the trouble with love

Chapter 39 healing set in motion

Elrond leaned back into his chair, listening to Legolas’ ideas for the training with the Elflings. He was happy the blond had decided to stay and hadn’t been cross with him for breaking things with Thranduil. He also was glad Legolas had been there to help him write the letter he whe would have made some mistakes, he knew. His only hope now was that they wouldn’t go back to hating each other.

He smiled as Legolas occasionally threw a look to the bed. /He cares for Elnihir. Perhaps Celeborn was right. We’ll see/ “I am sorry to interrupt, Legolas, but I am curious when the two of you met? For it couldn’t be just in the dining hall. You seem too close to each other for that.” golagolas smiled fondly. “No, it wasn’t. I found him strolling along the corridors one night, or rather: he found me and I walked him back to his rooms.” He chuckled. “I remember how long my own night walks tended to be.” He thought back to the next meetings, all incidental, but still they had been welcome. He smiled at the memories. Especially at the one in which he had showed Elnihir the wild garden. That reminded him, he wanted to ask Elrond about it. “There’s something I’ve wanted to ask for a while now.” Elrond inclined his head, indicating Legolas should continue. “Well, I found a really adorable piece of garden here, completely wild and untouched by elves.”

Elrond smiled and his gaze became lovingly, though a slight sadness clouded the emotions. Upon seeing Legolas’ regret at asking it he shook his head. “I know which spot you mean. Celebrían’s garden. And you are right, it is most lovely. She once came to me, asking me of a piece of garden she could make her own. I gave her the south-edge of the northern part of the first square behind the house, or rather she took it. One part she filled with all her favourite flowers: all kinds of roses, daisies, tulips, mainelloellow and red, flux, beautiful Suzanne and keria. In the middle she made her own herb-garden. But in the second part she had a gazebo made and planted different flowers.”
He smiled as he thought on how she used to bribe all travellers for seeds and such. “Whenever someone went on a journey or travellers came to us, she would ask hundreds and more questions on the plants, herbs and flowers they knew. None could ever leave without promising to send some seeds to her. Or to bring some along upon their return. It is because of that we have such a variety today.” He chuckled. “Many realms still send us their seeds. There even is a human family of nomads, a tribe I believe they call themselves. Whenever they come across a plant, herb or flower they don’t know or haven’t seen before they send it to us. It must be a tradition for they’ve been doing that for almost thousand years now.”

Legolas sat stunned. Elrond was telling him things he had hold for impossible. He had always believed Elrond solely responsible for Imladris’ beauty and now he learned at least a large part was due to Celebrían. And then there were the humans, who were sending seeds and specimen of flowers for a thousand years now. /But the afterborn forget so soon./

Elrond laughed and poured them both another drink. “But I believe I am sidetracking. As I was saying she had a gazebo erected at the second part and planted various flowers and plants. Climbing plants and soil crawlers mainly. When all was planted she never once touched it again. The only thing she did was stroll around and enjoy the scenery. I once asked her why.” He smiled as that memory now vividly returned. “She said she wanted to leave nature alone there. That it was a thrill, not knowing how it would turn out to be and at the same time knowing it would be lovely. It has remained that way ever since and it was her favourite place.”

Legolas smiled. Both at the wild garden’s history and at his own memories of that place “It’s so peaceful there. So..” “Puts you at a loss for words? I know. All that find it, and they are few, have the same experience. Please feel free to go there whenever you desire.” Legolas nodded, closing his eyes in reverie, bringing back the images of that wild spot. He opened them again as upsetting noises filled the room.

Elrond had already stood and was now marching towards the bed, where Melpomean was attacked by another nightmare. He immediately sat down besides him. “Melpomean, it is all right. You’re in Imladris, with me. Listen to my voice. Return to the light. It’s all right, it’s all right.” Without warning the tormented elf released a keening wail, which erupted throughout the room and started trashing about.

Elnihir jolted awake and, as he was still sleepingly blinking, found himself the recipient of one of Melpomean’s fist wild trashes. Unprepared he lost his balance and would have fallen of the bed had Legolas not rushed over and grabbed him just in time.
Legolas planted the elfling on the floor and tried to grab the moving limbs, but had to stop when he found the other stronger than himself. He looked at Elrond, who shrugged his shoulders. Elrond didn’t know what was wrong, but did not stop speaking soothing words, hoping his voice would eventually reach the other’s mind.

Suddenly the door flung open and Glorfindel ran in, sword drawn. Elrond couldn’t help but smile when he saw who followed him inside. “You can put away those swords. Melpomean is only being attacked in his dreams.”
Legolas saw their sudden appearance had awoken Melpomean, who now lay wide awake, fear and shock in his eyes. “Come boys, leave. Where were you two headed?”
“Ecthelion and I are going for a little spar. Care to join us?” Legolas declined their offer and closed the door behind them. He then fetched some water and quietly approached the bed. He did not wish to startle the troubled elf.
Elrond was still staring at the door, smiling. /Galadriel was right. But if Glorfindel doesn’t see so soon I -will- meddle./

When he returned his gaze to the bed he smiled when he found Melpomean wide awake and calming down. He smiled. “You had a nightmare. You were fighting.” Melpomean looked at him as if he was a mirage and Elrond did not like that. “What is wrong, Melpomean?”
He knew how to get through to him. “Come, let me see your wild trashing did not harm your eye.” He gently turned the head a little so he had a better a view and probed the surrounding flesh. One look had already told him nothing was wrong, but he knew the contact might get through Melpomean’s foggy mind. /I wonder what he’s thinking./

He nodded when he saw Legolas waiting with the water and reached out his hand to take it from the blond. It never made it.
Melpomean suddenly realised his dream had been but a dream and that Elrond was very real. Tears came it into his eyes and, uncaring of how it might look, he flung himself at the elven lord.
Because Elrond had his attention focused upon Legolas he was unprepared for the flying heap of elf and he lost balance. His instincts took over and instantly he used his right hand to steady himself whilst the other folded around Melpomean’s back. Unfortunately his right had been in the process of taking over the glass. Legolas had already released his hold on it and not even his elven reflexes were fast enough to stop the glass from falling and the water spilled on the spray.

Legolas groaned at his own stupidity but realised he should leave now and take Elnihir with him. He grabbed the little arm and addressed the elfling, whose eyes were wide with worry and fear. “Come, Elnihir, we should leave them alone.” But before they had taken one step Elrond stopped them. “No, stay. Elnihir is family and I believe night is upon us. It has been a too long since an elfling slept in my bed last. And Legolas, I might need your legs to fetch something for me as I am completely covered in elf.”

Taking his cue Elnihir climbed back on the bed and stared at Melpomean in concern. “Is he sick?”
That question triggered something within Elrond and he shook his head to clear it. Being a little uncomfortable he stood, allowing the arms to strengthen their hold on him. He didn’t stop petting the other’s hair, loving the feel of it.clumclumsily walked to Melpomean’s other side and sat down against the headboard, pulling him closer. This action made the tears stop as the younger elf tensed up. A bitter smile crept across Elrond’s face.
“Aye, Elnihir he is. For too long he has suffered mental pain and now it is finally coming out. It will be hard on him even with our support.” He could see Elnihir needed to be drawn closer but right now he could not release his hold on Melpomean, afraid of the result it would have upon him.

Elrond decided to use Legolas’ legs. “Legolas, would you please get me some tranquillising herIn tIn the healing house. And ignore Lómiol’s bad mood.”
But Elnihir stopped him from leaving. “Baw! Daro! Ata’da has some in his study.” He pointed to the door which led to the study.
Elrond shook his head at his own forgetfulness. “You’re right, Elnihir, I must be getting forgetful. Thanks for reminding me, Sailon.” He threw a genuine smile at Elnihir who stared at him in wonder. The endearment meant a lot to him and Elrond’s smile broadened, realising they were in time to turn the tide.

Legolas quickly returned but halted in his tracks when he saw Melpomean lift his head to look Elrond in the eye. He could see the body stiffening and wondered what was wrong, but the expression on Elrond’s face told him it wasn’t unexpected, which roused his curiosity even more.

Elrond tightened his hold and silenced Melpomean before he could even utter his apology or try to wiggle away. “What did you dream?”
Shocks coursed through his body as Melpomean remembered his dream and he involuntarily increased his hold on Elrond, whose eyes begged him to tell. He tried to avoid them, to look elsewhere but he was paralysed, his own eyes fixed on Elrond’s and he started shaking when he told Elrond. By the time he was done his whole body shook violently, he was crying and his speech was invaded by the tears.

Legolas’ eyes flared with rage as he heard it. He could not believe this. Both he and Elrond knew it was no mere dream but a memory. Partly. And fear. /How can anyone treat their family like that?/ In that moment he silently vowed to protect the shaking elf from everything and anyone. He quickly walked closer and handed Elrond the herbs. He was just about to say some comforting words when Melpomean spoke up again. “They killed you.”

Elrond was momentarily rendered speechless but got a hold on himself. Melpomean needed him steady. “Well, I am very much alive.” He tightened his hold to emphasise the words. “That was just a bad dream. I take it the trashing was you saving me?”
He could read the answer in the eyes. Melpomean had tried and would have failed had he not woken up by Glorfindel’s and Ecthelion’s sudden burst in. Elrond slowly released the elf. “That part was nothing but a dream. You will not lose me, vetëará ohtarnya.” His words made the eyes grow wide and all motion in the elf stilled. It was obvious Melpomean was doubting his own ears and was afraid it might prove another dream if he moved.

Elrond slowly leaned in closer and softly placed his lips on his Melpomean’s, the movement startling him and nearly catapulting him off the bed. “ I had planned to wait with this, but now I feel we do not have a choice. Remember what you told me? Well, I’ve done some searching within myself and found that I’ve always returned your feelings. Melin te, aráto-nín.”
He saw Melpomean’s disbelieving face. It would be a while before Melpomean would believe it. And right now he needed to think of something else. Elrond opted for humour. “I know it’s hard for you to comprehend, but it’s true. Why else would you have received the parlour for your tulips?”
He wanted to give him the herbs to munch, but the eyes already were turning vacant. “Aye, sleep, sleep will heal you. Remember my love and let it keep the darkness at bay.”

Elrond laid himself down on the bed, keeping one arm around the sleeping elf and using the other to draw Elnihir closer. “Come, Sailon. You need your rest too, and so do I.” Seeing Legolas was about to leave he shook his head. “Nay, Legolas, where there is room for three in this bed, there’s room for four. That is, if you do not mind?”
Elnihir turned in Elrond’s arm and looked pleadingly, a look Legolas found hard to resist. /What is it with you that melts me?/ He walked back to the bed and climbed in, opening his arms to receive a bundle of elfling. “Do you mind, Legolas? That way ata’da has two arms for Melpomean.”

Elrond smiled. He was glad that at least one elf was doing better. “I don’t mind holding both of yElniElnihir, but now that Legolas is staying I think I prefer you kicking him in the night.” He planted a loving kiss on his head but frowned at the sudden stiffening. /Perhaps not yet./
“Elnihir, look at me?” He waited for Elnihir to turn and face him. “Know that I love you, Sailon, I always have and I always will. Unconditionally. And I have thought my children the same thing. nt ynt you to know that, Elnihir. I want you to always know and remember you are loved and cherished by us all.”
Elnihir hugged him reassuringly and then returned to claiming Legolas. He couldn’t say it but his own thoughts had stiffened him. He had wished Legolas had delivered the kiss and with Elrohir’s sextalk still in his mind that had not gone down well. He shook those disturbing, scary and confusing thoughts from his head and cuddled closer to fall asleep.

Both waking elves smiled at each other as Legolas made himself comfortable on the bed, holding Elnihir close. Just like Elrond he was content holding his charge till morning. But Elrond had another reason to be joyful. He saw Melpomean’s eyelids had closed. It meant a healing process had finally begun.

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As night descended upon the Valley all made preparations to last the night in safety, elves, trees and animals alike. But some birds were not as lucky as usual. This evening two energetic elves were using the practising area and were making too much noise for them to go to sleep.

Hopping on the branches the birds moved closer to the scene, trying to figure out what they were doing. Little heads went from left to right as they watched them. They were silent for their little voices would not come out above the noise the elves were making.
Suddenly two blackbirds simultaneously decided they had had enough and they flew up, ready to assault the inconsiderate elves.

Glorfindel and Ecthelion yelped as the birds suddenly descended upon them. Their swords fell to the ground as they had to cover their heads with both their arms. When they were gone Glorfindel looked around in confusion but quickly understood and started laughing. “Night is upon us, my friend. It seems we are keeping our feathered friends from their well-deserved rest. Come, let’s go” He gathered their weapons and flung on his cloak, handing Ecthelion his. Ecthelion bowed towards the birds, giving them his and Glorfindel’s apology. They had not realised Isil was already pushing Anar away.

He smiled at Glorfindel as they walked back to the house. “Thank you, that was fun. We should continue it some other time.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Aye, but not at nightfall. I hate to be attacked by them again.”

Glorfindel curiously peeked at Ecthelion. The more he got to know him the less agitated he became about his name. /But that’s not all he has in common with him./ Because the better he got to know Ecthelion the more manners he found him doing the way his Ecthelion had done as well. He smiled ruefully at the likeness and decided he needed a drink.

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Galadriel was enjoying the ride home, though she was saddened at being separated from Elrond and his family. They were in her blood and she loved them with all her heart. As did Celeborn. It was fortunate Thranduil was just as silent as they were.

They were a few hours away from their first camp. Normally they would have made camp a while back but it was a long dawn this eve and they took advantage of it.

Suddenly Rumil released a scream. “There! There’s that elf again.” But the elf had seen them and was now running away. Celeborn and Thranduil simultaneously signalled for their men to set in pursuit. It didn’t take them long to over rumple and overpower the stranger. Rumil and Orophin had a tight grip on him, their faces set grim. They were not likely to let go.
Galadriel took one look at him and recognized him immediately. “He’s not alone. Search the surroundings carefully and find his companion. Hurry.” Most soldiers did her bidding while Rumil and Orophin stayed and guarded the one they had already captured.

Finding the second elf proved tricky but eventually they did. Galadriel smiled when she saw them drag the uncooperative elf along. “We will not ask you what you are doing here. And even though you are not within Imladris’ borders we know you were a few days ago. You shall be brought back for punishment.” She reached in her gown and retrieved a strange, small glass tube, which contained a blue liquid. “Haldir, you and two others will bring them to The Last Homely House, where you will hand them over. I want you all to drink this, it will render this one’s magic harmless.” Haldir nodded and signalled for two warriors to approach.

But before they could do so Thranduil spoke. “I think Rumil and Orophin should be the ones to do that, Galadriel. Maybe you could let them stay for a while. Exchange knowledge and enhance their fighting skills.” He winked at them secretively. Rumil and Orophin looked at each other, wondering if they had imagined it.
Celeborn had seen too and frowned, but then remembered Elrohir. He grinned. /Looks like Elrond and I are not the only ones to do some scheming./ “You are right. Haldir, your brothers will accompany you. It’s up to you if you wish to remain for a while or to come back with the first messengers. Namárië an sí.”

Haldir and his brothers drank Galadriel’s antidote and set off, dragging the two elves along. The others had decided to make camp. Dawn had already been exchanged by the dark night.

End chapter 39
TBC

Translations:
Sailon means wise one
vetëará ohtarnya means my tiger warrior vetëará latterly means like striped lion.
Melin te, aráto-nín means I love you my champion
Namárië an sí means farewell for now