flasks of water with him, so he would not have to interrupt his
watch, as well as a bedroll. No sense coming down at night, either.
It would be comfortable up there, and who knew what time of day or
night something could happen.

Glorfindel and Saercaeron went to the training grounds. "Now, little
one, we're just going to go along here like we're only taking a walk
and talking about your pony. Don't stare or point, just tell me
where the elf that did not look surprised is."

Saercaeron smiled at Glorfindel. Raising his voice excitedly, he
said, "And then Faerlan jumped really high over the log, and I wasn't
even afraid." Glorfindel did a good imitation of enjoying
Saercaeron's story, and laughed. Then the elfling turned to
Glorfindel and said very quietly, "He is the one in the back -
standing by the tree. Do you see?"

"Aye little one, you did well, thank you." Laughing again, he picked
up Saercaeron and said loudly, "Well you had quite a day! Let's go
check on that pony of yours!"

The Galadhel's name was Thalahir.

New names used:
Lathron - Listener
Conuion - Commanding
Suithoron - Like an eagle
Torladen - Wood clearing
Glaurion - Son of the golden light
Thalahir - Steady River
Glossion - Snow white
Linnolwen - Singing maiden
Caevudor - Farmer
Saercaeron - Bitter Sea
Turidon - Umm. Was supposed to be man of victory, or victor, but I
screwed up the ending. As this is the old wounded warrior that
spotted the Orc from up on the balcony in Enough for Tonight, I
wasn't about to change his name to fix it. Have no idea where my mind
was - probably still in the bath with Erestor and Glorfindel. I like
the old guy, even if his name `is' screwed up!

Chapter 5

Erestor finally found Glorfindel back in his office.

"Glorfindel? How did you do this morning, my love?" Erestor entered
the office, shutting the door behind him.

"Would you believe the one elf that saw something that didn't look
right was our little Saercaeron?"

Erestor smirked. "Aye, I would. Of the servants, it was a young
chambermaid and a librarian."

Erestor sat at the desk with Glorfindel as they compared notes.
Taking a quill and parchment, Erestor began to draw a timeline,
placing all of the incidents they knew of in the previous day's
afternoon.

"Erestor, I have an idea how we can find out if the Galadhrim in the
house was Thalahir. It's nearly time for the noon meal. I will take
mine in the barracks with all the guards. You come in a short time
later to give me an update on Gurvelon, and just so happen to notice
Thalahir." Glorfindel explained his idea in detail to Erestor.

Erestor nodded. "Now I know another reason why I love you. You have
a devious mind, my love."

Glorfindel grinned. "I must have picked it up from you, sweetheart."

Erestor chuckled and kissed Glorfindel passionately.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Entering the barracks dining hall, Erestor called out, "Glorfindel,
are you in here, my love? Oh, there you are! Forgive me for
interrupting you, love. I just wanted to give you an update on
Gurvelon."

Before Glorfindel could answer, many of the Imladris guards spoke at
once, wanting to know how the little husband of their captain was
faring.

"I am very happy to say that he is doing much better, and we even
expect him, as well as Caladir, to be back to work tomorrow." Erestor
addressed all the elves gathered for their meal.

"That is wonderful news! We are very fortunate that Elrond and
Nestoron were able to act so quickly. Else I fear we could have lost
both Gurvelon and Caladir," Glorfindel responded.

"Glorfindel, will you tell us what happened? All we know is that
Caladir ran off the training grounds yesterday without saying a
word," Taurfaeron, the captain of the Lothlorien guards asked,

"Yesterday afternoon, Caladir's mate was poisoned. Someone had left
a poisoned pastry on his desk while he was in another room. Gurvelon
thought Caladir had left it for him."

"And you would have lost Caladir to grief." Taurfaeron said. "Who
would do something like that?"

"I wish we knew," Glorfindel answered.

"How are you and your guards finding Imladris?" Erestor asked the
Lothlorien captain.

Taurfaeron smiled. "I will admit, we do miss our woods, but your
valley is most fair. We are being made most welcome and well cared
for, Lord Erestor. Thank you."

Erestor smiled in return. "I am pleased to hear that. One of the
servants mentioned seeing one of your guards in one of the halls and
the library yesterday. I wanted to inquire if he found what he
needed, or if I could offer my assistance?"

"Oh, that was Thalahir. Do you need Lord Erestor's assistance,
Thalahir?"

Thalahir bowed his head to Erestor. "Thank you for your gracious
offer, my Lord. After I spoke to Captain Taurfaeron in his quarters,
I went to the library looking for something to read since we ended
our training early. It was most gracious of Lord Elrond to allow us
to use your library. I chose a book on the history of your valley to
pass the time."

Erestor nodded, and spoke to the Lothlorien elves. "I hope you will
all feel free to ask my assistance if you need anything at all. Will
I see you all in the Hall of Fire after dinner this evening? We are
very proud of our minstrels and storytellers, and look forward to
having you join us."

"Of course we will be there, Lord Erestor." Taurfaeron answered. It
would not be polite to turn down Erestor's request, politely stated
as an invitation. "We look forward to it."

Erestor turned back to Glorfindel. "Will I see you at dinner, my
love?"

Glorfindel nodded and gave Erestor a chaste kiss. "I will see you
later, my love."

Erestor left, and the conversation turned back to Gurvelon and
Caladir, and who would do such a thing.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
After dinner the elves gathered in the Hall of Fire. Erestor had
visited Caladir and Gurvelon earlier to make sure Gurvelon was well
enough to be in the Hall of Fire that night, and ask them to attend.
When Caladir asked why, Erestor had simply stated that it was
important to his and Glorfindel's investigation.

Caladir and Gurvelon sat at one side of the room, as they had been
asked to, while Erestor and Glorfindel watched from the shadows on
the other. Caladir's arms protectively encircled Gurvelon. Many
Imladris elves approached them and expressed their pleasure at seeing
Gurvelon. Minstrels played from a corner of the room, while stories
were told in front of a huge fireplace.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Lothlorien guard watched Caladir and his mate. So there's the
little mousy scribe, all well again, I see. And we're expected to
believe that Caladir would fade if he loses that little brat! Not
with me here to `pick up the pieces', he won't. They think they're
so smart, putting that elf on the roof. Did they really expect a
trained guard from the Golden Woods to miss that one? What idiots!
It will just make it more challenging for me to get to the mouse next
time. And I do like a challenge.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Glorfindel elbowed Erestor as they watched Thalahir approach the
couple. The Galadhel appeared to be politely enquiring after
Gurvelon. As he turned around to rejoin the other Galadhrim, the
watching pair had a perfect view of his face.

Glorfindel elbowed Erestor again. "Come, beloved. We need to
talk." On their way out, Glorfindel found Suithoron, and requested
that he watch over Caladir and Gurvelon, and escort them back to
their rooms.

Reaching their own rooms, Glorfindel went ahead to the bedroom,
lighting candles, while Erestor stopped at the basket of cats.

"Hello, my friends. I am sorry I have not given you much attention
today. Would you like to come into the bedroom with us?" Picking up
all four kittens, he told Tinnu and Glirien to follow.

"What do you have there, Erestor? Oh look, it's a gaggle of
kittens." He took two of the kittens, and both elves and all six
cats settled themselves comfortably on the bed. The two elves began
to talk, all the while petting kittens and stroking the purring grown
cats.

"Well, if it's Thalahir, he made sure he had a good excuse to be in
the house, Erestor."

"Aye, he did. Did you see the way he looked when I came in the
barracks with the news that Gurvelon was better? Everyone else was
smiling, but be had a grim look." Erestor pulled Tinnu onto his lap.

"I saw. And when I said that bit about losing both Gurvelon and
Caladir, he almost seemed to smirk." Glorfindel reached for Glirien
to give the sweet little cat her share of attention. Two little
kittens were crawling over his chest and shoulders, batting at his
long hair.

"The same look as he had when he turned from speaking to them
tonight. But what could his motive be? Does he hate Caladir or does
he want him for himself?"

Glorfindel thought for a moment, removing a kitten who had decided to
wash his face. "I don't know, my love. Taurfaeron was sincere when
he said everyone was making them welcome. You know the Imladris
elves, Erestor. Can you honestly think of one who is not kind? And
Caladir is known for being both kind and just. Why would he hate
him?"

"Aye, you're right, my love. I cannot see Caladir doing anything
that would make anyone hate him. He is our dear friend, but that
does not blind me. Do you think Thalahir wants him, then?"

"I know not, beloved. But what other motive could he have? Or maybe
it's not him, and he's just strange."

Erestor shook his head. "We will just have to watch closer. Maybe
you can find out more if you have a `friendly' conversation with one
of the other Galadhrim?"

Glorfindel nodded. "I will do that tomorrow." The kittens had made
their normal `cat-heap', lying on top of each other to sleep. "Let's
put these fuzz balls back in their basket and go to bed."

Erestor picked up the four kittens who mewed at being disturbed.
Glorfindel picked up Tinnu, set him over his shoulder, then lifted
Glirien. When the six cats were safely placed back in their basket,
Glorfindel lifted Erestor up into his arms to carry him back to the
bedroom.

"Now, my little fuzz ball, I have you all to myself."

Erestor giggled. "You are a crazy elf, you know."

"Oh, I don't know about that." Glorfindel chuckled, tossing Erestor
on the bed and flopping down next to him, which caused Erestor to
giggle again. "How would you like me to call you `baby' while I pound
you into the mattress?" he added softly.

Erestor's suddenly lust-filled eyes looked up into equally aroused
blue one, and nearly ripped their robes off to get at
Glorfindel. "What are you waiting for, my crazy elf," he purred,
kissing his glorious lover passionately and thrusting his tongue into
Glorfindel's sweetness.

