Title: By the Grace of the Valar
Author: Morgana
Author's Email:
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon
Pairings; Elrond/Celebrían, Erestor/Glorfindel, Lómion/Ereinion, Melpomaen/Legolas and Elladan/Lindir.
Overall rating: NC-17
Summary: Elrohir finds more surprise presents. Landiant runs into his savior.
Elladan and Lindir receive permission to bind, but then disaster strikes during
a patrol and Elrohir dies.
Disclaimer: Not mine, Tolkien’s.
Warning: AU of course! Character death – Elrohir!
Author’s Note: Completely AU. Plus, I am taking huge liberties with Erestor, Námo and his wife, Vairë. This story has the timeline from Hell, so you are warned!
Additional warning; CHARACTER DEATH!
Additional note; Ereinion and Maeglin/Lómion were never an intended pairing, but I developed a soft spot for them!
Beta reading, translations and research by Patricia Pleasant, thanks! I couldn’t have written this story without your help!
All remaining mistakes are mine.
By the Grace of the Valar
Part 13
A moment ago, Elladan had stolen a kiss from the minstrel’s lips and now that he was certain of Lindir’s love he didn’t want to let go. Elladan congratulated himself on pursuing the minstrel and for not giving up. He had fought for his love and Lindir had given in. His wildest dreams had come true and he would never let Lindir go again – regardless of his parents’ reaction to his choice of a mate. Lindir was his – for now and for all eternity! Neither Elrond, nor Celebrían could ever separate them until the end of Arda!
“Can I tell Elrohir now?” asked Elladan, eager to share the good news with his twin.
Lindir gave Elladan his sweetest smile. “Are you saying that your twin does not know about this attraction?”
“Oh, he knows! Elrohir even encouraged me to risk it all and tell you.” Elladan lowered his gaze. “But I was too much of a coward to take that step. I was convinced you did not return my feelings. Never, in all those hours in which I studied the flute under your guidance, did you show any interest in me. I had given up hope, but not Elrohir. He told me to pursue you.”
“You may tell him,” said Lindir, chuckling. “For I doubt we can keep our love a secret for long.” Elladan radiated happiness and fulfillment and any Elves who encountered him would easily realize what had happened. “Why don’t you seek out Elrohir right now? I need to talk to Erestor as well.”
“Erestor?” Elladan frowned. “Does he also know…?”
“It was Erestor who urged *me* to talk to you about this attraction. He was rather convinced that we would work out.” Lindir’s fingertips moved through Elladan’s hair and for one moment he was struck by the fact that the half-Elf’s hair greatly resembled that of Ereinion’s. The High-King’s hair had possessed the same dark color. “I am glad he urged me on. Without his advice I might have never mentioned my love to you.”
“I will thank him the next time I see him.” Elladan gave Lindir a smile and his eyes closed in bliss, feeling the long and agile fingers massage his scalp. “I will do my best to keep my distance until my parents return to Imladris, but that will be difficult, as I greatly desire you.” He had grown aroused, whilst Lindir was stroking his hair. “I am young,” he whispered. “And you are my first lover. I am bursting with sexual energy!”
Lindir laughed in amusement. “You will exhaust me, Elladan.”
“I hope so!” Elladan sighed, blissfully, finding Lindir smiling once more. In these last few minutes the minstrel had laughed more than he had in the last few years! “I love you, Lindir. And I want to be with you in that way.”
Lindir’s eyes darkened; he could only pray that Elrond and Celebrían would approve of their son’s choice of a mate. He didn’t want to consider what could happen should the Lord and Lady deny Elladan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Erestor looked up from the report he was writing, seeing Lindir shuffle into his study. It had been a while since he had seen the minstrel this timid and insecure. He raised a hand and gestured for his friend to seat himself opposite him. “How did the conversation go?”
“Elladan and I… We agreed to wait until Elrond has returned.” Lindir seated himself and shifted on the chair. His gaze sought out Erestor’s and amusement glittered in the dark eyes. “You were right; he loves me and I have feelings for him. But I am hesitant to do anything about this until I have Elrond’s blessing. I do not want to proceed without his parents’ permission. Aye, I know that Elladan is an adult, but he will always remain their child and I think Elrond and Celebrían should approve of this relationship before taking it any further.”
Erestor inclined his head in agreement. “A wise decision, meldir1.” Probing Lindir’s eyes deeper, he saw contentment, love and relief in the blue eyes. It had been about time that Elladan and Lindir admitted their love for each other. “Didn’t you see this coming? Elladan has been following you about since he could crawl.” Erestor grinned, wickedly. “I have the feeling he will start sneaking into your bed more often!”
Lindir blushed. “Do not tease me, Erestor. I still do not feel comfortable with the idea of courting our Lord’s son.” His eyes grew troubled. “What if Elrond and Celebrían do not approve?”
Erestor shrugged his shoulders once. “Elladan would not accept that. He would somehow make them accept this relationship.” Seeing fear of rejection in Lindir’s eyes, he leaned in closer and rested a hand atop of his friend’s. “Personally, I do not believe you have any reason to worry about their reaction. Elrond greatly values you as a friend. The two of you fought side-by-side and he never left your side after Ereinion died. Elrond cares about you and so does Celebrían.” He paused and then added, “The only thing that might worry them, could be the fear that you still love Ereinion and that this love will stop you from loving Elladan the way he deserves to be loved.”
“I have let go of Ereinion,” replied Lindir in a calm tone. “I know he would want me to live my life instead of spending my days mourning his death.”
“I could,” started Erestor in a thoughtful voice, “send a letter to Elrond and ‘gently’ introduce him to the fact that Elladan has chosen you for his mate. That way, Elrond and Celebrían would have time to become accustomed to the idea and once they arrive in Imladris, they would be better prepared to accept this. But, that is your decision to make. If you do not wish me to write that letter, I won’t.”
“Do you think that would be best?” Lindir freed his hand from beneath Erestor’s and wrung his hands in a nervous fashion.
Erestor nodded his head once. It was obvious that Lindir was worried about Elrond’s reaction, whilst Erestor was convinced that Elrond and Celebrían would give him their blessing. But, he understood Lindir’s nervousness and wanted to do whatever he could help ease his friend’s worries. “I do.”
“Then please write that letter… Oh, by the Grace of the Valar, I won’t be able to sleep properly until I have talked to Elrond and Celebrían!”
Erestor couldn’t help teasing Lindir just a little. “Don’t expect much sleep *after* they give you their blessing. Elladan is young and will want to make love – night after night… and probably during the day as well.”
“Oh my…” Lindir’s face turned beet red. “I had better get some sleep whilst I can!”
Amused, Erestor watched Lindir practically run out of his study. “Sweet dreams, meldir.” He chuckled, and picked up a blank sheet of paper – he had a letter to write!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I told him! Elrohir, I told him!” Elladan dashed into their room and pounced on his brother, who sat cross-legged on the bed, reading. “Lindir accepted me! He returns my feelings!” Elladan wrapped his arms around his twin and hugged him tight. “You were right! You were right all along! I should have told him years ago, but…” Elladan giggled, his nerves unwinding and finally finding the rest they had missed for years. He relaxed and dropped onto his back, still giggling, happily.
Elrohir quickly hid Ecthelion’s book of poetry beneath the pillow and stretched beside his twin. Elladan radiated happiness; he had never seen his twin’s eyes sparkle that brightly. “I knew everything would turn out fine.”
“There is only one drawback,” said Elladan, rolling onto his side so he was face to face with his twin. “Lindir refuses to court me until our parents have approved of this relationship.”
“Our parents will return within a fortnight,” replied Elrohir, soothingly. “You can wait that long. You have waited for years!”
Elladan draped an arm over his twin’s hip and pulled Elrohir close. A thoughtful and serious expression appeared in his eyes, realizing something bitter. “I won’t leave you, tôr2. I will still spend time with you. You are my twin – my blood.”
Elrohir gave his brother a sad look. “I always knew this day would come, Elladan. And aye, I am sad because I won’t have your love any longer in such an exclusive way, but I am mature enough to accept that, without throwing a tantrum!” He said those last words in a playful voice, hoping to reassure his brother. “And who knows? Maybe I will find my love shortly as well?”
Elladan chuckled. “You will have to choose a female, Elrohir. As Lindir and I cannot have any children that task will fall onto you.”
Elrohir smiled. “You know that I do not like females in that way. Maybe you can adopt a child?”
