Ball masque

Chapter fourteen Burn the past.

Haldir paced the room like a caged animal would do. He looked like one too: his hair was a total mess, his shoulders were slumped, his head lowered and his posture was one of defeat, humiliation and shame.

Rumil shook his head. “Oh, brother, would you stop this. You did not know this. How could you have?”
But Haldir shook his head and angrily wiped away his tears. “I should have. Any of us should have realised. It was common knowledge the party would receive the treat and we all know the effects. I should have realised.” He sank to the floor in total despair and released the tears he could no longer contain.

Rumil looked up when the door opened and Elladan stepped inside. “Hello, I came to…” He saw the mess of elf that was Haldir and hurried over, kneeling by his side. “Haldir, by the Valar, what is wrong?” He enveloped the proud but broken warrior in an embrace and rubbed soothing circles on the back. He felt Haldir stiffen but ignored it.

“Rumil, what happened?”
Rumil cocked his head and considered telling him. In the end he decided the twin might be informed already. He shrugged. “Legolas had way too much treat and now Haldir blames himself for not noticing at the time.”
Elladan sat back and looked at Haldir stunned. “Aiya, Haldir, do not torture yourself like this. It was a misfortunate misunderstanding, nothing more. It wasn’t your fault or any one else’s. Legolas forgives you.” But Haldir didn’t believe him and deep down Rumil doubted those words as well.

Elladan sighed and stood. “You keep your brother company. I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He all but ran out the door.

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Legolas sighed as he relaxed in the bath. He had never felt more at ease.
He grinned when he saw his father and his lover walk in together.

Thranduil sat down and embraced his son. He was still surprised at his need to feel his son’s warmth, but after seeing Legolas dead everything had changed. He no longer trusted the future as to be complete. The knowledge that any time an arrow or something could end an elven life had finally embedded itself within him and it had made the blond ruler more affectionate than he already was.

Elrond smiled and sat down behind his beloved. “Your father’s suggestion is sound and I would like for both our families to be there.”
Legolas looked puzzled and Thranduil grinned. “The diary… I suggested he should burn it: burn the past.”

Legolas nodded and smiled, leaning against his lover. He tilted his head backwards and his eyes beamed with happiness when Elrond claimed his lips. Thranduil reddened and quickly excused himself, going back to the bedroom. /Now at least I know how my children feel whenever I’m kissing someone./

He grinned when he saw one of the twin enter.
“Mae govannen Thranduil, is my father here?”
Thranduil smiled and nodded. “Mae govannen yourself. Aye, he’s in the bathroom. Knock before you enter.”
Elladan laughed. “I know. I’ve walked in on them twice already and Elrohir trice. It seems their relationship changed in more than one aspect.”

He grinned as he knocked on the door, alerting the two lovers he was coming in. “Adar, Legolas, I hope you are decent for I am not going to wait.” He entered instantly and grinned at his blushing father. He hugged him affectionately. “Ada, we scarcely see you anymore. Arwen’s starting to complain you’re not nagging her.”
Elrond laughed. “Oh, I know what she’s doing and when it’s time -I- will deliver the baby. No one else.”

Elladan laughed warmly and sat down by the bath. “Legolas, I am sorry to disturb, but could you please come and talk to Haldir? He blames himself for what happened.”
Legolas sighed and eyeseyes temporarily angered but soon mellowed down. “He’s not to blame, but I am not talking to him. Too much has happened between us.”
Elladan sat down and shook his head. “Legolas, please. He’s crying. He never cries.”
Legolas shrugged. “I don’t care. Whether I was drunk or under the influence of that stuff; he shouldn’t have done what he did. He still took advantage of the situation.”
Elladan’s eyes darkened and he jumped up. “Advantage? You’re the one that lured him into bed, Legolas. If you hadn’t overdone your limit you would have remembered your words and actions. If anyone raped anyone that night, it was you. All the sweet talk came from your mouth, all the resistance from Haldir. -You- owe -him- an apology.” He turned and left, his anger clearly visible.

Thranduil instantly followed the twin.

Elrond sighed and turned Legolas around. “Elladan’s right, you know.” He saw Legolas’ eyes turn dark in hatred and his posture changed accordingly. “You and Haldir need to talk, you need closure.”
Legolas crossed his arms before him. “Don’t you tell me wI neI need.”
Elrond smiled. “Aye, Legolas tells others what to do, but won’t be told what to do… Now where did I see that attitude before? A, yes, your grandfather.” His voice was cold and it was enough to shock Legolas and calm him down. The blue orbs had widened and the anger had fled his body. He lowered his eyes in shame. “Elrond, I’m…”
Elrond pulled him close and kissed him. “Listen, you stubborn elfling, I love you and stand by you, no matter what. But you, like me, need closure from the past. I am going to burn that diary to achieve that. I have already invited the twins, your father and Celeborn to be present. Why don’t you and Haldir burn your past as well; burn something.”
Legolas looked up and slowly he nodded. “You are right. We are both to blame; both of us made mistakes and we should place that behind us. I will follow your council, my love.”

