Ball masque

Chapter nine Finding the truth

Haldir frowned when Orophin told him Celeborn and Galadriel demanded his presence. Never before had they demanded anyone’s presence at night when they travelled together. He wondered why.

He cleared his throat when he was in front of their tent. “My lord, My lady, you wanted to see me?” Celeborn bid him to enter and Haldir pushed the flap aside bowed and entered. He straitened and clasped his hands behind his back.

Celeborn stood and looked at him, his expression stern, which somewhat unnerved Haldir. He swallowed. Celeborn sighed. “I do not have to tell you we were highly embarrassed by your actions in Elrond’s house.”
Haldir nodded, feeling guilty of his actions. “But, if I may speak, I really thought I had spotted Lord Elrond. And that I was played with. I had asked Erestor to convey my apologies before we left, my lord.”

Celeborn nodded. “That’s one thing. What about Legolas?”
Haldir raised his eyebrows. “What about him?”
Galadriel’s eyes suddenly widened, recng ang an echo of Haldir’s thoughts and she jumped up. “You should be ashamed and pray we don’t ban you from our lands.”
Celeborn turned to her, his eyes filled with puzzlement. She quickly conveyed him the received images. Celeborn closed his eyes and nodded. “Haldir, why do you think Legolas has lied about it? No, don’t answer that. Just place yourself in his mind for a moment.”
Haldir sighed. “My lord, I really did not rape him and I would not have really raped him either. I merely meant to scare him. Just because he’s a Prince does not mean he can call me a liar.”

Celeborn nodded and placed his hand on Haldir’s shoulder. “I know that, but Legolas does not. But that’s beside the point. Think back to that one night, Haldir. The fellowship stayed within our borders. What exactly happened to get Legolas in your bed?”
Haldir shrugged. “I don’t know, my lord.”

He closed his eyes and lowered his head as the summoned the memories. “He came up to me, jumping from the trees. He was cheerful and laughing. I found it strange, considering they had just lost Mithrandir. I asked him how he could laugh at such a perilous time and he laughed in answer. ‘Gandalf died and opened my eyes, Haldir. I too can die before the Ring is destroyed, for Frodo -will- succeed.’ His eyes were bright and his voice as clear and steady as ever, my lord.”
Haldir paused to breath, forcing his tears to stay inside. “He asked me where I was going and I told him I was headed home, having just returned from the fences. ‘You look too weary, Haldir, too troubled. I shall accompany you and brighten your night. You too need to let go, if only for one night’” Haldir would never forget those words.
“I tried to persuade him to join his friends but he insisted. He asked me if Orophin and Rumil would be there and ever since I wished they had been. But they weren’t and I can still see his smile when I told him so.”
Haldir sighed and closed his eyes more forceful. “As soon as I had closed the door he kissed me. I tried to stop him but he persisted. ‘Haldir, do not turn me down. I know you want me, you always have and I want you. Be my Warden, Haldir, and I shall be your Prince.’”

Haldir sank down on the floor and hid his face in his hands in an effort to hide his tears. “I wasn’t strong enough and I believed him. The next morning he was gone and he never spoke to me again. That Boromir fellow came to me one day. Said that I was fortunate Legolas was such a gentle creature for he had made him promise not to kill me. When I asked him what he was talking about he called me a rapist. It was the day they left. Being lied to was hard enough but have him lie to them was harder. And now he has repeated his lies.”

Galadriel and Celeborn looked at each other, for the first time lost on what to do. Galadriel kneeled and pulled Haldir close. “Why did you never speak about it?” Her voice was sad, though part of it resulted from her own hastily reached conclusion. She had udgeudged Haldir and felt sorry she had.
Haldir shrugged. “I let it happen. I allowed him to use me. So what’s the use?”
Celeborn sighed. “Things would not have gone so far as they have now.”

He marched outside. “Orophin, I have to return to Imladris. Galadriel will return alone. You, Rumil and Haldir will escort me.” Orophin nodded and left to inform the others.

Celeborn looked at Haldir. “You need to tell Legolas your side of events for he speaks the truth when he states he cannot remember how he ended up in your bed, naked.”
“But he wasn’t drunk. He wasn’t.”
Celeborn nodded. “I know. I sensed no lie from you, but Legolas did not lie either, or the Peredhil would have noticed. Something else must have been wrong that night and only together can we find out what that is.”
Haldir nodded. “But please don’t leave me alone with Lord Elrond or Glorfindel.”
Celeborn grinned. “You have my word. Now dry your eyes, drink some miruvor and tomorrow we shall retrace our steps.”

