Tomorrow 2

When Elladan awoke the next morning, Anor's rays were shining through the window and resting on the forms of him and his sleeping twin. His brother's head was resting on his chest and his arms were wrapped tightly around him. Elladan smiled. Elrohir certainly knew how to make him feel needed. He gently stroked his sleeping lover's raven hair and found himself humming a tune he had heard the Hobbits singing before the Council. He was humming. That was rather surprising, but then again having Elrohir close could do amazing things to his spirits.

Elrohir stirred under his brother's tender ministrations. He was delighted to hear his love humming softly. Undoubtedly today was going to be a better day for the two than yesterday had been. There would be no petty fights to be reconnoitered at days end. He smiled and hugged his Elladan tighter as he gained full consciousness. "Love you," he mumbled between morning yawns.

"I love you too, Ro," Elladan replied, leaning down to lightly kiss his brother's forehead. "Do you forgive me?" he asked remorsefully. He needed the assurance that Elrohir didn't hold his foolish actions the day before against him. He had been so selfish ignoring his love in his time of need. He knew that Elrohir had already forgiven him, but still he needed to hear it from his beloved's lips.

"Elladan, of course I forgive you." Elrohir hated to see his brother distressed. "I thought I had made that clear last night. It is forgiven and forgotten." He was glad to see the relieved smile on his lover's lips. "Just one thing though," he began.

"And what is that?" Elladan inquired. He would do anything his brother asked of him, save making the journey to Aman. That he could not do. It was a grief that he could not overcome, even for love of his twin.

"Don't ever do it again. I need you with me. Don't shun me when you're hurting. Let me comfort you instead."

"Agreed brother. You have my word," Elladan replied, relieved that his brother's request had not been as he had feared. He wrapped his arms tightly around Elrohir's waist and pulled him up on top of him. "You are too sweet," he said kissing his brother's cheek. "What made you come to your senses?" Elrohir asked out of the blue, as he relished his brother's ministrations. Elladan was currently sucking on his neck, and he was reluctant to interrupt him. However he was curious and he would likely forget to ask if he let his mind be taken over by passion before he got his answer.

"Rúmil," Elladan replied, hardly removing his mouth from his lover's skin long enough to say it.

"Really Dan, you're eager enough. I'm trying to have a serious conversation with you, and you can't even be bothered to pay attention." Elrohir wasn't really annoyed at all. He was thoroughly enjoying what his lover was doing to him, but if they didn't stop soon they would spend the whole day in bed. "Come now Dan, we need to talk and you know it. It's not going to do us any good to simply pretend it isn't there," Elrohir chided his lover softly.

Elladan groaned, but he obliged his brother and ceased his passionate enterprises. "What is there to say that has not already been said?"

"Plenty, but first get up." Elrohir sat up and captured his brother's hands in his. He moved off their bed pulling Elladan upright as he did so. Ever since they were elflings the only way to get Elladan out of bed in the morning was to literally drag him out of it.

Elladan groaned but obliged. He sat on the edge of the bed watching Elrohir shuffle in the wardrobe. "What's the big rush to get dressed? There is no patrol to join, no Council to oversee, nowhere to run off to, we may do as we please."

Elrohir looked over his shoulder at his brother. "Ada may visit us today," he said quietly. He tossed a shirt and leggings to Elladan before quickly donning his own.

Elladan caught the offending garments easily. He pulled the shirt over his head before replying, "That's what you said yesterday. That's what you will say tomorrow. Why do we not just go to him, make our decisions known, and let it be done with?"

"No," Elrohir shook his head decisively. "Things are not well with Ada. He will come to us when he is prepared to hear our decision. We should not force it upon him before that." In truth Elrohir was dreading the moment that he would have to voice his decision to his father. He didn't want to see the hurt on his face or the disappointment in his voice.

"You could give me the answer he wants, you know," Elladan said simply.

"As could you, brother," Elrohir shot back. This was a frivolous way to talk about it and they both knew that they would make no progress if they continued that tack. The easiest way to get Elladan to come off it was to suggest that he change his mind as well. His brother had made it quite clear that he had no intention of doing so.

