Title: The Greatest Secret of Them All

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: Bevyn and Brys find out who they really are and they continue to recover.

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.

The Greatest Secret of Them All

They gathered in Brys’ suite because the younger twin was still too weak to walk to Elrond’s study and simply didn’t want to be carried there. He would have felt embarrassed if Elrohir had done so, and so Elrohir had asked Erestor, Elrond, and Glorfindel to come there.

A raven-haired Elf had entered as well, one that Elrohir didn’t know and found himself eyeing the newcomer curiously. He could tell by looking at the stranger that he was built like a warrior and that he was close to Erestor, since the two Elves often made physical contact. “Adar, who is that?” he asked Elrond after Elladan had joined his side. His twin carried an equally curious expression on his face.

“It is a long story, my sons, but that is Maglor, son of Fëanor. The Valar returned him to us or, to be exact, Lórien did.”

Maglor had heard Elrond say his name and his sea-green eyes fastened on the three half-Elves. Realizing Elrond had just introduced him to the twins, he inclined his head in greeting.

“Maglor?” Elladan swallowed hard. “But is he not…”

“A Kinslayer?” Erestor finished, becoming involved as well. “Aye, he was, but always against his will. Eru himself judged him anew and granted him this second chance.” In order to make it very clear that he would defend Maglor, he rested a hand against the small of the warrior’s back.

“This is all very fascinating, but it is not the reason why we are here.” Elrohir rubbed his brow and tried to find a way to return to their original subject matter. He found common ground in Lórien’s actions. “The Vala of Dreams is involved in their lives as well.”

Brys squeezed his twin’s hand because he needed the support and comfort and Bevyn squeezed back. Brys’ attention wasn’t completely with Elrohir while the half-Elf shared their history with the other Elves. Brys was staring at the Elves whom he didn’t know yet. He had seen Elrond and Erestor before when the two Elves had welcomed them to Imladris, and he wanted to learn more about them. And then there was Maglor of course. He didn’t know the name or the reputation attached to it, but he could tell the Elf was a force to be reckoned with. His gaze shifted from Maglor to Glorfindel, who had sat down on a chair that he had first pulled closer to the bed. The blond warrior occasionally flinched and Brys recalled that Glorfindel had been injured a few days ago. The injury must still hamper him and Brys felt a deep sympathy for Glorfindel since he was still mending himself.

Glorfindel felt Brys’ eyes on him and smiled at the twin. Elrond had told him about the twins that Elladan and Elrohir had brought home and, just like his friends, Glorfindel felt deeply for them because of the cruel fate they had suffered. If they decided to stay in Imladris, he would extend his protection to them and make an effort to befriend them for they looked like they needed more friends. “In what way is Lórien involved?” Glorfindel asked when no one else did.

“He acted as our caretaker when we were little,” Bevyn explained, needing to tell some of their story himself. “When we were Elflings,” he added after exchanging a look with Elladan.

“Elflings?” Elrond’s eyebrow rose higher. “Elflings?”

“Aye, Adar...Elflings.” Elladan looked to Bevyn for permission to continue and, after a nod, he did. “You see, Brys and Bevyn were with their ‘master’ for fifty-two years, but they do not look a day older than twenty. That was my first clue. Then I examined their ears and they are pointy like mine.”

“Fifty-two years?” Glorfindel swallowed hard. That must have seemed like a lifetime to the two youngsters.

“Yes,” Brys responded, surprising himself and everyone else by answering Glorfindel’s question. “But before that, we were with Lórien for four or five years. At least, that’s what I think. I don’t know for certain how long we were in his care.”

“Maybe I can answer some questions?”

All eyes focused on the form that took shape in the corner of the room. Lórien had decided to stop playing games. Bevyn and Brys deserved to know the truth.

Brys trembled as he looked at the familiar face. They had called Lórien Adar at a time, but in their hearts they had always known they weren’t related. “You’re back.”

Maglor didn’t know what to make of the situation and neither did Glorfindel. The two warriors didn’t really know Bevyn and Brys and decided to stay in the background. Elrond and his sons had everything under control at any rate.

“I hope you can and will answer some questions,” Erestor said as Elrond and the twins remained quiet. They were probably stunned by the Vala’s unexpected appearance, but he had become quite used to dealing with Lórien during the last few weeks.

“You want to know about Bevyn and Brys.” Lórien studied Brys for a while and regretted once more having lost track of them in the past. “I failed as their caretaker. I thought I could leave them alone for a while to confer with my fellow Valar, but when I returned the two of them were gone. They had been taking by a group of traveling folk, but I did not know that. I searched a long time for them, but I could not find them.”

“Why were you their caregiver in the first place?” Elrond asked curiously.

