Faelon ground his teeth in frustration. The rope around his cock and testicles was not painful, merely uncomfortable. But even that was not the cause of the tears beading his lashes. The tension was unbearable. As long as the ropes remained wrapped around his member, it would remain erect and he would get no relief at all.
He dashed angrily at the tears with the backs of his hands. Elrond could be so cruel. He went to the basin and used a cloth to wash away the blood and sweat from his body. The cold water helped cool his flesh and even, to some small degree, his ardor. The part that Faelon hated the most was the certain knowledge that he would get no relief at all this night or the next. He'd irritated Elrond far more than he'd realized, though he really had not meant to push his master so hard.
Cleaned and dried, the elf went to his chest and extracted a deep gray robe and matching leggings. A white undershirt was unearthed. He dressed carefully and meticulously, as always. Only tonight he laced his breeches extra tight and made sure his robe was one that was a little large on him.
He redid his hair, taking some measure of comfort from releasing the tight braid. With his hair down, he scrubbed hard at his itching scalp. When once again his side braids were back in place and his flushed cheeks had resumed their normal color and his eyes were clear again, he donned his indoor boots and left his rooms for the dining hall.
Elrond joined his wife, Celebrian in the solar. She had seated herself near the east facing windows and the fading light of the sun turned her blond hair golden. Her face glowed with health and vitality, suffused with a rosy shimmer from her pregnancy. Fifteen years after she wed Elrond, she'd presented him with twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir. Now, the birth of their third child would occur by the turn of the year.
The noble walked quietly to his wife and gave her a kiss on her smooth brow. Celebrian eyed him for a moment. She'd tried to find him this afternoon only to discover from his secretary Golrahir that he'd been seen heading towards Faelon's private chambers. She did not track her husband in the advisor's chambers. She knew if she knocked on that door what she would find on the other side. The idea repulsed her. That she was forced to share her bed with another was humiliation enough, that his lover was male was most unpalatable. She'd also discovered, rather early in their relationship, that her husband had certain proclivities that were beyond her understanding. Not that she'd tried to understand or spent much time dwelling on it. As long as he kept his perversions to himself, then she was happy enough to leave it be for the moment.
"You look lovely this evening. Being with child becomes you, beloved." Elrond knelt by her side and placed a gentle hand on her abdomen.
Celebrian was always amazed that her husband could willing inflict all manner of pain on an individual, or slice the body of an enemy neatly in half, and turn around and be a gentle and loving healer and husband the next. She placed her hand over his. "You are a charmer, my lord. How fare you this eve?"
"I have managed to get the correspondence taken care of so that my new Chief Advisor does not quit on his first day. Faelon has agreed to act as the Chief Librarian, which will be a great benefit to Imladris and me. And my wife is as beautiful and radiant as a dew kissed morning. What more could any elf wish for?"
"Nothing at all, I should think, my lord. Your sons are home from patrol. Did you know?"
Elrond rose to his feet and helped Celebrian to hers. "I was told that riders had come bearing news of guests, but I did not ask their identity. I am relieved they have remained for dinner. They are gone exploring far too often for my tastes. The world is changed much, but there is still evil throughout the land."
He led her from the solar and they walked down a shallow set of stairs to the main formal dining room. Faelon bowed low as his lord and lady entered. To his left, the Peredhil twins, Elladan and Elrohir, also bowed respectfully to their parents. Since reaching their majority, the young elves were rarely home for more than a day or so at a time. They often acted as patrol for Imladris' borders or as escort for this group or that. They were young and adventurous. And Faelon sometimes envied them their freedom.
"My lord, my lady," he smiled warmly as Elrond and Celebrian walked past him.
Elrond did not treat his Chief Librarian any differently than before. Lady Celebrian was chilly. Not that her behavior was unusual. Faelon was certain that she knew about the games her husband played in his rooms and was equally certain that she turned a blind eye only for the peace of her parent's usurped kingdom.
"Elladan and Elrohir, my vagabond sons. How good of you to grace my table," Elrond teased his children. He did not begrudge them their freedom, though he often missed them and never stopped worrying about him.
"Greetings, Father," Elladan stepped forward and embraced his father before moving aside to kiss his mother's cheek. "How fare you, Mother?"
"I am well, my son. And, like your father, glad you have chosen to grace us with your presence this evening."
Elrohir took his brother's place in Elrond's arms for a second before planting a kiss on his mother's cheek. "I am told you will have a new Chief Advisor?"
