Title: Answers

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

Pairing: Elladan/Bevyn, Elrohir/Brys, Erestor/Maglor and Elrond/Glorfindel

Rating: NC-17
Summary: Elladan takes care of Bevyn, Elrohir tries to support Brys, Glorfindel recuperates and Maglor get his wicked way with Erestor. 

Disclaimer: Not mine. These characters belong to Professor Tolkien. No copyright infringement is intended.

Warning: AU of course. And yes, new OMC’s…. They seem to be determined to bother me!

Beta read by Patricia and DA, thanks sweeties!

All remaining mistakes are mine.

 

Answers

 

Morning came and Maglor wished he was coming too. They had fallen asleep in front of the fireplace on the rug and, during their sleep, their clothes had shifted. Erestor’s belt had loosened and the fabric had fallen apart – with a little help from Maglor’s prying fingers – and revealed the Advisor’s torso. Unable to control himself, Maglor let his fingertips glide down Erestor’s throat and sternum and then moved in opposite directions in search of his lover’s nipples, which he only caressed at first, but then he grew bold and pinched. That, of course, woke Erestor.

 

“What are you doing?” Erestor needed a moment to realize the situation he was in, but then smiled at Maglor. The warrior was stretched out on his stomach next to him and his face was only inches away from his. The other night had been pleasant. First, Maglor had sung a ballad just for him and after that they had kissed for what seemed like hours. It came as no surprise that they were both hungry for more. “Well, forget about answering my question. It is rather obvious what you are doing.”

 

“I am trying to seduce you – entice you into making love with me. Tell me, am I succeeding?” Maglor leaned in closer and suckled at Erestor’s neck. His tongue lapped at the sensitive skin there and then licked at the flesh just beneath Erestor’s collarbone. Erestor was squirming against him and that in itself was answer enough, but Maglor wanted to hear him say it.

 

“You are doing a pretty good job at the moment.” Erestor’s breathing had sped up and he involuntarily arched his back. Maglor possessed a wicked streak that appealed to him. “Well, you do not need to throw me on the bed… I am already on my back.” Maglor’s hands dipped lower and explored his groin. Long fingers teased his hard flesh and Erestor’s eyes took on an entranced expression. In that moment, he decided that it was irrelevant if Maglor and Maedhros had been lovers like Elrond had suggested. That was in the past and he didn’t want it to come between them. The only thing that mattered was Maglor hovering above him and straddling his waist.

 

Raven hair flowed down Maglor’s shoulders and, when he bent forward, the ends caressed Erestor’s chest and abdominal region. Erestor decided he should try to take the lead, although he doubted that Maglor would easily surrender control. He raised his hands, grabbed handfuls of Maglor’s hair, and pulled his lover’s face down until he could kiss him.

 

Maglor rubbed his groin against Erestor’s and their slick erections grinded against each other. Although the sensation was divine and almost made Maglor come, it wasn’t enough. “I want you,” he whispered in-between heated kisses.

 

“Then take me,” Erestor replied with an impish grin on his face. He crushed Maglor against him and raised his hips, already mimicking the act of love they would carry out shortly.

 

Maglor forcefully pried Erestor’s hands away from his face and collected his lover’s wrists above the Advisor’s head. Erestor didn’t seem to mind being restrained in that way and Maglor raised an eyebrow. “I need to know if…you have done this before.” He didn’t want to make the wrong assumption and accidentally hurt Erestor.

 

“I am no virgin.” Erestor gave Maglor a wink. “I have done this before.” Erestor took a moment to savor the sight above him. Maglor’s eyes showed love and lust and the lips were bruised after their passionate kissing. The other Elf was ready to take him: Maglor’s member was hard and already slick with pre-ejaculate. Maglor *wanted* him. “There is oil in the nightstand.”

 

Maglor was forced to release Erestor’s wrists in order to collect the oil. Erestor didn’t lower his arms though and kept them in place. When he was in the mood for it, Erestor loved being dominated. “Hurry,” he said and thrust upward, causing their shafts to rub along each other. Maglor cursed softly and Erestor laughed. “Hurry up,” he repeated and thrust again.

 

“You imp!” Maglor stared at Erestor in wonder. “I love you so much…” he added and leaned in closer to kiss those pouting lips. Erestor didn’t mind and deepened their kiss until their tongues were engaged in a duel for dominance. Erestor let Maglor win though and as a reward, Maglor’s fingers, slick with oil, stroked his erection several times. “Stop doing that,” Erestor panted. “Or I will come.”

 

“We do not want that to happen just yet, now do we?” Maglor had coated his member with oil and parted Erestor’s legs. “You said you would receive me. You did not change you mind?” Oh, Erestor wanted to be claimed, Maglor knew that, but he couldn’t help toying with Erestor just a little.

 

“You know I want you!” Erestor raised his legs and wrapped them around Maglor’s waist.

 

Maglor grinned, took himself into hand, and guided his member into the waiting opening. Erestor was relaxed and Maglor easily slid into the slick channel. Sinking home, he moaned and threw back his head. “You are mine,” he growled possessively.

 

“I want to be yours,” Erestor answered, confirming their union. “But I also want you to start moving!” He curled the fingers of his right hand around his erection and waited for Maglor to thrust.

