Against all odds

Chapter 26 explosion

Only seconds after Elrohir had run away Legolas shook himself out of his shock and set in pursuit. “Elrohir, wait. Elrohir!” But he stopped yelling when he saw the other speed up in order to get away.
He uttered a few dwarven curses as he realised he would never reach Elrohir. They were both evenly matched and right now the distance was slowly increasing. The sudden explosive start now showed itself for Legolas was beginning to feel stitches in his sides but he refused to give in just yet. His whole thought was fixed on reaching Elrohir. He was so focused upon his task he did not see Linyenwaer jumping out of the trees in the last second, successfully blocking Elrohir’s path and making the run away elf collide with him.

Elrohir pulled back and turned left, but before he could pick up speed he felt a force knock him against the floor. Linyenwaer did not know what was wrong but he would not let Elrohir run off and when blocking his path had proven fruitless he knocked him down.

Only seconds later Elrohir saw Legolas’ green boots appear beside him. But they were soon replaced fro knees as Legolas too dropped to the ground. In between his intakes of breath he managed to pant Elrohir’s name. Elrohir caught the pleading tone but he also heard hinges of pain in it. He raised his head and saw Legolas sitting on his knees, clutching his sides.

Legolas thanked his elven-blood, for it made his recovery rather fast. And even though he still felt some minor stitches they did not bother him anymore, but he did not tell Elrohir that. He could see the worry in his eyes and knew that if he would say he was alright, Elrohir might run off again. And that’s the last thing he wanted. “Elrohir, please.”
Elrohir worked his way to sit on the ground. He did not speak, his mouth was a thin line, his face grim and his eyes were wet with tears, which had also streaked his face. The image made Legolas cringe, realising it was his fault. “Oh, Elrohir. Why do I always end up hurting you? It’s the last thing I want.”
He lifted his hand to wipe away the remaining tears but Elrohir pushed it away. “I do not need your pity, Legolas Thranduilion. You can figure out how to spend your days for I no longer care. I thought you gentle and kind, a compassionate and friendly soul but you’re more your father than in looks alone, it seems. Want to know where to find some precious gems?” He made to rise but Legolas held him back. The grip on his shoulders was strong but he ignored it. “Release me!”

“Nay, not before you let me explain.” Legolas didn’t allow himself to get hurt by Elrohir’s hateful glances, nor his words. “you wish to know why I needed to leave? Fine I shall tell you. Because I refuse to cause trouble in any home. Because I will not come between you and Elladan and if I stay I will do just that.”
These words made Elrohir believe Legolas had lied about not liking Elladan for his benefit and he shook his head. “Nay, Legolas, I would never hold a grudge against you. Nor would I stand between you and Elladan. Do you need help gaining his…” Once more a hand was placed over his mouth and he looked at Legolas questioningly.
“Don’t ever suggest such a thing again. I am -not- interested in Elladan, I wasn’t and I never shall.” He saw Elrohir’s disbelieving eyes and growled. “I ain’t! You say I do because I was staring after him in the kitchen? Aye, I stared because he had just hissed at me, telling me to stay away. You say I like him because I was thinking of him when we had breakfast. Aye, s, Is, I was thinking on ways to ask Elladan what he meant. And when you sent him to me he made it very clear he doesn’t want me here. Why I do not know, but I do know that if I stay you and Elladan will fight over this and that I do not want.”

Slowly the disbelief faded and was replaced by anger, joined with total disbelief. Elrohir could not believe Elladan would say such things. He believed Legolas, he could see no lies in his eyes, but Elladan was never cruel. Not towards elves, anyway.
“bmph hhmmfph pphnnm” Realising Elrohir wanted to say something Legolas removed his hand, sending an apologetic look, which Elrohir ignored. “But what did he say? I don’t understand. It just doesn’t sound like Adan.”
Legolas hung his head as the words once again entered his mind. “Alright, in the kitchen he hissed “stay away” and in the gardens he said I shouldn’t play innocent. That it wouldn’t work on him. He said both he and Glorfindel see through my mask. I don’t understand. Agreed, Glorfindel and I aren’t exactly friends, but I would never mask myself. When I asked him what he meant, what I should stay away from he said I knew. He practically yelled at me, Elrohir. He told me to leave.” Angered tears had made it in his eyes.

Elrohir played with the mud as his thoughts were spinning. He couldn’t see clearly and either needed his father to give him some counsel or he would have to find Elladan and confront his twin. But he was unsure of that. /Ata. I will have to go to ata. He and Erestor will know./ He stood suddenly, pulling Legolas to his feet. “I see why you were so reluctant to tell me but I am glad you did. Let’s go back. Friends?” He held out his hand for Legolas to shake, a silent plea for forgiveness and sign of his own forgiveness.
Legolas happily accepted the offered limb and, unable to stop himself, drew Elrohir into a hug. He regretted letting go but he had to if they were to get on their ‘mount’.

