The Warrior and the Oliphaunt Trainer

Summary: none given

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Glorfindel could never let go. Since his return from the Halls of Waiting, he had fulfilled his oath with the utmost seriousness. Because of his efforts, the inhabitants of Imladris were safer than they had ever been and air of frivolity and relaxed freedom existed where previously there had been little. The blond warrior was always polite and ready to engage in conversation, but he was not frivolous, and because he was born in a time where it had been necessary, he was always circumspect and careful. He found it hard to enjoy the freedom that he had worked so hard to achieve but, none the less, he was proud of his achievements.

The morning of a particularly fine spring day found him sitting in a council chamber with Elrond and Melpomaen instead of where he would rather be, in the training fields, participating in the warrior-training schedule.

�Gildor and his band of merry wanderers are coming to stay for the summer. The Oliphaunt sheds will need preparing, also the stables.� Elrond looked at Melpomaen. �Accommodation?�

�My Lord, we can open the Gil-Galad wing of the house. It will need a clean and the furniture will need checking, but it should be all right.� Melpomaen looked at Glorfindel who nodded to him that he had support in his suggestion.

The Lord of the house frowned. �I am happy to do this but we must not say anything to the visitors about it being haunted.�

Whether or not the Gil-Galad wing was haunted was a matter of conjecture. Elrond had never felt anything when visiting the wing, and suspected that it was a myth grown from a piece of gossip that the inhabitants chose to believe because it added a bit of spice to their otherwise everyday existence and, in reality, he was probably right.

�We need to tell the residents to say nothing as well; although I must say that I think it is an unworkable proposition.� Glorfindel put his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his hand.

�Because you are a pessimist, Glorfindel.� Elrond smiled at his Captain of the Guard. �Now, what about meeting the group on the borders?�

�I will meet them with a group of warriors and offer them free passage into the realm, like I always do to favoured visitors.� The warrior took a sip of water and looked out of the window. He wanted to be outside in the spring morning rather than in a stuffy council chamber.

The talk carried on for a while longer, with Elrond insisting they refined the smallest of details before letting them go. In the afternoon, he would meet with the cooks and servants and ensure that enough extra food and drink could be sourced.

�He deliberately kept us.� Melpomaen was angry. �How much boredom does he think I can take? I have enough to do.�

�Never mind; we are out of there now and just in time for lunch.� Glorfindel smiled. �It is roast beef today.�

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The Gil-Galad wing was ready to receive the influx of visitors. The Oliphaunt sheds stood warm and dry for the huge occupants that would be staying in them. Extra cleaning staff, cooks and servers were taken on from the local villages and many of the elves found themselves sharing rooms for the first time.

�It is simply not on, both Lindir and I now have to share with our sometimes lovers. How can I bring others back to my rooms with him there?� Melpomaen sat at the breakfast table eating creamed mushrooms on toast. He was not happy.

�More to the point how can he?� Glorfindel liked the young housekeeper. It seemed, however, that he would never get used to his moral structure. Perhaps that was because he was from a different time. He had found it hard to adjust at first and even now he was unable fully to accept certain changes.

�It is all right for you, Glorfindel. I notice you do not have to share.� Melpomaen was more than a little miffed about this. He knew no matter how much he whined there was nothing he could do about it.

�No, I don�t.� Glorfindel grinned and looked at Melpomaen, who merely scowled.

After breakfast, Glorfindel and a party of warriors rode out to meet Gildor and his followers. They camped near the Bruinen in a small clearing, near one of the hidden mountain passes into the realm. In the distance, the thudding sound of the tramping Oliphaunts carried in the wind. Occasionally, one of the large animals would emit a trumpeting call, causing the warriors to look at one another in awe.

The travellers reached the pass at noon and filed through in small parties. The drivers, who sat atop the Oliphaunts, looked out for loose ground so they would not stumble and all passed safely through into Imladris. Gildor guided the first Oliphant into the clearing, and then unloosed a rope from the ornate howdah secured to the animals back.

He jumped onto the ground from the end of the rope and stood before a smiling Glorfindel. �It is good to see you again, my friend.�

�It is good to see you also. We have missed you and your followers. It has been fifty years has it not?� Glorfindel hugged his friend. �How is your family, I could not see them.�

�They are in the howdah on the Oliphaunt�s back.� He pointed upwards and Gildor�s wife and a small elfling looked out and waved. �My son, Erestor is on one of the other oliphaunts. He is training it and is doing very well.�

�I look forward to meeting him.� Gildor�s wife was pregnant on their last visit to Imladris and left before the birth of the elfling. Glorfindel assumed that Erestor must be the elfling who was unborn at the time. That would make him about fifty years old.

Considering it prudent to return to Imladris rather than tarry any longer, Glorfindel gave the call to leave. By the late evening, the party arrived and the Oliphaunts led to their sheds and settled. The elves were encouraged to freshen up in their rooms and as dinner was over by several hours, covered trays of food were delivered to each room.

The morning saw Glorfindel and a select party of warriors travelling to a nearby settlement where a pack of hungry wargs was attacking a house, trying to get to the terrified residents inside. Elrond�s ring, Vilya had highlighted the danger and it seemed the group of warriors were just in time. The other villagers could not come to their aid as there were too many wargs and they were much reduced in number because of the extra staff needed for Gildor�s visit. It took all day to travel there, kill the wargs, make the house safe and travel back again. They arrived, late afternoon and had enough time to freshen up before dinner.

