The Music Of The Night

The Music Of The Night

Posted: August 25, 2006
Title: The Music of the Night
Author: Arthvaineth
Type: FCS
Characters: Elrond/Erestor/ Lindir, Bargon (OMC)
Rating: R
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the story.
Beta: Keiliss
Warnings: AU
Author's Notes: Adopted Plot Bunny from Laur.

*Lyrics from the Phantom of the Opera*

Summary: A phantom is hanging around Imladris.

*****

Overture

In a workshop in Eregion, Celebrimbor sat and looked at the forge. Bargon, his counsellor, was standing by his side.

“It is too late now,” Celebrimbor said as his hands covered his face. “He is coming.”

“My lord…” Bargon understood what it meant but he could not help at all.

“Take Erestor, leave this place and protect him as best as you can, Bargon.” The jewel-smiths lifted his head and looked at his counsellor. “You know he is precious to me. I cannot let him face the same fate as me.”

“I understand, my lord.” Bargon nodded. “I know what to do.”

“Good,” the lord of Eregion sighed. “Then bring him to me please.”

Bargon bowed and left the workshop.

Half an hour later, Bargon and Erestor appeared in the workshop. Celebrimbor smiled at them and then gave Erestor a welcoming hug.

“Good morning, my boy.” Celebrimbor greeted Erestor in this manner, although, in fact, their ages were almost the same; they were more like brothers. Somehow Celebrimbor always called him ‘boy’ and Erestor was happy to hear that.

“Good morning, Celebrimbor,” Erestor smiled. “What can I do for you this early?” the black-haired elf teased.

“Bargon told me he found a place with lots of wild berries.” He peeked on Bargon. “Suddenly I want to taste those berries; however I cannot leave at this moment. Therefore, would you do me a favour?”

“Hum,” Erestor smiled inwardly. “You want me to pick the berries for you.”

“Precisely. Will you grant me this wish?”

“Of course. But now?” Erestor cocked his head.

“I want to taste them as soon as I can.”

“And today’s weather is good,” Bargon cut in. “It’s a good time for a trip and picnic.”

“All right,” Erestor said to Bargon. “When do we leave?”

Celebrimbor nodded to Bargon and the counsellor replied, “In twenty minutes. Is it enough time for you to pack your clothes?”

“Pack my clothes?” Erestor frowned. “Aren’t we just going to pick some berries? How come I have to pack my clothes?”

For a second, Bargon paused at the unexpected question. “There is quite a long way to go and we may have to cross the river. Also, there is a very beautiful pool in which you can swim.” He thought quite hard to make this up.

“It sounds good.” Celebrimbor smiled at Erestor. “Why don’t you just go and prepare?”

“As you command,” Erestor said playfully and shrugged. And then he left Celebrimbor and Bargon in the workshop.

~ ~ ~

Most of the day had passed but Erestor still had not seen the berry field. Toward dust, they stopped and settled themselves down.

“Bargon, how far do we have to go?” Erestor asked with annoyance.

“We haven’t arrived there yet. It’s quite far from the City.” Bargon said and gave him a water skin.

“But we walked for most of the day.” Erestor opened the lid and took a sip.

“That’s why we started early in the morning.”

~ ~ ~

They continued their trip the next morning. They had walked far away from home. Suddenly, Erestor felt something wrong and called to stop.

“Bargon.” He ran toward his guardian who was walking in the front. “Tell me where we are going.” he said with anger. “We are not going to the berry fields. Tell me WHERE are we going?”

Bargon tried to avoid eye contact with Erestor, but Erestor cupped his face and forced him to look at him. “Tell me.” Bargon’s eyes weren’t on Erestor but looking far back in the direction they had come from. Erestor followed the other’s vision. He saw smoke rising from the City.

They are under attack!” Erestor exclaimed. Then he released Bargon and ran as fast as he could.

“Wait, Erestor.” Bargon cried out loud as he went running after him.

~ ~ ~

There was a forest nearby and there was the easiest place to be ambushed. Erestor ran fast through the forest and he stopped abruptly when he heard a sound and looked around. He saw an arrow flying toward him.

