A/N: This part took me a while to write, but I think it's worth it. It
clocks in at just over 5 pages, which is A LOT for me to write in one go.
Hope you enjoy it! Oh yeah, a great big THANK YOU to all my lovely
reviewers out there. They really make my day!
WARNINGS: Okay, a lot of warnings for this part. First of all, it is NC- 17, so don't say I didn't warn you. It also contains SLASH between Elrohir and Glorfindel. Didn't know that? Then I suggest you go back and read the rest of this series, along with Somewhere Between. Also there are some SPOILERS ahead for Return of the King, namely for the chapter "The Passing of the Grey Company" and beyond. Okay, I think I got them all.
TIMEFRAME: During the War of the Ring
On with the show:
*************** Partings ***************
"You are going, then?" A soft voice sounded from the hallway.
Elrohir paused in mid-motion as he stuffed a silver tunic into the small pack he had in his hands. "Yes," he said simply. "Did you think I would not?"
Glorfindel came into the room then. "I would not love you so if you were one to shirk from danger."
Elrohir smiled. "I thought not. We ride with the Dunedain at first light. We will meet Aragorn and his company in Rohan."
"'Tis a long journey to make in haste," Glorfindel said, catching the next item that Elrohir was about to cram into the bag. He folded it neatly and laid it on the bed.
"I will be longer if we do not make it in haste, and the shadows on our border grow a little every day. Fear not for the journey; our company numbers thirty-three, counting Elladan and I."
Glorfindel nodded, finally taking the bag from Elrohir's hands to pack it properly. "I would come with you," Glorfindel started.
"Nay," Elrohir interrupted. "Though I will wish many times that you were by my side. My heart tells me that your destiny lies elsewhere, and should we fail, my father will need you by his side more than he ever has."
"The little Elfling has left a warrior in his stead," Glorfindel mused. "It is rare that I am privy to your wisdom, though I know what depths lurk beneath your eyes." He distracted himself by refolding and packing several extra tunics and a cloak of silver-grey.
"Have you need of anything that I can provide?" Glorfindel asked.
Elrohir sighed. "I need you. Tonight. I need your light to get me through the darkness ahead."
"Say when and where, and I will be there," Glorfindel replied.
"Elladan and I must meet with Halbarad and the Rangers, but the council will not last long; all who have come have at last assembled, and we are all eager to ride to war."
Glorfindel finished with the bag. "I will find you tonight, for we will all no doubt dine together in your father's hospitality."
Elrohir nodded. "Find me," he said, kissing Glorfindel's lips softly. The elder Elf's mouth melted against his, promising much more to come.
********************************************************* Dinner did not pass by quickly enough, though it was a somber affair. Lord Elrond was not pleased with the notion that his twin sons were riding with the Rangers, perhaps to the lands of Mordor itself. However, in his infinite wisdom he recognized that his sons were warriors of the finest caliber, and they would do much more good in the company of Aragorn than protecting their lands at home in Imladris.
Elladan was subdued, his mind obviously troubled by some burden he did not wish to share. Halbarad watched the Elf Lord throughout their short meeting. He could find nothing to say Elladan, but he clasped his shoulder in comfort. Elladan turned to look at him with understanding and thanks, but Elrohir saw the silent determination set in the cool grey eyes. Elladan would ride to the ends of Arda to find what remained of the Fellowship. Elladan's mood soon spread, and it was a grim company that retired to bed.
Elrohir crept silently through the halls of Imladris, reveling in the silence and peace that the familiar surrounding emanated. He had left Elladan in the courtyard, though his twin brother would no doubt know where to find him in the morn. Elladan did not begrudge him for spending his last night in his lover's arms. At last, Elrohir came to his destination and quietly knocked on the door.
"Enter," he heard the musical voice call from within. Elrohir swung the door open, smiling as he saw the chambers lit softly by the moon and the candles strewn about the room. The windows were flung open, despite the chill, to admit the sounds of the river below them.
Glorfindel was sitting before the fire, fletching arrows that he added to a quickly filling quiver. He looked up to see Elrohir resting against the doorway. "So soon?" he asked.
Elrohir shrugged. "There are places I'd rather be, myself."
Glorfindel set down the finished arrow and moved to the door, catching Elrohir in his arms. "A drafty doorway, for example?" he asked.
Elrohir stepped fully into the room and shut the door behind him. "Anywhere, as long as you are in my sight."
