Ball masque

Chapter eight Shadows of the past

Elrond smiled as he smelled the evening air. The moon was already high above though the last rays of the sun still graced their world. Elrond smiled at the mystical environment it created. /I don’t relax enough. Elladan and Elrohir were right. And this is relaxing. I hope Legolas hurries./

He leaned back in his chair, watching out over the valley. There always was a blanket in the chair, for sometimes he preferred sleeping in it, though lately it hardly occurred. But he did not place the blanket around him today.

Suddenly he flared up. “He knew.” Elrond’s eyes widened but his sudden thought was correct. Thinking back he knew Legolas had not been surprised seeing him in this outfit. He should have been hadn’t he known it was Elrond who had accompanied him last night. Elrond certainly had been surprised when Glorfindel had thrown Legolas the robe.

Absentminded he started playing with his front braids. /He wasn’t surprised. That can only mean he knew who I was. He knew he was walking with me in the garden. But then why hadn’t he entered the competition and told Glorfindel he had spotted me? Why spend time with me?/
He grinned to himself. /Elrond, you old fool. Only yesterday you’ve figured out he is attracted to you. Of course he wouldn’t leave your side and even more importantly: he wouldn’t reveal his identity./
He twirled his braids in his hands. /But how do I feel about that? It certainly was an entertaining evening. And, when I didn’t know him, I was attracted to him. But this is folly. He’s but a princeling./
Elrond hit himself. /No, Elrond, you promised you would try. And he is brave. And he has honour. And he is gentle, even to an old goat like me. He’s beautiful, always has been. His inner light can compete with Anar itself. His soul must be beautiful too; my sons did befriend him and they are not the easiest to befriend./

His musings were cut short when he heard someone walk towards the patio. He quickly let go of his hair and leaned back in his chair, gazing in the distance.

“Lord Elrond.”
Elrond casually turned his head and smiled, feeling his heart beat faster at the vision before him. “Legolas. Take a seat.” /Take of your clothes./ Elrond turned his head back to the distance. /Behave, Elrond, behave./

“I’ve forgotten to ask if you wanted to send word to your father? I shall send it by bird tomorrow so there is still time.”
Legolas smiled, grateful Elrond offered it. “Thank you, that is most kind. I would love to write him a short message.”

Elrond nodded and rose to pour them both a drink. “What would you like to drink, Legolas? Wine, miruvor, herbal wine or rather tea or water?”
Legolas smiled. “I would love some tea, thank you.”
Elrond smiled and poured it out. “Rose”
Legolas frowned. “Really. I’ve never tasted that.”
Elrond handed him his mug and smiled. “Be careful; it is hot.”
Legolas nodded. “All right.” He blew and carefully took a sip.

He closed his eyes as his taste buds were caressed by the liquid. He had to suppress a delighted moan. He opened his eyes and look at Elrond in amazement. “This is great. How is it made?”
Elrond laughed warmly. “It’s easy enough, but I’ve heard there aren’t many roses in Mirkwood.” /Though one is sitting before me now./ Elrond mentally berated himself for the thought. /Behave, behave, behave! He did not deserve my harshness and he can do without my ravishing his body too. Pity./
Legolas smiled. “We do have some, but none as beautiful as they are here. Everything here is exquisite.”
Elrond inclined his head and smiled. “I shall provide you with enough of this tea to last you a year when you leave. And any other flavour you might desire.”

He smiled when he saw Legolas’ eyes widen in disbelief. “Do I surprise you?”
Legolas blushed and nodded. “Aye. Usually you…”
Elrond smiled and waved the words away. “Lash out? I know. I am sorry for my words. You have done nothing to deserve them. Please accept this offer of apology.”
Legolas smiled. “The tea’s an apology?” He grinned. “The weirdest I’ve ever seen. But also the tastiest. I gladly accept, Lord Elrond.”
Elrond smiled and raised his glass. “May we get along better in the future.”

He stood and refilled Legolas’ mug, taking the tea pot along. “I’d rather not get up every minute. When it’s empty let me know and I’ll have another one made.” He smirked. “With a different flavour.”
Legolas smiled. “Thank you.”
Elrond waved his thanks away. “No need to thank me, Legolas, and please, call me Elrond. Makes me feel less old.”
Legolas nodded. “Of course, Elrond.” Elrond smiled and threw him a grateful look.

