In disguise

Chapter seven Coming out.

Sermo shook his head. “Really, woman, you have prepared food for an army of Dwarves. Need I remind you only elves dwell here?”
Apsontë turned and glared at him. “You’d better watch your mouth before I rinse it out. And whatever happened to the lass you were dating?”
“Like I am going to tell you.”
“So tell me, I am highly curious.” Sermo turned at the voice behind him and smiled before he hastily bowed. “Elladan, Tihtalfin. What a pleasure to see you. Within an hour we have food again though by the looks of it we can eat now and not feel ashamed at all. She prepared for a host of Dwarves, I tell you.”

Thrilmaldur laughed at Apsontë’s clearly angering face. “Don’t let him get to you. I’m sure all others appreciate your efforts. I certainly do. Well, Sermo, how did your date go?”
Sermo grinned. “Good. So good I am seeing her tonight again. Tell me, Tihtalfin, have you ever courted a lady?” Sermo yelped when something hit his head and he turned to glare at Apsontë. She shook her head. “You should speak before you open your mouth. He’s already stated to prefer men.” Rolling her eyes she turned and looked at the elf in question. “Have you recently courted anyone? Or have been courted?”
Thrilmaldur smiled and shook his head. “Nay, I’ve been single almost my entire life.”

Elladan gasped as he suddenly realised something and pulled Thrilmaldur along, outside the kitchen. “I am sorry, but what was, is your brother’s profession?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “He’s a painter. Quite talented too. Why?”
Elladan sighed. “I thought he was a warrior and that his profession was the cause of your fall out.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Nay, Elladan. My dislike for women is. He insisted I’d marry a comely she-elf like he had, only I refused to do so.”
Elladan’s eyes widened. “But surely he cannot deny you your happiness. It’s not like you are in need of heirs, you rule no realm.”
Thrilmaldur nodded and smiled, reaching out to replace a braid behind Elladan’s ear. “True, and he didn’t. Not really. I just exploded when he said I could still fuck a male even when wed to a woman.”
Elladan blinked. “But that’s insane! If you do not love you cannot possible wed anyone. And to fuck another would be unfaithful, even if it’s the other gender.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “My precise words to him. An hour later he’d left for Mirkwood. I’ve never seen him since.” His voice was sad and Elladan ached to comfort him.

Acting on impulse he drew the other in an embrace. “Aiya, I am so sorry. If Ro ever said such a thing to me….” Tears welled in his eyes but he forced them back, focusing on the counsellor instead.
Thrilmaldur was shocked at the amount of affection and care, but he shook his head and smiled. /All elves here are filled with care, concern and affection. But I do believe it is more with this one./

“Shall we rejoin the others, lest Sermo thinks I am seducing you.”
Elladan laughed and nodded. “Aye, are you telling them now?”
“Not my name though. I’ve started to like this Tihtalfin. Sounds a lot better than Thrilmaldur. And it’s shorter.”
Elladan nodded. “I prefer it too. It’s suits you better.”

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Apsontë frowned, she didn’t like the gloomy look on her friend’s face. “What’s the matter?”
Thrilmaldur smiled at her. “Well, there’s something you don’t know about me.”
Sermo grinned. “You’re married after all! Knew it!” Elladan glared at him, surprising him enough to actually shut him up.
Thrilmaldur smiled. “No, I am not. Like I said, I prefer males. Always did. No, I am here on Lord Elrond’s request.”
Sermo jumped, raising his arms to the air in defence. “Whatever has happened, it has nothing to do with me.” Thrilmaldur frowned at the words but smiled when Elladan hastily informed him Sermo usually relocated things; borrowing without asking. “I was summoned here to solve the thefts and I have.”

Both woman and man blinked their eyes several times to digest the news. “Well, this is unexpected. I take it Tihtalfin isn’t your real name and you didn’t come from ‘Lóriën?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I do hail from ‘Lóriën. I am lord Celeborn’s counsellor. And no, Tihtalfin isn’t my real name. Lord Elrond made it up though I must say it sort of grew on me.”
Elladan smiled. “It does sound so much better. Come, we’re late for dinner.”
Thrilmaldur sighed. “Is my presence really required? I enjoy eating here with my friends.”

Apsontë blushed at the words but pulled him to his feet. “If you are really a counsellor and you are Lord Elrond’s guest,” “His honoured guest” Elladan chipped in. “then you cannot let our lord waiting. Nor will it do for you to eat here. Or to wear those clothes.”
Sermo grinned. “Aye. Clever ruse though; pretending to be poor and without clothes. Real clever.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “It was the truth. I had to leave in such a hurry I didn’t have time to pack. Maybe I can have some brought over?”
Elladan nodded. “I am sure father will be more than willing to arrange it. And to make you some.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Anyway I cannot possibly show up looking like this, now can I?”
Elladan crossed his arms. “I am going to eat with the family and so are you! Adar will understand. And you still have to tell Erestor. Or do you want him to boss you around?”
Thrilmaldur grinned. “If I am to help him in the library, he probably will boss me around. But all right. I shall see you two at breakfast then. Sleep well.”

Sermo and Apsontë returned the greeting and smiled at each other once Elladan and Thrilmaldur had left. “A counsellor…. Who would have thought….”
“Well, it does explain the fancy words and sentences. And he must be good. To have solved the thefts so swiftly.”
Talking about the recent news they sat down and waited for the leftovers.

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Elrond smiled at Erestor’s fidgeting. It was obvious the counsellor was in a hurry to eat and leave. “Relax, meldir, I am sure whatever awaits you will still be there after dinner.”
Erestor nodded. “But I want them done before I retire for the night. I cannot afford to lose time.”
Elrond sighed. “Keep this up and you’ll be overworked in no time, Erestor. And then you can’t do anything.”
Erestor glared at him. “I will not. I take care of myself. I just don’t need so much time to eat as the rest of you.”
Elrohir snorted. “Watch it, counsellor, or you’ll see how fast we really are. Now behave!” Erestor turned on his seat and would have retorted but Elladan’s cheerful entrée thwarted his attempt.

Elrond stood and embraced Thrilmaldur. He could sense the counsellor was ill at ease and wanted to reassure him. He smiled as he addressed the other four elves. “Everybody, I want you to meet counsellor Thrilmaldur, my honoured guest.”
Glorfindel nodded and smiled. “If Elladan doesn’t mind my stealing you I shall take you to the tailors tomorrow morn. They have a lot of robes ready but you need to pick them and be able to fit into them.”
Thrilmaldur smiled but shook his head. “That will not be necessary, Seneschal, I have enough clothes to suit me until my own arrive. Elladan said it wouldn’t be a problem to have them send here.”
Elrond smiled and nodded. “I shall far speak with your lord and lady after dinner and transfer your request. They should be here within the week. Anything else you wish to let them know?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “That, though I have finished my job, I cannot yet leave for there are unforeseen complications.”
Elrond smiled and nodded, understanding his meaning. He appreciated the effort to spare Glorfindel’s feelings.

Erestor blinked. “To think I ordered a fellow counsellor to do a servant’s job.” He re-established his posture immediately. “I hope you will stop this guise as well.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “I shall. Lord Elrond has already been generous to grant me access to the library. I shall enjoy myself there.” His smile was catching and Erestor could not help but smile back. /Why don’t I remember him? Or even talked to him? He’s funny, amicable and kind. He would do well here, but is at a disadvantage in ‘Lóriën. Maybe I can persuade him to permanently prolong his stay?/
He cocked his head. “There are some matters that have been giving us some headaches. Perhaps you would look at them? A fresh eye, so they say.”
Thrilmaldur inclined his head. “It would be my pleasure, Lord Erestor.”
Erestor waved the title away. “Please, no titles. Just Erestor will do.”

Elladan frowned when his twin kicked his sheen and he glared at him.
Elrohir leaned in closer. “He’s feeling awkward. Tell ada you’ll show him around or something. Work your way into his heart.”
Elladan shook his head at the words though he turned and smiled at his father. “Ada, I am late for a meeting with friends. Can I be excused?”
Elrond narrowed his eyes. He didn’t trust this honeyed voice. “What friends?” The distrust seeped into his voice.
Elladan pretended to be hurt. “Just the other twins. I haven’t seen them in so long. They are helping me with a surprise for Ro.”
Elrohir rolled his eyes. “You can’t keep any surprises from me and you know it.”
Elladan nodded. “That’s why I need their help. Can I go?”
Elrond frowned. “All right, but not alone. Glorfindel will go with you.”
Elladan shook his head. “He can’t. I won’t probably return tonight.” He did not elaborate further but winked at his father, who sighed defeated, though he grinned at Elrohir’s smirking face. “Ada, why not ask Thrilmaldur to accompany him. we both know he is more
than capable to protect Elladan from any danger.”
Elrond laughed at the image of a sprawled Elrohir on his floor. “Aye, we do.” He turned his attention to Thrilmaldur. “Would you mind?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Though I don’t see why. Elladan is an experienced warrior himself.”

Elladan grinned as he stood up. He signalled for Thrilmaldur to follow him. Elrohir’s eyes narrowed as he locked eyes with Elladan. A smile graced his features and he nodded, grinning when Elladan blushed. He knew Elrohir had remembered their friends where visiting the Grey Havens this week. He had used it as an excuse to get Thrilmaldur out without arousing suspicion and had not even considered going through with it. In fact: he had not even remembered himself until it was too late. He swallowed, knowing perfectly well what was on his twin’s mind. /Ai, Ro, how do I safe myself tonight?/

He forced himself not to jump when Thrilmaldur touched his shoulder and turned him to face the other. He sighed, looking into those lovely green eyes.
Thrilmaldur smiled. “You did that to get me out of that awkward situation. Thank you, Elladan. Are you really going to your friends’ house?”
Elladan shrugged. “I might, though there’s not much use. They are out of town. The four of us used to get in trouble together, still do. That’s why ada insisted on protection.”
Thrilmaldur smiled though he frowned. “So you are not thinking of going to the party tonight?”
Elladan narrowed his eyes. “What party?”
“The one in the village. I’ve heard so much about it today. I believe Sermo and his lass are going as well. And the laundry lady with her family.”
Elladan laughed. “Why do I have the feeling you know everyone that lives here?” He shook his head. “I can see why my grandparents send you to help.”
Thrilmaldur inclined his head in acceptance but did not alter their conversation. “Are you going or not?”
Elladan sighed. “I don’t know. I’d probably feel awkward there. I know what people say of me and Ro.”
Thrilmaldur cocked his head. “Rumours, Elladan. Gossip is a powerful tool and it spreads information swifter than any other channel I know. You only need to discern fact from fiction.”
Elladan smiled. “I know. And I know nobody believes it but still it hurts to hear it.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “So you sit in your room and mope?”
Elladan laughed. “That or chop off orc heads.”

He sobered soon enough. “Are you going?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “I would love to, but I know not the way.”
Elladan smiled and turned. “Come on then, I’ll escort you.”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “No, I would not be able to find my own way back, I’m afraid. If it weren’t for some soldiers I would have gotten lost earlier.”
Elladan cocked his head. “You won’t be walking home alone. If I take you there I take you back as well.” He started walking and smiled when he heard Thrilmaldur following him.

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Once he was at the party Elladan smiled, seeing how everybody flocked around Thrilmaldur, talking to him and friendly scolding him for being late. Elladan realised they really loved the counsellor and accepted his new identity without protests or questions.

He smiled when Apsontë sat down next to him. “I am surprised you came, Elladan. Or can we thank Tihtalfin for that? Or should I say Thrilmaldur?”
Elladan grinned. “He said he preferred Tihtalfin, though I doubt he’ll be mad if you use his real name and yes, he is the reason I am here. He’s father’s honoured guest and I have to make sure he won’t get lost.”
The woman laughed warmly. “And he you, I am sure. Get yourself something to drink and eat, Elladan. You are not his keeper, are you?”
Elladan laughed and shook his head, standing to walk away.

He hesitated when he saw the elves that worked the stands. He involuntarily shivered, remembering all the harsh words they had said to him and his siblings about their heritage. He took a deep, steadying breath and continued walking. “One miruvor, please, and something to nibble.”
The girl behind the drinks turned a dark colour red and lowered her head in shame, silently pouring out a glass of miruvor and a glass of red wine. She handed them both to Elladan. “Here you are.”
Elladan narrowed his eyes. “I asked for miruvor.”
The girl nodded. “The wine’s from me. As an apology.”
The male next to her snorted and glared at Elladan. “I doubt the Peredhel can keep it in.”
The girl turned and glared at him. “Toron!”
The male crossed his arms. “No! Just because Tihtalfin, or Thrilmaldur, or whatever his name is, likes Elladan does not mean we have to crawl in the duor tor that tainted elf. If anything it shows that the poor elf has lousy taste and bad skills.”
“And just how will Lord Elrond respond to my report, foul mounted elf?”

The three elves, including all bystanders, turned in surprise at hearing Thrilmaldur’s voice. The counsellor’s face was grim and his eyes bored into the male, who started trembl “Ma “Maybe you need to go back to school, young one,” his icy voice continued “for you seem to have forgotten Lord Elrond’s blood does not only include elven and human blood, but also that of the Maia. You are beneath them and not the other way around.”
The male elf glared at him but Thrilmaldur merely cocked his head. “I must however admit you are right. My liking for Elladan should not force you to act politely at all. If his kind soul, his proud and great heritage and his father’s title aren’t enough for you to crawl through the dust than nothing is. Good day.” He turned and walked a few paces before he turned again, looking at Elladan. “I am sorry, Elladan, but I wish to leave. The air has turned sour here.”
The female could no longer contain her mirth and burst out laughing.

Elladan came towards him, gratitude shining from his eyes. “Thank you for that. I don’t know what to say.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “You don’t have to say anything. Come, Sermo and some others have invited me to some brash party. But I am not going there alone.”
Elladan smiled. “Do you know what that is?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head but smiled. “A party is a party and if we are amongst friends the fun only increases. Come on, let’s not stay here but join our friends.”
Elladan nodded and easily followed Thrilmaldur’s lead. He wondered what his brother would say if he heard what just happened and was about to happen.

End chapter 07
TBC

Translation:
Toron means brother