Mating rites 4

Title: Mating Rites

Website; http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon/
Pairing: Glorfindel / Erestor and Elrond / Legolas
Rating: NC-17
Summary: What happens when Elrond orders Erestor and Glorfindel to participate in the Elven version of Beltane? Elves gather on this night to find a mate, and when they found that certain somebody, they jump over the fire to seal their love. Glorfindel's hand is seized unexpectedly and he is forced to make that jump. Once his feet are safely back on the ground again, he looks into the face of his new mate and is more than just surprised. What more will this night of magic and passion bring?

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

Beta read by Jenn and Aduial! Thanks, sweeties!

Mating Rites

Erestor tried hard to play his part -- to act controlled and distant -- but Glorfindel was making that difficult. Maybe sensing his inner turmoil, Glorfindel had reached out and claimed his right hand beneath the table. This left him somewhat incapacitated when he tried to eat his dinner, as he was limited to the use of one hand only. But the fact that Glorfindel felt concerned warmed his heart, for it meant the blond cared.

Glorfindel rubbed Erestor's knuckles with his thumb, seeking to ease his mate's mind. It seemed Erestor was still upset; he had never seen the dark-haired Elf that nervous and it worried him. What could possibly be so bad that Erestor was worried about telling him? What had happened in the past to spook Erestor in this way?

Erestor raised his eyes and met Glorfindel's blue ones. "I am just a bit nervous."

"Concerning our talk later?"

"Aye." Erestor stared at the food, feeling miserable.

Glorfindel's heart did something funny, leaving him panting momentarily, and he realized that his feelings for Erestor were already deepening. He was seeing sides to the normally distant advisor which he had never seen before, and he could tell other Elves were looking at Erestor in amazement as well. They weren't used to seeing him displaying his emotions that openly either. "We do not have to address this matter this evening if it makes you so uncomfortable."

"Nay, we should. You were right when you said that we need to discuss matters openly in a relationship." That was one aspect he hadn't taken into consideration when he had dragged Glorfindel with him over the shoulder. He should have known better though since Elrond. The half-Elf had taught him a lot about the mechanics of a relationship. He had just conveniently forgotten about them, and now they were biting him in the butt.

Erestor forced a neutral expression onto his face and hoped Glorfindel would allow for a change in subject. "When you look at Elrond, does something strike you as out of the ordinary?"

Glorfindel allowed it, realizing that discussing this now at the dinner table would only make Erestor feel even more uncomfortable so he turned his attention to Elrond. And yes, now that Erestor mentioned it... "He looks radiant." It had been a while since he had seen Elrond smiling, laughing, chuckling and trying hard to charm his guest. "Is this about Legolas?"

"I think it is." Erestor smiled, warmly. "I have learned to read the signs some time ago, and I daresay Elrond is quite taken with Legolas."

Glorfindel's right eyebrow inched higher. "But... Legolas is Thranduil's son and we both know Thranduil and Elrond do not get along well." Which was an understatement.

"Love does not care about names, heritage or past feuds," said Erestor, thoughtfully. "It just happens."

Glorfindel's gaze returned to Erestor, who he observed for a few minutes before he said, "Was that the same way for you when you met me?" To his surprise, a weak blush appeared on the normally pale skin. "I reckon that is a yes?"

Erestor nodded. "I loved you from the moment I first laid eyes upon you."

"And yet you never tried to tell me?" Glorfindel reassuringly squeezed Erestor's hand, which he now pulled into his lap.

"I did not think I would have a chance with you," explained Erestor, "You never showed any interest in me -- that way -- so I judged it wise not to try."

"I never thought of you in that way," replied Glorfindel, honestly. But that had definitely begun to change now.

