Title: First Steps
Author: Morgana
Author’s Email:
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairing: Glorfindel/Hephaistion and Elrond/Erestor.
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Hephaistion grows closer to Glorfindel and Elrond and Erestor show
Hephaistion how Hephaistion's relationship with Alexander could and should have
been.
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 DA, thanks sweetie!
All remaining mistakes are mine.
First
Steps
Hephaistion still felt
nervous when Glorfindel knocked on the door to Elrond's rooms. He felt out of
place there, knowing he didn't really belong in this world, but at the same
time, he realized that this was his life now – Glorfindel and Middle-Earth were
his new home. It was only normal that he needed time to adjust. That thought
soothed him and he drew in a deep breath to calm himself. Glorfindel had
assured him that Elrond and Erestor wanted to befriend him and he had to give
the two Elves a fair chance to do so.
The two Elves… He lived in
Middle-Earth now, in Imladris to be exact and his new lover was Captain there.
Glorfindel was in charge of the guards and Imladris' defenses, while Erestor
seemed to rule Imladris from behind a desk. Together with Elrond, the three of
them had built a peaceful haven there.
Elrond opened the door and
smiled at his guests. Glorfindel looked happy to see him where Hephaistion
looked nervous and shy. He couldn't blame the man for feeling anxious...Elrond
would probably have felt the same way had he woken up to a strange world.
"Please come inside. Erestor and I are delighted that you are joining us
for dinner."
Glorfindel placed his
right hand at the small of Hephaistion's back and gently pushed him into the
room.
Hephaistion stepped into
Elrond's chambers. He had been there before, but they somehow looked different
now that scented candles and oil lamps illuminated them. Near the window stood
a large oak table which would serve as their dinner table. The servants had
already served the food and Hephaistion took in the quantity and large variety
of foods. It was clear that Imladris was doing well and there was no shortage
of food.
"Come, sit
down." Erestor, who had already seated himself at the head of the table,
gestured for Hephaistion to take the seat next to him. He was determined to
tread carefully where the human was concerned. He needed to learn more about
Hephaistion if he wanted to help the man adjust to his new life in Imladris.
Hephaistion gave
Glorfindel a look which asked for confirmation.
Glorfindel nodded and inclined
his head in the direction of the chair Erestor had pointed out to Hephaistion.
While Hephaistion seated himself close to Erestor, Glorfindel sat down opposite
his new lover. "I hope you are hungry, Hephaistion," he commented as
he inclined his head toward the food.
Elrond joined them and
poured wine for all four of them. He presented the first goblet to their guest,
Hephaistion, and the second to his lover Erestor. Then he placed a goblet in
front of Glorfindel and eventually seated himself opposite Erestor. "A
toast," Elrond began. "I bid you welcome to Imladris, Hephaistion,
and I hope you will be truly happy here!" He raised his goblet and so did
the other three males. They toasted on Hephaistion's health and then sipped the
wine.
Hephaistion's eyes widened
as he realized just how potent the drink was. As a Macedonian, he was used to drinking
large amounts of wine, but that wine had always been watered down. The wine in
his goblet however was not watered down and he was afraid it would quickly
travel to his head. He put it down and drew in a deep breath. Why couldn't he
stop feeling nervous? He was among friends he reminded himself.
Elrond tried his best to
make Hephaistion feel at ease, but knew that no matter what he would ask
Hephaistion, the nervousness would remain for a little while.
"Hephaistion, tell me, what is your first impression of Imladris?"
Glorfindel placed small
amounts of several food items onto his plate and gestured for Hephaistion to do
the same.
Hephaistion watched Elrond
and Erestor select their foods and, in the end, he followed their example. Recalling
Elrond's inquiry, he replied, "I find it peaceful, my Lord. I am not used
to such quiet surroundings. Most of the years of my life I spent on the
battlefield, covered in blood and dirt." He had put the first tidbit of
food into his mouth and its sweet taste pleasantly surprised him.
"You will find no war
here. The only arguments that ever arise in Imladris are the ones between
Erestor and me." Elrond gave his lover a wicked smile, rather fondly remembering
the last time they had made up after arguing. "Imladris is at peace and I
thank the Valar for that."
Hephaistion had been
staring at the food on his plate, but then raised his head and looked at
Elrond. There was something he wanted to ask Elrond, but he wasn't certain he
could do so just yet. After all, Elrond barely knew him and he wasn't sure it
was appropriate to ask the half-Elf something so personal at this point.
"A question burns
your lips," Erestor remarked after studying Hephaistion's face.
"Whatever it is, feel free to ask us."
Glorfindel gave Erestor a
grateful smile. It meant a lot to him that his friends were being kind and
encouraging to Hephaistion.
"I was wondering
about something," Hephaistion admitted while raising the goblet to his
lips again. He sipped, hoping the wine would feed him courage. "You said
that the two of you are lovers."
"Aye, we are
lovers," Erestor answered. "We have been lovers for the last four
hundred years."
