melme Colle (or: hidden love)

Chapter twelve Waking up

Rumil shook his head and left. He wondered when others would notice his brothers being absent in mind. His bewilderment grew when Haldir called him back. “Where are you going?”
Rumil looked at him in disbelief. “I told you at least four times I’ve got this patrol. That Phin doesn’t listen I can understand, but you?”
Haldir blushed and hurried to hug his brother. “Aiya, Ru, I am sorry, my mind was elsewhere.”
Rumil nodded. “Celeborn, I know.” Haldir’s eyes widened, making Rumil grin. “You watch him always, toron. That he doesn’t speak to you about it, amazes me daily.” Again his brother’s eyes widened and a deep blush was formed on his cheeks. Rumil hugged him tight and nodded. “Aye, he knows. He’s not so oblivious as Elrond, you know.”

Haldir grinned and turned to look at Orophin. “He’s grumpy, lately, grumpy and edgy. You don’t suppose…”
Rumil nodded. “Aye; he’s frustrated. Sexually. Enough to frustrate us.” He shook his head again. “And still the Peredhel doesn’t notice.” Haldir watched him leave and grinned. Even at the edge of his sight he saw his brother shaking his head still. He grinned and touched his brother before running off.

Orophin looked around dazed, realising he was all alone. Where were his bothers? Then he remembered Rumil being part of this patrol, but that did not explain Haldir’s absence. He stood and frowned, before he twirled around and smiled at Elrond’s questioning face.

The Half-Elf shook his head and walked in. “I’m sorry if I startled you.”
Orophin shook his head and retrieved their wine, pouring them both a glass. “How are they?”
Elrond smiled at his concern. Every time he met the guardian this was the first question to be asked and Elrond knew it was on his behalf. In talking to Orophin about it he was able to relieve a lot of his frustration and tension.

Orophin narrowed his eyes and placed his glass back on the table before moving to stand behind Elrond. Though the Peredhel never asked for it, Orophin now knew precisely when he really wanted or needed a massage. He grinned when he felt the muscles relax and heard Elrond’s contented moan, before the elf leaned back against him, giving him better access.
Elrond closed his eyes in bliss and allowed himself to savour it for a few moments before telling Orophin.

“Man nás?”
Elrond opened his eyes and turned on his chair. Orophin’s hands remained on his shoulders, but the eyes stood questioningly. Elrond smiled. “The tables have turned, Orophin.”
The eyes narrowed as Orophin swiftly tried to understand, but failed. He cocked his head. “Meaning?”
Elrond sighed and pain entered his eyes, forcing Orophin to supportively squish his shoulders. He smiled weakly at him. “Erestor cut his wrists, Legolas woke up and that alone now gives us a chance of saving Erestor.”
Orophin’s eyes widened in shock. That’s not what he had expected to hear at all. He blinked and walked round, restarting the massage. “How is the Prince?”
Elrond smiled. “Coherent, responsive and determined to stay with Erestor. For some reason.” He sighed again. “Which is good for he will have to stay in bed the coming days to regain his weight before we can rebuild his strength.”
Orophin nodded. “And his desire to remain with Erestor will cover that. And Erestor? Will he live or do you fear losing him?”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay, he will live. We were in time, but it will take time; he’s lost a lot of blood.” /And he doesn’t have his full strength. Having his life-force halved now works against him and lengthens his healing period for Elbereth knows how long./
Orophin smiled, grateful that both elves would eventually recover.

He moved and pulled Elrond of the chair. “You are much too tense. Let’s go bathe.”
Elrond shook his head but smiled when he saw Orophin pull out blankets before dragging Elrond along. “Thank you.” /For taking my gloom away./
Orophin turned and smiled warmly, seeing the unspoken question lurk in Elrond’s eyes. Why? His smile warmed. /Because I love you. And because she asked me to./ He didn’t voice it, knowing Elrond wasn’t ready to hear it yet. /But you already come to me when it gets too much. I have your trust. I shall not break it by springing this upon you./

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Thee days later…
Thranduil yawned and stretched himself. His muscles were actually sore. He grimaced. /What’s to expect. I don’t do anything but spar, hang in a chair and riding a horse./ He smiled when he saw Glorfindel standing in the courtyard, conversing with some of his soldiers. Thranduil stopped and watched him, his weariness suddenly gone.
Unknown to him the blond below felt his eyes and smiled inwardly.

