Title: Peace Offerings
Authors: Khylaren and Larien Elengasse
Contact: khylaren@yahoo.com and larienelengasse@yahoo.com
Fandom: LOTR 
Rating: NC17
Warnings: graphic homoerotic (slash) content.
Beta: Larian Elensar
Cast: Haldir/Glorfindel, Rúmil/Orophin, Elladan/Elrohir, Galen/Melaphríl (OMCs)
Spoilers: None
Disclaimers:  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 (mainly ours!)

Summary: Written as a sequel to “Sweet Revenge”.  Orophin and Rúmil learn the pleasures of brotherly love and plot revenge against Elladan and Elrohir; it backfires when their fellow wardens, Galen and Melaphríl, demand a price to pay for their silence over a certain embarrassing incident. Elladan and Elrohir decide to help, and Galen and Melaphríl make a startling discovery about each other. Haldir and Glorfindel finally admit their feelings for one another, but are they too alike for their relationship to truly work?

Notes: Sweet Revenge, of course, demanded a sequel, as Orophin and Rúmil couldn’t accept that things had been left that way. Haldir and Glorfindel demanded equal time and attention, and two new elves dropped in and decided that they wanted to get in on the action as well. Elladan and Elrohir, of course, thought the whole thing was just too much fun, and were eager to play their parts to the hilt. 

Notes from Khylaren: As before, it was simply a joy to write with Larien Elengasse again. What one of us doesn’t think of, the other will!  She’s a treasure, and I am truly lucky to work with her!  The twins’ mischief, of course, is nearly almost always hers!

Notes from Larien:  I do so enjoy working with Khylaren, she and I have the same odd sense of humor and appreciation for sensual elves - we are indeed kindred spirits.  If we have inadvertently butchered Professor Tolkien’s beautiful Sindarin language, our apologies… we are trying to learn as we go.  Enjoy!

Chapter 1 - Dreams Realized

Orophin held his brother in his arms as he watched him sleep; Rúmil's pale blue eyes were glazed over and blankly staring off over his shoulder somewhere.  Memories of the prior evening flashed through his mind, Elrohir’s seductive touch, Rúmil’s whimpering cries, watching Rúmil’s body entered for the first time by Elladan.  How long have I dreamed of being the one to do it, he wondered.  Why was I not brave enough to be the one?  Am I brave enough now?  He had not slept at all. Instead he had lain awake, feigning sleep as Elrohir and Elladan slowly rose and dressed, leaving he and Rúmil to sleep in their talan.

Orophin felt his brother wake, Rúmil’s lithe body stiffening slightly in his arms as he became aware of his surroundings.  “Good morning, gwanur,” Orophin said softly, placing a gentle kiss on his brother’s hair. “Are you rested?”

Rúmil shifted in Orophin’s embrace, pulling slightly away to look up at his brother, his eyes wide when he realized that he lay naked in his brother’s arms. “How did we end up here?” he asked, sleep still evident in his voice. “I do not remember falling asleep.”

Orophin swallowed, tracing the edge of Rúmil’s jaw with his fingertips. “You were quite tired, gwanur.”

Rúmil’s breath caught at the gentle touch of his brother’s fingers, and his gray eyes darkening slightly. “Orophin, why are we…?” he trailed off uncertainly, his face flushing somewhat.

His brother gave him a tender smile, knowing what he was trying to ask. “Elladan and Elrohir left us here to rest.” Orophin replied, stroking the hair away from Rúmil’s face. 

Rúmil took a deep breath and pulled Orophin close, feeling his brother’s strong arms wrap around him tightly and the warm touch of his skin against his own.

“Amin mela lle, Orophin.” Rúmil said softly, burying his face in the sweet warmth of Orophin’s chest.

“And I love you,” Orophin replied with a gentle whisper. “I have been afraid, Rúmil. I have been afraid for a very long time.”

“Do you… want me?” his brother’s voice came soft and hesitant, muffled against Orophin’s chest.

“Aye, sweet Rúmil,” he whispered, stroking the silvery strands of silken hair, his fingers lingering on the softness of its texture, so alike, yet unlike his own. “I have wanted you for as long as I can remember.”

A shuddering sigh escaped the younger elf, and he felt Rúmil’s lean arms wrap around his waist, stroking his bare skin tentatively.

A deep rumbling sound came from the back of Orophin’s throat at the shy and hesitant caress, and he draped one leg over both of Rúmil’s, encompassing his younger brother’s lithe form with his own larger one.  His heart hammered inside his chest, his ears rang, and he trembled with anticipation.

“Will you…” Rúmil’s voice was thick with emotion as he struggled to speak the words he had longed to say for so long. “Will you make love to me?”

Orophin’s arms tightened briefly, and he placed another kiss, lingering this time, on Rúmil’s forehead. “I have longed to do so,” he said, feeling the lean body tremble in his arms. “If it is what you truly desire, mir nín.”

Rúmil raised his head and pressed his lips uncertainly against his brother’s, his hands sliding slowly up the smooth muscles of Orophin’s back. When he drew back, his face was flushed with desire and need. “Take me, Orophin. I would be yours.”

Orophin groaned softly, Rúmil’s words and touches inflaming him, and he bent his head, capturing the soft lips offered to him in a searing kiss.  He staked his claim on his brother’s mouth, his hands roaming over the hardened planes of Rúmil’s stomach with tender possessiveness. 

The younger elf moaned; the sound muffled against his brother’s mouth as he felt Orophin’s strong hands caress his skin, setting his desire aflame. His own hands explored, teased and tested the warm flesh beneath them, and he heard his brother groan softly in response.

Orophin rolled his brother under him, covering him with his body as he pressed his mouth harder against Rúmil’s. His tongue brushed against the velvety softness of Rúmil’s lips as he slowly moved his hips, rocking their bodies together in delicious friction, his brother’s gasps of pleasure making him ache with desire. He left the warmth of Rúmil’s mouth to explore the smooth expanse of his neck, the sweet curve where it joined with his shoulder, and the silky skin of his chest.  He captured a taut nipple with his teeth, flicking it with his tongue, and felt his brother arch beneath him, crying out wordlessly in pleasure.  His hand slid lower, brushing lightly against the flatness of Rúmil’s stomach, before grasping his brother’s hardened length and stroking it in slow, gentle movements.

“Ai!” Rúmil gasped, his eyes fluttering shut as he lost himself to the sensations Orophin’s clever hands elicited on his trembling body. He felt his brother lick a long, wet line down the middle of his stomach and tensed, crying out again when he felt the warmth of Orophin’s mouth enclose his length.

Orophin closed his eyes, savoring the taste and smell that was uniquely Rúmil’s, his lips and tongue exploring the length of hardened flesh before him. He took him deep into his mouth, letting the throbbing flesh slide slowly between his lips, and he heard his brother groan softly in response, his breath coming in short gasps.  He was lost when Rúmil whimpered plaintively, breathless words of love and approval floating from his lips.  He committed his brother’s body to memory, closing his eyes and stroking his narrow hips, caressing Rúmil’s hardened length with his tongue.  

Rúmil moaned and began to slowly thrust into his brother’s wet embrace, draping one leg over Orophin’s shoulders as his trembling hands caressed his brother’s silken hair.  He whispered Orophin’s name over and over, as he felt desire wash over him.  He arched his back, pressing his shoulders and the back of his head to the bed as he spilled down his brother’s throat, collapsing back to the soft mattress and trembling with the aftershocks of his spent desire.

Orophin gently cleaned his brother, now his lover, with his tongue in long, slow, gentle strokes, quietly purring as he went about his work.  Rúmil trembled and sighed, and Orophin thought it was the most beautiful music he had ever heard.  He slowly made his way back to his brother’s lips, teasing them with his tongue before pressing a deep kiss to his hungry mouth.  Orophin hovered over his brother’s flushed face, smiling as he watched his eyes flutter open and his lips reach for him again like a hungry fledgling.  He whispered against those soft lips, “Amin mela lle, Rúmil.”

Rúmil sighed, “Amin mela lle, Orophin.  I am yours forever more.”  He could feel Orophin’s need press into his hip and his hands slid down his brother’s sides to grasp his buttocks and pull him closer.  “I want to please you, gwanur.” He whispered, “But I feel I still have so much to learn.”

Orophin swallowed, his brother’s beautiful innocence made him weak with love and desire.  “What is it that you want to do to me, tithen gwanur?” he whispered.

Rúmil’s eyes fluttered open and he growled softly, “Everything.  I want to do everything and anything you desire, melethron nín.” 

Orophin felt his heart skip as he gazed into the hungry eyes of his little brother.  He was so sweet, so innocent, yet so wanton and full of desire.  He smiled seductively as Rúmil’s tongue darted out and flicked the underside of his chin, making him shiver with delight.  “Do what you will, a’maelamin.  I am yours, as you are mine.” 

“Amin…” Rúmil whispered. 

“Lle…” Orophin replied. 

Rúmil gently pressed Orophin to his back, rolling on top of him and caressing the curve of his ear with his tongue.  He heard Orophin hiss through his clenched jaw as he took the point of his brother’s ear into his mouth, gently suckling it as he moaned in response.  He felt Orophin’s hand run into his mussed hair while the other ran down his lean yet powerful back and over the swell of his firm buttocks.  

A heartbreaking whimper issued from Rúmil’s lips as Orophin slid his finger inside his brother’s tight body.  “Does that hurt, meleth nín?” he whispered into Rúmil’s neck.

“Yes… but…” Rúmil whispered, his hands kneading Orophin’s shoulders as he tensed against him.

Orophin gently removed his finger and kissed his brother’s neck. “’Tis too soon, gwanur.  I long to be inside you, but I would not cause you pain.”

Rúmil whispered, “I long for it too.  Perhaps, if you go slow…”

Orophin wrapped his arms around him and placed soft, sensual kisses on his neck.  “Nay, Rúmil, I would never hurt you, I can wait for you to recover.” He smiled wickedly as he whispered against his brother’s neck.  “There are many, many ways to enjoy you, gwanur.”

Rúmil trembled and moaned as Orophin rocked against him.  He tentatively made his way down Orophin’s powerful body, exploring the rolling curves of muscle and the concave of his stomach with his mouth.  He delighted when Orophin shuddered and his stomach shrunk away from his probing tongue, and smiled when his elder brother whimpered as he brushed his lips through the soft hair that grew about the base of his arousal.  

Rúmil paused and looked up at his brother, hearing Orophin gasp and moan in anticipation.  He drew his tongue along the sensitive underside of his hardened length and slowly explored the groove under the head.  A string of erotic words spilled from Orophin’s lips and Rúmil smiled knowing it was he that made him feel that way and say those things.  He gazed up at his brother through darkening eyes and whispered, “I want you to use my mouth, Orophin, use it as you would have used my body.”

Orophin began to slowly toss his head and he groaned in reply, “Ai, Rúmil, you are killing me, gwanur.”

Rúmil took his brother into his mouth, cupping his buttocks in his hands and encouraging him to thrust up into his warm, wet embrace.  He dug his fingers into Orophin’s hard buttocks as he relaxed his jaw, taking him further and further in with each thrust.  He moaned quietly as Orophin drove deeper, causing a vibrating sensation to run the length of his brother’s over-sensitized flesh.  

Orophin thrust slowly and carefully and he cried out as he found his release, spilling down Rúmil’s throat.

Rúmil swallowed, tasting the sweet essence of his brother and savoring it, before letting Orophin’s length slide from between his lips. Strong arms reached for him and pulled him into his brother’s embrace and he snuggled against the warmth of Orophin’s chest.

“Amin mela lle,” Orophin murmured with a contented sigh. “So much, so very much.”

The lay together, their breathing gradually slowing, as Rúmil’s fingers made idle circles on his brother’s skin.

“Elladan and Elrohir share the same feelings for each other as we do, do they not, gwanur?” Rúmil murmured, lifting his head slightly to look at his brother.

Orophin nodded, dropping a brief kiss on his forehead. “Aye, they do.”  

“I want to see them,” Rúmil whispered, his eyes darkening slightly. “I want to see them together.”

Orophin chuckled, rolling over so that he lay beside his brother and could see his face more easily. “Truly?” he asked, the idea quickening his interest. “I believe we should do something about that, then.”  His hands stroked Rúmil’s back gently and he gave his brother a wicked smile. “Perhaps we should extract a little revenge of our own as well?”

Rúmil’s eyes narrowed and he nodded eagerly. “I know just what we can do,” he whispered, leaning forward and pressing his lips against his brother’s ear. 

Orophin listened, his eyes widening slightly. A low, rumbling laugh escaped him when his brother finished.  “You are truly wicked, gwanur,” he whispered, pleased with Rúmil’s idea. “I cannot wait.”

*  *  *  *

Chapter 2 - Plans Gone Awry

Elladan was practically dizzy with delight; he squirmed and snorted as Elrohir relentlessly tickled him, pinning him to the ground and playfully torturing him.  

“Caro lle anna vi?” Elrohir asked as he nibbled the point of his brother’s ear

“Im innas al!” Elladan playfully growled as Elrohir continued his assault on his brother’s neck and ear.  “Ai, Elrohir!” He barked as fresh peals of laughter emanated from him.

Elrohir chuckled and held his brother’s wrists, pinning his arms down and straddling him, holding him to the ground.  He looked around quickly, perusing the trees and brush that surrounded them and saw that they were alone.  “Ssshh!” He commanded.

Elladan quickly grew quiet and whispered, “What is it, gwanur?”

“Do you hear that?” Elrohir asked.

Elladan furrowed his brow and listened intently.  “I hear nothing.”

A wicked smile crossed Elrohir’s lips, “Exactly.  We are alone, gwanur.”

Elladan laughed softly and whispered, “We may not be for long…”

Elrohir began to slowly rock his hips against his twin as he dipped his mouth to his ear once more.  “The prospect of getting caught doing something we should not do is exciting, is it not?”

Elladan moaned softly and whispered, “Mmm… yes it is.”  He blinked slowly, breathing deeply as he felt the first stirrings of desire inside him.  “Lle úthaes nín, gwanur.” 

“Caro im?” Elrohir cooed.  He slowly caressed the curve of his twin’s ear and gently suckled the tip.  “Mmm… you taste so good, Elladan.  I could live off the taste of you.”

Elladan sighed and laughed softly.  “That is doubtful, Elrohir, though the thought of it is quite pleasing.”

Elrohir’s lips moved from his brother’s ear along his jaw line.  He teased the soft skin beneath his brother’s chin before pulling back and gazing into his darkening pewter eyes.  He gently caressed his face, running his fingertips across his forehead and soft eyebrows, along his cheekbones, down his nose and over his full lips.  “Lle naa vanima, Elladan.”  He whispered.

Elladan sighed and smiled at his brother, “As are you, gwanur.”

Elrohir dipped his mouth to taste his twin’s, gently teasing his mouth open with his tongue and softly entering its welcoming warmth.  He kissed his twin slowly, relishing his taste, his warmth, the way he yielded ever so softly.  He moaned quietly into the kiss as he felt Elladan’s hands slide across his tunic, one hand traveling to grasp his buttocks, the other combing through his hair.  He felt his twin’s legs slowly fall apart as Elladan wrapped one around him, drawing him closer as he rolled his hips down into his brother.

They broke from their kiss and Elladan whispered, “Amin mela lle, Elrohir.”

Elrohir sighed and nuzzled his neck, “Amin mela lle, Elladan.”

*    *    *    *

Orophin crouched behind his brother in the tree, watching the twins with intent.  He reached out and pulled Rúmil’s hair aside, his lips caressing the soft skin on the back of his neck.  Rúmil’s breath caught as he watched the twins sharing an intimate moment.  Their soft sighs and moans were hopelessly arousing, and the feel of Orophin’s lips upon his neck nearly drove him to distraction.

“They are beautiful to behold.” Orophin whispered in his brother’s ear.

Rúmil sighed, “Yes, one can almost see the love pass between them.”  Rúmil felt his arousal begin to swell inside his leggings and he moaned plaintively as he closed his eyes.  “Orophin, saes, aníron lle...” he whispered.

Orophin chuckled against the soft, wet flesh of the back of his brother’s neck.  “Again?”

A plaintive whimper escaped Rúmil’s lips and he moaned.  “Always…” He heard a low rumble come from deep in Orophin’s throat, and he leaned back into his brother’s embrace, closing his eyes and surrendering his body to his skillful touch.

*    *    *    *

Glorfindel lay on his stomach on the large bed, his hands folded comfortably under his head.  He smiled as he felt Haldir’s soft lips caress his back, running over his shoulders, down the small of his back and over his firm buttocks.  “Hmmm… that feels nice, melethron.”

“You taste good, maethor nín, ripe and juicy like a fresh peach.” Haldir growled playfully.  He slid his tongue teasingly into the cleft between the warrior’s buttocks.  “I hunger for you.”  He nipped at the Eldar’s buttocks and the warrior barked in surprise, then laughed softly.

“Well now, we are playful this morning.  What has gotten into you, Marchwarden?”  The Vanya purred as his lover continued down his body, kissing and caressing the backs of his thighs, the indentation behind his knees, and his sculpted calves.

Haldir smiled as he lifted one of the warrior’s legs, caressing his calf before moving to his foot.  “Well, Vanya, I cannot help it if I have an appreciation for beauty, and you are truly beautiful.”  He placed kisses on the sole of the warrior’s foot, watching him tremble with delight, then slowly, sensuously took Glorfindel’s toes in his mouth, one at a time, suckling them and caressing them with his tongue.

The Vanya slowly began to shift his position, his arousal swelling against the soft bedding as he took a deep breath.  “You had better not be on duty this morning, melethron, for you are starting something that will take some time to finish.” He growled.

Haldir chuckled, and drew his tongue down the length of the sole of the Vanya’s foot before making his way back up the warrior’s legs, pausing to knead the muscles of his buttocks and tease his entrance with his tongue.  “Ai, Glorfindel, I can never get enough of you.” He whispered huskily.

Glorfindel sighed and smiled as he arched his back.  He rolled to his back and pulled the marchwarden on top of him.  “That is just how I would have it, a’maelamin, for I cannot get enough of you either.”  He ran his hands into the archer’s silver hair, pulling him into a heated kiss.  He thrust his tongue into the welcoming heat of Haldir’s mouth, plundering its deepest recesses as he moaned into the kiss.  He rolled his hips upward into his lover’s groin, sliding his rigid arousal against the marchwarden’s.  

Haldir pulled back from the kiss and stared into the warrior’s deepening azure eyes, eyes that had seen so much, eyes that had been witness to incredible joy and incredible pain.  He caressed the Eldar’s face with his strong hands, smiling gently at him as he ran his thumb over Glorfindel’s lips.  “Amin mela lle, Glorfindel.” He whispered.  He found that he trembled slightly as the words crossed his lips, words that he had never uttered to anyone other than his brothers.

The Vanya smiled and cupped Haldir’s face.  “Amin mela lle, my beautiful Haldir.” He whispered in return.  He felt the tension leave the archer’s body as Haldir lay his head beside his own.  His lover wrapped one leg around him and smiled, holding him close and feeling for the first time, that he did not ever want to let him go.

“Caro mîl enni, Glorfindel.” He whispered. 

Glorfindel smiled and rolled on top of the warrior.  “It would be my pleasure, meleth nín.”

*    *    *    *

Elrohir moaned softly as his twin’s hands slid across his bare chest and he arched his back, pressing his chest into Elladan’s hands and mouth.  He uttered a plaintive moan as Elladan nipped one taut nipple and he felt his brother’s hand slide down his muscled abdomen and over the rise in his leggings.  “Avo daur, saes…” he pleaded, his breath coming in ragged waves as he tangled his fingers in his brother’s hair.  Elladan was relentless, sucking, licking, kissing; his hands were everywhere, his mouth everywhere, Elrohir was on fire with want and need.

Elladan growled, “Aníron lle, Elrohir.” He loosened the laces on his brother’s leggings and slid his hand inside, taking Elrohir’s heated length in his hand and stroking it slowly, teasingly, as he watched his twin writhe beneath him.  “I so love seeing you this way, gwanur, so shamelessly wanton, so completely undone.”  

“Take me, Elladan.” Elrohir groaned.  “Fill me, claim me, saes…” He pleaded breathlessly.

Elladan stripped Elrohir of his leggings and held two fingers out to him, moaning as his twin took them into his mouth and gazed at him seductively as he swirled his tongue around them, thoroughly wetting them before allowing him to take them away.  Elladan leaned over his twin, his hair and cloak shielding Elrohir from view as he slid his fingers inside his twin’s trembling body.  He softly kissed the tears of love and want that flowed from his eyes and whispered words of love into his ear as he stroked deep inside him.  He moaned as he listened to Elrohir moan his name over and over, like a song sung to a lover.  “Amin mela lle, Elrohir, always.” He whispered, withdrawing his fingers and replacing them with his rigid arousal.

Elrohir arched his back and groaned as he sheathed his brother in his body, catching Elladan’s hand as it caressed his cheek and drawing his fingers into his mouth again, suckling them and kissing his palm as he rode his twin’s thrusts.

Elladan reached down and grabbed Elrohir’s arms, pulling him up so that his twin sat straddling him.  He grasped Elrohir’s face in his hands as he thrust up into his velvet heat, whispering words of passion and devotion against his lips, promising to love and protect him until the end of days.  

*    *    *    *

Orophin held Rúmil in his lap, precariously balanced on the branch they sat upon.  He nuzzled and kissed his brother’s neck, teasing the soft skin behind his ear, and stroking Rúmil’s muscled torso.  Rúmil strained to hold still, to keep his balance as his brother tormented him.  He was transfixed by the twins, watching them couple beneath the shade of wisteria.  He gasped as Orophin’s strong hands slid inside his leggings, and trembled as his brother took his hardened length in his hand, slowly stroking it, teasing his engorged flesh until he thought he would die of need.  He wavered on the edge of climax, never quite crossing over, never quite finding release.  He could feel Orophin’s arousal pressing into the cleft between his buttocks and he imagined his brother’s silken length sliding inside him, stretching him, opening him, claiming him.  He leaned his head back against Orophin’s shoulder and whimpered.  He heard Elladan cry out softly with his climax.  He shifted to reach behind him, to take his brother’s length in his hands, when he suddenly slipped.

“Ai!” He twisted as he slipped from Orophin’s grip.

“Rúmil!” Orophin cried as he lunged forward, catching his brother’s wrist in midair.  Rúmil dangled in the air as Orophin held him.  Orophin hung upside down, his legs wrapped around the tree branch.  

*    *    *    *

Elladan quickly wrapped his cloak around his brother as his dark eyes searched the trees for the origin of the sound.  “It is Orophin and Rúmil, I heard their voices.”

Elrohir struggled into his leggings before more elves arrived.  “They were spying on us.” He chuckled.  “It seems our Lórien brothers’ tastes are more interesting than we realized.”

The twins emerged from beneath the wisteria, Elrohir tugging down on his tunic, trying to conceal his still erect desire.  He pulled his cape around him as two more Lórien elves arrived to discern the cause of the commotion.  They were dressed in the familiar gray garb of the marchwardens, and they were looking up into the trees with amused expressions.

“Is there something we can help you with, Rúmil, Orophin?” the taller of the two blonde elves asked dryly, his green eyes sparkling with bemusement.