 

Urged on by such ardor, Maglor pulled out and then thrust in all the way. Erestor arched beneath him and the long legs tightened around his waist. Placing his hands on either side of Erestor’s head, Maglor lowered himself until he blanketed Erestor’s body. “Open you eyes,” he requested, since Erestor had closed them at the moment of penetration. The dark eyes opened after Maglor kissed first one and then the other eyelid. “Are you ready?”

 

Erestor nodded and stared into Maglor’s eyes, which had taken on the color of the Sea. “I am ready.” The moment he spoke the words, Maglor started to thrust in earnest. The elder Elf sped up and delivered long deep thrusts and then alternated their pace with short and shallow ones. Erestor stroked his erection in time with Maglor’s strokes and was quickly reaching his climax. Maglor’s lips covered his and the kissing started all over again. Stifled moans managed to escape their throats and a layer of sweat formed on their hard-working bodies.

 

Maglor came first. He released Erestor’s lips, stared at his lover, threw back his head, and released a growl that came from deep within his throat. Seeing his lover’s majesty during the moment of his release pushed Erestor over the edge and he climaxed a moment later. Warm cream shot from the slit against Maglor’s abdomen and then dripped onto Erestor’s hand. A moment later, Maglor collapsed onto Erestor and the Advisor embraced his lover, catching his fall. They stared at each other in wonder before they both laughed.

 

“Remind me again why did I object to you taking me on Glorfindel’s desk?” Erestor kissed Maglor’s brow and then guided the head against his shoulder. Maglor was panting hard and the eyes closed in sated fatigue. “I should have let you ravish me right there!” Erestor chuckled for a few more seconds and then he raised a hand and stroked his lover’s hair. “That makes our arrangement official, does it not? We are mated now.”

 

“I like that thought.” Maglor’s eyes were still closed and he thought back to the time that he had been imprisoned in the painting. “I was waiting for you,” he said as he realized why Lórien had made him linger there. “I was waiting for you to come along and free me.” He raised his head, opened his eyes, and gave Erestor a grateful look. “Thank you for coming to release me.”

 

Erestor raised his hands and placed them on either side of Maglor’s head, smiling. “I am grateful that the painting found its way to me.” He was. Lórien had guided him to Maglor and, by freeing Maglor, he had found love again. “You should stop talking now and rest.” He embraced Maglor tightly and rolled his lover onto his side with him. They smiled at each other and they stayed like that until they finally dozed off.

 

~~~

 

“Stop hovering!” Glorfindel had had enough. Elrond just wouldn’t stop fussing over him. Glorfindel pushed himself into a sitting position and then managed to rise to his feet.

 

“You should not try that yet,” Elrond said disapprovingly. Although Glorfindel’s injury had mostly healed, he preferred for the blond Elf to rest longer. “Or are you worried that Maglor is doing such a good job that you have become redundant?” Elrond realized he had hit his target when he saw Glorfindel flinch. “Oh, you stubborn Elf! Do you not know how much I need you? How much Imladris needs you?” He walked toward Glorfindel and placed his hands on the warrior’s hips, steadying him since Glorfindel was swaying slightly.

 

It vexed Glorfindel that Elrond had realized the truth so quickly. Ashamed, he lowered his gaze and sighed. “You are right. I am afraid I am no longer needed.” Ever since his return to Imladris, he had been the one Elrond had depended on regarding the valley’s defenses. And now, from what he had heard, Maglor was doing an excellent job as well. What if Elrond decided he wanted Maglor to be Imladris’ Captain and not Glorfindel?

Elrond shook his head. “Sit down, Glorfindel and then we will talk.” It frustrated him that Glorfindel thought so little of himself. Glorfindel sat down on the bed and Elrond knelt in front of the warrior. He gathered Glorfindel’s hands in his and waited for the blue eyes to meet his gray ones. “Listen carefully, Glorfindel. You are my Captain and no one will ever replace you. I told you that I thought Maglor would make a good second in command and that means that I want you to remain in charge and not Maglor!” He hoped he was persuading Glorfindel.

 

Glorfindel shrugged his shoulders and then gave Elrond a look filled with insecurity. “I am mostly angry with myself for being injured. That never happened before during a mere training session.”

 

Elrond smiled. “Now that you know that you have me as yours you might be less distracted. You no longer have to worry about my feelings for you.”

 

Glorfindel nodded his head once and smiled weakly. “You were the reason why I was distracted.”

 

Elrond raised his hands and caressed Glorfindel’s face. “I am afraid I will be distracted most of the day as well since I will be remembering the pleasure I felt when we kissed.”

 

Glorfindel gasped before Elrond leaned in closer and claimed his lips. Their arms ended up encircling each other’s waist and Elrond moved closer still. Kissing Elrond was a sweet experience and Glorfindel gave himself completely to the kiss.

 

~~~

 

Bevyn blinked and then searched his surroundings, which were alien to him, but then he saw Elladan seated at the desk and felt more at ease. He elbowed himself into an upright position and wiped the remaining sleep from his eyes. Waking up without Brys close was a strange sensation and he instantly reminded himself that this was for the best and that he shouldn’t run to his twin.

 

“Are you hungry?” Elladan was nibbling on some cheese and turned his head to look at Bevyn. “Why do you not join me for a bite to eat?” Bevyn’s hair was a tangled mess, the green eyes still carried hints of sleep, and the young man had to fight to keep them open. “You can go back to sleep after you eat something.”

