beta: goodbye_sun
AN: Elured delivers the deathblow.
AN2: Should any Norwegian people be reading this, you're welcome to kill me for the translation i did of Kaizers, I'm not Norwegian, I'm Danish, so yeah..
Nei ikkje alt er sånn som du trur
så vis nå litt respekt
For han er en sand mester.
Han er di mor
Han er di søster
Han er dirigent i djevelens orkester
Her er det ingen vei tilbake
Sånn skal du ha det i dine siste dager
Alle vil inn i himmelen
når det er for seint
No, everything is not as you think.
So, show some respect
Because he is a true master
He is your mother
He is your sister
He is the conductor in the devils orchestra
There is no way back
That is how you will feel in your final days
Everyone want inside heaven
When its too late.
-Kaisers Orchestra
Chapter 10 – Han er dirigent i djevelens orkester.
All life seemed to have left Elrond when they finally returned to Rivendell. He had the whole household worried, and as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Elurin offered his friendship and company to the distraught Lord of Rivendell.
Arwen, who had grown up too fast over the last week, longed to be back with her grandmother. This caused Elrond immense grief, but Elurin felt differently. Sitting at his Lord's bedside, he poured some herbal tea for Elrond. ”My Lord,” he said with a sweet smile, ”Forgive me for burdening you, but have you given any thought to your Daughter's request?”
Elrond opened his weary eyes, ”I have not.”
”Please consider her request My Lord, I do not think she needs to be here these days,” Elurin said. Gently helping Elrond to sit, arranging the pillows behind him before he turned to take the teacup and offer it to Elrond, who took it with a warm smile. ”The Last Homely House feels like a tomb, My Lord, something she does not need to share, for she will soon be a young girl, My Lord...” When Elrond frowned Elurin dropped his gaze, ”Forgive me, I spoke out of place.”
”Not at all, my dear Elurin,” Elrond said, ”You are right, she is soon in a difficult age, and she needs a female, not a grieving father.”
”But My Lord, I did not mean to imply...” Elurin whispered.
”I know you didn't,” Elrond said with a weary smile, ”But there is truth in your words, my friend.” Elrond took a sip of his tea, ”I shall allow her to rejoin her Grandmother in Lorien.”
Elurin looked up at Elrond and smiled friendly, ”May I voice a request of my own, My Lord?”
Elrond looked a little confused, but nodded. Elurin took Elrond's left hand and held the chilly limb between his own warm hands. ”I ask that Young Lord Elladan and my brother, take her there.”
”What an odd request,” Elrond mumbled, ”Why would you request that? For it is my other son who has found love in Lorien, so sending him would only be logical, and merciful.”
”I agree My Lord,” Elurin said, ”But I have witnessed as my brother and Lord Elladan have befriended each other, and I only wished to strengthen their friendship.” Elurin reached forward and gingerly brushed some of Elrond's sweaty, dull hair out of the way, and behind his ear. ”My brother is very shy, and does not make friends easily, sir.”
Elrond seemed to think hard about it for a moment. Then he looked straight at Elurin, ”Answer me truthfully, of what nature is this friendship?”
Elurin blushed, saying more than with a thousand words. ”I... I... I cannot betray my brother thusly, My Lord.”
Elrond arched an eyebrow, ”So this is a romantic friendship?”
Blushing even more, Elurin finally nodded ”I believe so, My Lord.”
”But they are blood related,” Elrond protested.
”Yes My Lord, but only by your Mother, whom is our Sister, they are not directly related, and elven law clearly states that second cousins can wed, so I see nothing wrong in their budding, eh, friendship,” Elurin said softly, holding his breath, not sure if he had pushed Elrond too much just now. It was always a balance act to manipulate someone, and Elrond had proven himself very hard to influence.
”He is my heir,” Elrond stated. ”He should wed and have offspring of his own.”
”Why is he heir, My Lord? He is older save a minute,” Elurin said, refilling Elrond's teacup.
”I suppose that Elladan is an adult,” Elrond sighed, before he smiled sadly. ”I too had a romance with my mentor when I was his age, I admired my tutor greatly, he was a wise and brave elf.”
”I am sure he was, My Lord,” Elurin said, knowing exactly who Elrond spoke of, knowing that his brother had been the one that had dealt the deathblow to this elf on the slopes of Mount Doom. They had snooped in Elrond's things while he had been away, read his personal diaries with much amusement.
Elrond laid his hand on top of Elurin's, ”Your advice is sound, I shall allow Elured and Elladan to escort Arwen to Lorien.”
”Thank you My Lord!” Elurin exclaimed with a happy smile, ”My brother will be thrilled.” Smiling a little shyly he added, ”Please let this be a pleasant surprise to Elladan, I know how he likes surprises.”