Elladan's face saddened considerably as he mused over how much easier things would be for all of them if he could only take that step. But he could not do that; the guilt was too near to his heart to think of traveling to Aman. "I've told you brother, I cannot make the journey."

"And I've told you that my decision is to stay with you. If you do not want me to try and change your decision then please show me the same courtesy." Elrohir turned away and walked out onto the balcony of their chamber. He knew that Elladan meant well, but nothing was going to change his mind. He wished his brother would simply accept that he would stay and support him in his decision.

Elladan moved up behind his brother and encircled his arms around his waist. "Darling, I just want you to be happy that's all. I just have to be sure that you are making this decision for you and not for me. I want you with me, but more than anything I want you to be happy. I wanted to make your decision for you, but that's not my right. Just know that if you want to go to Aman I would support you."

Elrohir relaxed into his lover's arms. "I know. I have thought long of the impending choice, and while part of me would wish to go, I could never be happy without you. Eternity without you would be no life at all. If you are staying in Middle Earth then there is no choice to make. I shall stay with you, and nothing will change that."

Elladan kissed his brother lightly on the cheek. "As much as I hate myself for feeling it, I am relieved that you will stay with me. You are my other half and even a mortal life without you would be too long away from the one I love."

"Do not chide yourself for feeling it, love. We are bound whether the Valar would bless our union or not. We are one soul. I want this; my heart wants this."

His brother's words flooded Elladan with a million emotions at once. He was relieved and elated, but the feeling of sadness was far from leaving his mind. He was at a loss for a reply worthy of his lover's declaration. But the only words that he could muster summed up his feelings just as well as any other that he might ever fathom. "I love you, more than words can say."

~

Glorfindel awoke to find that he had indeed been able to find sleep the night before. He realized that he was alone in the bed, and he was instantly wide awake with worry. He sat up quickly and was relived to see Elrond asleep in his chair. At least the half-elf hadn't done anything rash. That had been Glorfindel's fear for a while, that all this grief his lover was keeping inside of him might come to the surface with disastrous results. However, things were definitely getting even worse if Elrond was resorting to sleeping in his uncomfortable chair instead of in the bed with him. Something had to be done. His lover was obviously hurting, and he had plenty of reasons to be hurting. But why would he not let himself he comforted? It made no sense to Glorfindel at all.

Glorfindel sat up in the bed and brushed his messy blond hair away from his face. As relief from his momentary panic settled in, he became fully aware of what had transpired the night before. The memory of how his lover had forced him away swiftly turned his relief back to panic. What is life without Elrond? There had been centuries of life before he and Elrond had become lovers, but those days had been plagued by the painful memories of happiness from his former life. It had been hard for him to continue to live while the only thought in his mind had been of his former lover Ecthelion, who was still in the Halls of Waiting.

Elrond had saved him; in truth it was not Mandos who had restored him to life, it was Elrond. Elrond had given him a home in Imladris, been a trusted friend, and finally released him from his pain by becoming his lover. Glorfindel could not imagine eternity without Elrond, but the other elf's behavior seemed to prove that was exactly what Elrond had in mind.

Glorfindel crawled slowly out of the bed, and made his way over to the wardrobe to dress for the day. Elrond was fast asleep sitting up in the chair. His eyes were closed, something that only happened when the half-elf was thoroughly exhausted. Glorfindel was careful to make as little noise as possible so as not to disturb the other elf. He was in no mood for a confrontation this early in the morning. He just needed to get away from everything and think.

Elrond did not stir as Glorfindel dressed. He was still asleep, or at least he appeared to be, as far as Glorfindel could tell. That was strange, as Elrond would often wake when Glorfindel made the slightest movement in the night. But Glorfindel decided not to question his good fortune that he was not going to have to deal with Elrond now. Instead he donned his shirt and leggings, braided his hair, and swiftly left the room.