Brys and Bevyn were holding hands and when Brys shivered violently, Bevyn pulled his twin close against him. “We will finally find out what had happened,” Bevyn said. He wanted to know why this had happened to them, contrary to Brys, who just wanted everyone to go away so he could curl up and go to sleep.

“I was their caregiver because their father never knew they existed. Bevyn and Brys’ mother died during childbirth and, since their father was unavailable, I took it upon myself to look after them for they were too valuable to let die.” Lórien moved closer to the bed and seated himself on the side. He smiled at Bevyn and gently squeezed Brys’ knee. “You were adorable little Elflings. I shall never have offspring of my own for the Valar do not have children, but I adopted you the moment I first saw you. Bevyn, you always were the prankster. You were full of life and I had to chase after you most of the time. And you, Brys, you were such a delightful child. You always wanted to know why the plants grew, why the sky was blue, why the birds had wings. I enjoyed teaching you bits and pieces. If only I had not lost track of you! I blame myself for that!”

Bevyn and Brys’ eyes had filled with tears as they remembered that happy time, but there was still a question they needed answered and, in the end, Bevyn asked Lórien, “Who am I? Who are we?”

Lórien brushed Bevyn’s fair hair away from his face. “You were born fifty-seven years ago at the borders of the Golden Wood.” Would that fact spark someone’s memory? Lórien hoped so.

A choked moan tumbled from Glorfindel’s lips as he heard that. “How many years did you say? Where?” No, that couldn’t be! He grew pale and his hands shook as he counted back the years since his last trip to the Golden Wood.

“Glorfindel?” Alarmed, Elrond hurried over to his lover’s side and seated himself next to the blond on the couch. “What is amiss?” Glorfindel didn’t look well. He looked pale and haunted.

Lórien rose from the bed and advanced on Glorfindel. He lowered himself onto his heels and caught Glorfindel’s gaze. “You remember, do you not? Why do you not tell us what happened fifty-seven years ago?”

“If you know who we are, please tell us!” Bevyn begged, hoping Glorfindel would share whatever information the warrior possessed. At the same time, he squeezed Brys’ good hand and the two of them stared at Glorfindel in hope.

“I visited the Golden Wood fifty-eight years ago. Elrond sent me there on a mission.”

Elrond nodded his head. “I remember. Celeborn wanted your opinion on how to organize the patrols.”

Glorfindel drew in a deep breath and gave his lover a pleading look. “While I was there, I met a lovely she-Elf and we courted.” Did they realize where he was headed? He forced himself to look at Bevyn and Brys and realized they had no clue – yet. “We courted and I asked her to bind with me. It was love at first sight. She was a lovely vision of gold and silver.” He looked up at Elrond and wondered how his lover would react to learning this, but so far, the half-Elf remained calm. “We were very much in love and did not wait for the ceremony in order to express ourselves physically. We made love.” Glorfindel cringed and his hands trembled. He gave Elrond a grateful look when his lover took them into his. “Then word reached me that I was to return to Imladris at once. Orcs had been sighted and Elrond needed me back home.”

Elrond nodded. “I remember now…” Glorfindel had been sad when he had returned to the Last Homely House and Elrond had wondered about that.

Elrohir and Elladan looked at each other. They had a suspicion where Glorfindel was taking this and felt flabbergasted.

“I asked her to come to Imladris with me, but she refused. She was with child and did not want to take to the road in her condition. I did not pressure her and we agreed that she would join me after she had given birth.” Glorfindel forced himself to remain in eye-contact with Bevyn and Brys, who were growing pale as well. They finally understood what was about to come. “But she never did. About a year later, I received word that she had died. There never was any word about her child and I had assumed it had died with her.” Once he had bared his soul for them, he bowed his head and shook it. “I did not know she had born me twins! If I had known I would have come for you!”

Lórien rested a soothing hand on Glorfindel’s head, which was still bowed and said, “She had grown impatient and had decided to join you after all. She had taken a meager escort with her and went to travel to Imladris, but they were attacked by Orcs. She had escaped, but the stress had brought on premature labor. She had given birth in the forest and had died shortly after she had delivered Bevyn and Brys.”

“Lórien, how did you become involved?” It was just one of many questions that spun in Erestor’s head.

“I see many things,” the Vala answered as he rose from the floor, but he continued to pat Glorfindel’s bowed head gently. “I have always been interested in Glorfindel’s actions and that did not change once he had returned to Middle-Earth. The children were too valuable to let die so I took them under my wing.”

“I don’t understand,” Brys said shakily. “If our mother was a she-Elf and Glorfindel is our…” He couldn’t speak the word for he didn’t know if Glorfindel wanted such tainted sons. “Then what are we?”

