In disguise

Chapter two First job

Thrilmaldur got out his map for the third time and shook his head, trying to decipher Erestor’s writing. /I should have known this map was going to be useless./

He grinned, having located the kitchen. /I’ll be able to get the fruit there and they can give me the directions to where the linen is kept./ He shyly entered the kitchen and jumped when he was roughly pushed asi

Apsontë swung her spoon. “Be polite you. You don’t shove people aside, especially not in my kitchen. Hello, are you lost?”
Thrilmaldur smiled at her. “I fear I am, a little. Erestor’s map is hard to read.”
Apsontë’s face crackled as she laughed. “A map! That mean’s you are new here. We’re are you placed?”
A male further in the kitchen laughed warmly. “Beware stranger, she’ll tear your clothes off next.”
Apsontë turned and swung her spoon at him and Thrilmaldur thought it would probably hit target if she released it. “You watch it you. I’ve had enough of your dirty mouth and this one looks polite.” She abruptly turned again, giving Thrilmaldur her full attention. “Well, love, where you’re headed?”

Thrilmaldur smiled. “Erestor ordered me to arrange the rooms of Elrond’s sons. I was looking for the linen, but I need fruit as well, so now that I have found this place I might as well take advantage of that. Do you perhaps know their favourites?”
The male approached him. “And you are doing that alone?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Erestor said it was a good way to get used to things and find my way around.”
The male laughed. “That is certainly true. Well, Elrohir prefers yellow and red and Elladan green and blue. Elrohir is fond of bananas and green apples while Elladan will kill for peers and citrus fruits. Elrohir likes sweet buns and Elladan butter cake.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Wow, thank you. That’s real nice of you.”
The male shrugged. “No thanks, just come find us when you need to know something. There isn’t anything going on here we don’t know.”
Thrilmaldur widened his eyes. “Really? Is it true there is a thieve loose here? I am wondering if I came to the right realm after all.”
The male laughed. “Of course you did! You’ll love it here! And unfortunately there is. Not even we know what precisely is going on there.”

Apsontë pressed a tray in Thrilmaldur’s hands. “Here, fruits, returning surprises, drinks and water for them both. Can you carry that? Do you need some help getting back?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “No, but I do need direction to the linen.”
The male laughed. “Come, I’ll show you. What’s your name anyway?”
Thrilmaldur laughed. “You may call me Tihtalfin.”
The male nodded. “Fitting name. And you can call me Sermo.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Nice to meet your acquaintance, Sermo.”

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Thrilmaldur smiled as he closed the door to Elrohir’s room. He had placed a red linen on the bed with a yellow blanket. The pillows were red and yellow. The fruit and sweet buns were neatly presented and the whole room was clean.

He moved to the room next door, Elladan’s room. He had already cleaned it, but it still needed to be dressed. He sighed as he set to work, growling when he found garments scattered and hidden throughout the room. /Doesn’t he ever clean?/ He deposed them in the wash basket. He would bring it by the laundry later.

Now he had to clean the wardrobe: the doors wouldn’t even close. He sighed when he was finally done. Nodding he now started on the bed. /I hope that blasted thieve makes a mistake soon. I have no desire to do this for long./

Bed done he turned his attention to the fruit display. It was fine as it was, but Thrilmaldur had always been frantically organized and neat. He always cared about presentation and this was no difference. He trseveseveral ways before he found the right one. Nodding to himself he smiled. “Perfect.” He grabbed the wash basket and opened the door and left.

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Elladan and Elrohir took a deep breath when they dismounted.
“Adar!” They hugged Elrond, glad to see him again. “The hunt was extremely successful. Let’s hope we don’t have to repeat it soon.”

Elrond nodded and walked them in. “We have a new servant, and two guests. Just to prevent you from attacking strange faces. They could be wanted.”
Elladan laughed and nodded. “Is it all right if Ro and I go to bath and wash first?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course, you know I do not expect you at the table when you’ve just returned. I will see you tomorrow.”
Elrohir smiled. “Thank you, adar. See you.”

Elrond shook his head, seeing his sons walk away. They leaned on each other as they staggered up the stairs.

Elladan yawned. “We do need to get rooms on the lower level, brother.”
Elr gri grinned. “And miss the change of sneaking out. No way.” His eyes narrowed when he saw an elf leave his brother’s room. “Do you know that elf?”
Elladan shook his head. “No, but I doubt a thieve would steal my wash basket. And it’s full. I left my clothes scattered all over. Nobody bothers to pick them up.”
Elrohir waved ahead. “Someone bothered.”
Elladan nodded and smiled when he reached his room. “Sleep well, Ro.”
“You too, Adan.”

Elladan yawned again and closed the door. He took one step and his mouth fell open, staring at his room. He hardly recognized it back. He smiled, seeing his bed. The linen was green, the blanket blue and the pillows where purple. And his stomach growled when he saw the treats waiting for him. He rushed to it and ate the butter cake and drank some fruit juice. He closed his eyes in bliss. Someone had taken great care here. Never before had he found his rooms this beautiful. He gasped when he saw his wardrobe was actually closed. /It must be that strange elf./
He fell forward on his bed and quickly went to sleep.

He woke when he was being poked. Opening his eyes he glared at his twin. “Ro, go.”
Elrohir grinned. “Dinner is almost ready. Come on, you know it will please adar if we’re there.”
Elladan sat up and yawned.

His eyes narrowed, seeing Elrohir hold a empty wash basket.
Elrohir grinned. “Stood outside your door.”
Elladan nodded and yawned again. “I think I better go grasp a quick bite in the kitchen.”
Elrohir cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “You never eat there unless you want to know something. Spill.”
Elladan shrugged. “Aren’t you interested who did this?” He waved around but Elrohir shrugged. “Did what?” Elladan jumped and turned around. “This. My room. Look, it’s clean and with my favourite colours and fruit and there was even some butter cake for me.”
Elrohir made a disgusted face. “Yagh! Glad I had sweet buns waiting.”
Elladan smiled. “And let me guess; your linen and blankets were red and yellow.”
Elrohir nodded. “So?”
Elladan yawned and shook his head. “So someone took a lot of care preparing our rooms. More than anyone has ever done. Do you think it is that new servant?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Possible. Trying to impress. Next week he or she will slow down. Come on, let’s go down to dinner.”
Elladan shook his head. “And yawn the whole time? No, excuse me with Adar, I am going to the kitchens and then back to bed. I am too tired.”

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Thrilmaldur smiled, tired but content. He had been amazed how easy everybody had excepted him and befriended him. Things would have been different in ‘Lóriën. He had casually asked everybody about the robberies and had already learned who was in charge of the rotations. Not Glorfindel as he had figured but a domestic servant, the one in charge of the supplies.

He nodded and decided to stake out tonight. Unlike Elrond he had discovered a pattern in the thefts, but had not mentioned it. If he was wrong it would cause unnecessary harm and if he was right he could always tell.

He smiled at his reflection. Not what he was used to wearing but it would have to do. He had gotten them for free from the laundry. They had a huge pile of clothes elves did not want anymore. They had given almost everything to him, after learning he had only one of his own.

He nodded and went to the kitchen to arrange a food schedule. He did not even think of making anything himself, knowing the result would not only be tasteless but send him to the healers as well.

He smiled when he saw Apsontë and Sermo, who immediately rose when he saw him. “Tihtalfin! What a pleasant surprise! Told you he would eat in the kitchen.” He threw Apsontë a smug look.
She smiled and sat down. “Well, not everybody works their way into his heart so fast, though his name might lead you to believe otherwise. I think his parents were ironic.”
Sermo rolled his eyes. “They were not. I am just being cautious. Anyway, what would you like?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “What do you have? And how much does it cost? I am yet to find out how much I am getting paid so…”
Apsontë rolled her eyes. “Erestor is too strict with the rules. If you don’t mind waiting you can eat for free.”
Thrilmr shr shrugged. “Not at all. I don’t say no to that.”
Apsontë smiled. “You’re always welcome here. Could you find everything?”

Thrilmaldur nodded and smiled. “A strange request but is there any change of some strong coffee to last the night?” He quickly thought of a lie. “I have to alter some clothes and if I don’t do it now it won’t happen at all.”
Apsontë smiled and nodded. “Of course, but don’t wear yourself out. Know what? Come work here tomorrow. I’ll arrange it with Erestor and then nobody will blame you if you fall asleep.”
Thrilmaldur threw her a grateful look. “You are too kind.” He remembered the cook in ‘Lóriën and grimaced. She would never have done this.

“I like it here already. But tell me, who should I stay away from?”
Sermo laughed. “No one really, just…” He jumped up all of the sudden, stunning Thrilmaldur whose eyes widened.

“Is there ever a time you relax, Sermo? I swear my bow string could never be as tense as you are. Hello, Apsontë. Still reigning I see.”
The woman smiled and nodded. “Aye, and I demand total adoration.”
Elladan yawned and sat down. “Feed me and I’ll adore you, I promise. I will even dream of you when I’m back in my room.”
She grinned. “Sure you will. In a little while the first leftovers will be here.”
Elladan nodded and yawned again. “I’ll wait then.”

He blinked when he saw Thrilmaldur. He had a hard time believing the elf before him was real. Never before had he seen such an elf.

Thrilmaldur smiled at him. “Mae Govannen. I’m called Tihtalfin.” He extended his hand.
Elladan smiled. “You’re new here.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Aye, I arrived only today.”
Elladan shook his head. “And Erestor is already slaving you?”
Thrilmaldur laughed. “It was not much and a good way to find my way around. A lot better than trying to figure out Erestor’s hand writing. It has always given me a headache.” Elladan frowned and Sermo’s eyes widened. “But you said…”
Thrilmaldur smiled, having composed himself. “I hail from ‘Lóriën and used to work in the library. I was the only one capable of reading Erestor’s handwriting so it came to me.”
Elladan yawned and nodded. “I am glad to finally have found someone who agrees with me. I can’t understand adar and Ro can so easily read it. It looks like Dwarven to me.”

Thrilmaldur laughed and Elladan smiled, trying hard not to stare. For the first time this evening he was glad he was constantly yawning. It ensured him he would not make a fool out of himself.

“Why did you leave? Surely it is a step down.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “My brother and I had a fight.”
Elladan sensed some turmoil and frowned. /He’s not telling the whole truth. But need we know? There’s pain behind it. Not dealt with./ “Can you not make up?” He saw the pained expression and cursed his big mouth. “Aiya, I am sorry. I should not have asked that. It’s just that Ro and I fight all the time and we always make up.”
Thrilmaldur’s eyes widened and Elladan blushed. “Sorry, I thought you knew. I’m Elladan Peredhel.” He reached out his hand for a shake and his body warmed when Thrilmaldur grabbed it.

Suddenly both doors opened and the leftovers where brought in. Apsontë immediately set to work and the other door revealed a smiling elf-maiden. “Tihtalfin? Mother send me to bring this to you. She said it is your size. And if you want to come you’re always welcome.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Thank you. I’ll be sure to stop by soon. It’s very kind of your mother. Thank her for me. And it’s my colour too.” The girl nodded and quickly left.

Elladan looked puzzled but Apsontë leaned close. “He’s poor. He possesses only one pair of clothes, poor chap. This outfit is shamelessly stolen by the laundry-head. Her husband no longer fits it and she gave it to him.”

She smiled and her eyes took on a special glow. “Bye the way, Tihtalfin, when your birthday?”
Thrilmaldur frowned. “I’m sorry, which day?”
Elladan smiled. “She means the nameday. Here we call it birthday.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Because usually the two coincide. Interesting. But it’s not for two weeks. Why?”
Apsontë smiled. “Because I always make everybody their favourite dish. So what’s yours?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “I haven’t tasted much of your cooking to already have a favourite dish, Apsontë, but when I do I shall let you know. Now please excuse me, I have a lot of clothes to mend.”

Elladan blinked when the vision left his eyes and he turned to the other in question. “Who is he?”
Sermo grinned. “Tihtalfin. He’s arrived today. But we don’t know much about him yet. He’s secretive.”
Elladan nodded. “But what do you know?”
Sermo shrugged. “What I know I learned just now, so it’s not more than you.”
Elladan sighed and stood, thanking Apsontë for cooking and left.

End chapter 02
TBC

Translations:
Sermo means friend
Apsontë means cook