In disguise

Chapter ten Reunion

Thrilmaldur smiled as he remembered Erestor’s horrid face when he suggested reorganising the system. Not that he could blame him; he knew he would react in a much similar way. He frowned when he found himself staring at an empty room and closed his eyes in annoyance. /I forgot, Elrohir moved my stuff. So now I have to find my new room, but where is it?/ After some thought he abandoned a wild search and made way to the corridor in which the twins’ rooms were located.

He first knocked on Elrohir’s door, hoping the twin was in. But no one answered his knocking in any way.

Elladan opened his door in annoyance. Not even pounding on the wall had forced his twin to answer his door and he knew Ro was in. His eyes widened when he saw the elf responsible for the noise. “Tihtalfin?”
Thrilmaldur smiled at Elladan. “My feet just carried me to my room, only to find it empty. Elrohir has moved my stuff to my new room, but I don’t know where it is.”
Elladan cocked his head. “I showed you earlier. Did you forget?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “All the corridors look alike to me. And you showed me almost the entire house, Elladan. How am I to remember where my room is?”
Elladan nodded. “Give me a sec to get dressed and I’ll walk you there. You’re also welcome to share my bed, if you wish.”
Thrilmaldur showed his surprise. “You do not mind?”
Elladan smiled and shook his head. “Nay, of course not. I would not mind even if you weren’t my lover. But if it makes you uncomfortable…”
Thrilmaldur blushed but shook his head. “I like it when you hold me. It was so nice to wake up in your arms.”
In answer Elladan gently pulled him in his room and kissed him. “It is nice to hold you and feel your arms around me as well, melamin.”

He released the other. “I’ve got sleeping robes if you need one and I can also draw you a bath if you wish.”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Nay, I’d rather bathe in the morning if that’s all right with you.”
Elladan nodded. “oo, oo, but some people bathe in the evening and some both in the evening and morning. I don’t know which type you were.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Mornings.”

He cocked his head when Elladan retrieved two sleeping robes.
Elladan smiled, a bit shy. “I normally sleep naked, but I don’t mind wearing one if you want me to.” He threw Thrilmaldur his night robe and turned around to step out of his morning robe and into his sleeping attire.

Thrilmaldur felt guilty when he saw Elladan struggle with the offending cloth. He could sense the twin’s unease and felt flattered Elladan willingly put himself through that for him. He momentarily closed his eyes and took a deep breath before stepping forward and stopping Elladan’s struggle.
Elladan frowned and turned, puzzled by this behaviour.
Thrilmaldur pulled him close and kissed him, moaning when Elladan deepened the kiss. “You feel awkward in it. I don’t want that.”
Elladan smiled, not ending the embrace. “I am not used to it, that’s true, but it does not make me feel awkward. I would feel awkward and guilty if not wearing it would make you uncomfortable. That’s the last thing I want.”
Thrilmaldur narrowed his eyes. “So you’d rather make yourself uncomfortable. Make me feel guilty.”
Elladan shook his head and quickly claimed another kiss. “Never. I am not uncomfortable in this. It’s just been too long since I’ve last slept in one, that is all, my love.”

Thrilmaldur released him, shrugged and walked to the bed. “Whatever, though I do not see why you would wear something you don’t want to just because I am in your bed. I have seen a naked body before or are you suddenly shy?”
Elladan shook his head. “No, but…”
Thrilmaldur climbed in bed and smiled. “Keep it on or take it off, it does not matter.”

Elladan sighed and climbed in the bed as he was. He turned on his side and pulled his beloved closer. “Comfy?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Aye. I won’t ask you the same for I know you are not.”
Elladan rolled his eyes but did not respond.

After a while he frowned when he felt his robe being tagged. He opened his eyes and looked at Thrilmaldur, who shrugged. “You might not have noticed but your sleeping robe is limiting my movement.”
Elladan smiled and closed his eyes again, too tired to comment. The tugging continued and after a while Thrilmaldur released a soft growl of frustration, making Elladan laugh inwardly. “That’s it.” He poked Elladan on the chest.
The twin opened his eyes and glared at the other. “What??”
Thrilmaldur tugged at the night robe again and growled. “Put it of. If I have to fight that garment the entire night I shan’t get any sleep at all.”
Elladan grinned and happily obliged. He threw it away before settling back down and snuggling closer again. “Better?”
Thrilmaldur nodded.

