Come to me in dreams

Chapter 10.

“How was he, Sadron?” Thranduil asked, anxiously when his valet finally stepped trough the door.

“Master Lindir was quite exhausted. He went to rest, and I am going to bring his meal to his chambers.” Sadron answered, wondering if he dared to ask more about Lindir.

Thranduil frowned, worried. This would be far more difficult he had thought.

“Can I trust you, Sadron?” He finally asked, studying his oldest friend for a long time. Thranduil realized that they needed someone to support and help them, especially Lindir. He needed someone as a trusted friend. The only one he could even consider was Sadron. But was the elf willing to take the risk and keep their secret?

“You know you can. Why would you even ask something like that?”

“It’s not that I didn’t trust you, but there is more. If I tell you, I would trust not only my life, but my beloved’s life into your hands, Sadron.”

“I never could betray you. And if you have found someone to love, my loyalty reaches your mate also. Tell me, saes, (please) my King! I swear that whatever you tell me will stay between us, if that is what you want.” Sadron said, determined to help his king anyway he could. He started to anticipate that Thranduil and Lindir really were something more than the King and a minstrel.

“I believe you, but remember, if I share this secret with you, you’ll be in extreme danger if Vanmoriel finds out about this. Are you still willing to know? We might need your help.”

“I am. I’ll do anything necessary.”

“All right. So, hear me, I didn’t come alone from Imladris. Lindir is not only a minstrel, but my bonded mate.” Thranduil said, quietly.

“By the Valar! But how…. Oh… The Lady will be furious if she knew about this.” Sadron whispered, stunned. Whatever he had thought he would hear, it was not this.

“I know. And now you’ll understand that she has to be kept away from my hervenn (husband). I love Lindir more than anything, and if something happens to him, I wouldn’t survive it.”

“This is going to be very difficult. But I‘ll do everything in my power to help you and Master Lindir too. He has to be something extraordinary if he had won your heart.”

“He is. Lindir is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. We were meant to be, Sadron. From the very first moment, I knew it. He saved my life with his love, and without him, I would have faded. It had already begun when I left, and I barely managed my way to Imladris. It was him I had dreamed of all these years. Someway, somehow we have to work this out.” Thranduil said with a serious tone. He had to succeed! Lindir deserved to be loved and cherished openly, not like this, hiding in shadows and secrets.

“What about tonight? You really should be there with him.” Sadron asked.

“I will be there. You don’t have to worry about it. Just bring our meal to Lindir’s chambers. I’ll meet you there.”

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Thranduil quickly walked through the secret passage, as if he couldn’t get to Lindir soon enough. He was worried after what Sadron had told him, and he wanted to make sure that Lindir was all right.

When Thranduil finally opened the door to Lindir’s chambers, his heart almost stopped.

Lindir lay on the floor, obviously unconscious. He still had had tears in his eyes, and his face was far too pale to Thranduil’s liking.

Thranduil gently lifted his mate up and carried him to bed. To his utter relief, Lindir’s eyes slowly fluttered open when Thranduil settled himself beside him.

“Wh… what happened?” Lindir mumbled wearily.

“I’m so sorry that I wasn’t here for you, meleth. What is wrong? You obviously don’t feel very well.”

Lindir closed his eyes, resting his head against Thranduil’s chest, just enjoying his mate’s closeness. He didn’t know what was wrong with him. Nauseous feeling still lingered inside him, making him all the more desperate.

“I feel much better when you are here. Kiss me, saes (please). I need you close to me.” Lindir whispered. He sighed happily, when Thranduil immediately obeyed, kissing him softly.

“This definitely wasn’t the welcome you deserved, meleth. It tore my heart to see you leaving with Sadron, without being able to kiss you. Your rightful place is beside me.” Thranduil said quietly, squeezing Lindir’s hair.

Lindir managed a little smile.

“I like Sadron. He was so kind to me and said that if I ever needed anything, I could always tell to him.”

“He is a good servant and trusted friend. We can trust him.”

“You should go. Sadron would bring my meal at any time now.” Lindir said suddenly, remembering that the valet had promised to come back. He couldn’t deny that this secrecy bothered him, but if this was the only way to be with Thranduil, he was ready for it.

“Nay, meleth. You can be at peace. I told Sadron about us, and he swore to keep our secret safe. Besides, this situation has to be solved, as soon as possible. I won’t let you suffer like this.”

“I’m not suffering. I don’t care if we have to hide, as long as I know that you still love me.”

“I do, Lindir nín! You are my whole life and always will be.” Thranduil assured, cradling Lindir in his arms.

They heard a knock from the door, and after Thranduil’s silent nod, asked who was there.

“It’s Sadron, Master Lindir. I’m bringing your meal.” The valet’s voice said, behind the door.

Lindir beckoned him to step in and the elf came, bringing the tray with him. Sadron studied Lindir with concern.

“Are you all right? You seem too pale, if I may say so.”

“What if I go and fetch the healer?” Thranduil suggested gently, helping Lindir up.

“Nay, saes! I am sure that this is only because of my excitement. I will be all right when I have eaten and slept the night properly.” Lindir said quickly, staring at the meal Sadron had brought. Suddenly he felt himself extremely hungry.

“So, eat then Master Lindir. And you, my King surely take care that your mate will have the rest he needs.” Sadron beckoned, smiling.

“Of course, I meet you tomorrow, Sadron. Now I ask you to check and see what Vanmoriel was up to. And tell me, why you weren’t there to welcome me as usual. I must say that I wasn’t very happy to have that broad clinging on me in front of my mate’s eyes.” Thranduil said, with a more serious tone.

“I’m very sorry. It must have been such a shock to you, Master Lindir. And I know what the Lady is up to. She had required a meal to be prepared and brought to her chambers. She also demanded to be alone to welcome you home. I can guess that her intention was to invite you to the meal tonight.”

Thranduil’s face turned into cold mask.

“So, she had become impatient. And I can guess that if I went to that meal, I would have found myself in some awkward situation. I give you some instruction now, and you must deliver them to every single one in my household. No one from my household takes any request from her anymore. She has her personal maid and does with her as he wants, but I am not going to tolerate her meddling in my affairs. “

“I will make sure that everyone will know your new orders before the sun has set. I’ll go now. And, welcome home, both of you.” Sadron said, bowing his head.

The valet left, and Thranduil turned his attention to Lindir. He blinked after noticing how voraciously his sweet hervenn had attacked the food.

“You must have been extremely hungry.” Thranduil chuckled when Lindir finally ceased his eating.

Lindir blushed when he noticed how much he had actually eaten.

“There is no reason to be embarrassed, meleth nín. You needed to eat properly. I only hope that all your hunger is not yet satisfied.” Thranduil whispered, taking Lindir in his arms.

“My hunger for you will never be completely satisfied. Saes, make love to me now.” Lindir purred with a voice that made shivers run through Thranduil.