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 7

 

 

 

Elrond watched closely, as his lover took his first steps after having been confined to
bed for five days. The healer finally felt Erestor was strong enough for some exercise.
“Are you experiencing vertigo? Are you…?”

 

“Elrond, I am fine.” Erestor interrupted his lover and gave him an admonishing look. “Of
course I am a bit dizzy! You confined me to bed for five days!”

 

“Your wound warranted confining you to bed!” Elrond moved forward and carefully wrapped
an arm around his lover’s waist. “I still think my son’s plan is folly! You aren’t strong
enough yet! We should postpone the ceremony!” Elrond, the twins, Glorfindel, Thranduil
and Legolas had met and discussed Elrohir’s idea to lure the five assassins into a trap
during the coronation ceremony. “Maybe in one or two weeks you will be ready! But not
tomorrow!”

 

“The longer we wait, the more they might lose their patience and strike when we least
expect it.” He pulled free from Elrond’s hold and stood unaided. He felt relatively good
– the vertigo was diminishing and he relished being back on his feet again. “By holding
the ceremony this quickly we are limiting their time and ways.”

 

“What if they don’t take the bait? Thranduil is convinced they are cunning and will
expect a trap.” Thranduil had been the only one to oppose Elrohir’s plan.

 

“They will come for me at any rate,” said Erestor, making his way over to the window. “I
have been hiding long enough, Elrond. It is time it ends.”

 

“But I do not want it to end with your death!”

 

“That won’t happen. I am confident that Glorfindel found ways to fight them off.” He knew
Glorfindel had devised a cunning plan, but the Captain acted secretively about it and
wouldn’t share it with him. He only knew that the twins were helping Glorfindel with the
details.

 

“I received word from Celeborn and Galadriel.” Elrond eyed his lover closely and followed
Erestor when he ventured into the corridor, ready to catch him should he fall. “Where do
you think you are going?”

 

“Just up and down the corridor. You won’t let me go anywhere else.” Even this corridor
counted five soldiers, which belonged to Glorfindel’s personal guards. “You were saying
something about Celeborn and Galadriel?” he said, reminding Elrond. The half-Elf seemed
rather concerned and distracted, watching him move down the corridor. He had quickly
realized just how worried his lover was and had submitted himself to being fussed over
and confined to bed.

 

“They will arrive tomorrow. They must have ridden like the Nazgûl to get here in time.
They will attend the ceremony, as they want to pledge their allegiance to their new
King.”

 

“I do not want to be King,” said Erestor, turning around and heading back for the
doorway.

 

“As I said before, you do not have much of a choice, meleth1.” Elrond no longer worried
about calling his beloved that in public. The servants had quickly started the rumor that
Elrond and their new King were bonded and Elrond hadn’t denounced it.

 

Frustrated, Erestor headed back to his bed. He didn’t want to admit it, but he still felt
weak and he partly blamed his weakened state on Elrond’s need to keep him confined to
bed. Sitting down on the side of the bed, he released a deep sigh. “Elrond, what do you
think will change when you proclaim me Ereinion’s heir and King? Nothing! Celeborn and
Galadriel will return to the Golden Wood, Thranduil and Legolas to Mirkwood and I will
stay here. Everything will stay the same. There is no reason to hold this ceremony!”

 

“Oh, but there is!” Elrond seated himself next to his lover and gathered the long,
elegant hands in his. “When Ereinion died, Elvendom shattered into fractions. We need to
unite.”

 

“You are united… after a fashion. There is no war between the Elven realms and…”

 

“Just accept it, meleth.” Elrond smiled at his confused lover. “Accept who you are. There
is no reason to hide from the truth or to run away from it.”

 

But Erestor remained unconvinced. If this had been up to him, he would have lived at
Imladris as Erestor, Advisor to Elrond and not as Dûrel, Ereinion’s heir.

 

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

 

“Ada2? Can we speak with you?” Legolas felt nervous, standing in front of his father with
Elrohir at his side and the half-Elf’s fingers entwined with his. But this had to be done
if they wanted to move on. They had to know what to expect from the future!

 

Thranduil, feeling mellow after spending the last few days in Lindir’s company, smiled at
his son.

