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, Elrohir/Legolas, Ereinion/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.

Drawing by Reze! Thank you for this gift!

 

 

In the Dark Forest the Secret Lies…

Part 5/7

 

 

“Please try to remember exactly what Erestor told you,” insisted Elrond in a firm tone.

 

The twins exchanged a look, wondering when this issue had become so immensely important.
Centuries had passed by without their father inquiring about their memories concerning
their first visit with Erestor.

 

Elrohir replied first, trying to do as his father asked. “He described leaving the
encampment and being stopped by five fair-haired Elves.”

 

Elladan added, “When he first saw Glorfindel Erestor almost panicked.”

 

Elrond nodded; it had taken Erestor a very long time to begin trusting Glorfindel. “Did
these Elves say anything?”

 

Elrohir tried to remember. “They talked about their King having been killed and wanting
to extract revenge on the child.”

 

“Not the Chief Advisor?” asked Elrond to make certain they were talking about the boy and
not the grown Elf. Although he now knew his lover’s real name, he was hesitant to share
it.

 

“Aye, his warden even drew his sword to defend him,” recalled Elladan.

 

A terrible realization hit Elrond that moment. “Only one King died before the major
battle took place. Oropher.”

 

The twins frowned. Elrond’s conclusion made sense -- most Woodland Elves tended to be
fair-haired and these five warriors could have belonged to Oropher’s forces. “But why
threaten a boy?” asked Elladan.

 

“There are hints which not only tie your savior to Chief Advisor Erestor, but also to the
High-King, Ereinion. Our mysterious Elf has Chief Advisor Erestor’s eyes, so I am rather
convinced that these two are father and son. I just don’t know how Ereinion fits into
this.” Elrond reached for ink, quill and paper and pondered the best way to approach
Thranduil in this matter. “We need information and there is only one way to obtain it.”

 

Elrohir, who instinctively knew his father’s thoughts, mumbled approvingly. “Maybe
Thranduil knows why these five warriors threatened Erestor. And why Erestor is convinced
that they are still looking for him. After all, they are the very reason why he is
hiding.”

 

Elrond placed the quill on the paper and began to write. The relationship between
Thranduil and he could only be described as tense, although they had carefully begun
first negotiations to form a trading treaty. The fact that Legolas had visited Imladris
several times made it easier to address Thranduil now. The young Prince tried to bridge
the distance between the elder rulers and would doubtlessly plead on his behalf. In the
end, Elrond didn’t address the letter to Thranduil, but to Legolas instead, hoping the
son knew a way to make the father comply with this request for information.

 

“Why the sudden interest?” asked Elladan, curiously. Elrond had returned from his stay
with Erestor about six months ago, and during all that time, their father had refused to
discuss the time spent with Erestor. Their father’s silence and reluctance only fed the
twins’ curiosity.

 

“He lives all alone,” said Elrond, carefully thinking over his words before speaking
them. “Wouldn’t it be nice, for everyone involved, if he could shake off his fear and
live here with us?” He carefully monitored his sons’ reactions to his words, and although
he saw their curiosity, he also realized that they didn’t know about the attraction. The
longer he waited to tell them about the bond that had formed between Erestor and he the
harder it became to finally confide in them. He should have told them that he had taken a
new mate when he had returned, but he had been too nervous back then.

 

“You are correct,” agreed Elladan. “Do you really think you can find a way to make him
leave the forest? We have tried for millennia and he never gave in.” The prospect of
having their friend close pleased Elladan and in his twin’s eyes he saw that Elrohir felt
the same. They had always hoped to find a way to convince Erestor that it was safe in
Imladris. Maybe their father would now succeed where they had failed.

 

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

 

Weeks passed by and Elrond grew nervous now that no reply came from Mirkwood. Had Legolas
failed to make Thranduil cooperate? He sighed, and rubbed a fingertip across Vilya. The
ring’s splendor was subdued as if the ring itself was troubled. Normally, Elrond felt the
ring’s presence strongly, but its power had been weakening and he didn’t know why.

 

“Ada 1! Come quickly!” Excited and nervous, Elladan stormed into his father’s office.
“The sentries report that a group of riders is heading toward the Last Homely House and
that Legolas is among them.” Elladan’s eyes sparkled with exhilaration, adding the next
bit. “One of the sentries fought at the Battle of the Last Alliance and he is convinced
that the Elf riding beside Legolas is Thranduil! The Woodland King has come to Imladris!”

 

Elrond swallowed hard. He had expected many possible outcomes to his request for
information, but not Thranduil leaving his realm. “Why? Why would he come here?”
Thranduil never left his realm!

 

“Arwen is already seeing to suitable accommodations for the King and his escort and
Elrohir suggested I tell you so we can greet them upon their arrival.” Animated, Elladan
shuffled his feet. His impatience grew – he had heard many things about Thranduil and
some things weren’t very nice and he was eager to find out if they were true or not.

 

“When will they arrive?” Elrond’s thoughts raced: he hated being unprepared and taken by
surprise. Legolas could have sent a messenger to warn him!

 

“They will reach the Last Homely House within the hour,” said Elladan, wondering if he
was supposed to change into his formal robes. He hoped not, for he hated wearing the
heavy and suffocating materials.

 

Elrond rose from behind the desk and walked toward the doorway, lost in thought. Hearing
his son clear his throat, he realized Elladan needed instructions. “I will be in my
chambers. Send word once the party comes into sight. We will welcome them together.”
Adding in afterthought, he said, “I want your brother there as well. And let Glorfindel
know that Legolas and Thranduil are about to arrive. I want him present also.”

 

Elladan eagerly nodded his head and then dashed out of the study to do his father’s
bidding.

