the trouble with love

Chapter fifty nine More changes are made

Legolas smiled at his student’s antics. “Elnihir, please concentrate. I appreciate you trying to cheer me up but I am fine. I shall see my family again. Now focus.”
Elnihir pouted but then nodded and turned back on his archery. To his surprise and small annoyance he had showed great archery skills. Legolas had once even mentioned he should stop teaching him or he would become better than himself. Even Elrond had found that extremely high praise. So they were constantly honing his skills. Not that he minded, he loved it, but it did bring his height into the picture.

Legolas cocked his head. /A few more months and there’s nothing left to teach him. Glorfindel is far better at the sword than I am and at tracking. And Elladan is the best with a rope. But then what do I do?/

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Thranduil yelped when he had secured his clothes around him after a refreshing dive in a nearby stream. After jumping around some bugs fell from his pants and he realised Rumil was at it again.
Several warriors came running, their faces puzzled when they saw him like that. The king blushed and stalked off, pushing them aside as he passed. They all recognized the look and jumped aside, not eager to cross him at this point.

Sealbeth looked up at his angered expression as he entered the campsite and jumped up. “Sire? Is something wrong? Val…”
The warrior instantly came by his side and grinned when he realised what happened. He pulled his lover down. “There’s nothing wrong. Come, let us relax some more.”

Rumil yelped when his leg was suddenly grabbed and he was pulled to the ground. As he was sitting on a branch the landing was a bit rough. An extremely angry Thranduil towered above him. “You will refrain your pranks until we’ve reached the realm. Then you can deal them out on Daiz. Not me!”
Rumil jumped up. “But I didn’t do anything. It wouldn’t be wise. We’re on the road and any time danger can show up.”
Thranduil narrowed his eyes. He heard and saw the sincerity but still… “Then how did all those bugs get into my clothes?” He cocked his head and crossed his arms.
Rumil’s eyes widened. “What? Who? You could have killed them! Those poor creatures.”
In that moment Thranduil realised Rumil might have pulled more than a normal amount of pranks he had never endangered or severely embarrassed anyone or anything. His anger faded away. “If I ever find out who’s responsible…” He drew in a deep breath and shrugged. “Maybe they crept in themselves.”

He turned to walk away but then changed his mind. He turned again, facing the other. “We’re making good progress, Rumil. You shall see my realm in a week time.” He signalled the other to follow him back to the camp. “Come, we shall join Valthroman and Sealbeth. I feel like embarrassing them and together we can tell you about Mirkwood.”
Rumil nodded, his eyes shining. He eagerly followed the proud and regal king. “Sire?” When Thranduil stopped and looked at him he blushed. “I’ve never apologized for the hair dye. I am glad it came out.”
Thranduil smiled warmly. “Me too. You never expected it to be that strong.”

He continued and plunged down beside the two elves. “So, Valthroman, have you already told your lover about his new home?”
Sealbeth blushed but didn’t look away. He smiled. “Only about the people in it. I would like to hear more.”
Thranduil nodded and went talking. All others stopped their conversation. When Thranduil told a story, any story, it was bound to be breathtaking and his voice always took on a special tone that captivated them all.
Rumil smiled when he noticed that and he had to agree Thranduil’s voice was bewitching, but he had always felt that and didn’t see a stronger quality to it now. But he did wonder what it would be like to hear him sing.

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Elrond smiled and signalled Legolas closer. “It is amazing. A few weeks with you and he’s practically a warrior.”
Legolas hid his blush behind his loose hair and swallowed. “Thank you, Lord Elrond, but I’m not solely responsible. But what will I do once he’s fully mastered the bow?”
Elrond walked and smiled when Legolas fell into step beside him. He deemed the time has come. “For several years we’ve received pleas from both Gondor and Rohan. They ask for an elven warrior to bring their skills back to the level of old.” He looked sideways at the Prince. “You could do that. I see teaching brings you much joy and reward.”
Legolas frowned. “Elnihir is eager.”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, it will be different to teach men and hardened warriors, but they will be just as eager. And you will always be welcome here. I would ask you to consider it, maybe even journey there. Should you feel out of place I will have no trouble sending another, Legolas. The choice is yours.”