“Aye, Melaphríl,” came the strained reply from Orophin. “A little assistance would be nice.”

“How did you get into such a predicament?” the other elf asked, moving to stand beside Melaphríl as he gazed upwards, shaking his head in open amusement at the sight of both Lórien elves dangling helplessly from the tree. He glanced at Elladan and Elrohir, who were struggling to contain their laughter, neither of them succeeding.

Rúmil avoided his gaze, but flushed with embarrassment, trying not to struggle in his brother’s grip, although his arm was beginning to ache from being dangled. He glared at the two Peredhil who had the nerve to laugh at them.

“Never mind, Galen,” Melaphríl said with a chuckle. “Let us help our fellow wardens out of the tree. Then perhaps they can explain to us how they found themselves in such a position.”  

Elrohir snorted behind his hand, shaking his head. Elladan was bent double, his hands resting on his thighs as his shoulders shook with his laughter.

“If you do not mind,” Orophin said through gritted teeth, his shoulder’s throbbing from Rúmil’s dangling weight. “Could you hurry? I would prefer not to drop my brother, but I do not know how much longer I can hold him.”

Chuckling softly, Melaphríl searched the tree for the ladder that the brothers must have used to reach their lofty perch and did not see it. “Orophin, where is the ladder?”

Orophin groaned, mentally cursing himself for what he had thought, at the time, was a good idea. The slender rope ladder was coiled on the branch well past where his legs gripped it, and definitely not within reach.  “I cannot reach it,” he called down, tightening his grip on his brother. “You will have to climb up to get it.”

Melaphríl nodded, uncoiling the length of rope he wore at his side. He handed one end of it to Galen, who quickly wrapped it around the base of the tree, before handing it back to his friend. Melaphríl tied the ends together, so that the rope formed a loose loop, and placed his boot against the base of the trunk, leaning his weight against the rope. Holding the rope with both hands, he began to slowly climb, sliding the rope upwards with each careful step, his weight against it holding him in place. 

Elrohir nudged his brother slightly and rolled his eyes upwards at Rúmil. The Lórien elf’s tunic had ridden up, showing the flat muscles of his stomach, as well as a rather noticeable bulge in the front of his leggings. Elladan snickered behind his hand, shaking his head. It was all too easy to picture what had happened to cause the current turn of events.

Melaphríl reached the branch that Orophin dangled from and pulled himself up easily. He quickly unrolled the rope ladder and let it drop over the side, before turning to help the brothers.  Wrapping both legs securely around the branch, he leaned forward and grasped Rúmil’s arms just below Orophin’s hands and pulled. Together, they managed to pull the red-faced elf back up onto the branch, Orophin shaking slightly as he pulled himself upright behind his brother.  Melaphríl studied them both a moment, and shook his head.

“I would love to know how this happened,” he said calmly, eyeing them both with a shrewd and knowing gaze. “But I will not ask, since you most likely will not tell me the truth anyway.”

Orophin cleared his throat and managed to look the other elf in the eye. “We would appreciate it if this did not get out.”

Melaphríl’s golden eyebrows rose, and his green eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned forward, his face inches from Rúmil’s. “And just how much,” he said slowly, his eyes flicking to Orophin’s, “Would you two appreciate it?” he finished softly.

Orophin felt his brother tremble against him and he gave Melaphríl a frown. “What are you asking?” he said finally.

The green-eyed elf gave him a slow smile. “A little quality time this evening, perhaps, with your brother?”  His fingers reached out and brushed Rúmil’s cheek gently, raising the younger elf’s gaze to his. “But nothing that you do not consent to,” he added softly, watching the blue-gray eyes widen slightly in apprehension. 

Orophin felt a surge of jealousy and resisted the urge to knock the older elf out of the tree for his presumptions. Rúmil was his!  He bit back the sharp retort that rose to his lips, knowing he could say nothing that would not reveal too much about the nature of his relationship with his brother.  Instead, he replied, “That is for Rúmil to decide.”

Elladan and Elrohir glanced at Galen, who was leaning against the base of the tree, his arms folded as he looked up and watched the scene unfold above them. His lips were curved in an amused grin. The day was getting more and more interesting.

Rúmil looked at his brother uncertainly, wishing he could communicate without words the way Elladan and Elrohir seemed to be able to. He did not want word of this embarrassing situation getting out; he especially did not want Haldir to find out. But he did not want to betray his brother.  

“Surely there is something else,” Orophin finally said, reading the look in Rúmil’s eyes and loving him all the more for it. He gave Melaphríl a hard look. “My brother’s affections are not to be taken lightly.”

“All the more reason,” countered the green-eyed elf. “For me to want him. Come, Rúmil, speak.  Is my offer that abhorrent to you? Am I not fair enough for you?”

Rúmil swallowed. “You are fair enough, for certain,” he said quietly, and sighed. “Very well.”  He felt Orophin stiffen in indignation at his back and gave his brother an apologetic look.

“What about my silence?” Galen called, smirking up at the trio in the tree, and Melaphríl laughed, moving gracefully towards the ladder. 

Orophin sighed, glaring down at the other elf. “What do you want?” he asked shortly, knowing it would take an supreme effort not to resort to kinslaying if the miscreant below asked for his brother’s favors as well.

Galen eyed him boldly, and grinned. “You, meldir. Tonight.”

He felt Rúmil silently seethe beside him, and sighed. “Fine,” he said, wishing he could take his brother in his arms and give him comfort. He shifted his gaze to the Peredhil and sighed again. “I suppose you both will want something as well?”

Elladan and Elrohir shook their heads in unison.

“Nay, meldir,” Elladan said softly, his face uncharacteristically solemn. “We do not ask a price for our silence.”

“It will never pass our lips,” Elrohir added in agreement. Both felt that the brothers were being unfairly taken advantage of by Galen and Melaphríl, and Elrohir heard his twin’s silent thoughts about what they should do about it. Though Orophin and Rúmil had consented, the twins knew that the brothers’ hearts belonged to one another, as did their own. 

Orophin regarded the two suspiciously for a moment, then nodded. “Lle hannon,” (Thank you) he said, before rising and following his brother down the ladder, sighing heavily when he reached the bottom. The day had started out so well, he thought glumly. He did not want Galen, his heart ached for Rúmil.

Melaphríl and Galen took their leave with pleased and confident smiles, nodding politely at Elladan and Elrohir as they passed them. The twins watched them go with speculative eyes, and glanced at each other, their thoughts passing without words.  After a moment, they both smiled, and stepped forward together to speak with Rúmil and Orophin.

“Did you enjoy what you saw?” Elladan asked coyly, noting the bright flush of crimson upon Rúmil’s face and the scowl that crossed Orophin’s.

“To what are you referring?” Orophin asked with indignation.

Elrohir chuckled and leaned in.  “Come now, Orophin.  Unlike Melaphríl and Galen, we know exactly what was going on in that tree.”

Rúmil shrank back against Orophin’s chest as Elladan’s fingers lightly traced his jaw. His body might have betrayed him and leaned forward into that seductive caress had his brother’s hands not held his shoulders steady. 

Elrohir’s hands slid around Elladan’s waist as he leaned into him and whispered, “We understand exactly how the two of you feel and would not see those feelings led astray, nor would we interfere or cause trouble.”

“We have a proposition for you,” Elladan said to them. 

Orophin silently groaned, thinking that he should have known that the twins’ earlier promises had been too good to be true.

“It is not what you are thinking, meldir,” Elrohir said, seeing the brief flash of anger in Orophin’s eyes. “We do not think your rescuers played fairly.”

“Aye,” Elladan continued. “And we have a plan that, if all goes well, will relieve you and your brother of your promise to them.”

Rúmil looked at Orophin before glancing back at the twins. “What is it you propose?” he asked hesitantly.

Broad smiles mirrored each other as Elladan and Elrohir began to explain their plan.

*  *  *  *

Chapter 3 - Best Laid Plans

Melaphríl hummed softly as he braided his hair, smiling at his reflection in the mirror. He could not believe his luck.  In a matter of hours, he would have Rúmil, breathless and eager in his arms. He could not contain his excitement at the thought, and he felt himself grow hard beneath the soft material of his robes. He imagined what it would be like to press kisses against Rúmil’s sweet mouth, to hear his cries of passion as he gave into his body’s desires wantonly, his fair face lost in need. 

The note from the elf lay folded on the table beside his bed, and his eager fingers reached for it, reading the words in graceful script Rúmil had written.

Meet me in the glade by the river at sundown. 
-Rúmil

Melaphríl chuckled softly, and plucked a bottle of wine from the cupboard behind his bed. It would not hurt to ply the sweet elf with a bit of spirit of the grape before he seduced him.

And then possessed him. Utterly.

As the sun began its descent, the green-eyed elf made his way towards the river, a confident smile playing about his lips.

*  *  *  *

Galen tucked the note in his tunic that told him when and where to meet Orophin, before making his way down the ladder from his talan, his thoughts turning speculatively to the evening of delights that awaited him. He had no thoughts of seduction in mind. He knew Orophin well enough from serving with him on the fences, and he knew that the elf was no stranger to a casual tumble. Truthfully, that was all he sought in this encounter, to find if there was any truth behind the rumors of Orophin’s prowess. The elf was uncommonly fair, surpassed in beauty only by his brother, but the younger elf was not to Galen’s taste at all. He preferred his lovers to be like himself, bold and sure. Orophin had held his interest for quite some time, and he considered himself lucky that the opportunity had presented itself the way it had; it was a chance to take what he wanted, without the risk of his proposal being rejected. 

Aye, at least for this night, Orophin would be his.

With a smile of anticipation, Galen made his way towards Orophin’s room.

*  *  *  *

Orophin pulled Rúmil into his arms, rolling them both onto the twins' bed, hearing his younger brother's soft laughter as his fingers sought the more ticklish areas on his body.  

"Ai, Orophin!" Rúmil laughed breathlessly, writhing to get away from the ticklish onslaught, helplessly trapped beneath his brother’s weight. “Saes!”

“Caro lle anna vi?” (Do you yield?) Orophin queried, his eyebrows rising playfully as he wormed his fingers under Rúmil's tunic, hearing Rúmil's breath catch as his hands stroked the flat muscles of his brother's stomach, his caress teasing instead of tickling.

"Aye," Rúmil breathed, his lithe body arching slightly under his brother's caress. "I do."

Orophin leaned forward, placing a soft kiss on his brother's belly, his tongue flickering out to taste his warm flesh, before drawing back. His eyes met Rúmil's as his fingers drew slow and careful patterns across the smooth skin beneath his brother's tunic. "Aníron an caro mîl," (I want to make love) he said huskily, his throat suddenly tight with emotion, filled with a sense of nearly overwhelming love and tenderness for his brother. "Will you let me?"

"Aníron lle," (I want you) Rúmil whispered, reaching up to stroke Orophin's cheek. "So much, gwanur."  His lithe body trembled slightly as he wet his lips with his tongue, struggling to speak. "Caro mil enni." (Make love to me)

Orophin placed a tender kiss on his brother's stomach, and drew away, reaching for Rúmil's boots and sliding them off his feet. "I want to do this right," he said softly. "Elladan and Elrohir have given us this time alone, and I want to do this right."

Rúmil sighed with pleasure when he felt his brother's hands rubbing his feet, his fingers kneading into the high arches with firm and knowing touches. It was a simple caress, but pleasurable nonetheless, making him feel both pampered and cherished.

"Even your feet are lovely, gwanur," Orophin murmured, his fingers sliding up the lean and elegant arch of his brother' s foot. He heard Rúmil's soft chuckle and looked at him with a smile. "What, does that tickle?"

"Nay, gwanur," Rúmil's laughter trailed off into a sigh. "I just never have considered my feet the way you do."

"Hmm," Orophin replied, lightly stroking the long and graceful toes. "Well, they are lovely. As is every bit of you."  He dropped his hold on Rúmil's feet and crawled up the bed to reach for the laces of Rúmil's leggings, untying them with nimble fingers. He could see the very obvious evidence of his brother's arousal pressing against the soft material, and he resisted the urge to stroke it, instead concentrating on divesting his brother of his clothing one piece at a time. Rúmil shivered in expectation beneath him as his long hair trailed over the smooth muscles of his thighs, using the silky length of it to tease the sensitive skin.

Rúmil groaned softly at the sensation of Orophin's long hair trailing over his legs, brushing teasingly over his arousal, tormenting the hardened flesh with its softness. Lean fingers stroked a slow path down his thighs, kneading the firm and well-developed muscles of his calves, before retracing their path upward, stopping just short of the base of his arousal.

Orophin heard his brother's soft whimper of disappointment as his hands left their exploration to undo the clasps and ties of his tunic and he smiled with pleasure. "I will not be rushed this time, meleth nín," he said softly, sliding the fabric from his brother's shoulders to reveal his lithe but well-muscled chest. "I want to savor this moment and you, for the gift it is."  He dropped his head and licked a wet path across Rúmil's chest, his mouth hovering teasingly just above a hardened nipple. 

"Ai, melethron," Rúmil whimpered quietly. "You torture me."

Orophin's tongue flicked out against the stiffened peak and his brother arched in response, his hands flying up to grasp his head and pull him closer, wanting more than just the teasing caress. Gently, but firmly, he removed his brother's hands and placed them at his sides. "Let me love you, gwanur," he said softly. "Let me treasure you my way."

Biting his lip, Rúmil nodded, wadding his hands into the bedclothes to keep them still. Orophin rewarded him with a kiss that left him breathless.

“Lle naa vanima, (You are beautiful) Rúmil,” Orophin said huskily, nearly undone by the sight of his brother’s flushed and trembling body beneath him. “Aníron lle, so much, so very much.”

“Do not make me wait too long,” Rúmil pleaded softly. “Saes, meleth nín (Please, my love).”

Orophin stretched his length out over his brother’s body, settling his still clothed form between his brother’s thighs, and rocked his hips slowly against Rúmil’s, and bent his head to claim his lover’s lips.  Rúmil’s mouth opened eagerly under his and he felt the first brush of his tongue against his with a delicious shudder. His hands lightly explored the planes and contours of Rúmil's face and neck as his mouth moved over his brother's possessively, swallowing the low moans and cries his lover made in response to his caresses. His arousal throbbed almost painfully behind the tight confines of his leggings as he ground their hips together, and Orophin found it difficult keep his control, wanting nothing more than to claim the sweet body that arched and trembled so invitingly under his. He left the warmth of Rúmil's mouth reluctantly to trail kisses across his neck, licking and nibbling the soft and sensitive flesh beneath his ear, before taking the tip of it between his lips.

Rúmil was lost in the sensations, his body aching, on fire with need as his lover continued the slow and leisurely torment of his senses. He gasped, crying out wordlessly when Orophin's hand finally touched his length, gripping with a sure touch that had him groaning with pleasure. His brother's mouth left the sweet and nearly unbearable torture of his ear and he sighed as he felt Orophin move lower on his body.

Orophin's mouth explored every inch, savoring the unique taste that was wholly Rúmil’s as he licked a trail across his neck and chest, his lips fastening on a hardened peak as his hands continued to stroke his brother’s length, moisture from his lover’s arousal making the flesh slick against his fingers. He moved lower, his tongue laving a path across the silky skin of Rúmil's stomach, and he heard his brother's keening moan when his lips touched the weeping tip of his arousal. 

"Saes!" Rúmil pleaded, his head tossing against the pillows as he felt the warmth of Orophin’s breath caress his aching length. “Im baur!” (I need)

Rúmil’s whispered pleadings enflamed him, and he took his brother’s length in his mouth in one swift stroke, swallowing his hardness and taking him as deeply as he could. He felt his lover’s body arch beneath him, hips lifting in supplication as his mouth slowly worked the length between his lips. He relished the soft cries his brother gave in response to his caress and opened his mouth wider, his hands gripping the lean thighs that trembled against his fingers.

“Orophin!” Rúmil cried out, his brother's mouth driving him to the edge of his release. He felt the soft and careful touch of Orophin's fingers against his opening and shuddered, crying out wordlessly as he spilled his seed deep into his brother's throat.

Orophin swallowed, tasting Rúmil’s salty and sweet essence as it flooded his mouth, taking care to catch every drop as his lover’s keening moans filled his ears. His fingers rested just against the opening of his brother's body, but did not press inside. He did not want to rush, wanted to savor the experience, wanted his brother well and truly prepared before he claimed his sweet body with his own.  Rúmil twitched slightly when he let his softening length slip from his lips, and he gave a long, shuddering sigh.
 
Rúmil lay, feeling boneless and weak as he felt his brother's weight leave his body. His eyes opened partway as he watched Orophin undress, his gaze lingering with hunger on his lover's beautiful form. His desire was momentarily sated, but he felt it growing within him once more as he saw the hardened length jutting proudly from his brother's hips.  His breath caught in anticipation when he saw Orophin reach for the small vial of oil on the bedside table.

Orophin settled next to his brother's body and looked at him, his fingers stoking his chest lightly. "Aníron lle," he murmured, his eyes raising questioningly to Rúmil's. "But not if you are not ready."  He smiled tenderly, his hand rising to touch his brother's mouth softly. "I would never willingly hurt you."

Rúmil caught his hand and pressed a kiss against his fingertips. "You will never hurt me, gwanur," he whispered, his desire quickening once more. "Amin mela lle, Orophin. Caro mil enni, make me yours." (Make love to me)

Orophin bent his head, his lips softly touching Rúmil's. "Amin," he whispered. (Mine)

"Lle," (Yours) Rúmil replied, pressing his lips against his brother's. Their tongues met in a velvet tangle as Orophin deepened the kiss, pressing his mouth harder against the softness of Rúmil's lips. He felt his brother's hands tentatively stroke his chest and groaned softly, the sound muffled against his lover's mouth. 

Orophin raised his head, running his fingers across his brother's kiss-swollen lips. "On your knees, gwanur," he said softly, knowing the discomfort would be less for Rúmil in that position. The time would come later when he could hold him beneath him, for now, he knew, it was the best way.

Trembling with anticipation, Rúmil complied, feeling his brother's hands stroke his back as he pressed his head against his arms, spreading his knees further apart at the gentle pressure from Orophin's hands. 

Orophin was nearly undone by the sight before him, and he felt his brother quiver when his fingers lightly brushed between the soft cleft of his buttocks. Setting the oil carefully on the bed, well within easy reach, he leaned forward, his tongue caressing the dimple at the base of Rúmil’s back, just above the smooth curve of his cheeks. He heard his brother’s low and breathless moan as his tongue flickered teasingly along the line that separated his buttocks, before gripping the soft mounds with his hands and spreading them gently to reveal the small opening there. 

Rúmil gasped and shuddered when he felt the first soft and wet touch of his brother’s tongue against his opening, arching his back against the sensation, his now-hardened arousal throbbing against his stomach. He whimpered softly when Orophin’s tongue penetrated him, and he rocked his hips against the touch, opening himself wider to his brother’s exploration. A low moan escaped his lips when his lover’s tongue left him, and he heard the vial of oil being opened, the first trickle of slippery liquid spilling between his cheeks leaving him breathless and anxious. Remembered pain and pleasure made him tremble, his uncertainty warring with his need when he felt his brother’s fingers touch him once more.

“Tell me if I hurt you, gwanur,” Orophin whispered huskily, coating his fingers liberally with the oil before pressing them against the small opening to his brother’s body. He reached between Rúmil’s thighs and lightly stroked the length of flesh he found there, before sliding a single finger into the tightness of his lover’s body.

Rúmil whimpered at the combined sensation, the discomfort and the pleasure a heady mixture that filled him with a burning need. His head dropped against his forearms as he moaned, feeling his brother’s finger slide slowly in and out of his body. 

Orophin dropped a kiss on his brother’s back, feeling the tight muscles relax gradually against him as he continued his ministrations, waiting until he heard another keening moan escape Rúmil before adding a second finger.

“Ai!” Rúmil cried, his breath quickening as he struggled to accept the slightly larger invasion. He felt his brother pause, and he turned his head to meet Orophin’s look of tender concern. “Avo daur,” (Don’t stop) he whispered huskily.

“You are certain?” Orophin bit his lip, continuing his strokes to his lover's length. 

"Uma," (Yes) Rúmil whispered, closing his eyes. "Aníron lle."

Orophin needed no further encouragement from his brother, and he resumed his careful preparation of his lover's body, his fingers gently stretching the tight muscles, scissoring within the heat, spreading the oil deep inside of him. His fingers sought and found the sensitive spot within Rúmil's body and lightly brushed against it, smiling when he heard his brother's startled gasp of response.

Rúmil shuddered, his breath coming in quick gasps. "Do that again!"

"This?" Orophin's long fingers brushed his brother's mark, and he was rewarded with a groan of pleasure. 

"Ai! Yes!"  He rocked his hips back, rising up on his hands as his back arched, nearly screaming in pleasure when is brother's fingers touched that spot within him again. "Orophin!"  He quivered, nearly undone, when he felt a third finger press inside of him, sliding into his body and opening him even more. 

Orophin's hand left his brother's length to coat his own arousal with oil, his fingers still working slowly in the tight confines of Rúmil's body, pressing deeper, bringing steady and breathless cries of passion from his brother's lips. "Are you ready, meleth nín?" he whispered, watching the lithe body sway, narrow hips flexing against the steady thrust of his fingers, wanting him so badly he could hardly stand it.

"Saes, meleth nín," Rúmil's eyes fluttered shut, his head rolling back against his shoulders as he surrendered to the magic of his brother's touch. "Lle maba, Orophin."  (Take me) He trembled with the sudden loss of Orophin's fingers, feeling empty and aching as they left his body. He felt the tip of his brother's arousal press against his opening and could not help but tighten against it, both wanting and fearful.

Orophin felt his brother's body tighten and he stroked his back. "Shh, gwanur," he whispered. "I will not hurt you, I swear."  Slowly he pushed against the tight ring of muscles that endeavored to keep him out, a low moan escaping him as his brother's heat enveloped his length.

Rúmil bit back the whimper that rose in his throat as his brother's hardness filled him, the oiled flesh sliding with agonizing slowness into him until he felt the soft touch of Orophin's thighs press against his. It hurt almost unbearably, yet it felt so good, so right, to have his brother sheathed within him this way.  

He rested against Rúmil, stroking the trembling back, waiting for his brother to adjust to his length. A light sweat covered the pale skin, and he heard his lover's ragged breaths as he struggled to accept him.

"Amin mela lle, Rúmil," Orophin said softly, trailing soft kisses across the back of his neck and shoulders. "So much, so very much."  His hands left their place at his brother's narrow hips to slide up his chest, drawing Rúmil up so that he knelt, the line of his buttocks curving against his thighs. His arousal twitched inside its tight confines, and a soft gasp escaped his brother's throat as Orophin turned his face to kiss him.

Rúmil leaned back against his brother's chest and turned his head to meet Orophin's kiss, the pain beginning to fade as his body adjusted to the length that impaled him. He moaned softly into his brother's mouth as he felt him move their bodies slowly together, Orophin's muscled thighs flexing as he carefully moved inside him. A strong arm held him across his chest as Orophin's hand slid down his stomach to grasp his length, his slow strokes timed with the subtle movements of his hips as he moved his length into him. 

The tightness was exquisite, and the soft moans his brother made was music to his ears as he carefully thrust within his heat, his movements controlled and slow. He wanted it to last - never wanted it to end, loving the feeling of Rúmil in his arms, his length buried deep within his brother’s body. From the tightening of muscles and the rising urgency of Rúmil’s moans, however, he knew that his brother would not last long. He pressed his lips against Rúmil’s ear and increased the pace slightly, his thrusts a little more forceful, his strokes to his brother's length a little faster. 

Rúmil shuddered, lost in the overwhelming pleasure, no longer feeling anything but the delirious sensations his brother gave him. His head rolled back against Orophin's shoulder, his mouth opened as he gave voice to his pleasure.

"Ai, yes," Orophin crooned, his lips touching his brother's ear as he saw his eyes flutter shut, his moans coming louder as his release grew near. "Come for me, gwanur. Let me see you."  He angled his thrusts slightly, striking the hidden spot deep within Rúmil's body, and was rewarded with a loud and keening cry. "Yes!" he whispered, loving the beautiful and wanton way his brother arched against him, his length stiffening in his hands as the warmth of his seed spilled over his fingers. 

"Orophin!" Rúmil cried, shuddering his release, feeling his brother bury his length deeper inside of him and welcoming the mixture of pain and pleasure. He heard Orophin’s hoarse cry echo his and felt the warmth of his brother’s release fill him with its heat. His eyes were closed as he struggled to catch his breath, and he felt the sweet press of Orophin's lips against his neck, his brother's hands softly stroking his hair away from his face.

"Amin mela lle, gwanur," Orophin whispered, holding his brother tenderly against him, his face buried in the curve of Rúmil's neck, his strong arms wrapping around his lithe form and cradling him. 

He sighed, feeling his brother's heart beating against his back, loving the feel of having him so close. "Amin mela lle, Orophin." he murmured, opening his eyes slowly, turning his face to look at him. 

Orophin's embrace tightened for a moment, before he pulled away, his length leaving the warmth of his lover's body. He lay down on the bed, pulling Rúmil down beside him, cradling him against his chest as his breathing gradually slowed. Rúmil's arm lay across his stomach and he heard his brother give a soft sigh.

"Are you well?" Orophin asked softly, lifting his head slightly to look down at his brother's face.

A slow and contented smile crossed the younger elf's features. "Aye, gwanur," he replied, blinking up at him sleepily.

Orophin smiled, his fingers gently brushing a lock of hair away from his brother's face. "I did not hurt you too much?" he asked hesitantly. 

"You did not hurt me," Rúmil replied, stretching his lithe form catlike, practically purring with contentment. He rolled his eyes up at his brother and smiled. "It was wonderful."

He let out the breath he did not realize he was holding, and echoed his brother's smile. "That it was, meleth nín, that it was."  He drew his arm around Rúmil's slender shoulders and hugged him close, dropping a soft kiss on his temple. 

Rúmil chuckled softly, his fingers drawing idle patterns on the smooth skin of his brother's chest. 

"What is it that you find so funny?" Orophin asked, his lips curving slightly. 

"It is only that I no longer wish any revenge against Elladan and Elrohir," he replied, rolling to his stomach and propping his chin on his hands, his eyes meeting Orophin's. "Instead, we are in their debt, for if it were not for them, I would be fending off Melaphríl's advances, and you would be doing the same with Galen."

"Aye," Orophin agreed with a smile. "And we would not have had this time together, alone."

"I think, then, that we owe them something for this," Rúmil continued, his fingers brushing lightly over Orophin's nipple, smiling as it hardened beneath his touch. 

"What did you have in mind, gwanur?" Orophin asked, his breath catching as Rúmil’s fingers explored him, teasing his nipples gently. 

“Hmm, maybe a little of the same,” he replied, rolling his eyes up at his brother and grinning slyly. “I think they would appreciate the opportunity for some time alone to enjoy each other, the way we have.”

Orophin nodded, batting his brother’s teasing hands away with a mock scowl. “I do not think you are ready to start things again so soon, tithen gwanur.” (little brother) He raised himself up on his elbows and thought for a moment. “I know just the place,” he said finally, a slow grin crossing his features. “They will not be bothered there.”

Rúmil’s eyebrows rose. “Where?”

Orophin laughed, his fingers tracing the edge of his brother’s jaw. “Remember the glade we discovered on our last hunting trip together?  We could take the twins hunting, and leave them alone for a day or so.”  His smile turned mischievous as his fingers danced lightly over Rúmil’s lips. “You and I could guard them from any interruption.”

“And also enjoy a little time alone ourselves,” Rúmil added, placing a kiss on Orophin’s fingers. “You are clever, gwanur.”

“Only because you inspire me, my sweet Rúmil,” Orophin said softly, his breath catching when his brother’s tongue flickered out to tease his fingertips. He drew a ragged breath. “You must stop that,” he admonished lightly when Rúmil took his fingers into his mouth and sucked them greedily.

"Why must I?" Rúmil replied, his hands sliding slowly across Orophin's chest.

"Because I will take you again if you do not. You are far to tempting, meleth nín," came the breathless reply.

Rúmil's head lowered and he deliberately licked the tip of a hardened nipple, his fingers dancing lower on his brother's body. "Then take me, gwanur," he whispered, his eyes darkening with desire. "I am yours."

*  *  *  *

Elladan regarded his reflection in the mirror, smiling with predatory intent.  

Elrohir leaned back upon Rúmil’s bed watching his brother with admiration; no one was better at seduction than Elladan, and his elder twin had taught him all he knew.  He felt his arousal twitch inside his leggings as he gazed upon his brother, and his tongue darted out to wet his lips as he rose from the bed.  “That it were me you were so bent on torturing this evening, gwanur.” Elrohir whispered into his elder brother’s ear.

Elladan turned and faced his brother, gently caressing his face and running his thumb across his full lips.  “My heart belongs to only you, you know this, Elrohir.”

Elrohir smiled and whispered, “Aye, I do.  But, I cannot help but feel envy for one who takes even one minute of your time from me.”

Elladan smiled in return.  “I intend to finish what we started this afternoon, melethron nín. (my lover)  You know I would never intentionally leave you so wanting.”

Elrohir sighed and leaned into his brother’s caress, pressing a kiss to his hand before continuing, “It could not be helped, a’maelamin (beloved).  We were interrupted.”

Elladan slowly tangled his fingers in his brother’s hair, pulling his head back to expose his neck.  “That we were, gwanur,” he whispered against his brother’s neck, “or I would have feasted upon your beauty for hours.”  He drew his tongue along Elrohir’s jugular as he felt his brother tremble in his arms.  “Who do you love, Elrohir?”

“Lle…” came his whispered reply.

“Who owns you, Elrohir?” 

“Lle…” Elrohir moaned, his trembling fingers resting upon his brother’s tunic.

“Aye, tithen gwanur, I do.” Elladan growled into his brother’s ear.  “As you own me.”  He drew his tongue along his brother’s ear and whispered.  “Two souls, two hearts, forever joined, forever entwined.  That is who we are, Elrohir, we belong to one another.”

“An uir…” (For eternity) Elrohir whispered.

Elladan turned his head to look into his brother’s eyes whispering against his ripe lips, “An uir…” He pressed a heated kiss to his brother’s lips before withdrawing.  “Come, gwanur… we have an errand to complete.”

Elrohir smiled wickedly, “Aye, gwanur.”

They turned and departed the talan, each taking their separate paths.

*    *    *    *

Elladan stalked down the path to the glade, smiling to himself as he approached the designated meeting place.  He spied Melaphríl standing in the glade, holding the bottle of wine.  He could not blame the elf for being taken with Rúmil’s sweet beauty, but he was angered at the way he went about procuring it.  He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering Rúmil’s lithe, yielding form, his soft skin and musical sighs, that addictive tight heat and trembling acquiescence when he finally gave in.  He had been nearly as beautiful as Elrohir, though not as haunting, not as enslaving; at least not for him.  He had an inkling of what had passed in Orophin’s mind, and his heart.  Orophin now knew what it was to taste forbidden fruit, to love one that belonged to him, yet would be denied if their love was to be discovered.

He set his jaw and smiled evilly as he stepped out from cover of the trees, stalking toward his unwitting pray, fingers playing about the length of rope that hung beneath his cloak.  He adopted his most innocent expression as he approached, smiling and clasping his hands behind his back.

“Mae Govannen, Melaphríl.  ‘Tis a fine night for a stroll through the Golden Wood.”

Melaphríl started and turned to face the Peredhil, all elves were quiet, but the twins seemed exceedingly good at creeping up on others.  He stammered his reply, “Mae Govannen, my Lord.  What brings you this far from the city so late?” He nervously looked around, if Rúmil were to approach now then he may be frightened away from their meeting place.

Elladan smiled bewitchingly, “Nothing in particular, my feet just seemed to lead me here; finding you here is a bit of a surprise, meldir.”  He reached up and trailed his fingers along one silvery braid. “I must say, you are exceedingly handsome in the starlight, Melaphríl.”

The Silvan elf swallowed.  He absently found himself wondering if the twins practiced in the black arts, for he found himself unable to tear himself away from that seductive pewter gaze.

Elladan looked at the ground, spying the bottle of wine and he smiled.  “Are you expecting someone, Melaphríl?”

Melaphríl shifted nervously, breaking Elladan’s hold upon his gaze for just a moment and looking around anxiously.  “Um, well, yes I am…”

Elladan raised his hand and turned his face to his own, his pewter gaze once again locking onto Melaphríl’s.  “Aaahh, yes, your little rendezvous with Rúmil.  I had forgotten.”  His fingers trailed along the Silvan elf’s jaw.  “While I agree that Rúmil is quite fair, I am sorry to inform you that you labor under a false impression.”

Melaphríl frowned and replied, “What impression, my Lord?”

Elladan began to slowly circle him as he licked his lips.  “That the young marchwarden is an innocent.  I can tell you with all certainty he is not.”

Melaphríl trembled beneath the Peredhil’s gaze, feeling himself like an innocent elfling. “How do you know this, my Lord?”

Elladan smiled and stopped behind him, his deep voice wafting into the elder elf’s ear.  “It was I who took his virginity.  Would you like to hear about it?”  He leaned in and whispered, his warm breath fluttering against the curve of his ear.  “How I sheathed myself in his trembling body, how he cried out my name and pleaded with me not to stop?”  The elder elf moved to leave and he caught him by the arms, pulling him back against his chest.  “You would like that wouldn’t you? To have that same experience, to have that power over him.  I am afraid, meldir, this is not your night.  Nay, it is mine, for it is I that will have power over you.  You see, I am gifted with my grandmother’s sight, and I see what is in that fearful heart of yours Melaphríl.  I see how you seek the company of young ones, so that you may possess them on a whim, bend them to your will.  What you do not realize is that there is equal power in yielding.”  His hand drifted down Melaphríl’s chest, fingers dancing over the rise in his leggings. “I think it is time you learned to yield, meldir.”

Melaphríl’s heart stopped in his chest and he began to tremble in the Peredhil’s arms. He opened his mouth to protest but found words failing him as he was lead back toward the tree line and pressed against a tree.  He felt warm, ripe lips caress the curve of his ear and his traitorous body responded, his arousal hardening almost immediately to Elladan’s touch.  He croaked out a reply as the sensual onslaught continued, “Saes, hir nín, Im…” (Please, my Lord, I..)

Elladan chuckled as his free hand deftly untied the rope that hung from his belt. “You what, meldir?”

“I do not… I do not… I am…” He moaned as he felt the Peredhil nip his ear and he closed his eyes, feeling his resistance waning.  He imagined it was much the same when Elladan took Rúmil, only he was not an inexperienced youngster.

Elladan growled into Melaphríl’s ear, “What you are, Melaphríl, is a miscreant who needs to be taught a lesson.”  He quickly bound the elf to the trunk of the tree, tying him tight so that he could not escape.  “One does not procure affection through the use of blackmail.  What you did to Rúmil was shameful, and now it is time for you to pay the price for your actions.”

Melaphríl barked and tried to escape, but it was too late, the Peredhil had caught him off guard.  He struggled against his bonds but his arms were pinned to his sides and he was unable to move.  “How dare you!” he snapped.

Elladan sat back upon a rock and chuckled.  “How dare I?  Now-now, meldir.  This is not good sportsmanship… you wanted to play the game.  It was you that started this, do not be such a poor loser.”  He casually regarded his fingernails as he continued, “You sought to gain the comfort of Rúmil’s body through less than honest means, and you fully and willingly yielded to my touch, no matter what your lips did to the contrary.”  He sighed, “Now it appears you are caught in a web of your own deceit.  What are you going to do now?”

Melaphríl’s face was flushed with a mixture of wanton need and stark humiliation.  He struggled once more before releasing a deep breath and resigning himself to the fact that he had been bested.  “You are right, my Lord.  I did desire Rúmil’s company and sought to get it in a less than honest way.  I am at your mercy, my Lord.”

Elladan leaned back upon his hands, crossing his ankles and cocking his head, regarding the Silvan elf with some curiosity.  “Hmmm… I wonder if your apology is sincere.  Tell me, meldir, what did you think was going on in that tree before you arrived?”

Melaphríl squirmed against the tree and his face flushed again at the thought.  He had a pretty good idea of what had been happening, and when the brothers consented to his request he was sure he was right.  He cleared his throat and began to reply when Elladan cut him off.

“Never mind, you need not say the words for I see your thoughts.  ‘Tis a pity you can’t read mine, I think you would find much of interest there.”  He smiled wickedly.  “Had I the inclination, I would devise a punishment for you that would be beyond your wildest imaginings… but for now, I am content to wait.”

Melaphríl swallowed.  He wondered how one so young could have developed such tastes so soon in life.  “Content to wait for what, my Lord?”

Elladan smiled again.  “For your partner in crime, of course.”

*    *    *    *

Elrohir leaned back upon the head of Orophin’s bed, propped up against thick pillows, wearing tight black suede leggings and a pale blue tunic.  He crossed his legs and smiled, eagerly awaiting his prey.  

Galen entered the nearly dark talan after knocking quietly upon the door.  As he entered, he saw what he believed to be Orophin’s strong form resting upon the bed, the dark obscuring all but the outline of his form.  “So, meldir, ready for me so soon?” he purred.  He watched as legs uncrossed and arms outstretched for him, and he placed the bottle of wine he had brought with him on the floor.  He crawled across the bed and lowered himself upon the strong form when he saw it, a luxurious length of sable hair lying against the pale cloth of the tunic.

He gasped in surprise and moved to rise when he was effortlessly flipped to his back and pinned to the soft bed.  “Disappointed?” the deep voice purred.

“What… what are you doing here?” Galen struggled fruitlessly against Elrohir’s weight.  “Where is Orophin?”

Elrohir chuckled, “Orophin is otherwise, engaged… he asked me to entertain you for the evening.” He lowered his face to the Silvan, noting the bright red hue of his cheeks; he breathed deep, taking in the scent of the struggling marchwarden and smiled.  “Mmmm…. I smell fear, and a little something that smells like… desire?”

“Ai! Release me, Elrohir, I do not consent to this.” Galen growled.

Elrohir smiled his most bewitching smile and growled.  “Nor do I believe Orophin consented to spending the night with you, or at least he would not have if not coerced.”  He nuzzled the marchwarden’s ear, feeling him falter in his struggle for just a brief moment.  “What is it, Galen?  Do you not find me desirable?  I can assure you, my skills as a lover are finely tuned.”  He drew his tongue along the marchwarden’s jaw.  “It is not my way to take one by force, or by deception.  If you truly do not want me, then say so, I will release you.”

Galen moaned quietly, his traitorous body overriding his mind.  Visions of sable hair tangled in his fists, that deep melodious voice moaning his name, thrusting into that tight willing body crowded his thoughts. “I… I…”

Elrohir chuckled and lifted his weight from the marchwarden.  “You wish to use me as you would have used Orophin, do you not?  That, meldir, is reserved for another, not for you.”  He quickly flipped Galen to his stomach.  

The marchwarden barked in surprise and began to struggle but it was too late.  His wrists were bound behind his back and before he realized it, his ankles were quickly tied as well; a gag was stuffed into his mouth and bound there.  

Elrohir chuckled, “I really must have a talk with my Grandmother about the conduct of her guard, it is really quite shameful.”  He rose from the bed and opened the door in the floor of the talan, placing the trussed marchwarden upon the dumb-waiter and hopping on board with him, using the rope and pulley to lower themselves to the ground.

*    *    *    *

Elladan occasionally tormented his prey, keeping him just on the edge of arousal until his brother arrived.  Elrohir came huffing into the clearing, carrying a bound and gagged Galen over his shoulder.  Elladan smiled as he turned to help his twin, removing the gag from Galen’s mouth and drawing a finger along his twin’s jaw.  Elladan’s fingers trailed through Elrohir’s unbound hair and he smiled at his younger twin, aching to press a kiss to his mouth, to stake his claim to those ripe lips in front of their prey.

Elrohir smiled.  “This one put up a bit of a struggle.”

Elladan smiled in return, his fingers moving from Elrohir’s hair to his cheek.  “Mine did not, unfortunately.”

Elrohir leaned into the caress and spoke softly, “That is because you have superior powers of seduction, gwanur.”

“Strip his tunic, and prepare him, gwanur.” Elladan purred, reluctantly turning from his brother to his own quarry. “Now, Melaphríl, for a lesson in seduction and humility.”  He pressed a bruising kiss to the marchwarden’s lips, smiling inwardly at the plaintive moan that issued from him as he unlaced his leggings.  He head the groan and huff of Galen as his back impacted the tree and heard his whimper as his brother teased him to full arousal.  Elrohir quickly untied Galen’s wrists and caught them as they sought his body, turning the elf to face Melaphríl.  The twins forced them together and tied them tight, both bare chested, with leggings unlaced, and hopelessly aroused.

Elrohir chuckled, “You will find it less stimulating if you cease your struggling.  Someone will be by soon to release you.  However, if you seek release from your torment, I suggest you get to it… you do not have much time.”

Elladan leaned in and in an authoritative voice growled, “You will speak naught of what you witnessed today in the mellryn grove, nor of what you suspect of Orophin and Rúmil, nor of myself and my brother.  If you do, details of how you came to be here will be embarrassingly revealed and our grandparents will know of your treachery.  Is this understood?”

The two Silvan elves nodded silently and gulped.

Elrohir smiled broadly and chuckled.  “Excellent, then we will leave you to it… good night.” He placed his arm around Elladan’s waist and they grabbed the bottle of wine Melaphríl had brought, leaving the grove together.

*  *  *  *

Chapter 4 - Misunderstandings and Miscomprehensions

“Why are we walking so far out of the city?” Haldir inquired of his lover, his eyes roving over the warrior’s muscular form.

Glorfindel smiled and tugged his lover along.  “A small errand, meleth nín, should not take long.”

The twins had left an intriguing note on his desk that afternoon and he could not resist the temptation to see what they had up their sleeves. ‘Be in the glade near the river after sundown, you will find an interesting package.’ He and Haldir walked along the path, bathed in moonlight when they heard a strange noise coming from the tree line.

*   *   *   *

“By Elbereth, Galen, stop moving or it will never go down!” Melaphríl clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the insistent ache in his loins as his friend’s leggings and his own erect arousal rubbed together.

“We cannot be found like this, Melaphríl, it is too humiliating.” Galen gasped quietly as a fresh bolt of desire roared through him, his friend’s arousal now rubbing against his own. “I swear to the Valar, when I get free I am going to throttle them both!”

Melaphríl moaned quietly, and ceased struggling, rolling his hips forward against his friend, desperate for more contact.  Galen stopped moving, looking at his friend as he succumbed to his body’s demands; his eyelids fluttered and his lips parted, a pleading sigh issuing from his lips.  He leaned forward, brushing his lips against those of his friend and felt his warm breath caress his face.  His own desire ached and clamored for release as he pressed his mouth to Melaphríl.

Melaphríl moaned into the kiss, his tongue seeking that of his friend’s as frantic struggle melded into sensual undulating.  “Aniron lle, meldiramin.” (I want you, my friend) Galen whispered into Melaphríl’s ear.

“Uma…” (Yes) Melaphríl whispered in return, “Take me, Galen.”

Galen growled in frustration when he could not access his leggings or those of his friend.  “Ai, I cannot, meldir.  We are trapped this way.”

Melaphríl groaned in frustration and resumed rocking his hips into his friend and seeking his mouth with his own.

“What is going on here?”  

The two aroused elves froze, eyes wide with apprehension as they recognized the voice of their captain.

Glorfindel snorted and covered his mouth, silently apologizing to his lover for his undignified outburst.

Haldir stalked toward the tree, “Melaphríl?  Galen?  What is the meaning of this?” He noted the flush upon their faces and their eyes that were dilated with passion.  He turned to his lover. “Are you going to help me or not?”

Glorfindel straightened up as he regained control, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes.  “Of course, a’maelamin.  Forgive me.”  He stepped forward and began to help his lover untangle the two hapless marchwardens.  He glanced sideways at his lover and chuckled, “What is it with you Silvan elves and rope?”

“Glorfindel!” Haldir barked.

“Haldir!” The Vanya chortled.  He placed a peck upon his lover’s cheek as he continued working the knots in the rope; he recognized the handiwork.  “Thank the Valar that Imladris’ borders are not guarded by the marchwarden of the Galadhrim, or I do not know that I could sleep easily at night.”

“Glorfindel…” Haldir warned.

The Eldar opened his mouth to comment then raised his hand in acquiescence, placing a gentle kiss upon his lover’s lips in apology.  “Forgive me, meleth nín.  I do naught but tease, ‘tis improper.”

Haldir grumbled and he returned his attention to the infuriating knots as they tried to free the twins’ victims.

*    *    *    *

Rúmil lay nestled in his brother’s arms, sleeping peacefully.  He blinked from reverie when he felt the bed shift and felt Orophin stir in response.  

“How goes it with our new friends?” Elrohir purred into Orophin’s ear.

The brothers started then snuggled closer, a little embarrassed at being found in such a position.  Elladan smiled as he brushed a silver lock of hair from Rúmil’s sweet face.  “Our errand is complete, I doubt your friends will bother you again.”

Elrohir nuzzled Orophin’s ear.  “Nor will they breathe a word of what they know or saw.”

Elladan’s hand trailed down Rúmil’s arm.  “We like seeing you together like this…”

“… in our bed.” Elrohir finished.

Orophin closed his eyes, feeling Rúmil’s awakening arousal shift against him and hearing his nervous whimper in his ear.  Elrohir’s strong hands stroked his back and his full lips caressed his ear, and he held his brother tighter, he was not ready to share him just yet.

Rúmil whimpered as he felt the remembered press of Elladan’s body to his back, visions of the Peredhil claming his body flooding his mind.  He clung to Orophin, reluctant to let him go, but wavering beneath the confidant and sensual touch of Elladan.

Elladan caught his brother’s eye, smiling as he watched them darken and stare back into his own.  “We will leave you two to one another, Elrohir and I have our own love to make.”

The twins slid from the bed as quietly as they arrived, leaving the brothers to their embrace.

*    *    *    *

Haldir was dumbfounded as to what he found in the glade.  It appeared his warrior knew something of it but was not revealing it if he did.  He strolled along in silence next to Glorfindel, the two of them strolling along the path hand in hand.  He barked in surprise as the warrior jerked him off the path, crushing him against the trunk of a mallorn.

“Are you angry with me, a’maelamin?” the warrior purred in his ear.

Haldir set his jaw and tensed against the warrior’s roving hands.  “What do I have to be angry about, Glorfindel?”  His voice mirrored the tension in his body.

Glorfindel’s tongue drew along the curve of the marchwarden’s ear and he whispered.  “Admittedly, I should not have teased so in front of your men, but I have apologized.  I doubt they were listening, they were too consumed with want for one another to notice my ramblings.”

Haldir trembled beneath the warrior’s caress.  “That is not the issue here, Glorfindel.”

Glorfindel pulled back and stared into the marchwarden’s gray-blue eyes.  “Then what is the issue, meleth nín?”

Haldir stared back into eyes of azure blue, and he never ceased to be amazed at their openness.  “I think you know more than you are letting on, Glorfindel, about my wardens.”

Glorfindel sighed and lowered his gaze.  “Perhaps I do, but I know nothing for certain.  It is most likely harmless games played among those who are idle in this watchful peace.”  He returned his gaze to his lover’s and continued.  “You know as well as I, meleth nín, that warriors are hard pressed for entertainment when their weapons are idle.”

Haldir furrowed his brow and answered softly, “Is that what I am to you, Glorfindel, entertainment?”

The Vanya frowned and pulled away.  “You doubt my affection for you, Haldir?  You make me out to be one who is false?”

Haldir looked at the ground and grumbled, he felt like a jealous lover and he didn’t like it.  “I make you out to be none other than you are, a soldier, one who is sharing my bed, for now…”

Glorfindel stepped back, his frown deepening.  “That is all I am to you then?  One who shares your bed?  I thought we were more than that to one another, Haldir.  I have been apparently laboring under a false impression.” 

Before Haldir could respond, the Eldar stalked away.

*  *  *  *
Chapter 5 - Disaster Averted

“Saes, gwanur…” Elrohir pleaded, tears running in silver rivulets down his cheeks. “Avo daur.” (Don’t stop)

“You ache for me do you not?” Elladan whispered.

“Uma…” he whispered. (Yes)

Elladan drew his tongue in lazy circles around his twin’s painfully hard nipple, slowly undulating his lower body against Elrohir’s weeping arousal.  “I love the feeling of your seed upon my skin, tithen gwanur.  I would have you covered in my own.”

“Cover me, Elladan, drown me in it.” Elrohir arched his back and groaned plaintively, straining against his bonds, feeling as though he would explode at any moment.

Elladan growled possessively as his hands caressed his brother’s body; fingers splayed wide to encompass as much of his flesh as possible.  He froze, hearing the sounds of someone approaching.  “Not again…” he grumbled, quickly reaching up and untying Elrohir’s wrists as he buttoned his own tunic, tugging it down to cover his erect desire.

“Ai…” Elrohir whimpered, quickly lacing up his leggings as Elladan moved to the other side of the room.

A knock came upon the door as Elrohir straightened his hair, strategically placing a pillow upon his lap.  “Come…” he croaked, coughing to clear his throat.

Haldir’s silver head poked through the opening of the doorway and his eyes widened in surprise upon seeing the twins in his brother’s room.  As he entered, he quickly surveyed the scene, noting the messed up bed and the flushed and hungry look upon the twins’ faces.

The marchwarden stood in the middle of the room, arms folded across his chest, “What are the two of you doing here?  Where is Orophin?”

“Here, gwanur.” Orophin’s voice came drifting up through the door as he entered, followed closely by Rúmil.

Rúmil scrambled through the opening, doing as his elder brother had done and seeing they were on the verge of disaster.  Without thinking, he quickly crossed the room to Elladan, sitting upon his knee and placing his arms about his neck.  “I am sorry, Elladan, I did not mean to be gone so long.” He said softly.

Elladan smiled, appreciating the quick thinking of the youngest Lórien brother and wrapped his arms around his waist, shifting as he felt Rúmil’s weight against his erect arousal.  “No harm done, lirimaer. (lovely one) Your brother is here looking for you and Orophin.”

Orophin, following his brother’s lead, crossed to a bare chested Elrohir, sitting at his feet and shifting back between his legs, draping his arms around the Peredhil’s thighs.  “What brings you here, gwanur?” He asked sweetly, cocking his head and feeling Elrohir’s hands trail through his unbound hair.

Haldir frowned, something was amiss, he knew it, but his brothers were intent upon playing this game.  “I came to inform you that the rotation has been changed, you and Rúmil do not report for another week.”

Orophin smiled, “Ah, lle hannon, gwanur.” (thank you, brother)

Haldir stepped closer and looked at Elrohir, noting the tracks that his tears left upon his face.  “Is everything all right, Elrohir?”

Elrohir smiled, “Of course, why do you ask, Haldir?”

Haldir waived his hand in the direction of the Peredhil’s face.  “You look as though you were crying.”

Elrohir smiled and cleared his throat, searching his brain for a plausible excuse.  Orophin looked back at Elrohir and cleared his throat, returning his gaze to his brother’s.  “I was singing.” He blurted out.

Haldir frowned, “You cannot sing, Orophin.”

“Precisely…” Rúmil chimed in, “it was so dreadful that we all started laughing, poor Elrohir nearly laughed himself to death.”

Elrohir looked at Rúmil in surprise and snorted, as did Elladan, Orophin merely grumbled.

Haldir growled in frustration and turned.  “Very well, I guess all is well here, I will be going.”  He departed through the door, closing it behind him.

Elrohir’s head lolled back against the chair as he heaved a sigh of relief.  Orophin leapt to his feet and grumbled. “Thank you, Rúmil, thank you very much.”

Rúmil scrambled out of Elladan’s lap, grunting when the Peredhil did not immediately release him, crossing the room to his brother.  “I am sorry, Orophin.  I could not think of anything else to say, I meant no offense.”

Elladan rose to his feet, and began to cross the room when Haldir’s head popped back through the door.  He grabbed Rúmil and pulled him back to his chest, the younger elf grunting as he impacted it.  

Elrohir leapt to his feet, reaching Orophin just as the marchwarden’s head came back through the doorway, wrapping his arms about Orophin’s waist.

“I forgot to mention…” Haldir started, frowning again at the strange look upon the elves’ faces.  

“Yes?” Elladan crooned as he nuzzled Rúmil’s neck.

“The Lord and Lady are having a formal dinner tonight, be dressed and in the hall at sunset.”

Orophin’s voice cracked as he felt Elrohir pinch his backside.  “Of course, gwanur.  We will be there.”

Haldir grumbled as he slipped back through the door, drawing the door shut over his head.  Elladan quickly stepped on it, barring further interruption as he released Rúmil.

“Ai!” Orophin barked as he stepped away from Elrohir, rubbing his backside and drawing Rúmil to him.  

Elrohir chuckled as he winked at his elder twin.  Elladan stood firmly upon the hatch door and grumbled.  “Can an elf not get any peace around here?  How am I supposed to properly ravage my brother with these constant interruptions?”

Orophin sank to the bed, his arm still around Rúmil.  “How do the two of you do this day after day?  The fear of getting caught is exhausting.”

Elrohir crossed the room to Elladan, wrapping his arms around his waist and nestling his head against his neck. “’Tis well worth it if you ask me, Orophin.  I could not live without my brother’s touch.”

Elladan smiled as he stroked his brother’s hair.  “Aye, you will grow accustomed to it, Orophin, and you will learn ways to avoid being caught.”  Elladan placed a kiss upon his brother’s head and silently communicated to him.  Elrohir smiled and nodded, turning to face the Lórien brothers who sat next to one another upon the bed.  “How is it that you come to be here at such a fortuitous time?”

Orophin sighed.  “We were leaving your talan and saw Haldir climbing the ladder.  We figured you two may need some help.”  He gazed at the twins, arms wrapped around one another, heads pressed together and thought for the second time since meeting them, how perfect they were with each other.  He felt Rúmil’s head upon his own shoulder and he tightened his grip, wanting to hold his brother this way forever more.

“Aye, we did, and we thank you, both of you.”  Elladan smiled.  “There is something you want from us, is there not?” He softly asked.

Orophin swallowed and felt Rúmil’s head lift from his shoulder.  He did not have to answer because his brother did it for him.

“Yes…” Rúmil breathed.

Elrohir smiled.  “What is it, lirimaer?”

Rúmil whispered, “We would like to watch you, if you would permit us.”

Elladan chuckled, “Have you not done that, once already?”

Orophin’s face flushed crimson as he looked at the floor.  “We are sorry for spying on you, in the glade.  The two of you have become friends to us, that was not an honorable thing to do to friends.”

Rúmil looked at his brother and nodded.  “Aye, we are sorry.”

Elladan smiled and approached the bed, kneeling at Rúmil’s feet.  He reached up and caressed his face and whispered.  “There is little I could deny one who asks so sweetly.  If it is what you desire, then it is what you shall have pen neth.” (Young one)  He held out his hand to Elrohir and turned to Orophin.  “Take your brother and sit in that chair.”

Orophin swallowed and nodded, tugging Rúmil with him.  He sat in the wide chair and wrapped his arms around Rúmil’s waist as his younger brother snuggled against him.

Elrohir slid an iron bar through the bracket and ring on the door, effectively barring it from being opened from the other side and joined his brother at the foot of the bed.  He knelt before him, bowing his head as his hands hung down at his sides. 

“What do you desire, gwanur?” Elladan whispered.

“To please you, gwanur.” Elrohir whispered.

“Do you know how to please me?” Elladan whispered.

Elrohir’s hands crept up the sides of his brother’s legs as he pressed his mouth to the rise in Elladan’s leggings.  Elladan leaned his head back as a low growl issued from his throat.  “Aaahh… yes, that is it, meleth. (love)  You do indeed know how to please me.”

“Saes, herdir (master)… may I touch you?  May I taste you?” Elrohir purred.

“Aye, nín bain, (my beauty) you may.” Elladan responded.

Orophin shifted in the chair as he felt his arousal come fully awake.  It was the most erotic thing he had ever seen.  Rúmil’s anxious whimpers floated into his ears as he felt his brother shifting on his lap, pressing his buttocks against his erect desire.  He watched as Elrohir slowly untied the laces of Elladan’s leggings and slid them down to the floor, exposing the elder Peredhil’s erect arousal as Elladan kicked his leggings aside.

Elrohir reached for him with his hands, only to have them batted away.  “No, Elrohir, no hands, you know better.”

Elrohir nodded, “Dihena nín, herdir.” (Forgive me, master)

Elladan stroked his hair as he watched Elrohir clasp his hands behind his back, the fingers of one hand locking around the wrist of his other.  “It is all right, pen maelui.” (Lustful one)  He moaned as Elrohir took his length in his mouth, his full lips sliding along his swollen flesh.  His twin’s moans and urgent whimpers resonated along his engorged length and he held his breath, clinging to the edge of the abyss that he fell into each time he made love to his brother.  Unbearable heat began to build within his body and he furiously stripped his tunic, flinging it to the floor as Elrohir took him deeper. “Elrohir, far… (enough)” he growled.  His command went unheeded as Elrohir took him in deeper still, hungrily swallowing and drawing him in completely.  He clenched his jaw and growled louder, “Daro si, (Stop now) Elrohir!” placing his hands on his twin’s shoulders and prying him away almost painfully.  

Elrohir rocked back on his heels, gasping at the loss of his brother’s warm, welcome heat in his mouth, and he looked up at him with glazed eyes. Orophin’s deep moans and Rúmil’s plaintive whimpers registered in the back of his mind, but his attention was focused on his twin, on his reason for living, on the center of his existence.  

Elladan regained his composure, gazing down into his brother’s darkened eyes.  His fingers trailing over his flushed cheeks and swollen lips.  “So beautiful…” he whispered, “so wanton…”

Elrohir’s own arousal strained against his leggings and he felt that desperate ache inside him again, the need to be filled, the overriding desire to be possessed by his brother. “Pathra nín, saes, (Fill me, please) Elladan.” He whispered huskily.  “Aniron lle, meleth nín. (I want you, my love)”

Orophin’s hand drifted down his brother’s chest, fingers dancing over the rise in Rúmil’s leggings as his younger brother shifted against him, arching his back and leaning his head upon his shoulder.

Elladan grasped him by the shoulders, hauling him to his feet roughly.  He quickly stripped Elrohir’s tunic and flung it next to his own, his fingers moving to the laces of his leggings.  “Aniron cen lle, nín bain…(I want to see you, my beauty)” Elladan whispered, pushing Elrohir’s leggings past his hips and tossing them aside.  His hands roamed possessively over his brother’s body as Elrohir trembled at his touch.  Elrohir clenched his fingers into fists by his sides as he was commanded by his brother’s touch, utterly and completely possessed by it.  He cried out as Elladan’s mouth latched onto a pebbled nipple and suckled it, digging his fingers into Elrohir’s firm buttocks.

Tears began to flow from Elrohir’s eyes once again as he was overtaken with desperate want.  He began pleading with his brother, “Saes, gwanur (Please, brother), no more, Im baur lle… (I need you)”

Elladan left his brother’s inflamed nipple and took his face in his hands, brushing his thumbs over his full lips.  “Sui lle iest, gwanur (As you wish, brother).” He whispered.  He motioned toward the bed with his eyes and Elrohir climbed upon it, coming to rest on all fours, head hanging down as he rocked back and forth in heated anticipation.

Elladan stood at the foot of the bed and admired his brother’s powerful body.  He turned to Orophin, watching as the Silvan teased his own younger brother into submission.  “You and I are much alike, meldir.” He said softly.  “We may dominate those we love, but we are the ones who are truly enslaved, powerless to resist their beauty.”  He turned back to his brother, and ran his hands over the curve of his powerful back, moaning as he watched him tremble and yield.  

He drew the tip of his tongue along his spine and whispered in his ear, “You enslave me, Elrohir, I would give my life for you.”  He placed his slick arousal at his brother’s entrance.  “I commit my soul to flames for you, gwanur, I damn myself to everlasting torment for your love.”  He entered his body in one smooth thrust, striking his target as he sheathed himself in Elrohir’s heat.

Elrohir cried out as he bucked back against him, tears falling from his eyes as he whispered over and over, “Amin mela lle, Elladan.”

He rode his brother’s beautiful body to completion, groaning as he spilled himself in Elrohir’s heat.  He dropped his head to his twin’s shoulder and whispered into his ear, “All for you, meleth nín, all I do is for you.”

Elrohir trembled beneath him, slowly lowering both their bodies to the bed, shifting as his throbbing arousal pressed into the mattress.  He felt Elladan’s hands upon his shoulders and he allowed them to guide him to his back.  He groaned as his twin’s soft lips trailed down his abdomen, taking his pulsating length into his mouth and bringing him to his own completion.

“That is how I feel about you, Orophin.” Rúmil whispered into his brother’s ear. “I love you that much.  I want you that much.”

Orophin groaned as he felt Rúmil’s buttocks press against his now engorged arousal.  He saw Elladan and Elrohir slowly rise from the bed, taking a moment to hold one another before dressing.  Neither twin said another word as they left Orophin and Rúmil, stealthily scaling back down the ladder and returning to their own talan.

*    *    *    *

Glorfindel grumbled as he searched the bureau for combs for his hair.  He crossed the room and plopped upon the bed, elbows on his knees and his face in his hands.  **What happened that afternoon?  How did a harmless joke go so far astray?**  He was immersed in his thoughts and did not hear the marchwarden enter his talan, his first indication of his presence was his hands upon his shoulders.  He looked up into Haldir’s gray-blue eyes, his own face expressionless.

Haldir knelt before his lover and spoke softly, “Forgive me, meleth nín, I do not understand myself sometimes.  I did not mean what I said earlier, you know I see you as more than that.”

Glorfindel leaned back and cocked his head, his brow furrowed as he regarded his lover kneeling before him.  “How do you see me, Haldir, exactly?  I am no fawning maid that will grovel at your feet and beg for your love.  I do not need your patronizing apologies or sweetly worded excuses for what it was you said.  I know the intent behind the words, I am no fool.”  Haldir grumbled as he stood up, pacing back and forth across the floor. Glorfindel watched his lover and sighed, “Ai, Haldir.  It was foolish for you and I to believe we could love as others do, we are not as they are.  You and I, we are too practical, too fierce to woo one another that way.  Perhaps it is best that these words were spoken, perhaps it is best that we know where we truly stand with one another.”

“Damn you, Glorfindel!” The marchwarden barked. “You know where I stand, I told you I love you, I meant that!  I have never said those words to another, not like that.  Are you telling me now that you spoke false?  Are you telling me that you do not love me as I love you?”

Glorfindel flopped to his back upon the bed, covering his face with his hands. “Ai, Haldir!  I do not know what I am saying, this is new to me, all…” he waived one hand around the room, “this.  I say what I mean and I mean what I say.  Why is that so hard?  Why is this so hard?”

Haldir’s voice softened, “It is not hard, a’maealmin.”

The Vanya continued, “I did not mean to hurt you earlier, I was merely teasing.  I am not used to males being so sensitive.  I do not want to have to question my own feelings, doubt my own words when I am with you.”

Haldir struggled to maintain control of his temper; he would not let it get the best of him this time.  “You do not have to do that, meleth nín.”  He took a deep breath and continued, “I have never loved another as I do you, Glorfindel.  I am sorry if there are times I feel unsure.”

Glorfindel sat up and looked at his lover.  “You are unsure?  Unsure of what?”

Haldir looked at the floor and quietly answered, “Of myself, Glorfindel.  If this were battle it would be easier, that is something I understand.  Love, love is something I do not.”

Glorfindel rose from the bed and wrapped his arms around his lover.  “Never doubt my love for you, Haldir.  It is unwavering, as is my loyalty.  I have given my heart to you, I will not take it back.”

Haldir sank into his lover’s embrace and buried his face in his neck.  “I feared I had lost you, a’maelamin. My heart grew as hard and cold as a stone in my chest,” He whispered.  “I do not think I could bear losing you.”

Glorfindel caressed his lover’s hair and whispered, “Nor could I, meleth nín, nor could I.”

*    *    *    *

No sooner had their captain and his companion left them to gather what dignity they had left, then Melaphríl felt himself pressed against the very same tree they had just been tied to, Galen’s lips at his throat as his nimble fingers sought the laces he had just retied. 

“Ai! What are you doing?” Melaphríl gasped, trying to push Galen away, his cheeks still burning from the humiliation that had been heaped upon him by the Peredhil. To have been found thus - by his captain!  His hands shoved against the unyielding hardness of Galen’s chest, and he gasped in surprise when his friend captured both hands with his own, his lean fingers wrapping around his wrists and pulling his arms over his head. 

Galen saw Melaphríl’s green eyes go wide as he pressed himself against his friend’s lithe body, grinding his hips against the narrower ones in a slow tease. “I still want you, meldir,” Galen whispered huskily, his lips inches from Melaphríl’s. “Aníron lle.”

Melaphríl shook his head, his braids sliding forward with the movement, mesmerized by the way that Galen’s blue eyes had darkened with desire. He struggled to speak, his eyes focused on the soft mouth that was so close to his, he could feel the caress of breath against his lips. “No,” he said softly. “You do not want me; you seek only to satisfy yourself after being tormented by Elrohir. You do not want *me*,” he repeated.

Galen’s lips touched Melaphríl’s softly, gently, coaxing a soft moan from his friend’s mouth before he drew back.  His eyes glittered brightly as he looked at the green eyed elf. “I have always desired you, meldiramin,” he whispered. “Long have we been friends, yes? Long have I watched you pursue others, never thinking that you would turn those desires to me, never believing that you would want me.”  His tongue flicked out and traced the edge of Melaphríl’s upper lip, eliciting another soft moan from his friend. “Always the younger elves, always the innocent ones.  Never did you seek companionship from another such as myself, one with experience, who would make you yield to your body’s desires.”

“Galen,” Melaphríl struggled to speak, his eyes closing as his friend’s lips caressed the soft skin at his throat, his tongue sliding slowly under his jaw line to the hollow beneath his ear. “Why did you not speak?” he managed finally, when those wondrously silken lips left their teasing torment of his ear. 

A low chuckle escaped the other elf as he regarded his friend. “I did not think you would find me desirable,” he said softly. “Until now.”  He bent his head and claimed Melaphríl’s lips again, pressing a bruising kiss against his mouth, his tongue sliding between his lips and savoring the warmth inside. 

“I did not believe you thought of me in that way,” Melaphríl whispered, once he could speak again, his lips still burning from Galen’s kiss. “I did not think you ever considered me as anything more than your friend.” He dropped his gaze for a moment and took a deep breath. “I chased the young ones, aye, I know it well. It was a useful diversion to keep me from the one I desired, one who I believed would never desire me in return.”  He lifted his head and met Galen’s piercing blue gaze steadily, taking a deep breath. “Aníron lle, Galen. Only you, always you.”

Galen’s smile curved his generous mouth as he looked at his friend. “Then I believe there is only one solution at hand for this situation we find ourselves in, meldir,” he said softly, his thumbs lightly caressing the soft skin of Melaphríl’s wrists. He leaned in, pressing his lips against the other elf’s ear and whispered, “Your talan or mine?”

< > < > < >

“Lle naa vanima, (You are beautiful) Haldir,” Glorfindel whispered, sliding his length into his lover’s heat in one smooth exquisite stroke, groaning softly as Haldir’s tight warmth enclosed him. He reached up and stroked the silken hair that lay like a silver cloud on the pillow, his fingers sliding over the braids as he leaned forward to kiss his lover. “Meleth nín,” he sighed, his lips brushing lightly over Haldir’s as he began to move, thrusting slowly into him. 

Haldir groaned softly, closing his eyes as his lover claimed his body, heart and soul. Strong and skillful fingers stroked his arousal in time with Glorfindel’s thrusts, and he arched beneath his skillful manipulations, his breath coming in short, harsh gasps as his lover drove him closer to completion with his caress.

“Ai, meleth nín,” Glorfindel murmured, loving the sight of the proud marchwarden so lost in his pleasure, pleasure that he was responsible for. “Amin mela lle, Haldir. Never doubt it.”  His own breath quickened as Haldir tightened beneath him, the deep groans of pleasure his lover gave nearly sending him over the edge. 

“Glorfindel!” Haldir cried out his lover’s name as his release consumed him, feeling the golden warrior thrust deep within him in response, his own cry of ecstasy echoing his as his seed spilled into Haldir’s body.  

Afterwards he pulled Haldir’s body against him, curling his own body around the marchwarden’s lithe frame, his arms around his stomach as he pressed his lips against his ear. He heard his lover’s soft sigh of contentment and smiled.

“We should do this more often,” Glorfindel said quietly, his lean fingers stroking the firm muscles of Haldir’s stomach.

“Which?” Haldir replied with a soft chuckle, turning his head so he could meet the azure gaze. “Fight? Or apologize and make love till we are both breathless.”
 
Glorfindel smirked. “The latter. I think we should skip the fight altogether.”

Haldir sighed, closing his eyes and stretching his lean frame beside the firmly muscled one of his lover. “I agree wholeheartedly, a’maelamin.”  Gentle but firm fingers brushed his cheek, and he opened his eyes to meet Glorfindel’s gaze.

“Amin mela lle, Haldir. Do you believe it?” The seneschal asked softly.

Slowly, the marchwarden nodded, his breath catching at the tenderness he saw in his lover’s eyes. “Amin mela lle, Glorfindel,” he replied, his voice equally hushed. “I will not doubt it again.”  

*  *  *  *

Chapter 6 - Redemption

The two elves lay in a sweaty and sticky tangle on the bed, their clothes in an undignified heap on the floor beside it. Melaphríl’s silver hair spilled across the golden skin of his companion’s chest as he trembled, struggling not to move as Galen’s fingers continued to torment his body. Long slender fingers were buried within him, twitching occasionally, bringing a soft whimper to Melaphríl’s lips each time they moved. 

Galen pressed his lips against Melaphríl’s ear, his tongue idly encircling the pointed tip as he deliberately moved his fingers within the deliciously tight confines of his lover’s body, delighting in the keening and plaintive noises it induced. Melaphríl’s arousal was stiff against his stomach, untouched, the tip glistening with moisture that gleamed in the soft candlelight that lit his room. His own arousal ached, and he resisted the urge to press it against his lover’s firm and wonderfully rounded backside, contenting himself for the moment in bringing Melaphríl’s pleasure to a well defined edge.  He slid his well oiled fingers deeper, adding a third, and was rewarded with a breathless moan.

“Saes, Galen. Ai!” Melaphríl shuddered when those long fingers struck his mark, his arousal twitching in response. 

“Hush, pen maelui, (my lustful one)” Galen lightly admonished, working his fingers slowly in and out of his lover’s body. “I will take you when it pleases me, not before.”  

Melaphríl bit his lip to keep from sobbing, tears of want spilling heedlessly down his cheeks. He cried out when Galen’s hand encircled his length and nearly came with the caress, so great was his need. The hand closed firmly around the base of his arousal but did not stroke it further, and Melaphríl whimpered again, wordlessly pleading with his lover for release.

Galen chuckled softly, his eyes roaming with delight over the taut and gleaming body, almost quivering with its desire as he continued his leisurely torment. He had taken Melaphríl once already this evening, taking the edge off his hunger for the beautiful elf’s body. He had taken great care to ensure that his lover’s needs were met as well, and had relished the throaty cries Melaphríl had given when he had attained his release. With the edge lessened somewhat, he was able to take a more leisurely approach, and it had not taken much convincing to get his lover to acquiesce to his demands. 

It was a wholly new experience for Melaphríl, who had never yielded to anyone in this manner. He had always taken the dominant role in his seduction of others, had relished the soft cries and pleading whispers of his lovers as he had tormented them until they were on fire with their need. Now, his role was reversed, and in Galen’s hands, he found himself utterly lost. His friend had told him he would accept no less from him, and Melaphríl found himself giving over to the other elf’s demands and desires, yielding utterly to his skillful caresses, and wanting more. 

He trembled helplessly against Galen, crying out again as his lover’s fingers brushed his mark once more. “Saes, maba nín, (Please take me) Galen,” he whispered pleadingly. “N’uma ner, maba nín.” (No more, take me)

Galen nipped the soft skin of Melaphríl’s neck. “You beg so sweetly, lirimaer.”  He withdrew his fingers slightly and felt his lover’s shuddering response. “I could grow used to hearing you plead this way.”

Melaphríl groaned as Galen’s fingers withdrew completely, and he felt the tip of his lover’s arousal press against his opening. He bit his lip as the tip breached him, the hardened length penetrating him with agonizing slowness, sliding inch by inch into his body until he was nearly screaming with his need to be completely filled.

“You are mine, Melaphríl,” Galen said huskily, pressing his lips to Melaphríl’s ear. “I will not share you with others.” He flexed his hips sharply, driving his length the rest of the way into his lover’s tight heat, tearing a cry of pleasure from his lover’s lips. “Amin,” he repeated silkily, withdrawing his length slightly before driving it into Melaphríl’s tightness once more. “Say it!”

Melaphríl groaned helplessly, his lover’s actions and words making him dizzy with desire and need. “Aye, Galen,” he cried, his lean body arching against the other’s as Galen’s hand began to slowly stroke his length in opposition to his driving, merciless thrusts.

“No one else will have you,” Galen growled breathlessly, the tightness of his lover’s body driving him closer and closer to the edge. “You will never have another while you are with me.”

“Aye, Galen,” Melaphríl moaned, his breath coming in harsh waves as he neared his release. He came with a hoarse cry, his body arcing as his release claimed him, tearing a sweet groan from his lips as he shuddered against his lover’s body, feeling the warmth of his seed spill from him.

Galen felt the walls of Melaphríl’s passage tighten against him, squeezing his length mercilessly as he thrust deeper into his lover’s body, crying out his own release as his seed flooded into the tight and welcoming heat. With a final thrust, he buried himself as deeply as he could, collapsing against the trembling body that lay half-way beneath his, his breath coming in short, ragged waves.

When the aftershocks had faded, he pulled his now softened length out of Melaphríl’s body, hearing the soft whimper of protest with a smile, and stretched his body out beside his lover’s.  His arms reached out and pulled the other elf against him, encircling his lithe body and cradling him against his chest.

Melaphríl’s body still quivered with the intensity of his release and he lay quietly against his lover’s chest, content for the moment, to do nothing more than catch his breath. The feeling of being watched made him lift his head and open his eyes, and he met Galen’s blue gaze with his own.

“I meant what I said, Melaphríl,” Galen said softly, his fingers brushing over his lover’s kiss-swollen lips. His arms tightened briefly around the younger elf, and his eyes gleamed in the dim light of the candles. “If you are to share my bed, I will not share you with any others.”

The green eyed elf nodded slowly. “I understand, melethron,” he answered with a small smile. “I have no desire for any other.”

The sensual lips quirked briefly as Galen lifted an eyebrow questioningly. “Not even the sweet Rúmil?” he asked quietly.

Melaphríl shook his head and licked his lips. “Not even for that fair one. I have all that I could want right here with you.”

Galen nodded. “Good,” he replied shortly, stroking the soft silver hair that spilled across his chest as Melaphríl lowered his head once more to rest it there. “For I have all that I have desired as well. You are all I could have wanted and more, my beautiful friend.”

The younger elf was silent for a moment, before he spoke. “I feel we should make amends with our fellow wardens,” he said softly, raising his head once more to look at Galen. His smile was somewhat shy. “I feel I owe them my thanks, for if it had not been for them, I would never have discovered this.”  His fingers trailed slowly across Galen’s chest for emphasis. 

A low chuckle escaped the blue eyed elf as he regarded his new lover with bemusement. “Aye, ‘tis true enough, I suppose,” he agreed. “What did you have in mind to settle the peace between them and us?”

The green eyes were thoughtful for a moment, and Galen saw a slow grin cross Melaphríl’s beautiful face. 

“I know just the thing,” he said finally. 

When he finished explaining, Galen nodded, with a rueful smile of his own.  “You realize, of course, this means it will be another two weeks before we can indulge ourselves in this manner again.”

Melaphríl smirked. The naughty expression, Galen thought, sat well upon his face.

“Then we will just have to make the most of the time we have until then,” the green eyed beauty answered playfully, bending his head to nip at his lover’s lips.

Galen growled, utterly pleased, and rolled the younger elf beneath him in a swift move that brought a surprised gasp to his lover’s lips.  Slowly, he lowered his head until his lips were mere inches from Melaphríl’s. “I think,” he said slowly, his eyes holding the other’s captive as he slowly ground his hips against his lover’s, “That is a very fine idea.”

*  *  *  * 

Haldir looked at the two wardens before him and didn’t bother to disguise his surprise at their request.

“You want to take Rúmil and Orophin’s next watch on the fences?” he asked, shaking his head. “You realize that means you will be out there four weeks, without reprieve?”

Galen nodded, glancing at his partner with a small smile. “We understand full well, Captain,” he replied easily, glancing back at the other elf. 

Haldir frowned, tapping the request against his leg as he eyed them both. “Why are you doing this?” he asked bluntly, looking from one to the other. “I want to know the reason before I grant this request.”

Melaphríl smiled, managing to project an air of embarrassment into it. “We lost a wager, sir. It is as simple as that.”

The marchwarden and captain of the Galadhrim cleared his throat and looked skyward for a moment. “Did this have anything to do with the, er, situation that Lord Glorfindel and myself happened to find you in last night?”

Galen’s smile broadened and he nodded. “Yes sir. Your brothers bet myself and Melaphríl that we could not get loose from the tree if they tied us there, and we bet them that we could.”

Haldir’s eyebrows rose at this explanation and he shook his head with a heavy sigh. He did not buy it for a minute, but honestly, he decided that he did not really want to know.  

“Fine, your request is accepted. You will report for duty on the northern border at dawn. Dismissed.”  He watched the two elves leave with something akin to relief and sighed again.

“You did not believe that ridiculous story they concocted, my dear marchwarden, did you?” an amused voice purred from behind him, and Haldir spun, glaring up at Glorfindel’s laughing countenance. His lover continued to regard him bemusedly, and Haldir’s lips finally curved into a smile as he shook his head.

“Not in the least, Glorfindel,” he said with a low chuckle. “But honestly, I do not care. So long as the watches are covered.”

The golden warrior glanced around the simply decorated room that served as Haldir’s office when he was not on duty on the borders, admiring the sparse elegance of it, before turning his heated gaze back to Haldir. “I know that is not the truth full well,” he said, stalking closer to where his lover stood. “The knots were not fashioned by Orophin or Rúmil; I would wager three months of duty on the borders of your golden woods on that.”

Haldir’s eyebrows lifted as he watched his lover move gracefully towards him, caught by the look in Glorfindel’s azure eyes. “I would be tempted to see if I could arrange for you to lose that wager,” he said, looking up at the slightly taller elf with a faint smile. “Just to have you under my command for three months.”

Glorfindel laughed. “I have no doubts of that, meleth nín,” he said, his beautiful voice dropping to a husky caress. “Though I would enjoy it more if, say, I were to convince Lord Celeborn that Imladris could use some of your expert and knowledgeable advice on how to improve our border’s defenses.  I am certain Lord Elrond would be delighted to keep you on permanent retainer.”  He stepped even closer, the line of his body barely brushing against Haldir’s as he held his lover’s eyes with his own.

“I am sure,” Haldir murmured, mesmerized by the golden beauty before him, “That we can think of something.”

“Indeed,” whispered Glorfindel, bending his head to press his lips lightly against his lover’s mouth.  “Now, my dear marchwarden,” he said softly when he had released him. “Tell me you are no longer on duty.”

Haldir cleared his throat, his pulse quickening at the heated look in Glorfindel’s eyes. “I am no longer on duty,” he replied.

Glorfindel smiled wickedly, his hands rising to explore the soft gray tunic his lover wore, lingering on the hardened nipples he could feel poking stiffly against the thin fabric.  “Tell me that you want to return to your talan and make love to me until I cannot breathe.”

Haldir leaned forward, his breath caressing Glorfindel’s ear. “I wish to take you back to my talan, and make love to you, my lovely seneschal, my golden warrior, until we *both* cannot breathe!”

*  *  *  * 

Rúmil tapped on the door to Elladan and Elrohir’s room, and glanced at his brother, smiling faintly as Orophin tugged at the collar of his tunic, trying to cover the small bite mark on his neck. His smile widened as Orophin caught him looking and scowled playfully.

“That is the last time I play bottom, gwanur,” he growled, rubbing his fingers over his neck, before tugging the collar once again. 

Rúmil stepped forward and placed a kiss on the offending mark, running his lips softly over the sensitive skin of his brother’s neck, delighting in the soft gasp that escaped Orophin’s lips. 

“It will not,” he replied, nipping his ear lightly, before darting away, just as the door opened to reveal a rather tousled looking Elrohir

“You are far too sure of yourself, gwanur,” Orophin muttered, pinching Rúmil’s delectable bottom as they passed through the doorway, noting Elrohir’s amused look as he shut the door behind them.

Elladan sat in the bed, the sheets pooled around him, covering his nude form from the waist down as he smiled at the brothers. “Troubles already, friends?” he asked with a cocked eyebrow, raising an arm to welcome Elrohir as he slid back into bed beside him.

Rúmil shook his head, rubbing his bottom where his brother had pinched it. “I was simply reminding my brother that, though he is older than I, he is not always the one in charge of…things.”

Elrohir’s eyebrows rose and he glanced at his twin, who shook his head with a short laugh. **They will work it out between them, as we did, meleth nín** 

“What brings you two here this early?” Elladan asked, ending the silent communication with a fond glance at his lover. “Not that we are not happy to see you,” he added with a knowing smirk.  His fingers idly trailed through the length of Elrohir’s hair as he regarded the two elves in front of him. 

Orophin glanced away, stepping closer to his brother. “We came to thank you for what you did, and to offer you something in return.”

“Really?” Elladan purred, sitting up and moving forward in the bed, the sheet sliding away. Elrohir copied his movements as they crawled towards the brothers, hiding their smirks as they saw their gray-blue eyes widen in a mixture of desire and apprehension.

“No,” Rúmil interjected quickly. “Not that. We meant to give you some time alone together, as you did for us, in a place where you will not have to worry about being interrupted.”

“Ah,” Elladan smiled, sitting back, leaning comfortably against the warmth of this brother. “That would indeed be a gift we would most enjoy.”

Elrohir stroked his brother’s back softly, before resting his head on his shoulder, looking up at Orophin and Rúmil. “Where is this place you suggest?” he asked curiously.

“We discovered it on our last hunting trip together,” Orophin replied, quietly relieved when the twins seemed to be simply teasing them. “It is several days ride from here, but it is quite secluded, and easily guarded from approach.”

Elladan glanced at his twin, dropping a light kiss on his forehead, before looking back at the two brothers. “That sounds wonderful,” he said honestly, grinning at them both. “When do we leave?”

“Well…” Rúmil began, when a knock at the door interrupted them. 

Elrohir glanced at his naked twin and at his own half-clothed form in dismay.

“Who is it?” Elladan called, searching frantically for his sleeping shirt and not finding it, much to his consternation.

“It is Haldir. Are my brothers with you?”

Orophin’s eyes widened as he quickly realized the problem. With a nod to Rúmil, both elves quickly shed their tunics and leggings, dropping their clothing in an ungraceful heap on the floor, before climbing into bed with Elladan and Elrohir.  

Silently blessing their quick thinking, and selflessness, Elladan pulled Rúmil into his arms, as Elrohir did the same to Orophin. Elladan swiftly pulled the sheet across them so that it covered their bodies from the waist down. Satisfied that all looked as it should, he answered. “They are. “Did you need to speak with them?”

They could hear Haldir’s aggravated sigh through the door. “Yes. Or I would not be here.”  There was a moment’s pause and they heard him mutter. “I would much rather be someplace else, for certain.”

“Come in, then,” Elladan answered, tucking Rúmil firmly against him, wrapping his arm around the younger elf’s waist.

The door opened and Haldir entered, his steps faltering a moment when he took in the sight of four tousled and naked elves in one bed. His eyes widened slightly, and he shook his head, his lips tightening into a thin line. “I came to tell you that Melaphríl and Galen have taken your next rotation on the fences.” He looked away, the muscle in his jaw twitching slightly under the tension from his clenched teeth. “You have four weeks until your next duty shift.”

“Oh, that is perfect,” Elladan said, snuggling closer to Rúmil, smirking slightly as the younger elf squirmed delightfully in response. “We were just discussing going on a hunting trip, and had not decided upon when.”

“Aye,” Orophin’s voice sounded oddly breathless, and Haldir’s eyes narrowed slightly as he caught he slightest hint of movement from Elrohir’s arm beneath the quilts that barely covered them. “It would seem now would be a good time.”

Haldir could only agree. Anything to keep from walking in on another scene such as this. “Fine,” he said shortly, turning on his heel. “I will see you when you return.”  He could not let himself out of the room fast enough. The sight of them had, oddly enough, aroused him, and the thought of Glorfindel waiting for him in his room was enough to make the marchwarden’s normally even and graceful walk turn into a quick run.

The door had just closed behind their brother, when Rúmil heard his brother ask, his voice sounding somewhat strangled, “Elrohir, what do you think you are doing?”

Elrohir chuckled.  “My apologies, meldir,” he said, not sounding sorry at all. “I just cannot seem to help myself.”

Orophin hesitated before squirming away, grabbing Rúmil’s hand and pulling him from the bed and Elladan’s reluctantly released grasp.  Orophin and Rúmil quickly dressed, pulling on their leggings and tunics. Orophin caught the sweet glance his brother cast Elladan and grumbled, “We are expected at the Lord and Lady’s table at sundown.  We must go now.”

Elladan threw a quick wink at Rúmil as Elrohir snuggled against him.  “Of course, meldir.  We will see you at dinner then?”

Rúmil smiled and bowed, his hand over his heart.  “At dinner…”

Orophin dragged a slightly flushed Rúmil from the twins’ room.

*    *    *    *

Glorfindel grunted as he was pushed abruptly against the wall, Haldir’s firm body pressed against his own.  “Well, melethron…” he purred, “pleased to see me are you?”  The Vanya’s head fell back and a groan escaped his lips as his lover’s hands tore his robe open and urgently sought contact with his flesh.

Haldir growled into the Eldar’s ear, “Pleased is not the exact word I would use, rwalaer (lusty one).”  Glorfindel’s soft laugh melted into a deep moan as the marchwarden ground his rigid arousal against him and firmly took his own in hand.  “Aniron lle, Vanya, desperately.”  

The warrior arched his back and bent his knee, pressing the length of his body into his lover and sliding the inside of one thigh against Haldir’s hip. “Then take me, melethron, and do it roughly,” the Eldar growled.

Haldir tore the Eldar’s robe from him, nearly throwing his lover’s nude body upon the bed.  Glorfindel lay upon his back, stroking his own stomach as he waited for his lover, watching Haldir furiously strip his own garments.  Haldir climbed upon the bed, grasping the Eldar’s shoulder and rolling him to his stomach.  He stroked his own arousal, coating it with his seed, before pulling the Eldar’s hips from the bed.  Glorfindel balanced on his hands and knees before him, legs spread wide in anticipation of his lover’s rigid length.  Haldir entered him with one smooth thrust, flexing his hips and striking his mark.  Glorfindel arched his back and cried out, bucking back against his lover and wadding the covers in his fists.  Haldir drove in and withdrew, burying himself in his lover’s body, digging his fingers into the Vanya’s hips.  

“Say my name, Glorfindel,” Haldir growled breathlessly, his body straining with the force of his thrusts. “I want to hear my name upon your sweet lips.” 

“Haldir… meleth nín…” came the Vanya’s breathless reply.  He trembled with his impending release, his rigid arousal aching and weeping, a thin sheen of sweat beading upon his skin.

Haldir cried out as he climaxed, spilling his essence inside the warrior’s beautiful body and collapsing upon his back.  Glorfindel shuddered beneath him, aching, burning for his lover.  He slowly lowered both their bodies to the bed, panting for breath, feeling Haldir still inside him, feeling his own arousal press painfully into the bedding.  Strong, archer’s hands brushed the tangle of golden mane from his face, and soft, pink lips caressed his cheek.  

Haldir weakly lifted his weight from his lover’s tense form, slowly sliding from his comforting heat as he rolled Glorfindel to his back.  The Eldar moaned softly as Haldir’s lips made their way across his chest and abdomen, his tongue dipping into the warrior’s navel before continuing lower.  Glorfindel cried out again as he took him into his mouth, feeling his sweet, aching flesh slide between his lips, his pulsating, heated length fill his mouth.  Haldir heard his name upon his lover’s lips once again as he brought Glorfindel to completion, listening to the beautiful sound of his lover’s voice breathlessly cry out to him.

The two warriors lay curled against one another for a few moments, the silence filled by the sound of their breathing.  Haldir took a deep breath and whispered, “I did not hurt you did I, a’maelamin?”

Glorfindel smiled and pulled him closer, “Mmmm… no, meleth nín, you did not.”  

Haldir snuggled against his neck and smiled.  “Ah, good.  I did quite enjoy that.”

Glorfindel chuckled and pressed a kiss upon the marchwarden’s forehead.  “Did you now? Good, I am glad.” He raised an eyebrow and cocked his head, smiling down at his lover.  “But you cannot mean that you have not done that before?  Surely one with a reputation such as your own would have taken such liberties with his lovers.”

Haldir squirmed, suddenly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading.  “I would prefer not to discuss it, meleth nín.”

Glorfindel shook his head. “Now-now, a’maelamin, no secrets between us… remember?  Nothing left unsaid, that was the agreement.”

Haldir sighed.  “Glorfindel…”

Glorfindel furrowed his brow.  “Haldir… do not tell me we are about to have another disagreement so soon…”

Haldir rolled to his back and placed his arm over his eyes, and his lover sat up and removed it, azure eyes peering into his very soul.  His cheeks flushed slightly and he muttered, “I have not…”

Glorfindel’s eyes widened and a smile crossed his perfect lips.  “Say again?  I do not believe I heard you correctly.  I could swear you said you had not.”

Haldir squirmed under the Eldar’s piercing gaze and cleared his throat.  “That is correct, I said I had not.”

Glorfindel smiled broadly.  “Really?  So, I am your first then?  How delicious…”

“Do not make fun of me, Glorfindel…” Haldir grumbled.

Glorfindel pinned his lover’s wrists over his head and pressed a deep kiss to his lips.  “I would never make fun of you, meleth nín.  You forget I am far older than you, it is to be expected that I would have done things you have not.”

Haldir smiled reluctantly.  “I am afraid that my ‘reputation’ has somehow taken on a life of its own.  While I am not an innocent, I am not as experienced as some would have you believe.”

Glorfindel nuzzled the marchwarden’s ear.  “Ah, my beautiful, honorable, chaste, Haldir.  What a precious gift you are to me.”

Haldir’s eyebrows rose in denial. “I am not chaste.”

Glorfindel chuckled.  “That is certainly true, a’maelamin.  You are, however, delectable.”

Haldir laughed softly as his beloved Balrog Slayer caressed his neck with his soft lips.  “We have to bathe and dress for dinner, meleth nín.  Will you wear the robe I had made for you? It is so beautiful with your azure eyes and golden hair.”

Glorfindel smiled as he caressed his lover’s face.   “For you, meleth nín, I would do anything.”

*  *  *  *

Chapter 7 - Fated Love

Elrohir sat cross-legged on the bed as Elladan sat behind him, combing through his damp hair, dividing it into sections, preparing to braid it.  The younger Peredhil sighed as he felt his twin’s long fingers run through his hair and he stroked the outside of Elladan’s calves gently with his strong hands.  “I dread having dinner with Grandmother and Grandfather.” He said softly.

Elladan leaned forward, placing a soft kiss upon the back of his twin’s head.  “As do I, gwanur, as do I.”

Elrohir looked at the rumpled covers of the bed, his voice sounded small and tired as he spoke.  “They are so tedious. I would rather stay here in bed with you, I am weary.”  He yawned slightly as he leaned back into his brother’s embrace.

Elladan blinked slowly, a yawn forming upon his lips as well. “What choice do we have, Elrohir?  If we do not go, you know we will never hear the end of it and we will be in trouble with Adar and Naneth (Father and Mother).  But I agree, it would be far more pleasant to spend the evening in your arms.” He answered softly.  “Did I tire you out, gwanur?”

Elrohir purred quietly, “Mmm... yes, but it is a nice sort of tired.”

Elladan sighed.  “It is... it most definitely is.” 

As Elladan placed the last clip in his twin’s hair, Elrohir leaned back into him, quietly sighing.  “How long do we have?  Can we take a little nap?.”

Elladan wrapped his arms around his twin’s frame.  “Perhaps, a short one.”  Elrohir twisted in his brother’s arms so that he could lay his head upon Elladan’s shoulder as the elder twin lay back upon the pillows, gathering his brother in his embrace.  Elladan held his twin, wondering what would become of them, when their kin sailed to the undying lands. 

Elrohir sat up and stared into Elladan’s face, running his fingers over his full lips and watching them curve into a smile.  “I am grateful for you, gwanur.”

Elladan opened his eyes and watched his twin’s beautiful face descend upon him, his pewter eyes close slowly, his lips part softly as they prepared to meet his own.

A knock upon the door broke their moment, and Elrohir quickly moved to a chair beside the bed as Elladan ushered their visitor in.

Glorfindel entered Elladan’s room and closed the door behind him.  The warrior looked at Elrohir, then Elladan.  “You two have been up to mischief.”

Both Elladan and Elrohir’s faces grew ashen pale as they froze under the piercing gaze of their seneschal.  Elladan swallowed. “Glorfindel, it is my fault, I made Elrohir do it…”

Elrohir leapt to his feet and barked at his twin.  “Do not take responsibility for me, gwanur, I do not need to be protected.”

Elladan took to his feet and placed his hands on his twin’s shoulders.  “Elrohir, you would not have done it if I had not…”

Glorfindel interjected, “Who started it is unimportant.  I can not have the two of you running around tying Galadhrim to trees, it is not conduct becoming the heirs of Imladris.” Elladan’s voice froze in his throat and he felt suddenly dizzy as he sank to the bed and Elrohir bit his lip, sinking back into the chair he had been sitting in.  The warrior continued, “Luckily for you, your victims were unwilling to share the details of their embarrassing predicament, and Haldir did not deem it necessary to push the matter further.”  He took a deep breath and placed his hands upon his hips.  “However, I know the two of you were involved, I recognized your handiwork.  I do not want to have to talk to you again about this while we are here.  Is this understood?”

Both twins nodded mutely and sighed relief when the door closed behind the warrior.

*    *    *    *

Dinner with the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood could be a long and tedious affair.  Thankfully, that evening, the attendees were limited to the twins, Elrond and Celebrían, Glorfindel and Haldir, and Rúmil and Orophin.  The Lord and Lady sat at opposite ends of the table; Glorfindel and Haldir sat across from one another, flanking Celeborn. Elrond and Celebrían were opposite one another, flanking Galadriel, and the twins sat next to one another opposite Rúmil and Orophin.  Rúmil and Orophin were not often invited to have dinner with the Lord and Lady, but because they had become close friends with the twins, they were included.  

Elladan regarded Rúmil with predatory intensity; he enjoyed watching the young one squirm a bit. Truth be told, he found Rúmil to be enticing enough, and he would not mind in the slightest holding him in his arms again and listening to his sweet sighs.  He glanced at Rúmil as he took a juicy bite of fish from his fork, wrapping his lips around it and sliding it off.  

Rúmil swallowed as he sipped his wine, watching those ripe lips go about their work, remembering Elladan’s touch and his smooth tenor voice in his ear.  His heart belonged to Orophin, of that, there was no doubt, but there was something about the elder Peredhil that was impossible to resist.

Elladan closed his eyes briefly when he felt the caress of his brother’s hand upon his inner thigh.  Elrohir was insatiable and bold beyond measure, and he was utterly irresistible.  He may have been the one to seduce Elrohir initially, but everyday since, Elrohir owned his heart.  He blinked as he felt the spark of desire deep within him and returned his gaze to Rúmil, smiling seductively before taking a sip of wine.

Orophin’s eyes widened as he felt Elrohir’s bootless foot nudge his knees apart and creep up the inside of his thigh.  The younger Peredhil smiled alluringly at him from across the table, winking playfully at him before turning to smile at his father.

Elrond closed his eyes and slowly shook his head.  He wondered if his sons would ever settle down, if they would ever display the qualities that were needed in a leader.  He groaned inwardly as he felt disappointment radiate from his mother-in-law.

Haldir and Glorfindel cast knowing glances to one another across the table, thoughts of after dinner activities lingering in both their minds. Haldir discussed the benefits of sharing tactical information with their Imladris allies with his Lord, as Glorfindel smiled approvingly in response, his gaze briefly caressing his lover’s fine form.

**How much longer do we have to sit here under their surveillance?** Elrohir silently communicated with his twin.

Elladan choked back a gasp as Elrohir’s hand came to rest in his lap, fingers lightly tracing the seam of his leggings.  **Ai, Elrohir, you drive me mad, nín bain (my beauty).** his own thoughts traveled back to his twin.  Silence was broken when Elladan sweetly addressed his grandmother.  “My Lady, can Elrohir and I be excused?  We would like to take Rúmil and Orophin for a walk, it is such a lovely night.”

Galadriel furrowed her brow for a brief moment before granting the youngsters their leave.  She planned to have a talk after dinner with her daughter and son-in-law about the conduct of their offspring.

*    *    *    *

Rúmil allowed himself to be tugged playfully behind Elladan, his brother receiving similar treatment at the hands of Elrohir, as the four elves made their way to the forest floor.  No sooner had they reached the relative privacy of the Lady’s garden, then Elladan pulled Rúmil into his arms and kissed him sweetly.  He melted against the Peredhil’s lithe form, hearing his brother’s outraged squawk and wondering at it, before the feel of Elladan’s hands on his bare skin distracted his mind.  He pulled away from the kiss, blinking in surprise as he realized that in the seconds that Elladan had kissed him, his nimble fingers had already worked the fastenings to his tunic and had it halfway open.

The dark beauty grinned wickedly at him, sliding his hands over Rúmil’s chest, before glancing at his twin. Rúmil followed his gaze and his mouth dropped open slightly. Orophin was pinned to a tree and Elrohir was kissing him like he was trying to eat him from the mouth down.

“Nobody can kiss like my brother,” Elladan’s warm breath caressed his ear, drawing his attention away from the rather riveting scene. The half-elf’s lips were curved in a smirk. “Would you like to find out for yourself, lirimaer (lovely one)?”

“What game are you playing?” Rúmil demanded, trying to push the roaming hands away from him and failing, mainly because their touch felt far too good. “My heart belongs to Orophin,” he protested weakly.

“And mine to Elrohir,” Elladan answered easily, leaning forward to lick the sensitive skin below Rúmil’s jaw. “Yet we enjoy the company of others without fear. We know that, when all is done, we are together, as we are meant to be. Surely you can see this?”

Rúmil found it difficult to see anything while the wicked beauty continued to tease him this way. A soft moan escaped him when Elladan’s fingers brushed his nipples, and he felt his arousal harden in response. He could hear Orophin’s groans as well, and wondered what Elrohir was doing to his brother to make him cry out that way.

Elladan’s lips nibbled the edge of his ear, and he felt his knees weaken at their touch. “Yet there is a balance to the game we play,” the half-elf said softly, licking the delicate edge with his tongue. “We do not take that which does not belong to us.”  His hand brushed the rise of Rúmil’s leggings, eliciting another moan from his lips. “For as sweet and lovely as you are, meldiramin (my friend), I would not take what is rightfully Orophin’s, again.”  

He was startled when he felt the familiar brush of lips against the back of his neck, hands sliding down his back to cup his bottom. Elladan drew back slightly and turned him, pushing him into Orophin’s arms with a smile.

“That is where you belong, nín bain (my beauty),” Rúmil heard him whisper softly, before he was lost to the touch of Orophin’s lips against his. He groaned, the sound muffled by the press of his brother’s mouth as he gave himself into his kiss, opening his mouth eagerly to accept the sweet and welcome brush of his tongue. His arms rose and entwined themselves around Orophin’s neck as the kiss deepened, and he felt Elladan press close behind him, his lips at his neck.  He opened his eyes, startled, and saw a pair of dark pewter eyes just behind his brother’s shoulder as Elrohir mirrored his twin’s actions, pressing himself against Orophin as he kissed the archer.

Rúmil closed his eyes again, lost to the sensations of Orophin’s body and Elladan’s body, of Orophin’s lips on his, and Elladan’s on his neck. Hands, he did not know whose, slid over his body, touching him, caressing him, until he was breathless with want. 

“I think we should find someplace more private,” Elrohir whispered, breaking the moment with his words. “Anyone could discover us here.”

“Aye,” he heard Orophin murmur softly when they reluctantly drew apart, and he saw his brother's smile.

< > < > < >

The meal had ended, thankfully, and Glorfindel took his polite leave with Haldir, gratefully escaping to the privacy of Haldir's rooms. Galadriel watched them go with knowing eyes, and gave a small sigh, glancing at her husband.  The tension at dinner had been nearly unbearable. Between the Captain of the Galadhrim and the Seneschal of Imladris, and the longing, heated looks passing between her grandsons and Haldir's brothers, it had been all she could do to keep from pulling Celeborn aside and.…  she hastily pushed the thought away. There were other, more pressing concerns at the moment.

Elrond accepted the glass of brandy from Celeborn with polite thanks, linking his arm though Celebrían's and smiling at her fondly. Perhaps she could give him some insight as to how to deal with their mischievous sons' irrepressible behavior. She had her father's patience, and her mother's way of looking at things from all sides.  She looked particularly alluring this evening, he noted with pride, dressed in a gauzy blue gown that brought out the sparkle in her eyes as she smiled up at him.   He was truly fortunate, he thought as she leaned into his side, that his wife was not only an exceptional beauty, but she had the brains to match. 

"What is going on between your sons and my wardens?" Galadriel asked without preamble, gliding with her customary grace to stand beside her husband, her hand sliding up his arm to rest against the bend of his elbow. 

Elrond drew his attention away from Celebrían to look at his mother-in-law, a slight frown tugging at his lips. "What do you mean?"

Galadriel's golden eyebrows lifted as she looked at him. "Surely you noticed their behavior at dinner?"

Celebrían's golden laugh made them smile. "Surely you see nothing wrong with their relationship with your wardens?" her daughter said lightly. "They are young, the four of them. Let them enjoy their youth."

Celeborn looked down at his wife, his blue eyes twinkling with gentle teasing. "Surely, my love, you remember what it is to be young?"

A soft flush turned her cheeks a becoming pink as she met his gaze and saw the memory of their own youth in his eyes. "I do not begrudge them their enjoyment," she said softly. "I am simply concerned that they may form a more permanent attachment. I have hopes of a more political alliance for them."

Elrond closed his eyes for a moment and shook his head. "I would not ask that of them."

"Not even to strengthen the ties between Imladris and Mirkwood?" Galadriel asked quietly.

"Is that truly of concern in this day and age?" Elrond replied, opening his eyes to meet his mother-in-law's gaze evenly. "The days of politics are over. Imladris' relationship with the King of Mirkwood has been, and always shall be strained; I doubt that any political marriage between my sons and Thranduil's relatives will ease that."

"Perhaps," Galadriel agreed. "It should still be considered," she added softly, firmly.

Celeborn shook his head. "Leave it for now, my lady. They are still young and their hearts are free. I doubt highly that their relationship with Rúmil and Orophin is anything but temporary.”  He glanced at his son-in-law and gave him a knowing smile. “And you, my dear Elrond, should not worry so over their youthfulness. When the time comes for them to take on more responsibilities, they will rise to the occasion. Neither would willingly disappoint you. They love you far too much.”

Celebrían squeezed his arm lightly, and Elrond looked down at her, seeing her smile at her father’s words. “He is right, meleth nín (my love). You worry far too much."  

He nodded, and turned his gaze to Celeborn and Galadriel once more. "I think that Celebrían and I will take a walk in your garden before we retire, lady, with your kind permission?"

Galadriel inclined her head gracefully. "Of course. Please enjoy yourselves."  She watched her daughter and son-in-law leave, a smile curving her lips as she saw that they had only eyes for each other.  Her smile broadened when she felt Celeborn's arms wind around her waist and pull her to him, and she turned, tilting her head to look up at him.

"They get their mischievous nature from you, though no one would believe it," she said softly. "They are not unlike their grandfather in their passion for life and all it holds."

He looked down at her a moment, his hands spanning her dainty waist before he spoke. "I can see, my lovely wife, that I need to keep your mind occupied with other things, if our grandsons are to have any fun."

Her lips curved briefly and she arched an eyebrow at him. "Did you have something in particular in mind, my lord?"

Celeborn had no difficulty showing her that he did.

< > < > < >

The morning sun woke Orophin as it warmed his face, and he opened his eyes blearily, exhausted, sore, and so wonderfully content. Rúmil's head rested sweetly against his chest, and he buried his nose in his brother's soft hair for a moment, inhaling his scent. His eyes traveled over Rúmil's fair body, relaxed in reverie, and paused at sight of a slightly darker skinned arm flung about his brother's waist. He lifted his head slightly and managed a faint smile. Elladan was curled against Rúmil's back, his dark gray eyes glazed in reverie. Behind him, curled in a similar fashion, his arms holding his twin even in slumber, was Elrohir.  The younger Peredhil's face was buried in his twin's hair, and Orophin's smile grew slightly, recognizing the same gesture he had made earlier with Rúmil.

He laid his head back on his pillow and closed his eyes once more, his hands idly stroking his brother’s shoulder as he remembered the previous night.

The four of them had ended up at the room he shared with his brother, and there was a moment of uncertainty as they looked at each other.  Then Elladan had pushed Rúmil into his arms and he was lost. He became gradually aware that the twins were undressing, but he did not care, his brother’s sweet kisses enflaming him as his hands stroked Rúmil’s trembling and eager body. He barely remembered the twins turning to undress them as well, pulling them apart briefly to divest them of their tunics and leggings, before pushing them together once more. Elrohir had pressed behind him, his twin mirroring him behind Rúmil and things had quickly become more heated.  Gentle but insistent hands had pressed him against the bed as Elrohir cradled him in his arms, kissing his neck and ears, hands sliding teasingly over his chest as Rúmil’s mouth consumed him. Elladan had crawled forward on the bed, kneeling next to his twin, and Orophin’s lust had burned brighter when he saw Elrohir take his brother’s length between his lips. 

Elladan’s and Orophin’s groans had filled the air as their younger brothers brought them to their peak. 

Orophin smiled, his fingertips sliding softly over Rúmil’s shoulders and opened his eyes when he felt his brother stirring. Gray-blue eyes met his, and his brother’s mouth curved in a sweet but tired smile.

“Ready to go hunting?” he asked softly, cupping his face and brushing his fingers over Rúmil’s lips. 

“I do not think I can walk,” Rúmil replied with a quiet chuckle.

The heard a quiet groan from behind him and turned as the twins both woke, their pewter eyes slowly coming into focus as the last vestiges of reverie left them. Elladan rubbed his face with his hand, before rolling to give his brother a proper greeting.

Orophin agreed with the sentiment and kissed his brother soundly, eliciting a soft chuckle from Rúmil. 

“Now that is a sight,” Elrohir said, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief.

“That we could get used to,” Elladan added with a smirk. “There is something to be said for waking with not one but three beautiful elves in my bed.”

Orophin snorted and shook his head. “It is my bed, meldiramin,” he said, stroking Rúmil’s back as his brother snuggled against his chest once more. 

“And we thank you for sharing it,” Elladan replied honestly, dropping a kiss on Orophin’s mouth and startling him.  He tilted his head playfully and tugged at Rúmil’s braid. “Now, I believe you mentioned hunting?”

< > < > < >

Glorfindel opened one eye and watched his lover dress, a frown creeping across his fair face. He had been awake for some time, but had been enjoying simply lying in bed, with his lover curled against him and sharing his warmth. 

Haldir saw Glorfindel’s frown and gave him a rueful smile. “I am sorry, meleth nín (my love), but duty calls.”

“Would it be highly inappropriate if I joined you today?” Glorfindel asked, rolling over and swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. He stretched, catlike, a soft groan of pleasure escaping him as he woke his slightly aching muscles. He heard Haldir’s swift intake of breath and grinned up at his lover.

“If you continue to do that, I will be late,” Haldir informed him almost primly, but his gray eyes twinkled with good humor. 

“My apologies, hûn nín (my heart),” Glorfindel replied, reaching for his clothing. “I will try to keep my teasing to a minimum.”  He gasped in surprise when strong arms enfolded him and pushed him down onto the bed. 

“I would never ask that of you, maethor nín (my warrior),” Haldir grinned down at him, before pressing a quick and heated kiss against his mouth. “I do not expect the impossible.”

“Ha!” Glorfindel chuckled, pushing the marchwarden off him. “You will be late, indeed, if you kiss me like that.”  He glanced up at Haldir as he slid his leggings over his hips and laced them. “You are far too tempting, a’maelamin (beloved).”

A small but pleased smile played about Haldir’s lips as he finished dressing. He enjoyed the fact that his lover found him as irresistible as he found him.  “I would not find it inappropriate if you joined me on my rounds, my Lord,” he said, pulling his boots on and smoothing them against his calves. “It would be a pleasure to share this day with you.”

Glorfindel finished dressing and pulled Haldir into his arms, giving him a soft kiss. “It is a pleasure to share anything with you,” he replied finally, before releasing him and giving him a smirk. “Now, come, or you will be late.”

Haldir shook his head at his lover, grumbling under his breath. “I am never late.”  His lover’s soft chuckle made him smile.

*  *  *  *
Chapter 8 – Haven Found

The four companions made their way through the Golden Wood, far away from the city of Caras Galadhon.  The sun filtered through the branches, casting soft golden light upon the ground as they walked, Rúmil and Orophin leading the way, with the twins in tow.  They stopped near a meadow in the waning light of the afternoon and set up camp.  Rúmil and Orophin gathered wood for a fire as the twins unfolded their bedrolls and unpacked their stores.

“This is a lovely place.” Elladan remarked as he pulled several bottles of Old Wineyards from his pack.

Elrohir kicked off his boots and stretched out on his back, crossing his ankles and folding his hands behind his head.  “Aye, and we have four more settings of the sun before we have to return.  Four days and five nights to do naught but eat, drink, and partake of one another.  I do believe this is paradise, gwanur.”

Elladan smiled and lay beside his twin, caressing his face and pushing an errant strand of hair from his beautiful face.  “Anywhere you are is paradise to me, gwanur.” He whispered, then smiled playfully.

Elrohir coyly smiled at his brother, at the one who had become his reason for living.  He ran his fingers along Elladan’s braid, his fingertips grazing the ends. “Do you love me, gwanur?” his honey-coated voice floated into Elladan’s ears.

Elladan moved over his twin, slowly rolling his hips into his brother.  “Desperately, Elrohir.” Came Elladan’s reply.  He lowered his mouth to his brother’s as he had done countless times since their first night together, pressing their silken lips together, caressing his brother’s tongue with his own.

They broke from their kiss and Elrohir smiled seductively.  “Do you know what I want, Elladan?”

Elladan smiled and whispered against his brother’s lips, “No, Elrohir, what do you want?”

Elrohir’s legs fell apart and he bended his knees, squeezing his brother between his thighs as he breathlessly replied, “I want to watch you with Rúmil; I want to watch you make him beg.”

Elladan smiled wickedly, moaning softly as his brother’s tongue teased his lips.  “And what will you do to occupy our friend Orophin?”

Elrohir growled playfully and nipped his brother’s bottom lip.  “I will ensure that he is entertained, but that he watches as well.  I would enjoy pressing into the heat of his body as he watches his brother being taken, but I know that we agreed we would not do that.”

Elladan gasped quietly as his brother’s fingers traced the seam of his leggings, between his firm buttocks.  “It would be unfair to take what we will not give, gwanur.”

Elrohir groaned mockingly, “I know, you are right, but one can dream, yes?”

Elladan’s eyes went dark in an instant.  “I would have you now, gwanur, here in the warm sunshine, without cover of tree or brush.”

Elrohir moaned and arched against his brother’s questing hands.  “Would you?” he breathed.

Elladan’s tongue teased his brother’s ear.  “Aye, I would have you where all could see us if I could.  I would have you on the very stair of our house in the middle of the day.”  He struggled with the clasps of Elrohir’s tunic as he rode his brother’s undulating body.  “I would have you scream my name in the halls of our father’s house as I filled you with my heat.  I am possessed by you, Elrohir, I am your slave, your whore.”

Elrohir grasped his brother’s face in his hands and whispered, “Never a whore, Elladan, never that.”

Elladan smiled mournfully at his brother as he caressed his face.  “I am your corrupter, your damnation…”

Elrohir stopped his lips with his fingers.  “You are my love and my soul, cuiamin (my life).”

Elladan rose to his feet, kicking off his boots and removing his clothing as Elrohir did the same, their eyes never leaving one another.  He stood over his brother’s nude form, his own clothes lying in a heap next to their bedroll.  His voice dripped with sensuality, travelling straight to Elrohir’s arousal.  “I am your lover.” 

Elrohir reached up for him, legs and arms open, waiting to enfold his twin’s body.  “Melethron nín (my lover),” he whispered.

Elladan sank to his knees, covering Elrohir’s body with his own as he pressed a bruising kiss to his brother’s heated lips.  “Amin (mine)…” he whispered.

“Uma (yes)…” Elrohir moaned.  He arched his back and spread his legs, offering himself to his brother.  He groaned as he felt Elladan’s slick, heated arousal slide between his legs, teasing, promising, driving him on.  He cried out in frustration as his brother tormented him, gasping for air as his body trembled in anticipation for the familiar sensation of being impaled upon his brother’s length. “Fill me, Elladan, maba nín sí, gwanur. Saes (take me here, brother. Please)…” he whispered.

“Mmm… not yet, my wanton.” Elladan’s lips caressed his brother’s face.  “By Elbereth, how beautiful you are steeped in corruption, flushed and feverish in anticipation.” Elladan purred.  He held his brother’s wrists over his head as he continued to tease him, his own desire building to impossible heights, burning his very blood in his veins.   “Too long have we had to whisper and deny our passion voice.  Not any longer, not now, meleth.” He teased his brother’s hungry mouth with his tongue before whispering against his lips, “My name, Elrohir, I want to hear you scream it to the treetops, I want to hear it float upon the wind.”

Elrohir writhed beneath him, his arousal painfully trapped between his twin’s body and his own, hot, delicious friction burning him, aching, throbbing; wantonness overcoming his entire being.  He was corrupted, he was damned, and he loved every moment of it, he lived for it.  He gasped as he felt Elladan’s arousal at his entrance and cried out at the top of his lungs as he was taken unprepared.  He arched his back, hooking his legs around his brother’s waist as Elladan slammed into him, his brother’s groans of pleasure and love filling his ears. Again and again he was both split wide and made whole.  As was with each time his brother took him, memories of their first night flooded his mind, how his soul was laid bare; he was more naked in that moment than he had ever been.  

“Elladan!” He cried, his brother’s name taking flight and filling the air around them.

“Elrohir…” Elladan breathed into his ear, “Meleth nín (my love)…” Elladan cried out into Elrohir’s hair as they found their release together, collapsing upon his brother’s form in a boneless heap.

Elrohir stroked his hair with his trembling hands, holding him close with his arms and legs.  “Amin mela lle, Elladan.  I could never live without you…” he whispered.

Elladan sighed into his brother’s hair and softly kissed his ear.  “You are my life, Elrohir, you are everything to me.”

Elrohir smiled and held his brother tight, reclining in the sun, wrapped around his lover.

*    *    *    *

Rúmil stood up bolt upright as he heard the sound of Elrohir’s voice cry out into the forest.  He turned and looked at Orophin, who had also looked up from his task.  “Ai, Orophin, have you ever heard anything like that?”

Orophin mutely nodded his head, his eyes widening.  He whispered, “Once or twice.  I venture to guess that the twins are lost in one another.”

Rúmil smiled.  “Perhaps we should give them sometime alone, gwanur.”

Orophin returned his brother’s smile.  “Aye, I believe we should.”

The brothers carefully piled the wood they had gathered, then walked hand in hand to a nearby stream.  They sat upon a rock, watching the sunset over the mountains, Rúmil’s head upon Orophin’s shoulder, the elder brother’s arm around his waist.  Neither said a word for a long while, content to enjoy the peaceful sunset and one another’s company.  They finally rose as the sun dipped behind the ridge of the Misty Mountains and retrieved the wood they had gathered, returning to camp.

*    *    *    *

Upon their return, the brothers found Elladan and Elrohir sitting at the base of a tree.  Elladan sat leaning against the trunk and Elrohir reclined between his legs. They wore nothing but their leggings, their hair was unbound and fell luxuriously over their shoulders, the ends resting upon their stomachs.  They both lazily sipped their wine as they smiled, the heat of passion still evident in the slight flush of their skin and the languid look in their eyes.  “Where have the two of you been?” their voices softly questioned in unison.

Orophin and Rúmil placed the wood they had gathered near the fire pit and sat cross-legged on their own bedrolls.  “Gathering wood…” Rúmil answered softly.

Orophin cocked his head, pushing a stray braid behind his ear.  “The two of you have been busy I see…”

Elrohir smiled wickedly.  “Aye, ‘twas the first time we have been truly alone in weeks.  Caras Galadhon is not the most private city in Elvendom.”

Elladan snorted.  “One could cause quite a stir there, singing as you just did, gwanur.”

Elrohir turned his head and nipped at Elladan’s chest as the elder twin barked in surprise and laughed softly.  “You inspire me, gwanur,” Elrohir murmured.

Rúmil blushed and looked at the ground, picking at blades of soft grass.  Orophin cleared his throat and moved to rise.  “Well… we should prepare a fire, it will be dark soon.  We have packed some cheese, dried meats and some fruit.  ‘Tis too late to hunt, I think.”

Elrohir rose to his feet and pulled his brother up behind him.  “We will build the fire while you unpack the stores.  There is wine in the bottle there, by the tree.”  He pointed to where they just sat.

Rúmil rose and began unpacking their dinner as Orophin fished two glasses from the bag, noting an additional four bottles in the bottom.  “How much of this did you bring?” He questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Elladan chuckled and quietly answered, “We are here for four days and five more nights, no point in not having some comforts of home.”

Orophin wagged an unopened bottle at him.  “This is potent wine, far more so than what we are accustomed to.”

Elrohir shrugged and smiled teasingly.  “You are elf-enough to handle it, gwador (brother-platonic).”

Orophin narrowed his eyes and put the bottle back in the pack, grumbling under his breath, “Ai, I do not trust them.”

The four companions settled down for dinner, and Rúmil felt like a fawn caught in a trap, Elladan’s predatory glances making him squirm uncomfortably on the ground.  He could not deny he found the Peredhil irresistible, but he worried that he upset Orophin when he gave in.  He took a deep draught of the wine, hoping to calm his nerves.  

Orophin furrowed his brow when he saw how much wine his little brother had consumed, shaking his head.  **Ai, this is not good.** he thought to himself.

Elrohir stretched his long, muscular limbs and laid his head in Orophin’s lap, causing the Silvan to gasp in surprise.  Orophin blinked and stared down into those impossibly large, round, pewter eyes and felt a brief spark of desire fire inside him.  He gazed upon Elrohir’s face, his smooth perfect skin, just a bare shade darker than his own, large eyes, aristocratic cheekbones, and those full, ripe lips.  By Elbereth, how Elrohir’s mouth drove him mad, his kisses, soft caresses of his lips and tongue… he felt his arousal harden at the mere thought of it.  Elrohir’s voice crying out his passion earlier had caused that flutter deep in his stomach, imagining what Elladan did to him to make him scream his brother’s name.

A plaintive whimper issued from Rúmil and Orophin began to turn his head to look at his brother, but his chin was caught firmly in Elrohir’s grasp.  “Look at me, Orophin.” The Peredhil’s honey-coated voice commanded, and he found he could not disobey.  He watched Elrohir’s tongue slip out and caress his perfect lips and heard his own voice moan as if it were coming from outside his body.

Elrohir took a deep breath, slowly and seductively arching his back and stretching as he held Orophin’s gaze.  “You like my mouth, do you not?”

Orophin nodded mutely, his arousal hardening further beneath Elrohir’s head.

“Would you like me to wrap my lips around you?  Would you like to feel them slide along your beautiful, silken flesh?” He blinked slowly, his eyes darkening a shade.

He nodded again, a soft moan escaping his lips.  Before Orophin could fathom what was happening, Elrohir was on his feet, pulling him to his own and pressing him against the trunk of a tree.  **How can they be so fast?** he wondered to himself, **They are only half-elven…**  He realized his own reflexes were dulled by the wine and his own wanton desire of this exotic elf.  He tilted his head back and groaned as Elrohir’s perfect lips assaulted his neck and shoulders before moving to his own and plundering the deepest recesses of his mouth.  He whimpered into the kiss, his knees momentarily buckling as he felt the Peredhil catch him under the arms, propping him back up.  The cool night air caressed his bared chest as his tunic fell away, Rúmil’s whimpers and soft moans echoed distantly in his ears, nearly drowned out by his own and Elrohir’s.

“You have beautiful flesh, Orophin, soft as the finest silk and pale as moonlight.” Elrohir whispered.  “Such beautiful flesh would make a lovely canvas…”

Orophin looked down at Elrohir, who now knelt before him, unlacing his leggings and sliding them just past his hips.  “You propose to use me as such?” he asked as he struggled to maintain regularity of breathing.

Elrohir raised a finely arched dark eyebrow.  “Would you permit us, melethron?”

Orophin blinked, trying to steady himself, the world seemed to be spinning beneath his feet and he clung to the trunk of the tree as if his life depended on it.  “I… I do not know… I…”

Elrohir chuckled and whispered, “Come now, meldir (friend) I promise, you will find it pleasurable.  My brother is very talented with a brush.”

Orophin took a deep breath and whispered, “Surely you did not bring those things hunting.”

Elrohir drew his tongue in a long slow stroke up the center of Orophin’s torso.  He paused, his lips hovering just out of Orophin’s reach.  “Elladan takes his tools where ever he goes.”  He turned his head, purring as Orophin reached for his ear with his mouth, the archer’s hands coming from the tree trunk to his waist.  “Gwanur?  I have a lovely canvas for you to work on.”

Elladan pulled Rúmil into his lap, the younger elf straddling him as he sat upon a wide log.  “I believe I have one here as well, gwanur.  I think we should paint them both.”  

Elrohir smiled wickedly as he turned back to Orophin.  “Aye, I think that is an excellent idea.”

Rúmil reached for Elladan’s mouth like a hungry hatchling, his long archers fingers tangling in Elladan’s hair.  The Peredhil laughed softly as Rúmil played about his lips with his tongue, eager to give his friend pleasure.  “My, my, lirimaer (lovely one).  We are enthusiastic suddenly.  What happened to your reservations?”

Rúmil pulled back and stared into Elladan’s eyes.  “You have taught me so well, mellon (friend)… I thought you should see the results of your efforts.”

Elladan smiled wickedly, this new boldness was quite enticing.  He clasped Rúmil by the back of the head and growled, “Well, I see I do not have to handle you so carefully now.  Prepare yourself, lirimaer (lovely one), your education is about to continue.”  He assaulted Rúmil’s mouth with his own, pressing a deep, bruising kiss to his soft lips.

**I am drowning…** Rúmil absently thought, **I am going to die here, now…** Elladan’s tongue caressed his own, roaming the roof of his mouth before entwining around his tongue again.  His powerful hands hungrily roamed his flesh, fingers lightly pinching and teasing a taut nipple before digging into his muscles.  He leaned back against the press of the Peredhil’s hands, sliding deeper into his lap and slowly undulating his hips.  

Elladan broke the kiss, his lips traveling to Rúmil’s ear. “I remember it.  Do you, lirimaer (lovely one)?” Elladan huskily whispered into his ear.  “I remember how you felt, how you trembled, how you finally gave in so very sweetly.  Do you remember, Rúmil?”

Rúmil whimpered and moaned again, his hands tangling in Elladan’s sable mane, breathlessly answering, “Uma (Yes)…”

Elladan smiled against his ear, rolling his hips and his arousal into the younger elf.  “Mmm… you are so sweet, Rúmil, so soft; so pure is your desire.”  His mouth ghosted along the curve of the younger elf’s ear.  “I will have to savor the memory…” his hand trailed down Rúmil’s abdomen and over the now throbbing rise in his leggings, before traveling lower, tracing the seam past Rúmil’s entrance.  “for I will never feel it again, that belongs to Orophin now.  But the rest… the rest is for me, tonight.”

Rúmil groaned and arched his back, pressing into Elladan’s hands and wrapping his legs around the Peredhil’s waist, overcome with wanton lust.  The dark elf’s hands and mouth were everywhere at once, consuming him from the outside as he was consumed from within by his own burning lust.  “Elladan…” he whispered into the Peredhil’s ear and heard him growl in response.  The string popped loose on his leggings and he felt the dark elf’s hand slide inside, palming his heated flesh.  “Saes… saes, hir nín (Please, please, my Lord),” he moaned as he felt Elladan’s hand slide lower, rolling the now taut pouch of skin that lay beneath his arousal.  He cried out when his tormentor gave it a little squeeze, causing his arousal to twitch inside his leggings.  The Peredhil’s fingers softly trailed further back, massaging his entrance, but not pressing inside.

“Ai, melethron…” Elladan crooned, “I want this so badly I can taste it.”  His lips moved to the Silvan’s ear.  “But I will not take it.”

Rúmil moaned urgently as his lover lifted him from his lap, placing him upon his feet and grasping the top of his leggings.  He gasped as he felt his leggings slide past his hips and his arousal sprang free, kissed by the cool night air.  The loss of Elladan’s lips upon his skin allowed him to regain his composure for a brief moment.  “Where is my brother?” he managed.

Elladan chuckled, a husky sound that was somewhat akin to a growl, “He is being entertained by my brother, pen neth (young one).  Do not worry about him.”

Elrohir tugged Orophin from the tree and placed the archer in front of him, his arms around Orophin’s abdomen and his mouth on the archer’s ear.  His hands slid down Orophin’s bared chest and inside his leggings that were now hanging loosely from his hips.  Orophin’s head fell back upon his shoulder as he groaned again. He had teased Orophin to impossible hardness with his mouth and hands, enjoying the groans and plaintive moans and sighs that escaped his lips.  “Watch, melethron…” he growled into Orophin’s ear, “watch my brother torment Rúmil as I torment you.”

Orophin opened his lust-glazed eyes and took in the vision of his brother standing in front of Elladan.  The elder Peredhil was also nude, and his powerful form looked imposing next to Rúmil’s lithe body.  He moaned again as Elrohir’s skilled hands manipulated his heated flesh, and he arched into his touch, feeling the Peredhil’s arousal press between his buttocks. He felt disconnected, disoriented; the only clear sensations were those of Elrohir’s hands and mouth upon his body, the warm press of his form against his own.  He wanted to go to Rúmil, not because he was worried, but because he wanted to kiss him, to touch him the way Elladan was doing now.  A keening cry issued from Rúmil’s lips as Elladan’s mouth enclosed upon the archer’s arousal, and Orophin groaned in response, his knees nearly buckling as his arousal twitched in Elrohir’s hand.  

Elrohir whispered into Orophin’s ear, “Your brother is beautiful, is he not?  So lost in passion… Ai, my brother is a master, Orophin, I think you would enjoy his touch as well.” He kept Orophin at the edge, his climax dancing just out of reach.  

Orophin’s hands drifted behind him, and he rubbed his palm over the prominent rise in the Peredhil’s leggings, earning him a low moan in his ear.  His moans turned to urgent whimpers as Elrohir’s tongue mercilessly assaulted his ear, caressing the curve before drawing the point between his unnaturally soft lips.  He heard his younger brother cry out his release and felt Elrohir squeeze the base of his arousal, preventing his own. “Saes, melethron (Please, lover), I feel as though I may burst.” 

Elrohir slid his hands down Orophin’s strong back and pushed his leggings past his hips, encouraging the archer to step out of them as they hit the ground.  He gently urged Orophin to lie upon his back, near where Rúmil was being consumed by Elladan.  He drew the tip of his tongue along the underside of the archer’s arousal and heard him moan urgently in response.  Orophin’s pleading whispers were driving him mad as he took the archer in his mouth and brought him to release, swallowing and opening wider as Orophin began to thrust into his mouth.  His soft moans vibrated along Orophin’s length, finally causing the archer to cry out as he spilled inside his mouth.  He swallowed his warm essence and let his heated length slide from between his lips.  He slowly and languidly cleaned his lover, delighting in the soft moans and brief shudders coming from him.  He rose to his hands and knees, crawling over Orophin’s limp body, his silken hair trailing along his bare torso.  He saw the still hungry look in Orophin’s eye and smiled, teasing his lips with his tongue.  “Will you be so kind as to return the favor, mellon nín (my friend)?”

Orophin smiled and rose to his elbows.  He laughed softly as Elrohir continued to tickle him with his tongue and hair.  “Aye, melethron (lover), I would be so kind.”  He pushed Elrohir to his back and rolled over the top of him, smiling as his mouth explored the Peredhil’s silken flesh.  Elrohir moaned and undulated beneath him as he languorously explored his friend’s body, teasing with his tongue and nipping with his teeth.  He settled between the dark beauty’s legs, the cool grass beneath him as he nuzzled his arousal, smiling when he arched and groaned in response.  He grasped the Peredhil’s hips in his hands, holding them still as he tormented him with his mouth, teasing, caressing, and probing with his tongue.  A string of erotic words spilled from Elrohir’s mouth in mixed Sindarin and Quenya as Orophin went about his work.

Rúmil clutched Elladan’s shoulders in his hands, his knees feeling as though they would buckle as the Peredhil swallowed him.  He cried out as his release came, tangling his hands in Elladan’s hair as he thrust deeply into his mouth.  He whimpered at the loss of that wet warmth, and trembled again as he felt the Peredhil’s tongue sliding across his over sensitized flesh.  He dropped to his knees in front of Elladan, gazing into his dark eyes.  He brushed his lips over the Peredhil’s, teasing his lips apart with his tongue; he tasted his own essence there, inside that warm, wet, nirvana that was Elladan’s mouth.  It was a long, slow, lazy kiss that seemed to go on for hours; the only sounds to be heard were soft moans and mouths upon flesh.

Rúmil slowly pushed Elladan to his back and lay on top of him, slowly undulating as he explored his lover’s neck and ear.  He felt Elladan’s strong fingers in his hair, untying his braids as he drew his tongue along the side, rolling his hips into his lover’s arousal.  

Elladan groaned as Rúmil snaked his way down his body, clutching his leggings and pulling them down as he went.  The feel of Rúmil’s mouth upon his heated arousal caused him to utter a deep moan, and he rolled his hips forward into the archer’s grasp.  Slowly began to thrust into Rúmil’s mouth as the Silvan worked his heated flesh with his lips.  **Oh he has learned well indeed…** he thought to himself as Rúmil pleasured him.  Soft purrs and growls escaped his lips as the marchwarden started to take him deeper, his soft lips sliding along his throbbing length.  He arched his back, thrusting deeper, tangling his hands in Rúmil’s hair as he came, then he sunk back to the ground, sighing as the archer cleaned him with his tongue.  “Very well done, rwalaer (lusty one)…” he crooned, and he felt the soft flutter of Rúmil’s breath against his stomach.  He slowly sat up, gazing down at the young marchwarden who reclined between his legs, and smiled.

“Did I please you?” Rúmil asked teasingly.

He chuckled and quietly responded, “Aye, you did, you did indeed.”  

Orophin and Elrohir crawled over to where they lay, and Elrohir tossed Elladan his bag.  “Time to see your talent, gwanur.”  He whispered before pressing a soft kiss to his twin’s lips.

Elladan took up the bag and smiled.  “Mmm… who to do first?”

Rúmil beamed, “Do me first, mellon nín (my friend).”

Elladan smiled wickedly and caressed the archer’s cheek.  “Alright then.  Lay on your stomach.”

Rúmil crawled over to Orophin, placing a lingering kiss upon his brother’s lips before settling his nude body next to him.  Orophin shifted slightly, laying on his side and stroking his brother’s fine hair as Rúmil sighed. 

Elladan withdrew a small vial and a fine tipped brush, and smiled at Orophin.  “Keep him still, meldir (friend), the less he moves the finer the art will be.”
 
Orophin smiled and nodded, bestowing soft kisses upon Rúmil’s cheek and ear.

“What to draw?” Elladan mused.  “What do you remind me of, sweet Rúmil?”

Elrohir leaned over and whispered in his twin’s ear, “Little deer.”

Elladan smiled broadly, his full lips curving beautifully as his pewter eyes sparkled.  “Yes, yes of course, gwanur.  That is perfect.” He straddled the back of the archer’s thighs and dipped his brush in the ink.  With graceful strokes began drawing the form of a deer upon Rúmil’s lower back.

Rúmil flinched at the first cool, wet touch of the brush, but soon settled into the feeling, finding he quite enjoyed it.  The soft, silken strokes of the brush upon his skin and the warm comforting feeling of his brother’s hands upon his shoulders caused him to sigh, and he closed his eyes, focusing all his attention on the feeling of Elladan’s strokes with the brush and Orophin’s strokes with his hands.  Soft moans emanated from him as he imagined his brother’s lips and hands upon his flesh, his deep voice echoing in his ears and his mind; words of love, of want, of loyalty that could only come from one of his own blood.  “Amin mela lle, Orophin,” he whispered.  He felt Orophin’s silken hair brush his shoulders as he leaned in and whispered against his ear, “Amin mela lle, Rúmil.”  He fought the urge to shift his position, his reawakening arousal was pressing against his stomach, trapped between him and the cool grass.  He gasped quietly as he felt Elladan’s warm, sweet breath brush his flesh in smooth caresses, and he shifted, smiling at how good it felt.

Elladan sat up and smiled, tilting his head and admiring his work.  He leaned forward and blew upon the ink once again, making sure it was dry before rising off Rúmil’s legs.  “Perfect,” he crooned, his hands caressing the swell of Rúmil’s buttocks, “it fits you well, mellon nín.”

Rúmil craned his neck trying to see his new adornment but was unable.  “What does it look like, gwanur?” he asked softly.

Orophin smiled and pressed a soft kiss to his brother’s hair.  “It is beautiful. It is a little deer, swift and graceful as you are, meleth nín.”

Rúmil smiled and sat up, his lips meeting Orophin’s in a passionate kiss.

Elladan smiled and gazed at the elder archer.  “Your turn, meldir.  Lay on your back with your arms at your sides.”

Orophin did as instructed, stretching out his lithe yet muscular form, crossing his ankles as his head came to rest in Rúmil’s lap.  His younger brother gently stroked the hair from his face, fingers trailing through his braids.  

Elladan straddled the archer’s body, coming to rest just above his arousal, balancing on his heels.  He stared at the Silvan for a few moments, pondering the right design to adorn his lithe body.  He smiled as it came to him; a fox, crafty and wise, as was his friend.  He swirled his brush in the ink again, thoroughly wetting it before applying it to his friend’s chest.  

Orophin gasped and smiled, the soft, wet brush tickling his chest. “Ai, that tickles…” he chuckled.  

Elrohir joined his elder brother, balancing on his heels behind him, his hands stroking his brother’s back as he went about his work.  “Mmm… you are so talented, gwanur.  I think you need to mark me once again.”

Elladan smiled and licked his lips as he concentrated.  “I would love to, a’maelamin…” he whispered softly, “but only if you do me.”

Elrohir leaned in, his ripe lips caressing Elladan’s ear. “I would do many things to you, given time and opportunity, meleth nín.”

Elladan laughed softly and inclined his head slightly, giving his brother better access to his ear.  Elrohir’s hands drifted around to his bare chest, caressing his muscles and tweaking his nipples as he went about his work.

Orophin closed his eyes and began to moan softly as Elladan slowly rocked his hips, the Peredhil’s burgeoning arousal occasionally brushing his stomach.  The soft, wet strokes of the brush were not unlike a tongue, only cooler, and he felt his own arousal beginning to respond in kind.  He drew a shuddering breath as Elladan’s hair caressed his arms and the elf’s warm breath floated over his chest.  In the time he had known Elladan and Elrohir, he had not experienced the elder twin’s touch or kiss.  Elladan was like him, determined, single minded, and somewhat predatory; he pitied anyone who thought to escape this master of seduction’s advances.

Elladan sat up and smiled, pleased with his work.  He turned his head to meet his twin’s lips in the briefest of touches, his eyes darkening a shade as they parted.  “Now for you, melethron…” he whispered huskily.  Elrohir smiled and rose to his feet as his brother knelt before him.  “I know just what to paint you with.”  He dipped his brush in the ink once more, and began to adorn his twin’s hip and upper thigh with a running stallion.

Elrohir moaned quietly and closed his eyes, allowing his head to fall back and his hands to come to rest gently in his twin’s hair.  His heart beat faster and his breaths came close together as he struggled to stand still.  Elladan’s hair brushed against his arousal and he moaned a bit louder, losing himself in a ritual that once belonged to only them.  

When Elladan finished he blew upon the ink to dry it as his hands found their way up Elrohir’s thighs and around to his buttocks.  **Amin mela lle, gwanur.** he whispered with his mind.

**Amin mela lle, beautiful Elladan.** Came his brother’s reply.

Elrohir pulled his twin to his feet, and took his place, kneeling before him.  He swirled the brush in the ink and took it to his brother’s stomach, painting a beautiful wolf in the expanse of skin between Elladan’s navel and his arousal.

Elladan smiled and whispered as Elrohir blew upon the ink, his arousal now pulsated with need, his body consumed with love for his twin.  He looked down and smiled.  “That is beautiful, gwanur.”

*  *  *  *

Chapter 9 – All Good Things Must End

It was their last night before they had to return, and Rúmil found himself regarding the bottom of his cup somewhat fuzzily, as his mind tried to recall exactly how much wine he had consumed during the course of the evening. 

“More wine, gwanur?” Elrohir asked quietly, holding the last bottle up with a cheeky grin.  Elladan lay between his thighs, his sable hair spread out against his chest, a slightly tipsy smile curving his lips.

Rúmil blinked slowly, both sets of pewter eyes regarding him with good-natured humor and affection, and licked his lips. “I do not think I had better,” he finally said.

“Nonsense,” Elrohir replied, his brother moving aside so he could rise to his feet. His steps were graceful and did not reveal any affects of the wine he had consumed. He paused before Rúmil and reached for his cup.

“No, I think I have had enough,” Rúmil tried again, glancing down at Orophin. A startled chuckle escaped him when he saw his brother; his head was next to Rúmil’s thigh, and his breathing was slow and even, his eyes glazed in reverie.  “He is asleep,” he observed with a shake of his head. 

“Aye,” Elrohir laughed softly, reaching out to stroke Orophin’s golden hair with light fingers, before snatching Rúmil’s cup from his hands. “He fell asleep shortly after he lay down next to you. I think you tired him out, meldiramin (my friend),” he said with a smirk, handing the now full cup back to his friend.

“Oh,” Rúmil replied, accepting the wine with a rueful smile. “I believe I am already quite drunk,” he said, eyeing the red contents with obvious reservation.

Elrohir placed the bottle next to Orophin and crouched down in front of Rúmil, his eyes alight with mischief. “I do not think so, meldir (friend),” he said lightly, running his fingers over the fine curve of Rúmil’s jaw. He heard his soft intake of breath and saw his friend’s gray-blue eyes widen slightly. “My brother is right,” he murmured softly, his tongue flicking out to wet his lips as he regarded the fair face before him. “You are practically irresistible.”

Rúmil did not have time to reply before he felt those soft lips against his, brushing lightly over his mouth. His eyes fluttered shut and he swayed slightly, opening his mouth under the gentle pressure of Elrohir’s kiss, feeling the velvet brush of the Peredhil’s tongue against his. His pulse quickened and he gave a soft moan, utterly lost to the sensation of Elrohir’s soft lips.

Elrohir pulled back and gave the flushed elf a warm smile, brushing a lock of blonde hair away from Rúmil’s face and tucking it behind his ear. “Orophin is lucky indeed,” he murmured, rising gracefully to his feet.  

“So I have said,” Elladan replied from behind him, and he turned, watching his twin make his way next to him. Elrohir leaned forward and kissed him, wrapping his arms around his brother.

**Do you want him, gwanur?** Elladan’s thoughts came to him softly even as his twin opened to his kiss. 

**I have you** he replied. **I need no other.**

Rúmil watched them kiss through half lowered eyes, taking a sip from his wine. He could feel the effects of Elrohir’s kiss mingle with the wine, and seeing display before him did not help matters in the slightest. He glanced ruefully at his sleeping brother, wondering if he could wake him from his wine induced slumber. 

Elrohir groaned, tipping his head back slightly as Elladan’s lips explored his throat. “You are insatiable, meleth nín,” he gasped, arching into the hand that pressed against the rise of his leggings.

“You make me that way,” Elladan growled, nipping his brother’s ear. “I cannot get enough of you.”  He stepped out of his twin’s embrace and circled behind him, pulling Elrohir’s back against his chest and wrapping his strong arms across his stomach. He pressed his lips against his brother’s ear. “Look at him, gwanur,” he whispered, his dark eyes resting on Rúmil. “His lover sleeps the rest of the well and truly sated, and I doubt even a warg could wake him. Your kiss has left him in a sorry state.”  His tongue flickered out and teased the delicate edge of Elrohir’s ear. “Would you leave him that way?”

“You are wicked, gwanur,” Elrohir groaned, shivering at his brother’s teasing caress. 

“I am,” Elladan agreed, sliding his hand down his twin’s stomach to rub against the prominent bulge at the front of Elrohir’s leggings. **I want to watch you both. I want to see you kiss him again.**  His mouth moved lower, licking the tender and sensitive flesh beneath his brother’s ear. **I want to hear both of you moan.**

“Ai!” Elrohir cried out, arching as his brother’s hand slipped beneath the waistband of his leggings to caress his arousal. “Saes, melethron,” he pleaded softly, helpless to do anything but surrender to his lover’s firm touch.

**I want to take you while you pleasure him with that talented mouth of yours,**  Elladan’s thoughts continued to tease his brother. **See how he watches us? He hungers for more of your kisses, I think.**  He raised his head from his brother’s neck and gave Rúmil a wicked grin.

“Come here, Rúmil,” Elladan murmured, his hand working his brother’s arousal in slow and sure strokes. “Come and play with us.”

The wine made him bolder than he normally would ever be, and the sensuous display before him drew him like a bee to nectar. Swallowing, he rose, glancing down at his sleeping brother.

“Let him rest, Rúmil,” Elladan said softly, smiling as Elrohir arched against him, groaning softly. “Come and play.”

Rúmil stepped hesitantly towards the pair, and was pulled against Elrohir the moment he was within arms reach, the younger peredhil’s mouth claiming his with growing hunger. He opened his mouth against the press of his lips, and felt Elrohir’s tongue brush sweetly against his own. 

Elladan smiled wickedly, watching them kiss, gold and sable twining together as Elrohir held Rúmil as surely as Elladan held him. He could feel the press of the other elf’s arousal pressing against the soft fabric of Elrohir’s leggings, even as he continued to stroke his twin’s length. Rúmil gave a soft moan that was swallowed by his brother’s mouth, and Elladan pressed his arousal against the curve of Elrohir’s backside. 

They were lovely to watch, his two beauties, both holding the same passionate intensity that made him burn with longing. He loved his twin with all his heart and soul, but for a moment, he felt a brief twinge of envy that he could not possess them both. It was just as well, he thought a moment later, watching Elrohir’s hands slide down the front of Rúmil’s body, lifting his tunic to touch the bare skin underneath, the young archer giving a delicious shudder when his brother’s fingers found his nipples and teased them mercilessly; he would never get any rest if he had both of them in his bed.

< > < > < >

A familiar moan woke Orophin from his reverie, and he blinked blurrily, his eyes slowly coming into focus. He did not recall even falling asleep, he realized with chagrin. He heard his brother’s soft whimper and rolled to his feet, albeit a bit unsteadily, and sought the source of his distress. He blinked, startled, and for a moment he could only stare at the scene on the other side of the fire.

Rúmil lay flat on his back, his golden head thrown back in ecstasy as Elrohir swallowed his length, his lips working in slow teasing strokes over his arousal. The Peredhil’s strong hands held Rúmil’s hips firmly, holding him in place as his mouth worked him, and Rúmil’s breath came in short, quick gasps. Elladan was behind his twin, licking a trail down his spine and dipping between the cleft of his buttocks, and Elrohir’s soft groans could be heard, muffled by Rúmil’s flesh. 

It was a lovely and stirring sight, Orophin thought with a slow and appreciative grin. He rolled to his feet and quickly stripped off his tunic, making his way to where the three elves lay.  Elladan lifted his head and gave him a brief smirk, before settling back to his task once more, making his brother squirm with his efforts. 

Orophin dropped to his knees beside Rúmil, capturing his open mouth with his own, smothering his brother’s soft cries of pleasure.  His tongue greedily plundered the warm depths, tangling and teasing, stroking the velvety softness of Rúmil’s mouth until his brother’s hands buried themselves in his hair, pulling Orophin even closer as he opened to his kiss. He heard Elrohir give a keening cry and broke away long enough to see Elladan enter his twin, his lithe body swaying with the force of his lover’s thrusts, Rúmil’s arousal forgotten for the moment as he cried out his pleasure. 

With a low growl Orophin pulled Rúmil upward and onto his lap, his arms holding his brother easily as he sought his mouth once more. Rúmil’s arms wound themselves around his neck as he returned the kiss with an intensity that left Orophin nearly breathless.  He ground his mouth almost savagely against the softness of his lover’s lips, his hands sliding possessively over Rúmil’s skin until he heard his brother give a soft whimper of need.

“Amin,” Orophin told him, breaking from the kiss to roll them both down onto the soft grass of the clearing, his body covering Rúmil’s with the hardness of his own. “Amin,” he repeated with a low growl, rocking his hips against his brother’s almost forcefully.

“Ai, yes, melethron,” Rúmil gasped, arching beneath his brother, yielding to his possession willingly. He felt his brother’s fingers press into him and moaned, wanting nothing more than to be taken. Moments later his desire was fulfilled and he cried out, half in pain, half in pleasure as Orophin claimed him. 

Orophin groaned, his hands pushing Rúmil’s thighs further apart as he thrust, finding his brother’s weeping length and stroking it in opposing rhythm to his driving thrusts. The tight heat was exquisite and he found himself nearing the edge of his pleasure as Rúmil shuddered beneath him, crying out his release, the warmth of his seed spilling over his hand. With a final, driving thrust, he buried himself into his lover, crying out as his own release claimed him and left him shuddering in its wake. 

Rúmil felt his brother collapse against him and his arms came up to hold him, stoking Orophin’s back. “Amin mela lle, Orophin,” he whispered blissfully, his body sore and content. “You are not angry with me?”

Orophin lifted his head and looked down at his brother, placing a gentle kiss against his lips. “No, gwanur. I am not.”  He kissed him again, slower this time, his lips softly saying what his words could not. “You are mine, Rúmil,” Orophin whispered finally, his eyes holding his lover’s fiercely. “I do not mind sharing you with them, but only when I am awake to enjoy it.”

“I am sorry, gwanur,” Rúmil replied softly, his eyes troubled. “I did not mean…”

A smile lifted the corners of Orophin’s mouth. “Hush, meleth nín, I know. I just wanted you to know how I felt.”  He brushed his lips against the soft skin of Rúmil’s brow. “You are mine, and I am yours. You hold my heart, tithen gwanur. Amin mela lle.”

Rúmil held him close, burying his face in the warmth of Orophin’s neck. “Amin mela lle.”

< > < > < >

Elladan watched Orophin lead his brother to their bedrolls and coax him to lie down, stretching his lean frame beside him, pulling Rúmil against his chest and cradling him. Elrohir lay against his own chest in a similar fashion, and Elladan’s fingers idly played with the strands of sable hair that tickled his chest. 

“You are thoughtful, meleth nín,” Elrohir said softly, lifting his head so he could see his twin’s face more clearly. “Does something trouble you?”

Elladan shook his head, giving his brother a gentle smile. “No, Elrohir. It is only that I am thinking that I have been selfish.”

Elrohir’s eyebrow arched gracefully as he gave his twin a measuring look. “Selfish?  How so?”

“With Orophin and Rúmil,” he replied softly, his fingers sliding through his brother’s silky hair as he stroked it away from Elrohir’s face. “Perhaps I should not have encouraged them to share with us; nor encouraged him to join us while his brother slept. Did you not see his face?”  

“No,” Elrohir replied softly. “I did not. Was he upset?”

“I would not say he was upset, exactly,” Elladan said. “Yet I think he did not like what we did; their love is a new thing to them, and Orophin is as possessive of Rúmil as I am of you. More so, perhaps, because their love is so new.”  He placed a gentle kiss on Elrohir’s brow and hugged him closer for a moment, before continuing. “Remember how we were?”

Elrohir gave a soft chuckle. “Aye, gwanur, I do.”

“Orophin, no doubt, feels the same way I did about you. I was terrified that I would lose you to another, and I could not stand the sight of you with anyone else for the longest time. Even now, there are things I will not share, nor want you to share, with another,” Elladan said quietly.

“You are saying we should no longer share pleasure with them?” Elrohir asked.

Elladan nodded. “I think, for now, it would be best. Unless they initiate it, we should try to keep things simply between us.”  He sighed, rolling his twin so that he lay beside him and curled his body against Elrohir’s back. “I will talk with Orophin tomorrow before we leave for the city.”

“Aye, gwanur,” Elrohir replied sleepily. “I think you are right. I would not wish to lose their friendship over a misunderstanding.”

Elladan placed a soft kiss against his brother’s neck and snuggled closer, wrapping his arms around his twin’s stomach. “Nor I, meleth nín. Nor I.”

< > < > < >

Orophin woke early, as was his natural wont, and felt the press of his brother’s delectable bottom against his groin. **This is the way to wake** he thought happily, burying his nose in the soft length of Rúmil’s hair, inhaling his sweet scent. **I would wake each day with a smile.**  Rúmil gave a soft sigh and snuggled against him, pressing his bottom even closer to Orophin, and sending lovely jolts of pleasure through his slowly awakening arousal. 

“Tease,” Orophin murmured, pressing a kiss against the curve of Rúmil’s shoulder, and earning another sigh and delightful squirm in response. “If you do not stop that, I will be forced to retaliate.”

A soft chuckle escaped his brother, and he did it again, rubbing the soft curves of his buttocks slowly against Orophin’s now fully hardened arousal. “Then retaliate,” came the teasing whispered reply. “I am eager to see what you will do to me.”

Orophin nipped his shoulder, sliding his hand across Rúmil’s flat stomach, stopping just inches away from his brother’s arousal. “Oh really, rwalaer (lusty one),” he purred, pressing his lips to a pointed ear and giving it a slow and teasing lick. His fingertips danced lightly over the soft hairs at the base of Rúmil’s length as he took the pointed tip between his lips. Rúmil squirmed against him, groaning softly as Orophin’s other hand brushed over a hardened nipple. His tongue flicked against the sensitive tip of his brother’s ear, before sliding slowly down the delicate edge, his teasing caresses earning him a soft and needful whimper.

“Saes, meleth nín (Please, my love),” Rúmil pleaded softly, Orophin’s strong arms keeping him from rolling to face his brother. “Do not tease me so.”

Orophin chuckled, his fingers lightly stoking Rúmil’s length. “You were teasing me, gwanur,” he reminded him. “I think it only just that I tease you back.”  He lightly squeezed the soft pouch of skin just below his brother’s arousal, eliciting another soft whimper in response. He slid the weeping tip of his length between the cleft of Rúmil’s buttocks, pressing it gently against his brother’s opening. “Is this what you want?” he asked softly, sliding his hand upward to grasp the smooth length of his lover’s flesh and giving it a lingering caress. 

“Ai, yes!” Rúmil pushed back against him, shuddering in a mixture of pain and pleasure as his lover entered him, sliding into him with exquisite slowness. It hurt, for there had been no preparation beforehand, yet it felt so right, so perfect like this. He flexed his hips slightly, pushing against Orophin, taking him deeper into his body with a groan of pure pleasure. “Gods!”

“Ai, Rúmil, you are so tight this way,” Orophin whispered huskily. “So good, meleth nín.” He shuddered at the sensation; his length sheathed completely in the heat of his lover’s body. For a moment, he did not move; content to feel the tight warmth enclosing him as he continued to stroke Rúmil’s arousal, increasing his pace slightly. He heard his brother’s breath quicken in response and sought the sensitive tip of his ear once more with his lips, eliciting a low cry of pleasure from his lover as he reached his release.  The warmth of Rúmil’s seed spilled over his hand as his body tightened around him, and Orophin groaned, rocking his hips slightly and burying himself deeper into his lover’s body, his own release taking him with sudden and shocking intensity that stole his breath. 

“Gods,” Rúmil whispered, his body quivering with the aftershocks of his release. “That was…that was…”

“Perfect,” Orophin finished for him, his own body trembling. “I do not have the words to describe it otherwise.”  He wrapped his arms around Rúmil’s waist and held him close, his length twitching slightly inside his lover’s body. “Did I hurt you?” he asked softly, burying his face in his brother’s hair, loving the silky feel of it against his face and the scent that rose from his skin.

“A little,” Rúmil admitted. “But it was wonderful just the same.”  He gave a soft, contented sigh, his hands sliding across the arms that held him so tenderly. “I will never grow tired of the way you make me feel, gwanur. I cannot get enough.”

Orophin pressed his lips against his brother’s ear. “Amin mela lle, gwanur. Always.”

“Amin mela lle,” Rúmil replied softly. “An uir.” (I love you. For eternity).

They lay quietly together, feeling the warmth of the sun against their bare skin, before Orophin finally sighed, withdrawing from his brother’s body with reluctance. 

“I wish we did not have to return,” Rúmil’s words echoed Orophin’s thoughts as they dressed. “I wish we did not have to hide the way we feel from others.”

Orophin stopped him as he reached for the laces of his tunic, his long fingers lifting his chin to meet his gaze. “I wish that also, meleth nín. We have our duties to perform, but we will always find ways to be together. It will be enough.”  He glanced across their campsite at the two Peredhil, still lost in reverie and smiled sadly. “It is far easier for us here in Lórien than it is for them, I think.” He looked back at his brother, dropping his hand away. “We are simple wardens, two among many. They are the sons of the Lord and Lady of Imladris, and the grandsons our own Lord and Lady. They are under much more scrutiny than we, yet still they manage to steal time together, and their love for one another is stronger than any I have ever seen.”  He gave his brother a loving look. “If they can do it, meleth nín, so can we.”

< > < > < >

The four elves finished their packing and set out for the city while the sun was still climbing towards the sky, talking quietly amongst themselves as they passed through the woods. Elladan moved past his brother to catch up with Orophin, leaving Rúmil to walk beside Elrohir.

“I wanted to give you our apologies for last night,” Elladan said quietly, glancing at his companion as they walked. “We should not have involved Rúmil in our games without you present.”

A soft sigh escaped Orophin and he returned Elladan’s glance with a brief smile. “Thank you for understanding, Elladan. I enjoyed our time together very much, but…”

“You find it difficult to share him with others,” Elladan finished for him, laughing softly. “Believe me, meldiramin, I understand. We both do.” He tipped his head slightly, tucking a length of sable hair behind his ear. “We have also enjoyed our time with you both, but we do not wish to cause any misunderstandings between us.  We four share a bond of friendship, and I do not take that lightly.”

“We share more than that,” Orophin replied with a bemused smile, stepping lightly over a small log. “We share the knowledge of forbidden desires. It is a relief to know that we are not alone in this, would you not agree?”

“Aye,” Elladan said with a nod. “Indeed I do.”

They walked in companionable silence for several moments, before Orophin spoke again. “Do you have any advice you can give us?” he asked softly, glancing at Elladan with a wry smile. “You have managed to keep your relationship with your brother secret for a long time, yet you both seem to be happy.”

Elladan smiled almost wistfully. “That is not to say we would wish it otherwise, gwador (brother, platonic). I would shout our love from the rooftops of Imladris.” He sighed, and shook his head, before meeting Orophin’s look. “I would only say this: do not let it get to you. Love one another, live for your moments together and cherish them. Hold each memory precious in your heart.” He smiled again, and this time his expression was joyful. “Love each other with all you possess. It will be enough.”

< > < > < >

They reached the city just past midday, and were met by Haldir and Glorfindel just outside the gates.

“How was your hunting?” Haldir asked, falling in step between Orophin and Rúmil, glancing curiously at his brothers. “You did not catch anything?”

Orophin shrugged, giving his older brother an easy smile. “Just a few rabbits, which we ate. We had not planned on bringing any game back with us. How have things fared in our absence?”

“The borders are quiet,” Haldir replied. “All is well.” He cast a look over his shoulder at the twins, walking beside his lover. “It is good that you have returned. The Lord and Lady wish to speak to Elladan and Elrohir.”

Rúmil’s eyebrows rose and he glanced at Orophin behind Haldir’s back, his expression worried. 

“Nothing is wrong, I hope?” Orophin asked, purposefully keeping his tone light.

Haldir shook his head. “I do not know the particulars, as it is not my place to question the Lord and Lady’s wishes. Glorfindel has told me only that they are sending the twins to Mirkwood, while Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrían return to Imladris. Glorfindel and I are to escort them there.”

Both Orophin and Rúmil glanced back at the twins; both wore expressions of resignation. Apparently, Glorfindel had just shared with them the news of their impending trip.

“Did Lord Glorfindel say why they were to go to Mirkwood?” Rúmil asked hesitantly, looking back at Haldir.

The marchwarden shrugged gracefully. “He mentioned the Lady Galadriel’s wish to strengthen ties between Mirkwood and Imladris. I do not know any more than that.”  He gave his brothers a fond smile, dropping an arm across their shoulders and embracing them lightly as they walked. “I have missed your company these past few days. Will you have supper with me this evening? We are leaving tomorrow morning for Mirkwood, and I do not know when I will be returning.”

Orophin grinned. His brother was not usually so demonstrative in public. His relationship with Lord Glorfindel was affecting him in new and enjoyable ways. “If you think you can be parted from your lover long enough to enjoy our company, gwanur,” he teased, chuckling when Haldir glared at him. “It seems to me that our little prank had results better than we could have hoped for.”

“Aye, gwanur,” Rúmil added with a light laugh. “You never did thank us for what we did.”

Haldir sighed, shaking his head, but did not drop his arms away from his brothers’ shoulders. 

< > < > < >

“Mirkwood?” Elladan repeated, shaking his head in confusion. “Why does Adar want us to go there?”

“It is not so much your father’s idea, as it is your Grandmother’s,” Glorfindel corrected. “She wants to strengthen ties between the realms of Mirkwood and Imladris.”

Elrohir regarded the seneschal with growing suspicion. “In what way does she hope to accomplish this?” he asked.

Glorfindel glanced first at Elrohir and then at his twin. “She is hoping for a possible match between you both and King Thranduil’s line. He has a son, as well as several cousins that are about your age.”

“A political bonding?” Elladan scoffed. “In this day and age?  You cannot be serious.”  The look on their former tutor’s face told him that he was.

The seneschal sighed. “Yes, Elladan. She is quite serious about this, despite your mother and father’s efforts to convince her that you are too young. She would only say that having the ties strengthened between your father’s house and King Thranduil would be of great benefit in the times to come.”  He saw the rebellious looks on their faces and frowned. “It does not mean that anything will come of it, though why the thought should be so abhorrent to you puzzles me. You are both unattached, and I have met Prince Legolas. He is quite fair. I am certain that the King’s cousins are as well.”

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a glance behind their tutor’s back.

**I will not bond with any other, gwanur,** Elrohir sent his thought to his twin. **I will not!**

**Peace, meleth nín. We will not be parted. I swear to you. Yet we must play along with this plan of Grandmother’s. You know this.** Elladan thought in return.

**Aye,** came the soft reply, and Elladan saw his twin frown. **I know.**

Elladan sighed, and forced himself to smile cheerfully at Glorfindel. “So, you have met Prince Legolas?” he asked lightly.

Glorfindel looked relieved to see that they were not going to be difficult. “Aye,” he replied, dropping his arms across their shoulders, seeing his lover walking ahead of him in a similar pose with his brothers and giving a faint smile. “A very fine elf, indeed. He is a master at archery already, even at his age, and possesses an admirable amount of maturity and grace for all of his youth. Something I think the both of you could learn from,” he added with a smirk. “And did I mention he was fair?”

Elrohir snorted, copying his brother’s example and smiling with forced cheerfulness. “You did, though how fair, you did not say.”

“Ah,” Glorfindel grinned, pulling them close as they walked beside him. “His fairness is beyond compare, save for that of the Evenstar’s. Yon Rúmil’s beauty pales next to his.”

“Fairer than Rúmil?” Elladan asked, raising his eyebrows appreciatively, casting a speculative glance at Elrohir. “Then perhaps this trip will not be as bothersome as we feared.”

The Vanya shook his head with a laugh. “I think you will be surprised, my young ones. Very pleasantly so.”

~Finis

Additional note: 
Two stories were written as supplemental material to Peace Offerings (as if the story wasn’t long enough by itself!). They are: Bound, by Larien Elengasse, and In Silence, by Khylaren. They can both be found at Khylaren’s Elven Tales site at http://www.angelfire.com/trek/khylaren/elven.html