The Hunter

PART 13

"They are beautiful together, don't you think?" Arwen asked, glancing across the crowded Hall of Fire.  Elladan grunted, taking a deep gulp of his wine.  His sister clucked in disapproval.

"Well, I think they're beautiful," she continued.  "Can you not see the light of their love shining from their eyes?"  Again, she received a grunt.  Rolling her eyes, Arwen reached over and snatched the offending drink from her brother's grasp.

"Hey!" he said, trying to reach it, but she quickly delivered it to a passing servant with a look that said her brother was to be served no more.  The servant bowed and moved on.  Elladan grumbled, for he knew no one was going to argue with his sister.  He was out of luck.

Smiling sweetly, Arwen patted his arm in consolation.  "Now will you pay attention?"

"I was paying attention.  It's not my fault you're boring," he said with mock exasperation.  Arwen playfully stuck her tongue out at him, but then grew serious.  Nervously, she began to straighten her skirts.  Elladan eyed the action warily.  He knew it to be a habit of hers before she began a topic she felt her listener did not want to talk about.

"I wish to know what you think about all of this," she said quietly.

"All of what?" Elladan asked, sitting up slightly in his chair.  Arwen turned her lovely gray eyes to his, catching him in her gaze. 

"Father and the Vala, Elrohir and Erestor.  You cannot fool me, Elladan.  Father and Elrohir are the closest people to you in all of Middle-earth.  Now that they are occupied with lovers, I wish to know what you feel."  Elladan rolled his eyes.

"It's not like it's a huge shock.  I mean meeting a Vala's a bit surreal, but we've always known father was married before, and even if that was a bit cerebral, mother usually commanded father's attention when she was here.  It's not like it feels that weird to have him doting on a lover."

"And Elrohir?" Arwen pressed, glancing down the table to where her brother was laughing at something Erestor said.  Elladan followed her gaze, but his expression was unreadable.

"Elrohir is my twin, Arwen.  That means he can't hide things from me.  He's been in love with Erestor since forever.  It's only natural he'd snare him one day.  Actually . . ." Elladan trailed off, eyeing the pair more critically.  After a moment, he glanced back at his sister.  "They look right together, like they were meant to be with each other."  Elladan shrugged, not really sure what he meant.

Arwen glanced at the pair, a thoughtful expression on her beautiful face.  Slowly, she turned back to him.  "I agree that they belong together, but what do you feel about it?" she persisted.

"Valar's sake, Arwen!  What do you want me to say?" Elladan grumbled, slumping in his chair.  Arwen gently laid her slim hand on his arm.

"I wish for you to acknowledge that our brother's thoughts and time will be filled by another.  You've always been so close; are you sure you will not end up resenting Erestor?" she asked seriously.

"It's not like we're hooked at the hip.  We don't have to do everything together; we just choose to."

"And now Elrohir will choose to do things with Erestor instead of you."  Elladan rolled his eyes again.  Honestly, his sister could be so stubborn.

"Look, you want the truth, I'll tell you.  If it was anybody other than Erestor, yeah, I'd be jealous as hell, but it's not.  Erestor knows us; he knows our bond.  He was there when father lost his brother.  Father can't even talk about it, so I know his bond was as deep as our own.  Erestor loves Elrohir; that's what matters, and because he loves my twin, he won't want to see him hurt.  Separating us will hurt Elrohir, so Erestor won't do that.  He respects our bond.  And, this is Erestor we're talking about.  He might be indulging Elrohir now, but eventually he's going to go back to his normal workload, which means that Elrohir will have ample hours with nothing to do but stare at paint.  I'll still have more of his time than I can stand.  Satisfied?" Elladan spat, clearly annoyed, but then he never responded well to emotional prodding. 

Arwen bowed her head demurely, though Elladan knew she felt anything but.

"Now, Princess, is there anything else you wanted to know?" he asked, though the venom in his tone suggested that she better not.

Completely unperturbed by his threat, Arwen absently picked a stray thread from her dress.