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Legolas frowned and laughed when he saw where Elrond had led him. “The stockrooms?”
Elrond shrugged. “Aye, these balconies aren’t hindered by others. And shouou pou prefer to sleep under the stars you can easily drag a bed out.” He smiled. “Plus there’s swift and easy access to the roof, without having to climb the ivy.”

Legolas smiled and his eyes sparkled. “My father stuffs everything in his caves. Now we don’t need them to stay safe he uses them for the furniture.”
Elrond laughed freely and shrugged. “Here, as we are lacking caves, we use the spare rooms.”

He stopped and leaned on the banister. Legolas came to stand next to him. “Would you prefer to stay here?”
Elrond turned and smiled shyly. “You’re my guest, Legolas, it is your decision.”
Legolas looked up and smiled, seeing the stars. “It matters not to me. We can stay here and play. I saw a board game on one of the chairs.”
Elrond smiled. “Without the pieces. Elladan has managed to hide them when he was little and they have never been found. We keep it in the small, idle hope we one day will find them back.”
Legolas laughed. “All right then. No playing while we talk.”

He jumped and settled himself on the banister, his back toward the valley.
Elrond raised his eyebrow. “You block your own view.”
Legolas smiled. “I only have to look up to see the stars and I’d rather see who I am talking to.” Elrond looked up to avert his eyes and smiled at the hidden compliment.

Legolas smiled and looked up, admiring the stars. Slowly a conversation about the constellations arose and both elves showed their knowledge.

“And that one, what is it called?” Elrond pointed to a constellation at the horizon, which even elven eyes could only just make out. Legolas leaned backwards to see it. He stretched to get a better view but forgot to keep his balance and suddenly swayed precariously on the banister. His grip fell away and he would have fallen had Elrond not had gotten a tight hold on his arms, pulling him back.

“Good thing I am used to elflings.”
Legolas glared at him. “Are you calling me an elfling?”
Elrond smiled. “Compared to me you are, but nay, the comparison stops at both your carelessness.”
Legolas smiled. “I lost balance. I shall have to turn to see what you pointed out.”
Elrond shook his head. “It’s all right, it is almost gone already anyway.”

He stood before Legolas, wedged between the slender, agile legs. He had removed his hands from Legolas’ arms and had placed them on the banister, one on either side of the body before him.

Without thinking Legolas covered them with his own. “I greatly enjoyed this night.”
Elrond had a hard time hiding his sadness. “You are retiring then?”
Legolas smiled and shook his head. “Nay, but I am getting tired. Is it all right if I sleep here?”
Elrond nodded. “Of course, do you need help with the bed? I shall bring you some linen.” He wanted to step back but Legolas’ hold on his hands had tightened and he cocked his head.
Legolas smiled. “I need no bed, Elrond. I desire company.”

Involuntarily Elrond swallowed and closed his eyes in an extreme effort not to grow aroused. “Legolas, what…”
Legolas smiled as he manoeuvred his legs around Elrond, keeping the elflord in place. “Forgive me, but I might not hanothnother opportunity.” Seeing Elrond’s eyes widen in puzzlement Legolas placed his arms around Elrond’s neck and applied small force to pull him closer, claiming those beautiful red lips with his own.

The actions shocked Elrond and he gasped, giving Legolas a chance to bring his tongue inside his mouth. Feeling the blond hold him in place, touch him, and use his tongue to explore his mouth broke Elrond’s resolves and he closed his eyes as he titled back his head, surrendering to Legolas. He brought up his arms to encircle Legolas, pulling him even closer.

Now it was Legolas who gasped in surprise before he hungrily deepened the kiss. He was afraid to end it, afraid to find it was naught but a dream.

It took all of Elrond’s willpower to break the kiss. He stared at Legolas in admiration and licked his lips, still feeling Legolas’ on them. “As sweet as this is, we should stop before we do something we’d both regret.”
Legolas’ look became one of rejection. “Regret? I shall never regret tonight, no matter what happens. I’ve wanted to kiss you from the first moment I saw you.” He lowered his head.
Elrond lifted his chin. “I am flattered you admire me and are obviously attracted to me, though I have done naught to deserve it. I do not wish to risk losing our companionship before we’ve build it.”

Legolas caressed one of Elrond’s front braids, his fingers slightly stroking the sensitive ear, making Elrond tremble in need. He already was hard and prayed Legolas wouldn’t pull him even closer or would look down. But the Prince did not brake eye contact as he openis mis mouth to speak. “Admiration and attraction have long since changed to love.” /Why did I say that? He does not return it and never will and now even his friendship will be awkwardly given./

Elrond’s eyes widened at the words but were soon met with a huge smile. Elrond closed his eyes as he tried to compose himself. /You don’t want to ravage him….But what if that’s what he wants? He’s certainly aggressive at the moment./ He opened his eyes again and, with lots of strength, took one step back.

“You fell in love with me? Even though I gave you nothing but harsh words, loathing and despise?”
Legolas nodded. “You are a brave, honourable elf, with a kind, gentle and compassionate heart, reaching out to comfort, protect and heal others. And you’re stunningly beautiful to boot. How could I not?”
“My words must have hurt you even more than.”
Legolas shrugged. “I became used to it. You’ve apologized. Please, don’t think about the past tonight.”
Elrond smiled. “You’re deinedined to get my clothes of, aren’t you?”
Legolas blushed. “I have to admit I would love to, but I’d settle for just this ki


About to jump from the banister he looked stunned when Elrond stepped forward again, preventing him the movement. “You ask me to forget the past, but how can I when all I feel is guilt when I look at you? How can I forget the past that has made me act the way I did, knowing I was wrong and pained you? I cannot and I will not.”
His tou touched Legolas’ cheek and he smiled. “I would love to spend tonight in your arms, my fair Prince, but I do not wish to rush this. I would rather properly woo you instead.” /Elrond, you oaf, what are you saying? You’re practically bursting and you want to woo him first? Aiya, I am insane!/ “Let us find out if we are compatible.”

Legolas closed his eyes and leaned forward, resting his head on Elrond’s shoulder. “I need no wooing. I’ve been wooed to death already by too many I care to count. But your words make me happy for they give me hope.” He embraced Elrond and smiled. “I long for a peaceful sleep. May I rest in your arms tonight? Dressed if you so desire.”
Elrond chuckled at the words and nodded. Giving into his temptation he lifted Legolas in his arms and climbed the stairs to the roof. “I think tonight we can do without a bed and blankets.”

Legolas smiled and closed his eyes in bliss, sending a thank you to Elbereth.

For a second Elrond feared his golden beauty had fallen asleep in his arms but then Legolas opened his eyes, noticing they had stopped moving. He gasped at the view and jumped to the ground. He smiled and his eyes glowed when he kept turning around.

When he finally noticed Elrond’s surprised look he blushed shyly. “I’ve never seen anything this beautiful.”
Elrond laughed. “Don’t tell me you’ve never seen my realm?”
Legolas shrugged. “Not from up here. It’s different somehow. More….” He thougor aor a while but could not come up with the appropriate word and settled for beautiful.
Elrond smiled and sat down. “You like to see things from above then? Remind me to take you to the precipice. The one above the water fall. If you love the view from here you’ll certainly do the one you have there.”

Legolas smiled and sat down beside him, smiling when Elrond pulled him in an embrace and together they laid down on the roof. Legolas smiled. “I should thank the twins. If they hadn’t…”
Elrond placed his finger on his lips to silence him. “We would have found each other in another way.” Legolas sighed and pressed his lips to Elrond’s, snuggling closer.

“I’m sorry, Legolas.” Legolas cocked his head and rejection flashed through his eyes. Elrond caressed his face, showing him he did not intend to end this. “At the ball.” He swallowed. “You did not drink too much. You passed out because I had drugged your miruvor.”
Legolas sat back up, his expression angry and his eyes filled with disbelief. “What???”
Elrond nodded and lowered his eyes. “I didn’t want to part from you. I wanted you, but when you were asleep I did some thinking and changed my mind. I shouldn’t have drugged you. I don’t even know why I acted so rashly. Forgive me.”
Legolas blinked but stayed silent. He expression was one of betrayal.
Elrond sighed and his tears flowed free. /I lost him./ “I did nothing to you, besides storing the image in my mind.”