Glorfindel growled, and deepening the kiss, trapped his little lover
beneath him so he could fulfill Erestor's every little desire.

Taurfaeron - Forest Spirit

Chapter 6

The next morning, Gurvelon and Caladir were back to their normal
tasks. Fear was not going to keep them from living their normal
lives. Little Saercaeron latched onto Gurvelon and became his
shadow, to the scribe's amusement. Glorfindel had asked the elfling
for his help in watching Gurvelon and making sure nothing happened to
him. Saercaeron wasn't going to let his friends down.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Glorfindel found the Lothlorien captain, Taurfaeron, and invited him
to his office to share in his noon meal. They shared the simple
meal, talking of unimportant things. After they had finished eating,
Glorfindel decided the moment had come to try and get the information
he wanted. "Taurfaeron, I wanted to ask you how your guards are
adjusting to being here. Are they settling in alright?"

"We have learned much from your warriors, Glorfindel. Lothlorien is
very different from your valley. Knowing they can still learn much
from you has helped them settle in."

"I noticed Thalahir seemed uncomfortable at times. Is he adjusting
as well?"

Taurfaeron sighed, and shook his head. "Thalahir is different. I
had hoped that having him come here would help, but now I don't know."

"Tell me. Perhaps I could help?"

"If you could, Glorfindel, I would be most grateful, but I doubt even
you can help. For the last several years, Thalahir was promised to
an elf in Lothlorien - a lovely little elf who worked in our
library. He was such a sweet thing, lively and always smiling or
laughing. We all thought he would make Thalahir very happy. Over
the last year or so, this librarian changed. He became withdrawn,
and rarely laughed any more. Whenever I asked him what was wrong, he
always replied, `nothing'. And then just a couple of months ago,
while Thalahir was out on patrol, he suddenly announced that he was
leaving. He packed a few belongings, left for the Grey Havens, and
sailed. I can tell you, we were shocked. He hadn't even told
Thalahir he was leaving! And then the gossip started. At first it
was just speculation about why Thalahir's intended had left. But
then there were rumors of other elves speaking about how harshly
Thalahir had treated them. And rumors that Thalahir had been
physically abusive to the librarian. I don't know, Glorfindel. I
find it hard to even stomach the thought that one elf could abuse
another. Thalahir's moods became dark.angry."

Glorfindel nodded, and looked long at Taurfaeron, assessing him.
There was no guile in this elf. Glorfindel liked him and trusted
him. "Could Thalahir have been the one that tried to poison
Gurvelon?"

"Oh, sweet Elbereth, Glorfindel, I do not know. I have asked myself
that question as well. I am sorry I ever brought him here, but I do
not know."

"We must watch him closely, my friend," Glorfindel said.

"Aye. That we must."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The chief cook himself carried Gurvelon's lunch tray to his office.
Gurvelon rarely joined the rest of the house for lunch, and would
frequently just dash to the kitchen for some fruit and cheese and
carry it back to his office. Thanking the cook sweetly, he called to
Saercaeron who was sitting quietly in a corner of his office to join
him.

"Come, little one. There is plenty here for both of us." He
prepared a plate for Saercaeron and poured them each a glass of the
chilled fruit juice on the tray. Saercaeron happily joined his
friend, and the two ate their meal while chatting about the elfling's
pony.

When they had finished, Gurvelon smiled at the elfling and
asked, "Will you take the tray back to the kitchen for me, little
one? I have to get a book from the library, and there are many elves
there who will be with me while you are gone." He removed his glass
of unfinished juice from the tray, as well as the pitcher containing
more, placing them on his desk.

Saercaeron nodded and happily dashed off with the tray to the kitchen.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Thalahir had walked around the back of the house, and approached the
scribe's window from the trees. That idiot guard up on the roof
would not be able to see him. Hiding himself in a tree, which grew
right up against the window, he listened to the conversation inside
the room and heard the elfling leave. A moment later, Gurvelon left
the room. Sliding in through the window, Thalahir quickly removed a
small bag from his tunic and poured a small amount of the contents
into the glass. The remainder went into the pitcher. He replaced
the bag in his tunic, and silently exited, slithering back up into
the tree. There, he waited.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Gurvelon easily found the book he needed, and returned quickly to his
office. He set the book on his desk, and was just picking up his
glass to drink when Saercaeron returned.

The little elfling screamed. " Nooo! Do not drink it, Velon! You
left it there when you went to the library!"

Gurvelon froze. The little scribe began to shake. The glass slipped
from his fingers and shattered on the floor.

Erestor rushed into the room, alerted by Saercaeron's scream.
Gurvelon stood shaking and Saercaeron was sobbing. Saercaeron threw
himself into the comfort of Erestor's arms. "He almost drank it!"

Erestor picked up Saercaeron, holding him in the crook of one arm,
and went to Gurvelon. Wrapping an arm around his friend, he spoke
gently. "Velon, tell me what happened."

"I.I left the glass here when we were gone.I was going to drink.
Saercaeron stopped me." Gurvelon's voice was tiny and shaky.

Amarion and Caladir had rushed into the office while Gurvelon was
speaking. Amarion took his son from Erestor, comforting him.
Erestor moved away from Gurvelon, making way for Caladir.

Caladir held his shaking husband. "I am here now, my sweet one.
Saercaeron kept you safe for me." He gently rubbed Gurvelon's back
and cradled the little elf's head under his chin. "Erestor, I will
take him back to our rooms for the rest of the day. Will you let
Glorfindel know?" He nodded his head toward the pitcher on the desk.

Erestor nodded. "I will take care of it Caladir, worry not. Just
stay with Velon."

Caladir picked up his husband in his arms. "Saercaeron, thank you
little one. I will never forget this." The little elfling nodded,
tears still on his face. Gurvelon wrapped his arms around his
husband's neck, savoring his closeness, as he was carried from the
room.

Amarion stroked his son's head. "It is all right now, my little
one. You did very, very well. I am so very proud of you."

"Aye, our brave little elfling." Erestor bestowed a soft kiss on
Saercaeron's brow. "Thank you, my little friend."

Saercaeron smiled and dried his eyes. "Ada, can I go ride Faerlan
now?"

"Of course you can, my son, "Amarion answered. "Just make sure you
stay close. Go no further than the river." With the resiliency of
elflings, Saercaeron dashed off, leaving the two adult elves alone.

"Was it poisoned, Erestor?"

Erestor picked up the pitcher and sniffed the contents. "I believe
so." He sighed deeply. "I will take it to Nestoron to make sure.
Just make sure whoever cleans up that broken glass is very careful."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The elf in the tree silently seethed with anger. That damn little
brat elfling. He would just have to take care of him, too. Rotten
little guttersnipe. That miserable elfling would find out what
happens to elflings who interfered with his plans.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Saercaeron rode Faerlan to their favorite place; the cliff top wasn't
really very high, but it was high enough for an elfling. Saercaeron
loved to sit and watch the rushing river below. He leapt off his
pony, and settled down in the long grass, enjoying the sun.
He was just drifting off to sleep, when darkness descended on him.
Someone had covered him up with something? He felt himself being
picked up.and screamed as he was thrown over the cliff.falling.

Chapter 7

Faerlan kicked at the elf as he ran away, striking him in the leg.
The pony then ran like the wind, looking for someone to help his
little elf. The training grounds were empty. Where was everyone?
He ran to the door of Glorfindel's office, raised his two front legs,
and kicked as hard as he could. The door burst open.

"What in the name of .." Glorfindel stared at the pony. "Faerlan!
What is it? Where is Saercaeron?"

The pony whinnied and backed out, looking at Glorfindel to follow.
Glorfindel shouted at Taurfaeron as he leapt onto the pony's
back. "Go get help! Follow us!"

Taurfaeron had quickly found Elrond. A servant was sent to find
Amarion, while Elrond gathered some healing supplies he kept in his
office. Suithoron and an escort of guards were waiting to escort
them as they hurried outside. Elrond raised an eyebrow.

"We do not know what happened, my Lord. I cannot allow you and
Amarion to go out there without an escort, even if Taurfaeron is with
you." Suithoron said.

Elrond nodded, mounted his waiting horse, and they rode after
Glorfindel.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Faerlan raced as fast as he could to the cliff, then came to a
slamming stop. Glorfindel ran to the edge. He could hear sobbing.

"Saercaeron? Are you down there?"

"Glor..fin..del.I hurt.please..come..get..me," the sobbing little
elfling managed to get out.

"I'm coming, little one, I'm coming. Just hold on." Glorfindel
carefully lowered himself over the edge, searching for footholds.
Saercaeron lay in a crumpled bundle on a ledge, half way down the
cliff.

Glorfindel dropped carefully onto the ledge. "What happened,
sweetheart? Did you fall?" Glorfindel carefully uncurled the elfling
to examine him for injuries.

Saercaeron's hand reached for Glorfindel, grabbing onto him
tightly. "Someone picked me up..and threw me down here," the elfling
sobbed out. "They threw something over me so I couldn't see!"

"I am here now, little one. You're safe now. Tell me where you
hurt." Glorfindel wanted to hold the little elfling, but feared
moving him.

"My leg..it hurts so bad. Make it stop hurting, please, Glorfindel."

Tears welled in Glorfindel's eyes. Removing his knife, he carefully
cut away the elfling's leggings. The leg was badly broken; a piece
of sharp, jagged bone had pierced through the skin. Glorfindel
carefully raised the elflings upper body and slid under him.
Cradling the little elfings head and shoulders on his lap, he gently
stroked his head and face. "The others will be here very soon, sweet
one. Then we will get you out of here. Your nana will be waiting
for you in the healing house and she and Lord Elrond and Nestoron
will all make the pain go away and fix your leg." Glorfindel bit his
lip to keep from sobbing with the little elf.