 

“Why? Why come here in person? What do you know Thranduil? And will you tell me?” Elrond
pondered the situation and realized Thranduil wouldn’t make the journey to merely taunt
him and then withhold information. The only conclusion he could reach was that Thranduil
had information, which the Woodland King didn’t want to pass on to a third party.

 

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

 

Legolas glanced at his father, who had been remarkably quiet and brooding. He had been
shocked when Thranduil had told him that he would visit with Elrond personally. Thranduil
had reacted calmly – almost too calmly – when reading Elrond’s letter. Something had
changed in his father’s eyes, reading about the Elf hiding in the dark forest near
Imladris, but he couldn’t label that change. He had tried luring his father into
revealing more about this mysterious Elf, but his father had simply shook his head --
Legolas had then stopped trying, as he had learned a long time ago that his father
shaking his head meant a final no. His father wasn’t going to share this information with
him.

 

As a result, Legolas’ curiosity was also piqued and he was determined to find out what
his father was hiding. Together with the twins, he would come up with a way to obtain the
information his father was keeping from him.

 

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

 

Elrond felt nervous, as he joined his children and Glorfindel at the courtyard. In the
distance, the Woodland party finally appeared and it would reach him within the next few
minutes. His sons were chatting, obviously thrilled about meeting their friend again, and
even Arwen smiled sweetly, as she had also taken a liking to Legolas.

 

“I wonder what made him leave his realm,” whispered Glorfindel into Elrond’s ear.
Thranduil’s unexpected visit puzzled the Captain, and by looking at Elrond, he could tell
that his friend felt the same way.

 

“It must be something important,” whispered Elrond, making certain only Glorfindel heard
his words. “I expected a letter back from Legolas, not a personal visit from Thranduil.”

 

“You sound worried,” remarked Glorfindel, whilst straightening out his formal robes. He
had considered appearing in uniform, but he reckoned that Elrond would prefer to see him
in formal robes. He even wore a golden circlet, which was a replica from the one he used
to wear in Gondolin, when he had been Lord of his House.

 

“Thranduil and I… still have some differences,” said Elrond, thoughtfully. “Through
Legolas we have found common ground, but we are still far from friends.” He only hoped
that Thranduil and he would be able to get along for the duration of the King’s visit.

 

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

 

Looking at Thranduil, Elrond found it impossible to tell the King’s mind set -- it was
hard to say what sort of mood the Woodland Elf was in. That wasn’t anything new though,
as Thranduil had always excelled in masking his emotions. It was one of the reasons why
Elrond found it difficult to deal with the Woodland King.

 

“Greetings, Thranduil Oropherion. I bid you welcome to my home – to Imladris and her
heart, the Last Homely House.” Elrond felt relieved, realizing that his voice sounded
steady and not shaky.

 

“Greetings, Elrond Peredhel.” Thranduil’s voice sounded neutral, and as he dismounted, he
quickly took in his surroundings. He had heard many tales of Imladris’ beauty, and deep
in his heart, he had always wanted to find out for himself if the rumors were true or
exaggerated, but doing so had taken him millennia.

 

Legolas came to stand beside him and he easily read the unease on his son’s face. Oh, he
knew Legolas’ well and therefore he saw the joy in the blue eyes, but the joy was
tempered by discomfort. Legolas simply didn’t know why he had chosen to accompany him.

 

Elrond felt reassured, now that Thranduil had greeted him in turn and he decided to see
it as a positive gesture. “May I introduce my children to you? This is my daughter,
Arwen, and these are my sons, Elladan and Elrohir.”

 

Thranduil nodded, and then bowed courteously to Arwen. “The Evenstar’s beauty is
unrivaled.” To his amusement, Arwen blushed.

 

“Thank you, sire,” said Arwen, surprised that Thranduil would praise her. She glanced at
her father and found that Elrond was equally surprised.

 

“My son told me many tales about the two of you,” continued Thranduil, this time
addressing the twins. “Is it true that the three of you have become good friends?”

 

Elrohir shuffled his feet in a nervous manner – an action which only confirmed
Thranduil’s suspicions.

 

“Your son is a very talented hunter and excels at archery. It is an honor to call him
friend,” said Elladan, when Elrohir remained quiet. He carefully elbowed him, hoping to
break the trance Elrohir was in.

 

Elrohir moistened his lips and then quickly nodded his head. “He has quite a reputation
here as a warrior,” he added quickly. “And aye, we feel honored that Legolas befriended
us in turn.”

 

Thranduil studied Elrohir extensively and noted the growing nervousness in the gray eyes.
“Legolas spoke highly of you in turn.” Inclining his head toward Elrond, he signaled to
the twins that he considered their conversation ended.


Elrond straightened his shoulders. Although Thranduil acted friendly and composed, he
still wasn’t certain what to expect. It was said that Thranduil had inherited Oropher’s
temper and that it was hard to predict what would happen next. “Would you like to freshen
up? My daughter will show you to your rooms.”

 

Thranduil studied Elrond’s eyes and was surprised to see so many different emotions in
them. Elrond was more nervous than he wanted him to know and Thranduil wondered why.
“Thank you for your hospitality. Legolas, see to the guards and horses.” Thranduil gave
Glorfindel a curious glance as he passed the Captain by, as he had heard many fascinating
tales about the re-born warrior, but then focused on Elrond once more. “We will speak
–now-.”

 

Thranduil’s haste and directness surprised Elrond, but he hid his emotions well. “Please
follow me.” Thranduil fell into step beside him and he cast a sidelong look at the
Woodland Elf. “You look well,” he said, hoping a more personal conversation would also be
welcomed. Or would Thranduil show his true colors and respond with a biting remark?

 

Thranduil chuckled, softly. “I cannot say the same thing of you, half-Elf.”

 

Elrond inclined his head. Thranduil’s way of addressing him showed that they still had a
long way to go, but the Woodland Elf’s tone had been teasing and not as biting as he had
expected. “I recently lost my wife.”