Hephaistion gasped. "Four hundred?" He had forgotten that the Elves
were immortal and Erestor's words reminded him of that fact. "Do you ever
fight? Really fight? I do not mean the bickering that you seem to like. At
least, Glorfindel told me that you like to bicker."
Elrond smiled. "Aye,
we love to bicker because making up afterwards always feels so good."
Erestor chuckled and then
coughed, amused at hearing Elrond's words. "Aye, it is true. We love to
bicker." But when he looked into Hephaistion's eyes, Erestor realized that
this wasn't the answer Hephaistion needed to hear. Hephaistion needed to hear
more. "Elrond and I have had serious arguments in the past, aye."
Elrond nodded his head
once. "Aye, we did."
Hephaistion sipped again.
He swallowed nervously and put the goblet down again as he felt the first signs
of intoxication, but the alcohol was serving its purpose and was loosening his
tongue. "Alexander and I had our fair share of arguments too."
"Alexander…"
Elrond frowned. "That is the name of your former lover, is it not?"
Hephaistion nodded and
once more avoided looking at any of them. "Alexander was my King. He ruled
the known world like you rule Imladris, Elrond."
Elrond nodded once, but
refrained from speaking. He deduced that Glorfindel already knew all of this,
so he figured Hephaistion was choosing to tell Erestor and him for a reason. He
knew when to be patient and let Hephaistion tell his tale.
"During the last year
of my life, Alexander and I started to argue. It all began with an altercation
which I had with another General of Alexander's army. Alexander found out and
lashed out at both of us. He told us that he would kill us if we ever started
another argument." Hephaistion reached for his goblet and sipped again.
His hand trembled when he put the goblet down again and he failed to stop the
motion. "He also told me that I was nothing without him. That he had helped
me rise in the ranks. He did not actually say that last part, but that is what
I and the soldiers heard. That hurt. I set aside my needs for him. I made his
dream mine and then…then he told me that."
Elrond and Erestor
exchanged worried looks while Glorfindel pushed back his chair and stood. The
fair Elf made his way around the table and lowered himself onto his heels
beside Hephaistion's chair. Gently, he gathered one cold and clammy hand
between his and squeezed the digits. Hephaistion however didn't seem to notice
the gesture and continued to speak in a slow, monotone voice.
"Our relationship
quickly deteriorated from that point. I had become his Chiliarch,
his Grand Vizier, and I basically ruled his empire for him. Alexander lost
himself in dreams, wine, and the lovers he had taken. We fought about little
things…but the fight finally escalated when I mentioned my differences in
opinion with Eumenes to Alexander. Eumenes had been in charge before Alexander
made me his Grand Vizier and fought me over each decision I made. Alexander
took Eumenes' side in our argument and that told me how far we had drifted
apart." Hephaistion finally raised his gaze and looked Elrond in the eye.
"I would have died alone if it had not been for Glorfindel. Alexander did visit
with me while I was sick, but on the day of my death, he was attending the
games." A weak smile appeared on Hephaistion's smile. "I should have
died alone, but I did not. Glorfindel was there for me in my dying hour and
gave me the strength to face death. I did not know your gods had the power to
bring me back to life in this world."
Elrond's eyes had darkened
during Hephaistion's speech. "And when you look at Erestor and me, you
wonder…"
Hephaistion gave a shy
nod. "Are things really that different for the two of you? How do you make
things work out? Alexander and I failed to do so and yet, if I am to believe
Glorfindel, the two of you have not fallen into the kind of trap Alexander and
I had."
Elrond carefully
considered his words before speaking them. "Your Alexander is very
different from me." He had listened closely and realized Hephaistion
equaled Alexander's position with his and had put himself in Erestor's
position. "I am content to rule Imladris with Erestor at my side. I do not
crave ruling Middle-Earth. I merely crave having Erestor's love and devotion,
and in turn, I offer him my love and my devotion. We are equals, Erestor and I.
He rules at my side and sometimes in my stead. Make no mistake, Hephaistion, I
am the ruler of this valley…" Elrond had been about to continue, but
Erestor's amused snort stopped him short. Shooting his lover an exasperated
look, he added, "Or I *think* I rule this valley…but none of that really
matters because I know Erestor will always make his decisions while having
Imladris' best interest in mind. I trust him to advise me the best way he can.
I trust him because I know him…because I love him."
Hephaistion's trembling
worsened and Glorfindel changed position. He sat down on the armrest of
Hephaistion's chair and wrapped an arm around his lover's shoulders.
Hephaistion slowly rested his head and upper body against him and Glorfindel
pulled his lover close to his chest.
"That is the
difference…that was what was lacking…" Hephaistion blinked dazedly.
"You trust Erestor implicitly. You love him unconditionally. You *know*
that Erestor has your best interest in mind."
Erestor leaned in closer
and placed his hand on Hephaistion's in order to draw the man's attention and
succeeded. Hephaistion's gaze shifted from Elrond to him and Erestor gave their
trembling guest a reassuring smile. "Hephaistion, if Elrond and I ever got
into an argument which we could not solve, we would let the council decide. We
would be aided by their decision, but such a situation has not occurred
yet."
