When least expected

Chapter twenty two another healing session

“I demand to know what is going on. NOW!” Celeborn was growing infuriated now that he only had Rielle for comfort and Haldir remained gone. Something was wrong or his lover would have returned to him by now.
Rielle shook her head, pushed him back down and handed him his cup. “I don’t really know what is happening, my lord. I wish I did and I wish I could go see, but I refuse to leave you alone.”

He saw guilt creep into her eyes and hurried to pull her into a breathtaking embrace. “Don’t feel guilty about it, Rielle. It wasn’t your fault, but mine, I wasn’t thinking clearly. I know you blame yourself for not checking in on me, but if you hadn’t Haldir and I would not be together now.”
Rielle chuckled. “Now you are getting confused, my lord. That was your own doing, falling through their talanfloor. I can still see you dragging them here” They both giggled at the image.

And at that moment Haldir and Orophin walked in, pleased, if not surprised, by the happy atmosphere that hang in the room. Orophin nodded and smiled. Rielle noticed he was eager to leavt att at the same time reluctant to do so. “Rumil went on patrol. Said he was beginning to feel useless.”
Celeborn groaned. “He’s feeling useless? He’s not the one being cooped up inside, always having someone to do even the tiniest thing.” He growled. “I am pregnant, not invalided and certainly not a fragile thing that breaks when you touch it. Orophin, what is going on?”

Although Haldir shot him a pleading look he told Celeborn what happened to Erestor and Elr. “B. “But they will both be alright.”
Celeborn slumped back in his seat. “It’s a pity Elrond’s powers won’t work on Elrohir.” Suddenly Rielle frowned and he looked at her hopeful. He knew that frown. It meant she had thought of something they had missed, and usually something small.
“How do we know?”

Celeborn’s eyes widened at that and he jumped up, walking to the door. Orophin blocked his path. “Nay, my lord, there is nothing you can do.” He clasped his shoulders and whispered, so only Celeborn could hear. “Haldir needs you.” Seeing Celeborn’s questioning eyes he silently asked the elf to indulge him, which he did.
As Orophin walked him back to his chair he whispered Glorfindel’s remark in his ears. Celeborn nodded. “Aye, you are right. What would I do without you all? Would you go then, and tell them to try. Rielle is right, without trying we don’t know. Rielle, I think I need some fresh tea.” For a moment the maiden looked confused, the tea jus just been refreshed, but she quickly caught on and left as well.

Now that they were alone Celeborn approached his lover. “Haldir?”
Haldir looked up and smiled weakly. “Orophin told you.” It was a statement, not a question. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. Just give me a moment.”
Celeborn cupped his face and looked at him in worry and concern. “Why did you not tell me?” He caressed Haldir’s face as he waited for an answer.
Haldir shrugged. “I’m fine. You should be resting.” But Celeborn refused to humour Haldir now. “I’m fed up with resting, Haldir. And you’re not fine.” Haldir glared at him for not letting it go but Celeborn didn’t move away and returned the glare.

Suddenly his eyes widened and he yelped softly as he swayed a little, arms flinging out to steady himself. Haldir immediately jumped up and steadied him, guiding him to the chair. He looked at him in obvious worry and concern, intensified by Celeborn’s lost confusion.

“Man né sa?” He had just felt something and now he was terrified something went wrong. Every pregnancy could get complications and his was rare twice, for not only was he male he also carried twins. He clasped Haldir, the urge to have him close was overwhelming him and he gave into it.
Haldir read his desire and sat down on the arm stool, pulling his lover’s face to his chest, holding him close. He was worried now that Celeborn was so distressed. /Don’t let anything be wrong with the babies. He can’t handle that./

A knock entered his hearing and he ruefully let go of his weeping lover and hurried to answer the door. Seeing Envinyaroa he could hug the healer but instead dragged him into the room. “Ainat raica.”

