* * *

Imladris, T.A. 2951


"Erestor, you did no such thing!" Glorfindel gaped, awestruck at
Erestor's admission. Erestor and the sons of Elrond? And the Noldo
had never told him, in all the years they had known each other?
Impossible. The blond shook his head in denial at his own folly. If
Erestor said it, it must be true; never had he known Erestor to tell
an untruth. How could he have misjudged his friend so badly?

The Counselor's revelation left him reeling. The dark-haired Elf-
lord was more than passing fair. Because of his mysterious, exotic
beauty, many sought to share his bed, but were politely rebuked. Few
had ever broken through the cool, aloof demeanor he put forth,
Glorfindel himself being one of few to receive his favors. But
never, outwardly, had the Counselor's relationship with Elrond's sons
been anything other than that of a loving but stern teacher and
friend.

Erestor chuckled quietly, a deep rumble emanating from his chest. He
relented, feeling a bit sorry for intentionally having put his friend
through such torment. Standing, he reached out a slim hand to the
blond and pulled him to his feet as well. "Come, mellonen, let us
walk and I will tell you a tale."

Glorfindel, feeling in distinct need of fortification for the story
he was about to hear, carried the wine bottle and glasses with him
and followed Erestor to the gardens, out into the fragrant night air.

As he trailed behind the slender, dark-haired Elf, an uncomfortable
half-formed thought began to take root in the recesses of his mind.
Why, exactly, was the thought of Erestor with the twins so alarming?
Was the Seneschal's distress rooted in jealousy?

Nay, that was not possible.

Was it?

And if that curious, unnamed emotion was indeed jealousy, of who was
he jealous? Of Erestor, for having been with the twins? Or the
twins, for their tryst with the Counselor?

//Ai, Elbereth,\\ he thought with growing alarm as the thought grew
and fought for dominance in his mind. //It is not so, it cannot be!
Not after all these years!\\

With a firm push, Glorfindel drove that unwelcome intruder to the
back of his mind, determined not to think about it further. He would
examine those thoughts later in the solitude of his rooms. First, he
had a tale to hear.


* * *


Flashback. Imladris, Year 200, Third Age


It was a rare day off for Erestor, and he had spent it in idle
leisure, reading and sunbathing in a sheltered glade near the banks
of the Bruinen. Elrond had insisted his Counselor take some time for
himself. He worked too hard, the Elf-lord had said, and insisted his
friend and Chief Counselor take a day and relax. He was returning to
the Last Homely House, peaceful and delightfully lethargic with the
effects of the sun.

Rounding a bend in the wooded path, he heard muffled voices, one
rising above the other with a high-pitched cry. Curious and
troubled, he veered off the path and through the wooded undergrowth
to investigate.

He swayed on his feet and leaned heavily against a tree when
confronted with the sight of the Peredhil twins, bare as the day they
slid from their naneth's womb.

Realization dawned on him as he took in the scene. Elladan lay on
top of Elrohir, fumbling between his parted legs. Elrohir gave a
sharp cry of distress and pushed his brother away, a grimace of pain
twisting his features, tears streaming down his face. Elladan rolled
off his brother, gathered him tightly in his arms and began to cry
fat tears of anguish. Erestor heard fragments of a hushed
conversation that floated on the soft breeze.

".hurts, El."

".sorry. didn't mean."

Uncertainly, Erestor froze in position, unsure how to proceed until
his shrewd mind was able to assess the situation and determine the
best course of action. He did not wish to startle the twins, nor did
he want to intrude on an intimate moment, but to move now was to risk
certain discovery, which would undoubtedly cause the brethren acute
embarrassment.

Slowly and cautiously Erestor backed away and retreated into the
woods, a silent shadow flitting among the trees.


* * *


A few hours later.

A housemaid knocked on the door of the twins' suite. Elladan opened
the door, exchanged a few words with the maid, and returned to the
room a moment later. He bore a piece of parchment, neatly folded and
sealed, in his hand.

He glanced at his brother, who looked curiously at the wax seal. The
rune imprinted in the sealing wax was an elaborate `E'. They
recognized the stylized letter as Erestor's personal seal.

Elladan peered over his brother's shoulder as they read the note
silently, penned in the advisor's elegant, flowing script:


Elladan and Elrohir,

Please join me in my rooms this evening after the dinner hour. I
wish to speak with you in private. I believe you will find our
discussion informative.

Fondly,
Erestor


The twins looked at each other and shrugged. Their plans for the
evening apparently consisted of a visit to Erestor's rooms. What on
Arda could Erestor want to speak with them about

* * *


Still later that evening.

The twins walked nervously down the hall and up the stairs to
Erestor's rooms. Neither had any idea why Erestor wanted to speak
with them, but a summons from one of their Adar's highest-ranking
officers could not be ignored, no matter how politely it was worded.
It was an order, and they did not dare refuse.

Erestor answered the hesitant knock on the door when it finally came
with a quietly voiced "Enter." The door swung silently inward on
oiled hinges and the twins entered nervously, hand in hand, bowing
slightly to the Elf-lord as they murmured words of greeting.

"Good evening Elladan, Elrohir. Thank you for coming," Erestor
nodded in acknowledgement and gestured toward a few comfortable
chairs set around a small, low table. He spoke calmly and softly,
hoping to put the two at ease. The nervousness surrounding the
brethren was almost palatable.

He poured each a glass of sweet, fresh juice and pressed glasses into
their hands. "I suppose you are wondering why I summoned you," he
began, sitting back and crossing his long legs." Wide-eyed, the
twins nodded wordlessly.

//Ah, there is no easy way to approach this,\\ Erestor briefly
deliberated in silence. He had planned how to begin, but when
finally confronted with identical panic-stricken faces, he prudently
changed course, abandoning his prior plan.

"I do not wish to keep you in suspense any longer. First, let me
begin by assuring you what is said in this room will remain held in
the strictest of confidences." His words were met with duplicate
wide-eyed nods of assent.

"Tell me, pin-vuil," he leaned forward in his chair and the brethren
instinctively leaned back, drawing close together in dread. "Was
today's experience in the forest your first encounter together?"
Erestor asked, his deep voice soft and gentle.

A fearful whimper escaped Elrohir's lips and the color drained from
their faces. //Elbereth help us.\\ they reached out to each other
mentally.

"Nay," he quickly spoke in reassurance, wishing there were another
way to set them at ease. He could feel their fear radiating from
them in waves and sought to calm them. "It is not what you think.
I apologize for frightening you, but there is no easy way to broach
this subject."

The twins drew shaky breaths. Elladan reached for his twin's hand
and drew it to him, clasping it tightly in his, giving strength to,
and in return, receiving strength from his brother. "Aye, it was.
But please, Erestor, I am begging you, do not tell Ada," the elder
twin implored, tears welling in his silver eyes. Elrohir sat
quietly, head bowed, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs.

Nay, this was not going according to plan at all, Erestor cursed
himself roundly. He dropped to his knees before the brethren,
quickly gathering them within the circle of his arms, whispering
soothing words as he stroked their hair. "Shush, pin-dithen, I will
not tell your father, do not fear."

"Please, gwanûûn, listen to me. I did not ask you here to chastise
you, you must believe this. Set your fears aside, I promise I wish
only to help you."

Lovingly he tilted Elrohir's head with a slender finger under the
younger twin's chin, forcing their eyes to meet. "Elrohir, are you
injured?" He concentrated on filling his voice with all the love and
concern he felt for his Lord's children.

