The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 115

“Surely they have not grown in numbers so quickly?” Elrond sifted through the reports on his desk again, the scouts having all reported the same thing.

“I fear it is true Lord Elrond. The orcs are massing in the South as we speak and are feared to be preparing for war.” Haldir looked gravely across the oak desk to where Celeborn and Elrond were pensively staring at the maps and charts that scattered the desk, the darkened areas indicating those lands already infested with the creatures.

“War! Then it is more serious than we thought but what of their attacks on Rohan and Gondor? If they are as you say preparing for war with the elves why are they attacking the men?” Erestor stood up from his chair by the fire and strode determinedly around to where Haldir stood with his finger pressed firmly to the map were the bulk of the orcs were gathering.

“If what our spies speak of in the cities of men then the attacks are merely practise, as are the sporadic attacks on our own borders. They are testing our strengths and finding our weaknesses and will stop at nothing to reclaim their passage into the west…” Haldir was cut off sharply as the tapestry to the study was flung aside and a very familiar face appeared.

“Mithrandir!” Celeborn gasped as the Istari breezed into the room and sat promptly down in the chair that Erestor had only just vacated moments before.

“Haldir is right my elvan friends, although twisted by evil there is still an elvan part of orcs that longs to find peace in the west and it is that deep rooted desire that drives them to war. They seek a safe passage to the undying lands in the hope that it will end their torment.” The Istari looked gravely around at the stunned faces of the elvan lords each of them only to aware of what this time meant. There was silence in the chamber for a long moment as Mithrandir lit his pipe and relaxed back into the padded chair. “How is Prince Legolas?” Erestor was the first to cough audibly at the smoke from Mithrandir’s pipe unable to contain himself as the others in the room managed to do. Gandalf grumbled as he remembered the elves dislike of the pipe weed and took a final puff before reluctantly tapping the pipe out into the fireplace

“My son is well Mithrandir, he carries the child of his mate.” Everyone spun around as Thranduil breezed into the chamber to stand stoically by Haldir’s side. Gandalf muttered something to himself as he glanced from the elvan King to Haldir and then back, his eyebrows rising as he watched the exchange between the pair.

“Yes I had heard that Legolas was expecting his first child but not that Lorien and Mirkwood had formed such an alliance again.” Thranduil swallowed hard as Gandalf stared directly at the elvan king, all stunned attention now turning to he and Haldir. When neither Thranduil nor Haldir replied to the Istari, Gandalf smiled knowingly at the pair before gesturing to the maps and reports on Elrond’s desk. “I bring news for you Elrond concerning the battle which considering the circumstances is unavoidable. I am here to help you ensure the safety of the elvan realms and I am also here to see Legolas.”

“Erestor go and fetch Glorfindel I wish his council on this matter. Then find Filgree and Legolas and have them wait in the hall for MithrandirElroElrond turned towards Erestor by his side and gestured for his advisor and lover to go in search of the seneschal and prince. Erestor had hardly taken a step towards the door when Thranduil blocked his way.

“Nay Legolas is with Glorfindel at present discussing a matter of importance, I promised him they would not be disturbed.” Thranduil glared at Elrond who for a brief moment considered asserting his authority over the ignorant king but Elrond thought better of it knowing that if war were to breakout then Thranduil’s alliance would be invaluable.

“Very well we shall re-convene this meeting in the hall this afternoon, with all councillors present. Until then let Gwendolyn’s last rights ceremony progress. Mithrandir I will show you to your room.” With a wave of his hand Elrond dismissed all elves present and walked determinedly to the door of his library, hardly waiting for Gandalf to catch up with him before he was breezing out of the door and down the corridor the Istari trailing behind.

Elrond held the tapestry open for the wizard who wandered quietly into his usual room and propped his staff up against the fire surround as he turned back to where Elrond was still standing in the doorway. “I am sure you are wearom rom your travel, I will have Lindar fill the spring and bring you something to eat.” Elrond went to turn and leave but stopped dead as the Istari addressed him.

“You carry the weight of Middle Earth upon your shoulders again Elrond and yet you should not.” The previously taunt elvan Lord suddenly relaxed his stance, his shoulders slumping forward as he brought his hand up to support himself in the doorway.

