Against all odds

Chapter thirty-five a proposal

Now that he was alone, Elladan had no idea what to do. Follow you heart, Elrond had said. /I’d better do something./
“Lindir? Glorfindel said this is my fault. What am I saying? You’ve probably heard every word. If you can hear us at all.” Elladan was afraid Lindir did not hear him. /But he must have. How else could he have responded to my voice?/
The more Elladan thought about it, the more he figured it didn’t really matter what he said, but how he said it. He prepared himself for a long monologue.

“Ai, Lindir, what happened to you? Is it really my fault? I know the others think so, and it probably is, but I’m afraid to believe it. I guess I’m too scared of having my heart broken should they be wrong. Cause you’ve got my heart, Lindir. I told you yesterday and I meant it. I love you and I can’t bear to see you like this. Won’t you come back?”

Realising this wasn’t leading anywhere he shook his head. He needed to talk, not start crying. “What can I talk about? I know you’d prefer to hear a song, but you’re the minstrel, not I. So you have to settle for my babblings. The sooner you come back, the sooner I’ll shut up. Do you realise Yávië is approaching? If you don’t wake up you’ll miss all the lovely colours that come into the world. Remember how you used to take me walking in the gardens every day in the past for as long as Yávië lasted? Until nana had enough of me wandering around in the cold, that is. Not even you had ever managed to make me wear my mittens.”
Elladan smiled at the memory. He had always hated to wear them. They tickled and looked awful and he didn’t see the need in them. “Still think they were hideous. Do you think Glorfindel ever found th One One day Elladan had had enough of everybody trying to make him wear them and he had hidden them, telling everybody they were on holiday.

“You know, Lindir, you’ve thought me the most important lesson of all: to appreciate nature and to stand still and listen occasionally. Glorfindel will probably say it won’t save my life, but I think it does. It keeps me sane, Lindir. Without going out into nature once in a while I would have been lost so long ago. And Elrohir would not have lasted till now. I hope he’ll be able to trust Legolas enough to push away his fears.”

He shifted a little so he could lie down as well, making sure Lindir was locked in his arms. “You’re really beautiful, Lindir. Have I ever told you that? Guess not as I only admitted my feelings yesterday. But you know what? I didn’t even know I was in love with you until a couple of days ago. When you saved me from Glorfindel’s wrath to be precise. I still haven’t thanked you for that, have I?”

Remembering his father’s plea to find out what went wrong he started thinking. After some moments of silence Lindir stirred and made unhappy sounds. As if on cue Elladan started rubbing Lindir’s chest. He was pleasantly surprised Lindir calmed down again. /So not only my voice, but my touch as well./
“I think I now know what happened. We misunderstood each other, I think. Remember the walk from the village? I told you my feelings, but you also made an admission. Is it possible you never heard my words?” Hearing himself ask it Elladan was positive it was what had happened. “Oh, Lindir. Me and my tantrums and my big mouth.”

His throat was getting dry and he got up to get some water for himself. He also poured a glass for Lindir, figuring he too might be thirsty. Turning back to the bed he was shocked to see Lindir trashing. He hurried over, placed the glasses within reach and reached out to sooth him. Lindir’s trashing intensified and afraid Elladan retrieved his hand.
“Tuilinfincundo” Lindir’s voice was filled with pain. Elladan recognized the begging sound in it. /Who’s that?/ Tears made it into his eyes. He shook himself out of it. Now was not the time to swallow in self-pity, he needed to help Lindir.
He gathered the distressed elf in his arms and started brushing his hair, whispering soothing words. It took a while but finally Lindir relaxed.

Elladan, afraid to let go, lest it repeated itself, used one hand to get his glass and drink. He then replaced it on the chair, bringing the second glass closer. He didn’t lift it, as he had to get Lindir in a drinking position first. Carefully he manoeuvred the elf until Lindir was resting against his chest with his head on Elladan’s shoulder. He now picked up the glass. “I’ve got some water for you to drink Lindir. You need your liquids.” He placed the glass to Lindir’s lips who automatically swallowed. It prompted a smile to Elladan’s face.
When Lindir had finished he placed in back on the chair, but didn’t lower Lindir back on the bed. He liked holding him this close. He was comfortable and he figured Lindir was as well.