 

Legolas had no idea that his father had fallen in love with the minstrel and wondered
about the conspiring smile Thranduil gave him. He controlled the urge to inquire if
anything was amiss with his father and so his worry remained. There was a sparkle to the
emerald eyes and a healthy blush lay on the handsome features. /Focus! Remain
concentrated!/

 

“Of course, Legolas.” Thranduil seated himself on the couch and watched the two younger
Elves with amusement. It was impossible to tell who was more nervous – Elrohir or
Legolas.

 

“Elrohir and I want to discuss our future,” said Legolas – Elrohir promptly squeezed his
hand in an offering of courage.

 

“Aye.” Elrohir had been stunned to hear that Thranduil already knew about their love. He
had even been more surprised to hear that Thranduil had encouraged Legolas to court him
and that the Mirkwood King approved of his son’s choice for a lover. “We want to know
what to expect.”

 

Thranduil cocked his head. He had considered playing with them a bit, but decided not to,
seeing them awkwardly avoiding his gaze. “Legolas is my heir, Elrohir. His home lies in
Mirkwood, not Imladris.”

 

Elrohir moistened his lips. “Elladan is heir to Imladris and my presence here is not
mandatory. I could reside in Mirkwood instead.” But leaving his family behind would cause
him emotional pain.

 

“I am not asking you to live in Mirkwood permanently,” clarified Thranduil. “Legolas
visited Imladris in the past. I see no reason for that to change.”

 

Elrohir’s eyes beamed with relief and joy. “Do you mean that?”

 

“You can spend part of the year here, aye. Why not?” Thranduil shrugged his shoulders.
Young love could be so insecure! “But your main place of residence would be Mirkwood,
aye. Legolas will teach you how to deal with the spiders… They are quite a menace.”
Thranduil’s thoughts raced – they were centered around Lindir and their relationship,
which mirrored his son’s in many ways. He didn’t want to force Lindir to exchange
Imladris for Mirkwood either. Maybe they could work something out? Whilst he and Lindir
dwelt in Mirkwood, Legolas and Elrohir could visit Imladris and once his son returned
him, he could take Lindir to Imladris for a visit as well? Aye, such an arrangement might
work!

 

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

 

Elrond emerged from the bathroom after having taken a long, hot bath. He was tense,
sharing his lover’s concerns regarding what could happen during the ceremony tomorrow.
His gaze swept through his bedroom and he found his lover seated in front of the
fireplace, sipping mulled wine. The dark-haired Elf only wore a nightshirt, and as it was
made of thin and transparent material, it left little to the imagination.

 

Dressed in a simple robe, Elrond headed for the fireplace and sat down next to his lover,
who immediately leaned into him. He wrapped his arms around Erestor’s shoulders and
smiled when his lover rested his head against his shoulder. They were at peace in an odd
way – now that they had been reunited again. But still the tension remained.

 

Erestor broke the silence by whispering into Elrond’s ear. “I want to make love to you
and experience that magical sensation again, but…” He was too tense and just wouldn’t
grow aroused. “I love you so much, Elrond, and I want to demonstrate that love, but…”

 

“Do not feel troubled,” whispered Elrond in turn, stroking his lover’s long hair. “I feel
the same way. Instigating lovemaking was the first thing on my mind when I left the
bathroom, but… I cannot stop worrying about tomorrow. Elrohir’s plan is cunning and if
they take the bait, we might be able to take them out, but if things go wrong… May the
Valar help us, then!”

 

“They are out there, Elrond. And from what Thranduil told us I gather that they are
extremely dangerous. Your guards might not even detect their presence until it is too
late. The trees did not.” He felt frustrated and his hands changed into fists.

 

Elrond’s fingers moved over Erestor’s, massaging them until they relaxed. “I share your
concern and I hope they will take the bait tomorrow.”

 

“I do not want to live like this any more, melethron3.” Erestor shivered and looked
deeply into his lover’s eyes. “I want to be happy – here in Imladris, with you.”

 

Elrond leaned in closer and pressed a chaste kiss onto Erestor’s lips. Oh, how he wished
they could dismiss the danger and their worries, but the situation called for caution.
“We can make love later.”

 

“What if we fail tomorrow? What if…?”