Elrond knocked on Glorfindel�s door; he answered wrapped in a towel. �The villagers are safe and we killed the warg pack and made the necessary repairs. It was lucky we arrived when we did. I estimate another hour and it would have been too late.�

Elrond sat on the settee and looked at Glorfindel�s naked form. How he wanted the elf, his eyes betraying his desire. Glorfindel took his clothing into the bathroom and dressed after reminding Elrond that he was married. Elrond wondered what that had to do with it. He knew Celebrian would not mind and would listen greedily to the details afterwards. Perhaps he could tempt the new elf from the Havens, the one who had come as Cirdan�s ambassador. He wondered if Celebrian would be sharing her bed with Tiwele again that night, or someone new. He suspected the former as she was a favourite at the moment.

Glorfindel came back into the room. �Surely you get lonely, Glorfindel?�

�In Gondolin it was not considered polite to have extra marital affairs or even have a married lover.� The warrior smiled; this was not a new conversation.

�Things are different here, Glorfindel. We are far more relaxed now.� Elrond grinned; he knew his friend would not bend to change willingly. �I am here to tell you that Gildor�s son, Erestor, is to be presented at court as it is his fiftieth begetting day. Now we must honour their customs and it is very likely that he will choose a bed partner for the night to teach him how to be a lover. Now we cannot get out of this without offending; you know how quick to take offence Gildor is and I want this all to go smoothly.�

The warrior sat beside Elrond. �Exactly why are you telling me?�

�He could pick anyone of us. I hope it is me; he is a delectable young thing, just ripe for the plucking.� Elrond looked flushed and excited. �Celebrian hopes to tempt him, but she has no chance. She is not as attractive as me, after all.�

�What on Arda are you wittering on about Elrond?� Glorfindel wondered why he was listening to such drivel, and in his own rooms.

�There is an outside chance he may pick you. I realise that you have an unassailable set of morals that none of us understand, but if he does choose you, I expect you to honour the request.� Elrond looked at the warrior and hoped he would agree. He had no idea what to do if Glorfindel refused; whenever he did he always let him have his own way, but this time he would have to put his foot down.

�Elrond you are being ridiculous. There is absolutely no chance that he will pick me.� He laughed loudly. �If he does, which he will not, then I promise to honour the customs of Gildor�s followers. He is an old friend, he will tell Erestor not to pick me. Of that, I am confident.�

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The dinner gave way to entertainments. Several of Gildor�s party danced for the pleasure of the audience. Glorfindel admired how sinewy and lithe their dancing bodies seemed. They danced with exhilarating speed and vigour. The highlight of the dancing was when a burning pole was set above a metal plate in-between two poles and the dancers jumped over it in pairs. The pole steadily rose higher and the elves shrieked as they leapt over the flaming pole. Eventually the pole rose to its highest point and only one dancer could clear the flames in a single leap. There was much applause and Glorfindel joined in the applause, amazed by the elf�s agility, beauty and breathtaking feat of jumping higher than the tallest elf.

Gildor went over to the elf and hugged him, then took his arm and walked with him to Elrond. �My Lord Elrond,� he said with the flourish of a well-seasoned showman. �May I present my son Erestor?�

Glorfindel smiled at Erestor, as did every other elf on raised platform where Elrond and Celebrian sat.

�My Lord,� Gildor continued. �It is our custom that the elf who is enjoying his fiftieth begetting day chooses a partner for the night, to initiate him into the ways of love.�

�We are more than happy to honour your people�s customs, Lord Gildor. Has your son chosen yet?� Elrond waggled his eyebrows at the young elf in a bid to tempt him but he looked quickly away. Celebrian sniggered and Elrond hissed at her to shut up.

�My Lord, I have made my choice.� Erestor smiled and looked around the room. Glorfindel gave a relieved sigh; he was obviously looking for the elf who had attracted his eye and it was not him. He smiled at Gildor in grateful thanks, but was mystified by the puzzled look his old friend gave him.

�Will you name your choice, Lord Erestor?� Elrond was crossing his fingers and chanting in his mind, �Not Celebrian, do not pick Celebrian, let it be me.�

�I have indeed made my choice, Lord Elrond.� Erestor smiled disarmingly; Celebrian said in a low whisper to Tiwele how sweet, and lovely he was. �I do not know any of the people here and so I have to go on first impression. I decided to pick an elf with beautiful, kind eyes because that would surely mean that they would be careful with my heart and my pleasure.�

Gildor gave a wide smile. How he loved his son and he was so proud of him. �Name your choice, my son.�

�I choose Lord Glorfindel.� Erestor gave a wide smile and his father told him that he could not have made a better choice.

Elrond turned to Glorfindel who was stunned but smiling politely at Erestor. �I can think of worse ways to spend an evening. You are so lucky.�

Glorfindel turned smiling to Elrond. �You think I am going to tell you all about it tomorrow don�t you?� Elrond nodded eagerly. �Well, I am not.�

The whole room was clapping and cheering Glorfindel as he walked down to the dark elf. He took his hand and told him that he was delighted with his choice. He did not want to tell Erestor the truth, that he was mortified and embarrassed, because that would hurt him; not for the first time did he curse his rigidly moral upbringing. Still he would try to make Erestor�s first time one that he would look back on fondly.

Glorfindel and Erestor walked from the room to the cheers of all in the hall. Curiosity was high because the warrior had apparently never taken a lover in Imladris.

