When least expected

Chapter twenty five A truth at last

Elladan smiled when he woke, still resting safely in Erestor’s embrace. Blinking his eyes he rose. He felt fit enough to march for miles. He caressed Erestor’s hair smiled. “If only times were not so dire I would have blessed them.” He closed his eyes and sighed.

He needed a healer to change Erestor’s bandages and refresh the herbs. He walked into the other room and smiled when he saw everybody.

Lindir nodded when he saw him enter and Elladan silently walked closer. Lindir answered his silent questions instantly. “He’s awoken twice now and is already doing better. He won’t try again, though his reasoning is not what you’d like. But we’ll change that over time. How’s Erestor?”
Elladan shrugged. “Don’t know really. Did you know he was awake when you and I talked?”
Lindir’s eyes widened. “Aiya. And he hasn’t marched in here yet? His injury is worse than I thought.”
Elladan laughed and shook his head. “You’ve always managed to make us laugh, Lindir. I hope you’ll manage to get through to him.”
Lindir nodded. “He’ll let me in. I’m too stubborn for him and besides he can help Haldir and Celeborn with their twins.”
Elladan nodded. “He’ll like that, but Erestor needs something to do as well. Maybe he can help ruling this realm, together with ata? Celeborn will need some time alone.”
Lindir grinned. “Not to mention Elrond wants him to do as little as possible. Maybe Elrond and Erestor could already start? It definitely sounds like an excellent idea. And I’ve already made Elrohir promise to show me the woods.”
Elladan smiled. “Walking through the woods with you is bound to lift his spirits.”

“Lift who’s spirits?”
Elladan yelled, so pleased was he to hear his brother’s voice. “RO! Ro! You’re back!” He hugged his twin tight, ignoring the protests, and let out his happy tears.
Elrohir smiled and hugged him back. “Adan.”
Elladan beamed. “You haven’t called me that for ages.” His eyes were filled with happiness.

Their voices woke up the others and Elrond approached his children.
Elrohir clumsily sat up to hug his father, who instantly closed the remaining distance and caught him before he could fall. “Aiya, Elrohir. Please do not do something so silly again. You scared me half to death. All of us.” He cried and pulled Elladan into his arms as well, needing to feel both his children.
Elrohir smiled meekly. “Don’t leave me again?”
Elrond shook his head. “This is my home, Elrohir. I shall never abandon my home again.”
Elrohir smiled.

“Erestor? How is he?” His voice was filled with pain and self-loathing.
Lindir grinned. “Better. He’s walking unaided again.” He cocked his head into the direction of the other room where Erestor slowly walked towards them.

When he had woken alone he had panicked, thinking Elladan had gone away because of Elrohir, because he had changed his mind, because of anything. So he had come here to find answers but now his ngthngth failed him and he swayed.

Elladan freed himself from the embrace and rushed towards his side and supported Erestor. “What are you doing out of bed? And where’s the healer? Your bandages need changing.”
Elrond smiled. “We’ll do that later. Erestor, how do you fare?” His eyes were concerned and he smiled, seeing life in the orbs. Obviously something had happened to bring it back.

Elrohir leaned on his father and carefully walked forward. Even though Elrond thought he should get back in bed he remained silent, understanding the importance of this moment. Standing before Erestor Elrohir blinked back his tears. “I’m so sorry, Erestor. I… I… I never meant for you to…”
Erestor shook his head and smiled. He touched Elrohir’s cheek. “The one who stabbed me was not the Elrohir I know and was not the elf that’s standing before me now. Heal yourself, little one, and care for me not.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, I hurt you. And you and Glorfindel and ata raised us. Without the three of you we would not have known a happy childhood. And just as you’ll always care and worry about us, I do so about you. Always.”

Elrond planted a kiss on his head. “Spoken like the wise elf that you are.” He now was sure Elrohir would eventually recover and maybe come out stronger.
Elrohir smiled. “You really do love me.”
Elrond’s eyes widened. “Of course I do! You’re my son.”
Elrohir nodded. “You were Elladan’s and she said that didn’t matter, but I didn’t believe her until now and nana’s not nana and I love you ata.” He flung himself at Elrond who held him tight. He opened his mouth to speak but Erestor shook his head.

“Elladan, could you please move my bed here? I refuse to stay in another room, when Elrohir and I both have some healing to do and can keep each other company.”
Elrohir smiled and nodded. “Than it won’t be so lonely when everybody forgets about us and goes back to work.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “If we do, we won’t do so without checking regularly on you two.”
Elrohir grinned and nodded. “How much more do I have to stay in bed anyway? I can’t show Lindir around stuck in my bed.”
Elrond smiled at the words and cocked his head. “Sounds like you’re going to be there fast. But not yet, pen-neth, you lost a lot of blood and I don’t want you to overdo things. Nor do I want you alone for a while.”
Elrohir nodded in understanding. “I don’t think I want to be alone, ata. Lindir will make sure I won’t overdo things, won’t you?” He looked at Lindir pleadingly and heard his brother laugh.