Elrohir nodded through his tears, the barest hint of movements.
Elladan held his twin's hand tightly, his fair face wearing a mask of
remorse, chin trembling as he struggled to keep his emotions under
control and not break down in front of the Counselor.

Erestor sighed. "Ah, that is what I was afraid of." He tenderly
brushed Elrohir's tears away with the tip of a finger and kissed the
top of younger Elf's head. He rose, again taking a seat. "I wish to
examine you, in order to determine the extent of your injuries, but
we will attend to that matter in a bit."

Gathering their joined hands within his, he spoke quietly and
sincerely, assuring them of his love for them and his
understanding. "I recall the day your father came to me, shaken;
terrified at the thought of explaining the facts of life to you. The
famed Master Elrond Half-elven, loremaster and renowned warrior of
old, slayer of Orcs uncounted and whose forces stood against Sauron
in Eregion and upon the Dagorlad, brought to his knees by a simple
discussion on the matters of love." He chuckled softly, remembering
the wild panic in his Lord's eyes the day Elrond confessed of his
dread, and delegated the responsibility to Celebríían.

"Your mother was the one tasked with that responsibility, and it is
understandable there were certain matters of which she could not, or
would not, speak." The twins nodded in unison, confirming Erestor's
suspicion that the Lady Celebríían, despite her best intentions,
neglected a rather substantial piece of information regarding the
intricacies of sex and relationships.

"But Erestor," Elladan, more vocal than his younger twin,
interjected, "if Ada - I - we are *brothers*! It is wrong! Ada
would never understand!"

The Counselor replied smoothly, "Elladan, I believe you will find
your Ada more understanding than you think." If Elrond chose to ever
confess to his sons of the depth of his past relationship with his
own twin, their long-dead uncle Elros, it was his own matter. The
Counselor prudently declined to comment further, and evaded the
question skillfully with his customary diplomacy. "I will simply say
that the Valar are accepting of many forms of love. Love transcends
all shapes and forms. To discourage the blossoming of feelings would
be folly, needlessly risking perhaps the greatest joy of one's life."

Erestor eventually determined, through slow and careful questioning
and taking great pains to set the Peredhil at ease, that each of the
twins had some limited experience with ellith, but had recently
realized a growing attraction for one another. Being young, just
past their majority, and somewhat naïïve, they were naturally curious
and chose to experiment privately rather than risk the wrath of their
parents by asking questions.

Somewhat calmer now that their activities had been discovered, and
seemingly accepted, Elrohir finally broke his silence. He spoke
quietly and hesitantly, "Erestor, forgive me, but have you ever had a
male lover? What is it like? I, uh, well, I have been with an
elleth, but the - act - did not seem to hurt her. Does it always
hurt so badly with a male?"

"Aye, Elrohir, I have had both ellyn and ellith." The elder Elf
smiled fondly at the younger twin. "I assure you the experience is
most pleasing either way, though I personally do much prefer the
touch of a male."

He re-crossed his legs and took a small sip of juice. "And nay, pen-
vuil, with preparation and a caring partner any small amount of pain
is far surpassed by enjoyment. There is trust, and surrender, in
allowing another to possess your body in such a manner, and to know
your partner entrusts themselves to your touch."

Erestor's words trailed off and his dark eyes momentarily took on a
faraway look. He paused before continuing. They had reached the
crux of the matter, and he fixed the twins with a serious look.

"That is exactly why I invited you to join me this evening," he began
carefully, seeking the correct words. "I love you both dearly, and
my greatest fears since this afternoon are that one of you will
suffer injury, or that you will be so distressed by your misfortune
that it will forever keep you from experiencing the joy of making
love with a male." The Counselor took a deep breath and forged
ahead, "I wish to explain the ways of loving between males, to ensure
you experience only pleasure."

His words were met with the harsh intake of breath from the twins.
They blushed furiously and glanced warily at each other.

Erestor held his breath, afraid the young twins would be too
embarrassed to stay and hear him out. He noted a slightly glazed
expression in their eyes, interpreting the look correctly as the look
they had when mindspeaking. He sat patiently, awaiting the
completion of their wordless consultation.

He was taken aback when Elladan raised his gaze to meet the
Counselor's and shyly asked, "Would you show us, Erestor?" Elrohir
nodded briefly in agreement with his twin.

"Ah. nay, pin-nith, I do not think that would be appropriate," the
Counselor countered, his mind whirring.

The gwanûûn were indeed beautiful, but what they asked was too much;
to initiate them in the ways of male lovemaking was simply more than
was appropriate to ask of their former tutor. Elladan's request was
most unanticipated.

Elladan leapt from his chair, abandoning the grasp he still had on
his brother's hand, and dropped to his knees before the stunned
Counselor, his eyes wide and brimming with unshed tears.

"Erestor, please." The younger Elf's voice was thick and choked with
emotion. "I know it is much to ask of you." Tears began to flow in
earnest, fat silver drops of regret and grief glistening as they
rolled down over sculpted cheekbones. He forced his gaze to meet
Erestor's, beseeching the elder Elf to take his words to heart. "I
could not bear it if I were to hurt my brother again. I am afraid,
Erestor. It would destroy me to bring him harm; he is my life, and
my love. Please, just think on it."

Elrohir echoed his brother's plea. "Erestor, we are no longer in our
minority, nor have we been for quite a few years, if our age is your
concern. I want to know what to do and what to expect. I, and
Elladan agrees, wish to learn from someone who knows what they are
doing. We trust you will do us no harm. Please, Erestor, will you
do this?"

Erestor sat in silence for a few moments. He knew in one sense what
the twins were asking was highly unusual, and most probably
inappropriate. After all, he had a hand in raising them; they were
almost as sons to him.

Almost.

One small word. Six letters. The implications inherent in that one
tiny word were enormous.

Would he be able to live with himself if he did as the twins asked?

But would he be able to live with guilt if he denied them, and caused
each other injury? The sight of a sobbing Elrohir, grimacing in pain
and pushing his distraught brother away from him, was fresh in his
mind. He replayed Elladan's tearful plea over and over again. It
would indeed destroy Elladan, as he said, if he ever brought harm to
his brother, that Erestor knew.

The bond between the twins, even as babes, was a strong one, even
stronger than the bond between their Adar and his own twin. What one
brother felt, they both felt. It was virtually impossible to
separate them for more than a few hours at a time; even when apart
for short periods they seemed to know exactly what the other was
doing, where they were, and whom it was they were with. It was
uncanny. Erestor knew that by guiding the twins through taking their
relationship to another level, the bond between the two would
strengthen even further.

But was it proper that he be the one to teach them?

The fact remained, though, that they were *not* his sons. They were
adults, and had experienced relations, albeit female ones, before.

Again, the memory of two identical tear-streaked faces came to his
mind, and he made his decision. He took a deep breath, strengthened
his resolve and sent a quick prayer to the Valar that he was making
the correct decision. He exhaled slowly and spoke a single word.

"Aye."



Elvish translations:

mellonen = my friend
naneth = mother
adar = father
pen-vuil / pin-vuil = dear one (s.) / dear ones (pl.)
pin-dithen = little ones (pl.)
gwanûûn = pair of twins
elleth/ellith = Elf-maid(s)
ellon/ellyn = male Elf (male Elves)
pin-nith = young one ones (pl.)

* * *


Elladan visibly sagged in relief. "Hannon chen, Erestor. You
cannot know how much this means to me. to us." (Thank you)

The younger twin echoed his brother's words. "Aye, Erestor, and
rest assured we will never speak of this again."