�I hope you do not mind that I picked you, Lord Glorfindel, but you really do look the nicest elf in the room and you are definitely the best looking.� Erestor looked anxiously at Glorfindel. �You did not seem overjoyed is what I am trying to say.�

�I was surprised that is all. I am delighted and honoured that you chose me.� Glorfindel gave his most beaming smile and Erestor grinned in relief. �Please call me Glorfindel or Fin, whichever you prefer.�

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The next morning Erestor awoke in Glorfindel�s bed. Anor shone through the drawn curtains and small thin shafts of light hit the floor through the open cutwork of the curtains. He stretched and smiled at his bed partner, then snuggled into him.

�Are you all right?� Glorfindel asked. �Not too sore or aching?�

Erestor smiled. �I feel warm, comfortable and I never want to move out of this bed, but I have to because the oliphaunts do not know that it was my birthday yesterday and they expect me to feed them.�

Glorfindel raised himself on his elbow. �Do you feel as though you learned enough to hold your own? It is a long time since I taught anyone.�

The dark elf grinned. �I made the right decision. Thank you.� He kissed the warrior and left the bed and, after a wash, he dressed and left the room.

Glorfindel lay back on the bed and reflected that it had been a long time since he had shared his body and it had felt good. He guessed correctly that breakfast was over and decided to lie in to a point where Anor would shine through the far side of the curtains indicating that it was more or less lunchtime. Eyelids felt heavy as he drifted off to sleep and his mood was slightly less serious than usual, not that he noticed. The bed felt warm and he ached after having used muscles that he had not used for centuries.

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Life settled down after, and Glorfindel rarely saw Erestor, not that he looked for him, but sometimes he saw him from across the room. Occasionally their eyes would meet and Erestor would smile but mostly Glorfindel carried on as he always did. It seemed that Gildor and his wife were very pleased with the outcome, although they remained reserved about thanking the warrior publically because they did not want to embarrass him; Gildor knew better than anyone how mortified he would have been at the choosing and so he thanked him privately. It was assumed that Glorfindel would indulge Erestor the one night and that would be the end of it; this was also an assumption made by himself. So why did his heart ring in his ears whenever he saw the dark beauty and why did he feel the pain of longing for one who he saw as unattainable?

The feelings had to be repressed. In order to forget, Glorfindel embarked on a series of patrols, daring and dangerous in nature to clear the outlying areas of wargs and orcs, thus creating such a dent in the dark lord�s minions that the passes and surrounding countryside would be safe for travelling for many months.

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Erestor wondered how Glorfindel could forget him so easily. He wondered why the warrior was never around. He sometimes caught a glimpse of him when not on patrol and even smiled when he caught his eye. A polite smile was always returned, but that was all. The dark elf could not forget his night of love and would have given anything to repeat it. He indulged in idle fantasies of the warrior holding him in his arms, and using his weight to pin his body to the bed, whilst he entered him slowly making every sensation count. In these scenarios, Erestor was always helpless and unable to move, completely at the mercy of the beautiful body above him; and yet in reality it had not been like that. The night had been one of mutual sharing and Glorfindel encouraged Erestor to be assertive as well as accepting. The dark elf wondered where his fantasies came from and kept them privately in his heart; he could not risk them becoming the subject of idle gossip of the Imladrian elves who had nothing better to do with their time.

Many elves, driven by a spirit of curiosity and lust, approached Erestor after his night with Glorfindel and were rebuffed, especially the ones who asked about Glorfindel�s prowess as a lover. Erestor had never witnessed such a merry go round of affairs and he wondered if the Imladrian elves could be truly happy sharing with others those whom they had previously slept with. He asked his ada why it was they acted so differently to the travellers. Gildor replied that they were revelling in the spirit of freedom and safety for the first time in thousands of years and were now devoted to having fun and relaxing. His ada pointed out that some of the travellers also joined in the frivolity because they too felt the spirit of hard won freedom. Erestor�s face fell; Gildor looked at him and said nothing.

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The smell of the oliphaunts was particularly strong and Erestor ran outside the sheds and vomited. He felt drained and shaky and wondered how much longer he was going to be sick for. Looking down he could see a slight swell of his abdomen. Assuming that his insides were swollen because of his continued vomiting he went back into the oliphaunts shed and continued mucking out the bedding. Another rise of nausea and he ran outside to vomit again. All strength leaving him, he slumped down onto the ground and rested his head against the wooden wall of the shed. It was easy to fall asleep, he felt so weak and tired, and wondered if this was how humans felt when they became ill.

Riding past on Asfaloth, Glorfindel spotted a huddled shape almost lost against the outside of the huge sheds. Out of curiosity, he rode over, and then dismounted quickly, running the last few yards.

�Erestor, what is wrong? You have been sick.� Dark eyes looked up at him with a weak smile of recognition before the elf slumped against the warrior�s chest and fell into a deep sleep.

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�I have never seen anything like this.� Elrond examined Erestor�s swollen belly. �It seems he is with child and yet he is the wrong sex. I do not understand how this can be.�

Gildor held his sleeping son�s hand. �How can he be with child?�

�All I can think of is that Erestor had a female twin before he was born and that she died and her body merged with his. It is a phenomenon that has occurred before but is extremely rare. To my knowledge, it happens about once every five hundred years, if that; however, I have personally never seen it.� Elrond looked at Gildor who confirmed that his wife had felt the presence of two f�ar, and when only one baby was born they were confused but never gave it any thought afterwards, assuming they were mistaken.

�How will he give birth? My son is precious to me, I do not think I could bear to see him in pain, or even�� Gildor held his face in his hands and his body shook.

�Gildor, sometimes we have to help elleth give birth, I am sure that Erestor will be all right.� Elrond put his arm around the distraught elf and held him close to his chest.

