Taking Up the Gauntlet - part II

Summary: Continues immediately after Taking Up the Gauntlet I. Haldir and Gildor�s relationship deepens and together, at last, they take the final step.

Author's Note:Travel times have been compressed. It probably would take two days or more to walk from the western border of L�rien to Caras Galadhon, but this pair was anxious and wouldn�t let me make them wait two more nights.

Gildor woke first, surprised to find that he was still spooned against Haldir�s warm body and fully encircled by the Marchwarden�s strong arms. Haldir�s face was nestled into his hair and Gildor could feel the Galadhel�s breath as it came, hot and rhythmic against his neck.� It made his skin prickle and the small hairs on his neck stand on end and he shivered at the intimacy of such close contact.� �

Haldir stirred against him, nudging his body further into Gildor�s back and Gildor responded with a quick intake of breath that he let out slowly. He felt himself harden, but tried to regulate his breathing lest he awaken Haldir, and he nearly laughed at his own predicament.� Not long ago he had rebuffed even the smallest of advances from the Marchwarden and yet here he was, snuggled securely in the Galadhel�s arms, and aroused.� �

�Are you cold?� whispered Haldir.�

Gildor held his breath and bit his lip as the sonorous voice echoed in his ear, but managed to choke out an answer.�

�I do not think so.��

�I do not think so, either,� replied Haldir, loosening his hands and moving them down slightly.� He felt the burgeoning of Gildor�s sex beneath his fingers, and smiled against his neck.�
�

Torn between desire and embarrassment, Gildor covered Haldir�s hands with his own, trying to bring them back upward, towards his waist, but the added pressure of both only served to arouse him further, and a small groan escaped from his mouth.� He closed his eyes, willing himself to a calmer state, but found that his breath only came faster.�

Haldir unclasped his hands, desiring greatly to slip his fingers lower; open the waistband and touch, but he pursed his lips and instead pulled his arms from around Gildor�s waist, making sure that he skimmed the Noldo�s body as he gently tried to turn him around.�

�I would see your face, Gildor.��

Gildor turned in his embrace, but backed away slightly, not wanting Haldir to feel more than he already had.� Face flushed, eyes downcast, he tried subtly to adjust his clothing so that he was more comfortable.� Balling his fingers into fists, he took a deep breath and waited.�

�Will you not look at me?��

Swallowing hard, Gildor lifted his head and sought Haldir�s face.� He did not know what he expected to see, a knowing smirk perhaps, or a condescending smile.� But that was not at all what he discovered when he allowed his gaze to meet Haldir�s � the Marchwarden�s eyes were welcoming and full of intense concern.�

Gildor felt his lips quirk upward.� Letting out a long breath, he grinned broadly and began to laugh, small huffs of air expiring from his mouth.� Shaking his head and rolling his eyes, he said,�

�You must think me na�ve.��

�I do not know what to think.��

�I am not inexperienced, Haldir.� It is just that with you�� With you, it is�different.��

�How so?��

Gildor shifted onto his back, thinking, trying to find an answer in the vast array of thoughts and feelings that were circling through his mind.� He turned to his side, propped his head on his right elbow and with his left hand, reached out to the Galadhel, taking a long strand of silver hair between his fingers.�

�I have touched others, in a myriad of ways,� explained Gildor, �and never has it been without forethought or affection.� And I know that my um,�companions have not left unsatisfied.� But as for me���

�You were unsatisfied?��

�Not exactly.� No.� I have been most satisfied.� Most times.� The needs of my hr�a have been met on numerous occasions.� But the needs of my f�a�� Gildor paused.� �You�you have awakened in me a new thing, Haldir.� I was not ready� I could not�and now���

Haldir smiled, and reassuringly cupped Gildor�s face with his hand.�

�And now.� Now you are ready to fly���

Gildor�s eyes glistened with relief.� Glittered with promise and anticipation.�

�Yes.� Yes.� Now, I am ready to fly.��

Haldir brought Gildor�s face toward his own, pressing his mouth upon the fair lips, parting them with his tongue, kissing the Noldo deeply, drawing him close.�

He drew away slightly and held Gildor�s head between his hands, caressing the Noldo�s hair with his fingers.� Gazing directly into the wanderer�s eyes, he promised.�

�We will jump off of the cliff together then, Gildor.��

�Yes,� whispered the Noldo, already mid-flight.� He pulled Haldir closer and kissed him well, allowing no further doubt that he intended to keep such a vow.�

Haldir laughed joyfully, pressing Gildor to the floor and straddling his body, trapping Gildor between his thighs as he leaned over him.�

�But not here and not now.��

�What?� Why?��

�I would have you comfortable and in my own bed.��

�You would have me?� You think too much of yourself, Marchwarden,� said Gildor, pushing his hands into Haldir�s chest, backing him away.� �Whoever said anything about you having me?��

Arching an eyebrow, Haldir grabbed Gildor�s hands, and pinned them to either side of the Noldo�s face.� Leaning down, he licked Gildor�s lips, allowing no further argument.�

�You read too much into what I have said, dear Gildor.� But that is a discussion for later.� Come, let us pack up, and go.� The sooner we arrive in Caras Galadhon, the sooner you will be in my bed.��
�

Gildor rolled them over again and both began mock-fighting, but were soon laughing so hard all force was lost.� They lay limply, catching their breath until Haldir stood and reached out his hand to Gildor, helping him to stand.� Surreptitiously stealing glances at one another, they packed quickly and made their way to the doorway of the talan.�

Both stopped at the entranceway, appreciating the wintery beauty of the Wood from on high.� Nary a surface lay uncovered by fresh coat of snowy paint and the morning light that permeated the trees made it glisten.�

�Is this what Aman looks like?� Haldir asked, �I have always imagined it so � glittering and clean.� Though the Lady has told me that L�rien is as like to the Blessed Realm as any other place in Arda, I still cannot imagine it.��

�Some of it is like to this � though I have never seen snow there, except for the Araman. And of course, I have never seen Valinor under the sun and moon.� But Tirion, home of my people, is beautiful.� Many of the buildings are made of shimmering pearl, and towers and domes, porticos and canopies rise from the cliff sides, all in gleaming white.� The pathways are made of crystal and oh, it is beautiful.� The White Tree in the courtyard���

�Come,� Haldir said, �Let us walk and you can tell me more.��

The pair descended the ladder, but before they had taken a step, Gildor paused and grasped Haldir�s hand.� He looked back up to the flet, and etched the memory into his mind.� The humble talan where his future had been born would forever be as sacred a place to him as any he had ever seen this side of the Great Sea.� Smiling as he pulled Haldir with him, Gildor walked forward, and then broke into a run, feeling as light as Manw�s eagles, soaring freely through the air. �

Haldir laughed and raced after him, swirling the new fallen snow into an enveloping mist as they ran.� Finally, after many miles, the pair slowed, winded, and ruddy from the cold.�� Haldir pulled Gildor close and kissed him, reveling in the sheer joy of being outside in the Wood, with a worthy companion at his side.�

They walked together, Haldir�s arm around Gildor�s shoulder, and as they neared the south gate, Haldir laughed softly, thinking of his brothers and the sight of their erstwhile nemesis held close by Haldir�s arm.� �

�Why do you laugh?��

�I am thinking of my brothers and of what they will think � seeing us so closely together.��

�R�mil, yes?��
�

�And Orophin.� They well remember the tricks you played on us in the Wood.� Leading us to nowhere, following a ghost.� I still cannot believe that the Lady put you up to it � making us believe that an enemy encroached, and we fell for it!� Chasing you for nearly a day.� Now that I think about it���

Haldir regarded Gildor with narrowed eyes, mocking indignation, though his expression was tinged with mirth.�

�There is a still the matter of that grievance to be redressed.� I have not yet extracted my full measure of revenge, Gildor.� I will have to think creatively of how you will atone for your actions.� �

�Hmmm,� pondered Haldir, and with a sinister leer, he added, �Just how shall I make you pay, Gildor?��

Though his heart skipped a beat, Gildor answered, �You do remember that I apologized, yes?��

�I am not sure that I do,� replied Haldir, pulling Gildor close and kissing him lightly.�

�And even if I did, there are other ways that I would have you show me that you are sorry for wasting my time.��

Haldir walked silently then, allowing Gildor to consider his words, relishing the thought that Gildor had to be squirming inside.�

�Ummm, Haldir?� Gildor asked, taking the Galadhel�s hand.�

�Yes?��

�Is there a way into Caras Galadhon that is secret?� I mean, can we get to your talan without being seen?��

�You are anxious?� Or do you just want me all to yourself for a while?��

�You are arrogant, Marchwarden.� It will get you into severe trouble one day � mayhap this very day, in fact.��

�Promises, promises,� answered the Galadhel, snaking a hand around Gildor�s waist and pulling him close.� �Actually, there is a way that we can avoid such a public welcome.� Can you climb?��

Now it was Gildor�s turn to feign indignation, giving Haldir a look that reminded him just who it was that walked beside him.�

�Yes.� Well, right,� said Haldir, �Come on, this way there is a hidden path, though once we have crossed the fence, we will have to take to the trees.��

Snickering like two conspiratorial elflings, the pair made their way to the elven city.� From tree to tree they moved, carefully picking their way through the branches, Haldir testing, and then motioning for Gildor to follow.� Soon they came to a convergence of many trees and intertwined limbs, where Haldir pointed downward, reminding Gildor of the need for silence, as many elves were scattered below, going about their daily chores.�

Dropping lower in the canopy, the pair now wove their way around this talan and that, looking stealthily around them, but were waylaid by none.�

At last, Haldir motioned to a doorway, indicating to Gildor that he should enter.� Both ducked inside, and Haldir grasped Gildor around the waist from behind.� Resting his chin on the Noldo�s shoulder, he whispered.�

�You do realize that the Lady probably knows we are here ��

Smiling and placing his hands over Haldir�s, Gildor shrugged his shoulders.�

�I do not think that she will begrudge us this time together.� Was it not she who sent you to the border in the first place?��

�True enough, though I have never once re-entered the City after a time away without reporting to her, or to Lord Celeborn directly.��

�There is a first time for everything.��

�Yes, there is,� answered Haldir, suggestively, nuzzling Gildor�s neck, though the Noldo knew that he was not referring to his Lord and Lady.�

Haldir slipped his arms from around Gildor�s waist and moved about the talan, setting his pack in a corner and stripping himself of his weapons.� He invited Gildor to do the same, and showed him around the small flet.� Though he was entitled to larger quarters, Haldir had chosen to live simply, and the talan contained but two chambers, one; a living area, with a small table, a few chairs, a cabinet and small brazier for heating water.� The other was his bed chamber, which was through a doorway to the right.�

�It is not much,� said Haldir, �I am sure you are used to more lavish accommodations in Imladris.� I take most of my meals with the Guard and make use of the communal baths, so I have no need for a kitchen or bathing chamber, though now that you are here I wish that I had such.��

�Remember that I spend most of my time sleeping on the ground, Haldir, and outdoors.� This is more than enough for me.��

�It is nearly dinner time.� Do you wish to join the others for the evening meal?��

�We have some foodstuffs left in our packs, yes?��

�Yes.� And I do have some wine.��

�Then I think we should stay here, and not make our presence known until morning.��

�I think,� said Haldir, stalking toward Gildor, and taking him into his arms, �that we should stay here, and not make our presence known until morning.��

Gildor opened his mouth to respond, to question Haldir�s repetition of what he had said, but Haldir stilled him with a soft kiss, delicately skimming the Noldo�s lips with his tongue. As the Galadhel moved to deepen it, to part the lips and slide his tongue between them, Gildor wove his hands through the Marchwarden�s hair and pulled backward, regarding him with a pouty smile.�

�Will you not even ply me with wine first?��

Haldir laughed, kissed him quickly once more, and moved to the small cabinet, withdrawing two glasses and the wineskin.� Placing them on the table, Haldir invited Gildor to sit and filled them with the burgundy liquid.�

�I will be back in a moment,� said Haldir, moving toward the bed chamber.� Once inside, he lit several candles and smoothed out the bed.� When he was sure all was in order, he returned to Gildor, but did not sit in the chair opposite.� Instead, he moved seductively toward him and slid a long leg over Gildor�s, lowering himself slowly until he straddled Gildor�s lap.� He brought his own wine glass to his lips, took a long pull, and leaning down, placed his lips over Gildor�s and pushed the wine into his mouth.�

�Now are you properly seduced?��

�It is a beginning,� answered Gildor, smiling smugly back at him.�

Haldir squeezed his thighs tightly, and watched as Gildor threw his head back, closed his eyes and took a staggered breath.� Haldir followed him, wrapping the Noldo�s hair in his hands, and bringing Gildor�s face closer to his own.� He took the Noldo�s lips in a searing kiss then, long and deep, full of meaning and promise.� Tasting him, delving within, and Gildor responded, moaning into Haldir�s mouth, grasping the Galadhel�s hair with his fingers, pulling him closer still until teeth were crushed and breath stolen.�

As the kiss broke, Gildor took his own lower lip between his teeth and a small huff of delighted laughter issued from his mouth.�

�A good beginning.��

�I can tell,� said Haldir, tightening his legs around Gildor�s thighs and pressing his groin into Gildor�s.� He stood up, and beckoned the Noldo with an outstretched hand.�

�Are you ready to fly?��

�Yes,� said Gildor, near breathless with anticipation.� His eyes gleamed expectantly as he repeated himself, this time with surety.�

�Yes.��

�Then come,� said Haldir.� �

He grasped Gildor�s hand, and led him to the bed chamber. As they crossed the threshold, Gildor stepped behind the Galadhel and encircled him with his arms, pulling the Haldir�s hair to the side and beginning a long trail of open-mouthed kisses upon the Galadhel�s neck.� Haldir smiled and swallowed hard, gulping back a moan as he turned in Gildor�s arms.�

Each began to divest the other of his garments, gentle hands pulling at closures and toggles.� Tunics were shed and boots toed off, though the dance became slower as each was left in his shirt and leggings. �

Haldir drew Gildor�s eyes to his own as his fingers moved to the lacings at Gildor�s neck.� Slowly he pulled at the stings, until they were untied and the fabric parted.� Haldir placed his palms flat on Gildor�s chest and moved them downward, feeling the Noldo�s nipples peak under his fingers.� When he arrived at the bottom of Gildor�s shirt, he reached for the hem, but did not yet remove it.� Sliding his hands under the cloth, he mapped Gildor�s torso, sliding his hands over the skin of the Noldo�s chest, and around the slim waist to his back.�

Gildor�s belly heaved under the onslaught and his breath came quickly, and each time Haldir�s hands came close to his nipples, he thrust forward, pushing his loins into Haldir�s, groaning as they met.� With shaking hands, he pulled at the back of Haldir�s shirt, dragging it upward, until Haldir took his hands from Gildor�s body and raised them, facilitating the removal of the interfering cloth.�

Gildor stepped back then, admiring the Galadhel�s body, licking his lips as he raked the muscular shoulders and chest with his eyes.� �

�Ah,� he said, �Ah.� You are magnificent.� So broad���

He reached out to touch and skimmed his long fingers over the Haldir�s chest, softly and lightly, feeling the muscles tense as he moved over them, feeling Haldir�s lungs expand with each shuddering breath.� He brought his hands back to his own body and drew them down from his chest to his waist, grasping the hem of his shirt and removing it, inching the fabric upward, slowly exposing small patches of taut skin.�

Haldir waited until Gildor�s shirt came off and moved toward him, mapping Gildor�s body with his hands.� He started at the top of Gildor�s head, sliding his fingers over the long fall of golden hair, wrapping small strands around his fingers as they coasted downward.� He moved to Gildor�s face then, letting his fingers play gently over Gildor�s closed eyelids and cheekbones, skimming his lips. Gildor�s mouth opened and Haldir placed a fingertip there, nearly buckling at the feel of Gildor�s tongue darting out to meet it. �

Haldir briefly touched Gildor�s nipple with the wet fingertip, and the Noldo reeled, but Haldir steadied him by bringing his body closer before moving his fingers to limn over the tips of Gildor�s ears.� As he stroked the whorls of the pinn�, he pressed his mouth over Gildor�s, allowing his tongue to play over the Noldo�s rose-kissed lips, nipping and licking.�

Gildor threw his head back as the pads of Haldir�s fingers drifted down the smooth expanse of his neck, barely touching, tongue following, skimming a moistened line from his chin to his chest.�

�Please.� �

It was a breath and not a word and Haldir continued, sliding his hands down Gildor�s chest, touching the long torso with splayed fingers, increasing the pressure as he moved. When he reached Gildor�s waist, he knelt, mouth even with Gildor�s groin, and Gildor felt his breath there and moaned, but Haldir�s hands moved, inexorably lower, stroking long tensile thighs with his palms. �

Haldir�s hands skittered quickly down the outside of Gildor�s legs, but when he reached the bottom and turned inward, the pace slowed, and Haldir�s fingers scrolled their way up the inseam, pausing for a moment to draw ever smaller circles on the inside of Gildor�s thighs.�

Gildor�s knees finally gave and Haldir allowed it, taking the Noldo into his arms as he sank to the floor.� Each reached for the other�s waistband, impatiently gripping at the closures, untying and withdrawing the strings that held the breeches closed.� As the cloth parted, Gildor let go and pulled Haldir to him.� Finally, bared flesh met bared flesh and the pair moved sinuously together, circling and grinding.�

Haldir�s drawn-out hiss tickled Gildor�s ear, and the vibration nearly undid him, but the Noldo managed to hold on and amidst a long guttural moan, choked out one word.�

�Bed.��
�
�

They stood, quickly divested themselves of their leggings, and fell together into the softness of Haldir�s downy mattress, pawing and clutching.� But Haldir wanted it to last and soon had Gildor pinned beneath him, straddling the Noldo and sitting upright, taking long indrawn breaths through his nose and letting them slowly out through his mouth.�

Gildor�s eyes closed and he let his body sink into the bed, his only movement for a time the shuddering rales of his lungs, expanding and contracting.�

�Ah, Haldir, this is good.� So good.��

�Shall I make it even better, melethron?� asked Haldir. �

He took the long index finger of his right hand and placed it at the base of Gildor�s rigid sex, slowly tracing the vein on the underside, drawing it upward until he was swirling pearly drops of pre-ejaculate over the tip.�

Leaning down, Haldir ground his own jutting column into Gildor�s and brought his mouth to the Noldo�s, breathing over him, hovering.�

�Do you want me to finish it now?��

Gildor clutched at Haldir�s head and pulled him fully over his body, holding fistfuls of long silver hair between his fingers, crushing Haldir�s mouth with his own.� Though he was near bursting, he took a long breath and answered.�

�Not yet.��

Haldir smiled into the Noldo�s mouth, and let his own tongue play there, licking and biting at Gildor�s lips, before he drew a wet line, from Gildor�s mouth to his cheek and upward to his right ear.� Taking the tip between his teeth, Haldir bit gently, and laved it with his tongue, learning its intricate canals and dipping into the cavern.�

Gildor squirmed under him, thrusting upward, but Haldir held the lithe body down, his larger frame thoroughly covering his lover�s, molding against him.�

�Turn over,� whispered Haldir, reaching with his hands to help his lover rotate his body.�

Gildor gasped and grabbed at Haldir�s arms, stopping his movement, pushing him away.�

�Wait.� No.� I cannot���

�What do you mean?��

�I did not think it would come to this, I mean, that you would�that I would���

Haldir looked at him quizzically, his brow furrowed in confusion. Suddenly understanding dawned, on him and he took Gildor�s head between gentle hands, kissing him softly, letting him see the love and concern in his eyes.�

�You have not done this before.��

�I told you, I am not inexperienced, Haldir.��

�But you have not done this.� Been the one to receive such attentions.� Been taken.��

�No.� �

�Let me do this for you, Gildor.� Let me show you that you can fly.��

�But���

�I would not harm you, melethron.� Ever.��

Gildor closed his eyes and thought for a moment, fighting himself, trying to squelch the fluttering deep inside.� He licked his lips and swallowed hard, taking a deep breath as he began to turn��

Haldir helped him and smoothed over the supple skin of his back, soothing Gildor with long strokes, through his hair and down his body.� Straddling Gildor�s haunches, Haldir began to massage his shoulders, using some of the oil from the vial on the bedside table. He worked slowly and as he felt Gildor�s body sink into the bed he moved downward, plying the skin at his waist, and the small dip above the crevice on his lower back.�

Gildor sighed and felt the heaves in his belly begin to subside.� He unclenched his hands and let his arms lay limp on either side of his head and decided to release it � the control and the fight.� He had waited many long years for this and trusted Haldir to treat him with care.� Just as he exhaled a long breath, and with it the last of the tension he held in his body, he felt Haldir�s tongue at his neck, beginning the long slide down the midline of his back.�

Groaning, he scrabbled to grasp at the sheets, working his hands to take small gathers between his fingers, holding on, as Haldir�s tongue reached the small of his back.� Dipping lower, the wet tongue skimmed down his cleft and Gildor bucked into it, causing Haldir to hold him down and settle him once more.�

�Peace, melethron.� Close your eyes and breathe.��
�
�
�

Haldir slid backward, gently separating Gildor�s thighs until there was room for his body between them.� He used his hands to softly caress Gildor�s backside, and leaned down once more, placing small open-mouthed kisses upon the velvety flesh.� He used his tongue, then, starting at the top of the cleft, and slithering down through it, fingers, and thumbs parting the cheeks as he drifted lower.�

Gildor reacted strongly as the tongue neared his opening, pushing backward into Haldir�s mouth, all reticence forgotten as a wave of exquisite pleasure washed over him.� And the wave took him, further into the ether of bliss as he felt Haldir�s tongue flatten over the aperture and rest there.�

Haldir felt Gildor pulse, and relished it, the savory taste of him, the clenching of the virgin orifice against his tongue.� He licked slowly then, circling around, using his saliva to moisten the ring before he dipped into it, the tip of his tongue breaking the plane of the entrance, quickly in, quickly out.�

He pushed further, the slick muscle pointed and held rigid as he entered Gildor as far as his tongue reached.� He wiggled it inside, and Gildor began to breathe in quick huffs, bringing his knees farther up and under his body, opening himself to Haldir�s intimate caress.�

Haldir used a finger to gather some of the oil that remained on Gildor�s back, and brought it down, smoothly sliding it in, alongside his tongue.� As he withdrew his mouth, he kissed lightly, but the finger remained, unmoving.�� �

�Are you well?� �

�Yes, Valar, more.��

Haldir smiled and with finger still firmly embedded, helped Gildor to pull his knees further under him, raising his backside.� Haldir reached for the vial and with his left hand, drizzled a line of the viscous liquid from the top of Gildor�s cleft downward, until he felt it engulf the place where his finger rested.� Smoothing it around the pliant flesh, Haldir withdrew and gently rubbed over the opening, lubricating and helping it to relax.�

Delicately, he worked two fingers inside, feeling Gildor close over him, and began to draw them out, deliberate and slow, until he felt Gildor push back and then increased the pace, the slide made easier by the oil.�

Gildor clenched a pillow in his arms, burying his face into its downy folds, and he began to rock, the rhythm increasing along with the speed of Haldir�s fingers.� Soon Haldir slowed and pushed downward, felt the small spongy nub and glanced over it.�
�
�

Gildor�s mouth opened in astonishment, the heat wave of intense pleasure threatening to engulf him.� A long series of guttural moans escaped from his lips, muffled by the cloth at his mouth, but audible to Haldir, who grazed over the small gland again and watched as the flush of pleasure radiated over Gildor�s body.�

Seeing that he was ready, Haldir quickly poured a glissade of oil over his own tumescence, hissing as the cool liquid met inflamed flesh.� Using his left hand, he slicked it, thoroughly coating his shaft in the unctuous lubricant, and mingling it with his own essence that had begun to leak from the tip.�

�Are you ready, Gildor?� �

�Please, Haldir.� Yes.��

�I will go slowly, but it may burn a little, at the first.� Relax into it, Gildor, and open yourself to me.� I am here with you and we will jump off of the cliff together.��

Haldir positioned himself between Gildor�s legs, and with his right hand, guided his shaft down through the crevice, slowly increasing the pressure until he met the clasping aperture at its base.� He used his rigidity to circle it, once, twice, before he pressed inward.� His left hand soothed Gildor�s back as he propelled himself forward, slowly entering the virgin tunnel.�

�Take a deep breath, and bear down, Gildor.� Open yourself.��

In such a daze that he could barely grasp what was happening to him, Gildor�s mind went blank, and all he could do was feel. Feel, as Haldir�s hand smoothed over the small of his back and feel as Haldir filled him, ever so slowly, inching his way forward.� It burned yes, a little, and he could not explain it, but it was a delicious burn, and he yielded, bearing down and letting Haldir slide fully inside him.�

Haldir stilled then, allowing Gildor a moment to embrace the feeling of fullness, and then slowly pulled back, feeling every clench and ripple of the channel that surrounded him.