Elladan buried his twin in a warm hug. Elrohir might act unconcerned, but he sensed his twin’s worries through their connection. “Everything will be all right, tôr. I promise you that you will find a love of your own.”
Elrohir savored the moment, knowing that there wouldn’t be many in the future once Elladan and Lindir had bound themselves. For one more moment, he had his brother to himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Elladan and Lindir?” Stupefied, Glorfindel stared at his lover. “I never saw that one coming… though…” Now that he thought about it, the signs had been there. “Elrond will be pleased.”
“That is what I thought.” Erestor had long finished his letter and a messenger was already on his way to the Golden Wood. “Lindir is a bit concerned that Elrond won’t be that accepting.”
“I can understand that,” replied Glorfindel. “Lindir helped raise Elladan… but then again, he never sneaked into *our* bed, did he? Elladan always went to Lindir.”
Erestor nodded once. He pushed back his chair and rose from behind his desk. He advanced on his lover and wrapped his arms around him. “This will be hard on Elrohir, though. He might not show it, but he feels lost. We should be there for him.”
Glorfindel nodded and rested his head against his lover’s shoulder. Erestor’s raven hair teased against his face and he deeply inhaled his lover’s scent. “Did he tell you about Ecthelion’s flute? And the book he found in his rooms?”
“Aye, he did.” Erestor regretted that he couldn’t confide in Glorfindel – that he couldn’t tell his beloved that it was Námo who had planted those objects there.
“I do not understand how they found a way into his room. Those items were destroyed in the fire… Or, at least I thought so!”
“I do not know the answer either,” said Erestor, feeling guilty for lying. “We will keep a close eye on Elrohir… just in case.”
“Aye, that sounds like a good idea.” Glorfindel pushed his worries aside and focused on the Elf in his arms. “Let me kiss you…” He kissed Erestor sweetly, savoring his lover’s closeness. /Regardless of your fears, Erestor, I will always love you and never leave you./
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landiant cringed, realizing he had to report to Erestor first. The Chief Advisor would welcome him and assign guest rooms to him. He vividly recalled the jealous looks Erestor had given him during his last visit here. He simply did not understand why Erestor felt threatened -- just because he had carried on a conversation with Glorfindel. That conversation had come naturally, as they were both Captains and had desired to exchange information. They had their work in common, but that was about it! He didn’t even fancy blonds!
After drawing in a deep breath, he knocked on the door to Erestor’s study. Hearing a muffled sound coming from within, he assumed it was Erestor telling him to enter and he pushed open the door. On the threshold, he froze, and quickly closed the door again. He hadn’t seen that!
“Oh no!” Panicking, Erestor pulled his robes into place again. “Why didn’t you lock the door?” They had been in the middle of making love when Landiant had entered and Erestor’s face turned flustered, realizing in what a compromising position the Woodland Captain had seen him – flat on his back, legs parted and answering Glorfindel’s thrusts! How could he ever look Landiant in the eye again?
“Oh, do not worry,” said Glorfindel, annoyed that their lovemaking had been interrupted. He had been so close to reaching completion! “At least now you do not have to worry about Landiant thinking he has a chance with me.” Pushing aside his feelings of unfulfillment, he gave Erestor a wink. “I think it is now very clear to whom I belong, meleth3.”
“Oh… How can you say that? He saw us! Me!” Erestor was once more decent, but he was also still hard and his arousal throbbed demandingly beneath the fabric. “Go to our rooms… I want to finish this the moment Landiant leaves!”
Glorfindel licked his lips. “As you wish, meleth.” He walked toward the doorway, but before pushing down the door handle, he looked at his lover from over his shoulder. Glorfindel sported a rather colorful passion mark, way above the collar and his lover didn’t realize that yet. Good. “Don’t keep me waiting.” He closed the door behind him and gave Landiant a radiant smile. “Welcome to Imladris.”
Landiant coughed, clearing his throat. “I should apologize… I did not do that on purpose, but I heard…” Glorfindel’s laughter stopped him.
“It had to happen eventually. We have been lovers for millennia and I am surprised we weren’t caught before. Do not feel guilty, meldir.” Glorfindel rested a hand on Landiant’s shoulder. “You had better be careful though, when dealing with Erestor. He is in a foul mood.”
Landiant swallowed, nervously. “I will be careful.”
“Enter!” came Erestor’s harsh and impatient voice.
“Good luck!” After squeezing Landiant’s shoulder, Glorfindel made his way back to their rooms, where he undressed and stretched out on their bed – naked as the day he had been born.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Lord Councilor.” Landiant decided against apologizing for entering earlier, as it would only remind Erestor of the scene he had witnessed upon entry. Erestor’s face was still flustered and Landiant clearly saw shyness and nervousness beneath the so-called anger Erestor displayed. “Thank you for granting me permission to visit Imladris. Would you be so kind as to give me directions to my guest rooms? The journey left me covered in dirt and grime and I would like to freshen up.” It would also give Erestor a reason to dismiss him quickly.
Erestor wavered; what should he do? Apologize for not locking the door? For not being more discreet? But as Landiant was avoiding the delicate subject, so would he. “I have assigned the same rooms to you which you occupied during your last visit.”
“Thank you. I still remember the way that will take me there.” He turned and headed for the doorway. Just before opening the door he turned to ask one last question.
Erestor sucked in his breath. Was Landiant going to address the ‘incident’ after all?
“There is a reason why I requested permission to visit,”
said Landiant in thoughtful tone. “I am looking for an Elf called Celach. Do you
know an Elf of that name? He was a warrior who fought at the
“Celach?” Erestor nodded once. “He joined the guards after that war and has become one of Glorfindel’s confidants. You can find him in the barracks, or the training field. I believe he just returned from a patrol, so you should be able to find him.” Erestor wanted to ask why Landiant was interested in one of their guards, but didn’t, appreciating the fact that the Woodland Elf hadn’t mentioned the ‘incident’ either.
“Thank you,” said Landiant, smiling brightly. “I was afraid to hope that I would actually find him here!” He quickly closed the door behind him and headed toward the barracks. Freshening up could wait. First, he needed to thank the Elf that had saved his life so many years ago.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Lindir?” Elladan entered Lindir’s rooms. He had been here countless times before, but it felt different now that they had revealed their feelings for each other. Elladan found Lindir seated in front of the fire place, staring into the flames with a distant expression in his eyes. Worried, he approached the minstrel and sat on his heels beside his new lover. “What troubles you?”
At hearing Elladan’s concerned voice, Lindir smiled. “Nothing… I was merely remembering, maybe letting go of those last few memories that have kept me company for so long.”
“Memories of Ereinion?” Elladan sat cross-legged and gave Lindir a shy look. “I understand that you loved him and that a part of you will always continue to. I would not ask of you to let go completely.” Elladan grew a little pale. “I could never let go of Elrohir either – so I understand.”
Touched, Lindir smiled. “Although you are still rather young, you are also wise in your very own way. Thank you for understanding.”
“I am not a minstrel,” said Elladan, slowly wrapping his arms around Lindir and shifting closer until he sat behind the white-haired Elf. “Neither am I a King. I cannot play the flute without making mistakes or sing a song without hitting the wrong notes. I am a warrior. I have tried so hard to fit in – to become someone I am not.”
Lindir smiled in understanding. “I realized a long time ago that you have no talent for music, Elladan.”
“But I do know how to wield a sword.” Elladan rested his chin on Lindir’s shoulder, closed his eyes, and relished holding the white-haired minstrel so close. “I know that you are a warrior in your own right and that you do not need protection, but… It is the only thing I excel in – fighting. I would vow to protect you for all times.”
Lindir leaned back into Elladan’s embrace and privately thanked Erestor for telling him to take this chance. If it hadn’t been for his friend, he would never have addressed this matter and he would have thrown away a precious love. “Thank you for your offer, melethron4.”
At hearing that endearment, Elladan beamed with pride and love. Holding Lindir close, he joined his lover in staring into the fire.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Purrrrr,” whispered Glorfindel, contentedly. No matter how many times they made love, or in which way, Erestor’s passion always took him aback. It was simply beyond him why his beloved dreamt he hated him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landiant’s plan to seek out Celach was thwarted by smelling delicious odors coming from the kitchen. He made a detour and the cook served him several tasty dishes. It hadn’t been until the moment he started eating that Landiant realized he was starved. It had been several days since he’d had his last decent meal.