~*~*~

Scene One - Aftermath

Elrond led the party that rode to Eregion to bring them aid but he was too late. The city of Ost-in-Edhil was ruined and Celebrimbor was slain. Elrond sat on the ground, leaning again the ruined wall and covered his head with his arms. A hand was placed on his shoulder.

“You did your best.” Lindir sat next to Elrond.

“But we still didn’t make it.” Elrond still buried his head in his arms.

“It won’t help anything if you just sit here and blame yourself.” Lindir sighed. “Maybe we can find some survivors? They may need our help?”

Elrond said nothing and lifted his head, looked at Lindir and nodded. “Thank you.” Then they stood up and sought for survivors. Finally they found survivors but only a few. Elrond gathered all of his people and those who remained and then led them to a hidden valley. The reason why Elrond moved away from the ruined city was so that the people might be protected by the natural landscape. Also, it would take longer to rebuild than to build a new place. When they all had arrived in the valley, they started to build their new home.

~*~*~

Scene Two – Graveyard I

After they found the valley, Elrond sent word back to Lindon and informed his lord Gil-Galad, about the situation. Gil-Galad sent out some of his people to the valley and helped with construction. They explored and found lots of land for houses. The progress of building houses was good. One afternoon, a young elf ran to Elrond and reported that they had found a graveyard in the valley when they tried to hunt some animals. Elrond gasped when a huge graveyard was exposed before his eyes. The graveyard was very simple and neat and there was something which caught Elrond’s attention. There was one tombstone that was different from all the others. That one was slightly bigger and with more decorations. He walked toward the tombstone and all of the people followed. When he reached the headstone, he saw it was carved with a hammer and three stars on the top.

“Unbelievable. It is Lord Celebrimbor’s tomb,” an elf who once was a resident of Ost-in-Edhil said.

“What did you say?” Elrond looked at him with confusion. “This is the grave of Celebrimbor? How can you be sure?”

“My lord,” the elf started to explain. “As you know, Lord Celebrimbor was a Mírdain. A hammer represented his title and…” He pointed at those stars. “Three stars, three Silmarils. The House of Fëanor.”

“I see.” Elrond sighed. “And this?” He walked toward and stood in front of a smaller grave with an open book and quill made of stone placed on top which was next to the Celebrimbor’s. “Do you know about this?”

“This,” the elf bit his lip. “This belongs to Master Erestor.” He started to sob.

“Erestor?” Elrond cocked his head. “Who is he? It seems somehow he must be related to Celebrimbor.”

“Yes, my lord.” The elf cleared his throat from sobbing. “He was a talented counsellor to our lord. Also, he was a gifted musician and composer. Lord Celebrimbor treated him like his own brother. I didn’t see him on the day when we were under attack. I thought he was safe, but…” He lowered his head and couldn’t continue.

“I understand.” Elrond placed his hand on the other’s back. “Don’t force yourself to continue.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

“But I wonder who built this graveyard?” The new lord looked at the one who stood next to him then at the rest of the party. However, all of them shook their heads. “All right, let us go back and let them rest in peace.” He bowed to Celebrimbor’s tomb then left.

~*~*~

Scene Three - Imladris

In the valley, all of the elves were celebrating. Eventually, all the buildings were finished. They had their new home. The First Homely House. In there, Elrond, the Lord of the House, made his first official announcement after Gil-Galad made his speech.

“My dear people, I am very appreciative of the work you have done, thank you.” The crowd clapped their hands. “Today is the day we celebrate our success. I named it Imladris and all of you are welcome to stay.” The crowd shouted out for joy. Elrond bowed to the crowd and sat down after Gil-Galad gave him an approving nod.

After Elrond’s speech, the musicians started their entertainment. Lindir was one of them.

“I haven’t heard Lindir’s singing for a while,” the High-King said to Elrond. “Would you like to ask your song-bird to sing for me?” He winked.

“It’s my pleasure.” Elrond nodded and beckoned Lindir to come over. Elrond said something to Lindir which made him titter and then the new lord stood up and made an announcement again. “Dear people...” The crowd fell silent again when they heard Elrond was speaking. “I now introduce to you our musician, Master Lindir, who will sing for us.” The crowd cheered and clapped their hands once again. Then Lindir nodded to the band. When the music started, he began to sing. In a minute, his beautiful voice was heard throughout all the valley and even reached to the graveyard. In there, someone was listening.

