Title: One Night Changes Everything
Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairing: Glorfindel/Hephaistion
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Vairë decides to meddle and to give Hephaistion a very special night. She never expected that night to have consequences.
Disclaimer: All characters belong to their owners. Glorfindel and Vairë belong to Professor Tolkien's and Hephaistion belongs to himself (and Oliver Stone, I guess.)
Warnings: Alternate Universe/ Crossover/ Character Death (Hephaistion, but don't worry, he will be back).
Author's note: Monica requested this pairing and got me started by writing the first pages. I changed them around a bit so they fit my writing style. This will probably become a series, like the Never-Ending Stories series… That is, if people want more after this…
Beta read by Patricia Pleasant and DA, thanks sweeties! Cover manip by DA, thanks!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

One Night Changes Everything

Glorfindel sighed as he tossed and turned in bed. That night was a night which he was unable to relax and find any rest. Usually he enjoyed the comforts of the soft beds of Rivendell when he wasn't on patrol, but that night something was keeping him awake. It was a nervous, apprehensive feeling whose origin he couldn't label.

Hours after retiring, he was still wide awake and unable to concentrate on anything. Not even the book he had been reading. Giving up, he sighed and closed his eyes in exasperation.

"This is ridiculous," he muttered. "Why can I not sleep?" Frustrated, he decided to try one of Elrond's meditations. The warrior had never put much faith in the idea of meditation, but he was willing to try anything if it would help him fall asleep.

To his surprise, once he had relaxed and begun concentrating on his breathing, his body quickly began to feel heavy. But then he realized that there was another force at work and finally recognized its call. His surroundings faded, a moment of blackness passed over him, and then he blinked as he realized that he was suddenly on his feet and standing in a strange room.

"Calm yourself, Glorfindel," a voice ordered from behind him.

Glorfindel turned and was amazed to see Vairë. The sight of one of the mighty Valar was enough to make him forget his strange surroundings and he quickly bowed respectfully in greeting.

"My Lady, did you summon me?" Now he understood the disorientation he had felt earlier: he had been summoned by one of the Valar and transported to Aman, although he had no idea why the Weaver required his presence.

"My brave Glorfindel," Vairë answered and smiled at him.

Glorfindel smiled politely in return. He didn't remember much from the time he had spent in Námo's Halls, but he did recall the kindness of Námo's wife.

"I apologize for summoning you so unexpectedly, but I require your help in a very delicate matter, Glorfindel."

"My Lady," Glorfindel responded. "I would be honored to serve you in whatever capacity you desire."

Vairë smiled again, but this smile didn't quite reach her eyes, but instead seemed troubled and even a bit sad. "I need your help, Glorfindel and I believe that only you can accomplish this task." The Weaver gestured and Glorfindel turned to finally take in his surroundings.

The first thing Glorfindel noticed, earning an arched eyebrow in question, was that their surroundings had changed again. They now stood in a bedroom which was luxuriously furnished. Rich tapestries decorated the walls and furs of animals had been piled onto beds and couches. Studying the nature of the decoration on the tapestries and armor scattered about the room, he found they were unfamiliar to him. "Where are we, my Lady?" he asked eventually, needing answers. Where was he and why had she brought him there?

"The world you know is only one reality, but there are more – many more. We Valar rule them and are known under different names in these realities. There is one reality in which only the race of Men exists," Vairë explained. "The people who live in this reality have never heard of Elves, Sauron, or the Valar. I brought you to this reality because I need you to carry out a task for me."

Glorfindel's eyes widened. "This reality has no Elves in it? No Orcs? No Dark Lord?" The things Vairë told him were difficult to comprehend, but he was doing his best to accept what she had told him, knowing she would never lie to him. Seeing her nod, he ventured another question. "This world is ruled by Men?"

Vairë nodded again. "Yes, it is." She raised a hand and one of the windows opened magically, allowing them to look out over the city that lay at their feet. "This city is called Babylon. It is at the very center of civilization and has just welcomed a new ruler who has taken possession of this city. His name is Alexander and he is a brave and mighty warrior. He rules here and is the King of the known world. Alexander is the mightiest man alive today." Vairë looked out over the always busy city. "He has a great destiny ahead of him."

Glorfindel was curious to learn more about this reality, this city, and her King. It was in his very nature to be inquisitive and so asked, "Did you bring me here so I could meet this Alexander?"

"Nay," Vairë answered. "It is not Alexander I want you to meet. I called you here to meet someone else – a very special soul." She turned, and no longer blocked the right side of the bed which stood in the center of the room. She raised her hand and pointed at the man sleeping on it.

