A/N: Thanks to all of you who have waited so patiently for this chapter. I am sorry it always takes a bit longer for me to update, but I try to make up for it in quality and of course with the length of my chapters J
True to this, the chapter turned out to be a little monster again *grin* It is beta-read (thank you, Eowyn) and ready to go out into the world on its own *smirk*
Another important note: This chapter is normally rated NC-17 due to graphic sexual content. However, since Fanfiction.Net does not allow this rating, I decided to remove most of the "sexual content".
So, if you want to read the real chapter (without any censure), you can do this on my homepage, or on our Yahoo Group "A Heaven of Musings". Both links are in my bio J
Apart from that, I can only say that I hope you enjoy this chapter. Oh, and please review, so I know how you liked it *puppy eyes*
Thanks: Thanks to my beta, Eowyn. You are a gem :-) And also thanks to all of you who have reviewed the last chapter. You are great J
Tori: I am glad you liked it. I always try to update on a semi-regular basis. Sorry it always takes quite long…
Esmerelda Black: Thanks for the reviews. I really appreciate it :-) And since you wanted
more lemon, I am sure you will like this one. However, go and read the "adult version" *grin*
TrinityC: You are right, they will indeed settle into a very deep and lasting friendship, and Haldir is quite lucky as well *smirk* As for the tree-scene…well, it was a lot of fun to write, and I am glad you liked it ;-)
ivorybrowneyes: Well, who of us wouldn't like to get ANY kind of treatment from the twins? *lol* Glad you enjoyed it, especially the tree-scene *smirk*
Now, on with the story….
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Elvish Translations: gwador – brother; ada – father; meleth – love; meldir - friend ---~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Chapter 7 – Reunited~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Haldir was storming trough the hallways of the Last Homely House, eyes blazing and a cloud of anger swirling around him like thunder. His nose had stopped bleeding already, but he was fairly sure it had been broken by the impact earlier. However, this was of little interest to him at the moment, for he still could see the laughing faces of Elrond's sons before his mind's eye, and this image only served to fuel his annoyance.
His face contorted in fury, the usually sensual mouth reduced to a narrow line, and the midnight blue eyes now a dangerously stormy blue-grey colour, he exuded an aura of fury that would probably even have a Balrog hiding in a corner.
As it was, the few servants he encountered on his way to the healing house made sure to quickly step out of his way, for none of them wanted to be the object of the tall elf's palpable anger.
In Haldir's mind, meanwhile, the thoughts were racing madly. Images of the laughing twins alternated with visions of Glorfindel on his horse, hair dancing in the soft breeze. He was unsure if he should be angry at the twins for laughing, at himself for his stupidity, or if he should simply be embarrassed because he had made a fool of himself in the presence of the famous Elf-Lord.
He only hoped Lord Glorfindel had not been aware of his unfortunate accident, or he might very well die of shame.
However, now was not the time to dwell on such thoughts. First he had to make sure his nose would not grow together the wrong way, or it would only need to be broken again. Quickening his pace, he hurried for the healers of Imladris so his injury could be treated properly.
After that he could think about a plan to get his revenge on the sons of Elrond.
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Long minutes after Haldir's angry departure, Elladan and Elrohir were finally beginning to compose themselves. It was no easy undertaking for them to emerge from the stare of mirth they were currently in, for Haldir's collision with the tree was still vivid in their minds, and the image was almost too funny to bear.
Elladan was the first to recover, while his brother was still wracked by fits of hysterical giggling every few minutes. Shaking his head fondly, Elladan wrapped an arm around Elrohir's shoulders, which were still slightly shaking, and led him to a nearby bench.
Finally even Elrohir managed to gain control over his errant emotions, and the brothers just sat there in companionable silence for several moments, each lost in his own thoughts, until Elladan broke the quiet.
"I believe we may be in some kind of trouble now, gwador. Haldir did not seem very happy when he left earlier. We really need to apologize for laughing at his expense, and we should probably be rather cautious in his presence for the next few days, do you not agree?"
With that he looked at his brother, whose face was contorted as if in pain. Momentarily concerned, Elladan placed a hand on his twin's knee, wanting to make sure everything was fine. He was starting to grow worried until he saw the way that Elrohir's lips were twitching, and he realized that his brother was desperately trying to hold back another fit of giggles.
Somewhat annoyed, Elladan narrowed his eyes at his brother's immature behaviour, and pulled the hand from his knee only to give him a light slap on the back of the head with it. Exasperation colouring his voice, he berated his brother.
"Elrohir! Please be serious for a moment. We need to find a way to get in Haldir's good graces again, or his visit here will not be a pleasant one, for him or for us. He appeared sincerely angry when he left, and I do not want him to be hurt in any way." He looked down at his hands, and added in a quiet voice, "He already means very much to me, and I do not wish to endanger our growing friendship..."
