Title: In the Dark Forest the Secret Lies…

Author: Morgana
Author’s Email: morganalebeau@yahoo.com
Web page: http://www.paranoid.nl/avalon

Paring; Elrond/Erestor

Overall rating: NC-17
Summary: The twins (as Elflings) discover a refugee in the forests close to Imladris and
Erestor’s secret will eventually be revealed.

Disclaimer: Not mine, Tolkien’s.
Warning: AU of course!

Author’s Note: Completely AU. I am taking huge liberties with Erestor, Ereinion and
everyone else involved!

Beta reading, translations and research by Patricia Pleasant, thanks! I couldn’t have
written this story without your help!

All remaining mistakes are mine

 

In the Dark Forest the Secret Lies…

Part 3

 

The trees recognized the Elflings, comfortably seated on their ponies. These were the
Elflings who had ventured into the forest the year before. They also remembered their
Lord’s lecture because they had almost scared them to death and remained silent. The
Elflings weren’t alone this time around. The adult Elf, who had fallen from his horse
last winter, accompanied them. A cow trotted behind the adult’s Elf horse and the saddle
bags were filled to the limit -- almost in danger of bursting.

 

Now that they looked closer, the trees found that the Elflings were also carrying
supplies. They appeared proud to be carrying these gifts themselves and struggled to keep
their arms locked around them.

 

“Erestor! We are here!” One year had passed by and Elrohir was looking forward to
visiting Erestor. During the last year, they had begun doubting that their encounter with
Erestor had really happened and they were excited to meet with their savior again. They
had grown increasingly energized these last few days, driving their parents mad.

 

Elrond drew in a deep breath, hoping for his sons’ sake that Erestor would react to their
calls. The twins had pulled him along, once it was finally time to leave, and he had gone
willingly, promising his wife to keep their children safe. Glorfindel was trailing
behind, making certain they were safe. The blond warrior had insisted on accompanying
them, and Elrond had allowed it, but the twins had insisted their hero remained out of
sight. They were afraid Erestor wouldn’t reveal himself if there was a fair-haired Elf in
their company. Elrond and Glorfindel had given them an odd look at hearing that, but the
twins hadn’t explained further.

 

“Erestor! We want to visit with you!” Elladan gave his twin a worried look. “What if he
doesn’t come for us?”

 

“He promised!” Elrohir determinedly stared into the dark forest. The trees were silent,
but Elrohir was afraid that the moment they entered the forest, they would scream at
them. “We have to wait here, Ada1. We cannot enter the forest without Erestor.”

 

Elrond had reached the same conclusion. After last year’s experience, he refused to enter
the forest without Erestor at his side. “Give him some time, pyn-neth2. The trees are
probably right now conveying the message to him that we have arrived. It will take him
some time to join us.”

 

“I hope nothing bad happened to him,” said Elrohir, concerned. “He is all alone. If he
has an accident, there is no one to take care of him.”

 

Elrond smiled, warmly. He loved the fact that Elrohir was this worried for someone he had
only briefly met. Looking at his sons, he saw the differences in them. Although they were
identical in appearance, their characters hugely differed. Elladan already showed talent
for leadership and would become an accomplished warrior in time. Elrohir however, was
destined to become a scholar, maybe even a healer. The twins would rule Imladris wisely,
completing each other. 

 

His sons had taken a liking to Erestor, which didn’t surprise him in the least. The Elf
was the children’s savior – their hero. Erestor’s heritage however, did worry him and he
hoped to find out more during this visit.

 

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

 

My Lord, the little ones are back… The adult Elf is with them… They are calling you…

 

Erestor looked up from chopping wood. Aye, it was true – a year had passed by and they
had promised to visit, but Erestor hadn’t truly expected them to keep their word.

 

Excitement coursed through his body. It had taken him weeks to grow used to the silence
again. Having the twins around had provided him with noise, laughter and company and he
would love to have them close again – even if only for a short while.

 

What do you want us to do? Scare them away?

 

Erestor felt conflicted. Allowing them in would only encourage them to come back next
year. Once the Imladris’ inhabitants learned of the twins’ presence in the dark forest
they would feel encouraged to explore the dark forest and he didn’t want that. It was bad
enough that Elrond was accompanying them! But to have company once more! What a most
joyous prospect! To be able to talk again! Laugh again! He had never felt as lonely
before as he had felt last year.

 

My Lord?

 

“Don’t scare them,” said Erestor, making up his mind. He placed the axe aside and looked
up at the sky, which was blue and golden, due to Arien’s warm rays. Autumn was changing
into winter and the first snow would fall within the next few weeks. He could do with new
supplies, as he hadn’t made his trip to the Rangers yet and accepting what the Peredhil 3
were offering, was tempting. “I will meet with them.” There would be no harm in accepting
the supplies they had hopefully brought.

 

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

 

Elrond had dismounted and his sons had joined him, as the scholar used the opportunity to
teach them about plants and flowers. He showed them medicinal plants and the ones which
were poisonous and should be avoided.

 

An hour passed by and Elrond was growing worried that Erestor might not come for the
twins. Maybe the Elf had changed his mind? Elrond had been tempted to have the dark
forest searched and the mysterious Elf escorted to Imladris, but he hadn’t given that
order. He simply didn’t want to abuse Erestor’s trust.

 

Noise in the thicket made Elrond look up and he smiled, seeing Erestor standing there.
The dark-haired Elf looked the same – even the clothes he was wearing were the same he’d
had on last year, although a bit more threadbare. Next year, he would bring tunics and
leggings… “Mae govannen4, Erestor.”

 

At hearing their father speak those words, the twins spun around. Their eyes widened, and
once they had made out Erestor’s form, they ran toward the Elf.

 

Erestor reeled under the impact and caught the Elflings slamming into him. Their arms
folded around his waist and they looked up at him, sweetly. Oh, how he had missed them!
“Mae govannen, Elrohir… Elladan… Elrond.” He carefully searched Elrond’s eyes, finding
them clear and curious, and free of hidden intent.

 

“Erestor, you came for us!” Elrohir gave Erestor an adoring smile. “We missed you!”

 

Erestor went down and sat on his heels so he was level with the Elflings. “You have
grown,” he said, knowing the compliment would feed their self-confidence. He had always
felt proud himself when his tutor had told him he had grown. He made a real show out of
it and pretended to measure them.