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

It was time to part for the eve, but neither Elrond nor Legolas wanted to go separate ways. In the end, it was Elrond who made the next move. "I am going hunting tomorrow in the afternoon. Would you like to join me? I am taking my falcons and hawks with me, and when they go for the kill they make quite a spectacular view." The kitchen staff had asked for more game, as they were low on supplies; Elrond had taken it upon himself to go hunting, as he welcomed the change from his normal routine. Working in the study didn't seem as appealing as going hunting with Legolas. "I would be able to show you my lands." And now that everything was in full bloom, it would be a colorful sight, one which Legolas would hopefully enjoy.

"I accept," said Legolas, smiling warmly. A look passed between them and it made him wonder if Elrond felt the attraction as well. But no, he was probably deluding himself. Elrond Half-Elven was a figure of almost mythical proportions, one who couldn't possibly be interested in a much younger Elf with less experience in life. And on top of that, Elrond and his father didn't get along, and that was putting it mildly. Elrond was merely offering him friendship, having the best in mind for their realms, and Legolas eagerly accepted. If friendship was all he could have, he would take it.

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

Glorfindel studied Erestor closely. The raven-haired Elf had lit the fire in the fire-place, although they didn't need it to keep them warm, strictly speaking. But when he seated himself in one of the comfortable chairs, he realized he liked the warmth and color it spread throughout the room.

Erestor removed his outer robes and shoes before sitting down in the other comfortable chair. Pulling his knees close to his chest, he wrapped his arms around them and curled into a small ball.

Erestor's body language worried Glorfindel, but he kept his distance. They had been bound for one day, and he was still trying to find ways to deal with Erestor's changing moods. But as the advisor sat there, curled up, protective feelings arose inside him and he wished he had never asked Erestor those questions as they still continued to upset the other Elf.

Peeking at the blond from behind a curtain of black hair, Erestor began to undo the few braids left in his mane. "I do not know how to start," he revealed, eventually. "I have not spoken of this for a long time."

Glorfindel inclined his head. "We have all night."

Erestor shook his head once. "Nay, I do not want to dwell on the past that long." After drawing in a deep breath, he said, "It happened whilst I was with my first lover. We were ambushed and he received an injury that made it impossible for him to continue on horseback. I had spotted a cave and I took him there. He beseeched me to stay with him and to stay clear of the entrance as he was afraid our attackers would spot me. He was a great warrior, Glorfindel, but he was determined not to fight them because I was there with him. He did not want to expose me to such danger." Erestor pulled his knees even closer to his chest and rested his head against the chair. "I told him I knew how to wield a sword and that I could fight our attackers, but he did not believe me. He lost consciousness and I stayed with him as he had requested, but then I heard our attackers closing in on us. I could not let them find him." The Nazgûl had already succeeded in injuring Ereinion and he had to prevent worse. "So I took his riding cloak, fixed my hair the way he wore it and drew their attention away from him. I ran toward the horses, managed to mount one of them and took off. But our attackers were swift and managed to catch up with me. A few blows had me reeling and I was flung from my horse's back."

Glorfindel listened breathlessly, hearing things he had never expected to ever flow from the distant advisor's lips. He realized Erestor wasn't telling him the whole truth, leaving out names and places, but he respected that -- for now. "What happened then?" Involuntarily he had pulled his chair closer to Erestor's, and he now reached out to stroke the ebony tresses, shining jet-black and crimson in the flames' reflection.

"Our escort caught up with us and prevented them from ending my life. I did sustain several wounds though and turned unconscious once I had told them where to find my husband." Erestor was careful in avoiding using names. He didn't know how Glorfindel would react to finding out he had been Ereinion's lover. "He was very cross with me once we were back home and recovering. I had never seen him throw a tantrum before, but he did then, scolding me for putting myself in danger like that. He did not speak to me for a week after that, so angry was he. That was one of the worst weeks in my life. I would rather have him scold me than look at me in that way and then keep silent."

Glorfindel slid his fingers into the raven hair and stroked Erestor's scalp soothingly. "He was right to be angry with you," he said, seeing frustration rise in Erestor's eyes. "Hear me out, Erestor. He was right in telling you to stay hidden."

