Ball masque

Chapter thirteen They’ve returned

Elrohir stirred and fell to the floor, landing on it with a rather loud thud. He dazedly blinked and looked around, smiling when he saw his family around him. His smile widened when he saw Legolas safely asleep in his father’s arms. He chuckled when he saw a pale hand clutching his own father’s hand tight, as if to prevent Elrond from leaving suddenly.

He turned his head when the door cracked open and revealed a worried Erestor. One look behind the counsellor told him it was already near breakfast. He jumped up and nudged his twin awake before doing the same to Aragorn and striding to the open door. “Erestor. Do not worry so. We had a troubled night, nothing more. We shall join you for breakfast soon.”

Erestor nodded but drew in breath to speak. “That is not the only reason why I’ve searched for you. Lord Celeborn is returning. He has just crossed our borders again. Glorfindel is guiding them here.”
The counsellor’s voice woke up all others and Elrond, after making sure Legolas was fine, immediately approached him. “Do you know why?”
Erestor shook his head. “Nay, but he requested to speak to you as soon as possible.”
Elrond nodded. “Is he alone?”
Again Erestor shook his head. “Nay, Haldir and his brothers are with him.” Elrond’s face hardened and he briskly told Erestor to leave.

Legolas stood and smiled confused. “What happened?”
Thranduil smiled at him. “You nearly died, that’s what! Don’t you ever scare us like that again.”
Legolas frowned but nodded a little later. “I remember now. But how did I get back here?” Aragorn sat down next to him and he smiled. “Aragorn, my friend. I remember telling you something. But what?”
Aragorn grinned. “Seems your precaution was wise. You asked me to remember something for you and tell you should you not remember.” Seeing the others curious he shrugged. “I don’t know if all of you should hear.”
Legolas smiled. “I don’t mind. What did I say?” At this Aragorn told Legolas every word he had spoken.

But it was hard for Legolas to focus on the words. He kept hearing Elrond in his mind. At some point he brought his hands to his head. “Elrond, can you please stop thinking? It confuses me.” All eyes widened and Thranduil even blinked.
A little later Legolas laughed. “Now I know what they meant.” He nodded. “They warned me things would change for us and at first I assumed they were referring to our love, but they weren’t, were they?”

Elrond sighed and sat down beside him. “You can hear my thoughts?”
Legolas nodded. “Whether I want to or not. Must be a result from pulling me back.”
Elrond shook his head. “I don’t think so. If it were I should be able to hear yours as well.” He shrugged. “I guess I have to watch my thoughts.”

He rose. “I shall leave you to your devices and greet my father back. Arwen, I want you resting and don’t give me that look. Aragorn, please make sure she does.” Legolas grinned as he heard Elrond mentally scold the girl’s stubbornness. Before he left the room he smiled and ‘mentally conveyed’ Legolas his love. “And I you.”

Thranduil shook his head at this. “Well, I am luckily I am not one of his children for I would probably go crazy if this kept happening.”
Legolas leaned back against him and sighed. “I don’t ever want to leave this position.”
Thranduil grinned. “Too bad. I was hoping you would show me around. And I don’t think the twins will be happy with this decision of yours either.” He smiled at the two identical faces. “For who else shall fetch us everything we need if we can’t leave this bed?”
Elladan shook his head and Elrohir growled. “Never. Just forget about it.” With those words he launched a tickle attack on Legolas.
Elladan tried hard to maintain his composure. “I am leaving. Ata’da is coming.”

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

Celeborn smiled at Elrond and hugged him despite the angry face the latter wore. “Forgive us for returning so swiftly and rest assured that no harm has come to the others. But we do have a problem we need to discuss with the utmost urgency.”
Elrond nodded and signalled for Celeborn to follow. “What is it? And was it necessary to bring him along?”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye, it is. He told us what happened that night so many, many moons ago. We detected no lie, but it contradicts the tale Legolas tells.” He raised his hands in defence when he saw Elrond’s face become extremely angry. “Peace, we believe him as well. Hence the problem.”
Elrond sighed. “Perhaps it is best if Legolas were present.”
Celeborn nodded. “I agree. Where is he?”
Elrond closed his eyes. “Resting. He died last night.” He laughed at Celeborn’s shocked face and calculating look. “Don’t worry, I haven’t lost my mind. He came back.” He would not elaborate further.

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

Thranduil smiled at the picture before him. Legolas and the twins were playing with Eldarion, under the boy’s parents watchful eyes. He nodded when Aragorn looked his way and returned to his reading.

Slowly but gradually he came to a solution. “Say, Legolas, have you ever seen anything like this?” He held up the book to show the image.
Legolas looked at it long and thought hard. He nodded. “Aye, in ‘Lóriën.”
Thranduil sighed and closed his eyes. He turned the page backwards. “And does this look familiar?”
Legolas frowned but looked, nodding when he recognized the pictured item. “Aye, it’s a delicious pie. Adar, you should really try it. I have never tasted it before the Ringwar.”
Thranduil nodded.

Aragorn itched closer and nodded in recognition. “I remember that. They had made it to honour us. I did not really like it, but I remember three Hobbits who got mad when they were allowed only two parts.” He frowned when he remembered their words. “If I remember correctly it is because it is intoxicating.”

