Title: Unconditional
Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairing: Glorfindel/Hephaistion and Elrond/Erestor.
Rating: PG
Summary: Hephaistion proves his worth and Alexander says goodbye.

Disclaimer: All characters belong to their owners and those are Professor Tolkien and Oliver Stone.

Warnings: Alternate Universe/ Crossover
Author's note: Beta read by Patricia and DA, thanks sweeties!
All remaining mistakes are mine.

Unconditional

Two months later, Imladris literally buzzed with activity and Erestor realized just how lucky he was that Hephaistion was experienced in organizing a festival like this. During the last few weeks, Hephaistion, Melpomaen, and Erestor had worked long hours to make certain that everything was in perfect order for the summer festival.

At first, Erestor had also enlisted Elrond's help, but the half-Elf had been unable to keep from fretting about Thranduil's visit. Erestor had become fed up with his distressed lover and had dismissed Elrond from his duties. Hephaistion had burst out laughing while witnessing the scene and it had confirmed for him who wielded the real power in Imladris. As far as Hephaistion was concerned it was Erestor and not Elrond.

Hephaistion made his way through the Hall of Fire at Erestor's side. Melpomaen was trailing behind them, crossing off the things they had already checked from his long list.

"The Hall looks perfect. I doubt Elrond can find anything wrong with it," Hephaistion remarked, feeling proud of what they had achieved. He had learned much from Erestor where ruling Imladris was concerned and hoped he could continue to aid the Chief Advisor in the future.

"It is not Elrond's opinion I worry about." Erestor scanned the Hall one last time and judged it ready to receive the guests later that evening. The Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood had already arrived, accompanied by their three foster-sons, Haldir, Orophin, and Rúmil and Erestor had already seen to their lodgings. Now, he was waiting for Thranduil to arrive so he could show the Mirkwood King to his guest rooms.

"You worry about Elrond's reaction to seeing Thranduil." Glorfindel, Erestor, and even Melpomaen had told Hephaistion about the painful past Elrond and Thranduil shared. And although he understood why Elrond worried, Hephaistion was convinced that Thranduil accepting the invitation indicated that the Mirkwood Elf was willing to bury the ill feelings between them.

"I will need you," Erestor said in a thoughtful voice. "I cannot be present all the time, but one of us should be close whenever Elrond and Thranduil are talking."

Hephaistion nodded once. "I understand." That way they could intervene or mediate when necessary. "Is there anything else that needs to be taken care of? If not, I would like to spend some time with Glorfindel." The Hall would begin to fill with visiting Elves within the next hour and he would have little time to himself since Erestor trusted him to help oversee the festivities.

Erestor graced Hephaistion with a smile. "Go. I can see Glorfindel hovering near the doorway. He is also looking for an opportunity to talk to you." He watched Hephaistion quickly head toward the doorway once the man had caught sight of his lover.

"He has found his place here, do you not agree?" Melpomaen had put his papers down and smiled when he saw Glorfindel pull Hephaistion into his arms and kiss him. "Hephaistion seems to be happy."

