Against all odds2: Work it out

Title: work it out, sequel to Against all odds
Author: peniel: peniel@hetnet.nl
Pairings: existing: see against all odds. New: Thranduil/Haldir; Orophin/Ecthelion
Summary: we continue where we left off. But what will happen when Ecthelion returns? And how is Thranduil going to survive his overactive matchmaking children?
Warnings and Rating: R/NC-17, I think, just to be safe. And AU!!

For the signs please see against all odds, and maybe read it for some things might seem weird or incomprehendable otherwise.

Chapter one Unexpected happiness

Several months have passed since the wedding took place and the valley of Imladris bathed in peace and quiet once again.

Legolas smiled happily as he climbed the stairs leading up the roof to join his beloved. Elrohir turned when he reached it and smiled seductively. Legolas grinned but shook his head. “Not tonight, verno nin. Too many people walk the grounds.”
Elrohir shrugged and snuffed. “As if they wouldn’t know it otherwise.”
Legolas laughed, pulling his love close to his body. “True, they would. But they wouldn’t be able to watch. I don’t want others to see yoked.ked.”
Elrohir cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “Don’t be jealous now, love. Come, sit and enjoy the eve with me. How do you think Adan and Lindir are doing?”
Legolas shrugged. “Fine by the looks of it. I hope they get pregnant soon, I’m highly curious how he will act.”
Elrohir grinned. “And what he’ll eat. I aly piy pity Elladan. He’ll have to walk on egg shelves.”

He purred when Legolas pulled him tighter against his body, enabling him to really lay back. “But weren’t you more worried about your father? Were you serious?”
Legolas nodded. “Aye. He needs a mate. But there are none that qualify. Not at home anyway.” His voice carried sadness and regret.
Elrohir grinned. “Why don’t you just keep an eye on him? Maybe you’ll see an elf he likes or that likes him?” He too didn’t like seeing the old regal elf so alone. It pained him.
Legolas shrugged. “Maybe. It’s a pity our fathers forbade us to do anything for Glorfindel and Rumil. I would love to do something for them.”
Elrohir laughed warmly. “Aye, me too, but they were serious. And I do think time is all they need is.” He didn’t repeat Thranduil’s words of how they’d do more damage than good.
“I hope so. I find it fortunate Haldir and Orophin stayed too.”

He grinned. “Are we goio huo hunt together tomorrow?”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, the eight of us. Nine if we can get your father to accompany us.”
Legolas sighed contented and closed his eyes. “Can we go inside? I want to make love.”
Elrohir’s eyes darkened in lust and he purred seductively as he stood, pulling his lover along. “Aye.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You smell better each time.” ‘
Elrond smiled and turned lazily in his lover’s embrace. “And your beauty grows daily still. I am a highly fortunate elf to have you.”
Erestor sighed contented and snuggled even closer. “As am I. Melin le.” He would never tire of saying it.

He smiled warmly as he felt the other stroke his hip while he was already dozing off. He’d exhausted Elrond this time but it had been wonderful and at least now Elrond would get his much needed sleep. Erestor’s eyes were filled with warmth, love and affection. He tightened his embrace and kissed his lover’s hair. He intended to watch Elrond’s sleep and make sure nothing disturbed it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil strode through the corridors the way he did his own, like a Dwarf looking for an orc to behead. All elves hastily jumped aside, not whishing to collide with the powerful elvenking.

Haldir’s eyes sparkled when he saw it. He cocked his head as he studied the king, who would never seize to amaze him. He has had many dealings with the elf, though more with his advisors, and found him to be extremely deceptive. After all these years Haldir still had caught but a glimpse of the elf behind the regal mask. But he knew one thing: he admired the king, if nothing else. To hold the evil forces at bay for such a long time without a ring was prove of wisdom, power, strength and loyalty he wasn’t sure Celeborn could produce. Aye, he found Celeborn to be wise, strong, loyal and powerful, but Haldir wasn’t sure if ‘Lóriën would have survived without the aid of Galadriel’s ring.

