Title: Games
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: Elrond and Erestor play their little games in bed at night and Hephaistion reports in for "Advisor's duty" in the morning.

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 Patricia and DA, thanks sweeties!

All remaining mistakes are mine.

 

Games

 

"You acted most wicked, defying me at dinner, Elrond." Erestor had long taken possession of Elrond's lap and was tightly straddling his lover's hips. His long, raven hair descended down his chest and back and his long fingers trailed down Elrond's chest. Elrond's nipples were already hard and the half-Elf quivered beneath him as Erestor twisted the nubs between his fingertips.

 

"You started the argument. You always do." But Elrond's voice held no discontentment over the fact. In fact, he was trying hard not to purr...

 

Erestor grinned wickedly and let his fingertips slide toward Elrond's wrists. Gently, he raised his lover's arms and then guided them toward the headboard. "Grab on, my Lord. You will need the support."

 

Elrond quavered at hearing the promise in Erestor's voice and his fingers curled tightly around the bars of the headboard. "What are you going to do then?"

 

"Close your eyes, Elrond, and let me have my way with you." Erestor could have blindfolded Elrond, but past experience had taught him that they didn't need such accessories. Elrond would keep his eyes closed, if instructed so.

 

Moaning, Elrond closed his eyes. His body was as taut as a bowstring and he was ready to buck against Erestor out of passion and need. "Have mercy on me, Erestor."

 

"Not yet, my Lord." Erestor reached beneath the bed and uncovered the large, fluffy feather which he had hidden there a few nights ago. He had been waiting for an opportunity like this ever since. Erestor took a moment to take in Elrond's wanton facial expression. The eyes were closed, the lips pouted, and the jaw tight from anticipation. Elrond arched his body toward him and Erestor reacted by lightly sweeping the tip of the feather down Elrond's sternum.

 

"Oh, what?" Elrond almost opened his eyes to find out with what kind of object Erestor was caressing him, but he remembered his promise to keep his eyes shut at the last moment. "What are you using on me?"

 

"Can you not tell?" Erestor guided the feather lower and the tip brushed against Elrond's erect member. Elrond squirmed beneath him and Erestor dragged the feather lower still, letting the soft plume brush against his lover's sac and then the insides of his thighs. He loved playing these little, harmless games with Elrond. Such play always heightened their senses and, in doing so, their lust. "What do you feel, my love?"

 

"It is soft…" Elrond chuckled. "It tickles!" His fingers remained locked around the bars and his eyes closed, but the rest of his body reacted to his lover's cunning manipulation. He was rock hard and pre-ejaculate already dripped from the slit.

 

Fascinated, Erestor watched how his lover's fluids clung to the tip of the feather when he dragged it slowly across Elrond's erection again. "Moan for me… I love it when you make those needy sounds." Erestor leaned in closer and closed his lips around one of Elrond's nipples. He licked the hard nub and then began to lightly suckle it.

 

Elrond arched his back, bucked, and whimpered. Something soft continued to brush against his member and Erestor's tongue had curled around his right nipple, sucking on the nub in earnest. "You are going to make me come…" And he didn't want to come yet.

 

Placing the feather aside for later use, Erestor moved lower and licked up Elrond's length.

 

The caress almost made Elrond jump from the bed, for he hadn't expected it, and it felt so good, so very good. "More…" he begged once he realized his lover's intentions.

 

Erestor now attended to his job in earnest. He curled his fingers around the base and then started to lick, suck, tease, and blow cool air against the twitching tip. His other hand cupped his lover's sac and gently massaged the sensitive area.

 

Elrond wanted nothing more than to let go of the bars and bury his fingers in his lover's thick hair, but Erestor hadn't given him permission to let go yet and he wanted to indulge his lover, who had taken him fully into his mouth.

 

Sensing Elrond's need to come, Erestor let the now slick flesh slip from his lips. He shifted atop of his lover, placed his hands against Elrond's chest, and sat down, taking Elrond inside him in one smooth motion.

 

Unable to keep his eyes closed any longer, Elrond stared at his lover in utter adoration. Erestor felt tight around his pulsing length and so soft – so soft that he was almost afraid to thrust and hurt his lover. But then Erestor clenched his inner muscles around him and Elrond threw back his head in ecstasy. "Oh, Erestor!"

 

Erestor let his hair fall in front of his face, bowed his head, and let the strands drag over Elrond's chest. The caress set off tiny sparks just below the half-Elf's skin and Elrond thrust upward. Erestor smiled, threw back his head, and, in doing so, his long hair swept across most of Elrond's upper body and face. The raven curtain then descended down his back and the ends moved sensually against Elrond's thighs. After four hundred years, he knew exactly which touches heightened Elrond's pleasure.

 

Elrond's fingers slowly uncurled from the bars and his hands settled on Erestor's waist. He aided his lover when Erestor raised himself to ride him and all Elrond could do next was watch Erestor take himself over and over again. A fine layer of sweat formed on the raven-haired Elf's body and Erestor began to pant softly due to his exertions.

