Title: Abandoned chapters 6-11

Type: FPS

Author: Lady Mírfain (ladymirfain@earthlink.net)

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: Lindir/Elrond, Erestor/Glorfindel

Disclaimer: None of the characters belong to me. They all belong to Tolkien. I am just borrowing them to play with. I promise to return them with smiles on their faces.

Beta: Krit

Notes: This was written for Lyric of Lorien as part of the Secret Friend Project for the Lindir yahoo group. She had requested a pairing of Lindir/Elrond with no shy Lindir and no fluff. It grew from there.

Summary: Lindir is found abandoned by his parents and it affects his life forever.

Abandoned ch 6

Erestor slipped from reverie at the feel of gentle fingers stroking his chest. Blinking, he looked into the loving, azure gaze of his husband. "Glorfindel, why do you wake me? I do not need to be up for another hour at least."

Glorfindel smiled wistfully and leaned down to plant a gentle kiss on the dark councilor's lips. "I leave for a two week patrol this morn. I could not leave you without saying goodbye," he murmured against the ruby lips.

Wrapping his arms tightly around his love, Erestor sighed. "I wish you did not have to go. I will miss you terribly."

"And I you. That is why I woke you early. I need something to help me last until I see you again." Glorfindel said in a voice filled with need, trailing his fingers suggestively down his beloved's chest in search of more… interested flesh.

"Lord Erestor! Lord Glorfindel!" a voice called at the door, followed by sharp, anxious knocking.

Slipping from the warm nest he and his lover were sharing, Erestor grabbed their robes and tossing one at the recumbent blond god on the bed, swiftly donned the other. "Cover yourself," he barked at his love. Pausing long enough to admire the golden form rising gracefully from the quilts, Erestor turned and called, "what do you want, Elrohir?" Glancing back to see that his husband was covered; Erestor swung the door open and glared at his former student.

"A party of elves has arrived from Lorien and I do not recognize any but the guards. What should I do? I can not find my brother and I do not wish to disturb my father," Elrohir said swiftly, clearly agitated.

Erestor turned to look at Glorfindel, who sighed and said, "Elrohir, please, go and inform Captain Silinde that I will not be joining the patrol as planned. Return to the main hall, where we will meet you and greet the new arrivals together. You were correct in not disturbing your father."

Watching Elrohir nod and depart, Erestor closed the door and sighed. "We must dress. But, at least you will not be leaving me at this particular time. Tonight, we can finish what you started." Grinning at Glorfindel, he crossed to the bathing chamber to swiftly wash before dressing for the day.

Glorfindel opened the wardrobe to choose something to wear, wondering who would have arrived this early. Deciding on formal robes, he removed both his and Erestor's before making his own way to the bathing chamber.

"Who do you think it is?" Erestor echoed Glorfindel's own thoughts as the Seneschal entered the room and handed him his clothing.

"The faster we get to the main hall, the faster we will know," Glorfindel said, turning to the basin to begin washing off the previous night's passion. Swiftly, Glorfindel donned his formal robes of sapphire blue with gold embroidery of the flowers of his house. Turning, he sucked in his breath at the beautiful image his mate presented. Erestor was truly a vision; his formal robes a magnificent backdrop for his stunning looks. The burgundy velvet glowing in the candlelight and accented by the silver ravens embroidered on the fabric to honor his favorite animal. Moving to his love's side, he took his hand and led him to the door. "Come; let us go see to these guests, before I ravish you where you stand." Glorfindel said, planting a kiss on the hand in his possession.

Erestor blushed; pleased that Glorfindel wanted him, and made a mental note to wear his outer robes this evening. "Come; let us go see who would have the audacity to wake this household before dawn. Turning he led the way to the main hall, Glorfindel directly behind him.

TBC

Abandoned Ch 7

The beaver cut through the water silently. He was seeking the perfect tree to finish his dam. Spying one that appeared to be appropriate, he headed for shore. Lumbering up the bank, he stopped and shook himself, sending water droplets spraying through the air. His pelt glistened like burnished mahogany. Laboring across the land to the tree, he sized it up, verifying that indeed, this was the crowning jewel for his creation. Grasping the trunk in both paws, he firmly held the tree and, baring his teeth, sank them in for the first bite. Confusion filled his mind at the metallic taste that filled his mouth.