“Tasty? I thought it was. Before I forget. I should ask Legolas and Elrohir to check up on Lindomá the second. Another reason for you to return. Legolas is wiser than I thought he was. I mean he knows so much. When he went to collect me to go to the picnic I was in the library. I know it’s hard to believe but I was. I was trying to find what had happened to you. What those herbs had done to you. Which, of course, was a useless waste of time. I was about to pull every book from the shelves when Legolas walked in. And he knew.” He laughed at the memory.
“When I first asked him he thought I was planning on eating them. He shook me, hard, thinking I had lost my marbles and trying to get me to promise never to combine them. Of course I told him I’ve searched for a different reason and then he told me.”
Involuntarily he pulled Lindir closer. “I’m so sorry, Lindir. Now I know why you don’t drink. And why you never wish to see your mother. You must have been lonely your entire life. But you’re not alone anymore. Why did you not tell anyone? We would have helped you. We will help you! I’m sure ata knows of some herbs that can counter it. Or prevent you from getting pregnant. And otherwise Legolas might know. You know I’ve totally changed my opinion of him? Funny really, what a night without sleep spend in the library can do to an elf.” He looked up when he heard a chuckle behind him.

“You in a library? Maybe I should check you for a fever?” Elrond smiled as he approached the bed. “How are you doing?”
Elladan shrugged. “I don’t know, ata. Sometimes I think Glorfindel was right and I’m the reason he’s lthisthis. When I left to pour some water he started trashing and he calms down in my arms and by my voice as well.”
Elrond could hear there was more to come and sat himself down. “But?” Elladan looked at his father. “He called out a strange name.” Seeing Elrond’s eyebrow arch he smiled ruefully. “Tuilincundo. Have you ever heard it before?”
Elrond shook his head but smiled. “I must say that is a very poetic endearment. And he is right. Your hair does have the colour of a swallow.” Elladan’s eyes widened at those words. “Me??”
Elrond shrugged. “Who else? Erestor, Glorfindel and I have talked about this and realised what he feels for you is old. The moment you were born he was drawn to you, Elladan. Even in those first days he could tell you apart from Elrohir when even Celebrían and I could not. I see you’ve made him drink?” He realised Elladan needed a change of subject.
The twin nodded. “Just a minute ago.”

Elrond nodded and rose. His son looked exhausted and from what Glorfindel had told him it was only logical. But Elrond knew Elladan was not only physically exhausted, but mentally as well. “I think you should rest. I’ll make you a sleeping potion. Why don’t you make the both of you comfortable on the bed?”
Elladan did so and smiled at his father. He thanked the fact he had such a concerned and caring family. “Elrohir?” Elrond smiled. “He’ll be fine. Legolas has guided him to be with us. This is the first time I haven’t got enough room for everybody in it.”

Elladan smiled and accepted the cup his father handed him. He halted before drinking. “Lindir, father thinks I should sleep and to be honest I do feel exhausted. But I refuse to leave you so you’ll have to share the bed with me. I’m just telling you should you worry when you don’t hear my voice anymore. I will still be here, holding you. I’ll just be asleep. Focus on my breathing if you start to doubt it.” He looked at his father and smiled. “I don’t know if it matters at all, but.”
Elrond nodded his understanding, signalling for Elladan to drink. After he had done so he addressed his father. “Ada? Do you perhaps know of herbs that can prevent pregnancy in fertile males?” He started to yawn and his eyes were starting to become vacant. “Legolas knows. I’ve…” He was out and Elrond shook his head. He covered both elves with some blankets. Taking one last look at them he left and hurried back.

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

Glorfindel sat in the windowsill, playing his flute. He ignored Legolas’ glare. He had no intention of stopping it just because it reminded them of Lindir and the precarious position the elf was in.

Elrohir tried very hard not to let his fear get the better of him but it was very hard, hearing the blond Elda play the flute. He didn’t ask him to stop though, knowing it helped the Elda to relax. In stead he pulled closer to Legolas, who tightened his embrace and fired up the caresses.
Erestor smiled at the picture they presented. /So young, so in love and so unashamed to show it./ He had no doubts that Legolas wouldn’t do this in public. Erestor was even sure Legolas would ignore Thranduil’s comments when seeing them together. /It appears Thranduil is getting a son in law he doesn’t wish./ Perhaps their love might finally bury the hatchet between the two realms. Even though they weren’t at war or even at odds, Thranduil and Elrond never got along either.

Suddenly the door opened and Elrond walked in. Erestor immediately rose and hugged him, understanding his lover’s need. Glorfindel stopped whistling and looked questioningly. “And?”
Elrond shrugged. “Lindir hasn’t changed yet. But our suspicion is confirmed. When Elladan stops talking or leaves his side he starts trashing.”
Glorfindel beamed when he heard that. “Really? That’s fantastic, Elrond. It means Elladan has reached him already. Now it’s only a matter of time.”
Legolas hated to say this but he wanted to know. “Will he be the same?” Elrond smiled. “I think so.”

