Worth Waiting For

Title: Worth Waiting For (4/4)
Author: Aglarien
Beta: Erviniae
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Rúmil/Erestor
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: Not mine, with the exception, as always, of the cat. The great Master Tolkien’s estate owns everything else. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them.
Author's Notes: Written for the 2007 Slashy Santa Fic Swap. My special thanks to Tena, Phyncke and Chaotic Binky for their help with the plot, and to Chaotic Binky for her invaluable help with injuries, especially head injuries, symptoms, and healing. For Mi-Chan.
Timeline: 130 T.A.

Rúmil continued to remain with Erestor, sleeping chastely in night clothes borrowed from Glorfindel with the smaller Elf curled against him. He watched over Erestor as he rested, and kept him company during his hours awake. Erestor continued to improve, although he still slept much more than usual and tired easily.

After several days of walking to and fro in his room, the recovering Elf was finally allowed outside. Wrapped up in a warm cloak, he ventured out into the snow between two tall, golden-haired warriors. Two strong arms encircled his waist, keeping him warm and secure, while a dark-haired Half-Elf watched from the porch. Erestor took a deep breath of the crisp, pine-scented air and smiled, happy to walk amongst the snow-covered gardens with the two Elves he loved most in the world. All was calm and peaceful, and the land was hushed in her winter’s sleep. All was right in Erestor’s world.

Yule was just a week away, and although Erestor was not yet allowed to begin even a part of his new work, he was allowed to participate in the Yule preparations. Rúmil was surprised to see all of the pine boughs and holly brought into the house and decorated with ribbons, as well as the huge evergreen tree placed in the great hall. Erestor explained that they were customs of Gondolin that he had brought with him to Lindon. Since Elrond had grown up with the Yule traditions of Gondolin, the Elf-lord had brought them to Imladris.

Erestor sat in the great hall with Rúmil, carefully cutting paper snowflakes to decorate the tree, and talked about the celebrations on Yule Eve when the whole valley would gather in the house for a great feast with dancing and games for the Elflings afterwards. And Rúmil learned about Father Yule putting gifts in the stockings of good little Elflings during the night.

“And what happens if the Elflings were bad?” Rúmil asked, finishing cutting out a snowflake and reaching for a new piece of paper.

“Well, theoretically, they would get a lump of coal in their stocking, but I do not know of it ever happening. You do not know any bad Elflings, do you?” Erestor grinned.

Rúmil snorted. “Perhaps it is as well that Father Yule did not know about me when I was young,” he said. “So do only the Elflings get gifts?”

“The adults exchange gifts among family members and close friends, and they give the Elflings more gifts as well. I asked Glorfindel to go to the marketplace and purchase some gifts for our friends and the Elflings for me.”

“Erestor, if I wanted to purchase gifts for the…Elflings, where would I find this marketplace?”

“It is farther down the valley,” Erestor answered, smiling. “You cannot miss it if you follow the Bruinen. You have been stuck here with me for too long. I am sure you long for fresh air and exercise, and it would be a kind gesture for you to give the little ones something for their first Yule. Perhaps you could get some sweets for the older Elflings as well? I will be sitting right here, and if I tire before you return I will go to my rooms and rest.”