 

Thranduil’s eyes darkened and he cursed himself for poorly partaking in this
conversation. “I apologize for my choice of words,” he said. “I still find it hard to
keep old resentments buried.”

 

They entered Elrond’s study and the half-Elf closed the door behind them. “Please seat
yourself. Would you like some wine?”

 

Thranduil walked over to the window and looked out onto the courtyard, where the Woodland
party was dispensing. “Nay, no wine. I need to stay clear-headed.”

 

Elrond stared at Thranduil’s back – his curiosity almost overwhelming him.

 

Thranduil turned around and faced Elrond. “I am sorry that you lost your wife. I know how
much such a loss hurts.”

 

“You lost your father when you were still young,” replied Elrond as diplomatically as he
could. “Thank you for your words.”

 

Thranduil quickly changed their topic, as discussing it made him uncomfortable. “It is
good that your children remained here with you. I see much of you in them and little of
their mother.” Thranduil walked over to a pair of comfortable chairs standing in front of
the fireplace and seated himself. Staring at the ashes, he steepled his fingers and
frowned. “I don’t want to postpone this. We should discuss him now.”

 

“Erestor?” Elrond quickly seated himself opposite Thranduil and gathered his robes close
to fight off the chill that shook his body. “What do you know of him?”

 

Thranduil drew in a deep breath and sought out Elrond’s eyes. “Erestor isn’t his real
name. Dûrel is.”

 

Breathless, Elrond stared at the fair-haired Elf. “How can you know…?”

 

“It is a long story… Do you wish to hear it?” Thranduil knew he was doing the right
thing, but following through wasn’t as easy as he had thought.

 

“Please tell me.” Elrond fidgeted with the fabric of his robes, knowing he probably made
a poor and nervous impression on the Woodland King, but he couldn’t control his raging
emotions any longer. After all, it was his mate they were discussing!

 

“After my father fell in battle, I had visitors.” Thranduil closed his eyes, traveling
back to that day in spirit. “You must know that my father prided himself on having the
best personal guards ever. He would haughtily remark that not even the High-King’s guards
were as talented as his.”

 

Elrond swallowed, hard, remembering that Thranduil and Oropher’s relationship had been a
bad one. Oropher had drilled his son into becoming a warrior and his heir, but had seldom
shown love or even just fatherly affection.

 

“The core of these guards consisted of five warriors. Some of them had lived through the
Kinslayings and during that time they gathered remarkable skills as warriors. As a child,
I feared them.” Thranduil wondered if he wasn’t revealing too much to Elrond, but it was
important the half-Elf understood. “These five warriors are trained assassins, Elrond.”

 

Elrond’s eyes widened at hearing Thranduil address him by his given name. “Why would your
father keep them close if they scared you?”

 

“Because he always wanted more – more power, more prestige, the best warriors. My
feelings or fears weren’t as important as his ambition.” Thranduil shifted on his chair,
opened his eyes, and leaned in closer to Elrond. “As a child I feared them and as an
adult I hated them. They would murder animals for fun, not for food or fur. They would
taunt the less talented guards and if they had the chance, beat them bloody during
training. Some died because of the wounds they had suffered in those sparring matches.”

 

“These are the same five Elves who tried to stop Erestor from leaving the camp?” Elrond
was beginning to understand why his mate was so reluctant to leave the safety of the
forest. He hadn’t thought their opponents that evil!

 

“Aye.” Thranduil’s conscience was already beginning to feel lighter, now that he was
finally revealing this secret. “When Oropher died on the battlefield, his minions went
insane with hatred. My father had been their Master and they had carried out his every
whim. Now, they found themselves without a leader and they hated Ereinion for taking
their King away from them.”

 

“Ereinion didn’t murder Oropher!” Elrond couldn’t help coming to the former High-King’s
defense.

 

“Aye, you know that and so do I. But hating Ereinion was easier than seeking out the Evil
One and facing him. Ereinion was someone they could hurt -- make pay for their loss.”

 

“But how does Dûrel fit into this?”

 

“It took me some time to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together, but in the end, I
did.” Thranduil was growing nervous, now that he was about to share this secret with
Elrond. “I would like some wine after all.”

 

Elrond privately cursed Thranduil’s timing and quickly rose to fill a glass for the
Woodland King. After seating himself, he leaned in closer and watched Thranduil empty the
glass in one go. “Tell me!”

 

Thranduil nodded once. “These five assassins also acted as spies. Oropher used them to
get whatever information he wanted.”

 

“Thranduil!” Elrond felt like he was about to burst with frustration. “Just tell me!”

 

“Be patient,” said Thranduil, placing the now empty glass aside. “Let me tell this at my
own pace.”

 

Elrond nodded, realizing he didn’t have a choice. “Please continue.”

 

“Do you remember hearing the first rumors that Ereinion had taken his Chief Advisor as
his lover?”

 

Elrond’s heart twitched. “I remember.” That day, his world had crumbled – he had finally
admitted to himself that Ereinion was already in love and not with him, but with Erestor.

 

“Ereinion and Erestor were lovers, we all know that. We know what happened in the High-
King’s tent during the nights – that he bedded Erestor.”

 

Elrond’s eyes hardened. “Is this necessary?”

 

“Aye, it is.” Thranduil had always suspected that Elrond had had feelings for Ereinion,
but had never let it show. “But my father’s spies went further than listening to rumors.
They ventured into that tent.”

 

Elrond growled. “Oropher spied on the High-King and his lover? In bed?”

 

“Aye, for you see, other rumors had reached my father as well and he wanted to know the
truth.”

 

“He had no business spying on them during their lovemaking!” Elrond rose from his chair
and paced his study. “The royal guards should have taken measures!”

