Quite unexpected

Chapter ten Realisations

Celeborn sat on his balcony, enjoying the sun and the company of his friends and family. He sat there with Arwen, Elrond, Haldir and Thranduil. In the last three days he had regained a lot of his old strength, having Thranduil by his side, knowing the blond king loved him, had helped a lot.

“I am so sorry I gave you so much trouble.” He said to no one in particular.
Elrond smiled and shook his head. “No trouble at all, father, and I for one am happy the truth finally is revealed. You deserve to be happy.”
Celeborn nodded. “Would you mind if I retired? I no longer wish to share anything with her and I doubt she’ll let me life in ‘Lóriën. Can I come with you, Thranduil? Move to Mirkwood?”
Thranduil sat on the arm stool and pulled him closer. “Of course you can, but I refuse to let you give up without a fight. We -are- going back, all of us.”
Celeborn shook his head. “They all worship her, why should I add to my humiliation?”
Arwen smiled and sat down before her grandfather. “Ata’da, please listen to us. You’ve always hidden your unhappiness and always you’ve been there for us. Now let us help you. We know what we’re doing.”

Celeborn closed his eyes and leaned against Thranduil. “I don’t care what happens, as long as I am with my love.”
Thranduil squished him and kissed him lovingly. “And you will. Nothing can separate us now. And you’d better come willinbecabecause Legolas and Arwen are stubborn enough to tie you to a horse.”
Celeborn laughed at the image. “If you really wish me to, I shall, but I fear to go alone.”

He looked down when he felt something pull at his robe and smiled when he saw Eldarion sitting on the floor. Arwen grinned. “He just crawled, ata’da. I hadn’t expected him to do that for at least three more weeks. You have a good influence on him.” Celeborn lifted his grandchild and smiled. “And he on me, Arwen.”
He grinned when Eldarion started playing with his hair.
Thranduil smiled and reached out to caress the baby. “He’s adorable, Arwen. A beautiful half-elf.”

Eldarion cooed and suddenly released Celeborn’s hair to grasp Thranduil’s, tugging hard, making the blond hiss in pain.
Haldir smiled. “And already he shows some family treats.” Celeborn looked at him puzzling and Haldir shrugged. “He shares his grandfather’s preference for blond hair.”
Thranduil grinned. “As long as it’s my hair, I don’t mind.”

Celeborn closed his eyes in bliss. “Where are the others anyway?”
Elrond grinned. “Aragorn is organizing everything for our departure and making sure Faramir will be all right ruling in his stead. Boromir will be leading the army to aid your lover’s realm. He’ll live later today.”
Thranduil smiled. “Joreb will be most pleased to have reinforcements. With your help we’ll be able to drive them from our lands. For good.”
Celeborn nodded. “And ‘Lóriën should send aid as well.”
Thranduil smiled. “Don’t trouble yourself with that. I am sure Aragorn’s forces, combined with Glorfindel’s men will be more than enough help.”

Celeborn nodded. “And what about your brothers, Haldir? Or Legolas?”
Haldir smiled. “Ru is sleeping. He’s too tired but refuses to rest, so I asked Lord Elrond to drug him last night. It still hasn’t worn off.” He smiled at the image of his brother sprawled on the bed. “And Phin is wandering around with Legolas. So at least some of us are exploring this city.”

Celeborn sighed. “I’m getting tired again. I hope I’ll be able to travel when you want to leave.”
Elrond placed his hands on Celeborn’s knees. “We can travel slowly I haI have no doubts you will be your old self soon enough.” He rose. “I shall take my leave and let you rest. Haldir, can I go over some details with you?” Haldir nodded and rose as well.
He followed the Peredhel after hugging Celeborn. “You will always be a father to us.”
Celeborn smiled. “And you my sons. Maybe I should nag you about mates.”
Haldir grinned. “Elrond is right. You’re almost back to normal.”