 

Lured closer by the delicious fragrances of the soup, Bevyn left the bed and walked over to the table. “Why am I so tired?” he asked as he seated himself on the chair opposite Elladan. “How long did I sleep?”

 

“Only an hour.” Elladan placed a bowl filled with soup in front of Bevyn and gestured for him to start eating. He also handed his charge a slice of bread which he could dip into the soup. “Brys is still asleep, in case you are wondering about your twin.” Elrohir had sent word.

 

“How angry is he with me?” Bevyn felt odd. His stomach growled, telling him he should eat, but at the same time, the sight of the soup made him nauseous and he knew why: he felt like he had betrayed Brys.

 

Elladan shrugged. “I do not know, but he will not be angry with you for long. He will realize that you did this for a reason.” Elladan eyed Bevyn closely and decided on a plan of action. Bevyn seemed more alert since he had eaten some soup. “Would you like to take a bath once you have finished that? I already acquired some new clothes for you.” Bevyn concentrated on eating his soup for now. He was still trying to get used to the fact that Brys wasn’t close. “Bevyn?” Elladan gave his charge a thoughtful look.

 

Elladan obviously expected an answer and Bevyn said, “New clothes? These are new. Why do I need new ones?”

 

“Because the clothes you are wearing now need to be washed, Bevyn. You still carry the dust of the road on them.” Elladan himself had already bathed and slipped into clean clothes.

 

Bevyn shrugged. “If you think it’s necessary, I will bathe and wear new clothes.” He felt listless and sighed. “I miss Brys,” he admitted roughly.

 

“I understand,” Elladan replied and placed a hand atop of Bevyn’s. “But you need to be patient. The two of you need to give this time.”

 

Bevyn knew Elladan was right, but that didn’t lessen his emotional pain.