He left the last Homely House in favor of walking beneath Ithil's rays. As he left the house he caught sight of two figures embracing on a balcony above him. He shaded his eyes from the glare of Ithil and saw that it was none other than Elladan and Elrohir. Elrohir shot him a smile and waved to him. Glorfindel waved back and couldn't help but smile also when he saw Elladan give his brother a tender kiss on the cheek. It was obvious that the two had settled their differences. Glorfindel couldn't help but be a bit envious of the younger elves' relationship. When they disagreed, which was seldom to begin with, they were apart for a day or two at most before making up and all but forgot about the trouble.

He wished that his relationship were quite so simple. Elrond had been distant since the War of the Ring had begun, and since the return from Arwen's wedding nearly a month before, things had been as they were now between them.

As he reached the onset of the forest surrounding the house he caught sight of a host from Lórien. He was certain that it must be Rúmil arriving to join Erestor for their journey to Aman. Erestor would undoubtedly be very happy to see his lover. He cringed when he recalled the harsh words be had used to his friend the day before. He really owed Erestor an apology for his harsh retort when his friend was only trying to help. But this was not the time to do so, as Erestor was certainly going to be thoroughly occupied with blissful activities.

Rúmil caught sight of Glorfindel as he and his escort at last came in sight of the last Homely House. He smiled and headed over to greet the other elf. "Hello friend, I hope I find you well."

"Come now friend, don't waste your time out here talking to me. There is a certain elf stuck inside sorting scrolls, who has been awaiting your arrival for weeks."

Rúmil embraced Glorfindel quickly before replying, "I suppose you're right. I should be going. But you won't be rid of me forever. You will be subjected to my company before long." He shot Glorfindel a friendly grin before hurriedly heading for the house.

Glorfindel smiled at the silver haired elf's retreating form. How could anyone help but adore the kind and generous creature that was Erestor's lover? What on the face of Arda had possessed him to say those awful things about him the day before?

Glorfindel thought aloud, though no one could hear, "It is good that they have the perfect love, for they deserve it so much more than I."

~

Elrond was surprised that Glorfindel had actually taken him to be asleep. In truth he had not slept a single moment throughout the night. Being half-elven had its advantages. It was a good deal simpler to feign sleep by closing his eyes than trying to fake the glassy far-off look of a sleeping elf. He hardly ever slept that way, but apparently Glorfindel had believed him truly asleep. That was good because that was his intention.

Elrond was at a loss for what to do, so the only thing he could do was to avoid the situation at all costs. Last night had been a mistake. He should never have allowed it to get so far. And the hurt in Glorfindel's eyes had nearly broken his heart in two right then and there. That was what had haunted him all night long. That one glance of anguish from his lover had touched him deeper than any past hurt.

Glorfindel was still his beloved. Glorfindel was the one who had set him free from all the pain that he had suffered. Life had not been kind to Elrond; many close friends as well as lovers had been taken from him. Glorfindel had always been good to him first as a friend and later as a lover.

"How could I have let this happen?" He mused aloud to himself. Glorfindel deserved so much more than this. When they had finally become lovers, Elrond had been too consumed with passion to think that this might one day come to pass. All he knew was that he loved the blond with an all-consuming passion. He had buried his pain in their new relationship. He had tried to forget, and in doing so he had wronged Glorfindel.

He couldn't bear to see his lover sad, especially a sadness that he himself had caused. Yet it was for Glorfindel's own sake that he pushed him away. If only Glorfindel would leave him on his own terms then Elrond wouldn't need to fear for him. It pained him more than he had ever been troubled before to do so, but it was the only way to set things right. He could see no other way. He had made a mistake and he would be punished, but Glorfindel had done no wrong.

His sons were another matter. He knew what Elladan's choice would be but Elrohir, he hoped, would make the journey. But in his heart he knew and feared that it was not to be so. His sons were closer than anyone else knew, closer even then they themselves knew. He had never condemned their relationship; his conscience would not allow him to. He saw so much of himself in it.

He could hardly comprehend the thought of losing them. They had been distant for centuries, but they were still here, still alive. To lose them to mortal death would be more than just losing his sons.

