Against all odds

Chapter twenty nine The healing starts

Elladan smiled when he surveyed his handiwork. He had done a good job cleaning up. /Still have to replace the booze though./ About to open a bottle of herbal wine he reconsidered. As he now was the only drinking elf it would be foolish to do so. Without help he would never be able to finish it, and if he did he would have a killer headache.

Suddenly he heard a loud curse from the balcony. He rushed outside and his breath caught in his throat as he took in Lindir’s shape. The minstrel presented a picture of total bewilderment and abandonment. “What’s wrong Lindir?”
Lindir didn’t answer but simply stared down the balcony. Elladan came to stand next to him and followed his gaze, gasping as he saw the origin of Lindir’s upset state. There, on the ground, lay Lindóma. Broken. Without thinking he jumped down and kneeled and studied the pieces. She had broken into three big parts, but the little items seemed totally gone.
He gathered them and walked back up.

Lindir had walked back inside and now stood in the centre of the room, looking lost. “I don’t think it can be fixed. O Lindir, I am so sorry.” Everything told him to reach out and help the pained elf. To anyone else it had been just an instrument but Elladan understood Lindóma had been more than that to Lindir. Suddenly he knew just how to help.
He lay the pieces on the couch and disappeared into another room where he retrieved crayons and paper. Returning with his prize he smiled. He laid them where they had been playing cards and opened the bottle. This was one occasion when Lindir needed a drink. He handed Lindir a half filled glass.
Lindir looked at it in confusion and then at Elladan. The Half-elf felt a stab in his heart at the lost expression in them. Acting instinctively he pushed the glass into the other’s hands and made him sip slowly.

He pulled Lindir down on the floor. “Listen. You told me Lindóma was made according to your instructions, right?”
Lindir nodded. “I think I better go home, to my room. I am not going to be good company, I fear.”
But Elladan forced him to stay put. “Nay, you’ve always been there for me, now it’s my turn. And if they made her once, they can do it again.”
Lindir looked at him doubtfully. “Not without a sketch and it got…”
Elladan pushed the crayons and papers into his lap. “Makotheother one, together we can make a new sketch and then they can make Lindóma the second. What do you say?”
Looking into Elladan’s eyes he read sincerity and determination in them. And Elladan did know a lot about Lindóma. He decided to give it a try. /It’s better than crying my eyes out./

And for the next few hours they were busy drawing and talking. And drinking; the bottle Elladan had opened got emptied by them without even realising it. When Lindir asked why there was so much paper and crayons Elladan explained how Laivëcaro often babysitted for the neighbours, a six year old and a twelve year old.

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Legolas and Elrohir had now reached the Last Homely House and were still chatting amicably.
Elrohir sighed. He knew Legolas had done him a huge favour and he felt sorry to part with him as he knew he would. “Thanks for escorting me home, Legolas. Please feel free to rejoin Elladan and Lindir. Nai olorit vanima.”

Legolas shook his head. “I am not going back. I enjoy myself better with you.” His eyes twinkled when he suddenly pulled the unsuspecting Elrohir along. “Join me on the roof. We will have the best view of the starlit sky and maybe you could start teaching me Quenya. Tira elenath na nîn”

Elrohir felt his chest explode as he heard this. He was looking forward to whatever it was Legolas had in store for him. Though he frowned and sobered when his gloomy thoughts assailed him again. Legolas noticed but paid no head, for now.

Once up the roof he uttered some dwarven curses, drawing a laugh from Elrohir.
“I am sorry, I know they are curses but they just sound so…” Another laughing fit attacked him Leg Legolas was pleased his little ploy had worked. /Tonight you will not be gloomy, my friend./ “Well, I just thought maybe we could eat something as well. And we are definitely going to need some blankets or pillows or such to be comfortable. Wait here, I’ll go get them. You start gazing up and try to locate the best spot for our star mapping.”

Elrohir smiled at him and when the blond was no longer within view he did as he was bid. When Legolas returned, arms filled with blankets, pillows, food and some water flacons, Elrohir had found a spot. He had decided to lay right under Ëarendil tonight. Legolas grinned as he noticed and started working on a comfortable and peaceful surroundings.
Sitting himself down he smiled at Elrohir. “And I still think it shines brighter with you around.”

As Elrohir sat down as well he cocked his head and studied his friend. He looked rather tired, more than he had noticed before. /Perhaps this was a bad idea?/ “You seem tired.”
Elrohir nodded, embarrassed as a yawn confirmed Legolas’ suspicion. “You should be in bed then. Why did you not say something; I would not have dragged you all the way up here had I known you yearned your bed.” He made to rise but Elrohir placed his hand on his upper arm, holding him down. “Nay, Legolas. I thank you for this. I would love to sleep under the stars tonight. But I fear I am not much company.” He cursed as he yawned again.
Legolas smiled. “You’re great company Elrohir.” He laid himself on his back, hoping Elrohir felt comfortable and relaxed enough to lay down as well. And Elrohir did, making him happy.

After some moments of silence he suddenly he raised his arm to the sky. “Look, Carnil, they say humans can’t see it with their eyes.” And slowly he drew Elrohir into a conversation about the stars and planets.

Elrohir felt pleased at the relaxed state they were in but was having a hard time conversing, tired as he was. Legolas realised he was keeping Elrohir awake and berated himself. “Apsenein. Ortiën ten cuivain.”
Elrohir giggled at his words. Seeing Legolas cock his head he shook his own. “Did you do that on purpose?”
Legolas smiled. “Correct me and I’ll let you know.” He had made mistakes, he knew and one he had made deliberately, knowing it would make Elrohir laugh.
Elrohir nodded. “Well it should have been: Apsene nin, or, if you wish to utter a request apsena nin. And you should have used amorta, not orta. When the action is abstractly you can’t use orta. And cuivain doesn’t exist in Quenya I’m afraid. I think you meant to say cuivina. So you should have said: Apsene nin. Ámortiën ten cuivina.”

Legolas smiled, nodding as he stored the information. “I know I’m not good. In fact I’m lousy at the language. And I shouldn’t be, I’m a Prince, I should be able to speak it fluently. I’m glad you’re teaching me, Elrohir. But now I should probably stop talking so you can get some sleep.”
Elrohir grinned. “I really got the feeling you’re saying and doing those things deliberately you know.” Legolas shrugged his shoulders. “Guilty. I am sorry, but I can’t seem to stop making you laugh. I like the sound of it.”

Seeing Elrohir turn a lovely shade of red he smiled, drew his lips together and pretended to lock them and throw away the key, indicating he would shut up and stop speaking now. This sent Elrohir rolling over the floor. “Good luck finding it.” He pretended to be Legolas upon awaking, finding his mouth locked and went searching, crawling on all fours, feeling with his hands for the imaginary key.
Legolas broke out into a laughter when he saw that and when Elrohir crawled within reach he pulled him close, launching a tickle attack. Elrohir’s laughter echoed through the air as he was tickled ruthlessly by Legolas, who was laughing as well. Elrohir did possess a catching laugh.
Before long they lay together, a heap of disorganized elf, panting and laughing.

Legolas disentangled himself. “Let’s sleep now. Nai olorit vanima, Elrohir.” He smiled when Elrohir cuddled closer and rested his head on Legolas’ chest. “Esta varnëa.” Legolas shook his head. “Same to you, though I have no idea what you just said. Same to you.”
Elrohir smiled lazily. “Rest safely.” Legolas nodded and his smile widened. “What’s peaceful in Quenya?” He could barely hear the answer. “Esta varnëa ar nai vápatmënya láva ten olori sérëa, Elrohir”
He was surprised by Elrohir’s lack of response. He had practised on this for hours to get it right and now Elrohir didn’t even feign surprise at his perfect Quenya. He shook his head when he realised Elrohir had fallen asleep. “Aye, Elrohir, rest. Ni tiruva oloritya sina lómë.” He repeated the words Thranduil had always used when he had been little and afraid of the dark.

When Elrohir turned his head a little he could see that the eyes were unclosed. But Elrohir was sound asleep. Legolas knew the Peredhil closed their eyes during the night, and Elrohir had recently showed him for real, so this meant Elrohir was finally healing. He placed a soft kiss on Elrohir’s head. “Esta ar envinaya.”

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Erestor didn’t know why he woke up and he looked around disoriented, but smiled when he saw Elrond asleep next to him. His smiled increased when he felt the ruler’s desire rub his thigh. He bit his lip, wondering why this didn’t make him bolt from the bed.
After a second Erestor had made up his mind and he blanketed Elrond, claiming his lips. The second he saw his eyes turn alert Erestor grabbed hold of the hard member and gave a teasing squish.

The actions brought Elrond back to the present and he stared at his lover in wonder. Finding himself unable to speak he returned the kiss. When Erestor pulled back he looked surprised. This was something he hadn’t expected.

Erestor sat up. “Help me Elrond. I can feel them still. Help me.”
Elrond sat up at once. “Are you sure?” Looking Erestor in the eye he saw the truth and he left the bed to get a vial from the bathroom. And to quickly stroke himself to release. He was already tense and he did not wish to rush this and unwillingly cause Erestor any pain.
He selected a vial with a nice herbal oil in it. Erestor loved the smell of it and it was made of healing herbs, which would aid them well tonight. After drawing in a hard breath he re-entered the bedroom and went back to the bed.

Erestor felt his emotions raging within him. Part of him desperately wanted to run away, but another part of him wanted this. Had always wanted this. And yet he was afraid it would be just as painful and humiliating as…
Seeing Elrond’s loving face he pushed those thoughts away and forced himself to be calm and steady.

Elrond sensed his emotions and a faint echo of the dark and gloomy thoughts entered his mind. /Nay, we can’t do this now. He isn’t ready. He expects to get hurt and is afraid./ Elrond knew that if Erestor expected pain there would be. Maybe not much but any amount of pain was too much at this point. Thinking quickly Elrond changed plans.
He laid back into the bed, pulling Erestor on top of him. He was pleased he had chosen a sleeping gown with lots of buttons. It now came in handy. “Erestor, I don’t think this is a good idea.” Seeing Erestor’s shattered hope he quickly cupped his face. “Don’t misunderstand, melmë, I simply mean to say I will not take you when you’re so afraid. I would hurt you when it isn’t necessary. Do you understand?”
He looked at the elf hovering above him. Although his eyes saddened at seeing Erestor’s rejected expression they also darkened in anticipation. Still locked with Elrond Erestor saw this and was surprised. Elrond blushed. “I’ve got a better idea. You’re afraid to make love because you expect pain, right?”
Erestor nodded, unsure what Elrond was headed. After so many millennia he had thought he had figured him out but lately the Peredhel kept surprising him.
Elrond smiled at him. “Why don’t I show you it doesn’t have to be that way?”
Erestor’s eyes widened in confusion. “But you just said you wouldn’t” Elrond quickly interrupted. “I will not claim you, no. You will claim me.” Seeing Erestor’s surprised, wondrous and loving expression he laughed a little. “Aye, Erestor. As I said, I am yours. Claim me Erestor.”

He wanted to pull Erestor close for a kiss but he saw fear enter his eyes. A fear that was new. /Of course, he expects he will hurt me as well./ “Erestor, look at me, melmë. You mean the world to me. Your touch sets me on fire and I crave you. I offer myself to you. Willingly. Touch me in whatever way you desire. It will bring me nothing but joy and pleasure.”

Erestor’s eyes watered as he realised the extend of Elrond’s love for him. Closing his eyes he told himself to do this. To believe Elrond. “You will tell me if I hurt you?” The insecurity in his voice was palpable and Elrond cursed every orc when he heard it. “I promise.” He already knew Erestor could do nothing that would hurt him, but if it made Erestor more secure he would happily promise it. /And it gives me an excuse to stop him if he makes himself uncomfortable./

After some more moments in which he seemed to make up his mind Erestor slowly extended his arms and touched Elrond’s hair, starting at the forehead. Closely monitoring Elrond’s eyes he was pleased to see love and trust stare back at him.
Elrond softly moaned when he felt Erestor’s fingers pass his ears as they followed his hair to his shoulders and chest where Erestor started twirling it around his fingers. That was so unexpected Elrond arched an eyebrow.

Thinking he did something wrong Erestor stopped, sending Elrond an apologetic look. He startled when his hands were grabbed and placed at their former position. igheighed and closed his eyes as he realised he had misunderstood. /Again./ Feeling like he had to make up for it he explained his actions. “I’ve always loved the way your hair looks and it fells so soft and..” He stopped speaking when Elrond smiled dazzling at him.
“Good thing I didn’t gave into temptation and cut it off.” Seeing Erestor’s shocked expression Elrond laughed. “It takes me hours to get it right every morning. Drives me crazy.”
“Then let me braid it, but don’t cut it.” Elrond raised his hand and started playing with a strand of Erestor’s hair. “I would like that, melmë. I am sorry I distracted you.” He used his eyes to beg Erestor to continue, happy when the elf removed his hands from his chest.

Erestor couldn’t help himself and he repeated his movements. When Elrond slightly moved his head so one ear now rested against Erestor’s fingers the elf startled but smiled when he realised he had neglected Elrond’s sensitive ears. “I’m sorrforgforgot them.”
Feeling Erestor playing with both his ears send fibres to his groin and all Elrond could do was mew. Erestor stared at him in wonder. Elrond was mewing and purring like a cat and Erestor could see Elrond restrained himself from writhing beneath him. Seeing the chest go up and down he felt mesmerized and suddenly he stopped caressing the ears.

Elrond had to stop a disagreeing moan at the sudden departure and his eyes widened in surprise when he felt Erestor’s hands moving on his chest. /Ai, this is going to be torture./ But he would happily endure it for Erestor.

“You look so beautiful. You’re so muscular and yet so delicate. I like it.” Suddenly the urge to taste his skin was overwhelming him. Erestor wondered if it was just as sweet and divine as kissing him. He reached for the first button, but hesitated, unsure if he should proceed. Even Elrond’s nod did not prompt him into action. Elrond’s questioning eyebrow made him explain. “I don’t know how far I can go, and I do not want to disappoint you.”
Elrond had to stop a growl from leaving his mouth. He hated how insecure Erestor had become. “You could never disappoint me, Erestor. Just remember I am your willing subject. I crave your touch, any touch. Please?”

The first buttons were removed hesitantly but slowly Erestor became more secure and started caressing the revealed skin as he worked his way down. He stopped only when he had red ted the last one, a little below Elrond’s bellybutton. He moved his hands back up, loving the feel of Elrond’s pulsing flesh beneath them. Unable to hold back he dived in and started kissing the body beneath him.

Every action went straight to Elrond’s groin and he clawed his hands in the sheets to stop himself from rubbing elf elf against Erestor. Every kiss that was placed upon his body was electrifying. He realised Erestor truly trusted and loved him, otherwise the other would not have broken eye contact. All that Elrond wanted now was not to betray that trust. But he realised how hard it would be when he felt Erestor’s tongue join the exploration, already closing in on his right nipple.

Erestor felt highly nervous while he was kissing Elrond in such a manner. Only the words Elrond had said before kept him calm enough to actually enjoy it. Encountg a g a nipple he licked it. Wanting more he remembered Elrond’s words. /Any touch, in whatever way, I crave it/ He closed his lips around the erect nipple and gently sucked.
Feeling that Elrond drew his fingernails into his flesh in order not to scream out in pleasure or buckle. He knew Erestor would take it the wrong way. When Erestor sucked harder Elrond bit his lip and sighed in relief when he felt Erestor slowly release his nipple. But involuntarily Erestor’s teeth closed over it as he released the tender flesh, resulting in a soft bite. Elrond was undone and he buckled hard. “Aiya, Erestor.” Erestor immediately jumped back, staring wild-eyed. “I..I am-m-m-m s-s-s-s-sorry”

Elrond needed a moment to compose himself but then realised Erestor had indeed taken it the wrong way. Using his arms he grabbed for Erestor, who was thankfully still within reach, and pulled him back. He wanted to tell Erestor not to stop, thereby showing him he had misunderstood, but he read guilt in his eyes which made him wonder what was wrong.

Seeing Elrond’s eyebrow arch and the expectant look in the eyes that accompanied it made Erestor sigh. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Elrond shook his head at his own stupidity. He should have realised Erestor would feel guilty about that. “You didn’t Erestor. Look at me, you have me begging for more.” He saw Erestor’s disbelieving eyes and suddenly knew what to say. “You do. And it results in this.” He pulled Erestor down, placing his head against his chest, showing him he meant it.

Realising he had misunderstood again Erestor started to sob. “I’m sorry. It’s just that” “Touch me, please.” Elrond wanted Erestor to do this now. It would undo his fears and doubts and talking about them would never remove them. Elrond was positive it would only strengthen their hold on him. And he wanted Erestor free of them.

Erestor didn’t know what to do, he could feel Elrond’s arousal was fading and he knew he was tame.ame. Suddenly he felt hair being moved over his hands and cheek and his eyes opened in surprise. “Erestor, will you still touch me? I crave you.” Elrond was pleased his trick worked. Using his hair brought Erestor back into the mood and he stored the information away.

And slowly Erestor started touching him again. He wasn’t yet ready to kiss him, wanting to make sure Elrond meant it. But seeing the expression in the dark eyes told him enough. Even Elrond’s arousal was growing again and Erestor smiled, pleased that he hadn’t completely ruined everything. Seeing Erestor’s eyes leave his and start roaming over his body had something very sexy, even predatorily.
When he realised they had rested on his left nipple, he saw Erestor was eager to give it the same treatment as his right, but was afraid to do so. Knowing words wouldn’t convince him, Elrond pulled Erestor’s head closer to his nipp“I d“I did enjoy that, you know.”
Feeling the sensations for a seconds time, this time with Erestor’s hands moving everywhere his eyes widened. He realised he was close to orgasm and he bit his lip in order to last longer.

Erestor was unaware of Elrond’s problem and slowly moved back up, leaving a trail of kisses until he came to Elrond’s neck. He lowered himself until he laid on top of the half-elf, completely blanketing him, and nuzzled his nose in the web of hair, using his tongue to caress the skin. Wanting to apply the same caress to Elrond’s ear he moved up, causing friction on Elrond’s member.
It was enough to send him over the edge. Without warning he arched his back, buckled and shouted Erestor’s name as he came hard. He collapsed back onto the bed, panting heavily, riding out his orgasm.

Erestor stared at him in total rapture. To him this was a sight to behold, something he wouldn’t mind seeing again. He was surprised but also felt very proud. Proud he was able to do that to Elrond and surprised Elrond could look so sexy and desirable.
“Erestor, I…I love you.” He was at a loss for words to describe how he felt right now and he drew Erestor close for a all devouring kiss.
Seeing Erestor shed some tears made him brake the kiss and wipe the tears away. “I had no idea I could do that to you.” Elrond smiled ruefully, knowing Erestor spoke the truth. He wanted to answer but, seeing Erestor was about to say something else, he held his tongue. Erestor moistured his lips, which made Elrond softly groan, causing Erestor to look at him baffled. Elrond shrugged. “It’s sexy when you do that. Especially now. You wanted to say something.”

Erestor nodded. “I wish to make love to you, but…” Elrond’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “A second round? Already? Darling, you have to give me a moment to restore myself. I seem to have lost my stamina.” /I wonder what you’ll be like when you’ve shed your fears./
Erestor’s eyes widened further. “Again? But I…you…we…I” Elrond placed his fingers on his mouth. “Making love isn’t about penetration, love, but about worshipping the other. You’ve just made love to me through your touches, your words, your love…your trust.”
Erestor slowly shook his head. “But I didn’t touch you. I didn’t come lower than the waist. And I know one needs stimulant there to find release.”
“And what did you think just happened to me? I not only found release, I’ve never come this hard in my entire life, Erestor. And if you don’t believe me, look for yourself.” Elrond lifted his garment so his semen was visible.

Involuntarily Erestor’s gaze lowered and saw the proof of Elrond’s words. He was unable to remove his eyes from it and he mentally berated himself. He was sure Elrond would not approve of him watching now that they were done.
“Would you prefer it if I were naked?” Elrond’s question catapulted him off the bed. “Yes, but you’ve already” Realising what he had just said, Erestor closed his mouth in shock, which intensified when Elrond came to stand next to him, pushed him to sit on it and took his sleeping gown off. He now had a naked Elrond standing in front of him.

Elrond could read his desire in his eyes. “Erestor, I know you’ve never had a lover before and I realise your ideas on sexuality differ from mine, but it pleases me my body pleases you, that it attracts you. I find joy and comfort in it, Erestor. It tells me you love me back.”
He stepped closer, wedging himself between Erestor’s legs. “I love you Erestor and your happiness means everything to me.” Now that he stood so close Elrond didn’t move, all he did was caress Erestor’s hair and shoulders, wanting Erestor to make the next move.

If he wasn’t holding onto Erestor he would have fallen downhis his lover’s remark. “Your skin is terribly dry everywhere. When’s the last time you’ve rubbed any oil onto it?” Elrond shook his head. “Tomorrow during my bath. Now either make love to me again or lets sleep. But I don’t plan on putting my night robe back on.”
For a second Erestor’s eyes bulged but then he laughed, catching the irritating tone in Elrond’s voice. In between his laughs he managed to speak. “The last time I heard you use that tone was to Arwen when she decided to use your desk as her trampoline.”
Elrond smiled, seeing Erestor roll over the bed laughing. He could sense and see it did him a lot of good.

When Erestor was done he looked up. Seeing Elrond naked and completely at ease with it made him twitch. Once again his eyes roamed Elrond’s body, taking in all he saw, appreciating it.
Elrond crawled on the bed, his gaze darkened yet questioningly and Erestor realised Elrond would like a second round, as he had put it, but would let Erestor decide. Before Erestor could speak he yawned.

Elrond continued crawling, laid himself down next to Erestor and pulled his lover close. “Lets rest.” “I thought you wanted to..” Elrond nodded. “I do, I will always want that, Erestor, the whole day, every day, for the rest of our lives.”
Erestor sighed, cuddled closer and started playing with Elrond’s hair. It draw a chuckle from the Peredhel. “Elladan and Elrohir used to do that too. But I prefer you doing it.”

After a while Erestor looked up seeing Elrond already dozing of. “Thank you, Elrond. For being so understanding and patient. For saving me.”
Even in his unfocused state Elrond heard him and replayed. “Melityen, Erestor, sísse an oisse. Ar te lerië nin, ohtarnya hondo.” Unknown to Elrond Erestor’s eyes had closed and a healing sleep descended on Erestor.

End chapter 29
TBC

Translations:
Nai olorit vanima means may your dreams be beautiful (sweet dreams)
Tira elenath na nîn means watch the stars with me (Sindarin)
Carnil is the name Tolkien gave Mars.
Apsenein. Ortiën ten cuivain is supposed to mean forgive me. I’ve kept you awake (lifted you awake) (I say ‘is supposed’ because I’ve deliberately made errors)
Apsene nin. Ámortiën ten cuivina means forgive me. I’ve kept you awake
Esta varnëa means rest safely
Esta varnëa ar nai vápatmënya láva ten olori sérëa means sleep safely and may my presence grant you peaceful dreams
Ni tiruva oloritya sina lómë means I shall guard your dreams tonight
Esta ar envinaya means rest and heal
Melmë means love
Melityen, Erestor, sísse an oisse. Ar te lerië nin, ohtarnya hondo. Means I love you Erestor, for now and always. And you’re saving me, my warrior of the heart.