When least expected

Chapter twenty six A power boost

Haldir knocked, drew in a deep breath and entered the study. He hoped Celeborn had already mellowed down. His eyes widened when he saw his lover sitting on the desk, crying his eyes out, rocking himself to and fro. He quickly approached. “Melamin, man raica?”

Celeborn settled his eyes on him and smiled meekly. “Haldir?” His voice was almost begging and Haldir thought he knew why his lover was crying. Elrond had said he would probably hate himself for his angry words spoken only minutes ago.
He jumped on the desk next to his lover and pulled him close. “What is it?” He could feel the contact was already calming Celeborn down and he smiled.

After a while Celeborn’s eyes settled on his own. “You don’t hate me?”
Haldir’s eyes widened. “Why would I? I love you!”
To his surprise Celeborn’s weeping increased in strength. “You’re just saying that to please me.”
Haldir had a hard time believing his eyes and ears and only Elrond’s words kept him calm and balanced. “No, I am not. I really love you, mithrilo nin, and my love will only grow as time passes.” To prove his words he passionately kissed his lover, who soon melted into it.

When it ended Celeborn angrily wiped his tears away and sagged against his lover. “I hate this!”
Haldir bit his lip. “Hate what?” Did he even want to know?
Celeborn growled. “These mood swings. I hate them. I hate it when my emotions are so out of control. I didn’t mean those words.”
Haldir pulled him closer. “I know you didn’t.”
Celeborn shook his head. “Don’t lie for me. I saw your eyes; they displayed your hurt.”
Haldir nodded. “All right, I was hurt, but Elrond took me aside and explained. I know you didn’t mean it. I love you.”

Celeborn smiled and closed his eyes. “Marry me.” He looked up hurt, dejected and pained when Haldir started laughing.
Seeing his expression the warden quickly sobered and stopped his lover from pulling back. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. It’s the situation I guess. You’re pregnant, entering mood swing after mood swing and you propose to me.” He shook his head. “It just pulled a trigger. But did you mean it?”
Celeborn nodded, his fear still visible and Haldir pulled him close, kissing his face. “Nothing would make me happier than to be officially yours. To be us.”

He was unprepared for the embrace Celeborn placed upon him and he almost fall of the desk. Celeborn released his happy tears. “You would really marry me? When I look like a big fat ugly orc?”
Haldir grinned. “You could never look like that, beloved. Not even if you tried. And I will marry you, after the children are born.”

Celeborn’s eyes watered and he pulled away from his lover, standing up and pulling himself to his full height. It was obvious he was angry about something Haldir had said but the elf in question had no idea what it was. Celeborn stretched his arm to the door, indicating Haldir should leave. Haldir merely cocked his head, making Celeborn explode. “GO! You don’t like me anymore. You don’t even want to marry me.”
Haldir stood up, shaking his head. He held up his hands in a sign of peace. “I -do- want to marry you.”
Celeborn snorted. “Just not when I’m big and fat. You do think I’m ugly and you don’t want to see me like this. Fine by me, there’s the door. I’ll let you know when I’ve delivered.”
Haldir flinched at the venom in the words but he didn’t move. “I do not think that. I love you. Everything about you. I think I’ll even miss those mood swings of yours when the babies are born. Our babies, whom you are carrying in your big fat belly.” He made sure his voice was loving when he said that.
“And if there were no restrictions, I would marry you right now.”

Celeborn’s eyes narrowed. “What are you talking about, you insane elf. Either you love me and wish to marry me or you don’t. There’s no in between.”
Haldir sighed. “I -do- love you and I -do- wish to marry you and spend our lives together, but I -can’t- marry you while you’re still bound to Galadriel.”
Celeborn’s eyes widened and then he gasped. He turned away and Haldir could see his back shaking and hurried over to sooth his lover. Celeborn leaned against him but didn’t turn.

After composing himself Celeborn walked to the chair. “I hope these don’t get worse. If they do, please knock me out cold.”
Haldir grinned. “No way. Is there anything else I can do?”
Celeborn smiled at his joke. “Get Elrond. I’m feeling rather tired. But what’s to expect with these raging hormones. It’s like sliding down the highest tree again and again.”
Haldir grinned. “You’re too old for that. No, not too old but definitely too heavy. For a while anyway.” He smiled and kissed his lover. “I’ll hurry, but I don’t know how fast I’ll find Elrond.”
Celeborn smiled. “I’ll try not to break down.”

