Finding Lost Family by chrissystriped

---

Chapter Sixteen

---

Ecthelion jumped on the quay and waved to the Teler who had taken him with him. He would stay the night on the Island.

“Hello, Ecthelion! Are you visiting Sharû?”

Ecthelion turned to the fisherman who had called at him. “Yes. Did you have a good catch, Iszar?”

The orc nodded and pulled a fish from a bucket. “Can you bring this to Sharû? He knows what it is for.”

“Of course.” Ecthelion accepted the arm-long cod. “There’s going to be a storm tonight, Selindor tells me.”

Iszar looked at the sky. “Might be. Do you want me to bring you back tomorrow?”

Echtelion shook his head. “Sharû and I want to go hunting, but thanks.”

Ecthelion gripped the slippery fish tighter and strolled through the village that spread around the harbour, waving at the orcs who went about their daily work. Sharû lived at the other end of the village, at the wood’s edge. His friend sat on the bench in front of his house and waved lazily.

“What do you have there?”, he called.

“Codfish. Iszar said, you would know why.”

Sharû laughed and relieved him of the fish. “Thank you. Shall we fry it later?”

Ecthelion sat beside him on the bench and lifted his face to the sky. “That sounds good, if you cook.”

Sharû bumped him with his elbow. “Still no ambitions?”

“My mother employs a cook.” Ecthelion winked at him. “I allow myself the luxury not to know how to do it myself.”

“And you deserve it.” Sharû stood up. “Would you like something to drink? I have wine and fresh beer.”

“Home-brewed?”

“Of course.” Sharû grinned at him.

“I’d like some” Ecthelion had come to appreciate the strong dark beer, the orcs brewed.

“Did you bring your flute?”, Sharû asked when he came back with two mugs.

“Yes. Later.” Ecthelion took a deep draught. “Not outside.”

He drew a crowd when he played, most times and he wasn’t in the mood for a spontaneous concert.

“I heard a story about an orc who found his family. Is that true?”

“Yes.” Sharû’s face lit up. “It is like a miracle and it could have gone so terribly wrong. A few of my men were hunting and encountered some Solosimpi. We try to stay out of their way in the wood, some of them didn’t take it well that the Valar gave us the Island. But this time they’d chosen the same prey, the arrow that killed the stag was one of my men’s. I think, if Dard – Maroglin, I should say – hadn’t recognised his son, it could have gone badly. But he did and he moved to Alqualonde. Can you believe it, after so many thousands of years?” Sharû shook his head. “His wife took him back. Elves!”

“Love is eternal.” Ecthelion shot a glance at Sharû. “What about you? Do you have someone?”

“What elf-woman would want someone such as me? And we are only men.”

Ecthelion lifted his eyebrows. “I seem to remember that you weren’t averse to the male sex.”

He didn’t know why he was saying that. They were on thin ice. Ecthelion gripped his mug tighter.

“That was different. You were slaves.” Sharû bit his lips. “I’m sorry, Thel.”

“It’s fine”, Ecthelion said, although pain had shot through his heart at Sharû’s words. “So you perceive it as humiliating to be taken?”

He had never spoken with Sharû about this. He shouldn’t be surprised that he thought so, but still... He had to fight to not let his voice show his feelings.

“Yes. I know that it is different for elves, but... We were brought up differently. And you? Do you have someone?”

Ecthelion was aware that his friend tried to steer their conversation into saver waters. If only he knew...

“No. I’m not lacking admirers – of both genders, but... no, there’s no one. That is...” Ecthelion looked at Sharû from the corner of his eyes. “There is someone I’m interested in, but I don’t know if he is interested, too.”

Sharû laughed. “I wouldn’t have taken you for shy, Thel.”

Ecthelion shrugged awkwardly. He wasn’t sure if he should be glad that Sharû hadn’t understood his hint.

