The 'Life in Imladris' Arc – stories focused on the inhabitants of Rivendell.
Deception and Heartbreak

Disclaimer: This fictional story is completely made up for fun and no profit is made from it. Any similarities to real events or other writings is purely coincidental.

Please leave me a review or constructive criticism. I want to be a better writer. Thank yous are at the end of the chapter.

Chapter Fourteen

A lazy few weeks had passed since the feast for Menelluin. Lindir spent most of his mornings in the company of Legolas and Rúmil, either down by the river or in his room, teaching Legolas more music while Rúmil lounged on his bed. The young prince of Mirkwood and the guardian of 'Lorien had come to a truce and tolerated each other's company. Lindir knew it was because Rúmil had stopped picking on the elfling and Legolas, wanting nothing more to be accepted by the older elves, had ceased glaring disdainfully at the warrior. Rúmil had even practiced archery a few times with him when Glorfindel was too busy.

In the afternoons Lindir suffered in Elrond's study, copying numerous scrolls into books. He would have much rather been out in the sun with Rúmil or even the twins. However, in the study he was always privy to the breaking news in the hidden valley. Such was the case this afternoon, when a messenger from the borders of the valley arrived, accompanied by Elrond's younger son.

"My lord," the warrior spoke, nodding his head in respect. "Thranduil's party entered the valley just an hour ago. They will reach the house shortly."

"Thank you," Elrond replied and dismissed the warrior. "Elrohir, son, would you kindly fetch Legolas from the archery range? He will want to greet his father when he arrives."

"Yes, Ada," Elrohir sighed. Elrond raised an eyebrow curiously.

"Is there something you wanted, Elrohir?"

"I was going to ask Erestor for another book."

"Another? I gave you one two nights ago," Erestor exclaimed. "Do you do anything besides read, child?"

"Yes, and I am not a child," Elrohir answered. "I read quickly, besides."

"Fine, I will find you a book in Westron. It should take you longer to work through," Erestor decided. "You can pick it up tonight. I shall bring it to the Hall of Fire."

"Thank you, Erestor."

"You are welcome. Now, are you not supposed to be on an errand for your father?"

"Why don't you send Lindir? I am sure he is tired of copying scrolls," Elrohir asked, winking at the blond elf. Lindir shook his head but couldn't hide his smile.

"Because I asked you to, precious child of mine," Elrond answered, moving around the desk and maneuvering his son towards the door. "I cannot spare Lindir at the moment, his help is too crucial." Elrond escorted Elrohir out of the room and closed the door firmly behind him. "I say," he complained, "they become more trying every day. Do not smirk at me, Erestor."

Lindir bent low over his papers so the elf lord wouldn't see his grin.

"My ada is coming today," Legolas informed the balrog-slayer.

"Are you eager to return to Mirkwood?" Glorfindel questioned as he carefully strung his long bow.

"I miss my father greatly," Legolas replied. "But I have enjoyed myself here for the most part."

"I am glad to hear that, little prince."

"Lord Glorfindel, may I ask you a question?"

"You just did, cundu," Glorfindel pointed out.

"What's that?"

"What is what?"

"Cundu."

"Are they not teaching you Quenya in that dreary forest?" Glorfindel questioned.

"They are, but I do not know that word," Legolas frowned.

"Well, it means 'prince.' Was that your question?"

"No."

"Well then, you may ask it, if you wish."

"I do." Legolas paused as if he was trying to summon his courage to ask the question that had been plaguing him ever since he started spending more time in the company of both Lindir and Glorfindel. "Why do you act so strange around Lindir?"

"I act strange around Lindir?"

"Yes, and he is always angry with you."

"He is always angry with me?"

"Yes," Legolas answered with exasperation. "Do not repeat everything I say, I will not be distracted." Glorfindel then realized that he had seen Thranduil employ that exact evasion technique before. No doubt Legolas knew its purpose well.

"You are quite the precocious little imp, are you not? Since you have caught me, I shall confess." Glorfindel set down his bow and regarded the youngster before him. Legolas waited patiently for the explanation. "You see, Lindir and I have a long history and recently events have occurred that have created distance between us. I sorely wish it were not so, but these things are out of my power to control." Legolas didn't miss how regretful Glorfindel looked. Despite the older elf not answering his question to his satisfaction, Legolas decided to change the topic.

"Will you show me this new technique, then?"

"Of course," Glorfindel smiled. He was very relieved to change the subject. Just thinking of his frayed ties to the minstrel made Glorfindel's heart ache. He reminded himself again that it was for the best that he turn the younger elf away, though each day it grew harder to accept. "Is your bow strung?"

"It is," Legolas replied, holding out his child-sized bow for the warrior to inspect.

"Good. Now, I want you to hold the bow like this," Glorfindel said, demonstrating the new hold. Legolas copied his grip. "Now, fit the arrow-"

"GLORFINDEL!" The golden warrior started violently, nearly dropping his bow and arrow. He jerked around to see who was bothering them while Legolas covered his mouth with his hands to stifle the giggles trying to escape as he watched the dark haired elf approach.

"Elrohir, you little bit of ráca fincë-apsa," Glorfindel scowled.

"I love you too, Glorfy," Elrohir grinned.

"State your business so I can get on with spitting you with this arrow."

"Such malcontent, and in front of one so young!" Elrohir chided, covering Legolas' ears with his hands. "You'll give him nightmares!"

"No he won't. What did he say?" Legolas questioned, twisting his neck to look up at the twin. He was just beginning to be able to tell them apart and even if Glorfindel hadn't already named him, Legolas was sure he would have known it was Elrohir and not Elladan.

"Oh, you mean ráca fincë-apsa?"

"Yes."

"Something not very nice, I assure you," Elrohir answered. "Glorfindel's always spewing out some Quenya of sorts." The balrog-slayer did not look amused.

"Do you know Quenya?" Legolas asked curiously.

"Fluently," Elrohir replied conspiratorially. Legolas grinned.

"Come now, what is your business?" Glorfindel demanded with annoyance.

"Ada sent me to fetch the prince. King Thranduil of Mir- Greenwood arrives shortly."

tbc…

please review.

Thank you:
Arialas – You had me worried with your first statement, but then you had me smiling with the rest of your review. I really appreciate your supportive comments.

Nimrodel – Don't worry, Rúmil will be back. I agree, that elleth does need her ears pulled. :)

Arian – So many conspiracies! Lol, well I can tell you that she isn't involved. Thranduil will explain when he arrives. :)

Amy – I'm so grateful that you pointed out trouble spots in the story. Hopefully I can clear some of that up. First, yes, Elrohir did trick Lindir into going down to the river with him, but Lindir truly didn't mind (Chapter 3). Thranduil sent Legolas to Imladris because they don't know what's going on in Mirkwood, and Thranduil thinks Legolas will be safest with Elrond. However, that isn't a permanent arrangement. Legolas will be going home as soon as the murderer is caught. As for your reviews of Ch 6 and 13, thank you for the compliments and you're in luck. I'm under a huge time constraint and originally I wanted the whole story (19 chaps) posted before I leave for Europe on the 15th. I don't know if that will happen, but definitely expect at least a chapter a day for the rest of the week.

Seeing-spots – Lol, I'm falling for Rúmil too! He's featured lots in Severence, so we can all look forward to that. He cracks me up even when I'm writing. :p

Translations:
1 cundu Q"prince"

2 ráca fincë-apsa Q "wolf trick-food" ie, wolf-bait