"Lindir!" Elrond screamed, awoken from reverie as pain shot up his arm. Feeling the wetness of his blood running down his skin, he tried to pull away, but stopping all movement upon realizing that Lindir still had his teeth embedded into his skin. "Lindir, please, wake!" Elrond sobbed, the pain starting to make his head spin. "Lindir, release my arm." Fighting nausea, Elrond wondered why Lindir would do such a thing.

Snapping awake and releasing Elrond's arm, he quickly applied pressure to halt the bleeding. Choking on a sob, Lindir whispered, "I am sorry, milord. It was a dream. I know not what it means, but I have had it since…. I would understand if you sent me from your side." Dropping his head, Lindir stared at the bloodied sheets in fear and trepidation, worried that yet one more elf that he loved would toss him away. Holding himself rigid, he waited for the words that would crush him forever, tears beginning to make tracks down his cheeks.

Frozen with shock, Elrond watched as Lindir moved away from him, refusing to meet his eyes. Hearing his words, Elrond realized that Lindir expected him to leave too. "I am not your parents, my love. I would never leave you." he whispered into Lindir's ear, wrapping his arms around the tense form and placing small fevered kisses on his face and hair.

"Your arm…" broke through Elrond's concentration on the elf in his arms. Pulling back, he looked at what damage had been inflicted on him. "'Tis naught but a minor wound. Let me quickly clean it, then I would like to hear about this dream of yours." Cupping a hand under Lindir's face, he raised it, and planted a gentle kiss onto the minstrel's lips. Rising from the bed, he grabbed the supplies he would need and entered the bathing chamber and closing the door behind himself, he finally allowed the grimace of intense pain to show. Rummaging through his healing supplies, Elrond found the painkilling herb that had been concentrated into a liquid form and took a large swallow from the bottle. Pulling out strips of cloth, he realized that it was not going to be enough. He would need assistance, for the wound needed to be cleaned. Dropping his head against the cool stone wall, he resisted the temptation to knock it repeatedly against the hard surface. With a sigh, he pulled away and opening the door, called out, "Lindir, I need your assistance, please."

Starting at his lord's voice, Lindir hopped up and scurried over to assist his love in any way possible, filled with remorse that he had caused injury. Seeing the pale visage before him, he brought Elrond over to a chair and forced him to sit, dropping his head between his knees. "I will be right back. Do not move." Lindir turned and ran back into the other room. Stopping long enough to grab his outer robe and pull it on, he then sped to Erestor's room, only thinking of finding aid.

When a warm, wall of flesh halted his flight, Lindir was brought back to awareness of his surroundings. "Whoa there, Lindir. What seems to be the problem? Why the rush?" Elladan asked in concern.

Grasping Elladan's arm, Lindir tugged, saying, "Your father! He is injured. Please, you must help him. Hurry!" Turning, he lead Elladan back to Elrond's rooms, and opening the door, led the way to the bathing chambers where he had left Elrond.

"Ada! What has happened?" Dropping to his knees beside Elrond, Elladan took his father's hands in his and swiftly ran his eyes over his father's naked form. Eyes, widening in shock, Elladan saw blood streaming from a bite wound on his father's arm. "Ada? Who bit you?" Elladan asked quietly.

Elrond met his son's eyes. "What does it matter? I need you to clean and bandage this for me. Please." Turning his head, he spied Lindir standing next to Elladan with tears glistening in his eyes. Holding out his hand, he waited for his lover to respond.

Lindir stepped forward to take Elrond's hand, but catching sight of himself in the mirror, stopped. Looking at his lover with wide eyes, he mouthed that he needed to wash. The blood staining his face horrified Lindir. Turing to the wash basin, he swiftly washed his face, turned and started towards Elrond. A thought entered his head and he grinned half-heartedly, and left the room, returning moments later with Elrond's legging in his hand. Moving to Elrond's side, he asked Elladan, "Will you help me get these on him?"

Elladan had followed his father's line of sight when he held out a hand and had tensed, seeing the blood on Lindir's lips. Realizing that Lindir had been the one to inflict the bite, he had wanted to say something but from the squeeze his father gave his hands thought better of it. He would delve into this matter later. When Lindir asked him to help get the legging onto his father, Elladan lifted one of Elrond's feet, helping Lindir slide it into the leg. Repeating the process, he then helped Elrond to raise enough for Lindir to work the leggings up. Settling his father back onto the seat, Elladan watched in shock as Lindir swiftly tied the lacings over his father's burgeoning member. "Thank you, Lindir. That is one sight I do not need to see."