Arwen smiled. “And I need to rest as well. I fear everything has drained me more than I’d care to admit.”
Celeborn smiled ruefully. “Aiya, Arwen. I am so sorry to adding to your troubles when you should only know joy.”
Arwen shook her head. “You are my grandfather and I love you dearly. I bless that thunderstorm that send you to Mirkwood for without it we still wouldn’t know the truth. Rest well, ata’da.”
Celeborn grinned when she was about to leave without Eldarion. “Arwen, you forget your son. I think he needs a nap too.”
Thranduil agreed. “Besides, I’d like to have a little bit of hair left.”
Arwen laughed warmly and picked up the boy. She planted another kiss on Celeborn’s cheek. “Está mára.”

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Legolas jumped up when he heard a scream resembling a squeal. /Orophin!/ He rushed out the shop he was buying their afternoon meal in and ran towards the origin of the sound. He stopped dead and his eyes widened when he arrived there and saw Orophin rolling around the leaves, laughing.

He smiled at the sound and slowly stepped forward. “Orophin? What happened?”

Orophin looked up and smiled. He did not stand but merely crossed his legs in the tailor’s position. “I stepped on something sharp, so I yelped, and then I heard the trees talking. This one,” his finger pointing out the tree behind him. “accused that one,” now he indicated the tree in front of him “of dropping his seed too carelessly. And then they started fighting about it and other trees bugged in, all having their own opinions. It was hilarious.”

Legolas sat down and smiled. “I’ll bet. I’m glad to hear you laugh.”
Orophin nodded. “I’m sorry I’ve been so gloomy. I really appreciate your efforts and time.” He sighed longingly. “I hope he heals soon. I miss woodwoods. Maybe we can come live in Mirkwood?”
Legolas nodded. “You’ll always be welcome, but I doubt Mirkwood will be your destination. The others are planning our journey to your home.”

He smiled and beckoned Orophin to come a little closer. “I have not yet told you but Aragorn had me writing a letter to ‘Lóriën, stating Celeborn was fading and that we feared he’d be dead within the month. Galadriel’s actions will give her away and everybody will side with Celeborn once he returns alive and regenerated. And he won’t come alone; he will have all of us on his side.”
Orophin nodded. “But how will Galadriel believe it?”
Legolas smiled. “We pretended it came from Mirkwood. The healer signed it and gave it to a bird to bring to Galadriel.”
Orophin frowned. “But then she will know it came from here. She will know.”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay, she won’t. I’ve had many dealings with bird messengers and they don’t know realms like we do. Besides; it was instructed to go to a counsellor and definitely not Galadriel.”

He pulled Orophin closer and placed some hair behind Orophin’s hair. “Have a little faith.”
Orophin shrugged. “I guess. And I know he doesn’t care one way or the other, but I can’t help it. He’s always been there for us, he’s our father.”
Legolas smiled. “And he’ll be happy anywhere with his family and friends at his side.”
Orophin nodded. “But where would he go but to Valinor. He can only travel so much.”
Legolas shook his head, brushing away a lone tear on his friend’s face. “Our fathers have become lovers, Phin. I doubt he’ll be able to stay in ‘Lóriën a long time without Thranduil. Nor could my father stay in Mirkwood long without yours. Nay, I daresay they’ll leave others in charge and travel between our realms. Or he will come live with us in Mirkwood.”

Orophin smiled gratefully. “If he does we’re coming too. And your father should help us get him to travel again. He loves it.”
Legolas smiled. “Aragorn will always be pleased to see us. And I know he’s made himself popular in Rohan as well. And there’s always Imladris and maybe I can even convince him to join me when I visit Gimli.”
Orophin grinned. “That Dwarf really is something else.” His eyes glistened with mirth and joy.

