Camanti nin nasta (Help me heal)

Chapter two Starting a new life

Elladan smiled as he showed their guest the gardens. “Well, you’ve now seen the house and the gardens. All else will have to wait until you are fit to ride.”

Leloth nodded and closed his eyes again, loving the smell of the land, trees, flowers and everything else riding the wind. Even though his eyes showed him nothing he hadn’t seen before his nostrils were pleasantly surprised. He looked puzzling when he heard Elladan’s laugh.

“Many have that expression on their faces when seeing father’s garden, yet you are the first one to have his eyes closed.”
Leloth shrugged and smiled. “Smell and sight are two different things, Elladan, and right now the first is stronger and more pleasing than the other.” He inhaled deeply again and smiled. It was funny how things changed after being dead.

His eyes settled on the greatest rosebush and he walked closer before kneeling down and study the earth. He knew Elrond feared losing them because they were sick. Maybe he could help? Letting his hand move in the soil he closed his eyes and allowed his senses to be overwhelmed again.

Elladan looked on bemused, but didn’t comment. Though the time he had spend with Leloth had been short, only one hour for three days, he had already learned the other acted different from all others.

At last Leloth stood and sighed. “This patch of soil has been poisoned. Someone emptied at least four bottles of strong wine here. And though most flowers can handle it, these can’t. They need some fertilizer and lot of water to get them over their hangover.”
Elladan widened his eyes. “Hang-over? Drunk roses?” Somehow that was hard to imagine.
But Leloth nodded and looked completely serious. “Its roots are large, Elladan, and cover almost the entire section, so most of the alcohol went into its system. And if we don’t fertilize the soil and water it at least trice a day for a weak it will die.”
Elladan widened his eyes in horror. “But they’re ata’s favourites. Are you sure?”
Leloth nodded. “Aye, the bottles are covered with ivy not far from here.” He grinned and walked over. He had to bend and wrestled the plant to pick them up. He laughed freely. “I felt the earth was a bit off and the sun reflected on the glass.”

Elladan swallowed when he saw Leloth bend. He felt his body warm and swiftly shook his head to compose himself. “You are full of surprises, Leloth. Come on, you should tell my father. He’ll be pleased.”

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Elrond smiled at Erestor. “Saes, meldir. I sense no danger from Leloth, nor do I sense a lie.”
Erestor sighed. “But how has he come here, Elrond? You said it yourself. It is impossible to travel from Valinor to the Grey Havens in a few seconds. Let alone to our realm! And he was naked! Where did he leave his clothes?”
Glorfindel nodded. “I agree. I don’t like this at all. There were no tracks what so ever. It’s as if he fell out of the sky.”
Elrond shrugged. “He lived in Valinor, and he walked there before waking up here.” He was sure about that. He did not sense a lie from him and neither did the twins.

After some thought he rubbed his nose. “I think we can safely say at least one Vala is involved. Perhaps he longed for these lands so much it was killing him?” He looked stern. “We may never find the answers you desire, meldir, but we cannot hold that against him.” He nodded. “My decision is final. He may remain here for as long as he wishes.”
Glorfindel sighed. “And what if that is forever?”
Elrond shrugged. “Then he can settle and take up an occupation.”

He looked up when a knock sounded through the room. “Mitula.” He smiled warmly when Elladan and Leloth walked inside. “Leloth, thank you for seeking me out. Saves me a walk. Allow me to introduce Erestor, my chief counsellor.”
Leloth smiled and bowed politely. “It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. Imladris is very fortunate to have you, my lord.”

Elladan coughed and smiled at his father. “We just came from the gardens. And Leloth found these.” He handed the bottles to his father, who accepted them and stared at them with puzzling eyes.
Leloth laughed. “Near the ill rosebush, covered by ivy. The soil there is full of alcohol, Lord Elrond.”
Elladan grinned, remembering the elf’s earlier words.
Elrond sighed. “Aiya, that is not good at all. It means there’s someone in my realm who doesn’t treat nature as he or she should. But at least now I know what to look for in my books.”
Leloth smiled. “I know what has to be done, my lord Elrond. Some strong fertilizer and water trice a day for at least a weak will cure it.”