As Linyenwaer was going into a slow trot Legolas laughed at the picture they would surely present. “You know, my father would never approve of this. Me, riding a deer, with a Peredhel Noldo.”
Elrohir smiled. “And what about mine: befriending the favourite son of his nemesis and enemy: King Thranduil the Great of Mirkwood, renowned for his jewel collection, which is envied even by the Dwarves, his dungeons, which are envied by the Orcs and his temper which is envied by the humans.” Legolas smiled at the answer and happily accepted the banter. He hoped his revelation would not cause troubles.

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Elrond growled at the papers before him. It simply wasn’t possible for him to get anything done. Without Erestor close it just wasn’t the same. He never had been able to work properly without Erestor’s calming presence, but now it just was impossible.
He beamed in joy, hearing a ruffle on the door, but his smile faded realising it couldn’t be Erestor. He would have sensed it if it had. “Enter.”

He saw Glorfindel march in, pulling Elladan along. He smiled at the picture. It reminded him of countless time the the past when the blond had drug either Elladan or Elrohir or even both in his rooms to receive a scolding. He arched his eyebrows, wondering what was wrong. Elladan was well past the age of scolding, though sometimes he seriously doubted it.

Glorfindel spoke before Elladan could change his mind. “We’re sorry to interrupt, but Elladan is confused and I suggested he talks to you.”

His gaze rested on his eldest and saw Elladan;s insecurity and worry. “Elladan? You know you can always talk to me, about anything.” He hoped this wasn’t about Erestor, but he figured Elladan would not be confused about that.
Elladan looked at Glorfindel. He felt uncomfortable about this. It hadn’t been hard telling Glorfindel but his father? The blond understood and nodded his head, indicating he would tell Elrond for him. Elladan released a sigh Elrond did not miss. Glorfindel cleared his throat and told Elrond all Elladan had told him.

After making sure there was no more to come, not even from Elladan Elrond moistured his lips. “I see why you brought him to me, Glorfindel, though you could have dealt with this yourself. Shoulders and ears is all anyone can offer in such a situation, for they are all unique. But I can offer you some advice, though whether or not you can use it I don’t know. Do not run from it. Depending on who it is you should tell him of your feelings. Maybe they are returned, maybe not. But if he is truly your friend he will not let it come between you, if he doesn’t return them.” Realising Elladan also feared having to explain his feelings when addressing this he ad“Thi“Think about when you first noticed this attraction and why. What triggered it? Maybe you’ve liked him before it happened but did not yet realise it.”

Elladan smiled, realising his father wasn’t going to push him one way or the other but would be there for him whatever he chose to do and whatever the outcome would be.
Suddenly Glorfindel spoke. “Maybe you could tell us his name? I could find out if he’s already attached or something. And I can be discrete.”

Elladan was still contemplating this when the door burst open and revealed an upset Elrohir, who strode in and halted before his twin. Elrohir had come here to find Elrond and Erestor but when he had marched in he saw Elladan sitting there as well. He looked down at him in disgust, which surprised Elrond and Glorfindel. Elladan, who was still inside his mind, trying to figure things out, didn’t even notice his brother come in or glare or him.

“Elrohir, what is wrong?” Glorfindel hoped his surprise wasn’t detectable in his voice. Elrohir didn’t move an inch, and, realising his twin had yet to notice his presence, kicked Elladan. “Are you insane? Do you realise he could have died?”
Shaken out of his thoughts Elladan jumped. He saw his brother standing before him, angered and apparently insane. He did not know what was wrong but he refused to be on the receiving end and glared back.

Before a battle could erupt Elrond stepped between them. “Sit, both of you.” They reluctantly obeyed. “Elrohir, please tell us what happened. Who could have died?” Elrond’s voice was concerned.
“Legolas. If Glorfindel hadn’t been there, he would have left. And he would have been dead now.” Elladan jumped back up. “What?! Is he insane? He’s only safe here. Why did nobody inform me?”
Elrohir jumped up and attacked him. “How dare you?! You practically ordered him to leave. Don’t deny it: don’t play all innocent with me, Prince. I see through your mask.” His voice was mocking the words Elladan had used before, but the elder twin missed it.

Elrond anorfiorfindel saw escalation was eminent and intervened. While the blond got hold of Elladan Elrond grabbed Elrohir. “Calm down, bothboth of you. And tell me everything. NOW!”

Elladan shrugged. “I can’t help it if Legolas sees things.” Elrond could feel Elrohir trying to break from the grip and he tightened his hold, silently begging for Erestor to appear. The advisor had a nag for easily settling things like this.
“You told him to leave!”
Elladan snorted. “I did not!”
“Did too”
“Did not!”
Glorfindel rolled his eyes as the childish argument started. He had hoped never to hear that again.

“Please stop.” A silent, heart-breaking voice from the door silenced the room.

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Erestor sat on the mossy grass, letting his robes get wet. He enjoyed the feeling. He had always preferred the sound and feeling of water to that of any other element and he now knew why.

He let his mind drift to older times but stopped when he realised he didn’t remember much. /Or do I?/ Was it because so much time had passed the places of old have been replaced or was it because he had banned them from his mind for so long? He did not know and made a mental note to ask Elrond.

Erestor sighed. He would not reach any conclusion on anything if he didn’t make a fact-list first. /Ok, what do I know? I know my name, who my parents were and where they are or will be./ He smiled as their faces came before them. He felt a warm glow seep through him. /So remembering is not always painful./ But a second after sadness attacked him. He now saw the fire that had consumed their bodies. /After what Glorfindel told me, I bless the Valar they were already dead./ Erestor missed them.

He tried to remember when he had started banning it and came to a shocking conclusion. He had been young whrageragedy had attacked and upended his life and now Erestor realised what had happened. To protect him, keep him alive, his mind had banned the memories, his entire life. He had never known anything before Lindon. His fosters had to teach him everything. Because his past had been banned Erestor had forgotten most basic things and had been like a newly born baby. He had loved his fosters.
They now where in Valinor. They had sailed there after Lindon had begun to fall apart. He missed them too. They had asked him to come along, to join them, but Erestor had declined, choosing to remain. They had smiled in understanding and had given him their blessing and their hopes of a good life.
Erestor now realised they had already know of his feelings. /Did I already love him then?/ He guessed he did, perhaps a little, but he knew it wasn’t only fear that had kept him here. Because as afraid he had been of going back, a fear he had not been able to explain, he was more afraid of being alone. Loneliness was something that could drive him insane, kill him even.

Erestor laid down and rolled around in the mossy ground. He didn’t stop until he could feel the wetness all over his body. Rising he figured he ablyably resembled an elfling that had just fallen into the Bruinen, but he did not care. He had decided. He would tell them about his past. He would honour their memories and keep them alive, if only in his mind.

At peace he walked back to the house. Figuring Elrond would probably be in his study he headed in that direction.

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Legolas sighed as he stood in front of his mirror. He still was worried he had made a mistake in telling Elrohir the truth, but it was simply impossible for him to lie to the young Peredhel.

He sat down and undid the braids in his hair. They needed to be redone. Some strands of hair got stuck in tunic and he had to uncover his chest in order to get them out. Not risking his hair getting caught again he laid his clothes aside and set to re-braiding his hair. But he paused halfway the first braid.
He just realised Elrohir would probably seek out Elladan. He cringed, knowing too well they wouldht oht over this. And he did not want to be the reason for any fight. Without giving his appearance any thought he ran out the room.

Time both seemed to fly and stand still as he frantically searched the place for Elrohir, or even Elladan. Suddenly he heard raised voices and immediately recognized Elrohir’s. The second sounded almost similar but it was clearly Elladan’s voice that spat back. /No, please not./

Carefully he opened the door, unwilling to find his hearing correct. His heart shrank as he saw the twins ready to attack each other and only the hold Elrond and Glorfindel had on them kept them from lashing out.

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Erestor gasped as the study came into view. /What just happened?/ He ran the remaining distance and was just in time to hear Legolas’ plea to stop. He silently entered the room as he took in the sight. His presence went unknown by all. Not even Elrond was aware of his presence. He was so focused on keg hig his sons from killing each other and Legolas’ sudden entrée, he failed to notice what went on behind them.

Legolas stood in the door opening, his eyes filled with tears as he saw the scene in front of him. He forced his voice to remain steady as he spoke. “Master Elrond, I apologize for disrupting your home. If you will allow me..” But Elrohir interrupted. “You are -not- leaving. Ata do something!” He looked pleadingly at his father, suddenly feeling like a little insecure elfling, who climbed ints fas father’s bed when it thundered.

“Quiet! I’ve had enough of this. Elrohir, Elladan calm down. And Legolas, sit. Now, I wish to know what is wrong here. You will all get your say but only when I say you do. And no arguments.” Elrohir and Elladan nodded. They knew this tone. Elrond had used it every time he had scolded them or whenever they needed punishment.

Elrond looked at Legolas and had to force his laughter back, seeing the rumpled state the prince was in. /He probably has left a trail of drooling elves./ “Legolas, would you mind explaining to me why you think yourself responsible for this?”
Legolas sighed. “I knew this would happen. You should have let me..”
“NO! You are not leaving, Legolas. Not until your father gives word it’s safe.” Legolas sighed at Elrohir’s outburst. It warmed him to know Elrohir was so concerned. “But I am disrupting your home.” Elrohir was going to counter again but his father’s hand on his shoulder made him still his tongue.

Elrond made sure to have their total attention when he spoke. “You are not disrupting my home Legolas. I assure you these two would have killed each other millennia ago if the orcs didprespresent a nicer target. So I will hear none of your apologies. If for some reason you feel yourself responsible for their actions, I should be apologizing to you. Now will someone please tell me what prompted this behaviour, for the three of you are acting out of character today.”

Elladan laughed. “Ata, I am not the one acting strange today. Elrohir just burst in and hit me, remember.” These words angered Elrohir. “You deserved it. Just you wait.” Before Elrond could see what was happening Elrohir attacked Elladan, resembling a large cat jumping at its prey. Elladan was unprepared and fell to the ground, Elrohir diving on top of him.
Glorfindel was also taken by surprise. He had not expected such a lash-out from the younger twin. He now cursed the fact he was standing close to Elladan’s chair for he also lost his balance and stumbled backwards.

“ENOUGH!” Erestor’s voice cut through the air as he walked forward. He came to a halt next to Elrond. He could feel Elrond’s relief through the bond and silently cursed his silence before.

His icy glare drove the twins apart, shrinking within themselves. Now that they were on the receiving end of it they wondered how their father had managed it for so long after he had pulled Erestor back from the dead.

Elrohir glanced to the floor and Elladan straightened out his tunic. He wanted to speak but Erestor cut him off. “Not one word. You are behaving like five-year olds. If you continue like this I shall ask the maids to dig up your loincloths. Now sit down.” His tone was sharp and the twins would rather go to Mordor unarmed than to risk his wrath.
Legolas cleared his throat, but Erestor threw him a look. “Not one word from you either. You are not to blame. Do you think you can control their actions when we don’t?”

Legolas’ mouth opened but no sound emerged and he meekly sank into the safety of the chair, prepared to watch the scene. He smiled when he saw the dumbfound expressions on the faces of Glorfindel and Elrond. They both were stunned by Erestor’s sudden entrance and needed a moment to gather their wits.

Erestor looked at the twins. “Elrohir, why do you feel the need to attack your brother?” Elrohir forced back his tears at the thought of what might have happened. “Because he wanted Legolas to leave. If Glorfindel hadn’t been there…” Erestor cut him short. “But he was. There is no use in thinking of what might have been, Elrohir.”

He suddenly swayed a little. He was still very weak and his thinking had separated him from Elrond, so he was even weaker than before. And this situation was very straining. Elrond immediately felt Erestor’s need and cursed himself for not noticing the second Erestor had entered. He rested his hand on Erestor’s lower back, sending his energy into the other elf, along with some of his healing powers. Erestor felt it and cast eye eyes sideways, sending his silent thanks.

He cleared his throat. “Legolas, you are a wise and cunning elf who none can command. Why is it that Elladan’s words catapulted you out of our realm?” He shot Elladan a look that said ‘hold your tongue. Your turn is next.’ So Elladan remained silent and listened to Legolas’ answer. “I do not wish to disrupt this home. The only thing that could prevent that was for me to leave. -Is- for me to leave.”
Elrond could feel the effect this was having on Erestor and interrupted. “Nay, you are not leaving. I thought I had made myself clear on that and I am sure this is all a big misunderstanding.” He looked at Elladan, his eyes conveying his words. “Explain.”

Elladan swallowed. He suddenly felt very little. “Legolas, I am sorry you took my words the wrong way. I never meant for you to endanger yourself.”
Legolas rose and snorted. A snort the elder elves recognized. Thranduil snorted just like that. “What’s to misunderstand Elladan?” Before any could ask he told all he had told Elrohir. Elrond’s eyes widened when hearing it. He did not know what to say. Elladan hung his head, guilt showing in his eyes. /But that’s not what I meant./
Erestor shook his head. “It’s not like you to be spiteful, Elladan. What prompted this? Isn’t he your friend?” Elladan nodded. “Aye, we are friends, at least I hope so. Legolas?” Legolas squinted his eyes, unsure of what Elladan m.
.

Suddenly Elrohir gasped. He had suddenealiealised why Elladan had behaved the way he had. “You’re jealous!?” His eyes were wide, unable to believe his own words. And yet that was the only logical explanation. Elladan nodded. “I don’t want to lose you, Ro.” Elrohir shook his head. “Maybe I have to attack you again. Why would you lose me? Legolas isn’t going to kidnap or kill me.” Elladan’s eyes darkened. “Isn’t he? You’re spending all your time with him.”
Glorfindel’s pearl laughter eruption silenced them. “What’s to stop you from joining them? I am sure both Elrohir and Legolas would appreciate your company. And what about you, spending all your time with Lindir? Perhaps Elrohir should be jealous of Lindir?”
Elladan reddened in shame and guilt and he turned to Legolas, who sat in the chair as if seeing a ghost. “I am sorry, Legolas. I guess I’m more human than I sometimes think. Can you forgive me?” In answer the blond smiled and stood to draw the other into a hug. Pulling back he shook his head. “If this is you being jealous I would hate to see you mad.”

Elrond smiled and shook his head. “Aye, jealousy is a very powerful emotion and can make a person say or do things he normally wouldn’t. I suggest you three go play. I believe there’re some loincloths in the attic, should you need them.” He was rewarded by an outraged look from both twins as they turned to go. They had some talking to do.
Before following them Legolas turned to face Elrond but the Half-elf wove away his apology. “You could never disrupt our home, Legolas, for you are part of it.” Those words brought tears to Legolas’ eyes. He could never hear his father say those words. Thranduil would never mistreat anyone, but to pull them into his family was something the King did not do. He did not force his tears back as he came into step besides the twins.

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When they had left Glorfindel grinned. “I think I’ve just solved our riddle, Elrond.”

Elrond sighed but ignored it for now. He sat down on a rather large chair, motioning for the blond to sit on another. Next he signalled for Erestor to sit down between them, but the counsellor shook his head and came to a halt before Elrond’s lap. He sat down and without warning kissed Elrond passionately. These actions took him by surprise and in a haze Elrond responded and pulled him close, enjoying the new Erestor.

When Glorfindel rose himself to leave them alone Erestor broke the kiss. “What riddle?”
Realising Glorfindel had just witnessed their kiss Elrond blushed, making Glorfindel grin. /Yes, Erestor definitely is the one in charge./ “I was just on my way out, Erestor. You should have some privacy.” Erestor laughed, a honest arue rue laugh. “Then you should lock us in. For I refuse to ever be parted.” He felt Elrond’s arms giving him a happy squish and he smiled. “Just one more thing, before I give you my fullest attention fri friend.”
He locked his eyes with Elrond. “I’ve reached a decision and you’re right. And I do wish to tell the others but I refuse to tell it more than once. The memories, they….” Fresh tears appeared in his eyes and Elrond hushed him, wiping his tears away. “I know, my brave one, I know.”

Knowing Erestor might get a relapse unless he changed the subject now he looked at Glorfindel. “So, are you going to enlighten him or shall I?”
Glorfindel shrugged but understood Elrond wanted him to talk. His voice would keep the counsellor from falling back and give him something to focus on. “Alright, I will. Erestor, our boys are growing up.” He kept back a laugh at Erestor’s disbelieving face. “Forget what happened just now. A mere misunderstanding and a bad case of jealousy. But before Elrohir busted in here Elladan told us he’s in love. With a friend.” He smiled when Erestor completely turned in Elrond’s embrace to give Glorfindel his full attention.
A warm and loving glance covered his face as he thought of the twins. “And you want me to find out who?” Glorfindel shook his head. “No, I think I already know. Have you seen his face when I mentioned Lindir?” Both Elrond and Erestor said they hadn’t.

Erestor smiled. “Elrond, we should do something. Elladan is far too shy to act upon it. Firstly we should figure out if Lindir really is the elf in question, you could be wrong Glorfindel, and secondly we need to know if Lindir, or whoever it is, returns the feelings.” He frowned, mentally going over their options.
He nodded when he reached a conclusion. “I think I know the perfect elf to help us. Avanaicandil will surely help.” He gaze turned questioningly. “I wonder how his daughter is doing.” Upon Glorfindel’s stunned look and Elrond’s surprised gasp he giggled. “Aye, he has a daughter. Did you two not know? She lives with her friends in the Reriëmár.”

Elrond placed a loving kiss on Erestor’s neck. “I think you wish to return to your work, melamin. Though I regret not holding you all day, we shall both return to work tomorrow.”

End chapter 26
TBC

Translations:
Avanaicandil means dangerous dagger lover, a fitting name for a warrior, don’t you think?
Reriëmár means sowing house
Melamin means my love in Sindarin