Legolas smiled warmly. After some thought he nodded. “I think I will like it. Gondor and Rohan, you say? How long?”
Elrond smiled, masterfully hiding his surprise. Legolas had accepted much swifter than he had expected. “I don’t know. Some years. Judging by the way they describe things I’d even say five to ten years. Twenty years on the life of an elf. ‘Tis nothing.”
Legolas nodded. “And when?”
Elrond shrugged. “Elnihir’s birthday is approaching. I am sure he will throw a tantrum even I can’t surpass if you’re not here.”
His eyes sparkled and Legolas laughed, nodding. “I think you are right. He learns swift enough for me to be abundant by then. How’s Elvil doing?”
Elrond shrugged. “Well enough. He’s still struggling with his past but having Glorfindel and Ecthelion here helps. And he’s slowly breaking down Elladan’s walls.”
Legolas smiled. “I am grateful. And he’s not as jealous anymore. Or at least not as flammable.”
They walked together for a while more.

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Days passed and then finally it was Elnihir’s birthday. He was jumping up and down all day. At night there was party and no one was to be in bed before midnight. Elrond had wasted no efforts for he, as one of the few, knew it was also a goodbye feast for Legolas.

Onarodya shook her head. “He will be heart broken.”
Elrond shrugged. “There’s nothing to do about that. He’s young and bouncy and has all of us. Legolas will stay his friend. They’ll write. You worry too much.”
But she felt that maybe she wasn’t worrying enough. But she would not let anything waste the evening and her worry lessened slightly when she saw Legolas turn down all offers to dance in favour for Elnihir. If this was one of the last nights with the other at least it would be one to remember. For that she felt grateful.

Legolas had fully intended to tell him tonight as he would be leaving very early, but he just didn’t have the heart to wipe that smile from his face. /I shall have to wake him before I go. Or maybe he will not be too tired to notice the changes in my rooms?/

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Thranduil knocked and entered when he heard Rumil’s voice. “I am worried for you, young one.”
Rumil looked at him with a frown. He knew the other meant it as a tease and used it to emphasise the opposite was true, but still…
Thranduil sat and cocked his head, carefully taking him in. “You seem pale and you hardly leave the palace. Homesick?”
Rumil shook his head. “Not that I don’t miss them or the trees. It’s just…”
Thranduil narrowed his eyes, hearing an insecure undertone in his voice. “Yes?” He shook his head at the other’s withdrawal. “Rumil, I have raised four children almost single-handedly. I know when something’s wrong and I know when I should be pressing for answers and when to be patient. And now is a time for pressing. What is wrong, Rumil? If there’s anything you need or want, know that you will have it.” He sat back stunned when the other burst out laughing. That he hadn’t expected.

Rumil shook his head and wiped away his tears of joy. He stood and walked to the window. “I enjoy your realm, Thranduil, immensely so. But I find no joy in wandering alone.” He shrugged. “You’ve taken me under your wing, and I am grateful and I wouldn’t change that, but it does make me rather lonely.”
In a moment of understanding Thranduil became sad. “I am sorry.” He stood and approached the other, pulling him into an embrace as he stood behind him. “How about pulling some pranks? With Daiz? He will welcome your partnership in crime, I guarantee.” He sighed. “And Makaik is also available. They would never dream of angering me by dishonouring my personal guest.”
Rumil grinned and closed his eyes, savouring the bodily contact. “Thank you. But Makaik seems distant. More so than your heir.”
Thranduil nodded. “He’s just being careful. He’s not the easiest to befriend. But still he would be pleasant company.”
Rumil shook his head. “A forced company is never pleasant. He has shown me some more of your realm, but it was too tense. I wouldn’t like to repeat that and rather remain here.”
Thranduil tightened the embrace. “Tell you what? I shall give Joreb full responsibility, to be shared with Makaik, and I shall be your personal daily guide.” He didn’t know why he hadn’t done so from the beginning. They were fully capable of taking his place as they had often proved.

He sighed and forced himself to focus on the elf in his arms. “And Daiz is there for you as well, I assure you. You can go make him a partner in crime or pull pranks on him. I think he will look good with red hair.” Because he had kept his voice serious Rumil burst out laughing. A joking voice would have lessened the effect.
He grinned. “I would need to ask Glorfindel for new stunts. They were all his.” He shrugged. “I am not that inventive.”
Thranduil laughed. “Daiz is. He’s there if you need him. Care to go for a walk now?”
Rumil nodded, though he didn’t want to step away and end the embrace. He felt so cherished and safe. A couch behind them did however force him to jump forward.

