Title: Αναγέννηση της ψυχής (Rebirth of the soul)

Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon

Pairings; Hephaestion/Elladan/Elrohir, Hephaestion/Éomer, Elrond/Glorfindel/Erestor and Haldir/Erestor.

Overall rating: NC-17 or in Master Erestor’s coding system; hot red :P
Summary: Hephaestion dies of typhus and descends into Hades. Greek gods and the Valar are identical and Námo decides that Hephaestion still has much to learn, things which he failed to learn in his life with Alexander. The Doomsman of the Valar therefore ‘sentences’ Hephaestion to a continuation of his life in Imladris. Hephaestion finds himself near the Last Homely House, still weak from his illness and is taken in by Elrond half-Elven.  

Disclaimer: Not mine, Tolkien’s and although I wish Hephaestion was mine, he isn’t either.

Warnings: Character death (Hephaestion’s) and this story is the mother of all AU stories as it is a crossover between LOTR and the movie Alexander.

Beta read by the lovely Patricia Pleasant, thank you!

Author’s Note; I took the movie by Oliver Stone as a bases for my story. I know that things happened differently in the past and that Alexander *was* at the Games when Hephaestion died. But, Stone’s scene worked for me and that is why I used it.

All remaining mistakes are mine.

The lovely drawing has been made by NOL-chan (not_only_liesATyahoo.com)

Αναγέννηση της ψυχής

Rebirth of the soul

How he wished Alexander had held him close in his final moment! But in the hour of his death his great love had turned away from him, had looked out of the window and fantasized about future conquests. Hephaestion had listened to Alexander’s voice, drawing in the sultry tone and had remembered how he used to feel, being locked in a tight embrace, held by the only love he had never known.

But typhus had brought him down; he had contracted it in Asia, during one of Alexander’s rounds of conquests.

Alexander’s voice grew softer and Hephaestion’s body convulsed with feverish cramps, which pushed his heart to beat an even faster rhythm. Unable to deal with the pressure, his heart failed him and he raised a shaky hand in one final attempt to draw Alexander’s attention. But the love of his life continued to stubbornly stare out of the window and ignored his pain. /He knows I am dying and cannot bear to look upon me in the hour of my death./

Life was flowing away from him like sand running through his fingers. Why had his love never been enough for Alexander? Why had Alexander always wanted more when the ultimate love had always been so close?

Hephaestion’s stare broke and life fled his dead eyes. His heart stopped beating and his fingers turned into claws, grasping for the last remnant of life, but failing to take hold of it.

His soul raced toward Hades, the nether world. He had never told Alexander that his greatest fear was facing Hades alone, without his love at his side, and now that fear was quickly becoming reality.

Blackness surrounded him and he screamed in agony. He yelled Alexander’s name, but his lover could no longer hear him. Alexander still belonged to the living.

His surroundings suddenly changed and he found himself on a riverbank. A boat was coming toward him and dread came over him, realizing Charon was steering it. The ferryman would help him pass the Styx. Crossing the river Lethe would have caused him to lose his memories and he would never have agreed to that. His memories of Alexander sustained him, as he struggled to accept his death and arrival in the nether world.

“Hades already awaits you. Make haste.” Charon had brought the boat close enough for Hephaestion to enter the barge.

Hephaestion looked over his shoulder, hoping to find a way to return to the land of the living and to his Alexander. A coin appeared beneath his tongue, a certain sign that the priests were tending to his corpse. His hand shook, placing the coin in Charon’s hand and stepping onto the boat. Wearing only a thin shirt, he pulled the material closer, feeling vulnerable and naked. During the last hours of his life fever had consumed him and the physicians had dressed him in as little clothes as possible, wanting easy access to his sweat-covered body.

“Why do you not sit down and calm yourself?” Charon pushed the barge away from the riverbank. He had transported many souls to the nether world and some of them had been the souls of heroes. Others had been true artists and only a few of them had been true lovers. The ferryman saw the love and compassion in the swimming blue eyes and wondered what his Lord and Master’s plans were for this particular soul.

~~~

“Go on. Hades awaits you. Do not fear Cerberus, he will not harm you.” Charon urged Hephaestion on as the soul hesitantly set foot ashore.

Hephaestion made his way to the castle-like structure which shimmered at the horizon. His soul quivered, realizing he would shortly stand before the Doomsman of the Gods.

~~~

As Charon had predicted, Cerberus let him pass. The three-headed dog merely growled at him and then stepped back. Hephaestion entered the main hall and his soul shivered, seeing the throne-like chair situated at the back of the hall. Seated on it was a transparent form. /Hades,/ he realized. The Lord of the nether world was already waiting for him.

“Come closer, Hephaestion, and do not fear me.”

Hephaestion approached cautiously. He was in no position to defend himself should Hades condemn him to a dreaded fate like Tantalus had suffered – was still suffering! His soul stood before the Doomsman of the Gods and shivered with fear.

“To you, I am known as Hades,” said the Doomsman, eyeing the soul closely.

Hephaestion nodded once. “Aye, you are.” The Doomsman’s form was growing more pronounced; long, raven hair descended down muscular shoulders, dark, burning eyes appeared in the sockets and the thin lips were curled in a smile. Dressed in black, the Doomsman’s appearance was enough to strike the poor soul with terror. “Am I about to be judged?”

“Aye, you are. Tell me, what did you learn in your life? What made your life worthwhile?” He descended from his throne and came to a standstill in front of the trembling soul.

“I found love,” said Hephaestion and for the first time in his existence he doubted that love. “Alexander loved me.”

“That is the wrong answer, my friend. What did *you* learn?” asked the Doomsman again.

Hephaestion’s head bowed, sensing defeat. “I learned that no matter how much I loved Alexander, my love was not enough. He always desired more, more lands to conquer, more wives – a son.”

“And he sacrificed your love to gain all that, did he not? You gave him your heart. You gave him everything you were and what did he do?”

Hephaestion didn’t dare look Hades in the eyes. “He loved me back.”

“But his love was a selfish one, wasn’t it?” He returned to this throne and sat down.

“No.” Hephaestion finally found the courage to look the Doomsman in the eyes, ready to defend Alexander. “He was no normal man. He was the son of Zeus…”

“He *believed* he was the son of Zeus,” said the Doomsman, correcting Hephaestion. “Alexander was a mortal man who believed the myth his mother had created and he drew you in as well.”

“He achieved many great things! Won numerous battles and…”

“And he forsook you in the end, didn’t he?”

The black eyes drilling into his made Hephaestion avert his gaze. “He did what he had to do. He took a wife because he desired a son and…”

“He failed to reach out to you when you died. He *knew* you were dying and yet, he put distance between the two of you. You wanted Alexander to hold you one last time and he walked away.”

Hephaestion began to turn away from the Doomsman, but an invisible force kept him in place and raised his head so he *had* to lock gazes with his tormentor. “Alexander could not bear seeing me die. Why hold that against him? What will my fate be? What did you decide?”

“That you did not learn the things you were supposed to learn.” He rose from his throne and cocked his head. “To the Greeks, I am known as Hades, Lord of the nether world, but I have many other names. I am also called Clymenus and Eubuleus or Polydegmon, but I bear other names as well. Names, which you never heard before. I am also called Námo, Doomsman of the Valar.”

Hephaestion didn’t know what to make of this speech. “Please, Milord, I beseech you, pass judgment onto my soul. Make it swift and if you can, have pity on me.” He felt like life had cheated him. Life and love. Both had forsaken him in the end.

“Nay, there can be no fast judgment for you,” decided Námo, eying the lost soul. “Your journey has ended and it brought you pain and disappointment. Your hands are drenched in the blood of many, your heart has been shattered and you long for a love that could never truly be yours, for Alexander was ruled by desires stronger than his love for you.”

That invisible power still held Hephaestion in place and the soul could do nothing but listen.

“Your fate will be nothing like you think it will be.” Námo approached the soul and raised a hand, running his fingers through the tangled mane, which still reeked of fever and death. “You still have much to learn.” Hephaestion’s life had been filled with war, blood and a desperate love. His soul had never known peace – true peace of the soul – for Alexander had never known it. Alexander had driven Hephaestion on, driven him to do things which he had never wanted to do. Hephaestion was a born diplomat, a tactician, and a lover of the arts, and yet, he had chosen the way of the warrior in order to please Alexander. “It is about time you discover parts of yourself which remained buried during your lifetime.”

Hephaestion’s soul sensed the power inside the Doomsman and it cried out when that power drew him in. His surroundings changed, his heart began to beat again, his veins pumped blood toward his heart and the fever took possession of his body once more. He screamed, being thrust back into life again.

~~~

The fever that consumed his body made it impossible for Hephaestion to think. His body shook, convulsions robbed him of his consciousness and he tumbled into darkness once more. The last thing he noticed before succumbing to the fever was the sweet scent of flowers in the air.

~~~

“Elladan? I smell something foul.” Elrohir cocked his head and scanned his surroundings. They had ventured into the woods near the Bruinen in search of healing herbs and had strayed from the main path.

“I smell it too,” replied Elrohir, trying to determine where the odor was coming from.

“Over there.” Elladan raised a hand and signaled for his twin to follow him into the thicket. His eyes widened in surprise when they discovered the source of the foul scent. “He is injured!” Elladan hurried over to the side of the fallen man and turned him onto his back. Long, brown hair spilled over the half-Elf’s hands and large, sapphire eyes stared blankly at the sky. Scars marred the perfect facial features and a small sigh of admiration escaped Elladan’s lips. “He is a mortal man. No Elf.”

Elrohir sat on his heels next to the wounded man and brushed damp strands of hair away from the pale face. “He has a high fever.”

The stranger’s body convulsed fiercely, making Elladan gasp in worry and he tightened his hold on the mortal. “We should take him home. Our father knows how to treat his ailment best.” Elladan lifted the stranger in his arms. “He weighs nothing.” Studying his charge closer, he realized that the cheeks were sunken and the eyes red with infection. “He needs a healer fast.”

“Then we should not waste any precious time!”

The twins broke into a run, taking their charge to the Last Homely House.

~~~

“Erestor, would you please find out what that commotion is about and tell my dear sons to quiet down?” Elrond was trying hard to focus on writing down the correct amounts of healing potions for a particular remedy and his sons were disturbing his peace and quiet.

Erestor walked over to the window and looked outside. He was about to chide the twins for making such noise when he saw the limp body in Elladan’s arms. “Elrond, come quickly. They brought in a wounded man.”

Elrond abandoned his writing and joined Erestor at the window. The dark-haired, young man in Elladan’s arms was motionless and even from this distance he saw the sweat attached to the limp body. His sons headed for the Healing House and Elrond gathered his robes close, hurrying out of his study, followed suit by Erestor.

“Ada! We need you!” Elrohir called out to their father, seeing Elrond run toward them. “We found him near the Bruinen. He was unconscious and reeks of fever.” (Ada – papa, daddy)

Elrond followed Elrohir into the Healing House and quickly directed Elladan to one of the more isolated examination rooms. “Place him on the bed and stand back.” He pushed back the sleeves of his robes and brushed aside his patient’s damp, auburn hair. “He is a mortal.” It was rather rare for a mortal to make his way into his lands unnoticed. Even in his weakened state, the mortal still possessed a touch of unearthly beauty.

“Ready a bath, Elrohir,” instructed Elrond. He then addressed Elladan, telling him exactly which herbs he needed and how he wanted them prepared. Both half-Elves hurried off to do their father’s bidding.

“What is amiss with him?” Erestor had followed Elrond into the room and stood back, giving the half-Elf the room he needed to examine his newest patient.

“I have seen this illness before – it can kill, Erestor. We must act quickly.”

“He is in mortal danger then?” Erestor took a step closer toward the bed and cocked his head. “I wonder who he is and how he came to be here.”

“Those questions will have to wait,” said Elrond, decisively, telling Elladan to hand him the tea when his oldest son entered the room. “Put the rest of the herbs in the bathtub and then fetch more.”

Elladan did as he was told and left to seek out the healers once more.

“Erestor, hold him upright. I need to undress him.” The shirt was drenched in sweat and together they removed the damp garment.

“He is muscular,” observed Erestor, a bit surprised. The facial features revealed grace and intelligence and he had not thought to find a well-trained body beneath the shirt. “He is a warrior then.” That would also explain the presence of scars on his face and the rest of his body.

“We will ask him later, should he survive,” said Elrond. He pushed his hands beneath the mortal’s knees and shoulders and lifted him. Elrond carried him into the bathroom and lowered him into the tub. On the surface of the water floated herbs, releasing their healing essence into the water.

Elrond nodded, contently, finding Elrohir had used tepid water. “Good, we need to cool him down. The lukewarm water will lessen his fever.” During the next few moments, Elrond and Elrohir attended to their patient’s needs. Elrond cleaned the sweat from the limp body and Elrohir washed the dirty hair.

“He is…” Erestor felt hesitant to finish his sentence, as he was referring to a very ill patient.

“He is beautiful,” finished Elrond for his friend. His patient’s eyes unexpectedly twitched, marginally opening. A radiant blue, which even outshone Glorfindel’s sapphire shone from the depths of the feverish eyes. Elrond focused on his task as a healer – he would question his patient later. “Can you hear me?” he asked, gesturing for Erestor to fetch towels.

Hephaestion stared at the dark-haired apparition in front of him. Was this one of Hades’ minions? The fever still had a tight hold on him and seeing the pointy ears on his savior made him question his sanity. /It must be the fever./

“I am Elrond and I am a healer. I will look after you.”

The words barely registered with Hephaestion. His vision contorted, showing him a caricature of the healer attending to him. He felt warm, but no longer hot; a pleasant spicy scent invaded his nose – and his pores. His head lolled back and forth and came to a stop when Elrond offered him a shoulder to rest it against.

“You have a very high fever and you are very ill, my friend. Fear not, though. I know of a cure and you will recover. But first, you will grow worse.” Elrond wrapped one towel around his patient’s hair, drying it and then discarded it. Next, he told Elrohir to unfold a bigger towel and he assisted his patient in getting to his feet. But, the mortal was weaker than expected and could not stand unaided. Aided by Erestor, the three Elves dried their patient’s skin.

Elrond carried his patient back to the bed and lowered him onto the mattress. “Elladan, the herbs!”

Elladan appeared at Elrond’s right and handed his father the crushed herbs, which had turned into a paste.

“We must rub it onto his entire body.” Elrond smeared the paste on his patient’s chest. Elladan covered the mortal’s legs with the salve and Erestor rubbed the ointment onto the beautiful face. “This will force the sickness out of your body. Try to sleep, my friend.”

The healer’s voice was soothing and Hephaestion’s eyes began to close. Gentle hands covered him with warm blankets and his skin started to cool down, emitting a tingling sensation. He was grateful that the convulsions stayed away and that his heart was beating in a calmer rhythm. Fingers touched his brow in a gentle fashion, caressing it, and even fingering the scar on his forehead. A softly-sung song drifted through the room and lured him into sleep.

“May your dreams be kind and peaceful,” whispered Elrond, gesturing for his sons and Chief Advisor to leave the room. “He will remain asleep for the next few hours and there is little you can do for him. I will stay at his side and watch over him. Erestor, attend to all pressing matters. Elladan, try to find out more about this stranger. Elrohir, tell the healers to make more of that paste.”

Elrond remained behind alone and now that he had some privacy, he placed a hand on his patient’s forehead. A light, seldom seen in the soul of mortals, shone from within and urged him to do everything he could to keep this one alive. Closing his eyes, he focused his curative powers and directed them into the weakened body. His charge moaned, pitifully, but he continued until he had sent enough healing energy into the exhausted body to keep him alive and strengthen him.

Elrond opened his eyes, feeling his charge tremble. “All will be well,” he promised, leaning in closer. The magical blue eyes met his and Elrond smiled, hoping to reassure his patient. “What is your name, my friend?”

“Hephaestion…” His voice sounded raw and weak, but he managed to whisper his name. The grey eyes which hovered above him were kind and warm and very much unlike Alexander’s dark ones. These eyes radiated wisdom and contentment, two emotions which he had always longed for, but had never found.

“Go back to sleep, Hephaestion,” whispered Elrond, soothingly stroking the auburn hair. Fingering the strands, he discovered some grey beneath the brown. It was hard to guess his patient’s age, but he was certain that this was no youngster. He might be thirty years old in the world of Men. /Only thirty. Elves are still considered children at that age, but for a mortal it means they already lived through half of their lifetime./

Hephaestion closed his eyes, releasing a deep sigh, as he drifted off into sleep again. His sleep was filled with images of Alexander, who would hold him close one moment and turn away from him to hold his wife or Bagoas the next. Alexander had never been his, although the King had said so. He had always had to share Alexander – with his wife, his slave, and foremost his desire to rule the world.

~~~

“Glorfindel?” Erestor entered the Captain’s office and came to a halt in front of the desk. Blue eyes looked up into his and the warrior cocked his head, obviously surprised to see him here. “The twins brought home a mortal. They found him near the Bruinen. I want you to search the grounds and to make certain that no one else invaded our lands.”

Glorfindel arched an eyebrow. “They *found* him?”

“He is very ill. Elrond did not tell me what exactly ails him, but the mortal is in a very bad way. He has a high fever and is very weak. He does not present any danger, but we must know where he hailed from and how he could enter Imladris unnoticed.”

“I agree,” said Glorfindel, thoughtfully. “I will dispatch a patrol.” It was his duty as Captain to make certain that Imladris wasn’t threatened. “Does this stranger have a name?”

“Aye, Elrond told me that he is called Hephaestion.”

“That is an odd name. I wonder where he hails from. His name does not sound like he hails from Gondor or Rohan.” Glorfindel pushed his chair back and got to his feet. “Elrond has taken this mortal under his wing?”

“You know what he is like,” replied Erestor, falling into step beside Glorfindel when the warrior headed for the doorway. “If Hephaestion can be saved, Elrond will find a way to do so. He does not accept defeat easily and I must admit that this mortal possesses a rare beauty… You should see his eyes.”

“I will most certainly seek him out once Elrond allows in visitors. I have some questions of my own which I would like to ask him.” Like how Hephaestion had managed to enter Imladris unnoticed.

“It will be many more hours before he will wake up again. The herbs Elrond used to bring down his fever also act as a sleeping potion.”

Glorfindel opened the door and stepped outside. “I will dispatch that patrol now.”

Erestor nodded once. “I would like to discuss this more in depth this evening.”

“I will meet you for dinner.” Glorfindel’s eyes narrowed in thought. He hoped that Erestor was right and that Hephaestion presented no danger to Imladris.

~~~

“How does he fare? Elladan had quietly entered the sick room and studied their patient’s sweat covered face. The eyes still possessed an angry red rim and it told him that their charge was still fighting the disease.

“His fever has lessened – slightly, but it *has* lessened.” Elrond placed the palm of his hand on Hephaestion’s brow. “He is weak. He must have been battling this fever for quite some time. I have seen it among the race of Man before and it can kill. We must remain alert.” Elrond smiled at his son. “Would you prepare another bath for him? And inform the healers that we require more of that herbal paste? I also need to treat his eyes with eye drops.”

“I will see to that,” replied Elladan, giving his father a worried look. “Do not exhaust yourself, Ada.”

“I used some of my healing energy to strengthen him, but I will be fine after I rest.” Elrond rubbed Hephaestion’s brow.

Elladan left to update the healers and tell the servants to fetch water for the bath. When Elladan returned to the room, he found Elrond in the process of lifting Hephaestion and carrying him into the bathroom. Together, the two Elves bathed their patient and poured soothing, tepid water over the heated skin. Eyelids fluttered open and Hephaestion looked at him in a dazed way. Elladan smiled and stroked the wet hair.

Elrond moved until he was in Hephaestion’s line of sight and probed the feverish eyes. Just how aware of his surroundings was his patient? “How do you feel, my friend?”

“Hot,” whispered Hephaestion, his throat and mouth felt awfully dry and made his voice sound raw. Those kind, grey eyes were focused on him and he managed a weak smile. Through a mist of fever, he whispered, “What… is… your name?”

“I am called Elrond,” said the half-Elf, introducing himself once more. ”And this is my son, Elladan.”

Hephaestion tried to memorize their names, but his thoughts were adrift and his mind as unstable as quicksand. Gentle, caring hands moved over his body, cupping water and letting it flow onto his hot skin. Its coolness felt soothing and a sigh escaped his chapped lips.

“Try to drink something,” said Elrond, placing a glass filled with fresh spring water against his charge’s lips. The scent of healing herbs filled the bathroom and his patient automatically breathed in their healing qualities.

Hephaestion sipped, forcing himself to swallow the liquid. He craved the water, but the act of swallowing it was rather painful.

“We will take you back to your bed so you can return to sleep.” Elrond gestured for Elladan to assist him and they lifted their patient from the bathtub, wrapping him in soft towels.

Hephaestion was vaguely aware of them moving him about the room. Fingertips gently moved against his skin and fingers combed his hair. His eyes closed during their way back and once he was lying down again, he drifted off into sleep. /I never felt this much at peace before./ Not even resting in Alexander’s arms had given him such peace!

Elrond reached for the paste and scooped some onto his fingertips. The two half-Elves worked quickly and efficiently, first rubbing the salve onto their patient’s front and then his back. Eventually, they rolled Hephaestion onto his back again and covered the trembling mortal with a blanket. “The sweat will drive the disease from your pores.” It was important that their patient continued to sweat.

“How much longer will he remain this weak?” inquired Elladan.

“At least for one week, maybe longer,” said Elrond in a thoughtful voice. “But I am confident that he will survive and grow strong again.”

Elladan nodded once. “I hope he will make a full recovery. I am curious to learn more about him.”

Elrond correctly interpreted the look in his son’s eyes. Elladan found Hephaestion beautiful and was probably feeling a mild attraction toward the mortal. How could he fault his son for feeling that way when he felt the attraction himself? “Will you sit with him for the next hour? I need to discuss his arrival with Glorfindel.” He needed to inform Glorfindel of their patient’s arrival, knowing that the Captain would want to make certain that there was no lingering threat. But he also needed to talk to his lover privately for he had missed having Glorfindel close.

~~~

“I have dispatched a patrol,” said Glorfindel, seating himself opposite Elrond in his study. “I wonder where this mortal hails from and how he entered our lands unnoticed. The sentries should have sighted him and alerted us of his presence.” This development vexed him!

“I do not perceive any threat,” said Elrond, steepling his fingers and watching his lover intently. “Vilya remains quiet and has not warned me about any menace invading our lands. I do believe Hephaestion entered Imladris alone.”

“You seem… smitten with him,” whispered Glorfindel after carefully considering what word to use to describe Elrond’s tone.

“He is beautiful, Glorfindel, even in his weakened and feverish state.” Elrond raised an eyebrow. “You certainly do not feel *that* insecure about our love?” They had been lovers since his wife had left and best friends since Glorfindel’s return to Arda.

Glorfindel grinned. “Not threatened, more… intrigued. When will I meet this beautiful creature?”

“As I said before,” replied Elrond, putting an end to their mutual teasing, “he is still rather weak. You will have to wait a few more days at the least. I will let you know when he is coherent enough to be questioned.”

Glorfindel rose from his chair, rounded the desk and came to a standstill behind Elrond. He placed his hands on his lover’s shoulders, leaned in closer and whispered, “I love you, Elrond, and I cannot help feeling slightly jealous because you are spending so much time in the Healing House.”

Elrond smiled, contently, knowing Glorfindel was merely trying to tell him that he missed him and didn’t begrudge Hephaestion his presence in his capacity of a healer. “I will not let him die, Glorfindel. He was found on Imladris’ soil and I feel responsible for him and,” he added in afterthought, “I want to know what brought him to the Last Homely House.”

~~~

Hephaestion opened his eyes again three days later. The fever had lessened and he was able to think rationally. He stared at the ceiling at first, deeply inhaling the strong scent of the healing herbs that emanated from his pores. At first, he thought he was alone, but then his eyes encountered the dark-haired healer slumped over in his chair. Raven hair spilled onto the mattress, as he had fallen asleep with his head resting on his forearms.

What had happened? What did he remember? Memories of Hades returned and the odd speech the god of the dead had given him with it. Hades had called himself Námo and had ‘sentenced’ him to a second life, away from Alexander.

Thinking of his lost love brought tears to his still infected eyes. The salt in them stung and he quickly wiped them away. He was no longer in Ecbatana, Alexander was nowhere in sight and he was surrounded by strangers – kind strangers, but still, strangers.

“You are awake.” Elladan, who had lost his fight to stay awake some time ago, sat upright and probed the clear eyes. “The fever is leaving you – good!” He rubbed the last remnants of sleep from his eyes and rose from his chair. Leaning in closer, he studied the dazed, blue eyes. “Are you hungry? You have not eaten for days.”

“Hungry?” Hephaestion nodded, absentmindedly.

“I will be right back,” announced Elladan, leaving the room to ask the healers to have food fetched from the kitchens and his father informed of his patient’s improved state.

Hephaestion looked about the room, wondering where he was.

“I am called Elladan,” said the half-Elf upon his return to Hephaestion’s side, realizing his patient didn’t recall who he was. “My father and I sat with you these last few days.” He seated himself close to the bed and continued to watch Hephaestion.

“I remember calm, grey eyes,” whispered Hephaestion, ignoring how sore and raw his throat felt.

“That would be my father, Elrond.”

Hephaestion searched Elladan’s brown eyes and then sucked in his breath, encountering strangely pointed ears. “Who are you? Where am I?”

“Your questions will be answered – in time,” said Elladan, disliking seeing distress in the sea-blue eyes.

One of the healers entered the room, bringing foods from the kitchen.

Hephaestion’s eyes widened again, seeing the pointy ears on the silver-haired healer.

“Eat,” ordered Elladan, realizing that Hephaestion had probably never seen an Elf before. That wasn’t very odd, as not many mortals came into contact with them.

Hephaestion nibbled on the wedges of an apple, enjoying the fresh and slightly sour taste. He continued to eat several parts of an orange and then settled for staring at Elladan.

“Ah, you are awake.” Elrond entered and exchanged a curious look with his son.

“He is lucid and coherent,” said Elladan, correctly reading his father’s look. He vacated his chair so Elrond could sit and took up position behind his father.

“My name is Elrond… Elrond half-Elven.”

“Half-Elven?” Was his fever playing tricks on him?

“Aye, half-Elven. My mother was a She-Elf and my father a mortal man.”

Hephaestion swallowed hard; had he heard correctly? “I do not understand.”

“You do not need to understand any of this, not yet,” said Elrond, quickly soothing his patient when he saw the rising panic in the blue eyes. “Drink this.” He quickly reached for the herbal tea, which would soothe Hephaestion’s nerves and lure him into sleep again. Hephaestion obediently sipped, but Elrond noticed the continued suspicious and disbelieving expression in the glazed eyes.

“Where am I? This isn’t Ecbatana,” whispered Hephaestion. He curled trembling fingers around Elrond’s, trying to pull the healer closer to him so he could better study his eyes. Those eyes would tell him the truth – his instincts told him that much.

“I never heard of a place called that,” said Elrond, rubbing the damp back of Hephaestion’s hand. “You are in Imladris now.”

“Imladris?” Hephaestion blinked in surprise.

“Why don’t we wait to discuss this until you feel more rested?” Elrond sensed his charge’s distress and hoped the herbal tea would rapidly put his patient to sleep again.

“How long have I been here already?” asked Hephaestion.

“Four days,” replied Elladan, who also wondered about the questions in their patient’s eyes. “My brother and I found you in the bushes near the Bruinen.”

“Bruinen?” His head reeled as he tried to make sense of the things they were telling him.

“Aye, the river.” Elladan grew concerned, seeing their patient shake himself to pieces.

“I crossed the Styx… I talked to Hades and he said…” Hephaestion struggled to draw in his next breath. “I died,” he whispered, meeting Elrond’s calm eyes. He needed to look into them in order find his inner peace again.

“You died?” Elrond rubbed his patient’s fingers, sending tiny amounts of his healing energy into his patient’s limb. “That cannot be. The fever must have played tricks on you.” No mortal would ever enter the Halls of Waiting; at least that was what he had been taught.

“He said his name was Námo and…” Painful memories starring his Alexander returned and Hephaestion closed his eyes, feeling miserable.

“Námo?” Elrond looked into his son’s eyes and Elladan raised an eyebrow.

The sleeping draught was finally unfolding its effects and Hephaestion’s eyes began to close. “Aye, sleep now.” If what his patient had told him was true, Elrond needed to discuss this in depth with Glorfindel and Erestor. His lover had been at the Halls and might be able to determine if Hephaestion was telling the truth or not. And Erestor would offer him wise counsel once they had gathered all the information they needed.

“He is asleep again,” whispered Elladan, careful not to awake their patient.

Elrond rose from his chair, placed Hephaestion’s hand below the blanket and tucked the fabric around his patient’s form. “Elladan, will you sit with him a little longer? I need to talk to Glorfindel.”

Elladan nodded his head once. “I will stay with him.” And this time, he wouldn’t fall asleep.

~~~

“He actually mentioned talking to Námo?” asked Glorfindel, intrigued.

“He called him Hades at first, but then referred to him as Námo.” Elrond looked at his two most trusted friends, knowing they would counsel him well. “Glorfindel, I want you to talk to him once Hephaestion has sufficiently recovered. If what he says is true, it means that a mortal entered the Halls and was then sent back.”

“A most interesting concept,” agreed Erestor. “We cannot dismiss his claim to have met Námo. Not until the mysterious circumstances around his arrival have been clarified.”

“I talked to the sentries,” said Glorfindel. “And none of them noticed anything out of the ordinary. It would appear that your patient came out of nowhere.”