 

~~~

 

Elrohir watched Brys sleep and mentally reviewed everything he had learned about his charge. Bevyn and Brys had been slaves for most of their lives and, except for being beaten, Brys had also been raped, a fate Bevyn had escaped. That made gaining Brys’ complete trust even harder for Elrohir. He was a naturally gifted healer but he wasn’t a counselor and maybe that was what Brys really needed. Someone he could talk to about his pain, but since Brys didn’t trust easily, Elrohir would have to take on that role as well.

 

Green eyes opened and looked at him in wonder. Brys didn’t understand at first why Elrohir was holding him, but then the memories returned and he recalled what Bevyn had done. He remained quiet since he didn’t know what to say.

 

“You know that you do not need to fear me,” Elrohir mumbled and caressed Brys’ snarled hair. “I am your friend.” Brys nodded, but that was the only reaction he received. “Since you do not wish to go to the Healing Wing, my father appointed me as your supervisor. I am to examine and treat your wounds and to report to my father regularly.” The expression in the green eyes changed to worry, but thankfully not fear. “I will not examine you against your will,” Elrohir continued. “But I do think you should let me. You have been on the road and your injuries did not have a chance to heal properly. May I have a look at them?” During Brys’ sleep, he’d had bandages, herbs, water, and wash cloths delivered.

 

Brys didn’t want to comply, but in the end, common sense won and he nodded his head. “If you must.”

 

“I will be gentle.” Elrohir pushed down the covers and started checking Brys’ injuries. The concussion no longer troubled Brys, but the still mending ribs did, so Elrohir renewed those bandages and tightened them a bit. Next, he smeared some healing salve onto the bruises and cuts that still hadn’t healed and bandaged the sprained wrist anew. He then lowered Brys back onto the pillows. Brys’ breathing had sped up, signaling to Elrohir that his charge was in pain and possibly felt apprehensive for some reason.

 

Brys had kept his breath even during most of the examination, but now he was panting hard. He tried to calm down his breathing again. During the time that Elrohir had attended to his injures he had constantly worried that the half-Elf’s hands would stray to places where he didn’t want Elrohir to touch him.

 

“Brys?” Elrohir leaned in closer and stroked his charge’s hair. “What do I have to do for you to trust me? What does it take for you to stop being afraid of me?”

 

Brys averted his gaze and with his good hand, he fumbled the fabric of the blanket. “I don’t know. I have always been like this.”

 

“Nay, not always,” Elrohir replied. “Not when you were a baby.” He cringed at seeing the doubtful look Brys gave him. “Will you tell me your story from the start and in detail?” Brys flinched and Elrohir regretted having to put the young man through it. “I would not ask this of you if I did not think it would help you recover.”

 

“Must I?”

 

Elrohir’s heart ached at hearing the childlike tone to Brys’ voice. “I pray you will, but I will not force you.”

 

Brys drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. He couldn’t do this while looking at someone as pure as Elrohir. “I remember being very young, maybe four or five. Bevyn and I were happy back then. We were fed, wore warm clothes, and there was someone who would rock and sing us to sleep.” He frowned as he dredged up memories from a distant past. “I remember long blond hair and sparkling blue eyes which always twinkled.”

 

“That must have been your mother or your father,” Elrohir suggested.

 

“I believe it was our father. The voice was that of a male.” Brys smiled and briefly opened his eyes. “Bevyn and I would play pranks on him, but he never got angry with us. He laughed and I believe our pranks amused him. It was impossible to make him lose his calm.”

 

Elrohir felt grateful that Brys also had some good memories. He had been afraid that Bevyn and Brys had only known pain. “Do you remember his name?”

 

“No, I don’t.” Brys closed his eyes again since he had to tell the ugly part of his history. “We got separated. I don’t know what happened, but suddenly Bevyn and I were alone.” His throat hurt and he was forced to look at Elrohir again and ask, “Can I have some water?”

 

Elrohir reached for the carafe filled with miruvor on the nightstand and poured a glass for Brys. “Drink this. It has healing abilities.”

 

“Is it wine?” Brys didn’t like alcohol.

 

“Nay, it is not. It is miruvor. My father’s healers brew it.” Elrohir placed the glass at Brys’ lips and waited for his charge to swallow. He let Brys sip for another moment and then he placed the glass aside. “Better?”

 

“Yes.” The miruvor was sweet, but not too sweet and Brys liked it. Brys held his breath when Elrohir moved back onto the bed and pulled him close. Brys rested his head against the half-Elf’s shoulder and forced himself to continue. “Our life changed after we got separated. We were caught by nomads and they sold us off at the nearest slave market. The father of the man you killed bought us and took us with him. Later, he handed us over to his son.”

 

Elrohir soothingly rubbed Brys’ good hand and whispered, “Continue.”

 

“He hit us.” Brys’ eyes opened and stared in horror at the wall. “At first, he hit Bevyn, but then he turned toward me and hit me instead. I cried out. I couldn’t stay quiet like Bevyn did. I’m not as strong as my twin.”

 

“And that is why your tormentor preyed on you and not that much on Bevyn.” Elrohir rested his head against Brys’ and rubbed the young man’s arm. “He found pleasure in hurting you because he forced a reaction out of you.”

 

Brys blinked since that made sense. “If only it had stopped there.”

 

Elrohir was considerate enough not to pressure Brys into telling him the rest when the young man was clearly growing upset. He already knew what would follow. It took Brys several moments before he could continue and when he spoke his voice was soft and shaky. “He was in need of money and in order to make some profit he ‘lent’ me to several other men. They…” Brys sobbed softly, unable to say the words aloud.

 

“They took advantage of you. They raped you,” Elrohir finished for his charge.

 

Brys nodded against Elrohir’s shoulder. “I didn’t know what was going to happen. I wasn’t prepared for the pain and humiliation. And later, when I was united with Bevyn I felt so… so dirty and so… so ashamed. Bevyn tried to comfort me, but I wouldn’t let him get close to me. He quickly realized what had happened and he tried to take care of me, but…but I couldn’t bear his touch.”

 

Elrohir hugged Brys close and rocked him gently. “It was not your fault that happened. Abuse is about power, Brys.” He let Brys weep and continued to rock him. “How long, Brys? How long have you been in that position?” He didn’t really want to hear the answer, but he needed to know if he wanted to help Brys recover.

 

“I didn’t count the years, but Bevyn did. We were with that man for fifty-two years.”

 

Brys’ answer shook Elrohir’s world. “How long? Fifty-two?” But Bevyn and Brys didn’t look any older than twenty! A terrible suspicion snuck up on him. “Brys, did your father belong to the race of Men?” Or had he been Elven? It was the only explanation! Had they a certain measure of Elven blood in their veins?

 

“I don’t know…” Brys lifted his head and gave Elrohir a pleading look. “Elrohir, do you still like me?”

 

Elrohir’s heart broke. “Of course I still like you! I am your friend! Your history does not change that!” He rocked Brys and held him close. “What happened to you was not your fault. You were so strong in the past, please do not stop now.”

 

Brys wiped at his tear streaked face to rid himself of his tears. “I’m not strong. That’s why they targeted me and not Bevyn. I’m weak.”

 

“You are not weak!” Elrohir caressed Brys’ face and repeated what he had just said. “You are not weak! You are strong!” Suddenly the dam broke and Brys started to sob again. He clung to Elrohir and hoped the half-Elf had spoken the truth. He didn’t want to lose Elrohir because he was weak.

 

~~~

 

“Bevyn? I need to visit with my father for a short while. Do you want to stay in my rooms or explore the house a bit?”

 

Bevyn had been staring into the fire and looked up at hearing Elladan’s request. “I would like to explore a bit,” he admitted. He had accepted that these Elves were kind and that he was safe. As a child, he had been adventurous and that character trait was slowly coming back.

 

“Then explore.” Elladan pulled Bevyn to his feet and walked him to the doorway. He opened the door and pointed Bevyn in the direction that would eventually take him to the Hall of Fire where Lindir and his fellow minstrels were composing new songs. “I will find you later.”

 

Bevyn nodded and reached for Elladan’s wrist before the half-Elf could leave his side. “Will you visit with Brys too? I want to know how he fares.”

 

Elladan nodded. “I will inquire after him and in the meantime, you should enjoy exploring.” He smiled at Bevyn and then walked off into the opposite direction, pleased that Bevyn felt confident enough to explore the Last Homely House on his own.

 

TBC

 

Part 2

 

Bevyn admired the paintings and statues he encountered in the corridors. The Last Homely House was a beautiful place to live in and Bevyn was falling in love with the Elven feel to it. He had expected to feel out of place, like an intruder, but he didn’t. Maybe it was due to the fact that he was wearing such lavish clothes and that Elladan had brushed and braided his hair, which had regained its old golden shine.

 

“Good afternoon, Bevyn. We meet again.”