And so the discussion of Erestor began as they arranged themselves at the table. Servants served the meal and talk changed topics with each new course. Faelon remained still, despite his desire to squirm his discomfort. To see Elrond so close and so irretrievably far was almost more than he could bear.
The moon had risen by the time the elves finished their evening. Like everything else in Imladris, nothing was done half way. The food and entertainment each evening was done to perfection as bards and musicians entertained everyone, residents and guests alike, with tales and songs. Wine flowed as freely as tongues. At last Celebrian indicated her desire to retire and Elrond quickly offered to escort her to bed. He bid good night to his sons and guests and, with his wife on his arm, retired to the family quarters.
Faelon sighed. He'd expected no less, of course, but he did wonder how it was that he was going to get a wink of sleep the whole night. For a moment he considered taking a bottle of wine to bed with him. He dismissed the notion immediately. He did not need to be hung over and tired on the morrow, what with the new Chief Advisor arriving. Giving up, he bid his companions good night and returned to his own rooms to undress and throw himself on top of his bed. He stared at the ceiling for a long time.
*~*
The next morning, Erestor dug his spare formal robes from his pack. They were rumpled and nothing shy of having them remade would take out the creases. Erestor brushed them out as best as he could and endured Glorfindel's teasing stare. "I will not go before my new lord looking like I've been rolling in a sty."
"I would not expect you to. Still, I believe Lord Elrond will understand if you are less than perfect."
Now, as Erestor dismounted his horse in the courtyard of the Last Homely House, he lamented that he'd left all but his most essential belongings to catch up to him in a wagon. Elrond looked much the same as he had when Erestor had seen him last. On his arm was a gracious lady who Erestor assumed was Celebrian. Behind them were two elves, identical in every way, and nearly identical to their father Elrond. A small knot of elves stood behind the twins. Erestor assumed they were the rest of Elrond's council.
Elrond walked to the bottom on the stairs and clasped Erestor warmly. "I am happy to see you again, Erestor. My council is complete."
Erestor did not realize how much he'd missed the presence of the King's Standard Bearer until they stood face to face. Suddenly, Erestor felt as though he'd come home. He could see, even after only a few minutes, that Lord Elrond had worked very hard to create Imladris is the image of the court in Lindon. "My Lord, thank you for accepting me to your council. I am honored."
Elrond laughed and ushered his Chief Advisor towards his family. As they'd greeted each other, the rest of the household had gathered, including guards and servants. Erestor was introduced to Celebrian, who was polite but distant. Elrohir and Elladan were cordial and seemed eager to make friends. The one who puzzled Erestor the most was the Chief Librarian, Faelon. He'd been tense and more formal than warranted. Something in his cold features gave Erestor a momentary pause and he wondered if he would have trouble with the younger elf. It did occur to Erestor that perhaps his presence had insured that Faelon had been denied the position of Chief Advisor and how many problems that would cause. Beside Faelon was a tongue-tied youth who introduced himself in a small, hesitant voice as Melpomaen, Assistant Librarian. Saelbeth, the Assistant Advisor, was polite and seemed truly glad to make his acquaintance. Last was Golrahir, Elrond's private secretary, was a dark haired elf with secretive eyes but a willing smile.
The first order of business was getting Erestor settled in his new home. He was given quarters near the family that, like the rest of the advisors' rooms, were sumptuous and well appointed. Erestor's quarters boasted of a sitting room, bedroom and a private bath. It became obvious that Elrond fully intended to create a place of comfort as well as advanced thinking and learning. Erestor knew then he'd be happy with his choice.
Erestor was given time to refresh himself and become acquainted with his surroundings. He was encouraged to walk around and become familiar with the other residents, many of whom he knew from Lindon. Eventually, the Chief Advisor found himself inside the library and was amazed at how many volumes there were. Obviously, Lord Elrond had been busy, and for quite some time. Erestor roamed among the shelves, breathing deeply of ink and parchment and polished wood.
"May I help you, Lord Erestor?"
Erestor turned at the sound of the Chief Librarian's cold voice. "I was familiarizing myself with Imladris and found myself in your domain. I hope I am not intruding?"
'Not at all," spoke Faelon. "I am doing inventory. " He turned away from Erestor to go back to his work.
"Lord Faelon? Have I given offense in some way?"
Faelon paused. His churlish behavior was not really aimed at Erestor so much as it was a way to gain Elrond's attention. He' awoken from his reverie sometime before dawn to find Elrond sitting on the edge of his bed. The elf lord had pulled aside the covers and teased his flaccid member back to erection. With deliberate care, he untied the bow and released Faelon, though had done nothing to ease his need. Elrond had left Faelon with a harsh pinch to his nipples and a playful pat to his testicles. "Not at all, Lord Erestor. I had only thought to let you continue your exploration in peace."
