Title: Silver and Gold - version 2

Author: Zhie

Beta: Mei (v.1); Beruthiel's Cat (v.2)

Author's Email: zhiester@gmail.com

Pairings: Erestor/Glorfindel

Rating: NC17

Archive: Original version at Library of Moria for Challenge issued by

TopKat (A proud, unbroken Erestor), First Homely House of Valinor, and

Phoenix. Version Two (bunniverse version) will be at Phoenix and on

my livejournal

Summary: Years after most of the elves depart for Valinor, Erestor and

Glorfindel remain in Imladris to fulfill one final promise to Lord Elrond,

and find peace and pleasure with each other.

Author Notes: The original was a stand alone story; I think this

revamped version is much more branched from bunniverse, making it

harder to be stand-alone. Other bunniverse stories are at Phoenix.

This was initially written when TopKat put a rather intriguing plot

bunny up for adoption, and I expected I'd have something a week and

five pages later. It took nearly a year and thirty pages. A few

paragraphs she offered for it were reworked into this story as part of

Glorfindel's journal and were the main inspiration for this piece.

Inspiration was also provided in part by the lovely pictures by

SayAye, Mei Tripp, conversations with her, and the music of Erasure.

Now that it has been reworked, with many thanks to thinks both Marty

(BC) and Britt have said, it connects to Unforgettable, and hopefully

enhances what used to be what I assumed must be the worst story I

wrote because it always acquired the lowest rating of any of my fics.

Perhaps this will help bump it up a little. More sex!! Less plot

holes!! Tastes great!! Enjoy!

-1-

Something happened that I did not expect. Today Erestor cried.

Perhaps cry is not the right word. A few tears fell from his eyes, but

they were wiped away quickly. It was still unexpected.

We had been packing what was left of the books in the library, and he

turned around with a crate in his arms. I had been stacking the scroll

cases so they would not roll across the floor. He said it was done,

and I asked what. He said it was done, this was the last one. And I

came to him and took the box, and noted the tears streaking his face.

As soon as the box was out of his hands, he quickly turned and wiped

his cheeks with his sleeve.

When I placed the crate near the rest, I heard him sob. Just a short,

muffled noise, but it tore at my heart to hear it. I wanted to go to

him, to comfort him, to hold him and perhaps even to kiss him. Not in

the ways I have imagined before, for my lust for this unattainable

beauty has been laid aside, and now I find I love him deeply, and do

not think so much of the things I once did, for if only I could bring

a truly happy smile to his face, it would be enough.

"Glorfindel?"

Raising his head, Glorfindel closed his journal, keeping his thumb at

the page he had left off, for the ink had yet to dry. He placed the

quill upon the table, and receiving a frown from Erestor, moved it to

rest in the holder above the jar of golden ink. "Can I be of service?"

"The meal is ready."

Glorfindel nodded. "I shall join you shortly," he said. As Erestor

turned, Glorfindel opened his mouth to say something else, but stopped

himself. Erestor, however, turned back expectantly, and Glorfindel

pursed his lips.

"Peppers, stuffed with mushrooms, rice, and tomato. Soup and bread. I

can see if there is still something from breakfast-" offered Erestor,

but Glorfindel shook his head.

"I shall join you shortly," he repeated, and Erestor took his leave.

Glorfindel opened his journal again; unconsciously sticking his tongue

out as he went through the menu he had been presented with. For some

time, Glorfindel had looked forward to being in the house with none

others save Erestor. After Elrond sailed few remained in the house,

and after the departure of Elladan and Elrohir, only Glorfindel

remained with Erestor as the former advisor completed tasks he still

needed to finish before journeying to Valinor. The pair had also made

vows to Elrond and Celeborn regarding Arwen Undomiel, and did not

intend to leave until the vows were fulfilled. In Glorfindel's mind,

he could pretend they were the two great lords of a hidden Elven

realm, save for the fact they had to do their own laundry, clean their

own messes, and make their own meals.

And it was exactly that which he had neglected to think about ahead of

time. When the twins and a handful of others still remained, a

good-sized meal was prepared twice a day at least, with the most

wonderful smells coming from the kitchen. Now, they took turns making

supper, and the rest of the meals consisted of things easy enough to

cook - toast, sliced potatoes, corn muffins, and the like. There was

one very obvious omission to all of their meals.

Erestor did not eat meat. Eggs, cheese, and butter were a few of the

exceptions he made to his diet when Glorfindel had first complained

that he was not a rabbit. The main rule had held, as neither would

separate from the other now that they were the last two left in

Imladris. The only treat Glorfindel had received was when a few of

Arwen's children had come to call. Eldarion and Elodien hunted twice,

first bringing back a boar, and then later, ducks and quail. Seven

years now it had been, and Glorfindel would have by now gone fishing

in the stream that ran in front of the house, if it weren't for the

fact that he had caught Erestor talking to the fish on more than one

occasion.

There was another reason Glorfindel did not hurry to get to the

kitchen. He could survive the absence of meat in his diet, if only

what remained would have been a little less bland. For all his

perfection, Erestor was a terrible cook. Often Glorfindel would offer

to make meals even if it was not his rotation for it. Erestor's

cooking was edible, but far from delicious. Glorfindel had not dared

make mention of it, even when Erestor once commented that the salt

reserves seemed quite low despite the lack of those residing in the

last homely house.

Retrieving a bottle of wine before entering the kitchen, he pulled one

of the strongest from the cellar, not caring whether it complimented

peppers and mushrooms or not. Erestor would have water, Erestor always

had water. Wine was rare for him to consume, for the dark elf was an

advocate of moderation, and did not see why one would drown the flavor

of food with wine. At least, that was what he said. The truth was

known to Glorfindel: One glass of wine was never enough for the

ex-counselor; more than one was always too many. Liquor brought a

strange change to Erestor that made him forget himself, and he had the

sense in his later years not to partake.

"If only you could cook," mumbled Glorfindel to himself as he crossed

the hall. Finding the kitchen empty, he followed the breeze that came

in from the open doors to the lawn and a table set outside with food

upon it. Erestor was not at the table; rather, he was perched on a

railing and faced the west. The sun was readying to set, and gold,

red, and violet streaked the sky. "I brought the wine," said

Glorfindel setting the bottle on the table. Erestor nodded, but

continued to look at the painted sky.

Removing the cork, Glorfindel sniffed the wine, nodding to himself

that it would more than cover the taste of dinner. He thought first to

take it in a glass, but noted it was wasteful if he was the only one

drinking, and walked to his companion, testing the wine straight from

the bottle. Indeed, it was strong, and perhaps a little bitter, but he

drank once again when he reached Erestor.

"Where is it from?" questioned the dark elf, tilting up his head to

observe the approaching night.

"Rohan," managed Glorfindel hoarsely, giving a cough. Truly, it was a

drink stronger than he had believed, but he drank again, and said in a

strained voice, "Good vintage."

Closing his eyes and inhaling the night air, Erestor licked his lips

and said, "Is my cooking really that bad?" He glanced to his left and

focused his sideways look on Glorfindel, who smiled and scuffed a foot

on the ground. Erestor had, in their years alone, become as bitter as

the wine.

When the twins left and Imladris had emptied, the remaining pair had

not stayed merely because they had made promise not to leave until

after Arwen's final fate was known, for they would have been welcomed

gladly in Gondor. They stayed to sort out emotions and their personal

relationship.

Unbeknownst to Glorfindel and Erestor, when Elrond and Celebrían had

bound themselves some three thousand years earlier, they, too, had

formed a bond. It was accidental, and not until recent years had they

realized what had happened.

It was not the first time they had bound their souls, either, but

marriage is for the living only. Souls torn asunder are fragile

things, especially when those who bear them think themselves stronger

than they are. Neither had shattered yet, but they had teetered upon

the edge for so long. The slightest breeze was bound to send them to

ruin; the slightest breeze could very well save them.

Erestor thought back to those days, those blessed days when everything

seemed right again. There were wounds yet raw from battles won and

friends lost. More than this, though, there was hope. Glorfindel was

proof of that; the returned warrior. If he had made it back, back

from death and darkness, there was hope for the others as well.

He had dwelled upon this the day of the betrothal of Elrond and

Celebrian. It was a joyous affair, and he had aided in the

preparations for the event - as did Glorfindel. It seemed, somehow,

they always ended up together - like, salt and pepper or flint and

steel. They stood on opposite sides of the ceremonial archway, until

Glorfindel had pulled him through.

It was only for something silly, ivy or flowers or something for his

hair. Erestor still remembered the mix of feelings he had when he had

been unceremoniously yanked through the archway; shock, bliss, and an

undeniable warmth that seemed to burrow into him and snuggle around

his soul.

There was something he had 'heard' after Glorfindel's quip about all

languages, words, stories, and songs being made up. Something in his

head, spoken in Glorfindel's voice. It had been a great many years

since that had happened.

'And even if I did make it up, it makes you look even more magnificent.'

Then fainter, hopeful, longingly...

'I love you.'

At the time, Erestor thought he must have imagined Glorfindel's final

thoughts, for how could he have heard them, and why would his friend

have even thought such a thing? Glorfindel was with someone at the

time; Erestor's thoughts were once again on finding a wife and

starting a family. It had seemed that their paths, though nearly

converging, were again at best running parallel.

The words, he found out much later, were not only real, but in

Glorfindel's mind, they were very, very true.

"I love you," tried Glorfindel, pulling Erestor from his reverie. Just

as Glorfindel's thoughts were rarely false, neither were his words.

Erestor smiled ruefully, patted Glorfindel on the head, and hopped

down from the railing. He steadied himself for a moment, the words so

simple, so soothing, and so hard for him to say in return no matter

how much he wanted to. Too many heartaches, too many loves lost, and

so many years of confusion. He closed his eyes and sighed.

"Dinner will get cold," he replied, sitting down in the chair that

would face the sunset. "And bad food is always worse when it is not

warm."

-2-

For years I have kept private journals, expecting them to remain just

that - private. Perhaps this is a mistake, and perhaps I shall regret

my decision later. The rest of my journals are already prepared for

our journey, though I would gladly retrieve them for you if you wish

to read them.

Tonight I came to the conclusion, that if we are ever to hope for a

future together, in any capacity, that no longer can I keep anything

private. From others, yes, but not from you. It is not fair, though I

do not expect reciprocation of my actions. I promise you I will not

pursue any further intimacies of a sexual nature, unless you give me

leave to do so. I apologize for my actions earlier this evening.

I really do love you.

Glorfindel

PS - If it bothers you to hear it, I will never utter the sentiment

again. Know that you are always first in my heart.