Whatever response Glorfindel had was swallowed in a kiss as Elrohir plundered his mouth. There were no objections, though Glorfindel slowly drew him over to the bed. The large four-poster bed was hung with rich tapestries to keep out the winter drafts, and Glorfindel tied them shut so the two Elves were cocooned in warmth and darkness.
"There is nothing here but you and I," Glorfindel said as they finally broke their kiss, gasping for breath. "No wars, no pain or fear. Only love and comfort."
Elrohir felt tears pricking at his eyes, though he did not know why. So much love, he thought. Truly, he did not deserve such compassion. His thoughts were silenced as soft, fair hands drew his tunic over his head, casting it away and returning to skim over the pale skin of his chest. His head tipped back and he made a sound that was not quite a sigh and not quite a moan. He heard Glorfindel's chuckle in return, though he could barely see his lover's features in the darkness. Elrohir reached up to where he guessed Glorfindel was above him, and his hands came in contact with strong shoulders. He followed them down until his hands grasped the hem of Glorfindel's tunic. He tugged at it, and Glorfindel's hands were on his, helping him to strip the garment off.
"Better?" Glorfindel asked against his ear.
"No," Elrohir said, turning so that he flipped Glorfindel underneath him on his back. "You are still wearing too much."
Glorfindel did not help him as he unlaced the leggings that had become far too obtrusive. He threw them over the side of the bed, to be retrieved in the morning. Glorfindel groaned, wishing that he had left the bed curtains open so he could watch as Elrohir lowered his mouth to his length. Then there was nothing but wet heat and Elrohir's firm hands holding his hips down, and Glorfindel was sure that he would not have been able to see anyway, even had it been broad daylight.
Elrohir took his time as he suckled at the silky hardness. This was something that he enjoyed, though he had heard in his youth that it was not as common as he would have thought. He loved the soft sounds of need that he alone could force out of the ancient Elf Lord and the sharp movements against his hands. He brought Glorfindel to the brink again and again, only to pull away and soothe the desire that flamed inside him.
"Will you torture me all night with this?" Glorfindel gasped.
"The idea appeals greatly to me," Elrohir said as he finally leaned back to unlace his own leggings. "Alas, I have other plans for tonight, and our time is limited."
Glorfindel caught Elrohir's hand in his own and brought it to his lips for a kiss. He eased the younger Elf down with gentle touches and hot kisses following his arm and down his chest. He felt rather than heard Elrohir's shuddering sigh as he prepared himself to submit to Glorfindel. He shifted until he lay on his stomach, resting his head on his folded arms. Glorfindel bent to kiss his shoulder, continuing down the straight line of his spine until he reached the sensitive part where back met buttocks. Here, he lowered his mouth completely to suck at the soft skin, marking him where no one else would be able to see.
Elrohir gasped at the near pain, though his hips bucked to more adequately reach the tortuous mouth. "Please!" he cried. "I will not last much longer!"
Glorfindel left off with a final kiss and positioned himself against Elrohir's tight, familiar opening. Tonight, he was glad that they were used to sharing their bodies, as Elrohir needed no further preparation. He pressed in slowly, making Elrohir moan to the point of weeping in bliss. With one final push, he was fully sheathed and leaned down to rest his weight against Elrohir's back, letting his lover feel surrounded and filled with his essence.
"Ai!" Elrohir gasped. "No other but you, Glorfindel. No other could possibly make me feel this way."
"Hush, Elrohir," Glorfindel almost laughed. "You will wake the whole of Imladris, and Rangers are known for sleeping with sharp ears."
His warning was not heeded as he began to move, rocking them back and forth unhurriedly, as though they could truly make the night last forever. Elrohir buried his head in the pillow to keep from screaming as he came, and he felt Glorfindel shudder and release his seed deep within him at the same time, shouting his name. Glorfindel collapsed beside him and they both lay panting, listening for the tell-tale creak of the door opening that would announce someone coming to reprimand them. Elrohir smiled when none came.
"They are too polite," Glorfindel muttered. He remembered well how many times their love making in Elrohir's room earned them Elladan's yelling to 'just go to sleep already!'
Elrohir crowded closer to Glorfindel, resting his head on the golden fall of his hair. "Perhaps we should try again," he said. "We could make a game of it; see how many of the Rangers we can wake, and tell the others in the morning that they should sharpen their skills."
Glorfindel groaned. "Ai! Elbereth save us if it is only you and your brother standing between Imladris and the Dark Forces."
