Ball masque

Chapter four A confusing night

Glorfindel smiled as he saw Elrond walk back in with his mystery date. He hoped it was who the twins said it would be, but he had doubts. Surely Elrond and Legolas would not have been able to spend all that time in each other’s company without any harsh words.

He cleared his throat and once again demanded all their attention. “My dear friends. This is the moment of truth. Officially this is the end of the party, though it does not mean you hav have to retire or even remove your masks. That is all up to you. But the reason I wanted your attention is to announce none have guessed the identity of Lord Elrond and therefore there is no winner. And yes, he did attend and no, he is not the one who hit Haldir a bleeding nose. Well done, by the way. Well, as you were, I guess.”

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Elrond smiled and laughed. “So nobody guessed?”
Legolas shrugged. “Are you surprised? They were all thinking it was me and then their imagination stopped.”
Elrond turned to him. “And you, do you have any ideas?”
Legolas shrugged again. “If I do, it no longer matters. Can I ask you to dance or would that kill your feet?”

His first instinct was to lash out at the mocking sentence but then he heard the kindness in the voice and Elrond realised it was a well meant question asked in concern. He closed his eyes. /Can I no longer recognize kindness, care and concern? Did that sail with Celebrían?/
He smiled and nodded his head. “But this time I shall follow your lead. I fear I am a bit rusty.”

Legolas carefully guided him to the dance floor and felt himself float as he danced with the Lord of Imladris. /I should remove my mask or suggest it, but I can’t. I’m afraid he’ll look at me with disgust./

Elrond smiled as he looked around. “Hmmm, I never would have guessed that to be the cook. And there’s Orophin. Thought he was Haldir originally. Until you knocked him down, of course.” He grinned and looked at his dancing partner. “If you would want to remove your mask, I have no objections, though I have no inclination of removing mine before I am in my room.”
Legolas smiled. “Same here. Otherwise it is no use of having a masked ball.”

Elrond smiled and twirled around. He decided his dance partner was the best he’d ever had. /And he fits right in my arms. Who are you, stranger?/ A devious smile played around his lips as a plan formed in his mind.

“I am gng rng rather thirsty. Can I get you some as well?”
Legolas inclined his head in silent thanks. It was getting more troublesome to throw his voice. A drink would be most welcome.

Elrond walked off and had Legolas seen his smile, he would have gone himself, but now he sat down on a seat and waited for Elrond to return. He saw the twins smile and shook his head.

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“Two primalula’s please.” Elrond shook his head at the names the twins had given all the beverages. Elrond accepted the glasses of miruvor, which primalula stood for, and unseen added some powder to one of them. He shook it as he walked to his elf. He frowned at the thought but then nodded. /Yes, you’re my elf. And now I finally understand Haldir, though I intend to keep you should I manage to get you./

He smiled as he handed the mysterious elf his drink and his smiled widened when Legolas downed it in one go. “I needed that. Thank you.” He stood up and swayed a little. “Aiya, I must have miscalculated my drinking. Either that or I’ve grown out of it.”
Elrond smiled. “Allow me to accompany you to your room.”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay, that’s all right. I see Elrohir and Elladan standing there. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to accompany me.”
Elrond nodded. “To be sure, but they know where everybody sleeps. Your secret identity will be blown even without removing your mask.”
Legolas waited a second and then nodded. “Good point. All right then, support me.”

Elrond happily did so and inwardly he was counting the seconds. He had to be ready to catch him. Even before they had left the hall did Legolas’ legs give way and he blacked out. Elrond nearly was too late to fully support him. He effortlessly lifted him in his arms and marched away.

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“There they go.”
Elladan grinned. “No, Ro, there father goes. I dareLegoLegolas does not even know he is going.”
Elrohir smiled. “Well, he’s quite safe. Father will not betray his honour.”
Elladan nodded. “Which is the only reason I am not marching after them. Or stopped Legolas from drinking.”
Elrohir looked flabbergasted. “What? But that was only miruvor.”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, Ro. Adar added something to it. Sleeping powder. You know he always carries it with him. Legolas will be out for quite a while.”
Elrohir sighed. “Too bad.”

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Elrond smiled at the form on his bed. He had refrained from removing the mask. He would not disrespect the elf’s wishes in such a way. And he would wake up revived soon enough.

To prevent himself from giving into temptation Elrond had stood in his window, facing the gardens, and had let his mind wander to all the conversations he’s had with Legolas. Tonight this elf had shown him he had been blind for a long time. Blind and deaf.