Now that his curiosity had been piqued, Glorfindel stepped forward. His eyes narrowed as he took in the handsome features of the man sleeping on the bed. Long, dark hair framed an intelligent and gentle face, while luscious, red lips were already pouting a bit, ready to kiss whomever chose to claim them. The man's facial features were serene in sleep and Glorfindel found himself smiling at the sleeping man. There was an exquisite beauty to his face and he decided the man's soul must be as radiant and warm as well. Why else would Vairë bring him there? This man had caught the Vala's attention for a reason.

"His name is Hephaestion," Vairë said softly. "He is Alexander's closest companion and his lover. These two men have been near inseparable since childhood."

Glorfindel shook his head in wonder. "He is beautiful."

"He is beautiful on the inside and out, Glorfindel. There is more to him than just his good looks. He is an accomplished diplomat and a talented warrior, much like you. But his heart never commanded him onto the battle field. Had he been free to make his choices, apart from Alexander's, he might have chosen to become a teacher or scholar instead. But Alexander needs him at his side and Hephaistion has never shirked from his duty as a warrior and companion to his king."

Glorfindel cocked his head and watched how a soft exhalation left the slightly parted lips. "He reminds me of one of the First Born," he mused aloud. "To see such beauty and grace in a man is rare."

The Weaver smiled at his words. "I have often thought the same thing, Glorfindel. Hephaestion should have been born into your world, but this reality is blessed to have him."

It took him several moments, but Glorfindel finally pulled his gaze away from the sleeping man. He felt spellbound. "You said earlier that you had brought me here to carry out a certain task. What services do you require from me?"

The sad expression had never left Vairë's eyes and it even darkened as she looked at the sleeping man. "Hephaestion is still very young, Glorfindel. His life will be hard and will demand many sacrifices from him. Alexander has a great destiny, but he cannot fulfill it without Hephaestion at his side. For Alexander to succeed, Hephaistion must support him."

"You are very fond of him," Glorfindel realized as he gazed at the Vala in surprise. It was odd to think of one of the Valar caring for a mortal, but Vairë loved all the children of Ilúvatar.

Vairë nodded in confirmation of his observation. "I am. I am very fond of him. He possesses a bright soul and a warm spirit. I do not wish to see it fade so quickly. I want to keep it burning as long as possible. Hephaistion has many trials ahead of him and he will not reach old age. Even Alexander will hurt him in time. Therefore, I want him to have as many good memories as possible. They will sustain him in the years to come."

"You paint a dark and grim picture, my Lady. According to your words, he seems to be one who demands little and therefore deserves better than the bleak future you weave with your words."

"Hephaistion seldom asks for anything, Glorfindel. He is a caring soul and his main concern is for his King and for his people."

Her voice became softer and was barely audible. Glorfindel had to strain in order to catch her next words.

"These men do not celebrate their Begetting Day, Glorfindel. They celebrate the day they are born and this is his birthday, Glorfindel. Today, he added another year and is twenty-one years old now. Aye, still so very young compared to one of the Firstborn, but Hephaistion has entered his last decade. He will die at thirty-three."

Glorfindel felt torn between heading to the bed so he could study Hephaistion further and rushing to the Vala's side, as she looked distressed. "What upsets you, my Lady?"

Vairë gave Glorfindel a rueful smile. "It is Hephaistion's birthday today and Alexander is attending to matters of state instead of being here with the one who loves him so much." Vairë's eyes narrowed. "Alexander has been so busy dealing with his new Empire and his new subjects that it has slipped his mind that it is a joyous day for Hephaistion today." She moistened her lips and then added, "Or that it should be a joyous day."

Glorfindel eventually decided to take a step closer to her. He still didn't know why she had brought him here, but had the feeling he might find out any moment now.

She took a deep breath and then continued. "I want to give him something to remember...something special…a memory that will always remain very dear to him."

Glorfindel's heart ached for Hephaistion's silent suffering and he wondered what special memory Vairë wanted to bestow onto the young man. "You brought me here for a reason. Please share that reason with me."

Vairë's eyes narrowed as she studied Glorfindel. "This will come as a surprise to you, but Alexander and you resemble each other greatly physically. You could pass for his brother. Your hair is a bit longer, but it possesses the same golden hue and you have lain with a male before. Alexander has ignored Hephaestion's needs for too long. I wish for him to have a loving memory, Glorfindel, for he will need it. It will sustain him in the future."

Glorfindel frowned and then raised his eyebrows in thought. "Did I understand you correctly? You wish for me to lay with him, my Lady? You brought me here so I would make love to him?" Of all the possible reasons why she could have brought him there, he would never have thought that could be it.

Vairë blushed, but then resolutely nodded her head. "Yes, you understand correctly. I would never ask this from an Elf who has already bonded, but you, Glorfindel, have not taken a life-mate since your rebirth, so you are free to lay with him." She actually wrung her hands. "He is a gentle soul, Glorfindel, and he deserves to be treated much better. Please consider this. I am only asking you to be with him for one night. What is one night to one of the Firstborn? And it will mean so much to him. He fell asleep hoping Alexander would remember how special this day is to him and he wishes for nothing more than to wake up in Alexander's arms and make love."