"But I wanted to help!" Erestor yanked his head away from Glorfindel's hand, breaking the contact. "I could not stand there and allow them to murder him! This way they would kill me, believing I was he!"

Glorfindel moistened his lips. "Erestor, I understand why you did it, but I would be howling mad as well. You put yourself in danger."

"I did not have a chance! I could not allow them to murder him!" Erestor trembled with emotion. Suddenly, Glorfindel pulled him in his arms, and Erestor went willingly, soaking up the other Elf's warmth and love. "I would do the same thing for you."

Glorfindel sighed, troubled. "Please do not."

"I love you too much to let anyone hurt you."

Glorfindel's mouth went dry when large, doe-like eyes lifted to stare pleadingly at him. "Erestor, who was hunting you?" For some reason he felt it was important he knew the whole story, even if Erestor preferred to keep some things private.

"The Nazgûl," revealed Erestor, reluctantly. "They wanted to kill us."

"Why?" Glorfindel tenderly stroked Erestor's hair, whilst he tightened his other arm around the advisor's waist. Seeing Erestor hesitate, he added, "If you really want this relationship to work, then do not keep secrets from me."

Erestor nodded against Glorfindel's chest. "Your words are true." Erestor lifted his eyes and probed blue ones. "They wanted to take us out before we could travel to Mount Orodruin where everyone was awaiting orders. The Evil One wanted to do away with his enemy before having to face him."

Glorfindel's eyes widened dramatically. "Erestor, what was the name of your lover?" He couldn't have reached the right conclusion!

"I called him Ereinion, though he is also known as Gil-galad." Erestor sucked in his breath, awaiting Glorfindel's reaction to news that would surely stun him.

"The High-King?" Glorfindel's mouth was agape and the huge eyes spoke of surprise. "You were his bonded?"

"Not many people know this," admitted Erestor. "But Elrond was one of them, and so was Cirdan."

Glorfindel shook his head, trying to rid himself of the questions assaulting him. "That would explain the hair clasp, I guess." A frown appeared on Erestor's brow and he explained. "I found a hair clasp in the design of his house. I wondered why it was in your quarters."

"If you look more closely you will find more items that belonged to him." Erestor bowed his head and rested it against Glorfindel's chest once more. Enjoying being inside the warrior's strong embrace, he rubbed his cheek against Glorfindel's chest in a feline manner, purring softly. Glorfindel had taken this information better than he had hoped.

This news had made Glorfindel think however, and he had another question which he wanted answered. "So Ereinion was your first lover... I must admit that took me by surprise."

Erestor chuckled softly. "You are one of the few who know, Glorfindel."

"Then I am honored you would trust me with that knowledge." Glorfindel cleared his throat. "But who was your second lover? The one who could not love you back?" He instantly regretted the question, feeling Erestor grow tense against him. "I am sorry," he said quickly. "Telling me about Ereinion was hard on you and now I am pushing for more." Tired, restless eyes looked at him, making Glorfindel reach out and soothe Erestor. "You do not have to tell me everything at once. We will continue this another time."

Erestor felt grateful for Glorfindel's understanding, instinctively knowing the blond would be shocked to the core upon hearing he had bedded Elrond for a time. It was time for a diversionary tactic. "And what about you, Glorfindel?"

"There was only Ecthelion," whispered Glorfindel, feeling entranced looking into Erestor's large eyes. "Like you, I love deeply and unconditionally."

Erestor raised a hand and rested it at the nape of the blond's neck. "And now you are stuck with me."

"I would not call it that," said Glorfindel, chuckling. "I like having you in my arms, and it is surprisingly comfortable in front of the fireplace."

Erestor slowly uncurled himself, scooted off of Glorfindel's lap and sat down on the fur, spread in front of the fire. "Maybe you would like to lose those outer robes?" He wanted nothing more than being claimed by the blond right here and now, but he also remembered Glorfindel's request to slow down.

Glorfindel grinned, removed his outer robes and boots, and only clad in his under tunic he eased himself down next to Erestor. The raven-haired Elf rolled onto his side and Glorfindel spooned behind him, burying his mate in a tight hug. "Like this?"

