A heart's miscommunication

Chapter three Dinner time

/All right, let me see if I have everything I need… meat, veggies, bread, butter and cheese. I just hope it will last me half a week. Otherwise I’m out of money before I know it./
Coirëhón thanked the elf that had served him. He had bought everything at one shop and he intended to buy only there. Perhaps, in doing so, he could create a tab or a discount. He really hoped so.

“Nát tance ú nauvas carë raica ?”
He smiled at her. “Nán tance. Diolla le.” He effortlessly lifted the grocery bags in his arms and walked away.

Despite his troubled heart he could not help but watch the surroundings and enjoy the market. It was such a sight to behold for him; he had never been to such a market. It was completely different from what he was accustomed to. He looked everywhere but the direction of his path.

Many jumped aside to avoid a collision but one elf was unawares and they bumped into each other, the force of which sent both their belongings to the ground. Coirëhón was on his knees instantly and search together his groceries, cursing when he found half his food had become inedible.

“Apsenantyë. Cénan ú ten.”
He looked up, ignoring the sting in his eyes, and forced a smile on his face. “It’s all right. Neither di Tha That ought to teach me not to enjoy my surroundings when carrying my own meal.” His voice was high pitched in an effort to conceal his pain.
ldirldir would have gotten up and walked away, resuming his course, but something about this elf touched him and after gathering his own belongings he helped the other up. “Since this is my fault, let me at least remedy it. Come dine with us tonight. Our neighbours cook, it will be delicious.”
Coirëhón cocked his head. “You would invite a stranger to dine with you, a stranger yourself?”
Haldir blushed at the rectifying words and shook his head. “I am in the wrong again. I’m called Haldir. It’s nice to meet you.”
Coirëhón smiled and Haldir noticed it did not reach his eyes. “I’m Mistalas, or Ránëlassë if you prefer.”
Haldir smiled inwardly. “That’s fortunate. Lady Galadriel asked me to look after you these first few weeks, until you are settled. That’s just another reason for me to show you were I live. Come, mellon-nín, this way.” He gave his companion no choice but to follow him. /He looks extremely sad. I wonder what’s wrong. Did something already happen here or is it an old grief?/

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Erestor looked at Glorfindel and read the same despair and worry in the seneschal’s blue orbs as he himself felt.
Elladan was so completely withdrawn not even Elrohir could get him to converse, though the twin -did- manage to keep him in this world, which was something Erestor was extremely grateful for. But what made his troubles increase was Elrond’s oblivion.
Glorfindel nodded his agreement; he too did not understand how Elrond could noticotice a deeper bond between Elladan and Coirëhón than he’d ever imagined. At first they’d thought the ruler must already have been aware, but the actions of the Peredhel had spoken against that.

The atmosphere was heavy with trouble, pain and despair. For the first time in his life Erestor was at a loss not only for the right course of action but for any action to be taken. He knew not what to do. He hed hed Elrohir’s continued attempts to lure Elladan into conversation, but every passing moment proved more and more that he would fail.

Glorfindel’s face was set in determination. `Erestor, hlára nin.`
Erestor nodded and opened his mind. `Man nás, Glorfindel?`
`I do not like Elrond’s look. It’s the same he had when Celebrían left. Is there something I don’ow?`ow?`
`How can you ask me that? There’s something neither of us know, Glorfindel. What happened between Elladan and Coirëhón? We need a plan, for without one I am going insane!`
Glorfindel knew it to be the truth, he sensed the counsellor’s impending insanity and his mounting frustration. `Make sure Elrohir looks after Elladan, and be there for him yourself as well, but I think your main objective has to be our lord. He looks grieving, but that can hardly be; surely we would have noticed it if he’d lost his heart recently. I shall see if cannot track our illusive warrior down. But I can’t make promises Ere Erestor understood. `We will tell them you’ve gone to check the borders. Travel safe and may Elbereth guide your path.`
Glorfindel rolled his eyes. `I’d prefer nature to tell me where to go. But if she knows where to find him, than by all means, she may tell show me and I will follow instantly.`
Erestor smiled and focused his concentration on Elrond.

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Rumil looked up and refrained from throwing new insults at Orophin when he saw a stranger enter behind Haldir. His eyes narrowed and a silent accusation could be read in them.