The Counselor nodded curtly. He was uncertain if the decision he
made was the correct one, but he was unable to clear his mind of the
haunting vision of the twins, broken and crying. He stood and began
moving about his chambers, gathering a few items and speaking over
his shoulder as he worked. "Before we begin, Elrohir, I wish to
examine you in order to determine the extent of your injuries." The
younger Elf flushed slightly and nodded in agreement, beginning to
unbutton his tunic.

//How easy it is to revert to the role of teacher,\\ Erestor thought
wryly. //Never did I think I would be educating them in quite this
manner. May the Valar help me if their Adar finds out, but if he
had seen what I saw, perhaps he would not be so quick to judge.\\
Inwardly he cursed his Lord and friend's cowardice for inadvertently
creating this situation to begin with.

Schooling his features and forcing his melodious baritone to assume
the dry tone he used to lecture in the classroom years ago, he
continued, "Let us be very clear, so there is no room for
misunderstanding." He fixed the brethren in turn with stern stares
as he turned to face them, his arms full of the supplies he had
gathered. "It is because of my love for you and my wish to spare
you from further harm that I consent to this - unconventional -
method of instruction."

The Counselor moved toward the bed. "Under no circumstances will I
consent to penetrate either of you. Furthermore, no word of what
occurs in this room tonight shall you ever speak of, apart from each
other and me." In unison, the twins nodded in understanding.

The elder Elf spread a large towel over the covers of his bed and
placed an assortment of vials and jars on the table nearby. "You,"
he motioned to Elrohir, "please lie down and let me examine you."
He softened his manner upon seeing a fleeting look of panic on the
younger Elf's face. "I will not harm you, Elrohir. Do not fear,"
he reassured the younger Elf.

Elrohir stood and shyly untied the string on his loose leggings,
allowing them to pool on the floor at his feet. Erestor admired the
clean lines of the younger Elf's long, strong limbs and partially
erect, sleek member and pert backside as he moved, nude, to the
bed. A number of years past their majority, the twins were tall and
leanly muscled, though neither had yet attained the mass and
physical strength that would come with age. A few thin braids
dotted with crimson beads were the only breaking of the lush, thick
curtain of ebony that trailed down his back, reaching nearly to the
swell of creamy globes.

Elrohir climbed onto the high bed, wincing in discomfort at the
sharp twinge of pain that shot through his backside when he swung
his leg up. He lay face down, his heart thumping nervously in his
chest while he awaited further instructions.

Elladan quickly removed the rest of his clothing and moved to the
bed as well, revealing a form so like his brother's that had it not
been for their hair preferences, Erestor would have been hard-
pressed to tell them apart. Elrohir always wore a few tiny braids;
Elladan preferred to wear his locks loose and flowing, or when
necessary, plaited in a single thick rope that fell well past the
middle of his slender back. The elder twin sat near his brother's
head and gathered Elrohir's hand within his own.

Realizing the younger Elves were most likely a bit uncomfortable
being naked while he remained fully dressed, Erestor pulled his
tunic over his head and tossed it over the back of a chair. He
knelt on the bed near Elrohir's hips and instructed him to spread
his legs. Flushing brightly, the younger Elf complied and buried
his face in his brother's lap, flinching slightly at Erestor's touch
upon the ivory globes of his backside. The Counselor carefully
parted Elrohir's buttocks and forced himself to study with clinical
detachment the angry red flesh surrounding the younger Elf's
opening, even as his heart clenched in sympathy.

"Have you experienced any bleeding, pen dithen?" he asked gently and
reached for a small jar on the table. The Counselor fought to keep
his voice calm and steady. //Ai, Elrond, what have you done? Even
if you did not wish to disclose the nature of your own relationship
with Elros, could you not have saved these two such pain?\\ (little
one)

"A bit, earlier, but nothing recently," Elladan replied on his
brother's behalf, his voice halting and filled with guilt. Elrohir
remained mute, tightly gripping his brother's hand for support in
dread of the pain he was sure would come.

The Counselor probed gently at the swollen, red opening, confirming
there was no internal damage. "Ah, good. It is not as bad as I
feared. I wish to use a healing cream, Elrohir. It will feel cold,
but the cream contains a numbing agent that should help to dull the
pain. It is a mixture similar to that which the soldiers use to
clean and protect wounds."

"How then did you come to have it, Erestor? You are no warrior,"
Elladan queried.

Erestor looked at him askance, amusement flickering briefly in his
dark eyes. "I was not always a dusty, bookish advisor, Elladan, or
have you forgotten your lessons already? I know how to wield a
sword as well as a quill. I was a warrior once, and as my duties
allow, still enjoy spending time in the pits in order to keep my
body fit and my mind fresh." The younger Elf flushed in
embarrassment, duly chastised.

The Counselor turned his attention back to his patient. "Rest easy,
mellonen, I will be very gentle. Please relax, it will be over
quickly," he soothed the younger Elf. He scooped a small amount of
cream on his fingers and set the jar aside. With a gentle swipe he
smoothed the healing ointment on Elrohir's raw and abraded flesh and
carefully worked the very tip of his smallest finger just inside the
swollen hole, ensuring the healing properties of the cream would
quickly reduce the soreness. Elrohir drew breath sharply between
his teeth and shuddered. "Are you well, Elrohir?" the Counselor
asked anxiously, withdrawing his fingers abruptly. (my friend)

"Aye, I am well, Erestor. It is just that the cream was cold, and
it startled me!" the Peredhel exclaimed, lifting his head from his
brother's lap. He wiggled his bottom experimentally and looked in
wonder at Erestor. "I believe I feel better already. How can that
be?"

"It is not surprising; the numbing properties are designed to work
very quickly. You may be sore for another day but I see no lasting
damage." Erestor stood and wiped his hands on a towel. "It is
done; you may get up now." Elrohir rolled over and sat up next to
his brother, tucking his head under his twin's chin. Elladan
snuggled his twin close, softly stroking his hair, weaving a thin
braid between his fingers as he quietly whispered in his ear.

Leaving the twins wrapped together on the bed, Erestor strode to
bathing chamber to wash his hands. When he returned a few moments
later, he stood near the bed and nonchalantly stepped out of the
loose casual trousers he wore. The eyes of the twins went large; it
had been many years since they had seen the Counselor unclothed, not
since they were Elflings and swam naked in the river together. The
Elf-lord revealed a tall and slender form, well developed yet lean,
his sex flaccid between long, trim legs. While in the bathing
chamber, he had braided his dark hair into a long, thick sable rope
that hung straight down his back, the tip just grazing the rounded
curve of taut buttocks. The effect softened his handsome features
and set off his understated beauty by emphasizing finely boned
sculpted cheekbones and a long, graceful neck. Eyes usually
camouflaged by thick masses of unbound hair were revealed to be
large and luminous and exotic. He climbed onto the bed and sat
cross-legged beside the twins, completely at ease with his nudity.

He looked from one to the other. Clearing his throat, he
queried, "Shall we begin?" Two bashful nods affirmed his question.
He leaned forward and captured Elladan's hand in both of his and
massaged the limb with his thumbs. "Elladan, I can see the guilt
written in your eyes. Do not blame yourself, pen-neth; it is not
your fault. You did not know," he reassured the older twin, and
Elladan nodded. (little one)

Keeping in mind their lack of experience, and thinking back to the
ancient days of his own first fumbling experiences with intimacy, he
began. "You say you have been with ellith? In a few respects the
same principles apply; for example, the ears, neck, and nipples are
pleasure spots for both ellith and ellyn alike. Kissing and
caressing a partner of either sex is a pleasurable endeavor. The
similarities end there, however," he remarked dryly. The brethren
smiled at his droll wit, recognizing his attempt to put them more at
ease. (Elf-maids, male Elves)

"The most logical way to begin," he paused, thinking of how best to
proceed. Elrohir was likely the more passive, yet he was still in
pain. Elladan was the obvious choice, then; it was of the utmost
importance to teach him to be careful and gentle with his twin, at
least at first, until they were able to experiment and determine
what type of touch suited them best. "Elladan, am I correct in my
supposition that you are the more dominant one?" The elder twin
sheepishly nodded and his brother giggled anxiously, glancing at him
sideways with an adoring look. "Then I will allow you to take me,
and learn how to bring pleasure to another."