 

“Ereinion’s guards didn’t even know they were there!” It was obvious that Elrond still
didn’t comprehend how cunning his father’s spies were.

 

“What rumor?” Elrond spun around on his heel and stared into Thranduil’s eyes.

 

“The rumor that Erestor was a hermaphrodite.” Thranduil laughed, mirthlessly, seeing
Elrond’s shocked expression. “That he was able to conceive and to bear Ereinion an heir.
That it was one reason why Ereinion had taken him as his mate. Oh, I don’t doubt that
Ereinion truly loved Erestor, but the High-King also desired an heir.”

 

“I never knew…” Stunned, Elrond leaned against the wall.

 

“Oropher’s spies overheard many conversations between the two and thus learned of
Ereinion’s desire to sire a son – an heir. Someone, who would lead the Firstborn after
his death.”

 

“But…”

 

“Ereinion knew he would die during the Battle of the Last Alliance.” Thranduil frowned
and leaned back into the comfort of his chair. “Some say that Erestor possessed the gift
of foresight and that he shared his visions with his King and that Ereinion found out
about his impending death in that way.”

 

“I knew they were lovers, but…” Elrond had never known that Ereinion had wanted a son!

 

“When it became obvious that Erestor was pregnant, Ereinion kept him close. Dûrel was
born in the camp itself, and didn’t leave the encampment until a few days before that
final battle.” Thranduil closed his eyes, battling painful memories. He had lost many of
his kin that day. /Isn’t it odd that I feel more grief for their loss than my father’s?/

 

“So, when they said they wanted to extract revenge on the boy it was because…” Elrond’s
head reeled.

 

“Because Dûrel is Ereinion’s son.” Thranduil eyed Elrond and waited for the half-Elf to
reach the next logical conclusion.

 

“Our rightful King…” Elrond’s eyes almost bulged from their sockets. “He is our King –
Ereinion’s heir.” And he had mated with him! Oh, what had he done? Elrond’s legs refused
to carry him any longer and he collapsed onto a chair. His thoughts spun, a layer of cold
sweat appeared on his skin, and his mouth became awfully dry.

 

“Aye, he is Ereinion’s son.”

 

“Why did you never share this with me?” Elrond screamed at Thranduil. “How could you keep
this information to yourself? We still have a King!”

 

Thranduil remained calm and shrugged his shoulders. “Celeborn and Galadriel rule the
Golden Wood, I rule in Mirkwood and you built your safe haven here. What use do we have
for a King?” Thranduil’s eyes narrowed, seeing the spark of fire simmer in Elrond’s eyes.
Had he gone too far? “You must understand: my father’s assassins visited me that last
night and told me that the boy was dead. I had no reason to assume that Dûrel had
escaped.”

 

“Are they still alive? Hunting him?”

 

“It was only when your letter reached me that I realized the boy had survived. And aye,
they are still out there, probably searching for him. They still want to avenge my father
and won’t stop until they have ended Dûrel’s life.”

 

Elrond tried to deal with all this information and sorted his thoughts out aloud. “He
*is* Erestor’s son after all. That is why his eyes remind me of the Chief Advisor’s.”

 

“One could say Erestor was the boy’s… mother.”

 

Elrond blinked. “We still have a King – one of the royal bloodline!” And he had taken him
as his lover – his mate. “We must find him and bring him here. He will be safe here!”

 

“I urge you to caution,” said Thranduil. “He survived thus far because he hid. By
bringing him here, you will expose him. Remember, they are still searching for him and
they are formidable foes. They wouldn’t hesitate to end your life in order to end his.”

 

Elrond pushed himself to his feet and regained some of his regal manner. “Thranduil,
don’t you understand? We have a King! Our people have every right to know that Ereinion
had a son!”

 

“We no longer need a King.”

 

“Oh, Thranduil… We need him more than you can know. When the next war will come upon us,
we will need guidance – we will need to present one united front.”

 

“What war?” Thranduil got to his feet, cocked his head, and searched Elrond’s eyes.

 

“The Ring… The One Ring… Sauron… is not defeated yet.” Elrond’s breathing sped up, as the
vision took him. “We needed Ereinion back then – we will need a King again.”

 

“If you decide to bring him here, increase your security measures, for they *will* come
to take his life.”

 

“He cannot remain in that forest,” said Elrond, determinedly. “He is our King. He belongs
with his people.” But, Thranduil’s warning had registered with him. “I will tell
Glorfindel to be alert and increase the patrols. No Elf will enter Imladris without my
permission.”

 

“You are a fool when you think you can stop them.” Thranduil drew in a deep breath. “I
saw them commit murder. They are willing – even eager – to take life. They are
Kinslayers, Elrond. I know it. I saw it.”

 

Elrond shivered; Thranduil’s voice sent shivers down his spine. “Who did they kill?”

 

“My mother,” replied Thranduil in an icy voice. “And Oropher made me watch.”

 

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

 

A long and uncomfortable silence had descended onto the room and its two inhabitants.
Elrond was still trying to comprehend and accept what Thranduil had revealed to him.
Thranduil had remained silent since his last revelation and Elrond had been shocked to
see his façade crumble. Thranduil’s emotions had come into the open and the King had even
cried, as the memories had overwhelmed him.

 

“I didn’t know that your father…” Elrond failed to find the right words to comfort
Thranduil. Now that the words wouldn’t come, he walked over to Thranduil. Standing in
front of the Woodland King, he leaned in closer and placed a hand on a shaky shoulder.
Had he misjudged Thranduil in the past? He had always thought he saw much of Oropher in
Thranduil, but he had been wrong. Squeezing the trembling shoulder, he waited for
Thranduil to make eye contact, and when the other Elf finally did, he said, “I am sorry
for your loss.”

