The Fell Winter

Title: The Fell Winter (15/15)
Author: Aglarien
Type: FPS
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel, Lindir/Galuvaeron (OMC)
Rating: NC-17 eventually.
Disclaimer: Not mine, except for the cats. The great Master Tolkien’s estate owns everything else. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them.
Warning: AU. Complete disregard for canon, JRRT’s timelines (although the years of The Fell Winter are accurate), and the fact that only the Peredhil of Elrond’s lineage got to choose between human and elf. Lots of fluff.
Timeline: The Fell Winter, T.A. 2911-2912
Beta: Athos Silvanus – all remaining mistakes are mine.
Summary: Middle-earth is in the middle of the harshest winter ever known, and Erestor is suffering from the cold. A small child and a golden warrior warm his heart.


Chapter 15

Lindir and Galuvaeron walked slowly, arms encircling one another’s waists, through the halls to the seneschal’s rooms. They had spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening in the company of Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel, planning the elaborate wedding ceremonies and celebration that would take place in the spring. Perhaps it would even become a tradition – as in most places, if something happened once, everyone said, “We have always done it that way”.

They had continued the planning through dinner, for which Celebrían had rejoined them and added her own ideas. Dinner was a lively, happy meal, ending with the special cakes made by Riniel and Celebrían from the elfling’s memory. The delicious little cakes were sure to become another Imladris tradition, and the cooks had carefully written down the recipe to make them regularly.

It was a brilliant idea of Elrond’s. Instead of overtaxing the kitchens and everyone’s nerves with a constant stream of weddings, it would be one grand celebration that would also welcome the spring. Everyone in the valley would be invited, and it appeared as if the first Wedding Day would see at least five couples joined.

Although Lindir suspected that Erestor and Glorfindel would wait for their wedding day to bond, he had no intention of waiting. He had waited nearly four thousand years to find his soulmate, and he saw no reason to delay his heart’s desire.

Arriving at his door, the seneschal looked up at the tall healer and whispered, “Stay with me.”

Galuvaeron simply nodded, and opened the door to Lindir’s rooms.

