Title: The Lord’s Minstrel 1/?? Author: Tena faramirhaldir@yahoo.com Type: FPS Rating: G this chapter, NC-17 eventually Pairing: Elrond/Lindir Disclaimer: These characters are from the brilliant mind of J.R.R. Tolkien. I make no claim to them or make no money from this story. Warnings: none for this chapter. Consensual sex between males in later chapters. Archived: http://faramirhaldir.livejournal.com/ and OEAM Summary: This is a story about how Lindir came to Imladris and the events that made him the Lord’s Minstrel. Author’s note: I wrote a drabble in which Lindir finally expresses his love for Elrond. This is an expansion on their story. It involves events before during and after the drabble. If you wish to read the drabble, it is at my LJ. http://faramirhaldir.livejournal.com/2006/03/31/ Imladris, S.A. 1797 Elrond stood on the steps of the Homely House as he waited for his dear old friends to appear. Guards had alerted him to their impending arrival, so he had made sure their chambers were ready and now he stood waiting to greet them. Elrond was joined by his chief councilor, Erestor, who was also eager to see their friends. Torlon and Aerin had received a letter from Elrond a year ago, telling them about Imladris and inviting them to join him there. Elrond had requested many books from the librarian and suggested that if they decided to stay in Imladris he would be made chief librarian. After speaking with Aerin, Torlon decided they would indeed love to see Elrond and Erestor and if Imladris were a wonderful as it sounded, it would be the perfect place to raise the son, Lindir. Elrond had been thrilled to receive his friend’s letter affirming their desire to see him and Imladris. He chuckled when he read that Aerin was excited to see Erestor. Aerin had relentlessly pursued Erestor when they were younger and was crushed to discover Erestor preferred ellyn. Elrond remembered Aerin asking him to help her persuade Erestor that he only thought the preferred ellyn but really liked ellith. She eventually gave up, much to Erestor’s relief, when she laid eyes on Torlon. They both had similar features, golden hair, perfect heart-shaped, full lips and both had the bluest eyes. Torlon’s eyes even looked violet in certain light. Elrond was so happy they had finally been blessed with a child and could not wait to meet Lindir. As their party entered the courtyard, Elrond’s smile grew as soon as he saw Torlon. He greeted his longtime friends with smiles and hugs. “Welcome to Imladris. I hope you will feel at home here. You both look so wonderful,” he held their hands still not believing they were actually here. “Now, where is your ion? Where is Lindir?” Torlon smiled and motioned with his head behind his wife, “Lord Elrond, I do not know where he could have gone. He was here just a moment ago. Aerin, have you seen Lindir? Where has our son wondered off too?” Aerin grinned, “My love, I do not know. Perhaps we should send out a search party.” The skirt of Aerin’s dressed shifted and a small giggle was heard. All the adults were grinning and trying not to laugh. Erestor stepped forward. “Well, I hope we find him soon. The cook has made a chocolate cake and I would not want him to miss that.” A small gasp was heard from behind Aerin. “She is the best at baking sweets. I guess if we do not find him, we could share his portion.” “Here I am!” Lindir jumped out from behind his mother, smiling and laughing. “There you are, my son. Were you hiding from us again?” Torlon scooped Lindir up and hugged him. “Lindir, these are my dear friends. This is Lord Elrond. And this is Lord Erestor. Your nana and I have known them since we were very young and living in Lindon.” “Mae govannen, Lord Elrond. Mae govannen, Lord Erestor.” Lindir smiled and bowed his head as his parents had instructed him to do. Elrond and Erestor both inclined their heads. “Welcome to Imladris, Master Lindir. I hope you will like living here.” “I like the waterfall. I cannot swim, yet. Do you know how to swim? Can we go to the waterfall, ada?” He looked at Erestor, “I love chocolate cake, but I get a tummy ache if I eat too much.” “Slow down, Lindir. We have only just arrived. I believe we have plenty of time to see all of Imladris, including the waterfall.” Aerin rubbed his head. “Lindir, if your parents will allow it, I will walk you to a waterfall that is very near. Then I can take you to your room so you can rest.” Erestor reached to take Lindir from his father. Lindir easily went to Erestor. “But, I am not tired. I do not need to rest.” “Lindir, if you do not rest then I will not allow you to go with Erestor.” Aerin narrowed her eyes at her son. Erestor looked sympathetically at Lindir. “Pen neth, if you do not rest you may fall asleep at dinner. Never fall asleep at dinner, especially on chocolate cake day because Lord Elrond will steal your piece if you do not watch him.” Lindir’s eyes grew huge and Erestor nodded. They all laughed and watched Erestor walk with Lindir towards the nearest waterfall. Torlon laughed as they walked into the house. “Erestor is never going to let you forget the time you swiped his cake, is he?” “I am afraid not, meldir.” Elrond guided them to their rooms. Erestor