- - -

The note was folded around the book that had been propped against

Erestor's door. Entering his quarters, he took them to his bed,

leaving the door open. Privacy was ridiculous in a household with two

people, one of whom had just bravely poured his heart out to the other

and expected nothing in return. That thought alone made Erestor feel

guilty, and he left the door open for this reason. An invitation,

perhaps, for Glorfindel if he happened to walk by to check on the

status of the book in the hallway.

Sitting down he read the note again, then folded it and placed it on

his nightstand. Next, he changed into a pair of light pants for

sleeping and took the book with him to his couch. When he read for

pleasure, he didn't sit. He liked to lounge, and lit the lamp on the

nearby table before situating himself comfortably.

Flipping through the pages, he recognized Glorfindel's hand, and the

dark ink he had seen on the note. He wondered for a moment if he

should go to the other elf to let him know nothing had been done that

night to truly upset him. Glorfindel had finally admitted to him that

his cooking left much to be desired, and then spent the rest of the

meal silent when Erestor had not replied, but Erestor had known as

much for some years. There was a very good reason he did not boast

culinary skills, for he had none to speak of, and even his beloved

books had done nothing to cure this.

If anything, the awkward conversation earlier had led to this, and

this was what Erestor needed. Not vague advances, not charming smiles

nor hopeful glances. He needed this nudge, this shove away from the

edge. Now the choice was his - step away, or embrace the truth.

Opening the book randomly, Erestor began to read the words of the

passage. He knew that Glorfindel made daily notes, but never knew of

exactly what he wrote. Much of it was rather dull, for he had been

there for what was being written about. He started to look for lines

where his name was listed, curious to see how Glorfindel viewed him.

He found a section where the writing changed a bit and sat up. The

color was the same, and still it was Glorfindel who wrote, but the

words were smaller, and the text messier, as if written hastily or in

secret.

- - -

Glorfindel pressed Erestor's wrists to the wall beside his

raven-locked head. He knew his long time friend would not give in to

him so easily; no matter how tempting he was to the older elf. Erestor

was no elf's plaything to be used, only to be set aside. But it was

not Glorfindel's intention to set him aside, and he needed to know how

to make him believe this.

Long had he yearned to introduce Erestor to sexual delights, but

always in his mind that introduction happened within the confines of a

serious relationship. Not the illicit affair Erestor thought he was

offering. The Noldo's jaw was set, defiantly mocking him. He was

trapped, but then, he allowed himself to be trapped, for he could

leave at his own choosing and Glorfindel would not have given chase.

Snapping back to his present situation, Glorfindel moaned as Erestor

tilted his hips forward, forcing firmer contact between their

arousals. Caught off guard, Glorfindel whimpered, and Erestor smiled

triumphantly; he was enjoying this...this utter agony he was putting

Glorfindel through, and his own struggle to resist the pleasure he

truly wanted.

- - -

Erestor gasped, realizing that he had forgotten to breathe. Unable to

believe his eyes, he rubbed them with one hand, and set to reading the

passage again. When it hit him that he was really reading what he was

reading, he threw the book away from him as if it would burn his hand.

It struck the corner of the bed and opened as it fell, the cover

facing up as it hit the floor.

Grabbing one of the pillows from the couch, he drew it up to his chest

and hugged it to him, wishing it was Glorfindel instead. The pillow

was tossed aside next as he fully realized his thought, and he shook

his head, getting up to retrieve the book. This proved harder than he

had anticipated, for he concluded, as he looked down in front of

himself, that he indeed was fully erect. "What is wrong with me?" he

wondered out loud, flopping back onto the couch. Looking to the door,

Erestor hoped that it was not Glorfindel's intention to enter or walk

past the door anytime soon, for he would have been so completely

embarrassed he could not fathom another minute in the same house and

would surely have had to sail.

After calming himself enough to be able to comfortably pick up the

book again, he first went to the door to close and lock it, and then

to his couch. The book was left on the cushion as he brought a small

bottle of liqueur from the cabinet next to his desk with him. Taking a

deep breath as he uncorked the bottle, he drained half the contents of

the raspberry-peach concoction and placed the rest of the miruvor

aside. "What other naughty thoughts have you written, dear Fin, and

why do you want me to read them?"

Erestor paused, repeating himself. "Dear Fin. When did that come

about?" Finding he often reasoned things better aloud, and that he

enjoyed the sound of his voice, he continued his investigation,

speaking when he thought it helpful. He opened the book and read

through the passage again. "What are you trying to tell me? That you

lust for me? Aye, but I know that, and know that you love me, for I

love you. But lust - that is something I am not sure of. At least not

yet. You do not wish me to fear you, in that you want me to know your

intentions are pure. I want to believe that." Erestor ran a finger

along the page, across words so very personal in some ways it seemed

almost sacred that he was reading them now. "I want very much to

believe that. And I want very much not to fear, but it is not you that

I fear, for I fear only that I might lose you, and I would be lost

without you."

He set to find more of the interludes, and though they were few,

Erestor found three others in the journal. The last, he concluded had

been written after dinner, but before the journal had been left for

him. "We were together in the parlor when you wrote this," Erestor

whispered. "Not more than ten feet from you, and still, I did not know

you had such thoughts, such... beautiful thoughts, so close…"

Shutting the book, Erestor placed it on the table beside him, and

lifted up the bottle, drinking the rest. The cordial warmed him

thoroughly, for he was not currently used to taking such amounts of

alcohol. When the bottle was empty, he retrieved one containing brandy

and poured a glass. Erestor opened the windows to let in the breeze

of late autumn, then crawled into his bed, planning to think on things

in the morning.

Instead he stayed wide-awake, listening to the leaves rustling across

the grass outside. "I do not lust for him," he said suddenly, in

defense of his uncontrollable actions earlier. "It was an accident. It

was only the words, I was unprepared." But his hand had slipped down

under the sheets, loosening the cord of his pants to allow him access.

This night, as on so many other cold and lonely nights, he did as he

had always done before. He took himself in his hand and thought of the

most beautiful golden-haired elf he had ever known. "Mmm… Artanis…" he

smiled, shutting his eyes, imagining her as he drew his hand along his

hardening shaft. It took mere seconds for him to pant and moan softly,

hoping that Glorfindel did not hear the sounds. The door was still

open, the invitation still there, the possibility of Glorfindel

walking in very possible.

And if he did enter, what would he find? What would he do? Would he

carefully step back outside, or would he come closer? The sheet had

slipped down, further invitation. What would Glorfindel do, given the

opportunity? Erestor knew one thing: He would not stop him.

Throwing his head back, he cried out suddenly, and his hand ceased as

he felt the warmth spread across it. Growling as he gasped for air, he

wiped his hand across his thigh, removing it from inside his

sleepwear. Sitting up, he drew up his knees and rested his chin on

them, arms curled around his legs. "Glorfindel," he said again, for

the name that flowed from his lips as he released was not that of his

golden maiden of old, but of the golden lord that was with him in this

very house, where they were alone and unbothered by others.

"Glorfindel…" Erestor bowed his head and sighed.

Throwing the covers back the rest of the way, he slid out of bed, shut

the window, and lit the fire. Wandering into the bathroom, he drew

cold water into the tub, stripped and washed himself, and warmed then

in front of the fire while rereading the sloppily written passages. So

intent upon the words was Erestor, he did not notice that he had been

lazily running his free hand along his legs, chest, and stomach until

his erection throbbed once again. "Aiya, Glorfindel," sighed Erestor,

rolling to his back as he tossed the book next to himself on the fur

he was upon. "What am I to say to you when I do not know what to say

to myself?"

The hour was late, but Erestor knew he would not sleep, and so

retrieved a fresh set of nightclothes - pants, and a robe that reached

just past his waist. Unlike so much of what he wore, these were not

black, but blue-violet, and so light to almost have been mistaken for

white in the sun. He left the robe untied, picked up the book, and

made his way to Glorfindel's chambers.

-3-

Erestor paced back and forth at the door to Glorfindel's rooms. Twice

he had returned to his own quarters, but somehow found his feet

bringing him back here each time. Finally turning to face the door,

Erestor rocked back on his feet and reached up and knocked sharply on

the door, then stepped back and waited.

When there was no reply and Glorfindel did not come to the door,

Erestor pounded once again with his fist and then pressed his ear to

the wood to listen. It seemed there was some soft sound coming from

within, but he could not tell exactly what. Perhaps Glorfindel was

asleep, he reasoned. Waiting until morning was the most practical

course of action, but Erestor boldly reached for the handle and turned

it toward him, finding the door had been left unlocked.

Pressing it inwards gently, Erestor silently entered the main room and

tilted his head to see the bed immediately inside instead of hidden in

some back chamber. But then, he had never been in Glorfindel's rooms

before, he reminded himself. The bed before him was empty, and his

next surprise were the colors of the room. Deep colors, rich burgundy

and forest green greeted him, and midnight blues across the walls.

Even in the candlelight that illuminated the room, the darkness was

evidently dominant. What was also evident was that Glorfindel was not

in this room.

He had for some reason expected to find clutter, but here there was a

place for everything, and even what appeared to be a basket of dirty

laundry was tucked away in the corner. The old Glorfindel, the

Gondolin Glorfindel, was very tidy. It had always seemed to Erestor

that Glorfindel of Gondolin had died, and was little more than a

whisper. The state of the room told him otherwise.

Erestor placed his hand on the corner of the bed and looked at it

wistfully. He had once been secretly in love with Glorfindel... of

Gondolin. Glorfindel reborn, Glorfindel of Imladris, was not the

same. Not the same, but maybe similar enough.

There was a passage that led further into the chambers, and Erestor

followed it, down a narrow corridor that did not go on for long, lined

with maps and tapestries of famed battles. There were no weapons

adorning the walls, something that he had somehow expected to find.

More and more, he felt the presence of the old Glorfindel, and began

to wonder if it really was and always had been the Glorfindel he had

once known and believed was lost, wearing a mask now that belied his

true nature.

Erestor came out into a rectangular room, the most surprising feature

of all, for it was a library. Looking around, Erestor could not

believe he did not know of this collection of tomes. When he began to

read the titles, however, he found the books were an assortment of

sensual short stories; many books he had thought were no longer in

existence. Even more startling were the volumes of erotic poetry, for

some were Erestor's own works. He blushed in spite of the fact no one

could see him, and then heard the sounds again. A sliding door stood

in his way, and he pushed it gently back.

The final room was splendid as the rest, and Erestor now figured the

layout, that the bedroom was on the other side of the far wall. The

room he was in was nearly empty, save for Glorfindel and his swords,

but the walls were delicately painted with what Erestor assumed were

favorite verses of poems and songs of battle with accompanied art.