“I wouldn’t have worried in the past. I was Ecthelion of the Fountain, the most beautiful elf in Gondolin and I knew it. I could have everyone, why should I restrain myself? I didn’t know this uncertainty, it didn’t occur to me that someone might refuse me.” Ecthelion shook his head. “I was a vain, proud noble, I would find myself insufferable today. Sharû, do you scorn me because I like being taken?”

He bit the inside of his cheek. He didn’t really want to know if it was so.

Sharû stared at him in horror. “I didn’t mean it like that, Thel! I think very highly of you, you are my friend. No, I don’t scorn you and I... wouldn’t think like that of anyone who would want me to take him, but... I can’t explain it. When I think about being taken, I feel helpless, I don’t think I would like it.”

Sharû’s formulation didn’t escape Ecthelion’s notice. Was he interpreting too much into his words? Enough! If he didn’t come out with it now, he’d never do it. And he’d gone too far already although Sharû hadn’t realised that he was talking about him. Ecthelion took Sharû’s hand in his and kissed his rough knuckles.

“And that’s why I hesitate”, he murmured.

Sharû stiffened, his hand shook. “Really?”, he croaked. “You... and me?”

Ecthelion smiled insecurely. “If you want me? You can be honest with me if it isn’t so.”

Sharû shook his head. “Who could not want you? But... Thel! I’m an orc.”

“I’m aware of that.” Ecthelion smiled tenderly.

“But... look at me! You are so beautiful, how could you ever...”

His eyes were wide and Ecthelion squeezed his hand tighter because he looked like he would jump up and run away at any moment.

“I see you, Sharû.” Ecthelion caressed his cheek, traced his rugged features. “You told me that your father was an elf once. I can see it.”

Sharû’s eyes filled with tears. “I... thank you. And still... How could I expect you to do something I can’t? That wouldn’t be decent.”

“Sharû...” Ecthelion shook his head. “That’s nonsense. I want it, it gives me pleasure. I don’t expect something in return!”

Slowly he leaned forward and kissed the orc. Sharû returned the kiss tentatively, still tense.

“I can’t believe that you mean it”, he whispered when they parted.

“Because I’m an elf?” Ecthelion looked deep into his amber eyes.

“Because you were a slave!"

Sharû wanted to turn away but Ecthelion seized his chin and stopped him.

“Yes, I was – and I fought for my freedom with you at my side. You don’t owe me anything.” Ecthelion untied the strap that held Sharû’s hair together and combed it out with his fingers. “You think yourself ugly, don’t you? You aren’t. You are an elf, Sharû, it’s just that your skin is darker and your eye-colour is special, but different isn’t ugly. Do you remember the day we spoke to the Valar and you embraced me because you were so happy because you could stay? I longed to never let you go. Please, do not deny us a chance because you believe you don’t deserve it.”

“I’m afraid, Thel.” Sharû gripped his hand tight. “I want to believe you. I desire you, but I fear that our friendship won’t survive it. You are so important to me, Thel, I don’t want to lose you.”

Ecthelion cradled Sharû’s face between his hands. “You’ll always be able to count on me. Don’t be afraid.”

Ecthelion kissed him again, his fingers slid through his open hair and played with the rings in his ears.

“Make love to me, Sharû”, he said and stroked him between the legs, the orc groaned. “Take me, I want to feel you inside me.”

Ecthelion stood up and pulled him with him, his hands slid under Sharû’s shirt as he manoeuvred them both into the house. He managed to open his trousers between kisses and went to his knees. Before Sharû could protest, he licked the tip of his growing arousal and took him in his mouth. Ecthelion closed his eyes, he had ached to do this for so long and had always told himself that it wasn’t possible, but he wouldn’t allow doubts anymore – not his and not Sharû’s.

“Thel!”, the orc moaned. “Thel, wait.” He stumbled back and stared at him, breathing hard. “Not... not like this. I don’t want you to kneel before me.”

Ecthelion smiled relieved and stood up. “If that is all...” He rubbed himself against him and purred into his ear. “Let’s check out if your bed is as sturdy as it looks.”

