Mating Rites 6

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

Elrond stared at Glorfindel in dismay. The blond had stormed into his rooms after Legolas had left, chiding him for only taking two guards with him for an escort. "Peace, Glorfindel. All is well."

"All is well?" Glaring at the half-Elf, Glorfindel drew himself up to his full height. "You broke your ankle!"

"Legolas was there to..."

"To prevent worse," finished Glorfindel for Elrond, interrupting him. "The next time you want to go hunting, tell me and I will accompany you personally. You are our Lord, Elrond. You cannot put yourself in danger like that!"

Elrond's temper rose to the challenge. "I will hunt whenever I desire to do so and I choose my companions myself!"

Glorfindel backed down, seeing the authoritative glare in Elrond's eyes. "I am merely trying to look out for you," he offered, apologetically.

"I know you do," said Elrond, calming down. "And nothing really happened. I just tripped." Elrond blushed.

"Usually, you are not this careless," mused Glorfindel. "Where were your thoughts that you did not sense that animal approach?" Elrond's instincts were sharp! Or, they used to be sharp! "What was distracting you?"

"Legolas was," whispered Elrond, unintentionally. He quickly covered his mouth with his hand but the damage had been done. Glorfindel was smart enough to figure out why Legolas had distracted him.

"Elrond?" Cocking his head, Glorfindel took a seat opposite the half-Elf, studying him further. When Elrond averted his glance once more, Glorfindel knew for certain he had reached the right conclusion. "You *like* him?"

Elrond swallowed hard, embarrassed at having been found out. "And what if I did?"

"Then I would rejoice for you." Glorfindel smiled warmly. "It has been so long since I saw life in your eyes -- desire and affection. I always hoped you would find love once more. I would be happy for you." Glorfindel grinned, cheekily. "Though I must admit to being surprised. I never thought a son of Thranduil could awaken such feelings in you."

Elrond's blush intensified. "Neither did I. It just happened."

"Then I am happy for you." Glorfindel moved a little closer. "Does Legolas know you have these feelings for him?"

"Not yet, but I plan on talking to him this very eve." Elrond straightened his shoulders and looked Glorfindel in the eye. "It has been a while since I felt this way. Since my wife left..."

Glorfindel leaned in closer and placed his hand tenderly atop Elrond's. "I still thank the Valar each day anew for the fact that you did not fade when she left. There was a time -- right after her departure -- that I thought we would lose you. You were so withdrawn, so listless and not even I could reach you. But you overcame that."

Elrond's mouth went dry, being reminded of the sacrifice Erestor had made when making himself so vulnerable, knowing so very well that his love was unrequited. "There is something you should know about that time."

Glorfindel's expression turned curious. "And what might that be?"

"I did not overcome my grief alone. I had help."

"Of course you had," said Glorfindel, wondering why Elrond's distress was mounting. "Your children supported you and so did I, Celeborn, Galadriel, Erestor... Everyone supported you. You were never alone."

"Nay, I did not mean it in that way." Elrond gathered his courage and probed Glorfindel's eyes. "One came to me and offered himself to me -- in heart, body and soul. And I accepted. I bedded him for several years though I did not love him in the way he loved me, and I hurt him. Never intentionally, but I hurt him."

A deep frown appeared on Glorfindel's brow. "I never knew that." Thinking back, he realized he had never noticed that his friend had taken a lover. "Why did you not confide in me?"

"I did not know how you would react. My wife had sailed only two months prior to me taking a different Elf to my bed. But I needed him. I needed his love and dedication. His warmth, his affection. I needed someone to be there for me. To listen to me rave and rant, and curse the Valar. Someone who was not afraid to touch me when I needed to be touched. Someone who offered himself freely -- giving everything he was and receiving so little in return, for I did not love him back." Elrond waited patiently for Glorfindel to make the connection.

/I loved someone who could not love back./ That was what Erestor had told him. Glorfindel's eyes widened with realization. "Erestor?"

Elrond nodded once. "I am not proud of what I did, Glorfindel. I was desperate at the time and fading, and Erestor was the only one who dared to confront me with my needs. I will always love him as my friend and trusted council, but I do not love him in the way he wanted me to love him."

Glorfindel had grown quiet, trying to sort out all this new information. "Erestor told me about Ereinion, but conveniently forgot to mention you."

"He told you about Ereinion? That is good, for it means he trusts you completely." Elrond leaned back in his chair, muffling a yelp when his ankle vibrated with pain. "Erestor was hurt badly after Ereinion died."

"Were you there for him back then in the same way?" Glorfindel wasn't sure what to make of this yet -- how to feel about this.

