the trouble with love

Chapter 40 finding some answers

Erestor shook his head at Elladan’s obvious worry. /To think he hated Elvil at first./ The change in Elladan never ceased to amaze him, not even after all those years.
Elladan was now uttering dwarven curses and talking endlessly, a sure indicator he was worried, and Erestor was sure a tantrum would follow if they didn’t find the object of their search soon. They had already checked all the places Elvil could be, without success and the longer it lasted the more irritated Elladan became.

Just when Erestor was about to suggest going to Elrond he saw something. A single white strand of hair, coming from behind one of the older statues. /Must be Elvil’s./ “Elladan, look” Elladan smiled when he saw what Erestor had seen, but the strand of hair did not tell him if the elf was also there. Erestor grinned at Elladan’s lack of wit. “He clearly came by here. And recently or the hair would have blown away by now. Come on.”

Erestor led the way, Elladan following close behind him. As soon as Erestor spotted a trail he strained his senses. And yes, he felt Elvil was not far away. He signalled for Elladan to continue and to be silent. He would head back and would see if he could find the other elfling. Elladan had probably forgotten, but Elnihir had been upset as well when both elflings had fought in the kitchen. /He’s either in the weaponry,/ Erestor had known about Elnihir’s favourite hiding place for a while now. /with Legolas or Elrond found him and took him along./
Before he headed back he watched Elladan in admiration as the other silently crept forward. /Not even trained elven ears would hear him./

Erestor decided to go to Elrond’s room first. If Elnihir wasn’t there Elrond would help him look. /And then I am going to bed./ After knocking a few times and receiving no answer he silently opened the door to peek inside. He smiled when he saw four elves fast asleep on the bed. His smile increased at the way Melpomean and Elrond were intertwined. /Obviously lovers. But old or new??/ He already knew the answer to that question and softly he uttered his approval and best wishes. He would guard their happiness and make sure it blossomed. They both deserved it. He cast a look at the way Elnihir seemed to be claiming Legolas. “Well, Prince, it seems Elnihir has taken a fancy to you. It will make the hard ride you have in front of you easier.”
As silently as he had opened it he closed the door and went to his own rooms where he quickly fell asleep. He was too tired to miss his lover’s presence for which he was grateful.

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Slowly and silently Elladan followed the faint but fresh trail. He recognized Elvil’s pattern and was glad he had finally found him. /Actually Erestor did. And I still don’t sense him. What is wrong with my senses?/

When he saw the object of his search he had to hold a hand in front of his mouth. Elvil looked so lost, so hurt and frightened Elladan could scarce believe his eyes. Carefully he approached. Only when he was standing beside him did he speak. “Elvil?” When wet eyes look up to him he knelt down. “What’s wrong?”
Elvil sighed and returned to playing with his twig. “Everything. I need to talk to Elrond and I wish Galadriel, Thranduil and Mithrandir hadn’t left. I don’t feel safe anymore.”
“So you come out here all alone. Naturally.” He smiled at Elladan’s attempt to cheer him up. “No, I came here to think. About a lot of things. My memories, my past, my life, my feelings, me.” He refused to say more, for the moment, and Elladan sat next him in silence.

Suddenly Elvil pointed towards the sky. “Do you see that constellation?”
Elladan nodded. “Sairéva rimpanat”
Elvil smiled. “My father once told me it’s the source of all magic and doesn’t distinguish between good and evil. It’s how one uses it that determines it. He always showed me this when he told me.” He showed Elladan his medallion. “I never understood it until now.”
He sighed longingly. “I wish they were still here.”

Elladan knew he was referring to his parents and didn’t know what to say. But then he remembered what Elrond used to tell them when Celebrían had sailed. “My mother sailed for Valinor and we missed her terribly. We didn’t want her to go, to leave us. Know what father told us?” When Elvil looked at him he smiled and touched his chest with his hand. “He said she would always be with us here. And here.” He tipped at his head with his finger. “And so will they. In your heart and mind.”
Elvil leaned in and Elladan happily enveloped him in a tight hug. “Thank you, Elladan.” The words came from the heart and Elladan felt proud at still being able to lift the other’s spirits.

“Can we go inside, I am beginning to feel the cold.” Elladan immediately stood up, pulling Elvil with him. “Of course we can. I think we should try to get some sleep. By the way, what was that fight between you and Elnihir about?” “Just that my plan failed. It’s why I need to talk to Elrond.” He rubbed his temples. “This is giving me a headache. It’s just so confusing.”
Elladan unexpectedly lifted him off the ground and intended to carry him. If he was surprised by Elvil’s small struggle he didn’t show it.
“I’m a bit too old to be carried around.” “Oh, really?” Elladan’s tone was mocking. “You never seemed to mind before. And if you think 25 is old I must be geriatric. Maybe you should carry me.” The elf in his arms snorted. “I’m not 25. I’m 75, at least I was.” He was unprepared for the sudden loosening of Elladan’s grip and he landed on his butt.

This news stunned Elladan and he had to shake himself out of his shocked state. /Ok, his name is Silmeïthil and he’s 75 years old? Now why does that sound familiar? O no, Elnihir…/ Elrohir would be mad at him, he knew that. “I forgot Elnihir ran away too, I still have to find him. I will check on you later. Maybe ata found him.”

Standing up Elvil looked after a disappearing Elladan. /Great, you done it now./ He desperately wanted to run after Elladan, but he knew Elladan just wanted some time to comprehend all. But now he was alone, alone and vulnerable. /Weapons, I need weapons./ He went to the weaponry to arm himself. He was sure there would be something he was familiar with.

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Someone ruffled on his door, demanding his immediate attention. He growled at the unseen person behind it. He had just poured himself another drink and would not be disturbed now. “Go away!”

“Lord Glorfindel, you have to come. Haldir and his brothers are approaching and they have two captives” Ecthelion wondered why Glorfindel was growling at him but decided to ignore it. He tried the handle and was relieved the door gave way. Slowly he opened the door and stepped inside, surprised to see Glorfindel so obviously drunk. What he saw in no way resembled to the elf he had parted ways with only hours ago and he wondered what had happened to bring Glorfindel in this state. A lot of alco obv obviously, but he was more concerned why the other had consumed so much. “Glorfindel?”

The blond looked up and, seeing Ecthelion standing there, grabbed the nearest objects within reach and threw it at him. “I said GO AWAY!”
Ecthelion easily avoided the object and sighed. “As I said Haldir and his brothers are bringing two prisoners this way. They could be our unwanted visitors. You have to come.”

Glorfindel shook his head. “NO! LEAVE ME!” “But…” Ecthelion didn’t finish his sentence as he suddenly had to run out when Glorfindel decided to throw daggers his way. Upset he ran towards Elrond’s room. He did not have the standard to welcome the approaching elves and with Glorfindel out Elrond would have to do it himself. He would have gone for one of the advisors but he had no idea where to find the
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Legolas jolted awake when someone pounded on the door. Looking around fuzzily he recognized he was in Elrond’s room, covered by a little elf. He smiled at the way Elnihir looked. In reverie his beauty came out even more.
“You are going to be one gorgeous elf. And being so kind and friendly you will easily get the one you will desire.” He stopped speaking when he realised his voice was entering the sleeping elves’ minds. But with the knocking on the door it was enough to wake Elrond. He yawned deeply before asking who his visitor was.

“It’s me, Elladan.” Without waiting for permission he opened the door and entered, drawing a chuckle from Elrond. No matter how old they would be, the twins would always enter as they pleased. Elladan halted in his tracks at the image of the over-filled bed. “Good thing I came here. I was concerned for Elnihir. Is he alright?”
Legolas nodded. “Aye, but shhh. They both need their rest.” Elladan cocked his head and Legolas pointed his head towards the sleeping Melpomean, who had crawled even closer to Elrond.

Elladan squinted his eyes at the image. A small part of him got angered and was shouting words like betrayal. But Elrond deserved to be happy and he knew his mother would never come back, that she had even set Elrond free to wed again. And he found Melpomean would be suitable for that.
That thought should have surprised him, but it didn’t. Just as Elrond had unconsciously loved Melpomean for a long time, Elladan had unconsciously known. So now he saw the evidence it didn’t really come as a surprise. He smiled. “Heal him, ata, he deserves to be happy. I hope Elrohir won’t make a scene.” Elrond laughed.

The force of Elrond’s outburst made the whole bed shake and both the movements and the sound woke the two sleeping elves.
Elnihir looked around groggily but smiled when he saw Legolas.
Melpomean released a frustrated growl. “Now I will be awake all night.” He sat up in agitation and rubbed his head in confusion. He had no idea what had woken him but more importantly, he realised he had had no dreams. Nothing had disturbed his rest. He was so self-absorbed he had not noticed the presence of the others and Elladan’s voice made him jump. “I am sorry, Melpomean. I’m afraid my remarks made ata laugh. And you can always drink a sleeping potion.”
Now Melpomean noticed the others and he reddened in embarrassment. Elrond saw and pulled him back down. “So, you get grouchy when you don’t get enough rest, na? That’s good to know. And if you had voiced your remark differently, Elladan, both Melpomean and Elnihir would be sleeping still. Legolas is right, they need it.” He shook his head. “Telling me Elrohir might make a scene when it is a well known fact you’re the only one to do that. But now that we’re all awake, why did you enter?”

He ignored the blush that made its way into Melpomean’s face and rubbed his back instead of loosening his grip. He knew Melpomean was shy and if he let go he knew the other was likely to bolt. But he also knows that when he would finally realise others didn’t look down upon him the elf would change and accept their love. /In time he will grow over this. I wonder what kind of a lover he will turn out to be./

Elladan shrugged. “Well, Apsontë told me you and Elvil had some sort of argument, Elnihir, and I’ve already found out he’s alright, but I still had to find you. I thought ata might know where you where, but now I’ve found you both.”
Elrond frowned. The little ones never had a fight. “What about?”
Elnihir reddened in embarrassment but Legolas saved him from making it worse. “O, it all got a bit too much for Elnihir here and when Elvil was more interested into whatever was on his mind than listening to Elnihir, well, let’s just say it was the proverbial straw. Right, Elnihir?”
Elnihir nodded. “But something’s wrong with him, though. He’s acting soangeange, stranger than ever, actually.”
“How do you mean?” Elrond’s curiosity was aroused. Elnihir shrugged. “He’s acting so old. He always had those moments but now they don’t seem to leave. And he’s younger than me.” He looked at Legolas in shock. “Does that mean I’m a freak?”
Before Legolas could answer Melpomean’s voice filled the room. “Nay, it does not, Elnihir. We are all unique and different.”

He locked eyes with Elrond. He was worried about Elnihir and he felt the little one’s trouble wouldn’t go away without knowing the truth. Elrond read his question and smiled. “I trust your instincts.” He felt the other warm a little more at those words. Melpomean nodded. “Elnihir, Elladan, Legolas, what I am about to tell you needs to remain silent. Do you promise?”
Elladan had seen the exchange between Melpomean and his father and realised this indeed needed to be kept a secret. “Aye, I promise. Never shall I repeat whatever you are about to tell, Melpomean. You have my word of honour.” Melpomean nodded, pleased with the words. Hearing those words and seeing the seriousness Legolas spoke next. “I will vow so too, but I can also leave.” He released Elnihir and made to stand, but Melpomean stopped him. “Nay, you need to hear this too.”
At Elrond’s surprised look he tensed, but relaxed when he felt Elrond’s supportive squish. He kept telling himself to change, to try, and to believe in Elrond’s love, but it ward ard on him. That Elrond was still holding him was a mystery to him and he desperately wanted to please Elrond. “As he will be teaching them how to fight, he will be utterly surprised if he does not know.”