Legolas cocked his head, wondering where it came from. “Your eyes are happy, but you’ve only met Gimli at Helm’s Deep.”
Orophin shook his head. “Nay, I was part of the welcoming committee when eight of you entered ‘Lóriën, Legolas. Don’t you remember pointing your arrow at me? But I didn’t give everyone much time. Not even you.” His voice carried a sad tone.
He sighed. “No, I really got to know Gimli at the Glittering Caves. I was one of the many that had come there after the breach. He was muttering the whole time, making the others laugh. When I entered it he clamped me and asked after you.”
Legolas nodded. “We got separated. I was gravely concerned about him.” He smirked. “But don’t tell the Dwarf.”
Orophin laughed. “His words! Only he told me not to tell the elf.”
Legolas smiled and looked at Orophin’s laughing face, feeling his body warm up.

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Boromir looked grim as he stared in the distance. It was a good thing he wasn’t coming to ‘Lóriën for he would not have been able to control himself. He smiled, already smelling the trees on air the wind blew their way.

The horses had kept a swift solid pace since they left the White tower. He nodded, seeing the trees come closer. They had followed Thranduil’s instructions and had made the journey in no time.

He slowed down when they were in front of the trees. Not seeing or sensing any elves he none the less raised his voice, knowing full well they were able to hear him, if not see him. “Elves of Mirkwood, I am Boromir of Gondor and we are by by King Elassar Telcontar to aid you. I also bring written greetings to Prince Joreb from his brother and father. And one for the healer. Would you please escort us through your woods?”
A woodelf jumped from the tree before him and cocked his head. “How do I know your words are true, human, and not a ruse?”
Boromir smiled. “In any other circumstances those words would be an insult. But I understand your feeling. Here are the letters your rulers have given me to deliver.”
The soldier smiled, recognizing his sire’s marking and bowed. “None of us can leave our post but I shall give you the directions on how to reach the palace fastest.”

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Glorfindel smiled, seeing the trees come closer. “Well boys, we took even less time than Erestor had anticipated.”
Elladan and Elrohir grinned. They shared Glorfindel’s enthusiasm. “I just can’t understand Thranduil never called for aid.”

Glorfindel’s eyes narrowed. He knew the truth but had promised Elrond not to tell. He had made the mistake of telling the others so. Erestor respected it and did not ask questions, he would ask Elrond in due time, but the twins had been making remarks ever since, trying to let Glorfindel slip. It was getting harder to keep his promise to Elrond.

“Will you two shut up and stop acting like elflings and start acting more like the heirs that you are? We are in sight and soon in hearing range as well. I hope Joreb will accept our help.”
Elladan nodded. “Of course he will. He’s not so stubborn as his father. Remember the tales Legolas told us?”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, but he also told us about a horseback ride with his father, gwanunig. And if what Glorfindel was allowed to tell us is but a fraction of what really happened the world might have the wrong opinion about Mirkwood. Now let us all be quiet and alert. We are entering the forest and must be prepared for everything.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Aye, we shall stay on the road and won’t stop until we’ve reached the palace.”

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Joreb frowned when two elves burst into the room. The healer shook his head. “If things like this keep happening your wrist will never heal. And how did you manage to stab yourself at your own bed is beyond me.”
Joreb grinned. “Glad to have at least one parent back.”

He looked at the two elves. “What is it?”
The two bowed politely and anxiety played their features. “Your Highness, there are two armies approaching.”
Joreb jumped up, grinning when he heard the healer’s curses at his actions. “Armies? What armies?”
The other two swallowed. “One elven army, bearing the Imladrian symbols. They are lead by Lord Glorfindel and Elrond’s twin sons. And a human army. From Gondor.”
Joreb nodded. “We need not fear Estel or Elrond. I think they’ve send reinforcements. But we must be on our guards. Tell your men to stay close but out of sight and ear.”
The elves nodded and ran out.

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Two hours later Joreb smiled when he saw Boromir come closer. The man jumped of his horse and handed the reins to the one next to him before stepping closer to Joreb and bowing. “Prince Joreb. I bring greetings from my king Elassar Telcontar…” He would have continued the official addressing but Joreb waved it away.

