Ball masque

Chapter fifteen Pulling a final trick

“You’re not going to make anyone drunk tonight, I hope?”
The twins turned simultaneously and smiled at their sister. “Arwen, whatever do you mean? We intend to be on our best behaviour tonight. It is, after all, our father’s wedding celebration. And that of our dearest friend. No, we do not wish to disrupt this eve.”

Arwen smiled, but cocked her head in a stern way when she saw their frown.
Elladan shrugged. “What did you do with your babe? Eldarion cannot be babysitting; I saw him only a minute ago.”
Arwen smiled warmly and nodded. “Boromir is looking after her. He did not wish to join the festivities.”
Elrohir grinned. “Or is it merely because he did not want to buy a mask if he wasn’t to wear it?”
Arwen laughed and hugged them. “Just behave, all right.” She turned and walked away to congratulate her father and her friend.

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Legolas was as happy as he could ever be but Elrond sensome ome pain beneath the exterior posture of extreme happiness. He gently squished his arm and Legolas cast his glance at him. The blue immediately saddened. “I should have known you’d sense it. I’m sorry, I don’t want to ruin this night.”
Elrond cocked his head. “You can’t and you won’t. What is it?”
Legolas sighed. “Haldir. He’s unhappy. I fear he might be grieving me. I cannot help but feel guilty for his present sadness.” Elrond nodded, but remained silent. Ta hea heart Legolas leaned in close and sighed. “I had hoped Elladan would cure it, but it seems I read him wrong.”

This got Elrond curious and he asked Legolas to tell him what precisely he meant. After hearing everything Elrond grinned. “You did not read him wrong, love. And I do believe Haldir might actually return it someday, if he doesn’t already. No, it is Elladan’s shyness and indecision that’s responsible.” He laughed at Legolas’ look of disbelief. “I know, I know, he doesn’t look it, but it is just a façade to hide his fragile nature. No, if those two are to get together it depends on Haldir.”
Legolas’ eyes warmed at those words and he swiftly sought out the March Warden.

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Haldir shook his head when he saw Legolas come his way. “What is it? Don’t tell me you got tired of him already.”
Legolas laughed and shook his head. “No, I came for you. You seem so sad and I cannot help but feel responsible.”
Haldir placed his hand on the blond’s shoulder and smiled warmly. “Don’t.” Legolas cocked his head and his very posture demanded a clarification. Haldir sighed. “Elladan. I don’t know when it happened but I’ve developed feelings for him, stronger than any I’ve had before.” He shrugged. “But it’s obviously one-sided.” Legolas smiled so happily at the words Haldir started doubting his vision.
The blond Prince grabbed his friend and pulled him close. “It is mutual, Haldir. Oh, this makes me so glad. To know you will have love and happiness as well is warming me.”

He stopped Haldir’s words of protest before the archer could utter them. “Elrond told me and none know Elladan like he does, save perhaps Elrohir. Believe me, he’s in love with you.”
Haldir shook his head. “If that’s so, then why does he ignore my clues and stays blind to my attentions?”

Legolas saw nothing he could say would convince Haldir otherwise and he left. But a plan formed in his mind. He would not know happiness until they were together.

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Elrond frowned when Legolas suddenly stood before him again, his posture demanding. “Love?”
Legolas narrowed his eyes. “Elladan is too thick-headed for his own good and Haldir too stubborn. They need help and you’re going to give it.”
Elrond smiled. “I do not do matchmaking, Legolas.”
But the blond crossed his arms. “If we don’t they’ll never admit it and I won’t have that.”
Elrond sighed. “The only way to lure Elladan out is to make him jealous, but how can we achieve that? Elrohir and I had hoped something might happen if Haldir started courting another, but that hasn’t happened yet.”
Legolas sighed. “So someone needs to court Haldir instead.” He smiled deviously and left again. “I know who we need.”

