A Glorious Deception

Elrond poked his head out the door and glanced up and down the hall. He clutched the hem of his robe in one hand and his boots in the other. His long dark hair dripped rivulets down his back. Behind him he could hear Celebrian.

"Hurry, my lord, for Father and Mother are both early risers." She tiptoed to stand in the door as well and gave her own cautious inspection. Her diaphanous gown outlined her slender frame and her long blond hair was disheveled.

Elrond's wide mouth turned upwards in a warm smile. "Thank you, Lady Celebrian." He slipped away with a little bow and raced to his own quarters before someone discovered that his bed had not been slept in.

Celebrian closed her chamber door and chuckled softly to herself. Whatever else she expected Elrond to be like, impish had not been on the list. He was in some ways like an elfling. He was exuberant and clever and sometimes a bit impractical. Yet, his impractical nature also drew her for it suggested that he could be more than a warrior or healer or the leader of Imladris. She sincerely hoped that one day she would be at his side. She knew they would make a good match for they understood each other quite well.

In his rooms, Elrond took up a towel and rubbed his damp hair until it was nearly dry. He cast aside the clothes he'd worn the night before and put on fresh robes and leggings. Then he went about tidying his room. His haste, though, was unnecessary, for he remained undisturbed for some time by his own people or Thranduil's servants.

*~*

Erestor blinked into awareness and realized that someone was staring at him. He shifted and looked at Lindir. The younger elf gazed at him with open wonder and something that might have been hero worship. Erestor shifted and offered a smile. "Good morn."

Lindir snuggled against Erestor and kissed his collarbone. "Did you sleep well?"

"Aye, I did. And you?" Erestor sighed as a curious tongue traced along his skin.

"mmm," answered Lindir. "Is it alright if I do this?"

"I believe so," Erestor shifted to his back and allowed Lindir to explore all he wanted.

"And this?" Lindir lifted his leg and straddled Erestor's waist as he continued kissing and nuzzling over the Elda's chest and throat.

"Indeed, that is permissible as well," purred Erestor as he stretched beneath his young lover. He had not known what to expect and, therefore, had not dared think beyond their night of lovemaking, to the day after. He'd been somewhat afraid that Lindir would retreat out of shyness or fear and so thought not at all, preferring to let events happen as they would. His surprise was complete as Lindir bit his nipple.

"Did I hurt you?" Lindir raised his head in alarm at Erestor's yelp.

Erestor's breath hitched and he shifted a little beneath Lindir. He could feel the other's pert bottom pressing into his stomach. His member stirred and he did not try to force his thoughts to more mundane matters. This was the moment he'd dreamed of, when Lindir belonged to him, body and soul. "On the contrary, that felt good."

Running his hands over Erestor's shoulders and arms, Lindir spoke between kisses. "I was so afraid I would disappoint you last night. I wanted to please you."

"You did please me." Erestor held the blond head against his chest. "You gave me yourself and for that I am grateful."

Lindir paused for a moment. Staring down at Erestor he offered a smile that was so sweet and sincere, that Erestor's heart was close to breaking. "Will you let me love you now?"

Erestor chuckled softly. "Aye, love me all you like, Lindir."

*~*

Glorfindel and Galdor had awakened at the same time and took stock of their situation. Both quickly acknowledged the previous night was nothing shy of miraculous and also that their mutual attraction was deeper than expected. After admitting that, they realized that they were each too important to their individual lord to just up and leave their posts. There was a moment of silent introspection between them as they digested the impact of having a lover several days ride away. Since there was nothing either could do at the moment, however, they decided to enjoy one another while they could.

Galdor lay sprawled on his back with Glorfindel between his bent knees. The Elda's cheeks hollowed and puffed as he sucked on Galdor's cock and his hands firmly held the young advisor's hips to the mattress. His glorious blond hair spilled over Galdor's thighs and stomach and clung like fine silken threads. His slick tongue teased up and down Galdor's length, pausing for a moment to gather precious beads of clear cum from the head before running back down to the base. Galdor's fingers dug into the skin of Glorfindel's back and he hissed his pleasure aloud as the wicked tongue once again teased his slit.

