Against all odds

Chapter thirty-two picnic

They had arrived at the Bruinen a while ago and Elrond had watched bemused as Legolas took charge, saying Elrond also needed to rest and that it meant he should give orders or supervise.
Legolas had ordered Elladan and Lindir to prepare the site whilst he and Elrohir would unpack everything. He had put Glorfindel in charge of un-girding the horses so they could walk free. Glorfindel had ignored Erestor’s remark about his capability to carry rather large quantities of food and had done Legolas’ bidding.

Seated next to each other they started eating, chatting amicably. Elrond wasn’t surprised Legolas carried the conversation, making sure everyone got involved, but he was surprised the two blonds weren’t fighting. It seemed a sort truce had been reached if only for the picnic.
He was so observed in watching the ancient blond for signs he forgot the rest and isn’tsn’t until Erestor softly touched him that he reminded. Turning to Erestor to apologize he frowned at the other’s laughing expression. He knew Erestor was having fun but why did he look so…
He didn’t even have a word for it.
He followed Erestor’s wink and saw what had made the other look like that. Legolas and Elrohir were feeding each other. He strained his ears, hoping to catch a bit of their conversation and almost saddened as he did.

“Really Elrohir, you -must- try this fudge. It is absolutely fantastic. Unfortunately father has forbidden it at our table. My sisters tend to use it as projectiles.”

Elrond shook his head at the comment. He leaned closer to Erestor so he could whisper in his ear. “It seems Legolas is determined to make Elrohir smile and laugh.”
When Erestor turned to look at him his eyes carried the look Elrond had fallen in love with so many millennia ago. It seemed made just to put everybody down. A look that said ‘you know so little’ or ‘do you really think I believe that.’ But mostly it meant ‘who are you trying to convince here?’
Elrond smiled. “I don’t want to get my hopes up.”

He followed Legolas’ example and placed a piece of fudge at Erestor’s mouth. “Apparently it’s delicious.” Erestor didn’t bite as he had hoped but raised his hand and took the fudge in his hands, intend on feeding himself. Elrond could not be bothered to try again and returned to the eavesdropping.

“You are right, it is delicious. I think Apsontë made it just for you.”
Legolas grinned. “Than she must have spoken to father first or how else do you suggest she knows that?”
Elrohir shrugged and giggled when he saw some larded pie. He reached for it. “Now this brings back memories.”

He threw a small cobble at his twin who had his whole attention on Lindir. “Elladan!” Elladan growled when his twin demanded his attention. Didn’t he have Legolas? Wasn’t that enough for his twin? Did he have to get him involved as well?
Elladan had finally patched things between him and Lindir and that without telling him he knew. He prided himself on that one. Their friendship was saved and neither had suffered much.
He glared at Elrohir but smiled when he saw the object Elrohir was waving at him. That and the bemused and puzzled look in Legolas’ eyes made him laugh a little himself.

“No, Elrohir, don’t tell me that’s...” Elrohir nodded frantically. “Larded cake! Remember when we were little?” Elladan remembered and the image was enough to have him rolling over the grass in amusement. Elrohir soon joined him.

Elrond decided to explain, for all others looked totally lost. “ When they were still elflings of 20 they had found out larded cake and pie is rather sticky. They used to put it on their feet and hands and climb against the walls and ceilings. And the larger the space between wall and floor the better. I can still hear Celebrían’s horrified scream when she walked into the room, thought them gone and, after a long search, found them dangling from the ceiling. Erestor and Glorfindel were in Lothlóriën at the time. I must say I was, am, rather surprised you two didn’t hear that. I tell you I had to explain to everybody here why she had screamed so. They thought I had gone crazy.”

Lindir now laughed as well. He remembered the incident. “And it were two crazy elflings instead. I can’t believe I had forgotten that. One night I woke to a plopping sound. I thought orcs or other dark creatures were invading my room and I was about to go for help when you suddenly fell in front of my feet, Elladan. Right out of the air. Apparently your ‘glue’ had worn off.”
Elladan cringed at that. “Aye, I had broken my leg and Elrohir and I had to promise never to do that again. And if I remember correctly, ata, you forbade Apsontë to make it again.”
Elrond shrugged. “I wasn’t going to take changes, now was I?”

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After two hours almost all the food was gone and they had dished up stories of old times, mainly pranks the twins had pulled. Now Glorfindel was beginning to feel stuffed and he needed a walk. Making to stand he was surprised to hear Erestor’s voice, asking him to remain a little longer. The advisor had an admission to make. Frowning the warrior sat back down.