Turning back to his father, Elladan surveyed the damage. Realizing what would be needed, he rose and went to gather Elrond's supplies. Returning swiftly, he settled onto his knees beside his father and taking up the offending limb, cleaned it and swiftly began to wrap it in clean bandages. Finishing, he leaned back, saying, "There, that should fix it. Please, keep this dry, Father."

Elrond grinned at the lovely shade of green that Lindir's face had assumed as Elladan cared for the wound. Squeezing the hand firmly encased into his own, he tugged Lindir onto his lap. Whispering into Lindir's ear, "Please, do not worry. It will be fine now." Placing a gentle kiss on Lindir's lips, Elrond tensed to hear Elladan's gasp. "Now is not the time, Elladan."

Elladan was dumbfounded. He did not like to see the blonde elf in his father's arms, yet was happy that his father had found someone. He knew that his parents had not loved each other. Their marriage being one made for political reasons rather than matters of the heart, yet seeing another take his mother's place hurt. "Yes father." was all he managed to mutter, before rising and gathering up the supplies and returning them to their rightful places.

Closing the bathing chamber door behind him, Elladan made his way onto the balcony needing fresh air to clear his muddled mind. Stepping onto the cool stone, he let his gaze wander in the pre-dawn stillness. Movement at the stables caught his attention and turning his head, Elladan froze. "He is here," he whispered into the stillness. "He is here!" he cried loudly, turning and running from the room, making straight for the stables and the welcoming arms of his husband.

TBC

Abandoned Ch 8

Upon hearing the shout echoing from the Last Homely House, Orophin smiled gently. His plans to sneak into his husband's room to wake him had been ruined, yes. But the joy of having him in his arms again would make up for any disappointment. Not wanting to wake any of the grooms, he opted to take care of the tired horses himself; waiting for the footsteps that would tell him his love had arrived.

Grinning at the sound of his husband's running feet, Orophin pretended not to notice as he stepped out of the stall and headed for the feed room. His breath was knocked out of him as he was tackled from behind and brought to the dirt floor. Rolling, he looked up into Elladan's happy face and without a word, brought their lips together in a searing kiss, pouring all his love and longing into it.

"I have missed you so very much." Orophin's face was flushed and darkened by desire as Elladan panted the words.

"I have missed you as well, my love, and could not wait to see you again." Orophin wrapped his warrior arms tightly around the well muscled body of his mate to hold him close, relishing the feel of the hard flesh against his own. Feeling another hardness, he grinned wolfishly, "I see that you are not the only thing to be joyous at my return." He then crushed their mouths together in a bruising kiss, telling Elladan without words how much he missed and wanted him.

Elladan rose to his feet shakily and offered his hand to Orophin. When they both were standing, he wrapped an arm tightly around his mate's waist and guided him back to the house and their rooms.

Orophin shut the door quietly behind them and turned to be greeted by the sight of his husband swiftly removing his clothing. Chuckling, he reached out and snagged the prince by the waist and jerked his naked form against him. "A bit impatient, are we?" Orophin whispered against the ruby lips, already swollen from his kisses. "Undress me."

Before the words had finished leaving Orophin's lips, the eager hands of his love were fumbling with buttons, ties, and laces with a dexterity belied by the trembling of his limbs. As the cool morning air, let in by the open windows, hit the heated flesh of his chest, his nipples hardened and were immediately attacked by a questing mouth. He hissed as teeth were scraped over their sensitized flesh and sighed as a tongue laved away the pain. Guiding them, Orophin backed his husband up to the bed, smiling at the prince's squeak of surprise as his legs hit the mattress and he fell back onto it.

Elladan looked up at his husband from the bed; then reached up to pull the galadhrim down as well. Sitting up, he moved to remove the dust coated boots and the travel stained leggings, freeing his mate to his gaze. "Have me." He pleaded, sighing with disappointment as his lover shook his head no, and yet knowing his wish to be filled would be granted soon enough.

No words were spoken, no words were needed as the two bodies rubbed against each other and questing hands and lips remapped the unforgotten and much love flesh of their mate.

