the trouble with love

Chapter fifty five Learning new things

Elrond frowned when he found the room empty. Where was Melpomean? He carefully looked around but didn’t see any indication of where his love might be. He shrugged and closed the door before walking to his desk. He did have work to do.

His eyes widened and he involuntarily jumped in the air and yelped when he bumped straight into his love. He swiftly composed himself and blinked. “What?”
Melpomean blushed and held up the medallion. “I think I have an admission to make.”

Elrond swallowed but guided his love to the desk where he sat them both down. His knees were about to give way.

Melpomean smiled and leaned in closer. “I’d forgotten it but my grandmother is a Maia, Elrond. She’s the one that brought me here. To safety.” He looked up and smiled lovingly. “To you.”
Elrond nodded, knowing there was more to come.
Melpomean wetted his lips and lowered his eyes to the medallion again. “So this still works for me. I was in my room and suddenly I realised I was late and the next thing I know I was here. Must be this thing, for other things have mysteriously happened as well.”
Elrond nodded and pulled his love close. “Be careful with your wishes then, love, lest you transport any of us out of a meeting. Not that I would mind. They’re always so boring.”
Melpomean grinned. “I know. And you are right. I must be careful.”

Suddenly his eyes narrowed. “You’re not surprised!” His voice was accusing.
Elrond merely shrugged. “Gandalf mentally contacted me yesterday and told me. He felt it was time. I didn’t mentioned it because I figured you would tell me if you wanted me to know.” He didn’t mention it but he thought it was a good thing his lover now remembered. It made him whole and helped him to fully heal; the feeling of minority was gone and Elrond was grateful.

Melpomean smiled and leaned in closer to kiss him. “Too bad we have work to do now. But we have to prepare for their departure. Can’t you entice Thranduil to stay a little longer?”
Elrond grinned. “I might. I’ve seen something that is worth exploring.” He jumped and nodded. “Would you please get a go at those horrid papers for me? I have to do this now.”
Melpomean shook his head as Elrond ran out. /Good thing he’s not plotting against me./

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Thranduil frowned when he found a stranger sitting in his spot. “Who are you?” His eyes widened when the stranger turned out to be human. He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes.
The female elegantly stood and curtsied to him. “Well met, Thranduil King. My name is Onardodya.”
His posture didn’t change though he was extremely surprised to hear fluid Sindarin coming from her mouth.
She smiled. “You could say I’m Elvil’s mother.”

She frowned when a soldier swiftly ran towards them. Thranduil followed her gaze and was equally stunned to see Rumil rushing forward. “Rumil?”
Rumil stopped and smiled, glad he found the king. “My lord Thranduil, Lord Elrond requests your presence on the patio. He said it was urgent.”
Thranduil frowned. “Did he say what for?”
Rumil shook his head. “Nay. Though I’m sure it is nothing dangerous. His eyes glistened, big time.”
Thranduil grinned. “Firstly, he’s in love, so glistening eyes are bound to occur more and secondly, I think he wants me to stay longer.” At least he hoped that was the case for he feared a plotting Elrond. The only thing worse was when Celeborn and Elrond were plotting together.

Onardodya smiled when he graciously walked away and settled her eyes on Rumil. “Rumil, isn’t it?”
Rumil nodded and cocked his head, awaiting the question.
“Do you know Legolas?”
Rumil grinned and sat down. She wouldn’t be the first to fall for the Prince’s charms. He happily filled her in.
Though she noticed the misunderstanding she let it be. She knew what she needed to know.

She knew she would be unable to sleep and decided to use the night to think and wander around. She’s missed this freedom to walk unguarded in the dead of night.

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Elrond smiled warmly when Thranduil appeared in sight. The king inclined his head, but his eyes were on guard. It made Elrond sigh. Now his ploy wouldn’t work. Not completely. Perhaps it was better to cut it in two parts?

