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tolkien_slashy_swaps2006-12-22 11:06 am
aglarien1.livejournal.com) wrote in tolkien_slashy_swaps2006-12-22 11:06 am
Love Breaks the Chains (2/2) For Verayelwe
Title: Love Breaks the Chains (2/2)
Author: Aglarien
Beta: Ennorwen
Email: agie@aglarien.com
Rating: R
Pairings: Melpomaen/Glorfindel, Elrond/Erestor
Warning: AU.
Written for the Slashy Santa Fiction Exchange for Verayelwe
Request: G – NC-17. There should be some fluffiness, Mel suffering from a lack of self-confidence, getting some comfort. A few candles and a present would be nice.
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine, except for the cats. Master Tolkien owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them.
Summary: A lonely elf is rescued from a life of slavery and taken to Imladris.
Special thanks to Lady Mirfain for the title.
Glorfindel did indeed push them to ride hard and fast that day, stopping only when and for as long as the horses needed to rest. Each day was colder than the previous, and each nearly freezing night held the promise of the coming snows. They followed the Bruinen, and by the time they stopped to camp for the night, Glorfindel knew they would reach home just before nightfall the following day.
As their camp was being set up, Melpomaen again looked at the river. “May I wash in the river again tonight, Glorfindel?”
Glorfindel stopped pulling blankets out of his pack and thought for a moment. “The river is deeper and swifter here, and the night colder. Although a normal elf does not feel the cold, little one, I fear you may not be strong enough for either its coldness or its swiftness.”
Melpomaen looked up at the golden elf and smiled. “If you think it best, than I shall not.” It was comforting to have someone care for him, and he trusted Glorfindel, as he did the other elves he traveled with now.
Glorfindel expected the elf to be disappointed, and when Melpomaen did not appear to be, the captain looked at the smaller elf quizzically. “You trust me,” he said softly.
Melpomaen nodded. “I can feel your goodness – I can see your light, and know I do not have to fear. I trust you.”
“What of Erestor and the others?”
Melpomaen nodded. “I had forgotten what it was like to be able to sense another elf – to see their light. Today, when we rested at midday, after I told you and Erestor how I had been taken, I saw it - felt it. Talking about my life before brought it all back. Your light is very strong, Glorfindel, and Erestor’s is nearly as bright. I can sense the goodness and kindness all around me, like I did when I was an elfling, and it feels wonderful. I feel safe, like I did then.” Melpomaen’s eyes shone with unshed tears. Glorfindel held out his arms and Melpomaen walked into them, savoring the strength in the arms that surrounded him and never wanting to leave them, and he felt at peace.
Erestor looked up from where he sat writing and watched Glorfindel and Melpomaen together. Melpomaen had told them how he had been taken by a group of men when he was barely past his majority and had been journeying from his home to visit a friend. It was too late in the season to send word to all of the elven realms and search for Melpomaen’s parents, but when spring came again, they would do so. Smiling as he saw how protectively Glorfindel held the little elf, he turned back to his writing. When they reached the first border outpost of Imladris he would send a sentry ahead to deliver the letter with its news of Melpomaen to Elrond.
Melpomaen was provided with warm water that had been heated over the fire for washing, and after they had eaten another meal of rich hot stew made with the remaining vegetables and fresh meat, the elves settled down to rest. The night was colder than the last, and when he shivered in the chill air as they moved to where the bedrolls lay waiting, the little elf was thankful that Glorfindel had not allowed him to bathe in the river.
Both Erestor and Glorfindel had seen the shiver, and they looked at one another over the smaller elf’s head. As they lay down to sleep, both of the elder elves draped their cloaks over the little elf and covered themselves with only a blanket. Snuggling up on each side of Melpomaen, they held him close and shared their body heat.
Melpomaen was cold and tired. Lying down, he suddenly felt warmth enfold him and a sigh of contentment left his lips. Turning to cuddle closer to Glorfindel, he fell into an exhausted reverie.
~~~*~~~
Erestor watched the sentry from the first border outpost ride away with his letter. Now that they were within the borders of Imladris again, they would allow the horses to rest for an hour before continuing on.
“Your letter is on its way?” Glorfindel asked, coming to stand beside the counselor. “I wonder what else is with your letter to Elrond other than the news of Melpomaen.”
Erestor snorted and slapped his old friend playfully on the arm. “None of your business, Glorfindel.” He turned to the golden lord and smiled. “I am anxious to return home, but I also want to give Elrond the time to have a room near us in the family wing prepared for Melpomaen. Come. Let us sit with him and see if he has any more questions for us.”
Glorfindel had already explained to the little elf what he would find in Imladris, and showed him the proper way to greet their lord when he met Elrond. Melpomaen had been full of questions, and the closer they got to Imladris, the more nervous he became. The fact that the border guards had welcomed him as a new resident of the valley helped quell his fears only a little. Erestor called Melpomaen away from the guards who were trying to make him feel more comfortable with their stories.
As Melpomaen seated himself with the two older elves he now thought of as his friends, he asked, “Glorfindel, Erestor….are you sure that I will be allowed to remain in Imladris for a while? I am a little scared. If your lord does not allow me to stay, I do not know what I shall do. I know no one but you – I do not even know if my parents are still alive. He…he will not send me away from you, will he?”
Erestor reached out to the smaller elf first, stroking his head and cheek. “I promise you, my friend, Elrond is the kindest elf in all of Arda. He would never send anyone in need away. Trust me in this. You may stay in Imladris for as long as you wish to.”
Melpomaen still wasn’t convinced. “But how do you know for certain, Erestor?”
“Because I have known Lord Elrond for hundreds of centuries, and know him better than anyone else. But it is also true that anyone who has ever been in Imladris for even the briefest of time will tell you the same. Our lord is mighty, and full of wisdom, but he is also gentle and as kind as summer. You are welcome in Imladris, Melpomaen.”
Glorfindel decided it was time to intervene. There was still doubt in Melpomaen’s eyes, and he thought he knew what might put the elf at ease. Taking the smaller elf’s hands in his own large ones, he asked softly, “Melpomaen, do you not trust us?” When the elf nodded he continued, “All that Erestor says is true, but I yet see fear in your eyes. Do not be afraid, dear one. I make you a promise, here and now. If Elrond does not welcome you, you will not leave alone. I will go with you and care for you, and I will help you search for your family. You will not be alone, this I promise you.”
Melpomaen’s fingers curled around Glorfindel’s. “You would do this for me?”
“I would.”
“But I cannot let you. Your home…..your friends. It would not be right.”
“Melpomaen,” Glorfindel said gently, “it will not be necessary. Imladris will be your home for as long as you wish it to be, and we will help you locate your parents. Trust me. Trust us. Come – let us leave now. The sooner we arrive, the sooner you will see.”
“I will try to believe, Glorfindel,” Melpomaen said. “It is just that I have nothing to offer your lord. I am too small to be one of your guards, and I do not think I would be good at it anyway. I was just an apprentice scribe when I was taken. I had not even finished learning my trade before then.”
“A scribe?” Erestor perked up and grinned. “Did you enjoy the work then?”
Melpomaen nodded. “Very much. I loved books and writing, and I was told I had a talent for drawing maps. But it was so long ago.”
“Melpomaen, Elrond and I are always searching for new scribes. You shall be a scribe if that if that is what you wish, and I shall personally finish your training. Does that sound good to you?” Erestor smiled hopefully. Perhaps they had finally found something to give the elf confidence, and he really did need more scribes.
“That is a wonderful idea, Erestor!” Glorfindel exclaimed, still holding onto Melpomaen’s little hands. “You see, little one, you do have something to offer!”
“Thank you, Erestor,” Melpomaen whispered, tears forming in his eyes. “I do not know what to say to thank you.”
Erestor smiled. “It is I who will thank you for working with me and helping me, little one. Now, come. I want to go home. I miss my mate.”
“You are bonded, Erestor?” Melpomaen asked, surprised. “Then we should hurry. I remember how my parents hated to be separated from each other, even for a day. Are you wed as well, Glorfindel?”
“Not yet, little one,” Glorfindel answered, finally releasing Melpomaen’s hands and helping him to stand. “I have been waiting for the right elf to come along.” And perhaps he finally has, the captain thought, smiling. Perhaps he finally has.
~~~*~~~
At his first sight of Imladris and the Last Homely House, Melpomaen’s breath was stolen away. Nothing anyone had told him had prepared him for the sight of the waterfalls and the huge, rambling house. Before long, they had crossed the bridge and were entering the courtyard. The little elf grew shy, seeing all of the elves who had gathered to welcome the party home, but then he forgot his shyness and smiled to see Erestor leap off of his horse and into the arms of a tall elf who had hurried down the house steps to greet him.
