Against all odds2: Work it out

Chapter three Advice and spying

Haldir smileen Ren Rumil entered the room, glad the other seemed happy. But he could not help wondering why he was alone. “Aren’t you supposed to be with Glorfindel?”
Rumil smiled and blushed a little, feeling guilty. “No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be. It’s just that I’ve seen so little of you and Phin lately, I started to feel guilty.”
Haldir shook his head, jumped up and instantly hugged his brother tight. “Don’t! We understand and welcome it. So how are things going?”
Rumil smiled and happily told his brother everything.

He saddened by the thought of abandoning his brother. And only now did he realise Orophin wasn’t there. “Where’s Phin?”
Haldir shrugged. “Out riding. You know staying indoors without company drives him absolutely nuts.”
Rumil nodded. “You and Phin can go home if you want to.”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, I can’t.” Rumil frowned and Haldir blushed a bit. “Promise you won’t tell and if you let Glorfindel know make sure he knows to keep his mouth shut.”

He sighed. “Legolas and Elrohir are looking for a mate for Thranduil.”
Rumil widened his eyes and looked disbelieving. He realised Haldir was completely serious. “Are they tired of life?”
Haldir grinned. “Nay, but they do drive Thranduil to the brink of insanity. He does not need this, Ru.”
Rumil shrugged. “So? What’s that got to do with you?”
Haldir sighed and closed his eyes. “I don’t know how or even why it happened but I’ve agreed to play his suitor. To keep them of his back. I’ve been sparring with him for the last three days now. I’m the perfect elf for the job.”
Rumil laughed at his wordings and cocked his head. “But I don’t think it will work, brother. There has to be some sort of affection between the two of you or Legolas and Elrohir will notice. Don’t forget their magic.”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, but their magic is between them. I doubt they can use it to see through .” .”

He frowned and hesitated to continue, but did so anyway. “But I do need help. He said he’s romantic. How do I court a romantic person?”
Rumil grinned. “And you want to know because…?”
Haldir rolled his eyes. “Because I want to do this properly and good. Even though it is merely a charade it has to look real.”
Rumil sighed, knowing his brother was determined to do this and do it well. He rubbed his nose and sighed. “I’m not extremely romantic either, but I think Lindir is. But no, you can’t ask him or Elladan will hear and that means Elrohir eventually will know too. Nay, other option.”

Suddenly he grinned and nodded. “Erestor!”
Haldir frowned. “Counsellor Erestor?”
Rumil nodded. “Do you know any other?” He grinned. “Erestor is perfect. I am sure he will want to help you, advise you. He’s hopelessly romantic and Elrond is too, come to think of it. Remember how he’s courted Celebrían. With them aiding you, Thranduil will be swept of his play-acting feet.”
Haldir actually laughed at the words and nodded.

He hugged his brother in thanks. “I shall ask for their advice, though I deem it best not to tell them who and why. And you, please keep it to yourself.”
Rumil nodded. “Aye, I shall. I will not even tell Glorfindel.” His eyes filled with love and warmth. “I never thought he would love me, but he does. He really does.”
Haldir nodded. “Orophin already saw you kiss three times.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “But please don’t let him interrupt while you two are at it. So lock the door.”
Rumil blushed but nodded. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
Haldir nodded. “Aye, at dinner.”

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Thranduil stood before the mirror, wondering about himself and everything that’s happ lat lately.

First there were the children, eager to find him a mate. He still doesn’t see the need for a mate and as he looked at his reflection he sighed regretfully. It was so obvious he was old and withered. Who would take him? /And even if they would consider me, one look at Legolas and Elrohir and they run away. I could never match their love./
A lone tear crept across his cheek and he sighed, feeling lonely.

He grinned when he remembered hiding in the three like a child. Not so long ago, for him, it was the other way around and he’d be looking for Legolas.

And then there was this Warden, who’d agreed to aid him. No, who’s suggested it in the first place. Thranduil wondered why. And thinking back he even doubted his decision when he accepted. /There’s no way he’ll go through with it. / But he wanted him to. He really wanted him to. He tried hard to ignore it, but he could not. He knew the soul reason for accepting Haldir’s help in this was his desire to be courted by him. But now he was in danger of losing his heart to him. /Aiya, Legolas, the dangers you bring me./

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Orophin smiled as his steed sped up, allowing the wind to blow through his lose hair, making it fan behind him. Both horse and rider enjoyed this.

Orophin had long ago given up on going somewhere special and no allowed the horse to dictate their course. He noticed it went towards the waterfall and nodded his approval. The direct surroundings there were always extremely beautiful and pleasant. He would like it there.

Suddenly there was a noise and he halted the horse, straining his ears to catch more sounds, trying hard to determine it. He heard the sound again, but could not determine its origin or nature. /It can’t be an orc or something else evil or the trees would have alerted me. But I’d better go check it out and be cautious./

He told the horse to remain behind as he silently crept forwards.
The heavy vegetation ensured his invisibility and he smiled as he slowly stalked into the direction the sounds were coming from.

Suddenly the green bushes gave way and he stared straight into the lake at the bottom of the waterfall. He smiled in silent appreciation; it was exquisite in beauty.
His eyes now sought out the waterfall and he narrowed his eyes, forcing them to see their best, to discern the identical drops of white foam the falling water made as it collided with the lake. He found it extremely beautiful but wondered why it didn’t make a sound. Did it have something to with Elrond? He mentally made a note to ask the Peredhel.

Still adoring the view he gasped when an elf suddenly emerged from the water. His eyes widened as the mysterious stranger slowly shook his head, to rid his ears of the water, turned and waded towards the waterfall.
Orophin wanted to look away for he felt voyeuristic, but his eyes were glued to the perfect body, moving so elegantly. Each drop of water that slowly slid down the elf’s body made Orophin feel warm inside. /Nay, I cannot be lusting after him. I don’t even know him./
He sighed longingly as the stranger stepped under the waterfall and turned yet again, giving him full view of his front. /Beautiful! Not even the Valar could look more beautiful than you, my sweet stranger./

Soft noises behind him nearly made him jump, but he realised that would give him away and he only turned his head. He nearly groaned when he saw his mount moving towards another. If he let it happen his presence would be known as well. Normally he wouldn’t mind, and he certainly wouldn’t mind meeting the elf in more normal circumstances, but now he wanted nothing more than to remain hidden.

He silently rushed to his horse and turned it round, but not without casting one last look at grace personified. When out of hearing he jumped on and ordered it to speed and to turn home. He needed his brothers.

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On his way to the chambers belonging to Elrond and Erestor Haldir changed his mind. If he went to Lindir and played his role to perfection it would aid him. He was sure the minstrel would tell Elladan, who undoubtedly would tell his twin, about his desire to court someone properly. And wLegoLegolas found out about him courting his father he would also shortly hear about his talk to Lindir. Smirking, the warrior turned and marched to the rooms the minstrel lived in.

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Lindir groaned when there was a knock on the door. And Elladan wasn’t there to answer it. Even though Elrond’s medication lessened his pain, it did not kill it and he felt it especially when he moved about. He growled angrily and carefully rose, hissing when the now familiar pain attacked him.

He threw open the door and glared and Haldir. “Meratyë man?” His voice was sharp and angry.
Haldir frowned, but smiled. “I was hoping you could give me some advice.”
Lindir narrowed his eyes and his lips became thin. “No. Autat sí!”
Haldir shook his head. “Lindir, please hear me out. I really need your council. I… I want to court someone, but I’m not exactly romantic and you are, so would you please advice me on how to proceed?” He gave his puppy dog eyes and looked beggingly at the pregnant male.

Lindir growled again and walked back to his chair. “I suppose so, if I must.”
Haldir smiled and entered after him. “Is there anything you want me to do?”
Lindir nodded. “Sit!”
Haldir instantly obeyed. He hadn’t had much experience with pregnant elves, but he figured instant obedience was the safest way.
Lindir cocked his head. “Who is it? O, doesn’t matter. Male or female? Doesn’t matter either.” He shook his head and growled again. “You’d better write this down for I am not saying this again.” He narrowed his lips when Haldir didn’t move to get ink and paper. His look told enough and the warrior hurried to get the necessary. Telling Lindir he would remember was not the wisest to say right now. He sat down, quill at the ready and looked hopeful.

Lindir nodded, pleased again. The tantrum that was building inside him now vanished and he smiled at the eager warrior. He wondered who claimed his heart, but decided not to ask. He knew Haldir would not tell him. /As if anybody tells me anything./

He snuffed and concentrated on Haldir. “Bear gifts often, and I do mean often! A lot of small presents mean more than one large, got that, Warden?”
He smiled when Haldir nodded. “Bouquets of his, is it a he?, favourite flower, small trinkets like necklaces, rings, belts, such things. I am sure you can image that yourself. Surprise him, it is a he, isn’t it?, with a dinner, consisting only of his favourite dishes. Make sure you know the following, Haldir: favourite colour, favourite dish, drink, flower, tree, smell, pass time, but above all: you!”
He rolled his eyes when Haldir looked puzzled. “Haldir, really. You want to court someone, you need to make sure you look at your best. Do I have to spell everything out for you?”
He sighed heavily and rearranged his pillows. “Fine, let’s continue. Bring those gifts at the weirdest times: whenever it is necessary, Haldir, and not only on the weekend or at nightfall. Bring some excitement into it, some mystery and anticipation. Each of your actions must show your love and the depth thereof.”
He nodded and closed his eyes. “Complements are also very important. Always find new ways to voice them, don’t repeat one you uttered only yesterday. It might become boring if you do. And what else can I tell you?”
He nodded. “Yes, be yourself and don’t overdo it.”

He smiled warmly at the blushing warrior. “Was tall all you wanted to know?”
Haldir blinked and stared at the words, now glad he had written it down. He watered his lips before voicing his thoughts. “I’m not sure where to start. I can’t possibly do everything at once. It would look unbelievable, wouldn’t it. A bit embarrassing, maybe.”
Lindir flared up, ignoring his pain as he did so. “Embarrassing? Embarrassing? What do you know about romance, Haldir? Nothing! And love? You want to show your love to someone? This is the way to proceed. And if you don’t want others to know, you’re not really in love, but merely lusting and I will not help you lure an unsuspecting soul into your bed. Autat! Sí!” His eyes flared dangerously.
Haldir instantly backed away, keeping a safe distance between them. “Peace, Lindir. Int ent embarrassing for him. Not for me. Too much at once might embarrass him, I think. Or am I wrong, Lindir? You do know more about it than I do, that’s why I came to you.” He could see his words had effect and the pregnant elf calmed down again and now smiled warmly.

Lindir closed his eyes and sighed before opening them again. “Forgive me, Haldir, I know not what is wrong with me.”
Haldir smiled. “You’re pregnant and are bound to make us all jump and run for you soon. It’s all right. But please advice me more.”
Lindir nodded and sat back down. “It’s simple really. Find out what he wants and make sure to give it. But even more importantly than everything I said so far: be there for him. Like Elladan is there for me and Legolas for Elrohir.”
Haldir sighed. “But you’re all married and bound and such. I am about to court someone who might not even have any interest in me.” He knew it was a blatant lie, for Thranduil knew of the scheme, but he could not let Lindir know.
Lindir shrugged. “So take a gamble. And if there’s another suitor, fight.”

Haldir nodded. “Thank you, Lindir, you are really kind. Is there anything I can do for you? Get you some water perhaps? Or something else. So you don’t have to get up.”
Lindir’s eyes flared with anger and he hit the warden. “I am not a flower, soldier. Get out!”

Haldir knew it was serious and instantly left, smiling warmly when he saw Elladan approaching. “I think your husband is having a mood swing, Elladan.”
Elladan widened his eyes, but Haldir couldn’t determine whether it was horror or amusement that caused it.

He sighed and looked at the large list in his hand. /All right, Haldir, start courting. And Legolas will have to know./
He frowned as he thought. He instantly dismissed the permission note, since Legolas would look through that. No, he had to stay himself and yet become romantic at the same time. This was harder than he had instantly thought it would be.
/Flowers! I shall make sure he gets a really large bouquet of flowers and I should write a nice notego wgo with it. But what do I put in it?/ He shrugged and ignored it for now.
He now had a plan. First he would get the flowers for the bouquet and then he would write the note. Maybe the flowers would inspire him?
/And I need a scarf or something to present the flowers and keep them together. In Thranduil’s colour. But what’s his favourite?/ As hard as he went over the conversations he’s had with the king, or about him, he did not know. /Well, since I do not know that, I might use the colour he wears the most. Which is light purple. It does suit his eyes, but so would dark blue. Hmm, maybe…/

As he walked on he altered and tuned his plan.

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Ecthelion smiled and pulled his mount to a halt. “Look, Larcaquen, we’ve arrived. This is Imladris. There’s the waterfall and that means we only have an hours ride ahead of us.”

Now that he was here he wondered about his decision to look up his old love. He still doubted the wisdom in it, but there had been no more excuse to put it off.

And why else was he still alone? Why else hadn’t he still found a suitable mate or lover? It must be because he was still meant for Glorfindel.
Part of him was glad, but a larger part felt immensely saddened. He had changed too much to interest the blond again and he knew Glorfindel was almost unchanged, all the stories had said so. Or were they merely talking about his looks and not his character?

Ecthelion sighed and started moving again.

His horse stopped of his own accords when they reached the lake and Ecthelion smiled. “Oh, Larcaquen, you know me so well. I am glad Cirdan gave you to me to keep.”
The horse nuzzled his shoulder, showing his agreement and appreciation.

Ecthelion quickly stripped and dove beneath the surface. The water was refreshing and he kept diving, enjoying the feel of being fully emerged. After the last time he came up to dry himself so he shook his head to get rid of the water in his ears.
But the warmth of the water made him reluctant to leave and he turned to take a shower under the waterfall. It felt even better than swimming.

Suddenly his horse whinnied and he searched the surroundings, his eyes widening when he saw an elf leading another horse away from him. /Who are you?/
As if to answer him the elf turned his head and looked directly at him.
No, Ecthelion realised, the elf was looking not at him but at his body. /How long has the other been there? Long enough to know where to look, where I would stand. Has he watched me?/
He frowned when that thought arose him rather than make him angry. He’s chased enough elves for doing just that, but now he wanted the other to return and continue.

He sat down and frowned.

Suddenly his eyes widened, realising he could tell every detail about the other elf’s clothes and face already. And that with only a second of seeing him. Ecthelion groaned, realising this could only mean one thing. He was in love.
/But I don’t even know him. Will I ever see him again? Is he even from Imladris? And is he available?/ He groaned. “How to find my answers? How?”

He dressed himself in a hurry, as if he could catch his mystery elf. His whole being has changed in just one second and now he was even more hesitant to meet up with Glorfindel. /What if he’s still in love with me? How can I give him what we had when I yearn another? A stranger even. Is he my destined lover?/
He instantly knew the answer and closed his eyes. “I will have to find him and learn everything about him. I have to.”

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Translations:
Meratyë man? Means : what do you want?
Autat sí! Means : Now go!
Larcaquen means : Swift one

TBC