“Why have you come?”
Boromir smiled. “To aid you drive evil from your lands. I have messages from your father and brother. And one from Lord Celeborn. And one for the healer from your father.”
Joreb grinned. “Leading an army and a delivery boy.” His eyes sparkled when he accepted the letters. “Thank you, Boromir of Gondor. Your aid is most welcome. But please, rest yourself and your men the rest of the day before we march against evil.”
Boromir nodded. “Gladly. The horses need it. We’ve not stopped.”

Joreb cocked his head, frowning. He knew enough about the Gondor to to know they would not do that to a horse unless neary.ary. “There was no need.”
Boromir shook his head. “I had my orders to travel as fast as possible. And Lord Elrond has instructed Lord Glorfindel to come as well.”
Joreb smiled. “I figured as much. They have just crossed our borders and will be here within two, three hours. I thank you for your honesty.”
Boromir bowed and turned to tend to his horse.

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Joreb closed the door behind him and laughed when he saw the stern face of the healer. “Really, I am not endangering myself. Stop looking like that.”
The healer crossed his arms before his chest. “I refuse to patch you up just to see you injure it again before it is even healed. I simply will not have it.”
Joreb grinned. “It’s as I thought. The reinforcements have arrived. And they carry mail.” He threw the one for the healer his way and sat down on the couch.

He opened his father’s letter first and smiled at the happy tone. His smile widened as he read on. /A second father? Celeborn? Who would have guessed? Aiya, ata, I want you to be happy. What will happen? But what will happen in ‘Lóriën? May the Valar do justice that day./
He sighed and placed the letter aside. Though it had made him happy, it also made him extremely gloomy.

He opened Celeborn’s letter and grinned at the wordings. /Aiya, you already know me too well. Has Legolas been chatting about me?/

He laughed when the healer started muttering and grumbling. He did not know the contents of the letter but he knew his father loved teasing the healer.

He now opened Legolas’ letter and smiled. Suddenly he jumped up and screamed, ran towards the stunned healer and twirled him around.

The healer stopped him and shook his head. “Maybe I should not be examining your wrist but your head.”
Joreb laughed. “You can say what you want today. It won’t bite me. My baby brother is in love. He’s in love.”
The healer grinned. “So naturally you act like you’re insane.”
Joreb nodded. “I always wanted him to be happy and it looks like he finally found it.”
The healer smiled and sat them both down, not risking Joreb to make an accident. “So who’s the lucky one?”

Joreb returned to the letter, letting his eyes scan the words. “A warrior, male. His name is Orophin. That’s one of Celeborn’s elves. Ah, he writes Celeborn is their adoptive father. So I guess that makes him our brother now. Henduluinilmitesites he does not know how Orophin feels and is afraid to make a move.”
His good mood evaporated completely and frowned when he continued. “He fears Orophin harbours feelings for Celeborn. He says he does not want me to tell him the usual stuff for he knows that by heart and it might already be too late anyway. He just wanted to get it out of his system.”

He put the letter down and didn’t stop his tears. “Aiya, Henduluin.”
The healer sighed but nodded. “That one does not love Celeborn.” He grinned at Joreb’s expression. “Aye, he loves him but not like a lover should. Not like your father loved your mother or Lord Elrond his wife.”
Joreb grinned. “So he has a chance?”
The healer nodded. “If I read things correctly while I was there, I’d say he’s got a big chance, but don’t tell him.”
Joreb frowned. “Why not?”
“Because it might ruin his chances. If he knows he has one he will use it and scare Orophin away, but now that he thinks himself without hope he merely befriends him instead, showing Orophin the true Legolas, the Legolas worth having and loving.”
Joreb nodded. “One that does not try to win someone’s hebut but one that offers his friendship. I can see why father seeks your council so often. Maybe that’s even why so many get injured. To seek your council.”
The healer snorted and glared at him, but could not hide his pride at the praise.

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Galandil paced his study. He just could not believe the latest events. Thinking was extremely difficult for every second he shook his head, wondering if the world had gone insane right in front of his eyes.

