breaking the ice

Chapter sixteen Lovesick

Elrohir shook his head when he stood in the doorway. It appeared his father was right after all.

Orophin was grumbling when he had trouble getting out of bed. But he didn’t give up and soon had both is feet firmly on the floor, leaning on the bed, muttering about his weakness. He looked across the room and judged the distance to the bathroom door. With all the chairs and tables to lean on he figured he would be able to make it.
Carefully he placed one foot forward, gritting his teeth as pain spiralled upwards. The wound was far from healed. One more step and he had to let go of the bed, take one step without anything to lean on before he could grab the arm stool of the chair.
Breathing deeply he braced himself and bravely let go of his support and took one step, smiling when he remained upright.
But taking a second step proved to be difficult. His leg refused to cooperate and he swayed dangerously, his arms fanning around, trying to reach some firm hold.

Quite unexpectedly a strong arm encircled his waist while another supported one of his arms. He did not have to look sideways to know it was Elrohir. He could feel it. “What are you trying to do? Back to bed. Or don’t you want your leg to heal?”
Orophin muttered a few curses and shook his head. “What was I supposed to do: wet the bed?” His eyes shot daggers at Elrohir who had the grace to blush as the true meaning of the words seeped in. “Ai, I am sorry. To the bathroom it is.” Indulging himself he lifted the other in his arms and carried him to the bathroom, ignoring Orophin’s protests. “You are not to strain that leg yet. So unless you wish to wet your bed…” He didn’t finish his sentence but smiled smugly at the warrior in his arms. Orophin sighed. “Fine!”

In the bathroom Elrohir lowered Orophin near the toilet and left the room, giving the other some privacy. Orophin shook his head and grumbled some more as he realised this was going to be painful.

When he was done he called to Elrohir but the Peredhel didn’t enter or reply. He strained his hearing but didn’t even catch Elrohir’s breathing. /He left?/

Elrohir had had little choice for he had to help the healer find some herbs to tend to bruises and shallow cuts. He hurried as fast as he could and was just in time to see the door open.

Orophin was walking out on his own, leaning heavily against the door, every muscle in his body tense. Elrohir’s eyes were fixed on his body, mouth agape and he was even drooling as he admired the other’s beauty. /If only…/

Suddenly the door opened more, forced by Orophin’s weight upon it. Orophin was unprepared for the movement and teetered before falling forwards.
Elrohir sprang to life and was in place in time to catch the Galadhrim, letting him lean his body against his own. Orophin released a relieved sigh; he would have hated himself for adding to his injuries. “I am sorry I wasn’t here, but the healer needed my assistance. I hurried but not fast enough it appears.”

Elrohir enjoyed feeling the other’s body against his own and closed his eyes in bliss. He was unaware their proximity to one another was causing him to grow erect.
Orophin smiled when he felt Elrohir’s erection poke him. /Well, if I had any doubts about his feelings for me, I no longer do./ “Elrohir, as soft as you might be I do prefer the bed.”

Elrohir blushed and stepped back, supporting Orophin before lifting him up and carrying him back to the bed. He placed Orophin on the bed and helped him get comfortable. Sitting down on the chair he realised he was hard and he averted his eyes. /No, this can’t be happening. Not now. Please don’t let him have noticed./

“So carrying me didn’t provide enough bodily contact, or?”
Elrohir’s eyes widened in shock and horror. “What? I…I…you…eh…”
Orophin was puzzled by the sudden shyness Elrohir displayed and frowned. “What’s gotten into you, Elrohir? Surely you can take a joke, considering the amount you and Elladan keep pulling on everybody.” A smug grin played his face and Elrohir reddened further than he already had. “If that was a joke to you, it wasn’t a nice one.”
Orophin raised his eyebrows. “O no? And I guess adding blueberry juice to my lather is? I walked around with blue hair for two weeks before it became purple, which didn’t go away for another two weeks, Elrohir.”

Elrohir lowered his head in shame. He no longer felt any fun thinking back to all the pranks he had pulled on Orophin. “We didn’t know it would be that strong. I’m sorry.”
Orophin snorted. “Yeah right! You pranksters never are.” He looked stern at Elrohir, fully intended to make the Peredhel pay for all the times he’d been laughed at, but in reality he really wasn’t that angry at the pranks but had been rather amused by them, never at the time, but afterwards. His blue hair had gotten him the sympathy of the entire realm and various of gifts from everybody. But he would not tell the twins that.

