Title: A New Home
Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairing: Glorfindel/Hephaistion and Elrond/Erestor.
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Hephaistion begins to feel more confident and finds his place in Imladris.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to their owners and those are Professor Tolkien and Oliver Stone.

Warnings: Alternate Universe/ Crossover
Author's note: Beta read by DA, thanks sweetie!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

A New Home

Hephaistion fell into step with Glorfindel as they made their way back from the Bruinen. Glorfindel's fingers were wrapped around his and having Glorfindel at his side felt right. Hephaistion occasionally stole glances at the golden-haired Elf and wondered how he could have mistaken Glorfindel for Alexander all those years ago. Those blue eyes alone should have told him that it wasn't Alexander in his bed, but he believed that Vairë's spell had influenced him.

Glorfindel was very much aware of the meaningful glances Hephaistion kept giving him and a gentle smile curled his lips. Rubbing Hephaistion's fingers, he looked up, caught Hephaistion looking at him, and smiled knowingly. "You like it here." He was relieved that Hephaistion fit in so easily.

"I do." Hephaistion's voice became softer and even carried a hint of secrecy when he continued. "I wanted to live like this in my first life as well. It was always Alexander's dream to conquer the world and in order to survive I made his dream mine. But truth be told, I never craved ruling the world beside him. I would have been content to grow old in his palace at Pella, ruling Macedonia instead of the world."

"You are not a warrior at heart," Glorfindel said as he realized something very important about his new mate.

Hephaistion shrugged his shoulders once. "I guess I am not. But Alexander chose to walk that path and I followed."

"If you could start all over again, what would you like to do with your life? How would you fill your days? Out on the training field or…?" Glorfindel suspected he already knew what Hephaistion's answer was going to be.

"Alexander and I had had a teacher who had been a great influence on us. His name was Aristotle. He was an excellent teacher, philosopher, and a physician. We continued to correspond after Alexander had set out on his quest to rule the world. Aristotle and I would discuss diplomacy, logistics, and even mathematics. I could discuss everything with him, even things not related to warfare."

They had reached the Last Homely House by that time and Glorfindel opened the door. He then stepped aside to let Hephaistion enter first and, once his mate had done so, he closed the door behind them and fell into step with Hephaistion again. "You do not belong on the battle field, do you?"

Hephaistion shrugged again. "I used to watch Alexander's back and sometimes kept him safe. I never commanded a battalion of my own; I lack the necessary military insights to lead my men to victory. However, I can stand my ground in a battle, Glorfindel. I know how to wield a sword."

Glorfindel nodded his head once. "I believe you." After what Hephaistion had told him, Glorfindel realized it was important to his mate to be able to hold his own on the battle field. But that wasn't where Hephaistion's heart wanted to be. Hephaistion was a teacher, diplomat, and advisor at heart. In a way, Hephaistion was very much like Erestor. The only difference lay in their lovers. Contrary to what Alexander had done, Elrond had never dragged Erestor into battle. Not even during the Battle of the Last Alliance which had been long before they had become lovers. Even back then, Erestor had stayed behind the lines. He had watched from afar and, once the battle had been over, he had done everything needed to keep the army from falling apart after they had lost Ereinion.

Glorfindel opened the door to his rooms and let Hephaistion enter first. "Elrond and Erestor have always been very devoted to each other, even long before they became lovers. Personally I believe it was your Alexander who made the gravest mistakes where your relationship was concerned." Glorfindel closed the door behind them and guided Hephaistion over toward the bed. "Elrond never dragged Erestor into battle with him. He knew Erestor's worth lay in guidance and his organizational talent. Your Alexander tried to make you into someone you are not." Glorfindel seated himself next to Hephaistion on the bed. "You did the only thing you could. You tried to be the best you could be."

"But it was never good enough," Hephaistion whispered in an unguarded moment. His eyelids fluttered and the next moment, his eyes made contact with Glorfindel's. Swallowing hard, he tried to speak the words which he had been trying to say for the last hour. "Glorfindel? Do you love me? Really love me?"

Glorfindel blinked. "I thought you already knew the answer to that question." Hadn't he assured Hephaistion of his love? /Or does he merely need to hear it again? I must always remember where he is coming from. The love of his life turned his back on him. It is only normal that he needs to hear me say it again and again./ Glorfindel released Hephaistion's hand from his hold and wrapped his arms around his lover. He tilted his head and gave Hephaistion a sweet smile. "I fell in love with you that first night, Hephaistion. I did not know you, but I saw the beauty of your soul through your eyes, which reveal everything and hide nothing. The more you tell me about yourself, the more I realize I chose well back then. I love you for your gentle and forgiving nature. I love you for so easily accepting me into your life. I love you, Hephaistion for being you. And do not dare change for me. Just be yourself."

