the trouble with love

Chapter fifty Crossroad

Melpomean couldn’t help but blush when he found himself seated next to Elrond at the dinner table and he was extremely grateful it was only Elrond’s close family that saw.

Elrohir smiled and leaned forward, addressing his twin. “Look at Mel.”
Elladan nodded, a sparkle in his eyes. “Adar iry pry possessive about him.”
“Adar can hear you, ion-nín.” Elrond smiled warmly at his children. Their acceptance meant a lot to him.
Elladan had the grace to blush at hearing his father’s voice and he grinned, feeling foolish.

He decided to turn the attention away from him, and maybe make his twin squirm. “You should have invited Orophin, adar.”
nd rnd raised his eyebrow. As far as he knew there was no reason why he should. This was a family dinner. Or was one of the twins falling for the Galadhrim? As soon as he asked himself that question he knew something had happened to shift the relationship between his youngest son and the blond warrior. As if Elladan’s smirk and Elrohir’s blush weren’t indicator enough. “I was unaware, Elladan, but I’ll invite him next time, Elrohir.”
Elrohir’s colour deepened and Elladan laughed freely.

Elvil smiled warmly at the display. He’s seen the changes in his love and was patient to wait till Elladan saw it himself as well.

He smiled at Elrond, whom he now really considered his father, not just his foster-father. “Adar? Why are Thranduil and Thrilmaldur back? Are there any more troubles?”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay.” And that was all he would say on it. He had seen his lover stiffen and closed his eyes. He hoped Melpomean would grow out of this fear in the coming days.

He smirked, having found a way to remove the tension, and leaned over. “I do wonder why Celeborn’s counsellor came back?”
Melpomean smiled before answering softly. “Erestor and he admitted their love during the feast.”
Elrond smiled, happy for his old time friend. “About time. Galadriel forbade us to meddle or we would have made sure something happened a long time ago.” He sighed. “Guess I shall have to miss two great counsellors on a half year bases.”
Melpomean frowned. “Two? Who is the other?”
This drew the attention of the others and Elrohir, catching on, beamed in happiness.
Elrond nodded. “Aye, Elrohir, Sealbeth will travel to Mirkwood with his lover and I understand his reluctance to ever part from him again.”
Elladan nodded as well. “Though we should make sure we do not have to miss them both at the same time. Imladris will feel the effects too strongly then.”
Elrond sighed and shrugged. “We’ve got Melpomean and the secretaries to keep things going for us.” He smiled wickedly. “And I can always enlist you two as a scribe.”
Elrohir shook his face in horror. “If you do I run away.”

Hearing that Elvil shuddered despite himself and lowered his head, both in shame and sadness.
Elrond stood and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Do not dwell on those times, Elvil. And praise the fact it happened for now you know. Now we know.”
Elvil smiled gratefully and sighed, picking at his food. “May I be excused? My appetite is gone.”
Elnihir gasped and looked at him worriedly. He hadn’t followed half the conversation anrelyrely concentrated on his meal, but now he looked at him fearfully. Elrond smiled at him. “Worry not, Elnihir, Elvil isn’t ill. And aye, you can go. But don’t brood too much.”
Elvil smiled at his understanding and concern and hugged Elnihir before leaving. “We’ll play later. Promise.”

Elrond didn’t like the look in Elnihir’s eyes and mentally reached out to his son. `Elrohir, what is wrong with your child?`
Elrohir closed his eyes. `It is his height, adar. It really pains him he cannot fight a real sword or become an experienced rider, for he will never be able to control a great steed by himself. The more Legolas teaches him the more it pains him.`
Elrond sighed. `I wish there were herbs to make him grow, but there are none. And Mel thinks he -should- spend more time with Legolas because they aid each other.`

Elrohir smiled and stood. “I shall take my leave now and search a certain warrior.” He gave his father a wink. Elrond smiled, understanding his son would search Legolas before finding Orophin.
Elladan jumped at the opportunity to follow Elvil. He was worried about him and he still had to thank him for the last three gifts.

Elnihir looked at his grandfather and sighed, realising this feast had come to an end and he should leave as well. He was suddenly lifted from his chair and hugged tight by Elrond, who had sensed his gloomy thoughts.

“How about the three of us going to the Hall of Fire and listen to the minstrels?”
Melpomean stood and placed his knife on the plate. “I shall make a little detour through the kitchen.” Elrond frowned, making him grin. “I’m sure Elnihir has some room for cookies.”
Elnihir beamed and nodded. He looked at Elrond. “May I, ata’da, may I?”
Elrond laughed and his eyes sparkled. “Of course. You and I shall go to the Hall of Fire and await my lover there.” He pressed a kiss on Melpomean’s cheek and left, carrying his grandchild.

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Thranduil smiled, seeing his son waiting for him in his assigned rooms. He swiftly entered and smiled warmly, liking the many, tiny changes he saw. “You look smashing.” /Much improved./
Legolas smiled and hugged him close. “I missed you, ada. How is evody?ody?”
Thranduil smiled. “Fine. They send their love. And you know Joreb. Always worrying.”
Legolas grinned. “Good thing he’s married to Silinde. She’ll take his mind away.”

Thranduil smiled and held Legolas close as he walked to the chairs. “And tell me, do you like teaching the elflings?”
Legolas nodded and beamed. “Though I am only teaching Elnihir at the moment. Elvil prefers to learn from Glorfindel and Ecthelion, since they are reborn elves as well.”
Thranduil nodded in understanding. “You will do a lot of kneeling then.”

His eyes sparkled and he closed his eyes in bliss. “Thank you for the letter, ion-nín. And don’t worry. I won’t do anything stupid.”
Legolas cocked his head. “You came to tell me that? You are not here to fight with…” He trailed off when Thranduil laughed. “Nay, Legolas, nay. But I’ve seen Melpomean. He’s fragile and extremely insecure. I need to talk to him and make him understand Elrond’s heart never belonged to me but to him.” He smiled, remembering the departure. So much had become clear that day.

He looked at Legolas and smiled warmly. “You know it never happened. Every time something stopped us. Galadriel barged in; Haldir barged in; something always happened. We weren’t supposed to be together in the first place.”
Legolas sighed and leaned against his father. “I am so sorry. I know you love him.”
Thranduil smiled. “Not any more.” He laughed at Legolas’ surprised look. “Aye, I will always hold him dear, and yes, I loved him and love him still. For the elf he once was.” He shrugged. “He has changed. Too much.”
He shrugged again. “Perhaps one day I find someone who will be like him, like the young Elrond, for then I will have found love again.”
Legolas smiled, understanding his father.

They looked up when there was a knock at the door. “Who is it?”
“It is I, sire, Elrohir. I’m looking for Legolas.”
Thranduil grinned. “You’ve found him. Come in, son of Elrond.”
Elrohir opened the door and smiled, bowing to Thranduil, who growled a little at the show of respect. How he hated that. And Elrohir was well aware of that, but that didn’t stop the teasing twin.

Elrohir smiled and locked eyes with Legolas. “Father requests your presence. He was in his rooms, but he might have gone elsewhere in the meantime.”
Thranduil nodded. “Aye, try the Hall of Fire if you don’t find him there; the minstrels are playing tonight and now that he has a lover he has a reason to enjoy it.” He looked at Elrohir and wiggled his eyebrows. “Now you and your twin remain alone. Maybe I should tell Celeborn he has some work cut out for him?”
Elrohir grinned but shook his head. “Nay, I fear Elvil will fight anyone that comes too close to Elladan.” /I wish I could tell you about Phin, but I can’t. Yet!/
Thranduil smiled, seeing the deep affection the twin had for someone though he hadn’t mentioned it. He figured it was a hidden affection or else none was allowed to know. “Well, don’t stray in the dark too long, son of Elrond, for none is meant to remain alone. But now I wish you a blessed night. May Lorien grant you peaceful dreams.”

Elrohir smiled and bowed again, smiling when he heard the suppressed growl from Thranduil. He looked at Legolas. “If you see Elvil, please kick him to my brother.” Legolas frowned but nodded, watching the twin run away. He could only guess whereto.

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Melpomean entered the kitchens and sighed. Who was he kidding? Why swithwith Elrond when the Peredhel would soon return to Thranduil? /I cannot pretend any longer./

He smiled at Apsontë. “Would you please see to it a large tray of cookies is delivered to Lord Elrond in the room of Fire?”
The woman nodded, though she frowned. “Can I assume they are for the little ones?”
Melpomean nodded. “Elnihir’s favourites please.”
The woman nodded and hurried about, adorning the largest tray she could find with the elfling’s favourite treats. She didn’t notice the other leaving.

Melpomean walked through the gardens without noticing. He sat down and allowed his tears to fall. /I cannot do this. I cannot stand and watch./
/Then don’t./
/But how can I prevent it? Thranduil is king. And his lover./
/Elrond is honourable and will not desert you./
/But why would he stay with me if he doesn’t love me? He only pretends./
/Nay, he doesn’t. He does love me, but he loves Thranduil best./
/And I am standing in the way./
/Then get out of the way./
/Leave, I should leave. I should stand aside and allow him to be happy. Truly happy./
/It is time I face the truth. I refuse to fail him. I will not./

He stood up and nodded, no longer struggling internally. /Elrond, you hold my heart and I will no longer hold you back. I stand aside and hope you’ll be happy with Thranduil. I shall never be a burden to you again./ He smiled at his newfound bravery.

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Elrond smiled when Legolas walked into the room, closing his eyes as the music caressed his ears.

He smiled, deciding he liked the music in the little gazebo best. He approached the Peredhel and smiled warmly, though he cocked his head at the worry he sensed.

Elrond beckoned him closer. “Please, Legolas, sit down and enjoy the music with us.”
Legolas complied and wondered why Elrond wanted to see him. Elrond turned his attention back to the music, still holding Elnihir in his lap.

The elfling was so absorbed in the tunes and words he had missed Legolas’ arrival. Elrond grinned when a servant brought in the largest tray filled the most cookies he’d ever seen. He indicated to place it before him.

Elnihir’s eyes widened when it went before his vision and he snapped out his trance and turned in the embrace. “That many?”
Elrond laughed and nodded. “Aye, take your pick, but leave some for us.”
Elnihir didn’t need to be told twice and attacked the tray, seeing only his favourites. “Sweet buns. My sweet buns. They made my sweet buns.”
Elrond shook his head and smiled warmly. “All yours, Elnihir.”

He looked at Legolas, who also watched the scene with affection. “There’s something I want to ask you, but…” He looked at the door. Where was Melpomean? He sighed. He had to do this now or he wouldn’t get another change any time soon. “It seems I now have two questions for you. Would you watch Elnihir for me while I search my elusive lover?”
Legolas nodded; he would always love to watch the elfling. He cocked his head, waiting for the other question; the one Elrond had summoned him for.

Elrond smiled. “I would appreciate it if you would teach my grandson how to ride as well. One of my mares is pregnant and one of her foals will become his.”
Elnihir turned at looked at Elrond in disbelief.
The ruler smiled and looked down warmly. “It was supposed to be a surprise, Elnihir, but aye, you get to pick a foal soon.”
The elfling beamed and jumped up, forcing Elrond to catch him in the air. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Elrond laughed and shook his head. “Don’t thank me yet. You are yet to learn how to ride. Wait until you’ve mastered that before you thank me. Before long you will fly through the air.”
Elnihir shook his head. “Nay, I won’t. I’ll make you proud.”
Elrond kissed him. “You do that daily, Elnihir. Just by being you. I love you.” He hugged him and placed him on the couch. “I have to go find Melpomean now. Legolas will stay with you.”

Elnihir beamed ind instantly attacked his cookies again.
Legolas was content watching and listening. Perhaps one of the songs would give him an idea for a tale, since Elnihir demanded one every night they slept together. And tonight would be no different. Legolas found he really didn’t mind. He enjoyed holding someone close at night, to protect and guard Elnihir. It made him feel good.

TBC