Erestor nodded his head. "Aye, he is happy. He told me so, and even if he had not, it is easy to see for everyone who bothers to look. His eyes carry happiness and are full of love." Hephaistion had *indeed* found his place among them.

~~~

"I saw so little of you during these last few days! I cannot wait for the festivities to be over!" Feeling possessive of his lover, Glorfindel kept Hephaistion prisoner in a tight embrace. "Promise me we will spend the night together." Glorfindel felt a little neglected since Hephaistion was spending so much time with Erestor and Melpomaen.

Hephaistion chuckled. He managed to wiggle loose from Glorfindel's embrace and captured his lover's fingers between his to make up for the loss of contact. "Come, we will walk in the gardens. It will be quiet there and I welcome some peace and quiet before mayhem breaks loose in here."

Glorfindel eagerly followed Hephaistion into the gardens. Hephaistion opted for a more secluded section of the gardens where they would be alone. Walking hand in hand, they stole glances at each other and twined their fingers. The change Hephaistion had gone through amazed Glorfindel. Once Hephaistion had accepted his life in Imladris and his place as Glorfindel's mate, his lover had flourished. Glorfindel had seen Hephaistion bloom, and the eyes, which had already been radiant, now practically glowed.

They settled down on a bench and Hephaistion rested his head on Glorfindel's shoulder. He closed his eyes and savored the intimacy of the moment.

"You found your place here," Glorfindel whispered after placing a kiss onto Hephaistion's auburn hair.

"I did." Hephaistion didn't bother to open his eyes. He felt completely at peace there, with Glorfindel at his side. Glorfindel had tried a few more times to lure him out onto the training grounds, but Hephaistion had eventually told him that he didn't feel comfortable with the thought of being assigned to leading patrols. He didn't mind sparring with the guards and even welcomed the chance to exercise, but he wanted no part in defending Imladris. Admitting that had been hard on him since he hadn't known just how Glorfindel would react to that statement.

Glorfindel had simply accepted it. Truth be told, Hephaistion's words hadn't come as a surprise. Now that Hephaistion was no longer bound to watch Alexander's back in battle, his lover had finally let go of the need of 'having to be a warrior' and he could finally be himself.

That had resulted in Hephaistion becoming Erestor's right hand. Hephaistion had also befriended Melpomaen and had volunteered to help Lindir out, who was trying to teach the basics of music to some talented Elflings. Hephaistion had become a teacher and an Advisor, just as Glorfindel had thought he would and he was at peace with it.

"Did you ever meet Thranduil? What is he really like? Elrond told me about him, but I am not certain I can trust his judgment, which seems clouded by painful memories." Hephaistion wanted to know more about this *mysterious* Mirkwood King.

"Nay, I did not. I had not been reborn at the time of the Battle of the Last Alliance and I did not join Elrond's household until he had already built Imladris. I know Thranduil's son, Legolas though. I like him… Well, everyone does. Legolas is easy to like." Glorfindel curled an arm around Hephaistion's waist and tucked his lover's head beneath his chin. Love, trust, and intimacy had become easy between them and they had already built a very strong base for their relationship.

"Is Legolas Thranduil's only child?"

"Nay, he is Thranduil's youngest. He has one older brother, Valthoron, but I doubt Thranduil is bringing his heir to Imladris." Glorfindel sighed deeply… blissfully. "Hephaistion?"

"Aye?" Hephaistion lifted his head to look Glorfindel in the eye.

"Do not desert me during the next few days. Although I realize that Elrond and Erestor need your help, I need you too."

"I will never forget that you need me. I will be close."

Melpomaen suddenly appeared between the rose bushes. The young Elf was waving frantically and cried, "He is here! Thranduil has arrived!"

"Duty calls." Hephaistion planted a firm kiss on Glorfindel's lips and gave his lover a soft smile. "Thank you for allowing me to be myself." Glorfindel had never tried making him into someone he was not. Alexander however had.

"Go, I will find you later." Glorfindel released Hephaistion's hand when his lover rose from the bench. "Do not forget your promise though – tonight, you are mine."

"Not just tonight," Hephaistion responded as he leaned in closer and fingered a lock of Glorfindel's fair hair. "Always."

~~~

Elrond felt anxious since he was about to welcome Thranduil and Legolas to Imladris. Erestor was at his side as always, but for once his lover's presence didn't ease his nerves. He wasn't quite sure why he was this nervous. He had never had any real arguments or dealings with Thranduil. It had been Ereinion who Thranduil had hated. But Ereinion had been dead for millennia and Elrond hoped Thranduil was ready to move on.

"You can do this. Have faith in yourself," Erestor whispered into Elrond's ear.

Elrond reacted by grabbing hold of Erestor's right hand. Although he hadn't planned on literally holding onto Erestor for support, he did so at any rate, uncaring that Thranduil might perceive him as weak or nervous since he was holding Erestor's hand openly. "I hope you are right."

