The Music in My Heart
folder
Lord of the Rings Movies › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
3,763
Reviews:
11
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Lord of the Rings Movies › Slash - Male/Male
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
75
Views:
3,763
Reviews:
11
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own the Lord of the Rings book series and movie series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 12 Out of the Tube
Title: The Music in My Heart, Chapter 12
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: NC-17 for future chapters
Warning: AU --- Story set 770 years after ROTK; Some slash but, mostly het
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Alex Cat for her help in betaing this fic.
Disclaimer: Any of the residents of Middle-earth and Aman that you recognize belong to Prof. Tolkien’s estate. The same is true about Middle-earth and Aman. I’m only visiting and admiring the “views”.
Summary: Sauron may be gone, but his legacy of evil still lingers. As Middle-earth faces the threat of another dark lord, a party of elves departs Aman on a mission for the Valar, a mission of mercy long delayed.
Chapter 12--- Out of the Tube
"Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's hard to get it back in!"
H.R. Halderman
*****
The two friends spent several hours talking about the current state of affairs, both in Middle-earth and Imladris. Elrond was particularly interested in the changes that had occurred in his realm since he sailed. To the immense relief of both, the topic of his behavior the day before was not discussed. One elf was not sure he wanted to hear the answer and the other was not sure he knew what the answer was.
As Erestor excused himself so that he could get to work, Elrond lingered thinking /Tis, actually my son’s realm now as I relinquished my claims when I left. I need to talk to the twins soon to ask what I may do to be of assistance, but to let them know I will respect the change. I do hope I can remember before I speak and cause confusion./
Sighing, he allowed himself to consider his long-term role in Middle-earth. Planning for the expedition and the excitement over seeing his family had dominated his thoughts until now. He had deliberately refrained from thinking about his future on Middle-earth beyond that point. Now he had no option.
/I still think of myself as the Lord of Imladris. I did even in Aman. I have not been in a supporting role since my days as Ereinion’s herald. I will have to adjust to being an advisor, not the ruler of the realm. Perhaps I can devote my time to advancing my skills as a healer and as a teacher. Sadly, there will always be need of a healer in this troubled land./
/Still, I do not plan to return to Aman, so I must adjust and find my place here once again./ Rising from his chair, he went back into his chambers to bath and dress for the day, his mind occupied with questions. His sons had offered to show Glorfindel and him Imladris’s current security measures this morning and his time for reflection was over for now.
*****
It was mid-afternoon before the four rode back into the main courtyard of the Last Homely House. They had spend the morning and a good portion of the afternoon riding the internal circuit of the realms defenses, stopping only to enjoy the lunch the elleth, Lomelinde, had prepared for them.
Chuckling to himself, Elrond noted, /It seems my concern that she was set on securing my attention was vanity on my part. She hardly looked my way from her study of Glorfindel. A much better target for her interests! I will not warn him, as it will be amusing to watch. He seemed quite pleased to have her notice and preened mightily all morning./ Shaking his head at Elladan’s raised eyebrow, he jumped down from his horse and began walking to the stables.
After leaving their horses in the care of a young groom, they made their way toward the practice grounds in search of Ermehtar. The sound of metal hitting metal rang in the still air, guiding their steps toward a group of guardians gathered around the sparring arena. A match was obviously in process. Seeing Celeborn, they moved toward the elda before turning to watch the match.
The sight of a broad, muscular back glistening with sweat greeted the late arrivals. The match had been going on for some time if the faint tell-tell signs of growing fatigue were any indication. A sudden thrust forward by the elf as he attempted to finish his opponent caused the two combatants to shift their positions as the unseen opponent countered the lunge with a quick sidestep and a rapid upswing of his sword. The first stumbled slightly and had to dance to his left to regain his footing.
Moving to the right to keep pace and position, the second came into view. Elrond felt his body stiffen with surprise. “Seere?” whispered from his parted lips before he realized he had spoken.
Catching the amused glances cast in his direction by his sons and their grandfather, Elrond unconsciously stepped closer to the railing to watch the match progress. He felt off-balance with the sudden racing of his heart and his desire to jump the railing to defend the sword wielding elleth.
/Calm yourself! You have seen many an elleth wield a sword and do it with skill and deadly accuracy. This is no different!/ he told himself even as his tight chest and clinched fists told another story.
Taking a deep breath as surreptitiously as possible, he began to study her technique. Her skills were far superior to the other, but she was matched by a far stronger, larger opponent, a fact of which she was very much aware. Winning a sword fight required skill, but strength was often far more important. Brute strength and a sharp, heavy blade were more than capable of cutting through skill with ruthless efficiency.
