melme Colle (or: hidden love)

Chapter twenty Eavesdropping

Elladan frowned when he heard a well known footfall down the corridor. He swiftly hurried to the door and frowned again when his vision proved his ears correct.

Elrond smiled warmly at his eldest. “Elladan, don’t look so surprised.”
The twin smiled and hugged his father. “Well, I am. You’ve stayed far away from the study these last years. I thought you had given up. I can handle it, adar.”
Elrond smiled warmly. “I have no doubt you can, but Erestor told me things are worse than I held possible. People working side-ways isn’t the proper way to run a realm. Especially not mine.”
Elladan shrugged. “His advice is sound. We should make up a complete new staff and hierarchy.” He sighed. “But how can we do that when Thranduil is stuck to the healing room and Celeborn refuses to leave Haldir’s side.”

Elrond frowned when he saw sadness seep into Elladan’s eyes. He leaned in closer and locked their eyes. “What upsets you?”
Elladan sighed. “We think ata’da is in love with Haldir and Ro doesn’t approve.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “He is. I shall talk to your twin myself. There are certain things he should know before making his decision.”
Elladan smiled and leaned closer, enjoying having his father close. “I’m worried for you, adar. You should not be alone either.”

Elrond lowered his eyes and sighed. Should he tell Elladan? He shook his head and decided against it. It wasn’t like he was going to act upon it. Even if Orophin loved him and even if he might have feelings for him, which Elrond had to admit he did, it didn’t matter. He would lose it just the same.

He shook his head to clear it and smiled at Elladan. “Well, Legolas can represent Mirkwood and I shall ask Orophin if he knows a suitable…” He stopped speaking.

He had just seen said elf walk by and smiled warmly before raising his voice. “Orophin! Do you have a moment?”
The warrior entered and smiled warmly at Elladan. “Always. Where’s your twin, Elladan?”
Elladan grinned. “Reeking havoc at our own borders.”
Orophin laughed warmly. “Well, there’s no danger here.”

Seeing Elrond’s puzzled expression he smiled and swiftly explained. “During one of their visits when they were young Elrohir decided he wanted to help protect the realm and followed the patrol to the borders. None was aware and we all spend hours looking for him. Ask Celeborn the details for I wasn’t there. I returned from another patrol and was immediately asked to track him down. Haldir and I found him at the borders where he was being every bit the little lord.”
He snickered as the memory came back. “The patrol had finally realised an elfling had followed them and they had brought him to the small talan and were about to send a message when Elrohir threw a tantrum. They did not know what to hold for truth or what to do. It’s a good thing we showed up when we did or we would have had to rebuild it.”
Elrond laughed and shook his head.

He drew Elladan closer. “You must have been worried sick.”
Elladan shrugged and leaned in. “It’s in the past.”
Elrond shook his head still. “And there I was thinking you were the trouble maker.”
Elladan grinned and sighed contented.
Orophin was pleased his tale had brought happiness.

Elrond closed his eyes and sighed before opening them again and locking them with Orophin’s. “We need to have a council with all realms present. Legolas can step in for his father, but do you perhaps know who can replace Celeborn. I doubt he will leave your brother’s side.” He smiled warmly at the thought. “Someone who knows all your counsellors and scribes.”
Understanding dawned on Orophin and he nodded. “I’m afraid I don’t. But I do have a suggestion.” He smiled. “Ru and I can take his place after we’ve asked him his opinion. He can tell us the strengths and weaknesses of all of them. And we did deal with some of them on occasion.”
Elrond rubbed the brink of his nose before he nodded. “It is the best solution. Elladan shall accompany you. And check Haldir’s progress while you’re there.”
Elladan nodded and stood to follow Orophin out.

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Erestor sighed as he watched Legolas and Gimli banter. He liked the Dwarf. Maybe he could aid him now as well? He shook his head. That was highly unlikely for that meant leaving them alone. He snickered. In a short time the Dwarf has proven himself a great friend.

“Master Gimli, may I have a word?”
Gimli instantly hurried towards him. “What can I get you, counsellor?”
Erestor smiled warmly and shook his head. “Nothing. For now.”
He pulled Gimli closer to whisper in his ear. “I want you to find some scented candles, preferably with the smell of lilies. Also the most beautiful roses you can find and as much as you can carry. Elrond will not mind. Now, what did I forget?” He smiled. “Oh yes, see if you can borrow the wind harp for me.”
Gimli frowned. “And what am I supposed to do with that stuff? Just place it in your room or do you want me to create a seductive atmosphere?”
Erestor laughed. “I would go for romantic, but nay; just leave it there and keep Legolas occupied for half an hour after dinner.”
Gimli grinned and nodded. “I shall get you your stuff and keep laddy away, but I’d hurry if I were you. I don’t know if I’ll be able to hold him for that long.”
Erestor nodded and smiled warmly as the Dwarf walked away.

Legolas now approached and sat down, his eyes questioning. “Love, what did you say to him? I had no idea you spoke Khazdul?”
Erestor laughed and his eyes twinkled. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
Legolas smiled and lost himself in those eyes. “Every day I learn more about you and every day you become more mysterious. I can’t wait to see how mysterious you’ll be in ten years.”

He rested his head on Erestor’s lap and sighed contented. “Everything is perfect.”
Erestor laughed and shook his head. “I wouldn’t let your father hear that, Legolas. Not everything is perfect. Both he and Haldir are in the healing house, as is Glorfindel. Haldir is busy rejecting Celeborn, who does love him and Elrohir disapproves; Elrond is too blind to see Orophin’s love and if he does he’s too scared to act upon it. On the organizing level things are a mess. And I’m an emotional mess. So everything is far from perfect.”
Legolas shrugged. “But this moment; us, here, this is -absolutely- perfect.”
Erestor smiled and he caressed Legolas’ scalp with is fingers. “I have work to do tonight. Since I have to take it slow I cannot do it now, but it needs to be done before tomorrow, so I will have to do it after dinner. I’ve asked Gimli to keep you company.”
Legolas looked up and beamed. “I shall walk the gardens with him.”

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Orophin smiled at his brother as they walked inside the stables. “You know, Ru, I never thought I would say it but I never want to return to the old ways.”
Rumil grinned. “Does this have anything to do with Elrond?” His eyebrows wiggled suggestively.
Orophin slapped his shoulder. “Careful, someone might hear.”
Rumil grinned. “I doubt these horses will tell your tale. So answer me already. No, don’t bother. I already know he’s the main reason you like it here so much. Has anything happened yet?”
Orophin blushed and entered the stable of his own mount. “You are right. I love him more than ever.” He sighed. “And no, nothing has happened and I don’t think it ever will.” He smiled warmly. “But I do have his trust, even more so than Glorfindel.”

Rumil grinned, but cocked his head when he detected a sadness from his brother that was new. “What’s happened?”
Orophin sighed, leaving the stable again. “I slipped, Ru. I voiced my love. I can only bless the Valar he hasn’t registered it, for I do believe he heard it.”
Rumil hugged his brother. “You don’t think he was already half asleep?”
Orophin shook his head. “Nay, I think he’s forgotten it. He was sleeping a re-energizing sleep.”
Rumil nodded and followed his brother out the stables.

Erestor blinked and stared after them. He shook his head and caressed his steed some more. “You see, Voronwië, I am always right. Elrond -is- too afraid.” He rested his head on the steed’s back and sighed, happy to be with him.
The horse turned his head and started pulling on the elf’s robe. Erestor grinned. “All right, mister impatience. Just a second.” Before long he retrieved the apple he has brought. “Here, this is for you.”

He left the stable and walked over to Yule, who whinnied in glee. She’s missed him. She happily rested her head on his shoulder and inhaled his scent.
Erestor smiled warmly. “It won’t be long before I can ride again, Yule, but I am sure Legolas and Gimli will accompany me.” He pulled back and caressed her nose. “Legolas will probably prefer his own horse, but would you mind carrying Gimli? For you should join us at any rate, I think.”
The mare whinnied and nuzzled his neck, making him grin. “I better go inside and see what Legolas is doing. And here’s your apple.” Yule instantly started munching and watched him go.

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Thranduil shook his head. “Legolas, please, I thought you would wait until I was healed?” The woodland elf grinned and his eyes shone with mirth as he watched his son rave. He let him, knowing it was his way to vent his excess energy now that he couldn’t ride or fight. He understood that having Erestor close the entire time and not do anything might be a little frustrating. So he understood Legolas had come here when Erestor had wanted to spend some time with his horses.

Thranduil had been pleased to see him enter the room, for it meant he no longer was alone. The healers had taken Glorfindel away for some tests and exercises. And now that he was alone in the bed he had to admit he hated it.

Suddenly there was a bemused voice from the door. “Be silent or I will ask you to leave.” The healer shook his head as he steered the blond seneschal inside. “I am sure even Lady Arwen can hear your words.”
Legolas pouted and sat down.

The healer helped Glorfindel get back in the bed, who sighed once he felt it. “I hope this won’t happen too often.”
The healer smiled. “Probably not. Thank you for cooperating.”
Glorfindel laughed warmly, both by the healer’s words and Thranduil’s instant embrace. “I’m being restrained by someone who doesn’t mind binding and gagging me. Of course I behave.”

He looked at the other elf. “And I really don’t hate you or the others. It’s just that…” He blushed and the healer laughed. “You are not the first warrior with an accidental wound. We’ve seen shame and wounded pride and though it usually doesn’t go hand in hand with your behaviour, we do understand.”
Glorfindel sighed and nodded, grateful for his words. “Thank you.”

He watched him leave and turned to face his bed partner. “And how are you?”
Thranduil shrugged. “Still not deaf.”
Legolas actually grinned at the words. “I’m sorry, adar, it’s just…”
Thranduil nodded and smiled. “It’s all right, ion-nín, I understand. And soon you can spar again and release your tension that way. And until then… I am right here.”

He sighed. “It seems I am immobilized at an inopportune moment. Luckily you can take my place. Do you need to know anything specific about anyone?”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay, I know your preferences and besides, it is mainly Imladris and Lorien elves.” He sighed. “The few from Mirkwood I am sure will become good assistants, but nothing more.”
Glorfindel grinned. “Give Melpomean some colleagues. It will lighten Erestor’s workload and therefore give him more free time.”
Thranduil grinned and nodded. “And you need to do something as well, Legolas.”
Legolas nodded and sighed. “I thought maybe I could help you teach others, Glorfindel. I do not wish to leave. Or else I will ask Elrond for an occupation.”
Glorfindel nodded and smiled in understanding. “I am sure we can arrange something. Why don’t you see Dagor? He makes the teaching schedules.”
Legolas grinned and rushed out, eager to find the elf.

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Elrond jumped up when the door to his study was flung open and an angered Erestor marched inside. “What do you think you are doing?”
Elrond frowned. “Begging your pardon?”
Erestor hovered above him and right now the Peredhel actually feared him. Seeing it made Erestor calm down and he sat. “Orophin! He told you he loves you and you just happily ignore it.”
Elrond lowered his eyes. “Erestor, please.”
Erestor shook his head and placed his hands over Elrond’s. “Nay, meldir, you cannot suffer any longer. Your salvation is right before you yet you push it away. I will not stand for that. Don’t make me a matchmaker, Elrond.”
Elrond widened his eyes and he sighed, remembering his own words millennia ago. “Aiya, Erestor, it is not that easy.”

He looked up when he saw the door open yet again and Elladan walk back in. The look in Erestor’s eyes told him this conversation would continue, even with the twin present. He sighed. “Elladan, can you leave us alone, please?”
The twin frowned but nodded and walked back out.

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Orophin steered Rumil towards the healing house and he shook his head. “Sometimes you are the child, Ru, and not me.” Hearing a snicker behind him made him turn and he smiled warmly at Elladan. “Hi there. Do you know where your father is?”
Elladan nodded. “In his study, working.”
Orophin sighed. “Oh.” He turned but Elladan held him back. “Is something wrong?”
Orophin shook his head. “Nay, nothing.”
Elladan pulled him along. “Just because he’s working doesn’t mean he won’t have time or would send you away. I shall see if he’s not too busy, all right.”

Orophin sighed as he was dragged along. Before he could stop him the twin had already entered the study. He frowned when he saw Elladan return swiftly.
Elladan grinned. “He’s talking to Erestor. And I’d say it’s important for he didn’t even give me a chance to speak. You can wait, but I don’t know how long they’ll be.”
Orophin smiled and turned to go, but hearing his name made him lean in closer, blushing as he felt himself trespassing.

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The second Elladan had left Erestor spoke. “What’s not easy? He loves you and you know you love him back, Elrond. You love Orophin.”
Elrond sighed and nodded. “I do, but I will not act upon it.” Erestor’s eyes and mouth narrowed and the Peredhel hurried to explain. “I do not wish to lose another. There’s no love for me in the future.”
Erestor growled. “There is in the present and it depends on you whether it is also there in the future. He’s not going to wait forever for you to get over your fears.”
Elrond looked at him sharply. “And how would he know? Did you speak to him?”
Erestor recognized the dangerous undercurrent and lowered his eyes. “Nay, of course not.” He sighed. “I’m worried about you, meldir. You’ve locked your heart and now that someone’s found the key you block the hole.”

He stood and walked to the other side of the table. “What are your plans?” He read them in Elrond’s eyes and shook his head. “You know very well things can’t continue as if nothing had happened.” He caressed Elrond’s hair and leaned in closer. “You heard his admission and whether you want to or not you will act differently because of that. Are you so desperate to protect yourself you would willingly hurt him?”
Elrond jumped up. “I would never…” His voice was laden with anger. His eyes blazed with fire. He would have continued hadn’t he seen Erestor’s sparkle but now he stilled his words and looked questioningly.
Erestor smiled. “This is the first time in millennia since I’ve seen this side of you. I’ve missed it.”

Elrond huffed and walked to the door to lean against it. “Why are you reminding me of Lindon?”
Erestor shook his head. “Not just Lindon, meldir, but -you- as well. The Elrond you’ve hidden away.” He grinned and sat down. “I’d say Orophin is having a positive effect on you. And you want to run away from that.” He shook his head in bewilderment.

Elrond growled and hit his fist against the door. “Don’t you understand? I can’t survive losing another loved one.”
Erestor jumped up. “HA!” Glee was shining from him. “So you admit you love him.”
Elrond snorted, realising he’s been played. “You know I do.”
Erestor walked closer and rested his hand on Elrond’s shoulder. “Why don’t you give yourself a chance at real love? A love returned?”

Elrond’s eyes narrowed. “Aiya, Erestor, I am supposed to be the brave, powerful lord and here I am, hiding in my study because I fear doing what you are doing.” He sighed. “And I did not even suffer your pain.” He realised his slip up and covered his mouth.
Erestor cocked his head and nodded. “Gimli or the twins?”
Elrond sighed. “Elladan. He was worried about you.”

He sighed. “Forgive me for changing the subject but I’m worried about Elrohir. He doesn’t approve of…”
Erestor nodded. “I know. It’ll change.”
Elrond sighed. “I hope so. I don’t want anything to cause a rift between them. I promised Elladan I’d talk to his twin, but why would knowing I never loved their mother aid him? Or change his views? I fear this will turn out..” He couldn’t even speak it.
Erestor squished his shoulder. “Their bond is strong, Elrond. Elladan will not let it happen.”

He smiled. “Why don’t you spar? Empty your mind?”
Elrond grinned. “And knowing you, you want me to spar with Orophin, no doubt.” He shrugged. “I might ask him.” He looked out the window. “But I’ll take a nice walk in the gardens first. I want to see how the roses are doing.”

He crossed the study and stepped out onto the grass, which would lead him to the gardens. He looked over his shoulder at Erestor. “And you should go back to your heart, Erestor.”
Erestor grinned. “I will. And Gimli is plucking some roses for me.” He blushed. “I’ve to apologize to Legolas.” Seeing Elrond’s eyes he walked closer and fell into step beside him. They both needed company and it did help they were best of friends.

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Orophin sat on the ground, panting. He couldn’t believe he just heard what he heard. /What do I do now? Did Celebraín even know of this fear? How do I proceed?/ He slowly stood up and ran to the healing wing. He needed some advice.

TBC