Hîr o Meril Thaifn

Part Nine: Suddenly in Love

Hîr o Meril Thaifn (The Lord of Rose Pillars) stared out into the grounds of his seaside estate, felt the shining warmth of the early morning sunlight, scented the faint cast of brine on the pale sigh of a breeze issuing out of the south east. He listened to the omnipresent, soothing undertone of the ocean's mighty heart thrumming at the shoreline. He could discern no tension in the wildlife residing on his property, no ominous subconscious stress stirred beneath his thoughts. As always, the environment presented only peaceful harmony among the many varied components of the realm of the Valar. Everything was as it should be, as he expected it to be and he wondered that all these signs of the natural world and his own faculties of observation could so easily fail to document the reality. Whatever perception of Valinor Erestor might harbour, it certainly did not include the reprehensible conduct and designs among the High Elves and the Maiar described by Legolas and Mithrandir.
 
"What do we do now?" Erestor finally asked, still holding onto Legolas' fingers and gently stroking the ridge of knuckles with his thumb. The whole situation seemed much too large, much to complex, and much to dangerous for the three of them to do anything about. The idea that Legolas had been involved, and for the most part acting alone, in this effort to halt the Vanyarin elves' plotting and scheming sent shivers down his spine. His stomach squeezed in appalled repudiation as he carefully moved aside the loose blue robe and stared at the black and blue bruising all over the Wood Elf's torso, ample evidence of just how hazardous the job could be. Very carefully he touched on the bandaged side and looked up to find Legolas' deep blue eyes watching him. "How are you feeling?"

"Much better, truly. I will be fine in a day or so," Legolas assured, smiling because it made him feel absolutely grand for Erestor to care so much, regardless that he was stiff and weak and ached in nearly every part of his body.

"We must get those plans and whatever breakthrough has come to pass," Mithrandir answered the seneschal bluntly. "I do not want to send Legolas back in alone, but it is clear this must be a covert mission, hidden even from my normal IMF cronies."

"NAY!" both elves shouted at once.

"You cannot send Legolas back! He has not even begun to recover from the last catastrophe," Erestor elaborated.

"That is not the point at all," Legolas shook his head. "Mithrandir, I know what you are thinking and the answer is no."

"I volunteer. Whatever it is, no one will suspect I am mixed up in it. Just tell me what I have to do," Erestor gallantly proposed.

"Absolutely not!" fumed Legolas. "You have never been through the portal, you have no contacts there, no safe place to go to, no comprehension of what life is like in the Severed Realms these days, or even how to locate and travel to the various places you need to find."

"Neither did you when first you went back, correct?" challenged the Lord of Rose Pillars.

"That was different," grumbled Legolas impatiently. "I had a very personal stake in that endeavour, on many counts."

"So have I," Erestor explained kindly and Legolas' hopes soared.

"I am not going to send Erestor through by himself, Legolas," Mithrandir explained. "Neither will I make you undertake this task without aid. You shall go together."

"Mithrandir, he is not well enough." "No. I will not permit such a risk to my Erestor…I mean Lord Erestor…uh…Erestor, my host." Both elves tried simultaneously to dissuade the Istar then turned to one another, Erestor in confusion and Legolas a mixture of aggravation and abashed shyness.

"I assure you I am fine, Erestor," the archer insisted, trying to resume his usual air of arrogant over-confidence.

"And I am more than capable of undertaking this quest. I was a seasoned warrior an Age before your father was conceived," remarked the Lord of Rose Pillars in his typically scathing tone of dismissive scorn and Legolas' hopes plummeted.

"It will take a couple of days to prepare and bring Erestor up to speed on the situation." Olórin continued without bothering to acknowledge the protests or the sniping. "That cannot be done here, however. You shall have to remove to Oropher's lands. For now, spend the day recuperating, Legolas, and allow Erestor to show you everything there is to see in this magnificent estate. A swim in the ocean would be beneficial to you wounds, also.