Thranduil nodded but before he could speak the door opened and revealed Elrond and Celeborn. Elrond motioned for the others to remain seated. “Arwen, please take your son and brothers with you. There’s something we need to discuss.”
They nodded and stood to go.
Celeborn held back Aragorn, when he wanted to join his wife. “Not you, we might need your memory.” Aragorn frowned but sat back down.

Elrond claimed a seat near his beloved and cocked his head when he saw Thranduil glare at Celeborn. /Now what?/ Thranduil closed his eyes and tried to calm himself but it was hard. “Why are you back?”
Celeborinnrinned. “Because there is a problem that needs to be solved. I don’t know how to begin.”
Elrond filled Legolas in by thinking about everything he has been told so far and suddenly the blond gasped. He looked at his father. “Don’t tell me….”
Thranduil looked in his eyes and nodded. “I’m afraid so. You had too much. Read.”

Legolas accepted the book and read the text himself, groaning when he was finished. He lowered his head in shame and guilt. His emotions were so great they touched Elrond, who gasped at the sudden sensation. He instantly realised Legolas was the source and embraced him. “What is it?” Legolas shook his head and allowed his tears to flow.

Thranduil sighed and tapped on the book. “This is responsible.” He handed it to Celeborn to read, who whitened when he did so. “But only one was allowed to hand it out, with the clear instructions to monitor everyone’s intake.”
Thranduil nodded. “That might be, but the impact is strongest when consumed for the first time.”
Elrond growled. “What are you talking about?”
Celeborn closed his eyes and sat down. “When the party of Eight came to us we had this pie made, Elrond. I need not tell you its intoxicating effect when overindulged.” Elrond nodded, indicating Celeborn should continue. “One person was to hand it out to them, monitoring the intake. I fear we were misinformed on Legolas’ history with the treat. We were told he had eaten it before.”
Aragorook ook his head. “Nay, that’s a lie. He told us he had never before tasted anything so sweet.”
Celeborn nodded and Elrond gasped. “But then it’s all a misunderstanding.”

But he also understood why Legolas was so silent and drawn back right now. He lifted the blond’s cheek and wiped away the tears. “It’s not your fault. Your actions and decision were based on the knowledge you had at the time. Now you know more. Haldir did not rape you, but upon awaking you thought he had.”

Legolas nodded. “But why didn’t I remember?”
To this Thranduil squished his shoulders. “Because that’s the side-effect when over-indulged too much. I think you had at least one slice over your second line.”

Seeing Aragorn frown he decided to explain. “You see, Elassar, this treat does not only taste sweet, but when consumed too much makes you hunger for more, that’s how they used to put it. But you would say you want to get laid. And laid good. And the one you pick is the one you want and no one else will do. The next morning you will have all the symptoms of a hang-over.”
Aragorn nodded. “Which fuelled Legolas’ idea of being raped while drunk.”
Thranduil nodded. “But, when the second line is breached, the memory is wiped out. You simply don’t remember your nightly activities.” He grinned. “Fortunately you did cross that line as well, son, for that alone made me suspicious.”
Aragorn nodded. “It might not have been resolved otherwise.”

Elrond sighed a relieved sigh and pulled Legolas close, kissing him passionately. The blond moaned and eagerly deepened the kiss. Celeborn and Aragorn tried to look everywhere but at them but Thranduil blushed at the sight and couched. “You can do that later. When I’m not in the room! Celeborn, Haldirt bet be told.”
Celeborn nodded. “I intend to do just that. And maybe you two can talk, Legolas.” His voice was pleading.
The blond nodded. “But not alone. I’m sorry, but…” Celeborn nodded in understanding. “Once he knows he’ll be grateful for this. I am glad this is settled.”

Aragorn shook his head and prevented the ancient elf from leaving. “Just a moment. One thing I do not understand: how come they fed Legolas too much? He’s an elf!”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, but try to understand it, Aragorn. When you first started drinking you could only handle one drink, but now you can down many more.”
Aragorn nodded and smiled in understanding. “Are you saying one needs experience with that pie as well?”

Elrond nodded and waved his arm to the door. “And now leave us alone. Go join your wife and son.”
Aragorn frowned. “And insane brothers! I’m out. Thranduil, I think you should accompany Celeborn. With the book!”
Thranduil nodded and grinned. “And to give them some privacy I assume. No problem; I have no desire to see my son make out.” He laughed at their dumbfound expressions and ran out the room and down the corridor, hearing Aragorn laugh behind him.

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

Legolas smiled when Elrond held him close. “I’m sorry I ruined your plans for today. I would have loved to see the precipice.”
Elrond smiled warmly. “It will still be there tomorrow or any other day.”
Legolas nodded and his eyes darkened when he looked at Elrond longingly.

The dark-haired elf laughed and pulled his lover closer to instigate a kiss. He could sense Legolas’ desire and he backed away. He wasn’t sure he could do that.
For a moment Legolas was puzzled, but hearing Elrond’s fearful thoughts made him understand. He grabbed his lover soothingly and kissed him tenderly. “Though I would love to feel you in me I can wait.” Elrond widened his eyes at the words and Legolas smiled at the loving thoughts that entered him in response. He shook his head. “It really does not matter to me who claims who. I will love both ways.”

Elrond closed his eyes and smiled. “I’ve never…”
Legolas grinned. “I know you’ll be gentle.” His eyes were filled with lust, love and devotion and it affected Elrond accordingly. He reclaimed the beautiful lips and slowly undressed them.

That movement was enough to send Legolas into overdrive and he grinned impishly when he came. He did not care to elaborate at the moment but grabbed hold of his lover and pulled him as close as possible, needing to feel the naked body against his own.

Elrond smiled when he felt Legolas harden already. The talented tongue inside his mouth drove all fear away and he abandoned to his desire. Legolas could see the passion flare in the darkening orbs and knew that Elrond would become a great lover. He eagerly yielded to the other elf.

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

“Who would have thought this would happen? Certainly not me!”
Arwen laughed at her brothers’ antics. “Will you two please calm down. I -am- pregnant, you know.”
Elrohir and Elladan looked at her and shook their heads. “And there’s another puzzle for us to figure out, gwanunig. How come Arwen constantly tells us not to treat her differently just because she’s pregnant, and now she’s saying the exact opposite? Real strange if you ask me.”
Elrohir nodded in agreement to his brother’s words. “Definitely! Although one could say she says both things, depending on her mood. Yes, that must be it: an abuse of her disposition against us all.”

Aragorn frowned when he entered the room during the sentence. “I see father wasn’t kidding when he told me to find my insane siblings.”
Elladan and Elrohir gave a good performance of mock hurt and shock. “Really, Estel, how can you say such a thing? To the ones that thought you how to fight, no less. Your foster brothers and your in-laws. We are appalled.”

Aragorn shook his head and sat down. “How’s Eldarion?”
Arwen laughed. “He’s ordered Glorfindel to explore the realm with him.”
Aragorn grinned. “No doubt he’ll have some more white hairs by the time we’ll leave. I’ve never seen another elf to develop white hairs.”
Elladan grinned, remembering Glorfindel pulling out a white hair almost daily when they were young. “Maybe he’s just allergic to elflings.”

Arwen shook her head. “Behave you two. How’s Legolas, melamin?”
Aragorn sighed. “Alive and well. He died and came back.”
Arwen widened her eyes at that. “I wonder why…”
Elladan cocked his head. t dot do you mean, sweet sister?”
Arwen narrowed her eyes. “I don’t know. One can never know unless one knows what it was he saw there.”
Aragorn sighed and closed his eyes. “I promised not to tell, but if you keep quiet, I guess I can tell you. He’s going to need friends to talk about and adar might not always be available.”

Arwen and the twins nodded their agreement and Aragorn told them everything Legolas has told him.
Arwen smiled happily. “I knew it!”
Elrohir widened his eyes. “What did you know?” He shook his head and looked at his twin. “You know, sometimes, just sometimes I think she’s spend too much time with Galadriel.” Elladan grinned and nodded. “Aye, sometimes it looks that way. What is on your mind, Arwen?”
Arwen smiled. “Think about it: he met not only Oropher while he was there, but also every elf that’s important to Elrond: his mother, his twin and his king.”
Aragorn narrowed his eyes and grinned. “You are most cunning and devious, my love. Are you saying they gave their blessing?”
Arwen nodded frantically while the twins shared another look. “But wait a minute… Is that the change they and the Valar hinted at? A wedding? Between Legolas and our father?”
Arwen shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“We might be able to answer that one, granddaughter of mine.”

They all turned and smiled at the entering elf lords. Celeborn hugged his family tight. “Any day now, I suppose.”
Arwen shook her head. “Not for a while, ata’da. But what is it? Do you know more?”
Thranduil claimed a seat and nodded. “Aye, we do. We found some books with this information. An elf that enters the in between can only be pulled back by a linked spirit.”
Elladan groaned. “But they aren’t linked.”
Celeborn laughed. “Yes, they were, pen-neth. As I understand from Thranduil Legolas has always been in love with Elrond, therefore linked to him.”
Elladan shook his head. “But father did not love him back. That started recently. At the masked ball to be precise.”
Thranduil laughed. “But his hatred linked him to our family. We never stated a soul needs love to be pulled back, all right, we did say so at the time but we did not jet know he was in the in between; for a soul to be pulled back fro there it only needs to be linked. But there was love on both sides and that caused certain changes.”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye! Because of this they are now half linked together; or better put: their souls are half intertwined. And when their bond, or friendship, or whatever they are, becomes stronger so does their shared part.”

Elladan nodded. “So that’s the changes they referred to?” He sighed. “Well, it is nice to know this union is blessed by Elrond’s kin, both death and alive, and the Valar.” He smiled and leaned back.

Thranduil sighed and smiled. “Now all we have to do is patch things up between blue-eyes and Haldir and burn a diary and all will be well.” He ignored the funny looks he received. He did not care to elaborate and at any rate, it should be Elrond telling the tale, not him; if it needed to be told at all.

End chapter 13
TBC