He looked up quickly as he felt a hand softly caressing the side of his face. A caress so tender and loving, yet so innocent, so full of reassurance and devotion. Only his beloved twin had ever been able to touch him so deeply with only a simple touch.
Lifting his eyes to those of his brother, he saw his emotions mirrored in the stormy grey orbs, now completely free of mirth. Acting on pure instinct, Elladan enfolded his brother in a tight embrace, clinging to the familiar warmth of the one who was so much like him.
Elrohir found himself holding his brother, his hands stroking over the long dark hair soothingly, both revelling in a closeness they had shared for as long as they could remember.
After a few moments Elladan withdrew from the embrace and looked at Elrohir seriously. He was pleased to see that what he has seen in his eyes earlier was still there. Before he could say anything, Elrohir started speaking softly.
"I am sorry, gwador, for letting my humour get the better of me." As small smirk crossed his lips at these words, which Elladan answered knowingly. "But do not doubt that I share your feelings for Haldir. Although he has only been with us for such a short while, I can already feel a deep bond of friendship between us. And it even seems to be a friendship with benefits..." he added with a broad grin, which earned him a playful poke from his brother.
After another shared smile, though, Elladan became serious again. "You know, of course, that the intimate part of our relationship with Haldir will end once he returns to Lothlórien..." Grasping his brother's hand again, Elrohir nodded silently. "Yes, I am aware of that. I suspected it already when we first met him, but after our encounter in the glade I was certain."
"So you felt it as well..." Elladan asked, eyes full of curiosity. "There is a certain air around him... I have only ever felt anything similar around Ada and Glorfindel, but with Haldir it is somehow ... different. As if something is missing."
"Or someone," added Elrohir with a thoughtful expression. "But it is almost impossible, for it is such a rare occurrence ... maybe we should speak to Ada about it. I am certain he understands it far better than we do."
Satisfied with their decision, the twins shared another smile, and Elrohir added with a mischievous smirk, "But until Haldir leaves for Lothlórien, we might as well enjoy the pleasurable sides of our relationship."
Elladan could not help but laugh at that. "You are impossible, little brother. However, first we have to apologize to him, or the rest of his stay here will be anything but enjoyable for us."
With that, Elladan quickly made his way towards the house, hollowed by his twin, who jabbed him in the side exasperatedly. "What makes you think you can call me little brother? You were only born a few minutes earlier, that can hardly count."
Thus bickering and joking, the twins followed Haldir into the house.
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The Lord of Imladris sat at the desk in his study, thoughtfully regarding the latest report from the borders of his realm. The development during the last few days concerned him somewhat, for apart from the smaller groups of orcs that could usually be observed along the borders, there were now also infrequent sightings of larger groups of men.
This could prove to be a more serious problem, because while the orcs knew not to venture past the boundaries of Rivendell, men were generally more ignorant of such restrictions. And he did not like the thought of man wandering into his lands...
Elrond was abruptly brought out of his thoughts when he heard excited shouting coming from outside his study. Putting the reports aside and stepping onto his balcony, he tried to make out the source for the disturbance.
Suddenly the shouting came again, and a smile lit up Elrond's features as he finally understood what the callers had been saying. Glorfindel was coming home. For a moment a dreamy expression came over his face, and he felt a deep longing fill every fibre of his being. A deep yearning to hold his beloved in his arm once more, to feel the strong body close, feel the sweet lips on his...
Knowing his wishes would be fulfilled very soon, he briefly closed his eyes in bliss before opening then again, gazing about in search for his approaching lover.
At last he saw the first hint of golden hair, and then the imposing figure of Glorfindel on his white horse came into view, smiling at the people who walked alongside him to bid him welcome.
At the same time, however, he noticed his sons and their guest from Lórien walking nearby. He could not prevent a small smirk as he saw how Haldir stared at Glorfindel, clearly captivated by the Balrog-Slayer's beauty. In fact, he appeared so enthralled that he did not notice he was straying slightly off-path.
Elrond's gaze went to his sons to see if they would warn the other elf who was heading straight for one of the nearby trees, but apparently he could not expect any help from them. Elrohir was grinning widely while he had a hand clasped over his brother's mouth, thus rendering him unable to voice a warning.
Flinching inwardly at what was obviously in store for the younger elf, Elrond was powerless to avert his eyes as Haldir connected face first with the tree, the impact causing him to lose his balance and fall on his behind. Looking towards his sons again, who had dissolved into hysterical laughter, he shook his head in amusement.