“Yep, he’s back. Can someone please help me with this before I’m under attack by a mattress. Yes, gwanunig, Lindir will look after you. He’ll hold your hand, he’ll sing for you, play fou, pu, point out every constellation to you, compose a song for you.”
Elrohir shrieked. “Not about this, Lindir, please.” His voice and look became more begging and Lindir shook his head. “Why would you think I’d compose a song for you because Elladan says so?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Don’t you want to?”
Lindir shook his head. “If you wish me to, than I’ll compose a song. A nice song.”
Elrohir smiled. “I love your songs, Lindir. Írë i-lú ettúla.” His smile widened. “I just don’t want them to be about me.”
Lindir laughed. “Promise. I’ll compose a beautiful song for you alone, not about you.”
Elrohir smiled and yawned.

Elrond laughed and his laugh broke any tension there was in the air. “Right, bed is calling you. You’ve got all the time to talk and argue and walk and anything else you and Lindir might do. Just don’t forget about your old man.”
Elrohir hugged him and closed his eyes as sleep clamed him again.

Celeborn nodded. “Well, I think I’d better go get some work done.”
Haldir shook his head. “No, you are not. You’re going to take a nice long bath. You smell and then you’ll eat. But no work. Elrond said so, remember?”
Celeborn growled. “With him here I don’t have to walk on egg shelves, just because I’m pregnant. I am lord of this realm and it can’t be neglected.”
He turned to go but Haldir stopped him. “And it won’t. Elrond will no doubt be willing to spring in for a while and once Erestor is fully healed he can take on his outy uty as counsellor again; you know you need one and…”

He stopped when Celeborn pushed him away with force. “No, Haldir. Enough! I do not need Elrond to step in for me. I am perfectly capable of filling my own boots. The children do not grow there, you know.”
Haldir gasped. “But… you can’t… It’ll endanger the babies.”
Celeborn growled. “I do what I like and you can’t stop me. Elrond is here now, isn’t he. If, and I say -if- anything should happen he can heal us.”

He stepped out but Haldir’s hand grabbed his wrist. “No, I won’t let you.” He shrunk under Celeborn’s glare. He’d never before looked at him like that.
“You won’t let me?” His voice was clipped, icy. “You’ve got nothing to say. I am still your Lord and you’ll do my bidding.” He flung Haldir away, surprising the warden with his strength and walked away.

Haldir made to go after him but felt a restraining hand on his shoulder. He turned and glared at Elrond, who shook his head. “No, Haldir. Let him go. Sit down.”
He sighed at the pain visible in Haldir’s eyes. Celeborn’s words had hurt more then Elrond had realised and he knew Celeborn would not forgive himself those words. “It’s the hormones. He didn’t mean what he said, Haldir. He loves you. It’s the hormones. Before long he’ll go from needful clinging, to demanding domestically to hurt. He’ll be unable to be around for all of us and he’ll only will be consoled by you, because you’re his lover. His mood changes will be swift and erratic and before the pregnancy is over you’ll have to consider every movement you make, every word you utter for each thing you do or say can change him. He’ll yell at you more and as time goes by the insults will increase.”
Haldir wiped his tears away, looking at Elrond hopeful. “Celebrían was his daughter. She had the worst mood swings I’d ever seen. If you ever need a break, you know where to find me.”

Haldir nodded and stood, looking hopeful.
Elrond understood and noddedye, ye, I think he’s calmed down by now. From now on you must expect everything to happen, prepare for the worst and accept what happens and always remember it will pass and that it’s worth it.”
Haldir’s smile warmed him and he nodded encouragingly.

When Haldir was gone he looked up. “Elladan, Erestor, Lindir, there’s something you must know. And I need your council as well.”
Erestor and Lindir inclined their heads and waited for Elrond to continue.

Erestor allowed Elladan to manoeuvre him in the bed, but he refused to lie down; he wanted to hear this and be completely aware. Elladan sighed and held him close, supporting him with his own body. He looked at his father questioningly.

Elrond swallowed and grabbed Glorfindel’s hand, which immediately tightened around his. “The last days events have strained me and something happened that might not have happened otherwise.” He swallowed again and focused himself. “I found love again.”
Erestor hissed because Elladan involuntarily squished his arms. The twin immediately threw him an apologizing look. “That’s great ata.”

Erestor and Lindir looked at each other, smiling. Erestor could see Elrond was having a hard time making this admission and he cleared his throat. “I know I speak for all of us when I say I’m happy for you and Glorfindel.” Lindir and he exchanged another glance and they laughed. “And it’s about time too.”

Elrond’s eyes widened and shook his head. He looked at Elladan, who smiled happily. “Does this mean I have to call you nana, Glorfindel?” He laughed when the blond reddened even further. Elrond opened his mouth to scold him but Elladan shook his head. “No need to scold me ata. I was only joking Glorfindel. I am really happy and I already look upon you as a second father, so I guess now it’s even more so.”

He frowned though. “But what about Ro?”
Elrond shrugged. “That’s what I need council on. I’m not happy with hiding this from him, but in his present state….”
Erestor shook his head. “Don’t worry about him. He’s on the road to recovery. Hide it for now. Don’t avoid it but don’t pronounce it either. And let Lindir take care of Elrohir.”

Elrond nodded. “Thank you, Erestor. And why did you silence me earlier?”
Erestor frowned but then smiled. “Because of the meaning of his words.”
Elladan nudged him and he leaned back. “Dissect them, Elladan, and you’ll find the meaning.”

Elladan frowned but tried to so. “Nana isn’t nana. But what does that mean? And who’s the she? Nana?”
Erestor shook his head. “I doubt that.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “Of course, Erestor, you are right. Elladan sit down.”
Elladan grinned. “I’m already sitting ata.”
Elrond nodded. “In Valinor I once met Celebrían. I felt it my duty to go see her. Let her know I’d arrived. She didn’t even recognize me anymore.”

Glorfindel pulled him close and sighed. “I remember how you came out the house.” He looked at Elladan. “It was the pained look your father had that made me find out. Varda told me your mother had tried to go on, but she had continued her wish to forget. Varda vividly told me how all elves had tried to dissuade her, even Nienna had tried to do so, but none prevailed. So she had drunk a potion to forget: forget the attack, but unfortunately she also forget she ever married Elrond or even loved him.”
Elladan gasped. “nana’s not nana.” The words now made sense to him but he still frowned.

Erestor turned his head and his hair brushed Elladan’s hand. “Apparently Elrohir has seen Valinor. The Valar had allowed him to meet his mother as she now is. I can only guess which Valië spoke to him.”
Elrond nodded but Lindir shook his head. “But then why still Elrond’s words?”
Erestor smiled. “Because they will take that piece of memory away from him. It changed him, changed his heart and spirit. He’ll forget, he has to.” Seeing Lindir shake his head in confusion he smiled. “If they don’t take it from him he’ll go to Valinor to heal her.”
Now Lindir nodded. “Now all he’ll know is that Celebrían wasn’t the only one in his life.” He nodded in understanding.

Elladan sensed there was more. “He might even go hate her now.” Seeing Elrond’s surprised look he shrugged. “Both his parents left but only one came back.”
Elrond nodded. “Why do I have the feeling there’s moehinehind your conclusion than just me being back?”
Elladan smiled ruefully. “You love both of us; you loved all of us, but nana never did. She favoured Elrohir, he could do nothing wrong, whereas I was always the one to drag him into bad situations. And she hated Arwen for being so beautiful. She knew Arwen would turn out so stunningly beautiful. You never favoured any of us above the others, and if you did or do you don’t show it. But nana did. She even told us so.”

Elrond frowned and his gaze turned hateful when he remembered one dark night so many centuries ago.

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The storm was growing in strength and Elrond sighed when he finally entered his house after making sure the valley would outstand it. He smiled when he saw a wet Erestor come his way. “Erestor, you look like a drowned cat. What brings you out in this weather?”
Erestor sighed, ple Elr Elrond was here. “My lord, the twins are terrified of the storm.”
Elrond shrugged. “So were we once, my friend.”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, but this is worse than ever.”
Elrond frowned. “Don’t tell me they didn’t go to an elder? To you or Glorfindel or Celebrían?”
Erestor sighed again. “They did. Elrohir is with his mother but we can’t find Elladan. Her lady said he ran out again.”
Elrond frowned. The twins hardly left each other. To do so now was odd. “And where is he?”
Erestor lowered his head in defeat. “I know not. I’ve not found him anywhere.”

Elrond closed his eyes and was about to mentally search his son when Glorfindel came upon them, his face grim and angry. “Glorfindel, what is it?” He feared orcs might have chosen this day to attack. It would certainly explain his friend’s face.
Glorfindel sighed. “That… that bitch!”
Erestor gasped. “Glorfindel!”
But the blond shook his head. “No, what she did is inexcusable.”
Elrond sighed. “Glorfindel, my eldest is missing and unless this is something important I suggest you help.”