Erestor smiled when he saw Hephaistion joining them. Hephaistion could pass for an Elf if one didn't pay attention to the ears. The long, auburn hair was given a chance to move freely today since Hephaistion had chosen not to braid it and the formal golden-brown robes perfected the image. Since Hephaistion felt proud and happy, it showed in the way he carried himself: it made him look like royalty. "I am glad you are here," Erestor said in welcome to Hephaistion.

Hephaistion took his place in-between Erestor and Melpomaen and waited for the fabled King to finally make his appearance. He didn't have to wait long. Two golden-haired Elves appeared, accompanied by a small escort of Elves dressed in hunter's garb.

"The one walking up front is Thranduil and behind him walks Legolas," Melpomaen informed Hephaistion of who was who.

Father and son carried an uncanny resemblance, but the eyes possessed different colors Hephaistion noticed. Where Thranduil's eyes were as green as emeralds, Legolas’ shone like sapphires.

Elrond coughed to clear his throat and stepped forward. "Thranduil, Imladris feels honored to welcome you to this year's festivities." He had rehearsed several ways of welcoming Thranduil and hoped he had found the right tone.

Thranduil briskly nodded his head. "It is a first."

Silence descended onto the group and Erestor and Hephaistion exchanged worried looks. Erestor poked Elrond's side. They had prepared a number of speeches and surely Elrond could remember one of them! But the half-Elf remained quiet while Thranduil probed Elrond's gray eyes. It was an intense moment which needed to be broken if they wanted a chance to mend the fragile relations between Imladris and Mirkwood.

"Tell me, Sire, what do you think of Imladris so far? Do you think her fair?" Hephaistion decided to act when Elrond seemed unable to come up with anything and addressed the King. It was a bold move and Hephaistion realized it could backfire on him, as did Erestor, who shot him a warning glance.

Thranduil's features unexpectedly softened. "Aye, Imladris is a sight to behold. Truly remarkable. Mirkwood is not like this valley at all."

"Would you tell me more about your realm while I escort you to your rooms, Sire?" Hephaistion bowed and gave Thranduil a knowing look. It had taken him a moment to understand that the reason for Thranduil's silence was identical to Elrond's: both Elves felt intimidated.

"I will… And your name is?" Thranduil walked toward Hephaistion. From the corner of his eye he caught Elrond's growing distress and realized the mistake he had made. He had assumed that Elrond knew how to handle the situation, but the half-Elf had felt equally at a loss.

"I am Hephaistion, Sire." Hephaistion bowed again and then smiled at Thranduil. He liked the Elf. "Lord Elrond, maybe you would like to accompany us? If there is one person who knows everything there is to know about Imladris, it is her founder."

Elrond thanked the Valar for Hephaistion's intervention. It had saved him from certain failure. "I would love to entertain you with facts and stories about my home." Gathering his courage, Elrond fell into step beside Thranduil. The two rulers followed Hephaistion inside the Last Homely House and started up the first conversation in which they could test the waters.

"Erestor? Did Hephaistion outwit you just now?" Melpomaen gave Erestor a cocky grin.

But Erestor didn't mind Hephaistion taking the initiative in that way. "It does not matter who finds a way to befriend Thranduil. The important thing is that we manage to bridge this distance between our realms."