~*~*~

Scene Four – Masquerade

The masquerade was the last event of the celebration feast. The Sun dipped and vanished, and as if at the shuttering of a lamp, black night fell. And the party was about to start. *Flash of mauve . . . Splash of puce . . . Fool and king . . . Ghoul and goose . . . Green and black . . . Queen and priest . . . Trace of rouge . . . Face of beast . . .*

“Excuse me,” an elf with a mask with a pair of goat’s horns said. “Do you know who the singer was for the last two nights?”

“Oh,” replied a lady with a purple mask filled with stars. She sounded surprised. “You must be new here. You probably missed the introduction on the first night.” She gave a high-pitched laugh.

“Indeed.” The goat smiled.

“That was Master Lindir, Lord Elrond’s songbird.” The lady sipped her wine.

“Lord Elrond’s songbird…” the goat mumbled.

“Yes. Their relationship is well known. See there.” She pointed at a small group of three. “The tallest one is the High King; in the middle stands Lord Elrond and that one who is standing on Lord Elrond’s right hand side is Lindir. Now are you clear…?” The goat walked away before she finished her words. She felt odd when she didn’t see any sign of him. She shrugged and merged into the crowd.

Lindir walked toward the food table alone when Gil-Galad was dancing with Elrond. He picked up some biscuits and prepared to leave, however he heard someone call his name.

“Master Lindir?” a goat asked.

“Yes?” Lindir answered in his beautiful voice, smiling.

“Good evening.” The goat bowed.

“Good evening to you, sir..” Lindir bowed to the goat. “How may I help you?”

The goat smiled, took out an envelope and handed it to Lindir. “I come to deliver this to you. A note from my master.”

“Your master?” The silver haired musician took it and cocked his head. “Who is it?”

“I’m afraid I can not tell you now.” He bowed again. “You will know what it is about when you read the note inside. Now I’m afraid I should take my leave. Good evening, young master. The goat lifted Lindir’s hand and placed a kissed on its back and then he turned and walked away.

“Wait.” Lindir tried to follow but the goat was already hidden in the crowd. Lindir sighed and looked at the envelope in his hand. He took a deep breath and put it inside his pocket.

Even though the lights was off, the crowd was gone and the valley went back to silence, some of the rooms still had the lights on, which included Lindir’s room. Inside, Lindir leaned his back against the headboard and stared at the envelope. Suddenly, a few knocks at the door drew his attention. He put the envelope into the drawer of the bedside table in a natural reaction. Then he opened the door and Elrond was there. When Elrond saw his lover, he lifted Lindir up, closed the door with his foot and carried him to the bed. The lord placed his lover down on the bed, gently, brushing the locks of hair from Lindir’s eyes.

“Is there something troubling you, my love?” Elrond was still brushing Lindir’s hair.

“Nothing.” Lindir shook his head and smiled.

“You know I always want you to be happy.” Elrond placed a kiss on his lover’s lips.

“I know.” Lindir parted his lips and replied, then they fell into their passionate kiss again.

~*~*~

Scene Five – The music of the night

The next morning, Lindir was sitting at the dressing table staring at the envelope which was placed on top. He was curious about the contents, but he didn’t know if he should read it or not. He also wondered why he hadn’t shown the letter to Elrond. Why did he hide this from his lover? Lindir was deep in thought for a moment, then he made his decision. He shook his head to clear his mind, then he took a deep breath, picked up the envelope and opened it. It was a note in very elegant hand writing.

Lindir walked toward the graveyard alone with a rose in his hand after lunch. He looked back frequently to see if someone was following him. When he arrived, he saw Celebrimbor’s tomb as the note described. He placed the rose on it just like the note told him, then he left. After he was gone, someone came out from behind of the tomb, picked up the rose and disappeared.

Next day, at almost the same time, Lindir went to the graveyard again as the note instructed. This time he saw an elf with deep brown hair. He wore a simply-designed tunic and leggings and was standing next to the tomb holding his rose. He walked forward slowly and quietly until he stood in front of the elf.

“Welcome, Master Lindir.” The elf bowed.

“I recognize your voice.” Lindir covered his mouth with his hand. “You were the ‘goat’ at the party.”

“Yes, I was.” The elf smiled and turned. “This way, please. My master is waiting.” Then he led the way to the back of the tomb. He knelt down and opened a trapdoor in the ground and invited Lindir to walk down the stairs. However Lindir hesitated and looked back at the elf.

“I swear to your safety,” the elf nodded.

Lindir nodded in acknowledgement then he walked down the stairs. The elf walked behind him after he closed the trapdoor. Lindir was surprised that the tunnel was bright and the air was fresh. When he reached the ground, the view in front of him made his eyes open wide. He was facing a huge, open place. There were lots of candles lit; some stood on candlesticks and some were placed inside small holes in the wall, making the dungeon bright as day time. Also, the place was decorated with lots of different sizes of statues and mirrors. In the far right hand corner where placed many different kinds of musical instruments. In the left corner, there was a pipe organ. And in the middle, there was a large carved wooden table with a huge book shelf at its back and a figure with a hood was standing with his back to them.

“Master, your guest has arrived,” the brown-haired servant announced and indicated for Lindir to walk further.

The figure in the hood turned around and walked toward Lindir, who now was standing near the middle of the hall. Lindir cocked his head and tried to see the face of the stranger, however the other’s face was covered by the hood. Even though he didn’t see the face, he was attracted by the voice already.

“Mae govannen!” The stranger in the hood held Lindir’s hand and kissed it on the back.

“Mae govannen!” Lindir greeted the mystery elf. “You are an elf?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then who are you?”

The elf was silent for a few seconds, then he spoke again. “My name is not that important.” He walked behind Lindir like a ghost and sneaked his arm around the bewildered Lindir’s waist and spoke softly into his ear. *“I have brought you to the seat of sweet music’s throne, to this kingdom where all must pay homage to music, music.”* Lindir closed his eyes, leaned his head on the other’s shoulder and listened to the musical voice. *“You have come here, for one purpose and one alone. Since the moment I first heard you sing, I have needed you with me, to serve me, to sing, for my music, my music.”* By that time, it was like Lindir was under a spell. He relaxed his body and leaned against the other. “Now,” Lindir opened his eyes slowly and gazed at the elf who held his hand and led him to the table which was filled with lots of sheet music. “I will give you my music and you will sing for me.”

~*~*~

Scene Six – Changing

It had been five months since Lindir met the mystery elf in the graveyard. Maybe Elrond was too busy with his new realm, but he didn’t realise that Lindir was absent almost every day and came back to the house near nightfall. Until some guests came to visit, when Elrond eventually became conscious of the change in Lindir.

“My lord Elrond,” said a guest who was holding a goblet as he sat down next to Elrond. “You are a very great teacher.”

“Huh?” Elrond was confused at what his guest said. “Excuse me, did I miss something?”

“I mean the minstrel, Master Lindir.” The elf chuckled. “I was here and heard his singing a few months ago. And now his voice and technique are improved sharply. I take it you put lots of effort into it.” He raised his chalice. Elrond looked at Lindir on the stage and frowned.

After a long night, Lindir was ready to go to bed. Before he climbed into his bed, someone knocked on the door. It was Elrond. Usually Elrond came back to Lindir’s room slightly late due to his duties, and tonight had been no exception. The lord walked toward him and gave his love a hug. Lindir smiled when he was surrounded by Elrond’s warmth.

“I am sorry.” Elrond apologised suddenly.

“For what?” Lindir leaned his head on Elrond’s shoulder.

“I was so busy and couldn’t be with you in the past few months.” Elrond cupped Lindir’s cheeks with both hands.

“I was fine.” Lindir chuckled. “I have company…” He paused.

“Company?” Elrond was suspicious but Lindir couldn’t see.

“Oh, of course.” Lindir now was looking at Elrond’s face. “My friends and those minstrels. We always have gatherings.”

“Yes.” Elrond let out a long breath. “I forgot you do have friends. Maybe because I love you so much and always think you are mine only.” He placed a kiss on Lindir’s lips and Lindir moaned. “How about we go for a picnic tomorrow?” Elrond asked after they parted.

Lindir hesitated but nodded finally.