 

"So beautiful," Elrond whispered in genuine admiration. "And all mine!"

 

The growl that left Elrond's lips was the one thing Erestor had been waiting and hoping for, for it signaled something very important to him: namely that Elrond was about to assume control. His lover didn't disappoint him. The half-Elf quickly rolled him onto his back, moved his legs onto his shoulders, and then started to thrust.

 

Elrond flexed his hips, growled, and claimed Erestor as deeply as he could. He wanted to crawl inside his lover, be as much a part of him as he could, and confirm their love all over again.

 

Erestor's fingernails dug into the sheets and tiny tears appeared in the fabric. Elrond's violent thrusts shoved him over the bed and he finally achieved what he had set out to do: Elrond claiming him in a way befitting the Lord of his valley. Oh, he loved it when Elrond turned possessive and took him this way. "Harder!"

 

Elrond's fingers squeezed Erestor's waist tightly and he literally moved his lover on his erection. Once he tired of that little game, he leaned in closer, placed his hands on either side of Erestor's head, and delivered a series of hard deep thrusts which made Erestor squirm and whimper. Those sounds went straight to his groin and only served to encourage him to establish his ownership of his lover.

 

Erestor held on for dear life. The sheet had long torn beneath his clawing fingers and he stared at Elrond in rapture. "I love you! Love you!" Seeing Elrond move like that, towering above him and claiming him with such passion and possessiveness pushed him over the edge. His member twitched and white cream erupted from the head. Some of it splashed against Elrond's abdomen, but most of it dripped down the twitching shaft and onto Erestor's groin.

 

Normally Elrond would still his movements and allow his lover's convulsing inner muscles to bring him to orgasm, but today was different. Erestor had teased and challenged him throughout dinner, had enjoyed playing his game with that wicked feather, and now Elrond felt the need to show Erestor that two could play those games. Lowering himself onto Erestor, he pushed his hands beneath his lover's shoulders and crushed the trembling Elf to him. Delivering deep strokes, his member continued to hit Erestor's prostate and rub against the silken and contracting walls of his lover's passage. Erestor trembled in his arms, the dark eyes deepened to black, and Elrond could tell his lover was on the verge of fainting due to sheer ecstasy. "Almost…" Thrust. "There…" Thrust. "My…" Thrust. "Love…" Thrust.

 

Cold sweat formed on Erestor's body as Elrond continued to use him in this way and he felt like he was on the edge of losing consciousness. The expression in Elrond's eyes was intense and Erestor managed to raise a shaky hand in order to caress his lover's back, for it was the easiest place for him to reach. "Tell me…"

 

Elrond grunted, buried himself inside his lover's passage one last time, and then collapsed atop Erestor. Waves of pleasure swept through his body starting from his groin and he trembled, trying to contain the ecstasy and love he felt toward Erestor. "You are mine," he whispered as he raised his head. "Can you feel it?"

 

Erestor tiredly nodded his head and the movement caused his brow to rub against Elrond's. "Your essence is spreading inside me. I feel it…"

 

Elrond kissed his lover's damp brow and then panted softly. Making love to Erestor was exhausting whenever their passion got the upper hand. "You had your wicked way with me again." He rested his head against Erestor's shoulder and wrapped his arms around his lover. His eyes were about to close, but hearing Erestor's sped up heartbeat battering against his ear kept him awake.  

 

"Aye, you took me the way I wanted you to take me." Erestor gathered his strength and managed to soothingly stroke Elrond's hair. Elrond was a warm, but comfortable weight atop of him and his lover was still nestled deep inside him. It would take a little while for Elrond's member to grow lax again and he savored the feeling of still being connected to his lover in such an intimate way. "I might act cheeky again tomorrow."

 

Elrond laughed and the movement caused his cheek to rub against Erestor's chest. "Oh, I would not advise you to act cheeky again tomorrow. You will be rather sore for the next few days."

 

"But it was worth it." Erestor pushed a finger beneath Elrond's chin and raised his lover's face. Once Elrond was looking at him, he said, "I love it when you move inside me like that."

 

Elrond's expression was soft and tender and he gave Erestor a look filled with love and devotion. "I love moving inside you, Erestor." Making love had never been as intense with Celebrían or any of the lovers he had bedded in the past on the battlefield when he had been looking for some nightly comfort. There was something about Erestor that made him feel whole. "By the Valar, I love you so much!"

 

Erestor felt humble as he saw the love that shone from Elrond's eyes. "I know you do." He felt it too. "I need you in order to live. Without you, I am nothing."

 

Elrond nodded his head and placed a tender kiss onto his lover's lips. "I am nothing without you either, Erestor. I need you so much."

 

Erestor wrapped his arms around Elrond's waist and, once Elrond rested his head against his shoulder, he hugged the half-Elf tightly. "I will never stop loving you…"

 

Elrond closed his eyes and smiled. He didn't plan on going to sleep yet, but by closing his eyes, he was able to focus his remaining senses more directly on Erestor and he inhaled his lover's musky scent deeply. He loved the way some minor muscles twitched beneath his fingertips while he listened to Erestor's soothing heartbeat. His member was finally softening and he sighed the moment he left his lover's body. He would have loved to stay connected to Erestor longer – much longer.

