the trouble with love

Chapter forty-four It’s a start

Glorfindel groaned when he woke up, feeling his head pound. /But not as much as normally. What happened?/ He waited before opening his eyes until he had re-established his memory. But now they flashed open in fear and disbelief before it was done. /EctheliHow How did he get here? Aiya, Glorfindel, don’t be dense. You pulled him in because he reminds you of Ecthelion. But maybe he is Ecthelion…/ The questions he asked the previous night returned to him as did the answers he’d received and he smiled. /So there’s a change. But there’s one way to know for sure./ Seeing Ecthelion’s eyes gain their awareness he distanced himself.

Ecthelion yawned and smiled. “Morning.” He whispered the words, knowing Glorfindel probably had a huge headache.
Glorfindel smiled, relieved Ecthelion didn’t hit him. “It won’t be until I’ve had a drink. To kill my headache. I’m going to the kitchen.” Ecthelion smiled. “Mind if I come? I’d like to know what you use.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Can I ask you one more question?” Ecthelion nodded as he supported the blond. Glorfindel closed his eyes and focused on his breathing momentarily, trying to keep himself from throwing up. “Why did your parents pick this name?”
Ecthelion shrugged. “I don’t know. I once asked but they didn’t answer. Uncle told me it just came to them the second I was born. They had decided on a different name, so I don’t understand.”
Glorfindel smiled. “Not everything make sense. Well, this is the kitchen.”
Ecthelion smiled. “Can you handle yourself for a while? I have to talk to Elrond.” Glorfindel nodded and Ecthelion walked away.

But he did not go to Elrond but to the library. He smiled at Erestor, who already was working. He quickly scribbled a note and handed it to one of the servants to bring to Elrond. He was going to do some research. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Erestor, but I was wondering if you have any information on my namesake.”
Erestor smiled and nodded. He pointed to a shelf. “You’ll find some interesting books there.”
Ecthelion nodded and set to work.

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Melpomean smiled when he woke staring into Elrond’s loving eyes. “Good morning, my love.” His smile, triggered by the words, widened when Elrond pressed a kiss on his lips. Elrond prevented a chuckle when Melpomean purred his contentment. /Yes, you are just like a cat. Just as shy and afraid and just as brave and strong headed./

“What will you do today?”
Melpomean cuddled closer and closed his eyes. “Go back to work?”
Elrond smiled. “No, I don’t think your eye is up to that yet.” He frowned at Melpomean’s growl. “Love?”
Melpomean raised his head and sighed. “I just feel so useless if I just lay in bed.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “I understand. How about helping me? I have to make an antidote to bind that one’s magic. I couldn’t do so last night for I was too tired and one mistake is dangerous. Help me, make sure I don’t make any.”
Melpomean nodded. “I’ll read out the recipe.”
Elrond nodded and sighed sadly, realising they would have to let each other go to get up and go to work. “Too bad we can’t stay in bed the whole day.” He pressed a kiss to Melpomean’s reddening cheek and disentangled himself.

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Orophin growled when he was roughly woken. About to yell at whomever had broken his sleep his mouth curled into a smile when he detected Elrohir, hovering above him.

“Finally, took me ages to wake you.”
Orophin cocked his head and growled. “It is not even daylight yet. Have some mercy on me.”
Elrohir smiled and laid himself down on Orophin. “I’m not asking you to get up, just to wake up. I’m bored.”
Orophin closed his eyes. “Try to sleep.” His eyes flared open when Elrohir poked his sides. “I’ve tried that the entire night. But now I’m fed up watching you sleep while my own deludes me.”
Orophin nodded and shrugged. “So what you want me to do about that?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Don’t know. But we could at least talk and stay awake together.”
Orophin laughed. “Stay awake together he says. You woke me up. I think I’ll rather sleep with Haldir. At least he’ll let me wake in my own time.”
Elrohir pouted and climbed out of bed, turning around. “Fine by me. Don’t let me stop you.”

Orophin sighed and shook his head. It was obvious Elrohir had not slept last night. He got up and hugged the twin from behind. “I’m sorry. I’m grumpy in the mornings, you know that.”
Elrohir nodded. “I know and I’m sorry too. I don’t know why I said that.”
Orophin nodded and rested his head on Elrohir’s shoulder, steering the Peredhel to his balcony. “Come, let’s watch the sunrise together.”
Elrohir smiled and turned in the embrace. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go back to sleep?”
Orophin shook his head. “Nay, I’m awake now. Might as well enjoy it.”

He plunged down on one of the chairs and looked out over awakening Imladris.
Elrohir smiled. “If you had dark hair you could be ata. He used to do that daily before…” His voice trailed off and lone tears made it in his eyes. Orophin nodded in understanding and extended his hand. Elrohir took it and allowed Orophin to pull him on his lap. He sagged against his friend, accepting his comfort. “I miss her, Phin.”
Orophin smiled and pulled him close. “We all do. Your father most of all.”
Elrohir nodded. “But they say she’s not the same anymore. That Valinor couldn’t heal her.”
Orophin frowned and thought for a while. “I think Valinor healed her but that Elrond presents a time of her past she’d rather forget.”
Elrohir nodded sadly. “And so do we.”
Orophin nodded, but did not speak. He allowed Elrohir to rest his head against his chest. Sitting like this they stared out in the distance watching the day begin. ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valthroman slowly rocked his lover now that the emotional storm died out. But he knew it was only temporarily. When he had left to fetch his lover a glass of water Sealbeth’s eyes had primal fear in them when he returned. And now it didn’t seem like he had any inclination of ever letting his grip loosen a little. He glared at the door when a knock came, which made Sealbeth cling to him even more. He was so afraid it was his father.

Valthroman sighed. “Mannás?”
“I am sorry to wake you but Lord Elrond requests both your presence at once.”
Valthroman frowned, hearing Erestor’s voice sound higher than normal. Something was wrong. But he called out that they’d be right there.

He stood, pulling his lover up. “Come, melmë, Elrond wants to see us.” Sealbeth’s eyes settled on him, begging him to stay here. Valthroman shook his head, but tightened his hold. “We are going, but I am not leaving you. Come.”
Sealbeth closed his eyes and allowed his lover to guide him. He rested his head on Valthroman’s strong shoulder and only the feel of his lover holding him made him stay composed. Without him he would be a shaking bundle of nerves.

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Legolas smiled at Elladan. They had send the elflings to the bathroom and they both used the time to wake up themselves.

“What is it?”
Legolas frowned. “What do you mean?”
Elladan grinned. “I’ve seen that look before. There’s something on your mind. What is it?”
Legolas smiled. “Nothing much. Just curiosity.” Elladan nodded, his eyes indicating Legolas should elaborate. The blond sighed. “About them.” He shook his head. “About teaching them. I don’t know if I made the right decision.”
Elladan cocked his head. “Why would you say that? Don’t you want to teach them?”
Legolas shrugged. “I don’t mind teaching Elnihir. He’s a fast learner and he makes it fun.” He paused before continuing. “But Elvil…. I d kno know. I think it’s a waste of time. He already knows everything.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, we were unaware of that when we asked you. Or at least Ro and I were. But Elvil wants to ask ata to take away his memory.”
Legolas frowned. “Would that be wise?”
Elladan shrugged. “Don’t know. But I’ve persuaded him to talk to Glorfindel first. Maybe talking to another reborn helps.”

Legolas nodded and frowned at Elladan’s wide grin. “What?”
Elladan grinned. “Well, I think he’s bound to stun us all. With weapons. Even himself. And since you know he’s a reborn you’re the best teacher he can have. You won’t be surprised if he shows skills he shouldn’t have.”
Legolas nodded and thought for a while. “I know. And it’s not like I don’t enjoy it here or that I’m not looking forward to teaching them both, but…”
Elladan nodded in understanding. “You’re afraid of what might happen.” His eyes showed experience and Legolas cocked his head.

Elladan sighed and closed his eyes. “I’ve never really accepted nana leaving. I handled it by killing orcs but at some point we had to stop that. But my pain never left and I am afraid to face it. I fear forgetting her, Legolas.”
Legolas embraced his friend and pulled him close. “You couldn’t forget her for she lives in you all. If you feel her slipping talk to your family, to the elves that remember her, but don’t be afraid to move on.” He shook his head. “Listen to me. Giving you advice when I myself don’t wish to do that.”

Elladan looked at him and smiled. “Why don’t we help each other heal?”
Legolas gasped but nodded. “Aye, let’s. We could at least try.”
Elladan rested his head on Legolas’ chest and the blond caressed his hair. Neither of them noticed the opening bathroom door.

The two elflings stopped in their tracks and jealousy flared their features. Elvil’s eyes narrowed and Elnihir’s lip started to tremble. Before he could start crying Elvil had marched forward and pushed Legolas away. “Elladan’s mine!”
Under normal circumstances Elladan would have rolled his eyes but not today. His eyes showed his misery and he lowered his head, unable to handle this.

Legolas stood and pulled himself to his full height. “Elladan and I are old friends and I will not accept that tone from you. Do you expect Elladan to ban his old friends just because he cares about you?”

