Title & Chapter Number: Good Relations 13/16
Author(s): & - Author's Index
Fandom: Tolkien
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: We do not own these characters; they are the property of JRR Tolkien and his estate. We are not making money off this story; it was written for the pure pleasure of it.
Warnings: Slight angst, graphic homoerotic (slash) content, incest.
Betas: Alex
Cast: Haldir/Glorfindel, Elladan/Elrohir, Legolas/Elrohir, Thranduil/Elladan
Timeline: TA AU
Spoilers: None
Summary: The sequel to "Peace Offerings". Glorfindel and Haldir escort the twins to Mirkwood at Galadriel's request in the hopes of forming a political union.
Glorfindel awoke in a place all too familiar. Mist surrounded him, nothing was corporeal, there was no sensation of pain, none of joy; he felt no sensation at all. He looked at his form, recognizing it as a shadow of the vessel that once held is his body in Middle Earth. He turned to his left, watching as a doorway formed before his eyes. He rose to his feet and began to walk toward it when he jumped; he was not alone. He turned and saw Elladan before him and he felt a twinge of sadness. He reached out and caressed the Peredhil's face. His words came without aid of his voice, "Oh, pen neth, it saddens me to see you here with me."
Elladan shook his head. "I am not here for the reason you believe, Glorfindel," he answered softly. "I am here to bring you back."
Glorfindel looked past the Peredhil's shoulder at an open doorway, beyond it was darkness, pain, despair. "Why would you do such a thing, Elladan?" he asked quietly.
Elladan smiled and answered, "Because it is not time for you to leave, seneschal."
Glorfindel furrowed his brow and replied, "You are not dead?"
Elladan shook his head. "Nay, mellonamin, I am not." His will tugged gently at Glorfindel's. "Come, Glorfindel, come home with me."
Glorfindel shook his head, striving against Elladan's urging. "There is nothing for me there, Elladan. Let me go; let me return to Aman. Mandos calls me, Elladan, I must heed him."
"No," Elladan answered, his grip upon Glorfindel's spirit strengthening, "It is not Mandos who calls you, my Lord. Do not answer the call of a liar and usurper, do not go willingly into shadow."
"But it is have done, Elladan. It is over, mellon, release me to my fate," he answered quietly.
"I will not!" Elladan grappled with the Vanya's will. "I will not stand by and watch you fall to what you have fought all your life! We need you, Glorfindel."
Glorfindel smiled and replied, "You no longer need me, Elladan. You and Elrohir are grown; you are strong and capable. There is no one who needs me now."
"Haldir," Elladan answered. "He still needs you, he will be destroyed if you leave him."
Glorfindel shook his head, "Nay, Elladan. Haldir does not need me, he never did. I must go now, you must release me."
"I will not release you. If you go, you take me with you, and if I die, Elrohir dies as well." He felt the strain of this battle of wills, yet he refused to let go, even if it meant his own demise.
~*~*~*~
Elrohir looked worriedly at Elladan; the strain of holding on to the warrior was beginning to show. His brow beaded with sweat, his face was drawn into a mask of sheer determination. "Do not hold on too long, gwannig," he whispered, "lest he take you with him."
~*~*~*~
The iron gates to Thranduil's caves swung wide as Elrond and party galloped through the gates. The Lord of Imladris' feet touched the ground even before his horse came to a halt, and he hurriedly followed Legolas and Galathil to the healer's quarters. Haldir and Galadriel were close behind, and the Lady reached out and clasped Haldir's hand tightly, fear radiated from him in palpable waves as they rushed down the halls.
As they entered the healer's quarters they saw Glorfindel's limp and lifeless body upon the cot, Erestor knelt on one side, holding the warrior's hand, his face drawn in concentration, a prayer to Mandos issuing silently from his lips. Thranduil stood at the foot of the bed, his eyes also closed as he uttered a protective spell, his words of warning falling heavy upon any evil that might attempt to take the fallen warrior. Elladan and Elrohir knelt across from Erestor, Elladan was in a deep trance, his face drawn with effort, as his twin rubbed his back and prayed silently beside him.