"And I would rather
die than willingly hurt Erestor – in whatever way. Our love and his happiness
are worth so much more than me forcing a decision in such a way." Elrond
waited for Hephaistion to look at him and then added, "I do not know your
Alexander. I never met him, but after listening to you, I can tell that
something was off-balance in your relationship."
Glorfindel felt it was
time for him to speak and he said, "Alexander did not deserve you,
Hephaistion."
"And you do?"
Hephaistion didn't know where that question had come from, for he didn't
believe Glorfindel's conclusion was right. He didn't think *he* had been *that*
worthy of Alexander. Alexander had been the King, the one to accomplish his
goals. He had only helped Alexander achieve those goals.
"I plan on deserving
your love, Hephaistion." Glorfindel gave his new lover a determined look.
"I will do my utmost to love you the best I can."
Hephaistion's eyes were
swimming with tears, partly as a result from sipping the wine and partly
because of Glorfindel's determined statement. "How do you know I am worthy
of your love?" He blinked, experiencing a sensation of deja-vu.
Hadn't he asked Glorfindel that question before only hours ago?
"I told you
why," Glorfindel answered. "It is because of who you are." He
smiled at Hephaistion and rubbed his lover's fingers, which had stopped
trembling. The digits felt less clammy than a moment before. Hephaistion was
calming down.
"Elrond and I have ruled
Imladris in this fashion for the last four hundred years and although we
bicker, we always compromise and make up for any arguments we have."
Erestor gave his lover a wicked grin.
"We compromise?
Ha!" Elrond shook his head, raised a finger at Erestor, and pointed it at
his lover. "You always obtain your way!"
"I do, do I
not?" Erestor batted his eye lashes.
Seeing Erestor look so
coyly at Elrond drove away the last remnants of Hephaistion's nervousness and
the smile that surfaced on his lips was genuine. "I believe you," he stated
eventually. "The two of you succeeded where Alexander and I failed."
Erestor leaned in closer,
raised a hand, and tucked a wayward strand of Hephaistion's hair behind an ear.
He ignored the surprised look Glorfindel gave him at performing such an
intimate gesture on Hephaistion. "May I advise the Advisor?"
Hephaistion nodded his
head once and the movement caused Erestor's fingertips to caress his throat.
"You died,
Hephaistion. You came to the end of your first life and the Valar granted you a
new life in this realm. Alexander is no longer your responsibility. You can let
go of him." Erestor's features contorted in sympathy as the tears continued
to leak from Hephaistion's eyes. "You must close that chapter of your life
and focus on what you have gained. You gained a new life and another chance at
love. When I look at Glorfindel, I see love in his eyes. And when I look at
you, I can see that you care about him in turn. I understand that your death
and your losing Alexander is still very fresh and keeps you from loving
Glorfindel back, and that is all right. You are entitled to your time to mourn,
but I advice you to look at the future instead of the past. That is my advice
to you, Hephaistion."
"It is sound
advice," Hephaistion answered in a raw and trembling voice. "And your
words are true."
Glorfindel gave Erestor a
grateful look. "Thank you…"
Erestor pulled back his
hand and hid it in the sleeves of his robes. He continued to smile at
Hephaistion as he read the understanding in the amazingly blue eyes.
Elrond had never felt more
proud of his lover before. Erestor had known what to say and when to say it. Reaching
across the table, he caught Erestor's hand that still rested atop Hephaistion's
in his own hand and gently rubbed his lover's knuckles. "I am truly
blessed having you as my Chief Advisor."
Hephaistion literally
tasted the love that bound Elrond and Erestor and it served to remind him that relationships
based on respect and equality worked. His gaze shifted from Erestor to
Glorfindel and his breath caught when he saw the expression in the azure eyes.
Glorfindel loved him – he could see it in those eyes. Erestor was right of
course...he had to take the time to mourn his life, death, and the fact that he
had lost Alexander, but once he had dealt with those things, he would look
toward his future. A future shared with Glorfindel.
~~~
"I like Hephaistion.
I think Glorfindel is right to say that he will be a true asset to
Imladris." Erestor, stretched out on the bed and naked as the day he had
been born, watched Elrond as his lover extinguished most of the oil lamps. A
few of the scented candles still burned as Elrond made his way over to the bed,
spreading a warm light and a pleasant flowery fragrance throughout the bedroom.
Elrond dropped his robes
onto the floor and, once he was naked, he lay down next to Erestor. He propped
himself up onto an elbow and studied Erestor. With his other hand, he reached
out and let his fingertips move down the smooth chest. He loved Erestor for
many reasons: for his intelligence, his gentle nature, his cunning, his beauty,
and his devotion, all of which were as unconditional as his love. Erestor was
the best mate he could have hoped for and the Chief Advisor had strengthened
and supported him while he had mourned Celebrían's departure. That had been the
moment they had taken the next step and had gone from best friends to lovers. "I
like Hephaistion too," Elrond answered eventually.
Erestor moved until he was
resting on his side and smiled at the half-Elf. Elrond's fingers ghosted over
his skin and made their way down his waist until they eventually came to rest
on a buttock. "He will find his place here."