"Nay." Elrond gave Glorfindel a rueful smile. "He almost lost his mind back then and I nursed him back to health, but there were no kisses and no touching. I might have offered myself to him had I thought it would help him heal, but he never demanded that from me."

"And he gave himself to you because...?"

"Because he loved me and he did not want to stand by and do nothing whilst I faded. But even back then his heart was drifting away from me, turning toward you instead. I told him I did not love him in that way and I was afraid it would break his heart, but it did not. On the contrary, it encouraged him to let me go and to fall in love with you instead. His love is a precious gift, Glorfindel, never forget that." Elrond soothingly stroked the back of Glorfindel's hand. "These last few spring festivals he went out there, looking for you, but he never found you."

Glorfindel's gaze became calm and a smile graced his features. "I would not have attended this year either, had you not forced me into doing so."

"Forced you?" Elrond laughed. "I never forced you! I merely hinted there was someone who loved you and wanted a chance with you!"

Glorfindel chuckled, but then grew quiet again. Large, seeking out met Elrond's. "You never loved him?"

"Not as a lover should. Erestor and I are friends and confidants, as close as brothers, but nothing more. His heart solely belongs to you, so treat him well. He was hurt enough in the past. He does not need you adding to his painful memories."

Glorfindel nodded once. "Which reminds me... There is another reason why I sought you out."

"Besides being cross with me for endangering myself?"

"You were trying to show off," said Glorfindel, grinning smugly. "You were trying to impress our Prince, weren't you?"

"Perhaps," replied Elrond, not ready to admit this so freely. "Perhaps not. So what is this other reason?"

"One of the human traders laid hands on Erestor. He hit him in the face." Glorfindel's blood came to the boil again, remembering the incident. "I had him arrested."

Elrond's eyes flashed with anger. "Have him removed from Imladris. He is banished from these lands henceforth." No one laid hands on Erestor!

"I already thought that would be your ruling in this matter. I will see to it personally." Glorfindel got to his feet again, and was ready to leave, but still remained in place. "Why do you think Erestor kept the fact from me that you were his second lover? Does he not trust me?"

"Trust has little to do with this," replied Elrond, thoughtfully. "Erestor is always concerned how his actions could affect any of us. He probably did not want us to feel uncomfortable and judged keeping this from you would make things easier on you. I reckon he will be greatly relieved once he finds out that you know the truth."

"I should tell him then that I discussed this with you?" Glorfindel nervously shuffled his feet.

"I think you should," advised Elrond. "You must understand that Erestor worries a lot more than he lets you see."

Glorfindel nodded his head once. "He says he loves me, Elrond. He has said so many times."

Elrond suddenly grew concerned that history was about to repeat itself. "And you do not?" He hoped Glorfindel loved Erestor, for that meant Erestor wouldn't have to suffer heartbreak again. Erestor's heart was more fragile than Glorfindel knew.

"At first I did not," admitted Glorfindel, "but this has changed. I am trying to find excuses to spend more time with him. I worry about his safety and I am getting to know him -- the real Erestor. I like him better than I had thought possible and his love for me... It might have unleashed my own. For the first time since losing Ecthelion butterflies tickle my insides, and I feel like I am walking on clouds. All I want is to be with him and have him close."

"Then what are you doing here -- stalling? Get moving!" Elrond gestured for his Captain to leave. "I do not want to see you again until tomorrow morning!"

"And that gives you ample time and space to court Legolas," said Glorfindel knowingly. "I do hope he returns your feelings."

"I will find out tonight."

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

/Elrond desires to court me? *Me*?/ Legolas, standing on the balcony below Elrond's quarters, had overheard the last section of their conversation. Had Elrond really forgotten what guest rooms his guest had been assigned to? The half-Elf must have, otherwise he would never discuss this so publicly with Glorfindel. /Or maybe he does know and he intended for me to overhear them. But nay, he had no idea I was standing here./ Elrond had spoken freely, not knowing who had been listening.

/He desires to court me./ This time, Legolas grinned. /He wants me. Elrond is attracted to me as well./ Perfect! His father had ordered him to find a mate -- well, it looked like he had found one. Tonight, he would put Elrond's worries to rest and make it very clear that the attraction was mutual.

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

Erestor sat painfully straight, aware of the fact that many eyes were fastened upon him, now that he was replacing Elrond during the evening meal. He had never liked sitting on Elrond’s chair, being easily recognizable as the one in charge. He had done so before, when Elrond had been unable to perform this duty after Celebrían had left, and he had hated it back then as well. He preferred to work from within the shadows instead of being at the center of everyone’s attention.