"I fear my presence may have upset your own plans," Erestor astutely guessed. "If that is the case, I am truly sorry."
Faelon trailed a long finger over the binding of a book. "I should be the one apologizing, my lord. Indeed, I had hoped to have the Chief Advisor's position, but I am not qualified and I know Lord Elrond's decision to be a wise one."
Erestor still sensed a strange tension in the librarian and he wondered at it. The apology seemed sincere, but something was definitely on Faelon's mind. "I had hoped that you and I could become friends. We will be working closely together."
Faelon stopped tracing the binding. "I would like that, I think."
Erestor nodded. "Good. Perhaps after lunch you can show me more of the library? I confess I am impressed by the wealth of knowledge accumulated by our lord in so short a time."
After that, life fell in to a routine for Erestor. His early mornings were spent in conference with Lord Elrond. His afternoons were spent going over important papers and overseeing the many guests who came and went in Rivendell. Evenings were a pleasant affair filled with good food, companionship and a wealth of entertainments. Though he worked hard for Elrond helping establish Imladris as a place of beauty and harmony, he enjoyed the challenge. Lord Elrond could have quite easily set himself up as a king and declared the valley his kingdom. Elves from all over Middle Earth would have willingly come to him and declared their fealty. He did not do that however, and seemed content to protect his valley and raise his family. He welcomed guests and visitors aplenty and played the noble host rather than the all-powerful king. Erestor could not help but admire that.
Erestor had been in Imladris about a month when he had the most unnerving experience of his long life. The late summer heat had sent everyone off in search of cooler pursuits. To that end, Elrond had dismissed the council so they too, could enjoy the rest of their day. The Chief Advisor had thought to locate Faelon, with whom he'd become rather close. Unable to locate the elf, Erestor had decided to check out the numerous springs and fountains. Apparently, everyone in Rivendell had the same thought, and seeking solitude, the elf had wandered farther from the main house.
He removed his shoes and tucked up his long robes to better enjoy the feel of the rich green grass on his feet. He approached a rather isolated section of the grounds where a shallow stream was overhung with thick weeping willow trees. Erestor smiled and was about to wade in the creek when he heard odd noises coming from beneath a nearby tree. Curiosity moved him forward.
Gently he parted the full branches of the tree and peered inside. He froze in shock and his eyes went round. Kneeling in the dirt was his friend, Faelon. The librarian wore only a leather harness that passed over his shoulders and banded his chest front and back. A long strap ran from the back of the harness down between the kneeling elf's buttocks and ended attached to a metal ring snuggled tight around his arousal. Red slashes covered his back from his shoulders down to the firm mounds of his buttocks.
Elrond stood over Faelon naked and with a willow switch in his hand. Each stroke of the switch over Faelon's smooth back caused the elf's hips to gyrate forward. From deep in his throat came animalistic sounds of pleasure. Evidence of Elrond's pleasure ran in thick white rivulets down Faelon's back. Yet, the elf lord's cock was already growing hard in the wake of his activities.
"Turn around," he ordered and for a moment Erestor feared that Elrond knew of his presence.
Faelon scrambled around on his knees, oblivious to the dirt and blood clinging to him. He looked up at Elrond with an expression of utter devotion. Roughly, Elrond reached out and grasped Faelon by his hair and pulled him forward until his mouth was pressed against Elrond's groin. Greedily, Faelon latched on to his master's cock and sucked and nuzzled furiously, as though his life depended on the action. Elrond continued to apply the willow switch to Faelon's back, adding another layer of red ugly marks. Far from causing the elf discomfort, he seemed to delight in the action and worked even harder on the rigid cock begin thrust down his throat. Between his knees, his straining member dripped its essence on to the ground.
Elrond dropped the switch and leaned over Faelon and with a quick movement, released the ring holding his cock. A loud keening erupted from the kneeling elf as the tension on his cock was released. Elrond stepped back from his slave and retrieved his willow branch. He settled atop a spread blanket and patted his thighs.
"Come along, pet, come receive your reward."
Panting and moaning piteously, Faelon crawled forward on his hands and knees until he straddled his master's shaft. Reaching behind him, took the rigid member in his hands guided it to his entrance. Hissing loudly, he pushed down, neatly impaling himself on Elrond.