"Actually, I'm not quite convinced that you're okay with father's husband," she began but couldn't continue as Elladan growled.  Abruptly, he stood, knowing he was being teased.  Muttering darkly about obnoxious sisters, he went in search of another drink, Arwen's laughter floating after him.

~~~

Oromë waited impatiently in his husband's rooms.  Elrond had left an hour ago to talk to Aewréd.  The Vala knew what the outcome of that conversation was going to be, and he knew what his husband would want directly afterwards.  With that in mind, he had set out to make a romantic atmosphere in the half-elf's large bedroom.  He was determined that their first time after so lengthy a separation should be special. 

He had spread scented candles over every conceivable surface, bringing a cheery glow to the large chambers.  Having thoroughly searched the room while Elrond slept, the Vala knew exactly where the silken sheets were kept and had used them for the bed.  He had also had the cooks prepare his husband's favorite dinner. 

The Hunter frowned at the perfectly set table, wondering if it would be used.  Knowing his beloved, food would be the last thing on his mind, but at the same time Elrond was still recovering and Oromë felt it important that he ate right.  Well, at the very least some of the food was not warm and could wait until afterwards. 

The thought brought a wicked smile to his face.  Despite his protestations, Oromë was just as eager to make love to his husband as Elrond was.  The only difference was that the Vala had seen his love's broken and bleeding body, had felt his pain, and he was loath to add to that pain in any way.  But now he could feel his husband's spirit thrumming with energy and he had no more fear of hurting him.

Wandering out towards the balcony, Oromë noticed that Tilion, once a servant and fellow huntsman of his order, had risen earlier then was his wont.  The silver fingers of his light reached out even as the golden ones of Arien began to fade.  They mingled together under the light of the Mariner.  It reminded the Hunter of days long since past when the two trees had been at the height of their glory.  He did not dwell on the sadness that they stood no more, but rather accepted that those who bore the remainder of that light had chosen tonight to be especially beautiful.  He was glad of it, for he wished nothing but perfection for this night. 

It was perhaps no more than ten minutes later that Oromë heard the door to the outer chamber open.  Reentering the bedroom, he found Elrond standing in awe by the doorway.  Oromë smiled, waiting for Elrond to notice him. 

The half-elf scanned the room slowly, finally resting his eyes on his husband.  The Vala had taken particular pains with his own appearance, dressing in a green tunic to highlight his eyes, deep brown leggings and knee-high boots.  The tunic was embroidered in gold. 

Without a word, Elrond walked into his beloved's strong embrace.  Oromë breathed in his fresh scent, delighting in the solid feel of the half-elf in his arms.  They were silent for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence.  Finally Elrond leaned back, looking his husband in the eye.

"This is beautiful," he said.  The Vala smiled softly. 

"I'm glad you like it," he whispered.  His breath ghosted over the half-elf's cheek, causing Elrond to shiver. 

"What's the occasion?" Elrond asked, though his eyes had darkened to silver in knowing anticipation.  Oromë smirked.

"Well, you did go to the healers, but considering how long it took, perhaps it's not good news?" he asked, knowing full well the truth.  Elrond rolled his eyes.

"Don't remind me.  Aewréd seeks to talk me dead, I swear.  I can well understand my patients' desire to leave the Healing Halls as soon as possible," he said.  Oromë laughed, but his mirth distracted him and so he was surprised when he was suddenly assaulted by sinfully sweet lips.  He moaned.  It always amazed him how his half-elf could surprise him. 

Their spiritual link burned with their desire, and the Hunter made no attempt to temper it.  He burned with the same passion that blazed within his husband and it was all he could feel.  The feedback from their connection told him Elrond was in the same state. 

