A heart's miscommunication

Chapter five Time of trouble

“Elrohir, thank you for coming. Can we talk?”
Elrohir looked ghostly pale and nodded while he yawned. “Forgive me.”
Erestor shook his head and embraced him, steering the young Peredhel toward a comfortable chair. “Don’t be. You’ve been caring for your twin for a week now. He still does not sleep?”
Elrohir shook his head. “No, the moment he does so he sees his face. Erestor, I fear he’s fading.”
Erestor pulled him closer. “And Coirëhón might be dead.” His voice was painful and he sighed at Elrohir’s soft scream. “I’m sorry, pen-neth, but that’s the truth. He left for ‘Lóriën but never arrived there. Celeborn has send his best trackers to find some trails, but without success. There’s not a trace of him anywhere.”
Elrohir narrowed his eyes. “Erestor, I might be real tired, I am not a simpleton. Tell me the truth!”
Erestor sighed. “All right, they found his weapons and clothes, but there was no trace of a fight or anything. It puzzled them and it still puzzles them. They have no clue on what happened there, but they fear the worst. They did find an abandoned campsite nearby. It is possible he was captured elsewhere and that they got rid of his weapons and clothes there.”

Elrohir gasped. “But Elladan…”
Erestor grasped him tight. “Must never learn. He will walk Mandos for sure if he does. You must prevent him from finding out.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Impossible. Everybody is bound to talk about it and I just know it will somehow reach him.”
“And then there’s that wench.”
Elrohir frowned. “Aiwandila? What do you mean?”
Erestor shrugged. “I don’t know, Elrohir, but I don’t like the way she leaches Elladan.”

He sighed. “Elrond agrees that it is best if the two of you take a vacation.” /Too swiftly if you ask me. What’s wrong with him?/ “Go visit ‘Lóriën. And bring your father.”
Elrohir jumped up. “NO! The gossip is worse there.”
Erestor shook his head. “They don’t know. Only Celeborn knows the identity of the elf the soldiers were to find and why. And they could use your help.”
Elrohir shrugged. “But father will never agree to it. That Elladan needs to get away, aye, but not himself.”
Erestor smirked. “I far spoke with Celeborn and he agreed to ‘lure’ your father there for work. Once there he too will relax. It’s all arranged, all you have to do is make sure Elladan goes.”
Elrohir smiled and nodded. “All right, Erestor. I shall.”

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“Not so fearful, Mistalas. You are doing great. I couldn’t be doing this any better myself.”
“Now I know you are lying, Tano. You are much better than I could ever be. But it is real nice to let me work here, learn me how to make all this.”
The elf shook his head, chuckling. “I’ve got a name, you know. And I am not just being kind. For a beginner you deliver excellent work and I myself was much worse when I started so in a couple of years time you out master me completely. Do you have any plans for tonight?”

Coirëhón shook his head, smiling. He had swiftly gotten used to the smith looking after him as if he was his father, and he began to like him a lot. “Aye, Thrilmaldur has invited me for dinner.” He saw the eyebrows raise and cocked his head. “Do you think I should decline?”
The smith rubbed his nose. “That’s up to you, but I think you can safely say the counsellor is interested in you. But whether that’s for you or Galadriel’s care for you I do not know. It is no secret you are in her care, Mistalas.”
Coirëhón smiled. “But I don’t know why. It almost feels like having a mother again. She’s always making sure my house is cleaned. And ever since Haldir fixed the door I can sleep through the night without being woken by the squeaking door.” /Now all I have to rid myself of are my nightmares./
The smith shrugged. “Well, you better go and get ready for your dinner appointment. And might I ask what you will do with that trinket you’re making? It’s too good to throw away or destroy, but not good enough to sell, I’m afraid.”
Coirëhón grinned. “I don’t know. I might give it to Haldir, though he’ll probably throw it away. Or her Lady, to show my appreciation. What do you think?”
“I think you should do what you want with it. Now go. Before you have to run.” Coirëhón hugged him and ran away. /Aye, little one, you are slowly loosening up. I do hope Thrilmaldur doesn’t have any interest in you. Haldir is more suited for you. He makes you smile./

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Rumil grinned and ducked to avoid the plate Orophin threw his way. “Oh, come on, I am allowed to laugh.”
“Not at Haldir’s expense. Or do you actually enjoy not having him here?”
Rumil smirked. “Who? Haldir? But, Phin, he’s sitting right there, on the couch.”
Orophin growled and launched an attack.