 

Erestor reacted by wrapping his long legs around Elrond's waist. They should clean themselves up, but they both wanted to hold on to the intimacy a little longer.

 

They remained like that, curled and wrapped up in each others' limbs until the morning came. They greeted the new day together and shared a passionate kiss, both vowing to love the other until their dying day.

 

~~~

 

Hephaistion felt lazy and remained curled up around Glorfindel a little longer. Although the sun had begun to rise, he didn't feel the need to get up just yet. He wanted to feel Glorfindel asleep in his arms for as long as possible. He buried his nose in the golden locks and smiled. Glorfindel was the lover he had always hoped Alexander would one day turn in to. But he was beginning to see Alexander's limitations. Throughout the years, Alexander had begun to believe his mother's tale that he was more than just a man, that he was Zeus' son and therefore divine and unfaultable. Alexander had always wanted more: more lands, more lovers, and more fame.

 

Hephaistion however had wanted nothing but Alexander's love. He realized now that Alexander's goals and his had greatly differed...that they had lost their way and had started to drift apart. They had been destined to spend their last year fighting and, in a way, their arguments had severed the connection that had so tightly bound them during their childhood.

 

But he wasn't yet ready to let go of Alexander completely. Hephaistion had really loved Alexander. He had even changed his ways so Alexander would prefer his company above all others, but in the end, that hadn't been enough and he had lost important parts of himself in doing so. Now he faced the task of finding himself again.

 

"It will be a warm and sunny day." Glorfindel had been awake for hours, but hadn't had the heart to leave the bed, knowing Hephaistion needed to hold him close. Instead of leaving the bed, Glorfindel turned in the embrace until he was face to face with Hephaistion. Encountering a thoughtful expression on his lover's face, Glorfindel asked, "What troubles you?"

 

"I am trying to make my peace with Alexander, but it is harder than I thought." Hephaistion ran his fingers through Glorfindel's slightly tangled hair. "I gave up important parts of myself in order to please him – and to make him love me. I tried to be someone he would love."

 

Glorfindel nodded his head. "Aye, that is exactly what you did, but Hephaistion, you *do* realize that rushing this will not work? Give it time. Give yourself time. You do not need to change who you are right now. Take the time to discover who you are."

 

"And what *if* I change? Will you still love me then?" Hephaistion lowered his gaze, unable to look at Glorfindel during that moment.

 

"I know who you are, Hephaistion, and I love all those different aspects to your personality. Do not be afraid. You fear so much! Why?"

 

Hephaistion made eye contact and offered Glorfindel a weak smile. "I lost everything once before. I am afraid I will lose everything again."

 

"Do you have such little faith in me?" Glorfindel raised an eyebrow.

 

"Nay, I have faith in you, Glorfindel. That is exactly why I am telling you this. If I lacked that faith I would keep this to myself. I would not allow myself to be this vulnerable in front of you." Hephaistion hoped Glorfindel understood.

 

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. "Do not force yourself to change, Hephaistion. The transformation has already begun and the changes will take place bit by bit. It will happen naturally." Glorfindel brushed Hephaistion's brow with his lips and then smiled at his lover. "These rooms will always be your home and my arms will always welcome you, no matter what changes will take place in your life. Always remember that."

 

Hephaistion swallowed hard. "Thank you." Until just then, he hadn't realized just how unconditional Glorfindel's love was compared to Alexander's. "I will remember that."

 

"Good!" Glorfindel playfully swatted Hephaistion's behind. "And now it is time to rise. Elrond expects you to visit with him today. You should head for his study right after breakfast and do not be put off when they are bickering again."

 

"I know the difference by now," Hephaistion answered with a blinding smile. "Those two love to play their little games."

 

"Aye, because they enjoy making up afterwards. Elrond and Erestor's relationship is very different from the one you had with Alexander."

 

"I understand that now." Hephaistion tenderly kissed Glorfindel's lips and then released the blond Elf from his embrace. "I think I will enjoy spending time with them."

 

"Do not enjoy their company too much for I want you to hurry back to my side when the evening comes." Glorfindel gave Hephaistion a wink.

 

"Are you going to test my stamina in bed then?" Hephaistion was surprised at how easy it was to react to Glorfindel's teasing. He felt more comfortable around Glorfindel than he ever had with Alexander. A whole new world had opened for him now that he was Glorfindel's lover.

 

"Aye, I might." Glorfindel settled for a teasing kiss, brushing Hephaistion's lips with his own before licking his lover's bottom lip. "You might find out this eve – that is, if I happen to find you naked on our bed."

 

"Oh, I will be there – naked and waiting for you." Hephaistion smiled, feeling giddy and happy. He couldn't wait to find out just how Glorfindel planned to seduce him!

 

~~~

 

Hephaistion drew in a deep breath before knocking on the door that led to Elrond's study. Listening closely, he could hear Elrond and Erestor talking softly and, for once, they weren't bickering.