Hephaistion's eyes had filled with tears while listening to Glorfindel's admission. Alexander had never said anything like that to him. Alexander had only ever talked about conquests and improving the world. But Hephaistion had never needed or wanted the world. He had only wanted Alexander's love.

Glorfindel saw a sea of emotions in Hephaistion's eyes and it made him lean in closer and kiss Hephaistion's trembling lips. What Hephaistion needed weren't words – he needed to be touched in love – to be convinced that he was loved.

Hephaistion slowly raised his arms along Glorfindel's back and returned the hug that Glorfindel was bestowing upon him. Both men kept the embrace loose so they could break away if they desired so. But Hephaistion had no intention of moving away from Glorfindel. He was hungry for the love and affection which Glorfindel was so freely offering him.

Hephaistion's passionate response urged Glorfindel to take it to the next level. Slowly, he used his strength to push Hephaistion onto his back. He straddled his lover's hips and buried his fingers in the thick, luxurious brown hair. Hephaistion parted his lips and teeth and Glorfindel accepted the invitation. His tongue slithered into the moist cavern that was Hephaistion's mouth and he tasted his lover all over again.

Hephaistion's hold on Glorfindel grew more possessive and he pressed the golden-haired Elf close to his chest. Gazing deeply into Glorfindel's azure eyes, he saw his own face reflected in the pupils. Glorfindel loved him – loved him in a way Alexander hadn't been capable of – and suddenly he wanted...no needed...more. He needed to feel as loved as Glorfindel had made him feel during their first night. "I need more," he whispered in a voice raw with need and passion.

Glorfindel studied Hephaistion for one long moment. His lover had grown hard against him and was even rubbing his lower body against him in order to create some friction. The long, auburn hair lay fanned on the mattress and the heavenly blue eyes glowed with love and need. He recalled promising Elrond to take things slowly with Hephaistion, but he was no longer certain he could keep that promise. Hephaistion needed something from him that Alexander had been unable to give his lover. /But what does he need from me 'exactly'?/ Glorfindel took a moment to ponder this question.

Hephaistion pleadingly looked at Glorfindel. "Please, I need more… I need you." He needed to be touched, to be made love to, to be made to feel special.

And suddenly everything fell into place for Glorfindel. Nodding his head, he gave Hephaistion a sweet smile. "I will give you what you need, but first I need to fetch something."

Hephaistion blinked and felt Glorfindel struggle to free himself from his crushing hold. Reluctantly he let Glorfindel go and watched his lover make his way into the bathroom. "What do you need to get?"

A moment later Glorfindel returned with a vial filled with oil. "This will make things more pleasurable." He placed the still capped vial onto the bed and then remained standing in front of the bed. "We should rid ourselves of these clothes first."

Hephaistion eagerly complied. He removed his clothes and then scooted backward until his back rested against the headboard of Glorfindel's bed. Glorfindel was more muscular in some areas than Alexander had ever been – Glorfindel really had the physique of a warrior who constantly worked out. Alexander had stopped working out toward the end of his life.

Licking his lips involuntarily, Hephaistion remembered how it had felt when Glorfindel had made love to him – everything had been so perfect. Would it be like that too this time around?

Glorfindel knelt on the bed and then crawled toward Hephaistion on all fours, almost like he was a predator advancing on his prey. But he didn't see any signs of intimidation on Hephaistion's face, only need and passion. Had they not been about to make love, he would have been clued in to the way Hephaistion and Alexander had had sex, and he supposed those stories would have confirmed his suspicion that Hephaistion had seldom been in charge between the sheets. That was something he was going to change from that moment on.

Hephaistion had to stop himself from drooling at the sensual sight Glorfindel presented as he crawled toward him, his long, fair hair framing the handsome face which highlighted highly mischievous eyes. He was beginning to realize that Glorfindel's approach to making love greatly differed from Alexander's. Alexander had seldom been playful in bed. He had approached sex the way he approached battle: serious and with no nonsense. But Glorfindel was different and Hephaistion's heart beat sped up in nervous anticipation.

Glorfindel licked his bottom lip in a suggestive way and then climbed onto Hephaistion's lap. His lover's erection slid up his cleft and made him quiver with desire. Seeing Hephaistion was about to say something, Glorfindel shook his head, and placed a finger across his lover's lips. "Do not speak right now… Just touch me…"

Hephaistion's heart thundered in his chest as he curled one arm around Glorfindel's waist and ran his fingers up and down the spine. His other hand moved lower until his fingers curled around Glorfindel's hard flesh.

Glorfindel leaned in closer and resumed kissing Hephaistion. All the while, he moved closer until he was positioned above Hephaistion's erection. He didn't press down yet, wanting to draw out their foreplay a little longer.

Hephaistion's eyes widened as Glorfindel teased him by rubbing his lower body against his member. "What are you…?" Glorfindel however didn't give him a chance to finish his question as his lips were claimed once more. Glorfindel was so different from Alexander. Glorfindel's behavior in bed was so different! Had he been with Alexander, his former lover would have long taken him. But not Glorfindel, who seemed to enjoy drawing out their encounter.

