Quite unexpected

Chapeleveleven make things right

Elrond closed his eyes to stop himself from scolding his father, who never uttered a word during their journey. Travelling took such amount of strength he hardly had breath to talk. Elrond sighed and stopped. “We should rest a while.”
None argued with him and Thranduil threw him a grateful glance, before swiftly dismounting and helping Celeborn of his horse. “You force yourself too much, melamin.” He ignored Celeborn’s glares and grinned. “You need to eat something. Haldir, is there any Lembas left?”
Haldir nodded and hurried over. “We’ll be in ‘Lóriën by nightfall. Are you all right?”
Celeborn shrugged. “I still don’t understand why you want me to return in the first place. It seems like a huge waste of time. I’d rather travel to Mirkwood or Imladris.”

Legolas shook his head at those words and winked at Orophin, who frowned before stepping closer. “What is it?”
Legolas grinned. “It seems our fathers are evenly matched in stubbornness. This is going to be fun, Phin.”
Orophin shook his head. “They became friends in Doriath for a reason.”

He grabbed his bow to take watch but Rumil beat him to it and Orophin threw his back on the soil, growling. He jumped when Legolas touched his shoulder. “Don’t worry. Everything will be all right. Father won’t leave Celeborn’s side and Elrond and Aragorn will prevent any fights. Though I doubt they’ll be able to control the lady Arwen.”
Orophin laughed at the words. “Aye, her eyes are pure fire. I wouldn’t want her mad at me.” He sighed and sat down. “But I can’t help being concerned. What if Haldir is wrong and the others have sided with her?”
Legolas shook his head. “No chance!” His voice held such determination it surprised Orophin. Legolas shrugged. “Celeborn has ruled the realm with kindness and wisdom. Everybody that had anything to do with him will not stand by and let Galadriel take control. And if Aragorn’s plan ed aed all of ‘Lóriën will now know the lie. Do not worry yourself and trust the Valar. They would not have set this in motion only to ruin the outcome.”
Orophin sighed. “Easier said than done, I fear.”

He gasped when he suddenly felt himself pulled against Legolas’ strong chest but he sighed in bliss when the blond started massaging his shoulders, forcing him to relax. The skilful hands soon had him completely relaxed and he closed his eyes and leaned back even more.
Seeing that beautiful face come so close to his own was more than Legolas could bare and he carefully leaned in closer.

A scream from Rumil alerted them and Orophin’s eyes flashed open before he jumped to his feet. Together with Haldir and Aragorn he reached his brother. “Man cenit?”
Rumil pointed and they saw three elves come their way.
Aragorn squinted his eyes and, like so many times in the past, cursed his poor human vision. It took a while before he too saw them. “They bare your colours, Haldir. They’re from ‘Lóriën. Why have they left? We must ride ahead, find out if things escalated.”
Haldir nodded. “Phin, alert the others. Legolas, Thranduil and Elrond must keep Celeborn busy.” Legolas ran back and nodded, indicating he had heard the last sentence. He send their horses their way as well and the others quickly got on.

Celeborn frowned when he saw only Legolas return. “Legolas? What is it? Are we under attack?”
Legolas shook his head. “Nay.”
Thranduil cocked his head at the answer. He knew his son enough to know something was happening or he would have elaborated. Legolas discretely indicated he would not speak when Celeborn could hear.
Elrond stood and added some herbs to the tea. “Here, drink this. You need to rest. And that’s a healer’s order.”
Thranduil laughed. “You’ve been talking to that chatterbox. That’s the line he always uses on us.”
Elrond grinned. “I can see why.” He was pleased Celeborn drank without question. Shortly after his eyes glanced over in reverie and Elrond sighed. “He exhausts himself. Be careful, Thranduil.”
The blond glared at him. “Of course. I have no intentions of letting him go again.”

He rolled his eyes and looked at Legolas. “Spill.”
Legolas sighed. “Three ‘Lóriën elves are coming this way. Aragorn and the others are going to see what happened. He fears things might have escalated.”
Elrond nodded. “Help me with the weapons. We must be prepared for everything. And I will not rule out the possibility of a sneak attack.”
Thranduil nodded. “Aye, she’s capable of everything.”

But they need not worry. Before long Aragorn and the three brothers returned, talking amicably with the three new elves.

