The Hunter

PART 12

Shadows danced along the floor as the candlelight flickered in a sudden gust of wind.  His steps seemed absurdly loud as he walked down the deserted hallway.  Elrohir knew that he should wait.  His father was right; Erestor needed time.  But not knowing what the advisor was thinking was driving the half-elf nuts. 

He came to a halt before the advisor's door, still uncertain if he wanted to disturb his beloved.  Disturb . . . you've certainly already disturbed him, Elrohir thought.  Sighing, he was about to leave when the door unexpectedly opened.

"You may as well come in," Erestor said, eerily composed.  "I've been expecting you." Calmly, he stepped back holding the door open.

Elrohir could only gape at the advisor.  He gave him a quick glance, noticing the dark silk robe wrapped around Erestor's slender form.  It revealed patches of creamy skin at the elder elf's throat and arms.  The sight made Elrohir's mouth water.

Erestor cleared his throat impatiently, gaining his former pupil's attention.  Blushing weakly, Elrohir quickly entered the room.  He shuffled nervously over to the balcony doors.  The room was very dark, lit only by one candle on the nightstand. 

Moving gracefully around the room, Erestor lit candles brightening the space.  Once he was finished, he calmly sat down at the table as if he had been waiting all day for Elrohir to show up.  It made the young half-elf very nervous.

At a gesture from the councilor, Elrohir sat across from him.  Not knowing what to do with his hands, the young elf sat on them feeling incredibly foolish. 

The silence stretched on; Erestor didn't seem inclined to speak.  Biting his lip, Elrohir glanced up and quickly averted his eyes finding the full weight of Erestor's gaze trained on him.  It was another several minutes before he steeled himself again to look at the dark beauty sitting across from him.  He forced himself not to look away, but he was having flashbacks to his childhood when Elladan had gotten him into trouble and Erestor was getting ready to hand out punishments.  That was the exact look he was receiving now. 

But as he continued to match Erestor's gaze, his eyes were drawn to the advisor's exotic beauty.  If he were honest with himself, Elrohir would admit that Elladan wasn't wrong to think that Erestor had pasty skin and flat hair.  He could've even mentioned the slight hook at the end of the advisor's nose and he wouldn't be mistaken.  But even with these slight flaws, Erestor exuded a quiet sensuality that had always attracted the young half-elf. 

His unusual chocolate-colored eyes drew the eye away from his flaws, and Elrohir had more than once lost himself in their depth.  Erestor's dark clothes and private nature added a spark of mystery that a curious half-elf couldn't resist.  That curiosity had long ago turned to desire and the innocent affection of a child had morphed into a passionate love that grew more intense the longer it lay unfulfilled.

Encouraged by his observations, Elrohir straightened in his chair and reached out for his friend's delicate hand.  The tutor seemed to have fled the room and left in his place a being worthy of worship.  Elrohir intended to do just that.  He placed a gentle kiss to Erestor's palm, glancing up to catch the startled look that passed through the advisor's brown eyes.

"I spent much time with father's husband today," he said, beginning the conversation in that irrelevant way they seemed to begin all important discussions.  Erestor's surprise returned. 

"And?" he asked, looking a little nervous.

"And I can see why father likes him.  He's not so bad once you get to know him, not imposing at all as I feared he would be.  Arwen was right.  One cannot be in the room with them and not notice the deep love they share."  Elrohir's gaze remained intense, trying to read the unreadable elf before him. 

 "I'm glad to hear that," the advisor murmured, his gaze fixed on their joined hands.  Elrohir smiled sadly, deciding that now was the time to address his earlier actions.

"I am sorry, Erestor," he said softly. 

"For what?" the advisor responded, being purposefully obtuse.  It was a measure of how much Elrohir's kiss had upset the advisor and Elrohir knew it.  The young half-elf took a deep breath.

"That I came on so strong.  That was not my intention."

"Then, what was your intention?" Erestor asked, trying to pull his hand away, but Elrohir would not let him.  He reached out with his other hand, carefully cradling the advisor's pale hand between his.

"My intention was to tell you that wherever I am, you're the only thing on my mind.  And whenever I return home, the first thing I look for is you.  I've spent hours in the library hoping for a glimpse of you.  I couldn't tell you a word in any book I've held while you were there; I couldn't concentrate.  When I was younger, I used to hide in the garden near the council chambers so I could hear you speak.  Your voice has enticed me since my youth when you read me bedtime stories and ever since then, hearing you speak, be it as a reprimand or in debate or whatever, it is my greatest pleasure.  I . . . I just wanted to tell you how important you are to me," he ended simply.  The younger elf watched his companion nervously.