It was so overwhelmingly intense that Oromë did not at first notice that they were no longer standing or clothed.  He wasn't sure when they had moved to the bed or who had taken the initiative in undressing them nor did he particularly care.  Instead, he focused on the divine feeling of his husband's lips suckling the side of his neck, the ticklish touch to his sides, and the weight of the half-elf as he leaned on him.  It still amazed him that his half-elf could so completely command his senses that he could lose track of the world around him.  The other Valar would be horrified and the thought made Oromë smirk. 

His smirk quickly dissolved into a groan as Elrond dipped down to taste him.  The Vala knew his husband had been itching to do this ever since Oromë had done the same.  There was nothing hurried about his movements; the half-elf took his time to truly appreciate the length and texture of the Hunter's sex.  His tongue was feather light as he licked up the underside before engulfing the whole length in his hot mouth. 

While his mouth was thus occupied, Elrond's hands seemed to have disappeared.  Oromë couldn't spare a thought to this, his mind barely able to conjure up the order to breath.  Just as his eyes were rolling to the back of his head and the pressure in his groin was almost painful, Elrond drew back.  The Vala glared at him, remembering his husband's penchant for such antics back in the Second Age.

The half-elf smiled innocently, though there was a predatory glint in his eye.  "You don't want to come like this, do you my love?" he asked.  His voice still held a hint of gruffness from his injury and it sent a chill of desire through the Vala.

Growling, Oromë quickly reversed their positions determined to tease Elrond until he was begging for completion.  No longer worried about injuring his lover, the Hunter set about making his half-elf burn with pleasure.

Even as he kissed every square inch of his beloved's pale skin save for the cock pressing into his stomach, his mind was thoroughly trapped by his husband's pleasure.  The Vala could feel it, as surely as Elrond felt his own.  It was like swimming through golden warm sap that sunk into every pore, wrapping around and inside of him.  He knew it to be his husband's spirit, seeking to become one with his own.  They were never closer than at the moment of their climax. 

When first they married, they had reveled in the physical side of their relationship.  Their delight had not diminished over the years, but it had been replaced by something far more intense.  The spiritual connection between them had strengthened and deepened over time, overwhelming the joy of the physical.  Oromë had missed this more than he was willing to admit.  If he could think at all, the Hunter would weep that he would have to be parted from this once again.  But he did not think, he merely felt. 

The Vala felt the tightness of his husband surrounding him, felt the warmth of his half-elf's chest pressed against him, the cool breath against his heated skin.  Elrond breathless moans sent shivers of delight through him.  Slight tracks of pain flared on his back from where his husband's nails drew blood.

All too soon, he felt the tightening in his groin that signaled an end.  Elrond groaned loudly, arching his hips off the bed and impaling himself one last time before coming.  Oromë basked in his husband's pleasure, feeling it uncoil within him like an uncorked champagne bottle.  Not wishing to be left behind, he thrust wildly a few more times before reaching his own climax.

As jolts of ecstasy spiraled within him, the Vala felt his husband's presence gently holding his spirit as it shook.  It was many minutes later that he was able to feel Elrond's very real arms holding his physical form too. 

Looking up into sated silver eyes, the Vala leaned in for a gentle kiss.  "Was that what you wanted, love?" he purred. 

Elrond only smiled back.  There was a particular glint in his beautiful eyes that Oromë knew well.  Dinner was guaranteed to be cold.