Elrond stood and positioned himself before the others. Aragorn grinned. “Peace, adar. They were on their way to Minas Tirith to aid their lord.”
Elrond narrowed his eyes. “In what way?”
The healer ped ped forward. “I am the head of the healers in my realm. King Elassar already informed us Lord Celeborn is all right, which pleases us immensely, but I fear there might be a set back if he hears our news.”
Elrond narrowed his eyes before he stepped aside. “He is asleep at the moment and it will be a while before he fully recovers. What news?”
The healer sighed and a silent conversation took place between the three new elves. He turned to face Haldir. “I take it you already know?”
Haldir cocked his head. “Ista man?”
The healer sighed. “That the lady is no lady.”
Haldir nodded. “We all do.”

They turned when they heard Arwen utter a curse. She stepped into their sight completely wet. “I wanted to refresh the water, but it decided to wet me instead. I am not one for the road.”
Aragorn grinned and embraced his wife. “I did tell you to stay at home.”
She glared at him. “And leave ata’da alone? Never!”
Aragorn sighed. “He’s hardly alone. And Thranduil can take care of him.”
Arwen nodded. “That’s not the same. None know his life in ‘Lóriën like I do. I need to be there for him. And nobody can stop me.”
Aragorn sighed. “You are here, are you not? These three come from ‘Lóriën. My plan worked.”
Legolas jumped up and squished him. “What? It worked? Tell me what happened.”
Orophin laughed. “Calm yourself Legolas. They are not willing to tell it again and again. We should wait for Celeborn to wake up and then listen to what they have to say.”
Legolas pouted but shrugged. “All right. When will he wake?”
Elrond laughed. “Any minute now. it appears the compan rea reaching him in his sleep.”

Sure enough, within some minutes Celeborn’s eyes regained their awareness and he smiled at his lover but frowned when he saw the new elves. “What are they doing here?”
The healer instantly knelt before his lord. “We heard of your ailing and I hurried to aid you, my lord. We would have been sooner but…” He swallowed and looked at his companions. They were warriors and more capable to tell the tale.
The eldest shrugged. “We were not aware you were ill, my lord. Not until Prince Legolas sent word to Galandil. And whose plan was it?”
Aragorn grinned. “Mine. I felt you should know.”
The soldier nodded but knocked Aragorn to the ground. “You do realise we nearly left for the wrong realm? If the librarian hadn’t know the bird to be from Gondor we would have left for Mirkwood.”
Legolas quickly intervened. “The ruse was regrettable but necessary.”
The soldier narrowed his eyes but the healer jumped up. “You would not let her know where he was. You know!”

Celeborn stood and, leaning on Thranduil, addressed the new elves. “Can you please tell me what is happening here?”
Haldir stepped forward. “Do not tire yourself, father. Please.”
He sighed at the stubborn expression in his eyes. “It went as Aragorn predicted. She gave herself away Gal Galandil relayed the message. And you know his brother is not one to keep secrets.”
Celeborn sagged and would have fallen had Thranduil not had such strong hold on him. He hung his head. “So everyone knows.” He looked at Thranduil pleadingly, but the ruler of Mirkwood shook his head. “Nay, we are going through with this. ‘Lóriën belongs to you, not her. You are not alone.”
The soldiers nodded. “Aye, Galandil and the others are ruling until you return, my lord. And except some elves all eagerly await it.”
Celeborn narrowed his eyes. “You lie. Galadriel is your lady.”
The others shook their heads simultaneously. “Not anymore.”

Elrond smiled. “It seems the need to make amends does not apply to your friends alone. Do you really believe they would follow her when knowing the truth?”
Celeborn sighed. “Speaking the truth and having them believe it are two different things, Elrond.”
Arwen growled and hugged her grandfather. “Didn’t you hear a word they said? She gave herself away! They had proof, undeniable proof. And they side with you, which shouldn’t come as a surprise at all. Now, get yourself together and we shall all ride there together and kick her butt to Valinor.”
Thranduil nodded. “After signing her divorce papers.”
Celeborn flashed his eyes towards him and the hidden message behind those words made him smile. He nodded. “Aye, let’s hurry.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Galandil jumped when his door was thrown open. “What is it?”
The soldier bowed and beamed. “They are returning. Haldir and his brothers are there as well. And Lord Elrond of Imladris, King Elassar of Gondor with his wife and King Thranduil of Mirkwood with his son are accompanying him. He’s coming home.”
Galandil smiled. “Let’s prepare to welcome him home. Truly welcome him home. Spread the word.”
The soldier nodded and ran away.

Soon the forest was filled with activity. All elves hastened themselves to the centre of Caras Galadhon to welcome their lord home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Elrond looked at Aragorn and read his own worry in his son’s eyes. Things were too calm. All hands rested on the weapons, ready to fight. It was only Thranduil’s presence that made Celeborn continue. He sighed, knowing the next corner would take them to the grand yard before the royal talan.