“So, you wanted to talk about your grandfather?”
Legolas nodded but frowned. “If you’d rather not, I’ll understand, Elrond.”
Elrond smiled ruefully. “I would indeed rather not, but I think I should. He’s why I’ve never treated you or your father fair.”
Legolas nodded. “Erestor told me. He said he was spoiled?”
Elrond nodded. “The worst. Expected everyone to crawl in the dust for him and do his every bidding. We never got along. Once he went to Gil-Galad and told him I had come on to him.”

His eyes watered as they stared out in the distance, reliving the past.
“Even though Gil-Galad believed me he could not ignore Oropher’s words. After all: he was a king and I a mere herald. My king tried to compromise but Oropher would only accept public humiliation.”

Elrond’s hands turned to fist, nails breaking flesh as he remembered it.
He had to kneel before the Mirkwood king and apologize, but that hadn’t been enough for Oropher. No, the elf wanted Elrond to suffer and kicked everything in front of his feet at Elrond’s face before demanding satisfaction. Gil-Galad had to grant him that.
Elrond’s tears fell as he remembered that day of horror in which he had been Oropher’s slave. The King had him do the most horrific things and when there was but an hour left in the day and Elrond foolishly thought himself free of the worst he had proven him wrong.

Elrond jumped and twirled when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He panted heavily and his eyes widened, seeing Legolas instead of his old nemesis.

Slowly Legolas took one of Elrond’s hands in his own and undid the fist, wiping away the blood with his own sleeve. He repeated the action with the second hand before wiping away the tears and handing Elrond a drink.

Elrond’s hand shook when he held his glass and he managed a polite smile. He downed it in one go and swallowed several times before sitting down again. He re-established eye contact with Legolas and smiled. “You are nothing like him.”
Legolas smiled and wiped away some fresh tears. “I’m sorry. I did not mean for my curiosity to bring you…” He stopped when Elrond placed a finger on his lips.
The dark-haired elf shook his head. “Don’t disrupt our comfort by bringing in protocol. I know you meant no harm and I am sorry to tell you your grandfather was not the elf you wanted him to be.” He closed his eyes and smiled ruefully. “But now you know my initial dislike to your family.”
Legolas nodded and his eyes were wet, feeling Elrond’s pain. Though Elrond had stopped talking a while ago, he had the feeling the elf had relived more than he had told and Legolas had the feeling it was worse than he could imagine. His heart ached to comfort Elrond but he didn’t know how or even if it would be welcomed.
He placed his hand over Elrond’s. “I’m sorry I remind you of him.”
Elrond laughed. “Only through your differences. Not even your father looks like him. But I didn’t risk taking a chance.”

Legolas nodded in understanding. “Would you like something stronger to drink?”
Elrond nodded, watching Legolas walk over and pour him a Dorwinion wine. He frowned when he saw Legolas pour out a second glass. “That is strong stuff, Legolas.”
Legolas smiled and nodded. “Mirkwood’s favourite. Every elf from our lands can drink it. Some even boost about being able to best a Dwarf.”
Elrond smiled. “I hope Gimli proved them wrong.”
Legolas grinned and nodded. “Never before did we have that many hangovers. It was truly a sight.” Elrond nodded and smiled gratefully when Legolas started talking about Mirkwood, taking both their minds away from the previous topic.

