When least expected

Chapter sixteen an unexpected surprise

Anar was slowly making way for Isil to appear and as the dark approached three cloaked figures were walking silently near the border, checking for any trespassers. But they would not find any; ever since Celeborn’s idea had been carried out humans were to scared of the forest to come near it, let alone enter it. No, anybody with a brain stayed far away from that haunted forest.

And very slowly the realm of Lothlóriën was expanding. Soon it would be large, considering how few elves lived there still. Compared to the past it still would be a shade of it’s former self, but the elves did not care about that. They were happy and so were the animals and the trees.

They had seen the ploy work and had laughed at the humans’ reactions. After a while they had decided to help the elves. And so it came that whenever an unwanted creature enteree foe forest leaves and bushes would suddenly move, on their own or so it seemed. The hidden animals would make scary noises and so help the tale of the haunted forest to stay alive and gain in power.

But now all was quiet in the forest. Elladan and Elrohir were following Rumil on their control. Even though they did not show it Elladan and Rumil were keeping a close eye on their partner, noticing how Elrohir seemed unaffected by the change. From time to time Rumil and Elladan locked their eyes, worry and concern visible in both their eyes.

“Maybe Lord Celeborn should ask what is wrong with him.” Rumil said when he was walking next to Elladan. “Surely he would answer his grandfather.” Elladan shrugged. “It’s worth a try, I suppose. I wonder what he’s doing now. Maybe he’s already figured it out?” His heart contracted as he heard Elrohir release yet another painful sigh.

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

“Haldir will you stop pacing about. I’ve never seen one so fidgeting as you. I assure you he’ll be fine. Now please, wait outside.” Envinyaroa was getting annoyed with Haldir’s behaviour. He understood the other was highly concerned about Celeborn’s health, but right now he did not help and he needed some time alone with the lord anyway. There was something he needed to tell him. Haldir reluctantly left, but not after making sure the healer would call him if something happened.

Not long after Haldir has closed the door groans emanated from the bed, indicating Celeborn was regaining consciousness. He looked around in surprise. The last thing he remembered was holding Haldir in his arms, sitting on the floor of his study. “What happened?”

Envinyaroa gently helped him sit straight. “Careful, you should not overdo things. You fainted.” He saw Celeborn was about to protest. “And before you say that elves do not faint: you did. Because you overdid it. And Haldir is waiting outside. He drove me crazy with his pacing.”

Hearing this Celeborn smiled. At first he had wondered why Haldir wasn’t here but now he chuckled. It showed how much Haldir really loved him. Even though the other is afraid at times like these it would not be denied. “Well, guess I saved me a walk then, for I have to talk to you. There is something wrong with Elrohir and we’re all worried about him. I was hoping maybe you could help me figure it out.”

Envinyaroa sat down, signalling for his lord to start talking. He was happy with the diversion. It would strengthen Celeborn mentally and that’s what he wanted right now. He listened carefully to everything Celeborn told him about the youngest twin.

He immediately recognised the signs: he’s read about it a while back. Never once interrupting the tale he stood and walked to his books, picking the right one out of them. Still listening he flipped the pages till he came to the right page. “My Lord, on these pages is a report on elves with similar signs.”

Celeborn merely looked at him in question. He already knew it was bad; he had seen the healer drew in a deep breath, something he knew the other did only when he had to deliver bad news. He mentally prepared himself for the worst, already going over in his head on how to tell Elladan.

Meanwhile Envinyaroa continued. “All these elves had bad dreams attacking them; they drew into themselves more and more. There isn’t a name stated for this ‘illness’ but it is close to fading, only the elf doesn’t fade. My lord, if we don’t do something soon Elrohir will turn in himself and lock out all of the outside: everything and everyone. He will become a living corpse, so to say. Never noticing what goes on around him, never recognizing anymore and never speaking anymore.”

Of all the things Celeborn had been preparing himself for this was not amongst them. It shocked him more than hearing Elrohir would die could have done. He released a strangled yelp.

Immediately the door flung open and Haldir ran inside, sword drawn. When he saw there was no intruder he re-sheeted his sword and looked at Envinyaroa accusingly. But before he could scold the healer Celeborn had flung himself at his lover, crying in earnest.
At once Haldir sat them both down, he did not want to risk him fainting again, and drew his lover close. His eyes made contact with the healer, but instead of accusation questions now lay in them. Envinyaroa quickly brought Haldir up to date. Hearing it he cringed.
He realised this was highly serious. They would not lose Elrohir, but he saw the danger of losing Elladan. The twins were close, too close Haldir now thought, for Elladan not to be affected.