 

Elladan giggled. “We didn’t grow, silly.” Elladan smiled at Erestor and then patted the
long, dark hair. “We have come to stay with you.”

 

Erestor gave Elrond an inquiring look. “I don’t understand. I thought you would merely
drop off supplies.” His heart beat a little faster at the prospect of having company for
the next few days.

 

“Aye, we brought supplies,” said Elrond, smiling at Erestor. “And my sons insisted we
also bring a cow. They even brought a present for you.”

 

“A present?” Erestor raised an eyebrow.

 

“Aye!” Elladan released Erestor from his crushing hold and ran over to his pony. From the
saddle bags, he produced a kitten – all black, but with white feet. “Here, she is for
you… to keep you company. We don’t want you to be alone.”

 

A lump of emotions formed in Erestor’s throat. “Hannon le5, pen-neth6.” Elladan pushed
the kitten into his arms and the large, gray eyes searched his. Erestor smiled at the
Elfling. “That was very thoughtful of you.”

 

“It was Elrohir’s idea,” said Elladan, honestly.

 

“You have done some growing up, haven’t you?” Erestor saw a new sense of respect and
understanding in Elladan’s eyes. Endangering Elrohir’s life last year had changed
Elladan.

 

“Can we stay with you?” Elrohir gave Erestor his most pleading look. “Ada will collect us
again in five days… We would like to spend those five days with you. Can we?”

 

Erestor’s eyes met Elrond’s. “You would entrust them to me?” He had thought their
encounter would be brief. Not in his wildest dreams had he thought they would stay with
him!

 

“You saved their lives last year. Aye, I trust you with them.” Elrond eyed Erestor
closely. Aye, the eyes were Erestor’s – the Chief Advisor’s – but this Elf resembled
someone else as well. If only he could identify that person! Hopefully the twins would
supply him with more clues after their stay.

 

“I will take excellent care of them,” promised Erestor, enthusiastically. “And I will
meet you again, here, in five days.” It never crossed his mind to deny their request, as
he hungered for their company.

 

“I will see you in five days then.” Elrond bent down to receive a hug from each of his
sons. “And remember, you promised to behave.”

 

“We will,” replied Elladan, firmly nodding his head. “We will be good.”

 

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

 

It wasn’t long before they were all settled in the cabin. The cow had found friends in
the stable and the supplies all sat neatly in Erestor’s cupboard. With the food supplies
he had now, he could easily survive the winter and live comfortably. The kitten had
chosen the bed as her new home and had curled up.

 

Erestor had settled beneath a tree, which branches moved until he was sheltered from the
sun. The twins ran, chasing butterflies and everything in the world seemed right. Their
laughing and chattering made Erestor smile. His thoughts were strangely enough occupied
with Elrond and not the Elflings. There had been a certain look in the Elf-Lord’s eyes,
which had warned him to be careful. Elrond had never accepted his explanation and would
doubtlessly fish for information once the twins returned.

 

“Erestor! Look what I caught!” Very carefully, Elrohir kept a butterfly prisoner between
his fingers. He took great care not to damage the fragile wings. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

 

“Aye, it is. And it is good that you handle him so carefully!”

 

“Erestor? What is this?” Elladan stood at the rim of the clearing, looking at a dark pile
of earth.

 

Erestor wished the twin hadn’t discovered the grave, but he couldn’t lie to them. “That
is where I buried my warden.”

 

Erestor’s admission took Elrohir by surprise and the butterfly escaped his fingers. “That
is where Erestor rests?” It was odd to use the name in that way. Erestor was alive and
well, in their midst – or an Elf who referred to himself as Erestor was.

 

“Aye.” Erestor sat on his heels. His fingertips moved through the earth and a melancholy
smile appeared on his face. “He was father and mother to me.” Erestor had died too early.
Suddenly a pair of tiny, slightly sweaty hands patted his head.

 

“I find it hard to call you Erestor,” admitted Elrohir once he had Erestor’s attention.
“Won’t you tell us your real name?”

 

Erestor swallowed, nervously. Never before had he spoken his real name aloud. “But you
can never call me that, pyn-neth. You can never say the name, so why should I tell you?”

 

“Because then we would know you – really know you,” said Elladan, coming to stand by his
brother’s side.

 

Erestor ruefully shook his head. Erestor’s teachings were firmly rooted in his being. “I
cannot tell you.”

 

“Why?” Elrohir, vexed, stared Erestor in the eye.

 

“Because knowing my name might endanger you.”

 

“Why is that? Why would knowing your name put us in danger? It makes no sense,” said
Elladan, determinedly.

 

“My warden told me to keep my name a secret and I will do as he taught me. He cared about
me and would never give me foul advice.” Erestor hoped they would understand.

 

But the twins firmly shook their head. “You should tell us,” said Elrohir.

 

“I can not. You must accept that.” Erestor rose from the earth and offered them his hand,
which they took. With Elrohir on his right and Elladan on his left, he made his way back
to his cabin.

 

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

 

That first day passed by quickly and before they knew it, it had grown dark outside and
it was time to rest. The twins had brought night shirts and after slipping into them,
they took possession of the bed.

 

Erestor, selecting a book to read from, gave them a radiant smile. He wouldn’t be alone
tonight.

 

“Come over here, Erestor…” Elladan lifted the blanket and waited for the adult Elf to
slip into position. Once Erestor was resting comfortably the twins cuddled up to him.
Elrohir rested his head against a shoulder and Elladan against Erestor’s chest. “Are you
happy to have us here?” inquired Elladan.

 

“Aye, I am.” Erestor opened the book and selected the section he wanted to read to them.

 

“You know, you could always have this, if you lived at Imladris,” said Elrohir.

 

Oh, they were quite manipulative, mused Erestor. They had probably inherited that trait
from their father. “I can not and now stop talking.” He began to read to them and it
wasn’t long before their breathing told him that they were sound asleep. The kitten
watched them from the foot end of the bed and Erestor actually felt grateful that the
twins had brought her along. Now, he had something to remember them by once they had
left.

