Against all odds2: Work it out

Chapter four Trouble, trouble…

Thranduil frowned when he saw Haldir missing at dinner but managed to hide it when he locked eyes with his children and family.

He gracefully sat down on Elrond’s left and smiled warmly at Erestor. “You look troubled counsellor?”
Erestor’s eyes temporarily widened before gaining their normal stance again and the elf smiled. “With Elrond as my bonded, how can I not?”
Elrond rolled his eyes, but wisely held his tongue and signalled for silence.

“I want to take this opportunity to inform you all we have a guest. He has retired for the today, s the the journey tired him, but he will join us tomorrow morn. Glorfindel, I would like to talk to you after dinner.”
Glorfindel nodded and returned his attention towards Rumil, who was definitely warming up to his advances.

Elrond smiled and leaned over to his left. “It appears our sons are hard of hearing.”
Thranduil frowned but groaned when he saw Legolas’ look. “Aiya, Elrond, you are fortunate you already have a lover.”
Elrond grinned and nodded. “Aye, I am the happiest elf alive.”
Thranduil grinned as well. “I believe that’s what they all say. And if it’s up to Legolas I will be saying it as well before long.”
Erestor looked sympathetically. “If you ever need a place to hide, come to us.”
Thranduil smiled gratefully but shook his head. “I would never impose upon you two.” He chuckled. “Besides, you might be busy.”
Erestor shook his head. “Nay, we’re getting Lindir and Elladan every night. I shall be very grateful when the child is born.”

Thranduil smiled. “How is he coping?”
Elrond shrugged. “Better than Elladan. Lindir’s mood swings are something else. I’ve never seen Celebrían like that. But it can also be a result of the heavier pains he has. I wish I could make my potions stronger but I fear hurting the child.”
Thranduil nodded. “I shall ask my healers to find everything on male pregnancy they can find. Maybe there’s something you don’t know.”
Elrond inclined his head in gratitude, though he realised it would give him a lot of reading within the week. Thranduil’s elves were fast workers.

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Legolas rushed forward after dinner and hugged his father from behind. “Going to your empty room?”
Thranduil sighed. “Aye, fortunately it will be empty. Unless you’ve hid some elf there, in which case said elf is in danger.”
Legolas pouted. “I had thought of doing that, but I can hardly place your future spouse in danger, now can I?”
Thranduil rolled his eyes and continued walking.

His eyes widened when there was a servant standing before his door, holding the largest bouquet of flowers he’s ever seen. He smiled when he realised it must be Haldir’s work and hid a grin when he heard his son gasp.

He cocked his head as he accepted the flowers from the servant, who bowed politely.
“I was ordered to hand these to the King of Mirkwood, sire. There’s a message attached somewhere. I go now.” The servant ran away; glad to be safe from Legolas, who looked like firing an endless amount of questions at the poor elf.

Thranduil grinned at his expression. “Do wipe that look of your face and come in.”

He placed the flowers at his nose and inhaled deeply. “They smell divine.”
Legolas grinned. “Of course they do. You always like to smell flowers.” He turned when the door flung open and revealed a surprised and curious Elrohir. “Where are the flowers?”
Thranduil widened his eyes but then shook his head. “I keep forgetting you two communicate on a completely different level. Here they are.”

He showed the flowers and smiled when he noticed the ribbons that tied them together. /Haldir certainly made work of it./ He sat down and caressed the cloth. “They’re beautiful, are they not?”
Elrohir nodded. “What’s in the note? Who send them?”
Thranduil almost said Haldir, but stilled his tongue just in time. He could giv give the game away.

He opened the letter and read it, his eyes involuntarily tearing as the words wove a web around him.
Legolas noticed and took hold of the paper. As he read it he could hear Elrohir’s voice in his mind, reading along.

Orvell Thranduil,
Sen lyth heir al le anniollon le am meathteliol ahim, bacheth melin am a am. Lû cîlont ahtin ha melui thenin.
Iston sen úha in gwêdh-lyth iuitheb, nan avlerton edhedi clim. Ethapann o chain maero lin, pann pedo nefolín fëa iston. A avon ista lin maefarn tara. Man beleg in gwêdh-lyth hitha ir caron? Avcaron daro isto.
Harthin merach in gwaith `wedhil. Hain maeror hin lín a si hain heithar maer athan go`wedhel meril, eirien, uirlyth a pân.
Heithan nodo i lui úab genon lin na vaterinaur.
Haldir o Lóriën

Both Elrohir and Legolas looked at Thranduil when they had devoured the words.