“He also appears to have never seen an Elf before,” continued Elrond. “We must proceed carefully where new revelations are concerned.”

“What else do you know of him?” asked Glorfindel, trying to gather as much information on Hephaestion as possible.

“He fought his share of battles,” said Elrond, musing aloud. “The scars on his body tell of many fights and many injuries. He is muscular and I found large amounts of callus on his hands, which leads me to believe that we are dealing with a swordsman.”

“He does not hail from Rohan or Gondor,” said Erestor, thinking aloud. “His name has an alien ring to it and he does not wear any marks that would lead us to believe that he stems from these lands.”

“Then where did he come from?” Elrond frowned.

“We will ask him,” said Glorfindel, meeting his lover’s questioning gaze. “If he is truly an innocent and entered our lands unawares, he will tell us the truth.”

“But we must be patient a little longer,” said Elrond. “He is far from recovered.”

“I can wait,” replied Glorfindel, but he *was* curious and eager to talk to someone who claimed to have returned from the Halls like he had.

~~~

“Elladan, you remind me of Bagoas.” Hephaestion had awoken late that evening and had stared at his companion for a long time.

Elrohir smiled, sweetly. “I am Elrohir,” he said, introducing himself. Seeing Hephaestion’s questioning gaze, he added, “My twin, Elladan, sat with you these past few days, but he had to leave and I took his place.” It had been Elladan’s turn to lead the patrol and Elrohir had taken his twin’s place, sitting with their charge.

“Twins…” Hephaestion filed that information away to be used later. Elrohir also possessed such oddly shaped ears and Elrond’s words returned to him – half-Elven. His father had told him fairy tales when he had been little and he had even told him stories, which didn’t originally stem from Greece, but from the wild tribes up north, which believed in creatures like Elves. But those Elves had been little and had carried wings. The Elves in his father’s tales and these were not identical.

“Who is Bagoas?” asked Elrohir, curiously. He assisted Hephaestion in sitting upright and placed a bowl with soup in his patient’s hands.

“A slave… Alexander freed him.” Bagoas had been more than that, though. Bagoas had been a rival – a rival to Alexander’s love.

“Slavery was banished from these lands a long time ago. Is it still common place where you hail from?” Elrohir steadied Hephaestion’s shaky hands and helped him drink the soup.

“Alexander tried to do away with it.” Hephaestion’s eyes grew clouded with emotional pain. Elrohir’s raven hair and the dark eyes reminded him of the beautiful slave *and* the fact that Alexander had bedded Bagoas.

“Who is Alexander?” Elrond had told him to extract as much information from Hephaestion as he could and he was curious himself to learn more about the handsome mortal.

“I… loved… him.” Hephaestion almost choked on his emotions and pushed the soup away. “I do not want to discuss him!”

Elrohir blinked, hearing the raw, emotional and yet commanding tone. There was passion inside Hephaestion’s voice and the man’s tone told him that the mortal was used to being obeyed. Hephaestion must have wielded some power in the past. “Please forgive me. I did not want to remind you of your loss.” Hephaestion had said *loved* him. That love belonged in the past now.

“I… I do not want to talk anymore.” Hephaestion turned onto his right side, facing away from Elrohir. For as long as he could remember Alexander and he had been close. Alexander had been the only constant factor in a life which had been ruled by battles, conquests and conspiracies. Life for him had always been difficult at best. Alexander’s love had set him apart from the other commanders and many had been envious of the special place he had held in Alexander’s heart. He had often felt isolated and had only had Alexander to turn to for comfort.

But Alexander’s behavior had been unpredictable at best and he had always been aware of the fact that his lover could turn volatile at any given time.

He had loved Alexander, but his lover had also brought out a paranoid side of him which Hephaestion wasn’t proud of. His fears had made it very hard for him to form new friendships, as he always had to keep in mind that Alexander’s reactions could be unpredictable.

“I will leave you alone, then.” Elrohir rose from his chair and walked toward the doorway. “My father will visit with you shortly as he has to check on your condition.”

Hephaestion nodded once to show he had heard. “Thank you for understanding.”

“I do not know what happened between you and this Alexander, but I can see that he caused you pain. I am not blind, Hephaestion.” Elrohir would have reached out and comforted Hephaestion, if the mortal man had given any indication that he would have accepted such comfort.

But Hephaestion’s shoulders merely shook and he pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, signaling he wanted to be alone.

“Should you have need for company, tell the healers and one of them will fetch me or my father.”

Hephaestion nodded again and heard the door close behind Elrohir. He had seldom cried in his life, but the tears came easily now that he mourned the loss of Alexander’s love and the life as he had known it.

~~~

“Alexander? I never heard of such a name before.” Elrond pinched the bridge of his nose and briefly closed his eyes. “At least we know a bit more about our patient now.”

“I do not know much about this Alexander,” said Elrohir, updating Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor. “But I got the impression that he hurt Hephaestion in the past.”

“I have not seen that much of Hephaestion’s behavior, but he strikes me as a bit docile,” said Elrond, thinking aloud.

“I disagree,” replied Elrohir. “When he mentioned Alexander, probably by accident, his voice took on a commanding tone.”

“We need more information,” said Erestor, decisively. “We cannot draw any conclusions yet. We have too little information on our patient.”

“What do you suggest?” Meeting Erestor’s almost black eyes, Elrond suspected he already knew what his Chief Advisor’s plans were.

“I can put him into a light trance,” said Erestor, holding Elrond’s gaze. “I can find out who he is, if he speaks the truth and how to treat him best.”

Erestor’s ability to go into someone else’s mind had come in handy before and Elrond nodded once. “I will consider your suggestion. In the meantime I want you, Elrohir, to sit with Hephaestion. I need time to think this over.”

Elrohir and Erestor excused themselves, leaving Elrond alone with Glorfindel. The Lord of Imladris sighed blissfully when Glorfindel pulled him into his arms. “This mortal intrigues me.”

“Does he also attract you?” inquired Glorfindel, calmly.

“Had I been much younger and unbound, he might have.” Elrond searched his lover’s eyes and found they were a different shade of blue than Hephaestion’s. “But I love only you, meleth.” (meleth – male love)

Glorfindel pressed a kiss onto Elrond’s trembling lips. “I do not doubt your love for me or your faithfulness. I am merely curious to find out why this mortal is of such great interest to you.”

“We can visit him for a while,” suggested Elrond. “He will probably be asleep and if we are quiet, we won’t wake him.”

“I like that idea.” Glorfindel placed the palm of his hand against Elrond’s cheek and caressed his lover’s face by rubbing his thumb over the skin. “I would like to see this one for myself.”

Elrond leaned into the touch, rubbing his cheek against his lover’s palm. “Only for a moment then.” He rose from the couch and pulled Glorfindel along. They would only visit for a moment and leave before Hephaestion would wake up again.

~~~

“You are right – he is exquisite.” Glorfindel stood near the foot end of the bed, studying the newest addition to Imladris.

Only a few of Imladris’ original population had remained, now that Arwen had wedded her King. Most of the Firstborn were readying themselves to sail to the Undying Lands, but something seemed to stop Elrond from taking that final step.

And, Glorfindel had observed, his lover wasn’t the only hesitant one. Celeborn and Thranduil had declined passage as well and there were rumors that the two Elves, former opponents, had buried the old hatchet and were keeping each other company.

Here in Imladris, Elrond remained with his sons. And as long as Elrond dwelt here, so would Glorfindel and Erestor. A handful of loyal servants and healers had also remained. Glorfindel’s personal guards took care of defending Imladris against the Orcs which only rarely invaded their lands these days. Now that Elessar was King, peace had come over the land.

“Aye, he is exquisite, even with his eyes closed,” said Elrond, releasing a sound that resembled a choked giggle. Elrohir, seated at their patient’s bed side, looked up and nodded once. His son agreed.

To their surprise, Hephaestion suddenly stirred in his sleep. The mortal moved about in a restless fashion, raised his right hand and called out, “Alexander!”

“It appears that he misses his lover.” Elrohir caught Hephaestion’s hand in his and gently squeezed the fingers. “Sleep peacefully,” he whispered, caressing his charge’s brow. “I will chase away the nightmares which haunt you.” Hephaestion stilled and seemed to drift into a state of deeper sleep.

“What are your plans for him?” inquired Glorfindel. They *would* eventually sail and then Hephaestion would remain alone in Imladris.

“I have not thought that far ahead yet,” replied Elrond, fingering a lock of Hephaestion’s hair. “I am certain I will find a satisfactory solution.”

Unexpectedly Hephaestion’s lucid blue eyes opened and focused on him. “You are among friends, Hephaestion.”

Hephaestion felt reassured, seeing Elrond’s calm eyes. He had been dreaming of Alexander, had dreamt of holding him close and then Námo had appeared, ruthlessly separating them. “Why did he do that?”

Elrond arched an eyebrow and seated himself on the side of the bed. “Who did what?”

“Námo. Why did he not allow me to dwell on the Elysian Fields where I could await Alexander’s arrival?” Hephaestion’s gaze drifted away from Elrond and his heart momentarily stopped beating, finding a familiar face staring back at him. “Alexander?” He managed to push himself upright and reached for the blond standing at the foot end of his bed. For one bewitched moment, he thought Alexander had managed to find him, but then he realized something was wrong. “You have blue eyes – not brown.”

Glorfindel felt worried, seeing Hephaestion’s fierce reaction to him. Judging it best not to approach further, he remained at a distance. “My name is not Alexander. I am called Glorfindel and I am Captain of the guards here.”

“Glorfindel…” Feeling hugely disappointed, Hephaestion fell back into the comfort of his pillows. Blankly, he stared at the handsome face. “Alexander wears his hair like that.” Alexander had let his hair grow during those last few years. Glorfindel’s face possessed the same firm features Alexander’s had and the Elf’s muscular physique also reminded him of his King.

Glorfindel delicately moistened his lips. “It appears that my presence here brings you pain. I should leave.” Thoughts of closely questioning Hephaestion had disappeared, seeing the emotional pain in the swimming eyes. Like Elrond, he sensed no evil in the mortal.

“No, you do not have to leave on my account!” Hephaestion drew in a deep breath and suddenly grew aware of the soothing caresses bestowed onto his hand and forehead. He didn’t want Glorfindel to feel embarrassed, or unwanted.

Elrond moved, diplomatically blocking Hephaestion’s view of Glorfindel. “Do you feel strong enough to answer some questions for me?”

That moment, Erestor entered, carrying a tray filled with water, wine, bread, cheese and meats. “I thought your patient would be hungry.”

Faced with another new Elf Hephaestion barely managed to compose himself. His heart still reeled from the shock of looking at Glorfindel and its beat was still too fast. Maybe concentrating on this new Elf would distract him. Exactly at that moment, his stomach growled angrily. “It would seem I am hungry, yes.” Hephaestion knew he had to start acting in a composed way. He didn’t want these Elves to think him incapable, or even worse, a nuisance like some of Alexander’s commanders had.

Erestor approached the bed and sat the tray on Hephaestion’s lap. “My name is Erestor. I am Chief Advisor to Lord Elrond here.”

Hephaestion’s lips curled in a smile. “You advise him?”

“And I make certain Imladris runs smoothly.” Erestor probed Hephaestion’s eyes for a split second and saw the interest there. “I make certain that there is enough food, wine, clothes and I keep stock of every item needed in Imladris. I also attend to most of Elrond’s correspondence and set up the duty rosters for the guards.”

Elrond had also noticed the bright spark of interest in Hephaestion’s eyes. “I would be lost without him! Imladris would be a mess.” Hephaestion softly laughed and the very sound of it enchanted him. “Why do you think that funny?”

“I held almost the same position at Alexander’s court. He would often joke and tell me he would be a mess without me.” Hephaestion’s laughter faded, seeing the calculated expression in Elrond’s eyes. What had he said that had displeased the half-Elf?

“Alexander’s court?” Elrond frowned. “He was a King, then?”

“Yes, a mighty King.”

“But none I ever heard about.” Elrond drew in a deep breath and considered his options. Hephaestion had begun to eat and occasionally sipped the wine. Elrond made up his mind and nodded once after seeking out Erestor’s eyes. /Do it. We must know who he is and how we can best help him./

Erestor returned the nod and when Elrond vacated his spot on the bed, he took it. After seating himself, he made eye contact with Hephaestion. The vivid blue eyes revealed sudden suspicion. “Hephaestion, among my kind some are born with the ability to venture into another’s mind. I am one of them. Elrond wants to help you, but feels he cannot do that without knowing who you really are. He therefore asked me to explore your mind, your thoughts and your past. I will change nothing. I will only know what you do now.”

His hunger instantly faded and Hephaestion forced himself to swallow that last bite. “Why?”

“There are several reasons,” explained Erestor in a patient tone. If Hephaestion truly possessed the characteristics that had made him an advisor in the past, the mortal would understand why Elrond would make this request. “Imladris is a peaceful place and we cannot allow anyone to threaten its existence. We also need to know if you told us the truth when you mentioned your encounter with Námo.”

“Why would I lie? How could I come up with something like that?” Their distrust hurt!

“What did Námo look like?” asked Glorfindel, seeing the pain that simmered in Hephaestion’s eyes before the mortal could cover up his emotions. /I must really resemble this Alexander./

“He had long, raven hair, which descended down his muscular shoulders. Dark, smoldering eyes burned into mine and his thin lips were curled in a smile. He was entirely dressed in black robes.”

Glorfindel nodded once. The lore that surrounded the Valar seldom spoke of their appearance, which changed with the story teller’s preference, but Glorfindel had seen Námo and knew the truth. “Did he wear any jewelry?”

Hephaestion frowned, but then concentrated harder. “Yes… a silver necklace with a locket attached to it. Something red shone from its depth.”

“He met Námo.” Glorfindel firmly nodded his head. “That much is true.”

“How can you be so certain that I met Hades?”

“Because I met him in the past as well, my friend. And he did the same thing to me. I died and he decided that my work was not done yet. He told me that I was about to be reborn and that it was my calling to serve Elrond.” Glorfindel’s expression softened and he placed his hands on Elrond’s shoulders. “Little did I know that it was also my calling to love Elrond.” He kissed the crown of his lover’s head and pulled Elrond’s upper body close, so the half-Elf could rest the back of his head against his abdomen. “Námo’s ways are always hard to understand.” But Glorfindel had come to believe that the Vala *knew* extremely well what he was doing.

Hephaestion had never expected Glorfindel’s revelation. “You returned from the dead as well?”

“I did.” Glorfindel intercepted Erestor’s gaze and smiled. “What did you find?”

Hephaestion’s eyes widened, realizing what Glorfindel’s words entailed. “You searched my mind?” he asked Erestor, face alight with disbelief.

“I did.” Erestor brushed a strand of wayward, damp hair behind Hephaestion’s ear and then looked into Elrond’s eyes. “Your charge speaks the truth. Námo is responsible for this.”

“What else did you learn?” Curious, Elrond moved closer again.

“Much. I will tell you in time.” Erestor’s head still spun with all the new things he had discovered in Hephaestion’s mind. Looking at Glorfindel, he now understood why gazing upon the warrior’s face brought Hephaestion such discomfort. Redirecting his attention to Hephaestion, he prodded the mortal to eat some bread and cheese. After Hephaestion had done so, Erestor offered him a glass filled with not so strong wine. “How do you feel? Sleepy?”

Hephaestion shook his head. “I feel better.”

“Then listen to me.” Erestor, assuming a teaching mode which he had abandoned after training the twins, said, “You already know Elrond half-Elven, Lord of Imladris.” After Hephaestion nodded, he continued. “Imladris is an Elven realm located in Middle-Earth. The lands which you lived in are not part of this world. Greece, Babylon, even Asia are not part of this… reality.” He had chosen that word on purpose, realizing Hephaestion’s reality had greatly differed from theirs in the past. “There are two major Kingdoms in Middle-Earth, which are ruled by Men. There is Gondor, ruled by Elessar and his wife, Arwen, who is Elrond’s youngest child.”

Hephaestion was doing his utmost best to memorize all these new facts. He had never been much of a warrior, or at least Alexander’s commanders had constantly told him so, but he had always been a good tactician and advisor. His expertise was words and facts, numbers and distances, not sword and spear.

“And then there is Rohan, ruled by Éomer.” Erestor’s gaze became thoughtful, as if struck by some revelation. “If I interpret Námo’s decision correctly, it means that you will remain here until your dying day. If that is the case, you must familiarize yourself with these names and places.”

“And he can continue doing that another day when he does not feel this drained.” Elrond intervened, believing Hephaestion needed a moment to compose himself and rest. “You can be a bit overly zealous, my dear Erestor.”

Erestor nodded once. “You are right.” He rose from the bed and gave Hephaestion a last smile. “We will talk again, my friend.” He gathered his burgundy robes close around his frame and strode out of the room.

”Forgive him,” said Elrond, urging his patient to drink the rest of the wine. “Erestor is an excellent Advisor, the best in Middle Earth, but he can be a bit over enthusiastic.”

“I am fine,” whispered Hephaestion. His thoughts raced with information, but that was a good thing, as it kept him from brooding about losing Alexander.

“My son, Elrohir, will stay with you. I will visit with you in the morning and then we will see how strong you really are. If you’ve recovered sufficiently, I might allow you to leave your bed for a little while.”

Hephaestion nodded, eagerly. “I would like that.” He moistened his lips and then added, “Before I woke up here that first time I had already spent weeks in bed – feeling ill and exhausted.”

“We will see how it goes,” said Elrond, unwilling to make any promises yet. “You might want to rest or try to go back to sleep. You will feel stronger in the morning if you do.”

The wine was doing its job and made him drowsy. Slipping into a state of half-sleep, Hephaestion involuntarily reached for Glorfindel and he managed to take hold of one of the warrior’s hands. “Stay with me… my Alexander,” he whispered, balancing on the edge of sleep.

Glorfindel gave Elrond a questioning look and the half-Elf resolutely loosened Hephaestion’s hold on the Captain’s hand. “If you really remind him of his lost love it would be best if you kept your distance for the next few weeks. Hephaestion must deal with the loss and he will be able to do that best if you are not around to remind him of Alexander.”

Glorfindel nodded once, realizing Elrond’s words were wise and sound. “You are right, meleth. He intrigues me as well.” /And aye, Hephaestion is beautiful./ The mortal would break many hearts during his stay in Middle-Earth.

~~~

“It is time to take your bath,” announced Elrohir with a wicked gleam in his eyes. It would also be the first time that Hephaestion would be awake and rational when taking his bath, which promised some interesting moments.

“I can take my own bath,” said Hephaestion, insistently.

“Feel free to try.” Elrohir took a step away from the bed and watched Hephaestion struggle to his feet. The mortal swayed and was headed for a fall, but Elrohir folded his arms around Hephaestion’s middle, keeping him upright. “I do not think you are strong enough yet, my friend.”

“This feels humiliating.” Hephaestion defiantly glared at Elrohir. He was still trying to come to terms with the fact that his life had been upended and that Elrohir resembled Bagoas. How would he deal with both twins present, reminding him of the sensual slave?

“Why is that?” Elrohir didn’t bother to cover Hephaestion with blankets, sheets or a robe and guided his charge into the bathroom.

“I should be able to do this myself.” Hephaestion blushed, being helped by Elrohir as he lowered himself into the water. He loved his baths, but felt awkward, seeing Elrohir standing close and watching him. He understood why the half-Elf remained close as he was still far from being healed, but that didn’t put his mind at ease.

“You are still recovering and should not feel awkward about accepting help,” said Elrohir, sitting on his heels in order to wash and rinse Hephaestion’s hair. “Is it because I remind you of Bagoas?” He had memorized the name and recalled Hephaestion’s reaction to first seeing him.

“Bagoas was… exquisite.” Hephaestion closed his eyes, trying to lock out the memories. “He moved in a sensual way and just the look in his eyes was enough to make you fall in love with him.”

“But you did not? Fall in love with him?” Elrohir finished washing Hephaestion’s hair and sat back, settling for watching the mortal who seemed to thoroughly enjoy his bath.

“I did not. I was jealous of him.” Why was he confiding in Elrohir? How could the half-Elf possibly understand the hurts of his heart?

“Because Alexander bedded him?” Elrohir raised an eyebrow, seeing the pain beneath Hephaestion’s mask.

“I should never have been so selfish to want Alexander for my own. Alexander was a King, Elrohir, and he needed an heir. That was why he married. I could understand that.”

Elrohir nodded. His father had told him a long time ago that he preferred male companionship. Therefore Elladan and he had not been surprised to learn that Elrond had taken Glorfindel as his lover after their mother had sailed for Aman.

“But the fact that he took Bagoas to his bed *did* feel as betrayal.”

Elrohir considered everything he had learned. “It does not sound like Alexander made you happy.”

“Oh, but he did. Each moment spent with him was a moment spent in bliss.”

“Then why do your eyes tear up when you speak his name? And why think of Bagoas?” Elrohir hated confronting Hephaestion with his feelings, but it was probably the very reason why Námo had returned the mortal to life in the first place.

“He caused me pain as well,” said Hephaestion, reluctantly. He chose to remember the happier times, the love they had shared.

“I will leave you to your bath now,” announced Elrohir, rising from the floor. “Call for me when you are done.” He thought it important that Hephaestion had some privacy at this point and left the bathroom.

Now that he was all alone, Hephaestion allowed for his tears to fall.

~~~

“Lean back against me, meleth.” Glorfindel pulled Elrond close when his lover rested his back against him and kissed the dark strands teasing against his chest. They had retired for the night and Elrond had been distracted, probably still contemplating his patient’s history.

“Share your thoughts with me.” Glorfindel folded his arms around Elrond, savoring the skin-on-skin sensation. They had taken to sleeping in the nude a long time ago and tonight was no exception.

“I worry about Hephaestion.”

“And why is that?”

“He lost the one person he loved,” whispered Elrond, closing his eyes and inhaling his lover’s scent which reminded him of pine and the forest. Glorfindel had moved into his rooms five years after Celebrían had left for Aman and the golden-haired warrior had spent every night in his bed since then; that was, if he wasn’t out there leading a patrol.

Elrond had never realized just how much he had come to rely on Glorfindel, who had become his lover and his mate. Had he still been unbound, he would have bonded with Glorfindel the day they had become lovers. “We both know how losing the one person we love can affect us.” He had lost his wife and Glorfindel had lost Ecthelion.

Glorfindel’s hands inched over Elrond’s chest and skilled fingers took to playing with his nipples. Glorfindel had always known how to play his body and Elrond still melted beneath the skilled touch. “I am yours,” Elrond whispered, looking forward to letting go of all responsibility and handing control over to his lover.

Recognizing the particular mood Elrond was in, Glorfindel took charge. Maintaining a tight hold on Elrond’s waist, he began to tip him over, depositing Elrond onto his hands and knees. Not a single word was spoken between them when Glorfindel unstopped the vial of oil and Elrond assumed a more comfortable position. The half-Elf rested his head on his forearms, wriggled his backside and sighed deeply. He could hardly wait for Glorfindel to claim him.

After coating himself with the oil, Glorfindel moved into position. Kneeling behind Elrond, he parted the globes and massaged the guardian ring before letting one oiled finger slip inside. Elrond was ready for him, more so, eager for him, and Glorfindel sheathed himself in one stroke.

Elrond bit down onto his forearms to keep himself from screaming out, as he was filled in one fluid thrust. Strong hands gained a tight grip on his waist and then the pounding started. Oh, he loved the way Glorfindel would fill him up, almost pull out and then bury himself once more. He could never get enough of that!

Hands possessively slid up Elrond’s spine and gripped the shoulders. One hand continued its journey and fingers buried themselves in the half-Elf’s tangled mane. Pulling at the hair, he pounded away at the half-Elf’s sensitive gland, sending shards of painful pleasure through Elrond’s body. He leaned in closer, pressed his lips onto Elrond’s shoulder blade and bit the skin there.

Elrond yelped, quite helplessly, as Glorfindel continued to ravish him. He had learned to crave the feeling of being utterly possessed. Glorfindel’s capacity to reduce him to this state captivated him, and he grunted, accepting his lover’s seed deep inside him.

Glorfindel delivered one more thrust, aimed directly at Elrond’s prostate and then threw back his head, growling his lover’s name as he found release.

Elrond climaxed a moment after that, trembling over his entire body and sobbing softly, as the impact of his release left him feeling weak and vulnerable. But then Glorfindel’s strong arms wrapped around his waist, lowering him onto the bed. The warrior spooned behind him, the tip of his erection still buried inside his passage. It was one of the most intimate moments he had ever experienced.

“Sleep now,” whispered Glorfindel, who had noticed how weak his lover’s inner light shone. “You gave too much of yourself in order to strengthen Hephaestion.  You must recuperate, meleth.” He still vividly remembered that first time when he had realized how much Elrond craved letting go. That moment, the dynamic that formed their relationship had been born. During the day, Elrond was the Lord of Imladris, the wise, strong and compassionate ruler of this valley and at night, Elrond could let go and entrust himself to Glorfindel.

Elrond cuddled up to Glorfindel, feeling lazy and satiated. “Will you watch over me?”

“Always, meleth.” Glorfindel held Elrond close, signaling that the half-Elf didn’t have to be strong one. Their roles were reversed and the warrior guarded the half-Elf’s sleep, making certain no nightmares or doubts assailed Elrond’s dreams.

~~~

The next morning Hephaestion woke up feeling stronger. Elrohir handed him a hand-held mirror at his request and Hephaestion studied his reflection, finding the angry, ugly infection that had impaired his vision gone. “Your father is a great healer,” he said, giving Elrohir a smile. “My doctor didn’t know how to cure me of this illness.”

Elrohir accepted the compliment on his father’s behalf. “Aye, he has an extensive knowledge of herbs and their healing qualities.” Hephaestion didn’t need to know that curing him had also required Elrond pouring his healing energy into him.

“Do you think your father will allow me out of bed today?” He hoped so. He wanted to know what lay beyond the door to his room, wanted to know what Imladris looked like and encounter more of these ethereal Elves. Speaking of Elves… “I noticed that your ears are one thing that set you apart from us mortals. Are there more characteristics?” His shrewd mind was already working, collecting information. If he really was to stay here for the rest of his second life, he should find out as much as he could. It would help him adapt to his new life here.

“We age differently, which makes us practically immortal,” said Elrohir, seating himself on the side of the bed. “How old are you, Hephaestion?”

“I am thirty-three years old.” In his world he would already be considered old, half of his life gone as warriors didn’t grow that old.

“A mere child,” said Elrohir, chuckling. Seeing his patient’s indignant glare, he added, “You would be considered only fifteen in the world of Elves – a child.”

“How old are you?” Hephaestion was beginning to suspect that Elrohir wasn’t as young as he looked like.

“I am several centuries old.” Elrohir continued to chuckle, seeing Hephaestion first choke on his tea and then spitting it out. “Be careful there. I would not want you to choke on your tea!”

“And your father? Elrond?”

“Several millennia.” Elrohir rescued the teacup from Hephaestion’s shaky hand and placed it on the nightstand.

“Yes, I must appear a child to you,” realized Hephaestion. “But I am not!”

“Of course you are no child.” Elrond, followed by Erestor entered the sick room. “But, by the age of thirty, Elrohir was still considered much too young to have any wine, or play unsupervised.”

“Fortunately I have long passed that stage!” Amused, Elrohir rose from the bed to make way for his father. “He seems fine this morn. I checked, and it would seem that the fever has left him. His eyes have also greatly improved.”

Elrond nodded once and carried out his own examination.

Hephaestion’s first reaction to feeling the probing fingers was to tense beneath the clinical touch, but when Elrond’s grey eyes met his, he relaxed. Soft fingertips gently examined his eyes and he saw a smile on Elrond’s face, finding most of the infection gone. The examination continued, until he was lowered back onto the mattress and covered with a blanket. “Am I strong enough to leave my bed?”

Elrond nodded his head. “Your recovery is remarkable. I expected you to be bedridden for at least another weak, but your body is recuperating fast.” Had Námo organized it in that way? Did it matter? Elrond smiled at Hephaestion, who restlessly moved about. After being confined to bed for such a long time – here and in Ecbatana – the young man must be impatient to leave it.

“I will allow you to leave your bed for one hour. No longer! Not yet. Do you understand me, Hephaestion? And Elrohir and Erestor will remain close. I will not risk you taking a fall or fainting because you overestimated your strength!”

“I understand, Milord,” said Hephaestion with a sweet smile.

That smile affected all three Elves, filling them with concern and affection for their charge. Erestor was best at hiding his worry, but Elrohir wasn’t that well-schooled in hiding his feelings and Elrond read every emotion on his son’s face. Elrohir was smitten with his charge – like he was. /Life will not be the same for quite some time./

/Elrond, we will sail for Aman shortly. You cannot take him with us. You must begin to consider his options, for he cannot stay in Imladris alone./

Elrond glared at Erestor for ruining this perfect moment. /I know that! And I will find a solution, but we still have time, Erestor!/

Sensing he had displeased Elrond, Erestor took a step back, bowed, and left the room. First-hand experience had taught him to back off whenever Elrond’s temper flared.

“Where is Glorfindel? I hope I didn’t make him feel uncomfortable. He cannot help it that he looks like…” He couldn’t speak his former lover’s name.

Elrond shifted on the bed and claimed Hephaestion’s hand, curling his fingers around the mortal’s. “Glorfindel is training with the guards. That is why he is not here.” The look Hephaestion gave him made his heart flicker. There was something vulnerable in those eyes, something that called out to him. “I asked Glorfindel not to visit with you *because* he reminds you of your lost lover. Your healing will go more rapidly when you are given a chance to concentrate on building a new life here instead of constantly being reminded of the things you lost.”