Elrond nodded. "Aye,
he will. Glorfindel will guide him." Unable to withstand temptation any
longer, he leaned in closer and claimed his lover's lips. Erestor moaned deeply
and loudly and the sound went straight to his groin, causing him to grow erect.
Another thing he liked about Erestor was how vocal his lover could be.
Erestor's moans, groans, purrs, pleading, begging, and
demanding made it so that Elrond never got enough of ravishing his lover. "I
want you," he whispered, as always honest but without putting any pressure
on Erestor. "But only if you are willing."
Erestor grinned impishly.
"I am always willing, my Lord, you know that." Slowly, he moved onto
his stomach. "Have me any way you wish."
Elrond's mouth went dry as
he heard Erestor address him so formally. Role playing was something they
occasionally engaged in, but they never took it far. But Erestor did love to
tease him now and then. Accepting the challenge, Elrond moved into a kneeling
position. "I will make you mine, Erestor."
Erestor quivered with
desire and parted his long legs. "I can not wait for you to possess me, my
Lord. Make it good…"
Elrond's hands trembled with
desire when they parted the firm buttocks. Sliding his fingertips down the
cleft, he savored hearing Erestor moan in need. He shifted position again and
took up position between his lover's legs, parting them further. "Up, my love."
Erestor groaned pitifully
but did as he was told. He raised himself long enough for Elrond to push a
pillow beneath him.
Elrond took his time
admiring his lover's impeccable body, the delicate swell of the firm buttocks,
the graceful arch of Erestor's back, and the long, raven hair that glided over
his back.
Erestor squirmed as
Elrond's thumb massaged his outer ring. He closed his eyes, clawed at the sheet,
and turned his head so he could look at his lover. "Elrond… I want
you…"
Elrond moved his hands and
massaged the mounds of smooth flesh for a long moment, loving the way Erestor
squirmed beneath him. In the end, he took pity on his lover and licked his way
down the cleft, letting the tip of his tongue dance against the flesh that
guarded the opening to his lover's body.
Erestor's eyes opened and
he threw back his head. "Ai!"
Elrond grinned, but didn't
stop the intimate caress and continued to bathe the opening with saliva.
Erestor's squirming increased and Elrond took that as a sign to push the tip of
his tongue inside.
Erestor thought he was going
to come right then and there as he felt that moist, satin-like tongue slither
deeper inside him. Elrond knew how to play his body in order to achieve the
most exquisite pleasure and he arched his back, trying to push himself onto all
fours so he could present himself to his lover.
Elrond grabbed hold of
Erestor's hips, kept him in place, and started to twirl his tongue inside his
lover's passage in earnest. Aiming for his lover's sweet spot, he managed to
quickly drive Erestor out of his mind.
"Elrond! Do not play…with me…oh, by the Valar…the things
you do to me! I can not…can not last…much longer…so
close!" A series of passionate moans and needy whimpers tumbled from his
lips and he craved nothing more than feeling his lover move inside him.
Elrond finally removed his
tongue from the now loose and relaxed passage. He shifted closer, took himself
into hand, and positioned himself at the slick opening. His hands shifted
toward Erestor's shoulders and then, he pushed inside with one smooth thrust.
Erestor cried out in
ecstasy. He threw back his head, growled, and then pushed back in a mute
request for Elrond to start moving and to give him his release. "Oh, end
it…end this sweet torture!" A fine layer of sweat had formed on his body
and he felt feverish.
Elrond didn't thrust yet.
Instead he moved his arms until they encircled Erestor's waist. Using his
strength, he pulled Erestor close until his lover's back rested against his
chest.
Erestor rested the back of
his head against Elrond's shoulder and quivered over his entire body. Elrond's
arms were tightly wrapped around his waist and the half-Elf started to nibble
on his right earlobe. Rotating his hips, Erestor tried to provide both of them
with some much needed friction. "I need you now, Elrond! Stop…playing…games…" The last three words were
accompanied by sharp intakes of breath as Elrond finally stopped teasing him
and drove himself deeper into Erestor’s body.
Elrond savored the way
Erestor met each one of his thrusts by pushing back against him. They set a
wild and all-consuming rhythm and his lips found a way down Erestor's throat.
Catching the skin of Erestor's throat between his teeth, Elrond suckled hard,
but took great care not to break the skin. He didn't want to draw blood.
Erestor could stand it no
more. "So close…so close, Elrond… I am coming…coming… oh, again…do that
again….Ai!" Elrond buried himself deep inside his passage, which was
beginning to contract around the half-Elf's cock, and white cream dripped from
Erestor's slit as he finally climaxed.
Elrond stilled his
movements, closed his eyes, and surrendered to the contractions which now formed
around his length. "Erestor…" Whispering the name, he let go and
found release inside his lover's twitching passage.
Erestor whimpered as he
closed his eyes and gripped Elrond's wrists which were firmly locked in front
of him. He needed the support or else he might collapse.