~~~

At night, the Hall of Fire was always filled with laughter and song.  Open archways led into gardens where elves danced under the stars.  Elflings sat at the feet of the minstrels where they learned their history through song.  Young elves just short of their majority watched as their seniors awkwardly courted each other among the green hedges.  Adults watched all of this with humor. 

The ambiance this night was particularly relaxed.  Not more than a few weeks back, no one had gone to the Hall while their lord was missing.  No one had had the heart for merriment.  When Lord Elrond had returned home, the atmosphere had been forced, the laughter a little too loud, the wine flowing a little too much.  But now, the people of Imladris had seen their lord around.  Though still not up to an entire evening meal, Elrond had been seen walking the gardens with his husband. 

Much of the gossip centered on the Vala.  Most elves could not believe that a Vala was in Imladris at the moment, for Oromë had seldom been seen.  Those that had seen him naturally could not think him anything but a Vala.  Regardless of the debate, it was understood that Elrond's husband had returned and he had brought much joy to their lord.  Those few who had seen the half-elf had noticed the gentle light shining from his gray eyes and the smile on his lips.  It heartened them to see him happy so soon after his abduction.

The only possible conflict anyone could see would be between their lord's children and his husband, but the younger half-elves had not seemed to mind their stepfather.  Many elves thought it was because of their father's recent torment.  They predicted things would boil over soon after Elrond was completely well.

Completely oblivious to all of the gossip, Elrohir was currently losing himself in the study of his beloved's warm eyes.  Erestor and Elrohir's new relationship had largely been unmarked by Imladris gossip, due mostly to everyone's preoccupation with their lord's health and husband. 

"You've been neglecting your twin," Erestor said, his wine-dark voice sending shivers down Elrohir's spine.

"Huh?" he asked, too entranced by the advisor's tone to listen to his words.  Erestor laughed.

"Your brother, you're neglecting him."  Elrohir frowned at the sudden change of topic.

"I am not," he protested, which earned him a raised eyebrow from his beloved.

"Then why has he spent all evening glaring at me?" Elrohir turned to find Elladan watching them from across the room.  One look told him that his twin wasn't happy.

"Oh," Elrohir said.  Erestor laughed.

"Yes, 'oh'.  Why don't you go speak with him?" Erestor said, taking Elrohir's glass from him.

"I'd rather spend time with you," Elrohir purred.

"Which is doubtless the problem," Erestor said drolly.  "Go on, you've spent far too much time with me lately.  That can't be healthy."

Pouting prettily, Elrohir obediently made his way toward his brother.  Elladan watched him without expression. 

"So, why are you sulking here in the corner?" Elrohir asked.

"I'm not," Elladan said calmly.  The younger twin came to a stop besides his twin, leaning against the wall.  Without a word, Elladan moved closer, resting his head on Elrohir's shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Elrohir said, his gaze directed toward the dark-haired advisor.

"Don't be," Elladan responded, not needing to ask what his twin was talking about.  His gaze also turned towards the advisor, watching as Erestor talked with one of his scribes. 

"So . . . sparring tomorrow morning?" Elrohir asked.

"Kicked you out already, huh?" Elladan's remark earned him a hard punch to his shoulder.

"He was worried about you for some reason."

"It's just an excuse."

"Yeah, an excuse to ogle my backside," Elrohir shot back.

"Which is highly overrated."

"And which is exactly like yours."

"Mine's prettier.  I work out more," Elladan said, still keeping his tone perfectly bored.  The two stood silent for a moment before bursting out laughing. 

"Come on," Elrohir said.  "Let's go get you a girl."

Elladan snorted.  "As if I need any help with that."

"Says the half-elf standing in the corner."

"My choice," Elladan countered.

"Lousy choice, O Heir of Imladris."  Elladan rolled his eyes.

"Don't remind me."

Laughing, Elrohir grabbed his brother's arm and began dragging him into the crowd.  "Fine, if you won't have a girl, how about a drink."

"Now that I'll do."

~~~

The day was appropriately gloomy.  Dark gray clouds hung heavily over Imladris, washing the color from the world below.  Nahar gleamed dully against the gray background, head hung low.  Beside him, his master looked no better. 

It had been nearly a year since Elrond's recovery.  To both the Vala and the half-elf, it seemed as though no time had passed.  But the other Valar had called Oromë, reminding him his duty lay in Valinor.  So, it was with a heavy heart that he prepared to go.  He had said his goodbyes with his husband privately after Elrond's family had gathered for a farewell meal. 

Elrond was handling this separation far better than the previous ones.  Time had taught him many things, and he realized the place of the Valar was not in Middle-earth.  Of course, it did not make the parting any less sad, but both spouses felt the time approaching when they would meet again. 

The half-elf had learned to cherish the time he had with the ones he loved while they were with him.  He had used his time over the last year well, building up many happy memories to sustain him until their next meeting.  Now was the time for him to cherish the time he had left with his daughter.  Elrond had long ago learned not to dwell on the losses that would come.

Oromë followed his husband's example.  Even as he mounted, taking in the dreary scene before him, his heart was warmed by his husband's love.  Though his half-elf could not know the exact date of their union, the Hunter knew how many years would pass before Elrond stepped foot on Valinor.  To one who had lived Ages, it seemed but a heartbeat away. 

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