the trouble with love

Things will escalate and Galadriel will wish herself back in Lóriën more than once. A little reminder:
“ ” indicates speech
/ indicates thought
~~~~~~~~ indicates a change in time or place
- - emphasises the word(s)
` ` indicates far-speaking.

Chapter eleven Night of trouble

Evening found most elves relaxing together in the room of fire. Telling each other tales, singing songs and playing games. Except for some missing elves: Elladan who never joined them in here; Elrohir who was still sitting at the diner table, trying to explain sex to his 35 year old. And Elvil, who was taken away by Elladan and was now having the time of his life sitting on his balcony, safely wrapped in the other’s arms.

Elrond had also excused himself after a decent time with the others. He noticed with joy this was one night Glorfindel would not get drunk. He saw Erestor and Sealbeth exchange knowing glances. “Maybe this time he will keep his promise” he heard one whisper to the other as he past them by on his way out. He wanted to pay Melpomean a visit before going to bed himself and so he slowly walked towards the Healing House.

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Melpomean was proving to be the most difficult patient Lómiol had ever had. He had been there for millennia, he had watched Elladan and Elrohir chase after orcs and always end up scarred. He had been there when Estel had graced the house and used up half his medicine supply with all his human diseases. And they all had made it difficult on him, each and every time. But this elf bested them all. He seriously hoped the elf would heal fast and never come back. He always hoped for that, but this time he thought of himself when thinking it and not of the patient.
/Does the elf really think he can walk around unaided? He should rest, otherwise the wound will never heal and then his eyesight might never return./ He had threatened with everything imaginable but nothing had worked. He was slowly going insane. “Melpomean, lay still, I told you at least a thousand of times already, you can not walk yet, let alone leave. Now STAY!”

“It no longer hurts. I can go” came the ever stubborn reply. “It may not hurt anymore, but it is far from healed. And if you keep this up you will go blind, is that what you want?” Melpomean tried to glare at the healer but with his right eye in bandages it was a very funny sight and mirth graced Lómiol’s face. “ I take that as a no. No stay in bed and get some sleep. You need it.”
“I will sleep in my own bed.” Once again he made to rise but this time a voice from the laboratory stopped him.

“Melpomean! What do you think you are doing? Get back under the sheets!” Elrond would have laughed at the scene playing out in front of him had he not been so startled to see the other care so little about his own health.

Melpomean looked at Elrond in obvious shock. What was he doing here, surely he had better things to do that to order him around. He could only come up with one possibility: Elrond was here to fire him. He did not want to deal with that yet. He saw only one solution to delay the inevitable, leave. So instead of following his lord’s order and get under the blankets he continued the motion and turned to go. Neither of the others had expected that move and it not only shocked them, it mortified them.
Lómiol knew Melpomean could very well loose his sight if he did not stay under a healer’s eye for the time being. Seeing Elrond’s order being denied shocked him, he dreaded the Half-Elf’s response to that. Surely it would not go down well.
Lómiol was right. Elrond was completely baffled to see Melpomean continue his action. Never before had he been denied by him. Did Melpomean really cared so little about his own health to risk his sight? For a second Elrond stood nailed to the ground.

“Melpomean. Get in this bed now. And that’s an order!” There, the other would not go against a direct order. But he was in for a surprise. “No, I cannot rest here, and as you both insist I rest I will have to go to my own rooms.”
Somehow he managed to get through the archways without hitting anything. He hoped this steady walk would convince Lómiol to let him go.

“My lord???” Lómiol pleadingly looked at Elrond. Something had to be done now, but he had no idea what. This definitely was his worst patient ever. Elrond had blinked his eyes in surprise at the reply and then took a few fast strides to catch up with the other. One more step and he was standing in front of the other, blocking his path. “Under normal conditions you could sleep in your own rooms, but this are not normal conditions, now are they? If you can’t sleep on your own, we can make you a sleeping potion. Now come on.” While speaking he had turned the other around and was already guiding him back to the bed.

But Melpomean shook the arm away. Taking a defiant stance, legs slightly apart, arms crossed, back straightened, head held high and mouth set firm and grim, he countered “ I’m not taking sleeping potions. They make me gag. And I don’t see why I should stay here.” Looking like this it was a fearful sight. Elrond was sure Melpomean could put the fear into anyone standing like that. And that voice was enough to send every orc back to Mordor. He would gladly run after them now, but he couldn’t. Lómiol was in no condition to counter his secretary in this state. He doubted he himself could be. But he had to be, somehow he had to be. “Because you have to drink your medicine regularly.”
“Every thirty minutes, my lord.”
“Thank you Lómiol. You hear, every thirty minutes. If you were in your own rooms, poor
Lómiol would have to go back and forth twice every hour. He would hardly have time for his other duties. That wont be fair on him.”
“I don’t care!”
Elrond decided not to go down that road. He continued to try and reason with the other elf.
/Whatever is wrong with him?/ He had never before seen him like this. If only Elrond knew Melpomean was only acting this way because he had nothing to lose. “Why do the potions make you gag? You are the first to have that reaction.” “They do and I am. Now get out of my way.”

“Lómiol, isn’t about time for a drink?” He had an idea but he needed Lómiol out of the way. Melpomean would only feel insulted if he addressed this in front of the healer. Lómiol understood and left to make a new batch. He decided to make extra, he had just thought of something. If his patient promised to drink a glass every half hour, he could go. And it looked like Elrond wasn’t going to get anywhere either. But unlike him, the lord didn’t seem to mind. Elrond is a healer too. He could take care of the other form now on. Yes that was the plan. No matter what happened behind him.

Now that Lómiol was out of hearing range Elrond looked straight at the other who stared right back at him. “And now you are telling me what is wrong with you.” No change “First you don’t even show you’re injured and now you defy my orders and, what is worse, you neglect your healing. I will not stand for that.” That had an effect, but not the one Elrond had intended. Melpomean slumped to the floor as a defeated and scared animal. Of course his words had strengthened Melpomean’s believe he was about to get fired.
Elrond knelt to the same level. He gently touched the other’s shoulder. “I know you do not trust me or even like me, but that does not stop me from worrying about your health. Even when it means so little to yourself.” Disbelief shone from the left eye. This was getting weird. Elrond decided he would have to have a serious conversation with Sealbeth, as the advisor seemed to be Melpomean’s only friend. He had to know why the fact that someone cared was so hard to believe. But he knew the defensive walls were finally down. “Now tell me the truth. Can you really not sleep here?”
“No” the answer almost was too silent to hear.
“Do the potions really make you gag?”
“Yes” Almost everything that wasn’t water, warmed wine or tea made him gag.