“I *know* that I will probably live out my life here,” whispered Hephaestion. “And I can do little to change that. I must adapt.” Mourning losing Alexander was something he would do in private. Whenever these Elves were close he would try hard to fit in.

~~~

“Slow down!” Elrohir gave Erestor an impatient look. The Advisor was pushing Hephaestion on, encouraging the mortal to cover a larger distance, whilst the half-Elf was trying to make Hephaestion slow down. “Erestor!”

 

Hephaestion’s gaze sought out Erestor’s. This Elf was different from the rest. Maybe it was because Erestor had been in his mind and knew him best, or maybe it was because Erestor wasn’t a healer and not inclined to fuss over him. Erestor pushed him on, daring him to try harder and that was just what he needed.

“Hurry up, Elrohir!” Erestor wasn’t going to give in to Elrohir’s tendency to fuss over their patient. /They are all like that, Elrohir, Elrond, Elladan, even Arwen./

Elrohir caught up with them and glared at Erestor. “This is the first time he has been out of his bed and you keep pushing him!”

 

“Elrohir…” Hephaestion placed the palm of his hand against Elrohir’s chest and waited for the half-Elf to make eye contact. “I need someone pushing me.”

“Aye, but not yet!” Elrohir gained a steady hold on Hephaestion’s waist and began to turn him around so they were headed back to the sick room.

Erestor arched a delicately formed eyebrow. “It seems you must endure a little longer, my mortal friend.”

Hephaestion actually chuckled; his reaction surprised himself and he frowned. When had he felt such mirth, such amusement the last time? The last few years which he had spent with Alexander had been filled with short, hidden encounters and his lover had always been rushed. It wasn’t so much Bagoas who had demanded Alexander spend more time with him, but Roxane, who had made her claim more and more known. That, and Alexander’s desire to finally sire an heir, had hugely limited the time Alexander could spend with him. /And all that so he could have a successor./ Alexander’s love had always been enough for him, but his love had never been enough for Alexander.

“You are brooding,” whispered Elrohir, exchanging a look with Erestor to see if the Advisor also worried about their charge. Erestor shook his head, indicating that he judged it best not to address this now.

“I…” Lost in his memories, Hephaestion didn’t pay attention to where he was going and stumbled.

Thankfully, Elrohir acted quickly and tightened his hold on his charge. He gave Erestor a look, which said, See, I told you it was too early to push him!

Erestor reacted by shrugging his shoulders. /Setbacks are to be expected./

Hephaestion was unaware of the silent conversation and concentrated on gaining control over his present situation. He couldn’t allow his thoughts to drift off in that way!

They had reached the bed and Elrohir lowered Hephaestion onto the mattress. His father would not be pleased, learning that their patient had pushed himself.

Erestor, who had made a small detour, now carried a tray with food items over to the bed and placed it on their charge’s lap. “Eat.”

Hephaestion obeyed automatically – his thoughts still lingering in the past.

Erestor signaled for Elrohir to step into the corridor with him. “I must join your father in his study now, but I trust you will continue to keep him company?”

“Aye, and Elladan will join us later today after he returns from his patrol.”

Satisfied that Hephaestion was in good hands, Erestor turned and headed for Elrond’s study where lots of paperwork already eagerly awaited him.

~~~

“How does my patient fare?” asked Elrond, leafing through reports and letters upon Erestor’s arrival in his study.

“All this fussing over him serves no purpose,” replied Erestor as he seated himself behind his desk which was situated in a corner of the study. His dark eyes searched and found Elrond’s grey ones.

Elrond laughed, sat upright and studied his Chief Advisor. “You never enjoyed being fussed over in times of injury? And neither did you fuss over injured ones? Not even when that happened to be your lover?”

Erestor had the grace to blush. Aye, he had fussed over his lover in the past. “There is no need to bring Haldir into this discussion!”

“I am sorry for the loss you suffered, Erestor, but you will be reunited with your March Warden when we sail for Aman.” It was the main reason why Erestor wanted them to sail as quickly as possible. “I offered to send you ahead and to sail with Cirdan to the Undying Lands, but you refused.”

“I cannot leave you behind in Imladris,” said Erestor, pointing a finger at Elrond. “We will sail together.”

“Are you afraid Imladris will become ‘a mess’ as you have phrased it before? Erestor, the majority of Elves have left, already sailed, and I do think I can manage to keep the few that remain safe.”

“It is more than that and you know it!” Erestor checked the numbers in his book, making certain there was enough food in the kitchens to last through the upcoming winter.

Elrond drew in a deep breath, pushed his chair away from his desk and approached Erestor. His friend tensed visibly, but Elrond ignored it. He folded his arms around the Advisor’s shoulders and pulled him to his feet. Erestor had no other choice than to follow and got to his feet, enduring the embrace. “My dear, beautiful, wise Erestor, why won’t you sail? I know how much you love Haldir. I was there when the news of his death reached you. I saw you crumble and I comforted you in your hour of need. Now I am offering you early passage to the Undying Lands and yet you refuse. Why?” Erestor’s mask cracked and swimming eyes met his. Elrond stroked the long, loose hair and held Erestor tight.

“Haldir is my mate and I love him dearly. I want nothing more than to hold him and kiss him again, but… Glorfindel, the twins, you… You are my family. How can I desert my family for my lover? And I know you will sail eventually. I can endure a little longer.”

“You are a true friend, Erestor. You are so much more than a friend. When Elros died, it was you who pulled me through. Your friendship has always meant the world to me.” Elrond pressed a chaste kiss onto Erestor’s forehead. “You are as a brother to me, and I do not like seeing you in pain, although you always manage to hide it so well. If it were up to me, I would send you to the Grey Havens to take the next ship heading West.”

“But it is not up to you,” corrected Erestor, “I will stay with you and we will sail for Aman together.” He allowed Elrond to pull him even closer and accepted the hug more easily.

Glorfindel, standing in the doorway, felt conflicted, as he didn’t want to infringe on such a private scene. Like Elrond, he had consoled their friend after Haldir had found his death at Helm’s Deep and he too had urged Erestor to sail. But the bonds of friendship between Elrond and Erestor were too strong. He was about to close the door and leave unnoticed, but the cracking floorboard betrayed him.

Erestor’s reaction was instant. He freed himself of the embrace and stepped away from Elrond. His gaze swept over to the door and he tensed, seeing Glorfindel standing there.

“Peace, Erestor.” Glorfindel advanced on the two dark-haired Elves, knowing best how much insecurity lurked beneath Erestor’s mask of confidence and composure. “Haldir was a good friend. I miss him too.”

Erestor nodded once, turned around on his heel and resolutely marched out of the study.

“If only accepting comfort were not that difficult for him,” said Glorfindel, musing aloud. “Then we could console him better.”

“Erestor won’t be whole until the day he holds Haldir in his arms again. No matter how hard accepting that seems we must do just that.” Elrond returned to his desk and his reading. “Are you now convinced that Hephaestion presents no threat to Imladris?”

“I am convinced of that.” Glorfindel seated himself opposite his lover. “I must admit to being saddened, realizing that I remind him of his lost lover. As he bears the scars that only a warrior would, I was looking forward to sparring with him and getting him back into shape.”

“You might still be able to do that once he has his strength back.” Elrond cast a fond look in his lover’s direction. “Apparently Hephaestion and I share the same taste in lovers.”

“And you worry about the possibility that he might fall in love with me *because* I remind him of his Alexander?”

“Aye, and it might set back his recovery. Once he accepts that Alexander is lost to him he will be forced to look at other possibilities instead, but that is something I will deal with in the future.”

“Elladan has returned from his patrol. Hephaestion will find your sons seated close to him. What effect will that have on your patient?”

“You should rather ask what effect Hephaestion’s presence has on my sons.” Elrond leaned back against the comfort of his chair.

Glorfindel’s eyes twinkled. “I should have realized this before. If you feel some attraction, they are probably feeling it too.” The twins had pursued him at one point, shortly after reaching their majority and Glorfindel had let them down gently.

“This attraction might be a good thing,” whispered Elrond, loving the way Glorfindel’s eyes were darkening with lust. Knowing that he had Elrond’s love when no one else had it must entice the golden-haired warrior. “Hephaestion is still young and he was used to having a lover. It won’t be long before his body wakes up again and he finds his bed empty. Knowing my sons, they won’t be averse to taking him into their bed.”

“Your way of thinking never ceases to amaze me.” Glorfindel considered his lover, seated behind his desk and staring at him with dreamy eyes. Making up his mind, Glorfindel walked over the doorway, clearly hearing Elrond suck in his breath in surprise. “I am not leaving yet,” said Glorfindel, locking the door. “I merely do not want to be interrupted.”

“Interrupted?” Elrond’s member twitched, seeing the lust-filled expression in Glorfindel’s eyes. Glorfindel rarely instigated any lovemaking in his study, but it had happened on occasion.

“Aye, when driving myself into you.” Glorfindel circled around and came to a standstill behind Elrond. “Or are you still sore, meleth?”

Elrond closed his eyes now that Glorfindel’s sultry voice was so close to his ear. “I am fine…” Glorfindel pulled him to his feet and the warrior pushed the chair aside. Elrond’s organ filled with blood and he panted softly, feeling Glorfindel lift the fabric of his robes until he could slip his hand beneath the garment. Elrond never wore underwear beneath his robes, as it made him feel confined and often caused him to feel too hot. The velvet that his robes were made off barely allowed his skin to breathe. “What are you…?” Elrond threw back his head and released a strangled moan when one of Glorfindel’s fingers dipped down his cleft in search of the opening to his body.

Pleased with his lover’s needy response, Glorfindel bend Elrond over the desk and pushed the robes upward, revealing his lover’s backside to him.

Elrond grabbed hold of the rim of his desk and spread his legs, making it easier for his lover to claim him. Strong hands gripped his waist and the head of Glorfindel’s erection already pressed against the guardian ring. “Oil,” he whispered, fumbling and managing to open the drawer.

Glorfindel removed the stopper, let the oil flow onto his throbbing shaft and then returned to his original position. Teasingly slow, he entered his lover, maintaining his bruising hold on the half-Elf’s waist. Shuffling his feet, he inched closer and buried himself to the hilt. Elrond squirmed beneath him and moaned, deliriously.

Glorfindel thrust and Elrond yelped softly. Being taking in this way, without proper preparation was always painful at first, but soon, pleasure would take over. Elrond closed his eyes, focusing on the sensations coursing through his body. His ears picked up on the sensual sound of Glorfindel’s flesh moving against his and his skin savored feeling the tight grip Glorfindel had on his waist. Glorfindel’s musky scent signaled his lover’s impending release and invaded his nostrils. The way Glorfindel possessed his body drove him over the edge. Cream erupted from the slit of his member and the sticky substance dripped onto the fabric of his robes.

Elrond’s passage contracted around his length and normally the sensation would have made Glorfindel climax, but not this time. Their unusual surroundings, their teasing before, and knowing Elrond was so willing and helpless beneath him, prolonged his pleasure. He continued to deliver deep and firm strokes, rubbing his lover’s sensitive gland.

Elrond whimpered. Glorfindel’s continued thrusts battered against his prostate. “Glorfindel…”

But Glorfindel was deaf to any pleas Elrond made and concentrated on possessing the half-Elf. His hands moved away from Elrond’s waist. One came to rest on his mate’s lower back and the other massaged a tight buttock. “Just a little longer…”

Elrond’s fingernails dug into the wood of the desk and he arched his back. He was at his lover’s mercy – and he loved feeling that way! – but he was also beginning to grow desperate for Glorfindel to come. Then, unexpectedly, a warm sensation spread through his lower body. It started from the pit of his abdomen and it resembled the orgasm he had just experienced, but his penis was still limp and couldn’t release more seed. And yet, the sweet ripples of orgasm traveled through him, making him quiver with bliss.

Glorfindel’s eyes widened, feeling the return of the contractions around his shaft. This time, it was more than he could take and he buried himself inside Elrond’s body with one savage thrust. Driving himself inside until he could go no further, he threw back his head and called out Elrond’s name.

Warm seed filled his insides and Elrond’s body rested limply on the desk. This second orgasm was much stronger than the first and left him powerless.

Glorfindel pulled out and instantly worried about his lover when Elrond didn’t move. “Elrond? Meleth?” Had he driven himself too hard? Too long? He was seldom on the bottom and Elrond never took him as hard and demanding as he took the half-Elf.

“That was…divine,” whispered Elrond, feeling exhausted and sated.

“I should not have started this,” whispered Glorfindel in turn, realizing Elrond wouldn’t get any work done that afternoon. He gently moved Elrond about until they were face to face, removed the velvet robes and dropped them onto the ground. Using the already soiled robes, he cleaned them both up.

Elrond continued to look at him in a satiated way, submitting to every move Glorfindel made. Once he had removed the proof of their desire from their bodies, he redid the lacing to his leggings and picked up Elrond, still naked, and carried his lover over to the couch in the corner of the room. He deposited Elrond on the cushions, rolled him onto his side and then stretched beside him. Face to face, Glorfindel savored seeing the free and relaxed expression in the normally so serious eyes. “I exhausted you. That was not my intention.”

“It is a good kind of tired.” Strange thoughts whirled through his mind. Had Glorfindel taken him just now to make certain that there were no misunderstandings? To make certain that Glorfindel was the only lover for him? /Oh, Glorfindel, I might find Hephaestion beautiful and maybe even enticing, but he does not compare to you. I belong to you. I always will./

Glorfindel took to soothingly stroking his back and Elrond cuddled up to his lover, savoring the feeling when Glorfindel wrapped his arms around him. Closing his eyes, he drifted toward the edge of sleep and dreams. “I love it when you do that,” he whispered, tiredly. “Taking me like that. It reminds me that I am not only the ruler of Imladris but your lover foremost.”

“And I do love bending you over and taking you,” whispered Glorfindel, wickedly. When they had taken their first, careful steps to become lovers they had shared their fantasies. Not surprisingly, Elrond’s daydreams had been centered around giving up control and being taken and ever since, Glorfindel had tried to live up to the half-Elf’s expectations of him. “Is there anything else you want me to do to you the next time we make love?” Communication was very important to them and they often discussed their needs, sexual and emotional ones.

“Maybe I will want to take you,” mumbled Elrond, already half asleep.

Glorfindel smiled and kissed Elrond’s hair. “You may always take me, you know that.” He loved those encounters when the tables were turned on him. Elrond was a very loving and compassionate lover when it was his desire to claim him. Elrond always made sweet love to him, taking his time to prepare him and always moving gently inside him. Sometimes, he wished Elrond would take him more forcefully, but that was not Elrond’s way and he was comfortable with that.

“Do you have any fantasies in which I take you?” This conversation would give him pleasant dreams once sleep would take him. It had not been his intention to go to sleep, but Glorfindel *had* exhausted him. His beloved had taken him twice in a very short time period.

“I always love seeing you move above me.”

Elrond grinned against Glorfindel’s chest and took that image into his sleep with him.     

~~~

“Alexander…” Hephaestion had succumbed to his fatigue after draining himself by walking for the first time in weeks. His dreams were filled with images of Alexander, showing him intimate moments of shared pleasure, but also reminding him of those moments when Alexander had preferred to take Roxane or Bagoas to his bed. Why had his love never been enough?

“Wake up, Hephaestion,” whispered Elrohir, gently shaking his charge to wake the mortal from his restless sleep.

But Hephaestion didn’t react and only slipped into a deeper sleep. Alexander became painfully real to him and he watched his lover walk toward Roxane and away from him. “Don’t… Please, don’t leave me.”

The twins exchanged a worried look now that they were unable to tear Hephaestion away from his nightmarish dreams. There was only one thing they could think of and after a moment of mental communication Elladan lifted the sheet and slipped into bed with Hephaestion. On the other side of the bed, Elrohir did the same thing. Hephaestion now lay in their midst and the twins studied the mortal and then looked at each other. Elladan was the first to act upon his concern and moved closer to Hephaestion, pulling him into his arms. Hephaestion reacted eagerly, turned onto his side and pressed close to Elladan’s front. Elrohir moved along, turned onto his right side and spooned behind Hephaestion, making certain that the mortal *had* to feel his presence by pressing close to him.

“How do you think will he react upon awakening?” Elladan buried Hephaestion’s head beneath his chin and placed a hand possessively on the mortal’s hip.

“That is hard to say,” replied Elrohir, placing a hand on Elladan’s arm, completing the embrace. “But we will find out.”

Elladan nodded, caressing the loose, auburn hair that spilled down Hephaestion’s shoulder. “If he is acceptable to this arrangement…” He left his sentence unfinished, knowing his twin already understood.

“If he accepts this, we will make him a part of us.” They had never taken a lover into their bed before, finding completion only with each other, but Hephaestion was different. The mortal man still mourned the loss of a lover and if they could soothe that pain, they would.

~~~

Hephaestion felt disoriented when he opened his eyes. Disoriented, but warm. His eyed widened, realizing he wasn’t alone in bed. Dark, raven hair dangled in front of him and the spicy scent told him that it was one of the twins holding him. Although it felt odd, being held in this way, it wasn’t the embrace that stunned him. It was feeling a warm body resting behind him. A warm, *hot* body, which was also aroused.

The twins noticed the growing tension in Hephaestion’s body and considered leaving the bed and returning the space to the mortal, but something held them back. Hephaestion’s sleep had been sound and undisturbed after they had joined him in bed. “You suffered from nightmares,” said Elladan, realizing the silence was about to become uncomfortable. “And you did not react to us trying to calm you.”

“So we decided to offer you our comfort in a physical way,” said Elrohir, feeling Hephaestion trying to move away from him. But the mortal’s actions only caused him to press closer to Elladan’s body. “Please do not be scared.”

“I am not scared!” Hephaestion hissed the words; his emotions raged and he wasn’t quite certain what exactly it was he was feeling. The fact that his body reacted to their presence wasn’t helping either! /How quickly does my body forget its loyalty to Alexander./ In all those years in which he had been Alexander’s lover he had never taken another man to his bed.

“I phrased that wrong,” said Elrohir, concentrating on willing his erection to go away. “We thought you might want our comfort.”

“I do not!” Hephaestion reacted in a wild panic. Alexander was the only male who would ever hold him in that way and he would fight the twins, this attraction and his body’s treacherous reaction to their closeness. He sat upright, stared at Elladan and jumped out of the bed.

Elladan sat upright as well, but didn’t try to leave the bed to go after the mortal. Elrohir moved closer to his twin, knowing they should have expected a reaction like that. Leaning against Elladan, Elrohir took to playing with a strand of his twin’s hair.

Hephaestion stared at them in bewilderment. He had only seen such closeness, such intimacy between lovers, not brothers! “You…”

Elladan read the revelation on Hephaestion’s face. “Aye, we are more than twins. We are lovers as well.”

“And we would invite you into our bed, if you desire it so.”

Hephaestion stared at them in shock and then spun around. He flung the door open and made his way down the corridor as fast as he could.

“Ada won’t be pleased with us for scaring him away,” mused Elladan, slipping a hand beneath his twin’s shirt to caress the strong back.

“We did not plan to chase him away. Hopefully all Hephaestion needs is time to calm down and accept what he just learned.”

~~~

Erestor halted seeing Hephaestion, dressed only in a night tunic, run down the corridor and toward him. They were still rather close to the Healing House, but already too far away for the mortal to be on his own just yet. “Hephaestion?”

Hearing his name called, he turned his head and found Erestor at the back of the corridor. No longer paying attention to where he was running, he crashed into a large and heavy statue. He swayed on his feet, but managed to regain his footing. Suddenly, Erestor stood behind him and steadied him. He accepted the Elf’s help, knowing Erestor had no hidden agenda, contrary to the twins.

Seeing the wild, distraught expression in the shocked blue eyes, Erestor pulled back after making certain that the mortal could stand and walk unaided. Shivers betraying that Hephaestion was cold moved through the mortal’s form. “I will walk you back to the Healing House.”

“No!” Hephaestion firmly shook his head. “I am not going back there!”

What had spooked Hephaestion so much that he refused to return to the Healing House? Forcing himself to radiate calm and patience, Erestor stepped aside. “Will you follow me to my chambers then? You must be cold and I have warm blankets stored beneath my bed.” When the twins had been younger, before they had made their decision to belong to the Firstborn, they had often sought him out at night. Elrond and Celebrían would be caught up in formal engagements and Erestor had always left early to make certain he was in his rooms should the twins seek him out. Before they had made their choices, when they had been little, the cold used to affect them and he had wrapped their tiny bodies up in warm, thick blankets.

“Your chambers?” Hephaestion wavered and wrapped his arms around his waist in an effort to ward off the cold. He appreciated the fact that Erestor remained quiet and allowed him to make up his own mind. “I will come with you,” he said eventually.

Erestor raised his right hand and Hephaestion took it after some hesitation. Erestor shrugged off his outer robes and placed the warm, velvet robes across Hephaestion’s shoulders and the mortal pulled them closer.

They reached Erestor’s chambers a few minutes later and the Advisor opened the doors, stepping aside to let Hephaestion enter. The mortal entered with suspicion in his eyes and Erestor wondered once more what had happened in the Healing House to make Hephaestion flee his room. “Sit down.” Erestor pointed at the chair closest to the fireplace and busied himself by building a fire. A few minutes later, flames danced in the fireplace, warming up the rooms.

Hephaestion pulled his knees close to his chest and Erestor’s robes closer to his frame. He was cold and shivers tormented his body.

Erestor walked over to the bed and uncovered the woolen blankets. After making his way over to Hephaestion, he draped them over the mortal’s lap, letting Hephaestion tuck them around his form himself. He wanted to do as little as possible *for* the mortal if Hephaestion was capable of doing it himself. He didn’t believe in Elrond’s way of coddling their patient.

He poured two glasses of wine and offered one to Hephaestion, who took it with trembling hands. Erestor pulled a chair closer to the fireplace and seated himself. Although he was dying to know what had happened in the Healing House he didn’t broach that subject yet. Hephaestion seemed still too shaken to address it right away. It was best to circle around the matter for a while. “You are growing stronger.”

Hephaestion nodded once, stared into the fire and let the wine swirl in his glass. “How do I do it, Erestor? How do I accept that I lost Alexander and that I must live among strangers?”

Erestor inclined his head, pleasantly surprised that Hephaestion had taken the initiative. “You give it time, my friend. You arrived here less than a week ago. You cannot expect to have fully adapted to your new life yet.”

Hephaestion sipped his wine and his gaze shifted from the fire to Erestor. Something told him that it was safe to open up to the Advisor and for once, he listened to his instincts. “Are you a warrior, Erestor?” He pointed at the long knives which hung against the wall behind the Advisor.

“I used to be one a long time ago.” Erestor eyed Hephaestion closely and realized the mortal was about to confide in him. All he needed to do was to continue to radiate calm and patience. “But my real talent never lay on the battle field. I listen, Hephaestion. I listen and I observe. I gather information and then act upon it. I am Elrond’s ears and eyes.”

Hephaestion nodded, absentmindedly. “Where I come from such qualities were not held in high regard. Being a capable warrior was.”

Erestor sipped again and allowed Hephaestion to tell his story in his own pace.

“I bested Alexander at wrestling, but I never quite reached his standards when it came down to sword fighting.” Hephaestion’s eyes took on a distant expression. “The other commanders never truly accepted me. I can stand my ground in a battle and covered their backs more than once, but I was never the warrior I should have been in order to belong with Alexander’s elite.”

“Your qualities lay elsewhere,” said Erestor, seeing emotional pain in the swimming eyes.

“Aye, they did.” Hephaestion swallowed, nervously. “Like you, I am a good listener and I listened when no one thought I could hear them. I know how they talked about me behind my back. They would make rude jokes, saying that the only use I had was when I was on my back. They called me Alexander’s whore. Oh, they would never say so in public, only when they thought they were among themselves. I tried hard to live up to everyone’s expectations. I tried being the warrior Alexander wanted me to be, but… All the other commanders saw was someone who had managed to sleep his way up the ranks.”

Erestor stared at Hephaestion from over the rim of his glass. “I doubt that is true. Maybe you are feeling a bit too sorry for yourself?”

Hephaestion sighed. “I know what I heard, Erestor.”

“Did you ever consider that there were also things which you did not hear? You must have been focused on hearing these degrading things – did you listen to the positive things they had to say about you?”

“Cleitus did not speak badly of me and neither did Cassander, but still…”

Erestor persevered. “I doubt you would have risen to your rank had you been without talent and I am not referring to your performances between the sheets.”

Much to his consternation, Hephaestion turned beet-red, hearing Erestor’s words. “It always gnawed at me, though. I never felt good enough for Alexander.”

“And how did Alexander think about you? Did he share his commanders’ opinion of you?” Erestor had seen glimpses of Hephaestion’s past when he had probed the mortal’s mind, but had not been privy to any past sentiments.

“Alexander loved me.” Hephaestion gave Erestor a rueful smile. “It started when we were still young and the attraction never diminished, at least not for me. I would have died for him.”

“But Alexander is now lost to you.” Erestor was beginning to understand how he could help Hephaestion best. He had made the mistake to think of him as a warrior, after seeing the numerous battle scars, but he now realized that Hephaestion was more like him. “Analyze your situation for me, my friend.”

Hephaestion’s eyes narrowed. “Analyze?” In some ways, Erestor reminded him of himself. “I am stranded here. The best thing I can do is to let go of the past and build a future here.”

“Can you? Can you let go of the past?”

“Alexander will always be a part of me. He continues to live on in my heart.”

Erestor nodded once and then raised his hand in an authoritative way. “What about building a life here? What would your life be like? Nay, let me rephrase that; what would you like your life to be like?”

Hephaestion emptied the content of his glass and cocked his head. He had wanted to say that he wanted Alexander in his life again, but he knew that was impossible. “I have not given that question much thought,” started Hephaestion. “I cannot imagine finding love again. My love for Alexander was unique. Maybe I could become your assistant? You seem kind and understanding.”

“I must admit that I am surprised that you so easily confide in me.” Erestor readied himself for his charge’s reaction to his next question. “I assumed you would rather like to confide in Elrond or the twins.”

“The twins…” Hephaestion’s mouth went dry, recalling the way he had left them behind. “I like Elrond,” he said, trying to change their subject. “He has kind eyes.”

Erestor now realized that whatever had made Hephaestion run had something to do with the twins. “What did Elladan and Elrohir do to cause you to flee the Healing House?”

“Is it so obvious?” He hadn’t known he was so easy to read.

“Not really, but I have known the twins since they were babies and they can be tactless at times.”

Hephaestion gave Erestor a thankful smile. “I didn’t wake up alone in my bed.”

“They had joined you?” Erestor tilted his head. “Why?”

“They said it was because I was suffering from nightmares, but…”

“You do not believe them?”

“One of them was hard. I clearly felt his erection.” Hephaestion’s blush returned, discussing something so intimate with Erestor.

Erestor leaned in closer and studied his charge’s eyes. “Elladan and Elrohir always mean well, even if they can be… rude at times. One of them being aroused probably had nothing to do with you.”

Hephaestion shook his head. “The next thing they did was invite me into their bed.”

“Oh.” The little sound escaped Erestor unwillingly. “Did they also say why?”

“They thought I wanted them to comfort me in that way!” Hephaestion buried himself deeper beneath Erestor’s robes and blanket. He really didn’t want to discuss this further.

“You must have made quite an impression on them,” said Erestor, thoughtfully. “They have been exclusive for centuries and I know they have had suitors, Elves and mortals were eager to join them in bed, but they never accepted any of them.”

“I love Alexander and only Alexander!”

Erestor grew quiet, realizing that Hephaestion had been shocked by their offer.

A knock on the door broke their companionable silence and made Erestor rise from his chair. “Enter.”

Elrond, looking worried and spooked, marched into Erestor’s rooms. “Meldir! Hephaestion has left the Healing House and I do not know where he is!” (Meldir – male friend)

“I do.” Erestor pointed at the mortal, who pressed back into the comfort of his chair. “I found him wandering the corridors.”

“You could have sent me a message!” Elrond straightened out his robes and advanced on his patient. “You should return to the Healing House with me.”

“I would rather not.” Hephaestion’s fingers curled around the armrests of his chair.

“Do not worry about my sons misbehaving again. I already lectured them.” Elrond had been upset finding out his sons had made their intentions known that quickly. He had chided them, telling him that their offer had been inappropriate and they had apologized.

“I was unprepared for their… advances,” said Hephaestion, phrasing it as delicately as he could. “I never expected them to say those things.”

“My sons have a passionate nature and are prone to acting too fast.” Elrond considered the man in front of him. “I will not force you to return to the Healing House if you do not want to, but I would feel more comfortable knowing you were there. You are still healing.”

Hephaestion’s gaze sought out Erestor’s, much to Elrond’s surprise. Had the two of them become friends? That would be a good thing and he would applaud it for both their sakes. “Elladan and Elrohir will keep their distance, I promise you that. They feel guilty for the way they acted and vowed not to approach you in such a way again.”

Erestor nodded, encouragingly, and Hephaestion said, “I will return to the Healing House with you and I hope the twins won’t continue to feel guilty. They meant well.” Erestor nodded again, showing his approval and Hephaestion slowly rose from beneath the blankets. He stood unsteadily, but made his way over to Elrond unaided.

Elrond exchanged a look with Erestor and smiled at his Chief Advisor. It was rare for Erestor to open up and allow someone in, especially a stranger, and he hoped that both males would find comfort in their budding friendship. They both needed friends.

~~~

Hephaestion didn’t see the twins for the next few days. Elladan and Elrohir had made themselves scarce and didn’t even approach the Healing House. Elrond had warned them that they had better behave or they would face their father’s wrath. The last thing they wanted was to fuel their father’s anger.