"Please," was all Orophin could manage to say to his husband. His mind was lost in a haze of desire and he knew he would not last much longer. A loving smile graced his lips as the deceptively slender hand of his mate grasped the vial of oil on the nightstand and opened it. He spread his legs invitingly, pleading with his eyes for the fulfillment he had missed these past two years. When he was taken into the heat of his husband's mouth, his back arched off the bed and he bit his lip to keep from spending so soon.

"Let it go, my love. You are so tense." Elladan purred around the flesh in his mouth, wanting to taste the sweet nectar of his light and joy. He dipped a finger into the oil and brought it to the puckered opening that promised such bliss, heat and trust. Lightly, he traced the outline of the opening to his husband's body before sliding the lone digit inside. Twisting it, he slid it in and out of the tight passage, fear of hurting his beloved forefront in his mind. He moved his mouth faster on the hard flesh while at the same time working a second digit into the tight heat. Crooking his fingers, he found the nub that had his husband arching off the bed with a moan of pure lust. Hands, roughened by millennia of wielding bow and sword, twined in his hair to keep his mouth in place, not that it was needed. Elladan worked even harder on the rigid member in his mouth and pulling his fingers out, returned with three, scissoring them and preparing the tight channel to accept his needy flesh. Stroking his husband's pleasure spot, he felt the tightening and swelling of the rock hard staff in his mouth and hummed around it.

With a shout, Orophin exploded into Elladan's mouth and his husband proceeded to drink him dry. Tugging on the chestnut hair in his hands, he pulled Elladan up to join their lips in a heated kiss. He groaned as he felt his husband's rigid flesh enter him, the feelings of love and contentment welling up to suffocate him. He wrapped his legs around Elladan's waist and urged him to move.

Elladan needed no second urging and began to thrust. He tried to keep it gentle, yet the pent up longing for his mate was fast over taking him and he began to pound into the willing, writhing body below him. Grasping his husband's reawakened flesh, he stroked his mate in time with his swift hard thrusts, rushing them both to completion.

Tumbling over the edge once again, Orophin came, shouting Elladan's name in his bliss, grasping his husband roughly to center himself. Sapped of all strength, he fell back limply onto the mattress, a boneless puddle of sated elf.

Feeling his husband's seed flood between their bodies and the dark channel clench around him, Elladan knew he could hold back no longer. Screaming his husband's name, he let loose and poured his essence into his mate's sated body before collapsing on top of him. Gently pulling out, he rolled them onto their sides and rested his head on his lover's chest. With a sigh, he murmured sleepily, "I am glad you are home, Orophin." before drifting off to sleep, content in the embrace of his love.

TBC

Abandoned Chapter 9

"Come, my love. Let us bathe the blood and the stench of our lovemaking from our bodies."

Taking Lindir's hand, Elrond led him to the sunken marble pool and opened the gates that would allow the fresh spring water to mingle with he water that was heated by fire and kept in immense vats located deep under Imladris. With the water now flowing into the tub, Elrond let go of Lindir's hand and grasped the bottle setting on the shelf next to the pool. Removing the stopper, he inhaled and sighed. "I love the smell of vanilla and lavender mixed, do not you, Lindir?" turning his head to smile at his lover. Turning back to the flowing water, Elrond allowed a large portion of the bath oil to pour out before setting the unstoppered vial on the wide ledge.

Lindir, shaken over what had happened, trembled visibly. Allowing Elrond to lead him to the tub, he kept his head lowered, his hair effectively hiding his face. Startled, he mumbled, "Aye," in response to his lover's question unable to meet his gaze. Tears were coursing down his cheeks. "I am sorry. I should leave." Turning towards the door, Lindir took three steps, before he was halted and spun, his mouth captured in a bruising kiss.

Elrond felt fear clutch his chest at Lindir's words. Desperately, he grabbed Lindir, spun him, and crushed their mouths together. Elrond tried to convey his desperate love for Lindir through their kiss, but when he released the other, knew he had failed. "Lindir, stay," was all he said, hoping it was enough for he knew not how to convince the elf otherwise.

Lindir held his body stiff in Elrond's embrace, fighting to keep from responding. When Elrond released him, he was able to keep from sobbing, but only with a supreme effort. Refusing to meet Elrond's gaze, Lindir hurried for the door, freezing with his hand on the door handle at Elrond's words. "I cannot," he whispered, trying to keep his voice steady without success. Then turning the handle, he left the room and fled to his chambers to collapse on his bed. Lindir sobbed for hours it seemed, until finally he drifted into a trouble sleep.