His exterior didn’t show it, but inwardly Glorfindel’s hormones were raging, heating him up. He was grateful his arousal stayed away, but the stare felt so intense it was as if he was naked. He cut the conversation short and walked away, feeling more than seeing Thranduil walk along with him on the corridor above him.

Suddenly he could pretend no more and looked up, staring straight into Thranduil’s green orbs, which were startled, though they relaxed when Glorfindel’s smile registered. About to speak and address the other Glorfindel heard noises behind him and turned round, his eyes widening when he saw three arrows fly his way. They were too close to avoid entirely and he screamed in pain when they pierced his skin.
Thranduil’s eyes widened and, uncaring of the results, jumped down.

Three younger elves ran forward, their faced filled with horror, shock and guilt. Elladan was beside them instantly and motioned for the youngsters to leave, looking at Glorfindel in concern.
He bit his lip and sighed. “What will they say?” Glorfindel’s hard gaze locked with him and he shrugged. “They were practising unsupervised, Glorfindel. Ro and I will find out how that’s possible, promise. But now we have to get you…”
Glorfindel growled and shook his head, clutching his side. “O no, I’ve spend enough time in the healing house as it is.” His eyes spat fire and he growled when he felt a arm encircle his waist.
Thranduil laughed. “Peace, Glorfindel, allow me to walk you inside, or do you plan to keep them in forever?”
His voice was normal and serious, making the blond turn his head at him. The seneschal saw the orbs were filled with worry and concern, but understanding also shone from them.
Thranduil smiled and slowly guided Glorfindel inside. “Elladan, you and your twin find the ones responsible for this. Such carelessness could easily end a life.”

Elladan nodded and ran away, glad he wasn’t the one steering Glorfindel inside. He was sure the show of angriness was about to start.

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Legolas smiled when the opening door revealed Celeborn, who didn’t wait for permission but instantly walked inside. “And how fare you today?”
Legolas smiled and happily accepted Celeborn’s hand. “Better. My strength is returning. And Elrond says we were just in time.”
His eyes settled on his love and Celeborn grinned. “Aye, thanks to you. If you had woken any later…” He shivered and banned the thought from his mind.

He smiled at the way Legolas dotingly looked at the unconscious counsellor. He narrowed his eyes when he saw the depth of the love shining from the blue orbs. “How long -have- you loved him?”
Legolas turned his head back to Celeborn and shrugged. “Since I was two hundred.” He grinned when Celeborn’s eyes widened. “Father told me about Imladris and its inhabitants and I had somehow decided I wanted him. I had forgotten but Varië reminded me.”
He looked at Erestor again. “It was love at first sight.” He turned and glared at the other when he heard Celeborn laugh.

Seeing the door open he sighed and plunged down on his pillow again, seeing Gimli walk back in. “I had just talked you out!”
Gimli nodded, brushed by the laughing Celeborn and sat down. “Aye, and Elrond kicked me right back.” He grinned. “And he had a bow at hand. I don’t desire to get shot, you know.”
Legolas grinned. “I can decide to shoot you if you stay too long.”
Gimli grinned and nodded. “But you I can fight.”

They both grinned and Celeborn sat down again. “Forgive me, Legolas, but your wordings made me laugh.”
Legolas’ eyes angered again. “What, pray tell, is so funny about love at first sight?”
Celeborn smiled. “Because, dear Legolas, in this case it isn’t.” He smiled warmly. “It’s love at first ear.” To this Legolas laughed as well, a sound the other two had missed greatly and they enjoyed it.

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Haldir twirled round when he heard his name and he smiled at his approaching brother. Orophin grinned and panted. “Can I borrow your bow?”
Haldir frowned at the strange request. “Why?”
Orophin smiled. “He wants to see if he can still best a Galadhrim.”
Haldir grinned and nodded, handing his bow to Orophin. “But be careful.”
Orophin grinned again. “With your bow or with him?” His eyebrows wiggled suggestively.
Haldir shook his head as his brother dashed off again.