 

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

 

They spent the next day exploring the forest. The twins were still a tad scared to
venture into the darker sections, but soon discovered that the trees had accepted and
tolerated them. They often heard their soft voices whispering information to Erestor and
it wasn’t long before they lost all remaining fear when dealing with the trees.

 

It was on the eve of the fifth day that the twins undertook one last attempt at changing
Erestor’s mind.

 

“Erestor? Do you like us?” asked Elladan, who sat cuddled close to Erestor in front of
the fireplace. The elder Elf had been telling them stories and they had listened in awe.
They didn’t want this to end, so they tried once more.

 

“Of course! I like you a lot,” replied Erestor, ruffling Elladan’s hair. These last five
days had gone by too quickly and he already felt sad, knowing they had to part tomorrow.

 

“Then come and live with us at Imladris.” Elrohir curled his fingers around Erestor’s and
looked deeply into the brown eyes. “You cannot possibly be happy here on your own.”

 

“It is not my choice, pen-neth. I have to live here.” Erestor knew he would give in, if
they continued their pleading, so he quickly took control of the situation. “But you will
come and visit me next year, won’t you?”

 

“We will visit you every year!” vowed Elrohir, passionately.

 

“I just wish you would come with us,” said Elladan in a saddened voice.

 

“I can not, Elladan.” As far as Erestor was concerned the subject was closed and he moved
on to telling them another tale of times gone by.

 

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

 

“You should hide yourself,” instructed Elrond, who had come to collect his sons.

 

Glorfindel nodded once. He had already sighted a suitable spot. “I still wonder why he
does not want any blond Elves near.”

 

“The twins didn’t elaborate,” replied Elrond, thoughtfully. “If only I could convince him
to live with us! Then I could unravel this mystery.”

 

Hearing soft noises coming from the trees, Glorfindel quickly hid himself. Although he
was no longer visible to the eye, he had a perfect view of Erestor, who now emerged from
between the dark trees. Elladan was comfortably seated on Erestor’s shoulders, whilst
Elrohir was safely tucked away on Erestor’s arm. The twins looked completely at ease and
Glorfindel realized that Erestor was to be trusted.

 

“Ah, there you are!” Elrond sat on his heels and prepared himself for the twin whirlwind
that would hit him shortly. His sons didn’t disappoint him and slammed into him, hugging
him.

 

Erestor felt sad, now that they had gone from his side. /Next year. They will visit again
next year./ But next year seemed awfully far away.

 

“Did they behave?” asked Elrond, addressing Erestor.

 

“They were good – very good.”

 

The twins radiated pride and contentment. “We promised we would be good,” said Elladan.

 

“But we don’t want to wait a whole year to visit with you again!” Elrohir pouted, glaring
at Erestor in a hurt way. “Come to Imladris with us!”

 

But Erestor stepped away from them and further into the shadows of the forest. “I already
told you that I can not do that.” He had to leave now, before parting from them would
cause him even more pain. “I will see you next year.” The next moment, he was gone from
view.

 

“I don’t want him to go away!” Elladan’s eyes swam with tears. “Erestor!”

 

Although it was hard on Erestor he managed to ignore their pleading cries. He couldn’t go
back. He couldn’t live at Imladris. He had to be strong now! He ran deeper into the
forest and focused on the trees, which were trying to console him. His life was to be a
lonely one.

 

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

 

“If only I could remember who else he reminds me of,” mused Elrond, once he was back in
his study. The twins were playing in the gardens with Lindir and Elrond had a perfect
view of them from where he was standing.

 

“I still wonder if there was any involvement on Ereinion’s part,” said Celebrían, who was
glad to have her sons close again. Parting from them for five days had been hard.

 

“The twins couldn’t give me any new information,” said Elrond. “Erestor guarded his
privacy well this time around.”

 

“You should be ashamed of yourself, using them as spies,” said Glorfindel in a teasing
voice.

 

“He intrigues me,” admitted Elrond. Maybe next year, he would find out more about
Erestor.

 

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

 

Years passed by and the twins continued to visit with their friend in late autumn. Elrond
accompanied them, but never managed to find out more details about Erestor.

 

Then, the year came in which the twins celebrated their majority. With Elladan and
Elrohir tied up in festivities and ceremonies, Elrond decided to take his sons’ place and
spent those five days with Erestor.

 

/The hardest part will be to make him agree. Erestor has always cautiously guarded his
privacy. Will he accept what I am offering? Or will he turn me away?/

 

There was only one way to find out.

 

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

 

“Erestor!” called out Elrond, who had told his horse to come a halt at the rim of the
dark forest. He brought food supplies, clothing, books and counted on Erestor’s need for
company to make the other Elf agree to this undertaking. If only he were allowed inside
Erestor’s cabin once more! He would doubtlessly uncover a treasure of information there!

 

“Erestor? I am here, waiting for you!” Knowing it would take the trees a few minutes to
inform Erestor of his arrival, Elrond dismounted and checked if the food supplies and
gifts were still soundly tucked away. He seated himself on a fallen tree trunk and
enjoyed Arien’s warm rays. It was still warm for the time of the year and he enjoyed
wearing hunter’s garb instead of his formal robes. Whenever he changed into his hunter’s
garb, a sense of freedom came over him – reminding him of days when he wasn’t the lazy
ruler of a peaceful valley where nothing ever happened.

 

Aye, he was looking forward to spending these five days with Erestor.

 

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

 

Erestor arrived thirty minutes later and was rather disappointed not to find the twins
waiting for him. The trees had already told him that only Elrond had come to visit, but
he had hoped that the twins had joined him later. He had really been looking forward to
their company, especially now that they had become adults. They had been extremely
pleasant company over the years – and they had become friends – maybe even his only
friends.

 

“Mae govannen, Elrond.” Erestor stepped out of the shadows and inclined his head in
greeting. Over the last few decades they had developed a silent understanding and a
mutual respect.

 

“Mae govannen, meldir7. I am sorry that my sons couldn’t come to visit this year, but
they reached their majority and festivities and ceremonies keep them at home. They wished
you could have been there as well and told me to assure you that they will make amends
next year.”

 

Erestor nodded once. “Thank you for delivering the supplies. You didn’t have to.”

 

Elrond shook his head. “Nay, I made a promise decades ago and I keep my promises.”