Elrond, realizing his
lover felt drained, did his best to support Erestor. Keeping him upright, he
held him close. Erestor's head lolled against his shoulder and when his lover
turned his head toward him, Elrond smiled at seeing the satiated expression in the
dark eyes. They were hooded, misted over with passion and contentment. Elrond
loved the way Erestor looked right after they made love. "You never cease
to amaze me, Erestor… You posses such passion…" Erestor gave him a lazy,
slightly lopsided smile and Elrond reacted by kissing him deeply.
"You drained me, my
Lord." Erestor's eyes were closing. His body hummed with ecstasy and
demanded he rest to recharge.
"In that case I will
look after you, my lovely Erestor." Elrond slowly lowered Erestor onto the
bed again and by doing so, his softened member left his lover's body.
Erestor curled up on his
side and purred like a big, lazy cat.
Elrond smiled warmly at
his lover and ran his fingers through the long, slightly damp hair. "You
can go to sleep, if you desire so. I will clean us up and then I will join
you."
All Erestor was capable of
giving Elrond was a weak nod. Then the hooded eyes turned blank – a sure sign
that he had fallen asleep.
Elrond didn't leave their
bed right away. He would fetch water and a wash cloth in a moment, but now, he
wanted to imprint the way Erestor looked, still glowing from the energy their
lovemaking had released. His thoughts briefly strayed to Hephaistion and the
loss the man had suffered. "I will make whatever sacrifice necessary to
know you alive and happy, Erestor. I will never defy you or ignore your
counsel. I will always put you first." Hearing about the mistakes
Alexander had made where Hephaistion was concerned had reminded him how easily
arrogance and ambition could destroy a relationship. "But that will never
happen to us, Erestor. I love you too much to ever let you go."
Erestor smiled in his
sleep and Elrond suspected his lover had somehow heard his words. "I mean
it. I love you, Erestor and your happiness means the world to me."
Erestor's eyes briefly
filled with awareness and he smiled at Elrond. "I know that…and I hope you
know…that I feel the same way…about you." Sleep was sneaking up on him
again and he lost the fight, never fully waking up.
Elrond leaned in closer
and placed a chaste kiss onto Erestor's brow. "Sleep, my love… Sleep now,
and dream of my love for you."
~~~
Hephaistion was quiet as
they made their way back to the Captain's rooms, which were situated one level below
Elrond's. Glorfindel kept peeking at Hephaistion, trying to gauge the man's
mood. A thoughtful expression occupied the star-lit eyes and the lips trembled
occasionally. Just what was Hephaistion struggling with? And should he bring up
his concern?
Glorfindel opened the door
to his rooms and stepped aside so Hephaistion could enter first, which the
absentminded man did. Hephaistion immediately headed for the window that was
open, letting in the night's cool air. After coming to a halt in front of it,
Hephaistion placed his hands on the windowsill and looked outside. Glorfindel
joined Hephaistion over at the window and wondered if it was all right for him
to fold his arms around his new lover. There was still so much unexplored
ground between them that he felt hesitant to reach out at the moment. But
Glorfindel received his answer when Hephaistion leaned back against him,
resting his back against his chest. Automatically, Glorfindel raised his arms
and hugged Hephaistion close. "Will you share your thoughts with me?"
Hephaistion released the
breath he had been holding and rested his head against Glorfindel's shoulder.
He curled his fingers around Glorfindel's wrists and simply enjoyed being held
in such an intimate way. "The last time Alexander held me like this was
almost a year ago. When we were younger, he would always reach out to comfort
me like you are doing now, but for some reason he stopped doing so."
Glorfindel nuzzled
Hephaistion's hair and rubbed his cheek against the soft strands. "I love
holding you, Hephaistion." But he doubted that was the issue which was
really burdening Hephaistion. "What is really troubling you?"
Hephaistion drew in a deep
breath and turned around to face Glorfindel. He cocked his head to study the
handsome face. In the sapphire eyes lay caring and concern and the lips were
slightly pouted as if they were preparing to ask him what was troubling him a
second time. Glorfindel was wearing his golden hair loose and the locks danced
against the broad shoulders. There was no mistaking that it was a warrior
holding him...Hephaistion felt the muscles move beneath his fingertips. Yes,
Glorfindel resembled Alexander in some ways, but in others, he was as different
from Alexander as he could be.
"Hephaistion? Please talk to me." Glorfindel kept one arm
wrapped around his lover's waist, but he raised the other so he could touch
Hephaistion's face. "I can tell that something troubles you."
"What will my life
here be like? Glorfindel, I understand that the three of you want me to feel at
peace, but how am I supposed to find my place here? I am used to working all
day long. My days were filled with paperwork, meetings, and working out to
maintain my battle skill. Am I to live in your rooms and that is it?"
Glorfindel shook his head.