Haldir smiled. “Everybody, this is Mistalas, a new friend. Mistalas, allow me to introduce my brothers Rumil and Orophin to you.” He smiled inwardly at Orophin’s instant warm welcome.
“Hi there, nice to meet you. Come in, come in. Do you want something to drink. Dinner will be ready soon. Ru, we need another plate at dinner for our friend.”
Rumil rolled his eyes. “He’s not my friend. I don’t befriend strangers.”
Orophin glared at him. “You behave yourself. He’s with Haldir and if he’s a friend of Haldir he’s a friend of us.”
Rumil’s lips became angry, though his eyes twinkled in delight. “Us? A friend of yours, perhaps, for you befriend any stray dog Haldir brings home, but I’d like to wait and form an opinion before even thinking of befriending him.” He stopped when he heard a strange sound, a laughter he never heard before, and he looked at the dark elf in confusion and slight delight.

Coirëhón smiled and for once it did reach his eyes, and Haldir noticed, glad he hadughtught him along. He had had no doubt his brothers would have been able to draw a smile from him and bring some glee on his face; him him forget whatever trouble might be tormenting him.

“Are you calling me a dog, Rumil?”
Rumil grinned. “Nay, Phin and I always banter. And you are very welcome indeed.”
Orophin grinned. “You are lucky though, Mistalas. The last elf that came with Haldir was called an orc.”
Rumil’s face contorted at the memory. “Ai, don’t remind me.” He turned to Haldir accusingly. “You could have warned me he was in charge of that month’s roster.”
Haldir laughed. “And miss all the fun? Never!”

Hinneinned when he saw the neighbours walk in and silently set another place at the table. She placed all the food on the table and he poured their drinks. “Well, we’re off. Her mother wants us.”
“Oh, stop wining. You know you love it there.”
“I’m not so sure.” But his eyes sparkled in anticipation.

Haldir shook his head, locking eyes with Mistalas. “That were our neighbours. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to them .”
Coirëhón smiled. “What’s their names?”
Haldir shrugged. “Don’t know, don’t care. Not anymore anyway. After four millennia we gave up on ever finding out.”
Orophin rolled his eyes and forced their guest to focus on him as he started explaining. “You see, our friendship started very oddly. When they arrived here, we were already with the guards. They did not think high of soldiers and avoide. Bu. But very gradually we became friends and overcame all obstacles. Perhaps that’s why names have never been mentioned, though I am sure they gave them when they moved in, but we were too preoccupied to notice or remember, I suppose.”

Coirëhón nodded and started asking questions about his new home; qionsions Rumil and Orophin would happily and eloquently answer. Beside himself he felt himself drawn into a deep conversation, but he did notice Haldir watching them silently. He put that to Galadriel’s request to look after him.

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After dinner Elladan went to his room and sat on his bed. It unnerved Elrohir. It was the same pose his twin had assumed before dinner as well. He would be much happier if Elladan were to throw a tantrum. This silence was unbearable.

“Elladan, please, talk to me. Maybe there’s a misunderstan? Di? Did you have words? Think back, maybe he said something you missed before, but that, in retrospect, tells you he wanted something you didn’t give him. There has to be a reason.”
Elladan shrugged. “I care not. He left me and I will never love another.”

He released his fresh tears and looked at his twin in despair. “I feel so empty here, Ro.” He touched his heart and sighed longingly. “I would follow him if only I knew where he was. I’d do anything for him.”
Elrohir sat down and drew his twin in an embrace. “Maybe he didn’t know that. Perhaps he could no longer life in secret anymore. It can be he no longer could set aside his pride for you. I cannot understand it, at all. But I do know he loved you. Perhaps not enough.” He yelped when Elladan pushed him away.

Elladan looked at his twin accusingly. “Never say that again!!! He loved me enough, Ro. But I didn’t. He left because of me. There is no other explanation.”
Elrohir stood and shook his head, re-establishing the embrace. “Aiya, do not say that. We can but guess at the reason. Without him here there’s no security, but I like to think the reason with him, or, at the very least, with you both, but never with you. Oh, gwanunif oif only you hadn’t gone on that hunt, we wouldn’t be in this insecurity. Or maybe he wouldn’t even have left.”

