The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 143

Elrond yawned as he reclined back in his favourite sofa, Erestor sitting at his feet on the floor, in front of the fire. To their left was Thranduil stretched out along the other lounge, Haldir sitting between his legs as the march warden braided and combed the king’s blonde locks. On an arm chair by himself sat Celeborn the Lorien lord drifting in an out of consciousness as he battled his own fatigue. Filgree and Lindar sat side by side at Elrond’s desk reading to each other quietly from a text of Gondolin while Elrohir sat alone near the book stacks writing a letter to his sister in Lorien. Elrond’s library was bathed in a warm glow and a comfortable silence, all the elves present pleasantly full with food and content with their situations in each others company. Dinner had been enjoyable, and the music and singing afterwards had been a nice to hear again after so long without it. Carrying out Haldir’s instructions to the word Legolas and Glorfindel had retired to their rooms after listening to a few songs leaving those left to sit by the fire in Elrond’s library and enjoy a few sweet mints and a warm glass of fey wine before bed.

“Where is Hale this evening Thranduil?” Curious of the whereabouts of Thranduil’s wayward son Elrond tilted his head casually towards where the couple on the lounge beside them were sharing an intimate whisper.

“He is preparing to return to Mirkwood with Tazelion. He has never ridden with a child before and is taking his time to ensure everything is ready for the trip tomorrow. I believe he is a little apprehensive to be doing this on his own for the first time.” Elrond chuckled understandingly as Thranduil relaxed back into the cushions of the sofa Haldir going back to placing unseen kisses on his lovers neck while pretending to be resting.

“And Elladan? Where is my other grandson this evening Elrond?” Awoken by Elrond’s softly spoken question Celeborn shifted comfortably in his own chair drawing up his regal robes to place his bare feet on the warm rock fire surround in quite an undignified manner of a lord.

“I confess I do not know. I have not seen a lot of him of late, he is spending a lot of time doing Glorfindel’s duties at the borders.” Glancing over his shoulder Elrond looked expectantly at Elrohir who had finished writing his er aer and was now carefully sealing it with his fathers wax seal. “Elrohir? Where is your brother, he was not at dinner. Has he retired for the evening already?” Elrohir burnt himself with the wax as he finished the seal before he stood from his stool in the corner and moved over to the fire so he could address his father’s question.

“I do not know, he has taken to having meals with the guards in the barracks for some reason although I was sure he said he was going to be in the stables tonight helping one of the mares to foal. Perhaps it is taking longer than expected.” Elrond nodded at his youngest sons explanation of his twin’s whereabouts, although Elrond was sure that none of the stable hands had told him of the expectant mare. Still not too bothered about Elladan’s whereabouts considering his son’s were no longer elflings Elrond merely smiled and put the thought aside as Elrohir asked for permission to be dismissed so that he could get his letter to the messenger who would be leaving early tomorrow morning for Lorien.

“Aye you may Elrohir and will see you tomorrow morning at breakfast before we leave for Mirkwood.” Elrond smiled as his son pressed a chaste kiss to both he and Erestor’s cheeks before pausing in front of his grandsire who beamed proudly up at him.

“Figwit is probably in the hot springs, he tends to enjoy such a luxury as much as he can while here in Imladris.” Elrohir nodded his thanks to his grandsire for the whereabouts of Lorien’s messenger before also pressing a chaste kiss to Celeborn’s cheek as he left. Elrohir nearly ran into Elladan on his way out of the study and smiled at his twin who looked extremely jumpy and a little nervous as they greeted one another in the open tapestry entrance to their fathers study.

“Elladan! Where have you been!” Both twins exchanged final good nights before Elladan stepped cautiously into the Library smiling as calmly as he could at everyone who now look at him. Elrond frowned as he looked over his eldest son’s appearance, confused at why Elladan was immaculately dressed in his best blue robes. It certainly didn’t look like the twin had been helping to deliver a foal, for not a speck of dirt was seen anywhere, even Elladan’s dark hair had been carefully braided in a style Elrond had never seen before. Out of both twins Elladan had never been the tidiest and had always kept his hair in an unkempt warriors braid, the twin never having really got the hang of doing his own hair.