“You, my children, are fully Elven and possess a heritage any Elf would be proud of,” Lórien said and made his way over to the bed again.

Glorfindel slowly raised his head. He looked miserable and was feeling guilty and ashamed for failing his sons in the past. He looked at them and saw the pain in Brys’ eyes, yet didn’t know what to make of the expression in Bevyn’s eyes.

“But we don’t look like them,” Brys pointed out. “I’m weak and they’re strong!”

Lórien patted Brys’ fair hair and shook his head. “Any other Elf, or Man for that matter, would have long succumbed to the torture you two have been submitted too – you especially Brys. But your Elven blood gave you the strength to endure. You survived where others would not have.”

Brys still wasn’t convinced. “But we aren’t like them! Like Elrohir, or…or Glorfindel for that matter!”

“You are,” the Vala answered soothingly. “But you suffered through many horrible things. Things no Elven or Man child should have to suffer and it held you back in your development. Had I not failed you in the past, you would have become capable warriors, ready to take your place at your father’s side.”

“Why did you not tell me they had survived?” Glorfindel’s voice boomed throughout the room and made Brys and Bevyn flinch. Glorfindel saw the reaction raising his voice had on his sons and felt even guiltier. That had not been his intention!

“I must admit to not being infallible,” Lórien replied. “I found great pleasure in raising Bevyn and Brys. I was happy and the passing of five years is nothing to me. It is like a simple breath. I forgot to tell you.” Lórien gave Glorfindel a look that told him that he hoped the warrior might forgive him one day, but he didn’t expect for that to happen just yet. “I am to blame for that.”

Bevyn and Brys’ heads reeled. They had learned so much about their past and who they were that they didn’t know how to calm down. Suddenly, they had a father and they weren’t certain Glorfindel even wanted them. “If you don’t want us,” Brys said as he let his tears glide down his face. “Then we will understand.”

Glorfindel wanted to scream out in frustration, but he didn’t. That would only scare them further and he didn’t want that. He looked at Elrond and freed his hands, then headed for the bed after Elrond had nodded his head. Elrond gestured to his sons and Erestor and Maglor to leave the room. This was something between Glorfindel and the twins.

Once all of the other Elves had exited the room, Lórien moved to the back. He didn’t want to leave yet. First he needed to know if Glorfindel could handle the situation and, if necessary, he would come to the twins’ defense. He hoped for the twins’ sake that Glorfindel would live up to his reputation.

Glorfindel seated himself on the bed and looked at them. “You have your mother’s eyes,” he commented in the hope to start their conversation off on common ground. “You also have some of her features. She was a lovely lady. You would have liked her very much.” After that, he grew silent, hoping they would meet him halfway.

Brys however was much too shocked to say anything and so it was up to Bevyn to reply. “We do not know what she looked like…”

“Her hair was silver and her eyes green. We were only together for a short while, but I loved her dearly.” Nervously, the Captain moved his hand forward in the hope one of them would place their hand within. “I never knew she gave birth to you.”

Bevyn decided to be brave and took the first step. He placed his hand on top of Glorfindel’s and his eyes widened at the feel of warm flesh beneath his fingers. Glorfindel was real – their father was real! “We never knew you existed either.”

The words made Lórien cringe. He had made too many mistakes!

“You have my golden hair,” Glorfindel pointed out in the hope to make them smile a little. Bevyn seemed accepting of their situation, but Brys’ reaction worried him for there was none. The younger twin simply continued to stare at him.

Bevyn blushed and didn’t know what to say. How could such a splendid Elf like Glorfindel compare himself with them? They were worlds apart!

“Do you want to be our father?” Brys suddenly blurted out. “Do you want us as your sons? I will understand if you don’t want us. You probably know what happened to us…to me.” Ashamed, Brys lowered his gaze and hid his hands beneath the blanket. He didn’t want to touch Glorfindel for he was sure he would taint the warrior with his touch.

Glorfindel flinched. The despair that tainted Brys’ voice told him just how deeply hurt his son was. “I know what happened to you – the horrors you suffered.” He had wanted to tell them that it didn’t matter to him, that he would accept and love them regardless of their past and just for who they were now. But then Brys seemed to faint against Bevyn and, compelled by worry and sympathy, Glorfindel reached for his youngest son. “Brys?”

Bevyn felt conflicted. So far, Glorfindel hadn’t told them that he wanted them, but at the same time he saw concern on the warrior’s face. It was time to take a risk and he placed Brys in Glorfindel’s arms.

Glorfindel gave Bevyn a grateful look and embraced Brys gently. “I want to be your father for the rest of your lives. That is, if you will let me.” He rocked Brys and mumbled soothing words into his son’s ear. “You are my sons… I could never turn my back on you.”