He smiled warmly. “Relax, I only asked you here so I could properly ask you to stay a little longer. Legolas would like it and so does Melpomean.”
Thranduil cocked his head. “Is he still…”
Elrond quickly shook his head. “Nay, he’s changed greatly, and all for the better.” He sighed. “But Sealbeth will be going with you and that leaves only Erestor to teach Melpomean the ropes. But as he will be more interested in Thrilmaldur…” he didn’t finish the sentence but saw the grin Thranduil was hiding. “It will take time to fully work Melpomean in. I guess I was hoping…”
Thranduil laughed and nodded. “All right then. I shall prolong my stay as long as necessary. Sealbeth should help Melpomean.” He was glad he had been right about Elrond’s reason to see him.

Looking closely at the Peredhel he clearly detected the love the other bore Melpomean. /Your heart has always belonged to him. You only had to realise it./ He frowned when he detected small speckles of guilt in the orbs as well.

Elrond smiled. “There’s another favour I need to ask of you.” He saw the guard go back up and he couldn’t really blame Thranduil. “It’s Rumil. You know everybody treats him like a child. Perhaps between you and I we can change that? Build up his self-esteem.”
Thranduil nodded. “I thought you were getting a good start by yelling at Celeborn so.”
Elrond blushed as he remembered. “That was inappropriate of me. Will you help?”
Thranduil shrugged. “I shall see what happens. Rumil would only find the sudden interest funny.” He smiled and turned to go, before Elrond could do something else. If the Peredhel had anything else to say he would have to find him the normal way.

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Celeborn smiled when he finally detected his wife. They must have missed each other before now for he had gone looking for her when he found her absent upon waking only to find her here, in their room.

He silently walked forward. Her posture told him she was using the mirror and he didn’t want to disrupt it by distracting her.

Suddenly her eyes became alive again and she turned, momentarily stunned to see him. He gasped at the pain in her eyes and swiftly embraced her. “Galadriel, nin loth laurea, man raica?”
She leaned into the embrace and took comfort in feeling his strong body against her. “I wanted to know what the future would bring Legolas and Elnihir.”
Celeborn nodded, already bracing himself for bad news.
Galadriel smiled. “It looks good, but when the premonition was over the mirror showed me something else.” She shivered as the images came back again. “I never wanted to be reminded of that battle ever again!”
Celeborn gasped, both from shock and surprise, not having expected these words.

He gently guided her to the bed and sat them both down. “Aiya, nin vess, I am sorry. Why did it show you that?”
Galadriel shrugged and was unable to stop the images from flashing before her again and again, mixing with her own memories. Seeing Celeborn’s dying body again and feeling the pain she had felt back then was too much and she broke down.

Celeborn was shocked. He had never experienced her like this. He tightened his embrace and pulled her as close as possible. He wanted to send a servant for the healer, but he couldn’t leave her alone. So he did the next best thing and mentally reached out to the elf, hoping someone would receive it.
He did not give himself time to check, but made contact with his wife instead, seeking to aid her in every way he could. He had a pretty good idea what was upsetting her and maybe the sense of her present love would help her through the pain of losing an old love.

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Legolas smiled when he saw Elnihir run into the stables, Elladan and Elvil hot on his trail. He pretended to be unawares when the little one entered and searched for him.

A wide smile came to life when he spotted Legolas and, ignoring the screaming elves behind him, he dashed forward. “Legolas. There you are. I’ve thought of a name for my mare, I mean foal.”
Legolas grinned and laid down the brush, but caressed his horse’s flank when the animal protested. “And what is it this time?”

Elvil and Elladan approached, panting slightly and Legolas grinned. “Don’t tell me this one gave you both the slip?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay. He’s run past us, screaming something about having a name.” His eyes twinkled in mischief.
Elvil grinned as well. “Aye, we are curious to see how this one turns out.”