The elf lord wrapped one arm around Faelon's shoulders and pulled him close and the other hand began wielding the switch with brutal efficiency. The whistling smack of the lash formed a counterpoint to the librarian's soft grunts. He kept his eyes closed and his hands locked behind his head as he rode Elrond. His thigh muscles bunched and tightened with each thrust and his cock constantly rubbed against the ridged muscles of the elf lord's body. His back arched and he pressed himself harder against Elrond.
"Please," his breathless whisper barely carried over the gentle rustling of the willow leaves.
Elrond cast aside his willow branch again and placed his long hands on either side of Felon's face and pulled him close in a deep kiss. Faelon's dropped his arms from the back of his neck and placed them around Elrond's chest. He went rigid as his orgasm took hold of him and his moans were stifled by Elrond's mouth.
Erestor swallowed hard and withdrew as quietly as possible from the willow canopy. He felt unclean and vaguely ill. Turning, he fled along the stream's edge, seeking to put as much distance between Elrond and Faelon as possible. He did not stop running until he reached the safety of the compound. On his way to his rooms, he passed Lady Celebrian and Golrahir and paused for a fraction of a second. Her eyes were cold and knowing. A slight smirk graced her perfect lips.
"Did you enjoy your walk, Lord Erestor?" Her hands rested atop her distended belly, emphasizing her pregnancy.
"I found it enlightening, my Lady. The scenery is quite diverse." He managed.
Celebrian laughed nastily. "Enlightening is not the word I would have chosen."
Erestor realized that Celebrian was very much aware of Lord Elrond's proclivities. He was also aware that she did not approve, though why she maintained her silence was beyond him. "Would you excuse me, my lady? I would like to freshen up before diner."
"I would imagine so," she inclined her head before continuing towards her own chambers.
Erestor made haste for his rooms and closed the door behind him once he was safely in his own private chambers. He leaned against the door and took deep breaths. His whole body shook and his face felt flushed and over heated. He tried to think rationally but such endeavors were beyond him. Disgust washed over him as he began peeling away his clothes. Nor could he lay his feeling at the feet of Elrond or Faelon.
His clothes formed a trail from his door to his bath as he shed them haphazardly. He glanced down at his traitorous erection and growled. He did not understand the scene that had been played out before him. He did not understand his reaction to it. Erestor simply could not decide if his sexual arousal was a result of the voyeurism or swish-snap of the switch on skin.
He touched his fingers to his rigid cock and lightly traced the length. He shivered at the contact on his hot flesh. He wrapped his hands around his cock and pulled roughly, experimenting with the feel. It hurt, but not so much so. He flicked his thumb over the plum colored head, letting his nail drag over the sensitive area. One hand went out to steady himself as his knees shook.
He licked his dry lips and tried to erase the image of Elrond Half-Elven's brutal treatment of the Chief Librarian from his mind. Try as he might, he could not completely clear the memory and he growled. Part of him was repulsed by what he'd seen, yet it was a repulsion overlaid with natural curiosity and a morbidity.
His hand came up and twisted his dusky nipples. He titled back his head in pleasure as his fingers stretched and pulled the puckered flesh. Sinking to his knees, Erestor gave in to the images floating through his mind and the sexual tension they created. One hand squeezed his sac while the other twisted and twisted his nipples. Groaning his pleasure aloud, he laid his head back against the tub's rim and splayed his legs wider. In his mind, he saw Elrond standing straight and proud with his weeping erection jutting from the juncture of his thighs. Erestor touched his tongue to his lips again, imagining he could taste the lord's essence on his tongue.
He focused his attention on his puckered opening, swirling a finger along the sensitive flesh. A thrill went through as he envisioned Elrond's fingers ghosting the entrance, teasing him with unfulfilled promises. Erestor lifted his hips and inserted his finger and moaned. He began stroking himself in time with the finger moving in and out of his body. In his mind, Erestor saw again and again Elrond and Faelon beneath the willow tree. Erestor gasped as warm liquid splashed over his hand as his muscles clenched around his finger. He lay trembling for a moment, his scattered thoughts awhirl behind his closed lids. His satisfaction was tempered by a vague unease and feelings of disgust. He twisted around to his knees and began releasing the stoppers that would pour water in to the shallow tub.
Later that evening, Erestor found himself sitting next to Faelon. A bard recited an ancient tale of the time before the elves came across the sea, but Erestor paid little attention. His mind would not focus on the beautiful recital as it normally did. He was too busy with his own self-examination.
"You are lost in thought tonight, my friend. Is all well?" Faelon asked.
"I was lost in the song," Erestor lied. "Did you enjoy your afternoon?" He'd studied Faelon all evening, searching for some sign of soreness or discomfort. The only thing he'd discovered of any importance was that the librarian and Celebrian avoided each other.
