breaking the ice

Chapter seventeen Decisions, good or bad.

Elrond smiled at his lover and even though there was a lot of trouble around him it didn’t affect him any more. Or he just refused to care. He had better things to do. One of which was staring at his sleeping lover.

Guilt still flared up whenever he looked at the wound but he was glad. Now he knew he would always be able to keep himself under control. All he had to do was remind himself what had happened the last time he lost it.

He didn’t worryut Eut Elrohir as he would have because he knew that in the end it would be all right and he didn’t doubt Orophin would become his son-in-law. And now that Glorfindel would talk to Erestor things might be going into the right direction there as well.

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

Erestor sighed as he closed the book on Gondolin. He had read it to bring him back and he realised he had forgotten a lot. Just not the last hours. They continued to haunt him.
He smiled and promised himself to make amends to Rumil. He lHe looked up at the knock at the door. “Mitula.”
He blinked at Glorfindel, who walked inside. “Can I sit down. I took an orc’s blade in the side and Elrond will yell at me if I don’t take it careful.”
Erestor hurried to make the blond comfortable, wondering why he was here. “And he just allowed you to wander around?”
Glorfindel shook his head. “Nay, he doesn’t know I’m here. He’s working on some urgent matters and I sneaked out the room.”

Erestor nodded. “Why have you come?”
Glorfindel drew in a breath and almost backed out but he persisted. “I was hoping we could perhaps talk. About Gondolin. My memories are still fractured and maybe you can fill in the blanks?” He looked at him hopeful.
Erestor’s shock was visible. “How… how….”
Glorfindel shrugged. “I remembered you. Why didn’t you tell me?”
Erestor shrugged. “I don’t know.”

Glorfindel accepted the lie, knowing pushing wouldn’t help. Looking at the books he saw some on Lindon as well and suddenly realised something awful. “You were Gil-Galad’s high counsellor as well.”
Erestor nodded, unsure what the blond wanted from him. Glorfindel’s look became one of awe. “You must be the strongest elf I know, Erestor. You survived Gondolin and the Last Alliance and you didn’t succumb to grief. That is not something anyone can say.” He He paused for a moment, unsure how to proceed. “You know. I still have nightmares about it. About the attack, I mean. Sometimes I wake up screaming and run to the river because I can feel the flames. I never thought on how the survivors must feel. It must haunt you too. Elrond told most left for Valinor. If they didn’t die of grief. You did neither, Erestor.”

Glorfindel’s words opened Erestor more than anything could and he told Glorfindel how the past still haunted him, his nightmares, his fears, everything. And he confided in the blond about Rumil.

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

Elrond looked surprised when he saw Haldir enter. “Mae govannen, Haldir. Weren’t you planning to ride out with Elladan?”
Haldir bowed his head and nodded. “I was, but I have to talk to you first. Would you please allow us to go home? My brothers will get hurt if they stay. They’re not thinking clearly.”

Elrond’s gaze settled on him and Haldir cringed under it. “I take you are talking about their affections for Erestor and Elrohir? And what, pray tell, do you have against my counsellor and my son?” His gaze was stern and Haldir shuffled, suddenly feeling like a little child. “Nothing, nothing. But they can never work out. Better to stop it now than to let it end in heartache. Now only my brothers will weep a little, but not Elrohir or Erestor.”

Elrond arched his eyebrow. “So you’re no longer convinced Erestor is without emotion?”
Haldir blushed and nodded. “I know him better now. But Rumil will never win his heart.”

Elrond signalled for Haldir to sit on the couch and he settled down next to him. “Haldir, you cannot decide who your brothers fall in love with. Not even they can decide that. All you can do is accept it or not. If you do you not only make your brothers happy but gain the loyalty and support of your in-laws. If you do not you will lose them. Even if they choice to ignore their heart’s desire, they will hate you for it in the end. You know what I speak is true, Haldir. The only thing you can sensibly do is accept them and hope everything works out. If it doesn’t we will all be there to help them recover. Like we are helping you.”

Haldir lowered his head in shame. “It’s happened again, hasn’t it? I let my own experience cloud my judgement. Ai, Orophin.”
Elrond smiled. “He will understand.”

He rose and walked to his desk. “I have something that I think might help you, Haldir.”
He stretched out his arm and handed Haldir some paper and a quill. “Write down your feelings. I know you prefer not to talk about it, but they demand a way out, my friend.”

Haldir looked at it with horror. “You want me to keep a diary?”
Elrond smiled. “You can call it that if it pleases you. But aye, I want you to write down your feelings, your thoughts, everything that troubles you. And if you like we can talk about it. But only if you like.”
Haldir nodded. “I will try.”
Elrond smiled at him. “That’s no more than I ask. Now, I suggest you seek out Rumil. He co wio with your company. And I will check on a stubborn warrior.”