Erestor drank some more miruvor and silently begged Elrond to lend him some strength. Feeling Elrond’s hand settle on his lower back, he sighed relieved; the Peredhel had understood and gave him his comfort. Swallowing, Erestor prepared himself for a rather long talk, which he was sure would turn into a fight.
“There are some things I want cleared and now that I have you all together I only have to say it once. As you know Elrond bound himself to me.”

Hearing that Elrohir involuntarily flinched. He didn’t want to be reminded of those horrible days. He couldn’t help but smile when he felt Legolas draw him into an embrace, giving him his support and the courage to listen. Seeing this Erestor realised he had tice ice everything carefully.

“You may also recall I uttered strange words during the party.” Glorfindel shook his head but Erestor ignored it. “Well, the language was Valarin and it’s my birth tongue, though I haven’t spoken it in millennia. I had forgotten it. But everything that had happened made it come back. Along with other things.”
He took another sip of the miruvor, taking heart in Elrond’s supportive hand. He smiled as he felt the energy flow into his body. “My parents, my biological parents, were one of the few elves that still spoke it and so I learned it as well. We lived in a small village near Gondolin called Nellëfarnë.”
Glorfindel’s eyes widened when he heard that. “I remember it. I came there often.” But he could not remember Erestor.

Feeling Erestor’s pain at telling this Elrond decided to let Glorfindel take over. “Did it disappear when Gondolin did? And why isn’t on the maps?”
Glorfindel sighed. “It was a really small settlement, Elrond. Four, six houses on either side and that was it. We often asked the elves that lived there to join us in Gondolin but they always refused. So we made sure they were protected.”
His eyes took on a sad glow as he remembered the horrid past. “One night it got attacked by goblins. They burned the houses and killed everyone. We came to their aid but we came to late. When we finally got there was nothing left but a pile of ash and all those corpses. We buried them on the banks of their beloved brook.”

Everyone had grown sad at hearing this and Elrond noticed how Legolas’ hold on Elrohir had tightened. /You may finally get your wish, little one./

Erestor’s voice ladeladen with pain when he spoke. “One survived.”
Glorfindel looked at him in disbelief, understanding Erestor was the one. “You’re that old?” Erestor nodded. “I don’t know how old I was when they attacked. But when they did my father told me to run to Gondolin, to run east. But I tripped and fell. I wasn’t able to get up again. I tried to but I failed. I saw the fire consume the village. I realise to you it was nothing but some houses, but to me, an elfling, it was a village. At one point the foul creatures that had attacked us realised I was there, still alive, and they charged at me.”

Erestor’s eyes swam with tears and Elrond had established a firm hold on him, determined to keep Erestor in the present. Linyenwaer had also crept closer and now laid on Erestor’s side, laying his head on Erestor’s lap. He could feel the pain and wished to soothe it. Slowly and hesitantly Erestor’s hand started petting his fur and it was enough to make Erestor calm down and continue.

“I don’ow how how long they kicked me before I blacked out. I have no idea what had happened but when I awoke I was in a cave, surrounded by Dwarves. It took me a while to understand them, even in the common tongue, but they had found me on one of their trips, bawounwounded. And even though I was an elf they had taken me under their care and nurtured me back to health. Once my wounds were healed they realised something was wrong with me. I was being consumed by pain and grief. In order to survive my mind had decided to forget. But I had forgotten everything I had ever known. I was like a reborn and the Dwarves did not know how to deal with me. And then they did the bravest thing I can imagine. They went to an elvencity to find some elves willing and suitable enough to take me in. They became my new parents and eventually took me to Lindon, and the rest is history.”
Tired he sagged against Elrond, who gave him something to chew on. Mechanically he did.

Silence had descended over them as they all digested the news. Glorfindel was being attacked by old feelings of guilt but Elrond did not worry about that. He knew the blond would get over it quickly and be his useful cheerful self. He was more worried about the effect it would have upon Elrohir and apparently Elladan was having the same thoughts for he too was looking at the younger twin in concern and with worry.
Elrohir was panting slightly and Legolas frowned a little. Bending, he leaned in closer and whispered in his ear. “It’s far away in the past, mellon-nîn, Erestor survived and has led a happy life.”
Hearing Legolas’ words made him relax slightly but he still felt shaken.
Seeing Elrohir come round a little Elrond smiled and addressed Legolas. “Elrohir has inherited my caring nature and Celebrían’s worr’m a’m afraid. A walk next to the Bruinen might soothe him.”
Legolas nodded and rose, pulling Elrohir along. “Come, mellon-nîn, the Bruinen awaits.”

Relieved everything was relatively all right Glorfindel rose as well. He realised Elrond and Erestor needed some time alone right now and signalled Lindir and Elladan to depart as well.

Elladan nodded, but addressed Erestor first. “I always thought you fragile and cowardice, Erestor, but the last events have totally proven me wrong. You are the most courageous person I’ve ever met and the toughest and strongest as well. If you ever need help, know that you have it. And I speak for Elrohir as well.”
Elrond nodded proud and ushered him away.

Lindir rose as well and after nodded his head stood next to Elladan. “As Legolas took Elrohir up the stream and Glorfindel went down I guess we should go to the trees. I don’t think either of them will enjoy or welcome our company.” Elladan nodded and, without thinking, took Lindir’s hand.

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Erestor smiled victoriously when he saw the retreating backs of Elladan and Lindir. He was finally alone with Elrond.
A sound from his lap made him realise Linyenwaer was also present. Still. He glared at the animal. Once again his plans were thwarted.

Elrond sensed his inconvenience and rubbed his back. “Elladan’s right you know.” Hearing Erestor’s snort he grinned, understanding what really bothered the beauty in his arms. “Lets go swimming. We came here for a picnic and a swim. We’ve covered the first so that leaves us with the swim.” He rose and extended his hand to Erestor. Letting Elrond help him up Erestor glared at Linyenwaer some more. He didn’t want any voyeurs.

Linyenwaer got to his feet, cocked his head and, after making sure Elrond was safe, walked away. He figured Glorfindel might welcome his company.

Erestor smiled relieved now that he was really alone with Elrond. His mind filled with promising images he became giddy. “Race you.”
Before Elrond truly was aware of what was happening Erestor had taken of, running towards the river. Elrond shook his head at the sight of his lover throwing his clothes off during the run. One by one the items fell on the ground and Erestor plunged into the water with a happy scream.

Elrond slowly walked closer, gathering Erestor’s clothes. “Really, melmë, we’ve finally stopped the twins from acting like elflings and then you do that. Now how are we going to get them to listen?” His eyes twinkled with mirth at the transformation the dull advisor was undergoing. In the back of his mind he was wondering if he had to nail everything to the floor again. But he didn’t mind. Erestor was happy and free.

In his musings Elrond failed to notice Erestor’s mischievous look as he took in Elrond’s posture. Deciding Elrond had wasted enough time getting in the water he dove under water and didn’t emerge until he was close to Elrond. Too close.
Without warning he pulled the elvenlord in the water. The unsuspecting Elrond went in completely, coughing and spitting out water as he arose. For a second anger flared in his eyes but it died when he felt two arms ensnare him from behind.
“You’re the one that wanted to swim.” Elrond turned in the embrace and looked dotingly at Erestor. “You’re right, but you could have told me in another way. Now my clothes are wet.” He took them off and threw them on the grass. “I hope they’ll be dry when we get out.” He planted a teasing kiss on Erestor’s nose and dove.

Elrond enjoyed it. He hadn’t been in the Bruinen for a while and it refilled his energy. Diving frequently he took his time. While Erestor had other plans he smiled and laid back when he saw how much fun Elrond was having. He could wait a little longer.

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Glorfindel sat himself down on a nice rock that stuck out of the water.
He hung his head and started to cry. He cried for what happened so long ago. He had often wished they had been earlier and now those feelings had returned. But hearing what had happened to Erestor had intensified them and they needed a way out.

Nature picked up on his gloomy mood and tried to soothe him. Fish started jumping out of the water, caressing his legs. The water rose a little and started twirling around his boots, while the wind started playing with his hair. He let them, knowing it would soothe him in time.

In a few hours he would head back to the picnic, hoping he wouldn’t be alone. Or worse: interrupt Elrond or Erestor. Nay, he decided to walk by the Bruinen first. That way he could grant his friends some more time and maybe he could help Legolas calm Elrohir down. He doubted he would interrupt anything there.

End chapter 32
TBC

Translations:
Nellëfarnë means brook dweller.
Mellon-nîn is Sindarin for my friend