Seere seemed fully aware of this too. That she was still standing long enough for her opponent to be wearing down was impressive. Elves do not wear down quickly. /If she is careful, she should claim the match in another minute or two. The elf is starting to flail about in frustration. She will only need to… ah, there it is, an opening. Yes, good… she has seen it! She is quick! Yes! There… he must yield. Well done./
So engrossed was he in the match, Elrond was startled by the conversation that had suddenly strung up around him. His eyes remained riveted on Seere. Her flushed face was alight with excitement as she congratulated her opponent on a well-fought match. With more effort than he would like to admit, he turned back to listen to Elrohir answer a question from Glorfindel.
“Ermehtar often asks Seere to spar with the guardians, especially the younger ones that need discipline and to learn restraint. She can and has beaten every guardian here. I think we taught her too well, Elladan, as she has no pity on even us,” he grinned.
Glorfindel smirked, “You admit Erestor’s daughter has beaten you? Obviously, it is a very good thing we returned, Elrond, as they have sadly neglected their skills if the daughter of our resident scholar can best them!”
A warm, teasing voice spoke from behind them. “Does this mean you think you can take her, Peniaur? I would be happy to arrange a match so you can show our younger guardians how it is done.” (ancient one)
Turning, the glaring elf faced the speaker. “Peniaur? Perhaps I need to make an example of you first, elfling, and then we shall see.” Grinning, Glorfindel studied the other. “Tis good to see you, Ermehtar; I have missed your sass!”
“And I have missed your arrogance,” he relied, as the two embraced. Breaking sway, the captain of the guard turned to greet Elrond. “Mae govannen, Lord Elrond. I am very glad to see you both returned to Imladris.”
Smiling, Elrond pulled the young captain into a hug. “Tis good to see you too, Ermehtar, and to be home, again.”
As the two parted, a grinning Celeborn asked, “So, Glorfindel, do you plan to take Ermehtar’s offer seriously or not?”
“What offer would that be?”
“Do you want him to arrange for you to spar with Seere, Peniaur?” came the taunting reply.
“Be serious Celeborn. I will not risk hurting her for your sport.”
Elladan, sensing they had a perfect opportunity to tease Glorfindel and bait his pride, jumped into the conversation. “Sounds to me, Adar’ra, as if he is scared. He must be very out of shape and practice that our elleth is too much a threat.”
“Nay, brother. Our old tutor is not scared of Seere. He is being polite as he does not want to risk hurting her in body or spirit by crushing her in a match. He is an example to us all,” quipped Elrohir.
“Selfless; he always has been. How I forgot so prominent a part of his character I cannot imagine,” sighed Celeborn winking at the grinning Elrond.
“I am sorry to disagree with you both, but I still maintain he is scared to lose his first day back,” Elladan insisted.
“Well, I think…” began Ermehtar only to be cut of rudely by the golden haired elf.
“If you think so highly of her skills, fine, set a match. I will do my best not to hurt her feelings, as well as, her body. Erestor would not appreciate my hurting his little girl!” came the smug retort.
“I will see to it now, my lord.” Grinning Ermehtar, walking over to the railing to ask for Seere’s agreement.
Elrond started to object, but Celeborn’s hand on his arm stayed him. /I hope they know what they are doing and he does not hurt her./
*****
/How do I get myself into these situations?/ groaned both combatants. /The twins will pay for using me for their sport! Celeborn and Ermehtar will too!/
The two circled each other slowly studying each other’s technique and personal style. Both knew Glorfindel was by far the stronger of the two, a highly skilled warrior, and no green recruit likely to make a mistake from frustration.
Having seen all he needed, Glorfindel moved in quickly with a series of hard lunges intended to rock her back on her heels and allow him to knock the sword from her hands. He was surprised when she moved out of his way before the first blow fell and was positioned to roll his second one harmlessly off to the side.
/Very nice! She is quick, I will grant them that. But this is her second match against a stronger opponent. She will tire quickly./
Falling into a steady pattern of hard, punishing blows, he pushed the elleth relentlessly from one side of the enclosure to the other, never able to pin her to the railing. She met each blow with the minimum amount of strength to push the blade just beyond her while using her speed and quick reflexes to avoid all she could.
