Road to Redemption

Redemption (31-32/50)
Author: Gwaelinn
Beta: Patricia Pleasant aka slayer9649
Type: FPS
Pairings: Lindir/Maglor, Erestor/Maedhros Elladan/Rumil and others
Rating: NC-17l
Warnings: Slash (m/m),
Time line: AU (not really connected to the actual timeline of the books)
Disclaimer: All characters and locations are the sole property of Professor Tolkien’s Estate. This is written only for pleasure and not for profit.
Author notes: The little plot bunny popped up while listening to Loreena McKennit’s The Old Ways. Somehow, the song just screamed ‘Maglor’.
AUTHORS NOTES ON TIME-LINE: Much of this chapter is happening at the same time so if it seems jumpy, think of each set of characters as a little vignette.

CHAPRTER 31


Erestor made arrangements for his friend, the smith, to meet with Maedhros two days after Elrond pronounced him fit. Although uncertain about employing the eldest son of Fëanor, Erestor assured him it was for the best. Maedhros refused to disappoint. Usually it took years to grasp the finer points of smith-work; fortunately the tall elf had some prior knowledge and was a quick learner. Physically strong and mentally sharp, Maedhros could lift twice the load the average elf could and he did not think himself above grunt work. Agreeing to start the following morning, Maedhros thanked the elf and headed back to the house with Erestor.

“I can not thank you enough. I do not know what would have become of me if…”

“You would have managed and survived, of that I have no doubt.” Erestor blushed a bit and quickly changed the subject. “You will like working with Thelious. He truly is a master. Not only does he work with steel, but he also does fine silverwork; requests come in from all over.”

“I am looking forward to working. I have felt so useless lying around, being doted on.”

“You needed to heal.”

Maedhros nodded his head. Taking a sidelong glance at the smaller elf, he spoke. “I want to thank you for the beautiful rooms. I understand you arranged them for me.” Again, the younger elf blushed.

“Although I think the point is moot and at the risk of stepping across the line, I know there is to be a feast when the delegation arrives and hoped you might consider allowing me to escort you.”

Erestor stopped dead in his tracks with an astonished look on his face. Misreading the shock, the older elf quickly spoke up. “I did not mean to upset you. Glorfindel said that you were not involved with anyone and might be free.”

“Yes.”

Maedhros came to stand in front of the raven-haired beauty. It was the closest he had ever been to the fair elf and realized that to call him fair was a great injustice. Erestor was beyond fair. His hair gleamed like polished onyx. His eyes were just as dark and the mahogany-haired elf could stare into them for hours. Maedhros was head over heels. Coming back to the present, he asked, “Yes to which part?”

“I am not with anyone.” Erestor lowered his eyes and Maedhros finally noticed the sweet blush that crept over the delicate features.

Using his two fingers, the reborn-elf gently raised Erestor’s chin, forcing the quiet elf to look him in the eyes. “I would be honored if you will allow me to spend the evening with you. And Erestor… never look away again. There is no reason for embarrassment. You are strong, wise, and beautiful…always hold your gaze up.” Erestor attempted to look away at the compliments but Maedhros would have none of it. Sliding his fingers along Erestor’s jaw, he gently cupped the soft cheek. “Why do you look away?” He asked softly.

Erestor just shook his head, the older elf’s gentle caress sent waves of heat through his body. He knew that Maedhros’ offer was a kind gesture, a sort of ‘thank you’. A Noldor prince would certainly not entertain any romantic thoughts about a young elf with no great heritage. It was enough to break Erestor’s heart; he was so attracted to the powerful elf before him. He was lost in the caress and did not answer Maedhros.

“Erestor?” The Noldo asked again, softly.

With a small sigh, Erestor squared his shoulders and looked the imposing figure in the eye. Before he could falter, he rushed out his answer. “I am not sure that is a wise idea.” He quickly averted his gaze; afraid the former warrior would see the depth of his feelings. Surely Maedhros would see it as a silly crush. The elf could have anyone he desired, right down to the king of Mirkwood…okay, not Thranduil…but any other, including the highly sought after prince.