 

An odd silence fell between the two Elves. It was Erestor who broke the silence when it
became uncomfortable. “You brought a lot of supplies… I cannot carry everything in one
go.”

 

“I was actually going to make a suggestion,” started Elrond, carefully choosing his
words. “I would be honored to take my sons’ place these next five days. You must have
been looking forward to some company and I don’t want to disappoint you.”

 

Erestor’s eyes widened in surprise. Elrond wanted to spend the next five days with him?
“Aren’t you needed at home?”

 

“My sons actually asked me to take their place. They cannot visit with you, so they asked
me to in their stead.” Elrond could tell that Erestor was bewildered and at war with
himself. Maybe Erestor needed a bit more convincing. “I brought books, which we might
discuss.” It had been decades, maybe even a century, since Erestor had had the chance to
engage in intellectual discussion and Elrond counted on that to work to his advantage.

 

“I am not certain I should concede to this.” Erestor knew that by inviting Elrond into
his home he was taking a huge risk. Elrond would find clues that might lead him to his
real identity, *but* he had been looking forward to having some company for the next few
days. He didn’t want to go back to that silence – his solitude. Elrond’s offer was
tempting – he would have an adult’s company – someone he could carry an intelligent
conversation with.

 

“What do you have to lose?” asked Elrond, seeing Erestor waver.

 

“Not much,” realized Erestor. Even if Elrond found some clues to his identity, the truth
was too unbelievable for Elrond to reach the right conclusion. “Let us go then. It will
be dark shortly.”

 

Elrond managed to hide his excitement at hearing Erestor’s reply. Erestor had accepted
his proposal and that meant he would finally get his chance to find out more about this
mysterious Elf!

 

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

 

Elrond felt smug by the time he finally entered the cabin. The first time he had been
here he had been too ill to take in the details. His eyes immediately sought out the
crest above the fire place. Aye, it *was* Ereinion’s crest! He hadn’t imagined it!

 

Erestor realized Elrond was staring at the crest and knew the next five days would be
filled with questions. He would do his best to avoid them, but after so many years he
wasn’t sure he still wanted to avoid them. It would be nice to discuss his life – his
past – with someone.

 

Elrond placed one bag with supplies in the kitchen area and carried another over to the
bookshelf in the living area. “Why don’t you unpack the food?” He would place the books
in line and hopefully, the new lecture would spark Erestor’s interest before the five
days were over. He had packed books concerning Ereinion on purpose, knowing it was the
direction their discussions would eventually take.

 

Erestor busied himself unpacking the food and frowned more than once, coming across items
he had never seen before. “What is this?” He took in the sweet scent of the slightly
mushy bread and gave Elrond a curious look.

 

“That, meldir, is cake. A true delight.” Elrond didn’t mention it was spiked with
miruvor. Maybe it would loosen Erestor’s tongue one eve.

 

“Cake.” Erestor looked at the food item and then packed it away in the cupboard. “I can
easily make it through winter now.” His eyes followed Elrond’s movements and soon he
discovered that several new books had found a place onto the bookshelf. “You didn’t have
to bring those.”

 

“I wanted to.” Elrond seated himself near the fireplace, warming his cold hands. They had
already placed the chickens he had brought in the stable behind the cabin and now that
the animals were comfortable, Elrond opened the last bag he had brought with him. “I also
brought new clothes.” Over the years, Erestor’s clothes had deteriorated and become
threadbare.

 

Erestor accepted the bag and looked inside. He uncovered two shirts, a tunic, three pair
of leggings, underwear, socks and even a pair of boots. “Thank you for these. Since you
begun to bring me food I haven’t undertaken a trip to the Rangers and I would have had to
make one to buy clothes.”

 

“The Rangers?” Elrond leaned back and sipped the tea Erestor handed him. “Do you seek
them out often?”

 

The questioning had begun, realized Erestor, who sat down opposite Elrond, nursing his
tea. “Erestor sought them out each summer to purchase food and clothes. Ever since you
took over supplying me, I haven’t had to make that journey.”

 

Elrond filed this new information away. So, the Rangers had information on this
mysterious Elf as well? He would question them about Erestor later. He wanted to ask
questions, which really interested him, but realized Erestor was alert and wouldn’t be
lured into answering them. He had to wait for the opportune moment to catch Erestor off
guard.

 

Erestor blew onto the surface of his too hot tea and gave Elrond a thoughtful look. “We
might have a problem. I only have one bed.”

 

Elrond shrugged. “We can collect some hay from the stables and make a comfortable nest
here. It is no problem. I slept on the floor before.”

 

Erestor nodded once. “But it seems hardly fitting your station.”

 

Elrond laughed, amused. “I was a warrior before I became a ruler, Erestor. I am used to
poor conditions.”

 

“You *were* used to poor conditions,” said Erestor, correcting Elrond. His thoughts began
to wander and returned to the large encampment where he had lived during the first years
of his life. He had never seen Elrond there, but then again, he hadn’t been allowed
outside much.

 

Elrond correctly interpret the expression in Erestor’s eyes. “My sons told me you met
Ereinion in the past. That you lived at the encampment?”

 

Erestor shrugged once. He shouldn’t be confiding in Elrond, but it had been so long and
maybe the danger had lessened by now. He simply wanted to talk to someone – maybe even
make Elrond understand why he had to live here. “I saw him once. I didn’t talk to him –
or really meet with him. He said his goodbyes to Erestor when we left. And aye, I lived
in that camp for several years.”

 

“And yet I never saw you there,” said Elrond, sipping his tea. He was pleased that
Erestor was opening up to him. He hadn’t thought he would.

 

“Erestor told me to stay inside – that it wasn’t safe outside. That something evil might
want to get his hands on me. Later on, I realized that he was referring to Sauron. I
didn’t know that at that point. I was still too young to fully understand the danger we
were in.”

 

/Sauron would be interested in you? Now, why would that be?/ Instead of solving the
mystery that was Erestor, the mystery continued to grow. “I wonder why Ereinion’s crest
hangs above the fire place.” He wanted to know how Erestor would respond.

 

“Erestor brought it with him and put it up. I believe he was very close friends with
Ereinion. He didn’t speak much of the High-King, but when he did, it was with a sad
expression in his eyes.” He didn’t mind discussing Erestor, as long as Elrond didn’t push
for more answers concerning his person.

