A heart's miscommunication

Chapter fourteen Reconciliation

Elrohir groaned and tugged at his arm, which was locked in Elladan’s deadlike grip. The elder twin was pulling Elrohir along ruthlessly. “Adan, please, slow down. We can’t go home without him.”
Elladan growled and only sped up. “He’s talking to Haldir now.”
Elrohir nodded, but was unsure of the hidden meaning. “Ata is with him, they’ll be fine.”
Again the elder twin growled and suddenly stopped and turned, making Elrohir collide with him. “Are you dense? This is the opportune moment to retrieve his weapons. And I have the perfect gift for him at home.”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. “You don’t need to wait till we’re home to give him that.” Elladan widened his eyes, puzzled, and Elrohir grinned. “I do believe -you- are his perfect gift.”
Elladan growled again and turned around, resuming his pace.
Elrohir laughed. “Fine, don’t tell me then. Why are you so active right now? Quite different from the Elladan I knew before all this happened.”
Elladan looked at him and smiled. “Not too much, I hope? We don’t have much time to do this, Ro, and I want to be back in case he needs me.”
Elrohir suddenly understood and sped up as well.

He smiled when he saw some warriors in the trees and stopped, forcing Elladan to do the same.
The soldiers jumped down and bowed to them.
Elrohir smiled warmly. “Do you perhaps know the where those weapons are buried?”
The soldiers frowned but then one face lit up. “Are you talking about the weapons found when we searched for a missing elf from Imladris?”
Elrohir nodded and the soldier smiled. “Everything was handed to our Lord and Lady.”
Elrohir smiled even warmer and thanked them from the bottom of his heart. “You have just saved me from unknown peril, mellon-nín.”
The soldiers looked stunned but grinned in understanding when Elladan growled and turned around, marching back.
Elrohir smiled and turned to follow. “If ever you are in Imladris look me up.”

He had to run to catch up and hugged his twin from behind. “Let mess:ess: Celeborn and Galadriel?”
Elladan nodded and kept running.

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Elrond smiled supportively at the shaking elf beside him. When he approached the talan Coirëhón had suddenly appeared. He had wanted to ask where he’d been, but seeing the smith lurk protectively in the back stilled his words.

Now they were standing before the door he could feel the fear emanate from him. “You can still leave, I do not mind talking to him.”
But Coirëhón shook his head. “Nay, thank you, my lord.”

His hand hovered before the door but before knocking he turned to Elrond, a serious look on his face. “I can come back, can’t I?”
Elrond would have burst out laughing had the situation allowed it. Now he only nodded. “Of course. You can have your old job back or any other you desire.”
Coirëhón smiled. “I would like to continue learning the smith’s work, but nothing heavy.”
Elrond nodded. “We’ll work it all out at home. Ready?”
Coirëhón took a deep breath and knocked, before he opened the door. Elrond entered right behind him.

Haldir and his brothers jumped up and Orophin was halfway to the door to hug his friend when Elrond entered and he quickly bowed instead.
Elrond smiled warmly. “No need for that tonight.”
All three brothers instantly noticed the difference within Mistalas, but only Rumil knew why. /Elladan and you made up. I am happy for you, Mistalas, but my heart aches fy bry brother./

Haldir instantly rushed forward and opened his arms, stunned to find his love jump backwards and ward it off.
Elrond placed a calming hand on Haldir’s shoulder when he saw the shocked and pained expression. The love he read in the warrior’s orbs was as deep as his own.
He could sense Coirëhón’s fear rising and cleared his throat. “Haldir, there’s something you must know.”
Haldir frowned at the words but almost instantly realised what was going on. He looked at his love. “You’re Coirëhón?”

Coirëhón nodded, his eyes were wetting with tears and there was a guilty and pained look on his face. “Haldir, everything I told is true. Or at least I thought it was.” He swallowed. How could he have believed he could do this?
He felt Elrond’s supporting hand on his back and took heart, but still the words refused to come.

Haldir’s own heart broke when he realised his Raven was Elladan’s lover. He did not fool himself into thinking he would stay with him. He forced a smile on his face and hid all his pain behind a mask of happiness.
He reached out a hand and touched the cheek he loved so much. “The love between you and Elladan is sung over even here.” He noticed their eyebrows going up, but ignored it.

“I take it you two made up then?”
Coirëhón nodded. “Aye, we did. I’m really sorry, Haldir.”
Haldir shook his head. “Don’t be. This is not your fault. And your happiness obviously doesn’t lie with me.” He undid the clasp from his hair and handed it over. “You should give this to Elladan.”
Coirëhón’s eyes filled with tears and he shook his head, closing Haldir’s fingers over the item. “Nay. I made that for you. It’s a gift from the heart.” He lowered his eyes. “I understand if you rather destroy it now. But it is yours.” He shrugged. “To do with as you please.” He locked his eyes again. “I only hope you can forgive me this pain I cause you. The pain I fled myself I bring to you. I am so sorry, Haldir. And…” He hesitated, unsure if he should continue.
Haldir smiled and nodded. “There’s nothing to forgive, Raven, Mistalas, Coirëhón. We’ll always be friends.”

Though the words pained him he was happy to speak them, seeing the dark orbs fill with happiness. He realised there and then Coirëhón’s happiness with Elladan would have been greatly dimmed by his unhappiness without him. This knowledge made him secretly pledge never to show his true pain to anyone.

He grinned. “When do you return?”
Elrond smiled. “Tomorrow. I am eager to return.”
Haldir nodded and grabbed Coirëhón’s bag. “I should give this to you now then. I don’t know if we’ll be part of the escort. Safe journey and stay in touch.” He hugged him warmly and just as tight as always, though internally he crumbled and wanted nothing more than to lie down forever.
Elrond wondered about his strength and started doubting his own ability to read people.

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Rumil and Orophin waited for the others to be gone before they buried their brother in a tight hug. They knew, even if Haldir didn’t show it, he was hurting inside.

“Oh, I so hoped it wasn’t true. That it wasn’t him.” Orophin forced himself not to sob. “Why did they have to come?”
Rumil rolled his eyes. “Because Elladan was fading, you know that. And you’ve seen his eyes. Haldir could never have given him that. And I do believe he feels guilty for what happened.”
Orophin nodded but looked miserable none the less. “It just isn’t fair. Why doesn’t he have a twin brother?”
Rumil snorted. “Phin, really! One pair of twins on Arda is more than enough. And I am sure Elrond would not want another pair lose in Imladris either.”

Haldir shook his head and laughed. “Don’t you two ever change.”
They smiled at his casual tone. “We promise.”
Haldir sighed. “I just hope the smith doesn’t start erinering me now. I already have you two and our neighbours for that.”
Rumil grinned. “Not to mention Galadriel, who undoubtedly will want to make sure you’re not cutting your wrists herself. And then there’s Thrilmaldur.”
Orophin shivered. “Ru, don’t say those things. Do you want me to get a nightmare?”
Rumil widened his eyes. “Don’t tell me you fear that elf?”
Orophin nodded. “Of course I do. And so should you. But what do we do now?”
Haldir laughed and sat down on the couch. “Ru, you set the table, Phin, you get the neighbours and I’ll unpack. And after dinner we have to get two beds back to their house.”
Rumil grinned. “Leave it to me.”

Haldir doubted he wanted to know what his brother was thinking at the moment and went to his room to unpack and release his tears. His own pride and the promise forbade him to break down in front of them.

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

Elladan jumped up when his door cracked open and he smiled warmly at the insecure Coirëhón.
“May I enter?”
Elladan rushed to the door and opened it further. “Always. Come in, come in.” He looked down the corridor but didn’t see a servant or anyone. /What’s keeping her?/

Coirëhón sat down and looked at him, still insecure. “Ehm… where do we stand, Elladan?”
Elladan instantly turned his attention to him and smiled warmly. “Anywhere you want. I wanted to propose, but Elrohir said it would be too soon and maybe he’s right. I will have to be patient.”
Coirëhón laughed. “You? Patient? Never!” His eyes filled with love. “You would proclaim your love for me openly?” It’s what he always wanted.
Elladan nodded and seriously kneeled before him. “Coirëhón, my beloved star, would that you grant me permission to court you and thus prove myself to you all over again and maybe in time you will give me your hand in marriage.”
Coirëhón gasped and stared at Elladan in wonder and disbelief. “Do I even know you at all?” But he smiled and nodded. “Aye, I love you and wish to wed you, but I do believe your twin is wiser than both of us. Maybe you’ve been holding out on me before and I don’t know you as well as I thought I did.”
Elladan smiled warmly. “Well, you still have your own rooms. Erestor gave orders not to alter them, hoping you would return.”

He sighed and looked at him. “Nothing I ever told you was a lie, melamin. I only never realised how much I pained you. I am sorry.”
Coirëhón jumped up. “Don’t speak like that. It didn’t matter. I knew you loved me and nothing else mattered.” He frowned. “And I think she would have found another way to get us apart. But I do wonder…” He looked at Elladan. “Did you tell her about us?”
Elladan gasped and his eyes widened. “Nay. When I left for the hunt I tried to find you but found her instead. I gave her a casual massage she was to give to you. It was she who told me you left.”

His eyes flared with liquid fire again and he looked at his love determinedly. “She won’t come close to you ever again.”
Coirëhón grinned. “I could be angry by that remark. But I’m not. And besides, it’s not my body she’s interested in. I’m not Elrond’s heir.”
Elladan’s eyes widened even further, realising the other was right.
Coirëhón pulled him close, sensing an eminent explosion. “Calm down, she isn’t here and we won’t let this happen again. And we’ve got a lot of minders now. Please, don’t be angry now.”
Elladan sighed and calmed down, leaning against his lover, the need for words evaporating.

He frowned when he felt something slide around his neck and he locked eyes with Coirëhón’s who smiled lovingly at him.
“I made this for you.”
Elladan looked at the necklace he now wore and he gasped in awe. His mouth opened several times, but no sounds came forth. Lovingly he claimed the other’s lips. “I’ll never put it off. Meliten an oi.”
Coirëhón smiled and relocked their lips. “I need you, Elladan.”

Within seconds they were naked and neither of them could tell who undressed who or how they had managed to do so this swiftly. But they didn’t care and Elladan lifted his lover and gently placed him on the bed.
Seeing the intention his dark grey eyes made Coirëhón moan with desire. His hands fanned about, searching for some sort of lubricant, but he didn’t find any. His eyes widened when he felt a hot glove surround him and he stared lovingly at Elladan, who slowly took him in.

They locked their hands and Elladan started a slow rhythm, but soon his need took over and he sped up. Before he realised it his lover had turned them around and was now pistoning in and out with a speeding rhythm. A primal sound erupted his throat when his lover marked him in such a way it could not be hidden. When Coirëhón allowed Elladan to do the same he did so. They would never hide again.

Spent, Coirëhón lay on top of the twin, catching his breath. A small part of his mind wondered how they could have lasted this long, with all those months apart building up their need.
He realised he was still inside his lover and made to carefully pull out, but Elladan didn’t allow it. “Saes, not yet.”
Coirëhón nodded and his eyes glazed over with sleep.
Elladan held him lovingly, possessively and protectively. Nothing would ever come between them again.

He inwardly screamed when there was a knock on his door.
“Elladan, are you in? I am sorry it took me so long to find them, but I have them here. Elladan?”
He cursed and clumsily left the bed, without disturbing his sleeping lover. He cracked open the door and glared at his grandmother. “You’re late!” He smiled at the weapons and frowned when he found them spotlessly clean.
Galadriel smiled. “I know, I forgot I had ordered them to be cleaned. His garments will be ready in the early morn tomorrow. I shall make sure you’ll get them.”

She grinned when she noticed his naked state and her hand touched the necklace. “You made up.” Her voice was filled with love and happiness for them both. “He’s a strong and brave soul, Elladan, compassionate and gentle too. Do not lose him again.”
Elladan shook his head and she could see the determination in his eyes. It made her smile. Whatever possible threat may now come their way, Elladan would not allow it to break them up.

Realising she was probably wondering about her former protégée Elladan stepped backwards and allowed her to enter. She smiled when she saw him asleep on the bed. It was obvious what has just been done there but her smile was brought there by the light he now emitted.

“All his nights here were filled with bad dreams, Elladan. He never stopped loving you.”
She locked eyes with Elladan. “Do come back soon. I am loathe to part from him, but his place is with you and in Imladris.”
Elladan nodded. “Father already said our visits would become more frequent.”
He dotingly looked at the sleeping elf. “I can’t believe someone would do that just to get me.” His voice was angry and Galadriel frowned, sensing his guilt. “Tell me, lest this gets between you.”
Elladan lowered his eyes, knowing he had a lot to work through. He told Galadriel the entire story and she shook her head.

She did not know what to say for she shared Elladan’s desire to hurt the wench. She jumped when a hand was placed on her shoulder. Turning, she looked into Celeborn’s concerned eyes.

“Elladan, this is not your fault. Aye, you shouldn’t have kept it secret, but I can understand your motives. But that’s behind you now.” He smiled warmly. “And he’s right: she would have found another way to get him away from you. You are Elrond’s heir and she wants Imladris. I already warned Elrond for some charades from her. I am positive she would now try to convince him.”
Elladan widened his eyes. “She would? But that would be insane. More than she already proven to be.”
Celeborn nodded and winked at his wife. “I think we’d better go now, Love. They need their rest for tomorrow we have to say goodbye. Take care of each other.” After another hug they left, but Galadriel smirked and turned to say. “Next you open the door, cover yourself, my dear.” She had the satisfaction of seeing Elladan turn beet red. Her laugh filled the corridor.

Elladan turned and widened his eyes, seeing his love sit upright in bed.
Coirëhón cocked his head. “I’m not so sure I agree. You look too good like this.” He held out his arm and smiled when Elladan rushed over and crawled close to hold him.

“You’re awake.”
The eyebrows wiggled. “How perceptive.” He smirked and kissed him to make up for his words. “I missed your body and your words woke me up.”
Elladan sighed and blanketed his lover. “Why didn’t you speak? I’m sure they would have loved talking to you.”
Coirëhón nodded and grinned. “That’s why. It would have taken even longer to get you back.”

He looked at his weapons. “Did you arrange that?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay. They were already here before I thought of it. All credit goes to ata’da.”
Coirëhón smiled warmly and snuggled closer. “But it’s the thought that counts. Now I don’t have to buy new weapons.”

Elladan smiled fondly and sat back up. “Do you think that smith of yours will be very angry if I wake him?”
Coirëhón cocked his head. “Why?”
Elladan grinned. “I think he should make our rings. The ones we wear until we replace them by wedding bands.” He grinned when his lover flung himself at him and kissed him breathless. “I take it you agree?”
Coirëhón nodded. “Aye, with all my heart. But can’t it wait? I’m too comfortable.”
Elladan opened his mouth to speak but closed it again. “Come with me. I really want to do this and I fear there won’t be time tomorrow.” He smiled warmly and sat on the bed. “But if you desire it that much I shall write him a letter or ask my grandparents to take care of it.”
In answer Coirëhón pulled him close and kissed him. “The rings can wait, making up for all the time we spend apart cannot.”

Elladan moaned when he felt a hand cup his buttock the way only his lover ever could and he surrendered to him completely. He realised things would be totally different from now on and laughed, drawing a frown from his lover.
He shrugged. “I’m sorry but it just hit me everything between us shifted.” He thought it better not to speak out loud what exactly he meant, for he feared misinterpretation, but Coirëhón seemed to read his mind and grinned. “Oh, don’t worry, I will be coming to your room still. I prefer it to mine.”
Elladan grinned and renewed the kiss as he felt the other rub his desire against his own.

TBC