"I spent it by a stream on the other side of the meadow. The water was cool and refreshing."
Erestor tilted his head in surprise. Faelon seemed far more relaxed than he had in days and his eyes sparkled with contentment. "I think the day off did everyone some good, then."
Faelon narrowed his eyes. "How did you spend your time?"
"I took a walk around the gardens. The variety of flora and fauna are amazing."
"There you are, Erestor. I haven't had a chance to speak with you since your arrival," Glorfindel settled himself in a chair and stretched his long legs before him. "I've been on patrol since I escorted you in. How have you found Imladris?"
Erestor relaxed, knowing that he'd been given a reprieve from Faelon's speculation. "I have rediscovered many old friends and made several new ones. The work is endless but fascinating. And the valley is beautiful."
"Excuse me," Faelon rose and bowed to both elves. "I will see you tomorrow, Erestor. I find I am quite tired this evening."
Glorfindel smiled widely, but kept his tongue
until Faelon was out of earshot. "I'm sure he is."
Erestor looked at Glorfindel and realized the warrior also knew about Elrond
and Faelon. He tried to think of a way to broach the subject, but his nerve
failed him.
"I can see by your face you have discovered the second best well-known secret in Imladris."
"Everyone knows? Yet no one cares?"
"Why should they? We are all allowed our own pursuits as long as they do not interfere with our duties. Rivendell has heirs. Imladris is well defended and well sheltered."
"What of Celebrian? She obviously minds, yet keeps her silence." Erestor was treading in to an area where he had no business, but he could not stop his curiosity.
"Why should she say anything? She has nothing to gain by making a huge fuss. She could ask a court to examine the situation and dissolve the arrangement between she and Elrond, but that might cause her sons to be declared born out of wedlock which would destroy any chance of inheritance. Celeborn and Galadriel are the usurpers in Lothlorien and their hold is still precarious. They would not want to risk Elrond's wrath. They need his support." Glorfindel stretched. "No, it behooves the lady to turn a blind eye."
"She is not happy, I think."
"No, undoubtedly she is not. I would imagine her position is uncomfortable. Everyone knows about Faelon and how Elrond feels about him. But she is respected and treated well by everyone. No one thinks less of her or of either Faelon or Elrond, for that matter. Save maybe you?"
"Me?" Erestor raised his hands as he shook his head. "Nay, Glorfindel. I do not think less of Faelon or Elrond for their relationship. I admire Lady Celebrian for her grace."
Glorfindel smiled knowingly. "But you are disturbed nonetheless, my friend. Perhaps the games Elrond indulges in upset your sensibilities?"
"I am not here to judge, Glorfindel, or to be judged. I admit I do not understand what I saw this afternoon. But that is not for me to pass judgment on."
"Elrond made an excellent choice in his Chief Advisor," Celebrian spoke behind Erestor and the elf jumped.
He and Glorfindel quickly rose to their feet and bowed.
Celebrian continued. "You will find, Lord Erestor, that I dislike my husband's personal life discussed in public. I would remind you that he is your lord."
Erestor's face colored at the rebuke. "My apologies, Lady Celebrian. I did not think."
"The fault is mine, my lady, for I am the one who broached the subject. It will not happen again." Glorfindel tried to direct the heat of Celebrian's ire from the advisor.
"See that it does not."
Glorfindel never again made mention of the relationship between Felon and Elrond and Erestor was relieved. He also managed to keep Faelon's curiosity at bay for a while, until the elf lost interest. He was certain that Faelon suspected that he'd discovered them together beneath the willow tree, but Erestor did not wish to expose himself that way. Beside, he feared that to admit he'd seen would be to invite a deeper conversation about what he'd witnessed and he was as yet unwilling to explore that aspect of his psyche.
Summer passed in to autumn and the colors of the leaves changed. Winter came at last, and though it never really grew cold in the valley, it was cool enough that the rivers and streams were abandoned in favor of inside activities. Spring brought warm weather and mild rains and influx of traders and messengers. It also brought the birth of the lord and lady's daughter whom they named Arwen. All of Rivendell rejoiced and celebrated her arrival.
Yet instead of lessening the strain between Elrond
and Celebrian that had been brewing, the tension increased. Lady Celebrian
ordered her belongings moved to another set of rooms and publicly isolated
herself. If Elrond minded or cared he did not let it show. In fact, so little
of what went on between he and Celebrian became public knowledge that most
of Imladris thought little about it. She was a cool lady who refused to engage
in gossip or allow gossip in her solar. Whatever she thought or felt she kept
to herself as much as Elrond did.
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