Middle Earth had judged Elladan for taking his brother as his lover. Falsehoods abounded in the realms of elves and men alike of how Elladan the selfish deceiver had seduced Elrohir the innocent away from his home and family. Elladan had always voiced to anyone that would listen that his father had been the first to condemn him. Though Elladan believed it was so, Elrond had never blamed his son for that. Neither had he condemned his son for any other wrong.

If it hadn't been for that one fateful day, then perhaps it would not be happening. Elladan would go to Aman, and Elrohir would be freed from the choice as well. That was what Elrond feared, that Elrohir would stay for Elladan. He himself might have become mortal for Elros if circumstances had been different, and the bond of his sons was closer even than his was with his long dead brother. He did not want to lose his sons to the same fate that had taken his beloved Elros away from him.

It seemed to him that the very circumstances which had surrounded their lives, and which would make his remaining children mortal, may well have been chosen for them from the beginning.

~

Erestor was becoming very fed up with the task at hand. There were multiple scrolls and books recording even the most mundane occurrences of history, and it was up to him to decide which of those would make the journey. It was at times like these, when he was feeling particularly lazy, that Erestor mused that he could justify not bringing any written materials at all. Surely the Valar knew everything anyway. But Erestor knew better than to simply leave all the texts behind. In truth, that was what was causing him so much vexation. If it were up to him, the entire Imladris library would go to Aman. However, he doubted that even Cirdan's fleet would be up to the task of transporting the extensive collection.

But right now Erestor's mind was far away from books. His mind was reeling with the many possible outcomes of their situation. The twins would reconnoiter as they always did, but that would not change the question. Elrohir would be torn between his brother and elvenkind. Erestor had little doubt which choice the younger elf would make, but what of Elladan?

He had heard Elladan's declaration the day before. Elladan the deceitful should really be called Elladan the noble. He had always wondered what it was that had hurt Elladan so. He saw the guilt in the younger elf's eyes; he saw the pain that radiated from his form. For all their trusted friendship, Elladan had never confided in him about it. But Erestor had a deep suspicion that it was this pain that was keeping the elder twin from making the journey.

Erestor was tired, tired of working, tired of thinking. He needed a rest. In truth what he really needed was Rúmil. He had not seen his lover in far too long. If Rúmil were with him, then life would not be quite so hard to stay in control of.

There was also Glorfindel and Elrond to worry about. Glorfindel was on the edge of falling apart completely and not without reason. Erestor was just as clueless about the change in Elrond as the other elf. There was no doubt that Elrond was hurting, but he had always worked through his pain with love for Glorfindel. There had to be something deeper hurting Elrond than the impending journey and mortality of all his children. But try as he might, Erestor could find no hint of what it was. He had hoped that Glorfindel would finally get through to his lover, but as of yesterday that had proved a false hope. Time was running out, and so were Erestor's ideas.

Erestor was suddenly startled from his thoughts when two soft hands covered his eyes. He nearly leapt up in fright; he had not even heard anyone come in. He was about to prepare for a struggle when he heard a familiar voice whisper in his ear, "Guess who."

Erestor spun around quickly, but instead of attacking an enemy he met his lover's lips in a searing, passionate kiss. He pulled Rúmil possessively unto his lap and wrapped his arms around him, never breaking their kiss. He thrust his tongue into the hot mouth that was waiting for it. All other thoughts left his mind as he became fully aware that his beloved had at last arrived.

Rúmil settled into his lover's lap. This was where he belonged, in Erestor's arms with Erestor's mouth on his. He sucked greedily on the other elf's tongue when it entered his mouth, causing Erestor to moan with pleasure around their kiss.

When they were forced to break their kiss, they were both gasping for air and hot with desire. Their time apart had caused them both to be saddled with a need that could only be satisfied in each other's arms.

Daintily Rúmil climbed out of his lover's arms and flounced provocatively to the library door. He quickly shut the door and turned the key in the lock. He turned back to Erestor and shot him a coy grin.