Erestor stood and watched, mesmerized by the dance performed as

Glorfindel practiced his art, battling unseen foes as he moved, a

sword in each of his hands. One of the invisible enemies caused him to

turn in the direction of the door, and the practice swords fell from

his hands and clattered to the ground. "Erestor!"

"I apologize. I should have knocked or said something - well, I… I

did knock, but then you did not hear me, and…" Erestor stepped into

the room, ignoring Glorfindel's appearance, or trying unsuccessfully

to. He had quite obviously noticed the way Glorfindel's chest heaved,

for it was easy, as he was practicing with his chest bare. As

Glorfindel bent to pick up the swords, Erestor glanced at him,

deciding his deep brown leggings were practical, but not the most

suitable for receiving guests, and yet, he had a hard time pulling his

gaze from them until Glorfindel stood again.

"You do not have to apologize, Erestor." Glorfindel moved to the wall

and slid open a hidden door. He placed the swords inside before

sliding it back once again. "Do you require something of me?"

No longer as brave as he had originally been, Erestor held out the

book at arm's length. "I came to return this to you," he said rather

quickly, and gave it a little shake, as if Glorfindel should take it

immediately.

"Oh." Glorfindel tried to hide his disappointment and curiosity. "Did you…?"

"I finished it. All of it," added Erestor. He was looking now at the

four large mirror panels that were along part of the room.

"Ah." Taking the book, Glorfindel waited to see if anything more was

to be said.

Pointing at the mirrors, Erestor asked, "What are those here for?

Forgive me, I have not seen anything like it."

"For practice," answered Glorfindel. He stepped out of the room, and

returned immediately without the book. "So that I can watch what I am

doing and see my mistakes." Erestor nodded, and looked back to

Glorfindel, noting that the blond had been staring at him. "Forgive

me," begged Glorfindel, bowing his head slightly after Erestor's brow

jerked up in askance, "I have not seen you in such bright colors in so

long. It reminds me of when we were in Gondolin."

"Oh, but Gondolin was so long ago," said Erestor, shaking his head.

"There is little to compare, save a similar hue."

"Do not deny my compliments, Erestor, you know your beauty," laughed

Glorfindel, and his eyes widened as the other elf slightly blushed.

Erestor was known to take most compliments like the wind, for not only

did he think quite highly of himself - and for good reason - Erestor

was not known to be shy. But here was Erestor, stepping just out of

the way, turning his face from him. "Come, if you do not believe me,"

insisted Glorfindel, and he pulled Erestor over to the mirrors with

much less protest than he had expected. He was well aware of the fact

Erestor did not own a mirror, much less ever use one, and he could not

resist showing the dark beauty what he had the honor to see every day.

Glorfindel brought Erestor before one of the center panels, standing

behind him. "Your hair could do to be brushed, but the rest of you is

flawless," he said, and one hand strayed from Erestor's shoulder to

tuck back errant hairs behind his ear.

Standing this close, Glorfindel could smell the freshness of Erestor's

recent bath, and wondered how the advisor had come to bathe at this

late hour, until he picked up the faintest trace beneath of a second

scent. Glorfindel's hand still hovered next to Erestor's face, and he

experimentally drew the back of his hand down along the other elf's

cheek. Erestor shifted, but not away, for he unexplainably closed his

eyes and leaned into the touch. Glorfindel's heart began to beat

faster and he leaned nearer and spoke softly into Erestor's ear. "Stay

here. I shall return."

Not having the chance to respond to the command, Erestor's eyes

fluttered open and he nodded only after Glorfindel had left the room.

When the blond returned, he had with him a softly padded stool and his

hairbrush. He brought them to Erestor, placed the stool down, and

motioned to it with the brush. "If you will permit me…" he said, and

Erestor nodded, sitting down. He had forgotten to comb through his

hair after his bath, and was fairly certain that there were some

tangles in it by now.

Nothing was said by either at first, as Glorfindel began the work of

taming Erestor's inky black mane. Erestor's hair flowed down just

below his knees, and though it pooled now on the floor, Glorfindel

knew that it wouldn't do to have Erestor stand. Not only did it seem

silly, but it was impractical, as Glorfindel did not have Erestor's

height. Therefore, the blond sometimes had a wave of ebony over his

arm as he carefully drew the knots out of the loose strands.

"I never knew you to have a library," Erestor finally said, and

Glorfindel nodded.

"I do not think of it as a library, really. There is no organization

to it, I do not quite recall the volumes that are contained. Reading

room is a better term," he reasoned.

"I would organize it for you," offered Erestor, and to this Glorfindel smiled.

"You do not know what is kept in that room."

Grinning, Erestor chuckled. "Yes, I do. I wrote some of it. Or do you

not pay attention to the authors?"

The brushing stopped. "I do not recall seeing your name listed as

author for any of them."

" 'A compilation of the House of the Silver Stars'. The house began

and ended with me, Glorfindel."

"Hmm." The brushing resumed, and Erestor could not tell if Glorfindel

smirked because he was pleased, amused, or embarrassed.

"Would you like them organized? I will not be upset if you do not want

me to go in there anymore."

"It just seems such an extraordinary task."

"I would not mind it. In fact, I would enjoy it."

Glorfindel ran his hands through the dark hair, checking for any

further snarls. "Perhaps, we might make a deal," he suggested. "You

can catalogue to your heart's content while I practice here, and that

will give us means to share conversation during the day. In the

evening, while I make our meals, you can read to me from one of your

books."

Erestor crossed his arms and looked slyly at the mirror image of

Glorfindel. "You really do detest my cooking."

"That is not entirely true," Glorfindel answered playfully. "I love

your cooking when I am not the one eating it." He was glad to hear

Erestor laugh at this, and smiled himself, his fingers lingering as he

drew them through dark tresses. He decided not to further his comments

by saying he loved to watch Erestor cook. How the advisor would look,

reading over a recipe as he drummed his fingers on the counter, brow

furled, apron on, hair drawn back, and just the tip of his tongue

protruding from the corner of pouting lips to finish the look of

determination. Glorfindel realized his plan would cost him that image,

and quickly added, "Perhaps, sometimes, we can make dinner together."

"You have a deal," said Erestor with a nod. "How is it coming?" he

asked then, for Glorfindel had settled the handle of the brush in his

pocket and was now combing through Erestor's hair with his fingers.

"Perfectly," Glorfindel whispered, letting the strands fall from his

fingertips. He bent his head slowly, watching the eyes in the mirror,

and swept the hair back from Erestor's neck with his hand.

Erestor stood abruptly, just as he had felt Glorfindel's breath on his

bare skin. The stool wobbled a little, and Erestor moved forward to

straighten it, but Glorfindel gripped the sides as if he had truly

bent to do just that. "I-" Erestor pulled the escaped strands behind

his pointed ears. "Thank you, Glorfindel. I should retire, now, indeed

you must be tired, and I have left the fire burning in my room," he

remembered suddenly, a little relieved and yet slightly upset that he

truly did have an excuse to leave.

"I am not as tired as I might seem," said Glorfindel, "but I shall see

you in the morning."

Erestor nodded, leaving the room. Back in the library of sorts, he

paused, seeing the book sitting on the chair, and shivered at the

memory of reading it. His hand hovered over it as he considered

sneaking it out with him. If he really wanted the book that badly,

however, he might as well get Glorfindel to come with him in person

instead.

Erestor walked back into the practice room, nearly walking into

Glorfindel, who had just retrieved the stool and was about to bring it

out of the room. "Sorry," Erestor said, backing up a few steps, but

Glorfindel stayed him, taking hold of his wrist as he set the stool

aside with his other hand. Glorfindel let his grip slide to Erestor's

hand while his other arm hid itself behind his own back.

"No, no need, Erestor, I should have been more alert. My mind was on

other things." Glorfindel's smile was warm, and as his thumb moved in

comforting circles against Erestor's palm, he asked, "Did you forget

something?"

"I thought…" Erestor looked down to their joined hands, but did

nothing. Meeting Glorfindel's gaze again, he said, "I thought that

perhaps you might like to come to my quarters. I find I am not as

tired as I might seem, either," he offered in explanation.

Glorfindel nodded, leaving Erestor's hand to slip away. "Allow me to

dress again, and I will join you momentary."

"I had best tend to the fire." Erestor walked to the doorway, and then

stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I lo..." Erestor bit his lip.

"I look forward to seeing you again soon," he quickly corrected, and

Glorfindel gave him another nod as he left.

"I love you, too, Erestor," murmured Glorfindel after he heard the

door to his quarters shut.

-4-

I wish that I had changed into something else, for when Glorfindel

entered, I felt completely indecent in what I had on. Not until he sat

down in the seat I offered him by the fire did I realize he was in the

colors of his house, dressed as often he had been in Gondolin.

We did not speak for long, finding comfort in the company of each

other. The fire warmed us, as did the wine, and I found need to open

the window. A fresh breeze drifted through the room, and Glorfindel

looked at me as I returned, and though he blamed his shiver on the

wind, I knew better from the look in his eyes.

- - -

Erestor dipped his quill into the jar of ink and frowned as he reread

the words. Shifting in bed to gain a better position in which to write

- as well as a more comfortable position for his sore muscles, Erestor

paused to think, and flipped forward to another passage he had already

finished.

- - -

I never would have guessed that the act of making love would cause one

to become quite as famished as I was. Glorfindel kindly offered to

prepare a snack and bring it back to the room, if I would consider

completing a task for him.

Disappearing into the back rooms, Glorfindel returned with this very

unfinished journal, as well as a quill and a bottle of silvery grey

ink. "I record a lot of daily notes, as you know, and sometimes I

write fictional stories to pass the time. I would love for you to…

document our encounter for… historical purposes," Glorfindel had told

me carefully before peppering my cheeks with kisses and then leaving

the room.

- - -

Realizing that in all honesty he could probably skip the small talk,

Erestor began to write once again.

- - -

His eyes wandered across my body, and I felt his touch as well as if

it had been his own hand, my breath catching in my throat as his stare

lingered. Abruptly, he turned to look at the fire and spoke. "The hour

is late. I should retire." Glorfindel stood up and nodded toward me. I

stood as the next words tumbled from my mouth.

"It would be folly for you to leave," I said to him. He turned and answered,

"It would be folly for me to stay. Unless you have reason otherwise."

"There is already a fire burning here," I quickly said, motioning to

the small hearth. "It would be wasteful to start another."

Glorfindel sat back down and regarded me curiously as I seated myself.

"I do need to rest," he told me carefully.