Maedhros stayed his hand when Erestor answered. He could sense the other elf leaning ever so slightly into the caress. Taking another step forward, he now stood nearly chest-to-chest and towered over the slight elf. Maedhros decided it was all or nothing time.

“Why do you say that?”

Erestor continued to avert his eyes but he could not help tremble at the nearness of the strong body. “Well, it is just that…I mean to say…you are so…and I…” He dropped his head, he was babbling. With a dejected sigh, he began to step away but the hand still cupping his face shifted to the back of his head, effectively keeping Erestor in place. Resigning himself to the humiliation, he took a deep breath and looked back into the cinnamon colored eyes. He had to crane his neck, so close were they standing. Maedhros returned his hand to the flushed cheek, caressing it with his thumb. Looking deeply into the black eyes, Maedhros spoke in a mere whisper, “Erestor.” He lowered his head and ever so gently kissed the petal soft lips below him.


The kiss was brief, however it left Erestor dazed. The younger elf, not used to being in such an unbalanced state, looked up with wide eyes. “Why did you do that?” He questioned in disbelief.

“Because, I wanted too.” came the gentle reply.

“Why?” Erestor did not get it.

Maedhros chuckled quietly. He was going to tease the young elf but thought better of it at the last moment. He opted for straightforward honesty. “Because I am attracted to you.”

“Oh.” Was all Erestor could manage.

“I would like to kiss you again if I may.”

A nod was the best Erestor could do. He trembled as his eyes fell shut and he felt warm lips upon his. It was a chaste kiss of sorts, soft and nibbly; however, the underlying current was there, the desire. Maedhros cupped Erestor’s face with both hands and continued the torturous nibbling. Never once did he try to deepen the kiss, this was not something he wished to rush. Pulling away, Maedhros asked his question again.

“May I escort you to the feast?”

Erestor responded the only way his body could at that moment. Standing on tippy-toe and sliding his arms around the tall elf’s neck, bringing them chest-to-chest, Erestor kissed the smiling elf. Maedhros wrapped his arms around the enchanting creature before him, breaking the kiss and bestowing a rib-crushing hug. “I will take that as a yes.” He whispered, his warm breath causing Erestor to tremble, and step back a bit, quickly, lest his erection be discovered. Had he stayed put, he would have discovered Maedhros was in the same state of arousal.

******


Lindir was getting a bit frustrated. Although Maglor was supposed to simply be a bard, the older elf found himself attending various meetings with Elrond. Lindir sighed, missed his lover. Since they were not bound and Maglor was considered *family*, he was given a suite in the family wing, while Lindir stayed in a room near the Hall of Fire.

The minstrel understood what Elrond was trying to do. It was important for the elf lord to show off his accomplishments and acclimate the other elf back into society, but he really did not want to share. He was beginning to wish that they had stayed at the ocean. Lindir knew he was being silly, but still…

He waited, somewhat impatiently, for Maglor to arrive. They had agreed to have lunch in his room and hopefully dessert, too. He grinned at the thought. Maglor was proving to be quite the passionate lover. A knock at his door broke his train of thought. Hurrying to the door, he swung it open so hard it banged against the wall. Lindir all but dragged the startled elf into the center of the room, locking lips in a heated kiss.

“Miss me?” Maglor laughed.

“Yes.” Lindir pouted.

“I am sorry, Elrond is constantly asking for my advice on matters that, to be honest, I no longer wish to care about. I just want to be a bard!”

“Have you spoken with Lord Elrond?” The silver-haired elf asked.

Maglor sighed, “No, I am afraid to hurt his feelings. He did think that I abandoned him once. I just do not want to hurt his feelings.”

“Well, you can make it up to me…after lunch.” Lindir wiggled an eyebrow wickedly. Wrapping the younger minstrel in a tight embrace, Maglor licked the shell of a pointed ear, saying with a purr, “I think that can be arranged.” The two locked in a heated kiss, forgetting all about lunch. That could hold, the throbbing between both elves' legs would not.


******

“Elladan?” Rúmil dared to ask.

“What?” came the clipped reply.

