the trouble with love

Chapter twenty-six Reaching a new level

He stretched himself leisurely out in his bath. He hardly ever took one, but today Erestor needed the soothing capability it would provide.
After hearing about Melpomean’s mess and Elvil’s trouble he had been unable to sleep. The whole situation was worrying him and he could not focus anymore. But only because of the preparations for the celebration. They had drained him more than he had realised. But now he could relax.

He sniffed. Theendeender easily invaded his nostrils. He also had added other herbs, but they were less strong in smell and he saw no need to have to smell all of them, so he did not try to. He knew they were there, doing their job and that was enough for him.
The soothing herbs combined with the warm water as well as Erestor’s fatigue made him doze off quickly. In his sleep he did not hear the knocks on his door. He did not hear his voice being called. He did not hear someone enter. He would not have noticed anything if his sudden visitor hadn’t throw over the fruit bowl.

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Thrilmaldur had come to Erestor’s room to talk some more.

Daiz had clamped him earlier in the day and had proven to be impossible to shake or politely dropped. Thrilmaldur had to endure the other for hours and still the other hadn’t left. Only a made up appointment with Erestor had worked. Thrilmaldur knew Erestor’s name would put fear into the younger elf. For some reason every elf seemed to fear his friend. He could not phantom why though. From the beginning he had found Erestor a friendly, companionable, caring and devoted elf.
He had fallen instantly for the pale advisor. Every single day he had sought out the other’s company and tried to befriend him. And after a week Erestor really was his friend. But he had never become more. In his heart Thrilmaldur grieved it.
But at times like this he over rejoiced his friendship with Erestor. For he knew the counsellor wouldn’t deny the appointment when asked. And he also knew that Daiz was the sort of elf to make sure he did not just got brushed off. Considering the fact that Daiz was a prince he figured he had to go to Erestor for the so called meeting. It wasn’t like the little spy would listen at the door. As he had walked over to Erestor’s room he learned he had been right about Daiz following him.
He knocked on the door and called the other’s name. When no reply came he entered, pretending to have been granted access. He knew Daiz was still watching. He would have to talk to Thranduil about that.

Erestor wasn’t in his room. Turning to leave again he accidentally knocked over the bowl of fruit. In horror he saw grapes, berries and pears squished on the floor. It was then that he heard sounds emanating from the bathroom. “Erestor?”

Erestor was pleased to hear his friend’s voice. He had feared it might have been someone else. And as he did not want to see anyone right now…..But he didn’t mind if it was Thrilmaldur. He called him to come into the bathroom. He was not getting out of the tub yet. The water was still very warm and comfortable, not to mention soothing. He closed his eyes again.

When Thrilmaldur entered he could not believe his eyes. Erestor was laying in the tub, completely naked, with his eyes closed and because he was facing the door Thrilmaldur had full view of his equipment. He swallowed and prayed to Elbereth that Erestor would keep his eyes closed a little longer. He quickly turned around, giving the other some privacy and taking the temptation away. He willed his arousal to fade.

When he heard the other turn Erestor spoke, still with his eyes closed. “You do not have to turn. I do not mind you watching me. But if it makes you feel uncomfortable, hand me the bottle on that shelf there. It will make bubbles.”
Thrilmaldur got the bottle but to give it he had to face Erestor. Bathrooms were usually very dangerous if you did not watch were you were going. So walking backwards was out of the question.

Erestor found his friend’s shyness very alluring. The only thing stopping him from opening his eyes was the knowledge he would get aroused if he did. And then the other would run away. For centuries he had been silent about his feelings for the ‘Lóriën counsellor. He had tried to stop himself from falling in love with his best friend but to no avail. He remembered vividly.

***FLASHBACK***

He had delivered Celebrían’s message to the lord and lady of ‘Lóriën and was now on his way to Thrilmaldur’s talan. He could hardly wait to see his friend again. He ached to. So when Celebrían had asked him to find a trustworthy messenger he had volunteered himself.

Erestor politely greeted all elves passing him. But his mind was already entering the talan. He remembered every piece of furniture and where it stood. Thrilmaldur hadn’t changed one single item in all the millennia they had known each other. Or himself. Some elves were known for frequently alter their appearance, but Thrilmaldur never did anything. He still wore the same colours he chose after reaching maturity. He still braided his hair in the same fashion, two simple plaits; one above each temple. And even though his station allowed more elaborate plaits, he maintained the simple ones. Erestor always teased him about it. And Thrilmaldur always reminded him that plaits only needed to be effective.

Erestor stopped when he reached Thrilmaldur’s talan. Should he announce his presence? Or just surprise the other? He decided on the latter and so he silently climber the ladder. When he had reached the talan he first had to catch his breath. Maybe he should have announced his presence. At least he would have had the easier ladder. But he did not alter his plans now.

When he was no longer panting he carefully walked towards the entrance. He knew Thrilmaldur was home. The singing coming out of the talan told him so. The voice belonged to Thrilmaldur and he only sang when alone. Erestor was pleased. He could scare the other without embarrassing himself.
He lowered himself on the floor and crept over to the window. Window? No, more like lack of wall that could be closed by drapes. Which they were. When he was seated next to the window Erestor carefully peeked inside. He had to scan the area first if he was to surprise his friend successfully. His breath caught in his throat by the sight presented to him.

Thrilmaldur was walking around, singing merry songs, picking out clothes. He had just come out of the bathroom and was still wet and naked. His wet hair was glued to his body, emphasising it’s beauty and delicacy.
Erestor had to swallow cries of surprise and shock. He was surprised to see Thrilmaldur walking around like that but he was shocked at the result it had on him. Erestor realised in horror he was becoming aroused. While admiring his friend’s beauty his pants were suddenly too tight.
He ran away, not caring if he made a sound or not. All he could think about was to get as far away as possible. He made it to a secured glade and quickly stroked himself to release.

Back in his guest quarters he sat down worriedly. How could that have happened? And what did it mean? How was he ever going to act normally around the other? If he didn’t Thrilmaldur would figure out he had been the elf on the balcony. No, Erestor could not do that to their friendship.
So, at the party that night, he tried to approach his friend, but failed miserably. Every time he was facing the other the images of the afternoon kept flashing before him. He found it aroused him still. Erestor now kept his distance, pretending a conversation with lord Celeborn. But his eyes kept seeking out Thrilmaldur. He now saw the other’s beauty, even through the clothes. He started sweating, afraid he was ruining the friendship. He could not be attracted to his best friend. He could not. He knew that if he came close to Thrilmaldur he would betray his feelings.
No, it was better to keep his distance for a while. He was going back in three days. Surely he could manage to stay away form the other for three days. So Erestor made himself impossible to find for everyone, always saying he had a meeting or another.

