breaking the ice

Chapter twelve dinner time

Elladan and Elrohir smiled at each other. Elladan had just enlightened his twinhis his little ploy involving Orophin and Sílagalad and Elrohir had immediately offered his help. He wanted to see this.
They occasionally laughed as they sat at the table waiting for the others to do arrive. They wondered why their father wasn’t there yet. He usually was the first to arrive. But they ignored it as they were too busy scheming.

They stopped talking when the door opened. Seeing Erestor enter he they politely greeted him and started whispering. They still hadn’t worked the itches out yet. Erestor could not help but overhear three words: Rumil and Orophin. Immediately he strained his hearing, keen on picking up every word the twins spoke.
They had no idea on the eavesdropper and continued whispering. Soon they had their plan worked out into detail and wondered what to talk about.

t dot do you think?” Elladan asked his twin, discreetly pointing to Erestor.
Elrohir shrugged. “Don’t know. I still believe yesterday to be a dream somehow. And yet it really happened, but when I think back or see him now it is hard to believe.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, I agree. But yet… Rumil seems very keen on us apologizing to Erestor. For real. And I’m beginning to think he’s right. There’s a lot more to that elf than we think. I’m beginning to understand grandfather’s request a little better.”

Elrohir looked dumbfound. He had no idea what his twin was talking about.
Elladan blushed. “Aiya, you don’t know. I forgot to tell you. Listen, I overheard a conversation between ada, Glorfindel and Erestor some time ago and it was about Rumil. Apparently ata’da has asked that Rumil won’t be joining our guards but helps out elsewhere. Apparently he’s hoping we send a counsellor back instead of a warrior. Rumil used to spend lot of time in ata’da library and according to the scribes there he showed extreme potential for one so young. And he loved it there.”
hir hir looked shocked. “But then why did he become a Galadhrim?”
Elladan grinned. “His brothers. One of them forgot lunch and he went to bring it. When he got to the practising ground Haldir was sparring with his partner and Rumil thought he was under attack. Acting instinctively he rushed to Haldir’s aid and within seconds had the other disarmed. The trainer said Rumil was a natural. So he joined the Galadhrim. And our grandparents regretted his decision but loved him to much to deny him.” Elrohir blinked at his twin. He had a hard time taking all this in.

Suddenly the three brothers entered and they exchanged a quick look. Haldir didn’t look so good and although they were worried about his health this also pleased them for it meant the other wouldn’t be able to intervene. Elladan quickly whispered it in Elrohir’s ears, but Erestor’s fixed hearing picked it up and his gaze hardened. /But I will be there./

He greeted the three brothers by inclining his head.
Rumil sent him a dazzling smile. “I have to thank you, Erestor, for your words earlier.”
Haldir nodded. “And I have to apologize for mine. Please have tea with us later, that is I will be drinking tea. I don’t know about Ru and Phin but I’ll warm some wine for you.”
Erestor’s eyes widened at the words. “How do you know I prefer my wine warm?”
Haldir shrugged. “Common knowledge. Like my temper. Or Legolas’ bowmanship. Or the mischief of the Peredhil twins.” He threw the twins a look that warned them. ‘I am watching’ it said. ‘Hurt one of my brothers and I’ll make you pay.’

They smiled innocently at Haldir because they didn’t think him to be dangerous to their plan. Had they known about the plan forming in Erestor’s mind they would think differently though.

The counsellor smiled inwardly. /Maybe making friends isn’t so bad./ “I would be delighted to accept your offer, Haldir. And I apologize for my harsh words as well.”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, they were true and I deserved all of them. I should even be grateful you said them. They helped open my eyes. Thank you, Erestor. I’ve treated my brothers badly lately and Ru the most.”
He received two supportive squishes at those words and he smiled weekly at them. The movement went not unnoticed to Erestor and he nodded. “In which case you are forgiven again, Haldir.” Haldir instantly knew Erestor was referring to their talk on the corridor outside Erestor’s room and he smiled gratefully.

“How late may we expect you?”
Erestor thought on what business he had left but thanks to Rumil’s help he had been able to do a lot more than usual. No urgent matters had remained on his desk. If he worked hard tomorrow he could clear his desk in the morning and do something he enjoyed in the afternoon. “There are some papers left on my desk which I hope to get rid off. Send for me if I haven’t joined in two and a half hours, all right?”
Haldir nodded his consent. “Red or white wine?” Erestor smiled at the effort Haldir took. “I prefer red wine.” Haldir smiled. “Then you shall receive red wine.”