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Elladan hissed when he was abruptly turned. “Let go of me, you pompous oaf!”
Thranduil merely laughed. “I can see where that came from. You cannot go to Haldir being so angry. He will misunderstand and think you blame him as well. And Legolas will come around.”
Elladan cocked his head. “It didn’t look like it.”
Thranduil shrugged. “No, but he’s whimsical sometimes. Your words will reach him, with some delay, and he will see the truth in them. And Elrond is there to make sure he doesn’t do silly things and to guide his thoughts in the right path. No, trust me, my son will come round and ask forgiveness to Haldir. Come, let us wait for the others by the fire.”

Elladan nodded and allowed Thranduil to steer him to the Room of Fire, where he saw his twin waiting and Glorfindel and Erestor in a serious conversation. Arwen looked up at them expectantly, but once she saw it was only Elladan she sighed and started fidgeting again. Aragorn shook his head and ignored her, knowing his words wouldn’t do any good at the moment.

Elrohir instantly joined his twin and frowned at his expression. “Man raica ten?”
Elladan shrugged, though his expression didn’t change. Elrohir pulled him apart and sat him down on the floor. “Elladan.”
Elladan sighed and hung his head. “Legolas. Haldir. I… I just…”
Elrohir grinned and turned into a small laugh when Elladan glared at him. “You’re in love.” It was a statement and delivered with such conviction Elladan’s disagreement got stuck in his throat. Instead he merely gaped at his twin before shaking his head. “Am not.”
Elrohir grinned and nodded. “You are too. But what’s happened? Don’t tell me they’ve gone to blows.”
Elladan sighed and lowered his head. “No. Worse.” He sighed again. “Haldir’s crying, Ro. He never cried before, but he’s crying now. Because of what happened millennia ago; a mistake. And Legolas won’t even talk to him. He still blames Haldir. How can he? How can that idiotic, insane elf say that? How can he even think it?” Elladan stopped and looked at his twin in a mixture of anger and confusion when he heard Elrohir laugh.
Elrohir shook his head and clutched his sides. “I’m sorry, gwanunig, but…” He sobered and sighed. “Let’s hope Legolas comes round. Nobody is to blame and I am sure our father can make him see that.”

He frowned when he saw Elladan’s bleak expression and decided his twin needed a diversion. “But tell me: why were you with Haldir?” He noticed the spark return to Elladan’s orbs as he spoke the Galadhrim’s name.

Elladan gasped and jumped up. “Celeborn. Ata asked me to find him, bring him here. But I couldn’t so I thought…”
Elrohir nodded. “That maybe Haldir knew where he was and instead you found an upset Galadhrim.” He pulled his twin in a hug.

After releasing him he addressed Erestor. “I am sorry to disturb your conversation with Glorfindel but we’re unable to find Celeborn and father requested his presence here tonight.”
Erestor nodded and left the room, catching on.

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Rumil got worried now that Haldir remained motionless on the ground. He was torn between running to the healers and staying put to make sure nothing would happen. Nothing in the world could have pleased him than the door opening at that time. He jumped up and walked closer, but he swiftly changed his opinion when he saw Legolas standing on the threshold.

His eyes darkened and he took on the defensive stance. “Man cáriat mer?”
Legolas swallowed and held up his hands. “Peace. Is Haldir here?”
Rumil nodded but did not move. “Why?”
Legolas sighed. “Because I need to talk to him.”
Rumil crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Whatever it is you can say to me.”
Legolas nodded, though his eyes darkened in hate. “Elrond suggested we burn our past as well. To that purpose he’s having the treat made in the kitchens, so we might throw it into the flames.” He swallowed again. “A lot has happened between the two of us and we’ll never be able to put it behind us unless we get rid of it; talk about it. I regret losing the friendship I had with your brother, Rumil, and if I hadn’t been so stupid or ignorant it wouldn’t have happened. I came here to ask his forgiveness, not to explain myself to you.”

He turned to go but suddenly his arm was grabbed. “Do you mean that?” Turning again Legolas stared into Haldir’s blank, pale face and he nodded, catching the hopeful tone. “Aye. It is my fault things got so screwed up between us.”
Haldir smiled. “No, it’s mine. I should have tried harder. And I should have recognized the signs, made the connection, if nothing else.”
Legolas opened his mouth to argue but he shook his head and laughed. “Are we going to fight about who’s to blame now? We could also say it’s Celeborn’s fault for making the wrong inquiries. Or the elf who invented this thing. Or…”
Haldir laughed and nodded. He extended his hand. “Closure?”
Legolas nodded, grabbing his hand. “Aye. Let’s become friends instead.”