He twirled again when he heard a familiar laughter.
Celeborn approached him and smiled warmly. “Sometimes he reminds me of an elfling.”
Haldir raised his eyebrows. “Sometimes?”
Celeborn grinned and nodded. “Aye, you are right. All the time is more like it.”

He stepped out the house and started walking towards the tree, frowning when Haldir didn’t follow. He turned and smiled questioningly at Haldir. “Will you not accompany me?”
Haldir nodded and walked forward, easily catching up.

“How is life for you here, Haldir? Do you not miss the trees?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, not overly so. Just sometimes, but then all I have to do is walk these trees and listen to their stories.” He smiled sadly. “They say ‘Lóriën isn’t ‘Lóriën anymore.”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye, it’s losing its glow and becoming a normal wood. But it will always be a refuge for our kindred, Haldir.” He sighed. “We shall have to go through it on our way to Ithilien and back.”
Haldir nodded. “But it will never be same.” He didn’t miss his former life much. He was still a warrior here and his only superiors were the rulers and Glorfindel. But soon both he and Dagor would become Glorfindel’s equals.

He sighed. “How will Erestor handle learning he isn’t the sole chief counsellor anymore?”
Celeborn grinned. “As to all other news. Stoically.” He shrugged. “And I do believe he’ll usurp the title soon enough again.”
Haldir widened his eyes. “But… but they..”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye. All counsellors are fighting for that position, but all of them will swiftly learn their knowledge and skills are greatly outmatched by Erestor’s. Besides, Erestor knows how Elrond works and thinks and Elrond trusts him above all others. He’s slowly going back to working, Haldir, so he’ll be all right too.”

He smiled. “Why do you think the Imladrian elves stay far away from this fight?”
Haldir’s eyes twinkled. “Because they know Erestor will return to health and to full capacity.” He grinned. “Because they know him and know that stepping in for him is the best you can hope for.”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye. Most tend to forget he’s read everything in Lindon and that the great library here is his doing, though most credit Elrond for it.” He grinned. “Which reminds me. Arwen and Aragorn are visiting and they bring a present for Erestor.” Haldir widened his eyes in question. “My entire library, so Erestor can add it to his own. And Arwen has arranged various copies of their library. She will work out some sort of trade between the two libraries.”

He shook his head. “But enough about that. Let us enjoy the garden.”

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Elladan growled as he left the stables. “Why did I consent to this? Why? Why? Why?”
“Why what?”
Elladan jumped up and grinned, staring into Rumil’s bemused eyes. He smiled warmly. “How was the patrol?”
Rumil shrugged. “Uneventful. Which is good, though boring.”
Elladan grinned. “Don’t I know it.”

Rumil smiled. “And what’s up with you?”
Elladan shrugged. “Glorfindel got shot, accidentally, and Elrohir left to aid Thranduil to make him obey the healers and I have to take care of the horses.”
Rumil frowned. “Why’s that a problem? You like it.”
Elladan nodded. “But Erestor’s horses don’t. They are stubborn and refuse to let anyone mount them.”
Rumil grinned. “What? You actually have trouble getting on them?” That was new. As far as he knew Elladan could control any horse.
Elladan nodded. “Aye. Yule has never accepted me on her back and I gave up trying after flying through the air trice and she’s inflicted Voronwië with that behaviour. And where Yule just bucks Voronwië plays with me.” He shook his head. “When you are about to swing your second leg over him he jumps aside, making you land in the sand. Face first.”
Rumil laughed and shook his head. “But then how do you exercise them?”
Elladan sighed. “Leading them on a large rope in the paddock or I take them along as I ride and exercise my own mount.” He smiled. “But today they are even worse. As if they know he’s fighting for his life right now.”
Rumil placed his arm on Elladan’s shoulder, steering the troubled twin inside. “Maybe they do. But I thought your father was sure he would make it.”
Elladan nodded. “But still…”
Rumil understood and walked beside him. “If you or Ro ever wish to spar another, come to me.”
Elladan smiled appreciative at him. “Thanks, Ru.”

