Against all odds

Chapter forty-three The Wedding

One year later:

“Come on, hurry, we’ll be late.”
Legolas shook his head at his husband’s worry. “Calm down, Ro. Everything will be all right. We have plenty of time before the wedding. Enough to make love trice if we’d wanted to.”
Elrohir growled. “No we don’t. How can you think about that at a time like this. You’re as worse as Erestor!”
Legolas’ eyes flashed with jealousy. “What!”

Elrohir quickly realised his mistake. It surprised him how jealous his lover was and yet at the same time it brought him a sense of calm and peace, knowing Legolas to be this possessive. At times he’d even try to make him jealous.

He grinned when he thought back to their trip to Mirkwood. He had been fidgeting the entire journey and the closer they got to Mirkwood the worse his fidgeting became. It had even served to unnerve the unnervable Thranduil.

At some point the king had taken him apart to have a talk. “Why are you so…so… I don’t even know. But you’re unnerving me. And Legolas’ eyes take on a scared look when looking at you. What’s wrong, Elrohir? I may not be Elrond, but please confide in me as you would in him.”

Elrohir hugged him tight and smiled. “It’s nothing.” Seeing Thranduil straiten himself, arms crossed and his head cocked to the left he knew a better answer was demanded. He had seen Legolas take that stance many times and smiled at the similarities between father and son. “I guess I don’t want to disappoint anyone. His brother, his sisters. And I don’t know anything of his life in Mirkwood. Oh, I know his entire childhood, but I don’t know about his friends. I don’t want to look bad. Or make you or Legolas look bad.”

Thranduil smiled. “Legolas doesn’t have many friends, young one. He had always kept everyone at bay and after a few attempts most had given up. Still happens. The only ones stubborn enough to actually become his friends are few; you can count them on one hand and only two of them reside in Mirkwood. As for my other children. Be yourself and they’ll accept you. Please don’t worry or worry Legolas. I’m surprised your bond hasn’t showed your feelings to him. But he says you block yourself lately.”
Elrohir’s eyes widened and he nodded. “I think I might have, yes.”

Thranduil smiled and sent of of to talk to Legolas. After a while a multi-coloured glow told him they now did more than talk and he smiled.

The reception in Mirkwood had been different than anything Elrohir had imagined it would be and he had been eagerly taken in the family. They all fought to claim him. Every day another family member wanted to show him around and to to know him. He had been too preoccupied to notice at the time but Legolas’ eyes had flared occasionally when seeing how his family so ruthlessly claimed his husband. Only Thranduil’s suiting words made him control his anger.

Every new guide showed Elrohir different parts of the forest and introduced him to different elves. And when the party came to honour the return of Thranduil and Legolas, on which they would pronounce their bound, many elves of both gender had greeted Elrohir and demanded a talk or a dance.

Elrohir had rather stayed with Legolas, but realised he had to uphold not only Imladris’ honour, but also that of Thranduil, so he had always complied.
Until Legolas had snapped.

It had come sudden, but after hours of harassing Elrohir finally was at his side again and Legolas wanted nothing more than to silence the area and kiss his lover, when another elf came up. Another one after many that had received Legolas’ death glare and yet it had not served in keeping Elrohir at his side.

“Mae Govannen, Heru Elrohir Peredhel Elrondion o Imladris, quetëlva né lá sinta. Levuvantyë sina líltë yassen met pólar amatsë?”
Not wanting to be impolite Elrohir inclined his head in acceptance and took one step forward.

It was then that Legolas snapped. He could not stand and watch his lover talk and dance with yet another. All the bottled anger was released in that moment and he jerked Elrohir back and yelled at the stealing elf. “Autat!”
The elf in question looked stunned at his Prince’s command and he smiled. “Forgive me, Prince Legolas, I was unaware Lord Elrohir was spoken for.” He bowed and backed up.

Normally this would have satisfied Legolas but all the previous days’ frustration now was released and he took one step forward. “I’ll bet. Just like everybody else. You miserable stealing elf! Find your own lover to dance with and talk to, but keep your hands of mine!”
All eyes had widened in disbelief and Elrohir went deep red as he saw Legolas’ actions and heard his words.

Thranduil quickly intervened. “Legolas. That’s enough!” Legolas turned his upset gaze at his father and Thranduil’s hardened. “Enough, I said.”
He turned his gaze to all others. “Please forgive my son his words. He’s still not completely recovered from his illness and you all know official festivities have never been much for him. Truth is Elrohir,” He motioned for Elrohir to stand by his side. “is my son-in-law by marriage. And tonight we had planned to make it public, though not like this. Please accept my sincerest apologies, young one, for my son’s harsh words. You know how jealous newly weds can be.”
Everybody now cheered for the two and the party renewed.

Elrohir went to his husband and placed his hand on his shoulder. “You were jealous?” He had a hard time believing it.
Legolas sighed and nodded. “Terribly. I’ve always been possessive of my things, if that’s any excuse. First my own family steals you away from me and now all these elves.” He rubbed his head. “I just snapped. I’m sorry, Elrohir.”
Elrohir caressed Legolas’ face. “It’s all right. A bit embarrassing, but all right. No one can steal me away from you. Maybe now they’ll think twice before asking me to talk or dance. You have no idea how boring it can be.”

Legolas looked disbelieving. “But you love dancing.”
Elrohir nodded. “But after I met you I only want to dance with you. Please?” He extended his hand, hoping Legolas would accept the offer to dance. He knew Legolas hardly danced, but he really wanted to feel Legolas’ body against his own as he whirled around.
Legolas’ first instinct was to decline but seeing Elrohir’s hopeful expression he placed his own hand in Elrohir’s and led him to the dancing area.

All heads turned towards them and all others stopped dancing. Legolas never danced and now he was going to dance with his beloved. Even the most notorious dancers gladly cleared the area for them.

Legolas smiled as he pressed his lover close and blushed when he admitted he didn’t really know how to dance anymore. Following Elrohir’s lead had been easy and soon he became more competent and the whole world faded but for the elf in his arms.

Neither elf noticed the others as they danced together and neither heard the applause as they stopped all motion to focus on their all devouring kiss. Sounds of awe and surprise were heard when light erupted from the kissing couple, brightening the whole area.

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

Legolas’ pained yelp brought Elrohir back to the present and he looked at his lover in worry. Legolas cocked his head in inquiry and smiled. “You were miles away. What were you thinking of?”
Elrohir smiled. “You’re improving. A year ago you would have asked me whom I was thinking of.” He kissed his lover. “My arrival in Mirkwood. Do you remember?”
Legolas groaned. “Don’t remind me of those horrid days. I hardly saw you.”
Elrohir smiled. “More precisely the dance, right after you showed your first case of jealousy.”
Legolas reddened and turned. “Why do you keep reminding me of that? I feel disgusted about myself.”

Elrohir embraced him from behind. “Don’t be, my golden warrior. Don’t be. Some might say it’s a lesser quality, but I disagree.” Legolas turned in his embrace and looked stunned. Elrohir nodded. “I do. It shows how deeply you love, want and need me.”
Legolas smiled. “Is there anything you do agree on?”
Elrohir smiled seductively. “Yes, you.”

Legolas laughed warmly and kissed him. “Come on, impatient one. Let’s go. Maybe they need a little help with the last touches.”
Elrohir dashed off, dragging his laughing husband along.

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

Elladan growled when Glorfindel readjd hid his clothing.

“Now stop altering it. It looks good on you. Lindir won’t know what he sees.” Elladan moved his hands to undo Glorfindel’s work but the warrior stopped him. “Leave it!”
Elladan shook his head. “I look like a performing monkey in heels.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “If you wanted a dresser who agreed with you, you should have asked Elrohir.”
dan dan looked at him. “And get Legolas’ wrath? No thanks. Besides, ever since they’ve been to Mirkwood Ro hardly agrees on anything. I like it.”
Glorfindel grinned. “Aye, he’s finally healed. Now sit down and let me do your hair. You don’t want to meet your groom with this mess, do you?”

Elladan reluctantly sat down behind his father’s dresser. His own room was taken by Lindir, because the minstrel’s was redecorated and enlarged to house two elves. “What if he’s changed his mind?”
Glorfindel shook his head, giving Elladan the same answer he’s given him the last twenty times he’s asked that question. “Of course not. He wants you. You even said he’s finally fully outgrown his fear two months ago.”
dan dan nodded. “I know that, but I just can’t help wondering.”
Glorfindel smiled. “And that’s why I chose to remain single. These pre-wedding nerves are killing and I never want to go through that again. One time was enough for me.”

Elladan turned and Glorfindel cursed, the movement had completely destroyed the braid, made out of three smaller ones, which he had to redo now. “Sit still. Yes I was married.”
Elladan smiled. “If it is up too Ro and Legolas you too will be going through this.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “I’d rather face another Balrog.”
Elladan laughed. “They’re very determined though. I even suspect them to make inquiries in Mirkwood and ‘Lóriën.”
Glorfindel grinned. “Let them. As long as they don’t meet the right elf, there’s nothing they can do.”

Elladan’s eyes widened but he halted his tongue before speaking, thinking about the sentence before opening his mouth. Lindir had thought him that and he had quickly learned that lesson, to the great annoyance of the others who had more trouble teasing him. “You’re in love?”
Glorfindel gave a small nod. “Don’t move. If you ruin this I have to redo everything.”

Elladan sat perfectly still. “Anyone I know.” Glorfindel kept silent and Elladan glared at his reflection. “Glorfindel! If you don’t tell me I’ll tell Ro and Legolas you’re in love but won’t say who with.”
Glorfindel smiled. “That I can handle, but them knowing who it is I cannot. Give me that clasp.”
Elladan handed him a small, delicate and beautiful clasp. He smiled at it.

Lindir’s father had come to him when he had arrived. He had told both him and Lindir the package contained Tyelcë’s blessing. It had been this clasp, which she had made for Lindir’s future bride. She had finally seen the error of her ways and wanted Elladan to have it and perhaps, if they were up to it, to wear it at the wedding.
Lindir had broken down and had begged Elrond to fetch his mother, who had complied.

So now, while Glorfindel was aiding Elladan, Lindir had both his parents to fuss over him. Both mother and son found out they loved this new, changed situation. “Oh, Lindir, you look beautiful. So beautiful even I fear there might not be a wedding.”
“Tyelcë!”
She shook her head. “If Elladan takes but one look at him, he’ll faint. You are gorgeous, my son. Now, before we go out I need to say this and please don’t take this the wrong way. But when and if you get pregnant, do not only confide in Elrond. He might be a healer, and a great one at that, but he’s also a male. One that has never been pregnant. He might have seen his wife pregnant but that’s different from being pregnant. Please also go to a woman for guidance or advice. That’s all I am asking. Now, all ave ave to do is your hair.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Glorfindel gasped when Elladan poked him. “Tell me.” Glorfindel shook his head.
Elladan frowned. “Is the one you love not in love with you?” Glorfindel shrugged to indicate his ignorance and Elladan nodded.
“Is the one you desire bound or otherwise unattainable?” Glorfindel shook his head. “Not since I saw him last.”

Elladan’s eyes widened at this information. “Him! So it’s a he! Is he not interested in males?” Glorfindel smiled. “He is, though he’s not dirty of females either.”
Elladan smiled. “So, not taken, not straight and not -not- in love you…. Is he from Imladris?”
Glorfindel shook his head. “Let it be, Elladan.”
“No, this gets me through these agonizing moments. So, he’s from another realm. Is that why you don’t do anything? But that’s stupid. Ro and Legolas are from different realms too, so that’s not an acceptable excuse. He is elven, is he not?” Glorfindel nodded.
“Mirkwood or ‘Lothlóriën?”
Glorfindel closed his eyes and sighed. “The second. Now stop it.”

But Elladan started thinking. “Well, it can’t be one of ata’da’s counsellors, for we all know you don’t go for those. No, it has to be a Galadhrim. But who. There are so many you meet. Never mind, I’ll tell Legolas and Ro to investigate. I’m sure they’ll be more than happy to do so.”
Glorfindel briskly turned him around. “You will tell them nothing! Or I will use you for target prse. se. Not another word.”

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

Elrond released Erestor and approached Celeborn and Galadriel when they walked towards them, their Galadhrim not far behind. “Really, do you not trust my guards to keep you safe?”
Celeborn smiled. “Well met to you too. And yes, we do. And so do they, but they want to see this too. How are our grandsons?”
Elrond smiled. “Elrohir is finally whole again. I never thought I would see that. Legolas made the difference.”

Galadriel smiled. “And they are right for each other. I knew the moment I saw him he would be the one to make little Ro happy again.”
Celeborn turned to her. “Sorry?”
She smiled her winning smile. “I did. I saw his soul.”
He nodded. “I can understand why you thought that, but what I don’t understand is the moment you thought that. We never saw him before the ring-quest.”
Galadriel nodded. “That’s why I looked into the mirror before the ring was destd, td, to see if there was a change.”

Elrond smiled. “And what did you see?”
Galadriel closed her eyes and sighed. “This. I saw today.”
Elrond’s smiled widened. “So they are meant to be as well. That pleases me. There’s something about me you should know.”
Celeborn placed his hand on his shoulder. “You forget, dear Elrond, who we are. We’ve known all along and we welcome it. You and Erestor deserve to be happy. You both shine again.”

Thranduil coughed from behind and more pleasantries werehanghanged.

“I wonder what’s keeping them.”
“They won’t be long. There are Legolas and Elrohir. They look better together than I had imagined.”

Elrohir ran forward and hugged his grandparents and Legolas greeted them politely.
Celeborn laughed warmly. “Well, your wedding tied our realms together, did it not? You’re Mirkwood, Elrohir is Imladris, but also our grandson. Our three realms are now tied together.”
Thranduil clasped his shoulder. “I don’t travel much and the only travels I do take are forced upon me. Please don’t think bad of me when I don’t visit as much as I should.”
Celeborn shook his head. “Never. But please join us on the way home and stay a while as our guest.”
Thranduil inclined his head in acceptance and they smiled.

They turned when they heard Erestor’s cry. “Elladan. What is it?”
Elladan ran past the confused counsellor. “Ro, Legolas, listen to this. Hi ata’da, nona. You’ll never believe this.”
Elrond shook his head. “What are you doing out here? And why do I have the feeling this has nothing to do with Lindir?”
Elladan grinned smugly. “I know who Glorfindel loves.” He stuck out his tongue and pulled Legolas and Elrohir close. “And it’s up to you to make him say so.”
Legolas grinned but Thranduil shook his head. “Enough of this. Elladan, get back inside and wait until your father gets you. And greet your grandparents properly.”
Elladan snorted, mg thg the others laugh.

“Elrond, melmë, doesn’t Lindir snort just like that?”
Elrond nodded. “Yes, he does, Erestor. Maybe this is Lindir in disguise?” He laughed when he saw a flustered Glorfindel running towards them.

“Elladan, you… you… you… He dished me, my lord. Sneaked out the bathroom. And look at your clothes.” His voice and posture showed total horror and defeat. He ungraciously sank down on the floor.
Celeborn stood before him and touched him in a supporting manner. “Come on, Glorfindel. Don’t tell me an eager elfling can beat you? Come on, on your feet. Take Elladan back and fix the mess he’s made.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “That’ll be no use. No use at all.” His eyes sought out Elladan’s, begging him.

But he already knew it was pointless. He feared Elladan had already told them all. He sighed defeated.
Celeborn shook his head. To see the famous Balrog slayer slumped on the ground was scaring. “Do you need help in controlling this grandson of mine?” He smiled and nodded. “Than you shall receive it. We can’t have him running amok on his own wedding, can we?”

He motioned the Galadhrim to come closer. “Rumil, please escort Glorfindel and Elladan and help the seneschal control this insane elfling.”
Rumil bowed and extended a hand to help Glorfindel to his feet, who took it automatically.

His eyes darted towards Elladan and he sighed, seeing his own doom in them. But yet, all other eyes remained the same.

Elladan practically ran inside and helped Glorfindel straiten the mess. “How long do we have to wait?”
Glorfindel smiled. “About two hours.”
Elladan groaned. “Why did you start so early?”
Glorfindel laughed. “Because with you one never knows and I needed time to cover eventualities. Like this.”
Elladan rolled his eyes and sat down obediently.

Rumil stood by the door to prevent his departure, but Elladan had no such plans. Not anymore. He smiled his most innocent smiled and sniffed. “Yagh! I smell horrible. I’ll go raid my father’s bathroom for some nice perfume.”
Rumil’s arrow flew through the air. “Not without us, you’re not.”
Elladan smiled at the Galadhrim. “I have no reason to seek out my twin now and I do smell horrible. And I don’t think ata will approve of you two walking around his private bathing room. But I’ll sing the entire time, so you can hear I’m still there.”

He entered the room and started singing even before he closed the door.

Glorfindel rolled his eyes. “Bless the Valar I don’t have to go through -that- again.”
Rumil grinned. “I do. Both my brother’s have wedding plans and are bugging me to find a mate as well. Annoying.”
Glorfindel grinned. “Tell me about it. No brothers here but annoying twins and their mates. And if that’s not enough there’s Erestor and Elrond. I’m thinking of applying for another job, far away from these meddling fools.”
Rumil laughed. “We can always use one as you at our team.”
Glorfindel smiled and blushed. “Thank you, Rumil.”

Rumil looked at the bathroom door. “He’s got it bad. Not even Orophin is singing this song and I thought he was the maddest in love I’ve seen. And I’ve seen a lot, trust me.”
Glorfindel smiled. “I’ll believe that. No, I think he’s singing this song to spike me, I’m afraid.”

Rumil raised his eyes and Elladan’s song changed from one about true love to one of advice. ‘do tell him’ is said. Glorfindel groaned and lowered his head.
Rumil laughed and sat down beside him. “Don’t tell me you’re in love and he’s managed to wiggle out your lover’s name?”
There was a hidden emotion in the voice but Glorfindel didn’t notice. “Yes and no.” He grinned at Rumil’s sound of utter surprise and confusion. “Yes, I’m in love and yes, he did manage to wiggle out his name and no, it’s not my lover.”

Rumil blinked his eyes at the words and his heart pounded madly. He’s long cherished feelings for the blond seneschal but he’s never given it much hope. He knew he was beneath his station and from a different realm as well. Every time the golden warrior came to the Golden Woods he watched him from a distance, making sure he went unseen. Not even his brothers knew of his secret love.

But right now jealousy had burned in him and his heart had contracted painfully at the thought of Glorfindel loving another. He could handle his love not being returned but knowing another one got what he desired hurt.
He clutched his heart as the pain grew and his eyes widened.

Elladan’s song turned to what happened between him and Lindir. Glorfindel shook his head at the hidden meaning. ‘I never knew until it almost was too late. Risk it. Risk it.’
He looked up when he heard a soft thud and noticed Rumil’s eyes were wid in in pain, his hand clutched at his chest: the hand that held his bow. So it had been the bow that made the thud when it landed on the floor.

His worry instantly forced him to act and he grabbed the Galadhrim. “Rumil! What is wrong? I’ll get Elladan here and go fetch Elrond.”

Elladan, who had gotten worried by the despair in Glorfindel’s voice quickly entered the room and gasped at the sight. “Glorfindel?” He ran towards them and kneeled down before the aching Galadhrim.
Glorfindel shrugged but Elladan took one look and knew what was wrong. He leaned forward so he could whisper in Rumil’s ears. “Whom does your heart grief?”
He placed his ear so Rumil could whisper his answer and still he had to strain to hear it. “Glorfindel.”

Elladan’s eyes widened and he hit the blond. “What happened while I was in the bathroom? You idiot!”
Glorfindel rubbed his cheek and shrugged. “Don’t know. I’m getting your father here. Rumil needs healing.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye he does, but no healer can heal this wound. I know the signs, Glorfindel. It is grief.” Rumil’s eyes begged him not to speak but Elladan shook his head. “I don’t know what you said but you broke his heart. I suggest you two talk.”

He looked up when Elrond entered. His father immediately rushed to Rumil but Elladan shook his head. “Ata and I will be in the bathroom and we’re not coming out until you two have talked. So unless you want Lindir to hate you…” He flung the door close behind them and quickly filled in his father who sat down shocked and worried.

Glorfindel kneeled before Rumil and gently lifted his chin. “What do we need to talk about? I don’t understand what’s happening? Is this some cruel joke?”

Rumil had a hard time breathing and when he spoke it came in gasps. Inwardly he knew he had been grieving for centuries, knowing this day would come and now that it had arrived he had nothing to hold on to and he knew he would pass to Mandos soon. He could already feel his cold.

So did Glorfindel who hissed at the sensation. “Rumil? What is wrong? You have to fight whatever it is. Turn your back on Mandos.”
Rumil smiled but shook his head. “There’s …. …. no … … more … … reason. …Tell … … me … … who … … holds … … your … … heart?”

He collapsed from the pain attacking him and closed his eyes when he felt a warmth seeping into him. Glorfindel had grabbed him and the seneschal’s eyes had widened in pain. /No, I can’t lose him./ “Rumil, fight. You have to fight! Who is it you grief for and I’ll get her here. I promise. You just have to hold on.”

Rumil shook his head and smiled. He placed a kiss on his fingers and drew in a deep breath, realising it would be one of his last. “She… is… you.” He placed his fingers on Glorfindel’s lips and smiled, grimacing when pain attacked his body again. He closed his eyes to welcome the cold of Mandos and smilhen hen he saw the waiting Vala.

Glorfindel screamed when he felt the cold grow in strength. His own tears fell and he screamed. “NO! ELROND!”

Elrond instantly emerged from the bathroom and gasped at the horrific sight. “Touch him Glorfindel. You alone can save him.”
Glorfindel already held the Galadhrim close to himself and rocked him slowly.
Elrond quickly approached and touched Rumil. “Glorfindel!” He hit the seneschal to get his attention. “Talk to him. He’ll hear you. He’s beyond my reach, but he’ll respond to you. His heart loves you.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “No, he can’t. He’s not interested in me. I’m male and I…”

Suddenly he remembered his words to Rumil’s inquiry and the conversation that had made him believe Rumil preferred females when thinking of marriage. It had been Haldir that had brought that believe into his head. A seemingly innocent comment was now about to destroy them both.
He grabbed Rumil tight and kissed him, hoping the Galadhrim could sense it.

Rumil stopped approaching Mandos when he felt a warmth reach for him. He frowned when he could hear Glorfindel’s screams. `No. No.` Over and over again. He hesitated. /Why would he miss me? He does not love me./ But the screams became harder, growing in strength and it seemed to come from everywhere.
Overwhelmed Rumil sat down. /What am I supposed to do? I can’t go back. But can I go on?/

Again the warmth attacked him and he looked towards the origin and gasped when he saw Glorfindel kiss him. He shook his head. “Nay, this is an illusion. Rumil, pull yourself together. You’ve read enough about this to know your mind will desert you and make up illusions. If someone is kissing me at all it is not Glorfindel. But how I wish it were.”

Glorfindel’s kiss grew desperate. The blond felt a little response and he deepened it, hoping it reached the Galadhrim.

Almost out of breath he broke it.

Rumil felt the warmth lessen and he stood to continue but halted when he heard Glorfindel’s voice, harder and closer than he’d ever had. “Rumil, you must come back. Don’t go. Don’t give up. I’ll die if you do.”
Rumil turned and screamed. “No, you don’t. You can’t! You don’t love me. You never did and I accept that.”
“He loves you and will fight for you.” Rumil turned and gasped when he saw Mandos standing before him. The Vala smiled at him. “Go back, Rumil. It is all a misunderstanding. Don’t make me welcome two elves into my halls. Don’t turn a wedding into a funeral.”

Rumil gasped as he remembered the reason of his presence in Imladris and guilt washed over him. He looked at the Vala. “I shall wait until I’m home.”

Mandos nodded, knowing he now had a chance, and while Rumil faded from his view his mind found Glorfindel’s. /Don’t let him go or he shall fade on the road to his home./

Those words made Glorfindel gasp and he turned to Elrond. “I’m not leaving him.”
Elrond nodded. “Of course not, but he’s staying here for the time being. We can’t have an ailing elf on the road. Celeborn and Galadriel will understand. Escort him to the grounds before I follow with Elladan.”

Glorfindel nodded and half supported, half carried Rumil who became more and more alive again. “Rumil, don’t scare me again. I love you. I thought you’d never be interested in me so I never voiced it. I’m so sorry.”

About to enter the grounds he kissed him passionately and slowly Rumil felt life return to him and understanding dawn upon him as Glorfindel opened himself completely to him.

Celeborn and Galadriel smiled and turned back while Haldir and Orophin halted in their tracks as they saw their brothers glow return and even increase.

Lindir’s father ran towards them. “Is Elladan ready?”
Glorfindel nodded. “For about two hours. Elrond and he will be here shortly. Lindir?”
“Fidgeting behind those trees. They actually kicked me out.” He ran back to do his duty and smiled.

Glorfindel and Rumil hurried and took their places. Glorfindel locked eyes with Elrohir and Legolas and victory lay in his orbs.

But Legolas smiled at seeing it. He saw a revived Glorfindel and was glad. He pulled his lover close and saw others do the same.
Galadriel leaned against Celeborn the way Elrohir leaned against him and Rumil was held by Glorfindel. Only Erestor was rubbing his hands. Without Elrond there the counsellor looked rather lost.

Legolas knew none of the other guests. Some had tried to address Elrohir but the Peredhel had shaken his head. Today was for his twin and all the rest of his attention stayed with Legolas.

Thranduil smiled at seeing all the love before him and was glad he was the one to bind Elladan and Lindir. He knew from experience his position gave the most excellent view on the two grooms and he smiled, wondering what they’ll look like. He didn’t have to wait long.

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Elladan’s hand rested on Elrond’s arm as the ruler of Imladris led his son forward. The path was placed in the middle of the ground, forcing elves on the left to look back, to meet the one Lindir walked in the centre, where Thranduil would approach them from another, though the king had only three steps to take.

Elladan smiled when he saw his beloved on the arm of his father and his hand on Elrond’s arm tightened in bliss. Lindir presented the most beautiful image he’d ever seen. He couldn’t determine whether he wore blue or green or something in between. It seemed to shift with every step the minstrel took. And the braiding was exquisite. But what drew Elladan the most was the happiness in the deep orbs, fixed on him.

Lindir couldn’t take his eyes of Elladan and took in every inch of that beautiful creature walking towards him. His mind turned blank and he could only think one thing. /I love him./

All words Thranduil spoke to the guests and to them were lost to both elves.
A soft nudge in their sides brought them round at just the right time and they nodded their consent. “Carimet.”
Thranduil smiled. “An ve nauvas.” He released the hands, joined between his own and softly bound in ceremonial bandage.

Lindir and Elladan looked at it and smiled at each other. They were wed. It was official and they kissed. But not before both threw a grateful look at Tyelcë who had saved them from embarrassment. She shook her head and whispered. “I got wed once too.”

Loud roars erupted behind them but Elladan and Lindir could care less.

Lindir groaned when they drew apart. “Why did I wish for this?” He wiped Elladan’s forehead to ease his husband’s mind. “Now I have to sit through all the congratulations and present giving and such, when all I want to do I be alone with you.”
Elladan smiled. “If I can endure the rest of this day, than you can too. Maybe we can sneak out later.”
Lindir smiled and leaned in closer. “I hope so.”

Thranduil rubbed his nose when he walked past Glorfindel. “So, seneschal. Who will be doing your ceremony?” He grinned at Glorfindel’s expression. “I think you and Rumil make an excellent couple. And if any of you need help in suppressing relatives or rulers, let me know.”
Glorfindel smiled. “Maybe we can use your dungeons?”
Thranduil inclined his head. “Maybe. But let’s party tonight.”

Glorfindel nodded but told Legolas and Elrohir, loud enough for Thranduil to hear. “Now the only one alone is your father, Legolas. Must be awful in that big place of his.”
Legolas grinned and looked at Elrohir. “Sounds interesting, Glorfindel. We’ll keep an eye out.”
Thranduil shook his head and Elrond laughed. “But not tonight, children. Today is for Lindir and Elladan. Tonight we feast.”

Elrohir smiled. “I hope you brought your dancing shoes, husband, for I refuse to dance with anyone else.” Legolas groaned but he would willingly dance with Elrohir as long as the Peredhel desired.

Elladan and Lindir kissed each other and smiled. “Now you’re truly mine.”
Elladan laughed. “I already was, but now no one can claim otherwise. No regrets?”
Lindir shook his head. “None.”

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

The ball was grand. Elrond had wasted no efforts, using this not only to celebrate Elladan’s wedding but Elrohir’s as well. And, in a way, his own happiness with Erestor.

Erestor smiled at his happy face and sighed defeated. He had hoped to sneak out after showing his face, but seeing Elrond this happy he submitted himself to this, knowing it made Elrond happy if he stayed at his side.
Elrond intercepted his glance and smiled adoringly. He leaned over to whisper in his ear. “I promise to make up to you tonight.”

Erestor’s eyes darkened at that promise and he grabbed their glasses. He needed to do something rational before he lost control. He looked at the dancing elves.

Legolas and Elrohir had not skipped a dance yet and seemere ire in love than a day before. Erestor smiled understandingly: his own love for Elrond continued to grow still.
Elladan and Lindir danced as well, but Erestor did not have to strain his ears to know the topic of their talk. It was ble ble in their eyes.

“Elladan, as much fun as this is and I don’t want to be disrespectful towards your father, but…” He stopped when Elladan frowned and smiled. “-Our- father.”
Elladan kissed him lovingly. The kiss was the same as ever and yet the wedding had added something to it, making it new to them both.

Elladan smiled. “You want to go?”
Lindir nodded. “I’ve been planning something. Our room is ready and I’ve order scented candles to be lit. Make me pregnant, Elladan?”
Elladan smiled. “If you wish.”
Lindir nodded. “I do. Let’s sneak away and make a baby.”
Elladan’s eyes darkened with lust and he could hardly wait before he followed his lover as they left the partying elves for what they were.

Erestor grinned at their blissful expression. His gaze crossed Celeborn’s and the ruler inclined his head. His eyes were happy and Erestor smiled grateful. He had been worried they wouldn’t have accepted him, but now that they had he was glad.

His eyes now searched Galadriel who wasn’t seated next to her husband. Celeborn intercepted his looking eyes and nodded into the desired direction. Erestor had to stifle a laugh when he saw Galadriel whirl on the dance floor with Thranduil, who looked rather uncomfortable.
His eyes widened at the sight and he gasped when Celeborn stood next to him. “I hate to dance, Erestor. But Galadriel loves it. So she kidnaps others to dance with her. Poor Thranduil.”

His eyes sparkled in mirthhat hat do you think of that, counsellor?”
Erestor followed his gaze and saw Glorfindel taking care of Rumil. He frowned. “Something happened. Rumil looks different.”
Celeborn nodded. “He loves your seneschal. Always has. And now I think it might be returned.”
Erestor’s frown deepened. He thought back to all the conversations he and Glorfindel had and after a while he nodded. “It is. Though judging both of them they’ll make problems where there are none.”
Celeborn nodded his agreement. “True. They need our help. For the time being Rumil should stay here. And heal. And then, who knows. But I doubt they’ll have time to create troubles with us all around.”
Erestor smiled. “No, if Elladan and Lindir don’t stop them Legolas and Elrohir will.”
Celeborn nodded. “Or you and Elrond. Or me and Galadriel. Or Apsontë. I tell you, I wouldn’t want her mad at me.”

Erestor smiled and continued his walk to refill the glasses. He wondered what Glorfindel and Rumil where talking about. Their future no doubt. But whatever it was, Erestor knew they’d be happy too.

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

Lindir inhaled deeply before opening the door to his new rooms. /No, our rooms./ he corrected himself.

Elladan smiled when they entered and looked around. “Lindir. This is beautiful. I thought it would look like your old rooms, but this is… great.”
Lindir smiled. “Thank you. Do you mind if I get ridthesthese annoying ribbons?”

Elladan shook his head. He had seen Lindir pluck at them occasionally and now felt sorry. “I’ll be busy looking.” He sat down on the bed.

When Lindir returned he laughed: his fresh husband was softly snoring on the bed. Lindir carefully crept in place next to him and pulled his lover close. The last three days had been hard on him. Elladan and he hadn’t been allowed to see each other at night. He smiled at the image before him and knew that everything had been worth it.

THE END 01/02/04 00:36

Translations:
Mae Govannen, Heru Elrohir Peredhel Elrondion o Imladris, quetëlva né lá sinta. Levuvantyë sina líltë yassen met pólar amatsë?
Well met, lord Elrohir half-Elven son of Elrond of Rivendell, our last talk was too short. Will you allow me this dance in which we can catch up?
Autat! Means Go away
Carimet. Means We do
An ve nauvas. Means Than so be it.

NOTE:
Well, this is the end. I hope you had as much fun reading it as I had writing it.
I want to use this opportunity to thank the reviewers. Pookie, Lady of Legolas, Stardust60 and many others. Thank you for your time and effort of letting me know what you thought.

I am thinking of a sequel to make Thranduil happy as well, and to see what happens when Lindir gets pregnant.