After more than an hour, he still had not found a weakness sufficient enough or long enough exposed for him to exploit. Against all of his training, he felt his frustration growing. Deciding to put an end to the match, he moved quickly hitting at her with a series of strong blows, each coming from a different direction. He was shocked when, his momentum still carrying him to the left, the elleth pivoted slightly to her right and dropped to her left knee to roll beneath his blade with only a few inches to spare. He was stunned to feel the point of her sword tap his chest just below his heart before quickly withdrawing. In the next moment, she dropped her sword and jumped smoothly back to her feet.
“What a stunning move that was, my lord. Would you please show me how you did that?” Seere asked the shocked Glorfindel, ending the match without making him yield. Both knew she had won and both knew she had spared him by not claiming the victory.
Looking deeply into her eyes, he saw only interest in learning a new offensive move and enjoyment in a well-fought match. As was his way, Glorfindel made a quick assessment of the elleth before him and found her a worthy daughter of his friend. Smiling his acknowledgment of her forfeit of her own victory, he graciously acceded to her request and began to walk her through the move, a large number of the guardians jumping the railing to join the lesson.
/Her tactic… I have not seen it since… And to have her use it when she did… It was almost as if she knew what I was going to do and was prepared to respond as she did. I must keep my eyes on this one. She is an interesting paradox from the little I know --- a great beauty, a junior counsellor to her father, a seer, a skilled herbalist, and a cunning warrior. Yes, she is one to watch./
*****
Elrond had felt his heart freeze in his chest when Glorfindel began his final assault. She was very good and amazingly quick. When she dropped to roll under his sword, he had stopped breathing as the heavy blade cleared her head by mere inches. He had not missed the quick touch of her sword’s tip to Glorfindel’s chest before she ended the match.
Having dared so much to win, he was deeply impressed by the courtesy she showed her opponent in not forcing him to acknowledge his defeat. /It would have been a crushing blow to the former captain of Imladris’s guard having just returned. She is without question Erestor’s daughter and is a credit to her adar./
/That move --- I have not seen anyone use it since… since the last time I watched Glorfindel spar with Ereinion. I know I said as much to Celeborn as we watched. I could tell he saw it too. I wonder where she learned it?/
Walking away from the training ground, he mused, /I am becoming quite fascinated by her and I must stop this now. But how? Once you are aware of another, how do you stop being aware, especially when that is not what you truly want to do?/
*****
Author: Sorsha
Fandom/Pairing: Elrond/OFC, Glorfindel/Haldir, Elladan/OFC, Elrohir/Legolas, others implied
Rating: NC-17 for future chapters
Warning: AU --- Story set 770 years after ROTK; Some slash but, mostly het
Feedback: This is my first fanfic, so constructive feedback appreciated.
Archive:
Acknowledgements: Many thanks to Alex Cat for her help in betaing this fic.
Disclaimer: Any of the residents of Middle-earth and Aman that you recognize belong to Prof. Tolkien’s estate. The same is true about Middle-earth and Aman. I’m only visiting and admiring the “views”.
Summary: Sauron may be gone, but his legacy of evil still lingers. As Middle-earth faces the threat of another dark lord, a party of elves departs Aman on a mission for the Valar, a mission of mercy long delayed.
Chapter 12--- Out of the Tube
"Once the toothpaste is out of the tube, it's hard to get it back in!"
H.R. Halderman
*****
The two friends spent several hours talking about the current state of affairs, both in Middle-earth and Imladris. Elrond was particularly interested in the changes that had occurred in his realm since he sailed. To the immense relief of both, the topic of his behavior the day before was not discussed. One elf was not sure he wanted to hear the answer and the other was not sure he knew what the answer was.
As Erestor excused himself so that he could get to work, Elrond lingered thinking /Tis, actually my son’s realm now as I relinquished my claims when I left. I need to talk to the twins soon to ask what I may do to be of assistance, but to let them know I will respect the change. I do hope I can remember before I speak and cause confusion./
Sighing, he allowed himself to consider his long-term role in Middle-earth. Planning for the expedition and the excitement over seeing his family had dominated his thoughts until now. He had deliberately refrained from thinking about his future on Middle-earth beyond that point. Now he had no option.
/I still think of myself as the Lord of Imladris. I did even in Aman. I have not been in a supporting role since my days as Ereinion’s herald. I will have to adjust to being an advisor, not the ruler of the realm. Perhaps I can devote my time to advancing my skills as a healer and as a teacher. Sadly, there will always be need of a healer in this troubled land./
/Still, I do not plan to return to Aman, so I must adjust and find my place here once again./ Rising from his chair, he went back into his chambers to bath and dress for the day, his mind occupied with questions. His sons had offered to show Glorfindel and him Imladris’s current security measures this morning and his time for reflection was over for now.