 

“Erestor… Dûrel… I made a vow to keep you safe and so did every Elf of my household.
There will be hundreds of guards tomorrow and I will constantly be close. Even if
Elrohir’s plan fails, they won’t get to you. The guards will protect you.”

 

“But what if…?” Erestor was afraid to finish that sentence.

 

“They won’t murder me, meleth. Have some faith in me.”

 

“You were the King’s Herald once,” said Erestor, musing aloud. A smile appeared on his
face and he ran his long fingers through Elrond’s dark mane. “Will you be the King’s
Herald once more?”

 

Those words touched something deep inside Elrond and an expression of wonder, mixed in
with respect, appeared in his eyes. “I will always serve you. In whatever capacity you
see fit, sire.”

 

A lump of emotion formed in Erestor’s throat, hearing that last word. If even Elrond
wanted him to be their King, how could he deny him? “I do not desire to be King, but if
our people need one, I will answer their call.”

 

Elrond bowed, respectfully, and when he looked at his lover again, it was Dûrel – their
King -- he saw, and no longer Erestor.

 

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

 

“What if I am overestimating myself?” Elrohir felt troubled and stared out of the window,
almost willing the five assassins to reveal themselves to him.

 

Legolas walked up to the younger twin and wrapped his arms around him from behind. They
had spent most of the day discussing Elrohir’s plans with their elders and now they could
do nothing but wait and see what tomorrow would bring. “We vowed to protect him, Elrohir.
United, we will take them out. You must believe we will succeed.”

 

Elrohir rested his tense body against Legolas’ and relished the embrace. “I am glad you
are here.” He had invited Legolas into his rooms hoping that he would find comfort in the
other Elf’s presence. “I would speak words of love to you, if our situation weren’t so
grave.” Around this time tomorrow, Erestor could be dead and they would be without a King
again. “Regardless of what happens tomorrow, Legolas, Erestor must survive.”

 

“I won’t leave his side,” vowed Legolas. “Anyone who wants to get to him will have to
kill me first.”

 

“I don’t want you to die, Legolas.” Elrohir turned in the embrace until Legolas and he
were face to face. “Not now… not knowing you love me back.”

 

Legolas brushed stray strands away from Elrohir’s face. “There will be no peace or rest
for us until this threat has been dealt with and I would prefer to walk the gardens
instead of being locked up in here.”

 

Elrohir smiled. “You will probably build a home in our trees for us to live in.”

 

“Maybe,” said Legolas, chuckling. “Would you like living high up in the trees with me?”

 

“As long as you are there with me? Aye, I would.” Elrohir leaned in closer, touched his
lips to Legolas’, and kissed his lover for the very first time – it was a kiss he would
never forget.

 

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

 

Thranduil unexpectedly found himself in Lindir’s chambers. The minstrel’s rooms were
exactly as he had envisioned them to be – warm and inviting. They had met in the Hall of
Fire and Thranduil had expected them to be there alone, like they had been the last few
days, but more Elves had gathered there to discuss the fact that they had a King once
more. They had retreated to Lindir’s rooms and Thranduil was now making himself
comfortable on the window sill. He was restless tonight and yearned to feel a sense of
freedom. He truly was a Woodland Elf and didn’t like dwelling inside. His heart was
calling him outside and he smiled, seeing Legolas and Elrohir head toward the Bruinen.

 

“What are you thinking?” asked Lindir, seating himself on the floor after offering
Thranduil some of his favorite tea. He had briefly considered pouring wine, but realized
Thranduil would want to keep a clear head because of the ceremony tomorrow.

 

“I was thinking that my son really takes after me. He fell for a Noldorin Elf as well.”
Thranduil drank in the minstrel’s exotic sight and wondered, “You *are* Noldo, aren’t
you?” Lindir didn’t sport the dark hair the Noldorin Elves usually possessed.

 

“Aye, I am.” Lindir curled a strand of white hair around his finger. “My parents are
dark-haired… I don’t know why I was graced with white hair.”

 

“It makes you stand out and it brings out your blue eyes even more,” said Thranduil,
paying Lindir a compliment before sipping his tea. “I feel a bit odd tonight,” he
admitted. “So much depends on how things go tomorrow.”