 

He was dreaming. It couldn’t be otherwise. He was dreaming and he’d wake any moment and have to content himself with his right hand. But he didn’t wake, they stripped quickly and lay down on the bed that creaked softly. Ecthelion kissed him passionately and Sharû returned it hesitantly. His hand trembled when he laid it on Ecthelion’s cheek. Ecthelion pulled back a little and looked seriously at him.

“If you don’t want to... This is not a favour I ask of you. I want you, but only if you want me, too.”

Sharû laughed helplessly. “That’s not it, Thel, really.” He didn’t remember when he’d started calling him that, to him a short name simply felt more natural. Ecthelion had never complained although elves usually reacted a little sensitive to a shortening of their names. “But I don’t know what to do. I’ve never had sex with an elf who wanted that. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Ecthelion’s face became gentle. “You won’t. Just touch me. Any way you like.” Ecthelion pushed him on his back and kissed his neck, his hand closed around Sharû’s cock and he groaned. He hadn’t had sex since... much too long. He wouldn’t last long. “And let me give you pleasure.”

Ecthelion’s mouth left a wet trail on his skin as he kissed down his chest. Sharû shyly stroked his back and sides, is fingertips traced the rim of the burn scars, but when Ecthelion’s lips closed around his arousal again, he clenched his fists in the sheets. He didn’t want to pull his hair. Hot pleasure washed over him. Ecthelion was licking the length of his cock and peppered little kisses down the side. He sucked on the head and Sharû groaned. Hot shudders ran through him as Ecthelion went deeper.

“Thel... Thel, I...”

He was breathing quickly, his muscles trembled as he tried not to come yet, Ecthelion let him slip from his mouth.

“In case that’s not clear, you can come into my mouth.”

Sharû couldn’t reply anything before Ecthelion continued to suck him and words fled his mind. He came, his muscles jerking and pure bliss clouding his thoughts. Only afterwards did he wonder if it really had been right, despite Ecthelion’s words, but when he looked into the elf’s smiling eyes, he knew he didn’t need to worry.

Sharû took a trembling breath and leaned forward to kiss him, moving his thigh against Ecthelion’s hard cock. Ecthelion groaned, moving into him and opening his mouth when Sharû shyly touched his lips with his tongue. Sharû reached down, sliding his fingertips over his arousal and gently massaging his balls. Ecthelion moaned into his mouth, his tongue moving against his, Sharû tasted himself on it and shuddered pleasantly.

He started to stroke his cock slowly, enjoying the feel of the hot skin under his fingers, tracing a vein with his fingertip. Ecthelion’s eyes closed, he thrust lightly into his touch, his teeth tugging on Sharû’s lower lip. Sharû took a deep breath, smelling both their sweat, his release and Ecthelion’s arousal, the mixture going right to his groin. Ecthelion clung to him, moaning and gasping, his cheeks flushed and Sharû stroked him quicker.

“Oh, Thel”, he whispered, filled with tenderness for this elf who was able to desire him. “So beautiful.”

Ecthelion’s muscles tensed, his fingers dug into Sharû’s shoulders when he came trembling over his hand. Sharû kissed him slow and gentle while he held him close, Ecthelion’s quick breath caressing his skin. He’d never felt like before, not really. Ecthelion smiled at him, his hand stroking his chest.

“I can’t believe we just did this”, Sharû whispered. “I can’t believe you should want me.”

He kissed the number inked under the skin of Ecthelion’s forearm.

“I want you”, Ecthelion said without hesitation and met his eyes. “As a matter of fact and as I might have mentioned before”, a mischievous smile came to the elf’s lips, “I want you inside me. I understand this is new and strange for you. Do you want to talk about it?”

“I... I don’t know. It’s...” Sharû laughed sheepishly. “It’s all a little much. I’m sorry, I’m acting like an idiot.”

Sharû was angry at himself. Why couldn’t he just accept Ecthelion’s desire? He knew him, he trusted him to know what he wanted. But it was strange.

Ecthelion shook his head with a smile. “No, just like someone who isn’t used to this kind of relationship.”

His hand caressed his skin in slow smooth strokes, sometimes halting at a scar and tracing it, before continuing, Sharû returned the tenderness shyly. So strange. His only experience that came anywhere close to this were the hours with Mablung.

Mablung, who’d told him, too, that he could see the elf he might have been. Mablung, who had been so good at giving him what he wanted. Never fighting him, always grateful for any gentleness he might give in return. But in the end, he’d been a slave and he couldn’t compare it with lying here with Ecthelion. Mablung had paid the price for Sharû’s protection, given a choice he wouldn’t have ended up in his bed. He hadn’t wanted him. But Ecthelion wanted him. Ecthelion wanted to be touched by him, kissed by him, ...fucked by him. Was he mad to risk breaking this miracle by not accepting it as possible? Sharû laid his hand on Ecthelion’s cheek and traced his cheekbone with his thumb.

“No, we don’t need to talk. It’s enough for me to know that you want it – me”, he said firmly and kissed him.

Ecthelion made a pleased sound and pulled him on top of him. For a long while they only kissed, caressing each other. Ecthelion had scars, too, Sharû felt them under his fingers. Scars from being a slave, but also those of a fighter – Sharû knew how good he was with a blade, he was glad they’d never met in battle.

He rubbed his growing arousal against Ecthelion’s thigh and felt him shudder and moan. Sharû liked the sounds he made, both the soft contented little sighs when he kissed him slowly and the throaty moans when he was close to completion – he wanted to hear more of them. He nibbled gently on the skin of his neck and knew he’d found a good spot when Ecthelion made a delightful mewl and thrust his hips against him. Sharû smiled at himself and continued to suck and bite his neck, tenderly, he didn’t want to leave marks.

He intended to be gentle, he could do that, he wouldn’t scare him off by fucking him through the mattress. Sharû groaned when he realised there was nothing in reach to use as lubrication – he’d have to get up. Ecthelion whined in protest when he sat up.

“Where do you think you are going?”

“Getting oil.”

Sharû enjoyed the sight for a moment. Ecthelion’s lips were red and swollen from kissing, his skin flushed and damp with sweat. The area where Sharû’s teeth had been a little darker than the skin around it.

Sharû suppressed a growl as arousal shot through his body and made his cock pulse. Maybe he did want to mark him... No, not today – and maybe never. Elves liked gentle sex. Sharû quickly fetched a bottle with olive oil from the larder and came back to the bed.

“Hurry up”, Ecthelion said with a wink and spread his legs.

Sharû knelt between them, caressing his thighs and leaning over him to kiss his neck again.

“You smell so good”, he whispered and Ecthelion laughed, but if he’d wanted to answer anything to that it turned into a moan when Sharû’s oil-slickened fingers slid inside him.

Sharû closed his eyes as he imagined that tight, hot muscles clenching around his cock, but he took his time to prepare him. He kissed Ecthelion’s chest, licked the sweat from his skin, the taste salty and arousing.

“Sharû”, Ecthelion groaned, bucking his hips. “Hurry up! Please.”

And Sharû, whose restraint hung on a thread decided that it was enough preparation. He trembled when he entered him slowly. Pleasure rushing hot and tingling through him, Ecthelion met his thrusts and slung his arms around his neck, moaning with abandon. Sharû finally let the satisfied growl escape his throat. Ecthelion wanted him. Ecthelion wanted him. Ecthelion wanted him!

 

Afterwards, Ecthelion sat on the bed and played his flute. Sharû lay beside him and watched him with half-closed eyes, looking contented. He liked to play for him, precisely because Sharû hadn’t been brought up to like music. He had no idea of musical theory, unlike most of his other listeners. It was liberating somehow, to play for him.

“Why?”, Sharû asked softly. Ecthelion set his flute down.

“Why what?”

“Why me? Why... this?” Sharû made a motion with his hand that encompassed them both and what they had done just now.