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

“Sit still, I can’t see.”
“You’re too heavy. We need to swap.” Elladan hissed to his brother, who was leaning on his back. They were spying on their father and their friend.
“Be quiet, I can’t hear them.”
“And I can’t see. What are they doing?”
“Adar is crying and Legolas is wiping away his tears. Told you something would happen.”
“But it isn’t enough. What are they saying? Can’t you read their lips?”
Elrohir ped ped his brother. “What do I look like? A wizard?” He squinted his eyes and ducked when Legolas walked his way.
“Auch! Careful. I need to last a little longer.”
“O shut up. Legolas nearly saw me. He’s going to pour adar a drink. Do you think he will go for the miruvor?”
Elladan grinned. “I hope so. We didn’t have enough time to drug the other bottles. I’m still surprised adar didn’t hear us when we added the aphrodisiac.”
Elrohir smiled as well. “Me too. Now be quiet and don’t move.”
Elladan grumbled as his twin moved and became heavier again. “What are they doing?”
“Drinking. Talking. They’re being annoying. Too bad we can’t hear them.”
“Too bad you can’t read their lips.”
“Shhhht! Legolas is touching adar.”
“What? Really? Where? Let me see.”
“He’s placing his hand on adar’s. He’s got puppy dog eyes, Adan. He really is in love with adar.”
“And does adar love him back, you think?”
Elrohir shrugged. “Don’t know. At the very least he’s interested. When Legolas walked in he undressed him with his eyes.”
Elladan frowned. “We have to be careful, Ro. If adar doesn’t feel anything deeper for Legolas we can’t let this happen. It will break his heart.”
Elrohir nodded. “Aye. I care to much about Legolas to hurt him like that.” He stifled a yelp when Elladan poked him. He glared at his twin. “Quick, see what they’re drinking!” Catching on Elrohir almost fell over in attempt to see. He smiled and sighed relieved. “Dorwinian wine.”
Elladan smiled too. “Good, Legolas can handle that. We must make sure they don’t drink the miruvor. Or better: remove it.”
Elrohir nodded. “We weren’t thinking clearly. Only one night, even under the influence of aphrodisiac, will hurt him. What were we thinking?” He frowned, thinking of a way to remove it.

He grinned when he saw Elrond avoid Legolas’ eyes and signalling to a book next. “Adan. I think he’s going to read to Legolas. Or the other way around.”
“What? That’s good. Adar only did that with nana.”
Elrohir nodded and his smile beamed, finding his suspicion true. “Legolas has picked it up and is now reading from it.”

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

Legolas smiled, glad Elrond no longer looked haunted. “Night already is upon us. I should retire and leave you to your rest.”

Elrond looked at him and smiled. His eyes, no longer biased, were drawn to the pools of liquid blue. He could drown in them, he knew that and he quickly averted his eyes, lest his own feelings became to obvious. Even if he was fairly certain Legolas had feelings for him, he was not sure what they were and he should, at the very least, give Legolas a time to get used to this changed atmosphere between them before he made his move.

He smiled when his eyes fell on the poem book. “Do you read much?”
Legolas frowned at the sudden and strange question. “Not much, but aye, I enjoy reading. Why?”
Elrond smiled and pointed to the book he saw. “A book filled with songs and poems. It was a parting gift from Celebrían, to bring me joy when she no longer could. It just reminded me I had no idea if you enjoy to read or even read.”

Legolas grinned and walked to pick it up. He smiled at the beautiful cover and took it back to his seat. “May I?” Elrond nodded and Legolas slowly flipped the pages, smiling as he recognized a song or a poem.

“The illustrations are lovely.”
Elrond blushed and smiled shyly. “Thank you.”
Legolas’ eyes widened. “You did them?”
Elrond nodded. “Read the inscription. First page.”

Legolas flipped back and smiled as he read the words.

Elrond, melda vernonya,
Istan vanyamënya antuva niri nan maquetin ten: carat ú niricarë. Enyalat nin ú ve ni ná nan ve ni né epë. Irë hendutya tiuyëa yoniri naicëva lelyat ter sina parma. Istan te méla lairi ar líri lá aiquen ni istan. Sin an círëan sina ar hyaman fainuvas aritya irë ni ú andavë pólan. Cannën caris ten: ilya atya lassë lusta ten mitecat. Ú návat nin irë caristya, veat cáran maquetë ten carës mára i-quettar, nan mitéca ve orëtya ná ar cárat sina parma parmalva.
Ni illelyuvan ten, vernonya, nan ni ú méra te ëa erinqua. Ve tuvuvat melmë atta, te harya laitamënya mapas mántentya. Ar ve ni hlaruvan te carnë ú nauvat ilmaquetuva nin.
Anwa melmë, ve mára ve ni ná er polë,
Ten Celebrían

Legolas felt his eyes turn wet as he read it and he looked at Elrond. His heart warmed with pride. Elrond had just trusted him enough to let him read such a personal thing.

Elrond smiled but remained silent, signalling he didn’t mind Legolas seeing more.
The blond returned to his flipping, his gaze now settled on the drawings, not the words. They were divers and in different styles as well, but they all were beautiful.

“Have you filled all the pages?”
Elrond shook his head. “Not yet.”

Legolas continued flipping and Elrond found his nervousness rising. He had half a mind to take the book away from Legolas before he got to the one he had drawn last night.