He forced his musings from his mind when the face of said elf registered with him. He jumped down from the banister and approached the other. “Thranduil Sire, you seem troubled. Is there anything I can do?”

Thranduil stopped and narrowed his eyes, taking in the bowing elf. He seemed familiar, but he couldn’t remember anything about him. Then he realised this was one of Rumil’s brothers and he smiled. “Just trying to avoid my matchmaking sons.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I do hope Lindir gets pregnant. It’ll give them something else to focus on.”

Haldir smiled, feeling sorry for the king. He had suffered Elrohir’s and Legolas’ schemes enough to know how bad one of them was and he could not imagine what they’d be together. “You have my sympathies, sire, I myself fled when one of them came to Lothlóriën. I cannot imagine what they must be like working together.”
Thranduil smiled at the genuine tone and shrugged. “No one can, I wa”
”

He looked out and smiled, seeing Rumil walk hand in hand with Glorfindel. “Their road, at least, is no hard one.”
Haldir smiled at the affectionate tone. Heded.ded. “They’re taking it slow, but Orophin already walked in on them thrice.” Seeing the other’s eyes widen in disbelief he easily understood the misconception and grinned. “Kissing, I mean. I don’t believe they’ve…” He trailed off, but Thranduil nodded in understanding, looking at the discussed couple again. “I’m happy for them.”
Haldir warmed with pride. “Aye, me too. Though I must say I’m surprised Legolas and Elrohir didn’t try to meddle. Orophin and I were constantly on the wall, so to say.”
Thranduil smiled. “I ordered them not to. As did Elrond, though I were more harsh with my words.” He shrugged. “Which is probably why they are torturing me, I suppose.”

Haldir smiled and cocked his head. “You should train your fighting skills, get it out your system. Or invent a lover.”
Thranduil frowned but smiled at the notion. It has been ages since he’s handled a sword for the last time. He nodded. “Sounds like a perfect suggestion, though I am loathe to fight against the children.” He cocked his head and took in the other, remembering the tales of his skills in battle and nodded again. “Perhaps you would like to spar with me?”
Haldir’s eyes widened in surprise and his couldn’t the the spreading blush. The uncertainty about his second suggestion didn’t help tom him him down. He figured it merely meant the sparring and felt honoured and stuttered an agreement, making the king grin in amusement.
“See you at the practising area in half an hour then.” Thranduil walked away, feeling lighter than before.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Erestor groaned when a knock sounded through the room. Carefully he disentangled himself from Elrond, whispering soothing words to prevent him from waking.

He hurried to answer the knock and was shocked to see a panicking Elladan on the other side. “Elladan? Man nás?”
Elladan flung himself at Erestor and sighed relieved. “Lindir. Something’s wrong. I thinks sis sick.”
Erestor gasped but immediately his thoughts took over. “Lindir’s fully elven, he can’t get sick.”
Elladan growled. “Don’t you think I know that? But he’s not feeling well, I don’t know what to do. Where’s ata?” His voice was loaded with fear and the desperation and panic easily seeped through.

Erestor was loathe to wake his lover up, who really needed a good sleep, but he knew he had to. Neither Elladan nor Lindir would want another healer, and Elrond himself would be dead before allowing anyone else to tend to them.

Sighing he approached the bed and touched his lover. “Melamin, wake up.”
The lord of Imladris stirred once, twice and then his eyes fluttered open, a happy smile gracing his features upon seeing his love. They contorted when he saw the fear in the beautiful orb orbs and he flared up. “Erestor, what is it?”

Hearing his father’s voice made Elladan release a little shriek and he now flung himself at his father. “Lindir is ill. I don’t know what’s happening or why he’s ill, but he is.”
Elrond was up instantly and dressed himself in a hurry, already firing questions at Elladan, who managed to answer them.

Without delay he sped through the corridors to his son’s rooms, barging in.