"Is not my bed large enough for two?" My stomach knotted, and I added,

"It would be just like when we were in Gondolin."

"No, it would not," chuckled Glorfindel.

Sighing deeply, I said, "No, I suppose not." This was becoming more

awkward than I had expected, considering the words Glorfindel had

shared with me. "Glorfindel, will you spend this night with me?"

Glorfindel did not answer, instead swirling his drink in his glass.

Frustrated, I let my fist drop onto the arm of my chair, startling

Fin. "Do you know how difficult this is for me?"

"I told you, you did not have to do anything if you did not want to. I

promise you, I shall never take another to my bed, and I will not

force you to let me into yours."

"You are not forcing me to do anything. I am asking you." Closing my

eyes, I rubbed the bridge of my nose. It was then that I realized how

formal this was. Had I ever considered saying anything so intimate to

a lover while sitting across the room? Had I thought properly of this,

I would have asked him to join me on the furs before the fire instead

of the chairs nearby.

In one fluid motion, I was standing and another moment later, knelt

before Glorfindel and took his free hand into mine. "Aiya, Fin, you

make things so difficult," I chided, ignoring his sudden look of

confusion as he placed his glass aside and curled his other hand

around mine. "Too long have I been alone, dear Fin. I wish to be

complete, and you are the one who completes me."

Playing with my fingers, rubbing them in his own hands, he leaned

forward as he bent nearer. Something of the old Glorfindel was there

in his eyes, the Glorfindel I met in Gondolin, that quiet and reserved

elf that I thought had perished long ago. That Elf that I loved, that

I still loved, so very much. "Would you permit me to kiss you,

Erestor?"

My throat constricted upon his request, but I managed to nod my

consent to him. "Please?" I whispered. Softly our lips met, then

slid, parted, and opened. I surprised myself as I let my tongue glide

over his, exploring his mouth hungrily and more boldly than I had

planned to. I withdrew abruptly, feeling guilty as I saw his wide-eyed

stare.

Blushing, I turned my head and swallowed hard as I tried to pull

myself up. Instead, Glorfindel moved forward and fell to his own knees

on the floor. His hands left mine and found their way to my burning

cheeks, and with some trepidation, I looked up into his eyes.

We held that gaze for some time as the wood in the fireplace snapped

and spit, rain beginning to run down the high windows, errant drops

hitting the floor beneath the open one. I did not expect him to lunge

at me as he did, but if he had been slower, I may have turned away

once more. His tongue thrust into my mouth, hands sliding back into my

hair. I had little choice but to submit, my own fingers wrapping

around his shoulders, clawing and kneading as he fed my long hidden

hunger.

Neither of us made any attempt to change our position, simply kissing

and caressing one another, saying nothing. It was so easy to simply

love and be loved, after living so long without love. I jerked

slightly when Glorfindel's hand found its way deep into the folds of

my robe and beneath the fabric that covered lower, and he began to

pull away. Catching his wrist, I placed his hand back where it had

been.

"Touch me, Fin. Help me, please. Satisfy this need I did not know I had."

His tone changed. It was not quite accusational, but it was close.

"You knew. You always knew."

I found I could not deny it. "Please..."

"Please?" He brought a finger to my mouth, tracing my lips.

"Please... a request. Even more, to be made happy... given

pleasure... delight... gratification... satisfaction..." The finger

moved slowly down my chin, over my throat and the knot as I swallowed.

It continued over my chest, following the muscles. He suddenly

pulled it away. "But am I to satisfy your need or are you to satisfy

mine?" he asked cryptically. I paused, stopping my hands where they

were upon his thighs.

"Are they not one in the same?"

"Dear Erestor, there is a great amount of physical improbability to

what you suggest," he answered with a wink. His hands and lips began

to move once more over my clothed body. Drawing his tongue over the

curve of my ear to the point, he nipped and asked, "Do you wish to

give or to receive?"

That is when the impact of what I was about to partake in finally came

to me. When morning came, my soul would be bound - fused forever to

Glorfindel's. I was filled with fear, and with excitement, and could

not seem to think.

"Erestor?" Glorfindel drew back and his eyes searched mine as his hand

began to slowly stroke the inside of my thigh, letting his hand wander

slowly.

"I do not know, Glorfindel," I panted truthfully, letting my eyelids droop.

"Tell me how you feel, beautiful one," purred Glorfindel. He licked my

throat, and I bent my head back with a moan, encouraging his touch.

His fingers gently slid the meager robe from my shoulders, and as it

fell to the ground, his hands pushed down the material that hindered

him below. "Tell me truly. Hide nothing. Reveal yourself to me."

"I burn," I gasped, digging my fingers into his upper arms as he

curled his own hand around my most private of places. "You have set me

on fire, and I burn for you. I wish to be yours. Completely yours."

"Then I shall have you," he growled, low and soft, and began to nuzzle

at my neck as his hands began the task of removing the rest of my

clothing. "I shall take you... and keep you... for you are mine now."

I found I could do little more than steady myself, hands upon his

shoulders, as he kissed my throat and pulled at the sash that had been

tied about his own waist, dropping it to the floor. "Erestor…" he

whispered against my skin. "My Erestor…"

I shuddered and exploded despite the lack of his physical touch, and

blushed a deep crimson this time. There was a sort of dumb look on

Glorfindel's face as he ran his fingers through the silvery discharge

that had sprayed upon my skin, as if he needed contact with the proof

before believing it. "You are a most sensual elf," he told me, looking

around for something to clean things up.

"Nay, it is you," I countered, breathing heavily, still holding him

within my grasp. "Your words are the perfect intercourse."

"You only think that because I have not had my way with you yet," he

smirked, pulling the sash he had discarded moments ago from the

discarded clothing and using it to clean me. "Just wait until I have

you beneath me in that bed." His eyes flitted to my mattress, left

unmade across the room. "You may think you have known pleasure

before, but I promise you, I will have you begging for me to..." He

stopped before entirely finishing, and bowed his head, lowering his

body down.

I held my breath as his tongue came in contact with my flesh, licking

the droplets that had not yet been cleaned from my stomach and thighs.

"Fin," I whimpered as the tip of his tongue flicked out and danced

across my skin, panicking now as I began to realize just what I was

getting myself into. "Fin…I cannot…It is just, I do not…" My protest

died as I felt a sudden warmth flood my body. I looked down and beheld

such a sight as never I expected. Waves of pleasure overtook my fears,

and I rested my hands on his shoulders, head thrown back as he

provided such stimulation as I had not often known, and hardly

recalled. Yet, this time was different from so many others. This

time it felt overwhelmingly good, and I set my hands on the back of

his head to coax him further for my voice failed me.

The rhythm Glorfindel set was exquisite, and soon my words were

nothing more than mewls and whimpers, sounds I never thought myself

capable of making. I was never so undone with another lover, never

comfortable enough to allow myself such freedom to let go. Once more

was I erect, and he took me fully into his mouth before letting me

slip away, dragging his teeth lightly across my flesh so that I cried

out, cursing, and begging - as predicted - when the sensation ebbed

away.

"I think you can," he purred. "I think you want to," he pressed.

Glorfindel stood and looked down as I lifted my chin, gazing up at

him. His smile was warm and lazy as he set his hand upon my head,

dragging his fingers back through my hair. He twisted his fingers and

pulled back, dominating for that moment as he held me in place. "I

think you will."

Before I could answer, he left. His hand was gone from my hair, he

from my chambers, and I knelt upon the floor, with nothing more than

my own labored breath to hear. Settling back, balancing on the palms

of my hands, I knew the choice before me.

His promise was never to bring up the matter again, not unless I had.

And I had. Oh, had I ever. Yet, close at it had come, he still gave me

the choice. A final means to escape my fate. Our fate. Predestined. I

shuddered. I never had a choice, I realized, and yet, through this act

of concession on his part, the choice was now clear in my mind.

I stood, and I ached, but it was my soul and not my body that

controlled my thoughts now. No longer was I listening to what I

thought, but instead, to what I felt. What I knew, and had somehow

always known.

- - -

Presently, Glorfindel entered through the open doorway, bringing with

him a large steaming plate and a pitcher of cool water. Setting them

on a long table that was against the wall, he leaned over to kiss

Erestor's cheek, and then headed into the back rooms, coming back with

a pair of drinking glasses. "How is it coming along?" Glorfindel

asked, settling down on the bed next to where Erestor was propped up

against the pillows. Erestor moved a little more toward the center to

give Glorfindel more space and counted the pages he had written in.

"I have finished seven pages," Erestor told him, handing Glorfindel

the quill so that it could be placed aside. "What have you brought?"

"I have brought you something delicious," replied Glorfindel. Erestor

awaited an answer, and Glorfindel grinned. "Oh, you mean the food…" He

reached around to retrieve the snack while Erestor slapped his

shoulder. Chuckling, Glorfindel held the plate with one hand and

pulled one of the treats from it, a trail of melted cheese clinging to

it as he lifted it in front of Erestor's mouth.

"What are they?" Erestor asked, putting the book aside.

"They are very good," answered Glorfindel.

Erestor laughed. "You have no clue!"

"It is something the Halflings eat, you must trust me! It is good.

Very good," he corrected.

Leaning forward, Erestor bit into the food he was offered. Hidden

under the cheese were buttered mushrooms, slices of pepper, and chunks

of tomato on top of bread. "This is very good. Much better than what I

made for dinner."

"It is nothing, really," Glorfindel smiled, feeding the rest of that

slice to Erestor. "You know, this has been quite a day," he said,

licking his buttery fingers.

"Mmmhmm," agreed Erestor as he chewed. After swallowing, he said,

"Quite an incredible day."

"I am sorry about your library," blurted out Glorfindel. "I know how

much work you put into it, and what you had to do to convince Elrond

to even build one, which seems so silly considering the hours he used

to spend in it. But, it was not his library, it was your library, and

I am sure when we get to Valinor, he is going to just let you still

keep the books where you would like, or, is there a public library in

Valinor? I am sorry, I do not know some of these things, and I just

hate to see you unhappy."

Erestor picked up one of the cheesy slices of bread and ate it

quietly. When he finished, he said, "Today I realized how much I am

going to miss Imladris. It is not just the books, Fin, it is the

entire place. Everywhere else I lived never seemed quite like home,

quite like Valinor. But this house comes close."

"You are still going to sail eventually?" asked Glorfindel with worry.

"Oh, yes," replied Erestor. "In time. But I will miss Imladris."

Sighing, he added, "I think now I may miss it even more." His eyes had

a faraway look, and he closed them as his chin trembled.

