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Twilight Tales - The Captain's Guerdon	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 8528 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter VII

Lothlórien, Nórui TA 2953

The brethren reined in their steeds as they approached the northern fences of the Golden Wood. Though they were familiar faces to the Elves of this realm and would be readily granted entry, they did not wish to alarm the sentries either. Not in these perilous days. Wood-elves wherever they resided tended to loose their arrows into trespassers first and ask questions later.

They patiently awaited the appearance of the guards instead. The first stepped into sight soon enough followed by several others. The twins recognized their leader. It was Haldir.

“Suilad, hiren!”—Greetings, my lords!—he hailed them. “We bid you welcome to our fair forest.”

They returned the greeting graciously before Elladan stated their desire to go on to Caras Galadon. At once, Haldir assigned a goodly number of his Elves to escort them.

“The Lord and Lady are readying themselves for a sojourn abroad,” he informed the twins before they embarked on the trip to the interior of the forest. “They will be pleased that you reached them ere they left.”

“Where are they going?” Elrohir asked in some surprise.

“Radagast’s halls in Rhosgobel,” came the reply.

The twins glanced at each other. Their grandparents seldom left their realm and only for good cause. All the more reason to hasten and learn from them what event drew them forth. Conveying their thanks to the marchwarden, they pointed their horses toward the city of the Galadhrim.

Elrohir took note of the Geledhil about them. He hid a smile. There had been no need for such a large escort considering they were heading into the heart of the Golden Wood and not away from it. But Haldir had been hard pressed to turn away any who had offered to accompany the brethren, finally compromising by stipulating that some travel only part of the way with the twins.

Even here in the heart of Elvendom in Middle-earth, the brethren were not without their fervent admirers. But unlike in nearly two millennia past, ‘twas only Elrohir who received more than surreptitious consideration, who was outright approached for more than mere conversation. Elladan’s affair with Glorfindel was well known in these parts and none of the Galadhrim, even the feistiest, cared to rouse the Balrog slayer’s ire by importuning his lover. They looked but did not touch; talked but did not flirt; allowed their appreciation of the older twin’s graces to show but carefully concealed any expressions of desire.

Yet one Galadhel stared at Elladan with undisguised lust, his eyes openly raking the latter’s tall, well-knit frame. Elrohir took a moment to identify him. It was Rúmil, one of Haldir’s brothers, who also oft did duty as a border-guard on the northern marches. He walked beside Elladan’s steed and had succeeded in engaging the older twin in bawdy banter. Elladan was seen to grin back at him when he uttered a particularly lubricious witticism. Encouraged, Rúmil moved even closer, his hand caressing the flank of Elladan’s mount, close to the twin’s leg.

Bold little devil, the Elf-knight thought. He would be more cautious were Glorfindel about, I wager.

He looked at Elladan curiously, struck by his twin’s uncharacteristic openness to the Lórien Elf’s less than tacit overtures. Ordinarily, the older twin turned away suits almost as soon as they were broached. He was infinitely polite in going about it and did his utmost not to ruffle a spurned Elf’s feelings overmuch. And in recent years, most Elves had learned not to broach the matter at all and had thus spared him the admittedly unpleasant task of rejecting suitors. Yet here he was permitting if not outright entertaining young Rúmil’s rather blatant wooing. Elrohir wondered if his brother’s present manner had to do with the turn his relationship with Glorfindel had taken in the last five decades.

Of late, Glorfindel’s demeanor toward Elladan had changed once again and markedly so from the first centuries of the twins’ questing. Whereas he had been almost astonishingly open with his affection for Elladan whenever the brethren returned to Imladris for a visit, during their most recent homecomings he had seemed somewhat more withdrawn. Elladan had fretted about the slight aloofness but had balked at discussing the matter with Glorfindel. Elrohir suspected his brother was too fearful of discovering yet another setback in the torturously slow evolution of his affair with the captain. There had been many in all their centuries together yet the older twin had remained patient when all others would have given up long afore.