Erestor narrowed his eyes. “How do you know?”
Leloth shrugged. “My sister was a gardener and I picked up quite a lot from her.”
Glorfindel smiled, sensing another opportunity. “And what did you do?”
Leloth smiled. “I used to be a soldier, but you can say I’ve retired. I haven’t touched a sword in ages.”

Elrond smiled and hid his frown when he noticed Leloth always talked about his life in the past tense. It felt weird to him. But he ignored it for now. “What would you like to do, then?”
Leloth smiled, but shrugged. “I really don’t know. Work in the library? There’s a lot of this world I’ve never known and I would like to learn about it.”
Elrond nodded. “Of course. Our last librarian took a prolonged vacation, so there’s a vacancy.”
Elladan grinned at the words. “What adar means to say is that he is now living in Mirkwood, engaged to a soldier there. A female soldier. It is unsure whether they remain there or come here.”
Leloth smiled. “If she’s a soldier I’d imagine they’d remain there.”

After some more words Elladan guided Leloth outside again.

Elrond looked grim and his gaze settled on Erestor, who involuntarily shivered. “You’re my chief counsellor, so you find out what idiot did this.” He graciously shoved the empty bottles in the stunned advisor’s hands and turned, his robes twirling around him.
Glorfindel hastily had to jump aside. He shook his head. “Don’t touch Elrond’s roses. Don’t people know that’s the most important rule?” His voice was mocking, but right now he seriously considered making it a rule.
The blond’s behaviour brought out a smile on Erestor’s face. “Can’t you ever behave?” He sighed as he thought on the awful task before him.

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Elladan looked at the distance and jumped up when he heard footfalls behind him.
He turned and looked at his father, who grinned at his look. “It is not often I get to surprise you.” His voice was warm and affectionate again and he placed one arm around his son.

“What do you think of our stranger? Erestor and Glorfindel don’t trust him.” He sighed. “I know and agree that it’s impossible to travel so far in such a short time. And it’s also mysterious that there was no fight of any kind and he was naked.”
Elladan shrugged. “Aye, he is different than any other, but he is also kind and gentle. I really don’t see any danger in him. I am glad you’re giving him a chance.”
Elrond smiled. “I always would, you know that. And I sense no lie from him either. So why this might always remain a mystery, I do not intend to hold it against him.”

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Leloth smiled when he finally had the soil in order, completely blended with the fertilizer and wet from water.

Looking up he realised he didn’t even know how to tell time anymore. /I will have to ask Elladan./

He twirled when he heard his name. His eyes widened on their own accord at the vision before him. He swiftly shook himself from it, stood and bowed respectfully. “Lady Arwen. It’s an honour.”

Arwen smiled warmly, instantly liking this new elf. “I assume you are Leloth, since you are tending to adar’s roses.” Her smile widened when he nodded. “Then come. Dinner is ready. Father asked me to find you.” Her eyes twinkled in amusement, recalling Elladan’s flash of anger when Elrond asked her to fetch him. She agreed with Elrohir. The new elf was having a positive effect on Elladan. And for her that was more than enough reason to make sure he stayed.

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Elrond smiled when he saw Arwen lead Leloth inside. “Welcome, come sit yourself.”
Leloth gracefully accepted the chair, though he wised he wasn’t seated next to Erestor and opposite Glorfindel. They completely ignored him and he knew they didn’t trust him. Maybe they never would.

The four Peredhil noticed and shook their heads simultaneously. Elrond smiled at Elladan’s pleading look and he nodded. Their guest needed a way out and tomorrow things needed to be different.

“It appears your appetite has gone, Leloth, and I must say you seem tired to me. Would you prefer to retire?”
Leloth eagerly nodded his head. “Aye, thank you, my Lord Elrond.”
Elrond smiled and was about to ask Arwen to take him there when Elrohir spoke. “Elladan will show you your room.” He ignored his father’s questioning look and hit a grin as Elladan jumped up, who actually yearned to spend more time with him. “Aye, follow me.”