Glorfindel's breath came in hard gasps. He was just as hard and in need of release as Hephaistion and reached for the vial filled with oil.

Hephaistion smiled as he watched Glorfindel uncap the vial. He hoped – no, he knew – that Glorfindel would be gentle with him. "I love you," he whispered softly, admitting his feelings.

Glorfindel's heart missed a beat due to the excitement he felt at hearing Hephaistion's admission. "I love you too, Hephaistion." He briefly pressed a kiss onto Hephaistion's brow and rested his forehead against his lover's. "I promise to make you happy."

/Alexander promised me the world,/ Hephaistion thought. /But he never promised to make me happy./

Glorfindel saw the tears that were lurking beneath the surface of Hephaistion's sea-like eyes and realized he had to taken action.

Hephaistion's eyes widened the moment Glorfindel's slick fingers rubbed the oil onto his length. "What are you doing?" This time, Glorfindel allowed him to finish his question. Although Glorfindel's slick fingers felt extremely arousing as they moved against his now oiled member, he couldn't help but wonder why his lover was rubbing oil onto his erection. "Should that not be the other way around?"

Glorfindel shook his head. He didn't want to bring it up at the moment, but Hephaistion asking him that question left him no choice. "Can it be that Alexander always took you, Hephaistion?"

Hephaistion's eyes mirrored surprise at hearing that question. "But of course. After all, he was King. And a King never allows someone else to take him."

Glorfindel continued to stroke Hephaistion's member which thankfully didn't soften during their conversation. "Would you have liked to take Alexander, Hephaistion? Did you fantasize about that?"

Hephaistion quickly closed his eyes. He wanted to lie, but his lips admitted the truth unwillingly. "I did. I always wondered what it felt like."

Glorfindel released Hephaistion's slick erection and placed his hands on his lover's shoulders in order to steady himself. He had been right all along. Raising himself, he positioned himself above his lover's length and then slowly lowered himself.

Hephaistion's eyes flew open with a start and he stared at Glorfindel in disbelief. His hands acted quicker than his brain did and moved to cup Glorfindel's bottom in his palms. "Slowly," he directed in a breathless voice. He had been in Glorfindel's position in the past and knew how easily one could end up hurt or torn if one went to fast. Only then – belatedly – did he fully realize that Glorfindel was indeed taking himself – that it was Glorfindel, and not Hephaistion, on the receiving end. "By the gods…" Hephaistion moaned, closed his eyes, and bit on his bottom lip as the divine sensation of being gripped by Glorfindel's warm and tight channel enfolded him. He had always imagined it would feel good, being the one on top, but he had never thought he would feel this connected to his lover.

Glorfindel grinned wickedly at seeing the rapture on Hephaistion's face. Once his lover's hands stopped him from lowering himself too quickly, he gave in and let Hephaistion set the pace with which he was taking his lover.

Hephaistion's eyes opened and locked with Glorfindel's wicked ones. "I have never… This is the first time… Oh…" Glorfindel's buttocks eased down onto his lap and Hephaistion moved his hands up Glorfindel's back, running them up and down the spine. "Do not move… Please do not move…"

Glorfindel wrapped his arms around Hephaistion's neck and probed the eyes which were wide with passion and surprise. They finally focused on him and Glorfindel leaned in closer to kiss Hephaistion's already parted lips.

Not getting a chance to recuperate from the unexpected experience of being inside Glorfindel, Hephaistion gave in and let his lover explore his mouth. He held Glorfindel close, supporting and steadying him. Hephaistion searched Glorfindel's eyes for any hints of pain or discomfort from taking himself in this way, but he found none. The expression in those eyes was open and inviting. Glorfindel was truly enjoying being on the bottom.

Glorfindel's erection was caught between their bellies and, since the two men weren't moving, lacking of some serious stimulation. "Hephaistion, I want to start moving."

"Not yet…" Hephaistion rested his forehead against Glorfindel's shoulder and hugged his lover tight. "How did you know I always wanted this?"

"I deduced Alexander was in charge of your relationship in many ways – too many." Glorfindel rested his head against Hephaistion's in turn and whispered into his lover's ear. "I want to give you this – and not just this once, but as many times as you want."

Hephaistion's heart beat loudly and he swore he heard and felt its echo in his throat. "Thank you…" Lifting his head, he made eye contact with his lover. "I am afraid to thrust…to hurt you."

Glorfindel understood. "You will grow more confident in time." He would move for both of them and bring them to orgasm in that way. "Just enjoy the ride." Locking lips with Hephaistion, he started another deep and passionate kiss. At the same time, he raised himself. He kept the pace of their love making slow and didn't overwhelm Hephaistion by moving violently on top of him. No, he moved slowly, rotated his hips, kissed Hephaistion until he was breathless, and carefully guided both of them to orgasm.

