Against all odds2: Work it out

Chapter six breakfast

Orophin and Rumil exchanged happy glances as they saw his brother attract the attention of all others as they walked to their seats. But it seemed the ones who were supposed to notice didn’t.

Elrond smiled warmly at the three brothers, though he frowned when he saw Haldir’s hair. /What is going on? Maybe Erestor knows?/ He rested his hand atop his lover’s, the touch alone enough to heat his body. How long would Lindir’s pregnancy prevent them from finding release? He nearly lowered his head on the table but stopped himself in time and looked at the empty seats instead.

Erestor noticed his darkening mood and pulled his hand. “It won’t be long.” Elrond rolled his eyes and Erestor grinned. “Tonight, I think we will not be disturbed. Lindir is in the healing house, remember?”

Haldir could not help but hear those words and frowned.
Seeing it, Elrohir shrugged. “He decided to go for a walk last night.”
Legolas nodded and pulled Elrohir closer to himself. “Aye, and forgot to stop when he reached the stream.”
The three brothers widened their eyes. “Is he all right?”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, but the healers keep him a two days for observation.” His voice was grateful and Haldir’s eyes narrowed.
Elrohir shrugged. “He’s impossible.” His eyes went to the heavens. “And he doesn’t even have food cravings yet.”
Elrond groaned and lowered his head. “Nay, don’t remind me it’s going to get worse.”

Haldir could not help but smile at the display. “Do you need our help?”
Erestor beamed and nodded. “Aye, the more help we have, the better. But see him not as a pregnant elf, but as a prisoner. He’ll throw insults at you and he does possess a powerful right swing.” He rubbed his cheek as he spoke those words and Elrond instantly kissed his other cheek.
Orophin widened his eyes. “Nay, he actually hit you?”
“Who hit Erestor?”

Thranduil had magically appeared behind them and stared at the assembly with interest. Anger was in his eyes. Who would dare hit the counsellor?

Seeing it made Elrond’s jealousy flare and he jumped up. “None of your business!”
Thranduil laughed warmly and sat down, shaking his head. “Peace, Elrond, I have no interest in your bonded.” His eyes widened. “Speaking of bonds, my counsellors wrote back. A messenger will arrive shortly.”
For a moment Elrond was at a complete loss, but then remembered their conversation. He smiled gratefully. “I hope they know of a way to help him.”
Thranduil nodded. the the very least you can add to your library.”

He cocked his head at his son, who looked extremely dishevelled. “What happened to you this night? You weren’t there to bug me.”
Legolas grinned. “And you actually missed it? I must be doing something wrong then.” He cocked his head when he noticed his father wearing the ribbons in his hair that had previously adorned the flowers.

Elrohir’s eyes widened when he too noticed it. Remembering Haldir had sent the flowers he turned to look at the Galadhrim’s reaction and he blinked, seeing his hairstyle. `Aren’t those Thranduil’s?`
Legolas instantly gasped and twirled round. His eyes were wide. About to lose his temper he felt Elrohir’s hands on his mouth, though the twin was still holding his cutlery. So he blinked and simply stared at the warrior.

Haldir smirked and pretended not to notice the attention he received. Seeing the ribbons in Thranduil’s hair had proven more unbalancing to Legolas than his hairstyle. He smiled at the king’s subtle touch. He could see the questions in Elrond’s eyes, but again pretended not to, not willing to explain it to the Peredhel.

He frowned when he felt Orophin and Rumil stiffen. Looking around he saw Glorfindel entering, walking amicably with a stranger. He could understand why Rumil would stiffen in jealousy, but what had made Orophin stiffen? He gently placed his hand on his brother’s knee who didn’t even notice.

Elrond smiled and stood. “Ecthelion, what a pleasure to see you at breakfast. Please sit down.”

Glorfindel grinned and claimed the chair across Rumil’s, throwing a happy look his way. He frowned when Rumil glared back. What had he done wrong?

Ecthelion felt his heart speed up when he saw the elf that hadn’t left his mind alone and he grinned inwardly when he noticed the look directed at him and the blush. He leaned closer to Glorfindel to whisper in his ear. “Who are they?”
Glorfindel smiled. “They are Haldir, Orophin and -Rumil-.” He smiled warmly.
Ecthelion smiled at Rumil, glad the warrior returned Glorfindel’s feelings, but soon turned his attention to Orophin again. He couldn’t believe his luck.

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Lindir growled as pain attacked him and his eyes watered. Where was Elladan? He needed to use the bathroom but walking there was out of the question. Elladan had always carried him there and until now he never fully realised what a relieve it actually was. It made him feel even guiltier of all the harsh words he’s ever said to him.

He looked at the door and sighed. Unless he wanted to wet himself he had no choice but to try and walk there. He grinded his teeth and pushed himself from his chair. /Why did I chase away the healers? What was I thinking? I need someone./
That realisation brought tears to his eyes. /Elladan, where are you, I need you./

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Elladan smiled at the warriors. “We’ll be done soon and with any luck can make it home in no time.”

The warriors nodded, but one of them had sharp ears. They picked up on noises before them. Instantly he prepared his arrow, signalling his worry to the others.
Elladan strained his hearing and sniffed the air. He cursed. /Yrch./ He drew his sword and told his steed to move. Those orcs were not going to remain alive much longer.

The creatures had planned on surprising the elven party, but now they were the ones being surprised and fell down one by one.

Elladan smiled, smelling victory and turned his head to see how his men were doing. He shouldn’t have worried. They were just fine.
“My lord.”
He heard the warning too late and a blade entered his side, making him fall of his horse, who instantly defended him by standing over him, bucking to keep the orcs at bay.

Three soldiers were instantly at the scene and dealt with the threat.
Elladan hissed as he crawled back to his feet. He looked at the soldiers. “You came out of nowhere.”
One of them shrugged. “Lord Elrohir ordered us to stay close.” He smiled. “A wise precaution or we might have lost you, my lord.”
Elladan realised that and promised himself to show his gratitude towards them and his brother, one way or the other.

One of them knelt down. “You are in no position to ride a horse.”
Elladan growled and hissed again. “But I have to reach the healers before the poison starts working.” He groaned. “You will have to help me.”
A soldier nodded and swiftly mounted Elladan’s steed. “Hand him to me. Check further to see if there is no more danger and then return. But alert the other patrols.” They nodded and left.

Elladan sighed as the horse sped up. He leaned heavily at the soldier’s chest, clutching his side.

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Elrond shook his head at the weird silence that lay across the table. Why wasn’t anyone speaking? He grinned, knowing Elrohir and Legolas might very well be talking, but it would have been considerate of them to do so out loud. /Unless they are talking about Thranduil. Now why does he wear those weird ribbons? I have never seen him do that. And why does Haldir wear his clasps? And those beads must be Thranduil’s too, I don’t think Haldir owns those./ This was very puzzling indeed.

He smiled grateful when a servant rushed forward. He needed to interruption badly.
The servant leaned forward to whisper in his ear and instantly the lord of the Valley jumped up. “Something’s wrong with Lindir.”

Worry was the sole expression around the table.

Thranduil instantly jumped up as well and followed Erestor and Elrond out. He knew Elrohir and Legolas weren’t far behind them.
The others took one look at each other and stood up.
Glorfindel pulled Ecthelion along, seeing his doubtful look. “Come, Elrond might need you.”

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Elrond dashed into the healing wing and instantly headed for the weeping minstrel. He sat down and pulled him to himself. Something was wrong, this wasn’t normal.
Lindir flung himself at Elrond and clutched hobesobes. “Elladan…”
Elrond sighed and opened his mouth but a healer shook his head. “He doesn’t hear it, my lord.” He looked troubled. “He had gone to the bathroom on his own and was making his way back to the chair when he suddenly collapsed and screamed in pain.” He shook his head. “I do not think it is the pregnancy, but I do know it might cause problems.”
Elrond nodded and tightened his embrace.

He looked at the door and smiled, seeing Legolas and Elrohir hover near it. He looked at his youngest. “Can you perhaps feel your twin?”
Elrohir wondered why his father asked it and he shrugged. It has been a while since he’s tried to sense Elladan and wondered if he still could. Legolas sensed his trouble and ached to aid him, one way or the other. ohirohir leaned against him and closed his eyes, searching for the inner connection he and Elladan always had. He smiled when he saw Legolas found it before he did. He went towards it, afraid Elladan might be injured or worse. For why else would Lindir be like this?
He gasped when he didn’t just sense his twin, he saw him.

Legolas gasped too, for he saat Eat Elrohir saw. He looked at his father for support and guidance and Thranduil instantly came by his side. Legolas rested his head on his shoulder, needing the touch to anchor him.

Suddenly he gasped and jumped up. He planted his mate in his father’s hands and marched out. Passing the warriors approaching the room he grimly spoke. “Come, we ride. Orcs have crossed the border.”
Glorfindel twirled round instantly, not voicing any questions, though his eyes hardened in anger and fear clawed at him. /No, not Elladan./
Haldir and Orophin came with them. They felt Rumil was too shaken to fight right now.

They ran to the stables, but halted when they saw Elladan’s horse coming towards them.

Elladan grimaced as he saw them, and felt eternally grateful Glorfindel was among them. “Take me to the healers.”
Glorfindel effortlessly caught the twin in his arms and looked questioningly at both him and the warrior.
The elf shrugged. “We encountered some orcs, but they are already dealt with, my lord.”
Glorfindel nodded and turned round. “Legolas,hinkhink you were wrong.”
Legolas nodded too. “Elrohir just saw the attack happen. I didn’t know or realise it was in the past.”
Elladan grimaced. “Not that long in the past. How’s Lindir? Is he in much pain?” He smiled. “Has he been trouble?”
Legolas shook his head. “Trouble, nay, pain, aye.”

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Elrond looked at Erestor worriedly, but the counsellor shrugged. He too had no idea what was happening to the minstrel.

Elrohir tugged Erestor’s sleeve who frowned at the gesture. Elrohir had done that when he was little and gravely upset. He turned and faced the twin. “Man nás?”
Elrohir’s eyes conveyed his fear and he felt immensely grateful he now had Thranduil and Erestor to focus on. “Adan…. He….he’s in danger.”
Thranduil nodded. He had figured something like this. “Do you think Lindir sensed it as well?”
Erestor nodded. “That must be it. Is he injured?”
Elrohir shrugged. “He’s fighting orcs. Legolas and the others will go and aid them.”

Erestor nodded, but his eyes flashed with fear.
Thranduil grasped his shoulder supportively. “They will die for crossing the borders. Legolas’ aim is true and I do believe Glorfindel has a personal vendetta against them.”

He smiled and approached Lindir and Elrond. He kneeled down, pulling Elrohir with him. “Why don’t you hand Lindir to Elrohir, maybe they can support each other?” His eyes flashed back and Elrond gasped, seeing Erestor’s lost look of remembrance. He instantly jumped up and hurried to his lover.

Thranduil remained on the ground with the twLindLindir, look at me?”
Lindir managed to do so and he stared at Thranduil in fear and pain.
The ruler smiled warmly. “What is it? Did you sense Elladan?”
Lindir nodded. “I think so. A sudden sharp pain in my side, but I never had any pains there.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Impossible. He wasn’t injured, just fighting orcs.” He growled when he realised his mistake in words. “Aiya, Lindir, do not worry. Legolas went to their aid. His horse practically flies.”

Suddenly the door swung open and Glorfindel marched inside. Elrond and Erestor gasped when they saw Elladan and instantly rushed forward. Glorfindel shook his head. “Get bandages and herbs. An orc blade.”
Elrond gasped and started ordering his healers around. His voice was enough to bring Elrohir and Lindir out their troubled state and they looked up, cringing when they saw the amount of blood on Elladan’s tunic.

Elrohir was beside them instantly and grabbed his twin’s hand. “Ai, Adan. What happened?”
Elladan shrugged. “You need to ask? An orc-blade.” He grimaced as pain sliced through him again. “But thanks to you I still live.”
Elrond’s eyebrow went up as he took over Elladan from Glorfindel as he needed to feel his son.
Elladan shrugged. “Ro asked three warriors to keep an eye on me. If they hadn’t they wouldn’t have been able to safe me.” His eyes looked angered and a bit shameful.

Suddenly he grabbed Ro’s clothes. “Don’t tell Lindir. I’m suppsupposed to return for two weeks, remember. I don’t want him worrying or endanger the baby.”
Elrohir nodded and smiled. “He does that enough by himself, don’t you think?”
Elrond shook his head at their words and ignorance.

Elladan sighed blissfully when he was laid down on the bed and smiled when he saw the sleeping potion being made. Elrond was about to hand it to Elladan when he saw some movement to his right and stepped back, waiting.

Lindir staggered forward, anger flaring in his eyes. “Elladan.”
The twin cringed when he saw the minstrel and struggled to sit up. Glorfindel, who ordered him to lay down, instantly prevented the movement.
Lindir sat on the bed and touched Elladan cheek. “You promised to be careful.” His tone was hurt.
Elladan smiled and leaned into the caress. “I was. But not enough it seems.” He widened his eyes when Lindir’s eyes filled with liquid fire. “Next time you decide to get injured, please wait until after I’ve given birth.” He crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at the room.

Elrond chuckled and sat down as well. “You see, Elladan, Lindir felt your pain as if it was delivered to him instead.”

Elladan gasped and reached for his lover, not really caring what result it would get. “Aiya, Cuilenya, I am sorry for adding to your pain when it is already so grave. I feel like I’m on fire and you must suffer it daily.”
He gently tugged and smiled when Lindir settled his gaze on him. “There will never be a next time, melamin, not if I can help it. I will not leave you alone.”
Erestor chuckled. “You do have another patrol to lead in four months time.”
Elladan shook his head. “Find another to do that. I cannot risk scratching my arm on the trees.”
Lindir growled and shook his head. “I hate you.” Bu did did lean in and claimed his lips.

Elrond cleared his throat. “Forgive me, but we have to start soon or the infection will spread.”
Lindir instantly jumped up, groaning as he did so. He nodded when he saw Elladan’s look. “I’m fine. I will stay.”

TBC

Anon:
You are right. I had stated that. But why else do you think the title is : work it out. You will find out later. Promise.
And oh, sorry for constantly mixing live/life and such up, but when I try to do it right it gets even worse.