Elrohir suddenly grew quiet. Glorfindel stroked his cheek softly. "I am sorry. I did not mean that; you are one of the finest warriors in Arda."
Elrohir shook his head. "No, I took no offence. I am frightened, Glorfindel. I am more scared now than I have ever been to ride into battle. Do you know the message Father gave to me for Aragorn?"
"Yes, I do. He says to remember the words of the seer and the Paths of the Dead."
Elrohir shuddered. "Will it come to that?" he asked.
"I know not, Elrohir. But do not fear the dead. They hold no power over you."
"Yes, it is easy to say that as an Elf, but I feel the blood of Man run cold in my veins at the mention of those ways," Elrohir admitted.
Glorfindel hugged him closer and kissed him soundly. "Do not think on it now. Let Aragorn lead you where he may, and fight your best. For now, sleep, and give your voice a rest if we are to truly test the ears of the Rangers tonight." Elrohir nodded and let his mind wander into the realms of the waking dreams, content to let Glorfindel watch over him for now.
**************************************************
Glorfindel stood at the gates with the household of Imladris. All the Rangers that could heed Lord Elrond's call had been gathered under Halbarad's command, along with Elladan and Elrohir. Glorfindel's eyes turned toward the twins he helped to raise, memorizing their features even though they were already committed to memory. Elladan sat proud and fair upon his great war stallion, Mornel. The quiver of arrows that were a gift from Glorfindel was strung across his back. Elrohir, mounted on his smaller stallion, Thoron, was by his side as always. Thoron pawed the ground, eager to be off, but Elrohir calmed him with a gentle word. He fastened the saddle bag of healing herbs, bandages, and other supplies that were given to him from Elrond to the saddle, though his eyes did not leave Glorfindel's. Glorfindel stepped over and finished fastening the bag, as Elrohir could not quite reach from his awkward angle. He slipped a sealed letter into the bag as well, unbeknown to the younger twin.
At last, the company was ready to depart after Halbarad shared a few last words of advice with Lord Elrond. Elrond stepped back to regard the grey company, his gaze lingering on his sons, who seemed fairer and brighter than the others around them.
"Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya," Elrond blessed the company.
At those words, the company bowed the Elf Lords and the household of Imladris, and urged their horses onward, into the wilds. South, they would ride, to the Gap of Rohan and east beyond that, to the aid of their brother, their chief and their king.
WARNINGS: Okay, a lot of warnings for this part. First of all, it is NC- 17, so don't say I didn't warn you. It also contains SLASH between Elrohir and Glorfindel. Didn't know that? Then I suggest you go back and read the rest of this series, along with Somewhere Between. Also there are some SPOILERS ahead for Return of the King, namely for the chapter "The Passing of the Grey Company" and beyond. Okay, I think I got them all.
TIMEFRAME: During the War of the Ring
On with the show:
*************** Partings ***************
"You are going, then?" A soft voice sounded from the hallway.
Elrohir paused in mid-motion as he stuffed a silver tunic into the small pack he had in his hands. "Yes," he said simply. "Did you think I would not?"
Glorfindel came into the room then. "I would not love you so if you were one to shirk from danger."
Elrohir smiled. "I thought not. We ride with the Dunedain at first light. We will meet Aragorn and his company in Rohan."
"'Tis a long journey to make in haste," Glorfindel said, catching the next item that Elrohir was about to cram into the bag. He folded it neatly and laid it on the bed.
"I will be longer if we do not make it in haste, and the shadows on our border grow a little every day. Fear not for the journey; our company numbers thirty-three, counting Elladan and I."
Glorfindel nodded, finally taking the bag from Elrohir's hands to pack it properly. "I would come with you," Glorfindel started.
"Nay," Elrohir interrupted. "Though I will wish many times that you were by my side. My heart tells me that your destiny lies elsewhere, and should we fail, my father will need you by his side more than he ever has."
"The little Elfling has left a warrior in his stead," Glorfindel mused. "It is rare that I am privy to your wisdom, though I know what depths lurk beneath your eyes." He distracted himself by refolding and packing several extra tunics and a cloak of silver-grey.
"Have you need of anything that I can provide?" Glorfindel asked.
Elrohir sighed. "I need you. Tonight. I need your light to get me through the darkness ahead."
"Say when and where, and I will be there," Glorfindel replied.
"Elladan and I must meet with Halbarad and the Rangers, but the council will not last long; all who have come have at last assembled, and we are all eager to ride to war."
