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, Thranduil/Lindir.

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 6

 

 

Elrond, Thranduil and Elrohir took their injured charge to the Healing House, whilst
Glorfindel and Elladan examined and strengthened all possible safety measures. Legolas
oversaw the returning of those guards who had managed to salvage the chest and instructed
them to take it to Elrond’s study, where he continued to guard it. It doubtlessly
contained many valuable items and none of the Elves wanted to risk displacing them.

 

Elrond’s hands trembled, as he removed the scorched clothes from his lover’s body. His
mind was spinning and his thoughts reeling, seeing the severity of Erestor’s injuries. He
still slipped, referring to his lover as Erestor, instead of Dûrel. Getting used to
calling him that name took time.

 

Elrohir had fetched healing herbs, warm water and wash cloths. He watched his father
closely, seeing emotions on Elrond’s face which he had last seen when he had tended to
Celebrían. And that was when he realized the truth – his father had fallen in love. The
revelation would normally have upset him, but he didn’t have the time or luxury to
indulge in throwing a tantrum, as Erestor needed their help.

 

“Elrohir, please arrange for clean and warm clothes. Thranduil, would you assist me in
tending to his wounds?” Elrond forced himself to concentrate on his task – he was a
healer, and although he was also Erestor’s lover, healing came first.

 

Elrohir left the room to speak with the healers. Thranduil moved closer and began to wash
ash, blood and dirt from Erestor’s face. “He was lucky. The burns are only superficial.”

 

But Elrond shook his head. “The burns are not my main concern.” He had stripped off
Erestor’s shirt and now the most serious injury was revealed. “They stabbed him.” In
Erestor’s left shoulder was a large hole from which blood oozed. “I need to close the
wound. Thank the Valar that he is still unconscious.” Elrond briefly left his lover’s
side to fetch thread, needle and bandages.

 

In the meantime, Thranduil had finished washing Erestor. Using clean water and more
herbs, he made small parcels, which he placed on the burns. Dripping wet, the parcels
would cool and sooth the angry burns. /I wish I could have prevented this./ But he had
learned of Dûrel’s presence too late.

 

Elrond returned to his beloved’s side and with Thranduil’s help placed Erestor in an
upright position. Elrohir entered the room again, and after exchanging a look with his
father, took the needle and began to stitch up the wound.

 

“He lost a large amount of blood,” said Thranduil, seeing how pale their charge had
grown.

 

“His Elven healing ability will pull him through,” remarked Elrond, grateful that his son
was closing the wound with calm and steady hands. His own still shook and he would have
had great difficulty in closing the wound. “And then there is Vilya.” The golden glow had
dimmed, and had almost turned invisible, but it was still there, sustaining him. “Now I
understand why the ring was acting out of character.”

 

Thranduil nodded once. “It wanted to return to Ereinion’s heir.”

 

The three Elves helped Erestor into a warm nightshirt and then placed the unconscious Elf
back onto the bed.

 

“I did all I could,” whispered Elrond, curling his fingers around his lover’s. “Now all
we can do is wait.”

 

“Are his injuries life-threatening?” inquired Glorfindel, who had sought out Elrond in
order to update him on the new safety measures which he had taken.

 

“I don’t believe so,” admitted Elrond, gently stroking the back of his lover’s hand.
“Glorfindel, we must make certain that they cannot hurt him again.”

 

“I already upgraded our safety measures,” said Glorfindel, as he studied the injured
Elf’s pale complexion. The fact that he was looking at their rightful King stunned him.
This *was* Ereinion’s heir. “I will guard him personally.” He would lay down his life in
order to keep him safe!

 

“I want guards everywhere,” ordered Elrond.

 

Thranduil nodded his approval. “You cannot underestimate them, Glorfindel. They found him
in that forest -- not even the trees detected their presence and thus failed to warn him.
That cannot happen again – he must be safe here.”

 

Glorfindel understood the seriousness of the situation. “I promise you that he is safe.”

 

“Where did they take the chest?” inquired Elrohir, whose curiosity was still growing,
even in spite of Erestor’s injuries.

 

“It is in Elrond’s study. Legolas is guarding it.” A thoughtful expression appeared in
Glorfindel’s eyes. “Should we open it?”

 

Elrond considered Glorfindel’s question carefully. “We shouldn’t. Not whilst he remains
unconscious.” /The mystery has been solved – we know his identity./

 

“But not all questions have been answered,” said Thranduil in a thoughtful voice.

 

“It is of no importance right now,” decided Elrond, bringing Erestor’s hand closer to his
chest. “We should concentrate on his recovery… and nothing else.”

 

“You will stay with him?” asked Elrohir.

 

“Aye, I will.” Elrond drew in a deep breath and made his decision. “Elrohir, I want you
to take care of all pressing matters regarding Imladris. Glorfindel, you are responsible
for Erestor’s safety and Thranduil, would you contact Celeborn and update him?”

Thranduil nodded his head. “I will attend to the matter.” He walked toward the doorway,
stopped, and looked over his shoulder at the other Elves. He could tell that Elrond
wanted to be alone with Dûrel and said, “Are you joining me?”

 

Glorfindel and Elrohir exchanged a look with Elrond to obtain permission to leave. After
the Lord of Imladris had nodded, they left the room as well, finally giving Elrond a
chance to be alone with his beloved.

