by Soledad
Disclaimer: Not mine, all Tolkien's, except the Mary Sue and the weird plot. Sue me, and you'll be given the Sue – pardon the really bad pun.
Rating: PG-13, for incestuous relationships and severe nastiness.
Summary: 'Tis time to decide Melpomaen's fate. What dark secrets are being revealed?
Author's note: It seems that my muse is more resistant than I would have thought. I was afraid for a few weeks that she had left me for good, but here she is, nastier than ever. So, in order to celebrate her return, we are treated with a chapter extraordinaire, featuring the Evil Thranduil™ in his drunken, abusive nastiness.
(Ummm… I hope 'tis needless to say that I am actually the chairwoman of the Sisterhood of Thranduil-defenders? This chapter was written in a righteous outrage over all those stories where he behaves… well, just like in this chapter. Just to be sure we understand each other.)
The (very few) original lines are from ''The Treason of Isengard'' (HoME 7) this time.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
''If the Elves knew the joys of a beard, no dwarf would be safe.'' – Legolas, in ''A Diamond Between Wood and Stone'', the most poetic Legolas/Gimli story I've ever read. Written by Pythoness, may the Valar bless her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CHAPTER 7: THE UGLY TRUTHThe hobbits had been some three weeks in the House of Elrond after the Council, and November was passing, when the scouts began to return. Those who went north had gone beyond the Hoarwell into the Entish lands(1), and those who went west had reached the lands far down the Greyfood, as far as Tharbad where the old North Road crossed the river by the ruined town(2). Those who climbed the pass at the sources of the Palath(3) had reached the old home of Radagast at Rhosgobel that is also called Brownhay(4) in the Mannish tongue. These last had returned up the Ruinnel(5) and over the high pass that was called Dimrill Stair(6).
During all this coming and going the Lord Elrond was hard-pressed to find a little time to speak with the Princess Asachamien(7) in private. Yet he was determined to do so, for he wanted to know why she had come to Melpomaen's aid after that worthless slave had tried to poison her. So he asked her to join him and Erestor in his vast library, and she came gladly, for there were kept old tomes written in the ancient Elvish tongue that not even Elrond himself could read, for the letters were known to the anointed priestesses of Yavanna only, and had been forgotten every where but in Mirkwood and Lórinand(8).
Erestor was most upset about how things had turned out. He was not used to lose something he considered his, and it seemed now that he would lose his long-time consort whose services he had always found most satisfying. And though he had been the one who suggested Elrond to accept Thranduil's offer to wed his only daughter to one of the Children of Lúthien and therefore intended not to let the sweet and powerful Princess slip through his hands, he most seriously intended to keep Melpomaen near his bedchamber. Now that the foolish slave had tried to poison his betrothed, he knew not what he could do to save him.
''I thank you, my Lady, that you could come in such a short instance'', Elrond turned to the Princess. '''Tis high time that we decide the final fate of the one that had a murderous attempt on your life. I promised you that he shall not be harmed 'til the child is born, for you wanted that… thing to be spared, for reasons I cannot understand(9), but ere we make any decision, I would like to know why you are so forgiving and so protective towards someone who intended to take your life?''
The Princess sat with downcast eyes for quite some time, her beautiful face deeply flushed in some secret shame. Finally, she raised her shining eyes and the two Half-Elves could see the tears in those dark orbs.
''I see that I have no choice but to reveal a shameful secret of my own family in order to make you understand, my Lords'', she whispered barely audible. ''You have a right to know why I have and always will protect that unlucky slave of yours. Hear then and, I beg of you, keep to yourselves this knowledge: Melpomaen is my brother.''
Elrond and Erestor gazed at her with open mouth. She sighed, dried her eyes with a delicately laced handkerchief and continued.
''Aye, he is my brother, but he was not born in the right bed, as people say. I am certain that you all know what kind of a person our father is like. In all Elven Kingdoms there are rumours about the debauchery life he leads… and about the rakish feasts that are held in the deep halls of Mirkwood Castle(10).''
The Elf-Lords nodded again, and she collected her strength before she could go on with her horrible story.
''Well, they are all true. Father knows no restraints when he is drunk, and it used to be even worse when he was younger. And thus it happened after Legolas' birth, while our mother was lying weakened in her chambers and the court celebrated the coming of a new Prince, that Father caught a young maiden of his court unaware and made her submit to his ardour (11).''
Both Elrond and Erestor listened in shock. Sure, they had had their merry dalliances all their lives, but never would have sunk so deeply to force anyone to serve their pleasure. The Princess shook her head sadly and went forth.
