A long, cold night

Snowflakes as big as ivy leaves started to fall from the grey skies above, landing on the red hair of Fëanor's eldest son. Carefully Maedhros tucked some strands behind his ears. He pulled the dark green hood of his cloak over his head again. The cold weather tore on his nerves. The mere thought that when the snow would stop to fall icy winds would again blow over the meadows made him shiver.


He gazed over the open land. Deep covered in snow, in the far distance, a little settlement was visible, but only for his elven eyes. Maedhros hoped that they did not trick him. Impatiently his horse started to dig in the snow. Lifting the front hoof the steed stomped and whinnied thinly. Suddenly Maedhros turned in the saddle to look into the west. Freshly fallen snow was forming little white clouds as a mighty horse made its way over it with a heavily cloaked rider on its back.


The rider pressed his ankles into the flanks of his animal to motivate it to make haste, but just feet away from Maedhros he stopped his horse roughly. Raising his hand to his chest and pressing it on his heart Maglor greeted his waiting brother. Maedhros said in his dark, melodic voice, "Long did you make me wait brother! And the weather was bad. I am cold." He reached out his arm, and the other elf took it in a warrior's greeting just below the elbow. Maglor nodded and greeted his older brother friendly. His teeth were chattering and his warm and moist breath has caused thin icicles to grow on some of the strands of his black hair. Pushing his heels into his mare's side Maglor convinced her to fall into a quicker pace. He did not want to be any longer out in the cold.


"I am sorry to have caused you displeasure. Let us hurry now. We should meet the others within a three day ride." Maglor's dark blue eyes sparkled happily now that he was united with his older brother. From the time they were elflings they had only been parted on rare occasions. But ever since they had entered the lands of Beleriand and followed the steps of their sire, the two oldest sons of Fëanor had been kept apart too often and it caused them great pain.


"I want to reach that first dwelling before nightfall. Creatures of Morgoth patrol these hills and I would indeed not appreciate to fall into their hands." Maedhros did not look at his younger brother while he talked but spurned his horse hard. The stallion bucked and a shrill sound escaped his throat when he kicked back against the other horse. For a moment the ellon struggled to keep balance but a sharply hissed curse out of Maglor's mouth silenced and calmed both horses instantly. Maglor followed his brother. The trees in the distance were barely visible. Covered under a thick layer of snow they seemed to have been swallowed. Deer tracks led away from the forest to a snowbound little creek where the animal must have searched on the bank for frozen grass to feed on.


---


Several hours later Maglor desperately tried to hold the hood of his cloak over his head. As his brother had feared, the snow had stopped falling and now ice cold wind tried to brush them off their horses' backs. The stories that he had heard of the elves that were lost in the ancient ice when the seven brothers and their sire left them alone came to Maglor's mind. His fingers had turned slightly blue and from time to time he pulled his hands closer to his mouth to blow his warm breath over them.


Maedhros looked back to his brother and cursed the metal gauntlets that he wore. They gave no warmth back to his body. Both brothers were in full armour, simply for the case that they might suddenly face combat. The little village was less than an half hour ride away now. And now they could see some busy elves walking around. Others were carrying fire wood or came from the little barns in which they kept their livestock.


Maedhros turned to his brother who rode next to him. "Are you sure that they have a tavern in which we can stay the night? I feel so cold and now also start to remember that I have not eaten in some days."


Maglor nodded and his horse's beautifully shaped ears moved forward. The other elf watched his companion of many years carefully and a smile formed on his lips. So many harsh winters had they endured now and equally often the two brothers wished to be back in Valinor, where the climate was moderate and life had been easy. From time to time they had drowned their feelings in wine, especially when they realized that the burden that they had loaded on their shoulders was more than they could carry.


A high wooden fence surrounded and protected the small wooden cottages. Fully armed archers that also carried swords and spears stood at both sides of the high gates. Their hoods covered their faces, and when the two brothers arrived, they crossed their spears. "Halt! Who is riding so late in the year through ice and snow and wants to enter?" Another guard stepped forward. He was clad in grey, and his light hair was braided in many small plaits on the sides. Each braid was bound with a ucolourful leather string to remind him on the enemies he had slain. The thick and heavy grey cloak was decorated with muskrat fur.