"Glorfindel? Where are you?" Elrond called.

"Saercaeron! Where are you my son?" Amarion peered over the edge.

"We're down here! Saercaeron's leg is badly broken. You will need
to get something I can place him on, and rope to pull it up,"
Glorfindel called. "Hurry!"

Suithoron motioned to two of the still mounted escort, and they
swiftly rode away. Rope was no problem, but they had nothing to lay
the little elfling on.

Glorfindel spoke softly to Saercaeron. "Did you hear, little one?
Your Ada is up there, waiting for you. We will get out of here very
soon now." Saercaeron was motionless, but moaned in pain.

"Is he conscious, Glorfindel?" Elrond asked.

"Aye. Did you bring anything for his pain with you?

" Is there room for me where you are?" Elrond called.

"Aye, we're on a ledge, about half way down."

Elrond quickly removed his outer robe and grabbed his healing
supplies and a flask of water from his horse. He tied the items to a
rope and lowered them over the edge. "Glorfindel, take these. I'm
coming down."

"I have them." Glorfindel called.

Elrond was just about to lower himself over the edge when Suithoron
stopped him. "Forgive me, my Lord," he said as he tied a length of
rope securely around Elrond's waist. "Glorfindel would have my head
if anything happened to you."

Elrond nodded and began his descent. Suithoron tied the rope end
securely to the saddle of his great horse, then went to stand next to
Amarion, placing a hand on his shoulder. The poor elfling's father
was ringing his hands in worry.

Elrond dropped onto the ledge. "Saercaeron, can you hear me?" The
elfling lay with his head in Glorfindel's lap, eyes closed, but the
head nodded. "Will you open your eyes and look at me?" Saercaeron's
eyes opened. Elrond saw pain, but no concussion in them. He moved
his hands over the elflings head, neck, shoulders, and chest,
searching for other injuries. Finding none, he heaved a sigh of
relief. "You are lucky, little one. Only your leg is broken."

Taking the water flask, he mixed a large amount of crushed herbs in
it. He motioned to Glorfindel to raise Saercaeron's head, and placed
the flask to the elflings mouth. "Drink, little one. It will make
your leg feel better."

Saercaeron swallowed several large mouthfuls, then relaxed back in
Glorfindel's lap again. Moments later, he was drifting off.

"Did he fall?"

"Nay. He told me someone threw him down here," Glorfindel whispered.

"What?" Elrond whispered back. "Threw him down here?"

Glorfindel nodded. "And threw something over him so he couldn't see."

Elrond peered over the edge, farther over the cliff. "Look down
there. What do you see?"

Glorfindel looked. "It looks like a cloak - a grown elf's cloak."

"And if I'm not mistaken, it's a cloak made in Lothlorien." Elrond
added.

Chapter 8

Elrond and Glorfindel carefully placed Saercaeron on the litter the
others had sent down to them. Ropes were securely tied to the four
handholds to pull the elfling up. Glorfindel removed his tunic and
tied it around the litter, securing the elfling to the litter so he
could not fall off.

"Pull, slowly now - don't rush this." Glorfindel called out.

Saercaeron was carefully pulled up to safety. He was still
unconscious from Elrond's herbs. Elves rushed to take the litter
when it reached the top, and laid it gently on the ground. Amarion
knelt next to his little son, caressing his face. Faerlan lowered
his long nose to his little elf and `snuffed' into his long hair.

Elrond and Glorfindel easily climbed back up assisted by steady
pulling on the ropes attached to their waists.

Elrond knelt next to Amarion. "He will be alright, my friend. Only
his leg is injured, and we can fix that. He is young, and will heal
well."

"Thank you, my Lord." Amarion said, shakily. "I don't know what his
mother and I would do if we lost him."

Elrond patted his shoulder. "Come, let's get him back and taken care
of."

Three of their escort and Amarion carried the litter, the others
riding or walking beside them.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Erestor took the pitcher to Nestoron and explained what had occurred
in Gurvelon's office.

Nestoron sniffed the contents of the pitcher. "It's the same poison,
but much stronger than the former dose. How did they get in the
house to do this?"

Erestor was angrier than he remembered being in a long time. "I do
not know, but I will find out."

Erestor left the healing house and headed for the side of the
stables. He removed his outer robe, folded it neatly and laid it on
the ground, leaving him in only leggings and shirt. Jumping lithely
into the tree, he quickly scaled it and was on the roof.

"Lord Erestor, what brings you up to my roust?" Turidon asked. And
then he saw the look on Erestor's face. "What has happened?"

"Whoever it is got into the house and tried to poison Gurvelon again."

"I have not removed my eyes from the house! How did they manage
that? Could it be someone already in the house?"

Erestor shook his head. "I do not think so. So how did they get
in?" He stood next to Turidon and scanned the front of the
house. "Look, the trees there." He pointed to the area outside
Gurvelon's office window. "Those trees wrap all the way around the
side of the house. He used the trees to work his way to Gurvelon's
window."

"Aye." Turidon nodded. "I was stupid not to have seen that and
watched closer."

"Nay, Turidon, it is not your fault. No one could have seen someone
hiding there if they did not want to be seen. I was stupid not to
have realized it and keep Gurvelon from his office."

"Is he all right?"

"Aye. Fortunately Saercaeron was with him and kept him from drinking
the poison."

~ ~ ~ ~
Back in the house, Erestor headed to his little friend's rooms.
Caladir opened the door to his knock.

"Erestor, have you found out anything?" Caladir motioned him into
the room.

Erestor nodded. "Where is Velon?"

"Resting. Should I have him join us?" Caladir asked.

"Nay, let him rest. He does not need to hear this right now. You
can tell him later."

The two elves sat and discussed what Erestor had found out.

"Our mistake was letting him go back to his office," Caladir
said. "But he does not want to be in hiding, and I think he will
feel better if he can continue to work."

Erestor nodded. "What about if we moved his desk into the library?
Not only will there always be someone around, but I will make sure
that there are two experienced guards placed there. If whoever it
is can't get to him with poison, he may try something else."

"Aye," Caladir agreed, "that should work. And I will be one of the
guards."

"I expected you would be, my friend. I will have his desk moved in
there tonight so it's ready for him in the morning. Choose whomever
you would like for the second guard." Erestor rose to leave. " I
will leave you with Velon now. Glorfindel was going to see what
other information he could find out today, and I need to let him know
the latest developments."


Erestor found a servant and asked him to have Gurvelon's desk moved,
then hurried to Glorfindel's office. Finding the door broken in, he
rushed into the barracks, where Imladris guards assured him that his
husband was fine. They told Erestor as much as they knew of what had
happened.

Erestor had been nearly frantic when he heard what had occurred, and
was now nervously pacing the courtyard, worrying about Saercaeron.
Had the person who was trying to poison Gurvelon taken his revenge on
Saercaeron for stopping the little scribe from drinking? It was
late in the afternoon before he finally spotted them in the distance.
He ran towards them, hair and robes flying.

Glorfindel saw him coming, and ran towards him. Capturing his little
husband in his arms, he just held him tightly for a long moment.
Finally speaking, he said, "Saercaeron will be all right, my love.
His leg is broken. I have much to tell you, but not here."

"I too, my love. We will wait until Saercaeron is safely in the
healing house and you have taken care of what you need to, then we
will talk."

Saercaeron was safely installed in the healing house, and Elrond and
Nestoron began the work of repairing his leg. Luckily, the little
elfling was still unconscious.

Glorfindel sent one of their escort back to recover the cloak at the
bottom of the cliff. "Do not tell anyone about it, or let them see
it. Just bundle it up and deliver it to Lord Elrond."

He next found Taurfaeron and told him about the cloak. "It will be
delivered to Lord Elrond. Tell him when he is done taking care of
Saercaeron. I want you to examine it and see if you can tell whose
it is. If you can do it quietly, without anyone seeing, find out if
Thalahir is missing his cloak."

Taurfaeron nodded. "I will take care of it."

Glorfindel posted two guards outside Saercaeron's room, making sure
they understood that there was to be two elves inside with the
elfling at all times. Taking Amarion and Diwen aside, he
said, "Saercaeron told me someone threw him over the cliff." The
elfling's parents gasped in horror. "I am posting two guards outside
his room. If either of you should ever have to leave him, I want you
to have one of the guards go inside the room to replace you. I want
two of you with him always. If you both need to leave, then both
guards are inside the room."

Amarion nodded. "We will do it, Glorfindel. But why would someone
want to hurt our son?"

Glorfindel shook his head. "I don't know, my friend. But I mean to
find out. Just keep our little elfling safe. And Diwen, make sure
Nestoron checks all of his food before he eats it to make sure it is
safe."

Diwen paled, but nodded.

"I haven't had a chance to thank you, Glorfindel. What you did.I
don't know how to thank you," Amarion said.

"I need no thanks, my friend." Glorfindel embraced the two worried
parents, and left to join Erestor. He wanted to talk to Erestor, a
bath with Erestor in his arms, and to make love with Erestor, in that
order.

Chapter 9

Erestor and Glorfindel finally returned to their rooms. After
checking on the cats, Erestor poured two glasses of wine and joined
Glorfindel on the sofa. Handing a glass to Glorfindel, he said, "You
go first, my love."

Glorfindel took a sip of wine, and reached for one of Erestor's
hands, entwining their fingers. "I asked Taurfaeron to take his
midday meal with me," he said, and then gave Erestor the details of
their conversation. "He was very open with me, Erestor. I trust
him, and he thinks it may be Thalahir as well."