“You look very nice this evening Elladan, is there a special occasion we have all forgotten?” Before Elrond could press for an answer to his question again Filgree butted in commenting on the young elf’s appearance and making Elladan blush a little under the praise. That was yet another sign that something was up, for Elladan never blushed at such praise making Elrond suspicious.

“Thank-you Filgree you all look very well yourself and there is no special occasion I just simply wished to look nice.” Filgree inclined his head in acknowledgement before going back to his reading with Lindar. Swallowing around a lump in his throat Elladan took a deep breath and smiled calmly at his father who was still looking expectantly up at him.

“Can I speak with you please Ada? I know it is a little late but it is important?” Sitting up on the sofa Elrond nodded and went to stand up to escort Elladan to the privacy of the study when Elladan shook his head and stayed his father with a steady hand. “Nay there is no need for privacy Ada. Everyone will know eventually and I do not wish for it to remain a secret.” A little confused by his son’s strange behaviour Elrond merely sat back down on the sofa, Erestor easily reclining back against his lovers legs as all who were present look to Elladan expectantly waiting for an explanation. Tg a g a deep calming breath Elladan told himself silently that everything was well, and that he had nothing to fear as he spoke slowly and confidently. “Tonight I have bound myself to another…” Elladan trailed off as he watched his fathers eyes widen in shock as everyone around them gasped audibly. Before Elrond could speak Elladan continued determined not to be put off from what he wanted to say. “I know it is sudden but we have kept our love private to ensure it did not interfere with the events that havesed sed so recently. We apologise for not having told you but it was for the best.” Elladan trailed off as he twisted his hands nervously in front of him as he glanced at his side to where Celeborn was smiling at him warmly. Seeing his grandsire’s happiness brought a little more confidence to Elladan who turned back to his stunned father. “Orophin of Lorien has taken me as his mate and this eve we are to complete our bond for life having had Mithrandir already oversee the ceremony.” As if on cue Orophin stepped silently in from the hallway outside bowing respectfully to the lords in the room before moving to stand beside his mate, their hands linking together automatically. Celeborn could hardly believe it his feet sliding from the rocks on the fire surround to knock over the grate with a clatter. None however was more shocked than Haldir who despite having been only partially listening to what Elladan was saying fell off Thranduil and onto the floor with a thump as he heard his brother’s name.

“You are bound to Orophin? I had no idea my brother was even seeing anyone, let alone in love?” Haldir sat shocked on the floor staring up at his brother in complete aw as Orophin wrapped his arm around Elladan’s waist.

“Did you think you would be the only one to fall in love Haldir? Perhaps had you not only eyes for your beloved you might have seen that both Rumli and myself have found mates?” Haldir guiltily swallowed around a lump in his throat feeling bad suddenly for having neglected his own family in search of his own lost love. Supportively Thranduil helped Haldir from the ground sitting the march warden protectively in between his legs again as Orophin continued. “But I am not angry with you, considering your happiness I too could not be happier and when you return to Lorien after Legolas’ coronation we will talk about the events you have missed.” Haldir sighed and nodded in agreement, Thranduil and himself having already decided to return together to Lorien so that Haldir would be close to his brothers.

“I am happy for you both although a little put out I did not see this before. How long….?” Celeborn rose from his chair by the fire and embraced both Elladan and Orophin individually before smiling supportively at where Elrond was only now beginning to warm to what had happened before his eyes.

“A week or so after I first arrived in Lorien for my stay.” Elladan smiled expectantly at Elrond who seemed to instantly understand what had happened. Elladan had found someone to replace Glorfindel in his heart and despite everything Elrond found himself happy for them both. “Ada? Mithrandir said you would have something for us?” Elrond frowned for a moment trying to think what the Istari would be thinking about, and then like a light Elrond realized what it was the wizard had done. It would not have surprised Elrond if Mithrandir hadn’t known back then just what would happen and although a little sad Elrond rose from his seat and moved silently over to a cupboard beside his desk.

“This was given to me as a gift and although I thought at first it was meant for mine and Erestor’s use I now understand that it is not.” Easily Elrond returned to the sofa the small glass vial clutched delicately in his hand. “We are too old for such folly and it is both of you who will find much more enjoyment in such things.” As if in small apology Elrond leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss to Erestor’s forehead having told his lover about the vial just after Mithrandir had given it to him. “Use it sparingly and wisely for it is the last of its kind in all of Middle Earth. I hope it brings you much more happiness than I can see you have at the moment.” Gently Elrond handed the vial to Elladan who looked strangely at the blue liquid inside swilling it around a little before looking to his father in confusion.