A maid entering to light the fire a few moments later, startled Lindir awake and he jumped to his feet. "Leave it," he said hoarsely, his voice strained from the sobbing. Lindir then stood and watched her leave the room before turning to begin tossing clothing and supplies into a bag. Once he had packed what he would need, Lindir headed for the kitchens, hoping there would be sufficient supplies for him to take. Spying the freshly baked lembas, he stuffed enough into his bag to last for a month, grabbed a water skin, and headed for the main hall, fully expecting it to be empty.

Lindir froze in shock when he rounded the great staircase that faced the main doors. "Father, Mother?" he whispered, his face going white and he started to sway dangerously. He reached out for something, anything to steady himself, and was surprised when his mother rushed forward to help him. "Lindir? Is it really you?" she cried, tears sliding down her pale cheeks at the sight of her son that she had presumed dead. Suddenly, she dropped in a dead faint at Lindir's feet.

Erestor and Glorfindel, coming down the stairs together, witnessed the incident, yet could hear no words. Seeing Lindir sway and watching the lady crumple, Glorfindel jumped the rail and landed gracefully next to them, helping Lindir to a seat before turning to pick the lady up and gently carry her into the Hall of Fire.

Placing her on a sofa, Glorfindel was shocked to note that the male elf that was with the lady had not moved from his spot. What shocked him even more was that he recognized the elf from his time spent in Lothlórien when the twins and Arwen were small. "Carthôlion! How fare you, my friend? I have not seen you for many an age." Finally, actually looking at the warrior standing at the foot of the stairs, Glorfindel gasped in shock.

Erestor had rushed down the stairs to kneel in front of Lindir, taking the cold, trembling hands in his own. His concern at spying the traveling bags in Lindir's possession was deep. "Lindir, what is it? What is wrong?" Looking up into the youngster's face, Erestor cried out at the dead look in the pale mistral's eyes. Erestor rose and settling on the bench beside Lindir, pulled him into his lap, wrapping his arms around him, much as he had done with Arwen when she had been small. Stroking Lindir's hair, Erestor crooned softly to him and rocked him in his arms.

Carthôlion stood affixed to his spot. "Lindir?" he whispered, unable to believe his eyes. With a loud clatter, his wooden crutch fell to the floor from nerveless fingers and he crumpled to the floor, unable to support himself. His eyes never leaving the figure Erestor held on his lap, Carthôlion began to cry softly. "Lindir," he sighed and dropped his head into his hands and his shoulders began to shake from the force of the sobs that were torn from him.

Elrohir quickly moved to the aid of the fallen elf, yet wondered how he could help him. He quickly dropped down beside him and wrapped his arms around the shaking frame.

This was how his father found them.

Elrond, concern for Lindir gnawing at his breast, had bathed half-heartedly, dressed, and then gone looking for Lindir. When his rooms proved empty, Elrond had run towards the main doors, knowing that Lindir planned to leave Imladris.

He slid to a stop upon seeing Lindir held by Erestor, his son comforting a sobbing elf on the floor and Glorfindel just visible within the Hall of Fire. "What is the meaning of this?" Elrond asked, his voice filled with unshed tears.

TBC

Abandoned chapter 10


Elladan stirred. Something was tickling his nose and drawing him from sleep. He swiped his hand at his nose, hoping to bat the offensive pest away, and it worked for but a second, before the tickling resumed. He then groggily blinked his silver eyes open to meet the sky blue gaze of his husband. "Orophin, could you not let me sleep?" he grumbled, a grin belying the tone of his words.

"Come, your laziness. I would have you now." Orophin dropped his head and feasted on his sleepy husband's lips, running hands over the solid chest and drawing mewls and purrs from his beloved. "I love you, Elladan. The time apart has dragged on for far too long. I am here to stay." Orophin held his breath and stilled his hands, awaiting his husband's response to this news.

Elladan froze, staring into Orophin's eyes in shock. "What did you say?" he whispered, unable to believe his ears. As the meaning began to penetrate his mind, fat tears of happiness began to slip down his cheeks, leaving silvery trails in their wake. He put his arms around his husband and held him close, wrapping his legs around Orophin's waist and urging him on. "Fill me, love. Show me that you are truly here. Prove to me that this is not a dream."