He enjoyed feeling Elladan’s warm skin beneath his hands. Suddenly it occurred to him Elladan might find his garment restraining as well. “Do you want me to remove my robe?”
Elladan’s eyes flashed open and revealed his shock. “Are you here to sleep or to seduce me?”
Thrilmaldur frowned. “Sleep. Why would you say that?”
Elladan groaned, feeling the known heat flow through his body. “Feeling you naked might not be a good idea right now.”
Thrilmaldur cocked his head. “Why not? Does it not restrict your movements?”
Elladan could not help laughing. “A little, but if you remove it you’ll be naked.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Is that a problem?”
Elladan nodded. “Unless you want to make love it will be, yes.”
Thrilmaldur blinked. “Make love? With you?” A smile crept across his face. “I wouldn’t mind. I trust you to there next week still.”
Elladan grinned. “And much longer too.”

Suddenly the totally of the words sank in and his eyes darkened with passion and lust. “You really want to?” Thrilmaldur nodded and kissed him, removing his robe in the process.

The moment Elladan felt Thrilmaldur’s naked body against his own he moaned and became awfully hard. He smiled when he felt Thrilmaldur’s response to that. Elladan broke the kiss and reached inside his night stand for some scented oil.
“You said you’ve done it before, but…”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “It has been a while, Elladan, if that’s your worry.”
Elladan shook his head. “No, not really. What do you prefer? Me taking you or the other way around?”
Thrilmaldur cocked his head. “I prefer to be taken or I would not be in need of a male. You?”
Elladan smiled. “I’d love to claim you, my love, but I would also enjoy to reverse it every now and then.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Of course. Will you take me?”

Elladan nodded and hungrily claimed his lips, already wetting his fingers with oil. There was no time for foreplay tonight.
Thrilmaldur hissed when he felt the penetration but relaxed remarkably soon. He knew pleasure would come soon. He wordlessly pleaded with his lover to hurry up, but Elladan shook his head. He had no intention of hurting his beloved. Only when Thrilmaldur could take three fingers did his apply the oil on his member, moaning a little at the sensation.

Thrilmaldur unexpectedly grabbed him and pulled him close for a demanding kiss. “Hurry, I need you. Now!”
Elladan nodded and positioned himself. He wanted to itch in slowly but his lover suddenly pushed back and took him in completely. Elladan gasped when Thrilmaldur moaned in his mouth, deepening the kiss even further and setting a fast, hard rhythm. This he had not expected. He happily obliged his lover and sped up his thrusts, making sure to hit his lover’s gland every time.

They did not last long and soon both elves panted heavily in each other’s arms. “Aiya, Tihtalfin, that was…. Perfect.”
Thrilmaldur smiled and kissed his lover. “You weren’t bad yourself. I am highly fortunate you are my lover.”
Elladan sighed blissfully. “Something tells me you are an inventive and wicked lover, with a lot of stamina.”
Thrilmaldur laughed. “You did not expect that in one so old as me, I suppose.”
Elladan laughed. “No, I’m afraid I won’t keep up.”
Thrilmaldur laughed and renewed the kiss. “Let’s find out.”

Just spent Elladan already hardened. He did look forward to a night filled with lovemaking. He allowed Thrilmaldur to turn him over and sighed when he felt hands, lips and tongue touch him everywhere.

“Next time I want to taste you.”
Thrilmaldur looked at him and smiled. “Than you shall. Every way you desire.”
Elladan moaned at that and bucked wantonly.
Thrilmaldur smiled and sat back up. “Are you in desperate need of release or not?”
Elladan shook his head, already knowing Thrilmaldur intended to draw this out as long as he could.

Neither of them heard Elrohir grumble as the twin stumped down the corridor, looking for another room. One with less noisy neighbours.

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Glorfindel blinked when he awoke. He saw Elrond sitting next to him, reading a book. At first he wondered why the Peredhel was here but then everything came back. Sensing Elrond inside him was confusing him, for it guaranteed him Elrond was highly serious. Elrond loved him and loved him deeply.

“How long?”
Elrond was surprised to hear his voice but a huge smile played his features. He abandoned the book and caressed the seneschal. “You’ve slept only a few hours.”
Glorfindel shook his head, feeling Elrond’s energy flow inside him at the touch. “How long have you loved me?”
Elrond smiled, but shrugged. “I don’t know. It must have come so gradually I never noticed. Last week’s events only made me realise it. I am sorry I cannot pinpoint it for you. I really wish I could but I cannot.”
Glorfindel frowned. “But you cannot love me. You’re not meant for me.”
Elrond growled. He did not wish to repeat that conversation. “I’ll be the judge of that. And Mandos approves. Stop doubting my love.”