carried a sleeping elflings back from the waterfall and delivered him to his parents. He found Elrond in his study, “Lord Elrond, Lindir is safely back with his parents. He is the most inquisitive 15 year old I have ever met.” “Aerin wondered if you would regret offering to take him to the falls.” “Actually, I found it refreshing,” he sat across from Elrond. “Do you think they would mind if I tutored Lindir? He said he does not get lessons from anyone on a regular basis. I would be more than happy to tutor him.” “I think that is a wonderful idea. I am sure Torlon would be pleased, as well. We will ask them at dinner.” They rose to ready for the evening meal. As the dessert was placed in front of him, Lindir immediately looked at Elrond who smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. Lindir giggled, “You can not have my cake, Lord Elrond. I am awake.” Elrond laughed loudly. “Well, maybe next time you will be tired.” Lindir and his family settled in to life in Imladris quickly. Torlon set about organizing the library as he had the one in Lindon. Aerin helped tend the gardens and looked after her son when he was not in lessons with Erestor. Elrond noted that Lindir was very interested in the music played by minstrels each evening. For Lindir’s 25 begetting day gift, Elrond had a silver flute made for him. Lindir had a natural ability to play and studied hard with Erestor and the minstrels. The minstrels were always commenting on how naturally Lindir played. Lindir would often play for his parents and the others of days off or after dinner. Elrond loved to hear him play and Erestor would occasionally sing with Lindir. After conferring with Torlon and Aerin and the lead minstrel, Elrond had a silver harp commissioned for Lindir’s 40th begetting day. The lead minstrel began teaching Lindir the harp so he would be able to play, when it was given to him. Lindir had tears of joy in his eyes when he held the new instrument. “My Lord, this is so beautiful. I will never be able to thank you properly.” “Nonsense, hearing you play and sing will be thanks enough.” Elrond loved seeing the expression of joy on Lindir’s face. Lindir turned to his parents, “Ada, nana, isn’t it beautiful?” “It is, Lindir. Can you play us something?” Aerin held the harp and then handed it back to him. “I will try,” he turned to the head minstrel. “What should I play?” “Play the piece you completed yesterday. You play it beautifully.” Everyone watched with anticipation as Lindir began. Lindir played the harp as if he had played for centuries. He closed his eyes and his hands moved as if they were under a spell. The melody was beautiful and seemed to transport everyone to another place. As the song ended, Lindir opened his eyes to find everyone staring and his mother with tears streaming down her face. “My Lindir, that was incredible. Just beautiful.” Aerin said as she took him in her arms. Everyone congratulated Lindir on a job well done, and the Elrond approached. “Pen neth, no further thanks are needed. You play as if you have never played any other instrument. The harp seems the perfect instrument for you.” “Thank you, Lord Elrond. When I first laid my hands on a harp, it felt as if they were supposed to be there. I feel one with this instrument. That is why your gift moved me so.” “Well, I look forward to hearing more songs from your harp.” Elrond placed a gentle kiss on Lindir’s forehead. Lindir blushed brightly, “I will practice hard to play perfectly for you, my lord.” With Lindir’s studies with Erestor ending, Erestor suggested to Elrond that it might be a good time to train Lindir in weapons. Most Lindir’s age were already trained in weapons but Lindir had shown little interest. When it was suggested to Lindir, he hesitated. “I do not think I would be very good with weapons.” “Pen neth, I will never force you, but I agree that it is a good idea. You should be able to protect yourself and anyone else who may need help.” Elrond encouraged. He felt Lindir’s apprehension, “What if I were to train you? Would you feel more comfortable?” “You, my lord? Would you do that? I would hate for you to take time on a lost cause when it comes to weapons.” Elrond was so surprised with Lindir’s insecurity. “Pen neth, you could never be a lost cause. I do not want to hear you speak of yourself that way. Do you understand?” Lindir nodded. “I will be more than happy to teach you. We will start tomorrow afternoon. When the guards are finished with their training, we will go to the training grounds. If you wish for your parents to be there, I will allow it.” “No, my lord. Nana would just fret that I would be injured. I feel they would be a distraction. If I am going to train in weapons, I want to do well.” “I understand, Lindir. We will start with swords and when you are ready, we will move to long knives. If you do not mind, I will let Erestor train you then, as he is much better than I with long knives.” Lindir smiled and nodded. “Until tomorrow, pen neth.” As Elrond walked away, Lindir watched him. A small smile played on his face and as Elrond disappeared around the corner, Lindir’s smile grew and a blushed spread across his cheeks. _____________________________________