When least expected

Chapter twenty seven The arrival of the other elves

Celeborn paced the reception area and Elrond shook his head. One look at Haldir told him the Warden had received some more mood swings. He walked over, smiling to himself when Glorfindel stayed behind him. Whenever the blond wasn’t working he stayed with Elrond and slowly their love blossomed.

“Haldir, you look tired.”
Haldir stifled a yawn that proved Elrond right. He nodded. “I hardly dare sleep.”
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows. “Why? Don’t you trust me to keep us safe? And Elrohir is doing better under the watchful eye of Lindir. The minstrel hasn’t left his side yet. Not even to work on his song. I should ask him how he’s doing with that.”
Elrond shook his head and kissed his lover to silence. “Enough Glorfindel. Is he worse?”
Haldir nodded. “Two nights ago he woke me up, rather roughly and in the middle of the night. He’d woken up and needed to talk to me. So I woke up to talk and he said he no longer wanted to talk. I do hope the babies are calm, because if they aren’t I’ll be worn out soon.”
Elrond smiled. “I know of some herbs that will ensure Celeborn sleeps all night, enabling you to rest.”
Haldir smiled gratefully but declined the offer. “I don’t want to risk anything.”

Elrond smiled understandingly. “Want me to talk to him?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, it’s just excitement about Galadriel’s arrival.” His eyes flashed with fear but he quickly composed himself again.
Glorfindel grasped his shoulders. “Worry not, Haldir. Galadriel will understand.”
Haldir sighed and closed his eyes. “I hope so.”

Elladan ran towards them. “They’re coming! They’re coming! They’re coming!”
Erestor hissed when Elladan collided with him. “Easy there. Your father might have managed to fully heal it, it is still sensitive.”
Elladan looked apologetically. “I’m sorry Erestor. But they’re here.”
Erestor laughed warmly. “So you’ve said.” He pulled his love close and kissed him. Elladan moaned and melted into the kiss.
Elrond grinned. “Too bad you couldn’t do that when he was younger.” Erestor reddened at the words but Elladan ignored them and deepened the kiss.

He suddenly broke it and dashed off again. “Ro, you nitwit, where have you been? They’re here!”
Elrohir nodded. “We heard you.”

He walked besides Lindir and threw the minstrel a grateful glance. He appreciated the time and effort Lindir gave him. Part of him wondered why the minstrel hadn’t tired of him yet. He embraced his father, feeling he needed to make up for his distance in the past.

Elrond answered with an embrace of his own. He sm whe when he saw Elrohir’s eyes, seeing small speckles of light in them again. It would be a while before Elrohir would be fully healed, but it was not such a long road as he had feared. Though he was concerned about today. What if Galadriel’s return brought back old pain? But seeing Lindir’s determined expression made him forget those gloomy thoughts. Lindir would not allow Elrohir to become gloomy again.

They all turned to the sound of hooves and Celeborn felt himself sway a little. Immediately Haldir’s arms encircled him and he leaned against his lover. He couldn’t help but dread this moment.

Galadriel smiled when she saw her family waiting for her and she smiled at them. Elrohir seemed to have improved but she read Elrond’s fear and understood and shared it. Looking at Celeborn and Haldir she was glad and her smile widened. Her heart ached, knowing herself bereft of his love, but she was happy for him none the less. /We’ve outgrown our love and it is time for something new. Perhaps there is new love for me as well, though I shall never forget us./

She smiled at Celefin, who helped her down and quickly covered the distance separating her from her loved ones. “Celeborn, Haldir.” Placing one arm around each of them she drew them in a tight and loving embrace. Feeling a dissention she gave a little yelp and jumped slightly back, her eyes revealing her puzzlement.
Celeborn shrugged and placed her hand on his ever growing belly. Her eyes widened in understanding and her smile warmed. “I had no idea you were…”
Celeborn smiled. “Neither did I. This surprised us all.”
Galadriel smiled. “Oh, I’m so happy for you. For you both.” She kissed them on each cheek, making Haldir blush.

She took one step back and studied them. “Haldir, I’ve always valued you above all else and now I know why. Take care of him for me.”
She moved her eyes to settle on Celeborn’s. “And you better not yell at him. And how could you have tired yourself by far speaking to me?” Her eyes showed her anger at that careless act but she mellowed and smiled again. “Now I have one more question. Or no, two. When’s the wedding and can I mother it a little?”
Celeborn laughed and nodded. “Of course you can. And the wedding isn’t for while. You all need to get settled and Haldir and I are both edgy, so…” Galadriel smiled in understanding.

She left Haldir and Celeborn alone to greet the rest of her family. “Elrond.” She hugged him tight. She had missed him. “I’m so glad to see you arrived in time. How are you?”
Elrond smiled. “Much better. Whole again. We have much to talk about and the woods have changed, Galadriel. I doubt you’ll recognize them.”
She smiled and looked at Glorfindel questioningly. Elrond stunned hy ply placing a kiss on Glorfindel’s cheek. “He’s my lover.”
Galadriel shook her head and smiled. “Any more surprises in store for me?”

Glorfindel smiled. “How was the journey?”
Galadriel smiled at him. “Fast, pleasant and safe. Though we met some orcs they were swiftly dealt with.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Who was in charge?”
Galadriel smiled and cocked her head. “Celefin. He and his sister used to live in Mirkwood.”
Glorfindel nodded and took in the warrior. “He looks capable enough. I’ll go ask him if he’ll feel like joining the guards.”
Galadriel smiled. “I’m sure he will. Who are in charge here?”
Elrond smiled. “Rumil, Orophin and Haldir of course. And Glorfindel.”

She nodded and smiled. “And you are ruling this realm I hope. Celeborn shouldn’t work now.”
Elrond nodded. “And I have Elladan and Erestor to help me, though I could use more help. With all these new elves this realm might rapidly expand.”
Galadriel smiled. “Tajorajority are your elves, Elrond. As soon as you leave for Imladris, they’ll follow you.”
Elrond smiled and sighed. “I don’t know if I’ll do that. Much depends on my children.”
Glorfindel nodded. “I think we can safely say we’tay tay here then. Elrohir wouldn’t want to go back to Imladris and Elladan goes where Elrohir does. Lindir told me this morning.”
Elrond nodded. “You’re right. We stay here then. I hope they won’t hate me for it.”
Galadriel shook her head. “Nay, Elrond. You’re their ruler and if you choice to remain, then so will they.” Her eyes twinkled. “Maybe you and Celeborn can rule together? That way both your lovers will see you. I remember I had to wait months on end before I saw him. Haldir deserves better.”

Elrond smiled and embraced her again but backed up when Elladan and Elrohir demanded her attention. “Galadriel. Welcome back.”
She smiled and hugged her grandchildren tightly. “Oh, how I missed you two. Let me look at you.” She smiled and embraced them again. “I’m so happy for you both.”
She smiled at Elrohir and he sighed. Seeing Galadriel didn’t bring him doom as he had feared but salvation. He bit his lip, unsure whether to speak his mind. He jumped when he heard her voice to his ear. “I’ve always looked upon you as a son, Elrohir. And Elladan as well.” It was precisely what he needed to hear. He wanted a mother, one that loved both Elladan and he. She smiled and kissed him.

“Lindir, your company was sorely missed.” She smiled at the minstrel and gave Elrohir a supportive squish. “Don’t keep my Elrohir too much. I would like to spend time with him as well.”

Elrohir hugged her and went to Lindir, smiling when the minstrel voluntarily embraced him. Elrohir closed his eyes at the bliss he felt when he was with Lindir. It made life worth living. And at times he felt guilty for taking up so much time. “Don’t brood, Ro. It doesn’t become you.” Lindir’s voice whispered in his ear.

Galadriel smiled at Erestor. “Counsellor Erestor. You look better.” She narrowed her eyes and smiled. Turning her gaze to Elladan her smile widened. “You are well suited. I wish you two all the luck.”
Erestor blushed ind inclined his head. “I’ve prepared your rooms, my lady, and ordered Rielle to make some refreshments.”
Galadriel smiled. “She’s still here? Well, she’s going to enjoy this.”

She asked Erestor to wait a second and called to Celefin. The warrior instantly came forward and bowed before all those lords. Galadriel smiled. “Tell your sister to go to the kitchen. I’m sure she and Rielle will become best friends. And this is Glorfindel. Glorfindel, this is Celefin. Now you two talk shop. Erestor, show me my rooms.”

Elrond shook his head at her words. She hadn’t changed a bit.

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Most elves took up their old craft and worked together to build and rebuild the telain. Within no time the city of Caras Galadhorn was alive again.

Celefin had taken a talan near the training grounds, enabling him to sleep ate.ate. He groaned when his sister poked him awake. “Please. I’ve just turned in. Glorfindel watermtermined we worked out a schedule. I don’t understand how Rumil and Orophin do it. They actually seem happy to have so much to do.”
The girl grinned and kicked him. “Because they know how it was without us, brother. Now wake up. Rielle is something different and her mouth never stops talking.”
He groaned. “Good, that makes two of you. Poor kitchen.”

She rolled her eyes and jumped on his bed. “She told me Celebron..”
He shook his head. “Lord Celeborn!”
She sighed. “Lord Celeborn is pregnant. Can you believe that?”
Celefin was awake instantly. “You shouldn’t say those things. I don’t care whether or not it is true but you can’t repeat those things. You know what I think of gossip. This isn’t Valinor.”
She nodded. “Of course I won’t. I’m just telling you. It seems it’s twins and Haldir’s the daddy. That’s why the lady swayed that day.”
Celefin shook his head. “What?”
She nodded frantically. “I figured it would have been someone from here she far spoke with. So I casually asked Rielle and then she told me everything. How he nearly faded and how he got pregnant and how he had far spoken to Galadriel to tell her he’s got another lover. Wouldn’t you sway if you heard that? Apparently he was too weak and he had fainted before the conversation was over. But it thought you’d might like to know.”

She grinned smugly and left. She knew her brother better than he himself did. She knew he had been attracted to Galadriel and she would not deny him this change. She hid herself to see how long it would last before he rushed out his talan.

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Elladan yawned when he entered his rooms. This day had been tiring. And now that the official dinner was over all he needed was his bed. He would take his bath in the morning. Right now he was just too tired. He stretched and sniffed the evening air, frowning when he smell pinecone. “What?”

He stepped into his room and looked around but saw nothing and yet the air was unmistakable: pinecone. He smiled because it was Erestor’s scent.

He yelped when two arms encircled him from behind and he would have launched a counter attack if two lips hadn’t touched his neck. Now he sagged against the body behind him and closed his eyes. “Well, that shows how tired I am.”
Erestor smiled. “You looked it too. But I couldn’t retire without saying goodnight to you.”
Elladan turned in the embrace and smiled, his eyes still closed. “Stay?”
Erestor’s eyes widened but he nodded, steering Elladan to the bed.

“It’s almost like you’re a little elfling again that I have to put to bed.”
Elladan pouted but then caught on. “Almost?”
Erestor smiled. “Aye. Because now I can do this.” And his lips touched Elladan’s, who moaned disappointed when they where gone too soon.

Elladan smiled when Erestor removed his robes and pushed him on the bed. He frowned when Erestor’s hands left his body and reluctantly he opened his eyes, afraid to find Erestor closing the door behind him, but the counsellor was removing his own clothes before climbing in next to the Peredhel.

Elladan smiled and nestled himself in Erestor’s arms before he claimed the other’s lips in a lazy kiss. He wondered how many elves would be kissing each other tonight, but he banned that thought at the feel of Erestor’s tongue stroking his own.

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Elrohir smiled as he watched Lindir. “Are you sure you don’t mind me hanging around? I’m sure you have friends to welcome.”
Lindir shook his head. “No and no. I’ve spend most my time with Erestor, Glorfindel and your father, so I don’t have many friends to greet. And I prefer to spend my time with you. I hope you don’t mind cancelling our evening walk, but I am afraid I can’t feel my feet anymore.”
Elrohir smiled. “How about climbing to the top of the tree and watch thars?ars?”
Lindir smiled and nodded. “Though I fear you might have to carry me down.”

Elrohir laughed warmly and started climbing. He enjoyed spending time with Lindir. During the day he could spend time with his family but he’d rather not take up their time when it was dark. Not when they all had lovers.

He frowned and looked down where Lindir was doing his best at climbing. He rushed down to assist him. “Have you ever climbed before?”
Lindir nodded. “When I was ten.”
Elrohir laughed. “That’s millennia ago. Why did you not tell me? Come on, I’ll show you where to place your hands and feet. Be careful. I don’t want you falling down.”

Slowly they made their way up and Elrohir smiled at Lindir. “I’m sorry to put you through this. Had I known I would not even have suggested it.”
Lindir smiled and nodded. “Which I why I didn’t speak. Besides, a little climbing won’t hurt me. The view is excellent.” Though his voice was light his hands tightly clutched the tree.

Elrohir shook his head and moved towards him. The tree bended itself to his will and soon Lindir was strongly supported by branches. “You can let go now. The tree won’t let you fall.” He leaned in and Lindir’s arms automatically embraced him.

Elrohir smiled. “Do you think Galadriel is lonely?”
Lindir frowned at the question and thought for a while. “No, not really, though it hurts her, I suppose. I don’t think she expected to find Celeborn in love with Haldir and with child.” He shook his head. “With children.”
Elrohir smiled and they lay still for a while.

He gasped when Lindir suddenly squished him. “I hear something down there.”
Elrohir moved to get a look and smiled. “It’s Galadriel. And that warrior is following him.”
Lindir frowned. “Celefin?”
Elrohir nodded and narrowed his eyes. He turned suddenly. “Lindir, come look.” He pulled the minstrel closer. “Look.”
Lindir looked into the desired direction and shook his head. “She does look hurt. And he looks in love.”
Elrohir smiled. “I know. It’s how Elladan and Erestor look at each other. And ata and Glorfindel. And Haldir and ata’da.”
Lindir smiled and nodded. /And I you./

He had no idea he had spoken out loud, nor did he hear Elrohir’s gasp. He was so focused on the scene below that seemed to come closer and closer. Suddenly he had difficulty breathing and he grasped the branches. He tried to close his eyes but he wnablnable to do so. He heard someone scream and wanted to move his hands to his ears to block the sound but his limbs had gone numb. Suddenly two strong arms grabbed his shoulders and hauled him up. The world spun around him and darkened. He had no idea what was happening and clutched to the arms, paying to all Valar they didn’t belong to orcs or Uruks.

Slowly light entered his vision and his eyelids fluttered open. Lindir stared at Celefin’s concerned face. “Are all all right, minstrel?” Lindir could do naught but nod. He vaguely saw Galadriel kneeling before Elrohir, soothing him. “What happened?” He flinched at the sound of his own voice. It was so hoarse.
Celefin smiled. “You’re a town elf, right?” Lindir nodded and accepted the flask Celefin gave him to drink.

He felt a third hand on his body and he eyes followed the arm. He smiled weakly at Galadriel’s concerned face. “You scared us Lindir. I really thought orcs or other dark creatures had attacked you. I was glad Celefin was close to go to your aid. Imaging my surprise when he informs me you where clutching to tree and screaming for no reason.” Her voice carried her anger and her fear.

Lindir reddened in embarrassment and lowered his head. He heard Elrohir’s voice come closer. “It’s my fault. I didn’t think through. I should have realised. Lindir, are you all right? I really didn’t know you e afe afraid of heights.”
Lindir’s automatic remark was out before he realised. “Elves are not afraid of heights.”
Celefin grinned. “Not all elves you mean. Some elves are, and those elves usually are town elves. It is no shame, minstrel. We are all afraid of something. Just take your time and calm down. Where do you live? I’ll bring you home.”
But he was shoved aside by Elrohir. “No, -I- will bring him home.” He took a step back, surprised by his own reaction.
Galadriel’s laugh filled the air. “All right, Elrohir. You take care of Lindir. Come Celefin, I believe we are no longer needed. How is your sister?” Together they walked away.

Lindir walked along in a daze and Elrohir was pleased he finally could do something back. /I’m jealous of others spending time with Lindir. I sure didn’t want Celefin to touch him./ He was glad Lindir was too groggy to talk. He used the silence to think.

End chapter 27
TBC

NOTE:
I have finished writing it. Two more chapters to come. It almost saddens me.