Against all odds2: Work it out

Chapter nine We’re not moving

Galadriel cocked her head when she saw Celeborn standing in the middle of the room, his eyes lost in thought and a wrinkle on his forehead. She knew it only came there when he was extremely worried about something.

She embraced him from behind. “Melamin? Man raica?”
Celeborn startled out of his reverie and sighed, leaning against his wife. “Thranduil wrote me. Apparently Haldir is courting someone there and Orophin fell in love. He wants to know if there’s any truth to the rumour that they are about to get wed.”
Galadriel widened her eyes. “What? They are betraying their…” She couldn’t even speak it and her voice was filled with disbelief.
Celeborn shook his head. “Nay, the letter speaks of real love. Though Thranduil is afraid Orophin might suffer heartache.” He turned and smiled. “And as far as Haldir is concerned. We have to make sure it is hidden from our realm’s gossip, for it is but a ruse.”
Galadriel widened her eyes. “A ruse?”
Celeborn nodded. “Aye. Legolas has decided Thranduil needs a mate and you know how he and Elrohir are. It does sound like Haldir to offer to play his suitor.”

This made Galadriel laugh, though she frowned soon enough. “On the other hand; he wouldn’t offer such a thing without a deeper reason. I fear for the girls.”
Celeborn sighed. “For the first time in my life, I am completely clueless.”
Galadriel smiled. “We shall travel to Imladris and bring the girls. Things need to be solved.”

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Tyelcë screamed and jumped in the air. “A letter! A letter from Elladan!”
The male shook his head. “Really, woman, you’ve received a letter from him only a week ago.”
She nodded. “I hope there’s nothing wrong with Lindir.”

She fearfully opened the letter, dreading its contends. She sighed relieved when the words caressed her eyes. “He wants us to come.”

Quentalëndil frowned and accepted the letter, reading it himself. “You are right. He does want us to come.”
Tyelcë beamed with happiness and already started ordering their maids about. The sooner things were ready the better. She wanted to leave instantly.

“Wait a second. I think there’s something else going on. I don’t think it’s the pregnancy that’s calling us there.”
Tyelcë rolled her eyes. “What else can there be? I am sure they are doing fine.” But if somehow something was troubling them, they could count on her. She still felt guilty.
Quentalëndil embraced her from behind. “Stop brooding or Lindir will kick us right back.” She grinned and went about packing.

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Some weeks before…..


Elladan stretched and opened his eyes and looked at his sleeping lover. /Aiya, Lindir, I cannot believe I’ve been so blind to your needs. What’s wrong with me?/ As in response Lindir moved closer and tightened his embrace.

Elladan looked out the window and smiled. It was night. He shook his head. It was night and Lindir was sleeping. Now what was wrong with that picture?
He carefully disentangled himself and left the bed. He was appreciative someone had thought of leaving them some food. He sighed and started eating some bread.

Not long after he’s left the bed Lindir too stirred and woke up. The minstrel sat up and looked questioningly at Elladan, who shrugged. “It doesn’t pain me much anymore, melamin, and I was hungry. Sorry for not waking you, but you slept so peaceful, I didn’t want to disturb it. Hungry?”

Lindir nodded and sat up. “I’m bored.”
Elladan grinned. “Don’t ask me to remedy that. Not right now, please.”
Lindir laughed and shook his head. “Nay, not that sort of bored, Elladan.” He scooted closer to his love and rested his head against his shoulder. “Nay, I hate having nothing to do. Do you think we can find out whom Haldir is courting?”
Elladan shrugged. “I don’t think so. I didn’t remember it at the time, but he has a lover in ‘Lóriën.” He frowned and narrowed his eyes. “As does Orophin. They were looking for rings. Ata’da told me.”

Lindir jumped up, groaning a little as he did so. Elladan instantly supported him and looked concerned. Lindir was in between hitting Elladan for his over-protectiveness or hugging him for his care. He growled. “I hate this. I can tell you I do not look forward to repeating this soon.”
Elladan smiled and kissed him. “What did you want to do?”
Lindir looked questioningly but soon his look turned determined. “We have to do something. Haldir was definitely talking about someone here and Orophin and Ecthelion…. Or did I hear wrong?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay. You didn’t. Should we alert father?”
Lindir shook his head. “Nay. I think he’s too tired right now, too troubled about all of us. Maybe Thranduil will know what to do?” Another plan formed in his mind and he nodded. “Can you write my parents? Ask them to come?”
Elladan nodded. “Of course, but I thought you didn’t want them here.” Lindir growled and Elladan held his mouth, not questioning his love further. At times he could understand Haldir’s fear of Lindir, but he just couldn’t understand it was a growing life that was responsible.

He shook himself out of his musings when Lindir called him from the corridor. He hadn’t even noticed his love leaving. “You do realise father will scold us.”
Lindir shrugged. “You write the letter. I’ll talk to Thranduil.”

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Thranduil smiled warmly when he saw Lindir standing before him. “Come in. How are you feeling? Where’s Elladan?”
Lindir smiled. “He’s all right and so am I. But I am worried about my friends. Elladan’s sure Haldir and Orophin had wedding plans, which means they have intended brides or grooms waiting for them. But here we have Orophin loving Ecthelion who in turn is in love with another, whom we know not. And Haldir is courting another mysterious elf. Is it because I am pregnant that everything is so confusing?”

Thranduil smiled and pulled the upset elf into an embrace. “We shall have to wait and see what happens, Lindir. Haldir might be courting his fiancée and as for Orophin, I think he might have had a change of heart.” He stood and walked to his desk. “Why don’t you help me write a letter to Celeborn and Galadriel? They might know more.”
Lindir nodded and sat down. He smiled secretively at Thranduil’s fussing.

When the letter, after six drafts, was finally finished Lindir looked at the blond ruler. “Lord Elrond is not taking care of himself lately.”
Thranduil narrowed his eyes but then smiled. “You mean he’s too tired and too worried.” He nodded. “Which is logical. You are pregnant and Elladan just came home injured.” He sighed. “You are kind, Lindir. Never before has anyone so kindly told me I am inconsiderate.”
He shook his head. /If I remember the words I spoke to Elrohir and Legolas…/
He sighed. “I will step in and relieve Elrond’s burden a bit. I’ve done it before, I can do it again.”

He smiled. “But we should relieve Erestor as well.” He sighed. “You and Elladan are not an option. And neither are Elrohir and Legolas if you want me to get anything done.” He sighed, not really knowing the answer. With every elf that he could pick, there was a problem as to why he couldn’t ask him.
Lindir smiled. “Rumil and Orophin can help Glorfindel and Ecthelion and Haldir can help you.”
Thranduil thought it over and nodded. He looked at the minstrel. “There’s not much that escapes your notice, is there?”
Lindir grinned and smiled affectionately. “I hope they write soon, though.”
Thranduil nodded. “They will. And now to do the horrible thing. Tell Elrond and Erestor to calm down.”

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Erestor smiled at Elrond, who looked like he had just heard a Balrog. “It’s unlike having a second Glorfindel.”
Elrond smiled at the words. “Aye, he completely flipped. I can’t believe he called me a warg-rider.”
Erestor pulled him close. “Worry not, Ecthelion will come round and see reason. He might never tell us whom he desires, but he will talk to Rumil; I am sure of it.”

Elrond sighed and yawned again. /How can I be so tired? We’ve just woken up./ He looked up wearily when the door opened and Thranduil and Lindir stepped inside. Worry instantly rode towards him and he rushed forward. “Lindir!”
Lindir smiled and allowed Elrond to burry him in a hug. “I’m fine, Elrond, really. And Elladan is walking about somewhere, so he’s fine too. I’ll make sure he’ll rest enough, promise.”
Elrond nodded, calming down again. “Ai, Lindir, I wish I could make things less painful for you.”
Lindir shrugged and stepped back.

Thranduil could see the doubt in Lindir’s eyes and so he decided he had to be the one to deliver the news. “You look tired, Elrond. Everything must be too much at the moment. Why don’t you and Erestor take some time off? I shall guard Imladris for you. And that is an order.”
Erestor laughed at the words and his eyes turned grateful. “Please do. I was meaning to ask you, but…”
Thranduil nodded. “Your mate comes first. So take him to his bed, Erestor. And you, Lindir, find your own mate, unless you’d rather stay and aid me.”
Lindir shook his head and ran out.
Elrond widened his eyes. “He’s running.”
Erestor nodded. “Of course he is. It is night. Off to bed, melamin.”

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The next weeks were spent with Elrond and Erestor relaxing, Thranduil ruling and ushering Elrond and Erestor straight out should they step one foot inside the office when looking tired, Haldir subtlety and romantically courting Thranduil, though Legolas continued to be sceptic about it and Rumil avoiding both Ecthelion and Glorfindel, making everybody worry more and more.

But one moment Ecthelion did manage to talk to Rumil. He saw him before him and ran towards him swifter than Rumil had been able to turn around.

Rumil frowned when he saw Ecthelion suddenly before him. He couldn’t help but glare at the elf.
Ecthelion smiled. “I am pleased we finally meet, Rumil. You’ve brought the light back to Glorfindel’s eyes.” He sighed. “I would have felt bad for falling in love with another, but now that you and he are one, it doesn’t matter. I am so happy we aren’t meant for each other anymore.”
Rumil shrugged and passed him by. He refused to listen to those lies. Seeing Glorfindel coming up the stairs he swiftly ran down the corridor. He had no desire to see either elf.

Glorfindel frowned when he saw Ecthelion looking so forlorn. “What’s wrong?”
Ecthelion sighed. “I tried talking to Rumil, but he just walked away. He’s just not listening. At all.”
Glorfindel sighed. “Maybe Elrond is wrong.”
Ecthelion shook his head. “Nay. He is hurting inside, Glorfindel, and if you and I just cut of connection it is not helping him heal, only binding his wound.”
Glorfindel sighed. “But how can I do anything to help him if he avoids me? I need him.” He sank to his knees and lowered his head.
Ecthelion’s eyes narrowed and he held his friend close. “Now, don’t break down, not yet. Lead today’s patrol. I shall not give up, I promise.”

Translations:
Melamin lover mine
Man raica what’s wrong
Tyelcë | agile one
Quentalëndil history lover
TBC