Brys fell apart at hearing those words. “You…want…us?” he whispered in-between sobs.

“Of course I do!” Glorfindel extended his arm and pulled Bevyn into the embrace as well. He hugged them both and cried with them.

Standing in the corner, Lórien wiped away a tear as well. His work there was done. He had reunited this family and could return to his brothers and sisters.

~~~

“I can not believe what Lórien told us just now.” Elrohir blinked in disbelief and looked to his father for emotional support.

Elrond reacted at once and sat down next to his youngest son. “This is most unexpected,” Elrond agreed with his son. “I never knew Glorfindel had fallen in love during his stay in the Golden Wood.” And neither had he known the she-Elf had been with child when Glorfindel had left. His heart wept for his lover and the loss Glorfindel had suffered.

“Glorfindel is their father…” Elladan shook his head. “I never expected to hear such a thing.”

Erestor remained calm and logical. He had mentally reviewed everything he knew and shrugged his shoulders in the end. “It was tragic that Orcs attacked her escort and that she died after giving birth to them. And then Lórien made the mistake not to tell Glorfindel.” Maglor agreed with his lover, but he also knew that the Vala had his own reasons for doing things a certain way. He remained quiet though since everyone was already upset.

/I am in love with Glorfindel’s son,/ Elrohir admitted to himself. He had tried not to let the truth that he had fallen for Brys come to light, but now he had to confront his feelings and he knew that Elladan had to do the same. They had never allowed those feelings in, but they had been there for a while, lurking beneath the surface. But then Elrohir realized something. It didn’t matter that Brys was Glorfindel’s son. Brys was Brys and that was all that mattered and with that realization came acceptance and peace.

~~~

Brys shook in the embrace and it didn’t matter that Bevyn *and* Glorfindel were trying to reassure him. There was just so much he could take and he had already endured his limit!

“You should rest now,” Glorfindel said and, with Bevyn’s help, he lowered Brys back onto the mattress. “I will stay for a little while and watch over you until you are asleep.”

“Elrohir should look after him,” Bevyn said. “Elrohir has been taking care of Brys, you know.”

Glorfindel, adept enough to read between the lines, nodded his head. “Will you fetch Elrohir then?” Bevyn rose from the bed and left the room. That gave Glorfindel a chance to speak with his youngest son in private. “Brys? I know this is a shock for you because it is also a shock for me.” Brys hesitantly made eye contact with him and Glorfindel drew in a deep breath. “I want to be the best father I can be, especially to you because you suffered the most.”

Brys swallowed convulsively and wished the floor would open up and swallow him. “I didn’t have a choice,” he mumbled, beginning to defend himself.

“Nay,” Glorfindel interrupted before Brys could start blaming himself. “Nay, you did not have a choice and I know that. I do not blame you for what happened and neither should you. I will try to help you as best as I can.” Glorfindel leaned in closer and kissed his son’s brow. “Never be afraid to reach out to me and touch me,” he added as he saw how hard his son was fighting his urges.

Brys stared at his father with big eyes. “You’re my father and you want me?” He had to make certain he had it right.

“Aye, I am your father and I want you.” Glorfindel carefully lifted Brys until he could bestow another embrace on his hurting son. “And we will fight your nightmares together. You have Bevyn, Elrohir, and now you have me.”

The words finally registered with Brys and he smiled weakly into Glorfindel’s golden hair.

“Ah, I was worried, but I see that I had no reason to feel concerned.” Elrohir entered the room alone. Bevyn had asked him to join Brys and Glorfindel before the twin had then sought out Elladan’s comfort. It warmed Elrohir’s heart to see Glorfindel so tender and loving with Brys. He walked until he stood behind Glorfindel and watched the two of them. Glorfindel was right: there was a family resemblance and the golden hair.

Glorfindel continued to embrace his son, but also looked up at Elrohir and smiled at him. Together, they would help Brys heal.

TBC

Part 2

“I have two sons,” Glorfindel mumbled and sought out his lover’s eyes. Elrond and he had retired to the half-Elf’s rooms and Glorfindel had collapsed onto the bed. Not because his injury was still hampering him, but because he felt stunned. “I have two sons…” Elrond seated himself next to Glorfindel and waited for his lover to continue. “I knew she had died and I had assumed our child had died with her. I made a terrible mistake.”

Elrond folded an arm around Glorfindel and held his lover loosely. “You did not know what happened that day in the forest and Lórien did not tell you. He should have told you though.” Elrond tried to find the right words to comfort Glorfindel, but the half-Elf found it hard to put his feelings into words. “Bevyn and Brys suffered horribly in the past. They need you and Brys needs you the most. They are stronger than they appear. I believe that Brys will recover if he is nurtured properly. Glorfindel, I *know* you will be a good father to them.”