“Why are you so tense?” Glorfindel placed his hand on Erestor’s knee, knowing no one would see as the table presented a barrier to curious eyes. At first, he had felt odd, seeing Erestor seated on Elrond’s chair, but he had quickly stopped paying it attention when dinner had been served. “You have done this before.”

“I have taken on Elrond’s duties before, but that does not mean I like it.” Erestor ate minutely, now and then nibbling on his meat, wishing the evening was already over.

“Erestor? This might not be the best moment to address this, but Elrond and I talked.” Erestor tensed beside him and Glorfindel cringed, knowing he should have kept quiet until they had retired to Erestor’s rooms. “He… told… me… He told me that…”

Erestor swallowed convulsively. “I loved him back then.”

“I know you did, and I also know Elrond did not love you back. Why did you keep this information from me?”

Erestor forced himself to continue eating and to sip his wine in order to keep up his front. He couldn’t grow emotional now. “I thought things would be awkward between Elrond and you if you knew.”

“Would you have told me eventually?”

Erestor looked Glorfindel in the eye. “Aye, I would have… Later on in our relationship. Elrond is like a brother to me these days and I do not want to hurt him in whatever way.”

Glorfindel nodded once. “Are there more secrets you are keeping from me?”

Erestor’s expression hardened. “Nay.”

Glorfindel immediately regretted addressing this during dinner when Erestor already felt uncomfortable. “Please forgive me. I did not mean…” Unexpectedly, Erestor’s hand came to rest on top of his and then the long fingers squeezed reassuringly.

“I am not cross with you. I am cross with myself,” explained Erestor. “I should have found the courage to tell you, but remembering Ereinion’s death unbalanced me.” Even now, Erestor’s voice sounded unsteady. “Forgive me for being a coward.”

“You are no coward!” Glorfindel folded his fingers around Erestor’s reversing the hold. “I am merely grateful that everything is out in the open now.”

“I do love you, Glorfindel. I really do – and only you.” Erestor hoped Glorfindel believed him.

“I know you do.” Realizing it had grown quiet in the hall Glorfindel looked about and found that most Elves were staring at them with puzzlement in their eyes. “You do realize we cannot keep our love a secret much longer?”

“Our love?” Glorfindel had hinted before that he was falling in love with him, but Erestor was afraid to believe so. “Is it true then? Did you make up your mind?” Did Glorfindel really love him back?

Following his heart’s desire, Glorfindel leaned in closer and kissed Erestor on the lips.

A murmur washed through the gathering of Elves when their suspicions were confirmed and soon one of them began applauding the brave and courageous Balrog Slayer who had apparently won Erestor’s love.

Glorfindel chuckled softly when the cheering finally reached his ears. “It looks like they approve.” To his utter delight – and surprise – Erestor blushed deeply.

“Why did you do that?” whispered Erestor, feeling shy when the cheering slowly died down. “Now everyone knows!”

“Good, that is just what I wanted!”

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

“Enter,” called out Elrond from the balcony. He had been forced to ask a servant to help him bathe and dress, which had frustrated him to no end, as he had once more been confronted with his injury.

Elrond straightened his burgundy robes, made of the finest silk and quickly checked if his braids were still in place. Tonight he was wearing the beautiful butterfly hair clip, the last gift his twin had given him before releasing his last breath. It reminded him of how quickly life could flee from his hands and that he should embrace love when he found it.

Legolas stepped onto the balcony and smiled at Elrond in obvious delight. “I hoped we would dine out in the open.” Stars shone above them and Ithil’s rays gently caressed the half-Elf’s face. Although they didn’t need the candles to see they created a warm and inviting shimmer.

“Please seat yourself.” Tonight’s dinner had already been placed on the table and Elrond made an inviting gesture, signaling Legolas to take his pick from the food.

“Imladris is beautiful,” said Legolas, selecting a strawberry from the fruits. “Almost as beautiful as her host.”

Elrond couldn’t help it; he blushed deeply. Legolas’ comment had taken him by surprise, never thinking the Prince would be that direct. “Thank you. That is very kind, but hardly the truth. I am old and withered.”

Legolas raised an eyebrow in amusement. “You do yourself injustice. Your beauty is like old wine, refined, and it needs a connoisseur to recognize its quality.”

Oh, Elrond hadn’t seen that one coming either. “You are too kind, but your eyes are deceiving you.”

“I do not think so.” Legolas suckled a strawberry, and then let it sit on his lips before slowly swallowing it.