At last, Glorfindel raised his head and stared for a moment at Galdor. The warm brown eyes stared back at him and he smiled wickedly. His hands slid down Galdor's thighs and his thumbs hooked the firm mounds of his ass and he tilted his head and blew on the tight hole. This time, Galdor's hips cleared the bed completely and his moan turned into a choked cry as Glorfindel's teeth nipped the tender inner flesh.

"Ai, Glorfindel," Galdor gasped as the lustful warrior nuzzled more deeply between his thighs and used his teeth and tongue to tease. When the wet tongue penetrated his secret entrance, Galdor growled.

Unbearable delight slithered up and down the length of his body as Galdor thrashed against his ministrations. To be able to excite another so shamelessly was a pleasure beyond the mere physical. Glorfindel had a reputation as a lover, but part of his reputation actually stemmed from his ability to give his lover exactly what they craved. He never thought about whether or not he enjoyed what he was doing as he was too intent on fulfilling the other's fantasy and, in turn, derived much of his pleasure from the satisfaction of his lover. Galdor was in some ways unique, for he was as playful and experimental as Glorfindel and that delighted the warrior as it gave him free reign over his imagination. He rose to his knees and helped Galdor on to his stomach. Deftly, he pulled Galdor's cock so that it lay straight on the mattress between his thighs.

"Spread your legs, love," he murmured as he massaged Galdor's lower back. When the elf complied, he took his palms and spread both cheeks wide. Lowering his head, Glorfindel licked up the length of Galdor's cock until he reached the cleft of his buttocks, then he ran his tongue around the puckered hole while squeezing and needing the firm muscles. He placed all of his weight on his palms in order to keep Galdor pinned helplessly while he trust his tongue in and out of the entrance. Every shudder and rippling muscle communicated itself to Glorfindel and he used that to judge exactly how close his lover was to climax. Muffled keening and tense muscles told Glorfindel that Galdor was as close to the edge as he could get and the warrior retracted his tongue. He placed his knees on Galdor's thighs placed his cock at the tight opening.

"What?" He asked with his head tilted to one side.

"Now," Galdor said more loudly.

With a wicked grin, Glorfindel settled back on his haunches, still holding Galdor in place with his weight. "Demanding, aren't you?"

Galdor twisted his upper body so that he could glare at Glorfindel. "You have teased me to distraction and I shall pay you back tenfold." He said with mock severity.

Blue eyes narrowed to slits for a moment as Glorfindel pretended to think. Unexpectedly, his hand connected sharply with Galdor's ass and he struggled to maintain his balance as the elf jerked and bucked. Fists bunched sheets and Galdor groaned. Again Glorfindel smacked the already red cheek. He watched as the smooth flesh rippled and his palm print went from white to red. Slowly, he leaned forward again and pressed the head of his cock against the puckered opening. This time Galdor said nothing as his muscles were slowly parted and Glorfindel's thickness penetrated him.

Glorfindel felt the muscles contract around him and stifled his own grunt. The tight heat was unbearable and he had to exercise all his self-discipline to hold still. The passage was smooth and accepting of his invasion. He rested all of his weight on Galdor and locked his hands around the slender wrists. He flicked his tongue against a sensitive ear tip. "Ten fold, you say?"

"A thousand fold," panted Galdor.

"Sound most promising," Glorfindel said as he experimentally bounced his hips.

"Ungh," was all Galdor could manage.

Releasing Galdor's wrists, Glorfindel reached down and hooked his forearms beneath each of the other's knees and pulled his legs even further apart. He shifted, burying himself even more deeply and was rewarded by a loud moan. He planted his fists on the mattress to support his weight and began to experiment with different angles and speeds. First, he thrust straight in and paused. All that elicited was a soft groan. Deciding that wasn't enough, he tried a few straight, rapid thrusts. The quick pants were better, but still not the exact response he wanted. So he buried himself deeply and rocked. Galdor sighed. Glorfindel gathered his knees under him and with forehead resting between Galdor's shoulder blades, thrust hard and fast and as deep as possible. Galdor's reaction was just what he was looking for and with a self-satisfied smile on his face, he continued with the brutal rhythm until the bed fairly bounced on its springs.