Elnihir’s lips became tight lines, showing his extreme anger, that was only building. It quickly evaporated when Legolas picked him up and placed a wayward strand behind his ear. “Now don’t get mad, Elnihir. What name did you think of?”
Elnihir suddenly turned red, making the elder elves frown, and he lowered his head in shame. “Antaminë”
Legolas smiled and nodded. “Sounds highly appropriate to me. If Elrond doesn’t agree to this one I shall make him, all right?”
Elnihir tightened his arms and nodded, eager to get his aid.

“If I don’t agree to what?” All elves turned to the sudden voice and Elrond smiled. “I was looking for Elrohir, actually. Does any of you know where I might find him?”
Legolas grinned. “He said something about walking the gardens. And Elnihir has found a suitable name.”
Elrond’s eyebrow went up. He doubted it. Every single name he’s heard so far was either already taken or extremely inappropriate.
Elnihir swallowed and looked to the ground. “Antaminë.” He looked at his grandfather with hopeful eyes. “I really like it, ata’da. Please?”
Elrond grinned and nodded. “I don’t think it is already taken by any other. At least not here.” He smiled and ruffled Elnihir’s hear. “So I guess I agree with this one. But…” He grinned at the fearful expression that entered Elnihir’s eyes and smiled warmly at him. “First you have to ask her if she agrees. If she does we will make a nametag.”
Elnihir screamed out his happiness. “Thank you, ata’da, thank you.”
Elrond shook his head and left, continuing his search for the youngest twin.

Elladan cocked his head and narrowed his eyes when he saw sadness suddenly enter Elnihir. “Man?”
Elnihir sighed. “How can I ask her if she agrees?”
Elladan gasped and suddenly realised nobody has yet taught him how to converse with horses. He looked at Legolas, who had reached the same conclusion.
The blond nodded, answering Elladan’s silent question. “I shall teach you then, Elnihir, come on, into this box.” He grinned at Elnihir’s questioning eyes. “I know only one method how to teach another and that’s the one my own father used when he taught me.”

He suddenly faltered. “But maybe Elrond would want to teach you himself?” He looked at Elladan, who shrugged.
Elvil squished Elladan’s arm and ran off.
Elladan shook his head. “I think he’s off to find either my father or my twin, though when he indeed arrives I suggest you teach him yourself, Legolas. If Ro does as great a job as he did about sex…”

Elnihir blushed and hid himself behind the steed’s leg.

The animal stopped grazing when he felt the movement near his leg and blinked once before turning his head and checking out the disturber, only to blink again when he saw the tiniest elf ever. He considered moving or kicking the intruder away but seeing and sensing the fear in the creature he aborted his plan and merely stood still and pulled his master’s sleeve. The moment he did so Legolas’ mind touched his and he conveyed his thoughts, making the blond prince frown.

Even though Elladan and he were in the middle of a conversation Legolas turned abruptly and kneeled next to Begir’s other behind leg.
He smiled at Elnihir. “Hi there, what are you afraid of?” He smiled disarmingly when the eyes widened. “My horse sensed your fear and he told me. Won’t you come here?”

Elnihir seemed to think it over but then crept forward, placing his hands around Legolas’ neck. Holding the little prince Legolas stood and leaned against he small box wall. He heard a gasp and smiled when he saw Elrond rush forward.

“Elnihir, what’s the matter?”
Elnihir leaned in closer and allowed his fearful tears to fall. “I don’t want to learn this, ata’da. I don’t want anything else to happen to Elvil.”
Legolas closed his eyes in sad understanding. He moistened his lips and locked his eyes with Elladan who rubbed his nose. The twin sighed and nodded, holding back Elvil when said elf wanted to open his mouth to protest.
Elrond too understood and forced Elnihir to lock eyes with him. He wanted to make sure his grandson saw his sincerity. “It was not your fault Elvil ran away that day. Personally I think it was fate that made it happen. And learning this would not make anyone run away, trust me.”
He could see his words were doubted and decided to use humour instead. “But I agree with Elladan. Elrohir is not the right elf to teach you this. You know the reason so many horses dislike him is because he somehow manages to insult them. And we don’t want you to learn -that-.”

He grinned. “Legolas and I shall teach you this, all right. And I am sorry I forgot you can’t do it yet.”
Elnihir smiled and wiped away his tears.

Legolas coughed and looked at Elrond, needing to discuss this. “I only know how to teach if I follow my father’s example.”
Elrond chuckled and nodded. “You know, he was the one that taught me how to do this. I didn’t even know it was possible until he told me. So I guess our methods are the same.” He smiled at Elnihir. “That means we teach you using our own horses so we shall be able to hear their answers to you, therefore making it easy to see how far you are. Then we shall try a horse that we both know but doesn’t belong to us and if that goes all right we shall try your foal.”
Elnihir nodded. “Legolas first. You wanted to talk to ata.”
Elrond nodded and kneeled to kiss him. “So I do. I shall come by later and see how you are doing.”

He left and dragged Elvil and Elladan along. “And I think you’d better teach Elvil, or do you remember how to do that?”
Elvil shook his head. “Nay. I didn’t know it was possible. I’d love to learn it. Teach me, Elladan?”
Elladan nodded and together they made their way into the other stables, where the family’s horses were kept.

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Melpomean sighed. He felt lonely and wished he could go to Elrond, but he knew he should stay here and finish the letters. But he so yearned for the other’s company. He closed his eyes to better picture his lover. He jumped a foot in the air when he opened them again. A blinking Elrond stood before him.

When he realised what had happened Elrond rushed to his love’s side. /Good thing I was alone./ “We really should work on your powers, melamin.” He hugged his startled lover, if only to show he was real.
Melpomean calmed down in his arms and rested his head on Elrond’s shoulder. “I missed your company and I only closed my eyes to see you. I really didn’t mean to… to…” He didn’t even know what he had done.
Elrond smiled and pulled back, locking there eyes. “It’s all right. I know you didn’t mean to do this and you certainly don’t wish me any harm.”

He cocked his head, seeing the underlying fear in his lover’s eyes. He had to stop it from surfacing. “Why don’t we contact Gandalf? Surely he would help you control it.”
Melpomean smiled and nodded, eager to get some aid. What if he transported Elrond when the half-elf was in a meeting? Or worse, naked? Not that he would mind but if others were present it would cause too large complications.

He sighed and lowered his eyes. “Isn’t Thranduil a sort of wizard as well?”
Elrond nodded. “Aye. He had to become one to keep his realm safe. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
Melpomean nodded. “Aye. Gandalf isn’t here, but Thranduil is.”
Elrond nodded in understanding and cocked his head. “Galadriel is also here. She too knows a great deal about magic.”
Before answering Melpomean looked into Elrond’s eyes and read his desire to keep Thranduil out of it. He smiled lovingly. “Galadriel is it then. But before we search her, would you kiss me?”
Elrond moaned and eagerly complied, wanting to taste those lips again.

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Legolas smiled at Elnihir. “Well, you already know this is my horse, but do you know his name?” Elnihir shook his head and the prince smiled. “Then that shall be your first task. Find out his name. You make contact by reaching out to him with your own mind. Like you do when you reach out your hand to caress him.”
He picked him up and placed him on the wall. “In the beginning it is easier to it together. Pet him with your hand and try to follow with your mind.”

Elnihir frowned but decided to follow the advice. He liked horses, so even if he wouldn’t succeed he would have fun.
“Don’t forget to empty your mind, Elnihir. Don’t think of anything else, just my horse.”
Elnihir nodded and forced his thoughts to focus on the steed he was petting.

Suddenly the horse moved his head and the eyes seemed to stare at his soul. He gasped when he suddenly felt his own mind caressed. `What do you want?` He blinked at the sudden voice. /Is this far speaking? Is someone speaking to me?/ `Well, young elf?`

Elnihir widened his eyes when he realised it was the horse. He was about to jump and scream from happiness when he remembered the assignment. `Forgive my curiosity but what is your name?`
The horse let out air through his nostrils and seemed to snort a little. `It’s Begir, though Legolas usually shortens it to Cir. Apparently I am swifter than a ship to him. Ever seen one?`

Legolas shook his head as he listened in on the conversation that came alive. After a while he decided it was enough. “That’s good enough, Elnihir. Have you found your answer?”
Elnihir politely ended the conversation and nodded. “You call him Cir although his name is Begir. He’s nice.”
Legolas smiled and nodded. “And always eager to learn new things, which, by the way, gets him into trouble sometimes.” He grinned at the innocent look Begir threw him. “I remember one time when father had to stop the cooks from shooting him. He wanted to know where his food came from so he investigated. And thwarted at least six meals in the process.”

He laughed freely, caressed his horse and guided a snickering Elnihir from the stables. “But don’t expect it to go this smooth next time. Begir wanted to talk to you so he easily accepted you and even completed the connection before you could. I doubt Elrond’s horse will do the same.”
Elnihir nodded.

He looked up and smiled. “He’s very protective, isn’t he?” Seeing Legolas’ questioning look he shrugged. “I just sensed a lot of concern for you coming from him and I have the feeling he would die if it would safe your life.”
Legolas smiled. “Aye, he’s extremely loyal and I’m grateful his time isn’t due for a long time for I would miss him greatly.” He smiled. “You know, Elnihir, a horse never forgets. If you are kind to your foal, she will reward you by trusting and loving you. Though the depth thereof depends on you and her.”

He smiled and stopped before the paddock where the foals were running amok under the mothers’ scrutiny. “You two must learn to trust each other unconditionally, Elnihir.” He smiled at the worried eyes and picked him up. “But don’t you worry about that much. Just take things as they go and be yourself. They sense it when you pretend to be someone you are not.”
Elnihir nodded. “But what if she decides she doesn’t want to be my horse?”
Legolas grinned. “She won’t. She’s born here and Elrond alone decides who they belong to. Some horses change masters repeatedly and you know there are many to carry the guests that come by.”
Elnihir nodded and looked at Legolas for more information.
“When trained a horse will accept most riders on her or his back, Elnihir, but if they belong to someone special they might not. For instance, Asfaloth only accepts Glorfindel.”
Elnihir nodded but frowned. “But I saw Ecthelion exercise him.”
Legolas grinned. “Probably because Glorfindel told him to accept him and Ecthelion is a perfect rider.” He grinned. “And my horse Begir doesn’t like strangers riding him either, but he does allow father on his back and he would allow anyone to ride him were I injured.”

He grinned. “And he would allow you to ride him too. He likes you and he feels protective of you too.”
Elnihir looked up. “Really? Why? Did he tell you?”
Legolas laughed and shook his head. “At first it was you height, when you were hiding behind his leg. He sensed your fear and decided you wanted his protection since he was larger and more adapt in fending of danger.” He raised his hands in defence when Elnihir looked angry. “His ideas, not mine. I know you can fight. I taught you. Am still teaching you.”
He shook his head. “But he really likes you, or else he wouldn’t have maintained the mental contact for so long, Elnihir. Even father gets cut off soon. He considers you extremely special. And I agree.”
Elnihir blushed from the praise and smiled warmly, leaning back against Legolas’ warm chest.

Suddenly he smiled and pointed forward. “There, that foal. That’s Anta ata’dava.”
Legolas looked and smiled when he saw the foal. She looked an excellent example.
Elnihir smiled at the foal and forgot the world. That was going to be his horse and he already loved her. He couldn’t wait to learn riding.

“Legolas? On which horse do I learn how to ride?”
Legolas shrugged. “I don’t know. I shall have to ask. And we can always schedule extra lessons on Begir if you want.” He smiled at the eager nod. /So eager to learn. You really are special./

Translations:

nin loth laurea, man raica - my golden flower, what is wrong?
nin vess - my wife
Antaminë - first gift
Begir - Ship (be+ cir, since a horse isn’t an actual ship)
Cir - ship
Anta ata’dava - grandfather’s gift