Title: Lonely In Love.

Author: Morgana morganalebeau@yahoo.com

Website; http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon/

Pairing(s): Glorfindel/Elrond, Glorfindel/Ecthelion, Erestor/Ecthelion and Elladan/Elrohir.
Rating: NC-17
Summary: The Valar deem the time ready for Ecthelion to return to Arda. Erestor is given the task of preparing the young warrior for a life in Imladris.

Disclaimer: These characters are all Tolkien’s.
Warning: AU, fluff, romance, minor angst. Twin slash (implied)
Author’s Note: All mistakes are all mine; yeah, I am greedy! And remember; this is AU!

Beta read by Jenn! Thanks!

 

  

Lonely in love

The night will fade, the sun will shine
A new day - Lonely in love
And light the way for you to find

New love

 

Lyrics by Crimson Glory

 

 

Part 17

 

 

Loud banging on the front door caused Cirdan to jump to his feet. Elrohir shot him a concerned look and Cirdan’s eyes narrowed. “I will answer it.” Thinking logically, he could only come up with one person who would be banging on their door like that. /Ecthelion found his way home./

 

“Open this door! Let me in! I will break down the door if you do not!” Ecthelion – frustrated and desperate – slammed his fist on the door once more. “Open up now!” Knowing that Erestor was this close and still unaware of his presence only fed his impatience.

 

Cirdan acted quickly and opened the door, but he remained standing in the doorway, preventing Ecthelion from storming inside. First, he wanted the other Elf to calm down.

 

Displeased at finding Cirdan blocking his path, Ecthelion glared at the shipwright. “Let me pass! I need to find Erestor! Where is he?” He wanted to push Cirdan out of the way, but the bearded Elf stood his ground. “Let me pass,” demanded Ecthelion, impatiently. “No one will keep me away from him!”

 

“It is not my intention to keep you away from Erestor,” said Cirdan, making certain that Ecthelion couldn’t sneak past him. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and made himself as broad as possible. “But I do want you to calm down first. You are in no state to talk to Erestor.”

 

“I do not care!” Ecthelion’s glare gained a deadly edge. “I will not let you stop me. Step aside or be moved.”

 

Cirdan caught Ecthelion’s gaze and kept it prisoner, forcing the younger Elf to concentrate on him. “Calm down, Ecthelion and I will let you talk to Erestor. You do not want to upset him any further, do you?”

 

Ecthelion’s eyes filled with worry instantly. “He is upset?”

 

“What do you think?” Cirdan cocked his head. “Does he not have every reason to be upset with you?”

 

Cirdan’s words had their desired effect and Ecthelion began to calm down. It wasn’t long before he was nervously shuffling his feet. Staring at the floor, he felt shy all of a sudden. “Because of me? Is he upset because of me?”

 

“What do you think?” Cirdan repeated his question. “Of course he is.” Compassion appeared in Cirdan’s eyes. “Are you finally listening to the voice of your heart, Ecthelion? And do you understand what it is telling you?”

 

“I do,” whispered Ecthelion, softly. “That is why I am here. To make amends, to apologize and to propose to him.”

 

“And what about Glorfindel?” Cirdan relaxed his stance now that Ecthelion’s demeanor had changed. 

 

“I do not desire him in that way any more. Aye, I thought I did, but I crave Erestor instead.” Respect shone from Ecthelion’s eyes when he looked at Cirdan next. “I am calm now. Calm enough to talk to Erestor.”

 

Cirdan nodded once. “He just took a bath and should be in his bedroom.” Cirdan rested a hand on Ecthelion’s shoulder and squeezed softly. “Be gentle with him. Erestor’s heart is still broken and requires time to heal.”

 

“I will be gentle,” promised Ecthelion, “I will never hurt him again.”

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrohir blinked once. Was that really Ecthelion running up the stairs? It was a miracle that the warrior wasn’t tripping over his own two feet, considering the speed he was moving with. Ecthelion arrived on the landing and then dived into Erestor’s bedroom, disappearing from his view. Elrohir had been so lost in thought that he only noticed Cirdan coming to stand behind him when the bearded Elf placed a hand on his shoulder. “What was that about? What is Ecthelion doing here?”

 

“He finally realized he loves Erestor and not Glorfindel.” Taking an educated guess at seeing Elrohir’s pleased expression, Cirdan added, “I reckon that was the reaction you were hoping for?”

 

“Aye, Elladan and I did hope this would happen.” Elrohir sighed, blissfully. “Isn’t this romantic?”

 

“You are still very young, Elrohir,” replied Cirdan, chuckling. “No doubt this appears romantic to you.” Although he thought himself too old to find this romantic as well, he did.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Erestor sat frozen on the chair in front of the dresser, staring at his pale reflection in the mirror. He had heard Ecthelion’s voice loud and clear and knew the younger Elf was on his way to confront him. /Why is he here? Why did he come to the Gray Havens?/ Absentmindedly, he registered the fact that he was almost naked, as he had just left the bathtub. He had only slung a towel around his waist loosely. Did he still have enough time to dress in his robes?

 

“Erestor! I know you are in there!”

 

Apparently not. Sighing deeply, Erestor rose from his chair, tightly clutching the towel so it wouldn’t slip. His hand shook when it pushed down the door handle.

 

They stared at each other for quite some time, both lost for words.

 

Erestor cleared his throat and then said in an uncertain voice, “Why are you here, Ecthelion?”

 

Erestor’s voice shook Ecthelion from his trance and the warrior marched into the room, grabbing Erestor tightly around the waist and slamming the door shut behind him. “*You*… You will never run away from me again!”

 

Erestor arched an eyebrow, still feeling in control of the situation and his emotions. He had a hard time believing Ecthelion was actually here, but felt the younger Elf’s hands upon his naked skin, so he *had* to believe it. “I did what I thought was best for you.”

 

Ecthelion drew in a deep breath and then pulled Erestor with him toward the bed. “Sit down and listen!”

 

Taken aback by Ecthelion’s attitude, Erestor complied. Part of him was rather curious to why Ecthelion was here in the first place. “Speak then.”

 

“You had better listen…” Ecthelion ran a hand through his hair, turned on his heels and began to pace the bedroom. “First, you will never run away again, do you hear me? You will talk to me!”

 

Erestor’s eyebrow inched higher, but he refrained from speaking, interested to find out where this was leading. Ecthelion had clearly managed to work himself into a frenzy and those emotions needed a way out.

 

“Second, I love *you*, and not Glorfindel. At least not that in that way.” Ecthelion crossed the distance between them and now stood in front of the stunned advisor. “And I do not wish to simply court you, I want us to form an eternal bond.”

 

Erestor nodded, dumbfounded.

 

“Third, I will propose to you and you will accept me. Don’t you dare reject me, for I won’t accept that. I *know* you love me, so do not pretend otherwise.”

 

Speechless, Erestor could only stare at Ecthelion, whose eyes burned with determination.

 

“I reckon this is the moment where I should actually propose,” mumbled Ecthelion, stroking tangled strands of hair away from his face. “And I should propose properly.”

 

Oh, my… What *was* Ecthelion up to? Erestor felt stunned when the other Elf knelt in front of him.

 

Gathering Erestor’s hands in his, Ecthelion cleared his throat and finally locked gazes with Erestor, something he had managed to avoid doing until now. “Erestor? My heart tells me to capture you and to never let you go again. I regret that it took me a while to understand that I loved you best and not Glorfindel, but I understand now. That is why I am here. That is why I am on my knees, proposing to you. Erestor, please accept my love for you and accept me as your husband. That is my greatest desire.” Pleadingly, he looked at Erestor, seeing shock and disbelief in the almost jet-black eyes.

 

“Ecthelion…” Lost, Erestor searched Ecthelion’s eyes, trying to find the truth. “Do you really mean that?” It was hard to believe that Ecthelion would choose him over Glorfindel. “But you love Glorfindel!”

 

“Nay, I love you. I always did.” As if to prove his point, Ecthelion brought Erestor’s hands to his lips and he gently kissed the palms, first the right and then the left. “I love you, Erestor. And you made the right decision when you let me go. You gave me the chance to explore my feelings for Glorfindel and what I found did not compare to the feelings which I had for you. I regret that I caused you so much pain, my love.”

 

Erestor wanted to hear Ecthelion say those words again – and again, and again. “You… love… me?”

 

“I love you, Erestor. I love you so much that I panicked when I found out that you had left Imladris and I chased after you. I was so determined to find you and now that I did, I pray that you will accept my apology – and my love.” Ecthelion involuntarily held his breath, awaiting Erestor’s answer. Only now did he realize that the elder Elf was as good as naked. Lust stirred in his groin and he blushed, as his passion overwhelmed him. “Please, Erestor, accept me. Bind with me. Become my husband.”

 

“I do not know what to say,” admitted Erestor, nervously. Was this really happening?

 

“Say aye. Accept me." Ecthelion inched closer on his knees and wrapped his arms around Erestor’s waist, rubbing the naked skin beneath his fingertips. “I know you love me, Erestor. I love you as well.”

 

Realizing he didn’t stand a chance, Erestor eventually nodded his head once. “I will give you a chance to prove your love to me, Ecthelion, but it is much too soon to speak of bonding.”

 

Hum, not exactly what he had been hoping for, but it would do. Ecthelion smiled warmly at Erestor. “Seal it with a kiss?”

 

A small chuckle escaped Erestor, finally relaxing in Ecthelion’s presence. “Do you wish to kiss me, then?”

 

“Aye…” Ecthelion slid one hand up Erestor’s back and pulled the elder Elf toward him. Slowly, he guided Erestor’s lips closer to his, and then, claimed them gently. The kiss was passionate, tender, and spoke of newly-found love – unconditional love. “I will prove my love to you, Erestor,” whispered Ecthelion, once he had released the elder Elf’s lips, “and when you are fully convinced of my undying love for you, we will form a bond, officially. Maybe Mithrandir can perform the ceremony?”

 

“You are not taking my no for an answer, are you?” asked Erestor, amused. His lips tingled from when Ecthelion had kissed him. And he wanted to do it again – to kiss him until his last, dying breath.

 

“Not really, nay. I would indulge you and pretend I did, but honestly? Nay, I do not.” Ecthelion slid onto the bed, sitting beside Erestor, who now trembled against him. “I am here to claim my mate.”

 

Erestor’s mouth went dry. “I want to believe you and I want to say yes, but… this is quite sudden.”

 

“It is,” acknowledged Ecthelion, “but that does not make it less sincere.”

 

Erestor ran his fingertips along Ecthelion’s jaw, considering the younger Elf. “You are here, so you made your choice, but how can you choose me?”

 

Ecthelion realized that more than words were needed to convince Erestor, so he forcefully encircled the advisor’s waist with his arms and pulled him closer, claiming and possessing Erestor’s mouth, leaving little to the imagination to what he really wanted to do to his dark-haired love.

 

And Erestor couldn’t deny the truth any longer. “You… really… love me…” he panted, excitedly. “But how… can this be?”

 

“It simply is,” replied Ecthelion, shrugging his shoulders once. “I love you, Erestor.”

 

Erestor finally gave in and surrendered all resistance. “It is useless to fight this.”

 

“Why would you fight it in the first place?” said Ecthelion, smiling now that he had conquered Erestor’s heart. “So, will you bond with me? And I will only accept one answer.”

 

“I reckon that answer is aye?” Erestor now felt comfortable enough to tease back.

 

“The only answer.”

 

“Aye, then, I will have you.” Smiling giddily, Erestor gave Ecthelion an adoring look. The younger Elf suddenly jumped to his feet and ran toward the doorway. Flinging the door open, he called out, “Erestor said yes!”

 

Erestor shook his head, amused by his lover’s enthusiasm. “Are you *that* eager to share this?”