Glorfindel put aside the plate and drew his arms around Erestor. "We

are not leaving yet," he said in a happy and slightly silly voice that

immediately became serious. "Please do not cry, Erestor," he said,

soft and low. "I can not stand the pain of it."

"I am not going to cry, Glorfindel," Erestor assured him, "though, I

think right now, I might be amiable to any of the comforting, holding,

and… and kissing that you wrote about earlier."

"Only kissing?" sighed Glorfindel playfully.

"Comforting and holding were also mentioned."

This caused Glorfindel to pout. "That appears to be a very limited

list of options you have given me, Ress."

"Ress? Who is Ress?"

"You are, my dear," stated Glorfindel.

"Since when?"

"If I am Fin, then you are Ress," Glorfindel said matter-of-factly.

"Glor-FIN-del, E-RESS-tor."

"It is not E-restor, it is ER-estor," corrected Erestor pointedly. "Honestly."

"I am not calling you Er, that just sounds silly, as does Es. Now, I

have put a lot of thought into this, and I think Ress suits you."

"No, Erestor suits me," argued the darker elf. "It is my name, and

what I wish to be called."

Erestor found himself flat on his back and pinned down a moment later.

"I love the sound of your name," purred Glorfindel after dragging his

tongue along Erestor's jaw. "Even more," he continued, nipping at the

other's ear, "I love to hear your name on my lips. I think you love to

hear your name on my lips even more than I love saying your name," he

flicked his tongue at the tip of Erestor's ear and whispered, "Erestor

- Not, E-res-tor…" Even the incorrect pronunciation made the elf

beneath him shudder.

"Now, in the future - in the very near future, I should hope - when we

make love, I should like to have something a bit simpler to call you.

I could simply say--" Glorfindel sat up and back a little now that

Erestor was temporarily subdued, and taking hold of his lover's

hardening length, continued in a low and seductive voice, "--I could

say to you, as you thrust into me, deep within my body, I could call

out, 'Oh, yes, my love, yes!'." Glorfindel abruptly stopped, and

Erestor whined as the touching ceased. "Very impersonal," Glorfindel

explained, pretending to ignore the needful moans. "I could also

simply use your entire name. For example," Glorfindel wrapped his hand

around the stiff member, and resuming his manipulation, cried out

rather convincingly, "Oh Erestor, by the Valar! Do not stop, Erestor!

Do not cease!"

It was not Erestor who paused, but Glorfindel, whose hands were now

firmly on either side of Erestor's waist. Erestor let out a frustrated

sob as Glorfindel lowered himself again, so that his lips were almost

upon Erestor's ear as he spoke, and his lover's erection was pressed

between their bodies. "But I think there are enough who call you

Erestor, and I would call you something more personal than that. Just

as you called out to me, your voice hoarse and strained, crying out to

'Fin', telling him to take your flushed, aching, beautiful body,

Erestor, I would have something to scream when it is you who has me

undone."

Words tumbled into Erestor's ear, words of desire, of such passion,

though neither had penetrated the other's body, Glorfindel assaulted

Erestor's mind with such heat, he threw back his head and moaned as he

heard them. "Deeper, Ress, yes--Oh! Yes… Take me harder, Ress, take me

over the edge, do not stop!" panted Glorfindel, causing himself to be

aroused. "I think the name to be perfect, Ress," growled Glorfindel,

and Erestor was barely able to nod.

"Now, Ress," Glorfindel said, propping himself back up and causing

Erestor to become even more frustrated, "I do believe that you have

greatly limited my options for the remainder of the evening."

"Fin…" Erestor whined and blinked his eyes open. "I just had hoped not

to be so sore come morning."

Grinning, Glorfindel had their positions reversed moments later, and

winked up at Erestor. "Who said you would get to have all the fun?" he

asked, folding his arms behind his head as he spread his legs further

apart. Erestor licked his lips and smiled down at him. "I do not

expect to be sore, Ress," Glorfindel continued, "I expect to be

completely unable to walk in the morning."

"Is that a challenge?" Erestor inquired.

"Oh, I was quite hoping it would be a promise," said Glorfindel,

conjuring up a very naughty look.

"I hate to break promises," murmured Erestor as he bowed his head and

nuzzled Glorfindel's neck.

Glorfindel's head lolled back and turned to the side. "How do you want me?"

"Hmm?" Erestor sat back on his haunches.

"Not like this," drawled Glorfindel as he sat up until the tip of his

nose was touching the tip of Erestor's. "You want me... like

this...?" Glorfindel turned over and balanced on his elbows and

knees, presenting his bare body to his lover.

"Oh... yes..." Erestor swallowed hard and placed a hand gently upon

Glorfindel's hip, fingertips only. "Yes. Like this," he agreed,

languidly moving his fingers along Glorfindel's side. His other hand

rested upon Glorfindel's thigh. Erestor looked around nervously, and

when he made no other move, Glorfindel looked over his shoulder and

caught the uncertain expression.

"Darling, there is no one here but you and I," he said reassuringly.

"Do what you want, baby. Love me slow, take me hard, no one is

watching."

Erestor moved his hands away, dropping them to his side. "I do not

wish to harm you."

As he smiled softly, Glorfindel closed his eyes and said, "I am ready

for you. Go ahead; see for yourself."

Just as when he was confused about a recipe, Erestor's tongue peeked

out from one corner of his mouth as he carefully used his hands to

move both sides of Glorfindel's rear apart. He frowned as he examined

what he found, unsure of what he was looking for.

After about a minute, Glorfindel opened one eye, lifted his head

slightly, and opened the other. "You are such a virgin!" he said with

playful laughter. "Just stick your finger in there. Go on. You will

not hurt me."

Erestor took a deep breath and hesitantly did as he was told. Once

past the small yet relaxed entrance, he slid right in, the passage

slick. He blinked in surprise as he easily pulled his finger back out

with little resistance and heard Glorfindel happily sigh.

"Told you. You really need to learn to trust me more."

"How did you--"

"When I was in the kitchen." He arched his back willingly. "I found

some oil that was not too thick."

"Is this safe?" worried Erestor.

"More or less," Glorfindel replied. "Now, stop thinking with the head

on your shoulders. It is not every day that the most gorgeous,

charming blond warrior in all of creation places himself at your

mercy, to be taken as you will."

Erestor rubbed his oily finger over the tip of his erection. "Maybe

not, but I expect it to happen more often from now on."

"Noted, counselor. Now, if you would be so kind, will you please

shove that rock hard cock of yours up my---" The next word was cut off

as the charming blond warrior lowered his gorgeous head back down onto

the pillow and moaned. "My..." His voice muffled into the pillow as

Erestor shifted the rest of his weight forward.

"You were saying?" asked Erestor slyly as he held Glorfindel's hips

with firm hands.

"I... I was... I forgot..." Glorfindel strained to lift his back end

up as high as possible. "Come on... move or something..."

The first few thrusts were so awkward that Glorfindel groaned not in

pleasure but in frustration. "Stop, stop, hold on." He managed to

gain Erestor's attention and sighed.

"What? In and out, I was doing it right," Erestor began to argue.

"I will give you in and out," Glorfindel conceded, "but there is more

to it than that. There should be... rhythm. Like music--like

dancing," he said quickly, aware of Erestor's frustration. "Close

your eyes and try it."

Erestor mumbled something about being taken to task by a youth less

than half his age, but closed his eyes nonetheless. "Alright, my eyes

are closed." He rested back into a low kneeling position as well, for

he had become flaccid and discouraged. "Now what?"

There was a rustle of the sheets, which was soon followed by the

feeling of warm breath on Erestor's neck as Glorfindel snuggled up

behind him. "I want you... to make love to me. I want you to fuck

me. Hard." Every sentence was punctuated by a nip on the shoulder or

a swipe of Glorfindel's tongue around Erestor's jaw or ear.

"I want you buried deep. So deep. To the root. Again and again and

again." Glorfindel's teeth tugged on a sensitive earlobe. "And

then..."

"Yes?" Erestor had to swallow, mouth dry from panting.

"Then, I want you to explode," whispered Glorfindel as he crawled back

into position. "I want you to fill me so full it drips down my leg

when you pull out. Open your eyes."

Erestor did, seeing first his erection once again jutting forward,

pointing directly toward it's target.

"Erestor." Glorfindel waited until they made eye contact. "Fuck me. Please."

Long-hidden instinct took over. Erestor grasped Glorfindel's hips and

plunged into the moist heat, growling in pleasure. It was less

awkward, but still timid to begin. With Glorfindel's encouragement,

Erestor increased his pace and confidence.

They made love throughout the night, stopping only briefly now and

then, until exhaustion slowed their muscles and minds. With a mutual

promise to continue their sexual explorations the next day, they

sleepily and almost bashfully cuddled under the covers, sharing kisses

and secrets and an occasional tearful revelation about the past.

In the early morning hours, while Glorfindel slept, enfolded in

Erestor's arms, the elder elf recalled the first episode of lovemaking

they had shared late that previous evening in the very bed they

rested. His body hurt, but it was such a wonderful pain, having

exerted himself to exhaustion, but too happy to rest.

Nestled against him, so tired that he had drifted from reverie to

sleep, Glorfindel was peacefully relaxed in his arms. Freeing one

hand, Erestor used it to lightly touch his newly discovered lover,

smiling as Glorfindel cuddled closer and mumbled a few words.

"I love you, too, Fin," returned Erestor, kissing Glorfindel's nose

before letting his body rest and his mind wander to previous events.

-5-

Erestor walked briskly down the hall, covering the short distance

between their rooms very quickly. Glorfindel had left his door open,

and Erestor entered without knocking, finding a weary looking elf

sitting on the edge of the bed.

Glorfindel actually looked a little surprised, and before he could

stand, Erestor had dropped to his knees before him, seeking out the

lips of the other with his own. His hands found Glorfindel's thighs,

fingers gripping them tightly as he pulled back. "Glorfindel, there

are some things I must tell you."

"Erestor, I understand if you-"

Erestor placed his hand over Glorfindel's lips to silence him. "Let me

speak. I need to say these things, even that which you know. I want

you to know everything. I do not want questions or doubts between us.

"I told you long ago that I was once romantically involved with an

elleth in Valinor. Obviously, nothing came from it. I am not bitter--

I still care deeply for her as you know, but I do not hold her

decision against her. She was not the only lover I have had, but none

of them ended well - and, all of them ended. However, I did not wish

to give my heart to another so freely again unless I was certain I had

finally found the other half of my soul." Erestor paused and lifted a

hand to Glorfindel's cheek. "I knew for a long while, but my fear and

uncertainty stopped me. You might think things in Gondolin were bad.

