the trouble with love

Chapter six Breakfast

“Well, last night was different. I don’t think our family has ever been so insane.” Celeborn laughed at his wife’s remark. But then again, insane was just the word to describe the behaviour they had seen yesterday. And that’s not counting the times in the mirror. Which had to remain a secret. Every one else thought the mirror dead now that the rings had no power anymore. But the power of the mirror laid not in the ring, but in the fine combination of special spring water and Galadriel’s essence.
What they had seen in the mirror prior to their departure from ‘Lóriën was upsetting him. He only hoped they still had time and would not lose him after all.

Galadriel kindly tore his sleeve and tore him out of his reverie. He looked at her questioningly but she just nodded forward. They had arrived at the great hall, conveniently turned into a eating room ,where they would share breakfast. He could already spot most Galadhrim, except for Elgalad, but he figured she would be spending time with her family in town. It looked as if Rumil turned gloomier as time went on. /One more elf to worry about/ he thought.
Next he saw two of Elrond’s advisors enter from the direction opposite of himself and his wife. Erestor with Thrilmaldur, they looked like they have been talking all night, and Sealbeth with a Mirkwood soldier. “Now I know why Elrond wanted us to take him” his wife whispered in his ear.
“Uh” Celeborn wasn’t on his best in the early mornings. He preferred the midday or later, but definitely not before.
“Wake up you fool, Thrilmaldur and Erestor, look at them. They do so make a match. And by the looks of it the two next to them as well. You and Elrond will spend many a happy moment getting those pairs to admit their feelings.”
Now that got his attention. “Oh.” Matchmaking was his greatest joy in life. Galadriel often told him she was glad to be already married to him for none would stand a change against a plotting Celeborn. Save perhaps Elrond.

Upon entering the room he saw Mirkwood’s royals already seated. The image told him it was a tight and loving family. Galadriel and he had no worries over any of them. Whoever opposed one of them, opposed them all. No, it was best to remain on friendly terms with them.
But who was that lady? Thranduil only had sons, did he not. He silently asked Galadriel if she might know. “Yes, you nitwit, that’s Silinde, Joreb’s wife. For more than five hundred years now.. Where is your brain.”
“In bed, asleep, I wager. There’s clearly Vanyar blood in her.”

But he still missed some elves. Scanning the room he spotted that calm and sedated Elf melpo something. More asleep than he was. He snickered. Glorfindel was out patrolling, he always took morning’s patrol.
But the host was missing and so was his family. The only one there was Elvil, who was practically bouncing in his seat, hungry as he was.

He wondered what was wrong. He was about to address one of the advisors when a flash of black light bolted him by. Utterly surprised he watched as that bolting light turned out to be his great-grandson. Elrohir’s kid, but more Elladan than his father really. He waved frantically towards Prince Legolas.
Celeborn thought he looked surprised, but no, Galadriel bested him as did Thranduil, though he did his best to hide it.
It was obvious that Legolas was uncomfortable with the situation and he was about to start thinking on a solution when his wife spoke: “Why, Elnihir, how sweet of you to reserve us seats, but we’ve been seated opposite of you. And we are very pleased to see you as well. Tell me, how are you? And you must be Elvil. Elrond told us he was fostering again. We shall be utterly delighted if the two of you would grace us your company at our home in the future.”
The dazzling smile that was Galadriel took all questions from the youngsters minds and mouths.
“But does anyone know where our hosts are?” Silinde answered before her husband or his ata could. “We don’t know what has delayed Lord Elrond, but Lords Elladan and Elrohir are trying to find us some answers, or at least breakfast.”

Now there was another problem; the twins, once they looked so much alike, no one but their family could tell them apart, but now…..
Now they were as different as light and day. While Elrohir was relatively happy and eager to please, a charming elf to be around, Elladan was more introvert and lashed out at everyone when they crossed the invisible barrier.
No one was to blame really, for they would have had enough time to counter it, had they seen it. But they hadn’t. When Celebrían had left, Elladan had taken the full blow. Getting hurt himself and seeing his loved ones hurt. After that he just never let anyone close again. And when the orc’s went away, his anger hadn’t. And without the vile creatures to unleash his anger at, it had cropped up inside.
Celeborn constantly blamed himself, even though it was not his doing, and wished he could do something to help him. Maybe if Elladan took a mate, things would change. He should discuss this with Galadriel and Elrond. /Maybe, just maybe. /
But for now he wondered what was taking breakfast. Or the three missing Elflords for that matter.

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In the meantime Elrohir and Elladan were slowly growing frustrated. Their ata’s bed had not been slept in. So where had he slept? They had checked every room in the house already but to no avail. Frustrated when a second search proved to be just as fruitless they decided to go back to the dining area, start breakfast without him and see what happens.
It was safe to assume that nothing had happened, right? They took the fast route, through the empty corridor that was being cleaned. When they turned a corner the door next to Elladan opened and both twins jumped in fear. Who could be wandering the deserted halls at this time?

“Boys?”
Elladan growled for being caught of guard and Elrohir’s mouth just hit the floor. “Ata? What happened to you? Breakfast is ready.”
Elrond clutched his head. “What time is it then, and please, don’t yell.”
“Time to be at the head of the table an hour ago.”
“Alright, alright, let’s go. Why is the place spinning?”
!!!!!!!!” Elladan was just in time to stop his fainting father from hitting the floor. He looked at his twin puzzled. This behaviour was so not Elrond.
Elrohir leaned in close to examine him on hidden wounds, but went back in abomination. “He’s drunk Adan. What do we do?”
“I’ll take him to his room to sleep it out and you go play host.” Before the plan could be put into action Elrond decided to awake again. “Hee you, you’re upside down. Hihihihihihi. Do you know the Valar sang to me?” Pffft, out again. Elladan shook his head “Valar indeed”
“I wonder how dad got so drunk. And why, it’s not like him. Maybe ata’da and nona can
help”
“What he needs is sleep and a bath. He won’t be active for the entire day, I bet”
“Well, I’m off. I will bring some to you ok. Can I find you in ata’s room?” A nod came as a answer.
Elrohir smiled. He knew his brother still cared about them, even though he never showed it
anymore. Maybe he should send the little ones to him. They always managed to brighten his mood. O well, back to the dining hall.

As the hall came into view he saw breakfast had already been located and everybody was anxiously awaiting their return. Especially the little ones. They could hardly wait and stole small bits and pieces whenever they had the chance. He quickly went inside to end their misery and the other’s waiting. “I am so sorry to have kept you waiting for so long, but unfortunately my father and brother are needed elsewhere.” Yes, that would do, now all knew why the others weren’t there without them knowing.
Sometimes it paid to say something without actually saying it. He knew the others knew he was doing that and he only hoped he would get away with it.
Erestor and Sealbeth looked at him questioningly but he shook his head, telling them to stay silent.