 

Elrond looked up when he heard the hesitant knock and knew it was Hephaistion visiting them. "Please come inside!" He placed the report he had been reading aside and leaned back into the comfort of his chair.

 

Hephaistion opened the door and took a step into the room. Feeling nervous, he offered Elrond a weak smile. "Glorfindel told me you wanted to talk to me?"

 

Erestor put down his quill and studied Hephaistion. He placed his elbows on the table, twined his fingers together, and rested his chin on the bridge they created.

 

A quick look through the room told Hephaistion that Melpomaen was present as well, carrying an impressive pile of papers from Elrond's desk over to Erestor's. There were three of them to look after Elrond's correspondence, so why would they need his assistance?

 

"Tell me," Erestor started. "Do you know how to run an inventory of the food supplies? We have to prepare for the upcoming festival and then the winter. We need to make certain our supplies will last through the cold months."

 

Hephaistion nodded once. "Aye, I know how to do that." When he had been with Alexander's army, looking after the provisions had been one of his duties.

 

"Melpomaen, would you escort Hephaistion to the kitchens and then the barns so he can take stock of our supplies? Help him take down count and once the two of you are ready, report back to us." Elrond smiled at Hephaistion. He could tell that receiving this task pleased the man. "That should keep you busy for most of today. If you do not finish today, continue tomorrow."

 

Melpomaen sighed dramatically when he placed the pile of paperwork onto Erestor's desk. He was actually pleased to be ordered to assist Hephaistion for it would allow him to leave the stuffy study and spend some time in the kitchens and outdoors. It also meant he didn't have to listen to their bickering all the time. Although he occasionally fueled their arguments, there were also times when he preferred some peace and quiet. "I will assist Hephaistion then." He walked toward the doorway and smiled at Hephaistion. "Please follow me." On his way out, he picked up paper, ink, and a quill so they could write down their findings.

 

Hephaistion bowed quickly and then followed Melpomaen into the corridor. His conversation with Elrond and Erestor had not been what he had expected. He had thought they would question him for a long time before giving him any kind of assignment. Apparently he had been wrong.

 

He closed the door to Elrond's study and followed Melpomaen, who was oddly enough humming pleasantly, to the kitchens.

 

~~~

 

"Did you see the look on his face?" Erestor picked up his quill again and dipped it in the ink.

 

"You were right. He did not expect us to trust him with an assignment right away."

 

"I do wonder about the lack of trust between Alexander and Hephaistion." Erestor paused his writing to look at Elrond. "It is obvious that he wants to please us. He is doing his best to fit in and he is willing to work."

 

Elrond shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe Alexander lost touch with himself? And in doing so, he lost touch with Hephaistion? I am merely guessing, mind you. I do not know this Alexander, but it sounds to me that he was a foolish man, giving up on Hephaistion so easily."

 

Erestor's lips narrowed and became a thin line. "I should probably not be saying this, but I am grateful Alexander deserted Hephaistion for it gave Glorfindel a chance at loving him. Glorfindel – and Hephaistion -- deserve a love true to them."

 

"You are so very right, Erestor." Elrond arched an eyebrow. "Now tell me, did you get a reply from Thranduil yet? Please tell me that he declined our invitation and that he will not be accompanying Legolas to the upcoming festival." The smile that curled Erestor's lips worried him and predicted trouble. "Erestor?"

 

"I *did* receive a letter from Thranduil." Erestor had placed the letter aside and now picked it up. He pushed back his chair and walked over to Elrond where he placed the sheet of paper in front of his lover.

 

Elrond stole a glance at the writing, which he immediately recognized as Thranduil's. "He accepts?" A deep frown appeared on his brow. In the letter, Thranduil even mentioned being honored at being invited.

 

"Aye, he *will* be accompanying Legolas." Erestor leaned in closer until his face was only inches apart from Elrond's. "You should feel pleased, my love. The fact that Thranduil is willing to visit Imladris will improve relations between our realms."

 

Elrond however didn't feel pleased. "There is still a lot of anger in Thranduil. You know that as much as I do."

 

"But he is willing to try to mend the friendship we once shared." Erestor smiled tenderly. "I believe Legolas has a soothing and calming influence on his father."

 

Elrond sighed. Legolas had become a dear friend throughout the years. It had started many centuries ago when the Woodland Elf had visited them because he had come of age. The twins, Arwen, Celebrían, and even Elrond himself had taken an instant liking to the young Elf. "I will behave," Elrond promised, knowing Erestor would try to extract that promise from him.

 

"Time heals many wounds, Elrond." Erestor moved closer still and deposited a chaste kiss onto his lover's lips. "You mourned losing Ereinion, who was like a father to you and then you found the strength to move on. Thranduil mourned the loss of his father, Oropher. The two of you have something in common; make good use of that."

 

"You are so very wise, Erestor." Elrond raised a hand and cupped Erestor's cheek, tenderly rubbing his fingers against his lover's skin. "Your words are sound, but I fear I will need your guidance when Thranduil arrives. Going back to arguing with Thranduil will be much easier than trying to befriend him and I will need you at my side to keep me from making that mistake."

 

"I will be there, my love." Erestor curled his fingers around Elrond's and then moved them close to his lips. He kissed the fingertips and nodded his head once. "You will manage just fine."

 

The faith Erestor had in him never ceased to amaze Elrond and he loved Erestor even more because of it.

 