Elrond shifted on his chair uncomfortably, as Legolas’ words and motions had caused his groin to stir with desire. Wondering what step would be appropriate to take next, he sought out Legolas’ eyes and he thought he saw interest there – affection even. Or were his senses deluding him?

Legolas took hold of the glass of wine and sipped slowly. Now that he knew what he was looking for, it was easy to read the signs that told him Elrond desired him. And if he read him correctly, he doubted the half-Elf would make the first move. That meant it was up to him to seduce the half-Elf, but he had to do it slowly, recalling Elrond’s tragic history where his wife was concerned.

Elrond observed Legolas intently, wondering how to address the attraction he felt for the Prince.

“Elrond,” started Legolas, leaning in closer, “my father ordered me to find a mate and I think I have found a suitable candidate.”

Elrond’s eyes narrowed. “You have?” Another unexpected move! “Who is it?”

Legolas moistened his lips, grinned feral and placed his glass back onto the table. Rising from his chair, he made his way around the table and came to stand in front of Elrond. Determinedly, he pushed the chair away from the table and then sat on his heels in front of the half-Elf, whose eyes were wide with shock and surprise. /He never expected me to take the initiative in this matter,/ he thought amused. /You do not know me as well as you think you do./

Elrond didn’t know what to make of Legolas’ move and waited for the younger Elf to address him again. When Legolas gathered his hands in his, Elrond swallowed hard, feeling the warm fingers rub his. “Legolas, what…?”

“Do not speak. Not yet, anyway. Let me speak first.” Legolas brought Elrond’s captured hands to his lips and kissed the back of one of them. “My father will most certainly throw a tantrum – no, a series of them – but that never stopped me before. I chose my mate, Elrond, and I want you.”

Elrond’s mouth had gone dry and all he was capable of was staring at Legolas. “You… what?”

“I want you, Elrond. I do think we are greatly suited for each other and I already respect and love you. It started the first time we met and I believe you felt it too.” Legolas rubbed the knuckles of Elrond’s hand. “What I want to know is if you are available. I know you were married to the Lady Celebrían and should you decide you want it to stay that way I will respect that.”

“Legolas, I…” Elrond had thought he’d had it all planned, but now Legolas had changed everything! The younger Elf was practically proposing to him!

“You do not have to decide now. I do realize this is rather unexpected, but I do hope you will consider my offer.” Legolas inched a little closer and shifted to a kneeling position. Reaching for the half-Elf, Legolas’ heart began to beat faster, realizing Elrond was allowing this. Once Elrond was close enough, Legolas rested a hand at the nape of the half-Elf’s neck and slowly brought him in for a kiss. /So old, so wise, so full of pain and suffering… and utterly beautiful,/ thought Legolas, looking into Elrond’s eyes.

Elrond was a slave to his desire and gave in, allowing Legolas to take his lips in a passionate kiss. /How did this happen so quickly?/ The hand that rested on his nape began to massage his tense shoulders and Legolas’ other hand buried itself in his long, dark hair. Surrendering to the younger Elf’s passion, Elrond moaned softly as the kiss deepened. He had merely wanted to inquire if Legolas was interested in him and now the Woodland Elf had taken charge, kissing him breathless.

Legolas slowly released Elrond’s lips and looked deeply into the hooded eyes, which spoke of need and arousal. “I was right then. This is mutual.”

Elrond nodded, incapable of speech at that moment.

“I already thought so,” said Legolas, smugly. Running his fingers along Elrond’s jaw, he said, “Give my proposal serious consideration, Elrond. I want you to know that you found a way into my heart and that I truly desire you.”

“But… I am old…” Elrond frowned. “And you are Thranduil’s son!”

“My father might fight this at first, but he will accept our relationship once I point out the advantages such a marriage will bring. Mirkwood and Imladris will truly be allies. Both our people will benefit from this.”

Elrond nodded once more. “Legolas, why would you settle for an old Elf like me – a half-Elf I might add – when you can doubtlessly have any Elf on Arda?”

“Because my heart calls out to you. You asked me once if I was interested in any of your children, and the truth is that you greatly outmatch them. Your eyes are springs of wisdom and knowledge and have seen great wars. Your lips spoke words directed at the likes of Ereinion and your hands wielded a sword in the most important battle in Arda’s history. Aye, you are old –ancient even – and that makes you even more precious in my eyes.”

Elrond smiled weakly whilst listening to Legolas. “I let go of my love for my wife a long time ago, Legolas, and we agreed to set each other free to love again. I hoped I would win your heart, but did not dare hope I would actually succeed. I still cannot understand why you would want me, when you could have one of my sons instead. But I will accept your words as the truth and I believe you when you say you have feelings for me.”