"Erestor, you must permit Legolas to teach you all he can regarding the changes that have come to pass in Arda since the Forth Age. He can show you some of the gadgets and gizmos he so loves to play with. Take good care not to leave Legolas alone. I do not want us to be overly complacent regarding Ringë's ability to learn whence I have taken him. The water wizard will be most upset once he gets free and will be seeking our brave Wood Elf. I am sad to say he will likely arrive here first, for all the reasons we have already discussed. You will have to tell Dammand."

"Eru's arse!" Erestor had not thought of his family becoming entangled in this mess. "Is he in danger? Surely the Maia would not threaten my Adar in our own home?"

"I would put nothing beyond his twisted and blackened heart," warned Legolas. "It might be best if your father went visiting some relatives or friends for a time."

"What is that you say? Did you speak my name, Mithrandir?" the wily twice-born warrior spoke from the doorway to the sitting room and everyone save Legolas startled.

"Ada! I have asked you repeatedly not to sneak about like that. And eavesdropping on private conversations is terrible manners," Erestor upbraided his sire testily.

"I was not sneaking, my oh so proper and lordly son, nor eavesdropping." Dammand shrugged off his second-born's admonishment. "I merely came out here to see how Legolas is doing and you were all talking quite plainly, out in the open I might add, so I had no reason to think the conversation was confidential. Besides, how else would I ever find out what you are up to if I did not sneak up and just happen, quite unintentionally I must stress, to overhear you. Legolas knew I was here anyway, did you not pen neth?"

"I did," admitted Legolas with a diffident smile.

"He is so grand nowadays, is he not?" Dammand dragged a chair closer to the chaise and addressed Legolas as he sat, jerking his thumb in Erestor's direction. "There was a time when he was a rough and ready soldier, just like his old sire. That was long ago but he is a warrior still, gladethel dithen. (little Wood Elf) Do not fear for him in this endeavour; you will find Erestor quite capable and skilled in a tight spot." The elder elf quirked one eyebrow and gave the fastest flash of a wink ever seen, overlaying the compliment with an entirely different meaning altogether.

Legolas' smile grew warm and laughter danced in his eyes, gladdened to know that Erestor's father was not only fully apprised of his interest in the Lord of the manor but approved the idea of a match between them. The Wood Elf had been unsure what to expect, for while he knew Dammand was usually in residence at Meril Thaifn, as he was knowledgeable concerning most aspects of his beloved seneschal's life, he had not been able to determine what the old general's feelings were regarding same-sex couples. Most of Legolas' intelligence on Erestor was gleaned from Tulus and the twins, and none of them had been able to draw Dammand out on the topic.

"Thank you, Adar. I think." Erestor was a little red-faced, not sure if anyone else had picked up on that subudition or if was just him, seeing as he already had his mind partially on the subject. Since he had pulled back Legolas' silken robe, the thin, green pyjamas were revealed to be draped over the silvan warrior's long, rigid erection and full, tight testicles most invitingly. The archer's penis was erotically obscured, lying against his stomach like a log beneath a velvety coverlet of verdant moss, and a small wet spot neatly identified its pinnacle. Legolas did not seem bothered by this kind of exposure at all even though all three of his companions rested their eyes there occasionally. Erestor fought the urge to reach out and drag the garment back over his youthful guest's form, lost the battle, and hastily grabbed the loose ends of the silvan's robe, drawing them over the exposed chest and the hidden locus of everyone's salacious interest.

Legolas smiled indulgently, hopes back to soaring, when Erestor checked to see what he would make of this unasked for assistance.

"As for me, I may be ancient but I am fully capable of defending our home if it comes to that," added Dammand with set jaw and shoulders squared.

"I do not doubt you, Hîr Dammand, but this is not any foe you would be accustomed to facing. Ringë is foul beyond words and has no scruples. He has completely lost whatever notion of respect for others' lives and welfare he once possessed," Legolas cautioned in urgent tones and looked to Mithrandir to confirm his assessment.

"Too true," the wizard nodded sadly. "Dammand, he can command the very water in your flesh and draw it from you if he wishes. A most unpleasant death. It would be best if the entire household relocated until all this is over."

"What?" Erestor leaped up from his place at Legolas side. "This is horrible! How does one fight such an enemy?"