“Erestor is back with his mate again,” Melpomaen said quietly. “I am happy for him.” He turned his head back and smiled up at Glorfindel. “Is Lord Elrond here? Which is he, Glorfindel?”
Glorfindel grinned. Erestor had insisted that they keep the information from Melpomaen, for fear it would further intimidate the little elf. “Well, do you see the tall elf, very regally dressed, who is at this moment kissing Erestor as if his very life depended on it? That elf is Lord Elrond. The two tall and handsome twin elves hovering near are Elrond’s sons, who await their turn to greet and embrace their returned step-father.”
Melpomaen gasped. “Erestor’s bonded is Lord Elrond? Then it is true. I really can stay here with you.”
“Yes, dear one. It is all true,” Glorfindel replied as he dismounted and helped Melpomaen down. “We will wait for Erestor to greet his family before we approach.”
Melpomaen stood beside the tall captain, holding onto his hand for support. Families greeted the returning escort party and led the guards away to their homes, stable hands came and took care of the horses, and soon only a few remained in the courtyard. Erestor and Elrond finally finished embracing and the councilor embraced his step-sons. “It reminds me of being home with my parents,” Melpomaen whispered. “I wonder where they are – if they have sailed.”
Glorfindel doubted Melpomaen’s parents would have stopped searching for him and sailed, and was hopeful they could be located come spring. “We will find them, dear one. I believe they are still in Arda, searching for you.”
“Why do you say that, Glorfindel?” Melpomaen’s eyes glistened with welling tears as he looked up at the tall elf.
“Because if I had lost you, I would never cease to search for you,” Glorfindel whispered. Raising Melpomaen’s hand to his lips, he kissed it softly. The two elves, one golden and tall, the other dark and small, continued to look into each other’s eyes as Elrond and Erestor came to them.
“Glorfindel, my dear friend,” Elrond said, clasping his captain on the shoulder, “thank you for bringing Erestor safely home to me.”
“It was my honor, my lord,” Glorfindel said, finally dragging his eyes away from Melpomaen and clasping Elrond’s arm. “May I introduce you to Melpomaen, whom Erestor has told you about?”
“Melpomaen.” Elrond smiled warmly, addressing the young elf. “You are most welcome in Imladris. I hope you will decide to stay with us, and after we have located your parents, perhaps they will come here as well. All elves of good will are welcome in this valley.”
Melpomaen placed his hand over his heart and bowed, as Glorfindel had shown him, then looked up into sparkling grey eyes, the kindest he had known. What Erestor had told him of Elrond was all true, and Melpomaen could see it in those grey eyes. “Thank you, my lord. I am most grateful to Lord Erestor for finding me and bringing me here. I have little to offer you in return, I fear.”
“Nonsense, Melpomaen,” Erestor chided with a smile. “Elrond, my love, he was studying to be a scribe, I have assured him that I will continue to teach him after he has recovered and he may have a place here, helping us.”
Elrond’s eyebrows rose and his smile grew broader. “A scribe? Wonderful! We always have need of more scribes. But first, rest, eat well, and get to know the house and its inhabitants. Erestor wrote in his letter that you seem to be free of injury, but I would still feel better if you let me examine you. Come into the house, and I will show you to your new rooms, which are close to ours and Glorfindel’s.”
As Elrond and Erestor led the way into the house, Melpomaen whispered to Glorfindel, “Why does he wish to examine me? Is he a healer?”
Glorfindel smiled and nodded. “He is a very gifted healer, and he also cares greatly for his people. He needs to assure himself that you are well.”
Melpomaen nodded. “Then I shall let him examine me,” he said. His eyes darted around his surroundings in amazement. Never had he seen a house so beautiful or grand.
Finally reaching Melpomaen’s rooms in the family wing, Elrond opened the door and stood aside for the smaller elf to enter. Melpomaen stood at the door, his eyes widening in surprise. “These rooms are much too grand for me, my lord,” he said in a small voice. There was a sitting room with comfortable chairs and a roaring fire, and he could see the bedroom through an open door. “I do not require so much space or luxury,” he added in a whisper.
Elrond simply smiled. “Come inside and let me check you, Melpomaen.” He led the elf to the bedroom and motioned for him to be seated on the bed. “Do you wish for Erestor and Glorfindel to leave while I do this, my friend?”
Melpomaen shook his head and reached for Glorfindel’s hand, thankful the elder elf had remained close to him. “Please, let them stay, my lord. They have told me how kind you are and that you are a great healer, but I feel safe with them.” Realizing what he just said, he froze and stared at Elrond. “I am sorry,” he whispered. “I did not mean that I am not safe with you, my lord. You are Erestor’s mate, so I trust you too.” He was glad that Glorfindel was rubbing his hand.
Elrond merely chuckled. When Melpomaen’s tunic had finally been removed and Elrond had conducted his examination, including the lash marks on the small elf’s back, the healer knelt before him.
Melpomaen sat, still holding onto Glorfindel’s hand and looked into Elrond’s pain-filled eyes. “Is something wrong, my lord?” he whispered.
Melpomaen’s gaunt state, visible under his clothing, had shocked the healer to his core. He had never seen anyone who had been so mistreated for so long before. It was a wonder that the elf still lived. Drawing a deep breathe, he said, “No, my friend, there is nothing wrong now. But I am deeply disturbed by the state you are in. You must have been close to death. I do not know how you managed to stay alive all this time, but I rejoice that you have, and that you are with us now where we can care for you.”
Melpomaen looked at Elrond and tears formed in the small elf’s eyes. “It was very bad just before….before Glorfindel and Erestor found me,” he whispered. “When my old master died, my new one did not allow me any food – he said he could not afford to feed anyone like me, and he beat me when I was too slow because I was tired and hungry. When the trader was selling me, I knew I had not long to live. But then they came, and for the first time in so long I had food, and warmth, and they even washed me and gave me warm clothes to wear. Glorfindel held me in front of him on his horse so I would not fall, and he placed his arms around me and kept me warm as I slept. They took care of me.”
“I have a salve I want to put on the lash marks, little one, which will help them heal,” Elrond said. “But the main thing is for you to rest and eat well to rebuild your strength. Are you very tired?”
Melpomaen nodded and said, “I am tired a lot now.”
“Yes, I should think that you are,” Elrond replied gently, brushing auburn hair gently out of Melpomaen’s face with is fingers.
“He slept as we traveled for much of the day, Elrond,” Glorfindel added, “and was exhausted and cold at night.”
“I think it would be best if you rested for several days, my friend,” Elrond said. “You can take your meals in your rooms for a few days until you are feeling better, and I will check on you often. Then we will have a dinner to celebrate your freedom and welcome you properly. How does that sound?”
Melpomaen thought for a moment, and then gathered his courage. Elrond was kind….maybe he would understand. “Do I have to be in here alone, my lord? I have been alone for so long. I do not want to be by myself anymore.”
Glorfindel spoke before Elrond could reply. “May he not stay with me, Elrond? You have my word that I will take care of him, and I will make sure he rests and will not allow him to do too much.”
“Does that meet with your approval, Melpomaen?” Elrond asked. “Would you like to stay with Glorfindel?”
“Oh, yes. Please, may I, my lord?” Melpomaen held Glorfindel’s hand tighter.
“Of course you may, and you must call me Elrond,” the healer replied, smiling at the little elf. “I must insist that you keep these rooms, though. Later you may wish for a place to retire to for privacy. Go with Glorfindel to his rooms now, and Erestor and I will bring your things we moved into these rooms for you. Glorfindel, I will give you the salve for his back to use after he has bathed then.”
“Things, my lord?” Melpomaen asked, cocking his head. “I have no things.”
“Oh, but you do,” Elrond replied. “You have several changes of clothing in the wardrobe, some brushes and combs, and a few other personal items we placed here for you.” He drew the little elf’s tunic around him. “Go with Glorfindel, my friend, and Erestor and I will be there shortly.”
Melpomaen, simply continued sitting, staring at Elrond and looking bemused.
“Melpomaen,” Glorfindel said softly. It was obvious the elf was exhausted again and not able to think properly. “Look at me?” When he had the elf’s attention, he said, “All is well, little one. Do not be concerned. Come with me now.”
The small elf finally stood and allowed Glorfindel to draw him away, giving one last look at Elrond over his shoulder.
“He is exhausted, the poor dear,” Erestor said. The counselor had simply stood and waited, quietly observing the whole while. “Tomorrow when he is more rested it will make more sense to him.”
