Title: The Lord’s Minstrel 4/?? Author: Tena faramirhaldir@yahoo.com Type: FPS Rating: PG this chapter, NC-17 eventually Pairing: Lindir/Orophin this chapter, Elrond/Lindir eventually 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/ 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/ T.A. 5 Lindir sat in the window seat of the library gently plucking the strings of his harp. He was thinking of all the changes that had taken place in the time since his parents had been killed. It had been well over a millennia and all of Middle Earth had been through great changes. Dark forces had crept upon the land and even threatened their beautiful valley where they had always felt safe. Lindir had watched as his mentors and friends worried about the danger and worked on strategy to aide in the defeat of the Dark One. Lindir desperately attempted to keep his anxiety at bay when Elrond and Erestor left to fight along side Gil- galad and men to finally defeat Sauron. Elrond’s last words to Lindir kept him from losing hope while they were gone. “Do not fear, pen neth. We will return. I will return to you.” Lindir prayed for their success and safe return everyday. The afternoon they returned to the hidden valley, Lindir was the first to greet them. He wished he never had to let Elrond go as he embraced him. He could not keep his tears from flowing, not only were they his dearest friends and surrogate parents, but his feelings for Elrond had only grown over the years. Lindir kept this secret to himself. Elrond mourned for the death of the High King and dear friend. Lindir would help Elrond be happy again, any way he could. Now a new age had begun and with that a new hope for peace in Middle Earth. Imladris had changed much over the millennia. There were many residents, of all races, who now called Imladris home. Many had sought refuge during the time of war and as he knew Lord Elrond would have; Lindir had aided others in making them all feel welcome and safe. Lindir’s greatest joy, during this time, was to play his music and bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Teaching all the elflings and mortal children to play instruments was his favorite pastime. Now as he sat looking out over the courtyard, Lindir felt an uneasiness over him. Not fear but uncertainty had him in such a reflective mood. Elrond had announced at breakfast, that he planned to travel to Lothlorien to meet with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. He had spoken of their daughter, Celebrian and seemed excited to meet her. Elrond had asked Lindir if he would like to accompany him and see Lothlorien for himself. Of course, he would go. It would likely break his heart to see Elrond and Celebrian together, but he loved his lord and would do anything he asked. Lindir and Elrond, along with a few guards, were riding into the Golden Woods. Lindir was in awe of the beauty of the forest and how it seemed to be alive. Elrond had told him that there were many Galadhrim in the trees, although they would not be seen. Several wardens had stopped them at the edge of the forest and now were escorting them to Caras Galadhon. Lindir had to admit that more than a few of the wardens were very fair. He was intrigued with there silver hair and thought it looked like mithril. As they camped that night, Lindir sat quietly eating and listening, when a very tall warden sat next to him. “Mae govannen, my name is, Orophin. What do you think of our forest, so far?” Lindir stared at this beautiful elf next to him. “Mae govannen, Orophin. I am, Lindir.” Elrond watched from across the fire and smiled although, inwardly he was loathed to admit that he felt a twinge of jealously. “I think these woods are wonderful. You must love living here.” Orophin smiled as he listened to Lindir’s melodious voice. “I do. It is an honor and a privilege to live here and serve our lord and lady. When we get to Caras Galadhon, I am to be off patrol. I would love to show you around if you will allow me.” Lindir glanced across the fire to where Elrond sat and watched him talking to the warden who seemed to be the leader. Elrond smiled and laughed as he spoke. Lindir looked back at Orophin and smiled. “I would like that very much. Are you sure it will not be any trouble?” Orophin took Lindir’s hand and gave it a slight squeeze. “None at all. It will be my honor,” Lindir watched as Orophin stood. “I must check on some things before I take my watch. I will see you on the morrow.” He bowed and winked as he turned to leave. “Thank you, good night.” Lindir looked at Elrond who was watching the exchange, and when their eyes met, Elrond smiled outwardly and inwardly cringed. The next morning, Orophin rode next to Lindir and told him about his life as a warden and his brothers. Now Lindir knew the elf Elrond talked to last night was Orophin’s brother, Haldir. Once they reached the city and were escorted to the main meeting area, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel appeared and welcomed them to Lothlorien. Lindir stood next to Elrond and to his left he noticed a very beautiful elleth standing quietly and staring at Elrond. Lindir knew this had to be Celebrian. He wanted to hate her, wanted her to suddenly disappear, vanish, and be gone. Then she looked at Lindir and smiled. Lindir’s heart was lost, as well. Her smile was radiant and warm. She was beautiful and Lindir knew Elrond would love her and she him. Although, Lindir was a little jealous, he did not want Elrond to be unhappy. If he could not love Lindir the way Lindir loved him, then he wanted him to have love, a real and fulfilling love. He was sure Celebrian would share that kind of love to Elrond. The next several weeks were relaxing and enjoyable. Lindir spent time with Orophin whom he was growing very fond of. He also had spent some alone time with Celebrian when Elrond was meeting with Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. He could not help but like her. She was friendly and fun with a quick with and an infectious laugh. They shared a love for music and she loved to listen to Lindir play and sing. Elrond approached them after a meeting, listening to their playful banter and laughter and felt a surge a jealousy, but was not sure whom he was jealous of. He berated his pettiness. He should be happy Lindir and Celebrian were getting along. He knew it would only help matters and having another friend in Imladris would certainly help Celebrian adjust. //Elrond, you are a mess. She is a beautiful elleth, who is intelligent and wise and will be a wonderful addition to Imladris and your life. You will have beautiful elflings and be very happy together. Look at her. You are lucky she would even give your half elven arse a second glance. Who would not want to be loved by her.// Elrond then glanced at Lindir. // He deserves love. Let him be free to find it.// Elrond’s thought raced. He took a deep breath, calmed himself, and walked to the couple who were very important to his life. Lindir walked with Orophin after the evening meal. Orophin reached to take Lindir’s hand and at first, the minstrel tensed, then relaxed, and smiled. The tall silver-headed elf stopped and kissed Lindir’s hand. Lindir smiled and blushed, then shivered. “Orophin, I must be honest with you,” he licked his lips and took a deep breath. “I have never…I mean, uh….I haven’t…” Orophin smiled. “I understand, vanimaer. I am not pushing and nothing will happen you do not wish too. I think you are the most beautiful ellon I have met and find I like your company very much. That is all.” Lindir nodded and then looked deep into Orophin’s eyes. “Will you kiss me, Orophin? Please.” Orophin smiled, as he slowly lowered his mouth to brush Lindir’s lips. Lindir’s heart was beating wildly and he was glad Orophin was holding onto him as he felt his knees buckle. Orophin pressed more firmly to Lindir’s mouth and when Lindir moaned and his lips parted slightly, Orophin dipped his tongue past soft lips. Lindir felt the warm tongue enter his mouth and thought this was the most intoxicating feeling and taste he had ever experienced. After several moments of tongues touching and lips pressing together, they reluctantly parted. Orophin opened his eyes and watched Lindir, who still had his eyes closed but a smile on his lips. “Are you all right, Lindir?” Lindir finally opened his eyes and looked up into Orophin’s eyes. “Oh, yes. That was wonderful. Thank you, Orophin. Thank you so much.” “Lindir, it is I who should thank you. That was a beautiful kiss and I hope we can share that again before you leave. Possibly share even more.” Orophin winked and wrapped his arms around Lindir’s waist and hugged him tightly. “I would like that, Orophin. Definitely another kiss and maybe more.” Lindir blushed and placed his cheek against Orophin’s shoulder.