Elladan gulped nervously and nodded again in obvious surprise that
he was to be expected to take the lead. He was unsure what he had
anticipated, but it was certainly not that.

Erestor instructed Elrohir to move to the head of the bed and
observe. He cautioned the younger twin to pay attention, for
although his brother would likely be the aggressor, it was important
for him to understand what was happening. At some point in the
twins' relationship the roles would certainly reverse. Elrohir
would learn to give pleasure by watching his brother, as well as
receive it when he was fully healed.

"As I was saying, now let us imagine you wish to make love with your
partner. The obvious first step is to ensure they become aroused."
He motioned to his lax member and gave Elladan a rueful look,
chuckling slightly. "So, arouse me. I trust you are familiar with
the, ah, anatomy, other than your own?"

Elrohir grinned self-consciously, blushing. "Aye, we are. It was
the. other - part we had difficulties with, as you discovered."

The Counselor laughed quietly. "Aye, you did." He turned to look
at Elladan and prompted, "Imagine I was your brother. How would you
begin?"

Elladan kissed his brother's smooth cheek quickly and crawled down
the bed, where he knelt beside Erestor. Awkwardly he wrapped his
arms around the Counselor. Erestor was warm and his skin was
flawless and supple, but holding the Advisor in his arms was nothing
like holding the one he held dearest within his heart. The scent
was wrong, and there were unfamiliar angles that felt awkward and
out of place.

"Elladan, I will not bite," the elder Elf chided him gently. "Do
not be afraid or embarrassed. This is about you and your brother.
We will go no further than either of you wish; we can stop at any
time."

When the Peredhel made no move to proceed, Erestor gently touched
the younger Elf's chin and tilted Elladan's face toward him. He
searched the gray orbs for signs of misgiving or fear. "Elladan,
are you sure this is what you wish? Do you wish to reconsider?"

Elladan forced himself to meet Erestor's piercing gaze. Bile rose
in his throat, hot and bitter, at the thought of harming his beloved
again, and slowly he shook his head. "Nay, Erestor, I do not."
Reassured, Erestor took the lead and leaned into the circle of
Elladan's arms, pressing his lips against Elladan's.

The touch of Erestor's surprisingly soft lips against his own moved
him to action. He deepened their kiss, running his hands down
Erestor's dark braid, marveling at the texture. He expected it to
be somewhat coarse, but the soft strands bound at the end glided
through his fingers like the finest of silks.

Elladan closed his eyes and imagined it was his twin's lips that
were kissing him and whose body he embraced. Tentatively he parted
his lips and tasted the Counselor's sweet pink petals, encouraging
him to open his mouth. Erestor obliged, allowing Elladan to explore
further, past his lips and teeth, coaxing his tongue forward.

Surprised and pleased with the ardor in which the younger Elf kissed
him, Erestor met the invading tongue eagerly with his own. He
shivered involuntarily when his lover's slick muscle swirled and
teased his own, tracing the line of white, strong teeth. His body
began to respond to Elladan's ardent kisses, and he felt his shaft
begin to fill. //Valar, he may be inexperienced, but the young one
has natural talent; he is an expert kisser,\\ he thought dimly, as
his lover's tongue swept the recesses of his mouth.

At last the need for breath drove the pair to draw apart. Elladan's
gaze dropped to the Counselor's lap, and smiled to see his endeavors
to arouse his lover were indeed being met with success.

Chagrined that his legendary self-control had deserted him so
quickly, Erestor again forced his breathing to slow and strove to
regain control of his racing pulse. "Rather impressive, Elladan.
You certainly have no difficulties in that particular area," Erestor
smirked, and Elladan grinned wolfishly, immensely pleased with
himself.

Elrohir discreetly coughed from his position at the head of the
bed. "As much as I am enjoying your performance, would it be
possible for us to move on? I do not wish to appear impatient, or
ungrateful, but as awkward as this feels to say, we have managed to
get this far on our own."

"Anxious, Elrohir?" Erestor could not resist teasing the younger
twin. Elrohir blushed in response. "All right, moving on. and
doubtless this is nothing new to you. It is important to listen to
your lover, not simply their words, but their bodies. Make them
want you as much as you want them. Touch me, Elladan. Imagine you
are making love to your brother. Touch me as you would him. Show
him how much you love and desire him."

Elladan slinked across the bed and kissed Erestor again, impetuous
and eager in his youth. Gently he pushed the Counselor's shoulders
back, encouraging him to stretch out on the bed. He paused a few
seconds to admire Erestor's lean form spread before him. He lifted
the long glossy rope of Erestor's braid and coiled the end around
his hand. Leaning forward, he straddled his lover's chest, his
member already hard and leaking, trapped between their smoothly
muscled bodies. He suckled the tip of Erestor's exposed ear.
Erestor groaned and turned his head, allowing his lover better
access. "Valar, you will undo me before barely we even begin."

The younger Elf abandoned the sensitive ear tip and slid down
Erestor's body, the contact between their bodies spreading the clear
droplets that wept from the tiny slit of his arousal in a glistening
trail over the Counselor's pale flesh. Elrohir stared, mesmerized,
at the shiny path his brother's sex left in its wake, while his own
member pulsed and wept. He curled his hand around his length and
slowly stroked the hard column, slicking the tip and spreading the
pearly fluid with his thumb, whimpering softly.

Heated breath and kiss-swollen lips traced fiery trail down the
ivory column of Erestor's neck. He barely suppressed a tremor when
a rosy nipple was nipped between sharp white teeth. The dusky
circle was licked and sucked into a pebbled peak. Erestor struggled
to speak, though every lick and nip of his partner's tongue to the
responsive bud threatened to render him mute. "Elro - ahhh, gods."
he groaned, tangling his slender hands in Elladan's raven locks,
finding a sensitive ear tip and rubbing it with a finger. A shudder
gripped the younger Elf's body and he whimpered at the touch, but
his mouth did not release its prize. Elladan ground his loins
against Erestor's lean muscled thigh, riding his leg wantonly.

Gulping, Erestor breathed deeply, striving to focus his thoughts on
something other than the wicked tongue that was intent on driving
him beyond the edge of sanity. "Elrohir," he tried again, and
addressed their silent spectator in a hoarse voice, "What is my body
saying? What is it telling your brother?"

Elrohir fought to restrain the quaver that was in his own
voice. "Your body quivers under his touch. Each of his kisses
causes you to tremble; your flesh burns under his lips. Your hips
thrust with every caress of his hands upon your skin, leaving you
panting and wanting him."

//And it is my dearest wish, with ever fiber of my being and every
breath in my body that I was in your place right now, Erestor.\\

"Mmmm," Erestor groaned when the other nipple was tweaked and
flicked. "Ahh. aye. This is the state in which you wish to work
your lover; make them want you, make them crave your touch." His
eyes rolled back in his head when a hot, wet tongue tentatively
tasted the weeping tip of his arousal, then withdrew. //Ai, if
Elrohir is even half as ardent as his brother, the love they make
will be nothing short of breathtaking.\\

Somehow he found the restraint to gently push Elladan away and
regained some of his senses. Struggling back into a sitting
position, he tried to temporarily ignore his pulsing, leaking shaft
and noted with some small satisfaction that as uncomfortable as he
was, at least the twins shared his predicament. It was time for the
next part of the lesson, and it was of the utmost importance that
Elladan - and Elrohir as well - was able to fully focus. Struggling
to keep his voice even, he instructed Elrohir to hand to his brother
a small vial of oil from the tabletop.

Erestor kissed Elladan gently and traced the contour of his chin
with a finger. "Rather than try to explain the mechanics of
lovemaking now, I will guide you through it one step at a time. It
is important, though, to talk about preparation. As you further
your relationship and discover what type of touches please you most,
you will be able to experiment with position and level of comfort.
Some prefer a gentle touch, while others enjoy a more firm hand.
Allow your lover's desires to guide you at first."

He shifted uncomfortably, hard and needful, yet forced by his
partner's inexperience to go slowly. "A male's passage does not
lubricate itself as an elleth's would, rendering a bit of assistance
necessary." (Elf-maid)

Elladan thumbed the sealing cork from the vial and gave an
experimental sniff. Immediately a spicy scent filled the air, mild
and pleasing. He tipped the vial and spilled a single drop of the
slippery substance, rubbing it between his fingers, a look of
dawning realization growing on his face. It was so obvious, in
retrospect; how could they not have realized? But the brethren were
indeed still young and fairly innocent. Even their infrequent
couplings with ellith were hasty and fumbling. In the years since
their majority celebration, the sons of Elrond had spent most of
their time in combat training with Glorfindel's forces, serving as
junior members of their Adar's council, and spending time with their
iaurnaneth and iaurada in LothLórien. This division of duties left
them with very little time for leisure, so it was not surprising
they were still inexperienced. It was only chance that had allowed
them to be free of responsibilities this day. (grandmother,
grandfather)

Erestor continued, "A word regarding position. Your creativity is
limited only by what is physically possible." His thoughts strayed
briefly, and fondly, to the hidden section of Elrond's library and a
select handful of rather - descriptive - books. Obviously the
twins' mutual dislike for being indoors kept them from discovering
that treasure trove of information.

Forcing his attention back to the topic at hand, he went on, "There
are a few basic positions, with endless numbers of variations of
each." He turned and asked Elrohir to give him a pillow. Lying
down on his back, he tucked the pillow under his hips and lay with
his knees bent, legs spread, his shaft rigid and tight against his
stomach, thick with blood.

Beckoning to Elladan, he instructed the young Elf to coat his
fingers with the oil and touch him. Elladan slicked his fingers
with the sweet-smelling, pale green fluid and replaced the stopper
on the vial, laying the small glass bottle nearby on the bed. He
looked up questioningly through the Counselor's parted thighs,
silently asking permission, and Erestor nodded slightly, eyes
obsidian and glittering.

Elladan's finger traced the thick vein pulsing under the tender
skin, causing Erestor to twitch, then dropped lower to caress the
pouch below. Moving lower still, he circled the pink, ridged
opening, seeing Erestor quiver before him. "It is all right,
Elladan, you will not hurt me. Go ahead," he encouraged patiently.
What he really wished to do was simply tell his young lover to
disregard all formalities and mount him, and fuck him hard and fast,
but he resisted.

Hesitantly, Elladan entered him with a single finger, sliding easily
past the tight ring of muscle. He marveled at the smooth tightness
that clenched and gripped at his finger. He pumped the finger
experimentally. Fascinated by the breathy moan that escaped the
Counselor's lips, he queried, "This really brings you pleasure?" It
had certainly not felt that good when Elrohir did it to him, nor did
Elrohir seem to derive pleasure from it when he was on the receiving
end.

Rather than answer, Erestor directed him to add a second finger and
crook them, rotate his fingers and search of a small, firm
bump. "How will I know I've found it?" Elladan asked uncertainly.

"Trust me, pen dithen, you will know," Erestor chuckled, his voice
rough and harsh. He cried out sharply and arched his back when the
fingers finally found that elusive gland. Elladan grinned
triumphantly at his twin and Elrohir laughed out loud at his
brother's victorious look. He continued pumping his fingers and
stroking that small nub, pleased beyond reason to know *he* was
causing his lover to come undone, anxious for the day he could coax
this reaction from his beloved twin. //Soon,\\ he vowed to Elrohir
silently. //Soon, melethen, we will be together. I will never hurt
you again.\\ (little one, my love)

Breathlessly, Erestor encouraged his lover to add a third finger,
and to scissor and stretch gently. Each word he spoke was ragged
and rough with need. "For your first experiences, thorough
preparation is critical. You do not want to cause harm to your
lover by rushing. Regardless of how anxious you may be to join with
them, you *must* listen to their body, and allow their need to
dictate your own." He groaned softly when his lover added a third
slippery finger. His breathing became more labored; he bore down to
meet each thrust of those fingers deep within his passage, stroking
that bud with each motion.

He was close already, oh so close, and summoned a last bit of
control to keep himself from climaxing right then. He did not want
Elladan to know just how sensual and responsive his lover was. It
was a part of himself the Counselor kept well hidden. How high his
passions could flare was a secret known to very few over many
millennia; how he could be brought to release by the thrusting
within his body without a single touch to his member. The mask he
wore to most was one of cool, controlled reserve, and it served him
well. Precious few were privy to his secrets.

Panting harshly, Erestor's words were punctuated with guttural
grunts as he struggled to keep his unruly body under
control. "Listen and feel what my body is telling you, Elladan.
Feel how it responds to your touch. What is it saying?"

Elrohir responded for his brother, slowly stroking his own arousal,
desperate for release but just as desperately trying to hold
back. "Your body is tightly strung. You are ready, burning for
completion."

"Ahh, gods, Elladan. oil yourself well, and take me. I am ready,"
Erestor moaned, whimpering when the fingers embedded in his channel
were withdrawn.

Elladan searched vainly for the glass vial within the tangled
bedclothes. "Mas i `lae thrachannen?" he muttered, frantic when his
quest neglected to turn up the elusive bottle. (Where is that
wretched oil?)

Elrohir sprang to his knees and clawed at the sheets, finally
holding up the bottle with a triumphant cry. He crawled sinuously
to his brother and poured a generous amount of the viscous liquid
into the palm of one hand, replacing the stopper with the other. He
knelt in front of his twin and kissed him passionately while he
slicked Elladan's arousal with the oil. The older twin thrust
helplessly into his brother's fist, driven almost to the edge by the
touch of Elrohir's hand.

Erestor lay gasping and panting, watching the twins embrace. He was
no stranger to beauty, but the fervor with which the brethren kissed
was unlike anything he had ever seen. A simple kiss, yet within it
was contained more love and reverence than the most passionate of
couplings. At last, Elrohir reluctantly pulled back.

Elladan knelt between Erestor's widely spread legs and pressed the
rounded crown of his arousal to the Counselor's slick opening. He
hesitated, suddenly fearful. He recalled vividly how Elrohir had
cried out in pain. "Ah, Erestor, are you sure? I do not want to
hurt you."

The Counselor hissed, the strong muscles of his passage twitching
with the barest contact of his lover's shaft. "Do it, Elladan. You
will not hurt me."

Dimly he remembered why they were in this position to begin with,
and slipped back into his instructor's role for a moment, although
ever word was agony and every moment that passed without being
possessed was torture. "With your brother you will need to go very
slowly and give him time to adjust to your length and girth. I do
not require, nor do I desire, such gentle handling. Do it now, with
one steady push," he ordered.

The Peredhel took a deep breath and pushed forward, breaching the
tight ring of muscle, not stopping until he was fully sheathed in
Erestor's pale body. The Counselor whimpered as he was steadily
filled. A sheen of sweat covered his skin, making it appear glowing
and almost translucent in the candlelight. He wrapped his slender
legs around Elladan's waist and pulled the younger Elf down to
him. "Hard and deep," he demanded.

Elladan pulled back to the ridged crown, leaving only the plump head
of his arousal embedded in his lover's channel and gasped as the
tight ring gripped his flesh, unwilling to release him. He thrust
back in hard and froze, motionless, a look of panic on his face at
the Counselor's hoarse shout when his lover's shaft nudged his
prostate. "Erestor, I am so sorry! Did I hurt you?" he cried in
alarm.

Erestor bared his teeth and barked, "Nay, Elladan, I am well. Just
move! Now! I cannot wait any longer." His slender fingers grasped
Elladan's back, fingernails digging in and leaving purpled crescents
behind.

Elladan, reassured, took to the task like a master, all restraint
and reason fleeing. He rose up on his arms, and with the vigor and
enthusiasm of youth he set a punishing pace, slammed into Erestor's
tight, velvet heat.

This. this was the penultimate power - the ability to reduce another
to a whimpering, begging mass. The sensation was potent and
thrilling and he reveled in it. The only thing that could possibly
surpass this glorious feeling would be to have his brother beneath
him, writhing and crying out. He quaked, imagining what his twin's
searing depths would feel like, quivering around his hard length.
The thought alone was nearly enough to cause him to spill right
then.

Skin slapped against skin as he rode the Counselor savagely. He
cried out sharply, agonizingly, with each thrust, teetering on the
edge of release. His climax welled within him, beginning in the pit
of his stomach and swelling out toward his limbs, all-engulfing and
consuming.

He thrust one last time, deeply, and threw his head back, mouth open
in a silent scream in the rush of his release, flooding Erestor's
body with his seed as his mind was flooded with images of his
brother. His length twitched and pulsed, and the force of his
orgasm sent Erestor crashing over the precipice with him.

Erestor's hips rose to meet each of his lover's thrusts, taking
eagerly his lover's hard flesh deeply within him, legs wrapped about
Elladan's waist, forcibly drawing the Peredhel into him with each
forward movement. The pillow under him angled his hips and caused
each stroke of Elladan's length to brush against the firm nub within
his passage and sent bolts of liquid fire through his loins and his
toes curling. With each thrust a harsh, guttural grunt escaped his
lips. His arousal wept and pulsed, trapped between their writhing,
panting bodies. He arched sharply and groaned long and deep as he
spilled between them, coating their stomachs with thick, white cream.

Elladan collapsed, trembling, against Erestor's smooth chest,
heedless of the fluids of their release that glazed their heated
flesh. Gently he slipped his softening length from his lover's body
and curled on his side facing Erestor, breathing hard. Erestor
raised his hips and removed the pillow, then reached unsteadily,
muscles trembling with fatigue, and found a small towel among the
collected items on the tabletop. He tenderly cleaned his lover,
then himself, and discarded the soiled towel on the floor.

The Peredhel lay dazed, catching his breath. Erestor raised
trembling arms and wrapped them around Elladan's shoulders, stroking
his hair and murmuring wordless, soothing nothings as the
aftershocks of their orgasms slowed.

* * *


Imladris, T.A. 2951


Ithil's full light illuminated the gardens, bright enough to cast
faint shadows. Glorfindel sat astride the stone half-wall
surrounding Celebríían's rose garden, leaning against a pillar. One
leg was bent and propped upon the wall, while the other dangled idly
over the side, swinging loosely. He swirled the dregs of his wine
around and around in the goblet, reflecting on Erestor's words.
Mesmerized, he watched the ruby liquid momentarily sheet the interior
surface of the glass before pooling again in the bottom.
Glorfindel's eyes glittered when he finally tore his gaze from the
glass and focused on the form of his companion.

Erestor lay on his back on a bench near the Elda's feet, close enough
so they could speak quietly without drawing attention should the
garden receive visitors. One leg crossed the other, idly drawing
circles in the night air with one foot, while his fingers were laced
together behind his head. He stared blindly at the sparkling stars,
lost in the memories over two millennia past.

In a voice unhurried and measured, he resumed his account.


* * *


Flashback. Imladris, Year 200, Third Age


Elrohir's rasping breaths broke the silence of the room. Erestor
peered over Elladan's shoulder and beckoned to Elrohir, patting the
bed behind Elladan. Elrohir crawled toward them, hard and needful,
his face flushed with excitement, eyes burning silver-bright with
passion.

Elrohir crawled across the bed and lay down behind his brother,
curling around his smooth back, feeling the heat radiating from the
ivory flesh. He slid one arm under the pillow, cradling Elladan's
head under his chin. Unruly, sex-mussed locks spilled over the
sheets. His swollen member pressed insistently into the valley
between the creamy globes of his twin's backside, slicking it with
pearly drops. He kissed the alabaster shoulder and smoothed the hair
from his flushed and sweaty face.

"Melin chen, Elladan. I need you; I burn for you," he growled, low
and throaty, his breath hot against Elladan's ear. (I love you)

Elladan shivered, the words of his beloved fanning the glowing embers
of spent passion into smoldering sparks. "There is nothing I desire
more than to have you take me, `Ro, but you are unwell, and I do not
wish for you to injure yourself further," he said softly, even as the
sparks leapt into an inferno.

"Shush, gwanunigen, do not worry, I am well. In fact, I have never
been so well in my life," Elrohir replied, nipping at the delicate
flesh below his brother's ear. (my twin)

Elladan craned his neck, seeking his brother's lips, and moaned anew
at the touch of a tongue against his. Slick, wet heat explored his
mouth, and he deepened the kiss, pressing further against his twin,
opening for him. Tongues battled in a sensual duel that sought no
winners or losers, for they equally gave and took from the other.

Elladan cried out at the touch of calloused fingertips against his
heated skin. Fingers pulled and rolled at the pink bud of his
nipple, teasing it to a hardened peak. Fingernails flicked the
pebbled flesh, sending sweet shards of pleasure-pain to his groin,
swelling his spent length further.

Elrohir brushed the heavy fall of his twin's hair from his neck and
suckled the flushed flesh. He bit gently, leaving tiny red ovals in
his wake. He lapped at the tender junction between the neck and
shoulder - - clove and pine, Elladan's unique scent. Breathing
deeply, he willed the scent to imprint forever in his conscious. It
was the most wonderful fragrance in the world to him, and he thought
he could breath it until the end of his days without tiring of it.

He reached down and curled his fingers around Elladan's sex, stroking
firmly and coaxing it to full hardness. He heard his twin moan as he
pumped his shaft in his fist. "Ah, Elrohir. melin chen, so much."
(I love you)

Erestor rose up on one arm and leaned over the twins, careful not to
disturb them, and ran the flat of his hand over the bed coverings,
searching for the vial of oil. At last he found it, tangled within a
fold of the towel that had become twisted under them. Silently he
pressed the small bottle into Elrohir's free hand. At the contact of
Erestor's hand, he met the Counselor's eyes and nodded a brief motion
of gratitude.