"Nay, we will find work that suits you. I know that Erestor has been
complaining about his workload and I am always looking for capable officers to
lead the guards. If you want your life to be full of activity, we will arrange
for it." He smiled as he caressed Hephaistion's face, and then added,
"But I was hoping we could live together and share a bed." Suddenly,
a lump of emotions formed in his throat and he had to swallow repeatedly to rid
himself of the unpleasant sensation. "Twelve years is nothing in the life
of an Elf. It equals a heartbeat for us and normally those years pass by
unnoticed. But these last twelve years lasted an eternity to me. You do not
know just how many times I went down to the river and stared into the night,
remembering the way you clung to me during our lovemaking. I fell in love with
you that night and I have longed for you ever since."
It wasn't like Glorfindel
to give such long speeches, but he had to voice his fears, hopes, and dreams at
the moment. "I want you in my life, Hephaistion. I want you at my side as
my mate and I want you to be happy here in Imladris. I realize that it will
take time for us to build a relationship as comfortable and trusting as Elrond
and Erestor's, but I will do my best to make you happy."
Hephaistion returned the
smile. "Communication is important to you, is it not?" Maybe that had
been a mistake he had made where Alexander was concerned. Somewhere down the
line they had stopped talking about their needs, feelings, hopes, and dreams. He
thanked the gods that Glorfindel was different from Alexander in that aspect.
"Aye, it is very
important. I have seen relationships crumble because lovers stopped discussing
their needs." Glorfindel's arm, which had been wrapped around
Hephaistion's waist, moved higher and pulled Hephaistion close. "And right
now, I would love to kiss you." Had it been up to him, he would have done
a lot more than kissing, but Elrond's warning still echoed in his mind – he had
to take this slowly.
Hephaistion nodded once.
"I would like that too." His heart beat a million beats per minute,
his pulse raced, and his mouth went dry with anticipation after hearing
Glorfindel's words. "I want that too."
Glorfindel slid his
fingers along Hephaistion's jaw, cupped his lover's face in his palm, and
leaned in closer to deposit a sweet kiss onto the trembling lips.
Hephaistion's first
thought was how much Glorfindel's kiss differed from Alexander's. More than
once, Alexander had crushed him close and taken his lips by storm. Glorfindel
was more subtle, his lips searching, exploring, and testing the waters. It was
a kiss that spoke of love, trust, and patience. He knew that Glorfindel would
wait for him to mourn Alexander's death and, once he was strong enough to take
the next step, Glorfindel would be there for him – still waiting.
Hephaistion panted softly when
Glorfindel released his lips. "I loved that."
"I love kissing
you." Glorfindel couldn't remember ever acting so sappy before, but this
caring, gentle approach seemed his best option where Hephaistion was concerned.
Hephaistion's soul hungered for a love which was caring. "What
would you like, Hephaistion?" Glorfindel had been watching
Hephaistion closely and had seen the first signs of returning insecurity in the
man's eyes. "Would you like for us to go to bed and sleep?" He added
that last word on purpose so Hephaistion would know what to expect. "Or
would you like for me to show you around the Last Homely House?" Seeing
Hephaistion's confused expression, he explained, "That is the name Elrond
gave his home."
Hephaistion blinked. He
still felt rather dazed from Glorfindel's kiss and felt an echo of his lover's
lips on his. "I am not tired yet," he answered eventually. "I
doubt I can go to sleep."
Glorfindel smiled and
traced Hephaistion's bottom lip with his thumb. "Then I will show you
around." Hopefully knowing his way around and knowing what to expect from
the Elves living there would soothe Hephaistion's mind and make him feel more
at home there.
~~~
Hephaistion found great
comfort in the fact that Glorfindel's fingers remained curled around his when
they entered the Hall of Fire. The Hall was rather deserted at the late hour
and only a few Elves had remained. One of them, sporting luscious white hair,
rose from the pillows he had been sitting on and advanced on them. Feeling
curious and optimistic, Hephaistion hoped this was another Elf he might be able
to befriend.
"Lindir? This is Hephaistion, my new love." Glorfindel
saw the surprise in Lindir's pale-blue eyes. He deduced the minstrel had
already heard rumors about Hephaistion, but actually meeting the man was
different. "Hephaistion, may I present Lindir to you? He is Elrond's chief
minstrel and a very talented musician." He figured that a bit of flattery
wouldn't hurt since he really wanted Lindir to like Hephaistion.
Hephaistion raised his
hand in greeting, while the fingers of his other hand tightened around
Glorfindel's. Making friends was important to him. He never wanted to be as
isolated again as he had been at Alexander's court. "I hope I will hear
you sing and play your music shortly."
Lindir inclined his head
in greeting and then lightly shook Hephaistion's hand. "I have heard
rumors about your arrival and I must admit to being curious. Do you really hail
from a different world?"
"Aye, he does,"
Glorfindel replied in Hephaistion's stead. "It was Vairë who brought him
here."
"I hope you will
share your songs and music with me," Lindir said. "I am always eager
to learn."
"I would love to
teach you our songs," Hephaistion answered, his expression glowing with
pride. Teaching Lindir would make him feel useful and wanted.
"I have to return to
my friends now, but I hope to see you again in the Hall of Fire soon."
Lindir bowed and smiled first at Hephaistion and then at Glorfindel. Turning
around, he walked back to where his fellow minstrels were seated.
"See? They like you.