 

Bevyn spun around and recognized the Elf who had escorted him to Elladan’s rooms the other day. “Good afternoon,” he responded, repeating the Elf’s greeting since he didn’t know what else to say. “Thank you for helping me yesterday.” Growing nervous, he wrung his hands and lowered his gaze. “Elladan allowed me to explore a bit.”

 

Lórien approached Bevyn and smiled at him. “Do you like living in Imladris?”

 

“Yes, I do. It’s beautiful and peaceful. I like being here, but…” His thoughts drifted off to his twin. “But I miss Brys.”

 

“Brys is your twin and is staying with Elrohir,” Lórien commented thoughtfully. “You made the right decision, Bevyn. You put Brys’ needs first.”

 

Bevyn blushed weakly. “I feel like I failed him though.”

 

“You did not.” Lórien placed a hand on Bevyn’s shoulder and was pleased when the young man didn’t flinch or move away from him. Maybe Bevyn instinctively sensed his kind nature – the Vala hoped so for it would help him make amends. “The rose gardens are lovely. Would you like to accompany me for a walk? I would like to talk some more with you.”

 

Bevyn swallowed nervously. “Elladan said he would come for me later. I don’t know if he will be able to find me if I go outside.”

 

“Elladan will find you. He is an intelligent half-Elf.”

 

“I will accompany you then,” Bevyn said, though he didn’t feel completely comfortable doing so.

 

~~~

 

Elladan was stunned to discover that Glorfindel had moved into his father’s rooms. The blond was currently resting on the couch, apparently recovering from a wound which he had gained during a sparring match. Elladan also noticed other things like his father’s glittering eyes and the blush that tinted Elrond’s features. Elladan wasn’t sure he had reached the right conclusion, namely that his father had started courting Glorfindel, but what other conclusion could he reach?

 

“Elladan, how do our guests fare?” Elrond began to pace the room and wondered how he was going to tell his sons that Glorfindel and he had started courting. Bringing up the twins gave him a little time to think it over.

 

“Bevyn is staying with me and Elrohir moved into the suite you selected for them.” Elladan had to concentrate on his reply since Glorfindel’s presence distracted him. The fact that Glorfindel tried hard to avoid eye contact convinced Elladan that he had reached the right conclusion. “We felt it was best for them to be around someone emotionally balanced for a while.”

 

“And they agreed?” Elrond asked.

 

“Aye, Bevyn came to me and told me that he needed to be with me for a while and that Brys needed Elrohir at his side. It is not our intention to keep them apart, just to give them some time to recuperate.” Elladan watched his father pace and realized Elrond was nervous, maybe even afraid to tell him about Glorfindel. Elladan took pity on him. “I heard of Glorfindel’s injury,” he commented and then shifted his gaze from his father to the warrior. “I hope you will be on your feet again shortly.”

 

Glorfindel growled in reply and glared at the wall. Like Elrond, he wanted this over with so they could deal with Elladan’s emotional outburst. Like Elrond, he expected Elladan to disapprove of their relationship. “If it were up to me, I would already be up and about, but your father loves to fuss over me!”

Elrond sucked in his breath. He had only heard: ‘your father loves…me…’ He couldn’t believe Glorfindel had blurted the truth out like that! “Elladan, I never planned this! It just happened. Glorfindel and I… We discovered we had feelings for each other and…” Glorfindel’s coughing caught Elrond’s attention and the half-Elf looked at his love in surprise.

 

“Elrond, I told Elladan that you love to fuss over me… You just told him the rest.” Glorfindel cringed upon seeing the realization in Elrond’s eyes. “Well done, you told just him…”

 

Elrond hesitantly met Elladan’s eyes. He didn’t know how his son would react to hearing this news. “That I love Glorfindel does not mean that I stopped loving your mother. She will always be in my heart. I hope you can understand me and forgive me for…for needing someone at my side.” Elrond’s breath caught since Elladan was advancing on him. The expression in his son’s eyes was unreadable and Elrond grew even more nervous.

 

Ada, I understand. I might not have understood before I met Bevyn and Brys, but I understand that you can love more than one person. And I understand about ‘need’ since I met Bevyn and Brys.” Elladan opened his arms and pulled Elrond into an embrace. It hurt that Elrond had been afraid to tell him. “I love you, Ada. I always will.”

 

Glorfindel gave Elrond a relieved look. When Elrond had made his mistake he had been afraid of Elladan’s reaction and the consequences. “Thank you, Elladan.”

 

Elladan raised his head and smiled at Glorfindel, but then his expression became serious. “Never hurt him, Glorfindel, for if you do, you will answer to me.” Elrond’s heart swelled with pride and he crushed Elladan to his chest. He was relieved that their worries hadn’t come true.

 

~~~

 

Bevyn relaxed once they reached the rose gardens. It was a lovely day and Arien graced Arda with her warm beams. Although there was already a winter chill in the air, Bevyn didn’t really notice it. A new world had opened to him, one that consisted of beauty, peace, and safety. The golden-haired Elf remained at his side and Bevyn peeked at him occasionally. The Elf reminded him of someone…

 

“In a few days the first snow will fall and cover Imladris with a white blanket. The river Bruinen might even freeze. It promises to be a cold winter this year,” Lórien commented in an effort to make conversation. “The Halls will fill with merry Elves and they will dance and play their songs.”

 

Bevyn felt shy, but not too shy to comment. “It will be nice to have a warm place to stay this year. Last year, Brys and I ended up half frozen a dozen times. We didn’t have any warm clothes and there were no fires to warm us up.”

