When least expected

Chapter 20 happy news

Elrond threw open the door that separated him from his youngest son and he marched in, determined to see him.
Erestor immediately grabbed his shoulders and gently shook h“Elr“Elrond, please calm down. Be at peace for Elrohir needs you strong and clearheaded.” When Erestor’s words entered Elrond’s mind he indeed calmed down and sighed. Before he could voice his worries Erestor released him and stepped aside, allowing Elrond to see his son.

Elladan brushed past them and rushed to the bed. He cradled his twin close. “Elrohir, tornnyat nín, man carinë carte?” He had no doubt that these were self-inflicted wounds. Tears rolled freely from his eyes. He looked beggingly at his father, begging him to order Elrohir into sanity. Elrond approached and sat down as well, reaching out to touch both his sons. Elladan slumped against


Glorfindel, who’s face was set in determination, broke the silence that had settled. “Elladan, carit ista man ëa mi morolori? Somehow they are the key to all of this.”
Elladan did not respond, he was unwilling to let f hif his father. At the moment he felt secure and safe. Elrond felt the grip tighten around him as if Elladan was clinging to life and he returned the gesture, letting his son know he wasn’t alone.
“Elladan?!” Hearing Erestor’s voice Elladan’s tear-streaked face rose and locked with the advisor’s, whose eyes were set in compassion and understanding even though silent questions were present in them as well. Elladan shrugged. “Don’t know. He never confided into anyone. I hoped ata’da could have helped him. And now….” He threw himself at his father again. “Ni úméra lencaro.”
Elrond petted his hair, knowing it would calm Elladan down. “Istan, ion-nín. Ni veti. Ar úvalmë!” His mind was working again and at top speed. /This is about Celebrían. He never got over her leaving. But why did he not join us in Valinor?/ He knew he was missing something, but what?

Elladan looked up again. “He no longer knows joy, ata. Envinyaroa says he lives in his own world.” Elrond looked at the healer who nodded. “Aye, he does. I still haven’t been able to find a name or a remedy for it, I’m afraid. He will go into a zombie-state, if he doesn’t kill himself first.” He regretted his words when Elladan broke down again.

Erestor had been taking everything in and had come to the same conclusion as Elrond but he also knew Elrohir would never sail for Valinor for he was tied to this world. /And that’s not enough reason for him to do this. No, something else happened lately which prompted this./ “Elladan, can you please tell us what happened lately?” He ignored the questioning looks the others threw him and continued. “For instance, what happened before you and Elrohir got separated?”
Elladan’s face contorted but then a smile broke through. “Celeborn was comatose and Envinyaroa said we needed to get father here. So Orophin and I went to get father. Elrohir was ordered to stay and help the patrol.”
Erestor nodded. “So Orophin delivered the news that got you separated?”
Envinyaroa shook his head. “No, I did. Orophin was with them. I shouldn’t have split the two of you up, Elladan, I am sorry.”
Erestor’s eyes sparkled. “What were you three talking about?”
Elrond recognized the look in Erestor’s eyes. /He’s plotting again. Can it be he has seen something I missed? Wouldn’t be the first time./ Elladan cradled himself closer to his father and his twin. He needed to feel them both. But he was unsure on how to answer. Envinyaroa read his troubles and decided to answer for him. “This is not something that can leave this room.”

Only when he had everybody’s promise did he continue, answering the grateful look Elladan threw his way.
“It all started when Lady Galadriel left these shores. Lord Celeborn missed her more than any would have thought possible. We practically begged him to sail as well but he refused. And I understand, these woods are his home, his life and he would not be parted from it. All knew and understood that, but at the same time none would helplessly see him fade. He knew that and decided to take our chance away. He tried to kill himself and it’s only thanks to Haldir he survived.
“After that Haldir had become his ghost and all turned normal. And that’s what he wanted us to believe. After sending Haldir and his brothers away Celeborn locked himself in his rooms, accepting his fate to fade. Fortunately the three brothers had returned on time and with Rielle’s help they managed to keep him here. It was this that Orophin had told Elladan and Elrohir.”
Glorfindel frowned. He still missed something. “Why?”
Elrond shot him a dangerous glare. “Because that’s why he became comatose, Glorfindel. He had been to weak to live for more than himself and far-speak at the same time.” Elrond rolled his eyes. “You can be so dense sometimes.” Glorfindel didn’t reply, knowing Elrond didn’t mean it. He was angry about the situation. When things became too irritating Elrond needed to vent and aim his anger at an innocent and that innocent usually was Glorfindel.

Erestor broke the sudden silence. “At least it brought an idea to Elrohir. If he no longer carries love or hope towards this world, than why live in a unreal one when there are easier ways of leaving this one?”
This set of Elrond’s determination. He rose, pulling Elladan up with him. “That’s it. We don’t leave him alone for a second. Elladan, come with me, we’re going to check on Haldir and Celeborn. Erestor will not let Elrohir slip away from him, will you, meldir?”
Erestor shook his head and his face was set in a silent promise that Elrond and Elladan easily read. If Elrohir wanted to get away from Erestor, he would have to fight him.

The healer sat back down, he was tired and needed to stay with Elrohir.
After some caresses Elrond and Elladan left. As they walked past the door, where Glorfindel aimlessly stood, Elrond pulled him along, nearly making the elda lose his balance. Within seconds Glorfindel was in place behind them, understanding Elrond wanted him with them.

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“Here, you need to drink this. It will strengthen you both.” Orophin said as he handed his brother and his lord their cups of herbal tea. Not relenting their hold on each other they took them and obediently drank it’s contents.
Celeborn closed his eyes as the tea’s perfume mixed with Haldir’s. “Er hólat ve aldar. Ni orë.” Haldir chuckled and kissed his lover on the head. “And you always manage to smell like a small purling river in Spring. How do you do that being locked inside all day?” Instead of answering Celeborn cuddled closer.
At the moment he felt absolutely content and at peace. Somewhere in the back of his mind he realised he had never felt like this with Galadriel, but it didn’t matter now.

A soft, but urgent knock made three pairs of eyes flash towards the door.
Orophin rose and headed to answer it. He smiled when he saw Elrond and Elladan standing there. And his smile widened when he saw Glorfindel. /Better get it over with./ “Lords Elrond and Elladan, please come in. Lord Glorfindel, might I have a word in with you?”
He intended to ask the golden-haired elda his help in organizing the security but before Glorfindel could not his assent Elrond had interrupted. “It will have to wait a while Orophin. I want you here.” He really did not want Glorfindel to leave but he would never say that. Orophin inclined his head and followed them back inside.

Haldir had been tempted to stand and disentangle himself from his lover but Celeborn had tightened his hold and cuddled even closer. ’t e’t even think about it. If they can’t handle seeing us like this, they can leave.” His voice promised wrath if indeed they didn’t approve.
But Elrond and Elladan smiled at what they saw.

Elrond sat himself in front of them. “Mae Govannen, mellyn-nín. How fare you today?”
Celeborn smiled at him. “I’m fine. And Orophin tells me I owe it all to you.” Seeing Elrond reminded him of why he had reached out to him in the first place and he sat up. “Elrohir. Where is Elrohir?!” There was barely concealed panic in his voice.
Elrond immediately placed his hands on his shoulders. “Calm yourself, Elrohir is all right. For now.”
Celeborn’s eyes flashed in anger. “Man carilcen an sí?”
Elrond swallowed. He recognised Celebrían’s moods in Celeborn’s and wondered if his father-in-law would become just as unpredictable. “He tried to kill himself. It is fortunate Rumil found him in time. We won’t leave him alone again, Erestor himself is guarding hnd ynd you know how hard it is to ditch him.”
Suddenly Celeborn’s laughter filled the room. “Aye, istan. I myself spent many hours just trying to find a second to run away to a spot where he wouldn’t find me. I never did find such a place though.”

Haldir cocked his head. He had never known Celeborn had been in Lindon, nor had he known about Erestor living there. His eyes twinkled in amusement and a little glint of mischief was in them. Celeborn saw and gave him an inquisitive look. Haldir raised his shoulders. He lovingly rubbed Celeborn’s growing belly when he answered. “I was merely thinking to make Erestor the nanny. If this one is anything like you we’re going to need him.”
“I hope not, it’s better it takes after you. Which reminds me. Elrond, I have two questions. One: are you guys planning on staying? And two: do you know the gender?”
Elrond smiled. “The answer to both your questions is yes. We don’t intent to ever return to Valinor.” He accepted the hug Elladan gave him and when his son ‘climbed’ on his lap Elrond pulled him close. He understood and shared Elladan’s need.

Haldir cleared his throat. He did not want to brake father and son apart, but he wanted to know whether they should start working on girl names or boy’s.
Elrond nodded and was relieved he had given this some thought beforehand. “Well, I think the reason you were so exhausted isn’t just the result of the previous happenings. Celeborn, re ere expecting twins.” Haldir’s eyes widened and if he hadn’t such a good hold on his lover Celeborn would have fallen off the bed. “A boy and a girl.”

Every one in the room made happy sounds and Orophin squished his brother. “Wait till I tell Rumil we’re getting a nephew -and- a niece.” He rushed out immediately.
Glorfindel approached the bed. “Congratulations, my lord, Haldir. I am sure health, beauty and wisdom will accompany them both.” Haldir voiced his gratitude Cel Celeborn could do naught but nod, happy tears shining in his eyes.
Elrond rose and silently added some sleeping potion to the tea. He handed Celeborn a cup. “Drink this. You need your rest.” After obediently emptying the mug Celebron sagged back to the bed, letting sleep wash over him. They all smiled as they saw the possessive hold he had on Haldir’s wrist.

Elrond made contact with the guardian. “Do you also need some?” Haldir shook his head. “No, I will guard him.” Elrond inclined his head and ushered the others to the door but turned before leaving. “I totally forgot. Haldir, Celeborn will have to have a talk with Elrohir. It was his actions that brought the idea into his head. But that can wait, Erestor is a good guardian so please don’t worry him over that just yet. Give him some time to become emotionally more stable.” Haldir nodded his understanding and promised not to wait too long. He also had to promise to see Elrond later if his wrist was sore.

Once outside Elrond looked at Elladan and Glorfindel. “Come Elladan, you will show us the woods. I fear too much has changed for us to recognize it and not get lost.” “What about a nice picnic? Rielle makes the best treats ever, ata.”
Elrond looked at Glorfindel. The blond understood his opinion was asked. “That sounds absolutely fantastic, Elladan, but Orophin wanted to talk to me and I think I better do that first. But go ahead, and when the talk is over, I’ll come and join you, if that’s alright?” He could have postponed talking to Orophin for a little longer but he felt Elladan and Elrond needed some moments alone and this was a perfect excuse. So while he went in search for Haldir’s brothers Elrond and Elladan headed for the kitchen.

End chapter 20
TBC

Translations:
Elrohir, tornnyat nín, man carinë carte? Means Elrohir, my twin-brother, what have you done?
Elladan, carit ista man ëa mi morolori ? Means Elladan, do you know what his nightmares are about?
Ni aváméra lencaro. Means I don’t want to lose him
Istan, ion-nín. Ni veti. Ar úvalmë! means I know, my son. Neither do I. And we wont!
Er hólat ve aldar. Ni orë. Means Still you smell like the trees. I like (it).
Mae Govannen, mellyn-nín. Means Wel met my friends (Sindarin)
Man carilcen an sí? Means What do you mean for now?