 

Lindir placed his cup aside, reached for Thranduil, and pulled the Mirkwood Elf onto the
floor with him. Thranduil went willingly and pressed close to him, making Lindir smile.
“Have you considered my suggestion?” Earlier that day, he had shared his idea with the
minstrel of spending part of the year in Mirkwood and the other part in Imladris.

 

“I did.” Lindir molded himself to Thranduil’s form until there was no more space between
them. He pressed as close as possible, causing Thranduil to react by enfolding him in an
embrace. “I have to talk to Elrond first. I am in his services.”

 

Thranduil considered this. “Elrond would not deny you, would he?” Certainly not if he
asked the half-Elf to release Lindir from his services himself.

 

“I do not believe he would.” Lindir closed his eyes and savored feeling a warm body
wrapped around him. “How dangerous is Mirkwood?”

 

“You will grow used to being careful when venturing into the woods. If you stay close to
the telain you should be safe.”

 

“Telain?” His eyes opened. “I thought you lived in caves!”

 

“The caves provide shelter in time of need. The spiders sometimes attack in groups and
then we find shelter in the caves, but mostly, we live high up in the trees.” Thranduil
nuzzled his lover’s neck, enjoying the way Lindir smelled of berries and honey. He
suspected the fragrances stemmed from the oils Lindir rubbed into his skin. “You would
light up my life – my existence there.”

 

“And your people would accept me?”

 

“My people would be thrilled to see my attention directed elsewhere. I can get a bit
controlling… especially where my people are concerned. I *am* responsible for their
safety and I have been told that I can push them too far.”

 

“Told by who?” Who would dare contradict the Mirkwood King?

 

“My son, my advisors.” Thranduil smiled and buried his face in Lindir’s soft hair. “Do
you wish to know my son’s opinion of me?” Lindir nodded and the movement caused his white
hair to caress Thranduil’s face. “I am all bark and no bite!”

 

Lindir chuckled. “I am beginning to think he is right!”

 

If he survived tomorrow, he would properly propose to Lindir and if the minstrel would
have him, take him to Mirkwood.

 

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

 

The next morning, Elrond awoke alone in bed. They had fallen asleep snuggled up close, so
where had his lover gone? Sitting upright, his eyes scanned the room and he found his
lover seated on the floor, in front of the chest which they had rescued from the fire. A
thoughtful expression lay on Dûrel’s face and Elrond could tell some sort of inner
struggle was happening.

 

“What is amiss?” He pushed the sheet out of his way, left the bed, and crawled toward his
lover. They had gone to bed naked, and seeing his lover’s nude body he realized how
quickly those wounds had healed. Vilya sparkled at Dûrel’s finger, like it had always
been there.

 

“There is a parcel at the bottom of the chest. Until now, I lacked the courage to open
it.”

 

“Why is that?” Elrond watched his lover open the lid and remove letters, children’s
clothing and books. In the end, Dûrel uncovered a parcel and placed it on the floor in
between them. The parcel was rather large and could contain several things – clothes
being among them, considering its shape.

 

“Erestor said that it held my future – a possible future. Whilst he was still alive he
told me not to touch it.” His fingers ghosted over the wrapping material. “I believe he
would want me to open it now – now that my future has been revealed. But I cannot do it
alone. I need you at my side.”

 

“I am here. I will always be.” Elrond sat cross-legged and gave his lover all the time he
needed to gather his courage. “I agree, you should open it.”

 

Feeling nervous and strangely excited, he opened the parcel. The first thing he found was
a letter – still sealed. “Should I open it?”

 

Elrond had already recognized the seal. “It is Ereinion’s.”

 

“What could my father possibly have to say to me?”

 

“Open it and you will find out.” Elrond was holding his breath due to the tension.

 

After breaking the seal, he unfolded the paper. His eyes widened, reading a message which
now reached him from beyond the grave, and then his eyes began to water. In an emotional
tone he began to read aloud.

 

My son,

 

My dearest son… My Dûrel – my dark star – my hope. I write this letter in case I do not
survive the upcoming battle as I want to explain several things to you.

 

We live in times of war and the enemy is closer than he has ever been before. I am
sending Erestor and you away from the battlefield first thing in the morning. Erestor
wants to stay and fight at my side, but his duty to you must come first.