Glorfindel lowered his head. /He really loves me. I don’t understand it but I can feel it. But he can never learn of the mirror’s images. Never!/

He locked eyes with Elrond and managed a weak smile. “I’ve loved you always and it is hard to change something that has been inside me for so long. I can feel your love, but…”
Elrond nodded. “It is hard on you, I know. The road ahead of you is long, but we’ll walk it together. And I hope eventually you will bind yourself to me as well.”

This made Glorfindel’s eyes open wide. He just realised this weakened Elrond. Without a complete bond he drained Elrond like a parasite.
Elrond could almost read it and smiled, pulling his love close. “Do not trouble yourself about that for now. I am strong enough for both of us, my love.”
Glorfindel swallowed. “But what if you need to heal someone?”
Elrond shrugged. “Than we’d have to do that normal way; with herbs and time. And everybody will have to stay out of any serious injuries.”

But Glorfindel knew Elrond would not be able to stop himself from using his healing powers. And it always drained him. Because the bond was one-sided Elrond did not have his full powers. /I have no choice. If I don’t do this he might die. And if I do he will learn the truth. Maybe Thrilmaldur can calm him down?/

He closed his eyes. “Elrond, I hereby take you to be my mate, heart, body and soul, for all eternity.”

Elrond gasped when he heard the words so unexpectedly and immediately after he felt Glorfindel’s soul touch his own. He withdrew within himself and reached out to caress his lover spiritually. He smiled when he heard the gasp beside him at the strange sensation. “I love you, Glorfindel.”

He withdrew but his eyes widened when he saw the memory Glorfindel desperately tried to hide from him. His eyes narrowed and he instantly understood. /That’s why they’ve told Glorfindel I’m not for him. But they misunderstood./

He locked his eyes with Glorfindel. “Aiya, you suffered so much for so long needlessly.”
Glorfindel turned his head away. “I will free you of your bond whenever you choice.”
Elrond shook his head and forced Glorfindel to lock eyes with him. “Listen to me. I saw the memory, Glorfindel, the image in the mirror. They misunderstood! It did happen, but it was nothing meaningful. It did not last a year.”
Glorfindel widened his eyes. “You mean…”
Elrond nodded. “My heart probably already yearned for you. I love you, Glorfindel, and no one else.”

Glorfindel smiled and slowly pulled him closer. Elrond remained motionless, allowed Glorfindel to take the initiative. “I love you, husband mine.” He grinned at the blush that spread across the blond and answered the tender kiss.

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Celeborn smiled at his wife. “It seems things are finally right. You are practically floating.”
Galadriel smiled and nodded. “Aye. Thrilmaldur has his love and Elrond and Glorfindel are finally together. I feel guilty for misinterpreting that earlier image, but how was I to know?”
Celeborn nodded. “It’s desired by the Valar. I had no worries. But what about Thrilmaldur’s brother. Will he ever make amends?”
Galadriel’s gaze hardened momentarily. “Once he learns Thrilmaldur is engaged to Elladan, he will.”

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Several days later

Elrond looked up when his door opened and revealed his sons. “That was a short hunt.”
Elladan nodded. “Now that Glorfindel no longer snacks at night, restocking was swiftly done. We should be able to last the winter.”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, we had luck. But I am glad to be home again.”

Glorfindel walked in and blushed when he realised Elrond wasn’t alone. Elrond grinned and signalled his lover closer. “Don’t be so, meleth. You know the twins approve.”
Glorfindel nodded but shrugged. “I can’t help it.” He sat down on the bed and hesitantly kissed his lover, making the three Peredhel beam with pleasure.

After a knock the door opened again. Thrilmaldur entered, his eyes in the book he was holding. “Forgive the intrusion, Elrond, but it seems there are some pages missing in this book. I fear going to Erestor with it. He already screamed at me trice this day.”
“Ignore him. Give it to me, I will see to it the book is restore to it original state.” Elrohir took hold of the book and smiled at his future brother in law.
Thrilmaldur nodded and smiled. “How long have you been back?”

Instantly two arms encircled his waist from the side and he grinned at Elladan’s face. “Only just. I missed you.” Thrilmaldur’s eyes showed his happiness to be reunited with his beloved and they hungrily claimed each other’s lips.

Elrohir groaned. “Glorfindel, can I take over your room?”
Elrond frowned. “Why? Don’t you like your rooms anymore? You begged us to have a room next to your twin.”
Elrohir nodded. “And n’t n’t want to lose it, but I don’t want to stay there tonight. I need to sleep.” Both Elladan and Thrilmaldur blushed at the words.
Glorfindel grinned when he understood. “I am sorry, little one, but I fear I have not yet removed my stuff. It’s too messy to sleep in right now.” Elrohir groaned.
Thrilmaldur smiled. “My room is still available. I won’t be sleeping there, feel free to use it whenever Elladan and I make too much noise. I should have offered it before. Forgive me.”
Elrohir shook his head and embraced Thrilmaldur. “Doesn’t matter. You don’t know how happy you just made me.”
Elladan rolled his eyes. “Down, brother, get your own lover.”
Elrohir growled. “Relax, he’s yours. And I have no objection to your nightly activities, but hearing it is something else. I’m off to bed then.”