Lindir gasped as the door closed and he found himself lifted against the healer’s chest. Wrapping his legs around Vaeron’s waist, his back pressed against the door, he held the healer’s face in his hands. His long, slender fingers threaded their way through Vaeron’s thick, dark hair, and he looked down into silver pools that sparkled with love and desire, before plundering the healer’s mouth with his own. Tongues dueled for dominance before Lindir finally relinquished any semblance of control and gave in to the intoxication of Vaeron’s kiss. When the need for breath finally forced their bruised lips apart, Lindir whispered huskily, “Take me to bed.”

~~~~~~*~~~~~~

Erestor smiled as he lay in his new, comfortable, and large bed, curled against Glorfindel’s chest. One of the elflings’ beds had been moved into the room with them, and Melveldir and Riniel lay snuggled together with their kittens, sleeping, secure in the knowledge that their uncles were just a breath away, albeit within the curtain shrouded bed. Both elves knew the Peredhel elflings needed to be close to them - at least for a while. Helping them begin their new lives without their parents had to be placed above the elves’ own desires, and it was not so hard, for they loved the little ones as their own.

Both Erestor and Glorfindel knew when the time came that Melveldir and Riniel slept in their own room alone, it would be a night for tears and sadness. But that time was not now, and the elves hoped that the days and nights the children spent with them would help to ease the pain when the little ones realized they would never see their parents again in Arda.

The light of the full winter moon pierced the darkness through a small opening in the heavy curtains, and twinkling gleams of white softly illumined the room. Glorfindel caressed Erestor's cheek and smiled down at him, wondering anew at how one so beautiful could love him. "Are you happy, dear one?" he whispered.

"How could I not be?" Erestor said softly. "We are sheltered in this forested bower, away from the world, and the ones I love the most in all of Middle-earth are here with me."

Glorfindel could not resist the temptation, and wrapping his arms around the slighter elf, he kissed Erestor long and lovingly.

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~

Discarded clothing was scattered on the floor, and shoes lay where they had been dropped. Lindir moaned as the healer’s mouth and hands elicited feelings he had never known before. Flashes of lightening ran through his body, and his toes tingled from the sensation. Words of undying devotion and love…always love…softly resonated in his ear, and there was no doubt in his heart or in his mind that he was Vaeron’s….and Vaeron was his. Lindir’s legs wrapped around the strong body hovering above him, as his mouth was once again plundered in a deep kiss.

Galuvaeron marveled at how this perfect, lithe elf fitted against him, as if they had been made for each other. Lindir was not as large as the healer, but he was strong. Firm muscles lay beneath silken skin, and the healer gently stroked the smaller elf’s sides and chest, eliciting soft moans from the one beneath him. Their tongues glided together, each tasting of the sweetness, and Vaeron felt as if his body was being consumed in the flames of Lindir’s fire.

There was an equality to their lovemaking, each giving and taking generously, until Lindir finally drew back, and once again twining his fingers through the healer’s dark hair, he searched silver eyes grown dark with passion and love, knowing they matched his own, and whispered, “All that I am, I surrender to you. My heart, my soul, my body, my love, I surrender to you. To you, my strong healer, I give all that I am. All my life, I have waited for the one who would complete me, and now I hold him in my arms. I give you my heart, and take yours in return. I give you my soul, and take yours in return. My body is your body. My breath is your breath. Each beat of your heart is my heart beating. With every breath you take, you breathe life into me. Take me and fill me with your love, for you have all of mine. No longer am I simply Lindir. I am Lindir, beloved of Galuvaeron. No longer do I exist without you.”

Vaeron’s throat constricted with emotion, and he nearly forgot to draw breath as he listened to Lindir’s words. Gently taking one of the seneschal’s hands from his hair, he held it over his heart and said slowly, his voice awash with wonder and love, “Feel the beating of my heart. It beats for you. Each breath I take, I breathe for you. I give you my heart, in exchange for your loving heart. I give you my soul, in exchange for your pure soul. I give you my body in exchange for your beautiful body. With all my heart, I love you, Lindir. From this moment forth, I belong to you. No longer am I alone, for you are here, within me.” He pressed seneschal’s hand firmly over his heart. “I am no longer merely Vaeron, for Lindir lives within me.”

So focused was Lindir on Galuvaeron’s words that he did not see the healer’s tears until one fell onto his cheek. Bringing his free hand to his own face, he touched his cheek and found that Vaeron’s tear had mingled with his own. “Why do we weep?” he asked in amazement.

“Because we love deeply,” the healer said, and he gently wiped Lindir’s cheeks with his fingers.

“Oh…Vaeron,” Lindir whispered. Throwing his arms around the healer’s shoulders, he held Galuvaeron to his heart.

The healer pushed his arms beneath Lindir and held him close. “Let me love you, Lindir,” he said softly. “Let me make you mine.”

And Lindir's heart sang.

