The Jewel of Mirkwood

Chapter 86

“Reports come in from Lorien that the threat moves westward towards us. While they are many in number they are disorganized and leaderless easily disposed of in raids. It is the men that Haldir speaks of in his letter that concern me, My Lord.” Legolas sat cross-legged on his chair watching as his lover and the other centurions and lords poured over the many maps spread over the large desks.

It had been almost a month since Valendil had left and Legolas did not dare put a foot wrong his guilt over the situation never wavering. For the first time in Legolas life he had showed himself up in front of strangers and brought shame to Glorfindel but he was determined not to do it again. Glorfindel had been angry with him and had refused to share their bed for a week preceding the event. While it was a quiet argument between them, all in the household were wise to why Glorfindel had taken up residence in the guest quarters for the better part of a week. In a way Legolas had been grateful of the reprieve the fluttering in his stomach having turned far more sinister. He was now physically ill but only in the early morning when he was awoken abruptly by pains in his abdomen. Thutteuttering was no longer but a dull ache was ever present and nausea shortened his sleep considerably each morn. Yet Legolas remained tight lipped on his situation knowing that if he spoke Glorfindel would surely end his chance at the borders. While it was concerning it was not yet anything to worry about and Legolas merely put the nausea down to his nerves.

Since the incident with Valendil Legolas had been the model husband. He had dutifully completed his chores each day at the stores before spending the afternoons with Elrohir. His nights were spent with Glorfindel either listening to the elder read in the library or alone together in their rooms talking about things that concerned them. While they had sex regularly it was not as often as previously, Legolas finding excuses in an effort to avoid the embarrassing bladder problem, which had now firmly settled as a part of his routine of secrets. Despite everything though Legolas found himself comfortable with his life but as much as he enjoyed this life he craved something much more adventurous. Something he knew would soon take place.

Elrond had received a letter from Haldir only last week telling of a party of men moving from Gondor and heading towards Imladris. They had been seen passing Lorien’s borders but had not trespassed merely moving on quickly without incident. The Lorien elves had followed the party along their borders taking note of the disguised high-ranking officers among the common warriors and dignitaries too. According to Haldir they carried large packs with them their contents unknown, as was the parties destination. There had been little love loss between the elves and men, and while orcs were a threat, men with motive were deemed far more dangerous in such times as these. The incident with Echthelion had made all of Imladris’ guards wary and cautious of any men, their memories of their fallen comrades not easily forgotten.

“I am deeply concerned Elrond, the party is heavily armed and we do not have the capacity at the moment to stave off an attack should one come.” Legolas’ allowed his eyes to dart backwards and forwards across the table the elvan Lord’s bent lowly over, their foreheads creased in thought. Legolas had almost thought he would be told to leave as soon as the elder lords arrived in the library their maps and papers in hand. So far Legolas had been allowed very little insight into thekingking of Imladris’ army and had been surprised when the lords and centuries seemed to ignore him as they began their discussion.

“Glorfindel has a point Elrond, our best archers are still recovering from Ecthelion’s attack. Our resources at present are stretched. Already eight patrols are at the border dealing with the orcs and they are tiring by the day, we would not be ready for any attack.” Erestor’s voice sounded tense and Legolas wondered if the chief advisor alwaoundounded so serious when talking of combat strategies. Up until now Erestor had always seemed quite lighthearted to Legolas and it was strange to see one he considered to know well with an unfamiliar expression on his face. Legolas looked to Elrond who was shaking his head and rubbing his forehead with the tips of his fingers, his lips pursed tightly together in thought.

“Then we must avoid all confrontation if possible.” Elrond began pacing back and forth in front of his desk as his council straightened themselves from the map and waited for their instructions from their Lord. “As yet we still do not know the parties intended destination and I would have a pair of watchers sent to keep us to date with their progress and their chosen route.”

“I will organize that straight away father.” Legolas sank back into his chair as Eladdan’s spoke up from beside Glorfindel pre empting his father’s request. Elrond nodded understandingly and turned to Erestor and Glorfindel. Legolas was almost eager to hear what Glorfindel’s task would be, hoping against hope it involved being posted to the border.

“Erestor you will take tutor Filgree and Lindar to insure that our supplies are well kept and that all available to fight are armed and up to date with their skill in case we should need them.” Legolas watched as Erestor nodded having received his task for the coming weeks. Elrond then turned his attention to Glorfindel who was still fingering the corners of the pile of reports he had brought with him to the meeting. “Glorfindel. You and Eladdan will take post at the eastern border. I will send messages to you via Elrohir with each report the watchers bring in. Stay out of sight and do not engage in battle unless they make a direct threat to Imladris. If they make an attempt to cross the ford then you may inquire after their intentions but there is to be no other contanlesnless necessary. I do not want a war on my hands that I don’t have the resources to fight.” Legolas was almost brimming with happiness as he watched his lover nod in understanding the smile on his lips died however as he watched Lord Elrond completely turn around to face him sitting on the chair.

“I assume you will be joining Lord Glorfindel, Legolas?” Legolas was stunned and could only managed to nod his head at Lord Elrond who glanced knowingly back at Glorfindel. Legolas glanced to his lover and watched with slight dismay as Glorfindel sighed heavily before reluctantly nodding his acceptance to Lord Elrond.

“Aye he will my Lord.” Legolas tried desperately to keep his calm expression even as Glorfindel verbally agreed to the long awaited trip to the borders.

“Very well you will leave at dawn tomorrow, now go there is a lot to be done and so little time to do it in.” With a curt wave of his hand Elrond dismissed the gathered party and moved silently out onto his private balcony obviously wishing to be alone. Everyone took the hint and silently gathered their things to leave, Legolas included. Pausing in the doorway Legolas watched as Glorfindel and Erestor shared some silent words together before Erestor followed Elrond outside and closed the balcony doors behind him, leaving Glorfindel to make his way towards where Legolas was waiting for him. Curious as to what had just been shared between Glorfindel and Erestor Legolas smiled up at his lover with a question.

“What is the matter with Elrond and Eresthey hey seemed very morbid today.” Glorfindel sighed heavily and bustled his young lover from the library cautiously closing the tapestry behind him before leading Legolas down the corridor towards their rooms.

“Erestor and Elrond have told Elladan and Elrohir of their intentions to become life partners.” Legolas had to run a little to catch up with the long strides Glorfindel was taking. He had hardly heard what Glorfindel had said and had to strain to hear the words from Glorfindel’s quietly spoken voice. It was obvious that Glorfindel was in one of his awkward moods again his face the picture of a warrior’s determination as he passed the servants by without even a second glance, when he’d normally greet them politely. When Glorfindel made no intention of continuing on with his explanation Legolas probed a little further. He had become used to Glorfindel’s moods and while they were far lesequeequent than his own they were no less delicate to handle.

“And what was their reaction? I am sure Elrohir would be happy for his father to have found love again, so long after their mothers passing.” In record time the couple had reached their chambers and Legolas paused in the doorway of their outer room to watch as Glorfindel began rifling through their wardrobe, tossing items of clothing onto the end of the bed.

“Yes Elrohir was I believe extremely happy for them both.” Legolas sighed as he watched his lover move from the wardrobe to the chest at the bottom of the bed, to again being rifling through it for items he obviously wanted. Legolas was not sure what Glorfindel was doing but having sensed the elder’s mood decided not to ask.

“And Elladan?” Legolas walked silently over to the bed and sat cautioudowndown on the edge to watch as Glorfindel began packing his things into one of the saddlebags and the pack he had retrieved from the chest.

“He is extremely unhappy about the situation Legolas and refuses his consent to witness any such act. Elladan loved his mother and does not wish to see her replaced by Erestor. As it is Elladan and Elrond foughd ard are now not talking to one another save for the concerns of Imladris’ protection from the enemy. Erestor is also upset and as his friend I am attempting to comfort him.” Glorfindel stood up from his bags now fully packed accepted for food, water and weaponry. “Now come, I will instruct you on what you will need to take to the borders.” Legolas sighed inwardly as Glorfindel turned his gaze from his bags to Legolas, urging him to begin taking things from the wardrobe he thought he would need for the trip. Obediently Legolas rose from the bed and wandered over to the wardrobes as Glorfindel sat himself down on the end of the bed to watch.

“Perhaps it would help if I talked to Elladan, knowing what it feels like to lose your mother.” Legolas was determined to continue the conversation, concerned about his friends and their happiness. Considering Elladan’s dislike of Legolas it was obvious that any conversation would probably have the opposite affect to what Legolas wanted but he was willing to try.

“You will do no such thing Legolas. This is none of your concern and I would infinitely prefer it if you concentrated on the task at hand.” Glorfindel’s slightly irritated tone indicated an end to the conversation and Legolas reluctantly nodded in understandingly, as he began to pull items of clothing from the wardrobe and hand them to Glorfindel who packed them for him. It was obvious that something had upset Glorfindel that morning but Legolas was not willing to push his lover for an explanation. Legolas had learned very early in their relationship that Glorfindel’s tempers were not to be messed with and only in his own time would Glorfindel tell him what had been the matter. Still Legolas put it all out of his mind to concentrate on his trip. If nothing else exciting was to happen at least he would finally be allowed to go to the borders as a real warrior…

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.