It was almost a week that Lindir didn’t go to see his tutor. On one hand, Lindir seemed happy at Elrond’s presence; on the other he felt something was missing. One day, he excused himself to Elrond and visited his tutor again secretly.

~*~*~

Scene Seven – The point of no return

As usual, Lindir went to the graveyard and met Bargon. However, today he looked different. His gentle smile was gone. Lindir was scared and asked. “Are you all right, Bargon?”

Bargon didn’t answer the question directly but nodded. After a week of Lindir’s absent, the place looked the same but the atmosphere was not. When Lindir reached the dungeon, he saw his tutor sat in front of the pipe organ, his head lowered and silent.

“Master?” Lindir spoke softly.

“You have come,” Erestor stood up and walked toward the standing elf. He stood in front of Lindir now and said. “Finally.”

This was the first time Lindir looked at his tutor directly although Erestor still wore the hooded cloak. Under the hood, Lindir could see a long scar placed just under the right eye. Also he could see anger in the other’s eyes. A thrill grew inside Lindir suddenly. That was the first time Lindir felt fear in the dungeon. He watched his tutor circle him like a predator examining his prey.

“Tell me,” Erestor asked in a low voice. “Where have you been in the past few days? What of our agreement?”

“I…” Lindir protested but he knew it was he who had broken their arrangement. “I am sorry. I broke our agreement.”

“Indeed.” The tutor grabbed Lindir by the arm abruptly and glowered at his pupil. “From now on, you are not going anywhere else.” Erestor declared.

“What?”

“You will stay here with me and no longer go back and see you insolent lord.” Erestor grabbed Lindir harder and his voice grew heavier.

“Wait a minute.” Lindir raised his voice with horror. “You cannot lock me up here.”

“Why not?” Erestor raised his eyebrows. *“I gave you my music, made your song take wing, and now…”* The dark haired tutor changed his tone. He wasn’t talking. He was yelling. *“How you’ve repaid me, denied me and betrayed me.”*

At that moment, Lindir became aware the one before him didn’t only want his music but himself also. Lindir struggled but Erestor held him firm and kissed him forcefully. Fortunately, Erestor only grabbed Lindir’s arms but not his head. Lindir turned his face and tried to avoid him and hoped his insane tutor would stop, but there was something he couldn’t expect. He exposed his delicate neck and of course Erestor took advantage. He buried his head in Lindir’s neck and kissed. Not only the neck, he licked the earlobe to the tip of the sensitive pointed ear too. Lindir flushed and moaned with pleasure, but he still tried to get free from his tutor’s embrace. At last, Lindir pushed his tutor away and tried to catch his breath. Lindir could see Erestor’s face clearly because his tutor’s hood had been pushed off his head by Lindir. Even in the dungeon, there was light enough, brought by lots of lit candles. A pair of amber coloured orbs filled with irritation and he saw a cherry ripe, part opened mouth in a gaunt face under a waist long cascade of inky black hair. Underneath one furious eye was a long scar from the bridge of the slightly pointed nose up to the tip of the ear. His skin colour was lighter than normal for his kinsmen. Lindir was stunned by what he saw. He thought he was looking at a ghost. He stepped back and shook his head, then he turned around and dashed to the entrance.

“Lindir!” Erestor shouted. “Bargon, stop him.” He ran after him, but he was blocked for a second by the falling candelabra which had been pushed over by Lindir.

Erestor clenched his fists and stumped toward Bargon who was standing near the staircase. His incensed eyes looked intently into Bargon’s eyes. Without any warning, he slapped his faithful servant. “How dare you betray me!” Bargon said nothing and stood still. Erestor ran past Bargon and out of his cave. He jumped onto the tombstone of Celebrimbor and shouted aloud in the direction of Imladris. *“So be it. Now let it be war upon you both.”*

~*~*~

Scene Eight – Confess

Lindir ran as fast as he could back to the House. He didn’t care about those he passed and headed for his room. However he was caught by Elrond in the corridor.

“What happened?” Elrond asked with great concern when he saw the panic in Lindir’s eyes.

Lindir made no response and his eyes were out of focus. He was shivering. Elrond pulled him into his embrace and said softly. “I will lead you back to the room.” Lindir remained silent and walked with Elrond.

Inside the room, Elrond helped Lindir sit down on the bed, then he brought a cup of water and placed it into Lindir’s shaking hands. Elrond sat next to Lindir. “Tell me what is going on?” Elrond requested gently.

“I am afraid.” Lindir managed these words with a trembling voice.

“Afraid of what?”

“Him.” Lindir let the glass fall and it broke on the floor. The scared elf turned his gaze to Elrond.

“Who?” Elrond frowned. At this point, Lindir was no longer able to hide the story about him and his tutor. He told Elrond what it was all about and how his tutor had gone mad and tried to lock him in his music room.

“Lindir,” Elrond sighed. “I believe that you are in great danger.” Lindir couldn’t believe what he heard and looked at Elrond.

“Apparently, this genius turned mad.” Elrond explained.

“What should I do…?” Lindir whispered. Elrond said nothing but thought while he pulled his songbird into his arms.

~*~*~

Scene Nine – The final stage

Nightfall, Lindir sat in front of his dressing table alone and his mind wandered. But the truth was he was not alone. Elrond was hiding inside the bathroom, armed and waiting for the mad genius. He knew the tutor would come to find his beloved student and take him away. He must stop that. He could not let it happen. He waited. Suddenly, a mysterious but beautiful voice filled the room.

*‘Wandering child, so lost, so helpless, yearning for my guidance.’*

*“Angel… or friend… or Phantom…?” *Lindir was bewildered and looked at the window beside the door. *Who is it there, staring…?”* He stood up and walked to the door which connected to the balcony. He opened it and found Erestor, clad in his hooded cloak and standing on the rail of the balcony, waiting.

*“I am your Angel of Music. Come to me, my Angel of Music.”*

Inside the bathroom, Elrond leaned again the wall as though a spell had been put on his mind by the voice. He totally forgot his purpose. His mind rambled and his body felt numb.

Erestor stepped down when Lindir was before him. He touched the cheek of his student. *“Say you want me with you here beside you. Anywhere you go let me go too…”* His voice was getting stronger and more passionate. *“Lindir, that’s all I ask of…”* Erestor was cut off by a voice from inside the room.

“Step back, you devil.” Elrond cried out loud and pointed his sword at Erestor. The spell on Elrond and Lindir was broken by the change of tone. Lindir stared at Erestor who was standing in front of him and turned his head. He saw Elrond was holding his sword, pointing it in his direction.

“You belong to me.” Erestor hissed and swept his cloak around Lindir and jumped off the balcony.

Elrond darted forward and leaned on the rail. They vanished. He secured his sword on his belt, looked at the surroundings, then he jumped off too.

~*~*~

Scene Ten – Decisive Struggle

Elrond knew where they were going exactly, the graveyard, the one and only one. Without a second thought, Elrond hurried on his way. It wasn’t that hard for him to keep up with the speed of the other because he was alone, unlike Erestor who was with Lindir.

“Daro!” Elrond shouted at Erestor who had just reached the tomb. (Halt)

Erestor looked over his shoulder and smirked. His hood was off because he had been running and his pitch-black hair flew in the air. He laid down Lindir carefully on the tomb and beckoned Bargon to come and keep an eye on his adored pupil. Lindir tried to move and prevent what might happen but Bargon stopped him by placing a hand on Lindir’s shoulder and shaking his head. Lindir looked at Bargon with concern.

“Let him go,” Elrond declared when he walked through the entrance, sword in hand.

“You are brave to follow here.” Erestor was now reaching for his sword on his belt. “How far do you dare go?” he sneered as he pointed his sword at Elrond.

“Free Lindir and you will not be harmed,” Elrond offered when he got closer to Erestor.

“How ignorant are you?” Erestor chuckled. “Do you really think you can harm me, hum?”

“Let’s try.”

“No,” Lindir spoke loudly from the back of the graveyard.

“Bargon,” Erestor said without looking. “Please don’t let the stunning night be disturbed.” Bargon obeyed and spoke softly to Lindir and the night fell silent.

