PART 3
The rising of the moon was quickly becoming Oromë’s favorite sight for it meant that soon he would see his beloved. For nearly a year, he had met with Elrond in the evenings almost every night. They had done little more than talk or simply remain in each other’s company. Other elves had become aware of Elrond’s liaisons with the Vala, though few would think it of a romantic nature.
But their time together could not last, as Oromë’s Lord and Lady constantly reminded him. Elrond’s days were growing busier as he helped his cousin build Lindon, and he was making new friends who wished to spend the evenings with him. One friend in particular Oromë knew would be very invaluable to his lover, a shy elfling named Erestor. They were similar in nature and talent, gravitating to each other after the war since both had lost their families, albeit in different ways. The Vala did not wish to interfere in their new friendship, or in any other area of Elrond’s life. There was also the nagging issue of Elrond’s other destiny, his ties to Middle-earth’s fate. The Hunter had no intention of obstructing any of this, but he would not leave until he was certain Elrond understood his love was undying and he would wait for him across the sea.
He also admitted to himself that he wished to express his love physically at least once before he left, though he was uncertain if Elrond would be ready for that before it was time for the Vala to leave. He sighed, letting the breeze soothe his mind.
“Does something trouble you?” a gentle voice came on the wind. Oromë smiled.
“Only that I have missed you,” he said, rising to his feet to meet his lover. Elrond smiled adoringly at him, happily accepting his embrace. “How was your day?”
“Busy,” the half-elf replied, opening his mind so that Oromë could see all that he had done, obviously too tired to physically relay the events. The Vala tightened his embrace, bestowing a gentle kiss on his lover’s lips. Elrond’s stress seemed to drain away as he snuggled against the Hunter’s broad chest. They were silent for a long moment before the younger elf spoke.
“You are going to leave me soon,” he stated, a flash of foresight coming to him. Oromë sighed.
“My visits will have to grow more infrequent. I wish to go further south and drive the remnants of Morgoth’s army far from the elves, hopefully destroying most of them.”
“But that is not all, is it?” Elrond persisted.
“No. There are other things that will separate us, but I do not wish to speak of them now.” Again there was silence, and Oromë could not tell what his lover was thinking. He remained still, waiting for Elrond to tell him what he wished, for he sensed the half-elf was struggling with something.
“Tauron?” Elrond finally said, his voice uncertain. He looked up into Oromë’s face, seeing the deep love the Vala bore him reflected in his green eyes. The Hunter cocked his head in query and Elrond swallowed. This made Oromë uneasy for he did not like Elrond to be nervous with him, but he continued to wait, giving Elrond time to ask him in his own way. “What is happening here, between us?”
“What do you mean? We are soul-mates; you know that.” Elrond bit his lips, but managed to maintain eye contact.
“Yes, but what do you intend?” Oromë frowned, not understanding what his lover wanted.
“Elrond,” he said. “You can ask me anything. What troubles you?” The half-elf was again silent, biting his lip in thought before boldly meeting his beloved’s gaze once more.
“Do you meet me here every night with the intention of courting me? Do you seek marriage?” he blurted out. Oromë’s frown instantly dissolved into a brilliant smile.
“Of course, my love,” he responded, and was gladdened to see relief wash over Elrond’s face. “In fact,” the Hunter said, now a little uncertain himself as he dug through his pockets for a small silver box. Once he found it, he held it before Elrond, who looked curiously at it. Oromë thought he felt himself blush, something he did not recall ever having done before. “I had Aulë make this for you,” he said softly, opening the box to reveal a beautiful ring.
It was made of two bands, one gold and one silver, intertwined around each other. They wove elegantly around three stones, one larger than the other two. The littler stones were both diamonds but the larger stone reminded Elrond of the silmaril he had seen as a boy. It glowed from within, subtly shifting colors. The half-elf looked at it in amazement before returning his gaze to his lover, seeing he actually looked a little embarrassed.
“I did not know when to give you this, but I have thought of nothing else since I first saw you. I wished to make you mine alone,” though I know I cannot, he thought. He smiled as he took the ring from the box. “May I?” he asked, gesturing to Elrond’s hand. The dark-haired elf gave him his hand, watching as his Vala slid the ring onto his finger. Oromë watched him apprehensively, still feeling it was too soon for this. Elrond simply looked at the ring for several long heartbeats before suddenly launching himself into his lover’s arms, kissing him passionately. The Hunter responded in kind.