 

Lórien grew sad. “I learned about your past only a few days ago. You suffered greatly.”

 

“Brys suffered the most.” Bevyn gave the Elf a thoughtful look. “I will heal… I’m strong enough to deal with my past, but Brys… He was hurt in so many ways. I can only hope that Elrohir will find a way to help him.”

 

“I wish I had known about your grueling fate earlier,” Lórien mumbled for he would have interfered.

 

Bevyn came to a halt and Lórien was forced to do the same. “You remind me of someone,” he said pensively.

 

“I do?” Lórien felt nervous, something which happened rather seldom.

 

“Yes, you remind me of someone who took care of Brys and me when we were little. I liked him,” Bevyn said, hoping to reassure Lórien, who looked a bit spooked. “He was always kind to us. We called him Adar.”

 

/They remember! They might not know it was me, but they remember their first years!/ That was unexpected. So far, Lórien had assumed they had forgotten those early years. “I am relieved you associate me with someone you like.”

 

“Who are you? What’s your name? That is…if I may ask you such a question?” Bevyn still lacked some self-confidence.

 

“My name is Lórien and I am a friend to you and to your twin.” Lórien inclined his head respectfully. “I should return you to Elladan. He is probably already looking for you.”

 

“I want to talk to Brys,” Bevyn suddenly blurted out. “I need to see him.”

 

Lórien took a risk when he replied, “Then we shall visit with him.” Combined, the twins might realize that he was the one who had taken care of them when they had been little.

 

~~~

 

“Brys? I need to fetch some new supplies. I will only be away for a few minutes.” Elrohir had run out of healing herbs and bandages. He had propped Brys up against some pillows and the young man seemed comfortable, although a bit sleepy. But he blamed that on the rather large breakfast he had made Brys eat.

 

“I’m fine,” Brys mumbled sleepily. He could deal with Elrohir being gone for a short while. “Do you think Bevyn misses me?”

 

Elrohir nodded his head. “I know he does because I miss Elladan too. Do not worry too much, Brys. Bevyn loves you and being apart for a short while will not change that.” It would take time and loving care for Brys to recover and Elrohir didn’t expect that to happen in just a few days – neither did Bevyn.

 

Brys watched Elrohir close the door behind him and suddenly he was alone. He buried his fingers into the blanket and tried hard not to let his fear overwhelm him. The only times that he had been alone – without Bevyn – was when his master had sold him to those strange men. A knock on the door worsened his fear and his heart beat quickened.

 

“Brys? It’s me, Bevyn!”

 

Brys’ heart still thundered like mad even though it was only his twin. “Bevyn? I need you!” The door opened and Bevyn marched inside. His twin headed for the bed and a moment later, he had Bevyn back at his side again. Brys flung himself into Bevyn’s arms and clung to him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

 

Bevyn stroked his twin’s hair and fought the tears that threatened to surface in his eyes. “Where’s Elrohir? He’s supposed to be taking care of you!”

 

“He ran out of healing herbs and bandages and went to fetch some.” Brys lifted his head and accidentally looked at the doorway. The Elf who stood there was the most beautiful Elf he had ever seen. This Elf glowed golden and Brys gave him a look full of longing.

 

Lórien took a step into the room and searched Brys’ eyes. He cringed at the pain he encountered in the green orbs. It was his mistake that the slave traders had put their hands on the two Elflings. He had searched for years, but had lost their trail and had never found them again. But then Elladan and Elrohir had brought them to Imladris and he had instantly recognized them.

 

“Brys? I brought a friend.” At least Bevyn hoped he had been right to trust the Elf. “His name is Lórien and I think you might like him.”

 

Brys’ hands trembled and his eyes widened in recognition. “He looks like…”

 

“He looks like the Elf that took care of us when we were little. I noticed that too.” Bevyn loosened his hold a little and searched his twin’s face. “Brys?”

 

“He doesn’t just look like him… It *is* him…” Brys was convinced he was right. “Are you…?”

 

Lórien couldn’t lie to them and advanced on the bed. “Aye, it is I. I took care of you two when you were Elflings.”

 

“Elflings?” Brys blinked in disbelief. “We’re not Elves!”

 

Lórien coughed delicately. “You have some Elven blood, my children.” Well, technically speaking, it was more than just ‘some Elven blood’ but he didn’t want to overwhelm them. He heard footfalls in the corridor as well as voices. Elladan and Elrohir were about to return and that was his cue to leave. “I have to leave now, but I will visit with you again.” Since he had found them again, he wasn’t going to let them out of his sight.

 

Brys blinked when Lórien vanished before their very eyes and he tightened his hold on Bevyn. The twins didn’t know what to make of Lórien’s revelation.

 

A moment later, Elladan and Elrohir appeared and both grew worried at seeing Bevyn and Brys clinging to each other. A quick look showed them that there was no one else in the room, so why were the twins so scared?

 

Bevyn couldn’t believe the things Lórien had said. They couldn’t have Elven blood in their veins, tainted as they were!

 

~~~

 

“Glorfindel, I told you…” Elrond didn’t receive a chance to finish his sentence because Glorfindel took control of the situation. The blond had pushed himself onto his feet, made his way over to the half-Elf, and now crushed Elrond to him. Elrond didn’t dare push Glorfindel away since the blond was still recovering and eventually eased himself against the warrior. Glorfindel’s lips sought out his and the kiss consumed him completely. He thrust against Glorfindel and buried his fingers in the fair hair.