"Wisely spoken." Glorfindel joined the two Advisors. He felt proud of Hephaistion for having saved the situation like that. He just hoped that didn't mean he was going to see even less of Hephaistion!

~~~

When the two parties met in the Hall of Fire later that evening, the atmosphere between Elrond and Thranduil had already grown more companionable. They were able to carry on a conversation without touching any painful memories and both rulers were making a genuine effort to bury the hatchet. That also meant that Glorfindel found his chance to spend more time with Hephaistion. The golden-haired warrior stole Hephaistion from Elrond's side and swept him away in an up-tempo dance.

Hephaistion gave Glorfindel a cheeky smile. "You do not have to worry. I did not forget my promise to spend the night with you." His gaze moved through the Hall and he found Lindir engaged in conversation with Legolas. At the back of the Hall, the twins were holding a drinking contest with the three Lórien brothers and most Elves present were making merry. "Will it always be like this?" he asked as he rested his head against Glorfindel's shoulder.

"I cannot make that promise," Glorfindel answered, suddenly feeling burdened. "There might be war in our future. I do not know." Sauron was biding his time and could awake at any moment. "But I will always try to make you happy."

"That is all that counts to me." Hephaistion allowed Glorfindel to whirl him over the dance floor and he smiled as he saw Erestor lead Thranduil onto the dance floor as well. He also noticed the jealous look Elrond gave the Mirkwood King once Thranduil began dancing with Erestor. "I believe everything will turn out well in the end. Thranduil wants to make peace and Lindir seems to have caught Legolas' attention. I am surprised that Elrond was so nervous to meet with Thranduil."

Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders. "They have not spoken to each other for millennia and time changes people. I do believe that."

"I have changed, do you not agree?" Hephaistion cocked his head and moved one hand higher until it could grip the back of Glorfindel's neck.

"Aye, you have changed." Glorfindel leaned in closer and stole a kiss from Hephaistion's sweet lips. "You shed your feelings of guilt and inadequacy. You no longer act like someone you are not. You are finally you."

"I have you to thank for that." Hephaistion gazed adoringly at Glorfindel. "This has become my home and you… You are the one I love." Although he would never forget the love he had felt for Alexander, he knew that he couldn't dwell on it. He had a life there now and he was determined to live his second life to the fullest. "Look, they are dancing."

Glorfindel chuckled. "Erestor and Thranduil look good together."

"Let us hope Elrond won't grow jealous." But Hephaistion quickly realized that there was another diplomat overseeing that night's actions, and that was Legolas, who had deserted Lindir so he could invite Elrond to dance with him. The half-Elf had accepted the invitation and his jealous expression was growing less. "Glorfindel, let us do something wicked."

"And what might that be?" Glorfindel wiggled an eyebrow.

"Come with me and find out." Hephaistion grabbed hold of Glorfindel's wrist and pulled him along.

"Where are we going?" Glorfindel asked, running out of breath due to the frantic pace Hephaistion was setting. His lover seemed possessed all of a sudden!

"I made you a promise!" Hephaistion continued to drag Glorfindel down the corridor. He was headed for their rooms so he could actually keep that promise. He wasn't going to allow Elrond, Erestor, Thranduil, or Legolas stop him from keeping his word!

Glorfindel smirked as he realized Hephaistion's intentions and doubled their pace. Now it was Glorfindel dragging Hephaistion instead of Hephaistion Glorfindel.

~~~

In a different universe… In a palace in Babylon…

Like so many nights before, Alexander overindulged himself in potent wine and rich food. He had ordered his Companions to dress exotically and Cassander looked good enough to eat. Maybe he would try to lure the younger man into his bed that night and, even should Cassander deny him, he always had Bagoas to use as he pleased.

His life had become empty and lonely after Hephaistion had died. He had lost himself in grief for a while, but then he had forced himself to look toward the future. But guilt and regret remained his constant companions, even though he tried hard to justify his actions toward Hephaistion during the last year when his lover had still been alive. He had convinced himself that he had done the right thing in backing Eumenes. Hephaistion had simply become arrogant and power-hungry and had refused to accept that Eumenes also had a say in matters of state. And so, he, the King, had been forced to put his lover in his place.

But then said lover had died. Hephaistion had died before they'd had a chance to talk things through. When Hephaistion had died, they had still been fighting. They had never made amends and Alexander regretted that. But in order to protect himself, he couldn't put the blame on himself and so he blamed Hephaistion instead. He blamed Hephaistion for everything that had gone wrong in his life during the last few years. Even a dead Hephaistion was a Hephaistion he could blame and he continued to do so.