Erestor nodded and decided to break up whatever conversation the twins might be having now. “How are the books coming along, Elrohir?”
Caught of guard Elrohir flushed and looked at his plate.oks?oks? What books?” He hadn’t done anything today and he was loath to admit it to Erestor.
Erestor rolled his eyes, drawing chuckles from the other side of the table. “What books he asks. The ones Rumil found in the attic of course.”
Elrohir nodded. “Oh, I thought you meant books father might have bought and I had been left unaware.”

Erestor’s gaze settled on the younger twin and already knew the books were in the same state as they were in yesterday. “If he had he would have said so. You know he likes to flaunt his new purchases. So tell me what have you been doing today? Obviously not working on those books. I want them done by the end of the week, Elrohir.”
Elrohir’s eyes widened. “Erestor, that’s impossible.”
Erestor returned his look coldly. “No, it isn’t. Considering the amount of books and when they were brought to you.”
Elrohir shook his head. “But you didn’t say when you wanted them ready.”
Erestor rolled his eyes in mock. “I always want them done within a week. Why should I change that desire so you can loaf around?”
Elrohir stood up and almost shouted. “I was not loafing around.”
“No?”
“No, I was catching up sleep. Or have you forgotten Rumil broke down yesterday and Elladan and I had to go get Haldir and Orophin in the dead of night?”

Erestor’s eyes quickly darted towards Rumil, who flinched a little at the words, but received a supporting squish from Haldir, who instantly glared at Elrohir. But he held his tongue, knowing first hand Erestor’s tongue was more cutting and sharp than his blade.

Erestor turned his head fully towards Elrohir and catched his eyes with his own. “That did not prevent Elladan from doing his duty today. And don’t tell me you suddenly need more sleep than he does. I want them done the end of the week. No discussion.” Haldir wondered where that sharp tongue was.
Elrohir shook his head. “Erestor, that’s not possible. To do that I’d have to work during the night at least once.”
Erestor nodded. “True, but since you’ve slept the entire day, you must have too much energy to sleep tonight.”

Elrohir was aboutprotprotest when he heard Glorfindel’s voice. “Good, for you have neglected your stable and kitchen duty for too long. We are one short in the stables’ night shift and the morning shift of the kitchen. They just asked me to tell you Erestor. Seems the problem is solved though.”
Erestor nodded. “It is.”

Elrohir sputtered and looked at his twin for aid but Elladan shook his head. He was not going to do anything but sleep tonight. “Glorfindel, I can’t take those shifts and not only because I hate horses, I have to bind books for Erestor.”
Erestor shook his head. “You will take those shifts, Elrohir. Glorfindel is right: they are long overdue.”

“What’s long overdue?” Elrond had miraculously appeared behind them and looked questioningly.
Glorfindel shrugged. “Elrohir’s duties in the kitchen and the stables.”

Elrond’s gaze settled on his youngest. “Is that true?”
Elrohir nodded. He had no defence.
Before Elrond could speak Erestor addressed him. “Glorfindel and I already decided that he helps out the nightshift in the stables and the first morning kitchen staff. They are both one short today.”
Elrond nodded. “Excellent idea.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Bad idea. Father, you know I have a lot of books to bind for Erestor and I already have to work one night to do it all before the end of the week. If I loose any more time..”
Heppedpped when Elrond held up his hand. “Enough, Elrohir. You are using a loved occupation to get you out under something you dislike doing. Something you haven’t been doing for a long time. I believe you’ve shown Rumil how to bind your books?” Elrohir nodded, admitting defeat. Elrond nodded, deeming the subject closed.

But he saw Erestor had something else in mind. “Erestor?”
Erestor smiled at him. “Well, If Rumil doesn’t mind binding the books in the morning, than Elrohir is free to catch up on some overdue duties.”
Elrond looked at Rumil who nodded. “I like doing it, but if it’s really that much I doubt I’m fast enough to finish before the end of the week.”
Erestor shook his head. “You’re learning. Elrohir isn’t. And you have the attic to do as well and to visit the Valley and help me. Of course I don’t expect you to be ready before the end of the week.”

Elrohir released some disapproving sounds but didn’t say more for Erestor’s cold gaze settled on him, daring him to object. He knew from past experience things would get worse fast if he did.
Elrond smiled. “That’s settled then.”