His brother looked at him and shook his head. “Really, Galandil, what is upsetting you so? The last centuries our lord has not given interest in ruling, leaving you and your colleagues to do everything and look: we all still live. Calm yourself and pray to the Valar he will remain.”
Galandil growled and sat down, presenting the embodiment of total despair. “I am! But I just can’t believe it.”
Vororúmiënávo sighed. “Don’t bother yourself. I am sure Lord Celeborn is fine. And once the first shock is gone our Lady will hasten to his side.”
But Galandil shook his head. “She won’t. She won’t.”
His brother frowned. “Why not? They are wed. If he dies it will affect her too. Why would she not go?”

Galandil groaned and closed his eyes. For millennia he had kept his suspicions to himself, not even sharing them with his brother, the one elf he trusted above anything, but now he could hold his tongue no more.

“Listen, this stays between us, but I’ve always doubthe the dept of the love between our leaders, toron. Now I know for certain there is none between them anymore.” He sighed and gulped down his drink, showing the depth of his internal battle to his brother.
“The message from Mirkwood told us Celeborn is fading, brother. Fading! Want to know what Galadriel said when I told her? Good, she said, the sooner Mandos claims him the better. That’s what she told me. I urged her to ride to Mirkwood, for surely she can safe him from fading. She laughed and called him a nuisance and stated she’d rather give up this realm than to help him in any way.”
His tears left his eyes and he lowered his head. “I just can’t believe it.”

Vororúmiënávo was silent while he digested the news. “I don’t understand it. You say there is no love between them? Has it grown that way?” But already he knew his answer.
Galandil sighed. “Maybe for Lord Celeborn, but I am sure she felt nothing for him from the start. Otherwise she would not have said what she said.”
The other elf nodded and sighed.

But then his eyes lit up. “He’s fading, you said. And if he doesn’t love her anymore he can’t be fading for her. There’s still hope if we can find out who he is grieving. Maybe someone knows.”
Galandil nodded but shrugged. “I want to help but there’s not much we can do. All we can do is to send our findings to Mirkwood and stay here. If we leave she’ll usurp the realm completely.”
His brother nodded. “You are right. We can’t let that happen. You go to your fellow counsellors and all others that help you rule the realm in his absence. None of you can allow Galadriel to do anything. You must keep tight control on things. I will talk to all others. If this gets public Galadriel will have little power and we’ll send our best healer to Mirkwood.”

They agreed on the plan and went to it at once.

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The chief healer shook his head as he entered the grand study. “So what I’ve heard is true. Nothing is what it seemed.” In the room lay a atmosphere of disappointment, worry, fear and anger. The same he felt throughout the realm. “I want to know what to do once I get to Mirkwood?”

Galandil rose and opened his mouth but the one seated on his left spoke before him. “You’re not going to Mirkwood!” He smiled at the others outraged faces. “Aye, you are going to help our lord heal, but he’s not in Mirkwood. The bird that was used does not dwell there. The only place I’ve know it to life is Gondor.”
The healer cocked his head. “Which means he’s in Minas Tirith.”
Galandil shook his head. “No, a couple of days ago a message from Mirkwood arrived. The day Haldir and his brothers left.”
The healer closed his eyes. “So we can safely assume that first message contained ill news. I wondered why they were in a hurry and so angry. But why not tell us?”
The chief librarian grinned. “Because none of us would have believed them. And if it weren’t for the details we would not believe Galandil and his brother either. We’ve all been too blind for too long. We need to render our mistakes.”
Everybody nodded. “Aye. Celeborn has always ruled and we will continue as always, but without any interference from her. And the warriors? Are they loyal to her or our lord?”
The healer grinned. “They already are calling themselves Eldar Celeborno. I shall leave for Minas Tirith instantly. Wish me luck.”

End chapter 10
TBC

Translations:

Está mára means rest well
Henduluinilma means our blue-eyes. I felt this a fitting nick name for Legolas.
Galandil means starlover or starfriend. Take your pick
Vororúmiënávo means ever-moving-mouth.
Toron means brother
Eldar Celeborno means elves of Celeborn: Celeborn’s elves.