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Legolas was fast asleep and Gimli silently left the room, deeming it safe to fill his stomach. He grinned at the way his friend protectively and possessively held the unconscious counsellor. He hoped the stubborn advisor would soon awake and recover for he wanted them to be happy.

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He jumped up when he heard a laugh behind him and shook his head again. “Don’t startle me so, lest you want my axe in your chest.”
The bemused eyebrow went up and Gimli snuffed, turning back to fill his plate. “I could consider this a threat, Master Dwarf, and lock you in my prison.”
Gimli smiled. “-Your- prison, is it? I thought they were Celeborn’s now?”
Elrond silently sat down pulling a plate towards himself. At Gimli’s bemused look he shrugged. “None should eat alone, Gimli. Not even you.”
Gimli shrugged and turned his attention to the food again.

Elrond sighed. “I hoped we could talk?” The beer Gimli had just taken in came back out as the Dwarf was completely stunned by these words. He looked at Elrond in disbelief. The Peredhel merely sighed. “I would rather ask advice from Erestor, but since I am incapable of doing so, yours will have to suffice.”
Gimli scratched behind his ear and looked at Elrond as if he was an apparition, making the Half-Elf grin. “You see much, Gimli, and know what’s for sale. You know Orophin?”
Gimli nodded and cocked his head. “Why? Is he ailing too?”
Elrond shook his head and his eyes warmed at the affection the Dwarf displayed. “Nay. As far as I know. But he’s… I don’t know… erratic.” He narrowed his eyes, trying to find words to explain this. “I never know what he’ll say or do next. He can go from amiable to spiteful in a mere second and somehow I fear my words or actions somehow cause these changes, yet I’ve been unable to establish why or how.” He shrugged. “I had hoped that maybe you’ve seen something?”

Gimli nodded and thought. After a while he shook his head. “I’ve met many races and many people, but you elves are the most complicate of all.”
Elrond smiled. “I shall take that as a compliment and not throw you from my realm.”
Gimli looked at him and wiggled his eyebrows. “Going back to ruling, is it? This is the second time you implicate so.”
Elrond sighed. “I might just as well. Celeborn does his best, but he’s not used to our troubles, Gimli, and neither is Thranduil. They always go to me for guidance. So I might as well become her true ruler again.” He smiled. “But it will be nice to share the load with them. Give me some free time.”
Gimli grinned. “To snack in the middle of the night, keeping a old Dwarf from going insane.”

He smiled and placed his hand on Elrond’s, though he did not know why. “I’ll keep my eye on that Orophin, but maybe you should ask his brothers? Maybe they know something? Or maybe he is always so flammable?”
Elrond smiled and stood with Gimli. “Thank you for your kind words, Gimli.”

He fell into step beside the Dwarf, sensing his need for companionship. He knew Gimli had been a rock to them all these last years and he was eternally grateful. He smiled. “I ever you need my aid, don’t hesitate to ask it.”
Gimli smiled, glad his beard covered up his blush.
But Elrond saw and wisely held his tongue or he would have told the Dwarf that if anyone came against him they would find Elrond against them as well. And not only him.

He frowned when Elladan suddenly ran towards them. Hearing his words both he and Gimli sped up and ran after the happy twin.

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Legolas startled awake and blinked, wondering why he had awoken. His first glace was towards Erestor, making sure his love was still alive. His eyes widened in sudden shock when he heard a groan coming from the ruby lips. Involuntarily happy tears fell and he placed kisses on the pale face. “Erestor, my Erestor.”
He heard the door open, but ignored it.

Elrohir and Elladan, who had come to check on their friend, first thought him gone insane, but when they too heard the groans coming from Erestor, their faces lit up in happiness. Without words Elladan ran off to fetch his father. Erestor was waking up.