~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~

Nearly three months later…..


Erestor stood on the balcony outside of his office, leaning against a pillar, and watched as a myriad of elves placed the finishing touches to the decorations. The gardens had been turned into a wonderland: the trees, newly clothed in their green raiment, were adorned with colorful lanterns that would be lit at dusk, and ribbons of white and gold were tied around the trunks. Tables were placed throughout the gardens on fresh spring grass, and dressed in white clothes and garlands of flowers. Crystal and silver tableware sparkled among the flowers. He smiled at the sight, for the cruel winter had finally passed, and today was Imladris’ Wedding Day, the day when he was to finally bind himself to Glorfindel.

He had worked as hard as all of the other residents of the valley preparing for the day, for it was Erestor who had laid out all of the plans, down to the menus for the meals for each of the newly wedded couples that would be left in their rooms.

The cooks in the kitchens had labored for days preparing all of the delicacies for the huge banquet that would follow the ceremony; the gardeners had coaxed the sweetest blooms to grow for the decorations; tailors and dressmakers had labored for weeks over the garments for the engaged couples; and the jewelers had worked for many hours, crafting the finest golden rings. Every crystal goblet and silver plate had been polished until they shined; every linen tablecloth had been ironed until no wrinkle remained. The finest wines from the cellars had been opened and tasted for approval, a task that Elrond and Glorfindel had been delighted to claim for themselves. Elves brought out and inspected their finest clothing and jewels, making sure that all was perfect for the occasion. There was an excitement in the air that was palpable.

Elrond joined Erestor on the balcony, and standing beside him, said quietly, “Happy, my friend?”

Erestor nodded. “Very. And excited – a bit nervous. I am very glad we decided to break with tradition and have the ceremonies first before the feast. I doubt I could eat anything.”

“I could not eat a thing before my wedding,” Elrond recalled. “It is a silly tradition that needs to be done away with, in my opinion. Once the ceremony was over and my nerves were back to normal, I was starving.”

“It is nearly time for me to go and get ready.” Erestor said. “Are you sure that you and Celebrían do not mind taking the children tonight?”

“Quite sure.” Elrond smiled. “They are a joy, and you and Glorfindel should be alone on your wedding night.”

Erestor blushed and murmured his thanks. The elflings had finally settled into a routine after several long weeks of trials. The first several nights the little ones had tried to sleep in their own room resulted in Erestor and Glorfindel joining them in the elflings’ room for the night. Once the shock and the newness of Imladris had worn off, grief had taken its place, and there were many days and nights of tears that had pained the older elves as much as it had the elflings. They had trusted their uncles when Glorfindel and Erestor had told that it was all right to be sad and cry sometimes, and the elflings did not try to hide their pain. But all of that was past, and Melveldir and Riniel were once again happy, with only occasional times of sadness and tears. “They are a joy, indeed,” Erestor said. “They have brought so much laughter and love into my life, as their uncle has. Sometimes I wonder how I could possibly have been so fortunate to be gifted with such love in my life.”

“Love *is* a gift, Erestor. Each day I thank the Valar for the gift of Celebrían’s love. To have her love and companionship is the greatest joy I have known. My wish for you this day is that you know the same joy with Glorfindel.”

Erestor nodded. “I know I shall. The weeks of winter that I spent in his arms are the happiest I have ever know.” He smiled. “What of the other couples you were checking on? Are they ready?”

Elrond snorted. “Lindir and Galuvaeron are acting as if it is nothing out of the ordinary, while arguing amicably, just like an old wedded couple, over what finery they should wear. Doroniel – the little house maid – had her mother so frazzled that the cooks had to shoo them away so they could finish cooking. She is a sweet maiden, and will make a good wife for Randirion, although I am still wondering how that shy, gentle, little maid ended up with Glorfindel’s second-in-command.”

Erestor chuckled. “The ways of love are strange, indeed. Whoever would have thought that Councilor Demegion would end up with the dairymaid Ninniel? They are in the hands of Ninniel’s mother, by the way, and I have her word they will be ready in time. Demegion was wearing a bemused smile on his face and gazing adoringly at Ninniel.”

“Have you checked on the others?” Elrond asked.

“Gaelon and Aerion were whispering in a corner of the library, exchanging kisses when they thought I could not see, so I sent them off to get ready. One is so alike the other that it is easy to see how they fell in love. They will be very happy together.”

“And our dear little scribe Maeriel?” Elrond asked.

“She was last seen dragging Dirhir from his smithy, bemoaning the state of his hands and wondering if they could get them clean in time for the ceremony,” Erestor answered with a grin.

“Six weddings.” Elrond sighed happily. Something good had come out of their fell winter. “Celebrían is with Glorfindel and the elflings, helping them dress. It is time for you to come with me and do the same, my friend.”