He signalled for them to start eating. He had wanted to make his admission but decided he had to wait to after dinner. So when desert was over he asked them to remain seated. They all looked at him in wonder. “My friends, I have something to announce to you.”
Hearing Haldir clear his throat he raised his eyebrow.

“If this is a family matter, we should take our leave now.” He rose and bowed but Elrond shook his head. “Nay, Haldir. You and your brothers are not only valued friends but Galadriel and Celeborn think of you as their children and therefore you belong to the family as welHaldHaldir blushed at those kind words. “Thank you, my lord.” Elrond waved the title away. “Just Elrond will do.”

He took a sip from his drink and looked at Glorfindel, who interpreted the look correctly and shrank back.
“You all know Celebrían sailed for Valinor a long time ago. What you don’t know is”
Elrond was forced to stop when Elladan jumped up and embraced him. “Nay, ata, no.”

Those words drove daggers into Glorfindel who looked to the floor. /And so I lose him./ He locked the rest of the world out, not caring what happened next. If one twin disapproved, they both disapproved. And Elrond would rather break things of with Glorfindel than to forge a wedge between him and his children. Glorfindel knew and understood that. But he did not need to hear those words.

Elladan started sobbing and Elrond looked troubled. “Elladan, what is it?”
Elladan tightened his hold and his tears came into his words. “I don’t want to lose you. You can’t sail for Valinor. Not you too.”
Elrond gently shook his eldest. “Elladan, my son, I am not sailing to Valinor, not if I can help it, anyway. Will you allow me to finish?”
Elladan wiped away his tears, that now where of joy instead of fear, and nodded, sitting down, but not relenting his hold on his father.

Haldir’s eyes nearly bulged from his sockets when he saw the twin sit down on Erestor’s lap and the counsellor allowing it, even stroking the dark hair soothingly. He cast two sideways glances to make sure he wasn’t seeing things but Orophin’s eyes showed surprise as well, but there was also a little amount of expectation. And Rumil was staring at Erestor adoringly. Sensing Haldir’s eyes on him he turned his head and smiled. ‘See, I told you so.’ his eyes conveyed.

Elrond rubbed Elladan’s hand affectionately. This outburst showed him how much Elladan cared. “What I was going to tell you is that we set each other free. Your mother and I are no longer wed. Her last gift to me before the orcs attacked was divorcing me.” There was a gasp of surprise all around but hearing nothing from Glorfindel he looked at his lover, shocked at the lost and empty expression in those blue eyes. “Glorfindel?”

Hearing his name the blond snapped back into reality and he looked up. Seeing Elrond look at him expectantly he bowed his head. “Of course, my lord.” He figured Elrond had just asked him to break things off. He roses and turned to leave. “If you’ll excuse me.”

But Elrond’s hand grabbed him and turned him round. “Glorfindel, what is wrong? Why are you leaving? Please stay?” Thinking Glorfindel had wanted to back away at the last moment he let his hope shine in his eyes. So Glorfindel bowed his head and sat back down.

Elladan could no longer contain his curiosity. “Did Glorfindel know? But how? I don’t understand. Ata?”
Elrond sighed, but remained near the blond. “Celebrían loved me dearly and she knew me better than I even knew myself, Elladan. She knew my heart didn’t belong to her.” He stopped the twins from speaking. “Let me finish this, pen-nyth. We loved each other and the love she bore me was the same as Arwen had for Estel or your grandmother has for his husband. Both Estel and Celeborn love their wives back in the same way, but I’m afraid I didn’t. Don’t misunderstand. I did love her, but it was a different love. A love born out of equality and compassion, but not true love. She knew, even if I didn’t, that my heart lay somewhere else. She told me several times but I didn’t believe her.
“One day she said she was divorcing me. I begged her to reconsider, that she was wrong. But she shook her head, saying she knew better. She promised me to stand by me until I would see it too. But she pushed it through so I would be free to court another.”
Elladan nodded in understanding. “And you are going to tell us where your heart now lies.”

Glorfindel’s eyes watered. Elrond had not yet told them. So he would hear the words after all.
Elrond nodded. “I found out about my feelings some years ago, but I thought they weren’t returned. Only yesterday I found out they indeed where returned.”

Elladan once again embraced his father. “You are cruel. Pretending to deliver bad news and giving us such joyful news. I am grateful, ata, for I long to see you smile again. Really smile. And even though you’ve warmed up over the years, which I now understand, it never reached your eyes, your heart. But that has changed now. O, I am so happy. Who is she for I long to embrace her as well. Why haven’t you brought her here?”
Elrond shook his head at his son’s rambling. “There’s one more thing you should know.” Elladan looked at him in a dreading manner. “She’s a he.”