 

Amused at Elrond’s conflicting actions, Glorfindel released Elrond and grinned. “Why do you struggle when you want me to kiss you?”

 

“Because you should be resting!”

 

“I rested sufficiently and am ready for some action.” Glorfindel buried his face in Elrond’s hair and inhaled the half-Elf’s scent. “What do you say, Elrond? Should we take the next step?”

 

“Right now?” Elrond felt conflicted. His conversation with Elladan still played in his head and he didn’t know if he could do this at the moment. “Glorfindel? Later?”

 

Glorfindel shook his head. “Nay, now.” He felt like he had to do this now. “Elladan is happy for us and Elrohir will react in the same way. Come to bed…” He walked toward the bed and pulled Elrond with him. “Come play.”

 

“Play?” Surprised and a bit overwhelmed by Glorfindel’s sudden erotic mood, Elrond let Glorfindel pull him onto the bed.

 

Glorfindel lay down on his side and pulled Elrond into his arms. “I want to make love to you.”

 

Elrond didn’t know what to say. He wasn’t exactly surprised, since he had known this would happen, but now that the moment had arrived, he felt apprehensive. “Glorfindel, I… I have never been with another male before.”

 

“Hush… I know that.” Glorfindel had figured as much. “But I have. I know what to do. Will you trust yourself to me?”

 

Elrond’s mouth had gone dry since *the* moment had arrived. “I trust you, Glorfindel, but I am also nervous.”

 

“You are scared because you do not know what it will be like,” Glorfindel whispered and showered Elrond’s face with gentle kisses. “I will make it good for you.” Glorfindel rolled Elrond onto his back and began to unbutton the robes the half-Elf was wearing. “You can undress me in turn. I do not want you passive, my love.”

 

Elrond’s fingers pushed down the morning robes Glorfindel was wearing and hissed in surprise. Glorfindel wasn’t wearing anything beneath them. “It appears I have already finished undressing you.” Glorfindel possessed a well-proportioned body. It showed that he spent most of his day either on horseback or sparring. His lean body possessed just the right amount of muscle tone to please Elrond.

 

In the meantime, Glorfindel had succeeded in disrobing Elrond. He made quick work of removing the leggings and socks and sighed appreciatively when the half-Elf was naked beneath him. “I want to kiss and lick every inch of you…”

 

Glorfindel’s comment traveled straight to Elrond’s groin and his member hardened. “Glorfindel, I… What are you going to do?” He had to know what to expect.

 

“Do not be afraid… Relax,” Glorfindel mumbled and bent down to kiss Elrond’s sternum. He dragged the tip of his tongue down Elrond’s abdomen and then playfully licked the hard flesh that had risen to attention. Elrond wanted him in turn.

 

Elrond’s fingers clawed at the sheet and he arched his back in a wanton display of lust. He wanted to make love with Glorfindel but was afraid of the role he might have to assume during his first time with another male. He saw Glorfindel reach for the healing herbs which Elrond kept near the couch just in case he would need them to attend to Glorfindel’s injury. He sucked in his breath when the blond squeezed the leaves until they released their juice and the droplets coated Elrond’s shaft. “Now?” he whispered in a raw voice.

 

“Now.” Glorfindel twined their fingers, guided Elrond’s hands down the half-Elf’s body, and used them as leverage when he raised himself. The tip of Elrond’s member pressed against the opening of his body and the blond Elf began to lower himself onto the shaft. He closed his eyes, moaned, and forced himself to go slowly since he wanted to make this good for both of them. He didn’t want to simply overwhelm Elrond and cause the half-Elf to come within seconds.

 

“Glorfindel!” Elrond couldn’t stop himself from thrusting upward and his member slid into the tight channel. Glorfindel moaned and Elrond worried he had hurt his lover, but then the blond Elf began to move on top of him. Rotating his hips, Glorfindel caused sparks of pleasure in the lower half of his body and Elrond began to thrust.

 

Riding Elrond, Glorfindel managed to lock out the discomfort that spiraled up through his lower back. He would probably have to rest after making love to Elrond, but he didn’t mind. Sinfully, he moved atop Elrond and thrust his hips forward, rotated them, and then attacked his lover’s lips with a demanding kiss.

 

The two Elves moaned and Elrond would have loved to slide his fingers through his lover’s mane, but since Glorfindel had a tight hold on his hands, he contented himself by deepening the kiss and chasing the evasive tongue. “I will not last long,” Elrond mumbled, panting in-between two thrusts. “I am about to come.”

 

“Then let go!” Glorfindel drove himself hard onto his lover’s hard flesh and the angle was just right for the head to rub against his prostate. He came with a roar and threw back his head.

 

Elrond followed a moment later and stared at Glorfindel in wonder. Long, fair hair obscured Glorfindel’s face and Elrond used his free hand to push the strands away from the face. He wanted to see the expression in Glorfindel’s eyes when his lover reached his climax.

 

Glorfindel ground his buttocks against Elrond’s lap and then grew motionless. His semen dripped onto his fingers and it thrilled him that Elrond had found his release while the half-Elf was still inside his body. He placed one hand against Elrond’s chest and grinned like a cat. “Will you nurse me a few days longer?” The pain in his back had worsened, but he could bear it, especially when Elrond would look after him.