Elvil’s anger flared up and he would have attacked Legolas but Elladan’s obvious pain held him back. Instead of launching himself at the blond he sat down and touched Elladan. “I’m sorry but….”
Elladan smiled but shook his head. “Legolas understands my pain, Elvil. You can never give me what he does.”
Elvil’s eyes angered at the words. “But you’re mine.” He jumped and lashed out when he felt a hand on his arm.

Elnihir jumped back to avoid it and delivered a blow of his own. “Elvil, look at yourself. They are friends and friends comfort each other. Don’t we comfort each other as well. What would you say if Elladan forbid you to go to me for comfort?” His eyes were calm and Legolas could see the resemblance with Elrohir and Elrond and he smiled.

The words calmed Elvil down and he lowered his head in shame and guilt. “This is so confusing. I think I’d better go find Glorfindel.”
Legolas nodded and handed him his sword. “Not without a weapon. I know you can use it.”
Elvil nodded. “Pointy end goes in the other guy.” He smiled and hugged Legolas in apology. His eyes settled on Elladan and than he looked at Legolas. “Take care of him.”
Legolas smiled. “I will and he is yours.”

He watched Elvil go and sat back down besides his old friend. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say he was a Peredhel.”
Elladan actually laughed at the words. “I’m going to freshen up. Can we talk later?”
Legolas nodded and pushed him towards the bathroom.

Seeing Elnihir shuffle his feet he smiled and cocked his head in question. Elnihir walked closer and without warning Legolas pulled him on his lap. “Confusing , is, is it not?”
Elnihir nodded and cuddled closer, wrapping his arms around Legolas. “I don’t understand what Elvil was on about. Why did you say uncle was his?”
Legolas smiled. “Because he is.”

He closed his eyes to find a way to explain this to him. “Do you know the song of Beren and Luthien?” Elnihir nodded and Legolas smiled. “So you know the concept of love?”
Elnihir frowned and nod-shook his head. “Don’t know. I know Beren and Luthien wanted to be together for some reason but couldn’t and yet they did and they were punished.”
Legolas smiled. “The reason they wanted to be together was because they loved each other. Like Glorfindel and Ecthelion. Before his rebirth. And Elrond and Celebrían. And Galadriel and Celeborn. They all love each other. Celeborn belongs to Galadriel and she belongs to him. Do you understand my words?”
Elnihir nodded and stared in Legolas’ blue eyes. Legolas smiled. “Well, it’s the same way Elladan feels for Elvil and Elvil for Elladan. That’s why I said Elladan belongs to Elvil. They need time but eventually they’ll be together like Celeborn and Galadriel.”
Elnihir nodded. It sounded normal and logical when Legolas said it. “And if someone would hold Galadriel Celeborn would get angry too?”
Legolas shook his head. “Not every time. Celeborn is old and wise. He knows how differ between friendship and love. That comes with age and Elvil has yet to master it.”

Elnihir nodded and looked up. “And me?”
Legolas laughed. “Well, first you need to fall in love, or at least find someone attractive. And then jealousy kicks in. That’s what happened just now. Elvil was jealous.”
Elnihir rested his head against Legolas, enjoying this. “What’s jealousy?”
Legolas frowned as he tried to find the right way to explain this. “It’s basically because you’re too possessive about something. Didn’t you ever had a toy you didn’t want to share with anyone, ever?”
Elnihir nodded. “My shellpony. Erestor had made it from shells I had found.”
Legolas nodded. “And whenever someone looked at it, did you get angry?” Elnihir nodded and Legolas hugged him a little closer. “And didn’t you ever feel angry because Elvil got to do something you wanted to do?”
Elnihir nodded. “And when Glorfindel goes to teach.”
Legolas smiled. “And then you wish you were one of those soldiers, right?”
Elnihir nodded and smiled. “Is that jealousy?”
Legolas nodded. “Aye, that too is jealousy. But when you’re in love the emotion becomes a little stronger. You’ll understand when you’re in love yourself or when you’re attracted to someone.”
“But how will I know that I am?”
Legolas reddened. /How did I get myself in this position?/ He smiled when Elladan resurfaced from the bathroom.

The Peredhel looked at Legolas and smiled at the way his cousin clung to Legolas. He sat down beside them and whispered. “It could be Elvil holding me.” He grinned at Legolas’ expression and made to rise when Legolas spoke up. “He asked how he will know when he’s attracted.”
Elladan grinned. “Your problem, not mine.”

He jumped up and beamed down. “Well, I’d better go find Elvil. Make sure he’s talking to Glorfindel. You two behave.” He laughed at the angry look Legolas threw him and ran away.

Elnihir didn’t understand the words they’ve spoken and looked up. “What language was that?”
Legolas smiled. “Sindarin. The language of my people. You speak Quenya.”
Elnihir nodded. “Can I learn Sindarin?”
Legolas nodded, glad the previous question went forgotten. “Of course you can. Elrond can teach you, or Erestor.”
Elnihir pouted. “Can’t you teach me it? Ata’da is too serious and Erestor want everything to be instantly perfect.”
Legolas smiled. “And that does take the fun out of it, doesn’t it. All right I shall help you there as well.”

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Sealbeth grabbed his lover tighter when they entered Elrond’s study. The Peredhel immediately approached them and placed a warm, comforting hand on Sealbeth’s shoulder. “I fear you already know.”
Sealbeth nodded and looked at him, his eyes big with fear.

Melpomean quickly approached and hugged him, slowly so the other could see his moves. “Sealbeth, my friend. Why didn’t you ever tell me?”
Valthroman looked surprised at the words and he looked at Elrond demandingly. Elrond smiled. “I told him. Sealbeth, your father is in my prison. What would you like me to do?”

Having his lover, his friend and his lord close calmed Sealbeth down completely. He closed his eyes and composed himself. When he opened them again the fear was gone, though it was replaced with an anger not even Valthroman had ever seen. “I never want to see him again.”

Elrond nodded. “At first I thought a talk between the two of you was in order but after reading his mind….” He trailed of. “No, I think I have the perfect punishment for him. I shall take Galadriel’s advice in this and send him to Valinor.”
Valthroman looked stunned. “I’m sorry but.”
Elrond silenced him with his hand. “You’ve never been there, Valthroman. We have and I know for a fact that he will hate it there. Without anyone to believe his lies. And the wizard is going there as well. Without magic he is quit harmless.”
Sealbeth sighed in relief. “Thank you, my lord.” He leaned against Valthroman and smiled at the support his lover gave him. /I almost lost him./
Elrond smiled but shook his head. “It’s Melpomean’s idea.”
Sealbeth hugged his friend and placed a kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, meldir.”

He leaned in to whisper in his ear. “I’m happy for you. Elrond will treat you well. You deserve him.”
Melpomean’s eyes widened and lone tears fall down as he embraced his friend. “And you deserve your lover.”

Elrond tapped his fingers together, feeling too much in the room, and smiled when his lover ended the embrace and claimed one from him. If Valthroman was surprised he didn’t show it but silently guided his lover back to their rooms.

Now that they were alone and most urgent matters have been attended to, Elrond pulled his lover close and kissed him. “I’ve been wanting to do this for some hours now.”
Melpomean blushed and leaned against him. “We still have Elvil, Elladan and Elrohir to worry about. Not to mention our Balrog Slayer with amnesia.”
Elrond’s eyes revealed his surprise. “What? Did he finally manage to drink himself into oblivion?”
Melpomean laughed and shook his head. “Nay. It’s just a matter of speech. It’s not his mind with the memory loss, but his spirit. Otherwise he would have recognized Ecthelion.”

Elrond nodded and stared at his lover in rapture. “Beautiful, wise and mine.”
Melpomean blushed and averted his eyes, smiling when Elrond pulled him even closer. “Can we go to the gardens?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course. And we should go by the tulips.” He grinned at the plan that came to him.

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“Still not done? Don’t turn into a book worm, my friend.”
Ecthelion smiled at Erestor’s concern. “It took me longer than I’ve imagined.”

He frowned and then re-established contact with the counsellor. “Can I ask you something?” Erestor nodded and gave Ecthelion his full attention. “I’ve been reading these things about Gondolin and my namesake. But it seems familiar, like I’ve read it before, yet I never have. And I also see things when I read it. For instance when it states the reception hall was grand, I see a wide space, the roof supported by pillars, which were silver, and banners of every house Gondolin housed fanning from them. It doesn’t state so in the book but yet I see it. And only now I’ve read this book.” He held up another book. “in which some of what I saw is stated. It feels weird, Erestor, and I know not what it means.”

Erestor nodded came to stand before the table Ecthelion was sitting behind. “Is this a single occasion, or did it happen more?”
Ecthelion frowned. “More. With almost everything I’ve read. But how do I know what is true. These books or the images that keep popping up in my mind?”
Erestor shrugged. “Why ask me? I’ve never seen Gondolin. But Glorfindel has. I’m sure he’d love talking about it. But make sure to interrupt when he starts talking about your namesake.”
Ecthelion grinned. “I know. Thank you Erestor. Maybe he’ll be able to shed some light on this.”

Erestor watched his departing back and smiled. /What do you know. They were right after all. Glorfindel’s Ecthelion has been reborn. I hope you don’t drive him away, Glorfindel./

End chapter 44
TBC

Sorry if I don’t update as much as I’d like, but I have a huge case of writers block here. And I want to get it right.