About one hour later, he finally made his way over to the training grounds, which were deserted at that point. Ithil was rising in the sky and night settled over Imladris. Candle light still showed in Glorfindel’s office and Landiant knocked, waiting for Glorfindel to open the door. He wasn’t going to repeat his previous mistake!
“Enter!”
“Are you certain?”
Glorfindel grinned, recognizing Landiant’s voice. He rose from behind his desk, walked over to the doorway and opened the door. “Ah, you survived Erestor’s wrath, then?” He gestured for the other Captain to step inside and returned to his desk.
“Aye, he was rather mellow, I must say. I believe he was a bit embarrassed.”
Glorfindel chuckled. “Aye, understandably so.” Glorfindel seated himself and observed Landiant, who took a seat opposite him. “What brings you here? Do you wish to chat or…?”
“Actually, I have a request.” Landiant shifted on his chair and leaned in closer. “During the Battle of the Last Alliance one of your guards saved my life. His name is Celach and I have been searching for him ever since. Now that relations between Imladris and Mirkwood have normalized, I decided to search for him here as well. Erestor told me one of your confidant’s names is Celach and now I am hoping they are one and the same person.”
Glorfindel frowned, thoughtfully. “Aye, he fought at Mount Orodruin.”
“Do you know where I can find him? I want to talk to him.”
“He should be in the stables, looking after the horses.” Glorfindel leaned back, studying Landiant. “I was under the impression that Thranduil pulled back his forces.”
Landiant gave Glorfindel a rueful smile. “I was a disobedient Elf. After Oropher died, and Thranduil ordered us to retreat, I did not follow orders. I thought it was more important to fight the Dark One. So, I stayed on the battlefield and became isolated in the heat of the battle. Celach helped me to safety and I have wanted to thank him ever since.”
Glorfindel wondered if there wasn’t something more – a different reason why Landiant wanted to thank Celach. “Then do not let me keep you. I believe you know where the stables are situated?”
“I do.” Landiant got to his feet and inclined his head in goodbye – he couldn’t resist making a last teasing comment. “Tell Erestor that he has no reason to worry that I will steal you away from him. I prefer dark-haired Elves. So, if anyone is in danger of being stolen away, it would be him – not you.”
“I will tell him,” said Glorfindel, chuckling, merrily.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Wake up… Wake up,
Elrohir…”
Elrohir blinked, trying to do away with the sleep in his eyes. After Elladan had left, he had finally found sleep, but now someone was calling his name. He sat upright and scanned the room. He was alone, so who had been calling him?
Running a hand through his long hair, his eyes widened. He had gone to bed wearing his hair loose! But braids stopped his fingers from moving downward. And not only braids… Pushing the dark hair into sight, he found midnight-blue and silver ribbons braided into the strands. Blue and silver? He didn’t even possess ribbons in that color! When he wore ribbons, they were red and brown!
He shivered; when Elladan and he had been little, Glorfindel had told them that Ecthelion’s favorite colors had been blue and silver. For long moments, Elrohir didn’t know what to make of this. First, he had found the book, then the flute and now his hair sported ribbons.
Elrohir pushed himself to his feet and he walked until he stood in front of the mirror. Turning, he studied his reflection. He didn’t know the style his hair had been braided in, but it was an intricate design and looked sophisticated – probably something Ecthelion would wear during festivities in Gondolin. But the question remained – how had the braids and ribbons gotten into his hair? He was tempted to remove them, but then Ecthelion’s poems returned to him – poems in which the warrior had longed for a lover.
He didn’t know why this was happening to him or *how*, but he realized that this was somehow tied to the fabled warrior. Caressing one of the ribbons, he stared at his reflection. “What do you want from me, Ecthelion?” He almost expected his reflection to answer him, and when no reply came forth, he felt disappointed.
Unable to go back to sleep, he left his rooms to go for a stroll in the gardens.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landiant entered the stables, making sure he made sounds so he wouldn’t take Celach by surprise. He didn’t want his savior to feel snuck up on. His gaze swept through the stables and he found a dark-haired Elf at the back, looking after a mare. Long, dark hair descended down the elegantly curved back and strands of the brown hair had been tamed in warrior’s braids. The Elf was dressed in red and browns, like most of the Imladris’ guards.
His heart pounded madly in his chest and his mouth had gone dry. Nervously, Landiant approached the Elf, who still had his back toward him. “Celach?”
Celach turned around, surprised to hear his name, spoken by a stranger. He frowned, finding a golden-haired Elf standing at some distance of him. Large, curious green eyes stared at him, and the stranger wore greens, which identified him as a Woodland Elf. He had heard that some of Thranduil’s subjects were visiting and decided to be on his best behavior, as this Elf was a guest. “Can I be of assistance?” Maybe the Elf had lost his way and needed directions? He rubbed his mare’s nose one last time and then closed the door of the box behind him.
Landiant swallowed, hard. His pulse raced and sweat formed a fine film on his skin. He had dreamt of his moment for so long! “Is your name Celach?” This Elf possessed the same hazel eyes, which he remembered, but he couldn’t be completely certain as he had been feverish on the battlefield.
“Aye, I am Celach.” The dark-haired guard continued to study the golden-haired Elf, who looked faintly familiar to him. “You have the advantage here, sir, as I do not know your name.”
Aye, it was *his* voice. Landiant recognized it. “You do not
remember me?” That shouldn’t come as a surprise – he had been covered in dried
blood and dirt when Celach had looked after him. “I recognize you. I have been
looking for you since the day we defeated Sauron at
Celach’s eyes narrowed in thought. “You have been looking for me? We have met before?” He searched his memories, which had faded over the years. He had tried hard to forget the horrors he had witnessed on the battlefield.
Landiant took a step close to Celach. His hand trembled, raising it to touch Celach’s face. The dark-haired Elf took a step away from him, which saddened Landiant, but it was understandable that the other Elf was slightly suspicious. “You saved my life. I had suffered several blows and I would have died if it hadn’t been for you. You looked after me and shared your water and rations with me.”
Celach’s eyes widened further, finally realizing who was standing in front of him. “You were one of Oropher’s men and had been left behind.”
“Aye, I stayed to fight Sauron.” Landiant smiled, relieved, now that Celach took a step closer to him. Seeing wonder in the hazel eyes, he felt encouraged. “I have been searching for you ever since.”
“Why?” Celach had never thought he would meet that mysterious Elf ever again! He had lost sight of him once he had returned to the frontline, and when he had returned after the battle had ended the blond Elf had been gone.
“I wanted to thank you for saving my life.” Landiant finally succeeded in touching Celach’s face.
Celach nodded once and smiled. “I remember you… You have always been in my thoughts. I wondered if you had survived.” Realizing they were discussing this in the stables, he carefully took hold of the blond Elf’s arm. “Would you accompany to my rooms? I would prefer to discuss this in private instead of the stables.”
Landiant gave him a radiant smile. “I would like that.” He needed to sit down and maybe Celach even had a glass of wine for him– for he needed a strong drink right now.
“Come with me, then,” said Celach, guiding the blond Elf out of the stables by maintaining a hold on his arm. “You never told me your name, you know… If I had known your name, I might have been able to find you.”
Landiant’s heart beat faster. “You tried to find me?”
“I did,” replied Celach. They had left the stables and now entered the main building. “Will you tell me your name?”
“I am called Landiant.”
Celach cocked his head. “I know that name. Glorfindel mentioned it after Thranduil visited. You are the King’s Captain.” That was a surprise! He sighed, deeply. “I wish I had been here during that visit, but I was on patrol. If I had been here, I might have recognized you.” At least, he hoped he would have. This radiant, golden-haired Elf looked quite different from the injured, blood covered warrior he had looked after on the battlefield. He squeezed Landiant’s arm in order to reassure himself that he had really found his mysterious Elf. He had dreamt of finding him!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Please make yourself comfortable,” said Celach, closing the door to his rooms behind him. He studied Landiant, thanking the Valar that he had been allowed to save the other Elf’s life that day.
