When least expected

Chapter twenty nine When least expected

“Oooo, they’re gorgeous. Look, Erestor. How tiny they are.”
Erestor smiled. “So where you once.”
Elladan looked at him disbelieving. “Nay, I was never -this- tiny.” All older elves in the room laughed at Elladan’s expression.
Elrond embraced his son, handing the other new-born to Glorfindel.

Celeborn had claimed Haldir’s lap, glad he could do this again without fearing he would hurt his lover with his weight. They watched their family handle the twins and enjoyed themselves.

“You know, Elladan,” Elrond said. “every new-born is this tiny and vulnerable.”
Again a look of disbelief crossed Elladan’s eyes. “No, you jest.” Seeing his father’s smile he shrugged. “Well, certainly not me.”

He smiled at Erestor and a sudden urge to make love to the counsellor overwhelmed him. He handed the little girl to his father and pulled Erestor close, claiming his lips.
Erestor blushed in embarrassment. Never before had they professed their mutual feelings in a large group and he was afraid of Elrond’s reaction.
Seeing this Elrond smiled encouragingly and nodded his consent. He leaned in closer. “Take care of each other.”
Elladan smiled gratefully and understandingly, deepening the kiss while in the process of straddling his lover. Erestor tried to pull back, but found Elladan too resistant and eventually Erestor caved, allowing Elladan to have his way. Two eager hands immediately dived beneath his clothes.

Without warning the twin was gone and Erestor looked dazed. Before he knew it he was hauled to his feet. “See you later. Erestor and I have something to do.”
Elrond managed to keep in his snort at Erestor’s shocked face.
Glorfindel smiled. “Babies sometimes do have that effect, I guess. I should feel insulted, Elrond, you haven’t even suggested anything like that and now Elladan just goes ahead with it. I thought fathers thought sons, not the other way around.”
Elrond shook his head. “Behave or I’m not giving you any.”
Glorfindel pouted and gave him a repentant look, before kissing his lover.

Haldir grinned. “And why did Elrohir rush off with Lindir?”
Elrond smiled. “It seems there is more going on than meets the eye.”

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

Galadriel stood and nodded. Yes, she had made her decision. She marched straight to the kitchen and threw it open. Two shocked faces stared at her. “Rielle, out!”
The girl made herself scarce. She had learned long ago to obey whenever Galadriel used that voice.

Celefin’s sister looked questioningly and Galadriel glared at her. “I don’t know what nonsense you fed your brother, but it ends here. If you have questions concerning me or my family, you will ask me.” She walked out and muttered under her breath.

When she had woken up this morning Celefin had been gone, but not without leaving her a note to say he was sorry he had to leave so soon. That the night had been great and he had been honoured she had found him worthy and that he was at her command.

Just the wording of his letter had told her how he thought of her and had made her angry. She had instantly known where those ideas had come from and no had hopefully ended it. Just one more thing to do.

She stopped a soldier. “Find Celefin and send him to my rooms immediately.” The soldier nodded and rushed to do her bidding.

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

Lindir sighed as he felt Elrohir’s stare on his body. Lately the twin’s stare had become intense and different. It no longer was used to make sure he stayed close, but to somehow pierce his skin. It made him uncomfortable.

He swallowed and cleared his throat. “Why did you want to go? What was wrong?”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nothing, but I thought the room was too crowded. We have lots of time to hold the babies later.”
Lindir nodded and carried on, forcing himself to stay calm.

It was Elrohir that broke the silence. “Lindir? Can I ask you a question about the other night?”
Lindir laughed. “When I passed out, you mean?” He nodded and waved his hand. There was something in Elrohir’s look he did not like but he forced himself to calm down.
Elrohir kept a close look on the minstrel. “Why did you say Celefin looked the way you look at me?” He could instantly see why but Lindir masked it and shook his head. “I’m sorry. I don’t think I said that.”
Elrohir nodded. “You thought out loud.”

He stood and approached the minstrel, who backed up until he reached a corner. Elrohir smiled. “Do you suddenly fear me? Expect me to hurt you?”
Lindir shook his head. “No, of course not, but…”
Elrohir smiled. “I’ve been studying you since then. And thinking; about you and about me. About you and me.”
Lindir closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing.

Elrohir smiled and used this opportunity to lean in closer. When his lips hovered above Lindir’s he took one step closer, pressing his body against Lindir’s. Lindir gasped at the sudden movement and Elrohir used it to take possession of Lindir’s mouth. The minstrel gasped again when he felt a tongue enter his mouth and his eyes flashed open, staring bewildered and disbelieving at Elrohir.

Elrohir opened, really opened his eyes for the first time in his life and showed Lindir what his thinking had lead to and Lindir smiled before he placed his arms around Elrohir, pulling him closer.

Elrohir only stopped when the need of air became to powerful. He looked at Lindir and couldn’t help but be afraid. Lindir saw his fear but he knew only time would kill it for he knew what caused it. He extended his arm to touch Elrohir’s face, his eyes twinkling when he saw the lips curl into a smile and Elrohir lean into the touch.

Elrohir wanted to speak but somehow words seemed so redundant now and he remained silent instead. His eyes devoured the minstrel and he reached out to undress him. Lindir saw Elrohir’s hesitation and quickly nodded, showing he wanted it too. Elrohir’s touches were slow and loving and when Lindir was finally naked he took one step back to admire his beauty.

Lindir swallowed to hide his nervousness, feeling like he was at some sort of test. Elrohir took his time to let his eyes wander over Lindir’s body and only when he realised the minstrel’s breathing had sped up he took some more steps back, smiled and slowly undressed himself. Once he was naked he smiled when he saw Lindir take him in.

Slowly he extended his hand and grabbed Lindir’s. Walking backwards he guided him to the bed. He crawled on backwards, pulling Lindir along. He was not sure what he wanted. Well, that’s not true. He knew what he wanted but not how. He was indecisive between taking Lindir or letting Lindir take him. And also if now what the right time. But there was something else. Something Lindir saw and understood.

Without speaking the minstrel laid down beside Elrohir and kissed him, pulling him close.

Elrohir could not help but look at the papers on Lindir’s bed stand and he reached for them, breaking the kiss in shock when he saw what it was.
Lindir frowned and smiled. “It’s not yet finished. The song I am making for you. And that,” He pointed to some more papers. “Is a lullaby.”
Elrohir laughed. “Sing for me?”

Lindir nodded, but before he stood to fetch his harp he leaned in and kissed Elrohir. When he returned Elrohir had settled himself against the head board, his legs crossed.
Lindir smiled and sat down opposite of him. He threw a questioning look at Elrohir, who shook his head. Lindir nodded and thought for a while. He had hoped Elrohir would have a request but now he had to think of a suitable song himself.
He smiled and started singing a lover’s song, but one he hardly ever sang. It was special to him for it showed precisely how he felt for Elrohir.

Elrohir seemed to understand for when the song ended his tears rolled down his face and he crawled over to kiss Lindir. “I’m afraid to lose you.”
Lindir nodded. “I know. But I also know you will learn to trust and believe as time goes by. And I’m afraid of losing you too.”
Elrohir had a goofy smile on his face and without warning flung himself at Lindir. He had just made up his mind.

Lindir quickly broke the kiss. “Ro. I’ve never done this before.”
Elrohir smiled and kissed him. “Me neither. Let me.” Giving Lindir no time to reply his hand travelled lower and started stroking Lindir. He temporarily paused to guide Lindir’s hand to his own shaft and renewed the kiss. Lindir understood and could not stop a relieved sigh from leaving. Elrohir blew in his ear. “I don’t think I want to rush this.” Lindir nodded and bucked when Elrohir found his nipple and teased him. Stroking each other to orgasm they kissed.

Lindir silently promised to always go slow and passionate with Elrohir, unaware the twin had made the same silent promise. Their love already was deeply rooted.

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

Celefin sat in the chair and looked miserable. He didn’t stop his tears from leaving his face. “Why did I ever give in?”

He jolted when there was a knock at his door. “Who is it?” His voice sounded as angry as he felt sad. His smiled was grim.
“I’m sorry to disturb, but Lady Galadriel has requested your presence.”
He growled and closed his eyes, trying to think of an excuse. “Why?”
“I don’t know, but she sounded mad. Are you in trouble?”
Only now did he recognize the voice of his best friend and he hurried to the door.

The soldier jumped back when he took in Celefin. His eyes showed his shock at the state he was in. Celefin shrugged. “I guess I got myself in trouble, yes.”
“What happened? Can I help?”
Celefin shook his head. “I forgot myself, that’s what happened. And I don’t think anyone can help.”
“Well, she can’t do much. Lord Glorfindel only minutes ago praised you and he will be loath to see you go. Lord Celeborn will trust his judgement.”
Celefin smiled. “I don’t think she’s after my job, meldir.”
The other rolled his eyes. “What else can she be after?” He gasped as the solution came to his mind. /I forgot myself… Oh no./ “No, don’t tell me you… you… you kissed her.” He knew Celefin’s heart better than his own.
Celefin nodded. “Afraid so. I don’t think she’ll appreciate it now.”

His friend silently walked next to him and clasped his shoulders in support when they reached the royal talan. “She said to see her in her room. Good luck! Hey, maybe she wants more. Anyway, you know where to find me.”
Celefin smiled and nodded and took a large gulp of his friend’s container before he gave it back. He needed some strength and that booze gave him just that.

He determinedly walked up and gave one sharp knock. Outwardly he was totally controlled but inwardly his foundation crumbled beneath him. Galadriel’s warm voice called him in and he forced himself to open the door in a controlled, normal fashion. He bowed. “My lady?”

Sensing his fear Galadriel quickly approached him. “Galadriel. I insist. We need to talk.” Celefin nodded but did not speak. Galadriel narrowed her eyes. /What else don’t I know?/ Risking it, she reached out and entered his mind, her anger fuelling her when she saw his pain. /I’ll do that rattling girl some harm./

She marched to the door and smiled, seeing Elrond just turn her corridor. “Elrond. Get in.”
Elrond raised his eyebrow but entered, curious. He greeted Celefin and turned to Galadriel, adopting his question mode.
Galadriel crossed her arms. “Do something about that chatterbox from the kitchen.”
Elrond smiled. “Rielle? Or the new one?”
Galadriel rolled her eyes. “BOTH!”
Elrond shrugged. “I don’t know why you’re angry at them, Galadriel, but I am only temporarily ruling. Celeborn alone decides if and when someone gets dealt with. I suggest you talk to him.”

About to walk out Galadriel entered his mind. He was temporarily taken aback but quickly controlled himself. He nodded in understanding and smiled. “I’d say that’s your problem and has nothing to do with the runnings of the kitchen.” He walked to the door. “I find talking usually very effective to clear the air. Try it.”

He closed the door and walked away, shaking his head. `Glorfindel. Glorfindel.`
`Elrond? What is it?`
Elrond smiled, hearing his lover answer. `Guess what?`
`Elrond! Don’t tell me you contacted me for a guessing game. I’m in the middle of a training session.`
`Oh, I’m sorry. Forget it, hurry back, have I got news for you.`
`Just tell me, or you’ll contact me at least ten more times. What is it? Elladan’s decided he was ten times taller when he was born?`
Elrond laughed. `No, Galadriel is in love. Big time.`
Glorfindel plunged to the floor, stunning all surrounding elves. `She’s what?`
Elrond nodded, though his lover could not see. `Yup. Passionately. There are some issues they need to work through but I have no doubt they will.`
`So who is it?`
`Celefin. But keep it to yourself! I don’t know if they want to go public.`
Glorfindel nodded and promised, his mind reeling. He didn’t get up for quite a while, but wasn’t scarce with his comments.

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

Celefin frowned. This wasn’t what he thought might happen. This wasn’t even on his list of possible other events. Galadriel had turned to pacing her room, completely ignoring him, after Elrond’s departure.

He swallowed and nodded to himself. “My lady… eh… I mean, Galadriel? What has my sister done? Maybe if I talk to her…”
Galadriel turned to him briskly. “No!”

Seeing his shocked and fearful expression she calmed down and rubbed her head. “Ayia. I haven’t had one of these in millennia.” She sat down and signalled for Celefin to take another seat. “I’m sorry. Things were just getting to me. Most know to stay away when I’m like that.” She shook her head. “Millennia…”

Suddenly her eyes settled on Celefin and she smiled ruefully. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I wanted to ask you something.”
Celefin nodded and his fear grew.
Galadriel retrieved his letter. “What did you mean by this?”
Celefin’s eyes widened and he swallowed. “Exactly what it says.”
She nodded. “So if I read this correctly I can summon you wver ver I want you in my bed?”
He lowered his head and nodded. “If you so desire.”

“Celefin!” The hardness in her voice and the suddenness of her explosion made him look up. “What do you desire?”
He closed his eyes and shook his head. She lifted his head and forced his eyes to open. Her stare made him turn cold and he breathed hard. He knew he could not lie and her look told him she would not release him until he’d answered. “You. I desire you.”
She released him and smiled. “I’m glad.”

She leaned in for a kiss, but broke it soon. “I do not need a servant in my bed, Celefin. I need and want an equal. A friend. A lover.” She smiled at his shocked, yet happy expression. “I guess I am asking you to woo me and court me.” She frowned at her own words and laughed as the idiocy became clear.
Celefin grinned. “Would you wear my ring then?”
Galadriel stilled. “You’re proposing?”
He shrugged. “Not really a proposal. Just a symbol for us and maybe eventually marriage, but that’s a bit far, isn’t it?”
She smiled and embraced him. “I love you. Never leave me.”
He shook his head. “Never. I came here for you and I will only leave it with you.” Those words brought tears to her eyes and she smiled.

“Galadriel?”
Her smiled widened. “Good. You’re learning.”
He grinned. “I had thelingling we’re watched last night.”
She nodded. “We were. O, I forgot. Come on.” She ran away, pulling him along.

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

“Look at them. Don’t they look sweet?”
“Yes, absolutely. A Real Mom and Dad.”
Haldir dove to avoid a pillow Elladan threw at him.

Erestor had come here to hold the babies and Elladan had been reluctant to part from his lover today. He now held Erestor from behind, who held both twins in his lap and ignored Celeborn HaldHaldir but focused on the babies instead.

“They look different from each other. Perhaps the likeness will come later. It was different with you and Elrohir. You two were instantly alike.” He giggled when Elladan kissed his cheek and cocked his head to look at his lover. “I love you, Elladan.”
Elladan beamed. “I know and I now have witnesses you said that. You can never take it back, Erestor. My Erestor, my very own Erestor.” He leaned in and lovingly claimed his lips.

Celeborn smiled and followed the example to claim Haldir’s. Both he and Erestor happily melted in their lovers’ kiss.

Haldir looked up when the door opened and smiled when he saw Galadriel. “Erestor, I think another wants to hold the babies.”
Galadriel smiled and kneeled down, still holding Celefin’s hand, who looked rather lost.
Erestor smiled at Galadriel. “They look like their parents. Elladan even saw a bit of you in the little lady.”
Galadriel shook her head. “Isiblsible, Elladan, I had nothing to do with the making. O, I will love seeing those two grow up. But do you mind leaving? There’s something Celeborn and I must talk about. And Haldir? I do believe your children need changing.”
Haldir rolled his eyes. “Why do I always have to do that?”
Galadriel smiled. “Because you can’t feed them.”
Haldir shook his head. “Neither can he. But all right. I know when I’m not wanted.”
Celeborn smiled. “Don’t pout, it doesn’t suit you.”

Galadriel waited until everybody had gone before she knelt before Celeborn. He looked at her and very briefly at Celefin and smiled. “You’re in love.”
Galadriel nodded. “Celefin and I are an item. But…”
Celeborn frowned. “But? There is no but. I am happy. I half suspect Haldir to do a flick flack.”
Galadriel smiled. “No, last night we.. ehm…” She knew she could never say it so she mentally made contact and send him her memories.
Celeborn instantly recognized them and gasped. “That’s what he meant.” His hand went before his mouth and he nodded, releasing his tears.
Galadriel smiled. “You couldn’t have known.”

She stood and leaned against Celefin, smiling at his lost expression. “I think I need to explain. Listen, Celefin, before the ring was destroyed I had a ring of power. It made it possible to create the mirror.” He nodded. He had heard of it. She smiled and kissed his cheek. “It showed things that were, things that are and things that had not yet come to pass.” Celeborn once looked in it, though I never knew. Until today.”
Celeborn laughed. “Stop it, Driel, you’re confusing him even more. What this empty headed woman is trying to say is that the presence you sensed last night was me, looking in the mirror. I saw Galadriel in a passionate embrace and I instantly knew those arms weren’t mine. I did not know what I know now. O Driel, I am so sorry.”
She shook her head. “You were meant to see that. You were meant to stay behind. You and Haldir are meant to be.”
Celeborn smiled and nodded.
Galadriel kissed his forehead and turned to go, once again dragging Celefin along. When they reached the door Celeborn’s voice called them back. “You two were meant to be.” Celeborn smiled at Celefin’s grateful expression and nodded, ushering them out the room.

When Haldir entered he found Celeborn lost in the past. Celeborn jumped up and hugged him tight. “I finally know what he meant. Mandos said I would realise it, but I didn’t believe him. It’s all meant to be, Haldir, it’s all meant to be. Everything is meant to be.”
Haldir shook his head. “What are you talking about?”
“The image. The mirror. Those arms. Celefin.”
Haldir gasped. “Celefin’s arms? But that means….”
Celeborn nodded. “I was meant to see that. Don’t you see? Everything that has happened lately was meant to be: us, Elrond and Glorfindel, Elrohir and Lindir, Elladan and Erestor, our children, everything.”
Haldir smiled and shook his head and sat down and started laughing. “You know, when I least expect it something happens to make things worse. And do you know what happened just now?”
Celeborn shook his head. “No.”
Haldir kissed him. “When least expected everything made sense.”
Celeborn smiled and nodded. “Everything will be all right.”


THE END 02/02/04 21:19

Thanks to everyone who read it. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did when I wrote it. And thanks to all who reviewed:
Pookie
Lady of Legolas
Anon
Louise_Oblique
Stardust60
And all others I so stupidly forget to mention.

Sorry I end here and not continue with the mingling of the elves, racial things could emerge and such, but I thought this a good point to end.