Betrothal To An Elf
Part 16
Posted: August 31, 2007
Title: Betrothal To An Elf
Author: Inwë Sáralondë
Summary: Elrohir comes to a realisation.
*****
Standing on the balcony, Elrohir stifled a sneeze. For some reason he was finding the pollen particularly bad this spring, and was at the stage of asking his father for a remedy against the sneezing. Not to mention the constant itch. Perhaps Elrond had a lotion for that. He had heard of mortals suffering from such a thing, but never an elf. Maybe it was because he was a Peredhel that he was more susceptible.
His mind went back to his last conversation with Elladan. His brother had acted a little oddly when Elrohir had jokingly suggested about kissing his hurt better, and Elrohir wasn’t sure whether it was because the younger twin had said it, or whether it was because Elladan was harbouring some feelings for him that were not quite…brotherly.
‘They are one soul split into two.’ Galadriel’s words came suddenly into his mind – words he was sure he had not been meant to hear – and, for a moment, Elrohir felt faint. Surely she did not mean…? Elrohir shook his head. The idea of he and his brother coming together like that surely was sinful. Yet a part of him was unsure. Was that the reason why neither of them seemed able to have a long-term relationship? Elrohir shivered, feeling the sudden need to speak to someone, anyone, about this – anyone except his brother.
Turning abruptly, his feet beat a rapid tattoo as he strode down the corridor leading…to Erestor’s room. Elrohir stopped. Why Erestor? Did the advisor not have his own issues to deal with? Though the younger twin had no idea what those issues were, he felt the last thing Erestor probably needed was for Elrohir to come to him with his confessions. Yet his feet continued to inexorably take him to Erestor’s room and, once he reached it, Elrohir hesitated only momentarily before knocking on the door.
When Erestor opened the door, Elrohir suddenly felt shy. The advisor appeared startled to see the younger elf.
“What is it?” the advisor asked. “Has something happened?”
Mutely Elrohir shook his head.
“Then what is it, pen-neth?” Erestor asked gently. “Has it something to do with Lothvaen?”
“Partly,” Elrohir admitted. “And something else.”
“Forgive me for asking, but why do you not go and speak to your father?”
Elrohir shrugged helplessly. “I do not know,” he said. “My feet found their way to you.”
“I am not sure I am the best person to seek for advice,” Erestor remarked a little dryly.
“But you have always been there for us,” Elrohir said quietly. “And, sometimes, it is easier to speak to you than it is to Adar.”
Erestor grimaced slightly. “Very well. Come in, and I will try and help you the best I can.” Entering the room, Elrohir stood uncertainly as the advisor shut the door. “Sit down.”
Elrohir knew this to be more of a command than a request and sat, though he would have preferred to have stayed standing.
“I do not know where to begin,” he murmured, staring down at his hands.
“Start at the beginning, pen-neth.” Erestor’s voice was gentle, the darkling elf sensing that what Elrohir wanted to tell him was not going to be easy. A feeling of disquiet came over the advisor; was what Galadriel and Elrond had seen so long ago now coming to pass?
“Lothvaen and I are no longer together.”
“I know. Lindir has spent much time with his friend, trying to console him.”
Elrohir smiled mirthlessly. “I gathered as much, considering the looks he has been giving me.”
“Our minstrel knows that you are not a callous elf; however, that does not stop him from giving Lothvaen his support.”
“I *do* care for Lothvaen, but…”
“…he is not the elf of your heart.”
Elrohir shook his head. “No, he is not.”
Erestor knew he had to ask his next question. “Do you think you might know who is?” he asked cautiously.
There was a shimmer of tears in Elrohir’s eyes as he gazed helplessly at his former tutor. “I am afraid,” he whispered.
“Afraid?”
Elrohir swallowed. “Afraid that it is my twin.”
*****
Elvish translations:
Adar – father
pen-neth – young one
Peredhel – half elf
*****
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