 

“Very eager…” Ecthelion’s gaze traveled down Erestor’s naked body. The towel had slipped during their heated conversation. “And another part of my body is very eager as well. If you do not want to be ravished right here and now I suggest you slip into your robes, my love.”

 

Blushing, Erestor grabbed the towel to cover up his private parts and then disappeared into the bathroom once more, carrying his robes with him.

 

Ecthelion, bursting with energy and enthusiasm, left the room, ran down the flight of stairs and hugged the first Elf he encountered, which happened to be a startled Elrohir. “He said yes! He will bond with me!”

 

Elrohir found himself being spun around in the air. “Ecthelion! Cirdan, help!”

 

“Put him down, Ecthelion.” Cirdan chuckled, amused.

 

“Uhm, I am sorry,” stuttered Ecthelion, putting Elrohir back onto his feet again. “But I needed to tell you!”

 

“You told us!” Elrohir straightened out his clothes. Ecthelion had surprised him by grabbing hold of him. “And I am happy for you.”

 

Ecthelion nodded, eagerly. “Thank you! I am happy too!”

 

Cirdan laughed, warmly. At times Ecthelion still seemed an Elfling to him in his enthusiastic ways and he had to remind himself he was dealing with a fabled warrior here. “I must admit I was worried when Erestor arrived here all alone, but you did not disappoint me by coming after him.” He took a step closer to Ecthelion and waited until he had the younger Elf’s full attention. “Now that you have him, never let him slip away again.”

 

“I won’t. Erestor’s mine and I plan on keeping him for the rest of my life.”

 

Erestor, standing on the landing, heard the determination in Ecthelion’s voice. /He really loves me. He really wants to be with *me* and not Glorfindel./ The tears which left his eyes were tears of happiness, but still he wiped them away before descending the stairs. The time for tears had passed.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Cirdan drank in the sight of Ecthelion and Erestor, snuggled close to each other on the couch. Elrohir was brewing tea in the kitchen and Cirdan appreciate the homely feeling that had taken up residence in the cottage now that the two dark-haired Elves had been reunited. He had always hoped that this day would come and chided himself for not having more faith in Mithrandir. The Wizard had told him everything would be well in the end.

 

“Tea?” Elrohir offered Cirdan some of the chamomile tea he had made.

 

“Thank you.” Cirdan accepted and blew onto the hot surface, hoping to speed up the cooling down process.

 

Elrohir moved on to Ecthelion and Erestor, who also thanked him for their tea. But it was obvious that they had only eyes for each other and the tea was quickly placed on the side table so Ecthelion could claim Erestor’s hands again. Elrohir sat down near Cirdan and grinned. “I doubt they even know we are here.”

 

“Oh, they know. They just are not interested in us,” said Cirdan, chuckling. “But I do not mind that. I hoped this would happen.”

 

Elrohir leaned back and sipped his tea. “This means I am no longer needed here. I can leave for Imladris.”

 

“Ah, stay for a few days and explore the Gray Havens. Who knows when you will visit next?” Cirdan sighed, happily, drinking his tea. “I would show you around personally.”

 

“I *did* promise Elladan to bring him a gift.”

 

“I am certain you will find something suitable in the market square.” Cirdan was curious to find out what Elrond’s youngest son was like. He had always liked Elrond and being able to spend some time with his son was a pleasure.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

“They are looking at us,” whispered Ecthelion into Erestor’s ear. “Do you think we should spend the rest of the evening in your bedroom? We would have more privacy there.”

 

“Maybe later.” Erestor was all in favor of retiring to their bedroom, but he didn’t want to be rude and simply leave. “Maybe you can sing for us?” He would love to hear that enchanting voice again. Ecthelion’s lips unexpectedly brushed the sensitive skin of his throat, making him quiver with pleasurable anticipation. He clearly sensed Ecthelion’s need for him – the other Elf’s desire – and knew it wouldn’t be long before Ecthelion would instigate their first lovemaking. Oh, he had already made Ecthelion wait for three years! It wasn’t really fair to make him wait much longer!

 

“Aye, I will sing for you,” said Ecthelion, quickly gazing at Cirdan and Elrohir.

 

“I would love to hear you sing,” said Elrohir, enthusiastically.

 

So Ecthelion indulged them and sung of his eternal, undying love for Erestor.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Elrohir had tears in his eyes by the time Ecthelion finished. “That was…” Words failed him and he felt honored to have heard Ecthelion sing.

 

“We will retire for the night now,” announced Ecthelion, judging they had been social enough. Now, he wanted Erestor all to himself.

 

Understanding, Cirdan nodded once. “Sweet dreams to you. May Elbereth watch over you.”

 

“I hope she won’t be watching too closely,” said Elrohir, joking.

 

Erestor actually blushed, weakly, catching on. He shuffled toward the stairs, choosing not to get involved in this verbal sparing match.

 

Ecthelion followed suit, still cradling Erestor’s right hand in his. Following Erestor up the stairs, a million thoughts raced through his head. Would they make love for the first time tonight? Or was that too quick? Should they take it slow instead? But he didn’t want to take it slow!

 

They had reached Erestor’s bedroom by now, which they would share from now on, and Ecthelion closed the door behind them. Ecthelion watched Erestor disappear into the bathroom and whilst the elder Elf was gone, he disrobed. Only clad in his loincloth, he slid between the sheets, awaiting his lover’s return.

 

/Not yet,/ he decided, /I want our first time to be special./ And then, he had the most sublime vision of making love with Erestor amidst of the waves – in the Sea. Aye, that was the way he wanted it. He didn’t want to make love to Erestor for the first time in this room – feeling confined. He wanted to experience their lovemaking out in the open, feeling the water gently splash against their skin, caressing their bodies. /Tomorrow… I can arrange for that tomorrow./

 

When Erestor stepped into the bedroom again, he was naked and the sight of his lover took Ecthelion’s breath away. Realizing he was overdressed, he quickly rid himself of his loincloth. “Join me in bed, my love.” Lifting the sheet, he watched Erestor’s elegant, almost feline movements when the elder Elf lay down next to him. Ecthelion opened his arms and Erestor promptly moved into them. “I have dreamt of holding you like this when I was on the road.”

 

Erestor smiled, happily. “I never thought you would come after me. I was convinced you loved Glorfindel.”

 

“I cannot blame you for thinking that. I felt like that as well. But then… Then, I realized the truth.”

 

“How does… How does Glorfindel fare?” Erestor felt sorry for his friend, who had once more lost his love.

 

“Glorfindel felt the same way I did,” replied Ecthelion, who now stroked Erestor’s face. “He longed for Elrond, instead of me.”

 

Erestor’s eyes shone with relief and pleasure. “Glorfindel wants to be with Elrond?”

 

“Knowing Glorfindel, he is wooing Elrond right now. And who can resist him? Elrond has probably forgiven him already. I can never stay cross with Glorfindel for long.”

 

“Neither can I.” Erestor moved closer and felt Ecthelion tighten his hold on him. “I won’t run away again.”

 

Ecthelion nodded once, pleased, but… “Erestor, do you want to stay here in the Gray Havens forever or… or do you think we will return to Imladris one day?” Nervously, he bit his lip. “I would stay here with you,” he added quickly, “And that could never be a sacrifice, but…”

 

“You would like to be around Glorfindel as well.” Erestor would have felt jealous in the past, but not any more, for now he knew Ecthelion truly loved *him* and *not* Glorfindel.

 

“Aye,” admitted Ecthelion readily, relieved to see true understanding in Erestor’s eyes. “But I would rather be with you – if I had to choose.”

 

“I won’t make you choose,” promised Erestor, “I wanted to be here because our love still lingers here, but now that you are here with me, I feel no longer drawn to the Gray Havens. I want to be where you are, no matter where that is.”

 

Ecthelion impulsively kissed Erestor, hearing those words. “I will make you happy, Erestor. I promise.” And tomorrow, he would make Erestor his in soul – and more importantly in *body*.

 

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