�It would break me apart if he died.� Gildor felt the hot sting of tears. �He is my son, I love him.�

Elrond held Vilya over Erestor�s stomach and began saying the names of the elves who were about his age. �Just say Glorfindel.� Gildor said miserably. �He is totally besotted with him.� The ring flashed bright at the sound of the warrior�s name and Elrond repeated it to make sure.

�Glorfindel will have to marry Erestor.� Gildor stood up. �I know that my son chose him to teach him the ways of love and normally this would never be an issue, but our ways demand it. I will not have my son shamed.�

�We have to be careful how we tell him then, because Glorfindel does what he likes. He is not known as the strongest elf on Arda for nothing.� Elrond wondered whether he should sail west now or wait to see if the aftermath of telling the warrior was survivable or not. He was nervous, crapping his loincloth and wishing he were anyone but himself.

�Then I will tell him.� Gildor looked at Elrond as though he were an insect, scooped his sleeping son up in his arms and walked out of the room, beckoning to his wife to follow.

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After delivering Erestor to the healing rooms and alerting Elrond of his presence, Glorfindel immediately mounted his horse and rode off to join the warriors making their way to Lothl�rien. He sought to create a safe corridor for travellers between the realms, which involved killing all wargs and orcs for miles in either direction of the route. Gildor and his followers would need the safety of the route to Lothl�rien when they left in the autumn and so would Erestor. Where did that thought come from, he wondered.

After many battles along the route where wargs and orcs were pursued, hunted down and killed, they reached their destination. Haldir slipped down from the branches of a tree and gave a wide grin.

�We saw you about a mile off and word has been sent to our Lady. It is good to see you again, my friend.� Haldir�s infectious smile lightened Glorfindel�s heart.

The warriors dismounted and led their horses through the paths between the trees. Glorfindel walked beside his old friend and they talked about the new sword that Haldir received from Celeborn for his part in detecting and killing fifty orcs that planned to burn part of the forest down.

�What of you?� Haldir asked curiously. �Who is the one who has caught your heart?�

Glorfindel was shocked and could say nothing, whilst Haldir merely laughed. They carried on walking until they reached the Glade of Circlets. There sat Galadriel and Celeborn, who greeted them warmly.

�Glorfindel, you have done much to ensure the safety of those who travel between Imladris and Lothl�rien.� Galadriel walked up to the warrior and said so that only he could hear, �Who do you do this for?�

Red was the face that looked up at the Lady. Erestor was always in his thoughts but how could he love someone who was a child a few weeks before? He wondered how plainly written on his face his love for Erestor was and why he continued to lie to himself. The young elf had touched him in a way no one else ever had. His innocence and lack of expectations other than being taught how to make love had endeared him to the older elf. Never once had he asked anything more of him, and yet it seemed that maybe he had hoped. Beautiful was the face that looked up at him in his dreams. Generous, warm brown eyes to drown in, inviting him to kiss cherry red lips, so soft, so moist, warm and sweet. He shifted his attention back to reality and dismissed the thought. He smiled politely.

�My lady, I believe I do this for all who would travel.�

After much feasting and celebration, Glorfindel went to stay in Haldir�s talan. Both were drunk and merry and neither could climb the stairs to the dwelling in the tree so they both lay under the stars and fell asleep. Haldir�s wife, Merilnis, who had left the celebration an hour before to put the youngest elfling to bed, looked over the wooden balustrade and sighed. The spirit of mischief entered her and she took some twine and carefully climbed down the steps and tied her husband to the base of the tree by his wrists and wove several fresh blossoms into his hair. He would think Glorfindel had done it and panic and she thought that the visiting warrior would be just as confused. Giggling to herself, she climbed back up into the tree and went to bed.

During the night, Glorfindel awoke; there was something unusual about Haldir but he felt so groggy he could not place what it might be. He stood up and breathed in huge lungfuls of fresh air, and made his way to the stream to wet his head. On the way, he saw a hovering light in the mirror glade, which seemed to try to catch his attention. Curious, he followed the light and saw Galadriel standing by the mirror pool.

�My Lady.�

�Come closer Glorfindel. Do you wish to look into the pool?� Galadriel looked tired and she wished she was still in bed but the mirror had called to her. She hoped that Glorfindel would say no, so that she could go back to her room and snuggle up with Celeborn. Her head was thumping and she bitterly regretted the amount of drink she had consumed. No doubt her husband would lecture her in the morning. Still, that was to come.

�I suppose so; it is not as though I have anything better to do.� He sounded lighthearted but inside wondered what would be revealed.

The water clouded over and then cleared. The oliphaunt shed was burning and elves were trying to rescue the large animals that were panicking in the flames. Erestor�s face appeared and then the scene shifted to Elrond holding Vilya over Erestor�s belly whilst he slept and saying Glorfindel�s name repeatedly whilst the ring twinkled brightly at each mention. Then the scene change once again and the oliphaunts were in the shed with Erestor trying to lead them out as they panicked. Glorfindel gasped with horror, as the elf stumbled and fell, to be crushed underfoot by one of the huge beasts. The waters cleared and Glorfindel looked at Galadriel in panic.

�Not all has happened. But I feel that you must go back quickly, to make sure that nothing else does.� Galadriel took Glorfindel out of the glade and walked back with him to Haldir�s talan where they saw the Marchwarden laying on the ground fast asleep.

Both fell about laughing. Galadriel felt that this was worth getting up for. Glorfindel sat astride the Marchwarden and kissed his cheek.