“Haldir is courting you?” He could not believe it. His father and Haldir did not match together at all. Legolas narrowed his eyes but Thranduil shrugged. “He asked me so today. I wanted to tell you.”
Legolas cocked his head and found it hard to believe. “I don’t believe it. I don’t. He’s aiding you or something. This is not real. I don’t even think this is Haldir’s handwriting or his words. He’s not romantic. Far from it in fact. And he has trouble writing Sindarin. Nay, this is not true. You are trying to trick me again.”
He sighed. “Oh, adar, I want you to be happy. I will find you someone.”

Thranduil watched them leave. /I knew this was too good to be real. He doesn’t believe it. Well, Haldir, we tried./
He stood and left, deeming it better to tell the warden straight away. /Too bad. I would have loved to receive more./

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Glorfindel frowned when Elrond started fidgeting. That was not his wont. “Ehm, Elrond, why do you want to speak to me?”

Elrond closed his eyes and sat down. “Hre tre things between you and Rumil?”
Glorfindel’s face lit up and the seneschal’s eyes warmed with affection the Peredhel only saw in Erestor’s eyes. He smiled; maybe he had been worrying over nothing?

“We’re doing just fine, Elrond. It’s weird to spend time apart now for we both yearn to be with each other, but we have to learn it. He will go back to ‘Lóriën eventually.” His tone was sad.
Elrond sighed. “Do not trouble yourself about that just yet. He’s ng wng way from being healed, my friend.” He stood and walked to his window. “No, I have something else to say, but I fear saying it.”

Glorfindel felt himself worried by the words and frowned, taking in the Peredhel’s back. “It must be bad. Has our security been breached?” /But nay, I would know already./
Elrond smiled and shook his head. “Nay. It concerns our latest guest.” He took another steadying breath before turning and looking Glorfindel in the eye. “I need to tell you this before you find out another way.” There was no use prolonging this. “It is Ecthelion.”

Glorfindel didn’t move and looked at Elrond as if he the Peredhel just asked him to behead him.

But when the totality of the words sank in he shook his head. “Not possible. You jest.”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay. Erestor recognized him, I didn’t, Glorfindel. He’s in the guest rooms above Thranduil’s.”
Glorfindel nodded and left, his feet taking the road towards the guest rooms, but his head had tuned out already. /I love Rumil now. I love Rumil./ He repeated those words over and over and over, as if to ward off any danger.

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Elladan sighed before he opened the door.

“Melamin, I’m going on patrol tomorrow.”
Lindir looked at him and Elladan swallowed, knowing he would be sleeping alone tonight. Again.
The minstrel glared at his mate. “How dare you? You leave me alone now? How can you just abandon me?”
Elladan shook his head and approached, sitting down next to his love. “Oh, love, I am not leaving you. And most definitely not alone. Elrohir and Legolas will look after you, and father and Erestor, and Glorfindel and Rumil, and I will be back within two weeks, if not sooner. Lindir, you know I cannot stay, although we both wish it.”
Lindir sobbed and leaned against him. “You do?”
Elladan nodded, kissing him. “Aye, I do. You are everything to me, Lindir.” He hissed when Lindir jumped up, making him land rather hardly on the floor, and glared at him again. /Great, now what did I say?/ The twin found it harder and harder to predict the mood swings.

The minstrel lookt hit him with loathing. “I hate you too, Peredhel. How can you be so harsh? Go on your patrol and don’t return. We don’t need you!”
Elladan was puzzled but smiled when he realised the track Lindir’s mind now took. He jumped to his knees and hugged his lover, kissing the belly. “Forgive me. Allow me to rephrase it: -you- mean everything to me; -she- means everything me, in short: -my family- means everything to me.” He stood and looked his lover in the eyes. “You know my mouth isn’t connected to my brains.”
Lindir smiled and leaned against him. “Nor mine, it seems. I hate this. I don’t mean it, Elladan, I really don’t, but I’m just so…”
Elladan smiled and nodded. “It’s the pregnancy. And father thinks you’re moodier because of the pains as well.”
Lindir sighed and leaned in closer. “I do hope it leaves soon. I miss making love with you.” As long as the pain was there it was hard to m let let alone make love.
Elladan sighed and pulled his love carefully closer. “I know, I hope so too. I hate seeing you in pain. And yes, I miss making love too.” He kissed his lover. “Who knows, maybe when I return from patrols they’ll have left?”
Lindir sighed longingly. “I hope so.”