Legolas sat up and desperately tried to compose himself as Erestor’s eyelids started to flutter. /Just like the twins waking up. But they’ve always just slept, you nearly died./

He almost jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder and sighed when he heard Elrond’s voice. “Grant me access, Legolas.” Reluctantly the blond elf left the bed so Elrond could sit down and monitor the counsellor.

He smiled warmly at seeing Erestor’s eyes gain their focus. “Mae govannen, meldir. Slowly now. Here, have some water.” He smiled when Erestor obediently sipped.
The counsellor looked at him in wonder and disbelief. “What happened?”
Elrond smiled. “What do you remember?”
Erestor frowned and forced his memory to work. “We were in Mirkwood to decide our common future.” His brow furrowed but then eased down. “We’re in Imladris.”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, meldir, we came back home. And the others came with us, though some remain in Ithilien. And most of our Noldo unpacked as we returned.”
This made Erestor smile.

Suddenly his eyes flared with fear and he grasped Elrond’s sleeve. “Legolas! How’s Legolas?”
Elrond opened his mouth but shut it again as Legolas beat him to it, while flying himself at the bedside, grasping Erestor’s other hand in his. “I’m fine, Erestor. I’m fine. And you’ll be fine too!”

His eyes were swimming and he would rather be alone with his Erestor but he understood Elrond needed to be there these first moments to examine the counsellor and Gimli would never leave. “I am so happy I have you back. Don’t ever do something so stupid again. I would have followed you back to his halls if I had lost you.” He would have wiped his tears away, but refused to release Erestor’s hands, who stared at him dumbfounded.
But then the eyes sparkled and he pulled back, glaring. “GO!” Even from a bedridden, exhausted Erestor this word could command and Legolas sat back stabbed.

Elrond narrowed his eyes and forced Erestor’s eyes upon him. “Meldir?? What is happening?” For one moment the eyes opened he could see the real Erestor and gasped, feeling his friend’s pain as his own. He grasped the hand and held it, not knowing what to say.

Suddenly he heard a snuff behind him and Gimli threw his axe on the floor. “Get your mind working, Counsellor, do you really think that low of Laddy?”
Legolas jumped up and towered above Gimli, who merely pushed him aside and glared at Erestor. “Aye, he knows and aye, he loves you. He’s broken many a heart for you so get your act together. For if you do not I will personally go to those Valar of yours and force them to make you.”
Elrond smirked at the words and nodded, his eyes shining with gratitude. He made Erestor focus on him so he had his attention. “Listen to him, Erestor, for Gimli’s words are wise and could pass for those of a Maia. Remember Thranduil’s letters, meldir? Remember all those festivals you didn’t attend? Would -he- have done that? Would -he- have challenged Mandos? Would -he- have seen it through?”

He stood and placed a strand of hair behind his friend’s ear. He smiled. “I will leave now. This is more important than me checking you, but bear in mind I will do so later and that Gimli is right outside; axe at the ready.” He smirked when he heard Gimli swiftly picking his weapon back up. They swiftly walked to the door, giving both elda a change to mould the words. “And oh, Erestor, I need your counsel, so don’t die just yet.” There was a sparkle in his eyes and Erestor’s lips curled, remembering the words he had uttered so many times when Elrond despaired. Don’t die just yet…

He also understood Elrond’s meaning. That Legolas had been in love with him a long time; he remembered Thranduil’s begging letters, asking their aid where his recalcitrant son was concerned, who just wouldn’t date anyone. He remembered all the feasts when Legolas had come, hoping to see someone, but never succeeding. And yet, Erestor remembered the eyes had always had a certain insecurity, as if they didn’t know what to look for. Or even why they were looking.
He shook his head. Impossible. Legolas was just acting. He had to be.

Legolas by now had composed himself and grabbed Erestor’s hand again, pleased it wasn’t pulled back. “Heal fast, Counsellor, for your horses are eager to carry you again.” He grinned. “They both mulishly refuse any other. Even Elladan has flown through the air each time he tried.”
This brought out a smirk from Erestor, but then the eyes narrowed. “Voronwië has always allowed him. He loves roaming the Valley.”
Legolas nodded. “Of course he does, but Elladan says he’s got that from Yule. I didn’t even know she was here or was yours until they told me.” He sighed. “I never knew how much everything changes in three years time.”