He had to admit that Haldir had been an entertaining sight, and even now, sitting there, holding his probably broken nose, and glaring daggers at the giggling twins...
Feeling a giggle rise deep with in him as well, he tried to fight it down. It was no appropriate behaviour for the Lord of Imladris to laugh about their guest. However, the urge to give voice to his mirth was growing to strong, and finally, unable to hold it back any longer, he felt a chuckle escape his lips.
Just then a pair of strong arms wound themselves around Elrond's waist from behind, and he felt a kiss being pressed to the side of his throat by soft lips. Smiling contentedly, he leaned into the familiar warmth and strength of his beloved, enjoying the closeness he had missed so dearly.
"What was the cause of your amusement, my love? I have rarely heard such a sound coming from you. I like it, you should do it more often. It is ... quite stimulating." With those words Glorfindel started nibbling on Elrond's pointed ears, eliciting a soft moan from his lover.
When he had somewhat recovered from the sensual attack, Elrond turned around in his beloved's embrace, and looked up into the beautiful face. Elrond was by no means small, but Glorfindel still was slightly taller, as well as considerably broader in built.
That was one thing Elrond had always especially cherished in his lover. He radiated strength and power, and although Elrond himself held immense power in his hands, as the Lord of Imladris as well as a renowned healer, he sometimes wished to give it away for a short time. And with Glorfindel he was able to do just that.
Enfolded in the strong and secure embrace, he leaned his head against Glorfindel's shoulder, letting a deep sigh escape his lips. In the presence of the other half of his soul he could relax completely, let go of all the responsibility for a short while, and be just himself. Just Elrond, not the Lord of Imladris, not the son-in-law of Galadriel and Celeborn, not a master healer, but only the elf who was loved by Glorfindel. And that title meant more to him that any other.
Feeling Glorfindel's contentment wash over him, he opened his mind to him, sharing with him everything that had happened during his absence, including Haldir's little accident. Feeling the vibrations of a throaty chuckle rumble through the chest he was pressed against, Elrond finally extracted himself from the comfortable embrace.
"I see quite a lot happened while I was away," Glorfindel began with a smirk gracing his features. "However, you seem to be especially occupied by this young March Warden from Lórien..."
"Aye, I believe he is very special. When I first met him the day he arrived, I felt something extraordinary in him..."
"Do you think he could be..."
"There is the possibility, yes. It would be wise to observe him more closely as long as he is with us. I will also contact Galadriel eventually, for I am sure she already knows much more about this matter than we do. She has known him all his life, after all."
Glorfindel nodded approvingly at that. "You are right. However, you made me quite curious about our guest now. Tell me more about him. Maybe I will seek him out myself at a later time, he appears to be quite fascinating "
"I would rather say he is fascinated ... with you, meleth, or he would not have gotten into such close contact with that tree." Elrond could not quite stifle a chuckle at that. "However, I will tell you more about him ... later. Right now, I believe you are in need of a bath, and I will even wash your back," he added with a smirk as he drew Glorfindel by the hand towards his rooms.
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Haldir was on his way back to his rooms when he encountered the twins in the hallway. The healers had been able to heal his nose completely, however, his pride was not to be placated so easily. Therefore, when he spotted the brothers coming his way, a scowl appeared on his face again as he stalked towards the two elves.
Elladan and Elrohir had seen Haldir before he had become aware of them, and they swallowed hard as they witnessed the change in him once he registered their presence. This was not going to be easy, but it had to be done nonetheless.
Walking towards the angry elf cautiously, it was Elladan who first found the courage to speak. "I am glad we were able to find you, meldir. " Swallowing again at the dark look Haldir was giving them, and trying to ignore the way Haldir had folded his arms across his chest, Elladan continued, "Haldir, we have come to apologize for our behaviour earlier." At the other's doubtful glance, he hurried to explain. "We should not have laughed at your expense, and for that we are very sorry. We thought you would see the tree at the last moment, it was never our wish to see you injured in any way."
Elladan looked at the ground for a moment, suddenly unsure if a simple apology would be enough to ease Haldir's anger. Looking up again, he opened his mouth to speak again, only to be interrupted by his brother.
"Haldir, we are honestly very sorry. I admit it was funny at that moment, but now we feel guilty for causing you pain. We would never intentionally hurt you. You already mean very much to us..."
At that, Haldir's eyes softened slightly. He could see that they were genuinely sorry, and he did not want any strained feelings between them either. Besides, one day the opportunity might arise, and then he would be able to carry out his revenge. He could wait.
"I accept your apology. Besides, no serious harm was done, well, except to my pride, of course." At that, all three laughed, and the twins slung their arms around Haldir's waist, relieved that the matter had finally been resolved.
