Come to me in dreams

Chapter 6.

Lindir was devastated. He feared the mere thought about someone else’s, other than Thranduil’s, touch upon him, even if it was Elrond’s. Lindir buried his face against his mate’s neck, trembling, but there was nothing he could do.

“I know it feels difficult, but it still might be the best. Thus we can be sure that you are all right, meleth (love).” Thranduil said softly, cradling his mate in his arms.

“You didn’t hurt me! There was no pain; you were gentle and loving with me.” Lindir whispered, embarrassed.

“But you are quite slender. I am a big elf and much older than you. Try to remember that he loves you and so do I. He is only concerned.”

Lindir didn’t say anything, but turned his head and met Elrond’s gaze. Was there anything he could do to avoid this embarrassing examination?

“I’m sorry, Lindir. Have you given any thought that those dreams could have led you into something nasty? What if those dreams were sent to you by the Dark Lord’s vassal? You know very well that Arda is still dangerous place.” Elrond remarked seriously. He saw Lindir’s distress, but this had to be done.

“Thranduil isn’t one of them, and you know it yourself, Elrond! Why else would you have welcomed him here in the first place?” Lindir snapped, but he regretted his outburst immediately. Elrond didn’t deserve the treatment like this. He had to accept this, as unpleasant as the thought was. He was an adult now and he wanted to act like one.

“I’m sorry, Elrond. I know you mean well. Whatever happens, I owe you much and I will never forget it.” Lindir said, trying to calm himself. It was difficult, but Thranduil’s closeness helped him.

“Thranduil is right. I do this because I care for you. You have nothing to be afraid, pen-neth (young one).”

“What you want me to do?” Lindir asked with a small voice.

“First, could you go and fetch me that big book over there?” Elrond urged gently, and with his gaze warned the King not to meddle.

Lindir obeyed without questions. He had often helped Elrond at his study, and his request was nothing new, but today something was completely different. When Lindir climbed the ladder, he felt two pairs of eyes studying his every move. Despite that, he easily reached the book and swiftly climbed back down. He gave the book to Elrond who now smiled fondly.

“You did well, pen- neth. Now I want to have few words with you both, if that is all right.” Elrond said, taking the book.

“What! But… didn’t you want…” Lindir stuttered, blushing and wondering what this all meant.

“I already examined you, pen neth, and I’m satisfied. If Thranduil had been too rough with you, you surely couldn’t climb to the top shelf, but you did as easily as always.” Elrond explained, smiling.

Lindir realized what Elrond meant and buried his face in Thranduil’s chest, completely embarrassed, but at the same time, he was relieved that it was over.

“So, you see, meleth? Everything is all right now.” The King whispered gently, holding Lindir close.

Elrond looked silently their embrace. He was happy for them, but also melancholy. Lindir would very soon follow his mate to Mirkwood, away from Imladris. He would miss him terribly, but Lindir’s happiness must to come first.

“Your bonding has been so sudden that you may need some more time to discuss things and adjust to each other. I have a little cabin in the Imladris woods and very few know its existence. Would you like to spend a couple of days there, just two of you?” Elrond offered. He knew that he himself needed some time to adjust to the thought of Lindir leaving soon.

“I’m very grateful to you, Elrond. I was slowly dying when I came here. You were my last hope. Now… my whole life has changed. I never imagined I would find Lindir here. I didn’t even know if he was real at all and I know that he is dear to you. I won’t let him down, this I swear.” Thranduil said, sincerely.

“I’m glad to hear that, and believe me, if I didn’t trust you; you would have already found yourself banished from Imladris.”

“Can we go now, Elrond? I know the way to the cabin, so you don’t need to worry for us.” Lindir asked, already eager to leave.

“You can go, but I want to have few words with Thranduil. Go and pack now so you can leave as soon as possible. I can see that you are eager to be alone with him.” Elrond chuckled at Lindir’s haste.

Lindir said his goodbyes and rushed to his rooms. He quickly packed some clothes and after a moment’s hesitation, his favorite bathing oil. He also took his smaller harp with him, thinking that he could sing to Thranduil. Before he left, he scanned his room once more, realizing that his life would never be the same again.

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Lindir was surprised to see that Thranduil had already come back and packed his own things with him.

“How I Arda did you managed this so quickly? I feared that Elrond would grill you for hours.” Lindir wondered.

“He didn’t grill me at all and soon you’ll find out what we talked about.” Thranduil smirked, obviously amused about something.

“Well, if you are ready we can go then.” Lindir said, deciding not to ask about Elrond and Thranduil’s conversation. If something could be concluded from Thranduil’s grin, it couldn’t be anything unpleasant.

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The cabin wasn’t far from Imladris, but it was well hidden. One could walk very near before noticing that the little lodging was there. There were no luxuries but they wouldn’t need them. They had enough when they had each other. Lindir smiled happily. Here they could be completely at peace, just enjoying each other and their newly found love. The young elf wrapped his arms around his mate’s neck when Thranduil lifted him in his arms and carried him into cabin.

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Lindir lay awake, listening to the rain and thinking about these past few days he had been with Thranduil. He would never forget this time, no matter how long he lived.

They bathed together.

They slept together.

They woke up together.

All the time they were together and Thranduil always kept him as close as possible. Day and night had ceased to exist, as if all of Arda had stopped. The only thing that mattered was the two of them and their love. It didn’t matter if it was day or night, when they made love, slept in each other’s arms or just looked to each other, they were too happy to even speak.

Lindir felt that he himself had changed completely. He had never considered himself a sensual being, but now Thranduil had drawn out a completely new side of him, the side that Lindir never thought existed.

Lindir could never get enough of his hervenn (husband). At the beginning, Lindir had been hesitant to show his need, but after noticing that he made Thranduil happy by showing his love openly, his shyness had disappeared. Only one thing distracted him at times. Lindir hadn’t asked about Elrond’s and Thranduil’s conversation but his mate’s mirth made him wonder.

Finally, Lindir decided that he wanted to know. He didn’t hesitate anymore but kissed Thranduil’s cheek, whispering for him to wake up.

Green eyes slowly focused and then smiled at him lovingly.

“What do you have in mind, ind nín (my heart)?” Thranduil asked sleepily.

“I just wondered…could you tell me what you talked about, with Elrond?”

Thranduil’s languor disappeared instantly, and he smiled mischievously.

“I have waited, wondering when you were going to ask me about it.”

“So… would you tell me, or…”

“Oh, aye, I will tell.” Thranduil purred seductively, making Lindir’s heart race. Then he leaned closer to whisper in Lindir’s ear.

“Elrond reminded me that bonded mates should be equal, and I agreed from the bottom of my heart. So…” he grinned. “When you are going to return the favor and take me?”