Against all odds

Chapter thirty-three lovemaking

Now that Elrond had swam for a while he felt refreshed and energized. Looking over his shoulder at Erestor his groin stirred. /I am so fortunate to have you./ He quickly closed the distance that separated them and settled besides him, letting the water caress his skin. “I am glad Legolas had suggested this picnic. We all needed it.”
Erestor nodded. “Though there’s something else I need as well.” When Elrond looked at him questioningly he smiled. “To complete this bond. It’s unfair I keep draining you. You should be able to draw from me as well.”
Elrond shook his head. “You know that’s not how it works, Erestor. And now that you’re doing better.” “Have accepted it, you mean.” Elrond chuckled. “That too. You depend on me less and less. Later you only need to draw from me when you’ve exhausted yourself or overdo things.”

Erestor grinned. “No more all-nighters then.”
Elrond was about to give the other a health-speech, but caught on just in time. “If you’d like you can certainly spend the night in the library or study, but I was hoping I could entice you to do some other things in that time.”
Erestor purred at the promise. “And what activities did you have in mind?”
Elrond smiled mischievously. “Would you like me to tell you or show you?”
Erestor locked eyes and leaned closer. “What do you think?” Without wasting any more time he claimed his lover’s lips. He blessed the fact they were already naked for it meant he could already touch the delicate skin.

Elrond smiled when he felt Erestor’s hands explore his body, but today he wanted to pleasure Erestor. Slowly, so his intends were obvious, he blanketed Erestor. Sitting back up he ignored Erestor’s puzzled glance but flipped his hair forward and trailed it down Erestor’s chest, whose reaction pleased him immensely.
Erestor had not expected this movement and suddenly feeling the silken strands trail their way down his body made him shudder in desire.
When he reached the surface of the water Elrond raised his head. Moving himself back up he kissed Erestor lovingly. “Today is about you Erestor. Let me pleasure you?” Nodding his consent was easier than he had thought, but then again, he had always trusted Elrond and he knew without a doubt the Peredhel would never willingly hurt him or betray his trust.

He started writhing when Elrond not only had his hair lowered onto Erestor’s skin but let it trail his mouth as he made his way down. Feeling the lips and tongue touch him gently made Erestor wonder if Elrond was experienced beyond Celebrían. If those rumours had contained some truth after all.
Elrond sensed his changed state but realised he had to ignore it for now. Repeating his last efforts he started preparing Erestor. At first Erestor gasped and tensed completely when he felt Elrond’s finger enter him, and Elrond wondered if it was too soon, but then he started to relax.

It was only because he saw Elrond’s hair and body that Erestor managed to calm down, to forget the orcs. He forced himself to calm down and relax. /If I don’t this will never leave me./ He was glad Elrond’s face was lowered and the owned to concerned with the job at hand to notice the tears that were rolling down his face. Elrond was very skilled and even though he was scared and afraid Erestor enjoyed it. His body started writhing more and he even started to buck under the sensual assault, but what surprised him more were to moans that left his mouth.

Seeing Elrond’s head come closer to his own he acted quickly. He didn’t want Elrond to see his tears and reach the wrong conclusion. Grabbing his lover he kissed him like one starved.

Elrond had now fully prepared him and had taken his time, knowing Erestor needed it. Now that he was locked in a tight and passionate kiss he wavered momentarily but then his hands dived down. He used his right to place his member at the entrance and used his left to play with Erestor’s.
Erestor felt the head at his entrance and wondered why Elrond didn’t enter. Suddenly he understood and nodded, not breaking the kiss. Elrond would not do this without his consent. Feeling, rather than seeing, Erestor nod Elrond continued. He entered in one sharp thrust, knowing it would be better than a slow entrance.
Buried to the hilt he stilled, allowing Erestor to become used to the invasive feeling. Feeling Erestor relax and restart the kiss Elrond started a slow rhythm, making sure he touched Erestor’s gland with each trust.