*****
It was mid-afternoon before the four rode back into the main courtyard of the Last Homely House. They had spend the morning and a good portion of the afternoon riding the internal circuit of the realms defenses, stopping only to enjoy the lunch the elleth, Lomelinde, had prepared for them.
Chuckling to himself, Elrond noted, /It seems my concern that she was set on securing my attention was vanity on my part. She hardly looked my way from her study of Glorfindel. A much better target for her interests! I will not warn him, as it will be amusing to watch. He seemed quite pleased to have her notice and preened mightily all morning./ Shaking his head at Elladan’s raised eyebrow, he jumped down from his horse and began walking to the stables.
After leaving their horses in the care of a young groom, they made their way toward the practice grounds in search of Ermehtar. The sound of metal hitting metal rang in the still air, guiding their steps toward a group of guardians gathered around the sparring arena. A match was obviously in process. Seeing Celeborn, they moved toward the elda before turning to watch the match.
The sight of a broad, muscular back glistening with sweat greeted the late arrivals. The match had been going on for some time if the faint tell-tell signs of growing fatigue were any indication. A sudden thrust forward by the elf as he attempted to finish his opponent caused the two combatants to shift their positions as the unseen opponent countered the lunge with a quick sidestep and a rapid upswing of his sword. The first stumbled slightly and had to dance to his left to regain his footing.
Moving to the right to keep pace and position, the second came into view. Elrond felt his body stiffen with surprise. “Seere?” whispered from his parted lips before he realized he had spoken.
Catching the amused glances cast in his direction by his sons and their grandfather, Elrond unconsciously stepped closer to the railing to watch the match progress. He felt off-balance with the sudden racing of his heart and his desire to jump the railing to defend the sword wielding elleth.
/Calm yourself! You have seen many an elleth wield a sword and do it with skill and deadly accuracy. This is no different!/ he told himself even as his tight chest and clinched fists told another story.
Taking a deep breath as surreptitiously as possible, he began to study her technique. Her skills were far superior to the other, but she was matched by a far stronger, larger opponent, a fact of which she was very much aware. Winning a sword fight required skill, but strength was often far more important. Brute strength and a sharp, heavy blade were more than capable of cutting through skill with ruthless efficiency.
Seere seemed fully aware of this too. That she was still standing long enough for her opponent to be wearing down was impressive. Elves do not wear down quickly. /If she is careful, she should claim the match in another minute or two. The elf is starting to flail about in frustration. She will only need to… ah, there it is, an opening. Yes, good… she has seen it! She is quick! Yes! There… he must yield. Well done./
So engrossed was he in the match, Elrond was startled by the conversation that had suddenly strung up around him. His eyes remained riveted on Seere. Her flushed face was alight with excitement as she congratulated her opponent on a well-fought match. With more effort than he would like to admit, he turned back to listen to Elrohir answer a question from Glorfindel.
“Ermehtar often asks Seere to spar with the guardians, especially the younger ones that need discipline and to learn restraint. She can and has beaten every guardian here. I think we taught her too well, Elladan, as she has no pity on even us,” he grinned.
Glorfindel smirked, “You admit Erestor’s daughter has beaten you? Obviously, it is a very good thing we returned, Elrond, as they have sadly neglected their skills if the daughter of our resident scholar can best them!”
A warm, teasing voice spoke from behind them. “Does this mean you think you can take her, Peniaur? I would be happy to arrange a match so you can show our younger guardians how it is done.” (ancient one)
Turning, the glaring elf faced the speaker. “Peniaur? Perhaps I need to make an example of you first, elfling, and then we shall see.” Grinning, Glorfindel studied the other. “Tis good to see you, Ermehtar; I have missed your sass!”
“And I have missed your arrogance,” he relied, as the two embraced. Breaking sway, the captain of the guard turned to greet Elrond. “Mae govannen, Lord Elrond. I am very glad to see you both returned to Imladris.”
Smiling, Elrond pulled the young captain into a hug. “Tis good to see you too, Ermehtar, and to be home, again.”
As the two parted, a grinning Celeborn asked, “So, Glorfindel, do you plan to take Ermehtar’s offer seriously or not?”
“What offer would that be?”
“Do you want him to arrange for you to spar with Seere, Peniaur?” came the taunting reply.
“Be serious Celeborn. I will not risk hurting her for your sport.”
Elladan, sensing they had a perfect opportunity to tease Glorfindel and bait his pride, jumped into the conversation. “Sounds to me, Adar’ra, as if he is scared. He must be very out of shape and practice that our elleth is too much a threat.”
“Nay, brother. Our old tutor is not scared of Seere. He is being polite as he does not want to risk hurting her in body or spirit by crushing her in a match. He is an example to us all,” quipped Elrohir.
“Selfless; he always has been. How I forgot so prominent a part of his character I cannot imagine,” sighed Celeborn winking at the grinning Elrond.
“I am sorry to disagree with you both, but I still maintain he is scared to lose his first day back,” Elladan insisted.
“Well, I think…” began Ermehtar only to be cut of rudely by the golden haired elf.
“If you think so highly of her skills, fine, set a match. I will do my best not to hurt her feelings, as well as, her body. Erestor would not appreciate my hurting his little girl!” came the smug retort.
“I will see to it now, my lord.” Grinning Ermehtar, walking over to the railing to ask for Seere’s agreement.
Elrond started to object, but Celeborn’s hand on his arm stayed him. /I hope they know what they are doing and he does not hurt her./
*****
/How do I get myself into these situations?/ groaned both combatants. /The twins will pay for using me for their sport! Celeborn and Ermehtar will too!/
The two circled each other slowly studying each other’s technique and personal style. Both knew Glorfindel was by far the stronger of the two, a highly skilled warrior, and no green recruit likely to make a mistake from frustration.
Having seen all he needed, Glorfindel moved in quickly with a series of hard lunges intended to rock her back on her heels and allow him to knock the sword from her hands. He was surprised when she moved out of his way before the first blow fell and was positioned to roll his second one harmlessly off to the side.
/Very nice! She is quick, I will grant them that. But this is her second match against a stronger opponent. She will tire quickly./
Falling into a steady pattern of hard, punishing blows, he pushed the elleth relentlessly from one side of the enclosure to the other, never able to pin her to the railing. She met each blow with the minimum amount of strength to push the blade just beyond her while using her speed and quick reflexes to avoid all she could.
After more than an hour, he still had not found a weakness sufficient enough or long enough exposed for him to exploit. Against all of his training, he felt his frustration growing. Deciding to put an end to the match, he moved quickly hitting at her with a series of strong blows, each coming from a different direction. He was shocked when, his momentum still carrying him to the left, the elleth pivoted slightly to her right and dropped to her left knee to roll beneath his blade with only a few inches to spare. He was stunned to feel the point of her sword tap his chest just below his heart before quickly withdrawing. In the next moment, she dropped her sword and jumped smoothly back to her feet.
“What a stunning move that was, my lord. Would you please show me how you did that?” Seere asked the shocked Glorfindel, ending the match without making him yield. Both knew she had won and both knew she had spared him by not claiming the victory.
Looking deeply into her eyes, he saw only interest in learning a new offensive move and enjoyment in a well-fought match. As was his way, Glorfindel made a quick assessment of the elleth before him and found her a worthy daughter of his friend. Smiling his acknowledgment of her forfeit of her own victory, he graciously acceded to her request and began to walk her through the move, a large number of the guardians jumping the railing to join the lesson.
/Her tactic… I have not seen it since… And to have her use it when she did… It was almost as if she knew what I was going to do and was prepared to respond as she did. I must keep my eyes on this one. She is an interesting paradox from the little I know --- a great beauty, a junior counsellor to her father, a seer, a skilled herbalist, and a cunning warrior. Yes, she is one to watch./
*****
Elrond had felt his heart freeze in his chest when Glorfindel began his final assault. She was very good and amazingly quick. When she dropped to roll under his sword, he had stopped breathing as the heavy blade cleared her head by mere inches. He had not missed the quick touch of her sword’s tip to Glorfindel’s chest before she ended the match.
Having dared so much to win, he was deeply impressed by the courtesy she showed her opponent in not forcing him to acknowledge his defeat. /It would have been a crushing blow to the former captain of Imladris’s guard having just returned. She is without question Erestor’s daughter and is a credit to her adar./
/That move --- I have not seen anyone use it since… since the last time I watched Glorfindel spar with Ereinion. I know I said as much to Celeborn as we watched. I could tell he saw it too. I wonder where she learned it?/
Walking away from the training ground, he mused, /I am becoming quite fascinated by her and I must stop this now. But how? Once you are aware of another, how do you stop being aware, especially when that is not what you truly want to do?/
*****