“I have loved being stuck with you, Erestor,” Rúmil said, stealing a quick kiss before he dashed off.

~~~*~~~
Rúmil returned and quickly put all but one of his purchases in his own practically unused rooms before going to Erestor’s rooms. He had been gone quite some time and night had fallen, and he reasoned that Erestor would have long ago returned to his rooms to rest. Erestor, however, was not resting. Instead, he was standing in the open balcony, his back to the room and his eyes to the stars. Rúmil thought he had never seen a more beautiful sight than the Elf he loved, standing in the gently falling snow with icy flakes sparkling on his dark hair.

Silently picking up a blanket from the bed, Rúmil walked to the balcony and draped the soft wrap around Erestor from behind, then enfolded the smaller elf in his arms. Erestor’s head barely reached to under his chin, but he thought how perfectly they fit together.

“Rúmil,” Erestor whispered, pressing his back closer against the warmth of the Galadhel’s chest. He looked up and over his shoulder, a smile on his face and his eyes twinkling. “You are back.”

“And you are standing in the snow,” Rúmil chuckled. “As beautiful as you look, I do not think Lord Elrond would approve of his prize patient trying to freeze himself.”

“I love the snow,” Erestor sighed. “I love the winter when all is white and hushed. I love the warm fires and drinking warm, spiced wine. I love cuddling into warm quilts and watching the stars and moon make the snow sparkle like cut crystal. And I love you, Rúmil. I love how you make me feel like a youngling again, and how your kisses inflame me and leave me wanting more. I love how you hold me at night and curl yourself around me, keeping me warm and safe. I love waking up in your arms and seeing your beautiful silvery-blue eyes and feeling your beautiful golden hair on my face.” Erestor turned in Rúmil’s arms and wrapped his arms around the Marchwarden’s neck.

Rúmil caught the blanket as it slipped from Erestor’s shoulders and wrapped it around the smaller Elf, holding it secure with his arms. Snowflakes glittered on Erestor’s eyelashes, and he lowered his head and kissed the flakes gently away before whispering, “I love you, Erestor. I love how you make me feel like I want to spend the rest of my life keeping you safe and making you happy. I love how you burrow into my body as you sleep, as if you are trying to become a very part of me. I love holding your hand and feeling how small it is in mine. I love how you touch my face, tracing those long, elegant fingers across every contour, and I love how you touch my lips with your fingertips. I love how those same fingers make me feel when you bury them in my hair. I love how your beautiful body curves against mine as if it was made to, and how soft your skin feels. I love how your eyes sparkle with silver when you look at me, and how they turn into stormy seas when I kiss you.” Moving his head, he pressed his lips against the pulsing vein beneath Erestor’s ear. His mouth curved into a smile at Erestor’s gasp and he said, “And I love hearing your moan when I nibble on you…just there.”

“Rascal,” Erestor said, pulling Rúmil’s head back down for a deeply passionate kiss.

When they finally parted, Rúmil whispered, “When will you marry me, Erestor? I know it seems soon and I should rightly court you and we should be betrothed for a year, but I have loved you for so long.”

“My Rúmil,” Erestor said, his voice overcome with emotion. “I am far too old and have lived for far too long for lengthy days of courting and betrothal. Such things are for the young, and neither of us could be called that any longer. I shall marry you, my love, just as soon as you would wish, but I would dearly love to wed on the day of Yule. A day that I have always loved would then be all the more precious. Will you marry me and take me for your husband on Yule?”

“With all my heart, I will. Yule it shall be.”

Erestor laughed in delight, the sound only silenced when his mouth was consumed in a deep kiss. The snow fell heavier and neither Elf noticed, so wrapped up were they in each other. When Rúmil finally lifted his head and looked down at the shorter Elf, he smiled to see Erestor covered in white. “You are a little snowElf,” he said.

Erestor laughed joyfully as Rúmil lifted him up and carried him back into the room to a chair in front of the fire. Sitting on the warrior’s lap, he dusted the fallen snow off of Rúmil’s golden hair. “And you are a very large snowElf, my Rúmil,” he said. His snow-covered blanket had fallen to the floor, and he pulled the dry blanket that lay folded over the back of chair from behind Rúmil. After unfolding it, he draped it over both of them and curled into Rúmil’s lap to enjoy the heat from the fire. The warrior’s arms held him securely, and Erestor thought he had never known such happiness and contentment in his long life. Resting his head on Rúmil’s chest, he breathed deeply, inhaling the Galadhel’s scent…and then he smelled it.

The smaller Elf lifted his head. Long fingers of one hand pulled Rúmil’s tunic open at the neckline and he peered down inside as the other hand patted the Marchwarden’s chest until he found what he sought. He felt the outline with his hand and smiled coyly up at Rúmil.

The Galadhel’s shoulders shook with silent laughter. Seeing Erestor’s hopeful look, he said, chuckling, “Yes, it is yours. I happened upon a certain golden-haired captain in the marketplace who told me of your weakness.”

Erestor grinned and his hand dove down into Rúmil’s tunic, returning with his prize. He carefully peeled away the waxy paper covering to reveal a hard stick of swirled red and white sugar. Whispering, “Thank you,” and giving Rúmil a quick kiss, he settled back down on the warrior’s lap and popped the peppermint stick into his mouth, looking for all the world like an Elfling with a prized toy.

Rúmil watched as Erestor sucked on the end of the stick, finding his actions most provocative. When the smaller Elf removed the candy and began to lick it while gazing at the Galadhel suggestively, he said, “Brat. You are doing that on purpose.”

“Maybe,” Erestor replied with a grin, giving the candy a lick up its long length. “But I like to bite them too.” Perfectly shaped white teeth carefully bit a piece off of the tip, and he held the candy stick up to Rúmil to try.

“I prefer to have mine this way,” Rúmil said huskily as he pulled Erestor up for a deep kiss, his tongue meeting the smaller Elf’s around the piece of peppermint.

Time seemed to stand still, and it wasn’t until the Elves heard the sound of soft laughter coming from the doorway that they drew apart.

Glorfindel rejoiced for his brother’s happiness, although the sight of Erestor with Rúmil made his heart burn for his own beloved. But he had been assured that he would see Ecthelion again when his tasks on Arda were completed, and to that promise he held. Entering the room, he made himself comfortable in the chair next to Erestor and Rúmil.

Erestor smiled at his brother almost shyly, and with his arms wrapped around the Galadhel’s broad shoulders, tucked his head under Rúmil’s chin. “Look what I have found, Glorfindel! My very own Marchwarden. May I keep him?” he asked teasingly.

“Of course, dear brother!” Glorfindel laughed. “Would you like me to wrap him up for you?”

“I do not think that will be necessary,” Rúmil said, silencing the giddy Erestor with a finger to his lips. “Glorfindel, may we have your blessing to wed on Yule day?”

Glorfindel nodded and leaned back into his chair. “My blessing you do not need, but I give it to you freely. Love him well, Rúmil, and remember if you hurt him, you will answer to me and Lord Elrond!”

The warning would have intimidated a lesser Elf, but Rúmil was a Marchwarden of the Golden Wood, and was stalwart in both body and spirit. He knew the words were said out of love of Erestor. “I will love him well, Glorfindel, and anyone who hurts him will answer to me!”

The captain nodded and smiled approvingly at his soon-to-be law-brother. Erestor had chosen his mate well.