~~~

 

Hephaistion found that he enjoyed Melpomaen's company. The Elf possessed a lovely dry sense of humor that could be a bit sarcastic, which was just the way he liked it. They worked side by side, Hephaistion counting the supplies in stock and Melpomaen penning down the numbers. Hephaistion also got to know the cooks and some of the servants, and so time passed by quickly that day. Looking up, he found the sun was about to set and Melpomaen had put his quill down and was capping the ink well.

 

"We will continue tomorrow," Melpomaen announced while eyeing a huge pile of assorted fruits which the cook had placed on the table in case they should grow hungry. The whipped cream placed beside it had an even more luring effect on Melpomaen and he snuck toward the table.

 

Hephaistion smiled and seated himself opposite Melpomaen once the dark-haired Elf was sitting down.

 

Melpomaen selected a strawberry, dipped it into the whipped cream, and then put it into his mouth. His toes curled at the delicious taste. "You should try one too."

 

Unable to resist, Hephaistion tried some of the sweet delicacy as well. Nodding his head, he smiled. "That tastes good."

 

Melpomaen selected a slice of apple and nibbled on it. He knew there was another reason why Elrond had assigned him to help out Hephaistion. Elrond hoped they would become friends, since they would be working together in the future. "Are you beginning to feel at home here, Hephaistion?"

 

"I am." Hephaistion ate an orange slice and his fingers quickly caught the juice that dripped from his chin. "I did not think most of the Elves would welcome me with open arms, but they did."

 

"The fact that Vairë herself saw to it that you traveled to Imladris to live your second life here impressed many of us. It is not common for one of the Valar to intervene in the lives of Man. They hardly ever intervene with the lives of the Elves so for you to have caught her attention…that makes you special. And then you also gained Glorfindel as your mate. Glorfindel is held with the highest respect and you make him happy. Why should we not welcome you with open arms?"

 

"My position at Alexander's court was so very different." Hephaistion's voice became distant, as did the expression in his eyes. "I was the King's lover and many envied me because I had his love. They were jealous." Hephaistion lowered his gaze. "I did not have any friends and I was afraid the same thing would happen here in Imladris."

 

Melpomaen gave Hephaistion a look filled with sympathy. "You must have led a lonely life then."

 

"Not at first, because I still had Alexander's love at that point. But once I lost it… I held a position similar to Erestor's, but another advisor called Eumenes undermined my position and, instead of supporting me, Alexander chose Eumenes' side."

 

Reaching out in sympathy, Melpomaen rested a hand atop of Hephaistion's. "Then your lover did not really love you."

 

Hephaistion raised his gaze and shyly met Melpomaen's eyes. "I know that now. I see the truth each time I look upon Erestor and Elrond and the way they interact."

 

Melpomaen briefly rubbed Hephaistion's fingers. "Let go of the past. You no longer live that life. Glorfindel is your lover now – your future. And believe me when I say that many Elves envy you for having his love." Melpomaen saw the sudden concern in Hephaistion's eyes and realized his new friend had taken his words the wrong way. "Nay, not like that. They want Glorfindel to be happy and they accept that he has chosen you as his lover. No one will shun you or act jealously toward you."

 

"I hope you are right. Until now I did not realize that Glorfindel had suitors, which…"

 

"Hephaistion? Glorfindel makes his own decisions and he chose you." Melpomaen interrupted Hephaistion before the man could finish his sentence. "And the Elves respect his decision."

 

Melpomaen's answer reassured Hephaistion somewhat, but unwittingly the young Advisor had given him another thing to worry about. Had he made enemies because he had Glorfindel's love? Was history going to repeat itself after all? Would he become isolated because they envied him for having Glorfindel as his lover?

 

"I do not know what you are thinking, but it strikes me as something hugely unpleasant, judging by the worried expression on your face." Melpomaen regretted having brought up their topic. "You are well liked, Hephaistion. No one will hate you for having Glorfindel's love and devotion. We Elves are not like that. We accept what happens and we move on." He was trying hard to reassure Hephaistion, but could tell by looking at the worried look in the clouded eyes that he hadn't succeeded. Maybe he should seek out Glorfindel and tell him what had happened. Maybe the blond warrior could undo the damage he had accidentally done.

 

~~~

 

Glorfindel returned to their rooms to tidy up before dinner. He had spent most of the day putting together new duty rosters and establishing who was going to lead which patrol. He preferred physical work over that kind of paperwork, but sometimes he had no choice. The rosters had to be ready in time. And just when he had thought his day could only become better, a distressed Melpomaen had entered his office, telling him guiltily that he had unintentionally managed to upset Hephaistion.

 

Speaking of Hephaistion… His lover was standing on the balcony and was looking out over Imladris. Hephaistion seemed to be particularly fond of the waterfall and he had found his lover staring at the water before. Wrapping his arms around Hephaistion's frame, Glorfindel pulled him close to his chest. The fact that Hephaistion easily gave in and pressed back reassured him. "Melpomaen visited with me a moment ago. He believes he upset you and feels badly because of it."

 

"It is not Melpomaen's fault. It was just something he said which worried me." Hephaistion placed his hands atop of Glorfindel's wrists and closed his eyes, savoring the feel of the warrior's body supporting his. It was getting easier to tell Glorfindel about his fears. With Alexander, he had never felt safe enough. Alexander had always maintained they had to be strong and should not discuss their weaknesses.

 

"Was it the fact that he pointed out to you that I had suitors in the past? Did he also tell you that I rejected them? I only settle for true love, Hephaistion, and I found that in your arms." He began to turn Hephaistion in the embrace and once they were face to face, he placed a finger beneath Hephaistion's chin and raised his lover's face so Hephaistion's blue eyes had to meet his. "Imladris is different from the court you lived at, Hephaistion."

 

Hephaistion drew in a shuddering breath. "I am beginning to see a pattern here. I am so afraid history will repeat itself that I feel insecure about everything."

 

Glorfindel nodded once. "It is normal for you to feel that way." What Hephaistion needed was time…and maybe a distraction. "Elrond asked me to test the waters with you where organizing the upcoming festivities are concerned. Imladris is famous for her summer festival and that time is approaching fast. Erestor will be stressed, Elrond distracted, and Melpomaen overworked."

 

"And they want me to help?" Hephaistion appreciated the lengths to which everyone was going to in order to make him feel welcome and needed.

 

"It is my guess that Erestor is already counting on you to assist him. Erestor works hard, Hephaistion...maybe a bit too hard. Elrond is an excellent ruler, but enjoys distracting Erestor with their bickering, which results in Erestor getting less work done than he should."

 

"So Elrond is to blame?" Hephaistion chuckled.

 

"Aye, he is, but Erestor will never call him on it. Erestor loves Elrond too much to end their bickering. All Erestor needs is an assistant." Glorfindel frowned. "That is, if you do not think that is below your standing. I know you answered to no one but your King in your first life and now you would answer to Erestor and…"

 

"Who is worrying now?"

 

The radiant smile Hephaistion gave him told Glorfindel that his lover had put his worries aside for now. "Are you ready to join our friends in the Hall of Fire for dinner?"

 

Hephaistion nodded once. "And tell me more about the upcoming festival. If I am to help Erestor prepare for it, I need to learn more about it."

 

Glorfindel raised Hephaistion's hand and pressed a kiss against the palm. "I will tell you everything you need to know, including all the rumors and this year's gossip."

 

~~~

 

That evening, Hephaistion felt much more comfortable sharing jokes and he even briefly took part in Elrond and Erestor's banter. Glorfindel encouraged him and the blond Elf even held his hand for everyone to see.

 

One thing that had been lacking from his relationship with Alexander had been a public display of affection. Alexander had always done his best to keep their relationship out of the public eye, even when most people had known they were lovers. Things were different with Glorfindel, who seemed proud to show him off as his lover and Hephaistion drank in all the attention the fair Elf was bestowing on him.

 

"So it is agreed? You will assist Erestor in organizing the summer festival?" Elrond wiggled an eyebrow.

 

"You are eager to put him to work!" Glorfindel observed.

 

"If Hephaistion agrees, it means Elrond can hog Erestor for a longer period of time. He is being selfish," Melpomaen deadpanned. "I am surprised you did not see his hidden agenda."

 

"My, my Melpomaen!" Elrond exclaimed. "If I did not know any better I would think you are trying to start an argument with me!"

 

Elrohir and Elladan exchanged grins. It had taken Melpomaen some time to build the confidence to challenge their father in a verbal duel and they were now looking forward to seeing Elrond and Erestor team up against 'poor' Melpomaen. But they were wrong. Instead of teaming up against Melpomaen, Erestor took Melpomaen's side in the argument and the bickering renewed all over again.

 

Hephaistion, who had been listening to their bantering, now shook his head. Elrond didn't stand a chance against the two advisors and he decided he needed a break from their arguments. Leaning in closer, he whispered into Glorfindel's ear, "Will you join me for a walk along the Bruinen? I do not wish to be cooped up in here all evening. I want to draw in some fresh air."

 

Glorfindel instantly liked the idea. "And as it is still rather warm, we might even go for a swim." Much was still left unclear about Hephaistion's life there on Middle Earth. Glorfindel was fairly certain that Hephaistion was immortal. After all, Vairë had said so, but he didn't know if the man was susceptible to the cold. Glorfindel felt it was time to find out where they stood. Rising from his chair, he pulled Hephaistion to his feet as well. He laughed at Elrond and said, "Please excuse us, but I doubt you will even notice our absence since you are so busy arguing."