Erestor didn’t know what was happening to him. Every time he felt Elrond move he saw stars. It felt great, better than what those orcs had done. Wanting more of it he started pushing back and placed his legs around Elrond, everything to get Elrond closer.
At this Elrond broke the kiss and stared at his lover in rapture. He hadn’t expected Erestor to make that movement, not the first time. Hearing Erestor speak he blinked his eyes. It had been Valarin and he had been unprepared for it. It took him a second to translate but then he complied, speeding up.
Erestor begged, moaned, screamed and thrashed and Elrond adored the image. /So beautiful. And all mine./ Suddenly two arms pulled him close and he was buried in a tight hug. Understanding Erestor was close he stroked his member synchronising the strokes with his thrusts.

Suddenly Erestor’s eyes widened in shock. “Elrond…man?” That was all he said before he screamed out his pleasure, clinging to Elrond whilst he let it overflow him. Seeing this made Elrond climax as well and he enjoyed how Erestor’s muscles milked him dry.

He collapsed on top of Erestor, planting butterfly kisses everywhere. He would never grow tired of showing his beloved he loved him. Erestor whimpered when he felt Elrond leave his body but all the kisses made up for that. “What was that?” Elrond smiled at him. “You came, Erestor. What do you think it was?”
Erestor threw Elrond a thankful smile when he was pulled in a loving embrace and snuggled closer. “But this was so different. You didn’t hurt me.” Elrond pulled his lover close as the tears now registered in his mind. He cursed the orcs for hurting his beloved the way they had. “I should hope it’s different. We love each other and we both wanted this. I just wanted to take your fear away and replace it with happiness and freedom.”
Erestor locked his eyes with Elrond’s and, for the first time since the attack, they were shining. He kissed Elrond. “I know and I wanted it too. But that didn’t stop my fears from coming back.” Elrond nodded. “And yet you didn’t let it beat you. Otharnya.”

“I think we should get dressed soon. Glorfindel and the others might return.” Elrond refused to let go. “Our clothes are within reach and we can get into them as soon as we hear anyone approach.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas smiled as he walked next to his friend. Elrohir seemed happy again.

They now had come to an extremely lovely spot. The riverbed had crept up and now the stones, rocks and pebbles were visible through the water, here and there even sticking out. It resulted in a rather loving view as the water got divided and lots of little whirls and waterfalls were created. It all produced a really adorable sound and Legolas noticed Elrohir had closed his eyes to listen. “If you wish we can sit down.” The smile Elrohir threw him made him warm and happy.

He made to sit but Elrohir shook his head. He signalled for Legolas to follow him and he led the blond to a secluded beach. It wasn’t really a beach, Legolas noticed, but more a natural alcove. He smiled. It was private and yet not separated.
Elrohir grinned as he saw Legolas’ admiring expression. “Adan and I found it when we had run away once. We had spilt some ink and the librarian had always scared us so we had run away, hoping to avoid the punishment. Glorfindel had to track us down and they were all furious for making them worry.” He grinned at the memory.
Legolas smiled. “And? Did it work?”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, the librarian punished us alright. Not only for spilling the ink, but also for running away, scaring everybody. We were stuck in there for weeks, copying the destroyed items. Mind you, I’ve learned to write properly because of it.”
“And I take it that’s the reason Elladan avoids the library.” Elrohir nodded and when he looked at Legolas the blond looked breathtaking.

The sunbeams that entered the alcove were reflected on the rock behind him making it appear as if Legolas came forward from a golden light. It also had an intensifying effect upon his hair. Not only did it catch the sunbeams as they entered but also the reflection.

To stop himself from staring he quickly lowered his head. But that did not stop a blush from creeping over his face.
Legolas saw wide-eyed Elrohir had turned a darker shade of pink. /He’s blushing. Why?/ He couldn’t possibly believe it had something to do with him. /Maybe I triggered a memory and he feels embarrassed./ Well, that he could easily render. “How about my first lesson in Quenya?” Elrohir laughed. “First? Third you mean. What would you like to know?” He shook his head, thanking the blond for ignoring his dilemma.

Legolas thought for a while and then shrugged. “Surprise me, teacher.”
He backed away when Elrohir playfully slapped him. “How am I supposed to know what you know or what would interest you.”
Legolas laughed. “After all the time we’ve spent together? After all the things I’ve told you? You practically know my life, Elrohir.”
Elrohir nodded. “Your past, but not your present. I know nothing of your interests or passions. Besides archery, that is. And somehow I doubt you don’t know the Quenya terms belonging to that.”
Legolas shrugged. “Correct. I do. So you want to know more about me? Hmmm, lets see. There’s not much that interest me, I’m afraid. At home I belong to the guards. My life is that of a warrior and a traveller, so I hardly have any spare time. No use in picking up a hobby, don’t you agree?”

Elrohir nodded. “Is that why you’re spending all your time with me? Because you don’t know how to fill it?”
Legolas thought for a while before answering, feeling he owed Elrohir an honest and true answer. “No, I don’t. I admit it had started like that, but not any more. I greatly enjoy your company. You know that, don’t you?”
Elrohir nodded but squinted his eyes. The blond had not fully answered his question. Was it because he was afraid to do so? Reading that doubt in Elrohir’s eyes, Legolas shook his head. “Nay, Elrohir. I enjoy it so much I can hardly part from you. In these few days you’ve become very special to me, Elrohir, and I want to spend as much time with you as I can.” Suddenly he laughed. “Father will probably send me to the healers once we’re there. It’s not usual for me to be away from guarding for a longer period of time.” Elrohir nodded. “Your sisters?”

Legolas cocked his head. Never before had anyone been that observant. Though he enjoyed doing what he did, truth was he did it to get away from his sisters.
Elrohir lowered his head in guilt and shame. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked that. I was out of place. Apsenë nin.” Legolas gently lifted his head, cringing when Elrohir kept his eyes lowered. “Don’t be sorry, Elrohir. Why shouldn’t you ask me? You’re my friend and asked out of concern, did you not? You just overwhelmed me. No one has ever asked that. Nobody has ever seen that. And you haven’t even met them yet.”
Elrohir shrugged. “I overheard your conversation with Elladan when you arrived at the stables. You hid in the library for them. It only makes sense they drive you to leave home as often as you can.”
Legolas grinned. “I wonder how much you will see once I’ll introduce you to my family. And don’t worry. I take no offence.” Elrohir sighed relieved. “You still haven’t answered my question, though.”

Legolas stood and waded into the water, picked up a pebble and walked back. Standing before Elrohir he held out the pebble. “If I would give you this now, what would you do with it?”
Not knowing what the blond was up to this time Elrohir narrowed his eyes. Legolas didn’t say anything but instead placed the pebble in Elrohir’s hand.
Surprised by this Elrohir stared at it. His instinct was to throw it back into the water but when he lifted it a sunbeam caught it and gave the wet surface all the colours imaginable. Elrohir turned and twisted it around, adoring the play of colour. Seeing Legolas hover above him made him blush. “The sun…she colours it…look.” Instead of handing it to Legolas or throwing it back he continued twisting and turning it, smiling at the show of colours.

Legolas kneeled before him. “This is why I love spending so much time with you, Elrohir.”
Elrohir turned his gaze upon Legolas, his mouth slightly opened from the adoration and his eyes, which now were as bright as spring water turned questioningly. Legolas smiled. “You’re caring, gentle and compassionate. You think of others before you think of yourself.”

Seeing Elrohir’s eyes turn dark again he sighed. “Why did you keep the pebble?”
“I told you: the colours, look.” He extended his hand to Legolas, offering it. Legolas shook his head. “I don’t need to see that pebble to see its beauty, Elrohir. I only have to look at you. To me, you are a pebble too, Elrohir.” /And a very precious one at that./
Elrohir dropped the pebble he was holding in amazement. He couldn’t believe his ears. Legolas’ words repeated themselves over and over. “You…you find me beautiful?”
That Legolas didn’t expect. He had expected Elrohir to ask him why he resembled a pebble or why Legolas saw colours in him or something like that. He never would have thought Elrohir would pick out that word. He nodded. “I do. Le né vanima, Elrohir.” Seeing Elrohir’s eyebrows rise he closed his own in annoyance. “What was wrong?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Depends on what exactly you wanted to say.” “That you’re beautiful.”

Finding Elrohir’s eyes on his own, searching, he opened them. He knew he gave himself away now, but he couldn’t hide.
Elrohir gasped when he saw love stare back at him. And when he detected the devotion and eternity that accompanied it his own eyes filled with tears. Had he finally found what he had been wishing for his entire life? He didn’t dare hope he had finally been granted happiness. Unable to ban his feelings any longer they came to the surface.
Legolas was pleased to see understanding dawn upon him but he was stunned to see emotions become visible. He saw hope and fear at war with each other. But it was the emotion he saw behind them which made his heart pound faster. /Can it be?/

Elrohir was no longer sure he was awake. Somewhere in his mind he started to think he had fallen asleep at the picnic and this was all a bad dream. He carefully reached out his hand to touch the blond’s face, to make sure it was real. It took the doubt away in Legolas and he leaned in closer, touching his lips to Elrohir’s. “Lle bain, Elrohir. Im mela lle. An uir.”
Elrohir flung himself at Legolas, making the blond fall backwards into the water. He now knew it was reality. Never before had anyone kissed him in his dreams. Legolas read his need and kissed him passionately, pulling him close even as Elrohir tried to get as close as possible.

Legolas ignored the pain in his back that told him his skin had been broken when his back had hit the rocks in the water. Feeling Elrohir’s hands everywhere on his body made him tremble in need and realise just how deeply he loved the other. “Elrohir, nay, not yet. We should take it slowly.”
Elrohir didn’t stop his passionate assault on the blond’s body. His voice was laden with passion and lust when he answered. “Istan te autuva nin. Nai ú entoré nan rato. Ar hányëan ta. Istan quettalyar quentër et hwalmëllo ar nilmëllo. Istan man cennën ú ëa anwa ar er olos. Nan maquetan ten lave nin sin erinqua lú. Sin erya lúli massë maurin ta anwa.”

Legolas didn’t even understand half of what he said but during it Elrohir had doubled his assault on the blond’s body and he was now slowly losing control. Elrohir was driving him mad with passion. Elrohir locked their mouths again and Legolas felt his resolve brake. Elrohir had undone him. His only hope now was that Elrohir wouldn’t regret it. If he did the Peredhel would break his heart.

Suddenly he felt a cold wave and Legolas was shocked to find his clothing removed. In bac back of his mind he wondered how Elrohir had managed it that fast, for the he had never felt the hands leave his body, but all rational thought was quickly forced back as Elrohir’s hands, lips and tongue danced over his body.
Legolas moaned displeased when Elrohir stayed clear of his aching member and when he suddenly lost all touch with Elrohir he sat up, panicked. Had Elrohir finally realised what was happening and had ran away? He was more than relieved to see Elrohir throwing his own clothing away as well. Seeing that perfect body naked prompted Legolas into action. Sitting up he pulled Elrohir closer, trailing his shimmering body, kissing it.

Elrohir shuddered when he felt Legolas touch and kiss his body. The way the blond explored his body was a cruel contrast to the way he had ravaged Legolas’ only minutes ago. He wondered how the blond could be so careful, gentle, and and slow. But unlike Elrohir Legolas didn’t fear the moment to fade at any moment and he took his time. His attention to detail soon had Elrohir writhing beneath him.
By now Legolas was thinking clearly again, as much as possible under the circumstances, and had decided to change Elrohir’s plans. He wasn’t sure his friend was fully awaf whf what he was doing and he didn’t want to force him into a situation he didn’t really want.

Seeing how Elrohir was already dripping he let one hand play the sacs while he closed his mouth over the hard flesh. Feeling that made Elrohir buckle. His inexperience showed when he didn’t force himself to hold back. Legolas had to push him down in order not to choke. Although he realised he would have a sore throat for days he also knew he had made the right choice.
Elrohir’s eyes widened when he felt Legolas’ tongue lick and trace, doing things he hadn’t even known existed. It felt great and he wanted more. He was about to beg Legolas for more when he reached orgasm.

Legolas greedily drank all Elrohir had to offer and smiled as he looked up through his lashes. Elrohir was a beautiful sight, his back arched, head thrown back as he rode his tidal wave, screaming his name. Hearing it brought tears to his eyes.

When Elrohir was done he laid on the ground, panting heavily. Now that he could think again his eyes flashed open wide. /What have I done?/
Feeling the tremble in the body beneath change Legolas crawled up. He wasn’t surprised to see Elrohir’s eyes stare into emptiness in fear. /I was right./ “Elrohir?”
Elrohir turned his head to the sound of the voice and was surprised Legolas’ face was devoid of anger, disdain or satisfaction.