 

“I don’t want history to repeat itself,” said Thranduil, now that his tears had come to a
stop. “You don’t understand how dangerous Oropher’s assassins are. They will kill anyone
who stands in between them and their prey.”

 

“Thankfully, because of you, I am warned and I will make certain they won’t commit
another murder.” Elrond sat on his heels, and now that he was level with the Woodland
King, he said, “You are most welcome here, Thranduil. I want to thank you for sharing
this with me and maybe, you will even save lives because you told me the truth.” He
offered Thranduil an encouraging smile. “Please stay for a while. Imladris is said to be
a healer in her own right. Let her comfort you.”

 

Thranduil had once more gained control over his emotions. “Thank you for your offer, but
I should return home now that you know the truth.”

 

“Why hurry home? Didn’t you leave Mirkwood in capable hands?”

 

Thranduil nodded, slowly. “Aye, my advisors are capable.”

 

“Then stay for a little while. I misjudged you in the past and I would welcome the chance
to get to know you.” The change that had taken place in Thranduil amazed Elrond. “Maybe
we will even become friends – much like our sons?”

 

Thranduil searched Elrond’s eyes for a long time. “I will stay for a while… and I will
help you.” Together, they might stand a chance against his father’s assassins and they
could bring Dûrel into safety. /But it won’t end until they are dead – until all five of
them are dead./ And he wanted to see them dead – his mother’s last cry still sounded in
his ears and he wanted those screams to finally stop.

 

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

 

“Ada?” Legolas slowly approached his father, knowing from personal experience not to
startle Thranduil. He didn’t know why, but Thranduil could react very unpredictably when
taken off-guard. He would never forget the one time that his father had yelped and fled
the room they had been in. “Ada?”

 

“Legolas,” said Thranduil, acknowledging his son. He had been lost in thought and
appreciated the fact that his son had taken that into account when making himself known.
Growing up around Oropher and his minions had more than once caused a flight impulse in
him. “How do you fare, my son? Have you already reacquainted yourself with the twins?”
Legolas didn’t know that he knew, but a father’s heart always knew.

 

“Aye, I did.” Legolas came to a halt and embraced his father from behind. He rested his
head on his father’s shoulders and wondered once more why Thranduil had felt the need to
travel to Imladris in person. “You are tense. Is it because of the conversation you had
with Elrond?”

 

Thranduil curled his fingers around his son’s and relished the closeness they had built
over the years. He had tried hard to be the best father, especially since Legolas’ mother
hadn’t survived giving birth to their son. Their grief and sadness had forged a tight
bond. “Nay, it isn’t because of Elrond. I didn’t expect for us to get along, but we did.
He even offered me his friendship.”

 

Legolas arched an eyebrow, surprised to hear this. “I thought you and Elrond hated each
other?”

 

“Hate is too strong a word.” Thranduil turned in the embrace and smiled at his son.
“There is some old resentment, old pain, and when I am honest, I have to admit that it
isn’t really aimed at Elrond.”

 

“Oropher?” Thranduil never called Oropher father and so Legolas had taken to addressing
his grandfather in the same way. He didn’t know the details of what had happened between
his father and grandfather, but gathered that his father’s childhood hadn’t been a happy
one.

 

“Aye, Oropher.” Thranduil sighed. “I don’t want to talk about him, not now when we have
more important matters to discuss.”

 

Legolas grew suspicious, hearing his father’s tone. “What important matters?”

 

“Arranging your marriage to Elrohir for example.”

 

Legolas staggered backwards. Wide-eyed, he stared at his father. “What? What did you just
say?”

 

Thranduil gave his son a knowing smile. “When did you fall in love with him? Was it upon
your first visit here?”

 

Nervously, Legolas swallowed. His father couldn’t know! Couldn’t know about the feelings
he had developed for the twin! He had kept his feelings carefully hidden and not even
Elrohir knew he was attracted to him! “You are mistaken!”

 

“Legolas,” said Thranduil in his best fatherly voice. “Don’t lie to me.”

 

Legolas’ nervousness increased. “I am not lying.”

 

“You are merely not speaking the truth,” replied Thranduil, knowing his son only too
well. “Be at peace, my son. I approve of this relationship.”

 

Just when Legolas thought his father couldn’t surprise him even more, Thranduil did. “You
approve? Ada! There is no relationship!”

 

“There will be, shortly,” hinted Thranduil. “Knowing Elrond, he will welcome this
relationship as well. A marriage would create a solid bond between our two realms.”

 

“Marriage?” Legolas was beginning to panic. “Ada! Elrohir doesn’t know that I feel
attracted to him and you are already planning our wedding?” He collapsed onto a chair.
His head continued to spin and he had reached a point where he seriously doubted his
sanity. He knew his father meant well – Thranduil always wanted what was best for him,
but this time his father was going too fast!

 

“Ah, you *are* attracted to him, then? I already thought so!”

 

“Ada…”

 

“Legolas, I would be a bad father if I hadn’t seen the changes in you. You should have
taken a mate a long time ago, but I didn’t want to press the matter. If this attraction
is mutual, and I think it is, then…”

 

“You think it is mutual? What in Elbereth’s name gave you that impression?” Legolas felt
paralyzed and stared at his father in wonder.

 

“I watched him and I watched you…” said Thranduil in a teasing manner. “I am happy for
you, my son.”

 

“But… Elrohir is a half-Elf! Related to Elrond!”

 

Thranduil laughed. “He had better be related to Elrond! I am about to marry off the Crown
Prince of Mirkwood to Imladris!”

 

“Ada, are you ill? Did some mysterious illness befall you?” This couldn’t be happening!
He wasn’t having this conversation… Not!