Orophin reached for the bedside table and fumbled for the vial of oil that sat there, never removing his lips from their exploration of Elladan's face and neck. Working the stopper free, he allowed it to fall to the bed, unheeded. He could never remember how he managed to coat his fingers with oil. He could never remember preparing the velvet channel of his mate. All he could remember was the feeling of being complete, that he was finally whole once again, as he sank into the willing body beneath him.

"Orophin, oh, Orophin," Elladan panted at the slow and shallow thrust of his husband. His passions were building up slowly but surely and he began to thrash on the bed underneath the lithe, silver-haired guardian of the golden woods who was his soul mate. "Oh gods, Orophin, move faster, move harder!" Elladan cried, pleading for his very sanity from his lover.

Orophin threw back his head at the blissful feeling of Elladan's body welcoming him home. He forced himself to move in slow, shallow thrusts to gather some control over his body and his emotions. When Elladan cried out that he move, his control snapped and he began to pound into the willing body beneath him, striving towards the ultimate goal, the joining of their souls in completion. With their hands and fingers intertwined, Orophin pinned his husband to the bed and worshipped his body with his fierce strokes. Suddenly, Orophin threw back his head, screaming, "I love you, my star!" as he emptied himself into his husband, barely registering the hot wetness that flowed between their bellies.

Elladan whimpered as his husband withdrew. He felt the loss keenly. He felt incomplete, empty, without his husband within him. "Oh, Orophin.. Oh, my love," Elladan cried, fat tears glistening on his cheeks. "Never leave me again, I beg of you. Where one goes so shall the other for the rest of our days, promise me this!" Elladan knew he was asking the unreasonable, that many things could separate them on occasion, yet he needed the assurance of his husband's words.

Orophin pulled Elladan tightly into his arms, rubbing soothing circles on his back, trying to reassure him. "El, my love, you know I cannot promise you this. We have discussed this very issue numerous times in the part. Though it pains me to say it, I may be called to defend my homeland still. Your grandfather has assured me that this will only happen in the gravest of circumstances, but we both know that it will happen." Orophin kissed his husband desperately, trying to drive the demons from both of their minds.

Elladan groaned and lost himself in the joy of having his husband in his arms, even though he knew their peace would not last. His grandfather would not call Orophin from his side unless it was necessary, yet with the murmurs of the rising darkness, he knew that day would come. He could only pray to the valar that it would be years in the coming; that he and Orophin could live as a family as they had wished to do since their bonding. Always, Orophin was called to Lorien, or he was called to defend Imladris. Each was sworn to defend their homelands, and this duty was first in their minds. Though no one else could understand this, it even came before each other. This is why they spent decades apart. Elladan snuggled close to his husband, and slept with a gentle smile on his lips, knowing that Orophin would be by his side for as long as there was peace.

TBC

Abandoned Chapter 11

The whimpers emitting from Lindir and the sobs wracking Carthôlion's frame were the only sounds to break the silence that had fallen over the group. "Elrond?" The quiet whisper came from Lindir. Lindir held his arms out to his love, requesting comfort and security.

Elrond took Lindir into his arms, holding him tightly and kissing him desperately. Carthôlion watched his son turn to Elrond and felt a pang, realizing that they were lovers and this pained him for Elrond would never be able to truly belong to his son. Elrond was bound to Celebrian! He was worried for his son. But he also knew that he did not truly have the right anymore to tear them apart, yet it did not stop his heart for hurting for his son. "Milord, may we go somewhere more private that we may speak in private? I do not feel this location is the proper place for this discussion." Reaching for his crutch, he struggled to his feet with the assistance of Elrohir.

"My study." Elrond said, rising, Lindir still held tight in his arms. He led the way to his private office, not putting the one that held his heart down. Lindir, realizing Elrond's need, opened the door allowing them to entrance into the quiet office. Elrond settled onto the chair behind his desk, Lindir held firmly in his lap, his arms tight around the still trembling elf. Glorfindel had followed carrying Lairewen, Lindir's mother and settled her on the couch gently. Carthôlion, seated himself at his wife's side, gently stroking her hair. Erestor settled into one of the armchairs by the fireplace and pulled Glorfindel down into his lap, holding him close. Elrohir, just about to enter, heard a cry and turned.

"DADDY!" the elfling cried as she flung herself into his arms, crying into his shoulder.

