An uir

Elrond frowned at hearing fear in Erestor’s voice.

“What about your children, Elrond? What if they don’t accept me? What if they think that I have betrayed them by binding with you?” Erestor asked.

Elrond’s heart ached when he saw fear in Erestor’s eyes. He pulled his hervenn closer, trying to offer comfort.

“Shh…you don’t have to worry it now. Arwen is in Lórien, she’s not coming home until Spring and Elladan and Elrohir are on patrol until next week. We have time to think about this situation for a few days.”

“But they are grieving. They loved their nana so much and now… what if they think that I have betrayed them?”

“Erestor…meleth nín… don’t worry so. I’m sure that in time they will accept you. They have always been very fond of you and even if they try forbid this happiness for us… I won’t let them. I’ll never let you go. I love you and nothing can separate us anymore…ever.” Elrond said steadily.

“Would it be better if we waited until twins’ homecoming before we announce our bonding in public? I think that it is their right to know about us first.”

Elrond sighed.

“It would be wise. The only problem is that many are suspecting something already. There will be rumors and whispers. Can you take it?”

“I can take anything when you are beside me. I love you so. The only thing I need is you and your love.” Erestor whispered, relieved. Still he was more than nervous. Tonight they were going to Great Hall at dinner, after several days absence.

“Everything would be all right. I am here for you and Glorfindel too.” Elrond reassured, trying to think what else was in amiss. He saw that he hadn’t succeeded in easing Erestor’s fears completely.

“I know. I just don’t realize why in Arda I’m this insecure! Even if I know that there is no real reason for it.”

Elrond’s eyes widened with sudden understanding.

“Oh Erestor nín! I know how you feel. It still feels like a dream to think that we can finally love each other openly. I love the idea, but at the same time it makes me feel… vulnerable. I hid those feelings for so long and now. We just need more time, don’t you think?”

“I didn’t think that you would understand, but that is exactly how I feel.” Erestor finally admitted. He smiled when Elrond nuzzled his neck and then kissed him gently. He still found it hard to believe that this all was true. That Elrond finally loved him like he always wanted to be loved.

Elrond didn’t speak anymore. He knew full well why Erestor was still hesitant to trust him. So many years he had been cold to him, hidden his true feelings and broke his beloved’s heart by his actions. The only thing he could do now was to show his love in every possible way, anywhere he could. Only time and patience would heal Erestor’s heart and give him more confidence. Elrond held his hervenn securely in his arms, taking pleasure his unique scent and closeness. He thought of his children and hoped that they would accept his new love. But even if they would not, Elrond promised himself to always support and protect Erestor. He had gone through enough pain and if necessary, Elrond was fully ready to protect his beloved even against his own flesh and blood. He could only hope that it would never be necessary.

They heard loud knock at door and separated reluctantly.

“It must be Glorfindel.” Elrond said and went to answer the door.

The door opened, revealing Glorfindel behind it.

“Come in, meldir. It’s good to see you here,” Elrond offered, even if he wasn’t sure how Glorfindel would take his offer of peace, but he wanted to try to build new relationship with Glorfindel, for Erestor’s sake. He was relieved seeing that Glorfindel obviously had similar thoughts. The Golden Lord smiled and stepped into room.

“Thank you, Elrond. I thought I should come and see if you are ready for dinner tonight. As you know, you can’t stay away forever. You have been alone several days and many had asked where you have been.”

Elrond sighed gravely.

“Well, it seems that we can’t be more ready, not now, but I’m worried about my sons. They should hear the news first but they won’t come home until next week. How in Arda we can keep this secret that long?”

“It might be the problem. There will all kinds of speculation as to where have you been for so long. Are you sure that you can take it, meldir?” Glorfindel asked, studying Erestor’s face. He wanted to be sure that no one hurt him anymore. Glorfindel didn’t dare to tell them how things went during those meals when nobody knew where they were. All that whispering and snickering… and he had noticed several times pitiful glances towards him. He knew full well that many had thought he and Elrond were an item. Those meals had been torture, and he had to hold back his anger more than once. The wildest rumors had said that Elrond had finally banished that annoying Chief-councilor from Imladris.

“I can take anything, as long as I have you both beside me.” Erestor assured.

Glorfindel smiled fondly at his friends.

“I’ll do my best to help and I have an idea. Maybe it is best if we all go to dinner together. They will see with their own eyes that everything is same way as always. And may I suggest that you try to get yourselves ready, perhaps change into something... more presentable.” Glorfindel suggested. He smirked when he glanced at the newly bonded couple. Both had a somewhat tousled appearance, but they were unreservedly happy. His heart warmed, seeing how protectively Elrond held Erestor in loose embrace and his Lord’s eyes weren’t cold anymore but full of love and joy.

Erestor groaned.

“My clothes are in my chambers. I can’t possibly go there...dressed like this?” He wondered. He wore the sleeping robes from Elrond’s wardrobe.

“I personally prefer when all you wear is your beautiful smile.” Elrond whispered, kissing him. Erestor blushed furiously.

“I don’t doubt that Elrond, but don’t you think that would be a little bit...too striking for an appearance at dinner? I brought your formal robes with me. Maybe they will do.” Glorfindel said, with amused tone.

“They will do perfectly. Hannon le, mellon nín (thank you my friend).”

“I must leave now, but I’ll come back at dinnertime. You still have plenty of time to get yourselves more presentable.”

Glorfindel left, and he was relieved that he had already solved their most difficult problem. However, he wouldn’t reveal it yet. Not before, he had seen Elrond’s sons.

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“Why have you summoned us back, Glorfindel?” Elladan asked.

“I can’t tell it right now because it isn’t my secret. But you have to believe that I had a very good reason to call you back. I’m very grateful that you are here.”

“ What has happened? Is ada all right? He hasn’t come to us yet. Why?”

“He hasn’t come because he doesn’t know that you are here. Your early homecoming will be a welcome surprise to him. Go to him, but remember this: you must think before you act, no matter what you hear or see.”

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“What in Arda did he mean?” Elladan whispered, when they were left alone.

“I don’t know. Glorfindel would surely have told us if ada were ill. What it could be? Or…could it be possible that ada had finally come to his senses?”

Elladan blinked with his brother’s words.

“You mean… no! How could that be after so many years? You have seen how cold ada is to him.”

“Why he must be so stubborn? He doesn’t see how loved he is. We should do something about it.”

“You are right. But we haven’t time for that, not now. Let’s go and see ada. I must admit that I’m curious.”

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“Do you feel any better now”, Elrond asked gently, when Glorfindel left.

Erestor managed a relieved smile.

“I’m happy that you two seem to get along,” he whispered. He had feared this encounter after all that had happened. Glorfindel had always been fiercely protective for him and he had feared that those two would never get along.

“And why we wouldn’t? He is my friend too and I know now how dear he is to you. I would do anything to make you happy, Erestor nín.” Elrond said softly, kissing Erestor’s lightly trembling lips. He deepened the kiss and sighed when he felt his meleth pressing closer and wrapping his arms around him.

“Mmm…so delicious,” he breathed, utterly drowning in Erestor’s closeness.

They were so focused each other that neither of them noticed when the door suddenly opened.

“Ada? Erestor? What does this mean?”

Erestor turned his startled gaze at door and his blood ran cold. Elladan and Elrohir were back at home.