He nodded at his lover and sighed relieved when Haldir closed the door behind him. He wasn’t feeling tired, nuch uch anyway, but he thought he was going to need Elrond’s medical aid soon enough. And he knew Haldir would never allow him to do this. Focusing himself he reached out to find Galadriel’s mind.

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

Celefin raised his hand to stop the party from continuing. “We stop here. Make up camp and set out guards.” He quickly got of his horse and approached the lady, who swayed dangerously upon her saddle.

Galadriel was unaware of all the worried glances she received and she smiled when she sensed her husband’s presence. `Celeborn. I would have know a surprise was out of the question.` She frowned when she sensed his weakened state. `What’s happened to you? You feel so weak.`
He smiled as he felt her concern. Sensing her, touching her spirit and hearing her voice didn’t hurt, which surprised him for he had expected a large amount of pain. Even the expected guilt stayed away. `Surprise? What surprise?` He heard Galadriel’s laugh inside his mind.
`Elrond’s example made almost all others restless. Especially the Imladrian elves. They never really settled in Valinor and always maintained a yearning to go back. And when Elrond made the journey it lit their fires and they harassed Cirdan for ships.`
Celeborn smiled. `They are always welcome here. I know not the condition of Imladris. And Elrond and the others said they’d be staying here.`
Galadriel nodded. `We are joining you in ‘Lóriën and maybe from there Imladris can be rebuild. It’s up to Elrond to decide. How is everybody?`
Celeborn shook his head. `We?`
Galadriel nodded, stunning all elves that watched her. `Yes, we. I’m leading most elves back home. Elves from Imladris, ‘Lóriën, the Grey Havens and even some that never left Valinor. We are on our way home.`

Celeborn smiled but it soon faded. She sensed his darkened mood and wondered what was wrong. She sent out some strength to him, hoping it would help, but it was catapulted back at her. Her eyes widened in disbelief and she nearly fell of her horse. Strong hands prevented her fall, but she didn’t notice. `Celeborn. Husband..`
`No! A lot has happened here, Galadriel. That’s why I contacted you. I have to hurry, I can feel myself weaken. Soon I’ll pass out again and Elrond will have to lend me strength again. I want to break our bond, Galadriel. I wish to marry Haldir.`
Her mouth opened and closed several times, as did her eyes. She shook her head. `Haldir?` Celeborn sensed her confusion and he sent her some of his latest memories.

She gasped when she saw her beloved husband fade because of her and she thanked the Valar Haldir had been there. She smiled when she realised Celeborn had really fallen in love with Haldir. `I love you still and your happiness means everything e. Ae. Are you sure you’re not doing this out of honour or duty?`
Celeborn vented his anger at the words by throwing over the table. `No! Don’t you ever dare suggest such a pitiful thing again. I love him. I want to marry him.`
Galadriel hurried to sooth him. `And he you?`
`Yes, of course. Would I be contacting you if he didn’t?`
Galadriel’s eyes widened at his strange mood but contracted it to their long time apart. `Than, marry him and be happy. I hope I am still welcome in ‘Lóriën?` Her eyes watered at the thought of losing Celeborn and the picture of not seeing her home back made it worse.
Celeborn sent his approval. `Of course you’re welcome. And though Haldir shares my rooms, you will not have to take a guest talan. There’s something else you must know though. I…`

Before he could finish his sentence the connection abruptly broke and Galadriel released a scream. “NO!”

Immediately several warriors drew their weapons and Celefin hurried to catch the falling Galadriel. “She’s uninjured.” He yelled to relax all others.
He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the fire. “Prepare some food for the lady. I think the journey was too much.” /Who far spoke with her? And what about?/
His sister smiled and kneeled down next to them and started tending to Galadriel. “Perhaps the ring’s power has not yet left her and she’s feeling that?”
He shook his head. “Nay, she far spoke, though to whom I do not know.”

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

Elrond suppressed a grumble as Haldir ruthlessly dragged him along. He understood the Warden’s worry but it didn’t do any good to his wrist, which started to get sour.

Haldir flung open the door. “My love, I found Elrond and…” He gasped, seeing his lover passed out on the floor. He rushed over, releasing a pained yelp, which alerted Elrond.

The former ruler of Imladris rushed inside, robbing his wrist, and kneeled at Celeborn’s other side, instantly checking everything. He closed his eyes and sighed. “He far spoke”
Haldir growled. “What? Why? Who?” He shook his head and looked at Elrond pleadingly, who shrugged. “I know not, Haldir. It would be easier if you two were bound, but alas, you are not. Now we have to wait. I am not yet recovered enough to give him my energy. The session with Elrohir has drained me.” His voice was sad, he felt guilty.

Haldir smiled, grateful Elrond was so understanding. Suddenly his eyes flashed open. “Could it be he tried to contact Galadriel?”
Elrond frowned. “Why?”
Haldir sighed. “He got another mood after proposing to me. Well, actually it was after I said we had to wait till after the babes where born. He’s still bound to her and…”
Elrond nodded and smiled. “I understand. And mister impatience here decided he didn’t want to wait until he was strong enough to far speak and go ahead anyway. Though he did think rationally.” He grinned at Haldir’s disbelieving face. “He did ask you to fetch me, knowing it would drain him.”

A soft knock went unheard by them both and Elrond looked around surprised when the door opened.

Rielle’s eyes widened in surprise and disbelief before the were shocked at what they saw. She ran inside, all the questions readable in her eyes.
Elrond quickly informed her on what he thought had happened. She smiled at his obvious concern and care. “He’s too stubborn for his own good. And the children will be worse, considering the same goes for the other father.”
Haldir grinned at her words. “Can you help, Rielle?”
The girl closed her eyes in thought and nodded before opening them again. “Take him outside. Surely nature will lend some strength to him. The trees, the birds, remember they had helped you save him?”
Haldir nodded and shrugged. “It’s worth a try I guess.” He stood and lifted his unconscious lover.

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

Elrohir woke with a start and his eyes were wide in shock and pain. Breathing was hard and he sweated all over. When the sensation of someone wiping sweat from his brow registered his eyes turned towards where he figured his beneficiary was located.

Lindir smiled at his unfocused expression. “Hello there, Elrohir. Take it easy and breathing will follow.”
Elrohir focused on his face and slowly he could feel himself calm down and indeed his breathing followed. “What happened?”
Lindir smiled. “I don’t know, Elrohir. I am not in the habit of watching other people’s dreams or nightmares. I tried to wake you but you didn’t so I just settled down next to you, waiting for you to wake up.”

Elrohir smiled, realising Lindir was sitting on his bed, and closed his eyes. Suddenly he flared up. “I don’t know. Ata! Adan! Where…?”
Lindir grasped his shoulders. “Relax. Elladan is helping your father temporarily rule this realm, but they’ll be back. There are two elves here they needs to know safe. Especially Elladan.”
He smiled at Elrohir’s questioning gaze. “You and Erestor. I think something’s evolving between them. We should keep our eyes on them.”
Elrohir smiled and nodded. “Elladan doesn’t like it when others meddle in his affairs. But he’s been alone all his life and it’s time it ends. Erestor? I hope I can learn to see him as my brother instead of my tutor.”

His gaze saddened. “I’m more concerned about ata though. He needs to be happy too and nana will never come back. And I’m glad she doesn’t!”
Lindir frowned. It seemed Elladan had been right. “Why? Or is that too personal?”
Elrohir smiled and wiggled closer to Lindir, who involuntarily embraced him. “She never liked Adan. Or Arwen.” He looked pleadingly at Lindir. “But don’t tell Adan or ata. It would break their hearts.”

Lindir shook his head. “You two are something else, you know that?”
He laughed when Erestor used that moment to awaken, groan and look at the minstrel in obvious puzzlement. “I’m something else?”
Lindir laughed and shook his head. “Well, yes, of course. But I wasn’t talking about you, my friend, but about the twins. Elrohir just told me not to tell Elrond or Elladan that Celebrían never liked Elladan.”
Elrohir nodded and looked at Erestor. “It would break their hearts.”
Erestor shook his head. “That’s what Elladan said about you.”

Elrohir looked stunned and Erestor nodded. “He told us before he left with Elrond to do some ruling. Elrond found out at some thunderstorm and it had been that night that had forever drove them apart.”
Elrohir nodded. “I remember all the harsh things she said to Adan and I wanted him with me, but she hit him and yelled at him. Later he didn’t seem to remember so I just stayed silent. I guess I’m glad he took to ata.”
Erestor smiled and extended his hand to grasp Elrohir’s. “He’s never forgotten and neither has Elrond. But unlike Celebrían your father loved you all.”
Elrohir nodded and smiled at Erestor. “And when did you find out? When Elladan told you?”

Lindir grinned. “I think I’m the only one you two managed to surprise.”
Erestor grinned and nodded. “Aye, Glorfindel had overheard most of the things she threw at your brother. The need to go after him was greater than the need to yell at her. I think Elrond did that for all three of us.”
“Though you never liked to be in the same room with her in Valinor, my friend. I tell you, Ro, there was fire coming from his eyes. At times I thought him to wield the ring of fire.”

Elrohir nodded. “And we can’t have another kinslaying, now can we? I hope I can get to show you around soon, Lindir. And you too, Erestor. Or would you prefer Elladan to do that?” He winked at Lindir, who smiled at his antics. It seemed the road to Elrohir’s recovery was going to be a fast one.

Erestor blushed and shrugged. “It’ll be a while before I’m allowed to walk, you’ll be set free long before me, so maybe you’ll show Lindir around alone and I find my own guide when the time is there.” Elrohir nodded and smiled.

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

A curious squirrel came down the bark when three elves approached the tree. It recognized them. The ash it was sitting on shuddered when it too recognized the unconscious elf. But both the squirrel and the ash still didn’t know the dark-haired elf. They knew he was one of the last arrivals, but who he was….

The dark-haired elf touched the trext txt to the ash and made contact. `We need your aid. Celeborn has weakened himself and he needs to regain a lot of strength if both he and the two lives he carries are to remain alive. I would aid him myself but I myself am rather weakened. Rielle, the cook, suggested to ask your aid and we agree. Would you lend me your strength so I might channel it into him?`
Immediately some leaves fell around him, one of each tree, and a little later several animals came forth.

The beech Elrond had been speaking to murmured back. `This elf has always took care of us. We feared to lose him and lately he’s been growing stronger. You say he’s carrying two other lives? I myself would like to learn more about that. There’s so much about other live forms we don’t know. Would you enlighten me, stranger?`
Elrond grinned. `I’m Elrond Peredhel and yes of course I will talk to you. It would be my pleasure to learn about you as well. And I am grateful for your aid.`
The tree send out his thanks and conveyed to all others the elf’s name.

Instantly a fox came forward and jumped on Elrond’s lap. Still having contact with the tree he could hear the tree speaking for the animal. `This is Satin. In her family a story of Elrond Half-Elven exists. It speaks of how he had saved their ancestor at the green field with red and white stripes, just beyond the river you call Bruinen.`
Elrond smiled and petted the fox’s fur. “Nice to meet you, Satin.” `That’s the furthers flower field of what was once my realm: Imladris. But we’re drifting away. Celeborn needs our attention right now.`

He drew inside himself, using one hand to touch Celeborn and letting the other touch the beech. Through the beech a lot of energy flew inside Elrond, who channelled it inside Celeborn. The power flowing inside him was greater than anything he had ever known and it soon overpowered Elrond and his eyes rolled back until only the white of his eyes was visible.

Instantly the fox jumped against Elrond’s chest, forcing him to fall to the ground. The second his hand left the beech the power flow stopped and next the fox tugged hard at Elrond’s sleeve, forcing his other hand to leave Celeborn.

Celeborn already started groaning and slowly came round. He looked around groggily and wondered where the study had gone to.
Haldir embraced him tightly. “Don’t you ever do something so stupid again. You’re lucky this forest cares so much about you or we might have lost you.” He hugged his lover close and started rocking him.
Celeborn allowed it, needing some time to recover.

Elrond blinked when he woke to the sensation of someone licking his face. Focusing his eyes he smiled when he saw the fox. “Satin. What happened?” It was more a question to himself but the fox answered him anyway. “You were unprepared to handle the amount of power flowing through you. You’re not fully elven and we all should have steadied ourselves. I had to force youbreabreak contact. He’s doing better.” The head went to the side and Elrond saw Haldir crying happy tears.
“How come I can hear you?”
The fox cocked her head and smiled. “Side-effect of the power. No one can say how long it will last. But I have to go now. I have a nest of children. I would like to show them to you, Elrond Peredhel.”
Elrond inclined his head. “I’d like to meet them. Take care of yourself and your children.” He clumsily stood up and rubbed his head.

“Why is he leaking?”
He frowned at the words and looked around for whomever had spoken. “Who said that?” His frown deepened, noticing only Celeborn and Haldir were here. He was glad both were to preoccupied with themselves to notice his words. They’d declare him insane.
“It’s me. The beech you spoke to earlier.”
Elrond grinned and shook his head. “I’m sorry, I’m not used to this. But to answer your question. He’s not leaking. It’s called crying and elves, humans, hobbits and many other races cry for several reasons but almost all are to be linked to either sadness or joy. These are tears of joy, for Haldir is happy his lover, Celeborn, is all right.”
“But he also leaked, I mean: cried, when he stopped the high one from killing himself.”

Elrond twirled around, the new voice came from behind him. A bird had his beady eyes fixed on him and his head was cocked as if waiting for an answer.
Elrond sighed. “Those were tears of pain. Sadness, for he was afraid of losing his beloved. And no offence, but I hope this effect wears of soon. It’s annoying and confusing.”

He heard laughter behind him and twirled again. He saw the ash shake and figured that was the origin of the laughing. “I think you should talk to a weeping willow, at least I think that’s how you call them. But I warn you: they’re insane. The one we always talk to says he weeps because he’s alone. If some elf comes to lean against him he weeps because he’s happy and grateful for the company. Sometimes an elf talks to him and he cries about whatever it is: story, poem or song: he always cries. He’ll enjoy your company, Elrond Peredhel. More than we ever can, which saddens me.”
Elrond inclined his head in silent thanks.

The next second his hands went to his ears when an explosion of sound reached them and he groaned in pain.
Haldir and Celeborn were immediately drat tht their little world and Haldir reached to support Elrond, who jumped the second Haldir’s hands settled on his waist. “Ai, Haldir. You scared me.”
Haldir smiled. “He’s much better. That’s a great idea Rielle gave u
El
Elrond nodded. “Though we shouldn’t repeat it. What was that?” His eyes were focused on the beech who answered him. “Word on the wind is that a host of elves is coming this way. The lady who resided with the high one among them.”
Elrond’s eyes widened. “Galadriel?”

Haldir gasped and looked around, worried. He hadn’t sensed anything.
Celeborn awkwardly rose and approached them. “Can we go inside? I’m sorry for putting you through this, Elrond, but it was important I’d speak to Galadriel. Had I known she was on her way here I wouldn’t have done that. Aiya, she must be worried. I fainted when I was about to tell her I’m pregnant. And Haldir, I am free to marry you any time you want.”
Haldir’s eyes opened and closed and he shook his head. “You far spoke with her so we could marry?”
Celeborn nodded. To him it had been the most logical thing to do, still was. Haldir shook his head. “You idiot! Do you know you deliberately endangered yourself and our children. Losing our children would have been hard, but not the end of the world. Losing you is. Never, ever do something that stupid again.”

Celeborn tried to hold back his tears but they flowed on their own accord. “But I had to do it.”
Haldir shook his head. “You could have waited until you were fit enough to do so. Or you could have written or use the birds, but you did not have to do this.” He embraced his lover. “That was stupid unn unnecessary.”

Elrond groaned. “Will the two of you continue the argument inside. The trees grow worried and are bugging me for answers.” They looked at him stunned. He shrugged. “I now temporarily can hear all of them. Trees, animals, everything. Even the words the wind screams. I wonder how far Galadriel is?” He immediately heard the answer on the wind and groaned in agony. “Thanks, I think. Well, that gives us three days to prepare. You two, get inside. Erestor’s going to kill me when I’ll tell him the other’s are arriving in three days. He’ll won’t be able to walk before then.”

The beech dropped a leave on his head. “So aid him. There’s enough force in you to aid ten more elves. It might even speed up the side effects you want to get rid off.”
Elrond shook his head. “Please don’t think it an insult, it’s just…”
“You’re not used to it.” The beech answered. “Go do your thing and don’t feel bad. We care no less about you.”

Elrond inclined his head and signalled the other two elves to follow him inside. “Haldir, you stay with Celeborn. I want nothing happening. Understood?”
Celeborn nodded meekly, clinging to his lover. “I want him with me anyway. Can we take a bathe?”
Haldir smiled and nodded. “Of course we can. And what will you do?”
“I will tell Elladan the other’s are arriving in three days time and then I’ll heal Erestor and maybe help Elrohir heal some more.”

End chapter 26
TBC

Translations:
Melamin, man raica? Means love of mine, what is wrong?
Celefin means silver hair