''Of course, Father never acknowledged Melpomaen as his son, even though he bears the birthmark we all bear. The boy was raised as a slave and sold as soon as he reached maturity, for Father could not bear to see him in his court.''
''I remember when Glorfindel came home with him'', Elrond said. ''He was such a miserable little creature, I never understood what Glorfindel saw in him.''
''I do believe the Lord Glorfindel bought him out of compassion'', the Princess answered. ''We did not know that he remained under your roof, my Lord. Every one had forgotten him, 'til I met him again in your house.''
''What has become of his mother?'' Erestor asked, for his little slave never spoke of earlier times, no matter what punishment his stubbornness earned him.
''She has been sold, too'', the Princess answered. ''She was tossed into slavery for polluting royal blood and sent to the South Haven.'' She gave Elrond a begging look. ''Do not send Melpomaen away, my Lord, I pray you. He was desperate about losing the only one who cared for him – I blame him not for that.''
''But I do'', Elrond answered, admiring the selfless goodness of the Lady Asachamien (not to mention the lovely wringing of her delicate hands) greatly. ''Yet for your sake, my Lady, I shall withhold my sentence 'til the Fellowship of the Ring is chosen and sent on their way.''
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
In the other wing of the house, on the east porch that had become Legolas and Gimli's preferred love nest during the recent weeks, the two lovers were having a similar conversation.
''You cannot imagine what life in Mirkwood Castle is like, Gimli'', Legolas said gravely, resting his head in the Dwarf's lap (where he had the additional pleasure to survey the mighty hammer that gave him so much pleasure when pounding his anvil), while Gimli was playing with his ear absently, sending shivers through the slender Elven body. ''The only one of his children who truly count for Father is his heir, our eldest brother, Prince Luincirion(12). He is so much like Father, and he grants him every wish. So, when Melpomaen was still way under-aged, he was given to Luincirion as his consort… and he handled the boy badly. Poor little worm was half-starved and full of beat marks when the Lord Glorfindel visited our palace and bought him from Father for a jewelled ring(13).''
''What did your brother say to that?'' Gimli asked, suspecting something equally evil coming. Legolas shrugged, his fine face darkened.
''He demanded from Father to have me as his consort, instead of his lost slave. And Father agreed. He could never deny Luincirion any wish. So I fled that night and ran without a break to Dale. There I was hiding, as a guest of the King and as the captain of his archers, until the Dragon came. I barely escaped from that battle and decided to return to Mirkwood. I had long come of age by then, so that I could not be given away against my will. Of course, Luincirion and I never had a very… brotherly relationship'', he added.
''What about your sister?'' Gilmi asked. ''Was she never molested by your brother?''
''Nay'', Legolas shook his head. ''Luincirion has never wanted women(14). And besides, the priestesses of Yavanna have strange powers, not even our reckless brother would risk to challenge them. They could do horrible things to you, by sheer willpower. So, be careful around my sister. She is used to get every thing she wants.''
''What do you mean?'' Gimli frowned, for the voice of his lover was deadly serious. Legolas sighed.
''I have seen the looks she casts upon you every time she thought she would be unwatched. She desires you, dear heart, as much as I do, and she will not rest 'til she gets what she desires.''
''Well, this time she will have to face disappointment'', the Dwarf grumbled, fondling lovingly the slender arrow that was hidden in Legolas' secret quiver, begging for attention. ''Dwarves would not change their hearts once they have found the one who would rule it for eternity. You are mine, my beloved Elf, and I am yours, and no-one can change that. I shall not play locksmith to any other doors than yours(15), and that is final.''
''And there is naught that I would wish more than that you shall practice your skills as a locksmith again, soon'', Legolas answered with a sweet smile, and grabbing that gorgeous beard, he pulled the Dwarf down for a soul-stealing kiss. ''I only ask you to be careful. Should my sister find out that 'tis my inmost doors you are pounding on instead of hers, she could do nasty things to both of us.''
''Worry not'', Gimli replied, after having sampled long and deeply the sweet nectar that was Legolas' mouth; ''I shall let no harm come near you. Come now love, let us oil that door of yours a little, so that it would open silently for me and no-one would detect my secret visit in your inner chambers. As you just said, we must be careful.''
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A few days later, when all scouts had returned, the Lord Elrond sought out the Princess Asachamien once again. This time they met on an other porch, high up on the west wing of the Last Homely House, where no-one could watch them.
''I have come to a decision, concerning the twisted state of things between our respective families'', he said. ''I know not whether you shall like it, my Lady, but I do believe this would be the best for us all.''