This friendly scene was unexpectedly disturbed by the arrival of one of the guards, who hurried in the direction of Erestor's study. Immediately concerned, the three elves followed the guard, and entered the Chief Advisor's study just in time to hear the distraught elf reporting that a troop of men had apparently started attacking the sentries on the southern border.
Elladan and Elrohir were aware of the danger such an attack could be to their home, and without further hesitation they addressed their former tutor. "Erestor, we would like to help. We will leave immediately, and aid our brethren with our swords and bows. That should give you enough time to organize further help, and maybe this way not so many of the sentries will be injured or worse..."
Erestor did not like the idea of sending Elrond's sons into such a dangerous situation, but he could not deny that their help might be desperately needed. "All right, but please be careful. I do not want to see you injured."
The twins nodded in understanding and left quickly to prepare for the upcoming battle. Haldir followed them, intent on offering his help as well. "I will go with you. In a situation like this another sword might be helpful."
Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other uncertainly. They did not feel comfortable putting Haldir in any danger, but what the Lórien elf had said was undeniably true. "You are right, we might need your help, but please be careful. We do not wish to lose such a dear friend." Haldir smiled at that and clasped the brothers forearms in a warrior's grip. "You will not."
With that, the three elves continued to their chambers again to ready themselves for the upcoming battle.
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Glorfindel was chuckling as they finally reached the bathroom in Elrond's quarters, having been dragged the whole way by his impatient lover. "You are quite eager, beloved," he said, drawing Elrond close again and, before the other could utter a word, claimed his mouth in a passionate kiss.
Elrond moaned softly and melted into Glorfindel's muscular arms, his hands buried in the long golden mane. How he had missed this closeness, this passion. Glorfindel's sweet taste began to make him light-headed, and he hung on as if his life depended on it.
Finally Glorfindel broke the kiss and looked lovingly at Elrond, his hand softly caressing the side of his face. "How I have missed you, meleth. Not a day went by that I did not think of you, did not long for your touch."
Elrond smiled brightly at that, and taking Glorfindel's caressing hand in both of his, he kissed first the palm and then each of the fingers, before rubbing his face softly against it. "And I have missed you, beloved."
After a few more moments Elrond let go of Glorfindel's hand and moved over to the heavy bathtub, which had already been filled with hot water. He made a mental note to think of a special reward for his servants. They always took care of his every need so faithfully.
Adding some scented oil to the hot water, he approached Glorfindel again and began to undo the clasps of his tunic. Apparently his lover had already shed his weapons before entering his study, so only the clothes were left, which Elrond proceeded to remove slowly, caressing the skin as he went.
By the time he had taken off the last bit of the garments, Glorfindel's eyes were alive with arousal and longing, and without hesitation he drew his lover against his naked body, claiming his mouth in a kiss so full of desire and passion that Elrond felt it in every part of his body.
After endless minutes spent kissing, Glorfindel released Elrond and, giving him a wicked grin, walked slowly over to the inviting bathtub, hips swaying seductively. He released a groan of pure delight as he slowly immersed himself in the fragrant water, his face clearly showing the bliss he felt.
Elrond watched his lover with amusement as well as arousal. Glorfindel could take the greatest pleasure in the smallest things, something that still amazed Elrond after all these centuries. For a moment he believed his lover had dozed off, for he was lying completely still in the tub with his eyes closed, but then Glorfindel turned his head towards him.
Sitting up, he held his hand out to Elrond, clearly stating that he wished for the half-elf to share his bath with him. The request seemed innocent enough, but the aroused glint in Glorfindel's eyes plainly told Elrond of his lover's true intentions. Feeling a rush of excitement through his body, he quickly shed his robes and moved towards the bathtub. It had been so long...
[A/N: Here begins the scene I had to cut out due to the rating. If you want to read the whole thing, you know where to go *grin* ]
Exhausted, Elrond slumped on top of Glorfindel, basking in the afterglow. Finally, he raised his head and smiled sweetly at his lover. "I love you, meleth." Glorfindel smiled as well, radiating deep contentment. "I love you, too."
The peaceful scene was suddenly disturbed by the entrance of Erestor, who came storming into the room, heedless of the state of its occupants. "I am sorry to disturb you, my Lord, but humans have attacked the southern border. I have already sent off several guards to aid the sentries, and your sons have left to help as well." Panting, Erestor bowed slightly and then turned to leave again, giving the two some privacy.
"I will wait in the outer rooms. Oh, and welcome back, Glorfindel," he added with a smirk. Elrond let his head fall to Glorfindel's chest again. "I guess we are not entitled to have even one moment of peace, meleth." With that, he extracted himself from his lover and stepped out of the bath to dress himself and meet Erestor.
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To be continued...