I came from a place and time where the physical penalties may not have

existed, but the mental anguish from being publicly shamed by family,

friends, and the community was exhausting and caused many who would

otherwise have lived happily with their chosen spouse to seek out

someone they barely loved to fit society's standards."

"You speak… very personally about that," said Glorfindel with a

careful amount of hope. Erestor flinched. "You must have… known

someone?"

"A very good friend," he said, averting his gaze momentarily. He

frowned and then looked back. "I am a proud elf, Glorfindel, that is

not something I have ever hidden. What I need is for someone to love

me, not take care of me. I am quite capable of that on my own."

Stopping when he realized how harsh his words sounded, he added, "That

does not mean… that I do not want you to take care of me from time to

time… just that… I do not need you to. I still want us to have our

independence, if you follow me."

Waiting to see if Erestor was going to continue, Glorfindel then

spoke. "Dear Erestor, I have taken care of you for some years now,

just as you have at times taken care of me. I do not wish you to

recall the times I have put myself before you in danger, because you

would not know all of them."

"What are you saying?" questioned Erestor.

Glorfindel placed his own hands on either side of Erestor's face and

bent down to kiss him. "Sweetheart, I have been taking care of you

since we met in Gondolin. I watched you when I could, and did my best

to keep you safe when I could not. Do you recall, when you came into

the city, how you could not ride a horse or even sit upon the back of

one without falling from the saddle?"

"I fell because the horse moved," Erestor replied dryly, recalling the

lessons Glorfindel and Ecthelion had given him in riding. "I do

remember the instruction. I am glad for it, as I was able to offer my

service to Lord Elrond as horse master of his stables when Imladris

was being built. My intent when I came here was to convince him he

needed me as his librarian, alas, without a library, that made the

task difficult." He looked away, deep in thought. "I owe you much for

that."

"You owe me nothing, dear Erestor," said Glorfindel. "I had motives of

my own." Bowing his head, he admitted softly, "From that day on, that

first spark between us grew. I knew what I wanted, but I feared as

well--I feared the wrath of Turgon, and I feared for your life much

more than my own. I wanted you to learn to ride, aye, but I was, in

my mind… courting you in secret…"

"What?" laughed Erestor, and he stretched up to kiss Glorfindel. "Fin,

you were not much more than a child."

"That was what Ecthelion kept telling me."

Erestor's jaw dropped. "Thel knew?"

Swallowing hard, Glorfindel continued, "When he finally convinced me

you had no interest whatsoever, I vowed to myself that if I could not

have you, at the least, I would not lose you."

"That is why you never deterred me when I asked you to teach me how to

fight. There were so many other scholars who knew what a sword was

only from sketches they had seen in books; you preferred I continue to

train with you and not with Rog, and… oh, of course," he muttered as

he began to smile. "You wanted to keep a closer eye on me. You

wanted me around as much as possible."

Blushing, Glorfindel nodded and said, "You must remember the day you

were asked to be the warden of the fifth gate."

"Asked?" laughed Erestor. "King Turgon proclaimed it. I did not have

much of a choice," replied Erestor. Upon completion of the seventh

gate of Gondolin, Ecthelion had moved to the place of honor as the

guardian of the gate of steel, while Glorfindel then became the lord

of the sixth gate. This left the fifth gate without a guard, except

that Turgon had in his service a scribe whose talents for sword

fighting and horse riding were not being used in his posting to the

libraries. And so for a short time, Erestor was Lord Guardian Erestor

of the Silver Stars, Warden of the Fifth Gate of Gondolin. He may have

complained at first, but he loved his duties and had fond memories,

until the time that the city fell.

"Well… actually… " Glorfindel slid down off the bed to sit on the

floor with Erestor. "Turgon wanted to make you head of the sixth gate.

I told him I was insulted, that I should rightfully serve as the

warden of that gate. It was a good act, but I was terribly frightened

he would find out my true motive. By then he knew about me, but the

punishment may well have been severe for you--remember what happened to

Duilin and Salgant," he said grimly. "Still, I had to take the

chance. I did not really care at all what I was doing, I was so

grateful to have the recognition I did have in Gondolin. What mattered

to me was keeping you safe, and I could not do that if you were

guarding the sixth gate. From the sixth gate, I could watch the fifth

gate, and I could come to your aid if needed. As far as I know, he

either believed my story, or he said nothing to anyone about his

assumptions, if he had any."

The room was silent as Erestor absorbed this new information and the

pair gently touched one another, exploring somewhat innocently, until

Glorfindel had managed to prop himself against the foot of the bed.

His knees he bent as he parted his legs and beckoned Erestor to sit

closer. The dark Noldo situated himself with his back comfortably

against one of Glorfindel's legs, drawing his own up so that his chin

rested on his knees. "I hate to ask-"

"The balrog?" Glorfindel nodded. "It came after you as we fled, and I

was not about to fail after all those years. I do not know what I

would have done if another had happened in its path. I hardly had the

strength to stand at that point. When I saw it had cornered you,

there was no question in my mind as to what I had to do. I found some

reserve, I fought with every bit of strength that remained. I was not

going to let that creature hurt you. I only regret not telling you

when we were in Gondolin. I was going to, that morning, before the

battle. I was so close," he admitted. "I have loved you for a long

time, Erestor, and I have not stopped. But… you know that."

"I know. I knew you did. Well, it was obvious, you wear your heart

on your sleeve."

"And you lock yours away from those who would accept you as you are,

and offer it to those who wish you to change," said Glorfindel sadly.

Erestor looked a little hurt, but finally nodded. "I know. I should

have… part of me wanted to give you a chance sooner, but I know you

have spent intimate time with others. Gildor, Faelion… I guess

Tauniel does not count," said Erestor.

"If you think that list is impressive, listen to this one: Galadriel,

Aredhel, Aranel, Skye, um… uh, that girl from the brothel, the… shoot,

there was one in Greenwood, and some other one in Lothlorien, and you

did something with Tauniel, too, and I suppose from the way you are

looking mightily guilty, there are others."

Erestor nodded sheepishly.

"Do you even remember all of their names?"

Erestor bowed his head and tried not to laugh.

"I thought so. At least I remember all of mine." Glorfindel placed

his fingertips on Erestor's chin and tilted his head back up again.

"How long will it be before you forget my name?"

"I will never forget your name," vowed Erestor, taking hold of

Glorfindel's hand and holding it tightly. "Never."

"Never?" prodded Glorfindel, a teasing note in his voice.

"Seriously. Never. You… mean so much to me. You are so much a part

of my life," explained Erestor. "You are, put simply, unforgettable."

Glorfindel smiled at this and initiated a kiss that led to many more.

They sat on the floor, snuggling closer and closer as they giddily

kissed and caressed one another. Glorfindel pulled away for air, and

said casually, "Knock, knock."

"What?"

"No, not what. You have heard the children tell knock, knock jokes

before," prodded Glorfindel. "Knock, knock."

Erestor paused uncertainly. "Who is there?"

"See! You forgot me already!" A grin was plastered across

Glorfindel's face as Erestor groaned and bowed his head.

"That was a trick," he accused, pointing his finger squarely at

Glorfindel's nose. Glorfindel kissed the tip of the scolding digit.

"You made me do that."

"I will not deny it," admitted Glorfindel. "I will also not deny that,

yes, I have had previous lovers. Although I never fully gave my body

to another male, nor have I ever taken another male's body, many

nights was my lust sated in the company of another. Tauniel was one

time only, and not with this body, and necessary, and I do not regret

my decision even if I still carry with me the burden of the

aftermath." He blinked away the threatening tears. "I do regret

those other nights were not spent with you. As much as I did care

deeply for Gildor and for Faelion, it is you who has my heart."

Erestor nodded and let his hand slide up and down Glorfindel's leg,

smiling at how good and natural it felt. "I, too, have had encounters

with others, but none that would bind me to them. I think I must have

been unconsciously waiting for you."

The genuine bliss on Glorfindel's face broadened Erestor's smile in

return. "I only wish you had not waited so long."

"We have time to change that now," offered Erestor.

"We have all the time in the world," agreed Glorfindel. "I told you, I

really do love you, and I will wait as long as-" Erestor's hand gently

silenced him again.

"I want to be loved."

Glorfindel pulled Erestor's hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly.

"I truly do love you, Erestor," Glorfindel assured him.

Erestor shook his head, and realized Glorfindel had not understood his

words. Despite speaking Sindarin for many years, he still thought in

Quenya and translated as he spoke. Sometimes the translations did

flow accurately, though he was pleased that there had been no hurdles

through the rest of the evening. "I need to be loved," he begged.

"You deserve to be worshipped," answered the blond, leaning forward to

nip the inviting ear before him.

"Glorfindel," moaned Erestor in frustration, "I want you to love me…

now… tonight…"

"Not just tonight, dear Erestor, every night…" he purred, but stopped

abruptly, truly knowing now what Erestor meant. "Now?" he squeaked,

and Erestor thought it one of the most endearing sounds he had heard.

"Yes." Erestor closed his eyes and shuddered. "I want you to love me.

Make love to me," he added quickly as he recalled the proper phrase.

Glorfindel's eyes grew huge as he sat back. "You are sure about this?"

Taking hold of one of Glorfindel's hands, he moved it to the front of

his pants, stretched with the strain of his erection. "I may be proud,

Fin," he gasped as Glorfindel dragged his fingers along the bulge,

"but I am not above begging right now."

When Glorfindel looked up, Erestor saw that tears were in the eyes of

his soul mate. Leaning forward, he kissed Glorfindel's eyes as they

fluttered shut, keeping the tears from spilling over. Glorfindel took

a deep breath and said, "You ask only for love, but let me complete

you, Erestor. Be with me now and forever," he pleaded.

"I ask for you," corrected Erestor.

"You have me, Erestor. Always, you have had me."

Yet they remained on the floor, for neither wanted to assert dominance

over the other, but hands continued to roam as they pleased, and eyes

watched with interest. Ears listened to the open-mouthed gasps and

shameless pants until Erestor mewled with frustration. "Do you not

have a more suitable surface for such activities?" he scolded

playfully when he had had enough of the wooden floor covered with

barely more than a worn deerskin.

"I did not wish to assume we were to complete such activities here,"

grinned Glorfindel, managing with some difficulty to stand after

Erestor had. Walking to the side of the bed that Erestor stood at, he

looked to his empty fireplace, knowing Erestor did not tend to sleep

without a fire burning, but not in the mood to tend to one now. "I

have no fire burning in the hearth," he apologized.

"Then you shall have to do your best to keep me warm without one,"

said Erestor. His eyes were not on the empty darkness at the wall, but

on the deep green and burgundy that covered the large bed before him.

