Part Six: Gandalf Expounds.
Cebir Fain [White Cliffs] was larger than the entirety of the vale between the Bruinen and the Hithaeglir. The region was named for the huge escarpment of white limestone that rose more than a hundred metres above the strand-line. The impressive landmark spanned a goodly portion of the southern coast of Eldamar for seven leagues at least, giving way in the north to a softer landscape of rolling dunes capped with waving sea oats. The white cliffs gleaming under the sun, or sometimes the moon depending on the general timing of the individual sailor, were often the first sight of Valinor an elf beheld upon completing the Crossing. Of course, all had done so many thousands of years ago and no ships had crested the horizon of Cebir Fain in all that time.
Naturally, Elrond had claimed the choicest spot on the heights to build his estate, seizing far more acres than was entirely fair, in Erestor's opinion. The survivor of Gondolin was as much an Elven Lord as the Master of the Peredhel clan and who would dare imply Glorfindel was less worthy than Elrond? Yet, due to his esteemed father and mother's high place of favour among the Valar, no one defied the Ages-old elf his selection. Lord Elrond and his lovely Lady Celebrian dwelt in a most elegantly graceful home perched right upon the precipice, it seemed, and enjoyed both the spectacular view and the constant murmuring clamour of the ocean's breathing.
Erestor's palazzo did not overlook the sea and while it was certainly less grand than the Peredhel mansion just down the ridge a ways, it was more house than the solitary bachelor had ever occupied in all his long long years of life in Middle-earth. Finer, even, than his Adar and Naneth's spectacular villa in Gondolin was Meril Thaifn. The building was constructed of masonry and faced entirely in pink fossiliferous limestone quarried from a an ancient reef deposit located several tens of kilometres inland from the coast. That always impressed anyone who came to visit, for getting the beautiful rock out of the quarry and back to the site of the structure had been a chore of monumental proportions. It was the first thing people remarked, privately of course, when they thought Erestor was beyond hearing: 'Must have cost him a fortune!'
This was not far from the truth, for while the elder children of Iluvatar were not shy of dedication, concentrated effort, or hard work, quarrying stone was not a task any elf would anticipate with pleasure. It was for back-breaking travail such as this that the First-born truly missed the Younger offspring of Eru and Aulë. To get the labour done, Erestor had engaged in a complicated and lengthy bartering procedure, for gold coin was not legal tender in the Undying Lands.
The first thing that happened to an elf upon reaching the Furthest West was a thorough customs inspection of every item carried from the Severed Realms. Everyone tried to smuggle in something: plants, seeds of plants, fruits of plants, medicinal concoctions of unrevealed herbal components, animals and pets of all species along with their associated parasites, birds, silk-worms, even butterflies still in the cocoon. Aiwendil was said to have been the very worst, for being a wizard his means of disguising his cargo was great. Apparently he had taken a mating pair of birds from every species native to his beloved Rhosgobel, shrunk them, froze them, coated them in plaster and tried to pass them off as a collection of keepsakes.
Nonetheless, the inspectors were Istari as well, and one whispered unlocking spell was all it had taken to reveal the ruse. The avian contraband had been passed to one of Yavanna's followers, who had sent them back to their home at once. But that was not all Radagast was guilty of and the birds proved to have been but a diversion. It was soon discovered, after a most impressive show of spell-breaking and counter-incantating that went on for nearly an entire day and night, that the Brown Wizard was attempting to sneak a viable dragon's egg, disguised as a large black pearl, into the Blessed Realm.
Dammand had been there and reported to his son that the old Ainu actually wept, insisting he could domesticate the creature, when Yavanna herself showed up to see, then refused to allow the beast to hatch and destroyed it on the spot.
At any rate, coin was counted, weighed, assayed for purity and replaced with vouchers of equal value. Gold, mithril, and silver were used for ornamentation only, whether as personal adornment in rings and necklaces and such, works of art, or as inlay and leaf over architectural endeavours and upon various furniture constructions. Trumpets of silver were common and harp-strings were often spun from gold in Aman.
The resulting vouchers, made of delicate squares of dyed silk fabric more sheer than the gossamer of dragonfly wings, could be traded for absolutely anything one desired, and hence the very second thing that happened to the new immigrants was a veritable assault by an eager horde of agents offering everything from a simple meal after a long journey to shares in Vanyarin Commodity Brokerage Houses. What with many of these sales-elves being friends and blood-kin of the new arrivals, it was often quite difficult to refuse such offers and many an elf found themselves considerably less well-off than before they had left the docks in Mithlond. Erestor had no trouble whatsoever saying no, and indeed his reputation, accompanied by his forbiddingly cold and haughty stare, prevented him from even having to utter the word in most cases.
The wily former seneschal had moved in with his parents, temporarily he informed quite loudly and frequently whenever anyone had the nerve to ask, and traded his vouchers with care and discretion. He amassed a stockpile of various works of art, jewellery, shares in a multitude of vineyards, and land. In less than two-hundred years, the former ambassador/statesman became one of the best vintners in all of Valinor. He had won numerous awards for his creations and his vintages were highly prized among the elite of the Vanyar. It was said that Inwë would have no other wine upon his tables or in his cellars than that of Meril Thaifn.
That put Thranduil and his House's New Dorwinion wineries in second place. This was quite a point of contention between the Sinda and the Noldo, for the former King was not accustomed to being lesser than someone of Erestor's class, whom had only been one of Elrond's higher ranked servants, after all. In fact, the chilly relationship had begun long before the passage to Aman, even long before Legolas' birth. It came about during the Watchful Peace at a Festival of the Summer Solstice in Greenwood, to which all the worthy among elvendom's remaining realms had been invited.
During the revelry, the seneschal to Elrond's House had attended a wine-tasting event, having a rather discriminating and cultivated palate, and had actually wrinkled up his nose in displeasure upon sampling the famed Dorwinion, declaring the after-taste too bitter and the bouquet, if such a stench could be so called, reminiscent of worm medicine with which hound pups were dosed.
Of course the comment was not truly so vitriolic but through repeated iteration had gained in both acrimony and length by the time it reached the King's ears. Only his gentle wife's serenely soothing words prevented Thranduil from calling Erestor out for a duel of honour, for to hear his beloved Ithilloth [Moonflower] state that it was 'only a sip of wine from one whom could not know better' calmed him. The seneschal found out about the unfortunate misunderstanding and worked hard to eradicate the harm, under Elrond's commanding irritation at being so shamed by one of his most trusted advisors, and told anyone who would hear him how unwise it was to participate in wine tasting after indulging a passion for fish and fried onions.
Well, Thranduil and Elrond were appeased if seething in silence, but Erestor resented having to fabricate regarding his true opinion of the wine. His actual assessment had been that it was overbearing and heavy, acidic and lacking in bouquet, and to that he privately held. Oh, elves could get drunk from it very quickly, to be sure, but that seemed to be its only redeeming quality. Except, perhaps, that if watered down a bit it might make a suitable anthelmintic for equine intestinal annelid infestation.
That was when Erestor first began studying the growing of vines and the fermenting of grapes, quite certain he could do a better job of it than the Sinda Lord of the Forest east of the Hithaeglir. Arriving in Valinor a full three hundred years ahead of Thranduil and his remaining Wood Elves had given the Noldo ample time to put these theories into practice and establish his place among the First-born.
Despite great effort and insidious espionage expended to learn the noble Lord's secrets, Thranduil never won a single wine-tasting competition against Erestor in the several thousand years since the inception of New Dorwinion vineyards. By the time the Sinda Lord had reached Eldamar, the Noldo had already procured the better land, acquired the most experienced viticulturists, prepared the best locations and methods for aging, and employed the most intelligent of Yavanna's horticulturalists in breeding completely new varieties of grapes, crossing them with the most unlikely of species to produce flavours never before even imagined among the First-born. Thranduil was forced to accept the secondary position and the concept rankled in his soul.
It became an unofficial slogan of the House of Meril Thaifn that it was best not to imbibe the results of Thranduil's distilleries, for it was purported that a portion of the former King's raw personality was imparted to every bottle corked. Thus, Erestor's capital grew and he had been able to afford the huge drain upon his resources building the manor house had required.
The home was gracefully designed with a columned portico all the way around it on every level to capture the sea breeze and allow enjoyment of the warm, ever-summer climate maintained by Manwë's lesser apprentices. The supports were constructed of the uniquely coloured stone and decreased in width just slightly with each succeeding story. They were shallowly fluted, polished to a glossy finish and unadorned from base to capitol. Thereupon was carved every species and variety of flower and herb that Erestor could recall from his Naneth's garden in the Hidden City.
She had thought this a fine idea, upon coming to visit his new home for the first time, but pointed out that he had forgot at least two dozen varieties. The lovely relief work was not the real marvel of the columns, however, for Erestor had diverted some of the estate's water supply and turned every other support along the first floor front veranda into a flowing fountain.
Cool liquid trickled down the sides of the stones from the capitols, running in softly muted tones like rainfall, gentler than a laughing brook, less overt than the singing cascade of a high-shooting jet. The floor of the main porch, which was level with the lush green sward, was paved in mosaic-sized tiles, some composed of pale green limestone bearing stunning black stylolites threaded with strings of golden pyrite and the rest of soft, contrasting, pure white marble. These minute flags were arranged in a pattern that formed an intricate fractal design reminiscent of the dance of shadow and light created by sunshine riding the crests of curling breakers to the shore. By setting the floor at a subtle angle, the trailing fluid from the columns drained into a small culvert and was in turn recycled, pumped back up to the ceiling level to bathe the glistening pink columns continuously.
This calm, shaded space had several scattered groups of graceful benches composed of the white limestone and assorted tables wrought from the green. Various vines and potted flowering plants were aesthetically placed up and down the porch's length, hanging from the ceiling in baskets or spilling out of huge tubs of the white rock. An entire row of miniature Lemon and Orange trees formed a second set of pillars just outside the lithic ones and their diminutive stature made the three-storied house look immence. The trees had been a gift from Celebrian, for she had perfected the art of growing dwarfed varieties of various trees during her long separation from her mate and children. Some of her creations were so small they fit in table-top sized pots, yet had lived hundreds of years and looked it, limbs and trunks gnarled and twisted.
Thus was the inviting scene of the formal veranda to which guests were welcomed upon invitation to one of the Noldo noble's lavish soirées. The porch along the east-facing side of the house had no flowing fountains and was more private, being reserved for the use of those assigned to the two guest suites on the ground level. The furniture was not as impressive, being constructed of cedar wood and wrought iron rather than carved from the lovely rock, but was just as comfortable. True, visitors assigned to the lower apartments were not considered as important in rank as those given the more elegant quarters above stairs, but that did not mean the rooms were less gracious. It was just that, when the Vanyar came to call, it was best to keep some distance between the Moriquendi and the Calaquendi.
Erestor was not wont to entertain Wood Elves, but he had numerous friends among the Galadhrim and even these were counted lesser folk when compared to the people of Inwë. Other than Galion and Tulus' kin, Legolas was the first Wood Elf Erestor had ever actually hosted at Meril Thaifn. Not that he was prejudiced, exactly, but the situation between their King and the Noldo rather inhibited socialising with the elusive forest folk.
The woodland elves had changed little since relocating to Valinor and were just as secretive as ever, sequestered amid a tremendous tropical rainforest in an otherwise uninhabited region of Aman, wherein it was rumoured they had become completely wild, even their speech devolving into a dialect of Sindarin that was such in name only and could not be understood among the people of other realms. Few knew the real story, for the silvans had little desire to mingle with the Calaquendi or rub shoulders with the Powers, and they had never had much use for the Noldor even before the emigration. Visits from Yavanna and Oromë were tolerated with stoic patience.
Legolas, however, was not pure-blooded Wood Elf, and his wildness consisted of the more common sort associated with spoiled youths regardless of lineage. Erestor had thought so, at any rate, until recent events. Now he had the disreputable elf under his roof and was quite determined to learn the truth. The untimely arrival of Elrond's twins was making the task quite difficult, and the noble Lord of Meril Thaifn struggled to rebuild his dignity in the aftermath of his uncharacteristic groping of the forest prince in his care.
"I have no intention of letting Elrohir 'see to him'! What do you think I was trying to prevent before your attack upon my person?" he demanded through clenched jaws, straining against the elder twin's grip.
"What? You had your grubby hands all over him! You are the one under suspicion here; Elrohir has never harmed Legolas!" countered Elladan, enclosing his other hand over the former seneschal's wrist to strengthen his hold.
"Neither have I! And I did not mean to do that; Elrohir had already got him aroused and I was distracted by his…by certain admirable attributes. I cannot help it that Legolas is well-formed and so highly responsive. Valar! I must go to him and apologise at once; he must think me an odious ogre!" Erestor sought to break loose from Elladan's iron-fisted grasp upon his arm and failed.
The two ellyn's [male elves'] eyes joined in silent combat as each strived, one to liberate himself the other to prevent it, glaring their most intimidating stares. They were evenly matched in fortitude both of muscle and malignant glowers, however, and a stand-off ensued. Finally, as tempers and temperatures rose, Erestor resorted to extortion, threatening the eldest of Elrond's sons with the only thing known to transform the fearless former Orc-slayer into an elven Lord of genteel deportment.
"Unhand me, you disrespectful hooligan! How dare you lay hands on me in my own home! I shall make sure Celebrian learns of it immediately! What do you imagine her reaction to this, your callous handling of her beloved's kinsman, is likely to be?"
Elladan's minuscule flinch of the shoulders as his cheek paled, accompanied by a definite if fleeting sweep of dire panic behind his dilating pupils, was not missed by the former seneschal. But, the fierce veteran of the Ring War rallied the next instant.
"She will be far more devastated to learn of your mishandling of our woodland friend! I dare say she will report the story to your mother!" The eldest twin knew he had scored a hit as Erestor's eyes went wide in surprise and his furious tugging and twisting wavered. Elladan smirked.
A moment too soon.
"I have known Celebrian for Ages," retorted Hîr o Meril Thaifn [Lord of Rose Pillars]. "She would never believe such a foul besmirching of my character! She will be humiliated if Naneth finds out it is you and Elrohir spreading this malicious rumour, for the two work closely with Estë in Mandos. How can you place your naneth in such a mortifying predicament, unable to defend her sons' actions to her best friend and colleague?" Erestor heard Elladan's gasp of dismay and felt the loosening of the fingers digging in to his forearm. He pressed on toward victory.
"Can you explain this? Exactly what are you two doing here in the first place, your brother invading unannounced across the gardens while you go trespassing through my house? I do not recall inviting you and Legolas' presence is hardly coincidental. Wait till Celebrian hears that Elrohir was pawing the poor elf's privates even as Legolas lay, barely conscious, unable to fend off such undesired molestation. I dare say it was not the first offence, was it?"
"You would not dare repeat any such thing to her!" gasped Elladan, but he let go of Erestor's arm and stepped back nonetheless, a fiery blush creeping over his countenance that was not the result of their strenuous contention. "We would never force anyone, much less Legolas!"
"You should both be ashamed of yourselves!" The stately elder elf claimed his victory, resuming his former status as the Peredhel's strict disciplinarian, and inflicted a stinging slap on the twin's cheek, followed by snatching up Elladan's braids and giving his head a sharp jerk for emphasis.
"Ah! Daro! I was not trespassing; Dammand let me in. Nor am I the one at fault; we came out of love for Legolas and demand to know what you are doing with him!" Elladan countered by stomping on his one-time mentor's still unshod toes.
"Ai! Orcling! What is the matter with you? Have you been smoking Olórin's pipeweed lately?" Erestor let go of Elladan's hair to tenderly massage the bruised arch, hopping to retain his balance.
"Nay. I do not indulge in that vile habit," Elladan sighed and sat down on one of the chairs. "Erestor, I am serious. What is going on between you and Legolas? I must have your solemn word you did not cause him those dreadful injuries."
"I will not defend myself again, Elladan, here in my own lands. I should think your long acquaintance with me should be sufficient and if not, then I fear you must leave and consider our friendship severed." Erestor hobbled to the chaise and sat, glancing over his shoulder to Legolas' rooms. It is awfully quiet in there.
"Valar! I did not like to think it could be true, but the evidence is certainly damning! All of Adar's staff is fairly boiling like a pot of jam over this."
"How can this be? We have only just returned!" groaned Erestor, dropping his head in his hands.
"Do not blame me for that," Elladan shrugged. "It must be your folk that let it slip. Exactly why, if you have nothing to hide, do you wish Legolas' arrival to be secret?"
"It is for his sake, mostly, though I am not well pleased by the sort of light this will cast upon my name."
"Then you admit it!" Elladan jumped up, pointing in accusing wrath at his father's friend. "You are trying to keep your despicable behaviour from becoming known! No doubt your plan was to intimidate Legolas into remaining quiet, or worse, defending you as he has already done!"
"Baw! You are misrepresenting what I say! I have done nothing to Legolas other than try to help him out of a terrible situation. He was already like this when I found him. It was his desire to remain in a hidden location until healed of his hurts, I am certain, based on things he said and the remote region where I came upon him. Although it is quite clear to me now that he could not have survived those injuries without help." Upon saying this Erestor exhaled a shocked breath and stood up abruptly, turning to gaze at the open windows to the Wood Elf's rooms. "Oh Elbereth!" he whispered and sank back upon the cushions in confusion and denial. Legolas could not wish for death.
"What?" demanded Elladan. "What are you thinking, Erestor? Tell me what Legolas is involved in; Elrohir and I have known for long years that he is engaged in some clandestine activity. He will never reveal anything to us and confides only in Olórin, until now."
"Aye, and that is where we shall find the answers!" exclaimed the Noldo Lord. He stood again and turned to re-enter the study but stalled as he looked once more at the silent suite of his unhealthy guest. "Swear to me that Elrohir will not molest him, using the Wood Elf's involuntary response to stimulation as excuse to do so!"
"We never do that!"
"Do not tell me I saw otherwise, Elladan! Communicate with your brother and inform him to keep his hands off, right now, or I will have you both thrown off the grounds bodily!"
"There is no need," Elladan's flush of embarrassment returned. "I have been sharing everything we 'discussed' with my brother. He in turn reports that Legolas is highly upset and tried to leave, but due to failing strength could not manage getting clothed and has been tucked back under the covers. Alone. Elrohir will do nothing more than sing him to sleep."
No sooner were the words spoken than the younger twin's fair voice rose through the air and filled the space with a sweet and gentle crooning. The words were ancient, a lullaby for babes, and one that Legolas particularly favoured for it was this tune his Naneth would use, coaxing him to reverie with its soothing tones when he was an elfling.
"Aye, he has good reason to be more than upset," mourned Erestor. "I know not if he will ever forgive me, for I have abused him sorely, and after an ordeal no one should ever have to endure. How could I let myself get so beyond control like that? It has never happened before!" The noble berated himself, pacing inside as he mentally cursed himself. Spying the neglected tray, he once more found reason to chastise his laxity as a host. "Eru's Arse! He has not eaten a thing in Manwë only knows how many days! Tell Elrohir to fetch this and try to make him consume something wholesome."
"Be calm, Erestor, Legolas will not hold any grudge; it is not his way. Besides, he has a sort of soft spot for you, Eru alone knows why, and it is not what you were doing that bothered him but rather that you ceased doing it so suddenly," quoth Elladan as he followed at Erestor's heels and ran right into him when the Lord froze in step and spun around.
"Really? How do you know that? Did Elrohir transmit this knowledge to you? Did Legolas actually say so?" he had taken hold of the younger Noldo's tunic and was shaking him quite vigourously.
"Ai! Daro! What ails you? Yes, Elrohir states so, but we have known this for Ages upon Ages. We know everything about Legolas' preferences; in fact we are for the most part responsible for them."
"What?" Erestor let go and stared in undisguised distaste. The idea of the twins causing Legolas to like or dislike him was appalling.
"Nay, not specifically in your case; we had nothing to do with that!" Elladan chuckled to observe the relief that passed over his old tutor's features. "But we took Legolas' virginity and taught him everything about himself, what pleases him and what does not, all there is to know. Perhaps I might be inclined to share this information with you, should you convince me your intentions regarding my dearest friend are honourable."
Erestor could only stare, mouth clammy as a desert arroyo, bewitched by the visual imagining of this momentous event in the silvan elf's life. That such initiation was conducted by the twin Lords of Imladris was a commonly accepted rumour, but hearing the notion confirmed rendered the interior display much more vivid and colourful. The Lord of Meril Thaifn swallowed and heard his visitor laugh softly; Erestor frowned through his disconcerted blush and resumed his original course through the room.
"I am the veritable epitome of all that is considered honourable among elf-kind, Elladan. We shall continue this discussion later. I have difficulty accepting your words, however, for Olórin has indicated otherwise. Come, I have questions for the wizard."
"And I have answers, Erestor!" spoke the Istar, his words winding down from the stairs above the two elves' heads. "Follow me!"
Erestor was glad to see the Maia had resumed the more traditional form utilised upon Middle-earth and preferred by Legolas. The Noldo did not feel exactly comfortable talking to his doppelganger. He saw that the wizard was heading back towards his study and this pleased him, too, for their speech would thus be unheard by the patient on the first floor. Upon ushering Elladan in ahead of him, Erestor was about to shut the door when Dammand came hurrying down the hall and shoved inside also. The three elves sat and awaited the Istar's words.
"I say, Mithrandir, are you going to be switching back and forth like this often during your stay here?" asked Dammand, amused to see the elderly version of the mightiest among Manwë's disciples (and possibly the Vala's son) warming his hands before the fire in the grate.
"Never mind about that, Ada," scolded Erestor. "If that is what is required to ensure Legolas' peace of mind, so be it."
Dammand's brows went up and he shared a quick glance with Elladan, who nodded just slightly and returned a smug smile.
"Indeed," Olórin concurred as he filled his long clay pipe and lit it with a sliver of kindling from the flames, "peace of mind is what he dearly needs. He has been in a most vile situation of late and has suffered horribly at the hands of one who would claim to be his lover."
"Ah! Who is this despicable elf?" demanded Elladan. "We shall insist he be tossed out into the Void for such crimes!"
"Alas, the situation is not so simple," the Istar sighed. "Legolas has been a virtual prisoner of one of the Maiar for quite a long time. He was willing enough when the relationship began, but over recent centuries their interactions have become more and more abrasive. Legolas is, above all else, very independent and a free spirit. Such a one ought not be caged up, yet that is what Ringë attempted to do.
"Our silvan archer did not like it that all and could not understand such jealousy. To him, it became apparent that he meant nothing more to his lover than a jewel would mean to Thranduil: something pretty to show off and hoard solely for his own pleasure. Legolas was a possession rather than a beloved companion."
"What does it matter if this Ringë is one of the Ainur? He has broken the most basic rules of decency! Surely the Valar would not protect him from just punishment," insisted Elladan.
"Aye, once Manwë hears of it the corrupt fiend will be out on his arse, and good riddance!" averred Dammand with feeling. "I have never even heard of Ringë, he cannot be very imminent."
Erestor kept quiet, sharing silent scrutiny with the Istar, for he knew this was not the entire story. He doubted if any of this was true, for the physical personification of the watery Istar had been more frightening than alluring. Legolas was unlikely to willingly be the creature's companion in love.Yet Legolas is not shallow; if he found other qualities to admire he would grow to appreciate the outer form regardless. And even I have heard he enjoys rough bed sport; mayhap the Maia gave him that. Erestor's heart sank over such doubts, for with them came the realisation that he really knew nothing of Legolas at all.
"The problem is that Ringë, anticipating Legolas' attempts to sever the relationship, has already been talking to his betters, inventing a plausible lie that unfortunately fits the Wood Elf's personality. He has been putting it forward that Legolas defied the Law of the Valar and returned to the Severed Realms to visit Arda again," Mithrandir delivered this summation and waited for the expected exclamations of shocked disbelief to die off.
"It is true, for much the same did the Istar say to me, only embellishing the tale to make Legolas seem to be an even worse criminal," added Erestor, nodding as he held the Istar's sight. "He told me Legolas was the cause of some deaths among the humans there."
"What?" shouted Elladan and jumped to his feet. "You have met the foul defiler and did nothing to stop this?"
"I did stop it; Legolas is here in my house, Elladan." Erestor's quiet voice chastened the Orc-slayer and he sat down again.
"Ai Valar! No one would believe such a thing!" Dammand proclaimed. "Legolas would never knowingly put anyone in harm's way."
"I confess, before I understood the situation, I was inclined to accept this was the case. The Maia is very convincing; do not underestimate his ability to sway the thoughts of his peers and betters," cautioned Erestor.
"Erestor is right," intoned Olórin over the denouncements of the other two elves. "Ringë has powerful friends and is well loved by Ulmo, who still watches over the fate of mortals beyond the Sundering Sea. Ringë has always stayed more or less connected to the Outer Realms and is one of the Vala's chief missionaries among the human hordes. It is probably one of the ways Ringë was able to seduce Legolas, offering him the chance to journey back to old haunts and search for relatives of those long dead who were dear friends of the silvan."
"Then you believe he did go across the sea?" Dammand was stunned. "Whatever for? He could not possibly have hoped to trace the descendants of Hobbits and Dwarves, let alone one family of humans amid the millions swarming the Severed Realms now!"
"Oh yes, he would indeed hope such a thing," Elladan was nodding with grim disappointment etched into his frowning brow. "It was for Gimli, I would warrant, that he returned."
"Aye, that axe," Erestor grumbled. "Looking to return it to the dwarves; a holy relic for Gimli's people to cherish."
They all fell silent, ruminating over the likelihood of such an endeavour and how clever the jealous Maia was to have used this aspect of the archer's character against him. And if this was believable to the elves, it was quite clear that Ringë would much more easily convince the Powers, who really could not know each individual elf among all the inhabitants of Aman. Legolas' roguish reputation was also against him; for if his respect for morals was so low then what was a rule of law to him save something to get around?
"Legolas is in a bad spot," Elladan stated the obvious. "How are we going to get him out of it?"
"Aye, we know he did not bring about anyone's demise on purpose. If such a thing happened, he must have been in the middle of a war and could not prevent it," posited Dammand. "The humans are always warring; it is difficult to comprehend how they continue as a species."
"I concur, Dammand, yet I must now insist that each of you, including Elrohir of course, remain silent on these events until I can sort it all out," Gandalf said.
"What will you do? Can you clear him of the accusations?" asked Elladan.
"That remains to be seen, but I am fairly confident of success," answered the wizard. "I am not without friends of high standing myself."
"Indeed, surely Manwë will take your word over some insignificant disciple of Ulmo's of which I have never heard before this day!" exclaimed the veteran of the First Age.
"Let us hope so!" smiled the wizard. "Now, Erestor, I need to speak with Legolas and you must prepare for guests. Your lovely home is about to be visited by the Powers, or some of them at least. Elrond will show up, too, I expect, so perhaps you two should leave before then," the Istar continued, directing his speech to each of the elves, and Elrohir through his twin, in turn. "Your father will not be happy to discover that you have become embroiled in Legolas' misadventures."
"He knows something about this?" Elladan was quite surprised.
"Aye, for I once had to seek his aid for Legolas' injuries. He has been very outspoken in denouncing the silvan since then. And me as well, I am afraid. He has threatened to have me expelled from Aman if either you or Elrohir ever became involved in our 'unsavoury dealings' as he refers to them." Mithrandir put out his pipe and dumped the ashes into the grate as he spoke. "Now summon your brother, for what I have to say to Legolas is of a private nature."
"As you wish; he is on the way," mumbled Elladan, more or less stunned to learn his Adar had worried over the twins' disregarding the Will of the Valar. He is right; we would have gone to help Legolas even if it meant crossing illegally into the Severed Realms. Elrohir's thoughts filled his mind and Elladan was forced to acknowledge their truth. He sighed and rose to his feet. "Lord Erestor, we shall have to have that talk another time, I suppose, but do not wait overly long to seek us out. We shall be at Ada and Nana's until we learn what is to become of Legolas. Make certain to speak with us before."
"Aye, I will do so," Erestor said and stood to usher the intruders out.
"Before what?" teased Dammand, fully suspecting what was afoot between his son and the woodland archer.
"Ada! Not now; this is a serious business," snapped his son in aggravation and led the procession out of the study and down the stairs. In the foyer Elrohir waited and at that point Mithrandir split from the group and headed for Legolas' quarters while the three elves continued out through the front door.
"My apologies for accosting you, Erestor. I realise now how wrong my thoughts were. It is just that we know how vulnerable Legolas is where you are concerned and we have witnessed how violent his desires have grown of late."
"I think you have to be mistaken about his fondness for me, though I admit I would like to believe such words," Erestor shook his head. "Mithrandir told me Legolas does not like to see him in his other corporeal manifestation, and that is so like me that I nearly fainted to behold it!"
"Aye, he dislikes to see the wizard thus," laughed Elrohir. "There is a rather embarrassing story surrounding why…"
"…which we will gladly relate…" inserted Elladan.
"…but the point is that Legolas mistook the Istar for you once and quite made a fool of himself!" the younger twin finished. The pair strode off from Meril Thaifn toward their parents' abode on the cliff, leaving Erestor staring in boggle-eyed curiosity upon his doorstep.
TBC