"Could Thalahir be going after Gurvelon as a substitute for his
intended?" Erestor mused. "Or does he want Caladir for himself?
Caladir is a powerful warrior and might appeal to him after a failed
relationship such as his. Or does he see Caladir and Gurvelon as
substitutes for he and his intended and is saving Caladir? Assuming,
of course, it is Thalahir."

"There's more, much worse," Glorfindel said. "You know about Faerlan
knocking down my door?" Erestor nodded. "He took me out to the top
of the cliff, then stopped. I called for Saercaeron. He was down
there, telling me he hurt and to come and get him." Tears formed in
Erestor's eyes. "I climbed down the cliff, and he was about half way
down on a ledge. When I asked him if he fell, he said someone threw
something over him so he couldn't see, and threw him over the cliff.
I.I just put his head in my lap and stroked his sweet face. I had to
bite on my lip to keep myself from breaking down and sobbing in front
of him. I would have done anything to suffer that pain instead of
him, Erestor. His poor little leg.the bone had pierced through his
skin, and was sticking out."

Erestor sat in shocked silence, tears beginning to fall from his
eyes. Glorfindel took their wine glasses and set them on the floor,
then drew Erestor into his arms, holding him tightly.

"Who would hurt an elfling like that, Glorfindel. Who would hurt our
little Saercaeron?" Erestor's very large heart had a special place
reserved for elflings, as did Glorfindel's.

"When the others arrived," Glorfindel continued, "Elrond climbed down
and checked him for injuries. He gave him some herbs for the pain
and Saercaeron fell asleep. I told Elrond what Saercaeron said, and
he looked over the edge. There's a cloak down at the bottom. Elrond
said it looks like it's made in Lothlorien." Glorfindel drew a deep
breath. "I sent one of the escort back for it and told him to take
it to Elrond." Glorfindel continued his story, telling Erestor about
assigning guards to Saercaeron, what he said to the elfling's
parents, and to Taurfaeron.

When he had finished, they sat in silence for several minutes.
Finally, Erestor began speaking. He told Glorfindel about the
poisoning attempt and how Saercaeron saved Gurvelon, Nestoron's
confirming it was the same poison, his climb to the roof and seeing
the trees, and their plan to move Gurvelon to the library. "Caladir
will be one of the guards, and I told him to pick whoever he wanted
for the other."

"It's a good plan, sweetheart. My head is throbbing with trying to
make sense of all this, but at least Gurvelon and Saercaeron will be
safe."

"Aye. Perhaps we should stop thinking on it for tonight, my love,
and it will be clearer in the morning."

Glorfindel nodded. "I am weary and saddened, beloved. And I'm
filthy."

"You stay here and I'll go fix our bath." Erestor gave Glorfindel a
long, sweet kiss, then got up and went to the bathroom. Glorfindel
wearily wondered what he had ever done to deserve such a wonderful
gift as Erestor.

Erestor filled their large bath with steaming water, then selected
the heady sandalwood oil he liked for bathing and poured it in the
bath, letting the scent sooth him. Hmmm.perfect. Gathering soaps
and towels, and a couple of pitchers filled with warm water to rinse
Glorfindel's hair with, he set them close, then went out to get his
weary warrior.

Glorfindel was lying on the sofa, almost dozing. Erestor leaned down
and kissed him gently. "Come, lover. Your bath awaits."

Glorfindel allowed Erestor to pull him up and lead him to the
bathroom. His little love made quick work of removing his filthy
clothing and settling him in the bath. Glorfindel leaned back and
sighed, relishing the warm water as Erestor quickly removed his own
clothing.

"Scoot up, sweetheart. Let me get behind you and I'll wash your
hair." Erestor settled behind Glorfindel, legs spread on either side
of his warrior, pulled Glorfindel's back against his chest, and
wrapped his arms around him.

"Are you comfortable, my love?" Erestor asked.

Glorfindel almost purred. "Reminds me of our second bath together.
Remember?"

"That bath is engraved forever in my memory, my sweet one," Erestor
chuckled.

"And mine, beloved. Will you take care of me again tonight,
Erestor? I need.I need to feel you. I need you."

"Glorfindel, my heart, did I not vow, the day we bound ourselves to
each other, that I would love you and care for you forever?" Erestor
whispered. "I always will." He leaned down to Glorfindel's neck and
lapped at it gently. "Sweetheart, I think we'd better get this dirt
off of you. That didn't quite taste like you."

Glorfindel laughed and sat up so Erestor could wash him. Erestor
took a cup and began pouring water through the golden mane in front
of him. He added soap and began to massage Glorfindel's hair and
scalp, gradually extending his fingers to gently wash ears and neck.
He loved washing Glorfindel's luxurious hair and slowly driving him
crazy with his touch.

Glorfindel moaned. Those long fingers in his hair, caressing his
ears. How he loved Erestor's touch.

Erestor took a pitcher of fresh water and slowly poured it through
Glorfindel's hair and over his ears and neck, removing the soap. He
moved Glorfindel's mane to the front, then poured oil in his hand,
rubbed his hands together to spread the oil and slowly moved his
hands up his lover's back, stopping at the shoulders to massage away
any tense muscles. Erestor chuckled, hearing Glorfindel make a
purring sound in his throat.

He moved Glorfindel's hair to the back, and pulled him back against
his chest. Adding more oil to his hands, he placed them below
Glorfindel's chest, and slowly moved them up, caressing the skin with
his fingers. Coming to two pebbled nipples, he stopped and gently
circled them, then took the two raised nubs and rubbed them between
his fingers.

Glorfindel moaned. "Please, sweetheart.touch me."

Erestor lowered one hand to Glorfindel's groin, while the other
continued to tease his nipples. He moved his fingers through the
silky gold hair at the base of Glorfindel's member, then cupped the
soft sacs below in his hand, gently massaging them. Glorfindel
wailed.

"Glorfindel, my Glorfindel," Erestor whispered in his ear, "I love
you so. Only you will I ever love, forever. Give me your mouth, my
Glorfindel, I want to kiss you."

Glorfindel tilted his head up, and Erestor captured his mouth with
his own, thrusting his tongue deeply into the sweet depths below.
His long fingers curled around Glorfindel's hard cock, and he thrust
his tongue in union with his firm strokes. He caressed the tip with
his thumb and teased at the slit, then resumed the firm strokes.
Finally lifting his head for breath, he panted out," I love you, my
darling husband, my love, my life, I love you. Come for me, my
darling, come for me now."

Glorfindel was undone. Screaming, "Erestor.I love you," he came hard
in Erestor's hand.

Erestor held his love tightly, showering his head and neck with
kisses as he waited for Glorfindel to regain his breath. His heart
overflowed with love for this beautiful elf, his elf, his golden
warrior. A warrior so strong, yet so gentle. A warrior so fierce in
battle who cried over a hurt little elfling. This powerful reborn
elf that loved him so much he would do anything for him. "I love
you, my darling one. I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, my Erestor. Forever. I love you."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Taurfaeron entered Elrond's office. The cloak had been delivered,
and Elrond had sent a messenger for the Lothlorien captain.

"I am afraid, my Lord, that I already know whose cloak it is. It is
mine. I left it in the barracks with all the others, and mine is the
only one missing."

Elrond nodded. "I expected something like that. It would have been
too simple otherwise, and the one we are dealing with is too clever."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Erestor sat behind Glorfindel, brushing out his glorious, long hair.
They were seated on plush fur rugs in front of the blazing fire in
their bedroom. The night was cool, and after their bath, Erestor had
moved the cats' basket into the bedroom so they would be comfortably
warm. Tinnu and Glirien were curled together on the rugs in front of
the fire, basking in the heat, while their kittens slept.

"All done, my love," Erestor said. "Would you like to move to the
bed, or stay here?"

Glorfindel lay down on the rug. "Stay here. Too comfortable to
move."

Erestor leaned over and captured Glorfindel's lips for a loving
kiss. He traced his tongue around Glorfindel's lips and gently
pushed inside, only to find his tongue captured and sucked. He
moaned and moved on top of his lover, pressing their still naked
bodies close and rubbing their instantly aroused members together.
Both elves groaned at the sensation.

Glorfindel finally broke the kiss, and whispered, "Will you make love
to me tonight, sweetheart?"

The first and only time that Erestor had taken Glorfindel, or anyone,
had been the night of their binding. It had been wonderful, but
normally Erestor preferred to be the one taken. He loved the feeling
of security and of being loved it gave him. Knowing that tonight
Glorfindel was the one that needed to feel secure and loved tonight,
he quickly nodded.

Erestor smiled down at Glorfindel and stroked golden hair away from
his face. "How do you want me, my love?"

"Just as we are, beloved. I want to see your face and feel your
beautiful body cover me."

Erestor got up quickly and fetched the bottle of their favorite oil
from beside the bed as well as two pillows. He placed one pillow
under Glorfindel's head and set the other one aside. He was going to
make love to Glorfindel so slowly that he would forget everything but
him, and the happenings of the day would cease to exist, at least for
this night.

Starting with one of Glorfindel's legs, Erestor kissed his way to the
underside of the knee and stopped to lap at the sensitive flesh
there. He repeated the process on the other leg, then gently nipped
the inside of the thigh up to the hip. The thigh's mate received the
same treatment. Stopping at the joining of thigh to hip, he slowly
licked from one side to the other, ignoring the engorged member and
soft sacs for the moment.

Erestor ignored Glorfindel's groans and pleas for more. He kissed
the firm stomach and thrust the tip of his tongue in the naval, then
nipped up the chest to latch onto a rosy nipple and suckle.