Haldir woke up panicking.�What?�

�Did you wear flowers in your hair for me, sweet one?� Glorfindel grinned at Haldir�s confusion as he tried to pull his arms to push the warrior off and found them tied to the tree.

�What? �Fin, you tied me up. Get off me.� Haldir thought it was very unlike his friend and was seriously worried. He hoped he was not the cause of the love he saw in his friend�s eyes earlier that day. �Get off me �Fin. I am married.�

Galadriel howled with very unladylike laughter. Haldir looked at her and blushed with embarrassment.

�You have beautiful flowers in your hair, sweet Haldir.� Glorfindel continued to tease and laughed when the Marchwarden uttered dire threats to him. The blooms were removed as Haldir looked wide-eyed and out of the corner of his eye, he saw a giggling face up in the tree watching his discomfort.

Galadriel walked over to Glorfindel and touched him on the shoulder. �I expect this is goodbye until next time. Leave by first light, my friend; you still have time.� She turned to her Marchwarden. �Do not worry, I will not tell anyone of your penchant for being tied up, Haldir.� She left the scene with him loudly protesting that he did not like being tied up at all.

�Merilnis, I know it was you who did this.� Haldir yelled and tugged at the bindings around his wrists again.

�Easy Haldir, you will damage yourself.� Glorfindel cut the bindings and watched as his friend sprang up and ran up the stairs to the talan after his giggling wife. Glorfindel followed on behind and listened as his friend asked his wife angrily what she was doing and how would she like to be tied up. He did not catch her answer but heard the cries of passion shortly after and so assumed that all ended happily.

In the morning, Glorfindel took his leave and handed over control to his second in command, promising to come back when he could. He mounted his horse and rode like the wind hoping that he would be in time.

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The orange glow on the horizon in the direction of Imladris spurred Glorfindel to go even faster. Nothing to halt his progress occurred during the flight home and he would soon reach his destination. What if he was not on time? What if Erestor was already dead? The thought was unbearable and he could not entertain it; he had to believe that the young elf was still alive.

The sick feeling of fear and dread overcame Glorfindel when he saw the huge oliphaunt shed on fire at one end. A melee of elves ran back and forth collecting buckets of water and passing them to a line of elves throwing water into the flames. The roar of the animals inside carried in the wind and Asfaloth galloped into the middle of the crowd even though she was terrified. The warrior jumped off and ran into the shed using his leather cloak as meagre protection against the flames. In the middle of the inferno, he could see Erestor, coughing in the swirling black smoke, trying to snap open a metal link with a large hammer.

The animal reared up in pain as his skin burned. Howling trumpeting calls echoed over the valley as the terrified oliphaunt twisted and writhed, trying to get away from the intense heat. Running forward, Glorfindel pulled Erestor away and threw him near the door where he the elves throwing water pulled him to safety. Vaguely aware that Erestor was fighting with the elves who sought to restrain him, the blond hit the hammer down hard on the metal link and freed it with one blow. The oliphaunt�s huge front legs lifted from the floor and crashed down again. Glorfindel ran forward to avoid a leg and found himself under the large animal as it blindly broke away in a bid for freedom. The air burned his lungs and he coughed hard, hardly seeing the animal�s back legs passing him. Intense heat blistered his skin and he knew he had to get out before he became unconscious from lack of air.

Elves ran out of the way to avoid being crushed and injured as the large animal ran towards the lake to soothe the burns upon its skin. The shed continued burning and the other oliphaunts were rescued more easily, the flames not having reached them yet. Glorfindel�s cloak was ruined but that was not uppermost on his mind. Erestor sat coughing from the effects of smoke inhalation, but he looked all right otherwise; his mother was holding him and wiping the grime from his face. Gildor and several other travellers were lying on the ground, overcome by the effects of smoke and some had burns. Elrond and his healers were busy working their way through the elves, some were moved on stretchers to the house, and others supported as they walked.

Glorfindel joined Elrond. �I saw this in Galadriel�s mirror. I came as soon as I could and I am glad I did.�

�Are you hurt?� Elrond looked at the warrior, for he had seen him run into the flames and rescue Erestor and release the oliphaunt.

�Only minor stuff; I will be all right.� Glorfindel looked around, and then offered to help get the elves to the healing rooms.

�You can hardly breathe yourself, Glorfindel.� Elrond smiled. �Go and see to Erestor and ask his mother to come over here and help with her husband.�

Soon the warrior was alone with Erestor, whose mother was glad that someone could sit with her son and that she could see to her husband. She said nothing to Glorfindel about Erestor being pregnant; comforting Gildor was more important.

Erestor continued to cough whilst Glorfindel held him. He could see that the young elf was becoming extremely tired and he noticed the swelling of his belly. He wondered what it could mean. Deciding that the air outside was injurious to the young elf because of the smoke still flying around, he lifted him up and took him off in the direction of the house.

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Erestor awoke to find himself in a warm bath. The sensation of floating relaxed him and the gentle hands that carefully washed his hair made him feel safe. He looked up at the blond warrior and smiled at him.

�Everyone is all right and none of the oliphaunts are hurt, if that is what you were going to ask.� Glorfindel smiled then pulled the dark elf into a sitting position. He took a jug from the side of the small pool and poured scented water through Erestor�s soapy hair.

�Thank you.� Erestor smiled lazily and watched as the warrior washed, the golden body magnificent with wet rivulets running down his chest.

Glorfindel looked at Erestor and smiled. �Let us get out of the bath now.� He knew Erestor looked at him with desire and he felt the same. He decided that he would not take advantage of the young elf, even though he suspected that other elves in Imladris had tried and maybe succeeded now that his begetting day had passed.

Galadriel was right to question Glorfindel. He reflected that he had been a coward not to acknowledge his true feelings. Erestor had elves around him like bees around a flower dripping with nectar and, like the winged creatures, they were all eager to taste his sweetness. Perhaps Glorfindel had lost Erestor altogether and he wondered why he was so reserved that he found it difficult to form new relationships. He could not help his way; it was rooted in his upbringing and for the thousandth time he cursed the formality and rigidity of acceptable manners in Gondolin.

Glorfindel poured Erestor a glass of wine and they sat on the settee together, silently, enjoying the distance sound of waterfalls and the occasional cracking sound as parts of the oliphaunt shed continued to fall.

�You were very brave, Erestor.� The warrior took a sip of his wine. �Were you not frightened?�

�I had to get the oliphaunts out of the shed, especially that one. She is mine; my Ada gave her to me when she was born and I am still training her. I could not leave her to burn.� Erestor thought that it was now or never and that the warrior had given him the opening he needed. He reached up and kissed Glorfindel�s cheek. �Thank you for saving her.�

�I looked in Galadriel�s mirror and saw you in that same position, the oliphaunt in her terror crushed your body. I returned immediately to save you.� The warrior looked at the young face with the beautiful brown eyes and cherry lips and he could not help himself. He reached forward and kissed the slightest of brushes upon the dark elf�s lips.

Erestor slid a hand around the warrior�s neck and another to the back of his head, pulling the blond head towards him, and kissed. He kissed deeply and when they parted, Glorfindel looked surprised and slightly shocked.

�I am sorry, Glorfindel, but I had to do that. If I had not you never would have.� Erestor breathed, his pupils large and inviting.

�I did not want to take advantage of you and I do not take lovers lightly, Erestor.� Glorfindel thought that to be honest might hurt him, but it was better that he tell Erestor now.

�Then without seeming forward I would hope for more than just being your lover, Glorfindel. I have fallen hopelessly for you and nothing in my mind is there unless you are in it.� Erestor looked down as if troubled and Glorfindel asked him what the matter was. �According to Elrond I have been sick so much because I have a baby inside me. Glorfindel, I have only ever shared my body with you.�

�It is impossible for a baby to be inside a male Erestor. You know that.� Then Glorfindel said something non-retractable and for which he was heartily ashamed of. �How do I know it is mine? I only have your word for it.�

It occurred to Glorfindel as soon as it happened that he deserved the slap around his face. �How could you?� Erestor yelled. �I have not shared my body with anyone since you. Just because the rest of the elves in Imladris are free and easy with whom they sleep with, it does not mean I am like them.� He stood in front of the warrior and poked him in the chest. �How dare you even think that of me. You weren�t any good anyway.�

The dark elf turned to make a dramatic exit and Glorfindel stood shocked. Anger rose in him and he caught hold of the elf. �If you have been with no one else then you can hardly make any judgements about my performance.�

�Let go of me.� Erestor looked wildly around wondering how everything could have gone so horribly wrong.

�I am sorry.� The warrior released the dark elf, who ran out of the room in tears.

With heavy heart and extreme regret, Glorfindel climbed into his bed. Maybe he could speak to Erestor the next day. He chided himself for talking the way he did to the dark elf and wondered at his own insensitivity. Only then did he remember the vision in Galadriel�s mirror of Vilya lighting up at his name.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning Elrond knocked on Glorfindel�s door with Gildor and Erestor in tow. Gildor�s face was one of restrained fury but at Elrond�s bidding, he did not speak. Erestor looked down at the floor and Glorfindel noticed that Gildor had a tight grip on his arm.

�Come in.� Glorfindel looked weary and wore a long dressing gown that covered his feet. He stroked the side of Erestor�s face. �I am sorry for the things I said; I did not mean them.�

Erestor looked up, his face flushed and Gildor pulled him away. They sat down in an uncomfortable silence. Elrond started to speak.

�Glorfindel, Erestor is pregnant with your child. Vilya identifies you as the father and so according to the laws of Gildor�s people you must marry him.� The Lord of the Realm, normally so jovial, was deadly serious. �Very rarely when twins are expected, one f�a leaves and the body merges with the one that is still alive. If the f�a are of opposite sex then the elfling is born with both sets of sexual organs to varying degrees. It seems that Erestor has extra internal organs only.�

�As Vilya identifies the child as mine, I will marry Erestor. In Gondolin we would have been expected to do no less, even though it is not the case in Imladris.� Glorfindel looked at Erestor who kept his face down. He felt intensely sorry for the young elf and once again felt the pangs of guilt at upsetting him.

Gildor let out a sigh of relief.

�I do not want to marry Glorfindel; he is only marrying me because I am with child. I wanted someone who would love me.� Erestor sobbed into his drawn up knees.

�Love does not come into it. You will do what is right and follow our customs.� Gildor looked angrily at his son. �Anyway, you assume much. You have no idea how Glorfindel feels about you.�

Erestor stood and made the other elves jump as he screamed at the top of his voice. �I am not marrying him and that is final.� He looked around as if to determine how far he would get if he ran. �If only the oliphaunts foot had crushed me instead.�

Gildor sprang up and caught Erestor�s wrist as he tried to escape. He looked at Elrond whilst restraining his struggling son. �Let us have the ceremony here in private and now. Send a servant for my wife.�

Glorfindel sat in his chair and waited. He felt unhappy that Erestor did not want to marry him because of his words to him the previous evening, but he also thought that they should be able to get to know one another first. Then he considered that as they would be expected to marry anyway it was useless to explore further options, if indeed they existed. Erestor continued to sob and Gildor maintained a firm hold on his son. Elrond sat in the middle and looked uncomfortable.