Elrond sat on the bed and opened his arms for Erestor to join him. Once he had his husband safely in his arms again, he said, “Thank the Valar you found him, my love. It is remarkable that the goodness in his soul has remained untouched by it all. He has a loving heart.”
“He does,” Erestor replied, snuggling against his mate. “Where did you find the clothing for him?”
“Some are the twins’ from when they were younger – barely worn. They grew so fast. Some are….well, there were no underclothes or night robes, and we did not think you would miss the night robes.” Elrond grinned as Erestor chuckled against his chest. “Let us get those things and get to Glorfindel’s rooms, my love. I cannot wait to have to you all to myself to show you how much I have missed you.”
“That sounds like a plan,” Erestor said before bestowing a soft kiss on his husband’s lips. “I have missed you more than I can say.” Rising, he pulled Elrond up and went to the wardrobe. “I believe that Glorfindel is falling in love with Melpomaen. I watched Glorfindel as you were examining our new little friend, and as we were traveling. I have never seen our captain so taken with anyone. It is in his eyes – the way he looks at Melpomaen.”
“Is it now?” Elrond smiled as he folded the clothing in the wardrobe and stacked it in Erestor’s arms. “Now that is good news. It is about time that Glorfindel found a mate.” He chuckled. “Well, well. Glorfindel and little Melpomaen – who would have thought he would fall for a little scribe.”
“Well, you did,” Erestor smirked, which made Elrond chuckle all the more.
~~~*~~~
Glorfindel led Melpomaen into his rooms just across the hall, on the way asking a passing servant to bring their dinner to his rooms. Settling the little elf on a chaise lounge before the fire in his sitting room and covering him with a blanket, he said, “I know you are tired, dear one, but you will rest better after a bath and a meal. Stay here where it is warm and I will draw your bath. After you bathe, we will eat.” He had just started to move away when a large, golden streak flew through the room and landed on the lounge. “Well, greetings, Malthen. Did you miss me?”
“Oh, a cat! Glorfindel, you have a cat!” Melpomaen reached out and stroked the animal’s long golden fur.
“Sometimes I think it is he who has me. His name is Malthen, but Erestor calls him Glorfindel kitty,” Glorfindel said. “Ungrateful wretch. Not even a greeting for me – he goes straight to you.” He grinned watching Melpomaen bury his face in the cat’s fur. “Do you like cats?”
“I love cats,” Melpomaen said softly, scratching the cat behind his ears. “They were my only comfort, and they kept me company.”
“I think you have made a new friend,” Glorfindel said softly, petting the cat. “Keep Melpomaen company while I fix his bath, Malthen.”
Malthen purred happily and curled up on Melpomaen’s lap. He was happy to see his master was back, but he had a new elf, and one who knew just where to scratch him! He couldn’t wait to tell his friend, Tinnu. Tinnu had two elves, and now he did too! He knew the small elf Glorfindel had brought home was his because his master never let anyone else lay on the lounge with a blanket. He rubbed his head on his new elf’s little hand, purring, “Mine…mine...mine.”
Glorfindel opened the taps to fill his huge bathtub from the hot springs under Imladris, and added soothing lavender oil to the water. Checking to make sure he had fresh towels ready, he returned to the sitting room just as a knock sounded on his door. Calling out, “Enter!” he smiled as he watched Melpomaen and Malthen.
Melpomaen looked up as Erestor and Elrond entered the room with his clothing. Trailing behind them was a large, solid black cat. The cat jumped onto the lounge and nosed Malthen in greeting. “Oh, do you have a cat too, Erestor?” he asked.
Erestor smiled, happy to see that Melpomaen was much more relaxed, probably thanks to the cat. “His name is Tinnu. I see that Glorfindel kitty has made a new friend already.”
“He is a beautiful cat. So soft.” Melpomaen watched the two cats, who seemed to be quietly meowing at each other. “What are they doing, Erestor?”
“Hmmm?” Erestor was distracted, watching his gorgeous husband hand Melpomaen’s clothing to Glorfindel and explain how to apply the salve they had also brought. “Oh – they are talking. They are friends.”
“Cats talking to each other?” Melpomaen whispered in amazement.
Erestor laughed, though there was only one thing on his mind, and it wasn’t cats. Taking Elrond’s arm, he said, “We will see you tomorrow, little one. Let Glorfindel care for you and rest well.” He bent and placed a chaste kiss on Melpomaen’s brow. “Good night, my friend. Good night, Glorfindel. Tinnu, are you staying or coming with us?”
The black cat gave Glorfindel kitty’s face a lick before bounding off of the lounge and running after Erestor and Elrond.
Glorfindel chuckled as he carried the clothing, brush, salve, and other items Elrond had brought into the bedroom. He suspected neither his lord nor his good friend would be getting much rest that night.
And so began Melpomaen’s new life in Imladris. Glorfindel helped the small elf with his bath, clothed him in one of Erestor’s warm, but no longer used night robes, fed him his dinner, and bundled him into bed, where Melpomaen slept peaceful and snug between the large warrior and the large golden cat.
Imladris’ captain was true to his word, and took very special care of his smaller charge, and Melpomaen began to gain weight and strength, and his scars healed. He became the darling of not only the cooks, who tempted his appetite with every delicacy they could dream up, but also of the other scribes, who admired his quiet and gentle ways and the sharpness of his mind. Under Erestor’s tutelage, Melpomaen quickly regained his skills, and it wasn’t long before he was working daily along side the counselor.
A little over a month after his arrival, Melpomaen experienced his first Yule in over two centuries among elves, and was touched to tears when each and every resident of the Last Homely House, from its Lord to the servants, celebrated his return among his own kind by presenting him with a gift. The former slave had indeed found a new home, where he was welcomed with open arms.
Melpomaen was also welcomed with open arms in Glorfindel’s bed each night, but the captain was an honorable elf and his touches were chaste. It was perhaps two months after his arrival when a chaste goodnight kiss turned into something more, and there was no doubt in the two elves’ minds and hearts that they were indeed in love and meant to be together.
Even though Melpomaen never returned to the rooms Elrond had originally prepared for him and slept in Glorfindel’s arms each night, the elder elf never overstepped the bounds of propriety, and began to formally court the small elf – which lasted for all of one week. At the end of the week, a fully healed and newly confident Melpomaen declared that if Glorfindel was going to carry on with courting instead of simply asking the younger elf to bond with him, then he was just going to move into those rooms across the hall; he had lived through too much to put up with that nonsense, he was in love, and he wanted Glorfindel. The duly chastened Captain of Imladris and Lord of the House of the Golden Flower somehow managed to have the jewel makers produce two silver betrothal rings by the following day.
When the snow began to melt and the first blossoms of spring touched Imladris, Elrohir and Elladan rode out for their ongoing Orc hunt avenging their mother, and took with them the names and descriptions of Melpomaen’s parents. And the word spread, slowly but surely throughout all of Arda, that Imladris was looking for an elf named Maenion, and his spouse, Melwen.
Melpomaen grew in grace and beauty under the care that was showered upon him, and by the time the first snow of the next winter fell, he was Erestor’s chief assistant and had been given charge over the library, which he loved. Finally realizing that his parents would not be found through another long winter, he told Glorfindel he could not wait any longer, and if his golden love did not marry him soon, he was going to find himself trying to deal with one tiny little aroused and randy elf, begging for the consummation of their love.
The most intelligent Captain of Imladris and Lord of the House of the Golden Flower managed to have the jewel makers produce two golden wedding rings by the following day, and the two were wed in the presence of the Lords Elrond and Erestor, and all of their many friends. And one tiny little aroused and enthusiastic elf was blissfully united in marital intimacy with his beloved.
To Melpomaen’s delight, he discovered exactly how devoted, gentle and romantic his magnificent warrior really was, and lavished all the love in his heart on his intoxicating husband. Glorfindel, for his part, found his exquisite little mate to be an enchanting and fervent lover, and adored him all the more for it. The ancient warrior was deliriously happy, and felt like a youngling again.
~~~*~~~
Glorfindel watched as the lilac-gray eyes he loved cleared. Leaning forward he placed a gentle kiss on his husband’s smiling, sweet lips. “I love you, my heart,” he whispered, enfolding the smaller elf in his arms.
“I love you, my soul,” Melpomaen answered softly, curling against his mate and burying his hands in soft strands of gold. “Is it time to get up and ready ourselves for the celebration?”
“Not just yet.” Glorfindel nuzzled against Melpomaen’s neck and lapped at the soft skin. “We have a little time before we must bathe.”
