PART 9
Erestor poked his head around the door, a soft smile forming on his lips at the touching scene. His lord slept peacefully besides his equally contented husband. Oromë opened his eyes, turning to look at the advisor. They exchanged smiles and the Vala gestured for Erestor to enter.
Moving to sit by the bed, the councilor gently took Elrond's hand. "My lord?" he whispered. Elrond stirred upon hearing his name. Mumbling, the half-elf cuddled closer to his beloved. Oromë gently stroked his husband's hair.
"My love, Erestor is here to speak with you."
"Tell him . . . I'm . . . not here," Elrond rasped into Oromë's chest. The Vala chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to Elrond's ear.
"Really? I was quite sure I left you here last evening, and surely you know Erestor will find you wherever you are, my dear." For a moment, Elrond remained still before releasing a deep sigh and opening his eyes.
"Well?" he demanded, raising his eyebrow. Erestor rubbed the skin on his lord's hand soothingly.
"I have some good news and some bad news for you, my lord," the advisor said softly. Elrond's eyebrow inched higher.
"Oh . . . good news . . . first," the half-elf responded.
Putting on his brightest smile, Erestor said, "You're sons have begun to deal with their mother's torture and departure." As expected, Elrond's face remained completely expressionless.
"And . . . bad news?" he asked flatly. Heaving a great sigh, Erestor let his shoulders slump.
"You're sons have begun to deal with their mother's torture and departure." Elrond looked at his advisor for a long moment before sighing himself.
"Then they . . . will have great . . . need of me in . . . next few weeks," he said wearily, knowing his sons would need the love of their remaining parent to help them cope with their feelings. Elrond foresaw that his sons would be in great turmoil, which often resulted in them unintentionally lashing out at those they loved.
His dark thoughts were interrupted by a gentle squeeze to his waist. He looked up into the warm eyes of his husband. "Do not brood so, my love. It is true that some things can only be handled by a father, but for everything else, Erestor and I will help you. You are hardly alone and we will make sure the twins do not impede your recovery."
Erestor nodded vigorously in agreement. "Of course we will, Elrond. In fact, I've already spoken with Elrohir at length and I think I'm making progress there. I think they're both ready to let go of their guilt and just need the right push to make it happen."
"Do you really . . . think so?" Elrond asked tiredly. His injuries were beginning to throb just thinking of the energy his twins would require from him. Erestor scowled at his lord.
"I just said so, didn't I? Really, Elrond do not worry so. That's just like you. You did it all wrong, you know, asking for the good news first. No one does that. You're supposed to ask for the bad news first, so then I can remind you about all the good that will come of this," Erestor huffed.
Elrond smiled at his advisor's display of mock anger. Reaching forward, he drew the younger elf into an embrace. "Thank you, my friend. I would . . . be lost . . . without you," he said before releasing him.
Erestor sat back, slightly embarrassed. He sniffed critically, trying to hide how deeply Elrond's words had touched him. "Yes, well . . . that's why I'm here. Aewréd will check up on you in an hour and then breakfast will be served. I have instructed every servant in the house that they are not to give you any work whatsoever to do so save your breath ordering them about. I trust you can see he follows the healer's orders and mine," he said to Oromë. The Vala nodded solemnly while Elrond scowled.
"Last time I checked . . . I was . . . still lord here. I . . . outrank you, you know."
"But, my love," Oromë said smoothly, gently cupping Elrond's cheek in his large hand. "There are so many enjoyable things to do in bed. I thought for sure you would relish this time." Elrond blushed.
"Absolutely not," Erestor said, standing with his hands on his hips. He had moved toward the door while they had spoken. "No strenuous physical activity for you, my lord." Elrond glared at his advisor. Erestor calmly opened the door behind him. "At least not yet," he said with a suggestive wink.
He ducked out in time to miss the pillow that came sailing toward him, his laughter drifting back into the room.
~~~
"Erestor's so domineering," Elladan grumbled as they walked to the barracks.
"He's just trying to distract us from our worries," Elrohir defended, almost running to keep up with his brother's fast pace. Elladan snorted.
"You're only defending him because you like him."
"Well, of course I like him. He's our tutor and helped raise us like an uncle," Elrohir said. Elladan snorted again, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Come off it, Elrohir. You like Erestor like a love-sick puppy."
"What!" Elrohir asked, shocked. Elladan came to a halt, turning to glare at his twin.
