Against all odds2: Work it out

Chapter five Turning in

Glorfindel paced the corridor, hesitant to knock on the middle door, the door to Echtelion’s assigned rooms. Looking out he realised he would be late for his meeting with Rumil if he didn’t hurry.

Drawing in a deep breath he came to a halt before the door and, before he could chicken out, gave a loud knock on it. The room remained silent and he sighed relieved. /Of course, he’s asleep now. But I don’t know whether to be glad or sad. Rumil, I’m coming./ He turned and walked away.

He halted in shock when he heard a familiar voice call his name behind him. Fearfully he turned and managed a happy smile upon seeing Ecthelion.

Ecthelion was extremely pleased to see his old lover look so smashing, but he noticed it didn’t compare to the beauty he’d seen today. He swallowed and returned the happy smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t seek you out instantly, but I needed to sleep.”

Glorfindel shook his head. “Nay, that’s all right.” He lowered his face and sighed. /I have to tell him. If he came here for me, I will not hurt him by delaying this./ “I’m dating Rumil now.”

Ecthelion gasped, but wasn’t as hurt as he should have been. He couldn’t help it; he laughed, feeling liberated.
Glorfindel looked at him in suspicion.
Ecthelion shrugged. “I’ve fallen in love too. All my life I figured I was still meant for you, but since today I know I am not.”
Glorfindel smiled at that admission, feeling less guilty. “Love at first sight?”
Ecthelion nodded and stepped back. “Won’t you come in? Tell me about Rumil.”
Glorfindel nodded but didn’t move. “Later, if that’s all right. I’m supposed to meet him soon.”

He smiled at Ecthelion, recognizing the longing look. He also saw it wasn’t meant for him. “I hope we can be friends?”
Ecthelion nodded. “Aye, I would like that. You are the only elf here I know.”
Glorfindel beamed. “I shall show you around and tell you everything about everyone and everything here.”
Ecthelion grinned. “Everything I need to know and more.” He smiled and nodded. “Thank you, Glorfindel. Now hurry, your Rumil is waiting.”
Glorfindel nodded, hesitated, but hugged him anyway and then ran off, leaving Ecthelion behind chuckling. /I am glad he’s in love as well./

Ecthelion watched him go until he disappeared and then returned to his room. /Thank the Valar I won’t have to hurt him. But he has his love close and I don’t even know the name of mine. Please don’t let it be Rumil./ He sighed, knowing sleep wouldn’t come to him anymore: a certain body kept teasing him. He swiftly changed his clothing and left. He decided to go to the stables and see if he could find the horse.

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

Elladan sighed and stopped his horse, forcing the others to do the same. He looked pleadingly at his twin.

Elrohir cocked his head. “What is it?”
Elladan closed his eyes. “I’m worried. Lindir’s alone now and…”
Elrohir touched his arm. “He’s not. Legolas will keep him company and Glorfindel promised to look after him as well.”
Elladan nodded. “I know that, but…” He shook his head. “I just have this ominous feeling and I fear for him.”
Elrohir cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. After studying his twin he nodded. “I can go back and watch him for you.”
Elladan’s eyes lit up in happiness. “You would do that?” He shook his head. “Nay, you’ve been looking forward to the patrol. I cannot ask this of you.”
Elrohir smiled and touched his arm again. “Don’t worry. I’ve got Legolas. You need this more than I do.”

He turned his horse around. “Focus on yourself for a while, Adan.”
He looked at the warriors and signalled three of them closer. “Keep a close eye on him.” The warriors nodded.

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

Rumil cocked his head and studied his brothers. They seemed to be elsewhere with their minds. He gently nudged them. “If you don’t want me here, just say so.”

Haldir grinned and hugged him. “I’m sorry, Ru, I was just thinking on the next move. Help me dress tomorrow morn?”
Rumil nodded, curiosity shone from his eyes.
Haldir grinned. “I have to wear something to match my hairdo.” Only now did his brothers realise his changed hairstyle.

Orophin narrowed his eyes and started laughing. “Do I detect a hint of Thranduil, toron?”
Haldir nodded. “Aye, he did this. I suggested wearing something of his tomorrow. To throw Legolas off. He’s very determined and I just want to help.”
Orophin nodded but didn’t remove his frown. “Just don’t injure yourself, all right?”
Haldir smiled at his affection. “I won’t. And where’s your head tonight?”

He laughed. “We’re a sublime pair of brothers. I’ve got a pretend lover, Ru a real one and you,” he cocked his head, still smiling with mirth. “…you must have a non-existing lover.”
Orophin grinned as well but shook his head. “Nay. You make up enough for the both of us.”

He lowered his head as he blushed. He wasn’t fast enough though and Rumil noticed. He hugged his brother. “Anyone I know?”
Orophin’s colour deepened and he shook his head. “I don’t even know him. I…. I watched him bathe.” He sighed and told his brothers everything.
They mellowed and enveloped him into a tight hug. “Well, he should stop here for a while. We might be able to find out.” Haldir was determined to find the mysterious elf.
Rumil nodded. “Aye, we can ask Elrond and I will ask Glorfindel if he knows anyone.” A chuckle from the door made them turn and grin at the seneschal.

Glorfindel smiled and approached. “I know a lot of people.”
Rumil shook his head and instantly looked at his lover, who sat down on his heels. He narrowed his eyes when he detected some turmoil in the blue orbs.
Glorfindel sighed. “Ecthelion is returned.”
Rumil’s eyes widened and a fist closed around his heart. Haldir and Orophin felt their brother stiffen but didn’t know how to counter it.
Glorfindel smiled meekly. “He’s new here and I’m the only one he knows. I shall have to show him around. I just wanted you to know.”
Rumil nodded and looked away. “It’s night time, Glorfindel. I’ll see you at breakfast. I can’t leave Phin now and Haldir needs me in the morn.”
Glorfindel nodded and stood, placing a kiss on his beloved’s hair. If he noticed him stiffening at the gesture he didn’t show.

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

Echtelion slowly walked back to his room. The trip to the stables hadn’t given him much hope of ever seeing the elf again. The horse he had seen was a mount for guests. He hung his head in regret. /Shall I ever know your name?/

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

Elrond smiled seductively at Erestor, who shook his head. “Don’t even think it, Cuilenya, you know Lindir is bound to come here.”
Elrond nodded but pointed out the window. “It’s later than before. I think it is safe to say he won’t come.”
Erestor frowned, troubled. “What if he’s afraid to come becausladaladan is away?”
Elrond thought about it but shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He shrugged. “Besides, Legolas promised to look after him for the time Elladan is . An. And Elrohir came back to aid him.”
Erestor sighed. “I know, but still… It’s the first night he’s not come.”
Elrond approached him and placed his arms around his waist. “I’d lto tto think it’s a good sign.”

He kissed him and rubbed their abdomen together, showing Erestor he was already hard.
The counsellor grinned and lowered himself on his knees. He wanted to undress Elrond in a different way tonight. He worked his way under the robes and started kissing his way up, forcing the clothes to ride up as he came higher and higher.

His hands worked their magic on Elrond, who soon trembled in his hold and placed shaky hands on his shous tos to steady himself. “Ai, Erestor, be careful or you’ll undo me before we’re ready.”
Erestor looked up surprised. “Normally you last a little longer.”
Elrond nodded. “Normally I do not have to forgo you for so long. It’s practically the first time since we found out Lindir’s pregnant.”
Erestor moaned and nodded, feeling the heat himself. He stood up swiftly and kissed Elrond.
He swiftly lifted his own robes and looked at Elrond expectantly.

Understanding, Elrond helped his lover and held up his robes while one hand encircled the already weeping member as Erestor did the same to him. Their mouths locked again and they started a slow rhythm, moving together.
Just as passion was about to overtake them their door flung open. “Ata, Erestor, saes, you have to come. Li…”

Elrond groaned as he saw Elrohir barge in, who once again didn’t seem to notice their intimate embrace.

Suddenly the twin blushed and twirled around. /Ai, melamin, I hadn’t seen./ But fortunately Legolas had. `How could you miss it? But they have to hurry.`
Elrohir nodded and spoke, without turning around. “Be swift. Lindir needs you. We don’t know what is wrong.”

Erestor groaned as well and looking at Elrond he saw his own agitation reflected. They lowered their robes; their passion had suddenly completely abandoned them, though the tension was still in their bodies.

They followed Elrohir out. “It’s nice to see you noticed this time, pen-neth.”
Elrohir blushed and looked apologetically at Erestor. “Actually I didn’t. Legolas told me to turn round.”
Elrond shook his head, not even asking how the blond had been able to see. They swiftly walked to Lindir’s rooms.

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

Legolas was pleased to see them cominBlesBless the Valar, Elrond, you’re here. I’m sorry for intruding, but I am at a complete loss. Lindir’s… well…” “Impossible.”
Elrond laughed and nodded. “Aye, he is.”

He silently approached the elf, who sat in front of the fireplace, ignoring the room. Elrond saw a lot of broken objects near the wall. He saw his own thoughts reflected in Erestor’s eyes. Legolas and Elrohir were a little more determined than Elladan, who by now had learned not to try anymore.

The Peredhel sat down. “Lindir, are you in pain?”
Lindir settled his eyes on Elrond and shook his head. “I want Elladan.”
Elrond nodded understandingly. “He will hurry back to you, but it was his turn to lead the border patrol.”
Lindir glared at him. “You took him away from me. I hate you!”
Elrohir sat down on the minstrel’s other side. “You know that’s not true. It’s simply Elladan’s turn. And he didn’t leave you, he asked us to look after you.”
Lindir pushed him away. “I’m not a child, Elrohir.” He stood and his eyes were liquid fire. “Leave me alone!”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay. Elladan asked us not to leave you alone at night. And we won’t.” He didn’t know why, but if Elladan wanted Lindir to have company, the elf would have it.

Elrond smiled at Legolas and walked to him. “We have to watch him at night. The pain stays away then and Lindir gets overactive.” He sighed. “Doing things that could easily hurt the child.”
Legolas widened his eyes in shock, though his orbs were filled with understanding.

He faced Lindir. “What will you do if we leave?”
Lindir pointed to Sereantë. “Make music, walk the gardens.”
Elrond nodded and filled in the blanks. “Fall in the river, run after a deer, try to mount the wildest steed in the stables and everything else that’s dangerous.”
Lindir glared at him. “It’s bad enough I can’t do a thing during the day, I will not be stuck to my bed at night.”
Erestor smiled warmly, wondering if tonight would have the same result. “Of course not. Who said anything about staying in bed? You don’t have to; by all means walk around the house or the gardens, just not alone.” He picked up the musical instrument and smiled at Legolas. “You and Elrohir accompany him and protect him.” /From himself./
Lindir growled and grabbed the instrument, running out the room.

Elrond sighed. “And so it starts again.” He leaned against Erestor, suddenly feeling weary. “This is getting tiresome.”
Erestor nodded. “Let’s prepare the herbs for their return.” He looked after the three elves hopeful. “Maybe tonight it will not be so bad? Legolas will not lose track of him.”
Elrond nodded. “And he’s too stubborn for Lindir. But not even they will be able to handle him a week. And Elladan returns after two.”
Erestor sighed. “Perhaps it is time we called in some aid.”
“From who?”
Erestor shrugged. “Thranduil? Haldir?” He sighed. “Maybe we can all arrange some shifts? I don’t know.” He leaned against Elrond as they walked to the healing house to prepare.

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

Rumil threw his blanket to the floor and left his bed. He felt guilty for brushing Glorfindel of like that, but he had been jealous. And fear clawed at him. What if the blond would go back to his former lover and leave him? He knew he should trust Glorfindel and he really wanted to, but it was just so hard.

He looked at his sleeping brother and smiled, seeing Haldir lying on his belly. /Thranduil must be desperate if he placed those in your hair. But then again; Legolas and Elrohir -are- working together./

He sighed and opened the wardrobe. He would make a start already. Going through all his brother’s outfits he grinned and picked out an extremely beautiful tunic and pants. They had a cool shade of green and the sleeves and body-outline were adorned with purple curls. They would match Thranduil’s personal colours and since it was his symbol in the clasps it would be highly appropriate.

TBC

Beta-read by Bna. na.
Next to update is Melme Colle.
and agian another apology for the long delay in the updating. Mea Culpa.