“If I do not Mithrandir then who else will do it You say yourself we are on the brink of open war and totally unprepared with only a little of the old alliances remaining. We are divided and fight not one battle but the battle among ourselves as well. I fear this time we may not be so lucky.” Elrond sighed heavily as the Istari helped him across the room to the twin velvet rockers sitting next to the fire.

“Have you become so cold Elrond that you have lost all hope in your kind?” Elrond graciously accepted the goblet of the best fey wine that was always kept in Mithrandir’s room in Imladris, especially for the Istari.

“Hope?” Elrond huffed a saddened laugh and shook his head. “What hope is there my old friend? There was once a time I would have believed in the stories of the valar that foretold our future but what have they brought us but heartbreak and grief. Nay Mithrandir, what hope I had is all but gone the call of the sea far stronger than I have ever known it to be.” Elrond lowered his head in disgrace of himself hardly believing he admitted verbally what he had kept silent for so long.

“What of Erestor, of Glorfindel and Legolas or your sons? Surely they draw at least a little hope in your heart?” Gandalf reclined slowly in the rocking chair watching as the dark haired elf closed his eyes and turned his head towards the fire.

“Of Glorfindel and Legolas, I know not what to make of them. It seems too much for all our hopes to be placed upon the child Legolas carries and I fear what hope the child might bring will come to late.” Elrond paused and Gandalf was stunned to see sparkling silver tears running down Elrond’s face, for the first time in millennia Imaldris’ lord was showing his heartache. “Elladan and Elrohir carry so much anger and pain over the loss of their mother and they fight relentlessly, risking their lives for a pain so long passed. I see Thranduil having lost his middle son to the evil in these lands and what pain he is in, I do not want to see the day that it is my own sons who travel to mandos.” More tears slid down Elrond’s face as he turned slowly back to face the Istari who was stoically sitting listening to the elf before him. “As for Erestor, I can not tell you how much I love him but I do not want to see another of my lovers lost to Middle Earth.” Elrond closed his eyes again as Mithrandir leaned forward and pressed a hand to Elrond’s knee.

“You are truly depressed my old elvan friend but what you mistake as loss of hope is more a fear of loss. You do not want your heart broken by loosing those close to you again.” Mithrandir rose a knowing eyebrow in Elrond’s direction the elvan lord merely sighing in defeat. “Do not worry about Elladan or Elrohir, they will find their own way in this world just as their mother did. You know as well as I that their future is bright no matter how many battles stand in their way.” Mithrandir lit his pipe again as Elrond stood up and wandered silently over to the open balcony doors, which drew the foul pipe smoke away from him. “You speak as if the child Legolas carries is the answer to all our problems but you know also that it is not. The child is hope for those with little else to pray for. There is an untold path that lies ahead of Glorfindel and Legolas, one that even the wisest of us cannot predict. Your part in their future lies before you in a decision and I know already what answer you will give just as you do, so there is no need to be worrying about the prince and his husband for their lives are shadowed in cloud invisible for any of us to truly see the outcome.”

Mithrandir paused again this time standing up and wandering silently over to his bags, which lay, on the bed having been brought up earlier. Out of the corner of his eye Elrond watched as the Istari removed an intricately made box and a clear glass vial from one of his pouches and brought them over to where Elrond stood in the doorway to the balcony. “Do not fight for the entire elvan populace Elrond for that is too greater task for anyone. Turn to Erestor for your hope and then fight for him as you did for Gil-Galad, because that is the only way you are going to win this war and protect your heart from pain.” Mithrandir silently slipped first the box and then the vial into Elrond’s open palms allowing the elvan lord to stare at the items one by one. At the Istari’s urging Elrond opened the box and inhaled sharply at what shone up from within. “They are cast by the oldest skilled dwarves from the rarest silver in all of Moria, their sapphires taken from the breast plate of a dragon.” Elrond stared at the twin rings in aw their jewels sparkling in his eyes as he held them up to the sunlight streaming in through the balcony doors. “Bind with Erestor, take him as your mate for that is where your happiness lies. In the vial is a potion I discovered by accident and have never been able to recreate and thus that is the last of it. I give it to you in the hope it will bring joy to you and Erestor in your binding.” Elrond frowned in curiosity as he lifted the clear vial to the sunlight only to see the substance inside pearlise into a myriad of colour.

“What is it?” Curiously Elrond looked across at the Istari who had once again retreated to his chair by the fire having refilled his goblet of wine.

