Disclaimer: I do not own Middle-Earth, nor its people, sadly. I only own my OC's.
Warnings: This story contains spanking between two (somewhat) adult males. It's NOT slash, but I suppose if you wish to see it that way, then that's up to you.
A/N: Song used throughout the story (though the verses are not in order) and for the title is called "Sleepsong" by the Secret Garden. I also appreciate reviews and constructive criticism since I edit my own stories. Flames will be laughed at over second breakfast. So without further ado, enjoy!
May there always be angels to watch over you To guide you each step of the way To guard you and keep you safe from all harm Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay
Elrond bid Isildur and Anárion farewell for the night and turned toward his and Gil-Galad's tent. Perhaps he would get a few hours of rest, though he knew nightmares would likely keep him awake for the better part of the night.
He lifted the flap of the tent and made to go toward his side of the shelter. The tent was larger than most, but not as large as the command tent beside it. Elrond looked over to Gil-Galad's empty cot which was currently unoccupied, as he expected it to be. The High King of the Noldor would likely be busy in the command tent planning strategies for the siege on Barad-Dur.
Elrond sat on the bed and removed his boots, glad to finally let his feet be free. He then pulled off his armor and stained clothing and threw it on the floor beside his bed. He drew on a clean tunic and pair of leggings and was turning away from the wash barrel where he had scrubbed the grime from his face when he caught a movement in the shadows beside the fire.
"Where have you been, pen neth?" A familiar voice called from the far side of the room.
Elrond jumped slightly, then winced, and turned to face his lord and king.
"Gil-Galad."
The High King of the Noldor raised an eyebrow slightly. Not that he minded, but Elrond had always addressed him formally, even when they were alone. Strange to think that he wasn't doing so now. Nevertheless Gil-Galad didn't comment and instead said, "Aye. It is me? Now answer my question. Where were you? You, Isildur, and Anárion have been missing since the sun set."
Elrond considered lying and saying that they had not even left camp, but he had never been very good at it. Elros had tried to teach him when they were younger, and it had merely ended both of them up over Maglor's knee.
"We went for a walk." He said meekly.
Gil-Galad arched one eyebrow. "Indeed? And you didn't think to tell anyone where you were going."
"But we didn't go very far from camp!" He protested. It was lie, most definitely and Gil-Galad of course saw right through it.
"My scouts reported you three went as far as the northern tip of the Ithilien woods."
Of course Gil-Galad would have had scouts following them. "I am sorry, my lord, but after everything that has been happening…we needed to clear our heads."
Gil-Galad nodded. His tone was reasonable as he spoke. "I understand that, little one. You are a great and fierce warrior, but war does not suit you. However, that does not condone your misbehavior. What did I tell you just after we had returned to camp?"
Elrond had blushed at Gil-Galad's compliment, but now he groaned quietly. He looked down as he spoke, "You said 'Try and get some rest. I will be in the command tent for a good part of the night. And if you wish to speak with Elendil's sons, then stay in the perimeter of camp'."
Gil-Galad nodded. "Aye. Then we need no further discussion. You know the rules and the consequences of breaking them. Now come," He patted his knee in a silent command. "Though we have not been here many times nor in quite some time, you know what is required of you, do you not, pen neth?"
Elrond swallowed. "Aye, my lord." He took a few cautious steps towards Gil-Galad, anxiousness settling in the pit of his stomach. When he was within arm's reach Gil-Galad decided to take pity upon his young herald, grabbing his arm and gently tugging him over his lap.
A small explosion of breath fell from Elrond's lips as he found himself in a familiar yet not familiar position. It had indeed been many years since he'd been over anyone's knee and the apprehension was worse than ever at having to be put over Gil-Galad's knee now as though he were but an elfling. He let loose a shudder and blinked back the tears that had already gathered in his eyes, more so from the scolding he'd just been given than anything else.
As Gil-Galad began to draw Elrond's leggings down a small cry of protest rose up from the occupant over his lap. Elrond shot back a hand to grasp Gil-Galad's wrist. The High King of the Noldor raised his eyebrows, shocked. Never had Elrond tried such a thing before, but then again it had been awhile since his last spanking.
A timid voice ventured, "P-please, my l-lord. At least allow me to keep my breeches up."
If possible Gil-Galad's eyebrows rose higher. His young friend was most definitely out of sorts this day. He pried Elrond's hand away and fastened it to the small of his back. "You know how this works, elfling. Have I ever spanked you with your breeches up?"
