melme Colle (or: hidden love)

Chapter twenty one Arwen arrives

Celeborn smiled when he saw Rumil enter the room. “Keep your brother company. Maybe you can entice him to speak?” He smiled sadly. “I shall collect some of his things and bring them here.”

Rumil nodded and sat down, his gaze stern. He wondered what had happened to change his brother’s behaviour.

Before he left, Celeborn smiled at the two elves at the bed. “Oh, Rumil, be prepared to support Orophin as well. He’s facing a difficult time.”
Rumil twirled round and looked worried, but all too soon a knowing expression entered his eyes. “Elrond did register.”
Celeborn smiled and nodded. “He did and was fully prepared to ignore it for ever. Luckily for your brother Erestor learned of it and scolded him. But still, the road they face is a hard one. I’ve advised him not to change his behaviour towards Elrond, at all. But that does mean he will need an outlet more often.”
Rumil grinned. “Why don’t we make him spar Legolas? He needs one too.”
Celeborn grinned and left.

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“Gimli, why are you suddenly so eager to return? Erestor will still be busy.”
Gimli muttered and looked up. It did look like more than half an hour has passed. He promised to return Legolas by then and he didn’t want to worry the counsellor. “Then let us see if he doesn’t outdo himself. I worry for him. If nobody is there to monitor him he will forget time and all else.”

He grinned. “Which reminds me. Did the talks produce anything?”
Legolas smiled and his eyes beamed. “Aye. Erestor will be pleased. Each elf is put in the position they are best suited for and there are so many that now work in the library he can expand it to trice this size.”
Gimli grinned. “Good for him. With Arwen’s aid he will surely do that soon.”
Legolas laughed and reluctantly followed Gimli inside. “And I shall become one of the weapons teachers. Melpomean will receive three secretaries to work for him so Erestor’s workload should be dimmed. All were of the same mind, Gimli, he’s irreplaceable.” He smiled fondly and looked at the sky. “And Elrond will be Imladris’ lord, but his job will be made easier by father, Celeborn and Elladan, who will each look after a large section, and Elrohir will become the chief healer, so he will decide whether or not Elrond’s skills are needed.”
Gimli nodded but frowned. “And what will your father do then? Do they work together or…” He didn’t know what Legolas meant.
The elf smiled and shrugged. “The precise division of the work is between them, Gimli, and since both adar and Celeborn are in the healing house that will have to wait. Suffice it so say they will each take a certain section of the total work that would normally go to Elrond. For instance: adar can look after the military affairs and Celeborn after the foreign affairs. He has a certain air that demands respect and admiration; it would benefit the realm if visitors had to greet him first.”
Gimli nodded, beginning to understand the picture Legolas was drawing. “And Elladan will do the domestic affairs, I wager.”

He nodded, but a frown remained. “But what will Erestor do then? Isn’t he the domestic’s person?”
Legolas laughed. “Erestor is and has always been Imladris’ chief counsellor. He will have to make sure all sections work smoothly together and Elrond has decided he will be in charge of the finances, knowing Erestor won’t allow the tiniest difference.”
Gimli grinned. “Which places him above all others and only under Elrond, for everybody will have to check with Erestor if something can be financially done, am I right?”
Legolas nodded. “And because he now has three more secretaries he will have more time. Remind me to suggest to him taking on another to look after the communication between all others.” He grinned. “That way he wouldn’t have to do it himself and only has to act when things go wrong. Maybe then I get to see him some time?”
Gimli laughed freely. “If he doesn’t decide to spend that time in the library, you mean?”
Legolas grinned as well. “Aye. But I don’t mind. It’s part of him, Gimli.”

Gimli nodded and grinned when he saw Erestor talking to a former Lorien elf, with his eyes constantly darting towards his chambers. Apparently things were done already. “It seems I was right. He needs a rescue. You wait in his room.”
Legolas narrowed his eyes but before he could voice any arguments Gimli looked at his axe. “My axe is much more threatening that your fists, laddy. Go on, wait for us.”

Legolas produced a snort he copied from Gimli and he stalked into the room. The second he stood in the doorway his eyes opened wide and his mouth gaped. He blinked and had trouble believing his eyes. The world around him no longer existed as he stared at the highly romantic sight.