Galdor's cries grew louder and Glorfindel's breath whistled between his clenched teeth. Sweat slicked their bodies and dampened their hair. Both were on the edge when a loud pounding on the door caused Glorfindel to lose his rhythm. His hips hitched and he paused, listening to the fist against his door. Galdor moaned and lifted his head from the pillow.

"Not now," he lamented.

Glorfindel decided who ever was at the door could wait and began again. But the pounding would not cease and a strident voice calling for him was added.

Growling like a wounded animal, Glorfindel threw himself from the bed and wrapped a robe about his body while Galdor struggled to pull the sticky sheets over his nudity. Nearly wrenching the door from its hinges, Glorfindel glared balefully at the intruder.

"What?"

Melpomaen gulped and stepped back as he took in Glorfindel's sweaty body and the purpled cock just peaking from the robe. "My apologies, my lord, but I have been sent to rouse everyone. There has been a tragedy on Mirkwood's borders."

"That's for Thranduil to deal with," Glorfindel's blue eyes blazed with equal parts annoyance and unfulfilled passion.

"He is the one who has asked that all be gathered. This concerns King Isildur."

Galdor sat up straighter in the bed with his face a mask of alarm. "What has happened to him?"

"I do not know," Melpomaen couldn't identify the voice coming from Glorfindel's bed and, honestly, did not want to. "He would not say."

"I will be downstairs in a moment," Glorfindel said more gently.

Melpomaen bowed. "The gathering is in the main hall, my lord."

Glorfindel closed the door far more gently than he'd opened it and began searching for clean clothes. "I suppose you must go to Cirdan."

"Aye," Galdor was already pulling on the tunic and leggings he'd worn the night before.

"I shall see you later?"

"I should think so," Glorfindel grinned despite the grave misgivings in his heart.

*~*

Erestor and Lindir were not nearly so far along in their lovemaking as to be quite as put out as Glorfindel had been. So, when Lindir opened the door on Melpomaen, he was much more composed. He listened for a moment, admitting rather sheepishly that the chief advisor was present and promised to deliver the message at once. By the time Melpomaen had gone, Erestor was already dressed.

*~*

Gildor came awake with a start. He could hear voices and running feet in the hall outside his door. He blinked and looked around his room, intending on asking Aikanaro what was wrong, when he realized he was quite alone. Disappointment filled his heart and he sighed. He hadn't expected to wake alone and he did not know what to think. Then it occurred to him that maybe the commotion outside his door was to blame, but then wondered why Aikanaro had not roused him. Realizing that all his speculations would solve neither the riddle of Aikanaro's disappearance or the commotion, Gildor rose from the bed and drew on leggings and opened his door.

He stuck his head out just in time to see Galdor rushing towards him. "What is going on?"

Galdor paused for a moment. "Some calamity has befallen King Isildur on the borders and Thranduil is calling a meeting as a result."

Gildor took this in with a frown. Anything that affected the humans had an impact on the elves. "I'll be down in a moment," he told Galdor just before closing the door.

*~*

Glorfindel sat in a chair just to Elrond's left, to the right of the noble was Erestor, looking as calm and composed as ever. Yet those who knew him well could detect a faint flush to his cheeks and a sparkle in his dark eyes. Cirdan sat opposite of Elrond ranged around by his advisors. Galdor stood behind, as one of the youngest. He and Glorfindel exchanged many meaningful glances as the rest of the elves gathered in the hall. Thranduil sat on his throne with one fist beneath his chin. He was pale and his blue eyes wandered ceaselessly over the crowd. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were seated side by side with Celebrian standing just behind them. The rest of the elves were gathered in order of rank and position. Gildor, by virtue of his status as a noble, was just beyond the first ring of high ranking officials while Lindir, whose birth was not noble and held no advisory position, was at the far rear of the hall with the captains and warriors.

When everyone had gathered, Thranduil rose slowly from his chair. Clearing his throat, he at last addressed the assembly. "My lords and ladies, I have received word this morning from my patrols. They discovered the remains of King Isildur's party just beyond our borders late last evening. They have scoured the area and, much to their regret, can make no report of survivors."