Elrond winced. Why had he tried to stop him? Why, oh why did he do such a foolish thing? It was more something Elros would have done than Elrond. "Nay, my lord."
"Aye, never have I done such a thing, therefore it shall be no different now." Gil-Galad drew his leggings down to the tops of his knees. Elrond closed his eyes as the whoosh of air hit his suddenly bare backside.
After that Gil-Galad wasted no time in peppering his bottom with a flurry of hard smacks. Elrond buried his face in the crook of his free arm. Elrond always seemed to crumble fairly quickly. Usually it was guilt that did him in. But today Elrond was determined not to make a sound. He was far too old to carry on when over someone's lap.
When Elrond's bottom was rather rosy Gil-Galad slowed his smacks enough to be heard, he but didn't lessen the force behind them. "You are awfully quiet, pen neth."
Elrond felt a few tears tumble down his cheeks, but he bit back the wails that longed to escape.
"Why are we here, tithen edhel?" Gil-Galad's softly stern voice asked. He could see Elrond's stubborn mind working, trying his best to stay silent, and Gil-Galad would not have it. He was determined to see to it that Elrond would not do something as mindless as this again. The young one could have been killed, or worse. And if the actual spanking was not enough to incite Elrond to speech and remorse, then his guilt most definitely would.
Gil-Galad landed a harder smack and Elrond let loose a stifled grunt. Ah, so close. Tears silently flowed down the young one's face
"Answer me, Elrond. Now." Another hard smack proceeded by a stifled yelp.
Gil-Galad tried a different tactic. One he knew would cause Elrond's guilt to overwhelm him until he was liable to explode. He hated to do so, but it must be done. "Perhaps, young one, you think that I am disciplining you unjustly. You are, after all an officer, and though you are answerable to me for misdeeds, you felt that this simply was not one."
Elrond went rigid for a moment before he let loose an uncharacteristic bellow, "No! Of course I am a-answerable to you! This is not unj-just. I could've been…" Elrond trailed off quietly, his glassy eyes filled with horror as he envisioned what ghastly fates could have befallen him and his friends.
"Oh, Gil-Galad." He breathed. Gil-Galad slowed his pace a bit more now and also lessened his force behind his blows as Elrond's bottom had become quite red. But they were not yet through.
"Aye, tithen pen. I know." That was all it took for the Lord of Imladris to shatter. He broke into repentive sobs. Gil-Galad released his wrist and Elrond drew his arm up so he could hide in his folded arms.
Gil-Galad continued spanking lightly for now as he spoke. "Shhh, I know, little one. They are terrifying images, are they not?"
All Elrond could manage was a nod.
Gil-Galad accepted that and went on, sterner this time. "Now, it was very naughty for you to have disobeyed my orders and gone outside the perimeter of camp, was it not?"
Elrond nodded. "Y-yes, s-sir!"
"Aye, you knew it was dangerous, foolish, and I would not be at all pleased by it. So why did you do it? Why did you do it?"
Elrond sobbed, but his bottom was very hot and very sore by now, and when Gil-Galad tipped up his knee and began spanking his sit spots and the tops of his thighs. Ai! Elrond longed to wail the camp down.
"W-was scared!" He cried, no longer quite able of his normally eloquent speech. "O-Orp-p-pher was d-dead and I was sc-scared you would be t-too!" Oh, to have to admit something of the sort.
Gil-Galad lowered his knee and returned to Elrond's rather alarmingly red bottom with much lighter swats than before. Elrond sobbed into his hands for a long while, not noticing when Gil-Galad finally stopped spanking him.
"Shh," Gil-Galad murmured as he rubbed Elrond's back. "I understand that that might have scared you, little one. 'Tis alright to be afraid. But all is well now. I am here. And you are safe here with me. So what have you to say to me for your naughtiness?"
Elrond choked on a sob before lifting his head and turning it to face Gil-Galad. His eyes were still red and glassy with tears, and tears still streamed down his cheeks. He took a deep breath before answering though. "S-sorry, Gil'glad. I-I'm sorry for misb-misb-mis'having."
Gil-Galad chuckled inwardly, but outwardly he nodded in acceptance. "Very good, tithen pen. You are forgiven."
Gil-Galad let Elrond lie over his lap for a few more minutes before as gently as possible drawing his leggings over his aching backside. He then slowly turned his young friend and helped him to sit up on his lap. Elrond rested his head against Gil-Galad's shoulder as a few shudders wracked his body and tears still coursed down his cheeks.