“Nothing.” The young elf said softly. The two elves had been tracking the escaped horse for almost a day. There was no sign of the creature and Elladan was growing more upset by the hour.

Stopping his horse, Elladan looked at the silver-haired elf. It was not Rúmil’s fault he was careless. The older twin sighed, this was not the way he had planned this. He wanted to get to know the youngest brother. Somehow, whenever Rúmil was around, the room brighted. Elladan admitted some time ago that he thought Rúmil striking…striking enough to awaken certain body parts.

“I am sorry. I do not mean to be harsh. This just was not supposed to take this long.”

“Oh. Anxious to return home?” Rúmil had pulled his horse beside the twin’s mare. There was something in the Lórien elf’s voice, which caught Elladan’s attention. It was a disappointed sound. Elladan would have pounded his head into the nearest tree if he could. Rúmil thought he did not want his company, which was not the case.

“No, but I would rather be enjoying a ride with you instead of having to look for the animal’s cursed tracks!” The twin could not help the irritation that came out at the end of his sentence. Rúmil smiled.

“Perhaps if you thought like a horse…”

“What?” The expression on Elladan’s face made the younger elf laugh.

“I mean, think like a horse, where would a horse go, what would it need?” Elladan smacked his forehead, which caused Rúmil to erupt into farther hysterics.

“Of course! A horse would need to find grasses to eat, water and some form of cover. Rúmil, I could kiss you!” Elladan nudged his mare forward.

Rúmil stared after him for a moment, lost in thought. He had never entertained the idea of “kissing” one of the twins. However, now that he thought about it, the prospect did not sound so bad. ‘Get a hold of yourself,’ he thought, ‘it is an expression. And you gave Orophin grief for fancying Glorfindel?’ He had to end this train of thought…it would lead nowhere.

*****

Haldir rode beside Elrohir. The younger twin never ceased to amaze him. He was talkative, but not obnoxiously so. He was well versed in several topics that held interest for Haldir was well. They spent the better part of the morning debating the usefulness of certain herbs and healing components. Now they were talking about cooking. It seems that the youngest twin loved to cook and usually fixed the meals when out on patrol. Others hunted and gathered, and Elrohir would cook it.

“I know it is not something a warrior should go about mentioning, not very warrior like is it?”

Haldir smiled, “If a patrol is well fed, they are less likely to come to harm. Trust me, if you were in Lórien, the border Captains would fight over you. One can only find lembas appetizing for so long.”

“Maybe I need to think of a new way to server lembas. Maybe toast in with some garlic and wild onions.”

“Mmmm, that does sound good.” Haldir’s stomach decided to make its opinion about food known. It caused both elves to chuckle.

“There is a clearing just a head, we can stop for the night. The cook packed a real feast”

“Here I though I would get to taste your cooking.”

Elrohir looked over at the silver-haired elf. To bad every elf on Arda wanted the Lórien Captain. “That may still happen.” He said quickly. He did not want to be caught staring.

After setting up camp, the two washed the dust off their bodies in the nearby shallows.

The elves enjoyed a fine meal of cold meats, cheese, bread, fruit and wine.

********


Chapter 32


Haldir found it nice to simply relax. As Captain of the border guard, he seldom had time to himself and even then, he found it difficult to let go. Sitting with Elrohir, talking about things not related to weapons or warfare was more pleasant than he could have imagined. Haldir was highly educated, he was one of the few Silvan elves to deal with peoples from all the realms…all except dwarves that is. Unfortunately, his work schedule usually had him in the company of those who would rather discuss their conquests (both on the battlefield and in bed) than anything of intellectual value. The silver haired elf found his present company extremely bright, not really a surprise given the lineage. However, the younger elf lacked the air of superiority that often comes with his *position*.


As the embers began to die down, the two elves’ conversation began to dwindle into a comfortable silence. Both elves were guilty of stealing glances when they thought the other was not looking. Elrohir knew that there was quite an age difference between Haldir and his younger brothers, which meant the same difference was true for him. Haldir was at least 150 years older than he was. The young twin could not think of anything Haldir could find interesting about him. He was not the heir and while he was a skilled warrior, in his heart he preferred to pursue the healing arts and diplomacy. Furthermore, Haldir had a reputation for enjoying physical pleasures, yet avoided relationships. Elrohir really lacked that one talent. His lovers were rare; Elladan was the one with all the experience. Still, he could not help noticing the comfortable atmosphere and pleasant conversation he and Haldir enjoyed. He also could not help the heat flowing through him when he looked at the Silvan captain. Haldir was beyond fair. He was probably one of the most beautiful elves to grace Arda. He was nearly as tall as Glorfindel, meaning Elrohir had to look up to make eye contact. He was built like a warrior but retained his elven grace. However, his eyes caught Elrohir’s attention from the start. They were a crisp, cool blue, yet they were not cold. The dark-haired elf was certain he could spend hours gazing into their cool depths.


Staring at the dying fire, Haldir could not help but glance at the elf sitting with him. He had always respected the house of Elrond, and not only because of the relationship to his lord and lady. Elrond’s accomplishments were well known; he was a powerful leader, fair and wise ruler and the best healer in all Arda. The Lady Celebrían was known for her beauty, gentle spirit, and a perchance for mischief. Elrohir clearly carried their genes. Given the twins’ age, the younger elf’s eyes shown, surprisingly, with knowledge and wisdom. Haldir also noticed that Elrohir had his mother’s beauty. Upon further thought, he realized that although Elladan and Elrohir were twins, the captain found Elrohir very desirable, yet he just could not see Elladan in his bed. His bed? When did he start looking for a bed partner? A little voice inside his head whispered, ‘more than a bed partner.’ Haldir shifted uncomfortably and took several deep breaths hoping to silence the voice and clear his mind of the less than pure thoughts now running rampant in his mind.


Both were so lost in their own thoughts, that neither realized they had fallen asleep. Elrohir awoke with a start and cocked his head. There it was again…


“Haldir.” The captain did not move.


“Haldir, wake up.” The twin untangled himself from his bedroll and quickly reached over to shake the other elf. “Haldir, get up now. There is something wrong.”


Haldir suddenly bolted up, all signs of sleep gone. “What is the matter?” he asked concerned.


“Listen.” Elrohir stopped rolling his bedroll so Haldir could concentrate on listening. The Silvan elf’s eyes went wide and in one fluid motion he was up and pulling on his weapons. Elrohir followed suit and in less time than it would take a Rohirrim to saddle his horse, the two elves mounted their steeds, racing toward the faint sound of battle.


*******


Elladan led Rúmil through the woods. Soon they came to a small stream. Both elves scanned the damp earth for any signs of the missing horse.


“Nothing.” Elladan said crest-fallen.


“Do not give up. This was a good place to…” Rúmil was interrupted by a yelp of joy.


“Here! Tracks, maybe a day old…no more.”


Rúmil smiled at the unadulterated glee on the Peredhel’s face. Not one to pass up an opportunity, he smirked and replied, “Told you so.” He had to duck quickly to avoid the glob of mud that was heading for his silver head. “Hey!” he said incredulously. Elladan just crossed his arms across his chest and gave the younger elf an “is there a problem” look. Heat pooled in Rúmil’s groin. Elladan had the most beautiful bedroom eyes. The elves began to follow the tracks and were soon rewarded for their effort. As the stream opened into a small river, they saw the horse playing in the water. As they approached, it stopped to look at them, as if saying, “just try and catch me.”


Elladan quickly climbed onto a small rocky outcrop. Carefully unwinding his lasso, he moved slowly so as to not spook the animal. Rúmil moved around to the shoreline. If the horse bolted his way, he would be ready. Quick as lightning, the Peredhel released his rope. As luck would have it, he made a perfect throw on the first try. Elladan began to pull. As the rope went taut, the horse remained rooted to the spot.


“Come on, let us go home now. That is a good horse, come one.” The horse neighed and did not move. “Come on.” Elladan pulled harder. The horse took a step back. Rúmil watched in amusement as the tug-of-war began. It was a stalemate and Elladan was getting frustrated. As he attempted to adjust his grip, the horse bolted back a few steps and sent an unsuspecting prince into the river. Rúmil ran to the outcrop and looked down at the soaked elf. He could not contain his laughter as he heard the horse nickering and neighing with amusement.


