the trouble with love

Chapter forty seven A small peace

Legolas’ blue eyes scanned the surroundings only a second after regaining awareness. Something had woken him and he refused to take changes.

He relaxed when he saw Elvil and inclined his head in greeting. “Stay silent. Elnihir’s still asleep.”
Elvil smiled. “I’m really glad you’re looking after him. I feel so guilty for what’s happened.”
Legolas smiled warmly. “It was not your fault, Elvil. And I’ve been thinking that it might be better for you to train with Glorfindel. After all he is a reborn too and you might find some comfort in that.”
Elvil smiled and nodded. “I will think about it. Thank you. And Elrond asked me to hand you this letter. And I came here for Elnihir, but since he’s asleep…”

He paused and waited for a while, giving Legolas time to read the letter. “I only wanted to tell him Onar is coming back soon.”
Legolas smiled. “I’m sure you can tell him tomorrow as well.”
Elvil nodded and silently left.

Legolas sighed and disentangled himself from the little elf and sat up. It took him a while to register the cold wind blowing over them. Looking down he noticed the shivers. Not wasting time he effortlessly lifted the small body and started walking to his own rooms.

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Elladan yawned when he entered the corridor to his rooms. He’s been on patrol and it had taxed him. Though there had been no reason for him to go, he had done it, needing the outlet it provided.

Smiling faintly he opened the door and stopped dead in his tracks. A sea of flowers greeted him. He could see every variety known to elves and men alike, covering his floor like a thick – the thickest he’d ever seen – carpet. He could only see where his furniture was located thanks to the tops sticking out: the back of his chair and his bed.

He already knew it would be impossible to open his wardrobe: even though flowers are light on their own, together they could cr str strength enough to prevent the action. And his table now seemed like a board floating on the water.

Not willing to spoil the atmosphere in his room he swiftly entered and closed the door, stopping the small river of escaping flowers. He would search for a note later but now he was too tired and waded through the flowers to his bed. As he climbed on it he saw for the first time it was covered in flower petals.

Smiling he laid down and closed his eyes, allowing the smell of flowers to lure him into a dream world.

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“Father, are you sure about this?”
“Aye, I am. If I don’t go, he’ll never rid himself of that fear and he will eventually push his lover away. And I will be dead if I let that happen.” He sighed. “You haven’t seen them, ion-nin, they belong together.”
“And you will make sure they stay that waysuppsuppose. You are determined enough not to be stopped by me.”
The elder elf laughed warmly. “If I remember correctly those are the exact same words I uttered when you were young.” The two laughed.

“Just be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
The eyes misted over. “I shall ys lys love him, but I finally realised I will never have him. I will wait for the Valar to send another my way and until then… Who knows?”
“Well, safe journey then. May the Valar keep you safe.”
“And you guard my realm well. I will be back.” He kicked his horse in motion and the proud stallion took of at high speed, swiftly taking the ruler from his realm.

With a heavy heart Joreb stared after his father, fearing for his heart. Silinde smiled and embraced him from behind. “Don’t brood. He’s fine. And love awaits him in Imladris.”
Daiz shook his head. “You are daft, you really are. Elrond has chosen his secretary. Or have you lost your memory as well as your brain?”
The she-elf smiled, not taking the bait. “No, I merely saw some things you hadn’t. Trust me, he will not stay alone for too long.”

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Orophin jumped up when he heard a sound. He grinned when he saw Elrohir enter in a haphazard shape.

“What harm has befallen you?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Erestor. There just was so much to do. Aiya, I need my bed.” He smiled when Orophin pulled him close, but soon rolled away. “Sorry, Phin, but I am too tired. And it’s near breakfast. You go eat. I’ll sleep. Tonight.”
Orophin smiled and kissed him tenderly. “All right, I shall go eat, if only to prevent my protesting stomach waking you. Sleep and don’t feel guilty. I slept during the night.” He smiled when Elrohir softly snored in response. Shaking his head he silently got himself dressed and left the room.

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Celeborn shook his head in amusement. “Where is you head these days, my friend?”
Thrilmaldur jumped up and stared at his lord in shock and fear. “Forgive me, I did not hear.”

Celeborn gently approached him and laid a friendly hand on his left shoulder. “That I could tell. Where is your mind, I wonder?” Thrilmaldur sighed longingly and Celeborn smiled knowingly. “Back in Imladris, no doubt. Perhaps with a certain counsellor.”
Seeing Thrilmaldur’s eyes he smiled warmly. “I take it your relationship has altered?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “I didn’t think it would be harder than before but I find myself so wrong.”
Celeborn smiled. “You’ve been in love with him for a long time, my friend, and now that you’ve finally admitted it to each other, you crave him more. The distance becomes a burden, knowing you can have him if he were here.”

He smiled understandingly. “Why don’t you go back? Surprise him. Stay with him and maybe, after some months, come back?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Nay, you need me here.”
Celeborn smiled. “True, you are a great and trusted advisor, my friend. But neither I nor Elrond mind if you and Erestor take turns.” He raised his hand to stop the protest.
“You could stay in Imladris during the summer, and here during the winter. Or alternate yearly. That way you and Erestor will be happy and the two realms will benefit from both your talents.”
Thrilmaldur sighed longingly and nodded. “If you really don’t mind. And if Erestor will approve.”
Celeborn nodded. “I don’t mind at all. And I wouldn’t mind losing you to Imladris if it meant your happiness. Go, prepare your journey.”
Thrilmaldur smiled gratefully and hurried away.

Galadriel emerged from the shadows and smiled at her husband. “Erestor will accept the proposal.”
Celeborn narrowed his eyes. “It’s a suggestion, not a proposal. Or have you…?”
She nodded. “I needed to be sure.” She leaned in closer. “I am so happy for them.”
Celeborn nodded. “Me too. But you should hide it somewhere else if you don’t want people to see into it.”
She cocked her head. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged. “I stumbled upon it.”
“And? You’re my husband and already know about it.” She laughed warmly but cocked her head when his eyes turned mysterious.
“And there’s nothing you don’t want me to know, is there?” with that he closed the distance and kissed her, leaving her stunned and puzzled when he left.

/He looked into it. But what did he see? Could it be he saw… No, he couldn’t have seen it. H couldn’t have./ But she wasn’t sure. But what else could his words have meant? There was only one secret she had, only one.

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Elrond shook his head. This was not going as planned. “Elnihir, please stop waving that. If the stop gets lose you will be covered in ink.”
Elnihir grinned but nodded. “Oh, all right, this isn’t fun anyway. How is Melpomean?”
Elrond smiled. “He’s fine, little one, and almost healed. But I didn’t dare him teaching today.” He shook his head. “You and Elvil might be trouble together, but when you are alone it doubles.”

He smiled affectionately at his grandson and pulled him close. “I shall miss it when you’ve grown up.”
Elnihir hugged him. “Maybe you can find another stray elfling?”
Elrond laughed and shook his head. “I don’t think so. But I don’t mind as long as I have all of you with me.”
“You will.” Elnihir nodded vigorously. “Adan and ata will not leave and me neither and Elvil’s Elladan’s. But maybe ata can get another baby.”

Elrond laughed as he released the little elf, shaking his head at the words. He wisely chose not to respond to it. “Start your lessons, Elnihir.”
Elnihir pouted but went to his table.

Suddenly he tripped and the bottle of ink he’d been holding flew out of his hand and made a loop before landing upside-down on his grandfather and, needless to say, the stop came of during the flight. He looked on in horror as the black substance trailed its path down the beautiful robes.

Elrond’s look was one of puzzlement and disbelief. Seeing Elnihir tremble he swallowed the scolding about to leave his lips. Instead his eyes started to twinkle and his lips curled into a smile. “Great aim. Too bad I’m not Erestor. It wouldn’t have shown on his clothes.” His voice was dry as he spoke and it had the desired effect.
Before long the younger elf’s lips curled too and a laughter left them. “I’m sorry, ata’da, but…”
Elrond nodded. “You tripped. It’s not your fault, ionníono. You start your lessons and I will see if I can get this ink from my hair and face. I shall send someone to help you.” He left, chuckling when he saw himself in the mirror. He looked a complete mess.

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Ecthelion beamed when he entered the room. “Glorthar, listen.”