�Got any wine?� Elrond looked at Glorfindel. �I could really do with some now.�

The warrior stood up and walked over to the table. Five glasses were set out and two bottles of wine opened. The wine was poured and handed out. Erestor refused and mumbled that he did not want anything, but Gildor took a glass for him anyway. The whole scene felt very uncomfortable and, as much as Glorfindel wanted to comfort the young elf, he thought it might make things worse.

Erestor�s mother arrived and, after a quick pr�cis from her husband, told her son that he would marry Glorfindel whether he liked it or not. She would not have her family�s ability to rule their people brought into question because he thought their laws and customs should not apply to him. Erestor said that he did not care how his refusal affected his family and once again stated that he would not marry Glorfindel.

The warrior grew increasingly alarmed at Erestor�s behaviour and he leant over to Elrond and whispered in his ear. �Is it wise to do a ceremony in his state? Look at him; he is nearly hysterical.�

The Lord looked at Glorfindel with a small smile. �I believe Erestor knows full well what he is doing, do not be fooled by him.�

�You are being rather cryptic.� The warrior looked confused and even more so when Elrond said he would work it out in time.

A ringing slap resounded in the room and Erestor yelled at his mother for striking him. Gildor shouted at Erestor and both parents took him across the room and sat him on a chair where they spoke in hushed whispers. All three exuded anger whilst Elrond and Glorfindel watched uncomfortably. In the end, the family were called over and Elrond told them that he would start the ceremony.

Everything went surprisingly smoothly. Erestor answered as he was supposed to and even let Glorfindel take him in his arms. After the ceremony, Gildor and his wife kissed their son and left the room, promising to see him at dinner later that day. Elrond asked Erestor if he would be all right and after being assured that he would he hugged Glorfindel and went off to breakfast.

This left Erestor and Glorfindel alone in the room.

The warrior put his arms around the young elf and held his head to his chest. �You are a bit of a drama queen aren�t you my love?� Glorfindel grinned and tilted the young elf�s face up to his own. Erestor shook in his arms. �Look at me.�

Glorfindel tilted his new husband�s face up and kissed the laughing lips. �No wonder Elrond said you knew what you were doing. You planned all of this didn�t you?�

�I knew that the more I refused the more insistent my family would be that I marry you.� Erestor giggled and gave Glorfindel a small kiss on the lips. �I worked out that when you realised the child was yours that you would marry me anyway, but I do not want to wait for a decent period of time courting. I want you now before I get too big. I want to enjoy my big blond husband.�

�I do not know whether I should indulge you, sweet one. According to you I was not that good anyway,� Glorfindel teased; he could play games as well.

Erestor gave a coy smile. �How would I know, I have no one to compare you against.� A slender hand reached up and stroked Glorfindel�s cheek.

�Are you sure you have no oliphaunts to save before we do anything, my only one?� The blond was quite enjoying the game and grinned as he kissed the ring on Erestor�s index finger.

�Well I do not have to run into a burning shed at the last minute so that I can encourage the elf, who is the keeper of my heart, to rescue me.� Erestor grinned widely and pulled his husband to him. �Let us go to bed.�

�I knew it.�

�How did you know?�

�You were not dirty enough nor were you coughing for long enough after the rescue. It did not occur to me at the time. You are quite the devious minx aren�t you?� Glorfindel gave his husband a dangerous smile as he backed him into the bedroom. �I see that I am going to have to be careful with you or else you will run rings around me. It is lucky that I really do love you or else I would be very angry right now.�

�Glorfindel?� Erestor stood, with only his leggings on.

�Yes?�

�Stop talking and get your clothes off.� The young elf pulled the blond warrior towards him and kissed him on the mouth. �Now get in that bed.�

They lay in bed and Glorfindel felt Erestor�s abdomen. He grinned and put his ear to the skin so that he could hear. �I think I will be a very good Ada.� His voice was soft and held an undercurrent of excitement.

The dark elf sighed. �Come up here.� He licked his lips and Glorfindel met them with his own. Supple tongues explored the intimate joined space and caressed their lengths. Hands stroked through hair and held each other in place.

Glorfindel knew just where to touch and soon Erestor was lost in a haze of sweet and willing submission as he lay with the warrior�s heavy bulk pressing him down into the mattress and his mouth plundering his own until he was breathless. The warrior looked up with eyes half lidded with desire and as dark as the storm over a midnight blue sea. He took his belt and showed it to his wide-eyed young husband. �Give me your wrists.�

�What are you doing?� Erestor was slightly worried but offered his wrists anyway.

�I am going to tie your wrists to the bed so that I can make love to you with out any interruptions from you.� The blond warrior grinned at his concerned husband. �Relax you will love it.�

The belt attached to the headboard and pulled tight. �This is your punishment for your deception, sweet husband of mine.�

�I can hardly move now.� Erestor licked his lips and then arched his back as a nipple was bitten and rolled between the blond�s white teeth and then sucked deep into his mouth. It was as though the flesh of his husband�s nipple had become one with the warrior�s mouth, it fit so perfectly. �Oh! Do it again. Yes, do that. Feels so good. Again, do it again.� Electric darts of extreme ecstasy coursed through his body and for a moment, he felt the headiness of sublime bliss.