Ithil was high and showered light onto the two elves who were holding their swords and walking in a circle. They held their breath and searched for each other’s weak points. The silence was broken when Elrond stepped on a dry branch on the ground. He looked at his foot instinctively and Erestor rushed forward for his chance. When Elrond’s mind returned to reality, the tip of a sword was before him, which he blocked at once with his sword. The first sound of crashing metal was the prologue of their dance of crossing blades. Although Erestor’s first strike was blocked, he didn’t let it stop him. He wielded his sword faster and with stronger thrusts. Elrond was surprised by the other’s powerful and skilful sword play. He was losing his chance. He was forced back again and again until his back touched the fence and the sharp point of a sword was directed to his throat. He panted but showed no fear.

“I don’t see any fear in your eyes.” A victory smile showed on Erestor’s face. “No wonder you are the Lord of Imladris. Unfortunately, you will be history soon.” He turned his head to look over his shoulder at Lindir who was shaking his head. “Now it’s time to say…” Before Erestor finished his sentence, he was knocked onto the floor by Elrond’s fist. However Elrond’s throat was wounded by the blade as well. Elrond’s skin was cut, but fortunately it was nothing more serious than a scratch. Now the dramatic situation was reversed, Erestor was on the ground and a trail of blood appeared at the corner of his mouth and Elrond’s blade was pointed at his throat.

“Are you not going to kill me, LORD?” Erestor mocked.

“I have no reason to kill you.” Elrond showed his mercy but his blade never left the defeated elf on the ground. “I just want you to free Lindir.” Suddenly Erestor coughed up blood and Elrond put down his sword and knelt next to the injured elf. Before Elrond could examine the other, he saw some dark liquid flowing from Erestor’s body. “You are bleeding!” Elrond exclaimed with certainty. He could not see what the liquid was in the dark, but he could still smell it was blood.

After Elrond finished, Lindir and Bargon ran toward them. Before they reached there, Elrond rolled Erestor on his side carefully and found he had been stabbed in his waist on the left side by a piece of sharp metal on the ground that no one had noticed.

“What happened?” Lindir asked anxiously when he knelt down next to Elrond.

“He needs a surgical operation.” The lord of Imladris tried to heave him up. “Help me, we cannot delay.”

“Leave it be,” Erestor spoke breathlessly. “Come here, Lindir.” Lindir did what he was told. He paced forward on unsteady legs and knelt before his tutor. Lindir touched his teacher’s face gently and tears fell freely from his eyes.

“Do not weep, my beloved student. You are free now.” The tutor finished speaking, closed his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

“I am sorry, master.” Lindir cried and covered his face with his hands. “I am sorry…”

On the side Bargon said nothing but picked up his master’s body and walked towards where they dwelt. After a few steps, Bargon turned his head and looked at Elrond, who was now helping Lindir to get up. Finally he said. “My lord, please take young Master Lindir with you and never set foot in my master’s Heaven again.” He bowed slightly and left those two who were gazing after him as he left.

~*~*~

Scene Eleven – Final threshold

For a very long time, only sobbing filled the room. Elrond was holding Lindir in his arms, and he was still crying for his loss.

“It’s all over now,” Elrond said when he smoothed Lindir’s hair.

“No,” Lindir said at last after the wave of shock passed. He pushed Elrond away a little and looked at him. “It is not finished yet. He needs someone to complete his music,” Lindir said with sorrow.

“I think I know what you mean, my love,” Elrond sighed and cupped his songbird’s face. “I saw your love for him in your eyes in the graveyard.” His thumb now was smoothing the cheek. “Are you decided?”

“I am certain.” Lindir lowered his head and answered with a soft but firm voice.

“I will miss you.” Elrond pulled his love into his embrace one last time.

Lindir packed some of his belongings and headed to the graveyard after saying farewell to Elrond. When he was half way, he stopped and lifted his head. Ithil still shone as beautifully in the sky as before, but his heart was changed. It might be difficult for him to accept these great changes in his life, but he understood what he asked of himself.

~*~*~

Scene Twelve – Graveyard II

Night after night, Elrond was alone in the room which he had shared with Lindir for many decades. He stood on the balcony and listened to Lindir’s beautiful but sad songs which were carried on the wind. It was the only way he felt connected to Lindir. “I will always love you, Lindir,” he said to himself, and prepared to withdraw when he was stopped by another voice on the air. He smiled. Erestor was alive.

*****

THE END

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