Title: The Lord’s Minstrel 6/?? 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/ Summary: This is a story about how Lindir came to Imladris and the events that made him the Lord’s Minstrel. Feedback: Yes, please 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/ Two weeks later Elrond stood watching Lindir and Orophin. The warden was leaving for his next patrol rotation. They stood with their brows touching. “I do not know when I will see you again, Orophin.” “Well, perhaps Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel will allow me to be part of their escort when they come to Imladris for the wedding. Then we will have much time to spend with each other and you can show me your home.” Orophin smiled and kissed Lindir’s forehead. “That would be wonderful. You will love Imladris and I cannot wait to show you around,” Lindir hesitated when other wardens began to gather. “You had better go. Please be safe. I will miss you.” The last said with tears in his eyes. “I will miss you, my bird. I will see you in a year. Do not worry; the time will go swiftly.” Orophin kissed Lindir deeply, stroked his cheek and then turned to leave with his patrol. Lindir watched until he was no longer in sight. Celebrian stepped next to Elrond. “You love him, do you not?” Elrond startled, “I have known him since he was an elfling. He is like a son to me and I care greatly for him.” Celebrian watched Elrond as Lindir walked into the woods. “He is very special. I have come to care for him, as well. I am glad to have made a friend to have in Imladris. I know you will be busy and not always able to be with me, at least I will not feel alone.” “My love, I hoped you will aide me in the running of our home. There is still much to be done. It seems it grows more everyday and I know everyone will love you. I plan to keep you very busy.” Elrond grinned and kissed Celebrian. Celebrian laughed. “Is that why you are marrying me? You need more help in your home,” she said teasing. Elrond wrapped his arms around her, “I love you, Celebrian. I am honored that you would even consider marrying me. We are going to be so happy together. I just know you will love Imladris and…you do not have to do anything you do not wish. But, I will welcome all your help and ideas for our home.” “I know I will love Imladris because you love it. I will be honored to help you in anyway. I do love you, Elrond. I not only love you because you love me, but because of your capacity to love so much and so many. We will have a wonderful life together.” Imladris As they reached the Hidden Valley, Celebrian marveled at the beauty of her new home. Elrond and Lindir had told her much about Imladris but nothing could have prepared her for the welcome she received. The guards had alerted Erestor of their imminent arrival and all were out along the path to the house, waving and greeting the future lady of the land. After they dismounted, Erestor was the first to welcome them home. “Lady Celebrian, welcome to Imladris. It is truly an honor to meet you. If there is anything you need, you must let me know,” he bowed and kissed the back of her hand. Celebrian laughed and pulled Erestor into a gentle hug. “They told me I would like you and they were right. It is an honor to meet you as well, Erestor. I would insist that you call me Celebrian, though. If you would, please.” Erestor looked to Elrond would nodded. “As you wish, my lady. Celebrian.” He corrected. Elrond escorted Celebrian into the house and Erestor turned to Lindir. “Pen neth, I have missed you. It is just not the same without you here. How are you? How did you like the Golden Woods? Did anything happen I should know about?” Lindir hugged the advisor. “I missed you, Erestor. Lothlorien is quite spectacular and yes, something exciting did happen. Are you free to talk with me?” “Of course, I will walk you to your rooms.” Erestor sat stunned as Lindir told him about Orophin. Lindir had bathed and they sat on the balcony, sharing wine. “Lindir, that is wonderful. Do you love him?” Erestor had always suspected Lindir still had deep feelings for Elrond and was taken back by the events in Lothlorien. Lindir was quiet for a moment looking into his goblet. “I am not sure. I care greatly for him and know we will forever be part of each other’s lives. I do miss him but to be very honest, what I feel for Orophin is not what I would feel for someone I would bind with. I do love him, but I am not sure I am in love with him.” “I understand, Lindir. I would caution you, when you see Orophin again; I think it is important that you make your feelings clear. You would not want to mislead him and cause him pain.” “Oh, I had not thought of that. I would not want to do anything to hurt him. I will talk to him when he comes for the wedding.” Rumil found Orophin on patrol and joined him for their evening meal. “It is good to see you, brother.” Rumil sat next to him. “Good evening, Rumil. To what do I owe this honor?” “Well, before you left for patrol, your time was spent with a certain fair haired minstrel from Imladris and I was not able to see much of you. How are you since he left?” “I am well, Rumil,” he narrowed his eyes. “You can tell Haldir, thanks for his concern.” Rumil snorted. “You know us too well. We are both concerned for you. You seemed to have lost your heart to Lindir. Is that what happened?” “If Lindir’s heart were available then yes, I could easily give him mine. Lindir’s heart is lost to another, though,” Rumil could not hide his shock at Orophin’s statement. “Rumil, Lindir and I are not soul mates. We are not destined to live together for all eternity as bonded mates. I care greatly for him and will always be his friend and…more if he wants that. My heart is in no danger of breaking, though I fear Lindir’s may be.” Rumil was speechless for a moment. “Orophin, did Lindir tell you he was in love with someone else?’ “No, but I could tell. His love is not returned by the other and if Lindir is hurt, I will be there to help him.” “Who is he in love with?” “My brother, I am sorry, that is a secret I will not reveal.” Orophin could tell Rumil was worried, “Rumil, you and Haldir need not worry about me. I hold no illusions about my future with Lindir, but I do intend to be by his side whenever we are together, if he wants that.” “What do you want, Orophin?” He thought for a moment, staring at the night sky. “I want a love like our parents had and like Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel have. It will happen for me and until that time I enjoy being with Lindir very much.” Orophin drank from the goblet Rumil handed him. Rumil nodded and smiled. “I wish that for you, my brother. I wish that for all of us. May the Valar bless the heart of the poor soul who captures Haldir’s heart, though.” They both laughed and enjoyed each other’s company well into the night.