He smiled. “I did always love you, and I always will. I will win your heart, Erestor, I will do everything to gain it.” His passion and love were visible in his very posture and Erestor gasped, seeing it.
He shook his head. “Nay. You’ll leave me too. I don’t want to lose another.”
Legolas frowned. “What? Why would you lose me? Only Mandos can take me away from you and I doubt he will. Not after doing so much to bring us together.”
Erestor glared. “You will. You want a family and me sitting home, waiting for you.”

Legolas shook his head, but stilled his words. Suddenly some of Nienna’s words entered his mind and he gasped, grasping Erestor, tears leaving his eyes on the pain he felt. “He was an idiot!” His voice was clipped and carried a dangerous undertone.
Erestor’s heard it often in both Oropher and Thranduil and knew it was anger and loathing that had placed it there. Suddenly he knew Legolas was sincere in his emotions, but still he was afraid to act upon it.

Suddenly Elrond’s words came back to him. “How long have I been like this?”
Legolas smiled. “Three days.”
Erestor frowned. “And when did you challenge Mandos?”
Legolas flinched but didn’t move his gaze. “Three years ago.”
To this Erestor’s eyes widened in surprise and he started shaking his head. “Nay. You were still alive.”

Legolas shook his head and placed a finger on Erestor’s lips. “Gimli told me, but that was only my body. You took an arrow for me, Erestor, and when Mandos came for you I challenged him, begged him to take me instead. Elladan had just told me you were bound to another, but I would have done it without this second life as well. How could he even think I wouldn’t?” His voice was angry, but he forced himself away from those feelings and caressed Erestor’s hand to keep himself from getting lost in memory.
“He accepted and the next thing I know is being there. He had placed a horrid bargain; I wasn’t allowed to meet anyone else or to roam the place. I was confined to a room with them visiting, but it was worth it, knowing you lived.” He smiled. “And now I know why. Gimli told me my body never died. So I had to be kept away from the other souls, who would feel that.” He shivered as he remembered the loneliness.

Hearing a hiss forced his mind back to the present and on the counsellor and he gasped, seeing him try to sit. “Erestor, nay, you cannot move too much yet. Lord Elrond!”
Instantly the door opened and Gimli and Elrond ran inside. The Half-elf assisted Legolas in placing Erestor back on his back.

“Stay put, meldir. You need to rebuild your strength first. And so does Legolas.”
He smiled at Erestor’s lost look, which was directed at him, looking for guidance and support. Elrond smiled. “Why don’t you let him court you? Give it time, my friend.”
After a while Erestor nodded and laid back down.

Legolas bit his lip and asked anyway. “I can move, if you want me to, but I’d rather stay here. Holding you.”
Erestor shrugged. “I need someone to fetch and carry and write and …”
Elrond laughed warmly and shook his head. “Nay, meldir. No work for at least three more days. But maybe I will allow it after then, provided Legolas makes sure you rest.”
The look the Prince threw him ensured him Legolas would always see to Erestor’s needs.

Gimli grinned. “Counsellor Erestor?”
Erestor smiled. “Thank you for your words, Gimli.”
Again the dwarf blushed and coughed to cover it up. “Allow me to offer my services to fetch and carry.”
Erestor’s eyes stood bemused. “I believe Legolas just offered?”
Legolas nodded. “Aye, I’ll take care of your every need, Erestor.”

Elrond grinned. “See, Erestor, he’ll place your needs first, as it should be in a real relationship.” He smiled and leaned down to plant a friendly kiss on the advisor’s lips.
He wiggled his eyebrows when he looked at Legolas. “Go slow, you both need time. And I believe Gimli was saying he’ll be your run-boy.”
Gimli shook his head. “Nay, theirs!”
Elrond laughed and walked to the door. “Sleep a healing sleep tonight, Erestor. I’ll be back in the morn.”

Erestor smiled warmly. Though he felt still weird at seeing Legolas this affectionate towards him it made him feel warm and it made him hope. But he was glad Gimli was there to prevent embarrassment.

TBC