 

By now, you hopefully know who you really are. You are my son, and Erestor’s. We love
each other dearly and your birth was a blessing I thought we would never receive. It is a
crown upon our love.

 

And a crown you will bear, in time. If I do not survive the battle you will become the
next High-King of the Elves and Erestor will act as your guardian until you have reached
your majority. No one, except for Erestor and myself, know about your existence and we
will keep it that way until after the war has been ended. There are more enemies than
Sauron to worry about, my dearest child.

 

Apart from this letter you will find two more items in this parcel. The first thing is
the cloak I wore when I was called to be the High-King. I hope that the day will come
that you will wear it at your coronation. The second item is a circlet – your crown – as
you will. I had it devised at your birth in the hope that it would one day crown your
head. It has nine stars, to show that you are my heir and they are set inside black gold,
as homage to Erestor who gave birth to you. The Dwarves made it – true masters at their
craft.

 

I do not know if we will ever speak face to face… If I will ever hold you in my arms and
call you my son. I doubt that day will ever come. Erestor has shared his visions of the
future with me and he has seen my death. In that case, this letter is the only chance I
will ever have to tell you that I love you, Dûrel. May your life be blessed and may you
find love like I did.

 

Your proud father,

 

Ereinion

 

Elrond reached out and pulled his lover close. He could feel him shake in his arms. “They
loved you.”

 

“I wish they had told me the truth! I saw my father that day and I did not know who he
was. Why didn’t they tell me?”

 

“I knew Ereinion well, meleth. I think it was his way to protect you. The less people
knew – including you – the less danger you were in.” Elrond watched with interest how his
lover removed more of the wrapping paper to reveal a cloak, made of precious dark-blue
velvet and embroiled with silver stars. “Aye, I recognize that garment. Ereinion wore it
many times.”

 

“This belonged to my father?” Lovingly, his fingers caressed the valuable cloak. “It was
my father’s…”

 

Elrond gave Dûrel a reassuring smile. “And today, *you* will wear it.”

 

Dûrel needed a moment to compose himself, but then he uncovered the last item hidden in
the parcel. Set safely within an oak box, was the circlet Ereinion had mentioned. Awed,
he stared at the coronet. “I have never seen anything like it before.” The stars
consisted of white diamonds, which were set in black gold.

 

“I have never seen black gold before,” admitted Elrond, tentatively touching the circlet.
“It suits you,” he said after a moment’s thought. The stars would shine from between the
dark strands of hair and the black gold would vanish under the dark mane, giving the
impression that the stars clung to the locks. “You should wear it today.”

 

“This is it, isn’t it?” He lifted teary eyes and smiled, ruefully. “I must accept who I
am… and what I represent in the eyes of our people.”

 

“Aye, you are our King…” Realizing his lover needed a touch – some reassurance in general
– Elrond’s fingertip traced Dûrel’s bottom lip. “I am your lover and your Herald. And you
are my King.”

 

Dûrel nodded once. It was time to face his destiny.

 

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

 

“Elrond! Celeborn and Galadriel have arrived and…” Glorfindel’s voice faded, as the
Captain caught sight of Dûrel, dressed in Ereinion’s cloak and wearing the circlet his
father had given him. “Sire!” Glorfindel fought the urge to fall onto one knee, knowing
it would only cause their new King to feel uncomfortable. His eyes filled with passion
and eagerness. He bowed, unable to contain these raging feelings inside him any longer.
He doubted anyone else would understand the emotions that moved him now seeing Dûrel in
this way.

 

Elrond chuckled, understanding Glorfindel’s reaction only too well, for he had reacted
the same way. “Bring them here, meldir4.”

 

“Aye!” Glorfindel saluted and then turned to do Elrond’s bidding.

 

“You made quite the impression on him.” Elrond felt proud, looking at his lover’s elegant
form. He had dressed Dûrel in the finest blue robes he could find and had braided the
hair in such a fashion that it highlighted the stars between the strands. Dûrel was truly
impressive and reminded him more of Ereinion than ever before.

 

“I hope not everyone reacts the same way Glorfindel did.” Gathering his robes and cloak
close, Dûrel headed for the window and looked outside. He had a splendid view of the
gardens and could see that the preparations for the ceremony were already underway.

