A Lonely Love

CHAPTER 18


Carandhol had fallen into a comfortable routine in the Golden Wood, easily adapting to life in the trees. Caras Galadon was magical indeed and he succumbed to it's magic. Having been given a four year leave from his duties in Imladris, he had worked his way into the same patrol as Sirlith was commissioned in. Though just a soldier without rank here in Lorien, he knew that if he wished to stay, he would easily become captain here.

Navigating easily through the now familiar trees, his destination was in sight, a small clearing where many of the patrol would meet for games and drinks, not unlike the Hall of Fire in Imladris, though this place was outdoors.

He could hear laughter getting closer and as he neared the clearing, suddenly, a flash of gold out of the corner of his eye caught his attention. Turning to look he saw an elf being ravished against a tree--not quite concealed--and he smiled to himself. The head looked up to show Rumil's pretty face all flushed in his desire, mouth parted slightly and head now thrown back. A sandy-haired elf was nibbling on his neck as that elf's hands were groping under Rumil's tunic.

There was something so familiar about the stance of the groping elf he thought to himself...He straightened abruptly as realization hit him. "SIRLITH!" he yelled through clenched teeth as he walked steadily towards the two elves. Rumil's eyes flew open as Sirlith's head turned to gaze at his lover. Sirlith's eyes twinkled with wickedness.

Grabbing the back of Sirlith's neck, he forced his lover away from the youngest of the three "Lorien Brothers" as they were affectionately known. Sirlith shocked by his rough treatment fell back onto his arse with an audible thud. Carandhol then glared at Rumil and in a flash lunged at the young elf. Rumil being still young did not have the years of battle training that Carandhol had under his belt. Rumil was taken completely unawares as the first blow landed on his chin.

"You little harlot, stay away from MY lover!" hissed the redhead in a blind fury, his passion taking over his common sense. Sirlith came up behind Cara. "Stop Cara, let him be!" he yelled as he tried to pull Carandhol off of Rumil. Cara elbowed Sirlith in the stomach, hard, knocking the breath out of him. Sirlith doubled over, holding his stomach.

Hearing the commotion, the other patrol elves ran to the aid of their two comrades. Orophin pulled at Carandhol, finally freeing his brother from the pummeling he was receiving. They then heard a bellow from a level one flet above them, "Enough!" Haldir growled as he jumped over the side, landing easily on his feet. He had on only leggings as he was in the middle of entertaining a guest, when he heard the noises below.

Orophin had Carandhol restrained between his shoulders. "Take Rumil and Sirlith to the healers," Haldir commanded to his patrol as he walked to within a breath of Carandhol's face. Cara gulped visibly realizing that he was now left alone with Haldir and Orophin.

"You dare lay a hand on our brother?" hissed Haldir calmly, his blue eyes wild yet his voice eerily calm. A slap was heard throughout the forest, as Haldir's hand made contact with Cara's face. Cara spit blood.

"No one, not even I, dare to behave as you have," here he punched Cara dead center in his abdomen.

Carandhol's head fell down as he yelped. Haldir nodded indiscernibly to Orophin who tightened his hold on Cara's shoulders.

"You would not touch our little brother, would you?" He asked Orophin with a lilting voice.

"Nay brother, I would not." replied Orophin as he absorbed the impact from another blow to the red-haired elf's abdomen.

"You have to have me held to hit me?" Carandhol sneered into Haldir's eyes.

"Brother, would you be so kind?" Haldir cocked the side of his head their way.

"Of course, brother," answered Orophin as he let Carandhol go.

The redheaded captain of Imladris lunged at Haldir who just stepped aside and hit Cara hard on his back. Carandhol coughed harshly. His feet were kicked out from under him by Orophin; his face hitting the hard ground under him.

It continued that way for quite some time, Haldir and Orophin taking turns pummeling Carandhol. Cara's face was became quite swollen. Blood oozed from the corners of his mouth and nose. His back and abdomen ached. He was scrupulously beaten.

"No more!" Commanded Celeborn with all the authority and cool undertones of his voice. He decided to see what was happening whilst Galadriel was tending to Rumil and Sirlith.

"This is not our way, Carandhol. You do not come into my wood as a guest only to disillusion me with your actions on sweet, unsuspecting Rumil."

Cara felt the ground wobble, his head spinning even as he spit out more blood.

"Innocent!" he hissed in pain, his knees hitting the ground before him. Pain shot up his thighs and down through his calves and feet. "He seduced Sirlith..."

"Nay Carandhol of Imladris, they seduced each other. It… does... take two, hmn," Celeborn replied with slight smirk. "H...he…is mine!" Cara spat.

"Yours? I did not know that you were bound to Sirlith? I did not realize that we owned one another. Nay, he is not yours...." Celeborn replied as he picked at his polished nail held out before him.

"I feel that your stay here in the Golden Wood is stressed at best. It is so hard to please everyone..." Celeborn sighed, thinking of his son-in-law's plea to keep Carandhol in Lothlorien as long as possible to allow Erestor to mend from the years of abuse at the hands of the very elf in front of him. Celeborn made a disgusted noise low in his throat.

"You have put me ill at ease captain of Imladris and after your wounds are healed, I shall send you on your way to Imladris once more."

Carandhol made to protest, but Celeborn held up his hand in authority. "Save your strength, I shall not change my mind." He signaled with his hand as his two personal guards strode up to their lord. " Take him to the healers." They said not a word, just nodded, each grabbing him under an arm, he was as a limp rag between the two.

Celeborn then looked at his Galadhrim before him. "Where you not a bit harsh my friends?" he queried with a raised brow.

"Forgive me my Lord Celeborn," Haldir inclined his head in respect. "I think he got off easy, he deserves so much more." Here, Haldir trailed off.

"Why do I feel this was not just about Rumil?" asked Celeborn directly into Haldir's blue eyes.

Haldir smiled haughtily, "My Lord Celeborn is wise as always."

......................................................

Meanwhile, back in the Last Homely House......

Glorfindel and Erestor shared many nights together now as they usually did except for one thing--they had added kissing to their evening repertoire. This made Glorfindel often skip his drink at the Hall of Fire and just rush to be with Erestor. They had not progressed past this stage yet--every time Glorfindel would try to progress to something new, Erestor would tense-- being haunted by red hair and green eyes. Deep within himself, Erestor was afraid that Glorfindel would tire of him. Tire of waiting, tire of the non-verbalized comparisons. This was Erestor's last demon he had to fight in order to give all of himself to Glorfindel. He was trying with all his might.

The morning was well in its zenith, rising towards the noon meal. Erestor was reading a stack of letters that needed responses; he weeded out the more pressing matters that needed Elrond's attention. The rest he just handled himself. He heard running feet in the hall--twin sets to be exact. Two blurs of dark hair glided into his office.

"Restor!" beamed Elrohir.

Erestor feigned surprise and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, Lord Elrohir?" he replied with his most regal tone as befitting a visiting dignitary.

Elladan elbowed his twin.

"Ow! 'Dan!" pouted Elrohir as he elbowed his brother back.

" 'Ro!" yelled Elladan and shoved Elrohir hard.

Erestor looked towards Elrond's open door for help only to see Celebrian and he locked in a passionate embrace. Erestor blushed and smiled.

"Lords Elladan and Elrohir. Kindly refrain from hitting each other at once. It is not befitting young lords of Imladris." Erestor said sternly, though his eyes belied his mirth.

"Sorry, Restor," they both inclined their heads and promptly clunked into each other.

" 'Dan!" " 'Ro!" and the shoving started all over again.

Erestor sighed and sat back down heavily. Glorfindel peeked his head into Erestor's door, "Need help?" He mouthed to his beloved. Erestor nodded in appreciation.

Soon the fighting turned to giggles as each twin found himself swept up and under a massive bicep. Erestor giggled as well.

"What is all this noise?" Elrond bellowed in mirth.

"Ada! Save us!" the elflings giggled more as they were spun around and around.

"Again!" they said when Fin stopped as he was feeling dizzy.

"How about we all go fishing?" Glorfindel suggested to all present. The twin squeals in his ear made him wince.

"That my friend, is a sound idea, do you not think so Erestor?" asked Elrond with Celebrian nodding behind him.

"Aye, I will go as well." The twins squealed once more in delight as Glorfindel shook his head in pain. "Are my ears bleeding?" he asked. This made the twins stop and look--each grabbing an ear and pulling searching for blood. Glorfindel whimpered in pain.

"Come on you two," Smiled Celebrian and looking with sympathy at Lord Glorfindel.

They all rode to one of their favorite fishing spots, Elrond and Glorfindel with a twin seated in front of them...a very wide-eyed twin, lovingly petting the horses manes in front of them.

Celebrian and Erestor laid out a blanket on the soft grass under the very tree that Glorfindel first placed his lips on those of his heart's desire. Celebrian brought out fruit, cheese and tea for a light lunch for all. After eating quickly, Glorfindel and Elrond, with now discarded robes, took the bouncing and begging elflings to the water's edge to fish.

Celebrian smiled at the sight of her enthusiastic children, feeling relaxed, and blessed with all that she had. She leaned back against the huge tree, bringing out a small book of poems about nature. She smiled at Erestor who was watching the scene by the river's edge with interest. He leaned back against the tree as well, savoring the beautiful afternoon. Celebrian feigned reading only to watch the counselor's reactions. He smiled at the antics at the river…as Elrond almost fell into the water when Elladan and Elrohir tackled him.

They wrestled with Elrond on the grass, forgetting at once about the fishing poles. Glorfindel laughed heartily and turned to look at Erestor when their eyes locked. Erestor smiled shyly at the intense gaze he was receiving from the balrog slayer.

Celebrian could feel the sexual tension in the air. "Oh, my dear Erestor" she teased him.

Erestor blushed fiercely and looked at Celebrian in question, "my lady?"

"Do not play coy with me Erestor, I know that look all too well, Elrond reserves the same look for me...." she sighed dreamily. "That look means naught but delightful promises."

"Delights I have as of yet been unable to give him," here the beautiful counselor sighed heavily. "May I ask a question Celebrian?"

"Of course you may my friend, and hopefully I will have an answer for you." She smiled sweetly.

"Do you think he will leave me?"

"No, do you?"

"Y...yes, I fear if I lay with him, he will grow bored and find another," here

Erestor's eyes shone with unshed tears. He kept wringing his hands in the fold of his tunic.

Celebrian turned to face Erestor, taking his hands in hers. "Erestor, please... look into my eyes. Glorfindel is not Carandhol. He is an honorable elf. He stayed by your side the whole time you were in the darkness of fading. He loves you. He is not with you because of a political alliance but of his own free will. He chooses to be with you whenever he can--no one makes him do so." She squeezed his hands in gentle reassurance. "Now, the question is, what do you feel for him?"

"Thank you," he nodded his head to her as he lowered his eyes in respect.

"I hope this helps," she smiled and gave one final squeeze to his hands as the others joined them.

Elrond winked at his wife who giggled as the twins flopped tiredly onto the blanket by her feet. They were dusty and full of leaves and twigs, as was her husband. She giggled at the site of him. Elrond raised an eyebrow at her in question. "Come here," she held out her hand to him as she began to dust him off and clean him up a bit. As she was busy doing that Glorfindel sauntered up to Erestor, who physically gulped at the elf standing above him.

"Would you go for a walk with me Fin?" Erestor asked holding up his hand to the elf before him. Glorfindel took the proffered hand in his and helped Erestor to stand.

"Aye, I would like that very much," he said smoothly licking his lips unconsciously.

To his delight and surprise, Erestor did not let go of Fin's hand as they walked towards the river's edge. It was a show of his feelings, however slight it may seem, a show to be acknowledged by his lord and lady. It was the first public display of affection for Glorfindel that he let show.

They walked along the water's edge, enjoying the beauty around them until they came to stand before a large rock. Glorfindel leaned back against the boulder with one leg bent at the knee, resting on it. He took both of Erestor's hands and pulled the smaller elf closer. They embraced with Erestor laying his head on the captain's strong shoulder. Glorfindel absently stroked the counselor's back as he nuzzled his face into Erestor's dark locks. "Mmn, you always smell divinely," whispered Fin as he kissed the dark head. He could feel Erestor smile against his shoulder.

"I love you Glorfindel," Erestor mumbled.

"Hmn? Sorry my love, I did not hear you?" answered Glorfindel in question.

Erestor moved back to be able to stare into that glorious, warm, inviting and beautiful face of the reborn elf in front of him. Erestor smoothed back that incredulous golden mane and looked directly into those sky blue eyes. "I love you Glorfindel, I should have told you this long ago."

Erestor grew nervous because Glorfindel just stared back at him unable to speak. Then just as Erestor 's panic level rose, Glorfindel smiled wide and tears fell down that beautiful face. Erestor found himself enveloped in a crushing embrace with the wind knocked out of him. He tried to smile but found it hard to breathe.

"Fin, I...can't...breath..." squeaked Erestor.

"Oh, Oh, sorry " he smiled and placed a heated kiss upon Erestor's ripe lips. The kiss was sloppy and frantic, a kiss of pure joy! Soon, however, the kiss slowed and Erestor, for the first time, took control of the kiss. His body moved into Glorfindel's, he ran his left hand along that strong thigh that was propped against the boulder. Glorfindel moaned and shivered from that touch. He slowed the kiss down as well, his other hand going to the back of Fin's neck, pulling him in closer. His tongue tracing the soft lips his were on, he licked and nipped and pulled at Fin's lips with his teeth. He rubbed his hardened arousal against the captain's throbbing one, as strong hands grabbed his buttocks bringing their arousals in closer contact. Erestor drew Glorfindel's tongue into his mouth and suckled…the sensation going straight into the slayer's groin.