Hephaistion had never experienced anything as sensual and caring before. Alexander had often bounced him up and down, encouraging him to impale himself harder and, although there had been times in which he had loved their rough love making, he preferred the way Glorfindel was moving on top of him currently. It felt more intense, more loving, and he crushed Glorfindel close to him moments before finding his release.

Unable to move any more, Glorfindel rested his head atop of Hephaistion's shoulder and allowed his lover to do as he pleased. He managed to circle his hips a little and the movement was enough for him to reach orgasm. Sucking the skin of Hephaistion's throat between his teeth, he grinded his bottom against Hephaistion's groin and let go.

Hephaistion felt like he was about to lose his mind. Glorfindel's essence, warm and sticky, splashed against his abdomen and a moment later, the divine contractions formed around his length, massaging him and pushing him toward his release. "Glorfindel…" he whispered his lover's name and closed his eyes, solely focused on the pleasure which Glorfindel was giving him. Quivering in Glorfindel's arms, he yelped.

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath and then released a sigh which hummed with pleasure and contentment. Hephaistion had found release as well. His lover had come inside him and was now filling him with his essence. Their love had now truly been completed and Glorfindel released the skin which he had still been sucking on. One look told him that he had left one hell of a passion mark on Hephaistion's throat and that realization made him smile.

Hephaistion, feeling dizzy and overwhelmed by the whole experience, lifted Glorfindel's head so he could look into the sated eyes. "That was…" He lacked the words to describe the feelings coursing through him right then.

Glorfindel read all that and more in Hephaistion's eyes. "Now you know one way how I plan on keeping you happy, my love."

Hephaistion could no longer contain the raging feelings inside him. They needed a way out and tears escaped his eyes.

Glorfindel re-established their embrace and held Hephaistion tightly while rocking him. "I understand, my love. Do not feel bad for letting go. You can share everything with me: your pain, your pleasure, your worries, and your fears."

Glorfindel's words reached Hephaistion's clouded mind and he blinked in order to rid himself of his tears. It really didn't do that he was crying while he was still inside Glorfindel. "I am sorry…this just feels…it feels so good… I never felt like this before… It feels like you freed something inside me which wanted out for a long time."

Glorfindel caressed Hephaistion's face and regretted feeling his lover soften inside him. In a moment, their physical connection would fade and Hephaistion would slip out of him. "I *do* understand, Hephaistion."

Hephaistion blinked back his tears and gave Glorfindel a blinding smile. Aye, things would be different with Glorfindel – they already were different. Glorfindel wouldn't mind letting him explore in bed. His lover would probably even encourage him to find the role in bed which suited him the best. With Glorfindel, he had the freedom to explore, which had been lacking from his relationship with Alexander. "I love you, Glorfindel. I do not understand it myself, but I love you." He had always assumed he could only love Alexander – in life and death – but he hadn't counted on this Elf's determination. "Your love brought me to Imladris, Glorfindel. I still can not believe I am that blessed."

"You deserve nothing less." Hephaistion had left his body and Glorfindel reached behind him to pull the warm blanket into place around their forms. They would clean up in a moment, but at the moment, it was important they remained intimate in mind and body a moment longer. "Hephaistion?"

"Yes?" Hephaistion's still swimming eyes locked eagerly with Glorfindel's.

"I love the way you made me feel just now. You are a tender and considerate lover." Glorfindel knew exactly what Hephaistion needed to hear at the moment.

A lump of emotions formed in Hephaistion's throat at receiving such a compliment. He reacted the only way he thought was appropriate; by kissing Glorfindel.