"You think I don't know? You practically drool whenever he's around. And you jump whenever he tells you to do anything. Honestly, Elrohir, you're worse than one of Glorfindel's suitors."
"You take that back!" Elrohir yelled, his face turning beet red in embarrassment. Elladan scowled.
"No!" he yelled back. He uncrossed his arms, dropping them to his sides, and his hands curled into fists. "I've heard you moaning through the walls at night. I bet you dream about him at night, don't you?"
"Shut up!" Elrohir warned.
"You think of his mousy hair running through your fingers and touching his pasty skin, don't you?" Elladan accused.
"I told you to shut up!" Elrohir growled.
"Or what!" Elladan challenged. Losing his temper, Elrohir slammed his fist into his brother's cheek. Both of their eyes widened in surprise, both gasping at the sound of bone breaking. Elladan fell to the floor, his hand moving protectively to his face. Elrohir remained frozen in place, his own hand purpling and swelling around the knuckles. Their eyes remained locked on each other, neither willing to breath.
Abruptly Elrohir crumbled into himself, falling beside his brother. Tears fell unchecked down his suddenly too pale cheeks. "Elladan, I'm so sorry," he said, raising a hand to touch his brother's wound. His hand hovered over his twin's face for a moment before Elrohir doubled over, his whole body shaking. Elladan watched as his brother threw up.
Mentally shaking himself, Elladan took his twin in his arms. "No, it's my fault. I didn't mean it," he said, frantic to soothe his distressed brother. "I didn't mean it. Please, don't be upset." He continued to repeat this, rubbing Elrohir's back. He did not know what to do, and his heart contracted painfully at seeing his beloved brother's anguish.
After several minutes, Elrohir calmed down and leaned into his brother's warm embrace. "Don't you see, Elladan?" Elrohir said quietly, keeping his face buried in his brother's shoulder. "Despite wh-what you say, Erestor is right. This isn't the way it's supposed to be. Before mother left, this would never have happened. We're bottling up our emotions so tightly they're not our own anymore. If we don't deal with our anger, our . . . guilt, we will only continue to hurt those we love."
Elrohir raised his head and locked eyes with his brother, willing the elder half-elf to understand his words. "I don't want to feel this way anymore and I know you don't either. Erestor said that by letting our emotions rule us, by letting our orc-hunts rule our lives and change us from who we used to be, we have let those beasts win. They have turned something good into something vile. I don't want them to have that power over me, Elladan, and I don't want them to have that power over you either. I . . ." Elrohir hesitated, a look of uncertainty entering his eyes. "I want my brother back."
Tears fell from Elladan's eyes and he drew Elrohir into a crushing hug. "I'm here, Elrohir. I'm here." Letting his own tears fall, Elrohir returned the embrace.
~~~
Smiling sadly, Oromë returned his attention to his husband. At the moment, Elrond was arguing with his healer about his meal, quite sure he didn't need the standard healing broth given to all patients. But, sensing his beloved's mood, he raised his eyebrow quizzically.
The Hunter only shook his head sadly, unwilling to burden his husband with his sons' latest emotional outburst. He would worry enough when he saw their injuries later that evening.
Finally giving in to the inevitable, Elrond accepted the broth with distaste and Aewréd left. "What troubles you, my love?" Elrond thought, gingerly sipping the hot soup.
"It is nothing. Do not worry. You must focus on your recovery." Elrond's eyebrow went higher, but he could sense his husband was not hiding anything significant, so he let the matter rest.
"Tell me," Elrond thought. "I know that Erestor has probably told you everything I've done these last millennia, but what have you been up to all these years?" Oromë smiled, giving his half-elf a napkin when some broth spilled down his chin.
"You know that I cannot tell you all that I do for some of a Vala's duties are secret, but for the most part, I have helped returning elves to settle into Valinor. Occasionally, I have battled far south and east of here when your father tells us he sees darkness coming from that region." At hearing this, Elrond sat up straighter.
"Do you see my father? What is he like? Will I get to meet him?" Oromë laughed gently when hearing Elrond's questions. He saw the genuine longing in the half-elf's eyes.
"Your father is a truly remarkable elf and I feel very honored to talk with him every time I see him."
"Really? You feel honored to meet him?"
"Indeed I do," Oromë replied.
"But you are a Vala," Elrond thought, confused. Oromë chuckled.