Elladan closed his eyes and his voice sounded dry. “Will you please leave me alone? Or stop talking.”
Elrohir sighed and sat down. He would not leave his twin at a time like this.

Elladan laid down on his bed and curled up. New tears flowed when he inhaled the scent. Coirëhón’s was still intertwined with his. He would never stop smelling it. He closed his eyes but opened them again when his lover’s face instantly flashed before him. /Melamin, massë nát? Man cáriat? Saes, entulat…/

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“And, brother, is he safely in his bed? Have you tucked him in and read him a story?”
Haldir shook his head at Rumil’s words and silently sat down. Seeing Orophin’s eyes filled with questions he nodded. “Aye, he’s home. And withdrawn again. I know he didn’t look it while he was here, but he is very sad.”
Rumil’s face contorted and he sat down, his eyes filled with concern. “What is it?”
Haldir shrugged. “I know not, but he’s shrouded in mystery. I’ve been watching and listening while you spoke and though he spoke about many things personal he never disclosed too much to form an opinion or know his home.”
Rumil smiled. “Well, bring him here more often. Who can be anything but gleeful with us around?”
Haldir smiled gratefully. “I was intending to. Tomorrow I shall show him the realm and bring him here again.”
Orophin nodded. “Take him to the bahzaar, I’m sure he’ll love it.”

Haldir nodded and his eyes misted over; his mind taking him back to the time he’s spend in oth other’s company.
Rumil smirked and winked at Orophin, before leaning over to whisper in his ear. “I tell you: our brother fancies him.” He grinned at Orophin’s expression. “Just watch him and you’ll believe me.”
Orophin glared at him. “If you are so determined our elder brother is in love, than are are you still sitting here instead of finding out all that you can?”
Rumil smiled. “Because that would not be more than we know already. Nay, to help Haldir we have to be extremely cordial and civil to his intended and see what our questions might provoke.”

Haldir heard him but ignored it, knowing full well it would only make things worse if he spoke now.

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He frowned when he heard a knock on his door and all his senses were strained when he answered the door.

Thrilmaldur smiled affectionately. “Ah, you are still awake. I’m Thrilmaldur and Lady Galadriel requested I look after you.” He noticed the other narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but placed it to an wrong sense of shyness and fear. “I understand you are new here. Things can get rather hectic in the library and if at any time you find yourself lost or unable to understand, please don’t hesitate to come to me. Have you already seen our realm?”
Coirëhón shook his head. “Nay, but Haldir offered to show me around tomorrow after work.”

Thrilmaldur narrowed his eyes and sighed. /Aye, I can understand the Warden. You are a very pretty face and no doubt he’ll strife to add you to his list./ “I am glad to hear someone has already noticed you, yet I cannot help but motion you to caution. Haldir is not one to be careless around. You should be aware of his long list of bed partners, though no relationship ever ensued from it. Please, do not feel alarmed or think Haldir without honour; that is not my motive for mentioning this, merely your peace and ease around him. Knowing he might, and I deliberately say might, make a move will enable you to recognize it when indeed he does, allowing you to enjoy the time spent leisurely with him.”

Coirëhón smiled at the kindness, though he felt angered on Haldir’s behalf. He knew the other was a counsellor and had only his best interest at heart, but he could not help feeling repulsive towards him. Erestor would never have said such a thing. Erestor would have remained silent and would have observed from the shades, interfering only when necessary. Coirëhón smiled; now, for the first time, fully understanding why Elrond was so extremely pleased with Erestor.

And though his thoughts repeatedly strayed towards the home and people he’s left behind; he spend a great deal thinking about tomorrow; about his new job, Haldir and ‘Lóriën. He found he looked forward to it with a childlike anxiety.

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Translations:
Nát tance ú nauvas carë raica ? means : are you sure it will not give you trouble
Nán tance. Diolla le. Means : I am sure. Thank you
Apsenantyë. Cénan ú ten. Means : You forgive me. I did not see you
Erestor, hlára nin. Means Erestor, hear me
Man nás means : What is it
Melamin, massë nát? Man cáriat? Saes, entulat… means : where are you? What are you doing? Please come back…

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end chapter 03
TBC