Slowly Maedhros moved the hood of his cloak back. Instantly his copper red hair flowed over his shoulders deep down his back. The guard's ice blue eyes narrowed. He had never seen any elf with red hair in Beleriand and only stories had been told to him about the one who now sat on his horse in front of him.


"Maedhros Fëanorion is my name. I wish to enter your settlement to seek shelter from the cold and peril of these days. Grant me and my brother Maglor to stay one night. We will leave at dawn." The oldest son of Fëanor spoke friendly but the severe tone in his voice made the guard stand straight again.


Maglor watched the scene in front of him and worried for a moment that their wish would be denied. It would not have been the first time that the sons of Fëanor would have been chased away. And while his brother's stern face could teach others fear, Maglor directed a heartwarming smile at the guard and the archers beside him.


"I will have to ask the elder of the village if you can rest here. Do not move another step further until I return." The guard turned on his heels and strode back to the cottage that was closest to the gate. Maedhros turned to his brother and they both shrugged. If their entry was denied, they would have to ride through the night, something neither of them looked forward to. So they tried to relax in the saddles and wait for the decision.


The minutes passed and more elves gathered behind the gate, openly staring at the two tall Noldor. Many were too young to have seen any other of their kind beside those that had always stayed in these lands. And so the brothers got all the attention.


When the guard returned after letting them wait for more than an hour, Maglor could feel his brother's foul mood. Maedhros had a fiery temper and now he was souring with every moment that passed. The dark haired ellon rested his hand on his brother's shoulder to make him feel his support and also to calm him down before he would erupt.


"The eldest have taken council and decided to grant you to stay for one night. Follow me to our inn where you can eat, bathe and rest. Your horses will be cared for. Sons of Fëanor, you will be our guests."


The guard spoke without taking his eyes off Maedhros. He saw that under the harsh and stern looks that were partially covered by his copper hair, Maedhros was hiding a soft spot. The guard also had to admit to himself that he had barely seen an ellon of such grace and beauty before. And while he started to walk to the tavern he smiled, because he realized that the ellith of the town would fight with each other simply to catch a glimpse of the two Noldor.


Neither Maedhros nor Maglor dismounted, their horses slowly trotted behind the guard. Courtesy would have bid them to walk, but they considered themselves as higher ranking, as higher born, and indeed they were.


---


Maglor was very happy now. He sat at the big wooden table of the inn and did not know what to grab first to satisfy his hunger. He had wanted to order food and the host had asked only if they were the guests that the whole town spoke about. Maglor had nodded heavily and the inn keeper smiled. The host then sent a young maid that loaded a large amount of food onto the table. The two elven warriors held each other's hands and thanked Eru for the this pleasure of having found a solid roof above their heads and that they finally could fill their empty stomachs again.


Maedhros was indeed hungry. He had eaten some bread and cheese after he left the fortress, but he was longing for more. Now he was shoveling chanterelles in a thick golden sauce into his bowl and took a big bite of fresh and hot bread. He had a goblet with fresh, still warm, goat's milk in front of him and with his knife he cut pieces of his apples. There was also a bowl of dried wild berries and nuts, from which he took several spoonfuls. Maglor had cheese and wine, as well as bread, butter and stew. "You are eating as if you had been starved for a while," the younger brother said watching the other one's delightful feasting.


"Indeed, I do not like waybread and my meals on the way to meet with you were poor to me." Another piled spoon of mushrooms and sauce disappeared in his hungry mouth.


The two elves were watched closely by most of the villagers that had come together, as they usually did every evening. Several times the host came to their rough wooden table and asked them if they were pleased with what he had brought them. Maedhros' mood became better with every second and his earlier grim expression started to disappear. Now that his stomach was full, he longed to rest or at least to soak his body in a warm tub to chase even the last cold moment out of his bones. He swallowed the last bite of the bread and poured another goblet of milk down his throat. He felt his strength return and appreciated the warm sensation that travelled through him.