Ecthelion shifted his weight a little and looked him in the eyes. “Because you deserve to be loved. Because I can sit here and play music for you. Because with you I can do something as mad jumping off a cliff into a lake.” Ecthelion laughed softly at the memory. “Because you don’t want me for my name or my money. Because you can look at my face without recoiling from my scars. Because you didn’t say anything when you saw me naked for the first time.”

Sharû caressed his side wordlessly, the burns covered his back and left arm with uneven, dark splotches. Ecthelion caught his hand and kissed his fingers.

“Because I don’t have to feign anything when I’m with you.” He grinned at him. “Because I hope you’ll soon fry that fish for me, I’m hungry.”

Sharû laughed and embraced him. Ecthelion kissed him gently, putting his flute aside to caress Sharû's thigh. He blushed when his belly rumbled in protest and Sharû laughed.

“I’ll prepare the Lord of the Fountain’s meal now, I think”, he said. He stood up and bowed to Ecthelion. “Any special wishes, herdir?”

Ecthelion reclined laughing against the headboard of the bed. “No, go ahead. I have a very good view from here.”

Sharû lifted his eyebrows but stoked up the fire without another comment.

Soon it smelled deliciously of fried fish, Ecthelion’s stomach growled demandingly, he had last eaten this morning and the... exertion, he grinned, took its toll. Ecthelion slid from the bed and placed a kiss on Sharû’s shoulder.

“Will you wait till after dinner?” Sharû laughed and wiggled when Ecthelion bit him gently.

“I’m so hungry, I could bite a chunk out of you.”

“The fish will taste better.”

“I’m not so sure of that.” Ecthelion leaned against him. “I just want to be close to you.”

He felt the urge to grin the whole time, he was so happy.

“If you’d let go of me for a moment, we could eat.”

Ecthelion felt the blood rush to his cheeks. Yes, he acted like a lovestruck adolescent, but he couldn’t stop it. Had he ever been that much in love? He couldn’t remember.

“What would your high-born friends say if they could see you right now?”, Sharû said as they sat down. He tried to make light of it, but Ecthelion saw he worry in his narrowed lips.

“Are you worried?” Ecthelion made an approving sound when he tried the first piece of fish. “They can’t do anything to us.”

“Not you maybe.” Sharû bit his lower lip. “We only live here because the Valar allow it. I don’t want to alienate important Noldor.”

“Does it look like Garam has any problems?”

“That’s different.” Sharû shrugged. “Who’d want to mess with Silwen?”

“And you think that anyone would want to mess with me?”

Ecthelion gave him a dangerous smile although he thought of Glorfindel’s incomprehension. He didn’t mind to scandalise, but losing the regard of his best friend frightened him.

“You forget who I am. No one wants to have Ecthelion of the Fountain against him. Besides, there’s a lot changing right now. All the Maiar who served Melkor are coming free and you have to have noticed that you attract less attention than before when you visit me. Remember how they stared at you in the beginning? They are getting used to see orcs in Aman and given time even the last of them will learn to trust you, the Angband-Elves do anyway. Of course there will be gossip, but they learned to accept that we are friends, they’ll accept that we are lovers, too.” Or at least he hoped so.

Sharû sighed but then he smiled. “If my mother could see us, she would laugh, I think. She would have liked you, Thel.”

“Do you know that my mother long thinks us to be secretly lovers?”

Sharû stared at him. “What?”

Ecthelion shrugged. “I don’t know how she got the idea but she’s making ambiguous commentaries. Maybe I showed my feelings for you more openly than I thought. She takes it with humour.”

Sharû rubbed his face. “What did I get myself into? A bunch of mad elves.” His eyes glittered. “And you are the maddest of all. We should go to bed if we want to get up early for hunting.”

Ecthelion winked at him. “I have no objections to going to bed.”

Sharû groaned. “I meant for sleeping.”

“You can sleep when I’m gone.” Ecthelion took his hand and pulled him to his feet. “And if we find ourselves a comfortable fern glade instead of hunting tomorrow, no one will find out.”

Sharû shook his head. “Only an elf could get the idea to fuck in the woods. As I said, mad, all of you.”

Ecthelion silenced him with a kiss.