Glorfindel finished with the bag. "I will find you tonight, for we will all no doubt dine together in your father's hospitality."
Elrohir nodded. "Find me," he said, kissing Glorfindel's lips softly. The elder Elf's mouth melted against his, promising much more to come.
********************************************************* Dinner did not pass by quickly enough, though it was a somber affair. Lord Elrond was not pleased with the notion that his twin sons were riding with the Rangers, perhaps to the lands of Mordor itself. However, in his infinite wisdom he recognized that his sons were warriors of the finest caliber, and they would do much more good in the company of Aragorn than protecting their lands at home in Imladris.
Elladan was subdued, his mind obviously troubled by some burden he did not wish to share. Halbarad watched the Elf Lord throughout their short meeting. He could find nothing to say Elladan, but he clasped his shoulder in comfort. Elladan turned to look at him with understanding and thanks, but Elrohir saw the silent determination set in the cool grey eyes. Elladan would ride to the ends of Arda to find what remained of the Fellowship. Elladan's mood soon spread, and it was a grim company that retired to bed.
Elrohir crept silently through the halls of Imladris, reveling in the silence and peace that the familiar surrounding emanated. He had left Elladan in the courtyard, though his twin brother would no doubt know where to find him in the morn. Elladan did not begrudge him for spending his last night in his lover's arms. At last, Elrohir came to his destination and quietly knocked on the door.
"Enter," he heard the musical voice call from within. Elrohir swung the door open, smiling as he saw the chambers lit softly by the moon and the candles strewn about the room. The windows were flung open, despite the chill, to admit the sounds of the river below them.
Glorfindel was sitting before the fire, fletching arrows that he added to a quickly filling quiver. He looked up to see Elrohir resting against the doorway. "So soon?" he asked.
Elrohir shrugged. "There are places I'd rather be, myself."
Glorfindel set down the finished arrow and moved to the door, catching Elrohir in his arms. "A drafty doorway, for example?" he asked.
Elrohir stepped fully into the room and shut the door behind him. "Anywhere, as long as you are in my sight."
Whatever response Glorfindel had was swallowed in a kiss as Elrohir plundered his mouth. There were no objections, though Glorfindel slowly drew him over to the bed. The large four-poster bed was hung with rich tapestries to keep out the winter drafts, and Glorfindel tied them shut so the two Elves were cocooned in warmth and darkness.
"There is nothing here but you and I," Glorfindel said as they finally broke their kiss, gasping for breath. "No wars, no pain or fear. Only love and comfort."
Elrohir felt tears pricking at his eyes, though he did not know why. So much love, he thought. Truly, he did not deserve such compassion. His thoughts were silenced as soft, fair hands drew his tunic over his head, casting it away and returning to skim over the pale skin of his chest. His head tipped back and he made a sound that was not quite a sigh and not quite a moan. He heard Glorfindel's chuckle in return, though he could barely see his lover's features in the darkness. Elrohir reached up to where he guessed Glorfindel was above him, and his hands came in contact with strong shoulders. He followed them down until his hands grasped the hem of Glorfindel's tunic. He tugged at it, and Glorfindel's hands were on his, helping him to strip the garment off.
"Better?" Glorfindel asked against his ear.
"No," Elrohir said, turning so that he flipped Glorfindel underneath him on his back. "You are still wearing too much."
Glorfindel did not help him as he unlaced the leggings that had become far too obtrusive. He threw them over the side of the bed, to be retrieved in the morning. Glorfindel groaned, wishing that he had left the bed curtains open so he could watch as Elrohir lowered his mouth to his length. Then there was nothing but wet heat and Elrohir's firm hands holding his hips down, and Glorfindel was sure that he would not have been able to see anyway, even had it been broad daylight.
Elrohir took his time as he suckled at the silky hardness. This was something that he enjoyed, though he had heard in his youth that it was not as common as he would have thought. He loved the soft sounds of need that he alone could force out of the ancient Elf Lord and the sharp movements against his hands. He brought Glorfindel to the brink again and again, only to pull away and soothe the desire that flamed inside him.
"Will you torture me all night with this?" Glorfindel gasped.
"The idea appeals greatly to me," Elrohir said as he finally leaned back to unlace his own leggings. "Alas, I have other plans for tonight, and our time is limited."