Haldir grinned. “Elrohir is with Orophin. I doubt he will let Orophin even leave the bed.”
Elrond smiled. “To be sure. But he was not the warrior I was referring to. Glorfindel managed to get himself injured and neglected toorm orm me.”
Haldir’s eyes revealed his surprise. “How did he manage that?”
Elrond shrugged. “He chopped off the orc’s head a little too late, I think.”
Haldir laughed. “Nay, my lord, I meant to say how he managed to not tell you. You’re his lover and therefore bound to find out he’s injured. It’s hard making out when one has a wound.”
Elrond laughed at Haldir’s words. “So it is, Haldir, so it is. Until tomorrow.”

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

Orophin smiled when he woke up in the middle of the night. He had successfully talked Elrohir to rest in his bed and somehow they had instantly snuggled up to each other without any discomfort.

His smile widened when he saw Elrohir’s hair caressed in the moonlight. It stirred his loins and he looked down, realised this time it was his arousal pressing against Elrohir.

After a second he decided to be brave and risk it all. He leaned forward and claimed Elrohir’s lips. Instantly life returned to the orbs and Orophin rubbed his back, nudging his tongue against Elrohir’s lips.

Elrohir’s first thought was to push away whomever was kissing him but then he realised it was Orophin. His eyes widened in shock and surprise but he opened his mouth to draw Orophin’s tongue inside.

Orophin pulled him closer and rolled on his back, pulling Elrohir on top of him, never once breaking the kiss. He now withdrew, gg Elg Elrohir a change to ravish his mouth, which the twin greedily did.

Elrohir pulled back and was about to break the kiss when he felt Orophin’s erection poke him. He gasped in surprise and Orophin used that opportunity to draw Elrohir’s tongue back into his mouth, caressing it with his own.

Elrohir manato pto pull back and he stared at the Galadhrim in confusion. He didn’t understand. His eyes showed as much and Orophin caressed his face, raising his hips to show hir hir he desired him.
He didn’t allow the twin to wiggle free and in the end Elrohir gave voice to his troubles. “This is wrong. We cannot be doing this.”
Orophin cocked his head. “And why not? You want me and I want you.”
Elrohir shook his head. “I don’t want you.”
Orophin smiled. “That’s not what your body told me.”
Elrohir glared at him. “I don’t want you in -that- way!”
“And what way would that be?”
Elrohir growled. “Lust! Just a fling for one night. I’m not like that.”

Orophin caressed his face and he involuntarily leaned in to the touch. “I know you’re not. Neither am I. I’m not looking for a fling, nor am I offering you that. I want more, Elrohir. A lot more. But I will settle for what you can give me. After all I am a mere guardian.”
Elrohir shook his head. “You’re not. You’re one of the best Galadhrim in the world. And that’s precisely why we cannot do this, even if you meant what you said.” Orophin narrowed his eyes and Elrohir sighed. “Look, I am bound to Imladris. you to ‘Lóriën. It would never work.”
“Is that so?” Elrohir nodded but Orophin shook his head. “Then you’re obviously not thinking clearly. You are right, it would take a lot for me to leave the guards, but I would for true love. And I have a plan to find out. Every time someone wishes to visit Imladris I will be assigned to protect them. And you can come visit your grandparents a little more. We can use that to see if we really work out or not. And if we do and you would accept marriage then I could join the guards here.”

Elrohir looked at him in disbelief. “Marriage….”
Orophin laughed. “Yes, eventually. I do not offer my heart to just anyone, nor do I offer it lightly.”
Elrohir’s eyes misted over and he allowed his tears to leave his eyes. “I didn’t think you’d really could love me. I do not compare to Sílgalad and I’m only a Peredhel.”
Orophin’s eyes widened. “Only a Peredhel? Elrohir, you are not just a Peredhel. You are brave, wise, loyal, beautiful and the best elf I know. I’ve liked you always, Elrohir and I wore my blue hair proudly, because it reminded me of you.”
Elrohir shook his head. “But…but”
Orophin wiped his tears away. “I know I never showed it, but that’s because I never really realised myself. It’s a good thing you threw that dagger in my leg or I might never have found out. Why else do you think I didn’t object to you fussing over me, holding my hand, or carrying me?”

Elrohir finally believed his ears and he claimed Orophin’s lips in a demanding kiss.
Orophin pulled him closer, ignoring the throbbing pain in his leg.
When Elrohir saw his brow was furrowed he pulled back, realising he was putting too much pressure on Orophin’s injury. He quickly disentangled himself from him and sat at tedsiedside. “I refuse to hurt you.”

Orophin smiled and reached out a hand to caress Elrohir’s hair. “With you around resting is much easier. More pleasant too.” He rubbed the twin’s cheek when Elrohir blushed at his word
H
He was saddened to see Elrohir still expected him to change his mind, but he knew he could only change that through action. “You still don’t trust me. Don’t even think of denying it, for we both know it’s true. I can see it in your eyes. I do not know what makes you doubt me but I do know I will change that.”