Glorfindel smiled weakly. “I learned a lot from watching Celebrían and you. Do you really think I can be the father they deserve?”

“You might not have much of a choice, my love. They need you.”

“And I will not disappoint them,” Glorfindel vowed.

~~~

Elladan and Bevyn returned to the half-Elf’s room and sat down in front of the blazing fireplace. Bevyn was silent and thoughtful and Elladan didn’t want to interrupt the other Elf’s train of thought. By the Grace of the Valar, Bevyn was an Elf, a full Elf and Glorfindel’s offspring. Elladan had accepted that truth, but it still took him some time to come to terms with Bevyn’s changed status.

After thinking everything over, Bevyn rested his head against Elladan’s shoulder and pulled the half-Elf close. Elladan’s heart missed a beat since it was the first time that Bevyn was taking the initiative to hold him. “What are you thinking of?” Elladan asked eventually.

“I’m trying to accept that I have a father…that I’m an Elf and that I finally know who I am. It is a bit too much to deal with.” Bevyn sighed and curled a strand of Elladan’s hair around his middle finger. He wasn’t really conscious of what he was doing. It just seemed natural to have Elladan close. “Glorfindel seems nice.”

Elladan twined their fingers and nodded once. “He is friendly, easy to like, and well-loved in Imladris. He is a great warrior and was my tutor for a long time. I love him like a family member.”

Bevyn raised his gaze and locked eyes with Elladan. “I like you too,” he admitted in a choked voice. He hadn’t known he was going to speak until that very moment. He grew nervous after he revealed his feelings for Elladan.

“And I like you,” Elladan replied with a smile. He grew quiet then as he was lost for words and instead of reassuring Bevyn verbally, he hugged the blond Elf closer and placed a kiss onto the crown of Bevyn’s hair.

~~~

Brys rested against Elrohir, who had snuggled up to him in bed. Brys didn’t question why he so easily accepted Elrohir’s closeness, he just did. He felt strangely numb and didn’t know what to make of his feelings. He needed to talk to Elrohir about his feelings, but he didn’t know how to start.

“You gained a father today,” Elrohir murmured as he sensed Brys’ need to discuss the matter and wanted to give the younger Elf a chance to react. “Glorfindel will be a good father.”

Brys shrugged. “He says he wants us, but I don’t believe him.” Brys moistened his lips and cringed. “How can he still want me after everything that happened to me?”

Elrohir stroked the long, fair hair which was so clearly Glorfindel’s legacy. “Glorfindel loves you and, although your past can never be erased, you can stop letting it have such an influence on you. You have a choice, Brys. You can either continue to feel sorry for yourself or you embrace this new chance and let us help heal you.”

“You didn’t experience the pain – the humiliation! It’s easy for you to say that I should forget what they did to me!” Brys started to inch away from Elrohir and the half-Elf allowed it. “You don’t know how I cried myself to sleep, always hoping that someone would come to the rescue and take us away from that awful man! You don’t know how much I…how much I hate myself for being weak! I’m not as strong as Bevyn! Glorfindel deserves a son like Bevyn and not someone like me!” Ranting exhausted Brys after a bit.

“Brys, life was not fair to you that much is true and I am not saying you need to forget those things and simply move on. I know that is not possible, but you can let us in – Glorfindel, Bevyn, and I. We can help you heal.”

“Why? Why try?” Brys clawed at the sheet and refused to look at Elrohir, who lay behind him, out of his sight.

“Because…” Elrohir paused to search for the right words. It was important he found the right ones! “Bevyn is your twin and a part of your soul. Glorfindel is your father and cares greatly about you and you should let me in because…because I am in love with you.” Elrohir winced and wished Brys would turn around so he could see the expression in the blond Elf’s eyes. He would read his answer there.

Brys blinked. “Did you say…did you really say…?”

“That I am in love with you? Aye, that is what I said,” Elrohir replied softly. “Will you turn around so I can look at you? I do not want to talk to your back. Or are you going to lock me out too?”

Brys didn’t want to hurt Elrohir’s feelings unnecessarily, especially since the half-Elf had done so much for him the last few weeks. Carefully, he turned onto his other side and peeked at Elrohir’s eyes, which shimmered with affection. “You can’t love me.”

Elrohir counted to ten as he fought for control. “You can not command my feelings, Brys. My feelings are my own and when I say I love you then it is the truth.”

Brys blushed weakly. “You know my past. I just don’t understand why someone as perfect as you would want something as tainted as me.”

