A heart's miscommunication

Chapter two Confusion all around

Galadriel turned and looked at her husband, her eyes filled with worry and concern.

Celeborn sighed. “Istan man quettuvat. I sensed it too.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Pure lies and deceit.”
Galadriel smiled sadly. “But there was also pain, attached to it. And a greater pain, I sense, is the source of this behaviour. Though what shocked me most was the empty heart, with hope beneath it. It is that I cannot understand.”
Celeborn looked out over the woods again. “I will send for Haldir, maybe he can tell us where this stranger came from?”

He turned and his expression was one of wonder. “You said you cannot understand him. Does that mean you could not read him?”
Galadriel nodded. “He closed himself for himself, and thus for all others. I could only see the tiniest piece of his soul and it was despair that reached me, accompanied by the desire to belong. It was that more than anything that made me accommodate him.”
Celeborn laughed. “Ask me if I had room for him, you mean. I suggest you ask Thrilmaldur to keep an eye on him whilst I speak with Haldir.”

Galadriel left wordlessly. She would always do her lord’s bidding.

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Elladan beamed with happiness, seeing his home through the trees. He urged his horse to go faster. Seeing his father stand on the stairs he screamed at him. “Ada! We’re back! With lots of food and my twin!”
Elrond grinned at them and walked towards them. “So I see. And is it wishful thinking or are you really uninjured for a change?”

Elladan laughed warmly and both he and his twin hugged Elrond close. Elrohir only a little more; he had been away longer. “I missed you ada. Rohan send their greetings and within a fortnight forty horses will arrive here as a gift.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “The present king of Rohan is extremely likeable.” He sighed. “Let’s go inside.”

Elrohir frowned. He did not like the look of his father. He seemed distant, less warm and open than before. He wondered what happened during his absence. “Father, is anything amiss?”
Elrond smiled and shook his head. “Nothing time will not cure, my son, so please do not trouble yourself over it. Tell me how your journey’s been?”
Elrohir opened his mouth but Elladan cut in, too eager to be reunited with his lover. “Forgive me, Ro, father, but I have to find Coirëhón.”
Elrond narrowed his eyes. “Why?”
Elladan took a deep breath and forced himself to look his father in the eye. “Because….” “Lords Elladan and Elrohir. Welcome back. You’ve been sorely missed.”

The three Peredhil all growled at the interrupting female, who instantly claimed one of Elladan’s arms. “May I speak with you in private for a moment, my lord?”
Elladan wanted to decline but Elrond beat him to it. “Of course you may. Elrohir and I shall go to my drawing room. Feel free to join us later.” He smiled as he watched the two walk off. “Such a good couple. I hope one day Elladan will see her qualities.”
Elrohir groaned. This didn’t bode well for his twin, at all.

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“My lady? What brings you here?”
Galadriel smiled. “Celeborn does, Thrilmaldur.”
He nodded and sat back down.

She sat down on the opposite chair and smiled at him. “Today we’ve hired a new elf, a stranger to these lands., to work as a scribe in the library. Being new to the job will be difficult enough without having no knowledge of our realm. We would ask you to look after him for the time being, until he’s settled in.”
Thrilmaldur cocked his head. “It is not normal for my duties to include babysitting.”
Galadriel smiled disarmingly at him. “We’re not asking you to baby-sit him. Only to make sure he doesn’t get himself lost or drowned. You know how easy it is to insult the wrong elves and he can do without that trouble arising so soon.”
The counsellor nodded and promised to keep an eye on the latest addition to the realm.
Galadriel smiled and, after thanking him, left to see how Celeborn fared with Haldir.

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He closed his eyes when he looked at his own reflection. /This isn’t me./ But it was. He had altered himself before entering ‘Lóriën’s vision. It not only insured him he would not be traced but also that he was now unrecognisable.

He had found it necessary to change his whole appearance in order to become unrecognisable, not only for them but also, and most importantly, for Elladan; he didn’t want Elladan to find him.

It wasn’t Elladan’s sudden departure that had forced him to leave, but the letter which he now opened again.

Aiya, apsenat nin, nan nás ú lú yassen quettë sina ten. Hlarnën er sí Elladan coluvaro nauvassërya arwa ron irë entúlaro. Elrohir tírarero varnavë sina tenna nar arë Elladanenen.
Naicëtya ná nin.

He still had no idea who his mysterious friend was, but he was grateful. Being dumped was worse enough, but this was a wound too deep to heal. This had been the force behind his actions lately. /Ai, Elbereth, guard Elladan. I hope she’ll make him happy./

Once more he stared at the waste bin indecisively. And again he didn’t throw it away but carefully folded it and stored it. He wanted nothing more than to throw it away, burn it even, but something always stayed his hand whenever he was about to throw it away or set light to it. A force he couldn’t explain and stronger than himself.

As always he sighed and turned in for the night, already knowing his dreams would be haunted by the most beautiful face he knew.

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“What is it, Aiwandila?”
She conjured up her most pained expression and looked at him in sympathy. “It’s Coirëhón. I’m almost ashamed to say it and am definitely pained to be bringing you such tidings, but he left. I spoke with him on the eve of your departure, as I had promised you to do, but he was packing his belongings. His only reply was that he was grateful for your departure for it would no doubt spare him the humiliation. I knew you and he had to talk and so I did my best to keep him here, I practically became his invisible ghost, but it wasn’t enough. He gave me the slip and after talking to your father he left. There was no more I could do to prevent it. I am so terribly sorry, Elladan.”

She had the inner gratification of seeing Elladan’s looks change as she spoke, from love and affection to dread and horror to wonder and disbelief to abandonment and pain.

Suddenly his eyes turned to her and narrowed in suspicion. “How come you know about us?? It was a secret!”
She sighed, relieved she wasn’t found out, and smiled warmly at him. “It was rather obvious. Why else would you have been so upset about not being able to say goodbye? Why else would he have said he had enough of you?” She smiled inwardly when she saw his eyes widen with this stab.

Elladan still had trouble believing it and ran away. He needed his twin, he needed his father’s shoulder, Erestor’s council and Glorfindel’s sparring. But in his heart he knew he would never be the same without Coirëhón, for no matter how much he would deny it: he needed his lover.

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Haldir bowed politely to his lord. “You wished to see me, my lord?”
Celeborn smiled affectionatelythe the warrior. “Yes, I do, Haldir. Today a new elf arrived here and we were wondering where he’s from. Perhaps you can enlighten us?”
Haldir’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Did he not state his origin himself?”

Celeborn sighed and waved around. “He was very polite and answered all our questions, yet he did not provide us with the knowledge of his home, stating only the need to break with his old life and he expressed the wish to settle down here.” He locked his eyes with Haldir. “But he had to come from somewhere. And maybe he passed another realm: Mirkwood, Imladris or a human realm, where we can make inquiries.”

Haldir nodded and crossed his arms before his chest. “I have not seen a new elf arrive, my lord, and as I just came from the southern fences it is safe to conclude he did not come from Mirkwood. I shall find out where he did come from. What does he look like?”
“He’s very fair of face, with small, full lips and dark eyes. I thought they were black, but Galadriel states they were more very dark blue. He’s got a warrior’s build, though he carries no weapons. And his hair is black. Will this suffice?”
Haldir nodded. “And what’s his name, my lord?”
Celeborn laughed at his own forgetfulness. “Forgive me, I should have given you it instantly. He named himself Ránëlassë, translated from the Sindarin Mistalas.”

Haldir bowed and left in a hurry, eager to carry out his duty and go home.

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Elrond and Elrohir jumped up when Elladan suddenly burst in the room, crying his heart out. He immediately flung himself at his father, who embraced him without force. “Elladan, in Elbereth’s name, what is it?” He pulled Elladan close to him, feeling his heart contract at the loss Elladan displayed.

Elrohir cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. /Coirëhón. What did he do?/ Wordlessly he stood and left the room, anger flaring his features. One elf alone was responsible for the mess his twin was in and that elf would pay. He would search the corridors until he found him. His face was set in determination.
All elves jumped out of the way to clear his path, none of them eager to become a target for the angry twin.

Erestor frowned when he heard the commotion and sighed when he placed the papers aside to find out whatever was disturbing their home. Surprise was the only emotion displayed on his face when he found Elrohir responsible for it.

Grabbing the shoulders in a strong hold he spoke gently, but firm to the upset twin. When Elrohir finally showed sign of hearing and seeing him Erestor mellowed his features. “Calm yourself, Elrohir, and come inside. Sit down and tell me what upsets you so.”

Elrohir narrowed his eyes but nodded, after thinking it over for a moment. Though Erestor wasn’t one of his favourites the twin knew he was the first elf Elladan would go to for council. That realisation made Elrohir hope the counsellor might be aware of the relationship.

He sighed. “Aiwandila came and took Elladan apart. Father took me to his drawing room and only a minute ago Elladan ran in, crying. I can only think of one elf responsible: Coirëhón. I was searching for him and if you please I will continue to do so now.”
Erestor held him back. “No, you will not. Coirëhón left some days ago. He left a message for Glorfindel. I still have it.”

He handed the message to Elrohir who read it, the grey eyes filling with hatred. “How can he? How can he walk out on Elladan like that? Doesn’t he have pride?”
Erestor sat down. “We know not why he left, but I do know he does possess a lot of pride, all of it cast aside for your twin, Elrohir. He did not want this affair to be secret, but Elladan.”

He hated speaking to Elrohir in this manner, but he had no choice. Coirëhón wasn’t here to defend himself and Erestor knew he and Glorfindel were the only allies the elf had. He stood and left, gently pulling Elrohir along. His mind was reeling. /I need to find out what precisely that she-elf sto Eto Elladan./

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Rumil growled when Orophin jumped up in joy and knocked over a very old, very good bottle of wine. “Now look what you do, you blundering oaf. Now we have a wine stain on the table, the couch and the carpet and no wine to welcome Haldir home with.”
Orophin grinned, he would not let his mood be spoiled by Rumil’s ranting and raving, and ran to the door, flinging it open as Haldir stepped on the flet.

The elder brother returned the warm grin and opened his arms to catch his brother, who already flung himself at him. He would never understand Orophin’s desire for such intimacy, but he never spoke ill of it or tried to stop him; it was part of Orophin and therefore to be endured, and willingly so.

He walked inside with his younger brother clinging to him, telling him tales of the changed states of many houses and the market and everything he needed, wanted or desired to hear, and everything he didn’t too.

Rumil shook his head at the behaviour. “Oh, Phin, shut up. Haldir is in no mood for your ramblings tonight. Can’t you be silent for at least one minute?”
Haldir laughed, he was happy to be home again. “You shut up, Rumil, if all you can utter are insults. Now sit down and behave like the elf you are. You’re starting to sound like a Dwarf, you know?”
This could not do without a reply and soon the two were engaged in a happy verbal battle, amusing Orophin tremendously with their wit.

Suddenly Haldir sat up and cocked his head. “What happened there?”
Orophin laughed. “That was Rumil, trying to fry an egg. I told him to wait till our neighbours had returned, but nooo….”
Rumil shook his head. “That’s not as worse as spilling the entire wine over the furniture! The wine I bought for Haldir, no less.”
Haldir laughed. “At any case, we need new cloth for everything, it seems. I shall buy them after delivering my report to the lord. Any preferences?”
Rumil muttered something about no fancy dancy’s and Orophin just wanted it to be agreeable to his skin, his eyes already asking the question Rumil was still to form inside his mind.

“Wait a minute, what report?”
Haldir grinned. “Finally! Took you longer than usual. The report on a mysterious elf named Ránëlassë. He arrived today and passed our western border.”
Rumil narrowed his eyes. “O yes, I’ve heard of him. He’s to be a new scribe in the library. A dark haired elf from Imladris, so they say.”
Haldir raised his eyebrows and smiled. “Really? What else do they say?”
Rumil shrugged. “That’s he’s silent, in the way that he’s very talkative but doesn’t provide any information. And his posture is betraying. He looks like a warrior, but he already expressed a dislike to the weapons, so I doubt any of us stand a chance. And he’s to take a room near the library, with the grace of Galadriel herself. It was that kind action that started the flow, you know.”
Haldir nodded. “Well, I’m off.”

He stopped when Orophin called behind him. “Would you also pass through the market on your way back? We need new liquids and it has changed a lot since you left and perhaps you can find a leash for Ru… Au!”
Haldir shook his head. He needed not to turn around to see what was happening. They always did that.

He bowed when he saw his neighbours approach and he grinned when they rolled their eyes. “Aye, they’re at it again. Did they give you must trouble?”
The two other’s, a married couple, shook their heads. She smiled. “No more than usual. It still amazes me they are well trained guards from the border patrol.”
Her husband nodded. “Aye, real unbelievable once you know them. Glad to have you back, Haldir.” They grinned when the girl released a shriek and ran forward, already shouting things up. “Will you be back before dinner?”
Haldir grinned. “It’s my house, you know. And aye, I will. I’m looking forward to taste some real food again. Need I bring anything from the market?”
He shook his head. “Nay, just yourself.”

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Celeborn rushed forward when Galadriel released a strangled yelp. “Love, what is it?”
She looked at him dotingly. Though she long ago stopped wondering about it, her love for him grew daily and today was no different. /I am so fortunate to have you./
She sighed and shook her head. “I know not, dearest. I felt a pain, near my heart, but it isn’t my own. I can’t explain it.”

Celeborn raised his eyebrows and she shook her head again. “I think you stayed too long with Elrond last time. I’ve never seen you raise your eyebrows before your last vacation.”
He shrugged. “Aren’t I allowed to change once every ten millennia? But that’s not the point here. Come, let me help you up and I insist you sit and stay there until the healer has arrived to examine you.”
She opened her mouth to protest, but seeing his concern killed the words in her throat.
He smiled, knowing she’d subsided and carefully helped her to her chair. “I shall be back in a moment. Now stay put!”

He ran off, highly concerned for his wife, and left her to her thoughts. They did not have a chance of straying too far; the healer was swiftly found and upon learning the lady might be ill he’d ran over faster than Celeborn.

He panted slightly when he bowed before her. “What is the nature of your indisposition, milady?”
Galadriel rolled her eyes at his wordings, but told the tale again. “I felt a sudden, sharp pain near my heart, but it wasn’t mine. And don’t ask me to explain, I can’t.”
The healer nodded and looked at Celeborn in high concern for a moment, but all too soon his features smiled. “This is highly unusual. Near the heart…..” He sat down in deep thought and didn’t move until he knew the answer. But that would not be for a while.
Galadriel and Celeborn knew the pose and were content with waiting.

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Haldir knocked pely ely before entering and bowed respectfully before his lord and lady.
She smiled most warmly at him. “Haldir, how I’ve missed you. What brings you here? Pleasure, I hope?”
Haldir returned her smile, but shook his head. “Nay, my lady, business, though coming here is always a great pleasure.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Haldir, really. You need not flatter us or sweet talk us into anything. We already love you dearly.”
Celeborn nodded his consent. “What is it? Have you found anything out?”
Haldir nodded and looked at the healer in double concern; worry for their health, for why else would the healer be there?, and anxiousness about his report.

Celeborn’s heart warmed at the display of those emotions on Haldir’s face and his smile widened. “Speak freely.”
Haldir nodded. “Well, thanks to her lady rumours are already growing. It helped me to get the information I needed, otherwise I would not know where to go in order to find them true. He’s supposed to be from Imladris and he certainly did come from that direction. But it is more likely he came on that road long after Imladris, for Lord Elrond would never allow an elf to travel alone, let alone one that cannot fight and carries no weapons.”
Galadriel nodded. “Just the same I think it wise to ask information from him; see if he can tell us more about Mistalas.”
Celeborn nodded. “I can far speak, if you want?” She nodded, too eager to find the answer to the many questions on her mind concerning this strange elf.

She looked at Haldir while her husband was busy. “I’ve already asked Thrilmaldur to look after him, but maybe you can do so too? You are certainly more perceptive than he is. And you know the rumours, which he doesn’t.”

Haldir nodded his consent and turned to leave, only to turn again when Celeborn released a wail, which aroused the healer. Haldir was beside his lord before even Galadriel. All three looked at him in obvious concern.

Celeborn waved it away. “Forgive me, I was unprepared for this. There is much trouble and turmoil at our son’s home, Galadriel. His mind is clouded by grief, new and old, I dared not approach him with this, so I made contact with Erestor. He informed me there never was such an elf. He also asked me to keep an eye out for a warrior named Coirëhón. Apparently Elladan and he had a fall out and he left.”
Galadriel sighed, obviously relieved. “That will not be long. Friends always make up after a fall out.”
Celeborn shook his head. “Nay, they were lovers. In secret, according to Erestor.”

They would have been able to connect the dots right there and then had not the healer screamed in glee, forcing their attention towards him. “That’s it! That has to be it! It’s Elladan’s pain you feel, my lady.”
The three others looked amazed and puzzled but the healer nodded. “Elladan is your grandson and you are extremely fond of him. It would explain this sudden, sharp attack near the heart. It isn’t your heart and pain, but Elladan’s you feel.”
Celeborn sighed. “I shall keep an eye on things there. And if it doesn’t improve soon I will ask them to come over. Maybe it will do them good.”

He saw Haldir’s gloomy expression and smiled reassuringly at him. “Be off, you are onatioation now, of duty. Go do what it is you normally do.”

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Translations:

Istan man quettuvat means : I know what you will say

The note:
Aiya, apsenat nin, nan nás ú lú yassen quettë sina ten. Means : Aiya, forgive me, but there’s not much time in which to tell this to you.
Hlarnën er sí Elladan coluvaro nauvassërya arwa ron irë entúlaro. Means : I heard only now Elladan is to bring his bride with him when he returns. (nauvassërya = nauva + vassë + rya)
Elrohir tírarero varnavë sina tenna nar arë Elladanenen. Means : Elrohir is seeing her safely here till they’re met by Elladan.
Naicëtya ná nin. Means : I feel your pain. (lit. your pain is mine)

Ránëlassë means : wandering leaf
Mistalas means : wandering leaf (Sindarin)

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End chapter two
TBC