Erestor was up and striding across the room in a flash. No words were needed between them. The idea of joining with his lover in the Imladris library amongst all these books had a certain erotic appeal that had him more aroused than he was to begin with.

Rúmil met him half way, and before they had time to think they had collapsed on the soft rug in each other's arms. Rúmil climbed astride Erestor and leaned down to capture his lips in another demanding kiss.

"I missed you," Rúmil gasped out when they at last broke the kiss as his lungs welcomed the burst of air. He rested his head on his lover's chest and looked mischievously into his eyes. "I wonder, did you miss me?" he said teasingly. He smirked at his lover and provokingly ran his hand down from his chest into the other's robes. The feather light touch made Erestor moan with need. When Rúmil's hand reached his arousal he gasped. "Ah, it seems you did miss me indeed," Rúmil said, as he felt his lover hard and ready for him. He agonizingly slowly divested the other elf and himself of their clothes. When they were both naked Rúmil leaned down and pressed his skin against his lover's.

"I love you," Erestor crooned to Rúmil, pressing kisses against his lover's chest, "and I missed you." Rúmil's hand on his erection was driving him mad with lust. He needed to be inside Rúmil now. He needed to be one with the elf that owned his heart. He thrust up against Rúmil as he kissed down his lover's neck. "I missed you so much."

The feeling of Erestor thrusting against him and into his hand was too much for Rúmil. He was overcome with passion. He needed Erestor inside of him. He moved his hands up to Erestor's shoulders. He heard Erestor whimper at the loss of his hand, but he quickly replaced it with his own arousal rubbing against that of his lover. Erestor's whimper soon turned into a moan of passion. Their mouths met again as they drove their bodies together in passion.

Suddenly without warning Rúmil quickly rolled them over so that Erestor was on top of him. "Show me how much you've missed me Erestor," he said. "I need you now."

Erestor was more than happy to oblige.

~

"Did you hear that, brother? It seems the elusive March Warden has finally arrived." Elrohir grinned at his brother as sounds that were easily identified as passionate lovemaking met their ears.

Elladan's eyes widened. "Is that coming from the library?" he asked in disbelief. He could hardly imagine his former tutor engaging in carnal activities beneath the gaze of his precious books.

Elrohir, eager to find out as well, opened their chamber door slightly and listened. "Yes, they are most definitely in the library." He was shutting the door when a cry of passion that sounded distinctly like "Rúmil!" filtered in through the crack. Elladan grinned and said, "It seems that Rúmil's surprise went well." On meeting his twin's confused look he added, "I met him while riding in the woods yesterday. He told me not to tell Erestor of his arrival because he wanted to surprise him. But you'd think they would have more discretion. Anyone could hear them if they were only here to listen."

"But there is no one to listen; everyone else has left for the Havens save Ada, Glorfindel, and a few stray border guards. Why should they not do as they please? These last days have undoubtedly been as hard for Erestor as they have been for us."

"Always the compassionate voice of reason, aren't you brother." It wasn't really a question at all. He grabbed Elrohir's hand in his. "Come on it's too nice a day to be cooped up in the house. We've wasted enough of it already, and your horse hasn't been out since our return from Gondor."

Elrohir did not protest and simply let himself be led by his beloved. His thoughts did not stray to the impending meeting with Ada, or to his fate as a mortal. His only thoughts were that he was with the one he loved, and that was all that mattered.

~

"I didn't even know you were on your way. Why didn't you send word?" Erestor asked his lover who was resting his head on his shoulder. He ran his hand through the silky silver tresses, damp from the exertion of their passion.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"It was a very nice surprise. But how did you know I was in here?"

"Glorfindel told me. I met him as I arrived."

Erestor was not at all pleased to hear that his friend was wandering around outside, instead of with Elrond, but it was to be expected. "Tell me, how did Glorfindel look to you?"

Rúmil frowned, "Like all of Arda had suddenly come crashing down on him. What has happened to him, Erestor?"

Erestor sighed and replied, "His relationship with Elrond is not going altogether well. After the return from Gondor, Elrond became very distant from everyone, and Glorfindel is taking the worst of it."