 

Thranduil took pity on his son and sat in front of him on his heels. “I love you, my son,
and I want what is best for you. If your heart has chosen Elrohir, you should heed its
call and act upon it. I had two reasons for coming here, Legolas. One reason was to talk
to Elrond and set right a wrong done in the past. The other reason was to see who you had
fallen in love with.”

 

“You… You took me by surprise.” It was true that he had fallen for the youngest of the
twins and he desired Elrohir, but he had never thought his father would accept his
choice! But then Thranduil’s words really registered with him. “To set right a wrong done
in the past? I don’t understand.”

 

Thranduil nodded once. “Elrond won’t keep this a secret for long…” Elrond was determined
to spread the good news through all Elven realms. “I will tell you,” decided Thranduil.
“You should hear this from me.” His son already knew that Oropher hadn’t been a good
father – now it was time that Legolas learned more about his grandfather.

 

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

 

Legolas felt stunned. Thranduil had told him about Oropher and his insane quest for power
– about Ereinion and Erestor, who had given birth to the King’s heir and then he had
learned the greatest news of all – Ereinion’s son was still alive. “We still have a High-
King?”

 

“Only in name, my son.” Thranduil paced the bedroom, pondering what he was going to say
next. “Elrond and I will leave in the morning. We will find Dûrel and bring him to
Imladris, where he will hopefully be safe.”

 

“You sound like you don’t approve of this plan.” Legolas eyed his father and read the
unease in the nervous movements.

 

“Elrond is inviting danger into Imladris. Oropher’s assassins never found Ereinion’s
heir, but I am convinced that they are still out there – searching. Once the news spreads
that Ereinion’s heir has been found, they will come here and they *will* succeed in
ending his life.” Thranduil hadn’t told Legolas that Oropher had murdered his mother. For
some insane Oropher had been convinced that she had fallen in love with another Elf, and
driven mad with jealousy, had ordered her death. Such knowledge would only burden Legolas
and he didn’t want that. He would carry that burden alone.

 

“And there is no way to stop them? You are King now, won’t they listen to you if you tell
them to leave Ereinion’s heir alone?” Legolas was still trying to accept that his
grandfather had been cruel and power-driven.

 

“I am not Oropher,” said Thranduil. “They won’t listen to me.” They had resented him when
he had been a child and later, as an adult. They had found him weak and had often
ridiculed him because he lacked Oropher’s killer’s instinct.

 

“There must be a way,” said Legolas, resolutely.

 

“Maybe there is,” whispered Thranduil. “Let us hope for Dûrel’s sake that we will find
one.”

 

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

 

“What impression did Thranduil make on you?” Elrohir sat in front of the fire place,
watching the flames dance. They had spent most of the evening with Legolas, as all three
of them had been thrilled to be reunited. Their friendship had started centuries ago,
when Legolas had visited Imladris for the first time, without Thranduil even knowing
about it. Later on, Legolas had visited again, this time with his father’s permission.
“He doesn’t seem as haughty and arrogant as I thought.”

 

Elladan ruffled his brother’s hair and pulled him close. The friendly embrace changed
into wrestling and soon they were laughing. “Stop!” Elladan never held out long when his
brother resorted to tickling him.

 

Eventually, they settled down side by side, leaning against each other for comfort.
Elladan sensed his twin’s nervousness and decided to address the matter. “I often
considered what Thranduil would be like and never really believed the tales told about
him. Just look at Legolas! Legolas is a fine, honorable Elf. How could his father be any
different? Thranduil raised Legolas well.”

 

Elrohir smiled, and his cheeks colored red, though whether it was due to the fire, or a
blush, Elladan couldn’t tell. The fact that his twin had fallen for the Woodland Prince’s
charms was no secret to him and they had even discussed it. But Elrohir was more of a
private person than he was and Elladan respected that and didn’t pressure his twin into
sharing his thoughts when he didn’t want to.

 

“You think Legolas is a fine and honorable Elf?” Elrohir’s voice trembled minutely and he
knew his twin had registered his flustered state.

 

“Aye, I do and you know it. Elrohir, when will you tell him?” Elladan had encouraged
Elrohir to tell Legolas before, but his twin seemed a bit shy.

 

“Elladan, I can not do that. I don’t want to risk our friendship in that way. I don’t
think…” Elrohir wavered, gathering courage to make this admission, “I don’t think he
returns my feelings.”

 

“There is only one way to find out.” Elladan didn’t share his twin’s opinion – he was
convinced Legolas returned those feelings – but he had failed to convince his twin of
that. “Tell him. Stop tormenting yourself in this way.”

 

“I don’t think I can,” whispered Elrohir.

 

/If you don’t tell him, I will. It is about time you move on./ But Elladan was wise
enough not to speak those words aloud.

 

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

 

“You wanted to talk to me?” Glorfindel, once more dressed in his more comfortable
uniform, stood in front of Elrond’s desk. He had been busy since Thranduil’s arrival and
wondered what additional instructions Elrond had for him. “All guards have found
accommodations and the horses are taken care of. Arwen assigned Thranduil and Legolas
chambers in the family wing.”

 

Elrond nodded, absentmindedly. His guests’ accommodations were the last thing on his
mind. “Thranduil shared some very important information with me. I won’t go into the
details; all you need to know is that Erestor is Ereinion’s son.”

 

Glorfindel’s eyes grew big. “What?”

 

Realizing he hadn’t been diplomatic about revealing the truth to Glorfindel, Elrond gave
his friend an apologetic look. “I should have prepared you. I told you rather abruptly.”

 

“Would you please explain?”

 

“Erestor’s real name is Dûrel. His mother is Erestor, Chief Advisor to Ereinion and the
High-King sired him.” Seeing Glorfindel’s eyes only grow wider, he added, “Apparently
Erestor was a hermaphrodite and capable of carrying a child. He gave birth to Ereinion’s
heir.”