He only stepped aside to allow Elladan to rush to Lindir’s side, who lay on the bed, groaning in agony. Elrond and Erestor both sat down on the bed and Lindir focused on the second, seeing the eyes display the immense pain he felt. He allowed Elrond to examine him and ask questions and he felt a little relieved when Erestor’s eyes warmed with happiness, though the pain on his behalf didn’t evaporate.

Elrond smiled and grasped Lindir’s hands. “I shall make you something to numb the pain. Elladan tells me you’ve been feeling like this for near two weeks now. Is that accurate?”
Lindir nodded, grimacing. “Aye, but it’s getting worse.”
Elrond nodded. “I know. Celebrían had even worse pains when she was carrying Arwen.” He smiled at their disbelieving faces. “Aye, Lindir, you are pregnant. You can expect morning sickness to kick in at any day now. And mood swings. And I can already tell you I will not be the one to journey to the kitchen at night.”

Elladan screamed in happiness when he realised his father was serious he hhe hugged his love. “You’re pregnant. I can’t believe it. You’re getting a child.”
Lindir smiled but shook his head. “-We’re- getting a child, Elladan.” Knowing there was nothing wrong with him made him shed tears of happiness himself and he rested his head on Elladan’s shoulder.

Coming down a little he smiled and looked at Elrond. “Guide me through this?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course we shall. I shall make a diet for you and a schedule and we’ll all be there for you. Do you want to send for your parents?”
Lindir closed his eyes but then shook his head. “Nay. Rather not.”
Elrond nodded. “Then we won’t.” He smiled affectionately at them and looked at Erestor. “I’m sorry, but I’m going back to bed. I’m exhausted.” Elladan and Lindir looked at him and he could read their affection in their eyes and smiled warmly. “But don’t hesitate to come whenever you think you need me. At any time.”

He leaned in closer and pressed a kiss on Lindir’s forehead. “You carry a life inside you, Lin Peo People will start to treat you as a treasure.”
Lindir blushed but looked warm at the Peredhel. “As long as you won’t. I need my family to be steady.”
Erestor nodded. “And so we shall, though some members are bound to become just a little more protective of you. Come, Elrond, off to bed. And Elladan, you’re the father, but you’ve got us to nag as well.”
Elladan nodded and smiled. “I’m glad, I’ve no experience. Ata, you’re becoming an ata’da.” Elrond gasped and beamed with pride. It had not even crossed his mind yet. Elladan frowned. “What will that make Celeborn?”
Elrond grinned. “Ata ata’dava.” His voice was secure but his eyes glistened. “I think.”

Elladan grinned and returned to hugging his love. “Wait until Ro hears this. He’ll want to pamper it and Legolas will want to teach it how to use a bow.”
Lindir nodded. “He or she will have the best family. Erestor willch hch how to be diplomatic, Glorfindel how to survive in the wild, Legolas how to fight, Elrond how to heal, I can teach my music and you can show off your riding skills again, and I am sure Thranduil and your grandparents will want to teach it how to read someone.”
Elladan sighed and nodded, winking. “But what about Haldir and his brothers?”
Lindir grinned, catching on. “Well, we will need someone to change the diapers and to read them stories.”
Elladan pouted. “I was hoping you would do that, you have such a loving voice.”
Lindir closed his eyes and nodded solemnly. “All right, but then you change the diapers. I am so glad nothing’s wrong with me.”

Translations:
Verno nin husband mine
Melin le I love you Sindarin
Man más? What is it? (I have finally figured out how to differ between what is it and who is it: the s. man nás en man ná. It makes perfect elven sense)

Chapter two May I?

Haldir paced the practise area, wondering if he wasn’t making a fool out of himself.
He looked at the sky. More than an hour had passed and still no sign of the Mirkwood king. And he found himself disappointed. He had looked forward to sparring with him. He threw his sword down in agitation and growled.

“Whoa, easy there, toron.”