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Erestor was extremely pleased when he saw Gimli walking towards them. He’s been trying to politely end this conversation, but apparently this elf had trouble hearing.

“Unless this is a matter of life and death, you better leave, blondie.”
The elf looked haughtily at Gimli and ignored him.

Erestor narrowed his eyes and mouth. One hand rose and the elf stopped speaking, recognizing the order. “Gimli is right. I should be resting. I suggest you go to Thranduil and Glorfindel. They’ll be able to settle this for you.”

He turned and smiled at the Dwarf, who instantly followed, if only to make sure the harassing elf didn’t. “Thank you for the rescue my friend.” He leaned on the Dwarf, for he did feel a bit weak in the legs. “Legolas?”
Gimli nodded his head into the direction of the door and Erestor smiled, seeing him standing in trance. Gimli smiled. “I’d say it’s working, counsellor. I shall return in the morn, but neither of you leave this room until then!”
Erestor grinned. “Aye, my lord Gimli.” His voice was slightly mocking, but his eyes were warm with affection and it made Gimli blush. “Elves, you are the funniest race I’ve ever met. Good night.”

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Celeborn picked up the pile he’s assembled and was about to leave when he spotted a piece of paper. Curious he bend and picked it up, immediately recognizing it. He tugged it in his tunic and left. /No more hiding, Haldir, I won’t allow it any longer!/

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Legolas jumped when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He smiled and looked apologetically at Erestor. “You startled me.” His darted through the room and then settled on Erestor. “Did you?”

Erestor closed the door and nodded. “Aye. I’ve been harsh on you and you didn’t even deserve that. Forgive me.”
Legolas’ eyes sparkled. “If you do this every time you feel the need to apologize, then please treat me harsher.” He embraced his love and looked at him. “And if anyone should be apologizing it is me. If you hadn’t stopped me I might have done permanent harm to Elrond’s health.”

He shuddered at the thought and quickly forced his thoughts away. “I knew you must be romantic, but I never knew how much.” He let go and walked forward. “I do hope nobody else plans on being romantic for I do believe you’ve got every rose and candle in here, Erestor.” He turned and smiled lovingly at the other. “Good thing I already love you for I’m swept of my feet.”

Erestor didn’t know what to say and was pleased Legolas didn’t seem to expect an answer, but instead pulled the counsellor along and sat them both down to enjoy the atmosphere.
Legolas smiled and forced Erestor to rest against him. He knew it might be a long time before the other felt confident enough to voice his feelings, but he didn’t matter. Especially not when Erestor had found such great ways to show it.

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Elladan sighed contended and leaned against his father, who instantly tightened the embrace. “We should do this more often, adar.”
Elrond grinned. “Normally you do this with your twin, remember?”
Elladan sighed before he grinned and nodded. “Aye, but you should be part of it; it might be our grandfather, he’s your father.”
Elrond tightened his embrace and smiled. “I know, but looking at Earendil brings me a feeling of sadness and pain, but you and Elrohir feel strengthened by it.”
Elladan looked at him in alarm. “We should go inside then.”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay, you keep watching. I’ll watch something else.” He pulled Elladan back into the embrace and placed a kiss on his hair. “Don’t worry so much about me, Elladan. I’ve got Erestor and Orophin to do that as well.”
Elladan grinned. “I know, but you’ve always been there for us, worrying. I just…”
Elrond smiled. He would never say it but Elladan’s strong affection has kept him sane throughout the last millennia. “I know. I understand. And now, hush.”

Elladan grinned at the word and remained silent, being fully contend. He didn’t know why Elrohir wasn’t here tonight, but he was happy his father had sought him out and offered his company.

Suddenly there were rushed footsteps coming their way and he closed his eyes in annoyance. The stiffening behind him told him his father was irritated as well and he silently grinned. If it wasn’t important the intruder was facing a hard time. An irritated Elrond wasn’t a nice Elrond, Elladan has found that out the hard way.

Elrond widened his eyes when he saw a servant coming towards them, clearly out of breath, pointing behind him, even as he was running.
“My lord, my lord.” His eyes were extremely happy for his lord. “Lady Arwen has arrived. And Estel with her.”

Elladan and Elrond jumped up and ran down as fast as they could. All over the place people were hastily informing each other of the joyous news. Elrond blatantly wondered if Erestor was already aware or not.

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Arwen screamed happily when she saw her father running towards her and rushed to jump in his arms. She has missed him. Aragorn smiled and inclined his head in greeting before he was squished by Elladan.

“Estel, what brings you here? We didn’t expect to see you for quite some time.”
Aragorn grinned. “Only the desire to see you all again. My escort will be a little later, could you send some archers to guide them here?”
Elladan nodded and summoned a soldier closer to rely his orders.

Arwen looked around and narrowed her eyes. “Perhaps ata’da exaggerated; Imladris looks the same.”
Elrond cocked his head before he smiled in understanding. “Nay, I’m afraid he didn’t. He shouldn’t have troubled you.”
Aragorn grinned. “You know very well it’s probably Erestor’s idea. He knows Arwen is the only one they all consider their lady.” He shrugged. “Not to mention her tantrums can outmatch yours.”

Elrond smiled and walked back inside, holding his daughter close. He swiftly informed her of the troubles. “But we’ve made a complete new staff, Arwen, and now only time can tell if things turn out right.”
She nodded and sighed. “How is Erestor? And Legolas?”
Elrond grinned. “Doing just fine. With Dwarven supervision, I might add, so I have no worries there.” He sighed. “But I do worry for Elrohir and Elladan, yeldë-nin. Celeborn and Haldir are in love and Elrohir seems to have troubles accepting it.”
Arwen nodded. “Nana.” She smiled. “I’ll talk some sense into that head of his.”
Elrond shook his head and his eyes sparkled. “Could you please make sure I don’t have to nurture him back to health this time?”

They laughed and mused about the past before they walked into the large reception room.

Arwen gasped and twirled round. “Adar, this is magnificent. Not at all as I remember it.”
Elrond nodded. “Thranduil’s made some alterations, as well as Celeborn. I guess this is how it should be all around: all three nations mixed and blended together perfectly.”

Aragorn was about to ask where his friends were when his voice boomed through the room. All elves turned and smiled warmly at the running Dwarf.

Aragorn was stunned to be hugged by him and shook his head to clear it. “Well, I think Imladris rubbed off on you, Gimli.”
Gimli snuffed and pulled back, but before he could respond Legolas spoke behind him. “Mae govannen, Estel. Lady Arwen.” As soon as he finished the greeting he went back to his beloved’s side, instantly claiming an embrace.

Erestor polity inclined his head. “It’s a pleasure to see you both again in such good health.”
Arwen smiled and completely ignored Legolas as she hugged the stunned counsellor. “And you too, Erestor. I’ve never realised how much you mean to me until I nearly lost you. You and ata raised us.” She pulled back and kissed him.

Elladan blinked and wiped away a tear. He was moved and felt exactly the same. He would have spoken it too had he not seen Erestor’s embarrassment. Now he decided to get the attention somewhere else. “Aye, that they did. And we all know -you- were the difficult one, seler.”
Arwen’s eyes darkened but Erestor shook his head. He leaned in closer to whisper in her ear. “It’s unbecoming a queen to yell at nothing. Safe it for later.”
She mellowed and nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. “As long as it isn’t unbecoming a queen to find comfort in her oldest friend.”

Elrond grinned. “You might want to claim an embrace from your husband instead, Arwen.”
Arwen narrowed her eyes as she looked at said mortal.
Aragorn raised his hands in defence. “Peace, I know not why adar said that, but it has nothing to do with me.”

Erestor smiled in understanding, turned his head and saw a blushing Legolas. He wiggled his eyebrows and cocked his head.
Legolas sighed and suddenly turned, leaving. As he walked past he grabbed Aragorn and dragged him along. “I need to spar.”
Hearing the clipped tone, Aragorn knew better than to question the elf and he refrained from voicing his bemusement.

Gimli shook his head. “I think Laddy was jealous again.”
Erestor nodded and walked the remaining family members to a more secluded room, where they could talk undisturbed. He had some explaining to do.

Suddenly Arwen jumped up. “Do I really hear the horses already?”
Erestor cocked his head but nodded. “Aye, I hear them too.”
She smiled and hugged him. “We’ve brought a surprise for you, Erestor. Ata’da told us how you managed to bring Thranduil’s books here and well…”
Erestor narrowed his eyes, not trusting the direction of this conversation.
She smiled disarmingly. “You know Gondor has many books not even you have and you have many books we would want. We could set up an exchange. I’ve already arranged for various copies, and more will be made.” She pulled Erestor along, really keen on seeing his expression when he saw the volumes. “And I can arrange for a trade with Rohan as well, if you want.”

She looked across the courtyard and smiled and her husband, who had insisted on watching this. He too wanted to see Erestor’s response, and he completely ignored a protesting Legolas.

Upon seeing the many heavy trunks even Elrond gasped. That he hadn’t expected.
As if on cue all the lids were opened simultaneously and Erestor released a shriek, seeing the precious cargo inside. He ran forward and kneeled before the first, his eyes devouring the titles. His eyes watered, for he knew just how precious this gift was.

He stood and hugged Arwen tight. “I’ve been searching for some of these all my life, thank you.” He picked up one book and smiled. “This one especially.”
She smiled and kissed him. “You should thank Aragorn then, for he suggested it.”
Erestor instantly searched for him and smiled when Aragorn was already walking towards him, an irritated Legolas in his wake.
Erestor hugged him tight. “Oh, Estel, this is too much. How did you know?”
Aragorn shrugged. “I -do- know how to read elvish, remember.” He grinned. “And I can also remember a certain bedtime story you told me once. About a library and weather-book.” His eyes darted towards the book. “That book.” He smiled. “It isn’t a copy, Erestor, but the original. It belongs with you, not in Minas Tirith.”
Erestor gasped and cradled the book even closer.

He smiled at Gimli and looked at the trunks. There was no way he could do this himself and he knew he could count on Gimli to make sure it would be safe. “Gimli, would you please go and get the librarian’s scribes? And the secretary of course.”
Gimli nodded and ran off, already determined to watch the elves themselves. He noticed the book wasn’t placed back, but remained in Erestor’s loving hold.

Erestor now turned to Elrond. “You should be greeting the soldiers, meldir. And Elladan, please see that rooms are prepared for them all. We can’t have them sleeping in the grass.”
Legolas stepped forward and rested his head on Erestor’s shoulder. “I guess our evening plans are thwarted now?”
Erestor lowered his eyes and guilt entered his orbs. Legolas smiled and turned to face him. “Perhaps I can help? Elladan should be here with his family. I shall look after those rooms, or at least find the person who should, and I shall find Elrohir as well.” He was about to walk away when he saw Elrohir, who was already running towards them.

The second he came closer Elrohir screamed Arwen’s name. “Arwen, you are here? What are you doing here?”
Aragorn grinned. “Visiting our family. Or is that forbidden, Elrohir?” He pointed to the trunks. “And we’ve brought gifts.”
Legolas narrowed his eyes. “For Erestor, so hand’s off!”
Elrohir shook his head at the words. “Relax, I’ve learned long ago to treat books with the utmost care.”
Elladan grinned. “Aye, one time he’s torn out almost all the pages and Erestor threw a fit.” He smiled at Erestor. “You made him remake the book and you were so mad at him.”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye, the first and only time.” He grinned. “But I wouldn’t want to repeat the experience.”

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“Will you calm down? You are not leaving this bed without a healer’s approval!”
Glorfindel glared at Thranduil and growled. “Have you gone deaf? Arwen’s here.”
Thranduil nodded. “Aye, she is. And I am sure her legs are working fine so she can come here. You are not leaving and if you keep this up I just might have to tie you again.”

He met Glorfindel’s glare head on and sat up to place force beneath his threat. He wasn’t sure he could actually outdo Glorfindel right now, but he had to at least look the part.

Unfortunately Glorfindel merely ignored him and continued to stand up. “I’m going to greet them and you’re not stopping me.” He grabbed a crutch and managed to support himself with it.

Feeling a hand touch his shoulder he pushed it away. “I mean it, Thranduil. Get lost!” He mysteriously almost ran out and down the corridor, eager to see Arwen and Aragorn again.

Translations:
yeldë-nin, daughter-mine
seler sister

TBC