~*~
Elured had been mortified as Elurin had told him of his and Elrond's conversation, but he had felt terribly giddy as he had walked to the stables that morn, knowing that Elladan would be there, and would not be expecting him. Walking into the stables he saw Elladan dressed as a ranger, his hair bereft of his otherwise lordly braids, beads and knots, but just kept in a thick braid that lay heavy on his back. ”Good morning, young Lord Elladan,” Elured said politely, hoping he would not startle Elladan.
Elladan had been strapping provisions on Asfaloth, borrowing Glorfindel's magnificent horse, since he needed some exercise. He turned, clearly puzzled, ”Elured,” he said with a smile that was a little too wide, his true feelings showing through. ”What are you doing here at this hour,” his eyes sweeping up and down the other elf, ”Dressed like that?”
”I am riding along with you and Arwen to Lorien.” Stepping closer, Elured said, ”My brother wanted it to be a surprise, that fool, so I decided to entertain him, and play along.” Now so close he could lay a hand on Asfaloth's giant head, he caressed the horse idly while looking at Elladan, ”You are not upset with me, are you?”
”No,” Elladan spurted out, ”No, no, not at all, 'tis most pleasant surprise, My Lord,” He said, again a too wide smile.
”I'm glad,” Elured said, ”Truth is, I looked forward to this outing with you and Arwen.”
”I know what you mean, Rivendell is not the most lively place to be,” Elladan sighed deeply his face distorted with the fresh loss of his mother.
~*~
All the way to Lorien, both Elladan and Elured had been dancing around the issue at hand, making sure they did absolutely not share a bedroll, or sit too close. At least Arwen was there to keep their mind off things. Elured kept repeating his brothers threat over and over in his head, /If you do not act, and bed that elf, I will have to profess your love for him, to him and maybe he has more guts than you/ Aye, he did not want Elladan to know that he was attracted to him, because Elurin had said so.
The mood in Lorien was not much better, but a feast was held in their honour as they arrived. Elured sat at the Lord and Lady's table, thankful to be dressed in soft silk, and had had time for a bath. He looked at Elladan and Arwen who danced to the band who played a merry tune. In a rare moment, he wished he could have had that with his own sister, feeling bereft of a childhood somehow.
”My Lord Elured?” Galadriel asked softly.
Elured looked away from Elladan and instead smiled at Lady Galadriel. ”Yes my lady?” He said, reaching for his glass with clear cider.
”Forgive me for asking this boldly, My Lord, but have you no desire to learn of those hidden years?” Galadriel asked.
”No My Lady,” Elured said, taking a sip, his eyes wandered from the lady to her husband. ”Some things should just remain forgotten, the mind is a wonderful mechanism, recalling what it needs, and forgetting all else.”
”I would offer you a look into the mirror,” Galadriel said.
”I am afraid I will have to decline your generous offer, My Lady,” Elured said, ”I have no desire to learn of history that should be long forgotten.”
”What are you afraid that you might see?” Celeborn suddenly said, catching on to Elured's tone. ”You are the direct descendant of Lútien Tinuviel, and Elu Thingol, what could you possibly have to fear?”
”It is not my pedigree that worries me,” Elured said. ”Scrying pools are treacherous things, you both know this well my friends. It will show you what has been, and what can be, I have no need for a possible future.”
~*~
His answer seemed to have stilled the Lord and Lady of the Woods worry, and he soon after made his leave from their table to bring a full glass of cider for both Elladan and himself. Looking around for his young charge, he found him talking with one of Galadriel's life guards. ”My Lords,” Elured said, bowing courteously, handing the glass to Elladan, ”I am afraid I did not know you had company, for then I would have brought a glass more.”
Orophin looked at Elured as if he had been slapped, ”Are you the fabled Lord of Doriath?” he asked.
Elured laughed, finally someone who didn't have to use a hundred titles to form a sentence. ”No my friend, I am merely his son.” He placed his hand on his heart and bowed to the blond elf, ”My name is Elured of Doriath, who might you be?”
Orophin was still baffled, but eventually returned Elured's gesture, ”Orophin,” he muttered, ”Orophin of Lothlorien.”
”It is a most beautiful place, it does not have its like on Arda,” Elured said, smiling at Elladan and Orophin. And to answer what he knew Orophin would ask he said, ”Menegroth was most enchanting as well, what I remember of it.”
”My Lord Elured?” Elladan suddenly said, cutting Orophin off, ”Will you share this dance with me?” He held his hand out to Elured.
Elured smiled, seeing the fear of rejection written across the younglings face. ”I would be honoured, Elladan.” And then he took Elladan's hand. He was surprised to find the texture rough, and the grip firm. He had not held Elladan's hand since he was an elfling. ”I have not heard this tune since I was a wee one,” Elured grinned, letting Elladan haul him off to the dance floor.
”I have a confession to make My Lord,” Elladan said, blushing.
”Please Elladan, I demand that anyone who is holding my hand, call me by my name, and my name only,” Elured said with a gentle squeeze to Elladan's hand.