Elrohir shook his head. He didn’t want to talk about this and he leaned in to kiss him. His hands touched Orophin everywhere but when curlcurled around his member, eager to stroke it into hardness Orophin took hold of his hand and placed it on his chest.
He broke the kiss and smiled at Elrohir, who stared back at him in shocked disbelief. “Don’t think I don’t want this. I do. But not when you expect me to walk away the moment we’ve made love.”
Elrohir smiled. “And how would you do that? You cannot walk unaided.”
Orophin smiled but didn’t take the bait. “You know what I mean. As long as you cannot trust me or believe in my love I will not do this.”

He gasped when he saw Elrohir’s eyes darken in hate. The twin rose. “Fine! Then don’t have a good time while you’re here, you annoying, lying tree-elf. Unlike you I use my head and don’t try to let romantic images cloud it. After you and Haldir are healed you will return to the Golden Wood and forget about me. Maybe not at first, but you will. Out of face, out of mind! So don’t think I am fooling myself. The only one who is guilty of that is you. Maybe I should have hit your brain, for than you wouldn’t have obtained an injury since you are lacking any brains. I shall ask father to assign a healer to see to your needs. Namárië, Galadhrim.”
He walked out, ignoring Orophin’s pleas to return.

Orophin growled and slumped back to the bed. He briskly turned and released his tears, crying in the pillow.

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

When the healer came to check he was surprised to see Orophin alone, staring listlessly at the ceiling. He silently approached the bed, thinking him asleep. But one look at the eyes told him enough and he ran towards Lord Elrond.

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

Haldir smiled at the expertise the soldiers displayed and he enjoyed exchanging knowledge and skills with Elladan. Both had abandoned any plans or ploys and were now being normal to each other, which lessened the tension.

“Isn’t that Elrohir?”
Elladan looked in the direction Haldir pointed out and frowned. His twin was heavily armed and he hurried towards him. “RO! Where are you going?”

Elrohir pretended not to have heard and sped up.
Haldir didn’t know what was happening, but he urged his horse on. Speeding up the horse easily crossed the distance and when he judged it right Haldir lunged at the younger twin, pulling him from his saddle.

Elrohir tried to fight him off, but he was no match for Haldir and soon the Galadhrim had him pinned to the floor.

Elladan plunged down beside them, shocked at the angry expression in Elrohir’s eyes. “Ro?”
Elrohir still tried to get an upper hand, but Haldir was too strong for him and he growled. “Release me! Get off me!”
Haldir shook his head. “Not until you tell us where you going and what you think you’re doing.” His tone held no room for argument. He no longer was Haldir, the friend but Haldir, March Warden.

Elrohir spat him in the face. “Trust a Galadhrim to deceive you. My grandparents will hear of this.”
Haldir nodded. “Will you tell them or shall I?” He was not taking threats.
Elrohir growled and tried to kick him, but the body above him nearly prevented every movement.

Elladan looked worried. He had never seen him like this. “Elrohir Peredhel, what are you doing?” Haldir smirked. If he hadn’t known better he would have said Elrond himself was standing beside him.
Elrohir stopped his struggling and went limp. “To kill some orcs.”
Elladan’s eyes widened. “Why?”
Elrohir snorted. “Because I can’t kill an elf, now can I? Get off!”

Haldir shook his head. “What happened between you and Orophin?” Elrohir’s eyes shot daggers at him and his look alone could kill but Haldir didn’t budge.
Elladan noticed the soldiers had gathered around and were looking at Haldir in awe and wonder. Not that he could blame them. He himself would not have been able to withstand that stare, but Haldir didn’t even flinch. “Well?”
Elrohir resumed his attempts to get away, but Haldir tightened his grip. “Elrohir, you are acting irrational. You fly past us, fully armed, searching for some orcs to kill, because you are angry with an elf. The only conclusion I can draw is that you and Orophin had a fall-out. I am not letting you go. And don’t try glaring at me, it won’t work. Now behave or I’ll ask Erestor what to do about you.”

Elrohir snorted. “Go ahead. Go to Erestor then. Do you really think he will appreciate it hearing you threatened me. I am Elrond’s son.”
Haldir nodded. “And the grandson of my lord and lady. They will not appreciate it if I just stand by and watch you get yourself killed over nothing.”
Elrohir snorted. “O yes, the great loyal Galadhrim do everything to please their lady. They would even pretend to be in love. I loathe you all.”

Elladan could not believe his ears. /He’s gone nuts./
Haldir sighed and suddenly made his hand fly towards Elrohir’s face. The force knocked the Peredhel out cold. “Forgive me, but you are not leaving.” He stood up, pulling the unconscious twin in his arms. “Elladan, are you coming? We need to find out what happened and alert your father. And make sure he can’t escape.”
Elladan nodded. “You, Glorfindel or Erestor are the best bets. Even Rumil can outdo him. I wonder what happened.”
Haldir shrugged. “Apparently Phin managed to hurt him. I will ask what happened.”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, we need to alert ata first. He will tell us what to do. Maybe grandma will know.”
Haldir smiled at him. “We can always contact her if need be. Let’s try and do this ourselves first. I think it best if you go to Orophin and find out what happened and what has been said and I will guard your silly twin.”
Elladan nodded. “Thank you Haldir.”

End chapter 17
TBC