"I may be a Vala, but that does not mean Eru's children do not amaze me. Your father is not like any other elf or man I have met. He is very honorable, kind, loyal and loving. One day, you will get to meet him. He has long wished to see you. I have told him where you live, and though I don't think he can see you, I know he always looks for you when he flies over your home."
Elrond looked at his husband in shock, his eyes filling with tears. "Does he really do that?"
Oromë smiled gently. "Every night."
The half-elf was silent for a long moment, before giving his husband a shaky smile. He launched himself into the Hunter's arms. "I'm so glad you are here," he thought. Oromë held his husband tightly.
"The feeling is mutual, my love."
~~~
"What have you two done this time?" Erestor demanded, seeing the dark bruising on Elladan's cheek and Elrohir's fist. The two had disappeared for the day and now stood before their father's healing chamber ready to bid him good night.
Elladan smiled nervously, if a little awkwardly. "We had a . . . little altercation over, um, a disagreement with some of the guards, but it's been settled now." Erestor's eyes narrowed not believing a word Elladan said. He shifted his gaze between the two half-elves, seeing the way they glanced nervously at each other, a sure sign they were lying. But for the moment, the advisor decided not to pursue matters.
"Indeed," he said coolly, letting the twins know he knew they were lying and he would think of an appropriate punishment for them later. "Your father will have kittens when he sees you." The two ducked their heads.
"We know that," Elrohir whispered. Erestor studied them for another long moment before nodding his head and moving aside to let them pass. The younger elves quickly darted in. Both looked guiltily at their feet when their father got his first look at them. His worry was obvious to him.
"What happened?" he demanded, moving to sit up. Oromë quickly put his arm around Elrond's waist and helped support him.
"Do not worry so, my love. Earlier I heard you think that they would lash out under the strain of their emotions. That is all that has happened," Oromë thought.
"Yes, through yelling and pouting, not fighting!" Elrond thought back, worry evident on his face as he studied his sons.
"They have only relieved some of the pressure within themselves and now they have room for acceptance and healing," Oromë thought soothingly. He sent soothing energy along with his words.
The twins watched all this with confusion, seeing their father and the Vala lock eyes, but say nothing. They were unsure what was happening when their father finally sighed and looked back at them.
"I trust . . . there will not . . . be a repeat of this," he said slowly, his expression one that expected to be obeyed. The twins paled and quickly nodded. Elrond crossed his arms over his chest, displeased with the twins' actions. His sons began to fidget under his scrutiny.
"Your voice sounds better," Elrohir finally said, peeking at his father. Elrond's eyebrow rose, but after another tense moment of silence, he relented and opened his arms up. The twins immediately jumped into his arms.
"We're sorry to have upset you," they said simultaneously. Elrond shook his head in mock exasperation.
"What . . . am I going to . . . do with you two?" he asked, kissing their foreheads. The two boys gave him roguish grins, accepting his affection.
"Is this a private party?" Arwen asked from the doorway, holding something. The three dark-haired half-elves on the bed turned to look at her. She returned their smiles and joined them at her father's bidding.
Oromë carefully disentangled himself from his beloved, feeling the bed was becoming too crowded. Elladan gratefully took the Vala's place of propping up his father. The Hunter joined Erestor near the doorway.
"I made this for you," Arwen said, unfolding the fabric draped over her arm. It turned out to be a beautifully ornate blanket stained a dark purple. Gesturing for Elrohir to help her, they held the blanket up. Elrond gasped in surprise. Along the edges, Arwen had embroidered an elegant vine design in a silvery thread. The vines twisted periodically into golden blossoms. But the true surprise was the perfect replica of his brother's symbol, Nimloth the White Tree. The tree lay in the center of the blanket, each leaf faithfully reproduced.
Elrond reached out to touch the fabric, feeling thick velvet. "This . . . this is beautiful," he choked, tears in his eyes. "How did you-," he began, but stopped in a fit of coughing. Erestor quickly poured a glass of water and handed it to Elladan, who helped his father drink it.
Arwen smiled, seeing that her gift pleased her father. She knew what he was trying to ask. "I used the picture of the tree you drew in the 'History of Númenor' that you wrote. I hope I rendered it correctly."
"It's perfect," Elrond whispered, deeply touched by her thoughtfulness. "I wondered . . . where you were . . . all day." Arwen and Elrohir spread the blanket over him, gently tucking the corners around his body.