“It has the opposite affect of what Haldir drinks to prevent himself for falling pregnant.” Elrond gasped at Gandalf’s reply and quickly scuttled over to where the Istari was reclining in his rocking chair his pipe dangling precariously from between his lips.

”I do not desire anymore children Mithrandir and I am quite sure Erestor is not capable of producing any.” Elrond went to hand the vial back to the wizard but the old Istari shook his head in refusal and pushed it right back into the elvan lords hand.

“I did not mean it to be used for you my friend, rather someone else in the household who while sharing your love of men is consequently struggling with his duty to produce heirs to Imladris.” For a moment Mithrandir watched as Elrond furrowed his brow in thought trying to figure out who the wizard was talking about. It took a second longer for a name to come to the elvan lord and Elrond found himself staring in shock at the revelation.

“Elladan!” Mithrandir rolled his eyes at Elrond’s shock, having half expected the lord to already know his son’s sexual persuasion. “But he is betrothed to a maiden in Lorien, I have seen them together. Elladan has visited her every month.” Gandalf shook his head sadly as he watched Elrond wander dumb founded to his seat by the fire.

“Nay they are betrothed no longer my friend. Elladan has spent his days at the borders amongst the ranks of his men rather than at his ladies side. I believe it has been quite some time since he has visited the she-elf you chose for him.” Elrond was furious and shot up from his seat like lightening as he began pacing the room his hands wildly gesturing about him as he addressed Mithrandir.

“This is preposterous, he knows his duty and he promised me that he would take her as his wife. They have slept together on her last visit to Imladris I am sure of it and I will not have his name disgraced by not honouring his promise.” Mithrandir remained silent and calm as he allowed the elvan lord to storm about the room venting his fury at no one in particular. When it seemed Elrond had calmed down a little the Istari finally spoke again.

“Perhaps they have slept in the same room my friend but never the same bed. Elladan has spent more time in Elrohir’s bed than he has ever spent in a woman’s. Your son’s heart lies elsewhere in this household.” Elrond spun around sharply to stare at the Istari confused that he had not seen this love in his son’s eyes before.

“Who is he?” Gandalf smiled distantly but merely shook his head as he pointed at the thick tapestry covering the entrance to the room.

“Ask him yourself Elrond, for Elladan has been listening at the door for the last five minutes at least.” Elrond spun around again and headed straight for the door barely pulling back the tapestry before pulling the timid figure from the hallway and the the room. Elladan looked sheepishly up at his father from between the stray locks of hair cascading down his face. He had come in search of his father to ask for his assistance in organizing some reports but when he had heard the conversation inside the room he had not been able to leave. “Elladan tell your father who your heart desires.” Mithrandir looked supporting across at the younger elf who still stood timidly before his father, looking no more a warrior than an elfling just out of his majority.

“Glorfindel…….” The words came out in a mere whisper from Elladan’s mouth and the younger elf could do nothing but stare at his feet which shuffled awkwardly beneath him.

“Glorfindel?” Elrond repeated the name in shock before sadly shaking his head as he saw tears begin falling down his eldest son’s face. “He is bound to Legolas, Elladan. How long have you loved him?” Unable to remain angryh hih his oldest son Elrond reached out a tentative hand and softly stroked the tears away from Elladan’s cheek.

“I have loved him for Millennia Ada. I just feared what you would say if I told you.” Elrond sighed heavily and brought his son to his chest in a deep hug as the younger elf broke down into tears. For a long moment Elrond merely held Elladan in his arms feeling his son’s pain just as acutely as he had felt his own when his king and first lover had passed away.

“You seen now Elrond what pain your forced marriage would bring to your son. You do not want to see Elladan suffering just as you did in your own loveless marriage Elrond.” Mithrandir watched as Elrond glanced up from the silky locks of his son’s hair to smile sadly across at the Istari.

“Does Glorfindel know of your feelings for him?” Elrond quietly questioned his son who was drying his tears on the sleave of his tunic.

“Nay but in my jealousy I told Legolas how I felt.” Elladan looked sheepishly up at his father who could hardly believe what Elladan had just admitted to.

“You told Legolas your feelings?! And how did the prince react?” Elrond walked his son quietly over to the chair by the side of Gandalf, taking the seat for himself before gesturing for his son to sit on the footstool in front of him.