"But I am not Alexander. I am Glorfindel. It would be a lie." Glorfindel didn't know what to make of her request. It wouldn't be a chore to make love to Hephaistion, but was it the right thing to do?

"Glorfindel, please give him this one night filled with love and nothing but love. Make love to Hephaistion in such a way that he thinks he means the world to you. He needs that. He needs that desperately."

Glorfindel wasn't completely convinced yet, but he understood why Vairë was making the request. It would mean the world to Hephaistion and maybe even give the man the courage and strength he needed to support Alexander in the coming years. But one question remained. "But what if he awakes, my Lady, and realizes that I am not Alexander?" They might physically resemble each other, but if Vairë's words were true – and he didn't doubt she was being honest with him – then Hephaistion would notice the different way they made love and it might make Hephaistion question who he was with.

"I will weave a web around him, Glorfindel. He will be aware of what happens, but he will feel safe and not question your identity. He will be able to participate in your love play, but he will be in such a daze that he will completely accept you as his bed partner."

"Is his future so bleak that we need to resort to this trickery?" Glorfindel faced Vairë and searched her eyes.

"Hephaistion will suffer greatly and much of that pain will be dealt by Alexander's hands. Hephaistion loves Alexander so much that he has set aside his own needs and that makes him vulnerable. Alexander loves him back, but is also very ambitious. In the end, Hephaistion will be deeply hurt."

Glorfindel moved once more toward the bed, wondering if Vairë's plan could work. It had been many centuries since he had lain with a male. That had been before his rebirth when Ecthelion and he had been devoted lovers. He was confident that his body still remembered the mechanics, but at the same time, he did feel a little nervous now that such an important task had been placed upon his shoulders. Hephaestion sighed and Glorfindel barely resisted the urge to touch the dark hair and find out if it was as soft as it looked.

Vairë smiled, pleased, as she watched Glorfindel reach out to Hephaistion. "I promise you that you will not be disturbed tonight. No one will enter this room. Glorfindel, give him a memory to remember – one he can cling to when his heart finally breaks."

Glorfindel blinked. He couldn't believe that he was going to agree! But there was something that called out to him – something in the handsome features and in the way those lips seemed to await his. "I will do this," he whispered. "I will make love to him tonight and make it worthwhile. I will love him in a way he has never been loved before… He will cherish this night for the rest of his life – this, I vow."

"Remember," Vairë reminded him as her form began to fade from the room. "He will think of you as Alexander. He will believe his lover has finally remembered and has returned to him. Use that to your advantage."