Glorfindel was writhing under his ministrations, and he had never
looked so beautiful. The second nipple was firmly suckled, and
Glorfindel's moans turned into wails.

"Please, Erestor.please."

"Please what, my love?" Erestor's voice was deep and sultry.

"Please..I want you now."

"Not yet, my sweet one. I want to taste all of you." Erestor
resumed his adoration of Glorfindel's body, nipping and suckling at
his neck. When he drew an ear tip into his mouth, Glorfindel arched
and wailed his pleasure.

"Please..my..love.have..mercy!"

"Soon, beloved," the sultry voice responded.

Every lick and nip and suckle was repeated on the way back down to
Glorfindel's engorged cock. Erestor licked the drops of pre-
ejaculate from the tip and ran his tongue along the underside. He
worked the tip of his tongue into the slit, and Glorfindel writhed
and screamed. Finally he placed the second pillow under his lover's
hips and opened the bottle of oil, covering his fingers with the
heavy fluid. Lifting Glorfindel's long legs to his shoulders, he
gently massaged around the puckered opening, then gently pushed
inside with one finger, as Glorfindel pushed down for more.
Thrusting in and out he slowly added two and then three fingers.

Oh..please.love.please.now..I..ah..want..you.oooh..now," Glorfindel
moaned.

Erestor quickly prepared himself and positioned his throbbing
member. Leaning forward, he placed one hand on either side of
Glorfindel, captured his mouth for a deep kiss, and pushed.

Glorfindel wrapped his legs around Erestor's waist and arched up,
forcing Erestor into him in one thrust, and moaned into the mouth
above him. He grasped Erestor's hips and buttocks, silently telling
him to move.

Finally breaking their kiss, Erestor began to thrust deeply,
repeatedly hitting Glorfindel's hidden gland. "Is this what you
want, sweetheart? Do you want to feel me deep inside you? Can you
feel me, baby? Can you feel how much I love you?"

Glorfindel had never been loved like this before. No one could ever
possess him like Erestor could. That sultry voice, the love he felt
pouring into him. He wanted more.

"More.Erestor..more."

Erestor thrust harder. He could feel Glorfindel's passion for him,
just as he felt it when Glorfindel was thrusting into him. He thrust
faster. "Is this what you want, baby? Do you feel me harder and
faster with every thrust?" Erestor began drawing nearly all the way
out and slamming back inside. Glorfindel was writhing and arching
beneath him, and it was bliss. "Is this good, baby? Feel me, baby,
feel me."

Their souls merged, split, and became one again. Their hearts sang
with love and passion.

Glorfindel screamed again and again. He felt Erestor's fingers wrap
around his cock and stroke it, once, twice, and he came harder than
he ever remembered coming before, as he felt Erestor erupt into him.

Erestor collapsed onto Glorfindel, trying desperately to regain his
breathe. They lay together for long moments, panting, before he
could finally pull away and roll to his side, arms wrapping around
his mate.

It was minutes later before Glorfindel finally spoke. "Erestor,
sweet Elbereth, I think I finally understand why you love me to call
you baby when we make love."

Erestor giggled, and held onto his husband tighter.



Chapter 10

In the morning Erestor, Glorfindel, Taurfaeron and Elrond were all
gathered in Elrond's office, discussing the situation.

"The cloak is Taurfaeron's," Elrond said. "Our mystery elf was
clever enough not to use his own. Taurfaeron, have you found out
anything more?"

The Lothlorien captain nodded. "After I realized it was my cloak, I
quietly asked the rest of my guards if any had seen Thalahir during
the noon hour. No one could recall seeing him, and he did not have
his meal with the others. He was also missing for a while after the
meal. This morning I noticed he had a slight limp, and I asked him
how he had hurt himself. The said he was out walking, just exploring
Imladris, and caught his foot in a hole in the ground. A Lothlorien
elf? Catching his foot in a hole? He may as well have told me he
fell from a tree. I don't believe him."

"Neither do I," Elrond said. "When I went to check on Saercaeron
this morning, Nestoron said he had been nosing around the healing
house earlier this morning. He said he just wanted to make sure the
little elfling was all right. Nestoron told me it just didn't feel
right, and he thinks Thalahir was checking how well Saercaeron was
guarded. He kept glancing at the guards. Thalahir even asked him
why the elfling was being guarded."

"Elrond, has anyone checked the supply of poisons we keep there?"
Erestor asked. Some poisons, in minute doses were used in healing;
overdoses were usually lethal.

Elrond blanched, then ran out of the room towards the healing house,
the other three quickly following him. Entering the room where the
poisons were kept locked, they found Nestoron searching the contents.

"My Lord, I am a great fool," Nestoron said. I didn't think of
checking in here until just a short while ago. The lock has been
forced."

Elrond peered into the cabinet. "Can you tell if anything has been
taken?"

"I think we must assume that something has been taken, else why force
the lock? The problem is even small amounts can be deadly, and could
have been taken without notice. It is very hard to tell." Nestoron
shook his head. "If I were asked to decide which one I think it is,
the one I fear the most is the one I think may have been taken. It
can be brewed into a liquid, which can be spilt lightly on a surface
and left to dry. Whoever touches the surface would absorb the poison
through touching the surface."

"Elrond, this has to stop. He has to be stopped," Glorfindel said
forcefully.

"Let us return to your office, Elrond. I believe I have a plan, and
do not wish to speak of it here," Erestor said quietly. He had been
thinking as the others were speaking, as always, one step ahead.

The four elves returned to Elrond's office, leaving Nestoron to
secure the poisons. "Speak!" Elrond said.

"We have no proof it is Thalahir, correct?" The others nodded. "All
we have at this point is speculation, however sure we all are it is
Thalahir. If we confront him, he will simply deny it. What we need
is to catch him in the act."

"How do we do that, Erestor? He has outsmarted us at every step,"
Elrond asked.

"We set a little trap for him. He can't get to Saercaeron. I
believe his next attempt will be Gurvelon again. It is he that
Thalahir is really after. Saercaeron, in all likelihood, was only
revenge for the elfling foiling his last attempt. We need to clear
the way for him, make it easy for him to make another attempt on
Gurvelon. By now, he probably already knows that we have moved
Gurvelon's desk to the library, and that Caladir is watching him. We
need something that will draw us all together for something,
Lothlorien guards included. Gurvelon's work area and quarters will
need to be secretly watched. Then we wait for Thalahir to leave the
gathering, thinking everyone else is occupied."

"Perhaps a mandatory dinner that everyone has to attend?" Elrond
mused. "Taurfaeron can make sure he's there - and he needs to be
watched every minute until then. Can we manage this by tonight?"

"My Lord, I would like to tell the rest of my guards what our
suspicions are. They will be able to help watch Thalahir until
then. We cannot afford any longer to leave him to his own devices."

"Aye. Go and tell them and make sure someone is always with him.
Then return here."

Taurfaeron bowed gracefully and left.

"Elrond," Glorfindel said, "you can simply say that you want
everyone, excluding the guards who are on duty and any healers and
ailing in the healing house, to attend tonight."

"What reason do we give?" Erestor asked.

"Who is anyone to question Elrond's wishes, but we could say he
believes it is time for everyone to take the time to share a meal
together," Glorfindel answered, "instead of waiting for the next
festival or celebration. But whom do we get to watch Gurvelon's work
area and rooms, and how do they do it? We can't simply follow him
and burst in on him before he does anything."

"That is a good point, my love. Is there a way to hide someone in
the library?" Erestor thought for a few moments. "I can think of
many ways. The shelves and tables and work areas offer us many
areas. Their rooms are also not a problem. But perhaps the question
is, would Thalahir sense them?"

"We need to discuss this with Taurfaeron when he returns," Elrond
said. "Now, who do we use to hide and watch him? Who could be
missing without him noticing?"

"There is a patrol returning today that has been out on the border
for a month. Thalahir has never seen them. I will ride out and
intercept them and choose who would be best. The four or five I
chose from the patrol will remain behind, then enter unseen after all
are in the dining hall."

Elrond nodded. "Good. They should have time to seclude themselves
in the library and Caladir and Gurvelon's rooms before Thalahir makes
his move."

"Let us just hope that I am correct, and he will make his move
tonight. If he decides to lay low for a while, this is all for
naught," Erestor said.

"I do not believe he will wait. Why steal the poisons if he plans to
wait?" Elrond responded. "He `should' see tonight as his golden
opportunity."

Glorfindel nodded. "I will make sure that Turidon has a good view of
that area of the house."

When Taurfaeron returned, they told him of the plan. Taurfaeron
thought for a few moments, then said, "If I may make a suggestion, my
Lords, I think it would be wise if we make sure that Thalahir not
only makes his move tonight, but we make sure he is even more angry
at Gurvelon. If he is particularly angry, there is less chance that
he will be aware of the others watching for him in the library or his
rooms."

"How do we do that?" Glorfindel asked.

Erestor smiled. "Glorfindel, my love, Thalahir either hates Gurvelon
because he sees in him his betrothed, or he wants Caladir and sees
Gurvelon as unworthy of him. How do you think he will feel when he
sees Caladir totally fawning over our little friend, looking at him
adoringly, and kissing him?"

"Point taken, my love." Glorfindel grinned.

"I was also going to suggest that you announce that tonight's dinner
is in celebration of Gurvelon's return to health," Taurfaeron
said. "Having to attend a celebration in honor of Gurvelon should
add more fuel to his fire."

Elrond nodded. "Let's go and make this happen."

Note: Thalahir's thoughts will be indicated with a **at the
beginning and end**.

