melme Colle (or: hidden love)

Chapter nine Preparing to move

Legolas blinked and looked around in wonder. There was so much light in this place, warmth too and yet he felt extremely chilly.
/Where am I?/
But then he remembered. /Erestor! Be alive./

Mandos appeared before him and smiled. “There’s no turning back now, Legolas. You’re in my halls.” He waved around. “These rooms are yours until it is time to be reborn. You will not meet any others.” He smiled affectionately. “But solitude you will not know. We shall visit frequently.”
Legolas frowned. “-We-?”
He nodded and a woman suddenly stood at his side. He smiled at her. “Be careful or she’ll teach you how to weave. Nienna will join you shortly. She’s looking forward to meeting you.”
Legolas could not naught but blink. He was standing face to face with two Valar and was informed another would join them shortly and was actually interested in meeting him.

Vairë smiled and sat down. “His humour takes time to get accustomed too. But he wouldn’t be so good at what he does if he hadn’t had it.” She placed her hand on Legolas’ arm. “You feel overwhelmed.”
Legolas nodded, unsure of how to speak.
She smiled warmly. “That was a very brave thing you did. Many offer it but only few see it through.”
Legolas shrugged. “I love him.”
Vairë nodded. “From the moment you first heard his name.”
Legolas widened his eyes, bewildered. He shook his head. “Nay, I liked him when I saw him first, but it hadn’t been love.”
Vairë shook her head. “But it was, Legolas, it was. You’ve picked him long before you’ve met.” She smiled. “I know because you’ve told us.”

Legolas blinked and stared at her in bewilderment. Then he remembered and grinned. “I’d forgotten about that.”
He had been two hundred years ond hnd had finally gotten his father to tell him tales about Imladris, though he had lost interest after hearing about Erestor. And later in his room he had told the Valar he wanted him.

She smiled and nodded. “But we haven’t. And neither did you. Aye, your mind has forgotten, but your soul and heart have not.”
Legolas lowered his head in sadness. “I’ve wasted so much time.” He looked up. “Did he ever love me back? Did I ever have a chance?”

Vairë didn’t know how tower wer that and she was extremely glad to see her sister in law enter. “Nienna, you’re here.”
The Valië nodded and smiled warmly at Legolas before bestowing a hug on him. “It is such a pleasure to finally meet you.”
He blushed and sat down, wonder and surprise the main features on his face.
Nienna smiled and sat down. “I will visit often and then we can talk about Erestor, yes?”
Legolas smiled and nodded. “I would love that.”

Vairë sighed, relieved the danger was temporarily avoided. She left the two of them alone. Nienna could talk hours about anything and never reveal a single thing. It still surprised her.

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Erestor groaned and blinked his eyes to regain focus.
Elrond smiled and leaned closer, brushing away some stray locks. “I am so glad yurneurned your back on Mandos.”
Erestor looked at him in wonder. “Massë?”
Elrond smiled and held his hand. “We’re still in Mirkwood, Erestor can cannot journey to Imladris before you’re healed.” He saw the surprise in Erestor’s eyes and realised the elf had known about his earlier plans, maybe even both. He shrugged. “I need to know you safe, Erestor. I’ve failed you in the past, but I will not fail you again.”
He stood and sighed. “It matters not where I dwell loneloneliness is my path.”

Erestor grabbed his hand and tugged it. Elrond ed aed and smiled. “Legolas?” He needed to know how Legolas was doing.
Elrond sighed and pain entered his eyes again. “I know not, Erestor. He is too weak. He’s alive, but….”
Erestor nodded, understanding. “Because I am too weak to sustain us both right now. Take me to him, perhaps my presence will help.”
Elrond doubted it but knew he couldn’t talk Erestor out of it. No one talked the counsellor out of anything. He carefully lifted the elf. “And you will have to talk to Glorfindel. He feels guilty.”
Erestor grimaced. “I didn’t give him time to act.”

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They silently entered the room and Erestor gasped at the pale shade that now clung on Legolas.
Elrond frowned when he saw Thranduil asleep on the chair, not even waking from the bickering Aragorn and Gimli produced. He shook his head. “He hasn’t re for for four days.”
Erestor’s eyes widened. /I’ve been unconscious for four days?/

Gimli growled and swung his axe. “I tell you, that was real. I saw someone talking to Legolas!”
Aragorn rolled his eyes. “Gimli, Legolas’ fëa left his hroa, that has nothing to do with Mandos.”

Elrond sighed at Erestor’s look. He shrugged. “It is true. His soul has left. And I would be inclined to believe Gimli, if he was dead. Now it is a soulless body that still lives.”
Erestor nodded. He could feel the heartbeat inside him. His mind went into overdrive. He knew it wasn’t because he was weak. Legolas had received half his life-force forever. Being injured wouldn’t affect Legolas. He knew t But But a small doubt entered him.

He sighed. “What will you do?”
Elrond shrugged. “He wanted to go to Imladris. Maybe smelling the valley might bring him back.”
Erestor nodded. “And the others?”
Elrond sat down. “Glorfindel and the twins will never leave this world, meldir. And for the time being I shall keep you company in Imladris, but I cannot say how long I’ll be able to resist the call.”
Erestor nodded, understanding him. “What will the remaining ‘Lóriën elves do? And Thranduil’s elves?”
Elrond smiled. “Thranduil will come with us to Imladris. Many will follow, but some choice to move to Ithilien. It has been decided that Meleor will rule it and will receive aid from Gondor. We shall also re-establish trade with Rohan.”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, we cannot let the alliances die again for a time will come when we will need them.”
Elrond nodd“Aye“Aye, our numbers will slowly go down while theirs will continue to grow. We shall need their protection.”

He stood and walked to the window. “If all goes well, we will be on the road tomorrow, Erestor. Can you manage?”
Erestor shrugged. “It depends on you, Elrond. You are the healer, not I.”
Elrond smiled. “I think knowing you will see Imladris soon will be better for you on the road than being cooped up here, or am I wrong?”
Erestor shook his head. His eyes looked at the bickering couple in wonder.
Elrond smiled. “Gimli will join us, but Aragorn cannot leave Gondor for too long. It is still a fragile reign.”

Erestor nodded. “Estel! Enough!”
The former ranger twirled round and smiled at the counsellor. He kneeled before him. “I would hug you had your injuries allowed it, my friend.” His eyes were warm and filled with happiness.
Erestor smiled warmly. “Take care of Ithilien for us, Aragorn.”
The man nodded. “I shall ask Faramir to help or.”or.” He stood and left, ignoring the looks Gimli gave.

Groans alerted them to the fact Thranduil was waking up.
He stretched and looked around questioningly, though he smiled when he saw Erestor. He stood and approached him. “Counsellor Erestor. I am glad to see you awake and coherent.” He sat down and smiled. “How soon can you travel?”
Elrond was about to speak when a laugh made them face the door.
Celeborn had just entered and overheard the last lines.smilsmiled warmly at them. “I daresay Erestor will want to travel before Elrond thinks he can. We can leave as soon as he gives the word, Thranduil.”

He sat down on his heels and clasped Erestor’s hands in his. “There are three elves very eager to see you again, meldir.”
Erestor grinned. “I shall have to apologize to Glorfindel. Where is he anyway? I hear no sounds of metal.”
Celeborn grinned. “Sulking in his room. Elladan has forbidden him to leave it. That swof hof his became a little dangerous, you know what he’s like when he’s upset.”
Erestor nodded. “But confinement never did him well.”
Elrond nodded. “I am not looking forward to healing him as well.”
Thranduil shook his head. “I will talk to him.”
Erestor sat up. “Wait. Tell him to pack. We are leaving at daybreak.”
Celeborn grinned. “I knew it.”

He stood and smiled. “And before I forget. There’s another who even more anxious to see you than Glorfindel and the twins.”
Erestor frowned. He could not think of anybody, but Elrond grinned and gently squished his hand. “The horse you rode, Erestor, has taking a liking to you.”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye. I’ve already asked Thranduil and he’s agreed she’s now your horse. She’ll probably won’t let anybody else mount her again.” He grinned. “She’s even thrown Elladan off when he wanted to exercise her.”
Erestor grinned. He would have loved to see Elladan flying through the air. The twin always boasted about never being thrown of a horse.

“A new horse….” His eyes warmed with affection. “I would like that a lot, but now I have a dilemma.” Celeborn cocked his head and Elrond groaned. Erestor shrugged. “Which horse do I ride home? Her or my steed?”
Elrond nodded. “Her. Her walk is steadier and you will benefit from it. Your other horse can carry books for you.” He grinned. “Thranduil already complained about having to leave so many behind.”
Now Erestor flared up, hissing when his chest complained. “Never. We bring them all.” His eyes were determined and he struggled to stand and leave the bed.

Celeborn shook his head and supported Erestor from the left, while Elrond took the elf’s right side. “You got us into something here, Elrond.”

Together, the three elves made their way to the library, where Erestor was sat down and was only allowed to hand out orders. Elrond and Celeborn either transferred the orders to the servants or carried them out themselves.

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Glorfindel paced his room; his thoughts constantly circling, focussed on three elves: Erestor, Legolas and Thranduil.

He picked up his sword again and started his exercises; the tension needed a way out.

He twirled round when he heard a knock on his door. “Leave me be, Elladan!” He lost grip and the word clattered to the floor when he head Thranduil’s voice on the other side instead.

He swiftly opened the door and blinked surprised. “How are they?”
Thranduil smiled and walked inside, sitting down. “Erestor at least is doing better. He’ll make a full recovery and he insists on travelling already, so I’d start packing if I were you.”
Glorfindel’ss fls flashed with anger. “How can he think he’s fit for travel? Elrond cannot let him.”
Thranduil allowed the blond his rave, knowing he had a lot of pent up frustration to get rid of. He patiently waited for the blond to calm down again before he spoke. “You know Erestor, Glorfindel, a prolonged stay here will harm him more than the journey home.”
Glorfindel snuffed and nodded. “Legolas?”
Thranduil shrugged. “No change. We’re hoping Imladris will aid him. He’s always liked it there.” Glo Glorfindel sighed and started packing in a hurry. “I’ll make all the arrangements.”
Thranduil smiled. “Do Cel Celeborn and my counsellors, most of whom will join us, have already taken care of everything. But if you wish to help…”

He stood and opened the door, beckoning Glorfindel to come closer.
The blond did so and hid a grin when he saw several servants carrying many volumes of books through the corridors, with Elrond hovering nearby. “Careful. Erestor will have your skin if you drop them.”
Glorfindel grinned at the words and looked at Thranduil, who shrugged. “I could not bring them all with me, but it seems Erestor is determined to take them none the less.” He smiled. “It does help he has a strong steed to carry them.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “And how does he plan to travel? On foot?”
Thranduil shook his head. “Nay, I’ve gifted him Yulë Annava. She’s chosen him.”

He placed his hand on Glorfindel’s shoulder. “Keep an eye on the surroundings, Glorfindel, lead the warriors, and worry not. All will be well, I feel it.”
Glorfindel smiled gratefully and sighed longingly. “I’m glad we’re returning . I would have missed her too much.”
Thranduil nodded and inclined his head in goodbye. “We’ll be leaving at dawn.”
Glorfindel nodded and watching him walk.

Suddenly he sprung to life and with two strides was besides the king again. He held him back. “I….”
Thranduil smiled, seeing his words in his eyes and nodded. “No thanks are needed, Glorfindel. I gave you what you needed and you repaid it. Now please look toward the journey. Perhaps you should talk to my captain? He’ll be coming along. Maybe you two can guard Imladris together?”
Glorfindel smiled and nodded, already looking forward to talking shop. He ran away, making Thranduil grin.

Translations:
Yule annava : see previous chapter
Meleor : see chapter two
Masse : means : where

TBC
Beta-ed by Bettina; thanks.