the trouble with love

Chapter sixteen a plan gone wrong

“You must have!” Elgalad was now practically yelling at her partner in crime.

Elrohir and Orophin hadn’t shown any signs of being affected what so ever by the potion. At first Rumil had suggested it might just had worn of, wasn’t working or such, but Elgalad knew her mother. And her mother knew her herbs; there was no way the potion wasn’t working. And she had told him so when Rumil had gone to her, telling her the potion wasn’t working. She hadn’t realised he had given it to them already. So if Rumil had used it and Orophin and Elrohir weren’t the ones infected……She dreaded the thought. Rumil made a mistake in adding the liquid in some goblets.

“No, I’ve counted them twice. The second on the left in the first row and the fourth from the right from the second row. I didn’t make a mistake.” Elgalad looked at the diner table and counted herself. Yes, Rumil was right. If the servants served the goblets the way they always did the ones containing the aphrodisiac would have gone to Elrohir and Orophin. But they hadn’t. This was getting confusing.
“Let’s recuperate. We know two goblets did contain the aphrodisiac. And I know it will work tonight. But what happened? What went wrong?”
“ I know what will happen then. Either two elves or four will be busy during the night.”
“No, no, the ones who have consumed the stuff will be drawn together. That’s why it is so hardly used nobody knows about it anymore. It’s a little side-effect, so to say.”

She saw she had to explain to Rumil, who looked like he was about to run to Galadriel for help. The lady would be capable of straitening the mess alright, but she would also kick them both to Valinor. Ever since the lady had come back, the worst crimes got punished, not by a normal exile, but by sending the elves to Valinor. She knew Galadriel had ulterior motives by sending ‘their trouble’, as the lady called it, to Valinor. She knew she had to enlighten Rumil if he was to keep quiet.
“Well, you see it’s like this. The stuff is made of special herbs, prepared in a special way. If only one movement is altered the concoction becomes a normal tea, and no, my mommy did it right. It’s effect are unique. It’s not just a sexual stimulant. How do I explaiis pis properly?”
She thought back to the time when her mother had caught her putting her lips to a phial, ready to down it’s contents. If only she could remember her exact words. “I don’t remember how my mother put it exactly but it basically makes sure that the people who drink it are drawn to each other. At a certain point any movement becomes highly sensual and any word leaving the mouth of one will become seductive.”
“But if it does that, doesn’t that mean that the words and moves by, let’s say, the cook, will become that as well?”
“No, that’s the point. It will only give that effect when another has drunk the potion as well.”
“And now two others have drunk it. Will they remember?”
“Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t worry at all. They sure remember. Every word spoken and every movement. So yes, they will remember everything.”
“And this is an elven potion?”
on’ton’t know. All I know is that whoever created it, did so to save some marriages, but found the potion to be too dangerous to spread around. Somehow my mother has learned of it’s existence. But enough history lesson, we need to figure out who drank it.”

“Hmmm. I’ve been thinking about that. I think we can safely say the goblets have been dealt out in a different order today. Normally the front row starts of here and the back over there” Rumil pointed at the chairs he was referring to. “The two options are they either switched the rows or the chairs.”
“The rows. I saw the servants serving Legolas first, seat of honour, and Elrond second which means the way of dealing them out is the same. So if the rows have been switched….Let’s count again and see what elves we’ve accidentally put in each other’s arms.” They did so and Rumil dragged the girl straight to Galadriel. Something had to be done now.

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

Ha, there was their little runaway. Hiding in the stables, hidden from view by all the hay.
Elladan and Joreb looked at each other. Who was to go up? Or should they send Elnihir?
They really didn’t know. Joreb was inclined to send Elladan up, but after what he has heard he doubted it would make a difference. He signalled for Elladan to take Elnihir to the main house while he would talk with this one.

He carefully climbed up the ladder. He made sure he went silent and came close unnoticed.
He saw the elfling was crying his heart out, slowly rocking himself back and forth. Whatever it was, it was serious. He knelt down in front of the Elvil, already having decided on a strategy.
“Why, Hello there. You are Elvil, right? I am Prince Joreb of Mirkwood. I came here to check on my horse and he told me about an upset little elfling hiding here. I take it that is you?” He sat down on the hay as well and made himself comfortable, he could see it was going to take a long time. “Will you share your troubles with me? Maybe I can solve them for you?”

He saw the crying was slowly making way for sniffles. Elvil looked up. “You don’t have to stay. I will be alright.” “Of course you will. I do not doubt that for one minute, but I am afraid I can’t leave. You see, my horse I told you about just won’t let me. He is very worried about you and he will keep me here until he knows you alright.”
He could see the little one thinking about his words. “Tell him.”
“Tell him you’re alright? Well, it’s an idea, but you see, he’s a lot like me. Stubborn. Sometimes we think him a mule.” Ah, there he saw a faint smile coming through. “He will only believe that from you. And I do need my bed. Would you come and tell him?”
After some thinking Elvil nodded, stood up and climbed down the ladder after Joreb. He looked around questioningly. He saw no strange horses. Had the other deceived him?
“You’re looking in the wrong direction. His stables are the first next the door. How else would he be able to keep me in?”
That made sense and Elvil followed the Prince, sniffling still. Joreb halted by his horse’s stable. He opened the box and petted the nose kindly speaking softly in the language of the Rû. The horse had been one of theirs before it was gifted to him.
“He’s beautiful.”
“Yes, he is, isn’t he? Want to know what he just told me?”
“May I pet him?”
“He would love that. He has told me that he knows you’re still upset and troubled and that you should talk about it.”
“No! I can’t…I can’t…I…I….I can’t”
“You seem to like my horse?!”
“I do”
“You already know he cares about you. I have an idea. Why don’t you come talk to him whenever you need to, he will always listen to you, maybe it will help you. Elladan told me you no longer want to be around him anymore. He’s real concerned about you, but if he knew you were speaking to someone, it would make him feel better.” Joreb shouldn’t have said the last sentences for Elvil stopped petting the horse, even though it begged for more, and bolted out the stables.

The horse hadn’t spoken to him at all, Elladan had send him. Elladan was worried about him.
But that was bad, Elladan couldn’t be worried about him or even care. He was weird, not elvish, he knew that now. How he wanted to go to Elladan, but he knew he could no longer go to -his- rock. /No, Elvil, he isn’t yours. He told you that, remember? / His tears started flowing again.
He was afraid to go to his rooms but where else could he go? /If only Onar was here, she doesn’t fit in either./ He stopped in his tracks and his crying stopped as well. Maybe he could find her. But he didn’t know where her village was or how to get there.
And finally he saw some use to all those boring lessons. He could read maps. Surely one of those maps would tell him how to get there. He should make sure he had enough water and food as well, and weapons. He didn’t want to run into orcs again unarmed. He now ran towards the library, those maps were better. And there were materials to copy the map.
Yes, he now was positive he could go and find Onar.

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

Now what??? Who was banging on the door this time? This morning they had done it too. What was it? Drive Galadriel mad? She went into the bathroom where Celeborn was enjoying a nice relaxing bath.
He looked up surprised when she entered, wearing a frown. “Love, what is it?” He was dragged out the bathtub, throw into a towel and saw his place in the tub being taken by his wife. “You know, if you wanted the tub, you could have asked.”
Galadriel merely pointed towards the door. “Door. Knocking. -You- deal with that.” Only now did the knocking register in his mind.

He wrapped the towel around him more appropriately and went to answer it. He was surprised to see a fearful and flustered Rumil standing in the door. His hand in a dead grip around Elgalad’s wrist. “Rumil? Elgalad? Don’t tell me we have trouble again? Come in, come in.”
“Is her lady here? We -need- to speak with her urgently.”
“She is in the bathroom Rumil. After this morning she didn’t want any more visitors at the door. But I’m sure she would not have disturbed my bath had she known it was you.” Celeborn walked to the bathroom door and knocked. “Love, I’m afraid you have to deal with it yourself. Rumil needs you, he says.”

Within seconds his wife had joined him in the bedroom. “Rumil, darling, what is the trouble? You look more worried than ever? You are scaring me.”
Rumil blurted out the whole story; how he and Elgalad wanted to help Orophin and Elrohir, that piece of information pleased the lord and lady to no ends. Apparently they hadn’t seen Elrohir’s affection. He also told how exactly they had wanted to help and how it had gone wrong. Elgalad looked at the floor the whole time and was silently counting the sticking on it, while Rumil found his hands to be highly interesting.
After the tale had been told Galadriel spoke. “Rumil, look at me. Your intentions were good and it might have worked to had the goblets been dealt out normally. I am afraid I cannot stop the working of such a potent stimulant, but we can fix this. I have some powerful forgetting dust. We simply blow it in their faces and they won’t remember what they did, they will think themselves to be drunk. Now, have you found out who -had- drunk it?”
“Yes, milady, we figured the goblet rows have been switched tonight. That would have brought the goblets to King Thranduil and Lord Elrond.”

Celeborn slid of his chair with a loud gasp and landed on the floor with a louder thud. Had he heard correctly? This could lead to war. Thranduil would not appreciate it in the morning that was sure. Not to mention Elrond’s reaction.
Galadriel stood and fetched her dust. “We have no more time to waste. Where would they be? Elrond’s rooms or Thranduil’s? Did they even make it there? Come on you three.” She was not going to do this alone.

They rushed through the corridors. They had to find the elves before it was too late. They would check Elrond’s room first. No, not in the study, his bedroom or bathroom. Thanduil’s rooms then.
Moving even faster she practically flew towards the guest quarters. Panting hard she rested her hand against the wall next to the door, she wasn’t used to running like a madman.
Celeborn wanted to open the door, but he found it closed. Elgalad, knowing it to be her fault for even thinking of this stupid stimulant kicked the door open. And yes, the room was occupied. Elrond and Thranduil stared at them in shock.

Celeborn sighed in frustration. They were too late, or so it seemed. Both elves were naked and Thranduil kneeling in front of Elrond, mouth hovering just above the abdomen. That image would never leave his mind, giving him nightmares for sure.
The Mirkwood king stood and angrily walked towards them. “What do you think you are doing? If a door is locked that means DO NOT URB.URB. Get out, can’t you see we’re busy. OUT OUT OUT! And what’s that you’re trying to do Galadriel? I am not having any of this charades, you hear me. Celeborn, take your wife and guards and get out. Peredhel and I are not going to give you a show.”

When he was in this mood Thranduil was a very scaring elf, but Elgalad saw they had not done it yet. Acting fast she ran inside and grabbed Elrond by the wrist. She threw her cloak over him. “Fine, but we are taking him.” As Elrond had no intention of agreeing to this she added “Your healing skills are needed, my lord.” There, that would always get his attention.
“Why do they always have to get hurt, when I need it the least? Alright, but hurry. I have better things to do.” He gathered the cloak around him better and shot the blond king a desiring look. “And you STAY or do I have to lock you in?”

Just to be safe they did walk to the healing house where Galadriel took advantage of the labelled bottles to quickly throw some sleeping dust into Elrond’s face. Her husband sat on the floor like a bag of flour. “Now what? We didn’t use that forgetting dust on either of them. Using it only on him doesn’t seem wise.”
“Fortunately nothing has happened yet.”
“Nothing. Sorry Elgalad, but I do not call this nothing: they were NAKED”
“Rumillax.lax. They will remember, and also that we came on time. We will just explain everything that happened tomorrow morn and now we all will rest. Rumil, I will not punish you, telling your brother will be hard enough.”
“Yes, milady”
“And Elgalad, I will not see any trouble from you anymore. You will stand guard at our door tonight. And I do not, I repeat, I do not wish to be disturbed until breakfast. So you will deal with whatever comes along. Is that clear?”
“Yes, milady.”
Celeborn shook his amused. He adored his wife in those moods. “Love?”
“What!”
“What about Elrond? I think we should move him somewhere Thranduil in his current state will not find him.”
“We will take him with us.”
And off they went. An unconscious Elrond carried by Celeborn.

End chapter sixteen
TBC

Note:
The Rû means Wild men and it’s taken from what they called themselves: Drughu..

Chapter seventeen A new day with new feelings

The night was slowly getting to an end. Morning was approaching and the very first rays of Anar shed their golden glow over the valley of Imladris and it’s contents. But this morning there were none that noticed. All elves were asleep and safely tugged away in their beds. The only elf that was awake was too preoccupied to notice. Close to the border on the south went a silent little elf on one of the stable’s spare horses.

Elvil pulled his cloak tighter around his body. It had been a warm night but when exposed to the wind for hours even his clothing would not stop it anymore. He shivered. He looked around him; he saw nothing to identify his position. How was he to know if he was going in the right direction?
He knew he had to make haste if he was to get away from the search party. They would miss him soon and figure out he had left. And than they would find the mess he had made in the library. Maybe he would get lucky and they would let him be. They would finally be rid of his nuisance. And it wasn’t as if they would miss him.
He sighed as he thought of ale tie times they had made it perfectly clear he was different.
At any time any elf would point out his weird white hair. And even Elladan would pet it constantly, as if to emphasize it’s weirdness. Ok, Glorfindel didn’t have dark hair either, but at least his was lovely golden while he just had colourlessr. Nr. No colour what so ever.
It was creepy. He was creepy.

At first they had said it was because he was not a Noldor, he was probably Vanyar, or maybe a Telerin elf. But all the elves visiting had coloured hair. Even those ‘Lóriën elves. He had seen their hair to be white, but it shone brightly. His was dead and dull and completely devoid of any colour. Theirs hadn’t been.
He had lived with that knowledge for ages now. And had hoped they would accept him. But now he knew that would never happen. Ily Ely Elnihir hadn’t told him, if only he hadn’t known. But that still didn’t make him normal.