"With another Maia, of course," Dammand said matter-of-factly quite as if he had faced off against renegade wizards frequently in the past, which he had during the sack of Gondolin. "Due to your naneth's extensive and lengthy involvement in the gardens of Lorien, I have become acquainted with one or two of the Valarindi. Mairo is a good friend of mine."

Now it was amusing to Legolas to note the subtle softening in the old warrior's eyes that was simultaneously matched by a bright spark of lecherous lust deep in the heart of the dark, fathomless orbs. He could not suppress a small laugh and looked to Erestor to share his knowing smile, an expression that clearly stated 'eredh útuia hae od orn' (the seed does not sprout far from the tree), for Mairo was the son of Oromë and Vána. It was obvious to him that Dammand was indeed adept at sneaking and kept his private life so well-guarded it seemed to most that he had none at all.  

It certainly was not apparent to his son. Erestor was more than agitated by the implications of this previously unmentioned friendship and glared from his father to his guest with equal grimness. "And Mairo will simply appear at your bidding and agree to defend my home and family against one of his own race? I do not believe you."

"Well actually, ion, he has just arrived a few minutes ago and is in the main parlour. I was not expecting you back quite so soon, you see, and was hoping for a bit of company during your absence," Dammand smiled serenely into his son's flustered countenance. "That was my second purpose in seeking you out, to let you know I have company."

"Company? What?" Erestor was not ready to deal with this. His adar could not be keeping 'company' with a male Istar in the sense the elder elf's manner implied. He was not reassured at all when Dammand smiled and patted him on the arm consolingly.

"That is most promising," Mithrandir was relieved and cautiously optimistic. "I do not know if he is aware of the unsavoury dealings of the Vanyar and their Istari cohorts, but Mairo is true-hearted and will not permit any innocents to come to harm in his presence. Dammand, I suggest you and I go explain the situation to him and enlist his aid. Erestor, see to Legolas. We shall all convene at noon for the meal and consolidate our plans." With that the wizard extinguished his pipe, knocked out the ashes on the flagstones, and rose form his chair. Dammand joined him as he strode back into the sitting room and on into the main body of the house, leaving the love-sick elves to themselves.

"He cannot mean what I think he means," Erestor mumbled to himself. "He and Nana have been committed to one another for more time than either one even bothers to keep track of anymore. Ada does not find males sexually appealing."

"Well he finds me interesting enough," Legolas said softly.

"That is hardly proof; who does not find you alluring?" Erestor's eyes swept the lithe body stretched out before him appreciatively.

Legolas smiled at that and shifted his hips as if needing to find a more comfortable position, which was partly true for the pressure of his weight upon his welt-covered back was painful. He sighed out a low moan while resting his hand over the bandaged puncture wound, thus managing to push back the robe and expose his left nipple, which lifted up nice and tight in the cool sea breeze. He gazed up at Erestor from beneath his golden lashes, permitting his eyes to travel the entire length of the long, lean, covered body before returning his attention to the Noldo Lord's face. Erestor's sight was just where he hoped it would be, watching that dark damp stain as his cock twitched under it. The Wood Elf caught his lower lip delicately under his teeth a second or two, just enough time to leave it very red and very wet, and shivered out another deep sigh. The sound drew the noble elf's attention first to the quivering node rising and falling with each breath and then back to Legolas' face.

"I am glad they have left us. All that talk is too depressing by far. Will you do as Mithrandir suggested and show me everything your fine estate has to offer?" Another sweeping glance over his host's virile physique accompanied the seductively couched query as Legolas' hand drifted down and casually burrowed underneath the pyjamas. On the chaise, his thighs parted.

Erestor dropped back to the edge of the seat, letting his robe go so that he could brace his body with one hand and still have the other free to explore. He took hold of the waist of those pyjamas and tugged them back, revealing the silvan's skilled, slow masturbation. Unable to resist, he bent low and tasted the pointed tip protruding from the enveloping fingers, jerking the pants down more as Legolas shifted and shimmied to get free of them. Erestor bestowed a nearly constant barrage of licks and kisses to the archer's cock during this process.

