In disguise

Chapter five Working together

Elladan sighed when he entered the laundry. Thrilmaldur was already there and helping the others, talking amicably with them. Elladan leaned against the doorway and admired the view. His eyes became adoring when he saw Thrilmaldur interact with the little girl.

When one of the older women used her eyes to tell Thrilmaldur he was being watched he turned around and smiled. “There you are.”
He picked up the little girl. “We’ll continue later.”
She giggled and smiled. “Do you want to be my big brother?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Ah, little one, I am old enough to be your grandfather. Know what, I’ll be your uncle.” He winked at her and put her back on the ground. “That way I get to spoil you.”
The women who was sowing, altering clothes, looked at him accusingly. “Don’t even think about it or my sister would skin me alive. She’s already spoiled enough as is. Get yourself scarce, Tihtalfin. See you later.”
Thrilmaldur bowed and smiled. “All right then. Bye bye.”

He guided Elladan outside and sat down on a bench. “Nice and quiet. No one will interrupt us here.”
Elladan sat down and smiled. “I’m really sorry about last night.”
Thrilmaldur waved it away. “There’s nothing to forgive, Elladan. You got the lists?”
Elladan nodded. “Aye. Here they are. But I don’t see how you want to find anything with this.”

Thrilmaldur smiled and placed on the table before them. “Well, we are going to check every entrée.” He laughed at Elladan’s horrified face. “Don’t give me that look. I don’t mean check up. We are going to read every entrée and see if there is anything sticking out. Those we will check up. Did you think to bring paper and ink?” Elladan nodded and retrieved it, lowering his face when Thrilmaldur smiled at him.

Thrilmaldur frowned at the strange behaviour but ignored it. “Ok. I will write down the ones sticking out.”
Elladan nodded. “And what do you want me to do?”
Thrilmaldur smiled and retrieved a list of his own. “This is a list of everything that has been found in the laundry: jewellery, tools, utensils and so on. Cross it with the list of thefts.”
Elladan nodded. “To see if there are stolen objects that are really only lost with the laundry.”
Thrilmaldur nodded and retrieved a second list. “Mark the ones that you find on the laundry list along with the owner’s name. Cross the entrée on the theft list. And after you’re done I want you to do this one.” He smiled at Elladan’s curious face. “It the lost items list. Sermo helped me get it.”

Elladan looked at him in awe. He would never have thought of those two lists. He bowed to go to work but then changed his mind. “Isn’t it easier to do this first and when these lists have been taken care of check for unusual entrees?”
Thrilmaldur frowned. “Perhaps, but then it will take longer.”
Elladan shook his head. “Not if we work together from the same list. You cross out the entrees on the theft list and I write down the owner’s name on the other. It will go faster that way. And you might see something I miss.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “All right. Let’s start.”

Together they worked and Thrilmaldur found Elladan’s suggestion to be efficient and comfortable. Suddenly he frowned, seeing Elladan’s hand hover above a entrée on the laundry list they had already dealt with. “What’s the matter?”
Elladan shrugged. “I don’t know. Something seems wrong.”
Thrilmaldur cocked his head. “How so?”
Elladan shook his head. “I don’t know. Look at the times.”
Thrilmaldur did so and gasped. “Elladan, you’re right. This doesn’t add up. I’ll write him down to check up.” He smiled at Elladan. “Nice spotting.” Elladan blushed at the compliment.

“May I ask you a personal question?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “As long as it doesn’t involve my brother.”
Elladan smiled. “Why didn’t you pack enough clothes? Was it part of the camouflage?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “No, I simply didn’t have time. They told me I was leaving one minute before I left. Just about. Besides: it did help getting others to talk to me.”
Elladan shook his head. “No, that is your own merit.”
Thrilmaldur inclined his head in silent thanks and his eyes glowed. “Anyway: a servant does not wear elaborate clothing, does he?”
Elladan smiled. “I guess not. And congratulations.”
Thrilmaldur widened his eyes. “With what?”
Elladan smiled. “Doing such a good job. For one who has never done this; a servant’s work I mean, you do it remarkably well. You even cleaned my room. No one does that.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Someone has to.”
Elladan nodded. “And the gentle touches to it. The colours. It was real nice to think about that. Our favourite fruits too.”
Thrilmaldur smiled, blushing a little. Why was Elladan complimenting him on something normal? “Apsontë helped.”
“But you did it. No one ever spoiled us like that. Ro said you were just trying to show of because it was your first day.”
Thrilmaldur snorted. “Show off? Well, have I ever…”
Elladan smiled and placed his hand on Thrilmaldur’s. “Calm yourself. He meant no disrespect. He does not know you’re a counsellor and therefore a slave to order and perfection.”
Thrilmaldur snuffed. “You make me sound like an old, dull, boring elf. Let’s solve this and be done with it.”
Elladan crossed his arms, anger flaring his features. “So you can go home?”
Thrilmaldur nodded, unaware of Elladan’s emotional storm. “It would be nice if I could leave before winter blocks me in. So we have work to do.”

Elladan sighed and sat back down. /He wants to leave before winter. Maybe I can befriend him in ‘Lóriën?/ “Has ‘Lóriën changed much? I haven’t been there for ages.”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “I wouldn’t know. Everything stays the same there. It’s different from Imladris where everything shifts daily.”
Elladan smiled. “Really? Like what?”
Thrilmaldur looked at him in wonder. “Are you joking?”
Elladan shook his head. “No joke. I mean it. I see no changes since I’ve left, let alone daily.”
Thrilmaldur stood and pointed to the tree in front of them. “Look at that tree. Memorize it. Memorize everything you see and look at it again tomorrow and you’ll see.”
Elladan frowned but nodded.

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Elrohir coughed when he saw the two heads bent over the papers. “Sorry to interrupt, but dinner is about to be served and Erestor is going to yell at you, Tihtalfin. He wanted you to do something and apparently you’ve been illusive. What you’re doing?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Assisting your twin with an assignment.” He stood and bowed. “I will see you later.”

Elladan nodded and glared at his twin. “Why did you have to interrupt?”
Elrohir frowned. “What are you doing? What assignment?”
Elladan shook his head and gathered the papers. “It’s nothing, Ro, really.”
Elrohir grinned and fell into the seat next to Elladan. “What assignment? I bet it’s something boring and dull. You’d do anything to be near him.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye.”
Elrohir grinned and slapped his twin. “Snap out of it. You can dream of him in your bed. Right now you have to tell me all the juicy details. Did you kiss him?”
Elladan shook his head. “And I don’t think I ever will. He has no desire to linger here.”
Elrohir widened his eyes. “But he’s a new house servant. Why would he take a job like that if he doesn’t intend to linger? Does this have something to do with his other lies? Did you tell adar?”
Elladan sighed. “I did, Ro. And it’s not like you think. Promise you won’t tell but he’s ata’da’s chief counsellor. He was sent here to help us solve the thefts. If he’s done with this he can go home.” His voice was sad.
Elrohir embraced him and frowned. “Ata’da’s chief counsellor…………”

He went silent and thought for a while, trying to remember. His face cleared up as soon as he did, but remembering the details of said elf wiped his smile away. “Thrilmaldur. I’ve heard of him. He’s been single for millennia. By choice they say. Rumour has it that he had a fall out with his brother about seven thousand years ago and that his brother left as a result. To Mirkwood. And has never been back since.”
Elladan turned. “Why? What happened?”
Elrohir thought for a moment. “I don’t remember but I can find out. Rumil knows all the gossip, old and new. I could ask him. But guard your heart brother. You don’t want to loose it to this one.”
Elladan smiled and lowered his head. /I already have, Ro, but I shall never say./

Elrohir jumped up. “Come on, dinner calls.”
Elladan shook his head. “No, I have to take care of this first. And I’m eating in the kitchen; that’s faster. That way we can go speak to some elves before retiring. Excuse me at the table, will you?”
Elrohir nodded and watched his twin go with trouble in his heart. /He’s keeping something from me. But what? He’s never done that before./ With a heavy heart he made it to the dinner table.

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Sermo and Apsontë smiled when Thrilmaldur walked into the kitchen. The male elf embraced him friendly. “Thought you wouldn’t show up at all anymore. Erestor came in here a couple of times, fuming. What have you been doing?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I’ve been busy for Lord Elrond.”
Apsontë smiled. “That will puzzle Erestor. We’ve told him you were getting things for us. And the laundry told him you were busy for them.”
Thrilmaldur laughed warmly. “Poor Erestor. Did he say what he wanted from me?”
Sermo shrugged. “Don’t know.”

He signalled for the others to remain silent and for Thrilmaldir to hide himself. A moment later they heard footsteps and the door peeked open.

“Elladan, one moment. Have you seen Tihtalfin today?”
“Erestor, aren’t you supposed to have dinner with adar?”
“I asked you a question, Elladan.”
“Aye, I’ve seen him, he was…”
“And you didn’t think to inform me he’s dodging his work already. He shall work in the stables tomorrow. That’ll show him to dodge work.”
“Erestor! You will do no such thing. Tihtalfin was with me. We were…”
“That’s it. Just wait till your father hears of this. How dare he?”
“Erestor! Erestor!” Running footsteps were heard as Elladan went after a fuming Erestor.

Sermo grinned and turned to face the red Thrilmaldur. “And what, may we ask, have you been doing with Elladan? If you want us to cover for you?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “I need no cover. I was working. Erestor is too jumpy. I’d better go after them. Excuse me.”
Apsontë smiled. “I’ll keep your dinner warm. And I suppose I’d better warm something for Elladan as well.”

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Elrond jumped up when Erestor burst into the room. He arched his eyebrow in question. Erestor threw back his chair and plunged down. “That elf has to go. It’s bad enough he’s been dodging work today, but I will not tolerate him taking advantage of Elladan.”
“ERESTOR!” Elladan’s voice rode the air and his twin sank into the safety of his seat. That was one angry Elladan and Elrohir had learned the heard to stay away. Glorfindel abandoned his food but remained silent.

Elrond rose and swallowed before speaking. “Elladan, please calm down. You know I don’t like scenes. And the same goes for you, Erestor. And kindly inform me of what’s going on.”
Erestor nodded. “Tihtalfin. I’ve been unable to locate him all day. In the kitchen they said he was working for them and in the laundry they said the same thing.”
Elrond smiled. “Sounds he has made himself popular real fast if they are willing to cover for him.”
Erestor shrugged. “He’s been dodging work, Elrond. And I could deal with that, ask him for an explanation and give him a warning: after all he is new. But he’s been with Elladan all day.”
Elrond shrugged. “So?”
Erestor’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Elrond! You cannot be serious! It’s obvious he taking advantage of your son. Such a…”
Elrond raised his hand, both to motion Erestor to silence and to calm Elladan down. “Erestor, Elladan is a grown elf and a capable warrior. I doubt it any elf could take advantage of him or Elrohir for that matter. They are no longer little elflings who need our guidance, Erestor.”
Erestor crossed his arms. “That elf is not to be trusted. Lies have been seeping from that one. I will not have Elladan befriend such an elf.”

“So you will push him away instead, counsellor?” All eyes settled on Thrilmaldur and Elrohir involuntarily swallowed. /I still can’t believe this is a chief counsellor./
Erestor rose and glared at the intruder. “I want you to leave.”
“It’s not up to you to tell me to go and I’ll go when my job here is done.”
“Where were you today?”
“Working with Elladan, as Lord Elrond himself has ordered.”
Erestor was about to yell at him when Elrond’s voice cut in. “And if you had asked I could have told you that, Erestor. Or Elladan. I think you owe someone an apology.”
Erestor’s glare softened and he sighed. “Working on what? And why is it so important to keep it secret?”
Thrilmaldur laughed. “I cannot help it they voluntarily covered for me. I did not ask them to do it. And I’m afraid tomorrow I have to work with Elladan again, so the stables will have to do without me.”
Elrond shook his head. “Stables? A house servant does not work in the stables.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “From what we heard in the kitchen Erestor wanted to teach me something there.”
Elrohir burst out laughing. “Aiya. That’s a good one. Got to remember it. Thank you Thr…eh…Tihtalfin.”
Thrilmaldur inclined his head and turned. “My dinner is getting cold, my lords.”
Elrond nodded. “Don’t’ forget to keep me posted.” He looked questioningly at Elladan but the twin turned on his heels, anger still flaring the orbs.

Elrond sighed. “You’ve really angered Elladan, Erestor.”
Erestor sighed. “I overreacted. I’ve been searching for Tihtalfin the entire day and I was already boiling when Elladan told me he was with him.”
Elrond laughed. “It’s all right, my friend. You are lucky Tihtalfin entered when he did. I don’t think we would have been able to control Elladan much longer.”

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Elrohir quickly located his twin after dinner and he grinned. “So, what really happened?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nothing happened. Erestor jumped to conclusions. What will he think of me?”
Elrohir sat down and smiled. “I don’t think Thrilmaldur will think any different about you. To him we’re just Elrond’s sons. Nothing more and nothing less.”
Elladan sighed. “But I want to be his lover, Ro.”
Elrohir pulled his twin close. “That’s never going to happen and you know it. Maybe I should go with him tomorrow. You should stay away from him.”
Elladan nodded. “I know that but it’s so hard. I want to see him, I want to be near him.”
Elrohir closed his eyes and shook his head. “What are you hiding from me, Adan?”
Elladan rested his head against his twin and sighed deeply. “Nothing, Ro.”

But Elrohir sensed it was a lie. He felt torn. He wanted nothing more than to see his brother happy but he knew Thrilmaldur was not going to deliver that happiness. He wanted to go to his father for advice but Elladan would probably kill him if he did. He started singing a soft lullaby, smiling when Elladan started falling asleep. /As soon as he’s asleep I’ll find that Thrilmaldur and find out the truth./

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Thrilmaldur smiled as he parted ways with Sermo. He found it strange that everybody was so friendly to him, without even knowing him. So different from ‘Lóriën. And if all went well he could go back by the end of the week. He could leave this valley and its inhabitants.
But he felt he didn’t want to part with them. He didn’t wish to say goodbye to them, to Elrond, to Sermo and Apsontë, to the laundry elves, to Elladan. He didn’t want to leave his home. He leaned against the wall as the realisation shocked him. This was home in a way ‘Lóriën had never been.

He didn’t notice the other elves walking past him and he jumped he he felt a hand on his shoulder. Bewildered he looked at Elrohir’s concerned face. “Is everything all right, Thr… I mean Tihtalfin?”
Thrilmaldur nodded out of habit and smiled.
Elrohir cocked his head and suddenly he resembled Elrond a lot. Thrilmaldur shook his head. /There isn’t a trace of Lady Celebrían in them at all. They really are Elrond’s sons./

He smiled and prepared to walk away when he felt Elrohir’s restraining hand. “I was looking for you, Tihtalfin. I was hoping if perhaps we could talk?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Of course. Is anyone sitting with Glorfindel?”
Elrohir grinned. “Aye. Three soldiers. He didn’t want adar to do it. He ordered them to prevent him from leaving his room while asleep. There are also still two guards at the food storage to prevent Glorfindel from entering should he escape his other guards. He took real care. But you should have seen their faces when adar ordered them to write everything Glorfindel might utter in his sleep down.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I can vividly imagine. What do you want to talk about?”
Elrohir smiled. “Elladan. He’s hiding something from me and I don’t like it.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “So you came to me, hoping I might know your brother’s secret?” He shook his head. “I’m sorry to disappoint you: I don’t. And even if I did I would not betray your brother’s trust by telling you.”
Elrohir smiled at the answer. “So when do you expect to return to your home?”
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “Don’t know yet. If you please excuse me. I need my rest.” He quickly left and hurried to his room where he laid out some clothes for tomorrow and went to bed.

End chapter 05
TBC