Their eyes widened when they turned it. The whole area was decorated and every ‘Lóriën elf was present and started cheering the second they saw their lord. While the horses stoically stepped forward the riders gaped at the scene. This was not close to anything they had expected.

Thranduil dismounted and assisted Celeborn dismount as well. Involuntarily he made a full turn, watching in disbelief at the things he saw. Then he closed his eyes in defeat. /It’s her doing./

Galandil hastily ran forward. “Lord Celeborn, welcome home. You’ve been sorely missed.” He bowed deeply before him.

Haldir opened his mouth to ask the question they were all dying to ask when noises from behind made them turn around. Galadriel was seen descending the stairs in a hurry. Suddenly Arwen smiled, catching on, and understood why they were led here. It made it possible for them to see the stairs but they were hidden from view.

Galadriel rushed down the stairs and screamed. “What is going on?” Her head swiftly reached a conclusion. There was no festivity planned and no guests were coming their way so it had to be the arrival of her dead husband. Without a doubt Thranduil has sent his corpse here to be given the last rites. She laughed and did her best to look grieving when she came from the last step, still not seeing the arrivals.

She smiled warmly at the gathered elves. “My heart warms hearing the love you bore my husband. Like you I grieve with his demise, but we cannot allow our grieve to consume us. He would want us to carry on and continue. There shall be a great feast at his pyre tonight.” She turned a little and addressed one of the counsellors. “Tell the Galadhrim that if Haldir or his brothers return they are to be shot.”
The counsellor smiled. “But, my lady, they are your adoptive sons.”
Galadriel laughed. “They are not mine. Celeborn adopted them, not I. He always was too weak hearted.” She snorted. “After a century I gave up trying to mould him into something better suited.”

Thranduil, who had been having a hard time keeping quiet, stared in bewilderment when Arwen jumped forward and latterly attacked Galadriel. “How dare you! Ata’da has always been a great and generous elf. There are none that can compete with him. You ruined his life and made him miserable. Have you no shame?”
Galadriel smiled. “Arwen, darling. What a pleasure to see you again. Have you brought your son? Perhaps we can support each other in the coming weeks for we all shall feel thes.” s.”
Arwen snorted. “Tell me one thing, grandmother, did you even love him? At all?”
Galadriel laughed but her eyes answered for her and Arwen trembled in fury. She raised her fist to hit Galadriel but felt it restrained in the air. “Enough, Arwen. We did not come to make a scene.”

His voice was enough to calm Arwen down, but she continued to glare at Galadriel, who staggered backwards. “You… you’re…”
Celeborn smiled. “Not dead, though I came real close. You did not even bother to send a healer or best wishes my way, but I can’t say that surprises me for that would have required love and affection and we both know you carry none. The only thing you care about is power; the capability to tell others what to do. You can do so somewhere else from now on. You no longer are my wife. I am sure the Valar will forgive me for breaking our vows.”
Galadriel recovered from her initial shock. “Husband mine, you are alive. My heart rejoices.”

Galandil stepped forward, initiating his plan. “Then why are your eyes so spiteful? I believe our lord just divorced you, lady, so if I were you I’d start packing.”
She turned to him and her true character showed. “You bastard! You’ve been telling lies to him. I will ban you!”
Galandil laughed. “Really? Only Lord Celeborn can do that. He is the only one I answer to.”
She spat fire and turned. “Galadhrim! Remove this person!”
No one stirred and Galandil laughed. “I think I should inform you there are no Galadhrim here. They no longer liked the name. If you wish to address them you should call them Eldar Celeborno instead.”

Celeborn gasped at those words and his knees gave way. He lowered his head, allowing his tears to flow freely. Never in his wildest dreams would have imagined this.

Elrond hurried forward and blocked Celeborn from Galadriel’s view. “You’ve lied to us all but it is finally over. Celeborn has always ruled this realm and it is only natural the people side with him. You obviously are no longer welcome here and I can tell you neither I nor Thranduil will allow you entrée. And going to Gondor isn’t possible either, for Arwen is liable to attack you for real and Rohan will not risk war with the rest of us. No, Galadriel, Valinor is the only option for you. I wonder what Gandalf will say when he learns you are responsible for the Ring war? Thanks to you Frodo is affected for life.”
A soldier ste for forward. “I will prepare an escort to see her safely to the Grey Havens.”
Elrond nodded. “Do not start your journey back until the ship has left.” With that he stopped all possibility for her to remain. She had lost.

Together with Thranduil and Haldir he helped Celeborn up, who looked around grateful. Suddenly he gasped. “Mirkwood. Haldir, prepare an army.”
Thranduil shook his head. “I am sure the Gondorians and Glorfindel’s elves are more than enough help.” He shrugged when Celeborn glared at him. “Fine, but you are staying put.”
Celeborn growled. “Legolas, will you guide them?”
Legolas nodded.

Orophin smiled when he saw Haldir’s face and his desire to remain here instead. “My lord, I suggest Haldir remains here and sees to the schedules of the Eldar Celeborno. I can accompany Legolas in his stead.”

Haldir wanted to object but Rumil’s glare forced him to remain silent and nod his head in acceptance. Rumil winked and Haldir smiled when he realised his brother’s intention.

Legolas smiled. “We shall leave within the hour.” He stepped forward and hugged the others. “Take care.”
Thranduil nodded. “You too, ion-nin, you too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celeborn woke and smiled, seeing his lover seated on his balcony. He closed his eyes in bliss. /To think I almost lost this./ But he wondered about the future. He still ruled his realm and he could not help rejoice in it, but it did create a problem. Thranduil still ruled Mirkwood and sooner or later the elf had to return to his own home.
He did not stop his tears from leaving. /Maybe it was better if I died?/
Thranduil’s arms were around him instantly. “Don’t you ever say such things again. Don’t even think them.”
Celeborn sighed, realising he had spoken out loud. “I am sorry, meleth. But I feel no happiness now, knowing I will have to say goodbye to you eventually. I am grateful I sthavehave my realm, but you have yours as well.”
Thranduil shook his head and pulled Celeborn close. “And when did you become such a brooding elf? I didn’t know you to do that. Aye, we both have a our realm, but it does not have to stand between us. Joreb can rule Mirkwood.”
Celeborn looked at him. “You’d leave your realm?”
Thranduil nodded. “Aye, but there is a compromise. Travel! I’ve been told you like that a lot. We can travel not only to Gondor, Rohan and Imladris but between our realms as well. I am sure Galandil and the others won’t mind you having some joy in your life. And Joreb shall rule Mirkwood.”

Celeborn smiled and claimed Thranduil’s lips. “I do not deserve you. I shall enjoy giving charge to you.” His eyes darkened and Thranduil swallowed, understanding the sexual innuendo. He laid down and kissed his lover lazily. “We will have to make it fast. Elrond is leaving for his realm soon enough. He feels guilty for leaving Erestor alone for too long.”

Celeborn grinned. “I hope he starts opening his eyes and finds his love as well.”
Thranduil sat back up. “Are you saying Erestor loves Elrond?”
Celeborn laughed and shook his head. “Nay, Erestor’s heart els elsewhere. No, but there is another. But I won’t tell you.”
Thranduil shook his head. “All the more reason for us to travel there soon so I may find out myself.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas blinked when they entered their woods. It was light again. He urged his horse on faster and they saw how the combined forces of Mirkwood, Imladris and Gondor defeated the evil forces in his realm forever. He could hear the murmurs of the soldiers behind him and he nodded. That was all the stimulation they needed and without warning they flung themselves at the fleeing foul creatures.

Elladan and Elrohir saw Legolas and Orophin and ran over to them. “You’re late.”
Legolas grinned. “We had other business to attend to first. Celeborn sends his greetings.”
Elladan laughed. “You wouldn’t happen to know what is wrong, would you? Elrond forbade Glorfindel to speak about it.”
Legolas laughed. “Far be it from me to disobey your father, Elladan. I am sure he will have continued his journey home within the week. All Celeborn needs now is time and there’s plenty of it. Where’s Joreb?”
Elrohir grinned. “At the palace. The healer forbids him to do anything until his wrist has healed. Apparently he has had to patch up six times this month.”
Legolas laughed warmly. “Sounds like him. He took over the maternal role when nana died.”
He looked at the battlefield. “I take it you can handle things alone?”
Elladan and Elrohir nodded. “Aye, and Boromir can aid us. See you later.”
Legolas grinned and pulled Orophin along. “Come, I shall show you my home.”

When they were far enough Orophin could no longer keep up pretence and stopped his horse. “Legolas, during that last rest on the ride to ‘Lóriën,” Legolas swallowed, already knowing what was to come. “why did you try to kiss me?”
Legolas averted his eyes. “I am sorrrophrophin. It won’t happen again.”
Orophin narrowed his eyes. “That’s not what I asked.”
Legolas sighed. “It was the moment.”
Orophin closed his eyes in annoyance. “I have two elder brothers, Legolas, trying to dodge answering doesn’t work. Why did you try to kiss me then?”
“Because I wanted to.”
Orophin blinked his eyes. “You wanted to? Why?” /And do you still want to?/
Legolas nodded. “Aye, I did. I still do.” Suddenly he opened his eyes, allowing Orophin look into them. “I love you.” /And now I will lose you./

For a while it was silent as Orophin digested the news. Suddenly he smiled and, without warning, leaned in closer and placed his lips over Legolas’. “I am going back as soon as I can. I don’t want to leave Celeborn alone.”
Legolas nodded. “Our fathers might welcome our company on their journeys and until then I am sure I can do something else there.”
Orophin smiled warmly. “But what about Mirkwood? Are you sure you want to leave it?”
Legolas shrugged. “Father is not likely to never come here again so I will see it back. I will be happy staying by your side. If you want me.”

Orophin pulled him closer and claimed his lips, silently answering him. Legolas was unprepared for the movement and lost his balance falling the ground, taking Orophin with him. He wanted to stand but Orophin pulled him down, pressing his own body against him.

“Claim me, Legolas.”
Legolas shook his head. “Not here. The battle will soon be over and I don’t want everyone to walk in on us. Can you wait until we’ve reached my rooms?”
Orophinrowerowed his eyes. “And until you’ve talked to your brother and the healer, no doubt. I can wait, but can you?” He grinned when his hand went lower and teasingly pulled Legolas’ shaft.
Legolas gasped and his eyes darkened. “I shall have to. And I will only claim you if you take me as well.”
Orophin’s smile widened and he nodded. “Looking forward to it.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arwen sighed as Aragorn pulled her close. “Don’t feel guilty about staying behind a little longer. I shall ask Boromir to pick you up on his way back.”
Arwen smiled. “I shall miss you and Eldarion even more. I should be there for him but…”
Aragorn nodded. “Celeborn needs you, even if he doesn’t admit it.” He felt Arwen’s pain at being separated from Eldarion as if it were his own.

Suddenly he smiled. “If Faramir doesn’t mind, and I d he he will, I can travel back here with our son. Bring him here. Would you like that?”
Arwen beamed with happiness and hugged Aragorn tight. “Would you? Oh, that would be perfect.”
Aragorn nodded. “It would. It might even be better for him to grow up here than in Gondor. I don’t want him to chose mortality because that’s all he knows.”
Arwen nodded. “We should have him raised by ata’da.”
Aragorn grinned. “I don’t mind if we have other children as well.”
Arwen nodded. “During our journey here ata hinted I will be pregnant again soon. And that that child will rule Gondor later.”
Aragorn smiled. “Because Eldarion will be here, I suppose. Aye, I shall hasten back. And Eldarion will grow up in Celeborn’s care.”
Arwen nodded. “He will help him heal completely. Everything is fine now.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas sighed when he closed the door behind him and angrily threw off his boots. He crawled on his bed and crossed his arms. After a few moment the anticipated knock sounded and he glared at the door.
“Legolas. Can I come in?” Orophin’s voice sounded insecure and Legolas’ anger evaporated immediately.

He jumped off and rushed to the door, embracing his love the instant he threw it open. “Oh, Phin.” He hungrily claimed the lips and pulled him inside.
Orophin frowned at the action and pulled back. “What was that?”
Legolas shook his head. “Nothing. I was just a little mad you wanted to talk to Joreb just now.”
At first Orophin was insulted but then he smiled. “Aiya, I am sorry. I really thought you wanted to retire.”
Legolas smiled and shook his head. “Doesn’t matter. Claim me, my love. Make me yours.”

Orophin growled hungrily and allowed Legolas to remove their clothing as they devoured each other’s mouth.

Feeling Orophin’s intention to move to the bed Legolas turned around and pressed his own body against the wall. He wanted it now and did not wish to wait until they’d reached the bed.
At first Orophin was puzzled by the sudden movement but when he felt Legolas move himself until his opening was positioned directly in front of Orophin, he smiled and nodded in understanding. He hoped he wouldn’t disappoint him but ignored it as he claimed his love.

Legolas smiled as he felt himself being breached and he grasped the wall for support, urging Orophin to go faster. His lover obliged and was more than capable of matching Legolas’ stamina. The blond Prince adored his lover even more, now that he finally had found someone to last long enough for him to reach orgasm as well. He already looked forward to every future love making.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miles away from the activity a lone ship reached the mists around Valinor. Slowly they engulfed it, embracing it. Galadriel did not hear the welcoming voices from the shores and her eyes were set in the distance. It would be a while before her soul started healing, but eventually she would heal and become a kind gentle woman. But that’s another story.

END STORY

Thank you for reviewing and reading this figment of my imagination. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I have.