Ball masque

Chapter twelve Visiting Mandos’ Halls

Elladan yawned as he walked to the door. He frowned when Thranduil stood on the other side. “Thranduil?”
Thranduil grinned and nodded. “Aye. I was wondering if I could have a word with you and your brother? It concerns my son.”
Sleep left Elladan completely at hearing those words. A worried expression entered his eyes. “Is something wrong with him?”
Thranduil shrugged. “I don’t know. According to Elassar he was afraid of Haldir. And that’s not like him. Do you happen to know the reason?” He could see Elladan did indeed know and he narrowed his eyes.

Elladan closed his eyes and signalled the king inside. “Aye, we do. The night of the ball he came to our room, shaken and upset. He told us then. But he made us promise not to tell.”
Thranduil shrugged. “I am his father. Any promise you made him does not apply to me. But you would be a bad friend if you broke it.” He frowned. “You could always write it down.”
Elladan laughed. “Aye, I could, but I am not going to. I only promised not to tell -my- father. You’re not going to like hearing it though.”

Thranduil sat down and prepared himself for whatever it was Elladan was about to tell him. But no amount of preparation could suffice to ward off the blow he felt when Elladan finished speaking. He hung his head and closed his eyes. He felt the pain of his son anger ger towards a certain March Warden.

After a while he shook his head. “Something doesn’t add up. Firstly: it doesn’t sound like Haldir. And secondly: Legolas remembers what he did when he’s drunk too much. He always did and I don’t see why that night should be any different. I am sure that the day after the ball he remembered what happened that night.”
Elladan shrugged. “Probably, but it did happen, sire. There was no lie in Legolas when he told us.”
Thranduil nodded. “I believe that but still….” He started pacing and rubbed the brink of his nose.

After a while he smiled. “Two things we can safely conclude: Legolas believes that to be the truth and Haldir didn’t do it.”
Elladan frowned. “What? How do you want to combine those two?”
Thranduil shrugged. “Don’t know. -Yet-. Where’s the library, Elladan? I need to do some research if we are olveolve this.”

Elladan gave him a detailed description on how to walk and entered his twin’s room. He needed some company tonight. Elrohir stirred when Elladan climbed in the bed, but didn’t awake.

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Elrond flared up when someone was trying to break his door. He jumped out of bed and armed himself. “Man ná tana?” He sighed relieved when Aragorn’s voice boomed through the door. “Adar. It is I: Aragorn. You must come. Legolas stopped breathing.”

Elrond dropped his weapon and instantly opened the door. “What?” Without waiting for an answer he stepped into the corridor, marching away.

Aragorn swiftly passed him by and led the way to Legolas’ room. “I don’t know why, adar. He just suddenly stopped breathing. I tried to make him breathe but after five minutes I thought it best to get you.”

Elrond nodded and threw open the door. He heart skipped a beat when he saw Legolas’ pallor. He ran towards the bed, sitting on it. He checked for all the life signs, without finding any. /Twenty-five minutes./

He looked at a troubled Aragorn. “You did the right thing, Estel. Go wake your brothers. They have to find Thranduil and you come back here immediately; I need your aid.” Aragorn nodded and ran away.

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Legolas looked around but he didn’t recognize his surroundings. /Where am I?/ He decided that wherever he was, it was a good place. Light surrounded him and he felt peaceful and serene.

“Legolas?”
Hearing a strange voice call his name he turned and cocked his head when he saw a Sindar standing before him; happiness and grief at war on the ageless face.
The elf approached him. “Aiya, Legolas. My heart weeps to see you here, but I also know joy for I finally get to know you. My grandson.” Before he knew it the elf buried him in a tight hug.

When the words registered Legolas jumped back. “What?” /He called me grandson….. Doesn’t that make him my grandfather? Oropher? But he’s dead!/ “Oropher?” His voice was shaky.
The elf before him nodded. “Aye, it is I. Welcome to Mandos’ Halls, my Legolas.”