Legolas smiled at the landscapes. Two on one page: one during daytime and the other of the night. He looked up and cocked his head. “You did this one here.”
Elrond nodded. “After the first few I found it easier to draw here. It’s more calm. So except from those few I did them all here.”
Legolas smiled, his head still cocked. “From memory?”
Elrond shrugged. “And quick sketches.”
Legolas smiled. “I wouldn’t be able to do that. I’ve given up after a few attempt. Everything I drew came out like an orc.”
Elrond laughed warmly though his eyes were fixed on Legolas’ fingers, praying they would put the book down before reaching the last of his drawings. Just two more pages…

Legolas turned onee ane and read the poem, smiling when he felt the image reflecting the mood the poem brought him in. He placed his fingers in position to flip to the next page when he heard a loud voice and dropped the book in shock.

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

“ELLADAN! ELROHIR! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?”
The twins jumped up in shock and horror. “Arwen, Aragorn. What are you doing here?” One look over their shoulders told them their father was coming their way too and they shrank in advance, already hearing the sermon they would receive at the spot.

Aragorn and Arwen however could care less. Arwen glared at them, thinking they were waiting for some trick to be acted out, and Aragorn’s face was one of death anger, not liking the way they were spying on Elrond and Legolas. He knew the twins well enough to know this wasn’t just normal spying and that realisation saved them from facing the point of his sword. But he would not allow them to mess up his friend’s chances so he had ‘interrupted’.

Elladan and Elrohir put on their most innocent faces but Arwen had seen them too much to be fooled. “You can wipe those looks of your faces, you brainless orcs.” She placed her hands on her hips. “What in Elbereth’s name are you up to?”
Elladan and Elrohir shared a glance. “Nothing Arwen, we swear.”
Arwen rolled her eyes and Aragorn grinned. “You’d better tell her the truth now, or you will have to test your running abilities.”
Elladan looked at Aragorn. “Are you threatening me?”
Aragorn shook his head. “Nay, warning you. You don’t know what she’s like pregnant.”
Arwen took one step closer. “Spill!”
Elladan and Elrohir swallowed. “Really Arwen, we are up to nothing.”

They would have jumped when they felt a hand on their shoulder, but the hand held them down too firmly to accomplish it. They cringed under Elrond’s firm grasp. “Would you two please enlighten me why you feel it necessary to spy on us?”
Elladan and Elrohir bit their lips and Arwen’s eyes widened. “You were spying on adar and Legolas? How could you? You two have the tact of.. of… of…”
“An elephant on rampage.” Legolas offered.
“Yes, an elephant on rampage. I have a strong mind to knock you into the healing house. How could you do that? Do you really think they would injure each other?”

Legolas laughed as Arwen raved on. He was glad he wasn’t on the receiving end. “Arwen, calm down. I am sure Elladan and Elrohir had good intentions only. And I am also sure they would love to make up by making us all breakfast.”
Elladan and Elrohir grabbed the golden opportunity with both their hands. “Aye, we would. Legolas, you truly are a friend.”
Elrond was about to intervene but Aragorn shook his head. None but he had seen the glint in Legolas’ eyes. The twins were in for a surprise. Elladan and Elrohir already walked away, after one of them had quickly grabbed the miruvor, but before they were completely gone Legolas stopped them. “And I meant you make the breakfast. Not the kitchen staff. And Arwen will go ask if you made good your promise.”
Elladan and Elrohir groaned at the image. “Some friend you are.”
Legolas grinned. “Than don’t spy on me.”

Aragorn pulled his wife close. “And we’d better be going to before we’re sent to the stables or something.” He winked at Legolas. “See you later.”

Elrond shook his head. “You handle them well. I’m impressed.”
Legolas shrugged. “I’ve gotten to know them rather well over the centuries. They’re easy to handle.”
Elrond nodded. “Still, you’d make a great father one day.”
Legolas shook his head. “I don’t think I’ll ever be a father.”
Elrond walked back to his seat and smiled, hiding his enthusiasm at the words. “Why not?”
Legolas shrugged. “I’m not interested in she-elves. Sexually that is.”

He walked back and knelt. “I’m sorry. I dropped it when Aragorn’s voice boomed through the room.”
Elrond laughed. “It can take a blow.” He extended his hand to take it over and Legolas picked it up, fully intending to place it in Elrond’s hand.

But it had fallen open on the page he had wanted to open before he’d dropped it and the drawing staring at him made him blink and withdraw his hand. His mouth fell open as he looked at himself, sleeping on a bed. Involuntarily his lips curled up when he saw he was in his masquerade attire, complete with mask.

He handed it to Elrond. “What is this?”
Elrond shrugged. “That’s the elf I walked with, talked with and danced with. I draw what touches me and watching him sleep touched me, so I drew him.” His eyes locked with Legolas. “Or rather I drew you. This looks good too.” He nodded his head to Legolas’ present clothes.
Legolas blushed and let go of the book. “Did you know it was me?” He lowered his head. Why had he asked that? Did he really want to know?
Elrond sighed. “Not when I drew it. I found out when Glorfindel threw you your robe when Celeborn and Galadriel left.”

He lifted Legolas’ chin. “Did you know it was me?” His heart contracted in guilt, seeing the eyes lower so Legolas could avoid his stare. Legolas could do naught but nod. Elrond smiled. “Why did you seek me out? Because we were masked? Because I would not recognize you?”
Legolas nodded. “I did not know who else to spend the time with.”
Elrond smiled. “The twins, Galadriel, Celeborn, all easy enough to detect.”
Legolas sighed and managed a weak smile. “I wanted to have you see me without knowing who I was. I thought perhaps… it was silly.”
Elrond shook his head and gently moved his thumb over Legolas’ eye lashes, forcing the orbs to open. “No, Legolas. It was not. You were right. I was biased, always have been and I can never make amends, I know that. I did see the true you, without my cloaking glasses, and I enjoyed your company. I now know I always shall.”

Legolas smiled and whispered a silent thanks. He looked down again, desperate for a change in subject. Seeing the book he smiled. “You have a truly talented pen, Elrond. I have never seen myself so beautifully drawn.”
Elrond smiled. “Thank you, but I draw what I see. I do not alter images. You see yourself this beautiful because you are this beautiful. Elladan is right when he calls you a Mirkwood jewel.”
Legolas blushed deep at the words. “Thank you.”

He looked past Elrond. “It is time I retired and left you your sleep. Lest there won’t be a night left.”
Elrond stopped him from leaving by placing his hand on his arm. “You do not have to go. Sleep will not come to me this night anyway and I’d rather spend it with you than alone. Please stay so we might get to know each other? Unless you are truly tired, in which case I shall not withhold you your bed.”

Legolas was torn in two. Remembering his father’s note he smiled. /Aiya Elrond, you make guarding my heart truly difficult. But if I go to bed I shall only have my dreams return to me, more vividly and desirable than before./ “All right. But could we go somewhere else?”
Elrond nodded. “Where would you like to go?”
Legolas smiled. “The roof, or somewhere else I can see the stars. I miss seeing them.”
Elrond smiled. “Of course, come with me.”

End chapter 08
TBC

Translations:
Elrond, melda vernonya,
Istan vanyamënya antuva niri nan maquetin ten: carat ú niricarë. Enyalat nin ú ve ni ná nan ve ni né epë. Irë hendutya tiuyëa yoniri naicëva lelyat ter sina parma. Istan te méla lairi ar líri lá aiquen ni istan. Sin an círëan sina ar hyaman fainuvas aritya irë ni ú andavë pólan. Cannën caris ten: ilya atya lassë lusta ten mitecat. Ú návat nin irë caristya, veat cáran maquetë ten carës mára i-quettar, nan mitéca ve orëtya ná ar cárat sina parma parmalva.
Ni illelyuvan ten, vernonya, nan ni ú méra te ëa erinqua. Ve tuvuvat melmë atta, te harya laitamënya mapas mántentya. Ar ve ni hlaruvan te carnë ú nauvat ilmaquetuva nin.
Anwa melmë, ve mára ve ni ná er polë,
Ten Celebrían

Elrond, my beloved husband
I know my departure will bring you tears but I beseech you: do not weep. Remember me not as I am now but as I were before. If your eyes swell with the tears of pain flip through this book. I know you love poems and songs, more than everyone I know. So as I sail I give you this and hope it will lighten your days when I no longer can. I had it made for you; every other page blank for you to draw. Think not of me as you do that, nor do I ask you to make them fit the text, but draw what your heart feels and make this books ours.
I shall await you, my husband, but I do not desire your loneliness. Should you find love again, you have my blessing to take it with both your hands. And should I hear you did not you will have to answer to me.
With love, as much as I am still capable of,
Your Celebrían.