breaking the ice

Chapter eleven Window with a view

Breakfast had been enjoyable, except for Erestor’s absence. Glorfindel had done nothing but staring at Elrond who had a hard time pretending not to notice and to return it only when no one was looking. He had rubbed his foot along the blond’s leg and had nearly choked when Elladan had made a casual remark about not being able to find Glorfindel in the early morning.

He was presently in his study trying to get some work done, but it was hard to focus on Erestor’s words, who seemed to understand and couched or cleared his throat before saying something Elrond needed to hear. “I am sorry, Erestor. I find it hard to concentrate today. I hope Haldir will come round soon. And I guess Rumil will want to thank you again for your words to Haldir.”
Erestor shrugged. “I guess. Where is he anyway? I hope not in the attic, although he said he would do that tomorrow, but since Orophin and Haldir are here….. I don’t know Elrond, he’s different than anyone I’ve even met.”
Elrond frowned. “How so?”
Erestor closed his eyes. “He’s thick-headed and cocky. But he’s also kind, chattering and loyal. He doesn’t rely on other people’s opinions but makes them for his own.”

Elrond nodded. “You two are much alike.” He saw Erestor’s eyes widen at the statement. “You both rely on none but yourself; though Rumil has his brothers he does not need them, like Elladan needs Elrohir. Rumil would be able to live without them though he loves them dearly. But the same goes for you, Erestor. And you are both extremely loyal. I wouldn’t want to invoke either of your wrath for the one wronged will take offence but the other would take double revenge.”
He stopped Erestor before he could speak. “You stand up for Rumil and lash out at Haldir for insults at Rumil’s door, but not the ones against yourself. He does the same; forgetting what has been done to him but not what has been done to you.”

He could see this was too much for Erestor and didn’t held the other back when Erestor rose and left for the door. Elrond figured the counsellor would go to his rooms, take a bath and mould it in his head.

Erestor would take that bath all right but he had already reached his conclusion. If Elrond was so convinced they were the same he had to prevent Rumil losing his brothers. He could not allow for Rumil to become like himself. He remember how he used to be, just as carefree as Rumil, but that had changed. He hardly ever laughed or smiled. He nodded to himself. Yes, his reserves slowly faded around Rumil because the Galadhrim reminded him of his younger self. He would talk to Rumil. Better to give up their friendship, no matter how much it might mean to him or how much he thought it meant to Erestor, than to give up on Haldir and Orophin.

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Orophin hobbled back to his rooms as fast as he could. Now that Elrond had hinted at him being able to use it soon he would not use his leg, but he was eager to return to his room and confront Haldir.
When he opened the door Haldir seemed but a ghost of himself. Apparently he had done some thinking.

Haldir looked up at him and lowered his head in defeat. “I really hurt Rumil, didn’t I?”
Orophin nodded. “Aye, I felt it. But he’s getting better now. How come you don’t feel it?”
Haldir sighed. “Maybe I am fading after all. I don’t know, Phin. Will Ru be mad?”
Orophin shrugged. “I don’t know what happened between you two. Why did you say he would no longer be your brother?”

Haldir released the tears he’d been holding back; all his sorrow slowly had reached the surface and now he allowed it all out, realising that keeping it inside had resulted in hurting Rumil. And he felt awful for that. “I came here and he was playing a board game with Erestor, you know: the one Celeborn enjoys to play. I was so sure Erestor was responsible fortinrting him I lashed out. I don’t even fully remember what was said, I really don’t but I was so sure Rumil would end up hurt even if he wasn’t hurt now.”

He flung himself at the pillow, crying in earnest. “Will he ever forgive me?” Orophin didn’t know what to say but jolted around when a voice came from the door. “Of course I will, you stupid.”

Ruran ran towards the bed and hugged his eldest brother tight. “I love, Haldir, and Orophin. You are my life.”
Haldir held him close in turn. “I am so sorry for everything. I… I”
Rumil shushed him. “It’s all right, Haldir. I know you didn’t mean what you said.”

When Haldir’s sobbing subsided Orophin sat down. “Do you think there’s room for me on my bed?”
Rumil laughed and made room. “Always.”
Orophin grinned. “So, risking another battle here, but how are things between you and Erestor?” Rumil closed his eyes and blushed, which didn’t escape Orophin’s eye. “Your feelings for him have deepened.”
Rumil nodded. “Aye. I love him, Phin. I really do. He’s not cold and indifferent.”
Orophin nodded. “I’m beginning to think so too.”