Elrond rushed to Glorfindel's side, quietly instructing Elrohir to rouse Elladan once he had taken hold of the warrior's spirit. He began chanting slowly and quietly, calling out to the Vanya's spirit. "Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan nan galad," his voice was quiet and deep, but full of strength. Galadriel and Haldir stood behind him; the Lady's hand was upon his shoulder, lending the Lord of Imladris her full strength.
Elladan gasped and his eyes snapped open, he sank against Elrohir and looked at his twin. Elrohir drew Elladan's weary body away from the bed and onto a bench that sat against the wall. Legolas stood next to his father's side, clasping his hand in his, lending his strength to his Thranduil's so that he might aid his father in guarding against the evil that threatened to take the warrior's spirit.
Galathil placed his arms around Erestor's waist and leaned his head upon the Noldo's shoulder, trying to offer his lover what comfort he may. Erestor placed a kiss upon the Prince's head and squeezed him tight as he watched Elrond struggle to bring the warrior back.
"He nearly escaped me, Elrohir," Elladan whispered. "He does not believe he has anything to live for." He turned his gaze to Haldir.
Haldir felt Galadriel's grip tighten on his hand a moment, before she released him. "Go, Haldir. He will heed your voice. Your love for him can bring him back."
Haldir knelt beside Glorfindel, looking down at the too-still face of his love. Tears slipped unheeded down his cheeks and he bent forward, pressing his lips against Glorfindel's forehead. "Do not leave me, Glorfindel," he whispered. "You must not go." His lips moved over the clammy skin, and his voice was choked with his grief. "Saes, meleth nín. I need you. I cannot live in a world without you. Amin mela lle." He pressed his lips against Glorfindel's unresponsive ones. "I was so foolish," he whispered. "Saes, come back to me. Let me show you. Do not leave me, meleth nín."
He kissed the soft lips again, wishing they would respond, his heart breaking with grief each long moment that passed. "Saes, Glorfindel. Listen to me for once, meleth. Amin mela lle, with all my heart, and I care not who knows it. Come back to me." His voice cracked as he wept openly, his hands cradling Glorfindel's face. "I need you. I want to spend the rest of my years at your side. There is no joy to be had in life without you. Saes, meleth..."
Glorfindel paused, hearing the command of his Lord, and the pleading words of his love. He looked toward the darkness, listening intently, and saw the doorway transform before his eyes into a portal of light. He looked back toward the other door; the one he had believed led to Mandos' Halls and saw it for what it truly was, a rank and black hole, filled with misery and despair. He turned, rejecting the pull of the shadow and heeded his Lord's voice, crossing through and returning his spirit to his body.
A loud gasp escaped the warrior's slumbering form and his chest expanded with the deep breath. A soft moan slipped from him and his eyelids fluttered. His tongue darted out to wet his dry lips and he croaked, "Haldir…"
Trembling with joy, Haldir pressed his lips against Glorfindel's gently. "I am here, meleth nín." Tears still fell from his eyes, wetting the golden warrior's cheeks.
"Mmm, yes you are…" the Vanya whispered.
Elrond gave a sigh of relief and reached across, taking Haldir's hand. "He will live to harass you another day, mellonamin."
Haldir looked up and gave Elrond a grateful smile. "And I am glad of it, my Lord," he answered shakily. "More glad than words can tell."
Elrohir rocked Elladan in his arms and whispered, "Did you hear that, gwannig? You did it, you kept him from falling into shadow."
Elladan nodded sleepily, so weary he could hardly keep his eyes open.
Thranduil opened his eyes, sensing the evil had passed. He placed his arm around Legolas and squeezed him tight, a gentle smile crossing his lips.
Erestor heaved a sigh of relief and pressed a kiss to Galathil's head. "Thank the Valar," he whispered.
Galadriel smiled and looked up to see her husband and daughter enter the room. Celeborn crossed to her and took her in his arms, placing a soft kiss upon her cheek.
Celebrían crossed to her husband and knelt beside him, leaning her head upon his shoulder. "How does he, meleth nín?"
Elrond smiled. "He lives, seron vell. We are not done with him yet."
Haldir turned his gaze back to Glorfindel, stroking his face gently with his fingertips. "Do you forgive this foolish elf, meleth nín? Can you forgive me?" He did not care that the others were watching. All that mattered was the one he loved.
Glorfindel smiled and nodded. "Aye, if you can forgive me for my brashness and stubbornness," he croaked.
"Aye," Haldir tried to laugh, but it sounded suspiciously like a sob. "I love your stubbornness."
Glorfindel smiled weakly and answered, "And I love you, you foolish elf."
He closed his eyes, resting his forehead against Glorfindel's. "For always?" he whispered.
"Until the ending of the world, seron vell," he answered, weakly lifting a trembling hand to the marchwarden's face.
Elrond lifted an eyebrow and glanced at Galadriel, who merely smiled serenely at him. He turned his gaze to the lovers and managed a soft chuckle. "Do you plan to make this official any time soon?" he asked dryly.
Glorfindel coughed and grimaced. "As soon as I may leave this damnable bed," he grumbled.
Elrond chuckled and nodded. "Now that is the Glorfindel I know and love. Should I be sending my seneschal to join the Galadhrim?"
"Or my Captain to join the warriors of Imladris?" Galadriel said, her eyes twinkling.
Haldir frowned down at his lover. "Oh no, meleth. You will not be leaving this bed any time soon. Not until I am satisfied you are fully on the mend." His eyes glinted with wicked humor.
"Well then," Glorfindel croaked, "You will just have to join me in here then." He tugged upon the marchwarden's tunic, lacking the strength to simply pull him into the bed.
Galadriel motioned to the others to leave the room, seeing that Haldir and Glorfindel needed to be with each other.
Thranduil crossed to the twins and took Elladan up in his arms, carrying the exhausted Peredhil to his quarters. Legolas followed, Elrohir leaning heavily upon him, and Erestor and Galathil followed close behind. Galadriel and Celeborn escorted Elrond and Celebrían out of the room. The Lord of Imladris called to Haldir, "I will be close by should you need me."
Haldir looked up from Glorfindel and nodded gratefully. "Hannon lle, Lord Elrond."
Elrond smiled and nodded as they left the healer's quarters.
The healer approached and bowed before the marchwarden. "I must attend to his wound, my Lord and administer herbs to quell the fever."
Haldir moved aside, and smiled at Glorfindel's grumbling as the healer attended him.
"Can I not be moved to my own quarters?" Glorfindel asked. "I would find more rest and comfort there."
The healer smiled and flashed a mischievous glance at Haldir. "I suppose that can be arranged, my Lord." After making sure Glorfindel had swallowed every drop of the concoction he had brewed, the healer bowed to them both. "Rest now, and do not over exert yourself." This last was said with a significant look at Haldir. "He should sleep soon. I will make arrangements to move him once his fever has abated."
Haldir nodded. "Hannon lle."
The healer eyed him for a moment, noting the dust and marks of travel on his clothing. "I will send a servant with your belongings. There is a tub for washing located behind that curtain there."
Glorfindel smiled and added, "Yes, please, meleth. Do take a bath before you join me in the bed." He smiled wickedly and winked at Haldir.
Haldir grinned, glancing down at himself ruefully. "Aye, a good idea, that."
The healer struggled to fight back a chuckle before he bowed a final time, turning on his heel and leaving the two alone.
Glorfindel cast a wicked smile Haldir's way, even as he fought to stay awake.
Haldir shook his head, smiling. "Keep such thoughts from your head, Vanya. You heard the healer - you are not to over exert yourself."
Glorfindel smiled, struggling to keep his eyes open. "I need not exert myself to take pleasure in your company, meleth. Simply holding you close is enough for me, for now."
Haldir sat on the edge of the bed, reaching for one of Glorfindel's hands. "For me as well, meleth nín. I want nothing more than to feel your arms around me again."
Glorfindel smiled and brought Haldir's hand to his lips. "Then bathe, you filthy marchwarden, and get in here."
Haldir dropped his gaze to his hands. "I need to say something, but perhaps now is not the ideal time."
"What is it, meleth nín?" Glorfindel asked, his tone more serious.
Haldir took a deep breath and met Glorfindel's gaze. "I cannot be as lighthearted as you all the time, meleth. However, I will try to be less... staid, as you put it. You were right, and I am sorry. I can only thank the Valar that I have been given this chance again with you. I cannot promise I will never be serious...but I will promise to try to seek joy in life as you have found it."
"Oh, Haldir," Glorfindel said softly. "I only worry that you deny yourself happiness and joy. I want you to be happy, meleth, not be who I think you should be. It is out of love for you that I worry so. I want our days to be filled with joy and love, I want to hear your sweet voice raised in laughter, and see your beautiful smile grace your lips."
Haldir nodded. "I think," he said slowly, "That with you, I will have no lack of happiness and joy. Though I am certain I will have my moments of aggravation as well." He chuckled softly.
Glorfindel laughed. "Well I would not be myself if I did not aggravate someone." He smiled coyly and a yawn escaped him. "But I will try not to aggravate you any more than need be."
Haldir released Glorfindel's hand and rose from the bed. His smile widened and he bent down, placing a soft kiss on Glorfindel's forehead. "Sleep, meleth. You may aggravate me later. I will bathe and join you soon."
"Um-hmm..." the Vanya mumbled sleepily. He could keep his eyes open no longer as he sighed and drifted into reverie.
~*~*~*~
Thranduil placed Elladan upon his bed and began removing his boots as Elrohir unbuttoned his twin's tunic.
"He is exhausted, my Lord," Elrohir said softly.
Thranduil nodded and smiled at Elrohir. "You look rather tired yourself. Stay here with him, I will make your apologies to your parents. Will you need anything before I depart?" the King asked softly.
Elrohir shook his head and smiled. "No, my Lord. I have all I need right here."
Thranduil smiled and placed a kiss upon Elrohir's head. "Very well, pen-neth, should you require anything, ring the bell." He motioned to the braided cord that hung by the door.
He turned and crossed the room to Legolas, caressing his son's face and placing a gentle kiss upon his lips before leaving his chamber, hand in hand with his son.
Elrohir pulled Elladan up long enough to remove his tunic and turned down the covers. He guided Elladan to slide beneath the covers before removing his own tunic and boots, and climbing in beside him. Elladan sighed and curled against him, whispering, "Melon le, Elrohir."
Elrohir smiled and hugged his twin tight. "Melon le, Elladan." He closed his eyes and drifted into reverie, sleeping peacefully with his twin.
~*~*~*~
Elrond, Celebrían, Galadriel, and Celeborn awaited Thranduil in the main hall. Elrond traced the grain in the large table with his forefinger as he mulled over the current state of affairs. Prior to news of Glorfindel's injuries, he had fully intended to demand an explanation from Thranduil regarding his proposal, and was not entirely sure he would grant his permission for his eldest son to bond with the Mirkwood King. Elladan and Elrohir were still young for their kind, and he had not been too enthusiastic about Lady Galadriel's idea that they bond in the first place. Now that his eldest was to bond with an elf whose actions flew in the face of everything he had taught his sons to hold dear… well he was even less enthusiastic. However, he had to admit, the way Thranduil had held his son, the way he kissed his forehead and tenderly carried him from the room made him wonder if he had not been wrong about the Sinda all along.
Thranduil was a hothead, of that there was no doubt. He was arrogant, stubborn, had a reputation of insatiable hedonistic tastes, and he liked to stir things up. He was reckless in battle, unyielding in negotiations, and maddening in general. But, he kept his people safe in a dangerous realm, kept his promises, and when push had come to shove so long ago, had stood against his own father in the interests of what was best for all involved. He supposed if the Sinda did truly love his eldest son, then he would prove a loyal and faithful partner, and perhaps, Elladan would prove a tempering influence on him.
Now Elrohir's choice, on the other hand, filled him with delight. Legolas was eloquent, beautiful, intelligent, fierce, and had a kind grace that was infectious; Elrond could not have picked a better mate for his youngest son.
Elrond had also taken note of the way Thranduil's eldest looked at his advisor, and the way Erestor returned those glances, not to mention the blatant physical contact the two displayed. That was a separate conversation he would need to have with his Counselor. He intended to ask what made Erestor seduce Thranduil's eldest son away from Elladan, who had been sent to make a match with one of the Mirkwood Princes.
He looked up from the table to see Erestor enter the room, followed by Galathil, and he flashed a chastising glance at his advisor before turning his attention to the opposite door when Thranduil and Legolas entered.
"My apologies for not welcoming you formally as you arrived," Thranduil began smoothly, "but obviously there was no time for such a luxury." He crossed the room and took Galadriel's hand, bowing and bestowing a chaste kiss upon it. "My Lady," he addressed her softly.
Galadriel smiled and nodded as he released her hand. He did the same with Celebrían, who smiled a bit warmer and answered, "My Lord," in return. He then bowed his head to Celeborn and covered his heart. "My Lord, `tis good to see you again, even if it is only under slightly better circumstances."
Celeborn returned the gesture and answered, "Thranduil."
The King turned to Lord Elrond and did the same, bowing his head and covering his heart with his hand. "Lord Elrond," he began quietly, "I owe you a debt of gratitude for rescuing Glorfindel from his fate. Had he passed, I am afraid Elladan and Elrohir would not have recovered, and that would have been grievous to both myself and Legolas."
Elrond regarded Thranduil with some suspicion, the Sinda was charming, almost to the point of being dangerous. "I am only glad I arrived in time, Thranduil," he answered. "Tell me, how did my seneschal become so badly wounded?"
Thranduil stood upright, he was slightly taller than Elrond, and standing so close, he needed to look down at him. "Glorfindel was attacked by a spider while accompanying one of my patrols."
Elrond narrowed his eyes, "And what, may I ask was he doing with one of your patrols?"
Thranduil's expression grew stern, "Your seneschal was at loose ends after the abrupt departure of his lover, and knowing him to be a warrior like myself, I saw that he needed something to take his mind off his troubles. He accompanied Elladan and Legolas, along with seven of my finest archers under Legolas' command. They came upon a newly build nesting area on the southern borders of my realm."
Elrond's eyes grew wide, "You sent one of my sons on so dangerous a mission?"
Thranduil looked down his nose at the Noldo. "There is no mission with out danger in my realm, Elrond. I do not have the benefit of a ring to keep it safe from evil."
Galadriel rose from her chair to stop the conversation before it degraded into an argument. "I am sure that Thranduil would not send his own son into a situation he was not prepared to handle, Elrond. This is a dangerous world we live in, evil can befall any one of us at any time." She nodded to Thranduil. "Thranduil would not purposefully place your son or Glorfindel in danger, no more than he would his own son."
Galathil gripped Erestor's hand tight as he watched his father's temper boil just beneath the surface. Erestor gave a reassuring squeeze in return and placed his free hand upon Elrond's shoulder. He spoke calmly, "We are all a bit shaken, my Lord. The afternoon's events have taken a toll on each of us. Perhaps it would be wise to retire to our guest chambers to bathe and rest before the dinner hour."
Celebrían rose from her chair. "I agree with Lord Erestor. We are tired and still reeling from the near loss of Glorfindel. Let us retire and take some rest. We can talk about his at dinner with clear heads."
Galadriel smiled gently and nodded. "'Tis wise advice my daughter and Lord Erestor give. Let us retire and resume this discussion over dinner."
Elrond backed down reluctantly. Thranduil's arrogance drove him mad, but Erestor and his wife were correct, now was not the time to vent his aggravation upon the Mirkwood King. "Very well," he said calmly. He took a deep breath and continued, "We thank you for your hospitality, Thranduil."
Thranduil bowed his head and answered flatly, "You are honored guests in my realm. Should you need anything, do not hesitate to ask." He watched his visitors depart the hall as they were led to their chambers.
He turned to Legolas and sighed. "Will I ever find away to talk with that Peredhil without losing my temper?"
Legolas smiled gently and caressed his father's face. "You did quite well, Ada. Only one stern looked passed between you." He chuckled. "Pay no heed to his words, Ada. You did nothing wrong. There was no way for any of us to know what we would come upon. Beside, Glorfindel is a warrior, as Elladan will one day be, this will not be the last danger they face."
Thranduil wrapped his arms around his son and held him tight. "Thank the Valar nothing happened to you, Iôn. I could not bear losing you."
Legolas hugged his father tight and buried his face in Thranduil's neck. "Amin mela le, Ada," he said softly.
"Amin mela le, Greenleaf," Thranduil answered.
"Come," Legolas stepped back and tugged upon his father's hand. "Let us bathe and rest before dinner, something tells me you may need your strength." He smiled teasingly.
Thranduil chuckled and shook his head as he followed his son to the private wing of his palace.
~*~*~*~
Gwannig = twin
Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan nan galad = Hear my voice. Come back to the light
Seron vell = dear lover~ Next Chapter ~
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