"My lords, may we offer you our humble bathing house?" The host asked politely and bowed several times. Maglor was not sure if he was really polite and impressed about their appearance in the village, or if he was only courteous and glad if they would be soon gone again. Quietly pushing the bench back Maglor got to his feet and his eyes followed the motion of the host's hands to a simple wooden door that led to the bathing house. He was looking forward to that.


The brothers were mighty surprised to find so much luxury in this rather rustic village. Neither of them had been able to adjust to the bathing pools and ponds that the wood elves used. Maglor pushed the door open and smiled broadly. He saw two big barrel like tubs in the middle of the room. The walls were decorated with neat paintings and the air smelled good and fresh. A small open fire made him feel instantly comfortable. His eyes gazed over several shelves that held bottles of fine oils as well as tiny baskets that were filled either with colorful soaps or flower petals and herbs. A bench stood next to one of the walls. It was rather broad and Maedhros guessed it was there for the bathers to relax on, perhaps to have oil massaged onto sore bodies.


"Some of your kinsmen come here from time to time and so we set up this place a long time ago." Maglor turned, surprised, and stared at the young maid who suddenly stood behind them and pointed to the big tubs. "My lord," she continued, "which tub would you like?"


Istariel lowered her eyes to the ground. The openly staring Noldo made her feel uncomfortable. And now the red haired elf eyed her as if she was one of the king's mares at the horse trading in Doriath. And to make it worse, he simply shed his clothes and dropped them to the ground as if she was his regular servant. Astonished she admitted to herself that both of them were stunningly beautiful. Not that the male elves of her village were not equally handsome, but there was a difference between them and the sons of Fëanor.


Those two were way taller and more muscular. Their hair was not braided at all and seemed so silky and soft. But what impressed her most was the fire red hair that the taller and most beautifully shaped one featured. Istariel wanted to look away as he stood all nude in front of her. The muscles of his body seemed to be chiseled.


The dark haired elf looked into the tubs and inhaled deeply. “I think I would like the one with thyme and rosemary. It will warm my body and my soul. But, my dear brother, I should let you chose first, for you are the first born.” Maglor pointed at both tubs and if his brother would chose the one with thyme, he would definitely let him take it. It was an unwritten law between the brothers that Maedhros was the first one to start eating, the one to chose the path, and uncountable other things too.


"Dried rose petals, that is excellent!" Maedhros did not even look at the tub that his brother had wanted but dived into the tub opposite to Maglor's choice.


The elleth peeked through her heavy eyelashes as Maglor slowly untied the side strings of his breeches. But he caught her and smiled. Seductively he opened the last of the laces on the front and let his clothes sink to the ground. He tilted his head a little before he started to open the laces on his tunic. He pulled it slowly over his head and his raven black hair showered back down on him. Then he simply turned and stepped to the wooden tub. Normally he would jump into it, splashing water around, but not this day. He lifted one leg after the other and, holding on to the rim, he sank into the steaming hot water.


The young elleth got down on her knees behind his tub and took the soft washing cloth. She took one of the soaps that had yet never been used, foamed it up and started to wash his back. Her porcelain white hands ran softly down his neck. Maglor needed to take another look at her and turned in the tub. 'Not bad', he thought as he watched her even face, her green eyes, her small and fine nose and her full lips. He looked down her neck to her bosom, rounded and rather full for an elleth that had not given birth yet. That was it, what he liked about the ellith of Beleriand, their shape was not so slender and hard as that of the Noldor ladies.


Thinking this he suddenly felt his desire growing. In the many years he had dwelt in Beleriand he had not wasted a mere thought on an elleth, even less that he should bed one. Like his brothers, he had been overwhelmed with his father's quest. But now the elleth started to wash his chest and as her gentle hands touched his abdomen, he felt a tingling sensation that traveled to his groin. Suddenly he was not sure how he should handle the situation with his brother sitting in other the tub.


Maedhros was busily scooping water over his chest. He took a bottle of the fine oils and rubbed some of its contents over his porcelain white skin. As the talking of his brother seized he lifted his head. The elleth was sitting on the rim of Maglor's tub. Maedhros' lips twitched as he formed a thin disrespectful smile. He watched his brother's hand slowly stroking up her thigh and disappearing under her skirts. The elleth inhaled sharp as the dark-haired elf touched the soft skin on the inside of her thighs. Chills of appreciation traveled down her back, when his fingers gently touched her curls and retreated again. She made herself a little more comfortable and spread her legs slightly, hoping he would proceed to touch her.