He looked at Elladan. “Please be careful and return to me.”
Elladan looked at him dotingly and nodded, his eyes serious. “Always. And if my sword isn’t threat enough I shall let them know I have a extremely explosive lover waiting for me.” He was pleased it worked. Lindir’s laugh filled the rooms and he held his lover for the duration of the laughing fit. If he didn’t Lindir would double over laughing and instantly have another pain attack. At least now the pregnant elf could laugh.

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

Haldir frowned when there was a knock on his door. /Who can that be?/ He hastily grabbed his dagger and opened the door. He did not exactly expect danger, but his brothers would not knock and he could think of no other to visit him.

A smile warmed his features when he saw Thranduil before him. He quickly stepped back to let him enter. “Thranduil, what a pleasant surprise.” He narrowed his eyes when the king’s sad expression registered. “Man raica?”
Thranduil sighed as he sat down, gratefully accepting Haldir’s offer of comfort. “He knows. Legolas doesn’t believe it. We’d better stop.” He smiled wearily. “Thanks for the flowers, by the way.”
Haldir smiled, hiding a rising blush.

He sat down and shook his head. “Nay, we cannot stop yet. Did he say -why- doesn’t believe it?” He grinned and answered himself. “Let me guess. Too romantic for me?”
Thranduil nodded. “And he does know you.”
Haldir nodded. “Aye, and I know him.” He kneeled and grabbed Thranduil’s hands in his, nearly snickering as he thought on how this pose would look to Legolas. “Give it time. Give me time and continue to be court by me.”

He smiled warmly and nodded. “Aye, I am not the most romantic elf alive and Legolas knows this. But I asked Lindir for some pointers. I’ve got three pages full of notes.” He grinned, but forced himself to focus. “Give it time.”
Thranduil sighed. “You went to Lindir for pointers on how to pretend to seduce me?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, how to court someone romantically.” He squished the hands. “Lindir is Elladan’s mate. He will tell him. And Elladan tells Elrohir, who…”
Thranduil nodded. “Will tell Legolas and then he will still know it is an act.”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay, he will not. He will hear I asked how to be romantic and seriously court someone. I didn’t mention any names to Lindir. It will make Legolas doubt and therefore more receptive. We can make this work. But only if you want to. Otherwise, yes, he will know it is an act because your actions and words will show him and there will be nothing I can do to change that.”

Thranduil was silent for a while before he nodded, silently telling Haldir they would continue their little charade. He looked at him with small wonder and smiled gratefully. “You could have backed out tonight. But you do not.” He grinned. “I shall not ask you why, but know that I am grateful.” /Perhaps more than you wiler ker know./

He stood and looked out the window. “I shall trust you and await your next move.”
Haldir grinned and smiled, inclining his head in silent thanks. “If he asks you came here to thank me for the flowers and the note.”

He closed his eyes in thought and opened them, determination shining from them. “Perhaps you could give me something? I shall wear it tomorrow. It’ll confuse Legolas and Elrohir further if we were courting each other.”
Thranduil nodded and cocked his head. “What would you have?”
Haldir shrugged. “I don’t know. Something for in my hair, perhaps? Everybody always looks at my hair.”
Thranduil smiled in appreciation. “All right.”

He undid two of his smaller clasps and handed them to Haldir.
Haldir managed to hide his surprise at seeing Thranduil’s symbol grace the objects and moved to add them to his own hair. His hands were stopped midair and Thranduil smiled. “Alme, me, lover mine.”
Haldir thanked the fact Thranduil had just turned him around so he could not see his blush at the words. he she says those things in public it’ll be known everywhere soon./
He stopped a pleased moan when he felt Thranduil’s hands remove his braids and redo his hair, using the clasps. He felt something being added to his hair, but decided it was merely illusion.

All too long the hands were removed and Thranduil turned him round again. “Perfect. Hmm. I think you cannot sleep tonight, Warden, or you’ll ruin the hairdo.” He moved to the door and smiled at him once more. “Sweet dreams, Haldir.”

Haldir’s breeding allowed him to automatically return the kindness, even though his mind was elsewhere.