To his surprise, Hephaestion found he missed having them near. They had always been there whenever he would wake up and they had soothed his restless dreams. On the evening of the fifth day without sighting the twins Hephaestion left his bed and the Healing House in search of Elrond.

“Elrond won’t be pleased to find you fled the Healing House again.” Glorfindel had been on his way to Elrond’s study and had come across the mortal in one of the corridors. Hephaestion could now walk longer distances unaided, but still remained weak. It would take a long time for him to fully recover from the Typhus.

Hephaestion spun around and his mouth went dry, finding himself facing Glorfindel. He thanked the Gods that Glorfindel’s eyes were blue, for their color prevented him from thinking of the Elf as Alexander. “I am searching for Elrond. I would like to talk to him, but I don’t know where to find him.”

“I will escort you to his study.” Glorfindel fell into step beside Hephaestion and cast a curious look at the mortal man. “Elrond does not want me to make this offer, but… Should you want to get into shape again you are welcome to join me and the guards to work out with us.”

“Thank you.” Hephaestion’s eyes scanned the Elf’s muscular form. “Alexander would have loved to have you as part of his personal guards.”

“I serve Elrond,” replied Glorfindel, calmly. “I love the peace the valley radiates and her Lord presents a soothing balm to my soul.”

Hephaestion pulled his robes closer to his body. The healers had given him several robes made from warm materials and sporting different colors. He favored a cream-colored one, made from the finest linen. “You would not have fit in then.”

“And why is that?” Glorfindel felt curious and eager to find out more about the mortal man. Occasionally Hephaestion gave him a curious look in turn and that made him wonder if the mortal still looked upon him and thought of Alexander instead. “Why would I not fit in?”

“Alexander was eager to conquer. He lived for the excitement of battle, the thought of bringing civilization to wild tribes.”

“And a lot of people died due to his ambition?” asked Glorfindel. They had reached the door to Elrond’s study, but he didn’t open the door yet.

“Yes, and some of them were friends.” Hephaestion moistened his lips. “When I look upon you, I am reminded of Alexander, and yet, I can tell that worlds lie between the two of you.”

“You are right. I would never fight for someone who was merely interested in conquering lands or bring races under his domination. The few times in my life that I had to fight were in order to defend my people and oppose evil. The peace that I have known since living in Imladris has been my salvation.” Hephaestion’s expression grew impossibly soft and it called to Glorfindel, who raised a hand and buried his fingers in the auburn mane. Aye, he understood why Elrond and the twins felt drawn to Hephaestion. Which male wouldn’t? “Alexander’s conquests, his adventures, they did not make you happy. You are not a warrior, although you carry the scars of the battlefield.”

Hephaestion nodded. “After Alexander had conquered Babylon I hoped that he would find peace, but he didn’t. He always wanted more. I never got used to the bloodshed, the lives wasted and ruined.”

“You will do well here,” said Glorfindel, letting his hand drop to his waist. “Middle Earth knows peace now that Sauron has been destroyed. There won’t be any wars in your lifetime.”

“A life without battles… It is hard to picture that.”

Glorfindel knocked on the door to Elrond’s study and pushed the door open without waiting for his lover to call ‘enter’.

Elrond looked up from his work, wondering who would want to talk to him so urgently. He fought down a blush, seeing Glorfindel come to a standstill and then sit on the corner of his desk, which had seen their passionate lovemaking a few days ago. “Hephaestion!” He was surprised to see his patient here. “Is something amiss?”

Erestor’s eyes sought out Hephaestion’s and after finding them clear and rational, he returned to his work.

“Not exactly amiss.” Hephaestion felt uncomfortable, still wondering why he was doing this. “I just wanted to inquire about the twins. I haven’t seen them for days.”

Elrond managed not to smile – Hephaestion coming here to make inquiries about his sons pleased him. “They are busy leading patrols and training with the guards. I forbade them to enter the Healing House whilst you dwelt there.”

“That isn’t necessary,” said Hephaestion, cocking his head. His long, now shiny auburn hair fell in front of his eyes and he quickly brushed it away from his face. “Their advances took me by surprise, but isn’t a reason to banish them from the Healing House.”

“I will tell them that. They will be pleased to hear this.” If only his sons hadn’t moved so quickly! He understood their need, their desire to take away the pain in Hephaestion’s eyes, but the mortal man needed time to deal with losing Alexander first. “Is there anything else?”

“Actually…” Hephaestion hesitated. “I do not want to appear ungrateful, but I feel strong enough to repay you for your hospitality in whatever way you deem suitable.”

“That is his way of telling you that he has grown bored and wishes to be discharged,” said Erestor, signing the letter he had just written.

“Erestor is correct,” said Hephaestion, his face growing a bit flustered. “I might not be fully recovered, but I am strong enough to…” To do what? What would be his duty in the house of Elrond?

“I will assign quarters to you,” said Elrond, eventually.

“Maybe he can assist Glorfindel with training the guards? And me with my correspondence?” suggested Erestor.

Hephaestion was about to object to the first part of Erestor’s suggestion. Training the guards wasn’t something he was suited for.

“That is an excellent idea!” Glorfindel nodded, enthusiastically. “I could do with some help and it would be a good way for you to get back in to shape!”

Realizing that protesting wouldn’t sit well with Glorfindel and Erestor, Hephaestion meekly accepted his fate.

~~~

“Hephaestion? Our father asked us to escort you to your rooms.” Elladan shuffled into the room, still feeling awkward and guilty for the way they had invited Hephaestion into their bed. Elrohir stood behind Elladan, peeking inside the room, but not making any eye contact with the mortal who had captured their hearts.

Hephaestion had been looking out of the window and now turned around to face them. His fingers clawed at the fabric of his robes and he swallowed nervously as a lump of emotions had formed in his throat. The twins looked remorseful, timid even and that had never been his intention. He had loved their friendly, carefree way when they had dealt with him. “It is good to see you again. I have missed the two of you.”

Hephaestion’s answer encouraged Elladan, who offered the mortal man a shy smile.

Hephaestion had bundled up his meager belongings, all things gathered here during his short stay and walked over to the doorway. The twins were handsome, enticing, and seemed eternally young to him. If only they didn’t remind him of Bagoas so much!

“Follow us,” said Elladan, stepping aside and letting Hephaestion fall into pace with him. They left the Healing House and turned right. “Our father thought it best to give you rooms in the family wing. Most of the Last Homely House is uninhabited and except for the guards most members of my father’s household live in rooms close to the family wing.”

“Our rooms are next to yours, but we will respect your privacy,” said Elrohir, staring at the floor. “We will not approach you.”

Seeing their downcast eyes and retiring demeanor saddened Hephaestion. He halted and they came to a stop as well. Shy and hesitant eyes eventually met his and he said, “Your offer surprised me; that was all. I should feel honored that you would invite me into your bed, but I… My heart belongs to Alexander.”

The twins nodded. “We understand.” They had reached their destination and Elladan opened the door to Hephaestion’s new rooms. “I hope these chambers are satisfactory.”

Hephaestion entered and placed his little bundle of belongings on the bed. The rooms were sunny and spacious. A big four-poster bed was the prominent piece of future and took up one fourth of the main room. A desk, two comfortable chairs and a blazing fireplace completed the interior.

“The bathroom is in there.” Elladan pointed to his right. “We will leave you alone now. Our father asked us to invite you to join us for dinner in the Hall of Fire, should you feel strong enough to do so. If so, Elrohir will escort you to the Hall when it is time for dinner.”

“I will join you,” said Hephaestion, trying to deal with all these new aspects of his life here.

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look – it appeared Hephaestion was no longer upset or cross with them, a fact that pleased them immensely. Maybe they still had a chance to befriend the mortal man. “We will talk to you later.” Elladan closed the door behind him.

Hephaestion felt oddly alone, walking through his new rooms. Opening the window, he shivered as the cold air attacked his skin. It was autumn and winter was already approaching. He had seen snow in his first lifetime, had suffered through winters in Greece, but in Babylon the weather had always been warm and comfortable. Now he had to get used to the cold again.

Before closing the window he let his gaze sweep over the valley. Glorfindel had been right; Imladris breathed beauty and peace. In the distance, he even saw the Bruinen and he recalled that he had been found close to the river. “Why, Námo? Why couldn’t you let me wait for Alexander on the Elysian Fields? We would have been happy there.” He would never again find a love like Alexander’s – never.

~~~

A soft knock on his door announced Elrohir’s arrival. “You may enter,” called out Hephaestion, checking his appearance in the mirror one last time.

Elrohir stepped inside and froze. Hephaestion had bathed, washed, combed and partly braided his hair. He wore white robes and had draped a burgundy cloak across his shoulders to keep warm. The eyes, blue and sparkling were set in a strange blackness – charcoal? Elrohir had never seen it used in that way before and wasn’t certain what to think of it. It did make the blue of the eyes more pronounced, but at the same time it gave Hephaestion a vulnerable appearance.

“You don’t approve? Did I do something wrong?” Hephaestion turned to study his reflection once more.

“Nay, it is nothing like that.” Elrohir walked over to Hephaestion and slowly wrapped an arm around the mortal’s shoulders. “It is the way your eyes look. I have never seen anything like it before.”

“We used it to ward off insects. Babylon and Greece are warm lands and sometimes the insects would attack the eyes.” It also highlighted his eyes, which were one of the most attractive things about him, if he were to believe Alexander.

”You do not need to wear it here, but if you feel more comfortable doing it, please do.” Living here among strangers with odd customs had to be hard on Hephaestion and if he wanted to stay faithful to old habits, he should be able to do so.

“Elrohir?” Hephaestion looked at the half-Elf’s reflection in the mirror. “I never wanted to get you and Elladan into trouble with your father.”

“It was our own fault that we did. We should not have flaunted our desires so obviously. We deserved a lecture.” Elrohir paused, considering the expression in the blue eyes. “But the offer was sincere. We do find you beautiful.”

“Thank you,” whispered Hephaestion, blushing. Alexander had called him many things in his lifetime, but beautiful had not been one of them.

“Hungry?”

“Yes.” Hephaestion placed his hand in Elrohir’s when the half-Elf offered it to him.

“Then let us head for the Hall of Fire so we can eat.” The sweet smile that Hephaestion gave him made his heart miss a beat. “Aye, you are beautiful, very beautiful.” He hadn’t wanted to speak the words aloud, but they had too easily slipped from his lips and he loved the way Hephaestion’s blush deepened. He returned the smile and pulled the mortal man along. It was time to join the others for dinner.

~~~

“Ah, good, you managed to join us!” Elrond gestured for Hephaestion to seat himself to his left. Glorfindel was already seated to his right and the twins occupied the other end of the dinner table. Elrond had put them far apart on purpose.

“I want to thank you for the spacious rooms,” said Hephaestion, seating himself.

“You like them?”

“I do.” Hephaestion noticed the looks he was attracting and realized other Elves, Elves he had not seen before, had also joined them and were seated at a long table to their right.

“They will grow used to your presence,” said Elrond. “It is rare for a mortal to sit in this Hall.” Only Estel had ever done so. Elrond also noticed the strange blackness beneath Hephaestion’s eyes, but did not comment on it. /But ai, it makes him even more exotic – and vulnerable looking!/

Dinner was served and they ate in relative silence. Only Glorfindel used the opportunity to talk, updating Elrond on the patrol’s findings. Once they had finished eating, the twins excused themselves after giving Hephaestion a look filled with longing. Hephaestion noticed it and averted his eyes. It was only too clear that the twins desired him.

Erestor, who joined them only now, sat down at the place Elrohir had vacated. A plate filled with meats, cheese, fresh bread and fruit was placed in front of him and he nibbled at the foods. His eyes came to rest on Hephaestion and he could tell that something bothered the mortal man.

Most members of Elrond’s household had retreated to the back of the Hall, gathering around Lindir the minstrel to listen to his songs. This gave the remaining Elves a certain degree of privacy. “What bothers you, Hephaestion?” asked Erestor, also drawing Glorfindel and Elrond’s attention with his question.

“I do not know – exactly,” whispered Hephaestion. “You have done everything to make me feel welcome. You saved my life and took me in and yet I feel like I disappoint you.”

Erestor maintained eye contact, knowing perfectly well that Hephaestion was only opening up because he was present. “And now I want the real reason why you feel depressed.”

“I feel like I wronged the twins and now they act completely different. I liked their vivid ways, the sparkling in their eyes and I… I am the reason that is gone.”

Erestor moved a few seats closer and placed his hand atop of Hephaestion’s. “I told you before to give it time. You need to find your place here and that won’t happen overnight.”

Elrond felt grateful that Erestor had found a way to reach their charge. At least to Erestor was Hephaestion opening up.

“I should properly apologize to them.”

“Then do so,” said Erestor, gently squeezing Hephaestion’s hand.

The young man excused himself and left the dinner table. Elrond leaned back against the comfort of his chair and allowed Glorfindel to clasp his hand in his. “Erestor, you seem to understand him. What is he struggling with?”

“A lot of things.” Erestor sipped the herbal tea which Elrond always served him before going to bed. It contained a sleeping potion that would chase away any nightmares he might have featuring Haldir. “His world was upended. From what he told me, I gather that he had little say in his life. He lived to please Alexander. Now, he finds himself in a different situation – for the first time, people are trying to please him and he does not know how to react to that.”

Elrond nodded in agreement. “What else?”

“He has a much lower self-esteem than he lets us see. Living as Alexander’s…” What word to use? “Consort did little to boost his self-confidence. He was a commander in Alexander’s army, but thinks he only gained that position because of his… services in bed.”

Glorfindel’s eyes darkened. “And do you think this is true?”

“I do not. He might not be a warrior of your caliber, but I doubt he would have survived those battles if he weren’t a capable warrior. He is like me in some ways. He makes a better Advisor than a commander. Now, he has been thrust into this life alone and he is searching for that part of himself that he lost to Alexander.”

“I wish he would accept the comfort the twins are offering,” whispered Glorfindel. “It would do him a world of good.”

“Maybe at a later stage,” replied Erestor. “Hephaestion’s pain is still too fresh.”

~~~

His heart thundered in his throat, as he knocked on the door to the twins’ rooms. He didn’t know yet what he was going to say, he just knew he needed to talk to them. When he had been in his rooms earlier, preparing for dinner, the silence there had almost driven him insane. He had become used to having at least one Elf close and before that, in Babylon, he hadn’t been alone either. He wasn’t certain he could be alone at this point.

“Who is there?” Elrohir cocked his head, surprised that someone was seeking them out at such late an hour. Elladan, still bathing, met his look and shrugged his shoulders. “I will answer the door,” said Elrohir, eventually. He slipped into his night robe and opened the door.

“Hephaestion?” He hadn’t expected the mortal to seek them out. He had thought that Hephaestion would avoid dealing with them. “Do you want to come inside?” He didn’t know what Hephaestion wanted to discuss, but it would be best if they talked in the room and not in the corridor.

Hephaestion shuffled inside, feeling nervous. Elrohir closed the door behind him and Hephaestion lowered his head, letting his hair fall in front of his face like a brown curtain.

Surprised to see Hephaestion act so shyly, Elrohir took a step away from the mortal. “Is there something we can do for you?”

“I wanted to apologize,” whispered Hephaestion, “For the way I acted when you invited me into your bed. Since then, you have acted in a different, distant way and I do not like that. I miss the way you would reach out to me. I am sorry for ruining that. It was never my intention to…” He failed to finish his sentence as Elrohir placed a finger across his lips, silencing him. The half-Elf brushed his hair aside and he was forced to meet Elrohir’s eyes.

“We should not have approached you in that way. It was our fault, not yours.” Elrohir placed the palm of his hand against Hephaestion’s cheek and smiled at the mortal. “Do not blame this on yourself. Aye, we acted differently toward you, but only because we thought you preferred it that way.”

“I do not.” Hephaestion’s breath caught, seeing Elladan emerge from the bathroom naked. Droplets of water hugged the half-Elf’s muscular form and the long, wet hair clung to the skin. Even Bagoas had never looked as desirable as Elladan did now and his body reacted to the exquisite sight. His groin tightened and his member grew erect. Hephaestion was grateful that the robes hid his aroused state and he thought it best to leave now before their situation escalated. “I should leave you now.”

Elladan moved quickly and blocked Hephaestion’s way to the doorway. “Why do you run away from us? We will do nothing against your will.”

“It is not that.” Hephaestion lowered his head and stared at the floor. “I cannot be unfaithful to Alexander. Surely you understand that?”

“Hephaestion, we merely desire to hold you in your sleep so we can keep the nightmares away. We will not take what you are unwilling to give.” Elladan placed a finger beneath Hephaestion’s chin and raised his head. “Would being held in your sleep be so bad? Would that be betraying Alexander?”

“I don’t think so,” said Hephaestion, wavering. “But I am…”

“Hard,” whispered Elrohir into Hephaestion’s ear. “So are we. That does not mean we have to engage in intercourse.”

“In that case…” Hephaestion felt nervous, unclasping his cloak and unbuttoning his robes. “It is not like you haven’t seen me naked before.”

“Aye, we attended to you. Washed you and dried your skin.” Elladan folded an arm around Hephaestion’s waist and guided the mortal to their bed.

The skin on skin contact was enticing and Hephaestion shivered when Elladan lowered him onto the bed. Involuntarily his gaze drifted lower and came to rest on Elladan’s impressive member.

Elrohir seeing *that look* smiled. Maybe all that Hephaestion needed *was* time. He shrugged out of his night robe and joined Elladan and Hephaestion in bed. All three males were hard and the musky scent of sex emanated from their pores. “Roll onto your right side.”

Hephaestion obeyed and spooned behind Elladan. The half-Elf pressed back against him, causing Hephaestion’s length to nestle in between Elladan’s buttocks. His breath caught again, feeling Elrohir’s hard flesh nudge against his cleft in turn. Panting softly, he tried to gain control over his raging feelings. He expected the twins to act on their arousal, but they didn’t and Elrohir folded an arm around him, resting the palm of his hand on Elladan’s hip.

“Comfortable?” asked Elladan, grinning broadly. Although he couldn’t see Hephaestion’s expression, he clearly felt the man’s arousal pressed against him.

“I wouldn’t call it that,” whispered Hephaestion, blushing fiercely.

“Will you tell us about your preferences?” Elrohir licked down the column of Hephaestion’s neck and ended with pressing a kiss on a shoulder blade. “What do you prefer? To be taken? Or to do the taking?”

Hephaestion closed his eyes, trying to calm and center himself. “That always depended on the mood Alexander was in.”

Elladan frowned. “Does that mean you would always comply with his wishes?”

“Of course, that is the way of love. I wanted to see him happy.” Hephaestion’s body was calming down now that Elrohir had ceased teasing him. “Alexander was always in control on the battlefield and he liked being control in bed as well. I never knew what to expect. He could be loving and gentle and prepare me for our lovemaking, but there were also times when he took what he needed. I learned to adapt to his mood swings.”

For some reason Elrohir didn’t like hearing this. “And what about your wants? Your needs?”

“They were always met… eventually.” Remembering the intimate moments shared with Alexander brought him emotional pain, but he recalled their original question and felt he should answer it. “Alexander was the dominant one and usually claimed me whenever he wanted me.”

“That was not what we asked you,” said Elrohir, his eyes narrowing and his fingers moving through the auburn hair. “What is *your* preference?”

Hephaestion buried his face against Elladan’s neck and inhaled the half-Elf’s scent. “I do not know,” he whispered, surprised himself that he didn’t know. “I was always intent on seeing to his needs.”

“Maybe, in time, we will find out.” Elladan managed to gain hold of one hand and pulled Hephaestion’s arm around him in an embrace. He curled his fingers around Hephaestion’s and then whispered, “You must be tired. Sleep. We will watch your sleep.” Something told him that Elrohir and he would spend many hours pretending to sleep because Hephaestion – a mortal – needed to sleep much more than they did.

“Yes, sleep…” Hephaestion moaned, pressed in between the twins and closed his eyes. “Sleep and dream.” His thoughts stilled and his mind calmed now that his body signaled him that he was safe. He quickly fell asleep, loving the feel of the twins in front of him and behind him.

“He does not know,” whispered Elladan, wishing he could see his twin’s expression. They had found at an early stage that Elladan was the dominant one, though Elrohir often turned the tables on him and claimed him instead.

“We will help him find out,” said Elrohir. “And now we must be quiet, or else he will wake up again and we do not want that.”

Elladan smiled. “You are right… May his dreams be sweet…”

“And filled with images of us making love to him.”

~~~

“If you will excuse me now, I wish to retire for the night.” Erestor got to his feet, inclined his head in respect and left the Hall of Fire.

“He is so alone,” whispered Elrond. “I wish there was something I could do for him to lessen his pain.”

“He meekly drinks his sleeping potion each night,” said Glorfindel, pointing at the now empty goblet. “Haldir still haunts him then.”

“Can you blame him for dreaming of his beloved?” Elrond rose from his chair and Glorfindel followed his example. The two Elves left the Hall and headed for the rooms they shared. Once inside, Elrond disrobed, combed his hair and slipped between the covers.

Glorfindel quickly cleaned himself up, as he hadn’t had a chance to do so after training with the guards and he didn’t want to bring this awful scent into their bed. A moment later, he joined Elrond. He opened his arms and the half-Elf eagerly moved into them. Glorfindel smiled, unseen by Elrond, when the half-Elf began to play with his nipples, causing them to grow hard.

“Erestor must miss Haldir terribly.” Elrond pushed himself upright onto one elbow and studied Glorfindel’s face. “If I were to lose you I do not know if I could continue on alone.”

“You are not going to lose me,” said Glorfindel, assisting Elrond when his lover climbed atop of him to straddle his waist. As they were both naked, their arousal was obvious and the hard flesh slid alongside each other, causing them to moan. Seeing the thoughtful expression in Elrond’s eyes Glorfindel tore himself away from the building pleasure and placed his hands on either side of Elrond’s head. “What are you thinking? I *know* that look in your eyes.”

Elrond’s hands roamed his lover’s chest and he caught a hard nipple between two fingertips, rolling it between them. “It is an absurd idea and I should not even be thinking this!”

“What is it?” Glorfindel brought Elrond’s lips closer to his and probed the grey sea of his lover’s eyes. Elrond’s hands now abandoned his chest and one of them trailed down to curl around his leaking member. The other hand sneaked upward until one finger slipped inside his mouth. Glorfindel arched an eyebrow, realizing his lover’s plans and lavished the digit with saliva. “Now tell me,” he demanded, feeling that wet fingertip brush against his guardian ring.

“I was thinking that maybe… maybe we could… invite Erestor… into our bed.” Elrond cringed, seeing Glorfindel’s eyes widen. “I said it was an insane idea; let us not talk about this any more.” In order to distract Glorfindel from their conversation he inserted one finger into his lover’s tight passage. “Hand me the oil, meleth.”

Glorfindel’s head still reeled from Elrond’s words earlier and he frowned, wondering what had made Elrond say such a thing. But then all worries fled, feeling an oil covered finger probe his channel. Pulling Elrond’s head closer to his, he engaged their lips in a long and deep kiss which the half-Elf answered most fervently. A second finger joined the first, stretching him. When that third finger finally entered him he was already moaning with need and rubbing his lower body against Elrond. “Which way do you want me?”

Elrond removed his fingers from his lover’s body and moved off of Glorfindel’s body which was covered with a fine layer of sweat. He sat cross-legged against the headboard and beckoned Glorfindel closer.

Glorfindel’s heart beat fast, realizing his lover’s intentions and he thoroughly approved of them. “You want me to take myself.” Elrond seldom suggested they use this position and Glorfindel quickly realized what advantages making love in this way would give him. He would be in control of the pace and depth of Elrond’s thrusts, as he could take himself as hard and fast as he wanted.

“I thought something new would…” Elrond didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence as Glorfindel positioned himself above his throbbing shaft.

Glorfindel placed his hands on Elrond’s shoulders for support and then lowered himself onto his lover’s erection. He bowed his head in concentration, feeling the blunt head of his lover’s member nudge against his guardian ring. He pushed down, opening himself up to his lover and the head slipped inside. Feeling feverish and in control, Glorfindel continued to impale himself on the rod, sliding down the length until his buttocks rested in Elrond’s lap.

Elrond’s heart missed several beats seeing the expression in his lover’s eyes when Glorfindel made eye contact. He saw lust in them, lust, passion and desire. Elrond quickly slipped his hands beneath his lover’s buttocks, supporting him further.

Glorfindel licked his lips and then attacked Elrond’s, claiming them in a brutal kiss. “I want you so much.” Feeling Elrond so deep inside him caused butterflies to tickle his insides and he couldn’t wait for that warm sensation to fill him the moment his lover found release.

Glorfindel’s passionate reaction surprised Elrond. He had always been under the impression that his lover liked it when he made sweet, slow love to him. Had he been wrong? “Take yourself, meleth, and bring us to orgasm.”

Throwing back his head, Glorfindel moaned and raised himself until only the head of Elrond’s member was still inside him. He then drove himself down and then up again, setting a violent rhythm, taking himself hard.

Elrond allowed Glorfindel to take himself in that way and set aside any concern he might have felt for his lover’s well-being. If Glorfindel wanted this, he would give it to the golden-haired warrior. Glorfindel’s erection, slick with pre-ejaculate and shining an angry purple seemed to cry out for his touch and Elrond managed to wrap his fingers around the rod.

Glorfindel thought his body would explode with ecstasy now that Elrond was stroking him. “I am close… so close…” He inched closer, wrapped his arms as tightly as he could around Elrond’s form and attached his lips to Elrond’s throat, suckling the skin there. A muffled scream left his lips as he was being propelled to orgasm and his cream splashed onto Elrond’s hand and abdomen.

“Stop moving,” demanded Elrond, using his hold on Glorfindel to make the warrior cease all motion. “I want to feel you around me.”

Glorfindel moaned, needily, but obeyed. Seated on Elrond’s lap, the half-Elf’s erection felt huge inside him.

Elrond closed his eyes in bliss, concentrating on the contractions forming around his member. Those contractions brought him to orgasm and he sought out his lover’s bruised lips, kissing Glorfindel deeply.

After their lovemaking, Glorfindel felt exhausted. He had never taken himself in that way before and the experience left him breathless.

Elrond, sensing his lover’s drained state, brought his arms up behind the warrior and lowered him onto his back onto the bed. As he had maintained some of his erect state, he remained inside his lover’s slick passage and stretched atop of Glorfindel, blanketing him. “You loved taking yourself in that way.” That was some sort of revelation to him.

“Aye, I did.” Glorfindel opened tired eyes and smiled at Elrond. At times like these, he loved feeling his lover press him down. “You are always so gentle with me and I love that,” he added quickly, seeing Elrond almost scowl. “But sometimes I am in the mood for some harder love play.”

“You are?” Elrond’s frown materialized after all. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

“I do not think it is in your nature to take me in that way, or is it?”

“You may be right. I worried about you just now, taking yourself that roughly.” Elrond gave the matter some thought. “Maybe we can settle for some sort of arrangement? Whenever you feel the need to be taken a bit… rougher… we use the position we just did?”

“Aye, I can live with that.” Glorfindel’s tongue popped out and licked a droplet of his semen from Elrond’s face. “I wonder how that got there.”

“Bad aim,” said Elrond, teasing his lover.

Glorfindel ran his finger through Elrond’s hair, recalling his lover’s unexpected proposal. Taking Erestor to their bed -- he wondered where that thought had come from. Elrond had never mentioned that before!

Elrond’s sex had softened and left his lover’s body. “I will clean us up. Do not move, meleth.” He regretted having to climb off of his lover’s warm body, but they would stick together if he didn’t clean them up now.

Glorfindel watched Elrond head for the bathroom, disappear inside and return with a wash cloth and a bowl of tepid water. Elrond placed the bowel on the bed, dipped the cloth in it and set to cleaning him thoroughly. The soft, gentle wipes made Glorfindel smile. Trust the healer to pop out again at a moment like this. Elrond even checked for tearing, making Glorfindel shake his head. “I am fine, meleth.”

“I cannot help it.” Elrond shrugged, apologetically, and then cleaned himself up, washing his lover’s seed from his abdomen.

Glorfindel placed the bowl onto the floor, disposed of the cloth and pulled Elrond into an embrace. Lying on his back, Glorfindel encouraged Elrond to snuggle up to him and rest his head on his muscular chest. He wanted to discuss something before going to sleep. “What made you suggest we take Erestor into our bed?” Elrond tensed in his arms, almost making Glorfindel regret asking that question.

“It was a stupid thing to say. Please forget that I ever did.”

“Nay, I won’t do that. Now tell me, Elrond. Why did you suggest that?”

Elrond sighed and his fingertips danced across Glorfindel’s chest. “He is so alone, Glorfindel. He won’t ever let it show, but he is hurting deep inside.”

“And you think that inviting him into our bed would soothe his pain?” Glorfindel gave the matter some serious thought and realized that Elrond’s proposal wasn’t as foolish as it had first seemed to him. “Do you think he would accept our comfort?”

Elrond shrugged. “We won’t know until we ask him.”

“You know the way he tenses and flees the room when he comes upon us during an intimate moment.” Glorfindel recalled Erestor fleeing the study when he had entered. Elrond had been comforting Erestor and Erestor had run, seeing him standing there. “What is it with Erestor? Why does he run whenever I am close?”

“He does not want to make you jealous. Until Haldir came along, Erestor never had a lover. It was Haldir’s persistence that opened Erestor up to the possibility of taking a lover.”

“Jealous?” Glorfindel frowned. “Elrond, do you really think it would do Erestor good to join us in bed? And that is *if* he accepts your proposal.”

“I do. You should have seen the way he blossomed when Haldir first courted him.” Glorfindel had been away on patrols a lot and had not seen much of the courting game.

“Why don’t you tell me? I would love to hear how that proud and arrogant March Warden won Erestor’s heart.”

Elrond rubbed his head against Glorfindel’s chest. He would love to tell Glorfindel! “It all started when Celeborn decided he should visit Imladris to meet with his grandsons for that first time….