 

“He merely showed you his respect by bowing to you.” Elrond walked up to his lover and
turned him around until they were face to face. “I love you… No matter what happens
during the ceremony, know that I love you.” 

 

“And I love you.” Dûrel wanted to lean in closer for a kiss, but soft footfalls and the
rustling of robes announced the royal couple’s arrival.

 

Elrond turned first and greeted his parents-in-law. “Galadriel, Celeborn, I welcome you
to Imladris once more. You must have ridden the wind to cover the distance that swiftly.”
Placing a hand at the small of Dûrel’s back, he guided his lover toward the couple. “May
I present Dûrel to you, son of Ereinion and Erestor.”

 

Dûrel swallowed hard, looking into Galadriel’s eyes. The blue resembled an icy sea and
yet there was also wisdom in the eyes, wisdom mingled with respect. “My Lady…”

 

“I have seen you in my mirror,” whispered Galadriel, whilst curling her fingers firmer
around her husband’s. “I knew of your existence, but your location always remained hidden
from me. I didn’t know where to find you.”

 

Celeborn respectfully inclined his head and added, “My wife looked into her mirror many
times, and she would have searched for you, had she known where to start.”

 

Dûrel’s mouth had gone dry whilst looking into Galadriel’s eyes, but when he encountered
Celeborn’s warm hazel ones, he felt more confident. Celeborn was fire to Galadriel’s ice
and he figured they were well matched, keeping the other one balanced. “The trees
protected me, my Lord. They would never have allowed for my location to be revealed.”

 

“And if it had not been for my sons getting lost in that forest we would never have found
out,” whispered Elrond, now seeking out Galadriel’s eyes himself. /You know?/

 

Galadriel directed her answer to Elrond and made certain the other two Elves didn’t hear
their conversation. /That you have taken him as your lover? Aye, I do. It is your fate
and his./

 

/And you accept this?/ Elrond had been worried about her reaction. After all, Dûrel was
replacing Celebrían as his mate.

 

/I cannot and will not fight fate,/ replied Galadriel.

 

Celeborn, realizing some silent communication was taking place between his wife and his
son-in-law, gave Galadriel an inquiring look. Aye, he also knew that the two Elves had
become lovers and like his wife, he accepted that. Judging the time had come to change
their topic, he asked, “What is this threat Glorfindel mentioned?”

 

“Come, sit with me and I will tell you,” said Elrond, guiding the party to the
comfortable chairs near the fireplace. He exchanged a look with his lover and could tell
Dûrel was greatly relieved now that the couple had accepted him as well.

 

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

 

“Are we ready for them?” Elrohir gave the platform and its surroundings a probing look.
“They cannot hide anywhere?”

 

“Their only way to get to our King will be to use the crowd as a shield and then reveal
themselves in front of the platform.” Glorfindel nodded once. “I am confident that we can
do this.”

 

“Glorfindel, if we fail…” Elrohir was stopped from speaking his worst fears when Legolas
placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed.

 

“Oropher’s assassins might be fierce opponents, but we are not without skill either,
Elrohir.” Legolas squeezed gently, massaging the tense muscles in Elrohir’s shoulder. “We
can do this,” he said, repeating Glorfindel’s words. “Dûrel will be safe.”

 

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

 

He didn’t feel quite himself when he turned to face Elrond. The last hour had been spent
in preparing him for the ceremony and now that he was properly dressed and instructed it
was time to head outside. Dûrel however, had one more request to make. “Give me a sword.”

 

Elrond and Thranduil exchanged a look. “Why?” questioned Elrond. “You will be quite
safe.”

 

“I refuse to underestimate them,” replied Dûrel in a firm tone. “Get me a sword, Elrond.”

 

For one moment the half-Elf’s eyes widened – he knew that tone! “Aye, sire.” Ereinion had
used it when he was determined to have things done his way!

 

“I would be honored if you would accept mine,” said Thranduil, his words stopping Elrond
from leaving the room. Thranduil removed the sword from its sheath and offered it to
Dûrel. “It always served me well and on this day you should not be without a sword, I
agree whole-heartedly.” Should Oropher’s assassins find a way to get to their new King,
Dûrel should be able to defend himself.