The explanation told Elrond Melpomean was still insecure and he carefully decided his words. “I see, but there was no need to explain. I trust your instincts, remember. I did not wish to make you my advisor for your looks alone you know.” He smiled when his words made Melpomean blush and he could definitely hear Legolas and Elladan stiffen their snickers. He held their eyes locked together so it was impossible for Melpomean to lower his eyes as he carefully chose his next words.
“You are cunning and wise. There is little that escapes you and your opinion is not only wise and sound, but also based on careful consideration. You explore every option and consider all possibilities and their outcomes before you decide. This makes your advise wise, d and and absolutely necessary.”
His words made Melpomean look at him in disbelief and shock. He opened his mouth to get rid of them but he closed it again. He did not know the right words.

But Elladan did. “Ata is right. I always called you his secret weapon, you know. There’s no reason for you to doubt his words, Melpomean, for they are nothing but the truth. You have no idea of how valuable you really are, do you?”
Elrond smiled at him, knowing Elladan had spoken the words he shouave.ave. /Maybe hearing it from all of us will change his opinion?/ Elladan continued. “Why, if it hadn’t been for your guidance and advice, Melpomean, Imladris and Mirkwood would have been involved in war, many times in the past.”
Elrond chuckled as he remembered. “Elladan is right, melamin. Always you cleared your throat, entered the room or let something drop, all at the right moment, breaking the ice. We are all indebted to you, Imladris and Mirkwood alike.”

Melpomean was getting nervous and was about to go into another fit and if it hadn’t been for Elnihir he would have. Elnihir had watched and listened in growing confusion. “Ata’da? Melpomean? What is happening? Why do we need to keep this secret?”
Now Melpomean went into a laughing fit. “No, pen-neth, you do not have to keep this secret but something else. And I shall tell you now. You must never utter a word of this to anyone, Elnihir.”
For a moment he thought of the right words but found them soon enough. “You see, the reason Elvil is, and always has, been acting so mature sometimes is because he is. The day he’s been brought here he was still a grown elf. And if I have done my math right he was 175 years old. It’s a long story on how he became a baby again and right now it’s also irrelevant. But suffice it to say he fell under the influence of magic. But even as a child his knowledge, his memories, were still there, tugged away. And sometimes they emerged, which is why he could act so mature. Do you understand, Elnihir?”
Elnihir nodded. “Well, when he ran away something happened to make him forget everything. It was Thranduil that knew how to counter it. Remember the chant, Elladan?”
Elladan nodded as well. “Aye, I do. I take it that broke the spell he was under?” Now it was Melpomean’s turn to nod. “And his memory has a much stronger hold on him now. Therefore he acts weirder than before, Elnihir.”

Elladan nodded, hind and already on other things. “But not completely though. He told me he’s 75. That’s a century of difference with your calculation. But what puzzles me more is if he remembers, why does he wish to act differently?”
Elrond sighed. He had hoped this question would remain unasked. “Because he is safer as Elvil. For the time being. So I ask you all to pretend you don’t know this, to keep it secret.” They all nodded.
But Melpomean looked them into the eye, his gaze set seriously. “Legolas, Elladan. Look after him, keep him safe and defend him with your lives.” Before either Elladan or Legolas could ask why someone knocked.

“Lord Elrond, it is I: Ecthelion. Haldir and his brothers are approaching and they have two prisoners. Could you please come?” After a while he added. “I’m afraid Glorfindel’s not available.”
Elrond growled. “Don’t cover for him. We al know he doesn’t know his limit anymore. I’m coming. Legolas, Elladan, go find Elvil and stay with him until I personally come to get you. Elnihir you stay with Melpomean.” Elladan shook his head. “Nay you two are coming with us.” Ecthelion had to jump back when Elrond suddenly threw open the door and marched out. “Let’s go”

End chapter 40
TBC

Translations:

Sairéva rimpanat means witches broom and is an real constellation which to me looks beautiful, with a lot of colours twirling around each other, creating an optical wave.