Maedhros turned his gaze to the faded red rose petals that sailed over the steaming water in his tub. He had just observed the seductive way his brother unlaced the blouse of the elleth, making it slip down her body. Her rather full breasts slid free and Maglor sat up straight to catch one of her nipples with his lips. Circling it with his tongue made the elleth gasp and spread her legs more. Maedhros felt heat building up in his loins. He wished the elleth had started to wash him first. He knew he was more beautiful than his brother, though Maglor was more charming and always had more luck.


Making his hands disappear under the water the older ellon started to stroke himself. His elfhood had reacted instantly to the images his eyes had caught and now it was longing to plunge into an elleth. Maglor brushed the blouse down and unlaced her skirt. With a swift movement of his hand he cast it aside. The elleth shivered when he suddenly fondled her again. He pulled her into the tub, making the water splash over the rim. Maglor's mouth found her lips. She opened her mouth willingly and his tongue dug deep into this darkness. With both hands he pulled her onto his lap. Rubbing her folds over his still limp member the elleth moved closer to him. Maglor instantly caught her breasts again and cupped them with both hands. He squeezed them gently and his thumbs brushed over the nipples until they stood erect.


In the other tub Maedhros submerged his body deeper. Carefully watching his brother's action he closed his hand over his hard member. And every time Maglor sucked one of the rosy nipples into his mouth, Maedhros pushed his elfhood through his palm. Istariel wanted more. She desperately rubbed herself over Maglor's lower body to arouse him further. Her tongue slid seductively from his earlobe to the tip. Nibbling on it caused some movement down in Maglor's groin. But he was not easy to rouse and his brother even harder to sate.


Suddenly Maedhros got up. His member fully aroused he walked over to his brother's tub. With his big hands he reached around Istariel's narrow waist and pulled her out of the water. She turned, surprised, and her eyes instantly caught the sight of his large erection. The size of it made her long to touch him instantly. He took her hand and led her to the bench.


Maedhros sat down on it and pulled the elleth to his side, kissing her on her mouth, passionately forcing her to answer his longing. Softly Istariel pushed his torso back and crawled over Maedhros. His hands stroked down her back to her buttocks, squeezed them tight and proceeded down between her long legs. Maedhros's elfhood jumped into Istariel's hand. She rubbed it up and down the shaft, feeling it pulsating as more blood was pumped into it. Maedhros grabbed a fistful of her hair and pushed her head down. Gently he held her neck.


Istariel smiled as she inhaled the wonderful smell of the freshly washed body that mixed with his most intimate male scent. Opening her lips, she let her tongue slide forward to circle the swollen head of his elfhood. Then her hand closed tight around it and stroking she pushed his foreskin up and down. Maedhros leaned back, inhaled sharp and became rapt over the sensation as she took him deep into her throat. Slowly she twisted her hand while she stroked him.


Maglor slowly turned in his tub. Delighted he realized that his older brother enjoyed the pleasures that the lips of the elleth could give. Quickly he climbed out of the tub and walked over to the bench. He kneeled down behind the elleth and started to rub her buttocks. He massaged them every time that her whole body was rocked from moving her mouth up and down on Maedhros elfhood.


Then Maglor pushed his hands between her thighs. Laying down on his back he positioned his head under her. His fingers stroked over her curls several times before finally dividing her folds. His tongue found the fleshy pearl and feathered over it. Swiftly he started to lick and circle this little button, which stood erect out of it's hood. Istariel moaned weakly when Maedhros caught her breasts and his fingers twisted her nipples while Maglor licked her without a break.


Suddenly the younger ellon moved away from her and got onto his knees. His member had finally obeyed him and stood proud, pushing softly against the thigh. Istariel's mouth was still closed around Maedhros, who was breathing heavily under her sucking and rubbing. Maglor pushed one finger after the other into the elleth. He twisted and turned them to stretch her walls. She tried to concentrate on Maedhros the whole time, though it was not an easy task with Maglor probing her and rubbing her pearl again. He lowered his head and placed a small kiss on the elleth's lower back. The brothers eyes met as he looked up again.


"She is more than ripe for the taking," Maglor stated and stood up to make place for his older brother. Astonished Istariel looked at both of them. She had no understanding for what was going on.


Now Maglor took his brother's place on the bench but laid down all the way and pulled the elleth, who was on her knees, closer. His finally rock hard elfhood fit perfectly between her breasts. He squeezed them softly over his arousal. Amused Istariel watched his doing as if she was not part of it.


Maedhros pulled the elleth's feet to the ground and spread them wide. Her upper body was down over Maglor, who pushed his member through the cleavage of her breasts. A thin smile formed on Maedhros lips and he grabbed her buttocks to pull himself closer. With his elfhood, highly erect and pulsating in his hand, Maedhros circled the elleth's opening. Her juices ran down his shaft as he pushed the head of his member just a little into her. Istariel wanted to feel more of him and she bucked like a wild horse to get Maedhros to take her all the way. By now the heat inside of her body had grown to an unbearable level. She even thought that her foot soles were on fire.


And without hesitation Maedhros took her offer and thrust his whole length into her. Istariel cried out under the sensation of his mighty size. For a moment he rested inside of her, just enjoying the pleasure he finally had found again. And then he started to move, slowly but with determination. He lengthened his strokes with every thrust.


Maglor pulled himself back as he saw the surprised expression on the elleth's face. His brother's hard first thrust had nearly thrown her all over Maglor's body. He now retreated to be able to observe better. He put his hand on her neck and gently guided her face to make her give him the same pleasures that she had done with Maedhros earlier. She was eager to comply.


And every time Maedhros rocked her body, Istariel sucked Maglor deep into her throat. A little sweet drop had escaped him, and with the tip of her tongue she wiped the honey like essence over her lips into her mouth. Deeper and harder Maedhros pushed his member into her tight and moist tunnel. His fingers dug into her hips when he felt how she tightened around him. High pitched screams escaped Istariel's throat as Maedhros repeatedly pushed along that knob inside of her, and driving her to climax while feeling herself impaled by his large member. The copper headed ellon stopped for a moment to let her recover before he pushed into her again. He enjoyed finally feeling himself inside of an elleth again.


Maglor started to hold his breath. The swift movement of Istariel's tongue had finally brought him to the point of no return. Resting on her elbows she had grabbed his elfhood and rubbed it hard while her other hand had traveled to his scrotum, squeezing his velvety testicles softly. He threw his head back when he felt the first spasm travelling through his groin, opening the vents for his seed to be released. His hands grabbed her hair tight and he pushed his rigid member deeper into her mouth as he released himself. Hot jets of his juice hit the back of Istariel's throat. Greedily she swallowed every drop of it, squeezing and stroking his elfhood to make him give her all he had to offer.


Maedhros closed his eyes. Slowly he started to push her anew, after the elleth had collected herself. His left hand traveled between her legs and he started to rub her button again. And while he slowly, but deeply, thrust into her, the thumb of his other hand gently stroked and circled her anus.


Within moments Istariel's moans turned into shrill, feral sounding pleas begging to give her relief. The older ellon suddenly pulled out of her and grabbed her hips roughly, making her turn onto her back. Her head now rested on the bench and Maedhros spread her legs wide. Maglor immediately started to tease her nipples again. Istariel arched her back, forcing Maedhros to take her harder as he had done before. Rough and raw turned their lovemaking and when Istariel climaxed this time, her fingernails dug deep into the skin of the red haired ellon. With a feral scream escaping his lungs Maedhros spent himself deep into her.


Heavily breathing they clung to each other. Istariel brushed some reddish strands of hair out of Maedhros' face. His eyes were closed from exhaustion and little sweat beads had formed on his brow. Maglor had started to put on his clothes. He pulled his breeches up, tied the laces on the sides and finally pulled the one on the front tight. He gazed over the couple on the bench for a moment before he pushed his feet into his boots. While walking to the door he turned one more time.


"Maedhros, please invite her to our room, for I feel this night will be cold and long."