His face was set as if carved of stone, eyeing up the bed as if it

were something to be conquered - and perhaps, to him, it was.

Stepping behind the Noldo, Glorfindel brought his fingers to the thin

robe, unsure if Erestor had realized how seductive his outfit was.

Gently sliding it off his companion's arms and down his back,

Glorfindel licked his ear and whispered, "Go ahead, then, or would you

like for me to throw you down on the mattress and ravish you?"

Erestor leaned back against his lover, sighing at the feel of him. In

a flash, he pulled away from Glorfindel and pushed him down onto the

bed. With a smirk, Erestor knelt down next to the bedside; putting his

folded arms atop it and resting his head in them, watching Glorfindel

throw back his head and laugh for a moment. Erestor grinned as

Glorfindel shook his head and repositioned himself on his stomach

across the mattress so that he was face to face with Erestor.

"I am apprehensive," said Erestor, swallowing hard as Glorfindel's

hand reached out to caress his arms.

"Mmmhmm," nodded Glorfindel, drawing a single finger down Erestor's

nose before letting it fall from his face to the blanket. "So am I."

Erestor snorted at this, but Glorfindel did not smile, nor did he take

offense. "I may be slightly less of a virgin than you, my dear, but a

virgin I am nonetheless."

Zoning in on the look of disbelief that Erestor was giving him,

Glorfindel brushed back strands of silky black hair behind perfectly

pointed ears and whispered, as if he only now made the discovery,

"This body, what you see before you, is not the one you knew in

Gondolin. Whatever happened there is memory only. When I stepped

upon the shores of Lindon and had breakfast, it was the first meal I

knew. When I arrived here and you flung your arms around me in

greeting, it was the first time I was hugged. My mind might be filled

with the echoes of a past I once lived, but I had to relearn

everything. How to walk, how to speak, and even how to breathe. This

is the same--a fresh start. You will be my first. My one and only."

"You have been with others," said Erestor.

Xanthous and utterly relaxed, Glorfindel looked irresistible, and

though he knew this and knew he could easily have shrugged it off or

changed the topic, he was not about to skirt the issue. Truthfully, he

answered, "I have been with none other in spirit, nor have I any true

practice in the art of lovemaking in the form you see before you."

"Would you truly have me believe you have taken none to your bed since

your rebirth?" Erestor picked at a loose thread on the covers with his

fingernail. "I can not believe that, for I saw you in the arms of

Gildor numerous times in days of old when we were a realm and not an

empty house. Yet, you would have me believe you are untouched, when we

both know you have had lovers in the past, even in this life."

Vigorously nodding, Glorfindel answered, "I had only ever done that

which you have experienced earlier tonight, and nothing more. I am

about to do something I have never done with anyone else, ever, and

will never do with anyone else but you, forever. My heart was never

really in it with Tauniel. Besides, you and I both know that making

love to an elleth is quite different from making love to another

ellon. Some say it more intimate, some say more dangerous. I

suspect, for us, both are true. I could not be more afraid if you

told me there was a balrog roaming the halls this very instant."

Upon hearing these words, a great relief flowed over Erestor, and he

crawled upon the bed, stripping off his sleeping pants as he did so.

Glorfindel sat up and did the same, so that when they looked upon one

another next, their bodies were bared to each other in the flickering

candlelight.

There was one particular spot that Erestor could not keep his eyes

from, and Glorfindel chuckled, reaching his hands forward, pulling

Erestor's face to his and kissing his mouth many times before looking

into the big brown eyes. They had often seen one another in the nude,

but it was the first time they were both erect. Glorfindel was

unashamed of his appearance, but there was no doubt Erestor was the

better endowed of the pair. "If nothing else," Glorfindel jested, "we

are saving a poor elleth from a very uncomfortable wedding night."

Snaking his hands around Glorfindel's waist and allowing them to drift

up along his sides and back, Erestor's smirk was offset by a cry as

Glorfindel brought his head down and took Erestor into his mouth for

the second time that night. He was gentler than the first time,

drawing out his manipulations. Soon, Erestor's hands had ceased to

move, and Glorfindel stopped only long enough to kiss him as he gently

coaxed him to lie down on the bed.

Resuming his position, Glorfindel was able to better relax now, and

took the entire erection into his mouth and throat. Erestor whimpered

and dug his hands into the pillows behind his head. Letting the length

slip from his lips, Glorfindel massaged Erestor's thighs as he placed

soothing kisses any place he could reach, until Erestor had calmed. "A

moment," he said, kissing last along the hardened arousal, "something

slipped my mind, and I fear you will be overly sore come morning

without it."

Quickly, Glorfindel slid off the bed and disappeared behind a curtain

off to the side of the room, reemerging moments later with a bottle of

clear liquid. "Now…" he purred as he tossed it on the mattress and

leaned over Erestor, kissing his full, swollen lips, "…where were we?"

Glorfindel crawled back into place before reaching for the bottle and

uncorking it, tossing the stopper onto the table nearby. It made it to

its destination, but rolled off onto the floor, unnoticed by

Glorfindel as he bowed his head. Erestor answered with a long drawn

groan.

Pouring the contents of bottle at the base of Erestor's erection,

Glorfindel took the head into his mouth as the fluid ran down, and he

placed his other hand so that the liquid that did not cling to

Erestor's body would coat his fingers before pooling and soaking into

the bedcover.

Only then did Erestor register entirely what was about to happen, and

a hand grabbed hold of Glorfindel's shoulder. "Gently," he whimpered,

too embarrassed to open his eyes to look at his lover after making his

plea. Instead of feeling an intrusion as Erestor had expected, he felt

fingers slide over his skin, covering not only his genitals, but also

his inner thighs, pelvic area, and as much of his posterior as

Glorfindel could reach without turning him over.

Now, as he relaxed and breathed easy, one hand lightly stroking him,

he felt the first breach as a single digit rubbed against his

entrance. He braced himself for the invasion, but the hands left him,

and he felt Glorfindel shift. Opening his eyes, he saw Glorfindel was

retrieving one of the pillows that Erestor was not currently using.

Smiling when he saw Erestor's beautiful deep brown eyes watching him,

he tossed the pillow aside and descended upon him, covering the

panting mouth with his own. "Relax, sweet one," he whispered, kissing

Erestor once more on the lips before taking hold of the pillow and

bringing it with him back to the bottom part of the bed.

Moving Erestor's legs gently further apart, Glorfindel slipped a hand

under his rear, grasping each side in turn as he slid the pillow

beneath his lover's lower back. "This will help," he murmured, urging

Erestor to bend his knees, which he shakily did. "Just beautiful…

magnificent…" Words of endearment and encouragement flowed from

Glorfindel's mouth. At previous times, Erestor would have discouraged

the silly fragments, but he moaned now as he heard them, and never

from that moment on did he hear enough of Glorfindel's golden tenor.

Letting the remaining drops of liquid drip from the bottle onto his

fingers, Glorfindel tossed it carelessly aside and sunk down next to

Erestor on the bed. His oiled fingers were roaming the body before him

as he propped his head up with his other hand. Blowing a fine stream

of air across Erestor's face, Glorfindel smiled shyly as lashes

fluttered and eyes opened, labored breathing accompanying the heaving

chest that moved up and down at a furious pace, reminding him of

another rhythm he wished to set. "So beautiful… my Erestor…"

Glorfindel sealed his mouth over Erestor's, capturing whatever sound

Erestor may have made as what he had awaited finally happened.

Glorfindel released Erestor's lips and a wisp of the keening noise he

would have heard followed. "Is it…" Erestor's voice was small and

strained, and he swallowed. "Is it… are you in me?"

"Kiss me," answered Glorfindel, and Erestor complied. As he did so,

Glorfindel slowly wriggled the rest of his finger into the passage,

for he had barely half his index finger within at his first try. "That

is just my finger." He curled the digit ever so slightly to

demonstrate to Erestor, who gave out a panicked yelp. "Do you want me

to take it out?"

"Just… well, yes, but, no, I… I do not know," panted Erestor. He

blinked his eyes, loosing a few tears. Glorfindel kissed these away as

Erestor willed himself to relax again. "Do not stop, Fin, just… go

slow…"

"I will do whatever you wish," he promised, kissing Erestor's nose.

"Say the word and I will stop." Erestor closed his eyes and shook his

head, and slowly, Glorfindel pulled his finger from the passage, only

to reenter. He removed it once more as Erestor cried out in discomfort

and frowned. Moving so that he was back where he could see exactly

what he was doing, Glorfindel curled one hand around Erestor's length,

which he was relieved to see was still very hard. When the moaning and

panting returned, Glorfindel tried again.

His second attempt at preparing Erestor was more successful, for not

only did he continue to hear pleasurable sounds coming from his lover,

Glorfindel was surprised and pleased when the pants were interrupted

by raw and ragged commands of "deeper" and "faster". Glorfindel

complied, and soon he had added a second digit, and now a third.

Knowing it was a poor substitution for what was to come, he was keen

to withdraw when Erestor called out his name and demanded he be taken.

Now.

Glorfindel positioned himself above Erestor, fumbling for a moment

with where the councilor's long legs were to go. He luckily recalled

one of the more graphic novellas he had within his possession, and

lifted one leg over his shoulder. Erestor began to prop himself up by

his elbows to demand to know what was happening, but Glorfindel leaned

forward as well and let the leg drop back down to the bed, and any

discussion was lost as they kissed each other fervently.

"Fin!" gasped Erestor, suddenly unable to pull back, unable to move.

His eyes were deep brown, nearly black with passion, and fear. He

fought to find any other words, but sound even escaped him. Glorfindel

claimed Erestor's lips, and thrust further inside of him, claiming his

body. His hands were at Erestor's waist, Erestor's nails dug into

Glorfindel's shoulders. As they broke for air, Erestor gasped again as

he felt his body tighten and adjust, his own member weeping, and this

Glorfindel took in hand.

"Erestor…" Glorfindel nipped and sucked Erestor's bottom lip as he

drew his thumb in circles around the head of his companion's erection.

His other hand moved from waist to chest, easing Erestor back onto the

bed. Glorfindel never imagined, never dreamed it would feel so good,

and he thought sadly to himself that their first experience together

was not going to take very long.

Dragging his fingers down Erestor's length, Glorfindel began to set a

steady rhythm. He was trying to be slow and gentle, as had been

Erestor's want initially, but now the dark elf encouraged him, trying

in desperation to move his body closer any time Glorfindel pulled

away.