A trilling cry broke form Legolas at this tantalising touch and so Erestor slid his tongue firmly down against the glans right atop the tiny orifice. Beneath him, the silvan warrior bucked hard off the seat, another shout of tense expectancy escaping his lungs. Before Erestor could do anything more, a tight fist gripped his erection and started stroking him, the movement perfectly synchronised to the stimulation Legolas lavished on himself. Erestor sat up a little to better watch the archer work.

"Ai, Erestor, you are beautiful," whispered Legolas, breathless, plying both distended cocks with equal force, eyes transfixed by the Noldo's tall proud column of flesh in his hand. "You will fill me well and truly beyond my dreams." He closed his eyes a moment and gasped when a hot tongue lapped against his nipple. "Tell me that you want me, have always wanted me," he pleaded quietly and dared to look at the dark head where it was poised above his chest.

Erestor was staring at him in lascivious longing, parted lips hovering over the slickened morsel of sensitive skin. "I want you," the whispered words gusted breathlessly over the tempting titbit making it lift and pucker even more.

Legolas arched his back with a cry, shoving the sensitised node back into the open mouth, and shook when his lover practically devoured him in response, sucking and licking and biting and pulling.

Erestor let go in order to take the other nipple, capturing it with his teeth and tugging, but he felt Legolas flinch beneath him as a sharp abbreviated wail pierced the air. There was no mistaking that sound for pleasure. The Noldo lord relinquished the peaked bud instantly and straightened on the chair, finding the silvan was trembling and avoided his eyes. All movement on their solids shafts had ceased. Looking down on the heaving chest again, Erestor could not resist bending closer to kiss the sore nipple, very gently this time for he could see now the fading bite marks left by Ringë's sharp teeth, and its twin before turning Legolas' face toward him with his fingertips.

"You are tender there," he said and searched the frightened eyes.

The stubborn chin dipped slightly in assent and then quivered as the archer fought to control his emotions, blue gaze awash in gathering tears. "He…hurt me." The voice uttering these simple words was small and subdued, packed with confused pain and despair and shame.

Suddenly Legolas could not bear to have Erestor look at him and released his hold on the massive penis in order to try and get up and away. He was prevented from escaping when strong arms wrapped around his shoulders and pulled him close. He found himself captive against the Noldo's firm, warm chest as the former seneschal somehow lifted him and rearranged their positions so that Legolas was astride his lap. He could feel the strong heart beating right beneath his and their subsiding erections pressed side by side between them. Legolas found he had neither wish nor will to fight against the contact and threaded his arms through the tangled ebony hair, clinging tight to Erestor's neck as he permitted his love to soothe him.

"Nay, be still, be at peace," Erestor whispered, pressing kisses against the archer's shoulder and neck, petting his hair and caressing his skin from the base of his scull all the way down his spine and over the softer curve of the supple arse. "I want you, have wanted you always. I am going to claim you, Legolas, but not in the shadow of such abuses. We need not hurry; I would have you healed and feel no pain with me, agreed?"

Legolas nodded mutely and squeezed harder as Erestor slowly rocked him. He agreed; he always agreed. How could he defy Erestor when at last he was in the Noldo's arms, living the fantasy he had cherished and embellished over so many years of hidden longing? Almost living it. In his heart, however, a sharp pang of fear and regret seized him, for there might be an uglier reason his long-held crush denied him now. The archer's reputation was scandalising at best and mayhap Erestor did not want to follow after such a lengthy string of lovers. Perhaps he even believed Legolas at fault for the disastrous deaths resulting from this latest encounter with Ringë. The possibility that Erestor might think, as the twins did, that he was the sea-spirit's kept pet made him shudder.  

Legolas stifled the tears that threatened as he considered these notions, clinging to Erestor as if the elf might vanish, naught but an ephemeral dream after all. He did not want the tender attention to end, revelling in the compression of soft lips and the inquisitive yet comforting touch of fingers and smoothing palms slowly working over every centimetre of his back. The steady beat of the Noldo's heart thrummed against his ribs and matched his pulse's rhythm. That is true enough; best to learn the rest. He relaxed his strangle hold and sighed, snuggling up closer. "You have wanted me before?" he dared to ask, face pressed under the vintner's ear lobe, still not able to bring himself to meet Erestor's gaze.

"I suppose it is true," the former seneschal answered as if realising this for the first time as he spoke the words. "You were just never really accessible to me in the way you were to others."

"You thought I was promiscuous and a dwarf's whore," Legolas did not bother to try and hide his bitterness as his frame stiffened up in Erestor's hold. "It was not like that, not ever."

"I know it was not so," assured Erestor fervently, "but it seemed thus at the time, before I knew you. From a distance, Legolas, you presented as a most horridly spoiled playboy and a complete rogue. And The List certainly did nothing to discourage that perception. I had no idea you even remarked my existence save the occasional times when we were both in Elrond's house."

"I am not blaming you; that is why I never made my desires known. There was no time when we still lived in Middle-earth what with the Ring Quest and then you left so quickly. Once I finally got here, Ada started that callous rumour about Gimli and me. Then all this business with the Vanyar and Ringë happened and it was decided the aspect of sexual…deviance could be developed into a successful cover. No one took me seriously anymore, especially you. I never had a chance." The archer almost sobbed but managed to swallow back his sorrow once more.

Legolas was close to breaking but Erestor had to smile at his disconsolate sounding voice and patted the rigid back softly. "Ah, foolish one, you are here in my arms; is that not enough? Let the past remain there." He felt Legolas intake a shaky breath and then he finally stirred, lifting his head to peer tentatively into the noble Lord's reassuring smile.

"There has only ever been the twins, by my choice," he said haltingly, colouring a bit and lowering his eyes. "All the others were just made up. I swear. I may have teased…have often played the tease…but nothing more than that."

"Legolas, you owe me no explanation of your history." Erestor bent his head to meet the crestfallen Wood Elf's averted gaze, surprised by these unasked for justifications. With his lap occupied by the striking ellon, it was hard for the former seneschal to recall the scornful disapproval with which he had always favoured Thranduil's youngest over the centuries.

"But I want you to understand. It's important, Erestor," Legolas at last looked at him, imploring him to comprehend his meaning. "Do you believe me?"

"I do," Erestor hesitated slightly, not quite sure he truly did. It seemed highly unlikely that so beautiful an elf would have remained exclusive to one set of lovers, especially given the notoriety that followed Legolas' every action. Yet he could see too that the silvan needed him to confirm this notion, however far-fetched it seemed from his perspective. The vintner smiled encouragement. "Elladan and Elrohir were your first and only. Ringë was never your lover. Was that a ploy worked out among the clever captains of IMF?" Legolas' blue eyes were hugely round as he nodded silently in answer to this and Erestor was jolted out of his complacency, realising this part, at least, was the absolute truth.

"Of course they knew of his part in the wagers designed to win you for his own use. They thought you could be a tease and cajole your way into learning the vile creature's secrets." Erestor was incensed with these un-named leaders who had convinced Legolas to act out such a dangerous game.

"I believed I could handle it well enough," Legolas interjected. "I had successfully done so with others, although they were not Maiar. Yet Ringë had never resorted to violence of that sort, at least not that we were aware of. No one thought he would sink to the level of Sauron, cold-bloodedly committing murder, torture,…"

"And rape. I know that you were forced; I saw him actively assaulting you." Erestor gently stroked the worried brow and the refined cheek. "Do not fear that I will ever condemn you for what happened to you and those who were with you." Erestor spoke these words without a hint of reservation, for he meant them absolutely.

Finally the tension left Legolas' body as he heard this statement. He settled his cheek back against the Noldo's shoulder and let himself pretend for a few minutes that they had nothing else to do but sit and enjoy being together. No mission, no portal, no pending break-in to orchestrate, just two lovers cherishing a peaceful morning in each other's arms.

For his part, Erestor was deeply moved by the Wood Elf's desire to clear his name and make himself worthy to be loved and wanted. He realised just how difficult bearing up under so much public discredit must have been for Legolas all these many long centuries since his brief span of acclaim after the Ring Wars. Indeed, just a few short hours ago Erestor had believed the rumours and accepted Ringë's lies for truth.

In this vulnerable state Legolas' guard was down, the mirage of the worldly, debonaire socialite dissipated and his hidden core was revealed: an insecure, self-effacing, and lonely elf. Erestor grew warm inside, feeling the naked soul rest easy in his embrace, trusting and contented at last. "Have you really longed for me so long as Elladan claims? Even before the Quest?" He felt Legolas smile against his shoulder as the wiry arms hugged him closer.

"Aye, even before the Quest. You would not even speak to me then." Or utter more than 'mae govannen' and 'namarië' since.

"I am sorry for that, Legolas. What a haughty dolt I was!" Erestor felt his face grow hot with chagrin, for he had never thought Legolas worthy to get to know. It amazed him that the Wood Elf did not feel insulted and disdain him in kind. "Can you forgive me?"

"Consider it forgotten." Legolas agreed willingly, having overcome his hurt feelings over it the instant he heard the regretful timbre of Erestor's voice. Still, he sighed a bit dejectedly. "I suppose we should do as Mithrandir says and start teaching you the basics of undercover espionage."

"You do not sound too enthusiastic."

"I have neither desire nor will to think about all of that just now. I want to make believe that we are like any other lovers, focused only on each other."

Erestor caught his breath and gently pulled Legolas away from him to gaze intently into the fair features. He smiled and softly claimed the silvan's sensitive mouth for a slow sweet kiss. He was still smiling when he released those velvety lips and pressed his forehead against Legolas'. "I like that idea as well. Let it be so. We will not worry about the mission at least for the next few hours. How about that swim in the ocean? Tulus will pack up a cold lunch and we will skip the portentous noon meal, too."

Legolas shivered, shaking his head emphatically in the negative. "No. If it is all the same to you, I have no wish to get in the water just yet. Not even Mithrandir knows who Ringë's allies are on this side of the Sundering Sea. I will swim with you joyously once we are in my home. There is a lovely deep lake that has an underground connection to the Esgalduin in Neldoreth Hain. Show me the gardens and the vineyards instead." (New Neldoreth)
 
"I would be pleased to do so," and Erestor smiled into those endless cerulean pools, thinking he would much rather swim about in them anyway. He stood, still holding Legolas tight against him and the silvan wrapped both of his long legs securely about the noble elf's waist. They engaged in a long, exploring kiss, Erestor cupping the archer's soft round arse in both hands, Legolas tangling his fingers through the vintner's lengthy black tresses. Their lips and tongues separated then sealed anew, deepening the osculation in the heat of unfulfilled desire, the lovers sharing a swift glance of joy between them.

Erestor let one finger slip lower, tentatively brushing across the concealed entrance to unbridled delight, and seductively plunged his tongue deeper into the hot and yearning mouth. Legolas sucked the thick muscle greedily and hummed out a lurid little whimper as a tremor ran down his spine. Erestor pushed the finger past the tightly cramped guarding ring and worked it in and out, imagining his cock enveloped by the wanton Wood Elf's body.

Legolas broke the kiss with a strangled cry and shifted frantically against the probing digit. "Caro den! Aniron den!" (Do it! I want it!) His face was contorted in open hunger and impatient craving, eyes searing Erestor's soul in fiery anticipation.

Erestor knew he could not deny this demand despite his earlier protests and seized the straining rear, lifting up and out as his lover braced upon his shoulders, letting his compressed erection free. Slowly he positioned the parted mounds over his weeping tip and eased Legolas down onto his iron hard rod of eager flesh. The first contact of the glans against the sealed entry made him jerk and wrung a soft cry from the silvan. Then the throbbing head forced through and Erestor growled out a feral grunt of satisfaction. He would lay claim to this elf; Legolas would know what it was to be taken utterly, filled with Erestor's shaft and laved with his white hot Noldorin seed.

The sensation was incredible; Legolas was trembling all over and gripped Erestor's shoulders so that his nails bit the skin. The silvan's taut body had no choice but to accept the massive intrusion as the force of gravity lowered him onto the solid organ. He groaned as he was breached, invaded, and stretched. "Ai! Ha taur! Ai, Erestor, daro!" (Ah! It is huge! Ah, Erestor, stop!) His head fell back, exposing his throat, and he sobbed, squirming helplessly against the penetrating penis, torn between wanting it out and urging it deeper.

Erestor could not have imagined how this sense of domination would blaze through him in a wild surge of lust and power. He craned his neck forward to reach the long ivory column and gently licked the fading blue marks there. The touch of his tongue against Legolas' skin raised a reedy wail from the silvan's lungs.  Erestor pivoted his hips and drove his cock hard against the encircling resistance and before he knew what he was even doing he was fucking the archer soundly. His excitement was so elevated that it did not take long for him to reach his peak and with a loud shout he pumped his essence deep into Legolas' core. Erestor's knees buckled and with a long moan he sat heavily on the chaise before collapsing flat on his back, Legolas sprawled atop him.
    
"Valar!" He exhaled, lungs straining to gather essential air, and trailed his hands up the curved spine, gently brushing away the avalanche of golden locks that had cascaded over his face. Erestor carefully raised the bowed head and studied Legolas' features intently. There was no sign of discomfort or sorrow there and he smiled as he leaned up to kiss his lover. "That was amazing. Are you all right?"

"Aye," Legolas smiled shyly and extricated his arms from behind the Noldo's neck in order to push himself up from the chaise, for the position was awkward and caused the welts over his back to pull uncomfortably. He sighed and readjusted his knees so that he was more easily astride Erestor's hips, rocking forward a little in an attempt to push his hard penis against his lover's belly. Erestor was still partially inserted inside him, however, and he could not achieve any satisfying connection without disengaging. That he did not want.

"Oh!" It was not until this moment that Erestor realised Legolas was still rock-solid and needy, having found no release in their urgent and speedy coupling. "I am sorry! I should not have been so selfish. I should have waited, as I promised. I wanted our first time to be something special and now…"

"It was special…is special, for we are not done I hope." Legolas' eyes were all sparkly with mischievous glee and he wiggled his bottom against Erestor's groin.

Erestor grinned as heat flowed into his semi-soft organ anew. "I think I have just disproved your theory of dimensional convergence, love. We are both on the chaise in exactly the same place at the same time."

"Nay, you have proved my theory beyond doubt. I said dimensional convergence would force the two physical worlds to merge should both be in the same place at the same time. We are most definitely merged." Legolas rocked cautiously forward and then pressed back, encouraging the growing fullness expanding inside him. The feathery ends of his golden mane trailed lightly over Erestor's chest, highlighting the inviting mahogany points rising from the firm pectorals. He bent low to taste one and thrilled to hear the sigh of pleasure this attention elicited from his beloved. "I cannot believe I am here with you and we are joined thus," he whispered, breath ghosting over the erect nipples, and kissed them both again.

"Aye, this is real." Erestor ran his hands lovingly and possessively over the slender body impaled on his rapidly hardening flesh. He jerked his hips sharply, driving his cock into the sensitive internal gland and smirked over the cry this wrought from the golden elf's throat. "Does that not feel real enough for you?"

"Ai!" Legolas could manage no more and was trembling again. Quite suddenly one arm gave way as he tried to push up, hoping to resume the internal friction both so craved. His nose thumped into the Noldo's sternum and he yelped at the brief jab of pain. With a noise expressive of deep disgust over his weakened health, he relaxed his other arm as Erestor drew him protectively into a careful embrace.

"I think we need to alter our positions," Erestor suggested and did not wait for Legolas to reply, lifting the silvan off him carefully as he turned. The complaining whine from his new lover made him smile and he settled the archer on his back and spread the long, muscular legs apart, kneeling between them. The Lord of the manor took hold of the long pink pole at the crux of the parted limbs and worked it expertly, watching Legolas' every response with avid enjoyment.

"Saes!" Legolas gasped and met the steamy stare regarding him with such blatant hunger. He braced himself and lifted his legs, placing his calves solidly on the Noldo's shoulders, matching the heat of the devouring eyes. "Saes, I want you inside me when I come, Erestor." He knew his voice sounded pleading but he really did not care if it earned him his request. It did.

Erestor let go of the rigid cock to caress the legs draped across his shoulders, turning his head to kiss and lick the smooth skin. He reached down and took hold of the firm arse, simultaneously shifting forward as he lifted, thrusting fully inside in a single fluid movement that brought his balls flush against the sweaty skin with a soft, glorious smack as their bodes connected. His gaze never left the silvan's, relishing the way Legolas' eyelids fluttered shut and he bit his lip, head thrown back and spine arched, gripping the sides of the chaise so tightly his arms quaked. The Wood Elf was hot and wet with his seed; it oozed around his cock and this excited Erestor to heights of sexual craving he never even imagined existed. Once again he was pumping with vigourous delight without consciously making the decision to do so, grunting and groaning as he drove into the willing body writhing beneath him.

Legolas reached for his cock, determined to find his release along with his love this time, only to have his hand roughly jerked away from the aching flesh. His eyes flew open and he gasped at the feral expression upon Erestor's visage as the elf wrapped long elegant fingers tightly around his erection.

"Mine," Erestor growled, pumping in time with his potent thrusts, eyes afire with possessive lust.

It was more than Legolas could endure for not in his most vivid dreams of this moment had he foreseen such complete captivation, body, mind, heart and soul, by the elf he loved. "Erestor!" he shouted and nearly wept as he watched his semen spurt over the noble elf's fist.

A sound that could only be classified as a roar left the normally composed elder's lungs as he responded to the exquisite compression around his penis, emptying his testes in a swift flood of heated cream deep within the archer's body. A few lazy thrusts later he backed out of the slick channel and lowered Legolas' legs, kissing each knee between gulps for air. He chuckled smugly for Legolas was panting, a smile curling his ruby lips, too exhausted to move. Erestor took him around the waist and slid the boneless frame over to make room to lie beside the Wood Elf. He kissed the parted lips and the flushed cheeks, the sweat-sheened brow and an ear tip, smiling as this sent a shudder through Legolas' spent form.

Legolas sighed in contentment and shifted closer, burying his face under Erestor's jaw to kiss his neck, wrapping an arm across the broad shouldered elf in order to sink his fingers into the damp ebony strands. "That was wonderful," he whispered.

"Indeed." Erestor rested his cheek comfortably on the archer's head, ready for a short nap, smiling to think he would wake with this nearly-naked, compliant elf in his arms, eager and willing for sex. He was nearly asleep when the silvan spoke again.

"I wish we could stay here, just like this, always. No troubles or cares, just the two of us, happy to find ourselves suddenly in love." He placed another lick against the pulse in his beloved's throat.

Erestor's eyes opened and he was awake instantly. 'Suddenly in love?' Surely he had heard wrong. We barely know one another. "Legolas," he began, voice hedged in hesitant caution, pulling back from the clinging elf to look into the blue eyes. Erestor almost flinched, for it was clear Legolas had just realised he had perhaps said something he should not and regretted it.

The archer extricated himself immediately and sat up, turning his back and swinging his legs over the side of the chaise to hide his embarrassment and hurt. "Aye, I know. That is all a fantasy and we have an important job to do," he said in tightly clipped syllables, trying to hide his humiliation and sorrow in that condescending tone of his. He gathered the thin robe close about his body as he rose on unsteady feet. "I am going to bathe and find something to wear. We shall meet anon to begin your briefing on the Severed Realms." With that he tottered off to his room, calling for Galion.

Erestor sat up and stared at the place where Legolas had just slipped through the long glass window, knowing he should follow and try to reassure the elf, except he was uncertain if he could do so without granting the silvan false hope. He did not feel love. He felt protective and possessive, he felt a strong sexual attraction, he could even go so far as to say he liked Legolas. Love was something else entirely. Love would bind his soul to this wild and wanton woodland fey forever more, and the Lord of Rose Pillars did not think he was ready for that kind of commitment. Not, at any rate, to someone so unpredictable, undisciplined, and unconventional as was Legolas Thranduilion.

TBC