Leloth easily fell into step beside him. “Would your father mind awfully if I’d had dinner in my room from now on?” He sighed. “Erestor and Glorfindel don’t like me.”
Elladan smiled. “You’re new and they are not the easiest to befriend. They have Imladris’ safety at heart and…” He trailed of and bit his lip, wondering if he should continue.
Leloth stopped and cocked his head. “They don’t trust me because it is impossible to travel such a distance in so short a time.” He sighed. “They think I am lying.”
Elladan looked at him. “Are you?”
Leloth shook his head. “Nay. I’d rather had, but your father is able to detect a lie, so it wasn’t an option. I -am- from Valinor. And now I am here.” He felt bad knowing he couldn’t tell them the whole truth, but he made a deal with Mandos and he was going to uphold it. He only hoped he wouldn’t disappear in three years time.

Elladan nodded. “I sense no lie from you either, nor darkness.” Like Glorfindel he would like more, but he could tell the other was upset at the moment and he knew if he pressed for answers now he would never get them. It would be best to befriend him first.

He smiled. “Have you made up your mind about the future yet?”
Leloth nodded. “I’m staying here and I think I -shall- work in the library. If you aren’t keeping me company, that is.”
Elladan grinned and nodded. “Tomorrow we will ride a short distance. Adar forbade long rides for he fears a relapse.”
Leloth smiled and nodded. Suddenly his stomach growled and he frowned. He hadn’t heard that in millennia. Or felt it. it actually felt rather funny and he involuntarily giggled.
Elladan laughed along, amused at the other’s behaviour. “Here are your rooms. I shall bring you something from the kitchens soon.”
Leloth blushed and smiled appreciative. “That is very considerate of you. Diola lle.”

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Elrohir smiled when he heard his brother silently enter the room, afraid to wake his twin. If the foot falls were anything to go by Elladan was cheerful again. He sat up and smiled at his blushing twin. “And where have you been?”
Elladan grinned at the words and flung himself at his twin, launching a tickle attack. Elrohir was so surprised he didn’t have time to react and laughed as his twin mercilessly tickled him.

Elladan grinned and sat back, giving his twin time to catch his breath. “Have you been waiting for me?”
Elrohir nodded. “How can I not? I worry for you.”

Elladan smiled and changed his clothes. “I’ve been talking to Leloth, Ro. He’s really very wise and possesses a lot of knowledge.” He sat down and sighed. “He will not join us anymore. Erestor and Glorfindel don’t trust him and he feels… unpleasant.”
Elrohir nodded. He already deducted Leloth would prefer the privacy of his own rooms from now on. “Arwen likes him and you know grandmother taught her how to read people. Give Erestor and Glorfindel time.” He grinned. “Maybe another seat at the table? Next to you or opposite you.” He laughed at Elladan’s blush and left his own bed to settle in his twin’s.

Elladan looked grateful. He needed to be grounded now. It never seized to amaze him how well his twin could read him and his needs. “Thanks, Ro.”
“Don’t mention it. Let’s sleep.”

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Over the next weeks Leloth settled in and life became more normal, even for him. He fell into the routine of waking extremely early, work in the library until it was time for breakfast which he would have with the family, feeling a lot saver sitting next to Elladan and opposite of Arwen. Arwen had persuaded both him and her father to have her show him around, stating there are things a woman would show that a men wouldn’t. So after breakfast he would follow Arwen around as she chattered away with him. Sometimes he was glad it was time to go and other times he actually felt sad to leave her and go riding with Elladan. But he always went for he didn’t want to spend time away from the twin when he could spend it in his company. During the afternoon they would return. At first Leloth wondered about the absence of stern looks or words about his absence in the library, but he soon realised everybody was pleased about the affect his presence had on the eldest twin.

And though he was extremely cautious with his words and avoided Erestor and Glorfindel, they too mellowed down, seeing the old Elladan emerge a little. They still didn’t completely trust him and would watch him like a hawk, ready to defend Elladan, should it be necessary.

Translations

meldir – this means my friend, but the second time it means my friends. Unfortunately it is unchanged in plural.
Mitula – enter