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.

A/N: The second to last chapter!

Chapter Eighteen

Elrond was very frustrated by the time he was able to leave Thranduil in the company of Glorfindel and Erestor and leave the festivities himself. All evening he had been distracted, wanting nothing more than to make sure his son was well and then to hunt down a few unlucky elves. He didn't care if Imladris lost its reputation as an accepting and safe haven for all travelers. No one who hurt one of his children would escape Elrond's wrath.

He finally found his family in the suite of rooms the twins shared. By the time Elladan and Elrohir had reached Legolas' age they were both quite tired of sharing each other's living space every minute of the day. Elrond and Celebrían had helped them move into their own rooms but by the end a week it was obvious the setup was not working. In order to allow the twins their space but not completely separate them, Elrond remodeled a suite to have two bedrooms. They still shared a common antechamber and bathing room.

Celebrían sat before a small fire in a wooden rocking chair, reading quietly as she guarded her youngest son's sleep. Elrond went over to her and kneeled before her chair. "Where is Elladan?" he asked in a whisper so he wouldn't wake Elrohir.

"He went to find a light snack," Celebrían replied. "He should return shortly." Elrond nodded before dropping a kiss on her cheek and standing. He quickly crossed the distance to Elrohir's bed so he could check for himself on the younger elf's well-being. Elrohir's brow was furrowed slightly but otherwise he looked calm.

Elrond returned to Celebrían's side. "On the morrow I am going to speak with the elleth and her mother," he told her. "I plan to request their immediate departure from the valley."

"Do not be too hasty, my love," Celebrían smiled. "Elrohir must have the chance to forgive her or he will never move past this."

"She does not deserve his forgiveness," Elrond scowled. To his annoyance, Celebrían laughed softly.

"Oh Elrond, you overreact! Yes, I am also upset that she tried to use Elrohir for personal gains but he didn't truly love her. It was just a childish infatuation and he will move on quickly. You should be more worried for your oldest. Elladan will be more likely to bear the grudge."

"You speak wisely, Cele," Elrond sighed, disappointed he would not have the opportunity to bring Mordor down on the heads of those elves. At least he could still give them a verbal lashing on the proper decorum of elves that they would not quickly forget.

The next morning

"You could claim the message was lost," Lindir suggested, tossing a folded parchment onto the desk of Rúmil's guest chamber. He had just finished reading the contents and was displeased to learn that Celeborn had requested the Galadhrim warrior's immediate return to the Golden Wood.

"The messenger has already begun his return trip," Rúmil chuckled.

"We could ask Glorfindel to ride out after him and threaten him with death if he informs Lord Celeborn that you actually read the message."

"I think Glorfindel would be more likely to ensure the speed and safety of his return than hinder it," Rúmil countered. He packed a few more wrapped lembas into his travel pouch. "I never knew you to be so violent, Lindir."

"Well, I wish you didn't have to leave so soon," Lindir sighed. "You've only just arrived."

"I have been here for nearly a month," Rúmil pointed out.

"You seem glad to be going back," Lindir accused him with a frown.

"Do not be petulant, Lindir!" Rúmil laughed. He walked over to the desk and tugged on one of the minstrel's braids. Lindir scowled at him. "Of course I want nothing more than to remain here and do naught but swim in the river and drive Glorfindel to distraction, but I am needed in Lothlórien. Despite our victory during the Last Alliance, orcs and wargs and all types of fell beasts still roam Arda. Besides that, someone must make sure Haldir does not become too sure of himself."

"I know, I know," admitted Lindir. "I just do not wish to be left here alone."

"Alone? You'll surely not be alone. You already spend all day with Lord Elrond and Erestor."

"It is not the same," Lindir explained. "They are both much older than me. At least with you I am an equal. Even Legolas, who is just a child, brought brightness to my days. He needed me and, dare I say it, wanted my company. Now that you and he are leaving, I am once again left with only elves whose lives would not be much altered had I never existed."

"That is not true," Rúmil argued. He dropped to his knees so he could rest his forearms on Lindir's lap and look up at the minstrel's face. "Listen to me. Glorfindel still loves you. I do not know what bothered him so greatly during the war but I am sure he will overcome it soon. He seemed rather happy with you last night."

"Perhaps right at the start, but after Thranduil and Elrond arrived he never even looked at me again. I went to speak with him after the festivities but he had already retired and would not answer a knock on his door."

"If I was not absolutely certain that Glorfindel would cut me into hundreds of little pieces and feed me to the Mirkwood spiders if I dared to confront him, I would tell him what a horrible elf he is being. However, I do not think it is my place to do so."

"No, this is not your problem. I would not drag you into it."

"Do not be so dejected, my friend. Think of this: the twins turn fifty in seven years. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel will most definitely travel to Imladris for the celebration. I will make sure I am part of their escort. Can you wait seven years to see me again? Of course, I will try to come sooner, if possible."

"Yes, I suppose I can survive that long," Lindir answered with a weak smile.

"It is too bad that Thranduil is on such bad terms with Celeborn. I would love to attend Legolas' coming of age celebration," Rúmil smirked deviously.

"It is no wonder he and Glorfindel think so lowly of you!" Lindir exclaimed with amusement. "You live to torment others."

"What do you expect? After two thousand years life can get quite monotonous."

"You have not seen two thousand summers yet," Lindir reminded him.

"Close enough," Rúmil grinned. "Now, help me pack. If I am prepared soon, perhaps we can go find Legolas and give Thranduil conniptions before the Mirkwood party leaves."

"You are incorrigible."

tbc…

please review.

Thank You:
Seeing-spots – Hopefully the picture worked at least once for you. I'm glad the "insult" part worked without seeming childish.

Coolio – Thank you for your kind words… Elladan is quite relieved as well that Elrohir isn't mad at him, and it definitely wasn't his fault.

Arian – Hehe, I agree. Elrohir's face did look something like that. I'm sure Elrohir has something to say to the elleth. ;) Lindir could probably use a few more hugs now.

Arialas – Sorry about the confusion… Thranduil and Glorfindel agree that Rúmil shouldn't be allowed near Legolas. :)
I will be visiting France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, and England… whew!

Randa-Chan – I'm happy to hear that you find bits of the story funny… humor is so hard to write. There is only one more chapter to this story, and then I recommend you read Dandelion, which is actually the sequel to this one, and you'll find out all about Glorfindel's problem.