Before he had a chance to leave a servant entered. “Excuse me, my lords, but this message just arrived for Lord Thrilmaldur.”
Thrilmaldur accepted it and frowned. “It’s from Celeborn. I wonder what he writes.” He opened the message and read it several times, shaking his head.

Elladan grew worried when he saw fear and disbelief enter those beautiful green eyes. “Love? Is something wrong?”
Thrilmaldur sighed and leaned into the embrace. “My brother might be coming soon.”
Elladan’s gaze darkened, but Elrond smiled. “Why?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “He’s changed. Celeborn writes they’ve never let him out of their sight and made sure to stay informed. Apparently he and his wife broke up centuries ago. She took the children with her. Celeborn writes that he is positive this means a new chance for both of us. He knows my brother has always felt bad about his hasty actions but his pride forbade him to return and when she walked out on him he did not want to come back alone. But now he can no longer deny it.”
He sighed. “It does sound like him. I only hope I can deal with this. I feel so sorry for him. He did not deserve that.”
Elrond smiled. “As your brother he’s always welcome here. Elladan, give him a chance before you attack him. For Tihtalfin.” Elladan nodded.

“Come love, let’s see if I can get your mind on other things.”
Thrilmaldur grinned. “You know you can.” Within three days his brother would arrive but he did not fear it. Not with such a huge, loving family at his side. He could already see Apsontë launch her spoon at his brother in his defence. He laughed when he saw it flying through the air amidst the soldiers’ arrows and the laundry’s buttons. He would be there for his brother and if what Celeborn wrote him was true things would become all right.

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A lone rider sighed deep before entering the Valley known as Imladris. He had every intention of picking up a trade here, silversmith most likely, and take up recidence in the village, allowing his brother to set the pace of their reconciliation. He felt guilty for his past actions but even more for always postponing this move. “Forgive me, Thrilmaldur, you’re my brother and I hurt you. I only hope I am not to late to make amends.”

He jumped when he heard laughter behind him and he swiftly turned, drawing his weapon. He resheated it when he saw the circlet on the dark elf’s head, indicating his station. He bowed respectfully. “Greetings, I am…”
“We know who you are and we came out here to meet you. Welcome to Imladris. I am Elladan.”
The stranger smiled. “I amasedased to meet you. Would you please give me the directions to the village. I wish to set up shop there. I’ve become a good silversmith.”
Elladan cocked his head and frowned. “Why not come to the manor first?”
“Because I don’t want to pressure my brother. I’ve done him much wrong.”
“I am sorry to hear about your misfortune, toron. I am glad to see you again.”

The elf jumped off his horse and hugged his brother, fully aware of the suspicious stare Elladan threw him. “Is it true? Are you finally mated?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Aye. Elladan is my mate. We’ll be wed next week.” Another hug was bestowed upon him and his brother beamed with happiness. “If he ever hurts you he gets to deal with me. Oh, I am so happy for you.”
Thrilmaldur grinned. “Thank you. You will be there won’t you?” He wiped away his brother’s tears and smiled.

Together they walked to the manor, the two brothers walking arm in arm. They had a lot of catching up to do.
“One thing though. I’ve heard many tales about Elrond’s twin sons but none speak of a tiara.”
Elladan grinned. “Elrohir still doesn’t wear it and I wouldn’t either but Tihtalfin prefers me with it, so…” Elladan realised his mistake when the other gasped and looked angry.
Thrilmaldur held his brother back. “Peace, toron. I am Tihtalfin. It was my alias here. It’s a long story and I will tell you everything later.”
“Can’t wait to hear it. You seem happy. Imladris has become your home.”
”And we hope it will become yours as well.”
He nodded. “It will. You are here and that’s the main thing.”

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Elrond looked at the three elves while he leaned in the embrace Glorfindel bestowed upon him. “I am glad they’re reunited. It will take some months but I do believe the past between them will be buried.”
Glorfindel smiled. “We should find Ro a mate as well. He walks around grumpy way too much.”
Elrond smiled but shook his head. “Later, meleth. Much later.”

END TALE

A thank you to everyone who took the trouble reviewing this tale. Sorry it ended up so short. Mea culpa.
And sorry it turned out to be such a shorty.