Glorfindel nodded his head once. "I understand," he whispered softly so as to not wake Hephaistion just yet. He needed a few moments to compose himself and mentally prepare himself for what he was going to do. "I will be your Alexander tonight."

~~~

In spite of the high temperature in the room, Hephaistion felt cold. The chill wasn't physical in nature. It was a cold of the soul – a soul that needed his lover's warm touch in order to flourish and Alexander hadn't been about much. His lover had focused on establishing a hold on the Persian nobles and Hephaistion understood that his lover needed to dedicate so much time to the matter, but it was the very reason why he had been so lonely lately.

Keeping his eyes closed, he pressed deeper into the mattress and pulled the blankets closer, but that did little to decrease the chill inside his heart. He needed Alexander more than Alexander needed him, but his lover didn't seem to realize that. And so his loneliness continued and he tried to recall the happier times they had shared – times during which they had filled their days and nights with love making.

Suddenly, the mattress moved and it wasn't due to his moving about so the only other explanation was that someone had joined him. "Alexander?" Hephaistion's eyes opened quickly and fastened on the contours of the man sitting on the side of the bed. He was able to make out the fair hair and relaxed. "Alexander…" A hand slithered out from beneath the blanket and, once it had regained its freedom, it reached for his lover. "You came to me." Truth be told, he hadn't thought Alexander would remember what day that day was.

Glorfindel's heart twitched painfully in his chest at seeing the wondrous, loving expression in Hephaistion's amazing eyes. Had he ever seen eyes which were the very mirrors of the soul? A very radiant soul, warm and caring just as Vairë had told him, but there was more hidden in those blue pools of sea. Glorfindel saw valor there, dedication, and unconditional love. This Alexander should have felt blessed to have the love of someone like Hephaistion, but it appeared this King didn't recognize the gift he had been given. "Aye, I am here."

Hephaistion gave him the most stunning smile Glorfindel had ever seen. The whole face came alive with love and longing and the eyes literally glowed with passion. Glorfindel belatedly realized that Hephaistion was exactly the type of person he could fall in love with. Ecthelion's soul had glittered like that. "You are trembling." It was impossible not to notice the tremors that shook Hephaistion's body. "Why?"

"I am cold… I need you, Alexander. I need you so much… You have no idea how much." Beneath the blankets and fur, Hephaistion was naked. He had gone to bed naked in the hope that Alexander would come to him some time in the night and make love to him. A part of him had chastised himself for hoping that, but another part had remained hopeful that Alexander would remember.

Glorfindel smiled and raised his right hand so he could finally touch the handsome face. Feeling slight stubble beneath his fingertips made him gasp. The bodies of the Firstborn were hairless except for the hair on their heads and to feel such stubble was new to him. Hephaistion leaned into the caress and rubbed his cheek against his fingertips, making the sensation even more exquisite. Recalling Vairë's words, he said, "It is a very special night to you, is it not?"

"It is my birthday! You remembered!" Hephaistion blinked his eyes and gave his lover a stunning smile. "I hoped you would!"

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. He had made the decision to do this, but he still felt nervous, knowing he had to make this night so special for Hephaistion that the other man would never forget just how much he was loved. Leaning in closer, he cupped Hephaistion's cheek in his hand and then pressed his lips oh so gently against Hephaistion's. A soft moan escaped the man's lips and Glorfindel accepted the invitation when Hephaistion's lips and teeth parted in greeting. Moving closer still, he wrapped his arms around Hephaistion and pulled him into an upright position. Pressing himself close, he deepened the kiss.

Hephaistion lifted a hand and let his fingers slide through his lover's fair hair. Encountering naked skin, Hephaistion smiled into the kiss. Alexander was just as naked as he was. "Make love to me tonight?" He would beg for it, if Alexander wanted him to.

"I will," Glorfindel murmured after releasing Hephaistion's lips. Looking into the depths of the blue eyes, he saw raw need there...need and love. Alexander was a fool for deserting Hephaistion in favor of ruling his Empire. Glorfindel would never have made such a mistake. However, his intent to make love with Hephaistion did leave him with a dilemma. He had no idea what roles the two lovers took in their love play. Who took who?

"Please take me… You always feel so good when you are moving inside of me." Hephaistion rested his head tiredly against his lover's shoulder. "It has been so long…"

Once Glorfindel received his answer to his silent contemplations, he lifted the handsome face with a finger beneath the man's chin. He could drown in the big, blue eyes and, for one moment, he wished Hephaistion had been born into his world instead of Alexander's. "I will make love to you, yes. Trust yourself to me." Hephaistion's body trembled and surged toward him. A certain kind of desperation was evident in the way Hephaistion's arms and legs wrapped around him. It was like Hephaistion was frantically trying to convince himself that he wasn't alone. "I am here. I am not going anywhere." Hephaistion relaxed slightly after he had uttered those words, but the tension that radiated from the man remained.

"I cannot believe you left your meeting in order to be with me. I did not think you would do that." Hephaistion rubbed his cheek against his lover's shoulder and sighed deeply. Tremors coursed through his body and he wrapped his arms even tighter around his lover's waist.

Glorfindel swallowed hard. When Vairë had asked him to do this, he hadn't considered the possibility of developing feelings for Hephaistion. This was only for one night… He had met Hephaistion only moments ago… They had only exchanged a few words and yet, when Hephaistion pressed close to him, genuine feelings of affection washed over him. Glorfindel tried to put himself in Hephaistion's position and wondered what the man needed to hear the most. "I might not always show it," Glorfindel whispered tenderly. "But you are the most important person in my life. Even when I cannot be at your side, I will always be with you in spirit. Never forget that. Never forget how much I love you." Glorfindel was beginning to hate Alexander for the way he treated Hephaistion. Hephaistion deserved better. "And tonight I will show you just how much I love you." Glorfindel slowly lowered Hephaistion onto the bed and covered the man's body with his.

"It has been so long since you said something like that." Hephaistion kept his arms wrapped around his lover's waist and closed his eyes in bliss as the firm body covered his. He was finally beginning to feel warm again. "Touch me, please."