“He reacted remarkably well considering how rude and angry I was. We have come to an understanding though and I believe we are friends now.” Elladan accepted the glass of warm wine from his father who nodded in understanding, knowing that Legolas was a kind elf who would always work to see other people’s feelings.

“That is good that you have told Legolas and are friends now, but that still does not help your heart knowing Glorfindel can never be yours.” Elladan sighed heavily the truth of his father’s words having tormented him for as long as Glorfindel and Legolas had been together. “I’m afraid I do not know how to help you Elladan. Knowing what I do now I will officially call off your betrothal and I will gladly welcome any elf you may take as your mate, but there is little else I can do to ease the pain in your heart at not having Glorfindel.” Elladan nodded silently as he felt his father’s hand fall on his shoulder in support. Almost immediately Mithrandir cleared his throat drawing the elves attention to him, still sitting in the chair opposite them.

“Perhaps I have a suggestion.” Mithrandir took a puff from his pipe before letting the long plume of smoke drift from his lips in waves that were swiftly take out of the window by the afternoon breeze. “Haldir and Celeborn will leave within the week for Lorien just as Thranduil will leave with his own party. Why don’t you leave with your grandsire and stay in Lorien for a while. The distance will help your broken heart heal and the change of scenery in Lorien might bring some fresh ideas and new friends. Admittedly only time heals a broken heart but I am sure keeping yourself busy helping Lorien defend it’s borders will be good for you and also for any alliances which might come of it.” Gandalf rose an eyebrow in question to both Elrond and Elladan who for a brief moment looked at one another for confirmation of what had just been offered.

“That sounds like a very sensible idea Mithrandir and I would gladly arrange such a trip with Celeborn if Elladan wishes it.” Elrond glanced down at his son who was smiling widely at the prospect of an extended trip to Lorien on his own.

“Aye I would very much enjoy that Ada but what of Imladris’ border protection surely Glorfindel can not manage it himself?” Elrond smiled at his son’s protectiveness of Glorfindel, hardly believing himself that he had not seen Elladan’s love of his tutor before now.

“Nay he can not manage it alone but I believe Erestor will aid him if I was to ask, just as Filgree has already offered his services.” Elladan nodded in acceptance of what his father had suggested knowing that there was an endless amount of elves willing to aid Imladris’ defences should they be asked to by Elrond.

“Very well then I go to Lorien with Celeborn. Can I go and tell Elrohir he is going to be so jealous.” Elladan stood up from the footstool and kissed his father on the forehead before moving towards the exit of the room. Mithrandir exchanged a knowing look with Elrond who sighed, immediately knowing what the Istari expected of him.

“Elladan you may also tell your brother that Erestor and I are to be bound in a private ceremony.” Elladan paused midway across the room and turned around to stare back at his father in shock.

“I am happy for you Ada.” There was a long pause before Elladan managed to speak. He had dreaded the day when his father told him of his and Erestor’s intentions but considering what he’d thought it would be like it had turned out quite differently. Elladan could not deny he was still a little saddened knowing his mother was being replaced but he was also happy for Elrond to have found someone to love again. Elrond looked sadly over his shoulder at his son who was staring at him a small smile on his face.

“Thank-you Elladan, I hope that you too find the happiness Erestor and I share.” Elladan nodded before turned and disappearing from the room leaving Mithrandir smiling proudly at Lord Elrond.

“Well done Elrond for I believe there is hope yet for the survival of the elvan race.” Elrond and Mithrandir chuckled together as both stood from their chairs by the fire and emptied the last of their wine. “Now if you’ll excuse me I believe there is a young pregnant elf I have to see, and there is a council for you to organise, along with Gwendolyn’s last rights.” Elrond nodded understandingly and wandered silently over to the door of the Istari’s room the box of rings still clasped in his hand along with the small vial of potion.

“I will see you in the hall after Gwendolyn’s last rights then Mithrandir.” The Istari nodded and held aside the tapestry as Elrond wandered into the hallway, his expression looking lighter than Gandalf had ever seen it.

“Very well Elrond, I will see you in the hall.” With that Elrond disappeared down the corridor leaving Mithrandir to stare after him a small smug smile playing on his lips as he watched the elvan Lord almost float away. Sighing heavily when Elrond’s figure finally disappeared from view Mithrandir turned and headed back into his room to being planing the more serious parts of his stay in Imladris, most particularly a little elf prince named Legolas…

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>