Glorfindel looked at the beautiful face and the cherry lips that captivated him so. Unable to resist he kissed his husband�s mouth again. Small kisses and tiny sucking licks threaded along one ear causing Erestor to cry out. It was hard for the warrior to hold himself as he felt his skin press against that of the younger elf and kissed the parted lips with a deep passion that he never thought possible.

More kisses and licks trailed along the other ear and down Erestor�s neck. Sucking kisses that drew the flesh deep into Glorfindel�s mouth left a line of marks down the younger elf�s chest and the warrior watched with satisfaction as he writhed in intense pleasure. Hands held the dark elf�s sides and gently caressed, causing him to shiver and cry out in an uncontrollable and almost painful delight. The tongue continued to work its way downwards as Erestor called out Glorfindel�s name in his abandon. He writhed at the restraints holding his wrists, how he wanted to bury his hands in the sleek long golden hair. His jagged breathing punctuated every so often by a soft cry of gratification as his whole body trembled with the intensity of the feeling and emotion.

Erestor�s arousal ached almost painfully in his need for relief. Glorfindel licked the viscous fluid dripping slowly from the head and engulfed it in his mouth. His husband threw his head back and cried out his husband�s name in uncontrolled ecstasy. Glorfindel bobbed his head up and down causing a delightful friction. The sac underneath was gently cupped in one hand the orbs beneath the skin gently rolled as the thumb on the other hand rhythmically and firmly pressed into the flesh above his entrance. Ripples of pleasure spread throughout the whole of Erestor�s body and he thought he would die, as the feeling was so intense. He cried out his orgasm, Glorfindel�s name on his lips then looked down at his husband.

�You are so beautiful in your bliss, meleth.� Glorfindel moved up the bed and undid the belt holding his husband�s wrists. He kissed Erestor letting him taste the fruit of his moment of extreme bliss and lay his heavy body over that of his husband. The dark elf�s body was covered in a thin sheen of moisture. Glorfindel licked at the saltiness and felt strong hands threading through his hair.

Glorfindel moved down the bed after kissing Erestor, one more time. He gently parted his husband�s long legs and licked the insides of his thighs making him writhe in irrepressible pleasure then they were drawn up so that the dark elf�s entrance of secret delight was exposed. The warrior kissed and licked the puckered entrance whilst Erestor sighed with bliss. The tongue worked inside, Erestor�s breathing became more ragged, and he gasped as a finger replaced the tongue and found his prostate. �More, I need more. So good, so very good.�

Glorfindel took a small vial of oil from under the pillow. He smiled at Erestor who lay relaxed and willing for him to do anything he liked to him. The oil coated two fingers and both inserted into the relaxed entrance. The warrior regarded his husband and was met by a look of trusting adoration. Another finger was added and Glorfindel began slowly and gently to thrust in and out until he thought Erestor was open enough, all the time licking the underneath of his arousal.

With Erestor�s legs against his chest, Glorfindel placed his cock against his husband�s entrance. He pushed inside steadily whilst softly telling Erestor how much he loved him. He waited until his husband was ready and then began pushing with tiny thrusts. Erestor frowned as the raw, burning feeling of being filled registered.

�It will get better, I promise.� Glorfindel changed his angle slightly and Erestor relaxed and smiled. The feelings were a mixture of pleasure and pain with the good far outweighing the bad before much longer. Very soon, Erestor was writhing in pleasure and nearing his peak as Glorfindel rammed home repeatedly. He took hold of his arousal, and the warrior put his hand over the top, and they pumped together.

Erestor cried out his ecstasy and his whole body shook with bliss. The sight of his new husband lost in his peak of passion, his rippling flesh contorted in orgasm proved too much, and Glorfindel came loudly after, with the name of the one he loved on his lips.

They lay together limp and sated. All the heat had gone out of their bodies and they lay damp with sweat and exhausted. �That was so good.� Erestor watched as Glorfindel took a cloth and cleaned their juices from his body. �You can do that to me several times a day from now on.�

Glorfindel laughed and snuggled into his husband. �I am so glad I married you. You are the most beautiful and wonderful elf on Middle-earth. I love you so much.�

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Nearly a year later.

�Glorfindel, I am going to kill you. You did this to me you bastard.� Erestor lay writhing in agony. �Come here so I can hit you.�

Glorfindel stayed at arms length, holding his husband�s hand. �Think of a garden Erestor, think peaceful thoughts.�

�Fuck off half wit.� Erestor glared at his stupid husband. �You are so for it when this baby is born.�

�Erestor, most couples are very loving when they give birth. Why are you being so awful?� Glorfindel looked genuinely upset.

�I am in pain!� Erestor arched with a painful contraction and small tears squeezed out of the corner of his eyes. He looked pleadingly at Glorfindel. �It is so painful.�

In the end, Elrond gave Erestor something to make him sleep and cut him open to pull the baby out. �Look a little baby girl and what is this I see? Look Glorfindel another baby. You have two daughters. Well that was a surprise. I did not hear two heartbeats at all. Maybe they share a f�a.�

Glorfindel held his two tiny elflings and grinned. He felt so happy. When Erestor awoke, he showed the small babies to him and spoke many soft words and endearments.

Elrond looked on at the little happy family and smiled. He wondered if he should ask his wife for children. Erestor and Glorfindel looked so happy and he envied them their contentment. Maybe his wife would agree but then maybe she would not. Oh well, he reflected, it did not hurt to try.

The End