Glorfindel didn't want Hephaistion to beg and soothed the distressed man with more kisses. He kissed the soft lips, the closed eye lids, and then let the tip of his tongue slither down the slender throat. Sucking the skin near Hephaistion's collarbone, he moved his hands down Hephaistion's flanks, rubbing the skin there.

Hephaistion moaned. He felt delirious as Alexander focused on his needs. It had been months since Alexander had remembered he had needs too. "I love you… I will love you forever." It was the truth. He loved Alexander and would do anything to make him happy and all he wanted in turn, all he dared hope for in return, was that Alexander loved him back in whatever way the other man was capable of. "More…"

Realizing that Hephaistion needed him *now*, Glorfindel moved lower until the tip of his tongue brushed against hard flesh already dripping with pre-ejaculate. Glorfindel couldn't help but wonder just how long it had been since Alexander had made Hephaistion come. "Soon," he promised, but would Hephaistion last that long?

Hephaistion felt anxious. He knew his body and was well aware of the fact that he was about to come. To feel Alexander kiss him, touch him, lick and suck him was too much and the sensations overwhelmed him. Arching his back, his eyes widened as he realized that his lover was taking him deep in his throat. The warm, moist environment along with a sinfully sensual tongue wrapped around his length pushed him over the edge.

Glorfindel had felt Hephaistion tense up before he found release and was prepared to swallow the man's seed. Hephaistion was squirming beneath him and moans tumbled from his lips. The dark hair had fanned out on the pillow and a fine layer of sweat had formed on the muscular face.

Hephaistion grew utterly relaxed, feeling sated. Alexander seldom brought him to orgasm in this way and therefore the experience felt even more special. "Thank you…" Hephaistion tiredly raised a hand and ran his fingers through the golden mane. "I am sorry I did not last longer… You probably did not want me to come yet."

Glorfindel shook his head. "Tonight is about you – not me." They had the whole night to make love. There was no need to rush it. "Would you like to rest?"

Hephaistion blinked and smiled satedly. "No, you can take me…"

Glorfindel placed his hands on either side of Hephaistion's head and probed the eyes which had darkened. "Now?"

"You are hard too… I felt it… There is no reason to let you wait. You are entitled to come too." Hephaistion smiled at his lover and loved the way the golden strands moved through his fingers. "There is a phial of oil on the night stand." A phial which he hadn't used in months.

Glorfindel wavered. Something felt wrong, but he didn't know what it was. "I do not need to come now, Hephaistion. I can wait until you have recovered." They were apparently the wrong words to say as Hephaistion's eyes almost bulged from their sockets.

"What?" Hephaistion blinked. Alexander had never offered to do so before. Most of the time, it was about what Alexander needed in bed, not Hephaistion. Why had it changed suddenly?

"This is your night, Hephaistion. Tonight, I want you to feel loved." Glorfindel returned to kissing Hephaistion and after worshipping the chiseled features with light kisses, he moved lower to lavish the erect nipples with his tongue. Once they were wet with saliva, he rubbed the peaks and then rolled them between his fingertips. He had the feeling it wouldn't take Hephaistion long to grow erect again and Hephaistion proved him right. The man's member was stirring once more and suddenly, Glorfindel had to know. "When was the last time we made love?"

If Alexander's question surprised him, Hephaistion didn't let it show. Instead, he made an effort to reply, although he didn't feel too coherent in his currently sated state. "Too many months ago." And even back then, their encounter had been about what Alexander had needed. Not his – so seldom his…

Glorfindel stretched out next to Hephaistion and drew him close. Hephaistion rolled toward him until he was on his side and then rested his head against his lover's chest. Glorfindel had to admit that this felt better than he had thought possible. There was something about Hephaistion that called out to him. "Why do you not rest for a moment? I will take you once you feel rested." The look Hephaistion gave him as the blue eyes peeked up at him tore at his heart. "I love you… And tonight is about you." He would repeat it as many times as necessary, though it pained him that it took so many times for Hephaistion to believe him!

"You have been so distant lately and I wonder if it is because of something I have done. Have I displeased you?" Hephaistion pressed as close as he could and clung to his lover.

"Nothing… You did nothing wrong." Glorfindel didn't know why Alexander and Hephaistion were growing apart, but his instincts told him that it was not due to something Hephaistion had done. It was Alexander's fault. "I have been busy and neglected your needs," he added eventually, recalling the little Vairë had told him. "I will never stop loving you, Hephaistion."

Those were the very words Hephaistion had needed to hear and he smiled against his lover's chest. "I am rested… Please take me now?" He wanted...no needed...to feel his lover inside of him.

Glorfindel brushed some dark strands of hair behind Hephaistion's ear and studied the pupils, which were still dilated. "Your wish is my command, Hephaistion." It was the truth: it was his one desire to make Hephaistion happy. He used his hold on Hephaistion to roll the man onto his back and then settled between the muscular legs. He ran his fingers along the powerful thighs and hummed appreciatively. So strong…so beautiful...

"The oil..." Hephaistion managed to wrap his fingers around the phial and removed the stopper. "It has been a while…" He hoped Alexander understood that he needed to prepare him. Alexander was a considerate lover most of the time, but there had been moments when his lover had taken him unprepared because Alexander had needed him so much.

Glorfindel let a generous amount of oil drip onto his fingers and then placed the phial onto the mattress. Letting his fingers trail lower, he sucked in his breath when those fingertips encountered the ring of muscle that guarded the entrance to Hephaistion's body. He took his time massaging it and when he felt Hephaistion relax further, one fingertip slipped inside.

Hephaistion was fighting back tears. Alexander was so seldom this gentle and it was just what he needed. "Love you," he whispered and rested a hand at the nape of his lover's neck.

Glorfindel allowed Hephaistion to pull him closer and returned the kiss the man placed on his lips. At the same time, his finger ventured deeper into the warm channel in search of the treasure hidden inside the passage. Once he found the little nub, Glorfindel lightly stroked it.

Hephaistion thrust upwards, sucked hard on his lover's lip, and began to pant. "Yes!"