"What of the King's body?" Elrond frowned.

"Of that, there is no sign," admitted Thranduil. "My patrols were able to identify the horses and other equipment by their insignia. "

A general mumbling was heard around the chambers. Many who had fought at the foot of the Black Gates knew that Isildur had the ring. And now, with Isildur gone, there was the question of where was the ring? Another question, of course, were who would be the new ruler of men and what impact would that have on the elves? But none voiced that at the moment.

"Can we ascertain for sure that this was Isildur's party?" Celeborn asked.

"Not without sending to the White City. He should have been here two days ago," Thranduil admitted. "The insignia is the King's, so unless someone was traveling under his banner, we can but assume."

Lady Galadriel's blue eyes lost focus for a moment. "The insignia belonged to him." She said after a time. "The ring he bore is lost."

Elrond's face clouded. "Who would dare?"

Thranduil sighed. "The patrol saw signs of orcs, Lord Elrond. They have plagued my borders for some time now. From what we have seen, some are the remnants of Sauron's army and others come from whence I know not, although I suspect the Misty Mountains are to blame."

Elrond stared down at the ring on his finger and frowned. So, he thought, the one ring has removed itself from Middle Earth and now awaits the return of its master. But when would that be? In one hundred years? One thousand? Ten thousand? Less? "We have decisions to make. Firstly, what is our role, as elves, in this? Secondly, how shall we guard ourselves against the darkness to come?"

"Do you feel it will come to that, Lord Elrond?" Glorfindel's face reflected his own fears.

"Indeed, Lord Elrond is correct," Cirdan stroked his beard in deep reflection. "He perceives a time when Sauron will regain his strength and call to the ring once more. And rest assured, the ring will answer. Since we do not know where the ring is at present, we can only hope that Sauron does not already have a voice."

"Nay, be at peace, my lord, for the one who would claim it has not yet the strength. He will, in time, call out to Isildur's Bane and evil will again walk in Middle Earth. Therefore, let us turn our attention to Lord Elrond's questions. I, for one, see nothing that we can do either to help the mortals or ourselves. The ring is lost, was already lost when Isildur placed it on his hand. We can but wait and see what happens. Even now our numbers are shrinking and there will come a time when we will no longer openly walk the world of men. Let us hold what is ours and leave the men their realms and wars." Galadriel spoke quietly.

"I cannot sit by and wait, Lady Galadriel," Elrond opposed her position with more vehemence than heat. "I live in the world of men, though their strength fails."

"Then let it fall to you, Elrond, as the contender to the throne to watch the world of men and mold the fate of Middle Earth." Thranduil answered.

Elrond lowered his head for a moment and is long dark hair shielded his face. When he looked up, his gray eyes were full of pain and sorrow. "You leave it to me while all of you propose to hide in your kingdoms?"

Gildor's lips pursed as he watched Elrond suffer. He wanted to go and place his arms around the broad chest and press the troubled face into his shoulder. He longed to offer words of comfort. Gildor held his place and his tongue.

"What else is there, Elrond?" Cirdan asked tiredly. "We have done all that we could. Look you to Lorien and see how the heir perished 'ere he could return home from the battlefield. Anarion, the rightful ruler of men, buried on the plains while his brother, who should never have had access to the throne, is now also dead and his doom—nay, the doom of Middle Earth—is loose in the world. There are some who will come who have a role to play, though they do not know it yet. Search your heart, my old friend, and you will see that I speak truly."

"I know you, Lord Cirdan, and I value your council. If I must keep this vigil alone, then so be it." His mouth turned down in a grim, bitter line.

"Alone?" Cirdan's eyebrows shot up. "Nay, not alone, for I, too, shall keep my vigil and my boat, when you are ready to depart, Ring Bearer, shall be waiting for you." With those words he rose from his chair and bowed. "King Thranduil, forgive me, for I feel the need to return to the Gray Havens."

"Aye, Lord Cirdan, you are right. To continue our celebration would be a travesty. Those who wish it, of course, may stay, but for me, at least, the party is ended." Thranduil resumed his seat and stared around with deeply troubled blue eyes. "My son will be raised in a land threatened always by shadow. Is this what my father died for?" He whispered.