Gil-Galad wrapped his arms around his distressed herald and rocked him slowly, crooning words of reassurance in his ear. After some time Gil-Galad drew back a bit and smoothed the damp stray hairs from Elrond's face.
"Shh," He whispered. "All is well, and all is over and forgiven." Then he spoke the words of reassurance that Elrond had ever felt comforting when he was distressed. "You did well, pen neth. You were very brave and as ever I am very proud of you."
Elrond smiled sleepily in return and buried his face against Gil-Galad's tunic. Gil-Galad chuckled. His friend must have been tremendously exhausted to have left behind much of his usual decorum.
"How are you, my herald? Will you live?"
Elrond nodded. "Aye. I am fine. Just tired."
Gil-Galad chuckled again lightly. "Aye, I know. Shh, rest now. You are safe here. We are both safe here."
Elrond looked up at him and asked, his thoughts clearly muddled, "You promise nothing will happen to you or me?"
Gil-Galad smiled down at him, but it did not reach his eyes. How could he promise such a thing? He didn't even know himself how this war was to end. Still he found himself looking down into that trusting childlike gaze and saying, "Aye, I promise I am not going anywhere. At least not for a very long time."
Elrond seemed content with that answer. He rested his head against Gil-Galad's chest, listening to his steady heartbeat for some time.
After a while Gil-Galad gently pried the young one off of him and laid him down onto the bed. He covered him with a blanket and made to return to the command tent when he heard a cry of protest from behind him. He turned to see a stricken young face peering back at him.
"Please, please, Gil-Galad. Please stay."
Gil-Galad's heart melted at the plea and the beseeching eyes. His eyes softened and he nodded. The others had all already been dismissed from the command tent earlier and told to go and rest. So it wasn't as though Gil-Galad would have gotten anything done anyways. He moved back to the bed and sat down, gathering up Elrond before leaning back. Elrond clearly was without much of his propriety at the moment because he snuggled against his friend and king and was asleep within moments.
Gil-Galad lay quietly for a time, listening to the sound of Elrond's deep breathing, and the sounds of the camp around them. Thankfully no one had dared to interrupt them earlier though he doubted anyone would have. The sounds of a spanking were quite regularly heard, especially from Oropher's tent, what with his rascally young son having come to battle as well.
"I see you found your recalcitrant elfling." Gil-Galad turned his head so he could see his friend better in the dim firelight.
"Aye. And how fares your wayward sons?" He asked as Elendil made his way to a chair and sat down heavily beside the fire.
"Sore, but asleep now. Which is why I cannot stay long. They will sense I left soon enough."
Gil-Galad nodded and glanced down at his own wayward charge. "They are a handful sometimes. Especially both of your troublemakers and Elrond together. I wonder at times why I have not begun to have grey hairs."
Elendil chuckled at this and ran a hand through his own hair which had more than a few grey streaks in it. "Aye. And mine with sons of their own even. But is why we love them so."
It was Gil-Galad's turn to chuckle wryly. "Aye, indeed." Then he added solemnly, "Have you seen how Oropher's son, Thranduil fares?"
Elendil shook his head. "Nay, he is missing. I heard his father's second in command was searching for him, but the boy is grieved. There is no telling where he might have wondered off to."
Gil-Galad nodded in agreement. Though he and Oropher had never gotten along, he did fear for his son. He was much younger than Elrond even and now he had suddenly come to kingship.
Elendil looked over at Elrond with a fond look. Though he was older in years than the Elven lord Elrond had always given deference to him as though he were an elder.
"Did Elrond ask you to promise something?" He asked suddenly.
Gil-Galad gave him a knowing look and sighed. "About how nothing would happen to you?"
Elendil nodded. "Aye. Gil-Galad gave him a sad smile. "Aye, it broke my heart, but I made it. I told them I would be here as for a long time as I could."
Elendil smiled faintly. "I told my little ones much the same."
Elrond stirred a bit in his sleep, but Gil-Galad shushed him and stroked his soft hair for a moment and he fell back into a deep sleep. Gil-Galad smiled faintly and kissed Elrond's brow before looking back to his friend.
Suddenly both kings winced as a wail rose up over the camp. The High King of the Noldor and the High King of Gondor and Arnor both shared knowing looks.
Gil-Galad spoke first, "I believe that Fëaruin has recovered his elfling."
Pen neth- young one
Tithen pen- little one
Tithen edhel- little elfling