 

Elrond placed the empty tea cup onto the table and gave Erestor a calculated look before
releasing the next bit of information. “Ereinion and Erestor were lovers.”

 

Erestor’s eyes widened. “That possibility crossed my mind, but… I never thought I could
have reached the correct conclusion.” Erestor had pined for Ereinion, he could see it
now.

 

“They were lovers for many years,” elaborated Elrond, still studying Erestor. “When
Erestor left the encampment it caused many rumors. Everyone – including me – wondered why
he would leave his mate in the hour of need.”

 

Erestor felt like he had traveled back in time – he was back in that camp and saw the
wounded look on his tutor’s face. “I don’t think he wanted to leave, but Ereinion had
told him to. I was the reason Erestor had to leave. Erestor was told to take me into
safety and to stay with me. I don’t know why Ereinion would care about a boy like me, but
he did.”

 

/What I really wonder about is why he would allow you to live in the encampment for all
those years. It almost sounds like Ereinion wanted you close./ There was no longer any
doubt on his mind that this Elf was Erestor’s son and maybe his earlier conclusion had
been right. Maybe Ereinion had decided to adopt and accept Erestor’s son as his own. It
would explain Ereinion’s concern for the boy’s well-being and why he would make Erestor
the boy’s guardian.

 

Erestor unexpectedly rose from his chair and returned to the kitchen area, signaling that
their conversation had come to an end. “We will collect some straw in a moment and
improvise a bed for you.”

 

Elrond nodded absentmindedly. His thoughts still circled about Ereinion, Chief Advisor
Erestor and one mysterious boy.

 

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

 

That night, each Elf was unable to go to sleep. They had constructed a comfortable
mattress for Elrond, and although they rested at some distance from each other, their
thoughts circled around the other person.

 

“I cannot sleep,” admitted Elrond in the end. Ithil stood high in the sky, illuminating
the cabin with silver rays.

 

“Are you thinking of the twins?”

 

Elrond shook his head. “Nay, they are enjoying the festivities. It is *you* who keeps me
awake.” Each time he closed his eyes, Erestor’s brown eyes stared back at him. There was
something about Erestor that attracted him to the Elf. He didn’t know what it was, but he
felt it clearly. Something about Erestor called to him. If he hadn’t been married to
Celebrían, and happily at that, he would have made a pass at Erestor. That realization
shocked him.

 

Erestor felt stunned. “*I* am keeping you awake? Am I moving about too much? I am not
used to company, so maybe I am making noise and…”

 

“Nay, that is not it. It is your history that intrigues me.” Elrond judged it safe not to
reveal this attraction, as the revelation had taken him by surprise as well. His eyes
found Erestor’s and he studied the other Elf.

 

“You shouldn’t try to solve this mystery, for you will fail.”

 

“How can you be so certain?” asked Elrond.

 

“Because I don’t know the answers myself.”

 

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

 

Elrond woke to delicious fragrances in the morning. Sitting upright, he found that
Erestor was making breakfast. Looking about, he realized that the cabin lacked a
bathroom, so where was he supposed to freshen up? Elrond rose from the mattress,
stretched, and joined Erestor in the kitchen.

 

“You look rumpled,” said Erestor in an amused voice.

 

Elrond tried to smooth the folds of his tunic, but failed. His hair was also a mess.

 

“There is a bowl of water of there, which you can use to freshen up.”

 

“No bath? No shower?” Elrond cringed, realizing he *had* gotten used to the comforts of
home.

 

Erestor realized the same thing, but refrained from commenting on it. “If you want a bath
I suggest the frozen stream outside. You will have to create a hole in the ice first,
though.”

 

Elrond shivered and shook his head. “Nay, thank you.” He washed his face, tidied his hair
using Erestor’s comb and then returned to the kitchen, where Erestor was busy serving
breakfast. Elrond felt famished and devoured the omelet, which was richly filled with
bacon, cheese and mushrooms, all hailing from Imladris. “Are you certain you have enough
supplies to last you through the winter?”

 

“Aye.” Erestor joined Elrond and began eating. It had been strange, waking up and finding
another Elf was also present. It had been different with the twins. They were like
children to him – sons – but it was different with Elrond. He had been alone for a long
time and it wasn’t strange that he was beginning to fall in love with Elrond, as he was
the only adult he was in touch with. The long, brown hair reached the half-Elf’s hips and
the deep, gray eyes called out to his very soul. Embarrassed, because he desired a bonded
Elf, Erestor focused on eating breakfast.

 

Elrond looked out of the window and found it was raining hard. They would be confined to
the cabin today. “Would you like to study one of the books I brought with me?”

 

Erestor decided to be honest. “I would prefer for you to tell me what has happened these
last few decades. What has changed on Arda? Are there still wars?”

 

Elrond nodded his head once. “I will tell you everything I know.”

 

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

 

That evening, Erestor’s head reeled with new knowledge. So many things had happened and
he hadn’t been a part of it! “So, there is peace now?”

 

“Aye, there has been peace now for many years.” Elrond was making himself comfortable on
his mattress and tucked the blanket around his person. Lying on his side, he had a
perfect view of Erestor’s curled up form. The attraction continued to grow and he
wondered what it would be like to hold Erestor close. He wasn’t normally attracted to
males, he preferred spirited she-Elves like Celebrían, but he had been in love with a
male once before. Only once, though. He had fallen madly in love with Ereinion, before he
had learned that the High-King’s heart was already taken. He had felt jealous of Erestor
for some time, but seeing the High-King and his Chief Advisor in love had slowly lessened
the attraction.

 

Erestor, blushing in the darkness, hoped the weather would improve overnight. He wasn’t
certain he could carry on being in such close proximity of Elrond for another day. His
body was responding to the half-Elf’s presence and those reactions were making him doubt
his sanity. He had never experienced anything like it before, and didn’t know how to
handle the situation. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass Elrond or himself. “We
should sleep now.” They hadn’t slept much last night to begin with.

 

“Maybe if the weather allows it, we can explore the forest tomorrow? It is part of
Imladris and yet I don’t know my way around.” His body reacted, seeing Erestor’s dark
eyes focus on him. /Nay, not here… not now./ It cost him time and concentration but he
willed his erection away. He couldn’t and didn’t want to be unfaithful to his wife, whom
he loved dearly! He simply had to find a way to deal with this attraction and to make it
go away!