 

“You!” Elrond raised a hand and pointed a finger at Glorfindel. “I told you that you needed to rest!”

 

Glorfindel waited for Elrond’s member to soften and then slid off of his lover’s body. He stretched out on his side next to the half-Elf and continued to smile. “Admit it! You do not mind fussing over me. You love it!”

 

“Maybe,” Elrond replied, but a hint of concern still colored his voice. “I hope the wound did not open.”

 

“It did not. Do not worry that much… Having you nurse me back to health gives me an excuse to keep you close – in bed to be precise, where I will show you how to properly nurse me back to health… I can think of a thing or two that would speed up my recovery.”

 

Elrond shook his head. “You are quite amazing, Glorfindel. You always surprise me.” His worry was decreasing since Glorfindel joked so easily with him. He brushed a strand of elusive hair behind Glorfindel’s pointy ear and returned the smile. “I will fuss over you a little longer then.”

 

“Good, that is exactly what I want.” Glorfindel’s eyes lost their alertness. Although he wanted to stay awake a little longer, his body needed to recuperate. The warrior *had* overestimated his strength.

 

~~~

 

Elrohir was the first to move forward and hurry to Brys’ side, although he didn’t have to, as Bevyn was already supporting the weaker twin. “You are awfully pale, Brys. What happened?” Elrohir exchanged a look with Bevyn, hoping the young man realized what was being asked. /Let me hold him?/

 

Bevyn understood Elrohir’s silent request and handed Brys to the half-Elf. “You hold him.” Elladan joined them and came to a halt behind Bevyn. He placed his hands on the twin’s shoulders and also eyed Brys with increasing concern.

 

“He lives here…the Elf I told you about,” Brys said, addressing Elrohir. “You know, the Elf who took care of us when we were little. He was here. He visited with us. Bevyn brought him here.”

 

Elrohir frowned and looked to Bevyn for answers. “How did you find him?”

 

Bevyn leaned until his back rested against Elladan’s form. “I was walking the corridors and suddenly he was there. He asked me if I wanted to walk in the rose gardens with him and I said yes.” Bevyn searched his twin’s eyes and knew his brother was thinking the same thing. Should they tell Elladan and Elrohir that Lórien had hinted they were partly Elven? Or should they keep it a secret?

 

“What is his name?” Elrohir asked, uncaring who would answer the question as long as he received an answer. It was unexpected that the Elf who had looked after Bevyn and Brys resided in Imladris. It had never crossed his mind to search for him at home.

 

Brys looked at Elrohir and said, “I didn’t remember his name until he told us his name again. It’s Lórien.” Brys repeatedly nodded his head. “Lórien.”

 

Elrohir thought he had misheard and needed to make certain. Brys couldn’t be talking about the Vala of Dreams! “Did you really say Lórien?”

 

“Yes, it’s Lórien,” Bevyn said, coming to his brother’s aid. “I met him too when I was looking for your rooms yesterday, Elladan. He showed me the way, but he didn’t tell me his name and I didn’t recognize him at first. He reminded me of our caretaker though. I just didn’t make the connection.”

 

“We need to tell Ada,” Elladan said, momentarily forgetting that Brys and Bevyn didn’t speak their language.

 

“Yes, your father should know since he’s Lord of this valley,” Bevyn said in agreement.

 

Elladan’s eyes widened. “How did you know that Ada means father?”

 

“We sometimes called him that – Lórien,” Brys replied. He had rested his head against Elrohir’s shoulder and snaked an arm around the half-Elf’s waist. “I don’t think he’s our father though.”

 

Bevyn however looked up at hearing that. “Brys, you know what he said.”

 

“What did Lórien say?” Just when Elladan thought he knew everything there was to know, either Bevyn or Brys sprung something new on him. Even just considering the possibility of Lórien taking care of Bevyn and Brys during their first years made his head reel. Why would the Vala of Dreams do such a thing?

 

“What did he say?” Elrohir said, repeating Elladan’s question when Bevyn and Brys remained quiet. “Come on now, you know you can tell me. I want to help,” he added, hoping Brys would tell him. Brys swallowed hard and then the green eyes darkened with an emotion Elrohir couldn’t label. “What did he say?”

 

“He said that he took care of us when we were Elflings,” Brys said, giving Elrohir an uncertain look. “Bevyn and I aren’t Elves. We can’t be. We’re not like you.”

 

Elladan had to sit down after this latest revelation. He pulled up a chair and sat down close to Bevyn, who also looked at him questioningly. “Lórien said he took care of you when you were Elflings…” Elladan repeated the words to convince himself. /And you were with your ‘master’ for fifty-two years. That can only mean one thing – you are part Elven!/

 

Bevyn nodded. “That’s what he said, but Brys is right. Look at you and look at me. I’m not like you.” Bevyn gasped when he felt Elladan’s fingers slide into his hair. A moment later, Elladan’s fingertips tracing the tip of his ear, which was pointed.

 

“What’s he doing?” Brys asked Elrohir, but he got his answer a moment later when Elrohir’s fingertips caressed the arch of his ear. “Elrohir…”

 

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look and had to admit they had made a terrible mistake in assuming they were dealing with humans. “Lórien has no reason to lie,” Elladan said after examining the form of Bevyn’s ear. “If he says you are Elven, I see no reason to doubt his words.” And Bevyn’s pointy ears resembled his. “You are half-Elven at the very least.”

 

TBC in The Greatest Secret of Them All