Remembering Elladan’s question he looked at Legolas. /Something’s different in the way he holds my son./ He had seen Legolas hold him before but somehow this seemed different. His eyes widened when he realised the simple truth. At first he was angry with Elrohir for keeping him in the dark but then he smiled. /It’s new, especially to him. They’re probably waiting to see what happens./ LegoLegolas, may I ask you a question?” Legolas, who had seen Elrond’s understanding look, swallowed. He feared the ruler might ask him questions he did not yet wish to hear, let alone answer. He nodded his consent and prayed Elrond would grant him some moments to gather his thoughts and courage. “Elladan asked me something that worries me. And he said you knew. I would prefer to have this conversation in private.”
Elrohir’s eyes widened and he clung himself to Legolas. “Nay, Elladan lies. He lies.”
Elrond kneeled next to his son. “Hush, ion-nín, this has nothing to do with you or your relationship with Legolas.” Elrohir looked at him. Elrond read hope, love, trust and fear in them. He smiled. “O Elrohir. I would never stand between you and happiness. You should know that. I am grateful Legolas managed to get you out of your shell pen-neth. I must say this development surprises me, but I welcome it none the less and anyone that dares come between you will have to deal with me.”
Elrohir stared at him wide-eyed. He was having difficulty digesting all the words. Legolas understood Elrond had just given him his blessing to court his son and he blushed. His arms involuntarily squished Elrohir who smiled faintly at them.

Elrond really wanted to ask, he was worried it might concern Elladan or Legolas and he didn’t want to embarrass either of them by doing this in front of the others, but Elrohir was not going to let go of Legolas any time soon. “It’s about male pregnancy.”
He had difficulty keeping in his amusement at the noises emanating behind him. Erestor had spat out the water he had just consumed and Glorfindel fell off the windowsill. Legolas too giggled at the sight.

He understood why Elrond wanted this conversation to be private but he saw no harm in any of the others knowing as long as they promised to keep it silent. “Erestor, Glorfindel, you must never tell anyone this, promise.” They nodded. “Same goes for you, nín orvain behernon” Everybody looked stunned at the strange endearment but loosened when they saw the smile it brought on Elrohir’s face and eyes.

Elrohir wiggled until he was more comfortable and laid his head on Legolas’ shoulder. Elrond smiled widely when he heard his son purr as Legolas petted him.

Legolas locked eyes with Elrond. “Before Elladan and I came out to the stables he told me. I found him in the library and he was searching for some information. The effects the combination of four special herbs would have to be precise.”
Elrond nodded. “Which herbs?” He was getting suspicious and didn’t like the way this sounded.
Legolas closed his eyes in concentration. “I believe their Quenya names are Valarlótë, Níswa sulca, Vaccoquendir and…I don’t remember the fourth, but I can point them all out in the book.”
Elrond waved the offer away. “That won’t be necessary. The fourth flower is Moicanícaimasara. And now please tell me -why- Elladan wanted to know.”
Legolas moistened his lips. He was unsure how to say it. “Because Lindir’s mother ate them when she was pregnant of him.”

A surprised Elrond sat back and now looked more like a bored child than a high and mighty elvenlord. “Lindir?” His thoughts were reeling. This was the missing puzzle he needed to solve the riddle that was Lindir. Elrond nodded as things became clearer. It all made so much sense now. “I will give him the herbs he needs.”
Legolas’ eyes widened. “But it can’t be countered. There is no antidote.”
Elrond smiled. “Aye, it is for life, I know that, but there are herbs that can prevent the pregnancy, enabling him to build a love-life.”

He looked up when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up at Erestor. “Melmë?”
Erestor grinned. “Two questions. One: what are you and Legolas talking about? And two: is Melmë really the best you can do?” Elrond had the grace to blush. “You are my love, Eres why why shouldn’t I call you that? There are so many things I can call you.” Erestor silenced him before he could start summing them up. “Too late now.”
Elrond, oblivious to Erestor’s teasing sparkles, jumped to his feet. “Erestor, please, I love you. How can I make it up?” Seeing Erestor’s smile he realised the other had just played him and he groaned. “Erestor really, if you want something you can just ask for it you know.”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, but this is more fun. Not only to me but to them as well. I don’t believe Elrohir has ever seen his father beg.” Elrohir laughed. “I haven’t and do tell us what you’re going to make ata do.”
Erestor gave a small obedient nod. “I thought maybe you should sing that song. Not here, but in the healing house, for Lindir. If it’s really that lousy he might wake up to make some adjustments.”
Elrond frowned. “You’re expecting me to sing -my- song just so everybody can laugh?” Erestor shook his head. “No, I am expecting you to sing that song to relax us all and maybe make Lindir wake up. Besides you promised.” Elrond shrugged his shoulders. “You always get me to do anything. All right then, lets go. Glorfindel, bring your flute.”