~~~*~~~

Erestor finally stood in front of the mirror in Elrond’s rooms and took a deep breath. He barely recognized himself. Elrond had arranged a few intricate braids at the sides of his face, but the remainder of his hair fell in a shimmering ebon cascade down his back. Sapphires were woven among the braids and here and there among his loose hair. He wore new robes ordered by Elrond: a cream colored, floor-length tunic that sparkled with golden embroidery, and a golden surcoate and sash that shimmered like the sun. A healthy glow had returned to his skin, and his eyes sparkled.

“Oh, my,” Erestor breathed. “I am afraid that even Glorfindel will not recognize me.”

“He will,” Elrond said, “and he will think you are the most beautiful elf in all of Arda.”

Erestor could feel himself blush. He had tried very hard to become accustomed to compliments and accept them gracefully, but it was still difficult.

“There is one more thing. It is your wedding gift from Glorfindel,” Elrond said, opening a box which sat upon his dressing table. From the box, he withdrew a golden circlet etched with small golden flowers, and placed it on Erestor’s brow, securing it among the braids.

Erestor gazed at his reflection in the mirror and raised his hand to the circlet, softly running his fingers along its curves. “It is the same as Glorfindel’s,” he said softly, and there was wonder in his voice.

~~~*~~~

“Glorfindel, for the love of the Valar, hold still!” Celebrían commanded, as the last hank of golden hair she was attempting to weave a sapphire into slipped from her fingers.

Blue eyes gazed into the mirror to meet those of his Lady, and Glorfindel smiled apologetically. Holding his head still, he fingered the golden silk of his surcoate.

“Done, finally!” Celebrían exclaimed. Taking his circlet from the dressing table, she threaded its ends through his braids and placed it on his brow. “One more thing,” she said, opening a box on the table and removing a sapphire brooch set in gold. “Beautiful,” she said softly, pinning it to the neckline of his cream-colored tunic. “It is your wedding gift from Erestor.”

~~~*~~~

One by one, the wedding ceremonies were witnessed by the valley’s elves, all gathered for the happy event. Those couples fortunate to have their parents in Imladris were wed in the traditional way with one parent of each joining their hands and pronouncing the blessing before golden rings were exchanged.

The Lord and Lady of the valley had chosen to stand-in as parents for both Lindir and Galuvaeron and Erestor and Glorfindel, not only in the giving of the traditional wedding jewels, but in the joining of the couples’ hands and pronouncing the blessings during the ceremony. Elrond could not have been happier as he and Celebrían joined each couples’ hands and spoke the name of the One. In his heart, he knew each of them had found the one the he was meant to be with until the end of Arda, and each would find love and strength from their mate.