 

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

 

“I regret not sensing the danger you were in,” whispered Elrond. He had exchanged his
chair for the side of the bed and now leaned in closer, pressing a chaste kiss against
his lover’s brow. “I should have brought you here at any rate, dismissing your protests.
Why didn’t I?” Because he didn’t believe in forcing the ones he loved. He had hoped that
his lover would come to him out of his own accord.

 

“But you will heal and I vow that you are safe here.” Very carefully, Elrond stretched
out beside Erestor on the bed. Cautiously, he raised one arm and pulled Erestor as close
as he could without putting extra pressure on the shoulder wound. “Why didn’t you tell me
who you are?” But then again, did Erestor know who he was? Who Dûrel was? “I will watch
over you.” If those five Elves would try ending his lover’s life a second time, they
would have to kill him first.

 

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

 

Elrohir headed for his father’s study, accompanied by Thranduil. Both Elves remained
silent during their way there, and Elrohir constantly sensed Thranduil’s eyes on him. For
some reason, the Mirkwood Elf seemed interested in learning more about him and that
realization made him uncomfortable.

 

He opened the door to his father’s study and his gaze immediately found Legolas, sitting
on the chest. The fair-haired Elf got to his feet upon their entry and his eyes sought
out his father’s. Thranduil hadn’t told Elrohir about his feelings, had he? But no, his
father wouldn’t do that to him, would he? “How does Erestor fare?”

 

“He will heal,” replied Thranduil, advancing on the chest. Contrary to Elrond, he
believed they should open the chest and explore its contents. “They stabbed him and he
lost a large amount of blood. He is bed-ridden and therefore vulnerable.” Recalling
Elrond’s request, he sat down behind the desk, obtained ink, paper and a quill and began
to write. Elrond had been right – the Golden Wood needed to be informed of this
development.

 

Elrohir cleared his throat, suddenly feeling shy in Legolas’ presence, especially now
that Thranduil was here. “Is this all they managed to salvage?”

 

“Aye, everything else was burned to ashes.” Legolas grew nervous, wondering how to act in
his father’s presence. Normally, Elrohir and he easily got along, but things were
different now that Thranduil was close.

 

“Legolas, Elrond has requested guards close to Erestor’s room. Organize our party in such
a way that they will also stand guard…” Thranduil finished his letter, sealed it, and
headed for the doorway.

 

Legolas nodded. “I will join the guards myself.” Guarding Ereinion’s heir was not a duty
– it was an honor.

 

Thranduil closed the door behind him and left in search of a messenger who could carry
his letter to Galadriel and Celeborn.

 

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

 

“Your father is nothing like I thought he would be,” admitted Elrohir. He felt relieved
now that he was alone again with Legolas.

 

“My father suffers a reputation he doesn’t deserve,” said Legolas, exchanging a look with
the youngest twin. “Oropher deserved the reputation he had, but my father doesn’t.”

 

“Oropher died before you were born?” asked Elrohir, welcoming this opportunity to learn
more about the Elf he secretly loved.

 

“Aye, he did. And for that, I am grateful.” Legolas shivered, not wanting to dwell on his
grandfather’s reputation. “Can I be of assistance? In whatever way?”

 

“There is not much we can do,” realized Elrohir. “Elladan and Glorfindel upgraded all
safety measures.”

 

“They will come for him,” said Legolas and his eyes narrowed in thought. “They will want
to end what they started and that gives us an advantage.”

 

Elrohir cocked his head, understanding what Legolas was hinting at. “Aye, it is an
advantage, which we should use well. We know they will come for Erestor and we will be
ready for them.”

 

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

 

Thranduil watched the messenger leave and then walked back into the main building. Now
that all urgent matters had been taken care of, he felt tired and burdened. They had
succeeded in rescuing Dûrel, but the price had been high. Ereinion’s heir had carried
away severe injuries. And then there was Elrond’s strong reaction to Dûrel. Was the half-
Elf in love with their future king? /It would make sense – after all, Elrond *was*
attracted to Ereinion in the past./

 

His walk took him to the Hall of Fire, which was deserted at this time of the day.
Thranduil walked over to the fireplace and sat down, recalling the peace he had felt
listening to the white-haired minstrel. He wished he could recapture that feeling.

 

“I hoped you would return here,” said Lindir, emerging from the shadows. He had spent
most of the day here, hoping to see his mysterious admirer again. He had made inquiries
and had learned that his mysterious admirer probably belonged to Thranduil’s escort, for
they were the only strangers in Imladris.

 

Thranduil jumped to his feet, searching the blue eyes for hints. “My feet brought me
here.”

 

“I am glad they did.” Lindir bowed, slightly. “My name is Lindir and I am a minstrel at
Lord Elrond’s court. I assume you approved of my song last night?”

 

Thranduil swallowed hard. Lindir’s voice was even melodic when merely speaking. “I did.
Your song momentarily lifted a burden that I have carried for a long time. Your song
filled me with hope.”

 

“A burden?” Lindir wondered if he was too forward, asking this question, but he plunged
ahead at any rate. “Would you like to share it with me?”

 

“Nay, I can not do that.” Thranduil gave Lindir a loving smile. “But you could sing for
me… That is, if you want to.”

 

“You desire for me to sing?” Lindir had expected to feel tense and nervous, confronting
his mysterious admirer, but to his surprise, he felt relaxed and at ease. He *liked* this
Elf. “And how will you reward me for my services?”

 

Thranduil had the grace to blush. “I hope I didn’t offend you by kissing you? I failed to
find the right words to express my feelings last night and a kiss seemed the only way to
express myself.”

