the trouble with love

Chapter forty five A little peace

Melpomean smiled as he looked at the garden around him. He still had trouble believing Elrond was really his and he fully feared he would lose that love the second Thranduil returned but he had decided to take full advantage of the time given to him and so Elrond was completely oblivious to his present fear.

The ruler smiled when they walked into a remote part of the garden, a secluded vale. Melpomean looked surprised. It was completely empty. Elrond grinned. “I thought perhaps tulips would look nice here. Almost every type of soil can be found on this spot, which is why nothing grows here, but perhaps your tulips will.”
Melpomean smiled and nodded. “Maybe. I could try. Thank you. I know you hate them.”
Elrond shrugged. “You love them.” It was as simple as that for Elrond.

“Are you still warm?”
Melpomean nodded despite a small shiver running down his spine. “A bit chilly, but not cold.”
Elrond responded by drawing him closer to himself. “Whereto now, meleth?”
Melpomean blushed and shrugged, content to follow Elrond’s lead.

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Glorfindel looked up when he saw Elvil enter his workroom at the barracks. “Hello there. It’s a bit too early for you to join our army, young-one.”
Elvil grinned. “I came to talk to you, Glorfindel, if you don’t mind. I need some guidance.”

Glorfindel motioned for him to take a seat and smiled warmly, making Elvil feel completely at ease. “I’m a reborn and because of that spell I have my memory back completely, but it is confusing and I don’t want my friendship with Elnihir wronged.”
Glorfindel blinked, this he hadn’t expected. “A reborn???” He shook his head and signalled for Elvil to continue, unsure what he wantf hif him.
Elvil smiled. “I wanted to ask Elrond to take my memory away, make me Elvil again, but Elladan suggested I talk to you first.”

Glorfindel nodded. “I have no doubt it will be possible should you really desire it, but please bear in mind that if you do take away your memory chances are high they will return later.”
Elvil groaned. “But it is so confusing. I am Elvil and yet I am also Silmaïthil. But that was a totally different elf. And not.” He rubbed his head in confusion.
Glorfindel grinned. “I know how you feel. The Glorfindel that lived in Gondolin is different from me as well, though we are one and the same. None can walk Mandos’ Halls and come out unaffected. I lost most my cockiness there as well as my desire for solitude.” He smiled. “But you have also a different name, adding to the confusion you already feel. I suggest you try to accept your soul is that of Silmaïthil, but you no longer are him. You are Elvil, a twenty-five year old elfling fostered by Elrond.”

Elvil nodded. “In other words it will not only be a confusing time for me but also very frustrating.”
Glorfindel frowned. “How so?”
Elvil shrugged. “I love Elladan, but if I have to wait twenty-five years it will be highly frustrating to me.” He grinned at Glorfindel’s flabbergasted face and smiled. “It’s why I ran away in the first place, Glorfindel. Elnihir had just told to me what he had learned from Elrohir and the books about sex and awakening. It was precisely how I felt towards Elladan and, not knowing what I know now, I freaked out, panicked and fled.”

Glorfindel nodded. “And you wish to go back to that situation?”
Elvil sighed. “No! And yes.”
Glorfindel smiled. “Aren’t you afraid you will run from Elladan once again, should you do that? Try to accept this first and you can always come to me, should you want to talk about it.”
Elvil smiled and nodded. Suddenly a sparkle entered his eyes. “I think I know how to make the coming years bearable to us. I think I’ll ask ata to give me Lembas on a daily basis.”
Glorfindel laughed. “A good idea. Good luck, pen-neth.”
Elvil nodded. “Thank you, Glorfindel.” He ran off.

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Ecthelion knocked on the door and smiled when he heard Glorfindel’s voice call him in. “Sorry to interrupt you while you work, Glorfindel, but Erestor has been ordered to make sure the two prisoners are send to Valinor and the counsellor wants you to make sure they won’t escape.”
Glorfindel grinned. “And he sends you here to deliver the message, hoping I’ll kill you instead of him. Very nice of him. Don’t worry, I’ve already made the necessary arrangements.”

Ecthelion smiled and sighed. “Could I ask you something personal?”
Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders and gave him his undivided attention. “Of course, what it is?”
Ecthelion smiled. “Would you mind talking about Gondolin? I’ve read about it and I saw things that the books didn’t describe, yet I know without a doubt it is right. At first I thought I was going crazy or that I was confusing things, but I am not.”
Glorfindel smiled. /He’s memory is starting to resurface. O, beloved, it is really you./ “And now you want me to tell you if it really belonged to Gondolin?”
Ecthelion shook his head. “Nay. I must admit at first that was my intention, but it’s too vivid to be an illusion. It’s more a memory. According to Erestor you knew everybody that dwelled there, so I guess I wanted to ask if you know me? From back then? Is it possible I am a reborn?”
Glorfindel sighed and nodded. “Aye, I knew you then.”
Ecthelion widened his eyes and looked at him in disbelief. “Really? But then why don’t I remember?” /And why didn’t you ever say so? Is it possible your Ecthelion and I are one and the same?/
Glorfindel shrugged. “Don’t know. Maybe you chose not to remember.”
Ecthelion growled. “But I did see flashes and I want to remember. I do. Would you help me? Talk about Gondolin? People we both knew? Things we did together? Or weren’t we friends?”
Glorfindel laughed. “We were the best of friends and I would love to talk about it with you. But not today. Tonight, all right?”
Ecthelion nodded in understanding. “All right. Could you come to my room? I love the view the balcony offers there.”
Glorfindel nodded. “I shall.”

He looked forward to spending the evening with his lover. He grimaced. Lover of old. He had no guarantee they would become lovers in this life as well. But he would do everything to win Ecthelion’s heart again. At that thought he smiled. He got to court his love again.

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Elladan jumped when he heard his name behind him and turned, ready to defend himself. He grinned when he stared at Elvil, who had his head cocked. “Pen-neth nín, man ná? Did you speak to Glorfindel?”
Elvil nodded. “Aye. It was clarifying, though I’m still confused. But I was on my way to the kitchen. I want Lembas.”
Elladan frowned. “Are you sure?”
Elvil nodded. “Aye, I need that side-effect, Elladan. Or my body will behave like an adult’s.”
Elladan grinned. “I don’t think so. You are a reborn in soul only.”
Elvil narrowed his eyes. “So?”
Elladan shrugged. “Your body is that of a twenty-five year old and is still twenty years away from maturity. At least.”
Elvil shook his head. “Is not.”
Elladan pulled Elvil closer. “Trust me on this, Elvil.”
But the boy shook his head. “It is my body Elladan and now I finally recognize its signals. Forget it, I am going to find Elrond. He’ll understand.”
Elladan glared at him. “And I don’t?”
Elvil turned and sighed, closing his eyes. “I am sure you will, but I don’t want to scare you away with this.”
Elladan cocked his head. “What is this? You running to someone else for comfort and council? I remember a time, not so long ago when I was the only one you’d go to.”
Elvil smiled and embraced Elladan, startling him by suddenly lifting his feet, jumping into his arms. “I love you, Elladan, and I know my body responds to that.”
Elladan shook his head at Elvil’s stubbornness. “Are you sure you’re not a Peredhel? You sure act like one.”
Elvil sighed and closed his eyes. “You don’t believe me.”
Elladan nodded. “No offence, but you are an elfling, twenty years from awakening. There is no way you could become aroused.”
Elvil growled, jumped down and pulled Elladan into the stables. “Fine, I’ll proof it.”

He could see Elladan’s eyes narrowing in suspicion and disbelief, but he ignored it. Standing in an empty box he pulled Elladan against himself, resting his head against his chest. “Touch me, Elladan. Touch me and see.” Elladan shook his head but embraced Elvil, holding him close.

For a while neither moved and Elladan was about to point out that he was right when he moved. His movement caused Elvil’s arousal to stroke his leg and his eyes widened in shock, disbelief and confusion. Involuntarily they darted down, needing a visual confirmation of the situation.

He stepped back as if stung. “What? But how?”
Elvil shrugged. “I don’t know why my body acts like this when it shouldn’t, but it does. Now do you understand why I need that Lembas?”
Elladan nodded but he stopped Elvil when he wanted to walk out the stables. “But not before talking to adar. Maybe you are older than we think.”
Elvil shook his head. “Maybe my body has aged the last days but that doesn’t change the fact I am twenty-five. Nor does it change the fact that you are ailing. How can I walk around aroused when I need to focus on aiding you heal?”
Elladan smiled and sighed. “All right, but please talk to adar first. You never know what might happen. He needs to know.”
Elvil rolled his eyes but promised.

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Elrohir threw his door close with force, venting his anger. Orophin turned round and a worried expression entered his eyes the second he saw the Peredhel. “What is wrong?”
Elrohir smiled at him. “I’ve lost my son. He spends all his time with Legolas. And if he does spend time with me it is Legolas this, Legolas that, Legolas, Legolas, Legolas… It drives me bananas.”
Orophin laughed and shook his head. “What you need is a relaxing bath. We were all like that at some time in our youth. I am sure you and Elladan drove Elrond insane sometimes. What am I saying: you managed to drive each other crazy.”
Elrohir sighed and slumped his shoulders. “I know, I know. But what am I supposed to do if I no longer have to look after him?”
Orophin smiled. “For starters you are going to take that bath, or do I have to force you?”
Elrohir smiled sadly. “I would love to, but I am out of hot water. Something’s wrong with the supply. Hadn’t you noticed?”
Orophin shook his head. “Nay, I always use cold water in the morn. Wakes me up. We could use the common baths, or the hot water stream, or the river.”
Elrohir laughed. “You are determined to get my pants of, aren’t you?” He failed to notice Orophin’s sudden blush and grabbed some towels. “All right then; lead the way.” He bowed as he opened his door, forcing Orophin to take the lead.

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Orophin inwardly groaned. The common bath was empty. He hated it; how could it be empty? He breathed deeply to calm his nerves and slowly started undressing.

Elrohir was done a lot faster and already waded into the water. As soon as Orophin was in as well the twin dove and swam towards him. Orophin had missed the movement and looked around worriedly, unable to see Elrohir. /Where is he? He couldn’t have left. There’s only one door./ Suddenly he felt a hand touch his leg and he gasped as the movement went upwards, following Elrohir’s face as the twin came to the surface again.

He was stunned at Orophin’s shocked and pained expression. He did not understand why that look was there. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t done thatore.ore. He always teased Orophin like that, loving to make the warrior jump.
He coked his head from side to side, getting the water out of his ears. “Would you like me to wash your hair?” When he received no answer he opened his eyes and saw Orophin’s chest rise and fall too much. /What is wrong?/

He grasped the shoulders in worry, concern shining from his eyes. “Phin? What is it?” Taking a step closer he gasped and looked down. He blinked several times, unable to believe his eyes. “Phin?”

Orophin briskly turned round and closed his eyes in an attempt to hold back the tears. “Nothing. Got to go.” He tensed when Elrohir restrained him. He felt more than saw Elrohir move around him until they stood facing each other again.

Elrohir remained silent, studying Orophin, thinking. “You are aroused.”
Orophin laughed bitterly. “Rather obvious isn’t it?”
Elrohir moistened his lips and his eyes narrowed. “Why?”
Orophin sighed. “That too should be obvious to you. I’ll tell Haldir to make room for me.”

Feeling Orophin make to move away, Elrohir tightened his hold on him and cocked his head. “I am not dense, Phin. We are the only ones in the bath. I am sorry my teasing brought you discomfort. That was never my intention.” He shook his heaWellWell, it was, it always is, but not like this. Are you that sexually frustrated, my friend? So eager for release that even my touch awakes your flesh?” He saw Orophin’s eyes flare with disbelief before they sparkled with hope and happiness as the other frantically nodded. But something felt wrong to Elrohir and seeing the guard go down in Orophin he locked their eyes, trying to see his soul.

Orophin gasped and instantly replaced his walls but it was too late. Elrohir had seen and he knew it. Seeing Elrohir’s eyes widen in disbelief he sighed and closed his eyes.

Elrohir’s mouth stood open as he digested the news. /He loves me? But… but…/ “How long?”
Orophin shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, Elrohir. I shall leave your rooms and…”
Elrohir growled and the suddenness made Orophin jump. “You are not going anywhere until we’ve cleared this out. You love me?”
Orophin nodded. “Don’t worry about it.”
Elrohir shook his head. /You love me! How long? For a long time, by the sound of it. But you introduced me to her. Helped me with Elnihir. You always listened to me whenever a girl turned me down again. Always you were there. You could not have felt anything for me then, could you?/ Taking one look at Orophin and knew his answer. /You did. And because of it you do not expect me to ever return it. But what do I feel?/ The more he thought about it the less secure he was about himself or his feelings. Could it be that he did feel something for Orophin? He hit himself mentally. Of course he did. That’s why he realised Sealbeth had a lover.

He groaned. “My mind stopped working.”

A moment later he smiled wide. “You love me!” He flung himself at Orophin and hungrily claimed the shocked elf’s lips, grinning madly when he felt the arousal harden. His own loins stirred and soon Orophin gasped when he felt Elrohir’s flesh poke him back. The twin took advantage to deepen the kiss. Only lack of air made him end it. “O, Phin, we’ve been so blind. I love you. I always have.”

Without any further words he dove beneath the surface again and took in Orophin’s entire length, eager to taste him. Orophin was too late to stop him and now that he felt Elrohir’s mouth and tongue tease him he wondered if there were things he did not know. The Peredhel was too talented to be without experience.

But thought soon was forced from his mind as he came hard. Elrohir kissed his way back up and hungrily claimed his lips. He bucked softly, letting Orophin know he wanted some attention and he smiled when he felt the blond’s hand close over his shaft, swiftly stroking him to orgasm.

He leaned against Orophin and a happy smile graced his face. “Time spent apart will be even harder now, Phin. I think I know what to do with my time alone.” His eyes already darkened with lust.

Orophin gasped when he heard the Peredhel whisper in his ear, though he smiledthe the thought. “Aye, let’s do that.”

End chapter 45
TBC