Against all odds

Chapter forty Understanding

As soon as he had reached his rooms Elladan flung himself on the bed. He wanted nothing more than to shout at his lover for embarrassing him like that but he kept it back knowing his lover was more innocent that he had even figured he would be. And it warmed him Lindir loved him so deeply.

Lindir closed the door behind him, wondering what he was supposed to do. He sensed Elladan was mad at him for this but he had felt like he didn’t have any choice. And he wanted nothing more than to please him.

He was torn between sitting down on a chair or join Elladan on the bed. Lindir sighed. Maybe Elladan didn’t even want him here anymore?
Elladan sensed his turmoil and looked up. His heart ached at the lost expression on Lindir’s face. He extended his arm, showing Lindir he wanted him here. “Don’t you even think of walking out on us.” Lindir smiled at the word ‘us’, understanding the hidden meaning, and approached the bed.

He swallowed. “Elladan, I am sorry but I had to do this. I don’t expect you to understand why I went to Elrond instead of talking to you, but I know you won’t understand this. Please don’t ask me.”
Elladan sighed. “I will not, for ata already told me. And I do understand, Cuilinya, I really do.” He grinned at the dumbfound expression on Lindir’s face. “I do. Do you think I’m not afraid of losing you? Displeasing you?”
Lindir shook his head. “You could never do that.”
Elladan smiled, stretched on the bed and claimed Lindir’s lap with is upper body. “And neither could you.”

Lindir reddened and averted his eyes. Feeling Elladan caress him he swallowed. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do…” His voice was pleading and Elladan closed his eyes in sadness. “Like fatherd. Gd. Give yourself time to get used to it. All we need is time and we’ve got lots of that. Please trust me enough to ask me anything. I shall never loath you or leave you and I will always answer truthfully.”

A sudden thought came to Elladan and he rose himself and walked to his table. From a hidden compartment he retrieved a small book, which he threw Lindir. “Here, read that.”
Lindir nodded and opened the book to read the title. “Ni i-sámaréparma Elladan Peredhelwa. Irë te úná ero ar ero úanë nin lín, aumát!” He frowned at the words and looked at Elladan, unsure and questioningly.
The twin smiled and nodded. “You’ll understand why after you’ve read it.”

He embraced his lover from behind. “I’m going to the kitchen for some miruvor. What can I bring you?”
Lindir smiled at him. “Something to drink and eat would be nice, but…” Elladan interrupted. “Nothing alcoholic, I know.”

He silently closed the door and left Lindir alone wite boe book.

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

Elrond swallowed and closed his eyes in dread. While walking to Legolas’ rooms he had told Thranduil about Legolas’ stay but he had been unable to voice anything about their deepening feelings or their fate.

Thranduil opened the door and smiled when he saw two naked forms on the bed, holding each other close. He cocked his head and grinned. /He obviously prefers to receive. Who knew?/ Seeing his son’s hand on Elrohir’s butt he smiled. /Inventive./

He kept his voice down when he turned to Elrond. “Looks like they are more than friends.” He turned back towards the two sleeping elves and smiled. Even though he would have liked Legolas to pick another he did not disapprove of his choice. He found Elrohir to be a worthy mate.

He frowned when he saw wrinkles in Legolas’ forehead. He knew Legolas only wrinkled when worried, deeply worried. His frown deepened when he realised his son wasn’t as radiant as he knew him and not even half as what he should be, being in his lover’s arms.
And the little Peredhel seemed to be dimmed as well. He wondered why.
At first he thought Elrond disapproved but had refrained from saying so for fear of his reaction, but he quickly dismissed that thought. If Elrond had indeed disapproved he would have exploded at this image. No, it had to be something else. /But what?/

“Legolas ava sisíla ve carnëro.”
Elrond nodded. “He’s fading.”
Thranduil’s eyes widened and he looked at Elrond as had the Peredhel grown another head. “You jest. Why?”

Elrond sighed, sympathising with the blond king. He could only imagine what the blond must have gone through the last months, knowing his son’s life in peril and basically being unable to protect him. Now that it was safe again Thranduil had let his realm be and had ventured here, to find his son fading. Had it been the other way around Elrond was sure he’d go mad. “They are indeed more. Much more.”
Thranduil raised himself to his full height and crossed his arms. “And?”

Noises behind him made him turn and he smiled when he saw Legolas stir. The presence of others had finally registered and he now woke up. His eyes widened when he saw his father standing in the door opening, joined by Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel. He swiftly distanced himself from Elrohir and covered them both with the linen.

He jumped out of bed to run to his father but his knees gave way and he clutched his chest.
Thranduil ran forward and caught his son. “Legolas. What is wrong with you?” He carefully lowered Legolas back on the bed and sat down beside him, holding him close. He rubbed soothing circles on his back.

The movements woke Elrohir and he blinked, wondering where Legolas was. Seeing two blond heads before him made him grin sheepishly and he reached out to caress his beloved’s hair. Not being fully awake yet he made a mistake in judgement and petted not Legolas’ hair but Thranduil’s, who instantly cocked his head and snickered at the sleepy Peredhel. “Wrong hair, pen-neth.”
The words, spoken by a strange voice, jolted Elrohir awake and he stared wide-eyed at the two elves. Seeing how Legolas leaned into his embrace his conclusion was swift. /Thranduil./ Panic clawed at him and Thranduil saw it.

“Legolas, what is wrong with you. Your light has waned.”
Legolas nodded and sat straight. “Ata, this is Elrohir.” He closed his eyes before his admission. “My bonded mate.”
Thranduil arched his eyebrows and heard gasps from the door. /Guess I am not the only one left unawares./ Thranduil smiled but he frowned at the fear that was practically seeping from his son. Narrowing his eyes he realised why.

He raised Legolas’ head and forced his son to look him in the eye. “Aiya, pen-neth. Am I such a grumpy grouch that you fear I will not accept this?” Legolas’ eyes widened at the words and hope shone from them. Thranduil shook his head. “You’re fading because you fear my disapproval? That I would not accept Elrohir as your husband?”
He drew Legolas in a tight embrace. “You silly fool.”

Legolas’ breath came in hitches and he flung himself at his father, his light seemed to grow before their eyes.

Elrohir’s mouth was wide agape and he looked at the scene in disbelief. “You approve of me?”
Thranduil smiled. “Yes, I do. You are a worthy mate for my son and I know you will be loyal to him if nothing else. I gladly welcome you in my realm, my home and my family, my son. Just don’t keep this stubborn one away too much or too long. But I think your father will ask Legolas the same thing.”
Elrond chuckled. “I just might. But Thranduil?”
Thranduil looked aroand and locked his eyes with Elrond. /He’s changed. Truly happy. That’s good./
Elrond swallowed. “We never thought you would approve. He is my son and…”
Thranduil laughed and stopped Elrond from finishing. “I judge people for themselves, Elrond, not on their family. And aye, I do not really look forward getting to know the lot of you, but I do not disapprove. He could have done worse, a lot worse. And that’s not even mentioning the Dwarves.”

Elrond smiled and inclined his head. “Maybe we could start anew and become friends instead of enemies?”
Thranduil smiled. “I wasn’t aware we were enemies.”
Legolas pulled back and stared at him bewildered. “But you hated him, Imladris…”
Thranduil shook his head. “Hate is too big a word, son. A dislike, fuelled by Vilya and its history, but never hate.”

Elrond smiled and realisation dawned on him. “Gil-Galad.” He saw the blond twitch at the name. “He gave me the ring and so you assumed I was like him.”
Thranduil nodded. “Not that he didn’t have his good things. It’s just too bad the lesser things overruled. He hated Sindar. The only reason he was…” he had to think for the words “civil to us, was because he needed our weapons. He placed us Sindar in the dangerous places, keeping the other races safe. I never forgave him for lessening the chances of my kin and I would gladly have killed him hadn’t he died.”

He felt a comforting hand on his arm and looked at Elrohir, whose eyes were compassionate and caring. He smiled at him. “You really are like your mother.”
Elrond was surprised. “You knew Celebrían?”
Thranduil nodded. “I make it my business to know everything and everybody worth knowing. Besides, she came to my realm often before you two were wed. And often talked to her parents. She’s why the hatchet between ‘Lóriën and us was dissolved.”
Elrond nodded. “It’s because of her I was willing to learn more about you and your people.”

Legolas shook his head. “I really thought you’d disapprove, ata.”
Thranduil shook his head. “Than you thought wrong! And besides, if I hated this place as much as you say I do, would I have send you here? Would I have come?”
Legolas shook his head and claimed another embrace. He frowned when he didn’t feel two arms encircle him, but sighed contented when he felt Elrohir being pulled against them.

Thranduil’s movement stunned Elrohir and the others.

Glorfindel tactfully pulled the two dark-haired lords to the corridor and closed the door. “I’ll arrange the rooms for Thranduil and his consort, but what do we do about Lindir’s parents?”
The question made Elrond’s anger flare again and he jumped back.
Erestor encircled his lover’s waist and shot the blond an angry look. “Later, Glorfindel. Much later.” He pulled Elrond along and into the gardens. Reaching in his pocket he felt the vial and he smiled.

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

Elladan fumbled around before he finally found the door knob and could open the door. After stepping inside he kicked the door shut and placed the tray on the table.

Shooting a glance at Lindir he found the minstrel flustered and half-way through the book. He wasn’t worried for he knew the other was a fast reader. “Lindir, I’m back. Would you like to eat now or wait?”

Lindir looked up swa swallowed. He placed the book aside and nodded. “Now I think.” He approached the table. He had his eyes downcast, which did worry Elladan.

He came to stand before his lover after pouring the drinks. “Lindir, what is it?”
Lindir started crying and nearly jumped when Elladan used his thumb to wipe them away. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I….I… you must think me a child.”
Elladan shook his head. “It’s all right, Lindir. You were worried. Are worried. Does my journal clarify things or do you still wonder about my words and actions?”
Lindir cast his gaze down again. “Nay, not anymore. But maybe we shouldn’t….” Elladan lifted his chin and the concern in his eyes brought new tears to Lindir’s. Elladan’s eyes were begging him to tell and so Lindir started telling, reddening as he did so. He told him everything about his fears.

Elladan didn’t know what to say, but somehow knew words weren’t necessary anyway. He drew his lover in a tight embrace and guided him to the table. “Let’s eat and calm your nerves.”
Lindir nodded gratefully. “I don’t deserve you.”
Elladan shook his head. “Why do you say that? Because of my patience? I will always be patient with you, because I love you. And maybe I do not deserve you. I didn’t see your love and I made you ill.”
Lindir effectively silenced him with a kiss.

Elladan smiled at him. “Lindir, please don’t bolt from the room, but you don’t seem to be afraid of kissing or kissing wrong.”
Lindir nodded. “I was at first, but it is so natural with you. I just don’t think about it anymore.”
Elladan smiled. “Well, let me tell you I melt in your kisses. And maybe I am crazy but if this happens, you being comfortable kissing me, because you did it, maybe you shouldn’t fear everything else so much either.” He caressed his lover’s cheek. “Just give it time.” He started feeding his lover and was ecstatic when Lindir fed him in turn.

Lindir looked at Elladan in a new light. /He’s so caring of me. And he really does love me. And I know I love him but than why…/
Elladan too looked at him differently, carefully monitoring Lindir’s actions and reactions and smiled when Lindir seemed more secure and he tried something new.
Lindir smiled when Elladan pulled back his latest treat and started teasing him, always pulling a little further back.

After he had finally been granted his treat Lindir sat back in his chair and drank his water. When Elladan took a sip of his miruvor he smiled. “There are other ways you can drink, you know that? And they say it’s even better than the normal way.”
Elladan looked at him questioningly. “Really. What way?”
Lindir smiled, a twinkle appearing in his eyes. “Depends.”
Elladan raised his eyebrows. “On what?”
“On the situation.”

He reached for Elladan’s glass. The twin did not stop him, believing Lindir would make him drink it. But he gasped when he saw Lindir take in a large amount. He reached forward and grabbed the elf’s shoulders. “Lindir..”
Lindir smiled, closed the distance and placed his lips on Elladan’s. As Elladan opened his mouth for the probing tongue he gasped again, feeling the miruvor enter his mouth. His eyes sparkled at the mischievous streak Lindir suddenly showed. He swallowed quickly and kissed his lover passionately.

Before he knew it Lindir sat on his lap, the glass still in his hands. “That’s one way.” He handed Elladan the glass and stretched his neck. Elladan understood and poured some liquid on the neck before licking it off. “Best glass I can think of.”

His groin stirred when he heard Lindir purr. “Lindir, do you know what you are doing? To me? Your actions?” Lindir settled his gaze on him and looked puzzled. Elladan swallowed. “Right now you’re seducing me. Only lovers do that, Lindir. It’s usually foreplay. Probably because neither can do this for long without becoming aroused.”
To prove his point he looked down. Following his gaze Lindir realised Elladan was hard again.

Lindir swallowed. “I am sorry, but…”
Elladan silenced him. “Hush, melme. We’ll take this as fast or as slow as you want. Always feel free to explore, I am your willing subject. But not now, not while you’re so shaken. Would you like another bath. I think I’ll check on Ro and Legolas”
Lindir smiled gratefully. “I’m sorry. About all this and then my mother and…” He stopped when Elladan growled in disapproval. “It will take me a while to change.”
Elladan shook his head. “I think you will surprise both of us. And don’t worry about anything.”

End chapter 40
TBC

Translations:


Ni i-sámaréparma Elladan Peredhelwa. Irë te úná ero ar ero úanë nin lín, aumát!
I’m the diary (mindjournal) of Elladan Peredhel. If you’re not him or he has not given you to me, Hands off!
Legolas ava sisíla ve carnëro
Legolas doesn’t shine as he did.