Glorfindel caught Elrohir's hand in his own and brought it to his lips for a kiss. He eased the younger Elf down with gentle touches and hot kisses following his arm and down his chest. He felt rather than heard Elrohir's shuddering sigh as he prepared himself to submit to Glorfindel. He shifted until he lay on his stomach, resting his head on his folded arms. Glorfindel bent to kiss his shoulder, continuing down the straight line of his spine until he reached the sensitive part where back met buttocks. Here, he lowered his mouth completely to suck at the soft skin, marking him where no one else would be able to see.
Elrohir gasped at the near pain, though his hips bucked to more adequately reach the tortuous mouth. "Please!" he cried. "I will not last much longer!"
Glorfindel left off with a final kiss and positioned himself against Elrohir's tight, familiar opening. Tonight, he was glad that they were used to sharing their bodies, as Elrohir needed no further preparation. He pressed in slowly, making Elrohir moan to the point of weeping in bliss. With one final push, he was fully sheathed and leaned down to rest his weight against Elrohir's back, letting his lover feel surrounded and filled with his essence.
"Ai!" Elrohir gasped. "No other but you, Glorfindel. No other could possibly make me feel this way."
"Hush, Elrohir," Glorfindel almost laughed. "You will wake the whole of Imladris, and Rangers are known for sleeping with sharp ears."
His warning was not heeded as he began to move, rocking them back and forth unhurriedly, as though they could truly make the night last forever. Elrohir buried his head in the pillow to keep from screaming as he came, and he felt Glorfindel shudder and release his seed deep within him at the same time, shouting his name. Glorfindel collapsed beside him and they both lay panting, listening for the tell-tale creak of the door opening that would announce someone coming to reprimand them. Elrohir smiled when none came.
"They are too polite," Glorfindel muttered. He remembered well how many times their love making in Elrohir's room earned them Elladan's yelling to 'just go to sleep already!'
Elrohir crowded closer to Glorfindel, resting his head on the golden fall of his hair. "Perhaps we should try again," he said. "We could make a game of it; see how many of the Rangers we can wake, and tell the others in the morning that they should sharpen their skills."
Glorfindel groaned. "Ai! Elbereth save us if it is only you and your brother standing between Imladris and the Dark Forces."
Elrohir suddenly grew quiet. Glorfindel stroked his cheek softly. "I am sorry. I did not mean that; you are one of the finest warriors in Arda."
Elrohir shook his head. "No, I took no offence. I am frightened, Glorfindel. I am more scared now than I have ever been to ride into battle. Do you know the message Father gave to me for Aragorn?"
"Yes, I do. He says to remember the words of the seer and the Paths of the Dead."
Elrohir shuddered. "Will it come to that?" he asked.
"I know not, Elrohir. But do not fear the dead. They hold no power over you."
"Yes, it is easy to say that as an Elf, but I feel the blood of Man run cold in my veins at the mention of those ways," Elrohir admitted.
Glorfindel hugged him closer and kissed him soundly. "Do not think on it now. Let Aragorn lead you where he may, and fight your best. For now, sleep, and give your voice a rest if we are to truly test the ears of the Rangers tonight." Elrohir nodded and let his mind wander into the realms of the waking dreams, content to let Glorfindel watch over him for now.
**************************************************
Glorfindel stood at the gates with the household of Imladris. All the Rangers that could heed Lord Elrond's call had been gathered under Halbarad's command, along with Elladan and Elrohir. Glorfindel's eyes turned toward the twins he helped to raise, memorizing their features even though they were already committed to memory. Elladan sat proud and fair upon his great war stallion, Mornel. The quiver of arrows that were a gift from Glorfindel was strung across his back. Elrohir, mounted on his smaller stallion, Thoron, was by his side as always. Thoron pawed the ground, eager to be off, but Elrohir calmed him with a gentle word. He fastened the saddle bag of healing herbs, bandages, and other supplies that were given to him from Elrond to the saddle, though his eyes did not leave Glorfindel's. Glorfindel stepped over and finished fastening the bag, as Elrohir could not quite reach from his awkward angle. He slipped a sealed letter into the bag as well, unbeknown to the younger twin.
At last, the company was ready to depart after Halbarad shared a few last words of advice with Lord Elrond. Elrond stepped back to regard the grey company, his gaze lingering on his sons, who seemed fairer and brighter than the others around them.
"Nai tiruvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna nu vilya," Elrond blessed the company.
At those words, the company bowed the Elf Lords and the household of Imladris, and urged their horses onward, into the wilds. South, they would ride, to the Gap of Rohan and east beyond that, to the aid of their brother, their chief and their king.