breaking the ice

Chapter twenty four An evening date

Erestor looked at his own reflection in the mirror and smiled.

For the last time he checked the contends of the basket, waiting to be picked up. He smiled as he smelled the air emanating as he lifted the lid. Yes, Rumil would love this.

He just hoped he wouldn’t disappoint him or himself tonight. He told himself again and again to try. Tonight would prove if it would be doable.

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Galadriel smiled as she saw her son staring out the window. She did not have to reach out to know he missed the blond, who was out on patrols. “He’ll be back soon, Elrond.”
Elrond turned and nodded. “I know, but that does little stop the emptiness I feel now.”
Galadriel smiled and nodded. “I understand, but your bond is deeper than that of even Celeborn and me. Focus on your connection if you feel lonely.”
He sighed longingly but shook his head. “Nay. I don’t know what that will do to him and I refuse to place him in peril.”
She squished his shoulder affectionately. “Talk it over with him and try it when you know it is safe.” Her advice was sound and he nodded after thinking it over. “I shall.”

He smiled when he saw Elladan sneaking outside. Forcing his sight to the maximum he could detect the towels, blankets and other warming objects hidden in his arms. “Now where’s he going?”
Galadriel followed his gaze and smiled. “To the pond. He managed to get Haldir to go swimming tonight and I guess everything he carries is to make sure he doesn’t catch a cold.” She smiled affectionately. Elrond turned and raised one eyebrow, making her smile. “He told me when they spend the last couple of hours before dinner with me.”
Elrond nodded. “You could have told me.”
“And allow you to stop them? I don’t think so. Elladan is wise and Haldir will make sure he doesn’t overdo it in the cold water. They’ll be fine.”

Elrond shrugged and gasped when he saw the impossible. “Is that…?”
Galadriel once again needed to follow his gaze to see and then she too gasped. “It looks like it. What are they holding?”
Elrond squinted his eyes and grinned. “Looks like a picnic basket and a rather large blanket.” He shook his head. “If they decide to sleep wherever they are headed they can easily do so. Under and on it.”
Galadriel laughed as well. “I never would have thought Rumil to brake his defences so swiftly and easily.”
Elrond smiled. “I know, but Erestor wanted to change or we would not see what we see now.”

She nodded and sighed rather sadly. “So I really go home without them.”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, Haldir needs to stay here since he’s chosen Elladan as his confident.”
Galadriel smiled. “And Orophin and Rumil both have found mates here. Promise me you will travel to our realm a bit more often.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “And take them with me, I promise.”

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Elladan smiled when he saw the pond and sighed relieved. “I knew we were going right.”
Haldir frowned and shook his head, realising Elladan had had no idea of the route they had taken. “Tell me, Elrondion, do you know the way back?”
Elladan looked insulted but, catching on, he grinned and nodded. “Aye, we can backtrack our trail easily.”

He jumped of his horse and placed his belongings on the ground, allowing his horse to roam around.
Haldir did the same and started undressing.

He swiftly went to the water and felt. It was cold. Too cold for Elladan. He turned and locked his eyes with the young Peredhel. “I’ve brought some extra clothes. I think you should keep yours on. The water is rather cold.”
Elladan rolled his eyes and simply started undressing. “I might be half-elven, I am not -that- affected by the cold.”
Haldir nodded. “That might be, but you are also healing in your face. The cold will affect you.”
Elladan shook his head and stubbornly continued to undress. “I’ve got enough towels, miruvor and healing herbs with me to ward of that possibility, Haldir, stop worrying and start swimming. I’ll be in shortly.”
Haldir shook his head but went in none the less.

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Erestor closed his eyes when he took the last steps towards the climb that would lead them to the precipice.

Rumil looked up and smiled in anticipation. He longed to see the realm from above and hurried up the steps, completely forgetting Erestor, but not for long.

Once he was up he asked Erestor whether the elf had ever seen something so beautiful, but received no answer. Turning he noticed the other wasn’t even there.
Frowning he went back to the steps and gasped when he saw Erestor struggling the steps as he forced his way up. He hurried down again and supported Erestor, easily grabbing hold of the basket as well.

“Here, let me carry that. What is wrong?”
Erestor panted heavily and Rumil actually feared he might fall down and die on him right there. The counsellor smiled and temporarily paused. “Glorfindel’s right. I should work out more.”
Rumil forced the other to lean on him more and together they slowly continued climbing. “Why did you not say something? I can come here anytime. I don’t want you to get injured or exhaust yourself.”
Erestor smiled and shook his head. “The view is worth it. I’ll be fine. The road back won’t be so straining.”
Rumil nodded. “But I shall not leave your side until we’ve reached solid ground again. We’re almost there.”

Erestor collapsed on his knees when they were there but he smiled as he took in the view. Rumil instantly retrieved some miruvor from the basket and handed it to the exhausted elf. “Here, drink. Sit and regain your strength. I shall make dinner ready.”
Erestor nodded and a grateful smile crept across his features.

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Haldir shook his head when he saw Elladan started to shiver. He approached the Peredhel and gently touched his shoulder. “You’re getting cold. We should leave.”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, it’s all right. You stay in. I’ll just swim under water a bit and then dry myself. I’ll be fine.”

But his shivering worsened with every second and Haldir grabbed his wrist and started wading to the shore, pulling the stubborn Peredhel along.
Elladan pulled himself free and glared at the other. “I’m fine!”
Haldir sighed. “Aye, you are fine now, but you start shivering, which is getting worse, and that usually is a first indicator of retrieving ld. ld. We are going.”
Elladan shook his head and crossed his arms in front of his chest. “You get out then. I’m not done swimming.”

Haldir sighed and caved in, knowing he could not talk the other out of it. “Which herbs should I prepare for you? I know nothing of that.”
Elladan rolled his eyes. “None. I’m fine.” He dove beneath the water and resumed swimming.
Haldir sat himself down on a rock and watched the twin, worry evident in his eyes.

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Orophin yelped when someone suddenly removed his crutch, forcing him to sway. Two arms encircled him fbehibehind, pulling him backwards. He relaxed when Elrohir’s scent invaded his nostrils. “You scared me, Ro.”
Elrohir smiled and kissed his neck. “Sorry, but I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Orophin cocked his head and looked at him. “Oh yeah, and what might that be?”
“We’re all alone.”
Orophin’s eyes widened. “All alone? Yeah right!”
Elrohir grinned. “Aye, Elladan took Haldir to the pond to swim and Rumil and Erestor are having dinner on the precipice, no doubt they’ll also sleep there. Grandma took an early night and I don’t have to tell you what adar and Glorfindel are doing.”

Orophin blushed and shook his head. “You are right, we are all alone tonight. I take it you had something planned?”
Elrohir nodded and smiled seductively. “Aye, I did.” He pulled the other closer. “We’re going to bed.”
Orophin pouted. “But I wanted to see more of your realm, Elrohir. How will I do that when in bed.” He snuffed. “Besides, I am not tired.”
Elrohir grinned. “I didn’t say anything about sleeping.”
Orophin looked at him, his eyes narrowing as he tried to read the other. “Go to bed but not to sleep?”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. “Aye. Unless you wish to sleep.”
Orophin shrugged. “Besides talking and sleeping the options are limited.”

Elrohir replaced the crutch and stepped away. “Are you sure?” He said as he grabbed the other’s butt. He winked before he walked off to his rooms.

He heard the stunned and surprised gasp aophiophin realised what he had just suggested followed by the speedy click on the crutch as the other almost ran after him. He turned round and smiled. “I am looking forward to seeing you squirm.” Walking faster he went to his room, not enabling the other to catch him.

When Orophin finally did enter the room Elrohir was already naked and patiently waiting for the other to join him.

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Erestor sighed contended when he stood. “That was the most exquisite meal I’ve ever seen. I don’t believe I have room for my breakfast tomorrow morn.”
Rumil looked up and nodded, before standing himself. “Aye. It was rather large. Thank you, Erestor, for doing this.”
Erestor shrugged. “It was nothing. I merely ordered it.”
Rumil laughed and shook his head. “Not just the dinner, but the suggestion, the thought, and the climb up here. I am very grateful you did that for me.” He smiled warmly and carefully replaced a wayward strand behind the other’s ear.

Feeling that touch made Erestor tremble a little and he lowered his eyes. He swallowed several times and then lifted his head, locking his eyes with Rumil’s. “I’m unsure, Rumil. I find myself in love with you and I no longer wish to be alone. Show me how to love again?”

Rumil’s eyes watered at the words and all he could do was nod and embrace the other, crying his tears. Erestor frowned when he felt them fall and stepped back to wipe them away with a bemused look on his face.
Rumil shrugged and grinned goofily. “You love me.” He smiled. “Just act on it, Erestor. Talk to me.”

Erestor smiled. “Can I kiss you?”
Rumil nodded and waited for the other to start. As in a trance he watched Erestor close the distance and experimentally touch his lips with his own. He moaned at the contact and gasped in surprisen Ern Erestor suddenly pulled him close, deepening it to a passionate and needful kiss. He eagerly yielded to the other,singsing the distance further, completely submerging in the kiss.

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Haldir looked on worried when Elladan suddenly shivered so much he lost the grip he had on the towel and it fluttered to the ground. He was besides twin instantly. “Elladan, don’t be so stubborn. You already got yourself cut open to amuse me, don’t add a cold to that, I beseech you.”
Elladan nodded. “I have no intentions to.” He turned and smiled, despite his shivering. “Though I didn’t plan getting my face torn either.”

He bended over to grab another towel. “Will you help me get dry? The faster I am dry the less chance there is of me actually contracting a cold.”
Haldir nodded and stepped closer, rubbing the other dry. Acting instinctively he pulled Elladan closer to share his own body heat with him.

Though he desperately tried to fight it Elladan could not prevent his desire from showing and he blushed, averting his eyes and lowering his head in shame.

Haldir frowned but jumped back when he felt the arousal. Involuntarily his gaze drifted down and he swallowed, seeing Elladan’s shaft. He knew he should look away but his eyes were glued to it. “Vanima.”
Elladan’s head flared up and his dark eyes stared at Haldir in incredibility. He seriously doubted his hearing and feared he’d already contracted ad. d.

Haldir licked his lips as he reached the simple truth and he smiled, stepping closer. “You don’t have a lover, do you?”
Elladan widened his eyes and shook his head. He cocked it when he figured out why the other asked. “You know she…?”
Haldir nodded. “Aye. I take it Galadriel told you? I overheard them talking one day and found out I had been betrayed worse than I thought. I stayed silent for Phin and Ru. And because I was angry at myself for allowing it to happen.”
Elladan shook his head and touched him. “Nay, don’t speak like that. You did not know. You trusted her. She alone is to blame. If I ever see her, I’ll…” Haldir laughed at the threatening tone and smiled at Elladan.

He pulled him back to himself. “You’re still shivering. Looks like we shall have to get you warm another way?” He locked his eyes with Elladan’s and his hand drifted lower to gently touch the aching member.
Elladan gasped but shook his head. “Nay, Haldir, don’t. You are ailing and I can’t take advantage of that. I won’t.”
Haldir smirked. “If anyone is taking advantage of anyone here it is me. I don’t know how deep my feelings for you are, Elladan, but I am willing to find out.” His eyes glanced down. “You’re worth the risk.”
Elladan was stunned silent and blinked his eyes a couple of times. But he soon realised Haldir was serious and to lighten the air a bit he raised his eyebrows. “You want me for my body then?”
Haldir smiled but k hik his head. “Your nature too, though your features are definitely in your favour.”
Elladan laughed, feeling the tension evaporate.

“And how would you get me warm, hey?”
Haldir cocked his head and smiled. Instead of speaking he pulled the other closer and unexpectedly claimed his lips as his hands applied enough pressure to make Elladan buck against him.
Elladan smiled as he felt Haldir harden and surrendered to him, laying back on the mossy soil. He looked lovingly at the Warden who lavished his face with kisses, especially the scars, the talented hands roaming his body. He hoped Haldir would take him, and take him hard, but the Galadhrim started rubbing their arousals together, swiftly bringing them both to orgasm.

He sighed at Elladan’s rejected expression but didn’t end the embrace. “I’m not comfortable with this yet. Give me time, Elladan.”
Elladan, feeling guilty for forgetting Haldir’s position, nodded and claimed another kiss. “Do not hesitate on my account. I don’t know how deep my feelings are either, pretty Warden.”
Haldir growled and stumped him. “Call me that again and you’ll regret it.”
Elladan raised his eyebrows. “Really? And why can’t I call you that? You are a Warden and you are pretty, extremely pretty.”
Haldir narrowed his eyes and growled again. “I am not a female.”
Elladan laughed. “No, I daresay you are not. How can I when the evidence is poking me? You are beautiful, Haldir, too beautiful to be allowed.”
Haldir snuffed. “Yeah, right. So beautiful I can’t even get one elf to be faithful.”
Elladan caressed his cheek and smiled sadly. “Her betrayal is her own regret. She’ll life to regret you. And if we progress further I should warn you I am extremely possessive and jealous by nature. You are the one to be faithful, my sweet.”

Haldir snuffed again but his lips twisted into a smile. “And just how did you picture our relationship between the sheets?”
Elladan smiled. “Give and take. You?”
Haldir shrugged. “Don’t know. I’ve never did it before.” Elladan looked so surprised he laughed. “Aye, I’ve lain with men, but I’ve always been the one taking.”
Elladan nodded. “I see. Do you wish to take me?” He smirked and sounded just like a little child asking for a toy, making the other grin in response. “I don’t know, Elladan. I would like that, a lot. But…”
Elladan sighed. “All right. Tell you what: you decide the pace. I can wait and if you want me I am here.”
Haldir grinned. “And what if I wanted to take you in the stables? I would have to come out here first to pick you up.”

Elladan shook his head and hit him playfully. “Are you going to give me anything tonight or what? ‘Cause if not, I need to get dressed before I catch a cold.”
Haldir instantly jumped up, pulling a disappointed Elladan along.

Before the Peredhel knew it he was dressed and covered in blankets. He yelped when he was suddenly lifted and he looked at Haldir in wonder.
“Do you mind waiting until we’ve reached a room?”
Elladan’s eyes darkened in anticipation and he shook his head. “My room. Ro is sleeping in your brother’s room.” /If that’s all he’s doing./
Haldir nodded and sped up, looking at the other with clear desire.

Elladan smiled. He had long recognized the signals and was willing to play along until Haldir had realised it himself.

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He did not know how long the kiss lasted but he smiled at Rumil when they broke from lack of air. His eyes were no longer cold but warm with care and love, his emotions for Rumil.

Rumil looked at them in wonder and happiness. He wondered how this one kiss could have changed it, but at the same time he realised Erestor had already started healing weeks ago and was now nearing the end of the hard road.

He didn’t end the embrace as he guided his beloved to the blanket and sat down. “Let’s sleep here, together. Tomorrow we’ll worry about the steps down.”
Erestor nodded and sat down beside him. “Ayut Iut I’m not yet ready to… eh…”
Rumil blushed and Erestor’s eyes misted over with admiration. “Neither am I, Erestor. We should take it slowly.”
Erestor nodded.

They rearranged the blanket and covered themselves with it, Rumil snuggling up close to the counsellor, who pulled him close in turn. Decided to give the other something to stop his worries he spoke again. “And Elrond will allow you to join the guards. If you desire it.”
Rumil looked at him with happy eyes. “Aye, but I shall only do that if I get to sleep at home. In your arms.”
Erestor beamed at that and tightened his hold. “You know where my room is, Calmaúr.” Rumil frowned at that endearment. “Why do you call me that?”
Erestor smiled. “Puhtanët helcënya; ellë ná úrnya.”
These words brought tears to Rumil’s eyes and he could do nothing but claim those lips again. “You were never cold and icy to me, my love.”

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Galadriel smiled at her husband, who came running down to greet her.

“Tell me everything.”
She laughed. “There’s nothing more to tell since we’ve spoken. Erestor and Rumil are together, and I am positive they will wed within five circles of the sun, Elladan managed to win Haldir’s heart and will mend it and Orophin will mend Elrohir’s. Our adoptive children will become our grandchildren.”
Celeborn smiled. “I shall have to travel if I want to see them, I suppose.” He sighed. “But I am glad they are happnd ind is it too much to hope Rumil will stop fighting?”
She laughed and shrugged. “Not for the time being. But he refuses to be on the road much. He joins the patrols but insists on sleeping at home, in Erestor’s arms.”
He smiled and hoped that in time Erestor would prove enough reason to lay down the weapons.

They leaned against each other as they made their way up the winding stair, already looking forward to their night together after being separated for a while.

Translations:
Calmaúr means beautiful fire
Puhtanët helcënya; ellë ná úrnya. Means You melted my ice; you are my fire

THE END

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