"Elladan, will you allow me to take you? I have waited while you
took your pleasures, though it pained me to see you with another. It
is for you my body longs; for you it is which my heart desires,
melethen," Elrohir murmured in the delicate ear, slowly stroking the
thick length in his hand, pulsing and twitching with newly awakened
desire. He thumbed the velvety head and spread the clear droplets
along the shaft as Elladan moaned softly. (my love)

"Please, `Ro, gods yes." Elladan whimpered as Elrohir's tongue traced
his ear and nipped gently at the lobe.

Elrohir released his brother's shaft and rose to a half sitting
position. Thumbing open the bottle, he poured a generous quantity of
the viscous liquid into his palm and massaged it over the pale moons
of Elladan's bottom. He poured a bit more oil on his fingers and
trailed one finger up the slick cleft of Elladan's backside, and
traced the pad of his finger over the puckered opening.

Elladan gasped when Elrohir circled the pink, wrinkled opening and
slowly inserted his finger. //Valar, he is so tight and smooth!\\
Elladan hissed at the intrusion, instinctively tightening the strong
ring of muscles to keep the intruder out.

Uncertainly, Elrohir looked to Erestor, suddenly unsure. He did what
Erestor had showed them, but he was still deathly afraid to cause his
brother pain, especially after feeling Elladan's passage clench
tightly upon his finger. Erestor met his eyes, a knowing look in his
dark gaze.

//Elrohir?\\ he felt the questioning brush of the Counselor's
thoughts against his, and opened his mind to the Elf-lord. //He is
well, Elrohir. This is very new to both of you. Go very slowly and
carefully, and allow him time to adjust.\\

Elrohir remained motionless, and in a moment felt the muscles of his
twin's passage relax. He smiled slightly, relieved. Slowly and
carefully, he began pumping his finger, pleased to feel the slight
rocking motion of his twin's hips as he began to push back to meet
the questing finger.

Ever so slowly, he slipped a second finger in beside the first and
continued the pumping motion, watching his lover intently for any
sign of discomfort. Elladan's eyes were closed, his cheeks rosy and
his lips were parted, his head tilted back. Seeing none, he rotated
his hand down in search of the hidden nub toward the front of
Elladan's body, as Erestor had told them. It took a few seconds of
fumbling, and a momentary wince of discomfort from Elladan before he
finally found what felt like a small, knotty bundle. Experimentally
he stroked it firmly and jumped in surprise at the yelp that escaped
from Elladan's parted lips.

"Ai, do that again!" Elladan's eyes flew open in amazement and
searched for those of his brother. The feeling was like nothing he
had ever experienced before: white heat and lightning, sparks of
crystal rainbows that danced before his eyes.

Erestor bit his lower lip between his teeth to keep from laughing at
the elder twin's outburst. He succeeded, mostly, but was unable to
keep his lips from twitching slightly. //Aye, pen dithen, it does
indeed feel that good, does it not?\\ he smiled to himself. (little
one)

Elrohir pressed and stroked the nub and watched his beloved come
undone before his very eyes. Elladan gasped and writhed, whimpering
as his body took control, grinding back to meet the hand that impaled
him. Elrohir added a third finger when he thought his brother was
ready, and twisted and scissored gently as he had seen Elladan do for
Erestor, amazed at the heat and velvet strength that enveloped him.

"Oh, gods, `Ro." Elladan moaned, closing his eyes and let his twin
work his body. "Please, my love, take me now, I beg you."

//Let me help you, Elrohir,\\ Erestor's gentle touch brushed
Elrohir's mind again. The Counselor rose to his knees and reached
for a pillow. He gently shifted Elladan's leg forward and positioned
a pillow under his knee, so Elladan lay half on his side and half on
his stomach. Elladan ground his leaking arousal into the bed, aching
to be taken, not knowing exactly what to expect but ready
nonetheless, and far past the point of caring.

Erestor's own shaft was hard and throbbing, but his own need could
wait until later, for the privacy of his chambers once the brethren
had returned to their own rooms. This moment was for the twins.

Elrohir speedily oiled his arousal. Gracefully rounded and perfect,
alabaster skin beckoned to him. He parted the creamy globes of
Elladan's backside and stared at his twin's small pink opening. He
leaned forward and lapped at the puckered flesh, breathing deeply of
the musky scent.

Elladan cried out and bucked back eagerly, panting rapidly. Elrohir
slid sinuously up his body and stretched out along his slender back,
his erection nestled in the cleft of Elladan's backside, nudging the
prepared entrance.

"Are you ready, maethoren vain?" (my beautiful warrior)

"Aye," Elladan whispered, breathless. "I am ready."

Elrohir shifted slightly, and pressed the rounded crown of his length
against the slick hole. He pressed forward and uttered a small sound
of dismay when the strong muscle refused him entrance. He looked at
Erestor questioningly.

//He is untried, Elrohir. You must push a bit harder to get past the
guardian ring,\\ Erestor's voice spoke reassuringly in his mind.
Elrohir pressed more forcefully, gritting his teeth against the
desire to move more quickly, and gave a sigh of relief when the
strong muscle yielded at last and he slipped inside.

Inch by agonizing, blistering inch he buried himself in the searing
heat of his twin's virgin channel.

//Elbereth gods oh gods tight he is so tight so hot\\

A pained whimper escaped Elladan's lips and Elrohir froze, the strong
ring tightening upon his shaft almost painfully.

//Slowly, Elrohir,\\ Erestor's voice cautioned in his
thoughts. //Allow him time to adjust. Allow him to feel what you
do; it will calm him.\\

Buried to the hilt and quaking with strain, Elrohir held himself in
check, waiting for his brother to grow used to the intrusion.
Elladan's lithe form trembled under his and he paused, waiting,
embedded deeply, nestling his face in the thick fall of Elladan's
hair splayed across his neck.

Gods, it hurt; he was being cleaved in two, Elladan thought. Elrohir
felt huge inside him. There was no way this was going to work. No
possible way. Elladan lay with tears in his eyes, breathing deeply,
willing the tension out of his body.

//Breathe deeply, Elladan, and relax your muscles,\\ Erestor's
thoughts brushed the older twin's mind, serene and soothing. //It
will hurt more if you are tense. Relax and let him in; the pleasure
you feel later will be worth it.\\

//It burns, `Ro,\\ Elladan whimpered.

//Shush, melethen, Erestor swore it would get better, did he not? I
will not harm you.\\ Elrohir suckled the point of his brother's ear,
breathing warm, moist air over the curve. (my love)

//You did not feel this large in my hand, tôôren,\\ Elladan though
back darkly. (my brother)

//Ai, gellen, if you could feel what I feel right now. you feel so
good, so hot and tight around me.\\ (my joy)

Always present in one another's minds, Elrohir nonetheless opened
more fully and showed Elladan what he *felt* as well as his
thoughts. The snug heat which enfolded his length, the velvet
softness of their skin touching, the silken wisps of hair which
caressed his face, and most of all, the joy in his heart as they
joined.

Elladan was taken aback at the intensity of sensation that washed
over and through his body. For the first time, he truly grasped the
enormity of the connection of twinship they shared. There was no
beginning and no end, no separation between them. Elrohir's bliss of
being buried deeply within him became his; he felt the clenching heat
of his own passage surrounding Elrohir's length, felt his twin's
almost overwhelming fullness as the thick length filling him became
his own.

The barrage of sensation assaulting Elladan's body distracted him
from the searing pain in his backside, spasming around Elrohir's
girth, straining to accept him. Forcing his focus to the blissful
heat pooled in his loins, he reached for his shaft and slowly stroked
himself. Gradually, he relaxed, the pain melted away and the
contracting muscles loosed, leaving only mild discomfort in its wake.

The tension ebbed from Elladan's passage, and ever so slowly Elrohir
began to move in deliberate, shallow thrusts. The intensity of their
connection, both physical and emotional, overwhelmed Elladan and he
began to sob softly.