“But?” Legolas frowned, displeased.

“You are moving so fast,” said Elrond slowly. “I merely wanted to inquire if you would consider letting me court you and now…”

“I am asking you for more, much more,” said Legolas, interrupting the half-Elf. Parting Elrond’s legs, he moved in between them and folded his arms around a stunned looking Elrond. “I never felt this strongly about someone before and my heart is telling me that you are the only one for me. I will never settle for anything less. I want you, Elrond.”

“But…”

Legolas decided that the time for talking had ended and claimed Elrond’s lips once more, silencing him. With his thumb, he drew circles beneath Elrond’s ear and then his fingertips gently explored the slightly blunt tip of the half-Elf’s ear. Elrond relaxed against him and Legolas ended their kiss, giving them a chance to breathe again. “I know what I want, Elrond. I always did. That is why I would never have accepted a mate my father selected for me. I know what I want and I want you.”

The determination that sounded in those words surprised Elrond. “I have never been claimed in such a way before.” He looked long at Legolas, thinking this over. “I care for you too, Legolas, and I do believe it is love, but we only just met.”

“Time is like sand and easily slips through our fingers. It almost stopped flowing when that boar attacked you. Life can be short, even for us Elves; we should use every moment of it.”

“You speak like one who lived long and saw much pain…”

“I see pain in your eyes as we speak right now.”

Elrond lowered his eyes. “I am merely considering the consequences of your proposal.”

“Consequences?” Legolas laughed softly. “My father will rave and he will throw some tantrums, but that is all the damage he will do, for he loves me dearly. He won’t stand in our way. I promise you that.”

Elrond raised a trembling hand and caressed the long, fair hair. “I would like to accept your proposal, but I require a bit more time.”

“You want to explore this relationship more slowly,” realized Legolas.

“You say that like it is a bad thing.”

Legolas cocked his head. “I will give you the time you need, but there is a condition.”

Elrond arched an eyebrow. “What condition?”

“That you will allow me to court you – and in time to seduce you when you are ready to become my mate.” Legolas grinned, wickedly. “For I am young, my Lord, compared to you, and I want us to express this love physically as quickly as possible. I ache for you.”

Elrond continued to stroke the silken hair and didn’t let Legolas’ soft plea change his mind. They needed to take this slow. First, I needed to talk to Thranduil and see where the Woodland King stood on this matter. And then he had to talk to his children to see if they accepted this. No, it wasn’t as easy as Legolas thought it was.

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

“Lord Glorfindel! Captain!”

Glorfindel looked up in surprise. Dinner had almost come to an end and he had planned to retire early so he would have Erestor to himself for the remaining evening, but now one of his guards came running toward him. “What is amiss?”

The guard trembled visibly and his eyes spoke of horror. “My Lords,” he said, addressing Glorfindel, Erestor and the twins, who were also present, “Narwain, Lord Councilor Erestor’s assistant, he… he…”

Erestor, realizing something was terribly wrong, rose from his chair. “What happened? Speak up!”

“He is dead, my Lord. We found him in your studies during a routine inspection. Someone stabbed him in the back.” The guard quickly lowered his eyes. “It must have happened an hour ago, maybe even longer.”

“He is… dead?” Erestor’s eyes widened dramatically and he reached for Glorfindel to support him.

Glorfindel reacted at once, steadying him. “Erestor, I…”

“Narwain was so young… so promising… Who would…?” Erestor lifted pleading eyes. “You have to find the murderer!” Who dared to commit murder in Imladris?

“I will. I will find the murderer,” promised Glorfindel. Taking charge, he bellowed his orders. “You,” he said, addressing the guard, “You are with me.” He planned to examine Narwain’s body and Erestor’s study very carefully in search of clues. Turning to Erestor, he wavered. “I am not so certain you should see this.”

“I have to,” said Erestor, straightened his back. “He was my assistant.” And he had come to care about the ambitious youngster.

”We will help too,” offered the twins. “In whatever way you deem best.”

Glorfindel sighed, deeply. He didn’t want to disturb Elrond, who was probably enjoying Legolas’ company but the Lord of the Valley had to know murder had been committed in his home. “Go to your father and inform him. You will get your orders from him.”

The twins hurried away, and Glorfindel wrapped an arm around Erestor, leading him toward the doorway. “I promise I will catch the one who did this and he will be punished.”

Erestor nodded, feeling numb and paralyzed. Why did Narwain have to die? Who dared murder an Elf? And then a startling thought made him tremble – would the murderer stop? Or would more deaths follow?