Glorfindel purred softly as he enjoyed Hephaistion's sensual reaction to his words. Smiling into the kiss, Glorfindel knew he had made the right decision to accept Hephaistion as his lover. Hephaistion and he would be happy – they already were – and their happiness would only deepen with the passing of time.

~~~

"What are your plans regarding Hephaistion?" Elrond looked at Erestor from behind his desk. They had been working on their correspondence for most of the morning and, desiring a break from his work, Elrond tried to start up a conversation with his lover.

Erestor placed his quill aside. He couldn't write and talk to Elrond at the same time, knowing his lover would ask him the most wicked and inappropriate questions while he tried to work on his letters. He'd had to start over too many times in the past and found it easier to stop writing once Elrond gave him *that* look. "I believe he would make a good adviser. He could help us out."

Elrond nodded his head once. He leaned back into the comfort of his chair and probed Erestor's eyes. "But will that keep him content?"

Erestor considered his lover's question. "We should not plan his future for him, Elrond. That is probably what Alexander did and I do not wish to make the same mistake Alexander made. Hephaistion should be able to create his own future. If he desires to be more than an advisor, we should support and encourage him, but we should not push him."

"But you are quite sure that asking him to help us out is not pushing him into a direction he would not have chosen for himself?"

"I *do* believe Hephaistion thinks of himself as an advisor first and will like working with us. I am convinced of that. Working with us will also anchor him and offer him stability." Erestor cocked his head and gave Elrond a thoughtful look. "Hephaistion will need some time to himself, Elrond. He has a lot of issues to work through."

Elrond rose from his chair and walked over to where Erestor was sitting. He came to a stop behind his lover's chair and wrapped his arms loosely around his Chief Advisor. "I am happy that Glorfindel finally found someone to love."

"And who loves him back." Sensing Elrond's need to have him close, Erestor stood and moved closer in the embrace until Elrond could hold him tightly. "What put you into this peculiar mood, my love?"

Elrond frowned. How could he have thought that he would be able to hide his mood from Erestor? "I realized how easily things could have gone wrong between the two of us had I been more like Hephaistion's Alexander."

Erestor shook his head against Erestor's shoulder. "But you are not like him."

"Erestor? Look at me, please."

Elrond's unusual tone made Erestor lift his gaze.

"Do I make you happy? Do you have everything you need?"

Erestor smiled. "I have your love, Elrond. That is all I need."

Elrond pulled Erestor close and sighed deeply. "Then all is well in my world."

~~~

"Where are we going?" Hephaistion had bathed, dressed in leggings, a shirt, and comfortable boots just like Glorfindel had asked him to and found himself being pulled onto the court yard.

Glorfindel looked at Hephaistion from over his shoulder, but didn’t slow down. "I am already late."

"But for what?" Hephaistion wished Glorfindel would finally tell him what to expect. Waking up in Glorfindel's arms had been heaven, but then Glorfindel had grown energized and had been impatient to leave their bed.

"Supervising the training of the guards, of course!" Glorfindel finally had pity on Hephaistion since they were approaching the training grounds.

Hephaistion sighed deeply as he saw the guards sparring. He even located the twins whom he had met the night before and found that they were fighting each other with swords. "Glorfindel, what am I doing here?" This wasn't his field of expertise.

"I thought you would welcome working out! You need to stay in shape." Glorfindel smiled wickedly. "You will need to keep up your stamina." He then added, "In bed as well." Glorfindel loved seeing Hephaistion blush deeply.

Hephaistion couldn't believe Glorfindel had just said that! Some of the guards, and even the twins, were close enough to overhear such a remark! Alexander would have never implied something that intimate while soldiers were close!

"Greetings, Hephaistion!" Elladan signaled for Elrohir to stop attacking him as he wanted to greet their guest properly. "I am pleased to see you here. Imladris needs capable warriors." To his surprise, Hephaistion's blush faded and the man grew pale instead. "Spar with me!"

Glorfindel could tell that Hephaistion felt uncomfortable, but this was something Hephaistion had to do. Glorfindel had the feeling that Hephaistion was a capable warrior in his own right, but lacked self-confidence. /Did Alexander ever praise you for watching his back in battle? Or did he take your presence for granted?/

"I should not spar with you, Elladan." Hephaistion had serious doubts about sparring with the twin. "It has been a very long time since I fought and I do not wish to accidentally hurt you."

"I can watch out for myself." Elladan gestured for Elrohir to hand his sword to Hephaistion, who hesitantly accepted it.

Elrohir, realizing all the attention was making Hephaistion feel self-conscious, addressed the guards who had stopped sparring at seeing Hephaistion's arrival. "It is not time yet to take a break so go back to work!"

The guards obeyed at once and concentrated on their exercises or sparring partner again, jolted back to the fact that they were supposed to be working out or sparring.

Glorfindel joined Elrohir and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Go easy on him, Hephaistion! Elladan still has to see real battle!"

Glorfindel's remark surprised Hephaistion. He had seen the twins spar and just *knew* that his weapon's skill didn't compare to the half-Elves'. Elladan would easily defeat him. All he could hope for was that he wouldn't embarrass himself too badly.

"Are you ready, my friend?" Elladan raised his sword, signaling that their sparring match was about to begin.

Hephaistion didn't get any more time to think, worry, or panic as Elladan attacked right away. He reacted instinctively like he would have on the battlefield.

Elrohir arched an eyebrow at seeing Elladan back away from Hephaistion. "I thought you said that Hephaistion did not excel at sword play?"

"Nay, that is what Hephaistion thinks – I do not agree." Glorfindel had played a little bit dirty. After secretly exiting their bed that morning, he had sent a message to the twins, asking them to start the training and to challenge Hephaistion to a match when they joined them and Elladan had done just that.

Elrohir caught his twin's alert look. Hephaistion fought in a way no Elf ever would. Elves fought gracefully because they were trained in that way. To them, sword play was a lethal dance, but Hephaistion had learned his skills on the battle field where he had faced losing his life to his enemies. "Hephaistion will win."