Elrohir draped an arm around Brys’ waist and then pulled him close. “Give me this chance, Brys. Give *us* the chance. I want to prove my feelings for you. Have I not constantly been at your side? Did I not support you? I believe that you can heal and that you can become the Elf you are supposed to be. Or are you afraid to heal? To become whole and have a dedicated lover at your side? You do not have to be afraid.”

“I’m scared,” Brys admitted and closed his eyes. “I’m so scared. Glorfindel, Elladan, and you are all so perfect. I can never be like that!”

“You should be yourself, Brys. Do not worry about being ‘perfect’. I am not perfect either. Please do not lock me out.” Elrohir caressed Brys’ face and was touched to see that the blond Elf leaned into the touch. “Does that mean you accept my love for you?”

“I don’t have much of a choice, do I?” Brys smiled warmly at Elrohir. “You are *so* determined to see me heal that I’m beginning to believe that I *can* heal.”

“You can heal – and you will,” Elrohir stated and stared deeply into Brys’ eyes. “A new life has started for you… and for me.”

~~~

“May I come inside?” Glorfindel stood in the door opening and gave his youngest son a hopeful look. He gifted Elrohir with a grateful look – the half-Elf was living up to his reputation of being a gifted healer. Brys was growing stronger.

“Always,” Brys whispered nervously.

“I will return later,” Elrohir said. He wanted father and son to have some privacy.

“Elrohir, would you be so kind to visit with Bevyn and ask him if he wants to join me for a walk later today?” Glorfindel wanted to divide his time honestly between his sons. He had the feeling that Brys needed a different kind of attention than Bevyn.

“I will talk to him.” Elrohir gave Brys another smile and then left the room.

Glorfindel approached the bed and pulled up a chair. After he seated himself, he offered Brys his hand, in case his son wanted to make physical contact. To his delight, Brys curled his fingers around his limb and held on tightly. “You look better today.”

“I feel better…because of something Elrohir said,” Brys admitted hesitantly. “He told me he’s in love with me. I still can’t believe the things that have happened lately.”

Glorfindel wasn’t surprised to hear that Elrohir had fallen in love with Brys. “And did you fall in love with Elrohir in turn?” *That* was the important question as far as he was concerned.

“Yes, I think so.” Brys blushed and shifted nervously on the mattress. “He’s determined to help me heal.”

“I will be there for you too,” Glorfindel promised and gently rubbed the knuckles of Brys’ good hand. “Although, you must know that I do not have any experience in parenting. I will do my best though.”

“Elrohir says that you are a great warrior and respected by many. I don’t know a thing about you…” Brys wanted to learn more about the magnificent Elf who had turned out to be his father. “Will you tell me?”

Glorfindel nodded his head once. “I will tell you all there is to know about me and my past.”

~~~

Bevyn stood in the courtyard and waited for Glorfindel to join him. He had been thrilled and nervous at the same time to spend time with his father in private. It had also pleased him to hear that Glorfindel had spent most of his afternoon with Brys.

Glorfindel pulled his cloak tighter around his frame and took a moment to study his firstborn, who stood with his head held high. The green eyes were lucid and Glorfindel sensed the strength inside his son. He stepped out of the shadows and revealed himself to Bevyn. “Good afternoon, my son.”

Bevyn blushed at being called that and smiled at his father. “How does Brys fare? Elrohir told me that you talked to him.”

Glorfindel gestured for Bevyn to fall into step beside him. Their fair hair escaped the confines of their hoods and danced in the wind. “Brys is still hurting and that will continue for a time, but together, we can help him heal.”

Bevyn bowed his head. “I should have found a way to keep him safe, but I never had a chance. I knew things would grow even worse when that man loved to hear Brys scream.” He peeked at Glorfindel, who had gone pale. “He used his fists at first and later, he used a chain to hit him. That was before…before he sold Brys off to other men.”

Glorfindel swallowed hard, feeling horrified by what he had just heard. “And that lasted for fifty-two years.” He was beginning to understand why Brys was the way he was. “Brys believes he is weak and tainted.”

Bevyn nodded. “He always felt like that. It started after the first time they…they raped…him.” It was hard to discuss this with Glorfindel, their father. “He locked me out. I tried to comfort him, but he just wouldn’t let me in.” He felt protective of his younger brother and one look at Glorfindel showed him that their father felt the same way. Bevyn wanted to change their topic for now. He had some questions of his own. “Can you tell me something more about my mother? What was her name? What was she like?”

Glorfindel remembered the she-Elf in detail. “Her name was Sadoriel, Bevyn. She was beautiful and kind and that kindness touched my heart. Her eyes were green like the leaves of the forest and her lips were always curled in a warm smile.”

“I wish she had survived,” Bevyn mumbled and came to a halt. He felt adrift on his emotions, but then Glorfindel wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close. Bevyn leaned against his father and soaked up the warmth and attention.