Legolas caressed his hair as he laid himself next to him. For the first time in his life he was at a loss for words. Not willing to let that rejected expression come alive on Elrohir’s face he pulled the other close and kissed him, which was just what Elrohir needed.
“Te meli nin anwa?!” Seeing Legolas didn’t understand his words he smiled. “Melach nin?” The smile Legolas gave him could rival all the stars in the sky. “I do. Forever.”

He saw another emotional storm approach the other elf and he tightened his hold, already knowing it would be a different one. “I’m sorry I attacked you like that. I…I” Elrohir smiled weakly when Legolas silenced him. “Don’t, melamin, just don’t” Hearing the endearment killed all remaining doubts and fears and Elrohir kissed him. It was a sweet and soft kiss, filled with promise, love and hope.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glorfindel startled when he felt something sharp stick him in the back and he jumped around, grinned when he saw Linyenwaer. “You shouldn’t do that, you know. I take it Elrond and Erestor kicked you away as well? Come on, we’ll walk together. I can use the company. Now that everybody is suddenly attached I am utterly alone.” He grinned as he said those words.

He laid his arm on Linyenwaer’s back and walked beside him. “Erestor and Elrond finally have each other. I must say I have never seen it. I wish I had, than all this might not have happened. On the other hand, Erestor now is freed from his past. I finally understand everything now.”

Suddenly he found himself on the ground. Linyenwaer had just taken a leap forward, taking Glorfindel’s ‘crutch’ away. He pushed his forehead against the blond’s and ignored Glorfindel’s startled look when his thoughts entered his mind. `Why does Erestor say his parents are dead? They’re elves.`

Glorfindel smiled, understanding why Elrond liked this deer so much. It was compassionate, caring and now that he was linked Glorfindel also sensed a lot of knowledge. Yes, Imladris would benefit from his presence. Maybe they should ask animals their opinions more often? Feeling a hoof against his sheen brought him back to the present.

`Because to Erestor they are dead.` He sensed the deer’s disagreement. `Let me explain before you startyingying. Firstly, not all elves that die get reborn. Only those who accept the Valar’s offer. There are those who refuse to do so. And something tells me that the elves from Nellëfarnë belong to the last category.`
He sighed a sad sigh. `And even then. Those who are reborn are changed. They are born into a new body, they are babies again, and with parents different from the ones they had first. Some are lucky and are born into the same family, but that is more of an exception. And when they are closing majority they start to remember. Eventheythey accept to take on their old ways they’ll never be the same.`
`Why?` Glorfindel smiled. Linyenwaer truly wanted to know and understand. `Because they’ve changed. Firstly there’s the time spend in Mandos’ Halls. No elf comes back from there without being affected. And then the reborn elves have a second childhood. Without memories, carefree and, like every childhood, shaping. In it the reborn elf makes friends, maybe falls in love and gets attached to elves of his free choice at that time.`
Glorfindel swallowed to stop his throat from getting dry, which bemused him since they were speaking in their minds. `And then comes the remembrance. Remembering is painful. Youembeember your entire life, even your death. Some see the second childhood as a mere farce after that. Some elves can’t handle the pain that comes with remembering and either kill themselves or go crazy. Some turn their back on their present friends and family, searching for the onesy’vey’ve left behind and others accept the fact they are reborn but are newly born.`

Understanding dawned on Linyenwaer `I see. Even though they are reborn and their name and body is like their old one, the time in Mandos’ Halls and the second childhood has changed their personalities, making a reborn into a totally new elf on the inside. And the ones who understand that call themselves newly borns instead.` Glorfindel nodded, glad he had been able to explain. Aftreakreaking contact he rose and resumed walking.

By now they were close to the picnic site and the moans he heard told him his suspicion had been right. Erestor and Elrond would not appreciate an interruption. Locking eyes with Linyenwaer he silently asked him to run with him. Linyenwaer happily obliged. Like Glorfindel he too felt like a voyeur just by hearing the sounds they made.
They broke into a run, or in Linyenwaer’s case, a canter.

Suddenly a loud scream forced them to stop dead in their tracks. “LEGOLAS” Fearing something was wrong with Elrohir and Legolas Glorfindel broke into a fast run, speeding up and drawing his sword.
When he arrived from where he thought the voice had come he looked around frantically. He was surprised he sensed no danger present. If anything was wrong he should still feel something. There was no way Legolas and Elrohir would be overwhelmed so quickly. Linyenwaer nudged his side and he looked at him annoyed. “Man?”

Linyenwaer pointed his head towards the two naked elves. Seeing them Glorfindel immediately hid himself be Lin Linyenwaer, cursing his own stupidity. /You’re really getting old, Glorfindel, if you can’t even tell a worried cry from a lovemaking one./ He shook his head at his own mistake.
He smiled when he saw Legolas cover both their bodies with his large green cloak. /And I thought there would be no action between them./ He was happy for Elrohir and he looked a bit closer, if only to make sure the young Peredhel was alright.

After leaving soundlessly he signalled Linyenwaer to follow him into the woods. “Hopefully we won’t stumble upon Elladan and Lindir whilst they are at it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lindir followed Elladan as the Peredhel led him through the trees, feeling giddy and carefree.vaguvaguely wondered why, after all those millennia, he felt like this. But he already knew the answer. It was Elladan.
After he had ran away from Elladan he had done some serious thinking and he had reached some upsetting conclusions. He had at last realised he was in love with him. Slowly but gradually the half-elf had made his way into Lindir’s heart and the minstrel hadn’t even noticed.

At first he had planned to stay away from Elladan, the further the better, but Elladan had been so upset by his departure and distance Lindir had felt guilty. Against his better judgement he had promised Elladan his continued friendship and company. In his upset state he had totally forgotten Elladan’s admission, if he had heard it at all.

When the eldest twin halted, Lindir realised Elladan had taken him to a highly romantic surroundings. Seeing him sit down, gesturing for Lindir to join him, he started panicking. /There is no way I can stay here. With him./ His eyes dashed around, looking for a way out, desperate to flee.
“Lindir? Are you all right? Don’t you want to sit and enjoy the surroundings? Gaze up at the clouds and listen to the water?” “I do, but” “You don’t trust me.” Elladan looked hurt and his voiced betrayed his pain. It went straight to Lindir’s heart and he hurried towards him. “Of course I do. Always!”
Elladan looked doubtful. “You keep saying that, but your actions tell me different. I should never have told you.” He rose himself. “I shall leave you alone now as you seem to wish. To think you’ve always pretended to like me.” His voice was pure venom as his anger rose.

Lindir knew it was risky, but he couldn’t just let Elladan leave like this and he grabbed him by the sleeve. “What are you talking about? I -do- care about you. I always have and I always will.” He cringed under Elladan’s eyes. They shot daggers and they were aimed at him. “Elladan, please.”
But Elladan shook his head and turned. He had enough. Tears slowly made it into his eyes and he forced himself to walk normal, not willing to let Lindir see his misery. When he was sure he was out of hearing range he ran away, not looking where he was going, just running.

When Elladan turned and walked away Lindir couldn’t believe his eyes. About to go after him his breath was forced from him as a sharp pain stabbed him throughout his body. It made him collapse on his knees. The pain-filled cry didn’t sound for there wasn’t air to give it life. /What’s happening?/ Before he knew it all around him turned pitch-black.

End chapter 33
TBC

Translations:
Man means what
Otharnya means my warrior
Apsenë nin means forgive me
Le né vanima means you were beautiful and not you are beautiful as Legolas intends. (le is Sindarin)
Lle bain, Elrohir. Im mela lle. An uir means you’re beautiful Elrohir. I love you. For eterity
Istan te autuva nin. Nai ú entoré nan rato. Ar hányëan ta. Istan quettalyar quentër et hwalmëllo ar nilmëllo. Istan man cennën ú ëa anwa ar er olos. Nan maquetan ten lave nin sin erinqua lú. Sin erya lúli massë maurin ta anwa means I know you will leave me. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon. And I understand that. I know your words were spoken in compassion and friendship. I know what I saw wasn’t real and only a dream. But I beg of you, grant me this one time. this one moment where I can pretend it’s real
Te meli nin anwa / melach nin both mean you love me? The first being Quenya and the second Sindarin.