Melpomaen moaned and stretched his neck, allowing Glorfindel more access. Oh, how he adored that wicked, wonderful tongue and the things it did to him. “Please….please, my love….love me again,” he murmured softly, his love for his perfect mate making him ache with desire.
“Yes,” Glorfindel whispered huskily. “Yes, my dear one, my Mel.” As he sank into his mate’s quivering passage, he captured the sweetest lips with his own, relishing the enchanting sound of Melpomaen’s passion-filled moans and the strong little hands that gripped his shoulders. As slender legs wrapped around him and pulled him deeper, he lost himself in their blissful union of body and soul until all that remained was his Mel, and the power of their love.
~~~*~~~
Arm-in-arm, Glorfindel and Melpomaen descended the stairs to the great hall to join the rest of Imladris gathered there. For the second time in his life, Melpomaen’s breath was taken away as they stopped beside the huge pine tree that stood in the center of the room. It was fairly covered in ribbon and sparkling crystal, and soon it would be alight with the flames of hundreds of tiny candles that were wrapped around its branches. The last of the valley’s elves were gathering in the room with their lords.
“What will you wish for tonight, my heart?” Glorfindel asked softly. Each elf would light one or two candles, making a wish for the coming year as the candle’s wick flickered into flame.
“I will need to light two candles this night, my love,” Melpomaen whispered for his husband’s ear only. “The first candle is to be beside you forever, and the second to be with my parents again.”
“Then I shall light the same with you, beloved, for my wishes are the same.” Leaning down, Glorfindel placed a soft kiss on his husband’s lips, then looked up as Elrond and Erestor, their arms around each other and smiling, came to stand beside them.
“Cirdan is arriving,” Elrond said quietly, giving Glorfindel a small nod. “Elladan and Elrohir have gone to escort his party the last way, and they will be here in time to light their own candles. But the time has come to begin, and we will not keep everyone waiting.” Inviting the gathered elves to move closer around the tree, he spoke of how the tree was a symbol of their valley haven, and the candles a symbol of the stars that were so dear to the elves. Each family and small group of elves was given a long taper, and Elrond, taking his and Erestor’s taper, lit it from the Yule log burning in the hearth.
Erestor laid his hand on Elrond’s, holding the taper with him, and together they lit the first candle on the tree, sharing their wish quietly with each other. Elrond then took the taper and lit the tapers held by the other elves around him, who in turn lit the tapers held by others, and so the flame was passed. One by one, each couple or elf moved to the tree and lit their own little candle, speaking their wishes softly.
Glorfindel and Melpomaen, holding their taper together, lit their first candle on the tree. “As this flame burns brightly,” Melpomaen whispered, “so will my love for you burn until the end of Arda, my husband. Our wish tonight is to be at each other’s side forever.”
Lighting the second candle, Glorfindel whispered, “As this flame burns brightly, so burns my beloved’s longing to greet his parents again. Our wish tonight is for him to hold his nana again and kiss her face, and to be held in his ada’s strong arms once more. We wish for me to know the love of a mother and father once again in them.”
Melpomaen wiped his eyes with his sleeve and leaned into his mate, burying his face into his beloved husband’s chest. “Thank you. I love you so much, Glorfindel,” he whispered.
“As I love you, my dear one, so very much.” Glorfindel blew the flame out on their taper, and wrapped his arms around his mate, just as the doors to the hall burst open to admit Elladan, Elrohir, and a party of perhaps twenty elves. The captain quickly scanned the group. His face lit up when he spotted those he sought. “Look up, beloved. Look to the door. I believe your gift for this most joyous Yule has arrived.”
Melpomaen raised his head and looked, and his eyes met those of a tall elf and his smaller mate. With a shout of joy on his lips, he began to run towards them.
Two of the arriving elves scanned the gathered elves. Time stood still when they spotted the small one they had so long searched for, wrapped in the arms of a tall, golden elf. The auburn covered head lifted, eyes met, and running, they met their beloved son in the center of the room. The three elves fell upon each other, embracing and kissing, and no one in the room doubted who they were or what they were witnessing, and tears of joy flowed freely.
Melpomaen held his mother, as small as he, and covered her face in kisses, before they were both drawn into his father’s arms in a strong embrace. After long minutes, when they could finally speak, Maenion said quietly, “We were told by the sons of Lord Elrond that you are now wed to one of those who rescued you, my son. May we meet your husband so that we may thank him?”
Melpomaen beamed up at his father. “Oh, Ada, you and Nana will love him. I adore him so, and I am so happy with him. Come and meet him.”
Glorfindel had stood watching with Elrond and Erestor. Wiping his tears away as he saw his mate and Melpomaen’s parents turn toward him, he hastened to join them.
When Glorfindel stood beside them, Melpomaen reached out and grasped his husband’s hand. “Ada, Nana,” he said, smiling, “this is my husband, Lord Glorfindel, Captain of Imladris. Beloved, these are my parents, Maenion and Melwen.”
“Lord Glorfindel? The Returned?” Maenion asked in astonishment.
“The very same, Ada,” Melpomaen said, proudly.
“Just Glorfindel,” the captain said quietly. “Just Glorfindel who loves your son more than life or reason, and rejoices to welcome his dearly loved parents to Imladris.”
Melwen laughed, her eyes twinkling. “You are right, my son. I love him already. Well met, Glorfindel…my son”
“Thank you,” Glorfindel smiled at Melpomaen’s beautiful little mother. It was evident from whence his mate got his great beauty and diminutive size. His naneth was as sweet as she was charming. He took Melwen’s hand and kissed the back of it tenderly. “May I call you Nana?”
“That would please me greatly,” Melwen answered softly, her voice as lyrical as her son’s.
Maenion beamed at his wife and son and extended his arm, grasping Glorfindel’s in a warrior’s greeting. “Well met, Glorfindel. You are welcome into our family, and I am proud to call you my law-son.”
Glorfindel grinned. Maenion was a proud, strong warrior, which surprised him, as that information had not been mentioned before. He liked the elf and knew him as one of his own mettle. They would get along just fine, and he knew they would become great friends. “As I am proud to have you for my law-father. It is good to have an ada once again.”
“Ada, Nana, come and greet Lord Elrond and his husband Lord Erestor. It was Erestor who first found me,” Melpomaen said.
“One moment, my son” Melwen said. “There is someone you must meet first, if I can find her. Our Lord Cirdan had her…oh, there she is…” Melwen was off.
“Who is it that I must meet, Ada?” Melpomaen asked.
“Her name is Meniel,” Maenion answered, as Melwen reappeared, holding a smiling little elfling of perhaps ten years old in her arms. “And she is your little sister.”
“Oh!” Melpomaen exclaimed, smiling at the beautiful little elfling. “Oh, hello, little one. Oh, she is beautiful. Oh, I have a sister! Glorfindel, look at her! Is she not beautiful?” Taking the elfling from his mother, he held her close and looked up at Glorfindel with tears again pooling in his eyes. “I have a sister,” he whispered. “I have you, my beloved husband, my ada, my nana, my beautiful little sister, and I am the happiest elf in all of Arda. Happy Yule, my love. Happy Yule, my family. I love you all so much.”
And so Melpomaen’s family came to Imladris one bright Yule eve, and settled down to live in the empty rooms across the hall from Glorfindel and Melpomaen. Lord Cirdan lost three elves from his Havens, but Glorfindel gained a trusted and worthy guard and friend in Maenion, who became his second-in-command; Erestor and Elrond gained another scribe in Melwen; and Glorfindel kitty claimed another elf in Menial, who often lay blanketed on Glorfindel’s lounge while her brother and his mate read or sang to her. Melpomaen finally had his family, and lived in love and happiness with Glorfindel forever more, because Yule tree candle wishes always come true.
The End.
Malthen - Gold
Maenion – skilled
Melwen – dear one
Meniel - maiden of the road
Naneth/Nana – Mother/Mom
Ada- Dad
Author: Aglarien
Beta: Ennorwen
Email: agie@aglarien.com
Rating: R
Pairings: Melpomaen/Glorfindel, Elrond/Erestor
Warning: AU.
Written for the Slashy Santa Fiction Exchange for Verayelwe
Request: G – NC-17. There should be some fluffiness, Mel suffering from a lack of self-confidence, getting some comfort. A few candles and a present would be nice.
Disclaimer: Alas, not mine, except for the cats. Master Tolkien owns all the rest. I promise to return his elves when I’m done playing with them.
Summary: A lonely elf is rescued from a life of slavery and taken to Imladris.
Special thanks to Lady Mirfain for the title.
Glorfindel did indeed push them to ride hard and fast that day, stopping only when and for as long as the horses needed to rest. Each day was colder than the previous, and each nearly freezing night held the promise of the coming snows. They followed the Bruinen, and by the time they stopped to camp for the night, Glorfindel knew they would reach home just before nightfall the following day.
As their camp was being set up, Melpomaen again looked at the river. “May I wash in the river again tonight, Glorfindel?”
Glorfindel stopped pulling blankets out of his pack and thought for a moment. “The river is deeper and swifter here, and the night colder. Although a normal elf does not feel the cold, little one, I fear you may not be strong enough for either its coldness or its swiftness.”
Melpomaen looked up at the golden elf and smiled. “If you think it best, than I shall not.” It was comforting to have someone care for him, and he trusted Glorfindel, as he did the other elves he traveled with now.
Glorfindel expected the elf to be disappointed, and when Melpomaen did not appear to be, the captain looked at the smaller elf quizzically. “You trust me,” he said softly.
Melpomaen nodded. “I can feel your goodness – I can see your light, and know I do not have to fear. I trust you.”
“What of Erestor and the others?”
Melpomaen nodded. “I had forgotten what it was like to be able to sense another elf – to see their light. Today, when we rested at midday, after I told you and Erestor how I had been taken, I saw it - felt it. Talking about my life before brought it all back. Your light is very strong, Glorfindel, and Erestor’s is nearly as bright. I can sense the goodness and kindness all around me, like I did when I was an elfling, and it feels wonderful. I feel safe, like I did then.” Melpomaen’s eyes shone with unshed tears. Glorfindel held out his arms and Melpomaen walked into them, savoring the strength in the arms that surrounded him and never wanting to leave them, and he felt at peace.
Erestor looked up from where he sat writing and watched Glorfindel and Melpomaen together. Melpomaen had told them how he had been taken by a group of men when he was barely past his majority and had been journeying from his home to visit a friend. It was too late in the season to send word to all of the elven realms and search for Melpomaen’s parents, but when spring came again, they would do so. Smiling as he saw how protectively Glorfindel held the little elf, he turned back to his writing. When they reached the first border outpost of Imladris he would send a sentry ahead to deliver the letter with its news of Melpomaen to Elrond.
Melpomaen was provided with warm water that had been heated over the fire for washing, and after they had eaten another meal of rich hot stew made with the remaining vegetables and fresh meat, the elves settled down to rest. The night was colder than the last, and when he shivered in the chill air as they moved to where the bedrolls lay waiting, the little elf was thankful that Glorfindel had not allowed him to bathe in the river.
Both Erestor and Glorfindel had seen the shiver, and they looked at one another over the smaller elf’s head. As they lay down to sleep, both of the elder elves draped their cloaks over the little elf and covered themselves with only a blanket. Snuggling up on each side of Melpomaen, they held him close and shared their body heat.
Melpomaen was cold and tired. Lying down, he suddenly felt warmth enfold him and a sigh of contentment left his lips. Turning to cuddle closer to Glorfindel, he fell into an exhausted reverie.
~~~*~~~
Erestor watched the sentry from the first border outpost ride away with his letter. Now that they were within the borders of Imladris again, they would allow the horses to rest for an hour before continuing on.
“Your letter is on its way?” Glorfindel asked, coming to stand beside the counselor. “I wonder what else is with your letter to Elrond other than the news of Melpomaen.”
Erestor snorted and slapped his old friend playfully on the arm. “None of your business, Glorfindel.” He turned to the golden lord and smiled. “I am anxious to return home, but I also want to give Elrond the time to have a room near us in the family wing prepared for Melpomaen. Come. Let us sit with him and see if he has any more questions for us.”
Glorfindel had already explained to the little elf what he would find in Imladris, and showed him the proper way to greet their lord when he met Elrond. Melpomaen had been full of questions, and the closer they got to Imladris, the more nervous he became. The fact that the border guards had welcomed him as a new resident of the valley helped quell his fears only a little. Erestor called Melpomaen away from the guards who were trying to make him feel more comfortable with their stories.
As Melpomaen seated himself with the two older elves he now thought of as his friends, he asked, “Glorfindel, Erestor….are you sure that I will be allowed to remain in Imladris for a while? I am a little scared. If your lord does not allow me to stay, I do not know what I shall do. I know no one but you – I do not even know if my parents are still alive. He…he will not send me away from you, will he?”
Erestor reached out to the smaller elf first, stroking his head and cheek. “I promise you, my friend, Elrond is the kindest elf in all of Arda. He would never send anyone in need away. Trust me in this. You may stay in Imladris for as long as you wish to.”
Melpomaen still wasn’t convinced. “But how do you know for certain, Erestor?”
“Because I have known Lord Elrond for hundreds of centuries, and know him better than anyone else. But it is also true that anyone who has ever been in Imladris for even the briefest of time will tell you the same. Our lord is mighty, and full of wisdom, but he is also gentle and as kind as summer. You are welcome in Imladris, Melpomaen.”
Glorfindel decided it was time to intervene. There was still doubt in Melpomaen’s eyes, and he thought he knew what might put the elf at ease. Taking the smaller elf’s hands in his own large ones, he asked softly, “Melpomaen, do you not trust us?” When the elf nodded he continued, “All that Erestor says is true, but I yet see fear in your eyes. Do not be afraid, dear one. I make you a promise, here and now. If Elrond does not welcome you, you will not leave alone. I will go with you and care for you, and I will help you search for your family. You will not be alone, this I promise you.”
Melpomaen’s fingers curled around Glorfindel’s. “You would do this for me?”
“I would.”
“But I cannot let you. Your home…..your friends. It would not be right.”
“Melpomaen,” Glorfindel said gently, “it will not be necessary. Imladris will be your home for as long as you wish it to be, and we will help you locate your parents. Trust me. Trust us. Come – let us leave now. The sooner we arrive, the sooner you will see.”
“I will try to believe, Glorfindel,” Melpomaen said. “It is just that I have nothing to offer your lord. I am too small to be one of your guards, and I do not think I would be good at it anyway. I was just an apprentice scribe when I was taken. I had not even finished learning my trade before then.”
“A scribe?” Erestor perked up and grinned. “Did you enjoy the work then?”
Melpomaen nodded. “Very much. I loved books and writing, and I was told I had a talent for drawing maps. But it was so long ago.”
“Melpomaen, Elrond and I are always searching for new scribes. You shall be a scribe if that if that is what you wish, and I shall personally finish your training. Does that sound good to you?” Erestor smiled hopefully. Perhaps they had finally found something to give the elf confidence, and he really did need more scribes.
“That is a wonderful idea, Erestor!” Glorfindel exclaimed, still holding onto Melpomaen’s little hands. “You see, little one, you do have something to offer!”
“Thank you, Erestor,” Melpomaen whispered, tears forming in his eyes. “I do not know what to say to thank you.”
Erestor smiled. “It is I who will thank you for working with me and helping me, little one. Now, come. I want to go home. I miss my mate.”
“You are bonded, Erestor?” Melpomaen asked, surprised. “Then we should hurry. I remember how my parents hated to be separated from each other, even for a day. Are you wed as well, Glorfindel?”
“Not yet, little one,” Glorfindel answered, finally releasing Melpomaen’s hands and helping him to stand. “I have been waiting for the right elf to come along.” And perhaps he finally has, the captain thought, smiling. Perhaps he finally has.
~~~*~~~
At his first sight of Imladris and the Last Homely House, Melpomaen’s breath was stolen away. Nothing anyone had told him had prepared him for the sight of the waterfalls and the huge, rambling house. Before long, they had crossed the bridge and were entering the courtyard. The little elf grew shy, seeing all of the elves who had gathered to welcome the party home, but then he forgot his shyness and smiled to see Erestor leap off of his horse and into the arms of a tall elf who had hurried down the house steps to greet him.
“Erestor is back with his mate again,” Melpomaen said quietly. “I am happy for him.” He turned his head back and smiled up at Glorfindel. “Is Lord Elrond here? Which is he, Glorfindel?”
Glorfindel grinned. Erestor had insisted that they keep the information from Melpomaen, for fear it would further intimidate the little elf. “Well, do you see the tall elf, very regally dressed, who is at this moment kissing Erestor as if his very life depended on it? That elf is Lord Elrond. The two tall and handsome twin elves hovering near are Elrond’s sons, who await their turn to greet and embrace their returned step-father.”
Melpomaen gasped. “Erestor’s bonded is Lord Elrond? Then it is true. I really can stay here with you.”
“Yes, dear one. It is all true,” Glorfindel replied as he dismounted and helped Melpomaen down. “We will wait for Erestor to greet his family before we approach.”
Melpomaen stood beside the tall captain, holding onto his hand for support. Families greeted the returning escort party and led the guards away to their homes, stable hands came and took care of the horses, and soon only a few remained in the courtyard. Erestor and Elrond finally finished embracing and the councilor embraced his step-sons. “It reminds me of being home with my parents,” Melpomaen whispered. “I wonder where they are – if they have sailed.”
Glorfindel doubted Melpomaen’s parents would have stopped searching for him and sailed, and was hopeful they could be located come spring. “We will find them, dear one. I believe they are still in Arda, searching for you.”
“Why do you say that, Glorfindel?” Melpomaen’s eyes glistened with welling tears as he looked up at the tall elf.
“Because if I had lost you, I would never cease to search for you,” Glorfindel whispered. Raising Melpomaen’s hand to his lips, he kissed it softly. The two elves, one golden and tall, the other dark and small, continued to look into each other’s eyes as Elrond and Erestor came to them.
“Glorfindel, my dear friend,” Elrond said, clasping his captain on the shoulder, “thank you for bringing Erestor safely home to me.”
“It was my honor, my lord,” Glorfindel said, finally dragging his eyes away from Melpomaen and clasping Elrond’s arm. “May I introduce you to Melpomaen, whom Erestor has told you about?”
“Melpomaen.” Elrond smiled warmly, addressing the young elf. “You are most welcome in Imladris. I hope you will decide to stay with us, and after we have located your parents, perhaps they will come here as well. All elves of good will are welcome in this valley.”
Melpomaen placed his hand over his heart and bowed, as Glorfindel had shown him, then looked up into sparkling grey eyes, the kindest he had known. What Erestor had told him of Elrond was all true, and Melpomaen could see it in those grey eyes. “Thank you, my lord. I am most grateful to Lord Erestor for finding me and bringing me here. I have little to offer you in return, I fear.”
“Nonsense, Melpomaen,” Erestor chided with a smile. “Elrond, my love, he was studying to be a scribe, I have assured him that I will continue to teach him after he has recovered and he may have a place here, helping us.”
Elrond’s eyebrows rose and his smile grew broader. “A scribe? Wonderful! We always have need of more scribes. But first, rest, eat well, and get to know the house and its inhabitants. Erestor wrote in his letter that you seem to be free of injury, but I would still feel better if you let me examine you. Come into the house, and I will show you to your new rooms, which are close to ours and Glorfindel’s.”
As Elrond and Erestor led the way into the house, Melpomaen whispered to Glorfindel, “Why does he wish to examine me? Is he a healer?”
Glorfindel smiled and nodded. “He is a very gifted healer, and he also cares greatly for his people. He needs to assure himself that you are well.”
Melpomaen nodded. “Then I shall let him examine me,” he said. His eyes darted around his surroundings in amazement. Never had he seen a house so beautiful or grand.
Finally reaching Melpomaen’s rooms in the family wing, Elrond opened the door and stood aside for the smaller elf to enter. Melpomaen stood at the door, his eyes widening in surprise. “These rooms are much too grand for me, my lord,” he said in a small voice. There was a sitting room with comfortable chairs and a roaring fire, and he could see the bedroom through an open door. “I do not require so much space or luxury,” he added in a whisper.
Elrond simply smiled. “Come inside and let me check you, Melpomaen.” He led the elf to the bedroom and motioned for him to be seated on the bed. “Do you wish for Erestor and Glorfindel to leave while I do this, my friend?”
Melpomaen shook his head and reached for Glorfindel’s hand, thankful the elder elf had remained close to him. “Please, let them stay, my lord. They have told me how kind you are and that you are a great healer, but I feel safe with them.” Realizing what he just said, he froze and stared at Elrond. “I am sorry,” he whispered. “I did not mean that I am not safe with you, my lord. You are Erestor’s mate, so I trust you too.” He was glad that Glorfindel was rubbing his hand.
Elrond merely chuckled. When Melpomaen’s tunic had finally been removed and Elrond had conducted his examination, including the lash marks on the small elf’s back, the healer knelt before him.
Melpomaen sat, still holding onto Glorfindel’s hand and looked into Elrond’s pain-filled eyes. “Is something wrong, my lord?” he whispered.
Melpomaen’s gaunt state, visible under his clothing, had shocked the healer to his core. He had never seen anyone who had been so mistreated for so long before. It was a wonder that the elf still lived. Drawing a deep breathe, he said, “No, my friend, there is nothing wrong now. But I am deeply disturbed by the state you are in. You must have been close to death. I do not know how you managed to stay alive all this time, but I rejoice that you have, and that you are with us now where we can care for you.”
Melpomaen looked at Elrond and tears formed in the small elf’s eyes. “It was very bad just before….before Glorfindel and Erestor found me,” he whispered. “When my old master died, my new one did not allow me any food – he said he could not afford to feed anyone like me, and he beat me when I was too slow because I was tired and hungry. When the trader was selling me, I knew I had not long to live. But then they came, and for the first time in so long I had food, and warmth, and they even washed me and gave me warm clothes to wear. Glorfindel held me in front of him on his horse so I would not fall, and he placed his arms around me and kept me warm as I slept. They took care of me.”
“I have a salve I want to put on the lash marks, little one, which will help them heal,” Elrond said. “But the main thing is for you to rest and eat well to rebuild your strength. Are you very tired?”
Melpomaen nodded and said, “I am tired a lot now.”
“Yes, I should think that you are,” Elrond replied gently, brushing auburn hair gently out of Melpomaen’s face with is fingers.
“He slept as we traveled for much of the day, Elrond,” Glorfindel added, “and was exhausted and cold at night.”
“I think it would be best if you rested for several days, my friend,” Elrond said. “You can take your meals in your rooms for a few days until you are feeling better, and I will check on you often. Then we will have a dinner to celebrate your freedom and welcome you properly. How does that sound?”
Melpomaen thought for a moment, and then gathered his courage. Elrond was kind….maybe he would understand. “Do I have to be in here alone, my lord? I have been alone for so long. I do not want to be by myself anymore.”
Glorfindel spoke before Elrond could reply. “May he not stay with me, Elrond? You have my word that I will take care of him, and I will make sure he rests and will not allow him to do too much.”
“Does that meet with your approval, Melpomaen?” Elrond asked. “Would you like to stay with Glorfindel?”
“Oh, yes. Please, may I, my lord?” Melpomaen held Glorfindel’s hand tighter.
“Of course you may, and you must call me Elrond,” the healer replied, smiling at the little elf. “I must insist that you keep these rooms, though. Later you may wish for a place to retire to for privacy. Go with Glorfindel to his rooms now, and Erestor and I will bring your things we moved into these rooms for you. Glorfindel, I will give you the salve for his back to use after he has bathed then.”
“Things, my lord?” Melpomaen asked, cocking his head. “I have no things.”
“Oh, but you do,” Elrond replied. “You have several changes of clothing in the wardrobe, some brushes and combs, and a few other personal items we placed here for you.” He drew the little elf’s tunic around him. “Go with Glorfindel, my friend, and Erestor and I will be there shortly.”
Melpomaen, simply continued sitting, staring at Elrond and looking bemused.
“Melpomaen,” Glorfindel said softly. It was obvious the elf was exhausted again and not able to think properly. “Look at me?” When he had the elf’s attention, he said, “All is well, little one. Do not be concerned. Come with me now.”
The small elf finally stood and allowed Glorfindel to draw him away, giving one last look at Elrond over his shoulder.
“He is exhausted, the poor dear,” Erestor said. The counselor had simply stood and waited, quietly observing the whole while. “Tomorrow when he is more rested it will make more sense to him.”
Elrond sat on the bed and opened his arms for Erestor to join him. Once he had his husband safely in his arms again, he said, “Thank the Valar you found him, my love. It is remarkable that the goodness in his soul has remained untouched by it all. He has a loving heart.”
“He does,” Erestor replied, snuggling against his mate. “Where did you find the clothing for him?”
“Some are the twins’ from when they were younger – barely worn. They grew so fast. Some are….well, there were no underclothes or night robes, and we did not think you would miss the night robes.” Elrond grinned as Erestor chuckled against his chest. “Let us get those things and get to Glorfindel’s rooms, my love. I cannot wait to have to you all to myself to show you how much I have missed you.”
“That sounds like a plan,” Erestor said before bestowing a soft kiss on his husband’s lips. “I have missed you more than I can say.” Rising, he pulled Elrond up and went to the wardrobe. “I believe that Glorfindel is falling in love with Melpomaen. I watched Glorfindel as you were examining our new little friend, and as we were traveling. I have never seen our captain so taken with anyone. It is in his eyes – the way he looks at Melpomaen.”
“Is it now?” Elrond smiled as he folded the clothing in the wardrobe and stacked it in Erestor’s arms. “Now that is good news. It is about time that Glorfindel found a mate.” He chuckled. “Well, well. Glorfindel and little Melpomaen – who would have thought he would fall for a little scribe.”
“Well, you did,” Erestor smirked, which made Elrond chuckle all the more.
~~~*~~~
Glorfindel led Melpomaen into his rooms just across the hall, on the way asking a passing servant to bring their dinner to his rooms. Settling the little elf on a chaise lounge before the fire in his sitting room and covering him with a blanket, he said, “I know you are tired, dear one, but you will rest better after a bath and a meal. Stay here where it is warm and I will draw your bath. After you bathe, we will eat.” He had just started to move away when a large, golden streak flew through the room and landed on the lounge. “Well, greetings, Malthen. Did you miss me?”
“Oh, a cat! Glorfindel, you have a cat!” Melpomaen reached out and stroked the animal’s long golden fur.
“Sometimes I think it is he who has me. His name is Malthen, but Erestor calls him Glorfindel kitty,” Glorfindel said. “Ungrateful wretch. Not even a greeting for me – he goes straight to you.” He grinned watching Melpomaen bury his face in the cat’s fur. “Do you like cats?”
“I love cats,” Melpomaen said softly, scratching the cat behind his ears. “They were my only comfort, and they kept me company.”
“I think you have made a new friend,” Glorfindel said softly, petting the cat. “Keep Melpomaen company while I fix his bath, Malthen.”
Malthen purred happily and curled up on Melpomaen’s lap. He was happy to see his master was back, but he had a new elf, and one who knew just where to scratch him! He couldn’t wait to tell his friend, Tinnu. Tinnu had two elves, and now he did too! He knew the small elf Glorfindel had brought home was his because his master never let anyone else lay on the lounge with a blanket. He rubbed his head on his new elf’s little hand, purring, “Mine…mine...mine.”
Glorfindel opened the taps to fill his huge bathtub from the hot springs under Imladris, and added soothing lavender oil to the water. Checking to make sure he had fresh towels ready, he returned to the sitting room just as a knock sounded on his door. Calling out, “Enter!” he smiled as he watched Melpomaen and Malthen.
Melpomaen looked up as Erestor and Elrond entered the room with his clothing. Trailing behind them was a large, solid black cat. The cat jumped onto the lounge and nosed Malthen in greeting. “Oh, do you have a cat too, Erestor?” he asked.
Erestor smiled, happy to see that Melpomaen was much more relaxed, probably thanks to the cat. “His name is Tinnu. I see that Glorfindel kitty has made a new friend already.”
“He is a beautiful cat. So soft.” Melpomaen watched the two cats, who seemed to be quietly meowing at each other. “What are they doing, Erestor?”
“Hmmm?” Erestor was distracted, watching his gorgeous husband hand Melpomaen’s clothing to Glorfindel and explain how to apply the salve they had also brought. “Oh – they are talking. They are friends.”
“Cats talking to each other?” Melpomaen whispered in amazement.
Erestor laughed, though there was only one thing on his mind, and it wasn’t cats. Taking Elrond’s arm, he said, “We will see you tomorrow, little one. Let Glorfindel care for you and rest well.” He bent and placed a chaste kiss on Melpomaen’s brow. “Good night, my friend. Good night, Glorfindel. Tinnu, are you staying or coming with us?”
The black cat gave Glorfindel kitty’s face a lick before bounding off of the lounge and running after Erestor and Elrond.
Glorfindel chuckled as he carried the clothing, brush, salve, and other items Elrond had brought into the bedroom. He suspected neither his lord nor his good friend would be getting much rest that night.
And so began Melpomaen’s new life in Imladris. Glorfindel helped the small elf with his bath, clothed him in one of Erestor’s warm, but no longer used night robes, fed him his dinner, and bundled him into bed, where Melpomaen slept peaceful and snug between the large warrior and the large golden cat.
Imladris’ captain was true to his word, and took very special care of his smaller charge, and Melpomaen began to gain weight and strength, and his scars healed. He became the darling of not only the cooks, who tempted his appetite with every delicacy they could dream up, but also of the other scribes, who admired his quiet and gentle ways and the sharpness of his mind. Under Erestor’s tutelage, Melpomaen quickly regained his skills, and it wasn’t long before he was working daily along side the counselor.
A little over a month after his arrival, Melpomaen experienced his first Yule in over two centuries among elves, and was touched to tears when each and every resident of the Last Homely House, from its Lord to the servants, celebrated his return among his own kind by presenting him with a gift. The former slave had indeed found a new home, where he was welcomed with open arms.
Melpomaen was also welcomed with open arms in Glorfindel’s bed each night, but the captain was an honorable elf and his touches were chaste. It was perhaps two months after his arrival when a chaste goodnight kiss turned into something more, and there was no doubt in the two elves’ minds and hearts that they were indeed in love and meant to be together.
Even though Melpomaen never returned to the rooms Elrond had originally prepared for him and slept in Glorfindel’s arms each night, the elder elf never overstepped the bounds of propriety, and began to formally court the small elf – which lasted for all of one week. At the end of the week, a fully healed and newly confident Melpomaen declared that if Glorfindel was going to carry on with courting instead of simply asking the younger elf to bond with him, then he was just going to move into those rooms across the hall; he had lived through too much to put up with that nonsense, he was in love, and he wanted Glorfindel. The duly chastened Captain of Imladris and Lord of the House of the Golden Flower somehow managed to have the jewel makers produce two silver betrothal rings by the following day.
When the snow began to melt and the first blossoms of spring touched Imladris, Elrohir and Elladan rode out for their ongoing Orc hunt avenging their mother, and took with them the names and descriptions of Melpomaen’s parents. And the word spread, slowly but surely throughout all of Arda, that Imladris was looking for an elf named Maenion, and his spouse, Melwen.
Melpomaen grew in grace and beauty under the care that was showered upon him, and by the time the first snow of the next winter fell, he was Erestor’s chief assistant and had been given charge over the library, which he loved. Finally realizing that his parents would not be found through another long winter, he told Glorfindel he could not wait any longer, and if his golden love did not marry him soon, he was going to find himself trying to deal with one tiny little aroused and randy elf, begging for the consummation of their love.
The most intelligent Captain of Imladris and Lord of the House of the Golden Flower managed to have the jewel makers produce two golden wedding rings by the following day, and the two were wed in the presence of the Lords Elrond and Erestor, and all of their many friends. And one tiny little aroused and enthusiastic elf was blissfully united in marital intimacy with his beloved.
To Melpomaen’s delight, he discovered exactly how devoted, gentle and romantic his magnificent warrior really was, and lavished all the love in his heart on his intoxicating husband. Glorfindel, for his part, found his exquisite little mate to be an enchanting and fervent lover, and adored him all the more for it. The ancient warrior was deliriously happy, and felt like a youngling again.
~~~*~~~
Glorfindel watched as the lilac-gray eyes he loved cleared. Leaning forward he placed a gentle kiss on his husband’s smiling, sweet lips. “I love you, my heart,” he whispered, enfolding the smaller elf in his arms.
“I love you, my soul,” Melpomaen answered softly, curling against his mate and burying his hands in soft strands of gold. “Is it time to get up and ready ourselves for the celebration?”
“Not just yet.” Glorfindel nuzzled against Melpomaen’s neck and lapped at the soft skin. “We have a little time before we must bathe.”
Melpomaen moaned and stretched his neck, allowing Glorfindel more access. Oh, how he adored that wicked, wonderful tongue and the things it did to him. “Please….please, my love….love me again,” he murmured softly, his love for his perfect mate making him ache with desire.
“Yes,” Glorfindel whispered huskily. “Yes, my dear one, my Mel.” As he sank into his mate’s quivering passage, he captured the sweetest lips with his own, relishing the enchanting sound of Melpomaen’s passion-filled moans and the strong little hands that gripped his shoulders. As slender legs wrapped around him and pulled him deeper, he lost himself in their blissful union of body and soul until all that remained was his Mel, and the power of their love.
~~~*~~~
Arm-in-arm, Glorfindel and Melpomaen descended the stairs to the great hall to join the rest of Imladris gathered there. For the second time in his life, Melpomaen’s breath was taken away as they stopped beside the huge pine tree that stood in the center of the room. It was fairly covered in ribbon and sparkling crystal, and soon it would be alight with the flames of hundreds of tiny candles that were wrapped around its branches. The last of the valley’s elves were gathering in the room with their lords.
“What will you wish for tonight, my heart?” Glorfindel asked softly. Each elf would light one or two candles, making a wish for the coming year as the candle’s wick flickered into flame.
“I will need to light two candles this night, my love,” Melpomaen whispered for his husband’s ear only. “The first candle is to be beside you forever, and the second to be with my parents again.”
“Then I shall light the same with you, beloved, for my wishes are the same.” Leaning down, Glorfindel placed a soft kiss on his husband’s lips, then looked up as Elrond and Erestor, their arms around each other and smiling, came to stand beside them.
“Cirdan is arriving,” Elrond said quietly, giving Glorfindel a small nod. “Elladan and Elrohir have gone to escort his party the last way, and they will be here in time to light their own candles. But the time has come to begin, and we will not keep everyone waiting.” Inviting the gathered elves to move closer around the tree, he spoke of how the tree was a symbol of their valley haven, and the candles a symbol of the stars that were so dear to the elves. Each family and small group of elves was given a long taper, and Elrond, taking his and Erestor’s taper, lit it from the Yule log burning in the hearth.
Erestor laid his hand on Elrond’s, holding the taper with him, and together they lit the first candle on the tree, sharing their wish quietly with each other. Elrond then took the taper and lit the tapers held by the other elves around him, who in turn lit the tapers held by others, and so the flame was passed. One by one, each couple or elf moved to the tree and lit their own little candle, speaking their wishes softly.
Glorfindel and Melpomaen, holding their taper together, lit their first candle on the tree. “As this flame burns brightly,” Melpomaen whispered, “so will my love for you burn until the end of Arda, my husband. Our wish tonight is to be at each other’s side forever.”
Lighting the second candle, Glorfindel whispered, “As this flame burns brightly, so burns my beloved’s longing to greet his parents again. Our wish tonight is for him to hold his nana again and kiss her face, and to be held in his ada’s strong arms once more. We wish for me to know the love of a mother and father once again in them.”
Melpomaen wiped his eyes with his sleeve and leaned into his mate, burying his face into his beloved husband’s chest. “Thank you. I love you so much, Glorfindel,” he whispered.
“As I love you, my dear one, so very much.” Glorfindel blew the flame out on their taper, and wrapped his arms around his mate, just as the doors to the hall burst open to admit Elladan, Elrohir, and a party of perhaps twenty elves. The captain quickly scanned the group. His face lit up when he spotted those he sought. “Look up, beloved. Look to the door. I believe your gift for this most joyous Yule has arrived.”
Melpomaen raised his head and looked, and his eyes met those of a tall elf and his smaller mate. With a shout of joy on his lips, he began to run towards them.
Two of the arriving elves scanned the gathered elves. Time stood still when they spotted the small one they had so long searched for, wrapped in the arms of a tall, golden elf. The auburn covered head lifted, eyes met, and running, they met their beloved son in the center of the room. The three elves fell upon each other, embracing and kissing, and no one in the room doubted who they were or what they were witnessing, and tears of joy flowed freely.
Melpomaen held his mother, as small as he, and covered her face in kisses, before they were both drawn into his father’s arms in a strong embrace. After long minutes, when they could finally speak, Maenion said quietly, “We were told by the sons of Lord Elrond that you are now wed to one of those who rescued you, my son. May we meet your husband so that we may thank him?”
Melpomaen beamed up at his father. “Oh, Ada, you and Nana will love him. I adore him so, and I am so happy with him. Come and meet him.”
Glorfindel had stood watching with Elrond and Erestor. Wiping his tears away as he saw his mate and Melpomaen’s parents turn toward him, he hastened to join them.
When Glorfindel stood beside them, Melpomaen reached out and grasped his husband’s hand. “Ada, Nana,” he said, smiling, “this is my husband, Lord Glorfindel, Captain of Imladris. Beloved, these are my parents, Maenion and Melwen.”
“Lord Glorfindel? The Returned?” Maenion asked in astonishment.
“The very same, Ada,” Melpomaen said, proudly.
“Just Glorfindel,” the captain said quietly. “Just Glorfindel who loves your son more than life or reason, and rejoices to welcome his dearly loved parents to Imladris.”
Melwen laughed, her eyes twinkling. “You are right, my son. I love him already. Well met, Glorfindel…my son”
“Thank you,” Glorfindel smiled at Melpomaen’s beautiful little mother. It was evident from whence his mate got his great beauty and diminutive size. His naneth was as sweet as she was charming. He took Melwen’s hand and kissed the back of it tenderly. “May I call you Nana?”
“That would please me greatly,” Melwen answered softly, her voice as lyrical as her son’s.
Maenion beamed at his wife and son and extended his arm, grasping Glorfindel’s in a warrior’s greeting. “Well met, Glorfindel. You are welcome into our family, and I am proud to call you my law-son.”
Glorfindel grinned. Maenion was a proud, strong warrior, which surprised him, as that information had not been mentioned before. He liked the elf and knew him as one of his own mettle. They would get along just fine, and he knew they would become great friends. “As I am proud to have you for my law-father. It is good to have an ada once again.”
“Ada, Nana, come and greet Lord Elrond and his husband Lord Erestor. It was Erestor who first found me,” Melpomaen said.
“One moment, my son” Melwen said. “There is someone you must meet first, if I can find her. Our Lord Cirdan had her…oh, there she is…” Melwen was off.
“Who is it that I must meet, Ada?” Melpomaen asked.
“Her name is Meniel,” Maenion answered, as Melwen reappeared, holding a smiling little elfling of perhaps ten years old in her arms. “And she is your little sister.”
“Oh!” Melpomaen exclaimed, smiling at the beautiful little elfling. “Oh, hello, little one. Oh, she is beautiful. Oh, I have a sister! Glorfindel, look at her! Is she not beautiful?” Taking the elfling from his mother, he held her close and looked up at Glorfindel with tears again pooling in his eyes. “I have a sister,” he whispered. “I have you, my beloved husband, my ada, my nana, my beautiful little sister, and I am the happiest elf in all of Arda. Happy Yule, my love. Happy Yule, my family. I love you all so much.”
And so Melpomaen’s family came to Imladris one bright Yule eve, and settled down to live in the empty rooms across the hall from Glorfindel and Melpomaen. Lord Cirdan lost three elves from his Havens, but Glorfindel gained a trusted and worthy guard and friend in Maenion, who became his second-in-command; Erestor and Elrond gained another scribe in Melwen; and Glorfindel kitty claimed another elf in Menial, who often lay blanketed on Glorfindel’s lounge while her brother and his mate read or sang to her. Melpomaen finally had his family, and lived in love and happiness with Glorfindel forever more, because Yule tree candle wishes always come true.
The End.
Malthen - Gold
Maenion – skilled
Melwen – dear one
Meniel - maiden of the road
Naneth/Nana – Mother/Mom
Ada- Dad
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**hugs**
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(Anonymous) 2006-12-23 03:06 am (UTC)(link)SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
I got my story from you! Wow! That is wonderful!
You have written Melpomaen just the way I love him - sweet, shy and adorable, but with a great inner strength and a will of his own. I like him paired with Glorfindel - a nice contrast in the physical and two souls very fitting for each other. Poor Mel having suffered so much, the rescue was captivating me. I like it how they all contributed to the rescue and all worried about Mel and tried to help and assure him. Elrond and Erestor as a side pairing is very nice, as well.
And then Mel having his family back and a new little sister, and Tinnu and Malthen being there as well ( I love those cats), it seems too good to be true, but such is the time of Yule (especially with the betrothal and marriage on this occasion - I had to giggle how you described that development)!
This is such a beautiful story, thank you very much for this wonderful Yule-present!
*hugs you tight*
verayelwe
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**huggles**
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Thank you very much again for your wonderful story.
*hugs*
You already know...
Re: You already know...
You and I are both obviously suffering from holiday stress because I had a moment of panic that I hadn't thanked you for your cards and gifts, but it's here
http://aglarien1.livejournal.com/157416.html
complete with your response, lol. That reindeer card with the stamp was just so ingenious.
**smoochies**
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This was such a sweet story, Agie. I'm so glad Melpomaen was reunited with his family. *happy sigh*
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*hugs*
Agie
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**hugs**
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*hugs*