He realised they were standing at a junction and the horse was waiting for directions. He got out the map and tried to figure out where he was and where to go. He could easily say which road he had to take, but pinpointing his present position on this map was impossible. He had no idea where he was and whether to go left, right or to continue in a straight line. /So much for lessons being useful. Well, we can’t stay here all day. / He looked at each direction. Left went through those scary trees. Right went into the open. And straight on went to the mountains. Since this was a valley, mountains would take him out of it, wouldn’t they. He went on.

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

Back at the Last Homely House life was slowly returning; the warm rays were waking everybody up.

The Lord of Imladris woke with a nagging feeling something was wrong. /O great, more trouble. Why can’t this be a normal celebration? Why me? Why now? Why, why, why? /
Almost drowning in his self-pity Elrond realised he wasn’t in his own bed, or his rooms for that matter.
Where was he? He focussed his eyes to take in his surroundings and was shocked when he saw Galadriel and Celeborn asleep in the next bed. /Huh?/ How did he get the them? He did not remember coming to their rooms. Or falling asleep. And wasn’t he supposed to wake up in someone’s arms?
He, wait a minute. Where did that come from? How would he know whether or not he would wake up with a body next to his. Celebrían was in Valinor. He had felt like this since shortly after she had left. But it wasn’t Celebrían he would have expected in his bed. Correction, in his arms.
Now what was going on? Did this have something to do with that nagging feeling? /Come on, Elrond, you didn’t drink so much you have a black hole again. Think! What happened after dinner? You went to the room of fire./ Wait, he remembered now.

***FLASHBACK***

He had seen Thranduil there. Now when had the blond become so attractive, seductive and sensual? He remembered how he had thought of ways to get the other in his bed. Being scared by his own sudden desire he fled the room and went to…to do anything that would keep him away from the blond.

He would do some paperwork. That always managed to calm his fire. Boring him half to death. He sat about his business, but after looking at the first paper, a problem of road maintenance, he wondered how ‘Lóriën and Mirkwood would handle these things. Maybe it was a good idea to get their advisor together and exchange knowledge on their different tactics. It would greatly improve all their skills. He would go find Erestor to ask his opinion about this thought.
About to the the handle down he jumped back when it already opened, revealing the one elf he was trying to avoid.

Thranduil looked at Elrond quizzically. He shouldn’t be working this late. And didreadread those eyes correctly? Fear and desire? Desire? No, he must have misread? But wasn’t that why he had come here, following the Half-Elf to his study?

He had seen Elrond in the room of fire and if Elrond hadn’t left when he had, he would have made the Peredhel an indecent proposal. He would do anything to get him in his bed. So alluring, sexy and the few words he had heard had sounded more seductive than ever before.
Without thinking he had immediately followed him and was surprised to see Elrond go into his study. Would the other work? At times like these? Had he been wrong? Wasn’t the other attracted to him after all? He had taken the Half-Elf’s departure as a signal to follow, but he had obviously been wrong.

He turned to go but found it impossible to leave. He -had- to talk to him, he -had- to see him, he just -had- to touch him. Tonight he would take the Half-Elf. He opened the door and a surprised Elrond jumped back at his sudden appearance. If the other was working, he had stopped doing it for he saw Elrond was on his way out.
“Surely there’s nothing so important as to keep you locked up inhere, with the celebration going on?”

“Some things just can’t wait.” He had to get away from the other. If he acted upon his instincts Thranduil would never speak to him again. And things were just getting better. No, he had to keep his raging hormones in check. He walked along the corridors. A walk in the gardens would suffice, the night air was cool. The fastest way there was through the guest quarters.

Of course Thranduil didn’t improve matters by falling into step besides him. “Any particular reason for this walk, Peredhel?”

Elrond swallowed. Always when Thranduil addressed him like that the word had been loaded with disdain and anger, but now he could clearly detect a seductive undertone. The blond -was- trying to get him. Or was this a game, to see if he could get Elrond in a tender situation and than…

When Thranduil received no answer he tried another approach. He -had- to get the Half-Elf in his rooms. “Would you mind joining me in my rooms. There is a letter you might find interesting. About Legolas.” He was fairly sure the Half-Elf would not reject him now that he had brought up a letter concerning his son. Elrond -had- agreed to help him with the children. Of course there was no such letter, but that didn’t really matter now. One step at a time.

Elrond conceded. He was highly curious about that letter and now he had an opportunity to see the blond’s rooms. All he had to do to get his temper under control was read the letter, he was sure.
He entered the room after Thranduil and only barely registered the click when Thranduil locked it. He turned and arched an inquisitive eyebrow. Letter or no, he would not be locked in any room with anyone without his contend. And that had not been granted yet, so…

Thranduil too took on his inquisitive stance. He wasn’t going to be the first to say the words.
No, it would be more fun making the other come to him. If he could last that long. Hearing Elrond clear his throat was almost his undoing. He didn’t realise he himself was making it difficult for Elrond as well.

“Well, are you going to explain me why you lock the door? Surely you have no doubts about my security.”
“No, I just didn’t want to be disturbed. It is private you know.” He was already thinking of ways to devour the beauty standing three feet away from him. He ached to close that distance but somehow found the strength to control himself.
“I see. Now, where is that letter.” He needed it, otherwise things would get out of hand. When he saw the blond swallow a lump he realised there might not be a letter. He risked everything by stepping forwards, just as Thranduil could no longer contain himself and stepped forward as well.
/Hmm, we come to each other then. /

Without thoughts they linked together at the mouths. Thranduil threw his arms around the beautiful neck to tilt the head and get better access. Elrond folded his around the blond’s waist, drawing their bodies closer together. It seemed to last forever, but in the meantime both had decided they wanted to see the other naked. Various clothes found their way to the floor, discarded by passpassionate lords.

Thranduil had to stop his explorations of the other’s mouth, he could kiss him forever, when he realised Elrond was trying to say something. /Don’t tell me I made a mistake here/ he silently begged. He ended the kiss but not the loving caresses, nor did he stop eating the other with his eyes. Oh, how he wanted this.
Did he see correctly, some shyness in those lovely orbs? Orbs the shade of beautiful clouds, darkened with Elrond’s need. Clouds he could drift away on forever. But there had been no shyness in the kisses. Come to think of it, this was the only time he had ever seen shyness in the other.

Hearing nothing he descended onto the mouth again, ready to start an all devouring kiss. He was surprised when the head was pulled away, but he didn’t mind. If Elrond would prefer his kisses elsewhere, he was only too happy to oblige. He started a trail of kisses, beginning with the right ear and working his way down to the collarbone. He mirrored the trail on the left side. Moans and sighs told him his efforts were highly appreciated, wanted even.

The bed, he needed to get them onto the bed, they would be extra sour if they stayed here.
Leading the Half-Elf backwards he made their way to his bed.

When the corner of it collided in his knees, Elrond petrified. No longer returning the caresses or kisses eyeseyes were wide with fear, but dark in need.
Thranduil was about to push his lover down when he saw that expression. It was the expression he had seen in his wife’s eyes when they had first made love. No, this couldn’t be.
“Peredhel?”

Elrond swallowed. This was it. No way out. But he had tried to voice the words before, and his voice had failed him than and it failed him now. He looked at the blond, hoping his eyes would show. Which they did.
“You never had a male before?” No matter how much Thranduil wanted the Half-Elf, he wouldn’t do it now. His need was to great and he did not have any kind of lubricant. Being practically a virgin, the Half-Elf would be sour even with it. He would not increase the discomfort now. “I guess we will have to improvise then.” And with that he continued caressing the body before him with his hands and mouth. He went from top to bottom, deliberately staying clear of the Half-Elf’s need. He would pay a lot of attention to that later.

His mapping of Elrond’s body made him kneel down in front of him and bucking in wanton need the Half-Elf hoped for some sort of release. He grabbed the blond hair, emphasizing his point.
Thranduil smiled and positioned himself so that Elrond’s need was in front of his mouth. But before taking the elf like this he was going to taste the sweat that was showing. Playing the balls in his hands he licked the sweat drops of Elrond’s abdomen.

When he was about to move lower again Celeborn and co entered. Elrond didn’t even realise others were in the room until someone mentioned the Healing House.

***END FLASHBACK***

Movement in the other bed pulled Elrond out his reverie.

/The Healing House. Yes, they had intervened because some stupid elf had gotten hurt./ But then he jumped out of bed. There had been no one in there. Galadriel had thrown sleeping dust in his eyes.
He groaned about his stupidity. He was free to take another lover and if the Mirkwood king was willing to play the part he would not deny him. And what right did they have to intervene in their business. It had clearly been two sided.

He noticed he was wearing Celeborn’s sleeping robes. He would have to go to his rooms and change. And once more the poor door of this room was flown open when an angry elflord wanted to exit.
Annoyed he saw Elgalad standing guard. “My lord, you have awoken. How are you feeling?”
“Ready to kill, so get out of my way. When they awake tell them I’ve gone to change and I do not ever want them meddling in my affairs. UNDERSTOOD?” With that canon shot he left. Celeborn’s robes flapping about his thighs.

But he still had that jagging feeling. What could be wrong today?

End chapter seventeen
TBC

Chapter eighteen A thunderstorm

Breakfast had been chaotic, many elves had not attended and now he was sitting in his armchair, staring out the window. He was glad to learn he had not been the only one missing. But he felt it was wrong to attend this morning. Not after what had happened last night. How could he have given in so easily?
And now that he had tasted those fruits it would be even harder for him to forget the Peredhel. /What had happened last night to result in that? If Celeborn and Galadriel hadn’t come in……
O no!!!!!!! Galadriel had been there, she had hold a pouch in her hand. O no!!!!!!!! /
They had been potioned, there was no other explanation. And Galadriel had carried the antidote. But wouldn’t they have sensed it had any potion been put into their food or drinks?
They both belonged to the eldar. They could easily discern something that didn’t belong to their food. No, he was sure they had not been potioned.
But something had happened to make them act that way. If only it hadn’t ruined his new forming friendship with the other.

Another knock, didn’t those servants ever gave up. There had been four different servants already, telling him breakfast was ready, asking him if he was not well. If they should fetch their lord. He could not handle another. He decided to wait until the knocking would fade. Not even these servants could keep knocking forever.
“Thranduil?” It was Elrond’s voice. What was he doing here?
“It’s open.” Whatever it was the Half-Elf wanted, he was not getting out of his chair.

Elrond entered and kept his distance. Thranduil did not turn or addressed him.
/He must be mad about not coming back last night/ he thought. “Ehm, Thranduil. I’m sorry about last night. It wasn’t my fault, I promise.” No response what so ever. Thranduil was making his point. Say what you have to say and leave. Elrond found it rather unfair to blame him solely. It’s not like he could deny an injured elf. “You know I can’t turn my back on an injured elf. I -am- a healer.” /Even though I wish not to be./ Still no response fthe the blond.
Elrond decided to tell Thranduil everything and hope the other would still want him. “Truth is there was no patient. Galadriel and Celeborn seem to disagree. They even stooped to lying. They said something about us being affected by some sort of aphrodisiac. Ridiculous. We were both fully aware of what we were doing and why. If you can’t admit it, I can. And honestly I know being with you would be more pleasurable than being put to sleep by your mother-in-law.”

Now Thranduil moved. He looked at Elrond with a indefinable expression. “They were right Elrond. Even you should realise that only a powerful potion would make us act like that.” He was not going to play along. Galadriel and Celeborn had stopped them for making a huge mistake. He knew that. The Half-Elf was only trying to be polite here.
“I realise you just called me Elrond for the first time ever. And I wager to say it wasn’t under influence.” Thranduil jumped up and pointed towards the door. “Get out Elrond. I am not playing this charade. OUT”
“Charade?! Why do you think it a charade? Because we -might- have been drugged last night? HA! It wouldn’t even have worked he noe not liked each other, and you know it.”
Elrond was right. That fact has been going over and over inside his brain. He knew it to be true on his side, but he also knew it couldn’t be true for Elrond. The Half-Elf had no feelings for him, none that he wanted anyway. “I know that they stopped us before we made a mistake. We will do best to stay clear of each other until I return to Mirkwood.”
“Who says it was a mistake. Thranduil, listen to me. Both our wives are in Valinor. Our children is all we have. We are both old elves. We could give each other a reason to forget. Fill our beds.” There, he had said it as it was. He hoped Thranduil wouldn’t reject him.

Thranduil was stunned to hear those words. He hadn’t expected Elrond to address this or make such a proposal. “Fill our beds?” Looking at the Half-Elf he saw sincerity. But he also saw extremely loneliness and pain in the grey orbs. And Elrond asked him to kill the pain and drive away the loneliness. He cl his his eyes to gather his thoughts.
Elrond was right. His bed was lonely, it has always been. Filling each other’s beds sounded logical. But he still wasn’t sure.
He opened his eyes and probed Elrond’s look. The same emotions he saw before were still there. Pain, loneliness, hope and affection. Seeing the affection made up his mind. “Alright. We will fill each other’s beds.” /Who knows, maybe in time that affection would grow into something bigger./ “But I have no intention of telling it.”

Elrond released the breath he had been holding and kneeled next to the blond. “I understand. Thank you.” Hesitantly he kissed the rosy cheek.
Thranduil needed to get his mind away and the only logical and safe issue were the celebrations. “So what’s on the programme today?”
“Keeping everybody occupied and happy.”
Both laughed a true laugh.

Thranduil was about to stand and ask Elrond along for a walk when he noticed the other’s dark mood. Something was still troubling the Half-Elf. “Elrond? What is wrong? We have settled this, haven’t we?”
“We have. It’s just… I have this eerie feeling. Nagging. Ever since I stood. I thought it was about us, but now I don’t think so anymore. Something is wrong and I won’t know what.”
Thranduil cocked his head. He realised Elrond was having an ominous feeling. It needed to be pinpointed. “Hyou you ever felt anything like it before? I find relating to those times helpful.”
“Actually yes, now that you mention it. I had this feeling some millennia ago. Once when orcs had invaded our realm and once when Celebrían had left.”
“That settles it, something bad will happen.”
Elrond sat on the floor, his composure and face in utter shock. “Elrond?” Thranduil was truly worried, he had never seen him like this. But on the other hand, Elrond had always kept himself regal and csed sed around him and had now gotten rid of that cloak. The fact that Elrond behaved in his normal fashion told Thranduil he really wanted to try and make this work, which pleased him. He would try as well.

“Oh… no…. oh no.”
“ELROND! What?!” Thranduil had to refrain himself from shaking the other.
“I hadn’t felt this until it had already happened. Something isn’t going to happen. It is already happening.” He stood up and ran out of the room, he had to find out what was wrong, immediately followed by Thranduil, who was still thinking rationally. “Elrond, wait, slow down. You need to be rational. Let’s talk to the others first and see if they know anything. Glorfindel must have just returned from his patrol. Go to him. Come.” Thranduil was not leaving Elrond alone in this state.

When they crossed the clearing towards the stables where they would surely find Glorfindel the wind started to blow in earnest. Thranduil looked towards the sky. It looked like a heavy storm was headed their way. Mayhap that was what his new lover was sensing. “Elrond, look at the sky. It looks like thunder. Can it be you’re sensing that?”
Glorfindel exited the stables and was headed their way, a worried look on his face. /Oh no, it has happened, it has happened./ Elrond leaned on the arm Thranduil offered. “Glorfindel! What?! Tell me. Orcs, Uruks, what?”
“If only. I could deal with those. Elrond, maybe we should go inside.”
“Glorfindel!”

The golden elda sighed. He had to tell Elrond sooner or later, but he rather didn’t. When the patrol party had entered the stables to saddle their horses they had noticed one missing. And it’s saddle and reigns too. Glorfindel had lead the patrol one elf less. He had ordered that elf to see what he could find out. He wouldn’t risk anything anymore.
When he had returned the elf had been waiting for him. Telling him Elvil was missing. After informing the lord of what he had found missing in the house, the little one probably had it with him, he said he had found prove the map into the human realms had been copied.
Glorfindel was sure Elvil was on his way to the woman who had found him. But he could only guess for the reasons. What troubled him more was that the map was old and incorrect and the upcoming storm didn’t help either.

He slowly, carefully and in hopeful words relayed the information to his lord. Elrond merely went limp and would have sank to the floor hadn’t Thranduil had such a strong hold on him.
Thranduil decided to take control. More than oh no’s and not again’s wouldn’t come out of Elrond anyway. He addressed Glorfindel. “Go now, we have to hurry if we are to find him before this storm breaks lose. I will take care of Elrond here. Galadriel and Celeborn will help me, they need to be informed anyway. Now go. Drive safely and bring him back.” He didn’t wait for Glorfindel to reply, he dragged Elrond into the house. He had to find Galadriel and Celeborn.

Fifteen minutes later all elves were inside, the storm had broken lose, and all were worried about the little runaway.
Galadriel had to order her Galadhrim to restrain Elladan. He was about to rush out there alone. The reassurances that Glorfindel was the best tracker there was and he would find Elvil before it was too late didn’t help. Elrond himself would not act normal again until the little one was back safe and sound.

Elrohir had taken his son with him to sit with Melpomean. It would take their minds of this dangerous situation and maybe cheer the his old teacher up. When he was mixing the potion through the food the room was illuminated by another lightning. He feared for Elvil’s life. So young, so little, so inexperienced, so alone and lost and probably afraid as well. He hoped Glorel wel was able to find him.

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

Going straight on had proven to be unable. Where once the road had existed there now was a swamp. He was not going to go through a swamp. The paths were unsafe there. So he had headed back to the junction.
Looking at the map again and rethinking his road, he figured he had taken a wrong turn earlier. One to soon. He went back and this time took the right turn. The road now led him along the small river. It flowed to the Bruinen.

His stomach growled but he ignored it. Eating would only slow him down.
The wind was tearing at his clothes and he was getting colder. He hadn’t known it possible but he was actually starting to freeze. So now he couldn’t even handle a simple cold wind.
/Some elf you are./ He was going to make it to Onar. She would understand him and help him. Maybe she would let him stay with her there. Then she did not have to live amongst the elves either.
He hadclosclose his eyes now, the wind was blowing in earnest and raindrops were threatening to hurt his eyes. The weather was getting worse. Maybe they should find some shelter. He got of his horse and tried to spot some suitable place. He found none. Re-mounting his horse a lightning struck into the tree behind them. His mount flew off in fear, throwing him away.

For a second he lay on the ground in a daze but then he got his senses back. Great, he now was all alone. /Oh no/ He panicked he he realised the horse had taken all his supplies with him. If only he had stopped to eat earlier.
But without a horse he now had to walk. He got to his feet but a killing pain in his right leg made him fall down again. His leg had been broken. Or so it felt. He saw there was no shelter he could crawl to. He had to stay here, in the worst storm ever and he was already drenched.
Realising his hopeless situation he cried.

After a while he recognized his situation to be lethal. He was now so cold he wasn’t shivering anymore, the wind or raindrops no longer pained him or even registered.
Another panic attack came over him and he was about to give into it when the pounding of horse hoofs entered his foggy hearing. Maybe his horse had come back? Or was it the search party? Anyway it didn’t matter. Whatever horse made those noises was far away from him and he was unable to draw any attention to himself. No sound had left his throat for a while, even his crying had gone silent.
But then he felt something warm cover his body before he was lifted of the cold and wet grassy floor.

Glorfindel had found him and for a moment had feared he had been too late. The body lay so still but then he saw the slight movement of the chest. He put the spare cloak around the body and carried the elfling to his horse. When he had made sure Elvil could not fall off he made to mount behind him. But something blinded him. Some object had reflected the lighting of the thunder. He bend to check it out and saw it was a beautiful medallion. Elvencraft. He decided to show it to Elrond, maybe he knew who it belonged to. When he was seated, Elvil safely wedged between himself and the horses neck, he took of in a gallop.

The wind blew the medallion out of his hand and he was just fast enough to grab it. Drawing his hand back in he found Elvil reaching for the object with his nearly frozen hand. “Mine” It was barely more than a stammered whisper but Glorfindel’s trained ears picked it up none the less. “I will hold onto it until we’re home. I give it to you when we’re there.” He was glad his surprise didn’t show in his voice. He didn’t even knew Elvil had a medallion. Where had he got it from? It couldn’t have been a gift from Elrond or any other. it was too ancient for that.
This was a slight mystery.

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

After a fast ride they soon entered the clearing in front of the house. He left his horse to the groom and carried the elfling straight to the Healing rooms, shouting for Elrond.
Elrond arrived at the same time Glorfindel did. They had seen them coming and he had rushed down to see Elvil’s condition. He was shocked to find the little one so cold but he knew it was not a dangerous situation. He immediately went into his healer’s mode. “Elladan, prepare a bath. Galadriel, make some Athelas tea, you know your way around the laboratory. Glorfindel, gently lower him into the tub. Everybody else OUT”

While Galadriel set about making the tea it took all three of them to get the elfling in the tub.
He trashed like a madman. For him the water consisted of thousand little needles stabbing him mercilessly. It only felt that way because his body was so cold. Which was exactly what Elrond told him. And very slowly Elvil’s body was warming up and the water was becoming more pleasant. The tea Galadriel made him drink would aid his recovery. Before they had him out of the tub and into a bed he had fallen asleep.

The four of them sat down troubled. After letting Glorfindel tell them how he had found the elfling a silence settled over them It was Elladan that broke the silence. “Did he ran for me?” It had become his biggest fear the last couple of hours. Elrond hurried to soothe his eldest. “I do not think so, he has been acting strange since yesterday. I think this runs deeper.”
Galadriel didn’t know what it was either. Glorfindel suddenly remembered the medallion and took it out of his pocket. “Maybe this has something to do with it? I found it close to where I found him. He said it was his”
“I don’t remember seeing it before. Maybe Onardodya has. We shall have to ask her when she gets back.”

“May I” Galadriel extended her hand. Something about it shocked her. She knew not why but something told her this was the key to all this trouble. After studying it from every side she saw nothing out of the ordinary. Just a medallion with the image of a leaf. Sign that he was of the eldar race.
“Nona, what does that mean? Those markings? I can’t read them.” Elladan pointed to where he saw the markings. They were small, easy to miss, and were written in between the front side and the backside. Galadriel read the message for so far she could and then gave it to Elrond to read, who nodded. “If this is indeed his it explains a lot. We will have to wait until he awakens. Until then I will keep it with me.”

“Why don’t you go to bed, ata, you look tired. And who will sit with him, I don’t think he will want to see me.”
Glorfindel understood. “I will, if you will sit with Melpomean.” Elrond groaned. He had totally forgot about his secretary. “Don’t worry, meldir. Elrohir took Elnihir to sit with him. I’m sure Elnihir’s cheerful mood will lighten his spirit.”
“Will you alert me the moment he awakens?” After a nod from Glorfindel he left. He was sure Galadriel would take care of his son.

He really needed some rest but upon entering his bedroom he found the bed did not lure him at all. It only reminded him of his loneliness. He had to stay here, otherwise he would be impossible to find when Elvil wakes.
He stopped a servant and asked him to bring Thranduil the message they needed to talk.
He closed his eyes, awaiting Thranduil’s arrival. He was sure the other would come. No doubt he wanted to know if Elvil was alright and maybe he could entice the blond to hold him while he rested.

End chapter 18
TBC

Chapter nineteen Minority complex

He had to admit that Elrond had gone out of his way to make him eat the potion. Why else would Elrohir have come here? He knew that ever since Elrohir had been an elfling he hadn’t liked his tutor and the feeling hadn’t changed. Elrohir had frequently begged his ata to let him skip Melpomean’s classes. Bf cof course ata had never relented.

Elrond always did have more trust in him than he did. His parents had always told him how utterly useless he was and after some centuries he started believing it. It wasn’t until Lord Elrond gave him his job, he started to think they might have been wrong. That he might have some use after all. But not anymore.
After all those millennia, the only thing he had accomplished was proving his parents right. It wouldn’t be long before Elrond saw it as well and then he would be gone faster then a lightning ball. Maybe he would let him stay on as a servant? He hoped so for he didn’t want to leave. He loved it here. It was his home.

Elnihir was constantly poking him to see if he wasn’t an illusion. How totally annoying. “Why don’t you go. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. There’s no need to waste your time on me.”
“We prefer to stay. Elnihir, stop that. How would you feel if someone kept pokiou? ou? Apologize.”
“But ata, how do we know this is Melpomean?”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. /Was I ever this bad?/ “Use your eyes, not your grabby little fingers.”
“He looks like him, but it isn’t him, I think.”
“What do you mean, I am not me? Maybe we ought to teach you a thing or two about being polite. Insulting your elders, really.” The sick elf snorted.
“Melpomean, you’re back. I am so glad. There was another in your body.”
“Elnihir!!!” /I definitely never was -this- bad./
“Hs ats ata, he was. Now he is tutor again.”
Elrohir decided not to reply or argue, knowing that if he did, they would be arguing until he went nuts. Elnihir was the most stubborn elfling he knew.

Melpomean was looking lost as well. Of course, he was cut of from the house. He probably was unaware of everything that had happened lately. “Let me bring you up to date with Imladris. I know Glorfindel isn’t much good there.”
“I already know about the orcs chasing Elvil and Ecthelion coming here. He will be a good asset to our household.”
“Really?! Have you ever met him before??” Elrohir couldn’t wait to hear what kind of an elf Ecthelion was.
“Of course. He probably doesn’t remember but we met in Valinor. Several times. He was rather gloomy there and longed to come here. So I suggested to your grandfather that we’d ask Ecthelion to join us.”
“You suggested that?! Ata never told us. But ata hardly ever talks about Valinor. I think he was more alive before he went there.” When he saw Melpomean frown he realised there was indeed something, just as he and Elladan suspected. But before he could address it the secretary asked what else had happened since.
“Elvil is crazy. He doesn’t stop crying and he runs away from Elladan and it’s my fault and now….” Elnihir broke out in tears. Even though every elda had already said it hadn’t been his fault he knew that it was.

Melpomean drew him closer. He had always been fond of those two. “Hush. What is your fault? I am sure you are exaggerating?”
“No, I’m not.” The boy was weeping for life now. Elvil was going to die and it was all his fault. Just when Elrohir was about to explain his son’s idiotic behaviour there was a soft knock on the door.

Elladan meekly entered. He always feared this one and his fear hadn’t lessened in time.
He just knew how to hide it. After hearing the treatment his ata and Glorfindel had received from this sick elf, he was practically afraid to even step one toe inside the room. But Elrohir was not getting out of his chair so he had to enter. “Hi….eh….may I come in?” /Why did I change places with Glorfindel? I must be nuts./
What was it about him that always made this twin act like an elfling? Melpomean sighed, he already had one in his lap. “You are already in, Elladan, so I don’t see why not. Is anything the matter? Is your brother needed elsee?” e?”
“No, no, Melpomean. No, don’t think I am robbing you of your company. It is just that…I… eh….I”

Elrohir burst out laughing. He couldn’t believe it. His brother was still afraid of their old tutor. He always babbled like this when afraid.
Elladan glared at him, this wasn’t funny.

“Relax, Elladan. In spite of what everybody seems to believe I do not eat elves. Won’t you sit down.” He pointed to his bed. He still had a weak spot for Elladan. Always the weak one, the gently one, the tender one. The exterior led everyone to believe otherwise, but he knew to look beneath the mask.

Just then Elnihir spoke up in fear. “No, don’t tell me I’ve killed him. Don’t tell me that uncle. Please” He would have thrown himself at Elladan, but the secretary lay in between them, forming a living barrier.
Elladan hurried to shoot his nephew. “No, no, little one. Elvil is fine. Glorfindel just brought him home. He is frozen solid, but that’s nothing a little time won’t fix”

Elrohir was about to fire a canon of questions at his twin when he saw a puzzled expression on Melpomean’s face. He quickly explained about how Elvil had changed yesterday and had now ran away. Elladan saw his nephew needed to be sure for himself. “Elrohir, why don’t you two relieve Glorfindel, or keep him company? I will stay here if he can’t be left alone”

“That’s a good idea Elladan, and I can be left alone alth evh everybody seems to think I can’t mix the potion with the food myself. The glass entered my eye, not my hands, you know.” Those words made Elladan admire and fear Melpomean more for he just had proven stronger than Elladan had thought possible. “I don’t mind staying. Being alone can drive a person mad.”
Melpomean made more room for Elladan on the bed, he told himself to stay quiet and to cooperate with this one. /Do not scare Elladan away, he’s too delicate. / “Oh, Elrohir, one second before you go.”
Elrohir, who already stood in the corridor halted and turned around. “Any more surprises you people have in store for me?”
“Not that I’m aware of”
“Yes there is, Elvil has a medallion, did you know Melpomean?” /If anybody could have noticed it is him/ Elladan thought. Nothing escaped the secretary’s eye. He knew he was his father’s secret weapon. Nobody would watch their movements around him, but he would notice every single thing. But Melpomean shook his head.

Elladan realised he had some more news for his twin but Elnihir was already dragging him along, eager to see Elvil. “Oh, they’re in a hurry. I wanted to tell them about ata and Thranduil.”
“What about them? Fighting again?” Melpomean actually smiled and Elladan decided it was a good subject to pursue. “No, more like they’re lovers. Thranduil was comforting ata when we were waiting for Glorfindel to return. I just wanted tll mll my brother before he makes a silly remark. Mel, wis iis it?”
He was the only one who had ever gotten away with shortening the elf’s name. It was the sole reason he wasn’t running in fear every time they had to be together. But now his old tutor had suddenly paled. Was it an infection? “Mel? Is it your eye? I can get ata to take a look.”
That made the wounded elf bolt upright. “NO!! no, it’s alright. I’ll be alright. Lovers? Are…are you sure?”
“It’s not like I’ve asked, but I did get that impression. I wonder what is wrong with this family. First Elvil is acting weird and now Thranduil and ata are on speaking terms…”

And until Elladan would be relieved they spoke about this year’s weird celebrations, about the past and many other things. A lively conversation in which Elladan found his tutor to be a very lively and passionate elf. Not at all that pale and dull elf he knew. Maybe it was that passionate side of his that made the tears flow so easily.
He remembered his father, Erestor and Sealbtalktalking about him once. Glorfindel had left, he did not want to talk about somebody behind his back. They had said Melpomean was counsellor material, the best there was, but for those tears. As a counsellor he was bound to get insulted, either personally or the realm as a whole and those tears would be giving his emotions away, they would show his opponent had won. He wondered if Melpomean had ever learned of it. Maybe he could work on it.

A slight touch on his arm pulled him out of his reverie. Melpomean was looking at him with worry on his face. “I am sorry, I was just remembering a conversation I once overheard.”
“It is impolite to eavesdrop.”
“I know and I wouldn’t have listened but Glorfindel had sounded so mad. And ata irritated. I’ve never heard ata irritated before than, so I just stayed.”
“Glorfindel, mad??? Now that’s a novelty.”
“Yes, he was mad, and ata irritated. I can still hear his words :“I will not stay here and listen to this. It is impolite to dis thi this behind his back and you know it. Elrond, I stand by you as always, but I will not be part of this.” I tell you, Mel, he had never been this mad. Or after that. I guess I just listened in to find out what it was that had made him so mad.”
The secretary shrugged. “Whatever they were discussing obviously.”
“Aye. You.”
“ME? When?” Melpomean could hardly believe the younger elf.

“Some millennia ago. Ata wanted to make you an advisor, but Erestor and Sealbeth didn’t agree. They said you too soft, that your tears would give you away. They were convinced of it and ata couldn’t promote you without their consent. That they weren’t even inclined to give ito wao was irritating him to no end.
‘He said that he knew you could learn to control it in time. And that practice was the best teacher. He said that you had taught us and we turned out all right. He even reminded them of their mistakes when they had just started.
‘But nothing he said could convince them. They said “Who are we to stop you from doing as you please, my lord, but I will not show him the ropes. It will be a waste of time” But then Erestor had mellowed. He said that if Elrond was sure you could do it he would help, but that he doubted you would be able to control your emotions and keep back the tears.”

Melpomean let all this settle down. Millennia ago, and Elrond and Glorfindel had been sure he had potential. And Sealbeth, his only friend, had let him fall. This knowledge made him cry. Nothing Elladan did or say would make him stop. He turned onto his side so he would not see the other. He continued crying until he could cry no more. He was deaf to Elladan’s words of comfort. He refused to turn around when it was time for his medicine.
He had been stabbed in the heart twice now. His love was forever out of his reach. He had always known that, but to have it proved was still hard. And his best friend had betrayed him. He had no friends here then. He would just lay here and slowly die. He cared no more.

When the third medicine was throw away as well Elladan got worried and ran for help. Something was seriously wrong and he didn’t know what to do. He wanted to get his ata but Elrond would probably be with Thranduil or talking to Elvil. Either way he’d better not disturb. He ran to the rooms of his grandparents.
Haldir had just left the room and looked at him in worry. “No orcs.” He managed to say to him. It would puzzle the warden more, but Elladan didn’t care, it was his favourite pass time: confusing Haldir.

“Ata’da. Nona. You have to help me, please.” Panting heavy he started tagging at their sleeves, begging them to follow him, a childish custom that always came back at times like these. Celeborn put his arm around his shoulders and with some pressure guided him to a chair. “Easy, Elladan. Why don’t you tell us what is wrong first, before dragging us off. We run faster if we know what it is we are running for.”
“Mel, he…he..he”
“Who’s Mel, sweetheart.” Galadriel had never before heard that name.
“Melpomean. Mel. He doesn’t do anything anymore. I don’t know what to do” He slumped his shoulders. He really did not know what to do, he had tried everything. “He doesn’t move anymore, he doesn’t speak.”
Celeborn chuckled. “I’ve heard he’s a horrible patient.”
“No, that’s not it. He took his medicine and was cheerful and talking, but now he doesn’t even do anything anymore. I’m afraid nona. He looks so much like nana did.”
By now both Celeborn and Galadriel were kneeling next to their grandchild, enveloping him in a hug. “Now, did anything invoke this behaviour?”
“I told about overhearing a conversation millennia ago.”
“What conversation?”
And again he told what he had heard so many years ago. Galadriel and Celeborn exchanged knowing glances at hearing it. “Now, Elladan, I am sure he merely is upset and feels betrayed by his best friend. You say it is mainly Sealbeth’s fault he didn’t get that promotion.”
“No, I thought that too, but it isn’t, he said so.”
Galadriel decided she needed to see for herself. “Love, you stay here with him. I will go see if I can’t entice this stubborn elf to eat his medicine. And Haldir,” Galadriel had already moved through the door while speaking and Haldir was still there, standing guard. “Will you tell Elrond I want a meeting with him, his advisors and Glorfindel. Thank you, dear.” And with that she was off. She knew one thing for sure, next celebrations she would stay in the calm that was ‘Lóriën.

End chapter nineteen.
TBC

Chapter twenty A heated discussion

They were all gathered in the guestrooms assigned to the lord and lady of the woods. Their faces were set stern, this was official and serious business.

Celeborn looked at the elves sitting around him. To his right was Elrond, a worried expression on his face. Elrond knew things had to be serious for Galadriel to demand a meeting in another’s realm. He wondered what had happened. A good thing Elvil wasn’t alone and was recuperating well.
When Glorfindel had hurried in the room he had feared the little one had taken a turn for the worsut Gut Glorfindel had hurried to assure him his foster son was alright and doing a lot better. He was still sleeping a healing sleep and Ecthelion was sitting by him.
That remark had greatly surprised Celeborn and Glorfindel had taken it as a sign to elaborate.

***FLASHBACK***

Yet another wrong turn. How could he ever get acquainted with these hallways. He was sure he had followed the elf’s directions but still there was no sign of any steps leading to the gardens. He wanted to walk between those lovely flowers and trees he had seen from high above. But each turn only took him to another corridor with another turn. He was beginning to wonder if this place was built to drive him crazy? And now the latest turn had lead him into a corridor with a dead end. Ecthelion groaned. There was no way he would ever find the gardens. O no, it wasn’t a dead end, it was a door.

Just now he noticed all doors to be open except for the one at the end and one halfway the corridor on his right. He jumped when he heard a voice from behind asking him if he was looking for something. He made a 180 degrees turn and faced the golden haired beauty from breakfast.

“Actually I was trying to find the gardens. I had asked but apparently I’ve taken a wrong turn somewhere. These halls are like a maze. I’ll never find my way around, I’m sure.”
Glorfindel smiled at him. “Yes you will, don’t worry. And there are many ways into the gardens, almost every window leads to them. Come, in stead of giving you new direction I’ll show you a shortcut.” Glorfindel signalled for the other to follow him inside.

When he passed the doorway Ecthelion saw this was the Healing house. But what would a warrior such as Glorfindel be doing here? Looking around he saw one bed occupied. It was that little elf he saved before. Had they missed a shot wound? He hoped not. “Hee, that’s little Elvil. Don’t tell me those orcs managed to shoot him and we didn’t notice?”
For a second Glorfindel was surprised that Ecthelion knew Elvil, but then he remembered. “O yes, you saved him. No, this is self-inflicted I’m afraid. He nearly froze to death.”
Ecthelion gasped. “How horribly. Why? What happened? Will he be alright? I’m sorry but I kind of feel responsible for him.”
“It’s alright. I don’t really know why he did it, but he left to find the woman he considers his mother. He got caught up in the storm and you see what happened”
“I see, but what about his real parents. Surely they might know why he wanted to leave?” As soon as he asked Ecthelion kicked himself for the head. How could he have forgotten? Elrond was fostering this one, so naturally the real parents weren’t close.
“He has no real parents. That woman found him as a baby. We are very sure his parents have been killed. The campsite that was nearby showed signs of battle and a hasty retreat. They must have been under a surprise attack. We guess his mother tried to escape with him, without success. She was found death not far away. Death and molested.”

With hearing this news his eyes widened. He had to learn more about this attack and the elf in the bed. It was highly intriguing to Ecthelion. /Maybe, just maybe…/
He thought he had hidden his surprise well, but Glorfindel had noticed. But before he could address this he was summoned to a meeting. Ecthelion immediately offered to sit with the little one.

***END FLASHBACK***

“I’m not sure though. It seemed Ecthelion knew more about that battle than he let on. We should keep an eye on him. I told Lómiol to stay close and keep an eye out on Elvil. I don’t want any more surprises Elrond.”
“Understandable, but I don’t think Ecthelion poses any danger to any of us.”

The advisors were sitting back, unsure of why they were all here. Surely not another orcthreat.
But this week anything was possible. Celeborn stiffened a chuckle at the trepidation on their faces.
He then locked faces with Thranduil, who had demanded to be there. He too knew that Galadriel wouldn’t have called a meeting if it wasn’t highly important. And as it was he was the only Mirkwood representative. He had kindly agreed the king stayed. Not because he agreed on having a Mirkwooder present, but the king might be able to act as umpire. Galadriel and himself were too emotional involved to be partial. Thranduil wasn’t.
And Haldir remained as well, just in case the skilled warrior was needed. The warden looked his usual stern and cocky self, but there was also mirth in those eyes. Studying the guard Celeborn saw how Haldir’s gaze sometimes settled on Elrond and Thranduil. His curiosity peeked he walked over to his head warden.

They were still waiting for Elladan and Elrohir, whose presence Galadriel had insisted upon.

When he stood next to Haldir he started a whispered conversation. “What is it that amuses you so, Haldir. I would think you’d be pleased seeing how you no longer have to separate Elrond and Thranduil.”
“Yes, my lord, but I wager you know not the reasons behind this sudden camaraderie.”
He hid a smile when he remembered last night’s events. It was hard to keep his face normal, because when he looked at Elrond or Thranduil now that image flashed in front of him. “I might”
“Not unless you’ve used the mirror, my lord.”
“Quiet, you know others do not know about it’s continued existence.”
Haldir reddened in embarrassment. “I am sorry. Forgive me my error.”
“Tell me and I will”
“Don’t you find it odd that Thranduil knows about it?”
“No, he and Elrond were talking when..” He didn’t finish for Haldir suddenly had the utmost trouble keeping his face stern. Laughter was threatening to appear. And Haldir wouldn’t laugh when on duty.
He managed to keep his composure when his lord elbowed him in the chest. “Talking indeed. It didn’t look like talking to me my lord.”
Celeborn turned to look at the other, a I-do-not-know-what-you-are-talking-about expression gracing his face.
Haldir leaned in closer. “They were naked, my lord. And Thranduil was kneeling and about to take..”

Celeborn pulled away. Now the image would never leave. But this did mean they had been stopped before they could finish yet again. No wonder both elves had glared at the three of them. He did not really welcome this relationship, but he did want Elrond to be happy. He deserved it and apparently his son-in-law thought Thranduil could give him that.
But he saw no real love between the two. This was that potions doing. He was going to make sure Elgalad would pay for this. He would have a serious discussion with Rumil too