When he heard the door close he snapped out his reverie and slowly turned to the mirror, gasping when he saw his own reflection. He hadn’t imagined it. Thranduil had added little beads to his hair as well as the clasps. /Where did he get them? I do not possess something like them, so they are his. But where did he keep them? Had he planned this?/
For a second he doubted if this was just part of the charade or if the king was giving a real effort to court him?

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Elrohir hugged his husband from behind and pouted. “You’re brooding.”
Legolas turned in the embrace and kissed him passionately, needing to focus on someone else; not himself or his father for a moment.

He cocked his head in question when he saw Elrohir dressed for battle.
The twin shrugged. “Adan asked me to accompany him on this patrol. Do you mind?”
Legolas smiled warmly and shook his head. They no longer needed to be in each other’s presence to be close. He tightened the embrace.
Elrohir grinned and rested his head on Legolas’ shoulder. He would never grow tired of that. It made him feel safe, protected and loved. He smiled as Legolas physically and mentally caressed his hair.

“But Haldir might be serious, verno nín.” Though he didn’t see it, he grinned at the disbelieving face Legolas made. “Adan told me he went to Lindir for some advice on how to court romantically.”
Legolas pulled back and stared at Elrohir in small doubt. “He’s never cared much about that. Why start now?”
Elrohir sighed. “Promise me you won’t continue your search for your father’s mate? If this is real your meddling might scare Haldir away.”
Legolas growled and plunged on the bed. “But he’s so not right for my ata.”
Elrohir laughed and claimed his lap. “I wonder, is that your jealousy talking?” He smiled and kissed him. “I saw his eyes when he read the note, Legolas. The words touched him.” Seeing Legolas still doubting he sighed and added. “I really don’t think this will do him any harm. It warms him and opens him up. Even if Haldir doesn’t mean it, this will ensure others see the real Thranduil, the one worth fighting for. And besides, Haldir is trying to do this properly. He might actually mean it.”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay. It is an act. I saw admission in father’s eyes.”

His voice was sad. “I want him to be happy, Ro, like we are, but he’s making it difficult.”
Elrohir grinned and sighed. “Ai, nin laiqualassë, do not hunt Haldir away yet. Let father derive some pleasure from it. Allow Haldir to prove himself.” He smirked. “And even if you are right and this is a charade, I still think he likes father more than we think. Why else would he submit to this?”

He kissed his lover and stood up. “I would have loved to make love, but Adan is waiting. See you upon my return.”
Legolas nodded and watched him go. /I shall try and keep my distance, but if he hurts father…/
Elrohir giggled in his mind, though the twin was already walking through the corridors towards the stables. /Then he’ll have to face all of us, melamin. Melich nîn. Melin te./

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Translations:
Man raica? means : what is wrong?
Verno nín means : husband mine.
Melamin means : love of mine (ps. it is Sindarin)
Melich nîn means : you love me (also Sindarin)
Melin te means : I love you

The letter:
Orvell Thranduil,
Sen lyth heir al le anniollon le am meathteliol ahim, bacheth melin am a am. Lû cîlont ahtin ha melui thenin.
Iston sen úha in gwêdh-lyth iuitheb, nan avlerton edhedi clim. Ethapann o chain maero lin, pann pedo nefolín fëa iston. A avon ista lin maefarn tara. Man beleg in gwêdh-lyth hitha ir caron? Avcaron daro isto.
Harthin merach in gwaith `wedhil. Hain maeror hin lín a si hain heithar maer athan go`wedhel meril, eirien, uirlyth a pân.
Heithan nodo i lui úab genon lin na vaterinaur.
Haldir o Lóriën

Dearest Thranduil,
These flowers are for you to thank you for sparring with me, something I enjoy more and more. Time spend with you is enjoyable indeed.
I know this is not the normal bouquet of flowers, but I could not make a choice. Each and every one of them suits you, all resembling a part of your soul I know. And I don’t even know you that well. How large will the bouquet be when I do? I can’t wait to find out.
I hope you (approve of) like the binding colours. They match your eyes and now they will be useful beyond binding roses, daisies, eternity flowers and all others together.
I will be counting the minutes until I see you at breakfast.
Haldir o Lóriën

The letter is completely in Sindarin, but I cannot promise it is without errors.

TBC

BETA-read by Bettina, thanks. All other mistakes are mine. (as they have been before)