"Oh, yes," sighed Erestor, blissfully. Glorfindel's muscular frame pressed against him and he clearly felt the blond's growing arousal against his buttocks. "Like this."

Glorfindel nuzzled Erestor's neck, pressed kisses onto the skin and then made himself as comfortable as possible. Staring into the fire with Erestor, he realized it had been a long time since he had felt this relaxed and at ease -- and he wanted things to stay that way forever.

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

Frustrated, Elrond dropped the charcoal. He had tried sketching Legolas' face, trying to capture the way the silver-haired Elf had looked when he had first laid eyes on him, but found he wasn't talented enough to re-create the sparkle in those eyes. When they had first fastened on him, he had been lost. Legolas had somehow taken him by storm, and he prayed to the Valar that no one except for Erestor had realized that. He had no idea how his children would react to finding out their father was attracted to Legolas. Although his wife had set him free of all bonds, Elrond knew only the Valar could really set him free, but they hardly ever interfered in such affairs. He could consider himself free to date again, but doubted his children would see it that way.

Many decades had passed since his wife had left him, but he had never blamed her for sailing for Aman. She had been broken in body and soul; letting her leave for Undying Lands had been the only way to keep her alive. But, he had grown lonely after his wife had departed. Arwen had found comfort with her grandparents and the twins had been there for each other, but he'd had no one -- not until Erestor had taken action that was. One evening, when Elrond had dreaded going to sleep alone again, Erestor had entered his rooms. The advisor had disrobed him, pulled him into bed with him and had held him all night long. Elrond had been too stunned to say much and he'd let Erestor take control for a while. His friend had ruled Imladris for several months without anyone ever noticing. During that time, Erestor had warmed his bed in more ways than one. In the beginning they had slept beside each other chastely. No intimate touching had taken place, but when it had become obvious that he was still fading, Erestor had resolutely taken the next step, bonding with him to strengthen him. It had been Elrond's first time with a male, and although he knew of the mechanics of male lovemaking he had been terrified that Erestor would claim him in that way. When it had finally happened, he had found Erestor rocking on top of him, riding him and he had gasped, feeling such a tight glove around him. Finding release, he had made eye contact, and had seen the love in those dark eyes.

"Oh, Erestor, why is this so complicated?" He had loved Erestor as a friend, and he still felt grateful that the other Elf had restored him to life, but he still felt lonely.

"Ada?" Arwen entered soundlessly, dressed in a thin night robe. Tiptoeing into the room, she came to a halt behind him. She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked at the drawing lying in front of her father. "Legolas?" She arched an eyebrow, wondering what this meant. "Why are you drawing him?" She picked up the charcoal and added a few lines, making Legolas' features stronger on paper.

Elrond drew in a deep breath and rested his head against her abdomen. He knew that if he closed his eyes and simply listened to her and inhaled her scent, his wife would come back to life for a mere moment. Arwen was much like Celebrían; she possessed the same sweet scent and her voice... Her voice brought back pleasant memories. He still recalled the first time he had held his daughter in his arms. Celebrían had smiled sweetly at him and Elrond had been the happiest Elf alive.

"He is grace personified," said Arwen, carefully watching her father's reaction to her words. The gray eyes focused on her and she stroked her father's brow soothingly. "I saw the way the two of you interacted during dinner. You like him, don't you?"

Elrond would never lie to his daughter. "He makes pleasant company."

"And you have been alone for a long time." Arwen smiled, melancholy. She had been there when her mother had set her father free to love again and she had always hoped he would find someone to share his life with, but she was surprised to learn that he liked males as well. "For how long do you think he will stay?"

"I do not know," said Elrond, honestly. Studying her eyes, he realized she knew. "No one can replace her, you know that, do you not?"

"Aye, I know that," confirmed Arwen. She leaned in closer and placed a chaste kiss on his brow. "I only hope he feels the same way about you, Ada. I do not want to see you hurt again."