 

“Then why is he hiding?” Glorfindel leaned heavily against the wall. Elrond could have
told him more carefully!

 

“Because Oropher’s private guards vowed to extract revenge on the High-King after
Oropher’s death.”

 

“The five fair-haired Elves?”

 

“Aye, that is why he didn’t trust you at first,” explained Elrond. “And Thranduil
believes that they are still searching for him.”

 

“Elrond, if this is the truth, we need to fetch him and bring him here. He will be safe
here!” Glorfindel felt adrift on a sea of emotions. “We have a King once more! The royal
line didn’t end with Ereinion!” In Gondolin, he had served his King and he was eager to
serve once more.

 

“That is why we are leaving in the morning. I want you to assemble our best soldiers.
When we fetch Erestor… Dûrel… we must be prepared for the worst. His presence has become
known over the last few years and there is a distinct chance that Oropher’s guards
learned of the mysterious Elf who dwells in the dark forest.”

 

“We will be ready!” said Glorfindel, enthusiastically. A part of him, which he had
believed gone, had awoken again. He would serve a King once more – their rightful King!

 

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

 

Thranduil couldn’t find any rest that night. In the morning, he would face Ereinion’s
heir and confront his father’s wrong doings. How could he face Ereinion’s son, knowing
his father was the very reason why Dûrel had been forced into hiding?

 

Oropher’s memory haunted him tonight and he left the rooms he shared with his son.
Legolas was asleep and didn’t hear him leave. Now, he wandered the Last Homely House in
search of some sort of comfort.

 

A sweet song floated toward him. A silver voice called him close and Thranduil followed
the hauntingly beautiful melody. He had never heard this song before and his curiosity
grew. The music pulled him into the Hall of Fire, and one sweep of the Hall told him that
it was empty, except for one person.

 

A white-haired Elf sat close to the fire and his agile, elegant fingers danced over the
strings of his lyre. Sky-blue eyes were fixed upon the flames and a rosy hue had settled
over the handsome features. Dressed in light-blue robes, the white-haired Elf was a
heavenly vision to Thranduil, who sneaked closer. He moved soundlessly, not wanting to
distract the minstrel and be the reason why the song would end.

 

Surprised, Lindir noticed that he wasn’t alone any longer. It was late and most
inhabitants of Imladris were sound asleep. Except for this one Elf – an Elf, who he had
never seen before. His hair was as golden as Glorfindel’s and the eyes resembled
sparkling emeralds. Oh, the eyes… Now that he looked closer, he saw pain in them. Raw
pain and yearning, a need so strong that it kept the other Elf awake.

 

Thranduil seated himself on the floor, maintaining some distance between them. Now that
the minstrel had noticed him, he searched the azure eyes. There was music in them, music
and sweet song. A sweetness, which he had only witnessed once before – when he had looked
into his son’s eyes for the very first time. A sweet innocence shone from those eyes.

 

Lindir felt a bit confused, as the other Elf didn’t speak. He simply sat there, listening
to his song. And when the song ended, he saw hope in the pained eyes – hope that he would
start another song, which he eventually did, as he couldn’t bear seeing the pain in those
forest-green eyes.

 

Lindir sang a song of hope and love, of promise and renewal and during his song the
expression in the emerald eyes changed.

 

Thranduil never wanted the song to end, but it did, and as words seemed lacking, he moved
forward, leaned in closer, and pressed a chaste kiss onto the minstrel’s lips. It was his
way of thanking Lindir for easing his mind.

 

Quite entranced, Lindir watched the stranger rise from the floor and walk away from him.
Moments later, the fair-haired Elf was gone, leaving him with wonder and question. /Who
is he and why did he kiss me?/

 

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

 

The next morning, they assembled early. All of the Elves were clad in either a uniform or
hunter’s garb and the guards were armed to the teeth. Although Elrond knew they only
faced five enemies, he had decided to take Thranduil’s warning to heart. He refused to
take this matter lightly and would never willingly endanger his lover. Elrond’s eyes
darkened – his lover – how was he to tell his children that he had taken a new mate?

 

“Ada?” Elrohir guided his horse closer to Elrond’s and wondered why his father seemed so
distant. “Are you worried about Erestor?”

 

When Elrond didn’t answer his son, Glorfindel said, “We should leave now.” Glorfindel was
growing impatient. Arien had long risen and they were losing time. Now that he knew
Erestor’s real identity, he wanted to know that he was safe and sound in Imladris.

 

Legolas exchanged a look with his father and was surprised to see the forest-green eyes
sparkling and full of energy. He had never seen that expression in his father’s eyes
before!

 

Thranduil cherished the memory of last night’s song and fondly recalled the surprised
look in the minstrel’s eyes when he had kissed him. Maybe, if he was fortunate, he would
meet his mysterious singer again.

 

Elrond raised his hand, signaling the party to move forward. Vilya caught Arien’s warm
rays and the ring sparkled like mad, worrying Elrond. There was something wrong with the
ring and words of warning appeared in his mind. Was Dûrel in danger? Was that the reason
the ring was acting out of character? Vilya had belonged to Ereinion – maybe the ring was
eager to return to its rightful owner?

 

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

 

They attacked at dawn and took Erestor by surprise. The trees hadn’t warned him and the
five assassins found themselves a way into the cabin. For millennia had he remained
unfound – until now.

 

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

 

A terrifying pain swept through Elrond and his gaze was drawn toward Vilya. The ring had
never radiated a blood-red shimmer before, but now it did. Drenched in crimson, it seemed
as if fresh blood clung to it. “They found him!”

 

It was Thranduil who caught Elrond when he swayed in the saddle. The Woodland Elf
steadied him and a grim expression appeared on his face. “Tell them to ride as fast as
they can!”

 

The soldiers riding up front heard Thranduil’s command, and as some of them belonged to
the King’s escort, they urged their horses to increase speed. The hoofs stopped touching
the earth and more riders sped up. Thranduil wanted to join them, and lead them, but
found that Elrond acted as if entranced. Acting resolutely, he pulled Elrond in front of
him and wrapped his arms around the half-Elf. He ignored Glorfindel’s puzzled look and
intercepted Elrohir’s grateful expression. “I will look after him,” he mouthed and
Elrohir nodded, signaling he understood.

 

“Elrond, what do you see?” It hadn’t taken Thranduil long to realize that the half-Elf
was somehow witnessing the attack, as Elrond shook in his arms. “Tell me…” Maybe that way
he could pull him back from whatever spell had taken him.

 

“They found him, Thranduil. You were right… They were still searching for him and now
they found him… They are hunting him… He escaped from the cabin and the trees are doing
their best to help him, but he is wounded… They managed to injure him before he could get
away… He is bleeding, Thranduil… and he is in pain…”

 

Elrond looked over his shoulder and his eyes saw a scene which was still miles away.
“They set fire to the cabin and he carried away burns… We must find him, Thranduil. He is
growing weaker… The trees cannot carry him forever.”

 

Thranduil growled and urged his stallion to make speed. The noble animal understood the
urgency and stretched his body to the maximum.

 

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

 

“Where do we go? Elrond?” Glorfindel looked to his friend for directions. They had
entered the dark forest and the large trees blocked most of the sunlight. “Which
direction do we take?”

 

Elladan and Elrohir wished they knew the way to Erestor’s cabin, but they had never quite
figured it out.

 

Now that Elrond remained quiet and lost in thought, Legolas scanned the horizon. “The sky
is turning red… Follow me!” He had caught sight of the fire and led the party toward
Erestor’s cabin.

 

“Salvage what you can,” instructed Elrohir upon reaching the burning cabin.

 

“They are gone,” said Legolas, listening to their surroundings. “I only register one
heartbeat and it is very slow – too slow.”


”Erestor!” Elladan frantically looked about. “Where is he?”

 

“Where, Legolas, where did he go?” Thranduil eyed his son closely. Legolas’ senses had
always been sharp – much sharper than his.

 

“Over there,” said Elrond and Legolas simultaneously.

 

The Elves spurred their horses on and took off in the same direction they had come in.

 

“The trees are carrying him. They are trying to take him into safety.” Elrond blinked,
slowly regaining control over his senses. “He is close.”

 

“There!” Legolas pointed to their right and high upon in the trees was a form. The
branches cradled the injured Elf and slowly maneuvered him toward the party of Elves.

 

Elrond raised his hand once more and Vilya shone golden. A murmur sounded from the trees
and the branches moved faster, carrying Erestor toward Elrond.

 

“Please, give him to me!” Elrond dismounted and ran toward the nearest tree. A moment
later, the branches opened, revealing the injured Elf and placing him in Elrond’s open
arms. “Oh, no…” Erestor’s injuries were quite severe and Elrond’s heart missed a beat,
seeing blood and burned skin. “I will take you to Imladris… I will care for you and you
will heal, I promise.”

 

Thranduil had guided Elrond’s mare closer to the half-Elf and now helped Elrond and his
charge mount. Although he only saw dark hair and closed eyes, Thranduil still saw some
resemblance. Aye, the almond-shaped eyes belonged to Erestor, the Chief Advisor, but the
mouth to Ereinion.

 

“Ada, quickly! Maybe we can still find them!”

 

Thranduil instantly knew who Legolas was referring to. “I want this to end as well.” But
could they find his father’s assassins? Were they capable enough? “Legolas, we cannot
leave now. We must ensure their safe return to Imladris.”

 

“But they will get away in the meantime!” Legolas was frustrated – he wanted to do away
with this danger once and for all.

 

Thranduil made eye contact with his son. “Legolas, they will make certain that we don’t
find them. It is best if we stay with Elrond and escort them home.” Oropher’s assassins
would come to them and then they could devise a trap for them.

 

“As you wish.” Legolas complied, but if it had been up to him, he would have hunted them
down. He grudgingly admitted that his father had probably made the wisest decision. Their
first duty was to Ereinion’s heir.

 

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

 

The animals in the stables behind the cabin hadn’t escaped in time and had been burned
alive. With much anger and frustration at arriving too late, the guards managed to rescue
the ancient chest from the fire. Without opening it, they left and transported it to the
Last Homely House.

 

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

 

The return journey to Imladris lasted an eternity to Elrond. Although his mare had sped
up, sensing her injured charge, it still took them hours to reach the Last Homely House.
All Elrond could do during their journey was to whisper soothingly and try to reach out,
using the bond that tied them to strengthen his lover.

 

Looking at the face, which bore burns and cuts, anger overwhelmed him. He shouldn’t have
accepted his lover’s ‘no’ the last time he had visited!

 

Vilya was alive at his hand, and following his instincts, he removed the ring and slipped
it onto Erestor’s finger. The moment the ring made contact with the skin, the golden glow
intensified and wrapped itself around the injured Elf.

 

“The ring will sustain him until we have reached Imladris,” said Elrond, when Thranduil
came to ride beside him. “We were just in time. Had we arrived minutes later, he…” He
didn’t dare end that sentence.

 

“We reached him in time,” said Thranduil, reassuring Elrond. “And we will keep him safe.”
Seeing doubt in the half-Elf’s gray eyes, he added, “You are a healer, Elrond, the best
healer on Arda. He will heal.”

 

That was exactly what Elrond needed to hear and he clung to those words. Aye, his lover
would heal and learn of his heritage. He would hunt Oropher’s guards down and make
certain that his lover was safe. He would make everything right again.

 

Part 6

 

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

From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary