When least expected

NOTE:
I just found out I had made a mistake in my previous chapter.
Where I wrote pineapple it should be a pinecone. A translation error I’m afraid.

Chapter twenty four entering the road to recovery

Lindir stirred, the motion making him slide of the chair, resulting in a rather unexpected waking. Bedazzled he looked around and nodded as he remembered where he was and why. He stood up and straightened his clothes. And then he yawned. He shook hisd. /d. /Really Lindir, you have just slept I-don’t-know-how-long and you feel the need for yawning? You’ve gotten lazy./

Grinning at his own thoughts he approached the bed and smiled when he saw colour was back on Elrohir’s face. /This is a good sign, is it not?/
“Aye it is. You can go back to sleep if you wish” Lindir jumped and turned, grinning as he saw Haldir’s smiling face. He shook his head again when he realised he must have spoken aloud.

After approaching he kneeled down before Haldir. “Nay,” he whispered, “too much sleep can only harm an elf. Anything happened?”
Haldir nodded. “As you can see Celeborn here just had to come. But I think it’s a good thing he did. Elrohir felt the babies kick when he woke shortly. He promised he wouldn’t try such a thing again, though I fthe the reasons are wrong.”
Lindir smiled. “I am grateful, no matter what the reason. And between the babies and I, he won’t have time to feel gloomy. Don’t worry, we’ll get him back.”

“Get who back?” A hoarse voice from behind asked them.
Lindir stood up, smiled and walked to stand beside Elrohir. “Why Elrohir, what a pleasure to see your eyes again. How are you feeling?”
Elrohir smiled weakly at him. “How do you think? Get who back? Me?”
Lindir cocked his head. “Why would there be any need to get you back? You’re here, aren’t you? Or are you Elladan, playing a trick on me again? If so, I can alr war warn you there are stables here as well. Maybe I should wake Lord Glorfindel, he might be able to think of a more fitting punishment.”

Pretending he was going to do just that he halted when Elrohir reached for him, laughing. Though it was far from his usual laugh, Lindir was glad to hear it. “Lindir, please, don’t wake ata. He needs his rest. He’s used so much of his energy on me and ata’da. Why are you all here?”
Lindir grinned. “It got too boring without two elflings running amok. So when your father and Glorfindel were preparing to leave Erestor and I made them take us along. We didn’t really give them a choice. We were ready to chop up their boat.”
Elrohir grinned. “You and Erestor both refuse to handle weapons of any kind.” Lindir nodded. “Ah, but that doesn’t mean we donnow now how to use them. I tell you, Erestor swings a mean axe.” This made Elrohir l, im, immediately followed by a yawn.

Lindir laid him back down. “Silly me, chatting away when you need your rest. Heel fast for I wish to explore this wonderful woods, but I refuse to do so without your company.”
Elrohir’s eyes became questioning and Lindir once again talked around the truth. “Things have surely changed. So I will need a guide. I don’t know any of the local elves, yet, and Elladan and I don’t enjoy the same things. So I am forced to wait for you to get well. Hurry up.”
Elrohir nodded. Lindir managed to catch his words before the Peredhel dozed off again. “Remind me to see Erestor next time I’m up. I hurt him and..” Lindir smiled. “Don’t worry, pen-neth. Erestor is tougher than you think”

He looked over his shoulder and smiled at Haldir. “He’s doing much better. I think Elrond did it well.” Haldir nodded. “Though we shouldn’t let our guard down.”

Lindir resumed the position he had left when Elrohir had awoken and he grinned at Haldir. “So, what else has happened? Or was that it?”
Haldir thought for a while, unsure whether to confide in the minstrel but he figured he might be able to help. “Actually there is. I saw Lord Elrond and Glorfindel kiss. Passionately.”
Lindir’s smile widened. “Finally. It’s about time. You have no idea how many hints Erestor and I have dropped them, but they both happily ignored them. Drove us mad. I should tell him.”
Haldir stopped him from standing. “Something’s wrong, Lindir. Glorfindel cried. Elrond declared his love and Glorfindel cried. I don’t know, it just seemed odd.” Lindir nodded. “I agree. That is odd. Maybe Erestor knows what to do. I will go to him.”
Haldir nodded. “Be silent, Glorfindel placed Elladan there.” If possible Lindir’s smile widened further. “Great!”

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

Elladan woke when he sensed someone’s eyes on him and he forced his eyes to open. Seeing Erestor close he smiled. He vaguely remembered wedging himself this close to the elder elf. His smile widened when he realised Erestor had made no protests.

“Did I wake you?” Hearing a voice from behind him Elladan let go of Erestor and turned, smiling when he saw Lindir hovering above him. “Aye, you did, but it’s ok. I wonder if ata is always this drained after healing someone.”
Lindir grinned. “Maybe, but you mustn’t forget he’s used to it, we aren’t. How’s Err?” r?”
Elladan shrugged. “Feeling guilty. And his eyes are still empty. I don’t like it, Lindir.”

The minstrel nodded. “Did he say or do anything?”
Elladan frowned as he thought. “He told me to sleep. He felt guilty, but Elrohir will be well and I told him so.” Suddenly he flared up right. Elladan’s eyes were wide and he had trouble believing his memory. He shook his head and Lindir could hear him repeat ‘no’ over and over again.
“Man nás?” Elladan’s eyes flashed toward him in an alarming rate and then the Peredhel looked at the sleeping counsellor. “He declared his love for me, but I don’t think he meant for me to hear it. Or remember it.” He rubbed his head as this was slowly turning into a headache.

Lindir grinned and touched his shoulder. “It’s about time he did.” Elladan’s head snapped back and countless questions where in the dark orbs. Lindir sighed. “He loves you, Elladan, he always has. He told me so himself, though he was intoxicated at the time. Even at birth you were always his favourite and slowly favouritism turned to love. So gradually not even Erestor himself noticed. I can see this is confusing you, Elladan, and I would not tell you this if things were different. But I know him better than he knows himself. His feelings of guilt and failure are amplified by his love for you. For him failing you is worse than failing Elrond.”

Elladan groaned as the information assaulted him. “Wait a moment, Lindir. He’s really in love with me? Has been? But I don’t understand…….” He sighed, unable to deal with everything coming at him right now. “If he loved me, why did he leave for Valinor, knowing full well I had no intentions of leaving these shores?”
Lindir smiled. “Because he didn’t know it himself back then. He only realised in Valinor. When it was too late.” Elladan nodded. “That’s why he came back with ada and Glorfindel. But why is he still like this?” “Because of you. Because of his love for you. He feels guilty, not only for what happened but because he has failed you.”

Elladan jumped of the bed glaring at Lindir. “He did not fail me!” He forced himself not scream for he did not wish to wake up Erestor. His good intentions were thwarted though, for the second he had jumped of the bed Erestor had woken and now stared at them wide-eyed.
Neither of them noticed and Lindir tried to sooth the Peredhel, knowing full well Elladan was about to throw a tantrum. “Elladan, saes, I did not mean it as it came out. Of course Erestor didn’t fail you. Elrohir took him by surprise. None of us expected him to be this far already. But that’s not how Erestor sees things, I’m afraid.”

Elladan’s glare intensified. “You’re wrong. I already told him he’s not to blame and still he’s blocking us out.”
Lindir sighed. “Put yourself in his place for a second and try to imagine how you would think, feel and react.” He squished the Peredhel’s shoulder and smiled encouragingly. “Don’t give up on him.” Elladan rolled his eyes and growled. “That’s the spirit, elfling. Now I shall leave you alone with our dear stubborn friend and go check on Elrohir and your father. O, before I forget. He’s kissed Glorfindel.”

Elladan’s eyes widened and his knees buckled under him, he was still too weak to be using to much energy. He swayed and he would have fallen to the ground hadn’t Erestor suddenly grabbed him from behind. Locked in Erestor’s tight embrace Elladan was pulled back on the bed. “What are you doing out of bed? You’re not strong enough yet.” Erestor pretended he had just woken up.

Elladan bit his lip before turning. He cocked his head to study his old tutor.
Erestor swallowed involuntarily, seeing Elladan sit cross-legged on his bed, watching him intensely. Erestor knew Elladan only adopted this stance when he had some mayor thinking to do. And knowing the subject of Elladan’s thoughts wasn’t making this easier to bear.

Finally, after what Erestor thought were hours, but in fact were nothing but minutes, Elladan spoke. “You really think you’ve failed me?”
Erestor nodded. “I did. I was supposed to keep Elrohir safe. I’ve failed to carry out my duty.” He hung his head in shame.
Elladan shook his head and his heart ached when he saw Erestor avert his gaze. “Father gave you that order. Do you not feel you’ve failed him?” Elladan knew he was playing it dirty but he had just one shot to get Erestor back. Erestor laughed a bitter laugh. “Elrond holds no grudge.”
Elladan nodded again, realising Lindir had spoken the truth. “Neither do I. And yet you refuse to let go of your guilt. Why don’t you tell me what happened?”

If Erestor was looking at his face he would have seen a glitter in Elladan’s eyes to warn him but now he merely told the Peredhel what had happened. When he was done tears where drig ong on the sheets.
Elladan gently raised his head, ignoring the closed eyes, and softly wiped the tears away. “Erestor, look at me?” He wanted to see Erestor’s eyes when he spoke next. Reluctantly the eyes opened and Erestor was forced to stare Elladan in the eye. But in stead of the expected loathing and hate he saw understanding, compassion and worry stare back at him.

Elladan smiled at him. “Erestor, stop feeling guilty. You didn’t fail any of us. You were caught of guard. You did everything right. You’re not to blame. You did not fail. You didn’t fail Elrohir, you didn’t fail father, or us. And you didn’t fail me. Please believe me.”
And slowly Elladan saw understanding dawn on Erestor. Followed by relief. But the feelings showing through them worried Elladan. He saw fear and rejection. Not knowing what caused them he knew only one way to get rid of them.

Following his instincts he laid back down, cuddling close to Erestor. For a moment Erestor remained motionless and then returned the hug. “Don’t worry about Elrohir. Lindir will make sure he sees the beauty of our world again.”
Elladan nodded, but frowned. “I’m afraid Ro won’t approve on ata’s relationship with Glorfindel.” Erestor chuckled. “Depending on how old that relationship is, I wouldn’t worry. I never knew they liked each more than normal. We will keep our eyes on him and between Lindir and the babies your brother won’t have time to feel sorry, grumpy or anything else.”

Elladan smiled against his chest. “I would be lost without you, Erestor.”
Erestor smiled. He knew Elladan was working on his feelings for him. “You’re a lot like your father, pen-neth. Using information for your benefit.”
Elladan pulled back and stared at him. He had no idea what he was talking about. Then his smile widened. “You were already awake.”

He Closed his eyes as he realised what that meant. He had some admissions to make. “Erestor, I meant it. I’d really be lost without you. And…..” He lowered his eyes. “I think I love you back.”
He could hear Erestor’s sharp intake of breath and swallowed nervously. “Lindir’s words made me think. You’ve always been special to me, Erestor. It was only later that I knew why I was always collecting pine-apples.”
Knowing Erestor deserved honesty he raised his eyes, locking them with the counsellor. “They reminded me of you. Still do. I’ve hated the last winters. All I could smell was pine-apple. The more I smelled it, the more I missed you and the others. I never recognized it as love until know. When I saw laying here, hurt and motionless, I felt my heart break. Even if Ro survives I would still be empty if you died.”

He looked at Erestor, opening his eyes, allowing the other to see his soul. Erestor swallowed and shook his head. “You can’t love me, pen-neth. What’s there to love?”
Elladan smiled. “A lot. Everything. You. I love you and I want to be with you. If you’ll have me.” He already knew the answer but he wanted Erestor to say it, who nodded. “Of course I’ll have you, you know that, but…”
Elladan silenced him, placing his finger over Erestor’s lips. “No buts.”

Slowly, so Erestor could see it coming, he leaned in closer and removed his finger, only to place his lips over Erestor’s in a fleeting kiss. “I’m looking forward to the coming winter.”
He pulled Erestor close and nestled himself against the comfortable chest, reliving all the times he had done the same in the past.

It was those words more than anything that made Erestor’s mood change. He no longer wanted to leave but to stay with Elladan forever. His eyes filled with life again and he dotingly looked at his heart.

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

Haldir smiled when he felt Celeborn waking up. “Entulat fúmën, melmënya. Sí lómë ar ilya sérëvë. Ni cuivauva ten irë arin tulë.”

Celeborn brushed Haldir’s hair away and smiled when he saw Lindir sitting at Elrohir’s bed.
“Lindir, already awake?”
The minstrel returned the smile and nodded. “Aye, I am. Elrohir is a lot better already. I think we have your babies to thank for that. And Erestor is under Elladan’s care, so I have no worries there.” His eyes twinkled in amusement.

Haldir read his thoughts and grinned. “And Elrond has found his love at last.”
Celeborn turned to face his lover. “What do you mean?” Haldir merely continued grinning. “He kissed Glorfindel. They obviously declared their love for one another. Though we should watch them. Glorfindel cried.”
Celeborn caressed his lover’s face. “Understandable, I fear. Pretend for one moment Elrohir was my son.” Haldir’s eyes flashed with sudden understanding and horror. “Nay, oh no, tell me you are kidding. Elrond wishes to hide and hurt Glorfindel to protect Elrohir’s feelings? Horrible. What about theirs?”

Lindir gasped, realising the guardian was right. “We won’t let that happen. And I am sure we can also count on Erestor and Elladan to help us, not to mention Rielle. Now that is a funny lady, Celeborn.”
The lord laughed. “She’s something else all right. So let me get this: we have to watch over Elrohir, Erestor and Glorfindel. When did things become so complicated?” Haldir pulled him closer. “Since you became pregnant I think. Raging hormones and all.”

Lindir smiled. “I heard it’s twins.” Haldir nodded proud. “Aye, a boy and a girl.”
Lindir grinned at the warrior’s pride. “You’ll be a great father, Haldir. Do you already have names?”
Celeborn shook his head. “I am lousy at that. Any suggestions?” Lindir rubbed his chin as was his wont when thinking hard. “Well, I think you and Haldir are the only ones fit to name them. To me a name should reflect an elf’s character treats.”
Haldir grinned. “Well, that means something with silver. They’re bound to have your hair.” Celeborn nodded. “Fine by me, but I’d rather wait until they’re born before we decide. We can already make a list to chose from, if you like.”

Haldir nodded and planted a loving kiss on his forehead. “But now you’ll sleep some more. Tomorrow we will talk to Elrond and Glorfindel. And trust Lindir and Elladan to take care of Erestor and Elrohir.” Celeborn cuddled closer to his lover and claimed his lips. “And we’ll take care of each other.”

End chapter 24
TBC

Translations:
Man nás means what is it?
Entulat fúmën, melmënya. Sí lómë ar ilya sérëvë. Ni cuivauva ten irë arin tulë. MEANS
go back to sleep, my love. It is already night and all is well. I shall wake you when morning comes