Landiant sat down, still feeling rather nervous. In an effort to distract himself, he studied Celach’s rooms. The walls had been painted in a soothing green and several plants had found their way into the room. From the wall hung several knives, a sword and a crossbow, doubtlessly weapons which had served him well in the battles he had fought in. The rooms were comfortably furnished, but not nearly as luxurious as his chambers in Mirkwood. Clothes, which should have been given to the Elf on laundry duty, lay in a heap in the corner of the bedroom, which sported a comfortable, large bed. There was only one painting on the wall and it hung opposite the bed, so it was the first thing Celach saw when he opened his eyes in the morning – it showed a radiant sunrise above the river Bruinen. He liked these rooms; they were warm, simple and comfortable.
“Would you like some wine?” Celach had poured one glass and now looked questioningly at his guest.
“Wine would be fine.” Landiant needed something strong to soothe his raging emotions. He accepted the glass when Celach handed it to him and stretched his legs. Celach pulled up a chair and sat down opposite him. “This is strange, isn’t it?”
Celach shrugged once. “Strange in a good way. I often wondered what happened to you. I felt responsible for you after taking you under my wing.”
“After you returned me to the camp, Thranduil’s guards came for me and took me to Mirkwood, where I recovered from my injuries.”
“You could have let me know you had survived,” said Celach, sipping his wine.
“I did not know where to find you and Thranduil had forbidden all contact with the other Elven realms. My hands were tied. I always wanted to thank you for saving my life, Celach.”
Celach emptied his glass and placed it on the floor. “I did not know that you held such a high position at Thranduil’s court. I took you for just another warrior.”
“I might be Captain in name, but I do not carry that title in informal settings. I am Landiant…”
Celach nodded in understanding. “It is good to know your name now.” He smiled at the golden-haired Elf. “If I had known it was you who I had saved, I would have tried to return from patrol earlier so we could meet.”
“The truce was still fragile at that time,” replied Landiant. “It took me until now to visit in an informal setting.”
“I am glad you found me.” Celach drew in a deep breath. “Will you be staying for some time or are you about to leave again?”
“I will stay for several weeks.” Landiant finished his wine, enjoying the warm sensation as it ran down his throat. Oh, he had needed that drink! “Maybe we could spend some time together whilst I am here? Talk about those days on the battle field?”
“I would like that,” said Celach. He had taken an instant liking to the injured Elf and that attraction had survived through the years. Aye, he wanted to get to know Landiant better.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Uhm, you have something in your hair… Or is this Imladris’ latest fashion?” Glorfindel pointed at the silver and blue ribbons in Elrohir’s hair. “You might want to remove those before starting your sparring session. You might trip.”
“Not funny,” muttered Elrohir beneath his breath. “This is the way I woke up! And believe me when I say that I did not go to bed wearing my hair in this fashion!” Elrohir sat heavily beside Glorfindel on the wooden bench and stared blankly ahead.
Glorfindel’s eyebrow arched higher. “You woke up this way? You did not weave the ribbons into your hair?” Examining closer, he cringed, recognizing several patterns of braiding which Ecthelion had used in his hair.
“I do not know why this is happening to me,” whispered Elrohir, sighing. “The only possible explanation I can come up with is that someone entered my room and braided these ribbons into my hair. But why didn’t I wake up? I am a light sleeper!”
Shivers ran down Glorfindel’s spine. “It almost seems like Ecthelion’s ghost is haunting you. But that is nonsense. His soul dwells in the Halls of Waiting and can not leave there.”
“I only find objects,” clarified Elrohir. “I never sensed a presence or saw his image. I just *find* things.” Another sigh escaped his lungs. “I do not know what to make of this. Why am I finding objects that belonged to Ecthelion?”
Glorfindel gently squeezed Elrohir’s shoulder. “I wish I knew. I must confess to some curiosity myself.” It was out of the question that this was Elladan’s newest prank. Not only was Elladan *occupied* with Lindir, but the twin didn’t own any of Ecthelion’s personal belongings, nor did he know how to weave Elrohir’s hair in this complicated way. /But if Elladan isn’t behind this, who is?/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Do you like my handiwork?” Námo leaned against Erestor’s desk and waited for his son to make eye-contact.
“I assume you are referring to Elrohir’s new hair style?” He had visited with Glorfindel earlier and had found a very confused Elrohir watching the guards train instead of participating himself. He had asked Elrohir why the half-Elf wasn’t sparring and Elrohir had replied that he felt too bewildered to do much fighting. “You are confusing him. I wish you would stop meddling.”
“Elrohir must die,” said the Vala in a calm tone. “Why not already familiarize him with some of his future lover’s characteristics?”
“One of these days someone will find a way to manipulate you in turn,” growled Erestor, displeased.
“I only mean well,” said Námo in a thoughtful tone. Changing the subject, he asked, “And how do you fare, my son? I gather all is well?”
“I have not been sleeping well,” admitted Erestor, placing the quill onto the desk and studying his father’s eyes. “Your words of warning keep me awake at night. I am afraid of the choice I will have to make. I am afraid I will lose Glorfindel – his love.” Erestor rose from behind his desk and advanced on his father. “I wish you would tell me what to expect and what to do, but I know you well enough to know you won’t reveal anything to me.”
Námo drew his son close for a warm hug. “Have some faith in yourself, Erestor. Have faith in Glorfindel.”
He clung to his father’s words, knowing darn well there was nothing he could do to stop fate from taking place.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, Celach and Landiant met after practice. Glorfindel had relieved Celach from patrol duty for the next week so the two warriors could get properly acquainted. Glorfindel had been stunned to learn that Celach had saved Landiant from certain death, that day on the battlefield. Celach had merely smiled awkwardly, feeling a bit embarrassed. As far as he was concerned he had done nothing out of the ordinary. Every Elf would have done the same, had they been in his position.
Glorfindel watched them leave. He had overheard Landiant saying that he wanted to see more Imladris and Celach had happily volunteered to show him around. It might be only his imagination, but he thought he saw some attraction between the two warriors.
Glorfindel left the practice area and joined Lindir, the twins and Erestor in his lover’s study. They had agreed to meet there to discuss a game plan for when the twins’ parents returned. They had to find a way to diplomatically warm Elrond up to the idea of having Lindir as his son-in-law. Thankfully, they still had two weeks left, before the couple and their daughter would return to Imladris.
He found Lindir nervously pacing the study. Elladan was trying to calm the minstrel down, but Lindir remained distressed and Glorfindel knew that Lindir would remain nervous until the minstrel had received Elrond and Celebrían’s blessing. Glorfindel frowned, finding that Elladan paid no attention to his twin, who looked even more distressed than Lindir. The ribbons still sat smugly in the dark hair – Elrohir had told him that he felt uncomfortable removing them, but why, Elrohir couldn’t tell him.
The only calm presence in this room appeared to be his lover. Erestor sat behind his desk, hands steepled and eyes narrowed. Now that he focused on his lover, Glorfindel calmed himself. Until now, he hadn’t realized that Lindir’s nervousness had made him nervous in turn. “Any ideas yet, meleth?”
“I advise the direct approach,” said Erestor. “They will read the letter I sent and Elrond especially, will appreciate it if you come to him directly, Lindir.”
Lindir nodded once. “But I am nervous.”
“You have little reason to be nervous,” reasoned Erestor. “I understand your trepidation, but I do not think it is warranted. Elrond will accept this.”
Lindir finally stopped pacing and sat down in front of Erestor’s desk. Meeting his friend’s gaze, he said, “I trust in your judgment, but still…”
Elladan sat down on the edge of the desk and gathered Lindir’s hands in his. He would remain at his lover’s side these next two weeks – until they’d had a chance to talk to his parents.
Glorfindel’s gaze drifted back to Elrohir, who didn’t seem to hear anything of what was said. The twin stared out of the window and into the distance, like he saw something only he could see. He hated admitting it, but at the moment he worried more about Elrohir than Elladan. Erestor intercepted his gaze and his lover nodded once. Erestor shared his concern.
Suddenly, the door opened and one of the servants stormed
inside, looking rather panicked. “My Lords! They returned home early! Lord Elrond
and the Lady Celebrían… They are here!”
“Oh no,” whispered Lindir in a whimpering tone. “Not now…”
Erestor rose from his chair and straightened his formal robes. “I will stand by your side when you talk to him.” Erestor extended his right hand and Lindir eagerly clasped it in his, whilst Elladan claimed the minstrel’s other hand.
“We will face my father together,” said Elladan, determined. “Come, we will speak with my parents now.”
Glorfindel nodded once, telling Erestor to accompany Elladan and Lindir, whilst he would remain here – with Elrohir. For some reason, he didn’t feel comfortable letting the younger twin out of his sight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I wanted to visit for centuries, but Thranduil would not allow it.” Landiant sat on an overhanging rock, letting his feet dangle into the soothing water of the Bruinen. “During all those years I wondered if you ever thought about me.”
“I did,” said Celach, smiling, as he sat down beside his friend. He had also removed his socks and boots and immersed his feet in the water. “If only I had known your name, or that you served Thranduil.” He had tried finding out who the mysterious warrior was and had even asked Lord Celeborn if one of his subjects had been injured in such a way. Thranduil had removed his warriors from the battlefield and Celach had almost automatically assumed that Landiant had been one of Celeborn’s men. “We should make the best of the time that you are here.”
Landiant gave Celach a rueful smile. “You will always be welcome in Mirkwood. My King won’t refuse you entrance any longer. He might even want to thank you for saving my life.”
“I have heard many tales of Thranduil,” said Celach, thoughtfully. “Your tone is fond when you speak of him, which I must admit, surprises me.”
“He is a fine Elf – and a good ruler. But losing his father and so many of our kin temporarily hardened his heart. I would be honored if you would visit me in Mirkwood one day. Then, I can show you that Thranduil is a different Elf than you think.”
Celach smiled, sweetly. At this moment, he wasn’t interested in Thranduil, but the very Elf by his side.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lindir’s trembling caused a smile to surface on Erestor’s face. It was amazing that his old friend could still be this nervous! Elladan had a possessive hold on both of the minstrel’s hands now. Erestor had let go a moment ago, after feeling Elladan’s gaze upon him. It had been rather obvious that Elladan wanted Lindir for himself and wasn’t prepared to share.
“Ada5! Nana6! Arwen!” Elladan greeted his family and even managed to undergo Arwen hugging him whilst maintaining his hold on Lindir’s hands.
“Come here, pen neth7,” said Erestor, lifting Arwen in his arms once the young she-Elf had hugged her brother. Her chubby arms folded themselves around his neck and hugged him tight. Erestor settled down with her in one of the comfortable chairs and exchanged a smile with Celebrían.
The Lady of Imladris was happy to be home again and moved through their private chambers, reacquainting herself with the rooms.
Elrond stood near the fire place and gave his son a stern look. Elladan visibly flinched under his father’s scrutiny, but didn’t averse his eyes, which in turn pleased Elrond, but the elder half-Elf was careful not to show his approval. “Some very interesting news reached me in the Golden Wood.” Actually, it had been Galadriel who had told him about his heir’s heart’s desire. He’d had a hard time believing the news at first, but now that he saw them standing in front of him, holding hands, he realized Galadriel had spoken the truth.
Elladan swallowed, hard, and straightened his shoulders now that he stood in front of his father. Filled with pride, he nodded once. “You heard correctly.”
Elrond inclined his head. His firstborn impressed him more with his bravado than he wanted Elladan to know. He respected his son for standing up for his beloved. “You decided to take a mate without consulting me first?”
“Respectfully, Adar8, I do not think it is your place to choose my beloved for me.” Elladan’s eyes darted to meet with his mother’s, and what he saw in the soft, silver-gray eyes, reassured him. He pulled Lindir closer and wrapped an arm around him. “Adar, Naneth9, this cannot truly come as a surprise? That I would choose Lindir?”
Elrond nodded his head once. “It was to be expected, but I am still surprised.”
“We expected you to come to us first -- *before* announcing your beloved to us. We would have liked to council you in this matter,” said Celebrían.
“What is there to council?” asked Elladan, surprised. “I always knew my heart belonged to Lindir.”
“It was Lindir who was too blind to see,” muttered Erestor beneath his breath, whilst playing with Arwen, who was blissfully unaware of the serious topic the adults were discussing. She was much more interested in putting knots in Erestor’s long hair! He conveniently forgot that he hadn’t known either until he had overheard that conversation!
Elrond walked toward Elladan and placed his hands on his son’s shoulder. “Are you certain you want to bind with Lindir? Do you love him?”
“I do,” said Elladan, steadfast.
Elrond inclined his head, realizing Elladan was determined to do this. His gaze shifted from Elladan to Lindir. “Walk with me, meldir.” He desired a word in private with Lindir.
Lindir’s heart missed a beat, seeing the serious expression in Elrond’s gray eyes. Elladan tried to keep him from leaving his side, but he looked Elladan in the eye and said, “I have to do this.”
Reluctantly, Elladan let him go and the twin watched the elder two Elves leave
the room. He had not heard his mother approach and when she caressed his face,
he blinked in surprise. “Will he give us his blessing? Will you give us yours?”
She smiled, gently. “Lindir is a very kind and wise soul. If you've won his love, I won’t stand between the two of you.” Her gaze darkened. “How does Elrohir fare after hearing this news?”
“Elrohir?” Shame-faced, Elladan realized he had neglected his twin these last few days. “He told me to go after Lindir. He approves.”
As a mother, Celebrían heard the words her son didn’t say and she reacted to them. “Elrohir is your brother – your twin. Do not forget about him now that you have Lindir.”
Elladan lowered his eyes. “I won’t,” he promised. He had been focused on Lindir and his beloved’s nervousness – and once Elrond gave them his blessing, they could move on. And he could go back to being Elrohir’s twin again. Aye, it *was* true; he *had* neglected Elrohir!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elrond walked in silence, gathering his thoughts. The half-Elf didn’t realize it at first, but his silence was driving Lindir mad.
“Please say something!” Lindir exploded with emotion. “Tell me that you feel I betrayed your trust and that you won’t allow this! Just say something!”
Alarmed at hearing Lindir’s panicked tone Elrond came to a stop and searched Lindir’s eyes. The minstrel had come to an abrupt halt and was gesturing wildly, his arms flying and his hair dancing. “What?”
“I am his teacher! You trusted me with your sons and I… I… I fell in love with one of them!” Lindir bowed his head in defeat. “Just say it!”
Elrond however, smiled, and placed one finger beneath Lindir’s chin so he could raise the handsome face. “Do you love Elladan? With your whole heart? Or does it still belong to Ereinion? I need to know.” He made certain he spoke in a calm voice, not wanting to distress Lindir any further. “I am his father, Lindir. I am protective of Elladan. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. I need to know what you feel – how serious you are where my son is concerned.”
“Very serious,” replied Lindir, meeting Elrond’s probing
gaze head-on. “You know how much I loved Ereinion and you also know how I much
suffered when I lost him. But you should also know me well enough to know that
I dealt with his death and that my love for him is in the past. He always told
me to go on and to focus on the present and even more so, the future. That is
what I am doing. When I look at Elladan, I see my future. I see love. I should
have seen it a long time ago, but he was a child to me. Even now, it is hard
for me to see the adult.”
Elrond nodded in understanding. “Lindir, Elladan reached majority many years
ago. He is an adult. You are no longer his teacher and you did not betray my
trust…” A thoughtful expression appeared in his eyes.
Lindir understood at once. “I did not bed him. I wanted your blessing first, your permission to deepen this relationship. I value you, Elrond. I love you like the brother I never had and I would never do anything to hurt you. I insisted we wait until we spoke with you. I will only bind with Elladan with your permission.”
“Thank you for that,” whispered Elrond. “You must understand, Lindir. He is my firstborn – my heir. I am protective of him. I do not want him to get hurt by his first love.”
“I understand. I would probably act in the same way.” Lindir wrung his hands. “Where do we stand, Elrond?”
A teasing smile appeared on the half-Elf’s face. “I approve of Elladan’s choice for several reasons. First, choosing you means he will choose to belong to the Firstborn when his time comes. I will not lose my son like I lost my twin.”
A weak smile was born onto Lindir’s face. “You approve?” He had hoped to hear those words!
“Aye… Furthermore, you are someone who will always put my son’s interest before his own. You will always keep in mind what is best for Elladan.”
“I was a bit concerned you would not approve,” admitted Lindir. “Basically because I am a male Elf and I thought you would like for Elladan to sire heirs.”
Elrond shrugged his shoulders once. “I often wondered about my sons’ future. I am not blind and noticed that male Elves frequently catch their eyes and not the she-Elves. If I desire to have any grandchildren I will have to put my faith in Arwen.”
Lindir felt truly relieved now. “I will always love your son. I will always keep him safe.”