Glorfindel’s look was one of love, happiness and pride. Without words he pulled him close to himself and kissed him passionately, his heart pounding madly when Ecthelion returned it. Breaking it, he pulled a little back and saw his own need and desire reflected in his lover’s orbs.

“What is it?”
“Elvil wants us to train him.” He nodded at Glorfindel’s frown. “Legolas suggested he’d take you as his teacher, since you are a reborn too, but I am one too, so when we bumped into each other earlier he told me and asked me if I would train with him as well.”
Glorfindel smiled, tightening his hold. “That sounds like a great idea. And I am sure Elnihir wants to have Legolas to himself. But I do believe the blond Prince should be the one teaching them both how to wield a bow.”
Ecthelion nodded. “Aye, I’ve heard. He’s the best.”
“Without a doubt.”

For a moment he was silent but then Glorfindel decided to address this. “And what will you do with your days?”
Ecthelion shrugged. “I asked Elrond to teach me lore and I still want to do that, but you’re his Seneschal. I will hardly see you.”
Glorfindel eyes saddened but he ignored his own feelings. “At least for a while. And it might be best. It’s been a while. Maybe we are not compatible anymore.”

Ecthelion narrowed his eyes and stepped back, crossing his arms and cocking his head. Glorfindel remembered the pose. This meant some hard words were coming. “And just what made you say that? The booze? Or do you really believe we wouldn’t belong together anymore? Do you love me? Me, Ecthelion of Imladris?”
Glorfindel nodded. “Aye, I love you. Your soul sang to mine from the moment we first met. But that only reminds me you are not my lover. You are no longer Ecthelion of Glin.lin.”
Ecthelion nodded. “Nor are you Glorfindel of Gondolin. You might have called yourself that to keep the memory alive, but you are Glorfindel of Imladris. Another Glorfindel, a new Glorfindel, who resembles the old a lot. Your cockiness for instance: it’s gone! For which I am very glad. I would drive me insane now, though it was what drew me to you back then.”

Glorfindel smiled in understanding. “It’s amazing we still fit together perfectly.”
Ecthelion nodded. “Like a pair of gloves. Well, I’d better go to the library. I’m supposed to relieve Erestor, before he falls asleep standing.”
Glorfindel grinned at the mental picture and kissed his lover before he watched him run away. /Thank you, Mandos, for bringing us back./ He did not fool himself into thinking this would have happened without the Vala’s help.

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“Elladan! Wake up!!!!” The Peredhel closed his eyes tighter, in an in vain effort to block out the voice. It was useless and he groaned. “ELLADAN!!!!!!!!” He regretfully opened one eye and glared at his twin. “Go wway. Mm sleepy.”
Elrohir laughed at the slurred speech. “So I hear. What has happened to you, toron?”
Elladan turned around. “Patrol. Leave. Sleep.”
Elrohir laughed and climbed on the bed. “Me too. But there’s too much noise at my room. And there’s too much smell in here.”
Elladan flared up. “I do -not- smell!”
Elrohir smiled as he shook his head. “No, all those flowers do. What happened here?”

At first Elladan blinked but then he smiled and looked around. He shrugged. “Don’t know. It was like that when I came back. I can’t use a secret admirer with Elvil so possessive.”
Elrohir grinned. “Who says it wasn’t him? He’s romantic enough for it.”
Elladan arched an eyebrow. “Are we talking t tht the same Elvil?”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye. Where you are concerned he’s always been romantic. First come flowers, then the candy… I wonder how he will do that…” He ducked to avoid the pillow and yawned.

“Saes, I did not come here to fight. I need meep eep too. Or I fear I’ll abandon Phin again tonight and I don’t want that.”
Elladan shrugged and laid back down. “I’m sure he won’t mind to spend the night alone.”
Elrohir shook his head, a blush creeping over his face. “No, Adan. We… he… I… He’s my lover now.”
Elladan flared back up and stared at his twin. “But you always preferred females.”
Elrohir nodded. “I know. But I love him, Adan.”
Elladan cocked his head and smiled. “Well, then, why are we talking if you want to be fit tonight? Do I have to give you some pointers?”
Elrohir blushed and Elladan grinned, making them both comfortable on the bed.

End chapter 47
TBC
Ionníono means son of my son.