Glorfindel smiled at the man's passionate response. Hephaistion's body reacted to his every touch and Glorfindel slid a second finger inside.

Hephaistion threw back his head, releasing Glorfindel's lip, and bit hard on his own bottom lip. His lover had hit his target and Hephaistion began to plow his hips, mimicking the act of making love. "Take me…" he panted. "Now…please!"

Unable to deny Hephaistion any longer, Glorfindel coated his length with oil and then shifted into position between the parted legs. There was so much strength inside Hephaistion that Glorfindel decided the man could easily best Alexander between the sheets and yet, Hephaistion was content to be on the receiving end.

Hephaistion forced his eyes open the moment the head of Glorfindel's shaft pressed against the entrance to his body. "Now…please…now…" He half expected for Alexander to bury himself in one deep thrust like his lover normally did, but apparently, his lover had been sincere when Alexander had said he wanted that night to be about him.

Glorfindel sheathed himself slowly…so very slowly. He wanted to make their lovemaking last. A part of him registered the fact that he really thought of this act as making love to Hephaistion. All pretence was gone and Glorfindel really wanted to make love to Hephaistion. It never occurred to the golden-haired warrior that he could be falling in love.

"Oh, that feels… so…good…" Hephaistion had gone limp beneath his lover and had closed his eyes in order to savor every second of the experience.

Glorfindel finally buried himself inside Hephaistion's body and, instead of starting his thrusts, he lowered his upper body onto the man's. He rested his arms on either side of the dark head and stroked the auburn mane. "Open your eyes for me." He wanted to see the expression in them.

Hephaistion complied. He was a bit surprised to get this request, but he looked into his lover's eyes and smiled. Alexander's eyes, which were normally so dark, now shone midnight-blue. "You never took me in this way before." But he liked it. He loved the sensual feeling of his lover being nestled inside him without pushing them toward orgasm yet.

"I believe this is what you need the most." Glorfindel moved minutely inside Hephaistion. Their lovemaking didn't involve any wild thrusting, grunts, or wildly flexing hips. What it *did* involve were sweet kisses, feather light touches, and gentle rocking. All these things left Hephaistion breathless, just as Glorfindel had hoped they would.

"I do need this… I need this so much…" Since his hands had locked behind his lover's neck, Hephaistion pulled him close and claimed the plump lips once more. They tasted sweet and kissed him firmly, but not demandingly. It was give and take… give and take… give and take…

But even Glorfindel's tender lovemaking failed to keep them away from the edge for long and, in the end, they tumbled forward, simultaneously reaching orgasm. They clung to each other, panting, and stared into each other's eyes which had grown wide with ecstasy.

Glorfindel had never felt like this. He was several thousand years old, had had Ecthelion as a lover for centuries and during that time had learned to read his lover’s needs. But this was his first time with Hephaistion and the feelings he was experiencing at that moment didn't compare to what he had felt when he had still been together with Ecthelion.

Glorfindel managed to compose himself and looked at Hephaistion's features, which glowed in the aftermath of their lovemaking. "You are beautiful."

Hephaistion suddenly released a strangled sob. He had tried to keep his emotions in check, but Alexander's way of making love to him and then hearing that compliment proved too much, and the tears followed quickly. They trailed down his face, dripped from his chin, and Hephaistion felt ashamed as he realized that he was weeping while his lover was still buried inside him. "I am sorry," he murmured, feeling embarrassed that he was unable to keep his emotions in check. "I did not want to…"

"Hush," Glorfindel interrupted him as he ran his fingertips down Hephaistion's cheek so they could scoop up the tears. At the same time, he lowered his brow onto Hephaistion's and stared into the swimming eyes. "I love you, Hephaistion." And this time he said the words because he meant them. He wasn't trying to be Alexander for Hephaistion's sake. No, he had fallen for the young man and was smitten with him.

"Hold me?" Hephaistion had allowed himself to fall and he needed Alexander to catch him.

Glorfindel held him close, soothed him with whispered words, and pressed more kisses onto Hephaistion's brow and eye lids. "I am here," he whispered. "I am here for you."

Hephaistion continued to weep for a few more minutes and then grew silent and motionless beneath Glorfindel. His eyes had closed, his breathing evened out, and Glorfindel realized that Hephaistion had succumbed to sleep. A peaceful sleep this time around. "By the Valar, I am in love with you."

"I never expected for that to happen."

Hearing Vairë's voice so unexpectedly startled Glorfindel. He blushed when he realized that Hephaistion and he were still in a very obviously compromising position. "My Lady, I did not expect you to return so quickly."

"What might have appeared minutes to you were hours, Glorfindel. Time passes differently for these mortals." She considered approaching the bed, but then reconsidered when she saw Glorfindel blush violently. "The time has come for us to leave."

"Will I ever see him again?" Glorfindel placed a parting kiss onto Hephaistion's brow and then freed himself of the man's tight embrace. Leaving Hephaistion almost hurt physically and he wanted nothing more than to return to the sleeping man and bury him in an embrace. Instead of doing that, he made his way over to the Vala.

"This is most unexpected," Vairë replied instead as she contemplated what she had just learned. She had never thought Glorfindel would fall for Hephaistion. She had hoped that Glorfindel would feel attracted to Hephaistion – and the warrior had – but she had never expected for the Elf to fall in love. Recalling Glorfindel's question, she answered, "I do not know the future, Glorfindel. Only my husband does."

Glorfindel's fingers twitched and he had to stop himself from walking back to the bed.

Vairë smiled tenderly at Glorfindel and by doing that she captured his attention. "I do not know what the future will bring, Glorfindel." But she would never underestimate the power of love… Love made everything possible.

"It is time to go home, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel sighed deeply. "I wish I could stay here with him."

"But you cannot. Hephaistion has his own destiny to fulfill."

"It pains me that he will die so young…" Glorfindel's gaze shifted away from her and came to rest on Hephaistion again. "He should have been born into our world."

Vairë's mysterious smile remained, curling her lips. She reached for Glorfindel's hand and then their forms began to fade. A minute later, nothing of their presence remained in that reality.