She seemed to tremble a little at that, looking so young, lovely and vulnerable that Elrond nearly melted away on the spot. But he was not an ancient Elf-Lord for naught and so he managed to gather his considerable willpower, making him able to continue.
''I do believe, my Lady, that your betrothal to my kinsman, Erestor, has been a mistake'', he said. ''Even though he has agreed and went through the ceremony with you, I fear that his desire is still turned to that… I mean to your unfortunate brother. And even though he is naught but a love slave, I cannot deny that the child he is carrying is Erestor's flesh and blood. Also, I considered your pleas in his behalf and decided to keep him in the house.''
''Thank you, my Lord'', she whispered, relieved that there would be someone to keep Erestor from her bed most of the time. That way she would be able to endure his advances when it was inevitable. But Elrond was not finished yet.
''And so I have decided to declare your betrothal as annulled'', he continued. ''For I can see in your eyes that though you have shared your bodies, a soul-bond has not been formed between the two of you(16).''
'''Tis true, my Lord'', she whispered. ''I have felt from the first moment that he loved me not, so I resisted the bond to come in existence. We of the Cult of Yavanna can do such thing.''
''I believe this is for the best'', Elrond nodded, ''for I have found an other husband for you in this house. You shall be wedded to me, in one year's time.''
''To you, my Lord?'' she repeated, her heart nearly stopping from fear. ''But are you not already spoused?(17)''
''I used to be'', answered Elrond with a shrug, ''but my wife left for the Blessed Realm and gave me back her ring of betrothal, so that our marriage is unmade for good.''
The Lady Asachamien thought about the offer for a short time. Being the Queen of Rivendell had doubtlessly its advantages – she would be able to control the fate of those who came within the boundaries of Elrond's realm through his Ring and strengthen her own powers. Of course, she would have to be very careful while pursuing her other… goals, but the position Elrond had just offered would be more of a help than a hindrance…
''I feel deeply honoured, my Lord'', she replied with a bow, ''and I would be happy to accept. But I fear that Erestor shall not take this change kindly. How do you intend to keep him from doing anything foolish?''
''Trust me'', said Elrond with a lewd grin, pulling her close, ''I have a wonderful plan that should solve all the most pressing issues. I shall tell it every one tomorrow.''
TBC
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
End notes:
(1) Ask me not where that might be. The geography of LOTR has undergone many changes, most of them impossible to follow. I just quoted all those elder names as they came in HoME.
(2) This was the very first appearance of Tharbad in the early scripts, following the fourth variation of Elrond's council.
(3) Iris. Called later the River Gladden.
(4) Also, the first appearance of Rhosgobel. The translated name ''Brownhay'' is never mentioned again. A pity. It sounds so good.
(5) Redway. The river called Celebrant in LOTR.
(6) Which at the end became, after many a transformation, the Redhorn Pass.
(7) Lying Elf-Slut, this time. You will see the reason for that name.
(8) Alternate name for Lothlórien. Not really an early one, but one I personally find very stupid-sounding, so it will fit perfectly.
(9) How could he? 'Tis common Elven practice to murder unborn babies, is it not?
(10) At least when the people in all those other Elven Kingdoms (there are dozens, no, hundreds of them in the Third Age, remember?) are regularly reading fanfiction. For I, personally, have read 18 volumes of Tolkien's writings and never found anything that would indicate these things. Mayhap in his very secret private diary that hasn't been published yet?
(11) Of course, an Elven woman would flee her body when raped, according to Tolkien, but that never concerned anyone. Nor the fact that Elves need a conscious act of will to conceive a child.
(12) Means Pompous Ass.shrugs Hey, he is the Evil Older Brother™ who cannot be left out from such a story! The heir of Thranduil has to be evil by design, just as his sire is.
(13) Because, as we all know, Thranduil would sell his soul for a piece of jewellery, not only a bastard son, right?
(14) Of course not. Most Elven males are not. 'Tis a wonder the whole species has not died out Ages ago.
(15) A similar expression was used in Pythoness' story. I altered it a little but couldn't resist quoting it, even if in a different fashion. So, the credit of this wonderful metaphor goes to her.
(16) Well, yes, Tolkien actually does say that Elves can read from the eyes of other Elves whether they are soul-bound or not.
(17) Of course. It's that simple with Elves who marry only once and bond themselves for eternity. Who needs a stinking wife? After all, Celebrían was but a footnote in LOTR, right? Let us get rid of her so that Elrond can roll in the hay with any one who comes by.