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“You want me to do what?”
“Please, you’re the only one who can do this. Your reputation will aid us.”
“No. I will not do this. You’re insane! Go back to your lover and leave me alone.”
“Pretty please… This is the only way to get Haldir and Elladan together. You do want them to be happy, don’t you?”
“Of course I do, but I will not do this!”
“But you have to, you just have to. Who else can do this. We need to make him jealous and I can’t do that myself, now can I?”
“I don’t see why not?”
“Because I’m his father’s lover, that’s why. Please do this for us. I can always ask Elrond to make it an order.”
“Legolas, no, I will not do this. It is wrong.”
“But it’s the only way. It’s the only way to make Elladan jealous.”
“I’m not going to bed -him-!”
Legolas rolled his eyes. “Of course not, I’m counting on Lamba ú pusta to make that unnecessary. You don’t even have to kiss him, as long as he thinks you do.”
“Him and everybody else! Legolas, he’s not my type.”
“You’ve drank enough to blame the booze tomorrow. Please…. Please…. I am begging you.”
“Beg all you want, I am not doing this. Find another victim.”
“Oh, come on. You’re the only one that can help here. If you don’t do this they’ll never admit it and we’ve got two grouchy elves.”
“No! I think I’ll retire now.”
“No, you can’t. Please, I won’t ask anything ever again, but please do this. For Elladan’s happiness.”
“No, now let go of my sleeve.”
“Not before you consent to this. Please do it. You’re the only option. It wouldn’t look believable with any other, you know that.”
“Legolas, leave it. I will not do this and that’s final.”
“But I will not be happy until they’re together.”
“Then you’re going to have to find another way. I am not doing this.”

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“Hi, what’s in your mind?”
Elladan shook his head as his twin embraced him from behind. “You need to ask? Where is he?”
Elrohir sighed. “Haldir is somewhere over there. Why don’t you tell him you like him? You know he returns it. He’s practically courted you. Properly, I might add.”
But Elladan shook his head. “He has not.”
Elrohir groaned. “Why must you be so blind? I am telling you he’s interested in you. Come on, gwanunig, I can’t stand to see you this miserable. Just kiss him.”

He smiled when he saw the perfect way to hit his twin over the head. “Before someone else does.” Elladan turned to him and glared, but his look became one of horror instantaneously. Curious, Elrohir followed his gaze and smiled. /He wasted no time./ “Too late, obviously. Still want to pretend you have no feelings?”

Elladan didn’t reply, he was too busy keeping his composure. Elrohir embraced him. “It cannot be too late, yet. I tell you, gwanunig, if you don’t make your move soon, it will be. Tell him tonight. You have to!”

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Haldir smiled at Glorfindel. “Nice party. Doesn’t that mask bother you?”
Glorfindel smiled. “No, not really. I don’t have to wear it, just show it.” He smiled seductively at Haldir and engaged him into a discussion about masks and their usefulness and hindrance.
Haldir smiled but didn’t return his sexual remarks. “Glorfindel, forget it. I don’t know what this is all about but I am not gracing your bed tonight. And neither will you mine.”
Glorfindel laughed. “My mistake. Please forgive me. Friends?” Haldir nodded and allowed Glorfindel to place a wayward strand behind his ear.
The seneschal shook his head. “My, my, Haldir. A lot of your hair has left it’s proper place. Allow me to rectify it. There, that’s better.” He smiled and his eyes were warm, but the sexuality has left them, calming Haldir down.

“I believe counsellor Erestor wants to talk to you.”
Glorfindel turned and smiled at Erestor before turning again. “So he does. I hope we’ll meet again soon.”
He drew Haldir into an embrace and noticed Elladan turning at that moment. He cocked his head and caressed the archer’s hair in such a way Haldir wouldn’t notice but Elladan would. /I can’t believe I’ve been talked into this./ But he smiled at the reward that awaited him.

He walked away, praying to the Valar that was the end of it. Erestor smiled as the seneschal approached him. “You did well. Elladan’s look was one of horror.”
Glorfindel smiled. “I’ve kept my end of the bargain. Now you need to do so too.”
But Erestor shook his head. “No, my dear Glorfindel, your memory abandons you, I fear. The bargain stated when Elladan and Haldir are together, and they are not.”
Glorfindel sighed. “But they’ll be in only a few moments. You cannot possibly consider watching them to make sure they’ll do it. I can think of better ways to spend the time, Erestor.” But the counsellor shook his head.

But even he could not keep a smile from his face when he saw Elladan kiss Haldir. “Mmmm. Apparently your technique works miracles, seneschal.”
Glorfindel beamed with pride and happiness. But his eyes already darkened in anticipation. “And now my reward, if you please.”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, fair is fair. You’ve kept your end of the deal and I shall honour mine. Come tomorrow the whole valley will be filled with tales of our nighgethgether, as promised.”