~~~

Hephaistion slept through the night and woke in the morning with a warm body curled around his. Opening his eyes, he looked at Alexander, who was still in bed with him. The fact that his lover had joined him the other night and had made him feel so special meant everything to him. Until the previous night, he'd had doubts about Alexander's feelings for him, but now he didn't doubt his lover any more. Alexander loved him. He had proven that the other night and no matter what would come in the future, he would always hold onto that one night's memory.

~~~~

"Glorfindel?" Vairë stepped away from the shadows and approached the solitary Elf looking out over the Bruinen. "You seem troubled."

Glorfindel had been lost in thought and didn't startle when she suddenly appeared at his side. She looked as radiant and full of energy as ever and he lowered his gaze respectfully. "I cannot forget him."

Vairë came to a halt behind him and lightly rested a hand on Glorfindel's shoulder. She didn't need to ask him who he was referring to. "Hephaistion. Glorfindel, years have passed by… Why can you not forget him and be happy here?"

Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders once and lifted his eyes to gaze upon her lovely face.

Her hand slipped from his shoulder due to the movement and she seated herself on the grass next to him. She had taken on the form of the Firstborn in an attempt to soothe Glorfindel, but his nervousness, the tension, and longing remained. "In his world, twelve long years have passed by. For us, it was nothing but a heartbeat."

"For me, it has been eternity." Glorfindel bowed his head and let his fingers move through the grass. "I dream of him at night. There are times when I feel his body moving beneath mine. How can a dream be so real?" Glorfindel looked expectantly at her, hoping for an answer, but then something she had said registered with him. "Twelve years? But then he is about to die!"

Vairë nodded her head once. "And that is why I am here. You supported him once before. Will you do so again?"

"In the hour of his death? Of course!" But then he frowned and his expression darkened. "Why have you come for me? Should not Alexander be there for him in the hour of his death?"

"The healers told Alexander that Hephaistion is not in any danger and that he is on his way to recovery. Sadly, they are mistaken. Hephaistion is dying." Vairë saw the emotions she had hoped for sparkle within Glorfindel's eyes. He cared greatly for Hephaistion. Some sort of connection must have formed that night – there was no other explanation!

"And he is alone in the hour of his death? How could Alexander leave his side?" He would never have done so if his mate had been injured! He would have chased off the healers and guarded his lover until he had recovered! "Aye, take me to him. He should not be alone in the hour of his death."

Vairë touched his shoulder again and a familiar sensation swept through Glorfindel as he was transported into another reality – Hephaistion's reality.

~~~

Hephaistion hadn't thought that dying would be so painful. Even more so, he felt ashamed that he would die in his bed, instead of on the battle field while guarding Alexander's back.

Alexander… His lover had left him to attend the games. As a King, his presence was obligatory and Alexander would stay at the games for the rest of the evening.

/I will die alone./ Hephaistion finally realized the truth. The pain, the fever, and the convulsions that wrecked his body were less painful and easier to bear than the knowledge that he would die alone. That Alexander wasn't at his side during his last few minutes.

/By the gods, I don't want to die alone./ He had never shied away from a challenge, but the prospect of dying alone terrified him.

His body had weakened during the last two hours and he was struggling to draw in his next breath. His lungs hurt, the blood that flowed through his veins burned, and his brow felt afire. The fever was burning him alive.

He lifted a shaky hand and reached for Alexander even though he knew that his lover was out of reach. But instead of wrapping his fingers around air, they encountered something warm and solid. Stunned, Hephaistion managed to turn his head slightly. Frowning, he made out a form seated on the side of his bed. At first, he thought it was Alexander because of the long, golden hair, but then realized that the eyes were different. These eyes weren't brown, they were midnight-blue and, where Alexander's were filled with his obsession, these eyes mirrored an inner calm that called out to him. "I… thought… you… were…Alexan…" Hephaistion failed to finish his lover's name, too weak now and drawing in more air simply hurt too much.

"My name is Glorfindel." He wrapped his fingers tightly around Hephaistion's and smiled reassuringly. "You are not alone, Hephaistion. I am here for you."

Now that he was so close to death, Hephaistion was able to sense that something out of the ordinary was happening. He also identified a woman standing in the back, but she terrified him. He was close to the threshold and sensed her power. "Are you here to claim my soul? Will I go the Elysian Fields, or will I be punished in Tartarus?"

Glorfindel swallowed hard. He didn't know the answer to that question and looked to Vairë for an answer. She smiled at him and nodded her head encouragingly. She didn't look like someone who was going to condemn Hephaistion to eternal punishment. "You do not deserve any punishment."

Hephaistion's chest seemed to collapse when he released the breath he had been holding. "Please…don't let me…die…alone."

"You will not. I am here for you." Glorfindel moved closer and lay down on his side. He pulled a feverish Hephaistion close and buried him in a tight hold. "You will not be in pain much longer, I promise." But what would happen to Hephaistion's soul? Where did the souls of the mortals go after they had died?

Sensing Glorfindel's questions, Vairë approached. "In your world, Hephaistion, I am known as Persephone and I know how to influence my husband so he will judge you mildly."

Hephaistion's dazed eyes tried to focus on her form, but it was hard to tear his gaze away from Glorfindel, who looked familiar to him. The voice, the eyes, and the tenderness with which he was being held – they all felt familiar.

"Would you like to live in the Elysian Fields, Hephaistion? Would you like to dwell there?" she asked as she ran her fingers through his hair – her touch soothing the feverish man.

"Will…I…dwell…there…alone?" He didn't want to be alone. He had felt much too alone during the last few years of his life. Alexander had become increasingly distant and they had even had arguments. Alexander had ignored him, lectured him, and withheld his love from him. All those things had greatly hurt Hephaistion, who had only ever wanted love – Alexander's love.

"Nay, you will not be alone. Glorfindel will be there and his friends which he considers family. You might need some time to get used to them and their customs, but you will not be alone." Vairë saw surprise, need, and longing in the big, astonished eyes and soothed Hephaistion with another caress bestowed onto his hair.

"I… want…that." Hephaistion didn't really understand who they were or why he felt so comfortable around Glorfindel. All he knew was that it felt right to rest in these arms. All of a sudden, fighting to stay alive wasn't important anymore. Closing his eyes and giving into death no longer seemed terrifying.

"Aye, go to sleep…" Hephaistion would never wake up again in this reality, but Glorfindel took heart in the words Vairë had just spoken. "Will he awaken in my world?"

Vairë nodded her head thoughtfully. "I am at a loss to explain this," she explained as she soothed a dying Hephaistion when he released his last breath. "But some sort of connection must have formed between the two of you that night you made love. It will enable Hephaistion to exist in your world." Suddenly, she looked up. "Do you want this, Glorfindel? If you say yes, you will gain a mate – a life partner."

Glorfindel held Hephaistion tightly when the dying man suffered from convulsions for the very last time. "Will he be mortal in my world?"

Vairë blinked. "I do not know the answer to your question, Glorfindel. This has never happened before. But he should not be mortal – he just died…"

Hephaistion released his last breath, stopped twitching, and rested peacefully in Glorfindel's arms.

"There is nothing left for me here." Glorfindel looked Vairë in the eye. "Take me home. Take me to Hephaistion."

Vairë touched Glorfindel's shoulder and transported them back to Arda where Hephaistion was already waiting for Glorfindel to join him.

The end
(TBC in a sequel)