Midsummer Heat

Title: Midsummer Heat (25/?)
Rating: NC-17
Type: FPS Erestor/Glorfindel, and Elrond/Thranduil
Author: jenolas
Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.

Summary: It’s Midsummer and Glorfindel and Erestor are in a particularly ‘frisky’ mood and learn something of great interest about Elrond.

Chapter 25/?

The soft shades of pink and grey of twilight’s curtain slowly closed over Imladris as Glorfindel thanked his scout and then made his way to the library. Knowing the news he carried was likely to cause some anguish, Glorfindel stood in the open doorway and took a moment to study the peaceful scene he was about to disrupt. Erestor and Elrond sat at their respective desks, quills in hand as they dealt with the daily correspondence. Galadriel sat in one of the large, comfortable armchairs reading and occasionally glancing over to where Thranduil and Celeborn were occupied in a game of chess.

“Your king is in danger,” Celeborn warned cheerfully as he made his move then sat back to sip his wine while his opponent contemplated the board.

“So I would have you believe,” replied Thranduil with a confident smirk as he sipped his own wine and deliberately took his time to make his countermove. It was obvious they were both enjoying the challenging game, and since both were excellent strategists, Glorfindel was curious to see who was in fact winning.

With that goal in mind, the seneschal allowed himself to be distracted from his real mission and entered the library. As he walked over to the chess alcove, he could not resist further distraction in the form of the keeper of his heart and he stopped briefly to offer Erestor an affectionate smile and a sweet kiss.

“What brings you here, my love,” the advisor asked, easily sensing his lover’s disquiet. The question required a plain spoken answer and Glorfindel obliged.

“News of import to all in this chamber, I suspect. One of my scouts has returned to inform me that the party from Mirkwood will arrive later this evening,” Glorfindel replied in a voice loud enough for the others to hear. The full impact of his words was well understood as was evident in the uncertain glance Elrond and Thranduil exchanged.

Over the past few weeks, the reunited lovers had spent many hours discussing how best to present their relationship to their children and the positive response they hoped it would receive. Now that the time of reckoning was at hand, they both felt more than a little trepidation at the uncertain outcome. Without speaking they moved towards each other, needing the safe haven of each other’s arms. Elrond’s troubled countenance spoke of his concern that his heart warming closeness was soon to be shattered once again, this time by the disapproval of his beloved offspring.

“You have nothing to fear, Elrond. I know my grandchildren. They love you and will only wish for your happiness,” Galadriel said as if reading his thoughts.

“And we will be close by should our support be needed by any of you,” Celeborn added wrapping his arm around Galadriel’s waist. Elrond took some comfort in the words of the far seeing lady and her husband and smiled his thanks as he rested his head on Thranduil’s shoulder.

“I do not know Legolas well, but from the few visits I have made to Mirkwood I have learned of the strong bond you two share, Thranduil. I doubt not that he will approve,” Erestor assured the Woodland King who also seemed relieved to hear the words.

“I hope that is true, but for now I think Elrond and I should retire to discuss the situation. What say you my love?” Thranduil asked, lifting Elrond’s chin so that he could see the truth in his lover’s eyes.

“Aye, that would be wise.” Elrond agreed, turning to speak with Glorfindel. “They are expected when, exactly?”

“Not before midnight,” the seneschal replied. Elrond nodded, that meant that Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen would mot bother to disturb him until the morning, but that still left Legolas. The young elf had never visited the Last Homely House and would need to be greeted appropriately.

“Glorfindel and I will await their arrival and see Legolas to his chamber.” Erestor stated, causing the lore master to wonder not for the first time whether his advisor had some kind of far sightedness. The enigmatic Erestor had never admitted to such and Elrond decided he liked the notion better that his long time friend simply knew him well.

“May I tell your son you wish to see him in the morning, Thranduil?” Erestor asked, receiving a nod of acquiescence from the king who appeared a little distracted even as he reached out to take Elrond’s hand. The lovers bid all a good night and retired to their chambers with the faint echo Elrond’s lovingly whispered words of assurance following in their wake.

“Although Galadriel and I would like to greet the young ones as well, I expect you two do not require any company whilst you await their arrival?” Celeborn teased, exchanging a knowing wink with his lady who laughed merrily in response.

“We can certainly amuse ourselves, but that is for later. For now I have much work to do so you are welcome to wait with us,” Erestor said as he returned to his desk.

“And I wish to finish my book,” Galadriel added as she settled in her armchair, tucking her bare feet under her skirt and quickly becoming absorbed in her reading.

“Ai, sadly our lovers are ignoring us, what shall we do?” Glorfindel’s mock distress was so melodramatic that Erestor could not stifle his mirth. He blew his love a kiss then resumed writing his letter.

“I have a mind to challenge your skill at chess, Glorfindel. Shall we play?” Celeborn asked as he poured them all some more wine and then moved to take his place at the game board.

“You do realise that Thranduil was only two moves away from checkmate, and I have never lost a game to him,” Glorfindel warned with an amused gleam in his eye as he reset the pieces. This was no idle bragging on Glorfindel’s part. He and Thranduil had played a number of times over the past weeks, and both had enjoyed the encounters immensely even though the Woodland King had yet to win a game.

“Aye, but I will never admit to saying that,” the Lord of Lothlorien replied. “Since you are so confident of winning, shall we make the game more interesting with a wager? Say a bottle of the finest wine from the loser’s cellar?”

“Agreed,” Glorfindel replied eagerly. Even though access to Elrond’s cellar was his only source of paying the debt should he lose, he did not believe he would be forced to raid it. Erestor knew this also and caught Glorfindel’s eye, shaking his head to indicate his disapproval of his lover’s brashness. A silent communication passed between the two and Erestor was finally forced to look away, blushing profusely when Glorfindel’s eyes darkened with lust. They both clearly recalled their last ‘visit’ to the cellar.

Neither noticed the amused glance Celeborn exchanged with Galadriel, who shook her head slowly and delicately rolled her eyes in acceptance of the lusty nature of the two elves.

**************

Upon returning to their chamber and after a long, passionate kiss, Elrond and Thranduil decided to forgo their discussion and spend some time reaffirming their love with a slow and sensual exploration of each other, culminating in the most intensely pleasurable lovemaking they had experienced in many a century. Their sated bodies remained entwined as they rested against each other, offering the occasional soft caress or kiss as they spoke of the matter that threatened their happiness. Both knew that it was possible that not only dawn, but also their hearts would break when morning came.

“What will become of us if our children refuse to accept our relationship?” Elrond asked as he snuggled his naked body closer to that of his beloved.

“We will be very sad, and our hearts will ache with the pain of rejection, but we will be together. As much as I love Legolas, I love you more. I will not allow my son, your children or anyone else to come between us. You are the other half of all that I am and I can no longer live without you,” Thranduil replied hugging Elrond with a fierce possessiveness that was returned in kind.

“Aye, we have sacrificed much in the name of responsibility and duty, but there is no longer reason to do so. I love you, too my heart, my soul, my Thranduil.”

There was only one response possible to such a declaration of undying love. Tender kisses were exchanged, growing hotter and more ravenous as the fires of desire once again burned through their blood. This time their coupling was hard and fast, each deep thrust erasing a painful memory of so many long nights of aching need borne of their forced separation. The lovers tortured each other by bringing one another to the brink of release over and over again, only until bodily exhaustion took all remnants of control and they screamed their release with one voice, one body, and one soul.

“I love you,” was whispered against two pairs of swollen and bruised lips as sleep claimed the exhausted lovers.

*************

Celeborn had proven to be a challenging opponent and the game had lasted many hours until Glorfindel at last sat back in his chair, unable to hide the smug smile of satisfaction as he made his final move.

“Checkmate!” he declared.

“So I see, and well played Glorfindel. I have no hesitation in rewarding your skill with a bottle from my cellar,” Celeborn conceded in all sincerity. Glorfindel’s tactics had often proved hard to anticipate and counter and the Lord of Lothlorien had decided to request his friend instruct his march wardens in battle strategy. There was much the ancient warrior could teach them, of that there was no doubt.

“I believe I hear horses approaching,” Erestor said as he rose and walked over to the balcony that overlooked the courtyard below. The full moonlight was more than enough light to see by and he waved a warm welcome to Elladan who was leading the party through the gateway.

“Shall we go and greet them?” he asked Galadriel who had come to stand beside the advisor offering the lady his arm, much to Glorfindel’s surprise.

“Galadriel dear, I trust you are not trying to flirt with my lover?” he asked with mock seriousness as he took her other arm.

“As attractive as Erestor is, he is nowhere near as beautiful as my lord,” she said, moving away to take Celeborn’s arm allowing Glorfindel to snake his arm around Erestor’s waist.

The elder elves reached the steps leading to the courtyard jut as the new arrivals dismounted and after a round of hugs and kisses between the two generations, Celeborn stepped forward to offer a greeting to the stunningly beautiful young kinsman he had seen last as a babe in arms and who now reminded him of a young Thranduil.