Legolas stood and turned his back to Elrond. His mind was reeling. /He drugged me. But he was unaware it wa./ H./ He closed his eyes as he forced his thoughts to concentrate. Hearing sobs behind him he turned and smiled rueful when he saw Elrond look so dejected. /He feels guilty and he told me because he wants to be honest./ He closed his eyes as a sudden flash entered his memory. His mind started making connections and he shook his head. /Please, no. Lear bar be wrong. Oropher couldn’t have…/

He kneeled next to Elrond and drew in a deep breath. He needed to be strong. Slowly he touched Elrond’s hands and moved them away from Elrond’s face so he could lean in and kiss him. He moved his legs in such a way he ended up in Elrond’s lap.

Elrond looked puzzled but extremely glad. “Legolas…”
Legolas smiled and rested his head on Elrond’s shoulder. “I love you. You’ve brought back old pain, but I hold you no grudge.”
Elrond pulled him close. “I do not deserve you, my lovely golden prince.”
Legolas kissed the words away, ending it only because he yawned.

Elrond laughed. “Some host I am; keeping you from your rest.” He made him comfortable in his arms and heaved a blissful sigh. “I love you, Legolas.” He looked down when he heard no reply and grinned when he saw Legolas was already sound asleep. His arms tightened. “I really do love you. I only hope Thranduil won’t kill me for it.”

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Thranduil flared up in his bed, his eyes blinking as he tried to determine why he had woken in the firsace.ace. Scratching his neck he shook his head. There were no intruders, so what was it? His eyes widened when he saw the images return and heard his son’s voice again. “Aiya, Legolas.”
jum jumped out of his bed and threw on a dressing gown before running through the corridors. Not that the gown would have helped. He had been in such a hurry he had forgot to close it and it fanned about him as he ran, leaving his naked body exposed to prying eyes, which weren’t around.

He flung open the doors of his library and stopped dead when he saw two elves jump up. He blinked his eyes and cocked his head when he saw his chief librarian with a comely she-elf. “Tell your lass to leave us, I need your mind for the moment. She can wait in the kitchen if you desire to continue your activities later.”
The girl bowed and blushed. “Sire, please, it was my suggestion. He always talks about it and I wanted to see it and well…”
Thranduil grinned. “I’ve got blood flowing through my veins as well. No need to draw me a picture. Try to keep everything tidy though. Make yourself some lavender tea, it’s supposed to increase the stamina.” The girl blushed and giggled as she left.

The librarian straitened his clothes and looked questioningly at his lord. “What is it that disturbs your night rest, sire? How can I be of assistance?”
Thranduil sat down and smiled. “By finding me the right information. Same tme the trouble of opening every book in this place.”

He closed his eyes. “Legolas has contacted me just now.”
The librarian smiled. “How is our Prince? Did he enjoy the ball?”
Thranduil smiled. “I should think so.”

He thought for a moment and nodded. “Go get your lass back. On second thoughts I need a woman’s point of view.”

The librarian hurried, wondered what was wrong. The two elves were back so soon Thranduil thought he had ran both ways though the girrrierried a large teapot, the tray adorned with biscuits and three cups.
Thranduil smiled at her subtle touch. “Thank you, that is most considerate.”

He sipped his tea before he spoke again. “What I am going to tell you remains between this walls. You will not speak of it again or I fear you shall face my son’s wrath.”
The librarian trembled. “Are you sure you need our help, my lord?” He had no desire to become a living target.

Thranduil laughed. “Relax. You know of Elrond’s hatred towards me and Legolas?”
The librarian nodded. “Aye, my lord. But according to my grandfather, blessed be his name, the Peredhel lord already hated your father, lord Oropher.”
Thranduil nodded. “Legolas has just made contact with me, mentally. And what I saw wa ple pleasing.” He smiled. “But I have to start at the beginning for you to understand.”

He emptied his cup and the girl instantly refilled it. Thranduil smiled gratefully at her.
“A long time ago Legolas met Elrond’s sons in Celeborn’s realm. They became friends and one day they showed Legolas their home. From the first moment Elrond was hostile towards him, though this was not completely unexpected. What we did not foresee was Legolas falling in love with him.”
The librarian gasped. “And you do not stop this?”
Thranduil smiled. “Why should I? He could do much worse. I can only pray he does not lose his heart to him. But we’re sidetracking. The ball has changed everything. Elrond has seen the real Legolas, without his bias, whatever that might be.”
The girl clapped her hands. “That is great, sire. Perhaps Lord Elrond realises his error and will make up.”
Thranduil nodded and smiled. “At the moment he’s guarding my son’s sleep so I should say he does. But this is not why I need your minds.”

The girl widened her eyes, fearing what was to come.
Thranduil smiled, he could see why his librarian liked her. “Legolas contacted me not only to convey this change but to ask my aid. He has figured out the reason behind Elrond’s hatred towards us. I don’t remember much of the images he’s send me, we were both asleep, but they startled me awake. The only thing I remember is Oropher at Gil-Galad’s court.”
He rubbed his head. “It doesn’t make sense. But it is definitely the reason. I sensed Elrond’s despair. Don’t ask me how.”

The librarian nodded and rose, going to the books. “It is true Oropher has been to Gil-Galad’s court once. He stayed there a month. We must have something from it.”

But the girl narrowed her eyes. “Hatred is a personal emotion.” Thranduil frowned, not knowing what she meant. She nodded and looked at Thranduil. “Did your father keep a diary?”
Thranduil laughed. “If he did I have not seen it.”
The librarian nodded, opened a truck and retrieved a huge pile of journals. “Here they are. You don’t suggest we read them?”
The girl nodded and smiled. “Only the one of Gil-Galad’s court.”
The librarian shook his head. “Why? That is personal. There won’t be a reason for this hatred between Imladris and Mirkwood in it.”
The girl sighed. “Hatred is a personal emotion. Lord Elrond does not hate Mirkwood, only its lord. I think something happened to make him hate Oropher enough to transport that hatred towards his son and grandson.”

Thranduil rubbed the brink of his nose. “It just might be. From what I remember of my father Elrond would not have liked him. At all.”
The librarian picked out the right journal and replaced the others. “Ok, let mst fst find the right pages.” He kept flipping through the book and smiled when he reached the right page. “Do you wish to read it, sire?”
Thranduil shook his head, using his hand to indicate the librarian should let the girl read. She beamed with pride and careful started reading in silence.

The librarian stood and left to refresh the tea. This might be a long task.
Thranduil pulled some documents that needed his attention close; he would not waste the time. Suddenly the girl clasped her mouth in horror, shaking her head in disbelief.
Thranduil frowned. “What is it?” She continued shaking her head and Thranduil grabbed the book from her and let his eyes fly over the obviously shocking page. His own eyes widened in disbelief when he read the appalling lines.
‘….ve onna vanima… …haryuvaronyë epë autan…’
But he dropped the book when he read the truly shocking entrée. ‘…Sinaré anë nin i lá mára latya haryaro ar Gil-Galad lertanë carë úqua pustas. Ai, yana tánëaro! Nyara nin hóná eldaryallo. Veve tana vanessë lenduva rollo irë pólaro harya nin. Ar sinaré nauvar mólinya…’
Thranduil stopped reading when the lines told him exactly what his father had done.

He sat down on his seat. /No wonder he hates us. I would hate me too./ He buried his face in his hands and cried his tears.

When the librarian returned he gasped at the image. He kneeled next to the girl. “What’s wrong?” She flung herself at him, unable to utter the words of horror.

Suddenly Thranduil stood and growled louder than a warg. He grabbed the journal with the offending lines and left, bellowing his orders. His scream had aroused the house, if not the realm. “Saddle my horse. I leave for Imladris.”

End chapter 09
TBC

Translations:
….ve onna vanima… …haryuvaronyë epë autan… means: such a beautiful creature….. I’ll have him before I leave…
…Sinaré anë nin i lá mára latya haryaro ar Gil-Galad lertanë carë úqua pustas. Ai, yana tánëaro! Nyara nin hóná eldaryallo. Veve tana vanessë lenduva rollo irë pólaro harya nin. Ar sinaré nauvar mólinya…
…today gave me the excellent opportunity to have him and Gil-Galad could not do anything to stop it. Ha, that teaches him! Telling me to keep away from his elf. As if that beauty would go for him when he can have me. And today he will be my slave….
Note: sorry to Oropher for making him such an baddy but I needed to make this work. Promise to write a story on him someday.