His mind quickly worked things over and over. “Ireman nailme car cir Valinorenna?” But the healer shook his head. “No, according to the book, that has been done before, without success.”

Celeborn managed to compose himself. He did not realise why he had just broken down like he had, but having Haldir with him made him stronger. Hearing them talk about it, trying to find a way made him realise they -would- fight this; they -would- stop this from happening. He did not release his hold on Haldir, nor did he lift his head, simply enjoying the closeness of his lover as he listened to the others talk.

Haldir happily noticed the trembling subside, but he too was reluctant to let go. In his mind he went over everything again and again. Suddenly his face lit up. “Lord Elrond would know what to do. There is no greater healer or lore master than him. He would know how to stop this.” He looked at the healer hopeful. “Is there time to send a letter to him?”

Once more the healer shook his head. “I’m afraid not. From what lord Celeborn just told me there isn’t enough time for the letter to reach Valinor and for Lord Elrond to write a replay to us. There’s just not enough time for those two journeys.”

Now Celeborn sat upright. “Then we farspeak. Haldir is right, he would know what to do, and he deserves to know what is happening. I will contact him immediately.” Envinyaroa wanted to stop Celeborn from doing that but the lord had already withdrawn, seeking contact with Elrond’s mind.

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

Today was a beautiful day and many had gone to sail the sea or walk the beach. All but two. Two elves had gone to the cliffs. For once Elrond did not wish for the other elves company, but rather to be alone. Glorfindel had followed him as always.

At first it had annoyed him and he had told the blond to stop following him around. That this was Valinor, nor Rivendell. But Glordfindel had not given an inch saying he had vowed to protect him and just because there were no orcs here it didn’t mean there was no danger. After a while Elrond had given up on convincing his friend to build a life here and right now he enjoyed his company. He did not need to open his eyes to know the blond was there, next to him, laying on the mossy rocks.

Elrond enjoyed these rocks. The power of the waves when they collided with the cliffs made him less homesick. They brought him the sounds of home, of peace.

At first Glorfindel had found these rocks dangerous and extremely slippery but he had refrained from saying anything when he realised how badly Elrond needed to be here. And in time he came to love them just as much. He once said the crushing waves made more noise than a balrog. “Or two elves that never grew up.” Elrond had answered.
It was in that moment that Glorfindel realised Elrond would never be whole without the twins. They had chosen to remain. Glorfindel prayed to the Valar to send them here, to keep them immortal, to stop them from making their choice. He knew they wanted to become mortal and he prayed daily today would not be the day for them to chose. He knew Elrond would not bare it.

But now he pushed dark thoughts away and enjoyed the roaring thunder that the waves and rocks created. He let himself drift away on those noises. He was so lost in thought he didn’t notice Elrond stiffening beside him. He did not notice how the Half-elf suddenly sat up and became paler than a ghost. He did not realise Elrond slowly started crying, his tears falling freely from his face onto the blond’s chest.

Slowly Glorfindel became aware of water drops hitting his chest. Thinking it to be rain he opened his eyes and cocked his head, intending to ask his companion whether or not he wanted to leave. He was not prepared for what he saw. Seeing Elrond so distressed he knew it had to be the twins. He cursed them for their stupidity and stubbornness.

He sat up and gently wiped the tears away, not knowing how to offer his friend the needed comfort and console. Elrond looked like a beat up dog. He waited patiently for his friend to gather his strength to tell him what was wrong.

It was something Elrond appreciated more than anything: Glorfindel’s patience. No matter what, he could always count on the blond to wait for him. When the worst was over he looked into his friend’s eyes, which to him looked like the bluest of rivers. He sighed. “Celeborn just reached me.”

Glorfindel nodded but could not keep his wonder from his face or eyes. He did not see the need for the ‘Lóriën lord to farspeak to Elrond. The Half-elf would instantly feel it when the twins became mortal. “Elrohir is sick. He…he…” Once more tears made their way down his face and tremors shook his body.

Glorfindel acted instinctively and drew him close. He knew it was not what he had feared but somehow he had the notion it might be worse. And Celeborn had the answer. It had been millennia since he farspoke last but right now he tried to make mental contact with Celeborn. The moment he felt another’s presence in his mind he was relieved.

`Glorfindel, what is it? Why contact me?`

`Forgive me for being so bold, but Elrond`

`You were with him when I spoke to him.` It was a statement, not a question. Once more Celeborn told his tale and left Glorfindel flabbergasted but determined.

`I will search the books, there must be a solution. Maybe….Yes that’s it. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in touch` Glorfindel broke the link and gently shook Elrond. “Meldir, listen. Not all is lost. Surely somewhere in all those books must be a solution. I say we looks for it and travel to ‘Lóriën. Maybe your presence is all Elrohir needs.” /And you certainly need theirs./ But he did not voice that out loud.

Elrond gratefully followed Glorfindel’s lead and leaned on him as the blond led him back to his rooms. Yes, they would travel to Celeborn’s realm. He needed his children close.

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

“What is wrong here? What happened? Farspeaking never drained him so.” When Celeborn had ended the contact with Elrond he had swayed and the talk with Glorfindel had made him collapse. Haldir now supported him as he was having difficulties breathing.

The healer was busy mixing a drink that would refresh his strength. “I wanted to stop you, my lord, but it was too late. You should not overdo things at all, not for the coming months.” His remark nearly exploded Haldir. It was only the desire not to leave his lover’s side that made him remain calm. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

But Envinyaroa did not answer the guardian. He sat down beside the couple and made Celeborn drink his concoction. “Sucat, ya antuva tuo ten”

Celeborn obediently drank and immediately felt better. “Haldir is right. Farspeaking never tired me thus. You know more of this, tell me.”

Envinyaroa nodded. “Aye, my lord, but I’d rather tell you in private.” His eyes indicated Haldir’s person but Celeborn’s grip on his lover tightened. “He stays. Tell!” He would need his lover before this talk was over, he knew that and the supportive arm at his back was the only thing keeping him calm.

The healer nodded and swallowed. He had given this speech many times in his life but never before like this. “Well, my lord, I strongly suggest you make some alterations to your home. It’s getting an addition.”

Haldir looked stunned, he did not understand what the healer was saying, but Celeborn understood immediately. It were the exact same words as when Galadriel had been pregnant. /But that means../ “No, you’re wrong. You must be wrong.” But he could see the certainty in the other’s eyes. He knew the healer well enough to know he had double-checked his findings. After long antagonizing moments he finally spoke. “How?” his voice was trembling with emotion.

His emotional turmoil hadn’t gone unnoticed for Haldir had tightened his hold and pulled him against his own body. Not caring about the healer’s presence Haldir laid Celeborn’s head on his shoulder, knowing his lover would welcome the contact.

Envinyaroa raised his eyebrows. He wanted to point out that he didn’t need to tell Celeborn how this came about, but this was hardly a teasing moment. He sighed. “There’s only one explanation to be drawn here, isn’t there? And I take it you were unaware of that possibility.”

“Of course I was unaware. This…this…this comes at a really bad moment. We have Elrohir to worry about. But it does explain a lot. Hmmm. Guess you want to have some dates pricked for the check-up’s?”

Haldir looked more confused by the second. He was wondering if there was a second conversation going that he was unaware of. Celeborn sensed his confusion and asked the healer to give them some privacy, which was happily granted.

When the healer was gone he rearranged his position so he was facing Haldir. “I guess you don’t have any idea what this is about?” When Haldir nodded he drew in a breath, thanking the Valar they were already sitting for the news would surely turn Haldir’s legs into jelly. “What Envinyaroa was was exactly what he said when Galadriel was pregnant.”

He saw the doubt enter the orbs and knew Haldir had a different train of thought then was needed. Haldir thought him to have cheated on his lover and that he had gotten a woman pregnant. He cursed himself for his choice of words, saying he should have considered Haldir’s mental state. “Haldir, this will come as a shock to you, but apparently I am pregnant.”

Haldir’s eyes widened beyond belief. “But how? I mean…” Celeborn caressed his cheeks when he continued speaking. “I don’t know myself, love, but apparently I am fertile. Would have been handier had I known before, but now we know. Explains my moods though.”

“And your weight.” Haldir was still indecisive as to what this meant but it did explain a lot. Going over everything in his mind he found he could not pinpoint when it might have happened. “When?”

“When what?”

A chuckle came from the door. “Sorry to disturb but I’ve brought you some lecture on male pregnancy. So you know what to expect. And to answer your question, Haldir, it is somewhat a rough estimate but I would say about three months ago. And before you ask, I do not know the gender. ” He once more left them alone, still chuckling at the sight the two presented. /lovebirds. I don’t understand how the others fail to notice/

Haldir decided he wanted to leave this place. “Come, let’s get you to your own bed. You’re drd.” d.” Celeborn adored his lover’s protectiveness and was thinking of ways to keep him by his side until the baby was born. And now he would make the first step. “At least now neither of us has any excuses to hide our love.” He laughed when Haldir scooped him up from the floor to kiss him passionately.

End chapter 16

TBC

Translations:
Ireman nailme car cir Valinorenna? means Maybe we should send them to Valinor?
Sucat, ya antuva tuo ten means Drink it will strengthen youf