~~~

Erestor blamed his tardiness completely on Elrond’s obsession with the babies. The half-Elf had flatly refused to welcome Celeborn to Imladris, because that meant leaving his wife and babies and had sent Erestor to do so instead.

Hurrying down the stairs, Erestor was upset for being late. Celeborn and his personal guard had arrived minutes ago and were now awaiting him in the courtyard. From the corner of his eye, Erestor saw that they had already dismounted and were walking about, talking to stable hands and servants. His feet moved faster than they should have and Erestor suddenly found himself stumbling and then falling down the stairs. The floor at the bottom of the stair case looked extremely hard and it was only a matter of seconds before he would crash into it. Knowing his bad luck, he would probably go down face first.

“Be careful now.”

Strong arms circled his waist and pulled him close to a muscular chest. Silver hair teased against his face and a musky scent, mixed in with pine and the smell of the forest, drifted into his nostrils. He was practically being crushed to the powerfully built torso and unable to move as the other Elf’s hold on him was tight.

“You almost took a nasty fall there.” Haldir, enjoying holding this lithe Elf with dark hair and even darker eyes, placed him back onto his feet. He would have liked to hold him a little longer, but that would hardly have been appropriate. “Are you uninjured?”

Erestor glared at the silver-haired Elf, but the moment his weight came to rest on his right ankle, he paled considerably. Oh no, he had not sprained his ankle! Broken? Nay, his ankle was definitely not broken! He was fine. Just fine!

Haldir wrapped an arm around the dark-haired Elf’s middle, seeing him sway and then favor his right foot. “You *are* injured.” Haldir started to look about for a healer, but instead, he saw Celeborn’s eyes twinkle naughtily at him.

“Let me go, you brute!” Although his behavior was inappropriate and ungrateful, Erestor continued to shout at his savior. Never before had he been treated like that! “I can take care of myself!” He even pummeled the silver-haired Elf’s chest with his fists.

“Feisty,” commented Haldir, chuckling, but still maintaining his hold on the other Elf.

“Stop that!” Celeborn, although amused, was growing impatient. He had traveled for weeks to visit with his grandsons. “Erestor, accept his help, and Haldir, stop making such comments… Although, he does seem feisty… I never thought of Erestor as feisty before, but I must agree.”

Celeborn’s comments only fueled Erestor’s anger. “You are Haldir?” Of course, it just had to be the March Warden with the most arrogant and smug reputation who would prevent him from falling! “I told you to release me.”

“Erestor? You are Lord Elrond’s Chief Advisor?” He had heard many tales of the composed, calm and aloof Advisor, but this was certainly not the way he had pictured Erestor. The dark hair danced angrily against the small of Erestor’s back and framed a face with delicate features. The brown, almost black eyes shot daggers at him and the luscious lips seemed perfect for kissing.

“I am! And I would appreciate it if you finally released me!” Erestor was calming down again and felt mostly embarrassed, maybe even humiliated for the way they had met. “I do not fall down stairs usually,” he whispered, his words meant to apologize for the condescending tone his voice had possessed a moment earlier.

“I will release you,” said Haldir, reluctantly. “If you can stand unaided. You hurt your foot, didn’t you?” Erestor leaned heavily against him and he suspected that the Advisor was in considerable pain, even though he might not want to admit it.

“I will manage.” Erestor pulled away with reluctance and that realization stunned him. He never allowed anyone close, so why would he want Haldir to remain close? He swayed and pushed Haldir’s hand away when the March Warden tried to steady him.

“Hum, Erestor?” Celeborn felt amused, seeing them struggle with their feelings, but his desire to see his grandchildren was greater. “Elladan and Elrohir?”

“Of course, Milord. Please follow me.” Erestor turned and paled, realizing he had to master the stairs with a broken foot.

“I can carry you,” offered Haldir, wickedly. He wouldn’t have minded at all, carrying Erestor up the staircase, but was quite certain the Advisor wouldn’t accept his offer.

“I can manage.” Erestor hissed the words and then began to climb the stair case, trying to muffle his pain filled moans by keeping his hand in front of his mouth.

Celeborn had had enough. “Haldir, take Erestor to the Healing House, which is located over there.” He pointed his second in command in the right direction.

“Milord, I…” Erestor started to object, but was swept off of his feet when Haldir lifted him in his arms.

“Erestor, I have been here before and I still remember the way to my daughter’s rooms. There is no need for you to be in pain. Now do as I bid or I will make you.” Celeborn gestured for Rúmil and Orophin to follow him.

Haldir intercepted his brothers’ wicked glances and returned the grin. “I will be right back.”

Orophin and Rúmil smiled, conspiringly, and followed their Lord up the stairs, leaving Haldir with a struggling Erestor.

“Put me down! This is undignified!” Erestor was furious! What was Celeborn thinking, commanding Haldir to take him to the Healing House? He was perfectly capable of attending to this injury himself!

“It may seem undignified to you,” whispered Haldir, heading toward the Healing House. “But there is no disgrace in accepting help when you are injured.” Oh, this Erestor was a proud one!

Erestor simply stared at Haldir in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening! Not to him! Not to someone who was known for self-control and radiating a sense of superiority!

“Calm yourself, Erestor. Why are you this upset?” Haldir entered the Healing House and found himself surrounded by healers, who directed him toward one of the rooms in the back. He would have loved to carry Erestor around much longer. The lithe Elf hardly weighed a thing and he felt nice and warm – a perfect fit.

“Upset? I am not upset!” Erestor cringed, hearing the frantic tone to his voice. He felt relieved when Haldir finally lowered him onto a bed, but a moment later he missed feeling those strong arms holding him close. He had never before experienced such a confusing mix of emotions and he wanted to scream at Haldir for creating this turmoil inside him. Scream? No, not scream. He wanted to kiss those pouting lips and seduce the silver-haired Elf into parting them so he could explore that mouth. /Nay, I am not thinking this!/ And even worse, /I am *not* growing aroused! I am not!/

Seeing he was causing Erestor serious distress at this point, Haldir backed off and watched Erestor struggle to keep his robes in place when the healers were bent on pushing them upward so they could examine his ankle. “I will leave you now.” Haldir stepped into the corridor, smiling as he heard Erestor chide the healers for acting so zealously.

~~~

 

Glorfindel laughed, genially, and the sound rolled through the room, spreading warmth and mirth. “Oh, that does sound like our Erestor!”

Elrond chuckled against Glorfindel’s chest. “You do not want to know how much coaxing it took on my part to make Erestor tell me about their first meeting. Until this very day he feels embarrassed.”

“I am ready to hear more,” whispered Glorfindel, caressing the curve of his lover’s back. “What happened next?”

“Dinner did.”

~~~

 

Erestor entered the Hall of Fire using a cane to support himself. The healers had bandaged the ankle and had then ordered him to take some bed rest, but Erestor being Erestor, had returned to work a moment later. Mumbling to himself, he slowly made his way over to the main table.

Elrond and Celeborn exchanged a glance, seeing Erestor hobble toward them in a way which had to be painful. Celeborn had told him what had happened on the staircase and Elrond’s gaze shifted from Erestor to Haldir, who was seated at the end of the table. All three brothers were charming and beautiful to behold, but Haldir was the most arrogant and therefore, the most wanted among both males and females. /Aye, his eyes fill with worry. This might be interesting./

Erestor declined help when a servant offered to escort him to the table and determinedly limped toward the main table. In the end, he managed to seat himself to Elrond’s right, his usual place, and found to his distress that Haldir was seated on his other side.

Elrond continued to study Erestor, seeing the sure signs of discomfort on the Advisor’s face. He was amazed that Erestor would show his emotions that openly. Erestor was the one Elf who had truly mastered hiding his emotions.

Erestor forced his eyes away from Haldir’s smug grin and looked at Elrond instead. “I trust Celebrían and the children fare well?”

“Aye, they are resting. I do not want her to leave her bed yet.” As a healer, Elrond knew his wife and babies required rest and visiting the Hall of Fire would only have exhausted his wife. He would keep her company later and hold her in his arms during the night. “Celeborn told me about your accident. That is most unfortunate.”

“Most unfortunate.” Erestor bit his bottom lip, feeling embarrassed that he had let his Lord and friend down. Elrond had turned over most of his duties to his Chief Advisor because he wanted to spent time with his family and Erestor felt like he had greatly disappointed his friend.

“Celeborn also told me that you resisted proper treatment. The healers then informed me that they confined you to bed and now I see you hobbling in here.” Elrond disliked seeing the angry expression in Erestor’s eyes. He knew from personal experience that Erestor would turn that anger upon himself. “This was out of your control, meldir.”

“I do not require rest. I can get about and attend to my duties!” Erestor lowered his eyes and pretended to enjoy the meal.

Realizing Erestor considered this subject closed, Elrond sighed. Erestor was one of his best friends and his confidant, much like Glorfindel was, but Erestor had the tendency to push himself too hard. It was unfortunate that Glorfindel was away on patrol duty. The blond warrior was one of the few Elves who could intimidate Erestor to such a degree that he would do what he had been told. Elrond placed his hand on Erestor’s wrist and whispered, “Please walk about as little as possible and rest your ankle. It *is* broken and must cause you discomfort.”

“I will try,” whispered Erestor, aware of Elrond’s concern for him.

Elrond squeezed his friend’s wrist once and then looked up into a pair of angry, hazel eyes. /Haldir? What did I do?/ Following the direction of Haldir’s glare he realized it pointed at his hand, which still rested on Erestor’s wrist. /Ah, is that the way it is?/ Elrond managed to hide his smile and returned to eating dinner.

~~~

Haldir felt like he was losing his mind. It had started the moment he had caught Erestor and had held him close. The Advisor’s scent was still in his nostrils and his arms remembered how good it had felt to hold Erestor close. He had never believed in love at first sight and had therefore remained unbound, even though he’d had a few lovers. But none of his lovers had really touched his heart like Erestor had. Intercepting Rúmil’s grin and Orophin’s chuckle, he realized his brothers had seen the truth.

Orophin, seated next to him, nudged him beneath the table.

“My dear brother, has that dark beauty captured your heart? We thought that was impossible!” Orophin chuckled and took a large bite out of his pastry. Munching happily, he watched Haldir’s eyes fill with anger. Oh, he loved teasing his older brother!

“Aye, he is ‘feisty’, isn’t he?” whispered Rúmil. Although the brothers were teasing Haldir with his infatuation, they also realized it was probably the first time that Haldir felt this way. Love, and love at first sight, had been strangers in Haldir’s life, who had lain with their fellow sentries, but had never spoken vows of love and loyalty.

“Stop it!” Haldir glared at the two nuisances; he’d had to put up with their teasing since childhood.

“I will retire for the night now,” announced Erestor, having finished his meal.

“Aye, that sounds like a good idea,” said Elrond, approving of his friend’s decision to get some rest.

Haldir watched Erestor struggle with the cane and wobble out of the Hall. “Milords, would you please excuse me as well?” Haldir rose from his chair without waiting for permission and hurried out of the Hall after Erestor.

“Your March Warden surprises me,” said Elrond, sipping his wine. “No disrespect meant,” he said, addressing the two brothers, “But Haldir’s behavior surprises me.”

“I think he is surprising himself,” replied Orophin, still chuckling.

Celeborn nodded his head once. “I agree that this is non-typical behavior for Haldir, but…”

“But when someone is in love for the first time, one acts silly,” said Elrond, grinning as he remembered his own stunts to attract Celebrían’s attention.

“Love?” Celeborn cocked his head.

“Aye, love at first sight,” replied Rúmil. “At least for Haldir. I do not know about Erestor, though. I do not know him that well.”

“Oh, trust me when I say that Erestor’s behavior is unusual as well and that is putting it mildly.” Elrond refilled his glass and grinned at Celeborn from over the rim. “Those two won’t accept their fate quietly.”

“But in the end Erestor will have no choice but to give in. I know Haldir well, maybe even too well.” Celeborn raised his goblet and said, “A toast to love.”

“And may love have pity on your poor Erestor,” whispered Orophin, electing cheers from all present.

~~~

Glorfindel smiled. “Erestor never stood a chance then?”

Elrond returned that smile. “Erestor had lost the battle long before he realized it.”

~~~

“Can I be of some assistance?” Haldir had caught up with Erestor and found the Advisor panting softly and with a worrisome pallor on his face.

“I can manage,” insisted Erestor, but the pain that traveled up his leg caused him to lose his hold on his cane and he swayed. Instantly, Haldir was at his side to offer him support.

“Why are you fighting this?” asked Haldir in a remarkably soft tone. “I only want to help.”

It was that soft voice that was Erestor’s undoing and he nodded his head once. “I will allow you to escort me to my rooms.”

“You are wise after all, Erestor.”

Erestor had wanted to hiss a reply, but then saw the soft expression in the hazel eyes. Haldir wasn’t teasing him – quite the contrary was the case, the silver-haired Elf worried about his well-being. “I am not used to someone taking care of me and I do not like it.”

Erestor leaned heavily on Haldir and the March Warden did his best to support the Advisor. “I would carry you, but I am afraid you would use that cane on me.”

Erestor’s eyes quickly sought out Haldir’s. “I did not make a good impression on you so far, did I? I apologize for that.”

“As you said before, you are not used to being fussed over.” Haldir gave Erestor a brilliant smile. “I would love to fuss over you if you would let me.”

“Fussing over serves no purpose.” They had reached Erestor’s rooms and he transferred his weight from Haldir onto his cane. “I can manage alone now.”

“I won’t be at peace until you are resting safely on your bed – or a chair,” he added quickly, seeing the disapproving expression in Erestor’s eyes.

Erestor fought a private battle. He had never allowed anyone inside his rooms before and letting Haldir enter would change that.

“Please, Erestor?” Haldir gave Erestor a pleading look.

Erestor found he couldn’t deny Haldir when those hazel eyes possessed that particular expression. “You may enter.” Erestor opened the door and stepped inside, followed by Haldir.

Haldir frowned, seeing how bare and sparsely furnished Erestor’s rooms were and he gave the Advisor a questioning look.

“I do not spend much time in here,” explained Erestor, placing his cane aside and lowering himself onto the comfortable chair near the fireplace.

Haldir nodded once. “But still…” He busied himself lightning the oil lamps and candles. Although they didn’t need the light, as Elven vision allowed them to see perfectly in the dark, he needed the glow to soften the room’s cold feel.

Erestor’s eyes hardened. “You disapprove?” And why did it matter to him if Haldir approved or not?

“Maybe we can find a way to add a warmer touch to your rooms?” Haldir seated himself on the floor as Erestor was occupying the only chair in the room. “Why do you act so hostile toward me, Erestor?”

“We only met four hours ago, Haldir. I do not know you. Why should I act differently?” Erestor shivered, seeing the warmth in Haldir’s hazel eyes. He had expected the March Warden to be arrogant and pompous, but Haldir was nothing like that and that confused him.

“You are right, Erestor. We barely know each other, so why don’t we change that? I will tell you my life history and you tell me yours?” Haldir pulled a blanket and pillow from the bed and made himself comfortable on the floor. “Do you want to go first?”

Erestor stared at Haldir in shock. “You expect me to…?”

“What am I thinking?” Haldir jumped to his feet, placed pillow and blanket back onto the bed and advanced on a trembling Erestor. “You cannot be comfortable in that chair. You should put your leg up.”

Erestor didn’t get a chance to protest Haldir’s decision or to fight him off. Haldir lifted him in his arms and carried him over to the bed, where he placed him in the center.

Haldir stretched on his right side beside Erestor and pulled him close until the Advisor was in his arms. “This is much better, don’t you agree?”

Haldir’s actions left Erestor speechless. Haldir had actually climbed into bed with him!

“Let me go first,” said Haldir. “And before I share my life history with you, let me say this, you are a most stubborn Elf!”

Erestor snorted. “I could say the same thing of you!”

“Now be quiet and let me speak!” Haldir raised a trembling hand and let the fingers slide into the dark strands, massaging the scalp. “I have never been in love before…”

“Love?” Erestor’s eyes widened, dramatically, hearing Haldir’s words and feeling the March Warden’s fingers tangle in his hair. He couldn’t believe that Haldir *was* this bold!

“Aye, love. I never believed in love at first sight, until now. Until the moment I caught you in my arms. Erestor, during these last four hours I could only think of you, the way you fit in my arms.”

“Haldir, I…” Erestor blushed. He felt it too, but couldn’t admit to his feelings for it meant showing weakness in his eyes.

“Listen!” Haldir cupped the back of Erestor’s head in his hand and guided the Advisor’s lips closer to his. “I have had lovers and am far from untouched, but not one of them ever touched my heart and made me crazy with love and desire. Not until you, Erestor.”

Erestor was spellbound and could do little but listen to the sultry, hypnotic voice. His body was reacting to the sweet words and his erection strained against the fabric of the leggings which he wore beneath his robes.

“Erestor, I am only a warrior. I hold no position of importance like you do. I merely carry out Celeborn’s orders.” Haldir drew in a deep breath, losing himself in the dark eyes. “I would bind myself to you, Erestor. I would be yours, if you would have me.”

Those were the very words Erestor had been waiting for his entire life. Contrary to Haldir, he’d had no lovers to warm his bed. He had kept himself untouched, determined to give himself only to the one person he was meant to be with. But not in a million dreams had he imagined that person entering his life and declaring his love in such a short time span. He had envisioned they would court for years and not being swept off his feet by Haldir of Lórien!

“Haldir, I do not know what to say…” This was the second time Haldir had rendered him speechless.

“I know that I am acting fast, but Erestor, I refuse to waste a single second now that I have found you.”

“What if this is a mistake? Haldir…? Haldir’s lips took his in a passionate kiss, making him moan. His body craved Haldir’s touch, never having known a lover’s ministrations. His mind still fought his emotions, telling him that giving into Haldir would be a mistake.

Haldir, encouraged by Erestor’s passionate response, grew bolder. His fingers caressed Erestor’s throat and then traveled downward to undo the numerous buttons to Erestor’s robes. Keeping in mind that Erestor was injured, he proceeded carefully. Straddling Erestor’s waist, he continued their kissing and his fingers finally manage to push away the fabric of Erestor’s robes. The Advisor’s bare chest was a new playground for him to explore and he slid his hands up and down the soft skin. Erestor’s nipples hardened and he rolled them between his fingers. Sliding down Erestor’s body, his tongue left a wet trail down the Advisor’s throat and finally encountered that first hard nub of flesh.

Erestor felt on fire and was unable to stop Haldir. His brain had ceased to think logically and instead, his body reacted to Haldir’s every touch. He stared at the silver vision sliding down his chest and gasped, feeling Haldir undoing the lacing to his leggings. “What are you doing?” he whispered, quite entranced. Haldir knew how to play his body and extract the neediest moans. He arched toward Haldir and yelped softly, feeling Haldir free his erection. No one had ever touched him in this way and he panicked.

“Hush now, meleth,” whispered Haldir. Erestor’s responses had told him what the Advisor’s lips refused to admit. “I will be gentle with you.” Had he ever made love to a virgin before? Nay, he didn’t think so.

“Haldir… I am scared.” Erestor hadn’t thought he had the courage to admit that. “But I also want this.” And that scared him the most. He had waited so long to give himself that he now eagerly responded to Haldir’s every touch. 

“I understand,” whispered Haldir, uncovering a small knife. “Now trust me.”

Erestor’s eyes bulged from their sockets, seeing the sharp blade slide through the fabric of his leggings like a hot knife through butter.

“I do not want to jostle your foot and cause you pain by removing your leggings.” Haldir placed the knife aside and removed the remains of Erestor’s leggings. The Advisor now lay naked beneath him and Haldir’s member had long grown hard with need. But before taking his pleasure, he wanted to give Erestor ecstasy. “Let me…”

Erestor closed his eyes in surrender. A part of him couldn’t believe that he was allowing Haldir to use him in this way and another part of him rejoiced at finally being touched. Hands explored his body, stroking his sides and caressing the insides of his thighs. A hot, eager tongue trailed down his abdomen and momentarily dipped into his belly button, making him squirm.

Haldir read his lover’s eagerness, but always kept in mind how inexperienced Erestor was. He moved lower still and finally encountered Erestor’s erect member. Licking his lips, he gave the hard flesh a predatory grin. “Hello there.”

Erestor wondered who Haldir was talking to, but received his answer the moment lips closed over the head of his shaft. Fingers curled around his erection at the base, stroking him. Thrusting into the warm mouth was a reflex and his eyes opened, realizing Haldir easily took in more of him. Pushing himself up onto his elbows, he looked at the sensual sight, seeing Haldir move up and down his length. Suddenly, the suction increased, making him yelp in need and he fell backward onto the bed again.

Feeling Erestor tense Haldir realized the Advisor was about to come and he let the hard flesh slip from his lips. Fascinated, he watched how the cream spilled from the slit. “Oh, you are exquisite, Erestor.” His fingertips smeared Erestor’s cream down the cleft, easily locating the opening to his lover’s body. The semen would ease his way in, just in case Erestor had no oil handy.

Erestor’s big eyes met Haldir’s and fear showed, realizing his lover’s intent. “Haldir, I have never…”

“Trust yourself to me,” whispered Haldir, leaning in closer and pressing possessive kisses all over Erestor’s throat. “Do you have any oil handy?”

“Bathroom,” whispered Erestor, panting hard.

Haldir placed one last kiss on Erestor’s lips, allowing his lover to taste himself and then ventured into the bathroom where he collected the oil. Erestor’s scared eyes made him waver, but the sight of his lover growing aroused again so quickly told him that taking Erestor was for the best. “Roll onto your stomach and trust me.”

Shakily, and with Haldir’s assistance, Erestor complied. He squeezed his eyes shut and his fingers became claws, gaining a tight hold on the sheet.

“Erestor, I promise you pleasure…” Haldir took hold of a pillow, told Erestor to raise his hips and slipped the pillow beneath his lover’s groin. “Comfortable?”

“Nay.” Erestor felt terrified. He knew his first time would hurt. He just knew!

Displeased with Erestor’s tense reaction to this next step in their lovemaking, Haldir coated his hands with the oil and knelt beside Erestor. He placed his hands on Erestor’s shoulders and started a sensual massage.

Receiving a massage was the last thing Erestor expected at that moment. He fully expected Haldir to take him with one thrust. But now lips returned to kiss his skin, kissing down the curve of his spine. Strong hands, surprisingly gentle now, continued the massage, making him relax in spite of his fears. His breath caught, feeling Haldir’s lips descend onto a buttock, kissing and suckling the skin there.

Haldir continued the massage for a few more minutes, working the tension from Erestor’s legs and arms. Then, his hands and tongue returned to worship Erestor’s lower back. Hearing Erestor moan and see him rub against the pillow, Haldir changed his position and straddled Erestor’s thighs. “I will be gentle,” he said, repeating his promise. Taking hold of the oil, he let the liquid drip onto Erestor’s backside. Several droplets slid down the cleft, lubricating his lover.

Erestor pressed deeper into the mattress. That had been one of the most intense moments he had ever experienced! Haldir slowly pushed one finger inside, making him gasp in surprise. The invasion wasn’t unpleasant, as he had thought it would be, and he squirmed, eager to show Haldir that he approved.

“So eager… You’ve denied yourself for much too long, meleth. I vow to make you happy for as long as I shall live. I will worship your body and always satisfy your every need. I will stand at your side and I will be proud to call you my mate.” Haldir now added a second finger, scissoring them inside his lover’s loosening passage. It helped that Erestor had already climaxed moments before and the massage had also help him relax. He cupped one firm buttock in his hand, squeezing the flesh.

Erestor gasped, feeling Haldir slide a third finger inside. He felt impossibly full, but then something happened that made him cry out in need. “What was that?” Erestor managed to look at Haldir from over his shoulder.

“This, meleth?” Haldir rubbed the nub inside Erestor’s passage again.

“Aiya!” Erestor closed his eyes in bliss. A wave of warm sensation was spreading through his lower body and his erection, which had briefly faded, returned. Haldir nudged the gland again and Erestor thought he would come that very moment.

“You are ready for me.” Haldir coated his erection with the oil and flung the vial aside. Keeping in mind that Erestor’s injury limited their lovemaking, he stretched atop of Erestor and placed his hands on either side of the dark hair. His length was already nudging the ring of muscle and without exercising much pressure, the head of his erection slid inside.

Erestor had never felt anything like it before and stilled all movement. “Haldir?” The Galadhrim’s face was close enough for him to claim Haldir’s lips and he engaged his lover in a deep kiss. It was exactly that moment Haldir chose to slide in deeper, burying himself inside Erestor’s passage.

Haldir watched Erestor’s eyes grow big with realization. “Aye, I am inside you now.” He had never seen a more sensual look on an Elf’s face before and he fought down the urge to thrust. Erestor wasn’t ready yet for that.

“You feel big.” Erestor didn’t dare to draw in a deep breath. “I am afraid to move.”

“You do not have to. I will.” Haldir slid his arms beneath Erestor’s chest and held him close, performing that first thrust that would bind them forever.

Erestor’s world reeled, feeling Haldir claim him. The silver-haired Elf’s weight rested upon him and he had seldom felt so vulnerable, so helpless. To his surprise, he liked it.

Sensing Erestor’s acceptance of their bond, Haldir placed a kiss on his lover’s lips and then released Erestor from his crushing embrace. He placed his hands on the mattress and lifted himself so Erestor no longer needed to carry his bulk as well. In this position, he could also thrust with more power and penetrate Erestor as deeply as he could without causing damage. “I, Haldir, take you as my mate, Erestor. From this moment on, I belong to you, heart, body and soul.”

All Erestor was capable of was moaning as Haldir now set up a deep and tormentingly slow rhythm. Feeling Haldir move inside him, claiming him in such a way was something he had never thought he would experience. Rubbing his erection against the pillow made him climax and he cried hot tears of happiness, letting go.

Haldir knew his lover had found release when the contractions around his shaft started. He blanketed his lover again and stopped all motion, savoring the sensation of Erestor’s inner muscle milking him dry.

Erestor was completely unprepared for the warm sensation flooding his insides. /He spilled his seed inside me?/

Haldir rubbed his face against Erestor’s shoulder and kissed the trembling neck. He carefully pulled out and rolled off of Erestor. Settling down on his side, he watched Erestor’s face.

Erestor had turned his head so he could look at Haldir and what he saw took his breath away. A brilliant, silver glow shone from those hazel eyes. Had he put it there? “Did you mean it?” he asked, trying to gain control over his breath again. His lower body throbbed, telling him he would feel sore in places he had never been sore in before. “Did you mean it when you said that you wanted this to last? Or did you choose to seduce me because you did not want to be alone tonight?”

Haldir should have felt insulted, but he didn’t. Hadn’t he bedded others on long and lonely nights? “This is different, meleth. I love you and only you.” Haldir pressed a loving kiss onto Erestor’s brow. “Allow me to hold you tonight and I promise you that I will still be here in the morning.”

Erestor nodded his head once, feeling tired and sore. “Hold me.”

Haldir quickly wiped away the sticky cream from their bodies and carefully rolled Erestor into his arms. “Does this feel good?”

“Aye, it does.” Even his ankle had stopped hurting. Erestor fell asleep inhaling Haldir’s scent and with his fingers tangled in the silver hair. He would make certain that his March Warden wouldn’t leave during the night.

~~~

 “And you know what happened because?” Glorfindel gave Elrond a curious look. How could Elrond know such intimate details?

“Erestor sought me out in the morning. He was quite embarrassed having to ask me for some soothing ointment. Haldir accompanied him and looked utterly guilty. Little by little, they told me what they had been up to. You should have seen the change in Erestor back then, Glorfindel. He became a different person. But then, Haldir was ordered to escort Celeborn back to the Golden Wood and the two lovers were threatened with separation. In the end, I gave Erestor permission to follow Haldir to the Golden Wood, where he stayed for over a century.”

 

Glorfindel nodded. He had wondered about the leave of absence Erestor had received back then. When he had returned from his patrol he had been flabbergasted to find Erestor gone. In time, Erestor had returned to Imladris and he too had noticed the changes which were most pronounced whenever Haldir visited Imladris. In the end, Elrond had told him about their liaison and he had rejoiced for the two Elves.

Losing Haldir to death at Helm’s Deep had devastated Erestor. The Advisor had changed from a warm and open persona to the silent and distant Advisor of the past. Only Elrond managed to still reach him in his darkest hours. And now Elrond had suggested inviting Erestor into their bed. “Do you think that would be wise? Taking him as our lover?” He had never been in a relationship before where he had two lovers. “Can it work?”

“We won’t know until we try.” Elrond closed his eyes and let his fingertips move over Glorfindel’s chest. “The twins gave me this idea. They invited Hephaestion into their bed.”

“And he declined.”

“And you so certain that he did? That he is not in the bed right now? Asleep in their arms?”

“What do you know?” asked Glorfindel, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.

“I have my sources.” Elrond buried his fingers in Glorfindel’s golden mane and finally succumbed to his fatigue.