Elladan flashed a brilliant, drunk smile. ”Elured,” he said, as tasting the word. ”I have to admit that I made the musicians play this tune but for you.”
”You lie,” Elured burst out, laughing. As Elladan shook his head, Elured suddenly pulled the half-elf close, and wrapped his other arm around Elladan's waist, ”How did you know what tunes was played in my Fathers court?”
”I listened in my history lessons,” Elladan said, and when Elured just raised a brow, Elladan nodded in defeat, ”Fine, I asked Grandmother.”
”That, my dear Elladan, is the sweetest anyone has done for me in ages, and I mean that sincerely,” Elured smiled at the young blushing elf. Deciding in his slightly tipsy state to pick up where Elladan had left off, he leaned in and whispered in Elladan's ear, ”Want me to teach you this dance?”
”Yes please,” Elladan breathed. Elured could feel the young elf's heart race through the fabric of their clothes. This was most defiantly mutual.
”Your wish is my command,” Elured laughed softly, pushing Elladan away from him, keeping a hold of his hand, ”Now watch,” he said, starting to take the dance steps he had not used since he was a child.
~*~
Galadriel was watching Elladan and Elured dance, she turned to her husband at her side, ”If he remembers those steps.”
”Then he should remember all else as well?” Celeborn finished.
”Yes,” Galadriel said.
”Maybe he just does not wish to remember?” Celeborn said, ”Maybe he chooses not to.”
”I pray you are right,” Galadriel said, taking her husbands hand, joining the dancing elves.
~*~
Elladan and Elured left the feast giggling, it had been long since either of them had had such a good time without feeling guilty. ”I am glad it was you who came along on this journey,” Elladan said all of a sudden, ”Had it been Elrohir, he would just have locked himself in a talan with his beloved, leaving me to entertain myself.”
”Believe me, Elurin was horrible when we were younger, he still is actually,” Elured said, remembering that afternoon in Elrond's office. Elurin had been right about one thing, Elladan's eyes was indeed grey, but they held a hue of a warmer colour as well, light brown, almost amber along the pupil.
”What are you looking at?” Elladan suddenly asked, making Elured aware that he had been staring.
He had every intention of lying, but the words just flew out his mouth, damned be that cider, ”Your eyes.”
Elladan blushed again, ”Oh,” he said, ”They aren't anything special.”
”I beg your differ, I find them most beautiful, Elladan,” Elured said with a warm smile.
”You do not have to entertain my fancy, My Lord,” Elladan suddenly said, deadly serious.
”Come again?” Elured asked, baffled that the young elf would reply like this to an obvious compliment.
”I realise that you are aware that I have been watching you since my begetting day, I know it is wrong, but...” Elladan stopped, realising he had already said too much, but fuelled by alcohol, he thought he might as well confess it all, “I just can't help myself. You can just let me down gently, I will not be upset,” he said.
”Whatever for?” Elurin whispered, lifting Elladan's chin with two fingers, looking at the young elf, his cheeks red from drinking, dancing and embarrassment. ”I have no such intentions, I find you most irresistible, young master Elladan, in fact I find you stunningly beautiful.”
Elladan blinked confused, this was clearly not the answer he had expected. He had mentally prepared himself for the gentle but adult let down. ”But...” he just whispered.
”I have a confession to make as well,” Elured said, finding that lying while looking straight into those unique coloured eyes was impossible. ”My brother arranged for me to join you, for he has long listened to me pining for you.” Now it was Elured's turn to weakly blush, ”His last words for me were that if I did not act while alone with you out here, then he would confess my love to you, for me.”
”Your love?” Elladan croaked.
”Yes,” Elured said, surprised to realise this was the truth. He had expected to feel a pang of guilt while feeding this young elf with honey covered lies, but there were no lies on his lips, which scared him more than he could fathom. ”Does my confession of love offend you?”
”No,” Elladan's smile was big and brilliant again, ”No, absolutely not, in fact, would you please say it again, I need to hear it again, and again, and again.”
Elured stepped closer to Elladan in the shadow of the huge mallorn tree, ”I love you, Elladan of Rivendell,” he whispered, before leaning in, stealing a sweet kiss from the baffled elf in front of him.
Elladan touched his lips with his fingertips. ”Sweet Eru,” he whispered, looking up at Elured, his eye large and wondering, ”Do that again.”
Elured chuckled, and pulled Elladan close for yet another kiss, this time deeper and more intense. Elurin had been wrong, imagining Elladan's lips had nothing on the real thing. The young half-elf was exquisite, equally parts rough, and tender in his kiss, their teeth clanged as it grew more greedy, bruising their lips, as were they trying to taste each other's most inner core.
Pulling from the kiss Elladan looked like he was going to faint, Elured steadied him with an arm. ”I love you too Elured of Doriath, you will never even begin to know how much.”
”You must show me sometime,” Elured whispered huskily. Grinning as the young elf blushed again.