Thranduil calmly turned and raised his eyebrows, seeing Makaik standing in the room.
The elf shrugged apologetically. “I knocked. There’s a letter for Rumil from Lord Celeborn.”
Rumil almost snatched it from him.

Thranduil narrowed his eyes when he noticed the calculating look in his son’s eyes. He followed him out. “Makaik!”
The elf stopped and involuntarily swallowed, remembering the tone, which Thranduil only used when gravely aggravated. “I do not know what your problem is, but you have let it disrupt my honoured guest.” Thranduil smiled inwardly, seeing he hit target. “Thanks to you he stays inside instead of roaming the realm.” His eyes hardened with fire. “You shall aid your brother in ruling, because I will not have time to do anything. Now go!”
Makaik nodded and fled, knowing he had to stay away.

Seeing a servant pass by Thranduil instructed her to take his instructions to Rumil. He would take a long walk with him tonight. But first he marched to his study and flung it open. He shook his head when Silinde jumped away from her husband in fright.

Joreb glared at him. “Adar!” Seeing his eyes he swallowed and swiftly sat down. At times like these he was extremely grateful to call Silinde his wife for she seemed to be the only one capable of placating Thranduil.
Thranduil shook his head and smiled warmly when he sat down. “Do not leave, Silinde. I will not dally.” He smiled at her and reached out to squeeze her hand. “Have you noticed Rumil’s pale complexion?”
Silinde nodded. “He doesn’t get out much. I offered to walk with him, show him the market, but he declined.” She shrugged. “I guess he felt he was keeping me away from Joreb if he came.”
Thranduil grinned. “Either that or he was reluctant to be bored to death by your shopping habits.”

He smiled and locked eyes with his son. “It is Makaik who is at the source and he shall pay. I will look after Rumil myself and I’ll leave the ruling to you and your brother. But…”
His voice was threatening and Joreb involuntarily grinned. He knew his father and knew precisely what he was about to say. “I shall make sure my dear brother doesn’t make too big a mess, adar. And when I do have time I shall accompany Rumil myself. I am really looking forward to meeting him. And Silinde will try again.”
The female nodded. “Perhaps we need to seek him out together?” She looked at her father in law. “Do not worry. We’ll look after him. What about Daiz?”
Thranduil nodded. “He needs to come back. Send a message to him.”
Joreb grinned. “I shall tell him you demand his immediate presence or he won’t show for another month.”
Thranduil nodded, pleased he could always count on them, and left.

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Elnihir stirred and sat up, rubbing his eyes. Suddenly he was wide awake. “Legolas?” Why was the elf standing in his warrior’s tunic, putting on his weapons. Just as unexpected the images of last night returned and now, in retrospect, he did see the signs of impending departure. Why had he failed to notice then?

“Where are you going?” His voice was pitched and he was fighting to keep his tears inside. He didn’t want the other to go. And what he really wanted to know was for how long, but he feared asking it because he feared hearing the answer even more.
Legolas smiled and sat on the bed. “There’s nothing more to teach you, Elnihir. Elrond has asked me to go to Gondor and Rohan and teach the warriors there. I don’t know how long it’ll take, but probably ten to twenty years in each realm.”
Elnihir allowed his tears to fall and he looked at the other in shock. “You’ll be gone for forty years?”
Legolas pulled him close and kissed his head. “Approximately. We can write?”
Hearing his voice made Elnihir realise Legolas didn’t want to leave his company behind any more than he wanted him to leave. He smiled. “Can I come with you?” But he shook his head, already knowing the answer. None of the elders would allow it. He shrugged. “I’ll miss you.”
Legolas wiped away a few tears of his own. “I shall miss you too, Elnihir. A lot. Continue practising. I want to be amazed when I see you fire an arrow again.”
Elnihir nodded and climbed out of bed. “I want to say goodbye to Begir too.”
Legolas nodded. “Put on your cloak; it’s cold. He’ll like that. And he shall miss you too.”

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Elrond smiled warmly as the party slowly disappeared from view. He had sent an escort to accompany Legolas to Gondor where he would start.

He gasped when he felt his legs being crushed and he was jolted back to reality. Elnihir had flung himself against him, crying his tears. Elrond picked him up and locked sad eyes with Onardodya.
She smiled and nodded. “Shall go inside? I need to write my brothers a letter.” She was sure that would provoke questions about human habits, which would always lift Elnihir’s spirits.
TBC