 

“Hannon le5, Thranduil.”  Dûrel accepted the sword and allowed Thranduil to gird the
sheath around his waist. “I will be ready for them.” Sheathing the sword again, he
straightened his shoulders and looked into Elrond’s eyes. “It is time. Let us do this
–now-.”

 

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

 

The assembled crowd grew silent, finally catching sight of their new King, who was being
led to the platform by Elrond. The Elves, who had known Ereinion and had fought at his
side, recognized many features in Dûrel and it wasn’t long before they were bowing to
show their respect to their new High-King.

 

Making his way over to the platform was one of the hardest things Dûrel had ever done,
and for one moment he wished he was back in the dark forest, still living his secluded
life. But as he was about to reach the platform, where Celeborn and Galadriel were
waiting for him, he realized how lucky he truly was. He had found a family here and
friends – a home. His life was now filled with people who loved him.

 

“Dûrel?” Elrond tensed when his lover abruptly stopped walking. One look at the dark eyes
told him that his beloved was lost in thought. “You must continue.”

 

Urged on by Elrond’s words, Dûrel took the next step and climbed the platform. From atop
of the stage, he had a perfect view of the crowd and his eyes searched for five fair-
haired assassins. Would they take the bait and come forward?

 

Elrond, flanked by Glorfindel, Thranduil, Celeborn and Galadriel appeared in front of
their King and bowed deeply. The twins and Legolas stood behind Dûrel to cover their
friend’s back.

 

“Sire, Elvendom rejoices now that one of the royal bloodline has been returned to us,”
said Celeborn, starting the official part of the ceremony.

 

Galadriel cocked her head and continued, “The Golden Wood pledges its allegiance to you,
sire.”

 

Thranduil smiled, broadly, pleased that Oropher’s malicious plans had failed. “The
Woodland Realm also acknowledges your claim, Dûrel iôn6 ned 7 Ereinion. You have our
support and loyalty, sire.”

 

Dûrel’s nervousness was still present, but he realized he couldn’t show his agitation.
Absentmindedly listening to the pledges, his eyes continued to search the crowd. Did he
just see a dash of gold beneath a hood? Was it one of the assassins? Or did the Elf
belong to Thranduil’s escort?

 

“I served Ereinion and was dedicated to him. I was his Herald and I will be yours as
well, sire. Imladris offers you her allegiance, Dûrel, High-King of the Firstborn.”

 

“My King, I offer you my sword and my allegiance,” said Glorfindel, enthusiastically.

 

There was only one more thing that had to be done – two little words which had to be
said. Dûrel looked into Elrond’s eyes, finding strength there, and replied in a firm
tone. “I accept.”

 

“Nay! Never!”

 

The voices, coming from the front row of the crowd, alerted all Elves present.

 

Oropher’s assassins threw off their cloaks, under which they had been hiding, and drew
their swords. “You are dead!” their leader screamed, whilst carrying out his attack.

 

But the assassins weren’t prepared for the counter action which now followed. From
beneath the folds of their formal robes, the rulers drew their long, scimitar-like
swords. Elrond, Glorfindel, Celeborn, Thranduil and even Galadriel had attended the
ceremony armed and now bared their teeth to face the attackers.

 

The twins shivered, realizing that even their grandmother was getting entangled in the
fighting. Five assassins met upon five formidable warriors and metal sang a terrible song
as blades collided. “We should help her!”

 

Haldir, who had accompanied his rulers to Imladris, held Elrohir back. “Nay, let her
fight. This is their battle, not yours, not yet.”

 

“How can you say that? She…” Elrohir was about to say that Galadriel wasn’t trained as a
warrior and would be injured when he heard a song erupt from his grandmother’s lips.
Entranced, he could only watch as she battered her opponent into submission. Aided by
Nenya, her physical power increased and her long hair danced against her back, delivering
one crushing blow after another.

 

Thranduil growled, finding he was battling Saerif, the leader of Oropher’s spies. This
Elf had been his father’s favorite and confidant. “So we meet again!” His anger, hatred
and frustration guided his sword and, releasing all the pain which he had kept inside for
so long, he cornered the assassin. “You murdered my mother… I will make you pay for
that!”

 

With two assassins already dealt with, Dûrel searched for his lover’s form in the chaotic
battle. Elrond was fighting back to back with Glorfindel, and they were doing well, but
it showed that the half-Elf wasn’t used to fighting any more. He lacked endurance and his
blows weakened in intensity.

