In disguise

Chapter four Caught!

Thrilmaldur sighed when he entered the common bathroom. He had never before done that and was a bit nervous. He sighed, glad to see it empty. /Of course; everybody is working now./

He placed his towel and his new clothes on a chair and undressed himself before wading into the water. He did not dally and soon walked to the steps again.

When he had just four more steps to go, and the water reached his upper thighs, he gasped.

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Elladan protested as he tried to wiggle out of Elrohir’s grasp. “What are you doing? I don’t need a bath.”
Elrohir nodded. “You do. Trust me you do.”
Elladan grabbed the wall. “I’ve got my own bathroom.”
Elrohir nodded. “But you don’t want to bathe there now. Trust me.” He sighed. “Look, just do this and I promise I will not hassle you the entire week.”
Elladan narrowed his eyes. “Promise?”
Elrohir nodded. “Promise. Now please get in there.”
Elladan sighed, part of him wondering why his twin was acting this way. “Why?”
Elrohir rolled his eyes and dragged his twin inside. His eyes widened, seeing the elf wade out already. Without warning he dragged Elladan forward and shoved him in.

Elladan gasped, seeing the reason behind Elrohir’s weird behaviour. /I am getting you for this, Ro./ Because the blond elf had already emerged from the water Elladan had a good view and swallowed.

“Lord Elladan.”
Hearing his own name brought him out of his shock and Elladan managed a smile. “Please, no titles. I’ve done nothing to deserve them.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Very well. Is there something wrong with the owl?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, why would you think that?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged as he walked to his clothes and started drying himself. “Why else would you seek me out?”
Elladan blushed and was glad the other had his back to him. “What makes you think I’m seeking you out?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “You did not came here to bathe.”
Elladan moistened his lips as his eyes roamed over the silver haired elf’s body. “What makes you think that?”
Thrilmaldur smiled and turned around, having put on his trousers. “One: you have no towel. Two: you have a private bathroom.”
Elladan closed his eyes and nodded, silently complimenting the other’s smartness. He shook his head. “I did not seek you out, Tihtalfin. My twin pushed me inside. I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.” He looked up when he heard the other laugh.

Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Now I understand Haldir’s eagerness to guard the fences whenever you two are coming.” He grinned when he remembered the guard’s horrid expression when he was informed he was to welcome them.
Elladan’s eyes widened. “You know Haldir?”
Thrilmaldur gasped, realising his slip up, and nodded. “Aye. The tales about him are famous.”
Elladan smiled. “That they are. You must have heard a lot of them. And what do those tales say about me?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Well, Haldir is not one to be afraid but Elrond’s twin sons place fear in his heart.”
Elladan laughed. “Poor Haldir. We did pull a lot of tricks on him and his brothers.” He could not help but admire the beautiful body before him. It was slim, yet muscular.

“Do you have any siblings?”
Thrilmaldur’s eyes misted over. “Just my brother.”
Elladan cursed his own stupidity. “Ai, I’m sorry. I should have remembered. What happened between the two of you? Maybe it’s all a misunderstanding…”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Afraid not. Please excuse me.”

Elladan watched him go and forced back his tears. Thrilmaldur hadn’t turned the corner or Elrohir jumped forward. “What did you do? You could have had him and what do you do?”
Elladan pushed him away, making Elrohir land in the water. Emerging from the water Elrohir stared at his twin. /Aiya, this is the real thing. How do I help you, Elladan?/ Elrohir was determined to hook those two together.

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Elrond frowned at the twins’ behaviour. Something was wrong. “Sons, why are you not enjoying dinner?”
Elladan smiled at his father. “I’m sorry father, I’m just not so hungry. May I be excused?”
Elrond nodded, his concern visible.

Elladan smiled and left. His feet automatically carried him to the kitchen.

Elrond locked eyes with Elrohir and saw the unease in them. “Well?”
Elrohir lowered his head, unable to stare his father in the eye. “Adareaseease, it’s nothing.”
Elrond’s lips became thin lines. “I’ll be the judge of that. What is wrong with your brother?”
Elrohir sighed. “He’s in love and doesn’t know how to act.”
Elrond gasped and Erestor and Glorfindel stopped eating. “Anyone we know?”
Elrond shook his head. “Glorfindel, this is none of our business. Yet. My only hope is that it is not unrequited or that she’ll play with his feelings.”
He looked at Elrohir and placed his hand on Elrohir’s shoulder. “Keep an eye on your twin and inform me the second it goes wrong.”
Elrohir nodded and smiled, glad Elrond understood. He would not inform him on the elf’s identity or gender just yet.

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Apsontë smiled when she saw Elladan enter the kitchen, which widened when he wordlessly sat down. He so wanted to ask if Tihtalfin would show up but he was afraid to do so.

The first leftovers arrived and Apsontë sat to work. Sermo placed four plates on the table and grinned. Without a word he attacked his own meal. Apsontë smiled. “He’s got a date.”
Sermo looked at her. “Yes I do. Jealous?”
She shook her head. “I hope she keeps you. Tihtalfin is late.”
Sermo shrugged. “I’ll see if he’s fallen asleep while taking inventory.” He stood and left. He grinned and turn“No “No need, here he is.” He slapped Thrilmaldur on the back. “Well, my best friend. Apsontë was worried about your health. She feared you might have gotten elfnapped.” He laughed and left.

Thrilmaldur closed his eyes and shook his head. “He’s something else.”
Apsontë grinned. “He sure is. Here’s your food. That looks good on you.”
Thrilmaldur smiled and inclined his head. “Thank you. Is there any chance of a drink?”
The girl grinned. “I’ve got water, herbal tea, wine and miruvor.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Red wine please.”
She nodded and poured him a drink and looked at Elladan. He shrugged. “What you want to get rid of is fine by me.”
Only now did Thrilmaldur realise he was sitting across Elladan and frowned. Why was the twin eating here?

The cook sat down and smiled as she looked at Thrilmaldur. “I don’t like the darkness under your eyes. You worry too much. Promise me you will sleep tonight.”
Thrilmaldur smiled at her. “Ni caritas ve mára polin, naneth.” She laughed and rolled her eyes.
Elladan smiled. “Be careful of your words, meldir. She just might really start to mother you.”
Apsontë smiled. “Well yes, you do need someone to look after you and until you’ve found yourself a sweet lass I shall do it.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Than you’re stuck with me forever. No lass shall ever enter my life.”
She raised her eyebrows. “And why not?”
He shrugged. “I prefer the laddies”
She blinked and sat down, finding back her posture after this sudden news. “Well, all right then. I shall mother you until a nice, sweet lad enters your life.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I guess I shall have to life with that.”

Elladan’s heart sped up when he heard Tihtalfin had more interest in males than females. He stayed silent and watched them banter, taking in every movement the beauty before him made.

Suddenly he cleared his throat. “Forgive the intrusion, but how do you know you prefer males? Have you tried?”
Thrilmr dir did not blush or avert his eyes. “Yes, I have.”
Elladan smiled innocently. “So, what’s the difference?”
Thrilmaldur widened his eyes, unable to believe this question to be truly innocent. Surely Elrond’s son had bedded both male and females. “Well, women can’t enter me for instance.”
Elladan smiled and took a gulp of his drink to hide his smile and his hope. “So, you prefer to receive then?” He smiled when the other nodded. “Is there anyone that you fancy, Tihtalfin? I can help you get acquainted.”
Thrilmaldur blushed and shook his head. “That will not be necessary, Lord Elladan.”
Elladan placed his hand over Thrilmaldur’s, feeling his limb warm and tingle at the sensation. “Please, just Elladan. Why not? Is there no such elf?”
Thrilmaldur swallowed and calmly removed his hand. “There is but I need no introduction.” He stood and left.

Once in the safety of his room he closed his eyes and pressed his head against the mirror. /Come on, compose yourself. Stake out tonight and interrogate the guards, expose the thieve and then I can leave./ He ignored the funny feeling that thought evoked and waited for the darkness to descend.

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Elrohir laughed at Elladan’s fidgeting. “I’ve got something you want.”
Elladan glared at him. “What? How did you get him?” His tone was venomous.
Elrohir laughed. “Relax. I would never steal him from you. No, I know where he sleeps.” He waved a piece of paper in front of his twin. “I think if you go to him now you will find out if he’s interested. Better to find out now than to wait. Before you lose your heart.”
Elladan sighed. “What if I already lost it?”
Elrohir gasped. “You can’t. You only just met him.”
Elladan nodded. “Doesn’t matter.” He allowed Elrohir to interpret it in his own way, not willing to deal with the questions and worry that would inevitably follow should he elaborate.

He was silent for a while and then looked up. “I made a mistake, Ro.”
Elrohir sat down and gathered his twin close. “What is it?”
Elladan rested his head against Elrohir’s shoulder, part of him wishing it was Tihtalfin’s. “I wrote ata’da, asking him about Tihtalfin. He worked there.”
Elrohir smiled. “So, why is that a mistake? It’s only logical you want to know more and ata’da surely can provide you with the information.”
Elladan nodded and walked to his writing desk. “I’ve send it by bird this afternoon. Ten minutes ago the reply arrived.”
Elrohir frowned. “And?” He did not like this tone.
Elladan shrugged. “He’s never heard of Tihtalfin. Never was there an elf working for him by that name.”
Elrohir jumped up. “What? What else does he write?”
Elladan shrugged. “Nothing.”

Elrohir didn’t believe him and grabbed the paper, reading it.

Hwarin Elladan,
Ni né valin c tel tellon. Naicelasnyë nyarë ten Tihtalfin ú cáraná. Iloi met haryanër ve Elda carit menten. Náma man te tencënen meten ni alántëan ro voro vanyanër Mistar Hópar.
Melin, ata’da.

Elrohir looked at Elladan in disbelieve. “You lied!”
Elladan nodded. “I didn’t want ata’da to know the real reason behind my inquiry. I had to make something up.”
Elrohir sighed. “You must tell adar. He must be informed this elf is an impostor.”
Elladan grabbed the note back and shook his head. “No, not without an explanation. There must be a reason.”
Elrohir grabbed his shoulders. “Elladan, think rationally. Forget what your heart tells you. This can’t be ignored.”
Elladan pushed Elrohir away. “I am not ignoring it.” He strode out the room and forced back his tears. Had he lost his heart to a liar?

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Thrilmaldur softly snored and pulled his cloak closer around him in his sleep. He stirred when he heard something and, remembering where he was and why, he jolted up, his eyes widening when he stared at Elladan’s grim face.
Elladan glared at him. “What are you doing here?”
Thrilmaldur stood up, using it to buy himself time to think. “I don’t know. I must have fallen asleep. I was taking a walk.”

Elladan narrowed his eyes. For the first time he had forced himself to focus and he had sensed the lie. “Why do you lie? What are you doing here?”
Thrilmaldur inwardly growled. “Doing your father’s bidding.” He shook his head to get rid of the remnants of sleep. “I shouldn’t have fallen asleep.”

His ears picked up the sound of footsteps and he jumped back, dragging Elladan with him. The twin wanted to demand an explanation but a hand was placed over his mouth. He felt the other lean in closer. “Be quiet.” Elladan’s eyes widened when he saw Glorfindel walk past.

He stepped forward when the other released him. He turned and glared at him.
Thrilmaldur sighed. “This is the second time.” His eyes misted over in thought and Elladan’s voice made him jump. “What was that about?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I don’t know. Yet.”

He walked away but stopped when Elladan grabbed hold of his arm. He hissed at the strength behind it. Elladan briskly turned him round. “Answer me. Who are you?”
Thrilmaldur glared at him. “Release me!”
Elladan shook his head. “No, you are sneaking around the corridors, you don’t want others to see you and you lied.”
Thrilmaldur narrowed his eyes. “About what?”
Elladan looked furious. “Ata’da’s never heard of you.”
Thrilmaldur widened his eyes. “You wrote lord Celeborn?”

He shook his head. “Listen, your father k wha what I am doing and soon everything will be revealed. I am getting close.” He stepped back. “Release me and wait to Elrond informs you or release me and come with me. Your choice.”
Elladan released him and stepped in line. “Someone has to keep an eye on you.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Trust me, I am not the thieve. And if I’m correct there is no thieve. As far as the food is concerned.” Elladan frowned and his eyes widened when he saw they were approaching the food storage.

Thrilmaldur smiled at the guards, who smiled back. He had already met them yesterday in the laundry. “Hello there, Tihtalfin. This is my partner or have you already met?”
Thrilmaldur smiled and inclined his head. “Only briefly, in the laundry. Is it true Lord Glorfindel was here?”
The guard smiled. “Aye, he left five minutes ago.”
Thrilmaldur sm and and cocked his head. “I saw him yesterday as well. Does he always check the storage rooms?”
The guards frowned. “We’re not sure, but we think so. We’re not always on duty here, see.see.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I had to take inventory yesterday. Mind if is see if everything is still there? You cane wie with me if you like.”
The guards smiled and opened the door. “Go ahead, Tihtalfin.”

Elladan shook his head and glared at the guard. “I am going with you.”
Thrilmaldur smiled at him. “I had expected nothing less. Come on then, son of Elrond.” He lit the candles and looked around.
Elladan did the same. “Do we really eat so much?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head and left. “Come.”

He smiled at the guards. “Outside us and Lord Glorfindel none have entered the room, right?” The guards nodded and Thrilmaldur smiled. “All right.”

He walked away, Elladan at his heals. When he came to the corridor he hesitated.
Elladan snorted. “If you are thinking of running away, I run faster.”
Thrilmaldur sighed but ignored it. “I am thinking no such thing. Just trying to remember the map.” He smiled and continued walking.

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

Elrond groaned when someone knocked on his door. “This better be important!” He threw open the door and smiled when he saw Thrilmaldur and Elladan, though he frowned at his son’s face. He signalled them to come in.

“What is it?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “There is no thieve.”
Elrond’s eyes widened. “Are you joking. You’ve seen the lists.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “I know not what happens in the village; probably just incidental cases, but here there is no thieve.”

Elrond shook his head and signalled for Thrilmaldur to sit down and poured them both a drink. “Elladan, why are you here?”
Elladan glared at the elf in his father’s chair. “He’s a liar. Ata’da has never heard of him.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “Why did you write Celeborn?”
Elladan growled. “Does it matter? He’s betrayed your trust.”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay, for I know who he is.” He closed his eyes and smiled. “Sit down, Elladan, and listen.”

Thrilmaldur smiled. “Forgive me, my lord, but we have no time to explain now. Would you please summon Lord Glorfindel?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course. Elladan will you ask the guards to get him here?” Elladan nodded.

Thrilmaldur sighed. “He really does take offence, doesn’t he?”
Elrond smiled. “He’s my son, though I suspect the reason to be a little more personal than that. But can’t you tell me what it is you’ve found?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “I prefer to tell a tale only once.”

Elladan returned and sat down. “Good, than you can tell adar why you lied to us. Who are you? Are you even poor?”
Thrilmaldur stood and hovered over Elladan. “Who said I was poor? I left without time to pack.”
“From ‘Lóriën. You said that and ata’da doesn’t know your name. It’s a lie.”
Thrilmaldur sighed. “I -do- hail from your grandparents realm.”
Elladan shook his head and tears welled in his eyes. “You lie. You lied to us, to me. And that quarrel with your brother was just to win my sympathy.”
Thrilmaldur gasped and sank back down.

Elrond instantly placed his arms around him. “Enough, Elladan. This is Celeborn’s chcouncounsellor, send here to help us solve the thefts before winter is upon us. He can do without your accusations.”
Elladan’s eyes widened. “Ata’da’s chief counsellor?” He looked hurt. He had hurt his secret love and now he felt the pain. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I … I …”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “You were defending the honour of your house.”
Elladan smiled rueful. “Still, I shouldn’t have said that.”

Suddenly his eyes widened. “But why did ata’da say he didn’t know you?”
Thrilmaldur looked at Elrond and the Peredhel nodded. Thrilmaldur shrugged. “Because it isn’t my name. It’s an alias.”

Elladan wiped his tears away and would have apologized again hadn’t Glorfindel picked that moment to enter. He bowed to Elrond and Elladan. “My lord, you wished to see me?”
Elrond smiled. “It appears we have no thieve.”
Glorfindel’s eyes widened. “But that is ridiculous. You know yourself…”
Elrond signalled him to be silent and sit down. “Glorfindel, this is…”
Glorfindel smiled and extended his hand. “Tihtalfin. Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you already. Nice to finally meet you.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Actually, it’s Thrilmaldur.”
Glorfindel frowned and cocked his head. “Celeborn’s chief counsellor. No way. I know him.”
Thrilmaldur laughed. “Do you really, Glorfindel? The only elves you have eyes for carry weapons. I carry none, unless you count my quill as one.” He shook his head. “I am Celeborn’s chief advisor send here to stop the thefts before winter is upon you.”
Glorfindel frowned. “So why didn’t nobody recognize you?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Because hardly anyone here knows me, Balrog Slayer. Not even Erestor has given my any time in ‘Lóriën.”
Elladan smiled, he had just fallen more in love with him. /Though I prefer Tihtalfin to Thrilmaldur./

“Can we get back to business. If we have no thieve how does the food disappear?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “We have a sleepwalking seneschal.”
Elrond’s eyes widened. “What?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Both this night and the night before I staked out to see what would happen. The only elf to walk the corridors was Glorfindel.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “Was not. I was in my bed.”
Thrilmaldur smiled at him. “Glorfindel, the guards themselves stated besides us only you had entered the food storage. And it happens frequently.”
Glorfindel rubbed his head. “Impossible. I sleep at night. I trust my men to do their job.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I’m sure, but you sleepwalk and have a little snack in the middle of the night.”

Elrond shook his head. “Only one way to find out if you are indeed sleepwalking, Glorfindel. Someone has to stay by your side and see where you walk to, should you start walking.”
Glorfindel nodded. “Aye. And if he’s right, please tie me to the bed in the future.”
Elrond smiled. “We’ll find a solution together. Thank you, Thrilmaldur, for solving this. I take it you will leave soon?”

Before Thrilmaldur could answer Elladan shook his head. “No, adar, there are still the other thefts. It’s too much to be small fibs.”
Elrond smiled. “But that’s not important for our welfare, Elladan. Thrilmaldur has done why he came and…” Elrond frowned at Elladan’s sad expression and shook his head. /Of course, he wants to apologize for his behaviour just now./ “On the other hand….”

He smiled at Thrilmaldur. “Would you stay a little longer and help us solve that mystery as well? Perhaps you and Elladan can work together.”
Thrilmaldur looked at Elladan and nodded when he saw the pleading look in the dark orbs. “I better go to bed now. Ok, Elladan, this is what we need: a list of every item that has been stolen, including the date and the place and the name of who reported it. We’ll work out a plan tomorrow morn.”
Elladan nodded. “I’ll get that. Do I meet you in the kitchen?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Laundry.”

Glorfindel stopped them from leaving. “Wait a minute. How did you figure out it could be a sleepwalker?” He felt guilty for it but seeing the understanding looks made him willing to face it.
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Because every item on the stolen food list was one of your favourites.”
Glorfindel nodded and Elrond grinned. “And how do -you- know that?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “Apsontë and Sermo talk a lot.”
Elrond nodded. “Please don’t change your name back just yet. People might not be as talkative when you do that.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Understood. Tihtalfin it is.” He noticed Elladan’s pleased smiled and frowned.

End chapter 04
TBC

Translations:
Ni caritas ve mára polin, naneth. Means I will do it as good as I am able (in other words: I will do my best) mother.
Celeborn’s letter:
Hwarin Elladan,
Ni né valin cenda tellon. Naicelasnyë nyarë ten Tihtalfin ú cáraná. Iloi met haryanër ve Elda carit menten. Náma man te tencënen meten ni alántëan ro voro vanyanër Mistar Hópar.
Melin, ata’da.
Dear Elladan, I was pleased to read from you. It pains me to inform you that Tihtalfin doesn’t exist. Never had we such an elf working for us. Judging from what you wrote us I doubt he ever went to the Grey Havens. Love, grandpa.

NOTE in response to a review I’ve received.
I have made a mistake of not noticing a huge error before posting this. adar is plural of ada. (My only excuse of using it is that I’ve been reading a tale in which it was used as a singular. I feel bad. My sincere apologies.)

And, as promised I rechecked the translations of Thrilmaldur’s names. Here’s the result:
Thrilmaldur does not mean memory of golden victory but brilliant gold victory. Strange name, but what the he…
Thrilmaldur has to be Sindarin because the consonant clusters aren’t allowed in Quenya. (and a little PS before I continue: I did not create the name myself. I got it from a site that gives you your ME-name bases on your own. And it would be mine were I male. Just so you know.) To translate it I used the Sindarin dictionary belonging to the Sindarin dictionary project, issued on February 2001. On every GOOD elven language site you can get a link to their site, should you be interested.
There is no Thril… entrée but there is a thribi go to rhibi, (as well as every word starting with thl.. which were send to lh..) so, in order to get a translation, I had to apply the same rule to Thriveryvery entrée starting with ‘rh’ is diverted to ‘r’, so once again I had no choice but to follow the flow. And Thril became Hril and then Ril. Ril itself isn’t attested there, but behind mithril it is stated that it is a compound of mith and rill meaning grey brilliance. Knowing, from three lines above, that mith is the adjective for grey the obvious deduction is that rill means brilliance. How the **** did I wind up with memory last time I looked it up? Tiredness, I guess for rin means remembrance. Please forgive a tired fool.
Mal means yellow powder, but mall means golden and sometimes the second l disappears when compounded, so for the purpose of the name I went for the second.
Tur means victory. There is no dur entrée but d and t were mixed a lot and I don’t know where the name came from, so….
Combining the above the proper translation should be brilliance gold victory.

Blinking hair as translation for Tihtalfin is accurate. Tihtala means blinking and fin is short for findë which means hair. I agree with Anya when she states ht is an illegal Quenya cluster but I did find it in almost all Quenya dictionaries, so don’t blame me.

Filfirin means flying little bird (more or less) is acc accurate according to my information and understanding of the language. Firit means little bird and to fly is vil-. I do see I forgot to mention I changed the ending t for a n to make it look better. I don’t know if that is grammatical acceptable but I like to make name look and sound good. But I don’t remember why I made the v a f though I guess it is for the same reason. But I must admit I am at bad for I should have stated the changes and I neglected to do that this time. I hope I have corrected the error with this note.

I thank Anya very much for alerting me on this error. *huge bow*