Haldir bolted upright. “What?”
Orophin nodded. “Aye, it’s all logical. Would he haved whd what he said to you if he is as cold and indifferent as everybody thinks?”
Haldir cocked his head. What was Orophin saying. Rumil smiled at those words.
“I don’t know whether he said them because he felt insulted or because he wanted to defend Ru here, but that really doesn’t matter. Either reason indicates an emotion.”
He was unprepared for a flying heap of elf when Rumil suddenly embraced him. “Oh Phin, I’m so glad someone else finally sees it. I don’t think anyone besides Glorfindel and Elrond see it.” “There’s us.” Rumil nodded, enjoying holding his brother close.

Orophin looked at Haldir. “Well, aren’t you going to say anything?”
Haldir shook his head. “Not right now, thank you.”
Orophin smiled as he petted Rumil’s hair. “Then why did you just flared up as had a bee stung you in the butt?”
Haldir grinned at the picture. “Luckily that was not the case. No, For one second I feared you had fallen for Elrond’s counsellor as well.” Two pairs of eyes looked at him in wonder and dread. He grinned. “It would not be nice to have both my brothers falling for the same elf. I need the both you now that I’m finally grieving and I don’t think I am strong enough to help you both grief over the same elf. If you don’t kill each other first.” Orophin was about to yell at him but Rumil hugged Haldir close. “Thank you Haldir, for accepting this.”
Haldir sighed. “I could think of other elves I’d rather call my brother in law, but that’s all right. But if he hurts you….” Rumil laughed. “You’ll defend my honour. I know. And so does Erestor.”

They lay together for a while in silence with Rumil in the middle before Haldir spoke. “Rumil, could you do me a favour? Or rather Phin?”
Ru nodded, his eyes fixed on Haldir in curiosity who smiled wickedly. “Can you ask your counsellor about an elf called Sílagalad?” He smiled at Orophin’s glare. “I think he’s attracted to Phin and it might be mutual.”
Orophin groaned. “Is not. And besides he’s got a wife and child.”
Haldir chuckled. “See, it is mutual, Ru. But Elladan said that and he is a prankster. We don’t know how much of it is true and to what extend. I’d just like to know for sure.”
Ru nodded. “I’ll ask.”

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Elrond entered his room and changed his robes. He felt suddenly old and weary. /It’s time I have a bath. Or maybe hand Imladris over to the twins./ But once again images of the twins running amok in the valley returned and he groaned, realising it would be some more millennia before he could safely retire.

As he was about to turn the view from his window caught his attention and he stopped to admire it. A loving smile touched his lips. It looked amazing right now. So different from before. /Maybe I see with a lover’s eye now?/

About to turn back two arms encircled him and pulled him backwards. He smiled when Glorfindel’s scent invaded his nostrils and he happily leaned back into the embrace.

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After unsuccessfully going to Elrond’s study Glorfindel went to the lord’s private rooms, hoping to find the other there. Receiving no reply he turned to leave and look somewhere else when he heard some noise inside and he carefully opened the door. He smiled when he saw Elrond standing in the large window and he quickly and silently approached.

Without a sound or warning he embraced Elrond, pulling him to his body. “Glorfindel.” Joy, love and happiness seeped through and Glorfindel rested his head on Elrond’s shoulder. “You must be more careful. What if I had had bad intentions?”

Elrond turned his head to kiss him and smiled seductively. “No evil seeps through your defences. But why don’t you have bad intentions?” He smiled when he saw Glorfindel blush and closed his eyes as he cherished the moment.

Glorfindel looked up, closed his eyes and steadied his racing heart. One of his fantasies was coming through. He leaned in closer and licked Elrond’s ear. “Do you want me too?” Elrond purred and nodded. Glorfindel smiled. “Ah, but that presents a problem. We are both fully clothed.”

Elrond wanted to turn in the embrace to unclothe Glorfindel, but the blond tightened his hold. He had other plans. “Did you meant it this morning?” Catching on Elrond purred and became hard at the anticipation. He nodded leaning his head backwards on Glorfindel’s shoulder. “I love you Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel used a finger to guide Elrond’s lips to his own and kissed him passionately. He let his hands travel over Elrond’s clothed body enjoying to feel the low bulge. Elrond shuddered when he brushed it ever so slightly and he hardened himself.

Feeling the blond remove his hands vexed Elrond but Glorfindel made up for it in his kiss. Soon the hands had found a way to Elrond’s body, lifting up the outer robes. One hand traced loving patterns on Elrond’s back and the other paid attention to the dark elf’s front. When he had felt the hands return on his skin Elrond had felt another flash of desire course through him and he leaned even further against the blond.

When Glorfindel’s talented fingers teasingly pinched his nipples he yelped in the blonds mouth. His knees buckled beneath him and he reached out his arms to grasp something, anything. He was glad to encounter the pillars and used them to steady himself.

Glorfindel smiled, he wouldn’t have been ably to hold them both up much longer and he was glad El’s w’s weight on him had lessened. He doubled his efforts to please the other and Elrond moaned inside his mouth.

He released the blond’s mouth in need of air and he looked at him in wonder, love and devotion. Glorfindel smiled and let his air come close to Elrond’s ear. “Don’t forget people might be walking the gardens.”
Elrond smiled at him and whispered back. “We cannot be seen from there.” rfinrfindel nodded as he moved one hand lower and pinched Elrond’s buttocks. “Nay, not with the eye will they know what we are doing, but with the ear.”

Elrond looked at Glorfindel, trying to figure out what the blond wanted. Did he want him to scream even louder than he would or to muffle his cries of pleasure? One such cry left his lips the moment Glorfindel’s other hand touched his member and he increased his hold on the pillars. “You’ll undo me, Meleth.”
Glorfindel smiled. houghought that was the whole idea?” All Elrond could do was purr in content and he pushed back to make his desire known.

Glorfindel nuzzled his neck and Elrond closed his eyes as he enjoyed the sensations his lover was giving him. Suddenly Glorfindel was gone. No more hands caressing his body and no body pressing against his. His eyes opened in panic. Where was Glorfindel? About to call the blond he saw an elf approaching him from the woods. /Well, at least I have my answer now. Unless he hides because he thinks I want to keep it a secret./ He realised they had to talk about this.

Seeing the elf make way towards him he growled. He didn’t want to be interrupted. “What!” he all but shouted at the innocent elf, who jumped back three steps. Elrond was grateful Glorfindel hadn’t removed his clothes fro they covered up his erection. He glared at the intruder, hoping he would say what he came for and then leave.
The elf bowed and extended his hand. “My father has fallen ill and cannot come to work. Here is his note.”
Elrond growled. “Erestor deals with that.” It was hard forming coherent sentences when his body was on fire.
The visitor nodded. “I know and I’ve tried finding him but I’ve been unsuccessful. I was hoping to find him in the gardens, but I didn’t and when I walked back I saw you standing in your window, my lord. Please forgive me my intruding your thoughts.”

/If that was thinking, I wonder what the reality would be like./ Elrond nodded and extended his hand to grab the letter. “Now off.” The visitor didn’t now how hard to run away.
Elrond growled, wondering what rumours about him would be going around tomorrow.

About to turn he felt Glorfindel’s body taking up his former position. The blond embraced his lover. “I’m sorry, but I heard him too late. My mind was on other matters.” Even though this was a good teasing attempt Elrond restrained himself and nodded. “Are you going to finish?”

Glorfindel claimed his lips in answer, letting his hands find their way back onto Elrond’s body. One hand red imd immediately down to see what the interruption had done to Elrond’s hardness but Glorfindel felt he was still fully erect and highly sensitive.

Elrond moaned when Glorfindel gently rubbed his thumb along his shaft and pushed his body back. Glorfindel replied by pulling Elrond’s trousers down and getting rid of any cloth that might be hindering his way. As soon as that was removed Elrond felt Glorfindel’s cock and realised Glorfindel had used the interruption to remove his own pants and growled at the unfairness of the situation. He had to suffer longer.
But he forgot all thoughts when Glorfindel entered him and increased his caresses to his body. He pushed back as good and as strongly as he was able.

Glorfindel set a nice rhythm and he had Elrond ing ing his need and desire. The love he felt for the being in his arms only increased every moment and he growled possessively. Elrond’s face showed stunned pleasure and Glorfindel increased the speed of his thrusts. When he sensed Elrond was reaching climax he stilled all movement.

Elrond growled his disapproval. “What…are…you…doing?”
Glorfindel laid his head on Elrond’s shoulder and smiled. “Well, rational thinking has not deserted me, yet. I am not capable of holding the both of us up, which is exactly what I will have to do if I let you reach orgasm.”