After a while Elrond came to the conclusion he had indeed been needlessly harsh towards Legolas a lot of times. But it did not take away the fact that the Prince was a spoiled brat. He did not like to house spoiled brats. Demanding creatures, the lot of them. He had had many dealings with Oropher and nothing had been good enough for him. Elrond had been an young elf when he had last seen the dead King and all his dealings with him had been enough to make him determined to be the first to lash out. He had no doubt in his mind that botrandranduil and Legolas were also spoiled, selfish brats, being the direct decedents of Oropher the bloody great.

Now that he had gone over the conversations from a non-biased point of view he came to a shocking conclusion. /Aiya, Elrond, this can’t be. This just can’t be./ But every way he looked at it, he came to the same shocking conclusion. Legolas was in love with him, or, at the very least, attracted to him. He closed his eyes in agony. /My harsh words must have pained him even more. Should I give him a chance? Should I try and give him a try?/
Looking at the bed his choice was swiftly made. /Too bad you are not Legolas. Things would have been a lot easier that way. But alas, it isn’t./

He smiled and, for the last time, took in the sleeping form. It was a beauty, even fully dressed and hidden behind a mask. His mysterious elf lay on his side, knees slightly bend. One arm under his head and the other rested on his waist.

Seeing the signs of waking Elrond quickly grabbed his mask and placed it in front of his face. “Welcome back stranger.”

Legolas groaned and jumped when he heard Elrond’s voice. One quick look told him he was still fully dressed, though without his robe, which was still on the bench in the garden, and both he and Elrond were still masked.

El smi smiled and handed him some water. “Here, drink this. You passed out before we could reach your room so I took you to mine. If you go by the gardens you get to the east wing fastest. From there all area’s of the house are swiftly reached.”
Legolas nodded and went to leave but turned. “One question. Did anything happen?” His voice betrayed his fear and Elrond frowned. oth other than us talking in the gardens, dancing and you passing out.”
Legolas sighed. “And you did not take advantage of that?”
Elrond’s anger rose. “How dare you suggest such a thing? You think me without honour?”
Legolas jumped back and shook his head. “Nay, never. But… Thank you.” He ran away, his tears flowing freely.

Elrond tore his mask of and growled. “Now what was that about?” He had half a mind to go after the mysterious elf, sensing there was more than met the eye, but he refrained from doing so.

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When Legolas came to his room he flung himself at his bed and cried till his tears came no more. He went to the bath and drew one, but changed his mind and ran out again.

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Celeborn and Galadriel smiled at Erestor. “This was a wonderful party. Elrond should let the twins organize more.”
Erestor shook his head. “O no, he shouldn’t. We did all the organizing. The twins did nothing. Nothing at all.”
Celeborn grinned. “Smart boys. But I am sure they failed to think of the mess afterwards.”
Erestor shook his head. “Nope. Breakfast is in another hall and during the day this here gets cleaned by the day servants.”
Galadriel grinned at the mischievous glance in Celeborn’s eyes when he spoke again. “We’ll see about that. Is Elrond in his rooms?”
Erestor nodded. “As far as I know.”
Celeborn thanked him and went away.

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Elrond groaned as he heard someone knock. He was just ready for bed. He flung the door open and his glare mellowed when he saw Celeborn. “What is it?”
Celeborn smiled. “Fve mve me for waking you or keeping you from your slumber, but I thought you should know now. Were you aware the twins have delegated everything?”
Elrond nodded. “Aye. But they are stuck with cleaning up.”
Celeborn shook his head and Elrond widened his eyes. Celeborn grinned. “According to Erestor breakfast is in another hall so the one we used now can be cleaned during the day. By the servants.”
Elrond nodded. “It is smart thinking, but they won’t get away with it. I’ll bet they even worried if there was enough food. No, cook had to worry about that. And Erestor had to worry if there were enough towels in all the rooms and..”
Celeborn laughed and stopped him before he could continue. “All right, we get the message. So what do you intend to do?”
Elrond shrugged. “I’ll see tomorrow.”

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Elrohir jolted up when he heard a rumble un his door. He opened it and stared at the concerned face of his twin. “Adan? What is it?” Elladan shook his head and pulled him along to his room, only next door. Elrohir frowned at this but he understood when Elladan let him in.

On the bed sat a shaking Legolas.

He quickly approached his friend. “Legolas, what is wrong?” He reached out but Elladan grabbed him. “Don’t touch him just now, bro.” Elrohir nodded and together they waited for Legolas to calm down. When he did he looked at Elrohir in puzzlement.

The younger twin shrugged. “Adan pulled me here. What is wrong? Should we get ata?”
Legolas shook his head. “No. No. Don’t give him more reasons to despise me. Please?”
Elrohir nodded and slowly extended his hand to brush Legolas’ cheek. “Will you tell us what happened? We’ve never seen you like this.”
Legolas lowered his head. “I’m afraid to be alone tonight. I… I… can I use your bath room?”
Elladan sat down beside him. “Of course. I already said so and when I wanted to guide you there you freaked out.”

Legolas looked at him stunned but then his expression cleared and he nodded. “I’m sorry.”
Elladan shook his head. “Don’t be. Just tell us what is wrong. It’s not like you to be scared. Is it something adar said?”
Legolas shook his head. “No, no. He didn’t do anything. I think. I hope.”
Elrohir narrowed his eyes. “Adan used the word ‘said’ and you the word ‘do’.”
Legolas’ eyes widened and he nodded. “I drank too much and passed out. I don’t know what happened.” Fear stared fhis his orbs and it unnerved the twins.

“Look, adar would never take advantage of anyone in such a situation. Ever.”
Legolas smiled. “I really hope so.” He pulled his legs up. “The last time I got drunk I woke up naked. In another’s bed. Someone I hate and would not dream of fucking if I had the choice. And yet he stated I came on to him. I have nothing to prove his words wrong and yet it feels wrong. I felt disgusted, tainted even and it took me a while to forget. I’ve never told anyone before. Boromir was the only one who knew and he took it with him to his grave.”
Legolas smiled as he remembered the man. “He was honourable. He found me, confused and upset and only with his kindness he gotto tto talk. He spoke of his own fears, using it to open me to talk about mine. When he heard I had to stop him from marching to him and kill him. He said it was little more than rape.”

Elladan nodded. “He was right. No one should do that. I can already tell you father will be outraged when he hears this.”
Legolas jumped up and grasped their shoulders. “No. No. You must not tell him. He must never learn. Promise me.”
Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other.
“Promise you will never tell him. Promise.”
Elladan smirked and nodded. “Aye, we promise.” Elrohir threw him an accusing glance but Elladan winked. “Now, Legolas, calm down, please. Take your bath in our bathroom. Elrohir shall stay with you and I shall fetch some fresh clothes for you. You can’t go to bed in your masquerade outfit. Not to mention breakfast.”
Legolas looked grateful. “Thank you.”
Elladan waved his apology away and left.

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Elrond groaned when knocks entered his hearing, waking him up. /Now what?/ Agitated he threw open the door, frowning when he saw Elladan stand in the door opening, armed with clothes. “Elladan, you’re a bit too old to sleep with your old man. Besides, it isn’t storming outside.”
Elladan nodded. “I came here for some advice adar, I don’t know what to do.”
Elrond sighed. “Can’t it wait till morn?”
Elladan shook his head. “I’m really sorry adar.”

Elrond yawned and shook his head, opening his door further. “What is it? Not clothing advice I hope.”
Elladan laughed but shook his head. “No, do you have some paper?” Elrond’s eyebrow rose at the strange request and Elladan shrugged. “I promised I wouldn’t tell you.”
Elrond rose. “Then you should leave. You know what I think about breaking promises.”
Elladan nodded. “I didn’t promise I wouldn’t write it down. Nor did I promise I wouldn’t give it to you to read.”
Elrond shook his head at his sons’ deviousness. “All right.” He got paper, ink and a quill. “Here you are.”

Elladan placed the pile of clothes on a chair and started writing, putting down the highlights of what Legolas had told. He handed it to his father and could see Elrond’s expression change while he read.

When he had finished reading it Elrond burned it and growled. “Haldir.”
Elladan nodded. “My thoughts exactly.” Elrond’s eyes flashed dangerously and Elladan was glad he wasn’t Haldir.
Elrond turned and looked ready to kill a Balrog. “Where is Legolas now?”
Elladan smiled. It was the first time his father had ever showed he cared about Legolas’ welfare. “In my room, with Ro. He doesn’t want to be alone tonight. Said he had too much to drink. And that the last time was…”
Elrond nodded and sighed. He pointed to the clothes. “And those are for him.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, he was still wearing his masquerade outfit. He looks beautiful in it, don’t you think?”
Elrond shrugged. “I wouldn’t know, Elladan, I have no idea what he looked like. But this reminds me. There’s still a burgundy cloak on the bench. I have to go get it.”
Elladan grinned. He couldn’t pass this golden opportunity up. “No, adar, I’ll get it. I’m still fully dressed. Leave it to me.”

Elrond shrugged and nodded. “Do you think Legolas needs a sleeping potion?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay. But if he wants one I’ll come back. Sleep well adar.” He picked up the clothes.

Before he left he turned. “Adar?” Elrond looked at him and Elladan smiled. “Please don’t let Legolas know I told you.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. He could understand Legolas’ feelings.

End chapter 04
TBC