There is no reason for you to feel insecure or unwelcome!" Glorfindel
rubbed Hephaistion's fingers and then pulled him back into the corridor.
"I want to show you the stables and my trusted horse, Asfaloth."
Hephaistion was more than
willing to follow and allowed Glorfindel to guide him down the corridor.
~~~
Elladan and Elrohir hadn't
thought anyone would visit the stables at such a late hour. They had been
readying their horses for a nightly ride and were surprised to see Glorfindel
and a dark-haired man entering the stables. The twins' eyes narrowed as they
took in the stranger's features, which were undeniably handsome, open, and
inviting. The eyes were hauntingly blue and carried a hopeful, but at the same
time sad expression. The auburn hair been braided away from the face and the
twins recognized the style it had been braided in – Glorfindel's. The robes the
stranger wore had obviously been made in Imladris and they remembered what
their father had told them when they had visited with him before dinner. Elrond
had informed them of Imladris' newest resident and their father had instructed
them to treat Hephaistion respectfully and in a friendly manner. But at the
moment they felt inquisitive and advanced on the man with curiosity in their
eyes.
"You must be
Hephaistion," Elladan commented, obviously taking the stranger aback as
Hephaistion whirled about to meet his inquiring gaze with a look full of
trepidation.
Glorfindel shook his head.
The twins lacked tact at times! "Hephaistion?
These are Elrond's sons. That is Elladan and that is Elrohir. They are twins,
as you can see. It took me years to tell them apart so do not feel guilty when
you mix them up."
Elrohir had come to a
standstill next to his brother to study the new arrival. Probing the blue eyes
which he thought were remarkably similar to Glorfindel's, he sensed no danger
from the stranger – only worry and insecurity. "My father already welcomed
you to Imladris. Now let me do the same, Hephaistion."
Hephaistion exchanged a
quick look with Glorfindel. But his new lover merely nodded his head
encouragingly and Hephaistion returned the gesture, inclining his head as well.
"Thank you, Elrohir. It means a lot to me that the inhabitants of Imladris
are willing to let me dwell among them. I hope that we can become friends – in
time."
Elrohir nodded his head.
"I have the feeling you will fit in perfectly, Hephaistion." He took
a step away from the man, caught sight of Glorfindel's thankful smile, and then
said, "Please excuse us now. We both feel restless and were going for a
ride."
Glorfindel pulled
Hephaistion close and slipped his arm in place around his lover's waist.
"Go ahead. I want to introduce Hephaistion to Asfaloth at any rate."
"I hope you will like
living in Imladris, Hephaistion," Elladan stated before turning away to
walk toward their horses.
"I think I
will," Hephaistion murmured while the twins mounted their horses. They
rode them without a saddle or a bit and Hephaistion's admiration grew as he
watched them easily steer their mounts out of the stables.
"Come with me,"
Glorfindel commanded and dragged Hephaistion into the back of the stable.
Hephaistion blinked and
tried to keep up with Glorfindel. In the end, they came to a halt in front of a
box which held a grey horse. The animal's eyes showed intelligence and
understanding and Hephaistion realized this wasn't an ordinary horse. This was
a horse that equaled Alexander's Bucephalus.
"Asfaloth, this is
Hephaistion." Glorfindel opened the box, slid his fingers into the mane,
and then whispered into the horse's ear which stood at full alert. "He is
very dear to me, Asfaloth, and I hope you will protect him the way you always
looked out for me."
Asfaloth's nostrils
trembled as he took in an experimental sniff of the stranger's scent. He stored
it away so he would recognize this man if he had to.
"He is a magnificent
animal," Hephaistion declared, complimenting Glorfindel and, in a way,
Asfaloth as well. "Alexander possessed a remarkable horse as well.
Bucephalus was all black and there was an amazing strength in him – he was
intelligent as well. We both cried the day he died."
Glorfindel gave
Hephaistion a rueful smile. "You know the worth of a good horse
then."
"I do. A good horse
can save your life in battle." Hephaistion slowly raised a hand and then
let it hover in mid-air, allowing Asfaloth to make the choice on if he wanted
more contact or not.
Asfaloth reacted by
pushing his nose against the hand in a playful way. If Glorfindel trusted this
stranger, he would do the same. The golden-haired Elf had never failed him
before.
"He likes you."
Glorfindel smiled, placed a teasing kiss on Asfaloth's brow, and then led the
stallion back into his box. After closing the door, he regained his hold of
Hephaistion's hand and pulled him close. Touching his lips to Hephaistion's, he
instigated another kiss – slow and sensual – to which Hephaistion instantly
responded. Their kiss deepened, their breaths came in short gasps, and
Glorfindel fingered a strand of Hephaistion's hair. "Do you wish to see
more of Imladris?"
"I do." The more
they kissed, the stronger his feelings for the golden-haired Elf became.
~~~
Glorfindel's frown
revealed his surprise. "Why is there still a lamp burning in Erestor's
study?" He doubted his friend had returned to his study at such a late
hour. "Hephaistion, do you mind if I check who is there?"
"I do not mind."