Together they walked to the Hall of Fire and Legolas smiled when he saw his father talking to Celeborn. He leaned in closer to Haldir. “It seems my father is yelling at your lord for our ‘battle’” Haldir grinned and nodded. He noticed Elladan’s surprised and worried look, which also carried happiness, and he smiled back at him. He was grateful for the offered comfort earlier. Legolas instantly claimed his lover’s side.

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Now that everybody was present Elrond motioned for Erestor and Glorfindel to make sure they stayed alone. The seneschal and counsellor silently left the room and positioned themselves in the entrance, making sure none could enter it.

A silent look of understanding passed between Thranduil and Elrond and the king nodded, signalling he would do the talking. He cleared his throat. “As you know things between us have never been good. What you don’t know is that it’s all my father’s fault. He treated Elrond so badly our friend had grown such a hattowatowards him it was transported towards Legolas and myself. Recently things happened to change that. The masked ball is the first event that triggered all of us to change our attitude and open our minds. And I found my father’s diary. Elrond, hereby I hand it to you to do with it as you please.”

Elrond smiled as he accepted the book. He was extremely grateful Thranduil had kept the details away and that the ones he had used where made general. “Thank you, Thranduil, my friend. I have no desire to keep this. And that’s also the reason I’ve asked you all to be present. So you will be a wis tos to us burning the past so we might focus on the future instead; a joined future.”

Arwen clapped her hands and leaned happily against her husband, her eyes betraying her happiness and fatigue.

With a fluid move Elrond threw the journal into the flames and watched it burn. As the flames consumed the pages he felt a weight being lifted fros hes heart.

Aragorn stood up and was about to pull Arwen to her feet when Legolas asked for their attention. “I am sorry, Aragorn, Arwen, but would you please remain a little longer? I would like to burn something else.”
He looked at Haldir and the warrior smiled, coming to stand by him. “I’m sure you’re all aware of what had really happened that fateful night and Legolas suggested we burn our past as well. And I agree.”
He grabbed the treats Elrond brought forth and handed one to Legolas. He smiled before throwing his into the fire. “May it be a lesson to us all.” His eyes widened when Legolas hugged him. “Thank you, Haldir.”

About to turn and join his lover he smirked and pulled Haldir close once more. “I think we might become family.” His eyes glistened in mischief and Haldir frowned, wondering what he meant. Following his gaze his frown got bigger when he saw the twins.

He swiftly crossed the distance and smiled at them. “Elrohir, I haven’t seen you much. How are you?”
Elrohir smiled and nodded. “Very well, though not as well as I would like.” He laughed at Haldir’s bewildered expression and his twin’s angry look. “Well, father’s got Legolas, Arwen will keep Aragorn up all night and I’m off to my friends in town, leaving my brother all alone. Would you mind keeping him company, Haldir?”
Haldir narrowed his eyes and wondered if this was what Legolas was talking about. It had been an innocent enough remark, but Haldir recognized a match making when he saw one; his own brothers had done that way too much on him. He cocked his head. “To keep him out of trouble, you mean?”
Elrohir smiled warmly. “No, we’d only get into trouble together. Just to stop him from getting insane and to prevent me from receiving an arrow in my head when I return.”
Elladan growled and glared at him, making Haldir laugh. “Don’t worry, Elrohir, for I guarantee you your twin will be too busy to try and kill you.”

Elrohir grinned and thanked him before swiftly walking away. He hadn’t gone far before Haldir’s voice stopped him. “Mind you, I cannot guarantee he will not ask my brothers to use you as target practise. Rumil needs to work on his knives technique and Orophin can do with some hand to hand combat exercise.”

He laughed when Elrohir involuntarily shivered and ran away, fleeing the place. He turned to Elladan. “Perhaps, between the four of us, we can figure out a way to really scare your twin upon his return. I do nike ike match making.”
Rumil and Orophin gasped as they heard those words, just walking by. “Brother, really, we aren’t thinking of hooking you up with anyone. I don’t know who told you what but I assure you that we’re not. We’re…”
Haldir shook his head and placed his hand on Rumil’s shoulder. “Stop it, Ru, I know you’re not. Elrohir just tried to hook me and Elladan together and I merely suggested the four of us find a way to take revenge.”
Orophin sighed and nodded. “All right. Leave this to Ru and me. You and Elladan go away tomorrow and we’ll take care of everything.” Haldir narrowed his eyes and Orophin laughed warmly. “Don’t worry, you won’t be wed or anything. But this won’t work if either of you is seen. And do you mind me asking Elrond’s and Celeborn’s help?”