A rather flustered Elladan looked up. “Find this amusing do you?” He said with as much venom as he could muster given the circumstances…which was none. Rúmil attempted to stifle a giggle but the harder he tried, the less successful he was.


“I am sorry,” he gasped, “but, actually, yes.”


“Just help me out of this confounded river, will you.”


Rúmil crouched down and extended his hand. Before he knew what happened the young elf found himself pulled face-first into the river. Coming up sputtering, he heard Elladan laughing. Without a moments thought, he launched himself at the older twin. The battle was on. The two grown elves spent the next hour splashing and dunking like elflings. So engrossed were they in their fun that neither noticed the horse walking to the bank, shaking off the water and strolling to a nearby patch of grass. Completely disheveled and gasping for breath, Elladan and Rúmil final dragged themselves out of the river.

Rúmil tilted his head, grasped his silver mane and squeezed out the water. Elladan smiled a sly smile. “You know what I really want to do now?”


Twisting his hair the other way, Rúmil answered, “Forget the horse, go home and tell your father that the horse met an untimely demise?”


Elladan chucked and advanced on the unsuspecting elf. “No…but that does sound appealing.”


Rúmil stood straight and tossed his hair back over his shoulder. He took an unexpected step back as Elladan had moved into his personal space. Seeing the twinkle in the Imladrian elf’s eyes, he asked warily, “What then?”


Elladan now stood directly in front of the other elf. Deep red lips turned from smile to smirk. Rúmil found he could not look away from those luscious lips. Oh, how he wanted to just grab Elladan’s face and kiss him senseless. However, the thought of Haldir’s reaction to such behavior quickly cooled his fire.


“Kiss you.”


Rúmil’s eyes snapped up to meet Elladan’s, shock clearly showing in their depths. “Excuse m…” The Lórien elf was interrupted when warm lips gently pressed against his. At first he did not respond, lost in a fog he was. When he finally began to reciprocate, the kiss ended. The dark haired elf took a step back giving the younger elf some space.


“Why did you do that?” Rúmil was honestly perplexed. He knew his position and it hardly warranted the attention of the heir of Imladris.


Elladan smiled at the slight blush that crept onto Rúmil’s fair cheeks. He hoped he had read things right and had not offended the other elf. “Because I desired to. Would you object if I did it again?”


Elladan got his answer. Rúmil leaned forward and kissed him. It was gentle at first but quickly became more. Reaching out, Elladan placed his hand on the nape of Rúmil’s neck and pulled him closer. He ran his tongue over the younger elf’s lips and was rewarded by them opening to him. His questing tongue soon found its mate and the dance began. Rúmil could not stop the moan that escaped. He wrapped his arms around the strong body pressing against his own. Gentle hands combed through his wet hair, causing his body to quake. Somewhere on the edge of the guardian’s passion filled mind a little kernel of reason began to grow. The Silvan elf quickly stepped on it. There would be time to sort through this later. Right now, he simply wanted to relish in the wonderful sensation. All too soon for Rúmil’s taste, the kiss ended. Elladan cupped his cheek, his thumb brushing Rúmil’s kiss-swollen lips. The two elves stared into each other’s eyes for what seemed like eternity. Rúmil was certain that Elladan was moving in for another kiss when the mood was broken by nickers, sounding an awful lot like laughing, coming from their left. Pulling away from each other, they saw the horse that started it all. Both elves chuckled; the horse had a very self-satisfied look about him.


A shiver escaped the silver haired elf as Elladan moved away. “Come on. Let us get camp set so we can get out of these wet clothes.”


Very unaware of how that sounded, Elladan did not see the deep crimson that crept over Rúmil’s face.


*****

“Good morning, love.” Maglor rolled over to find his lover gone. That was odd. Lindir always woke him when he left. Maglor lay back and wondered, an odd feeling creeping into his heart.


*****