“I love you,” Elrond said between kisses.
“I love you too,” Oromë responded, feeling himself grow hard with his beloved pressed so close to him, though he knew Elrond had not yet noticed.
“Can we have a wedding? May my friends come?” Elrond said against Oromë’s lips. The Vala was forced to respond mentally, as his lips were quite busy elsewhere.
"Yes, but it is perhaps better if it is a small gathering."
"Who would officiate? Only the Valar can bless a wedding and it seems like cheating if you bless your own wedding," Elrond responded, letting his tongue slip into Oromë’s mouth.
Ulmo is not far away, though Elbereth is near whenever there is starlight. Both would be happy to see to our wedding," Oromë managed to think, though Elrond’s tongue was quickly making thinking impossible.
They kissed for several moments before quieting, and the Vala felt the half-elf again descend into uneasy reflection. He was not worried, having felt the overwhelming joy his proposal had brought to his beloved, but he was once again unable to read his lover’s thoughts. The Hunter delighted in the feel of Elrond’s silky hair against his cheek, the faint sent of pears that seemed a part of the half-elf, and the warm body pressed against his while he waited for Elrond to work though his worries. Finally, Elrond looked up at him, uncertainty once more in his eyes.
“Tauron, we . . . I mean that you might . . . Tauron, you are a Vala,” Elrond finally managed to say. Oromë merely nodded, wondering what his beloved was worried about now. He had reassured Elrond many times that the other Valar would only be happy for them in their union. “And I am an Elf. . . well, half-elf,” Elrond continued, his bottom lip once more disappearing into his mouth. “So we are different.” Oromë frowned, hearing this.
“Love knows no differences. Ilúvatar himself has blessed our union.” Apparently, that was not what Elrond wished to hear, for his lip remained firmly clenched between his teeth as he gathered his courage for his next statement.
“But different kinds of people will do certain things differently. They may . . .um . . . express things in different ways. Like love for instance,” the half-elf said, looking up apprehensively at his beloved. It took a moment for Oromë to understand what it was his lover wanted, but then he broke out in a roguish grin.
“The Valar may indeed exalt the union of souls over that of the bodies, but I,” he said, pulling Elrond closer to him, this time letting the half-elf feel his desire through their clothing, “find that I cannot limit myself to only one means of ‘expressing my love’. I would show you my love in every way possible.” Oromë punctuated his statement by letting his hands move down to cup Elrond’s rear and was rewarded by a sharp intake of breath from his beloved.
“Yet, you have not done so before,” Elrond said. Oromë grew serious, capturing Elrond’s chin in his hand.
“I did not wish to rush you when you were confused,” he said, brushing a kiss onto Elrond’s forehead. The half-elf looked at him in another of his long silences before grinning with an equally roguish grin.
“I am not confused now,” he said, flooding Oromë’s mind with his desire and love. The Hunter moaned as his mouth was once again attacked.
Despite his enthusiasm, Elrond was a little nervous. He had never slept with anyone before and he did not wish to disappoint. Oromë sensed his lover’s unease and decided to take control. However beautiful the night was, he did not wish for Elrond’s first time to be here, without any means to ease entry. Suddenly lifting Elrond into his arms, he raced toward the newly made castle, finding a very secluded room.
Elrond looked around, not having registered the swift journey inside. He attacked Oromë’s neck as the Vala gently laid him onto the bed. His hands quested over the Hunter’s tunic, impatiently seeking clasps so he could feel his beloved’s skin. Oromë returned the favor, quickly relieving the half-elf of his robes. His hands caressed Elrond’s flanks, feeling him squirm under the ticklish touch. Elrond pulled his head down to him again, spreading kisses over his face. Growing equally impatient with the trouble Elrond was having removing his tunic, Oromë ripped the material off himself, then lay flat against his lover so their chests touched.
They moaned into each other’s mouths, hands exploring silky skin. Oromë wiggled slightly as he freed himself from his leggings while he enjoyed stringing kisses over Elrond’s bare chest. The half-elf squirmed again when he latched onto a pink nipple, swirling his tongue around the nub. The Vala’s long fingers untied Elrond’s loincloth and gently stripped it away. He sat up then, looking down at his fiancé.
Elrond looked up at his lover, seeing the golden skin glowing in the candlelight, the well-defined muscles tensed for action, and the heavy cock protruding from a nest of golden brown curls. It was true that Oromë had chosen a slightly smaller form since his first meeting with his beloved, not wishing Elrond to have to strain his neck to see him, but he was still quite impressive and Elrond felt a brief pang of fear that something so large could not fit in him, but this fear was drowned by the thought that such a perfect being deserved something better than him. Elrond would have turned away except for the flood of Oromë’s feelings into his psyche, chief among them being awe, which surprised him.
Oromë gently caressed Elrond’s chest as if afraid he might vanish. He had never seen anything so lovely. Admittedly, Elrond was smaller than he was, but certainly broader than any other elf. His skin was just barely gold, for the half-elf had spent much time in the sun recently while helping to build up the kingdom. His grey eyes were pure silver now as they regarded him quizzically. Oromë’s eyes swept downward and smirked. Elrond may think Oromë was well endowed, but certainly no elf or man could boast what lay between Elrond’s legs. The Vala let his thoughts leak into Elrond’s mind, who blushed hearing them as Oromë leaned down for a kiss.
They delighted in each other’s mouths while their hands made gentle sweeps over newly exposed skin. Oromë was bolder than his beloved, moving his hand to touch Elrond’s shaft. The half-elf gasped, pushing into the Vala’s hand. The Hunter used the opportunity to thrust his tongue into Elrond’s mouth. Slowly, he slid his hand up and down the younger elf’s impressive length, delighting in the purrs it generated. Tentative hands slid over his back, moving just shy of caressing his buttocks. Oromë moved slightly, inviting his lover to touch him further, sending his contentment through the bond they shared.
Elrond was overwhelmed, again. He found that happening quite a bit lately, though at the moment, he couldn’t concentrate enough to wonder at his lover’s ability to confound him. Letting his fingers slide downward, he gently kneaded the Vala’s firm backside, pushing Oromë toward him even as he arched up. A hand began to caress Elrond’s inner thighs as Oromë abruptly dipped down and took Elrond into his mouth. The half-elf fought for breath, unable to even shout in rapture as his lover began to swallow around his cock.
Panting, Elrond felt a slick digit circle around his entrance. He was not quite sure where the Vala had conjured up the oil, but at the moment he did not care. Gently massaging between Elrond’s butt cheeks, Oromë managed to relax his half-elf enough to accept his finger. A slight twinge of pain ran through their connection, but the Hunter quickly replaced that with intense pleasure as he crooked his finger within his lover.
Humming around the cock in his mouth, Oromë continued to massage Elrond’s prostrate. He noticed his half-elf was a rather quiet lover, not given to loud shouts or cries, but expressing himself with moans and whimpers. If his mouth were not full, the Hunter knew he would wake the whole castle with his passion, for Elrond’s breathless noises were the most erotic sounds he had ever heard.
The hand massaging Elrond’s thigh slowly worked its way upward, soothing his straining abdominal muscles, gliding over his strong pectorals to lightly brush sensitive nipples before tangling in Elrond’s hair. Oromë looked up, letting the cock slip from his mouth as he moved up to kiss away his half-elf’s moan of disappointment.
As Oromë dipped down for another taste of his lips, Elrond bucked up, trying to increase the friction to his cock when the Vala’s leg brushed against it. By this time, the Hunter had worked three fingers into his lover, gently spreading him in preparation for his impressive girth. Elrond moaned into his mouth, mentally begging to be filled. Oromë found he could not deny his beloved and removed his fingers, quickly replacing them with his cock. Easing into the hilt, he then paused, feeling a twinge of pain through their connection. He waited for Elrond to grow accustomed to the new sensation. When the half-elf finally nodded, the Hunter began to move.
It was the most exquisite feeling Elrond had ever experienced. Not only was his body singing with pleasure, but his soul resonated with the bliss his lover was drowning in. He felt what Oromë felt, and knew the same was true for the Vala, heightening every sensation two-fold. All of it was too much for him and the moment the Hunter wrapped his calloused fingers around his length, Elrond was lost, spilling himself almost violently into his lover’s hand.
Oromë lasted longer, though he stopped to fully enjoy the sensation of Elrond’s inner muscles clenching around him. Once the half-elf had settled down a bit, the Vala began to move again. It was not much longer before he too found his release. Elrond marveled at his fiancé’s beauty as he came, his head thrown back in abandon, revealing the strong muscles in his neck; the look of sheer bliss that crossed his face took Elrond’s breath away.
After a long moment, Oromë sagged forward, careful to keep his weight off his beloved. He settled comfortably beside Elrond, drawing the half-elf into a warm embrace. Elrond laid his head on the Vala’s muscled chest, listening to the steady beat of the Hunter’s heart.
“Tomorrow,” Oromë rumbled beneath him, while pulling up the covers to tuck his half-elf against him. “You and I shall wed tomorrow at sunset.”
Elrond smiled at hearing this, though he was mostly asleep already. His dreams that night were filled with images of himself and his beloved, walking along white shores he had never before seen.
~~~
Standing quietly under the stars, Erestor primly smoothed out imagined wrinkles in his robes. He forced himself not to fidget, though he was greatly tempted. The young elf had never been in such company and he was honored Elrond had asked him to come to his wedding, though he couldn’t have been more surprised. It did explain his new friend’s tendency to stare off into space. Erestor glanced over at the half-elf, who stood entranced with his beloved.
The High King Ereinion and Círdan stood beside Erestor, watching as Elrond exchanged vows with the Hunter Tauron. Neither the king nor Erestor had ever met any Valar before and now they were in the presence of two, though Ulmo had hinted at the beginning of the ceremony that Elbereth may be watching from somewhere close by. It was almost too much for Erestor to comprehend and he could understand his friend when Elrond said he had been overwhelmed the first time Tauron said he loved him.
Sighing, the young elf watched as the tall Vala leaned in to kiss his new husband. Erestor had to admit they were beautiful together. Of course, he expected the Vala to be beautiful, or at least forbidding the way Ulmo was, but it was a different matter when actually confronted by such radiance. Especially when that radiance was intensified by the powerful love shining from the Hunter’s eyes.
But Elrond was no less stunning. He stood in a robe of dove grey that almost matched his eyes, embroidered with intricate silver designs that glinted under the sun’s fading rays. For once, his hair was unbound, drifting lazily on the gentle sea breeze. Yet his beauty was also enhanced in the rays of his beloved, his own love obvious for all to see. Erestor wasn’t sure if either heard anything Ulmo said, for they had had eyes only for each other throughout the whole ceremony. Which is as it should be, Erestor thought, once again sighing at how romantic the whole thing seemed. He wished he would find someone to love him the way the Vala loved Elrond.
As the moon began to shine overhead, the watery Ulmo silently turned and slipped back into the waves. He paused a moment, looking directly at Círdan before disappearing from view. Erestor glanced at the Shipwright, who had been very silent throughout the whole wedding. The younger elf could not begin to decipher his gaze as he turned to watch Elrond speak softly to his new husband, both practically glowing with joy. The expression wasn’t one of disapproval, nor the slightly stunned expression that he and the king were wearing. It might have been thoughtful, but the slight frown made Erestor nervous.
Dismissing his concern, Erestor returned his attention to his friend, who had finally acknowledged there were other people beside his husband there, even if it was only three elves. Ereinion and Erestor moved forward to offer their congratulations, soon drawing Círdan into the conversation too. The Vala remained silent, simply watching the elves talk while they walked back to the castle where the High King had prepared a private dinner. Somehow Erestor fell behind while Ereinion had captured Elrond’s attention with the details of the coming dinner.
“I am glad you are here,” a deep voice said and Erestor jumped to find the Vala so near.
“Y-you are?” he stuttered. The Vala nodded gravely, his eyes seeming to bore through the young elf. Erestor swallowed nervously, beginning to fidget with his long sleeves. Sensing his companion’s unease, Oromë returned his gaze to watching his new husband. The Hunter took in the slight flush of excitement and joy on the half-elf’s cheeks, the shimmer of his hair, and the brightness of his eyes. For a long moment, he simply delighted in looking at his lover, though he could sense the young elf beside him grow more nervous as his silence lengthened.
“Elrond will have great need of your friendship and insight in the years to come,” Oromë said softly. Erestor peeked up at the tall Vala.
“B-but surely you will be there for him as well. Why should he need me when he has you?” the dark-haired elf blurted out, turning a deep shade of red at his audacity. The Vala looked at him once more, his eyes now sad and compassionate.
“Do not think so lowly of yourself. There is great worth in you and you will be a great asset to your people and to my husband. Much will happen in the future, and not even the Valar can know where all paths lead. But I know that Elrond will have need of you and you will not fail him. For this I am grateful.” The mighty Vala bowed his head in a brief show of respect before moving toward his husband.
Erestor remained behind, a feeling of unease twisting his gut.