~~~*~~~

It was two days before Yule and all of Imladris was to assemble at their Lord’s bidding to hear his appointment of a chief counselor, followed by a special dinner. Erestor dressed in one of the new robes that had been made for him at Elrond’s orders while he healed. Pale blue and silver, they set off the small Elf’s dark coloring well. His unbraided hair flowed freely around his shoulders and down his back, and his eyes sparkled no less than the diamonds on his pendant. This would be the first time he would appear before the full assembly of Imladris since his last visit as Gil-galad’s ambassador before the War of the Last Alliance, and he took extra care with his appearance. After one final look in the mirror, he turned and smiled at Glorfindel and Rúmil, who stood waiting to escort him to the Great Hall. “I think I am ready,” he said.

“Not quite,” Glorfindel said. “The time has come for you to be who you are, little brother. No more hiding in the shadows. Tonight Elrond will declare you his new chief counselor.”

“And we would have you look the role,” Rúmil added.

Within moments, Rúmil had fastened some of Erestor’s hair back from his face with a silver and diamond clasp, and Glorfindel had set a silver circlet upon his brow.

“Now you are ready,” Glorfindel said.

Erestor took a deep breath and smiled up at the two Elves dearest to his heart. With one tall, golden-haired warrior on either side of him, they walked to the Hall.

Elrond took great joy in announcing Erestor to the assembly as their new chief counselor. Counselors, seneschal, head scribe, and chief librarian were all to report to him, and Erestor’s wishes were to be considered as Elrond’s own. He would help run the affairs of Imladris to allow the Elf-lord to devote more time to his new family, and when the time came, he would be in charge of the schooling of Elrond’s sons.

Erestor was warmly welcomed and applauded by all assembled with few exceptions. One who did not welcome him warmly was a lesser counselor who had come to Imladris long after Erestor’s last visit and had been hoping for the position himself.

Unexpectedly, the disgruntled counselor said, “Lord Elrond, how is it that this practically unknown Elf has been chosen as chief counselor? I have even heard it said that he was merely Lord Celeborn’s chief librarian!”

The room uttered a collective gasp at the counselor’s audacity. Glorfindel glared at the offending Elf and Elrond raised an eyebrow. Erestor, however, motioned to them both to remain where they were, and calmly advanced to stand in front of the lesser counselor.

“The question is a fair one, Counselor….?”

“Saerion,” the counselor replied, looking down at the smaller Elf with somewhat less than a pleasant expression.

‘Counselor Saerion,” Erestor said, looking up at the Elf with a cool smile on his face. “I shall remember your name. Now, to answer your question, it may be that Lord Elrond chose me for the position since I was counselor to his great-grandfather, King Turgon of Gondolin.” Erestor seemed to grow taller as he spoke. “But then I was chief counselor to the High King Gil-galad as well, so that may also be the reason. But personally, I think it is more likely that he chose me because I raised him and his twin in Gil-galad’s court in Lindon and I helped him found Imladris. He therefore has intimate knowledge of my abilities.” In a voice low enough to be heard only by the other counselor, Erestor added, “And if you value your career, in the future you will do well to remember never to question your Lord in front of his people.” In a normal voice he continued, “I trust that answers your questions, Counselor…..Saerion?” Without waiting for an answer, he turned regally with a swish of his robes and returned to Elrond’s side while Rúmil watched him proudly.

To further cement Erestor’s position in the minds of the other counselors, Glorfindel made a decision. His brother and Rúmil had decided to state their vows with only Glorfindel, Elrond, and Celebrían present, but the announcement of their marriage and the disclosure of his ties to Glorfindel could be used as another means of establishing Erestor’s power. “My lord Elrond,” the captain said loudly as he stepped forward. “Rúmil, Marchwarden of Lórien, has petitioned me for Erestor’s hand in marriage. Since Erestor has consented, I have given them my blessing, and request that you witness their vows and grant them your blessing when they wed on Yule.”

Now Elrond, being a very wise Elf, knew exactly what Glorfindel was doing, although he was momentarily shocked that his captain and friend would publicly release the information. But there was no doubt that Erestor could inspire such loyalty, and he played along more than willingly. With much pomp, he said, “Erestor, Lord of Gondolin, Lindon and Imladris, Lord Glorfindel stands in the place of his spouse, your brother Ecthelion, as head of your family, the House of the Fountain. You have heard your law-brother’s words and he has granted his blessing. Is it your wish to be bound to Rúmil, Marchwarden of Lórien, until the ending of Arda?”

“With all my heart it is, my lord,” Erestor said, taking Rúmil’s hand into his own.

~~~*~~~

Yule Eve was a festive occasion. A large pine tree stood in the Great Hall, decorated with lacey snowflakes cut from paper, and hanging crystals. Tiny candles were wrapped around its branches while the wax was still warm, and were lit at the start of the festivities. The entire valley gathered to share a feast to celebrate the season, and after the meal, music and dancing abounded. Elflings hunted for presents of sweets and little toys that had been hidden for them around the hall and within the branches of the tree. Erestor and Rúmil delighted in helping the little ones hunt down the treasures, ensuring each got his or her fair share. Those that did not get as many as the others found special treasures hidden for them within the pockets of the counselor’s and Marchwarden’s robes.

The new chief counselor was a sight to behold in deep blue robes embroidered with silver and gold. Diamonds sparkled in his dark hair as he flew across the hall with the Elflings, laughing and enjoying the hunt as much as they did. By the time the evening’s entertainment was only half done, Erestor had endeared himself in the hearts of all of the parents for the love and care he displayed with the little ones, and whispers of new approval for Elrond’s choice spread among the Elves. Even Saerion had to admit that Erestor seemed to be a good choice for the position, if only for the kindness he displayed with the Elflings. That Erestor would be a wise and just counselor there was already no doubt, once everyone had learned of his experience.

Rúmil paused in the hunt to stand beside Glorfindel and watch the proceedings, straightening his deep green robes borrowed for the occasion from the captain whose build he shared. Little hands working their way into hidden pockets had left them somewhat in disarray. “I think I have managed to save another stick of peppermint for Erestor,” Rúmil said, smiling as he accepted a goblet of wine from Glorfindel. “No wonder he loves Yule so much. There is great joy to be had in making the little ones happy.”

Glorfindel nodded. “Did you never see him like this in Lórien?” he asked. “This is the Erestor that Elrond and I have always known, along with the serious counselor in his office and the council chambers, for none exceed his skills there.”

“I was usually away on patrol at Yuletide,” Rúmil responded. “I could hardly shadow him….much as I wanted to. Most of the time when I was not away I watched him in the library. He told me that he called me his silent watcher. I had no idea he knew I was there.”

“You would be hard pressed to pull the wool over Erestor’s eyes, my friend,” the captain replied with a smile.

“I have already learned that,” Rúmil chuckled. “And how he handled Saerion yesterday! I would swear Erestor grew a foot and that loudmouthed counselor shrank it! He must truly be a great counselor, if how he handled that was any indication. I doubt Saerion will be so indiscrete as to question his lord in public again.”

Glorfindel nodded. “Did I not tell you?” Turning serious, he said, “Rúmil, it is already past the mid of night and therefore the morning of Yule. I know you and Erestor planned to wed later in the day, but the thought occurs to me – why not now? I remember my wedding day and how anxious and impatient both Ecthelion and I were, waiting for the time. Erestor is so happy and free of care right now, and it would keep you both from being nervous beforehand.”

“You mean right now? Just ask the Lord and Lady to leave the festivities and….now?”

“Yes.” Glorfindel grinned. “Right now. See? He is coming towards us. You get Erestor and haul him into Elrond’s office. I will get Elrond and Celebrían.” After setting his wine down, Glorfindel dashed away.

Rúmil laughed joyously at the thought, and when Erestor joined him, the Galadhel bore him away towards Elrond’s office, telling him the plan along the way. The idea of marrying Rúmil right then and spending the night with his beloved as his husband pleased the counselor immensely, and so when the others joined them in Elrond’s office, they found the two lovers locked in each other’s arms in a passionate kiss.

Celebrían chuckled, Glorfindel laughed, and Elrond grinned and said, “I do hope we are not disturbing you.”

Separating reluctantly, Erestor blushed and said, “Of course not, Gwador.” He took Rúmil’s hand, and standing before the others, said, “We are ready.”

“Not quite,” Glorfindel said, drawing a small box out of his tunic and laying it open on his hand for all to see. Inside were two brooches fashioned in the form of flowing water in silver and diamonds, and on the water floated a green mallorn leaf of Lórien.

“I shall stand for you, Rúmil,” Celebrían said. “And Glorfindel shall stand for his brother. In the place of your parents, we give you jewels to mark the occasion.”

Celebrían and Glorfindel each removed a brooch from the box the captain held, and Glorfindel said, “Take these jewels, our gifts to you to mark your marriage. May they remind you always of the bond between our two houses.” He pinned one of the jewels on Rúmil’s shoulder, while Celebrían pinned the other on Erestor’s.

And then Celebrían took the hand of Rúmil, and Glorfindel the hand of Erestor, and joining their hands together, they blessed them. Celebrían invoked the name of Varda, and Glorfindel that of Manwë, and the name of the One was spoken. And when they had finished, Glorfindel placed in Erestor’s hand a golden ring for Rúmil, and Celebrían placed a matching one in Rúmil’s.

Erestor turned to Rúmil, and placing the ring on the Galadhel’s finger said, “Rúmil, in you I have finally found my heart’s desire, and I love you more than I have words to say. I take you as my husband for all time. I will feel no cold, for you will warm me. I will feel no loneliness, for you will be beside me. Trials and happiness will come to pass, but no matter what we may encounter together, I will be beside you, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path, and I will make my home in your heart from this day forward.”

Rúmil placed the ring on Erestor’s finger and said, “Erestor, you are my heart and soul. I give you all that I am, for you complete me. I take you as my husband for all time. I will always love you, and I will always protect you. When you laugh, I will join my laughter with yours, and when you cry, my tears will mingle with yours. I will be the shoulder you lean on and I will always be beside you. Wherever you go, I will go. Whatever you face, I will face. With you I will walk my path, and I will make my home in your heart from this day forward.”

Elrond smiled and placed his hand over Erestor’s and Rúmil’s. “It is done,” he said. “Now you are two, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you and happiness be your companion.”

~~~*~~~

Erestor and Rúmil stood in the bedroom of Erestor’s rooms that they would now share. Erestor’s mouth was captured in a kiss so passionate that his legs turned to jelly. He wrapped his arms around Rúmil, grateful for his husband’s strength holding him upright.

Tongues thrusting deeply, Rúmil moaned and pulled Erestor closer, pressing the heat of their arousals together. Finally forced apart for breath, he held the exquisite counselor in his arms and rubbed his cheek against Erestor’s brow. “I love you…I love you,” he whispered. “How is it possible that you are my husband? I do not know what I have done to deserve you and I am afraid I will wake and find it is all a dream, but I can feel it….I feel you inside of me.”

“As I feel you…my husband,” Erestor whispered, experimenting with the words for the first time. “I love you, Rúmil, with all my heart.”

“Will you let me love you, my Erestor?” Rúmil asked. “I long to be completely one with you.”

Erestor smiled and wrapped his arms around his new mate. “It is my dearest wish. I have a confession to make though,” he said. Erestor’s face was burning and he knew he was blushing but he couldn’t help it. “I talked with Glorfindel about…well, you know…and I have been thinking about it ever since.”

Rúmil laughed, his broad shoulders shaking with mirth. “So did I,” he admitted. “I was never so embarrassed, but I…well, I had to know. I did not want to hurt you in my ignorance.” He shook with laughter again. “Did he tell you about the…erm…the thing that….”

“The thing that makes you see stars?” Erestor giggled. “And then there was the…umm…you know…”

Rúmil nodded. Both Elves were laughing until their eyes teared, which did much to dissolve their nervousness. When they finally relaxed and were able to breathe normally again, Rúmil gently removed Erestor’s circlet and laid it on the dressing table. The diamonds in Erestor’s hair were carefully unknotted until the counselor’s dark hair flowed freely around his shoulders. The deep blue robes followed until Erestor stood clad only in his leggings and shirt.

“I want…I want to see you,” Erestor said shyly. “You saw me when I was injured and have helped me change, but I have never…I want to see you – please?”

Rúmil extended his arms and smiled down at Erestor. “I am yours to do with as you will, my husband. All that I am I have given to you.”

Erestor restrained himself and did not tear the garments that Glorfindel had loaned to Rúmil until the Galadhel could have his own made. Robes and shirt dropped to the floor. Erestor ran his hands over the muscled chest and arms, his smaller hands unable to span Rúmil’s biceps. The Galadhel’s short boots and leggings followed, and lastly the warrior’s loincloth. Erestor gazed in wonder at the beautiful body before him, his eyes traveling from bulging calf to thickly muscled thigh, and then stopping at the aroused length that stood proudly before him. “Oh my,” he breathed. “You are beautiful…just perfect.”

“It pleases me that you find me so,” Rúmil said, inwardly breathing a sigh of relief that Erestor did not appear to be intimidated by his size. Gently pulling his mate closer, Rúmil finished the work he had started until Erestor stood bared before him. “No, Erestor,” he whispered, “beautiful and perfect is what you are.” The counselor was lightly muscled and perfectly proportioned, from his trim ankle to his shapely neck, and the size of his stature belied the size of his fully erect endowment.

Rúmil lifted Erestor in his arms and carried him to their bed. “Erestor, are you sure you want me to? I mean, I am more than willing to have you take me,” Rúmil said as he laid his precious burden down in the middle of the bed.

“I am sure,” Erestor whispered. “Not that I do not want to take you too, but not this time. I have dreamt of you making love to me.”

Rúmil made love to him well and truly, and it was all Erestor could have desired. Mouth and tongue lovingly moved across his body until all the counselor could do was moan and grasp at the wild golden mane above him. And when the moment of their joining finally came, Erestor wrapped his legs around Rúmil’s waist and his hands clenched at the Galadhel’s biceps. “Mine,” he whispered. “Mine.”

“Yours,” Rúmil answered softly, “as you are mine.” Moving slowly, he set a pace that was gentle and perfect, and oh so loving. Bending his head down, he captured Erestor’s mouth with his own, his tongue delving into the sweetness.

Erestor was beyond thought as Rúmil thrust into him, over and over. He heard a voice crying out for more, and realized it was his own. A strong hand grasped his erection. He arched his back up into the fist and back down onto the hard shaft that filled him. As they loved, their bond grew stronger, forging permanent links that would endure throughout all time. Souls joined and split and joined again, each forming anew, having given and taken a part of the other. They were no longer two, but one.

Rúmil cried out when the final forming of their bond was complete, so powerfully did he feel Erestor’s emotions. One heart, one soul, they moved against each other, unified, harmonious, until together they fell, only to be caught and held in loving arms.

“Worth it, worth it,” Erestor whispered, clinging to Rúmil as he tried to catch his breath. “You were worth waiting for. So worth it.”

~~~*~~~

Rúmil awoke early, just as dawn began to roll back the darkness. He smiled lovingly down at the dark head that rested against his chest, hating the thought that he had to leave their bed, if only for a few minutes. Erestor’s Yule gift, however, needed to be fetched, and he wanted his new husband to wake to the surprise. He quietly and carefully slipped from the bed, hurriedly dressed enough to be seen in public, and silently crept from the room.

It was only a matter of minutes before he returned carrying a basket. Quickly shedding his clothing, he removed the contents of the basket and held it against his chest. He crawled back into the bed and snuggled against Erestor. “Happy Yule,” he whispered against Erestor’s ear. “Wake, my love. I have something for you.”

Erestor murmured and curled against his mate, his nose twitching when it hit something that was not his husband’s skin. Reluctantly opening an eye, he encountered black…a soft black. “What is that?” he asked, waking further.

“Your Yule gift,” Rúmil chuckled. “Open your eyes and I will give him to you.”

“Him?” Erestor quickly sat up and looked down at Rúmil. His mouth instantly curled into a smile. “Ohhhhh, he is precious!” His hands reached out for his gift. Taking it, he held it against his cheek, little whiskers tickling his nose. “Good morning, little one,” he whispered to the animal. “Do you have a name?”

“His name is Morvain,” Rúmil said, enjoying Erestor’s reaction to the kitten. Glorfindel had suggested the gift, telling the Galadhel about how Erestor has always had a black cat in Gondolin.

“He is beautiful, Rúmil,” Erestor said, gently stroking the kitten’s soft fur and scratching behind its ears.” His smile lit up the room, and he leaned over to give his mate a passionate kiss.

It took the Elves an hour to find Erestor’s pendant that Morvain had taken as a plaything while his new master was otherwise engaged.

~~~Epilogue~~~


Nearly three thousand years later….

Glorfindel stood against the railing of the ship chewing on his lower lip in nervousness. Erestor held one of his hands, and on his other side, Rúmil stood with his arm around the shoulders of his law-brother. “What if he is not….”

“Hush, brother,” Erestor said gently. “He will be there.”

The haze cleared and a white shore came into view. The dock was covered with Elves, all waiting for the ship, near the last one, that carried the wisest of those from Middle-earth. The ship drew nearer and faces became clearer. Celebrían waved excitedly at Elrond and her mother. Círdan’s family lined the shore waiting for this, his final homecoming. And off to the side stood a lone, tall, dark-haired Elf. On his cloak he wore a brooch of a golden flower that floated upon silver falling water.

The ship docked and Erestor whispered, “Go to him.”

Rúmil and Erestor slowly followed Glorfindel, watching as he flew into the waiting arms of his beloved husband with a cry of, “Ecthelion!”

The End

Tôr-dithen: little brother
Gwador: Brother, especially used of those not brothers by blood, but sworn brothers or associates.
Gwathil: Sister, with the same above meaning as Gwador.
Saerion: Bitter son
Morvain: Beautiful night

A/N: It’s quite possible that Rúmil would have called Erestor a brat. The word comes from Middle English, of Old English origin, which was of Celtic origin. In ROTK, the Mouth of Sauron refers to Peregrin Took as a brat.

Parts of Erestor's and Rúmil’s vows and Elrond’s words were taken from Native American (Apache) wedding vows.