 

“Aye, we could do that.” Erestor was struggling with a similar reaction. His body was
waking up, letting him experience sensations he had never felt before. And for a moment
he grew sad, realizing that living here alone meant that he could never take a lover –
bond with a mate. Was it a price he was willing to pay for his safety? He didn’t know the
answer to that question.

 

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

 

Erestor woke first and felt embarrassed, realizing he was painfully hard. It had happened
before and normally he would stroke himself and bring himself to orgasm, but he couldn’t
do that with Elrond close.

 

Elrond… The half-Elf was the reason why he was reacting in this way. He desired the half-
Elf, wanted to run his fingers through the thick hair and feel Elrond touch him in turn.
But that could never happen. His tutor had taught him to respect a bond between lovers
and Elrond was father to two sons. He could never reveal his attraction to the half-Elf.

 

He focused long enough for his erection to diminish and then left his bed. Looking
outside, he found that the rain had stopped and that Arien was once more gracing Arda
with warm sunlight. Aye, they could leave the cabin today and spent some time away from
each other.

 

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

 

Elrond noticed the change in Erestor, who had left to hunt. It was an excuse, realized
Elrond, as the mysterious Elf had enough supplies to last him through the winter. It was
obvious that Erestor had wanted some time away from him. Why?

 

Elrond’s thoughts raced. Erestor had gone deeply into the forest and wouldn’t return for
quite some time. This might be his only chance to explore the cabin in search of clues,
which would lead him to Erestor’s identity.

 

Quickly making up his mind, Elrond hurried back to the cabin. Once inside, he headed for
Erestor’s bed, recalling the chest beneath it. He pulled the chest away from under the
bed and wanted to open it when he realized it was locked. Cursing, he glared at the lock.
Erestor had known he would search for clues! Pushing the chest back beneath the bed, he
rose from the floor and walked over to the bookshelf. He leafed through the ancient
books, regularly finding either Erestor’s or Ereinion’s name in it, declaring them the
original owner.

 

His eyes came to rest on the family crest – Ereinion’s. Aye, he understood that the Chief
Advisor would want a reminder of his lover to look upon, but he couldn’t shake the
feeling that there was another reason why the crest was here.

 

“I knew I would find you here,” said Erestor, entering the cabin and placing the two
rabbits he had caught onto the table. “You couldn’t resist and searched my belongings,
didn’t you?”

 

Ashamed at being caught, Elrond bowed his head. “Your real identity vexes me.”

 

“Elrond…”

 

Erestor’s remarkably gentle voice made Elrond look the other Elf in the eye.

 

“You won’t find the answers here. I don’t even know them myself.”

 

“But you *do* know your real name and you won’t tell me!”

 

Erestor sighed. “Elrond, I wish I could.”

 

“What is keeping you back then? You might have had to run from evil centuries ago, but
that has changed! You are safe now! There is peace on Arda!”

 

“But Erestor said to keep my name a secret, and I will do that.”

 

Elrond felt like pulling out his hair from pure frustration. “I don’t understand you!”

 

Erestor didn’t reply and turned to pick up the rabbits again, which he would prepare for
dinner. As far as he was concerned, the conversation had come to an end.

 

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

 

They spent the rest of that evening and most of the fourth day in silence. Elrond tried
to apologize for searching the cabin, but Erestor remained silent and distant. It was
Elrond who sneaked closer when Erestor went to bed and knelt on the floor, trying to
catch Erestor’s eyes. “This is our last evening together.” He would return to Imladris
tomorrow. “Glorfindel will be waiting for me at sunset and I will be gone for a year.
This is our last chance to talk. Won’t you even look at me? Accept my apology?”

 

“You cannot visit me next year,” said Erestor, avoiding looking at Elrond.

 

“Why is that?” Stunned, and also disappointed, Elrond tried to catch Erestor’s gaze,
which he eventually did. Erestor moistened his bottom lip and seeing that caused desire
in Elrond’s body. He longed to hold Erestor in his arms just once and to taste those ruby
lips.

 

Erestor risked it all. “You know why. You feel it too.”

 

“It has nothing to do with me searching your belongings,” realized Elrond. “The
attraction is mutual.”

 

“Aye, it is and we both know that we can never act on it. You are married – bound to your
wife. I could never trespass onto her territory. Neither do I want to.”

 

Elrond nodded once. “I do not wish to be unfaithful to my wife either. I love her.” He
paused, searching for the right words. “But you awoke feelings in me which I believed
dead.” They had died along with Ereinion.

 

“We cannot act on these feelings,” said Erestor, sitting upright, and growing aroused
under Elrond’s focused gaze. “And that is why you can never visit again. Next year, you
cannot escort the twins here, should they want to visit with me.”

 

“I don’t want to think about next year,” whispered Elrond, leaning in closer.

 

Erestor held his breath, feeing Elrond’s fingertips comb through his hair. “Don’t.”

 

“You said it yourself; this is our last time together. Tomorrow, I will return to
Imladris and I might never see you again.”

 

“Don’t. You are married. You cannot touch me.” Erestor tried to move away from Elrond,
but instantly surrendered feeling the half-Elf’s lips caress his. It was a tender kiss,
filled with wonder and curiosity, and Erestor was unable to pull away. It was like Elrond
had brought him under his spell and the half-Elf was all he could think of. “Nay!”
Finally finding courage and strength, he managed to pull away. “You can never kiss me
again.”

 

“I wanted to taste you just once,” admitted Elrond. “You taste of pine and sorrow, of
flowers and longing and I wished I weren’t bound. For then I would make you mine and take
you to Imladris with me.”

 

“That is nothing but a dream, Elrond. And it will never come true.”

 

They stared at each other for a long time and silently came to an agreement. It was
Elrond who broke the silence first. “You are right, of course. I cannot pursue you.”

 

“We should forget that kiss ever happened.” Erestor’s heart ached, desiring another kiss
and maybe even more than kisses, but he knew he couldn’t have it. “You should return to
your bed now.”

 

“Erestor, would you allow me to hold you tonight? I promise I won’t steal another kiss
and my embrace will be chaste.” Elrond hoped Erestor trusted him.

