Against all odds

Chapter forty-two Lending a hand

Glorfindel shook his head. “No, no. Turn and jump. Not jump and turn. Now try again.”

He stifled a large yawn and closed his eyes. He was having more trouble to stay focused and awake than before. /Must be more tired than I thought./ He was glad Thranduil, Legolas and Elrohir would relieve most of his duties, but he still had the training, patrols and other military arrangements to look after.
Normally he wouldn’t hesitate to ask Elladan, no, order Elladan’s help, but he knew the Peredhel needed to give all his attention to Lindir for the time being. The coming weeks were vital and Lindir needed to be fully aware of Elladan’s sincerity or he might have a relapse.

He smiled at the practising soldiers, who had earlier expressed their worry for him. They had talked amongst themselves he needed a rest, but they knew he would not listen to him. They now were drawing straws to decide who was going to enlighten Lord Elrond or Lord Erestor.

Glorfindel jumped and twirled around when eardeard his name being shouted and shook his head when Elladan ran forward. “Hello, Elladan. Where’s Lindir?”
Elladan flung himself at his old tutor. “Glorfindel, please, you have to help. He ran away and I can’t track him. He’s no warrior but I can’t find him. This is all going wrong. If I see that she-elf I’ll kill her.”
Glorfindel placed two calming hands on Elladan’s shoulders. “Calm yourself, young one, and use your brains. What are Lindir’s favourite places? Where would he go to think? Where does he feel safe?”
Elladan looked at him and smiled. “Of course, the little vale.”

He ran off again, leaving a stunned Glorfindel behind. But before he even reached it he halted and ran back to the house. He would drag Lindir’s father along and release his anger at his future mother-in-law. He figured it might be best if Lindir had a father and son conversation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas smiled when his father entered the room. “Be quiet. My husband is still asleep.”
Thranduil grinned at the words. “Poor Elrohir will hate that word before long. But I’m afraid he has to wake up. You two have work to do.”
Legolas frowned. “Work?”

Thranduil nodded and poked Elrohir awake. “You sleepy-head wake up or I am taking only Legolas.” That had result. Elrohir sat up instantly, glaring at his father-in-law, who grinned at his expression. “Like father, like son, Elrohir. But I’ve come to kidnap you to the study and help me rule Imladris.”
Elrohir narrowed his eyes. “Ata, Erestor and Glorfindel are more than capable of ruling Imladris.”
Thranduil nodded. “Aye, but you obviously haven’t realised that dear Glorfindel has been working for three lately, doing not only his own job but Elrond’s and Erestor’s as well. Now, I understand Glorfindel felt awkward keeping you and Elladan away from your lovers, but you could have shown some consideration. You -are- a ruler’s son and that comes not only with privileges and perks but also with duties and responsibilities.”

Elrohir shook his head. “Calm down, you sound just like Erestor. And you are right. We should have paid more attention. Let us go and push Glorfindel in his bed. Better yet, we should bring some rope, I have some from ‘Lóriën. That way he won’t be able to leave his bed.”

Legolas smiled at the picture. “Or we could put your earlier idea into action.” He grinned at Elrohir’s blank expression. “Throwing him in one of ata’s caves.”
Elrohir laughed at him. “Ah, but that means we would have to bring him there and then who rules Imladris? No, I think rope is better.”

Thranduil shook his head and pulled the two out of bed. “Get dressed, please, so we can go.” They nodded and actually hurried to get dressed. They both felt guilty about forgetting Glorfindel’s work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mitula.”

Elladan pushed the door open and entered. Tyelcë glared at him and would have snapped but her husband approached the Peredhel and clasped his shoulders. “Mae govannen, ion-nîn. I hope you don’t mind me calling you that? After the wedding you’ll be my son and I hope you and Lindir will be happy.”

Quentalëndil frowned as he saw Elladan’s look. “Man raica?”
Elladan shrugged. “I don’t really know. Can I sit down?”

After taking his seat he sighed. “It’s Lindir. I think you need to talk to him. Has anybody ever told him about sex?”

Tyelcë exploded. “Who do you think you are? Of course I told him about sex. I told him what to expect and how he should treat her.”
Elladan jumped up. “In case you haven’t noticed yet: I do not have boobs. And if you insult or hurt him ever again you will have to answer to me.”
She glared at him. “And you will answer to me if you don’t break the spell you’ve placed upon my son. He shall marry and”

“ENOUGH!” Quentalëndil’s voice rode the air. “You’ve done enough harm to him, woman. Shut up! Elladan, show me where my son is. And tomorrow we will leave. I think it is better for Lindir. But I hope I am still welcome at your wedding?”
Elladan shrugged. “Depends on Lindir.”

He smiled and showed Lindir’s father where to find his son.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“AAAAAAAARGH! How does ata do this? It’s insane. It’s impossible to do this so all parties involved are pleased. That bridge will never be build.”
Thranduil smiled at Elrohir’s desperate cries and embraced his son-in-law. “Relax and calm yourself, young one. Let’s take a look at that. There’s always the possibility of compromise.”

Elrohir rolled his eyes. “I’m going to find ata and Erestor. It’s time they go back to work.”
Legolas pulled his lover to himself. “Don’t. Glorfindel wouldn’t do this if they were back to health. And we should have been more considerate.”
Elrohir shook his head. “As good as you have always understood me, you don’t see clearly now, do you?” He planted a kiss on Legolas’ nose. “Just pretend for one second we were the rulers of this realm and if ata, your ata I mean, hadn’t forced us here, what would we be doing right now?”

Legolas blushed and nodded. “But I do think this is different.”
Elrohir shook his head. “I already walked in on them once. And if they are healthy enough to make out they’re healthy enough to rule a realm. I’m going to find them before this madness drives me crazy. I tell you: the choice between Mandos and this study is swiftly made.”
He regretted his words when he heard Legolas gasp and instantly kissed his husband to make up for his stupidity in words. Legolas happily melted in the kiss, deepening it.

Thranduil shook his head and turned back to the paper but his eyes soon widened when there seemed more light in the room. Looking up he saw the origin of the light and jumped up, yelping.
Legolas and Elrohir looked at him worriedly, frowning when they saw Thranduil standing there, mouth agape and a perplexed look on his face. Legolas stood and approached his father. “Ata?”

Thranduil shook his head and smiled at his son. “Well… well…. Why don’t you find your father and his counsellor, Elrohir. But try to be discrete. I don’t think they’d welcome another interruption. Did you really walk in on them?”
Elrohir nodded. “I was too concerned about Legolas to notice they were at it. Elladan, Lindir and Glorfindel ran after me so they had seen it too. Bit embarrassing, now that I think of it.”

Thranduil grinned. “Aye, though if your love deepens everybody will be informed the moment you make out.” His eyes sparkled in mischief and Legolas lowered his eyes. “Ata, please.” Thranduil embraced his son. “Come on, son, grant me some fun. And when will we have the pleasure of escorting Elrohir and the others to our realm?”
Elrohir smiled. “All the more reason for me to find ata. And do you mind bringing not only Elladan and Lindir along, but Glorfindel as well? He deserves a vacation.”
Thranduil nodded. “Though I fear I might actually use my prison to make sure he takes it.”

They laughed and the Mirkwood elves turned back to the papers while Elrohir went in search of his father.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Erestor smiled as he watched Elrond dry himself after their joined bath. “What do we do about Lindir?”
Elrond grinned. “His parents you mean. I don’t know. To be absolutely sure banning her is the answer, we need to know where Lindir stands in all of this. I shall have to talk to Elladan. But not now. They need some time alone.”
Erestor smiled and nodded. “They do. And we are alone as well.”

Elrond shook his at at the sexual innuendo. He still doubted his answer when a knock resounded through the room. He hastily went to answer it and smiled when he saw Elrohir. He pulled him in a tight embrace. “Elrohir. Come in. I hope everything is all right with Legolas?”
Elrohir nodded, glad his father was so concerned.

Elrond smiled and guided his son to the chairs. “Erestor is still soaking in the bath. Would you like something to drink?”
Elrohir shook his head. “No, I want to know if you and Erestor can go back to work? Do you realise Glorfindel has been doing everything? He had le hee help in me and even now I go nuts there.”
Elrond’s eyes widened. “Glorfindel made you help? You have to stay with Legolas.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, Thranduil decided to help out our Glorfindel, when we showed to be so blind. And he asked me and Legolas to help. But it is your job ata and I think…”

Erestor walked in the room, wearing only a towel and Elrohir reddened and hastily lowered his head. Erestor grinned and sat down on another chair, despite his lover’s alluring lap. He didn’t want to embarrass Elrohir by sitting on his father’s lap in front of him. “Pen-neth, what is it?”
Elrond smiled. “Elrohir says we should go back to work. And he is right. We can’t expect our guests toour our work.”
Erestor shook his head. “Thranduil likes to do it and maybe he can solve the bridge-problem. I think we can afford to stay inside a while longer. We are healing el”
”

Elrohir’s head snapped up at an alarming rate and he jumped up. “I don’t know what happened to you Erestor, but I don’t like this new you. All you care about is fucking my father.” His eyes watered and he briskly brushed his tears away.

Elrond stood up to steady him but Elrohir gasped and his knees buckled under him. Elrond caught him before he fell and he glared at Erestor. “Elrohir?” Elrond pulled him on his lap,, searching for injuries.
Elrohir shook his head. “I’m fine ata. I just sensed Legolas in me. It was strange.”

Elrond smiled and cocked his head. “How did the two of you bound yourselves?”
Elrohir calmed down, resting against his father. “By saying the words, the vow.”
Elrond nodded. “And who did you call upon as your witness?”
Elrohir shrugged. “The Valar, of course.”

Elrond smiled and kissed his son. “That’s it then. They agree and bless this bond, making it stronger than any other bond. Normally when elves bind in solitude they call upon only one Vala, usually Elbereth, but you and Legolas called upon them all to bless your bond.”
Elrohir nodded but looked puzzled and Elrond shrugged. “So, if they bless it, which I think they definitely did, your bond would receive the powers of all of them. Because that’s how they bless a wedding, Elrohir, by granting the bond a little of their strength or magic to make it stronger. And with you and Legolas all the Valar have done that. It is normal for a bounded couple to become one, even from afar, but to do so in such speed is unique. I wager Legolas has sensed your distress just now and his soul ached to aid you and that’s what you sensed.”

Elrohir nodded. “So we need guidance?”
Elrond closed his eyes to think about it. “I don’t think so. I think you and Legolas are strong and smart enough to figure everything out. But should you need some council I shall always be there for you both. As shall Thranduil.”

He smiled and hugged his son. “And now we have to go to the study. You have a confused husband to soothe and I have a realm to rule. Erestor, get dressed and make yourself ready for work. And no seductions.”

Erestor smiled and held Elrohir back. “Elrohir, you’ve got the wrong idea. Imladris matters greatly to me. And so do its inhabitants, of which Elrond and his family are the most important.” He pulled the younger Peredhel closer to himself. “I’m sorry if I gave you the impression it’s otherwise. And before you speak, making love to your father -is- important, because we came too close to disaster too many times.”

He checked to see if Elrond was gone and smiled when he saw he and Elrohir were alone. “It’s just that his touch drives away those of the orcs. If he touches me, or I him, I don’t feel, see or hear them anymore. But whenever I’m alone, like now, they come back. Please don’t tell your father, pen-neth. I don’t think this is something he’ll be able to undo and he’ll only worry needlessly.”

Elrohir smiled and nodded in understanding. “Come on, let’s go to our lovers then. Maybe if you’d got married? Maybe then they’ll go away?”
Erestor shrugged. “Maybe. But marriage isn’t important to us. We’re already bound to each other. And at least one Vala approves of it or we wouldn’t still be here.”

He smiled at Elrohir and joined him at the door, after quickly changing into his robes. “And we have to wait a year for Elladan and Lindir to marry. I think they’ll do it with a great party and a ceremony.”
Elrohir looked at him. “Do you think someone will give them away?”
Erestor nodded. “Elrond will walk Elladan to his future spouse and I am sure Lindir’s father will do the same for Lindir.”

Elrohir smiled at the image. “But then who’ll perform the ceremony?”
Erestor shrugged. “It is common for the ruler of a realm to do so or, in his absence their advisors. But I don’t think any of us will be doing so.”
Elrohir looked at him puzzled. “But if father gives Adan away he can’t do it. So that leaves you or Glorfindel.”
Erestor shook his head. “No, it doesn’t.”
Elrohir nodded frantically. “Both Adan and Lindir are Imladrian elves, so only father or his counsellors can do the ceremony.”
Erestor shook his head. “You forget one small detail, though very important. Your own wedding.” Elrohir’s eyes widened and he shook his head in confusion, making Erestor laugh. “Because you and Legolas are wed, Thranduil is your father-in-law. Not only that but bound to Imladris by wedlock. And therefore a better substitute for your father than Glorfindel or I. And I do think Elladan and Lindir will prefer him to us.”

Elrohir grinned and smiled. “I already called him ata, Erestor. It’s going to be awkward if both my fathers are in the same room.”
Erestor laughed freely. “You can always say ata Mirkwood or ata Imladris to make distinction. Or what about ata minya and ata atya?” Elrohir laughed. “Remember me to tell Legolas.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil smiled when he saw Elrond enter the study. “Elrond, I see Elrohir has found you. Where is he?”
There was concern in his voice and Elrond immediately assumed Legolas’ knees had deserted him as well. “Talking to Erestor. They’ll join us shortly. How are you Legolas? I take it you sensed his sudden despair?”

Thranduil nodded in his stead and shrugged, taking Elrond aside. “It’s stronger than I would have expected. When they kissed they lit up, literally. I don’t know what will happen when they make love or when their love grows stronger.”
Elrond smiled. “Only time will tell, but I find it encouraging they have the Valar’s blessing.”
Thranduil nodded, but shook his head. “Still, this is weird.”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay, it isn’t. They called upon the Valar, all of them, as their witnesses. Not just Elbereth.”
Thranduil gaspeLegoLegolas! Is that true?”

Legolas looked at his father and frowned. “Is what true?” The next moment he gasped and looked at Elrond questioningly. “I can hear Elrohir laugh.”
Elrond nodded. “I think you and Elrohir are in for many more surprises. Do you know what a Vala does when called upon as a witness?”
Legolas shrugged. “Bless the wedding or not.”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, if they don’t they do nothing but if they do they place a little magic, strength in the bond to deepen it.”
Legolas nodded. “I remember reading that. But why do you ask?”
Elrond smiled. “Each Vala does that. Normally only Elbereth is called upon as a witness but you and Elrohir called upon all. So every Vala that approved of your wedding, and I’d like to think all do, has granted your bond a little magic. So the bond between you and Elrohir is deeper and stronger than any other. It explains this transfer of moods and the light others see when you kiss. And that’s only the beginning. Like any other bond it will grow over time and grow stronger as your love deepens. You can expect anything to happen.”

Legolas nodded and smiled. “Is this bad?”
Thranduil laughed. “No, little one, not anymore.” He didn’t voice it out loud, but in the old days this would have been a dangerous situation. Sauron or Saruman would have sensed their strength and would have tried to use it for themselves. But now there was no such threat. So Thranduil wisely held his tongue.

They looked up when the door opened and Elrohir and Erestor walked inside. Erestor smiled. “Thranduil, we are ever grateful for your help. Would you please be so kind to assist us a little longer? Just until we’re back at the normal workload?”
Thranduil smiled. “Of course. I’d go crazy if I’d nothing to do. I hope you don’t mind us stealing Elrohir from you for a while but I strongly think he should visit his in-laws soon.”
Elrond smiled. “Of course I don’t mind. I welcome it. And I think Lindir will stop Elladan from missing you, my son.”

Legolas embraced his lover and the second he did so both bodies lit up. Elrond and Thranduil exchanged a pleased and knowing smile.

“When can we leave?”
Thranduil grinned at Elrohir’s eagerness. “Not yet, pen-neth. I still am needed here. You and Legolas go walk, or ride or wherever you take your guests and let us oldies sweat in here.”

Elrohir grinned and pulled Legolas along, making Elrond laugh. “Family dinner tomorrow.” Erestor looked puzzled but then nodded. “They leave tomorrow.”
Thranduil was puzzled by this and both dark-haired elves quickly filled him in on Lindir’s troubles.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elladan paced his rooms frantically. The walls were closing in on him but he refused to leave. He knew his feet would automatically carry him to Lindir and he didn’t want to interrupt. But waiting was killing him. All the times he had spend in his father’s study, waiting for the inevitable punishment seemed nothing in comparison to this.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond looked up when a soft knock was heard. He bid entrée and was surprised to see Lindir and his father walk inside. He quickly rose to meet them. “Lindir, is something wrong?” He could see something greatly troubled the minstrel and he wondered what it was.

Quentalëndil smiled. “Forgive me, Lord Elrond, but I, or rather Lindir needs your assistance.” He sat down, motioning for his son to do the same.
Lindir’s head was lowered and his gaze was panicking.

Elrond gently touched his hands in an effort to reassure him. “You can always count on me, Lindir. What is it?”
Quentalëndil cleared his throat. “Two things. One: would you forbid my wife from ever entering your realm again?”
Elrond nodded. “We were thinking about just that. And the other?”
Lindir’s father inclined his head in thanks. “Lindir would like to have an official wedding, but…”
Elrond nodded. “Don’t worry, Lindir. I’m sure Elladan will happily suffer those festivities for you. He’ll do anything for you. But if you’re afraid of asking him, I will do that for you.”

Lindir looked up grateful but shook his head. “No, that’s something I must do. But I don’t even think it’s possible.”
He gasped when Thranduil kneeled before him. “But it is, young minstrel. You might not yet be informed of it, considering the chaos around here, but Elrohir and Legolas are wed. They bound themselves before the Valar.”
Lindir smiled. “I have to tell Elladan. He’ll be pleased.”
Thranduil smiled. “Aye. But that makes me Elrohir’s father-in-law. And it makes your wish very possible.”

Lindir looked puzzled and so did Elrond. He had not expected this offer but he smiled gratefully.

Thranduil shrugged. “You might not believe it but I do care about your realm, Elrond, and your family. With or without our sons’ marriage. Though with is nice for them.”
Elrond grinned at the words and smiled at Lindir, who still looked puzzled. “What Thranduil is saying is that he can perform the ceremony in my stead, if you’d like. Of course Erestor or Glorfindel can also do it.”
Lindir shook his head. “If you would really do that, King Thranduil, than I’d prefer it if you did it.”
Thranduil smiled. “It would be my pleasure, Lindir. And please, no titles. You’ll be Elrohir’s brother, and therefore you’ll be another son of mine. Welcome to our large family.” He embraced the shocked minstrel loosely and quickly.

Quentalëndil wiped away his tears. “This is the happiest day of my life.”
Thranduil laughed. “They’re not married yet.”
Quentalëndil grinned. “I know, but my son has a true and caring family now. It’s what I’ve always wanted him to have.” He was unprepared for Lindir’s tight hug and more tears left his eyes. “I had you to protect me, ata.”
His father shook his head. “I failed, ion-nin. I should never have allowed your mother to eat those blasted herbs.”
Lindir smiled. “I’ve always cursed them, but now I am glad, for I’m able to give Elladan children. It’s what I want, ata. And if you hadn’t send me to Imladris it would never have been possible.”

Elrond smiled and nodded. “I must say I was greatly surprised when I received a letter begging me to take in a young elf. I thought you to be fifty, Lindir, but in reality you were already a little past one hundred.”
Lindir smiled at him. “I’d rather not think of those days.”
Elrond nodded and apologized. “Why don’t you go see Elladan? He must be worried about you.” Lindir nodded and rose.

Quentalëndil hugged him. “Remember, Lindir, you have a family now. And I will always be there for you. I have to go pack now so this is goodbye. We’ll be gone before breakfast. Namárië an sí.”

Lindir smiled and ran towards Elladan’s rooms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elladan jumped up when the door flung open. His first instinct was to cover the distance and hug his lover close, but he was afraid of Lindir’s reaction.
Lindir surprised him by running forward himself. “Elladan.” He flung himself at his lover and cried his tears. “Thank you for sending ata.” Elladan pulled him as close as he could, telling himself not to grow aroused. His body was as tense as a bowstring.

Lindir smiled as he locked their eyes. “I know you already agreed on marrying me, Elladan, but would you please consider…”
Elladan swallowed as he heard that. /Please don’t ask me that. I don’t want to lose you./
His fear was palpable and for a while Lindir hesitated but Elrond’s words, as well as his father’s, echoed in his mind and he went ahead. “Will you consider officially binding yourself to me?”

Elladan’s eyes revealed his surprise and his happiness. He hungrily claimed Lindir’s lips and nodded. “Anything, my love. Anything.”
Lindir smiled back. “Thranduil can do the ceremony. Father will give me away and Elrond you.”

Elladan cocked his head. He figured Lindir had already planned everything behind his back. But he didn’t mind. “But I think you’re wrong where Thranduil is concerned.”
Lindir shook his head. “Apparently Elrohir and Legolas wed themselves, with the Valar as their witnesses. So Thranduil’s a legal substitute.”

Elladan’s eyes widened. “Ro’s wed? And when was he thinking of informing me?” He sat down and shook his head. “But it is the best news I had today.”
Lindir smiled. “And Elrond will forbid nana from ever coming here again.”

Elladan looked at him and narrowed his eyes. Lindir seemed different. The change was small but important. Suddenly he beamed. Lindir was finally free of his past.

“Today has been hectic for bof usf us.”
Lindir nodded. “Take a bath with me? Show me how to love you?”
Once again Elladan was taken of guard and he slid of his bed, eyes wide in surprise. “You mean that?”
Lindir nodded. “I do. Ata talked to me. Nana has always prevented anyone from talking to me about that. She only told me how to treat a lady. I don’t know what to do and to expect and so I panicked. I’m sorry, Elladan.”

Elladan quickly rose and pulled his lover close. “Don’t be. I understood and understand. You’re in charge, Lindir. Always.”
Lindir smiled gud guided his lover to the bathroom. “I love you and trust you and now that ata has talked to me and has helped me arrange things I feel better.”
Elladan laughed. “You look better. You look free.”
Lindir frowned and then smiled. “Aye, I am free. Free of my past. At last.”

Slowly his hands removed their clothing and Elladan looked at him dotingly.
Lindir jumped when Elladan’s arousal brushed his inside leg and Elladan’s look of horror and apology made him shake his head. “It tickled.” To show he meant it he kissed his lover while guiding him to the tub.

Following his lover’s silent instructions Elladan stepped inside and sat down, smiling when Lindir immediately settled himself on his lap. He could see the small insecurity in Lindir’s eyes but ignored it. He pulled the minstrel close for a demanding kiss in which Lindir completely lost himself. Elladan’s smile widened when he felt Lindir’s arousal poke him.

For one moment Lindir was shocked but his father’s words calmed him down. /It means Elladan is important to you. Your body wants to please Elladan./
He grinned at the memory. He had responded by telling his father his soul and hart wanted to please Elladan. /And so does your body and that’s the way it shows it./

Elladan frowned at the lost expression in Lindir’s eyes and broke the kiss, looking at him questioningly. Lindir gasped and shook his head to clear it. “My father’s words came back. I’m sorry. What do I do now? What do you want?”
Elladan shrugged. “Anything you can give me.”
Lindir smiled and renewed the kiss. One One hand dove beneath the surface of the water to find Elladan’s aching member. Elladan bucked when he felt a warm hand close around his shaft, whimpering when it didn’t move.

Lindir felt lost. He had no idea what to do now. Closing his eyes he made up his mind. He used his other hand to guide Elladan’s hand to his own shaft. He needed Elladan to show him what to do.

Elladan was stunned by this movement but happily obliged his lover and set a slow rhythm. Understanding dawned on him when he felt Lindir’s hand copy his movements and he locked their eyes and broke the kiss. “I love you, Lindir.”
Lindir smiled and gasped at the sensations going through him right now. Elladan’s free hand caressed his back and that movement calmed him down a bit.
“Let me pleasure you?” Elladan’s voice was a whisper in his hazed world and when he felt Elladan’s hand do things he couldn’t copy his eyes widened in panic. “Elladan, I can’t do that.”

Elladan kissed him reassuringly. He removed his hand from Lindir’s shaft and immediately Lindir’s hand left his. The water, cold though warm, brought him back from orgasm and he caressed Lindir’s hair. “Don’t be so insecure. I feel you copying everything I do to you. You can touch me anywhere anyway you want and I’ll love it. Ive ive it. But today is for you, Lindir. Allow me to bring you pleasure?”
Lindir bit his lip. “Of course, but don’t you want me to pleasure you?”
Elladan smiled. “Didn’t your father tell you that it doesn’t matter who brings who pleasure? To me it doesn’t. I get just as much pleasure by receiving it from you as by giving it to you. And something tells me you need and want the last. Will you let me?”
Lindir nodded and gasped when one swift movement had him laying on his back with Elladan atop of him.

Elladan kissed him. “What I’m going to do might shock you at first, but don’t be alarmed. I mean to bring you ecstasy only. But let me know if I hurt you or if you’re uncomfortable.”
Lindir nodded his consent and his eyes widened in horror when he saw Elladan’s head dive beneath the water. /What’s he going to do?/ He gasped when he had his answer as he felt a mouth close around his shaft.

His eyes widened in pleasure when Elladan started teasing him. A very talented tongue licked and trailed the throbbing flesh and Elladan altered between sucking, blowing and swallowing motions. Before long Lindir bucked wild beneath him and Elladan had to use a lot of strength to keep his abdomen in place. He had no desire to choke tath.ath. He smiled when he felt Lindir stiffen and he greedily drank all he was given.

When Lindir panted to restore his breathing Elladan crawled back up and kissed him. Lindir smiled. “Nothing compares to this.”
Elladan smiled. “Good, for I hate sharing you with others.” He grinned and kissed his lover. “And I came too.” He smiled when he felt Lindir’s hand on his lax member to check the truth behind his words and kissed his lover passionately.
When it ended Lindir’s smile was electrifying and Elladan knew he had a goofy smile on his face.

“How could you breathe?” Lindir’s question sounded so strange to him he laughed, breaking the tension. “Easy enough.”
Lindir laughed as well but became serious real soon. “Now I know what ata meant.” Elladan’s eyes urged him to explain. “He said I could love you in many ways, I mean making love.”

He shook his head and opened his mouth to give better voice to his thoughts but Elladan placed a finger on his lips. “That there’s more to making love than penetration and that there’s more to love than making love.”
Lindir nodded and smiled. “I knew he spoke the truth for you show your love every day, every minute. And I want to do the same but…”

Elladan growled. “Don’t ever speak like that again. You went into Firinasúlë for me. For me.”
Lindir smiled meekly. “I know but…”
Again Elladan growled. “Lindir, that alone shows the depth of your love for me. My actions, my words and even my moods reached you and had their effect on you. If I was angry you trashed. I needed to believe, to be strong for you and I was. Happily so. I love you and I always will. So if you think you cannot show your love for me you’re wrong. You already did.”

Lindir closed his eyes. “But feelings change Elladan.”
Elladan cocked his head. “Are you saying your feelings for me have changed?”
Lindir shrugged. “They’ve grown stronger, if that’s what you mean.”
Elladan shook his head. “No. And why should you doubt your love for me?”
Lindir shrugged. “I don’t. I love you and I can’t wait to be wed and carry your child, children, but…” He stopped when Elladan kissed him passionately. His eyes betrayed his confusion. “You don’t realise how happy you made me just now, do you?”

Lindir shook his head and Elladan sighed. “I hope one day you’ll stop doubting yourself. I love you and hope I ever be able to deserve you enough.”
Now it was Lindir who growled. “You are honourable and beautiful and so much more. You’re gentle, caring and compassionate.”

Elladan frowned, realising the origin of Lindir’s fear. “But?”
Lindir sighed and lowered his eyes. “I fear you’re doing this out of compassion and sense of duty. I’d rather not have you than to life a lie.” Tears fell down his face, but he lowered it more. He didn’t want Elladan to see them.
Elladan grabbed his shoulders and shook him. “I loved you before all this, Lindir. I probably loved you all my life. Please don’t doubt my love for you. Lindir, look at me.” The minstrel reluctantly raised his head and his fear was obvious. Elladan sighed. “Please give us a chance to succeed. If you harbour these thoughts I am going to fight in vain and I don’t want that. Though fight I shall for I won’t give you up without one. Our wedding is in a year. Please use that time to learn to believe in our love.” His voice was begging.

Lindir opened his mouth a couple of times before he finally spoke. “But what if we find out we don’t work?”
Elladan shook his head. “We won’t find that out, for we -will- work. I know that.”
“But what if?”
Elladan closed his eyes to suppress his annoyance. “Than we don’t work out and at least we know. If you walk out on us now you’ll never be rid of me and you’ll always have to face the fact of uncertainty. Is that what you want? To not try?”
Lindir shook his head. “I don’t want to find out you regret this.”
Elladan kissed him slowly. “I do not know what the future holds, Lindir, and I’ll regret a lot of things, but loving you will never be among them, no matter your thoughts on the matter.”
Lindir’s tears flowed freely. “I so want to believe that.”

Elladan smiled. “Lindir, will you grant me one promise?”
Lindir nodded. “I’d do anything for you, anything.”
Elladan smiled ruefully. “As will I, my love. I want you to promise me we won’t try to get you pregnant before you’re over this fear of me leaving you. Promise me. I know you still fear that and I understand, though I do not agree. I want you to overcome that fear and until then I don’t want to make you pregnant. Beloved, please see things my way and try to understand me too. I love you and would never deny you your wish, but I don’t want you to become pregnant while in fear. I know it’ll be a hard road for you to walk, but we’ll walk it together.”

Lindir placed his head against Elladan shoulder. “I can do anything as long as you are with me. And if this really is what you want I will promise.”
Elladan smiled. “It is and once you’ve fully healed you’ll understand why I want it.”

He pulled his lover closer. “The water is getting cold. We should get out and maybe walk about a bit. I feel the entire Valley has changed already.”
Lindir smiled and nodded, his eyes silently begged Elladan to leave him here but Elladan shook his head. “I am not leaving this room without you or I’d walk into a tree, with my eyes and mind still here it would be a dangerous walk for my body.”
Lindir laughed at his words and nodded. “You’re right. I’m too gloomy. But it’s so hard with… her here and…”

Elladan nodded and smiled. “Do you want to bring you instrument?”
Lindir nodded. He would sing for Elladan and bring his mind away from his thoughts.

End chapter 42
TBC

Translations:
Mitula means enter
Mae govannen, ion-nîn means well met, my son
Man raica? Still means what’s wrong?
ata minya means father one (first)
ata atya means father two (second)
Namárië an sí means farewell for now