Erestor looked completely stunned, more so than after Elrohir had kissed him.  He opened his mouth a few times, but seemed unable to speak.  Finally, he shook his head ruefully. 

"No one has ever said anything like that to me before," he said, managing to return the half-elf's gaze.

"Then everyone else has been blind, and it's their loss," Elrohir responded.  Erestor shook his head again, this time in surrender.

"If you meant to say all of this before, why didn't you?" he asked curiously.  Elrohir turned a bright scarlet, but kept eye contact with the elder elf.

"I guess I was overcome by your beauty," Elrohir said, but quickly rushed on when he saw Erestor roll his eyes.  "And I was so nervous.  I had worked up my courage to tell you how I felt, and it was all I could think of and because of that, I couldn't think at all.  I was afraid and I just acted."  The half-elf shrugged, not really sure why he had kissed him. 

Erestor sighed and leaned back in his chair pursing his lips in thought. Elrohir managed to endure the silence for about ten minutes before his nerves got the better of him.  As calmly as he could manage, he gently pulled the advisor's hand to gain his attention.

"Even after all that has happened today, I have yet to achieve my ultimate goal," he said, looking seriously at his companion.  Erestor frowned at him.

"And what is that?" he asked, a slight edge to his voice.  Elrohir blinked in surprise, but then realized how his words might be misinterpreted.  Turning pink again, he ducked his head.

"To know if I can court you, if you would let me or would even want me to," the half-elf said quietly.  Erestor's eyes softened and he gently squeezed Elrohir's hand so that the younger elf would look at him.

"I have spent all day pondering this.  Your father and Tauron were right, of course, though I won't admit it to them.  I was looking for something like they have and making up excuses for myself when something different presented itself.  That isn't to say that what's happening between us will be anything like their love, but rather that I have never given us a chance.  I suppose I am willing to give it a try."

"Really?" Elrohir exclaimed, jumping up but Erestor's scowl stopped him from flinging himself at the advisor. 

"I said we could try, not that we are ready to start making out like elflings before their majority," he said sternly.  Properly chastened, and once again flushed a delightful pink shade, Elrohir sat back down.  However, he kept a tight hold on the advisor's pale hand.  Erestor leaned forward, propping his chin in his free hand.

"If you wish, I would be willing to continue our lunches and . . . see what happens," he said.  Elrohir gave him a dazzling smile.

"I would like that," the half-elf whispered, ducking his head.  Nodding his head slowly, Erestor settled back against his chair.  Elrohir knew his expression; it was one of deep contemplation.  The younger elf began to investigate the hand trapped between his in earnest.  Slowly, he traced each long finger with one of his own, studying it as though it were a work of art. 

After a half hour went by and Erestor showed no sign of acknowledging his companion, Elrohir spoke.  "Where are your thoughts?" he whispered, not looking up from the hand in his grasp.

Startled, Erestor jerked from his thoughts and looked at the half-elf sitting across the table from him.  "I was just thinking that now we've both had to face something we weren't expecting to find within ourselves: for you it was your mother, and for me, this whole nonsense about my expectations of love.  We've both changed."

"For the better," Elrohir said, looking up to lock eyes with his beloved.  Erestor smiled faintly.

