Betrothal To An Elf 4

Betrothal To An Elf

Part 4

Posted: August 10, 2007
Title: Betrothal To An Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë

Summary: Legolas asks Lindir a question.

*****

Legolas stared out of the window, watching the rain trickle down the side of the house. He loved the smell of rain, but he was finding that it was fast being overtaken by the love that he felt for Lindir.

Turning, he smiled as the minstrel practiced his song. Lindir looked particularly attractive that morning, wearing a light blue tunic that set off his pale hair to perfection. Feeling Legolas’ eyes upon him, the minstrel looked up and smiled.

“A pity it is raining,” he remarked.

“Aye,” Legolas concurred. “But no matter. For me it makes no difference, as long as I am with you.”

“Such a pretty turn of speech, melethen,” Lindir said, then blushed when he realised what he had said.

Legolas’ eyes widened. “Am I truly ‘your love’?” he asked hopefully.

Lindir blushed even further. “Aye,” he said shyly. He turned away in embarrassment to the table next to him and began to rummage through the parchments there, as if in search of something. All too soon, though, he felt Legolas’ presence next to him.

“Look at me, Lindir,” Legolas requested softly. When the minstrel turned a cautious gaze towards him, Legolas took his love’s face between his hands.

“Melin chen, Lindir. You have become more priceless to me than any gem. Would you allow me to court you?”

Lindir swallowed. “But what of your father?” he whispered. “You are the Crown Prince; he would expect you to marry an elleth and beget an heir.”

“My father wants me to be happy. He has always known of my preference for ellyn, and has told me he would never force me into a marriage with an elleth if I did not desire it.” He rested his forehead against Lindir’s. “ G û ren…cuilen,” he whispered.

Lindir’s eyes misted with tears. “Yes, I will allow you to court me, Legolas.”

“It seems romance is in the air.” The voice made the two elves start and they turned to the figure standing in the doorway.

“Lord Elrond!”

The elf-lord continued to look at the two elves, a broad smile on his face. “Amazing what a betrothal announcement can do,” he said a little mischievously.

“Then you do not mind?” Legolas asked tentatively.

“No, Legolas, I do not mind. If anything, I am pleased. There has been too little romance here of late, and I had rather hoped that relationship between Erestor and Glorfindel would spur others in declaring their feelings to the ones they love.”

“I am glad that Erestor and Glorfindel are now betrothed,” Legolas said.

“Yet Erestor did not seem too happy last night when you made the announcement,” the minstrel commented.

“Erestor was being…Erestor,” Elrond remarked dryly. “But there are many here who share your sentiments, Legolas,” he continued, “myself included. Though…”

“…Erestor being Erestor, it is not always that simple,” Lindir finished. “I know. Lothvaen has complained often enough about how difficult Erestor can be.”

Elrond nodded before turning a speculative gaze at his minstrel. “Speaking of Lothvaen, has something happened between him and my son? I have tried speaking to Elrohir, but he says he does not wish to speak of it. Has Lothvaen said anything to you?”

Lindir shifted uncomfortably. “Aye,” he admitted, “though I would prefer not to say anything, híren. I think this is something that Lothvaen and Elrohir should sort out without undue interference from others.” The minstrel’s face paled. “ Díheno nin, híren! I did not mean…”

The elf-lord raised his hand and stopped Lindir mid-flow, then sighed. Whether he liked it or not, the younger elf had a point. “I know what you mean, Lindir and you are right. We need to let them sort it out, though I fear there will be tears.”

*****

Elvish translations:

cuilen – my life
díheno nin – forgive me
elleth – female elf
ellyn – male elves
g û ren – my heart
híren – my lord
melethen – my love
melin chen – I love you

*****

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