Envinyaroa rushed towards the distressed lord and kneeled before him whilst Haldir resumed to his former position. He smiled when he saw Celeborn immediately claw at Haldir and shrugged his shoulders at Haldir’s outraged look. “Love makes me smile.”
He grabbed Celeborn’s hands in his, looking the other in the eyes. “Now tell me what is wrong?”
Celeborn forced himself to calm down. “I felt something. There.” He touched his expanding belly and looked apologetically at Haldir. He would never forgive himself had anything happened. To do away with that Haldir leaned in closer and kissed him, drawing back when the healer cleared his throat. “May I feel?”
After Celeborn’s nod he placed his hands over the belly. He already had a pretty good idea what had happened but he felt he’d better make sure. Today’s happenings could easily have created a complication and he wanted to erase that possibility. He smiled when he felt some movement, which caused Celeborn’s eyes to widen again and squish his lover. Taken by surprise Haldir yelped softly and tightened his hold.

Envinyaroa shook his head, opened his mouth but thought better and grabbed Haldir’s hand. Stunned by this action Haldir let the healer place his hand on Celeborn’s belly, wondering why he had done that. And then he knew. Seeing Celeborn’s eyes widen at the same time he felt some movement he realised what had happened and kicked himself over the head for being so blind. He should have realised this.
Envinyaroa stood back up and touched his shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself Haldir. It’s only logical you got worried after seeing this. I shall go get you something to eat and maybe join you. I’m reluctant to go home, seeing as I have two patients here. And that’s not mentioning a male pregnant elf.”

Haldir nodded his consent and lowered himself on his heels so he could stare his lover in the eyes. The fear in them took him abacNothNothing’s wrong, my love. This is natural. They’re kicking you, that’s all.” Seeing the disbelieving look he just grabbed Celeborn’s hands and placed them under his own.
Feeling the next movement by his hands as well made him smile. “They really are. I...I thought…I feared” Unable to speak he flung himself at his lover, crying from happiness and relief. He felt so silly now that he had overreacted. The babies were merely moving inside him and he had felt that. Haldir showered him kisses, whilst he rocked him back and fro.

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Erestor awoke and had to blink his eyes a couple of times to focus them. Once he had he realised his vision was partially blocked by dark hair. Wanting to remove it he raised his hand, stopping when pain sliced through his limp. It was impossible for him to lift his left arm. /I must be injured. But how, why?/ He tried to remember but failed. /Think, Erestor, think. You came here with Elrond because Elrohir../
Now the memory came back. Elrohir had surprised him and attacked him wi let letter opener. /Never knew they could do so much damage./ Realising he failed to keep Elrohir here he groaned. He prayed to the Valar the young Peredhel was safe. Tears crept into his eyes as his guilt attacked him. /I failed them./
A sudden urge to make sure all was alright made him rise himself. The hair in front of his eyes fell away and so did the elf it belonged to.

Erestor’s movement was so sudden and forceful a sleeping Elladan was no match and found himself waking up as he fell to the ground. He landed rather painfully on his butt and hissed.
Looking up to find out what had happened he was shocked to see Erestor moving away from the bed. He jumped up and grabbed the counsellor by the waist, supporting and steadying him. “Erestor, you’re too weak. You can’t leave yet. You’ve lost too much blood. Please lie back down.”

Seeing Elladan holding him, begging him to stop actually made him comply. When Elladan had lowered him on the bed he managed to make eye contact. “Elrohir?” He was afraid of his answer, but his presence was hopeful. If Elrohir was dead or injured Elladan would not be by his side.
Hearing how dry Erestor’s voice was Elladan gave him a glass of water, helping him sit up and drink. “We don’t know, Erestor. He tried to kill himself again.” He was surprised at the pained expression in the counsellor’s eyes. He had seen it before. When his mother had been attacked he had seen it in Glorfindel’s eyes. For a long time the blond had blamed himself for the attack and it had taken Elrond years to get him over that. And now he saw it in Erestor’s eyes.

“I am sorry he attacked you, Erestor. How’s your arm? Father said some nerves where damaged.” Erestor nodded. “That explained the pain.” He was stunned by Elladan’s relieved smile. “Really, that’s good news. It shows the nerves have healed and are working again. Otherwise you wouldn’t have felt anything. Here, drink this. It will help the blood production. We were afraid you were going to leave us, but I’m glad you turned your back on Mandos.”

His remark took Erestor by surprise. “Why?” Erestor presented a picture of torejerejection and loss. It was obvious the counsellor blamed himself and felt he didn’t deserve to live. Elladan sat on the bed, locking his eyes with Erestor’s. “Because you are very dear to us all, Erestor. You’re part of our family. Do you really think we wouldn’t have grieved your death?”
Erestor shrugged, hissing when pain sliced through him. “Nay, don’t say that. I failed you, all of you.” He was shocked when Elladan cupped his face. “Nay, Erestor. you didn’t. Elrohir is ailing. He took you by surprise. There’s nothing you could have done different. Please, don’t let dark feelings consume you. No one blames you, Erestor, no one.”
“I blame myself.” He shrugged of Elladan’s hands and turned away.

Elladan walked to the other side, shocked when he saw Erestor’s eyes. The counsellor’s eyes were empty. /He left us./ He would have preferred to see them closed.

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Orophin knocked before entering and smiled when he saw the sleeping elves. Lindir grinned at him. “Didn’t Glorfindel send you away?”
Orophin smiled back. “Aye and Lord Celeborn send me back and I serve him.” He nodded towards Elrond. “Do you think he can be woken?”
Lindir smiled. “Only if you wish to die a horrible death. Placed upon you by overprotecting Glorfindel.” This made Orophin burst out laughing, his explosion making Elrond jolt awake.

Elrond felt revived now that he had slept so deeply. He couldn’t remember sleeping this deeply in a long, long time. He grinned as he realised where he was. /Now I know why./
Now that the blond was asleep Elrond didn’t stop his love from showing.

Seeing Orophin and Lindir looking at him he regretfully rose himself and approached them, glancing towards the bed. Lindir smiled supportively. “He hasn’t worsened.”
Elrond nodded thankfully. He appreciated what Lindir offered. “Thank you, Lindir. Tell me, was that a lullaby?” Lindir shook his head. “Nay, merely sang like one.”

Orophin cleared his throat. “I am sorry to have awoken you, my lord, but Lord Celeborn has sent me here.” Seeing Elrond’s eyebrow rise and a worried expression enter the eyes he hurried to calm him down. “Forgive me my thoughtless words. He’s fine and so are the babies. No, Rielle and he just figured out we don’t know whether or not your healing skills will be powerless on Elrohir. We just assumed they would be because Envinyaroa’s books say there is no cure.”
Now that he was thinking clear again Elrond nodded. “And if anything, they should work on the wounds. I shall do it.”

He turned when Lindir nodded towards the other side and he saw Elladan shuffle inside. The pained expression in his eyes contracted Elrond’s heart and he rushed towards his eldest. “Elladan, is something wrong with Erestor?” Elladan slumped against his father and let his tears come out.
Hearing the commotion Glorfindel woke up and joined them and his eyes widened in horror as he heard Elladan retell what happened in the adjoining room. Lindir jumped up. “That’s it. If he thinks he’s getting away with that, he’s got another thing coming. Elrond, I suggest you do your thing. Once Elrohir realises what he’s done he’ll turn around. And Elladan, don’t leave Erestor’s side. Keep talking to him. Elrohir and I will join you as soon as we can.”

Glorfindel’s eyes widened at that speech but he held back his laughter, realising Elrond was about to start the healing session. Now he had to be alert and catch him the moment he started to fall down.

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Elrond was surprised at how black everything was. He knew he had not enough energy to get Elrohir’s attention, let alone pull him back and fight. He needed more energy but how would he get it? Suddenly he felt warmth entering his own body and spirit. For a second he was surprised but then recognized the energy.
Glorfindel had sensed Elronds’ dilemma and had told the others. Without hesitation they touched Elrond’s shoulders, giving him their energy as well. So now Elrond had not only his own energy to draw from but theirs as well. He smiled, knowing that once he had established contact with Elrohir, his son would be able to feel the others as well. And that would aid his recovery, he was sure.

Suddenly Elrond saw a weak and faint glimmer. He focused upon it and saw Elrohir was moving, walking. But what horrified him most was seeing Mandos standing in the background. Elrond had to move fast or he would lose Elrohir to Mandos. /NEVER!/
`Elrohir, I know you can hear me. Come back to us, let us help you.`

The scenery changed and he no longer saw his son. Panicking he looked around frantically and than relaxed as he saw this was an imaginary world. The world Elrohir created. Focussing upon Elrohir’s spirit he found him fast. `Elrohir.`
The eyes that turned towards him were empty, lost. But Elrond saw a little sparkle hidden in the darkness. `Elrohir, don’t leave us. We need you.`

Elrohir was about to walk away but Elrond catapulted almost all energy he could at him and Elrohir fell backwards, basking in warm light. He recognized the patterns. `Father, Elladan.` And there were three others `Glorfindel and Lindir and Orophin?`

`Aye, little one, they care about you and refuse to let you go. Go back before you turn their lives into misery.` The female voice didn’t register with Elrohir.
`What do you mean?`
`If you continue like this Celeborn will lose his children. And Erestor will be lost forever. Neither living nor death. Your brother will not leave his side while your father starts fading away.`
`But nana.`

Suddenly the Valië appeared before him. “Elrohir, your mother has changed and is your mother no longer. There are some things even we have no control over, young one. This is your mother now.”
The Valië turned Elrohir around and he saw his mother walking. Her eyes empty and icy. There was no warmth or emotion in them. He rushed forward. “NANA.” He flung himself at her but she threw him away. “Nana?”
Her eyes regarded him coldly. “I have no children.”
Before he could run after her he felt the Valië’s hands upon his shoulders. “Your mother has chosen to forget. Forget her pain. I’ve tried to stop her, but she insisted. She thought she would be free and she is, in a way. But she also forgot about all of you. It’s the side-effect of the potion. She knew and wanted it. I am sorry, little one, for your suffering and your pain. But please don’t make others suffer because of it for they love you dearly.”

Elrohir slumped to the ground. “I have no nana anymore.” The Valië sat beside him. “But you do have a father who loves you. You and Elladan are his world. He wasn’t happy here in Valinor. Because you and Elladan weren’t with him.”
Elrohir sniffed. “But ata is Adan’s”
She smiled. “An elf’s heart is big, Elrohir, and a parent’s heart even more. They love all their children unconditionally and you have so many who give you that, if only you’d see. Go back?!”

Elrohir suddenly turned his teary eyes towards her. “Twins?” She grinned, pleased he had finally caught the implication in her words. “A boy and a girl. I don’t think they’ve got names yet and I’m sure they will accept you as a babysitter.”

Suddenly Elrohir felt light again and he looked back, seeing his father slumped against Glorfindel, Elladan on the chair and Lindir and Orophin sleeping on the floor. Seeing the worry in Glorfindel’s eyes made him worry as well. “Ata! Adan!” He felt the sudden urge to run towards them and he made to go, but halted.

The Valië looked worried when he suddenly turned but smiled when she suddenly had her hands filled. Elrohir had flung himself at her, thanking her in the only way he knew how. “Thank you, Nienna, I shall never forget this.”

She smiled ruefully at his fading image. /Oh, but you will./ She let out relieved tears.
“It’s better this way, Nienna.”
She turned and smiled at the lady standing in front of her. “I know, I know, but still….”
Varda smiled and invited her to have a drink with her, understanding her pain. But it was better Elrohir would not remember. Or he might be tempted to come here and try and heal Celebrían.

End chapter 22
TBC

Translations:
Man né sa? Means What was that?”
Ainat raica means something’s wrong