Slowly the hall emptied save for Thranduil's servants. Cirdan gathered his group and bid them make preparations to depart for the Havens. Galdor immediately went in search of Glorfindel, but could not find him. Instead, he ran into Gildor.

"Ai, Gildor, is this not troubling?" He said as he settled on a bench beside the exile.

"I have no words for the fear in my heart. Galdor, I shall not be returning to the Havens with you."

"I did not expect that you would. Will you travel to Imladris and seek Aikanaro?"

Gildor shrugged. "I have not been able to find him. But, no, I think not. My destiny lies elsewhere now."

"What do you mean, Gildor?" A chill crept up Galdor's spine and he shivered.

"I cannot say for certain, but I think that I shall never again have a home to call my own."

Galdor opened his mouth to tell his friend that his notions were foolish and then closed his jaw. Who was he to argue with what Gildor may feel or sense? Times were changing, yet again. Many would have parts to play in Middle Earth's future. "I shall see you from time to time?"

"So you shall, my friend, for I intend to come to the Havens as often as I can. Will-" Gildor paused, uncertain of what he was asking. "Do you forgive me?"

"Forgive you for what?"

"Not being—" Gildor began, but stopped when Galdor placed long fingers over his lips.

"Ssshh. Think no more of this, Gildor, for our destinies are different and I have long accepted this. I cherish the time we have spent together and will long hold you in my heart. There is Glorfindel, now, who holds my body—and maybe my soul, though I am not certain of it." He smiled as a faint flush colored his cheeks. "So, in the end, we are leaving each other."

Gildor wrapped his arms around Galdor's shoulders and held him close for a moment, breathing in the scent of his hair and feeling the soft texture of his skin one last time. "Fare you well, my friend." With those words, Gildor rose from the bench and went inside the great fortress.

*~*

Glorfindel sat on the window ledge and stared at Elrond. "You cannot be serious, Elrond."

"I am serious, Glorfindel. This is a wise decision." Elrond paced the length of the borrowed office.

"If that be the case, then why are you so restless, so uncertain?" Glorfindel countered. "You cannot love her."

"Love has nothing to do with it, Glorfindel. I respect her and I enjoy her company. She and I understand one another. Together we can provide heirs for Imladris."

"Political marriages are the realm of mor-" Erestor realized what he was about to say and his mouth snapped shut. Sometimes he simply forgot that Elrond was also half mortal. His ivory face paled as the sharp gray eyes turned on him. "My apologies, my lord. What I am getting at is that such an arrangement is not necessary. For the moment, the Last Homely House is secure with Vilya guarding the borders. You can take your time and marry for love."

Elrond frowned. "Love, Erestor? My love perished on the Dagorlad Plain, remember? Even had he not perished, there could have never been an official union between us. He knew it and so did I. Celebrian would have been a candidate, and once was, but there was Amdir, her true love. Nay, Erestor, love is something that comes along once and then there is never another who can take that love's place."

Erestor tapped his lips for a long moment and eyed Elrond up and down as if assessing him. "If you say so, my lord."

Elrond's eyes widened with alarm. "I speak of true love, Erestor, not lust."

Erestor nodded his head and kept his thoughts to himself.

"When will this take place?" Glorfindel was resigned to having Celebrian at Imladris. He did not object to her per se, but he doubted her necessity in Lord Elrond's life, just as he doubted that she could ever really fulfill him the way Gil-Galad had done. However, he might as well make the best of the situation. And, considering the nature of the two elves in question, a celebration unequaled in Middle Earth history was in the making. That, of course, meant that Cirdan and his court would come to the wedding. Glorfindel smiled as he considered that Galdor would undoubtedly be in attendance.

"As soon as I can arrange it. I must speak with Celeborn and Galadriel."

"They have already sanctioned this farce?" Erestor stirred once more.

"Yes, Erestor, they have sanctioned this arrangement and Celebrian has even given it her approval, if you will. She knows, as do I, the duties that we have to our people and our lands."