Glorfindel stepped forward and his eyes suggested they’d leave.
Erestor stepped closer and blew in Glorfindel’s ear. “Follow me.” He knew all eyes were upon them as they left together. His own flashed over to Legolas and he glared. /You owe me big time./

Legolas smiled gratefully and nodded. Right now he’d do anything Erestor would ever ask of him.

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Haldir blinked when Elladan broke the kiss. “What?” But soon he smiled and shook his head. “That’s not talking, Peredhel.” Elladan had come to him, saying he wanted to talk. But instead of hearing words leave the lips Haldir had watched them close the distance and felt them caress his own.
Elladan blushed and smiled shyly. “I… I’m sorry. But I love you and I can’t let Glorfindel have you. I….”
Haldir laughed and shook his head. “Glorfindel? You love me?”

Elladan was unprepared for his sudden movement and he staggered backwards a bit when Haldir passionately claimed his lips. This time the kiss lasted until both were out of breath. “I love you too, Elladan. Why do you think I’ve courted you?”
Elladan lowered his eyes. “So Ro was right after all. Do you mind taking things slow?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay. But I do not wish to sleep alone tonight.”
Elladan reddened further. “But… but what will people say?”
“Oh, I believe they’ll be talking about something else, gwanunig.”

Elladan turned and glared at Elrohir. “You set me up!”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye. But it was Legolas’ idea. I just had to make sure you saw. How else were we going to get you two together?”
Haldir smiled and his eyes showed his gratitude. Elrohir smiled back just as warmly, already liking his new brother.

“And just what did you mean about people having something else to talk about?”
Elrohir laughed at the question and leaned in closer. “Well, you might not have noticed but Erestor and Glorfindel just left together.”
An elf, who passed by at the moment, nodded. “Aye, and the counsellor kissed him. Who would have thought. The counsellor and the seneschal. Quite an odd match.”
Elladan groaned. “Ro, that’s the biggest blabbermouth in the Valley.”
Elrohir nodded. “That’s why we know they’ll be too busy to notice your movements.”

Haldir narrowed his eyes and turned, dragging the twins along. He didn’t stop walking until he was before Legolas and Elrond. “Forgive the intrusion, my lord Elrond, but I just need to ask Legolas something.”
Legolas nodded. “I’m glad to see you with Elladan, my friend.”
Haldir ignored the comment and his eyes hardened. “Just what have you done? Somehow you got Glorfindel to not seduce me.”
Elladan widened his eyes. “Not seduce you?”
Ha nod nodded. “Aye, he merely hugged me, nothing more, but apparently you thought he was kissing me.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, he caressed your hair, so I thought…”
Legolas grinned. “I knew it would work.”

Elladan frowned as well, understanding Haldir’s point. “But how could you have gotten him to do that. He hates meddling and matchmaking.”
Legolas smiled. “Well, I had a little help.” Elladan’s eyebrow went up and resembled Elrond in an eerie way. Legolas shrugged. “Last time he was drunk, really drunk, he kind of told me he desires the counsellor. But nothing he does gets the counsellor in his bed.”
Elladan gasped. “No, this I believe even less. Erestor would never agree to this.”
Legolas smiled. “Agreed, it took me some arguing and begging, but in the end he helped.”
Elladan shook his head. “No, I won’t let him.”
Legolas held him back. “Don’t worry. Nothing will happen. The bargain was safe enough. If Glorfindel was to do this he would get his wish: the valley would be talking about his night with Erestor.”
Haldir burst out laughing. “And that will happen. They left together and after that kiss, which that blabbermouth saw… That wasn’t a real kiss either, I’ll bet.”
Legolas nodded and Elladan mellowed down. “Too bad we can’t see Glorfindel’s face when he finds out he’s not going to get any.”

Legolas smiled. “Maybe Haldir can remedy your pain.”
Elladan glared at him. “We’re taking things slow, Legolas, so tonight your screams are the only ones to fill the house. See you. Adar, please keep your lover out of trouble.”
Elrond laughed and nodded, pulling Legolas along. The party was nearing its end.

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Glorfindel followed Erestor in a haze. Not even in his wildest dreams could this have happened. When they reached the counsellor’s rooms he leaned in to kiss him, but Erestor stepped back.