/What has become of you?/

Alexander blinked and stared into his goblet. It was filled to the rim with wine, but the face staring back at him wasn't his. It was that of a woman, sitting behind a weaving loom. Tapestries formed as she worked and on one tapestry he thought he recognized Hephaistion's face.

/Again, I ask you, what has become of you?/

Alexander swayed, but quickly steadied himself. Suddenly, he wasn't in Babylon anymore. He could tell that much by inspecting his surroundings. Had he drunk too much and Dionysus then brought him to these strange lands? "Who are you? What do you want from me? And where am I?"

Vairë rose from her chair and walked toward Alexander. Her rich, gray dress moved elegantly with each step she took and her long, silver hair danced against her lower back. Her eyes pierced Alexander's and she noticed that the mortal tried to glare back at her – he failed though. "You were destined to accomplish so many great things and yet you failed to accomplish the easiest task in your life."

"And what might that have been?" Alexander tried to clear his head, but the wine made that impossible. The goblet which had still been in his hand dropped to the floor and left a red pool at his feet, tainting the ground.

Vairë pretended not to notice the mess the mortal had made and came to a halt in front of him. "Why was loving Hephaistion so hard? Why did you have to change him? Why did you feel compelled to hurt him?"

Alexander's expression hardened. "He failed me, woman!"

Vairë's eyes showed miniature lightning bolts which zigzagged through her pupils. "Only you can make that word sound like an insult." She didn't like him one bit. "You left him alone to die and then you dare to tell me that Hephaistion failed you?"

"He failed me a long time ago!" Alexander was determined not to give in. In his heart he knew he was wrong, but blaming Hephaistion was easier than admitting his mistakes. "He did not love me enough. Hephaistion wanted power. That is why he became my lover, so he could rise in the ranks! He used me."

Vairë shook her head at Alexander's reasoning. "I did not think you could be that blind, but you are."

"He was nothing without me and I showed him just that!"

"You needed him, Alexander. You needed him so much that you started to hate yourself because of it." Vairë knew she had drawn the right conclusion when she saw Alexander flinch. "Do you equate admitting you need someone to weakness? Are those two things the same to you?"

This time Alexander remained quiet.

"I want to show you something." Vairë reached out and touched Alexander's shoulder. She didn't know if learning about Hephaistion's second life would confirm Alexander of his hatred that was born out of pain, or open his eyes. She would find out though.

~~~

Alexander found himself in alien surroundings once more. This time he stood at the foot end of a four poster bed which the moon's rays illuminated. "Where am I?"

"This is not a place you can conquer, so why do you care?" Vairë appeared next to Alexander and waited for him to recognize the man asleep in the bed. "Do you not know him?"

Alexander arched an eyebrow, feeling sober all of a sudden. Assuming she was referring to the men asleep in the bed, Alexander snuck closer and then halted in shock. "Hephaistion?" But no, that couldn't be! His lover looked like he had when they had been young before scars had marred his face. He knew how the texture of that auburn hair would feel should he run his fingers through the mane and he even recognized Hephaistion's scent. "But he is dead!"

"The gods allowed him a second chance, Alexander. You failed him in his first life, but do not worry. Glorfindel will right all those wrongs."

"Glorfindel?" Alexander shook his head. He felt stunned. Looking closer, he found that Hephaistion was holding a fair-haired male in his arms and that the two of them were naked between the sheets, which still showed signs of their spent passion.

"Glorfindel is teaching him what you could not. Hephaistion deserved better, Alexander. He deserved to be treated better!" Vairë watched Alexander closely, but the man's face had become emotionless. "Did you ever stop to think what Hephaistion needed from you? And do not tell me he used you! You used him! You used him in so many ways, Alexander! And the sad thing is that Hephaistion did not mind you using him! He let you because he loved you. All you had to do in turn was to love him back! But you even failed at doing that! Your love was never unconditional! But Glorfindel's is."

Alexander felt shocked. He couldn't believe any of this was actually happening. The things she had said to him – had dared say to him! – unbalanced him. No one had ever confronted him in such a direct way before. Not even Hephaistion would have dared to do so. And the sad thing was that she had spoken the truth. Everything she had said was true. He *had* failed Hephaistion and he knew it.

Bowing his head, Alexander released a shuddering breath. "I did love him… I love him still." It was as much of an admission of his mistakes as he would ever be able to voice.

And Vairë knew it. It was hard for someone who believed he was the son of a god to admit that he was only human and prone to making grave mistakes. "If you really love him then you want him to be happy, Alexander."

"I do want that." Alexander nodded his head and then raised his gaze so he could look at the sleeping males again. "I want him to be happy."

Vairë rested a hand on Alexander's shoulder. "I will give you this chance to say goodbye to him. He will not hear you nor will he wake, but you might want to use this opportunity to unburden your soul." Hephaistion was happy with Glorfindel and she saw no reason to disturb his newly found contentment by presenting him with a still unstable Alexander.

Feeling miserable, Alexander took a few steps closer to the bed and sat down on the side of it. Hephaistion's face caught the silver of the moon's beams and Alexander's breath caught. "I wronged you, Hephaistion. I tried so hard to put all the blame on you, but it never worked. My heart knows the truth. I failed you. I am so sorry." Being able to speak the truth at last liberated him and he continued. "I hope that you will be able to forgive me one day. And that you will be happy here. I do not understand what your second life entails, but you *do* deserve a second chance, where I do not. I know that." He had tried so hard to blame Hephaistion, but he had failed.

A smile touched Vairë's face. Alexander's admission was more than she had hoped for. "Hephaistion is happy here. He has found his place at Glorfindel's side."

"And this Glorfindel won't hurt him like I did?" Alexander's gaze shifted from Hephaistion's beloved face to Glorfindel's.

"He will never hurt him. Glorfindel's love is unconditional."

Unconditional… Unconditional… Unconditional…

That word continued to echo in Alexander's head, even when he bowed forward to place a last kiss onto Hephaistion's brow. /I wish my love had been like that./

One moment his lips had been brushing Hephaistion's warm skin and the next, he was back in Babylon, staring at the ceiling.

Bagoas was at his side, cooling his sweaty and feverish brow and for the very first time, Alexander *saw* the love in Bagoas' eyes. Love which Bagoas had always tried to show him, but he had been too busy looking the other way.

/Unconditional… Bagoas' love is unconditional…/ He had not only failed Hephaistion, but Bagoas as well.

Realizing he was seriously ill due to his excessive drinking and the malaria he had caught in India, Alexander raised his hand and cupped Bagoas' face in his palm. The look in the hauntingly dark eyes told him that he was dying and Alexander didn't feel surprised. He had felt like dying for the last year, ever since he had lost Hephaistion.

His Companions were also close, urging him to name his successor, but Alexander had eyes for one person only – Bagoas.

Seeing the odd expression in Alexander's eyes, Bagoas bowed forward in case his King would try to speak. He blocked out the commotion around him and managed a weak smile for his Alexander. "I am here…" He didn't know if his presence was wanted, but he would never desert Alexander.

Alexander felt incredibly driven in the hour of his death. He had somehow made his peace with Hephaistion and Vairë's words had opened his eyes. He didn't have much time left and it was important he say what he could before the end. Ignoring his Companions, he continued to focus on Bagoas. "For what it is worth," he whispered through a painfully dry mouth and chapped lips. "I love you." It was the truth. He had loved Hephaistion – but never unconditionally – and that had been his mistake. He loved Bagoas as well – in a different manner, but it was still love – and maybe he could make some small amends in this way. "Know that you have my love, Bagoas."

The last thing Bagoas had expected to hear was a whispered admission of love. Although he had hoped to hear those words for long years, he had given up hope that Alexander would ever speak them. "I love you too, Alexander."

/I did not fail you completely then…/ Alexander caressed Bagoas' face a last time and then his hand lifelessly dropped onto the bed. His last breath left his lungs and his eyes closed. Death had come for him at last – he wasn't as divine as he had always thought.

/Alexander… Hear us. Know that you are not alone./

Alexander looked down at his corpse and realized he was floating close to the ceiling. His soul had left his body and he was free of all earthy ambition. His only regret at being without form was that he couldn't console Bagoas, who was weeping openly while his Companions began to fight over the right to succeed him. /He should not be alone…/

/He is not alone…/

Alexander was stunned to see Cassander move toward Bagoas and curl an arm around him. He was surprised even more to see Bagoas accept the other man's closeness.

/Do not judge him, Alexander. Bagoas just lost the only person he ever loved./

Alexander grew curious now as the voices continued and he directed his attention away from his corpse. All around him, forms floated which felt and looked familiar. His father appeared close to him and there was Aristotle. He even saw his mother hovering behind the other shades. Friends whom he had lost in battle were also present to welcome him to his afterlife and all the souls were quick to guide him to Hades, where he would dwell in the Elysian Fields with them. Alexander went willingly, knowing that it was more than he deserved after wronging Hephaistion the way he had. Through the knowledge which he had gained during the last few hours of his life, he knew that he would find his peace eventually.

