Against all odds

Chapter twenty four the wrong ideas

Legolas was enjoying his surroundings as he waited, though he did not know what he waited for. He knew Elrohir was going to send Elladan to him, but somehow he doubted the elder twin would come, which would oblige Elrohir to go back to Legolas.

The blond had quickly realised how different the twins are. Whereas Elladan is harsh and out going, Elrohir is introvert and gentle. The younger twin would not embarrass on purpose and valued etiquettes and protocol, but the elder twin did not care for those. Legolas had also found Elrohir to be more acceptable to others yet he could hardly handle unexpected surprises. And Elladan, though he successfully cloaked it in humour, had a hard time being around unknown faces but could handle anything that came his way.

Legolas sighed as the twins controlled his thoughts. He didn’t know what holding Elladan would feel like, but he doubted he would enjoy it. If the differences also took place in the bed, Elladan would not be cuddly at all. And he had enjoyed holding Elrohir all night.

Legolas started to wonder if Elladan had a lover. He knew Elrohir did not have any; not only because the twin had told him so but also because he would not have kept Legolas company for so long without seeing his lover.

A sound behind him shook him out of his musing and he blushed a bit when he saw it was Elladan that was standing behind him. He hoped the twin had not sensed his thoughts.

“Elrohir told me you wish to speak with me?” Though the voice was not harsh or cut, it did carry some resentment. Legolas could sense the twin had rather not come. He did not know what to say. “That’s what he thinks and maybe we should indeed talk.”

“About what?”

Legolas swallowed. “What was that all about in the kitchen? Why tell me to stay away? Stay away from what?”

Elladan snorted. “Don’t play innocent, little Prince,” the words carried venom, indented to hurt the blond, “it won’t work with me. Glorfindel sees through your mask and so do I.”

Legolas was baffled. /What is he on about?/ “Mask? I don’t know what you mean? From what do you want me to stay away?”

Elladan rose and presented a rather dangerous sight, hovering above Legolas, ready to strike. “You know! Leave!” He turned abruptly and marched back to the house. He could care less what Legolas would think or say, he was in a hurry to go back to Lindir.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’ve really outdone yourself, my friend. This was, -is-, way too much for us to finish. Even with you helping us.”

When Elrond and Erestor had arrived in the dining room, they did not have to wait long for the food to arrive. When Glorfindel, hidden behind large quantities of food, entered the blond had dismissed the servants, intended on serving his friends himself. It would bring some amusement to them and he didn’t mind doing it once. He ended up serving three elves, though, for not long after his arrival Elrohir had entered.

When he saw how Erestor and his father looked he felt better. Seeing his mood Erestor immediately went into another guilt-trip and had invited the young Half-elf to enjoy the meal with them, saying Glorfindel could serve three just as easily as two. But Elrohir’s extra mouth wasn’t enough to do away with the food, so Glorfindel was ordered to help. He had done so and now he shrugged. “I merely followed Erestor’s example, Elrond.”

Elrond was already eying his son. He saw minute changes in him. He knew Erestor saw it too, but the counsellor thought them to be the result from their presence. But Elrond knew better. Thangeanges had already been there when the younger twin had entered the room. /Maybe Legolas’ presence is helping him?/ He also read the insecurity and questions in his eyes. Elrond extended his hand and covered Elrohir’s. It was a sign of inquiry which they knew well.

Elrohir sighed. “I don’t know, ata.”

Glorfindel squinted his eyes and could see the same that Elrond saw, but he also saw some resent pain and the embarrassment of having to tell his father. He decided to come to the rescue. “I think Elrohir wishes to know how you two are doing and what the future will be.” He locked eyes with Elrohir. ‘don’t deny it or Elrond will bug you on the real problem.’

Elrond looked at Erestor. He wanted to reassure his son, but at the same time he did not want Erestor upset and he did not know how to combine those two.

Erestor read the confusion in Elrond’s mind and answered in his place. “Well, pen-neth, as you see we are doing fine: just look at us, we’re eating rather large amounts of food. -And- we’re putting up with Glorfindel’s endless good mood. As for the future…..” for a moment he decided on what to say.

Looking sideways at Elrond he saw the other’s hopes and emotions. Deeper than he had before. /Is this my imagination or was he holding back?/ Erestor instantly knew Elrond was indeed holding back and would be doing so now as well, had he know Erestor could see, and that Elrond did it to give him a free choice. That realisation warmed him and he suddenly knew how to continue. “I suppose you’ll be seeing us together a lot, pen-neth.”

Saying those words had been easier than he thought and when he had spoken them he could feel Elrond’s happiness. /He does not even care if we become more. Though he prefers it he will settle for my closeness and friendship./

Elrohir smiled too, he was happy he would not lose them after all. “I’m glad.”

Glorfindel chuckled. This was a teasing opportunity he could not let go. “But I suggest you always knock before entering a room where they are alone. You should give them time to get themselves decent again.” He winked at Elrohir, telling him he was joking. Elrohir immediately caught on and countered. “Don’t tell me, Glorfindel, tell Adan. He’s the one with a plate for his head.”

Elrond let his goblet fall and Erestor nearly choked on his food as they heard those words. But the Half-elf composed himself quickly. “Glorfindel! That was not necessary. Our relationship and whether or not it deepens is none of your concern. Or that of anybody else. Besides my children.”

But Glorfindel did not back away yet. “Don’t tell me you don’t know, Elrond. Those who are bonded become life partners. It’s only normal you become mates.”

Erestor rose and glared at him. “We know and if you think we’re are going to discuss anything with -you- around, you’re daft. Go get drunk or something, but stop insinuating things.”

Looking at them he could tell they really did not know, which greatly surprised him. He always thought Elrond knew all. He wondered if he should enlighten them and whether or not to do it in front of Elrohir. He decided not to. He doubted there was going to be need for that anyway. He faked a caved in sigh. “All right, you win. I surrender and apologize. If you’ll excuse me, I have to go be daft somewhere else.”

On his way out he had to jump out of the way when a furious Elladan marched in. The twin took a seat and grabbed some food. “Where’s Lindir?!”

Elrond raised his eyebrows. Something was wrong here. He had the feeling that while Erestor and he had been recovering, a progress that still was far from complete, a lot had happened and he now was not up-to-date anymore.

Elrohir shrugged. “Not here. You’re fast.”

Elladan shrugged as he grabbed the next piece of meat. “Aye. He’s insane.”

Erestor, also unaware of what was going on, studied Elladan. “Who’s insane? And why?”

At first Elladan wanted to answer truthfully but he could see that would hurt Elrohir and that was the last thing he wanted. “Lindir. He was supposed to wait for me and now he’s gone. Well I’m off. Maybe I can go with the patrols. See if I can slice some orc-heads.”

Erestor smiled. “You know they start running away the moment they see you coming. The famous and widely known orc-slayer.” Elladan laughed openly at the joke. “You forgot to mention the slayer’s twin.”

When Elladan was gone Elrohir looked at the other two. He was happy to see Erestor happy again and them both in rather good health. “What are you doing today?”

Elrond smiled at his son. “Taking my role, Elrohir? In stead of me asking you about your plans you’re asking us.” He chuckled. “Well, I need to do some research and the sooner I get it done the better, so I’ll be doing that.”

“Can I join you?” Erestor didn’t feel like separating from Elrond.

Elrond nodded. “Well, walk me back to my rooms then.” At Erestor’s puzzled look he smiled. “Linyenwaer had earlier brought the books in. They’re still there. Which reminds me: Elrohir, will you please check on Linyenwaer today. I don’t want him to feel forgotten.” Elrohir nodded and they all stood to leave.

Elrohir watched his father and Erestor walk off, unknowingly leaning into each other. He smiled at the picture. About to head towards the stables he saw one of the grooms racing towards him, who seemed rather happy to see him. “My lord, please, come quickly. Prince Legolas is leaving and Lord Glorfindel can’t stop him.”

Elrohir gasped. He remembered Thranduil’s letter. The blond would only be save here. He addressed the groom, telling him to fetch his father. He ran towards the stables. He and Glorfindel would have to stall Legolas until his father was there. He alone could make Legolas stay.

Panting he reached the stables. The scene in front of him would make him laugh had it not been for the seriousness of the situation. Legolas was seated on his horse, grooms hovering, at a safe distance, around both him and Glorfindel, who was blocking the exit. Legolas had his sword drawn. “Step aside, or find your head near your feet.”

But Glorfindel didn’t budge. “No, you can’t leave. You’re only safe here. And don’t say you’re merely going for a ride, for you’re not. You’re fully armoured and packed enough with you to make the journey to your father’s realm. And it is his request on which you remain here. And don’t threaten me, I handle my sword better than you and neither of us is a kin-slayer, so…”

Legolas was about to kick his horse into motion, not caring if he hurt Glorfindel, but a voice from behind Glorfindel stopped him. “Legolas! Don’t! Why would you leave? You can’t. It would be your death.” Legolas could see Elrohir was greatly upset, but he refused to dismount or change his plans. “Mirkwood is in danger.”

But Elrohir shook his head. “No it isn’t. If it was we would have heard about it. You’re the one that is in danger if you leave the valley.”

Legolas blinked back his tears. “You don’t understand, I have to leave. I wont go to Mirkwood, if you don’t me to. I’ll go find Mithrandir. He will protect me.”

Now Glorfindel countered the blond. He was glad he wasn’t alone in this anymore. He had doubted he would have been able to stop Legolas any longer, but it seemed Elrohir was. “If you’re nemesis only fears Imladris, why would Mithrandir be able to protect you? I do not doubt that he would, but that would only lead him to his death as well. Is that what you want?”

“I have to leave. Please, step aside. I do not wish to run you over.”

“They will do no such thing” Elrond’s calm voice came from the door. “Legolas, please dismount your horse and come back into the house.”

But Legolas shook his head. “No, I am sorry, Lord Elrond, but I cannot obey. I have to leave.”

Elrond caught on where the other’s hadn’t. “Why? There is no threat forcing you back home and we both know you are the last to get homesick, so why do you -have- to leave?”

Legolas hung his head. He did not wish for Elrond to find out his reasons. “Please.”

Elrond sighed. “Legolas. Do you wish to leave? Are you unhappy here?” He knew he was playing dirty, but Legolas gave him no choice. Knowing Elrond could easily detect a lie Legolas answered truthfully. “No, Lord Elrond, I don’t and I am.” Elrond nodded. “Then there is no reason for you to leave. Now get from that horse and go back inside.”

Legolas got of the horse. He figured he could leave later, at night. But Elrond had anticipated that. “And I will not see any of these actions again. If you do try to leave, bear in mind that my trackers are the best. They will find you within the hour and then you will leave me no choice but to lock you up. Don’t disgrace your home, Prince.” Reminding Legolas he was the only Mirkwood representative, and a royal one at that, would keep him obedient.

The prince meekly followed Elrond, slumped and defeated. But he hadn’t taken two steps or a hand was on his shoulder. Turning around he gazed into Elrohir’s concerned eyes. He did not speak, but his posture showed his concern and worry. Legolas sighed. “I am sorry to distress you thus, Elrohir. I had not counted on Glorfindel.”

Elrohir did not like the way Legolas looked right now. In his mind he had already drawn the conclusion that Elladan had rejected the blond and it now was obvious it was too painful to stick around. “Come inside the stables, will you? I still have to check on Linyenwaer.”

Legolas looked puzzled. That was a new name and he had not seen any nametags carrying it in the stables. Elrohir smiled. “ada’s deer.”

As they walked inside Elrohir decided to give the blond some comfort. “Don’t worry about it. Adan, I mean Elladan can be stupid sometimes. Blind and thick-headed too. Don’t fret. He’s used to do the hunting, not to be the one that’s hunted.” Legolas looked absolutely stunned. He had no idea what Elrohir was raving on about and he told him so. “Elladan’s rejection. My fault I guess for sending him to talk to you.”

“Rejection?” Legolas stood there, mouth wide open and eyes looking at Elrohir in disbelief. Suddenly he understood. “Wait a second. You’ve send Elladan to me because you thought I fancied him. What gave you -that- idea?” By his tone it was obvious Legolas did not like that conception.

Elrohir blushed as he realised he had made a mistake. “O by the Valar, I am so sorry, Legolas. I thought you were. I mean, you stared after him this morn when he left the kitchen and later in the gardens, when we were eating our breakfast, which was closer to lunch anyway, you were awfully quiet and than I started thinking and than I thought…”

Realising Elrohir would not stop his rambling any time soon Legolas stopped him by placing his hand over his mouth. “It’s ok, Elrohir. No harm done. You’re still my friend, right?”

Having his speech removed from him, it’s hard speaking with a hand in front of your mouth, Elrohir nodded. He also did not want to lose that contact so fast as he knew he would of he tried speaking. Now the hand lasted a little longer. His own feelings surprised him and he looked it too.

Legolas interpreted as a silent plea to explain. “I’d rather not talk about it Elrohir, but please, never, ever make me be alone with Elladan.” He rubbed his head, it hurt. He smiled when Elrohir walked to a box and opened it. A proud magnificent deer stepped forward nudging his nose to Elrohir’s chest.

“I am fine thank you, Linenwaer, how are you? Father and Erestor are improving.” Elrohir was giving the deer an update and he smiled when he saw it’s concerned look towards Legolas. “It’s alright, Legolas knows. I told him last night.”
Seeing Legolas rubbing his forehead yet agai thr threw the blond a bemused look. “Me thinks you’ve had too much to think about today. Want to join me for a ride. Riding always clears my head, feeling the wind move through my hair.”

Legolas smiled for real and nodded. “Aye, that does sound lovely, but I doubt they’ll let me saddle my horse any time soon.” He actually chuckled at that.

Elrohir suggested to find him another horse, since his was too weak to carry two at the moment. When Legolas asked why he explained she had just been sick. About to go find Legolas a free horse Linyenwaer blocked his path, locked their heads together and informed Elrohir he was yearning for a nice long walk. He was strong enough to carry both elves if they wished, and otherwise he would come along.

Elrohir smiled. “Legolas, Linyenwaer here offers to be our steed for today. He already carried father once and I’ve not heard him complain.” Legolas’ eyes twinkled. “Sounds fun. Let’s go”

End chapter 24
TBC

And no new translations here.