/Mandos’ Halls…. But I’m not dead. I am in Imladris. Adar was watching over me and any disturbance would have woken me. I can’t be dead./

Oropher placed an arm around his shoulders and turned him around. “Come, let me show you around. I’ll introduce you to everyone. But stay away from Ereinion.”
Legolas pushed him away. “Don’t you touch me. I don’t know what brought me here, but I welcome the chance to yell at you. I read your diary, ata’da. The one from Lindon. How could you?”
Oropher’s face was total bewilderment. “What are you talking about?”

Other elves surrounded them and Ereinion stepped forward, a smile on his face. “Legolas Thranduilion.” Without warning he embraced the stunned Prince.
When he was released Legolas saw the high-king take him in. “What?”
Ereinion laughed but didn’t elaborate.

The next moment Legolas’ eyes bulged out of their sockets. “Elrond? What? How?”
Elrond’s laugh echoed through the space and Legolas saw Elrond’s hand touch his shoulder. “Nay, little one, I am Elros, his twin. Always I’ve prayed for true love to enter his life. I know you will make him happy.”
Legolas’ head reeled. /What is happening? What is this?/

He turned when he felt a hand on his lower back. “Come on, people, give him some room to breathe. You can all meet my grandson in due time.” Oropher was unpreparer thr the fist that tow towards him.
Legolas glared at him. “I may be bound to you by blood but I am not your grandson. I loathe and despise you. I am grateful you died at the last alliance. Do you have any idea what your stupid actions did to him? To us? You raped him!”
He felt a restraining hand on his shoulder and turned to lash at whoever held him back. His rage lessened when he saw a she-elf.

“Greetings, Legolas. Don’t be angry. Oropher has healed here. And my son will heal in life through you.” She smiled. “Aye, I am Elwing.” She hugged him. “Things are about to change for you both.”

Overcome by everything Legolas sat down, still glaring at his grandfather. /What? Change? Change how? Am I really dead?/

Suddenly the surroundings faded and he stared at the smiling faces of three Valar. His eyes went from one to the other, trying to determine which was which.
Mandos smiled and kneeled before him. “At the moment you are dead, Legolas, though your destiny does not state you entering my halls today.”
Legolas shook his head. “Than why am I here?”
Mandos smiled. “Your anger consumed you. Your desire to yell at Oropher outweighed your desire to help Elrond.”
Manwë nodded. “Aye. You were too stubborn for us to wield. As we cannot work against you we have to work with you.”
Legolas frowned. “What?”
The third Valar shook his head. “Forgive him. He’s not used to talking. But you will understand later. Elwing is right. Things will change for you. Let go of your anger, Legolas, and focus on your love instead.”
“But who are you?”
Manwë laughed. “This here is Námo, often called Mandos; this is Ulmo and I am Manwë.”
Legolas nodded and smiled. “So am I dead or not?”
Mandos laughed. “At the moment you are. It depends on you whether you remain here or not.”

They faded away and Legolas could see nothing but fog. /Now where am I?/ “Lord Námo? Lord Manwë? Where am I?” He could hear a faint whisper frar bar behind him. “I mímpë”
Legolas shook his head. “The in between?” He’s never heard of it, but he doubted it was on any map.

He sat down, trying to figure out how to leave this place. After a while he saw a light and headed towards it and smiled when he saw Imladris coming closer. “Is it safe to assume this really is Imladris?” He hadn’t spoken or the image disappeared. “Where did it go?”

Another light and he ran towards it, seeing his home and once again it evaporated.
He screamed in frustration. “How am I going to get out of here?” He hadn’t finished speaking or a great force pulled him down. The floor beneath him gave way and his surroundings blurred as his speed increased and he was catapulted towards the invisible force.

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Thranduil threw open the door and approached the bed. “What happened? How can he be dead?” He had watched the signs and knew for a fact Legolas was not fading so that could not be it. But then what?
Aragorn had trouble keeping his tears inside at the sight Thranduil presented.

The twins shuffled inside, afraid to look at the bed. “Adar?”
Elrond smiled. “The half hour is not yet over.”
Thranduil shrugged. “Some good that’s going to do him.”
Elladan frowned. “What do you mean, adar?”
Aragorn turned to him. “Don’t you know? A dead elf can be pulled back, but only within half an hour.”
Thranduil nodded. “Aye, but only by someone who loves him. Think of it as a binding.”
Elrohir nodded and looked at his father. “But adar is a natural healer. You don’t need that.”
Elrond shook his head. “I can call everybody back but not without someone to offer his life force. They will not be bound.”
Suddenly Aragorn growled. “Wait a minute. I remember the texts. A dead elf can only be pulled back by love. We all love him. Is our combined love not enough?”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay, Estel. A family’s love is not enough, I’m afraid. Only a lover’s love.”

He closed his eyes. “I shall try and bring him back.”
Thranduil grabbed his shoulder. “You cannot! You are not strong enough.”
Elrond nodded. “Not alone, no. But with your help I am.”
Aragorn shook his head. “You just said….”
Elrond turned. “I know, trust me.”
Aragorn shrugged. “Always. All right then, what do we do? We’ve got ten minutes left.”
Elrond nodded. “Touch my shoulders.”

Without further encouragement the others touched his shoulders and Elrond smiled, sensing their energy floating into him. He closed his eyes and reached out, praying to the Valar he was strong enough for this. He could sense nothing; not with his eyes, his ears, his touch nor with his inner sense. It scared him. /We can’t be too late. Legolas, you have to fight. You have to come back./

After some fruitless minutes he released Legolas and pulled back, shaking his head. The twins sank to the floor while their brother and Thranduil were too afraid to move, too scared to speak, too shaken to do anything and too afraid to open their eyes; afraid they would see a death Legolas.

Suddenly they heard a gasp and involuntarily their eyes opened, but all they saw was Elrond blocking their view. “Nen!” He demanded.
Elladan hurried to comply and fearfully handed it over. Elrond accepted it and smiled, seeing Legolas drink it.

Thranduil sighed relieved and sat down on the bed to hold his son. “Don’t you ever scare me like that again.” He let go of his tears and enjoyed holding his son close.
Legolas smiled in the embrace. “I’m sorry adar. I was within Mandos’ Halls. I saw them adar.” Happy tears made it to his eyes. He could read the unspoken questions in their eyes and smiled. “I don’t remember much, just the faces and the words they spoke.”

Elladan and Elrohir each grabbed a hand and squished it, locking their eyes with Legolas. “You scared us all, Legolas. I’m placing our beds here to watch you.”
Legolas laughed. “That won’t be necessary, Elladan, though I am appreciative of the gesture. I am sure our fathers provide more than enough care.”
Elrond nodded. “And it is time you rest. Beating death can drain an elf. Of to bed with all of us.”

Elladan and Elrohir left reluctantly, but they smiled.
Aragorn approached the bed and hugged his friend. “I wish you a good night, Legolas, what’s left of it anyway. Don’t die on us again.”
Legolas nodded, but didn’t let go. “Adar, Elrond. I would like to speak to Aragorn alone.”
Thranduil nodded and guided Elrond out. The Peredhel smiled. “I need to check on you before you are allowed to rest.” Legolas nodded but his eyes settled on Aragorn’s.

The king of Gondor sat down on the bed, the position Thranduil had vacated. He smiled. “What is it?”
Legolas sighed. “I don’t know if I’ll remember anything of it tomorrow but I have to remember some of it. Would you mind telling me tomorrow?”
Aragorn shook his head. “Of course not, but why ask me and not Elrond or Thranduil?”

Legolas waved the question away. “Aragorn, I saw Elwing, Elros and Ereinion.” Aragorn frowned but nodded.
Legolas sighed. “They basically gave me their blessing to court Elrond.” He shook his head at the funny words. “But Elwing also said that things were about to change for us.”
Aragorn cocked his head. “How so?”
Legolas shrugged. “Don’t know. Neither she nor the Valar elaborated on that.”
Aragorn gasped. “You saw the Valar?”
Legolas nodded. “Only Námo, Ulmo and Manwë. They told me why I was there. My hate had consumed me. I wanted to shout at Oropher so much that I actually died to achieve that goal. Adar will understand that, but I am telling you in case I don’t remember in the morn.”

Aragorn nodded, knowing he could not ask his questions. Legolas would tell him only what he wanted him to know; the ts ths the Prince did not wish to forget.
Legolas leaned back and smiled. “Thank you, my friend.”

Aragorn nodded and hugged him. “Just one question though. How did you come back? Did the Valar send you back?”
Legolas shook his head. “No, they said I was somewhere called I mímpë and that it was up to me to return or not. Though they had made it perfectly clear I should return and in fact that was my desire. I saw lights and went to them.”

Aragorn smiled at Elrond and Thranduil who had re-entered. They were too worried to remain outside. Aragorn could understand that and he would have spoken had Elrond not had a look of recognition on his face at hearing Legolas’ words.

Aragorn kept his attention focussed on Legolas as the blond continued. “The first was Imladris and as I walked it came closer. I wondered whether or not it really was Imladris and then it faded. Every new light was another realm: ‘Lóriën, Gondor, Gimli’s home, Mirkwoout tut they always faded. I despaired and would have gone inside and suddenly a force pulled at me, catapulted me somewhere. Everything around me blurred and I kept going faster and faster and the next I know is seeing you all.”

He looked at Aragorn. “Elrond pulled me back, didn’t he?”
Aragorn shook his head. “He tried but he failed. He used our strength and it wasn’t enough. You were still death when he pulled back.”

Thranduil placed a hand on his son’s hair, cares the the blond strands. “I think he did succeed and you did the last part on your own. I am sorry for entering too soon, but worry eats at me. I hope you won’t mind sleeping with your old man?”
Legolas smiled and shook his head. “Maybe you should move me to a big enough room, with enough beds. I’d like to have my friends close tonight.”
Aragorn stood and nodded. “I shall alert my brothers and together we will bring enough beds to… to….” He couldn’t think of a room big enough. Elrond smiled. “Celebrían’s old room; it’s the only one big enough. Light the fire first.”

Aragorn nodded and went away. He turned when he was at the door. “Arwen, can she…? I mean, could she…?”
Elrond nodded. “Hard to say, Estel, though keeping her away will harm her for sure.”
Aragorn nodded. “I shall wake her then. Though I should warn Legolas he’s got a week of mothering ahead of him.”
Legolas smiled. “That’s all right. Thanks.”

Elrond sat down and started his examination, pleased at its results, while Legolas smiled and leaned against his father. /Aiya, nín orvain beloth, I nearly lost you./
Legolas gasped as Elrond’s thought entered his mind. /What was that?/ Elrond showed no signs of having picked up his thought as well and Legolas frowned.

He soon drifted away, lured to sleep by his father’s strokes and Elrond’s presence. Thranduil carefully picked up his son and smiled at Elrond. “Lead the way Peredhel. And let’s hope this will never happen again.”
Elrond smiled. “I don’t think so. Whatever happened needed to happen. otherwise he would never have seen the in between.”
Thranduil frowned. “You know that place?”
Elrond nodded. “Though I would hardly call it a place. It’s a situation where time and place don’t exist.”
Thranduil nodded. “That’s why the realms faded whenever he walked closer.”
Elrond nodded. “Without guidance no soul can make it out.”
Thranduil nodded. “The force was you.”
Elrond shrugged. “Us, Thranduil, not just me.”

End chapter twelve
TBC

Translations:
Man ná tana means who is there
I mímpë means The in between.
Nen means water
nín orvain beloth means my most beautiful flower Sindarin