"Good." Glorfindel nodded his head. "If he does, it will boost his self-confidence and he needs that."

Elladan found himself cornered and Hephaistion was about to disarm him. He could have clung to his sword, but then his hand and arm might end up injured, so he did the smart thing and let go of the hilt.

Surprised that he had bested Elladan so easily, Hephaistion immediately lowered his sword and stepped away from the half-Elf. The suspicion that Elladan had let him win crawled up on him and his shoulders slumped forward.

Elladan saw the sudden display of defeat and quickly stepped up to Hephaistion. "You beat me fair and square," he declared, having easily deduced Hephaistion's thoughts.

"You let me win." Hephaistion raised his eyes and looked into Elladan's gray ones.

"Nay," Elrohir answered in his brother's stead. "Elladan would never do such a thing. It would go against his honor to let you win."

Elladan picked up his sword and mentally reviewed their fight. "Do you know why you bested me?"

Hephaistion was still convinced that Elladan had let him win and shook his head.

It was Glorfindel, and not Elladan, who explained to Hephaistion why he had won the sparring match. "Elladan still has to see real battle, Hephaistion. To him and to most of the Elves here, sword fighting is a game. They never had to fight for their lives. But you did. You learned the hard way that you always have to give your best. Give them real battle and they will learn the same lesson quickly. You are sharper, Hephaistion, because you remember the dangers of the battlefield."

Hephaistion hadn't considered that explanation, but now that he was listening to Glorfindel, his lover's words made sense. Maybe he *was* skilled with a sword after all, and that thought made him smile a little. "Would you wrestle with me, Glorfindel?"

Glorfindel had never been one to dismiss a challenge. "Wrestle? Why not? Just give me one moment to remove my clothes." Glorfindel loved the way Hephaistion's eyes twinkled. "Go easy on me, Hephaistion. It has been a while since I wrestled last."

Hephaistion was already in the process of removing his own clothes and he couldn't help but wonder if Glorfindel would best him where Alexander had not.

~~~

"I surrender!" But Glorfindel surrendered willingly and with a huge smile on his face. "I admit defeat!" Hephaistion was straddling his hips and had caught his wrists above his head in a vice-like grip.

Glorfindel's reaction at being defeated was so unlike Alexander's that it originally stunned Hephaistion. Alexander had been furious that he had been unable to defeat Hephaistion at wrestling, whereas Glorfindel could only grin at him in a pleased way. Glorfindel's reaction caused Hephaistion to lower his guard and suddenly…

Suddenly Hephaistion found their roles reversed. He was on his back with Glorfindel towering above him. Glorfindel had reversed the hold on his wrists and was now keeping his hands immobilized above his head. "What?"

"I admit to using unfair tactics," Glorfindel responded with a huge grin on his face. He didn't make the mistake to lower his guard when he leaned in closer to claim Hephaistion's lips, but it appeared that his lover's mind wasn't set on turning the table on him again. Hephaistion was genuinely stunned at having been defeated.

Hephaistion's heart beat a thousand beats per minute in realization that he had finally been bested. Glorfindel had succeeded where Alexander had failed and the truth was that he didn't mind being defeated at all.

Glorfindel wondered about the pleased and dreamy expression in Hephaistion's eyes, but he received his answer when the man's body began to relax beneath him. Hephaistion even deepened the kiss, which made Glorfindel purr.

"Uhm, Glorfindel?" Elrohir cleared his throat. Although he enjoyed the sensual performance Glorfindel and Hephaistion were giving them, he had to stop it now before the guards lost their focus.

Glorfindel stirred at hearing Elrohir's tone and released Hephaistion's lips. "I will finish this later when we have some privacy, my love."

Hephaistion surprised himself by thinking that he wouldn't have minded Glorfindel finishing it at the moment. It didn't matter to him that they would have had an audience. The fact that Glorfindel had bested him at wrestling had upended his world again – and in a good way.

Glorfindel reluctantly let go of Hephaistion's wrists and raised himself. Once he was back onto his feet again, he extended his hand and pulled Hephaistion to his feet as well. One look at the sky told him that it was already late and that they should ready themselves for dinner.

Elladan and Elrohir shouted at the guards, who reluctantly resumed their sparring matches. The twins exchanged amused glances, having grown aroused at seeing Glorfindel and Hephaistion wrestle. "They complement each other," Elrohir whispered into his twin's ear.

"Aye, their love will thrive." And for that, Elladan was grateful. Glorfindel was a dear friend and deserved the best.

~~~

"Are we not having dinner in your rooms?" Hephaistion had wondered why Glorfindel had told him to dress in formal robes. He still needed to get used to wearing the heavy robes made of midnight-blue velvet.

"We will join the others in the Hall of Fire." Glorfindel slipped his circlet adorned with a flower made of wrought gold into his long, fair hair. He had braided Hephaistion's mane earlier and, since Hephaistion had refused to wear any jewelry in his hair, Glorfindel had kept the design simple. "You do not need to be nervous," Glorfindel said as he turned toward his lover. "You already know some of the Elves there: Elrond, Erestor, Elladan, Elrohir, Lindir, and Melpomaen. You *know* they like you."

Hephaistion blushed lightly. "It still amazes me how easily they accepted me into their midst. I never expected that." His position at Alexander's court had been so very different!

"You will make even more friends, Hephaistion. Give it time." Glorfindel curled his fingers around Hephaistion's and guided him toward the doorway. He was certain Hephaistion would love spending the evening in the Hall of Fire.

~~~

Hephaistion's gaze continued to sweep through the Hall. Elrond and Erestor were bickering again, but this time, Hephaistion sensed their amusement and pleasure and he didn't feel intimidated by their behavior. Elladan and Elrohir were sipping wine and Melpomaen was trying to add to the bickering by pointing out to Elrond that he had to hurry with writing the invitations because Elrond had decided to invite Thranduil as well at such a late time. That only served to aid Erestor in using the occurrence to further his banter with Elrond and the two started their argument all over again. But Hephaistion merely smiled as he saw how Elrond and Erestor were openly holding hands and rubbing each other's knuckles. He surmised they would spend most of the night making things up to each other in a very intimate and sensual way.

Glorfindel kept stealing glances at Hephaistion and saw the contentment in his lover's eyes whenever their gaze came to rest on Elrond and Erestor's twined fingers. Seeing Elrond and Erestor holding hands while they were bickering assured Hephaistion that they were merely 'playing'.

He caught Lindir's attention and gave him a wink. Before sitting down at Hephaistion's side, he had whispered a request to Lindir and it appeared Lindir was going to indulge him. Dancing music, up tempo and merry, suddenly echoed through the Hall and several couples made their way to the dance floor.

"May I have this dance?" Glorfindel had leaned in closer and whispered the words into his lover's ear. He sensed Hephaistion's surprise and sudden unease.

"I do not know your dances!" Hephaistion had seen the couples move in an elegant and distinguished way and he was fairly confident that he could never display such grace.

"I will teach you." Glorfindel was determined to dance with Hephaistion and refused to accept Hephaistion's no. Glorfindel rose from his chair and even curtsied while covering Hephaistion's hand with his. "Dance with me? Please?"

Hephaistion found he couldn't refuse Glorfindel, although he was afraid he would embarrass Glorfindel with his disappointing dancing performance. But Hephaistion still allowed Glorfindel to pull him onto the dance floor.

"Allow me to lead," Glorfindel whispered as he pulled Hephaistion close. "Do not think...just let the music guide you. I will not let you down."

Hephaistion drew in a deep breath. He felt like he was at the center of everyone's attention and that made him anxious. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass Glorfindel in front of his friends.

Glorfindel smiled as Hephaistion followed his steps. Hephaistion probably didn't realize it because he was too busy being worried, but he was a natural at dancing. Hephaistion moved gracefully, in time with the melody, and fit perfectly against him. "Hephaistion, you are doing well."

"I do not want to embarrass you, Glorfindel." Hephaistion still felt nervous, but he also realized that his feet were moving of their own accord and in the right direction.

"Do not be so afraid on embarrassing me." Glorfindel chuckled. "You should have seen me dance the first time. My dancing partner was the Lady Idril and, although she was graceful enough not to say so, I am certain she ended up with sore teeth. I trampled on her toes the entire time. You are doing much better, Hephaistion."

Glorfindel's words did the trick and Hephaistion relaxed. He relaxed enough to place his head against Glorfindel's shoulder and closed his eyes. Moving with Glorfindel came naturally after a bit and he stopped worrying about disappointing his lover. "This feels nice."

Glorfindel nodded once. "Aye, it does." Glorfindel's eyes met Elrond's, which contained a knowing look. Aye, Elrond was happy with Erestor and therefore knew what feelings Glorfindel was experiencing at the moment with Hephaistion so obviously trusting and loving him.

~~~

Hephaistion was smiling to himself as they made their way back to Glorfindel's rooms. That day had been a good day. He had succeeded in making most of the Elves like him and he had definitely found friends in Elrond and Erestor. The twins also seemed to like him and even Lindir had smiled at him once he had allowed Glorfindel to swirl him across the dance floor.

Glorfindel.

The golden-haired Elf was going to great lengths to make him feel special and Hephaistion appreciated that. He just wasn't certain he deserved all the special attention. He had failed Alexander in the past. What guarantees did he have that he wouldn't fail Glorfindel in the future as well?

"Now you are brooding again." Glorfindel had steered Hephaistion into their rooms without his lover even noticing they had arrived at their destination. "What are you troubled about?" Glorfindel led Hephaistion onto the balcony and pressed his chest against Hephaistion's back, curling his arms around the waist of the man standing in front of him. Although Hephaistion had seemed at ease for most of the evening, Glorfindel also realized that his lover was prone to worrying about everything – even the littlest detail which would never have registered with him. But it did register with Hephaistion and the first thing the other man did was blame himself...even when there was no one to blame. He would work hard to undo this process that Hephaistion had ingrained within himself in the past.

"I failed Alexander," Hephaistion answered, surprising them both with being so honest. "What if I fail you?"

Glorfindel's sharp mind immediately recognized the real question beneath Hephaistion's words. "I will never grow tired of you, Hephaistion. I will never discard your love and take another to my bed. Elves are not like that. We love until death."

Hephaistion bowed his head as Glorfindel touched on his real fears. "It happened with Alexander. He lost his interest in me and he took new lovers into his bed. What guarantee do I have that things will be different with you?" Hephaistion cringed when Glorfindel began to turn him in the embrace, but in the end, he had no choice but to look Glorfindel in the eye.

Glorfindel's features contorted when he read the misery in Hephaistion's eyes. Those eyes were truly the mirror of Hephaistion's soul for he read all of Hephaistion's love, passion, fears, and insecurities in that sea of blue. "I chose you all those years ago and I chose you again when Vairë offered me that choice. I would have said no had I felt I would not be able to love you until the end. Your soul spoke to mine and it instantly felt familiar. Hephaistion, I love you. I want you in my life and in my bed."

Hephaistion drew in a deep breath. "I want to believe you, but…" But Alexander had hurt him deeply and nothing Glorfindel said could assure him that Glorfindel would always desire him.

"I will prove my love to you, Hephaistion. I have the rest of my life to prove my love to you." He read in Hephaistion's eyes that his lover wanted that, needed that, and he wouldn't disappoint the other man. "Just give me a fair chance." And then he said something dangerous, for he had no idea what reaction his words would provoke in Hephaistion. "I am not Alexander. I am Glorfindel."

Shivers traveled down Hephaistion's spine and he berated himself for thinking that Glorfindel was like Alexander in that way. For Glorfindel wasn't like Alexander. Glorfindel had already proven that much to him. "It takes time," he answered in a trembling voice. "The pain is still so fresh."

"And the wounds are still deep." Glorfindel raised Hephaistion's handsome face and smiled at him. "But they will heal." He cursed Alexander for inflicting them in the first place. What had possessed Alexander to throw Hephaistion's love away? Why hadn't Alexander seen how precious that love was? How unconditional and complete? "I am so grateful," Glorfindel stated. "So incredibly grateful that you opened your heart to me and did not let it turn it to stone instead. You could have done that after the way Alexander treated you, but you did not. You gave me this chance and for that I am grateful. I will not let you down, Hephaistion. I love you and it is safe for you to love me back. I am not Alexander. I am not… I am Glorfindel."

And for that, Hephaistion felt grateful. Taking the first step, he gently pressed his lips onto Glorfindel's. The kiss remained light and the fact that Glorfindel made no attempt at dominating it made Hephaistion feel even more relaxed. Pulling back, he offered Glorfindel a shy smile. "Can I hold you tonight?" As long as he could remember it had always been Alexander holding him, and then later Glorfindel, but for just once, he wanted to be the one doing the holding.

Glorfindel sensed how the balance between them had begun to shift. Something he had said had put some of Hephaistion's worries and fears to rest and his lover now felt confident enough to voice that particular request, which pleased him. "I would like that," he replied, purring softly into Hephaistion's ear. He led his lover toward the bed and then undressed Hephaistion before removing his own clothes.

Hephaistion, once naked, trembled and quickly pushed down the covers. He slipped between the sheets and then extended his hand, inviting Glorfindel to join him. It still surprised him that Glorfindel had granted him his request so easily. Alexander would never have done so.

"Your eyes reveal so much," Glorfindel said before lying down. He stole a last glance at Hephaistion's face and then turned onto his side, facing away from Hephaistion. He pushed back until his back came into contact with Hephaistion's chest and then wiggled closer until his buttocks pressed against his lover's groin. Hephaistion wasn't aroused and that didn't surprise him. He realized that this was about something other than sex – this was about a sense of trust which Alexander had been unable to give Hephaistion. "I trust you to watch over me tonight."

Hephaistion's eyes closed upon hearing the words. Those were the very words he had always hoped Alexander would one day speak to him, but that day had never come. "I will guard you well," he answered in a voice filled with emotion. "I will keep you safe."

Glorfindel guided Hephaistion's arm around his waist, twined their fingers, and smiled, although Hephaistion couldn't see his expression. "I know you will, my love."

Hephaistion grew quiet then and savored holding his lover close. For the first time in his life, he felt like an equal partner and he loved Glorfindel even more for giving him what he needed the most – love, and foremost, trust.

The end

(TBC in time)