"Careful, you will be sore in the morning as it is," warned Glorfindel

softly, but his eyes were closed and he broke his pace, beginning to

furiously make love to Erestor. There was no direct answer, only cries

of passion punctuated by Fin's name.

Before he could stop himself, Glorfindel let out a low growl and

plunged deep within, and gripped Erestor harder. Resigning himself to

the fact he no longer had to please himself, Glorfindel concentrated

his efforts on Erestor's behalf. He continued to move only his hand at

first, but Erestor took hold of Glorfindel's hips, his body lifting

slightly as the carnal movement resumed.

"Aiya! Fin! Oh!" Erestor's eyes opened wide, his head back, mouth

open, and he let out a long hitched breath after his release, and

another sigh as he felt the flesh slip from his body, and though he

knew he would be sore come daybreak, for the moment there was a smile

on his face.

"Do not tell me you enjoyed that," joked Glorfindel, flopping down on

the bed next to him. He was pulled into a kiss a moment later and was

wearing a silly smile of his own. Willing himself not to fall

immediately asleep, Glorfindel headed behind the curtain to the

washroom, returning to tidy things up. Erestor seemed content enough

to simply watch and wait, and when Glorfindel shyly offered to share

the bed with him for the remainder of the night, he was not hesitant

in his answer as he slid between green and burgundy sheets.

"Fin?"

"Yes, my love?"

Erestor bowed his head and smiled at the simple term of endearment.

"You do not have anything up here to eat, do you?"

"Hungry?"

"Famished."

Glorfindel grinned. "I will bring you something from the kitchen if

you do me a favor."

Erestor furrowed his brow, but slowly nodded as Glorfindel disappeared

into the other rooms. Glorfindel returned with the journal, as well as

a quill and a bottle of silvery grey ink. "I record a lot of daily

notes, as you know, and sometimes I write fictional stories to pass

the time. I would love for you to… document our encounter for…

historical purposes," he told Erestor carefully before peppering his

cheeks with kisses and then leaving the room.

Placing the book in his lap, Erestor carefully opened it, and turned

to the first blank page, then set the ink and quill so that they would

not cause a mess. Thinking for a moment as to how he would begin,

Glorfindel popped back into the room.

"Something the matter?" asked Erestor.

Glorfindel shook his head and smiled, approaching the bed. "I just

wanted to make sure you were still really here and that I did not just

have a dream." He kissed Erestor on the top of the head. "I love you,

dear Erestor," he said as he left the room once more.

Lips curling into a smile as he watched his lover leave the room,

Erestor dipped the quill into the ink and began to write.

-6-

Glorfindel stretched his arms above his head and took in the room. He

did not have any windows in his rooms, but he preferred it that way,

for he liked to nap midday and did not like the room to be too bright

for it. There was a single flame burning in the lamp on the night

table to illuminate the room. Blinking as he turned to the left, and

then to the right, Glorfindel sat up in panic in the darkness.

"Erestor?" he called out, pulling the tangle of sheets and blankets

from his body. There was no answer as he tumbled from the bed and

stumbled to the table, fumbling to light more candles. His hands found

something else before finding the flint - something flat. Glorfindel

picked up the book and flipped through it, squinting at it in the

darkness. Though his sight was poor and he could make out few words,

what he saw comforted him. He smiled at the silvery ink and Erestor's

smooth writing, and the notes of what had transpired the previous

night.

Letting out a deep sigh, for he had feared for a moment he had only

dreamed the encounter, Glorfindel made his way into the washroom. Now

that his senses were coming back to him, he realized from the ache in

his body that the events that had occurred were most definitely not a

dream.

Dressing simply in a pair of loose fitting pants, Glorfindel wandered

back through the hallway, hearing humming as he traveled. Entering his

reading room, he found Erestor sitting upon the padded stool, sorting

through a stack of books on his lap. "Good morning, Wilwarin," said

Glorfindel softly, moving behind Erestor to embrace him.

Erestor smiled, but questioned, "Butterfly?"

"Yes, but you are more beautiful," said Glorfindel.

"I have been compared to animals before - usually those of the

slithering or rodent varieties, but never something so delicate. Why

a butterfly?"

"You have always reminded me of one," admitted Glorfindel, rubbing

Erestor's shoulders. "In Gondolin, you were so eager to learn, you

were like a caterpillar, devouring all of the knowledge you could

find. You had a very warm personality, like a fat and happy fuzzy

little caterpillar. When I found you again, you had sheltered

yourself, built a cocoon. I hoped for many long years that one day you

would break out of that shell. I wanted the old you back so badly.

After Elrond left, after we learned of this bond we shared, I watched

as you slowly began to free yourself, but I did not want to press

things. A cocoon cannot be forced open, or what is inside dies. You

have slowly unfolded your wings through the years we have spent

together, Wilwarin, I am happy you finally freed yourself and let me

teach you to fly."

"I like flying," smirked Erestor, his eyes closed and body relaxed at

Glorfindel's touch.

Grinning, Glorfindel crouched down a little more so that he could wrap

his arms around Erestor and place his cheek against his lover's back.

"Perhaps another flying lesson can be arranged."

"Later. I think my wings are going to fall off if you do not allow me

time to rest," said Erestor. He looked around the desk and asked,

"Where do you keep your quills and ink? I must make a few notes before

I begin this task."

Glorfindel strayed one hand down to the bottom desk drawer and opened

it, reaching inside without looking. He pulled out a box and casually

opened it, then paused.

"Something the matter?" asked Erestor.

"No, nothing, I…" Glorfindel slid his fingers along the feathers, and

Erestor looked down to see what was going on. Covering the box

swiftly, Glorfindel shied away and stood up, tapping the box with the

fingers of one hand.

"What have you got?" wondered Erestor.

"It is a pen," said Glorfindel, wishing he had not.

Erestor scratched the side of his neck, perplexed. "Can I use it, then?"

Glorfindel uncovered the box and looked inside again. "Yes, but…"

"But what?"

Covering the box once more, Glorfindel explained, "It is a bit silly,

really. I know that all you use for pens are peacock feathers, I do

not recall why but I know there was a reason."

"I like the weight of them," said Erestor, following the now pacing

Glorfindel around the room with his eyes.

"There you are," said Glorfindel, continuing, "Every one I saw you use

was black, or dark colored at least. Very solemn and dignified, but

always black. Understandably so, the peacock tends to be a bird of

that color, or the tail is, at least. However, I happened upon a

peacock one day that was golden, a little orangey as well, and he was

so kind to drop two feathers for me." Glorfindel handed the box to

Erestor shyly. "It has been in this desk for years uncountable. I had

meant to give it to you but the time never came for it, and it always

seemed too trivial, and perhaps a little too telling."

Erestor pulled the lid off to find a feathered quill made with twin

golden peacock feathers. The nib was golden as well, not the steel he

was used to using. "You made this," he stated, taking it from the box.

It was lighter than he imagined it could be, and the feathers

glittered in the light. "It is remarkably beautiful."

"I guess you like it, then," Glorfindel said. He was standing against

a bookshelf, looking a little embarrassed and a little proud that his

gift was so well received.

"I love it." Erestor set the quill down on the desk and stood up,

approaching Glorfindel. "Thank you."

"You are welcome."

Lifting a hand to stroke Glorfindel's cheek, Erestor leaned closer and

met Glorfindel's lips, coaxing the younger elf to relax. Just as

Glorfindel began to place his hands upon Erestor's hips, the dark elf

took hold of his lover's wrists and pinned them up above against the

shelves of books. "You said something about… flying lessons," purred

Erestor, rubbing himself against Glorfindel in a most sensuous manner

before nipping at the bare throat that presented itself.

"Oh… Erestor…" groaned Glorfindel, fighting to kiss his love once

more. He was granted this, but only after torture long enough to

arouse him. "Flying… falling… I will do whatever you ask of me," he

panted as they broke for air. "Forever. Always."

Gliding his hands down along muscled arms, Erestor sighed as he

embraced the blond elf and was nuzzled and cuddled in return, tears

pricking at his eyes. "I love you, Glorfindel," said Erestor softly

into his lover's ear as they held one another.

Snuggling closer, Glorfindel whispered, "And I love you, Erestor."

A sudden, gurgling noise made Glorfindel step back and look down at

Erestor's stomach. "Are you hungry again already?"

"I was in that cocoon a long time," joked Erestor as another light

grumbling came from his midsection.

Glorfindel grinned and shook his head. "Can I make breakfast for you?"

"Sure." Erestor started back toward the desk. He picked up the quill

and twirled it in his fingers. "Umm... do you want me to help you?"

"That would be nice. I would enjoy spending the time with you."

Glorfindel waited in the doorway for Erestor to join him, and then

added, "But you need to wear an apron."

"Oh? Why?"

The blond blushed. "Just humor me, would you?"

Erestor chuckled. "Fine."

Glorfindel stopped when they reached the sleeping chamber and went to

the closet. When he turned around, he saw that Erestor had left.

Assuming it was because he needed to go to his rooms for fresh

clothing, Glorfindel dressed, tidied up, and left the door open and

unlocked as he whistled and walked to the kitchen.

When he arrived, he was surprised to see that Erestor was already

there. With elbows resting on the counter, Erestor's head was bowed

and he was focused intently upon a recipe card he had pulled from a

box Glorfindel kept on the counter. True to his word, he had donned

an apron - it was black - and left his hair loose and his shirt off.

Obsidian tresses kept his tanned shoulders half-hidden.

"What shall we make today?" asked Glorfindel cheerily as he pulled

another apron - this one blue and white striped - from a peg on the

wall.

"I was thinking that these pancakes looked good," remarked Erestor.

"Maybe we can make them and have some dried apples on the side?"

"Sure." Glorfindel circled around skidded to a stop when he was

behind the counter, for he saw something he did not expect.

Erestor glanced over his shoulder. "What?"

"I did not mean JUST the apron."

"Oh. Sorry." Erestor pressed his lips together, but the light of his

eyes twinkled mirthfully. "Let me go get dressed."

"Oh, no." Glorfindel took hold of Erestor's wrist. He tugged him

back to the counter and stood behind him. "Hmm... this seems

familiar..." Glorfindel mused as he pressed up against Erestor.

"Library," recalled Erestor before he let out a gasp. His appearance

had quickly affected Glorfindel, whose hard erection made Erestor

shiver. "Ink spilled... on the rug..."

"I foresee something spilling on the floor here as well," prophesized

Glorfindel. He leaned forward and kissed Erestor's cheek. "You and I

are going to have so much fun together, darling."

Erestor turned his head, a rare, truly happy smile on his face before

he stole a kiss from his lover. "Of that I have no doubt."

-end-