He felt himself come to the brink, the tightness near overwhelming, so he rocked inward again, and then slowly, shallowly, began to thrust, angling himself such that he slid over the nubby protuberance within.�

Gildor had never felt so overwhelmingly consumed, so thoroughly possessed.� With each touch deep inside him, a new light blazed in the back of his eyes, shattering his composure, and leaving him to grasp for breath.� Then his breathing turned into small grunts, muffled by the pillow that was so tightly clenched in his hands, sounding in time with the motion of his body, which began to unconsciously, rhythmically, rock back and forth with Haldir�s motion.�
�

Haldir felt his lover succumb, and the slide became easier, each plunge delving deeper, each pull outward clenched with such power, that Haldir could hardly bear it.� He leaned over Gildor�s back and wrapped his arms around him, snaking his hands around to the front, caressing Gildor�s peaked nipples between his fingers.� He slid them down to Gildor�s belly, increasing the pressure, until he felt the trickle of lubricious drops that had oozed from the head of Gildor�s swollen shaft.�

�Fly with me, Gildor.�� �

Gildor�s whole body seized, and he felt it � the blazing white light that engulfed him and bore him into the air, where he floated, transcendent, for what seemed like eternity.� He felt Haldir�s touch upon his inflamed length, and let go, the hot pulse of his essence spewing forth over Haldir�s fingers. �

Haldir moaned, feeling Gildor�s body convulse beneath him, and embedded himself once more, as deeply as he could, savoring the tight clench of Gildor�s passage around him.� Falling forward, he covered Gildor�s body completely with his own, and shuddered as he felt the quick swell and then the release of his own seed.�

Breathing heavily, Haldir remained for a while, grasping Gildor�s hands and unfisting them so that he could entwine their fingers together.� He squeezed tightly, and Gildor squeezed back, pulling their joined hands underneath him, holding Haldir close.�

Haldir wanted nothing more than to rest together, like this, still conjoined, but as he felt Gildor�s breath regulate, he pulled their linked hands out from under Gildor�s body and withdrew, taking his weight off of Gildor and moving to lay, sated and boneless, at his right side.�

Gildor turned with him, and Haldir gathered him into his arms, soothing and quelling his lover�s lingering quivers.� Raising himself upward, and leaning over, Gildor held Haldir�s face with his hands, and gazed deeply into his mithril eyes, trusting that Haldir would see the world, the truth, that was contained in own.� That this time, his f�a, too, was satisfied, and he did soar, highly, and without tethers.�

Haldir understood, and cradled Gildor�s cheeks between the palms of his hands.� Raising his head slightly, meeting his lover half-way, Haldir kissed him, just softly laying his lips over Gildor�s.� And Gildor returned the kiss, gently guiding Haldir�s head back into the pillow.� It was a kiss of profound gratitude, yes, but even more it was a kiss of boundless wonder, and touched with the divine serenity of deep and abiding contentment.�

As they separated, Gildor propped himself on his elbows, and interwove the long silver strands of Haldir�s hair in his fingers.� Haldir gazed up at him and knew his eyes matched Gildor�s, brightly shining.� He smiled then, and Gildor mirrored it, their grins becoming more and more broad, until Gildor laughed with the intensity of it all and dropped his head to rest on Haldir�s chest.�

�Well, you have succeeded, Marchwarden�,� said Gildor, lifting his head once more and looking at Haldir.� Then more softly, �Melethron.��

�You have led me to the top of the cliff and I have jumped.� But I wish to remind you of my own not inconsiderable experience in this realm, and that next time, I will lead you there, to the top of that cliff���

�And gladly will I jump,� answered Haldir, smoothing Gildor�s hair with his hands.�
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END�
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