The secret life

Part 17.1

Imladris, 1496 T.A.

Everyone was busy, running around in the last homely house, which resembled a beeyard these days with all that humming. Imladris wasn’t a quiet and peaceful place anymore, for there was a wedding to be celebrated, of which every elf would speak. Chief advisor Erestor, most respected elf next to Elrond, and Glorfindel, the balrog slayer from Gondolin and a living legend had decided to bind their souls together and absolutely no one wanted to miss that! Delegations from almost every realm had arrived in the last weeks and tomorrow, those two elves would beg the Valar for their blessings in front of countless elves, who had come to Imladris from all Middle Earth.
While the twins were with Erestor, Legolas had joined Glorfindel in his rooms. Seldom had the mighty lord been that nervous, reading the little speech he had prepared for the ceremony the next day for the hundredth time.
“Glorfindel – you must know this by now inside out, don’t you? Calm down a little... “
“Calm down, calm down... you have no idea, pen-neth! Thousands of elves will be there, just waiting for me to misspeak. I wish I were a little more talented with words!”
“Is that our mighty balrog-slayer speaking? Really Glorfindel, one could think you had been in much worse situations than a little wedding...”
“I will remind you, when it’s your turn to bind yourself to someone...”
“If this will ever happen!” Legolas sighed.
“Now now, pen-neth... you have not even reached your coming of age, no need to despair. Remember how long it took me to find the other half of my soul.”
“But what if I have found it, but this elf isn’t interested in me?”
Glorfindel looked at the young prince with concerned eyes.
“Is there anything, you want to tell me, pen-neth? Anything, that happened in Lorien? You do trust me, Legolas, don’t you?”
“It is nothing serious, really... let’s talk about other things? How do you wear your hair tomorrow? Is there a kind of Gondolin wedding style?”
“Legolas, answer my question, saes... what has happened???”
“Nothing – really, at least nothing for you to worry about. I was a stupid elfling, that’s all. I will tell you everything, but not now, not at the evening before your wedding... So, now you answer my question: What about your hair tomorrow?”

***

Early the next morning, Elladan entered his fathers bedchamber.
“Sorry adar, I didn’t want to disturb you, but another delegation has just arrived, from Lorien. Haldir said, they would have reached Imladris earlier, but they encountered a band of orcs on their way here.”
“Is anyone hurt?”
“Only some minor wounds, Elrohir is already tending to them in the healing room. But adar, there are no rooms left for them. So, if that is ok for you, I’ll bring them to the family wing.”
“But whose chamber?”
“I meant to give the soldiers my bedroom, I will stay with Elrohir tonight. And Haldir could share a room with Legolas.”
“Is Legolas ok with that?”
“I couldn’t ask him yet, I cannot find him. But I don’t see, why he wouldn’t be. He and Haldir are good friends since his stay in Lorien.”
“I trust you are right, ion-nîn. Hannon le for looking after our guests and granting your old adar some more hours of sleep. You will be a great ruler someday. Have I told you lately, how proud I am of you, both of you? Not once you have disappointed me, not once failed me. What more could an adar wish for. When your naneth sailed, I thought you would fade, I feared to lose you too, but you have been strong. You have overcome your grief, that alone showed me, how much strenght you possess. You are a great warrior, you proved that countless times, but you also have a strong heart and mind –the qualities of a great ruler. Should I ever decide to sail west, I will leave Imladris in your care without hesitation. I – “
But Elrond didn’t came to speak any further. During his little speech, his son had felt the guilt rising inside of him, guilt for loving his brother, for keeping this love secret, for not confiding in his father, for disgracing the family. Tears had shown in his eyes and then it had simply become to much and he flung himself into Elronds arms, crying hard at his shoulders.
Elrond, who misunderstood his sons despair, tried to soothe him.
“Shh, shh, ion-nîn. The day hasn’t come for me to sail yet. I won’t leave you, Elrohir and Arwen now. Many years will pass, before the sea will call for me, don’t be afraid. I know I’m still needed here. You will not lose me!”
Elladan sobbed.
“I - , I’m sorry adar, I think I wa-as just overwhelmed by your kind words. I – I will leave you now. There’s much to do before the ceremony takes place.”
Elladan almost ran from his father’s room, leaving Elrond staring behind him with a raised eyebrow.

***

Hundreds of torches had been lit all around the bank of the Bruinen. A sweet scent invaded the air, a mysterious melody sounded through the evening twilight. Many elves were standing near the river, all dressed in their best garments for this special occasion. In their middle a circle had formed, the Imladris soldiers were standing full dress around an altar, on which Elrond now placed a great silver goblet, filled with water and a silver dagger.
A low murmur ran through the crowd, when at first Glorfindel made his way to the altar, Legolas at his side. The ancient elvenlord was a stunning sight. He was dressed in a beautiful light blue robe, embroidered with golden flowers. He also wore a golden circlet with a big flower in the center, a replica of his family jewels, that had been destroyed in the fall of Gondolin. But the beauty of the robe and the jewels were easily outshone by the seneschal’s smile and the sparkle in his eyes.
Both elves reached the circle and bowed to Elrond. The lord of Imladris stepped to his friend and put his hand on the blond warriors shoulder.
“Mellon-nîn, I’m so happy for you tonight.”
“I thank you, Elrond. For everything! For being a friend, for giving me a new home, for supporting me and last but not least for saving my life.”
“I did little to that – Legolas and Erestor brought you back to us. But we should think about other things now. Glorfindel, are you really sure you want the binding in Gondolin tradition? A blood bond?”
“It was Erestors wish, not mine. Though I must say, I’m more than happy he chose this way – it feels like combining my two lifes, as if I finally become whole again.”
“Then turn around and take a look at your savior.”
Elrond pointed in the direction behind Glorfindel, where Erestor had appeared. Escorted by the twins, he slowly walked towards his intended. Glorfindel dared not even to breath as he saw his dark lover. The black mane was flying loosely, Erestor wore a midnight blue sleeveless robe from the finest silk, the plunging neckline revealed a smooth white chest and his bare feet showed under the fabric. He wore no jewellery except for an anklet with little bells, that sounded silvery with every step. Never before had Glorfindel seen anything this erotic. He knew he should probably stop staring and say anything, but he found he couldn’t avert his gaze at the sight of his love. Only when Erestor stopped right in front of him and softly kissed his lips, he woke from his trance and took the advisors hands in his.
Together they turned and faced Elrond.
Neither Glorfindel, nor Erestor could later repeat even one word of the beautiful speech, Elrond delivered. Neither of them was able to think clearly at that moment, they only felt the love, they bore for each other.
But then the moment was there for them, to speak their vows and to beg the Valar for their blessings.
Glorfindel went first. With trembling hands he took the piece of paper Legolas handed him and unfolded it. Without looking to the words once, he started to speak.
“Erestor, meleth-nîn. There was a time when I thought, love would never find me. I lived my life in Gondolin, waiting for the one, that never came. Then the city fell and so did I. And while I felt life leaving my body, I looked back to my days on arda and only regretted one thing: never having experienced true love. The valar saw me worthy to return from Mandos halls and I vowed, if I would ever find the one for me, I would never let him go again. Tonight meleth-nîn, I will honor that vow and make a new one. Tonight I will be truly reborn because of your love!”
Glorfindel got to his knees.
“May the Valar be witnesses to my vow and hear my plea: My heart is your heart and my blood is yours from now on until the end of all times. May the Valar look upon our love with kind eyes and give us their blessings.”
Elrond handed his seneschal the dagger. The blond warrior cut with the sharp blade through his palm. The pain was only a short one. Glorfindel made a fist and let some droplets of blood fall into the goblet, Elrond held for him.
Now it was Erestors turn to speak.
“Ind-nîn, all my life I thought knowledge and wisdom to be the greatest gifts at all. But one look in your eyes tonight teachs me better. What use is all the knowledge and wisdom in arda, when all thoughts flee my mind whenever you are near. There are no words in elvish, dwarvish or any other tongue to voice the feelings I have for you. This love is simply to great to put it into words. Read my feelings in my eyes, in my touch, in my blood.”
Erestor got to his knees too, took the dagger, cut his palm and let his blood trickle in the goblet.
“May the Valar be witnesses to my vow and hear my plea: My heart is your heart and my blood is yours from now on until the end of all times. May the Valar look upon our love with kind eyes and give us their blessings.”
Elrond held the goblet, in which the blood of both elves mingled with the water, in the air and mumbled a prayer, then he handed it to his seneschal. Glorfindel looked Erestor deep in the eyes as he drank, then passed the goblet to his love, who did the same.
After that, both stood and kissed and frenetic cheering started. Elrond was the first to congratulate the newly wedded couple, followed by the twins and Legolas.
The ceremony was over, now the party could begin!

***

Laughter filled the air, everyone was making merry. Wine flowed like water, there was music and dance. Even Legolas had a great time, though seeing Haldir again had at first damped his mood. But then he had decided to simply ignore the marchwarden and to enjoy the party. He danced a few times with Melpomaen and Norindiel, the young chamber maid and one of his friends.
Haldir stared at the young prince, whirling Melpomaen around. He had to speak with Legolas, but he knew that now wasn’t the right moment to do so. At least they would share the chamber this night, maybe then, he would have the opportunity set things right between them.
Seeing the blond elf right now laughing with Melpomaen made his heart ache, so he turned away and left the party.

Glorfindel held his husband tight as they danced together.
“You look incredible tonight meleth! Saes, let us leave the party now. I don’t know if I can hold back much longer. You wouldn’t want me ravishing you right here, right now, would you?”
Erestor laughed.
“ Just a little longer, ind-nîn. In a few moments we will say our thanks to everyone and then start another dance. And when nobody is paying attention, we will flee... And then I promise you the most erotic night in all your life.”
“Oh, hervenn-nîn, I love it when you are so naughty!”


Aside from the party, unseen by others, stood Elladan, his eyes directed to the night sky. Though he was deep in thoughts he felt it at once when his twin neared.
“Why so sad on this joyous day, lirimaer?”
“Elrohir, I’m not sad... or maybe just a little. Have you ever thought about the fact, that for us, there will never be a day like this.”
“Would you want a ceremony like that and a big party too? Delegations bowing to our feet, carrying presents from other realms, endless speeches...”
“No! This is not about a ceremony or a party. But I would love for us to be bound.”
“We already are... we share the same blood, heart and soul. What more can we ask for? But if this is your wish, we could beg for the blessings of the Valar, like Glorfindel and Erestor did.”
“You mean we could bind ourselves together, without all the others around?”
“I do not see, why it shouldn’t work this way? Do you want this, Elladan, do you want to bind to me? Right here and now?”
“Is this one of your jests or a serious proposal?”
“I’m not jesting, lirimaer. Bind to me!”
“Yes, Elrohir. I want this too!”
Both elves fell onto their knees and took each others hands. They looked to the stars above and in unison they spoke:
“May the Valar be witnesses to my vow and hear my plea: My heart is your heart and my blood is yours from now on until the end of all times. May the Valar look upon our love with kind eyes and give us their blessings.”

***

The hour grew late and Legolas felt tired. So he decided to leave the party, that was still in full swing, and go back to his room. He felt a little dizzy and swayed when he walked towards the house.
//Maybe I had a little too much miruvor.// he thought.
When he entered the house, he felt strong arms reach for him from behind. He turned his head and saw Sarik standing next to him.
“What do you want!”
“Oh, come on Legolas... why so rude to an old friend like me?”
“We are not friends anymore, you know that!”
“Why? Because of this one night under the influence of too much wine? Come on, surely you can forgive me that. I have been punished enough for my deeds, don’t you agree with me?”
“Maybe your punishment was enough, but this doesn’t mean, that we are friends again!”
“Shh, Legolas – no need to yell at me. You are going to wake the house. Why don’t we take a little walk outside and talk about everything?”
“No, Sarik. I’m not interested in talking to you. If you would excuse me now, it’s late and I’m tired.”
Sarik’s features became furious.
“You WILL walk with me Legolas, do not make me force you to come outside!”
Years of training hand-to-hand-combat with Glorfindel showed their use now. Before Sarik knew what happened, Legolas had ellbowed him in the stomach and knocked him off his feet. With a growl, the border guard landed on the floor, while Legolas strode away towards his room.
He quickly entered his bedchamber and wanted nothing more, than to fall in his bed and sleep. But as soon as he was inside, he noticed certain changes in his room. A spare bed had been put next to his window, two saddlebags lay on the table, a bow leaned on the wall.
“Hello Legolas!” he heard a familiar voice behind him.
“Haldir? What are you doing in MY room?”
“Didn’t they tell you? I’m staying with you tonight. It seems as if there isn’t enough place for all guests in Imladris.”
“Nonononono! You are definitely not staying with me tonight!”
“Legolas, give me a chance to explain you my behaviour. I already realized, what a fool I have been. I just want to sort things out tonight.”
“This wedding must have been quite touching, when everyone wants to set wrongs right now. Why is everyone so interested in winning my favor after spatting on my friendship and love at first. No!”
Legolas turned to leave again the sanctuary of his room.
“You may stay here tonight, marchwarden! I will find another place to sleep. I trust you will be gone, when morning dawnes – just like the last time we met!”
Before Haldir could reply anything, Legolas had already closed the door from outside of the room. The Galadhrim let himself fall onto the bed.
//This is going to be more difficult, than I thought it would be!//

Legolas ran down the corridors of the family wing, down the stairs and through the hall of fire. Where would he find himself a quiet spot to sleep tonight, he thought. Deciding to try the stables he was about to head for the main door, when he heard footfalls behind him. He just wanted to ask, who was there, when something hit him hard at back of his head and everything went dark.

Tbc.


Translation:

pen-neth – little one
saes - please
adar - father
ion-nîn - my son
hannon le - thank you
naneth - mother
mellon-nîn - my friend
meleth-nîn - my love
ind-nîn - my heart
hervenn-nîn - my husband
lirimaer - lovely one


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Carinito: No wedding without you, darling... NEVER!!! ^-^ And don't die on me, I still need you! And you want to see how it ends, don't you? So you will have to stay alive. Thank you so much for your support these last weeks. Love ya!!!

DarkDreamer: Hey, are you going to be Haldir's private cheerleader??? *grin* I'll try to be a little quicker next time.

Alu-fiend: Mi-mi-mi-misery??? *gulp* Ehm, do I need a bodyguard now, or would you overthink your torture-plans for me, if I promise to try a quick update??? But I'm happy you like the story that much :)

IciaJ: Hi... I will ^-^ ! Glad you like it!!!

HHS: Any suggestions?


OK, I know, it was again much too long before I updated! I told my boss: Sorry, I cannot work, I have to finish my next chapter. But she didn't want to listen!!! I said to her: A lot a readers are waiting, my life is at risk! Still no chance... So please, have mercy on me...

Greetings,

Githoniel