Elrond lifted his secretary from the floor. “In that case your own rooms are the most logical solution. But you’ve made it very difficult for us, and yourself. If you had just said so I would not have tried to stop you.” Again disbelief shone from that one emerald-green eye. “I know you’ve uttered it, but we thought you had made it up as an excuse to leave. So forgive me for not instantly believing you on this. Now, let me escort you to your rooms, after I’ve instructed Lómiol to make enough of the concoction to last the night.” He deliberately left it an option. He somehow needed the others confirmation. Receiving none he just turned to talk to Lómiol. He sighed as he heard the other get up and walk away. /He still doesn’t like or trust me./

“Lómiol, can you make enough to last the night. He wasn’t kidding when he said he cannot sleep here or about the sleeping potions making him gag. I’m afraid you will have to become a ferry my friend.”
“Oh no, I’ve had enough of this one to last a century. Find someone else to be driven mad, but not me. Here’s enough for the night and in the morning I will have enough for the day ready.”
“But Lómiol, everybody is away, you know that. It’s only you and me.”
“That settles it then, doesn’t it, it ain’t going to be me so you keep him company. Now excuse me the greenery is calling”
In spite of himself Elrond chuckled. The healer always retreated to the greenery when he decided the conversation to be over, or if he didn’t want to hear the answer. This time, he knew, it was both. And so, armed with a hot pot filled with herbal tea and a phial of some nasty looking, nasty tasty medicine, he headed towards his secretary’s rooms.

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“And that is why we are not in Valinor, but here instead.” Elladan had told Elvil the story of how many of the elves had come back from Valinor, following their lord and lady. They both sat on the bed, the younger one nestled in the other’s arms.
Elvil could not possibly phantom the change in Elladan, but he was determined to take full advantage and even if it wasn’t a laugh, it was a step in the right direction.

He was glad he did not have to stay alone. In every dark shadow he saw shapes of orcs. When the first shadow had appeared he had flung himself at Elladan, into the safety of his arms.
Elladan had taken him inside, sat down on the bed with him and started telling a tale. It was meant to distract him, but Elvil had not even heard the half of it. He was too busy staring at the shadows. Even now that it was finished he did not let go of his rock. Still afraid orcs might jump out of those shadows. Unconsciously the arms tightened around Elladan, silently begging the elder to stay through the night.
Elladan cradled the elfling close to him. “Now, Elvil, what is wrong? Are you afraid?” In reply Elvil nodded franticly and cuddled even closer. He wanted the candles to burn but then Elladan had to leave the bed and let him go and he was too afraid to do that.
He felt Elladan soothingly pet his head as he always did when a nightmare had attacked him at night. That always resulted in Elvil running through the corridors at night throwing himself at a sleeping Elladan who had no option but to allow him to cuddle and start soothing. Or stay awake all night trying to fight it.
But now it hadn’t been a nightmare and they weren’t in his bed. They were in Elvil’s rooms.
“What is it?”

He started crying again. He was sure he had seen an orc flee the shadows the moment Elladan had spoken. “Elvil? What is it?” The bundle in his arms drew even closer.

Just as the crying was turning into sobs again he screamed. Fear evident on his every feature and a shaky finger pointed towards the shadows on the balcony. Elladan looked but saw nothing. /What could have scared him?/ “Elvil? What is it? What did you see?” The elfling hadn’t moved from his former position. Arm raised, pointing at the balcony, and trembling all over. Elladan walked towards the balcony to prove there was nothing there but he never made it. Elvil threw himself at him “BAW! DARO! BAW!”
He knelt down and enveloped the youngster in a tight hug. “Relax, calm down. Uuma dela. Lehta, uuma dela. There’s nothing on the balcony, pen-neth nîn”
“B.b.b.b…but….th.t..thehere…w.w..was…a..a.a…a..a..orc.” It had been Elvil’s imagination, for if there had been a real orc, Elladan would have sensehen hen he was about to say just that the door burst open and a very concerned Celeborn stood there. Behind him stood the Galadhrim, bows drawn.

“It’s alright Ata’da. The shadows have been playing tricks on pen-neth nîn here and he thought he saw an orc standing there.” Seeing Elvil wasn’t convinced it had been just shadows Celeborn too knelt down. “Shadows or no. Elvil won’t rest until we’ve searched the surroundings for signs, ne?” He stood and looked at his loyal Galadhrim. They fully understood.

“It think it best to start on the balcony.” Rumil said and walked onto the balcony. Showing the little elf he had his bow ready just in case. He pretended to search the entire balcony for prints of any kind, and after a while he beckoned Orophin to come closer.
The second guard’s eyes widened. There had indeed been something on the balcony. But they couldn’t tell that with the little one present. Orophin decided on a strategy. “It’s apricot marmalade Ru” He knew that was Elvil’s favourite.
“Oh!” Elvil’s face lit up in complete awe, “I ate my bread there last week. You can smell that?”
Actually they couldn’t but it would emphasise their notion nothing had been there. “O, yes,” Celeborn answered “they are the best of the Galadhrim, you know. Now why don’t you go with Haldir here to see if he can teach you something and when you’re done you can go to bed. We would be done with our search by then”

Elvil was half inclined to drag Elladan along as well, but he knew he couldn’t. But he also knew he did not want to be alone later. “Can I sleep with you Elladan?” The creature wouldn’t dare come there. “Yes.” Elladan’s answer surprised them all and pleased Celeborn to no ends.

When Haldir had left with the child the lord of ‘Lóriën turned to the two remaining Galadhrim. “Now, what is it. I know you two.”
“The little one was right.”
“But I would have sensed any orc! There was none!”
“No orc no, but there had been someone. We think it’s an elf.”
“What?! We should inform your father, Elladan.”
“But how? I mean, I didn’t sense anyone?”
Celeborn gently touched Elladan’s shoulder. “Only logical, your senses are extremely orc-related. You can sense an orc or Uruk before any of us can, but you have trouble with other races. Go after Haldir and join them and you two go find Glorfindel and alert him. You should track whoever it was down and find out as much as you can.”
With that they left. Celeborn decided to wait with telling Elrond until they had more information. His son-in-law had looked troubled over dinner. Was it his imagination or did that have anything to do with Thranduil’s presence?

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He had finally and without being seen made it to his own rooms. Elronds’ words echoed through his mind. /I know you hate me; you don’t trust me/ /Where had that idea come from?/ Elrond was the only one he trusted, but he hadn’t voiced any words of reassurance. He knew that if he had it would have been impossible to hide his love. He would have to use actions instead. If Elrond didn’t throw him out first.

His head started to pound. He never had an headache before. /Is this the kind drunken elves have?/ He really wouldn’t know but it was a killer. How did Glorfindel do it; getting himself drunk every night and then these headaches in the morning? He reached out his hand to steady himself. In the safety of his rooms he could let go of everything; all the pain came back, the loneliness and sadness. But topping it all was the pounding in his head. Like a troop of elephants, he grimly thought.
He groaned, both in pain and in annoyance, realising that moving would be unable for the time being and his bed did call to him. Call? It was practically yelling at him. He slowly took one step further, and another. He was very wobbly, but at least he was moving and the bed was coming closer. But now he faced a real obstacle. He had to let go of his desk and walk unaided.
Even on his walk here he had had the wall to steady his walk, which was slower than usual, he knew that. But he would never admit his own weakness, to himself or anyone. If he showed any weakness people would think even less of him than they already did.
/Come on, you did it in the healing room, you can do it again./ Carefully he removed his hand from the desk. Immediately the threat of falling showed it’s face. But he would not give in.

He only had to take four steps to get there. Well, four to a healthy elf, but to him to would probably be more. So, all wibbly-wobbly he headed for his bed. After three steps he realised he wasn’t taking any; he was shuffling, not even lifting his feet. He mentally berated himself for not noticing: he was going to walk to his bed, unaided, and he was doing it now!
He lifted his right leg, which by now was starting to feel like led. Carefully he continued the movement and couldn’t stop a relieved sigh from leaving his lips when he had made the first step. /See, you can do it./ He lifted his left leg, but then something went wrong, he lost his balance and he started to sway and fall. He gasped as he saw the floor coming closer. He reached out his arms to break the fall, which never came.
Somewhere between full erect position and the floor arms had encircled themselves around his waist and chest, stopping him in his fall. /O great, now Elrond will hear and then I’m in for it. Why do you always make a fool out of yourself?/ Silently he hoped it were Sealbeth’s arms, but he knew it weren’t. The healer was to come with the potion he had to drink, knowing he would only throw it up later anyway. He didn’t care anymore. Being fired was evident and so he slumped in the arms like boneless creature.

Elrond’s breath had caught in his throat seeing Melpomean sway on his feet. Silently he scolded the other for his stubbornness and stupidity as he rushed forward to catch him. Feeling the body go limp scared him greatly. Had the trip to his rooms been too much?
Gently he dragged the body over to the bed and while supporting it with his own he pulled back the sheets. He lowered his secretary on the bed and drew the chair near.
Seeing the left eye alert and aware he sighed relieved. Whatever had happened just now had passed. He went to the desk where he had left the tray before running to catch the falling elf.
“Why didn’t you wait for me, mellon-nîn? I could have helped you make the trip. Here is the medicine, you need to drink one cup every half hour, here drink.” He steadied the cup and removed it when the liquid was starting to slush over. “You need to finish it, I’m afraid, if it is to work.” He paid no attention to the glares coming from that one eye nor to the lips that were now mere lines in agitation. He had his share of sitting at the bedside of non-cooperative patients, his sons had never been easy, so he was not going to let Melpomean get to him.
After the cup was emptied he stood to put it back on the tray.

When he turned he saw with worry how the other was making gagging convulsions and there was the potion again, all over the linen. But it hadn’t been a sleeping powder. Why then had he thrown up? Did the other have such a sensitive stomach? He rushed to the bedside to remove the dirty linen, checking for a temperature in the process.
“Elves don’t get sick.” Melpomean was annoyed at being treated like a child. “Elves don’t throw up either and you just did.” “Only normal.” He was taking on his defiant stance again, only this time sitting upright in bed. Elrond merely arched his eyebrow.
Melpomean sighed. Why keep it secret any longer; the other already thought him nothing but a nuisance anyway. “I can only drink water, tea or warm wine. All else comes out instantly”
“I see. But that does create a problem. You need this concoction if your eye is to heal. Maybe if we mix it with food. Can you keep it in if mixed with food.” Mentally he scolded the other for not telling him.

Ah, great, more trouble because of him. He shrugged his shoulders, he didn’t know if he could. He only had trouble with drinking and knowing Elrond he wouldn’t rest until they had found a way to make the medicine stay inside.
He laid back and resigned himself to his hopeless situation. The one he desired was fussing over him, but also being frustrated by him, and he kept him away from important matters, not to mention the celebration. There were all these guest, even a new one had arrived, and now the lord was stuck at his bedside instead of being the host. And then there was the problem of Elrond thinking he hated and mistrusted him. He groaned as he remembered the words spoken, cutting his soul like daggers.

Immediately Elrond was at his side and didn’t wait for the maid’s reply. He had gone to the door to ask her to deliver some food from the kitchen, easy on the stomach. But the groans coming from the bed urged him inside once more. He sat down on the bed and checked the bandage for any signs of a reopening wound. Finding none he sat back on the chair. “The maid will come in a while and then we shall see if you can keep it down like that. And then you sleep. In any case you need your rest. And I’m afraid you scared Lómiol away from you. You’re stuck with me until you’re well again.” Elrond had said those word in the hope the other’s hatred for him would speed up the healing process.

Melpomean closed his eyes in defeat. He didn’t know whether to be pleased of mortified at the thought of having Elrond nursing him. What a trouble he created. Maybe if he could convince the Half-Elf he could takee ofe of himself, then maybe his lord could return to his duties as a host. Certainly that was more important than wasting his time here. “My lord, I’m sure I can manage alone now. If a servant brings me the plates every half hour I can mix and eat the potion myself. There’s no need for you to remain here, my lord.”
“Nonsense. I am staying. You are to rest. Do I have to make it an order so you will take the needed rest? Cause if so, I will!”
Melpomean sighed, but wasn’t quite ready to give up yet. “No, my lord, but you have more important things to attend to. All the guest, including Lord Ecthelion. And then there are those orcs.” A thought just came to him. He suddenly knew the perfect way to stop Elrond wasting his time. “The twins!!! They might go after them. Who knows what might happen then.”

It saddened Elrond to learn Melpomean really didn’t care about his own health. “Do not worry. They are being kept under control. And should Valthroman fail, well then we are going to have some dead orcs. And I do not see how anything can be more important than your own health.”
Both elves looked at each other stubbornly and a uncomfortable silence settled over them.
Elrond decided to meet the other halfway. Mayhap then he could earn some trust. “You want me gone to look after things, am I correct?” He knew he was playing it dirty, but he felt he had no choice.
“Yes! I can take care of myself! You are needed elsewhere.”
“I don’t see why those two things can’t go together. You’ll be sleeping a healing sleep in between taking the medicines. So that gives me half an hour to look after business and show my nose.” When he saw a ripple appear on his secretary’s forehead, he quickly added: “And that is not negotiable. I need to know you take your medicine.” Now that Elrond had made it an order, Melpomean resigned himself to this situation. Elrond would soon tire of him anyway and leave him alone. He closed his eyes, that bandage was highly annoying, and waited for the food to arrive.

When it did Elrond mixed the potion through it and gave the plate to the bedridden elf. Melpomean tried to eat but due to his condition his hand eye coordination was off. In stead of easily spooning the food, he nearly chased half his food of the plate. And in stead of directing the spoon towards his mouth he catapulted the food over his shoulder. Turning red in embarrassment, he lowered his head.

Elrond had forced himself not to intervene as he saw the hopeless chase of food, but now he could watch no longer. He was going to help, whether it was appreciated or not. He sat down with the intention of feeding the stubborn elf himself. But that was going to be difficult as the head was still hung. With his hand he carefully tilted the head up. “Many who do not allow help only end up increasing the problem.” He was shocked at seeing the pain that was palpable in the left eye, filled with unshed tears. He knew better than to address it now. So he kept silent and started his job.

Melpomean ate cooperative and was relieved when the gagging notion stayed out. Elrond’s idea worked. He looked at his nurse and where he had expected to find loathing and pity he saw concern, sincerity, worry and something else reflected in those eyes. The Half-Elf was worried about him? No, more likely about getting his job done now he had to sit with his secretary.
Daring another look during the feeding he now recognized the fourth emotion. Awe was showing in those beautiful cloud-grey eyes. /There must be something in this potion to make me see this. I am hallucinating./ He heard Elrond mention something about having to leave but returning in time, but it didn’t really register for sleep was already claiming him.

Before Elrond had walked out with the now empty plate Melpomean was already sound asleep. Taking a last look at his sleeping charge he closed the door and left. He had to arrange for tomorrow’s breakfast and there were still some business that needed his attention. This year was the most crazy celebrations.

End chapter eleven
TBC

Translations:

Lómiol means one of the night. Actually it should be Lómion but I turned the ending n into a l for pronunciation and sight.
Baw means No in Sindarin
Daro means Stop in Sindarin (in Quenya it would be á pusta or simply pusta)
Uuma dela means It’s alright in Sindarin.
Lehta means ease off. Actually Elladan should be saying lehtalyel (ease yourself off) but I decided that was unnecessary here.
Pen-neth nîn means My little one in Sindarin and is Elladan’s endearment for Elvil. In Quenya it would be tittaer.
Mellon nîn means my friend in Sindarin.

Chapter twelve Elvil is possessive.

The stars and the moon were out, a soft breeze was blowing, carrying the lovely smell of the garden flowers. A very beautiful night to those not used to them, but for the inhabitants of Imladris it was just a typical night. But even if it hadn’t been so, the six elves gathered in the lord’s study wouldn’t have noticed. Trouble was etched on each face.

Elrond had been right, this year the celebrations were annoyingly different and difficult. He looked at the faces of the three Galadhrim, all set stern and with utter disdain. Understandably so, who could ever have thought an elf would stoop so low?
But Elrond, Celeborn and Glorfindel knew better. They knew there was good and bad in every person of every race and they all must strife to let good prevail over evil. Even elves. Those who didn’t think so needed only to read the tale of the Simarill. The kinslayings was still a black page of elven history. But each new generation was told the tale so the evil that was within them all would not be forgotten.

Before he could retell the tale in his mind his attention was drawn towards a fidgeting Glorfindel. The seneschal took it as a personal failure now that Imladris’ security had been breached twice in one day. Two times this day he had track down intruders. Those orcs they had found but the elf had left a very difficult trail. It had been impossible to follow. Now Elvil could be in danger and it was his fault. Celeborn spoke before he could. “Ease your mind, Glorfindel, for none of this is anybody’s fault. We just have to find whoever it is and until we have Elvil must be guarded at all times. And no, I cannot read your mind. We do not have to.”
Celeborn was right. The seneschal’s face was an open book to them all.

Suddenly Orophin’s eyes widened. He just had thought of something. The signs were well known to Celeborn who raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “What if that elf didn’t know it was Elvil’s room? Maybe he wanted to go somewhere else.”
But Elrond shook his head. “Unlikely, Orophin, but at this time we can’t rule anything out. Everyone must keep an eye out and the children not left alone. Glorfindel, even though it isn’t your fault in any way, the security has been breached twice now. It need to be looked at. Maybe Haldir can give a fresh eye? Which reminds me; how is Elvil?” Of course Elrond had already been informed of everything that happened in the child’s room, but he needed a diversion for Glorfindel’s sake.
So once more Haldir told how Elvil had been playing with him and Elladan for a while until Celeborn had come to fetch him so they could go inform Lord Elrond. Elladan had taken the elfling to his rooms and that’s were they now were.

The fact that Elladan had not sensed the strange elf’s presence was somewhat of a shock to Elrond. He carefully thought things through and came to the conclusion that Celeborn might be right in the cause. It did, however, prove to be a problem. Elladan was a fine warrior but if he did not sense his enemy in time even the best warrior had a disadvantage.
He reached his decision quickly. “The children should not be alone during this. Rumil will you go to Elnihir’s room and bring him to Elladan as well. I would also very much appreciate it if you would remain with them. As we now know my son is incapable of sensing elves. You’re not. If he gives any trouble then just remember him I ordered this and you are in charge.”

They stood to leave and then the standing clock in the corridor showed it was still functioning. Elrond had to hurry back to his patient. That also meant he could not inform Elrohir on this.
“Celeborn, will you please go to Elrohir and tell him of this. I have to check up on Melpomean. I would send Sealbeth but he has made himself unfindable I’m afraid.”
But Celeborn shook his head. “I am sorry but I have a prior engagement with Thranduil. Maybe Orophin can do it. I am the opinion Elrohir would listen to you better anyway. Every word that leaves my mouth is questioned by both my grandsons, I’ve experienced. I’m really sorry, Orophin, but would you mind?”
“No, sir” and with that he was off.

Even though Elrond gave him a questioning look, he did not clarify his actions. He -did- have a meeting with Thranduil but the blond leader would understand had he been later, but this had been the ideal opportunity to get those two alone.
Celeborn was fortunate. Elrond decided to brush it off as one of his father-in-law’s rarities. He had to hurry and make his secretary drink, no eat another batch, so he had to go to the kitchen first. He still had to make the breakfast plans ready anyway.

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What was going on? He had just been lifted, in an not so kindly way, from his bed and was now being dragged through the corridors. And that blasted elf didn’t even tell what was going on. Could he not show some consideration on his tiny little legs? Even at full speed he could hardly keep up with the other elf, who was only walking.
He was slowly getting scared. The elf in front of him was a scary sight himself. Taking long, fast strides, dragging the little elf along as a piece of paper, muttering inwardly all the time.

/How dare he? So I am cast aside? Away from the action?/ A babysitter, that’s what they thought him. With each step came more hatred and frustration. After bottling it up inside for centuries it now found a way out.
He threw the door open. Two shocked and surprised faces were staring at the door in total bewilderment.

The larger elf stood and addressed him “Rumil, and Elnihir, how can we help?”
Elnihir ran over to his uncle and hid behind the legs. Even though he did not really count his uncle amongst his favourite elves, his uncle wouldn’t hurt him and the other elf scared him.
The elfling’s behaviour puzzled Elladan. He expected Elvil to throw himself at him, but not his nephew. He knew Elnihir was a little bit scared of him. That meant only one thing. “It appears my nephew is scared of you. Even more so when he’s hiding behind me. What happened?” He didn’t really care who answered as long as he got one.

Elvil was sitting on the bed, staring big eyes at the scene. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Elnihir always teased him with his affection for Elladan, telling Elvil he’d better pick some other elder to worship and now he himself was clinging to Elladan. But Elladan was -his- rock and he now found his surprise making way for jealousy.
It was all that strange elf’s fault, bringing Elnihir here to steal -his- Elladan. He glared at the elf who had now entered and if looks could kill Rumil would have died instantly. Luckily for him looks aren’t that lethal and he continued explaining the situation to Elladan, voice laden with anger and frustration.

Now that the situation was explained Elladan understood Rumil completely. He had some things to draw straight here. “Rumil, you must understand that ata didn’t mean for you to feel like this. As you said, I am of little use here, not being able to detect an elf until it’s too late. You can and you are one of the best warriors there are. He doesn’t want you to feel like a babysitter. Look at it this way: ata is trusting you with the lives of three of us.”
Elladan was right. Rumil had not looked at it from that angle. So Elrond saw more in him than the others did? That made him happy and his anger and frustration faded. Suddenly he realised the elfling still standing behind Elladan. He must have really scared him for he saw Elnihir was trembling like a leaf and staring at him with big scared eyes. He knelt down. “Elnihir isn’t it? I’m Rumil, I am sorry I scared you so much. I just felt like a run-boy and you got my anger thrown at you. Can we be friends?”

He looked at his uncle for some reassurance Rumil could be trusted and Elladan nodded. Kneeling down as well he put his arm around his nephew. “You know Elnihir, we Peredhel aren’t the only ones known for tantrums you know.” The room filled with laughter and when the laughter subsided the ice was broken.

Rumil stood and walked over to the second bed. “Come on little one, we will make your bed, ok?” “BAW! I can do that myself!” And with that Elnihir went to make his bed.
Rumil stood next to Elladan looking at the scene. “Elladan, is the other always like this?” “Hmm?” Rumil sighed, sometimes Elladan could be so dense. “The one sitting on the bed, glaring at me.” “Oh, Elvil. Yes, he is very possessive of his fds ads and protective as well. Seeing Elnihir scared just triggered his protectiveness.” Rumil didn’t agree “But then it would be gone now, he still glaring though. I don’t know.” Suddenly he realised: “I think it’s about you, my friend.”
Elladan stared at him in disbelief. “Whatever do you mean?”
“I brought Elnihir here and he threw himself around your legs.”
“He was scared.”
“I know, but Elvil might think he’s stealing you away from him. Me and my brothers used to fight constantly over our toys”
Now Elladan glared at him. “Are you calling me a toy?”
“Maybe.”
“Nice friend you are. Calling me a toy. Grmhpf. Elnihir, no balling the sheets.” Elnihir was about to create a little ball with his sheets. He always did that and then whining because he couldn’t sleep under them. Tonight Elladan was having none of this. “And where will you sleep my friend?” Rumil shrugged. “The chair?!” “No, that’s not acceptable and highly uncomfortable. Especially for a longer period. Who knows how long it will take to catch that freak. No, there are only two options here; the children in one bed and we in the other or we each cuddle up with one of them.” A wicked gleam appeared in Rumil’s eyes. “I don’t mind one way or the other but I think Elvil does.” Elladan did not bite. He had no idea what Rumil was referring to but he was tired and not in the mood for verbal fighting.

Rumil had by now figured out what was going on and he wondered how long it would last before Elladan would. He could see the possessiveness Elvil had about Elladan, but it didn’t remind him of the type you feel towards a toy. No, it seemed more and deeper. /But this is just an elfling/, he told himself, /elflings do not yet have these feelings./ Elladan was probably no more than a rock, a safe haven to Elvil. And those things you didn’t want to share at all.

Elladan decided Elnihir and Rumil needed a new start if they were to survive the coming days. “Rumil, I think it best if you share the bed with Elnihir and I with Elvil. It’s also safer.”
Rumil agreed and when he walked over to the window to make a sort of booby-trap for the night he saw Elvil’s face lit up as Elladan climbed into his bed again. Two little arms immediately hooked around the elder’s neck.
But what surprised Rumil more was Elladan’s response to this. Rumil saw how Elladan put his arms around the little elf as well, completing the embrace and drawing the other closer. He saw how Elladan rested his chin upon the head beneath him after kissing it gently. If Rumil hadn’t been kneeling down he would have fallen down in shock. Who was this elf and what had he done with Elladan? Elladan never ever showed any signs of affection, love or trust. But he had just done so. Rumil shook his head to clear it. This needed some thought, but now was not the time nor the place. He finished the booby-trap and went to the bed he was going to share with Elnihir.

When he was about to get in he heard a soft voice, a mere whisper asking Elladan what he had just done. No wonder this little one was capable of de-freezing Elladan. That voice was made of pure honey. “Why is Rumil staying too and what is -that-?” It was obvious Elvil rather had him gone and thought the booby-trap to be a total abomination.

Before answering Elladan carefully considered his words, not whishing to upset Elvil. “For the next couple of days the four of us will stay close together, pen-neth nîn. And that is a booby-trap. ‘Lóriën ones are the best you know. Now we can sleep safely. If anyone steps onto the balcony that construction will make a lot of noise, waking us up and then Rumil and I will be warned. I don’t want any strangers on my balcony. I would have to burn it if they stepped one foot on it. So you see Rumil is only protecting my balcony.” That got him a chuckle from the other bed.
But what surprised him were the next words Elvil spoke after being silent in thought for a while. “Orcs you mean. So I did see one.” Now what would happen? Elvil had been coming rather well but he feared his reaction now. What if those fears and tears came back? And should he say it had been an elf and not an orc?

Rumil sensed he needed a rescue. “Actually yes. I think this one had a more developed nose if he was able to follow your scent. The apricot marmalade, remember. But he would not find you here, if he’s still lose that is, this is Elladan’s room, no apricot marmalade smell here. That contraption is just to keep you elflings in.”
On that Elnihir spoke “But why do you have to stay here as well, uncle Elladan can protect us both. No one would dare attack him.”
The following response was beyond Elladan’s and Rumil’s wildest imagination. Elvil’s arms tightened around Elladan as he shouted at Elnihir. “Elladan’s mine. You take that silly elf. Elladan mine.” It was a statement, a declaration not open for negotiation. Elnihir stared at Elvil in shock. He couldn’t believe his ears. He drew his blanket closer, his uncle was sure to explode now. There was no way Elladan would accept this behaviour, not even from Elvil. But he was in for a surprise.

“Elvil, that was not a nice thing to say.” Elladan put his finger on the little lips as they were about to argue “Listen to me, I belong to myself alone, like everybody else. How would you feel if someone, lets say ata, said you belonged to him? That’s something you say about objects or cattle. Not Elves, Dwarves or even Humans. Do you understand?”
“Yes, I’m sorry I made you feel like cattle, I didn’t mean to.”
“Good, now apologize to Elnihir.” A pout was formed on the lips. “Elvil, apologize to Elnihir.”
“No! You’re mine!” As if to emphasise the statement the arms tightened further and by putting his head on the chest Elvil showed he considered the conversation to be over. Mumbled mine’s could still be heard though.
“Well Elladan, it looks like you’re his” Rumil broke out in a laugh at the sight of a highly frustrated Elladan, eager to get up and kick the Galadhrim only not capable of doing so because he was trapped beneath a very possessive elfling.

Rumil knew he was going to enjoy the following days. Elnihir really not interested in spending time with him and would therefore try to get Elladan active. That would set off Elvil to another show of his possessiveness. And it all would highly frustrate Elladan. Enjoyable indeed. But Elladan dealt with it well, Rumil had to give him that. When Elvil had been a baby only Elladan’s arms had been able to sooth him.

He remembered how during one of their visits when Elvil had been a baby, they had found Elladan asleep behind his desk with a sleeping baby on his lap. They had tried to remove it so they could move both elves to the comfort of a bed and a box, but the second the contact with the legs disappeared the baby opened his lungs, alerting entire Imladris of his discomfort.
Elladan had jumped up, hit his knees on the bottom of his desk, which made him tumble over forwards, catapulting over his desk landing face first on the floor. He stood up, looked at the crying bundle in dismay and turned.

Haldir had tried to stop him, they had no idea what to do, neither of them had any knowledge of babies, and now Elladan was walking away. But Elladan didn’t listen. “It’s all his fault.”
Nothing they tried would work to get him quiet, the more they tried the harder he cried.

After one hour the lord of Imladris had marched in, dragging a sulking Elladan along. He grabbed the baby from Orophin’s arms and placed it in Elladan’s. Immediately the crying ended. The baby started tugging Elladan’s hair and started cooing. It had probably been baby-talk for ‘where have you been?’ and ‘how could you leave me alone for so long?’ or maybe just simply ‘haha I got your hair’

It was then that Elrond explained the situation. Elladan had been the only one able to sooth Elvil. In those days direct contact was still needed but as the baby got older and Elladan resigned to the situation his presence in the room was enough.
Rumil knew it was the moment Elladan had accepted the situation that Elvil’s attitude had changed as well. As if the little one knew Elladan wouldn’t need any force to hold him anymore, he kept quiet when Elladan was in the room. Whenever he wasn’t Elvil still alerted everyone of it, but the second Elladan stepped one foot in the room he stopped.
Elrond had once said he had been surprised to see that happening for the first time, for instead of ignoring the baby, as he had always done, Elladan had walked over and picked it up, cradled it a little and then went about his business.

Rumil was startled out of his reverie by a painful cry of Elladan. Elvil had in his sleep managed to kick Elladan in the sheen.

He wondered how his older brothers were doing. Haldir would probably not get any sleep, going over Imladris’ security with Glorfindel, but maybe the golden haired elda had decided to wait until tomorrow. He guessed he would see it on Haldir’s face at breakfast if they had.
But silently he hoped Glorfindel was indeed keeping him busy, for then he couldn’t go after Orophin. If only Elgalad was here, the town was too far away to get her here now. He made a mental note to himself to send her a message in the morning.

End chapter twelve
TBC

Notes:
The Silmarill are the jewels made by Feanor. And they were the reason for the kinslayings to happen.
A run-boy is someone you sent for every kind of message or the most insignificant job. At least that’s what I made them call it in ‘Lóriën. I had no other name.

Chapter thirteen morning comes.

Anar’s warm morning rays were gently caressing the world. Isil had gone down and a new day was being born.

Slowly the turquoise eyes became aware of it’s surroundings. He sniffed in today’s morning air. The blossoms of the trees rode the waves of the wind and he drew in a big breath to truly sense it. As his torso expended to let in the air he noticed a weight was laying on top of him. Wanting to brush it of he found his arms carefully wrapped around the object, pressing it close to his chest.
He looked down and saw Elrohir peacefully asleep, in the safety of his arms. He suppressed a chuckle as he remembered how he had gotten into this position.

***FLASHBACK***

Finding the younger Peredhel was proving to be difficult. He had already looked in the twins’ rooms; both his and Elladan’s. Even though they now had rooms of their own, they still shared each others rooms, switching between Elladan’s and Elrohir’s on a monthly basis.
But neither rooms had produced either twin.
His search had also brought him to the stables, the library, the children’s rooms and even Lord Elrond’s study. But all rooms were devoid of Elrohir. He now left the parlour and made his way to the room of fire. Maybe he was there? And if the twin wasn’t he’d have to go borrow Galadriel’s mirror. He had to find Elrohir.

Maybe he should go to stables again? When he had been there earlier, the twin’s horses where still in their boxes, unsaddled. He had given all the stable grooms orders not to let the twins go out alone. Elrohir would want to chase the strange elf and one never knew what Elladan would do. And with the orcs earlier today the twins were already on edge. Better safe than sorry, he had figured.

But now he was slowly getting worried. He had no luck in locating Elrohir. And if he did not find him soon chances were that the young Peredhel would learn by accident and he didn’t want that to happen. Orophin knew Elrohir to be very emotional. If he would hear it in any other way than from his friends or family, things were bound to get complicated.
Even though it had been Elvil’s room, Elrohir was bound to think Elnihir in lethal peril.
Lord Celeborn had proven his reputation to be just by sending him to tell Elrohir. /But why had the lord picked me? Wouldn’t Elladan have been a better choice? No, he had to take care of Elvil./ The little one was practically attached to the elder twin. It had given him much fun throughout the years.
Was he imagining things or had his lord picked him for a reason? /Could it be that Celeborn knows? Had the mirror shown it to Galadriel?/ But no, there was nothing to show. And even if the lady had somehow found out, she would have confronted him without sharing the informn win with her husband. Wouldn’t she? No, they couldn’t know. They didn’t! He had always hidden it very carefully, making sure none found out.
But of course Celeborn and Galadriel knew, his face was an open book to them after all. Only people who didn’t know him that well were fooled by his pretence. And Elrohir.

The chattering going on in the room of fire not only woke him out of his reverie, but also told him the object of his search had finally been located. He signalled for Elrohir to come with him. He wouldn’t tell him in front of all the others. Who where those elves anyway? He had never before seen them here.
“What is it, Phin?”
“I have to talk to you, in private.”
“Ok. Do you mind coming to my rooms, I still haven’t been given the opportunity to get out of my armour.”
“No, not at all. But I was wondering about that. Why are you wearing it?”
Elrohir’s eyes widened and he stopped walking to turn himself at the other, complete bafflement readable on his face. “Don’t tell me you haven’t heard about the orcs!! They nearly got Elvil. If it wasn’t for that Mirkwood soldier, Elladan would have gone after them alone in stead of trusting Glorfindel and Haldir to take care of them.”
Orophin continued walking, he needed to get Elrohir inside his rooms before the conversation went to far. “Of course I know. Your father asked me to fetch Glorfindel from the patrols. But that doesn’t explain why you are in an armour.”
“Because ata told us to lead the next patrol. I’ve only been back for fifteen minutes.”
“Elladan has been here for longer”
“I know, he was so irritated and frustrated it was getting on the nerves of the other soldiers. I send him home with what’s-his-name.” That send a smile to Orophin’s face. “No idea who you refer to, but here we are.”
“I still know where my rooms are you know, Phin. I don’t need you to remind me of that. Now to quickly change and check on the little ones. Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be right back” With that Elrohir vanished into the bathroom.

Orophin didn’t even have time to study the interior of his friend’s room, for Elrohir kept true to his word and made the quickest change an elf could make.
“So, now you. What did you want to tell me, I am sorry, but I need to check on Elnihir, do you mind telling me on the way there?”
“Yes I do.” He couldn’t tell Elrohir where others could hear. He had to do it here, in this room. He sat down on the chair.

After staring at his Lóriën friend stunned Elrohir seated himself as well. He could tell by looking at his face that Orophin had some disturbing news and was afraid to tell him. He had only seen that expression once before, when Orophin had been the one to tell him his study in Lóriën was extended from six months to one year. So he knew Orophin’s news would be painful for himself. “What is it, Phin, more orcs?” He couldn’t stand the idea, more orcs would mean more danger, especially for the elflings and Elladan’s sanity.
“No, but the security has been breached.” Elrohir blinked his eyes. No orcs, but a breach in the security. Now what could that mean? Uruks? But no, if that had been the case Orophin would just have said so. But then what was wrong? “Phin?”

“Lord Celeborn send me here to tell you..” Had he just hear Orophin call his ata’da lord? He only did that on official occasions. Orophin wasn’t here as a friend? “..to tell you that there is a strange elf running around in Imladris.” Was that all? Glorfindel could easily track him down, and it wasn’t as if an elf formed any danger.
Orophin could easily read his friends thoughts from Elrohir’s face. “No, Elrohir, there’s more. He or she was found on the balcony of the children’s room. Elvil spotted the creature. We don’t know who it is or why he or she was there or even if that was the intended balcony. But we can’t deny that the motives were dark.”
It was fortunate Elrohir was already sitting down, else he would have collapsed on the floor.
Thought went crazy in his head but his first concern were the children. Were they alright?
“Don’t tell me something happened to Elnihir or Elvil?”
“No, no, don’t worry, they are alright. Only Elvil and Elladan were in the room…”
Elrohir just realised something more serious and he interrupted his friend “Elladan! He will go after him…her.. it. I have to stop him.” Elrohir bolted to the door and just as he was about to turn the handle Orophin’s arms stopped him. “He’s still here, with Elvil. You know that if he wasn’t Elvil would have made that known by now.”
That worked and Elrohir let go of the handle. He turned and faced his friend, his face filled with worry. Without even giving it a second thought he lead his head on the guardian’s shoulder and buried his face in the silvery locks.

Orophin felt how Elrohir began to sob. /Poor twin, this day had clearly been too much on him./ He let him sob and rubbed soothing circles on the lower back with his right hand whilst his left was petting the dark manes. “It’s alright, Elrohir. Let it out.”
After half an hour the crying subsided and a wet face lifted itself from his tunic. “I’m sorry to break down..” Elrohir didn’t get the chance to finish his apology for his lips were being held together by the thumb and index finger of Orophin’s right hand.
He felt himself being set down on his bed and suddenly he felt very giddy. Well, that showed him how tired and exhausted he was if this was making him giddy. Orophin was male, not female, so there was no reason he would feel giddy.
“Why don’t you sleep? Glorfindel and Haldir are going to track them down. Elladan is with Elvil and Celeborn send Rumil and Elnihir with them. There’s no need to worry. Go to sleep.”
Elrohir was way to worried and upset to relax and go to sleep, Orophin saw. He remembered how Elrohir had slept in his arms regularly in Lóriën because he was upset. Maybe that would sooth him now as well. “Would you prefer if I stayed as well?”
Elrohir had gratefully accepted and had crawled up as soon as Orophin had laid down on the bed as well.

***END FLASHBACK***

Contented sighs coming from Elrohir’s mouth startled him out of his reverie. It looked like the younger twin was so needy of sleep, he was not going to wake any time soon. Looking out of the window he judged he could let the twin sleep for two more hours. And then he would have to wake him up for breakfast. But until then he would guard his sleep.

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

Galadriel groaned as she hid her head beneath the pillow. She did not want to leave her bed yet. Let her husband deal with the morning servants today, she wasn’t going to move. Unfortunately for her the banging on the door didn’t cease at all. It reminded her of the sea colliding with the high cliffs.
She now realised there were two elves banging on the door, or one elf using both fists.
And it didn’t seem like whoever stood on the other side of the door was about to give up any time soon.
She nudged Celeborn in the stomach. He didn’t even flinch. She groaned. A sleeping Celeborn was a total disaster.
/Alright already, if you are so determined to kill my morning ritual you better have a death wish/, she silently yelled at the door. Of course the banging continued without change and she heaved herself from her bed and into her dressing-gown. She muttered some curses when she noticed Ithil hadn’t even left yet. The house better be on fire.

She threw the door open, just as the two elves were about to knock again. In stead of hitting the door the knuckles landed on Galadriel’s chest. “Auch! Watch it, you two. Haldir, I trust you have a reason for this insanity so early in the morning?” She missed the smiles of pleasure that graced their faces as well as the beaming of pride visible on both elvenfaces. Haldir followed Galadriel inside, closely followed by Glorfindel.

Galadriel turned and looked at them questioningly. “Well?”
“My lady, this news would interest his lordship as well.”
“You try waking him, if you please, but what is it that you find it necessary to disturb my rest?”
“Celeborn has told you about the unexpected visitor?” Glorfindel asked the lady.
“Of course I did, you nitwit.”
“UH, Celeborn?” Galadriel was highly surprised to see her husband awake, and coherent as well.
“Your voices woke me up. But what is it, Haldir. Spit it out.” Galadriel barely refrained from yelling. /So if I wish ake ake him I should have a conversation?/
“You know my lord had ordered us to go over Imladris’ defences.” Glorfindel answered in Haldir’s place. “We have detected no major flaws in the system, although we must say we have gotten lacks..” “As have we, my lord and lady. Our border patrols are not what they used to be either.” “What happened here will sure stand as a warning to us all, but if you tell me you woke me up jus to say we have gotten lacks..” Galadriel looked about to explode.
“No, we were done with that rather fast and decided to use the remainder of the time to see if we might have misread the trail earlier. It had been an elf and not an orc, so it was a distinct possibility”

It was clear that it had been Glorfindel’s idea and that Haldir had rather gone somewhere else.
Galadriel and Celeborn exchanged a knowing look. They were glad Elrond’s seneschal had kept the head warden busy. Too busy to meddle in his brothers’ affairs. Celeborn mentally berated himself for forgetting that but Galadriel shot him a look that said not to think along those lines. Another look of the lady encouraged Glorfindel to continue his report “We have indeed been mislead before. The trail we followed first had been laid down on purpose to get us lost. We found the right trail and it led out of Imladris” On this the seneschal was practically jumping in his place. Now all they needed to do was be alert and that creature would never enter again.

“We have double checked it my lord. We have even looked for other possible trails, but nothing else was there.” Haldir had seen the doubt in his lord’s eyes.
“Have you already informed Elrond?” Galadriel intervened.
“No, not yet, I will do that now, if you please.”
“Yes, go, Glorfindel. And don’t forget he might be in Melpomean’s room.” She gave him an supportive hug knowing Glorfindel to still feel guilty about last day’s events. “We will inform Elladan and Rumil.”

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

Elrond had just turned the corner to refresh the potion that would aid his patients recovery when he was knocked against the floor. His breath left his longs upon impact. He accepted the hand extended to help him up. “Glorfindel, since when do we go about knocking elflords to the floor?”
“I am sorry, Elrond, but I have important news for you.”
“You will have to walk me to the healers.” When a worriedressression appeared in his seneschal’s eyes he quickly added “I was on my way there. To get more of the healing potion Melpomean needs.”
“O yes, I remember you saying you had to check on him. What happened?”
“He had a little accident. One of his vases fell to the floor when I startled him and a piece of glass had come into his right eye.”
This greatly shocked Glorfindel. “By the Valar. How awful. Will he be alright?”
“We hope so. He still has a chance. If I hadn’t noticed or been there…” Elrond didn’t even want to finish that thought.
Glorfindel of course had no idea what Elrond was referring to and looked at his lord quizzically. Elrond decided to confide in the golden haired elda. Maybe he knew what to do. “He didn’t even mention it to me. Did you know he doesn’t even care whether he heals or not?” Glorfindel’s eyes widened in total bafflement. Surely Elrond was joking.
“He was walking about when I went to check on him in the healing house, driving Lomiol absolutely crazy. He is in his own rooms now. The only condition on which I could get him to take the potion. He is determined to do it alone.” And it didn’t help that Elrond was offering his help. Maybe his secretary would accept help if someone else offered it? “Glorfindel, would you mind sitting with him for a while? Just until I have found Sealbeth.”
“No, but why? Now that we know Imladris to be safe again, there’s no reason f …”
“What! Imladris safe again? Are you daft? We have a strange elf running loose doing Elbereth knows what.”
“That’s what I needed to tell you my lord. Haldir and I have checked out those trails again and found out the ones we followed earlier were a decoy. The real tracks lead outside our realm.”
“That is wonderful news indeed, meldir. I will give you the potion and then I shall go tell my children.”
“Haldir insisted we informed Celeborn and Galadriel first. They went to tell Elladan and Rumil. So we only have Elrohir to inform of the changes.”
“Good, I will do that. You go to Melpomean.” They both turned into their own directions, when Elrond suddenly remembered : “Oh, Glorfindel, one more thing, you need to mix it up with some easy food, lest it comes out again.. See you at breakfast, meldir.”
“But the morn’s patrol..”
“Breakfast, Glorfindel, don’t you make me put everything into an order too.”
“Wait Elrond, who is doing that you say?”
“I didn’t say, but it’s Melpomean. So be warned.” Glorfindel couldn’t help but wonder if Elrond was joking. The secretary would do everything Elrond asked him, without having to order him about. He was fairly sure the younger elf was in love with Elrond. He would have a serious discussion with both elves if things were as Elrond said they were.

End Chapter thirteen
TBC

Notes:
Little note on Orophin knowing about the still functioning mirror:
He knows but nobody knows he knows. Adding a flashback in a flashback isn’t fair on you, so you will learn how he knows in a later chapter. If I don’t forget.

Chapter fourteen A plot and some scary news

Ecthelion had loved waking up in his beautiful bed. They all said his rooms were less than the rest of Imladris, but he decided he didn’t want another room. He would ask Elrond if he could stay in those rooms. -His- rooms. “-My- rooms” Yes, he definitely liked the sound of that.

He was silently wondering how he would ever learn his way about as he followed the servant to the dining hall. He hoped he knew some of the elves there. Of course he would know Elrond, but he had seen many of the elves in Valinor.
His parents had told him not to speak to those newcomers. Stained elves, according to his parents. Of course, he had done the complete opposite and went to talk to those newcomers. The two he had addressed had turned out to be Galadriel and Elrond. Very high and powerful elves, but there they were nothing. He was glad they had had the strength to lead their people back to their realms. Live here was way better than ininorinor. Even with the orcs.

Smells in the air told him he was close to the dining hall. And yes, the next corner took him straight into the hall. Large tables were adorned with the ingredients for a luxurious breakfast. Bread in every type and in every shape were placed on the central table. The ones around it were carrying all sorts of cheese, marmalades and other stuff he didn’t recognize. But he was very sure it all could go onto bread.
The table closest to him was set with high piles of plates, many glasses and cutlery. /So it’s self service?/ He gathered one of each and set about gathering his morning meal. He found choosing his drink was also possible. Milk, water, many flavoured teas and some black stuff. Coffee according to the label. He looked at it disgustingly. Surely that wasn’t an actual drink?
He heard a laugh next to him. He looked at the stranger and nearly dropped his equipment.
In front of him stood a vision of sheer beauty. He prayed that this was an Imladris elf, but he doubted it, for he had blond hair.
“Have you never seen coffee before? Humans drink it daily. They say it’s addictive. You must be Lord Elrond’s new guest. I’m Glorfindel.” Ecthelion forced himself to stay tuned for it was easy to drift away on that lovely voice. “Yes I am. My name is Ecthelion. Nice to meet you Glorfindel. Is this a result of the celebration or is every breakfast this large?”
“Both. Every meal we have a big choice but because of the celebrations we have even more to choose from. Here try this tea. It is a treat to your mouth.”
As they were coming to the tables where they would be seated Ecthelion saw the fruit table placed behind the eating tables. “Wow, that’s a lot of fruit.”
“Yes, every kind we have here. Come yoe Ele Elrond’s guest of honour today. Let me show you your seat.” Ecthelion was seated next to Elrond with Glorfindel across from him.
He kept his gaze on his plate without looking up once. He was not going to gaze at an elf he had just met. But it was almost impossible not to do so.

He was glad when Elrond entered, greeted everyone, seated himself and immediately drew Ecthelion into a conversation. It was mainly chitchat. Has he slept well, did he find everything to his liking, did he enjoy his meal and how could he ever be rewarded for Elvil’s rescue.
But Elrond had sensed some of Ecthelion’s discomfort and tried to make the other relax.
He saw his guest throw nervous glances at his seneschal. Just when he was about to address this he heard Galadriel knocking his mind. He smiled at her, he highly appreciated it that she always knocked first and did not just enter his mind without warning.
`What is it, Galadriel?`
`I see your thoughts but do not address this. They need time to sort it out together.`
` I am sorry but I should stop tnow,now, before it’s too late`
`But Elrond, do you not see? Do you not know?`
`Make sense.`
`Who has Glorfindel been morning for the last centuries?`
`Centuries? Mille