 

Celeborn’s blows however, were devastating. A well-aimed blow hit one of the assassins
against his temple and the Elf crumbled, screaming his pain. The ruler of the Golden Wood
spun about and found that his wife had dealt with her opponent as well. Transfixed and
unable to move, the assassin stood frozen – his wife’s hypnotic eyes rendering him
helpless.

 

Glorfindel dealt with his opponent decisively and even chased the assassin when he tried
to run away in panic. But, by leaving Elrond’s side he left the half-Elf’s back wide
open.

 

Dûrel saw the danger before anyone else did and drew his sword. He jumped from the stage,
raised his sword, and buried its tip in the assassin’s shoulder before their enemy could
pierce Elrond’s heart. “Never again!” Oropher’s minions would never hurt anyone again!

 

Elrond spun around, realized the danger he had been in, and stared at his lover in
wonder. “You saved my life – again.” Hadn’t it been his mission to save Dûrel’s? And now
his lover had saved him from certain death! Again!

 

“Round them up! Tie them down! Never let them out of your sight!” Elladan took charge and
instructed the stunned guards, which now moved in on the assassins. His heart had
momentarily stopped, seeing the danger his father had been in. His eyes found Dûrel and
he silently thanked his friend for keeping Elrond safe.

 

Thranduil had placed his sword against Saerif’s throat and glared at the assassin. “Am I
still weak? Do I still lack that killer instinct?” His hands itched to push the sword
further down and end this Elf’s life. He would have finally avenged his mother’s death,
if he did!

 

“Ada, don’t. You are not like him – you are no Kinslayer.” Having seen the wrath in his
father’s eyes had made Legolas act. “He is not worth it.”

 

“Aye,” agreed Thranduil, now that he was calming down again. “I know the perfect means to
end your life, assassin. Mirkwood’s spiders are always hungry.” He simply couldn’t afford
to let them live! Their minds were too twisted, too cruel.

 

A large number of guards moved closer, tied the assassins down, and escorted them to the
room where they would be kept prisoner until the day that Thranduil left for Mirkwood.

 

“Your plan worked,” said Elladan, complimenting his brother.

 

“Thankfully,” whispered Elrohir. He looked at Galadriel and knew he would never view his
grandmother as fragile and vulnerable again. She had been terrible in her calculated
wrath!

 

Celeborn sheathed his sword, and after Galadriel had done the same, he gathered her hand
in his and pressed a kiss onto its back. “Lady of my heart, your skill with a blade is
still deadly.”

 

Galadriel, pleased at being praised, smiled. “Your sword arm is still strong, herven-
nîn8. May it always stay that way.”  She brought his hand close to her lips and kissed
the fingertips.

 

Elrond tactfully cleared his throat. He had always known his parents-in-law adored each
other, but the situation was becoming more and more intimate, watching them. Turning away
from them, he faced the crowd. He wouldn’t let Oropher’s minions spoil this day. “We have
a new King! Long live the King! Long live Dûrel iôn ned Ereinion!”

 

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause and Dûrel smiled, as he gathered Elrond close in
an embrace. “You got your way, didn’t you, meleth?”

 

“Aye, I did,” said Elrond, smiling at his beloved and his King. To his right, he saw
Elrohir and Legolas holding hands and Thranduil had found his way over to Lindir.

 

“I love you, Elrond Peredhel,” said Dûrel, smiling cheekily, and in front of everyone, he
kissed his Herald. He was no longer running – he had found his place in life and he
belonged – with Elrond and their people.

 

The end

Back to index page

 

 

1  meleth –- love (Sindarin, noun) 

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

3 melethron –- (male) lover (Sindarin, noun)

4 meldir (sing.) –-“male” friend (Sindarin, noun) mell + dir

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

6 iôn -– son (Sindarin, noun)

7 ned --  of (Sindarin, preposition)

8 herven-nîn -– my husband (Sindarin, compound noun, possessive adjective)
hîr + benn  literal: husband mine

 

From the Council of Elrond Quenyan and Sindarin dictionary

 

Dûrel iôn ned Ereinion -– Dark Star, son of Ereinion