Glorfindel however, remained awake, wondering how Erestor would react if he were invited to take part in their relationship. /How do I feel about that? Am I strong and confident enough in my love to share Elrond? It won’t be an arrangement for long, as Elrond *is* preparing to sail for Aman in the summer. Such a relationship would only last for six months at the most./ Glorfindel sighed, realizing his thoughts were running in circles. In order to find his inner peace again he focused on Elrond’s breathing. With a smile on his face, he dozed off.

~~~

Hephaestion woke to the sound of flesh moving against flesh. Opening his eyes and seeing Elladan’s jerky movement he instantly understood what was happening. Elladan was bringing himself to orgasm. Hephaestion continued to listen, quite entranced and only then became aware of the hard flesh nestled between his buttocks. /Elrohir!/ What was he to do now? He should have known something like this would happen when he had gone to sleep last night!

Sensing the mortal’s distress, Elrohir whispered into Hephaestion’s ear, “We won’t take what you are unwilling to give, pen vain.” (pen vain – beautiful one)

“What does that mean?” Hephaestion was stunned, realizing Elladan hadn’t ceased his ministrations although the twin now knew they were awake.

“Beautiful one,” explained Elrohir, patiently. “You must excuse my brother. He has felt aroused for too long and needs relief.”

“And what about you? I feel you…” Hephaestion squirmed in-between them. With Alexander, everything had been structured. He had never had to ponder dilemmas as Alexander would tell him what to do.

“What about you, pen vain? What do you want? What do you need?” Elrohir closed his eyes, feeling Elladan’s climax in his mind.

Elladan panted, softly, now that he had managed to relieve some of the pressure he had been in. Feeling Hephaestion’s body spooned behind him had caused him to stay erect most of the night. He used the sheet to wipe off the cream and then turned in the embrace, eager to look into Hephaestion’s radiant eyes.

Hephaestion, now flat on his back, found himself watched closely by two pairs of identical eyes. His erection had grown harder, hearing Elladan pleasure himself.

“We can help you with that, if you want us to,” offered Elladan after exchanging a look with Elrohir.

“I…” Hephaestion didn’t know what to say. His treacherous body told him it desired the twins’ touches, but his mind reminded him that he was Alexander’s.

“You are in Imladris now and you have started a new life here,” said Elrohir, reminding Hephaestion of his changed circumstances. “Don’t you think it is about time that you discovered your needs? Your wants?” He didn’t know if Alexander had been extremely selfish in bed, or Hephaestion too eager to please, but it was obvious that not all Hephaestion’s needs had been met in the past.

Hephaestion bit his bottom lip. The twins were handsome and oh so tempting, but he couldn’t… could he?

“Tell us,” said Elladan. His warm breath caressed one of Hephaestion’s nipples which grew hard under the caress. The mortal reminded him of a bow, ready to fire its arrow straight at its target. Hephaestion was highly strung and he suspected that it wouldn’t take much touching to bring the mortal to orgasm.

“I… I feel like I could burst any moment now,” whispered Hephaestion, uncertainty coloring his eyes. “I would like for you to touch me, but…” His lips were silenced with a fervent kiss which Elladan deposited on his lips. Fingers traveled down his abdomen, gently teasing his pubic hair before the long fingers curled around his length. He thrust instantly into that hand, unable to stop himself from doing so. Sensations doubled as another hand traveled down his cleft to settle below his buttocks. Twin mouths kissed him and two tongues challenged him to part his lips and teeth. Unable to resist any longer he allowed them in.

Elladan and Elrohir’s gazes met above Hephaestion’s squirming form and silent communication allowed them to share each other’s thoughts. They would not go too fast or all the way – yet.

Hephaestion surrendered to their expert touches and continued to thrust. The fact that there were four hands on him, instead of just two, almost drove him out of his mind.

Elrohir played with Hephaestion’s nipples, using his fingers and later his tongue to ensure their lover remained aroused. Elladan continued to stroke Hephaestion’s shaft and his fingertips moved lower, settling near the guardian ring and putting just enough pressure on the opening to Hephaestion’s body to make his future intentions known to the mortal.

Hephaestion tried to scream, reaching orgasm, but Elrohir quickly covered his mouth with his, silencing him.

Elladan loved seeing the way Hephaestion relaxed beneath him the moment his orgasm was ripped from him and he bent forward to lick the cream from the slit.

Hephaestion moaned, pitifully, as a soft tongue licked off his semen and cleaned him up. The twin attack on his body was too much and he could only stare at Elrohir, who had finally released his lips.

Elladan bestowed one last lick onto Hephaestion’s lax member and then purred deep in his throat. “I think a bath is in order before we join Glorfindel for the first training round.” He reached for Elrohir and pulled him in for a kiss, still sensing the waves of bliss moving through his twin, who had found release the moment Hephaestion had.

Hephaestion stared at the twins in wonder. His breath came hard and fast and he could barely believe what they had just done to him.

“And that,” said Elladan, teasingly licking Hephaestion’s bottom lip, “was only a small demonstration of the things we can do to you.”

Elrohir however, frowned. “And of the things you could do to us.”

Elladan nodded, being reminded that it was Hephaestion who needed to explore his preferences, not them. Elrohir was right – the next time, they would put Hephaestion in control.

~~~

Hephaestion felt nervous when he joined Glorfindel and the guards at the training grounds. He felt like everyone could see what the twins had done to him that morning and how he had reacted to their caresses. He kept his head lowered and stared at the grass.

One look at the twin’s eyes told Glorfindel what they had been up to. Elrond had been right then – the twins had had their wicked way with Hephaestion. “Elladan and Elrohir, I want you to supervise the guards’ training today. I will tutor Hephaestion. Now go.”

The twins realized only too well why they were being dismissed and gave Glorfindel a guilty look. Making Hephaestion feel embarrassed had not been their intention.

“Walk with me.” Glorfindel waited for Hephaestion to look at him, but when the mortal didn’t, he said, “Hephaestion, please look at me?”

Hephaestion did, knowing there was no way out of this. He didn’t know what he expected to see on Glorfindel’s face, but certainly not an understanding smile.

“Those two have a way to get what they want, don’t they?” Glorfindel raised a hand and gestured for Hephaestion to walk in that direction. He wanted to test Hephaestion’s skills in private.

“Yes, they do.” Hephaestion’s nervousness increased, seeing they were walking away from the crowd. “Why are you taking me here?”

“I thought that maybe you would feel more comfortable without having all those eyes on you when we spar.”

“Thank you.” Hephaestion hadn’t thought of that. They had reached a clearing and Glorfindel handed him a sword. He curled his fingers around the metal and swung it several times to get a feel for its weight.

“Now attack me,” commanded Glorfindel, raising his sword and beckoning Hephaestion closer. Hephaestion attacked and Glorfindel blocked the blows, slowly getting a feel for his student’s way of fighting. A few minutes later, he called an end to their sparring as he didn’t want to tire Hephaestion. “You, my friend, are what we call a slasher.”

Hephaestion’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What?”

“You slash your opponent open. You do not really aim where to land your blow, you just slash away at them. Aye, it will keep you alive on the battlefield, but you fight without grace and skill.”

“I know that. My teachers always told me that I did not have the makings of a warrior.” Disappointed, he wanted to fling the sword on the grass, but before he could do so, Glorfindel’s next order came.

“I want you to defend yourself, Hephaestion.” Glorfindel gave his student the time he needed to adjust to the new situation and then attacked. Hephaestion’s defensive moves were even more poorly coordinated than his attack. He had his work cut out for him. “You may stop now.”

Hephaestion flung his sword onto the ground and marched away from Glorfindel in anger.

“Where are you going? Your lesson has only just begun!”

Glorfindel’s voice made him halt in his movements and he turned around to face the experienced warrior. “Why? Why bother with me? I will never be a capable warrior!”

“Nonsense!” Glorfindel picked up the sword Hephaestion had discarded and made his way over to the mortal. “You must also learn patience, my friend.”

Hephaestion shrugged his shoulders. “I know I am not much of a warrior.”

“That is not true.” Glorfindel placed a finger beneath Hephaestion’s chin and forced the mortal to look him in the eyes. “You just did not have the perfect teacher!”

Hephaestion stared at Glorfindel for long moments and then laughed, understanding that the warrior was teasing him and trying to make him feel better. “Do you really think I can improve?”

“But of course!” Glorfindel patted Hephaestion’s shoulder. “But you need patience.”

“I will work on that,” promised Hephaestion, looking at the extra sword in Glorfindel’s hands. He wanted to be a better swordsman! He really did!

Glorfindel spied Erestor’s arrival and called out to the Chief Advisor.

Erestor looked up, surprised to hear Glorfindel call his name. He was on his way to the stables to look after his mare and had not expected to run into Glorfindel, who was supposed to be on the training grounds and not so close to the stables!

“Erestor? Would you please come over here and help me demonstrate something?”

Erestor was about to decline, but then caught sight of Hephaestion’s hopeful expression. Well, if this was for Hephaestion’s benefit he could spare a moment.

Glorfindel smiled, seeing Erestor head toward them. Hopefully this encounter would help him make up his mind on how to decide on Elrond’s proposal. “Would you mind sparring with me? I want Hephaestion to get a general impression of what he will be learning during the next few months.”

Erestor arched an eyebrow. “Glorfindel, why don’t you ask one of the twins?” Sword play was not something he excelled in.

“Please?”

Erestor swallowed hard. Now *that* was exactly why he had fled Glorfindel’s presence in the past. Glorfindel pleading like that, using that tone and giving him that look reminded him too much of Haldir.

Glorfindel felt the balance shift between them, but didn’t know what he had done to cause it. “Erestor?” He took a step toward the Chief Advisor and offered him a sword. “Hephaestion would learn a lot by watching us.”

“I will do it for Hephaestion.” Erestor took hold of the sword and assumed a basic position. It had been centuries since he had last wielded a sword, but he was confident that he could still hold his own, even against someone like Glorfindel.

Hephaestion watched with fascination seeing the two Elves move. No, they danced. It was a dangerous, almost sensual dance and the blades of the swords glistered in the sunlight. Knowing his own fighting style only too well, Hephaestion easily understood why Glorfindel had called him that. He lacked the grace which came so natural to these Elves.

Glorfindel kept a close eye on Erestor, probing the dark eyes and for some reason, he found them swimming. He called a stop to the demonstration and looked at Hephaestion. “Do you see the difference?”

“Yes.”

“I want you to return to the training grounds and to ask Elrohir to take you through some basic defensive movements. Tell him that.” Glorfindel had wanted to teach Hephaestion himself, but seeing Erestor’s swimming eyes, he realized this might be the only chance he would get to open the Advisor up to him. “Go!”

Hephaestion, as eager to learn as a schoolboy, ran off in the direction of the training grounds. If Glorfindel believed he could improve his skills, he would train hard to prove the Elf right!

Erestor wanted to hand his sword back to Glorfindel and wasn’t prepared for the warrior to close his fingers around his wrist.

Using the fact that Erestor was already emotionally off-balance to his advantage, Glorfindel asked, “What happened just now? Why are your eyes swimming? And why did you look like you were going to run when I said please?”

Erestor was unprepared for Glorfindel’s questions and tried to turn away from the warrior, but Glorfindel’s hold prevented him from leaving. “Let me go.”

“Nay,” said Glorfindel, having heard Erestor’s soft tone. “I do not think you really want me to let go. I think you want to answer my questions.” Erestor’s large, dark eyes met his in a pleading fashion. “Tell me. Your heart will feel lighter after you do.” He removed the sword from Erestor’s hand and placed it alongside his on the grass. Next, he urged Erestor to move along with him and pulled the Advisor onto the grass with him when he sat down. “Why are you about to burst out into tears? What did I do wrong?”

“Nothing. You did nothing wrong.” Erestor pulled his knees close to his chest.

“Then what happened, Erestor?” Glorfindel, knowing from past experience that Erestor didn’t like being touched by him, took a risk and rested a hand on the trembling back, stroking it.

“Do you really want to know?” Erestor figured that Glorfindel would find out sooner or later. It was amazing that the warrior had realized what upset him so far.

“I do.” Surprised that Erestor allowed the touch, Glorfindel rubbed soothing circles onto the Advisor’s back. 

“You reminded me of Haldir when you said please. He would say it in that way and his tone and expression would undo me.” Erestor bowed his head and rested his chin on his knees. “I miss him and you remind me of him. Sometimes, your hair does not shine golden, but silver and then it is almost too easy to fool myself into thinking that it is Haldir standing there and not you.”

Glorfindel remained quiet. That possibility had never crossed his mind. However, now that he thought about it, Erestor’s explanation made sense.

“But do not worry, Glorfindel. I know it is only an illusion and that you are not Haldir.” Erestor forced a smile onto his face. “Sometimes your presence comforts me though and then I run, afraid that one day I will accept the comfort you are offering.”

“Why? Why are you afraid to accept that?” Elrond’s proposal to invite Erestor into their bed returned to him. “Are you afraid you would be unfaithful to Haldir?”

Erestor shook his head. “I only love Haldir, no one else. He knows that. No matter what I do, say I were to kiss you, would change that. Haldir knows that I am his.”

“Then why are you afraid to accept me comforting you?” asked Glorfindel pressuring on.

“I am afraid I would accept it and find comfort in your presence.”

“And that would be bad, why?” Glorfindel shook his head, still not understanding Erestor’s reasoning.

“You belong with Elrond. I do not want you to feel torn in some way.” Erestor raised a hand and cupped Glorfindel’s cheek in his palm in a rare demonstration of affection. “I refuse to come between the two of you in any manner.”

Glorfindel realized he had found his answer to Elrond’s proposal. “Erestor, would you join Elrond and me for dinner tonight? Not in the Hall of Fire but in our private chambers?”

Erestor frowned and pulled back his hand. “Why?” He hadn’t expected that invitation. Why had Glorfindel made it?

“Because Elrond and I must discuss something with you. Something important. Please say that you will join us.” Glorfindel finally understood why Erestor had kept his distance all this time.

“If it is important to Elrond, I will.” Glorfindel finally let go of his hand and Erestor got to his feet again. “Keep a close eye on Hephaestion for me. He has become very dear to me.”

“I will watch over him,” promised Glorfindel, watching Erestor head for the stables. “Maybe Hephaestion has become so dear to you because he is like you in many ways.” That reminded him that he was supposed to supervise Hephaestion’s training and he quickly returned to the training grounds.

~~~

“Much better!” said Glorfindel, complimenting his newest student. Elrohir had taken Hephaestion through a series of basic defense movements and the mortal had done well performing them. “You took the first step in improving your weapon’s skill.” Glorfindel checked the sun and realized it was already noon. “Take a quick shower and then head for the library. Erestor is probably already waiting for you.”

Hephaestion handed his sword to Glorfindel. “Thank you,” he whispered. “Thank you for believing in me.”

“We all believe in you,” said Elladan, wrapping his arms around Hephaestion’s waist. The young man looked absolutely enticing; covered with a fine film of sweat his skin glistering in the sunlight. The blue eyes had never been more radiant and everything about Hephaestion made it very clear that the mortal was happy. Elladan released Hephaestion and watched him walk back toward the Last Homely House.

“His recovery is remarkable,” whispered Glorfindel.

“He is growing happy again.” Elladan smiled, smugly.

“Be careful with him, Elladan,” said Glorfindel in a warning voice. “Hephaestion is still far from healed. He cannot forget the love of his life in mere weeks.”

“We know that,” replied Elrohir. “And we do not think that we can ever take Alexander’s place, but we do believe that we can help him heal.”

“He is still hesitant to accept our touch, but this morning he did.” Elrohir smiled at the memory. “Hephaestion is a very considerate lover, maybe too considerate.”

Glorfindel nodded once. “I approve of your attempts to make him feel loved and to get him in touch with his own feelings, but I still warn you not to rush this.”

“We won’t.”

~~~

“Ah, there you are!” Erestor had looked forward to spending time with Hephaestion.

Hephaestion had taken a quick shower and had dressed in warm, cream-colored robes. His long hair hung loose and his eyes curiously searched his surroundings. He had been in the great library of Alexandria once and he had always loved books.

Erestor saw Hephaestion’s love for books mirrored in the blue eyes and gestured him to approach. “I took the liberty of selecting some books for you to read. They cover Middle Earth’s history and will put everything for you in the right perspective.” He wanted Hephaestion to understand this new world Námo had thrust him into. “I always like to sit in that windowsill when reading. You should try it; maybe you will find it agreeable. Should you have any questions, let me know.”

Hephaestion picked up the book on top of the pile and carried it with him to the windowsill where he sat down. Erestor was right; this was a comfortable spot for reading. Pulling his feet up from the floor, he placed them against the wall. Making certain his robes were tucked around him to keep him warm, he opened the book and began to read.

~~~

Erestor found great comfort and pleasure in hearing Hephaestion turn the old pages. They spent the afternoon in companionable silence, which was only broken when Hephaestion asked him a question about the Valar, as that was the subject matter the young man was reading about.

Evening came much too swiftly and Erestor regretted calling an end to their enjoyable afternoon, but he had seen Hephaestion squeezing his eyes, trying to read in the half dark. He had then remembered that the eyes of mortals weren’t as perfect as Elven eyes were. “You can come back here tomorrow if want to read some more.”

Hephaestion looked up from his reading. He hadn’t heard Erestor approach and now looked into the sad, dark eyes. “I would love to come back here tomorrow. I enjoyed reading and being in your company, Erestor.”

“Aye, sometimes we do not need words in order to communicate. Now close your book and go to your rooms to freshen up.” He offered Hephaestion his hand and pulled the young man to his feet. Hephaestion moved about stiffly from having been seated on the windowsill for too long.

“Will you join us for dinner tonight?” asked Hephaestion. He brushed back his hair and rubbed his eyes.

“Nay, it will be just the three of you at the main table tonight. I will be dining with Elrond and Glorfindel. Apparently an urgent matter has come up and they wish to discuss it with me.”

Hephaestion stretched, trying to loosen his tense muscles. “I will miss you then.”

“You will have the pleasure of my company again tomorrow afternoon.”

Hephaestion laughed, seeing the twinkling in Erestor’s eyes. The Chief Advisor and he were kindred souls and he was already looking forward to tomorrow afternoon.

~~~

“And your reaction was to invite Erestor for dinner tonight?” Elrond didn’t know what to think of Glorfindel’s story. His lover had told him everything about the conversation he’d had with Erestor and the revelation he’d had during their talk. /I always thought it would be something like that./

Looking at Glorfindel now, Elrond understood how easily Erestor could imagine Glorfindel was Haldir instead. “And what made you invite him?” Elrond watched how Glorfindel moved through the room lighting scented candles which they normally lit before making love.

“I gave your suggestion some thought and I think we should try to make him a part of what we have.” Glorfindel, dressed in loose, blue robes, sat opposite his lover. “I think we should invite him into our bed.”

“That is quite a change from what you said this morning.” Elrond eyed Glorfindel closely.

“You were right, meleth. He is alone and the one thing that keeps him from accepting our comfort is fear – fear that he will come between us. Now we both know that won’t happen. We can give him what he needs.”

“And you won’t grow jealous? Guilty? Or possessive?” Elrond applauded Glorfindel’s change of heart and hoped his lover was sincere in extending this invitation to Erestor.

“I think I can manage.” Glorfindel gave his lover a wicked wink. “It might also be interesting to see if and how our dynamics will change once he enters our relationship.”

Elrond inclined his head. “Erestor loved to be taken, at least by Haldir. I do not know how he will react facing us. You are really accepting this.” Elrond blinked. “Thank you. I really think that not being alone will help Erestor deal with the loss until we sail for Aman.”

“We do not have him in our bed yet,” cautioned Glorfindel. “And we should not come on too strong.”

 

“And that is why you lit the candles?” Elrond wriggled an eyebrow. “Seriously,” he said, stopping his teasing. “It would be best if you invited Erestor into our bed. That way he knows that you want this to happen.”

Glorfindel nodded his head once. “You are right. That thought crossed my mind as well. Especially after our conversation this afternoon it will be important to him that he knows I want this. He is so afraid, Elrond, afraid that he will hurt us. I really think that lies at the heart of his fear.”

Elrond concurred. “We will discuss this with him in a calm fashion. Trust me, Glorfindel; this upcoming conversation will be hard on him. We must proceed carefully.” He rose from his chair and headed for the bathroom. “I am going to take a bath… Please notify me should he arrive early.”

“I will.”

~~~

Erestor was surprised, seeing Glorfindel wearing loose-fitting, informal robes. He had dressed in his black, formal robes, thinking it would be a formal dinner, but apparently he had been wrong. He felt trapped, hearing Glorfindel close the door behind him, although he didn’t know why. The next thing he noticed was the lit candles. What was going on here?

“Please sit down. Dinner will be served in a few minutes. Would you like some wine?” Glorfindel offered Erestor a glass with potent wine in it and seated himself opposite the Advisor at the set table.

Erestor sipped, but continued to feel strangely on guard. Something was wrong – very wrong. He couldn’t remember ever seeing Glorfindel dressed in such a seductive way – there was no other way to describe him. The dark-blue garment made from the finest silk clung to the muscular body and did little to hide Glorfindel’s form. The golden hair, normally tamed in braids, now hung loose and danced against the muscular back. Everything about Glorfindel cried seduction and Erestor wondered why.

“Elrond? Erestor has arrived,” called out Glorfindel to his lover who was still in the bathroom.

Erestor’s eyes widened, seeing Elrond exit the bathroom dressed in only a transparent nightshirt. The silk fabric moved along with every movement Elrond made and seemed to caress the half-Elf’s body. Elrond’s hair which the half-Elf normally wore loose or with a few lovers’ knots in them was still damp and elusive strands had slipped beneath the silk shirt.

“Did I arrive too early?” Erestor sipped the wine again, hoping it would calm his raging nerves.

“Nay, you are right on time.” Elrond seated himself in-between the two Elves and servants appeared, placing dinner on the table. They then left their Lord’s chambers, leaving the three Elves to enjoy the food. “You look nervous,” said Elrond, judging it best to be honest. He could tell that Erestor was alert and on guard.

“I must have misunderstood. I thought Glorfindel said you wanted to discuss an urgent matter.”

“Aye, I do.” Elrond eyed Erestor closely. How could he best broach their subject without sending Erestor running out of the room?

“This seems more of an informal setting,” observed Erestor, downing the remnant of the wine in one go.

“There is a reason for that.” Glorfindel drew in a deep breath, finally realizing just like Elrond had, that finding a way to invite Erestor into their bed would be more difficult than they had thought. But maybe he knew of a way. “I told Elrond about our conversation, Erestor.”

“Why would you do that?” Erestor looked startled and lowered his eyes. “I am sorry, Elrond. I did not want you to know that Glorfindel…”

Elrond poured more wine into Erestor’s glass. “We have asked you to join us for a reason.”

Erestor sipped more wine and began to feel light-headed. He should stop drinking it, but it dulled his nerves. “What urgent matter has come up? There have been no messengers, no urgent correspondence…” Erestor sucked in his breath, seeing Glorfindel leave his seat and walk toward him. He felt like a deer, about to be trapped and taken prisoner.

Glorfindel carefully placed his hands on Erestor’s shoulders. Now that the words wouldn’t come to him, he opted for action. “We want to discuss your loneliness.”

Erestor’s hands shook and Elrond quickly rescued the glass before it could fall onto the floor. “Erestor, we know you feel lonely. We know you are hurting and we want to lessen your emotional pain.”

“You can only do that by sailing for Aman.”

“I will, eventually.” Elrond took hold of Erestor’s trembling hands. “But you know why I cannot sail yet.”

“Arwen…”

“Aye, I need time to let her go.” Elrond exchanged a quick look with Glorfindel and nodded once. This was something Glorfindel had to do.

Glorfindel slid his hands beneath Erestor’s robes, down the shoulders and bowed forward, bringing his face close to the Advisor’s. “You told me that I remind you of Haldir, did you not?”

Growing aware of Glorfindel’s hands moving down his shoulders and toward his chest, Erestor’s eyes darkened. “I did.” Glorfindel’s touch was enticing. The warrior’s hands were covered with callus, much like Haldir’s had been and the touch brought back memories. Elrond suddenly moved closer and before Erestor knew what was happening, the half-Elf’s lips had claimed his. At the same time Glorfindel rubbed his hardening nipples and licked along the elegant curve of his ear.

Had he lost his mind? Erestor jumped up from his chair and backed away from the two Elves. “What are you doing?” He stared at Glorfindel in disbelief and his expression became accusing when he looked at Elrond. “Did you put Glorfindel up to this? I told you before that I do not need your comfort!”

Elrond slid back onto his chair and Glorfindel also stayed in place. The last thing they wanted was to frighten Erestor further.

“Elrond did not put me up to this. He might have mentioned inviting you into our bed, but I made the decision to act on his idea.” Glorfindel’s gaze remained locked with Erestor’s. It was important Erestor understood. “Elrond and I want to offer you our company, Erestor. We do not want you to be alone – to suffer alone!”

“Nay, you cannot do this!” Erestor determinedly shook his head. “The two of you belong together! You cannot invite me in!”

“You won’t come between us, Erestor. You will enrich our relationship.” Elrond drew in a deep breath. “Glorfindel and I are secure in our love for each other.”

Erestor continued to shake his head. “I cannot accept. Each time I look at Glorfindel, I…”

Glorfindel quickly covered the distance between them and pulled Erestor into his arms. “I do not mind if you think of me as Haldir, Erestor. I do not mind if you call out Haldir’s name when you find release. I understand your loss and so does Elrond.”

“Do you even know what you are saying, Glorfindel?” Erestor inhaled the musky scent that poured out of Glorfindel’s pores. The strong, masculine scent traveled up his nostrils and reminded his body of how it used to feel to belong – to be taken. He could lose himself in Glorfindel, give himself completely, but he couldn’t do that to Elrond. What kind of friend would he be if he allowed Glorfindel to take him?

Elrond, who had stretched his mind to read Erestor’s thoughts, understood and pulled away from his friend’s mind. “I do not share Glorfindel easily, Erestor. You are the only one who I would even consider sharing Glorfindel with.”

“Elrond, please do not do this to me.” It was growing increasingly difficult for Erestor to think rationally as Glorfindel’s lips suckled the sensitive skin of his throat.

Elrond left his chair and approached Erestor. He came to a halt in front of him and cocked his head. His hands found a way beneath Erestor’s robes and they settled on his friend’s waist. “Glorfindel wants you. I want you. What do you want?”

“I do not want you… to…” Erestor closed his eyes in bliss, as Glorfindel had found *that* sensitive spot on the back of his neck. His knees gave way beneath him and he leaned helplessly against Glorfindel’s muscular chest whilst Elrond’s hands kept him in place. “I do not want to cause problems,” he panted, growing aroused.

“You won’t cause any problems.” Elrond slid his arms up behind Erestor’s back and pressed him close. Glorfindel followed suit, pressing against Erestor’s backside. “Tell us what you want, please, Erestor.” The black eyes opened and pleaded with him to let him go. “Be careful what you wish for, meldir. If you tell us to let you go, we will do so and you will return to your empty rooms. Is that what you want? To drown your sorrow with a sleeping potion and to dream of nothing? Glorfindel told you that he does not mind you calling out Haldir’s name in intimate moments. What more can you wish for?”

“I cannot do this…” Erestor felt powerless, feeling Glorfindel’s erection pressed against his backside, and in front of him stood Elrond, grey eyes burning with desire.

“Entrust yourself to us,” whispered Glorfindel into Erestor’s ear.

“I…” Erestor felt like he was losing his mind or maybe it was just the potent wine which made the room spin. “Aye, I want you…”

Sensing Erestor’s surrender, Elrond studied the black eyes. “Who do you want? And what do you want him to do to you?”

“Glorfindel… buried inside me… taking me…” Erestor whimpered, feeling a large hand come to rest on a buttock. Glorfindel had large hands, strong, warrior’s hands, like Haldir had.

“You will have him,” said Elrond, his fingers now combing through Erestor’s hair. “And then I will have you. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Unable to stand unaided, Erestor allowed Glorfindel to support him. Strong arms encircled his waist and he felt helpless, watching Elrond unbutton his black robes. They dropped to the floor and then Elrond undid the lacing to his leggings. Erestor quivered the moment Elrond removed those as well. Standing naked and sandwiched between them, he moaned. These two Elves had set him on fire and this fire needed to be dealt with.

With one fluid movement Elrond shrugged out of his nightshirt. Naked, he pressed his body against Erestor’s, allowing their erections to slide alongside each other. “Glorfindel, your robes.”

Glorfindel stepped out of his robes and watched the two dark-haired Elves move sensually together. Erestor thrust weakly against Elrond and the half-Elf was cupping the Advisor’s buttocks, massaging them. The sight of them together made his blood boil with desire. He hadn’t thought that seeing them touch would arouse him that much!

Erestor looked at Glorfindel from over his shoulder and reached for him. The potent wine made it easier for him to enjoy this and when Glorfindel scooped him up in his powerful arms, he wrapped his arms around the neck.

Elrond collected a vial of oil from the bathroom and then stretched at the foot end of their bed, watching Glorfindel and Erestor. The Advisor squirmed, his need and despair clearly visible.

Glorfindel considered the Elf in front of him. Erestor was experienced in bed, but it had been awhile since he had made love. “How do you want me to take you?” He always had to keep in mind that this was about Erestor; that they were doing this to lessen his emotional pain.

“Like this… on my back.” Erestor lifted his legs and placed the soles of his feet against Glorfindel’s chest. “In one stroke, please…”

Glorfindel exchanged a look with Elrond; shouldn’t he prepare Erestor?

“If he wants it, give it to him.” Elrond moved closer and rubbed oil onto Glorfindel’s erection. “Do it, meleth. I will watch the two of you.”

Somehow, this wasn’t the way he had supposed he would be taking Erestor, but if the Advisor wanted him in this way, he would comply. Placing his hands on either side of Erestor’s head, he moved into position. “Elrond, guide me.”

Elrond moved quickly and guided Glorfindel into Erestor’s body.

Glorfindel pushed resolutely past the guardian muscle and whimpered, sensing how tight Erestor was. Erestor yelped and then pressed back, causing Glorfindel to bury himself to the hilt.

“Now, don’t move…” Erestor raised his hands and placed them on Glorfindel’s buttocks, squeezing them. “I can feel you.” He closed his eyes and licked his bottom lip. “Oh, you are big.”

Growing uncomfortable with this position, Glorfindel guided Erestor’s legs back onto the bed. Now, he had easier access to his lover’s body and he ran his hands along Erestor’s sides. “Erestor, I need to move.” The pressure in his groin was growing unbearable.

“Then move… Take me… Claim me.” Erestor’s eyes opened and fastened on Glorfindel’s. He could have fled into a world of fantasy, pretending it was Haldir moving inside him, but he didn’t want to do that. He would do Glorfindel an injustice if he did.

Glorfindel began to move, gently and shallowly at first, monitoring Erestor’s every reaction. He didn’t know how Erestor wanted to be made love to; hard, fast, gentle… “Like this?”

“Aye, like this.” Erestor slid his hands behind Glorfindel’s back and brought him in for a kiss. Lost in impending ecstasy, he kissed Glorfindel, tasting the warrior thoroughly.

Elrond, aroused himself, fought the urge to stroke himself and watched them. There was beauty in Erestor’s surrender and strength in Glorfindel’s thrusts. Did he look like Erestor did when Glorfindel took him?

Glorfindel reached orgasm first and growled, spilling himself inside Erestor.

Feeling the warm wave of semen inside him, Erestor yelped and climaxed as well.

Glorfindel stopped all movement, buried deep inside Erestor and looked at the dark-haired Elf. “You are free to join us in bed whenever you want,” he whispered into Erestor’s ear. Pulling out, he rested one hand on Erestor’s abdomen, rubbing the soft skin there. “Elrond?”

Elrond had waited for Glorfindel to call for him and he kissed his lover before moving in-between Erestor’s legs, taking Glorfindel’s place.

Contrary to Elrond, Glorfindel didn’t disappear toward the foot end of the bed. He stretched beside Erestor and stroked the damp brow. “You will enjoy Elrond taking you. You have two lovers now, Erestor,” whispered Glorfindel. “We need to complete the circle.”

“Glorfindel, help me roll him onto his side.” Together, Elrond and Glorfindel rolled Erestor onto his right side.

Elrond spooned behind him and Glorfindel also moved closer, draping one of Erestor’s long legs over his hip. “He is ready for you, Elrond.”

Elrond took himself into hand and positioned himself at the loosened opening. As he pushed inside, he found he easily slid in, helped by Glorfindel’s semen that made the channel slick. “We love you,” whispered Elrond, not thrusting yet.

Glorfindel’s hand stole downward to Erestor’s lax member and fondled it, trying to arouse his lover again.

Elrond’s fingers buried themselves in Erestor’s hair and then he began to thrust. He claimed Erestor gently, making sweet and slow love to him.

Erestor had never felt like this before. Glorfindel was kissing him, gently, and Elrond moved deep inside him. He was surrounded by love and that realization brought tears to his eyes. Elrond unexpectedly climaxed and flooded his insides with warmth and he eagerly accepted their gift. “Thank you,” he whispered, the words escaping into Glorfindel’s mouth with the breath he exhaled. “I missed feeling like this.”

Elrond pulled out and nuzzled Erestor’s hair and neck. “You can feel like this every night until we sail for Aman. That is our gift to you.”

Erestor smiled, dozing off, and this time he needed no sleeping draught to keep his nightmares and fears away.

~~~

Hephaestion felt awkward, entering the twins’ rooms alone. With Glorfindel, Elrond and Erestor absent, it was the twins’ turn to make certain all guards were in place and nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. A smile crossed his features, recalling how he had woken this morning. Although he didn’t feel the same kind of love for the twins which he had felt for Alexander they had touched a part of him he hadn’t known existed. Their mere presence was soothing and healing hurts inside of him.

Feeling cold, he started a fire and changed into thick warm robes which he found in the twins’ wardrobe. Picking up the book Erestor had told him to read he curled up on the windowsill after dragging a blanket there with him. He lit an oil lamp and several candles and settled down to read. It had been ages since he had felt this much at peace.

~~~

/He is asleep./ Elrohir carefully removed the book from Hephaestion’s hands and then stood back, watching his charge. It was Elladan’s turn to lead the patrol guarding their borders and his twin wouldn’t return until the day after tomorrow. That meant he had Hephaestion all to himself until then!

Elrohir pushed his arms beneath Hephaestion’s sleeping form and carried the young man to his bed. After placing him in the center, Elrohir removed his outer robes and climbed into bed, still wearing his under tunic. He began to wrap his arms around Hephaestion and the mortal moved into them, pressing closer. Hephaestion curled up in a fetal position and Elrohir spooned behind him, wrapping arms and legs tightly around Hephaestion.

“Sleep tight, pen vain, and may your dreams be filled with love and peace.” Elrohir remained awake for most of the night, considering the young man. Hephaestion needed many things and being held like this, without any sexual intentions at all, was just one of them.

~~~

Soft snoring woke Erestor in the morning. He felt disoriented, upon opening his eyes, which widened, growing aware of a soreness he hadn’t experienced in quite some time. His memories returned to him and he recalled how first Glorfindel had claimed him and then Elrond. The two Elves had taken him by surprise – literally taken him – and he wasn’t quite certain he could look them in their eyes again. What would they think of him? Of how needy he had been? How easily he had let himself by conquered?

“Stop thinking such thoughts first thing in the morning, meleth.”

Elrond’s voice, coming from so close, startled Erestor. Apparently he had fallen asleep in their bed with Elrond resting in front of him. The half-Elf had draped a leg possessively over his thigh and fingers were buried in the strands of his hair. Had Elrond wanted to make sure he stayed in place? It certainly looked like that! Erestor blushed, fiercely, and lowered his eyes. “I am sorry. I do not know what came over me to allow you…” His lips were silenced by a gentle kiss and a probing tongue which traced the inside of his bottom lip. He lifted shy eyes and stared into Elrond’s with wonder. The half-Elf didn’t seem angry with him.

“Why would I be angry with you? Oh, Erestor, it will take many more nights to make you understand that we love you, won’t it?” Elrond knew Erestor needed time to accept this, but grew frustrated, seeing the resistance and fear in the black eyes. Last night the wine had helped Erestor accept their caresses, but now he was sober and guilt was settling in. “Do not feel guilty, Erestor, please don’t.”

Erestor bit his bottom lip. It was time to change their subject and hopefully Elrond would loosen his hold on him and let him go. “Where is Glorfindel?” He gulped, quite embarrassed as he recalled just how he had begged the golden-haired warrior to bury himself inside him. Just how desperate had he been?

“Someone had to bid the representatives from Rohan welcome, don’t you think so?” Elrond watched, amused, as Erestor realized that the party of Rohan had arrived this morning. “You looked so comfortable and at peace asleep that I could not wake you.”

“But why Glorfindel?” Why hadn’t Elrond left to welcome them?

“You attached yourself rather tightly to me during the night and it was easier for Glorfindel to leave the bed than it would have been for me. I would have woken you and I did not want that. I am confident Glorfindel will act his part.” Elrond brushed stray locks of raven hair behind Erestor’s pointed ears. “Are you sore, meleth? I still have some of that soothing ointment.” The blush that settled on Erestor’s face told him everything he needed to know. “We might have been a bit too enthusiastic claiming you the same evening.”

Erestor squirmed and then froze, feeling Elrond’s erection pressed against his thigh. The half-Elf was aroused – again! And the Valar help him, so was he! “Elrond, I…” Elrond had refused to listen to his apologies, had even chided him for feeling guilty. How was he to maneuver himself out of this compromising position then?

Elrond smiled and pressed closer. He caught Erestor’s elusive lips in a light kiss and looked deeply into the black eyes.

Erestor involuntarily reacted and rubbed his erection against Elrond’s. The kiss was sweet and promising and Erestor just didn’t know what to do, what to expect.

Elrond solved that dilemma for him and suddenly Erestor found himself atop of the half-Elf. Elrond parted his legs, causing him to slide into position between the thighs. “Elrond, I…”

“You have done this before, haven’t you?” Elrond caressed Erestor’s face and placed butterfly kisses on the other Elf’s throat. His fingers stroked Erestor’s quivering back and he thrust against his lover, showing his need.

“I have, but not very often.” He had always been content to be the one on the receiving end. Being on top was something Haldir had seldom required from him and Erestor didn’t know how to react now that Elrond had turned the tables on him.

Elrond wrapped his arms around Erestor and pulled him close. “Last night, I took you. Will you now take me?” He hoped that Erestor would be comfortable being on top, for he craved being taken.

“I…” Erestor looked quite insecure and he gave Elrond a pleading look. “I am not certain I can do it right.”

“All you need is practice,” said Elrond, running his fingertips down Erestor’s back. “I want you to take me.”

Erestor wondered if he was still asleep – dreaming. Not even in his wildest dreams had he thought Elrond would enjoy being on the bottom. He watched, quite entranced, how Elrond’s fingers located the vial, uncapped it and let the oil drip onto his fingers. Those fingers easily located his throbbing erection and Erestor gasped, feeling Elrond rub the oil onto him. “Elrond, I…” What if he hurt Elrond by accident?

Elrond opened a temporary connection to Erestor’s mind, probing why the Advisor was so reluctant to take him and what he found amazed him. On a subconscious level Erestor wanted to claim him, but his inexperience and fears kept him back. Retreating from Erestor’s mind, Elrond’s fingers curled around the Advisor’s shaft, guiding him to his opening. He raised his legs, wrapped them around Erestor’s waist and then pushed forward.

Erestor threw back his head, suddenly experiencing a tight glove around his member. Unable to fight his reflexes, he pushed forward, burying himself in Elrond’s channel.

“Aye, like that!” Elrond smiled, contently, and wriggled beneath Erestor, making certain his lover’s length was completely buried inside him.

Erestor, stunned by Elrond’s actions, collapsed atop of the half-Elf and immediately Elrond’s strong arms wrapped around him. The heat that now surrounded him made him pant and he looked, baffled, in Elrond’s eyes. “Why did you do that?”

“I love being on the receiving end,” clarified Elrond. “Like you, it is rare for me to do any taking. I prefer to leave that to Glorfindel, but as he is not here and you are…”

Erestor couldn’t believe he was actually hearing this. “Elrond, I…”

“Would you move? Thrust? Move inside me, please!” The tip of Erestor’s shaft rested against his prostate and each time Erestor exhaled, the hard flesh nudged against the sensitive gland.

Hesitantly, Erestor thrust. He had little experience performing this role, but as Elrond wanted him to do the taking, he decided to please the half-Elf as best as he could. Whipping his hips forward, he penetrated Elrond again and then almost pulled out, remembering all those things Haldir had done to make him scream his pleasure.

Elrond’s eyes widened with pleasure, surprised at the vigor in Erestor’s thrusts. “Harder,” he demanded, meeting each of his lover’s thrusts with enthusiasm.

Erestor reacted by adding more force to his thrusts. He moved as if in a trance and his thrusts became so powerful that he literally shoved Elrond over the mattress and toward the head end of the bed.

Elrond clung to Erestor for dear life. Suddenly, orgasm took him and he came all over his abdomen.

Erestor continued to thrust, hardly noticing Elrond’s inner muscle clenching him. He was too lost in the motion, too intent on penetration and pleasuring his lover… Unexpectedly, his member twitched and released his essence deep inside Elrond’s body. Exhausted, he collapsed onto Elrond, panting hard.

“That was most satisfactory,” whispered Elrond into Erestor’s ear in a light, teasing tone. His hands moved up Erestor’s back and came to tangle in the damp mane. Sweat covered Erestor’s body and Elrond licked up his lover’s throat, tasting the salty essence. Judging by Erestor’s first, rather hesitant performance, the Advisor would grow to like being on top and Elrond whole-heartedly approved of that.

Erestor’s big, stunned eyes met his and Elrond caressed his lover’s hair. “You surprised yourself, didn’t you?” A mute nod confirmed Elrond’s suspicions. “We should shower and ready ourselves for today’s work.”

Erestor looked with his big, questioning eyes at Elrond. “I did not think you would want us to be intimate without Glorfindel present.”

Elrond chuckled softly. “As I said before, Glorfindel and I are secure in our love for each other.” Reading another, maybe more important question in Erestor’s eyes, he answered it, “Aye, I would not mind Glorfindel and you being intimate without me present.” Maybe Glorfindel was the one Erestor needed the most and Elrond understood that. The blush returned to Erestor’s face and Elrond pressed a teasing kiss on the tip of Erestor’s nose. “Come, we should shower now.” Rising from the bed, he got to his feet and offered Erestor his hand to pull him onto his feet as well.

Erestor moved more slowly and cringed, feeling how sore he was.

Elrond’s expression turned concerned and he pulled Erestor into the bathroom with him. They shouldn’t have taken Erestor twice that evening, but he was confident that some soothing balm would take away most of Erestor’s pain.

~~~

“Good morning,” whispered Hephaestion, surprised to find the both of them still clothed. Elrohir had cuddled up to him during the night and it was him holding the half-Elf for a change – a nice change. He liked being the one who did the holding.

“Good morning,” whispered Elrohir, smiling at the mortal. They had woken facing each other and Hephaestion’s arms were still folded around him. “How do you fare this morn?” A quick look out of the window told him that the rain had stopped and that the sky was clearing again. He had fallen asleep after all, lured into the world of dreams by the tapping of the rain against the window.

“I am fine.” Hephaestion combed Elrohir’s hair with his fingers. “What are your plans for the day?” He felt at peace and strangely enough, there was nothing sexual about waking up this morning. Yesterday, he had woken to Elladan pleasuring himself and now peace ruled supreme.

“I think it is my turn to supervise the training of the guards.” If he remembered correctly his father, Glorfindel and Erestor would be occupied meeting with the party from Rohan. “And what about you?”

“Erestor told me to return to the library in the afternoon to read.”

“Then come with me this morn. I will help you improve your weapon’s skill.”

“Do you think I will improve, wielding the sword?”

Elrohir cocked an eyebrow. “Not just the sword, meleth. We will also train you in archery and hand to hand combat.”

“Sounds tiring,” whispered Hephaestion with a smile. He blew at a strand of Elrohir’s hair that teased the tip of his nose. “Sounds good.”

Elrohir smiled and kissed Hephaestion. “We should get ready now.” He reluctantly moved away from the mortal man and swung his feet onto the floor.

“Will it be just the two of us tonight?” asked Hephaestion, leaving the bed as well.

“I think so. Elladan won’t return until tomorrow night.” Elrohir arched an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?” The wavering expression on Hephaestion’s brow told him that the young man was wrestling with something.

“Did you mean it when you said that you wanted me to find out about my preferences in bed?” For some reason he felt more comfortable bringing this up with Elrohir than with both of the twins present.

“I did.” Elrohir moved around the bed and stood in front of Hephaestion. “We can experiment tonight, if you want that.”

“I think I would.” Tremors of desire washed over him.

And Elrohir noticed them. “Why do you not spend today fantasizing about tonight? About what you want to do?” Seeing Hephaestion’s confusion he realized that the mortal didn’t know what he wanted to happen tonight. “Those fantasies might tell you what you want.”

Hephaestion suddenly felt guilty, realizing he was being unfaithful to his Alexander, but another part of him felt thrilled to experience new things. If only he could rid himself of that guilt, then he might fully enjoy what Elrohir was offering so freely.

~~~

Erestor found it almost impossible to concentrate during the council meeting. The party from Rohan was stating its requests and he should be listening so he could advise Elrond later. But all he could think about was the intimacy he had experienced last night and this morning. Each time Glorfindel looked at him, his member swelled with blood and he tucked the robes carefully around him, hiding his aroused state.

What surprised him the most was the fact that he no longer felt guilty partaking in their sexual activities. He had expected to feel guilty for betraying Haldir, but maybe he had spoken the truth when he had told Glorfindel that he only loved Haldir and that the March Warden knew that and would understand his actions. Or maybe he was just experiencing a severe bout of lust.

Last night had opened a whole new world of possibilities to him and yet the fear of coming between Elrond and Glorfindel remained. /If they ever argue about something that has to do with me, I will put a stop to this!/

The party from Rohan finally left and would rest until it was time for dinner, giving the Elves time to consider their requests.

“You did not hear a single thing that was said, did you?” asked Glorfindel, quite amused to see Erestor’s startled expression. “I think I know what you were thinking of instead.”

“Glorfindel, stop your teasing.” Elrond had noticed his Advisor’s distant expression as well, but didn’t want to embarrass his friend. “Éomer’s requests are easily met.” The new King of Rohan had asked for books, healing potions and an instructor who would help organize his defenses. Although peace had settled over Middle Earth, Elrond understood the King’s need to know his people safe. Seeing Glorfindel’s wicked grin, he sighed. His lover could be insatiable at times and he knew exactly what would happen tonight should Erestor decide to join them again.

Elrond rose from his chair and advanced on Erestor. “How do you feel, meleth? Better?”

Erestor blushed, knowing exactly what Elrond was referring to. “The soreness is gone.”

“We should have been more considerate,” said Glorfindel with a guilty look in his eyes, “but you were so seductive, meleth.” Glorfindel sat on his heels in front of Erestor and gathered the elegant hands in his. “Will you join us again this eve?”

Erestor looked stricken. He was still trying hard to accept this new development. “Maybe.”

“I hope you will,” said Glorfindel, pressing kisses on the palms of Erestor’s hands.

“We will meet again for dinner in the main hall,” said Elrond, placing a hand on Glorfindel’s shoulder. “Erestor, your charge is probably waiting for you to join him in the library.”

Recalling he had invited Hephaestion to return to the library to read, Erestor rose from his chair and left.

“That almost looked like he fled the room – and our presence,” remarked Glorfindel, worried.

“He needs time. We surprised him last night.” Elrond folded an arm around Glorfindel’s waist and pulled him along. “I should tell you what happened this morning.” He wanted them to be honest. Communication, now that it was the three of them, was vital for the success of their relationship.

~~~

Hephaestion gave Erestor a curious look, seeing how slowly the Advisor lowered himself onto his chair. If he didn’t know any better, he would say that Erestor had had a passionate encounter last night which had left him sore. “Erestor, can I ask you something personal?”

Erestor paled somewhat, wondering what Hephaestion wanted to discuss with him. “What is it about?”

Hephaestion closed his book and looked at Erestor from where he was seated on the windowsill. Maybe the distance between them would help Erestor answer his questions. “Do you like males or females best? Or both?”

Erestor forced himself to appear calm. Why did Hephaestion have to address this matter today? “I prefer the company of males.”

“I thought you might. Maybe you can help me?”

Erestor’s fingers curled around the armrest. “In what regard?” He had a soft spot for Hephaestion but prayed to the Valar that the mortal wouldn’t ask him to demonstrate anything related to intercourse. In his current state he might opt for running out of the room.

“Do you prefer to be on top? Or to be taken?” Hephaestion bit his bottom lip, seeing the discomfort in Erestor’s eyes. “We don’t have to discuss this if it makes you nervous, but…”

Erestor drew in a deep breath. “Most of the time I prefer to be taken.” Although taking Elrond that morning had made him question his preferences. He had enjoyed taking the half-Elf.

“Have you ever been on top?”

Erestor prayed to the Valar that they would give him the courage and patience to see this conversation through without hugely embarrassing himself. Why was Hephaestion discussing this with him and not with one of the twins? Elrond even? “Aye, I have been on top.” His eyes narrowed and he asked, “And how about you?”

Hephaestion’s face grew flustered and he lowered his eyes. He mumbled something unintelligible.

“What was that?” Erestor hadn’t understood what Hephaestion had said.

“I haven’t!” Hephaestion felt shy and cursed himself for starting this conversation.

“Never?” Erestor was surprised. “For how long were Alexander and you lovers?”

“Almost twenty years.”

“And he never allowed you to take him?” In his experience, most lovers experimented with reversing roles.

“Alexander loved driving himself into me.” Hephaestion peeked at Erestor. “What is it like?”

“Being on top?” Erestor rose from his chair and advanced on the young man. He seated himself on the rug below the window and gave Hephaestion a long look. “Divine.”

“Do you think that Elrohir… that he would allow me…” Hephaestion squirmed, nervous to ask Erestor this question.

“Are you asking me if I think Elrohir would allow you to take him?” Erestor smiled, reassuringly. “I do.”

“But why would he do that?” Hephaestion looked at Erestor with a sense of helplessness in his eyes. “He is Elrond’s son. He… outranks me.”

/Oh, you have much to learn – like me./ “Love is not about rank, Hephaestion.” But he could understand why the mortal would think that. “What was your love life with Alexander like?”

Not expecting that question, Hephaestion let his hair fall in front of his face. “Fulfilling.”

“You can do better.”

“I don’t know… We understood each other perfectly and I was set on pleasing him.”

Erestor nodded once. “And were you content being the one on the receiving end the entire time?”

“I think so. Feeling him inside me was… I cannot describe the feeling of belonging to him.”

Erestor smiled. “But Alexander is lost to you and now you face the twins and things are different, aren’t they?”

Hephaestion shrugged, deciding to be honest. “When I was with Alexander I sometimes wondered how it would feel to be him. To be the one doing the taking, but I could never bring myself to tell him about my desire. How could I possibly take a god?”

Erestor judged it best not to discuss that aspect in depth and steered away from Alexander. “Does Elrohir know you desire to take him?”

“I think he does. I hinted I might want to take him this morn.” Hephaestion peeked at Erestor from behind his hair, batting his long eyelashes. “Do you think I can make such a request?”

Erestor changed his position and knelt in front of Hephaestion, still smiling at him. “Elrohir would be honored to be the first one to be taken by you. Believe me; he wants to please you as much as you want to please him. Just be honest with him. Tell him what you want and do so without fear.” He raised a hand and brushed the curtain of hair aside. /And I learned something about myself as well. I also need to communicate my needs better to Elrond and Glorfindel./

~~~

“Milord, may I have a word with you in private?” Gamling, sent by Éomer to meet with Elrond, shuffled into the luxurious room.

Elrond looked up from selecting the books which he would send to Rohan and nodded once. “Of course. Please enter, Gamling.”

Gamling scuffled his feet, feeling rather nervous and awkward. “My King asked me to make another request on his behalf and I judged it best not to bring this before your council.”

“Please sit down.” Elrond seated himself near the fireplace and gestured for Gamling to do the same. He clearly noticed the man’s nervousness and wondered what request had such an effect on the seasoned warrior. “And now tell me what it is Éomer needs.” He arranged the folds of his robes around him and gave Gamling a reassuring look. The man looked as if he was contemplating fleeing the room!

“My King desires a mate,” said Gamling, his voice unsteady and raw. “But as his tastes… are uncommon… he thought maybe you would know a suitable candidate.”

Surprised, Elrond inched closer. “A mate?” He hadn’t expected that. “And what do you mean when you say his tastes are uncommon?” Gamling was trying hard to be diplomatic, but that was only complicating the matter. “Speak freely, Gamling.”

“He prefers males,” said Gamling, looking as if he expected Elrond to faint from surprise.

“Go on.” Elrond felt reassured, realizing what Éomer’s ‘uncommon tastes’ entailed. He knew that it wasn’t common for humans to take a mate of the same gender, but it happened occasionally.

“Éomer needs someone who can support him. He needs someone at his side that is already acquainted with the demands placed on a ruler.”

“And Éomer thinks I know of such a person?”

“He hopes you do.” Gamling gathered his courage and met Elrond’s eyes. “Éomer is a good man – a good ruler and the well-being of his people always comes first. He would rather stay unbound than have a mate at his side who wasn’t his equal.”

Elrond leaned back into the comfort of his chair and considered everything he had heard. “He is looking for a consort? Someone to warm his bed or…?”

“No, Milord, he would never disgrace someone with such lowly desires. He wants a mate in every sense of the word. A husband, who will stand at his side and rule Rohan with him.”

“And it does not bother Éomer that he will have no offspring? No child to follow in his footsteps?”

Gamling cleared his throat. “Éomer has adopted Haleth, Háma’s son. Háma belonged to the Royal Guards and died in this last war.  He is content to raise the boy as his own.”

Elrond gave the matter some thought and realized Gamling was growing nervous.

“Milord Elrond, if you feel asking your advice in this matter is inappropriate, please say so. I am certain that my King will understand your reservations.”

“It is not that,” said Elrond, raising his right hand. “I am merely thinking.”

“You will help Éomer to find a suitable mate?”

Elrond nodded. He already had someone in mind, but it was still too early to send Hephaestion to Rohan. The young man was still healing. “Tell your King that I might know of someone. When the summer comes I will send word to Rohan and let Éomer know if this candidate is willing to meet with him.”

