the trouble with love

Chapter fifty one Suicide

Elrond got worried now that he couldn’t find his beloved. He had checked everywhere. Now where was the elusive elf? /Melpomean, where are you?/

Fear clawed at him and he was about to enter a panic attack when he came upon Sealbeth and Valthroman. He sighed, a little relieved. “Valthroman, Sealbeth. I can’t find Melpomean anywhere. Have you seen him?”

They shook their heads and Sealbeth instantly narrowed his eyes. He knew Thranduil had returned. “We must search him immediately. Val, you try and track him down. I’ll ask Glorfindel and Ecthelion to aid us and alert the warriors that are about to leave for the patrol.” He dashed of, fearing for his friend. Who knew what he would do?

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Thranduil stood and pulled his cloak from the floor. He needed to take a walk, this was frustrating. He didn’t want to go to the party, but since he wasn’t tired yet he also didn’t want to stay in his rooms.
He decided to explore the gardens a bit more thoroughly, he hadn’t had the chance to do so last time.

He smiled when he saw Melpomean walk there as well, though he frowned at the other’s expression. It seemed eerily empty. He swiftly approached. “Melpomean! up! up!” He grabbed the other by the arm, forcing him to stop.

He smiled when he saw two eyes glare at him, not just one. “Well met, meldir. I’m pleased to see your eye has healed. I was hoping maybe we could talk?” He smiled warmly. “But I guess it will have to wait for surely Elrond is searching for you.”

He turned and forced Melpomean to do same. He pushed him towards the house. “Please be careful with him, meldir. He is petrified of losing you and getting hurt.” He grinned. “And you know him. He rather die than talk about it.”

Seeing the eyes filled with fear and disbelief made Thranduil sigh. He grabbed the shoulders and forced him to make eye contact. “Make him happy, Melpomean, for you hold his heart. And probably longer than any of us know.” He smiled and placed a kiss on the other’s forehead.

He narrowed his eyes when Melpomean walked away. He hoped he would enter the house and seek out Elrond, but he was unsure. Somehow he felt he hadn’t reached him yet. /I just have to keep my distance from Elrondil til this one is stronger./ He sighed and, with gloomy thoughts, continued his walk.

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“FINE!”
“FINE!”

Haldir slammed the door close. How could he have let this happen? His baby brother wasn’t suited for this. He marched through the corridor and growled at every passing elf. He heard the door opened and close again but didn’t turn. He didn’t want to say anything he would regret.

If he had turned he would have seen Rumil’s tears. The warriorred red at his brother’s retreating back and angrily wiped at his tears. Why wouldn’t they see he was just as capable as they were? He turned and ran away, the need to be alone overwhelming him.

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Elladan smiled, feeling Elvil lean in closer. “I haven’t yet had the chance to thank you for your gifts.”
Elvil smiled. “You’re welcome. And you don’t need to thank me. I like doing this for you. I was a horrible child.”
Elladan grinned. “You still are a horrible child and you always will be horrible, I fear.” To lessen his words he pulled him closer and rested his head on Elvil’s shoulder.

“How are the training sessions going?”
Elvil grinned. “Glorfindel is baffled. I told him I could teach him something, but still he gaped like a fish when I did.” He shrugged. “But I only ever mastered the sword, there was no need for anything else and when we had it was too late to learn.”
He smiled when Elladan tightened his hold and he closed his eyes in bliss only to open them again when he heard crashes coming from the corridor.

Elladan too looked on in amazement as they saw Haldir march past them, forcing other has hastily jump aside and even drop what they were holding. Elladan grinned. “Adar ain’t going to be pleased with that.”
Elvil smiled and nodded. “I wonder what happened to bring him into that state?”
Elladan shrugged. “Who cares.” They continued their walk.

After some meters they turned and ran back, hearing Haldir’s scream for aid. Elladan wondered if the warrior had tumbled upon Apsontë. Who else would be attacking him now? Who would dare? And who would be able to scare him?

When they got at the spot their eyes widened further, seeing Haldir kneeled next to a body.
The warrior turned his head and smiled gratefully. “Elvil, run to the healers and get them here. A suicide attempt.”
Elvil gasped and ran as fast as his legs would carry him.

Elladan instantly lowered himself and gasped when he saw Melpomean’s face. “Did… did you see what happened?”
Haldir nodded and looked grim. “He just grabbed my dagger and cut his own throat. First time I’m caught of guard and this happens.” He growled.
Elladan narrowed his eyes and aided Haldir in keeping in the blood. Seeing elves hover nearby he addressed them. “Find my father and send him to healing house. And make sure this place is cleaned. And send for Sealbeth.”

He removed his cloak and handed it to Haldir, who pressed it tight to the other’s throat. The twin sighed. “All right, one of us lifts him while the other keeps pressuring the wound.”
Haldir nodded and indicated for Elladan to do the first. He already had a tight pressure on the wound and wouldn’t dare let go, not even to change places.
Elladan got in position and at his nod they both got up.

He sighed, having accomplished the task. He spoke without looked at anyone. “Send for Erestor.” Haldir frowned and Elladan smiled. “Mel is adar’s lover, so we are going to need some aid ruling. I wish my grandparents were to aid us, but they are not.”
Haldir nodded, understanding the fear Elladan now suffered. “I can contact them if you want. But not before we’ve reached the healing house, though.”
Elladan nodded. “Please do, it takes less time than writing and sending a letter, asking them to come.”

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Thranduil frowned when he heard some noises behind him. He turned and was unprepared to collide with another. The speed of the other placed great force into the collision and Thranduil was sent to the soil, landing ungracefully on his behind.

He looked surprised at the angered Rumil. “Rumil, seas, I am not the enemy, I am sure.”
The words seemed to reach the other’s mind and the eyes focused on the surroundings and the younger elf blushed when he realised he homehomehow knocked the Mirkwood King to the ground.

He reached out and helped the other stand. “Aiya, forgive me. I wasn’t looking.”
Thranduil smiled and rubbed the dirt of his clothes. “Neither was I, though I do hope next time we bump into each other we both remain afoot.”
Rumil widened his eyes but then laughed freely, remembering. “Aye, for now we are even.”
Thranduil cocked his head, sensing the other’s frustration. “What upsets you so that it keeps you from seeing for so long? You were frustrated the last time as well. I hope it had a different cause?”

Rumil lowered hea head and sighed. “I shall leave you alone, sire.”
Thranduil stopped and placed a finger beneath the other’s chin. “No titles, please, this isn’t Mirkwood and I am not here for official business.”

He smiled warmly. “Is there anything I can do for you? Sometimes having someone to listen already helps.”
Rumil blushed at the offer and shook his head. “Nay, I’d rather not. I mean no offence, but I wouldn’t want to shock you.” /Or think me childish as well./
Thranduil smiled. “None taken. And I have four children, two of whom have not yet grown, though they are mature. I think I’ve heard it all.” He pulled Rumil along and sat down. “You have my word I will not speak t tot to another, if you fear embarrassment.”

Rumil smiled and sighed, realising full well the other would not let him be without Rumil telling what upset him. And so he told him. “It’s nothing really. Haldir and Phin just won’t see I am just as good as they are and sometimes we fight ovt.” t.”
Thranduil nodded and sympathy and understanding shone from his eyes. He remembered a similar conversation with Legolas. Unfortunately Rumil didn’t have a father to guide his elder brothers.

Rumil stood and started pacing and was surprised the movement wasn’t prevented by the other. “It just annoys me they think me a child. What do I have to do for them to look at me as their equal? Not even bedding a she-elf does the trick. Or a male.”

He growled and jumped when Thranduil suddenly stood before him. “Pacing and walking the grounds like a caged animal will not do the trick either, my friend.” He smiled warmly. “It is hard being the youngest, isn’t it?” He placed a hand on Rumil’s shoulder. “For what it is worth, neither Elrond nor I think you a child, Rumil. We know your value and would see it put to use.”
He smiled and his eyes became misty. “I remember Legolas telling me something similar once. He felt he had to box up against his brothers.” He grinned and looked at Rumil in sympathy. “Unfortunately Celeborn shares your brothers’ view.”

He rubbed his nose. “If you want I can make a detour when I return to talk to him and Galadriel? And I am sure Legolas will be available as sparring partner for you to vent your anger.”
Rumil looked at him in disbelief and slowly allowed himself to smile. “You do not think me a child!” He hugged the other and ran off, happy for the first time in a long while.
Thranduil shook his head at the antics. /Another elf to watch. I will talk to your lord and lady, little one./

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Galadriel gasped when she saw Celeborn sway dangerously and hurried forward. “Celeborn, melamin, man raica? Quettat!”
Celeborn smiled and leaned against her. “Give me a moment. Haldir’s just contacted me. We are needed.” He closed his eyes as the images Haldir’s send him assaulted him again. He was grateful for Galadriel’s soothing presence in his mind.

He sighed deeply and locked eyes with her. “It seems Melpomean and Elrond are now an item.” He grinned inwardly at Galadriel’s happy look, which faded when she realised what the trouble migh. He. He nodded. “Unfortunately said elf has just tried to kill himself. Elladan now fears for his father.”
Galadriel nodded, her eyes filled with understanding and fearful tears. “And I fear for him. I hope Elvil is strong enough to keep him grounded and sane.”

She sighed and rushed out, ordering the others to prepare their sudden trip. She hurried back and claimed his lap, knowing it brought him calm.
Celeborn smiled and rested his head on her chest. “Ai, nin vess, I’m the luckiest elf in the world to call you my wife.”
Galadriel frowned at the words. Not because he said them or felt that way, but for the timing. She refrained from questioning it though and caressed his hair. “And so am I, verno nin.” She felt his arms tighten in happiness and support.

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Elladan stood aside and watched the healers work in haste. As soon as they did something he was hopeful that maybe everything would turn out right. He didn’t turn when he heard curses behind him.

Haldir ushered Valthroman and Sealbeth out. “Not now, we’d only be in the way. Sealbeth, you and Erestor will have to rule the realm together for a while.” He smiled when he saw Erestor rush towards them as well, instantly followed by Elrond.

The ruler reached them first and Haldir stepped aside to allow him entrée but stopped Erestor, at the same time pulling the other two a little more back. “Melpomean has tried to kill himself.”
Sealbeth nodded. “Elrond was looking for him. I feared something might have happened, but…” He smiled sadly when his lover pulled him closer.

Erestor’s eyes narrowed. “Sealbeth, we have to relieve Elrond’s burden as much as possible and force Melpomean to remain with us.” He sighed and looked at Haldir. “You guard the hallway. Sealbeth, come with me.” He turned to Valthroman. “Would you please go to my room and ask Thrilmaldur to join me and Sealbeth in the study?”

He walked away, his mind going over all the assignments waiting for them. He silently blessed the Valar for his lover’s presence, who now could aid them, and begged them to spare melpomean’s life.

He growled when Sealbeth suddenly stopped and turned an opposite direction. “Where are you going?”
Sealbeth turned and smiled. “Thranduil is here as well. He can step if for our lord.”
Erestor shook his head. “Nay, Elrohir can do that. Thranduil is a guest. Go to Elrohir.”
Sealbeth nodded and altered his course.

Translations:
Man raica mean what is wrong
Quettat means speak
Nin vess means my wife
Verno nin means husband mine

TBC