Breathlessly, Glorfindel pulled away..."T-this alright with you Erestor?" Worried Fin that it would be too much with for Erestor to handle at once.

"Yes Fin, it is all right," Erestor smiled into those blue eyes adding, "I just realized something."

"You did?" Asked Glorfindel in surprise, "and what would that be?"

"That in all the years I spent with Carandhol, not once, not even in the height of passions, did he ever say that he loved me." Erestor looked deeply and unflinching into sky blue eyes.

"You, my Glorfindel, have told me every day, and not just once, sometimes often..." Here Erestor found that he could no longer speak so he just pressed his lips once more to those kiss swollen lips of Fin's. He resumed devouring the one in front of him, the one who loved him.

Soon they heard their names being called…"Restor…Glorfinal!"

They pulled away reluctantly, giggling, "come on Glorfinal."

"Aye, 'Restor." They teased eachother as they walked holding hands back to their little party. An overly active twin lunged at each.

…………………………….

Leaving eachother long enough to bathe for the evening meal, Glorfindel heard a knock at his door. Upon opening the door he saw one of the messengers used exclusively by either Elrond or Erestor. "My Lord Glorfindel, this letter is for you and I am to wait for your prompt reply."

Glorfindel led the elf into his sitting room as he opened and read the note.

My Dear Lord Glorfindel,

You are cordially invited to attend a private dinner this evening in the

Quarters of Master Erestor, Chief Advisor to Lord Elrond of Imladris. Please

Be prompt and if you choose to join him, you are required to bring the following:

Yourself
your favorite oil
Please write your reply on the enclosed paper and give to the messenger promptly.

Dinner will be served at eight.


Thank you.

Yours truly,

Master Erestor of Imladris

Glorfindel laughed aloud and then blushed as he quickly wrote his reply. He promptly thanked the messenger and gulped. His elf hood springing to life once again.

Erestor surveyed the sitting room-everything looked perfect. The table was set, the wine was chilled, and he even had some flowers and candles on the table. 'Not bad for quickly done,' he told himself. There was a knock at the door, Erestor's heart jumped.


He slowly opened it see the messenger who handed Erestor the note with a smile. "Thank you so much meldir," he smiled and closed the door behind him. Leaning against the closed door he opened the note and read:

Dear Master Erestor,

I gratefully accept your invitation to dine with you this eve. I will be there

with oil and a hearty appetite.

Thank you.

Yours always,

Lord Glorfindel of Imladris

Erestor held the note to his chest and actually squealed like an elfling or like a maiden and he didn't care.

Touching up his hair he looked at himself in the mirror-he was wearing an emerald green tunic of raw silk, and leggings of forest green tucked into calf-high black leather boots. He let his hair hang loose and brushed to shiny obsidian. Then the knock came. He froze. A sudden wave of fear hit him. 'What if he wasn't ready...what if he wasn't good enough…' he closed his eyes breathing deeply and slowly. 'This is Fin, he kept saying to himself.'

Glorfindel wasn't faring much better on the other side of the door. He hoped he looked all right…He smelled his arm…for a second he forgot if he had bathed…his pulse began to race…he felt light-headed…then the door opened and he looked into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen and all felt right. Erestor smiled. Glorfindel smiled.

"Please come in Fin," Erestor said as he opened the door wider.

Erestor watched as Glorfindel walked into the room. He wore a tunic of lightest blue and dark blue leggings; his boots of softest gray leather came up to his knee. His hair a wild mane of golden waves. Erestor sighed. 'Yes, this is right,' he thought to himself.

"Erestor it looks beautiful," Glorfindel remarked about the table and the room. He then handed Erestor a small bottle wrapped in a silver cloth and tied with a blue ribbon.

"Go on, open it," smiled the golden captain.

Erestor untied the bow and the fabric fell open to reveal a beautiful blue jeweled phial with a stopper. Erestor blushed as he removed the stopper to the soft and fragrant smell of honeysuckle. "Fin?" he questioned with a smile on his face.

Glorfindel actually turned a shade of crimson. "It reminds me of you."

Erestor gently placed the phial on the table and came to stand directly in front of Glorfindel. "Hungry Fin?" he whispered into those impossibly blue eyes.

"No, are you?" He gulped his reply.

"No." Erestor breathed the word in want.

They found themselves crushed together in a passionate embrace, their lips drinking hungrily of each other. Hands roaming, leaving no area untouched. Erestor whimpered with need. Glorfindel moaned with want. Their bodies aligned flushed against the other.

Their arousals blossoming fully, nipples hardening against the feel of silken fabric.

"I love you Erestor," Glorfindel said in a needy breath. Kissing and licking down Erestor's long neck.

Erestor pulled back slightly his face flushed and looked unswervingly into those blue eyes. "Glorfindel, make love to me."

Those words sent flashes of heat into their loins. Glorfindel growled low and picked Erestor up, as the small advisor straddled him. Erestor's arms were held tightly around Fin's strong neck as the warrior seized the pert arse of the one around him, carrying him to the bedroom. They kissed with want and need even as Glorfindel sat on the bed with Erestor on his lap. Erestor ground his hips against Fin as his shirt was promptly removed, buttons flying everywhere.

"I need you," moaned Fin as he latched onto a hardened rosette, making Erestor whimper with delight.

"Oh, Fin, yes…" slender hands raked through golden hair.

Glorfindel turned them and lay Erestor on the bed, never leaving the nipple until he latched onto the other. Erestor was constantly whimpering, a sound that went straight to Glorfindel's elf hood making it throb with every whimper.

He leaned up straight and pulled his own tunic over his head. Erestor's eyes going straight to the bared chest. He reached up for Glorfindel, pulling at his arms; "I want to feel your flesh against mine."

Glorfindel moaned and lay his chest lightly against that of the smaller frame below him. They both released a muffled moan at the contact of bared flesh into the other's mouth.

Erestor pressed his arousal up and against Glorfindel. "Please, Fin, I…I need you," cried out Erestor loudly.

Fin growled and in a blur of fabric and boots, had them both naked and panting. Glorfindel reached for the oil that he had grabbed off the table on their way into the bedroom. "Y…You sure my love?" Fin gasped as he was brought down hard to rub their naked arousals together.

He kissed his way down Erestor's body, stopping only to lave at the indention of where thigh met hip. He poured the oil on his fingers and gently rimmed the puckered opening with a finger that was easily taken in. He then added another, then a third, he crooked his fingers and rubbed against those bundle of nerves sending Erestor moaning and writhing on the bed. Glorfindel coated his own impossibly hard erection and whimpered as he lined up against Erestor's waiting and well prepared quivering channel. Glorfindel thrust in quickly as Erestor met him halfway, taking him into the hilt, so as the slayer's testes were smacked against that pert arse.

Time stilled. They stared deeply into each other's eyes. Erestor had tears in his eyes, tears of joy, he felt filled, complete, loved. Glorfindel whimpered, never feeling like this before. Their lips met hungrily, drinking of the other's soul. Fin began to thrust and groaned loudly. "Erestor, I…" he was at a loss for words. He pulled Erestor up to sit on his lap, and thrust into him as he held that cute bottom, lifting up as Erestor began to take himself on his lover, his slayer, his Glorfindel.

Their faces were now together as they both rocked in that ancient dance of the firstborn. They kissed and sighed-hands still exploring, holding on, rubbing, caressing, and worshipping. Erestor began to breath in hitched little breaths as his erection steadily leaked clear fluids onto Glorfindel's hard muscled stomach. Erestor's back arched and he leaned towards the bed as Glorfindel held one hand behind the counselor's back as the other rubbed along the lean and lithe one beheld in beauty before him. His hand roamed over that flat and smooth stomach and up over the lightly muscled chest, stroking erect nipples in the process.

Erestor stiffened before him and his muscles clenched around Glorfindel's elf hood squeezing him tight. "Fin, Fin". ...He writhed under him as he came in bursts of white cream all over his stomach. Fin licked his lips as he watched Erestor come undone, wanting to dip his tongue into that cream and taste it.

Glorfindel stiffened and groaned out loudly as his eyes never faltered from Erestor's.

"Eru… ungh…. Eres…toorrr" he yelled as his seed flooded Erestor's heat, spilling out around his tight channel. Wave after wave of the most intense orgasm hit him, and he shivered in delight. He gently withdrew and crawled up Erestor's body kissing him sweetly.

"Love you Fin," Erestor smiled as he drifted off into reverie stroking that golden mane that was now lying on his chest.

"I love you too Erestor," smiled Fin as he laid his sweaty body next to Erestor, with his head on the counselor's chest and wrapped him in a tight embrace. Both with smiles on happy, sated and very loved faces. Erestor was lonely in love no longer.

Epilogue to Follow.

Meldir-male friend

Meleth-love