Glorfindel nodded. “Do you know what happened then?”
Elrond nodded. “He ran off again.”
Glorfindel nodded. “After she told him to.” His face became harder and could have scared of any Balrog.
Elrond’s eyes widened and then narrowed. “Glorfindel.” His voice was lowered, warning.

But Glorfindel k hik his head. “I heard, Elrond. I heard the words she said. The twins had run to your shared room. She had instantly pulled Elrohir to her but when Elladan made to climb in the bed she glared at him. ‘your father’s not here, Elladan. So go, I don’t want you here.’ I saw Elrohir reach for Elladan and Elladan grab his little hand in his own but she forcefully pushed them apart. ‘I said no, Elladan. I will not allow you to upset Elrohir.’ Elrohir started crying and she glared at Elladan and hit him in the face. ‘See what you did? Now leave. Your father might like you, I do not.’ I could not prevent Elladan from running past me.”

He swallowed and blinked his eyes to get rid of the tears. “I’ve been looking for him since. At one point I figured he might have gone to Erestor, but he hadn’t. He’d joined me to look for him.”

Elrond’s eyes became daggers and he marched away. He threw open his bedroom door and glared at his wife. “How dare you! I know you favour Elrohir, the whole world knows that but I will be dead before I let you push your other children away. That goes for Elladan and the girl you carry in you. I will not allow you to hurt them because your heart isn’t big enough.”

Ever since then the intimacy between them had slowly died, but Elrond did not care about any of that as he searched for his eldest.

Erestor hurried towards him, smiling because he had finally located the missing twin. Elladan had gone to Elrond’s study, the one place where Celebrían would never come, but Elrond daily.

Elrond quickly approached him and cuddled him close. That moment the bond between father and son deepened and would never be broken.

To make up for Celebrían’s ignorance and dismissal he spend every single moment with Elladan, usually with both since the twins were always together.

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Glorfindel hugged his lover closer and sighed distressed, remembering that day himself.

Erestor’s eyes had filled with hatred as he saw the memory in Elrond’s eyes. He abruptly turned. “You remembered?”
Elladan nodded. “And so did Ro. In his mind he had always belittled it and I nevenever argued, knowing he needed it, but deep down he’s always known. And now it can come out, can’t it, for he no longer has a reason to see different.”
Erestor pulled him close, ignoring the pain that washed over him. “Aiya, Elladan, and I’ve always thought you’d forgotten. If only I’d known.”
Elladan smiled. “I had ata, Glorfindel, Lindir, you and if I wanted a mother the women in the kitchen made up for nana’s absence even before she sailed. I guess everybody knew she favoured Ro and they wanted to give me some love themselves.”
Erestor smiled. “But it never came from the right woman.”
Elladan shook his head. “It doesn’t pain me anymore, Erestor. Please forget it.”

Lindir decided the air needed some clearing and he started playing.
Elrond smiled. Though his temptation to remain here and look after his children was great he realised Celeborn needed help in ruling this realm. One look at the blond was enough to make them both nod.

Glorfindel cleared his throat and addressed the others. “Well, I’d better go see if I can help out with the training or something. Elrond, you’d better lend Celeborn a hand and Erestor, you’ll help him once you’re healed right?”
Erestor nodded but his eyes settled on Elrohir.
Glorfindel shook his head. “Like you said: he’s doing better and on the road to recovery. And don’t even think we won’t check on him every now and then. We trust you and Lindir to take care of him.”
Elladan growled. “What about me?”
Elrond laughed. “Well, as soon as these three don’t need you anymore, you’re going to help either me or Glorfindel.”
Elladan pouted and frowned before he smiled. “I’ll help you ata. I need to stay close to Ro.”

Elrond nodded and ushered Glorfindel out the room, waiting for Elladan to join them.

Elladan disentangled himself from Erestor and smiled. “I’d better go. Lindir, keep an eye on them.”
Lindir nodded. “Of course.”

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

Vairë smiled. “Well, did it work?”
Her husband nodded eagerly. “Yes, it sure did. I can’t believe it. They’ll all be happy.”
“Though I must say Celeborn’s moods are rather amusing. Poor Haldir.”
Mandos looked at his brother. “What do you mean poor Haldir? Poor everybody! Before the babes are born everyone will have received a blow.”
Lóriën nodded. “Of course. I hope the journey will be safe.”
Vairë shook her head. She never had learned to follow her brother-in-law’s train of thought and she didn’t think she ever would. “I’m sure it will.” Though she had no idea what journey he was referring to.

End chapter 25
TBC

Translation:

Gwanunig is Sindarin for twin.