"Is it not understandable that Elrond would become despondent? He did after all just give his daughter over to mortality, he is leaving Middle Earth forever, and there is also the loss of his sons to consider."

Erestor looked up in surprise. "You know of Elladan and Elrohir's choice?" He did not know that anyone else knew. Middle earth certainly had never expected that the twin sons of Elrond would become mortal and pass out of existence, and though Rúmil was a trusted friend, he had never heard of the Pedrehil discussing their forthcoming choice with anyone.

"I met Elladan on the road yesterday. There is no doubt that he will stay when the time comes, and from what he said to me I gather that Elrohir's path is with his brother."

"He spoke of it to you?" Erestor was surprised and somewhat hurt as well by that revelation. He had always trusted that Elladan would come to him if he felt he needed to speak of it.

"Only because I was there when he was at last overcome by the need to speak of it. His only care seemed to be for Elrohir. He fears that his brother would rather go. I told him that his brother's fate was out of his hands, and all he could do was support him in his choice."

Erestor nodded approvingly. Even if Elladan had not confided in him, at least he had chosen one who gave him the same answer. "I don't think I could have said it better myself. You should have been an advisor instead of a March Warden you know."

Rúmil laughed softly. "I learned it all from you beloved." He paused before continuing on a more somber note. "Middle earth has greatly misjudged Elladan. Do you know, Erestor, why he will not go?" The question had been in his mind since his conversation with Elladan the evening before. He knew that there had been a great rift between father and son many years ago. It was assumed that it was over Elrohir, but there was no proof of that.

"No, I have never known what really happened. But something happened, bigger than his incestuous union. That much I know, though I doubt that any person knows what it is save Elladan and Elrond. There is some guilt in Elladan that does not sleep."

"I wish I knew what it was. I hate suffering. Suffering should be gone now that the shadow of evil is past, but it seems that suffering has hardly even begun for some. Perhaps Aman will be nicer than here."

"Do not worry for Elladan and Elrohir. If Elladan heeds your advice then they will be alright. As long as Elrohir is with him, his pain will be bearable. If they are together, then it is for Elrond and Glorfindel that we should fear instead. I have never seen Elrond cut off Glorfindel. It worries me that he will not share his pain with his beloved."

"We should go and see Glorfindel. He should not have to hurt alone," Rúmil replied simply. He moved to sit up, but Erestor's arm around him stopped him. "Come on, get up."

Erestor groaned. "I'm exhausted. We need to lay here for a few hours more."

Rúmil gasped in mock horror. "Could it be that Erestor, Chief Advisor of Imladris, could be getting too old for his job," he teased.

Erestor scowled. "Me old, not likely."

"Get up then."

"Alright, alright," Erestor said, and allowed his lover to pull him up into a sitting position.

~

Glorfindel had once again found himself sitting in a garden. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. Whereas before, his time had been spent either doing his duties as Imladris's seneschal or with his lover. But now there was no border patrol or guard training to oversee. His time of service in Imladris was finished, and he wondered if his time with Elrond was also coming to a close.

He was skipping stones into a pond. He had become quite good at it over the years. When Elrond had first taught him he had been fairly hopeless, but now his throw was rather impressive.

He had run out of patience. It simply hurt him too much to allow his lover to push him away like he had the night before.

His thoughts were interrupted when he caught sight of Erestor and Rúmil walking toward him hand in hand. They were the perfect picture of love and devotion. He didn't say anything when they sat down beside him on the grass. He just continued skipping his stones.

"See I told you, you wouldn't be rid of me for long," Rúmil said to break the silence. When Glorfindel made no reply he continued, "You're getting rather good at that."

"I've had a lot of practice lately," he replied glumly.

"You must forgive Rúmil, friend. He doesn't know how to be melancholy. The idea escapes him. He's happy all the time." Erestor rubbed Rúmil's palm between his fingers lovingly.

"It's rather difficult to be happy right now," Glorfindel replied. He gave up on the stones and let his hands fall idle on the grass. "It's difficult to do anything right now."

"What has happened Glorfindel?" Erestor asked simply. "I know something happened, so don't deny it."

Glorfindel slumped forward in anguish. His blond hair fell in front of his face. There were no tears; he was past tears. "Last night he..." he broke off. He couldn't bring himself to say it aloud. It was just as if it could all be a terrible dream until the moment that he accepted it by actually putting the scene into words.

Rúmil reached out and brushed the stray blond hairs back behind the other elf's ears. "Tell us Glorfindel, please. We only want to help you," he said soothingly.

"He pushed me away. Even in the heat of passion he still pushed me away." He hoped that had told Erestor all he needed to know. He doubted he could bring himself to say more if he tried.

Upon hearing Glorfindel's confession, Erestor immediately filled with guilt. He felt as if this was his fault. He had told Glorfindel just the day before that he was being weak. Now Glorfindel had gone and taken a new step, and he was hurting more than ever.

It didn't make any sense to Erestor. Obviously Glorfindel was not going to get through to Elrond, and that was an unheard of occurrence. In the past, the best way to deal with Elrond when he was hurting was to leave him alone with his lover. But this time the plan had failed miserably. Erestor was going to have to take matters into his own hands. He could not simply sit and watch the lives of his trusted friends fall apart.

"I will speak with him," Erestor said solemnly. "I promise you, Glorfindel, that I will find out what is causing this."

Glorfindel looked up when he heard Erestor's vow. His friend's devotion never ceased to amaze him. Erestor would do anything, not only for his lover, but also for his friends.

"Thank you, friend," he said. Remembering his rudeness the day before he continued, "And I give you my utmost apologies for my harsh words yesterday. They were both uncalled for and untrue."

Erestor reached over Rúmil and grasped Glorfindel's hand in his. "It is forgiven and forgotten friend. I can only apologize for inspiring those words in you. But let us think of it no longer."

Glorfindel's eyes shone with a new hope as he gazed into his friend's eyes. In the back of his mind he knew that the hope was likely to be futile. But any hope was a reason to continue fighting for the happiness that he once shared with Elrond.

Then Rúmil broke the silence. "Well, I for one know a certain advisor who could use some practice at his skipping stones."

~

Elrohir lay on his back with his head resting in his brother's lap. The stars overhead had him enraptured as they had so many times before. They had ridden around Imladris for several hours, and now they were sitting halfway between the stables and the house.

"There must be many worse fates than death," he mused aloud. "Think of Atada spending eternity sailing across the sky. I think it would be better to die." He said these things for both his brother's benefit and his own. We wanted to reassure his brother that he really did want this, but also he needed to reassure himself as well. The fear was far from gone.

"Don't, brother," Elladan said. "Let us not speak of it. It will not change anything. My choice is made, and if yours is as well, then no words will change it."

Elladan was weary with worry. Nothing could chase the "if only" feelings from his mind. He did agree that mortality was hardly a bad fate, but he doubted that Elrohir truly believed it. Right now he just wanted to be at peace with his beloved before tomorrow came and threatened to take it away. There was still Elrond to contend with after all.

~

Erestor knocked lightly on the door to Glorfindel and Elrond's shared chambers. He planned on keeping his promise to Glorfindel, and the best way to see something done was to act on it as soon as possible. Glorfindel himself had been entrusted to Rúmil's care. The silver haired elf's upbeat personality had already done wonders for him. Erestor could only hope that everything would be alright, and the four of them would spend the rest of time together in Aman.

Thinking it was Glorfindel returning for the evening Elrond waited tensely for the other to come in. When no one came and a second knock met his ears, he called, "Enter."

It was Erestor, not Glorfindel, who came through the door. Elrond didn't know if he should feel relieved or dismayed. On the one hand it was a delay in the encounter with his lover that would no doubt be painful. But Erestor was known for coaxing elves into sharing what was on their minds. Elrond did not want to speak of his anguish.

