In Dreams Only Part Two

For disclaimer see Part One

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Glorfindel bowed. "My Lord Elrond," he said, "these are your guests from Lothlórien."

Elrond felt his heart stop when he realized that the familiar face was none other than his former lover.

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At that moment, Maerdion knew he would never forget the expression on Elrond's face. Multiple emotions crossed his face; confusion, anger, and, to his regret, even love.

Elrond's eyes grew impossibly wide as he took in Gil-galad's form. He was exactly as he remembered him, from the brown eyes that danced with mirth to the knowing smile.

Elrond knew he was staring but in dreams only had he dared to think of Gil-galad, and now he was standing alive and well in front of him. Not yet able to grasp the concept, he silently gestured for the others to follow him. Maerdion walked next to him, giving his hand a comforting squeeze. Elrond smiled gratefully, not sure if his legs would support him much longer.

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During the walk to the council room, Gil-galad knew what Námo had meant when he had said it would be difficult. He knew the moment he saw Elrond smile at the courtesan.

When he had received the invitation for the wedding he had not known whether he should laugh or cry. Probably both, he decided. After all the time he had searched for Elrond he had finally found him, only to discover that he was getting married to another.

He had recognized Maerdion immediately, for the courtesan had provided comfort for his own troops. He could not remember ever having visited the courtesan himself, but of course he had had Elrond then. Not that it mattered now, for within two weeks Elrond would be married to Maerdion. However, the Valar had given him a chance and it was a chance he wasn't going to pass by.

Gil-galad nodded at Erestor, whom, with an amazingly calm gaze, held open the door to the council room. Once all had settled an uncomfortable silence reigned, until Glorfindel found the courage to ask his questions.

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Maerdion closed the door of his bedroom behind him, resting his head against it. So, the Valar had decided that Elrond had suffered enough and had therefore sent Gil-galad back. Or at least, that was the way he saw it. They couldn't have done it at a worse time.

Maerdion groaned miserably. Elrond's eyes had betrayed him when they had looked at Gil-galad. He was still in love with the former High King. And where did that leave him? Nowhere… and everywhere. A place where he did not wish to be. He sighed.

The battle was over before it had even begun.

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Gil-galad followed Elrond with his eyes as he left the room, feeling both Erestor as well as Glorfindel observe him. He turned, knowing that Glorfindel wished to talk to him in private. He got up, quietly signaling to Erestor that the meeting was over. Erestor took the hint and as he closed the door behind him, Glorfindel joined Gil-galad at the window.

"You blind idiot." Were the first words that came out of Gil-galad's mouth. He was pleased to see Glorfindel gaping at him.

"Excuse me?" he spluttered.

"That was what Ecthelion asked me to tell you." Glorfindel's lips formed an 'o'. He shifted uneasily. "You have seen him then?"

Gil-galad laughed suddenly. "Aye, I have seen him. Rather hard to miss actually." He paused, seeing Glorfindel drift into memories. After all, Ecthelion had been Glorfindel's best friend in Gondolin.

"I take it he has not been reborn then as he asked you to deliver his message?" Glorfindel asked after a moment of silence. He exhaled loudly when the former High King shook his head. "I guess it was too much to hope for." Glorfindel sighed. "But tell me, why did Ecthelion call me a blind idiot?" He grinned.

Rolling his eyes, Gil-galad explained. "You are a blind idiot for you do not see that what you seek is right in front of you."

Glorfindel frowned. "But I do not seek anything," he denied.

Gil-galad looked amused but instead changed the subject. "How long have Elrond and Maerdion been together?"

Glorfindel, relieved to turn the conversation away from himself, gladly replied. "For a few years now. Maerdion has taken good care of Elrond. Elrond was devastated when you died." Deliberately looking Gil-galad squarely in the eyes, he said, "They love each other." He bit his lip as he provoked a reaction from Gil-galad.

"I'll be honest with you Glorfindel, I want him back." Glorfindel put his hand on Gil-galad's shoulder.

"You do whatever you want, as long as you don't hurt Elrond or Maerdion." His hand gripped the shoulder harder. "But if you do, you will answer to me."

"Is that a threat, seneschal?" Gil-galad growled.

"There is no need to pull rank on me, for my allegiance lies with Elrond. And nay, it is a warning." He let go of Gil-galad's shoulder and bowed slightly. He then crossed the room to the door, leaving Gil-galad to ponder his next actions.

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Elrond rushed after Maerdion. Gil-galad had disappeared from his thoughts the moment Maerdion had abruptly left the council room. He decided that Maerdion had probably returned to his rooms. As he walked towards Maerdion's rooms, his thoughts unconsciously returned to Gil-galad. He grumbled, he did not need that right now, he needed control. As soon as he had arrived he flung the door open.

He saw Maerdion sitting on the bed, looking surprised, but there was no time for that, he needed him now. Maerdion stood and was in Elrond's arms before he could say anything. Elrond's mouth closed over his; he did not protest, nor when hands dived into his tunic. He had Elrond now, and that was what mattered most. He breathed deeply as fingers expertly teased his nipples. Retaliating swiftly he started kneading his lover's buttocks, coaxing a moan from Elrond. His own tunic was removed and the fingers were replaced by a hot and moist mouth. He slid his hands up Elrond's back but stopped when Elrond buried his head against his chest, sobbing.

He watched silvery tears slide down his naked chest. He closed his eyes as they both sank to their knees. He had known it would come to this. As he held Elrond close, he mentally cursed Gil-galad for undoing years of work in merely one hour.

Minutes passed before either of them were able to speak.

"I still love him, Maerdion." Elrond whispered.

Maerdion gulped, knowing that Elrond loved Gil-galad was something very different from actually hearing him say it.

Elrond was not finished. "And yet I love you too." His sobs had been diminished to soft hiccups.

Maerdion tried to smile reassuringly but failed miserably when Elrond turned his grey, watery eyes to him. "Maer, what am I going to do?" A long silence followed.

TBC…