“You did not offend me,” assured Lindir. “But you did make me curious.” Lindir raised a
hand and gestured for the golden-haired Elf to seat himself on the fur in front of the
fire. “I will sing for you,” said Lindir, sitting cross-legged in front of his mysterious
admirer, who, he realized, still hadn’t shared his name with him. Lindir chose a sweet
song, which spoke of love, trust, hope and beauty, and whilst he sang, the emerald eyes
shone brighter.

 

The song ended and the silence that followed felt soothing, which surprised Thranduil,
who disliked awkward silences. “Thank you for sharing your talent with me, Lindir. Is
there anything I can do to express my admiration? Is there something you desire?”

 

Lindir smiled. “Maybe another kiss?” He didn’t know what to make of this mysterious Elf.
All he knew was that he liked him, and that he wanted to get to know him better.

 

“As you wish, Master Minstrel,” said Thranduil, leaning in closer. His lips found
Lindir’s and left a sweet kiss on them. Pulling away, he smiled, seeing the rapture in
the sky-blue eyes. “Would you allow me to seek you out again tomorrow?”

 

Lindir nodded his head. “I will be here.” He watched, quite fascinated, how his admirer
rose from the floor with elegant, cat-like movements. “Would you share your name with
me?” he asked, just before the stranger could step into the corridor.

 

“My name?” Thranduil wavered – what effect would learning his name have on Lindir? Would
the minstrel feel intimidated? Treat him differently? But could he lie to him? Nay, he
couldn’t. “My name is Thranduil.” Not wanting to see Lindir’s reaction to this
revelation, he fled into the corridor and from sight.

 

Lindir cocked his head in disbelief. He must have misheard! His mysterious suitor
couldn’t be Thranduil – King of Mirkwood… It simply couldn’t!

 

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

 

 “Lindir?” Melpomaen had decided to search for his friend when Lindir didn’t join him for
their daily walk and had found him looking dazed in the Hall of Fire. “What is amiss?”

 

Lindir blinked; Melpomaen’s voice had pulled him from his musings and he stared at his
friend in disbelief. “There is something I need to tell you.” Maybe discussing his recent
encounters with Melpomaen would soothe his mind.

 

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

 

Erestor’s eyelids fluttered. He tried to draw in a deep breath, but that attempt resulted
in major coughing. His lungs still carried traces of the smoke he had inhaled.

 

“Lay still, meleth1. You are still recovering.” Elrond instantly moved into Erestor’s
line of sight. Seeing the wonder in the dark eyes, he explained, “The trees brought you
to me and I brought you to Imladris. You are safe now.”

 

Erestor moistened his chapped lips and tightened his hold on Elrond’s hand. “Wa…” He
failed in ending his sentence as his mouth and throat were simply too dry.

 

Elrond filled a glass with water and gently raised Erestor’s upper body. He placed it
against Erestor’s lips and watched him sip. Emptying the glass took Erestor several
minutes and Elrond grew worried, seeing the dazed expression in the brown eyes.

 

“They… found me,” managed Erestor in a raw voice. “The trees… didn’t… detect them.” At
the moment of the attack, he had thought they would succeed in murdering him, but he had
miraculously survived. Focusing his gaze on Elrond, he drank in his lover’s sight. “I
thought… I would never… see you… again.” The assault had been brutal, and when that sword
had pierced his shoulder, he fully expected to feel a second blade slide through his
heart.

 

“I am here, meleth.” Elrond pressed his lips against his lover’s, kissing him and
confirming their love. “I will never leave your side again.”

 

“They… will come for me… They won’t give up.” He felt stronger than he had thought he
would, considering the blood loss and his injuries. It almost felt like some outward
power was strengthening him. He raised his hand, intending to run his fingers through
Elrond’s hair, when he caught sight of the ring. “What is this?” he had seen Vilya at
Elrond’s finger before, but why was he wearing it now? Why had Elrond placed it on him?

 

“The ring is strengthening you,” explained Elrond. He was immensely relieved that Erestor
was lucid and doing relatively well, considering the ordeal he had been through. Aided by
the ring, Erestor’s healing powers were already working on restoring the burned skin.

 

“But…” Erestor frowned and his eyes narrowed. “Elrond… I am a danger to you… To everyone
here.”

 

“Glorfindel is an excellent Captain and one of the best warriors I have ever fought side
by side with. He will keep you safe. Oropher’s assassins won’t reach you a second time.”

 

“Oropher?” His warden had told him about the King and the Woodland Realm, but he wasn’t
certain why Elrond was bringing him up now.

 

“Do you remember the first time you encountered those five Elves? When you learned that
they had lost their King and wanted revenge on you?” Elrond waited for his lover to nod
and then continued. “It was Oropher who died prior to that final battle and his minions
who vowed to end your life.”

 

“They belong to Oropher’s army?” Erestor was trying hard to fully comprehend what Elrond
was telling him.

 

“They were his personal confidants, spies and assassins.” Elrond stroked his lover’s long
hair as he carefully lowered him back down onto the bed. “Do you have any idea who you
are? Who Dûrel is?” Was Erestor still too weak to discuss the truth? His heritage?

 

Erestor shook his head. “My warden never told me.”

 

“It is time. Tell him, Elrond.” Thranduil had entered the room, unnoticed by Elrond and
Erestor, and saw the way the injured Elf flinched at his sight. “I am a friend.” His
golden hair had set off their charge’s alarms and flight instinct.

 

“He speaks truthfully, meleth. Thranduil is your friend.” Elrond cringed, seeing his
lover’s reaction to learning that name.