For a second Elladan’s eyes widened and he turned his head to look at his twin, but Elrohir’s eyes mirrored his own. Happiness for their father. “Even better.”

Glorfindel spat out his drink at those words. That he hadn’t expected. But he quickly killed his rising hope. Elrond had not yet mentioned his name.
Elrohir looked at Elrond curiously. “So who is he?”
Elladan shook his head. “You really do need to get out more. You’re not thinking. It’s quite obvious who it is. Or at least who we are to chose from. It’s either on of our ‘Lóriën friends, but dad already stated they are family so they can’t be it. Leaves Erestor and Glorfindel.”
Elrohir laughed. “But they are family too.”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, they are members of our household, which is something different. That we look upon them as our second fathers doesn’t make them our relatives. Yet.”

He bounced across the table and claimed Glorfindel’s lap, giving the elda a surprising hug. “Thank you for bringing light back into my father’s heart Glorfindel.” He grinned. “But you are getting lax. You, who are always so perceptive, failed to notice my father’s feelings for you the last few years. Shame on you.”
Elrond sighed. “Elladan! I was just as blind.”
Elladan’s eyes widened. “You loved my father before this?”
Glorfindel nodded meekly. “Always.”
Elladan nodded, suddenly understanding everything. “I cannot speak for my brother, but know that I approve with my entire heart. I am happy for you both.”

Knowing one twin approved was enough for Glorfindel to release his tears of anxiety and joy.
Elladan stood and signalled for his father to take his place, which he instantly did. “See, melamin, Elladan approves. And you, pen-neth” he said, looking at Elrohir, “do you approve as well?”
Elrohir nodded. “Though I will have to get used to seeing you like that.”

Elrond smiled gratefully. “Well, that was it. You’re dismissed. I am sorry, Meleth, but I have something important to do. I’ve put it off for too long, would you mind sleeping alone tonight? I don’t want to receive one of your daggers when I finally climb in bed.”
Glorfindel smiled at the picture. “I would never hurt you, Elrond. But you’re probably right. We need to getd tod to sharing our bed.” He kissed him passionately and stood to go, never once catching Elrond’s smirk. But Erestor did and he groaned. He would not rest tonight. The blond’s rooms were located near his own.

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

“Haldir, stop it. He will come.” Orophin laughed at Haldir’s antics. The elder elf was pacing the room like a caged animal, occasionally biting his nails. He had dispatched a servant to Erestor’s a while ago now and still the counsellor hadn’t arrived. “Maybe he changed his mind?”
Orophin shook his head. “Doubtful.” Seeing Rumil look at him questioningly he shrugged. “You are here, Ru.”
Rumil smiled. “I hope I got the right wine. I must say they were greatly surprised when I asked for wine that could be heated.”
Haldir grinned. “They’ll probably be following you around tomorrow to see how badly Erestor has treated you.”

At that moment the door opened and Erestor stepped inside. “I am sorry I am late, but I had just two more papers to finish when I received your message.” He walked to the chairs and sat down in one of them. “How is your leg?”
Orophin smiled at him. “Fine, though Elrond does not agree with that.” He shrugged. “O well, let’s drink tonight and celebrate these two happy events.” Haldir cocked his head and Orophin grinned. “Elrond and Glorfindel are one and our peace is two.”

Rumil laughed at his brother’s words but sobered real quickly. “Erestor, may I ask you a question?”
Erestor showed surprise as this and Orophin grinned. “What? Don’t tell me you’re surprised my brother has a brain.” Erestor shook his head. “Nay, merely the fact that he asks whether he can ask a question. It is my experience he usually just asks, whether you want him to or not.”
Rumil grinned. “Well, it’s just that I didn’t like the look in Elladan’s eyes at dinner. So conspiring. And you’ve known them their entire lives so I was wondering if you’d maybe noticed something. They’ve not yet tricked me, so I have to be prepared.”

Erestor nodded. “They still haven’t learned not to discuss something with others around. They plan to set you and Orophin up.”
Haldir leaned in closer. “You overheard them?”
Erestor nodded. “Not a difficult thing to do. They think I don’t pay attention to anything so they don’t bother to lower their whispers.”