But Erestor was selling Thrilmaldur short. The elf was worried when Erestor had stayed so silent during the party and hardly sought out his company. Thrilmaldur could not phantom why his friend would rather engage a boring conversation with Celeborn instead of catching up with him. When he noticed Erestor had left he addressed Celeborn to ask if he might know what was wrong. “I wouldn’t worry about it. Erestor worked hard lately. He’s just tired. He hardly heard a word I said.” Celeborn’s words did little to sooth his worries but he decided to wait until tomorrow and see what that day would bring.

But when the next two days didn’t produce Erestor his worry increased. He noticed the other making himself scarce and invisible. He tried to approach Erestor a few times but every time Erestor had ignored him and walked away. Was this about him? Had he lost his best friend?

Thrilmaldur just had to know so the night before Erestor’s departure he waited until he saw the counsellor return before going on a visit.
He knocked on the door. When Erestor didn’t let him in or even answered he lost his temper. “Erestor! I know you’re in here. We need to talk. Open the door. Let me in.” The anger in his voice startled Erestor and he hastily opened the door. If Thrilmaldur was this angry no door would form an obstacle.

Thrilmaldur marched in the room, the force of which knocked Erestor to the floor. Erestor did not understand this behaviour, had the other found out about his feelings? He forced his voice to be cold. “Thrilmaldur what can I do for you?” The distant tone cut Thrilmaldur in the heart. Tears were coming to his eyes, but he forced them back. “You can have the decency to dismiss me normally instead of this…..this…..this charade!”
“Dismiss? Charade? What do you mean?” Erestor was puzzled.
“You know what I mean! If you no longer want our friendship you can tell me yourself. Hiding yourself is not a very kind way to bring the message you know.” With that Thrilmaldur turned. He no longer wanted to stay near this traitorous elf. The tears now flowed freely form his eyes.

But Erestor came after him and stopped him before he could climb to his talan. “Thrilmaldur, I do not want to lose our friendship. I don’t want to lose you. I’m sorry about the last days but….” Erestor did not know what to say. He could hardly tell the other the truth, but he couldn’t lie to him either. “It’s just that I have a personal problem” /Yes, that’s close to the truth and still not the full truth./ “and I can’t talk about it. I guess I felt guilty for that.”

Thrilmaldur’s face lit up. He wasn’t losing Erestor. He pulled the other in a hug and the tears that now fell where ones of happiness. Erestor joined him. He cried tears of joy, of regret, of pain and of guilt. Knowing he had almost pushed the other away pained him, knowing he couldn’t tell why filled him with guilt, knowing he could never say or pursue this feeling filled him with regret and knowing he still had the other’s friendship made him joyful. He did not know Thrilmaldur was feeling the same about him.

***END FLASHBACK***

A loud thud shook Erestor out of his reverie. Thrilmaldur had kept his eyes to the floor but still had failed to notice a piece of soap near the tub. He had tripped and was now spread out on the floor, looking a bit groggy.
Erestor immediately felt guilty, he had put it there when he had no more need for it. He raised himself and pulled the other up. Now that he was standing, Thrilmaldur had a view of Erestor that he himself had unknowingly given so many centuries ago. He quickly averted his eyes. But the floor was too slippery to allow such an action and he catapulted himself onto Erestor.
Erestor, startled by the sudden movement, fell back into the tub, pulling his friend down with him. Even though Thrilmaldur landed across the tub, he made hurry to get up again. He could feel Erestor beneath him and that would upend him.

Erestor did not know whether to be pleased about Thirlmaldur’s decision or sad. Even though this saved him from embarrassment the thought of having the other this close a little longer sent sparkles down his body, right to his joint. With great effort he managed to keep the arousal away. But the opportunity to tease was to big and he could not waste it. “You know, if you wanted to join me, all you had to do was ask. And I do think it would go better if you removed your clothes first.” The look of horror that now graced Thrilmaldur’s face made him regret his words and he hurried to apologize. “Amin heraetha. Why did you come?”
“To get away from Daiz. He’s impossible to get rid of. Do you need help washing your hair?” This was a safe question for him. Erestor always said no. And he did so now as well. But he did ask Thrilmaldur to get him a towel. /No use in prolonging the torture./

Thrilmaldur had to get it from the cupboard in the bedroom. But he had forgotten about the squished fruits on the floor and so he tripped over them and fell face forward in the mess. When he came back in the bathroom he had fruit juice everywhere. His face, his hair, his clothes and it even sticked to his body.

Erestor had heard the commotion and now wondered what it had been. “What’s happened? You look awful.”
“Thanks. I broke the fruit bowl earlier and now I tripped over the result. Here’s your towel. I have to go get a bath.”
“The water is still warm. Come in, I’ll wash your hair.” Erestor quickly got out and wrapped the towel around him.
Thrilmaldur saw the wicked grin come to his friend’s face but he was not fast enough to run away. Within seconds he was pushed fully clothed in the tub. Erestor sat down on the ledge and started rinsing out the hair. Thrilmaldur laid back and let Erestor do as he pleased. Contented sighs were audible.

When it was done Erestor went to his room to fetch some clean clothes. But, since the mess had not been cleaned yet and fruit juice is slickery, he too went down. Towel and elf were completely covered in juice. He came back into the bathroom looking much like Thrilmaldur had, only worse. Thrilmaldur burst out laughing. It was a funny sight and Erestor had had a warning.
“Careful you, or I am not lending you any clothes. Now get out, I need to clean myself again.”
“Or you just get in with me.” A wicked grin now graced Thrilmaldur’s face. He still had to get even with Erestor for before.

Erestor was confused. When he had mentioned something like this Thrilmaldur had paled and now he was suggesting it himself. Thoughts went in overdrive. If he did he would most likely get aroused and give himself away. But if he didn’t he would stay dirty and the longer he waited the harder it was to get the juice off. He decided on a strategy. He walked closer to the tub and, stretching out over the tub, exposing his chest to the other, he extended his arms and reached for the ledges “You know what this will look like?”
But Erestor’s little trick didn’t work. It didn’t bolt Thrilmaldur out of his tub as he had hoped but instead Thrilmaldur rose himself. When his mouth was next to Eor’sor’s ear he whispered. “Aye, do you?” He had looked straight through Erestor’s ploy and had now turned the tables around.
Just when Erestor had figured out a way to turn the tables yet again he saw that wicked gleam in Thrilmaldur’s eyes. Before he could stop it the other had raised himself and had wrapped his arms around Erestor’s waist. “Two-two, Erestor.” And with that he went down again, pulling Erestor along.

Erestor spat out the water that had made it into his mouth. If the situation wasn’t this dangerous for him he would have burst out laughing. But now an arousal threatened to appear. Even though there was no body contact there, the towel would fall and give him away. Thrilmaldur was having the same problems as he, but because Erestor had closed his eyes he could not see the signals. But Thrilmaldur did. Wondering if he was imagining things he saw Erestor fighting an arousal, as he himself had done so often. Was this wishful thinking? Or was this real? “Erestor?”
To that Erestor’s eyes flung open and he looked straight into the mossy green eyes. That was his undoing. He became aroused and the towel was pushed away by the growing flesh. Thrilmaldur still had his arms around the other and felt the towel move. He reached to grab it, brushing skin in the process. Both elves felt a pang inside them.