Chapter 11

Everything was arranged. Erestor and Glorfindel were in their rooms,
both deep in thought. They had finished dressing for dinner, and
were in the sitting room, absent-mindedly playing with the kittens,
while Tinnu and Glirien watched. Erestor sat on the floor waving a
feather and watching little furry paws grab for it. Glorfindel sat
holding Brogdithen on his lap, stroking the purring mass of long
black fur.

"Glorfindel, what if he goes anywhere else in the house before we can
stop him?" Erestor asked quietly.

"Worry not, sweetheart, there will be guards secreted all over the
house watching. They will not allow him to harm anyone. "

"All over the house? How many will there be?"

"Oh, four, ten, twenty, forty; what's in a number after all?"
Glorfindel grinned.

"The whole patrol?" Erestor asked, amazed.

Glorfindel nodded. "None would return early. They will all sneak in
after everyone is in the dining hall. It makes sense, my love. If
Thalahir does sense something, the greater number will convince him
that he is simply sensing all of us."

"We had better go, it is getting late." Erestor gave Tinnu and
Glirien one last stroke, then replaced the kittens in their basket,
including the one on Glorfindel's lap. "Take care of your little
family, Tinnu," he told the cat.

Taking Glorfindel's hand, Erestor reached his other into a pocket for
the key to lock the door.

"No, sweetheart, leave it open," Glorfindel said. "Our guards are
perfectly capable of picking locks, but we may as well make it easier
for them."

Erestor raised his eyebrows. "One will be in here?"

"Did you think I would risk any harm coming to you or Elrond?"
Glorfindel said softly. "There will be someone in here and your
office, as well as Elrond's rooms and office, and watching the
quarters of the scribes and librarians."

Erestor wrapped his arms around Glorfindel's neck, and pulled his
head down for a passionate kiss. "Thank you, my love." He
whispered.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The elves gathered in the dining hall patiently waited for their
guests of honor to arrive. Elrond had decided earlier that this
would also include Saercaeron, and a small chaise lounge had been
brought into the hall for his use, placed near Elrond's table.
Elrond sat in his usual place at the head of his table, flanked by
Erestor and Glorfindel on one side. Opposite them were two empty
chairs for Gurvelon and Caladir. Various elves, including Lindir,
Melpomaen and captains in the Imladris guards occupied the rest of
the table.

"Glorfindel, what is Suithoron doing with Rinion? Oh my, they are
kissing. When did that happen?" Elrond whispered, looking at the
large warrior with a small librarian in his arms.

Glorfindel and Erestor grinned. "It didn't, Elrond," Erestor
whispered. "Some of our friends decided to add some fuel to the
fire." Elrond chuckled.

Taurfaeron and his guards, including Thalahir, occupied the table
placed immediately in front of Elrond's. Only Thalahir was unaware
of what every other elf in the room knew; that the whole event had
been planned to expose him.

All around the room, warriors were seated next to smaller scribes and
librarians. Only Thalahir was unaware that what appeared to be a
loving relationship between a librarian or scribe and a warrior, with
a few exceptions, was all for his `benefit'.

Saercaeron arrived, carried by his father. Amarion set the little
elfling on the chaise, settling him comfortably resting against the
back with his broken little leg spread out before him. Amarion and
his wife seated themselves at a small table set next to the elfling
for them and a few of their friends.

The elves welcomed him with cheers and applause - all except
one. "Erestor, do you see?" Glorfindel asked.

"Aye, love, he does not seem too pleased to see our little elfling,
even if he is applauding."

**Damn little brat. All these elves think you're just so cute.
We'll see how cute they think you are when I'm done with you.**

Gurvelon and Caladir arrived next, and received the same reception as
the elfling.

"What say you to that, Elrond?" Erestor whispered, barely nodding in
Thalahir's direction.

"If I had any doubt before, my friend, I no longer do," Elrond
answered. Thalahir applauded with the others, but his face was
darkened into a grimace.

**That puny mouse has no right to be with such a warrior! Caladir
will be mine! I will show him what a lover worthy of a warrior is
like. Just you wait, mouse, I have a little surprise for you later.**

Gurvelon and Caladir seated themselves in their places, and Elrond
rose. "My friends, we rejoice tonight with Caladir and Saercaeron's
parents that our dear Gurvelon and Saercaeron have both escaped
serious harm. Gurvelon is returned to health, and Saercaeron soon
will be. It pleases me that so many of you were able to join us, and
I hope you will all stay after dinner to join us in music and
dancing." The elves cheered, and Elrond signaled for dinner to begin.

Caladir gave his sweet little mate a loving kiss, then lifted a
choice tidbit to Gurvelon's mouth. His little love opened his mouth
and wrapped his tongue around Caladir's fingers, making a fine
show. "Careful, sweetheart, you will make me forget what we are
supposed to be doing here," Caladir whispered into Gurvelon's ear.
Gurvelon giggled, and moved his head to give his large husband a
passionate kiss. Warriors all over the room hooted at the
pair. "That was being careful?" Caladir whispered at the soft lips.
Gurvelon giggled again, and lifted a strawberry to Caladir's lips.
Caladir pulled the berry into his mouth with his tongue and bit into
it. Gurvelon licked the red juice from his lips. "You just wait
until I get you back to our rooms, you little tease." Caladir gave
his spouse a kiss on the neck.

All over the room, couples indulged in loving behavior. Glorfindel
and Erestor were no exception. "Come here, my petite councilor,"
Glorfindel said, giving Erestor a passionate kiss.

Suithoron and Rinion were feeding each other, and exchanged a kiss
between every bite. Melpomaen and Torladen sat with their arms
wrapped around each other, occasionally feeding each other and shyly
kissing.

"Oh my," Lindir whispered to Melpomaen. "All this makes me wish I
was next to a big, strong warrior. I do believe I may be jealous."

"This is disgusting," Thalahir said to Taurfaeron.

"What is?"

"All these Imladris warriors and their mousy little lovers. What is
wrong with this place?"

"I find it all rather lovely and refreshing that they are all so
comfortable and show their love in the presence of others. Much more
relaxed than at home. After all, for a warrior to have a scribe or
librarian for a lover is such a good match, I think. Gives us
someone removed from the evil we must deal with to come home to."
The other guards at the table nodded in agreement. Was that what had
happened to Thalahir? Had he come into contact with too much evil
and been corrupted by it? Taurfaeron wondered how possible it was.

Taurfaeron continued answering Thalahir. "Aye, it is refreshing.
Just look at that little minstrel, Lindir, sitting at Elrond's
table. Is he not the loveliest elf you have ever seen? How I would
love to come home to him after a month on the borders!" Lindir was
so lovely, and so sweet an elf, Taurfaeron admitted to himself that
what he had said to Thalahir was not really a lie. He wouldn't mind
staying in Imladris if he could be with Lindir.

Thalahir shifted uncomfortably in his chair and scowled, waiting for
dinner to finally be over and for the elves to move into the Hall of
Fire. Then he could finally make his move.

**This damn place. I hate it. I hate them all. Corrupting all
these warriors, turning them into weaklings. When Caladir is mine, I
will return to Lothlorien and take him with me. I'll show these puny
little elves what a real warrior can do!**

Note: Thalahir's thoughts will be indicated with a **at the
beginning and end**.

Chapter 12

Lindir noticed Taurfaeron looking at him, and smiled shyly at the
warrior. Lindir's heart beat a little faster when Taurfaeron's face
lit up and he smiled back. He never thought he would be at all
interested in a warrior, but Taurfaeron was such a kind, gentle elf,
even if he was a captain of the guards.

Dinner was finally coming to an end. The elves began to move into
the Hall of Fire, led by Elrond. A few of the elves elected to
forego the entertainment, and headed to their rooms or homes, calling
a cheery "good night" to the others. Erestor, Glorfindel and
Taurfaeron lagged behind and watched Thalahir quietly slip into the
library. Lindir quietly joined them, and the four elves silently
waited in the hall outside the library, afraid to even breathe. They
knew that some of the elves who had elected to return to their homes
or the barracks had soundlessly positioned themselves outside the
library windows.

Thalahir quickly moved through the darkened library. Moonlight
streaming in through the windows provided just enough light for an
elf to see clearly. Loud music and laughter drifted through the
house from the Hall of Fire as he came to Gurvelon's desk. He took a
pair of gloves from his tunic and slipped them on his hands.
Reaching into his tunic again, he removed a small vial and carefully
uncorked it. He calmly sprinkled the smallest drops here and there
on the desk; a few on the desktop, one or two onto pieces of
parchment lying on the desk, and a couple on the arms of Gurvelon's
chair. He quietly opened a drawer and sprinkled drops liberally onto
the quills inside.

**No one will save you this time, little scribe. Caladir is mine!**

Thalahir replaced the cork on the vial and removed his gloves.
Carefully wrapping the vial in the gloves, he replaced them in this
tunic.

**I think I'll just go the Hall of Fire now to have one last look at
the puny little mouse!**

He headed to the door, and the next thing he knew he was face down on
the floor, the breath crushed out of him by what felt like a thousand
books on his back. The door burst open and he saw several pair of
booted feet approach.

"Well done. Get him up," Glorfindel ordered.

Thalahir's arms were firmly held as he was hauled to his feet.
Seething in anger, his tried to jerk himself out of the hold, and
spat at Glorfindel. "Just what are you doing? Is this the way you
treat guests here?"

Glorfindel ignored Thalahir and spoke to his guards. "Tell me what
you saw him do!"

Talvion, the leader of the patrol guarding the house, spoke. "He
placed gloves on his hands, then sprinkled something from a vial on
Gurvelon's desk, inside a drawer, and on the chair. The vial is
wrapped in his gloves, inside his tunic, my Lord. We all saw quite
clearly."