Glorfindel mumbled, “So do I, Bevyn. So do I, but she died and we lost her forever. We need to focus on what is left. In other words, Brys, you, and I are a family now.” Glorfindel’s words brought tears to Bevyn’s eyes and the twin who had always been the strong one finally let go and wept at last.

~~~

That evening, Glorfindel had dinner with his sons. He had invited Elladan and Elrohir as well, but the half-Elves had sensed Glorfindel’s desire to be alone with his sons and had thoughtfully declined. They would have dinner with their father, Erestor, and Maglor.

Brys finally felt strong enough to leave the bed and had walked over to the table on his own. He felt proud because he hadn’t needed anyone to support him. Elrohir had a healing and soothing influence on him and the affection and trust that Glorfindel bestowed on him also had its effect.

“Glorfindel told me about our mother,” Bevyn told his twin. “Her name was Sadoriel and she was a very kind she-Elf.”

“You take after her the most, Brys,” Glorfindel added. “I see her kindness in your eyes.” Brys had taken after her in many ways while Bevyn had inherited some of his character traits. “I love seeing them in you,” he offered in addition for he wanted Brys to know he approved of that.

Brys didn’t know how to act since he was the center of attention. It was like waves of affection rolled off of Glorfindel and Bevyn and wrapped him up in their warmth. “We are going to live here then?” Brys asked his father.

“Of course! I will not be parted from you again!” Glorfindel rested his hand on top of Brys’ and squeezed his son’s fingers. “You are a part of my life now!”

Brys and Bevyn exchanged looks happily. They had finally found their home.

~~~

“How does Glorfindel cope with having two adult sons all of a sudden?” Erestor asked curiously. Maglor and he had stayed in the background the last few days when they had realized only too well that this was a family affair.

Elrond placed his fork aside and considered Erestor’s question carefully. “He is overjoyed at having two sons, but at the same time, he also realizes he faces a great challenge. I do not need to tell you,” he said and looked pointedly at Elrohir, “just how deep Brys’ emotional scars run. It will take Brys more time to heal than his brother. He must overcome certain traumatizing events in his past.”

“I know that,” Elrohir replied and nodded. “And I will be careful.”

Elladan suddenly lost his appetite and fixed his father with a thoughtful look. “There is something I need to tell you and I believe Elrohir has a similar confession to make.” Elrond raised an eyebrow, but Elladan continued at any rate. “I want your permission to court Bevyn.”

Elrond’s eyebrow inched higher still. “You and Bevyn?”

“And I ask for permission to court Brys, once he is ready to take that step that is. For now, I will be his friend, because he is not yet ready to commit himself to more.”

Elrond became pensive as he thought their requests over. “Elladan, I believe that Bevyn and you might be well-matched, so I give you my blessing. Elrohir, you are right. It is much too early to even think about courting Brys. Before he can take that step, he will need time and your support – your friendship. I also think the two of you need to tell Glorfindel.”

“Glorfindel already knows,” Elladan replied. “Bevyn told him about the attraction…and Glorfindel is intelligent, Ada. He will have realized by now that Elrohir and Brys are developing feelings for each other.”

Elrond smiled secretively. Why wasn’t he surprised that Glorfindel’s sons and his would end up being lovers?

~~~

Four weeks later, Brys was racing his brother down the corridor. During the last four weeks, he had healed, although some emotional scars still remained. His body had healed and that was his first step to recovery.

Bevyn slowed down and let Brys win their little race. He couldn’t remember the last time he had seen his twin so carefree and energetic. Brys’ whole face lit up with merriment and the fair hair danced wildly against the lower back. He hoped that Brys hadn’t noticed he had let him win.

But Glorfindel had and he felt grateful that he had such sons. The two of them had quickly become a great source of pleasure for him and he loved watching them act like Elflings again. Theoretically speaking they had reached their majority, but it was obvious they needed to make up for their lost childhood years.

“Be careful where you are going,” Elrohir teased, delighted to find Brys in his arms all of a sudden. The younger Elf had run toward him and then flung his arms around him. “Although I must admit that your aim is excellent. You caught me.” Brys blushed and Elrohir grinned.

Elladan walked up to Bevyn and placed a kiss onto the other Elf’s lips. So far they had done little besides kissing and he was comfortable with that. He didn’t want to rush Bevyn at all. Bevyn had also received his share of emotional scars, though his were more subtle than Brys’. Bevyn had been unable to stop Brys from being hurt and had his own guilt to bear. He just didn’t show it that easily.

“I won!” Brys smiled at Glorfindel. “I won!” He had never won a race before! Glorfindel opened his arms and Brys gave Elrohir an apologetic look. The half-Elf let Brys go and watched how Glorfindel caught his son in his arms and congratulated him. It was good to see Brys so happy.