Thrilmaldur was now seriously doubting his sanity. He had just heard Erestor hiss in need, but that was impossible. His eyes betrayed his emotions to Erestor. Erestor saw the surprise and hope and the love. Seeing that he hoped that perhaps his feelings would not cause their friendship to break and he decided to be bolt. Moving closer his erection rubbed the other in the thigh. The surprise in Thrilmaldur’s eyes grew, as did the hope. Thrilmaldur no longer was capable of stopping his arousal. His flesh now poked Erestor back.
Erestor smiled. His feelings were being returned. A tiny voice in the back of his head wondered how much time they had wasted as he dived onto those luring lips. Lips he had wanted to kiss ever since he had first seen his fried naked. The kiss was hard and needy.

Thrilmaldur was too shocked to react and when Erestor broke the kiss it was because the lack of response had registered. Afraid he had made a mistake he looked at the other. He knew the other was aroused and he knew Thrilmaldur had no commitment what so ever to hold him back. But the lack of response made him doubt.
Thrilmaldur saw the doubt in his eyes when he had gotten over his shock. To end it he now instigated a kiss of his own. When it ended he kissed Erestor’s earlobe. “You surprised me, that’s all.”

The kisses grew wilder and longer. There was a lot of built up tension that needed release. Their first time was going to be fast.

When Thrilmaldur sat up Erestor was worried. Was the other leaving?
But Thrilmaldur merely changed their positions. Erestor was moved to lay on his back and Thrilmaldur was straddling him.

Seeing the chest confined in clothes Erestor started tearing the annoying object. He wanted to touch the bare chest. Thrilmaldur kissed his new lover as his tunic was brutally ripped apart and thrown away. He let Erestor trail his hands all over his chest but stopped him when they came to his waistband. Using his hold on the other’s hands he moved them to the sides of the tub as he started kissing Erestor’s body. His tong, lips and teeth were working magic on the alabaster body and soon Erestor was writhing beneath him. When Erestor started bucking water sloshed over the rim.

Thrilmaldur gave Erestor a quick kiss on the mouth before diving beneath the water. Erestor felt a tongue lick his balls, taking them into the other’s mouth. A hand had gripped his cock, stopping him from finding release. He whimpered, he moaned, he writhed and he bucked. But Thrilmaldur wasn’t done with the torture yet. He quickly came up for some air and immediately the silver head dived again. This time the talented tongue played with Erestor’s shaft while the spare hand touched him everywhere.
This was driving him crazy. As pleasant and talented as the other was, Erestor needed release. And he needed it now. His hands dove beneath the surface of the water to grab the silver head, keepingsteasteady. Thrilmaldur understood and after a kiss to the top he took in the whole of Erestor. He slowly removed his hand and started sucking. Erestor bucked, threw his head back and shouted it out as he released his sperm.

He lay back, panting heavily, catching his breath. He felt Thrilmaldur kissing his way back up and gladly met the other’s mouth in a passionate kiss. He realised Thrilmaldur was still wearing his pants. And had not found release yet. His hands made their way to the waistband again and without asking or waiting for confirmation heovedoved the confining clothes. The movement alone was nearly enough to drive Thrilmaldur over the edge.
Erestor understood his lover was too close to release to make it long. He grabbed the shaft and stroke the other to release, while capturing the mouth in a devouring kiss.

When both were spent they lay in the bath, savouring the closeness of each other, relishing the new level of their relationship. They would talk about it but for now both were content and happy.

Not wishing to end their blissful state, but realising the water was turning too cold Erestor removed himself from the embrace and headed for his bed, pulling his lover along. Neither cared to dress and they climbed into Erestor’s bed, renewing the embrace. They would not leave it until dinner. Orcs could invade, they were not going to leave this bed.

End chapter twenty six

Translations:
Amin heraetha means I am sorry in Sindarin. I don’t know a Quenya equivalent.

Note:
Please bear in mind that this is my first attempt at a full sex scene, so if it is disappointing, blame it to my inexperience. Thanks.


Chapter twenty seven being bored

Elrohir was walking through the corridors of the Last Homely House. He had left his son in the capable care of the kitchen maids. They would make sure he stayed out of trouble. He still felt bad about forcing his son to sleep in the middle of the day. Legolas had been right. It were his own troubles he was now reflecting upon the little one. So now he had to keep himself occupied. He pondered his options.

He could find out what was going on with Sealbeth and Val-something. He could never remember that name. If he had seen correctly the other day, those two needed some meddling. Or were they already together? That was something he had to find out first.
And then there was Erestor. Somehow he knew the reason the counsellor had been edgy before the celebration was the ‘Lóriën advisor, Thrilmaldur. Maybe there was something blooming there as well.
But if he was wrong on both fronts and he started meddling, neither counsellor would forgive him. His life in Imladris would become highly embarrassing, he knew that.
Maybe Daiz was willing to help him? Daiz always seemed up for trouble and fun. Yes, he would do that. Daiz could help him. And so he went looking for Daiz.

Turning the sixth corner he was knocked to the flo“Eh,“Eh, careful, elves walking here.”

Valthroman was shocked to see Elrohir on the floor. He had not realised he had knocked the other to the floor. Muttering an apology he offered Elrohir a hand up. Elrohir could clearly detect Valthroman’s upset state. It was practically seeping from him. Elrohir cocked his head. Maybe he should help this one first. And maybe he could find out what exactly was going on between him and Sealbeth. He smiled politely to the upset guardian. “It’s alright. I wasn’t looking were I was going either. Are you alright? You look a bit upset.”
The genuine concern that shone from his eyes brought tears to Valthroman’s, who meekly shook his head, trying to walk away. But Elrohir grabbed his wrist. “Oh no, you’re not leaving until I know what happened to you. We don’t know each other very well but after what you did for us, for Elladan, I look upon you as a friend. I also feel you are not easy to upset. Won’t you tell me?” While he was tal Elr Elrohir led the softly sobbing elder to a secured room. /No need for others to see his tears/ he thought.

Valthroman was going over his options. Elrohir now knew something was wrong, which meant the twin wasn’t going to let him go until he had given him a reason. Elrohir’s stubbornness was widely known. Should he tell him the truth or make something up? Valthroman was tended to telling him a little lie, but if Elrohir had the same skills as his father the twin would easily detect a lie. And it didn’t seem logical for Elrond not to have thought his children how to do that. So it looked like he had to tell the embarrassing truth. He sighed.
With closed eyes and a hung head Valthroman told Elrohir how he had broken up with his lover. How he had found out he had been nothing more than a whore to him.
His voice was remarkably steady, he realised. Maybe it was because he had always feared this? That the fear had somehow lessened the blow? He could not tell, but he knew that it did not hurt as much as it should have. It also felt good to tell it to another.