Elrohir gently kissed his brother's hair and whispered softly words
of devotion to his beloved. Nothing on Arda, or even in his wildest
imaginings and fantasies had he ever imagined such blissful, soaring
ecstasy as their joining. He had enjoyed his few matings with
ellith, but even the lustiest encounter had paled in comparison to
this. (Elf-maids)

To further attempt restraint was impossible; he tried to hold back,
wanting to prolong the intense pleasure that encroached upon his
reason, but abandoned all thought and allowed sensation to transport
him. Reaching over his brother's body, he joined his hand with
Elladan's, their fingers entwined as they stroked the turgid flesh in
unison.

Swift and intense was Elladan's response to his brother's touch. He
threw his head back against Elrohir's chest, baring the ivory column
of his throat, his eyes clenched tightly shut over cheeks still shiny
and wet with tears. Guttural grunts escaped opened lips in perfect
synchronicity with Elrohir's impassioned moans. He thrust back
eagerly to meet each of Elrohir's movements, forcing his twin to
impale him harder, deeper, faster, with each rocking of his hips.
Every backward thrust forced Elrohir's pulsing member against his
sweet spot; every forward motion into their clasped hands drew him
closer to release.

It was too much; the dual assault to their senses sent them crashing
into orgasm together. "Elrohir.." Elladan wailed, spurting jets of
warm, white cream over their joined hands. Elrohir's voice joined
his brother's, crying out his twin's name as he filled him with his
seed.

Quaking and shaken, they clung together, weeping quietly as their
breathing slowed. Carefully Elrohir pulled his softening sex from
his brother's body and took Elladan in his arms. They lay quietly,
taking comfort within each other as the tears of joy dried upon their
cheeks.


* * *

Imladris, T.A. 2951

Erestor's voice trailed off. For a moment, it looked to Glorfindel
that he opened his mouth to say something further, but almost
imperceptibly shook his head and reconsidered, and kept silent. The
Elda looked at the dark-haired Elf curiously.

"And?" Glorfindel prompted.

"And what?" Erestor sat up and raised glittering dark eyes toward his
friend.

"Come now, Erestor, do not be coy. What happened next, mellonen? Is
that it?" Glorfindel's voice rose slightly, questioningly. "You
looked for a moment as though you wanted to say something further."
(my friend)

A pale flush rose over Erestor's fair features; he was fervently
thankful it was nighttime and desperately hoped the moonlight was not
bright enough to reveal his embarrassment. Some things were simply
not to be discussed with one's best friend. How he lay alone after
the brethren had returned to their quarters, thrusting his fingers
deeply within his slick, stretched passage and stroking himself to
completion was most definitely one of those things best left unsaid.

"That was all," he said, deliberately nonchalant. "They rose,
dressed quickly, and left. It seemed they had forgotten me until
they reached the door, when they turned and uttered a brief word of
thanks before rushing off. It appeared they were quite anxious to
put their new-found knowledge to good use."

Glorfindel chuckled. "Aye, I would think so."

"Not a word was mentioned between us about that night, but on my
begetting day that year I received a most generous and unexpected
gift from the two of them. The gift was a beautiful hand-carved
trinket box they had obviously put many hours of labor into."

Glorfindel blinked. He had seen that box a number of times, a fine
bit of woodcraft, which Erestor kept on a bureau in his bedchamber.
The box was roughly the size of a large, thick book, made of dark
wood inlaid with bits of polished semi-precious gems and exquisitely
carved with vines and flora. "I have seen it, but had no idea the
gwanûûn made it. I have long admired the workmanship, for it
surpassing fair. It was a princely gift indeed." (pair of twins)

"Aye, it is most lovely, and that they created it with such
painstaking detail makes it indeed a most meaningful gift," Erestor
agreed, "and the best thanks I could ever have is to see their
relationship has only grown closer through the years."

He yawned widely and covered his mouth with a slender hand. "And
now, mellonen, it is time for us to retire. The day has been long,
and we must be up early in the morn to see off the Lórien contingent."

Standing, he stretched and extended a hand to Glorfindel. The Elda
took his hand and stood, and after collecting the empty wine bottle
and glasses, the pair walked back to the Last Homely House. They
made a brief stop by the kitchens to discard the glassware, and then
passed through the silent halls toward the staircase to the second
floor. Glorfindel seemed withdrawn and unusually subdued.

"I will tell you, my friend," Erestor said as they climbed the
stairs, and turned down the corridor to their respective
chambers, "It was certainly a night to remember. Even all these
years later, I can still see in my mind the expressions on their
faces." They reached Glorfindel's rooms and came to a stop in front
of his door. "I am a lucky Elf to have been witness to such a
remarkable and beautiful love such as theirs, and am honored they
chose me to teach them."

Glorfindel gave a noncommittal grunt as he reached for the doorknob
to his chambers. The dark Elf glanced at him
curiously. "Glorfindel?" he asked. "Is there a problem?"

"Nay, Erestor, there is no problem at all," Glorfindel retorted
brusquely, opening the door and turning to face his friend.

Erestor was surprised to see the dark gleam of anger radiating from
those blue eyes. He considered the reason. Perhaps making his
confession tonight, the night after Glorfindel's own liaison with the
twins, was not a wise one. Could Glorfindel be jealous of him? That
was an interesting thought indeed. It was no secret the twins had
taken others to their beds, both individually and together. Perhaps
Glorfindel's anger was directed at Erestor, one of his closest
friends, because it was *he* who had been the one to initiate them in
lovemaking, rather than someone the Seneschal knew only casually? It
made no sense.

Erestor raised a dark brow doubtfully. Despite Glorfindel's words to
the contrary, his behavior was at odds with his usual jovial manner,
and the menacing glint in his eyes belied his words. "What is it,
mellonen? Did my admission disturb you?" (my friend)

Glorfindel crossed his arms defiantly over his broad chest. "Nay,
Erestor, why on Arda would I be disturbed? I've only found out that
my best friend bedded the lovers I spent the night with last night.
I am not disturbed by that in the least," Glorfindel retorted
sarcastically.

"Come now, my friend, that was over two thousand years ago. The
twins have taken many other lovers since then," Erestor said. He was
taken aback by the icy tone in his friend's voice. //This is odd; he
*is* jealous,\\ he thought.

"Ai, Erestor, never mind," Glorfindel sighed. His shoulders sagged
and he leaned against the door frame, rubbing a weary hand across his
eyes. "I do not know why I have been overcome by such a fit of
anger, and I apologize for taking it out on you. I am simply tired,"
he said apologetically, and gave the dark Elf a small smile.

Erestor cast him a skeptical look but decided against forcing the
issue. Glorfindel would tell him in his own time. It was late and
the morning would come all too soon. He leaned forward and pressed a
chaste kiss on his friend's brow. "Very well. Maer dúú and sleep
well, my friend." (good night)

"Maer dúú, Erestor," the blond said. "I will see you at breakfast,"
and turning on his heel, he disappeared into his room.

Erestor stood outside the door for a moment longer. Finally he gave
a small, resigned sigh, shrugged, and continued down the hall to his
own quarters.


~ Finis ~

Author's Notes: Well, dear readers, we have reached the conclusion
of Learning the Game. The twins enjoyed it; I hope you all did too.
Up next: Changing the Rules, in which Glorfindel has a realization,
and relationships change. I would also like to thank sue_ductive for
her encouragement and input, when I feared the well of creativity had
run dry. Unfortunately for me, more plot bunnies were bred. Alas.