okay...this chapter this chapter takes place 2 days later...

CHAPTER 5

Erestor sighed. How could things have gone in this direction in only two days? He had been released from the healing wing only a day after being there, only for Dinendal to be there in a place a day later. Hadereth had told him that Orophin and Rumil had found him unconscious near his talan. Erestor's heart sank. Dinendal could fade if he did not do something soon. He had been at Dinendal's side since he had found out that he was in the healing halls and no one could make him leave. He knew there was only one way to save a fading elf and that was to bind to him. He knew that some elves, if bound against their will, could reject the binding and fall further into their darkness. Erestor felt tears coming to his eyes. Dinendal could not leave him, he would not allow it. Erestor lowered his head and allowed his tears to fall. He cried silently, wishing he had found out about Dinendal's love for him sooner. He was so lost in his sorrow that he did not hear anyone enter the room.

"Erestor?"

Erestor wiped at his eyes with the sleeve and raised his head, only to see Elrond looking at him.

"My Lord Elrond."

Elrond rested his hand on Erestor's shoulder.

" Has he woken?"

Erestor shook his head sadly.

" He has not."

Erestor watched as Elrond approached Dinendal and laid a hand on his forehead. Elrond shook his head.

" He is colder than before."

Erestor felt fresh tears spring to his eyes. The colder Dinendal got, the closer he was to the halls of Mandos. Erestor knew what he had to do.

" What if I were to bind to him?"

Elrond's eyes widened in shock.

" You would do that for him?"

Erestor nodded.

" Yes."

Elrond smiled, seeing the look of love in Erestor's eyes when he looked at Dinendal.

" You love him."

Erestor nodded once more.

" Yes, I do."

Elrond gently moved Dinendal over in the bed and motioned for Erestor to lay beside him. Once the two were laying side by side, Elrond turned to Erestor.

" Take his hand into yours and close your eyes. Allow yourself to fall into reverie and when you wake, you will be bound."

Erestor nodded and did as he was told. As he closed his eyes, he again hoped that Dinendal would not hate him. He could faintly hear Elrond saying words in Sindarin. A short time later, he fell into reverie.

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Erestor awoke and saw Dinendal staring at him. He swallowed hard, knowing he would have to explain why he was in the same bed.

" Dinendal..."

Dinendal shook his head, already knowing what Erestor was going to say.

" You do not need to explain."

Erestor looked at him in confusion.

" What do you mean?"

Dinendal moved slightly closer to him.

" I know what you have done."

Erestor began to turn away, but Dinendal pulled him toward him. Erestor felt Dinendal's arms hold him tightly and smiled.

" You are not angry?"

Dinendal touched his forehead to Erestor's.

" No. You have saved me."

Erestor kissed Dinendal's forehead, happy when he did not flinch.

" You do realize we are bound."

Dinendal chuckled.

" Yes."

Erestor smiled.

" And that now you will never be rid of me?"

Dinendal nodded.

" I know."

Erestor rested his head on Dinendal's shoulder.

" I love you Dinendal."

Dinendal kissed Erestor's hair.

" I love you as well Erestor."

TBC...