~~~

Glorfindel woke because Hephaistion was in obvious distress. His lover was sitting upright in bed and shaking like a leaf. Hephaistion suddenly began to rock and buried his face in his hands. Tears dripped through his fingers and down his face and his sobs became louder. "What is amiss, my love?" Glorfindel immediately enfolded Hephaistion in a comforting hug and rocked with him.

"I do not know what is wrong with me!" Glorfindel pried his hands away from his face and Hephaistion was forced to meet his lover's concerned gaze.

Glorfindel shook his head. His senses told him differently. "You know what is wrong."

"Alexander… It feels like… like he died and… I was not there… I did not…"

Glorfindel tightened his embrace on Hephaistion and continued to rock him. Hephaistion rested his upper body against him and went along with the movement. "Alexander was very lucky to have your love, Hephaistion. You were his lover for over twenty years and I am certain that he loved you – in his very own way. If what you say is true, let him go. If he has died, set his soul free."

Hephaistion calmed in Glorfindel's arms and dazedly blinked his eyes. During his sleep, he had panicked because Alexander had seemed to be panicking, but now, peace descended onto him. It felt like Alexander had found his place.

Glorfindel kissed Hephaistion's hair and rubbed his lover's back in a soothing manner. "Let him be at peace."

"Glorfindel is right." Vairë appeared from the shadows of their bedroom and advanced on the bed. "Set Alexander free." She had been surprised when she had realized that Hephaistion had sensed Alexander's death and had quickly hurried there. "You helped Alexander see the truth, even if you do not know it. Alexander made amends just before he died and therefore, he will dwell in Lórien's Gardens forever more." With a smile, she added, "The Elysian Fields."

It was a lot to take in for Hephaistion, but his senses told him that she was speaking the truth. "I always hoped that… that he would find his peace."

"He did," Vairë answered. "Thanks to you and your love."

Her words comforted Hephaistion and he even managed a weak smile. "I love him still."

"Of course you do," she replied. "Alexander will always have a place in your heart."

Hephaistion raised his gaze and smiled at Glorfindel. "But I love you too. You are my life, Glorfindel."

Glorfindel realized that Hephaistion needed something from him and he was willing to give it, for his lover needed closure. "We will speak of Alexander whenever you feel the need to remember him and I hope that he became a better man toward the end because of your love for him."

Vairë smiled approvingly at them. "Ilúvatar works in mysterious ways, Glorfindel. When I asked you to give Hephaistion one night of passion, I did not know what that request would bring about."

"I am glad you voiced that request, my Lady," Glorfindel replied. He continued to rock Hephaistion in order to offer his lover his support, but his eyes were trained on her and not on Hephaistion. "For you helped me find my true love, my Lady."

Hephaistion closed his eyes at hearing those words for they were true for him as well. He had also found true love with Glorfindel, but Alexander -- *his* Alexander – would always have a place in his heart – for as long as he lived.

The end

For real!