Elrond cocked his head towards the blond, moving his body backwards, trying to create some friction, but Glorfindel quickly placed his hands in a deathlike grip on his abdomen, keeping Elrond in place. “Please?”
Glorfindel smiled at Elrond. “You’re adorable like this, Elrond.”
Elrond growled at him. “Glorfindel, if you don’t…” Glorfindel’s eyes shone with pleasure and he removed one hand and placed it near Elrond’s member. “You want me to move?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course I do. You cannot leave me like this.”
Glorfindel smiled. “I have no intention of leaving you behind, my love.”

When he felt Elrond had relaxed enough he resumed his pace in thrusts and he enjoyed Elrond’s moans and purrs. Part of him was surprised at his own actions but he wanted to bring as much pleasure as possible to Elrond and he intended to do just that. So when he sensed a new orgasm was building inside Elrond he held the other back by tightly squishing the base of Elrond’s already weeping member.

At first Elrond had thought Glorfindel would start strokinm inm in time with the trusts but the opposite turned to be true. “Glorfindel, please, AI, I’m” Glorfindel nuzzled his hair and kissed his neck “Not coming just yet.”
Elrond was forced to endure Glorfindel building up his own orgasm by riding him, all the while unable to reach climax himself.

Rational thought had long deserted Elrond but now the remaining thoughts evaporated as well. He moaned, purred and moved his body as much as he could, begging Glorfindel to have mercy on him.

Feeling his own orgasm approach Glorfindel whispered in his ear. “I’m close, do you want it now?” Glorfindel stilled his thrusts, knowing the next one would bring him there.
But it took a while for Elrond’s mind to properly hear the words and form a reply. By the time Elrond did so Glorfindel had already come down, enjoying the thought of making it last a little longer. “AI, Yes Glorfindel, Take me.” Acting on impulse he turned his head and claimed the blond’s lips in a demanding kiss.

While it lasted Glorfindel didn’t move and he felt Elrond come down a little as well. He waited a little longer before he started moving again. Experimentally releasing Elrond’s member he was surprised Elrond shuddered but didn’t come.

Elrond realised he hadn’t come yet, but also that Glorfindel hadn’t. “You said you were close?” Glorfindel kissed him and nodded. “I was.”

His thrusts came harder and faster. He was driving into Elrond in earnest now and his lover had a hard time keeping himself upright. But he did so and even managed to push back a little. When he sensed orgasm was close he half expected Glorfindel to prevent it from happening and was surprised when the blond only increased his speed.
About to explode from within he flung his head aside, biting Glorfindel’s tunic as he screamed out his lover’s name.

Feeling Elrond’s muscles contract around him send Glorfindel over the edge as well and he smothered his cry in Elrond’s hair and robe, shuddering in ecstasy.

Elrond could no longer hold himself up and his hands fell from the pillars, catapulting his body backwards onto Glorfindel, who was unprepared for that movement and fell down, taking his lover with him. Both were only partly aware of what was happening, both riding out the pleasure waves that washed over them now.

Glorfindel whe fhe first to realise they had fallen to the floor and his first concern was Elrond’s well-being and he quickly checked for injuries, as good as the present position allowed it anyway. He had to wait for Elrond to move before he could pull out.

When Elrond was relatively back to earth he too noticed the change of scenery. He was staring at his ceiling and not the forest. He smiled at Glorfindel and opened his mouth but no words came out. Glorfindel smiled. “Speechless are we?” All Elrond could do was nod and claim his lover’s already bruised lips with his own.

When the kiss ended Elrond had his rational thought back and he finally realised he was pining Glorfindel to the floor with his own body. He glared at the other but his expression mellowed immediately when he saw doubt and confusion on Glorfindel’s face. “I’m crushing you to the floor. Why did you not say something?”
Glorfindel kissed him and smiled. “And ruin your pleasure?”
Elrond nodded and his tone was serious. “I’d rather cut my pleasure short than to find you fighting to draw breath.”

He wanted to roll of Glorfindel but blo blond suddenly tightened his hold, preventing his movements. “Now what?”
Glorfindel’s eyes merely glanced down and Elrond blushed, though it was hardly visible on his heated face. “I see.”

He kissed his lover and then rolled of slowly, releasing a displeased moan when the blond left his body. Once he felt the hard floor he laid on his side, facing his lover who did the same. “I love you, Glorfindel.” He caressed the blond hair and blew at it.

Glorfindel smiled at the movements and looked at his beloved dotingly and frowned when he saw a brooding look appear on Elrond’s face. “What are you thinking?”
Elrond seemed shocked Glorfindel had asked that question, which worried Glorfindel for that could only mean the thoughts involved him.