 

“I do not know if I should accept.” When they woke up in the morning, their lust would be
raging and they might do something they would regret later.

 

“I can control my urges,” said Elrond, trying to convince Erestor that he meant it. “Just
this one night.”

 

Erestor, longing for company as well, nodded in the end. “I shouldn’t agree to this, but
I desire to be held by you.”

 

Elrond lay down beside Erestor and opened his arms. Erestor moved closer with
trepidation, but in the end, their bodies’ urges calmed down and they grew comfortable
holding each other. “This is nice,” whispered Elrond, pleased.

 

It was more than nice, but Erestor kept silent. He couldn’t encourage Elrond and
pretended he had fallen asleep, but in truth he stayed awake for most of the night,
cherishing Elrond’s closeness.

 

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

 

They rose in silence the next morning. Each Elf was busy stilling his body’s desire and
kept glancing at the other for most of the day. Yet, no more words of desire or longing
were spoken and when the evening came, Erestor readied Elrond’s horse.

 

Real life would be upon Elrond within hours and he regretted living Erestor behind – all
alone. Whilst mounting his horse, he realized that he couldn’t ask Erestor to come to
Imladris any longer. The attraction would continue and grow stronger if he had the other
Elf close.

 

“I will miss you,” admitted Elrond, before reaching the rim of the forest. “You have
become very dear to me.”

 

Erestor looked about, and once he was certain that Glorfindel hadn’t arrived yet, he took
Elrond’s hand in his. He caressed the fingers briefly and then placed a kiss on the palm.
“We must never see each other again.”

 

Saddened, Elrond agreed.

 

Oh, he had fallen in love with Elrond during these last five days, but it was a love that
could never be! “Be happy, Elrond. Be a good husband and father.”

 

Elrond nodded his head, and a lump of emotions formed in his throat, keeping him from
speaking. Instead, he squeezed Erestor’s fingers.

 

Erestor heard noise behind him and his sharp Elven eyes made out Glorfindel’s form. He
instantly released Elrond’s hand and disappeared into the dark forest.

 

Elrond’s heart bled, seeing Erestor leave. He wanted to keep Erestor close and care for
him, but it couldn’t be.

 

“Elrond! You are early!” Surprised, Glorfindel took in his friend’s flustered state. “Is
anything amiss? Didn’t you enjoy Erestor’s company as you thought you would?”

 

Elrond guided his horse closer to Glorfindel’s and avoided looking his friend in the eye.
“I want to go home, Glorfindel.”

 

Worried, Glorfindel nodded. “Of course. Your family is already awaiting your return.”

 

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

 

“Melethril 8?”  Elrond had debated the matter privately and decided that he couldn’t live
a lie. Later, in bed, he looked his wife in the eye and thought he saw knowledge there.
Had she already uncovered his secret?

 

Celebrían’s long and elegant fingers toyed with a strand of Elrond’s dark hair and she
waited for him to unburden his heart. She had sensed a change in him, and that worried
her.

 

“I kissed Erestor,” said Elrond, opting for a direct admission.

 

One of her eyebrows rose in wonder. She had expected many things, but not this. “You
kissed him? Why?”

 

“I feel attracted to him. I cannot explain it. I love you, my dearest wife, but there is
something about Erestor that feels familiar and that makes me react to his presence.”

 

She carefully considered this. “And a kiss was all you gave him?”

 

“Aye…” Elrond blushed, feeling ashamed. “I wanted to do more, though, but it was Erestor
who stopped me.”

 

“Do you merely desire his body or is it more?” Her heart pounded like mad, but she
appreciated his honesty.

 

“It could become more, given time.” Elrond cringed. “But I love *you*. I don’t want to
love Erestor as well.”

 

“Did you make a decision?”

 

He knew what she was referring to and drew in a deep breath. “I did. I will never visit
with him again. I love you best and I want us to remain a happy family. I love you,
Celebrían.”

 

She accepted his decision and rested her hand at the nape of his neck. “Have you ever
been attracted to a male before?”

 

Elrond’s face grew flustered once more. “Aye, I was in love in Ereinion once – a lifetime
ago.”

 

“Ereinion?” His admission surprised her. “So, this has happened before?”

 

“Nothing happened between the High-King and I. Aye, I adored him, but his heart belonged
to Erestor – his Chief Advisor.”

 

Celebrían didn’t speak her mind, but found it odd that her husband felt attracted to
Erestor. There were many handsome males that could have drawn Elrond’s attention, but
none had – save for Erestor and she wondered why.

 

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

 

“Erestor! Stop hiding! We have many things to tell you!” The twins, one year into their
majority, called enthusiastically out at the trees. They would dare to venture inside
alone, but didn’t know the way to Erestor’s cabin. The dark-haired Elf always took a
different route so they wouldn’t find the way to the heart of the forest alone.

 

Elrohir dismounted and sat down, playing with a daffodil, which had survived the growing
cold. “Give him time,” he said, addressing his twin. “It always takes him some time to
get here.”

 

Elladan dismounted as well and seated himself next to his brother. He rested his back
against a tree trunk and chuckled. “I wonder if he will like our gift.”

 

“He will, don’t worry!” Elrohir elbowed Elladan in the side and his brother retaliated by
wrestling him into submission. The last year had been good. Now that they had reached
majority they were given more freedom and responsibilities. Glorfindel and their parents
were finally preparing them for their roles as the future rulers of Imladris.

 

“It has been two years since we visited Erestor,” mused Elladan. “I hope all is well with
him.”

 

“Ada said Erestor was in good health when he left last year.” Elrohir didn’t add that he
found it odd that their father didn’t volunteer more information. Elrond had been
strangely silent about his visit. At their mother’s request, they hadn’t pressured their
father into revealing more, but it was obvious to the twins that something odd had
happened between Erestor and their father.

 

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

 

Erestor hurried to the rim of the forest, and when he found the twins there, he laughed
from pure pleasure. “Elladan! Elrohir!” He stepped out of the shadows and hugged them
close.

 

The twins embraced Erestor and chuckled, relieved, finding their friend in good health.
“You are wearing the clothes Ada brought last year.” 

 

Erestor signaled them to follow him and he guided them to his cabin.