"Actually, I started working on it while in Lórien. Grandmother suggested that I should work on something to give myself some purpose. She has always felt it's best to have a goal to work for to help focus one's mind. Sewing is such a relaxing activity and it gave me plenty of time to think. I just finished it today. I thought it would be nice if you had something more decorative than the plain blankets the healers use. Plus, this will be warmer." She smiled again.
"Thank you," Elrond murmured, running his good hand over the soft fabric. "It's a far . . . better gift than . . . the one your brothers . . . gave me," he said, gesturing to Elladan's bruised face. The twins colored and muttered another apology, causing Elrond to smile.
"We should leave. Father needs his rest," Arwen said, bending to kiss her father's forehead. She accepted his hug before moving away, giving her brothers a significant look. They took the hint, each bestowing a kiss and a hug to their father.
"We will see you tomorrow, father," they said, moving to join their sister by the door.
"Be sure to . . . have a healer look . . . at your injuries," Elrond said.
"We will, father. Good night," they said.
"Good night," Elrond rasped. They quietly left. Elrond could hear his sons teasingly scold their sister for making them look bad. He shared a tolerant smile with Erestor, who moved into the room. The advisor set down a stack of books onto a nearby table.
"I picked up some light reading if you get bored. And you needn't worry about anything. Imladris is running smoothly now that you are back. Expect Glorfindel to visit tomorrow with a report," Erestor said. Elrond nodded his acceptance.
"Good night, my lord."
"Good night," Elrond replied, waving slightly as Erestor left. Feeling tired, Elrond gladly snuggled against Oromë when the Vala resumed his place on the bed.
"They are doing better," Oromë thought. He gently smoothed down his lover's hair. Elrond leaned into the touch, practically purring in delight.
"I hope it lasts," Elrond sighed mentally. He settled against his husband's strong chest, finding it more comfortable than a pillow.
"Ah, the joys of having children," Oromë thought cheerfully. Elrond glared at him but then his expression turned sly.
"Then, it's only fitting I share such joy with you," he thought sweetly. Oromë laughed heartily, gently squeezing his husband's waist. Elrond smiled, feeling his beloved's joy.
"I look forward to it, my love," Oromë thought, watching as Elrond's eyelids irresistibly began to close. He was fast asleep before he could respond. Oromë settled down to watch his beloved through another night.
~~~
A gentle breeze blew in through the large arched windows. It rustled papers throughout the room, and pulled Erestor's hair into his face. Irritably, he pushed it behind his ear again. He sat hunched over his work at the far end of the library, unknowing he was being watched.
"Go talk to him," Elladan hissed into his brother's ear.
"Didn't you scold me just yesterday for my interest in him?" Elrohir countered, though he couldn't stop himself from staring dreamy-eyed at the stately advisor.
"I was upset at the time. I didn't mean it. True, I don't understand what you see in him, but if you love him, then I'll accept him. And I know he's worthy of you." Elladan shrugged.
"What about his mousy hair and pasty skin?" Elrohir pressed. When he looked at Erestor, he saw silky raven locks and milk-pale skin that looked deliciously soft. Elladan could guess his brother's views on their tutor's looks and for once chose his words with care.
"I didn't mean that either. I just wanted to get a rise out of you. Erestor . . . takes good care of his hair and skin," Elladan said lamely. Elrohir turned to level his brother with a skeptical look, eyebrow raised in mimicry of their father. "What?" Elladan said when his twin just continued to look at him. Elrohir sighed, shaking his head in exasperation.
Seeing the starry-eyed expression in his brother's eyes, Elladan knew Elrohir could spend the rest of the afternoon simply staring at the advisor. The elder brother, who was a half-elf of action, decided this simply wouldn't do. Suddenly, he pulled on his brother's right elbow while simultaneously pushing against his back. Elrohir spun gracelessly into the aisle, barely able to keep his balance.
His awkward entrance drew Erestor's attention. The advisor smiled at the twin and said, "Hello, Elrohir."
"Um, hi," Elrohir responded awkwardly, giving his brother a quick glare. Elladan flashed him a smile and made a show of tiptoeing to the exit. Swallowing nervously, Elrohir approached the expectant advisor.
"Did you need something?" Erestor asked.
"Um . . . I was just, ah, looking for some company. I can't seem to find my brother," Elrohir lied. Erestor glanced up from his work.
"I thought I saw him sparing with the guards this morning. He should have finished by now. You can probably find him just finishing lunch."