“I am Celeborn and you are indeed your Adar’s son. I am pleased to meet you at last,” he said as he enveloped Legolas in a warm embrace.

“And I am Galadriel,” the lady said, placing a chaste kiss on a fiercely blushing cheek.

“I am honoured to meet the lady who is even more beautiful than I have heard,” Legolas replied bowing slightly then taking Galadriel’s hand and lifting it to his lips.

“Is Adar waiting up for us?” Arwen asked, obviously eager to see Elrond again.

“Nay, he has retired for the evening, but will see you all at the morning meal,” Glorfindel said as he stepped forward to introduce himself to Legolas who, like so many before him, was instantly impressed and charmed by the legendary Balrog slayer.

Arwen hid her disappointment behind a smile and urged her brothers to help carry her numerous bags to her chambers leaving Legolas in the care of Erestor and Glorfindel.

“Well met again, Legolas,” Erestor said, seemingly the only one to recognise that it was polite to bow respectfully to the elf who was the son of a king even though he refused to be addressed by any title.

“Indeed, well met, my lord Erestor. Mirkwood has missed your presence, your visits are far too few,” Legolas replied with genuine affection for the advisor. Erestor graced him with a smile and a slight bow in acknowledgement of the compliment.

“King Thranduil has also retired and has asked that Glorfindel and I show you to your chambers. If you will follow me?”

“Thank you, my lord Erestor but it is imperative that I speak with Adar now,” Legolas replied with an urgency in his voice and eyes that surprised the advisor. “It is a personal matter that can wait no longer,” the younger elf explained, not in the least swayed from doing as he intended. “Please tell me where I can find Adar’s chambers.”

Glorfindel drew Erestor aside and suggested he do as the agitated young elf requested. When he discovered that Thranduil’s guest chamber was unoccupied, Legolas would likely think the king was simply taking an evening walk or some such and would wait until the morning to speak with his Adar. It was a sensible idea, and Erestor nodded his agreement.

“This is your Adar’s chamber,” he said pointing to the closed door. Without bothering to knock, Legolas walked into the darkened chamber.

“He is not here. Where is he?” he asked.

“Perhaps out for an evening walk, the summer nights are lovely and the stars are singing sweetly tonight,” Glorfindel said, thinking of how he and Erestor might take advantage of the beauty of the evening when they had discharged their duty to Legolas.

“Then I shall await his return,” Legolas said as he made himself comfortable by stretching out on the bed. Seeing he was not to be deterred from his plans, Erestor and Glorfindel left him alone.

“He is a stubborn as Oropher was said to be. Come with me,” Glorfindel whispered as he took Erestor’s hand and lead him away from their chambers and out into the garden. One look into his lover’s eyes was all the advisor needed to know a proposition when he heard one.

“Don’t I always,” he replied suggestively as they disappeared into the darkness.

**********

Legolas moved silently to the door and held it open just enough to enable him to see when Glorfindel and Erestor were no longer in sight. He slipped into the deserted passageway and made his way soundlessly to the chamber next door that Erestor had mentioned belonged to Lord Elrond and where he knew Thranduil was really to be found.

Taking a deep breath as to gather as much courage as he might need, he knocked softly on the door.

“Adar, it is I, Legolas. I must speak with you,” he called.

Two pairs of eyes still drowsy from their interrupted reverie by the knock on the door, widened with surprise and disbelief when the identity of the unexpected visitor was revealed.

“Just a moment, Legolas,” Thranduil called out as he hurriedly donned a robe and, indicating for Elrond to remain where he was, he walked into the outer chamber and opened the door to greet his son.

“What are you doing here, Legolas? Is something amiss in Mirkwood?” Thranduil asked with concern that perhaps there had been raids by orcs or increased attacks by the spiders that had were known to have begun infesting the woods to the south.

“Nay, Perion has taken charge and is well capable of doing so as you know. This is a personal matter that I can wait no longer to discuss,” Legolas replied.

“Are you having problems with your lover?” Thranduil asked, thinking perhaps this was his son’s problem.

“Not at all, are you?” The words were spoken in all seriousness but the cheeky smirk did not go unnoticed even though Thranduil was taken totally by surprise.

“How did you...what makes you think….?”

Taking pity on his Adar who, for the first time in Legolas’s memory was rendered almost speechless, the young elf answered the half formed questions.

“Adar, I am no longer a child, nor am I innocent of the pleasures of the flesh. There have been countless times over the years when I came to speak with you late at night, only to find you writhing in ecstatic dreams, moaning your lover’s name, Elrond’s name, in your sleep. I knew not what it was when I was younger, but I do now. You and Elrond wish to openly declare your love and that is why you sent for me rather than return home, is it not?” Thranduil looked at his son who had seemed to have grown so much in wisdom and maturity in his eyes that he hardly recognised him. Here was a young elf, not only his devoted son but a leader of warriors, and an undoubtedly passionate lover.

“Why did you not speak of this sooner? Have we not always been able to discuss anything?” Thranduil asked feeling a little hurt at the apparent need for secrecy that Legolas felt.

“I know, but since I discovered that sharing the intimate details of one’s love life should only be done with one’s lover, and I did not wish to intrude on your privacy,” Legolas explained.

“Until now. What has changed your mind?” Thranduil teased lightly. Legolas smiled.

“Perion is much enamoured with Haldir and told me of the ‘erotic’ dance at the midsummer festival, and who the participants were... I fear I missed an interesting experience.”

“That steward of mine has far too much to say sometimes,” Thranduil said with some irritation.

“Only when there is an open bottle of Dorwinion on offer,” Legolas replied, trying to sound totally innocent, a trait Thranduil realised his son had long since lost.

“Aye, as I have also discovered. So tell me, Legolas and what have you to say about my love for Elrond, about him sharing my life, and my bed?” Thranduil asked with total openness all the while watching his son warily. Tears of joy and relief filling his eyes when youthful arms hugged him close and a smile of total happiness and acceptance radiated from the beautiful face.

“I am happy for you, Adar, so very happy that there are no words. You deserve to be loved as I am by my soul mate. Are you going to introduce me to your beloved or must I enter your bedchamber and do so myself?” he asked, heading towards the connecting doorway.

“Since my beloved seems lost for words at the moment, perhaps I should do so in his stead. I am Elrond Peredhel, Lord of Imladris and more importantly, the keeper of your Adar’s heart,” the lord said as he entered the chamber and moved to Thranduil’s side. In an act that was intimate in its familiarity, Elrond drew his arm about his lover’s shoulders, softly kissing the golden tresses that now rested against under his chin. He looked up to meet Legolas’s eyes and allowed the young elf to search the grey depths within. Legolas saw nothing but the light of soul deep love and affection shining from Elrond’s eyes as he bared his feelings for the younger elf to see. He knew he did not need Legolas’s approval, and even if he did, he sensed that had already been granted unconditionally. What he wanted was to allow his lover’s son to see just how strong and deep the bond was that he and Thranduil shared.

“I am very pleased to meet the one who makes Adar’s life complete,” Legolas said after a time. “Will you tell me how you met and fell in love?”

“By all means, but I would like to only have to tell the tale once. Can your curiosity wait until tomorrow to be satisfied? Until after Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen learn what you already know?” Elrond asked. It was a perfectly reasonable suggestion and Legolas nodded his agreement, and then winked at Thranduil, intimating he suspected there were other plans on Elrond’s agenda for the evening.

“I will leave you two alone, I believe my love is waiting for me...it has been weeks since we shared a nice soft bed.” Legolas said, ducking out of the reach of Thranduil’s playful swat when the elder blushed slightly at his son’s sudden brazenness.

“Be gone you lusty child!” he ordered with a smile.

“Midsummer has had that effect on many in Imladris this year,” Elrond observed dryly. “Before you go, may I ask whether my children are also aware of our relationship?” Legolas shook his head.

“I think not, yet if they are they did not hear it from me although it has been a difficult secret to keep. It seems that dear Erestor believed that the news should come from our Adars and no one else and so had requested that Perion instruct our warriors to keep their silence. There was no mention of anything out of the ordinary, except for curiosity as to why I was called to Imladris,” Legolas replied.

“And what did you offer as an explanation?” Thranduil asked.

“I merely told anyone who asked that you believed it was time I met the Lord of Imladris and my distant kin from Lothlorien.”

“Which is the truth, as far as it goes,” Thranduil said unable to stifle a yawn as the lack of much needed rest began to weigh heavily.

“You are tired and it is time I left. Sleep well, if you do at all, Adar,” Legolas teased as he kissed Thranduil’s cheeks. “And you too, my lord,” he said, turning his attention to his Adar’s beloved.

“I think Elrond will suffice,” the lord of Imladris said, his heart pounding with joy as a single chaste kiss was bestowed on his cheek.