 

“You must tell me everything about last year’s festivities and ceremonies!” Erestor
helped them unburden their horses and placed this year’s supplies in his cupboard.

 

Once the work was done, they seated themselves outside, beneath one of the ancient trees
and looked at each other – really looked. “You are adults now,” realized Erestor,
pleased. The childish looks were gone and the twins were each carrying a sword. “That
won’t help you against the trees,” he said, amused.

 

“Aye, they are a formidable enemy, but they aren’t our enemy any more, are they?” said
Elladan, placing a large, wooden box on the grass between Erestor and he.

 

“They accepted you as friends, aye.” Erestor eyed the box, curiously. “What is this?”

 

“We brought you a gift. We wanted to thank you for saving our lives that night and for
being such a good friend,” explained Elrohir, affectionately taking Erestor’s hand in his
and caressing the back. “We are also sorry that we couldn’t visit with you last year.”

 

“I understand,” whispered Erestor, deeply touched. What had they brought him? “But you
*do* know that your visits are the best gift you could ever give me?”

 

“Aye, we know. And each year we ask you to come and live at Imladris with us,” said
Elrohir.

 

“And each year you decline,” said Elladan, finishing for his twin.

 

“Now, open your gift. I want to know if you like it,” said Elrohir, feeling curious.

 

Erestor opened the box and tears appeared in his eyes, seeing the twins, Elrond and
Celebrían immortalizing in paint. He gazed upon Celebrían with curious eyes and saw the
love in her features – love, direct at her husband and children. Then, he noticed
something else. “Your mother is pregnant.”

 

“Aye, Arwen will be born shortly. If you desire so, we can bring her along on one of our
future visits,” offered Elrohir, who used his sleeve to wipe away the tears, flowing down
Erestor’s face. He exchanged a look with his twin – they hadn’t thought the painting
would affect Erestor this much.

 

Erestor’s gaze remained locked on Elrond’s face. The artist had captured the half-Elf’s
appearance perfectly. “How does your father fare these days?” He hoped the twins wouldn’t
read too much into his question.

 

“He is happy that he will become a father again,” explained Elrohir. “I must admit I was
surprised to hear my mother was pregnant again. As far as I know they didn’t plan on
having another child.”

 

Had Celebrían found out about her husband’s attraction to him? Was this her way of
binding Elrond even closer to her? /You have his love, Celebrían. You didn’t have to do
this./ Erestor stared at the painting, faintly growing aware of the feel of Elrohir’s
fingers on his face, wiping at his tears. Realizing he had let go of his emotions, he
composed himself again. “Thank you for this precious gift,” he said, forcing himself to
stop crying.

 

“It was our father’s idea,” revealed Elladan.

 

/Is this your way to remind me that you are still out there, Elrond?/ Erestor couldn’t
blame the half-Elf if that was the case, for he still longed for Elrond as well.

 

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

 

That visit passed by too quickly. In the years that followed, the twins continued to
visit with Erestor and once Arwen was strong enough to undertake the journey, they also
brought their sister along. Erestor took an instant liking to her --her dark hair and
eyes reminded him of Elrond. It was amazing that there was nothing of Celebrían in the
three children. They all resembled Elrond.

 

Years passed by and changed into decades. Centuries changed into millennia, and yet, the
twins continued to visit. They kept their word and he could always count on them to be
there at the first sign of winter.

 

Then, almost two thousand years after their first visit, the twins didn’t come to visit.
He even went to the rim of the forest to await their arrival, but when the first snow
fell, he realized they wouldn’t come that year. What had happened to stop them from
visiting? Something grave must have happened, but what?

 

Erestor even debated leaving the safety of the dark forest to find out, but his warden’s
lessons stopped him and he returned to his cabin, fretting and growing more and more
worried.

 

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

 

Elrond ran. He ran until he collapsed from pure exhaustion. Time had ceased to exist for
him and he didn’t know how long he had been running or how much distance he had covered.
The only thing he could think of was reaching Erestor.

 

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

 

My Lord, he has returned… The one called Elrond.

 

Erestor woke from a restless sleep and, at first, he couldn’t believe what the trees were
telling him. It couldn’t be. Elrond couldn’t have returned to him. They had agreed they
would never meet again!

 

He is weak, my Lord. He entered the forest and collapsed. We have taken no action yet, as
his actions confuse us.

 

Weak? Elrond was weak and had collapsed? Nay, that couldn’t be! The half-Elf was a strong
and capable warrior! “Where is he?”

 

We will take you to him.

 

Erestor only needed seconds to get dressed and then left the cabin, following the trees’
directions. It wasn’t long before he came upon Elrond’s crumbled form.

 

“What is amiss?” Erestor knelt at Elrond’s side and pulled him close. Elrond’s appearance
startled him and urged him into action. The face was gaunt, dark circles had formed
beneath the closed eyes and Elrond looked neglected, like he hadn’t bathed in weeks. The
normally neat hair was a mess and the face dark with grime. Erestor quickly lifted the
half-Elf in his arms and pulled him close to his chest.

 

“Elrond? Elrond, can you hear me?” Erestor walked quickly, eager to take Elrond to his
cabin, where the half-Elf could rest and recover from whatever ordeal he had been
through.

 

The gray eyes opened and Erestor felt shocked, seeing the sorrow in them. “Did anything
happen to the twins? Arwen?” The fact that Elrond allowed him to carry him, and didn’t
demand to be put back on his feet, alarmed him even more!

 

“It is Celebrían… She is gone… She left me… Sailed for Aman… I need you, Erestor…”

 

Erestor swallowed hard. Elrond’s rambling made little sense to him, but he was determined
to find out what had happened and to see to Elrond’s recovery.

 

Part 4

1 Ada  –- dad, daddy, papa (Sindarin, noun)

2  pyn-neth (pl.) –- young ones (Sindarin, noun, pronoun)

3  Peredhil (pl.) –- half-Elves (Sindarin, noun)

4  Mae govannen –-  Well met –- spoken greeting (Sindarin, phrase)

5  Hannon le –- Thank you (Sindarin, verb, pronoun) literal: I thank thee

6  pen-neth (sing.) –- young one (Sindarin, noun, pronoun)

7  meldir (male) –- friend (Sindarin, noun)

8  Melethril –- (fem.) lover (Sindarin, noun)

From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary