Truth is a Whisper
Chapter 7
NOTE: this is the end, to any still reading. I will be posting a new story about arryn and elrohir in valinor, but it may be a while. hopefully not too long. thanks for coming along for the ride!
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The two elves met each other at the door to Elrohir’s chambers. Arryn held a small flower in his hand; Elrohir bore a tray filled with sweet bread and a flask of light wine.
They looked at each other, smiling slightly. Elrohir took a breath. “Are you alright?”
Arryn smiled fully. “Aye. I – I am sorry. For earlier.”
“No! Do not be sorry! *I* should be the one apologizing! I did not mean to frighten you...” Elrohir clutched at the tray in his hand, not looking at the other. Both elves startled as a serving elf bustled past. Laughing in embarrassment, they met each other’s gazes.
“Why don’t we—”
“Go inside. Yes.” Arryn finished, opening the door, and holding it for the dark-haired Peredhel.
Elrohir crossed the room, setting the tray down on a rich burgundy rug by the hearth. He stoked the fire, and returned to sit beside the redhead, cross-legged on the floor. Arryn offered him the flower shyly. Elrohir mumbled his thanks, looking at the delicate petals. Belatedly, he realized that it was a blossom taken from the great tree in the gardens, where they first kissed.
The two elves gazed into the fire, silent, and Elrohir’s hand crept over to latch onto Arryn’s. “I *am* sorry that I frightened you.”
“Frightened me?” Surprise was on Arryn’s face, but Elrohir wasn’t looking at him.
“Aye. Ada told me about—about your past. I did not mean to remind you of those painful memories.”
Arryn’s face filled with understanding. “Yes. They are painful. But,” he reached a hand out to touch Elrohir’s cheek before he continued. “They are only memories, Elrohir. And old ones at that. I am more than willing to make new ones...” The words were spoken quietly, inches from Elrohir’s lips.
The others eyes were wide, his breath gusting against Arryn’s face. “I won’t leave you—I will support you as you fight these demons—I will always be there when you need me...”
Arryn’s laugh was throaty and true. “Not that I don’t appreciate the sentiment, but... what are you talking about?”
Elrohir pulled away, looking disgruntled. “You—you don’t need me to— to—” He blushed, feeling silly. “You don’t need me to—guide you through—your first time?” If he went any redder, Elrohir thought, he would be mistaken for a tomato.
“But it’s not my first time.” Arryn spoke simply. “Not that I don’t need you—” he hurried to add. “Elrohir— about earlier. It wasn’t fear that made me cold to you—not really. I had—quite the enlightening conversation with Glorfindel, after.” Arryn smiled a bit in recollection. “I never knew there was pleasure to be had in being taken—every other time, it just hurt. I was willing to give myself to you, but I was expecting pain. It is almost an ingrained reaction for me to distance myself like that. It was not that I did not enjoy it—it was that I did not know that I *should.*” He plowed on before Elrohir could comment. “When you said you wanted me, I forgot for a moment that it was you. I thought for a moment that I had been wrong, that you did not love me, but that you only wanted my... services. I know better. I do.” He looked earnestly at the other. “But I forgot for a moment. And—and then you asked why I was not enjoying it—and I was confused. And then it was too late.”
Elrohir was silent for a moment. Then he nodded and asked one question. “What was the subject of your ‘enlightening conversation’ with my father’s lover?”
Arryn laughed a bit, reddening. “Your father and his lover, actually. He told me that there was pleasure to be found on both sides of lovemaking. I asked if he could explain a bit more, but he was too embarrassed. So I asked him to tell me of his love for Lord Elrond, instead.” He looked down. “I never knew one could love another so deeply.”
Elrohir sighed. “They are very much in love.” He smiled slightly.
They sat in silence for a while, until Arryn spoke again. “Glorfindel told me many... *intriguing* things,” he said mischievously. “For example, of a certain *spot* that gives great pleasure...”
Elrohir’s eyes went wide, and he smiled smugly, turning his head to look at the other, equally mischievous. “Really? Care to test out a few of these intriguing things?”
Arryn swung his legs over Elrohir’s lap. “I thought you’d never ask.”
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thanks to everyone who read and reviewed, your support has meant a lot to me. hope you will stay with me for the next part.