Another Rochëru/Elrond story.
It takes place in the First Age, after Maglor and Maedhros attacked Arvernien and kiddnaped Elrond and Elros. In my verse it's Rochëru who convinced Maglor not to kill the children. He took care of them until Maglor himself grew to love them.
So no smut this time, just pure love and fluff.
Enjoy!
Little feet moved quickly on the wooden floor of the wide, dark corridor. It was silent, apart from the quiet sound of the wind. And it was cold. Here, so far in the north, the winters were severe. It was snowing outside under the bright moon and it was a beautiful, peaceful night. But not for the young prince, haunted by the memories that were still too fresh.
He stopped for a moment before the door. He could see the light coming from the room under it so he knocked, a bit less afraid of disturbing his caretaker.
"Come in." Came the answer and Elrond pushed the door open.
It was a spacious chamber yet warm thanks to the big fireplace. On the floor before it there were bear furs and on them sat Rochëru, smiling softly at his little lord.
"What is it, Elrond?" He asked, inviting him closer with a gesture of his hand.
Elfling lowered his eyes and said nothing. He trotted to Rochëru and sat next to him, clenching to his chest in search of a hug and comfort. He closed his eyes while elder stroked his head delicately.
"I can't sleep." He said into older elf's chest.
Rochëru embraced the child for a moment and then pulled back to look at him again.
"Do you want me to go to your room with you?
Elrond shook his head. "No. I don't want to wake up Elros."
"I understand." Rochëru nodded. "But I don't think he will mind."
"No… But, can you… can you sing me, please?" Asked Elrond shyly, looking away. He felt stupid asking for such thing. Like a child. He was almost seven now, he shouldn't be having nightmares anymore, right? And he shouldn't be running to Rochëru every night it happened. And he shouldn't be so afraid to sleep alone.
Rochëru smiled understandingly and reached out for elfling. He picked him up in his arms and carried him to his bed. He laid him down and covered him with enough blankets and furs to keep him warm. He then sat next to him, stroking his shiny, dark hair.
"What would you like me to sing you?" He asked.
Elrond though for a moment, fear and stress slowly disappearing form his beautiful, young face. "That one about the swan ships that took you to Valinor? Can you sing it please?"
Rochëru nodded slowly. He didn't like this song that much as it was bringing him back sad memories of how those ships were burned by Fëanor years ago. But it looked like it was Elrond's favourite, probably because of it's soft melody.
He cleared his throat, took a bigger breath and began to sing.
It was a long song. It was raising and falling again many times, praising the beauty of the white ships, the swift flight of the swans and the journey through the ocean, dark and blue, until the shores of Aman lit up on the horizon. And before he reached last verses, Elrond was already breathing steadily in his sleep.
Or at least it looked like sleep because when Rocheru tried to stand up, elfling caught his hand and pulled it with a sleepy, pleading groan. "Stay…"
He sighed and stroked Elrond's head softly. He knew how hard it must have been for this young, sensitive child to cope with all these horrible memories and it was breaking his heart. He slipped under the blankets and laid down, letting Elrond cling tight to him. He embraced him and kissed his forehead softly.
"'I'm here, you are safe." He whispered quietly, stroking Elrond's hair affectionately. "Sleep now, little one."