But now… What if Elladan’s store of patience was finally running low? Elrohir observed his brother once more. Elladan was obviously enjoying the attention shown him. Indeed, his amicability had spurred a few others to join Rúmil in his suggestive sallies. Elrohir felt prickles of unease creep up his spine.

He did not begrudge his brother the increasingly blatant displays of covetousness. The Valar knew Elladan could do with a little more obvious evidence of appreciation than what Glorfindel showed him. But the state of Elladan’s heart and mind in the last several years troubled him nonetheless.

They had parted ways with their family’s latest fosterling just two years ago. Aragorn, last surviving heir of Isildur’s house, had returned to Rivendell after a time of errantry with his Peredhil brothers. Not long after, a message from Elrond had caught up with them ere they journeyed once more into the wild. Their father’s news had initially amused them: Aragorn had finally met Arwen and fallen in love with her. Upon second thought, however, both recognized the potential tragedy of the situation, either for their mortal foster-brother or for their family. As to whether Arwen returned his affection was presently unknown but she had shown him naught but kindness and had not discouraged him from pressing his suit. That in itself was telling.

“Father must wonder what fools he has bred,” Elladan had muttered afterwards. “Ever do we seem to choose the impossible when it comes to matters of love.” He glanced at his twin. “I pray you will have more sense than Arwen and I when you give your heart away, gwanneth.”—younger twin.

His unexpected diatribe had shocked Elrohir. Never had Elladan disparaged in any way either Glorfindel or the nature of his relationship with him. Perhaps adding to the older twin’s bitterness was the lack of word from his lover in that communication from Rivendell. Coupled with Glorfindel’s inexplicable distance during their last few visits… well, there was no faulting Elladan for being disheartened. Still and all, Elrohir wished his brother had confronted Glorfindel and had it out with him instead of letting his doubts gnaw at him. Amazing how redoubtable a warrior prince as the older twin could be reduced to silent forbearance when in his lover’s presence.

Elrohir sighed inwardly. He was by far the more mercurial twin, the less patient one. Yet one would think he and Elladan had exchanged places if one were to gauge their personalities based on their behavior these past many years.

*********

They came to the city of the Galadhrim just as dusk fell. Leaving their faithful steeds in the stables, they ascended the winding stairs that wrapped about a massive mallorn at the top of which was the wide talan upon which their grandparents’ great house rested. They were led at once to the private audience chamber adjacent to the residential wing of the house. The welcome shown them within was most warm and effusive, Celeborn and Galadriel enfolding them in hearty embraces as soon as they laid eyes on them.

“It gladdens our hearts that you are here,” Celeborn said. “We were loath to leave our fair woods without governance when our southern borders are oft beleaguered by malefactors and the north increasingly beset by Orcs.”

“What calls you away, sire?” Elrohir inquired.

“We received a summons just this morn from Mithrandir,” the silver-haired Elf explained. “He calls for a meeting of the White Council post-haste.”

“On what grave matter?” Elladan asked.

“The Rings of Power,” Galadriel replied. At the twin’s startled reactions, she added: “It seems both Mithrandir and Saruman have uncovered more tidings regarding the One Ring.”

“Valar! Have they discovered its whereabouts?” Elladan said.

“We do not know but ‘tis likely the chief object of this meeting,” Celeborn answered. “Your advent here is most provident. Will you set our hearts at ease and govern this realm in our absence?”

“We are at your service, Grandfather,” Elladan promised. “Rest assured, we will guard Lothlórien well.”

“Our gratitude to you, pin vuil”—dear ones—Galadriel warmly said. She glanced over their shoulders then smiled at her older grandson. “Ah, here is a sight that should greatly please you, Elladan.”

Both twins looked back in time to espy a tall, golden-haired figure step into the chamber. Elladan caught his breath. “Glorfindel!” he softly exclaimed.

For a moment, he was tempted to cast decorum to the four winds and fling himself into the captain’s arms. But his well-ingrained sense of discipline stayed him and he settled for beaming happily at his lover. Elrohir took it upon himself to ascertain the reason for the fair Noldo’s presence in the Golden Wood.

“How come you to be in Lórien, Glorfindel?” he queried, eyes gleaming with pleasure at his brother’s patent felicity.

“I have been in residence here for nigh the past year,” Glorfindel explained. “There was some need for my advice in the training of swordsmen.”

The brethren had to smile at so understated a reason for the captain’s services. The Galadhrim were master bowmen with as much a reputation in the field as the Silvan Elves of Mirkwood. But they were less skilled in the use of swords. Just as the Lord and Lady would occasionally deploy their best archers to Rivendell to help the Imladrin warriors hone their archery skills, so did Elrond dispatch his finest swordsmen to the Golden Wood here and then that the Galadhrim might benefit from their tutelage. This was not the first time Glorfindel had come to Lothlórien for this purpose.

“How much longer will you stay here?” Elladan inquired, unable to stifle the hopeful tone of his voice.

Glorfindel looked at him ruefully. “I had intended to remain another month but I am required at council as well and must leave with your grandparents come dawn.”

“But of course,” Elladan managed to say. He was disappointed but he could not ask Glorfindel to forego his duty as a member of the White Council. Particularly when it seemed the matter to be debated was of a dire nature.

Celeborn laid a hand on his shoulder. “You have ridden far and long,” he gently said. “Come and replenish your strength. ‘Tis time for the evening meal.”

The twins duly complied. It was of some comfort to Elladan that Glorfindel sat across from him at table even if they could not speak in lovers’ terms. And the speculations regarding the reason for Gandalf the Grey’s urgent summons proved distraction enough for the duration of the meal. Still, he was relieved when dinner finally came to an end and he could seek a moment of privacy with the captain.

They met in the corridor beyond the audience chamber that led to the sleeping quarters. Elladan looked hungrily at his lover, forgetting in his need to restrain his fervor. He searched Glorfindel’s face for evidence of a like desire that the captain would have suppressed in the presence of others. He thought he saw a flicker of it in the Noldo’s eyes and wondered why Glorfindel still held himself in check.

“I have missed you so,” he whispered, lifting a hand to caress the captain’s strong jaw.

Glorfindel smiled. “As I have missed you,” he replied. “It has been – what? – five years since your last visit to the vale.”

“Six,” Elladan amended. “Long, I admit, but not as lengthy as in previous times.” Glorfindel nodded, recalling the days when the twins had only infrequently returned home after spending decades in pursuit of the creatures they had sworn to destroy. And only for the briefest of rests before setting out once more on their questing. Elladan saw the sadness in his lover’s eyes. “Glorfindel, before you leave, I would that we spend this night together,” he pleaded. “Elbereth knows how much I need you.”

“That is not possible, pen neth”—young one—Glorfindel declined gently, turning the familiar appellation into an endearment with the warmth of his voice. “The suddenness of Mithrandir’s call has left us little time to prepare for the journey. I will scarcely have time to lie abed this night to rest, much less indulge in bed-play.”

Elladan sighed in frustration. “Then let me help you,” he said.

The captain shook his head. “You are in need of a good night’s sleep,” he stated. “Even Elves must rest after lengthy toil and more so a Peredhel.”

Elladan stared at him, his disappointment deepening. But at length, he only nodded. His throat tight, he made to turn and leave. Glorfindel caught him by the arm and pulled back. He inhaled sharply when his face was cupped in the captain’s powerful hands and his mouth captured in a scorching kiss. He snaked his arms around Glorfindel’s waist and returned the caress with as much heated fervency.

“My lord captain?” They broke apart at the hesitant inquiry. Glorfindel’s Lórien counterpart stood a short distance away, his eyes tactfully averted from their much too intimate embrace. “My apologies, but the Lord Celeborn would like a word with you.”

Glorfindel gave him a curt nod before turning his attention to Elladan once more. “I must go,” he murmured. “But I trust you will see me off in the morning?”

“Aye, I will,” Elladan said. He watched the captain stride away then headed for the baths.

Hours later, he tossed and turned in his bed, unable to slip into the aforementioned repose. Elladan knew what it was that hindered him from finding rest. He needed Glorfindel. And failing that, he needed at least some reminder of his presence – even his scent upon the sheets of his bed.

Elladan rose and left his room. He would lie in Glorfindel’s bed even if the captain did not use it this night. He silently traversed the corridor, then turned at the corner that led to the guest quarters. Glorfindel’s chamber lay midway down the narrow hall.

He was still a short distance away when the door opened. Elladan halted and gaped in disbelief when an Elf-woman emerged from the chamber. She was clad in a light bed-robe and her hair tumbled about her shoulders in some disarray. She went on down the corridor. Elladan did not move but could only stare after her in shock. A few minutes later, Glorfindel hurriedly exited his room, a number of scrolls and a thick tome in hand. He was not in a state of dishevelment as the woman had been but he was simply arrayed in a loose shirt and long breeches. Before Elladan could think to move and meet him, he disappeared in the opposite direction.

Stricken with mounting anger and misery, Elladan fled to his brother’s room. He startled Elrohir when he burst into the chamber and summarily crawled into the bed beside him. The Elf-knight half sat up in alarm when he felt his twin’s body begin to tremble quite violently.

“Elladan, what ails you?” he exclaimed, reaching to clasp the latter in his arms.

“Betrayed,” Elladan whispered harshly against his shoulder. “I am betrayed, muindor!” —brother!

“By who? Who has betrayed you?”

But Elladan could not or would not speak in his agitation. He only rolled out of his brother’s arms and buried his face in the pillow. Elrohir stared in consternation as he began to weep. Yet the older twin refused to say another word and he settled for stroking Elladan’s back soothingly until he finally fell asleep from exhaustion. Though whether it was a weariness of the body or the spirit, Elrohir did not know just yet.

*********

Elrohir frowned for the umpteenth time as Rúmil brushed salaciously against Elladan in the archery yard. And Elladan did not protest or put him in his place. Instead, he grinned at the Galadhel and even placed a more than convivial hand on the latter’s shoulder. A moment later, Rúmil whispered something in the older twin’s ear. Elladan thoughtfully regarded him. And then a slow smile curled his mouth. It was a smile not seen by others since before Elladan had ceased to dally with any but Rivendell’s captain. He whispered something back the effect of which was to propel the young border-guard into snaking a proprietary arm around Elladan’s waist and squeezing him slightly.

The Elf-knight shook his head. This had gone far enough. The pair’s recent behavior had already set tongues wagging in the city. This flagrant exhibition would further fan the flames of gossip beyond what was tenable. And gossip there was in abundance. Starting with the unnaturally cool farewell the older twin had bestowed on his lover upon the departure of the Lórien contingent. No one had expected any sentimental displays with so many looking on. But there had been a distinct lack of warmth in Elladan’s demeanor when Glorfindel had taken leave of him; so formal had he been that even the Lord and Lady had looked at him with some surprise. And the captain had seemed puzzled by his remoteness as well though he evinced no obvious trace of offence at the subtle snub.

Elrohir had collared his twin almost as soon as the delegation disappeared from sight. Only then did Elladan finally tell him what had upset him so terribly. Elrohir had been aghast at first. And his reactions had been quite natural. Indignation on behalf of his brother. Rage at the captain’s treachery. Sorrow for Elladan that his dreams should be shattered yet again.

But after the first bout of anger had passed, the Elf-knight had allowed reason to prevail. And the more he thought about it, the more he worried that his twin may have read more into the situation than was warranted. He believed it prudent to give Glorfindel the benefit of their doubt until further hard evidence showed otherwise. He had told Elladan so but, to his consternation, his brother had not been inclined to listen to any defense of the captain’s actions; not even so mild a suggestion that he talk to him before doing anything rash in retaliation. And retaliate Elladan seemed bent on doing if his flirtations with Rúmil were any indication of his intentions.

Elrohir approached his twin determinedly. He had to talk with Elladan before things got out of hand. Without so much as a by-your-leave he appropriated his brother from the young Galadhel’s side, suggesting that Rúmil see to his duties lest he wished to be returned to the borders soonest. Ignoring Elladan’s scowled protest, he hauled his twin to a secluded glade a short walk from the yard.

“Do you think this wise, Elladan?” he said without preamble.

“What are you talking about?” Elladan questioned with some pique.

“This assignation you have apparently agreed to,” Elrohir answered.

Elladan snorted. “What of it?” he challenged.

“Glorfindel will not be pleased should he find out,” Elrohir cautioned.

“He beds whom he wishes, when he wishes and where he wishes,” Elladan countered. “What right has he to order my life?”

“The right of one who owns you,” Elrohir replied evenly.

“Owns me because I was foolish enough to entrust myself to his keeping,” Elladan retorted. “And indeed he has kept me as a master keeps his faithful hound. Casting me a bone here and then to ensure my loyalty but never more, Elrohir, never more. At least Rúmil does not shy from expressing his appreciation of my graces! And I had thought you would take my side in this, gwanneth!” he added scathingly.

“Elladan, if I remonstrate with you, ‘tis for your sake,” Elrohir reminded him. “For your honor, which you have always been at pains to uphold.”

“My honor?”

“You swore yourself his,” the Elf-knight pointed out. “Will you break faith now and for insufficient cause?”

“Insufficient cause!” Elladan snapped. “Is the breaking of my heart insufficient cause? Centuries have I bided my time, waiting for every scrap of affection he would deign to toss my way. And to what end? To know that still I am not enough for him?”

“You do not know that—” Elrohir tried to say.

“What other evidence do I require of my dispensability?” Elladan cut him off. “I see now why our questing has been no hardship for him. And why should it be when, in my absence, he has had no lack of willing bodies to warm his bed!”

“Elladan, ‘tis folly to base your assumptions on what little you saw,” Elrohir insisted. Sweet Eru! How could things have so changed that his brother should now be the strident one and he the voice of reason?

“Little?” Elladan said incredulously. “What I witnessed was hardly little!”

“You saw her leave his chamber, that is all,” Elrohir shot back.

“When he had just refused me his bed,” Elladan countered.

“And still there need not be a connection between the two,” Elrohir retorted. “What besets you, Elladan?” he asked bewilderedly. “Ever have you heeded good sense yet now you fan the flames of your anger whether it be just or no!”

“Because I am sore at heart,” Elladan said bleakly. “I am weary, Elrohir. My patience is at an end.”

Elrohir gazed at him with rampant concern. The anxiety that had gripped him these past many years with regard to his twin’s well being – specifically his heart’s well being – surged forth anew. Never had he seen Elladan so hard and brittle – qualities he could easily imagine in his own self but not in his gentle, forbearing older brother. He grasped Elladan’s shoulders with suddenly chilled fingers.

“Then break with him first, tôr iuar”—older brother—Elrohir urged. “If you truly must seek comfort elsewhere, do not do so foresworn. Deceit does not become you.”

“Break with him?” Elladan scoffed, shrugging off his brother’s hands. “I was not aware that there was anything between us that needed sundering. And you need not worry about my comfort this night, Elrohir. I am quite certain it will be seen to most fulsomely.” He turned on his heel and headed in the direction of the thick cluster of mellyrn that harbored the telain housing the city barracks.

His heart heavy, the Elf-knight watched his brother walk away. Deep foreboding overtook him and he found himself striving to calm his clamorous nerves.

Ah, Elladan, the Valar protect you. I pray you do not rue this choice to tread so perfidious a path.

********************

Glossary:

Nórui – Sindarin for June

Galadhrim – people of Lothlórien

Geledhil (sing. Galadhel) – tree-Elves

mallorn (pl. mellyrn) – tree indigenous to the forest of Lothlórien

talan (pl. telain) – also called a flet, an open platform built in a mallorn that serves as a living space; the Galadhrim built their homes and buildings upon them

To be continued…
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Twilight Tales - The Captain's Guerdon