Hephaistion followed Glorfindel down the corridor and entered Erestor's study
after Glorfindel. His gaze was drawn toward a brown-haired Elf who sat behind
the desk, writing slowly and carefully.
"Melpomaen? What are you doing here at such late an
hour?" Glorfindel spoke softly, not wanting to disturb Melpomaen's
concentration and cause him to make mistakes in his writing.
Melpomaen looked up,
placed the quill aside, and rubbed his eyes tiredly. "Glorfindel?"
He hadn't expected anyone to visit Erestor's study at this hour. "Elrond
decided to invite King Thranduil to the festivities after all and, since there
is already a messenger waiting to carry the invitation to Mirkwood, I had to
write it now." He should have known better and should have written the
invitation when he'd had more time. Erestor had been determined to change
Elrond's mind on the matter and Melpomaen knew that Erestor usually got his
way.
Realizing Glorfindel
wasn't alone, Melpomaen added, "And greetings to you, stranger."
"This is
Hephaistion," Glorfindel introduced quickly. "You probably heard how
he arrived in Imladris?"
"I did. Elrond
mentioned Hephaistion and the circumstances which brought him to
Imladris." Melpomaen managed to smile in spite of his fatigue. "Did I
hear correctly that you are an Advisor?"
Hephaistion nodded once.
"At least, I used to be one." Imladris seemed well-organized and
Elrond and Erestor had everything under control. He doubted they needed him to
help them rule Imladris.
"It is a good thing
then that the Valar sent you to Imladris. We are buried in work, and no matter
how hard Elrond, Erestor, and I work, the paperwork never seems to go away."
Hephaistion smiled at
Melpomaen. Maybe he could make himself useful after all. "I will help
whatever way I can."
"Thank you."
Melpomaen picked up the quill again. "I do not want to appear rude, but I
really need to finish writing this invitation."
"Say no more… We
understand." Glorfindel gave Hephaistion a wink and they retreated into
the corridor. "We should let him work." He closed the door behind him
and took in Hephaistion's twinkling eyes. His plan had worked. Once Hephaistion
had been introduced to some of Imladris' residents and had found them friendly
and welcoming, his lover felt more at ease. "There is one more place I
want us to visit and then we will retire for the night."
"Where are we
going?" Hephaistion fell into step beside Glorfindel.
"I want to show you
the Bruinen."
~~~
They walked for half an
hour before reaching the river Bruinen. The water was calm and reflected
Ithil's silver rays of moonlight. Glorfindel guided Hephaistion over to a rock
which rose from the water and pulled his lover down with him.
Hephaistion felt entranced
and mesmerized as he looked at the peaceful river. He sat down in front of
Glorfindel and sighed blissfully when the golden-haired Elf wrapped his legs
around him. It was quiet out there. Only an owl disturbed the silence with its
call and occasionally a fish would jump from the water, causing small waves in
the river. "All my life I hoped I would experience a moment in time like
this." Hephaistion rested his upper body and head against Glorfindel's chest
and shoulder and smiled. "It is truly beautiful here."
Glorfindel placed a chaste
kiss on Hephaistion's hair. "And it is even more beautiful out here now
that you are here with me – in my arms. I thank the Valar for allowing us to be
together to share this moment. During these last twelve years, I came here
often, pretending you were in my arms and that I was finally holding you. Now
my dream has finally come true. I no longer have to pretend – you are really
here with me."
Hephaistion smiled brilliantly
at hearing Glorfindel's ecstatic tone. "Being in your
arms...being held by you...feels good, Glorfindel." He cocked his
head and turned it until he could look Glorfindel in the eye. "But you
have to be patient with me. I want this too, I told you that, but I need
time."
"I understand… I
really do, Hephaistion. You are taking the first steps on the road to your new
life and I will be with you each step of the way. You belong in Imladris now –
here, with me. You will make friends, find your place here, and you will be
happy."
Hephaistion sighed and
rested the back of his head against Glorfindel's shoulder. "Oh, I want
that. You have no idea how badly I want all that."
"I do,"
Glorfindel whispered into his lover's ear. "I do know how badly you want that."
He had seen the shell of the man which Hephaistion had become toward the end of
his life. He also saw the changes Hephaistion was currently going through.
Hephaistion was finding his place in life again and he was growing stronger.
There was no doubt in his mind that the Imladris' Elves would do their best to
befriend Hephaistion. Erestor, intelligent and cunning, had probably already
realized Hephaistion's worth and would doubtlessly make good use of
Hephaistion's talents. "I promise you," Glorfindel murmured into his
lover's ear. "I promise you, Hephaistion, that you will be happy
here."
Hephaistion nodded once.
He had taken his first steps toward acceptance and friendship that day and he
was determined to try hard to prove his worth to all the Elves living there.
This time, he would succeed where he had failed in his first life. This time,
he wanted to make as many friends as possible and blend in. He wanted to be
happy in his second life and he wanted Glorfindel to show him those aspects of
a loving relationship which had been lacking from his relationship with
Alexander.
Aye, things would be
different this time around.
The end
(TBC in time)