Glorfindel raised a hand to Thalahir's tunic to retrieve the gloves.
Talvion touched his arm, stopping him. "Please, my Lord, allow me."
The patrol leader took a glove from his pocket, slipped it on his
hand, and removed the gloves from Thalahir's tunic. He placed them
on the desk and the small vial rolled out.

"Thank you, Talvion. Take the gloves and the vial to Nestoron in the
healing house to check, please," Glorfindel said. Taking a candle
from another desk, he lit it and moved to the far side of Gurvelon's
desk to confirm Talvion's words for himself. Erestor followed. He
knew it was silly, but he could not help himself from making sure
that Glorfindel did not touch anything.

"Thalahir!" Taurfaeron's voice was angry and commanding. "What have
you to say?"

The captured elf continued to try and free himself from the iron grip
around his arms, but said nothing. He stilled, then suddenly moved
his head back forcefully into the face of the elf holding him from
behind. The elf groaned, and loosened his hold slightly. It was
enough for Thalahir to jerk himself free. He kicked at Taurfaeron,
hitting him in the groin, shoved the smaller Lindir aside, and ran
past him through the door. Taurfaeron moaned in agony and dropped to
his knees. Lindir ran to his side. The whole attack took only a few
seconds.

Glorfindel, Erestor and the guards ran after the fleeing elf, and
stopped when they came to the hall. Thalahir was firmly held by an
angry, exploding Caladir. "This one is mine," he growled. Caladir
raised his arm, and his fist connected with Thalahir's face with such
force that the slightly smaller elf was thrown across the hall into a
wall. "That's for trying to kill my sweet Gurvelon, you spawn of
evil!"

Thalahir shook his head, splattering blood from his broken nose and
torn lip across the walls and floor. He quickly got to his feet and
raced outside the door.

Amarion had left the Hall of Fire to carry his sleepy little elfling
to bed. He was just entering the courtyard with the elfling when
Thalahir burst out of the door.

**A sleepy little brat just begging to be my hostage. What could be
better?**

Thalahir raced towards Amarion, kicked him forcefully aside, and
grabbed the elfling, holding him around the waist, dangling
Saercaeron in front of him. "Stop! All of you! Or this elfling
dies!" he yelled. He removed a knife from his boot and held it at
the elfling's throat.

Elrond and the elves in the Hall of Fire heard the yelling and came
out of the house. Then elves from the library ran through the doors
into the courtyard. Taurfaeron, supported by Lindir, followed. "No
one moves!" Thalahir yelled again. "Or your precious little elfling
dies!" The elves froze.

"Thalahir," Elrond spoke loudly, "release the elfling and you may
leave. You have my word no one will stop you."

"Oh, dear, kindly Lord Elrond!" Thalahir's voice was dripping in
sweet sarcasm. "Do you expect me to believe that? The elfling comes
with me! Now get me a horse!"

"Nay!" Amarion screamed, holding on to his wife. "Do not take our
son!"

"Oohhh, your precious little son," Thalahir said
sarcastically. "This little brat ruined my plans when he kept that
little mousy scribe from drinking my poison! He deserves what he
gets. Too bad he didn't die like he was supposed to when I threw him
over that cliff!" Saercaeron was sobbing. "Shut up you stupid
little bratling, or I'll cut your throat! " Saercaeron only sobbed
louder. "Caladir! You could have had me instead of that puny little
rat who calls himself your husband! What does he know about warriors
like us?"

"Thalahir," Taurfaeron said, "let the elfling go. Do not add
kinslaying to your crimes."

"Ha! These are no kin of mine! The elfling goes with me. You're as
bad as the rest of these stupid elves, Taurfaeron, mooning over that
disgusting little minstrel!"

One of the Lothlorien guards spoke. "Thalahir, we have been friends
for many years. I do not know when it happened, but evil has
attacked and entered you. Let the elfling go. Let us take you
home. The Lady will help you."

"Never!" Thalahir screamed. "I will never go.."

An arrow whistled, cutting through the air at tremendous speed. It
found its target, dead center, embedding itself between Thalahir's
eyes.

The knife fell from Thalahir's hand, and the little elfling slowly
slid out of Thalahir's arm as the Galadhel slumped to the ground.

Amarion and Diwen rushed to their sobbing son as Elrond gently picked
him up in his arms.

And up on the roof, Turidon shook, bow hanging in his hand, fully
realizing he had just killed another elf for the first time in his
long life.


Chapter 13

Gurvelon's desk and chair, contaminated with the deadly poison,
burned in the courtyard. Nestoron had added the deadly vial and the
gloves to the fire.

The Lothlorien elves removed Thalahir's body to a room in the healing
house, where several members of the Lothlorien Guard would stand
vigil until sunset of the next day, when his body would be placed on
the pyre.

Turidon sat in a chair in Elrond's office, still shaking, tears
running down his face. His friend, little Melpomaen, stood beside
him, a gentle hand on his shoulder. Melpomaen wished he knew how to
comfort the warrior.

Elrond knelt in front of Turidon and took his hands. "Turidon, my
old friend, look at me." The warrior lifted his eyes to
Elrond. "You did what had to be done, my friend. You did what I
would have done. We protect this valley from evil. Any evil,
whatever its source. There was no other way. You did well."

Turidon nodded. "Thank you my Lord. I.I know. But he was an elf.
We could have helped him!"

"Aye, and we would have, had he let us. Turidon, there was no other
choice. Do not judge yourself wrong for this, for no one, not Manwe
himself, will. You saved the life of a small elfling. Trust me in
this. Come now, you must rest. You have guarded us well."

"I will help him, my Lord," Melpomaen said softly. "He will stay
with me tonight." Turidon looked up at his little friend. Mel
smiled at him gently and nodded. "Come on, old warrior. I will take
care of you." He pulled Turidon by the hand and led him out of the
room.

Erestor and Glorfindel were waiting outside of Elrond's office.
Glorfindel embraced his old friend, and said quietly, "Thank you.
Thank you for saving Saercaeron. There was nothing any of the rest
of us could do. If you hadn't been there, we would have lost him."

"I am so sorry it ended that way, Glorfindel. I didn't want to have
to do that," Turidon answered.

"I know, my friend. None of us did. Go and rest now. You have done
well." Glorfindel and Erestor went into Elrond's office.

"You see, Tur? No one thinks you were in the wrong." Wrapping his
arm around the warrior, they walked to his room.

"You are a good friend, Mel, even if you are young."

Mel chuckled. "So are you, Tur, even if you are older than Elrond."

Reaching his rooms, Mel led Turidon inside. At his last promotion,
Melpomaen had been given a larger room that included his own bath.
His bedroom was so large, he had made a sitting area with chairs
surrounding the large fireplace, a small sofa, and table and chairs
he could use for working or dining. He had even gotten a larger bed,
as the room seemed to swallow his old smaller one. The warrior
slumped into a chair at the table.

"Aiya, Mel, I feel so bad," Turidon said sadly.

"I know, dear friend. I would give anything to be able to make you
feel better." Melpomaen poured two glasses of wine and brought them
to the table. He handed one to Turidon, and sat opposite his friend,
watching him sip at his wine. Tur was so old, but he looked younger
than Elrond. His dark brown hair hung lose around his beautiful face
instead of being tied back, which was how he usually wore it. The
gray eyes, which usually sparkled with merriment, were sad. Tears
formed in Mel's eyes as he watched his friend. He didn't know what
to do to make Turidon feel better, but he knew what he wanted. What
he had always wanted, from the time he was still years away from his
majority so many centuries ago. It was time.

"Tur, come sit with me by the fire. Please?" Taking his glass of
wine, he walked to the fireplace, and sat down on the heavy fur rugs
laid in front of it. When Turidon sat down beside him, he took their
glasses of wine and set them aside. Then he crawled onto the
warrior's lap and wrapped his arms around Turidon's neck, resting his
head on the broad shoulder.

Turidon wrapped an arm around his friend and stroked the little elf's
soft hair. "Mel, what's wrong," he asked softly. The head on his
shoulder just settled closer. "Mel?"

Melpomaen lifted his head, his soft blue eyes meeting sad gray ones.
He placed a soft kiss on the warrior's brow, looked again into the
gray eyes, then lowered his head and kissed the warrior's soft lips
tenderly.

Turidon gasped, feeling the lips he had always wanted to kiss on
his. Mel ended the tender kiss and, heart pounding in fear Tur would
be angry with him, laid his head back on the shoulder, nuzzling
closer into the warrior's neck.

"Mel? Why did you kiss me?" Turidon's whispering voice was shaky.

Mel swallowed hard. It was now or never. "I love you Tur, I always
have. Ever since I was a little elfling," he whispered.

"But I am so old, and you are not even one thousand years old. I am
too old, too hardened for you, little one."

"What is old to an elf, Tur? I remember the first time I knew I
loved you. I was watching you return from a patrol, astride a great
horse. You were laughing with the others. Then you jumped down off
the horse and saw me. You picked me up and twirled me around,
laughing. I was maybe forty years old then. I knew. I am nearly
nine hundred now and I have never loved another. I never will. I
was born for you alone. I have been waiting for you to love me back"

Melpomean couldn't see the tears streaming down Turidon's face.
Finally one fell, and he felt it hit his cheek. He raised his head
and kissed the tears from the warrior's face. "Won't you love me,
Tur?" he whispered.

Turidon stifled a sob. Never had he guessed this sweet little elf
loved him. He was lost. Lost in the love of his dear little
friend. And his heart that he locked tight against his unrequited
love burst open. Holding Melpomaen tighter, he sobbed out, "You love
me?"