"For the better."

~~~

Four weeks later

"Your broken bones have healed sufficiently to allow for some limited exercise, but I suggest you refrain from walking as the cuts to your hamstring muscles are proving stubborn.  Aside from that, and your hand, your healing is going quite well."

"So, I can go back to my rooms," Elrond asked.  The birdlike healer sniffed critically, disapproving of the eagerness in his lord's voice.

"I suppose if your husband remains to look after you, and you promise not to get out of bed yet, and-,"

"Yes or no, Aewréd," Elrond interrupted.  Managing to look quite offended, the slim healer picked at imaginary dirt on his sleeve.

"I suppose yes," he said. 

"Thank the Valar," Elrond muttered under his breath, already levering himself up to let his husband help him to his room.  Smirking, Oromë moved to carry the half-elf, earning himself a frosty glare from the patient. 

"I should like to check your bandages one last time," Aewréd continued, following unperturbed as Oromë strode purposefully down the hallway toward his lover's rooms.

"Of course," the Vala said, ignoring his husband's annoyance.  "We should be sure he makes the transition between rooms intact."  Elrond snorted.

In almost no time, they had reached their destination.  Almost against his will, Elrond instantly relaxed in the familiar setting of his rooms.  Oromë set him down at his table while Aewréd went about his examination. 

Once he had been poked and prodded to his head healer's satisfaction, Oromë helped him to his feet so that Aewréd could test the strength of his legs.  It did not pain Elrond to merely stand, especially as most of his weight was supported by his husband, but he knew that his body wasn't ready for anything more strenuous. 

Aewréd tutted and tsked for a few minutes before finally declaring Elrond fit enough to be released from the Healing Halls.  The half-elf waited until the door closed behind his healer before swiftly turning in his husband's embrace and attacking his lips.

Surprised, Oromë stepped backwards from the force of the assault.  As Elrond kissed him, he flooded the Vala's psyche with his passion.  The Hunter moaned in response, managing to back up toward the bed where he fell gracelessly backwards, careful to keep from jarring his lover's remaining injuries.  Elrond showed no signs of noticing as he began to spread kisses over his husband's face and neck, his good hand working a way into Oromë's tunic.

"Elrond, what are you doing?" Oromë groaned, his body on fire by his beloved's ministrations.  Elrond only smirked.

"I have waited patiently for the last five weeks and before that five millennia.  I will wait no longer.  I will have you screaming beneath me now!" he said, once more attacking Oromë's mouth.  The Vala could barely think, but he knew his husband wasn't well enough to do what he wanted to.  He also knew Elrond wouldn't take no for an answer. 

Taking control, Oromë carefully reversed their positions.  His eyes were a dark emerald green as he peered up into his husband's flushed face.  Smirking roguishly, the Vala wasted no time in disposing of his husband's robe, revealing pale creamy skin, now marked by new pink scars.  Oromë bent to worship each imperfection, tasting each new pain etched upon his lover's body. 

Elrond threw his head back in abandon, moaning loudly.  The Hunter's smirk grew positively wicked as he strung kisses down the half-elf's quivering belly, but neglecting the hard flesh begging for attention.  He licked his husband's left hip, then blew on it, directing the air toward the twitching cock.  Elrond groaned again, bucking up.

Continuing to tease him, Oromë moved down the left leg.  He was extremely careful with Elrond's legs, keeping them still so that his husband's muscles would not tear again.  The stark white bandages sobered the large Vala, and he determined to stop teasing and bring his beloved to completion quickly. 

The Hunter leaned forward, inhaling his lover's scent before engulfing his hard member in his mouth.  Elrond moaned, bucking up hard.  Oromë gently held his thighs still as he settled into a leisurely pace, trying to cool the half-elf down.  But it seemed Elrond had been too long without any kind of release and could not bear anything slow and unhurried. 

Accepting the rapid pace, the Vala held his husband down firmly as he sucked on his cock.  It did not take long for Elrond to find release.  Oromë drank it all and licked around the softening member, before crawling toward the head of the bed. 

Elrond watched him breathlessly as the large Vala leaned in for a gentle kiss.  Despite how much he wanted it, Elrond knew he did not have the strength to sleep with his husband the way he wanted to.  Already, he felt drained.  But he still felt obliged to return the favor to his husband.  After all, it was his fault that Oromë was hard.

"I'm fine," Oromë whispered against Elrond's lips.

"But-," Elrond countered, feeling the heavy cock press against his aching thigh.

"No," the Vala said seriously.  "I will not hurt you.  I can take care of this on my own.  We will have plenty of time for pleasure once you are well."

"Really?" Elrond asked hopefully, hearing the promise in his husband's words.

"I cannot stay for too long, but I will see your household in order before I go.  Please Elrond, go to sleep."

Sighing, Elrond gave into the feeling of lassitude brought on by his release.  Doubtless Oromë had only granted him this to relieve his tension and that was fine by Elrond.  Drifting off, he felt the Vala move away slightly.  He would have liked to watch his husband find release, but he didn't have the strength.  He fell asleep to the sound of his husband's muffled cries of pleasure.

~~~

"Where are we going?" Erestor asked, reaching out blindly for some kind of physical reference.

"You'll see.  We're almost there," Elrohir replied, carefully leading the older elf through his mother's gardens.  He heard the advisor grunt.

"I don't know why I agreed to this," Erestor grumbled.  Elrohir smiled, gently squeezing the hand he held.  Fortunately, they soon approached their destination. 

Gently stopping the advisor, he maneuvered him into the proper direction.  The younger elf stepped behind his love and removed the blindfold.

Erestor blinked, readjusting to the light, before his eyes focused on the scene before them.  They were on the banks of the Bruinen, which Erestor had already surmised from the sound.  But he had not expected to find a lovely little picnic set out.  Elrohir had spread a thick blanket on the ground and provided several fluffy pillows to lean against.  A huge whicker basket sat innocuously on the corner of the blanket.

Surprised, Erestor turned to look at his companion.  Elrohir smiled shyly at him.  "This is beautiful," the advisor managed to say and was rewarded by the brightening of the half-elf's smile.

"I'd hoped you would like it.  You've been so busy lately that I thought a break was in order," he explained bashfully.  Erestor was touched by his thoughtfulness. 

The past four weeks had been heavenly for the older elf.  Elrohir was always surprising him with gifts and attentive courtesies.  The younger elf had been restrained, not asking for any kind of physical intimacy, but seemed only to need Erestor's company.  It was obvious to the elder elf that Elrohir was putting all of his energy into courting him.  Erestor knew from experience that once the half-elven determined to get something, they would stop at nothing until it was theirs.  It warmed Erestor that Elrohir thought he was worthy of all that work.

The younger elf took no notice of his companion's preoccupied mind, and gently escorted him to the picnic.  Erestor sat down, watching as Elrohir opened the whicker basket and began to set out two plates of food.  As always, the cooks had outdone themselves filling the basket with enough food to feed an army. 

Taking his meal, Erestor settled back against a tree.  Elrohir didn't seem inclined to speak.  He had propped up several pillows and now lounged against them while he ate.  Though he seemed to be watching the river, the half-elf managed to refill Erestor's glass and plate before the advisor could ask. 

They spent a half hour in companionable silence.  Erestor appreciated that.  He appreciated that Elrohir made no demands of him, but seemed content just to be near him.  Sighing happily, Erestor set aside his plate.

"This is such a lovely day for a picnic," Erestor said.  Elrohir glanced up at him, his head resting lazily on his hand.  "Thank you for this, Elrohir."

Elrohir smiled, and scooted closer to the advisor.  "It's my pleasure.  I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

Erestor watched with amusement as Elrohir ‘nonchalantly' wrapped an arm around his shoulders.  The advisor chuckled, letting his companion nestle against him.  He was reminded of the many times Elrohir used to do the same thing when he was a child, curling against him while he read a story. 

Things were so different now.  When he looked into Elrohir's eyes, he no longer saw the innocent affection of a youth for his tutor.  Now he saw poorly concealed desire ready to blaze forth at any moment. 

He sighed.  Erestor had spent the last centuries forcing away any desire he felt for Elrohir.  It would take him time to stop doing that.

Hearing his sigh, Elrohir turned his head.  He cocked his head to the side as he studied Erestor.  The advisor frowned at the scrutiny, wondering what the half-elf was thinking.  He opened his mouth to ask, when suddenly, a warm mouth latched itself to his.

This was the first time Elrohir had kissed him since beginning to court him.  Erestor moaned when Elrohir's slick tongue made itself at home in his mouth.  Just like the last time, Elrohir's kiss left the advisor lightheaded and unable to think.  He felt like someone had lit a fire to his veins.  It burned through his blood, running straight to his groin. 

It was amazing how a simple press of lips together could turn him inside out.  When Elrohir finally drew back, both were breathing heavily.  They regarded each other for a long moment, taking in the bruised lips, dilated eyes, and flushed faces.   It was quite clear to Erestor what Elrohir was thinking.  The younger elf was obviously wondering if he had gone too far too soon.

Erestor was still trying to catch his breath while Elrohir searched his eyes for an answer.  Seemingly finding what he wanted, the half-elf smiled brilliantly and settled back against the advisor as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

Gently wrapping an arm around his companion, Erestor leaned back against the tree.  He supposed he should count himself lucky.  If he were dating Elladan, he would already be naked and possibly tied to the tree.

Smirking at the thought, he closed his eyes and let the sun relax him.

~~~

The soft song of nightingales brought Elrond from his sleep.  Blinking, his eyes focused on the starry expanse above him.  Startled for a moment, the half-elf levered himself up.  An amused chuckle near his ear brought back the previous day's events.

Oromë had brought him out on his balcony to stop the half-elf from whining about being cooped up.  But that had been hours ago.

"It seems fresh air was just what you needed, beloved," the Hunter's dark voice growled.  The large Ainu was settled comfortably against a nest of pillows.  "You've slept straight through lunch and dinner."

"Hmm," Elrond hummed, settling back against his husband.  "And yet, I'm not terribly hungry."

"You haven't been doing much lately," the Vala said lazily, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind the half-elf's slightly pointed ear. 

"And whose fault is that?" Elrond grumbled, rubbing his cheek against his husband's chest.  The Vala only wore his white undershirt, which was untied at the throat exposing the Vala's tan skin to the half-elf's eyes. 

Oromë didn't need to hear his husband's thoughts to know what he was thinking.  Rolling his eyes, he said, "Only a week or two more, Elrond.  Surely you can wait that long."

Elrond suddenly stilled and looked up at his husband.  Blinking, Oromë was surprised by the sudden seriousness he saw in that gaze.  "I have missed you," the half-elf said simply, but the Hunter could hear the wealth of emotion behind it.  Their connection shuddered with years of pain and loneliness. 

Before this, Elrond had been too weak for them to open their link completely.  The power of the Vala would have overwhelmed his husband and neither was ready to discuss their separation.   But it seemed that Elrond now intended to force the issue and Oromë knew that he could not avoid it. 

Of course, the Vala knew that leaving his husband would hurt him.  He had felt the same pain, the same crushing loneliness for centuries.  It had never gotten better, but remained a weight on his heart calling him to his husband.   Every day the Hunter had lived with a longing so intense it was like a physical thing, wrapping around his every thought, stealing the joy from any occasion, diminishing his senses. 

Yet, even though Oromë had known the heartache his husband would feel, knew the same pain himself, he was still unprepared for the depth of that hurt.  Centuries of suppressed emotions flooded through the Hunter, seeking comfort and healing.  Feelings of anger and pain sought to be soothed, loneliness sought companionship, weariness sought strength, and guilt sought absolution.  The Vala was most distressed by this last emotion. 

Despite his reassurances, Elrond could not help but feel guilty about marrying his wife.  He hadn't loved her, not the way he loved his husband.  He never intended to stay with her.  And yet, his shame was that he didn't feel guilty enough.  For the truth was even with his husband's permission, Elrond felt far guiltier for marrying Celebrían and betraying his husband then he did for trapping her in a marriage with no future. 

Oromë sighed, immensely saddened.  He drew Elrond into his embrace.  "I missed you too," he whispered.  Though he did not let the full extent of his pain rip through their link, as Elrond had done, the Hunter let enough slip through so that his husband knew he had not suffered alone. 

"Why did you go?" the half-elf asked, his words muffled by his husband's broad chest.

"You know the reason," Oromë responded quietly.

"That's not what I meant," Elrond pressed.  The Vala sighed.  He knew what his husband really asked for. 

"I honestly thought you needed children and I certainly could not provide you with any."

"We could have adopted," Elrond said churlishly. 

"You needed your own.  The twins have brought you much joy and will do so for ages to come.  They are for you," Oromë rumbled.

"And Arwen?" Elrond asked quietly.  Beneath him, the Hunter stiffened having not intended to reveal her fate.  When it became apparent that he would get no answer, Elrond sighed.  He had hoped his husband would contradict the feeling of foreboding in his heart, but it appeared his premonition was correct.  "She is for the world," he breathed, feeling his heart contract in grief. 

Oromë's hold on him tightened.  "There will be joy for her," he said, not surprised his husband already knew her fate.  The particulars might be a mystery, but Elrond had always been very intuitive about those he loved.  Even the Vala could not hide from him.

"There will also be much pain," Elrond whispered.  Oromë kissed the crown of his dark head, trying to comfort him.

"Not as much as you think."  Gently, he slid a finger under the half-elf's chin and forced Elrond to meet his gaze.  He read the true fear lurking therein.  "You will not have to bear this sorrow alone, my love."

Tears fell unbidden down Elrond's pale cheeks.  "But you will leave me again."  His voice shook with the certainty of his statement. 

The Vala leaned forward and gently kissed the tears away.  "Yet, my words are true.  It will not be forever.  Soon, very soon, we will unite again, and not but Ilúvatar himself will be able to come between us.  Let that thought comfort you, beloved.  Our souls are meant to be together, and they will be."

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