Gamling smiled, quite relieved. He had felt awkward, having to ask Elrond something so personal. “I will tell my King.” Hopefully, Elrond’s candidate would agree and travel to Rohan in the summer.

~~~

That evening, Hephaestion took great care bathing. He used plenty of soap and later, he tried the scented oils, which the twins kept near the bathtub. He selected one that smelled of apples and rubbed the oil onto his skin. His gaze drifted off to his reflection in the mirror and he studied himself critically. He wasn’t as young or as handsome as he had once been. If he looked really close, he saw the first signs of age on his brow – wrinkles were forming on his forehead.

Elladan and Elrohir however, were perfect. They would remain young forever. What in Zeus’ name did they see in him?

Hephaestion seated himself in front of the mirror and brushed his hair. He braided the strands near his temples and pulled the braids back to make sure they wouldn’t sweep into his face. Picking up the small piece of charcoal, he underlined his eyes with the black substance. Alexander had always loved that look on him and he had to admit that it highlighted the blue of his eyes. Still uncertain if Elrohir *really* desired him, he tried to look his best.

“Hephaestion?” Elrohir searched the bedroom, but found it empty. A smile curled his lips, finding the scented candles burning and a fire in the fireplace. Hephaestion had to be somewhere! In the bathroom maybe? He was about to turn and check for the mortal when the young man appeared in the doorway, naked and looking utterly desirable. “Pen vain?” He recalled Hephaestion’s questions that morning and realized what the mortal might be up to. “You look astounding.”

Hephaestion fought down a blush. “Thank you.” He studied Elrohir, still not certain that the half-Elf would allow this, even in spite of Erestor’s reassurance. “Can I speak with you?”

Elrohir cocked his head. /You look like you want to do anything but talk!/ But he would indulge his young lover. He sat down on the bed and patted the space next to him.

Hephaestion -- painfully aware of the fact that he was naked and Elrohir fully dressed -- sat down at a distance and tried to cover himself with the sheet.

“Do not do that. I love looking upon your naked body.” Elrohir smiled, seeing the sheet slip down again. He wasn’t surprised that Hephaestion wasn’t aroused. This was an awkward moment. “What do you want to discuss with me?” Oh, he was quite certain he already knew!

“I talked to Erestor earlier and he reassured me that I could ask you this.”

/Erestor?/ Elrohir remembered that Hephaestion had taken an instant liking to Erestor and the Advisor to the mortal so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Hephaestion had trusted himself to Erestor. “What do wish to ask me?”

Hephaestion stared at his hands placed on the mattress as he felt too shy to look Elrohir in the eye. “I would like to know what it is like to be the one who does the taking.”

Although Elrohir had expected to hear something like this, he hadn’t quite expected to hear it phrased like *that*. The way Hephaestion had phrased his request indicated he had never been on top before. “And this would be your first time taking someone?”

“Yes.” Hephaestion gathered his courage and looked at Elrohir. “You don’t have to comply with my request. I know I should probably not ask you this, but you told me to explore my needs and…” Elrohir’s finger silenced him as the half-Elf placed it against his lips.

“Do not worry that much, pen vain. I do not find your request odd and I applaud the fact that you are actually telling me you desire to take me. I approve, Hephaestion. I want you to take me.” Just looking into the haunted blue eyes told him how hard asking this had been on Hephaestion. But he couldn’t fathom *why* it would be so hard.

“You do?” Hephaestion had hoped to hear that answer, but hadn’t been certain Elrohir would allow himself to be taken.

“I seem to be overdressed for this encounter, pen vain. Why do you not help me out of these robes?” It would be easy for him to take the lead and still allow Hephaestion to go on top, but that wasn’t what his lover’s request was really about. Hephaestion had seldom been in control and the young man needed to explore that side of himself.

Hephaestion’s hands trembled, undoing the clasps to Elrohir’s robes. “Are you certain you want this?”

“It is my greatest desire,” said Elrohir, smiling warmly. He shrugged off the robes and rose from the bed. The fabric dropped onto the floor and pooled around his feet. “We are most fortunate that I do not wear underwear today.”

Hephaestion gulped, seeing Elrohir’s glorious naked body and to his astonishment, the half-Elf was already erect. “Do you really want this?”

“Stop talking, Hephaestion, and put your hands on me.” Elrohir knelt on the bed and gave his mortal lover a coy smile. “Do whatever you want with me.”

Hephaestion swallowed, nervously, but then mirrored Elrohir’s position, kneeling in front of him. Shyly, he placed the palms of his hands against Elrohir’s chest. “This is odd.”

“This is new,” understood Elrohir. “Explore.”

Hephaestion, feeling encouraged, slid his hands down the muscular chest. Elrohir was a warrior and possessed a well-trained body. Resting his hands on the narrow hips, Hephaestion inched closer. Both males were hard and he pressed his erection against Elrohir’s, drawing a needy moan from the half-Elf. “I cannot believe this is really happening.” Sliding his hands behind Elrohir’s back, he pulled the half-Elf close.

Elrohir rested his head against Hephaestion’s shoulder and smiled, feeling his lover’s hands travel lower until they rested on his buttocks. “You won’t hurt me,” he whispered, “Just do as you please, pen vain.”

“How can you give yourself so completely?” wondered Hephaestion, who had slightly pulled back to place kisses on Elrohir’s shoulder.

Elrohir chuckled softly and moved closer, letting his erection rub against Hephaestion’s. “That is what you do each time you allow us to touch you.”

Hephaestion’s lips moved lower and his tongue encircled one of Elrohir’s erect nipples. He had also done these things to Alexander, but his former lover had directed his actions most of the time. Elrohir was different. Elrohir let him do as he pleased.

“Oh.” Elrohir couldn’t help himself and thrust against Hephaestion. Feeling that cat-like tongue lick his nipple aroused him even more.

Hephaestion ceased his teasing and caught Elrohir’s lips in a kiss, which was hesitant at first. But then Elrohir parted lips and teeth, guiding him into his mouth and Hephaestion followed, dominating their kiss.

Elrohir moaned, feeling Hephaestion’s hands on him. His lover’s fingers explored each inch of his body and once Hephaestion had mapped all his sensitive spots, the mortal pressed him down onto his back.

Hephaestion’s breath caught, seeing the wanton look in Elrohir’s eyes. The eyes were hooded with desire and need. The half-Elf raised his hips in mute pleading. The long legs parted invitingly and Elrohir arched his back, as if trying to lure him closer. The half-Elf’s erection stood proud and was aimed at him. Hephaestion couldn’t resist and brushed his thumb over the slit, drawing another moan from Elrohir’s lips. Kneeling between the long legs, he stalled, wondering if he could really follow through.

“Do not leave me in this way, pen vain. Please finish what you started.” Elrohir reached for Hephaestion and ran his fingernails down the younger man’s chest.

Hephaestion trembled, looking at the exquisite creature spread before him. Warm fingers curled around his shaft and the sensation made him moan.

“Come inside me, pen vain. I want you to know what it feels like to possess me.” Realizing Hephaestion needed more encouragement Elrohir reached for the oil and coated his lover’s shaft with the liquid. “Come inside me, Hephaestion. Move inside me.”

Hephaestion still hesitated; he couldn’t believe that this marvelous creature, this Elf, graced with eternal beauty really wanted him.

“Hephaestion, please end my torment. I want to feel you inside of me. Posses me, make me yours.” Elrohir managed to gain a hold on Hephaestion’s waist and pulled him closer. Shifting on the bed, he presented himself to his lover, arching his back and wantonly squirming. “Do it.”

Hephaestion drew in a deep breath, finally making up his mind. “Guide me, please.” Alexander had taken him so many times and yet now that it was his turn to do the taking he felt inexperienced.

Elrohir eagerly reached for the slick shaft and guided Hephaestion into his body. “Take me whatever way you want, Hephaestion, but please, take me!”

Hephaestion’s eyes closed in bliss, feeling this warm glove around his member. Slowly, he inched in deeper, amazed at the pleased expression in Elrohir’s eyes, as he gradually filled the half-Elf.

“Aye, more!” Elrohir managed to get his hands onto Hephaestion’s backside and pulled him closer, forcing the younger man to sheathe himself completely. “You feel good.”

Hephaestion looked at the ecstasy in Elrohir’s eyes. Was he responsible for putting it there?

“Hephaestion! I need you! Now!”

Elrohir’s needy cries urged him on and he experimentally performed that first thrust. He closed his eyes in bliss, realizing he wanted this. He wanted to make Elrohir scream his name and beg for release.

Elrohir’s eyes widened with pleasure, feeling Hephaestion’s thrusts become more forceful and faster. Looking at his younger lover, he saw the pleasure on the handsome face and he surrendered to the sensations himself. Stopping himself from meeting Hephaestion’s thrusts, he let the mortal have his way with him and Hephaestion didn’t disappoint him. Hephaestion drove himself hard and deep, making him yelp in pleasure. “Wait… please!”

Hephaestion’s eyes opened. “Did I do something wrong?” He thought Elladan had been enjoying himself!

“Nay, you did everything right… It is just… Please pull out.”

Hephaestion, not understanding why Elrohir was making this request, complied nonetheless. He must have done something wrong!

Elrohir moved quickly onto his hands and knees and presented himself to Hephaestion once more. “Like this… Please.”

Realization dawned on Hephaestion, who placed his hands around Elrohir’s waist and then claimed the half-Elf with one deep, almost brutal thrust.

Elrohir rested his head on his arms and squirmed needily. “Deep… so deep…”

Understanding his lover’s needs, Hephaestion drove himself even deeper into the willing body. Alexander had taken him in such a way before and he knew the pleasure he could bring Elrohir if only he aimed correctly.

Unable to remain quiet any longer Elrohir screamed his pleasure and met Hephaestion’s’ deep thrusts, each stroke rubbing his pleasure gland. He wrapped his fingers around his shaft and firmly stroked. A moment later, he whimpered, finding release.

Hephaestion collapsed onto Elrohir’s back and let his lover’s contractions guide him to his climax. Rubbing Elrohir’s side in a soothing way, he followed his lover down when Elrohir could no longer support himself. He was about to pull out, although he still was semi-erect, but then Elrohir’s hand, placed strategically on his buttock, stopped him.

“Stay inside as long as you can.”

Hephaestion brushed the dark hair aside and kissed along the nape of Elrohir’s neck. “Thank you.” Taking Elrohir had been a revelation!

Elrohir cocked his head and looked at Hephaestion, smiling lazily. “Alexander missed a great experience, never letting you take him.”

Elrohir’s remark should have been painful, but Hephaestion found it wasn’t. It even made him chuckle. “I thoroughly enjoyed taking you, Elrohir.”

“You are still hard,” whispered Elrohir, grinning in a silly way. 

“Not for much longer. You milked me dry.” Hephaestion affectionately nudged Elrohir’s neck with his nose, inhaling the masculine scent that emanated from Elrohir’s pores. Playfully, he thrust one more time, making the half-Elf groan.

“Tease,” whispered Elrohir, savoring those last moments of feeling Hephaestion buried inside him.

Hephaestion kissed Elrohir’s lips and then rested his body atop of the half-Elf’s. “You changed my life, Elrohir.”

“Oh, do not thank me yet. Just wait until Elladan returns.”

~~~

“May I enter?” Erestor remained standing in the doorway, waiting for either Elrond or Glorfindel to beckon him inside.

“But of course! Always!” Elrond, sensing something odd about his Advisor, walked over to the doorway and extended his hand. When Erestor took it and easily allowed himself to be pulled into the room Elrond felt somewhat reassured. “You seem different tonight.” But he couldn’t quite say what it was.

Glorfindel looked up from the game of chess Elrond and he had been playing. He had to agree with Elrond – Erestor seemed different tonight.

It was already late and Ithil stood high in the midnight sky. Truth be told, Elrond and he hadn’t expected Erestor to join them tonight. They had been worried that they had done something wrong and that Erestor had decided to sever this fragile connection. But now Erestor was here and Glorfindel smiled invitingly at the dark-haired Elf. “Come, sit with us.”

Elrond guided Erestor over to the couch and both dark-haired Elves sat down. “Checkmate,” said Erestor, moving Elrond’s King over the board.

“Aye,” whispered Glorfindel, not minding one bit that he had lost the game. “We are glad that you joined us. We had almost given up hope that you would.”

“I had to do some thinking.” Erestor smiled at Elrond and twined his fingers with the half-Elf’s. Elrond’s reaction was to smile happily at him and Erestor knew he had set their worries to rest. “Last night the two of you took me by surprise and the wine aided you in your quest to seduce me.”

“Aye, we plead guilty.” Elrond however, was more fascinated by the way Erestor’s fingertips moved over his knuckles. He couldn’t remember Erestor ever reaching out in this way before. What had changed since this morning?

“I realized that hiding from my feelings, my needs and my desires does me little good. I should tell you want I need.” Erestor beamed, seeing the contented smile on Elrond’s lips. “Hephaestion opened my eyes. I told him to speak honestly with Elrohir and when I advised him to do that, I realized that I should do the same.”

Glorfindel pulled his chair closer to the couch and rested a hand on Erestor’s knee. “Talk to us then.”

“I need you to be there for me. To be strong for me,” said Erestor. He had prepared a speech before coming here, but found he no longer remembered the exact words. “Elrond, there is a gentle side to you and I need you to be understanding of me. I need your touch to be tender and your embrace tight.”

Elrond nodded once. “I can do that for you.” It was in his nature to be gentle and nurturing.

“Glorfindel, I need you to be...” Erestor wavered. He was determined to do this, but still felt awkward about admitting this. “I need you to be a bit like Haldir.”

“Tell me what that entails.” Erestor’s hand had found its way into his and Glorfindel clasped it tightly. They had hoped Erestor would confide in them, but given the Advisor’s introspective nature, hadn’t believed it would actually happen.

“I need you to be witty. To tease me… to challenge me... I need you to master me.”

Glorfindel arched an eyebrow. “Is that how Haldir won your love?”

“Haldir never gave me a chance to even consider his declaration of love. He swept me off my feet – quite literally – and made me his.” Erestor moistened his lips and gave Glorfindel a probing look. “I need you to take me the way Haldir did. With care and consideration, but also with strength and passion.”

“I can do that.” Glorfindel exchanged a smile with Elrond. “And do you also have a role in mind for Elrond when it comes down to lovemaking?”

“I…” Erestor coughed in order to rid himself of the sudden lump of emotions that blocked his throat.

“Go on,” whispered Glorfindel. “Elrond told me what happened this morn. There are no secrets among the three of us.”

“I enjoyed taking you,” said Erestor, addressing Elrond. “With Haldir, I never felt the need to dominate the encounter; he was too good at doing that. But with you… If you will permit it I would like to repeat what happened this morning… Not every night, but sometimes,” he ended his speech in a tiny, uncertain voice.

“Nothing would please me more, meleth, than to welcome you into my arms again.” Elrond brought their twined fingers to his lips and kissed Erestor’s knuckles. “May I suggest something?”

“Before you speak,” said Erestor, quickly interjecting, “I still feel some discomfort from last night.”

“Not that… I did not expect us to make love tonight.” Elrond clearly heard Glorfindel’s disappointed groan and tugged chidingly on his lover’s hand. “Behave!”

“You cannot fault me for hoping we would make love,” said Glorfindel, giving Erestor a longing look.

“There will be other nights.” Elrond shook his head at Glorfindel’s insatiable sexual appetite.

“You were about to suggest something,” said Erestor, addressing Elrond. He felt relieved that they so easily accepted his needs. No that he had expected otherwise… Not really. Voicing them had been the hardest.

Elrond gave Erestor a feline smile. “The next time we make love, it should be the three of us.”

Erestor frowned. “I thought we had made love – all three of us. You claimed me…”

“Aye, but I want us to make love *together*.”

Glorfindel purred, understanding what Elrond was trying to say. “Please continue.”

“Erestor, you crave being taken by Glorfindel and you in turn want to take me. I am certain we can find a position that will allow us to do so simultaneously.”

Erestor blinked. “Elrond, I…”

“Give the matter some thought, Erestor.” Elrond heard Glorfindel’s continued purring and gave his lover an inquisitive look. “Do you already have a position in mind, meleth?”

“Aye.”

“Then keep it to yourself for now. We do not want to worry Erestor.” Elrond rose from the couch with Erestor’s hand in his right hand and Glorfindel’s in his left. “Let us retire for the night.”

Glorfindel, painfully hard, excused himself and hurried into the bathroom.

Erestor cocked his head and looked questioningly at Elrond. “Why did he practically flee into the bathroom?” He removed his robes and slipped under the covers, followed by a similarly naked Elrond. Erestor rolled onto his right side and lay face to face with Elrond, who smiled at him.

“We are not erect, my dear Erestor. Glorfindel is.” A whimper coming out of the bathroom proved his words. “Or do you wish to fall asleep with his cock nestled between your buttocks?” Surprised, Elrond found Erestor growing erect. What had he done to cause that? He had used the word *cock*, hadn’t he? Was that it? He filed this information away for later.

Glorfindel, blushing and quivering, emerged from the bathroom and spooned behind Erestor. He would have preferred to find release inside the Advisor’s body but understood that Erestor still felt too sore to engage in the act of love again. “Goodnight, Elrond. Goodnight, Erestor.” His long, strong arms pulled both Elves close and all three snuggled up to each other, looking forward to a restful night of sleep.

~~~

The next morning Erestor woke wrapped up in strong arms. He recalled having fallen in sleep with Glorfindel spooned behind him, but apparently they had moved about during the night. Glorfindel had ended up in front of him, arms and legs wrapped around him. Missing from the bed was Elrond and that realization made him frown.

“Elrond left for his study one hour ago. He needs to attend to some paperwork,” said Glorfindel, cocking his head and studying Erestor’s curious eyes. He loved Elrond dearly and the half-Elf would always have his heart, but having Erestor in his bed was tempting and challenging. He remembered the requests which Erestor had formulated last night and he wondered if the other Elf had sufficiently recovered for another round of lovemaking. He would love to take Erestor like Haldir would have. “Are you still sore, meleth?”

Being called ‘meleth’ still surprised Erestor. The ease with which the lovers had accepted him also stunned him. “Nay, I am not.” Glorfindel’s length pressed against his thigh and pre-ejaculate slid down his skin. Glorfindel was hard and judging by the dreamy look in the blue eyes eager to take him. “Glorfindel,” whispered Erestor in a trembling voice. He raised a hand and ran his fingers through the curtain of golden hair. “I need it too.”

“I already thought so.” Glorfindel’s hand moved downward and fondled Erestor’s hardening flesh. He wiggled an eyebrow and pressed his lips against Erestor’s throat. Erestor’s words ‘I need you to master me,’ echoed in his mind and made him bold. In one smooth motion, he rolled onto his back and pulled Erestor atop of him. Erestor’s eyes revealed surprise, making Glorfindel grin. He placed his hands on either side of Erestor’s head and slowly pulled the Advisor’s face closer to his groin. His cock, hard and glistering with pre-ejaculate, twitched.

Erestor obeyed, parting his lips and then sealing them around the purple head. Glorfindel’s hands slid down his back and ended up cupping his buttocks.

“Use your sweet tongue on me, my lovely Erestor.” Glorfindel’s thumb rubbed along the Advisor’s opening, causing Erestor to tremble.

Erestor licked along the shaft, lavishing the hard flesh with saliva. He sucked hard and more pre-ejaculate flowed from the slit. He locked gazes with Glorfindel, mutely pleading, hoping the warrior knew what he needed the most.

Glorfindel did.

The warrior used his strength to lift Erestor away from his lap and positioned the dark-haired Elf above his cock. He was in full control of the agonizingly slow pace which with he lowered Erestor onto his hard flesh and he loved seeing the rapture in the dark eyes. He impaled Erestor and massaged the flesh of the twitching buttocks in his large hands. “Tell me what it feels like.”

Erestor whimpered as his body adjusted to the bulk inside of him. Taking him in this way was something Haldir would have done and for one moment it was easy to pretend it was Haldir making him take himself. “I feel helpless… and you are big.” It was hard to find words; he wasn’t much of a talker when he made love.

Glorfindel lifted the lithe Advisor off his cock and then drove him down onto it again. A startled scream left Erestor’s lips and hands settled against his chest, as the other Elf tried to find a way to support himself. Encouraged by Erestor’s needy response, Glorfindel repeated his action. Erestor was helpless in his grip and Glorfindel continued to impale the dark-haired Elf, eagerly watching how his hard flesh disappeared into Erestor’s body.

Suddenly, Glorfindel ceased his motions and Erestor looked at him in what could only be labeled shock. “Why did you stop?”

“Ride, Erestor.” Glorfindel playfully slapped a buttock in order to encourage the Advisor. “Ride like the wind, Erestor.”

Erestor threw back his head and moaned deep within his throat. He experimentally raised himself and then sat down again in Glorfindel’s lap. With each impaling motion, Glorfindel’s shaft rubbed the sensitive gland inside his passage. Erestor quickly lost control and he drove himself hard, trying to please Glorfindel as much as the warrior was trying to please him.

Nearing orgasm, Glorfindel placed his large hands on Erestor’s hips and pushed him down, forcing the lithe Elf to remain in place. The room spun around him and he thought he might faint, experiencing one of the fiercest orgasms in his life now that Erestor’s passage contracted around him.

Erestor collapsed atop of Glorfindel and helplessly allowed the warrior to deliver a few more deep strokes.

Glorfindel growled, possessively, maintaining his hold on Erestor and keeping him in place. Erestor raised his head and looked at him through strands of damp, dark hair. “You were made to be made love to, Erestor,” whispered Glorfindel.

Erestor smiled, tiredly. Glorfindel had made him forget his pain for a long moment, but now that the rush was over, he wished it had been Haldir taking him.

~~~

“You wanted to speak with me?” Hephaestion felt curious. Elrond had asked him to join him in his study, but had given no reason why.

“Please seat yourself, Hephaestion.” Elrond eyed his former patient closely. Hephaestion looked well. A blush had settled on his cheeks and the blue eyes shone with satisfaction. Hephaestion had recovered from losing Alexander and Elrond suspected his sons’ interest in the mortal had had a positive effect on the young man. “How do you fare, Hephaestion? It has been a while since we talked last.”

“I am well,” said Hephaestion, firmly. “I feel at home here.”

“And I guess my sons have everything to do with that?”

“Aye, your sons and Erestor. Erestor has become a good friend.” Hephaestion shifted on his chair, realizing Elrond still had to address the real reason why the half-Elf had summoned him here. “Can I be of some sort of service to you?”

Elrond nodded his head once and reached for his cup of herbal tea. They were seated on the balcony to his study, enjoying Arien’s warm rays. “Have you heard of the Kingdom of Rohan?” He knew that Erestor had taken it up himself to educate the mortal, but he didn’t know if his Advisor had already discussed this with him.

“I read about it in a book which Erestor gave me. Rohan is famous for its horses and their riders.”

Elrond nodded again. “Rohan is ruled by Éomer. He has come to power only recently and he is determined to be the best ruler his people can hope for.”

Hephaestion’s eyes narrowed. “Why are you telling me this?”

Elrond sighed, placed his cup back on the table and rose from his chair. He took to pacing the balcony and buried his elegant hands in the sleeves of his robes. “Hephaestion, the Elves are preparing to leave Middle-Earth. We will return to Aman, our home.”

Hephaestion gulped. “You are leaving?”

“We will leave Imladris in a few months, when summer is upon us.” Elrond’s compassionate eyes sought out the mortal. “You, however, can not accompany us. I wish you could, but you are mortal. You belong here.”

Hephaestion trembled, feeling shocked. He had begun to feel safe and wanted here in Imladris, in the twins’ arms and now Elrond was telling him that it would all come to an end next summer. “I will lose Elladan and Elrohir.”

Elrond’s heart ached, hearing those words. “I do not want to cause you pain, but you need to know the truth. The time of the Elves is limited and we cannot linger here.”

“What will happen to me? Can I stay here?” But what would Imladris be like once the Elves had left? A shell of its former beauty? Would he still want to live here once everyone was gone? Why had Hades… Námo… brought him back to life? What was the point, if the ones he had come to care about were to be taken away from him?

“Éomer is an honorable warrior, a skilled horseman and a wise ruler, but he is alone. A party from Rohan visited with me and Gamling told me that the King desires to take a mate.” Elrond cringed, seeing a glare appear in the icy blue eyes. “Aye, I thought of you.”

“What do you think I am?” Hephaestion jumped to his feet and glared at Elrond. “I am no whore you can sell off to the highest bidder!”

“Hephaestion, you do not understand!” Elrond walked toward Hephaestion, raising his hands in an attempt to placate the mortal. “It is nothing like that! I merely thought that the two of you were well-suited for each other and as my people and I are preparing to leave… You cannot stay here and you know too little of Middle-Earth to be on your own!”

Hephaestion’s expression was cold and oddly dead; it was an expression that worried the half-Elf. “Hephaestion?” He placed his hand on the mortal’s shoulder, but Hephaestion pulled away from the touch, looking at him as if the touch had burned him.

“So in six months’ time I will be send off to Rohan and spend the rest of my life there?” Hephaestion felt oddly accepting of his fate. He should have known that life in Imladris was too good to be true.

“Hephaestion, no one will force you to take Éomer as your mate. I am certain that he will welcome you even if you do not wish to court him! Your life there will be good!”

“Why wait six more months? Why not send me there at once?”

Elrond arched an eyebrow. He hadn’t realized that Hephaestion possessed such a fierce temperament. It almost rivaled his! “If you wish to leave now, I will not stop you. The party from Rohan leaves tomorrow.”

“That is decided then!” Hephaestion stormed out of Elrond’s study and slammed the door hard on his way out.

“Oh, my. Éomer, I do hope you are a patient soul.” He had conducted this conversation poorly, but Hephaestion’s tantrum had taken him by surprise. He hoped that the young mortal would calm down – maybe then he could talk some sense into Hephaestion.

~~~

Hephaestion marched into the twins’ room and kicked the door shut. Anger consumed him and the negative emotion needed a way out. Elrohir, who just emerged from the bathroom where he had taken a long and hot bath, presented that way out.

Hephaestion’s anger was palpable and took Elrohir by surprise. What had happened to infuriate the young mortal? “Hephaestion?” The young man surprised him by stalking him and then turning him around. Hephaestion guided his hands to the wall and Elrohir quickly placed his palms against the brick wall. His body vibrated with curiosity and lust, feeling Hephaestion move behind him. He spread his legs, bent forward and offered himself to the mortal. Hephaestion’s fury would burn him and by Námo, he wanted to be burned!

Hephaestion had already undone the lacing to his leggings and pushed the fabric down, allowing his hard member to spring free. The angry, red head of his cock already sought entry to Elrohir’s body when two strong arms suddenly restrained him, stopping him from slamming into Elrohir.

“I will not allow you to hurt my brother – not in even your rage.” Elladan didn’t know what had put the normally gentle mortal in such a foul mood. “He is willing to let you take him, but I insist you take care.” Elladan’s hands rubbed oil onto the engorged flesh. “You may take him, but you will not hurt him!”

Elladan’s words subdued Hephaestion’s rage and the mortal felt guilty, realizing he had come close to using Elrohir to satisfy his own needs with no consideration for the half-Elf’s feelings. He wanted to pull away and retreat from the situation, but then Elladan guided him into Elrohir’s opening. He threw back his head and moaned.

Elladan, taking charge, pushed Hephaestion forward and guided the mortal’s arms around Elrohir’s waist. He placed Hephaestion’s right hand on his brother’s lax member and encouraged him to stroke the needy flesh. “I know what you need.” Elladan proceeded to pull Hephaestion’s leggings down and urged him to step out of them.

Naked from the waist down, Hephaestion suddenly understood Elladan’s intentions and he thrust into Elrohir’s tight passage. “Do it… Do it now.” He clung to Elrohir, stroking the half-Elf’s hardening flesh and thrusting inside the tight passage. Like Elrohir had done only a moment ago, he spread his legs and presented himself to Elladan.

Elladan coated his cock with the oil and pushed the firm globes apart. His hard flesh targeted the tight opening and mirroring Hephaestion’s actions, he sheathed himself in one brutal thrust.

“Ai!” Elrohir bit his bottom lip, feeling the pressure inside his lower body increase. “”Thrust, Elladan!”

Elladan placed one hand against the nape of Hephaestion’s neck, gripping him hard. His other hand found a way into the auburn hair and he grabbed the strands. Driving himself into Hephaestion, he growled, loudly.

Hephaestion could do little but accept Elladan’s bulk inside him and thrust into Elrohir’s channel. Elladan dominated this encounter, forcing Hephaestion to thrust, pushing the mortal to the limit.

The sensation of taking Elrohir and being taken by Elladan made Hephaestion whimper. He rocked between the two and his knees almost gave way beneath him, feeling Elrohir’s inner muscle contract around him, making him come in turn.

Elladan sensed his twin’s orgasm in his mind. The walls of Hephaestion’s passage closed around him in an attempt to lure his orgasm from him, but Elladan refused to come just yet. “Pull out of my brother,” he ordered.

Hephaestion pulled out and Elrohir instantly moved away from them. In order to support himself, Hephaestion shuffled forward and managed to place his hands against the wall.

Elrohir, seated on the floor, watched with interest how Elladan buried himself in Hephaestion’s body. When they had first become lovers, they had often made love in front of the mirror, so he could see his brother penetrate him. Now, he watched admiringly how Elladan drove himself home. He had seldom seen Elladan this wild, so unrestrained. But Hephaestion’s despair fueled Elladan’s need to please and his twin continued to slam himself inside, until, after long moments, his brother howled with pleasure.

Elrohir pushed himself onto his feet and caught Hephaestion when the mortal swayed on his feet. Elladan pulled out in one fluid movement, making Hephaestion release a keen wail.

“I have got you,” whispered Elrohir. He lifted Hephaestion in his arms and carried him over to their bed where he curled himself around the mortal. Elladan followed suit, lying down in front of Hephaestion, eying him closely. “What happened?” asked the twins simultaneously.

“Your father is sending me away. I am to become Éomer’s consort.” Hephaestion tried, but failed to hide his disappointment and emotional pain. “This was our last time together. Tomorrow, I will leave for Rohan.” He refused to stay here now that Elrond had decided his fate. Alexander had always called him stubborn and that character flaw now showed clearly. Stubborn and defiant, he closed his eyes. If Elrond wanted him to be Éomer’s whore, he would obey!

~~~

Elladan shook his head. “That is not the way Hephaestion presented his future to us.”

“He is angry,” replied Elrond, having explained his plans to his twins. “I wish he could sail West with us, but you know that is impossible. And Éomer… Éomer would make a good mate. And even if there blossoms no love between the two of them, Hephaestion would find a good home in Edoras. I really think Éomer and he have much in common and I do believe they would become friends if only Hephaestion gives Éomer a chance.” Elrond gave them a pleading look. “My options are limited, my sons.”

Elrohir understood his father only too well. “You do not want him to remain here alone.”

“He would wither away. He would die slowly, little by little.” Elrond felt relieved that they understood. “I told Gamling that Hephaestion won’t visit Rohan until summer, but it seems our young friend is determined to leave tomorrow.”

“He feels hurt,” said Elrohir, smiling ruefully at his father. “Each person reacts differently when they are hurt and he is determined to defy you by obeying you.”

Although Elrohir’s words sounded paradox Elrond understood. “I never intended for him to feel in that way – used.”

“He used the term ‘whore’,” said Elladan. “Knowing Hephaestion he will present himself in that way to Éomer.”

“Oh, that would not sit well with Éomer.” Elrond’s thoughts raced. There had to be a way out of this! “I shall write Éomer a letter, explaining what has happened and why Hephaestion is accompanying Gamling. We will have to put our trust in Éomer. Hopefully he will know how to deal with Hephaestion. I never realized he possessed such a temper!”

Elladan grinned. “His temper holds a certain attraction, especially when it shows so unexpectedly. His former lover, Alexander, probably loved seeing that fire in him.”

Elrohir didn’t want Hephaestion to leave yet, but there was little they could do to stop the mortal. Hephaestion was entitled to make his own choices, even if they were made in anger and haste.

~~~

Hephaestion spent that evening preparing for the long trip to Rohan. The twins selected a loyal mare for him, gathered warm clothes that would keep him from growing cold and still attempted to convince Hephaestion that this was folly. But he dismissed their objections to his plans and remained determined to leave in the morning. He had put his trust in Elrond and felt utterly betrayed by the Elf-Lord’s actions.

“Our father means well,” said Elrohir, trying once more to change the mortal’s mind. “Do not leave yet. Stay another six months.”

Hephaestion shook his head. “I made up my mind.” This was going to be his last night in Imladris and he longed to feel the twins curled around him, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask them to hold him. Something inside him had snapped.

“Come here,” whispered Elladan. He wrapped his arms around Hephaestion’s waist and pulled the mortal onto the bed. Hephaestion went willingly and Elladan curled around the young man. Elrohir followed his brother’s example and stretched in front of Hephaestion. The mortal’s needs were obvious, but Hephaestion was too stubborn to ask them to comfort him. The twins wrapped themselves around Hephaestion and held him through the night without speaking another word, understanding that Hephaestion would follow through. The mortal wouldn’t stay with them.

~~~

“I handled that conversation poorly.” Elrond sat near the fire, shoulders slumped and staring into the flames. “I never wanted him to feel that way.”

Erestor seated himself next to Elrond on the couch. “You could have been a bit more diplomatic.” When he had first joined Elrond’s household as an Advisor, Erestor had been stunned to learn that Elrond was not schooled in the art of diplomacy. To Erestor, diplomacy *was* an art form and one he had mastered to perfection. Elrond had always remained much of a warrior and it showed in negotiations. Elrond would opt for directness when it wasn’t appropriate and appreciated. It usually took all of his expertise to get Elrond out of such an embarrassing situation. “You should have let me handle this.”

“I never expected him to react in that way,” said Elrond, lackluster. “I thought he would warm up to the idea in six months time, especially seeing us pack. He would have had the time he needed to say his goodbyes and when he left for Rohan, he would do so whole in body and mind. But my plan backfired. He is determined to leave tomorrow.”

Erestor curled an arm around the half-Elf’s waist and pulled him close. Elrond rested his head against his shoulder, accepting the comfort he was offering. “I took an instant liking to Hephaestion and I would have loved for him to stay with us until the summer, but maybe… maybe this is for the best.” He wanted to comfort Elrond and tried to see the advantages of Hephaestion leaving early for Rohan. “If he had stayed, leaving us might have become even more difficult.”