He twirled round and smiled a little at Orophin’s face. “Hi there, Phin. Care to spar?”
Orophin raised his eyebrows before narrowing his eyes. He knew Haldir too well to know there was something bothering him. “Man nás?”
Haldir shrugged. “Nothing. I just got my hopes up over nothing.”
Seeing his slumped shoulders made Orophin sit down and pull Haldir down beside him. “Quettat nin.”
Haldir shrugged again. “There’s not much to tell. I bumped into King Thranduil and offered to spar with him to get his agitation out of his system.”

His eyes twinkled in delight. “Did you know he forbade Legolas and Elrohir to meddle between Ru and Glorfindel?” He grinned. “But it seems they’re now giving all their attention to him.”
Orophin laughed warmly. “I can already picture them stalking Legolas’ father through the Mirkwood trees.”

He shook his head in amusement. “I take it this offer of yours was made in a whim and you didn’t wait for an answer?”

Haldir closed his eyes and sighed. How could he tell his brother the truth? That he had allowed his mouth to gallop away and now feared he’s insulted the king. He didn’t really mind for himself, but he did mind on Celeborn’s behalf. They were still ‘Lóriën representatives, after all.

Orophin gently blew some air in his face and grinned. “Or maybe he had to ditch his over-eager children.”
He stood up and bowed. “Greeting Thranduil King, try not to place my brother in the healing house. I was hoping to go hunting soon.” His eyes twinkled in delight. hapshaps you should join us, or we could kidnap your children. Give you a day peace.”
Thranduil laughed warmly at the words. “I’ll certainly take the offer into consideration, Orophin. And I believe I should be the one asking for some lenience, since I haven’t touched a sword for so long.”

Haldir had by now jumped up and retrieved his sword. His eyes twinkled in delight at the thought of their sparring game.

Thranduil waited for Orophin to be gone and then removed his cloak, before taking on the normal stance. “I’m sorry I’m late, Haldir, I fear your brother is right: I did have to ditch Legolas.”
Haldir’s eyes widened. “Why? Did he bring a possible spouse?”
Thranduil laughed and charged, smiling at the warm eyes staring back at him. “Nay, thank Elbereth. But I could not lead him here, could I? I hardly spar nowadays. He would get the wrong conclusion.”
Haldir nodded and parried a new attack before launching one of his own. “It would get him of your back, I think. And what’s there to misinterpret?”
Thranduil grinned and thwarted Haldir’s attempts andnterntered them swiftly. His whole body was singing with the activity and he found Haldir was a worthy opponent.

The intervals between parry and attack got slimmer and slimmer until the swords were almost constantly touching each other and the two agile bodies forced to perform their maximum.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The hunt the next day went excellent and all elves fully enjoyed themselves, although most did spend more time with their mates than any other, which left Haldir and Orophin talking together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glorfindel swallowed as he stood before the door. His resolve nearly left him but he took a deep breath and knocked, before he could run away. He smiled coyly at the bewildered elf that opened the door. “I need help.”
Those three words didn’t do much to calm the other down and the shock only intensified on the face. “You…. you want what?”
Glorfindel smiled and nodded. “I need help. Your help. Can I come in?”
The eyes narrowed and disbelief stared at him. “Are you ill?”
The blond hair swept from side to side as Glorfindel shook his head. “Nay, I assure you I am not.”

“Behernon, what is it?” The blond prince emerged from the bathroom and grinned widely when he saw Glorfindel standing on the doorstep, though his eyes narrowed when he sensed the tension. “Why don’t you come in, Glorfindel?”
Glorfindel nodded. “I would like to, Legolas, but your husband is blocking the entrance. Elrohir, can’t I come in?”
Legolas shook his head as Elrohir merely gaped at the blond seneschal in disbelief. One wet arm encircled the waist and in a daze Elrohir felt himself pulled backwards. “Come in, Glorfindel. What have you done to place Ro in this state?”
Glorfindel shrugged. “I merely said I need help. From you both.”

Elrohir blinked his eyes and shook his head to get rid of the spell he was under. “He means it. I can’t believe it.” He turned to Legolas and it calmed him down further. Sensing his need the blond prince leaned closer and claimed his lips tenderly.