“Let us hope so,” said Elrond in a somber tone. “Galadriel saw parts of the future in her mirror. The One Ring will return and Sauron will grow strong again.”
Lindir’s heart grew chilled, hearing such grave news. “I will fight again, if necessary. We defeated Sauron once before and we can do it again.” He wondered about the way Elrond’s eyes misted over at hearing his words.
“But that last victory cost us greatly, Lindir. So many
lives were lost in that
/Including Ereinion’s./ Lindir grew sad, remembering his former lover. /I do not know the ways of the dead. I do not know if you are happy or mourning the past. Oh, by the Grace of the Valar, I hope they will allow you some happiness. You deserve it!/
“I am sorry if my words woke painful memories,” said Elrond in a whispering voice. “I will always carry his memory in my heart. Ereinion was the best of us.”
“Aye, he was… A true King…” Lindir pushed the memories into the back of his mind and focused on the present. “We should return to Elladan and inform him of your decision. He will be relieved… I know I was, to hear you approved.”
Elrond grinned. Aye, Elladan would be thrilled to learn his parents approved of his chosen one and that they would allow him to bind with Lindir.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landiant flinched, recognizing one of the long knives hanging from Celach’s wall. Last night, he had been too captivated to notice much of his surroundings as his interest had been focused on Celach.
Celach stepped up behind Landiant and followed the emerald
gaze, fastened onto the broken knife. “It served me well in the
“It is one of the knives you carried upon your person when…” Memories and images flared in his mind, taking him back in time. Landiant was back on the battlefield. He lay on the blood-soaked earth and watched a group of Orcs approach, ready to end his life and send him to the Halls of Waiting. They had taunted him, but he had faced them, and he had been ready to die when Celach had appeared out of nowhere. “You are a true master at the long knives. You took them out one by one. They never knew what happened.”
Celach accepted the compliment. “I am still grateful that I found you before they could end your life.”
Tremors shook Landiant’s body. “I had already been there for two days. Birds of prey and other predators were eyeing me, hoping I would die quickly so they could feed upon me.”
“But you survived, meldir.” Celach carefully monitored Landiant’s reaction to being called that and he smiled, finding the tremors lessening.
“Those two days were the most gruesome days of my life. I am a soldier. I accepted that I could die on the battlefield when I followed my calling as a warrior. But to fall after the main battle had taken place and being left to die was…”
Celach followed his instincts by wrapping his arms around the blond Elf. “I have not been in your situation and I cannot say I know what you went through. But I tried to take care of you.”
“You did. You even carried me back to the camp.” Landiant leaned back into the embrace without actually noticing it. It happened naturally. “I owe you my life.”
“You owe me nothing,” clarified Celach.
Landiant chuckled. “Let me rephrase that. I would be honored if you would accept my friendship.”
Celach noticed the way the golden-haired Captain was pressing back against him and prayed to the Valar that he had drawn the right conclusion – if not, he would be in serious trouble. He maneuvered Landiant around until the Woodland Elf’s green eyes were locked with his. There was something between them – some sort of attraction. And it has also been there that day on the battlefield, but they had never had a chance to explore it – to react to it. “Do you feel it too?”
Landiant smiled. “I do.” He didn’t need to ask what Celach was referring to. “I have felt it all these years and my heart broke little by little.”
“I saw your face in my dreams,” whispered Celach, running his fingertips down Landiant’s jaw. “What does this mean? For us?”
“It means this will be complicated.” Landiant’s smile broke. “In a few weeks’ time I will return to Mirkwood whilst you must remain here. We should ponder this development and discuss it. The last thing we should do is to act rashly.”
“You speak of reason whilst I desire to touch you.”
Landiant’s smile returned. “I feel the same way, but we should think before taking such a step. We would be binding our souls and that whilst we know that we cannot be together. Will the sweet love of mere moments last when we are lonely and longing for each other?”
“But you do feel it?” Celach traced Landiant’s upper lip with a fingertip.
“Of course. It has been there since the beginning.”
Celach cocked his head. “I do not know what the future will bring, and aye, you are wise to caution me. For my actions would be rash and I might throw us into despair.”
Landiant searched the hazel eyes and found a mind, equal to his own, staring back at him. “We have time, Celach. We do not have to decide what to do right now.”
Reluctantly, Celach nodded. If it were up to him, he would ravish Landiant and be ravished in turn, but Landiant was right – they needed to discuss this and only then, should they reach a decision that would affect them both for the rest of their immortal lives.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Lindir!” Elladan ran toward his beloved and caught Lindir in a tight hug. As he swirled Lindir around, he only had eyes for the white-haired Elf. Once he had placed Lindir back to his feet again, he found that his parents and Erestor had left. Lindir and he were alone. “What did my father say?” He was rather certain that it was good news as Lindir looked positively radiant.
“Your parents are giving us their blessing. We are allowed to bind.” Lindir placed one hand at either side of Elladan’s head and surprised the both of them by kissing the half-Elf hard on the lips.
Elladan closed his eyes, savoring his lover’s possessive kiss. Lindir had not taken the initiative in such a way before! Only then, registered Lindir’s words and he pulled away from his beloved. “They approve? Oh, I had hoped so much, but…” He left his words unspoken, reading them in Lindir’s eyes. His lover had shared that fear with him.
“But, your father made one request…” Oh, Lindir wasn’t looking forward to telling Elladan this!
“What?” Elladan frowned, adapt enough at reading Lindir to realize that his beloved had unpleasant news. “What did my father say?”
“He asked us to attend a formal binding ceremony… in a month.” Lindir cringed, seeing Elladan’s agitated expression. “It is only a month! He wants your grandparents to attend and even Thranduil, Legolas and Melpomaen. Elladan, you must understand. You are his firstborn. Elrond wants to do you right. He wants to give you the celebration you deserve!”
“I understand that,” said Elladan, who couldn’t help feeling annoyed. “But I had hoped to make love with you as quickly as possible. Now we must wait a month!” One month… One whole month! How was he going to cope? “Can we not bind in secret and then have the ceremony? My parents never need to know!”
Lindir stroked elusive dark strands of hair away from Elladan’s face. “You waited so many years, Elladan, without hope of having me. Now you *do* know that you have me. Will waiting one month really be so impossible?”
“Not impossible,” said Elladan, relenting. “But hard – literally hard.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elrohir walked the gardens, painfully aware of Glorfindel following him at a distance. “I know you are there, Glorfindel.”
Caught, Glorfindel walked up to the lonely twin and fell into step beside Elrohir. The ribbons were gone – Elrohir had removed them during the day. It was evening now and only Ithil supplied them with silver light to guide their steps. “This must be a difficult time for you.”
Elrohir looked up, questioningly. “Why do you say that?”
“Because Elladan and Lindir received permission to bind. Don’t you miss your twin?”
Elrohir shrugged once. “Elladan has loved Lindir for a long time. I have grown used to it.” His voice turned low and sad. “I always knew that the day would come when we would go our separate ways.”
Glorfindel bit his bottom lip, feeling like he was failing the younger twin. “You are always welcome to spend time with Erestor and me.”
Elrohir managed a weak smile. “I do not want to intrude, meldir. I cannot run to you like I did when I was an Elfling. Even back then, Elladan left me alone so he could be with Lindir. I should have grown used to that by now.”
“You sound sad and lonely,” said Glorfindel, brutally honest.
Elrohir shrugged once more. “A part of me always wanted a tighter connection to my twin. The truth is that while Elladan and I may look alike, we are two very different people. Whilst he chased after Lindir, trying to court him, I buried myself in work. I worked with the healers, assisted my father in the library and led patrols for weeks at a time.” Feeling strangely melancholy and willing to open up, Elrohir sat down on the grass, leaned his back against a tree trunk and stared into the night. “I have been trying to fill this hole for a long time and I am failing.”
Glorfindel sat beside the troubled half-Elf and offered him his silent support.
“I envy Elladan for what he has – Lindir’s love. Like your friend, Ecthelion, I am beginning to think there is no love meant for me. What if history repeats itself? Ecthelion died lonely and probably even a virgin. If what you told me is true, then he never had a lover. What if his fate is my fate?”
Elrohir’s deep feelings of desolation alarmed Glorfindel. “I never realized how much this troubles you. Elrohir, you are a lovely and caring person. I am certain that you will find your beloved like Elladan did. Maybe it just takes a little more time?”
Elrohir forced a smile onto his face, realizing he was worrying Glorfindel. “These gloomy thoughts will leave once I am on patrol again. I won’t have much time to ponder these things then.”
“Patrol?” Glorfindel frowned; that didn’t sound like a good idea! Not whilst Elrohir was upset.
“I am leaving the day after tomorrow.” Elrohir gave Glorfindel a warm smile. “Do not worry, meldir. I will be a good son, like I always am. I will do my duty and return home… only to wait until it is time to leave on the next patrol and in the meantime I will assist the healers and my father. That is my life.” A very sad life, but he didn’t want to worry Glorfindel further by saying that aloud.
Glorfindel’s thoughts raced. He was determined to make certain that Elrohir didn’t leave on that patrol alone. What Elrohir needed was some quality time with his twin! Aye, he would approach Elladan and suggest the twins go on this patrol together. That way, they had a chance to tighten their bond and remember how close they really were. /And hopefully those gloomy thoughts will leave him alone then. His life is not as bleak as he thinks./ But it would take Elladan to show Elrohir that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elladan really didn’t want to do this, but he owed his twin. He had neglected Elrohir and joining his brother on this patrol sounded like a good idea. But, the thing was – he really didn’t want to leave Lindir.
“Think about it, Elladan,” said Glorfindel, leaning in closer to whisper into his former pupil’s ear. “Your binding ceremony is still a month away. You cannot touch Lindir even if you wanted to.”
Elladan groaned; oh, Glorfindel knew him so well!
“By going on patrol you would distract yourself *and* dedicate some time to your twin.”
“You are right…” admitted Elladan, reluctantly. If only his father had not requested a formal binding ceremony! He already felt like bursting with sexual energy! Not a day went by without Elladan stroking himself to orgasm.
“You will do it, then?” asked Glorfindel, hopefully.
Elladan nodded once. “I will join him and I will talk to him. I will find a way to bridge whatever distance he thinks exists between us.”
Glorfindel felt reassured now that Elladan had agreed to his plan. Hopefully the twins would feel close again upon their return to the Last Homely House.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Landiant blinked, confused. Where was he? Moving about in bed, he realized he wasn’t alone. Celach was curled around him and the warrior’s dark hair mingled with his gold. A smile surfaced on his face. Celach had been rather determined to let emotion prevail over reason, but Landiant had put his foot down. He was reluctant to bind so quickly, whilst their future was everything but certain.
The attraction was there, aye. The love was there, had been there during those lonely years, but was that enough to build a solid relationship? Solid enough to endure separation? For Celach was bound to Imladris and Landiant served Thranduil.
Reason had won in the end, and although they had gone to bed naked, they hadn’t touched intimately. That had been especially hard on Celach, who had been the more aroused of the two.
Landiant pressed back against Celach, who reacted in his sleep and pulled him even closer. This was nice – this was sufficient for now. They were several millennia old and would find a way to make their love last. And when they did – they would commit to each other for eternity.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elrohir wondered if he should feel annoyed now that Elladan had decided to join him on this patrol. He almost spat, ‘I am capable of leading this patrol. I do not need you at my side.’ But it had been a long time since they had fought and ridden side by side and a part of him insisted they should spend time with each other. So in the end, Elladan won and the twins set out together.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Ecthelion? That time is drawing near. I need you at my side.” Námo entered Ecthelion’s rooms, where he found the Lord of the Fountain brooding and staring darkly into the fire. “You knew this day would come.”
“I had hoped you would give him a bit more time. He is so young, my Lord. Only one hundred and twenty. That is nothing but a moment in the lives of the Firstborn. Won’t you reconsider?”
“My hands are bound. You know that.” Námo, dressed in black and burgundy, approached Ecthelion and placed a gloved hand on the Captain’s shoulder. “I would like for Elrohir to see your face in the hour of his death. Your presence will soothe him.”
“He won’t even recognize me! He does not know me!” Ecthelion jumped to his feet and paced his room.
Námo shook his head. “His soul will recognize yours.”
“I do not want him to die! Please, I beg of you! Is there nothing I can do to stop him from dying?” Ecthelion raised his arms and pleadingly reached for the Vala. “I would do anything!”
Námo walked toward Ecthelion and placed his hands on the warrior’s shoulders. Once Ecthelion’s gaze locked with his, he said, “This is your destiny. And Elrohir’s. Don’t fight it.”
Ecthelion gave in, realizing that he was helpless. There was nothing he could.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Elrohir! Have faith! You will find someone to love! Even I found one!” Elladan shifted closer to his twin and threw more wood onto the fire. The guards had searched their surroundings and had found no threat. As they were safe, the twins had given permission to build a fire.
“You always loved Lindir,” said Elrohir, throwing a pebble into the fire. “In my heart I always knew that the two of you would bind.” He lifted his head and forced a smile onto his face. “Do not worry about me, tôr. Live your life. I will be just fine.”
But Elladan heard the lies in his brother’s voice and that realization made him grab Elrohir’s hands. Squeezing them, he said, determinedly, “You are my brother, Elrohir! You are my twin. We will always be bound by blood. The fact that I have taken a mate does not mean you lost me.”
/I lost you many decades ago. I lost you when we were children and I would follow you in the hope you would play with me, whilst you were only intent on being with Lindir. Aye, we fought and we made up, but somewhere along the line we lost something very special…/
“Elrohir, you are scaring me. You have a look in your eyes that…” Elladan didn’t want to finish that sentence. “You do not have to be lonely. You have me.”
/Nay, Lindir has you. I have no one./
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“Why? Why are you allowing me to hear his thoughts?” Ecthelion stared accusingly at Námo.
Námo’s expression was soft and warm when it shifted from Elrohir to Ecthelion. “Because I want you to know that he is not happy. Elrohir longs for a love, much like you did – and still do.”
They stood next to the camp fire, close to the twins, but invisible to their eyes. Elladan had buried Elrohir in a hug, but it was clear to see that the younger twin only complied because he didn’t want to disappoint Elladan. Elrohir’s heart wasn’t in the embrace.
Ecthelion nervously shuffled his feet. He didn’t want to be here, for his presence meant that Elrohir was about to die. “Is there really no other way?”
Námo shook his head. “This is the way it is supposed to be. Accept it.” It wouldn’t be long now, before the Orcs would appear and Elrohir would give his life to save his brother’s.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Alarm! Alarm!”
Elladan woke first. He had fallen asleep seated against his twin and his first reaction was to make certain Elrohir was still safe. His twin blinked, still sleepy, but was also already drawing his sword.
“Orcs!” called out the sentry, trying to alert as many members of the patrol as possible. Arrows flew, swords danced in the air, and slew several Orcs. But there were many of the foul creatures – maybe even too many!
“Elrohir! We need to regroup!” Elladan was already busy shouting orders to the guards, who were beginning to form a line. Side-by-side, the Elves fought off their attackers.
“Where did they come from? None of our sentries found signs that they were close!” Even Glorfindel had jokingly remarked that this would be a boring patrol as no enemy was in sight. Now, Elrohir cursed his own stupidity. They should never have gone to sleep!
“We can find out later! Now we must deal with them! Charge!” Elladan, in his energetic way, led the charge, and the guards followed their leader when he attacked.
Elrohir merely shook his head at Elladan’s foolish charge. They should be concentrating on their defense instead! But he didn’t get much time to consider his next move. Orcs surrounded them and Elrohir’s heart missed a beat, finding his brother in peril. One Orc had managed to disarm his twin and another was attacking from behind. Elrohir didn’t have the time to warn his brother – didn’t have the time to consider what to do.
Elrohir acted and threw himself in harm’s way, catching the blow meant for his twin.
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“NO!”
Not one, but two voices screamed that little word to the heavens in a mute plea, but only one was heard by Elven ears. Ecthelion’s cry of outrage was never meant for the ears of the Firstborn.
Two forms started to catch Elrohir, who was stumbling toward the cold earth. A sword stuck from his back, buried to the hilt in the half-Elf’s body. The wound was lethal and quickly drew life from Elrohir. It was Elladan who caught his twin in his arms, who held him in those last moments, but it was Ecthelion who gently caught the falling fëa10 and cradled it close.
Námo remained at a distance, not wanting to infringe now that fate was taking its course.
Elrohir was falling. He felt cold and lonely, even though his brother was holding him close. Blood dripped from his back and through his twin’s fingers. Life was fleeing him and his last smile was for Elladan. Elrohir succeeded in raising his right hand and caressed his brother’s face. He wanted to tell Elladan not to feel guilty, that it had been his choice to give his life so his brother could live, but he lacked the strength to say those words. Death had come for him.
“Do not despair, Elrohir. Please, look at me… Do not despair.”
Elrohir was certain that he had never heard this melodic voice before, and curious, he looked at the voice’s owner. Oh, had he ever seen such a lovely sight before? Aye, Erestor was ethereal in his own way, but he had never before laid eyes on such exquisite beauty as this. “Who are you?” he asked, quite stunned to hear his voice, when only a moment ago he had lacked the strength to address his brother. Elladan was no longer in sight – all he saw was this handsome Elf.
Ecthelion cradled Elrohir’s fëa close, wanting to give the younger twin a sense of safety. “I am a friend.”
”What is happening to me?” His life fast forwarded in front of his eyes. He
relived his birth, his childhood and reached his majority again. Every decision
he had ever made, was now presented to him and he finally realized he had been
working toward this point his entire life. *This* was why he had been born.
This Elf. Other memories momentarily faded and he forgot about his sobbing
brother, holding him in his arms and rocking him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hold on!” Glorfindel, enraged that the scouts hadn’t picked up the Orc tracks any sooner, had left Imladris in the company of several guards. All the way over here, he had prayed fervently that he would reach the twins in time.
Glorfindel’s heart momentarily stopped beating, seeing Elladan collapse onto his knees, dragging his brother’s body down with him. The horrified expression in Elladan’s widened eyes said more than those screamed words ever could. Whilst his guards dealt with the foul intruders, Glorfindel headed for Elladan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Elladan’s whole world crumbled in his arms, feeling Elrohir sag lifelessly against him. The last breath left Elrohir’s lips, the eyes went blank and stared at the dark sky.
“No!” Elladan screamed his anger, fear and disbelief into the unresponsive skies and went down. Kneeling on the cold earth, he pulled Elrohir close and rocked his twin’s lifeless body in his arms. No, this couldn’t have happened! This couldn’t be real! He wasn’t holding his dead brother in his arms!
“Noooooo!” Elladan threw back his head and screamed – screamed as hard as he could. He didn’t notice the strong arms wrapping themselves around him and holding him. The only thing he was aware of was the dead weight in his arms and the blood dripping down his fingers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back in Imladris, Celebrían staggered. Elrond quickly reached for her and steadied her. Seeing her large, swimming eyes, he knew something terrible had happened. “What has happened, Melethril 10?”
Celebrían had grown ghastly pale and curled her fingers around her husband’s. “Elrohir… he…” She failed to finish her sentence, fainting, unable to cope with her son’s death.
Elrond drew the only possible conclusion and his first reaction was to scream at the Valar and curse them, but then he realized that his wife needed him. Celebrían had somehow experienced Elrohir’s death and it was up to him to take care of her. He would have to mourn later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Curiously, Elrohir looked about. The handsome Elf was still holding him – holding him close. Strong arms were wrapped around him and the luscious, red lips were temptingly close. “Shouldn’t I be dead?”
Ecthelion nodded once. What did Námo want him to say? To do? As the Vala remained quiet he had to decide for himself what to do. “Aye, you died. You are dead.”
“In that case, death is much more pleasurable than life.” Elrohir felt entranced, staring into the Elf’s dark eyes. “I feel like I know you.” Another look told him that the stranger wore dark-blue leggings and a turquoise shirt, lined with silver. “I know you,” he repeated, vexed that he couldn’t remember.
Ecthelion blushed. /How can the dead blush?/ wondered a distant part of him.
“Are you Námo? But nay, that does not seem right.” Elrohir didn’t want to free himself of the embrace, but he needed to stand on his own feet again.
Ecthelion shook his head once. “I am not Námo. I do not belong to the Valar.” Elrohir surprised him by raising a hand and brushing strands of his hair back behind his ear. The touch burned him with sensual desire and his blush deepened.
“I am Námo,” said the Vala, revealing himself. Elrohir’s reaction to Ecthelion hadn’t surprised him in the least – he had even counted on it!
Elrohir heard the Vala’s voice, but couldn’t tear his gaze away from the handsome stranger. /Who are you? Why do I know you?/
Námo approached and even chuckled softly. “Elrohir, you do not seem upset by the fact that you just died.”
Elrohir nodded once. “Not as upset as I thought I would be. Maybe it has everything to do with him.” Still feeling entranced, Elrohir took a step toward Ecthelion.
Ecthelion considered backing away from Elrohir, but found he couldn’t move. He felt paralyzed. Never before had anyone looked at him with such wonder in their eyes – such admiration.
Námo continued to chuckle. “Don't you know his name, Elrohir?”
Elrohir’s eyes narrowed. “Should I?”
Námo grinned, triumphantly. “You read his poetry. You played on his flute… You wore the colors of his house in your hair. You should know him, Elrohir.”
Finally realizing the truth, Elrohir said, “Ecthelion?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I can… not… go… on…How…can I…?” Emotionally devastated, Elladan stared blankly at Glorfindel, who was doing his best to calm him down. /Calm? I feel strangely calm… like I died as well./ And in a way, that was true. With Elrohir, a part of him had died. /I am no longer a twin… no longer a brother…/ And suddenly he understood how his father must have felt when he had held a dying Elros in his arms. /We are no longer someone’s brother…/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Glorfindel decided that he had to take charge now that Elladan was staring at him in such a helpless way. His men had taken care of the threat and the Orcs had been killed. /I am sorry that I reached you too late,/ thought Glorfindel, but this was not the time to speak those words. Elladan needed him. /I will take care of you, pen neth./
Glorfindel caught Elladan just in time when Elladan fainted. Holding one dead twin and one breathing half-Elf in his arms, he cursed the Valar for taking Elrohir away from them.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Erestor swayed and reached for the wall. A terrible cold had formed a fist around his heart and squeezed – hard. Realization came instantly. “Elrohir…”
“Uncle Erestor?” Arwen, who had been playing close to his desk, pushed herself to her feet and walked over to him. She rested her tiny hand upon his and looked at the adult with big eyes. “What is wrong?”
Erestor shook himself from his stupor and forced himself to react. There was no reason to scare this little Elfling. “I must have worked too much and long.”
Arwen gave Erestor a serious look. “Aye, that is what Naneth says when
Erestor tried to fight down the tremors that shook his hands whilst lifting Arwen. “A nap sounds perfect.” He forced himself to act like nothing was wrong so he would not worry her. At the same time, he realized he needed to talk to Elrond and Celebrían as quickly as possible. “Why don’t we take that nap in your parents’ rooms?”
Arwen nodded once, in a serious way. “I'd like that.”
On his way over to the couple’s chambers, he wondered what he would find. Had the parents sensed their son’s death as well?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“You are Ecthelion,” said Elrohir in a voice filled with wonder. “I always wanted to meet you.” Elrohir took hold of Ecthelion’s arm and pulled the other Elf closer. “Many minstrels sang of your beauty, but none of them did you justice!” Elrohir had never believed in love at first sight – until now that is.
“Come with me,” said Námo, gesturing for Elrohir and Ecthelion to join him. “It is time to go home.”
“Home?” Elrohir frowned; finally realizing what it was that Námo was saying. “You are taking us to the Halls of Waiting.”
“Aye, your new home.” Námo smiled, kindly. “Would you mind sharing quarters with Ecthelion?”
Elrohir shook his head once. “Not at all.”
“That is decided then.” Námo transported them to the Halls of Waiting and deposited the two souls in Ecthelion’s rooms. Now that his work was done, he sought out his wife – only in her presence would he finally find some rest.
1 meldir (sing.) –-“male” friend (Sindarin, noun) mell + dir
2 tôr (sing.) –- brother (Sindarin, noun)
3 meleth –- love (Sindarin, noun)
4 melethron –- (male) lover (Sindarin, noun)
5
6 Nana –- mom, mommy, mama (Sindarin, noun)
7 pen-neth (sing.) –- young one (Sindarin, noun, pronoun)
8 Adar –- father (Sindarin, noun)
9 Naneth –- mother (Sindarin, noun)
10 fëa (sing.) –- soul (Quenyan, noun)
11 Melethril –- (fem.) lover (Sindarin, noun)
From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary
Definition of OC names:
Celach – Flowing Flame
Landiant – broad bridge