When the ceremonies were completed, the lanterns were lit in the trees, and their light cast a golden glow in the fading sunlight. To lantern and candlelight, the elves feasted, danced and sang, until one by one, each newly wedded couple faded away to their rooms.

~~~*~~~

Erestor and Glorfindel walked slowly back to their rooms – slowly because each few steps necessitated a stop to lean again a convenient wall as Glorfindel stole a passionate kiss, or Erestor grabbed Glorfindel and leaned against a pillar to taste the sweetness of his lover’s mouth just once more. When they finally made it to their rooms, neither one could enter fast enough. Hastily shutting the door behind them, they hurried to their bedroom – and stopped.

“Oh, my,” breathed Erestor.

“Indeed.” Glorfindel stepped into the room, Erestor having no alternative but to follow since his hand was held in the warrior’s.

The room had been transformed into a forest wonderland. Scented candles sparkled from mantle and tabletop. Along the carved trees forming the canopy of the bed were stretched branches of sweet smelling pine, and garlands of flowers trailed up the bedposts and headboard. The bedclothes were turned down, and petals of roses were strewn across the silken sheets. Posies of wildflowers were tied along the mantle, and a bouquet of roses sat on a table in front of the hearth, amid plates of delicacies and carafes of water and wine.

“It is wonderful,” Erestor said softly, “and I cannot think of more perfect place to be with you this night.”

“It is perfect,” Glorfindel said, smiling down at the slight blush on Erestor’s cheeks. “You are perfect.”

“Will you take me to bed, my love?” Erestor asked, feeling almost shy. Even though he and Glorfindel had been sleeping together for months, they had never touched intimately. Shy or not, Erestor was more than ready for what the night would bring, and he longed for Glorfindel’s touch. His breath caught as he was swooped up into the warrior’s arms and carried to the bed to be gently laid upon rose petals. As the smell from the crushed petals filled his senses, his mouth was captured in a deep kiss that stole his breath away and robbed his mind of all but the glorious elf who held him in his arms.

No words were spoken as sapphire jewels and clasps, wedding gifts from Elrond and Celebrían, were carefully removed from sable and golden hair and lovingly laid aside to be stored and treasured. Two pair of gentle hands slowly and carefully unfastened the elaborate robes and untied undergarments, savoring every moment before each was revealed to the other. Lips hesitantly…shyly…followed hands, with whisper soft touches on firm skin.

“You are so beautiful,” Erestor whispered, laying beside Glorfindel and slowly moving his hands over his husband’s sculpted chest, still bronzed after the long winter months.

“No, that is you,” Glorfindel answered softly, his hands relishing the feel of soft, alabaster skin over light muscle. Moving his mouth along Erestor’s jaw line, he lapped at his lover’s neck, tasting and gently nibbling. “Touch me,” he whispered, moving his own hand to wrap firmly around Erestor’s hard shaft.

Erestor gasped when he felt Glorfindel’s hand wrap around him. He couldn’t remember anything ever feeling quite so good, and he cautiously grasped his husband’s member, feeling it swell even larger in his hand. “Oh,” he breathed, and then moved his head to kiss his mate deeply.

Glorfindel’s moan was lost in Erestor’s mouth as their tongues slid together in a slow, sensuous dance. Moving over Erestor, he aligned their lengths, encircling both of them with his hand and feeling Erestor do the same. And when their kiss finally ended, he looked down at his mate’s face, thinking that Erestor had never looked more beautiful. “So beautiful,” he whispered.

Hands danced over taut and supple skin, mouths explored and tasted, and teeth gently nipped. Each elf reveled in new sensations and tastes, and the stimulation to their senses filled the room the soft moans and gasps. Gentle fingers lovingly prepared for the completion of their bonding, and when Glorfindel finally slid his aching arousal into Erestor’s tight heat, both elves gasped.

The sensation was so incredible that Glorfindel nearly lost control and spilled into the delicious warmth of Erestor’s body. “Are you well, beloved?” Glorfindel asked, stilling his movement for a moment to regain control of his body and to allow Erestor time to adjust. “I did not hurt you?”

Erestor looked up at Glorfindel, feeling the nearly uncontrollable urge to weep, so great was his heart filled with love for his wondrous spouse. “I am more than well,” he whispered, smiling gently at his mate. “You did not hurt me. It was perfect. You are perfect.”

Glorfindel bent his head to capture Erestor’s mouth in a deep kiss as he slowly moved his hips and withdrew from the silken heat, only to slowly sink back into the pulsing channel again. Twice, thrice, and he knew neither of them would last long, so great had been their longing for this final act of loving and binding. As Erestor wrapped his legs around the captain’s waist, pulling him in deeper, Glorfindel reached for the thick, hard erection that lay between them, stroking it firmly it time with his thrusts.

Erestor whimpered as the small bundle of nerves within him was touched with each thrust, the pleasure so blinding it was nearly unbearable, but he wanted it never to stop. Crying out, he wrapped his arms around Glorfindel’s broad shoulders, drawing the golden head down to rest on his neck, pulling his mate into himself.

Their bond was lovingly forged, link by precious link, each giving and taking, souls merging and withdrawing to merge again, until they were one. Melded, linked, moving together in perfect harmony, one breath, one soul, they rose to the heavens, and then fell, no longer two but one; separate still, but each carrying a part of the other.

~~~*~~~

The elflings grew, and under their uncles' guidance they learned knowledge and wisdom, and they became just and honorable. Riniel learned the art of healing from Elrond himself and became a skilled healer. Melveldir never gave up his music, but chose to join the Imladris guards. In time, they took their own mates, and new children were added to the House of the Golden Flower. Riniel and Melveldir's children and grandchildren were all deeply loved by Erestor and Glorfindel, and the little ones filled their hearts with joy and loved them in return.

