Starry Sky

A/N: Yeah! One more chapter and I'll have actually completed a story! (ets ets don't count in my book :P) Should be finished by next week but we shall see. Thanks again to Siobhan for reading! I hope all you readers are enjoying this story now that it is coming to a close. Fear not! This is not the last of this pairing; they will return in a longer, darker story I have planned for the future. Look forward to it please!

/ / denotes thoughts.
~~~~~~~~~~ denotes changes in scene or POV.

Chapter 9: After So Long
Summary: Yearve pve passed, the ring is destroyed, Elessar is on the throne of Gondor with his new elven wife. Elrohir is given one last chance to see Orophin before the Galadrim departs over sea (slash).

Many times had he ridden to Imladris, but always with the intent of returning to his home. Over the years, he had carried messages to the lord of the valley or accompanied his Lord and Lady for some formal function or another. Sometimes he came alone or in the company of his brothers just for some time off. Within a few weeks of arriving, he would be turning around and riding back in the direction he had come. Alas, this ride would not make a complete circle; he would be leaving Lothlorien, his home for centuries, and would not return. It would be the last time he would see Imladris as well, yet he hoped it would not be the last he saw of his lover too.

Orophin pulled the hood of his cloak a little lower about his face as the large party from Lorien entered the borders of the valley dwelling just as early evening set in. He wanted to see Elrohir so badly, but was half afraid of meeting the half-elf. The Galadhrim knew of the decision the Peredhil had to make now that Elrond was leaving Middle-earth. Elladan had already told Legolas of the choice he and his brother had made, but Elrohir had not had the chance to speak of the matter to him.

Orophin regretted not having the time to speak with his lover in Minas Tirith during Arwen’s wedding to Aragorn; there was little he could do about that now except wonder what Elrohir had decided. Would he sail to the Undying Lands when he was ready? Or would he forever remain in Middle-earth to eventually pass away? Orophin hoped he would choose the first as the party drew ever closer to the manor.

“What troubles you?” He turned to the voice and found Rumil eyeing him from behind his own cloak. “You seemed worried about something. Is it Elrohir?”

“Aye,” Orophin replied with a small sigh. “But do not trouble yourself over the matter, gwanur.”

“You are afraid of his decision.”

/How wise of you, gwanur. Perhaps, at least to you and Haldir, my feelings are not so hidden./ “Aye, I am a little worried.” Rumil reached over, placing a comforting hand upon his brother’s arm. Orophin smiled at the small amount of contact as he covered his brother’s hand and gave it a light squeeze.

“He loves you, Orophin. Whatever his decision, knowing that should be enough.” Rumil had become rather wise over the years; Orophin wondered if that was due to Lindir’s influence. Whatever the case, he was glad for the words that lightened his heart, even if only by a little.

“Diola lle, Rumil.” The brothers exchanged smiles before quietly following the rest of the party in passing the arched gateway of Imladris.

~~~~~~~~~~

/Here they come. How many will be left with Ata’da when the party leaves? Not many it seems./ Elrohir was feeling nervous as he observed approaching party from Lorien, the fading sunlight shimmering off of his dark hair as he stood upon a balcony, overlooking the road to the Last Homely House. So many events had happened in the last few months that everything had been a blur. He was looking forward to greeting his friends from the Golden Wood, but at the same time he was saddened to see them, for Elrohir knew their final destination was the Grey Havens. It was a place he was not yet ready to journey to.

His heart skipped a beat as his stormy gray eyes picked out one familiar silvery head from all the rest. Orophin had removed his hood as the party passed the arched gateway of Imladris, the sunlight glittering off of his hair. Elrohir watched as his father, accompanied by his seneschals, Elladan and Lindir, greeted Galadriel and the Galadhrim traveling with her.

As the party dismounted from the steeds they had been riding, Lindir graced Haldir’s youngest brother with a brilliant smile and a warm embrace; they would be traveling together in two days time. Elladan took the chance to speak with Haldir, the former March Warden inquiring of news from Ithilien and its princes. The eldest twin was more than happy to provide the information, and the pair made off for a place to talk. That left Orophin alone with the rest of the unpacking party. Elrohir debated on whether or not to go down and greet his lover, but decided against it for now. He would find a more appropriate time for a reunion, preferably a time in private.

Elrohir had been so lost in his thoughts for the last few moments that he completely missed the pair of blue eyes that lovingly fixed themselves upon his person. He was startled out of his reverie upon receiving the feeling of being watched before gray orbs returned the stare. Orophin smiled and signaled for him to stay before exchanging a few words with another Galadhrim and disappearing into the manor. Elrohir could feel his heart beating faster as he heard the footsteps made by soft booted feet drawing closer to his balcony perch. At long last, the door to the room opened, a lean form slipped in and wrapped itself lovingly around Elrohir’s person.

“Lirimaer, I’ve missed you.”

“A’maelamin…” He turned in the embrace to share a tender kiss with the one he loved so much. As they broke for air some moments later, Elrohir leaned his head against Orophin’s shoulder, a soft blush staining his cheeks as he wrapped a strand of silvery hair around his finger. A pang of sadness suddenly overcame him; Orophin sensed the slight change in his loved one.

“What is it?” Elrohir sighed deeply, attempting to bury himself deeper within the warmth of the Galadhrim before he ventured a reply.

“You will leave in three days.”

“Will you not come with me?” Orophin felt his heart wrench when Elrohir shook his head.

“I have things to do here; my tasks are not yet completed. I cannot leave my home…not yet.”

“Yet?” He couldn’t stop the hope from sounding in his voice; Elrohir had said ‘yet.’ Orophin wondered if that meant the Peredhel still planned on venturing to Valinor. He waited patiently for the answer even though each passing second felt agonizingly slow.

“Elladan and I had a talk while we were traveling to Rohan before Pelennor Fields. It was a long talk, lasting most of the ride. We debated things, reconsidered our decisions…and then we decided.” Gray eyes lifted to meet blue as Elrohir voiced his next words in a whisper. “We chose to be immortal.” The twin smiled faintly at the soft sigh Orophin uttered. “But we cannot leave Middle-earth yet.”

“You will eventually?”

“Aye, when we feel our work here is done. Elladan and I must look after Imladris for some years more. He will not leave until Legolas is ready to sail. And I cannot leave my brother alone.” He paused, collecting his thoughts while leaning his forehead against Orophin’s neck. “This is so difficult for me.”

“Lirimaer?” When he received no answer, Orophin gently placed two fingers beneath a smooth chin, lifting Elrohir’s head until their eyes met. “What is so difficult for you?”

“This decision my brother and I have made. Elladan does not have anything to worry about. Though they are far apart, Legolas is still residing on Middle-earth; they may see each other whenever they wish. But you…you will sail in three days time. You will sail, and I will remain here. How long must I wait before I can see you again?” Tears began to well up in the stormy orbs as a rush of emotions began to overwhelm his body. “How many years will pass before I can see you again? I’ve waited so long already, I do not know if my heart will endure it any longer.”

“Lirimaer…” Orophin pulled him closer as Elrohir’s tears began to flow freely. He hated seeing his lover cry, but could understand the emotional turmoil he was going through. The Galadhrim was comforted that Elrohir would eventually sail over the sea, but what would happen in the meantime? Years would pass; would they take on new lovers? Orophin knew they would not, but how would the years change them? He too was afraid of the answer. “Hush now, lirimaer,” Orophin soothed while running gentle hands through raven locks. “We still have three days together. Let us make the most of them.”

Elrohir nodded as he lifted his head and wiped the tears away. A smile graced his face as he felt a tender kiss being placed upon his lips before Orophin took his hand and led him away from the balcony. His lover was right, they still had three days left together. They would be the last days the pair would have together in a long time. The Peredhel was determined to make the most of them.

~~~~~~~~~~

The stars shone brightly overhead, brighter than they have ever been in the last few years. They twinkled and danced among the dark, clear sky as if to both bid fell ell to the elves departing and welcome them to their new home. As always, one star in particular outshined all the others. Eärendil illuminated the valley dwelling, brightening a path for a pair of lovers who walked the banks of the Bruinen hand-in-hand.

“Do you fear tomorrow?”

“Nay, I do not fear it. I wish it would not come, but I do not fear it.”

“We will be together again. It will be some time before that moment comes to pass. But, it will come.”

“I know. I look forward to it.” Elrohir ceased his walk as he turned and wrapped his arms about the slender waist of his lover, leaning his head upon a shoulder. Orophin smiled, pulling him a little closer and laying a kiss upon the raven crown. They fell silent as they remained in one another’s embrace, the stars shining off of their hair and the river creating a light, misty spray about them. After a time, Orophin spoke again.

“Elrohir?”

“Hm?”

“I would bind myself to you now, before I leave this land.” Gray eyes widened as Elrohir gazed up at his lover. Hope and loved shined in his eyes, the barest of smiles upon his lips.

“Now?” Orophin nodded before embracing the twin tightly. Elrohir closed his eyes, sighing in contentment. Slowly he reached inside his tunic and retrieved his ring, Orophin copying his movements. The Galadhrim reached beneath raven hair, unclasping the silver chain and cradling Elrohir’s ring in his palm; his other hand took hold of the twin’s left. He looked upon the twin with a great deal of love when Elrohir took his own ring and waited.

“I, Orophin of Lorien, bind myself to you, Elrohir Peredhel. I take you to be my chosen partner in life. I will wait for you in Valinor until the day you arrive to be with me forever.” Elrohir blushed faintly as he felt the cool circlet being slipping onto his left ring finger. He gently returned the kiss placed upon his lips before it was his turn.

“I, Elrohir Peredhel, who has chosen to be accounted among the Firstborn, bind myself to you, Orophin of Lorien. You will forever have my heart, and I will make my way to you with the utmost speed when I am able.” He smiled as he slipped the ont onto his lover’s finger before their eyes locked. Their next words were spoken together, in a near whisper meant only for their ears and the stars above that took witness to their joining.

“Im mela lle. Ilyamenie.” Each sighed blissfully as they felt a surge of warmth and love envelop them as the Valar blessed their match and sealed their union. As they joined for a kiss filled with their love for another, the stars brightened together in a warm glow; all those in Imladris who witnessed the change in the sky knew a bond had been formed and smiled at the happy thought.

“Come,” Orophin said, tugging Elrohir into the surrounding woods. “Let us make the most of this night together. In the morning, we shall say good-bye with love in our hearts.” The twin smiled and nodded, allowing himself to be led the the trees. It took only a few moments before the Galadhrim found the spot he wanted. He had visited Imladris many times in the past, and had found the small meadow-like space during one of his first visits. It was large enough for three people to lie down in comfortably, and afforded a magnificent view of the sky. No paths led to it, so it wssumssumed few knew of the spot. Orophin loved it immensely; lying down in the grass reminded him of his talan in Lorien with its similarly majestic view of the stars.

“I have never been here before,” Elrohir commented, gazing in wonder at the small meadow. “I don’t know how I could have missed it. Elladan and I explored the entire valley during our childhood.”

“The surrounding trees are rather thick in this area. Even an elf could easily miss this place.”

“I am glad you have brought me here then. When I am lonely in the coming years, I can come here and think of you.” Orophin smiled, drawing his bonded closer to share a kiss. He slowly drew his tongue over Elrohir’s bottom lip and delighted in the twin’s moans. Together they knelt then laid in the soft carpet of grass, Orophin’s body a pleasant weight upon Elrohir’s. Hands roamed familiar curves and plains through tunics and leggings before impatient fingers undid clasps and lacings, throwing the garments carelessly aside. The cool night air caressed their heated skin as eyes darkened with lust and love. “A’maelamin?” Elrohir’s voice sounded hitched as he spoke, arms tightly wound around his lover’s chest.

“Lirimaer?” Orophin raised himself upon his elbows slightly, gazing down at the flushed face of his lover, one hand tentatively brushing aside a dark lock.

“I need you. I need you now.”

“But…”

“Now, please.” The Galadhrim nodded once before raising a hand, dipping two fingers into the dark-haired elf’s mouth. Elrohir eagerly took them in, sucking on the digits lightly and playing with the finger pads with his tongue. Orophin grit his teeth as he became painfully hard just watching the sensual movements of his love’s tongue. He removed his fingers, replacing them with him lips and tongue while his hand made busy, seeking out his lover’s entrance. Elrohir moaned into the kiss as he felt himself being prepared; even in his frenzied need, he was glad Orophin was taking the time to ensure he wasn’t hurt.

The slowness of their moves was started to wear on him; Orophin easily understood why Elrohir was so impatient to be claimed. Then nen needed to know he was loved, needed to know he would always be loved, rather than relish in the sensual dance of their love making. Using his own pre-ejaculate, Orophin quickly slicked himself before slowly pressing through the entrance of his lover.

Elrohir’s head fell back, hair spraying around in the grass in dark waves, a silent scream of pleasure leaving his lips. He pushed against his lover as Orophin began to move, stars dancing in both of their eyes at the intensity of their joining. Fingers interlaced, palms pressing together as Orophin leaned forward to claim another kiss, his hair creating a silvery curtain about their faces. As one they came, shuttering as their spilled their seeds. Feeling suddenly drained, Orophin fell forward, his head pillowed against Elrohir’s chest, the twin’s arms wrapping around him as gentle hands stroked his hair and back.

“I will miss this,” Elrohir whispered, gently kissing a pointed ear. “I will miss the feeling of holding you and being held by you. I will miss you.”

“And I you. But we will be together in the end.” Orophin tilted his head slightly to gaze into stormy eyes sparkling with love. “We are bonded now. We will always be together, and when we are not, we will find our ways back to one another.” Elrohir smiled, cupping his lover’s face in his hands and drawing them close for another kiss. The stars overhead twinkled, watching out for the lovers, promising in silence to keep them each safe until they would be reunited.

~~~~~~~~~~

He asked me this morning if I would accompany him to the shores, but I could not. I know that if I see the Sea, I will be compelled to go with him to Valinor; that is something I cannot do yet. Elladan and I are lords of Imladris now that Ada is sailing. My brother will not leave until Legolas is ready, and I cannot leave him alone. We also promised Arwen we would be with her until Estel passes; we must keep to our word. I do not know how many years will pass before I do make my way to the Grey Havens. I can only hope the time will pass quickly.

In the midst of the riding party, I see him turn. Orophin, a’maelamin, I miss you already. You catch my eye, and I return your smile. Your smile is bittersweet, and I know mine is the same. We are bonded, our hearts pledged to one another for the rest of our time. Yet now we must part for a while, not knowing when we will be together again. Fear not, melme; I will always be true to you.

I twist the band upon my finger as he turns and leaves through the gateway. Was this how Elladan felt when Legolas left for the quest with the Fellowship? Hollow yet whole? Your heart light and heavy at the same time? It is an odd feeling I must admit.

“He loves you, gwanur,” a voice says from my elbow. I turn to find myself facing my mirror, who offers me an encouraging smile. “He loves you as much as you love him. And he is also a Galadhrim; Orophin will never betray your love.”

“Aye, I know.” Elladan leans overferifering me a brotherly kiss upon my cheek before turning away and entering the house as the last of the party leaves. I watch them go, watch as they make their way down the paths that lead to the manor. Even with his hood on, I can still pick out Orophin from the rest. I wait until they are out of sight before entering the half-empty house. One day, I will be making that same journey. I smile as I think about that day and go about my new duties.

/I look forward to meeting you again, a’maelamin./

Translations:
Gwanur-Brother
Diola lle-Thank you
Ata’da-Grandfather
Lirimaer-Lovely one
A’maelamin-My beloved
Im mela lle-I love you
Ilyamenie-Always
Ada-Father
Melme-Love