"Oh," Elrohir said, for a moment at a loss for words. Hesitantly, Elrohir moved a little closer. "Well, I'm here now and if you don't mind, um, I'd like to spend some time here. Do you need any help?" Elrohir gave himself a mental kick, cursing his tongue-tied mouth. Erestor gave him a questioning look, but then shrugged.
"I am only copying some scrolls, but I can do that at any time. Would you like to go for a walk in the garden?" the advisor offered.
"Yes!" Elrohir said quickly, and then winced, hating that he sounded so eager. Erestor smiled kindly, handing the young half-elf several scrolls.
"Why don't you put these away and I'll be right with you," Erestor said, amused by the way Elrohir jerked at the sound of his voice. Elrond's son quickly turned to put the scrolls away, hoping the advisor didn't see the way he blushed at being caught staring. He cursed himself again for his lack of elegance. Quickly putting the scrolls away, Elrohir turned to find Erestor framed by the windows. The light haloed his head, causing his hair to shimmer with hints of red. His pale skin glowed golden in the sunlight. It took Elrohir's breath away.
"Elrohir?" Erestor asked, concerned when the half-elf stood motionless. The younger elf shook himself out of his trance and gave the councilor a shaky smile.
"Are you ready?" he asked. Still concerned, Erestor nodded slowly. He gave Elrohir a worried look but joined the half-elf in the hallway.
"How are you doing?" Erestor asked, as they proceeded outside into the warm sunshine.
"I'm fine," Elrohir said nervously. His answer earned him more close scrutiny.
"And what do you think of your father's husband?" Elrohir looked at Erestor in surprise, not having expected the question.
"Well, I don't really know him yet," he answered.
"He would like to get to know you and your siblings. You are very dear to your father but so is his husband. Lord Elrond will live with Oromë when he travels to Valinor and hopefully, you will wish to live with him too. He will want the four of you to get along," Erestor said. Elrohir sighed.
"I don't know," he said. "Ever since we were little, mother and father have been honest with us about his first marriage, but it was so surreal. I mean, he was married to mother; that was my reality for all of my life. You and father could talk about father's husband but it was like you were talking about the High King, a figure more of myth than reality for me. Then, just a few days ago, you tell me that father's husband was a Vala, and I've barely begun to accept that when he actually shows up. And with everything that's happened to father, I just haven't thought about it."
Erestor nodded. "I understand. Well, it's something to think about. Once Elrond feels better, Oromë will probably speak with you." Elrohir nodded uneasily. This wasn't what he wanted to talk about, and he was unsure how to direct the conversation to something more romantic.
"And how is your brother doing?" Erestor asked while Elrohir was thinking.
"Huh? Oh, he's still working through some things, like I am, but I think he's calmer since yesterday."
"Speaking of yesterday . . . What exactly happened?" Erestor asked with seeming indifference. Elrohir winced.
"It was just like Elladan said," he said uneasily.
"Which was?" Erestor pressed, an evil gleam of amusement in his eye. Elrohir silently cursed. He knew Erestor wasn't going to let them lie to him without some kind of punishment.
"We got in a fight, um . . . Hey look! It's the gazebo mother wanted to erect. When did that get built?" he asked quickly. Erestor laughed and held his hands up in surrender.
"Alright, I'll stop prying. But I expect there will be no more fights," the advisor said sternly. Elrohir nodded quickly in agreement, glad that the topic would be dropped. Erestor smiled. "So, why did you really ask me out?"
"Ask you out?" Elrohir parroted, going pale. Erestor gave the younger elf a quizzical look.
"Yes, and I must admit it was a wonderful idea. It is a beautiful day."
"Oh . . . yeah," Elrohir said, a little disappointed. Clearing his throat nervously, he tried to answer the advisor's question. "Well, um I wanted to . . . that is you're often busy and I thought . . . perhaps, we could . . . would you like to eat dinner with me in my rooms?" he finally blurted out, his face going scarlet.
Erestor smiled kindly. "I cannot eat with you tonight. With Elrond injured, someone must reassure our people all is well. You will need to attend as well. Tomorrow at lunch is a better time if you like."
Elrohir nodded, trying to calm himself. His heart had stopped at Erestor's initial denial to his request.
Erestor seemed bemused by the younger elf's unusual behavior, but attributed his strange manner to the strain of the last few days. A relaxing meal was just what the younger elf needed and, if Erestor were honest with himself, it was what he needed too.
Exchanging smiles, the two walked further into the garden discussing the beauty of the foliage.