Against all odds

Chapter thirty morning comes

They jolted awake when someone pounded on the door in a rather urgent way. Elrond signalled for Erestor so relax whilst he climbed out of bed.

Opening the door he was surprised to see a tray with food standing there. “Love, it seems a tray with legs wishes to enter. Should we let it?”
Erestor grinned, easily catching on. “I don’t know, maybe it’s dangerous. I think we should alert the twins, maybe it’s an orc in disguise.”
Elrond nodded. “Yes, you are absolutely right. Go find us some weapons whilst I block the door. No tray is going to attack us today.”
“Are you done yet?!” Elrond had trouble holding his laughter. “Not really, but we’ll humour you. Come in Glorfindel.”

The blond shuffled inside, carrying a rather large tray of food. The tray was safely resting against his belly and the pile of food rose so high it completely took away his vision. Seeing this made Erestor lose himself in uncontrollable laughter.
Elrond grinned at the blond’s obvious trouble to find his desk. “How did you manage to find us, Glorfindel? Radar?”
Glorfindel snorted. “Very funny. I’ll let you know this is the contends of our breakfast table. Since everybody has decided not to have breakfast without informing anyone I was forced to eat alone, which I simply refuse.”
Elrond quickly looked out the window and saw it was a little past breakfast. “No one was there?”
Glorfindel nodded. “Not to worry though. Elladan and Lindir are probably passed out. Elladan had decided to throw a party last night and besides Elrohir and Legolas he had invited Lindir. When I returned from my patrol I bumped into Legolas and Elrohir. They were on their way back here and told me Elladan was in Laivëcaro’s house. I had no idea he wasn’t there so I went there to get some salve for my feet, which are still killing me, by the way, and when I arrived Lindir and Elladan were busy and they were both drinking. I thought it safer not to interrupt.”

Elrond nodded. “So you might be right, but we need to know for sure. And I suggest leaving that to Erestor.”
“I’ve already spoken to him. He said he would help us.”
“Do you also have someone you can put on Elrohir?” Seeing Elrond’s eyebrow arch Glorfindel grinned. “You should have seen him, Elrond. I hardly recognized him. I think they’re in love.”
“You’ve got to tell us everything while we eat breakfast. And then back to work.” Erestor couldn’t wait to hear everything.

Elrond pouted at his words. “Do we have to. I’m sure Imladris can do without us for one day. Maybe we could continue last night’s activities?”
“WOW, time out, other elves present here. Save your sextalk for later, my friends.” Glorfindel made disgusted noises. Erestor laughed and threw him a bun. “shut up or you get to watch.” The image that flashed in front of Elrond’s eyes made him hard within seconds. /Once he lets go of his fears he’s going to be a hand full./
During the duration of breakfast Erestor enjoyed tormenting and threatening Glorfindel, who happily allowed it, grinning at the result it had on Elrond. He wondered if Erestor really was unaware of it or just pretended to be.

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Lindir stretched as he awoke, no longer able to block today’s rays from his vision. He groaned as his head ached. “Man?” He heard a soft voice speak, telling him to stay down for a little longer.
Cocking his head he saw Elladan rummaging about in the kitchen. Seeing him made last night come back and he screamed. “Lindóma.”

Elladan joined him and sat down. “Shh Lindir. In a few weeks you have a new one remember? Here, drink this, it will aid you.” Lindir eyed the potion curiously and then Elladan. “Trust me, I’ve had enough hangovers to know what will kill it. Drink it and take a nice warm shower in fifteen minutes and you’ll be alright.”

Lindir decided to trust Elladan and drank. /If only I knew what happened last night. Did we?/ He was unsure on how he felt about that but he decided he liked it now that Elladan was fussing over him. He was relieved when Elladan didn’t leave the room, but remained seated on the bed. /Wait, how did I get here?/
Elladan softly laughed. “You have no memory of last night, do you?” He grinned as he saw Lindir’s worried and shocked expression. He knew precisely how he felt, having been in these situations himself. /Only then it really did happen./
“Well, you and I made a sketch of Lindóma and when we were finished we brought it to Hendutinwel. He was rather angry with us for waking him but when he learned what happened he promised to make it his top priority. And then we took a little stroll through the streets. I am sorry for not monitoring your drinking. I hadn’t realised you had drank so much, Lindir, until we came back here and I saw the empty bottle. You must have drank at least half of it. I only had two or three glasses while we were drawing. Come, it’s time for your shower. It’s behind that door and try not to trip.”

During his shower Lindir found his head getting clearer and the memories of last night returned more vividly. He was pleased Elladan had spoken the truth. He would have hated himself for eternity if he had slipped up. The main reason Lindir never drank was because he was afraid it might result in a one night stand and he didn’t want that to happen. And for a very good reason.
Figuring Elladan might be getting worried now that he stayed under the shower so long he reluctantly got out and dried himself. Stepping into the bedroom again he found Elladan had already tidied it and sounds told him the elf was now busy making breakfast.

A smile crept on Lindir’s face and he slowly walked to the main room, where he had a view of the kitchen. “I thought you hated kitchens.”
Elladan grinned and turned around. “Only when there are maidens in them. Or Apsontë.” He was unable to turn back to watch the eggs. Lindir presented a highly appealing sight. /Stop it, Elladan. It will never happen./ His heart pounded madly and it only increased when Lindir started laughing.
“Apsontë is a she-elf as well.” Elladan managed to stop his relieved sigh from leaving. He had feared Lindir had realised his attraction and had laughed about that. “I know that, but she’s…I don’t know…different, I guess.” Hearing some sissing behind him he jumped around, growling as he saw breakfast burning. He quickly saved the eggs and brought them to the table.

Lindir saw Elladan had already dressed it and he was surprised at the various skills Elladan had displayed these last two days. “It looks like you’re good at everything you do.” He immediately kicked himself for saying that when he saw Elladan lose concentration while pouring the tea, making it go over the entire table, wetting everything.
Elladan saw it happen as if from a different plane. Lindir’s remark had taken him off guard and he had lost control.
He cursed when he realised he had just completely spoiled breakfast. His temper got the better of him and he threw the teapot away and was about to lung himself at the table when Lindir’s calming hand settled on him. The other always had a calming effect on him and only did Elladan realise why.
“Don’t work yourself up over nothing. I’m not that hungry anyway. But I appreciate the effort. Lets clean this mess and then head home.” Lindir bend down and started collecting the shelves that once were the teapot. Elladan sighed and got the garbage bag, pushing everything in there. “Lets go then. Do you want to go by Hendutinwel?” Lindir shook his head and helped Elladan carry out the trash.

Together they started to walk home, but they hadn’t even left the houses behind them before Lindir stopped. “That’s it, Elladan, what’s wrong with you. You hardly said a word. You’re never this quiet.”
Elladan shrugged his shoulders and continued walking.esn’esn’t matter.” Lindir stopped him and turned him around. “Yes it does! I only wish to help you. I owe you big time.”
Elladan shook his head. “No, you don’t. And it really doesn’t matter, Lindir.” He shook the hand off but it only served to fuel Lindir’s attempts. The hand returned with a force that surprised Elladan. “Tell me, Elladan. Please.” Seeing Elladan’s eyes so closed was scaring him. /He’s always been open with me./ “I thought we were friends, Elladan. Why don’t you trust me?”
His eyes showed so much fear and hurt it pained Elladan. It had decided his fate. He would never allow Lindir to be unhappy and so he had to tell him. He lowered his eyes, unable to see the rejection or loathing. “I’m sorry I gave you that idea, Lindir. I don’t want to hurt you or your feelings. Ever.” He swallowed. “I saw how relieved you were that nothing had happened last night. It said enough.”

Lindir squinted his eyes. There was something he was missing. /Or have I been right and is he attracted to me?/ It would explain this behaviour. But he was reluctant to address it in case he was wrong. It woruinruin their friendship and he found he wouldn’t be able to handle that. “How do you mean?”
Elladan sighed. /This is it./ “How you feel towards me. We’ll never be more than friends.” Tears had made it to his eyes and he turned abruptly. He didn’t want to lose all his dignity. He left and continued his walk but only after two steps he bumped into Lindir, who had marched past him.

Lindir lifted his head. “Are you really saying you want us to be more?” Elladan very posture and eyes had told him all he needed to know but he was unable to believe it. Elladan nodded. “I’m sorry.”
But Lindir shook his head. “Nay, I am sorry, Elladan. For being so blind and for this morning.” Realising he owed Elladan the truth as well he sighed, biting the inside of his bottom lip. “It had nothing to do with you, Elladan.”

He didn’t really know how to approach the subject. He had never told anyone and now that he was about Elladan he felt nervous. And afraid. “Haven’t you ever wondered why I never take a lover?” Elladan shook his head, indicating that he hadn’t. Lindir smiled ruefully. “Well, there’s reason. And it’s why I never drink as well. It goes back to when my mother was pregnant and carrying me.” He had shifted his position and now stood beside Elladan and started walking, relieved Elladan fell into step beside him.

“You know they always have weird food cravings, right?” Elladan laughed. “Aye, I remember nana sending ada to the kitchens every night to make her orange ice cream. Apsontë had offered to make some every day, but nana had refused after trying it once. she claimed only ata could make it the right way.”
He laughed as he remembered Elrond walking through the corridors in the middle of night, muttering softly. Elrond had been ecstatic when Arwen had been born. “And apparently Elrohir and I made her eat fish. And she never ate it before, they say.”

Lindir nodded. “Well, my mother took a fancy for four herbs. She would only ate or drink something if those herbs were in it. Everybody tried to stop her or to make her eat normal food but she refused.”
Elladan was surprised at the pained sound hidden in Lindir’s voice and he looked at him. Then a horrible fact hit him. /She never visits. Only his father comes regularly./ Before he knew it he had blurted it out.
Lindir closed his eyes. “Because I don’t want her to. I hate her for doing this to me.”
“Cária man?”
“The herbs she used where Níswa sulca, Vaccoquendir, Moicaníscaimasara and Valarlótë. Unfortunately the combination of these particular herbs had an effect on me. The healer told me when I was awakening.” Now that he had come to this part his tears started to flow and his mouth fell dry. He was unable to continue, afraid Elladan would look at him in disgust. “I’m sorry, I…I can’t” He ran away, leaving Elladan flabbergasted.

After a second Elladan set in pursuit but was unable to catch him. He felt relieved when he realised the trail went home and to Lindir’s room. He sighed and changed his direction, heading for the library in stead. He wanted to know what was wrong and he wouldn’t rest until he had found out. He was determined to help him.

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Elrohir yawned lazily when he awoke. The first thing he saw was Legolas’ chest and he was tempted to remain where he was but he felt it unfair to take up so much of the other’s time. Freeing himself from the embrace he was stunned to see Legolas awake and smiling back at him. “Mae aur, Elrohir, ni hartha lle gar garo mae post”
Elrohir nodded, smiling. “I did, thank you. You?” He felt happy and at peace. He realised Legolas was slowly moving his left thumb over his back and he felt the blond’ right hand pet his hair. /Why is he doing this?/ The smile Legolas send him warmed him inside and he wondered what was happening. “Me too. I’ve enjoyed it and to tell you the truth I wouldn’t mind sleeping like this again.”

Legolas regretfully let go of Elrohir when the other made to rise himself, reddening a little at his words. “So, what do we do today? Or have you tired of my company?”
Elrohir reddened further and shook his head. “Nay. I don’t know. But I suggest we have breakfast first.” Legolas smiled. “Sounds lovely, though it’s more of a brunch.” Elrohir looked at the sun and realised he was right and he felt guilty for keeping Legolas away from breakfast. But before he could voice it Legolas had jumped on his feet and stretched. “Come on then, lets go. I know, what about a picnic at the Bruinen. Take a swim, it promises to be a rather warm day.”

He saw Elrohir’s internal battle at his suggestion and thought quickly. “Why don’t we invite Erestor and your father along? I’m sure they can do with the fresh air. And we’ll bring the deer as well. And if I can find Elladan and Lindir we’ll ask them too. But you will have to ask Glorfindel.”

Elrohir happily let Legolas take charge and was already looking forward to spend the day with every. He. He promised to ask Glorfindel and his father, while Legolas would search Elladan and Lindir and take care of the food.

End chapter 30
TBC

Translations:
Man means what
Hendutinwel means sparkle eyes
Cária man means doing what?
Níswa sulca means woman’s herb (doesn’t exist, as far as I know)
Vaccoquendir means woman’s cloak (Alchemilla vulgaris)
Moicaníscaimasara means gentlewomanbedstraw.(Galium odoratum)
Valarlótë means saint’s flower(Santolina Chamaecyparissus)
Note: the English names are translations of the Dutch ones. After that I’ve put the Latin names.
Mae aur, Elrohir, ni hartha lle gar garo mae post means good morning Elrohir, I hope you have had a good rest. (Sindarin and I can’t vouch for the correctness)