~~~

“Brys is recovering nicely,” Elrond commented after the dinner which Glorfindel and he had shared with their sons. “Bevyn is also blooming under the attention he is receiving from Elladan and you. You are doing an excellent job, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel swirled the wine in his glass and stared thoughtfully at the ruby liquid. “You never talked to me about Sardoniel. How do you feel about the fact that I wanted to marry her?” The question had been on his mind for a while now.

Elrond poured himself some wine and walked over to the window so he could look out towards the valley. Winter had finally come and the green of the grass had become the white of snow. “It is in the past, Glorfindel. Do you expect me to feel jealous of the dead?”

Glorfindel placed his glass aside and joined Elrond at the window. He placed his hands on the half-Elf’s waist and joined Elrond in staring at the white landscape. “You accepted my sons so easily. Were you not shocked? I was.”

Elrond leaned against Glorfindel and smiled. “I was happy for you. I know the joy children bring.”

“I still worry about Brys though,” Glorfindel admitted with a sigh.

“Give him time, Glorfindel. Trust me, time heals many wounds.” In time, he would heal too. Celebrían’s departure had hurt him deeply, but he was recovering and he believed that the same would happen to Bevyn and eventually Brys.

~~~

“Elladan? Can I talk to you about something personal?” Bevyn seated himself on the rug next to Elladan, who was leafing through some books.

Elladan looked up and nodded. “Always, Bevyn.”

Bevyn felt nervous and fidgeted with the fabric of his sleeve. “Maybe it would be better to show you,” he mumbled, distracted. Elladan gave him an encouraging look and Bevyn inched closer. He slid his hands into Elladan’s dark hair and touched his lips to the half-Elf’s.

Elladan smiled into the kiss and established a loose embrace on Bevyn. He didn’t try to take the lead or pressure Bevyn into something more. He just enjoyed being kissed. Unexpectedly, Bevyn pushed him onto the rug and Elladan went down willingly, making himself comfortable on his back. Bevyn followed and they continued kissing, but then something changed. Elladan gasped when Bevyn’s fingers slid beneath his shirt to caress him. He should ask Bevyn if he was certain he wanted to take this to the next level, but he didn’t. Bevyn was in control and would only go as far as he wanted.

“I want to touch you,” Bevyn whispered. “And I want you to touch me, but I have never done this before.” He remembered how devastated Brys had been after a ‘client’ had had his way with him. “But I can’t go all the way yet.”

“You do not have to.” Elladan guided Bevyn’s lips back to his and started to unbutton his lover’s shirt. There were many ways to give each other pleasure without having to go all the way and he planned on introducing them to Bevyn. He rolled his love onto his side so that they lay facing each other before pushing Bevyn’s shirt aside. Bevyn had grown more muscular the last few weeks due to the increase in exercise and the regular meals he was eating. Looking closely, Elladan could see the future warrior in Bevyn for if Bevyn took only a bit after Glorfindel than he would grow into a respected warrior. “You can trust me,” he whispered sensually.

Bevyn had unbuttoned Elladan’s shirt in turn and was enjoying running his fingers down his lover’s chest and flat abdomen. “I want more,” he admitted in a choked voice for he was still nervous.

Elladan reached for the waistband and slowly pushed the fabric down until Bevyn’s erection was freed. The expression in the green eyes told him that talking was the last thing on Bevyn’s mind and Elladan curled his fingers around the hardening flesh. He stroked slowly but firmly and paced each stroke with a kiss delivered to Bevyn’s lips. It was obvious that Bevyn wouldn’t last long. The younger Elf was inexperienced and eager to reach his climax. Elladan gave him what he needed and brought his new lover to orgasm.

Bevyn closed his eyes and clung to Elladan during the moment of his release. He had been scared to start this, but had trusted Elladan to know how far to go and the half-Elf hadn’t disappointed him. Elladan had given him exactly what he had needed.

Elladan loved seeing the expression which now lay on Bevyn’s face. A moment ago, the face had been tense with impending release and now it was relaxed with satiation. He quickly freed himself of his confining leggings and brought himself to orgasm with a few firm strokes.

Bevyn was so lost in his pleasure that he never noticed Elladan touching himself in that way. “Oh…” he moaned and opened his eyes again to look at his new lover. “I didn’t know it would be like that!”

Elladan gave his lover a wink. “There is more… But that can wait until you are ready for more.”

Bevyn smiled brilliantly. It wouldn’t be long before he would be ready to take the next step and make love to his lover. He only hoped that Brys would be able to accept Elrohir’s loving touch one day as well.

TBC in the last installment “Brys”