 

"You are excused," Elrond answered while bringing Erestor's fingers to lips so he could brush them over the fingertips. The moan that floated from Erestor's lips made him hard and he gave Erestor a look that warned his lover to stop acting cheeky or the Chief Advisor would feel even sorer in the morning.

 

Realizing it might be wise to stop challenging Elrond, Erestor gave in and settled for leaning against his lover. He rested his head on Elrond's shoulder and enjoyed the quiet of the moment, hoping it would last a bit longer.

 

Glorfindel fell into step beside his lover and they exited the Hall. "Come this way…" Glorfindel pulled Hephaistion down the corridor, having just thought of something. "Would you mind going there on horseback? I have been neglecting Asfaloth and he would welcome the exercise. He is strong enough to carry us both."

 

Hephaistion didn't mind. "Let us head for the stables then." They actually giggled and chuckled as they broke out into a run. Hephaistion loved feeling this carefree. It reminded him of the early years in which Alexander had truly loved him. /Nay, I cannot think about that now… Glorfindel is my love now./

 

~~~

 

While Asfaloth took to grazing, Glorfindel and Hephaistion removed their clothes and waded into the river. The water was cool, but not cold and Hephaistion determined he would stay warm at any rate since Glorfindel had begun chasing him. The two males fooled around, dunking and splashing each other while merry laughter and so-called shocked gasps filled the air around them. Hephaistion felt light-headed, maybe even drunk on love.

 

In the end, Glorfindel pulled a struggling Hephaistion onto the shore with him. They ended up entwined with each other, laughing, tickling, and kissing. Ithil was full that night and the silver rays easily pierced the thin, spare clouds in the sky.

 

Glorfindel ended up atop of Hephaistion and he grinned as he looked into Hephaistion's laughing eyes. The auburn hair was still wet and clung to his lover's throat and shoulders. Droplets of water slid down the handsome face and the skin beneath his fingertips was moist.

 

Hephaistion felt utterly relaxed and comfortable with Glorfindel sprawled on top of him. He placed his hands on either side of the Elf's head and ran his fingertips along the pointed ears. "I always wanted to do that."

 

Glorfindel quivered at the sensual touch and grew hard within seconds. "Oh, that is the spot…"

 

Hephaistion's eyes gained a curious quality as he watched Glorfindel close his in bliss. "You like that?" Until now, he hadn't considered the possibility that the pointed ears might be one of Glorfindel's most erogenous zones. So he repeated the motion and the fair Elf started to thrust against him.

 

"Oh, you undo me!" Frustrated because they had brought no oil, Glorfindel opened his eyes and gave Hephaistion a needy look. "You make me hard and then…" They couldn't make love for he refused to proceed without some sort of lubricant.

 

"I do not mind… You can take me." It had happened more than once that Alexander had had no oil handy. "Use your saliva."

 

But Glorfindel remained adamant. "Nay, I refuse to take you that way. I will not hurt you." Hephaistion's eyes suddenly changed color – they deepened, and then turned violet. The change worried Glorfindel, who hoped he hadn't made a grave mistake in judgment. "You must understand… I do not want to see you in pain…certainly not from what I had inflicted upon you." Oh...Hephaistion began caressing his ears once more and his lover used his strength to pull him close.

 

Hephaistion understood Glorfindel's reason for not claiming him and approved. The fact that Glorfindel would set aside his needs in order to keep him from injury meant a lot to him. "Let me," he whispered, bent on pleasuring Glorfindel.

 

Glorfindel had turned to putty in Hephaistion's cunning hands and moaned needily. He lowered himself onto Hephaistion and rubbed his lower body against his lover's groin, creating a lovely friction between them. Their erections slithered alongside each other, while all the while Hephaistion's fingers continued to lightly stroke the tips of his ears.

 

Hephaistion arched beneath Glorfindel and managed to capture an earlobe between his teeth. Sucking on the delicate flesh, he stole one hand lower toward their groins and caught their erections in a firm grip. Pumping them simultaneously, he focused on running the tip of his tongue along the arc of Glorfindel's right ear. Unwilling to neglect Glorfindel's other ear he rubbed the lobe gently between his fingertips.

 

Glorfindel came surprisingly fast. With Hephaistion caressing his ears and his lover's hand fisting their members, he failed to keep back his orgasm. It was one of the most intense climaxes he had ever had and, while the semen sprung from the slit, he quivered fiercely against Hephaistion.

 

Hephaistion couldn't help it: he chuckled softly at feeling Glorfindel spend in his hand. "I will use this knowledge to my advantage now that I know how sensitive your ears are."

 

Glorfindel trembled in the aftermath and small amounts of fluid still leaked from the head of his organ. "You learn… quickly…" The way he had reacted to the caresses which Hephaistion had bestowed onto his ears had surprised him as well. It was a well known fact that an Elf's ears were sensitive, but Hephaistion touching them had been enough to bring him to orgasm! "I will find your sensitive spots as well, I promise," he purred, needing a moment to catch his breath. Hephaistion hadn't come yet and he fully intended to return the favor once he had found his lover's most erogenous spot!

 