Elrond swallowed before answering. “Several things actually. I had just changed and now I have to change again though I prefer changing after our lovemaking to getting juice thrown over me.” Seeing his lover’s questioning look he smiled. “I entered the kitchen at the wrong moment, I fear. Blueberry juice. I hope it will come out. And I have just one question.” Seeing Glorfindel nod he continued. “Why did you make me last so long. It was torture.”
Seeing Glorfindel’s eyes darken Elrond realised he had chosen the wrong words. “Ai, Glorfindel, don’t get it wrong. Forgive an old fool his choice of words.”
“You’re not old.”

Elrond smiled at the passionate statement. “What I meant to say was that it surprised me and I wondered why you did it? And I also would like to know if you’d prefer to keep this secret or not? But please don’t think I didn’t enjoy this. d. Bd. But it was torture at the time and yet it wasn’t.”
Glorfindel nodded, showing he understood now. He pulled his lover closer. “I want to give you as much pleasure as I can.”
Elrond caressed his cheek, pleased Glorfindel leaned into it. “In that you succeed. I enjoyed it. What am I saying? I enjoy it still!” And he once more claimed Glorfindel’s lips.

When Elrond removed his lips Glorfindel sat up, the suddenness of the movement worrying Elrond. “I think we have to get back to work now.” His voice carried regret. Feeling Elrond’s hand settle on his leg told him Elrond was worried but he dismissed it. “We will see each other at dinner.”

Elrond squinted his eyes. He didn’t like the sudden change in Glorfindel and he quickly rose. But, since he had been holding the pillars so forcefully, his arms had become a little stiff and he yelped as he leaned on them, the unease forcing him to fall back to the ground. Glorfindel immediately was at his side and Elrond sighed relieved. Glorfindel still loved him. “I fear my arms refuse to cooperate right now.”

Glorfindel smile faded as guilt washed over him and Elrond shook his head. “Don’t you dare feel guilty about that. I could have moved to the ground or closer to the pillar, but I didn’t. If anyone is to blame for my stiffy arms, it’s me. Would you help me up, Ohtarnya?”
Glorfindel blushed at the endearment and he easily lifted Elrond of the floor.

Using the situation to his advantage Elrond managed to gain a tight hold on the blond. “You haven’t answered my question.”
“What question?”
Elrond realised Glorfindel avoided answering it. Most likely because he was afraid of his reaction. “I ask because I would not be able to keep this secret even if I wanted to. I love you too much.”
The beam that Glorfindel send him was going straight to his loins and Elrond moaned and leaned in to kiss him, but Glorfindel drew back. “Are you sure?”
Elrond nodded. “Why should we hide our love?”
Glorfindel smiled at him and nodded. “Then we go public.”

There was something in his eyes that unnerved Elrond, but he didn’t know how to address it. “We can wait, if you want to. I was asking your opinion on the matter. All you did now is accommodate yourself to mine. I want an honest answer, Glorfindel.” Glorfindel closed his eyes and Elrond continued to hold Glorfindel.

The blond just couldn’t face Elrond when voicing this. He was sure Elrond had forgotten about that and the second he would mention it Elrond was bound to break things between them. “I was just thinking of the children. How they might take it.”
Elrond raised his eyebrow. “You fear their disapproval?”
Glorfindel nodded. “To them I’m taking the place that belongs to their mother.”
“Belonged. The past, Glorfindel. She’s my past. And not even half as much as you are. If they don’t understand at once they will in time. Meleth, I can’t hide this from my children.”
Glorfindel nodded. “I’m not asking you too.” He stepped out of the embrace and turned. “Till dinner.”

Elrond didn’t stop him, understanding the pain that presently resided within Glorfindel and there was nothing he could do to make it go away. Only his children could kill that pain.

He sighed and changed his robes, making up his mind to tell his children over dinner.

In the corridor Elrond hailed a servant that just passed by. “Will you make sure to deliver scented candles, roses, silk sheets and other romantic stuff is brought to Lord Glorfindel’s room during dinner. He doesn’t know it yet but he’s expecting company tonight.”
The servant smiled and a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. “Do you want me to make the arrangements, my lord, or is someone else taking care of that?”
Elrond thought for a second. “Someone else is supposed to be taking care of it, but he might not have time, so I trust you to do it.”
The girl nodded and smiled. The fact that Lord Elrond seemed to trust her with a matchmaking scheme warmed her and she flew away to make sure all was in order.

End chapter 11
TBC

Translations:
Otharnya means my warrior
Meleth means lover (Sindarin)
Melamin means my love (Sindarin)