And when the time came for the Elves to leave Middle-earth, Erestor, Glorfindel, and their family sailed with Lord Elrond. They looked forward to a new life, and were filled with the hope that Anorion would be waiting for them. When the white shores were in sight, they stood at the railings with the rest of the elves on the ship, and keen eyes scoured the docks, searching for loved ones. Two joyful cries sounded as Elrond and Galadriel spotted the now-healed Celebrían, but still Glorfindel's eyes searched the shore.

"There he is, Uncle," Riniel said excitedly, pointing to a golden-haired figure standing on the docks, and her face lit up in a smile matched only by those of her brother and uncle. Glorfindel's eyes sparkled with unshed tears of joy as he gazed upon the far figure of his long-lost brother.

As the ship docked, Erestor took his newest grand-niece from Riniel's arms and said, "Take them to their father, Glorfindel. The rest of us will be along behind."

As Riniel and Melveldir's spouses and families nodded in agreement, Glorfindel wrapped an arm around his niece and nephew and guided them to the gangway.

"And besides, we want to watch what happens and the view is better from here, is it not, my dears?" Erestor said to his family after the three had left.

"It is indeed, Uncle," said Melveldir's wife, laughing joyfully, a sentiment echoed by the rest of the family.

Upon hearing word that a ship was arriving, Anorion had joined the throng at the docks, hoping for new word of his brother and children. He knew from Celebrían that his children had survived the attack and had been raised and loved by Glorfindel and his mate, but that knowledge did not adequately prepare him for the sight of his tall, golden brother walking slowly towards him, one arm around each of the beaming, beautiful, dark-haired peredhil at his sides. Overcome with emotion, he simply stood and waited, tears blurring his vision.

Glorfindel gently guided the two ahead of him and into his brother's arms while he stood behind for a moment. Finally wrapping his arms around the three of them, he whispered brokenly, "I have loved them as my own and I have brought them home to you."

Tears streamed freely down Anorion's cheeks as he kissed the three beloved faces before him over and over again.

Erestor wiped the tears from his eyes with his sleeve. His were not the only tears shed while watching the sight, and many handkerchiefs and sleeves were hurriedly put into use. "Come along, everyone," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "It is time to meet him and find our new home."

~~~*~~~

Erestor stood at the window, a gentle smile on his face, and his eyes fixed on the star-studded sky. The family was all safely sheltered in Anorion's large house near the coast, and Glorfindel's brother had spent much of the day getting to know his new family and reveling in his children and grandchildren. Riniel, Melveldir, their children, and grandchildren would eventually set up homes of their own, but for now, all were content under Anorion’s roof.

"Happy, dear one?" Glorfindel asked, coming up behind his mate and enclosing Erestor in his arms.

"Very," Erestor whispered, leaning back against the beloved body of his husband and tucking his head under Glorfindel's chin. A soft chuckle sprang from his lips.

"What?" Glorfindel asked.

"I was just remembering Anorion's face when you started introducing all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren to him."

Glorfindel's shoulders shook with silent laughter. "That is what he gets for dying and leaving his children with us. A good thing he has this big house and room for all of us."

A comfortable silence grew around them and they looked at the stars together for long moments. Finally, Erestor spoke softly. "Glorfindel, in all our long years together, I have never asked for anything but your love, and that you have given me in abundance. But there is something I wish for and would ask for now."

"Tell me, and it is yours, my love," Glorfindel answered, bending down to steal a kiss from Erestor's lips.

"I have dreamt of us having our own home - for just the two of us. Big enough for the young ones and friends to come and visit when they please, and small enough for the two of us to keep. In a valley by a river, surrounded by trees. And gardens. Gardens where we can grow flowers and our own fruits and vegetables."

"And a very large bedroom to hold our bed," Glorfindel added. Unwilling to part with that one piece of furniture, their bed lay in the hold of the ship, waiting to be brought ashore. "And a library for all of our books."

And so a valley with a gentle river was found and a home was built. It was small enough for the two of them, but close enough and big enough for new nephews and nieces to come and gain knowledge and wisdom at Erestor's knee, and to learn justice and honor at Glorfindel's. Anorion, Riniel, Melveldir, Elrond, and the rest of their family and friends came and visited often, and the family flourished and grew in the gentle breezes that flowed through Erestor's gardens.

The End