"Forever, if you will have me, my love."

Turidon captured Melpomaen's mouth in a searing kiss. It was not a
tender kiss, but it was loving all the same. Tongues reached for
each other and danced wildly, hands grasped and pulled, and moans
filled the room. It was Mel's first lovers kiss, and it was
perfect.

Clothes were ripped and thrown aside as the two fought to feel the
other's flesh against their own. Necks and ears and lips were
ravaged. Breathless words of love were whispered. Turidon devoured
every inch of Melpomaen's body with kisses and licks, stopping to
suckle here and there. He couldn't taste enough of his beautiful
love.

Melpomaen arched and screamed as his engorged cock was swallowed to
the hilt. Never had he dreamed he could feel like this. His fingers
curled in Turidon's hair as he thrust into the wet heat. "Oh, Tur.Oh.
I..love you..Oh..what are you doing to me.Oh!"
Hands stroked his sides and a pointed tongue teased his slit before
Tur took him fully into his mouth again. Fingers gently cupped and
stroked his sacs. Mel arched and wailed his pleasure as he came
explosively in his lover's mouth. Gentle hands held him as he lay
panting.

Turidon straddled his perfect little love, and kissed him
passionately. Tears once again filled his eyes as he cupped his
hands around the beautiful face looking up at him with so much
love. "I love you, my darling Mel. I will love you forever."

Chapter 14

One week later...

It was late, long after other elves had retired to their beds, as
Lindir and Taurfaeron wandered through the gardens hand-in-hand.
They had spent much time together during the last week getting to
know one another, and had even sparred together on a few occasions.
Taurfaeron had been amazed at the minstrel's skill with knives, and
had complimented the elf several times alone and in front of his
guards. The Lothlorien captain was swiftly losing his heart to this
incredible little elf. He regularly melted under the influence of
Lindir's golden voice, and could sit for hours listening to him
sing.

Stopping under a large oak tree, Taurfaeron drew Lindir
closer. "Lindir," he said quietly, gazing down at the smaller
elf, "I would like.would you allow me to court you?"

Lindir smiled shyly and a faint pink blush ran up his face.
Taurfaeron thought he looked adorable. The little minstrel nodded
and said softly, "Aye, Taurfaeron, I would like that."

A brilliant smile lit Taurfaeron's face. "Lindir, I think I have
fallen in love with you."

Lindir moved closer. "And I you," he whispered, lifting his
face. "Will you kiss me, Taurfaeron?" Arms moved around his back as
he was gently held. He shivered in anticipation just before soft
lips descended on his.

In the shadows, a figure watched and smiled, knowing it would not be
long before the two elves exchanged silver betrothal rings. Taking
one last look, Lorien, the Vala of visions and dreams, turned and
floated into the Last Homely House. He always enjoyed being sent to
Imladris and checking up on his favorite elves. Coming to the first
room he was looking for, he shimmered through the door.

Melpomaen and Turidon lay together in the large bed, the smaller elf
held tightly in the strong arms he was curled up in. Lorien was
happy to see that the ancient warrior had finally accepted the elf
chosen for him by the Valar as a reward for his millennia of
faithfulness and bravery. He smiled at the newly bonded couple,
almost sorry he had to give them the dream he carried for them. But
it was necessary for Turidon to heal. When the warrior realized that
Melpomaen shared the same dream, he would understand. What Turidon
had done was right and had the sanction of the Valar.

The two elves tensed as they began to dream. Melpomaen whimpered and
Turidon groaned. They were seeing what would have happened had
Turidon not killed Thalahir. They saw the little elfling,
Saercaeron, brutally slain. Melpomaen sobbed in his sleep and silent
tears ran down Turidon's face as the dream passed into the next
scene. Hoards of Orcs, lead by Thalahir invaded Imladris through
secret, unseen passages. Many elves were slaughtered before they
could mount a defense, including little Melpomaen.

Turidon finally awoke, screaming the name of his beloved. His scream
instantly waking Melpomaen, the two elves clung to each other,
panting and sobbing as they told each other of their dream. It was
done. In the morning, they would understand. Unseen, Lorien sent
them both back into reverie, allowing a vision of their beautiful
future together to ease their sleep.

The Vala moved down the hall to his next assignment. Shimmering
through a wall or two, he emerged in the bedroom, smiling down at the
occupants. Caladir lay wrapped around the little Gurvelon. The
strong heart and his light. Lorien smiled at the glowing couple.
Never had he seen two elves that made love more often than these
two. Well, unless he included Erestor and Glorfindel, but they were
still newly bonded. Perhaps the gift the Valar had in store for them
would curtail that particular activity, but knowing them, Lorien
doubted it. They would still find a way.

The Vala sent a vision into Caladir's sleeping mind. A vision that
would draw him to the Misty Mountains in the morning. Smiling once
more at the couple, Lorien turned and entered the hall, heading for
his last assignment.

Shimmering through the last set of doors and walls, the Vala emerged
next to Erestor and Glorfindel. Lorien grinned. Too early for
these two - they were not asleep yet. And it would be cruel to
interrupt them just now.

Smiling, Lorien entered the sitting room and materialized. Sitting
down by the cats' basket, he picked up a black ball of fuzz to stroke
it. Waking at his kitten's meow, Tinnu prepared to defend his little
one. Then he recognized the being holding the kitten. He had been
here before. It was safe. Tinnu left the basket and joined his
kitten on the being's lap. He had always liked this creature that
looked so much like an elf, but was not. He never came to Imladris
without stopping to visit Tinnu. Tinnu heard the non-elf speak to
him in his mind, telling him what beautiful kittens he had and how
lovely his mate was. Tinnu purred.

Glorfindel lay atop Erestor, thrusting his tongue into his husband's
mouth as his hard member finally pushed into the tight channel.
Erestor wrapped his legs around his lover's waist as he gripped the
shoulders above him and moaned.

Breaking the kiss and burying his head on Erestor's shoulder,
Glorfindel thrust again and again into the quivering warmth. "Oh,
Erestor.baby .so good.always so good," Glorfindel panted before
sucking on the soft neck below him and biting gently.

Erestor wailed. "More.harder.Oh.Glor.more."

Glorfindel moved one hand and lifted Erestor's hips, allowing him to
thrust deeper. "Like this, baby? Is this what you want, lover?"

Erestor screamed as Glorfindel's cock slammed into his prostate,
again and again. Tears of ecstasy ran down his face as he moaned and
wailed, digging his fingernails into Glorfindel's back.

Glorfindel felt Erestor's muscles convulsing around his cock, and
knew his lover was close. He reached between them and grabbed
Erestor's engorged member, stroking it firmly. "Come for me, baby.
My sweet baby..I love you so much."

Erestor screamed Glorfindel's name as his warm essence shot out
between them. Glorfindel thrust once, then a second time into the
quivering channel before he arched his back and came explosively,
shouting Erestor's name.

In the sitting room, Lorien listened to the elves and smiled. The
Valar had a gift for these two strong elves, as well as Caladir and
Gurvelon. He waited, listening to words of eternal love as the elves
finally fell into reverie. The Vala placed the cats back in their
basket, stroking the soft fur one last time. Speaking to Tinnu in
his mind, he told the cat what was going to happen, and made a
suggestion. Tinnu considered what the Vala said, then meowed his
consent. He would talk Glirien into it in the morning. Lorien
smiled at the cat, as his form shimmered into invisibility once
again.

Lorien entered the bedroom and gazed at the elves, a soft glow still
hovering around them. Yes, these two were strong and good. Erestor
and Glorfindel were perfect for the task, as well as deserving. He
sent a vision into Glorfindel's mind. A vision that matched the one
he had given Caladir.

Lorien smiled one last time, and instantly was back in Valinor. He
stood before Manwe. "It is done, my Lord. Glorfindel and Caladir
will leave in the morning."

"That is good," Manwe replied, "they will need to hurry. There is no
time to waste."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
In the morning, Glorfindel awoke with a gasp.

"What is it, my love? What is wrong?" Erestor asked.

"I am not sure, sweetheart. Something is wrong. Near the Misty
Mountains. Something calls me there. I saw a small village of
elves. Orcs attacking. I have to go."

"Glorfindel, you do not have the gift of foresight. Could the Valar
have sent you a vision?"

"I do not know, beloved. But I know I have to go. This morning.
Now."

Erestor nodded. "Then you shall."

Glorfindel rose and dressed quickly. He was hurrying out of the door
to alert Caladir to form two patrols, and nearly collided with his
second in command as he opened the door.

"Glorfindel," Caladir said, anxiously, "we have to leave. Now.
There is a village near the Misty Mountains."

Erestor peered around the two warriors and saw Gurvelon standing,
wide-eyed. He looked at his friend and nodded. He placed a hand on
Glorfindel's arms and said, "You two go and see to it. Gurvelon and
I will inform Elrond." He kissed his husband sweetly, and
said, "Fare you well, my love. Come back to me safe. I love you."

Glorfindel kissed Erestor passionately, then whispered, "Thank you,
beloved. I love you."

"Come, Caladir," Glorfindel called to his second. Caladir released
his little husband, and followed Glorfindel.

Gurvelon watched them leave, then turned to Erestor. "What happened?"

Erestor shared Glorfindel's dream with his friend as Gurvelon
nodded.

"Aye, it is the same as Caladir's."

Erestor sighed. "Well, let us go and inform Elrond." The two elves
set out to find their Lord, as Glorfindel and Caladir formed two
patrols totaling one hundred warriors. Within minutes, they rode out
of Imladris, toward the Misty Mountains.

The End
But not the end. To be continued in the next story taking place in
my little universe.
Agie