Elrond gathered her hand in his and reverently kissed it. "Thank you, Arwen."

Arwen smiled gracefully, nodded once, and then left him to his musings.

Alone once more, Elrond stared at the sketch. If only Legolas were here in person! But no, he was alone on his balcony and the fair Prince was nowhere in sight.

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

Legolas was unable to find any kind of rest tonight, which surprised him as Imladris breathed peace and serenity. But his mind was pre-occupied and his thoughts raced. Elrond had invited him to take part in tomorrow's hunt and he was excited about that. Hunting was something he excelled in, thanks to chasing and bringing down Mirkwood's dangerous spiders and he hoped to impress Elrond tomorrow.

Never before had anyone had such an effect on him. Never before had he felt the need to be close to someone. But he wanted to be close to Elrond. His father would definitely not be pleased with this infatuation. Thranduil had probably already selected someone who would make a good mate. /But I do not want that./ Did he want Elrond then?

Maybe.

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

Lick.

Purr.

Agile fingers moving up and down his shaft.

Tongue... More tongue... Suckling...

Glorfindel thrust into the warmth surrounding his erection and his eyes filled with awareness the moment he reached orgasm. Blinking, he found himself back in Erestor's luxurious bed with the dark-haired Elf kneeling between his legs. Oh, more tongue... More licking... Erestor had dutifully swallowed and now proceeded to lick him clean. Feeling weak in the stomach, Glorfindel wondered if he had ever seen a more erotic sight.

Erestor grinned at him smugly from behind his hair. "Good morning."

Glorfindel reached for him and pulled his mate close until Erestor lay atop of him, covering his body with his. "Now that was unexpected. Not that I am complaining, but..." Small waves of ecstasy still coursed through him, cloaking him in warmth. His flaccid member twitched one last time and then relaxed. "A good morning to you too."

Erestor blushed, weakly. "You looked delicious -- good enough to eat."

Glorfindel smiled; finding Erestor utterly charming. "And eat you did."

Erestor's blush intensified as he ran his fingertips down Glorfindel's flanks. He was still painfully hard and he hoped the blond wouldn't mind rendering that. Moving his lower body against his lover's, he gave Glorfindel a pleading look.

Glorfindel understood at once. "You crave release as well, do you not?" A nod confirmed his words and spurred Glorfindel into action. Attaining a tight hold on Erestor, he rolled the dark-haired Elf beneath him. The long legs parted in invitation, but Glorfindel knew he couldn't grow erect again in such short time and he opted for a different strategy. Placing one finger against Erestor's lips, he watched, mesmerized, as his bed partner licked it. Dipping the finger into Erestor's mouth, he let the raven-haired Elf suckle it. "You are so eager... I never thought you would be." Now that his finger was coated with Erestor's saliva, he removed it from the luscious lips. Letting it trail down, he placed it at his mate's entrance. Erestor's eyes had widened with excitement and Glorfindel smiled reassuringly.

Erestor's heart thundered madly. Surrendering to Glorfindel, he rose slightly to meet the other Elf's lips when they claimed his. The kiss was deep and long and made him want more. A slippery finger breached him and slithered inside. Arching his back, he tried to take in more, but Glorfindel stopped him.

"You gave me pleasure, now it is my turn." Glorfindel returned to kissing Erestor, ignoring the other Elf's need, which was already slippery with pre-ejaculate, and instead concentrating on finding that tiny nub inside his lover's passage. Erestor suddenly moaned loudly, telling him he had found the right spot.

Erestor's breath came in short gasps and Glorfindel had to break off the kiss to allow his mate to breathe properly. His lips now sought out a hardened nipple, suckling hard.

Erestor yelped softly, as the sensation went straight to his groin. He thought he would come right there and then, as a second finger joined the first, stretching him. "Please," he begged, shamelessly.

"Soon," soothed Glorfindel, now adding a third finger.

Erestor felt pleasantly full and let Glorfindel set the pace when the blond mimicked a thrusting motion, cunningly hitting his prostate with his fingertips. He was so close, so close!