"Shh, what is wrong, little one?" Elrohir looked up at his wife, sharing the same flaming red tresses as his daughter and smiled.

"I's gots a tummy ache." The elfling sobbed, holding tightly to her father. Elrohir turned and wrapped an arm around his wife's waist and lead them to the healing halls to find comfort for his family, a smile of contentment on his face.

Silence reigned in the study. Erestor and Glorfindel sat, awaiting what was to come silently; knowing their presence was needed, yet knowing they held no part in what was to unfold. Elrond held a trembling Lindir, stroking his hair to comfort the elf that clung to him. Carthôlion was trying to get his emotions under control so he could speak. But Lairewen awaking and crying out for Lindir, shattered the silence. Lindir went rigid in Elrond's embrace then he rose, pacing the room nervously. "You left me!" he accused his parents. "I awoke in the morning and you were gone! You left me!" His mind was a jumble of emotions and thoughts and nothing was clear to him.

Carthôlion wanted to go to his son. He wanted to hold him in his arms. But he knew this was not the time, as least not yet. Holding his sobbing wife close, he cleared his throat. "What exactly do you remember of that time, Lindir?" His face was pinched white with pain, both physical and emotional as memories swamped him.

Lindir turned on him. "I awoke to an empty camp with nothing but the blankets I was using, a knife and full canteen of water. You left me to die! Why?" Lindir flew at his father, beating on his chest, fresh sobs wracking his frame.

Carthôlion let Lindir vent, wrapping his son in a tight embrace. "Are you ready to hear what happened that night?" he asked, unsure of the emotional state his son was in, but needing to get everything out in the open. Feeling Lindir nod against his chest, he pulled his son into his lap, gritting his teeth at the pain in his leg until he had Lindir settled comfortably. "What you did not know was that a large party of orcs approached our camp after you were asleep. Your mother and I left you to lead them away from you. We left you to save your life. I fought them as best I could, but a group from Imladris came upon them and defeated them. We returned to look for you, but you were gone. Gone, Lindir. We searched for you for three months, grief eating at us that we had not saved you by our actions but condemned you to die at the hands of those creatures. After three months, your mother gave up hope. Since that night, she has not spoken nor sung. We could not face Mirkwood, where we had hoped to be happy. Instead, we went to 'Lorien. There, your mother withdrew into herself and I feared I would lose her as well. Today is the first time she has spoken since our nightmare begun." Carthôlion had to stop. Tears were streaming down his cheeks and he was choking on the emotion of actually facing the feelings of grief and loss once more.

Lindir, clinging tightly to the father he never thought to see again, whispered, "I did not know." There was wonder, grief and anguish in his words. The centuries of being alone, being afraid, feeling unloved melted away as he felt his father's pain. "I love you, daddy," he whispered, snuggling close. His hand crept out to touch his mother's hair, the mother that had taught him to sing, to float among the stars as the emotion of the music overtook him. He had not realized how much he had missed them. The anger had overshadowed the loss. Slipping from his father's arms, he curled up between both of his parents basking in the renewed sense of love. "I have missed you both so very much," he whispered, leaning into his father and pulling his mother against him.

Erestor nudged Glorfindel, who rose from his lap and the two silently left the study, closing the door behind them. Erestor pulled Glorfindel into his arms and buried his face in his husband's chest, weeping. Glorfindel just held his husband, offering his support and shedding his own tears for the family inside. "Come, let us go back to our rooms. It would seem that I have nothing to do today, since our visitors changed our plans and I feel that your presence will not be missed for several more hours." Glorfindel wrapped an arm around Erestor's waist then changed his mind, sweeping his husband into his arms and swiftly carrying him to their bedroom to finish what they had begun that morning. The only difference being that now, instead of the intense inferno that usually raged between them, they worshiped each other slowly, reaffirming their love and their bond. "I love you, my dark beloved. Never leave me."

Elrond sat transfixed at his desk. He could not move. He could not utter a sound. He watched the family feeling lonelier than he ever could have imagined. He had not felt this much pain and despair when Celebrian had sailed. Maybe it was because he had not felt this deep emotion for her. She had been his wife, yes, but he had never loved her. But when Lindir held a hand out to him, calling his name in a quiet voice, Elrond's heart leapt from his chest. His feet flew across the room and to his wonder, he was accepted into the reunited family. His heart had finally found a home and it's keeper was a poor abandoned elfling named Lindir.



THE END