An uir

Erestor glanced confused at the box he saw in twins’ hands.

“You did what?”

“We have waited for this for so long, Erestor. Now we can finally give these to you. You will look stunning in them. Would you wear them for us and for ada?” The twins had come back and turned Elrond out of their bedroom, saying that they wanted to dress Erestor.

Erestor couldn’t do anything but accept. His heart warmed to see twins’ enthusiasm, and he couldn’t deny them anything. He let them dress him and do his hair but he didn’t dare to look at mirror before twins coaxed him to look. Nothing could prepare him for the sight he saw in the mirror. The elf that stared him back was completely different from his usual appearance. He now wore robes made of deep-blue velvet with beautiful silver embroidery. His hair was braided and he also had a circlet made from mithril, matching Elrond’s own. He saw his eyes and hair shining and his cheeks lightly flushed.

“Are you sure that your ada will like this?” he asked hesitantly.

Elrond heard Erestor’s question when he stepped back to their bedroom. He looked at his hervenn carefully and his jaw dropped.

“Erestor… by the Valar! I have never… you have always been beautiful to me, but now…” he stuttered.

Erestor blushed when he noticed Elronds adoring gaze, which was also full of pride.

“Is this… to your liking then?” He whispered.

“I will be so proud of you, meleth nín. You look absolutely stunning and you are all mine.” Elrond finally said, pulling Erestor into a possessive embrace.

“I’m yours.” Erestor breathed, enjoying Elrond’s closeness. He was nervous about what was coming, but his fears eased a little when he remembered that Elrond would be with him all the time, the twins and Glorfindel too. He smiled relieved.

“That’s right, ind nín. I want to see your dazzling smile tonight.” Elrond whispered. He didn’t let Erestor go even if they heard loud knock at the door.

“It must be Glorfindel. He promised to come remember?” Erestor remarked. Elrohir went to answer.

Glorfindel stepped in and stopped in his tracks when he saw Erestor.

“Sweet Elbereth! You look radiant, meldir.” Glorfindel gasped amazed as Erestor blushed.

“That is because I’m so happy.” Erestor smiled. Glorfindel could only stare at his friend. His transformation was complete. Just few days ago, he had been sad and weary. And now… he was loved and happy… and finally Glorfindel saw his beautiful smile as he had hoped. He turned his gaze to Elrond.

“I assume you know that you have a real treasure, Elrond. Treat Erestor with respect and love him as he deserves.” Glorfindel said seriously, but warmth in his voice.

“I know it and I will love and cherish him, till the end of Arda.” Elrond assured, holding his hervenn close.

“That is all I want to know and now… we should go before we are late.” Glorfindel suggested.

The joyful group walked towards Great Hall and they were all a little excited. When they finally reached their destination, the twins recommended that they should go first and announce the bonding. Elrond accepted gladly, he was very proud of his sons at that moment.

The twins entered the Great Hall, side by side. Seeing that everybody else had arrived, they made their way to the head table.

“We want to declare to all of you that the Lord of Imladris and our ada has finally found a new mate and they have bonded. We are happy for them both and we wish that you will celebrate their union and happiness with us tonight.” They proclaimed together.

Elrond led Erestor into hall when he heard the hearty cheers and applause. Hand in hand they walked and their hearts started to race when they heard the surprised gasps. Elrond didn’t care. He knew full well that many were shocked because of his choice but he wanted to show his people that he expected their acceptance, if not their approval. He took his usual place and gently helped his hervenn beside him. Then he met his people’s gazes and started to speak.

“I’m so glad that you are all here this evening. I know that many of you have wondered about my absence, but here you can see the reason. I, and Lord Erestor bound three nights ago and these past few days have been the happiest in my entire life. I hope that you welcome my new hervenn and respect him as he deserves.” He said and pulled Erestor closer. He wanted no one to have any doubts about Erestor’s current position in Imladris and in his heart. All the elves in the hall gasped when he kissed his mate possessively and then helped him to sit.

Erestor felt his cheeks flaming because of the other’s reaction but also because of the kiss Elrond had given him. He never hoped that Elrond would show his affection so openly, but he had to admit that it felt heavenly. He finally had permission to love his meleth, without hiding or shame. He smiled when he saw Glorfindel sitting in his usual place, relieved that the most difficult part was over. He had his beloved hervenn and trusted friend beside him and Elrond’s sons accepted their union. It was like all his dreams had come true.

When the joyous dinner was over, all headed to the Fire Hall. Most of guests had recovered from surprise and the Hall was full of life and merriment. Elrond was well loved amongst his people and most of them were happy for his fortune. However, all of them didn’t know how to take his new mate. Erestor had always been quiet and distant and many wondered why Elrond had chosen such an elf as his mate but little by little all doubts subsided. All could see the obvious affection between them and Erestor’s happiness and his dazzling smile put all doubts to rest. No one had ever seen the councilor as radiant as he was tonight. When Elrond led him to dance floor and they danced and kissed, hearty applause and congratulations echoed in the hall.

Glorfindel was relieved seeing Erestor’s happiness. He watched the happy couple, who didn’t see anything but each other. He remembered, very well, those horrid events only four days ago and he hoped that Erestor would never suffer in that way again. It really seemed that he had found the same happiness as he had had with Ecthelion.

Ecthelion… there it was again… Glorfindel’s smile faded.

“I hope that your happiness lasts longer than mine, tór dithen. If I had ever known that I would loose my beloved Ecthelion so soon…I would not have wasted those years with hesitation. You would be so proud of Erestor, ind nín. If I just could have saved you somehow… How I miss you, meleth nín. Will we meet ever again or am I doomed to live my second life alone and without love? I could never love another. Never.”

Nobody noticed when Glorfindel furtively crept out of the Fire Hall. He needed to be alone now. This celebration reminded him too much of his own bonding celebration. The memories were beautiful but painful. As much he was happy for Erestor, his happiness reminded Glorfindel of his own loss. He left and when he had undressed for the night, he did same thing as every night in his new life; he cried softly until reverie finally had pity on him.

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“Are you happy, ind nín?” Elrond asked, when they finally made their way back to their chambers.

“I am. I never hoped for this kind of acceptance for our binding.” Erestor admitted, kissing Elrond’s cheek.

“Now you see, meleth. You have a loving and gentle heart under that stunning appearance and others will see that too. I am very lucky to have you and your love.”

“I am so happy, Elrond. I have loved you so long. Finally I am free to love you like I always dreamed.”

Erestor could hardly wait until they were finally alone again. Without hesitation, he started to disrobe them both. He sighed happily when he felt Elrond’s warm skin under his hands.

“I would never tire of you… of this. I love you and I want you so much, Elrond nín.”

A low moan escaped Elrond’s lips when he felt Erestor’s bare body pressing against his own.

“I love you, too. Let me show you how much.” He said softly and carried Erestor to their bed. Elrond felt utter peace in his heart when he finally pulled his hervenn in his arms and they kissed deeply. This was right. This was good. They made love all night, sometimes slowly and gently and other times hard and fast.

Anar was rising on the horizon when they finally slept in each other’s arms, completely exhausted but happy.