Elrohir could not believe his ears. It felt hard to believe Sealbeth capable of hurting others but he had learned the advisor -was- responsible for much of Melpomean’s pain. And now Valthroman told him how long this had been going on. But still Elrohir had trouble believing it had been deliberate. Not in this case. /Maybe they had a miscommunication?/ He embraced the elder elf. “Can it not be a miscommunication? Elladan and I used to have quite a lot of them, even though we love each other. It always upset me. Maybe you should talk?” But he could see the doubt in the other’s eyes.
“No. No misunderstanding.” Valthroman argued. “Thranduil has been right all along. He has constantly warned me, but I wouldn’t listen. And now I have to suffer the consequences.”
Elrohir still wasn’t sure but he now knew how he could keep himself occupied. To solve this riddle. And Daiz could help him. He knelt in front of the guardian. “There are no consequences you have to suffer. Take a nice ride, practice your skills. The pain will lessen.”

After a while Valthroman stood to go. He was fidgeting with his weapons. He -had- been on his way to the practice fields when he had knocked Elrohir to the floor. And he now took the Half-Elf’s advice.

Elrohir watched him go and then continued his search for Daiz.

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

Daiz had been absolutely bored. There was absolutely nothing to do and everybody was gone. /How dare they call this festivities?/ He had gotten out his ball and was now bouncing it against the wall in such a way it bounced to the floor and back to him so the procedure could be repeated. If any had been present they would have gone nuts. But as he was alone in the parlour, there was absolutely no one to drive insane.
He made sure to stay clear of the tulipoughough. Not only because he loved flowers, he also feared Melpomean’s reaction should anything happen to them by his hands. He knew the tulips belonged to the secretary and he also knew the elf was highly dangerous. Not even Daiz would make that one mad. Not if he could help it. So he stayed far away from the tulips. He nearly threw one vase over when the door suddenly flpen,pen, but his quick elvenreaction saved the flowers and the vase.

He glared at the door. Didn’t they know how to knock? His expression mellowed when he saw it was one of Elrond’s sons. He could never tell them apart. He always envied Legolas for being able to keep them apart without even looking at them. But Daiz needed more than just a visual to figure out which twin it was. “Why hello there, scaring others your new hobby, now is it? Do you realise I nearly destroyed this vase?”
Elrohir chuckled. It was obvious Daiz was more concerned about it’s contents. “I apologize for startling you, Daiz, but I’ve been looking all over for you. I’m bored and I need your help to solve that.”

Daiz still did not know which twin it was. And he seriously considered the possibility of Elladan taking revenge for waking him up. But he was curious and he too was bored. “Well, I am bored myself. So unless you want to borrow my bouncing ball…” Elrohir realised the other had not recognized him and interrupted. “Relax Daiz, I am Elrohir. And besides, Elladan isn’t mad at you. He said you just picked a weird time to wake him up. And no I do not need your ball.”

Now Daiz’s features lit up. He could see in Elrohir’s face that whatever was ahead, it was going to be fun and probably not allowed. “Let me guess, you have some trouble in mind and you need a partner in crime?”
“Sort of.”
Daiz broke out in a laughter. “Sometimes I wonder if Joreb is right and I will always be a child. But seriously, what is it?”
“Well, I thought we could play matchmaker.”
“To whom?” This was highly interesting to Daiz. Playing matchmaker. Now that would be nice.
“Sealbeth and Valthroman.” To this news Daiz fell to the floor. He had not expected this. /Boring old Valthroman in love?/ “They’re in love?”
“Yes, I am sure they still are.” Daiz caught the innuendo. “Still?” Elrohir told Daiz what Valthroman had told him. Daiz looked puzzled, completely stunned and surprised but there was mirth also visible on his face. This woingoing to be fun indeed. And also not allowed. He loved it.

“Alright, Elrohir. I’ll be your partner in crime. I can easily wiggle the information out of ata. But wait a minute,” Daiz suddenly realised something, “wasn’t Sealbeth in some sort of shock. I thought I overheard Erestor tell your father that.” He was right and Elrohir said he would go to the healer to see what they knew.

For a while they made plans and then they both left, agreeing to meet up later.

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

Daiz was not the only Mirkwood elf going crazy with boredom. Legolas too did not know what to do with himself. For a while he considered walking around, but it looked like rain and he did not want to change again. And getting his clothes wet would result in another change.
He remembered how his friends had eaten their boredom away. /Especially the Hobbits./ He went to the kitchen.

He could hear the pleasant and cheerful laughter, emanating from the kitchen, riding the air until it gently caressed his ears. He smiled and pushed the door to enter. He froze at the sight.

Cook was fighting with an elfling, who had managed to grab her much loved wooden spoon and was now waving it around, constantly keeping it out of her reach. The scene was highly humorous to Legolas. He struggled to keep his composure; princes do not laugh so. But he failed to do so at seeing all the maids, observing the scene, clinging themselves at tables or counters, laying on the floor or slumped ungraciously over the chairs.

That image brought Legolas to eruption. He laughed. Something that had not happened for millennia. It was so sudden and unexpected everyone stopped to look at him.
They all knew Legolas, they all knew he did not laugh anymore, but now they did indeed hear his laughter. A sound they had sorely missed. All mature elves froze the second Legolas erupted and now gasped at him. There, in the door opening stood Prince Legolas, his entire body shaking with laughter, holding himself up at the door.

Elnihir looked around. He did not understand what had just happened. They had all been laughing, even cookie, although her voice might have brought others to believe otherwise. Her eyes had been filled with mirth though. But now the place seemed frozen, none of the others moved. The only sound was that of Legolas’ laughter. The only movement was Legolas’. He was so stunned he dropped the wooden spoon, the sound of which was enough to bring Legolas’ composure back and the others back to life.

Cook quickly bend to pick up her beloved spoon. She playfully hit Elnihir on the butt with it. “You naughty child. Now let me cook. Or else I will make custard for desert.” The threat always worked for custard was Elnihir’s most hated desert. He made a disgusted face and put his hands behind his back, showing he would behave. Suddenly he realised Legolas was entering the kitchen. What did his father always say?
/If you’re alone you have to be the one to represent our family./ Yes, that was it. And now he was alone, sort of, and Legolas was a guest, so he should start representing his family. He addressed Legolas. “I am sorry you had to see that. I do not normally act thusly. It’s just when I’m in the kitchen I become a little elf again.”
Legolas decided not to point out the other was still little in every way. Instead he sat down at the table. “It’s alright. I haven’t had a laugh like that for millennia. It felt good, though my father would be disgusted.”

Elnihir climbed the chair opposite the blond and looked at him questioningly. /Why would Legolas’ father be disgusted at Legolas laughing?/ His own father neves. Ls. Legolas took the look as a question to why he was here. “I came here to find something nice to eat. I’m bored.”
“Then play.”
“Not with my spoon, he’s not.” Cook had put something for both elves on the table and had heard the last lines. She didn’t give it much thought and quickly went back to her work.
Legolas chuckled at the remark. He felt like he hadn’t for so long. Alive. He didn’t give it further thought but addressed the elfling, engaging him in a conversation. “So, did you have to sleep much?”
Elnihir laughed. “Not as much as I feared, you stopped ata. But he doesn’t want me to be alone. Frustrating. I can take care of myself.”
“O really? You can handle a sword? A bow? Twin knives?” Legolas’ eyes shone with mirth.

The change had not gone unnoticed. The entire kitchen had seen it and soon whole Imladris was buzzing with the gossip of a sad prince who was sad no more. Elnihir had also seen it, but he didn’t know it to be such a big change. He simply thought Legolas to have been down lately. He frequently saw it in his ata’da.

“Can I ask you something personal?”
“Of course, little one.” Legolas doubted Elnihir would willingly ask something embarrassing, and if he did, it would be his problem, not Elnihir’s.
“Why do you eat when you’re bored? I’ve never heard of anyone doing that?”
Legolas laughed at the question for it brought back memories of his friends. “It’s just something I’ve picked up from Gimli, Merry and Pip.”
“Who are they?”
Legolas composure saddened and Elnihir instantly regretted asking. “I am sorry, Legolas, I should not pry into other’s affairs. I do not wish for you to get another mood.” Now Legolas looked puzzled. What was Elnihir talking about? But Elnihir continued to babble. “You just got out of it. I do not know how long these moods last with you but ata’da has them for long periods of time and…AUCH!”
Cook had just hit him around the head. She had heard the word mood and knowing Elnihir she had stayed close to listen, just in case. And yes, she had been right, Elnihir blurted out the truth. One just did not tell strange elves about the affairs of home. And even though Legolas was well seen and loved, he was not an elf from here. She was about to berate Elnihir on his indiscretion when Legolas stopped her.
“It’s alright. I am sure Elnihir had no intention to be indiscrete. And I will not mention it to others. I fear your spoon too much.” The joke was greatly appreciated and cook burst out laughing, before she addressed the prince. “Very well, but you take him out of here. I can’t get anything done with the two of you in here. And don’t let me hear any indiscretions, from either of you. Or you will face my spoon.” She pushed the elves out of her kitchen, not caring they were noble. In her kitchen she was queen and all others would bend to her will.

Elnihir looked at Legolas with regret and sorrow. “I am sorry, now you can’t eat anymore.”
“Well, then I will have to do some hunting and find my own food.” Legolas saw the opportunity to learn the elfling about weapons and he asked him along. Elnihir, delighted about the opportunity, jumped up, hugged Legolas and practically made the blond deaf, yelling his agreement.

Walking besides Legolas towards the guest quarters, his face darkened and he stopped. Legolas, wondering what could be wrong now, knelt and faced Elnihir, who had now started to sob a little. “Elnihir? What is it?”
“Ata won’t let me. He…he…won’t.” He really wanted to go with Legolas but he knew his father would never let him out of the house again.
Legolas’ face grimed, he pulled up the elfling and stopped a passing servant. “Tell Elrohir I am taking Elnihir with me. He needs some cheering up. Being confined inside is making him cry.” And he hurried to his rooms. He would have to do everything quickly: change, get his weapons, make sure he had enough to keep Elnihir warm and safe and then leave. They had to be gone before Elrohir could stop them.
He knew that a tirade would be waiting for him upon return. Not only from Elnihir’s family, but his own as well. “Don’t worry,ihirihir, we’ll be gone before Elrohir can stop us, and I take full responsibility. You need to be outside for a while, and maybe your company will scare my boredom away.”

End chapter twenty seven
TBC

Chapter twenty eight practise

Elnihir was happy as he followed Legolas through the vegetation. He knew this road, it would lead them to the practise fields. The old ones, not the new ones. He wondered why Legolas didn’t take him to the new ones. Or why he was leading him to them at all. “Legolas? Why are you taking me to the practise fields?”
“Because I will teach you how to fight. You can’t start too early.” Legolas didn’t look, but continued following the road.
“But why these ones? The old ones?” Elnihir still didn’t understand. Although he had to force himself not to jump in excitement at being thought weapon skills from Legolas. He had always wanted to learn, but his ata had told him he had to wait until Elvil was old enough to train with him. So he had been patient, but now that he had an opportunity to learn, he was glad. He didn’t think it hard to copy the movements he had witnessed his uncle and father make. He always had been fairly sure he could do that too.

Legolas stopped in his tracks. What did Elnihir mean, the old ones? He shook his head. “What do you mean, old ones?”
“There are new fields, over there.” Elnihir pointed behind them. “Behind the red trees.”
Legolas saw it was quite a distance. He would not have troubles with it but he realised Elnihir’s little legs would not be able to make the walk and then practise. He continued to the old ones. “I did not know that. We’re nearly here, so we might as well stay and use the old ones.”
“You’ve used them before?” Elnihir was baffled. This elf kept surprising him. But then he remembered Legolas had been part of the Fellowship. “The council of ata’da.”
Legolas laughed at the way Elnihir referred to the council of Elrond. Of course it was logical, Elrond was Elnihir’s grandfather, so it made sense whrondrond’s name had been replaced. But it had sounded funny. He laughed. “Yes, little one, during the council of Elrond.” He did not inform Elnihir he used to come here very often before it as well. “Gimli and I used to spar.”
Elnihir thought he might risk a new try to get some information. “Gimli? You mentioned him before. Sounds Dwarvish.” Legolas graced him with a smile. “It is. You would have liked him.”

Legolas didn’t draw inside anymore as he would have. He wonderhy, hy, but again he did not stop to think about it. He just enjoyed the atmosphere and Elnihir’s joyful chatter. They had now reached the fields and Legolas carefully put the weapons on the floor, but kept two swords. He would start with them and handed one to the elfling. “Elnihir, we will start on the swords first and you must concentrate on me and follow my movements.”
Elnihir pouted. “But I want to talk some more.”
Legolas knelt, realising he had not knelt before anyone that much in such a short time as he had before Elnihir. “Practise now, talk later. I promise tonight we will talk.”
“About Gimli?”
Legolas knew a consent was the only way. “Yes.”
For a little while he looked indecisive but then Elnihir jumped up and took the sword Legolas gave him. It was way to big for him, and more heavier than he would have liked.

Legolas showed him what to do and how to move. Seeing it, Elnihir thought Legolas resembled a swan. The movements were so gracious and elegant. When Legolas stopped he had to stop a sigh of regret from leaving. He now focused himself on copying those movements.
Legolas was pleased to see Elnihir really wanted to learn. He saw there was a lot to be done, before the little one could be competing. When Elnihir looked at him in an unsure way,wingwing he was doubting his movements, Legolas smiled at him in a reassuring way. “You are doing fine, little one”
Elnihir looked up at Legolas, joyful he had just received a complement from him. In doing so he lost his focus and the sword got caught between his legs and he lost his balance and tripped. But he did not fall, Legolas had grabbed him the moment he swayed. He looked at the ground, his face reddening in embarrassment and shame. But it all went away when Legolas spoke. “Don’t worry about it. Happens. And I should have known better than to speak up at such a moment. Or to give you such a big sword. Here, take one of my knives.”
Legolas was glad to see that face again and that smile. It could compete with Anar. But he saw there was some sadness as well. “Elnihir?” He wondered if the other was already giving up, but no, that would be highly unlikely. Giving up was not a Peredhil treat.

Elnihir bit his lips. He felt utterly uncomfortable. His Valar forsaken height. “I’m too short for a sword.”
Now Legolas understood a little and he sat down. He had to calm the upcoming storm before they could continue. He patted the ground next to him and hesitantly Elnihir sat down.
“Elnihir, you might be small, but you are not too small for a sword.”
“But I tripped over it and you gave me the knife.” He was starting to sob a little. He had been so happy to get some lessons, but now he realised he could never get a proper one. He was just too small, his father had just used Elvil as an excuse.
When the tears started to come Legolas enveloped him in a hug. “There, don’t cry. I meant what I said. You’re not to small for a sword.” The boy was crying in earnest now. “I am and I will never be big enough for these lessons. Ata lied to me.” Now Legolas was even more baffled. What had Elrohir done now? He knew Elrohir loved his son, perhaps too much. Besides, anything that could possibly harm Elnihir would be noticed and stopped by Elrond or one of the counsellors. “What did Elrohir say?”
“That…I..I..I..have…t..t..to…” His nearly choked on his cries and Legolas tightened his hold, rubbing soothing circles on his back and head. But he had understood. “You have to wait for Elvil to be old enough, right?” A nod against his chest told him he was right. He thought about it. If Elnihir thought himself too little to hold weapons, he might think Elrohir lied. “Elrohir did not lie. I am telling you,’re ’re not too small to hold a weapon or to wield it. I can know.”

Elnihir ed hed his head and looked at Legolas disbelievingly. He could not believe Legolas was saying what he thought he heard. No way Legolas could have been as little as he is now. His line of reasoning was obvious to Legolas and the blond hurried to explain. “Do you think Merry and Pip were defenceless? The tales I can tell you about their skills.” But Elnihir did not know these names or who they were and he said so.
“I’m sorry. Those are shortened forms. You might know them as Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took. I see they do sound familiar to you. Well, they were two of the Hobbits from the Nine. They had to learn how to defend themselves. But they were little too. So instead of a sword they wielded knives, but just as lethal as I wield my sword.”
Now Elnihir understood why Legolas said he was little, but not too little. He could use a knife as a sword. He stopped crying and his face lit up immediately. “So I use a knife as sword too?” Legolas smiled. “Yes, and I will teach you how to use it.” When Elnihir extended his hand Legolas placed one of his daggers in and he repeated the exercise he had made before. He was sure Elnihir could do it now. When he was done he looked down at his little charge and was stunned to see a wicked expression. /What?/

Elnihir merely copied the movement and when he was done he beamed. He had not fallen down and he had done it as Legolas had shown him. The beam was catching and Legolas’ smile broadened. Suddenly Elnihir spoke. “As long as you don’t want me to look like a Hobbit, I fight like they did.” That remark made Legolas roll around in the ground and was soon joined by his charge.

When the laughter subsided Legolas stood and showed another series of movements, this time concentrating on strength. Again Elnihr copied the movement without failure.
Legolas was sure that soon he could make the movements more difficult. Elnihir was eager to learnm him him and he found it a delight to teach him. And they both enjoyed the other’s company so for the rest of the day Legolas was teaching Elnihir how to use weapons, always interrupted with laughter.

Neither of them noticed the presence of another.


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After speaking with Elrohir he had gone into the gardens after all, more at ease than he had been, but still angry and sad. He had walked rounds and rounds and when he heard a familiar laugh he had followed it. He thought he had recognized Legolas’ voice and at first he had thought himself crazy. Legolas never smiled, let alone laughed, anymore.

He had been stunned to see the blond prince teach the smallest elfling he had ever seen how to fight. The happiness the picture showed made him forget his sorrow and their laughter went straight to his heart, warming him. So, making sure to stay out of sight and to stay silent, he sat down and watched them. He did not move until they made to leave, watching their interaction, proud at how Legolas was teaching his own skills to another. And pleased at the laughter that erupted from time to time.

End chapter twenty eight
TBC

Chapter twenty nine Getting started

When Elrond arrived at his secretary’s rooms he saw the servant leaning against the wall, panting heavily. He quickly approached. What could be wrong? Was the other sick, but was too stubborn to stay in bed? Elrond would not be surprised if that was the case.
The servant slumped to the floor the moment Elrond had reached him and looked at his lord with total exhaustion in his eyes. And hope. “Please, lord, let another take this over.” The words were hardly audible do tho the hard intakes of breath. Elrond nodded his consent and signalled for the other to gather his breath before standing.

Elrond entered without knocking. The sight he was gifted took his breath away. In the bed lay Melpomean, books and papers sprawled around everywhere: the bed, the nightstand, theor, or, just everywhere. The secretary was busy reading a book with just one eye, groaning occasionally as the letters seemed to disappear. But what pleased Elrond above all was the teapot standing in the middle of the mess, right next to the empty mug. The phial was almost empty. Melpomean was consuming the potion. And he wasn’t throwing up.
Elrond smiled when he saw Melpomean’s hand fly to the handle of tug. ug. Never once turning his attention away from the page, Melpomean brought the mug to his lips and drank, contracting as the nasty tasting liquid was swallowed. He did not notice Elrond’s presence, nor did he hear him walk closer. Completely consumed by his reading, Melpomean gave Elrond a chance to study him, study him when his mask was gone.

Elrond took this opportunity, realising it might be some millennia before he got another one. He was shocked at what he saw. The light shone brightly form within the bedridden elf, illuminating the room more than the one candle that was burning. He realised this was Melpomean how he really was, not how he appeared to be. Elrond liked what he saw: strength, compassion, love, warmth, care, tenderness, honesty, devotion and happiness. All emotions he had never beenowedowed to see before.
Melpomean had always carefully hidden them behind a mask. A mask that showed little emotion. If he did show he would betray his attraction for Elrond. And if he did show others had a chance to hurt him and he never wanted to get hurt again.

Daring a closer look Elrond focused on the other’s eye. He pitied the fact he could not see the right eye as well for it was easier to read two than one. But he continued, praying it would not bring Melpomean into a fit. Looking deeper Elrond saw pain, sorrow, regret and loneliness. Could it be that those feelings made him act the way he did? Could it be Mel Melpomean cried so easily because of them? Galadriel had hinted that Melpomean had had an awful childhood and she blamed herself. Elrond would have to have a serious conversation with them both. But not now. Now Melpomean’s recovery was important.

He decided to make his presence known. Considering he was already at the bedside coughing was just not done so instead he spoke up. “It looks like it might have been easier to move your bed to the library.”
Melpomean was so startled to hear a voice by his bed he dropped the book and the tea he was still holding. He berated himself for not noticing the entrée of another in his rooms.
Seeing the startled reaction Elrond acted quickly. He caught the mug before it fell to the floor, letting the book land with a loud thud. “I am sorry, mellon-nîn, I did not mean to startle you so. I came to see how you are doing, check the progress of the wound and perhaps talk a little.” He looked around for a place to sit and saw the chairs were holding paperwork and books as well. Chuckling at the sight, he made some room for himself on the bed.

Melpomean scolded himself for making Elrond go through all this trouble. “My lord, why are you here? Surely they need you elsewhere?”
Elrond saw the mask was back in place and closed his eyes in regret. How could he not have seen? But he stopped himself from entering those gloomy thoughts. This was not the time, Melpomean needed to be assured of his worth. His attitude would change then, Elrond was sure. “Why ask me why I’m here. I told you, to check your progress and to talk. Is that so strange?”
But Melpomean wasn’t hearing it. “Lómiol can come to check. There is no need for you to be here.” These words had been expected but still they hurt Elrond. More than he liked and he could not explain why. He sighed. “Do you want me gone?”
Melpomean cringed. /Of course. Elrond thinks I hate him./ How could he have forgotten that. So he had again hurt his secret love. He forced his eyes to stay dry. “No, I do not, but..”
“No buts. I stay. And now you have to stay perfectly still whilst I remove the bandage and take a look.”

Melpomean did his best not to lean into the gentle touches Elrond bestowed upon him as the bandages were taken off and his wound checked. Elrond was pleased at the healing rate. Just a few more days and the heavy bandage could be replaced by a lighter one. “It heals extraordinarily fast. Just a few more days and we’ll exchange this heavy thick bandages for lighter ones. A week in those and you can try using your right eye again.”
“Will I really see with it again? Reading with only one gives me a headache.”
Elrond laughed. “Or it is just the amount of time spend reading?”
Melpomean realised that ever since Elrond had left he had indeed been reading, always sending the servant for more papers, scrolls, reports and books. He must have totally exhausted the poor elf and he had not noticed anything. Was Elrond mad at him for that?

Elrond saw the tears creep into the eyes. “Melpomean? What is it? Does it hurt?” Melpomean hasted himself to assure Elrond it didn’t. “No, no, not anymore.” Elrond released a relieved sigh. “That is good. It is a good sign.” “But the servant, I hadn’t noticed, I….” Elrond realised what was troubling his secretary and hurried to get him to relax, sssfussfully using humour. “He’llalrialright. I must warn you to expect a thank-you note from his wife. She has frequently asked me if I could reassign him into something harder. Apparently he needs to loose weight.” Elrond’s little trick worked. Melpomean was intrigued and forgot his worry. Instead he looked at Elrond curiously. Elrond continued. “But unfortunately this particular elf is reluctant to do hard labour. Many say he is allergic to it.”
He had to stop speaking when a pearl laughter erupted from the bed. It warmed Elrond. Such a warm laughter, so full and he had never heard it before. He wondered what other secrets Melpomean hid.

When the laughing subsided Melpomean started to hiccup. “I…hic…never….hic ….had ….hic…such a…hic… laugh before…hic. Au!”
Funny as it was to see the other at the mercy of his hiccups Elrond poured in some tea. He gave the cup to Melpomean and used his hands to close both the nostrils and ears. “Drink, the more the better.” When the other couldn’t drink anymore he removed his hands and took back the cup.
Melpomean was freed of his hiccups and he looked at Elrond with wonder. How had he done that? Elrond smiled. “It’s a trick. Works all the time.”

Elrond decided to ask why Melpomean could suddenly drink the potion. “Why is it that you threw up the potion before and now you drink it with tea?” Melpomean looked at Elrond in amazement. What was he on about? He hadn’t been drinking that concoction. He would have thrown up if he had. Elrond guessed his thoughts correctly and held up the almost empty phial.
Melpomean merely shook his head. “I ate it, with that.” He pointed towards the pile of empty plates almost hidden from view by all the paperwork. The poor servant hadn’t even had time to take them away.

Elrond was a little bit disappointed. He had hoped that the other hadn’t noticed he was drinking it, but no such luck. But at least the healing had sped up and the other wasn’t thinking gloomy thoughts. The distraction proved to be successful. “You are healing just fine.” His voice was almost dreamlike when he spoke.
Not knowing what else to say, Melpomean merely agreed. “Aye. I’m healing. Will I be able to use them both again?” Elrond still hadn’t answered his question.
“I don’t know. Why don’t you try opening it now. See what happens.” Melpomean did as he was told and opened his eyes. He had closed both when Elrond had started inspecting his w. Hi. His left eye was focused and taking in everything immediately but his right was just not there. And yet it was.

Elrond looked at him using his questioning stance. “My right eye is blurry.” He blinked and tried to focus but it wouldn’t. He feared he would loose the sight in his right eye after all and he started to cry.
Elrond understood. “Don’t worry yet, Melpomean. Your eye took a pretty big blow and has been confined since. It is normal to be blurry. In fact it ood.ood. It tells us you will get to keep your eyesight. If it is blurry now, it will only improve in time. If you would lose it you would have so by now; it would have been black instead of blurry.” Elrond’s reasoning calmed Melpomean down and he looked at his lord with gratitude.

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

They were strolling around Imladris lazily. This day was going better and better for Joreb and his wife Silinde. They had made extremely lazy love all night and were still enjoying the aftermath. Both elves were still a bit high on love, so to say, and to them it seemed as if they were flying instead of walking. No words were spoken between them but one look at the other’s face spoke a thousand words.

Silinde had her arm hidden behind the cloak of her husband while he was holding her close, embracing her. Refusing to leave each other’s side they stared every elf they met aside. They would not be separated now.
All passers by smiled at the image the two presented and wondered if they would walk like this in Mirkwood as well.
Joreb’s hand travelled down Silinde’s spine. He was getting horny again. She merely smiled at him and slowly guided him to their room.

Turning the right corner Elrohir bumped into them. Joreb was just about to scold the elf for knocking him over, but he recognized Elrohir just in time. “Elrohir, what’s the hurry?”
“Oh, hi Joreb, Silinde. How are you both today?”
Silinde graced him with a smile. Elrohir provided her with the best way to get even with Joreb. He had made her wait for hours on another occasion, and now came pay-back time. “Elrohir, it is a pleasure to see you. How are you?”
“Fine, fine. I am sorry but I am rather in a hurry, so if you’ll please excuse me.” Both Elrohir and Joreb already started walking, but Silinde had other plans. “But Elrohir. What’s the rush? Surely not another orcthreat?”
Elrohir politely turned. “No, Silinde. It’s just that I am looking for my father. I have some questions to ask him.”
“I doubt he will want to be disturbed today, Elrohir. We just saw him sitting with his secretary. Those gardens give view of almost every room you know.” Joreb said. Elrohir chuckled. He sure knew. He and Elladan had been caught many times, trying to peek into girls rooms.
“Why don’t you tell us, Elrohir, and maybe we can help.” Silinde was going to make the most of this.
Elrohir looked indecisive for a minute but then decided to take them up on their offer. “Alright. Maybe you can. I’ve just been talking to Daiz.” The mention of his brother’s name made Joreb cringe. He knew this was going to be trouble. Daiz and trouble always went hand in hand. But he listened to Elrohir none the less. “I saw one of ata’s advisors with one of ata’da’s and they seemed in love and I want to help them.”
“Well, very nice. Ask Daiz to help you then” Joreb was eager to get to his room.
But Elrohir continued. “I was going to but then I bumped into that soldier of yours, what’s-his-name, Val-something.” Silinde laughed honestly. “Valthroman you mean. Many find his name confusing, but usually they forget the first part.” “True,” Joreb chipped in, “they call him Roman instead.”
Elrohir shrugged. “Guess I’m the exception then. But he told me he and Sealbeth, ata’s other advisor, had broken up. I am not going into details, but I want to know what happened between them. I got the distinct impression it’s all a mix up, a miscommunication. And Daiz and I figured our fathers might be of some use.”
Again Silinde laughed. The way Elrohir’s last sentence had come out was hilarious to her. “And then you will play matchmaker for both couples, I assume” Silinde was enjoying this immensely. It was one good way to get even with Joreb and it was going to be fun too. It couldn’t have been better. She would tell Elrohir all she knew about Valthroman, making sure her husband would do so too. She knew him well enough to know he soon would be intrigued and wanted to know all about Sealbeth and figure out the miscommunication himself.

Elrohir led them to an empty room for them to talk undisturbed.

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

Lómiol was slowly beginning to think himself crazy. His new patient was proving difficult as well. Not in the way Melpomean had been, but still difficult.
The advisor just did not move. He sat on the bed, posture still the same as when he was brought in, not moving a muscle. Just staring ahead with eyes that saw nothing. It seemed like he was lost in memories but he wasn’t. Lómiol knew the signs. Erestor had been right. The elf was in shock, but he had never seen a shock so bad. This was highly frustrating. He had tried everything he knew to get Sealbeth out of it, even some new untested methods, but nothing had worked.

He now sat behind his desk reading books, desperately trying to find another method. He kept a close eye on his charge though, constantly speaking in a low voice. If his search was going to prove fruitless, he would have to summon Elrond. Maybe the lord would know what to do.
He wondered where he was. It would take several hours before Elrond would be found, maybe he should send a message now? But it was celebration. No, if he could prevent it, Lómiol would not bother Elrond during the celebrations. He already had Melpomean to look after.

Lómiol sighed. He would have to go through all the books gathered here and he only had one done. This was going to take hours.

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

Melpomean was slowly getting used to his blurry vision. Realising Elrond would probably want to know what he had figured out by now he pointed towards the paperwork surrounding them. “You want to get an update, my lord?”
“It would be nice, but there is something I must tell you first. It has waited long enough.”
Melpomean thought he could detect some venom behind those words and feared the next words. Would he get fired after all? He had hoped things would stay normal when Elrond had asked him to figure this mystery out, but now…. He started to show his fear. Short intakes of breath, clammy hands and a the trembling lip.

Elrond saw the signs, but dismissed them for now. “You’ve always been my secretary, Melpomean, but it is time things changed. It is time that…” And that was as far as Elrond got. Melpomean had thrown himself at him, crying in earnest, begging. “No, please, my lord, no. I…..I…please not, my lord. I will do anything, but please don’t.”
This behaviour puzzled Elrond. “Melpomean?” He enveloped the other in a hug, petting the dark hair. “Melpomean, what is it?” The other stuttered as he answered. “P..p..please, don’t send me a..a..away.” Elrond was shocked. “What?! Why ever do you say that!” His outburst made Melpomean jump away and now the frightened elf was behind his wardrobe, hiding, shaking himself to pieces and crying his life out.

Elrond slowly advanced on him. He did not understand this. “Melpomean. Look at me.” Two very scared eyes looked at him insecurely. Elrond sighed. What was he doing wrong? “Why would I send you away?” The eyes now shone total disbelief. “Listen to me. I don’t understand this behaviour of yours. But I assure you I am not sending you away.”
Melpomean shrugged even further away. He did not want to be sent away, but to be kept on against Elrond’s direct wish was even worse. He knew he could not afford one single mistake or he would pay for it dearly, and he always made mistakes. Or so he thought.
Elrond tried again. “Melpomean. I am giving you a promotion, to advisor, but if you are more happy to stay in the present situation…….” He let it linger in the air on purpose. He saw the eyes look at him in total bafflement, surprise and disbelief. He sighed. It showed just how little self-confidence the other had. “I will understand if you do. But,” and Elrond made sure to put some extra weight to the following words, “whatever it is, you will not deny me your counsel.”

Melpomean started to pant. This was not happening, it was a dream. Elrond could not be saying this. He shook head.ead. This had to be a dream, or a joke, or some cruel punishment, but not real. He started to tremble in fear.

Elrond found this all highly annoying, but his hatred about it went not to the trembling elf in front of him, but to Sealbeth. He held him personally responsible for Melpomean’s unhappiness and his present state. “Do you doubt my words, Melpomean?” If possible, the trembling increased. This had obvious been the wrong thing to say. Elrond knew he was about to take a big risk, but he had to make a stand. He reached out and gathered the shaking elf close. “Please calm down, you’re shaking yourself to pieces.” He rubbed soothing circles on the back and petted the silken hair.
The condition worsened and the trembling did not only continue, it was now accompanied by the worst crying Elrond had ever seen. He didn’t release his hold, nor did he stop the soothing movement, rocking, rubbing, petting. When at long last Melpomean calmed down a bit he looked at the tear-streaked face. “There, what can possibly be wrong?” In between hard intakes of breath Elrond could pick up the voiced concern, ever so softly, almost impossible to hear, even for elvenears. “You can’t mean this. I’m not good enough.”
But Elrond gently shook his secretary. “Not good enough?! Are you daft? Of course you are!”
“I am not good enough.”
“Yes you are.”
“Am not” By now the crying was slowly increasing again.

“Why?” Rsingsing a yes-no game eminent, Elrond decided on a different strategy. If he could get the other to voice why he thought himself not good enough, Elrond could come with an argument to deny it.
“I will make mistakes.” “And you will learn from them.”
“I’m too young.” “Sealbeth is younger.”
“It takes a scholar to do it.” “There is nothing you do not know, and what is this?” El wav waved his arm around the room, all the papers and books collected proved his point.
“I am not good enough.” “Yes you are.”
“Others are better.” “No they’re not.”
“I’m not good enough.” Elrond was getting frustrated, but he would not give up. “Would I be offering it to you if you weren’t good enough?” “Yes!” This took Elrond aback. Surely Melpomeann’t n’t mean that? But one look at the face told him Melpomean had been very serious. He sighed, realising this battle would not be won today. “Well, Melpomean, I am offering and I do mean it and I will give you that promotion.” He stood to collec