Elrohir on the other hand felt awful. The words Orophin spoke hurt him and he felt like a little child being told to behave. In fact none of the scoldings he’d received from Elrond, Glorfindel or Erestor even compared to how these words made him feel and slowly the tears left his eyes. He tried to force them back but failed miserably.

Seeing the shoulders shock Orophin realised Elrohir was crying and he ached to comfort him. He sat back up and swung his legs to the floor, not leaving his bed, just to make it easier to supportively grasp Elrohir’s shoulder. When he did so the head flew up at an alarming rate and Orophin gasped at the pain that stared back at him.

Elrohir couldn’t take much more and stood to leave.
Knowing Elrohir was about to run away Orophin acted on impulse and drew the Peredhel back, making him land on his lap. Ignoring Elrohir’s struggles he embraced him and soothingly rubbed his back. He did not ask what was wrong but just held Elrohir, whilst the twin was having his emotional breakdown. He figured it was all the pressure of these last days and that somehow he had managed to break the control.

After a while Elrohir stopped struggling, realising it didn’t do any good: Orophin wasn’t going to release him. So he buried his face in the warrior’s mane as he let his tears flow. He hated himself for this and even more so because he didn’t know why he was this emotional. He prayed to Elbereth he wouldn’t get aroused again. After a while his tears stopped flowing and his body stopped trembling.

Orophin smiled, knowing the twin had fallen asleep.
Carefully he went back to his former position, pulling the twin with him. When he was done he was on his side, still holding Elrohir close, the head resting on his chest, tugged beneath his own head. He shook his head at the feeling of right. Elrohir fitted perfectly in his arms.

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Glorfindel smiled when Elrond removed the herbs to see if the wound had fully closed before bandaging it again. During his administrations Elrond had informed Glorfindel on all that had transpired and Glorfindel had agreed to talk to Erestor, but only with Elrond and Rumil present.
He figured Erestor would need Rumil just as badly as he was going to need Elrond. Their talk was bound to open old wounds as well as create new ones and Glorfindel knew he was in for some rough nights, filled with nightmares. But knowing Elrond would be there to hold him and sooth his distress made him willing to face it.

“Are you still mad at me?”
Elrond looked at him as if he’d grown a second head before guilt washed over him. Glorfindel reached out his hand and caressed that beautiful cheek. Elrond leaned into it and closed his eyes, before opening them again. He needed to look Glorfindel in the eye, assuring the blond he was telling the truth. “I was never mad at you, meleth, not really. When I heard orcs had nearly penetrated the borders it was done in the most horrid way. He told me that the eastern border had been the scene so relieve in knowing you safe washed over me. When I heard the southern border had also been under attack a knife stabbed in my heart. I couldn’t think straight anymore and with each step I came closer to your rooms anger filled in me. I’m so sorry I lost it so completely and hurt you. I…” he trailed off, no longer able to keep back his tears. He felt so awful about this.

Glorfindel pulled him into an embrace and Elrond sagged against him. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Yes you do.” Glorfindel rubbed his back and waited for the storm to settle. “I’m glad I’m your lover, Elrond, for I pity the orc that meets you in that mood.”
That drew a chuckle for the shivering Peredhel.

Elrond sat back up and wiped his tears away before re-checking the bandages.
Glorfindel grinned at that. “I don’t think it has reopened, Elrond. But that will probably be the only touch you’ll give until it’s healed, so I won’t stop you.”
Elrond’s lips curled into a smile and he leaned in to kiss his blond lover, who eagerly yielded to him.

Glorfindel frowned at the look in Elrond’s eyes. He’d never before seen it and wondered what it was and what had put it there. “Elrond?”
Elrond sighed and rested his head against Glorfindel. “I just feel so old, Glorfindel. You know how humans age and what they look like before they die? I feel like I’m one of those wrinkled old people. Worn out.”
Glorfindel lifted Elrond’s head. “You are over seven thousand years old. It may well be geriatric in human, or better: in Dwarven terms, but it is adulthood in elventerms. And let me assure you that was not an dying old man’s grip you had on my shoulders. Nor did that punch belong to such a man. They belonged to a man with stamina and great power. Your every move shines with power, my love. If you feel old it is merely because you are seven thousand years. Or maybe it’s your human side.”

Elrond smiled at the words. “I’m sorry Glorfindel. I don’t mean to burden you with this.”
Glorfindel smirked at him. “Don’t worry. I’ll pay you back tenfold once Erestor and I start talking about our shared past. It’s bound to bring some nightmares and you are the lucky one to be woken at night, soothing me, clean up r mer me if I throw up.” While his voice was light and mocking Elrond knew Glorfindel feared it would come true and he quickly embraced his lover. “I stand by you, no matter what.”

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Erestor shut the door behind him with force and returned to his pacing. Ever since his fight with Rumil his anxiety had been building up and now he was restless. Knowing he would have unpleasant dreams was bad enough, but knowing there was a way to do without was worse. But he wasn’t brave enough to try. He knew he wasn’t brave enough to love anymore. But he had to, he just had to. He knew Rumil was right. He was becoming his own worst enemy, worse than those orcs.

He sank to the floor and started rocking himself. He had excused himself from dinner and he would not attend breakfast either. First he had to regain control of his emotions. Maybe if he locked himself in until Rumil was gone?
But Err knr knew that would do no good. Rumil was too stubborn and would pick his lock or kick in the door.

He shook his head as his thoughts returned once more to the Galadhrim; all the times when he saw him returning in his mind. He remembered seeing the elf in ‘Lóriën a couple of times, though always from a distance. /I should never have gone to those blasted meetings. Then I wouldn’t have fallen in love with him./

His own thoughts startled him and he rocked himself harder. After a second he stood up and resumed pacing. /Calm down! You can do this! Just hide your feelings, Erestor, and in time Rumil will have had enough and move on./
He stopped walking. /But I don’t want him to. He’s my elf; my soldier of the woods./

That realisation brought him on the knees and he released his tears. /But I can’t love him. He will die if I do./ Erestor was close to another panic attack.

`Nan ero melin ellë, Erestor, ar lioi miantuvaero ellën. Athayat ero athaya ellën. Lavat ero melë ellën ve aiquen boe. Mélërya úná ve mélënta. Mahtuvarnëlto ten sin sarda? Uswëvandëlla ná ëa, Erestor, yondo nín.` Hearing that voice calmed him down and he fell in a deep sleep, his eyes closed.
Lorien smiled and touched Erestor’s forehead. /I do hope he will let the images in this time./

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Elrohir’s eyes regained their alertness and the first thing they registered was a b-gre-green tunic with elegant patterns on it. Inhaling the air Elrohir smelled Orophin only: a mixture between mountain ash, poplar, fir, birch and cedar with just the tiniest hint of maple. Elrohir realised Orophin was the only elf he knew that smelled of trees only. /A true elf of the woods./ He inhaled deeply an closed his eyes, contend with these strong arms around him.

Orophin noticed he woke up but remained silent, allowing Elrohir to wake up at his own speed. With two brothers he had learned not to rush someone’s wake-up process.
Hearing Elrohir’s sounds of contentment brought a smile to his lips.

Without knowing he did so Elrohir pressed closer to Orophin and tightened the arm that was still draped around Orophin’s waste. His left hand softly rubbed the fabric on the chest.

The smile on Orophin widened and turned into a huge grin when he felt the Half-Elf harden. Though he did not want to let go of the elf in his arms he felt it unfair to let him continue without at least alerting him he was awake as well. He removed one arm from Elrohir’s back and tugged some hair behind a delicately pointed ear. “Feeling better?”

It did not seem to have the desired effect for Elrohir pushed away from him with force, almost falling of the bed in the process. He backed away to the foot end of the bed where he drew his legs to his chest, reddening as he realised he was very hard. He knew Orophin was aware of it.

Orophin sat up, unsure what to do or say. Elrohir seemed like a frightened caged animal. “Elrohir?” Receiving no reply he tried to figure out why Elrohir had reacted the way he had. /Let’s recapitulate: he’s attracted to me, but shuns me when he finds out I know. Does he fear my rejection? No, that can’t be it. That doesn’t sound like Elrohir./
But as he looked at the trembling figure at his feet he had the feeling he was looking at a whole other elf than he knew. /Maybe if I pretend I didn’t notice he will calm down? If only I could talk to my brothers./

Thinking of his brothers images of their past flashed in his mind, especially the times when he himself had been shaking like a leaf after finding out his body warmed up to certain images. But he instantly dismissed the thought of Elrohir awakening. That was absurd; he was way past that age. /Maybe it’s me?/ He decided to pretend he hadn’t noticed.

“Elrohir, I don’t know about you, but I’m rather thirsty and would love some water. Is it dinner time yet? I’m hungry.” These words seemed to calm Elrohir down and he nodded, stood and filled some glasses with water. He averted Orophin’s eyes when he handed him the water and was glad when the healer entered.

He quickly stopped the man from moving on. “Could you please sit with Orophin for a while? I need to see how dinner is and I have to talk to my father.” The healer nodded and sat down on the seat besides Orophin’s bed. The Galadhrim frowned at Elrohir’s sudden departure. /I wonder what’s wrong. Is it because I’m male?/ He knew this would not leave him alone until he had an answer.

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Haldir threw his weapons down in anger and released a rather primitive growl. Elladan looked at him surprised, but decided he’d better not try to calm him down.

He smiled when he saw his twin walking past. “Ro!” He ran towards hid pud pulled him in a tight hug. “How’s your day been?”
Elrohir smiled ruefully but didn’t reply. “Yours?”
Elladan pulled back and shrugged. “Pleasant until we came back. The patrols on the eastern and southern border had to kill some orcs and Haldir is now growling because he missed the change of killing some. We went to the northern, because Haldir wanted to see that one first and tomorrow we would go to the eastern.”

Elrohir grinned. He could understand Haldir very much. He approached the woodland elf. “Haldir, relax, you get your shot at them. But when did all this happen? I was unaware.”
Elladan shrugged and told him he had no idea. “There are no wounded though.”
Haldir grinned. “Except on the orcs’ side.”

He calmed down and sobered up and looked at Elrohir. He felt the younger twin didn’t look so good, but he figured it came from nursing Orophin. “I think you need some rest, Elrohir. Has Orophin been giving you trouble? I know what a pain in the butt he is when he’s immobile.” Elrohir reddened but Haldir pretended not to notice. “I will go to him and look after him until someone sees fit to release me. And I look forward to our next ride together, Elladan. Perhaps we will talk some more.” He strode inside and headed for the Healing house.

Elrohir looked questioningly at his twin, who shrugged. “He seems to trust me. He talked about himself. Why he is grieving. Not elaborate or detailed, but still. Always thought he hated me.”
Elrohir cast his eyes down. “We sure gave them every reason.”

Elladan cocked his head and studied his twin, concluding he didn’t like what he saw. “What’s wrong?”
Elrohir sighed and accepted the embrace. “Orophin. He fell and I caught him and I grew aroused. And he joked about it and I panicked and I woke up in his arms. Do you know he smells only of trees? And I grew hard again. I don’t know what to do. I need to talk to ata. Maybe he will know how to stop this.”
Elladan squished his twin’s shoulder. “I think you shouldn’t see him anymore, Ro.”
Elrohir shook his head. “I cannot do that. It’s my fault his injured. I have to take care of him.”
Elladan smiled. “Ata will understand why you no longer wish to do so. Do you want me to come with you when you talk to him?” But Elrohir shook his head. He did not say anything when Elladan accompanied him on his walk to Elrond’s rooms.

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Elrond lay in Glorfindel’s arms and smiled. “I have something to say, Glorfindel.”
The blond growled ock.ock. “I almost was asleep. The more I sleep the sooner I heal and the sooner I get to love you again.”
Elrond looked up and smiled wickedly. “Not necessarily, Ohtarnya.”

His hand quickly found a way beneath the clothes and was stroking the blond to hardness.

Glorfindel hissed in pleasure. “You had something to say?”
Elrond smiled. “This feels perfect.”
Glorfindel grinned. “Thank you for the compliment, Cuilenya, but don’t change the subject.”
Elrond beamed at the endearment and claimed Glorfindel’s lips. “Everything is perfect. Thanks to you.”

Glorfindel deepened the kiss and arched his back, yelping when his wound pained him. Elrond immediately stopped his ministration to examine him. “Elrond. Do not even think of stopping now. If it reopens, then so be it. But you are not stopping now.”
Elrond shook his head. “I wasn’t planning on leaving you to your own devices, melme.” His hands quickly freed Glorfindel’s aching member and he smiled adoringly. “I just don’t want to leave any stains.”

Glorfindel frowned at the words, wondering what Elrond was up to this time. The Peredhel was proving to be a resourceful and experimental lover. He no longer wondered when he felt Elrond’s mouth close over his member, his tongue licking him and working wonders with his body.

Elrond placed his hands on Glorfindel’s abdomen, forcing him not to move to much. He didn’t mind for himself, but he was thinking of the wound Glorfindel had. He really didn’t want to risk it reopening. He felt the blond was about to come and smiled, the sensation causing them both to shiver.

Suddenly someone knocked on the door, but Elrond ignored it. Whoever it was would have to wait. But the person on the other side didn’t wait and the door flung open. “Ata, Elrohir needs to talk to… Oooooo no….I’m sorry.”

Elladan ran back to the corridor, bumping into Elrohir. He sank down. Great, now he really had a picture to get rid off.
Elrohir looked at him in obvious wonder. He didn’t understand why his twin had dragged him in only to drag him out again.
Elladan looked up. “Ata was.. Glorfindel… yagh…”

Elrond now stood in the door opening and glared at his eldest. “Good, for I don’t plan on sharing my lover.”
Elrohir realised what had happened and started laughing. “O, Elladan, you didn’t. At least now you know why they always tell us to wait u we’ we’re allowed to enter.”

Elrond shook his head at Elrohir’s words. “Is there any reason you came or where you planning on spying on your old man?”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, I wanted to talk to you. I need some advice ata, but I can wait if you want.”
Elrond shook his head and placed an arm on Elrohir’s shoulders. “No, come in, pen-neth.”

Elrohir cleared his throat and shuffled his feet. “Alone?” His eyes looked at him with hope and Elrond nodded. “Of course. We’ll sit by the fire. Glorfindel won’t listen in. Come pen-neth, and tell me everything.”

Elrohir followed his father inside and sat down.

Elrond sensed something was troubling him but didn’t know what it was. /Maybe this is about Orophin?/ He grasped both Elrohir’s hands in his own.
Elrohir lowered his head. “I don’t know what to do, ata. I feel so guilty and now he’ll hate me.”
Elrond shook his head. “What do you feel guilty about? And who is going to hate you?”
Elrohir leaned against his father “Orophin. We always teased him and Haldir when we visited our grandparents.”
Elrond nodded. now now that you’ve accidentally injured him and gotten to know him you feel bad about that.”

Elrohir nodded and sighed contented when Elrond pulled him on his lap. No matter how old they would grow, Elrohir would always be a little boy that needed his father’s lap. “And why would Orophin hate you for that?” Instead of answering Elrohir started to sob against his shoulder and Elrond grew worried. “Pen-neth, won’t you tell me what happened?” What happened to upset his son like this?
Elrohir told him everything that had happened today and Elrond smiled. “So Orophin’s body arouses you?” Elrohir nodded and Elrond frowned. “Is that why he hates you?”
Elrohir nodded again and Elrond had to fight his anger from rising.

One look at the blond, who was resting on the bed, pretending to be asleep, was enough to calm him down. “Did he say so?”
Elrohir shook his head. “No, but I know he would. He will.”
Elrond rubbed soothing circles on Elrohir’s back and smiled at him. “So you are saying he did not say anything about this?” Elrohir nodded. Elrond wiped the tears from his face. “Is there anything else to this?” His eyes told Elrohir a lie would not be believed and so he nodded. “I love him, ata. Please help me fight this.”
Elrond blinked his eyes, unsure he had heard right. “You wish tght ght this? Why?”
Elrohir replaced his head on Elrond’s shoulder and sighed. “Because Elladan is right. Orophin is a woodlanf, af, a Galadhrim, one of the best. He is bound to ‘Lóriën the way I am bound to Imladris. And he doesn’t love me, he never would and why should he?”

Elrond gently shook his son. “Now you listen to me. That exactly what I’ve been telling myself about Glorfindel and now look who my lover is. Listen, Elrohir, if you love him, truly love him, you should find out how he feels. Do not deny yourself that happiness. I cannot promise you he will return it, but I do know he will always be your friend. But find out. Why shouldn’t he love you?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Because he’s already attracted to someone else. I stand no change of competing with him.”
Elrond’s eyes twinkled. “Well, at least we now know he prefers males. And attracted does not necessarily mean love, Elrohir. And again, why wouldn’t you compete?”
Elrohir drew closer to his father. “Because I don’t shine like that. I have no skills or great lineage. I am a mere Peredhel. I know how other elves talk about us, ata. None will love me.”

Elrond shook his head and opened his mouth but Glorfindel’s voice already rode the air. “You are not just a mere Peredhel, Elrohir. You are cunning, compassionate, caring and fiercely loyal. You may not shine as bright as some others do but your inner light is of a beauty revelled only by Elbereth herself. And you have a very powerful lineage, don’t you dare think otherwise. Maybe I should educate you again. Every schooled elf is aware of that, pen-neth. If what you have said is true, would I love your father?”
Elrohir’s breath came in gasps. “But this is different. Ata is lord of Imladris.”
Glorfindel nodded. “And you are his son. You and Elladan are Legolas’ equals. No, you are more. Legolas is Thranduil’s second son, you and Elladan are first-born. And you are tight to the rulers of Gondor and Rohan. It is your sister’s blood that flows through their veins.”

Elrohir smiled at the blond but shook his head. “But Thranduil is king.”
Glorfindel nodded. “So is your father. Just because he choices not to bear that title, doesn’t make him any less. Look, Turgon was king, yes?”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, of Gondolin.”
Glorfindel smiled. “Yes. He hated it when people addressed him thus. He preferred to be called Lord. Like your father. Like your grandfather.”

Elrohir nodded and Elrond turned his head to lock eyes. “Do not walk away from this, Elrohir. You have no reason to be afraid of his answer. And know that we will always be there for you.”

Elrohir smiled and claimed his father’s chest once more. He felt better. Suddenly the blond spoke again. “Is anyone sitting with that stubborn warrior?”
Elrond snorted. “Now that the pot calling the kettle black. You are the most stubborn warrior I know, ignoring a battle wound like that.” He rolled his eyes.
Elrohir smiled at their words. “Haldir went to him.”

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Haldir smiled at his brother. It was good to talk to someone. “Elladan was really behaving like a host, not at all like someone with a plan up his sleeve.”
Orophin smiled. “And you weren’t having a hidden agenda?”
Haldir grinned. “Well, yes, but I don’t know. I like the plan but now that Elrohir is taking care of you….” He trailed of and sighed. “I saw him when we arrived. He doesn’t look good.”
Orophin nodded. “Something’s wrong. I wish I knew what to do.”

Haldir raised his eyebrows. “You want to help one of our number one nemesis’s?”
Orophin grinned at the way Haldir put it. “Come on Haldir, you liked their pranks too and besides: I got the biggest load.”
Haldir grinned. “Aye. If I didn’t know any better I’d say they were in love with you.”
Orophin gasped and he replayed the last events in his mind. “Maybe…”

Haldir frowned. “Maybe what?”
Orophin shook his head. “Elrohir is attracted to me.”
Haldir laughed. “Just because he played tricks on you? I thought you wiser, Phin.”
Orophin shook his head. “No, because he got aroused. Twice. And once he realised it he panicked. Twice.”
Haldir sobered, not at all liking the sound of this. “Well, it can’t be awakening. He’s too old for that.”
Orophin nodded. “Aye. But your remark back there made me wonder whether or not this is new.”
Haldir shook his head. “Are you seriously thinking Elrohir might have been attracted to you all along?”
Orophin shrugged. “I don’t know. I just don’t know.”

Haldir shook his head. This stay was eventful to say the least. “Well, different conversation. Remember the servant?” Orophin nodded and Haldir smiled. “Well, Elladan told me some more things about him. He came clear on the fact that she’s his sister. Most of everything he said fits with what Erestor told us. But according to Elladan he only ever had female lovers. Sorry Phin.”
Orophin shrugged. “That’s all right. I wasn’t attracted to him.” Seeing Haldir raise his eyebrows he grinned. “Much. Come to think of it, it was probably the weakness of mine. But I like Elrohir though.”

Haldir spat out the water he had just taken to him. “Say what?”
Orophin smiled. “I don’t know what being in love feels like but I definitely feel something for him. He fits perfect in my arms.”
Haldir’s eyes went wide. “You held him?”
Orophin nodded. “Aye, he broke down and I held him. He fell asleep so I continued holding him.” He could see the question in Haldir’s eyes. “After his first arousal and before his second.”

Haldir sat back down. “And you?”
Orophin grinned. “Are you asking if I got aroused?” Haldir nodded. “No, I didn’t.” Seeing his brother’s relieved expression Orophin couldn’t help but add: “Not yet anyway.”
Once again Haldir’s eyes widened enormous. “You couldn’t wait a year before falling for a Peredhel, could you? I do not have the strength to support both your hearts.”
Orophin glared at him. “Are you saying you still doubt Erestor? After forcing him and Ru to sleep together? You, you…”

He didn’t finish but anger clawed at him and he left his bed, hitting away Haldir’s restraining hands. “Ru and I are strong enough to take care of our own hearts. You take care of yours. Get out!” He pointed to the door, not even noticing Elrohir was coming back.

The second the Peredhel saw the two brothers were having a fight he rushed forward.

Haldir laughed and tried to steady Orophin. But the younger elf pushed him to the floor. “Leave!”
Haldir shook his head. “What’s gotten into you, Phin? This is not like you. You know I will not prevent you or Ru from falling in love. I just think you both could have picked better. But it doesn’t matter. I will be there to pick up the shelves.”
Orophin glared at him. “And what makes you think there will be any shelves?”
Haldir merely rolled his eyes in answer.

That pushed a button in Orophin. “That’s it. Out! Now! And don’t come back until you’re sensible again. Leave or I’ll shoot you.” To show Hladir he wasn’t kidding he turned to fetch his bow.
He miraculously made his way there and managed to stand upright as he grabbed the bow and took hold of an arrow. “Where do you want it?”

Realising Orophin was beyond himself, in fact worse than he’d ever seen him, Haldir ran out as fast as his legs could carry him.
Elrohir had to jump aside, shocked by the venomous look Haldir sent his way. He didn’t think about it as he saw Orophin sway on his feet. His last bit of strength had just left him. The bow cluttered to the floor and Orophin was on his way there as well.

Elrohir grabbed him just in time. “I’ve got you.” His hold on the warrior wasn’t that great, so supporting or lifting him was out. His only option was to slowly lower his charge to the floor.

Orophin was trying hard to steady his breathing and his body still shook in anger.
Elrohir sat beside him, trying to figure out what he should do. He didn’t want to chase Orophin away. He wanted to reach out and comfort him but he didn’t know if his touch was allowed. His eyes widened in shock when Orophin made the decision for him by leaning against him, resting his head on his shoulder. “Thank you.” He lifted his head to look Elrohir in the eye. “Carry me back?”
Elrohir cocked his head. “O, so now you see the sense of that?”
Orophin smiled. “Glad to see you back to normal, Elrohir. You scared me earlier.”

He waited until Elrohir was standing and cradling him to his chest before continuing. “If I didn’t know any better I would have thought you were awakening.” He chuckled at Elrohir’s shocked expression and clawed at Elrohir’s tunic when he felt the hold loosening ever so slightly. He smiled. “Why did it freak you out to be aroused? Is it because I’m a male?”
His eyes showed true desire to understand and Elrohir shook his head. “It’s nothing. I was exhausted and had a lot to deal with emotionally. I’m fine now. Don’t worry about it. You’re not the first my body reacts to.” Orophin nodded, but wasn’t pleased with the answer for it told him nothing. He still didn’t know what it was Elrohir felt for him. /Please let it be love./

End chapter 16
TBC

Translations:
Nan ero melin ellë, Erestor, ar lioi miantuvaero ellën. Athayat ero athaya ellën. Lavat ero melë ellën ve aiquen boe. Mélërya úná ve mélënta. Mahtuvarnëlto ten sin sarda? Uswëvandëlla ná ëa, Erestor, yondo nín.
But he loves you, Erestor, and he will never give up on you. Help him help you. Allow him to love you as any should. His love is different from theirs. Would they fight this hard for you? your salvation is alive, Erestor, my son.
Ohtarnya means my warrior
Cuilenya means my life.