He established eye contact with Glorfindel and smiled. “And how may we be of service?”
Glorfindel swallowed. “You know about me and Rumil, right?” Legolas nodded, indicating for the other to continue. “I wish to deepen our relationship, but I’m unsure how to proceed.”
Issibssible Elrohir’s eyes widened even further and Legolas smiled warmly. “What is it precisely that wan want from us? Surely you don’t need us to tell you how to fuck?”
Glorfindel gasped and vigorously shook his head. “Nay, course not. No!! But how do I find out if Rumil might be…. I mean, if he’s…”
Legolas laughed and nodded, understanding the problem. He sighed. “Normally I would tell you to go for it or to ask, but you and Rumil are rather unique.” Elrohir sno and and he smiled. “It seems we are a family of unique couples.”

Those words got him a happy squish, though Elrohir was now kneeling in front of Glorfindel, calming the blond down. Legolas widened his eyes. Had Elrohir found another way to channel their power?

He forced himself to concentrate on the blond. “The most important thing is that you stay yourself, Glorfindel. Show him you love him and all else will follow.”
Glorfindel groaned. “You sound just like Elrond now.”
Legolas grinned. “I hope that’s where the equation ends, for I would hate to sleep with Erestor instead of my own mate, and I doubt the others will like the change.”
Elrohir mentally hit his beloved and grinned when Legolas hissed. He looked at Glorfindel. “Ignore my insane husband. Bear gifts, be yourself and give Rumil the chance to set the pace. He will tell you when he’s ready without you asking it.”
Glorfindel smiled and nodded, happy they weren’t laughing at him. He just felt so insecure and he didn’t want to ruin anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Orophin walked into the kitchen, his eyes widening when he saw Elladan talking to the cook. He yawned and sat down.
Elladan smiled at him and sat down beside him. “What brings you to the kitchen, Orophin?”
Orophin shrugged. “Nothing really, I’m jut a bit bored. Ru’s with Glorfindel all the time, and I am happy for it, and Haldir is sparring with Thranduil, which leaves me utterly alone.”
Elladan narrowed his eyes and looked at the other. “You do not wish to spend time with me or Ro anymore?”
Orophin smiled reassuringly. “Of course I do, but you both have your spouses. And Legolas is a bit too jealous for me to risk getting shot.”
Elladan laughed warmly. “And yet it is exactly what Ro needed, still needs. The knowledge he won’t leave him.”
Orophin nodded, he did understand. “I know, and I am happy for him. He deserves it. But I’d feel like the third wheel if I’d join any of these couples.”
Now Elladan understood and he hugged his fried. “Don’t let my twin or his mate hear that or they’ll start searching for a mate for you.”
Orophin laughed at the words and shook his head. “I thought you and your twin learned long ago not to intervene in my business?”
Elladan shrugged. “Legolas can be very persistent. And he even looks for a mate for his father. Besides, I don’t think your arrows will impress him much.”
Orophin sighed and shook his head, still laughing with his eyes. “No, I suppose not. Do you think your father will mind if I took a ride in the valley?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, of course not. By all means, go and enjoy yourself. You can take the same horse you had for the hunt.”

He looked after the departing elf in concern and worry. /Maybe I should ask them to find you a friend. You are not one to be alone for too long./ He shook himself out of his musing and rushed back to his rooms, not willing to alarm Lindir by staying away too long.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil smiled as he watched the other clean the area after their sparring match. Each one went better and better and the two learned from each other, a situation that pleased and surprised them both.

Haldir turned when he heard a noise and narrowed his eyes at the same time as he stretched his hearing. He shook his head and dragged the other elf along without warning.
Before Thranduil could complain the sounds registered and millennia long training and even more millennia of practise kicked in. Just as silently as Haldir he leaped into the tree after the Warden and waited, his sword at the ready. His eyes widened on their own accord when he saw Legolas enter his vision.

The blond prince shook his head and turned. “Are you sure he’s here?”
Now Elrohir walked into view, nodding vigorously. “Aye. I met Orophin in the stables. He’s feeling lonely because we all have mates.”
Legolas grinned. “He and Haldir and my father do not.”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, but Haldir and father are sparring a lot.” His eyes started to twinkle. “Maybe there’s something going on?”
Legolas laughed. “Ro, be serious. Haldir and father? Not on their own, that’s for sure. But maybe we can help them both.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, just father. We can’t have Haldir galloping after another elf. Orophin would be all alone.”
Legolas shrugged. “So we help him too.”
Elrohir jumped back, shaking his head. “No, don’t you even think about that. No way. Phin hates it when we meddle in his affairs. Adan a tri tried to do so once and he chased us around ‘Lóriën for days.” His eyes were wide with horror. “He actually shot us in the bum.” Involuntarily his hands rubbed his ass.
Legolas pulled him close and sighed. “If he dares to even draw his bow at you I will shoot him instead.” He cocked his head. “You don’t have to help me, if you don’t want to.”

Elrohir sighed and rested his head on Legolas’ shoulder. “Can we go home?” At first Legolas wanted to decline and continue searching for his father, but sensing Elrohir’s imminent breakdown he nodded and lifted his husband. “Aye, let’s go. I will find my father another time.”

When the two were out of sight and ear Thranduil groaned out loud and jumped out the tree before sitting down against it. He lowered his head and was the picture of total despair.

Haldir too came down and he felt more than concerned. He placed a hesitant hand on the slumped shoulder. “I think you should consider a lover, even if only to stop those two. Invent one.”
Thranduil shook his head. “Wouldn’t work. I’ve played with the idea more than once, but Legolas and Elrohir are hard to fool. I actually pretended to have received a letter, asking permission to court me. But they didn’t believe me.” He sighed again and had a hard time keeping in his tears.
Haldir sat down and pulled the king into a hug. That it was allowed stunned him, but he ignored his own emotions for the time b and and the last days have given him a total different view of the Mirkwood king. HE found he really desired to aid him.

“Maybe you need someone to play your lover? Would that keep them off?”
Thranduil narrowed his eyes and thought. After a while he shrugged. “Could, could not. It depends how good a performance we both would give.” He shrugged again. “But who would be stupid enough to do that?”
Haldir smiled. “I’m not stupid, but I am willing to try it. I’ve always been told I’m a great actor.”
Thranduil pulled back and stared at him in disbelief. After a second he narrowed his eyes and looked at the other more closely. “You what?”
Haldir nodded. “And I am the best candidate for the job. I mean, Legolas and Elrohir would be too stunned about this to actually figure out it isn’t real. They would never think of that possibility. And now is the best time to his.his. Legolas’ desire to help Phin, though he will never appreciate it, will blind his eyes a bit.”

Haldir looked hopeful and masterfully managed to hide his surprise at his own words. /I am going to lengths to convince him of this. and why am I actually afraid he’ll reject it? Why wouldn’t he. It is a silly idea./

Thranduil lowered his head, thinking it over and seeing things Haldir hadn’t. He nodded and looked up, locking his eyes with Haldir’s. “Aye, you are right. Now is the best time to perform a little charade and you are the best elf suited for the job. But we cannot be lovers. That would instantly alert them both. Nay, a slow courtship is a better ruse. Are you sure you are willing?”
Haldir nodded, determined. “Aye.” He smiled and pulled back a little, kneeling on one leg. “Thranduil King, may I have your permission to court you?”
Beside the situation Thranduil laughed and the sound surprised even him. He hadn’t laughed for so long. When he stopped laughing he nodded. “Aye, you may.” His eyes twinkled. “To think I can honestly tell my children you expressed the desire to court me.”

He jumped to his feet and smiled. “Well, I’d better go and initiate this plan, lest you or I have a change of heart.” He hugged the other and Haldir’s eyes widened when he heard the whisper. “I’m terribly romantic, you know.” The Warden was left blinking as Thranduil raced back to the manor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translations:

toron : brother
mán nas : what is wrong
quettat nin : tell me

TBC03