In disguise

Chapter eight During the night

Elrohir sighed in bliss, submerging himself in the bathwater. He had no intention of leaving it before the water was absolutely cold after he’d refreshed it trice. He needed to relax to get his mind to go blank and stop worrying about his twin and Glorfindel.

But he already knew that when the counsellor returned to his home he and his brother would accompany him. It had been too long since they’ve visited their grandparents and it would serve well as an excuse to go with him and make sure his brother spend even more time with the counsellor.

He sighed and closed his eyes, forcing his mind to stray to other things.

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Thrilmaldur laughed as he saw Sermo take a rather ungraceful fall. “I think you’ve had enough.”
Sermo grinned. “And you didn’t. You’re still standing.” His speech was affected by the amount of alcohol he’d consumed.

A female picked him up and whispered something in his ear, making him grin. “Aye, I would like that a lot. You,” He suddenly turned and waved his arms dangerously towards Thrilmaldur. “should get yourself a boyfriend. I can get you one right now.” He tried to stand up and only succeeded because the she-elf had a firm hold on him. He fanned his arms about and raised his voice. “Is there a nice single male to fuck my friend here? He needs to get laid, you know.”

Thrilmaldur reddened and fervently looked for a hole to swallow him.
Elladan stood and glared at Sermo. “Wasn’t your lass going to give you something? If you hurry you might be in time.”
Sermo nodded frantically. “You’re right. Honey, I’m coming. O, there you are.” He tried to kiss her but catapulted himself in her arms.
She shook her head and looked at Thrilmaldur apologetically. “He’ll regret his words before you know it. Excuse us.”

Thrilmaldur sighed but jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and stared in a stranger’s face.
“Hello there, I’m Lícumo.” He smiled seductively at Thrilmaldur, who panicked. “Hello, please excuse me.”
Lícumo smiled and placed an arm around his shoulders. “Now don’t run off like a frightened rabbit. I’m not going to bite… hard.”
Thrilmaldur gasped at the words and pushed the other off. “Despite of Sermo’s words I don’t need help lighting my spirit. Please leave me.”
“And give up without a fight? No chance, vanimaer.”
Thrilmaldur inwardly cursed Sermo for placing him in such a situation. How could he prevent it from getting out of control?

Suddenly Elladan stood before him, blocking him from Lícumo. The twin glared at the seducing elf. “I suggest you pay the healers a visit.”
Lícumo smiled politely. “My Lord Elladan, I am merely offering him some fun. No need to threaten me.”
Elladan merely narrowed his eyes. “It’s not a threat, but an advice. You need to check up your hearing abilities for they are certainly failing you. Now go.” All surrounding elves burst out laughing and the elf went like a beat dog.
Thrilmaldur sighed relieved. “Thank you, Elladan, for saving my butt.” He blushed when he realised his mistake in words.

Elladan grinned. “It is getting late. Do you wish to leave?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Aye, thank you. Feel free to stay though.”
Elladan shook his head and extended his hand, hoping the other would accept it. His heart sped up when Thrilmaldur did. “Come, let’s us return to our rooms.”

He turned to Thrilmaldur in worry when he heard him hiss in pain.
Thrilmaldur shrugged. “I fear my feet aren’t used to this extensive abuse.”
Elladan smiled. “Then why did you dance so much?”
Thrilmaldur snorted. “You try saying no to that woman.”
Elladan laughed warmly. “You are right: I never could and I probably never will be able to say no to Apsontë.” He smiled and turned into a different direction, stunning Thrilmaldur. “Elladan, I do know this is not the way to your house.”
Elladan nodded. “Aye, my friends’ house is closer. They’re not there and they won’t mind. That way you’ll save your feet.”
Thrilmaldur shrugged and followed Elladan, wondering what tonight would bring.

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Glorfindel suspiciously eyed the displayed food. /If that is to prevent me from wandering about, I doubt it will work. I hope I don’t talk too much tonight./ He eyed his guards when he turned in. They looked as tired as he felt. /I hope they stay awake to stop me should my feet start walking at night./ He sighed and allowed sleep to claim him.

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Elrond looked up when he saw Erestor walk in after knocking. “What is it, meldir?”
Erestor smiled warmly. “I just wanted to let you know I found Elrohir asleep in his tub.”
Elrond laughed. “It has been a long time since they’ve done that. And Elladan?”
Erestor cocked his head. “He went to see his friends, remember?”
Elrond grinned. “They are in the Grey Havens at the moment, Erestor. He was using them as an excuse to get Thrilmaldur, or should I say Tihtalfin, out the room without causing him even more embarrassment.”
Erestor smiled. “Then where are they?”
Elrond shrugged. “Nothing is wrong, Erestor. They’re probably in the village, joining the party. I’m willing to bet Elladan was easy to persuade.”
Erestor grinned. “So it isn’t my imagination. He -is- interested in our guest.”
Elrond nodded. “He’s got it bad, Erestor. I only hope it is returned. I’ve never met an elf harder to read.”
Erestor shrugged. “Only time will tell, Elrond.” He bowed before he turned. “A good night to you, my lord.”

Elrond smiled. Even though their deep friendship asked for a warmer greeting Erestor had never changed his first and last greeting of the day. Elrond did not mind and easily stepped into his night robe. /I wonder how Glorfindel is doing?/

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Elladan smiled at Thrilmaldur’s efforts to climb a tree. “Are you sure you’re a tree-elf?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Aye, though that does not necessarily mean one can climb a tree. Especially not if they are foreign to the ones you’re used to.”

Afterhilehile they had made it to the right level and Elladan opened the balcony door to enter the house. He swiftly lit some candles and turned to smile at his friend. “Are you hungry or thirsty?”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Nay, thank you. Just tired.”
Elladan nodded. “Make yourself comfortable on the couch or the chairs. I will see how the sleeping arrangements are.”

Thrilmaldur nodded and headed for the couch. He sat down and removed his boots, rubbing the soles of his feet in the process. Next he placed his legs on the couch and stretched. When Elladan returned he had nearly dozed off and his eyes startled awake. “Elladan, ai, I nearly fell asleep on you.”
Elladan sat down on the floor between the couch and the table and smiled. “There’s a bed for you. The other one is too stuffed with their mess to do as bed I’m afraid. You take the bed and I’ll crash here.”
Thrilmaldur shook his head. “Nay, I’m comfortable and way too tired to move anyway.”

Before he realised what happened Elladan lifted him in his arms and he could not stop a sigh from escaping.
Elladan laughed. “You’re the guest, so you get the bed.”
Thrilmaldur mumbled something unintelligible, already half asleep.

When Elladan placed him on the bed he had a hard time disentangling himself from the other’s arms. Though temptation to curl up with him was great he did not and sighed longingly as he turned his back to the sleeping elf and went to the couch.

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“Man? Man ro carites?”
“Ú istan. Máta et?” Both soldiers laughed so hard they doubled over from thmarkmark and lost Glorfindel from view. When they noticed their error they cursed loud and searched for tracks.

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Elladan blinked as his eyes regained their awareness. He immediately located the reason for his early waking and frowned, seeing Thrilmaldur pace. He sat up, worried. “Man ná raica?” Thrilmaldur turned so suddenly it scared him a little, but what truly scared him was the lost expression in the green orbs. He stood, worry now clearly visible on his face.

Thrilmaldur shook his head, smiled and approached Elladan instead. “Forgive me for waking you. That was not my intention.”
Elladan nodded, sitting down only when Thrilmaldur did so. “Of course not. Neither does Ro when he’s upset about something but I always wake up. Care to talk about it?”
Thrilmaldur sighed. “Nás úqua.”
Elladan smiled. “Perhaps to me, but not to you or you would be asleep in your bed. Will you not share your troubles?”

Thrilmaldur closed his eyes and silence fell; the only sounds to be heard within the room came from outside. At some point he nodded. “What am I, Elladan? Who am I? Where do I belong?”
He heard Elladan gasp and raised his hand to stop the twin from speaking. “Always I thought I knew but these few days have completely upended my world. Even if I go back to ‘Lóriën it will never be the same. I can no longer be content being Celeborn’s chief counsellor, being an outsider. I feel lost. Adrift without a beacon.”

Elladan’s eyes filled with tears at those painful words. He placed his hand over Thrilmaldur’s. “Whether your name is Thrilmaldur or Tihtalfin, you are a valued friend and you are no outsider. Whatever makes you say that? The Galadhrim’s attitude? I already told you, they act that way towards everyone.”
Thrilmaldur locked eyes with Elladan and smiled. “Thank you for calling me a valued friend…” “It’s the truth.” He ignored the stubborn interruption and continued his sentence. “but the Galadhrim are but part my problem. Now that I’ve been here I realise I’ve never felt so alive, so at ease and completely myself.”
Elladan smiled. “You can stay here as long as you like and father would welcome you into our household-staff again should you wish it.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “I would, Elladan, I really would.”

He rose and stepped onto the balcony, gazing up at the stars. He smiled when he felt Elladan stand beside him. “But I think my counselling days are over. I’m done with that.”
Elladan closed his eyes in thought before he spoke. “Each realm is ruled in a different way, so counselling one ruler differs from counselling the other. But I believe Erestor can use another sharp eye in the library. A lot always needs to be done there. If you’d really wish to stay here and join our staff, you can do that, do something you like. Or, if you wish to pick up your old job, Glorfindel can always use new training techniques. But I know I speak for my father when I beseech you not to holdhold your counsel from us.”
Thrilmaldur’s eyes were warm and watery when they locked with Elladan’s and gratitude shone from them.

Neither of them moved until Thrilmaldur raised his hand to wipe away Elladan’s tears. “All right then, I shall do that. Imladris has become my home, Elladan. I have everything here: a loving home and lots of friends.”
Elladan nodded. “You’re already part of our family and I believe you already have an adoptive niece running around here too.”
Thrilmaldur laughed. “Aye, I should make her something.”

Elladan smiled. “Do you want to go back inside? It’s getting cold out here.”
Thrilmaldur looked questioningly but then remembered Elladan was Half-elven and therefore affected by the cold. “How careless of me. Come, inside we go. Do you need something to get you warmer?”
Elladan shook his head. “Nay, that blanket will do.”

He saw Thrilmaldur frown as he continued to shiver whilst wrapped in the warm fabric, but he did not feel like explaining it took time to reheat his body. He just closed his eyes and allowed the blanket to wrap him in heat. He opened them again when he felt two arms encircle him.
Thrilmaldur smiled at his surprised face. “I am sure you’ll get more warmth from me than from that blanket. And do you think people will mind calling me Tihtalfin?”
Elladan shook his head. “No, why?”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “Because I prefer it and it’s like the old me died during these days.”

Elladan leaned into the contact. “I am so glad you are staying and nobody here cares what you want them to call you. We’d gladly call you anything you want.”

He turned his head to look at the other and he smiled. He knew he should look away but he didn’t. His eyes were fixed on the red lips, which slowly came closer. Elladan felt himself closing the distance and his mind screamed, telling his body to pull back, telling himself to jump up and run away, but he was paralysed and watched as if from a different dimension as the distance between them closed and he kissed the other. It was a soft, fleeting kiss and Elladan instantly pulled back, the mental switch being turned on.

Thrilmaldur blinked, taken aback by the action. He swallowed and sighed.

Elladan disentangled himself from him and took the chair, hiding his body within the blanket. He lowered his head. He did not care how he looked, but he wanted to hide his falling tears at the rejection.

Thrilmaldur kneeled before him. “I’m sorry Elladan.” He ignored Elladan’s silent pleas not to continue. “That was really sweet. I had no idea you were interested in me.” He shook his head, mentally hitting himself. “No, that’s not true: I did know. But I did not know how to act to that. I still don’t. It’s never happened to me before.”
Elladan looked at him disbelieving. Thrilmaldur shrugged. “It’s true. No one has ever been interested in me for more than one night.”
Elladan jumped up. “I’m not like that! I already told you!”
Thrilmaldur nodded and placed his hands on Elladan’s shoulders in an effort to calm him down. “I know you offer me more, but I’ve never been in such a situation before. I just assumed I would be alone my entire life. I never dreamt of meeting you.”

Elladan wanted to leave but the last sentence froze him solid. He wondered if that meant he had a chance.

Thrilmaldur smiled, placing a wayward strand behind Elladan’s ear. “I owe you the truth, Elladan. I am staying here for you, I can no longer envision life without you and I love you too, but I don’t know what to do. I…” He was silenced by Elladan’s finger on his lips.
The twin smiled. “You love me?”
Thrilmaldur nodded and gasped when he saw the sparkle of light in Elladan’s eyes. He gasped again when Elladan suddenly flung himself at him, burying him in a tight hug. “Do you realise how happy you just made me? I never thought I had a chance with you.”
Thrilmaldur blinked and opened his mouth but no words were formed.

Elladan looked up and his smile warmed the ancient elf’s heart. “I am pretty new at this too, Tihtalfin. Though I’ve had lovers I’ve never had a real one.” He smiled and slowly guided the elf in his arms to the couch. “I’m looking forward to figuring everything out with you.”
Thrilmaldur smiled. “You would have me?”
Elladan nodded. “If you’ll have me?”
Thrilmaldur nodded and blushed. “But what do I do?”
Elladan smiled. “You go back to sleep and tomorrow we’ll ask father if you can stay here indefinitely.” He grinned at Thrilmaldur’s expression. “Just love me, that’s all I ask.”

Thrilmaldur nodded. “Wouldn’t we be more comfortable in the bed?”
Elladan smiled. “Are you asking me to spend the night with you?”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “Lovers sleep in the same bed, do they not?” That question showed Elladan just how little the elder elf knew of a shared life. He smiled, looking forward to courting him. “Sometimes, and sometimes not. I would love to sleep in your strong arms tonight. But I should warn you I might grow erect.”
Thrilmaldur sniffed. “I have seen a stiff before, young one.”
Elladan nodded. “I just don’t want to scare you away if it happens. I would hate myself for eternity if I did that.”

Thrilmaldur smiled and pulled his fresh love down on the bed. “May I kiss you?”
Elladan nodded, already sighing in anticipated bliss.
Thrilmaldur slowly and hesitantly leaned in closer. He had dit bit before but he had never been so nervous. As soon as he felt those soft lips on his own he moaned and pulled Elladan closer as his tongue gently worked its way inside Elladan’s mouth. He felt thlf-elf-elf tremble against him and smiled.
Elladan completely lost himself in the kiss, getting as close to the other as possible while he easily gave victory to the other. There was enough time for duelling in the future.

His eyelids fluttered open when the kiss ended and he smiled at his lover. “Good night and sweet dreams.”
Thrilmaldur nodded. “You too, soft Elladan.”
Elladan rested his head on Thrilmaldur’s shoulder and closed his eyes. “You smell even better than before, melethten.” He could imagine the blush that now spread on Thrilmaldur’s face and smiled, already drifting of to sleep.

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Elrond blinked when he realised he was sitting up in his bed. /I woke up. But why?/ Scanning his room he realised someone has entered his room. “My room is off limits!”
There came no reply from the intruder and Elrond frowned. /If it were an orc I would be dead now./ “Who are you?”

He carefully came out of bed and silently approached the dark silhouette. One look out the window told him there were three more hours till dusk.
He gasped when he saw golden strands of hair. He narrowed his eyes and forced his eyesight to the maximum, gasping again when he found his suspicions correct.

With one move he was beside his seneschal, resting his hand on the blond’s shoulder. “Glorfindel, why are you here? Do you wish to talk?” He saw awareness return to the blue orbs and Glorfindel jumped back as if bitten by a snake. Elrond smiled and cocked his head. “Did you expect to find food here, meldir?” His tone was light in an attempt to cheer up his shaken friend.

Glorfindel lowered his head in shame and shook it. “Why did they not stop me? They were guarding me.” He sighed and walked to the door. “I don’t know what brought me here, my lord, forgive me for waking you. I shall return to my rooms.”
He yelped when he opened the door, instantly followed by a gasp when he felt Elrond come to stand next to him.

Elrond laughed warmly. “It seems you ate in front of my door. Come, Glorfindel, your feelings need a way out before they consume you.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “Don’t ask the impossible of me, my lord.”
Elrond sighed saddened. No matter how many times he’s asked Glorfindel to call him Elrond or meldir the other insisted on the formal title. He did not know Glorfindel needed the artificial distance it created.

The ruler walked to his writing desk and retrieved some paper. “Glorfindel, if you refuse to talk about it, maybe you should write it down. Get it out of your system by trusting it to paper.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “And what if the twins find it? I might as well nail it everywhere.”
Elrond sighed. “Glorfindel, do you wish to return to full duty? Go on patrols and hunts again? Soon?” Glorfindel nodded and Elrond crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Then you need to let it out your system. Either you talk to someone you trust to keep your secret or you write it down, but you are doing something! Don’t make me make it an order, my friend.”
Glorfindel sighed and a single tear travelled down his cheek. “The ones I trust I cannot tell and I am not one for writing.”

Elrond cocked his head. “You came to me in your sleep, Glorfindel. What is that if not a cry for help?” He stepped closer and placed a calming hand on Glorfindel’s shoulder. “What about Thrilmaldur? He’s a good friend, Glorfindel, and he would keep your secret.”
Glorfindel shook his head. “Not from Elladan.”
Elrond sighed. “Glorfindel, it pains me to see you like this. Even more than knowing you do not trust me enough. Please let me help you?” His voice was pleading and tears doomed in his eyes. It was too much for Glorfindel and the blond warrior turned and ran away.

As soon as he had burst out the corridor Elrond sagged to the floor, crying his tears. This hurt him more than he could ever show.

End chapter eight
TBC

Translations:
Lícumo means lightner
Vanimaer means beautiful one
Man? Man ro carites? Means What? What is he doing?
Ú istan. Máta et? Means I don’t know. Eating out?
Man ná raica? Means What iong?ong?
Nás úqua. Means It is nothing
Melethten means my lover (melethron means the same though the lover is not spoken to bpokepoken of)