melme Colle (or: hidden love)

Chapter five Waking up

He groaned and turned to block the light that tried to enter his eyes, but was unsuccessful. No matter which way he turned the light was there, teasing his face, his eyes, begging him to wake up. He groaned again as he found he could no longer fight it and stretched twice before actually regaining alertness.

He blinked at his surrounding, not recognizing them at all. Where was he? And how did he get here?
Looking around Glorfindel widened his eyes, seeing the pool before him. Immediately he remembered.

He remembered going in here, taking a bath. He remembered Thranduil standing near the door, watching him. He remembered taking the elf in the water. Just looking at the spot made it come back to life before his mind’s eye and he became awfully hard instantly. He swiftly stroked himself to orgasm, imagining he was inside the enchanting ruler. He fell back and sighed longingly. He flared back up when he remembered being taken as well before they had settled down for the night together.

But he was all alone now.

He looked around frantically and strained his ears, but he was all alone. He pulled his legs to his chest and rested his head on his knees. He was tempted to doubt his memory, but seeing Thranduil’s clothes around him, forced him to believe it. He couldn’ntaintain a grin when he saw his own neatly folded on the floor next to him. /So he thought about me before going. But how long ago?/ He felt disappointed waking up alone. He normally didn’t mind, but last night had been so different, so magical.

He drew his legs closer and closed his eyes. He needed to think about this, for his own thoughts kind of scared him. He could not be falling for the king, could he?

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Aragorn frowned when there’s a knock on the door. His eyes widened in surprise seeing Gimli walk in, and they widened more when the look on the Dwarf’s face registered. He instantly became worried. “Where’s Legolas?”
Gimli snorted and released a flow of curses, both Dwarven and Elven, unintentionally making Aragorn grin, whookhook his head and patiently waited for Gimli to be done. The Dwarf uttered some more grumbling and then plunged down on the seat. “The elf ditched me.” He looked at Aragorn in hope, almost wishing the Gondorian would magically pull Legolas out from under the table.
Aragorn shook his head and sighed. “Let’s look for him then. He wouldn’t have strayed far.” He placed a hand on Gimli’s shoulder. “I’ll see if I can still track him and you tell father. We still don’t know wh wro wrong with him.”
Gimli nodded and went of, muttering under his breath.
Aragorn stilled a laugh when he heard the complaints about elven stubbornness.

About to leave the palace he jumped back when the twins rushed inside, a happy, yet plotting look on their faces. He crossed his arms before his chest. He’s seen it too much to trust them when they had it.
Elladan hugged him. “Aragorn, we need a favour.”
Elrohir laughed at his facial expression and slapped his back. “No trouble. As far as we know.” He sighed. “You know they are deciding where to live, right?”
Aragorn nodded, but didn’t speak, waiting for the catch. There had to be a catch. There always was a catch with those two.
Elladan smiled warmly. “I fear the camp is divided. Father will most likely abandon home and move to Ithilien, and Thranduil will prefer that too, being so close to grounds he knows. But we are going back and so is Erestor. And Legolas doesn’t wish to remain in Ithilien either, Aragorn.”

Elladan yelped when Elrohir punched him after seeing Aragorn’s look mist over. The twin immediately drew the former ranger in a hug. “Don’t you worry, he will never abandon you or your friendship. He said something about you guys keeping Ithilien safe for them, to have a vacation there or something. There will always be elves near. Our people should not forget each other, toron.”

He stepped back and smiled. “But grandfather wants to join us in Imladris.” He shrugged. “And Legolas came up with the idea of either making the decision land in favour for Imladris or have us split up and life in Ithilien and Imladris. But the reason we need you is father.”

Aragorn locked their eyes and for one split moment he saw through their depths and closed his own, having seen their fears and despair. He made a silent promise to guard them until he died. And to make sure he died among them, so Arwen would have her kin close. So his children would have their kin close, so, so, so he would not bring more despair onto his family. He nodded. “I’ll talk to him.”
They saw the determination in his eyes and sighed relieved; there was a chance now.

Aragorn was almost out the door when he turned and called them back. “How long ago did you see Legolas? We lost him.”
Elladan smiled at the concern and his look was soothing. “Last night. He couldn’t breathe when we stumbled upon him. I hope father can heal him.”
Aragorn nodded and headed outside. He would find the elf, if it was the last thing he did. The twins grinned at his determination. “Legolas will fight him before he rests and he will fight Legolas before he allows him to roam.”
Elladan grinned at his brother’s words. “The King of Gondor and the Prince of Mirkwood, ruler of Ithilien in combat. Now that’s a sight to be seen. Let’s follow.” And that they did.

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Elrond smiled reassuringly at the Dwarf and waited for the troubled Gimli to leave his sight. He shared his concern, but what could he do? Legolas was not one to walk open-eyed into danger. He forced himself to forget the elf’s physical state.

He turned and was about to go back to bed when he saw Orophin coming. He hit himself over the head. How could he have forgotten their morning walk? He rushed inside and swiftly threw on some clothes.

He gasped when he saw himself in the mirror. Blinking he stared at his own reflection and stepped backwards, disbelieving. But he had to be believe it.

Hearing a knock he drew in a deep breath and opened the door, smiling at the Galadhrim. “Orophin. I nearly forgot our morning walk.” He stepped outside and together they walked through the corridors.

He stopped when he saw Celeborn’s door and looked at Orophin. “Would you mind going ahead and wait for me outside? There’s something I have to discuss with Celeborn.”
Orophin smiled warmly and shrugged. “I can wait here. I don’t mind.”
But Elrond shook his head, placing his hand on the warrior’s shoulder. “Nay, I don’t know how long I’ll be, though I’ll hurry. Please, go and enjoy the air.”
Orophin sighed and shrugged before walking away. He hoped Elrond would not have him wait all night.

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Celeborn frowned when there was a knock on his door and he smiled surprised when he saw Elrond before him. “Whaingsings you here?”
Elrond smiled and sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Our future.” He looked at Celeborn. “Is it true you wish to go to Imladris?”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye, it’s the only place where I have family. Where I would feel at peace.”
Elrond smiled. “But we’re moving for Ithilien.”
Celeborn placed his hand on Elrond’s and shook his head. “Nay, you are, but the twins are not. They will never permanently leave it, Elrond. And neither will Erestor.”

He closed his eyes and thought momentarily but decided soon. He locked his eyes with Elrond and his voice was sad. “He looks sad, Elrond. Too sad. For one so old he’s know little joy.” He sighed. “His only joy is Imladris and now you are planning to take that away from him.”
Elrond shook his head. “Nay. He’ll be free to stay or go wherever he pleases. I will be no lord after the talks are over. He can help the twins.” He sighed sadly. “I did hope they would come with me.”
Celeborn stood and looked at him. “Look at yourself, Elrond. Wallowing in your self-pity and selfishness. It’s unbecoming of you. Do you really think you can find happiness in Ithilien just because it’s near Gondor?”
He shook his head and signalled Elrond to silence. “You will not find it even if you lived in Minas Tirith. You’ve closed your heart and mind and eyes and no longer see the ones around you, the ones that love you.”
Elrond jumped up and his glare was just as strong. “I know you care, Celeborn, and I love my children too, but Imladris is too painful to return to.”
Celeborn narrowed his lips. “Only because you refuse to see anything but the past. How can people show you they care if you refuse to see them?”

He sighed and crossed his arms. “I am going to your realm and so is Legolas. You’ll be all alone in Ithilien, with only Thranduil for comfort. You are a town elf, Elrond, used to Noldor, not Sindar.”
Elrond growled. “Always others have decided my life, but not anymore, Celeborn. I’ve always called you father, but that doesn’t give you the right to order me around.” He marched out the room and left. He had made a mistake in coming here.

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Aragorn was getting worried. He’s been tracking Legolas for about an hour now and still there was no sign of him. Where was he? His temper didn’t get br whr when the tracks disappeared completely. He knew he would never find it back and growled loud.

Cursing and muttering he turned back and headed for the palace. Right now he wished he was an elf, so he could track him even without a trail. His shoulders slumped in defeat and he twirled when he heard noises behind him.

His eyes widened when the object of his search suddenly jumped before him. About to throw a tantrum he saw the twins hovering nearby and he swallowed deep, forcing his temper to calm down.

Legolas cocked his head in surprise, having expected nothing less than a lecture. But he smiled warmly when he saw Aragorn’s eyes mirror the world behind him. He too saw the twins and he frowned, wondering why he hadn’t sensed them.

Aragorn shrugged. “Will you not come back? Gimli is becoming dangerous.”
Legolas grinned and nodded. “Aye, I’ve been rather unkind to him, to you all, but it’s just…”
Aragorn nodded. “I would feel the same way, Legolas. Father always said the two of us were the worst patients he’d ever had.”
Legolas grinned. “And there I was thinking he meant the twins.”

He turned and grinned at the shocked identical faces. “Are you two joining us on the walk back?”
Elladan grinned and embraced his friend. “Aye, we will. And I do believe father meant the four of us.”
Elrohir snorted. “Nay, toron, he meant Glorfl.” l.” Elladan and Aragorn immediately went into a laughing fit, which bemused Legolas, whose expression was rather comical as he didn’t understand the joke.

Elladan sobered soon enough and smiled warmly. “Glorfindel managed to get himself injured once.” Snickers came from the other two and he shook his head. “First of all, he failed to look when he sat down and didn’t see the arrows on the ground.”
Legolas’ eyes widened, understanding what had happened. He shook his head. “No, you’re not saying he…”
Elrohir nodded frantically. “Aye, he sat down and got about twelve arrows in his butt.” The twins went into another laughing fit, seeing the blond warrior back with all those arrows.
Aragorn shrugged. “I was six at the time and innocently asked him why he looked like a porcupine.” He waited for Legolas to stop laughing before continuing. “That was the first and only time he screamed at me.”
Elladan nodded. “And the first and only time Erestor raised his voice as well.”
Elrohoddeodded. “Aye. He was absolutely pissed at our blond for frightening young Estel like that.” Another laugh erupted from him and Elladan shook his head. “You should have heard it, Legolas, it was hilarious. Erestor lecturing Glorfindel, whose only defence was, and I quote: but I have twelve arrows in my butt..” The twins clutched each other to remain standing when another large laughing fit attacked them.

It forced Aragorn to continue the tale. “Ata was in Lorien at the time and therefore he wasn’t there to help Glorfindel. He drove all healers to the brink of insanity and nobody wished to be near him. Even Arwen was afraid of him at that time.”
Legolas widened his eyes. “Arwen? Afraid?” He shook his head in disbelief. “Wow, he must have been awful if Arwen was afraid.”
Aragorn nodded. “He was. Whole Imladris was seeping with fear when ata returned. So much so he feared orcs had invaded.”
Elladan grinned. “Imagine his face when he learned a pissed off seneschal was the source.” He grinned again. “He took over the healer’s duties and gave another lecture to Glorfindel.”

Elrohir nodded. “Aye. And when he was healed he told the blond he heen een a horrible patient; not because of his dislike for medicine or his disobedience, which he had in abundance, but because of his bedside manner, lashing out at everybody.”
Elladan nodded. “He actually refused to have anything to do with the blond until he had apologized.” He smiled warmly. “And he did. Personally. To everyone in the valley.”

Elrohir grinned and Aragorn sighed, his eyes gloomy. “I still remember being afraid when he came towards me, expecting anothash-ash-out. Arwen was close and she instantly came to support me.”
He looked warmly and Legolas grinned. “So that’s what Arwen meant when she told me your heart had been hers from a young age.”
Aragorn nodded. “Aye. It was that moment that made me love her. Even though she feared him at the time she still came between us.”
Elladan smiled as well. “And Glorfindel apologized to her first and then you.” He grinned. “And the only way he could do it properly was teach you the ways of the wild.” He smiled. “For which I am still grateful.”
Aragorn grinned. “But Arwen made him do needlework.” He laughed. “Being behind with it and she wanted to have father wear it next Yule.”
Elladan laughed as he remembered. “It looked awful, but he wore just to please her.” He shook his head. “I always wondered about Glorfindel’s shamed expression that day. Now I know.”

Reminiscing about old times they walked back to the palace.

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Glorfindel slowly got himself dressed, and only now did he fully realise Thranduil had left with naught but his outer robe. He closed his eyes to ward of the affectionate feelings that threatened to overwhelm him.

He had, after a long and hard thought, discovered the ugly truth. One night had been all it took to fall in love.

He was torn in two, but thinking about a solution didn’t bring him one and he decided he couldn’t linger here any longer. The stronger the feelings became the more he wa to to run away and to avoid Thranduil sounded like the best solution to him, and yet he more determined he became to do just that his heart twisted in his chest, forcing him to face the simple truth: he didn’t want to avoid Thranduil. And one look at the pool was enough to make his body hum again, yearning for more oat tat talented touch.

He sighed, deciding he would seek out Elrond. Surely the healer would advice him or at least offer him some support.

TBC