Glorfindel looked at Erestor in adoration. The raven-haired Elf had surrendered completely, and not even Ecthelion had filled him with such rapture, moving beneath him. "Now," he whispered, claiming Erestor's lips again. Warm cream splashed against his abdomen, whilst Erestor trembled beneath him. "So beautiful."

Slowly coming down from this sensual high, Erestor's hooded eyes met Glorfindel's. "Oh..."

Glorfindel removed his fingers, grabbed hold of the under tunic that Erestor must have removed during the night and cleaned him up. "I will like waking up in this bed, won't I?" Erestor nodded eagerly, making Glorfindel smile. "Did you move us to the bed during the night?"

Erestor nodded once more. "And I removed our clothing. I wanted to feel your skin against mine," he paused, but then added, "And I wanted easy access to you. You taste good."

"I do?" Glorfindel arched an eyebrow in amusement. "You are a riddle, Erestor. One I intend to solve." Kissing him once more, Glorfindel wondered what tomorrow morning would bring.

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

Glorfindel, already bathed and dressed, watched with great interest how *his* passionate Erestor changed into the distant advisor he had always known. Dressed in formal brown robes and with his hair braided tightly, more and more of the calm and controlled advisor slipped into Erestor's features. "How do you do that?" asked Glorfindel, whilst Erestor made his way over to the door.

"What do you mean?" Puzzled, Erestor looked at him from over his shoulder.

"Only thirty minutes ago you were the most sensual, erotic being I have ever seen and now you radiate distance and control. How do you do that? And why?" Glorfindel joined Erestor near the doorway, as he needed to join the guards on the training grounds.

"People look at me in a certain way. I sit at Elrond's right and I am his most trusted advisor. They need to respect me, Glorfindel. I would impress them less if I acted differently."

"So it is all an act then?" Glorfindel opened the door and stepped aside so Erestor could pass.

"After a fashion," replied Erestor, who waited for Glorfindel to close the door and join him. "It happens rather automatically these days."

As they were still alone in the corridor, Glorfindel judged it safe to ask another question. "Were you Ereinion's advisor as well?"

Erestor nodded, saddened at hearing his former lover's name. No matter how hard he tried to push the emotional pain away it would always remain part of him. "That is how we got to know each other. I was called upon to advise him, but we quickly fell in love. I remained his chief advisor though, even after becoming his bonded."

Glorfindel gave the raven-haired Elf a long, thoughtful look. "It is amazing. You knew Ereinion that well." And now Erestor had chosen to be with him in that way. But there was still one unanswered question that hung heavily between them; the identity of Erestor's second lover. /I will find out who it was./ How could anyone in his right mind reject Erestor? /And how is it possible that I am falling in love with him that quickly?/

After checking the corridor to make certain they were alone, Erestor leaned in closer and pressed a last kiss onto Glorfindel's lips. "I will see you again at dinner."

"I will be counting the minutes."

Erestor chuckled; recognizing a phrase which he had used himself only yesterday. "You are a romantic, Glorfindel."

"Aye, I am, and I am damn proud of it."

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

"Aren't we done yet?" Elrond was growing impatient now that more and more traders wanted to speak with him. "Can you not deal with this?"

Erestor arched an eyebrow at Elrond's unusual behavior. "This is not like you, my friend."

"I invited Legolas to go hunting with me this afternoon," explained Elrond, "and it is already way past noon." He gave Erestor a pleading look. "Would you deal with them? For just this one time?"

Erestor nodded. "I will deal with the remaining traders."

"Thank you!" Elrond would have kissed Erestor to show his gratitude, hadn't it been for the presence of the assembled council and human traders. The half-Elf excused himself and left quickly.

Erestor took charge when all present wondered about Elrond's unexpected departure. He announced that they were to continue and that he would decide which traders would be allowed to sell their goods inside Imladris and which weren't. The council continued then and Erestor led the rest of the meeting.