Seeing Haldir smile and agree made Elladan follow, wondering what it was Orophin and Rumil were to do. But he looked forward to spending the entire day with Haldir.
Haldir cocked his head. “I guess you want us in the same room tonight as well?” He laughed. “All right, I’ve got the cards. Elladan, you provide the drinks.”

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Legolas jumped when the door flung open and revealed a flustered Elrohir. “Where’s father?”
Legolas frowned. “Ro, what is wrong? Elrond is in a meeting and can’t be disturbed. Can I help?”
Elrohir sighed dramatically and plunged down. “Elladan, he’s letheythey say he’s proposed to Haldir, that they left together and that he’ll join the ‘Lóriën guards.”
Legolas shrugged. He was glad Elrond had already filled him in. “No, actually they’re going to Valinor together. Haldir is injured too much internally and is going to heal. Elladan volunteered to keep him company.”
Elrohir shrieked. “What? Valinor? Are… are you sure?”
Legolas cocked his head and frowned. “I cannot be one hundred percent sure, but Elrond told me Haldir needed to see the water and that Elladan had volunteered to join him. What else could he have meant?”

Elrohir groaned and sat down. “If only I hadn’t driven Haldir into his arms last night…” Legolas frowned and Elrohir sighed. “I noticed Elladan’s attraction and made sure Haldir kept him company last night. I never wanted this to happen. How am I to go on alone.”

He ran away and locked himself in his room, not answering any calls. Not even Arwen succeeded.

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“Elrohir, open up!”
“NO, go away. Leave me alone.”
“Open up, you stupid. Or I’ll pick the lock.”
Elrohir growled at the door. “Glorfindel already tried. LEAVE ME!”
“Elrohir Peredhel, you open up this door this instant and grant your twin access or not even the Valar can prevent me from kicking in this door.”
“Haldir, are you crazy, he’s placed his desk in front of it…”

Elrohir jumped up and threw his desk aside, flinging his door open. He stared bewildered at the two faces before him. His own complexion had paled during the day and he looked horrible.

Elladan immediately drew him into a tight embrace and Haldir’s look hardened. “I’m glad to see you’re all right, Elrohir. Forgive me, I’ve got to go kill my brainless brothers.”
Elladan nodded. “Not before I’ve killed father and ata’da though. How could they have agreed to this?” He tightened the embrace. “Oh Ro, I would never leave you. We are twins.”
Elrohir sniffled as he looked up. “But… but Haldir?”
Haldir laughed. “I’m fine, and Elladan will explain everything. And no, we are not leaving; no, we are not together, and maybe, we might become an item; yes, we did have a nice day, at the Bruinen, and no, this wasn’t our idea.”
Elrohir smiled when he heard the words. “So, when is who going to court whom?”

Haldir shook his head as he walked away, his face set grim, though his mood already mellowed now that Elrohir was all right. He knew the others felt guilty of their folly. Not even Rumil and Orophin had figured things would have escalated like this. Legolas was of worse, he felt his guilt increase, but Elrond and Celeborn assured him it wasn’t his fault. None of them should have done this. The only good thing that had come forward from this was the twin’s dislike to practical jokes.

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Arwen smiled as she went to sleep. “I do hope this one comes soon. I’ve had enough of carrying it around. I think I’d even won’t mind if ata keeps this one for a month.” She smiled. “But I’m glad you’ve got us different rooms.”
Aragorn laughed and nodded. “So am I, my love, so am I.” He shook his head and shivered. “Hearing your father make out daily is something I’d rather not do. Thought I fear we might move again all too soon.” He smiled. “Though, on the other hand, it won’t be soon enough. It seems Haldir and Elladan are growing more and more towards each other. Celeborn already said he’d fear going home alone, for Orophin and Rumil aren’t likely to leave their brother behind.”
Arwen smiled. “If Haldir will let them. But we’ll see.”
Aragorn nodded. “We’ll see.”

Suddenly he groaned as a piece of paper was slid beneath the door. He reluctantly left the bed and picked it up, bursting out laughing when he read it. Arwen glared at him and he shrugged. “It’s a wedding invitation. Legolas and father are getting wed. They’ll exchange the vows three months from now.”
Arwen smiled, happy for her father and friend. But soon her smile turned to a frown. “And why does that amuse you?”
Aragorn caught her agitated tone but he smiled disarmingly. “Because of the ball afterwards: a mask is to be placed upon our belts.” To this even Arwen could not keep a straight face, though she did understand their motivation. After all, the masked ball brought all this about.

End chapter 14
TBC

Translations:
Man raica ten means : what’s wrong with you
Man cáriat mer ? means : What do you want?

ONE MORE TO GO