Quite unexpected

Chapter five Minas Tirith

Thranduil jumped up when his name was screamed through the courtyard. He frowned. It sounded like the captain of the guards. But wasn’t he off duty? He ran down and his look could have killed an orc.
The captain bowed respectfully but his look was one of horror. “My King. Legolas has send me here.” He seemed utterly afraid of speaking but swallowed and continued. “He went to the market to refill some stocks and your guest has accompanied him and even suggested a pick nick afterwards.”
Thranduil growled, realising what had happened. “Saddle my horse, get my weapons. Joreb, you and Legolas are in charge.” He smiled when he saw the healer passing by. “And you’re coming with me.”
The healer yelped. “I hate riding. Find another if you need to patch someone up, but I am stg heg here.”
Thranduil dragged him along. “You’re coming and that’s an order.” The healer frowned. Something had to be terribly wrong if Thranduil started ordering him.

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Celeborn smiled when he saw the border of Mrikwood appear before him. A guard jumped from the trees and he halted the horse. He inclined his head. “Mae Govannen, mellon nin. Could you tell me the way to Gondor? The shortest way. I have no desire to ride long.”
The guard smiled and gave him the needed directions.

Celeborn urged his horse on. He knew he could be in Minas Tirith by the end of the day and he had enough food to last him three. He smiled at Legolas’ swift acceptance of his ideas.

It had been Celeborn who suggested he’d bring food and then to load it on his animal, being the more sturdy one. He had had no plans to use Legolas like this, but he knew Thranduil well enough to realise the king would know he was leaving and he also knew him well enough he would not allow that whilst it wasn’t really safe. He was still far from fully healed. Celeborn laughed. /Now I will never be healed, so what’s the point?/ So he used Legolas. Nobody would have suspected anything.

Getting separated from Legolas had been easy and he had swiftly returned to the horses and left. This gave him ample time to give him a head’s start. It would be a while before Legolas found out and then Legolas would probably think he had alregonegone to the pick nick site. No, Celeborn was sure it would be a while before Thranduil came after him.

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Thranduil bellowed and everybody jumped aside, allowing Thranduil to gallop through. He jumped of in full speed when he saw Legolas. “What happened?”
Legolas cri und under his father’s look and shrugged. “I don’t know. He ditched me. He came to the stables and suggested a pick nick. But now that I think about it I don’t think he came to the stables for me. He tried to make me believe he went to the pick nick grounds but I already was suspicious so I followed the real trail. That way. But it disappears after a mile.” Legolas’ look was one of pain, trouble and disbelief. He didn’t know what was wrong with Celeborn and he ached to help him.

Thranduil’s face became grim and was set in determination. “We go to Gondor.”
The healer gasped. “But surely he went back to…”
Thranduil’s growl silenced him. “We go to Gondor.” He knew Celeborn. And after what he’d learnt there was no way Celeborn would have gone back to ‘Lóriën as he tried to make them believe. Thranduil’s eyes darkened as a trail proved him right. Celeborn had gone to Gondor.

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Aragorn jolted up when Arwen shrieked. “Really, love, you sound just like the baby.”
Arwen threw a pillow at his face and ran away, screaming over her shoulder. “Ata’da is coming.”

Aragorn smiled. He liked Celeborn. The elf had always been a nice, calm, solid rock of comfort, guidance and support. He had at times wondered about his wedding to Galadriel, who seemed so unsuited for him, but Arwen’s assurances their wedding was good and solid had pushed the matter away. And yet, even today, it still ate at him.
He walked slowly, giving his wife time to hug his grandfather to death.

He frowned when he saw Arwen bouncing up and down. “I thought you said…”
Arwen turned to him. “I saw him. But I don’t understand why he isn’t here yet. He should be here.”

Suddenly the door flung open and Boromir ran inside. “Aragorn. Come quickly. Celeborn’s fainted.” Arwen screamed and flung at Aragorn who looked at Boromir for more information. “I don’t know, but he doesn’t look good. More dead than alive actually.”
Aragorn sighed and nodded. “Bring him to the elven rooms. I’ll be there shortly.”
Boromir nodded and left.

Aragorn turned to his wife. “Go get the baby and meet me there. Maybe holding his great grandchild will bring him some pleasure.” Arwen nodded, but frowned at his words. Why would he say Celeborn needed some pleasure?

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Celeborn groaned when the darkness faded away. Where was he this time? Blinking, he focused his eyes and stared at Aragorn’s concerned face.

“What happened to you? You gave us all quite a scare. Boromir said you just collapsed in front of him, but he has a way of exaggerating.” He smiled at the white-haired elf and frowned when he realised they were silver once. Thinking back he nodded, realising why exactly he was worried for him: his inner light never seemed to shine as bright as that of any other.
Aragorn remembered asking Elrond about it but the Peredhel had blamed it on Galadriel’s presence and said that because her light was extraordinarily bright, Celeborn’s seemed less. Aragorn had never questioned it but now he wondered if perhaps it wasn’t the other way around: that Celeborn’s weakened light made Galadriel’s stand out? He decided to ask Elrond about his thoughts, he intended to get him here anyway. If he judged things correctly Celeborn needed his healing skills.

Celeborn cursed when leaving the bed proved to be difficult. Aragorn placed restraining hands on his shoulders. “Give it time. Minas Tirith all all its wonders will not leave. Have you been under an attack? How long have you been travelling?”
Celeborn shook his head. “Don’t ask me questions, Elassar. Where is Arwen?”
“I’m here, ata’da. With Eldarion.” She hid her shock at seeing Celeborn and smiled when she walked closer, handing her son to Celeborn, who cradled him to his chest. Immediately the elf forgot about their presence and stared at the baby, who played with his finger and hair.

Arwen looked at Aragorn and her look was one of despair. Celeborn was fully elven and if he looked like this it could only mean one thing. “Father has to come.”
Aragorn nodded. “I was thinking the same thing. I shall send our fastest rider. And we must keep him here.”
Arwen nodded. “And grandmother needs to be informed.”
But Aragorn shook his head. “Nay, something tells me we shouldn’t do that. I don’t know what it is, but I intend to trust it.”
Arwen smiled and nodded. “All right. Your instincts have always proven correct, so I’ll trust them as well. But I can’t help but worry.”
Aragorn pulled her closer. “I know, but we must pretend. For him.”
She nodded and leaned in to him. Her heart ached for her grandfather.

Closing her eyes she thought back to the past, to all the times she had come to stay in the Golden Wood and for the first time she realised that even though she had seen more of Galadriel than of Celeborn his lessons and words had made her who she was. “Friendship is too valuable to loose, little Arwen. Cherish it.” “Don’t worry. You too will know love one day.” “There’s a good for every bad and a bad for every good. Sometimes we don’t see what is what until it is too late.” Even until today she smiled at the wisdom in the words.

Her eyes flared open and she stared at the bed in shock. Aragorn squished her arms questioningly. She locked their eyes. “I’ve never realised but whenever he spoke to me… All the wise lessons he’s given me… Only now do I realise there was experience in his voice.” She frowned, trying to find a reason, but was unable to do so.

Aragorn smiled. “Come, duty beckons us.” He looked at Celeborn. “Can we leave Eldarion with you or would you prefer to rest a little? Dinner will be ready in an hour and we would love to have you join us.”
Celeborn inclined his head. “You can leave him here. I like his company. And thank you for the offer. I’d be honoured to eat with you.”
Aragorn smiled and nodded. “I’ll fetch the two of you when it’s time.”

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Aragorn entered his study and frowned at Boromir’s expression. “Man?”
Boromir shook his head. “I still don’t understand elvish. But this letter arr arrived. From Mirkwood. The messenger has left, he was eager to return. I made sure he had enough food.”

Aragorn nodded and opened the letter. His wid widened when reading it and he plunged on his chair, presenting Boromir with a sight that tested his facial muscles in order not to burst out laughing.

Aragorn shook his head and looked at Boromir. “Where’s your brother?”
Boromir frowned. “Leading the hunt. He’s not due back for another fortnight. What happened?”
Aragorn shook his head and his eyes calmed. “Don’t worry. This doesn’t involve him. I’m sure they’re still doing fine and the only trouble they have is how to sleep. But I could do with his brain right now.”

He sighed. “This letter comes from Joreb, Thranduil’s son. He writes to inform us Celeborn’s had an accident and is at the moment under their care. He assures me the injuries are minor, but that it will be a while before he can travel. Joreb felt it his duty to inform me and Arwen Celeborn’s visit will therefore be delayed.”
Boromir frowned and shook his head. “Explains why he fainted th. Tr. Travelling when he should be healing. But why would he leave their hospitality?”
Aragorn looked up and smiled, pleased that Boromir hadn’t commented on the fact the messenger had arrived later. The elf had surely taken a different route and had rested, whereas Celeborn no doubt had ridden the entire journey and had taken the fasteay. ay. No, this did not surprise Aragorn, but the implications did. “You know, you’re developing a brain.”
Boromir snuffed. “And you a whim for insults.”
Aragorn smiled. “Well, we’ll pamper him and ignore the letter for a while.”

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Joreb jumped when the door swung open and three strange elves marched in, immediately followed by his own guards, who had their arrows at the ready.
The captain was flustered. “My Prince, I am sorry. We tried to stop them but…”
Joreb waved the apology away and signalled for the men to lower their weapons and leave and for the strangers to sit down. He could sense their anger but also that they meant no harm.

He smiled and sat back down. “So, who are you three and what brings you to my realm?”
The middle elf snorted. “This is not your realm. Thranduil sires it.”
Joreb nodded. “And in my father’s absence I do. Who are you and why are you here.”
“We came for Lord Celeborn. -Our- sire.”
Joreb smiled. “That states your business but not your names, though I take it you are Galadhrim?”
They nodded. “Yes, we are here to keep him safe.”
Joreb smiled. “I’m afraid you came too late.” The middle one stood and grabbed his dagger. Joreb, understanding the misinterpretation of his words, made the international sign for peace. “He’s still alive. But he’s no longer within the borders of my realm. He’s left for Gondor. As have my father, Legolas and our chief healer.” He hoped the Valar would forgive him this little white fib. And it wasn’t as if he lied, he just didn’t mention their departure had some hours in between. “I’re ire if you hurry you’ll catch him there. I shall provide you with the fastest route and a guide to the borders.”
The Galadhrim nodded and uttered their gratitude.

Joreb saw them off and released a relieved smile.

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Arwen smiled at the way Celeborn played with Eldarion and leaned in the whisper in Aragorn’s ear. “It seems our son has a positive influence on him.”
Aragorn nodded, but didn’t reply. He was watching Celeborn. Dinner was almost over and he had observed the elf’s eating habit. He held Eldarion and drank a little and ate some of every dish, but not nearly enough to count as healthy. Celeborn seemed to wither away before his eyes.

“I’ve received word from Mirkwood today.” Celeborn stiffened and Aragorn narrowed his eyes. /I wonder what happened there./
Arwen turned to him. “Is it from Legolas? Is he coming for a visit?”
Aragorn smiled. “No, from his brother. Joreb.”
Arwen laughed. “That one is way too serious. I hope he’s not coming. And his mouth never stops talking. It would be a bad influence on Eldarion. Are you still comfortable with him ata’da?” Celeborn nodded and resumed playing with the baby, who cooed in happiness.

Arwen smiled. “There’s a party tonight, but in his rooms you can barely hear it. As it is your rooms are located in a different wing but if you want I can move you next to Eldarion?”
Aragorn smiled and shook his head, playing along. “Really Arwen, all you want is another baby-sitter. Celeborn is our guest.”
Arwen smiled. “I know but they’re happy together, so I just thought…”
Aragorn raced his hands in mock. “Why not employ my dear grandfather to clean, feed and tend to the baby? What about me?”
Celeborn smiled. “I think he needs to be cleaned, Elassar. Here you are.” Arwen’s laughter filled the room and Aragorn grumbled as he rose, knowing full well he had provoked it. /When will I learn to watch my mouth with elves around?/

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“Are we going into the right direction?”
Haldir nodded. “Yes, Minas Tirith is that way. Just half a day away at full speed.” His voice was clipped, a sign his brothers knew well. It showed Haldir was gravely worried about Celeborn. They understood and shared it.

“Do you think we did the right thing?”
Haldir turned and smiled at his brother. “Yes, absolutely. Our place is at his side, Orophin. Or would you rather go back?”
Orophin shook his head. “No. We serve Celeborn, but so do the others and they do not know what we do.”

They had been there when the message from Mirkwood came, informing them of Celeborn’s misfortune. Rumil had instantly suggested going there with some medicine and keep him company on his journeys. He still didn’t agree on Celeborn’s choice to travel alone.
But Galadriel had smiled at him and shaken her head. “We won’t do anything. We have ‘Lóriën to worry about.”
Haldir had gasped at her words. “But…what about Lord Celeborn?”
Her eyes had turned cold as the settled on him. Her voice was of a matching iciness. “I order you not to get involved. I am the true ruler of this realm, elf, not the elf you call my husband.” Her voice was mocking and hard. “I care not what happens to him. I hope Thranduil keeps up his promise.”
Orophin had gotten trouble breathing and he had to force his tears back. “But he’ll kill him. We have to rescue him.”
Galadriel’s laughter filled the room. “I hope he does. Then I’ll finally be free of that useless nuisance.” She had turned and walked inside, unaware she had just made the biggest mistake in her life. Fire fuelled within the three warriors and before the hour was over they had crossed the borders, on their way to Mirkwood.

Rumil growled. “To think she could be so heartless.”
Haldir sighed. “Don’t think about that now. We are going to find our lord and bring him home.”
Orophin sighed. “What if he doesn’t want to? I never understood his lust to travel but now I do.”

Haldir nodded and looked at Orophin with sympathy. “Look, you said it yourself. Everybody will follow him.”
Rumil growled again. “Then why didn’t you want us to say anything?”
Haldir cursed. “Because it’s our word against that of her. Without Celeborn there to back us up we are doomed.”
Orophin sighed. “And so is he.” He released his tears.

Haldir looked at him in worry and saw Rumil shedding his tears as well. “Maybe there’s hope for you yet, Phin.”
But Orophin shook his head. “Nay, he said so a long time ago. His heart belongs to another.”
Rumil growled and his horse jumped in fright. “But that.. she…he.. ARGH!”

Haldir looked puzzled at that outburst and steered his horse close to Rumil’s. “Anything I should know?” His eyes were hard, but the anger in them wasn’t for Rumil and the elf knew it.
Rumil shrugged. “Nothing. This just frustrates me.”
Haldir smiled. “Me too. Let’s just get to Minas Tirith.”

End chapter 05
TBC

Translations:
Yeahooooooo a translation. About time.
Man means what. Or who, but in this case it means what.