”What is it?” It was Haldir who chuckled in reply to Elladan’s answer instantly recognising the liquid from a time long ago. Both Orophin and Elladan looked to Haldir for an answer when it became obvious that Elrond had no intention of telling either of them what it was for.

“You will know what it is soon enough. When you feel the time is right place a single drop upon the tip of both your tongues and forever will happiness unite your hearts.” Elladan frowned at Haldir’s cryptic answer but was not going to ask for further explanation as Celeborn yawned loudly from his seat near the fire.

“I think perhaps you should both retire and sleep on this gift. I am happy for you Elladan and wish you every wonder that love can give you.” Elrond hugged his son tightly before pressing an embarrassing kiss to both cheeks as he did when the twins were but babes. Turning to Orophin Elrond gently extended his hand allowing the elder elf to take his hand in a warriors exchange. “Orophin, just as your brothers will always be welcome in Imladris so too am I please to have you as part of my family. I wish you a fruitful life together and expect to be better informed in future of such dramatic events before they happen.” Everyone chuckled knowingly as Elrond embraced Haldir’s brother before sending the newly bound couple away from the library for their first night together as mates. Sighing heavily Elrond collapsed back onto the sofa closing his eyes as the reality of his eldest son’s binding finally settling in. Sensing his lovers distress Erestor crawled up slowly onto the sofa so that he lay beside his mate.

“You handled that very well my love I am proud that you did not lose you temper. They are in love, you can see it in their eyes and I am sure they will be happy together.” Erestor whispered softly in elvish into Elrond’s ear before deeply kissing his lover almost oblivious to everyone else who was still in the room. Someone clearing their throat above them drew Erestor and Elrond apart a little breathlessly both of them looking up to see Filgree and Lindar awkwardly avoiding looking at the two lords.

“I am afraid we must retire also Elrond, I believe we promised Legolas and Glorfindel that we would watch Celulass tonight.” Elrond nodded understandingly watching as the unusual couple left the library.

“We should probably be going as well Elrond, we all have a very long trip tomorrow and need the rest.” Sensing their intrusion on Elrond and Erestor’s private time Haldir and Thranduil both rose to their feet, finishing their glasses of wine before accompanying Celeborn from the room, who excused himself before he potentially fell asleep in the arm chair.

With the library now completely to themselves Erestor stretched out the full length of Elrond’s body pressing himself luxuriously against the dark haired lord who closed his eyes in silent delight of the touch.

“You and I have not made love for a while, I believe you promised me something in the privacy of our tent on the eastern plains after the battle had finished?” Erestor purred seductively against Elrond’s ear letting his tongue flick out to suck on the tip before drawing his tongue down the lord’s cheek in a wet slick trail. Elrond was left breathless as Erestor kissed him forcefully on the lips, their tongues duelling for dominance as Erestor ground himself rhythmically against Elrond’s hips, drawing the bludge already prominent beneath Elrond’s robes to full hardness.

“Perhaps we should retire also?” Elrond rose his eyebrow in suggestion as Erestor began to undo the ties of his lovers robe, as he now sat straddling Elrond’s lap. Erestor bit his lip innocently fluttering his eyelashes before shaking his head in refusal.

”I don’t think so, we’d never make it there before I ravished you in the hallway besides what’s wrong with here?” Elrond gasped and moaned into his lover’s mouth as Erestor slipped Elrond’s robe open and began to gently massage the twin sacks between his lover’s legs.

“The steward he…….” Elrond trailed off as Erestor dipped down to begin sucking and nipping lightly at the taunt muscles of his lovers stomach, his hands still coaxing Elrond to complete incoherency. “He will….come in to……stoke the fire…..we shouldn’t………” Elrond again trailed off into a guttural groan as Erestor engulfed his throbbing cock in a warm wet mouth. The last of his protests died the moment Erestor stuck his tongue beneath the skin at the very end of Elrond’s member, disruptions by stewards forgotten as Erestor drew his mate to the brinks of pleasure and back again for the first time since they’d fought about the war so long ago. The war of the eastern plains had ended but the fight for dominance in the library had just begun……….

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

(A/N) ONLY TWO TO GO............................