Erestor was not impressed with the scene that met his gaze, but neither was he surprised. Elrond's hair was unkept, and he looked exhausted. He was sitting stiffly in his chair near the window surrounded by volumes of lore.

"I've been looking for that volume," he said, to break the ice. He tapped his fingers lightly on one of the books on Elrond's table.

Elrond seriously doubted that Erestor had come to discuss his new habit of hoarding books. Undoubtedly he had talked to Glorfindel and knew all that had transpired between them the night before. "Please sit down," he said more formally than he would usually address his friend, and he motioned toward to chair across from him.

Erestor did, and he searched his mind for a plan of action. The way to get this done was to talk about the things he did know. Hopefully this talk would inspire Elrond to tell him what he wanted to know. This typical course of action had usually worked for him, but one look at the unyielding expression on Elrond's face shook his confidence in his own ability.

Through the window Erestor could just make out the forms of Elladan and Elrohir walking toward the house in the moonlight. "They look so much like Elros," Erestor said simply.

Elrond looked like he had just remembered something he had tried hard to forget. "Yes, they look just like him, and I fear they will share his fate."

This was progress. "You know they are here awaiting you. They expect you to approach them on the matter."

"I know this, and I will as soon as I feel able to bear their answer." He would see them tomorrow. Yes he would be able tomorrow.

"Delay will not alter their choice," Erestor replied.

"You say it as if there is but one choice instead of two. I fear you are right. If one choice is made then the other will be made as well. I can not imagine them parting ways." Elrond paused unsure of whether or not to continue. "I also feel that perhaps their fate was ultimately chosen for them even before their birth." It didn't matter that he said it aloud. No-one in Middle Earth could comprehend the meaning behind his words. No-one else had been there.

However Erestor did indeed understand what Elrond had said. "Then Elros's gift shares Elros's fate."

Elrond's solemn expression changed to one of utmost surprise. "You knew," he faltered. "You knew that he promised me a gift? How?"

"Before he came to you that night, he told me of the promise he would make."

"And do you believe it, Erestor? Are they Elros's promised gift?"

Erestor had often wondered this point himself over the years. The resemblance of their features in both mind and body to their father's brother was remarkable, but who could say if such a thing was even possible. But being the great diplomat that he was, he knew exactly what to say. "Even they were not meant to be they are, in that you saw them as such."

"It is a cruel fate that would force me to lose my brother twice. And a cruel fate that would have me lose all my children. But I have not been good to Elladan; I deserve to have to see him go."

"And Elrohir, what of him?" His talking was obviously doing Elrond good. He was much more open now than he had been when their talk had begun.

"I can think of no other road for him besides with his brother. Though it pains me to think of it, I cannot blame him. Had circumstances been different I cannot rule out that I might have done the same. I cannot blame either of them for anything, not even Elladan."

"Is that why he will stay, because he thinks you blame him?" Erestor knew it wasn't true, but he suspected that Elrond perhaps knew the real answer.

"Elladan's guilt is not with me; it is with himself. Though I have fed that guilt more than it was my right to do, the guilt that drives him is in his own heart. It is his, not mine, not yours."

Erestor saw his chance. "But what is your guilt Elrond? Elladan has his, which pushes him to his choice. What is the guilt that you hide that brings you to do what you are doing?"

Elrond shook his head. "No, Erestor."

"Please tell me, friend. Glorfindel is hurting. He does not understand. I do not understand. It makes no sense. I know you; you are too noble to do this for yourself. And what's more I know you still love him. Why are you doing this? There has to be a reason."

"I cannot tell you Erestor, like Elladan I feel the need to hide my shame."

"Please Elrond, for Glorfindel's sake tell me." Instead of coaxing he was now merely pleading with his friend. "He cannot live without you. Tell me why you are doing this." He broke off, unsure of what more he could possibly say.

Something snapped inside of Elrond at the mentioning of Glorfindel's need of him. That was the problem after all. He averted his gaze away from Erestor. He was silent for a time before, in a barely audible whisper, he said the words that were haunting him. "I am still bound to Celebrian."


To be continued in Part Three

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