“Before that lust filled mind of yours becomes completely useless, tel one one thing.”
Glorfindel sighed and nodded.
“Why?”
This vexed him. “Why what?”
“Why do you desire to bed me so greatly?” Not receiving and answer Erestor’s look became stern. “Is it because I’ve never answered your seductions, or because I’m the only elf you haven’t had yet and is it your only desire to complete your record?”
This angered Glorfindel but he composed himself, knowing he’d deserved it. “No, well, maybe a millennia ago, but not anymore. Not for a long time.”
Erestor cocked his head. “Then why?”

Glorfindel sighed, but didn’t answer. “Does it matter. Erestor, stop stalling. I deserved my reward and I shall have it.”
Erestor nodded. “That you shall, you already did. The whole valley will know you left with me. And their minds will fill in the rest. Your record is safe, seneschal.”
Glorfindel opened his mouth but the words got stuck in his throat. He realised he’s been had. “You tricked me!”
Erestor’s gaze hardened. “Legolas made me. You want to yell at someone, yell at him. And you should have been agreeable to aiding Elladan even without this. You got what you deserved.”
Glorfindel narrowed his eyes. “Wait a minute. I didn’t even know about this before you spoke to me. I think Legolas tricked us both, counsellor.” His eyes darkened in hatred. “He used us to get Elladan happy, but I would have helped without this… this… this deceit. He tricked us for his own amusement.”
Erestor shook his head and placed a calming hand on Glorfindel’s arm. “Calm yourself. I am sure Legolas figured you would not aid him without something of a price. He doesn’t know you, Glorfindel, only from your reputation.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “No matter, he will pay for this. Sleep well Erestor.”
The counsellor smiled and watched him walk away. “You still haven’t answered my question you know.”
Glorfindel nodded, not turning to face him. “I know.”
Erestor smiled. “Also know that you’ll never enter my room until you have.”
This made the seneschal turn. “What?” But Erestor had already walked inside, leaving him behind stunned and confused. Glorfindel did not know what to make of it and with Erestor everything was possible. He smiled, he would spend happy months in which he would try and figure this out.

He marched straight to his rooms. /But what was Erestor’s price for agreeing to this? No matter how great his affections are for Elladan, he would never submit his own reputation to lift mine./

He turned and stood before Elrond’s door in a minute. “Elrond, I need to talk to Legolas. Now, unless he wants to lose certain body parts.”
Legolas instantly answered, armed with two knives. “I’m sorry I had to do that, Glorfindel, but I could not stand to watch Elladan and Haldir so sad. This was the only way. Are you very mad at me?”
Glorfindel frowned. “Where’s Elrond?”
Legolas grinned. “His granddaughter demanded his presence. She decided she could not sleep without his arms. I think I hate her.” Glorfindel laughed, already knowing Legolas would be deprived of his husband on more nights to come. Arwen herself had refused to sleep without him.

He sat down and looked at Legolas. “I’m not angry with you, much. But I do want to know what you promised Erestor in turn? How did you persuade him? And why didn’t you just come to me in the first place? I would have helped.”
Legolas blinked. “But Haldir isn’t your type.”
Glorfindel shrugged. “No, but that’s irrelevant, isn’t it?”
Legolas sat down and smiled sadly. “If only I’d known. I’m so sorry.”
Glorfindel waved the apology away. “Just answer my question.”
Legolas shrugged. “I know I owe him for this. And it was worth it, but if it wasn’t necessary… aiya, I think I’d better flee to Mirkwood.” Legolas shook his head. “I should never had uttered those words. ‘all right already, Legolas, I’ll do it if that gets you off my back’ ‘Thank you, Erestor, I owe you.’”

He smiled and looked up. “And I know just how to repay my debt. By handing him a loyal Glorfindel.” He grinned. “Aye, Glorfindel. You are his heart’s desire and now I suggest you go there and -talk-.”

Glorfindel shook his head as he was ushered out the room, not believing him. /We’ll see. I will make sure the gossip will not harm Erestor. That’s the least I can do. And who knows what the future will bring…/ Aye, who knows. He smiled when he saw Haldir and Elladan walk together. /Perhaps another wedding?/

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Lamba ú pusta means lose tongue. In other words: the blabbermouth.

THE END
I am sorry but I didn’t feel right about continuing it further. How things evolve between Elladad Had Haldir I leave for your own imagination. As for things between Glorfindel and Erestor, I think I made it clear enough for you to guess the rest.

And thanks to all who reviewed