Suddenly he heard Daiz address him. “I went by your brother’s yesterday. Just to ask him some nice places to go to and maybe he could have joined me, but he was too grumpy I suppose. I planned on apologizing, but you two left in such a hurry and now it’s only you, so I give them to you now and to him personally later.”
“O, that’s perfectly alright Daiz. My brother isn’t such a night owl anymore, I’m afraid.”
“I’m glad.” Daiz beamed with glee. He had been seriously concerned he had upset Elladan. He did not register his father’s stern face. “But Daiz.” “Yes ata?” “There will be no repeater.”
“No ata”
Makaik chuckled. “Although it seems you have asked the wrong elf, brother mine” “Whatever do you mean, Maki?” “Look around and see for yourself.”

That they did and all of them saw what Makaik had meant. There, oblivious to all around him, was the pale advisor Melpomean, asleep on his chair. “I see what you mean brother, it certainly looks like he has pulled an all-nighter”
But Elrohir didn’t agree. He has never ever seen the advisor be anything but discrete and the fact that he was now slowly snoring puzzled him. Something serious must have happened to keep him up, for he was dead serious about his bedtime. He stood up and silently walked over to the sleeping elf. After touching him on the shoulders he softly called to him.
“Melpomean, wake up”

The advisor awoke, but only to jump up from his seat in shock and shame. That action only resulted in adding to his shame for he dragged the tablecloth, and everything on it, with him.
Daiz fell to the floor laughing, ignoring the looks his father and elder brothers sent him. “My, my, I do believe you and I are going to have some fun together while I’m here. It is very nice to meet you, my friend, very nice indeed.”
Melpomean just went redder. Elrohir came to his rescue. “I’m sure, Daiz, but not right now. I think ata and Elladan might use a little help. Would you please go to check on them and then get yourself to bed.” After seeing the advisors painful look Elrohir added “ Sleeping in public is not you, so that tells us you have been neglecting yourself and tired yourself out when you should have gone to bed. So you will do so now.” Melpomean nodded his head in understanding and stood to go.

Outside the hall he realised he hadn’t been told where to find Elladan and Lord Elrond. But surely he wasn’t capable of doing anything yet. Not after drinking so much wine last night. Maybe that was the help Elladan needed. Getting his drunken father to cooperate. Well, he should go look for them then, but Elrohir was right. He was dead tired. Going to bed had been ordered to him and it was only the most reasonable thing to do. Yes, he decided to go straight for bed.

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Elladan didn’t know what to do. His father was dead drunk and also a dead weight as he changed his father’s clothes for a comfortable sleeping robe. He decided to draw a bath. Surely that would help his dad getting clearheaded again.

Having that done he went back to the bedroom and was relieved, finding his father in an upright position, rubbing his temples.
“Ata. What happened? How much did you drink? And why?” A moan was his answer.
Maybe the light was to bright, not for him, but he wasn’t having the biggest hang over in the world. “Want me to close the curtains?” Another moan, but it sounded different and Elladan decided it was an appreciative one. He drew the curtains close and refrained from lighting any candles. The dark would aid his father.
“Ata, I’ve drown you a bath. Can you get there yourself for do you need my help?” Another moan, a little longer this time and a arm came dangling towards him. He took it as a silent plea for help.

Slowly he helped his father get to the bathroom and into the tub. He then took some towels out and went to washing his fathers hair, remembering how pleasant it used to feel his father washing his when he was still little. Pleased moans told him his efforts were highly appreciated.
“Well, you are clean now, why don’t you stay in and soak for some longer? I am going to fetch me some food. You want to?” A half no half growl was the reply. “Ok, I’m off, try not to drown, will you.”

End chapter six
TBC

Notes:
A nona is a grandmother. But it isn’t elvish. Nowhere an elven substitute is given.


Chapter seven getting started

Sitting down in the kitchen chair he sighed relieved. A headache had accompanied him ever since he had awoken and it wasn’t going to go away any time soon. He poured himself the awful concoction; brownish-green of colour with a foul stench and an even worse taste, but guaranteed to do the job. Now he just had to wait a while for his ‘cooking efforts’ to settle and then he could finally be rid of this annoying pain. His head sometimes felt ready to explode.

Why did he always drink so much? He should have drank less tonight. But of course he wouldn’t, for one less wasn’t going to happen and as long as he couldn’t say none at all, the headaches would be a constant in his life. Glorfindel laid his forehead on the cool surface of the table.

He heard an elf enter and start rumming about the kitchen. Not caring to loose the contact with the refreshing coolness of the table he voiced his trouble: “Could you possibly manage to make less noise?” The intruder was obviously startled by his voice for next he heard were plates hitting the stone floor. So he had actually achieved the total opposite of what he wanted.

“Glorfindel!? What, what are you doing here?” /Oh, it’s Elladan./ A yawn escaped his mouth before he could voice his answer “Waiting for that to be done”
Elladan took a look at what it was Glorfindel was pointing at. A phial, containing the most horrible looking liquid he had ever seen. He bent forward and sniffed. “Eigh. That smells terrible.” “Tastes worse, you know”
“Than why drink it?”
“’Cause. Why are her here?”
“Oh, just getting some breakfast. And maybe get Ata some as well. He’s positively drunk.
He’s soaking in the tub now. Do you have any menu suggestions?”

Elladan regarded Glorfindel curiously. Was the blond drunk again? If so, he was better off than his dad, but on the other hand, Glorfindel usually drank every night and a lot too, so he was used to it, wasn’t he?

Somehow, some part of Elladan’s words registered with the blond. So, Elrond was suffering a hangover as well? Guess he should go keep the other company then. He stood to go and got two glasses out of the cupboard. “I will go to him. This will aid him to.”
Elladan didn’t want to see his Ata’s reaction to the potion. “I’ll have my breakfast now. You deal with my father then.”
Glorfindel was already walking slowly and carefully through the hall, headed towards Elrond’s rooms.

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Breakfast had been long but it was finally over and all the guest had dispatched themselves into all kinds of directions.

Elrohir found himself pleased his little untruth had been granted. He wondered why Erestor had gone with that stiff and stern humourless advisor of his granddad. If others thought Erestor to be stern and difficult, they had it wrong. Elrohir had found that out the hard way when he had been forced to study a year at Lorien. Nothing had been allowed during that elf’s lessons. And Thrilmaldur had given almost all the lessons.
He groaned in despair at the thought of that very boring and dull year away from his twin, who was still at home. He had often cursed his brother during those days. It had been Elladan’s fault in the first place. He should never had agreed to take the blame for letting the sheep lose. Elladan was supposed to have spent the year at Lorien and he should have been happily at home.

A sudden giggle made him stop his thoughts and surprised he saw Sealbeth was the source.
Did he really hear correctly or was he going insane? /Sealbeth? Giggle?/ He shook his head to clear it. Clearly he had misheard. Someone walking behind the other was responsible.
But then another surprise entered his vision. The advisor wasn’t alone. He was being accompanied by that Mirkwood guard, what was his name again? /Valthroman. Yeah, that was it./ But it didn’t look like any ordinary walk, no, it rather looked like… like… like one of the walks he sometimes takes with Orophin.
He missed the Galadhrim, now that he thought of him. In fact, he was the only reason his foster year in ‘Lóriën hadn’t been a complete waste.

He smiled at his memories and thoughts, but more at the idea of what that might mean for that dull, but gentle and kind, advisor. Sealbeth had always been his favourite teacher, and now he was pleased to see his son and brother get a even better treatment. Maybe that guard was responsible? Elrohir decided to keep an eye on those two. They sure looked like a match and if they couldn’t figure it out themselves, they would need his help.

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Legolas didn’t really look where he was going, all he wanted to do was to get away from everybody before they could ask him questions, questions he didn’t want to hear. Or even worse, they could start worrying for him.
He never admitted it, but that’s why he stayed alone in the far off woods, nobody around to fuss over him and destroy his last bit of hope.

He hadn’t walked far, though, for al too soon he heard his name being called behind him. He wanted to walk faster and create distance, but he identified the voice as Elnihir’s. He turned around. “Yes little one? Is there something you want?”
“You said we could talk today. Do you have time? Or am I intruding? Daddy always says I shouldn’t be doing that. I just wanted to ask you something, I guess.”
“Well, ask your question then.” His own reply stunned him. Now where had that come from? Now how could he possibly get away fast if necessary? “But be fast, I am in a hurry” Yes that would work.
The young one’s face lit up in joy at the thought of spending time with Legolas. “Well, you must think me crazy but, eh…eh…don’t people laugh at you? With your name I mean?”
“What? Why ask me that? Why would others laugh at my name?” If Legolas looked stunned at the question Elnihir’s face was even worse. He shook his head to clear it. “Ehm…I…eh…I mean….well…with the tale of the Ring quest. You know…. eh… being named after a…non-existing elf?”
Elnihir’s face became one of shock, worry, fear and surprise when Legolas broke out into a laughter. “Non-existing? You mean to say you not believe the tale?”
“No, it is fiction. My uncle Elladan told me it when I was little, it was one of his own make up tales. He always made up a tale when putting us to bed. It was the one condition Elvil would go to bed on.”

This made Legolas laugh even harder. The image of a reluctant Elladan telling a tale to two elflings had flashed before his eyes. “They must have been desperate to get Elladan to tell a tale.” Somehow he managed to speak in between his laughter. “But actually I should kick your uncle now, making me into a figment of his imagination is really not something I can allow. Yes, little one, I am that Legolas, from the Fellowship.”
Elnihir’s mouth opened wide. He had never believed the tale to be real. He was in complete awe at the other. “Oh……it’s true??……wow….you really shot a ringwraith?….COOL…..” but then his face became saddened, where just a second before mirth had been shining from it. “But they all…only you left….you miss them?”
Elnihir hadn’t meant any harm by asking that but in doing so he also opened up a whole barrel of emotions Legolas was not willing to face. Pain contorted his face and he turned around briskly and ran away. He didn’t hear Elnihir call to him, scare evident in his voice. He didn’t hear the other run after him and try to keep up. He also didn’t hear as Elnihir tripped and fell, nearly breaking his leg in the process. He just didn’t hear anything as he ran blindedly.

When he looked, really looked, where he was, he found himself standing in front of a very lovely gazebo. It was white, but the paint was worn of at most places and obviously not been taken care of as it should. He wondered why for he knew lord Elrond to be very particular about Imladris’ appearance.
The woodwork didn’t look rotten but still Legolas gave it a careful glance before stepping even one toe onto it. He didn’t want to break anything and be bedridden.
When he entered it he saw that there was only one good sitting place left for the other benches had been taken down by time or completely taken over by the vegetation: climbing roses or Ivy. It looked wild and yet very lovely at the same time.

Taking in the surroundings he noticed the lack of care went beyond the gazebo to the whole scenery. No nicely kept flowerbeds or trimmed bushes. What he saw was raw nature, scaring in it’s wildness and yet adoringly beautiful in it’s simplicity.

He sat down on the bench to try and discern all the varieties of flowers he saw. He soon found his own knowledge not enough, for the majority was unknown to him. Flowers of every shape and in every colour surrounded by every shape and coloured leaf imaginable could not come close enough to the variety of flowers found in this particular spot in Imladris. In fact, one would have to double the amount to come as far as halfway. And even though nature was set lose here, it looked like flowers and not like weed.
But weed was a human word, something they didn’t want in their gardens was a weed. Didn’t they call Athelas a weed? And wasn’t that weed known amongst the elves for it’s magic? And most ‘weeds’ had very beautiful flowers. No, Legolas would not at all be surprised if all others would call these flowers weed.

He leaned back against the weaving of Ivy, roses and other climbing flowers he hadn’t noticed before and closed his eyes. Immediately his nostrils sang in joy for the most exquisite bouquet prickled them. He had never smelled anything like it in his whole life. He let the smells invade his system even further and made himself more comfortable on the solid bench.
When he was adrift on the ocean of smell he became aware his ears were being prickled as well. He could vaguely hear the waterfall that was miles away. Like an string orchestra playing a happy tune across the ocean.
No, like…he didn’t know what it sounded like, but he liked it. He realised it was because it was being emphasized by a harder sound, that was just as constant. The flow of the river, but not just flowing, no, it was flowing but he could also hear the pattern of little curls and different speeds.
He never before could discern so many patterns in the sound of water. Was it the place, or did his senses evolve?

He opened his eyes and looked at the clouds passing slowly by. When he had been little Valthroman used to lay on the grass with him for hours and they would just look at the clouds and tell each other what they saw. Every time the elder had a tale to go with it. It took a while before he realised he was actually being thought history, but it had been the best lessons ever.
He hardly ever looked at the clouds like that again and a silent tear crept down his cheek as he softly wished for his childhood to come back.

The wind caressed his face gently and whispered soothingly but he no longer wanted to hear that. Closing his eyes again he concentrated on the sounds of the water, which lulled him asleep. A sleep that was so peaceful that when he was woken he felt revived and actually alive again.
But until that happened he would sleep.

End chapter seven
TBC


Chapter eight Two rides

“Can’t we skip today’s lesson??? Please?????? There is a celebration after all.”
Melpomean pretended not to hear the elfling’s pleading. It had been agreed that the lessons would continue, just to keep them from causing trouble around Imladris and annoy the guests. And today he was stuck with the job.

He looked around the spaced room, created just for teaching. There were many one chaired desks, all adorned with quill and ink, the inkbottles never empty.
The walls were covered with bookcases. But beneath the waist there were no shelves but drawers hiding maps, paper, spare quills and inkbottles and many other necessities one might encounter in a class room.
Even though no wall was left uncovered the room was brightly lighted by large and huge windows on every side. It was the only room in the realm where every sunbeam would enter, from the very first to the very last one. And even at night the moon and stars would suffice enough light to make reading possible here, aided only by one single lit candle.
This was also the only room without a fireplace. And even though the wind could easily enter through the windows it never did, except on very hot days when even the elves would puff in heat. It was as if Elrond had made a pact with the wind. Melpomean would not hold it for impossible. Elrond was a very powerful elflord, who could do anything he wanted.

No, not anything, Melpomean regretfully thought. With all his knowledge and power even Elrond had been unable to heal the lady Celebrían. And now he had come back without her.
He knew it must have hurt his lord, but he had never seen any sign of pain or hurt on the other’s face. Was that why Elrond had drunk so much last night? Was his lord hurting badly indeed? That thought pained him beyond believe.

He was startled out of his reverie when he felt a hand touching his arm. His looked into Elvil’s caring eyes. “What is it pen-neth?”
“I can’t get these fonts right. I’ve been trying to get your attention for some minutes now.”
“O, I am sorry Elvil. I was lost in thought somehow. Let’s take a look at those fonts of yours. Maybe together we can make them work?”

Elvil drew his eyes into thin lines, wondering about the other’s thoughts. He knew the other to have been speaking the truth for he had seen it.
The first time he noticed was when he tried to get some help writing his fonts. Getting no response he looked up and saw his teacher to be lost, he believed the other’s mind had taken his teacher somewhere else. Somewhere nice. There was such a happy expression on that face he decided not to disturb the other’s peaceful reverie. He found Melpomean deserved to be happy.

Where others thought the teacher to be distant and cold, he knew it was a mask to hide the sadness that lay behind. Once he had seen the other cry, but it was so long ago and at such a late hour he had always doubted his eyes. But now there was a total different expression on the other’s face, not just happy, he concluded, but blissful. And then, suddenly, he saw the face contort in pain. It scared him for the pain he saw was one of total anguish.
He had only seen that expression once; in a painting of a battle long ago on the face of a dying soldier. That memory put fear into his heart, fear of losing his teacher and he reached out, determined to do whatever to keep the other here, and preferably happy.

As they now sat together at his desk working on the fonts he looked at his teacher more closely. He saw the mask was back. But only a minute before he had seen almost every type of emotion on that face.
He knew he had to help, he just would not rest properly if he didn’t, but how could he possibly help. He was just a little elf. He had to give all this some very serious thought.

Glorfindel picked that precise moment to enter the room. “Hello everyone. I am sorry to interrupt your lesson, Melpomean, but I wanted to take the little ones out riding if they want.”
Elnihir started jumping up and down, riding was his absolute favourite thing and now he could do that and get out of here. “Can we, can we, can we” He repeated it over and over and looked like a negative would surely provoke an hurricane. Both eldar laughed at the sight.
“Yes of course you can. If Glorfindel willingly and all on his own comes in here to free me from your misbehaviour and submits himself to it, who am I to deny him that?”

“Come on then. I will take you both for a long ride. What is it Elvil? Don’t you want to?” Glorfindel noticed the younger elf’s face was set gloomily and big eyes stared at him, pleading him to let him go. “O just as well, I guess. I would have to chop myself in two to keep you both out of harm. Now I will get to stay in one piece. Bye then, come on Elnihir, we’re off”
After giving his comrade in mischief his known you’re-mad-look he hurried after the golden haired elda. He couldn’t wait to be on a horse again.

Melpomean put his arm on the Elvil’s shoulder and kneeled down so they were on the same height. “Now tell me what is the matter. Why don’t you want to go riding with Elnihir and Glorfindel? Did something happen between you two?”
“No, I just…I don’t know…I…no….no riding.”
Realising he wasn’t going to get an answer Melpomean let it go. “Alright, but I do hope you don’t plan on staying here in this lesson. I know you find it boring and for Elnihir to have fun and you being confined would not be fair, now would it?” For those words he received a hug and a grin appeared on his face as he watched the other run off before he had a chance to change his mind.

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He had been travelling for many days now.

He knew he should have taken Elrond up on his offer centuries ago, but fear had held him back, even though he knew he had to face his fears. Deep down he knew they would not go away until he knew whether they’d come true or not. Fear had kept him in Valinor for so long and fear had made him linger in the Grey Havens and now fear had made his journey an extremely slow one. Normally he would have reached Imladris five days ago, but he had taken every chance at rest he had gotten and that had added this time.

But now he had finally arrived at Imladris. Cirdan had told him the first view would be breathtaking, but he found that to be the biggest understatement ever.
Flowers of every colour waved through a carpet of green, made up by the grass, bushes and trees. A silver river could be seen meandering it’s way through creating the most beautiful patterns he had ever seen, splashing thundering against the small brown and grey rocks that were in it’s path.
The river backs consisted of every type known to elves: sandy, mossy, rocky and everything in between. And as he followed the river downwards his eye caught sight of the Last Homely House. Stories about Lord Elrond’s home were just a numerous and speculative as the ones of his realm and he found those to hardly do it justice. As he was about to eat the house with his eyes they caught sight of something more spectacular: there, on the far side, almost out of view, a really large waterfall could be seen. The always flowing waterfall with the everlasting rainbow.

A sigh of utter content left his lips. Why had he waited so long to visit other realms? He had made a wise decision by listening to Cirdan who told him to go to Elrond and take up the Half-Elf’s offer after all. Yes, this was a place he could call home.
He wondered if his desire to travel would fade now that he finally found something beautiful. No, beautiful was not a word to describe Imladris. Searching his mind he found no word that could. After taking in all he saw with a hungry eye he urged his horse on and took the first bend that led towards the valley and towards the Last Homely House.

But what was that? Orcs? Here? This close to the elfs? Beyond the border? No, his eyes must have deceived him. But it indeed were orcs. Six of them, chasing a young elf. Without arms and as far as he could tell to young to be able to defend himself by any other means. He had to do something. Giving his horse some encouraging kicks in the flanks he sped up towards the unfolding scene drawing his sword as he got closer.
He had judged things correctly. The elf was indeed not carrying weapons and way to young, but the one’s youth proved to be an advantage to the orcs, for he stayed way ahead, dodging the many arrows aimed at him.

Acting quickly he grabbed the elf from the road and put him in front of him. Speeding up he steadied himself for the slice. The movement of his sword was so delicate and fast it came as a total surprise to the orcs. It decapitated two of them.
For a second the others looked indecisive on their action: charge of flee. They picked the former and with a horrid battle cry the lunged themselves at the horse.
Turning his mount at the last moment he was able to dodge the attack, taking down one in the process. That movement was unexpected and without hesitation he took advantage of their lapse in concentration by slicing the head of one of the still living and burying his sword deep in the other.
Unfortunately he could hear more of those creatures coming their way. Not risking a change of luck he sped up his horse even more, determined to make it to the safety of the Last Homely House fast and raze the alarm. He found Lightning was a proper name for the animal for he made the trip within mere seconds.

As they galloped over the bridge leading to the clearing in front of the manor he saw several elves running down the stairs. He didn’t stop his speed until he was really close by and found himself staring into three arrow points. /Great! Save one of them, get shot in thanks./
“No, Ata, please, he saved my life. There…there” the little one in front of him didn’t get any further for he broke down in tears. “There were orcs chasing him. He was lucky I was on my way here. I don’t think he is hurt though, just shaken up. Free with shock, as they say.”
“Orcs????? But…” The elf addressing him was silenced by Lord Elrond. Wow, he hadn’t changed a bit. Maybe some more lines, but if this elfling belonged to his household, that would be understandable.

“Lower your weapons. I know this one and he is always welcome here. I am sorry I did not see you approach earlier and greet you myself, my dear Ecthelion. These are Galadhrim, here for the celebrations and never without their arms. I not only welcome you but also thank you for saving little Elvil’s life here, who should have known better than to venture outside my realm alone. Please,”
Ecthelion interrupted before Elrond could finish his sentence. “He hadn’t Elrond. It was on that road where it happened.” Many eyes nearly exited their sockets as he turned and pointed to the road.
“What!!!!! Orcs in Imladris.” Words like this and many others could be heard but Elrond sighed and spoke: “ Haldir, will you lead a patrol to investigate the border patrol there? Thank you. Orophin, please go find my seneschal, ride fast. He will be able to track those creatures down. Rumil, go find my sons and tell them to arm up. You three will be leading the next border patrols. Now hurry.”

As the other three dashed off to do as they were told Elrond turned his eyes on the newly arrived and his fosterling. He took the little one in his arms and examined him for injuries. Finding none he looked into the eyes. He released a relieved sigh as he saw no indications of darkness in the orbs, knowing the little one was indeed of with a shock.
“Now, Elvil, why don’t you go to the kitchen and see if there are some sweets for you.” He knew that in the kitchen Elvil would get happy again. The women there pampered him, and Elnihir too, whenever he got in there and any indication of gloominess, por wor whatever gave them reason to triple their efforts. Elvil knew he was in for some treats and goodies as soon as Elrond mentioned it and after a nod he ran away, still sniffing and occasionally nearly tripping over.

A groom had already led Lightning away and Ecthelion now stood waiting for Elrond to address him. He was pleased he was still welcome here. Maybe the offer still stood. He certainly hoped so.
“I must apologize for the chaos in which you were received. You should have given word you were coming, then we would have been prepared. Now you will have to face Erestor’s wrath I’m afraid. He cannot stand it when his plans are suddenly completely thrown over. I take it you will wish to bathe and eat before enlightening me on your reasons for being here?”
Ecthelion chuckled. “It can wait and maybe you should put me strait into the healing house, if Erestor is anything like I remember him from Valinor I am going to end up there anyways. But can I ask a question, Elrond?” After receiving a nod he continued. “What is happening? With the orcs I mean. I thought they were taken care of.”
“They were. But they still roam these shores. We must have gotten lacks. But not to worry, we will deal with it.”

They were already walking and now Elrond saw one of his advisors. “Ah, Sealbeth, I am so sorryintrintrude on your conversation but could you please take my friend here to some rooms, he just arrived and is weary from the journey. I would do it myself but I have to make sure my sons are not going to chase orcs again. Apparently some have crossed our borders.”
Sealbeth gasped. “What? But that is horrible. I hope nothing serious occurred, my lord. Of course, I will be pleased to show your friend to some rooms. If you would follow me, please? I will see you later Val.”

Ecthelion followed Sealbeth to his r and and Elrond turned to go as well but stopped as he heard his name. The one his advisor had been talking to had stepped after him and was looking strait at him. “I am sorry, lord, but maybe I can help? I am a very skilled warrior. And I am sure my sire and his sons will be happy to help should the need arise. Better to face it together than to let it spread.”
“O yes, now I see you’re from Mirkwood. I’m sorry, but in my haste I hadn’t noticed. Please follow me. I was on my way to find your king and Lord Celeborn. I figured there is time to inform them first before stopping my sons.”
But Valthroman thought differently. “Maybe you should not risk that lord. I am sorry for being so straightforward, but one never knows and your sons do have a reputation.”
“I know, but diplomacy demands I speak to Thranduil and Celeborn first.”
Just when Valthroman was about to answer the objects of the search appeared within view.
Celeborn was speaking with Joreb and Thranduil.

Elrond drew their attention. Celeborn raised his questioning eyebrows but the other two knew something was amiss as as as they saw the expression on the soldiers face. With three strides they were opposite the Half-Elf. “Elrond?”
“Orcs have been sighted within these borders. I have already send a patrol to investigate. Haldir is leading them. Orophin is after Glorfindel and Rumil and my sons will lead the next patrol. I thought…”
Celeborn quickly intervened. “We have to know what happened precisely and how many there are. I will go talk some sense into my grandsons before they’re off on another hunt. And Rumil is staying. He is to young Elrond.”
Elrond sighed. “Celeborn, he has long reached his majority. He is a Galadhrim, perfectly capable of defending himself. Just because his brothers still think him young doesn’t mean his lord has to do the same.”

Thranduil watched the battle of words that arose with mirth and even though Elrond was right he hadn’t had the right to say anything like this, certainly not in front of others. But then again, Celeborn didn’t look too mad. But Joreb knew this was a pressing matter and if Elrond and Celeborn were fighting over something trivial, it just might give those orcs another chance. “I am sorry to interfere my lords, but I think we should focus on the issue before us. I should like to send word to our realm, father, and I am sure Lothlóriën needs to be informed as well.”
Elrond smiled grateful at the crown prince. “You are right, Joreb. We shall write letters immediately. But I do think someone should keep an eye on Elladan and Elrohir.”
“Valthroman can do that. He is the best warrior I know. He will not allow your children to run amok, Elrond. If you wouldn’t mind, that is, Valthroman?” “No prince Joreb, I do not. If someone can tell me where to find them, I will do my job”
“Wait for them in the stables. My sons are bound to show up there. Thank you. I am sorry but I have to check out if the patrol has returned already.”
And with that they parted.

End chapter eight
TBC

Translations:
Pen-neth means little one in Sindarin


Chapter nine Accident and confusion.

He had been running around the premises for hours like a wild rabbit, organising everything, making sure the borders were protected, his people safe and the guests happy. He was about to turn another corner and retire when he remembered Ecthelion.
He had forgotten all about the newcomer. And that after he had saved Elvil’s life. How absolutely unforgiving of him. He turned and headed towards the guests rooms but then thought better and headed towards the parlour instead. He had no idea which rooms had been assigned to the elf so he had to find Sealbeth first and ask him. He hoped he would find him in the parlour, he usually was there, but these weren’t usual days.
He dashed through the corridors like a race hound and then when least expected, only two steps from his destination, he stop dead in his tracks.

A thought had suddenly and without warning hit him. It’s resonation echoed in his brain.
He had been too busy the last hours to think about his own miserable life. Just like before the One had been destroyed. /So that’s how I’ve managed all these millennia. But now there are no threats, no major ones anyway, so I gave time for my own thoughts./ And they weren’t happy and never left him alone. Except the last few hours. Because he had been too busy.

Shaking his head he continued in a slower pace and gently entered the parlour. A faint smell of tulips entered his nostrils. Yes he remembered now, he had given Melpomean leave to grow his tulips in this room. For some reason the dull and unattractive secretary never managed to grow his beloved tulips elsewhere. And if those ugly flowers brought joy to the elf, he sure wasn’t going to take it away from him.
/But wait a minute; why did I just describe him as unattractive?/ Elrond knew himself well enough to know he’d only use words like that to deny the opposite. But that couldn’t be, could it?

His attention was drawn to the vases on the three tables in the space, all adorned with many multicoloured tulips. Elrond cocked his head and studied the sight. Hmm, the flowers did possess some certain beauty, but knowing it would fade away soon he had never cared for them much. But like this, they were stunning. Too bad they wouldn’t last long.
There was the one responsible for the flower arrangements. Maybe he had seen Sealbeth.
He cleared his throat to announce his presence.

Melpomean jumped as he was startled, ashamed he had let another walk in on him in this private moment. Maybe he shouldn’t have used the parlour for his tulips, but giving up on them had been out of the question. He lost his grip on the vase he had been holding and saw with fear as it was on it’s way to collide with the floor. Trying to grab it he bend his knees and reached out his arm, to no avail. The vase scattered towards the floor into a thousands pieces, some of which scratching his arm and one actually made it into his eye. He flinched and hissed in pain.

“I am sorry to startle you so, Melpomean, that you drop one of your vases. That was not my intention. But don’t worry, a vase can be replaced and that is exactly what I will do.”
Melpomean flinched at hearing Elrond’s voice. The half-Elf would surely find him insane now. Oh, where was Sealbeth when he needed him? But he was all alone…alone….yes, he was here alone…Elrond came for him….but why…did it have something to do with last night?

As Melpomean didn’t rise Elrond just assumed he was collecting the pieces together of the scattered vase. But then he saw some tulips amongst the remainders of the vase, looking more dead than alive. /So that’s the reason Melpomean had flinched, twice now, and hissed./ “Oh, your flowers….Don’t trouble yourself, more will grow.”
He hoped he had said the right thing to uplift the other’s spirits. Melpomean was a very sensitive soul and the tiniest thing would bring tears to the eyes he had noticed. He sure could do without an upset Melpomean right now. He probably should spent some more time on this but as it was he had to find Sealbeth. He had neglected his new guest for too long now.
“I had hoped Sealbeth to be here. Do you perhaps know where he is?”

So Elrond hadn’t come for him. He didn’t know whether to be glad or sad about this. He should get up and look at his lord, but the pain in his eye made it impossible for him to move.
Not so much the pain, but the fear of being a fool yet again. “No, my lord. He was here earlier but left.”
“Oh ok”

As Elrond was about to turn and leave he noticed the other had not moved a muscle. He had assumed Melpomean would be too busy to clean up, but that obviously wasn’t the case. So than what was wrong?
Silently he took some steps forward. He really wanted to know everything was ok with the other elf, but addressing it just like that was not an option. It would only result in catapulting him out of here. “A new guest has arrived earlier and now I need to do my duties as a host, but I have no idea where Sealbeth has put him, you see.”

Oh, but he could tell Elrond that. Sealbeth had told him all about the orcs and so. /O wait, Damn, damn, the orcs. / “What happened with the orcs milord? Are they gone? Are we in danger?” How could he have forgotten?
Elrond shrugged but didn’t stop studying the other, not trusting the situation. “I don’t know into detail what happened. Yet! But I do not for one minute believe this is more than just some lunatic orcs on a rampage. As long as we stay in the safety of the borders the people will be safe. I take it Sealbeth has told you?”

Melpomean was now crying in pain and out of fear it might show in his voice he merely nodded, immediately regretting the action for it only aggravated his pain. He did not realise his odd behaviour was setting of Elrond’s senses, who used the silence to step closer still.
The fact that Melpomean obviously refused to turn around worried him greatly, especially because the other did not even pretend to be busy cleaning. Now, if he remembered Melpomean to be the elf in his rooms last night he might think the odd behaviour to be a result of his own, but as last night was still a complete blur he couldn’t come up with any satisfactory reason. That urged him on. “Did he perhaps also tell you where I might find our new guest?” If the other still didn’t turn he would make him. He had to know if anything was wrong.

Elrond now stood directly behind him and he had to stop himself from leaning against those legs. He felt how Elrond knelt behind him and clasped his left shoulder. “Melpomean? Is everything alright?” Silently Elrond ordered the other to answer his questions whereas Melpomean was wondering if he would get away without giving any. But he knew Elrond would walk around him if he didn’t and he didn’t want that to happen. Why couldn’t he act normally around him without Sealbeth there to help him? Forcing his voice to sound steady and devoid of pain he answered. “Rooms closest to dining hall.” There, now his lord had an answer and therefore no more reason to remain.

But he found himself wrong. He had answered alright, but his voice had been shaky and only the most necessary words had been uttered. Elrond took this as signs of trouble. Normally his secretary used full sentences only. No, now he was sure something was wrong.
Using his hold on the other he decided to address it. “Melpomean” His voice sounded stern and he immediately knew that stern had registered for Melpomean had stiffened under him

“What is wrong? Something is, I can tell.” He silently prayed he wouldn’t get an evasive answer. For some reason the other never trusted him, which pa him him greatly.

Melpomean’s thoughts raced as he tried to think of a possible escape. He couldn’t speak with a clear and steady voice he knew. He also couldn’t get up and walk away, the hold on his shoulder was too strong to get away and even if he could manage that Elrond was way faster than him and would be in front of him in three steps.
Running and speaking out he decided on action. He shook his head, closing his eyes even tighter in anticipation of the pain, which gracefully stayed away. To emphasise his point he started to clean. Elrond would think he had waited for him to leave to start, perfect. But in his bloody vision he reached wrong and cut himself again. He flinched, now he had given himself away. Elrond would see what a nitwit he was.

But Elrond had already seen the cuts on his arm as he had reached out. /He’s wounded? Some of the shards must have scratched his arm when the vase fell. But why not tell me? Do you have so little trust in me?/ That thought upset him, but then he saw the road Melpomean’s hand took. Almost as if the other didn’t see where the pieces of glass lay.
That realisation urged him into action. He pulled the other elf onto his feet and turned him to face him. What he saw shocked him. One eye was filled with blood and the other with tears.
There were only two conclusions to be drawn here: at least one fragment of glass had made it into the right eye and Melpomean trusted him even less than he feared. He didn’t stop two tears from making their way down his face. Melpomean would not be able to see them anyway.

Melpomean on the other hand was shaking like a leaf, which only added Elrond’s conviction he didn’t trust the Elflord. But he had really thought he would get away with it when the hand left his shoulder. He thought that maybe Elrond hadn’t seen his total failing attempt to pick up the pieces. Therefore feeling both his shoulders being gripped shocked him and send thoughts of mortification through him. He felt himself being dragged up and turned around.
He panicked, now Elrond would see him as the failure he was and turn him away from Imladris. If he wasn’t already crying in pain he would do so now out of fear. His panic increased when he heard an intake of breath. Trembling he awaited the feared verdict.

“To the healing house with you. NOW!” Elrond knew time was tender here and didn’t want to waste precious seconds by letting the other walk alone. He lifted Melpomean and carryiim Eim Elrond set of at high pace. “When this is over we are going to have a serious talk about this, young one.”

Melpomean hated himself now. Not only had he been a weak, stupid failure in front of his lord, his lord now was furious at him. Of course, his stupidity kept the other from the important things. But what really scared him were Elrond’s last words. It convinced him Elrond thought of him less than he already did, like an annoying elfling.

The words had startled Elrond himself as well, though for different reasons. He knew it to be an expression of affection, but he refused to think about it. Time was of the essence if they were to save Melpomean’s eyesight. To think the other would risk his sight because he didn’t trusted his lord saddened him. He sighed as he thought Ecthelion probably wouldn’t be properly hosted until tomorrow.

End chapter nine
TBC

Chapter ten dinner preparations

The guest rooms were luxurious and just as breathtaking as the rest of the place. Elrond sure had gone out of his way creating Imladris. When Sealbeth had guided him to his rooms he had taken the opportunity to study his surroundings and with every step a new surprise registered. He hadn’t even heard Sealbeth’s words of leave nor the polite knocks of the servant bringing his refreshments. He was too absorbed by the blissful sight that was his room.

Receiving no reply the servant just entered with the intention of leaving the tray on the table and leave quietly, thinking the newly arrival would be taking his bath and thus not able to hear his knocks. When he saw he had been wrong he stumbled some very clumsy apologies.
That shook Ecthelion out of his reverie and he turned and faced the servant. “I am sorry, I did not hear you enter. These rooms are so..”
“I quite understand, sir. I bring you your refreshments. Would you like me to run your bath?”
“Oh, yes, please, if that isn’t to much trouble. Otherwise I just do it myself. Is everything around here this stunning?”
“If by stunning you mean this room, sir, then no? I am sorry but these guestrooms are hardly used and should you be staying longer, I’m sure Lord Elrond will want you to move as soon as it is possible. You see the celebration is going on and a lot of visitors have arrived to join in.”
“Are you saying that this…” He waved around as he tried to think of an appropriate way to phrase it. “this palace room fades in comparison to the rest? Maybe I should wear blindfolds to protect my eyes.”

Ecthelion found the bathroom to be just as luxurious as the bedroom, and according to the servant this was nothing. To think he waited so long to come here. He should not have lingered in the Grey Havens. Lord Cirdan was right; Imladris was breathtaking in every way. He would surely like to stay here indefinitely.
Checking the samples of bath fragrances he decided on a potpourri, it would be a while before Elrond would be able to talk, thanks to those orcs and he found he really didn’t mind if it would be tomorrow.
Leaning back in his tub he soon fall asleep. It was so comfortable, the fragrances invading his nose where highly soothing and he was weary from the journey. His eyes soon blanked into the dream state. Not even the cooling of the water would wake him up.

But several hours later a low sound invaded his dreams. Someone was knocking on his door. He woke up. At first he wondered where he was but then he remembered taking a bath. He quickly got out and threw a towel around his form.
He opened the door just as his visitor had turned around. “Forgive me my tardiness, but I was taking a bath. Come in Elrond”
“I was just making sure you were settled in alright and to once again thank you for saving the little one’s life. I am in your debt.”
“I did nothing another wouldn’t have done, Elrond. There is no debt. Is everything alright now? The orcs I mean.”
“Yes, Haldir’s troop found out where they were hiding before you ran into them and with Glorfindel’s help they soon had tracked them down and in a surprise attack completely overwhelmed them. They are all back now.”
“That’s good to hear. And thank you for these wonderful rooms. They’re fit for a king.”
Elrond smiled. “Then they are fit for you, my friend. I am pleased to see you and to find out you have finally made the journey. Did you come for any reason in particular or did the celebration draw you here?”
“The celebration is a complete surprise, but a nice one I might add. A better welcoming committee then those orcs, Elrond. Actually I was hoping your offer still stood.”
“Of course. You can stay here as long as you like, you know that.”
“No, I was referring to teaching me.”
Elrond squinted his eyes as he forced his memory to work. “Oh, now I remember. You wanted to be just as wise as me. And I still disagree with you. I am no wiser than you, my friend. But why don’t you enjoy the first couple of days and settle in and than maybe you have found something you really want to do.” With that Elrond left the room, indicating the conversation to be over.

Ecthelion couldn’t be more pleased. All he desired now was just to lay back on the bed and sleep some more. He hoped he could be forgiven for not attending dinner tonight. He had wanted to excuse himself, but Elrond had not given him the time to do so. /Oh well/, he thought, /bed now, worry later./ And with that he laid back and promptly fell asleep. But he hadn’t have worried for Elrond had seen his weary face and decided not to make his new guest attend diner today, which was only an hour away.

He went to change his robes. He reminded himself to check out his children closely at dinner, orcs and the twins never went well together and he dreaded to think what he might see. But Celeborn and Galadriel were there as well. They would help him control those two. He never felt more pleased with their presence at the celebrations.

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Meanwhile in the kitchen things were being hectic. Cook had not only dinner for about a hundred and more elves to arrange but she also had to keep an eye on the elfling her lord had send her way.

Even though he kindly offered his assistance Elvil had been placed on his chair with the orders not to move from there. That had been an easy task in the beginning due to the basket filled with his favourite buns the cook had placed in front of him, but now he was getting bored. But leaving the kitchen was not something he would even consider. Then he would be harassed to get dressed and he had to promise to behave over and over again. They always did that to him when visitors were here. And he was fed up with that.

It was only because he didn’t really belong here they did that to him and not Elnihir. It just wasn’t fair, his ‘brother’ always got away with everything he did, but they would punish him twice for an accident.
Of course in reality it weren’t accidents as he put it. O yes, they were accidents all right but they could have easily been avoided. Letting a bucket of water stand in the path after finishing cleaning the woodwork, so that another would surely trip over it creating a mess and maybe break a limb or two was such an accident.
And they happened all the time. Especially around the staircases. So much so that Elrond was seriously considering placing safety nets around the house. Glorfindel had meant it as a joke at the time, but now that things were not improving but worsening it was definitely worth considering. It was only a small miracle that nobody had had any serious damage yet.
But for now the people were safe from tripping and falling over. Their number one nemesis was being bored in the kitchen, after having stuffed himself.

The kitchen door swung open but none entered. Today was not the day to act thusly. It got on cook’s nerves and on days like this she couldn’t handle much. And having Elvil around had already nearly proven to be too much, thrice. She was about to swing her empty pots and pans at the unfortunate one when she saw who it was. Saying her mantra “Stay calm, stay calm, CALM” she steadied her nerves and temper and leaned against the kitchen stool to watch the upcoming scene for the tenth time this month.

And yes, act one was about to start. Elvil had heard the door open but no footsteps had entered. He had pitied the elf for cook would surely freak out now. But he heard nothing, had the wind blow it open?
He wanted to see for his stair was out of view, conveniently for him when he was being sought but not now. He leaned over the table to get a view. A hand was holding the door open. Oh no, when would he ever learn. This was the tenth time this month he had played that trick on him. /No, no, no, not this time./ He quickly dove under the table. But the damage had been done. Because by leaning over the table he had exposed himself into view already.

Elladan had soon learned Elvil preferred to hide in that corner, knowing most of his bloodhounds never entered the kitchen. Well, here was one bloodhound that played along. By opening the door but not entering he hid his own features and lured Elvil out of his hiding place. And yes, it had worked again, he noticed happily as he saw Elvil’s little head trying to peak around the corner. But then it suddenly disappeared. Hmm, he didn’t want to come then.
Unfortunately Elladan didn’t have much time today. “Elvil, I know you’re there. Come out, we have to get ready for dinner. Ata won’t like it if you eat here. He’ll be forced to move dinner in here.”
Even if Elvil had no intention of listening to Elladan the last sentence took away all of the little one’s choice. Cook dragged him out from under the table and pushed him toward the elflord. “Oh no, none of that. No more elves in my kitchen. Now get out.”

Elladan lifted his little foster brother on his arms. “Come on, you.” Cradling him close to his chest Elladan walked off to the rooms. He had already changed himself and had only to take care of Elvil and today he would take his time. Elrond had assured him that no damage was done by those vile creatures, but he needed to make sure himself. After all those centuries the pain still was very alive and present. To think they could have lost the little one to them as well. He hugged the elfling even closer.
If Elvil was surprised by these actions he didn’t show it. He just stayed silent and let the elder carry him as he amused himself by playing with some of the brown locks. Ebony brown he noticed.

Hardly any elves had brown hair, of any colour, they said.
And it was true, dark haired elves were rare. Most had light hair in mostly white, mithril, silver, yellow, sun or golden colours. But in Imladris those colours were hardly found. Glorfindel and Elvil were the exceptions there. Everyone in Elrond’s realm had dark hair; brown, black or red. So to Elvil it was hard to imagine those colours as rare.

When they were inside the room Elladan put him down and he found it hard to let the himself slip form the comfort. Elladan hardly ever reached out and now he would not get one of those embraces for centuries. For some reason that thought saddened him immensely.
Being young he could not yet keep his emotions under control and tears started to flow from his eyes. By the time Elladan had come back from preparing the bath he was crying in earnest.

Elladan, seeing the youngster cry, was startled beyond believe. His father had been wrong. /He had been hurt, it just hadn’t come out yet. Until now./ He knelt next to Elvil and drew him closer. “Hush now. I’ve added some relaxing herbs to your bath. The ones I always use, come on, out of these clothes and into your bath.”
Elvil had no idea why Elladan had added herbs to his bath, normally he wasn’t allowed to use them, not since he had made a complete mess of the entire bathroom. But he decided not to argue and let Elladan manhandle him out of his clothes.

His crying had already subsided to sobs due to the other’s arms around him. Elladan had always been the only one to be able to stop him from crying.
No other arms would do when he had been a baby. Even in Onar’s arms he would cry without end, but the second he felt Elladan hold him the baby stopped crying and went to sleep. It had been a situation that had delighted Elrohir and Elrond but had greatly annoyed Elladan. But as time went by he slowly got used to Elvil being around. He could even work with the baby asleep on his lap. And today Elladan found to be similar to those days. Maybe he had to stay close for the time being until he was sure Elvil had no lasting effects from today’s events.

He knelt beside the bathtub and started rinsing the elfling’s white hair, pleased the sobs had died down as well. “Where do you keep your shampoo?”
Elvil pointed to the shelf and watched Elladan walk over. He himself couldn’t be happier. Elladan was about to was his hair. He had never done that. /But why?/ Was he asleep and dreaming? But no, whenever he saw Elladan in his dreams the elf was smiling and even though he was acting differently he was not smiling. The face was as grim as ever.
Then it hit him, Elvil had seen the eyes, they had been different. Concern shone form them. He knew Elladan hardly ever showed emotions of any kind and now concern was showing. But concern was an emotion, wasn’t it? Was that the reason Elladan was acting so strange? He started chewing his lips in thought and frustration at the riddle.
“Don’t eat your lips, surely even you need them to eat dinner.” Elladan went back to washing his hair keeping a close eye on his charge. All he needed to do now was get him dressed and then off to dinner.

Getting the other dressed Elladan heard a knock on the door.
“Elladan, are you here?”
“Would I be able to answer you if I wasn’t brother?”
“Funny. You two are late, hurry up and have you seen Legolas? Apparently he is missing.”
Elladan opened the door and walked out to stand next to Elrohir, safely holding Elvil’s hand in his. “No. Has there to be someone missing every dinner? Yesterday ata and now Legolas. Is someone looking for him or is that our job again?”
“Galadriel went to get him. Come on, food is waiting for us.” He had deliberately put it like that for the result was as pleasing as always.
Elvil nearly broke of into a run being held back by Elladan’s hold on his hand, the force catapulting Elladan along. “Elvil slow down, just a little. You know Elrohir, if we had wheels under our feet, he’d be able to drag us both.”

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Galadriel knew precisely where to look for the lost prince. She had seen his state of mind yesterday