"You do not have to. Just enjoy the feeling coursing through you right now."

 

Glorfindel raised his head and studied Hephaistion's eyes. His lover was honest. Hephaistion didn't expect him to return the favor at the moment. "I will not leave you hard and in need of release." Oh no...he planned on taking his time to explore and map his lover's mouth-watering body. "Turn around for me." He raised himself long enough for Hephaistion to turn onto his stomach and then straddled his lover's impressive thighs. "I will wrestle you any time, but right now, I want to do more delicious things to you."

 

Hephaistion drew in a deep breath, closed his eyes, and relaxed as Glorfindel's hands moved down his broad back. The long fingers trailed down his spine and ended up cupping and massaging his buttocks. A moan tumbled from his lips and he tried to push closer to Glorfindel's hands.

 

"Nay let me do this." Glorfindel took his time massaging the firm mounds of flesh. He then let his fingertips slide down Hephaistion's cleft, but since he didn't have any oil handy he deserted the idea of pleasuring his lover in that way. He moved his fingers down Hephaistion's inner thighs and his lover eagerly parted his legs. Glorfindel leaned in closer and kissed along the thighs until he encountered the back of the knee. Letting the tip of his tongue pop out, he licked there.

 

Hephaistion squirmed beneath Glorfindel, but it still wasn't the passionate response the blond Elf had been hoping for. Maybe he would have more luck if he moved up Hephaistion's waistline. Gently, he kissed his way from the small of Hephaistion's back to a shoulder and then licked along the nape of his lover's neck.

 

Hephaistion's reaction was instant. He quivered beneath his lover while his fingers clawed at the grass and pulled the roots from the earth. Panting softly, he pushed himself away from the ground and managed to prop himself up on all fours.

 

Glorfindel smirked when he had found *the* spot. "Did I find it?" he asked teasingly. He moved until he was kneeling behind Hephaistion and then wrapped an arm around his lover's waist, pulling him into an upright position.

 

But Hephaistion was long past forming a coherent response and instead flexed his hips.

 

Glorfindel quickly curled his fingers around his lover's weeping member, giving Hephaistion a chance to create the friction he so desperately needed in order to find release. At the same time, his lips attached themselves to Hephaistion's neck. First, he suckled the skin, but then also started to push the tip of his tongue against the now sensitive skin.

 

Hephaistion turned his head, giving Glorfindel even easier access to that little spot on his neck that made his world spin.

 

Glorfindel, still suckling the soft skin between his lips, hummed against Hephaistion's neck. His lover was beautiful moving like this. Hephaistion thrust violently into his hand and at the same time swayed against him, clearly on the edge of reaching climax.

 

Hephaistion's breath came in short and violent gasps. Feeling Glorfindel's tongue, lips, and even teeth against his neck, seemed to increase his sensations tenfold. Tumbling over the edge, he thrust into Glorfindel's hand the moment his lover nipped his skin. It was a shallow bite, one that didn't even break the skin, but it was enough to make him scream out his pleasure.

 

Awed at the reaction he had managed to draw from Hephaistion, Glorfindel gently licked up the column of his lover's neck. At the same time, warm cream landed on his hand and dripped down his wrist. His lover had finally found release. "You are quite amazing, Hephaistion," Glorfindel whispered into his lover's ear after dragging the tip of his tongue from Hephaistion's neck to just below his right ear. How was it possible that Alexander had grown tired of having someone as passionate and willing as Hephaistion in his bed? Glorfindel was at a loss to explain it. "So very amazing."

 

Hephaistion slumped against Glorfindel and two strong arms locked around him, keeping him upright. "I did not know…did not know I would…react like that."

 

"It is never too late to learn." After saying that, Glorfindel indulged himself by sucking lightly on Hephaistion's earlobe. That only served to send more spikes of pleasure through Hephaistion's body and Glorfindel felt extremely pleased with his newly-found way of bringing his lover to orgasm. "I wonder what else I will discover about you. I will learn to play your body like Lindir plays his flute, Hephaistion. I will find out what touch makes you squirm, what touch will prolong your pleasure, and what position will make you scream out my name in ecstasy."

 

Hephaistion groaned. If he hadn't come a moment ago, he would have come from listening to Glorfindel's seductive words. "Have mercy on me."

 

"I will…for now." Glorfindel slowly lowered Hephaistion back onto the grass. "The water of the Bruinen is still warm. We should use it to clean ourselves up and this time I promise you that I will behave. I will not splash or submerge you."

 

Hephaistion felt utterly sated and relaxed as he fingered a lock of Glorfindel's still damp hair. He gave his lover a long, thoughtful look and then smiled. "Maybe *I* will misbehave for a change." He had never had the luxury of being able to misbehave in his life with Alexander. Alexander had always needed him composed and well-behaved.

 

"Oh, now you made me curious!" Glorfindel, energized, jumped to his feet and pulled Hephaistion along with him.

 

Hephaistion was still smiling when he followed Glorfindel into the water. The first thing Hephaistion did was to dunk Glorfindel and then to kiss him beneath the surface of the water.

 

The end

(TBC in time)