An uir

Chapter 13.

“Oh… oh… how sweet…you taste heavenly.” Glorfindel thought, kissing the king with a fervor of one starved. Thranduil’s lips were soft, willing, and Glorfindel moaned wantonly. Waves of passion erupted inside him when he felt the aroused body pressing against his own. Thranduil fit in his arms perfectly, and he wanted him to stay there, forever. He didn’t let the king go, even if sheer lack of air finally forced them break the kiss. He wanted nothing else but to carry this elf to bed and make him his.

Thranduil felt his blood roaring in his veins like never before, and his heart was beating rapidly in his chest. He looked into azure eyes and saw them darkened with desire, and Glorfindel still held him tightly in his arms. The need was so strong in Thranduil that he startled with a sudden certainty hit him. Glorfindel was the other part of his fëa (soul), and he had no life anymore without him.

“Glorfindel?”

That little question finally broke the spell between them and Glorfindel flinched, although his whole being yearned for more of this intoxicating closeness. He could tell that their kiss had affected Thranduil too. The king leaned against the wall, feeling off balance and he panted heavily. Glorfindel heard his own heartbeat thundering in his ears and he struggled to keep his distance. How painfully difficult it was! The king extended his hand, and his beautiful eyes blazed to Glorfindel invitingly, full of promises.

Glorfindel struggled with differing emotions, guilt and desire and finally his guilt won the battle.

“I… I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done this.” Glorfindel finally said and left quickly, without looking back.

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Thranduil closed the door behind him feeling completely devastated. Glorfindel’s rejection hurt more than he ever thought possible. He still felt a wild longing inside him; the longing that only Glorfindel could satisfy.

“What did I do wrong? Why did he danced with me, or kissed me in the first place, if he feels like that? And why in Arda I was so foolish to believe he wanted me?”

Thranduil undressed himself slowly, but he realized that it was fruitless to try to sleep that night. Glorfindel’s kisses and caresses still burned upon his skin without giving him a moment’s rest.

“Why, Glorfindel? Am I really so repulsive that you needed to leave me like that? Was all this only because I am the King? Didn’t you know that you had the right to decline my company if you didn’t want to be near me?”

Thranduil tried to will away his aching arousal but failed miserably. Finally, he gave up and stroked himself to completion, tears of shame in his eyes.

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Glorfindel stormed through the Last Homely House as if he had Morgoth behind him. He trembled violently when he finally reached his room.

“What I have done! How could I betray my beloved like that? Don’t I have more self-restraint than that? I insulted the King too. What must he think of me when I first lay my hands upon him in that manner and then I rush away like a madman?”

To his utter shame, Glorfindel couldn’t remove the memory of Thranduil’s kisses from his mind. His whole body ached with helpless longing, making his misery even more intense. When he was finally in bed, he cried bitter tears as every night before. But, Glorfindel didn’t realize that this time the name which escaped from his lips was Thranduil’s name.

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Elrond was confused. The negotiations had gone much easier than he had dared to hope. The king had proven himself a sharp and honorable associate and had quickly earned Elrond’s respect, but he couldn’t stop thinking that something was still amiss. Thranduil often withdrew into himself, and he had a gloomy expression on his face. Elrond had asked him about it, but Thranduil stubbornly said that everything was fine. Another thing he wondered about was Glorfindel’s sudden departure on patrol. He had been gone three days now, and Elrond didn’t know when he intended to come back.

What had happened between Glorfindel and Thranduil on the night of the celebration? Elrond was sure that things had somehow gone wrong and both suffered, but guessing was fruitless. If neither of them would tell him what was wrong and there was nothing he could do about it. Maybe he could do something else? Elrond was relieved when he remembered that Elladan and Elrohir were back at home. Maybe they would like to help.

“You told me about your wish to go riding on the Imladris’ grounds. I’m sure that my sons would be eager to guide you if you are still interested.” Elrond suggested and to his great relief he saw the first genuine interest on king’s face in days.

“I would like that very much, Elrond. I must apologize that I have taken so much of your time. You are newly wed, and you surely want to spend more time with your beautiful hervenn.” Thranduil said. He knew that nothing can ease this pain inside him, but maybe he would find at least passing relief. He had met Elrond’s sons and they surely would make joyous company. It was exactly what he needed.

“There is no need to apologize. I can spend a whole eternity with Erestor, but you are here for a short time. I would like to believe that we will become friends before you return to your realm.” Elrond smiled, in hope that he could offer his support, if not a solution to Thranduil’s problems.

“I would love to be your friend, Elrond. I have had a wonderful time here in Imladris. You really have built a safe-haven here.” Thranduil said and bid Elrond good day. He left to change into attire more suitable for riding.

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Erestor worried, sensing Elrond’s melancholy inside him. He left his work and went to see if he could help. He was surprised after noticing that Elrond was alone in his study, deep in his thoughts.

“Elrond? Where is the king? I thought you had an appointment?”

Without a word, Elrond extended his hand and pulled Erestor in his arms when he walked closer.

“Elrond? Are you all right?”

“Erestor…meleth. I love you, so much. I can’t understand how I survived all those years without you and your love. Don’t leave me… ever.” Elrond whispered and kissed his mate softly.

“Oh Elrond! Don’t even think about that. How could I ever leave you? What is bothering you, meleth? Tell me.”

“I just… Thranduil’s welfare occupies me. He is suffering and I cannot help him. When I look at him, I remember my own folly; how cruel I was to you. How in Arda did you survive those horrid years I made you endure? And how could you forgive me my cruelty?”

Erestor’s heart ached when he saw Elrond’s pain. How he wanted to take away that sorrowful gaze in his beloved’s eyes and replace it with happiness. He lifted Elrond’s chin gently, making him meet his gaze.

“Don’t torture yourself so, ind nín. You have made up for everything, and these last days have been the happiest of my whole life. Forgiving you was easy when I remembered how much I have always loved you,” he said softly, and kissed his mate with all the love he held in his heart for him.

Elrond felt his heart bursting with love and gratitude. He swore to himself that he would never take Erestor’s love for granted. He was the best thing to ever happen to him, and he wanted to show it in every possible way he could.

“Come with me. I want to show you how much you mean to me.” Erestor whispered and led his hervenn to their bedroom. Gently he undressed them both and lowered Elrond to the bed. Affection burned Erestor’s heart when he looked into grey eyes and heard his soft plea.

“I want you, more than I have ever wanted anything. Make love to me, saes. Let me feel you within me.”

“I love you and you’ll soon see how much, Elrond nín.” Erestor said softly, leaning into Elrond’s waiting embrace.