They all followed Elrond as the ruler walked to the healing room. He smiled when he saw Elladan was still asleep, his hands possessively and protectively wrapped around Lindir, who looked better than before. The elf had some colour back.
Elrond sat down. “Apséna nin, nan Erestor méra nin lirë lírë. Ar mérar nin carë símen.” He smiled apologetically at Elladan who had woken by his voice and waited for the others to seat themselves. He grinned when he saw Elrohir claim Legolas’ lap. It seemed Elrohir had already abandoned a lot of his fears.

“Are you sure?” Erestor gave him a look that was enough to coax Elrond to clear his throat and start singing.

Írë cénen mir mélla hendulyë
Cénen melmë malta anwavë válerta malta
Minë cenië teva; ni aulutu
Hyaman náral símen erë
Ainat merit te tuvu
Ainat hiritmár te tuvu
Ainat ilqua te tuvu
Lapsë

As soon as Elladan heard the words his eyes became watery and he smiled, understanding who Elrond had wrote it for. And he wasn’t alone. Elladan leaned closer to Lindir’s ear to whisper. “Hlarit sa? Ná melmenya ten.” He placed a loving kiss on Lindir’s forehead, silently begging him to wake up and open his eyes.

Ilqua lú haryan te ranquinyassen
Sa irë ilmettan hanya
Ilqua teva nyára ni te ná quendunya
Cuilin cuilënya narë yote
Melin cenë i nati caril
Ainat merit te tuvu
Ainat hiritmár te tuvu
Ainat ilqua te tuvu
Lapsë

Everybody was so entranced by Elrond’s voice and the lyrics none noticed Lindir’s eyes started to flutter open. The ones who hadn’t gone into a trance were still oblivious. Erestor’s world now solely consisted of his singing lover and Legolas and Elrohir only had eyes for each other. Elladan listened in rapture, devouring the words. It was precisely how he felt about Lindir and he felt saddened his father had carried this love in silence for so long. It left Glorfindel to be the sole elf remotely possible to notice the change. Unfortunately he was in his own world, created by Elrond’s words.

Ni ná valin antë melinya ten
Ístëan navël ve carin
Ainat merit te tuvu
Ainat hiritmár te tuvu
Ainat ilqua te tuvu
Lapsë

Elrond looked around stunned to see everybody so silent. He couldn’t believe the song he had composed that night was any good. It merely resembled his feelings for Erestor. He shrugged his shoulders and was about to turn and check on his charges when Erestor’s voice filled the room.

Ainat merit te tuvu
Ainat hiritmár te tuvu
Ainat ilqua te tuvu
Lapsë

It hadn’t been as lyrical as Elrond’s voice, he knew, but he had sung it from the heart. In the last moments Erestor had realised how deep their love for each other ran. No matter what the future would bring, they would be happy because they would face it together. He leaned closer and captured Elrond’s mouth in a devouring kiss.

Glorfindel, who had been startled out of his reverie when Erestor had started to sing, diverted his head to grant them some privacy. Immediately he saw Elrohir and Legolas in a passionate embrace. He blushed. This was the second time he interrupted a moment that should be private. Quickly moving his head into yet another a direction he gasped. “It worked.” Four other elves mumbled something unintelligible, really not interested in breaking their kisses.

Glorfindel approached the bed where Lindir was kissing Elladan. He poked the image to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating. It got him a yelp and a punch, making him fall to the floor. “Careful you, he’s still fragile.” Elladan glared at him.
“Just making sure it was real.”

T wor words drew the attention of the others and now four pairs of eyes were directed at the bed. Elrond let go of his lover and sat down on it. “Lindir. How do you feel?”
Lindir blushed. Somehow he had forgotten about Elrond’s presence. That of the others hadn’t even registered with him yet. All he knew was Elladan and suddenly Elrond’s voice had joined it. He allowed Elrond to check him.
“What happened?”
“What do you remember?”
Lindir grinned. “Always the healer in here, ha? I don’t know. It was cold and dark and lonely.” He shrugged. “I don’t know. The last thing I remember is sitting together at the picnic. And waking up here.” He faced Elladan. “With you.”
Elladan smiled. “And you kissed me.” His voice was loving and proud. Lindir shrugged. “Can’t I kiss my lover?”

The others beamed when they heard those words. It seemed it had turned out all right for them all. Elladan hugged him close, his eyes bursting with happiness. “Yes, yes, always. Kiss me always.” He planted loving kisses al over Lindir’s face. “Te ná ilquanya.”

Elrond cleared his throat. “I hate to break up this happy moment but there is something we need to discuss Lindir. Why didn’t you ever tell me you are fertile? I could have helped you. There are herbs that can stop the conception, allowing you to have a love-life.”
His eyes widened as he heard Elrond speak and his breathing sped up. Elladan tightened his hold, rubbing his back soothingly. Seeing the questions in Elladan’s eyes made Lindir confess. “I’m a freak and I didn’t want you to know that.”
Elrond wanted to speak but Erestor silenced him. This was something Elladan had to do. “What? How can you think that? You’re perfect, on the outside and inside. But I can understand why you don’t want others to know and we’ll keep silent if you wish. But you’re not a freak. Why would you be, only because you’re fertile?”
Suddenly he knew just what to do to take the remaining doubt away. “Legolas, remember me to write a letter to my future in-laws. I should thank Lindir’s mother for eating those herbs. If she hadn’t we wouldn’t have a change of ever having children.”

His words made Lindir realise he could give Elladan children and suddenly that’s what he wanted, had waited for. Someone to raise children with. “Marry me?”
Elladan’s eyebrows shut up. “What? You’re proposing? Here and now? Just like that? In the middle of a check up? I thought you’d be more romantic?” But he kissed him lovingly. “It would be a dream come true, Ilquanya.”

Elrohir jumped up. “We’re going to have a wedding? A feast? A party? Let’s invite Galadriel and Celeborn. And Haldir and his brothers. They’re always a laugh. And…” Legolas silenced him. “Steady on, love, they haven’t even picked a date yet.”
Seeing a pout form on Elrohir’s lips he smiled. “But if you want to have something to do…” He pretended to think. Elrohir poked him. “I shall always want to do that!”
Legolas raised his eyebrows. “Oh. Nice. Good job Legolas. Getting yourself an elf that prefers matchmaking to you. Real nice.” Elrohir pushed him and he landed on the floor, grinning widely. “Not?”

Elrohir crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at him. “Legolas.” The blond shrugged. “Alright, alright. I was just thinking…” For some reason Glorfindel didn’t like the look in his eyes and swallowed. “…now that Elrond has Erestor, you have me and Elladan has Lindir that leaves Glorfindel utterly alone. Maybe you should try and find him a mate as well.”
Elrohir saw his wink and caught on. “Nay, there isn’t anyone who would cope with him, I fear. An elf that talks to plates and brings home the entire valley is not something people look forward to.”
Legolas nodded. “And than there is the deer. What we’re the two of you doing, Glorfindel?”

Glorfindel reddened. He tried to find an escape but there wasn’t any. He growled. “Fine, this round is yours, but prepare for revenge.” Legolas grinned. “Looking forward to it. And next time you spy on people, make less noise when you dive for cover.”

End chapter 35
TBC

Translations:
Yávië autumn
Tuilinfincundo Swallowhairprince
nín orvain behernon my most beautiful stone (over-beautiful like-stone (since Elrohir is an elf and not a real stone))
For the flower names see chapter 30
Apsene nin, nan Erestor méra nin lirë lírë. Ar mérar nin carë símen. Forgive me but Erestor wants me to sing a song. And he wants me to do it here.
Hlarit sa? Ná melmenya ten You hear that ? That’s my love for you. (h fee feel for you)
Te ná ilquanya. You are my everything

The song:
A little note before I give the lyrics: I don’t know who owns it. I found the lyrics lying around in my room, but the paper didn’t state an author.

When I look into your loving eyes
I see a love that money just can’t buy
One look from you; I drift away
I pray that you are here to stay
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need; you got it
Anything at all; you got it
Baby

Every time I hold you in my arms
That’s when I begin to understand
Everything about you tells me you’re my man
I live my life to be with you
I love to see the things you do
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need; you got it
Anything at all; you got it
Baby

I’m glad to give my love to you
I know you feel the way I do
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need; you got it
Anything at all; you got it
Baby
Anything you want, you got it
Anything you need; you got it
Anything at all; you got it
Baby