 

“Thranduil? But you are…” Erestor grew nervous, wanting nothing more than Thranduil gone
from the room. After all, blond Elves like him had tried to end his life only hours ago!

 

“I am Oropher’s son, aye, but I am nothing like my father – I hope.” Thranduil drew in a
deep breath and approached the bed, very much aware of the fact that their charge didn’t
trust him. “My father started this and I will end it. I won’t rest until you are free of
danger. I will find those assassins and I will deal with them.”

 

Erestor’s eyes widened. “But…”

 

“I have no desire to see you dead.” Had Elrond already told Erestor who he really was? He
probably had, considering how adamant Elrond was that their charge should know the truth.
“I vow to protect you as long as I shall live and I regret Oropher’s actions. He made too
many mistakes. He had absolutely no right to threaten you.”

 

Erestor wondered about the odd tone and searched Thranduil’s eyes. Why would the Mirkwood
King vow to protect him when he already had Elrond’s protection?

 

Thranduil finally made his decision and bowed. “Sire, you have my allegiance. When Elrond
told me…” He stopped talking, hearing Elrond’s outcry and Erestor’s yelp. “What?”

 

“I didn’t tell him yet!” Elrond cursed Thranduil for making him do this now. “Meleth…” he
said, covering his lover’s hands within his. “I wanted to do this once you were stronger,
but…”

 

Thranduil registered the use of the word ‘meleth’ but didn’t comment on it. His
suspicions had merely been confirmed.

 

“Why did he call me that?” Erestor ignored the increasing pain that spread through his
shoulder. He needed answers – now! “And why would I have his allegiance?”

 

“Meleth… Erestor was more than just your warden. He carried you for a year and gave birth
to you. He was a hermaphrodite.” Elrond bit his bottom lip, wondering what his lover’s
reaction would be like.

 

“What?” Erestor’s eyes grew impossibly large. “That cannot be!”

 

“It is the truth,” added Thranduil. “Erestor and Ereinion were lovers and he bore our
High-King a child -- a son.”

 

Erestor shook his head. “You must be wrong!”

 

“Think about it, meleth,” said Elrond in a gentle tone. He sat down beside his lover
again and lent Erestor all the strength he needed to accept the truth. “Erestor was sent
away from the camp and Ereinion had entrusted you to him. You were sent away because he
wanted you to be safe.”

 

“It makes no sense!” Erestor’s thoughts raced and he realized he was wrong – this
explanation *did* make sense!

 

“Erestor only made one mistake. He kept you hidden for too long. After the battle had
been fought and the enemy defeated, he should have taken you back to your people, but my
guess is he never realized it was safe again.”

 

“It wasn’t safe,” interjected Thranduil. “If Erestor had done what you suggested, the
child would have been killed.” Thranduil’s eyes sought out Erestor’s. “You would have
been dead now. Your parent made the only right decision.”

 

“I cannot believe any of this!” The consequences were too large for him to comprehend and
he closed his eyes, trying to lock the two Elves out.

 

“Your name isn’t Erestor. It is Dûrel and you are Ereinion’s heir.” Elrond could tell
that this was too much information for his lover, but he had to follow through now. “You
are the rightful King of all Elves, Dûrel.”

 

The brown eyes opened, stared at Elrond, and then lost awareness. He had fainted, unable
to deal with this revelation in his weakened state.

 

“He needs time,” said Thranduil, watching Elrond check their patient’s pulse. “In the
end, he will accept this.”

 

“I hope he will,” whispered Elrond. He needed his lover and their people their King.

 

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

 

“Your gaze is rather fixed upon our resident minstrel,” remarked Glorfindel, seeing
Thranduil’s eyes following Lindir through the room. They had gathered for the evening
meal and he had noticed the King’s interest in Lindir right away.

 

Thranduil had always considered himself as direct, and refused to start pretending now.
“Tell me, is he already bound?”

 

Glorfindel raised an eyebrow. Thranduil’s openness pleased it. “Not yet.” Thranduil’s
presence was oddly refreshing, as he was used too much scheming at Elrond’s court. “Are
you interested in him, sire?”

 

“I might be.”

 

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

 

Erestor’s head actually hurt from too much thinking. Elrond still remained at his side,
and thankfully stayed quiet most of the time, allowing him to come to terms with the
truth. A part of him knew Elrond had reached the right conclusions and when he looked at
Vilya, he found that the ring there also felt right. But accepting his fate was something
different. The fact that Thranduil had called him sire had made him painfully aware of
the fact that they *did* consider him Ereinion’s heir and their rightful High-King. That
was the one thing that upset him the most – the fact that he was of the royal bloodline
and King of the Firstborn.

 

Then there was also the fact that Erestor had been his mother. He now understood why his
warden had loved him so unconditionally.

 

“Is there something I can do to help?” asked Elrond, softly. Erestor’s inner turmoil was
visible in the brown eyes and he desperately wanted to help – he just didn’t know if he
could.

 

“I am trying to accept that Ereinion was my father.” Erestor leaned heavily against a
comfortable pile of pillows, which supported him now that he was sitting upright. He felt
stronger, but not yet strong enough to leave his bed. “I can still see him, standing
outside his tent. I didn’t realize it at the time, but he was *really* saying goodbye to
us.”

 

Elrond nodded once and handed Erestor a cup of herbal tea, which would hopefully aid his
recovery.

 

“I wish I had known him better… I wonder why they kept this from me.” Erestor sipped his
tea and gave Elrond a puzzled glance. “Why didn’t they tell me?”

 

“I don’t know,” admitted Elrond, honestly. “Maybe the answer lies inside your oak chest?
My sons once told me that it held sealed letters.”

 

“Maybe… Did the chest remain intact? Or did it burn in the fire?” He felt some curiosity
himself.

 

“It is still intact. It was the only item they managed to salvage. It is in my study, but
they can bring it here.”

 

Erestor considered this, but realized there was something else he needed to address
first. “Elrond, about us…”

 

Elrond nodded his head. “Glorfindel knows we are bound, but no one else does. I will tell
my children and eventually the rest.”

 

“Is there no other way?”

 

Elrond cocked his head. “Do you regret binding yourself to me?”

 

“Nay! Never! I love you, but… I am concerned about their reactions toward you.”

 

“They will accept this…” Elrond moistened his lips. “There is something else that worries
me, though.”

 

“And that is?”

 

“You are our King and we are mated…”

 

“Elrond, I told you before – I am not your King, neither do I desire to become King!”

 

“It is not as easy as that, meleth.” Elrond leaned in closer until his face hovered above
Erestor’s. Looking deeply into the brown eyes, he said, “You don’t have a choice here.
Your blood made that choice for you. You are Ereinion’s heir.”

 

“What will happen once this news spreads through the Elven realms?” Erestor raised a
shaky hand and rested it atop of Elrond’s. “All I want is to be accepted into your family
and to love you.”

 

“It won’t be that simple.” Elrond caressed his lover’s face and was pleased to see that
most of the burns were gone. The skin had healed and Erestor had regained most of his
handsome looks again. “Thranduil has already accepted your authority and I have little
doubt that Celeborn and Galadriel will do the same. Imladris already recognized you as
Ereinion’s heir. You will stand above all parties involved, Erestor… Dûrel… I don’t know
what to call you.”

 

“Call me Erestor… or Dûrel, but please, don’t call me sire.” Erestor’s fingers ghosted
over Elrond’s lips. “We must tell your children of our bond. We cannot keep it a secret.”
Living a lie would kill them inside.

 

“I will tell them,” said Elrond. “But let me choose the time and place.”

 

“I will.” Erestor smiled, feeling Elrond’s lips move against his fingertips in a kiss. “I
love you.”

 

“And I love you… And I will keep you safe.” The danger his beloved was in constantly
weighed on his mind. Those five assassins had to be taken out!

 

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

 

“Legolas?” Elrohir had followed the Woodland Elf into the gardens. He had noticed a long
time ago that Legolas preferred the gardens and woods above the indoors. Whenever he had
the chance, Legolas would flee outside.

 

“Elrohir…” Legolas smiled and turned. The youngest twin had stolen his heart the first
time he had seen him. Elrohir was the more timid of the twins, but also the more cunning
and intelligent. He loved sparring with the twin, or engaging Elrohir in conversation.
Elrohir always treated him with respect and sometimes, he thought he saw affection in the
gray eyes. “I needed fresh air.”

 

“Aye, the air was stifling. I don’t blame you for coming out here.” He had left the Hall
of Fire after Legolas had, hoping to get a moment in private with the Woodland Elf.
“Legolas… I always enjoy your company and you know that… I was wondering… How much longer
will you stay?” Darn, that was *not* what he had wanted to say!

 

“My father has not yet mentioned leaving Imladris. I believe we might stay for a little
while.” Legolas walked toward Elrohir and came to a halt in front of the half-Elf. It was
the eyes – the large gray eyes, which breathed wisdom and respect, which attracted him.
Something about Elrohir had struck him as ancient from the first time they had met. It
felt like an ancient soul had chosen to inhabit this youthful body.

 

Recalling his father’s words – that Thranduil believed Elrohir returned his attraction –
Legolas took a risk. “I have first watch tomorrow morning. Later on, during the evening…
would you consider… would you like to go for a walk and have dinner with me? Away from
the crowd?”

 

Elrohir controlled his initial, overenthusiastic response and waited for his nerves to
calm down. Once he was confident that he wouldn’t shout his reply, he said, “I would like
that very much.” Encouraged after being invited for something so private, he raised a
hand and tentatively touched a strand of Legolas’ hair. “It shines like liquid silver in
the moonlight.”

 

“Does that please you?” Legolas felt nervous and his voice trembled after being
complimented in that way. Maybe his father *was* right and Elrohir was also interested in
him.

 

“Aye, it does… it does…” Blushing weakly, Elrohir took another step forward and curled
his fingers around Legolas’. “Would you like to go for an evening walk?”

 

“With you? Aye, always.” Legolas registered the signals Elrohir was giving him and saw
the same understanding in the gray eyes. Holding Elrohir’s hand tightly in his, he
stepped up closer to the half-Elf. Resting his free hand against the nape of Elrohir’s
neck, he leaned in closer. In the gray eyes he saw eagerness and affection and it made
him touch his lips to Elrohir’s.

 

Elrohir sighed into the kiss and wrapped an arm around Legolas’ waist. The kiss lasted a
few more heartbeats and then they pulled apart. “Do you feel the same way about me?”

 

“I am in love with you,” admitted Legolas. “If that is what you are inquiring about.”

 

“Aye, it is…” Elrohir bowed his head and rested his cheek against Legolas’ shoulder. “I
have been in love with you for so long – since your first visit to be exact, but I was
too shy to approach you. I was afraid… Afraid that you didn’t return my feelings and that
I would wreck our friendship.”

 

“I worried about exactly the same thing!” Legolas laughed, partly out of relief, partly
because he was still nervous. “It seems we worried about nothing.” His father *had* been
right – amazing. “Come, let’s explore these gardens.” Whilst Ithil enjoyed playing hide
and seek with the clouds, the two future lovers disappeared between the trees.

 

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

 

“Are you certain you are strong enough to do this now?” Elrond would have preferred to
wait, but Erestor was determined they tell the children now. Elrond was fairly certain
that his sons would accept his new lover, as the three Elves had formed a connection when
Erestor had rescued them from the dark forest, but he didn’t know how Arwen would react
to this news. He dreaded telling her the most, as she’d had a strong bond with her
mother.

 

“Elrond, we cannot keep postponing this.” Three days had gone by since he had come to
Imladris and it was time they stopped hiding. Erestor pushed deeper into the comfort the
pillow provided and carefully drew in a deep breath. His shoulder was still mending and
troubling him. It was the main reason why Elrond wouldn’t allow him to leave the bed yet.
Being confined to bed was hard on Erestor, who was used to walking the forest and being
outside.

 

“I instructed Glorfindel to tell Thranduil and Legolas whilst we are talking to my
children. That way, we don’t have to go through this twice.” A knock on the door made
Elrond spin around and his pulse sped up, realizing the moment of truth had arrived. “I
am not sure I can do this.”

 

“We will do it together.” Erestor raised his left hand and gestured for Elrond to sit
close to him. “Have faith in them.”

 

Encouraged by his lover’s optimism, Elrond told his children to enter. The moment the
door opened and he saw their faces, he realized they knew something important was about
to happen – something that would change their lives. “Please, approach.” As Erestor
couldn’t go to the children, they had to come to him.

 

Arwen’s eyes showed suspicion and discomfort whilst the twins faced them with a neutral
expression. Elrond’s heart sped up and thundered in his chest.

 

“Erestor! We worried about you.” Elrohir, being his charming self, reached out first and
leaned in closer. “How do you fare? The burns seem to have healed nicely. How is your
shoulder?” He patted Erestor’s arm in a friendly way and then took his place at his
twin’s side again.

 

“I feel better,” replied Erestor, who realized he might have to tell the children, as
Elrond seemed to have grown speechless. “Elrond?”

Elrond felt lost staring into his daughter’s eyes. /She knows… By the Grace of the Valar,
how can that be?/ Did Arwen know for certain or did she merely have suspicions?
Suspicions, which were about to be confirmed. He knew his daughter well enough to realize
she wouldn’t welcome this.

 

“We invited you for a reason,” said Erestor, growing frustrated now that his lover had
shut down. “There is something you need to know and we want you to hear this from us.” It
wouldn’t be long before the first rumors would appear and maybe they already had!

 

“I think I know what you want to tell us,” said Elladan, exchanging a look with his twin.
Did Elrond and Erestor know that they were openly holding hands and thus revealing their
secret?

 

“I…” Elrond lacked the courage to continue and gave his lover a pleading look. He had
never been much of a coward before but now his courage eluded him.

 

“After your father lost Celebrían, he found refuge with me.” Erestor’s mouth went dry,
seeing Arwen’s eyes light up with anger. “The attraction had manifested many centuries
before, but we never acted on it.”

 

“It was the year you couldn’t visit with Erestor because you had reached your majority,”
said Elrond, finally finding his strength again. “I visited in your stead and…”

 

“Nothing happened that winter,” explained Erestor, seeing Arwen’s upset expression. The
twins, however, seemed to be taking the news well. They had probably suspected Elrond had
taken a new lover and seemed comfortable with it. “Your father loved your mother best and
we agreed to never meet in person again, as to not feed the attraction.”

 

“I always wondered what happened that year,” admitted Elrohir.

 

“We didn’t meet again until after your mother had sailed,” continued Erestor, realizing
how hard this was on Elrond and so he took over. “He was hurting – badly – and we found
comfort in each other’s presence.”

 

“We mated,” said Elrond in a stifled tone. “Your mother had set me free and…”

 

“Mother sailed not two years ago! How could you do this?” Arwen’s voice revealed anger
and frustration as she glared at her father. “Wasn’t our love enough? The love of your
children? How could you betray mother like that?” She marched toward the doorway and
slammed the door on her way out.

 

The vibration traveled through the room and made Erestor cringe. “Do you also see it as
betrayal?” he asked the twins.

 

Elladan and Elrohir exchanged several looks. In the end, Elladan shrugged. “We have known
you since we were little, Erestor. You saved our lives and you have always treated us
well.”

 

Elrohir continued, “We know our father and he is the happiest when he has someone to
share his life with. We should have realized that there was some sort of attraction
between the two of you, but never thought about it in depth… Until now.”

 

“Can you accept this? Us?” Elrond asked his sons. His hold on Erestor’s hand became
crushing, and hearing Erestor’s pained groan, he instantly loosened it.

 

“We can,” said Elrohir in a thoughtful voice. “But Arwen will need more time to accept
this.” She didn’t have the connection they had with Erestor.

 

“She will have all the time she needs,” replied Erestor, giving the twins a proud look.
They had accepted this, and he hoped that Arwen would do the same, given time.

 

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

 

“Pen-neth2?” Glorfindel had overheard the last lines of Arwen’s conversation with her
father and he now followed her down the corridor. He had told Thranduil and Legolas the
truth moments ago and the Woodland King hadn’t seemed that surprised. Legolas had also
easily accepted the news. /I should have known the problem would lie with Arwen./ She had
been very close to her mother.

 

“Glorfindel, leave me alone.” She was in no mood to talk to him.

 

Glorfindel caught her by the arm before she rounded the corridor and forced her to come
to a stop. “Talk to me, Arwen.”

 

“You already know what he told me, don’t you?” Her accusing gaze came to rest on his
handsome face.

 

“Aye, I have known for some time now. I found out when he returned home.”

 

“He told you?” Her sense of betrayal increased.

 

“Not exactly. I figured it out myself. Why are you so angry with him?”

 

“Because he is married to my mother!” Arwen crossed her arms in front of her chest and
glared at the floor.

 

“Oh, pen-neth, he will always love her, but she set him free before she sailed. She knew
that there was no way for them to be together. He was always faithful to her and he loved
her best.”

 

“That doesn’t matter.” Arwen shuffled her feet.

 

“It does. Your father almost faded after she sailed and the only thing that kept him on
Arda was Erestor. He is the only reason your father is still alive.” Glorfindel advanced
on her and carefully wrapped an arm around her shoulder. All three children had inherited
Elrond’s temper and he could never be certain how they would react.

 

“It is happening too fast… Nana…”

 

“Arwen, be honest. Your mother would want him to be happy and you know it. That is the
very reason why she set him free.” Glorfindel pulled her into a hug, which she allowed.
“Take the time accepting this, but give Erestor a chance.”

 

“I don’t think I can.”

 

“If you want it, you can. Think of your father, Arwen. Don’t you want him to be happy?
And Erestor is a good choice. He won’t try to take your mother’s place – he never could…
You gained a second father, Arwen.”

 

She frowned. She hadn’t considered it that way yet. “Another father?”

 

“Erestor has suffered from loneliness for a large part of his life. In his heart, he
always yearned to be a part of a large, loving family. He no longer has any living
relatives, Arwen. His parents are dead and a great weight has been placed upon his
shoulder, now that he found out he is Ereinion’s heir.”

 

“He is what?” She pulled away from him and stared at him in wonder.

 

“They didn’t tell you?”

 

“I left before they could, I guess.” Arwen’s eyes narrowed. “How can that be?”

 

“Walk with me.” Glorfindel gently pulled her along. “I will tell you everything I know.”

 

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

 

The twins felt shocked. “You are… But…” Elrond had just told them about Erestor’s real
identity. “But…” Elrohir wished the words would come to him to express how he felt.

 

“I am Ereinion’s heir, aye, but that will have no consequences on our lives,” insisted
Erestor. “I don’t aspire to rule the Firstborn.”

 

Elladan exchanged a sharp glance with his father. “We have a King?”

 

Elrond nodded once. “Dûrel is our King.”

 

“Should we call you that and not Erestor?” Elrohir felt confused and looked toward
Erestor for information.

 

“Call me whatever you feel comfortable with.” The stress weakened him and his shoulder
was beginning to throb. He wanted to invite his lover to sit close to him so he could
lean against him, but the twins’ presence kept him back.

 

“This conversation is draining you,” said Elrohir. “And Elladan and I need time to digest
this news. We will leave you now…”

 

“Elrohir, Elladan…” Erestor called them back. “Has this changed everything between us? Or
are we still friends?”

 

Elrond worried about the same thing. He had been so certain that they would accept
Erestor!

 

“It has changed something,” admitted Elladan, who then smiled in order to assure the
elder Elves. “But we will always be friends, Erestor.”

 

“But you are Ereinion’s heir and therefore our King… We need time to fully understand
what that implies.” Elrohir bowed, giving Erestor a teasing grin. “Sire, we will take our
leave now if we may.”

 

“Please don’t call me that.” Erestor cringed, but then saw the teasing expression in
Elrohir’s eyes. The twin was playing him! Did that mean…?

 

“We will visit with you later,” said Elrohir. “And put your mind at ease. All will be
well.” They now had an extra reason to guard Erestor – not only was he their friend, but
he was also their King!

 

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

 

“You really are Thranduil, Ruler of the Woodland Realm?” Lindir had stayed until after
dinner, until all other Elves had left, just knowing that there would be one last visitor
tonight and Thranduil didn’t disappoint him. The golden-haired Elf stood in front of him,
dressed in greens and gold. Although Thranduil appeared proud and confident, Lindir
thought he saw insecurity in the emerald eyes.

 

“Aye, I am.” Thranduil walked closer to Lindir, feeling encouraged now that Lindir wasn’t
addressing him in a formal matter. “This doesn’t have to change anything between us.” He
seated himself, cross-legged, and looked into Lindir’s sea-blue eyes. “Would you sing for
me again?”

 

Lindir cocked his head. “Before I do, I want you to answer some questions.”

 

Thranduil swallowed, nervously. “What do you wish to know?”

 

“Why did your eyes rest on me for the entire evening? It puzzled several Elves and I even
heard Glorfindel voice his questions.” Lindir pulled up his knees and wrapped his arms
around them. “I don’t know what to make of you, Thranduil.”

 

Thranduil drew in a deep breath and tried to formulate an answer, which would satisfy
Lindir’s curiosity. “Legolas’ mother died in childbirth. I have been without a mate
since.”

 

Lindir’s eyelashes trembled – that wasn’t the answer he had expected to hear.

 

“I never considered taking another mate – for I truly loved her. The spiders make
Mirkwood a dangerous place and I am busy hunting them most of my time. I didn’t think I
would have time for a lover.”

 

“Why are you telling me this?” Thranduil inched closer and Lindir stayed in place,
fighting the urge to back away from the Woodland Elf’s, whose intensions he still didn’t
know.

 

“Because this is the first time in millennia that I am considering courting another Elf.”

 

“Me?” Lindir gulped. “But…” They had only met a few days ago, had hardly exchanged any
words, merely two kisses – but oh, those kisses had been sweet and promising!

 

“Aye, you. There is something about you that pulls me in closer, but… I should not
continue this…” Thranduil abruptly stopped talking and began to rise from the floor, but
Lindir raised a hand and rested it on his arm, stopping him. He sat down again, still
feeling nervous.

 

“Lindir, something tells me that our souls are kindred spirits and that we would be happy
together. But this must stop before it becomes more serious. Lindir, I could never ask
you to come to Mirkwood with me and live there. You belong here… not in Mirkwood.”
Thranduil averted his eyes, unable to maintain eye contact. “I cannot stay here, Lindir.
I will leave in a few weeks.”

 

“This is going so fast,” whispered Lindir. Thranduil was already planning their future!
What had happened to getting to know each other first? Studying Thranduil, he realized
that it was the Elf’s way to act fast – to obtain and keep what he wanted most. Something
had happened in Thranduil’s past to make him that way. “How serious are you?”

 

“Very serious.” Thranduil closed his eyes. “We should not dwell on a future which is
impossible. I will refrain from kissing you in the future and…” Thranduil didn’t get the
chance to finish his sentence as Lindir’s lips suddenly covered his in a sweet kiss. His
eyes opened and he stared questioningly at the minstrel.

 

“Who says I want you to stop kissing me?” Lindir had surprised himself by taking the
initiative. It wasn’t like him to take control, but he couldn’t let Thranduil do this to
them. “You will stay for a few more weeks?”

 

“Aye.” Elrond planned on officially announcing Ereinion’s heir to the Firstborn within
the next few days and was already orchestrating a ceremony in which representatives of
the Elven Realm would proclaim their allegiance to the new King. “But we would only be
fooling ourselves by continuing in this way.”

 

“As long as we don’t mate we aren’t bound,” mused Lindir. “Do you still wish to court me,
Thranduil? And speak truly.”

 

“I do, but…”

 

“Then court me and when you leave, we will see if our love is true and strong enough to
find a way.” Lindir smiled, realizing he *had* fallen for the Mirkwood King.

 

“I will,” whispered Thranduil. A part of him was thrilled that Lindir was giving him this
chance, but another part was afraid it would end in heartbreak.

 

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

 

“Erestor?” Elrohir sneaked into his father’s rooms, eager to visit with his friend.
Elrond had given Erestor permission to leave the Healing House two days ago, but Erestor
remained confined to bed. Elrond simply wasn’t taking any risks.

 

And as a result, Erestor was bored out of his mind. “Elrohir!” He smiled, brightly,
finding the youngest twin tiptoeing toward him. “How did you manage to escape your
father’s attention?” He fully expected Elrond to be personally guarding his rooms.

 

“I know the guard on duty,” said Elrohir, sitting down on the side of the bed. Legolas
had smiled, seeing him slip inside. “How do you fare?”

 

“I am fine,” replied Erestor, fighting frustration. “If only your father would allow me
to leave my bed!”

 

“I brought you books.” Elrohir placed three books on the nightstand. “Now you have
something to read.”

 

“I don’t want to read!” said Erestor, sounding like a petulant child. “I want to explore
the Last Homely House.”

 

“My father won’t allow that,” said Elrohir, thoughtfully. “Not until Oropher’s assassins
have been caught.”

 

“Your father officially announced my presence and identity to his household last night.”
Erestor didn’t feel comfortable with that. “And the news will continue to spread.”

 

“Also to Oropher’s minions.”

 

“They will come for me, Elrohir. I don’t fear for my own well-being, but I fear for
yours. They will do whatever necessary to get to me. I don’t want to be responsible for
your death, or your father’s.”

 

“Let us handle your safety,” said Elrohir, patting Erestor’s arm. “We know that they are
coming and we are ready for them.”

 

Erestor gave Elrohir a thoughtful look. “Your father wants to hold a ceremony in the open
air. He wants the whole of Arda to know about me. He even invited representatives from
the Lands of Men and Dwarfs. I tried to change Elrond’s mind, but he is rather determined
to follow through.”

 

“Why does this worry you so much?”

 

“Don’t you understand, Elrohir? I will be vulnerable – a sitting target. They only need
to shoot their arrows and aim at my heart.”

 

Elrohir nodded, finally understanding his friend’s fears. “You believe they will make
their move during that ceremony.”

 

“There are guards everywhere, Elrohir. If they attack now, they will be detected, but
they won’t attract attention if they are among the crowds. I have had ample of time to
think this through, as your dear father keeps me confined to bed.”

 

“I will talk to Glorfindel about this. Maybe he can change my father’s mind… Or…”
Elrohir’s eyes widened, as he realized something important. “Or we could devise a trap.”

 

“A trap?”

 

“It would still be dangerous,” mused Elrohir. “But *if* they take the bait we can deal
with this threat and take them out.” He had to think this over and consult with the elder
Elves, but he was confident there was a way to ensure Erestor’s safety once and for all.

 

 

Next

 

1  meleth –- love (Sindarin, noun) 

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

From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary