the trouble with love

More troubles arise and while some solve themselves others will increase.

Chapter twenty one Being in the dark

While the discussion in the guest quarters was getting more and more heated, a little elf awoke in the Healing rooms. As soon as the first signs of reviving had sown themselves, Ecthelion had alerted the healer.
Lómiol, who had kept the wing within his eyesight, was relieved to find the elfling was indeed coming around. The cold had fully left his body and whatever illness might have affected him, would have been taken care off by the athelas tea. It had also taken care of the bruises on his leg. Dragging a chair closer he sat down at the elfling’s other side.

When the darkness was first giving way to the light, Elvil found himself weary and on guard. Strange words had entered his mind during this darkness and now he did not know where he was. Seeing Lómiol’s face he knew it was an illusion. If he was truly in the Healing House, his foster father would be by his side.
Wait, why did he just refer to Elrond as his foster father? He had always called him ata. No, he hadn’t. He was sure of that, somehow.
Taking in the rest of his surroundings he saw Ecthelion sitting on his other side. Another thing thatld nld never occur.

He felt the wind sooth him, carrying the words of joy from the trees. The trees, they were Imladris’ trees. So he was home, in the Healing House, with Lómiol sitting by him and that strange blond. Didn’t he know that elf’s name? He was sure he had recognized that elf just seconds before, but now this elf seemed like a complete stranger to him.

“Hello, Elvil, welcome back. You scared us all, you know, running of like a headless chicken. Now, little one, before I shall inform lord Elrond of your recovery I need to know if you can tell me your name and mine.”
Elvil groaned. “Lómiol, I didn’t get shot in the brain you know.” He saw the other two exchange a worried expression.
The blond addressed him next “Do you remember me, little one?”
Still that elf looked familiar, and that voice was known to him as well, but still it seemed like a stranger. He started crying. Maybe that arrow had been poisoned with a new sort of mind-killing potion.
“Elvil?”
“I don’t know you. But I do. I don’t know. What’s wrong with me.” Suddenly he panicked. Why where these two here? Where was his family? Elladan, he had to find Elladan. Elladan was the only one who could help, who would be able to tell him what was wrong. He had to find him. He jumped out of bed, ignoring the headache and dizziness.
The two elves sitting by his bed tried to stop him but he bolted right pasted them, throwing over as much as possible on his way. His scheme worked. Ecthelion and Lómiol had lots of trouble following him, and closing in was out of the question. They continued to clear their path and follow the elfling as good as possible.

Elvil was making his way towards the family’s quarters. Passing a servant he stopped her, demanding to know where Elladan was.
The girl looked him over, any surprise she had about seeing him up and wanting to know where Elladan was, was quickly replaced by genuine fear. It was a well known fact that Elvil had acted very peculiar lately, running from Elladan and that Elvil had run away, almost freezing himself to death and now he was demanding to know his whereabouts. But right now he looked like torturing anything and anyone to get what he wanted. And that was Elladan.
The girl said Elladan was in his grandparents rooms and before she could tell any more the boy bolted off again. All he could think about was finding Elladan.
Talking to the girl had scared him even more. He knew she knew him and therefore he should know her, but he didn’t. None of the faces he saw seemed familiar.

He didn’t know where he was going, he let his legs take him. For some reason he knew that if he thought about it, he would be lost. And his legs did seem to know where to run. And with the healer and Ecthelion not far behind Elvil made his way to the rooms of Elladan’s grandparents.

The meeting had already resided and most had already left. It had been decided to do anything possible to boost the secretary’s self-esteem. They would work out the details later. Galadriel and Celeborn were now enjoying the presence of their grandchildren and of Elrond. He had been reluctant to part with Thranduil, they had noted, but had gracefully accepted their peace offering. For meddling where they shouldn’t have, as Elrond put it.

“Ata? I’m sleepy. Can I go to bed?” Elnihir normally wasn’t so tired so soon, but this day had been straining on him. He was so glad Elvil was alive and was going to be well. His ata didn’t seem to have heard but his ata’da lifted him and carried him towards one of the big beds. “You know, Elnihir, today has been different and difficult for all of us. Why don’t you go to sleep here for a while?” He nodded and was already asleep before Elrond had made him comfortable.
Sitting back into his chair, taking his glass back form Elladan, the door flung open and revealed a panting elfling. Their worries immediately roused they stood and watched Elrond approach the heavy breathing Elvil. “Elvil, by the Valar, what has happened? You’re supposed to be in the Healing house.” He saw Ecthelion and Lómiol down the corridor, struggling with throw over objects. “And someone was supposed to alert me when you awoke. Now come inside and sit down. What happened? Lómiol?!”

Elvil was carefully and gently led inside the room. He peeked behind the other elf. He did not recognized any of them, yet he knew without a doubt his legs had led them to the right room. But this wasn’t right. He started crying again. What was wrong with him? And where was Elladan? He looked up at the one that was holding him, hope in his eyes. Maybe he could tell him where Elladan was. lladlladan?”

Elladan couldn’t have been more pleased to hear his name. And that went for them all. Apparently whatever had possessed Elvil had passed. They put his tears down to his guilt and discomfort about the situation.
“Hush, little one, Elladan is here.” Elrond did not have the time to point his eldest son out for he had already left his chair and was now kneeling besides the whimpering elf. He put his arms around the shoulders. “Elvil, stop crying. You know ata does not want you running around, especially not now. Although you’re the first to get Lómiol panting. My utmost admirations. You’ve succeeded where the rest of us failed.” Elladan grinned at the healer. He knew the other had cursed him many of times when he had been little and run away from the healer’s lessons, forcing Lómiol to run after him.

But Elvil could care less. Who were all these elves and where was Elladan? He shook himself loose from the embrace. He did not want that strange elf hugging him. Who did he think he was? Elladan? He looked mad, yet stern. He addressed the elf with all the calm he could muster. “You better not touch me. Now tell me where Elladan is.” He stood fully erect now and crossed his arms, demanding an answer. His very posture told a lie would not be accepted.

Everybody looked stunned and shocked beyond belief. What had he just said? Did he not recognize Elladan anymore? Lómiol entered the room and stood in front of the highly confused elfling. “Elvil? Do you still remember me?” If the others were not already confused, they would have been now.
“You’re the healer. Do you know where Elladan is?”
Elladan did not know whether to be pleased, hurt, shocked or to just get another drink.

Ecthelion, who had also entered, now softly spoke to Elrond. “Something weird is happening. He said he knew me, but that he didn’t. And he also said an arrow had hit him.”
This was weird indeed but it brought Elrond onto something. He walked to strand in front of his foster child. “Elvil, can you describe Elladan for me?”
Elvil thought about it. It made sense. If they knew what he looked like then they could tell him where he was. “Alright. He…” He couldn’t describe Elladan. He did not know what Elladan looked like. The harder he tried to get an image of his Elladan, the more he realised he didn’t see anything. Just a silhouette with the name Elladan. He did not know this Elladan, but yet he wanted to find him. Confused he plummeted to the floor and started crying again.
Elrond knelt down. “You don’t know?”
Crying harder he shook his head.
Galadriel had come closer too. She did not liked what she saw, not one bit. “What -do- you know?”
Elvil seemed to think about her question long and hard. Then he shrugged his shoulders. “Nothing. Everything. I don’t know.”
“Try.” Galadriel and Elrond said simultaneously.
He bit his lips as he pondered how to explain what he felt. “It’s like I know everything, but I don’t. I don’t know” He was crying in earnest now. He was feeling scared and alone.
Elrond addressed him once more. “I think I understand a little. You have no idea who Elladan is, but you do know you want to find him?” When Elvil vaguely nodded he continued. “You know him, but you don’t.” He too did not like the way this was going. “Tell me everything you know, even if you think it impossible or conflicting. For instance, how did you know to come here?”
“The servant told me.”
“She showed you?”
“No, she told me. Two floors down.”
“So you came here on your own?”
“Yes. I led my legs lead me. They knew. I didn’t.”

Everybody in the room was looking worried. Something was definitely wrong. Celeborn pushed his eldest grandson down next to the upset and confused elfling. He was sure the little one would lean into Elladan without him realising it. And yes, the lord of ‘Lóriën was right. Even though Elvil didn’t see who was sitting beside him on the floor, putting his arm around his shoulders, he leaned against the body. Resting his head against the chest.
After a silent exchange with his father-in-law Elrond continued. “Why are you leaning into the embrace?”
“It’s Elladan.”
“What does Elladan look like?”
“I don’t know! I don’t even know Elladan. Why ask me these stupid questions about someone I don’t know!”
“If you don’t know him, why do you know he’s holding you?”
“He is and I don’t”
“Look up.”
Elvil did as he was told. But only because Elladan was still rubbing his back in a supporting fashion. When he saw the other’s face he was shocked. This was a strange elf. But he had been sure it was Elladan. He still was, somehow. But he didn’t know this elf.

Elladan could read the confusion in his eyes. Suddenly he thought of something. What if Elvil had amnesia? It seemed impossible, but he didn’t know where he was or who they were. But his subconscious did. “What is the last thing you remember, Elvil?”
“The last thing I remember? Nothing. Blackness. Oh, and a voice. I do not know what it said. It sounded like…I don’t know. Lyrical and not.” He sagged back into the safety of those strange yet highly familiar arms.

Elrond closed his eyes in annoyance. “This is strange. Maybe the books can shed light on this.” He stood to go, but Celeborn stopped him. “Wait, Elrond, Glorfindel and I will help you. And Lómiol will go with my wife, to check the healing wing for some sort of magic.”
But Celeborn realised he couldn’t join the other two just yet. The twins were looking rather lost and Elrohir already looked at his grandfather for guidance; this was strange and if Elvil didn’t even know Elladan……
“Elrohir, why don’t you bring your son to his own bed, and I think it might be better to keep him away, just until we have figured it out.”
“Yes, you’re right. He will think it his fault. Well, son, don’t awaken whilst I carry you to your rooms.” Celeborn was about to sit back, ready to keep Elladan mental support, when he suddenly remembered the medallion. Maybe Elvil’s memory would be triggered when seeing that trinket. “I’ll run after your father but I’ll be back soon. He still has that medallion. Maybe it can help. And I promised to help, so I should get some books.”
Celeborn already was off and didn’t hear Elladan call after him, saying he still had it. Elrond had given it to him to look at, but he had forgotten to give it back. He might as well give it back to Elvil. “Elvil? I think this belongs to you. Do you recognize it?”
“No, I don’t. But I don’t recognize you either, so that doesn’t mean anything.”

He started to play with the medallion in Elladan’s hand like a cat playing with some wool. After a while he stopped and a worried expression came over his face.
“Elladan?”
“Hmm?”
“Why do you all call me Elvil? That isn’t my name.”
“It isn’t?”
“No.”
“Do you know what it is?”
“Silm..Sil…” When his real name wouldn’t emerge he got really scared and clung himself to Elladan. “What is wrong with me? Why can’t I remember anything? Why do I know things that I don’t know? I don’t want to feel like this.”
“Hush now, pen-neth nîn, I’m sure ata will find something to help you. Why don’t you go to sleep?”
“No. I’m afraid to go to sleep. I don’t know why. I don’t know anything. I…I…I….” Again he started crying. He didn’t know what was happening, but he didn’t like it one bit.

When he felt Elladan made to rise himself he flung to him, pulling to older elf down. “Baw. Baw. Oantnë ala. Saes. Rucin. Saes?” Against that much pleading even Elladan folded. “Shhh, pen-neth nîn. Of course I will stay. I would not leave you alone now. I only want to move us both to the bed. We’d be more comfortable there.”
It didn’t look like Elvil was about to let go of Elladan or move. And he really had no intention of laying on the cold floor, pressed down. Not even by Elvil. “I don’t know about you, pen-neth, but I find the floor highly uncomfortable and cold. I will stay with you, I promise.” He slowly sat up, tightening his hold on the elfling to emphasise his point. He -wasn’t- leaving, he -wouldn’t- let go, but he -was- getting up. “Come, to the chair, we will sit here and wait for ata to return with a solution, alright?” A nod showed him his charge agreed.
“Diolla le, ondo nîn.”
These words brought tears to his eyes. His rock, he called Elladan his rock. And only a day ago he had run from him. Elladan continued stroking the hair and rubbing the back in soothing circles, hugging him even closer.

Even though his actions and his voice didn’t show it, inside he was battling a war. This is how he wanted things to be: Elvil holding on to him. This was right. Yesterday everything had been so wrong. Elvil had run away from him the moment he had even showed his face. He had felt miserable then but now everything was right again.
He wanted things to stay this way, but not with Elvil in this condition. To have no memory must be awful on the little one. But he feared if Elvil had his memory back, he would start running away again.

He was pulled out of his gloomy thoughts when Elvil gently tugged his sleeve. Good to see him doing that. It seemed he was still the same inside, deep inside.
“Yes, what is it?”
“Why do you call me Elvil? What does it mean? Who are my parents? Do I have any at all, will they hate me for not knowing them?”
Elladan shook his head at the canon of questions. “Wow, easy now, I can only answer one at the time. We call you Elvil, because for us that’s your name.”
The head removed itself from his shoulder and he looked into those swimming orbs. He saw true desire to know. He swallowed and prepared himself for a long story. “It means shooting star. There was one at your finding. Onardodya found you alone and she took you here and ata took you both in. He is fostering you.”
“I’m your brother?!”
“Foster brother. And your favourite. You would only stop crying in my arms, you know. Whenever you had a nightmare or were afraid you climbed into my bed. I think subconsciously you still know everything and that your subconscious wanted to find me.”

“My parents?” His little ploy hadn’t worked. Instead of continuing down this line, Elvil had repeated his question about his parents. “We don’t know who your real parents are. But ata considers himself yours as well.”
“Don’t they have names?”
“I don’t know anything about them. Neither of us do. Like I said Onardodya found you.”
“How?”
Finally, it worked. He could now tell him how he was found, making sure to leave the bad arts out. It would take Elvil’s mind away from his parents. That’s what Elladan hoped.

***FLASHBACK***

“Lalalalala lalalalala” She was happily singing and running ahead of their brothers. She needed to be with their father before they did otherwise they would never allow her to come again.

But then her heart stopped beating. Cries entered her hearing. She looked around. Nothing. Not her brothers or father. They could have protected her. But no strangers either.
She dropped herself on the ground. Many times she had seen the village soldiers do that. Her father had said they did that to be more invisible. Now that she was lower to the ground she heard footsteps. Afraid she crept into the bushes. They could not find her.

She saw how a woman and a man appeared from behind the trees opposite her hideout. The woman stopped the man. “I can’t anymore. All is lost. Take this. It will protect you. I love you, my son.”
She wondered why she could understand. They weren’t speaking in the common tongue or her own. Curious she pushed some leaves aside. Beautiful beings entered her vision. But she immediately saw the man was a mere boy. As old as she was, maybe younger.

“Mother, no we can make it. Rivendell is close now. Lord Elrond can protect us. Mother please, you have to.”
“I can’t anymore. But you can. You must keep this safe.” With that the woman turned and ran back from where she came. The boy wanted to go after her and something moved her. She had to help him. But she couldn’t free herself from the bush fast enough.
The boy was gone as well, but she saw something on the ground. Bending to pick it up she saw others coming her way. They were chasing the boy. Hastily she grabbed it and jumped in the bushes again. She prayed for her brothers and father to appear.

The creatures had cornered the boy, he was standing close to her bush, maybe she could pull him in. But then she would be giving herself away as well. The men spoke and so did the boy, but she no longer understood.
Despite herself she dared a peek. What she saw stopped her heart. The boy was struggling in his captives’ hold. He was desperately trying to get himself lose. But she saw his eyes fixed to a certain spot. Following his gaze she gasped in horror.
Other of those hideous people were holding down that woman. His mother, she remembered. They were hurting her, she could tell the woman would not make it out alive.
/Father, where are you?/ But her father didn’t come and within horrible minutes, which seemed to be more like hours, the woman was lying dead on the ground, blood still flowing from her veins.
She averted her head and cried. But not for long. If she did they would spot her and then she would die too. The boy had sagged in the tormenters’ arms. The one who seemed to be their leader moved towards the boy. “And now you. Drink this.”
Funny, now she could understand again.
“Never.”
The man smiled and gave a signal. That prompted the tormenters to kick their charge. When he finally gasped in pain the liquid was forced down his throat.

She could watch no longer, but she needed to help. She pulled on the boy’s leg. Pulled him down and dragged him along. It didn’t last long before she heard the men follow her. Opportunity of surprise never lasts long, she thought. But then she saw her brothers, who were already drawing their weapons. They would take care of those men.

And yes within half an hour all evil men lay dead on the ground. They gathered around their little sister, who was that she was holding?
She was sobbing in earnest now, the boy almost wasn’t breathing anymore.
Her eldest brother knelt down and after sniffing the breath his face grimed. “They’ve poisoned him. There’s nothing we can do. Not even that legend athalas would cure this. I am sorry, sis.”
“No no, he can’t be, he can’t be.” She pulled the lithe body closer and in doing so the object she had picket up made contact with the body. His breathing increased in strength. They all saw. “It must be that thing. But how?” The middle brother said after some puzzling minutes.

Then she remembered the words the lady had spoken /take this. It will protect you/ /you must keep it safe/ Well, the protection part proved true now. Ane kne knew of no safer place than round the neck. She placed it around the boys neck and asked her brothers to help carry him to Rivendell. It had to be close so it was logical to go there. They agreed and started collecting wood for a litter. About to start building it a cry alerted them back to their unconscious friend. They gasped in horror.
Where a boy their sister’s age had lain, was now a crying baby. It was holding onto that locket for dear life. They were about to pick it up, what else could they do, when arrwerewere pointed to their heads. “Don’t touch that child. Who are you and what does this all mean? Go around killing elves all the time?”
Onardodya faced the newcomers with anger. “We saved him. They,” and she pointed to the corpses, “wanted to kill him. They poisoned him and killed his mother. Over there. I want to take him to Rivendell.”
She took on the stance that told her brothers she would not move until those men told her where to find it. If they weren’t so intimidated by those newcomers they would have snickered.
“Really? Now why do we have the feeling you are lying?” After that the elf uttered words they couldn’t understand but Lord Elrond was amongst them. The words were spoken with kindness, so whoever those people were, they were on friendly terms with Lord Elrond. “Lord Elrond. He’s supposed to be able to help him. They were on their way to him when they were attacked. They said so.”

After a while they had found the dead woman and the corpses of her guardians. The elves decided to lead them to Lord Elrond, he would decide what to do.
Onardodya decided against ever revealing what she had overheard or that the child had that trinket. It was the only way to keep both of them safe. And because she knew no name, they decided to name him shooting star, because there had been one the moment the elves had appeared at the sight.

***END FLASHBACK***

Elladan smiled. Elvil had fallen asleep. He slowly stood up and carried him over to the bed.
He hoped that they would have some answers soon. Maybe Elvil would recognize Onardodya. Or she might know something. He always had the impression she knew more than she told.

End chapter 21
TBC

Translations:
Oantne ala literally means leave me not and it’s ancient Qenya. In modern Quenya it would be Lá autëan.
Rucin means I’m afraid (literally: I feel fear)
Diolla le means Thank you and is a mixture of Sindarin and Quenya
Ondo nin means my rock. Another way of saying it would be ondonya. (nin is Sindarin and should actually be nîn. –nya is Quenya)

Notes:
What Onardodya is singing is the opening tune of the ‘Smurfen’. I don’t know what they’re called in English, but they are those little blue guys who live in the forest and fight the not-so-good (in both senses of the word) wizard Gargamel and his red cat Azrael. Know what I mean?


Chapter twenty two this is not what I want

Things were slowly beginning to be frustrated. It was nice of the Valar to keep him busy, but the way thing were going he just might go insane before the end. Elrond sighed as he went over all of the problems again.
First there was Melpomean, who hated him and had managed to hide his feelings and emotions from them so very long. But the first step was promoting him after all. He would order the others to help him. Every minute if he had to; the situation could not continue.
Then there was Elvil, who had gone crazy and now had no memory. And nothing in the books lead them to a cure.
And if that wasn’t enough there was Legolas, Thranduil’s youngest, who had no joy in life anymore. He wondered what was keeping the elf here. But he had seemed more alive yesterday. He hoped Elladan and Legolas wouldn’t take each others presence the wrong way. Things could get worse fast if they did. Maybe he should be glad that Elvil was now keeping Elladan from moving about. He now was on his way to his wife’s parents bedroom, to tell the bad news.

When Elrond arrived and entered he smiled at the picture before him. Elladan was on the bed, holding a shaking elfling close. /Shaking? Had the cold crept back into the body?/ Quickly he approached.
Elladan calmed his father down with a wave of his hand. “He had a nightmare. Different from any he’s had before, ata. I do not like this.”
“Me neither. There was nothing in the books. None of the amnesias described in there has these signs. For the first time in my life I am completely in the dark.”
“But you know, the funny thing is that even though he does not remember anything, his subconscious does.”
“I know, it is all very weird. If Mithrandir was here he might be able to solve this riddle.”
“Maybe.”
Elrond knew this look. His son was thinking about something. Something small that has been overlooked. And probably the key to this puzzle. He remained silent but arched his eyebrow.
Elladan voiced his thoughts. “He asked about his parents.”
“Of course, you would too without a memory.”
“Aye, but he also said with certainty that Elvil wasn’t his name. And when he was about to say his name he seemed to have forgotten. All I know is that it starts with an S. And this doesn’t belong to him. He thinks. But he also said that if he didn’t know us and yet he did, that it didn’t mean anything if he couldn’t remember the medallion.”
Elrond rubbed his temples at this riddle. “Strange. Anyhow, you better stay with him until everything is sorted out.”
“I will. You know ata, when I wanted to get us more comfortable earlier he clung to me, like he never had before. He started begging me not to leave him alone. He…he…he called me…..his rock.” The last words were barely more than a whisper. Elrond had to strain his hearing to catch them. He squished his son’s shoulder supportively. The coming days were going to be hardest for the two elves in front of him.

After a little silence Elladan spoke. “What will you do now, ata?”
“I am going to Melpomean and start on fixing that problem and then I am going to shut my eyes and sleep. I am dead tired.” He walked out the door and closed it, but before he was halfway through the corridor he remembered he had forgotten something. Backing his trail he informed Elladan his grandparents had agreed to take the guestrooms next to this for tonight. Otherwise Elladan might get worried if Celeborn and Galadriel didn’t return.

Elrond took the fastest way to his secretary’s rooms. /Secretary, he deserves to be much more. He has the capability./ He had agreed to wait with the promotion until he was better, but now had the inclination to go ahead with it.
He quietly opened the door and peeked inside. Melpomean was asleep and Glorfindel was sitting with him again. The seneschal acknowledged his presence with a nod of his head. When he understood Elrond was here to relieve him, he stood to leave.
“How is he?”
“Grumpy. Worse than I’ve ever seen. I think if we ever find his parents Galadriel is going to kill them.”
“She sees his suffering as a personal failure.”
“How do you mean?”
“It’s in the past Glorfindel and it’s not my place to bring it into the present.”
This evasive answer annoyed Glorfindel but he decided to give Elrond a brake. Maybe there was more to it than he thought. /Perhaps Galadriel knows Melpomean better than we think?/ “Alright. I take it you will sit with him now?” A nod confirmed his thoughts. He left and went to his rooms to get some sleep before patrol duty.

Elrond made himself comfortable on the chair Glorfindel had just vacated. He would have to wait for the other to awaken, talk to him and then get some sleep himself. He promised himself to actually go to his bed and sleep, no matter what time it would be.
Melpomean started to toss and turn. A nightmare. Elrond petted his face and whispered soft reassurances. They worked. Melpomean stopped trashing and went silent. Elrond found he couldn’t end the sweet contact. It had been a long time since he’d last guarded someone’s sleep. But he had to stop when the sleeping elf started to trash even harder.
He didn’t remove his hand fast enough and it got hit by Melpomean’s wildly swinging arm. Elrond lost his balance and he fell from the chair, smashing his wrist against the bedpost. He was about to examine it for any broken bones when Melpomean woke with a scream. Sitting upright in bed, eyes wide in horror, he was panting heavily. This had been the worst nightmare he’d ever had.

His parents always came in his sleep, telling him he was no use, but this time they hadn’t been alone. His friends had been there, joining the verbal abuse, laughing at his expense. But he couldn’t care, they could say what they wan He He knew it wasn’t true. “O, but it is.” The voices retorted. “You know it is.” “You’re no good, you’re a failure. Just look at yourself.” No, it wasn’t true. /Lies, all lies./ “We’re telling you the truth. You know it. Look at yourself. Remember what a fool you have been.” “You’re a failure, a failure.” They went on and on.
He wanted to get away from them. He ran and he lashed out, trying to get rid of them.

Suddenly a warm light engulfed him. He had gotten away from them. He relaxed and let the warmth engulf him further. He recognized it. Elrond, it was Elrond. “But he isn’t alone. Look, look, LOOK”
And against his betjudgjudgement he looked. He saw Elrond, naked. At first he was happy, but the voices kept telling him to look. He wasn’t alone, Thranduil was with him. They were making love. No, this couldn’t be. Elrond and Thranduil hate each other. “But no more” came the hateful voice of Galadriel. “Now they are lovers and it’s your fault. You pushed him away, you couldn’t keep him, you never could and never will. You made me lose him. You failure. He now loves another. Failure.” The other voices joined in, failure, failure, failure, over and over again.
But his undoing was the image of losing his love to that Mirkwood king. No, he refused to believe it. /This were all illusions and lies./ They had to be. “You know what will happen now, don’t you?” No, he was not going to kill Elrond, Elrond could handle anything, he wouldn’t die. They liedey hey had to be. “Elrond will not die. Thranduil will. You’ll fail to save him. Look, look, look.” The image changed to one of the future. He saw how he stood silent while Thranduil was faced with a warg. Next Elrond was standing over the lifeless body, weeping. Then he looked up, anger in his eyes. He grabbed a sword and charged Melpomean. As the sword cut his body in half he screamed himself awake.

His rooms, he was in his rooms. It had been a dream. Hadn’t it? Or was it a fortune telling dream. Telling him how he would die. By the hands of his secret love. He curled up into a ball and silently sobs left him as he shook himself. But then arms lovingly petted him, pulling him into an embrace.

Elrond had pulled himself of the floor, and, ignoring the pain in his wrist, he started to console the elf. Like he had his sons when they had been young. “Ssss, it was but a nightmare. It is alright. It will be alright. Calm down. Would you like some water?”

Elrond, ‘t was Elrond’s voice. But Glorfindel had been here last. How could that be? Was he still dreaming? Melpomean tilted his head towards his secret love. But then the pain in his right eye registered. He could feel a substance in it. His tears? Or blood?

Elrond gasped and immediately hovered his hand above the eye in a probing fashion. “The wound has re-ope” He” He got up and got the phial with the potion in it. “I’m afraid there is no time to get you some food. You have to swallow the medicine as it is. Do you think you can manage? Otherwise you might lose your eye.”

So he would lose his eye, just another failure on his record. He sighed and opened his mouth, he would probably throw it up, so what’s the use of trying.

Elrond recognized the trepidation in the free orb. He decided on some diversion. “Maybe some mind work will lift your spirits. We have a problem you might be able to solve.” Making sure the other swallowed the potion he locked their eyes. “It’s Elvil. You know he has run away?” A nod, the other was still taking the potion and therefore couldn’t speak. “And that Glorfindel found him in time?” Another nod. “Well, he’s awake now and physically he is fine, but mentally he isn’t. It looks like he has some sort of amnesia, but we don’t know. He says he doesn’t know us, but that he does. I saw him just now, sleeping with Elladan. It’s like he’s fighting in his sleep. Elladan thinks it’s a nightmare, but it seems like a real battle. It’s just too weird. Think about it and maybe you’ll see something we’ve missed.” Elrond decided that now would be as good a time as any to start working on the other’s self-esteem and quickly added. “You always do”
He saw how disbelief shine back at him. He now remembered seeing that expression many times. How could he have missed all those signs? He should have been more alert.

He continued talking about the problem that was Elvil, telling him all they had learned. He saw the pondering look appear. Good, Melpomean was giving it thought. He might just strike two blows in one. It looked like Melpomean was too absorbed in the puzzle to start throwing up and if anyone could solve this mystery if was this elf.
Ah, there was the flash of light, indicating he had just figured something out. He looked at the other hopeful. “Do we have some records on how he was found?” Melpomean asked
“Yes, from the soldiers that found him.”
“And the human girl?”
“Yes. It states the same as the others though.”
Once again the pondering look appeared. Curious as Elrond was, he knew better than to interrupt the other while he was thinking.

Melpomean on the other hand was trying to figure out why Elrond wanted his opinion on this matter. The half-elf’s words of trust did little to easy his burden. But he was curious and wanted to figure this out.
The reports stated the same thing, but that couldn’t be. He had always seen a secret hanging around the girl and it got bigger in time. It had something to do with Elvil he was sure. /Wait, Elladan had mentioned a medallion./ He had never before noticed it, but it was very likely the little one had hid it throughout life. He thought back to when he had first seen the child, but that didn’t give him many clues. He had mainly put his attention onto the girl. Her brothers, they had looked guilty too. They had been armed. Wait, there had been blood on the weapons and clothes. “The blood on their arms, whose was it?”
Elrond looked at him in surprise. Who’s arms the the elf referring to? Sometimes his trail of thought was a complete mystery.
“The human brothers, whose blood?”
“Oh, those weapons. Let me think.” For a little while Elrond was lost in thought as he did his best to call back that day. “Yes I remember now, it had peeked my curiosity. Humans with bloodied weapons being showed my house wasn’t every day activity. The patrol party told me the humans had killed the people who had tried to kill Elvil. And they were elves. If you want I can have those reports brought to you.”
“Yes, please. And some maps of the area.”
“Consider them brought. I will ask Elvil if you can take a look at that medallion. It might help. There are some markings on it.”
Now this was new. Melpomean wondered what else he didn’t know. “Markings?”
“Aye, on the side. They appear to be letters, but we, Galadriel and I, can’t decipher them. All we can read is a date. We think it’s a date of birth, and by the interval probably from Elvil’s older brother. They had found some tracks of another unidentified elf. They had searched but hadn’t found him. We take it he had fled. Remember the trepidation that hang in the air when we waited for a stranger to claim the parenthood?”
“Aye.” But Melpomean also remembered something else. Onardodya’s assurances that no parent would come. She had never given any indication as to why she knew that with that much certainty, but she had been right. Just another reason for Melpomean to be suspicious where she was concerned.

Elrond was beginning to feel tired and he longed for his bed. He walked to the door. “Well, I let you alone with this mystery. The maps and reports are on your way. Now I am going to get some shut eye. Lest I fall asleep standing.” Elrond arranged for the items to be brought to Melpomean. He ordered the servant to stay in the rooms and bring him everything else he might need.

/And now to bed./ He stood at the stairs. Going down he would end up in the guest quarters, but if he continued his way he would end up in his rooms. Where he would be alone. /Why go to your lonely bed if there is another willing to take you in his arms?/ He took the stairs that would put him in Thranduil’s corridor. He suddenly felt very giddy. /Elrond, you are acting like an elf maiden who falls in love for the first time. Compose yourself. /
He knocked at the appropriate door. Nothing. He knocked again. Would the other be mad at him still? He tried the handle. Locked. It was obvious then. He wasn’t wanted. Thranduil had reconsidered and now he was alone again. He hung his head forcing the bile back. He couldn’t walk through his halls being sick and miserable. Busy composing himself he didn’t notice the door opening and Thranduil standing in the doorway, obviously dressed in a hurry.

He had expected a servant to lead him to Elrond’s rooms again. Seeing the Half-Elf stand there pleased him. But then he saw the composure. Something was wrong. /Elvil!/ “Elrond?! What is it?”

Elrond looked up and saw surprise in the others eyes. /Surprised to see you. Did he give some signals earlier and had they gone unnoticed?/ “I am sorry to disturb. I thought…”
“That I was still awake. Not everything you hear from my people is correct, you know. Not all of us are night owls. In fact, the only one in my family is Daiz. Come in, sit down and tell me what is wrong. You didn’t come here to leave, did you?”
“No!” It came too fast. It roused Thranduil’s suspicion. “Are you having second thoughts about us?” He didn’t think he could handle it if Elrond wanted to go back to before.
Elrond sighed. “No, I don’t. I thought you did.”
“Me? Why?” Thranduil realised Elrond would never cease to amaze him.
“You locked the door. Keeping me out.”
“I locked the door, aye. The perfect way to keep night owls out, you know. And you are -in- now. Are you going to tell what is wrong or is that it?”
“Wrong?”
Thranduil pierced the Half-elf’s eyes. When would he stop hiding? He sighed, Elrond didn’t let him in. It showed him Elrond would let him into his bed, maybe into his life, but would not give his soul or heart. For a moment he thought he should throw the other out. But then the soft taste of Elrond’s flesh came back and his resolve was broken. “How’s Elvil? And Melpomean?”
“Fine, I guess. I don’t really want to talk or think about it anymore. It’s so frustrating. And there doesn’t seem to be a cure.”
“Elrond, I have to ask this, but…” Not finishing the sentence he hung his head, fidgeting his hands in his lap. Had he ever felt this scared or nervous?

Elrond cocked his head. The other’s behaviour was puzzling him. Had he made some unknown mistake just now? “What do you have to ask me?” He waited patiently for the other to gather his nerves. He realised they both needed time to adjust to the new situation between them. /Maybe he’s having the same doubts as I do/ They were still new at this.
“I think we have to describe the borders of our...eh…”
“Our relationship?” Sparkles came to life in Elrond’s eyes. /relationship…he called us a relationship./
“Eh…yes…I mean….what do you want it to be?” The answer was not the one he had dreaded and expected, but no less honest. “I don’t know really. We are both still new at this. Not to mention it is unexpected and we have so many others to consider. I’m inclined to keep this silent.”
“So basically all you want is quick sex? I don’t see why you want me for that. I’m not a whore, you know.” /yesat’sat’s it, Thranduil. Kick him out now. Stop yourself from getting hurt./
“Thranduil!”
“Don’t be so. If it is a whore you want, than by all means, go take one. But not me.”
“You ask me what I want and now you’re twisting my words again. I do not want a whore, I want a lover. But if you’re not interested I -will- go see who will be. I may not be a king, I -am- a lord.” He stood to leave, angered by the other’s words. He found the door to be locked again. He glared at Thranduil “You locked me in. Planning on elfnapping me now?”
Elrond’s fury has lessened Thranduil’s. He now realised Elrond had spoken in honesty and that his words were reasonable. After all, he himself was doubting he would ever tell his children. Could he really blame Elrond for wanting the same. A plan to get his answer without another fight formed in his mind. “No, I just don’t want that night owl to enter. There’s the key.” He pointed to the nightstand and waited for Elrond’s decision. If the Half-Elf insisted to leave this relationship he would ask him to throw it, but if Elrond went to get them himself, there was still a chance.

Elrond figured that waiting for Thranduil to throw him the key would take forever and he marched to the nightstand. When he extended his arm to pick it up, Thranduil’s hand closed over his. “Are you sure you want to leave?” There no longer was any anger or fury in the voice.
Elrond looked at the hand. Two nights ago it had looked so sensual, whereas before it had looked just like a hand. And no fou found it to look sexy. He had the urge to bring these delicate fingers to his body. He closed his eyes and remembered the magic he had felt those fingers work on him. He needed that. But he couldn’t do this on the other’s terms. He tried one last time. “I need -you-. Not a whore. But I can’t tell. Not because I am ashamed or something, but because we have our children to consider.”

Thranduil smiled and if Elrond was surprised by it, his words surprised the half-elf more. “Than let me take you.” He now moved to stand in front of his lover. Locking eyes, he lowered himself on Thranduil’s lap. He smiled when he felt the response below him. He would be taken tonight. He wondered how that would be. So far all they had done was kiss and touch. /because we got interrupted twice. In-laws/
Thranduil drew him closer for a breathtaking kiss. He would do anything for those kisses. Pure poison for his cold bones. Celebrían’s kisses had been better but that was too long ago to remember. There had been love on both sides than and with Thranduil it was lust. Nothing more, nothing less. He did not realise it was more for Thranduil. He let go of his thoughts as the hands started to remove his clothes.

Pushing the Half-Elf on the bed Thranduil managed to remove all of their clothes and straddle his lover at the same time. He reminded himself to take it slow. Elrond was a virgin to this. But the last two times they had been interrupted and he knew he could not handle another interruption. /But now the door is closed/ he happily thought. /It also was the first time/ his mind immediately countered. /Shut up. Let’s enjoy this/
Stretching over Elrond he got out the small bottle of lubricant from the top drawer. In doing so he proved to be a very appealing sight. He had barely grabbed the bottle when Elrond had pulled him down, kissing him wherever he could. He wiggled free from this position to kiss his lover properly.
Such desire stared back at him, he could hardly force himself to take things slow. If he didn’t he would leave him sour. But he had enough of kissing and caressing. He wanted to feel the other’s heat engulf him.
He opened the bottle and added the salve on his fingers.

Elrond’s breathing both quickened and slowed at this sight. He knew what that would be used for. He had heard about it a lot. Knowing Thranduil was about to claim him like that was bringing him closer to orgasm.
But the healer in him remembered all the times this had gone wrong, when elves had pushed their lovers too hard or too fast. They had always come to him for some healing salve.
He didn’t get to think on more thoughts when his lover was kissing his balls. /Wow, that felt great./ Wantonly he bucket, presenting himself to his lover. That was what Thranduil had wanted, who quickly inserted a finger.
The unexpected movement made Elrond gasp and hiss in pain, but then Thranduil had found that certain spot. Heat engulfed him and he bucked even harder. He could feel how a second finger was inserted and soon joined by a third. This felt great, he didn’t understand how this could result in the horrible things he had seen throughout the years. Wanting to kiss his lover in thanks he opened his eyes and saw Thranduil look at him with rapture. Something else was in those orbs as well. Primal possession. He didn’t care. If this was the blissful result, the other could possess him any tim He He gave himself over to the sensations again. He wished Thranduil would go inside again. Writhing he made his desire known.

Thranduil took his cue and positioned himself in front of his lovers opening. He closed his eyes and prepared himself to move forward. If he hadn’t he could see Elrond’s eyes shooting open in fear.

What he felt near his entrance was way bigger than those fingers. Cocking his head he saw why. Thranduil was about to move his member in. Remembering all the times he had to apply that healing salve he got scared. He didn’t want to be applying it to himself. He jumped up, throwing Thranduil to the floor, and gathered his clothes together. He was not going to let that happen. Making love was one thing, being hurt another. Not risking Thranduil grabbing him he dashed through the window.

He wondered why he had never had to apply the salve to Celebrían? /Because she’s a woman’ his mind retorted./ Or to Sealbeth? He knew the advisor was shagging Thanduil’s first soldier. Common knowledge, even though the elves did their best to hide it. But then again everybody would find out about them eventually. If they continued. He wasn’t sure he could give Thranduil what he wanted. He heard the blond yell at him, tell him to come back, but he didn’t turn.
“I’m sorry.” He shouted over his shoulder.
He didn’t care about the sharp stings in his flesh as he moved through the vegetation. He didn’t stop running until he got to the safety of his rooms. But was he safe there? Thranduil could have followed him. He knew the other would be furious and a furious Thranduil was dangerous.

He quickly dressed himself and walk out of the door. Where could he go? He just didn’t know.

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

Rumil was getting bored. Imladris was a lovely place but there was nothing to do. And everybody keeping him out of everything didn’t help matters. Why wouldn’t they see him as he was? When would they stop treating him as a child?
He remembered the words Elrond had spoken to his lord. Maybe there was one elf who saw him the way he was? Maybe if he could find the Half-Elf he would allow Rumil to keep him company.
He knew Orophin rather watched Elrohir. And if he went to Haldir he would get a scolding and some more nagging to get a mate. Rumil had tried various of elves, of both gender, but none had been enough. None had been able to light his sparkle. So after some millennia he had just given up on ever finding a mate. But Haldir hadn’t.
And going to his lord or lady would only result in making him feel guilty for that potion business. If only they would blame him for his part in putting Elrond together with the one elf they didn’t want him with. They would support any choice he might make, even if Elrond decided to fall for a dwarf, but Thranduil? That was asking too much, and he knew it.

He sighed as he walked through the deserted corridors. If only he had something to do. He was so lost in his reverie he didn’t see how a servant was running back and forth carrying various object to the sick Melpomean’s room, who was still busy solving the riddle.
He was too lost to notice an elf speeding towards him. When he finally did it was too late to avoid a crash. Both elves landed on the floor with a thud. He was about to scold the other for not looking when he stared into the deep grey eyes of this realm’s lord. The one he had been looking for. He quickly got up, lending a han hel help Elrond up. “I am sorry, Lord Elrond, but I was a little lost with my thoughts I’m afraid.”
“It’s alright, Rumil, so was I. What are you doing up so late?”
“Unable to sleep and avoiding my matchmaking brother.”
Elrond chuckled. The description fitted Haldir perfectly. “I see. Well, in that case would you join me for a midnight game of chess?” If he had the ‘Lóriën archer with him, he would be safe. Thranduil would have mellowed by morning and not even in his madness would he dare attack this one. The tales of his heroism, bravery and ruthlessness with the blades were wide.
“It would be my pleasure.”
Both elves smiled as they made their way to the parlour, where the games were kept.

End chapter 22
TBC

Notes:
Elrond’s angry words ‘I may not be king I -am- a lord mean that he may not be as high and important as Thranduil is, he is not insignificant either. In other words, Elrond is informing Thranduil there are plenty of elves willing to do the job.


Chapter twenty three A break-up

Anar’s rays graced their world once more. Elladan gently woke his sleeping charge up. They had to go downstairs for breakfast. “Elvil. Wake up. We have to go to breakfast.” The elfling in his arms stirred and awareness came to the eyes.

Who was this elf holding him? He did not know him, but he felt extremely safe in those arms. “Breakfast?”
“Yes, breakfast. I would have something brought up to us, but I’m afraid we have to make our appearance, lest everybody will think you dead.”
“Why?”
Elladan cocked his head, trying to decipher whether or not Elvil was acting or not. He saw real surprise in the fir-coloured orbs. Only now did Elladan see the raw beauty in them. /They’re as treacherous as the sea. A liquid pool seemingly without a bottom and yet as shallow as a glass of water./“Why do you think? They’re worried, you know.”
“Why?”
Elladan nearly fumed. They had passed that why-stage years ago and now it seemed it was back. For years Elvil drove him mad. From the early morning to the late evening all Elvil said was “why?” and you’d better answer or else….. Shaking his head he decided to cut it short. “We don’t have time for this, Elvil, we have to go down now.”
“Who’s Elvil?”
“You are, remember.”
But Elvil shook his head, fanning his hair about in the process. When they caught the lightbeams Elladan saw how their beauty increased. It seemed as the strands of hair let the light through to emphasise their uniqueness. “No, my name is Silmaïthil.”
Elladan was stunned. Elvil had just told him his real name, but yesterday he did not remember anything. “Anything else I should know?”
To that he got a cushion thrown in his face. “I’m hungry. Can we go now?” He shook his head at the unexpected changes in Elvil, wondering what to expect next.
“Of course, pen-neth nîn. Let’s go and tell ata about your name.”
Now Elvil looked at him in surprise. “Ata?? Ata’s dead. And nana…..” He threw himself at his rock. This felt good and normal. But how could that be, he didn’t know this elf, but yesterday he hadn’t known his name. And now he did. “Ondo nîn?” Elladan looked at him. “I am sorry for taking up your time. Hungry?!”
Elladan smiled, pleased to hear his latest nick-name again. “You’re not. And I’m hungry too.”
And with that they were off to the dining hall.

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

“And you wonder why they’re mad at you?” Valthroman looked at his lover in wonder. It was as if he didn’t know his lover at all. /How could Sealbeth have done these things?/ Not the Sealbeth he knew, but there he was, standing in front of him, complaining how nobody understood him. And, now, he was one of them. He did not understand this elf.
When arms encircled his waist, he could not stop himself from wondering if it had been him, instead of this Melpomean, would Sealbeth do the same. Would his lover come to his rescue or not? And he wondered about his own feelings.

Every time they were together this elf was his world. But when they were in their own realms again, he always wondered if it was still his elf. Sealbeth had never uttered any words of love or affection. His thoughts wandered back in time.

***FLASHBACK***

He looked up at Anar, even though the Mirkwood trees were large and thick, Anar still managed to get her warmth through. He was waiting for the Imladris’ elves to arrive. They were late. Thranduil had ordered him to meet them at the borders and see them safely to the palace.

He saw some elves in the distance, the one leading had blond hair. /Must be them, with Glorfindel./ They were coming here to discuss the safety of the roads between their realms.
The elves came within view. He looked at each of them. Glorfindel at the lead. He hadn’t changed a bit. When he was in Gondolin once he had seen the glorious captain of the Golden Flower. But Glorfindel hadn’t seen him. He looked at the other elves. Mostly soldiers and one of Elrond’s counsellors. He figured Glorfindel and the counsellor would be representing Imladris during the talks.

It may have been a surprise to his companions to see none of the Peredhil in the party, it wasn’t to him. He knew Thranduil had only consented to this meeting provided neither Elrond nor his children would come. The children were too small for such a long journey anyway.

He closely observed the Imladris elves for any secret weapons. He had to be alert. On neither of the soldiers he found any. Just the weapons in plain view.
When he stopped his eyes on the advisor he felt his heart stop. On the horse, riding like the king himself, was the most exquisite elf he had ever seen. He silently thanked the Valar for his sire’s stubbornness. It made it possible for this elf to be here. And he was going to be part of the talks. That meant he could see this beauty every day.
His legs were suddenly made of pudding and if he wasn’t seated on his horse he would have fallen to the floor. He hoped his voice would remain steady upon greeting them.
Fortunately for him Glorfindel did the conversing, but his attraction had not gone by unnoticed. Sealbeth had seen the look in his eyes when he had checked out the advisor. /But I am in no need of a lover./ Sealbeth thought to himself./I will just befriend him instead./

In the week that followed, the talks were flourishing and Sealbeth indeed befriended Valthroman. They spend every moment of each day together. And it wasn’t a secret either.
The king knew. He was torn between assigning Valthroman to the outposts for the rest of the talks or let things continue. He felt responsible for the other’s happiness. If the advisor had been from Lothlóriën Thranduil would just have asked for some information, but that was not an option in this case. And he wasn’t going to ask the Peredhel’s help in finding out what kind of an elf this was. So he decided to let things be and watch closely. If the advisor was going to hurt Valthroman’s feelings he would make sure no Imladris elf would ever again step a toe within his borders.

But the week prospered on every field. And when the time came to leave Sealbeth said his goodbyes properly. “I shall miss your camaraderie, Val.”
“I’ll miss you too. May the stars shine brightly upon your road.”
“Until next we meet, which won’t be long”

Sealbeth had been right. The next meeting was mere months after that.
Their friendship grew each time they met and after some centuries, when Valthroman had given up hope of ever becoming more, Sealbeth had made his move.

It happened upon one of their walks. Sealbeth had pulled the other close and kissed him. For a moment Valthroman had no idea whether he was asleep or awake but a pinch in his buttocks told him he was very much awake. The advisor had some strength. He kissed him back and only need of air drove them apart. It was the first time they had made love. And since then every time they met it had been a passionate encounter.
But even though Sealbeth had instigated it, he hadn’t voiced his feelings that night. Or any other night. After the first kiss Sealbeth would become silent and not another word would be uttered until they were done and clothed again. Never would he speak of love.

***END FLASHBACK***

Maybe he should have listened to his king. Thranduil had told him almost every time they would come together Sealbeth was no good for him. But he had always denied his king on this area.
Now he was slowly beginning to wonder if Thranduil had been right all along. Was Sealbeth just using him? Had he really thrown his friendship away for being a whore? Was that how the advisor saw him? He had never spoken of love, so it was possible.
He decided he needed to know. He removed the hands from his back, holding them tightly into his own.

Sealbeth looked at him funny. This was strange, new and it seemed the other had no intention of making love now. But they had already started their kisses. About to dive into that hot mouth again he was shocked to be pushed backwards.
“Do you love me?” Now what was this about? Of course he did. Val was his lover, so that went without saying. He closed his eyes in annoyance. He would not break this just to state the obvious. Wanting to touch the other’s face he felt the grip become stronger and tighter. /What?/
“Do you?”

Sealbeth’s silence was slowly making Val understand he had been whoring himself for millennia. His eyes became wet with tears. He forced them back, but even though they did not flow, yet, they wet his eyes.

Sealbeth became worried when he saw tears fill the beautiful marine blue eyes. /But why? Maybe hearing it is important to Val after all?/ Although it felt utterly wrong he would do anything for this one. Anything to make those tears go away. “Val? Don’t cry. I…I love you.”
But it was too late. And the hesitance told Valthroman how stupid he’d been. “Really now? Than why don’t you ever say it. Well?!”
“I tell you many times.”
“Never when we’re making out. And only if I say it first. You never voice them of yourself. I’m beginning to wonder if you mean it at all.”
Sealbeth couldn’t believe his ears. Surely Val was kidding. But he didn’t look like he was kidding and the pain in his wrists told him so too. He swallowed. How could he tell? “I mean it.”
But he had spoken too late. He had hesitated and it was taken the wrong way. The hesitation told Valthroman Thranduil had been right all along. He never realised the other was afraid, nervous and uncomfortable. If he had he would have looked into Sealbeth’s eyes and would have seen the love present in the yellow-brown orbs. But as he didn’t he missed out on the storming emotions inside the other.

He hard-handily threw Sealbeth to the floor. His eyes showed his pain and betrayal. Sealbeth saw but didn’t understand any of it.
“You obviously don’t mean any of this. And to think I actually tell my king he is wrong when he warns me of you. When he says you see me only as a whore. But you obviously do. Well, a whore I no longer am. Take your pleasures elsewhere, advisor.”
“But…Val…”
“Don’t ever call me that again. My name is Valthroman of Mirkwood.”
“I don’t understand. Why are you hurting me so?”
Sealbeth was looking at him with big scared eyes. Valthroman didn’t care. /He’s just afraid of having to find a new whore./ He laughed a bitter laugh. “Hurt? You’re hurt? Ha, don’t make me laugh. You don’t even know what pain is. You only know how to inflict it. Your friends get hurt, but not you. How can I hurt you when you have no heart? How can I pain you when you have no feelings?” And he left.

Sealbeth tried to stop him, but trough his tears he missed the other’s leg and grabbed air instead.
Valthroman turned around before closing the door. “Dear lover mine,” hiice ice dripping with sarcasm, “as I close this door, I also close our relationship, if you insist on calling it thus. Namárië”

He walked through the corridor, taking fast strides. He wasn’t going to his rooms, he would go take a long walk. And perhaps practice his fighting skills.

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

Elladan was slowly beginning to be right. Every breakfast some elf would be missing. Today Sealbeth and Valthroman were missing. Erestor was send to find them. After fifteen minutes he ran back in. “My lord, Valthroman is nowhere to be found and Sealbeth is in shock. I do not know what happened.”
Elrond groaned; this was happhappening. Not more troubles. He already had enough as it was. He told Erestor to sit down and ordered one of the servants to take his other advisor to the healing house where Lómiol would take care of him. Then he started breakfast.

Elvil was sitting next to Elladan, never once letting go of his hand. Forced to eat with one hand, Elladan ate only fruit and sometimes lend his one hand to help the shaking elfling at his side.
Evil was scared. So many faces he both did and didn’t know. He wasn’t sure of anything anymore. His memory was gone, his mind told him one thing and his feelings another. Once more tears flowed down his cheeks. He lowered his head, but Elrond had noticed. “Elvil?” No reaction. He ed aed again, but still no reaction. He looked at Elladan who shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea either. He gently squished Elvil’s hand. “Elvil? Ata is trying to speak to you.”
Now he looked up and when Elladan nodded into his father’s direction he followed the gaze. “I’m sorry, I did not realise you were calling me.” Then his face lit up. “Oh yeah, you all call me Elvil. So I’m Elvil.”
Elladan remembered now. He signalled his father they had to talk about this in private.
Elrond understood, made his apologies and rose, asking both Elladan and Elvil to join him.

Once out of sight and hear, he knelt down and addressed the youth. “It must be highly confusing to you? I’m Elrond, your foster father, do you remember?” A nod and a shake. “Doesn’t matter. There are two things I want to ask. Firstly, can I show your medallion to someone?” Addressing Elladan he explained Melpomean was trying to solve this puzzle. If he couldn’t he would at least be busy.
But Elladan thought different. If anyone could figure this out it was Melpomean. “I have it ata, and we can bring it to him. If that’s alright with you, Silmaïthil?” Elrond looked at him quizzically. Why was his son calling Elvil Silver moon? But Elvil’s smile broadened. “If you go, I go. And it’s not mine.”
“You told Glorfindel it was.”
“Doesn’t matter now, Elladan.” Elrond intervened the quarrel in the making, “Why don’t you two go to Melpomean and keep him company? Oh, and little one?” E tur turned his eyes to him and stopped tugging Elladan away. His unconscious was once more leading him into the right direction. “Did you sleep well? It looked like you had a nightmare?”
He shrugged. “Don’t know, I slept. Where’s that Melpomean elf’s rooms?”
Elrond pointed. “In that direction”
Just then Elvil noticed how he was already dragging Elladan away into that same direction. He realised when he wasn’t thinking about what he was doing his feelings took over and did what was right. So he decided to let his feelings lead him, just until he had his memory back.

End chapter twenty three
TBC

Translations:
Silmaïthil means Silver moon. It’s composed from Silma (silver) and Ithil. Not Isil here, because that doesn’t look nice. Ithil is used more in compounds, even by Tolkien, so I did too. Another word for silver is tyelpë (or tyelep, telpë or telep) but I have a reason for using silma, which you will find out later.
Namárië means Farewell

Chapter twenty four Elnihir is confused

Legolas was really mad now. /How dare they?/ How dare they dismiss him like that? He had fought in the Ringwar. And he was still being treated like a child. How he hated that. It just showed to prove he couldn’t trust anyone, not even his family. They had just taken him for a complete moron, pushed his revelations aside as childish fantasy. Even Silinde.
He kicked in frustration. He would have loved to see some orcs right about now. But of course there weren’t any orcs.
/Childish fantasy. Yeah right!/ As if he would make up anything like that. His father having a lo