Orophin thought for a while and then nodded. “Let me guess. It has something to do with Sílcalon?” Erestor nodded and Orophin’s mouth became a thin line. “I didn’t trust it when Elladan was so informative when we just arrived.”
Haldir nodded. “Aye, we half expected the stories Elladan told us to be untrue. Maybe you can enlighten us, Erestor?”

Erestor snorted. “There’s not much to tell. He’s a silent one, never talks about anything. He doesn’t have a lover. By choice I think, for he already has to take care of his sister and her son, whom he treats as his son rather than his nephew. If one didn’t know any better you’d say they were wed.”
Haldir nodded. “I was right. It was Elladan’s plan to embarrass us. Just think how it would have looked if we’d addressed his sister as his wife.”

Erestor closed his eyes. “There’s more. And I know the perfect way to turn the tables.” Haldir signalled for him to continue and Erestor slowly explained his plan and when he was done the three brothers laughed warmly, agreeing with it wholeheartedly.

“Wow, Erestor. If anybody would have told me we would be scheming together I would have declared them nuts.”
Erestor inclined his head at Haldir’s words. “I shall take that as a compliment. It’s getting rather late. I’d better turn in.” His eyes betrayed his hesitation and fear.

Rumil kneeled beside him and grasped his hand. Erestor stunned all four of them by accepting it. Rumil smiled. “What is it? Do you wish for company?”
Erestor shook his head. “Nay, Glorfindel’s room are almost next to mine.”
Haldir laughed. “My dear Erestor, I do not think you need to worry about any noises. Elrond’s rooms are more luxurious than Glorfindel’s. Besides, Elrond would be busy, remember.”
Erestor nodded. “And you didn’t see the smirk in his eyes. No, I am positive Elrond has already, or is going to surprise his seneschAnd And I don’t have to draw you a picture to tell you what will happen then.”

Orophin laughed warmly. “Would you mind? It’s been so long I might have forgotten.” Suddenly his eyes sparkled. “I just thought of an extra dimension to your scheme, Erestor.” He leaned in closer and let the others in on it. They laughed and nodded. “Aye, That is perfect.”
Erestor thought deep and smiled. “Yes, you take Elrohir and Haldir will take Elladan. Perfect.”
Rumil shook his head. “But how? I mean you have to be careful or they will suspect.”
Haldir smiled. “We’ll have to think of a good way but I intend to cry out on Elladan’s shoulder.” He smirked. “His compassion will urge him to comfort me and after a while guilt will consume him. Erestor is right. He’s mine.”

Orophin smiled too. “But there’s another problem at hand. Erestor’s sleeping arrangements. If he’s right he won’t be able to get a shut eye tonight. Isn’t there a guest room you can take
E
Erestor closed his eyes and rose. He could not tell them the truth. “Do not worry about me. Safe dreams.”
Haldir held him back. “Then you don’t know Ru very well. He worries about everyone.” He smiled at his brother. “Why don’t you take Erestor with you?” His eyes shone in mirth. This was an excellent opportunity and he would not see his brother waste it. “You have two beds.”

Seeing Rumil nod Erestor realised he would be sleepless somewhere else. He shrugged to show his insignificance, meanwhile wondering how he was going to survive the night.
Haldir stepped out as well. “You’ll be all right on your own, won’t you Phin? I am getting started on Elladan.” Orophin caught on and nodded. He would be highly wondered if Elladan was Haldir’s destination.

The Galadhrim sped off and Rumil’s eyes widened as realisation dawned on him. He grabbed Erestor’s hand and pulled him along, making speed himseBut But in the second corridor a servant addressed Erestor, asking if they could send Elrohir somewhere else. They didn’t want him in the stables any more. Erestor shook his head. “Lord Elrond has to decide that and he is unavailable tonight. I will speak to him in the morning.”

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

Haldir didn’t give himself time to catch his breath but wet to work immediately.

First he half cut through the feet, holding Erestor’s bed up. In case Erestor’s weight didn’t break the legs he wetted the mattress, insuring himself this bed could not be slept in. He quickly checked the bathroom for suited oils and placed the rose-scented one in the bedroom. He hurriedlft bft but ran back, having thought of another alterative. He decided to make sure no spare blankets or linen were in the room so neither of them could sleep in the chair.

Satisfied he had left nothing to chance Haldir left the corridor, waiting around the corner for Rumil and Erestor. He would close and lock the door behind them, making sure nei Rum Rumil nor Erestor could escape to another guestroom. It would not be his fault if Rumil didn’t get some attention tonight.

End chapter 12
TBC
For translations see previous chapter