Haldir shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Can you two please shut up!!!! You’ll force me to tell Mistalas you couldn’t behave yourself and then he’ll feel even more guilty for going out.”
The other two calmed down instantly and joined Haldir. “Aye, he did look guilty. Why don’t you tell him you fell in love with him?”
Haldir smiled. “He’s not ready for that and I will not scare him away. Besides, I feel more and more that a broken heart is the reason for his sadness. Which also means I don’t stand a chance.” He smiled when his brothers immediately started making fun, in an attempt to cheer him up.

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Elrohir sighed deeply before entering his brother’s room. “Gwanunig?”
Elladan looked at him and smiled the ghost of a smile. His eyes were empty. “What is it?”
Elrohir sat down and barely refrained from hugging his twin. He knew Elladan didn’t it, it, from anyone. Not anymore. “Elrond is needed in ‘Lóriën and we all think you and I should go with him.”
Elladan looked away. “No.”

Elrohir sighed and stood up, closing the distance. “Why not? The change will do you good.”
Elladan closed his eyes. “I don’t want to go.”
Elrohir forced his tears back. “Adan, you have to go. You’re withering away. Come on, come with us.”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay. I cannot leave.”
Elrohir plunged down and grabbed his twin’s hands in his. “Why not? You lock us all out. We want to help.”
Elladan removed his hands and stood, walking to the window. “I don’t need your help. I am sorry I am not so cheerful anymore, but how can I be when my heart has left me? I cannot leave. He’ll be back and I have to be here.”
Elrohir shook him. “He’s never coming back, you hear. Stop punishing yourself. Elladan, you cannot stay here, it is killing you.”

He stood and ran away. He needed help. When he came back Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor were with him. Together, the four elves prepared Elladan for the journey. Elladan didn’t have the strength to fight and subsided, but they saw his light wane a little when he did so.

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“OY! Calm down! I’m coming, I’m coming. No need to break the door!” Rumil hurried to answer the door, his dagger ready in case it was a sneak attack.

He staggered backwards when he saw Galadriel standing on the threshold. “My lady?”
Galadriel nodded and stepped inside. “Is your brother here? Haldir!”

The two others came from the corridor, yawning, a surprised and puzzled look in their eyes.

Galadriel turned to Haldir. “Get dressed, I need you.”
Haldir blinked and blinked again. “What? Why?”
Galadriel rolled her eyes. “Something’s wrong with Mistalas. He’s crying and he won’t open the door to anyone.”

That flared him up and within three seconds the Warden was dressed and flew through the trees, Galadriel doing her best to keep up. “Wait, Haldir, there’s more.” He halted suddenly and turned, his face grim.
She panted and smiled at his concern. “According to the neighbours he suffers nightmares. Once he awakes he cries himself back to sleep. But they say this is different. I fear for him, Haldir. You have to reach him.” /Because I cannot./
Haldir gave a curt nod and resumed his pace.

When he stood before the door he wavered. The sounds went straight to his heart. /Harden yourself, Haldir. He will never love you back./ He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder and sighed when he looked in Galadriel’s concerned eyes. “Could you send for the smith? They’ve developed a bond, maybe he can get him to talk. And find out what happened between Thrilmaldur and him.”
Galadriel’s eyebrow went up. “Thrilmaldur and Mistalas? Are you sure?”
Haldir nodded and knocked on the door. “Mistalas. It is I: Haldir. Can I come in?”

There was no reply and he knocked again, jumping when he heard a sudden voice behind him. “What in Valar’s name happened? Haldir?”
Haldir shook his head. “Peace, whatever it is, it isn’t me.”
The smith sniffed and kneeled before the door. “Easy enough to pick.” Without wasting time he easily and swiftly picked the lock and grinned when Haldir stepped over him to enter. He locked it when he too had entered it and turned to the bed, where a elf in shambles cried his heart out. /At least he’s letting it out now. I hope./

Haldir sat down and smiled tenderly. “Mistalas, what is wrong? Did Thrilmaldur say or do anything?”

Coirëhón smiled faintly and allowed the other two to sit beside him and comfort him, but he did not speak. How could he tell them Thrilmaldur had told him more than he wished to know? That Elladan was coming here. It was the last thing he needed and wanted. He hoped and prayed he would go unnoticed and unrecognised. But he felt guilty for keeping them in the dark, worrying them.

At some point the smith stood up and slammed his fist at the wall. “That’s it! I’m going to tell that counsellor a piece of my mind. How dare he upset my Mistalas like that!”
Haldir laughed warmly. “-Your- Mistalas?” But the smith was out the room already. Haldir smirked. “Well, if I didn’t know he could take care of himself I’d go after him.” /And if I didn’t know what he meant, I’d be jealous./

He pulled his friend into a tight but warm embrace. “Will you not tell me what is wrong? Is he right? Has Thrilmaldur said anything? Or stood you up?”
Coirëhón shook his head. “Nay, Haldir, he didn’t. He was very polite and even charming, to a certain degree. Desirable if he’d be my type, which he isn’t and I told him so. And he held no hard feelings. Our meeting even progressed better after the air was cleared. A friend he will be, but nothing more.”
Haldir smiled. “Good, for he’s not the elf for you. But then what happened to upset you so?”
Coirëhón shook his head. “Nothing much, just some memories I’d rather forget.”
Haldir frowned. “Do they have anything to do with your nightmares?”

He smiled warmly at the upset elf, whose eyes widened beyond belief. “Galadriel told me you have them every night. Care to talk about it?”
Coirëhón sat up and shook his head. “Not really. I do not wish to be reminded of my past or the people in it. But I suppose I should or it’ll haunt me forever.”
Haldir pulled him close. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I’m merely offering my support.”
Coirëhón smiled. “I know.”

He sighed and closed his eyes, wiping his tears away. Haldir remained silent; he understood the other was making up his mind about something.

Suddenly the eyelashes went up and he nodded. “Are your brothers home?”
Haldir nodded. “Aye.”
“Would they mind my company?”
Haldir smiled and shook his head. “Not at all. But drink some water first.” He poured his friend some water and noticed the other swiftly grabbed something when he thought Haldir didn’t see. But he didn’t comment on it.

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“Rumil, be careful, Haldir just bought that.”
“O, hold your horses, Phin. I need to do something. This is vexing me. We should have gone along.”
“You know very well Haldir was there even before we were even dressed. And if he won’t let Haldir, Galadriel or the smith in, he certainly won’t open the door for us.”
Rumil growled. “I know, I know. I’m just concerned and not knowing drives me crazy.”
“Some guardian you are. Haldir will back soon and than we’ll know more. Bye the way, did you hear anything about him? Learn anything?”
Rumil shook his head. “Nay. But I did hear something else. Soldiers have been sent to search for a missing Imladrian elf. But they haven’t found him. No trace. Just his clothes and weapons.”
“Who would just abandon his weapons and clothes? Did he walk on naked?”
Rumil shrugged. “Don’t know. But they say he might have changed clothes. At first they thought him kidnapped or something, but the weapons and clothes were too well hidden, with care. Nay, the elf did that willingly, himself, and continued without them. I wonder why?”
“Are there no rumours on that?”
Rumil shook his head. “Not yet.”

He jumped up when the door opened and smiled when he saw his brother guide Mistalas inside. He was torn between running over and hugging the elf and remaining where he was.
Orophin had no such trouble and rushed over. “We’ve been so worried about you. Are you all right? Do you want something to eat or drink?”
Coirëhón smiled gratefully at Orophin. “Some miruvor, if you have it.”
Orophin nodded and hastily got it, his worry increasing. Both he and Rumil know the other didn’t drink.

Rumil fidgeted with his clothes and smiled uncertain at the other.
Haldir shook his head. “It’s not like he’s dying or anything. Start behaving like yourself, Ru.”
Rumil shrugged. “You were gone so long; I guess my mind went off with me. Sorry.”
Coirëhón smiled. “It’s all right.”

He sat down and after looking at Haldir again he sighed. “Ehm… I’ve got something to say and something to ask.”
Orophin sat down as well and grabbed his wrist in an instinctive manner. “What is it?”
After sighing deeply he nodded. “Haldir is right: I have to talk about it or it’ll probably haunt me forever, if it doesn’t consume me.”
He closed his eyes as the pain attacked him again. “For a long time I had a lover and we were together for nearly a millennia. I’ve always wanted to make it official and to announce it, but he never did.”

Rumil smiled at Haldir when he heard that. Now he was sure his brother had a chance: Mistalas was interested in males.

“And lately I found out why…” Fresh tears started leaving his eyes and he angrily wiped them away. “He’s getting married to a she-elf. And I’m only good for the side, for the lonely moments. He used me all those years.”

Haldir gasped and pulled him close, his eyes flaring with anger. Orophin squished the hand in an effort to comfort and support, for his mouth was choked up. Rumil sighed and forced back his own tears at his friend’s pain. “So you left and came here. In secret, for you will not allow him to find you.” A silent look passed between the three brothers and they nodded. “And he won’t. You can count on us, Mistalas.”

Coirëhón broke down and Haldir pulled him close, signalling his brothers to join the hug, which they instantly did.

When Orophin had his voice back he voiced his thoughts. “And you shouldn’t sleep alone. Company is the best defence in such a situation. I know I can’t speak for my brothers but I would love to have you here, Mistalas.”
Rumil kicked him and glared. “Watch your mouth you! How dare you suggest we’d think differently. Why, he might run before we get the chance to tell him you are rambling again.”
Orophin rolled his eyes. “With you squishing the life out of him? Or do you think he’s strong enough to drag you along behind him?”
Beside himself Coirëhón laughed a little and Haldir smiled. “I knew they would make you laugh again. And aye, you are more than welcome to stay here.” The watery eyes settled on him and gratitude shone from them.

“Do you have a spare?” ?”
Haldir shook his head. “No. Not yet. The neighbours might. Tomorrow we will make sure to get one and tonight you can sleep in my bed. I’ll crash on the couch.”
Coirëhón shook his head. “I cannot allow that. And I don’t think it is a good idea to sleep here in the first place. I’d keep you all up.”

Orophin and Rumil looked puzzled but Haldir swiftly informed them. Rumil hugged Mistalas tight. “Nonsense, you are not backing out of this because of that. Do you think we’re not used to that? We’re warriors and can forgo some nights of sleep, even off duty. And all of us have had our share of screaming in the middle of the night. I remember one night in particular when a certain Warden we all know decided to wake the entire realm he’d seen his first battle.”
Haldir rolled his eyes. “It wasn’t. Just the surrounding houses. And besides: I’d never seen yrch before.” He smiled at Mistalas. “Aye, I had nightmares once. And so did Ru and Phin. We understand you fear waking us, but even if that happens we don’t mind. We’re your friends.”
Coirëhón nodded and leaned in closer, fatigue almost doubled him over.

Haldir smiled and easily lifted him. “Phin, please get some sheets and blankets for him. And Ru, prepare my couch.”
“It’s not your couch!”
“It is tonight. Unless you wish to sleep on it?”
Rumil snorted and hurried to prepare Haldir’s sing ing arrangements.

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Haldir yawned and looked at Rumil in worry. He knew his brother well enough to know the other was thinking of something. “Ru? Man nás?”
Rumil smiled. “Nothing much, toron. It’s just the rumours I heard today. What if it is Mistalas? That the weapons they found are his?”
Orophin shook his head. “Not possible. He isn’t a warrior, Ru.”
Haldir sighed. “I fear Phin is right. Besides: he can’t be from Imladris. Do you really think Lord Elrond would have allowed someone to treat anyone like that?”
Rumil shrugged. “No, not really, but I am concerned. And didn’t you say Lady Galadriel saw Imladrian soldiers in his mind? What can that mean?”
Haldir shrugged. “Perhaps he travelled there. Or maybe Lord Elrond never knew of what went on. Or a thousand other reasons. I am sorry, Ru, but I see no other alternative than to be there for him and pray he trusts us enough to tell us soon.”
Orophin nodded. “Aye, we cannot push him. But aren’t Lord Elrond and his sons coming here? Maybe we can ask them?”
Haldir shook his head. “Nay. Mistalas trusts us and I do not wish to ruin that.”
Orophin shrugged and Rumil sighed. “I shall keep an open ear and eye. Maybe I’ll find something else.”
Orophin nodded. “And you care for Mistalas. Ru or I shall greet them.”
But Haldir shook his head. “Nay. Lord Celeborn already asked me to do it. You take Mistalas somewhere, Phin.”
“All right.”
“And go back to sleep. The night isn’t spend yet and we must be prepared for tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow night you mean. Poor Mistalas. I feel like strangling that elf!” Ru’s eyes flared with liquid fire. Haldir smiled, glad his friend was so easily accepted and protected by his brothers. “So do I, but there’s nothing we can do at the moment. Éstëa mára.”

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Translations:
Man nás means what is it?
Toron means brother
Éstëa mára means sleep well

TBC