Road to Redemption

Road to Redemption (47-48/50)

Author: Gwaelinn
Beta: Aglarien
Pairings: Lindir/Maglor, Erestor/Maedhros and others
Rating: NC-17-R overall
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’. I began it in 2005 as a fic called Redemption…now I am back to it and with a new name the story continues.

Chapter 47

Erestor walked to his office greeting everyone he saw. Last night had been wonderful. He had had Maedhros again. The advisor had offered himself to his lover, but Maedhros wanted to be taken and Erestor could deny the remade elf nothing. A warm feeling washed over the Noldo as he remembered the passion and tenderness of the night before. He was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he let out a gasp when he entered his office.

His nice, airy office was a clutter of elves. Glorfindel sat on the corner of the advisor’s desk, a position that always irritated Erestor. Haldir and Elladan sat in the chair’s facing the massive oak desk. Rúmil leaned against the chair Elladan occupied while Elrohir sat on the arm of Haldir’s seat. Orophin leaned causally against the bookshelf. When the smaller elf opened the door, all heads turned expectantly.

“Did I miss a message about a meeting?” the raven-haired advisor asked, entering his office suspiciously.

“Ah, good morning Erestor,” Glorfindel said cheerfully.

“It was. However, I am concerned to find the lot of you here so early.”

“Peace, councilor,” Elladan said as Erestor made his way behind his desk. “We have come to seek your guidance and wisdom.”

Erestor raised an eyebrow at the oldest twin then smacked Glorfindel’s back. “Off, you oaf.” Glorfindel slid off the corner and faced his longtime friend. Erestor waited for someone to begin.

Glorfindel explained. “Sorry to have come so early and unannounced, but we do need your help. And it involves all of us.” He indicated the small group. Erestor sat down and motioned for the warrior to continue. “We need some negations drawn up.”

“Excuse me?” Erestor inquired, honestly confused

“We need you to negotiate some trades,” Glorfindel replied, as if that said it all.

“You need to give me a few more details.” Erestor leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers.

Glorfindel began to explain the plan that involved himself, the twins, and the Lorien brothers. When he finished, Erestor remained silent for a moment. Finally he spoke, “Let me see if I understand all this. You want me to draw up a proposal for you to present to Elrond and Celeborn?”

“Yes,” the ancient warrior replied.

“And this proposal is to trade Orophin for Elrohir.”

Glorfindel nodded.

Erestor continued, “And Elladan and Rúmil would be go- betweens.”

“It sounds odd if you put it that way,” Elladan said with a scowl.

Erestor chuckled. “Why should either Lord agree to this?”

“You are being difficult Erestor!” Glorfindel placed both hands of the desk and leaned towards the raven-haired elf.

Erestor stood and mimicked Glorfindel’s position. “No…I…am…not! This is actually a personal matter, which you have decided to make professional as well. If you wish to pursue this then it will be done appropriately or not done at all.” Erestor’s look dared the captain to argue.

Glorfindel backed down. “You are right; this is about personal matters, but I do not see why there cannot be some political gain, too.”

Erestor’s look softened. “Neither do I, but we must do this carefully and properly. You do not want everyone to think that you manipulate situations to fulfill your personal desires, do you?” He eyed the group, notably Haldir and Glorfindel. The two shook their heads.

Haldir, who said little as it was, spoke up. “Please, Councilor. I care deeply for Elrohir and if there is *any* way that we do not have to be separated…” Pleading eyes touched Erestor’s heart. The older elf was not trying to be difficult, but he needed the others to understand what they were asking.

Erestor sat back down and addressed the younger twin, “Elrohir, do you understand what you are agreeing to? Are you willing to leave your home, family, and Elladan to take whatever position you are offered in Lothlorien.

“That is the beauty of our…” Glorfindel began to interject.

“Fin, please. Hush or I will do this privately,” Erestor silenced the golden elf-lord.

Glorfindel turned away, opting to stare out the window.

“Elrohir?” Erestor prompted.

The younger twin looked at this brother who just gave an understanding smile. “Elladan and I have rarely been apart, that is true. That, however, was more the result of having no one else. We always knew that someday we would need to part. I feel better leaving, knowing he has someone special to look after him.”

Erestor smiled. The younger twin had grown up to be a fine, honorable, wise ellon. The advisor turned to Orophin next. “What about you, penneth? Can you leave your Golden Wood and family, your position as a guardian to stay here? Is that oaf,” he indicated Glorfindel with his thumb, “really worth it?”

Glorfindel’s head dropped. Erestor could be so cruel sometimes. The warrior missed the mischievous twinkle in his old friend’s eye and the radiant smile that graced Orophin’s fine features. The guardian did not hesitate to answer. “Yes, he is definitely worth it…and not just because of great sex.”

Glorfindel spun around in stunned horror as the room burst into laughter. Orophin moved to his lover and wrapped his arms around the elf. He rested his head on the broad chest and soon Glorfindel was chuckling with the others.

Erestor sobered. “Very well. I will help you, for you all clearly need help. Fin, stay and we will write this up now as I am sure you are anxious to take the matter up with Elrond. The rest of you…get out.” The younger elves thanked the councilor as they filled out. Erestor gave Glorfindel a good, hard looking-over. “I always hoped you would find someone. And I always hoped it would not be Ecthelion.”

Glorfindel just nodded and took the seat Haldir vacated.

Erestor reached into his desk and removed some parchment. “Now, let us get this done.”

*****
Maedhros lounged in bed. He had the day off and stretched lazily. His thoughts drifted to the night before. The feast had been wonderful. It amazed the re-made elf how accepting the elves of Imladris were. He knew that there were those who were not so forgiving, but for the most part, he and his brother were made to feel at home. He tried to give Legolas the same benefit of the doubt. He sensed the inner turmoil in the prince and remembered what it was like to feel so miserable and alone. After the feast, Erestor and he excused themselves and retired to the councilor’s rooms. The former warrior smiled. They curled up in front of the balcony doors, which were open wide, and watched the stars twinkle. They cuddled and talked softly, kissed and caressed, and finally gave in to their primal needs. Maedhros taught Erestor a new position.

*flashback*

“Oh, melethron. I need you,” the older elf whispered.

Erestor shivered as the warm breath ghosted his ear. He lay in his lover’s arms as Maedhros slowly stroked his member. “Aye,” Erestor panted. “And I need you.” The dark-haired elf moaned and arched as he was stroked. “Saes,” he begged. “Have me. Make me yours.” Oh, the pleasure racing through his body was maddening.

Maedhros chuckled. “Oh I have other plans for you this night. There is something new I wish to show you.”

Erestor raised an eyebrow as his mouth was claimed. He was content to let his lover be the guide as the councilor lacked practical experience. “What should I do?” he asked as their lips parted.

As a way of response, Maedhros guided Erestor’s hand to his backside. “Prepare me and I will show you.” He continued to stroke Erestor’s shaft.

Erestor felt he would spend right there at the mere thought of taking his lover again. Maedhros shifted them so the larger elf now lay on his back, letting his legs fall open. The smith never let go, however, of the hardening flesh in his hand. He continued the slow and torturous strokes. The smaller elf now hovered over his lover. Erestor tried to thrust into the welcoming hand, but found it difficult to concentrate on thrusts while he was sliding his fingers in and out of the older elf’s tight passage. Erestor managed to lower his head just enough to bestow a lick to the ridged shaft between Maedhros legs. The former warrior moaned in wanton pleasure.

“I am ready,” panted the prostrate elf. Erestor moved to mount his lover but was stopped. “No, not that way; a different way.” The confused look on Erestor’s face caused Maedhros to chuckle. Letting go of the velvet shaft he had been stroking, he rolled over to his elbow and knees. A firm backside was presented to the councilor. “This way.”

Erestor stared at the erotic sight before him. Without a thought, he leaned forward and kissed the round globes. “What do I do?” he asked, running his hands over the sculpted back. He noted that the scars had nearly all faded. Maedhros’ skin was soft and smooth. A sudden urge struck him, and pulling the mounds apart a bit, he ran his tongue over the puckered opening. Maedhros lurched and growled at the sudden sensation. “Was that pleasurable?” Erestor questioned with a hint of awe.

“Oh, that was very…” The response was interrupted as Erestor repeated the action. This time, the re-made elf bowed his head and pushed back with a moan. “Take me,” he begged.

“I do not know,” Erector said coyly. “I am enjoying this.” He pressed his face into his lover’s backside, lapped mercilessly at the tight entrance and reached around to grab Maedhros’ weeping shaft.

“Imp!” Any heat the insult meant to carry was lost as the larger elf moaned. He thrust into the warm hand and back into the teasing tongue. “Saes!” he begged as his head dropped to his forearms. He could not withstand much more of this. His student was quickly becoming a master. “Erestor, meleth…saes…”

Erestor took pity on his unmade lover. Kneeling behind his desire, he lined up and thrust, burying himself in one swift motion. Maedhros arched and thrust back with a cry of pleasure. The smaller elf reached around the massive body and was able to just reach the bobbing shaft. Unfortunately, if he maintained his hold on Maedhros’s member, he was unable to thrust. This frustrated Erestor greatly as he had an uncontrollable urge to thrust into the velvet heat..

“Just thrust, my love,” Maedhros breathed. “Hold my hips and thrust.” To make his point, the large elf pulled forward a bit and thrust back.

The lovers cried out as pleasure coursed though them. Erestor needed no more instruction and set a brutal pace, brushing that secret bundle of nerves deep inside his lover each time. Soon they called out each other’s names and collapsed into a heap.

*end flashback*

Maedhros shifted and a pleasant ache assailed him. He would never get tired of giving himself to his little lover. He just hoped that Erestor never grew tired of taking him. The Chief Councilor of Imladris had won Meadhros' heart, yet Maedhros did not feel worthy to claim Erestor. As it was, their bond was one-sided and Maedhros would suffer if Erestor left him. That was as it should be. Erestor was still free to sail west if his heart desired it. Maedhros would have to remain in Arda, but would fade quickly. If the re-made ellon claimed Erestor, then the poor elf would be stuck in Arda for eternity. While the Valar were kind, Maedhros did not feel he would be allowed to return to Valinor, and he refused to damn Erestor to a life in Arda. Therefore, Erestor would be on the taking end of this relationship. It saddened the great elf, but it was what was best and most fair for his lover.

Chapter 48

Three weeks later, the main courtyard of Imladris was a flurry of activity. Gildor’s company was assembled and prepared to leave. Legolas said his farewells to Lindir and Maglor and now made his way to Lord Elrond.

“Hannon le, Hîr nin. I am deeply sorry for my earlier behavior.”

“Peace, penneth. I am overjoyed that you are well on the way to recovering. I think Gildor is right. Some time away from your everyday life will do you good. Please send word on how things are going once in a while.” The elf-lord reached out and stroked the prince’s cheek. You are as dear to me as one of my own; take care of yourself.”

Legolas unexpectedly moved to engulf Elrond in a warm hug. “My father is a lucky elf. I pray I may be as blessed with one so loving.”

Elrond looked over the prince’s head at the ancient elf-lord giving final instructions to his group. “I am certain you will. Just focus on getting better and remember what truly matters. I know there is someone out there ready to love you.”

Legolas blushed and pulled away. “I had best get moving or Gildor will leave without me.”

“I highly doubt that, penneth,” Erestor said with a knowing smile. He clasped Legolas’ arm and bid him safe journey.

The young prince bowed to Maedhros before moving to mount his horse. He maneuvered towards Gildor, who gave a whistle, and the Wandering Company began to move out.

Once they cleared the main gate, Haldir, dressed for travel, approached Elrond. He bowed to his lord. “We are ready to depart, my lord. Thank you.”

“Take good care of him, Marchwarden, or know that many will hunt you down.” Although Elrond smiled while saying this, Haldir was certain it was no idle threat.

“I love him with all that I am. I promise you he will be happy.”

“I know I will,” the youngest twin said as he approached. He moved past his lover and embraced his father. “Thank you, Ada. I will make you proud.”

Elrond could do nothing but hold his son close, for tears threatened to spill and his throat was too tight to speak. Pulling back and taking a deep breath, he clasped Elrohir’s shoulders. “May the Valar watch over you,” he said. “All of you.” He looked out across the band of warriors assembled before him.

Haldir, Elrohir, Elladan, and Rúmil were heading back to Lothlórien with a group of Imlarian warriors who would spend the next year training with the Galadhrim. Elladan said his good byes to his father. Elrond was glad that Elladan would be with his twin while the younger adjusted to his new life in the Golden Wood. The younger twin had requested to be transferred to Lothlorien so he could be with Haldir; it was all part of the agreement that Glorfindel and Erestor drew up. Elrond had signed it so now they just had to convience Celeborn it was a sound plan. Elrond did not think that would be an issue.

Orophin approached Haldir and the brothers embraced. “Are you certain about this?” Haldir asked.

His younger brother smiled and looked deeply into Haldir’s eyes. “I have never been so certain about anything in my life. This is where…” He reached for Glorfindel’s hand as the captain approached, “who I belong with. Thank you for understanding.”

“The twins and the Lorien brothers said their goodbyes with fervent embraces and blessings. As they rode away, Orophin stood watching, his hand still held in Glorfindel’s. Erestor reached out and squeezed his lord’s shoulder before bestowing a kiss on Maedhros’ mouth and walking through the main entrance.

Maedhros began to walk down the front steps and paused. Turning to the elf-lord, he smiled. “You are a fine father, Elrond. I am very proud of you.”

Grey eyes regarded him with admiration. “I had good teachers.”

The elves smiled at each other and with a nod, Maedhros jogged to the forge. Elrond turned slowly, returning to the main house to start his workday.

From a side balcony, Lindir and Maglor watched everything unfold. “It will be quiet around here with the twins gone.” the silver-haired minstrel stated with a sigh.

Maglor flashed him a wicked grin. “We will see about that.” He swooped up his lover and proceeded to carry him back to their chambers, ignoring the slighter elf’s protests. The ancient bard would make certain that things did not get too quiet for his lover.

******
A year passed quickly. Glorfindel and Orophin were bound at the end of that year, when Rúmil and Elladan returned. Haldir and Elrohir, who took a short leave from Lórien, journeyed to Imladris and were also present at the nuptials.

Three years later, Haldir and Elrohir announced their betrothal, as did Elladan and Rúmil. They were to have a joint wedding in Lothlórien, however, three months before the blessed event, a skirmish on the boarder nearly cost Haldir his life. Elladan and Rúmil left Imladris early to be with Elrohir in Lothlórien. For a time they feared they would loose them both. After nearly a year of recovery, Haldir was final hale and the wedding was set for that summer. Gildor and his company were present and few missed the silver band on Gildor’s finger. There was little speculation about who wore its mate.

Elrond was given distressing news from the delegation from Greenwood. The king and prince would not be able to attend, as Legolas was recovering from a spider bite. Gildor was leaving shortly after the ceremony to be with Legolas and offered to take Elrond with him. After much prodding by nearly everyone, Elrond agreed to travel with the Wandering Company to Greenwood, leaving Imladris in Erestor’s and Maedhros’ capable hands.

In Imladris, Lindir and Maglor were inseparable and many wondered when they would announce a betrothal. The same was true about Erestor and Maedhros. There were those who doubted that the Sons of Fëanor were capable of making such a commitment. Lindir and Erestor, however, ignored the whispers. They knew the depth of the love gifted them and they were content.

Erestor did wonder why his beautiful lover always submitted to him. They had been together for well over one hundred years at this point. Whenever he tried to broach the subject, he was redirected in the most pleasurable way. Finally, he stopped asking; if Maedhros was happy with the way things were, then so was Erestor.

Seasons came and went and the time of the elves drew to an end. Most of the Noldo had grown tired of Arda and the ever-present darkness lurking just beyond the light. Even many Sinda and Silvan elves sailed. It was time for the ancient ones to depart this world forever, and so Imladris prepared for its exodus to the west…