the trouble with love

Chapter fifty four Another return

Elrond sighed contented. “Shall we leave this room?”
Melpomean nodded. “If you think my body has healed enough, we should.” He nuzzled his lover’s neck. “Is Sealbeth really moving to Mirkwood?”
Elrond nodded. “On a half year basis. Thranduil agrees we shouldn’t split those two up. So for half a year Thranduil’s realm benefits from them and the other half we do.” He grinned. “And the same goes for Erestor and Thrilmaldur.”
Melpomean looked up, shocked. “Then I hope they do not leave together.”
Elrond shook his head, making his hair caress Melpomean’s cheek. “Nay. Both Erestor and Sealbeth have promised to arrange something between them. They are still Imladrian elves, love.”

Melpomean nodded and regretfully worked his way out the bed. “Is it too bold to say I am moving in with you?”
Elrond beamed, nodded happily and pulled his lover close. “Never. I don’t want to stop holding you ever again.” Melpomean grinned and his eyes sparkled. Elrond noticed the difference and was happy his love was finally free of his past. He wondered what precisely would emerge, for he was sure Melpomean would no longer hide anywhere.

“Would you please make sure Elvil receives a room of his own, one that doesn’t adjourn to Elnihir’s. And he should receive one himself instead of staying in the nursery.”
Melpomean nodded. “It can be his birthday-present.” He leaned against his lover, and not only because his wounds still drained him.

Elrond frowned when he saw Celeborn walking towards them.
The ‘Lóriën ruler smiled warmly at the picture. “Elrond, Melpomean, mae govannen. How are you?”
Elrond blinked and nodded. “Fine.” He shook his head and raised his eyebrow. “Why are you here again? Not that I mind.”
Celeborn grinned and his smile widened. “Haldir contacted me. Galadriel and I could only come here when we learned what had happened. And I speak for both of us when I say I am more than grateful things turned out all right.” He grinned. “She’ll start muttering soon, about peace and its absence thereof in your realm.”
Elrond smiled at the warmth of affection in the other’s voice, and the love he bore Galadriel still detectable after so long. He squished his lover. “I think you can expect a visit from Galadriel soon, melme.”

Melpomean shrugged and settled his eyes on Celeborn. He could read the desire to talk to Elrond in private in them and he smiled. “I’m not strong enough yet to walk unaided, but neither of us wanted to remain in the healing wing. Would you please wait until Elrond has helped me to bed?”
Celeborn smiled and nodded. “Of course I will. No other than your lover should see to your needs.” He wiggled his eyebrows and turned to Elrond, who looked stunned. “Aye, my son, he is right. I -do- desire to speak to you.” Elrond cocked his head and Celeborn sighed, realising he might hurry to come and he didn’t want that to happen. Elrond should stay with Melpomean. He cocked his head and narrowed his eyes. “But I don’t mind talking about it on the way to your rooms. I take it that’s where you are headed?”

Elrond and Melpomean nodded and both rulers smiled when the other took the initiative, leaning on both Elrond and Celeborn while continuing his walk.

Celeborn smiled. “It’s a bit delicate though. I’ve looked into the mirror a while ago.”
Elrond nodded and his gaze became questioning and a bit dreading.
Celeborn smiled. “I saw the great battle, Elrond. I saw Galadriel, bend over a dead elf’s body. She was crying, the way you would a lost lover.” He narrowed his lips. “I want to know his name.”
Elrond frowned, knowing precisely what Celeborn was talking about. He sighed regretfully. “I cannot talk about that. Not only because it brings back the horrid times but also because it is not my tale to tell. You should ask her, not me.”
Celeborn lowered his head. “I know that, but I don’t want to hurt her by opening up old wounds.”
Elrond smiled mysteriously. “Maybe you will not open one, but close it instead.” He smiled, seeing his room. “Well, we have arrived. Would you please find the rest of the family and tell them we are in my room.”
Celeborn sighed and nodded. He realised pressing the Peredhel would do no good.

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The next morning…

Elvil ran downstairs, seeing the woman he considered his mother ride towards them. Elnihir too rushed down but realised he had to wait and grant them some privacy. He smiled gratefully when Elrond picked him up and then slowly walked forward.

He rested his head on his grandfather’s shoulder. “Why isn’t Legolas here? I want Onar to meet him.”
Elrohir and Elladan grinned. “Because you tired him out and he’s still sleeping. Otherwise he would most definitely have woken when you got dressed in a hurry.”

Elrond silently shook his head and looked at his love, who reluctantly walked at his side. “This is your place, melamin.”
Melpomean nodded. “But what would they say?”
Elrond’s eyes darkened. “Do you care? If they don’t like it they can leave!”
Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other and smiled. “Ata? Where are our grandparents?”
Elrond smiled. “They too are sleeping in. They hastened here and they are physically and mentally exhausted. They’ll be well again within a couple of hours.”

He lowered Elnihir again and smiled at the scene before them. They had reached the bottom of the steps and now patiently waited for the other two to reach them.

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Onardodya smiled and swiftly dismounted her horse. Her eyes were stunned to find Elvil so grown, but it could be normal for an elven child.

She hugged him warmly and tightly. Behind her she could hear her brothers and nephews grin. “Elvil, you remember my brothers, right? And they are their sons, my nephews.”

The men smiled warmly at the elven child.

Onardodya swiftly changed to the elven tongue. “You’ve changed, child.”
Elvil nodded. “Aye. A lot has happened, but I think it is better if Elrond and Melpomean explain.” He shuddered in remembrance. “You saved my soul, Onar, and now that I know I can never thank you enough.” He smiled at her dumbfound expression. “Aye, I remember. Come the others are waiting.”

The woman allowed him to pull her along and she smiled when her eyes settled on Elrond. She’s always looked upon him as an extra father. And she knew she had learned more from him than any other could have taught her.

He smiled and stepped forward, releasing Elnihir, who instantly jumped up.
The woman caught him easily and she sighed happily. “Oh, Elnihir, you have lost some weight. Aren’t you eating enough?”
Elnihir smiled, happy to have her back. He nodded. “I am, but Legolas is teaching me how to fight and ride and so much more. You have to meet him and my horse too. She’s only a foal now but she’s mine.”
Elrond smiled and placed his hand on her shoulder. “Welcome back, Lady Onardodya, you have been sorely missed.”
She smiled and her eyes twinkled. “I shall never leave this wonderful place again. It is better to be surrounded by fussy elves than smelly humans.” Her eyes twinkled, remembering the old banters she used to have with the twins, who now had the grace to blush.

Elrond laughed warmly. “Shall we go inside?” He stopped when he heard a cough behind him.
Onardodya blushed and lowered her eyes. “Aiya, forgive me. Brothers, you remember lord Elrond. My lord, allow me to introduce my brothers’ sons.”
Elrond stepped forward and inclined his head. “Be welcome in my realm. I shall have rooms prepared for you all.”
The eldest shook his head. “Nay, thank you, Lord Elrond. It is most generous, but we will be going back immediately. We cannot neglect our houses and family for too long.”
Elrond nodded in understanding. “At least allow me to give you some provision and a little rest, if nothing else.”
The brother smiled, remembering the exact same words spoken years ago. “Onar was right. You are still the same.” He rubbed his beard. “I, no, -we- wish we could stay and spend more time with our sister, but we cannot. I am sorry, sis.”
Onar sighed but understood. “Go then, but do send word?”
He nodded and hugged her tight, a signal for the others to do the same.
When they had their former positions back they bowed as one. “Fare thee well, sister, lord Elrond.”

Melpomean had hurried off and now ran back, panting heavily. Elrond instantly rushed forward and grabbed his lover, his eyes filled with worry and silent scolding.
Melpomean grinned, seeing it. He was grateful for the brothers’ presence, they being the only reason why Elrond couldn’t speak those words.

He looked at the brothers and smiled. “I’ve arranged for broth, miruvor and water to be brought to you as well as some bandages and herbs. Please be careful. Orcs have been sighted recently.”
Their eyes took on a worried glance and one look between them was enough to make their mind up. “If ever you need our assistance, let us know.”
Elrond smiled warmly. “We will, we won’t let the alliances die again.”
The humans smiled and nodded.

The eldest spoke again. “Onar, I can ask Beardy to take word to the human kings?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know, toron. Will Gondor and Rohan come to the aid if necessary?”
He nodded. “Aye. They too are reluctant to let the old alliances die. Though we do not possess elven memory we do have written and spoken history. Besides, Helm’s Deep has become a monument for us to remember and honour the past.”
Elrond smiled. “Your offer is most generous and well meant, and I appreciate it wholeheartedly, though it isn’t necessary. I have just a lively correspondence with the kings of today as I had with the kings of old. But thank you.”
They parted and Elrond guided his family inside.

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Legolas grinned and went about preparing the area. When he had woken he realised he was alone and that the famous Onardodya was about to arrive. Knowing Elnihir’s fondness of her he decided to ‘trick’ them a little. When he was done he patiently waited for the others to arrive.

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Galadriel stretched and smiled lazily. Realising it was the middle of the day startled her. Nothing had woken her up yet.

Seeing Celeborn still asleep made her smile and silently creep out. She needed a bath to get her head clear again and she wanted to see how the others were doing today. Although she desperately wanted to kiss him she refrained from doing so, knowing it would wake him up and he needed his sleep.

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Elnihir had claimed Elrond’s lap and was firing endless questions at the mortal woman, who laughed at his enthusiasm and happily obliged him.
She had missed them and only by being away for such a long time had she realised they were her family; not just Elvil and Elnihir, but Elrond and his children too and everyone who worked here.

A servant hesitantly entered the room and bit his lip.
Elrond frowned at the behaviour. “Man nás?”
The servant sighed. “Prince Legolas has sent me to inform lord Elnihir he is waiting in the practising area.”
Elnihir beamed and jumped up, grabbing Onardodya’s arm. “You have to meet him. Come on, he really taught me a lot.”
She shook her head and had no choice but to follow him.

Elrond smiled and resettled his attention on his lover, who scooted closer.

Elrohir and Elladan sighed and after one look, stood and left. They swiftly parted ways and while Elrohir hastily searched for Orophin Elladan made his way to Elvil’s side.

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Elnihir screamed when the practising area came into view. “Told you he would be here.”
Onardodya’s eyes widened for she found his words correct. Legolas was waiting for them here, in the old fields. “But these are the old ones. Shouldn’t you be learning at the new fields?”

Legolas heard them and turned, smiling warmly. “I was unaware there were new ones the first time I taught him and we’ve decided we like it here.”

He bowed respectfully. “Well met, lady Onardodya.”
She blushed at his words and quickly curtsied.

Legolas’ eyes had already deducted that even though she was human, the elven ways were clearly detectable in her. “I figured Elnihir would want you to see how much he has already mastered.”
She smiled and sat down, once again showing him she was more adapt in elven ways than mortal ones. “I would love to see it, Prince Legolas. He is fortunate to have you as a teacher. You are a living legend.”
He blushed at the words and retrieved the weapons to cover it up. The next hours he and Elnihir showed their progress to the lady.

TBC