Quite unexpected

Chapter three Realisations

Thranduil looked up when someone touched his shoulder and smiled meekly when he saw the healer’s face. One look at the bed told him Celeborn was asleep.

“I was a coward. Still am.”
The healer kneeled and grabbed his hands. “You are not! You’ve faced more horror than any other and emerged victoriously. You know yourself bereft of your heart’s affections and you remain alive.”
Thranduil sighed. “Because I am too afraid of dying. Not even Ithilriel was able to light my heart. It’s my failure she sailed to Valinor. Because of my cowardice my children no longer have a mother.”
The healer shook his head. “They were all mature and they understand. It is their father they worry for. Like all of us. You still grief him.”

His eyes searched Thranduil’s and he shook his head. “You should not be here. Let me tend to him.”
Thranduil shook his head. “He wants me to do that. But I’ll stop once Legolas returns.” He stood up and resumed his pacing.

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Celeborn blinked when he woke up and he instantly scanned the room. He needed to make sure Thranduil was still here. He smiled ruefully when he saw him slumped on a ch /Ai /Aiya, Thranduil. I should never have told you. I know you worry for me. You always did. Why did you ban me when you don’t hate me? Was it Galadriel? Had she said something to make you doubt my friendship and love?/

Acting on impulse he closed his eyes when the door opened and heard someone enter. He had to stifle a gasp when he heard Thranduil’s voice so empty. He cocked his head and anger flared his eyes when he saw the healer holding Thranduil’s hands. /I can’t be jealous./ But he was although it was directed at a different elf as he continued listening. /Who does he grief? Is that why he didn’t want me near? To keep it from me? Was grief dictating his actions?/
He still pretended to be asleep, but listened to the conversation, his heart aching to aid Thranduil, who paced about the room.

Finally the healer could take no more. “Enough. Thranduil. What is it? Something happened, I can tell.”
Thranduil sighed. “The wadding was false.”
The healer shook his head. “Nay. Ithilriel and you really loved each other. Don’t you dare…” He stopped when Thranduil suddenly turned. The angry expression in the sea green orbs scared him and he swallowed, stepping back.

“Not mine, you nitwit, theirs. Galadriel has been acting.” He repeated everything he had learned and sighed. “He really loved her and found out the truth twenty-two years too late.”
The healer gasped. “Twenty-two… but that’s when…”
Thranduil nodded. “The last time we saw each other. I should never have said those things.”
The healer approached him. “You acted on impulse as you always do. You behave like a wild steed and trash when you feel cornered. You did what you thought best.”
Thranduil sighed and his shoulders slumped. “I played right in her cards.”

The healer frowned. “What else don’t I know?”
“I’ve been doing some thinking. The only link with the outside world we have is Legolas and, in a way, Mithrandir. None know, but Elrond’s wedding wasn’t wanted either.” Celeborn’s hands turned to fists as he heard that, his hatred towards his wife growing even further. He forced his breathing to remain steady as he listened to Thranduil.
“Galadriel planned it and neither Elrond nor Celebrían had any say in it. She got two blows in one. Linking Elrond to her and pushing me even further back.”

The healer sat down and shook his head. “I can understand the desire to link Elrond half-elven to your house, but why would she benefit from pushing you away? You rule Mirkwood and…”
“That’s beside the point. I rule Mirkwood, yes, but I am also the only threat in her little scheme.”
“uh?”
If Thranduil didn’t feel so miserable right now he’d laugh at his friend’s dumbfound expression. “Use your brain for once.”
“I am, but this is rather… eh…. difficult. Give me a hint.”
“Celeborn.”

The healer rubbed his nose and suddenly flared up. “Off course. She needed you away from Celeborn. But that means….”
Thranduil nodded. “She started those rumours in Doriath. The ones that forced me away. I’ve know she was behind them for some years now. He never pitied me and I’ve been a fool. A coward and a fool.”
The healer shook his head to clear it. “But then why didn’t you say something? Or told Celeborn? When you found out?”
“Because I thought he loved her. I could not break his heart.”
“It can’t be broken if he doesn’t love her.”

Celeborn’s fitremtrembled from rage and his mind closed to the rest of the words.

He sighed and clasped Thranduil’s shoulders. “Renew your frshipship. He needs you. And together we’ll work on a way to expose her. It shouldn’t be that difficult. Send Legolas to Imladris to get Elrond’s help. He hates Galadriel and loves Celeborn. He’ll help.”
Thranduil sighed. “What if we make things worse?”
“That won’t happen.” Thranduil snorted and the healer sighed. “Wake him up. it’s time for his medicine.”

Celeborn had turned to his other side. He had trouble breathing. Everything he had heard fuelled his anger towards Galadriel. Not only had she lied to him but to his best friend as well. Tears fell down his face and he stiffened when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He did not care whose hand it was, he just would not let them see him cry.

“Celeborn? Wake up. It is time for you medicine.” It was Thranduil’s voice and the noises told him the healer had left now. He did not turn but was unable to lay still any longer. His back trembled.

Thranduil noticed and inwardly cursed Galadriel. He sat down and pulled Celeborn closer and into an comforting embrace, the first since Galadriel had come to Doriath.
Celeborn stiffened at first but then flung himself at his old friend. “Thranduil. I need you. Don’t leave me.” Thranduil pulled him closer and, despite himself, caressed his hair.

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Joreb casually walked back inside. He had ordered the messengers to bring the letters to Gondor and Lothlóriën. He had written two letters in which he conveyed the realms of Celeborn’s misfortune and assured them he would receive the best of care whilst in Mirkwood.

He smiled ruefully at the lecture that no doubt was in store for him. His father had never approved of eavesdropping, but now Joreb was glad he had. This was a golden opportunity to show the world they were not a bunch of monsters.

He grinned when Legolas entered and beamed. “Fourteen.”
Joreb shook his head. “And how many did you kill?”
Legolas growled and launched at him.

Joreb grinned. “No time for this now, brother. Remember the injured elf adar brought?”
Legolas nodded. “How is he? He looked awful.”
Joreb nodded. “Because he’s malnourished. And due to the storm he’s contracted a cold, but we’re not supposed to know that. I eavesdropped. Know who he is?”
Legolas shook his head. “Of course not.”
Joreb grinned. “You’ve met him several times. I always wondered why ata kept asking questions about him, but now I know.”

Legolas rolled his eyes and shook his head. “If you’re like this I better go see adar. Where is he?”
“In his y. Iy. I’m coming along. I have to see this.”
Legolas ignored his brother as he followed him to the right room.

He heard his father’s soft voice calling him in and he carefully opened the door. “I’m back. How’s our guest?” Thranduil smiled and stood to hug his son. Because he was sitting on the bed the movement woke Celeborn up who smiled when he saw Legolas in the room. /You once shone brighter than your son, my friend. And I intend to see it again./

Thranduil took a step back to inspect his son. Legolas shook his head. “I’m fine, adar. Really. No injuries what so ever. I came to see how our guest is doing.” He smiled at his father’s frown. “And to ease your mind, of course. What is Joreb on about? Has he finally lost the last of his marbles?” He ducked to avoid his brother’s arm.
Thranduil grabbed the limb. “When will you two behave? Is there something you want, Joreb?”
Joreb smiled and nodded. “Just to let you know I’ve send away the messengers to inform Gondor and….” He didn’t finish his sentence for his father just about twisted his arm.
“How many times do I have to tell you NOT to eavesdrop? And if you insist on doing it you could at least do it right. Go to your room at once.”
Joreb hissed. “But adar, this is our chance to show…” “Mirkwood’s heir is an absolute lunatic. I think they already know that. OUT!”
Joreb rushed away. He knew better than to oppose his father when he was in this mood.

Legolas frowned. “Adar?” He cringed under Thranduil’s look and his frown deepened, seeing new hurt amongst the old. “What happened?” Without answering Thranduil marched past Legolas and down the corridor. He needed to vent his anger and frustration.

Legolas sighed. “He’s getting worse.”
“How come?”
Legolas jumped at the sudden voice and looked at the bed in panic, smiling when he saw Celeborn in it. “You were the injured elf?”
Celeborn nodded. “Certainly looks like it, doesn’t it? How have you been, Legolas? It has been too long since we last spoke.”
Legolas sat down and hugged the elflord. He was very fond of Celeborn. “I’m fine and I’m glad it’s you. I mean, not that you are injured or nearly got killed but…”
Celeborn laughed warmly. “I understand, Legolas. So am I. I thought the threat vanishedh thh the ring?”
Legolas smiled ruefully. “Everywhere but here. But adar is too proud and stubborn to call for aid. If we had help we could easily defeat them. As it is part of our woods are still infested with orcs, spiders and other dark creatures. They usually stay beyond the small river, but I guess you were too great a temptation.”

Celeborn smiled. “Has mrse rse been found? She panicked and…”
Legolas shrugged. “I don’t know, but I’ll ask. What were you doing there? Didn’t you know it was too dangerous? I mean, you can sense those things too.”
Celeborn smiled and caressed Legolas’ hair. /So much like Thranduil’s in the past./ “I do. I did. But too late. It took me a while to get used having my eyesight gone.” He realised his mistake when he saw Legolas’ pained expression. “Well, not gone, but the forest was just dark. I don’t think there can be anything darker than that. But that’s not important now. Tell me about you. Your family.”

Legolas smiled. “There’s not much to tell. My sister still shows herself to no one but her mirror. Joreb tries to help adar as much as he can and I travel between my favourite realms.”
Celeborn smiled. “Maybe we should travel together?”
Legolas cocked his head. “I was under the impression you hardly travelled. According to my father you hate it.”
Celeborn smiled. “Hated. Past tense. And in a way I still do, but it is a nice diversion.”

Legolas frowned. There was something in Celeborn’s voice he didn’t like. He remembered hearing it all the time whenever he met the ruler in Lothlóriën, but today, until just now, it had been absent. It made Legolas wonder if there was something wrong. Celeborn saw his brooding look and smiled. Seeing Legolas reminded him of what Thranduil had been.

Legolas looked up when he felt a hand on his shoulder and smiled when he saw his father, composed again. He stood up to make room but Thranduil shook his head. “I merely came to say he should drink that every hour.” He nodded and turned to go but Legolas’ voice stopped him. “Adar?” He turned and cocked his head.
Legolas approached him to whisper in his ear. “I’m worried about him. Can we talk?”
Thranduil nodded his head and stepped outside.

Legolas followed and closed the door. “There’s something in his voice that’s… I don’t know. Regretful, almost. I thought it was normal for it was there always in Lothlóriën, butwasnwasn’t just now until one minute ago. It worries me ata.”
Thranduil smiled. “What did he say?”
“That travelling is a nice diversion.”
Thranduil nodded. “I guess it is. Come, keep him company and don’t fret.”
But Legolas shook his head. “Nay. I can’t. I care too much about him.”

Thranduil planted a kiss on his forehead but didn’t speak. He would check on them later.

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Celeborn smiled when Legolas came back in. “If you prefer to go orc hunting yo fre free to do so.”
Legolas grinned at his words. “Nay, I enjoy your company. I always have. Ata once said you lived in Doriath.”
Celeborn nodded and a sad expression entered his eyes. “I did.”

Legolas saw his eyes and lowered his head. “Forgive me my words spoken in naught but curiosity. I did not mean for them to bring you any discomfort or sadness.” Celeborn lifted his chin and smiled. “I know. It’s all right. What do you want to know?”

Legolas smiled. “Nay, I shall not ask anything if it brings you pain.”
Celeborn smiled. “My pain is not your doing, Legolas.”
Legolas nodded, but frowned. “You did not enjoy Doriath then? Father always called it fair and beautiful.”
Celeborn laughed warmly. “I would not describe it as such, but aye, it had a certain charm. It was kind of a mixture between Imladris, Minas Tirith and Gondolin.”
Legolas smiled. “Than it truly must have been beautiful. Did you like it there?”
Celeborn nodded. “I look upon my time in Doriath as the best time of my life.” Once again his eyes became sad. “Except the last days.” He forced his eyes to stay dry, but it was hard. Thinking and talking about Doriath was hard, for it reminded it of what he had lost. Thranduil’s friendship.

Legolas bit his lip. He did not want Celeborn upset. He turned when he heard a noise behind him and saw his father and the healer in the door opening. The look on his father’s face was one of shock and pain with a small amount of happiness and hope. The healer signalled him to continue and it was then that Legolas realised the simple truth. His father’s voice had always had longing and a sense of loss when speaking about Doriath. It would be easy to accept that this was it. That this was why Celeborn now was so sad. But Legolas knew there was more. The healer had lived in Doriath for a long time and his voice was happy and carefree when talking about Doriath. There -had- to be more. He looked at the healer once more, but he merely ushered Legolas to hurry up.

Legolas sighed. “I’ve just wondered. Did you and father ever meet? In Doriath?”
Celeborn’s eyes became questioning and lost. As if he didn’t know how to respond.
“We did.”

Celeborn gasped when he saw Thranduilndinnding in the door opening and he narrowed his eyhen hen he saw the elf next to him. Then they widened. “You lived in Doriath!”
The healer grinned. “I hope so. Otherwise someone else has been living my life. I came to check on you, Celeborn. How are you feeling?”
Celeborn nodded. “Good.”
The healer quickly examined him and nodded. “That’s true all right. The cold has left your body and now that your healing powers kick in, you’ll be up and about in one more day. You still heal extraordinarily fast. It won’t be long before you can continue your journey.”
Legolas smiled and hugged Celeborn. “That’s great. But can’t you stay a little longer. You have never been to our realm. I can show you around and …”
Celeborn smiled. “If your father doesn’t mind, than I’d like to stay a little longer.” Legolas turned and smiled at his father, his eyes begging.
Thranduil shrugged. “ If Celeborn wants to stay he’s welcome. But now I need your help, Legolas. You can visit Celeborn later.”
Legolas smiled, hugged the bedridden elf and stood. “See you later then. And then you’ll pick the subject.”
Celeborn smiled wickedly and Thranduil shook his head. He smirked at Celeborn. “See, you haven’t changed a bit.” He guided his son outside.

End chapter 03
TBC

Translation:
Ithilriel means woman crowned with moon(light.)