A heart's miscommunication

Chapter sixteen Grand finale

Elrond stretched his body when he finally dismounted on his courtyard. He smiled warmly at the approaching Erestor. “Erestor, meldir, I see Imladris still stands. Thank you for guarding her.”

Erestor blushed and nodded, accepting the compliment. He formally welcomed them all home and could not help but hug Coirëhón tight. “I’ve been so worried about you, pen-neth.”
Coirëhón grinned. “I’m sorry, Erestor. I am back now and will never leave again.” He grinned. “Well, not without notice and definitely not alone.”
His eyes shone and his hand was possessively wrapped in Elladan’s, who brought the limb to his mouth. “Aye, were he goes, I go.”

Erestor was extremely pleased to see the twin alive and happy again. He fidgeted with his hands, feeling utterly use at at the moment. The only thing that remained for him was to hand ovee wee wench, but he could hardly do that now.

Elrond saw his unease and smiled warmly. “We have guests for an unlimited time, Erestor. Would you please make sure Haldir and his brothers each have a room?”
Erestor nodded, gratitude shining from his eyes. At moments like these he was happiest with an occupation.

Glorfindel busied himself by tending to the horses.

Elrond turned and looked at the three warriors his his children. He smiled warmly, glad to be home again. “Elrohir, will you please check the condition of the healing house?”
The twin nodded and left and Elrond approached his eldest son. “And you, you need to decide where you want to live.” He winked at Coirëhón, who blushed. “I will rest more peaceful now, knowing you will keep my eldest out of trouble.”
Coirëhón nodded and grinned at Elladan’s mock shock look. He pulled his lover close. “Come on, I am weary of the journey. And Elrond, I do wish to continue learning -and- take my old job back.”
Elrond nodded. “I’ll tell Glorfindel to work out a schedule for you. Go.”
He smiled warmly as they ran inside, eager to be intimate again. The journey had forced them to delay their actions. He could understand them very well.

He now settled his gaze on the warriors. “Rumil, Orophin, Haldir, you are free to stay here as long as you wish and to roam my realm at your desire.”
Orophin’s eyes widened with glee. “Is the view from the precipice really that grand, my lord?”
Elrond smiled. “I like to think so, but there’s only one way to find out, Orophin. Go there.”
The warrior smiled and nodded.

Erestor returned and bowed. “The rooms are ready, my lord.”
Elrond nodded. “Thank you, meldir. Erestor will show you your rooms.” He walked away and felt Haldir’s eyes burn his back. /Perhaps soon./

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Elrond groaned at seeing the pile of papers resting on his desk. Skilled as Erestor was, he was not able to handle everything. Everything trivial had to wait until he was back. Sighing he set tok.
k.

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He smiled when the door opened and revealed his seneschal. “Glorfindel, come in.”
The blond smiled. “What do you want to do about that wench?”
Elrond sighed. “I don’t know, Glorfindel. is is ailing so I should help her heal, but life will become difficult for her here.”
The seneschal nodded. “And Elladan will treat as were she dead. I’d rather not disturb him and Coirëhón with this.”
Elrond nodded. “What to do? What to do?” He looked up when his door opened yet again.

Both Elrond and Glorfindel widened their eyes when Haldir stepped inside. The warrior shrugged. “I knocked, but I guess you didn’t hear.” He cocked his head at Elrond’s expression. “What is wrong?”
Elrond signalled for him to sit and he told him everything.
Haldir shrugged. “Send her to Valinor or to Lothlóriën.”
Elrond momentarily closes his eyes and nods. “If Galadriel and Celeborn agree she should go there and try to heal. We can always send her to Valinor.” He looked grateful. “Thank you, Haldir.”

He cocked his head. “Why did you come? Is something wrong with your room?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, they are exquisite, my lord Elrond.” He swallowed, feeling nervous now that Glorfindel was present.

But he was March warden for a reason and faced the challenge head on. “I came to invite you to have dinner with me tonight.”
Elrond smiled warmly and locked their eyes. He could seece ice in the orbs. /Unbelievable. He’s already healed. Just because he knows he will wed./ He nodded in acceptance. “Thank you, Haldir, that is most kind. Dinner would be boring otherwise. Elrohir will turn in early and Elladan and Coirëhón aren’t bound to leave their rooms for quite some days I fear.”
Haldir smirked and his eyes glistened. “Good, that makes me feel less guilty for stealing you away.” He stood and left.

Glorfindel had widened his eyes during the exchange and now shook his head. “I do believe he’s seducing you, Elrond.”
Elrond grinned and nodded. “I do so, too. Tonight will be interesting.”

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Glorfindel decided to head for the kitchen, eat a quick meal there and then head to his office to catch up on the paperwork. His feet moved fast in response to his hurry and his mind is so absorbed in the job he doesn’t notice another coming down the corridor, until he crashes into him.

Erestor yelps when he suddenly collides with a hard body and staggers backwards a step or two, his eyes fixed on his falling papers. He groans. It took him hours to get them in order. He kneels down and starts gathering them together. He frowns when he sees two agile hands helping him.

“I’m sorry, Erestor, I didn’t notice you. I was in such a hurry to deal with the mess on my desk I forgot all around me and now look what I did. I created a mess for you. I’m really sorry.”
Erestor shook his head. “I wasn’t looking either, Glorfindel. But I do hope it will take less than an hour to sort hem this time.”
Glorfindel looked apologetically and stood up, the papers in his hand. He smiles at Erestor. “Might I make this up with offering you dinner? There’s no use going to the dining room. Elrohir turns in early, as always..”
Erestor nodded and smiled. “Elladan and Coirëhón will lock themselves in for the time being. I know, Glorfindel, but Elrond will feel lonely without our company.” He cocked his head when the blond shook his head.
Glorfindel smirked. “He is having dinner with Haldir, who is courting him.”
Erestor’s shock lessened the grip he had on the papers and the fell to the floor again.

This time the blond was swifter and had them in his hands before Erestor could even bend down. He still smirked. “So why don’t we put these on your desk, or are they for Elrond?, and go have dinner?”
Erestor shook his head. “Actually, they’re yours.” He laughs at Glorfindel’s horrified face and shakes his head. “I shall go now. I have work to do.”

Glorfindel nodded and looked at the papers in dismay. /If it took Erestor an hour, it will take me at least three. Aiya./

Suddenly he frowned, seeing Erestor still standing before him. hadn’t the advisor said goodbye? What was he still doing here?
His eyes widened when he saw the face close the distance between them. He stared mesmerised as
Erestor kissed him passionately, his only thought to hold on to those darn papers.

Just as suddenly Erestor jumps back and breaks the kiss. His eyes are filled with shame, fear and rejection. He abruptly turns and runs away, his tears running free. /Why did I do that? Why?/

Before he reached his rooms he was grabbed from behind and forcefully turned around. His eyes widen when he stared at Glorfindel.

The blond smiled and gently wiped away Erestor’s tears. He doesn’t speak but pulls him in a tight embrace. He opens Erestor’s room and steers them inside. He places the papers on the desk before setting them both down on the couch. He would have asked Erestor what that was all about but the tears and the orbs have told him enough and his heart pounded madly in his chest. He lifted the other’s face and leaned in for another kiss.
Just before the lips made contact he spoke. “Finally.” All his emotions were in that one word and Erestor’s reserves were broken as he took control. Glorfindel eagerly let him.

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Haldir turned when the long expected knock came. He swiftly looked in the mirror and smiled. He had paid extra attention to his appearance tonight. His tunic and trousers were dark green, he knew that had the most arousing effect on others. Instead of wearing braids he wore his hair lose tonight, knowing the Peredhel preferred it that way. It had been a small, casual remark millennia ago, but he had always remembered.

He smiled at the entering elf, who looked good enough to eat himself. The burgundy robes made him look even more exquisite and Haldir found himself yearning to rip them off. He forced himself to stay calm and controlled.

He sat down and smiled warmly. “I have no idea what they prepared, so I hope you like it.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “Of course I will.” /They could be serving me ten year old meat and I wouldn’t notice./ “You look beautiful, Haldir.”
Haldir inclined his hea tha thanks. “As do you, Elrond.” He so wanted him, but he was afraid he was not meant for him.

Elrond frowned when he saw a darkness enter the happy orbs. “Haldir? Is something amiss?” Seeing the other nod meekly he placed his hand on Haldir’s. “Please tell me if there’s anything I can do to remedy it?”
Haldir smiled at the affectionate tone. He sighed and looked hopeful. “You told me you saw my wedding.” He lowered his eyes. “Please tell me who I was getting wed to.”
Elrond closed his eyes. “I don’t think it will be wise to tell you that, Haldir.”
But Haldir shook his head. “Nay, you must. I beg of you.” Tears entered his eyes and Elrond acted impulsively.

He crossed the distance and sat on Haldir’s arm stool and hugged him soothingly.
Haldir rested his head on his chest and suppressed a moan when Elrond’s scent invaded his nostrils. “Elrond, please. I love, I mean I’m in love and if I’m to lose this one too, I don’t think I’ll survive.”
Elrond tightened his embrace. “Keep faith, Haldir. Your loved one can well be your intended mate. If not you know you will survive.”
Haldir now sobbed like a child and continued begging.
Elrond swallowed, realising he could not let this continue. “Haldir, saes, stop crying. I cannot tell you for I fear you will only project your love, the love you bore Coirëhón, onto him.”
Haldir gasped, knowing Elrond had slipped. /Him. He said him./ He smiled. “I did no such thing. My love now is much deeper and real. Coirëhón fades away in comparison. But please tell me if I should guard my heart or not. What is the name of my intended?”

Elrond dropped his arms and lowered his head. There was no way out. He stood up and walked to the door. “Perhaps it is best if I leave you now.”

He left and went to his own rooms. He quickly wrote a note and instructed a servant to take it to Haldir.

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Elrohir frowned when he saw Haldir pace his rooms upon entering. “You did not hear me knock? What is wrong?” /Coirëhón?/
Haldir smiled warmly but remained silent.
Elrohir sat down and looked concerned. “I was on my way to bed and decided to check on you and your brothers. They are well but you are not.”

Haldir cocked his head. “I thought you would turn in early.”
Elrohir shrugged. “I usually do, but my head is filled and so I could not find easy rest. I took a sleeping draught from the healing wing.” He held up his glass and smiled.

Haldir sighed. “What would you say if I told you I love your father?”
Elrohir narrowed his eyes, but instantly knew it was the truth. “Good luck!” He grinned. “He dances around for a long time, but if you manage to catch him, he’s the best you can have. We Perehdil are extremely loyal and possessive, you know, not mention jealous and eager. But I cannot tell you if adar has stamina or not. You’d have to find that out yourself.”
He stood up and hugged him. “But I’ll never call you adar.”
He grinned and left smiling.

Haldir sighed and frowned when a servant handed a piece of paper to Elrohir, who turned and grinned. “I believe this is for you. ada adars handwriting.”
Haldir started trembling and Elrohir frowned, coming back in. “Haldir?”
The blond looked at the paper and was afraid to take it. “I fear the words, Elrohir.” He looked at him hopeful. “Would you read it?”
Elrohir nodded and opened the letter, wondering why it would scare Haldir so much. He frowned at the words. “I can’t understand this. He says that you are right.”
Haldir frowned and looked puzzled. “Right about what?”
Elrohir shrugged. “How am I supposed to know. That’s all it says.”

Haldir frowned and took the paper, reading the words himself.
Haldir,
Te ná ilraica.
Elrond Peredhel Ëarendilion o’ Imladris.

Haldir blinked after reading this, understanding the meaning now. His smile widened and continued to grow. He looked up and hugged the twin before he ran out, leaving Elrohir stunned and perplexed, who shrugged and went off to bed. /I guess he did understand now./

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Elrond sighed as he laid aside his clothes and shook his head when he saw Elladan and Coirëhón walk of to the gardens. His eyes shone with happiness. He knew Elladan would make love to him while making sure the biggest blabbermouths in the valley saw. /No more hiding. That is good./

He grabbed his nightgown and put it on. He was halfway when the door flung open. He twirled instantly and cursed the heavy fabric that now prevented his sight. He yelped when he was thrown at the bed; someone had launched himself at him. A second later his gown was pulled away and he stared at the beaming Haldir, who instantly claimed his lips.

The guardian sat back up and smiled, fanning the note about. “How many Elrond’s do you think there are?”
Elrond grinned and blushed. “Why did you kiss me?”
Haldir pushed Elrond back when the Peredhel made to stand and settled on his legs. “Because I’ve wanted to for days. But not knowing who my intended is, was keeping me back. I would not survive losing you, Elrond.”
Elrond smiled. “I hope you do not expect our wedding soon. I would prefer…”
Haldir laughed. “To court slowly. Aye, agreed. We need time, but I do not plan on hiding this. courting with mating, Elrond.” He laid down. “I intend to be held by you each and every night.”
Elrond pulled him close. “Good, for I would like that a lot. What about your brothers?”
Haldir shrugged. “They’ll probably return once they realise we’re sincere.”

He rested his head on Elrond’s chest and sighed contented. “Should I get naked too?” The tone was seductive but Elrond shook his head. “Nay, don’t disturb our peace by moving about too much. We need our sleep. Soon, meleth, we’ll claim each other.”

Their eyes flashed wide when they heard a loud cry coming from the room below.
“Erestor?”
Haldir cocked his head and listened intently. He grinned. “And Glorfindel.”
Elrond laughed. “Finally. I think we should make the walls soundproof.”
Haldir shook his head. “I do not mind having an audience. The more that know you are mine, the better. You’re not the only one to be jealous and possessive, my love.”

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Galadriel smiled when she saw Celeborn enter, looking giddy. She shook her head. “You look giddy.”
Celeborn blushed but he smiled and laid down beside her. “Elrond just far spoke to me. Everything is right. I’ve got news.”
She grinned and waited for him to continue.
“Haldir and he are lovers. Or will be so very soon. And he complained about having to sleep above Erestor rooms.”
She widened her eyes. “Why?”
“Apparently he now has a very hungry lover in his bed. Glorfindel.” He laughed warmly. “And Elladan is showing all he loves Coirëhón, so you can be happy. And don’t forget to tell Thrilmaldur and the smith. They’d like to know.” He grinned. “He’ll be getting an order from Elladan soon. Elrond will make the wedding bands in Imladris of course.”

He stretched. “Oh, I can’t wait for the weddings. Three of them to look forward to.”
She smiled and embraced him. “Three garter belts and three bouquets to be thrown and caught. I can’t wait.”

But that’s another story.

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Translation:
Te ná ilraica. Means: you are right

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THE END


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