Title: Mending A Heart
Author: McKenna Espenshade

Email: mckennaespen@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: Tolkien, Tolkien, yes I'm blue,
	these characters belong to you.
	And even though I've changed the plot,
	and possibly impaired your lot,
	I really mean no disrespect,
	although I write both slash and het.
	To everyone heed what I mean,
	The plot is mine, the rest, Tolkien's.

Pairing: Legolas/Elladan

Rating: NC-17
Summary: After his mother is killed, a distraught Legolas finds 
comfort in Elladan's arms. AU.
Author's Note: Legolas is younger than Elladan and Elrohir but 
is older than Arwen. In this story Legolas is approximately 2007, 
while Elladan and Elrohir are 2071. Arwen is 1943. Celebrian's 
kidnapping and rescue occurred prior to this story. She left for 
the Undying Lands only six seasons ago (1 ½ years ago).

Special Notes: Italics indicate character thoughts. ~*~* 
indicates a division in the story or a time change.



Chapter 1: Family Meeting


Elrond watched as the messenger from Mirkwood departed. 
The comings and goings of royal couriers had become the 
way of things since the incident. Observing the cold, pale 
blue sky, and the newly budding flowers, Elrond could feel, 
smell and see the birth of the new season. And now, it 
seemed, that the awakening spring would hail another arrival 
as well.

Elrond made his way to his study while carefully reading the 
message from the king of Mirkwood. When the Lord of 
Rivendell entered the room, Arwen was already waiting.

"Arwen, where are your bothers?" Elrond asked in 
exasperation.

"I know not, father," Arwen replied honestly. "I asked them to 
meet me here, in the study, at midday. But as usual, they are 
late. If only I had reins to gird them with… maybe then, I 
could keep a closer watch on them." Elrond paced the room 
as he spoke.

"Father," Arwen said gently, rising from her seat, "do not fret. I 
am sure Elladan and Elrohir have a good reason for their 
tardiness."

Arwen stood in front of her father, looking at him in the eyes.

"They are much more mature, now, and I'm sure that…"

"We're here!" Elladan said cheerfully as the identical twins bust 
into the study.

Elladan smiled brightly while Elrohir cast his brother a 
menacing look. Arwen and Elrond faced and observed the 
two elves carefully. Each male, while both possessing the 
same shade of dark brown hair, heather grey eyes and pale 
flawless skin, were quite disheveled indeed. Elladan, the 
eldest twin, had leaves and twigs in his hair. His earthen 
colored tunic was covered with dust and there was a hole in 
the knee of his black leggings. Similarly, Elrohir's hair was 
mussed and full of dirt and twigs. His tunic was filthy. Two 
buttons were missing from the garment and so were one of 
his sleeves.

Elrond shook his head and sighed while Arwen fought the 
urge to laugh. It was obvious that the twins had once again 
engaged in one of their brotherly grappling matches.

"What sort of evil has befallen you, Elrohir?" Elrond asked, 
pretending not to know the source of his youngest son's 
disrepair.

"The evil of Elladan," Elrohir hissed angrily.

"Elladan?" Elrond asked, looking at his other son.

"He attacked me when I was not looking," Elrohir said, moving 
to stand directly in front of his brother.

"And why would you do such a thing, Elladan?" Elrond asked, 
focusing his attention on the male elf.

"He called me an orc," Elladan replied simply. "He deserved 
it."

"I didn't call you an orc!" Elrohir protested. "I said you are like 
an orc, not that you are an orc."

"What's the difference?' Elladan asked, glaring at his brother.

"I only meant to say that you look, smell and behave like an 
orc," Elrohir sneered. "Clearly, you are an elf. Although, at 
times, it is difficult to  tell." 

"If I look, smell and behave like an orc, then what does that 
say about you?" Elladan asked tauntingly. "We are twins are 
we not?"

"Aye," Elrohir replied, "but we are much akin to the twins in the 
old fables father used to read to us. I am the fair and just twin, 
and you are just… like an orc!"

"And thus, Father," Elladan stated as though Elrohir had 
justified the elder twin's actions, "I took matters into my own 
hands. Besides, if I look, smell and behave like an orc, then 
how were my actions uncharacteristic?" Elladan smiled at 
Elrohir brazenly.

Elrohir glowered at Elladan and then met his father's eyes.

"He tore my tunic… ripped the arm right off!" Elrohir shouted 
and pointed accusingly at Elladan.

"What?" Elladan asked confused.

"Look at me!" Elrohir demanded.

Elladan looked his twin up and down and smiled. Then, he 
began to laugh.

Elrohir folded his arms across his chest angrily, which made 
Elladan laugh even harder. Elrohir observed his brother's 
disheveled hair and torn leggings and found himself laughing 
as well.

Elrohir's laughter only caused Elladan to laugh even harder as 
the older twin dropped to his knees. He clutched his side as 
though in pain, still howling with amusement.

Arwen's laughter joined her brother's as Elrohir threw himself 
on the floor. He lay face down and began kicking his feet 
wildly as he roared with glee.

"If you are quite done, I would like to speak to the three of 
you." Elrond hovered over his sons.

Elrohir and Arwen stopped laughing immediately, while 
Elladan began to hit his leg repeatedly with his hand as he 
shook with laughter.

"Elladan," Elrond said sternly.

"Y… yes, uh, yes Father," Elladan said short of breath, "I am 
coming." Still chuckling, Elladan got to his feet.

Although Elrond had pressing matters to discuss with his 
children, he was glad that laughter and jests about orcs had 
once again become common among the twins. After all of 
the misfortune that had befallen Celebrian and the sadness 
that ensued when she chose to leave, Elrond had often 
wondered if happiness would ever grace the twins again.

Elrond led his children into the reading room which was 
adjacent to his study. The reading chamber was a large room 
filled with books. In fact, the very walls seemed to be made of 
tomes as almost every inch of the perimeter of the room 
housed enormous bookcases that stood from floor to ceiling. 
Only the entrance from Elrond's study and a large window in 
the easternmost wall allowed for a break amongst the sea of 
manuscripts.

In the center of the room, a large wooden table surrounded 
by benches seemed to await their arrival. Multiple chairs that 
were scattered around the room housed plush, green 
cushions that begged for occupancy and a good story.

Elrond often used this room when he wanted to have 
confidential family meetings or sometimes when he wanted 
to chastise one or more of his offspring in private. Elladan now 
realized that his father had wanted to speak to the three of 
them in confidence and silently cursed himself for jesting with 
Elrohir so childishly.

Elrond stopped in front of the massive wooden structure and 
sat at the bench at the head of the table. Elladan sat on the 
bench to the right of his father while Elrohir and Arwen sat to 
Elrond's left.

"I've asked you to meet with me today as I have some news 
for you. I have a request as well," Elrond began earnestly.

"What is it, Father?" Arwen asked, unnerved by the seriousness 
of her father's voice.

"There has been another orc attack," Elrond replied heavily.

"An attack?" Elrohir asked concerned. "Were there any 
casualties?"

"There were two," Elrond continued sadly. "King Thranduil's 
eldest son, Joren, was injured and his wife, Areen, was killed.

"Oh, Father," Arwen said, covering her mouth in horror.

"When did this occur?" Elrohir asked.

"Recently," Elrond continued gravely, "about twenty-five days 
ago."

The twin's eyes met from across the table. They nodded in 
silent agreement.

"When do we depart, Father?" Elladan asked seriously.

"Depart?" Elrond asked confused.

"Do you not wish for us to find and slay the enemy?" Elladan 
asked with conviction. "They shall pay for their misdeeds."

"Nay, Elladan," Elrond said smiling at his son's bravery. 
"Actually, I have another request of you, Elrohir and Arwen."

"Whatever you ask, it shall be done," Elladan said firmly.

Elrond smiled at Elladan. The Lord could always count on his 
firstborn, as he was the most passionate, the most eager and 
the most responsible of his children. On the other hand, he 
was also the haughtiest and often the most stubborn child as 
well. Elrond often worried about Elladan's fervent desire to 
take on the majority of a burden. When Celebrian passed 
west, Elladan took it upon himself to comfort Elrohir and 
Arwen without any regard to his own suffering. He never 
seemed to grieve. But it is Elladan's way, as he always looks 
after the ones he loves.

"Thranduil's youngest son, Legolas, is coming to Rivendell in a 
fortnight. I would ask that the three of you assist me in 
watching over the young prince. Elladan and Elrohir, I would, 
of course, relieve you both from your duties as border patrol 
guards during the prince's stay. Arwen your tasks as my 
assistant will be reduced as well." Elrond looked at his children 
for a response.

"I don't understand," Arwen said after a lengthy silence 
between the four elves. "Why is the prince coming here?"

"Thranduil knows of my medicinal techniques and wishes me 
to heal the prince," Elrond replied.

"But I thought that Thranduil's eldest son had been injured?" 
Elrohir asked confused. "So is this, Legolas, the eldest or 
youngest prince?"

"Legolas is Thranduil's youngest child," Elrond explained. "The 
eldest son, Joren, was hurt in battle with the orcs, but the 
healers of Mirkwood have successfully tended his wounds."

"But then, why is he coming here?" Arwen asked dismayed.

"Because," Elrond said solemnly, "the young elf suffers a far 
greater wound than his brother, and it is not so easily healed. 
Thranduil has said that his fourth son witnessed his mother's 
death."

"No," Arwen said quietly, placing her hand over her heart in 
sympathy; Elrohir mirrored his sister's actions. Elladan did not 
move or speak. Instead, Elrond's eldest son looked at his 
father in silence.

"I am told that his mental state is in ruins, and that his heart 
needs mending," Elrond said while sighing deeply.

"But why would Thranduil ask this of you, Father?" Elrohir asked 
distrustfully. "'Tis no secret that neither you nor he are friends."

"'Tis true, Elrohir," Elrond responded thoughtfully. "Thranduil and 
I are not friends. I shall not, however, let my dislike for the king 
taint my view of his son. When the youth comes here, it will be 
as an honored guest. I have no quarrel with the prince, and 
realize that a child isn't always a reflection of his parent." 
Elrond looked from Elladan to Elrohir smiling faintly.

Elrohir smiled brightly at his father; Elladan was silent.

"But, Father," Arwen asked distressed, "can you do this thing 
that Thranduil asks? Your gift is to heal the body, not to mend 
the soul."

"Aye," Elrond said in agreement. "Perhaps Thranduil felt that I 
could help the youth based on my own personal loss," Elrond's 
voice broke off abruptly.

Elladan stood and grasped his father's shoulder, squeezing 
affectionately, but maintaining his silence.

Arwen and Elrohir looked at their father emphatically.

"We know what ails the prince, for we have suffered similarly. I 
will aid him the best I can, but perhaps the most potent cure 
would be the company of elves closer to his age." Elrond 
added quickly, "This is not required of you. I only ask that you 
assist me in this, if you so choose."

"Allow me to offer my assistance, Father," Arwen said gently. 
The female elf stood and walked over to her father.

"You've gained my hand as well, Father," Elrohir said standing.

"Good," Elrond said smiling brightly, sighing with relief. "We 
have much to do before he comes. I believe the prince will 
be with us for a season or two, so a chamber must be made 
ready for his arrival and…"

"How young is young?" Elladan asked, finally breaking his 
silence.

"What's that?" Elrond asked, turning his head to look at his son.

"You said that the prince is Thranduil's fourth son, and you call 
him a youth freely," Elladan said, eyeing his father curiously. "I 
shan't give my hand in this until you tell me the prince's age. I 
do not wish to spend my time chasing after a child."

"Elladan!" Arwen exclaimed angrily.

"'Tis too late for you dear sister, and you, my brother. But I 
won't pledge until my ears have heard whether or not the 
prince's loins are girded with infant cloths or leggings."

Arwen and Elrohir shook their heads in exasperation.

"I know not his age, Elladan," Elrond said honestly. "In the 
messages I have received from Thranduil, he spoke of the 
prince as though he were very young. I can only assure you 
that he is possibly younger than all of you, maybe only a 
millennia."

"A millennia!" Elladan exclaimed in disbelief. "Father, I mean 
no offense, but I have important things to do. You 
understand, of course?" Elladan asked frankly.

"I do, Elladan," Elrond said smiling. "You are free to make your 
own choice. You are still relieved of duty… just in case you 
change your mind."

"Thank you, Father," Elladan said.

Elrohir and Arwen stood to Elrond's left, staring openmouthed 
at Elladan.

"You are free to leave then," Elrond said standing.

Elrond watched as his children left the room.

"Of all the selfish…" Elrohir hissed.

"Selfish and uncaring…" Arwen said, shaking her head in 
disapproval.

"You're jealous because I am not so quick to agree to 
everything that Father requests," Elladan said, smiling 
braggingly. "While you change the infant's loin cloths, I shall 
entertain fair maidens, swim and hunt.

"See?" Elrohir said, looking at Arwen. "He is like an orc."

"What?" Elladan asked threateningly. "You did not learn your 
lesson before, so I shall teach it to you again. Perhaps, when 
you are playing the role of nursemaid in a fortnight, you can 
instruct the prince on proper behavior and instill in him, 
respect for his elders as well as a tame tongue!" Elladan dove 
on top of Elrohir. Once again, the twins grappled on the floor 
of Elrond's study.

Elrond, hearing the arguing and the fighting, thought about 
Elladan's choice. He smiled to himself, as he knew that 
Elladan always protested loudly, but could never resist the 
urge to help someone in need. Elladan would yield, 
eventually; his heart would not allow him to do otherwise.

CRASH! Something in the study shattered as the twins still 
wrestled each other on the floor.

Elrond shook his head and made his way to the study.



Chapter 2


The Arrival


The sun shone overhead making Rivendell look especially 
beautiful. Birds chirped merrily, building their nests. Butterflies 
frolicked on the wind, and flowers birthed new buds in hues of 
yellow, pink and blue. The trees stood tall and magnificent, 
bearing the sturdy body and soul of a warrior; each one 
adorned with a new, lush crown every spring to 
commemorate its everlasting journey.

Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond stood outside on the large 
veranda that extended from the entrance hall of the manor. 
The family was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the prince of 
Mirkwood.

"I would ask that you treat the prince with kindness," Elrond 
said earnestly to his children. "He has come a long way and 
his loss is recent. Please do not forget that."

"So you are concerned that he will be like Thranduil?" Elladan 
asked, noticing his father's apprehension.

"Of course," Elrond remarked honestly. "'Tis possible that he will 
be difficult. But as I said before, I will assume that he is a kindly 
elf unless I observe otherwise."

"Why are you here anyway, Elladan?" Elrohir asked flatly. 
"Shouldn't you be off, setting about your numerous plans?"

"I am here, dear brother," Elladan said scathingly, "so that I 
may see the look upon your face when the prince arrives. I 
have not laughed once today, and my heart craves a good 
jest."

Elrohir glowered at his brother.

"I believe they are coming," Arwen said nervously as the 
sound of riders on horseback drew near.

Then, in the distance, two figures languidly approached the 
manor. In unison, all four elves leaned forward, trying to get a 
glimpse of the  prince.

"Perhaps we should go inside," Arwen suggested, noticing 
that they were being indiscreet.

"Running from your charge already?" Elladan asked teasingly.

"Elladan!" Elrohir exclaimed in disgust.

"No, Elladan," Arwen replied patiently. "I only mean to say that 
our presence may intimidate the prince... the way we are all 
standing here. Let us away into the entrance hall, and then 
emerge when he approaches the veranda."

"'Tis an excellent idea, Arwen," Elrond agreed.

With that, the four elves entered the foyer of the manor, still 
listening carefully for the arrival of their guest.

Minutes later, the elves heard horses approaching.

"Should we wait a bit longer?" Elrohir asked Arwen.

"Nay, let us emerge," Arwen replied.

Thus, they came out of the entrance hall, trying to cloak their 
uneasiness and curiosity behind placid smiles.

"Oh, hello there," Glorfindel said cheerily.

Legolas was unlike the family's preconceived notion of him. 
Handsome and regal, the prince was not a youth. Nor did he 
look impaired in any way. Instead, he had the bearing of a 
warrior. His eyes were as blue as the sky and his hair as golden 
as the sun.

"Uh... yes, hello Glorfindel," Elrond said. "I trust that your journey 
from Mirkwood was safe?"

"Aye," Glorfindel said brightly. "The prince's brothers 
accompanied us until we reached the borders of Rivendell. A 
kindly lot they are," Glorfindel said smiling. "All three of them 
scolded me for riding to Mirkwood alone to fetch the prince. I 
told them that I am a long-time warrior; I do not fear the perils 
of this world. They laughed!" Glorfindel continued, his smile 
widening. "And then, they insisted on escorting us most of the 
way. So charming they were, I could not refuse."

Glorfindel gave the prince a pat on the back and 
dismounted; the prince dismounted as well. 

Immediately, stable hands and chamber servants appeared. 
Four servants relieved the horses of their burdens and hurried 
into the manor, while the other two attendants led the 
animals away to the stable.

"Allow me to introduce King Thranduil's son, Prince Legolas 
Greenleaf," Glorfindel said beaming. He had obviously taken 
a liking to the prince.

Legolas smiled brightly at the family.

"Welcome to Rivendell, Prince Legolas," Elrond said warmly. "I 
am your host, Lord Elrond."

"Thank you, Lord Elrond," Legolas said, bowing graciously. "'Tis 
a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Allow me to introduce my children," Elrond continued 
pleasantly. "This is Arwen." Elrond motioned to the female who 
was standing directly to his right.

Legolas smiled genteelly and bowed respectfully.

Arwen curtsied.

"This," Elrond continued, moving further to his right and 
placing his hand on his youngest son's shoulder, "is Elrohir."

"'Tis a pleasure to meet you," Legolas said graciously and 
bowed again.

"Likewise," Elrohir said politely and bowed.

Elrond moved to the right once again and placed his hand 
on his eldest child's shoulder. "This is Elladan."

"Greetings," Legolas said courteously and bowed once more.

"You're not a babe." Elladan stated abruptly.

"Begging your pardon?" Legolas asked dismayed.

"You must be at least two millennia. What is your age?" 
Elladan continued inquisitively.

"Elladan!" Arwen protested.

Legolas smiled and shrugged, "I am two thousand and 
seven."

"Only a bit younger than we... Elrohir and I, that is to say," 
Elladan remarked. "Oh! You are older than Arwen. Father," he 
said accusingly, "your guess was off by more than a thousand 
years! He is no infant; he is of the age of majority."

Arwen winced at Elladan's bluntness while Elrond blushed 
slightly at his son's announcement. Elrohir shook his head in 
embarrassment. The three elves hoped that Elladan had not 
offended the prince.

Legolas laughed melodically.

"So, did you fear I would be girded in infant cloths?" Legolas 
asked mischievously.

"Aye, he did," Elrohir said, smiling deviously and looking at 
Elladan.

"Elrohir!" Elladan said, shoving his brother roughly.

"'Tis alright, Elladan," Legolas said understandingly. "Luckily, my 
infant cloths were put away long ago. I only use them now 
when necessary. But I will be sure to seek your assistance 
when needed. Do not fret, for I should only require your care 
once or twice a day."

Elladan looked at Legolas stunned.

Legolas laughed at Elladan's shock, as did Elrohir, Arwen and 
Elrond.

"You have a quick tongue prince," Elladan said mockingly.

"I have three older brothers," Legolas responded simply. "I am 
well versed in the ways of quick wit."

"Then, methinks that you will be in for quite a challenge if you 
hope to outsmart twins," Elladan remarked haughtily.

"Twins?" Legolas asked looking from Elladan to Elrohir. "Ah, yes. 
You are twins."

"You did not notice?" Elladan asked incredulously.

"Nay," Legolas replied honestly. "So, you are identical twins 
then?" Legolas asked still looking from Elladan to Elrohir.

"You jest!" Elladan exclaimed. "Most elves cannot tell us apart, 
even when they have known us for many years."

"Is that so? Your physical cloak does not fool me," Legolas 
said, smiling teasingly. "You may bear a similar likeness, but 
your essence is different."

"Indeed?" Elladan said sarcastically. "And you have in your 
possession the command of soul reading, have you?"

"Nay," Legolas remarked honestly. "I have finely honed the 
power of perception. One must only be still and silent to learn 
it. Perhaps when you change my loin cloths I will teach you."

Elladan looked at Legolas in astonishment.

Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond laughed heartily.

"You have bested Elladan twice with your cleverness, Prince!" 
Elrohir exclaimed impressed. "You are a most welcome 
addition to our home."

Legolas smiled.

"I admit," Elladan said sheepishly, "that you are cunning. I look 
forward to more banter, Prince, as I do not take defeat 
lightly."

"I welcome the challenge, Elladan," Legolas said playfully, 
looking at Elrond's eldest son in the eyes. "Time spent with you 
will be enjoyable indeed."

Legolas' words were innocent, but Elladan saw a hint of 
flirtatiousness in the prince's eyes. He blushed slightly, as he 
too found the prince alluring. 

"Come Legolas," Elrond said leading the prince into the 
manor. "You must be weary from your journey. Perhaps you 
would like to go and rest in your chamber; it has already 
been prepared for you."

"Nay, Lord," Legolas said quickly. "I only wish to partake of 
some sustenance and bathe if I may?"

"Of course," Elrond said gently. "And please, call me Elrond. 
You are an extension of my family during your stay. You need 
not use my title."

Legolas nodded, smiling at the lord.

"Allow me to show you the way." Elrond and Legolas 
disappeared into the kitchen.

"He is very cordial," Arwen said relieved.

"Aye," Elrohir agreed. "I like him."

"As do I," Elladan said truthfully.

"Indeed? Will you give your hand, then, and assist us with the 
prince?" Elrohir asked curiously.

"I already have," Elladan said looking at the closed kitchen 
doors.



Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted


The prince's first day in Rivendell passed quickly.

Arwen had felt that it was imperative that Legolas have an 
extensive tour of the house, and also be introduced to every 
servant under Elrond's charge. If Legolas was bothered by 
Arwen's hospitality, he did not show it.

The next morning was as beautiful as the one before. With the 
sun spreading its beams into the multiple windows of the 
manor, Elrond and his children made their way to the dining 
hall to partake of the morning meal.

"Where is Legolas?" Elladan asked, sitting down at the table.

"I'm sure he will be along soon," Elrond remarked pensively.

What is on father's mind? Elladan looked at his father 
curiously.

"Good morning," Legolas said with a smile, entering the dining 
hall. "Am I late?" he asked, concerned when he realized that 
the entire family was already seated at the table.

"A bit," Elrohir chided, "but we shall ignore your indiscretion this 
time."

"Elrohir?" Legolas said teasingly, clutching his chest as if in 
pain. "Do not tell me that
you are no longer my ally. I had hoped that we could rally 
against your brother."

"What makes you think that is Elrohir?" Elladan asked, looking 
at the prince piercingly.

"I already told you, Elladan, your guise does not fool me," 
Legolas stated plainly, as servants emerged from the kitchen 
and began to serve the elves.

Elladan shook his head in dismay but looked at the prince in 
amazement.

Elrohir smiled at Legolas; he was impressed.

Everyone began to eat in silence.

"So, Legolas?" Arwen asked politely. "Did you sleep well?"

"Uh..." Legolas began and then stopped abruptly, looking 
apprehensively at Elrond.

Elladan looked from the prince to his father curiously.

"Aye, Arwen," Legolas replied slowly, returning his attention to 
the female. "I slept quite well."

Legolas smiled, but everyone in the room knew that it was a 
farce. It seemed, however, that Elrond was the only one who 
knew the reason behind the prince's tale.

Legolas looked down at his plate and sighed, looking 
troubled.

"Excuse me, Lady Arwen?" A servant said politely as she 
entered the dining hall.

"Yes?" Arwen asked.

"Miss Zera is here to see you," the servant announced 
courteously. "May she enter?"

"Yes, please," Arwen replied kindly. "Would you have her wait 
for me in the parlor? I will be there shortly."

"As you wish, milady," the servant said and exited the room.

"Legolas, would you like to meet Zera?" Elladan asked, still 
seeing the distress upon the prince's face. "If it is okay with 
you, Arwen," Elladan added quickly.

"'Tis a lovely idea, Elladan," Arwen said, smiling at the prince. 
"Only if you want to meet her of course, Legolas," she 
remarked, also noticing the prince's melancholy demeanor.

"Aye," Legolas said, cheering up noticeably. "It would be a 
pleasure to meet your friend."

"We can away now," Arwen said, looking at the prince. "That 
is, if you have finished your repast?"

Arwen, Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir looked at the prince's 
plate. He had eaten very little.

"Aye," Legolas replied uncomfortably, noticing the way the 
others were observing his platter. "I am ready."

"Alright," Arwen said, standing up.

"I have some matters that require my attention," Elrond said, 
getting to his feet as well. "I shan't see you until the evening 
meal."

"We will see you later then, Father," Elrohir remarked.

"Aye," Elrond said, eyeing the twins carefully. "Stay out of 
trouble, you two," he ordered as he turned to leave the room.

"Father?" Elladan asked innocently. "Whatever do you 
mean?"

The twins and the prince stood and made their way to the 
parlor with Arwen leading the way.

As they walked, Legolas observed the beauty of the manor. 
High ceilings, ornate archways and marble floors made the 
structure seem stately without seeming too flamboyant. The 
building, like most of the structures in Rivendell, was perched 
on top of a mountain, overlooking numerous waterfalls that 
led into the vast river below.

Legolas inhaled deeply, closing his eyes. He was determined 
to enjoy this day. He would not think about nightfall.

Elladan watched the prince, trying not to be too obvious. He 
felt his heart swell with empathy.

The four elves entered the parlor. It was a large room with a 
comfortable looking settee, flanked by two plush armchairs. 
A low wooden table was strategically placed in front of the 
divan, and two smaller tables sat in between the chairs.

A female about Arwen's age was sitting in the center of the 
settee when the others arrived. She had waist length red hair, 
rosy cheeks, blue eyes and fair skin.

"Hello, Zera," Arwen said smiling brightly.

"Hello, Arwen," the female replied, standing and embracing 
Arwen. "Hello, Elladan...Elrohir."

The twins nodded politely at Zera.

"Allow me to introduce Prince Legolas Greenleaf of 
Mirkwood," Arwen said courteously.

Legolas smiled and bowed. "'Tis a pleasure."

"Aye," Zera replied flirtatiously, curtsying politely.

Everyone sat down.

"Legolas?" Arwen asked, seeing Zera's longing gaze. "Perhaps 
you would like to see some of Zera's needlecraft. She is very 
talented."

"Nay, Arwen," Elladan said quickly, "Elrohir and I already have 
a full day planned for the prince. In fact, we must away at 
once, lest our plans be spoiled."

Elladan and Elrohir stood immediately. The eldest elf gave 
Legolas a look that implored him to stand as well.

"What plans do you have for the prince?" Arwen asked, 
irritated.

"Things that must be done today," Elladan stated, trying to 
avoid Arwen's quizzical gaze.

"You are lying, Elladan," Arwen said flatly. "You only wish to 
get the prince alone so that you may berate him all day long 
and probably well into the night."

Legolas looked at Arwen and smiled at her protective tone.

"I warn you Arwen," Elladan said coldly, "you would not survive 
in a verbal joust with me. I suggest that you away to your 
needlepoint at once, lest our tempers collide."

"You do not frighten me, Elladan," Arwen spat.

"Ah, the wit begins," Elladan remarked sarcastically.

"What will you do all day?" Arwen asked icily. "Call him an orc 
and grapple with him on the ground?"

"'Tis a wonderful idea, Arwen. You are truly brilliant," Elladan 
replied mockingly.

Legolas and Zera's eyes met. She shrugged and shook her 
head, smiling faintly. The prince realized by the look on her 
face, that she had witnessed the siblings' arguments before.

"He has been through enough, Elladan," Arwen said angrily. 
"Your foolhardy jests may harm him more."

"And your needlepoint won't?" Elladan asked scathingly. 
"Honestly, Sister... you truly amaze me sometimes. King 
Thranduil sent the prince here and would probably prefer that 
he comes back in one piece. If you and Zera subject him to 
endless hours of sewing and inane babble about fashion and 
hair care, I suspect that he will kill himself this very night. Or 
perhaps, if chance is on his side," Elladan continued, "he will 
simply die of sheer boredom. Maybe, under your tutelage, he 
would have knitted the king a stunning new tunic. In which 
case, he will die a most terrible death at the hands of his own 
father!"

Elrohir laughed.

The prince noticed that the argument was getting more and 
more heated. Legolas began to fear that Arwen would strike 
Elladan at any moment. This has to end.

"You're just jealous because you don't know how to sew!" 
Arwen shouted.

"I do not sew, I bow... archery, now that's a real skill." Elladan 
retorted sardonically.

"Father does beautiful needlecraft, and is a highly skilled 
archer," Arwen fumed. "Just because you are limited in your 
abilities does not mean..."

"'Tis alright," Legolas said stepping in between the siblings. "I 
have a solution. I shall
away with Elladan and Elrohir this morn and accompany 
Arwen and Zera at midday."

Legolas looked from Arwen to Elladan. "Agreed?" he asked.

"Agreed," Arwen said, glaring at Elladan and crossing her 
arms across her chest irritably.

"Agreed," Elladan said, mimicking Arwen by crossing his arms 
and glaring at his sister.

"That's it!" Arwen shouted and lunged at Elladan.

Elladan leapt back in surprise.

Legolas moved directly in front of Arwen to thwart her attack.

"Elladan? Elrohir? Please leave," Legolas said firmly. "I will meet 
you on the veranda in a few moments."

Before Elladan could protest, Elrohir grabbed his brother's wrist 
and led him out of the parlor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Elladan," Legolas said walking out onto the veranda and 
facing the elf, "that wasn't funny. Save your repartee for 
Elrohir or me. Do not loose it on your younger sister, especially 
on my behalf."

"But I saved you from unknown peril. Will you not thank me?" 
Elladan asked in mock horror.

"Nay," Legolas said calmly. "I like Arwen. She is kind to me. 
Furthermore, I have never had a sister. And although I am not 
her brother, I would like to act as one while I'm here."

"Why?" Elladan asked sarcastically.

"Do not fight over me again, Elladan," Legolas said sternly.

Elladan met the prince's eyes, and realized that Legolas was 
serious. "Alright," Elladan said dejectedly. "I am sorry. I was 
only jesting. I love Arwen. I did not mean to offend her. Have I 
offended you?"

"Nay, Elladan," Legolas said, standing directly in front of him. 
"But your apology should be directed toward your sister, not 
me," Legolas said gently.

"I know," Elladan said honestly. "I will apologize right away."

As Elladan took a step toward the entrance hall, Legolas 
grabbed his wrist abruptly. "She is gone," Legolas remarked, 
still holding Elladan's wrist. "She and Zera decided to go for a 
stroll."

"Oh," Elladan said, gazing deeply into the prince's eyes. "Then, 
I will apologize when I see her tonight."

Legolas and Elladan stood facing one another, maintaining 
an intense stare. Legolas still held on to his wrist, not noticing 
that they were being watched very carefully.

"Ahem," Elrohir said, startling both Legolas and Elladan.

The prince let go of Elladan's wrist at once and turned to face 
Elrohir.

"Shall we be off, then?" Elrohir asked, smiling with amusement.

"Aye," Legolas said, embarrassed.

"Where would you like to go?" Elrohir asked Legolas.

"Well," Legolas said quietly, looking down at the ground; he 
was trying to avoid the laughter in Elrohir's eyes. "I would like 
to see my horse."

"A wonderful idea," Elrohir said in approval. "To the stable 
then."

Elladan stared at the prince's back as they made their way to 
the stable. His wrist was still tingling from Legolas' touch.

"Legolas? May I ask you a personal question?" Elrohir asked 
politely, deciding to test the prince.

"Aye," Legolas said slowly.

"Are you in a relationship with anyone?" Elrohir asked, 
glancing back at the prince.

Elladan's curiosity was peaked. The tingling sensation that he 
had felt suddenly disappeared when all of his attention 
shifted to what Legolas was about to say.

"Nay," Legolas said, eyeing Elrohir curiously. "Why?"

"Because I think that Zera fancies you," Elrohir continued. "Did 
you see the way she looked at you when Arwen introduced 
you to her?" Elrohir asked.

"Aye," Legolas admitted.

"If you are interested in her, perhaps I can arrange a pairing 
of some sort." Elrohir offered courteously.

Elladan suddenly felt the urge to hit his brother.

"Nay," Legolas said warmly, "although I do appreciate the 
gesture. Should I change my mind, I will let you know at 
once."

Elrohir smiled and nodded. Legolas had passed his test. The 
younger twin had seen the way the prince and his older 
brother had looked at one another on the veranda, and was 
curious about whether or not the prince was in a relationship.

Elladan sighed with relief. He was pleased that Legolas had 
rejected Elrohir's offer.

"And you, Elrohir?" Legolas asked curiously. "Are you courting 
someone?" He was hoping that this line of questioning would 
eventually lead to Elladan.

"Aye," Elrohir said, smiling wistfully. "Her name is Ellaria."

"Ellaria?" Legolas asked smiling.

"Aye," Elrohir replied, narrowing his eyes guardedly. "Why?"

"No reason," Legolas said quickly, "please continue."

"I wish to wed her, but I must first gain her father's approval," 
Elrohir said shrugging.

"And how will you do that?" Legolas asked.

"Ellaria's father is a nobleman, and will only accept a suitor of 
the highest character for his daughter," Elrohir stated matter-
of-factly.

"Do you not wonder why Ellaria would choose Elrohir then, 
Legolas?" Elladan asked comically.

Elrohir looked at his brother, annoyed.

"Ellaria's father wants to have a talk with me," Elrohir 
continued, "but chooses to do so when he is ready. I await his 
visit everyday," he said hopefully.

"And. . . and what of you, Elladan?" Legolas asked, trying not 
to sound overly interested. "Are you courting someone as 
well?"

"Nay," Elladan said, meeting Legolas' eyes.

Elrohir could not hide his smile as he could see the relief in the 
prince's eyes.

The three elves arrived at the stable and Legolas gasped 
audibly. "This is a stable?" Legolas asked the twins, 
bewildered.

"Aye," the brothers said in unison.

"'Tis a palace!" Legolas exclaimed in awe upon entering the 
massive structure.

The stable was extraordinary. Like all of the structures in 
Rivendell, the stable featured ornate elvish architecture. Each 
horse was separated into its own private stall. A narrow 
wooden staircase led up to an upper level that had multiple 
balconies and haylofts.

Numerous stable hands made their way in and out of the 
structure, tending to the animals.

"Yon!" Legolas exclaimed upon seeing his horse. The prince 
ran over to his steed and patted him affectionately on the 
nose.

Yon nipped Legolas' hand affectionately.

"He is a beautiful horse," Elrohir said approvingly, looking at 
the white stallion.

"Thank you," Legolas said, looking deeply into Yon's eyes. The 
prince began to laugh and patted Yon on the head lovingly.

"What amuses you so?" Elladan asked Legolas curiously.

"Yon," Legolas said smiling. "He likes it here."

"And how do you know that?" Elladan asked suspiciously.

"He told me," Legolas remarked, continuing to lavish attention 
upon the horse.

"You can speak to him?" Elrohir asked in shock.

"Aye," Legolas answered.

"All elvish horses can understand simple commands. But there 
have been tales about gifted elves that can actually 
converse with animals," Elrohir said in awe.

"Prove it then," Elladan demanded.

"What?" Legolas asked.

"Just because you can look at a horse and laugh does not 
mean that you can speak to it," Elladan said flatly. "If you are 
gifted, then demonstrate it to us."

"Alright," Legolas said, accepting Elladan's challenge.

The prince began to look around the stable carefully. Upon 
seeing a particularly docile horse, Legolas approached the 
stall. He patted the horse gently and began to look at it in the 
eyes. The prince burst out laughing and the horse nudged 
him playfully.

"Well?" Elladan demanded. "Can you prove your skill? What 
did the horse say?"

"Well," Legolas responded, still chuckling to himself. "First of all, 
the horse I was speaking to is yours, Elladan. You got her as a 
gift from your father. Elrohir's horse is over there," Legolas 
continued, pointing at the stall directly across from where he 
was standing.

Elrohir's mouth fell open.

"Do not believe his tale, Brother," Elladan said reproachfully to 
his twin. "Perhaps Arwen told him that the horses were a gift. 
And how do we know that he was not here last night 
speaking to the stable hands?"

"What would you have me do then, Elladan, so that you may 
believe me?" Legolas asked sincerely.

"Have my steed tell you something that only I would know," 
Elladan replied.

"Alright," Legolas said, turning to face the horse again.

After only a few moments, Legolas faced the twins.

"When your father gave this gift to you," the prince began 
slowly, "you were angry. Elrohir got a hardy stud and you a 
docile mare. Your father was very excited about giving this 
gift to you, and you had not the heart to tell him that you 
preferred a fiercer steed. You have grown to love her, 
though," Legolas added, "as you have come to trust her in 
battle."

Elrohir turned and looked at Elladan in disbelief.

"Aye," Elladan said nodding his approval, "You are gifted, 
Prince. I only have one more question for you."

"Alright," Legolas said.

"Why were you laughing after you spoke to my horse?" 
Elladan asked curiously.

"Oh," Legolas said chuckling. "'Tis just your horses' names."

"What about them?" Elladan asked defensively. "What is 
wrong with their names?"

"Ellie and Eliad," Legolas said teasingly. "Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, 
Ellaria, Ellie and Eliad," Legolas continued, laughing. "Perhaps, 
if I am to fit in, I should change my name from Legolas to 
Elgolas!" The prince roared with laughter.

Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another knowingly. Before 
the prince could regain his composure, the twins were upon 
him.

Laughing and wrestling playfully, the three elves rolled around 
on the stable floor.

"Ai!" Legolas shouted from underneath the elves.

Elrohir stood up quickly. "What is it, Legolas? Are you hurt?" he 
asked, concerned.

Elladan rolled Legolas onto his back, straddling him. His eyes 
were also full of concern.

"Nay," Legolas said smiling. "I just twisted my wrist. 'Tis nothing 
to worry about."

"Let me see," Elladan said.

"'Tis fine, Elladan," Legolas said, propping himself up on his 
elbows.

"Let me see," Elladan demanded firmly, holding out his left 
hand.

"Oh, alright," Legolas said, sighing with exasperation and 
extending his right arm.

Elladan began to examine the prince's wrist. With the kindness 
of a mother and the skill of a healer, Elladan cradled it in his 
hand and began to probe it gently.

Legolas couldn't help but watch Elladan in fascination. Even 
though he had a sharp tongue and a haughty demeanor, 
Legolas could see the kindness in Elladan's eyes. It was 
obvious that his crude façade protected a gentle heart.

Without warning, their eyes met.

"Are you alright?" Elladan asked Legolas gently.

"Aye," Legolas replied, never shifting his gaze from Elladan's 
grey orbs.

Elladan smiled and felt his heart race when Legolas said, 
'aye.' He wanted to hear him say that word over and over 
again.

"Umm..." Elrohir said, chuckling with amusement, "shall we 
away now?"

Elrohir's words broke their trance. Neither Legolas nor Elladan 
had realized how intimately their bodies were positioned.

Elladan jumped up quickly and carefully helped Legolas get 
to his feet.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~


"What time of day is it?" Legolas asked a few hours later, 
looking out of the open stable doors and up at the sky.

"'Tis almost midday," Elrohir responded.

"I'd better go back to the manor at once," Legolas said. 
"Arwen and Zera will be expecting me soon."

"Aye," Elladan agreed disappointedly.

"We will accompany you back to the manor then," Elrohir said 
sincerely.

The three elves walked out of the open stable doors. 
Moments later, they arrived at the manor and the twins bid 
the prince farewell.

"If Arwen asks," Elladan said, calling after the prince, "do not 
tell her about our wrestling folly!"

Elladan watched the prince pensively as he entered the 
entrance hall.

Elrohir smiled understandingly at his twin and placed his hand 
on his brother's shoulder.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~


Later on that evening, as Elladan and Elrohir were heading to 
the dining hall for the evening meal, they came upon Legolas 
and Arwen who were conversing jovially.

"Arwen, can I speak with you for a moment?" Elladan asked 
his sister seriously.

"Alright," Arwen replied.

Legolas excused himself and headed down to the dining hall 
with Elrohir. He couldn't help but look back at Elladan. He 
hoped that the siblings' conversation went well.

"Don't worry, Prince," Elrohir said, misunderstanding the look 
on Legolas' face, "he'll be along soon."

Legolas looked at Elrohir quickly.

Elrohir smiled teasingly as they disappeared down the long 
corridor.

Elladan waited until Legolas and Elrohir were out of sight 
before addressing his sister.

"Arwen, I apologize for my conduct this morning. I behaved 
badly," Elladan said, looking at the floor.

Arwen looked at her brother carefully. "As did I," she replied 
honestly.

"It is just that, I..." Elladan broke off and sighed.

"Yes?" Arwen asked, concerned.

"I... I am attracted to Legolas," Elladan said slowly.

Arwen looked at her brother in surprise.

"I didn't want to share him," Elladan continued sheepishly. 
"Especially when I saw the way Zera was looking at him."

"Elladan," Arwen said gently. "I am so happy for you."

"Why?" Elladan asked forlornly. "Perhaps he will not return my 
feelings."

"If he sees in you the goodness that I see," Arwen said warmly, 
"then he will have no choice but to love you."

Elladan smiled and embraced his sister. All was well.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~


In the wee hours of the morning, Elladan awakened. Unable 
to sleep, he walked out onto the terrace that extended from 
his bedchamber. Elladan looked out over the moon-
illuminated beauty of Rivendell when something caught his 
eye. In the distance, he could see someone entering the 
stable. With his keen elvish sight, he realized that it was 
Legolas. Dismayed, Elladan wandered back to his bed. What 
is Legolas doing at this hour?


Chapter 4: The Challenge


A/N: As Tolkien never described Legolas' hairstyle, I will be 
referring to the one in the movie. Please note that for the 
purpose of this story, the way that Legolas wore his hair is 
unique to warriors from Mirkwood.





The sun had risen and set fourteen times since Legolas' arrival 
in Rivendell.

As usual, Elladan couldn't wait to see the prince. He was 
hurriedly preparing himself for the morning meal in the hope 
that he could engage Legolas in some early morning banter. 
Elladan found that every day spent with the prince brought 
new adventures. He loved being near Legolas but feared his 
rejection.

Elladan didn't know how or why Legolas captivated him. 
Perhaps it was the mystery that surrounded the prince that 
made him so enchanting. It was odd the way he could talk to 
horses. It was also strange that Legolas could tell the twins 
apart, even when they tried desperately to fool him. 
However, the most bizarre thing about the prince was the 
way that he would visit the stable in the early hours of the 
morning.

Nearly every night, Elladan would stand on the terrace and 
wait to see the prince. Although Legolas did not always 
appear, Elladan would wait patiently, hoping to get a 
glimpse of him.

So strong was Elladan's desire to be near the prince that it 
annoyed him when Legolas was not present. What Elladan 
found even more exasperating was the way that Legolas 
divided his time up between the family members. Everyday, 
the prince would spend the first half of the day with the twins 
and the second half of the day with Arwen and Zera. Elladan 
discovered that he felt jealous of Arwen when she spent time 
with Legolas, but tried to remind himself to stifle his tongue as 
Legolas had requested.

Elladan sighed and looked into the mirror before exiting his 
bedchamber. He made his way down the stairs and found 
that Elrohir and Arwen were already seated at the table.

"Good morning," Elladan said warmly to his brother and sister.

"Good morning," Elrohir and Arwen responded in unison.

"Where is Legolas?" Elladan asked, looking around the room.

"He won't be joining us this morning," Elrond said as he 
entered the dining hall.

The three elves looked at their father, dismayed.

"Why?" Elladan asked concerned.

"There are some things that Legolas wanted to take care of 
this morning," Elrond said, helping himself to the food that had 
already been placed on the table.

"Things?" Elladan asked confused. "What things?"

"Elladan," Elrond said firmly, "leave it be."

Elladan looked at his father, unable to hide his emotions. "I 
can't, Father," Elladan said quietly. "I can't."

Elladan stood and left the dining hall. There was only one 
thing that he knew for sure... something had happened to 
upset Legolas. Elladan walked out of the entrance hall and 
onto the veranda. Where could Legolas be? Elladan looked 
around briefly and then began to run. I wonder if he's in the 
stable?

Elladan entered the stable cautiously and saw Legolas 
standing in front of Ellie's stall. Legolas patted the mare's head 
tenderly.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked apprehensively.

"Oh!" Legolas exclaimed, startled. "I did not hear you enter."

Elladan had noticed that Legolas' senses were diminished. 
Instead of questioning him, he decided to use humor to put 
the prince's mind at ease. "Really?" Elladan asked teasingly. 
"So do your elvish senses diminish when your mind is united 
with a horses'? Hmmm... would that not mean that you are 
like a horse then, Prince?" Elladan walked toward Legolas as 
he spoke. "I never noticed it before, until now," he stated, 
looking from Legolas to Ellie.

"What?" Legolas asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

"How much you and Ellie look alike. Are you twins?" Elladan 
asked the prince innocently.

"Elladan... " Legolas began in exasperation.

"Do not fear, fair prince, I have harnessed the power of 
perception!" Elladan said dramatically, puffing up his chest. " 
It would seem that you are not the only one who has this gift. I 
can tell you apart from your twin. It is your essence that 
makes you different even though you look exactly alike."

Legolas laughed and shook his head. "Elladan," he said, 
chuckling softly.

Elladan smiled brightly at the prince. He was always pleased 
when he could make Legolas laugh. "So why did you not 
come to the morning meal?" Elladan asked, scolding the 
prince teasingly. "I was hoping for some early morning wit. It is 
cruel of you to make an unhorse-like elf, such as myself, leave 
his meal and come after you. 'Tis cruel!"

Legolas smiled faintly and sighed. Returning his attention 
back to Ellie, the prince began to pat her head again.

"Would you leave your sister be, Prince?" Elladan asked, 
grabbing Legolas' hand.

Legolas' eyes met Elladan's.

"You are shaking," Elladan said in shock. He had assumed, 
upon entering the stable, that Legolas was distraught. He had 
not, however, anticipated the way the prince's despair would 
make him feel. He wanted to hold Legolas in his arms and tell 
him that all would be well. Then, he wanted to smite each 
and every fell creature that caused the prince's pain.

Legolas didn't speak. Instead, he began to look at the floor.

Before he could stop himself, Elladan placed his hand 
underneath the prince's chin, raising it slowly. When their eyes 
met, he saw the despair and sadness in the prince's crystal 
blue orbs.

Closing his eyes, Legolas reached up and squeezed Elladan's 
hand.

Elladan could sense his father approaching.

"Legolas?" Elrond asked as he entered the stable and walked 
toward his son and the prince. "Is all well?"

"Aye," Legolas said quietly, releasing Elladan's hand.

Elladan looked at his father despairingly.

Elrond smiled lovingly at his oldest child and looked at the 
prince with concern. The lord placed one of his hands on the 
prince's shoulder, squeezing gently.

Elrond and Elladan turned toward the entrance of the stable, 
as they sensed Elrohir drawing near. He was running.

Elrohir burst into the stable panting. "Come quickly! Ellaria has 
arrived!"

Just as quickly as he had entered the stable, Elrond's 
youngest son departed, running excitedly back up to the 
manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


When Elrond, Elladan and Legolas arrived at the manor, 
Arwen was waiting for them. "Elrohir is in the south garden. He 
is waiting for you," she said.

As they followed Arwen to the garden, Elladan looked back 
at Legolas who was only a few paces behind him.

The prince gazed at the ground as he walked. His once regal 
and jovial demeanor had disappeared.

Elladan reached back and grasped the prince's hand, 
squeezing it affectionately.

Legolas looked up at him and smiled faintly.

Elladan didn't release the prince's hand until they reached 
the garden.

"Ah!" Elrohir exclaimed happily. "You've arrived."

Elrohir, who was sitting on one of many benches that littered 
the lush green garden, stood and gently pulled a pretty 
female elf to her feet.

Legolas observed her carefully. Ellaria was beautiful. With 
dark brown hair that extended past her waist and emerald 
green eyes, Legolas could understand why her father was so 
protective.

"She has finally returned to me!" Elrohir said, gazing lovingly 
into Ellaria's eyes.

A few days before Legolas had arrived in Rivendell, Ellaria 
and her family had journeyed to Lothlorien. Thus, the prince 
had never met Elrohir's beloved.

"Hello, Ellaria," Elrond said warmly, pulling the female into a 
fatherly embrace. "I trust that your journey was safe?"

"Aye," Ellaria said courteously.

"'Tis good to see you," Elladan said, stepping forward and 
hugging Ellaria.

Legolas watched Elladan intensely. He couldn't help but 
wonder about Elladan's feelings toward him. Although he had 
comforted him earlier that morning, Legolas was unsure if his 
gestures were those of friendship or something more.

"Has Elrohir acted becomingly while I was away, Elladan?" 
Ellaria asked playfully.

"Have you ever known Elrohir to act becomingly?" Elladan 
asked smiling.

"'Tis a good point," Ellaria said, shrugging and looking at Elrohir 
skeptically.

"Hey!" Elrohir exclaimed in mock anger.

Elrond and Arwen laughed.

"And what is this fair maiden's name?" Ellaria asked curiously, 
looking at Legolas.

"Maiden?" Elladan asked, turning his attention to Legolas.

"Oh! Nay, Ellaria," Elrohir said quickly. "This is Prince Legolas 
Greenleaf of Mirkwood. Legolas, this is Ellaria."

"Oh my!" Ellaria said in shock, covering her mouth with her 
hand. "Begging your pardon, sir," she said, curtsying politely. "I 
meant no offense." Ellaria's face flushed from embarrassment.

Elladan wondered how Legolas would handle this situation, 
as did Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond. Although male elves were 
very fair of face, Legolas was particularly comely.

"The fault is mine, milady," Legolas said politely, bowing 
respectfully.

Elladan noticed that Legolas had regained his poise, and that 
his demeanor had changed considerably.

"I ventured out early this morning," Legolas began, "and did 
not tie back my hair. As my head was bowed, my hair 
covered my face. 'Twas not your fault," Legolas said, smiling 
warmly.

Elladan hadn't noticed that Legolas' hair wasn't braided. He 
looked at the prince carefully. He is beautiful, but he looks like 
a male to me. Elladan eyed the prince's stature. He had 
broad shoulders, a narrow waist and large hands. He was 
definitely male.

Despite Legolas' words, the atmosphere was very tense and 
no one spoke.

"Ellaria?" Legolas asked slowly.

"Yes?" Ellaria responded tentatively.

"I would like your opinion about a most pressing matter," 
Legolas said seriously.

"Alright," Ellaria said a bit fearfully.

"I was speaking to Elrohir and Elladan a while ago, as they 
rode upon Ellie and Eliad. And then I conversed with Elrond 
and was wondering... " Legolas broke off quietly.

"Yes?" Ellaria asked timidly.

"Should I change my name to Elgolas instead of Legolas," the 
prince asked teasingly? "It would seem that Arwen and I have 
been left out!"

Legolas laughed sincerely as did everyone present. The 
tension dissipated immediately, and Ellaria sighed with relief.

"I must return to my duties," Elrond announced, still chuckling. 
"Ellaria, will you be joining us for the evening meal?"

"Aye," Ellaria said, smiling brightly.

"Well, I will see all of you then," Elrond said turning and 
heading out of the garden. "Elgolas... " Elrond said to himself 
as he was walking away and began to laugh.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Hello, Zera," Arwen said as the female entered the garden.

"Hello, Arwen," Zera replied politely. "Hello, Ellaria!" Zera said 
happily and embraced the female.

"Should we away, now?" Zera asked excitedly.

"At once," Ellaria said beaming, taking a step to leave.

"Where are you going?" Elrohir asked in a hurt tone, grasping 
Ellaria's wrist.

"We are going to visit my aunt and uncle, then we are going 
to do some needlecraft," Ellaria said, touching Elrohir's face 
gently.

"But I wanted to spend some time alone with you," he whined.

"You shall," Ellaria said, kissing Elrohir's lips lightly, "tonight."

"Alright," Elrohir said, cheering up immediately.

"Come on, Elgolas," Arwen chided, "let's away."

"Alright, Elarwen," Legolas said, smiling teasingly.

Arwen, Ellaria and Zera began to walk toward the garden 
gate. Legolas turned to leave when he felt someone grab his 
wrist.

"Where are you going?" Elladan asked the prince flatly.

"With Arwen, Zera and Ellaria," Legolas responded.

"I think not," Elladan said, still holding the prince's wrist firmly.

"But it is midday," Legolas said, looking up at the sky and then 
back at Elladan.

"I care not," Elladan said frankly. "As I told you earlier, Prince. I 
will have my daily jest with you, lest I be in a fell mood all day."

Arwen left Zera and Ellaria at the gate and made her way 
back to where Legolas was standing.

"Legolas, are you coming?" Arwen asked puzzled.

"Nay, Arwen," Elladan said abruptly, answering for the prince. 
"He will spend the day with me." Elladan remembered that 
Legolas has asked him not to argue with Arwen on his behalf, 
but he couldn't resist.

"But it is midday, Elladan," Arwen protested. She glared at 
Elladan and noticed how he was holding Legolas' wrist. 
Arwen smiled understandingly.

"I care not," Elladan said. "The prince owes me a jest, and I 
shall have it."

Legolas shook his head in dismay and looked at Arwen.

"You are right, Elladan," Arwen said in agreement.

"I am?" Elladan asked stunned.

"Aye, Brother," Arwen replied firmly. "Spend the day with 
Legolas."

Arwen turned and began to walk toward the garden gate.

Elladan stared after his sister, openmouthed.

Upon joining her friends, Arwen spun around and said, "You 
owe me a favor, Elladan," before walking away quickly.

Legolas laughed.

"What's so funny?" Elladan asked the prince.

"Arwen," Legolas said smiling. "I would not like to owe her a 
favor."

"Me neither," Elladan said honestly. "She may force me to do 
something horrible, like needlepoint!" Elladan shuddered as 
he spoke.

Legolas and Elrohir laughed.

Elladan forgot that he was still holding Legolas' wrist. Without 
regard for the prince, Elladan sat down abruptly on a nearby 
bench, pulling the prince down with him. Legolas winced and 
looked at Elladan accusingly.

"I'm sorry," Elladan said, looking at Legolas. "Did I hurt you?"

Elladan began to examine Legolas' wrist carefully. Their eyes 
met briefly, then Elladan continued to probe the prince's wrist.

"Does that hurt?" Elladan asked concerned.

"Nay," Legolas said, smiling warmly at Elladan.

Elladan continued his examination and moved the tips of his 
fingers to the center of Legolas' palm. He stroked the prince's 
hand gently and then brushed his fingertips over Legolas'.

Legolas gasped quietly and pulled his hand away abruptly, 
hoping that Elladan hadn't noticed.

"Legolas," Elrohir said, interrupting his brother and the prince.

"Uh... yes, Elrohir?" Legolas asked, trying to compose himself.

"Thanks for being so kind to Ellaria," Elrohir said. "It meant a lot 
to me."

"Do not thank me, Elrohir," Legolas replied, smiling. "I know 
that she meant no harm."

"But it is true, though," Elladan said in a serious tone.

"What is?" Legolas asked.

"You look like a female." Elladan said bluntly. He didn't really 
believe that Legolas looked like a female, but he enjoyed 
teasing the prince.

"I do not," Legolas said indignantly and began braiding his 
hair.

"And why do you fashion you hair that way?" Elladan asked 
inquisitively.

"What do you mean?" Legolas asked, still braiding his hair.

"Why do you wear a braid behind each ear and one in the 
center?" Elladan asked the prince, looking at him with 
disdain.

"'Tis the way that warriors wear their hair in Mirkwood," Legolas 
replied.

"'Tis a female fashion," Elladan sneered.

"It is not!" Legolas exclaimed hotly.

"Yes, it is," Elladan teased. "Even if your hair had been tied 
back when Ellaria met you, she still would have mistaken you 
for a female." Legolas glared at Elladan.

Just then, a female elf walked past the garden. Her flowing 
raven hair sported two plaits. There was one braid behind 
each ear. The two plaits were joined in the back and the rest 
of her hair was flowing freely.

"See?" Elladan exclaimed, pointing at the female elf. "She is 
wearing her hair in the same fashion as yours!"

"It is not the same," Legolas remarked. "She has only two 
braids and I have three. Her braids are gathered together 
and mine are not."

"I believe that if we journeyed outside of Rivendell and you 
wore your hair in your current style, males would come from 
far and near to court you."

"You exaggerate, Elladan," Legolas remarked, annoyed. 
"Elrohir? Do I look like a female to you?"

Elrohir eyed the prince carefully.

"Nay," Elrohir said honestly, "but you are rather comely."

"I am not!" Legolas exclaimed in protest.

Elladan laughed.

"I do not look like a female," Legolas stated firmly.

"Prove it then," Elladan challenged.

"How?" Legolas asked curiously.

"Tomorrow, let's away to Gaidon. It is a nearby human village. 
It is only a short journey from here, and then we will see how 
masculine you really are," Elladan said, smiling at his brilliant 
idea.

"Alright," Legolas said, accepting Elladan's challenge.

Tomorrow, I will prove that I look like a male, Legolas thought 
triumphantly.

Tomorrow, I will prove that he looks like a female, Elladan 
thought, smiling to himself.

---


Chapter 5: Heart-to-Heart


The next morning, Elladan got up earlier than usual. He 
wanted to speak with his father about the prince. He got 
dressed hurriedly and quickly fashioned his dark brown hair. 
Gathering some hair on both sides of his head, he pulled it 
back and secured it with a fastener, allowing the rest to flow 
freely. Satisfied with his appearance, Elladan raced to the 
lord's study, hoping to converse with him before he went 
down to the morning meal.

"Father?" Elladan asked, entering the lord's study.

"Yes, Elladan?" Elrond responded, looking at his son and 
smiling.

"May I speak with you?" Elladan asked.

"Of course," Elrond said, motioning his son to sit down.

Elladan sat down on a plush settee and Elrond sat on a 
matching divan across from him.

"Are you alright?" Elrond asked, looking at his son with 
concern. "I have never known you to arise this early in the 
morning."

"Aye, Father," Elladan said earnestly. "I am well, but I suspect 
someone else is not." He looked at his father apprehensively 
before continuing. "I am concerned for Legolas. He is the 
reason I have come to see you this morning."

"I see," Elrond said slowly.

"I have seen the way he behaves each morning and the way 
he looks at you. It is as though the two of you have shared 
some sort of secret," Elladan said. "I have also noticed that his 
demeanor changes like the wind. One moment he seems to 
be in great despair and the next, the prince is jovial. I was 
wondering, Father, does Legolas confide in you?"

"Very little, I'm afraid," Elrond replied seriously. "Often, I will 
seek him out to see if I may be of some assistance, but usually 
the prince prefers to be alone. He has told me of some... " 
Elrond broke off quickly, "some problems that he is having, but 
has not sought my assistance. I will not encourage Legolas to 
talk to me, nor will I try to force my counsel upon him."

"But why, Father?" Elladan asked confused. "Shouldn't you be 
trying to heal the prince?"

"Nay, Elladan," Elrond said kindly. "Healing the physical body is 
not difficult. With the proper care, the body will heal itself. The 
soul, on the other hand," he continued solemnly, "is something 
else altogether. Even with the gentlest care, the soul may 
never fully mend."

"Do you think that Legolas' soul will heal?" Elladan asked, 
trying not to sound too concerned.

"I do not know, Elladan," Elrond admitted honestly. "When he 
is ready to mourn, the healing process will begin."

"What?" Elladan asked, stunned. "Are you saying that he has 
not yet begun to heal?"

"Nay," Elrond said, shaking his head. "I believe that the healing 
process has begun, but Legolas must move on; he must 
grieve. Only then will the prince begin to recover."

Elladan frowned and looked at his father with great concern. 
He couldn't help but wonder if the prince would ever 
overcome his sorrow.

"Do not be dismayed," Elrond said gently, noticing the look on 
his son's face. "I believe that Legolas will confide in someone 
soon, and I believe he will choose you as his confidant.

"Me?" Elladan asked, flabbergasted. "Why me?"

"Legolas is drawn to you," Elrond stated, smiling thoughtfully. 
"On the day of his arrival, he chose you."

"But why me?" Elladan asked, dismayed. "I am... crude. I am... 
stubborn."

"You are gentle. You are a healer," Elrond said, looking into his 
son's eyes.

"Nay, Father," Elladan said in disbelief, "you are a healer, not 
I."

"I beg to differ," Elrond said warmly. "When Celebrían left, our 
hearts were in ruins. Who took care of Arwen and Elrohir?"

"You did, Father," Elladan replied quickly.

"As did you, Elladan," Elrond said gently. "You spent every 
waking hour with your siblings. You put your grief on hold so 
you could provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. 
You are crude at times and you can be stubborn, but you 
have the kindest heart of anyone I've ever known. You have 
grown into a strong and noble warrior, and I am very proud to 
be your father," Elrond said sincerely. 

Elladan looked at his father in amazement. Elrond's words 
touched his heart, as the lord did not offer compliments 
freely. Elladan stood, walked over to his father and held him 
in a tender embrace. "Thank you, Father," he said, releasing 
the lord. "But... what should I do if Legolas chooses to confide 
in me? How should I help him?"

"Mending a heart," Elrond said looking at his son in the eyes, "is 
not my gift, but yours. You are a spirit healer, Elladan. When 
the time comes, you will be ready."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

After the morning meal, Elladan and Elrohir went to the stable 
to ready their mounts.

Legolas, saying that he had something to do, stayed behind.

The twins worked in silence as they fed their horses before the 
journey.

Elladan couldn't help but chuckle. He couldn't wait until some 
burly human tried to cozy up to the prince.

"What's so funny?" Elrohir asked curiously.

"I was just thinking about Legolas," Elladan replied, smiling.

"Aye," Elrohir remarked slyly. "You do that a lot, don't you?"

"Begging your pardon?" Elladan asked, turning to face his 
brother. He didn't like the mocking tone of his brother's voice.

"The prince," Elrohir said, grinning, "you think about him often. 
You touch him often, and you gaze into his eyes often."

"So, what does Ellaria think about your trip to Gaidon, this 
day?" Elladan asked quickly, trying to change the subject. He 
hadn't realized that Elrohir was aware of his feelings for 
Legolas.

"Ellaria knows that I am going to Gaidon, but she does not 
know why," Elrohir admitted.

"Why is that?" Elladan asked.

"She is still embarrassed about calling Legolas a maiden," 
Elrohir said seriously. "If I told her that we were riding to 
Gaidon to tease the prince about her error, I fear she would 
die from shame."

"'Tis a good point, Elrohir. I would not like to embarrass Ellaria, 
but... " Elladan paused smiling mischievously, "I could kiss your 
love upon her cheek for presenting me with this opportunity. I 
cannot wait to get to Gaidon to prove that she was correct. I 
shall win the jest this day!"

"But surely you do not believe that Legolas looks like a 
female?" Elrohir asked his brother in disbelief. "The prince is 
very fair, but he has the bearing of a warrior."

Elladan smiled deviously. "He does not look like a she-elf, but I 
shan't tell him that. He has outdone me nearly everyday with 
his wit... but not today. I will best the prince at last!"

"I wish you luck in your venture, Brother, but please be 
careful," Elrohir said playfully. "I wouldn't want the prince to 
hurt his wrist again while we are on our journey."

"What?" Elladan asked, dismayed.

"Well, what will happen if we have the urge to grapple with 
the prince again?" Elrohir asked. "If he becomes injured, it will 
be difficult for you to straddle him while he is upon his steed. 
Perhaps, you could grab his wrist and pull him off the horse, 
and then examine his injury."

Elladan blushed furiously. "I know not what you mean."

"Elladan, do not insult my intelligence," Elrohir said flatly. "It is 
clear to me that you fancy Legolas. So, why have you not 
tried to court the prince? He has told us that he is not in a 
relationship."

Elladan sighed heavily. "You are mistaking my kindness for 
intimacy," he said, avoiding Elrohir's eyes. "I only wish to aid 
Legolas in his healing process."

"And would you aid the prince in his bedchamber or yours?" 
Elrohir asked, smirking.

"Elrohir!" Elladan said in embarrassment.

"Elladan!" Elrohir mocked teasingly.

"Please," Elladan pleaded, "the prince may enter at any 
moment, and I do not wish for him to hear your jests."

"I am not jesting. Why are you lying to me, Elladan?" Elrohir 
asked in disbelief. "If your guise does not fool the prince, then 
it will most definitely not fool me. I have spent every day of my 
life with you, and I will continue to do so for all eternity. You 
are my brother and my best friend. I cherish you and greatly 
desire your happiness. What prevents you from telling the 
prince how you feel?"

Elladan sighed again and looked down at the floor.

Elrohir walked over and placed his hand on his twin's shoulder. 
"It is because of mother, isn't it?" he asked gently.

"Aye," Elladan admitted.

"But you have such a kind heart," Elrohir said encouragingly. "It 
would be unfortunate not to share it with someone."

"And if Legolas rejects me?" Elladan asked, meeting his 
brother's gaze.

"He won't," Elrohir stated, smiling brightly, walking back over to 
his steed.

"How do you know?" Elladan asked puzzled. "You have not 
spoken to Legolas about this, have you?"

"Nay," Elrohir said beaming. "But I would not allow someone to 
mount me unless I felt kindly towards them."

Elrohir laughed and Elladan smiled sheepishly.

"Heed my words, Brother," Elrohir said, becoming serious 
again. "Legolas is handsome, strong and I would imagine a 
magnificent lover."

"Elrohir!" Elladan exclaimed, shaking his head at his brother's 
crudeness.

"Anyone with eyes can see how stunning he is, Elladan," Elrohir 
said, maintaining his serious tone. "Legolas will not wait for you 
forever. Tell him how you feel today."

"Shhh," Elladan said hurriedly, "he is coming."

Moments later, Legolas and Arwen entered the stable. Arwen 
was laughing while Legolas shrugged, embarrassed.

"What is so funny, you two?" Elrohir asked, smiling in 
anticipation.

"A female has asked Legolas to court her," Arwen remarked 
teasingly.

"Is that so?" Elrohir looked at Elladan piercingly.

"Aye," Arwen said, beginning to laugh again.

Elladan felt his heart sink. I am too late.

"Well?" Elrohir said, annoyed. "Do not keep us in suspense. 
Who desires your heart, Prince?"

"Zera's little sister," Legolas said, blushing.

"But she is a child!" Elladan exclaimed quickly.

"Aye," Legolas agreed, nodding.

"What is her age, Arwen?" Elrohir asked curiously.

"Hmmm…" Arwen said pensively. "She is Zera's youngest 
sibling. I believe she is no more than one hundred and fifty."

"She is a mere babe," Elrohir said matter-of-factly.

Elladan let out a sigh of relief.

"'Tis so sweet, though," Arwen said as she and Legolas began 
to ready their horses. "She wrote him the cutest little note... in 
her best script, nonetheless. Be gentle with her heart when 
you reject her, Legolas," Arwen said a bit sadly. "The first male 
that I approached laughed at me. I cried for two days."

Legolas' eyes widened with sympathy. He placed his hand on 
Arwen's shoulder and squeezed sympathetically.

"He did not laugh for long," Elladan said, smiling menacingly. 
"Did he, Brother?"

"Nay," Elrohir said, smirking. "Although, Father was furious," he 
added,shuddering at the memory.

"I will be kind," Legolas promised, looking at Arwen. "I do 
admire her bravery, though. At least she is direct."

"So, you prefer a direct approach, eh, Legolas?" Elrohir asked 
smugly, glancing at Elladan.

Arwen looked at Elladan as well.

"Aye," Legolas responded thoughtfully. "'Tis nice that she 
expressed her feelings for me, even though she is only one 
hundred and fifty."

"Perhaps luck will be on your side today," Elrohir said 
innocently.

Elladan glared at Elrohir threateningly.

Legolas looked at Elrohir quizzically, but continued to prepare 
Yon for the trip to Gaidon.

Arwen led her steed out of its stall, as she joined her brother's 
excitedly.

"What are you doing?" Elladan asked Arwen in disbelief.

"I am going to Gaidon," Arwen replied simply.

"You are not," Elladan said firmly.

"You owe me a favor, Elladan," Arwen said flatly. "Do you not 
remember the conversation that we had yesterday?"

"I remember," Elladan spat, "that you told me I owe you a 
favor. And then you ran away with your friends before I could 
respond. I hardly call that a conversation."

"Nonetheless," Arwen continued, "we agreed to share the 
prince and yesterday you spent the entire day with him."

"When did we agree to share the prince?" Elladan asked 
incredulously. "And how do you know about our journey 
anyway?"

"Legolas told me," Arwen said, looking at the prince.

Elladan looked at Legolas in shock. "Is that why you did not 
come to the stable with us after the morning meal? Is that 
what you meant when you said that you had something to 
do?"

"Aye, but I only told her that I would not away with her today," 
Legolas added quickly. "I did not know our journey was a 
secret."

"It is a secret to those who are not invited," Elladan said icily, 
glaring at his sister.

"I am going, Elladan," Arwen said, mounting her horse, "and if 
you refuse me, I shall make you do needlecraft with me for a 
fortnight!" Arwen threatened.

"How can you make me do anything?" Elladan asked, 
shaking his head in utter disbelief.

"I will tell father that you grappled with Legolas and injured his 
wrist," Arwen said, narrowing her eyes.

Elladan's jaw dropped and he looked at Legolas accusingly.

Legolas raised both hands in protest. "I said nothing, Elladan," 
Legolas remarked, shaking his head. The prince chuckled 
quietly as the siblings were once again fighting over him. He 
was debating whether or not to intervene, but had learned 
that this was their way.

"Nay, Elladan," Arwen sneered sweetly. "Spending time with 
the prince has greatly improved my observation skills. Upon 
seeing Legolas, I immediately noticed his sad state and knew 
that his disrepair had to be the result of brotherly foolishness."

"How could your observation skills have improved after one 
day, Arwen?" Elladan asked irritably. "Legolas had only been 
here for one day when we grappled. And, anyway, what 
would father do?" he asked, smiling haughtily. "I am fully-
grown. I do not believe that he would try to punish me." 
Elladan looked at Elrohir for support.

Elrohir widened his eyes in disagreement while Arwen shook 
her head knowingly, raising her eyebrows.

"Perhaps I should ask, Father," Arwen said cunningly, "I believe 
that he is in his study with some noblemen. Or, is he in a 
private council meeting? No matter, 
I
shall interrupt him at once as this is a pressing matter, indeed!" 
Arwen began to dismount.

"Alright!" Elladan exclaimed angrily. "You can come with us. 
But I would ask that you leave us be when we arrive in the 
human city... unless you know the purpose for our journey and 
wish to spoil that as well."

Elrohir's face paled and he looked at his sister nervously. 
Arwen and Ellaria were good friends, and he feared that his 
sister would not keep this jest a secret.

"I know not the reason for this expedition, and I care not," 
Arwen remarked candidly. "I only wish to leave Rivendell for a 
day and purchase human goods for my amusement. Is that 
too much to ask?"

"Yes!" Elladan exclaimed sharply. "And what are you doing?" 
he cast a disbelieving look at Legolas.

"What do you mean?" Legolas asked, mounting his steed.

"Why are you armed as though we are going into battle?" 
Elladan asked, looking up at the prince and shaking his head 
doubtfully. "Gaidon is only across the river. We will be there 
and back before nightfall. I hardly think that a journey such as 
this would require a bow and quiver, a sword and two knives."

"You and Elrohir are not planning on arming yourselves?" 
Legolas asked, stunned.

"Gaidon is just beyond the western border of Rivendell," 
Elladan explained. "There is no need for concern."

"Elladan, I need not tell you that orc attacks have become 
more commonplace recently. It matters not if we travel for an 
hour or a loa. If you and Elrohir do not arm yourselves, Arwen 
and I shan't go," Legolas stated firmly.

Elladan looked at Elrohir in shock. He considered reminding 
the prince that he was Arwen's brother and should be the 
one to forbid her to go. Noticing the stern look upon Legolas' 
face, however, he held his tongue.

"But, I... " Arwen began to protest.

"Nay, Arwen," Legolas said curtly. "You are not a warrior, and 
could not do battle if set upon by the enemy. If your brothers 
are unwilling to meet my terms, I will not go and neither will 
you."

Elladan looked in the prince's eyes and could see that 
Legolas was serious. "Elrohir?" he said finally, "Arm up."



Chapter 6: Journey to Gaidon





The voyage to Gaidon was uneventful. The sun shone brightly 
overhead as the elves passed through the gates of the city 
unhindered.

Gaidon was a far cry from the ethereal beauty of Rivendell. 
The city had many trees and foliage; but dreary pubs, 
unsightly shops and multiple brothels lined the narrow streets.

Bearded men who reeked of ale stared at the radiant beings 
that dismounted among a small grove of trees. They ran, 
fearing that their god had sent the heavenly creatures to 
smite them for their malevolent ways.

"What ails them?" Legolas asked, watching the drunkards flee.

"Elves do not come here often," Elladan replied thoughtfully. 
"The people here are a strange lot. Even though our borders 
are close, the inhabitants of Rivendell and the men of Gaidon 
rarely mix. It is likely that many of these people have never 
seen elves. But for the purpose of this jest," Elladan continued, 
as he smiled brightly, "Gaidon suits my needs perfectly."

"But why are the people fleeing?" Legolas asked, confused. "If 
they have never seen elves before, why do they fear us?"

"I have heard rumors that some of the Gaidonians believe in 
celestial guardians who inhabit the heavens. They are often 
said to have in their possession, a bow and a quiver full of 
arrows," Elrohir explained.

"Perhaps, they fear me, then" Legolas quipped, smiling 
deviously at Elladan. "Upon seeing such a virile warrior, the 
humans must have feared a most painful death."

"We shall see, Prince," Elladan remarked sarcastically. "We 
shall see."

"What are you talking about?" Arwen asked curiously.

"Nothing!" Elrohir exclaimed abruptly, giving Legolas and 
Elladan a threatening look.

"Well," Arwen said slowly, eyeing the males skeptically, "I am 
going to away into the town. When should I meet you for our 
departure?"

"I'm not sure that I want you wandering around Gaidon 
alone, Arwen," Elrohir stated, concerned. "The people here 
are odd."

"I am not a child!" Arwen exclaimed in annoyance. "I am fully 
grown and can wander around the city alone. I do not need 
guards watching my every move and trying to tell me what 
to do."

Elladan, who was tending to the horses, looked at his sister 
kindly. "Arwen, I know that you wish to journey to many of the 
shops here, but they may not be safe. There is a sewing shop 
across the road. If you would be willing... I would appreciate it 
if you would stay there until we join you later."

"Oh, alright," Arwen agreed reluctantly. As she walked across 
the road she marveled at Elladan's kindness towards her. They 
are going to cause some trouble. I just know it.

The males watched as Arwen entered a small sewing shop 
that was nearby.

"Elladan!" Legolas exclaimed. "I have never seen you behave 
so kindly toward your sister."

"And you shan't see it again," Elladan said bluntly. "I had to 
say something to make her leave, didn't I? We can't have her 
around if this jest is going to work."

"So how are we going to do this?" Elrohir asked, looking at 
Elladan and shaking his head at his brother's crassness.

"'Tis very simple," Elladan stated confidently. "Legolas, may I 
have your weapons?"

"My weapons?" Legolas asked in disbelief. "Why?"

"Well you cannot very well walk around like that!" Elladan 
exclaimed. "You must mix among the people and allow us to 
see what happens. Do not fear, Elrohir and I will not disarm. If 
trouble should befall you, we will be nearby."

"I do not fear humans," Legolas said in a self-aggrandizing 
way. "It is a well known fact that elves are physically stronger 
than men. If set upon by any mortal, I shall behave 
courteously unless their actions become too crude. If this 
should happen, I will have no other choice but to break them 
with my bare hands."

"Legolas?" Elladan said suddenly, becoming very concerned. 
"Please do not start a brawl with the men of Gaidon. It would 
be folly that we can ill afford. Even though we are braver, 
stronger, smarter and more attractive than humans, they 
greatly outnumber us. Even elves as valiant as we could not 
hope to defeat more than one or two hundred of them."

Legolas and Elrohir looked at one another for a moment and 
laughed while Elladan looked at the males curiously.

"What amuses you so?" Elladan asked in complete dismay.

"Nothing," Legolas said, smiling.

Elrohir stifled a laugh and smiled at Legolas knowingly. They 
were highly amused at Elladan's haughty attitude and his 
obvious oblivion.

Legolas removed his weapons and placed them beside Yon. 
"What exactly do you want me to do?"

"Walk," Elladan replied, smiling brightly.

"Walk?" Legolas asked, dismayed.

"Just walk down this road," Elladan said, pointing at the 
ground. "Once you stroll down the thoroughfare with all of 
your elvish grace, it will only be moments until you are 
approached. Elrohir and I will go up into the trees and watch 
you. There are so many elms in Gaidon that it should be easy 
to follow you from above," he remarked simply.

"But how is walking down the road going to prove that I look 
like a female, Elladan?" Legolas asked. "I am unarmed, but I 
am still wearing male garments."

"You are dressed like a male, but it is your hair and pretty face 
that I am counting on, Prince," Elladan scoffed. "This is a 
contest and I shall win the jest this day!"

Legolas looked at Elladan and shook his head, smiling in 
incredulity.

Elladan looked up at the sky and said, "You'd better be on 
your way, Prince. We arrived here later than expected and 
mustn't tarry long if we wish to return to Rivendell by nightfall."

"Alright," Legolas said, sighing.

Elladan and Elrohir climbed a large tree effortlessly, and 
followed Legolas from overhead.

"Excuse me, sir?" a woman said, approaching Legolas.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Legolas asked politely.

"I said, excuse me sir?" the woman replied, eyeing Legolas 
curiously.

"Sir," Legolas repeated loudly, glancing up at the tree behind 
him. The prince could barely stifle a laugh when he heard 
Elladan curse under his breath.

"I was wondering if you was a seraph?" the woman asked, 
looking Legolas up and down.

"A seraph?" Legolas asked, looking at the woman surprised, 
"What is a seraph?"

"You knows," the woman drawled, staring at the prince 
piercingly. "Angelic creatures sent frum the gods."

"I am not a seraph, milady, I am... " Legolas began.

"Where are yur wangs?" the woman inquired.

"My what?" Legolas asked.

"Yur wangs and yur arrows?" The woman turned Legolas 
around abruptly and began to probe his back.

"I do not have wings," Legolas said, finally comprehending 
what the lady was trying to say and turning to face her. He 
decided to ignore the question about his weapons, as he did 
not want to make it known that he was unarmed. "I am not a 
seraph. I am an elf," Legolas stated, looking up at the trees 
when he heard the twins snickering above him.

"Er the spirits calling ya home?" the woman asked excitedly 
when she saw Legolas looking up.

Legolas looked at the woman disbelievingly. He was 
determined to rid himself of her. "Aye, milady, those are the 
laughing spirits. They are quite foolish." The prince smiled 
vibrantly when the giggling overhead stopped abruptly. "But 
they call to me nonetheless."

"Will ya put in a gud word fur me?" the lady whispered.

"With pleasure," Legolas said as the lady ran down the road, 
telling everyone she met about her angelic encounter.

"That was hilarious," Elladan said from above. "That single 
event has made this trip worthwhile."

"But you have not yet proven that I look like a female, 
Elladan," Legolas stated triumphantly.

"There is still time, Prince," Elladan said deviously.

Continuing to walk down the narrow road, Legolas stopped in 
front of a small shop. A table that had been set up outside of 
the store bore many unique trinkets. Fascinated, he began to 
examine some of the items.

"Hullo there," a gruff voice said from behind the prince.

Legolas turned around and was facing a rather large and 
dirty looking man. He was bearded, his garments were dirty 
and he reeked of ale and tobacco.

"Hello," Legolas said politely.

"So how much are ya?" the man asked, looking Legolas up 
and down hungrily.

"Begging your pardon?" Legolas asked.

"How much will it cost fer me to taste them pretty lips?" the 
man asked, moving closer to the prince.

Legolas sighed and shook his head. Elladan has won. The 
prince's thoughts were immediately confirmed when he 
heard the twins trying desperately to suppress their laughter.

"I am not for sale," Legolas stated flatly. He tried to take a step 
forward, but the man blocked the prince's path.

"Yur a feisty little thang, aren't ya?" the man asked huskily. "I 
like 'em feisty." He tried to touch Legolas' face, but the prince 
pulled away quickly.

"You think I am a whore!" Legolas exclaimed angrily. "Well, a 
concubine I am not. I am a warrior."

"Well then, my little warrior," the man said, licking his lips, "can I 
see yur weapon?" The man stepped forward quickly and 
reached behind Legolas, trying to grab his buttocks.

The prince moved out of the man's way. He tried to contain 
his anger, knowing that he could easily subdue the brute. 
Legolas looked up angrily when he heard the twins laughing 
quietly.

"Don't be coy," the man said, walking toward Legolas 
predatorily. "Would ya like to see my weapon, milady?" The 
man began to rub his crotch slowly.

"Nay!" Legolas shouted in disgust.

The tree behind Legolas began to shake as Elrohir and 
Elladan could barely contain their mirth.

"I am not a lady!" Legolas fumed. "I am a male elf, a warrior 
and a prince. You shan't treat me this way."

"I see," the man said, moving even closer to the prince, "so it is 
role-play that ya like. Very well, you can be the prince and I 
will be the king." He tried to grope Legolas again but the 
prince moved away quickly and turned to walk away.

"You will luv my punishment, dear prince. I shall teach ya to 
never disobey yur king," the man began to stroke his crotch 
again and grabbed Legolas' wrist abruptly.

Legolas jerked his hand from the large man's grip. He could 
feel his anger rising and was ready to show the man his 
weapon – his bare hands around the ruffian's neck.

Elladan stopped laughing at once. This man no longer 
amused him, and obviously Legolas felt the same way. 
Elladan watched apprehensively as he saw a flash of anger 
in the prince's eyes. From the look on his face, Elladan knew 
that Legolas would not tolerate the man's sexual advances 
much longer. In a moment, I will intervene.

"What ya got there?" a filthy, thin man asked, walking over to 
where Legolas was standing.

"A feisty whore," the portly man said, smiling at his comrade. 
"She likes to role-play. You wanna share 'er?"

"Aye," the lean man replied, looking at Legolas lustfully. "She's 
a bit mannish, don't ya think?"

"Aye," the larger man replied. "Mull, the man who owns the 
brothel on the corner, told me that he dun sent fur a whore 
from a distant land. This has got to be 'er. Look at 'er clothes! 
And you should see the way she walks. She's probably frum 
Bree. I dun heard that the women there are real hardy. They 
got big hands fur strokin' and a strong back fur ridin'."

"Aye," the slender man agreed, "but they still have that 
smooth skin. And look at 'er pretty yeller hair."

Before the man could harass the prince further, Elladan was 
at the prince's side. "I would not do that if I were you," he said 
threateningly when the large man tried to touch Legolas' 
crotch.

"You did not tell me that ya had a sister," the stout man said, 
looking at Legolas accusingly. "I will take one and you can 
have the other," he explained to his friend.

"I want the one with the brown hair," the slender man said. 
"She's real purdy."

Legolas looked at Elladan in shock and began to laugh.

Elrohir, who was still up in the tree, laughed out loud as well.

Elladan fumed. "I am not a female!" he shouted.

"This one likes role-play, too," the thin man remarked stupidly.

Legolas howled with laughter. He laughed so hard that tears 
began to roll down his cheeks.

"She dun gone mad!" the large man said fearfully.

Elrohir could not contain himself any longer and fell out of the 
tree, roaring with laughter.

Elladan continued to protest angrily.

"'Tis rainin' whores!" the slender man shrieked in terror. Both 
men looked at one another and ran away.

"That was hilarious," Elrohir said getting to his feet. "We have all 
lost today, I fear. Apparently we all look like females."

Elladan shook his head in disbelief. "I do not look like a 
female. Do I?" he looked at Legolas questioningly.

"Nay," Legolas said, smiling mischievously. "You are comely, 
though."

"I am not!" Elladan spat hotly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"'Tis getting late," Elrohir announced. "I will fetch Arwen. Why 
don't the two of you go and ready the horses?" Elrohir looked 
at his brother and wordlessly implored him to talk to Legolas.

"Alright," Elladan said, nodding at his brother.

Legolas and Elladan watched Elrohir walk down the road as 
an old man with rotten teeth approached him.

"What's yur name, purdy lady?" the man asked.

"Death," Elrohir replied coldly. "Would you like to meet my 
sisters, Slice and Kill?" He unsheathed two large knives as the 
man ran away screaming.

Legolas and Elladan laughed as they headed back to the 
horses.

"Thanks for coming today, Legolas," Elladan said kindly. "Even 
though I did not win my jest, I had fun."

"I lost, too," Legolas said chuckling. "But... I enjoyed myself as 
well. You always amuse me, Elladan."

"I do?" Elladan asked hopefully.

"Aye," Legolas said, "I enjoy your company."

They arrived at the grove of trees and Legolas began to arm 
himself once again.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked hesitantly.

"Aye?" Legolas looked at Elladan.

"Do you really enjoy my company?" Elladan asked slowly.

"Aye. You offer me the comfort of laughter," Legolas replied.

Elladan was going to respond when Legolas stumbled 
forward awkwardly. The prince looked as though he were 
about to lose consciousness. He caught Legolas and helped 
him to sit down underneath a large elm tree.

"Are you alright?" Elladan asked, concerned.

"Aye," Legolas said dazed. "I am just... " Legolas broke off 
abruptly.

"You are just what?" Elladan asked.

"Nothing," Legolas responded, standing quickly and then 
reeling unsteadily.

Elladan stood and placed his hands on the prince's waist to 
steady him.

Legolas looked into Elladan's eyes and smiled thankfully.

"I have feelings for you, Legolas," Elladan said quietly, still 
holding the prince's waist gently.

"And I for you, Elladan," Legolas said, never releasing his gaze.

Elladan sighed with relief and Legolas smiled.

Accurately judging Elladan's reaction, Legolas asked gently, 
"Did you fear my rejection?"

"Aye," Elladan admitted. "And even now, you terrify me."

"Why?" Legolas asked.

"Because... " Elladan said quietly, "I could lose my heart to 
you."

Legolas smiled warmly. Ever so slowly, Legolas moved his 
mouth closer and closer to Elladan's.

He wondered whether or not he was dreaming as he stared 
longingly at the prince's mouth.

"We're here!" Elrohir announced.

Legolas pulled away abruptly.

Elrohir looked at Elladan quizzically.

Elladan nodded his head, wordlessly confirming his brother's 
silentquestion.

Elrohir smiled excitedly.

"You two look happy," Arwen said, eyeing her brothers 
suspiciously. "What mischief are you planning?"

"We are simply happy to be returning home, Arwen," Elrohir 
replied innocently.

"So, Arwen how was your shopping?" Legolas asked while 
mounting his steed.

"It went well," Arwen responded happily. "And guess what?"

"What?" the males asked in unison.

"A woman came into the sewing shop and told everyone 
present that she had just met an angelic being. Can you 
believe that?" Arwen asked incredulously.

"Aye, Arwen," Elladan said, looking at Legolas teasingly. "I 
can."

Legolas grinned at Elladan as the four elves began their 
journey home.





Chapter 7: Attack




The four elves passed through the forest, chatting animatedly 
about their day in Gaidon. The males, of course, were very 
careful not to reveal their jest or their humiliation to Arwen.

The day was drawing to a close as the sun began its slow 
descent behind the hills. The sky's veil of blue had changed to 
orange and pink.

Legolas regarded the heavens carefully as the sun set. Even 
though orc attacks were not common in Rivendell, the prince 
was uneasy.

Arwen and Elrohir rode side-by-side, talking and laughing 
freely. Elladan and Legolas, who also rode beside one 
another, were bringing up the rear.

Elladan looked at Legolas intently and noticed that the 
prince seemed troubled. He hoped that Legolas wasn't 
having second thoughts about their conversation.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked quietly, trying not to alert the others 
to their discussion. "Are you alright?"

Legolas looked at Elladan wearily and forced a smile. "I am 
fine."

"You. . . you are not. . .  having regrets about our talk, are 
you?" Elladan asked hesitantly.

"Nay, Elladan," Legolas said, looking into his eyes. "Nay."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


They were just beyond the borders of Rivendell when they 
passed by a thick mass of foliage. The moon was now their 
only source of light.

Without warning, Yon stopped abruptly.

Elladan looked back at the prince, dismayed. "What are you 
doing?" he asked, calling back to Legolas.

Elrohir and Arwen glanced behind them when they heard 
Elladan shouting.

Legolas looked around wildly, and Yon neighed in fear. 
Suddenly, the other elves sensed the creatures.

"Orcs!" Elladan cried.

Wordlessly, they began to canter, trying to reach the borders 
of Rivendell before the monsters were upon them.

As they rode on, scores of goblins emerged through the trees, 
wielding swords and knives. The creatures came from every 
direction, focusing their attack on whichever elf was in the 
closest proximity.

Realizing that there was no other alternative, Elladan and 
Elrohir dismounted and readied their swords in a moment's 
time. The twins quickly destroyed any creature that came 
near them.

An orc shrieked loudly as Elladan stabbed it through the 
heart.

Elrohir called out to Arwen as he had lost sight of her during 
the attack. When she didn't respond, he hoped that she had 
escaped.

Elladan looked back to see how Legolas was faring and 
watched in horror as orcs approached the prince from every 
side.

Legolas, apparently in shock, did not move.

"Legolas!" Elladan shouted. "Legolas!" He tried to move 
toward the prince but three orcs sprang forward, thrusting 
their daggers at him. Elladan grappled with the beasts 
furiously, fearing that Legolas would be dead the next time 
he looked upon his face.

Legolas stood transfixed, lost in the memories of a day not 
long past. He heard a male calling his name. It was his 
brother, Joren.

And then it happened. A scream pierced the forest. 
*Mother!* Legolas began to shake all over. *Mother!* The 
prince could hear the echoes of his mother's screams in his 
mind.

The orcs that surrounded the prince approached him 
apprehensively. They had never seen an elvish warrior act so 
strangely.

"Ahhhhhhhh!" Arwen screamed when an orc grabbed her 
arm and roughly pulled her off of her horse.

The maiden's steed galloped away in fear, heading toward 
Rivendell.

The orc moved to stab Arwen, but stopped when another 
orc's piercing scream filled the air. Forgetting about the 
maiden, the orc ran away to aid his comrades.

"Arwen!" Legolas shouted, awakening from his trance. The 
prince realized that he was surrounded by orcs and became 
enraged. With sword in hand and without hesitation, Legolas 
struck hard at the creatures. The orcs' shock at the elf's 
sudden outburst aided him in killing every creature that was 
near.

Arwen screamed again as five goblins walked slowly toward 
her. Terrified, she stared at the approaching creatures.

Elladan and Elrohir tried to aid their sister; but with every 
advance that was made, more orcs would appear.

Arwen looked on in fear as a large orc raised his sword. She 
screamed when the monster lurched forward, knowing that 
her life was about to end.

Suddenly, the orc straightened up and looked down at his 
stomach. The tip of an arrow was sticking out of his abdomen 
as blood flowed freely from the wound. Befuddled, the orc 
looked at Arwen. Staggering slightly, it fell to the ground, 
dead.

Legolas was at Arwen's side, wielding his bow in ways that she 
had never seen.

As Elladan fought, he saw Legolas beside his sister and relief 
spread throughout his body. For a moment, he watched the 
prince and realized what a commanding warrior he was.

Legolas used his arrows as if they were spears or knives, 
stabbing and slashing every creature in sight. Then, he would 
ready and fire the weapons with the utmost of ease. When 
Legolas had ravaged every creature in Arwen's path, he 
called out, "Ellie, Eliad, Yon, come hither!"  The steeds 
galloped forward awaiting the prince's orders.

"Protect her," Legolas commanded and ran off to destroy 
more of the evil beings.

Ellie, Eliad and Yon surrounded Arwen, forming a barricade of 
safety around her.

The orcs, not knowing what to make of this strange behavior, 
avoided the circle of protection. Instead, they decided to 
focus their attack on the warriors.

Elladan was glad when Legolas joined him and Elrohir in the 
heart of the battle.

Elrohir looked at Legolas in astonishment as the flaxen haired 
warrior fired arrows rapidly at orcs, never missing a target. Not 
only was the prince's aim more accurate than he had ever 
seen, he was shocked by Legolas' ferocity.

The corpses of dead orcs littered the ground, but the 
remaining creatures refused to succumb to defeat. The 
beasts charged the elves, hoping to overcome them. But the 
warriors would have rather died fighting than allow the 
loathsome creatures to conquer them.

Legolas paused as he heard something approaching. *More 
orcs.* It mattered little to the prince. *I will join you soon, 
Mother, but I shall die well for you.*

Legolas fought like he never had before. He stabbed, 
maimed or beheaded any creature that came near him.

*Legolas! Legolas!*

The prince could hear his mother's screams. *I'm coming, 
Mother! I'm coming!*

Elladan sighed with relief when the border patrol appeared. 
He remembered seeing Arwen's horse flee towards the 
boundaries of Rivendell, and was silently grateful. The steed's 
appearance must have alerted the guards.

Leading the group was Glorfindel.

When the orcs saw the heavily armed warriors rapidly 
approaching, they began to flee.

Legolas, haunted by his inner turmoil, began to chase the 
retreating orcs. He used every arrow that he had left, firing 
rapidly at the creatures. He did not know that reinforcements 
had arrived.

"Legolas?" Elladan shouted, running toward the prince. "It is 
over." Elladan grasped the prince's shoulder gently and 
turned Legolas to face him.

Legolas tried to compose himself. "Are they gone?" he asked, 
confused.

"Aye, they are gone," Elladan replied.

Legolas sighed, and reeled slightly. He could hear Arwen 
sobbing in the background. And then he was transported 
back in time, holding his mother, sobbing unabashedly as she 
died in his arms.


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Glorfindel, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir stood in silence in 
Elrond's study.

The lord was in the reading chamber with Arwen, attempting 
to assess her condition.

Time seemed to pass slowly and the unrest in the room 
hovered like a storm cloud overhead.

Finally, Elrond entered the room with Arwen by his side.

"Oh, Legolas!" Arwen exclaimed, running across the room and 
embracing the prince. "You saved my life." Tears flowed freely 
down her cheeks. Arwen released Legolas and stared in his 
eyes. "Thank you," she said softly.

Legolas nodded slowly, but couldn't speak.

"Arwen will be alright," Elrond announced earnestly. "She has 
had quite a scare, but has been spared of any physical 
injuries."

Elladan and Elrohir sighed with relief in unison.

"Arwen," Elrond said gently, "I need to speak with Elladan, 
Elrohir and Legolas privately. I know that you have had a 
frightful evening, so I have asked Zera to come over and 
keep you company tonight. I hope you do not mind."

"Nay, Father," Arwen, said, smiling with relief. "Thank you." She 
was glad that Zera would be by her side, as she did not want 
to be alone.

"She is waiting in your bedchamber," Elrond said kindly. 
"Glorfindel has offered to escort you to your room."

Elrond looked at his daughter with unmitigated concern, but 
Arwen smiled reassuringly.

"Father," Arwen stated sincerely, "I will be alright." She left the 
room with Glorfindel by her side.

Elrond turned and looked at the three males. Their garments 
were torn and they were obviously weary from battle. But 
considering what they had been through, they looked well.

"I have never, ever," Elrond began sternly, as all three males 
braced themselves for the lord's outburst, "heard of such 
bravery in all of my life."

Elladan and Elrohir looked at their father in shock.

Legolas wrinkled his brow and looked down at the floor.

"You are not angry?" Elladan asked hesitantly.

"Why should I be angry?" Elrond asked.

"Because," Elladan said, "we went to Gaidon."

Elrond smiled. "Are you not allowed in Gaidon?"

Elladan sat in silence for a moment pondering his father's 
words. Aside from acting like juveniles, they had done no 
wrong.

Elrohir seemed to grasp the concept at the same time as his 
older brother; they looked at each other in amazement.

"If you are not angry," Elrohir asked, "why did you ask Arwen to 
leave?"

"I wanted to ask you about the assault and did not want to 
distress your sister further," Elrond remarked honestly. "It is 
troubling that the orcs would attack so close to Rivendell. Our 
borders are well protected and we rarely face this sort of raid. 
I know that you are exhausted from your ordeal. We can 
discuss this at a later time, but there is something that I must 
know. Gaidon is not very far from here, and yet all of you 
were heavily armed. Why?"

"Legolas refused to journey with us if we did not fully arm 
ourselves," Elrohir stated, looking at the prince. "It is because 
of him that you have any children left."

Elrond looked at Legolas who was staring at the floor.

Elrond walked over, stood before the prince and raised his 
chin gently. He looked into the his eyes in admiration.  "You 
fought alongside my sons tonight, Legolas. And from what I 
have been told, you are a fierce and brave warrior. I marvel 
at you this day, Prince. You told me about your horse-speak in 
the stable one day, do you remember?"

Legolas nodded slowly.

"In my lifetime, I have known of only a few elves to possess 
your gift. But I have never known it to be used to protect the 
life of another. I have already lost so much," Elrond said 
quietly, "and because of you, I did not lose more. Do you 
remember that I once said that as long as you are here, you 
are an extension of my family?"

"Aye," Legolas said softly.

"That holds true no longer," Elrond remarked seriously.

Legolas looked at Elrond, confused.

Elrond walked over to his desk and removed a small item from 
a container. Then, the lord approached Legolas. He leaned 
forward and fastened a small pendant on the prince's tunic.

Legolas looked at the ornament in amazement, realizing that 
he had been given a family heirloom.

"You are no longer an extension of my family, Legolas," Elrond 
said warmly. "You are a part of it. Should anyone come 
against you, they too have come against me. Should you 
ever need anything of me, you only have to ask. You may 
pass in and out of Rivendell as you please and if anyone ever 
speaks against you, they will no longer be welcome within 
these borders."

Legolas looked at Elrond in incredulity.

Elrond embraced the prince tenderly as did Elrohir and 
Elladan.

The prince staggered upon being released. He heard 
someone ask if he was alright, but then all memories faded 
into darkness.

---


Chapter 8: The Nightmare



Later that night, Elladan sat in his bed, unable to sleep. He 
couldn't stop thinking about Legolas losing consciousness. His 
mind raced. He wondered if Legolas was asleep. He 
wondered if the prince would go to the stable this night. He 
wondered what would happen when Legolas awakened. But 
mostly, Elladan wondered why he had convinced him to go 
to Gaidon. He was plagued with guilt. *This is my fault. If I had 
not wanted to jest with him, this would not have happened.* 
Elladan stood up abruptly, and began to pace his 
bedchamber. *I did this. I almost killed Elrohir, Arwen and 
Legolas.*

Elladan walked out onto the terrace and looked toward the 
stable. All was quiet. He waited for a while, hoping for a 
glimpse of the Mirkwood prince. But all hope faded as time 
passed. *I have to see him. I must apologize.* He couldn't 
help but wonder if Legolas or his siblings would ever forgive
him.

Elladan left the balcony and walked through his chamber. 
Silently, he walked down the long corridor that led from his 
room and stopped in front of the entrance to Legolas' 
bedchamber. The door was partially open and he peered 
inside.

Legolas was sitting on the bed, panting heavily. It seemed as 
though the prince had awakened only moments before 
Elladan's arrival. Legolas arose from his bed slowly and 
walked out onto the veranda. He was visibly distraught as he 
shook violently, holding on to the railing for support.

Without further hesitation, Elladan passed through the 
bedchamber, making his way to Legolas' side.

*Legolas! Legolas!*

The prince couldn't breathe. He could feel the walls closing in 
on him. Only the breeze made him aware of his surroundings. 
He closed his eyes.

*Legolas!*

"No," the prince whispered as the memories of his mother's 
screams for help tormented him.

"Legolas?" Elladan said gently.

Legolas jumped and looked at Elladan, startled, "I. . . " he 
stammered, "I did not hear you enter my chamber." His voice 
quivered as he spoke.

"I'm sorry," Elladan said softly. "I did not mean to alarm you."

Legolas didn't respond. Instead, he looked straight ahead, 
holding on tightly to the railing in front of him.

Elladan hesitantly touched the prince's shoulder and turned 
the tormented male to face him.

Legolas stared at the ground. He fought to regain control of 
his emotions. The prince closed his eyes, fighting his inner 
turmoil.

*Legolas!*

The prince opened his eyes at once. "No," he said, grasping 
Elladan's arms for support.

Elladan stared at the prince with alarm. *You are a spirit 
healer, Elladan. When the time comes, you will be ready.* 
Elrond's words echoed in Elladan's mind, but he didn't know 
what to do. He looked into the prince's eyes; Legolas was not 
there. It was as though he had been transported to another 
place or time. *He looks as though he is reliving something. . . 
his mother's death.* Everything became clear to Elladan now. 
He wondered how he had not seen the extent of Legolas' 
pain.

"Legolas?" Elladan spoke softly.

Legolas bowed his head and shook with emotion.

"Did you have a nightmare?" Elladan asked gently.

"Nay," the prince lied. "I am fine."

*Legolas!*

The prince released Elladan abruptly and staggered back 
into his bedchamber.

"Legolas?" Elladan said, trying to help the prince.

"Just leave me be, Elladan," Legolas replied curtly. "Just. . ."  
He stopped abruptly and turned to face Elladan. "Leave her 
alone!"

"Who?" Elladan asked, looking around the bedchamber. 
Slowly, he realized that the prince was hallucinating.

Legolas lunged at Elladan suddenly, grabbing his arm 
roughly. "You will pay, all of you will pay." The prince reached 
for his sword, which was on a nearby dresser.

"You are not well," Elladan stated. He grasped the prince's 
hand, preventing him from gaining access to his weapon.

"Leave her be!" Legolas shouted, fighting Elladan.

The warrior tried to restrain the prince, but to no avail. Even 
though Legolas was in a weakened state, he fought violently. 
Elladan realized that Legolas' rage had greatly increased his 
strength.

Forcing Elladan to the ground, the prince struck him across 
the face brutally.

"Legolas, it's me! It's Elladan," the dark haired warrior shouted. 
"Please, I don't want to harm you!"

"Ha!" the prince spat, straddling his enemy. "As if an orc could 
harm an elvish warrior." He grabbed Elladan's neck with his 
hand and began to squeeze. "You're going to die."

Elladan clutched the prince's hand as Legolas slowly and 
painfully tried to crush his neck. Using his free hand, Elladan 
punched him in the chest. He hoped that the force of the 
blow would allow him to free himself from Legolas' grasp.

Legolas let go of Elladan and clutched his chest.

Elladan pushed Legolas off of him and stood up abruptly, 
gasping for air.

Legolas stumbled over to his dresser and unsheathed one of 
his knives, looking in Elladan's direction menacingly.

Elladan looked over at the prince to see if he was alright. His 
jaw dropped when he saw Legolas slowly approaching him 
with one of his blades drawn. Elladan had been trying to 
restrain himself. He knew that the prince wasn't well, but he 
also knew that Legolas was more than capable of killing him. 
"Legolas? Don't do this. I don't want to fight you."

"Coward!" the prince shouted. "You killed her, and now you 
shall die!" Without warning, Legolas charged Elladan.

Elladan moved out of the way and tried to disarm the prince, 
but Legolas anticipated this and grabbed his arm, twisting it 
roughly. Looking over the prince's shoulder, Elladan sighed 
with relief.

Legolas raised his knife, aiming it at Elladan's throat. "Ai!" he 
yelled, dropping his weapon and releasing his hold on 
Elladan. The prince winced as someone from behind twisted 
his left arm painfully.

Elladan moved away from Legolas and looked at his father. 
"He thinks I am a goblin. He thinks I killed his mother."

Elrond nodded slowly. "Legolas? Are you . . ."

The prince began to fight again, trying to free himself from 
Elrond's grasp.

Calmly, the lord took hold of Legolas' free arm and pulled it 
behind his back. "It is I, Legolas. It is Elrond. There are no orcs 
here. You are in Rivendell, Legolas."

Slowly, the prince began to calm down. As he became 
aware of his surroundings, he remembered the attack of the 
previous day.

Cautiously, Elrond released his grip on the prince's arms.

Legolas turned to face the lord and Elladan. "What 
happened? Why are you both in my bedchamber? Is Arwen 
alright?"

"Arwen is fine, but you are not," Elrond said gently. "Legolas, 
when did you last sleep?"

"I do not sleep," the prince stated, looking around the room, 
confused. "I. .. I can. . . I hear her. She's calling me. . . I. . . I 
can. . ."

"Legolas?" Elrond said gently.

Legolas looked up at the lord but did not speak.

"I have made some tea for you," Elrond said kindly. "It tastes 
very good, and it will help you to rest."

"I do not sleep," Legolas remarked, dazed.

"The tea is very potent," Elrond said, trying to reassure the 
prince. "You will sleep without dreams this night." He handed 
Legolas the cup.

Legolas looked at Elrond skeptically, but took the cup that 
had been offered to him and drank all of the tea.

Elrond took the cup from Legolas. "Do you want to lie down in 
your bed?" Elrond asked kindly.

"No," Legolas replied, shaking his head fervently. "I am fine."

"Alright," Elrond said gently.

"Can I help you in some way, Legolas?" Elladan asked, 
distressed by the prince's state.

Legolas looked at Elladan drowsily and nodded slowly as 
everything around him faded into darkness once more.

---


Chapter 9: Comfort





The next morning, Legolas awoke with a start. He was 
surprised to find himself in his bedchamber, and even more 
surprised to see Elladan asleep in a chair beside his bed. He 
stared at the sleeping warrior inquisitively and wondered why 
Elladan looked battered. The prince's curiosity was peaked 
even further when he saw that his sword was lying across 
Elladan's lap.

Legolas observed the warrior blatantly. Elladan was beautiful. 
His dark hair, which was unbound, framed his face. His mouth 
was slightly parted, and Legolas found himself desiring to slide 
his tongue in between his lips. Hoping not to awaken him, 
Legolas stood up and quietly walked over to him. The prince 
placed his face near Elladan's neck and inhaled his scent. 
The sleeping elf smelled sweet. The prince eyed his neck 
hungrily. *I wonder what he tastes like?*

"See something you like?" Elladan asked, smiling sleepily at 
the prince.

Legolas jumped and moved away from Elladan abruptly.

"Hey! I don't smell that bad, do I?" Elladan asked teasingly, 
stretching languidly.

"Nay," Legolas replied, looking at the bruises upon Elladan's 
face and neck. "But you look terrible. What sort of evil has 
befallen you?"

"Arwen," Elladan remarked solemnly. "I never knew how 
dangerous a needle pointing female could be. I simply called 
her 'Orcwen' instead of 'Arwen' and the guileful wench 
attacked me! But do not fear, fair prince, I escaped the 
wayward she-elf and came in here. Ha! I knew she would not 
know where to look for me. I took your weapon. . . just to be 
safe. I was unsure whether or not the fell beast would strike 
again."

Legolas laughed and sat down on his bed, facing Elladan. 
"Tell me the truth. What happened to you?"

"I am being completely honest," Elladan said innocently. "Do 
not leave this room. The creature may be nearby. It is time for 
the morning meal and I am sure it is hungry. If you decide to 
disregard my warning, then you may leave. I shall have fond 
memories of you, and will always think of you as 'Legolas the 
Great' not 'Legoloaf the Meal.'"

"Elladan!" the prince shouted, dismayed.

"What?" Elladan asked.

"You are hiding the truth behind folly," Legolas stated 
earnestly. "I do not recall you being hurt in the attack. So, 
something else has transpired. Please tell me what 
happened."

"It is not important, Legolas," Elladan remarked simply. "Just let 
it be."

"I can't," the prince said.

"Why not?" Elladan asked in exasperation.

"Because. . . for some reason, I feel responsible," Legolas said 
earnestly. "I. . . I didn't. . . did I?"

"Well. . ." Elladan began.

"Do not jest with me. I want to know the truth," the prince 
stated
seriously.

Elladan sighed. "Last night, I came to see you and you 
attacked me. You thought that I was an orc. You thought 
that I had. . . that. . . that I had killed your mother."

"I tried to kill you, didn't I?" Legolas asked slowly.

"Aye," Elladan replied. "But Elrohir is always saying that I am 
like an orc. Perhaps he is right." Elladan smiled at Legolas, but 
the prince only stared back in incredulity.

"If I meant you harm, then why are you here this morn?" 
Legolas asked dully.

"I told you, that Arwen can be a fierce. . ." Elladan began.

"Elladan," Legolas said abruptly, interrupting the warrior, 
"please?"

Elladan sighed and nodded slowly. "I. . . I wanted to make 
sure that you were alright."

"And my sword?" Legolas inquired.

"Well. . . I thought that it would be wise for me to keep a 
weapon nearby," Elladan admitted sheepishly. "An orc struck 
once shan't be an orc struck twice!"

Legolas cringed as he looked at Elladan's swollen eye and 
bruised neck. "I could have killed you," the prince said in 
horror.

"Nay," Elladan said happily. "I hit your chest mercilessly, and 
feared that you would split in two from the force of the blow. 
Unfasten your tunic and see for yourself."

Legolas looked down at his garments, dismayed. He hadn't 
realized that he was still fully dressed. He stood up and 
unbuttoned his tunic. The prince opened the garment and 
looked at his chest carefully. In the center of his chest was a 
small red spot.

"What?" Elladan exclaimed, outraged. "I struck you with the 
force of ten elves! You should be bruised!"

Legolas shrugged and stood up. "I'm leaving. I shall collect my 
things and go at once."

"Leaving?" Elladan asked in incredulity. "You cannot leave. 
Legolas, you are not well. You need our help."

"You have already tried to help me and I repaid your kindness 
by harming you," the prince remarked gravely.

"'Twas an accident," Elladan said gently.

"And what if there were another **accident**?" Legolas 
asked, looking at Elladan. "What if Arwen had come in here 
instead of you? I would have killed her." Legolas shook his 
head from side to side. "Leaving is the only answer. I am 
dangerous."

"Where will you go?" Elladan asked. "Will you return to 
Mirkwood?"

"And shame my family further? Nay. I do not know where I will 
venture. I only know that I must go somewhere alone." 
Legolas stood up suddenly and reeled slightly.

"What shame have you brought to your family?" Elladan 
asked in disbelief.

"I cannot maintain my appearance," the prince said forlornly. 
"I cannot preserve the family image. I am a disgrace. . . a 
burden. . . to everyone."

"Is that what your father told you?" Elladan asked, trying not 
to become angry. "Is that why he sent you here, because he 
feels that you are unfit to maintain some **image**? What 
kind of father is Thranduil. . . that he would turn away his son?"

"He is a king," Legolas said proudly. "I respect my father above 
all others and my loyalty to him is unwavering. I would die for 
him."

"Even if he is wrong?" Elladan asked in dismay.

"He is not wrong," Legolas replied sincerely. "My father's first 
duty is to Mirkwood. And thus, my family has to be a paragon 
of strength and valor at all times. We are of the highest 
nobility and must act as such. I am a prince and a warrior 
and I have been bred to bear the burden of my status. I 
cannot cry. . . I cannot do anything that would make my 
family seem impaired. Do you remember the day that I did 
not come to the morning meal. . . the day that you found me 
in the stable?"

"Aye," Elladan said, nodding.

"I was behaving like a child," Legolas said with disgust. "I am a 
warrior. I do not need to show my pain. I vowed that day. . . 
when you found me, that I would never do it again. I have 
been able to act bravely. . . to hide my suffering, the way I 
should. . . until now."

"Your mother was killed and, from what I'm told, you 
witnessed it. There is no shame in showing your emotions. You 
must grieve, Legolas," Elladan said sternly. "You will never get 
well if you do not mourn. Last night, you said that you do not 
sleep, and I know that you are not eating. You can't hide 
from your emotions by avoiding sleep. And you can't starve 
them by starving yourself."

"I cannot do as you ask," Legolas stated.

"Why?" Elladan asked.

"Do you think that what happened last night was a new 
occurrence?" Legolas asked, looking into Elladan's eyes. "It 
happened in Mirkwood. After my mother. . . after she. . . after 
the attack, I was in great distress. One night, I assaulted one 
of the servants. I have known her all of my life, and yet I tried 
to harm her. Two of my brothers, Makail and Dace, heard the 
commotion and were able to prevent me from hurting her. 
The next morning, I was told about my actions. Elladan, I have 
no memory of what I did. My father summoned the ten best 
healers in Mirkwood, but to no avail. My nightmares 
continued and so did my waking dreams. It was then 
decided that I should be sent away. My father said that there 
was only one healer he knew of who could possibly cure me. 
Thus, I was sent to Rivendell. I fear that I am beyond help, 
though, and that my presence here will do more harm than 
good. I will away at once."

"You are not leaving," Elladan stated firmly. "You should not 
be alone. I. . I care for you. . . I will help you."

"I appreciate your kindness, but I must do this," Legolas said 
resolutely. "I care for you as well and therefore, I must go." The 
prince gathered up his weapons and left the room.

Elladan stared after the prince sadly. *I won't let you go.*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas entered the stable and walked toward Yon's stall. 
Opening the door carefully, the prince led his steed out of the 
compartment. Legolas patted Yon on the head and told the 
stallion what had happened. Arming himself, the prince 
mounted his horse and headed for the open doors.

"Halt!" Arwen shouted, blocking the doorway with her 
outstretched arms. "Elladan told me that you wanted to 
leave. As usual, I thought him insane. But I can now see that, 
somehow, honesty has found its way to my brother. You will 
not leave. Dismount at once!"

"Arwen," Legolas said gently, "this is for the best."

She stepped aside to allow Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond to 
enter.

"Nay," Elrohir said seriously, "this is foolhardy. Where will you 
go? We were just attacked yesterday. Orcs could still be in 
the area. Have you considered that?"

"I am more danger to you than any orc," Legolas said gravely. 
"I must away before I cause more trouble."

"You can't go," Arwen said, walking over to the prince. 

"Why?" Legolas asked, looking into her eyes.

"Because," Arwen said emotionally, "I would miss you terribly."

Legolas smiled warmly and dismounted, pulling Arwen into a 
tender
embrace. "I must do this. It is for the best."

"Nay," Elrond said, finally speaking up. "Legolas you have 
been sent here by the king of Mirkwood and you are under 
my care. Do you acknowledge this?"

"Aye," the prince said, nodding.

"As long as you are here, you are my responsibility. Would you 
dishonor me or your father by leaving Rivendell?"

"Nay, Elrond. . . but. . . " Legolas began.

"As the lord of this realm, I order you to stay," Elrond said firmly. 
"You are to remain in Rivendell until you are better. Do you 
understand?"

Sagging his shoulders in defeat, Legolas said, "Aye, Lord."

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen stared at their father in shock. They 
had never seen him use his rank in such a manner. However, 
they were grateful that someone had the power to stop 
Legolas from leaving.

Elrond watched the prince carefully, knowing that someone 
as honorable as Legolas would not disobey a direct order. He 
felt badly about this, but he had no other choice. He couldn't 
let Legolas leave. . . not yet.

Legolas sighed and removed his weapons. "I would ask that 
you take my armaments." The prince handed his bow and 
quiver to Elrohir and gave his sword and knives to Elladan. "I 
cannot be trusted."

"If we must," Elladan said, shrugging. The warrior handed 
Elrohir the prince's knives and grabbed Legolas' right arm 
abruptly. Placing the prince's arm on a stack of hay, Elladan 
raised the sword and smiled teasingly. "This shall hurt you 
much more than it will hurt me, Prince."

"Elladan!" Elrond shouted, shaking his head.

"What?" Elladan asked innocently. "The prince asked us to 
take his weapons away. The only weapons that he used last 
night were his hands. Do not fear. I am more than willing to 
disarm Legolas. . . permanently."

Legolas chuckled and Elladan beamed. He thanked the 
Valar that that he could make Legolas laugh. He was even 
happier that the prince would be staying.

As Arwen led Yon back to his stall, Ellaria entered the stable.

"Good morn," Ellaria said brightly. "I went to the manor and a 
servant told me that all of you were here. Is everything 
alright?"

"All is well," Elrohir said, gazing at Ellaria lovingly.

Ellaria smiled and looked at everyone that was in the stable, 
letting her gaze stop on Elrond's oldest son. "Elladan! What 
happened to you?"

Elladan looked at Ellaria pitifully. "Elrohir struck me. I was simply 
going into the manor when he called me an orc and 
attacked me. You know how he is sometimes. . . he is always 
jesting, that Elrohir."

"Elrohir!" Ellaria spat. "You should be ashamed of yourself. How 
dare you grapple with your brother that way! You know that 
my father may be coming to see you any day now, and he 
will not approve of such foolish behavior."

"Ellaria. . . I. . . " Elrohir tried to explain.

"I'm not listening!" Ellaria walked over to Elladan and 
examined his black eye carefully.

Elladan made sure to also point out the bruises on his neck.

"Ellaria," Elrond said, giving Elladan a reproachful look, "Elrohir 
did. . ."

"Do not try to defend him, Lord," Ellaria said abruptly. She 
turned around quickly and glared at Elrohir. "I had a special 
treat planned for you tonight, but I have changed my mind. 
Good day, Elrohir!" Ellaria stormed out of the stable with Elrohir 
chasing behind her, trying to explain his innocence.

Elladan laughed heartily and clutched his stomach.

Elrond folded his arms over his chest and looked at his son 
sternly. "Elladan!" he said with authority, making Elladan's 
laughter stop at once.

"Alright, alright, I will go and find Ellaria, Father," Elladan said 
quickly.
"I will make it right, I promise."

Elrond nodded his head and looked at Legolas. "I will away to 
my duties now. If you need me, I will be in my study."

"Alright," Legolas said.

Arwen kissed the prince on the cheek and left the stable with 
her father.

"I'd better go and tell Ellaria the truth before she keeps her 
**treats** from Elrohir for eternity," Elladan said grinning. "Do 
you want to join me?"

"Nay," Legolas said, sighing. "I just want a bit of time alone."

"As you wish," Elladan said. As he left the stable, he wished 
that he could comfort the prince in some way. He hoped that 
Legolas wasn't angry with him for telling everyone about his 
intention to leave. Sighing, Elladan quickened his pace, 
hoping that he would find Elrohir and Ellaria soon.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


In the middle of the night, Legolas slipped out of his 
bedchamber and went outside. He disappeared into the 
stable and did not reemerge for more than an hour. As 
Legolas' elvish senses had diminished greatly, he did not 
realize that he was being followed.

The prince, determined not to sleep, decided to go to one of 
his favorite nighttime places. Just beyond the manor, behind 
the south garden, lay an enormous forest. On many nights, he 
would go through the woods and climb a steep hill. There, he 
had discovered some bluffs that overlooked Rivendell.

Legolas stood near the edge of the cliff and inhaled the crisp 
spring air. He looked up and studied the stars and the waxing 
moon, which shone high overhead.

"Legolas?" Elladan said softly, trying not to startle the prince.

Legolas turned around abruptly. "Elladan," Legolas said, 
surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Looking for you," Elladan replied kindly, walking over to the 
prince.

"How did you know where to find me?" Legolas asked 
curiously.

"I. . . I followed you," Elladan replied slowly.

"Why?" the prince asked, dismayed.

"I have seen you leaving the manor from my terrace late at 
night," Elladan said. "I wondered why you went to the stable 
so often."

"The horses are kind to me," Legolas replied. "As you know, the 
night is difficult for me. While everyone is resting, I find comfort 
in talking to the steeds. They don't mind my company, and it 
gives me something to do until the morning."

"I see," Elladan remarked, eyeing the prince a bit 
apprehensively.

Noticing Elladan's uneasiness, the prince asked, "Was there 
something else that you wanted to discuss?"

"I just wanted you to know that I feel responsible for the 
attack," Elladan explained sadly.

Legolas stared at Elladan in shock.

"It was my idea to venture to the human city," the warrior said 
heavily. "If I hadn't suggested that we go there. . . none of this 
would have happened. I already spoke to Arwen and Elrohir, 
and they are not angry with me. They said that I could not 
have known about the orcs. . . that I did not do anything 
wrong. And yet, my guilt overwhelms me."

"Your siblings are correct, the attack was not your fault," the 
prince stated sincerely. "We make our own choices, and all of 
us chose. No one was forced to go to Gaidon. We all went 
willingly."

Elladan sighed, and looked at Legolas carefully. "Are you. . . 
angry with me?" Elladan asked slowly.

"Angry?" Legolas asked. "But I just told you that no one is to 
blame for the assault."

"I am not speaking about the attack. I wanted to know if you 
were angry because I told my father that you were going to 
leave," Elladan blurted out. 

"I was angry, earlier," the prince admitted. "That's why I 
wanted to be alone. But I know that you meant well. My 
decision to leave wasn't wise. If I had left Rivendell alone, I 
could have been killed." "I'm glad that you see it that way," 
Elladan quipped, allowing something that he had behind his 
back to drop to the ground.

"What is that?" Legolas asked.

"I brought my sword with me just in case you desired to be 
disarmed again," Elladan stated matter-of-factly. "One never 
knows when such a thing might be necessary."

"Elladan," Legolas chuckled, "must you always jest?"

"It is my way," the warrior replied simply.

"I know," the prince remarked. "And I appreciate what you 
did in the stable today with Ellaria. Your jest kept me from 
further embarrassment."

Elladan felt his face redden and thanked the Valar that it was 
dark outside. He was not used to anyone seeing through his 
teasing and pranks.

Carefully, Legolas touched Elladan's injured eye. "Does it 
hurt?"

"Nay," Elladan remarked sincerely. "Actually, most of the 
swelling is gone. It should be fully healed by tomorrow night."

"I. . . I am so sorry," the prince said gently, still probing Elladan's 
eye.

"'Tis alright," Elladan said smiling brightly. "This wound has been 
wonderful, even though Elrohir will probably blacken my other 
eye tomorrow. Unlike you, he is not happy about my jest, but I 
have gotten much sympathy because of it. Did you know 
that the servants made me a bannock with dates and honey 
and some warm cider because of my terrible state? It was 
wonderful! I was wondering. . . would you strike me again on 
Orgaladhad? Menil, one of the kitchen hands, always makes 
delicious sweet cakes on that day. Perhaps, if I am wounded, 
she will make one especially for me."

Legolas laughed and moved closer to Elladan. "I will see what 
I can do on Orgaladhad, Elladan. But for now, I wish for you 
to be healed." The prince leaned forward and kissed Elladan 
on the eye gently. He moved his mouth down the warrior's 
face and brushed his lips against Elladan's and looked into his 
eyes.

"Legolas," Elladan whispered.

Legolas leaned forward once again and placed his lips on 
Elladan's, feeling heat spread throughout his body.

Elladan opened his mouth, and allowed the prince's tongue 
to slide inside his wet cavern.

They kissed passionately, pressing their bodies together 
roughly. Elladan could feel himself becoming aroused and 
stopped the kiss abruptly. "I can't Legolas," he said quietly. "I 
can't." Elladan moved away from the prince, breathing 
heavily.

"Why?" Legolas asked, unable to hide his dismay.

"It's too soon," Elladan said.

"Too soon?" Legolas asked in uncertainty. "What do you 
mean?"

"You've been through so much, lately," Elladan said gently. "I 
think we should take it slowly. Let's not rush."

"I don't understand," Legolas said in incredulity, "you don't 
want me?"

"That's not it, Legolas," Elladan said, touching the prince's face 
tenderly. "I can't be intimate with you when you are so 
wounded."

"My heart's injured, Elladan," Legolas protested, "not my body. 
My body has needs, too."

"So does mine," Elladan said honestly. "But I won't risk my heart 
and yours. . . not when you suffer so much."

"And what about what I want?" Legolas asked. "What about 
me?"

"Let's just take it slowly," Elladan said, leaning toward Legolas. 
"After you've mended some, if you still want to be with me, 
you can have me."

"That's absurd!" Legolas exclaimed. "I am not an infant, 
Elladan, and neither are you. Do you fear for my virtue or your 
own? Surely you have. . . partaken of physical pleasure 
before?"

"Aye," Elladan replied slowly, "but I do not take such things 
lightly. I am loath to give my body to you when your pain is so 
near. Let me comfort you this night. Let us not become 
intimate until a later time."

"Alright," Legolas said seductively, stepping behind Elladan. 
"But first, let me comfort you." He wrapped his arms around 
Elladan's waist and pulled him close. "You shall enjoy your 
comfort," he whispered into the warrior's ear huskily.

Elladan gasped when Legolas kissed his neck and then licked 
the tip of his sensitive ear.

"I want to touch you," Legolas whispered. "Please, Elladan."

Legolas pushed his pelvis forward, and Elladan could feel the 
prince's hard member against his buttocks. Legolas moved 
one of his hands down from Elladan's waist to his crotch, 
stroking gently.

"Legolas, I can't," Elladan said, pulling away, "not yet."

The prince sighed and stared at the dark haired warrior in 
exasperation. "You may get your wish. Perhaps I shall strike 
you after all."

"I know that you are angry, but both of our hearts are at risk," 
Elladan explained. "You are not well, Legolas. Just this morn 
you spoke of leaving Rivendell alone. That was not a wise 
decision. . . you said so yourself. You do not know what you 
want right now, and I do not want to be another bad 
decision. I won't risk it and neither should you."

The prince sighed and shook his head in dismay. "Alright. I 
shall wait, but it is going to be very difficult."

"Come here," Elladan said as he walked over and sat down 
beneath a large tree. "I wish to comfort you tonight." Elladan 
sat down with his back against the tree trunk, and spread his 
legs.

Legolas raised an eyebrow, smiling devilishly.

Elladan looked at the prince innocently and patted the 
ground in between his legs.

Legolas sat down and Elladan wrapped his arms around him, 
putting his chin on the prince's shoulder. Elladan rubbed his 
face against the prince's and kissed his check gently.

Legolas sat very stiffly at first, not knowing what to do.

"What is wrong with you?" Elladan asked, chuckling. "Why are 
you so rigid? A statue would be easier to comfort than you."

"What am I supposed to do?" Legolas asked, embarrassed.

"Relax," Elladan replied warmly.

Legolas settled back against Elladan and placed his hands 
on the arms that encircled him, caressing gently. Enjoying 
how it felt to be held, the prince decided that if he could not 
yet ravish Elladan, then comfort would have to do.

The two elves didn't speak. Instead, they held one another 
until the stars faded and the first beams of sunlight awakened 
to a new day.

---


Chapter 10: Choices



Over the next two months Legolas' condition improved. Even 
though the prince occasionally had nightmares, they paled in 
comparison to the one he had so many weeks ago.

Telling Legolas that it was his duty to protect the inhabitants 
of the manor from the wicked ways of an insane prince, 
Elladan began to spend every night with him. As always, he 
teased and jested with the prince mercilessly. But in actuality, 
Elladan wanted to keep Legolas company.

Legolas pretended not to know why Elladan had suddenly 
become his nightly companion, but was secretly grateful that 
he didn't have to endure the nights alone.

They usually spent their nights in the stable or on top of the hill 
overlooking Rivendell. There, they would converse about 
serious matters, play practical jokes on one another, engage 
in lively banter or practice archery.

Some nights, Elladan would almost collapse with fatigue, but 
would try to keep up with the seemingly inexhaustible prince. 
He would inevitably admit defeat and succumb to sleep, 
leaving Legolas alone once again.

Although the prince still fought the urge to rest, like Elladan, 
his body would seek the comfort of slumber with or without his 
permission. Even though Legolas often had dreamless nights, 
when the nightmares did occur, his misery would become 
obvious.

Luckily, Elladan was there to comfort the prince, using humor 
and kindness to bring him back from the depths of despair.

However, Legolas found that it was becoming more and 
more difficult to maintain his image as it began to crumble 
under the weight of his grief. He held fast to his pride, though, 
usually refusing to show his emotions to anyone.

Elladan disliked Legolas' stubbornness, but he knew that it was 
only a matter of time before the prince's guise would fail. He 
wondered what would become of Legolas when he could no 
longer hide behind a mask of royalty and honor.

One night, when the prince had a particularly bad dream, 
Elladan awakened to find Legolas confused and distraught. 
Once the effects of Legolas' dream had subsided, he asked 
Elladan to provide him with intimate comfort. Elladan politely 
refused, which greatly angered the prince.

Legolas tried to respect Elladan's wishes. But he had grown 
weary of kissing and cuddling and strongly desired to satiate 
his physical needs.

Elladan, too, longed to experience the pleasure that he was 
sure Legolas could provide. However, he kept a close watch 
on his heart, fearing that he would lose it to the prince.

Although Elladan and Legolas had not consummated their 
relationship, their kinship still flourished. They were rarely seen 
apart and as their affection for one another grew, so did 
Elladan's fear.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


After the morning meal, Legolas walked toward the entrance 
hall of the manor and looked outside.

A gentle rain sprinkled its tiny drops over Rivendell. Clouds 
passed overhead, graying the sky in their lofty silence, 
refusing to unveil the layer of blue sky that lay hidden 
underneath the feathery billows.

Legolas observed the sky and frowned. Although he was 
trying to put on a good face in front of the twins, he couldn't 
help but feel that the heavens mirrored his mood. The 
previous night on the hill that overlooked Rivendell, another 
nightmare had plagued his dreams. This time, he had 
awakened screaming his mother's name. He was guided 
back to reality, though, when Elladan began to scream as 
well.

Trying to prevent the prince from feeling embarrassed, 
Elladan told Legolas that he thought that Orcwen was nearby 
and thanked the prince for alerting him. He picked up his 
sword and began to pace around the perimeter of the hill. 
He claimed that he would guard the prince from the evil 
beast and told him to get some rest.

Once the prince had stopped laughing, he tried to sleep, but 
every time that he closed his eyes he could see her. . . his 
mother. . . screaming. . . dying. Legolas, unable to sleep, 
jested with Elladan for the duration of the night.

Elladan teased and grappled with the prince, but he could 
tell that Legolas was very distressed. He wanted to hold him. . 
. to kiss his fears away. But Elladan knew all too well that due 
to Legolas' pride and stubbornness, the prince would not 
welcome this type of solace.

Legolas, still pondering the memories of the previous night, 
sighed and continued to look out of the doorway sadly. He 
was so preoccupied that he did not hear the twins 
approaching.

"What's wrong with Legolas?" Elrohir asked Elladan, 
concerned as they headed toward the entrance hall of the 
manor.

"What do you mean?" Elladan asked innocently.

"You know exactly what I mean, Elladan," Elrohir replied 
bluntly. "He's been very distant this morn. He hardly spoke 
during the morning meal and he has been distracted. Did he 
have another nightmare?"

"Shhh. . ." Elladan hissed, pulling Elrohir aside. "In all honesty, 
Legolas has been doing much better. . . until recently. He 
hasn't been sleeping well lately and he had another 
nightmare last night."

Elrohir sighed and looked in the prince's direction 
sympathetically.

"Do not fret," Elladan remarked earnestly. "I shall lift his spirits."

"Indeed?" Elrohir asked, grinning. "Is it his spirits that you plan to 
**lift,** or something else altogether?"

"Elrohir!" Elladan exclaimed in mortification.

"Elladan!" Elrohir shouted, mimicking his brother.

"Please hold your tongue," Elladan hissed. "The prince is near 
and I do not wish for him to hear you."

"Why not?" Elrohir asked. "If you wish, I will leave the two of 
you alone this morning so that you may **raise** his mood 
and so that he may **elevate** yours."

"Elrohir," Elladan said threateningly, "if you do not hold your 
tongue, I shall do it for you."

"Why don't you save your affection for the prince?" Elrohir 
asked, smiling brightly. "I wouldn't want you to use any 
unnecessary energy, Brother. And anyway, I'm sure Legolas 
would prefer that you hold **his** tongue instead of mine."

"Elrohir! You are so. . ." Elladan began.

"Did you call my name?" Legolas asked, looking at the twins 
curiously as he walked over to them.

"Nay," Elladan said quickly, shaking his head and blushing.

"Well, not yet," Elrohir teased. "He will do that later."

"Elrohir!" Elladan exclaimed, covering his face with his hands.

Legolas widened his eyes, smiling and looking at Elrohir 
curiously.

"Elrohir!" Arwen exclaimed excitedly as she ran over to her 
brother. "Duke Meris, Duchess Aurel and Ellaria are here!"

"Today?" Elrohir asked, looking around nervously. "Am I 
presentable? Do you think the duke will like me? And what 
about the duchess? Do you think that she will find that I am 
good enough for Ellaria? How do I look?"

"Do not worry, Elrohir," Elladan said, smiling deviously. "Let me 
help you." He reached over and mussed his brother's hair 
horribly.

"Elladan! What are you doing? The duke. . ." Elrohir exclaimed 
in horror. 

"Is walking this way," Elladan remarked simply. "Let that be a 
lesson to you, Elrohir. In the future, I suggest that you respect 
your elders."

"My elders? You are only a few moments older than I," Elrohir 
said indignantly.

"It matters not the amount of time that separates our birth," 
Elladan explained derisively. "The fact remains that I am older 
than you and. . . "

"Elladan, what am I to do? The duke will see me this way and 
will refuse to give me Ellaria's hand in marriage," Elrohir said 
desperately.

Elladan smiled and looked at Elrohir craftily. "We **are** twins, 
are we not?"

Elrohir looked at his brother and sighed with relief.

"I will assist you, but you owe me a favor, Elrohir," Elladan 
stated flatly.

Before any more words could be spoken, Ellaria's parents, 
Duke Meris and Duchess Aurel, approached.

"Good morn," the duke stated loudly, "'tis good to see all of 
you once again." He and the duchess bowed and curtseyed 
respectfully as did the twins, Arwen and Legolas.

"Please allow me to introduce Prince Legolas Greenleaf of 
Mirkwood," Arwen said genteelly, stepping forward. "He is King 
Thranduil's youngest son."

"Ah," the duke remarked, smiling at Legolas. "'Tis a pleasure to 
meet you, Prince Legolas. Allow me to present my wife to 
you. This is Duchess Aurel."

"How do you do?" the duchess asked courteously.

"I am well," Legolas replied, bowing gracefully. "'Tis a pleasure 
to meet you both."

The duke nodded and turned his attention to the twins. 
"Elrohir," he said, looking from one male to the other, "I have 
come to speak with you about your plans to wed my 
daughter."

"Aye" Elladan said, bowing politely. "'Tis a pleasure to see you 
once again, sir. And duchess, you are looking beautiful as 
always."

Duchess Aurel smiled and curtseyed as the duke bowed.

"What has happened to Elladan?" the duke asked, looking at 
Elrohir curiously.

"Oh," Elladan said, beaming vibrantly. "Elladan is a bit. . . well, 
he is a bit. . . feeble. We try not to talk about it too much. We 
wouldn't want him to have one of his fits again."

Elrohir's mouth fell open, as did Arwen's.

Legolas shook his head in disbelief.

The duke nodded politely and glanced at Elrohir with disgust.

Ellaria entered the parlor and smiled brightly. "Father, Mother, 
are we going to go and talk now?"

"Aye," the duke said, patting Elladan on the shoulder, "let us 
away."

Ellaria looked at Elladan and began to speak, but stopped 
short when he gave her a warning look and shook his head.

The duke and the duchess began to walk toward the parlor 
along with Ellaria, who looked back at Elrohir in annoyance.

Elladan walked slowly, allowing the duke and the duchess to 
get about ten paces ahead of him. Finally, he looked back 
and motioned to Elrohir.

In only a moment's time, Elrohir and Elladan had switched 
places. The younger twin smoothed his hair down frantically 
with his hands while Elladan disarranged his hair and raced 
over to where Elrohir had been standing.

The duke turned around and looked at Elrohir, who was now 
standing beside Ellaria. Eyeing the young warrior carefully, he 
asked, "Were you not wearing a grey tunic?"

"Begging you pardon, sir?" Elrohir asked nervously.

"I thought that you were wearing a grey tunic only a moment 
ago," the duke replied curiously. "And now your tunic is 
brown."

Ellaria looked at Elrohir anxiously and then back at Elladan, 
who was pretending to be 'feeble' as he studied the wall with 
interest.

"Nay," the duchess said, looking at Elrohir carefully. "Meris, the 
twins are so much alike, how could you possibly tell one from 
the other? Perhaps in the light, you got the color of their 
tunics confused."

"Ah, yes," the duke said smiling brightly, looking at Elrohir. "It is 
nearly impossible to tell you apart. The two of you look so 
much alike. In fact, if I weren't so clever, I suspect that you 
could fool me. Anyway, we have much to discuss, Elrohir," 
Duke Meris said earnestly.

"Aye," Elrohir agreed as he sighed with relief.

Elrohir met the duchess' eyes and she winked at him 
knowingly. He was shocked when he realized that she had 
somehow discovered their folly, but was reassured 
immediately when she gave him an encouraging squeeze on 
the shoulder.

"Elladan! You should be ashamed of yourself," Arwen 
chastised when the others were out of sight.

"Why?" Elladan asked haughtily. "Elrohir should learn to mind 
those that are older than he, as should you, Arwen. Why don't 
you run along and go frolic with your friends?"

"But Elladan," Arwen said sweetly, "my friends and I shall need 
something to do. Methinks that using your head for folly would 
serve our needs well." Without haste, Arwen jumped towards 
Elladan who leapt back with surprise and nearly fell 
backwards.

Legolas stepped in between the siblings and laughed. "Please 
don't, Arwen. Killing Elladan would spoil my whole day. And 
then, I would be so saddened that I would have to return to 
Mirkwood. I could no longer spend time with you, Zera or 
Ellaria."

Not wanting to upset the prince, Arwen said, "Oh, alright," as 
she sighed heavily. "I'm going to go see Zera. I shall see you 
later, Legolas." 

"Alright," the prince replied.

Elladan looked at Legolas and smiled in incredulity as Arwen 
walked away. "Do not let its guise fool you, Prince. That was 
not Arwen, but Orcwen. Did you not sense its essence? Did 
you not try to speak to it in the same manner as you converse 
with the horses? It is not an elf, you know. I suspect that it is 
part horse, part orc and part Arwen. . . a most terrible beast."

Legolas laughed and looked at Elladan sternly. "Why must 
you tease her so, Elladan?" he asked seriously. "You know how 
much it angers her." 

"Because her anger amuses me," Elladan replied, grinning. 
"And why must you always spend time with her? Doesn't she 
simply bore you?"

"Nay," Legolas said slowly. "Arwen. . . is. . . she is like my 
mother." He broke off quickly and looked towards the door.

Elladan looked at the prince sympathetically. "So, you and I 
are alone this morn," he said, trying to change the subject.

"Aye," Legolas replied, nodding.

"Well, let us away then," Elladan said, placing his hand on the 
prince's shoulder.

Legolas nodded slowly as they headed toward the entrance 
hall of the manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas sat outside the stable on a bench, looking down at 
the ground. Wondering where Elladan had run off to, the 
prince picked up a stick and began to draw in the mud.  He 
was glad that it had stopped raining, but wondered if he 
could somehow ask the Valar to give his burden to the sky. 
The prince quickly reconsidered, knowing that every creature 
in Middle- earth would probably drown if the heavens had to 
bear his sorrow. Sighing wearily, Legolas didn't hear Elladan 
until he cleared his throat loudly. Legolas looked at Elladan in 
complete shock. There, standing before him was Elrond's 
eldest son. He was wearing one of Legolas' tunics and had his 
hair styled like the prince's. Elladan's braids, however, had 
been plaited very badly. Loose stands of hair adorned 
Elladan's face messily and the braid on the right side of his 
head was sticking straight out.

Without warning, Elladan bowed and started to skip.

Legolas watched openmouthed as Elladan's braids flopped 
around on his head.

Elladan continued to hop and sang:

Tra La La, Tra La La,
I am an elven child.
Tra La La, Tra La La,
Wearing a Mirkwood style.
Tra La La, Tra La La,
I give my hair a toss.
Tra La La, Tra La La,
I am Legolas.

Elladan continued to skip and then stopped so he could pick 
some daisies. He looked up and discovered that Legolas was 
no longer sitting in front of him. Suddenly sensing the prince, 
Elladan spun around abruptly and gasped when he saw him. 
Legolas was holding a huge ball of mud in his right hand, 
smiling menacingly.

"You wouldn't want to ruin this lovely tunic, would you?" 
Elladan asked sweetly.

"It has already been ruined," Legolas replied.

"How so?" Elladan asked curiously.

"It has mud on it," Legolas said matter-of-factly.

"It does?" Elladan asked stupidly, inspecting the tunic. 
"Where?"

"THERE!" Legolas shouted as he threw the ball of mud.

The sludge hit Elladan in the center of the chest and 
splattered all over his face, hair and clothing. "Oh!" he 
shouted as he looked at his attire. "Legolas!" he yelled, but the 
prince began to skip around and sing:

Tra La La, Tra La La,
You shan't laugh again.
Tra La La, Tra La La,
Legolas always wins.

"That's not funny!" Elladan shouted as he bent down and 
formed a large mass of mud. "But this is!" He began to chase 
the prince as he tried to run away.

Unfortunately for Elladan, Legolas was a bit too fast and the 
sphere of sludge only hit the back of the prince's leg. "I will get 
my vengeance, Prince! You'd better run all the way back to 
Mirkwood if you hope to escape unharmed. Do not forget, I 
have a secret weapon. Have you failed to remember that I 
am related to the beast, Orcwen? I have her ear and will not 
hesitate to loose her upon you. Oh Prince, I fear that her 
wrath is a fate worse than death. . . in fact, hers is a fate 
worse than needlepoint!"

SPLAT!

Elladan was so busy talking that he didn't realize that Legolas 
had launched another orb in his direction.

The prince's aim was true; the large mass had landed on top 
of Elladan's head.

Elladan stood rooted to the spot with his mouth gaping open. 
Mud slid down both sides of his face. The untidy little braid on 
the side of his head had somehow been able to survive the 
muddy assault and was still sticking straight out.

Legolas began to laugh and started to run.

"You shall be punished, Prince!" Elladan shouted. He quickly 
formed a large ball of mud in his hands and began chasing 
Legolas. "Take that!" Elladan screamed as he threw the mud 
at him, hitting the fleeing prince on the back.

Legolas tuned around abruptly and ran towards a shocked 
Elladan. They collided and landed on the ground, grappling 
furiously in the mud. 

Both elves laughed and fought for dominance, rolling around 
in the mire playfully.

The fighting stopped abruptly when Legolas pinned Elladan 
to the ground and sat on top of the warrior triumphantly. "I've 
won," he said, smiling brightly.

"You have not!" Elladan spat. He struggled to regain control, 
sliding his body around underneath the prince.

Becoming aroused, Legolas gasped and let go of Elladan's 
wrists abruptly. 

Elladan stopped struggling and looked at the prince in the 
eyes.

Legolas looked at him lustfully and pressed his pelvis down 
against Elladan's as he closed his eyes and began to pant 
slowly.

Elladan could feel his heartbeat begin to quicken and he 
could feel himself becoming hard. "Legolas, I. . ." Elladan 
began, but stopped when the prince shifted a little and 
placed his hand on the bulge in Elladan's leggings. "Uh. . ." he 
stammered and stood up abruptly, causing Legolas to land 
on his back onto the muddy ground.

The prince sighed and looked at Elladan, exasperated.

"We should bathe," Elladan stated quickly. "Let us away to the 
manor."

"But. . ." Legolas began, but Elladan was already running 
away. The prince sighed and began to walk towards the 
manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas bathed quickly, dressed and walked down the long 
corridor and into Elladan's bedchamber. He stopped abruptly 
and stared at the glorious sight before him.

There, with only his leggings on, Elladan stood combing his 
wet hair and looking in the mirror. Sensing the prince, he 
turned and looked at the doorway. Elladan smiled a bit 
nervously and motioned for the prince to enter.

Legolas stared at Elladan's muscular body unashamedly.

Elladan could feel his face reddening, but couldn't think of 
anything to say.

"You are so. . ." the prince began, taking a step toward 
Elladan.

"What?" Elladan asked hesitantly.

"Magnificent," Legolas replied, touching Elladan's chest 
gently.

"Nay, I. . ." Elladan stammered, "I. . ." He composed himself 
and regarded the prince carefully, looking at him with 
concern. "You look so weary. There are dark circles under 
your eyes and your skin looks sallow."

"Thank you," Legolas spat angrily.

"I mean no offense," Elladan remarked quickly. "I am only 
concerned for your well being. I'm trying to help you."

"What would you have me do, Elladan?" Legolas asked in 
annoyance. "Lie on the ground and cry? Is that what you are 
asking of me?"

"Nay," Elladan replied. "I just wish that you would tell me about 
what troubles you. Tell me about the dream that you had last 
night."

"I do not wish to discuss this with you," Legolas said, crossing 
his arms over his chest stubbornly. "I **will** not discuss this."

"I only want to comfort you," Elladan said gently, "to be there 
for you in your time of need."

"Then allow me to chose my own method of consolation," the 
prince said, stepping toward Elladan. "I want you," Legolas 
said quietly. "I need you, Elladan, please." He stepped 
forward and claimed Elladan's lips in a passionate kiss.

Elladan wanted to pull away, but his body wouldn't let him. 
He wrapped his arms around Legolas and deepened the kiss, 
allowing his hands to explore the prince's body.

"Mmmm. . ." Legolas moaned. He grasped Elladan's hand 
and placed it on his hardening member.

Elladan caressed the prince gently through his leggings and 
watched Legolas' mouth open in a silent moan of pleasure.

Legolas removed Elladan's hand and pulled him over to the 
bed. Forcing him down roughly, the prince mounted him and 
began kissing his bare chest hungrily.

"Legolas," Elladan whispered breathlessly as the prince began 
sucking his nipples.

Legolas slid in between Elladan's legs and began to writhe 
slowly.

"Ah," Elladan moaned as he snaked his hands underneath the 
prince's tunic and pulled him closer. "Ai. . . Legolas!"

The prince placed his lips over Elladan's and slid his tongue 
into the warrior's mouth.

They kissed hungrily, and began to roll around on the bed.

"Legolas," Elladan managed to say breathlessly. "Legolas? We 
have to stop. I. . . I."

"Let me touch you, Elladan," the prince said. "Don't push me 
away, please."

"But Legolas. . ." Elladan protested.

"Elladan," he said in exasperation, "don't do this again, please. 
. . not today. You said that you desire to comfort me. This is 
the kind of consolation I want. It's what I need."

"Elrohir is coming, Legolas," Elladan stated earnestly. "You 
would not want him to find us like this, would you?"

"Be truthful, Elladan. Do not jest with me," Legolas said crossly. 
"If you don't want to be intimate with me. . . then just. . ."

"Oy!" Elrohir exclaimed when he walked into Elladan's 
bedchamber and turned around abruptly.

Legolas and Elladan untangled themselves from one another 
and got off the bed hurriedly.

"I. . . I uh. . . I have to go meet with Arwen. . . so. . ." Legolas 
stammered in embarrassment.

"Aye," Elladan managed to say, nodding slowly.

"I shall see you at the evening meal then," Legolas said, 
avoiding Elrohir's eyes and focusing on Elladan's instead.

"Alright," Elladan remarked. He watched as Legolas left the 
bedchamber and turned apprehensively to face his brother.

"I see that you decided not to **raise** the prince's **spirits** 
after all then," Elrohir teased. "And it would seem that he 
**uplifted** you as well."

Elladan looked down at his the enormous bulge in his 
leggings and blushed furiously. "Elrohir!" he exclaimed, 
grabbing a nearby tunic and covering his erection.

"What?" Elrohir asked innocently. "So, tell me about the prince. 
Is he. . . a good lover?"

"How was your conversation with the duke and the duchess?" 
Elladan asked quickly.

"It went well," Elrohir replied, "and do not try to avoid my 
question, Elladan. It won't work."

"Just let it be, Elrohir," Elladan said, putting on his tunic.

"Why won't you tell me? We share everything," Elrohir 
protested.

"I. . ." Elladan began.

"Is he so well endowed that you have been left speechless?" 
Elrohir asked curiously.

"I. . . I don't know," Elladan admitted.

"What do you mean?" Elrohir asked in incredulity.

"Legolas and I have never been. . . intimate," Elladan said 
slowly.

Elrohir began to laugh until he saw the look on his brother's 
face. "You are serious?" he asked, looking at Elladan in 
disbelief.

"Aye," Elladan replied, looking at the floor.

"Is he. . . unspoiled?" Elrohir asked.

"Nay," Elladan said quickly.

"Well, what is wrong with him?" Elrohir asked in disbelief. "Does 
he think that he is too good to be touched by you? Has his 
royalty made him believe that he is superior to you?"

"Nay, nay," Elladan replied, sighing heavily.

"Then why have you not coupled with him?" Elrohir asked, 
shaking his head in disbelief.

"I. . . I do not wish to be intimate with him," Elladan said 
shrugging.

"What?" Elrohir asked alarmed. "Are you impaired in some 
way. . . that would complicate intimacy?"

"Nay," Elladan said, smiling at Elrohir's question.

"What is **wrong** with you?" Elrohir asked, staring at Elladan 
piercingly. "Have you gone mad? You are obviously attracted 
to Legolas. So, what is keeping you from being intimate with 
him?"

"How do you know that I am attracted to the prince?" Elladan 
asked flatly.

Elrohir smirked and pointed to Elladan's crotch.

Elladan shifted uncomfortably and looked at the floor.

"It only has a few functions and no mouth. It cannot lie, 
Elladan. . . unlike you," Elrohir remarked. He looked at his 
brother and began to nod slowly. "It's Mother, isn't it?"

"What?" Elladan asked quietly.

"You are falling in love with him, and you're afraid," Elrohir 
said, looking at Elladan who was still studying the floor. "You 
are afraid that he is going to leave you. . . just like Mother 
did."

Elladan sighed and continued to look at the floor sadly.

"Withholding intimacy will not keep the prince close to you. In 
fact, it may push him away," Elrohir said gently. "You would 
refuse him for eternity?"

"Of course not, Elrohir," Elladan replied defensively, "it's just 
that he still has nightmares. . . he's still healing. I don't want to 
commit my heart or my body to him if he isn't truly ready."

"Elladan," Elrohir said, shaking his head in disagreement, "I 
believe that it was wise, initially, for you to wait to become 
physically intimate with the prince. But," Elrohir paused 
thoughtfully, "I don't know if Legolas will ever fully heal from all 
that he's suffered. He may always have nightmares."

"But his heart is still mending," Elladan argued.

"Of course it is," Elrohir said flatly, "isn't yours?"

"That's not fair, Elrohir," Elladan said angrily.

"What I mean to say is that Legolas has been here for almost 
an entire season," Elrohir explained. "He has gotten much 
better in the past months. If you are judging his mental state 
by the frequency of his nightmares, then your methods are 
flawed. I have dreams about Mother sometimes," Elrohir 
admitted gently, "and I know you do, too."

"So?" Elladan snapped.

"So. . . I believe that your intentions are sound. You want to 
spare Legolas pain, but you are also pushing him away out of 
fear. I know you better than anyone," Elrohir stated, standing 
in front of his brother. "I know that you still suffer sometimes, 
and I know that Legolas suffers, too. But you can't expect the 
prince to wait for you forever. He has needs. . . and not just 
emotional ones. He has physical, bodily needs and wants. If 
you won't satiate his sexual hunger, I'm sure there are many 
males and females who would be willing to take your place."

Elladan looked at Elrohir in dismay.

"Don't run from this, Elladan," Elrohir instructed gently, "you'll 
regret it if you do. Legolas will have some good days and 
some bad days. Some nights he won't dream at all and some 
nights he will awaken in fear. What will you do if he has slept 
well for a century and then suddenly has a few bad dreams? 
Will you withhold your body from him until he is good enough 
for you then?"

"I. . . I," Elladan stammered.

"Do you really believe that he is still not ready for a 
relationship?" Elrohir asked. "Because when I walked in here 
only a few moments ago. . . he did not seem to be having 
any difficulty with intimacy."

"Well, he certainly makes it difficult for me," Elladan remarked 
earnestly. "It is very hard to keep him at bay."

"Elladan," Elrohir said gently, placing his hand on Elladan's 
shoulder and squeezing affectionately, "have you talked to 
Legolas about the way you feel?"

"Nay," Elladan replied, looking at Elrohir in incredulity. "Why 
should I do that?"

"Elladan!" Elrohir exclaimed in disbelief. "He doesn't know; 
Legolas does not know how much you are suffering. You must 
be honest with him. You need to tell him about your fears."

"I fear nothing," Elladan said simply. "The prince does not need 
the burden of my problems. . . he has enough to deal with 
already."

"But you are being dishonest with him, Elladan," Elrohir stated.

"I have never told an untruth to Legolas," Elladan remarked 
coolly.

"You lie to him everyday, if you are telling him that the only 
reason for your hesitance is because of his condition. You are 
lying to him, you are lying to me and you are lying to yourself. 
Tell me the truth," Elrohir said, looking at his twin in the eyes. 
"Do you really believe that Legolas is not ready for intimacy?"

"I believe that he has healed enough to be intimate," Elladan 
admitted quietly. "But I don't know if I have."

"I know," Elrohir said. "Mother's departure was hard on all of us. 
But she made her choice, based on things that we couldn't 
control. If Legolas leaves you, it will be because of things you 
**can** control. You said this morn that I owe you a favor. My 
debt to you has been repaid with my advice. You have a 
choice to make. Heed my words, Elladan, choose wisely."

---


Chapter 11: Under the Moon and Stars



A week later, after the morning meal, Legolas, Elladan and 
Elrohir went to the south garden to practice archery.

"He looks dreadful," Elrohir whispered to Elladan.

"He hasn't slept for a week," Elladan replied, looking at 
Legolas who was walking ahead of the twins.

"Probably because he has been **up** all night with you," 
Elrohir quipped.

"Nay," Elladan said, ignoring his brother's comment, "I fell 
asleep three nights ago. It would seem that I cannot keep up 
with the prince."

"His pace is to your liking then?" Elrohir teased, smiling brightly.

"Elrohir, you are begging for a lashing," Elladan spat 
scathingly.

"Indeed?" Elrohir said in mock amazement. "So you fancy a 
little pain? Well, I'm sure that Legolas could **rise** to the 
occasion. He is a magnificent warrior. I'm sure that he could 
wield a whip just as well as he wields a sword."

Elladan jumped on top of Elrohir and began to grapple with 
him on the ground.

"What are you doing?" Legolas asked, walking over to the 
twins.

"Killing Elrohir," Elladan said simply as he pinned his brother to 
the ground, "what does it look like?"

Legolas knelt down beside Elladan and put his forearm on his 
shoulder as Elrohir struggled unsuccessfully. "Don't slay him just 
yet. Let us first practice archery, and then you can kill him if 
you wish."

"Why?" Elladan asked, still holding his brother down. "Why 
must I wait? If I kill him now, then we will be able to rid 
ourselves of the body parts before we practice archery. If not, 
you will have a lot of explaining to do when you see Arwen. 
She will want to know why you have blood on your clothes."

"You will have more to explain than I," Legolas said earnestly. 
"You will have to justify your actions to your father, to Arwen, 
to Ellaria, to the duke. . . "

"And I will soil my tunic," Elladan said thoughtfully. "Very well, I 
shan't kill him now. Maybe I could just hurt him a little."

Elladan loosened his hold on Elrohir who took advantage of 
this and pinned his brother to the ground.

"Ha!" Elrohir exclaimed triumphantly. "I shall do the killing this 
day!"

Legolas laughed when Elladan managed to get loose from 
Elrohir's grasp and began to grapple with Elrohir, once again, 
on the ground.

"Still wrestling, eh?" a beautiful male elf asked as he walked 
over to the small band of elves.

"Aye, Mander," Elladan said scathingly. "And if you speak to 
anyone of this, I shall be sure that our wrestling will be the last 
thing that you ever see!"

"Ai!" Mander exclaimed in mock terror. "Methinks that you 
should save your hostility for the orcs or any other nasty beasts 
that would dare to threaten this fair land."

"Perhaps you are right," Elladan said as he and Elrohir stood 
up.

"The two of you are sorely missed," Mander said kindly.

The twins smiled and Elrohir stepped forward. "Mander, this is 
Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood. Legolas, this is 
Mander, he is on the border patrol. He is one of Rivendell's 
finest warriors."

"It's nice to meet you," Mander said, smiling brightly.

"And you," Legolas said, smiling and regarding the warrior 
carefully. Mander was handsome. He was older than the 
twins and had a larger frame. His hair was dark brown and he 
had sparkling, bark colored eyes.

"Well, I best be off. I'm relieving Zera this morn and she will be 
quite annoyed if I am late," Mander said cheerfully. "It was 
nice to meet you, Prince Legolas. Perhaps we can become 
better acquainted sometime."

"Aye," the prince remarked, smiling politely.

"Elladan, Elrohir, I look forward to your return as guardsmen," 
Mander said. "Until then. . . "

"Aye, until then," the twins said in unison.

Legolas watched Mander as he walked away. *So, Elladan 
and Elrohir are on the border patrol. I often wondered what 
they did before my arrival. They must have been relieved of 
duty because of me.*

Elladan stared at Legolas angrily as he watched the prince 
look at Mander. "He is handsome, isn't he?"

"Aye," Legolas remarked, being pulled from his thoughts.

"What!" Elladan shouted. "You think that Mander is 
handsome? Is that why you have that far off look on your 
face? Were you dreaming about his lips upon yours? Are you 
thinking about becoming **acquainted** with him?"

"Elladan. . ." Legolas said gently.

"Don't use that sweet tone with me, Prince!" Elladan spat 
hotly. "Why don't you put your tongue back in your mouth. 
The clouds were kind enough to water the grass only a 
couple of days ago. I doubt that it needs your assistance."

"I wasn't thinking about Mander," Legolas said, meeting 
Elladan's blazing eyes. "I was thinking about what he said. . . 
that you and Elrohir are on the border patrol."

"Aye," Elladan sneered, "do you wish to join? I hear that there 
will be a new position opening up soon, as Mander's death 
will be quite a shock to everyone!"

"Why are you so angry?" Legolas asked indignantly. "I am a 
prince and have been in the company of many fair he and 
she elves. . ."

"Oh really?" Elladan fumed. "Well, I just wonder where an elf 
like me stands among **so** many comely beings."

"You are in the forefront," Legolas said simply. "There is no one 
fairer than you."

"Humph," Elladan muttered, even though he was very 
pleased that Legolas had called him fair.

"Can we practice archery now?" Elrohir asked, shaking his 
head in exasperation.

"Aye," Elladan said, "if it won't be too much trouble for you, 
Legolas. I would hate for something as childish as archery to 
take your mind away from the many fair elves that you've 
encountered over the years."

"Elladan," Elrohir said warningly, "that is enough."

Elladan sighed and looked at the ground in frustration while 
Legolas stared at him in incredulity.

They walked over to a large clearing and armed themselves 
with their bow and an arrow.

"Do you see the notch on the tree in the distance?" Elrohir 
asked.

"Aye," Elladan and Legolas said in unison.

"That is our objective," Elrohir said, holding up his bow.

Legolas and Elladan watched as Elrohir shot his arrow and hit 
the target with ease.

Elrohir smiled and looked at Legolas and Elladan who 
nodded in approval.

Elladan raised his bow and aimed at the tree. After pausing 
for only a moment, he shot his arrow. It struck the tree just to 
the right of Elrohir's arrow.

Legolas raised his bow and fired the weapon without 
hesitation. The arrow sliced through the air and hit the target 
directly in the center of the notch.

Elrohir and Elladan looked at Legolas with approval.

"Your skills are unmatched," Elrohir said in amazement. "I have 
never seen an archer as skilled as you."

"Nor have I," Elladan agreed.

"My skills are no greater than yours," Legolas remarked 
earnestly. "It was only luck that allowed me to hit the target so 
accurately."

"You are modest," Elrohir said smiling, "and it is appreciated."

"So, the two of you are on the border patrol?" Legolas asked, 
changing the subject.

"Aye," the twins remarked as Elrohir took aim at another tree 
that was farther in the distance, firing with ease.

"I knew that Zera was on the border patrol as she often 
speaks about her duties." Legolas said as Elladan took aim. 
"But I never asked Arwen or Ellaria what they do. I did not 
want to pry."

"Arwen and Ellaria assist Father," Elrohir replied as Elladan fired 
his arrow. "They are healers. . . they help him to  mend 
wounded elves. Arwen is quite skilled as is Ellaria."

"That is how Elrohir met Ellaria, you know," Elladan said, looking 
at Legolas. "One day, when on a mission outside of Rivendell, 
Elrohir was injured. He went to see Father while I waited for 
him. I wondered what was taking so long. . . why it would take 
hours for his wound to be dressed. Anyway, when he 
reemerged, he floated out of the manor!" Elladan began to 
laugh.

Elrohir glowered at his brother and turned to face Legolas. 
"That's not true! She was simply the most beautiful elf I had 
ever seen. Her beauty captivated me. You know Elladan, the 
way you felt about Legolas when you first met him."

Elladan's eyes widened and his face turned bright red.

Legolas smiled at Elrohir and then turned his attention to 
Elladan.

Elladan looked up and met Legolas' eyes; they shared an 
intense stare.

"I do not know why it never occurred to me to ask about this 
before now," Legolas said, shaking his head. "So you were all 
relieved of duty because of me," Legolas said slowly.

"Father thought that we could entertain you," Elrohir said 
simply. "And you must admit, Elladan is highly amusing."

Legolas laughed and looked at Elladan who gave Elrohir a 
threatening look.

"I do not need to be watched over," Legolas said seriously. 
"You may return to your duties, if you wish."

"Shhh. . .  " Elladan said quickly. "I am enjoying spending time 
with you as are Elrohir and Arwen. You would ruin it for us if 
you allow your princely pride to get in the way. Please hold 
your tongue."

Legolas sighed and raised his bow when Elrohir and Elladan 
looked over their shoulders quickly.

"What's wrong?" the prince asked, lowering his weapon.

"We have company," Elrohir said as Zera's younger sister 
approached.

"Tialise," Legolas said warmly, "how are you?"

"I am well," Tialise remarked shyly.

"Did you need something?" Legolas asked.

"Nay, I just. . . I just. . . I. . . " Tialise broke off and her face 
turned crimson.

"Aye," Legolas said, giving his undivided attention.

"I just wanted to thank you for the flower and the note. . . I. . . I 
wish to take you up on your offer. . . if it is still alright," Tialise 
said, avoiding the prince's eyes.

"Of course," Legolas said smiling.

Elladan glared at Tialise and looked Legolas in incredulity.

"You are quite good," Tialise remarked. "You are a better 
archer than Zera. In fact, you are the best archer that I have 
ever seen."

"Well, perhaps we will change that," Legolas said, handing his 
bow to the young she-elf.

Elladan watched as Tialise tried to arm the bow 
unsuccessfully and blushed once again. He had never 
noticed how striking she was. With strawberry blonde, waist 
length hair and pale blue eyes, Tialise was simply adorable. 
Elladan hated her.

"I'm sorry," Tialise said in embarrassment, "the bow that I have 
is smaller and lighter than this one."

"'Tis my fault. Here," Legolas said gently, "let me help you." The 
prince stood close to Tialise and helped her to arm the bow. 
Putting his face next to hers, he carefully drew the perforator 
back as he explained softly about aim and accuracy.

Tialise didn't seem to be listening, though. Instead, her eyes 
were closed as though being touched by Legolas was giving 
her more than a little pleasure.

"Release," Legolas whispered in Tialise's ear.

She let go and the arrow sliced through the air and hit a tree 
in the distance.

"Excellent!" Legolas said with approval. "You shall be an 
excellent student."

Tialise beamed. "Well, I do not wish to keep you from your 
friends," she looked at Elladan enviously. "I should go."

"Alright," Legolas said, smiling warmly.

Legolas watched as Tialise departed and turned to face the 
twins.

Elladan threw his bow on the ground and crossed his arms 
over his chest angrily.

"What's wrong with you?" Legolas asked, looking at Elladan 
dismayed.

"Are you going to add her to the list of beauteous elves that 
you have encountered, Prince?" Elladan asked scathingly.

Legolas sighed and looked at Elladan in annoyance. "You are 
trying my patience, Elladan."

"And you have tried mine. . . twice no less!" Elladan hollered. 
"What have I done?" Legolas asked in disbelief.

"You had your hands all over that little elf. She is but a child, 
Legolas." Elladan said angrily.

"I only showed her how to aim and fire an arrow," Legolas 
explained in exasperation.

"Well, I assure you that she learned more than just shooting 
this day. Did you see the look on her face, Elrohir? She looked 
as though she were in ecstasy."

Legolas looked at Elrohir who smiled and nodded.

"You gave her a note and a flower, eh Prince? And now she is 
going to take you up on some **offer**? What else will you 
educate her about, I wonder?" Elladan asked flatly.

"The letter and flower that she speaks of politely declined her 
offer to become more than friends," Legolas said irritably. "If 
you recall, Tialise wanted to court me."

"You have never given me a note. . . or a flower, for that 
matter," Elladan pouted.

"You are jealous?" Legolas asked in incredulity. "I spend half of 
every day and every night with you."

"I care not," Elladan spat. "I do not want you to cozy up to 
that little she-elf again. I will not share you."

"Elladan," Legolas said, becoming angry, "you are not my 
keeper. I do not have to explain myself to you. I do not 
answer to you."

"Yes you do!" Elladan exclaimed, becoming irate. "You are 
not to see her again. . . that little hussy! And that goes for 
Mander, too!"

"Are you questioning my honor?" Legolas asked, throwing his 
bow on the ground. "Elladan. . . " Legolas said angrily, taking 
a step forward, but Elrohir stepped in between them.

"Legolas, allow me to speak with Elladan, alright?" Elrohir said 
quickly, deciding to diffuse the altercation before they came 
to blows.

Legolas sighed and shook his head with disgust. "Alright, I shall 
go back to the manor." He took his weapon and stormed off, 
muttering something under his breath.

When the prince was in the distance, Elrohir turned to face 
Elladan. "Have you gone mad?"

"What?" Elladan asked in dismay. "This is your fault, Elrohir."

"My fault?" Elrohir asked in shock. "Whatever did I do?"

"You told me that the prince would leave me and now it is all I 
can think about," Elladan said in frustration.

"Well, he will leave you if you continue to act like a fool," 
Elrohir said sternly. "And I never said that he **would** leave 
you. I simply said that he **may** leave you. I also pointed out 
that you should not run away from a relationship with him."

"No matter," Elladan said dismissively, "it is still your fault."

"You can blame me if you wish," Elrohir remarked, "but that will 
not make Legolas forgive your inexcusable behavior."

Elladan sighed and looked at the ground. "I know. He 
probably won't speak to me again."

"He will," Elrohir said smiling deviously. "The best thing about a 
disagreement is apologizing for the disagreement."

Elladan looked at Elrohir pensively.

"It is very obvious to me as to why you are more insane than 
usual," Elrohir stated plainly.

"And why is that?" Elladan asked defensively.

"You need release," Elrohir remarked.

"Release? Release from what?" Elladan asked confused.

"Elladan! Are you really that dense?" Elrohir asked 
sarcastically. "You need to be bedded. . . and bedded well. 
You are courting the most handsome elf I have ever seen 
and you won't even touch his member! You are so sexually 
frustrated that you are frustrating **me**!"

"I'm waiting for the right moment to become intimate with the 
prince," Elladan said, looking at the disapproving expression 
on his brother's face.

"Well, would you do something soon?" Elrohir asked in 
annoyance. "I have grown weary of the tension between the 
two of you."

Elladan nodded slowly and sighed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


That evening, Legolas became concerned when Elladan did 
not come to the evening meal. Even though the prince was 
still annoyed with him, he couldn't help but wonder where he 
was.

Elrond and Arwen were also concerned about Elladan and 
inquired about his whereabouts.

Elrohir simply shrugged and said that Elladan was in a fell 
mood.

After dinner, Legolas pulled Elrohir aside. "Where is he, Elrohir? 
I wish to speak with him."

"I'm not sure," Elrohir replied. "He only said that he would away 
to the bluff. . . that he needed to think. . . that. . ." Elrohir broke 
off and  watched as Legolas raced out of the manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Elladan stood near the edge of the cliff, looking out over 
Rivendell. It was beautiful. The full moon illuminated the azure 
sky, and the stars winked encouragingly to a troubled male 
elf upon a cliff. Elladan could sense Legolas' approach, and 
inhaled and exhaled loudly to calm himself.

Legolas saw Elladan standing at the edge of the precipice. 
He paused and looked in wonder at Elladan, who turned and 
smiled as the prince drew near. Elladan looked more 
handsome than ever in the moonlight. His dark brown hair 
and fair complexion shone, giving the elf an ethereal 
appearance; his piercing grey eyes seemed to smile, making 
Legolas wonder if he were akin to those heavenly beings the 
Gaidonians believed in.

"Hello," Elladan said as Legolas came and stood beside him.

"Hello," Legolas said gently.

Elladan hesitated for a few moments and then turned to face 
Legolas. "I am sorry for my behavior today," he said sincerely. 
"I just want you all to myself. I acted. . . well, I acted as though 
I were much younger than Tialise. I hope that you will forgive 
me."

Legolas sighed. "Elladan, you know that the only elf I desire to 
be with is you, and yet you do not trust me. Why?"

"I. . .I. . ." Elladan looked at the ground and tried to will himself 
to tell Legolas about his fears. . . about his mother, but he 
couldn't.

"I forgive you," Legolas said warmly, deciding not to insist that 
Elladan disclose whatever was truly ailing him. . . not yet.

Elladan smiled and sighed with relief. "Come here," he said, 
moving behind Legolas and wrapping his arms around the 
prince's waist. He pulled Legolas close and placed his chin on 
the prince's left shoulder. "Isn't it beautiful?" Elladan asked 
quietly, looking up at the sky.

"Aye," Legolas agreed, enjoying the way Elladan's arms felt 
around his waist. "So, what should we do now?"

"Would you allow me to comfort you?" Elladan asked as he 
kissed the sensitive tip of Legolas' ear and then began to lick 
the tip slowly with his tongue.

"Elladan," Legolas closed his eyes and moaned softly. "I do 
not need to be comforted. I am fine."

"You haven't been sleeping," Elladan said gently. "Please, let 
me apologize to you. . . in my own way. Let me comfort you, 
this night."

"Very well," Legolas said reluctantly. "What do you want me to 
do?"

"Come sit with me," Elladan said as he released Legolas and 
headed over toward a large tree.

The prince sighed and followed behind Elladan.

Elladan sat down and motioned for the prince to sit in 
between his legs.

Legolas sat down and rested his head on Elladan's shoulder 
and looked up at the stars. "I want dessert."

"What?" Elladan asked, chuckling.

"I was in such a hurry to find you that I did not have dessert," 
Legolas said pitifully.

"Perhaps I can help you with that," Elladan remarked as he 
moved his mouth to the prince's earlobe and began to suck 
gently.

"Elladan," Legolas said, moving away from him. The prince 
gave him an accusing look. "Please do not jest with me. . . not 
about this."

"I'm not," Elladan said, eyeing the prince hungrily.

Legolas' eyes widened and then narrowed in disbelief. "Prove 
it, then," Legolas challenged, using one of Elladan's most 
frequent phrases.

"As you wish," Elladan responded.

Elladan pulled the prince into his arms and began to kiss him 
fervently.

Legolas pulled away from Elladan and looked into his grey 
orbs. "You are serious," the prince stated in amazement.

"Aye," Elladan said, trembling with desire.

"Then I will partake of my dessert first," Legolas said. Before 
Elladan could protest, the prince mounted Elladan, quickly 
sliding in between his legs.

Elladan gasped from shock when Legolas climbed on top of 
him so quickly. Only moments later, though, he had forgotten 
his initial alarm, as he was only aware of the pleasure coursing 
through his body.

Legolas kissed Elladan hungrily, sliding his tongue in the male's 
sweltering mouth. The prince moved his pelvis against 
Elladan's, making both elves moan as their members rubbed 
together.

Legolas moved from in between Elladan's legs and sat up. He 
began to unbutton Elladan's tunic quickly.

Elladan sat up attempting to assist Legolas, but before he 
knew what was happening, Legolas had removed his boots 
and was tugging at the waistband of his leggings. "Easy, 
Legolas," he said, smiling as the prince unfastened and pulled 
the garment off roughly.

Legolas paused and looked at Elladan's naked body. He 
licked his lips when he saw the male's erect shaft. Unable to 
wait any longer, Legolas began to hurriedly undress himself.

"Here," Elladan said, "let me. . . "

"Elladan," Legolas said in a threatening tone, "I have waited 
for this day for more than two months. I shan't take any more 
orders from you. You offered me dessert and I shall have it."

Legolas threw the remainder of his clothes on the ground and 
got on top of Elladan once again.

Elladan gasped when their naked bodies rubbed together, 
and couldn't help but cry out when the prince began to 
lavish kisses on his neck.

Legolas kissed Elladan on the lips once again and pressed his 
pelvis forward. He could feel Elladan's hard shaft pressing 
against him and moaned when Elladan bucked upward, 
causing the heads of their penises to rub together.

Legolas moved his mouth downward and began to kiss 
Elladan's neck and then moved his mouth to one of the 
male's hardened nipples. Elladan moaned loudly and began 
to pant as Legolas sucked, licked and gently nibbled on 
each of the hard nubs on his chest. Elladan sat up slightly and 
watched as Legolas moved his lips down lower.

Legolas placed his tongue inside of Elladan's navel and 
began to lick slowly. Elladan's cries only encouraged the 
prince's languid torment.

Elladan could feel his body trembling, and couldn't wait until 
Legolas moved his mouth just a bit lower. . . to his throbbing 
need.

Legolas moved his mouth down further until he found the tip 
of Elladan's hard organ. He licked the head of Elladan's shaft 
and smiled when he heard the male beneath him cry out his 
name.

Elladan writhed slowly as Legolas continued his torture.

Legolas licked Elladan's member, moving his tongue up and 
down the shaft. When the prince reached the tip, he placed 
the head into his mouth and began to suck leisurely.

"Legolas, oh Legolas!" Elladan moaned, bucking his hips 
upward, forcing his penis deeper into the prince's willing 
mouth.

Legolas didn't mind Elladan's sudden movement. The prince 
continued to suck fervently and slid the male's member in 
and out of his mouth.

Elladan arched his back and closed his eyes tightly; he could 
feel himself losing control. "Wait," Elladan said breathlessly, 
"Legolas, wait."

The prince reluctantly removed his mouth from Elladan's shaft 
and looked up at him lustfully.

"I wish to have a taste of dessert, now, Prince," Elladan said, 
panting softly. He smiled deviously and pushed Legolas back 
on the soft grass abruptly.

"Elladan," Legolas protested, "I'm not done with my dessert 
yet."

"I should say not!" Elladan remarked teasingly. "I only want to 
have a taste of **my** special treat. Why is it you get to have 
dessert and I do not? After all, I thought that you agreed to 
allow me to comfort you this night?"

"To be sure," Legolas said, propping himself up on his elbows 
and looking at Elladan with amusement. "You may have a 
taste of dessert, Elladan, as long as you realize that I have 
waited to ravish you for quite some time. I shall finish my 
dessert first." Elladan nodded slowly. He was hoping to 
change the prince's mind.

Legolas looked at Elladan and laid back on the grass 
expectantly.

Wasting no time, Elladan began to caress the prince's rigid 
member, paying special attention to the tip of Legolas' shaft.

"Ell. . . " Legolas moaned, gyrating his hips in time to Elladan's 
ministrations.

Elladan wrapped his hand around the prince's shaft tightly 
and began to move his hand up and down.

"Elladan," Legolas groaned, digging his nails into the ground, 
trying hard to still his rotating hips. "That's enough," Legolas 
stated, removing Elladan's hand from around his aching 
member. "Let me finish what I started."

"I haven't even tasted my dessert yet," Elladan said simply as 
he mounted the prince carefully and eased himself in 
between Legolas' legs.

Legolas bit his lower lip as Elladan thrust his pelvis forward, 
rubbing the males' hard shafts together.

Elladan's lips met the prince's as they kissed passionately. He 
broke the kiss and moved his way down Legolas' body, 
lavishing kisses upon the trembling prince.

"Oh. . . oh. . . " Legolas moaned as Elladan placed the tip of 
the prince's member into his mouth.

Elladan took Legolas' entire length into his mouth and sucked 
vigorously.

"Mmmm. . . please," the prince pleaded as he laced his 
fingers in Elladan's hair.

Elladan continued to suck on Legolas' member and then 
began to stroke the prince's twin sacks.

Legolas inadvertently bucked his hips upward, and called out 
Elladan's name. The prince could feel his release drawing 
near, and thus, carefully removed himself from Elladan's 
mouth.

Elladan looked at Legolas accusingly. He hadn't changed the 
prince's mind.

Legolas smiled and gently pushed Elladan onto his back.

"I want you," the prince said softly.

Elladan smiled lustfully at Legolas and grasped the prince's 
hand. Elladan kissed Legolas' fingers softly and then placed 
three of them into his mouth. Elladan removed the prince's 
fingers, laid back and spread his legs apart as an invitation to 
Legolas.

On cue, the prince placed one finger at Elladan's opening, 
pushing inside carefully.

Elladan closed his eyes tightly at the intrusion, but soon 
relaxed.

Legolas inserted another finger, and then another, stretching 
Elladan gently.

Elladan bit his lower lip as the prince probed deep inside him, 
but then let out a cry of pleasure when the prince touched 
the sweet spot within him. "Please Legolas," Elladan begged 
softly, "please."

Legolas nodded and positioned himself in a kneeling position 
in between Elladan's legs. He spread some of the moisture 
that had formed on the tip of his member over his shaft and 
raised Elladan's buttocks up a bit. Slowly, he began to slide 
inside of Elladan.

Elladan winced and looked at Legolas nervously, but the 
prince stroked his hair and face reassuringly.

Legolas waited until Elladan had relaxed and then began to 
thrust his hips slowly.

Elladan moaned and writhed slowly, matching the prince's 
movements.

Legolas began to thrust a bit faster as Elladan's pleas and his 
warm tightness took him to the edges of his sanity. Legolas 
could feel his peak's rapid approach and grasped Elladan's 
shaft hoping to bring him to his peak as well.

Legolas' double assault took Elladan over the edge as he 
exploded, screaming Legolas' name as he came.

Legolas could feel Elladan's anus tighten around his member 
and the prince trembled as he spilled his seed inside of 
Elladan. He removed his shaft from his lover and collapsed 
next to Elladan, panting heavily. He rolled over onto his side 
and Elladan positioned himself behind him.

Elladan wrapped his arms around Legolas as they lay in 
silence.

"That was the best dessert I've ever had," Legolas said quietly.

Elladan laughed softly and pulled Legolas close. "I made it 
myself," Elladan quipped playfully.

"I would like to have dessert with you again in the near future," 
Legolas said, caressing the arms that held him so closely. 

"Aye," Elladan said hungrily, "and when can I finish **my** 
dessert?"

"Whenever you choose," Legolas replied sleepily.

They lay in silence for a few moments.

"I want my dessert now, Legolas. Legolas?" Elladan rose up 
and looked at the prince who was sleeping soundly. "I want 
dessert, too, Legolas," he complained. He shook Legolas 
gently and watched as the prince turned over and faced 
him. He smiled warmly when he saw how peacefully Legolas 
was sleeping. Without another word, Elladan pulled him into 
an intimate embrace. In no time, he too was sleeping soundly 
under the moon and stars.





Chapter 12: Nighttime Horror




The next morning, Elladan insisted that he partake of his 
dessert, which pleased Legolas to say the least.

When they arrived at the manor for the morning meal, Arwen 
commented on how well rested Legolas looked and how 
both he and Elladan seemed to be glowing.

Elrohir nearly fell out of his chair and had to forgo the morning 
meal due to his sudden fit of hysteria.

Elladan chose to ignore his brother's teasing, and decided to 
enjoy his newfound happiness instead.

Elladan had found that Legolas was a wonderful lover and 
was not surprised by the prince's aggression when it came to 
physical intimacy. He enjoyed every minute of Legolas' 
pleasuring.

Similarly, Legolas craved Elladan's touch and found that the 
dark haired warrior's saucy personality was left behind when 
they were underneath the covers. The prince immensely 
enjoyed Elladan's tender lovemaking techniques and was 
surprised that the brash and haughty elf was the most 
attentive and the most considerate lover that he had ever 
had. Legolas couldn't get enough of Elladan. In fact, he 
discovered that every moment spent away from his lover was 
torture. He was falling in love. And even though he was still 
striving to repress his emotions regarding his mother's death, 
he couldn't escape his increasing affection for Elladan.

Everyone noticed a sudden change in the prince's behavior 
as it was apparent that he was sleeping better and that he 
was happier. They were pleased to see that the healing 
process seemed to be well underway.

Elrond also noticed a change in the prince's behavior and a 
change in someone else - his eldest son, who seemed to be 
happier than ever. At first, the lord believed that Legolas and 
Elladan had become close friends since the prince's arrival in 
Rivendell. However Elrond couldn't help but wonder if there 
was something more between the two warriors. His suspicions 
were confirmed when he ventured to the south garden late 
one night and heard moans coming from behind a large 
hedge. Fearing that one of his kindred had been injured, the 
lord hurried to the bush to see what he could do to help. 
Peering over the bush, Elrond found the cries that he heard 
were not those of pain, but of pleasure. Legolas and Elladan 
were so caught up in the throes of passion that they were 
unaware of the arrival or the departure of the lord.

Elrond walked back to the manor and decided to speak to 
Elladan the next morn.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Elladan?" Elrond motioned to his oldest son.

"Yes, Father?" Elladan asked, approaching the lord.

"May I have a word with you in the reading room?" Elrond 
asked seriously.

"Of course," Elladan replied. He stared at his father's back as 
the lord led him into the private chamber. He wondered why 
his father wanted to talk to him alone.

"Please," Elrond said gently, "have a seat." He motioned to an 
empty chair and Elladan sat down, looking at his father 
curiously.

"Is everything alright, Father?" Elladan asked, concerned.

"All is well with me," Elrond said, smiling gently, sensing his son's 
uneasiness. "And how are you?"

"I'm doing well," Elladan responded, eyeing his father 
carefully. "Father?" he asked, deciding to be direct, "Why 
have you asked me here? Is something wrong?"

"I'm not sure," Elrond replied earnestly, sitting down across 
from his son.

Elladan didn't like the seriousness of his father's tone. The 
young warrior looked out of the open window and sighed 
heavily. Elladan saw a large black and yellow butterfly 
dancing on the wind in the rays of the sunlight. Even though 
he didn't know what their conversation would be about, he 
found himself wishing that he could fly away. For some 
reason, he dreaded the conversation that he was about to 
have with his father.

"What has happened?" Elladan asked, looking at his father 
solemnly. "Has their been another orc attack?"

"Nay," Elrond replied, "I wish to speak to you about something 
of a. . .personal nature."

"Alright," Elladan said slowly, "what do you wish to discuss with 
me?"

"Legolas," Elrond said gently. "I realized that the two of you 
had become close since the prince's arrival here in Rivendell, 
but I have become aware of the fact that your relationship is 
not just one of friendship. I need to know what your intentions 
are with him."

"What?" Elladan asked in shock. "Since when am I required to 
disclose my personal affairs to you?" he spat angrily. "Why isn't 
Elrohir in here? Or have you already had this conversation 
with him about Ellaria?"

"Elladan," Elrond said gently, "I mean no offense."

"Well, I **am** offended," Elladan remarked hotly. "Why should 
I explain my relationship with Legolas to you?"

"Because you may have to explain it to King Thranduil, and he 
may not be as kind to you as I will be," Elrond replied seriously.

Elladan sat in silence. He hadn't even considered Thranduil's 
reaction to his relationship with Legolas.

"It is as I feared," Elrond said softly, looking at his son with 
concern. "You had not even thought about the ramifications 
of your courtship with the prince, had you?"

"What ramifications?" Elladan asked, even though the 
consequences of a relationship with Legolas suddenly 
seemed innumerable.

"He is a prince, Elladan," Elrond began earnestly. "Legolas is 
bound to Mirkwood by blood, by honor and by duty. Soon, 
the prince will be called home, and what will you do then?"

"Perhaps I shall journey to Mirkwood alongside the prince," 
Elladan replied.

"And what of Elrohir?" Elrond asked gently. "He is to be wed to 
Ellaria next spring. Would you leave your twin brother's side?"

"I cannot live my life for Elrohir," Elladan said irritably. "We are 
twins and I love him, but we are not attached at the hip, 
Father."

"'Tis true," Elrond nodded in agreement. "But you have spent 
everyday of your life with Elrohir, and even you can't deny the 
closeness that you share with him. Would you really be willing 
to leave your twin behind?"

"I don't know," Elladan replied quietly. "Well, perhaps Legolas 
could stay here in Rivendell?" he said, already knowing the 
answer to the question.

"I have grown to care very much for the prince," Elrond said 
smiling gently. "However, the prince is very honorable and 
would probably not choose to stay here if given the choice. 
But the real problem may not be with the prince, I'm afraid," 
he said earnestly. "It may very well be with his father. "

"Thranduil," Elladan said menacingly. "The great arse should 
be hanged!"

"Do you have a reason to dislike the king?" Elrond asked, 
surprised by his son's passion.

"He cast Legolas out of Mirkwood! Thranduil turned his back 
on Legolas when he needed his father the most! Legolas 
adores his father. . . he said that he would die for him, but it is 
clear to me that the king is beyond reproach. I will not let him 
keep me from the one I love!" Elladan was trembling with 
rage.

"So you love him?" Elrond asked, touching his son's shaking 
hand.

"I. . .  I. . . " Elladan began.

"You do not know how you feel?" Elrond asked gently.

"Why are you asking me all of these questions?" Elladan asked 
in annoyance.

"Because I know Thranduil," Elrond said gravely. "We were very 
good friends once, but our kinship ended many millennia 
ago. Although we are no longer acquaintances, I am sure 
that he is a good father. He sent Legolas here because he 
loves him. No matter what happened between us, I believe 
that he loves his children. But, it is important for you to 
understand that my relationship with you, Elrohir and Arwen is 
different than Thranduil's relationship with his offspring. I would 
not forbid you to select the mate of your choice, nor would I 
dictate the path that you may chose to take in your life. I 
may disapprove, but I would try to stand by you and allow 
you to make your own choices. I am not saying that I am 
knowledgeable about the way that Thranduil would choose 
to raise his sons; I am only suggesting that you proceed with 
caution. You must consider that the king may disapprove of 
your relationship with Legolas. And he has the power and the 
authority to end your courtship. As you know, Legolas is very 
loyal to his father and will most certainly obey any 
command."

"But why would Thranduil disapprove of our relationship?" 
Elladan asked in dismay. "Doesn't he want Legolas to be 
happy?"

"I believe that Thranduil desires his son's happiness," Elrond 
remarked thoughtfully. "However, I also believe that the 
dissention between the two of us would not work in your 
favor. Please keep in mind that I was Thranduil's last choice as 
a healer for Legolas. He did not want to send him to 
Rivendell. Legolas was sent here because the king thought 
that he would become well, and he made it clear to me that 
the prince's condition was the only reason for his stay."

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" Elladan asked forlornly.

"I am not telling you this to discourage you. I only want you to 
make a decision," Elrond replied warmly. "You must decide 
how you feel about Legolas. I'm fairly certain that you will 
face some resistance from the king. Thus, you must determine 
if Legolas is worth the fight. Do you truly love him? Do you wish 
to leave Rivendell and live in Mirkwood? If so, what will you 
do there? You already know that Legolas cannot stay here as 
he is bound to Mirkwood. These are not the only options, of 
course. However, you should discuss this with Legolas. You 
must find the answers to these questions before your 
relationship progresses further. If you are not willing to totally 
commit yourself to him, then you must end this now."

Elladan looked at his hands in despair; he felt as though he 
had been punched in the stomach.

"I know how cruel love can be," Elrond said softly.

Elladan looked at his father sympathetically and placed his 
hand on his father's shoulder.

Elrond looked at his son and smiled gently. "Be true to your 
heart, Elladan, it won't lead you astray."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Late that evening Elladan found himself lying awake, thinking 
about his conversation with his father. He looked at Legolas, 
who was sleeping peacefully only inches away from him, and 
wondered how he could have allowed himself to become so 
enamored with the prince. Legolas stirred and pouted slightly 
and Elladan's heart began to beat faster. Suddenly, he 
remembered why he felt so strongly about Legolas. He was 
beautiful and charming; he was perfect. *I can't deny my 
feelings for the prince, can I?*

Unable to deal with his emotions any longer Elladan decided 
to take a walk. Perhaps he would journey to the stable, or 
better yet, the cliff that overlooked Rivendell. All of a sudden, 
Elladan understood why Legolas would seek solace on the 
hilltop; just the thought of going there suddenly eased his 
mind.

Quietly, Elladan left Legolas' bedchamber and crept down 
the narrow corridor, down the stairs and out of the manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Orcs!" Legolas shouted to Joren, his eldest brother. He 
watched as his three older brothers rode toward their 
assailants. At Joren's request, Legolas stayed behind with their 
mother, behind a shroud of trees.

Legolas peered through the foliage and could see the orcs 
attacking mercilessly from every side, wielding their swords 
and knives with malevolent precision. He could no longer see 
his brothers, but the swish of arrows and the clank of swords 
let him know that they were close by.

Legolas positioned his horse in front of his mother's steed just in 
case any orcs found their hiding place. But no sooner had 
Legolas acted, a legion of the creatures were upon them. He 
began to fire at the ugly beasts that flashed their teeth and 
blades fiercely. The prince readied his bow with speed and 
grace. He fired the first arrow; it went directly into the heart 
of
an approaching orc. Legolas fired another arrow and 
another, never missing his mark.

"JOREN!" Legolas heard his brother Makail scream.

Legolas turned his attention to his brother's voice for a 
moment, not realizing what a single lapse in 	his attention 
would mean.

"Legolas!"

The prince turned quickly when he heard his mother scream.

Orcs swarmed the lone elf and his mother, pulling Legolas 
and the queen from their horses. The elvish warrior did not fall, 
though, and surprised the orcs when he removed his knives 
quickly and began to slash every creature in sight. He tried to 
get to his mother as the creatures dragged her away, but 
there were too many goblins to count. They attacked from 
every side.

"Legolas! Legolas!"

The prince could hear his mother screaming. Legolas could 
feel his knees weaken, when his mother's cries stopped. He 
continued to kill everything in sight. "Mother!"

Legolas saw his mother's bloodied body on the ground and 
several orcs laughing, as they leaned over her. The prince felt 
a rage like he never had before. "Aaaaahhhhhhhh!" he 
screamed. He attacked with such ferocity that he killed three 
orcs with a single swing of his sword. The other orcs that had 
laughed over his mother's body soon found themselves 
screaming as Legolas showed no mercy to the fell beings.

Legolas fell on his knees beside his mother, trembling and 
unable to breathe.

"Legolas," the dying female said quietly.

"Mother," Legolas said as tears streamed down his face. 
"Please. . . don't leave me."

"I love you," his mother whispered as her eyes fixed and her 
breathing stopped.

"No," Legolas said, grasping his mother. "No!" he shouted, 
shaking. "NOOOOOOOO!"

"NO!" Legolas screamed waking up from his dream. "NO!" he 
sat up shaking and crying hysterically. "Mother! Mother!" The 
prince jumped up and ran to the terrace. "I will save you!" He 
tried to climb onto the railing of the balcony; he could see his 
mother's bleeding body on the ground below. "Mother!" 
Legolas screamed.

The prince tried to jump from the ledge but felt someone 
grab his arm. *An orc!*

"No! No!" Legolas began to fight fiercely, swinging his free arm 
and legs wildly.

"Legolas, you are dreaming," Lord Elrond said soothingly.

*A trick.* "Ha ha ha! You shan't fool me!" Legolas fought with 
all of his might, but another pair of hands restrained him.

"Legolas, it is I, Elrohir," the male said calmly, "you are in 
Rivendell."

*Legolas! Legolas!*

"Mother!" Legolas screamed. "MOTHER!" He began to fight 
and tried to strike at the goblins that were holding him 
captive. He would have revenge. All of the orcs would pay.

"Legolas," a gentle voice said, "it's Arwen, you are still 
dreaming, I think. Please, we are trying to help you."

"Tis a trick!" Legolas yelled. "Leave her be! No! Please Mother, 
don't leave me!"

Elladan ran into the prince's bedchamber; he could hear his 
screams when he was returning from his walk and came to 
Legolas' aid at once. He was surprised at what he saw upon 
entering the prince's room.

Legolas was trying to jump off of the terrace while his father 
and brother tried to restrain him. Arwen was trying to calm the 
prince, but to no avail.

Suddenly, Elladan knew what to do. He ran over and placed 
his arms around the prince tightly from behind.

Legolas could feel another orc's hands upon him. He would 
kill this one. The prince lashed out abruptly, shaking loose from 
Elrond and Elrohir's hold. The other orc, however, seemed to 
be more persistent. Legolas tried to turn around; he would kill 
this orc with his bare hands.

"It's me, Legolas." Elladan said softly, whispering into the 
prince's ear. "It's me."

Legolas stopped struggling at once. "Elladan?"

"Aye, 'tis I," Elladan said in the same soothing voice. He 
loosened his grip on the prince and Legolas turned around 
slowly.

The prince was overcome with emotion. "They. . . they killed 
her," he said shaking violently. "They killed. . . " the prince said 
dropping to his knees. "I couldn't stop them! And. . . and. . . 
she died. It's my fault. She died because of me." He began 
sobbing uncontrollably.

Elladan knelt beside Legolas, stroking his hair and whispering 
quietly to him.

Only moments later, the prince stood up abruptly and 
punched the wall with his hand. "Do not pity me," Legolas 
hissed between sobs. "I am a prince and a warrior! I do not 
cry!" Legolas struck the wall again fiercely as he continued to 
sob. "I will not shame my family! I DO NOT CRY!" He hit the wall 
with such force that his knuckles began to bleed.

"Legolas?" Arwen whimpered as the prince struck the wall 
repeatedly, ripping the skin from his knuckles.

Legolas tried to stop crying. He fought his inner turmoil with all 
of his might. But this time, grief had won. He placed his 
forehead against the wall and sobbed softly.

Elladan got to his feet and touched the prince's shoulder 
gently.

Legolas turned around slowly. "They killed her," he said, 
unable to stop his ragged breathing. "They. . .  laughed." He 
clutched onto Elladan's shoulders. "They. . ." Legolas said 
wearily. "They. . ." he collapsed in Elladan's arms.

Elladan, with the help of Elrohir, picked the prince up and 
carried him to the bed.

Arwen pulled back the coverlet and the twins put Legolas in 
the bed.

"Thank you for being here for Legolas," Elladan said to his 
father and siblings. "I should have been here."

"You can't be with him every moment," Elrohir said kindly. "This 
is not your fault. He just had a dream. . . a terrible dream."

Elladan nodded his head slowly and looked at Legolas' tear 
stained face. He bit his lower lip to stop his own tears, as the 
thought of losing Legolas was more than he could bear. 
Elladan heard his sister sniffle and turned to look at her.

Arwen was crying. She looked at Elladan sheepishly and 
smiled faintly.

Elladan turned to speak to his father and brother and saw the 
kindness and concern on their faces as well. *They care for 
him as much as I do.* He smiled at his family and walked over 
to the settee that was positioned near the doorway. Without 
effort, Elladan pulled the piece of furniture over to the bed, 
positioning it directly beside the place where the prince was 
sleeping. Then, he went to retrieve a large lounge chair that 
was over by one of the windows. Elladan dragged the chair 
over to the bed and placed it beside the settee.

Arwen ran out of the chamber and returned with four 
blankets in her arms. She handed a counterpane to her 
father and brothers and kept one for herself.

Wordlessly, Elrond sat on the lounge chair and covered 
himself in the blanket that Arwen had given him. Likewise, 
Elrohir laid down on the couch, wrapping himself in the 
blanket.

Elladan smiled in admiration at his family. He watched Arwen 
get on the bed beside Legolas and wrap his wounded hand 
gently. Then, she got a small cloth and wiped the tears from 
the sleeping prince's eyes.

Elladan got on top of the covers, behind Legolas, and 
wrapped his arms around the prince. Legolas stirred slightly, 
and Elladan pulled him closer. *I love you, Legolas.*

---



Chapter 13: In the Stable



Early the next morning, Elladan awakened. He couldn't help 
but smile when he saw that his entire family was still sleeping 
peacefully. Quietly, he crept out of Legolas' bedchamber 
and walked down the corridor to his own room. There, he 
bathed and dressed himself before heading downstairs to get 
something to drink.

Elladan entered the kitchen and poured himself some water. 
He walked into the dinning hall and sat down at the table. He 
wondered what kind of state Legolas would be in when he 
awakened.

Elladan stood, stretched and decided to go back to Legolas' 
room when he heard a horse approaching. Hurriedly, he 
raced through the parlor and out of the entrance hall.

When he got outside, he was surprised to see Glorfindel 
approaching the manor.

"Good morning, Elladan," Glorfindel said merrily.

"Good morn, Glorfindel," Elladan said, looking at the warrior 
curiously. "What brings you to the manor so early? Has there 
been an attack?"

"Nay," Glorfindel replied, smiling. "Late last night, a messenger 
and several guards arrived from Mirkwood."

Elladan felt as though someone had struck him in the 
stomach. *They have come to take Legolas away.*

"They brought with them some tidings from the king," 
Glorfindel continued, never noticing the dismayed look on 
Elladan's face. "Would you please see that the prince 
receives this parcel and letter? There is also a message for 
your father from the king." He handed the items to Elladan.

"It shall be done," Elladan replied, looking in Glorfindel's eyes. 
"And the elves from Mirkwood? Should I. . . should I awaken 
the prince so that he may prepare for his departure?"

"Nay," Glorfindel said, shaking his head vigorously. "The riders 
from The Wood left at the break of dawn. It was very late 
when they arrived last night, and the lord had already retired. 
Duke Meris was still setting about his duties and offered to 
provide food and shelter for the guests, in the hope that 
Elrond would not be disturbed. Anyway," he continued, "they 
said that they could not linger in Rivendell, as they had to 
attend to some of the king's affairs. Thus, they left this morn. . . 
well fed and well rested,
though."

"I see," Elladan said, trying to hide his relief that the riders 
hadn't come to collect Legolas.

"Well," Glorfindel remarked brightly, "I must get back to my 
post. Perhaps, I will see you later."

"Aye," Elladan said smiling. He watched as Glorfindel rode 
away on his steed and then opened the letter that was 
addressed to Legolas. He knew that he shouldn't be doing 
this, but he wanted to know if there was any mention of 
Legolas' inevitable departure. He read the note and felt his 
heart sink.

Hastily, Elladan went back into the manor and up the stairs. 
He entered his bedchamber and shoved the parcel and the 
letter under his bed. He adjusted his coverlet carefully, 
making sure that it was long enough to hide the items that he 
had hidden.

Elladan sat on the edge of his bed and placed his head in his 
hands. *What am I going to do?*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas caressed the long dark hair of his lover and pressed 
his body against him firmly. The prince noticed that Elladan 
smelled like flowers as he wrapped his arms around the lithe 
body before him. Gently, Legolas placed a delicate kiss on 
his lover's neck.

Arwen rolled over to face Legolas, still sleeping peacefully.

"Arwen!" Legolas shouted and fell out of the bed.

Arwen, Elrond and Elrohir awakened with a start.

Legolas peeked over the side of the bed and ducked when 
he saw Arwen look in his direction. Quickly, the prince tried to 
surmise the situation. *Arwen is in my bed and Elrond and 
Elrohir were sleeping in here as well. Elladan is nowhere to be 
found. Hmmm. . . What has happened? Perhaps I had 
another one of the waking dreams. Whatever occurred must 
have been horrible if Elrohir, Elrond and Arwen are here. If 
only I could remember.*

"What are you doing?" Arwen asked, peering over the bed 
and looking at Legolas with concern.

"Uh. . . nothing," Legolas said, standing up abruptly, looking 
cautiously at Elrond and Elrohir.

Elladan jogged into the bedchamber, looking distressed. He 
smiled sincerely, though, when he saw Legolas.

"So the whole family is here then?" Legolas asked nervously.

Elladan looked at the confused look on Legolas' face and 
forgot his troubles for a moment. He knew how proud the 
prince was and knew that Legolas would not like to seem 
weak in front of Arwen, Elrohir or his father. Thinking quickly, 
Elladan began to chuckle to himself. *Methinks that I shall 
have some fun.* "So, what do you have to say for yourself?" 
he asked curtly, glaring at Legolas.

"I. . . I. . . " Legolas stammered.

"I. . . I. . .  is that all you can say?" Elladan mocked, trying to 
keep a straight face.

"Elladan," Elrond said calmly, giving his son a stern look.

"Nay, Father," Elladan said in mock anger, "do not try to 
defend the prince. He has dishonored me by bedding my 
sister. And to think that I was concerned about his friendship 
with Tialise and Mander! But you know what they say, why get 
dessert down the road when you can get it down the hall!"

"What?" Arwen asked in shock, blushing from Elladan's 
ridiculous accusation.

Elrohir laughed and Elrond shook his head in incredulity.

Legolas looked at Elladan in disbelief. "Elladan, I couldn't 
have done that. Surely, you are jesting. It is not possible. 
Although I care for Arwen very much, she is like a sister to me. 
I could never. . . lay with her."

"Ha!" Elladan exclaimed haughtily. "Well what were you doing 
when you awakened this morning? Were you not **laying** 
with her?"

"Look at us; we are fully clothed!" Legolas said, still trying to 
determine whether or not Elladan was serious. "How could we 
have possibly done what you are saying?"

"You think that I am a fool, don't you, Prince?" Elladan spat. 
"Have you suddenly lost your ability to dress yourself? Could 
you not have committed your act of treachery and then 
clothed yourself? Last night, all I did was leave the 
bedchamber for just a moment. I only wanted to get some 
water to quench my thirst. And when I came back you were 
quenching **your** thirst too, you cur! How could you betray 
my trust in such a way? How could you do that to me?"

"Elladan, I have no memory of what occurred last night, but. . 
." Legolas began.

"Indeed?" Elladan said in mock indignation, interrupting the 
prince. Elrond watched Elladan in shock but when their eyes 
met for a moment, he understood what his eldest son was 
trying to do. Touching Elrohir on the shoulder, Elrond 
wordlessly implored him to depart.

Elrohir met Elladan's eyes for an instant, smiled and then left 
the room with his father.

"How convenient. . . these dreams are," Elladan sneered. 
"Perhaps I shall rip off those lying lips of yours and then claim 
that I had a dream as well. Hmmm. . . that would actually be 
very amusing," he said, grinning evilly.

Arwen looked around the bedchamber and noticed that 
Elrohir and her
father were gone.

While Legolas continued to protest, Elladan glanced in 
Arwen's direction.

Understanding, his actions, Arwen nodded slowly. Smiling 
warmly at her brother, she left the prince's bedchamber.

"Elladan, I. . . I. . ." Legolas said in defeat.

"Did not bed Arwen, of course," Elladan said cutting the 
prince short, "but the look on your face is quite hilarious."

"Elladan!" Legolas yelled in annoyance.

"'Twas a jest, Legolas." Elladan remarked simply.

The prince looked around the room and sighed when he 
realized that he and Elladan were alone. "Where. . . where 
did everyone go?"

"I don't know," Elladan lied. "Perhaps all of your shouting and 
crude accusations scared them away," he remarked as he 
approached Legolas.

Legolas gave Elladan an exasperated look, sighed and sat on 
the bed. He was trying to recall what had happened the 
night before.

"You had a nightmare," Elladan said gently. "Do you 
remember?"

"Well," Legolas began slowly, "did I cry?"

"Aye," Elladan said, gently stroking the prince's golden hair.

Legolas sighed heavily and looked down at the floor with 
disgust. "I made a fool of myself, didn't I? And I did it in front of 
your whole family."

"Perhaps you shouldn't think about this now," Elladan said 
warmly. "If you'd like, I could bring you something to eat. The 
morning meal is almost ready. Are you hungry?" 

"Nay," Legolas said softly. "I wish to be alone, right now. I. . . I 
just need to be alone."

"Alright," Elladan said. He touched the prince's shoulder gently 
and left the room.

Legolas sat in the bedchamber alone and placed his head in 
hands as some memories from the previous night came 
rushing back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas decided to go to the stable so that he could ponder 
the events of the preceding night. Upon entering the stable, 
he walked up a narrow wooden staircase that led up to a 
loft. It was plain, sporting none of the elvish architecture that 
the rest of the stable bore so magnificently. Instead, the loft 
housed multiple hay bales, a straw covered floor and two 
large windows at either side of the structure. The huge 
windows allowed the sun to fill it with sunlight.

The prince walked over to one of the large open windows 
and sat down on the hard wooden floor in front of it; he 
propped his back against a large bale of hay. Legolas closed 
his eyes and let the rays of the sun bathe him in warmth.

"Legolas?" Elladan called. "Where are you?"

"I am upstairs," Legolas said.

Elladan climbed the stairs and walked over to the prince. 
"May I join you?" he asked politely.

"Of course," Legolas replied.

Elladan sat down beside the prince and looked at him 
carefully.

Legolas looked simply beautiful in the glorious sunlight. His 
golden hair gleamed and his blue eyes matched the hue of 
the sky above. The prince was frowning, though, and cradling 
his injured hand gently.

"Does it hurt?" Elladan asked.

"A little," the prince said drearily.

"Allow me," Elladan said tenderly. Carefully, he grasped 
Legolas' injured hand and began to take the bandage off. 
He waited for the prince to protest and was shocked when 
Legolas didn't utter a word. Continuing his treatment, Elladan 
opened a small bottle of ointment and poured a little bit of 
the liquid onto his hands. Gently, he began to rub the oil onto 
Legolas' wounded knuckles.

"What you did for me today," Legolas said slowly, "in the 
manor. The way you spared me from further humiliation. . . 
the way you somehow made your family leave and not 
question me was. . . was. . . very kind. I am in your debt."

"I did nothing," Elladan said plainly as he began to rewrap 
Legolas' hand with a clean bandage. "I only jested with you 
as always. Oh, I won the jest this day, just in case you were 
wondering."

"I have never met anyone as kind as you," Legolas stated 
sincerely, ignoring Elladan's attempt to dismiss his praise. "I 
behaved like a child, and yet you still desire to be with me."

"In what way did you act like a child?" Elladan asked. "Is it 
because you cried? Legolas, I know that you have your duty 
and your honor to consider, but you are hurting inside. You 
need to grieve."

"Please," the prince said in annoyance, "I do not wish to listen 
to yet another lecture about what I need to do to become 
well. I only want to forget about last night. If you wish to help 
me, then allow me to forget my woes. . . even if it is only for a 
little while."

"And how will I do that?" Elladan asked. Their eyes met and he 
knew the answer to his own question. "Very well," he said. "I 
shall help you to forget."

Legolas watched as Elladan stood up and began to undress 
himself slowly. The prince tried to stand so that he could assist 
his lover, but Elladan stopped him.

"Nay," Elladan said, "I will do everything this time. You asked 
me to help you to forget and I shall grant your request. I want 
you to relax and enjoy the pleasure that you are about to 
receive."

Legolas nodded and watched as Elladan continued to 
undress himself.

Elladan unbuttoned his tunic slowly, revealing his chest 
seductively. He removed his tunic, allowing it to drop to the 
floor. He sat down on the floorboards beside the prince and 
removed his boots, placing them next to his tunic. Elladan laid 
back on the wooden floor and drew his knees up, raising his 
buttocks off of the floor. He pulled his leggings down slowly, 
lowering his hips once the garment had been pulled below 
his buttocks.

Legolas looked at Elladan's beautiful naked body. His fair skin 
glowed in the beams of sunlight, and the prince felt himself 
harden at the mere sight of his lover.

"'Tis your turn," Elladan said huskily, enjoying the way that 
Legolas was looking at his body. He sat up and moved over 
to where Legolas was sitting. Lazily, he began to unbutton the 
prince's tunic.

Once again, Legolas tried to assist Elladan.

Smiling gently, Elladan pushed Legolas' hands aside. He 
removed the prince's garment and boots and then stared at 
Legolas' chest hungrily. Bending slightly, Elladan placed his 
lips on the prince's right nipple.

Legolas moaned as Elladan's tongue danced across his 
hardened nub.

Elladan moved his mouth to Legolas' other nipple and sucked 
diligently. When the prince moaned again, he could feel 
himself beginning to harden.

Legolas panted softly. He looked at him lustfully as Elladan 
carefully eased him back onto the floor. He smiled faintly and 
waited patiently for Elladan's next move.

Elladan placed his hands on Legolas' knees and spread the 
prince's legs apart gently.

Legolas closed his eyes and arched his back in expectation.

"Presumptuous, aren't we?" Elladan asked, smiling teasingly.

Legolas opened his eyes, reached back and grabbed a 
handful of straw, throwing it at Elladan playfully.

Elladan smiled and placed his hand on top of the prince's 
leggings, directly on his shaft.

"Oh," Legolas said in surprise, closing his eyes once again.

Elladan began to stroke the prince's member slowly.

Legolas writhed and began to pant heavily. "Elladan," he 
moaned.

"Do you like it when I touch you like this?" Elladan asked 
lustfully.

Legolas opened his eyes and nodded his head slowly.

"Prove it, then," Elladan challenged. "Moan for me, Legolas." 
He removed his hand from Legolas' shaft and sat in between 
the prince's legs. Lowering his head, Elladan placed his mouth 
on top of Legolas' leggings, directly on the prince's erection.

"Ah!" Legolas exclaimed, digging his hands into Elladan's hair.

Elladan sucked on the prince's shaft, and then began to 
nibble gently on the tip of the prince's shaft through his 
leggings.

"Elladan!" Legolas moaned breathlessly.

Elladan removed his mouth from the prince's member and 
began to inch upward smothering Legolas' body with kisses. 
When he reached the prince's face, Legolas was glowing 
with pleasure. Elladan smiled and kissed him passionately.

Legolas parted his lips, inviting Elladan's tongue into his 
mouth.

Elladan accepted the prince's invitation and slid his tongue 
inside of Legolas' hot orifice. He began to thrust his pelvis 
firmly against Legolas'.

The prince responded by matching Elladan's thrusts.

Legolas moaned as Elladan's movements became more 
erratic and he felt their shafts rubbing together rhythmically. 
"Elladan. . . Elladan!" he shouted, wrapping his legs around 
Elladan's body.

The males rocked back and forth moaning in pleasure until 
Elladan felt Legolas shudder as the prince released his seed. 
Elladan's release followed shortly thereafter. 

Legolas trembled and unwrapped his legs from around 
Elladan.

Elladan, who was still on top of the prince, looked at Legolas 
and kissed him on the lips.

"That was wonderful," Legolas said softly.

"It was," Elladan agreed. "It was also only the beginning. I am 
not done with you yet."

Legolas smiled and then sat up abruptly. "The stable hands," 
the prince whispered. "Do you think they heard us?"

"Nay," Elladan said, looking up at the prince. "They are busy as 
always. They took the horses out for an early morning run."

Legolas relaxed and laid back down on the floor, gently 
stroking Elladan's hair.

Elladan kissed Legolas again, forcing his tongue into the 
prince's mouth. They kissed passionately and only broke apart 
when Elladan moved his lips to the tender flesh of the prince's 
neck.

Legolas gasped when Elladan began to nibble on his 
collarbone.

Elladan moved his lips downward slowly, kissing every inch of 
flesh upon Legolas' exposed chest.

When Elladan reached the waistband of Legolas leggings, he 
moved from on top of the prince and sat beside him. Elladan 
slid his hand inside of Legolas' breeches. Slowly, Elladan 
began to caress the prince's member. "Oh, Elladan," Legolas 
moaned as his shaft began to harden once again.

Elladan removed his hand from the prince's breeches 
carefully. He didn't want Legolas to become too excited too 
quickly. He wanted to make this moment last.

Legolas looked at Elladan hungrily. "Touch me," he whispered, 
"please, Elladan."

"As you wish, your Highness," Elladan said smiling. He picked 
up a long piece of straw from the floor and eyed Legolas 
seductively. He brushed the hay up and down the prince's 
chest and watched as Legolas trembled with pleasure. 
Elladan moved the piece of straw to the prince's left nipple 
and began to stroke it slowly.

"Elladan, please," Legolas pleaded, hoping that the pleasure 
would never end.

Elladan straddled the prince once more. He bent and began 
to suck Legolas' left nipple hungrily while teasing his right 
nipple with the straw.

Legolas writhed and called Elladan's name over and over 
again.

Elladan looked at the prince and smiled deviously as he 
gently placed the straw into Legolas' navel, tickling playfully.

Legolas laughed and pushed Elladan's hand away.

Elladan smiled at the prince lovingly. He got off of Legolas 
and untied and removed the prince's leggings. He looked at 
Legolas' beautiful erect shaft and bit his lower lip in lustful 
appreciation.

"Elladan?" Legolas asked softly. "Please," he arched his back 
and looked at Elladan questioningly. "Please?" the prince 
begged.

Elladan nodded his head and smiled. Using the piece of 
straw, he began to stroke Legolas' member gently.

"Oh Elbereth, Elladan!" Legolas shouted when Elladan began 
to trace little circles on the tip of the prince's hard organ.

Elladan placed the piece of straw on the floor beside him 
and grabbed Legolas shaft with his left hand. Elladan placed 
the tip of the prince's member into his mouth and licked 
lavishly while pumping the prince's shaft with his hand.

"Elladan!" Legolas yelled, writhing frantically.

Elladan stopped his ministrations abruptly, and rolled Legolas 
onto his stomach. Languidly, he began to kiss the prince's 
back gently.

Legolas moaned quietly and rested his head on his interlaced 
arms.

Elladan moved his lips lower and lower, kissing the prince's 
butt cheeks playfully. He continued to move down the 
prince's body and began to suck and lick the back of 
Legolas' knees mercilessly.

"Ah!" Legolas moaned.

Elladan worked his way back up to the prince's buttocks and 
began to kiss them gently.

Legolas closed his eyes as Elladan pleasured him slowly, but 
let out a yelp when he felt Elladan's slick finger entering his 
anus. For a moment, he wondered if Elladan's only reason for 
bringing the oil had been for healing purposes. Legolas 
almost made a derisive comment, but was stifled when 
Elladan slid another finger inside of his entrance. He moaned, 
and began to thrust his hips when another finger was placed 
inside of him. Legolas groaned, still writhing his hips slowly.

Elladan removed his fingers and positioned himself behind the 
prince. Carefully, he placed the tip of his member inside of 
Legolas.

"Ohhhhh," Legolas moaned, pushing back firmly against 
Elladan's erection.

"Legolas," Elladan gasped at the prince's sudden action. He 
laid on top of Legolas' back, thrusting his hips slowly.

Legolas moved his hips eagerly, quickening the pace of their 
lovemaking.

Elladan began to pant heavily as he plunged in and out of 
the prince's tight hole. He could feel the prince's heat and 
tightness quickly bringing him to release. Elladan began to lick 
the tip of Legolas' ear as he thrusted frantically.

Legolas cried out when Elladan's shaft slid against the most 
pleasurable place within him. Every plunge stroked this 
special place, and that coupled with Elladan's tongue upon 
his ear sent the prince over the edge.

Elladan's cries echoed the prince's only moments later. 
Exhausted, he removed his shaft from inside of the prince and 
laid down beside Legolas, panting heavily.

Legolas sat up and used his already seed-covered leggings 
to clean himself.

"Come here," Elladan said propping himself up against the 
bale of hay.

Legolas moved over to Elladan and sat in between his legs, 
allowing Elladan to hold him in his arms.

"You are amazing," Legolas said quietly.

"As are you," Elladan said, kissing Legolas on the temple. "So, 
then," he began slowly, "are you alright after your nightmare?"

"Must we discuss this now?" Legolas asked, becoming 
irritated.

"I just want to make sure that you will be alright," Elladan said 
sincerely.

"I am angry with myself for my foolish behavior," Legolas 
responded quietly. "I am humiliated."

"I am the one to blame. I was not there for you when you 
awakened," Elladan said softly.

"You are not to blame, Elladan." Legolas reassured him.

Still feeling guilty, Elladan tried to explain his absence. "I just 
had a lot on my mind." Suddenly, he remembered the 
conversation that he had with his father the day before and 
he also remembered the letter.

"How can I ease your mind, Elladan?" Legolas asked gently. 
"You know that you can share anything with me."

"I can?" Elladan asked sadly.

"Always," Legolas said, stroking Elladan's thigh affectionately.

"Always?" Elladan asked quietly.

"Always and forever, Elladan," Legolas said warmly. "I love 
you."

Elladan looked at Legolas unable to speak as his father's 
words plagued his mind. *He is a prince, Elladan. Legolas is 
bound to Mirkwood by blood, by honor and by duty. Soon, 
the prince will be called home, and what will you do then? 
You must find the answers to these questions before your 
relationship progresses further. If you are not willing to totally 
commit yourself to Legolas, then you must end this now.*

"Elladan?" Legolas asked, trying to hide the hurt in his voice.

"I. . . I. . . " Elladan said, standing up abruptly. *You must 
decide how you feel about Legolas. I'm fairly certain that you 
will face some resistance from the king. Thus, you must 
determine if Legolas is worth the fight. Do you truly love him?*

"I have to go," Elladan said quickly.

Legolas watched in silence as Elladan got dressed.

"I put your leggings on," Elladan said avoiding the prince's 
eyes. "I am going back to the manor and I will see that they 
are cleaned. You can wear mine."

"Elladan, I. . . " Legolas began.

"I have to go," Elladan said abruptly and walked hurriedly 
down the stairs.

Legolas looked out of the window sadly and watched as 
Elladan ran toward the manor. *He doesn't love me.*

---


Chapter 14: Departure



"Are you sure that you want to do this, Elladan?" Elrohir asked 
gently.

"I have to," Elladan replied sadly. "I must away."

"Are you certain that this is wise?" Elrohir asked, placing his 
hand on Elladan's shoulder.

"It matters not," Elladan remarked dejectedly. "By the time 
anyone awakens, I will be gone."

"Where will you go?" Elrohir asked concerned.

"What difference does it make?" Elladan said, unable to hide 
the emotion in his voice.

"Because I am going to journey with you," Elrohir replied 
earnestly. "You shan't be alone."

"I do not need to be cared for or watched over like a child," 
Elladan said in annoyance.

"Nay," Elrohir said gently. "You need your best friend, and as 
always, I am at your service."

Elladan didn't speak. Instead, he looked at the floor and 
nodded slowly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas awakened and reached over to caress his lover, but 
Elladan wasn't there. Suddenly, the memories from the 
previous day came rushing back. He sat up and decided to 
get ready for the morning meal. Even though Elladan had 
been avoiding him, the prince was determined to speak to 
him today.

After bathing and getting dressed, Legolas headed down to 
the dining hall and smiled faintly when he saw that Arwen 
and Elrond were already seated.

The lord looked troubled and Arwen looked uneasy as well.

"Good morn," Legolas said, forcing a smile. He tried to 
pretend that he did not notice the tension in the room.

"Good morn," Arwen said, trying to be polite, despite her 
mood.

Legolas looked at Elrond carefully. He had never seen the 
lord look so upset. Thus, the prince decided not to speak too 
much during the morning meal. He did not want to interrupt 
Elrond's thoughts.

Legolas forced down some food, and was perplexed when 
neither Elladan nor Elrohir came to the dining hall. Deciding to 
break the silence he asked, "Where are the twins?"

For the first time Elrond looked up at the prince and said, 
"They are gone, Legolas. They left before you awakened."

"Gone?" Legolas repeated slowly. "What do you mean?"

"I will not try to hide the truth from you, Legolas," Elrond stated 
seriously. "Elladan has left Rivendell because of something 
that occurred between the two of you."

Legolas looked at Elrond in shock, but braced himself for 
whatever the lord was going to say.

"He would not tell me what happened," Elrond continued 
heavily, "but he was very distraught when we spoke and 
insisted that he depart at once."

Legolas listened to the lord in stunned silence, allowing the 
sting of Elladan's rejection to take hold. "I am sorry that I have 
caused disharmony in your home," he said, trying to hide the 
emotion in his voice. "I shall go and ready my things. I will be 
gone by tomorrow morn."

"What?" Elrond asked, looking at the prince as though he 
were insane. "Legolas, I am sorry. I never meant to imply that 
you are not welcome here. Please forgive my crassness. I am. 
. . upset with Elladan. I do not approve of his decision to 
leave. I did not mean to take out my frustration on you."

Legolas nodded, and discovered that he had lost his 
appetite.

"I want to be honest with you at all times," Elrond explained. "I 
want you to know that you can always rely on my word. That 
is why I told you about Elladan and his decision to leave."

"I assume that Elrohir accompanied him?" Legolas asked 
dully.

"Aye," Elrond replied.

"Where did they go?" Legolas asked slowly.

"To Lothlorien," Elrond responded. "His mother's parents live 
there and I am hoping that they can assist him somehow."

"When will they be back?" Legolas asked, trying not to sound 
bothered by Elladan's decision to leave.

"I don't know," Elrond said quietly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas walked to the stable alone. He felt as though his 
heart was bleeding, and that death would be a gift from the 
Valar. He never thought that his grief could increase, but it 
had one thousand fold.

The prince climbed the stairs and sat in the loft. He felt his 
emotions washing over him as the memories of he and 
Elladan's lovemaking the previous day riddled him with pain. 
Standing up abruptly, Legolas decided to do something. . . 
anything to forget. . . to forget that someone he loved had 
left him again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas practiced archery, he went swimming, he went up to 
the hill that overlooked the realm. But no matter where he 
turned, everything reminded him of Elladan.

He replayed everything that he had said. . . everything that 
he had done. And yet, the prince still did not know why 
Elladan was treating him this way. *If nothing else, I thought 
that we were friends.*

The morning seemed to creep by as Legolas tried to busy 
himself. He was determined not to think about his lover. It 
seemed, however, that the more the prince tried to forget 
about Elladan, the more troubled he became. He felt as 
though he had a sword sticking out of his chest and wanted 
to be rid of the pain, but despite his efforts, the pain and 
sorrow would not subside.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

At midday, Legolas became concerned about meeting with 
his female companions. He knew that although Arwen and 
he had become very close, Elladan was still her brother. And 
despite their multiple, petty arguments, Legolas knew that 
they loved one another very much.

Knowing that Arwen's dismissal would be a wound that his 
heart could ill afford, Legolas still decided to go and meet 
with the she-elves. He wanted to know exactly where he 
stood with all of them, but especially Arwen. 

"Legolas! There you are!" Tialise said beaming. "We have been 
waiting for you!"

Arwen and Ellaria, who had been seemingly deep in 
conversation, stopped talking immediately and looked at 
Legolas with interest.

*Ellaria? I had forgotten about her. . . and that Elrohir's sudden 
departure is a result of my conflict with Elladan. Perhaps it was 
not wise of me to come here. Maybe I should go away. I 
should not. . . *

"Legolas?" Arwen said, looking at the prince carefully. "May I 
speak to you for a moment?"

"Aye," Legolas said, trying to mentally prepare himself for 
whatever Arwen was going to say. He followed her behind a 
small grove of trees, away from the other females. Sighing 
heavily, he faced her.

After a long pause, Arwen wrapped her arms around the 
prince. "Are you angry with me?"

"Angry with you?" Legolas asked in incredulity. "Why would I 
be angry with you?"

Arwen released the prince and looked into his eyes. "Because 
of what happened between you and Elladan."

"Nay," Legolas said slowly, "I. . ."

"Please," Arwen said gently, "you do not have to say anything 
else. I only wanted you to know that I do not want anything 
to come between our friendship."

"Is that so?" Legolas asked, still bracing himself. "And what if 
Elladan and I are not able to resolve this? Would you still feel 
the same way?"

Arwen replied without hesitation. "Always."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas spent the rest of the afternoon with the females. He 
was relieved that no one seemed to be angry with him, 
although he was aware that somehow all of his companions 
knew that something had happened between him and 
Elladan.

Legolas was glad that he could keep himself occupied, and 
was thrilled to see how much Arwen, Ellaria and Tialise had 
improved. He and Zera had been working with them for quite 
some time in the art of archery, swordsmanship and other 
disciplines. He found that he especially enjoyed teaching 
Tialise, his most eager student. She was making great strides 
with the bow and arrow, and tried very hard to please him.

After a lengthy training session, everyone packed up their 
weapons and departed, heading for their perspective homes 
as dinner was surely awaiting them.

Legolas stayed behind, kneeling on the ground, gathering his 
weapons when Tialise approached him.

"Prince Legolas?" Tialise said hesitantly.

"Tialise?" Legolas said a bit startled. "I thought that you left 
with Zera."

"I. . . I. . ." She stammered nervously. "I asked her to go ahead 
so that I may have a moment alone with you."

"Oh," Legolas said, standing up and giving his undivided 
attention to the young she-elf. "Is all well?"

"All is well with me," Tialise said slowly, "but it would seem that. 
. . that all is not well with you."

Legolas looked at Tialise carefully, unable to think of anything 
to say.

"I do not know what happened between you and Elladan, 
but," Tialise said, hesitating slightly, "if you are not able to. . . to 
come to. . . some sort of a reconciliation with him. . . I would 
hope that you would reconsider my offer."

Legolas smiled warmly. Despite her age, he couldn't help but 
admire Tialise's candor. "You would still have me. . . even after 
I rejected you?"

"You did not reject me," Tialise stated firmly. "You were kind to 
me. . .and you still are. I admire you."

"Why?" the prince asked, looking at Tialise in incredulity.

"Well," Tialise said slowly, "who else could inspire me to want to 
learn archery?"

"You do not like archery?" Legolas asked in shock.

"Not until I met you," Tialise replied, blushing a little. "I wanted 
to be a healer like Lord Elrond, but now I'm thinking about 
joining the border patrol, like Zera."

Legolas laughed and Tialise grinned sheepishly. "You shall be 
my first choice," he said warmly.

"Oh. . . alright," Tialise said, suddenly becoming shy. "So. . . 
then, I will see you tomorrow?"

"Aye," Legolas said, nodding.

"Tomorrow then," Tialise said, turning to leave.

"Tomorrow," Legolas said. He watched Tialise walk away and 
suddenly felt more alone than ever. He couldn't help but 
wonder what Elladan was doing.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas couldn't bring himself to go to the evening meal. He 
didn't know if he could stand to look at Elladan's empty chair. 
Instead, the prince tried to busy himself around the manor.

Late that evening, Legolas went into his bedchamber and sat 
in a chair. He stared at his bed for a while, trying to convince 
himself to rest, but it seemed that his head and his heart were 
not in agreement. Thus, the prince left his chamber and went 
to the south garden.

The warm breeze blew the prince's golden hair. Legolas 
inhaled and exhaled deeply as he sat on a bench outside. 
He closed his eyes for a moment, but opened them abruptly 
when he remembered Elladan's rejection the previous 
morning. The prince felt the sword turn in his heart and 
unconsciously clutched his chest. He hadn't felt this alone 
since he first arrived in Rivendell.

Suddenly, the prince heard someone approaching and 
turned around to see who was drawing near. It was Elrond.

The lord did not speak. Instead, he smiled warmly and sat at 
the end of the bench, pretending to read.

Legolas knew that the lord had come to the garden to keep 
him company. The biggest indication was that the book that 
Elrond was reading was upside-down. And even though 
Legolas had not welcomed Elrond's help in the past, he was 
glad that he did not have to endure the night alone. Legolas 
sighed and began to look at the stars dreamily, leaving 
Elrond to his overturned book.

Neither of them spoke. It was as though there were a silent 
understanding between them.

And while Elrond's presence was welcome, Legolas couldn't 
help but long for Elladan and one of his ridiculous jests. Aside 
from his mother, he had never missed someone so much in his 
life.

---


Chapter 15: Grieving



"Legolas! Legolas!"

"Mother!" Legolas shouted as he tried to destroy the creatures 
that were mercilessly fighting him. "Mother!" The prince could 
hear his mother screaming. . . they were killing her and there 
was nothing he could do. He fought bravely, killing every orc 
in sight, but he was too late.

Legolas walked over and knelt down beside his mother. He 
held her bloodied body in his arms.

"Legolas," the dying female said, breathing unsteadily.

"Mother. . . please," Legolas begged softly. "Please don't 
leave me."

"I love you," the queen said softly. She smiled at her youngest 
child, knowing that his tears would be the last thing that she 
would ever see. Closing her eyes slowly, the queen of 
Mirkwood died.

"No. . ." Legolas said, barely able to breathe. "No!" the prince 
yelled, clutching his mother and sobbing uncontrollably. "NO!"

Suddenly, he heard something moving behind him. Turning 
around slightly, he saw an orc approaching. He tried to 
move, he tried to get away. But his legs would not budge; he 
couldn't stand.

The orc moved to where Legolas was sitting on the ground 
and drew his sword.

The prince placed his mother's body on the ground and met 
the goblin's eyes.

It smiled menacingly and thrust the sword into Legolas' heart.

The prince's scream filled the air as the beast twisted the 
weapon and laughed cruelly.

*Wait, that laugh. I recognize that laugh.* He looked up at 
the orc as the blood spilled out of his chest and saw Elladan 
standing above him, smirking.

"I have won the jest this day, Prince," Elladan spat maliciously.

"Elladan," Legolas said, becoming weak, "please. . . help me."

"I have to go," Elladan remarked icily. He yanked the sword 
out of the prince's chest and began to walk away.

Legolas slumped over, clutching his chest as the life drained 
out of him. "Elladan! Don't leave me. Please! Elladan. . . 
please! Please! Don't leave me!"

Without warning, Legolas' mother sat straight up and fixed her 
completely white colored orbs on him. Smiling evilly, she 
screamed, "HE IS GONE!"

Legolas awakened with a start, clutching his chest. He 
couldn't breathe. He looked around wildly and knocked over 
a vase on the bedside table as he stumbled out of his bed.

*Legolas! Legolas!*

The prince fell to his knees and covered his ears with his 
hands.

*I have to go!*

*Legolas! Legolas! I have to go!*

The voices chanted over and over again as the prince 
rocked back and forth on the floor, trying to make them stop. 
. . trying to make the voices and the pain go away. Suddenly, 
he was being pulled to his feet.

"It's alright," Elrond said gently. "I am here."

Legolas looked into the lord's eyes and began to sob. "Help 
me," he heard himself say. "Please, help me."

Elrond nodded and pulled Legolas into a tender embrace.

The prince rested his forehead on the lord's shoulder and 
cried until the tears would no longer come. He didn't know 
how long they stood there, but Elrond never left his side. The 
lord simply held him until the tears stopped. Legolas raised his 
head and avoided his eyes.

"Do you wish to rest?' Elrond asked softly.

Legolas shook his head slowly, unable to speak.

"Do you want some time alone?" Elrond asked, maintaining 
his soothing voice and gentle demeanor.

"Nay," Legolas heard himself say. "Please. . . don't leave me."

"Alright," Elrond said warmly.

Legolas sat down on the edge of his bed, trembling slightly.

Elrond sat beside the prince and grasped his hand.

Legolas sighed and closed his eyes. He could feel the pain in 
his chest and wondered if he was dying of a broken heart.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas' condition had begun to deteriorate since Elladan's 
departure. His nightmares had become more frequent once 
again, and the prince's appetite became non-existent. Even 
though he still spent every day with his female friends, Legolas 
had become more distant as he was having difficulty 
maintaining his façade.

Legolas missed Elladan terribly and couldn't believe that he 
had been gone for eleven days. He never realized how much 
comfort he had found in Elladan's company and longed for a 
jest or even some of the cuddling that he often found so 
annoying.

Legolas realized, however, that Elladan might not come back 
to Rivendell while he was still there. He couldn't help but 
wonder why Elladan would treat him this way.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, Legolas decided not to go to the morning 
meal. Instead, he went to the stable to spend some time with 
the horses. He spoke with Yon and some of the other steeds 
and found that his spirits had lifted a bit.

As he left the stable, the prince decided to go see Elrond. 
Despite his embarrassment, he wanted to thank the lord for 
his kindness.

Legolas walked to the manor and into the lord's study. There, 
Elrond was busily preparing some documents.

The lord smiled warmly as Legolas entered. "Legolas, 'tis a 
pleasure to see you. Please, have a seat, if you wish."

"Alright," Legolas said a bit hesitantly and sat down. He looked 
around the study, trying to think of something to say. "I. . . I 
wanted to. . . to thank you. . ." Legolas broke off and stared 
at the floor in embarrassment.

"You are welcome," Elrond said, looking at the prince 
sympathetically.

"I made a fool out of myself last night," Legolas said, still 
looking at the floor. "I am an embarrassment to my entire 
family."

"That cannot be true," Elrond said, smiling faintly and shaking 
his head in disagreement.

"Why not?" Legolas asked slowly, studying the floor with 
interest. "You saw the way that I behaved last night. I cried. . . 
I cried for hours. Warriors do not behave like that."

"Legolas," Elrond said gently, "you cannot be a 
disappointment to your family because you are just like your 
father."

Legolas looked at Elrond abruptly. He had never felt so 
flattered in his entire life.

"Your father and I used to be the best of friends," Elrond said 
earnestly. "Although we have not spoken for many years, I 
know how much he loves you. He would not be ashamed of 
you for crying. He sent you here to get well. . . to grieve. The 
king is wise and he knows that part of grief is mourning. Thus, it 
would not be logical of him to be angry with you for trying to 
get well."

"But, my family has an image to uphold," Legolas protested, 
beginning to realize the truth of the lord's words. "In Mirkwood. 
. ."

"This is not Mirkwood," Elrond said gently, interrupting the 
prince. "This is Rivendell. You do not have to try to maintain 
your image here, as you would in Mirkwood. It is alright if you 
want to grieve."

Legolas pondered Elrond's words and found that he had 
nothing to say.

"When Celebrian left," the lord said quietly, "I cried. Do you 
think me weak?"

"Nay," Legolas said, unable to believe that Elrond would tell 
him something so personal. "My father told me. . . about your 
loss. I am sorry."

Elrond smiled faintly. "When Celebrian left, my whole family 
suffered. We are still trying to deal with her departure," he said 
slowly. 

"What was she like?" Legolas asked curiously, hoping that the 
question would not offend the lord.

Elrond looked at the ceiling thoughtfully. "She was always 
smiling," he said fondly. "Celebrian filled this house with joy. 
Her laugh was contagious; she was a wonderful mother and 
a great friend. I miss her."

Legolas looked at Elrond carefully. He had never noticed how 
lonely the lord seemed.

"She was your true love," Legolas stated, looking in Elrond's 
eyes.

"Nay," the lord said slowly.

Legolas looked at Elrond in incredulity.

"Our marriage was one of convenience," Elrond said plainly. 
"Even though I cared very much for Celebrian, she was not 
my true love. I was not her choice, either. However," he 
continued, "we became very good friends and in time, we 
grew to love one another. I respect Celebrian above all 
others as she is the mother of our children and my truest 
friend."

Legolas nodded slowly, but couldn't help but wonder who 
Elrond had loved other than Celebrian. The prince pushed 
those thoughts to the back of his mind and decided to ask 
the lord about something that was troubling him. "Do you. . . 
do you think that I am dying?"

Elrond looked at Legolas carefully before continuing. "I do not 
think that you are dying. . . not yet. But if you do not find a 
way to get beyond your grief. . . death may be inevitable."

Legolas sat in silence for a few moments, pondering Elrond's 
words. Finally making a decision, the prince said, "I want to 
live. Will you help me?"

"I will do everything that I can, if you will trust me," Elrond said 
earnestly.

"I trust you," Legolas said seriously, realizing how true the words 
were. "What must I do to be healed?"

"Unfortunately, there is not an herbal remedy for grief," the 
lord said, smiling. "You must heal in your own way. . . in your 
own time. You have taken the first step. You are beginning to 
face your loss. When you can accept what has happened, 
the healing process will be complete. It may sound simple, 
but it is not. If you want to begin to heal, you must no longer 
try to hide or deny your feelings. Grieve. . . mourn the loss of 
your mother. In time, you will heal."

Legolas thought for a few moments and looked at Elrond 
seriously, "May I ask something of you?"

"Of course," Elrond replied.

"I wish to do something. I want to be of some use. Would you 
allow me to take up some sort of duty here?" Legolas asked 
hopefully.

"Very well," the lord said, nodding. "What would you like to 
do? Do you want to join the border patrol?"

"Nay," Legolas replied, meeting Elrond's amazed gaze. "I 
would like to learn something new. Could I assist you in some 
way?" he asked. "I wish to learn about herbs and such."

"Alright," Elrond said, smiling.

"And perhaps. . ." Legolas said slowly, "I could talk to you. . . 
about. . .about my mother, sometimes." He wanted to ask 
Elrond about Elladan; he wanted to know why Elladan left. 
But the prince knew better than to ask such questions. After 
all, Elladan was Elrond's son. And even though the lord had 
always been kind to him, Legolas knew that Elrond loved 
Elladan and would never do anything to jeopardize their 
relationship.

"As you wish," Elrond said, nodding. "Would you like to start 
assisting me tomorrow morn?"

"Aye," Legolas said, feeling happier than he had in a while.

"Very well," the lord said.

Legolas stood and turned to leave the lord's study.

"Legolas?" Elrond asked. "How is your father?"

"What?" Legolas asked, dismayed.

"In the letter that he sent to you?" Elrond asked, looking at the 
prince curiously. "Is all well in Mirkwood? How is your brother, 
Joren? Is he well?"

"Elrond," Legolas said, looking at the lord in incredulity, "I have 
not heard from my father since my arrival in Rivendell."

"Oh," Elrond remarked, eyeing the prince in dismay. 
"Glorfindel told me that you received a parcel and letter from 
the king. Perhaps, I was mistaken. Elladan brought me a letter 
from your father several days ago and I just assumed that he 
must have given you one, too."

A servant walked into the study and began to speak to the 
lord about some urgent matter.

Legolas forced a smile and nodded, deciding that this would 
be the ideal time for him to depart. Leaving the lord's study, 
the prince knew what he would do next - search Elladan's 
bedchamber.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas entered Elladan's bedchamber and began to look 
for a letter or a parcel that was addressed to him. As he 
searched, he felt himself becoming more and more angry at 
the idea that Elladan could have hidden something so 
personal. He looked in drawers, in two chests and in a large 
armoire and then felt guilty for his deceit when he found 
nothing. Deciding to check only one more place before 
departing, Legolas looked under Elladan's bed. He shook his 
head with disgust when he reached underneath and 
retrieved a letter and an unopened parcel from Mirkwood.

Legolas felt the blood rush to his face as his anger 
overwhelmed him. He could not believe that Elladan would 
deceive him.

He observed the note from his father carefully, and saw that 
seal had been broken. *Elladan has read my letter!* Legolas 
was so enraged at Elladan's intrusion that his whole body 
began to shake. Quickly, he read the letter and tried to 
decide what to do next.

*I have been concerned for Elladan! I have thought about 
him every day and every night. I have longed for his touch. . . 
craved his lips. . . his smell. . . his hands on my body. . . his 
companionship. I will think of him no longer! He is a 
treacherous liar and he has been using me this whole time! I 
am a fool! I allowed myself to fall in love with him, when it has 
become obvious to me that all he wanted was to bed the 
youngest prince of Mirkwood! If he returns to Rivendell before 
I depart, he had better stay far from me. I shan't be treated 
like this again!*

Legolas stormed out of Elladan's bedchamber and walked 
down the hallway and into his own room. He placed the 
items from Mirkwood onto his bed and then went back down 
the hallway and down the stairs, racing out of the manor as 
fast as he could.

Legolas wanted to speak to Elrond, but he didn't want to 
impose on the lord any more than he already had. So, he 
began to run. He didn't know why he was running, he just 
knew that he had to do something to keep himself from 
hunting Elladan down and killing him. The prince ran and ran. 
He ran as fast as he could. He wasn't sure where he was 
going; he just wanted to run. He hoped that the warm air 
rushing through his hair and the sheer exhilaration of physical 
exertion would relieve his anger somehow.

Arwen, Zera, Ellaria and especially Tialise became very 
concerned when Legolas did not show up that afternoon.

Legolas, however, had completely lost track of the time of 
day. He was only aware of the warm sun, the wind and his 
body as he tore through the forest.

As Legolas ran, he let his anger pour out of his body. 
Suddenly, he hated Elladan and. . . he hated his mother. They 
left him. They hurt him and neither one of them cared. He 
hated everything. He hated everyone, and nothing else 
mattered anymore. *Elladan will rue the day that he 
deceived me!*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Late that evening, an exhausted Legolas crept into the 
manor. Walking into his bedchamber, the prince stumbled 
onto his bed. He suddenly realized that he was sitting on 
something hard and stood up to see what it was. The prince 
picked up the parcel that he had found in Elladan's 
bedchamber. He had been so angry earlier that he had 
forgotten to open it. Eyeing the package curiously, the prince 
ripped open the parcel and read the note inside.



Legolas,

Although I already wrote you a letter, I thought that I would 
send you something from home to aid you in your recovery. 
As you know, your mother loved this little stone. She carried it 
with her everywhere and said that it brought her good 
fortune. I believe that she would have wanted you to have it. 
If your struggle is as difficult as I suspect, perhaps this will bring 
you good fortune, too. If for nothing else, it is a reminder that 
your mother loved you, as do I.

-Father



Legolas sighed emotionally and reached into the parcel. 
Carefully, he pulled out a beautiful little light blue stone that 
shone in the moonlit room. Legolas had never asked his 
mother where she had gotten her favorite trinket, but he 
knew that she treasured the little pebble and carried it with 
her always. Legolas cradled the little stone in his hands, 
treating the object as though it were priceless. Holding it in his 
hands, he felt as though he were holding his mother. So, he 
cradled the stone for hours. He felt guilty that he had been 
angry at her only hours ago, but he was happy that he had 
been allowed to have something that had been so precious 
to her.

The prince laid back onto the bed, still holding the stone. As 
he fell into a deep slumber, he dreamed that he and his 
mother were laughing and running in the rain. In the depths 
of sleep, Legolas had no idea that the rain he felt upon his 
face was in actuality, his very own tears.

---



Author's Note #1: In this chapter a fictional town, Tierney, will 
be introduced. Please note that this town is purely a figment 
of my imagination and was not in any of Tolkien's books. It 
was created to suit the purposes of my alternate universe.

Author's Note #2: In this chapter a new character named 
Ulan makes a reference to the difference between Rivendell 
elves and the other elves in Middle-earth. The Rivendell elves 
are described as being exotic and darker than the elves of 
Mirkwood and Lothlorien. Please note that I took some 
creative license here to enhance my alternate universe.

Author's Note #3: A league is approximately three miles.

Special Note: * indicate character thoughts. ** indicates word 
emphasis.
~*~* indicates a division the story and/or a time change.




Chapter 16: The Trouble with Tialise




Elladan and Elrohir had been gone for thirty-seven days. 
Although the prince longed to see his lover, he tried 
desperately to deny his feelings. His desire only made him 
angrier with each passing day, and made him ponder what 
would happen if he and Elladan had to face one another 
again.

To keep himself occupied, Legolas spent each morning with 
Elrond. He discovered that learning how to concoct herbal 
remedies was an exacting yet fascinating science. But he 
found that it was comforting to be able to do something 
valuable with his time.

Aside from his fondness of herbal remedies, the prince's most 
interesting discovery was his growing admiration for the lord. 
Legolas and Elrond became fast friends and he learned that 
not only was the lord a benevolent leader and a skilled 
healer, but he was also quite amusing at times. He wanted to 
ask Elrond about Elladan and when he would return, but held 
his tongue and allowed his anger to guide him back to 
reality. He had also considered asking Arwen about her 
brother's behavior, but decided that he did not want to make 
either of them to feel uncomfortable.

Elrond found that he greatly enjoyed the prince's company 
and looked forward to his arrival each morning. He was 
amazed at the similarities between Legolas and Thranduil and 
often stared at the prince in awe. Even though Legolas was 
typically very serious, Elrond found that the prince could be 
very comical, especially when he was embarrassed.

The lord nearly exploded with laughter when Tialise suddenly 
regained her previous interest in the study of elvish healing 
techniques.

Legolas pretended not to know what Tialise's intentions were. 
But he could see the laughter behind the lord's eyes when the 
young maiden began to come to Elrond's study each 
morning for a lesson.

Legolas had been certain that Tialise would give up her desire 
to be a warrior but was surprised when the young she-elf 
came to weapons practice each day.

Tialise claimed that she wanted to be versed in many 
different elvish techniques and that she did not want to limit 
herself in any way.

However, despite her claim, Ellaria and Arwen teased Legolas 
mercilessly behind Tialise's back, as she seemed to be 
interested in anything and everything that concerned the 
prince.

In the past weeks, Legolas' condition improved so much that 
he had almost completely changed. He laughed freely and 
no longer tried to suppress his emotions. Although he was still 
not fond of crying, the prince shed more than a few tears in 
front of Elrond on occasion.

Although Elrond didn't provide as much comfort as Elladan, 
Legolas understood why he was one of the greatest healers 
to ever live. The lord was wise, patient and very 
compassionate.

In time, the prince became so at ease around Elrond that he 
began to talk about his mother's death and the guilt that he 
often felt. He was amazed when the lord did not try to advise 
him; he simply listened and comforted him when necessary.

Because Elrond did not act as though he had all of the 
answers to the prince's problems nor did he try to solve them, 
Legolas did not feel judged or patronized.

At first, the prince had much difficulty when talking about the 
events that occurred the fateful day of his mother's death. 
Eventually, however, he was able to share more and more of 
his feelings, and discovered it to be a relief.

Legolas could see why Elrond and his father had been such 
good friends and couldn't help but wonder what had 
happened to end their friendship. The prince didn't ask, 
however, as Elrond tended to be very private and lonely.

Once, when Legolas was talking about his mother, the lord 
spoke about something amusing that she had done many 
years before. Legolas watched Elrond in amazement when 
he saw that way the lord's eyes sparkled and the way he 
smiled when he spoke about her. After a few more 
conversations, the prince very quickly deduced the root of 
the problems between Elrond and his father – his mother, 
Areen. Legolas now knew why the hatred between the two 
of them was so great and wondered what the details were 
that led to their eventual parting.

Despite the prince's curiosity, however, he managed to stifle 
his tongue and continued to keep busy spending each 
morning with Elrond, each afternoon with his female 
companions and each evening in his bedchamber. When he 
wasn't rereading one of the two notes that was sent by his 
father or beholding his mother's little stone, he was dreaming 
about Elladan kissing, sucking and licking every inch of his 
body. One dream was so intense that Legolas was awakened 
by Elrond, who informed him that he had been moaning very 
loudly in his sleep. Embarrassed, Legolas quickly explained 
that he had had a horrible nightmare about being tortured 
by a hoard of orcs and thanked the lord profusely for 
awakening him.

In actuality though, the prince's nightmares had almost 
completely subsided. And although the death of is mother 
was still close to the surface of his heart, the wound was finally 
beginning to heal.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Legolas!" Zera called, running over to where the prince was 
standing. "May I have a word with you?"

"Of course," Legolas replied, smiling brightly.

"Have you heard about the upcoming journey to Tierney?" 
Zera asked, looking at the prince earnestly.

"Aye," Legolas replied. "I have been there before. Tierney is 
very beautiful."

"Aye," Zera agreed. "Well, some of the guards from the border 
patrol have been selected to go on this important 
assignment, and I have been one of the lucky few to have 
been chosen for this opportunity."

"'Tis a great honor, Zera," Legolas said approvingly.

"It is," Zera said smiling. "Anyway, I was wondering. . ." she 
broke off
suddenly.

"Wondering what?" Legolas asked, becoming curious.

"While I am gone, would you watch over Tialise for me?" Zera 
asked.

Legolas looked at Zera in disbelief. "Tialise is fully grown. She 
does not require my assistance."

"She is very young and impressionable, Legolas," Zera said 
seriously, "and I have no mother or father. . . as you know."

"Aye," Legolas said sympathetically, remembering the day 
when he had been told about the fate of Zera and Tialise's 
parents.

"They died when Tialise was only five years of age, and I have 
raised her myself," Zera said slowly. "She is my sister and I love 
her dearly. I just want someone to make sure that she is not a 
nuisance while I am away."

"But Zera," Legolas said, looking at her in incredulity, "why 
have you chosen me? Certainly there is someone else who 
would be better suited than I for a task such as this. Perhaps 
you should ask Arwen or Ellaria or even Lord Elrond."

"Nay," Zera said firmly, "Tialise likes you. She respects you and 
will listen to whatever you say. She sometimes needs a firm 
hand as she can be a bit of trouble at times."

"Alright," Legolas said finally. "I will watch over her for you."

"Thank you," Zera said, smiling. "Well, if you will excuse me, I 
must away to prepare for our departure. We leave tomorrow 
morn."

Legolas nodded and watched as Zera walked away. Shaking 
his head in dismay he wondered. . . *How much trouble could 
one little she-elf cause?*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*


It had been three days since Zera's departure and Legolas 
was glad that Tialise had not needed his assistance.

"Legolas, over here!" Arwen called to the prince.

Legolas ran over to where Arwen, Ellaria, Tialise and another 
she-elf were standing in the south garden.

"Where have you been?" Arwen asked reproachfully.

"In the stable," Legolas answered earnestly. "I apologize for 
my tardiness. Elrond had visitors this morn and our lesson was 
cancelled. I went to the stable and lost track of time."

Tialise cleared her throat and stepped forward. "Prince 
Legolas, I would like you to meet Meaira. She is a dear friend 
of mine."

Legolas smiled and bowed politely, "'Tis a pleasure to meet 
you Meaira."

"And you," Meaira responded, curtseying courteously.

Legolas looked at the young, sandy haired she-elf with 
interest. He had never seen Meaira before.

"So Tialise," Meaira said, prying her eyes away from Legolas, 
"what did Ulan say?"

"He wants to dine alone with me this night," Tialise said 
dreamily.

"You're so lucky, Tialise," Meaira remarked excitedly, "Ulan is so 
handsome."

"Aye," Tialise said, looking up at the sky.

"Who is Ulan?" Legolas asked.

"He is a handsome, wonderful elf from Lothlorien," Tialise 
stated in adoration. "I met him this morn and have been 
taken with him ever since. He arrived here only a few hours 
ago with a small band of elves. He said that I am the most 
beautiful elf he has ever seen. I think I'm in love."

"I see," Legolas couldn't help but smile when he saw the 
lovesick look on Tialise's face.

"Oh no!" Tialise exclaimed. "It is already late midday! I must 
away at once so that I can prepare for my engagement." 

"I shall assist you," Meaira said enthusiastically.

"Arwen, Ellaria, Legolas," Tialise said giddily, "you are also 
welcome to aid me, if you wish."

"I appreciate the offer Tialise," Legolas said cordially, "but I will 
journey back to the stable instead. I wish to spend some time 
with the steeds." He smiled politely at Tialise, even though he 
had absolutely no desire to help her prepare for a romantic 
encounter.

"Very well," Tialise said, grinning wickedly. "Arwen? Ellaria?"

"We are going to do some needlecraft," Ellaria said kindly as 
Arwen nodded in agreement. "Thus, we will not be able to 
assist you. I do, however, wish you the best of luck."

"Thank you," Tialise said, smiling. "Come Meaira! We have 
much to do!"

Legolas, Arwen and Ellaria watched as Tialise and Meaira 
walked away.

"Legolas," Arwen said seriously, "we must discuss this now."

"Discuss what?" Legolas asked, eyeing Arwen and Ellaria in 
confusion.

"It's. . . it's about Tialise," Ellaria managed to say.

"Tialise?" Legolas asked surprised. "What about her?"

Well," Ellaria said slowly, looking at Arwen for support, "we are 
concerned about her engagement with Ulan tonight."

"Why?" Legolas asked, dismayed.

"I don't like Ulan," Arwen said flatly. "He is very crude, and I 
don't feel that a lady such as Tialise should associate herself 
with the likes of him."

"Arwen?" Legolas said in surprise. "I have never heard you 
speak ill of anyone."

"'Tis true," Arwen said thoughtfully, "I try to see the good in 
everyone, but I can find nothing respectable about Ulan. 
Thus, we have come to ask you for help."

"What would you have me do?" Legolas asked as he stared 
at Arwen and Ellaria in dismay.

"Would you speak to Ulan?" Ellaria asked.

"Speak to him?" Legolas asked, bewildered. "But Ellaria, I don't 
even know Ulan."

"I know," Ellaria admitted. "That is why we want you to talk to 
him. Perhaps, we are wrong about him. We trust your 
judgment, as does Zera, and believe that if you met him, you 
would know whether or not he is worthy of Tialise."

"Why do you distrust Ulan?" Legolas asked curiously. "Has he 
spoken ill of Tialise?"

"He has only just met her and he wants to court her!" Arwen 
shouted. "I have met Ulan before and he is quite the 
courtesan."

"Arwen!" Legolas exclaimed in shock.

"'Tis true," Ellaria said, nodding. "Perhaps he has changed, but 
I fear for the worst."

"But why are you asking this of me, Ellaria?" Legolas asked. 
"Both of you are friends with Tialise. Why don't you tell her how 
you feel about Ulan?"

"Nay!" Ellaria exclaimed. "I do not think that Tialise would listen 
to my opinion. And anyway, Zera asked you to watch over 
her."

Legolas sighed heavily. "Alright then, I will speak to this. . . to 
this Ulan. But I do not know what you want me to do. Are you 
so concerned because you fear for Tialise's safety?"

"Aye," Ellaria said earnestly. "However, I do not fear for her 
physical safety. I fear for the safety of her heart. I do not 
believe that Ulan has worthy intentions where Tialise is 
concerned. I do not know what you should do, in all honesty. 
After you have met Ulan, if he seems to be honorable, then 
leave him be. But, if he seems unworthy of her affection, then 
do what you will to ensure her safety. I do not have any 
siblings and I have grown to love Tialise as my own sister. I do 
not want to see her get hurt."

"Nor do I," Arwen agreed.

"I will see what I can do," Legolas said.

"Thank you, Legolas," Ellaria said, turning to leave.

"Aye, thanks for your help, Legolas," Arwen said as she walked 
away.

"You are welcome," Legolas said as he watched them leave. 
*How bad could Ulan possibly be?*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas heard someone whistle loudly as he entered the 
manor. He turned to see where the noise had come from, 
and was surprised to see a tall, attractive male elf smiling 
wryly at him. The elf looked a bit older than him, but had the 
same golden blonde hair and blue eyes.

"Hello, handsome," the male said smiling seductively.

"Hello," Legolas replied, feeling uneasy under the male's 
piercing stare.

"I am Ulan," he remarked, looking Legolas up and down 
hungrily, "and who are you?"

"I am Legolas Greenleaf," the prince stated, deciding not to 
use his title. "'Tis a pleasure to meet you, Ulan."

"The pleasure is mine," Ulan said, smirking, "or it could be yours, 
if you are lucky."

Legolas' eyes widened. He did not like Ulan.

Ulan laughed at Legolas' astonished expression. "There is 
much reason for you to fret as I cannot give you physical 
pleasure while I am here. Unfortunately, I have more pressing 
matters at hand. But do not worry," he moved close to 
Legolas' face, "perhaps I will journey here again and teach 
you the ways of Lothlorien gratification."

Legolas eyed Ulan dangerously. * He is no different than 
Elladan. All he wants is to indulge himself by bedding Tialise. . . 
or me, for that matter. 
I
want to break this elf in half! No, be calm Legolas; you must 
think of Tialise. I want to kill him! No, no, think of Tialise.*

"Prince Legolas," a servant said politely, entering the parlor, 
"the evening meal shall be served soon."

"Thank you," Legolas replied, trying hard not to cringe when 
the attendant used his title in front of Ulan.

"Prince?" Ulan said in fascination. "You are a prince?"

"Aye," Legolas said, trying not to sound annoyed.

"I did not think that you were from Rivendell," Ulan remarked, 
looking at the prince in admiration. "Of course, of course, I 
should have recognized you hairstyle right away. You are 
from Mirkwood and therefore, you are one of King Thranduil's 
sons."

"Aye," Legolas admitted.

"Ah, Thrandy's son," Ulan remarked, smiling. "No wonder you 
are so fair of face. The king is quite handsome himself. So tell 
me, Prince Legolas," he asked quietly, "has your title helped 
you to gain favor in the eyes of the elves here in Rivendell?"

"What do you mean?" Legolas asked, becoming irritated. 
*Thrandy?*

"Have you fed your carnal desires?" Ulan asked simply. "How 
many elves have you bedded? Surely one as handsome as 
you could bed a thousand of these Rivendell elves."

"I. . . uh. . . " Legolas began, trying to hide his dislike for Ulan.

"These Rivendell elves are so. . . exotic, don't you agree?" Ulan 
asked.

"Well, they are. . . " Legolas began.

"They are darker than Lothlorien and Mirkwood elves," Ulan 
commented, interrupting Legolas. "Most elves have blonde 
hair and blue or green eyes. The elves of Rivendell, on the 
other hand, usually have brown or red hair and their eyes are 
blue, green, grey and sometimes even brown!" Ulan 
exclaimed eagerly. "I believe that the darker elves are striking. 
If I could, I would bed all of them!"

Legolas sighed and shook his head. He did not like Ulan at all. 
*Perhaps Elladan found me to be exotic. Perhaps that is why 
he used me. Well, I will use him when he returns. I will use him 
for target practice!*

"Who have you taken as a lover here, Legolas?" Ulan asked 
nosily. "May I call you Legolas?"

"Nay," Legolas said curtly.

"Good then," Ulan replied, ignoring the prince, "Legolas it is. 
So, who is your lover? Although I will not have the time to bed 
you properly, perhaps I can experience a **taste** of 
Mirkwood during my visit."

"I am in a relationship with no one," Legolas said abruptly, 
hoping to rid himself of Ulan and warn Tialise at once. The 
prince paused for a moment, realizing that he believed the 
words that he had just spoken. His relationship with Elladan 
was over.

"Well, if I had my way, I would conquer one of Elrond's sons. 
Do you know them?" Ulan asked curiously.

"Aye," Legolas replied between clenched teeth.

"The first time I met the twins was last spring. They are very 
handsome indeed. I cannot tell them apart, but I am sure 
their loins house the same amount of fire. I tried to speak to 
the eldest one and he drew his sword on me! Humph! They 
are a bit too warrior-like for me anyway," Ulan said, shrugging. 
"I know the art of elvish fighting, but prefer to be a pacifist 
instead of a warrior. I like dainty elves such as yourself."

"I am **not** dainty! I am one of the finest warrior's in 
Mirkwood," Legolas protested, unable to hide his annoyance 
any longer.

"Oh, little Legolas," Ulan chuckled, "you are such a kidder. I 
would bed you at once if I did not have other plans."

"And what are your plans?" Legolas asked, trying to still his 
hands so that they would not find their way around Ulan's 
neck.

"I desire Lady Tialise," Ulan said, smiling seductively. "I am to 
have dinner with her tonight, and then I shall have her as 
dessert."

Legolas felt his face flush with anger.

"Did you know that Tialise is pure. . . untouched. . . a virgin?" 
Ulan asked, smiling deviously.

"I assumed as much," Legolas said flatly, trying to refrain from 
attacking Ulan right then and there. "Tialise is very young; she 
is worthy of the best companions, Ulan."

"I agree," Ulan said, slapping Legolas on the back. "Tonight, 
she shall have the best. . .  the best lover in all of Lothlorien."

"She is a flower, Ulan," Legolas said, balling his fists. "Flowers, 
like all nature, should be treated with respect."

"Yes, little Leggy," Ulan said grinning, "and flowers need to be 
pruned, too. I shall pluck each one of Tialise's satiny petals this 
night. She will love every minute of what I have to offer."

"Ulan!" Legolas hissed angrily.

"Oh," Ulan remarked patronizingly, "do not be jealous, little 
Leggy. If Tialise does not beg me to please her every night, I 
shall journey to your bedchamber and teach you what the 
elves of Mirkwood cannot." Ulan smiled seductively and left 
the room.

Legolas stood, rooted to the spot for a moment. He detested 
the way Ulan had given him a nickname, and even more 
importantly, he would not allow him to mistreat Tialise. *Arwen 
and Ellaria were correct in their judgment of Ulan.* The prince 
decided to go to Tialise's home at once.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"You may enter," Tialise said when she heard someone knock 
on her door.

Legolas entered Tialise's bedchamber and nodded politely at 
Meaira.

"How do I look?" Tialise asked the prince, standing up.

"You look beautiful," Legolas said slowly.

Tialise beamed.

"But I'm afraid that I cannot permit you to dine with Ulan 
tonight," Legolas said gently.

"What?" Tialise asked, dismayed. "Has my beloved been hurt?"

"Not yet," Legolas remarked, "although pain may definitely be 
in his future."

"What do you mean, Legolas?" Tialise asked with concern.

"I do not want you to see him, Tialise," Legolas said firmly.

"Are you forbidding me?" Tialise asked, grinning.

"Aye," Legolas said sternly, looking at Tialise in confusion. He 
was unsure of her reactions. He was certain that she would be 
angered by what he was saying and yet she seemed happy. 
"I have met Ulan, and I do not approve of him."

"Legolas, I appreciate your concern, but I like Ulan," Tialise 
said, smiling brightly. "He is kind, wise and handsome."

"Ulan is handsome," Legolas agreed, "but his kindness and his 
wisdom are questionable. I am sorry, Tialise, but you do not 
have my permission to see him tonight."

"I do not need your permission, Legolas," Tialise stated, 
pretending that she was trying to stay calm. "I am fully-grown, 
and I may spend time with whomever I choose."

"Aye," Legolas said simply, "but your judgment has been 
impaired by Ulan's lies and thus, I must make your decision for 
you."

"Legolas," Tialise said in mock anger, "you cannot tell me what 
to do!"

"I just did," Legolas replied coolly. "You will not see him. My 
decision is final."

"I shall see Ulan tonight and you cannot stop me." Tialise spun 
around indignantly and left the bedchamber.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Later that evening, Tialise and Ulan had already finished their 
dinner and were taking a walk through the gardens of 
Rivendell. Legolas followed them from the trees above. The 
prince was fully armed, just in case he needed to assault 
Ulan. The couple was so entranced with one another that 
they did not sense Legolas' presence above.

"'Tis a beautiful night, is it not, Ulan?" Tialise asked shyly.

"The night is a mirror of you, Milady," Ulan said.

Legolas thought that he would be sick.

"Oh, Ulan," Tialise said, blushing, "you are so kind."

"It is easy to be kind to you, Lady Tialise," Ulan remarked 
cordially. "I believe that your good nature has inspired me."

"Ulan," Tialise protested girlishly, "you are jesting with me."

"Nay Milady," Ulan said poetically, "I could never jest with a 
female such as you. One whose eyes are like the stars and 
face is like the moon. You are as radiant as the everlasting 
sky, Tialise."

"Oh, Ulan," Tialise said, enchanted.

The couple stopped by a large tree and stared at one 
another longingly. Legolas positioned himself right above the 
elves, ready to strike if necessary.

"Milady?" Ulan asked sweetly.

"Yes, Ulan?" Tialise asked dotingly.

"May I kiss you this night?" Ulan asked, pretending to be shy.

"Well. . . " Tialise remarked slowly, "alright."

Legolas shook his head in dismay. He decided that he no 
longer disliked Ulan. He hated him.

Ulan leaned forward and kissed Tialise gently.

Tialise fumbled about a bit awkwardly, and Legolas could tell 
that she had never been kissed before. *She is **so** 
innocent.*

Ulan's kiss deepened and Tialise moaned softly.

Legolas could feel his stomach lurch. Listening to Tialise 
enjoying being kissed was disgusting, as the prince loathed 
Ulan and regarded Tialise as a younger sister.

"Ulan!" Tialise exclaimed in shock when the male placed one 
of his hands on her hip.

"Do not fight it, Tialise," Ulan said coercively, "I shall pleasure 
you beyond belief this night, if you will have me."

"Remove your hand this instant!" Tialise demanded, shoving 
Ulan roughly.

"Milady, I mean no disrespect," Ulan stated, grabbing Tialise's 
arm a bit roughly, "I only wanted to get to know you a bit 
better. I am completely enchanted by you."

"I wish to return to my home," Tialise said flatly, shaking loose 
from Ulan's grasp.

"But Tialise," Ulan protested.

"Now!" Tialise demanded curtly and turned to leave.

"Tialise," Ulan said in exasperation, grabbing for the female 
once again.

Legolas acted quickly and jumped out of the tree. With 
grace, he landed softly on the ground behind Ulan.

"Ulan!" the prince shouted, causing him to jump with fright.

Ulan turned around and looked at Legolas, smiling.

Tialise also turned around to look at the prince.

"'Tis little Legolas!" Ulan said brightly. "Flower pruning is proving 
to be a difficult task. . . if you know what I mean," he said, 
trying to speak in code.

"I know exactly what you mean," Legolas said icily. "That is 
why I'm here in fact. I wish to pluck your petals, Ulan."

"Legolas, you will not regret your decision," Ulan said, 
forgetting completely about Tialise's presence. "I shall allow 
you to sample my fruit this night. . . the fruit of Lothlorien." He 
leaned forward to kiss Legolas.

Tialise's mouth fell open in shock.

Legolas took a step back and smiled mischievously, "Nay, 
Ulan. I wish for you to taste of my fruit. . . the fruit of Mirkwood. 
. . the fruit of elven steel!" He unsheathed one of his knives 
and held it out in front of himself.

"You are a feisty one, little Leggy," Ulan said in admiration.

"To be sure," Legolas said scathingly. "The next thing you will 
see are my little leggys chasing you out of Rivendell!"

"Uh. . . " Ulan said nervously, realizing that Legolas was not 
inviting him to bed.

"Where shall I start to pluck?" Legolas asked, eyeing Ulan 
dangerously.

"Prince Legolas," Ulan said quickly, making sure to call Legolas 
by his title. "I was only jesting."

"You shall admit your malice to Tialise at once," Legolas stated 
flatly, "or I shall prune you like a flower. I will pretend that your 
body is the stem and your arms and head are the petals!" He 
flashed his knife menacingly at Ulan and lunged forward to 
frighten him.

"Alright, alright," Ulan said quickly. "Tialise, I wanted to court 
you in a kindly manner, but your beauty enchanted my 
senses."

"Ulan," Legolas threatened.

"I wanted to bed you, alright? You are a silly, little she-elf and I 
thought that I would instruct you in the ways of pleasure!" 
Ulan shouted.

Tialise looked at Legolas in dismay. She looked down at the 
ground silently, and Legolas became enraged.

The prince was tired of being used and didn't want Tialise to 
feel the way that he had when Elladan left. *I shall use Ulan as 
practice for my rage. If Elladan returns while I am still in 
Rivendell, I will be ready for him!*

"Ulan," Legolas said calmly. "I shall count to ten. In that time, I 
suggest that you use your little leggys to run away from me. I 
have yet to show you what being warrior-like is all about. If I 
catch you, I will have no choice but to demonstrate it to you."

"But. . . " Ulan protested.

"One," Legolas began to count.

"But why do you. . . " Ulan tried to ask.

"Two," Legolas continued.

"Why do you care what I do with Tialise?" Ulan managed to 
ask.

"Because I care for her," Legolas stated frankly. "Ten!" He 
unsheathed his other knife and smiled evilly.

"Ahhhhhhhh!" Ulan screamed like a female as he began to 
run.

Legolas chased Ulan laughing hysterically, asking the fleeing 
elf what kind of flower he was.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas went to Tialise's home and knocked on the door.

"Come in," Tialise said politely.

Legolas entered and was not surprised to see Arwen and 
Ellaria there.

"Are you alright?" Legolas asked Tialise gently.

"I am fine," Tialise said quietly.

"Legolas," Arwen said slowly, "Tialise has something to say to 
you."

Legolas looked at the maiden carefully and sat down beside 
of her. "What is it, Tialise?"

"I did not like Ulan," Tialise said softly. "I only wanted to court 
him so that you may grow to like me."

"What?" Legolas asked in incredulity.

"I thought that if I could. . . if I could make you see me as 
more than a young, little she-elf, then you would realize that I 
am fully-grown. . . and that I. . . care very much for you."

"Oh, Tialise," Legolas said in exasperation. "You know how I 
feel about you. I do not think that you are just a little she-elf. 
You are very intelligent and. . . very foolish. Please do not do 
anything like that again. You could have put yourself in 
danger."

"Do you think that Ulan would have. . . would have forced 
himself on me?" Tialise asked as her eyes widened.

"I do not think that he would have harmed you," Legolas said, 
sitting beside Tialise and putting his arm around her 
affectionately. "I do believe, however, that Ulan does not 
care about you, and that he is selfish, self centered and 
spiteful. But you know how to fight. I taught you myself. You 
could have defended yourself."

"I know," Tialise said, grinning, "but I wanted you to come and 
rescue me."

"Tialise," Legolas said in frustration, shaking his head.

"So, where is Ulan? You did not. . . kill him did you?" Tialise 
asked, concerned.

"Nay," Legolas said, smiling deviously. "I only chased him for a 
little while."

"You chased him?" Arwen asked in shock. "How far did you 
chase Ulan?"

"Only about a league," Legolas said, grinning mischievously. "It 
was great fun."

"I am sorry for the trouble that I've caused," Tialise said quietly. 
"Zera will be quite cross when she returns."

"I accept your apology," Legolas said gently. "And I hope that 
you will accept mine."

"Why should you apologize?" Tialise asked, confused.

"I ordered you around earlier, and I am sorry for that. I should 
not have told you what to do. It shan't happen again," 
Legolas stated.

"I should have listened to you, though. I am sorry that I did not 
heed your words," Tialise said softly.

"The trouble with you, Tialise," Legolas looking at her and 
smiling, "is that you and I are just alike. We are both stubborn."

"'Tis true," Tialise said, smiling.

"Aye, it is," Arwen and Ellaria agreed in unison.

All four elves burst into laughter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Later that evening, Legolas entered the manor. Even though 
he liked Tialise, the prince couldn't wait until Zera returned so 
he no longer had to watch over her. He yawned and walked 
toward the stairway that led up to the second floor of the 
manor and his bedchamber.

"Legolas?"

The prince turned around slowly and met Elladan's gaze.


---


Chapter 17: Return



Legolas held Elladan's gaze for a moment and then shook his 
head in annoyance. "When did you arrive?"

"This morn," Elladan replied slowly. "Elrohir and I journeyed with 
some elves from Lothlorien. They had some affairs to take 
care of here."

"You arrived this morn?" Legolas asked in disbelief.

"Aye," Elladan said hesitantly.

The prince sighed heavily and walked away, disgusted.

Elladan watched sadly as Legolas slowly walked up the stairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning Elladan rushed down to the morning meal. 
He was hoping that he could speak with Legolas. The prince 
never came though, and Elladan felt his heart ache with 
each passing minute.

Elrond, Arwen and Elrohir shared concerned looks across the 
table, but no one said a word. They knew that reconciliation 
between the lovers would not be easy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas sat in his bedchamber, trying to decide where to go 
and what to do. Finally making up his mind, the prince 
sneaked out of his room, down the stairs and out of the 
manor. He knew that Elrond and the others were at the 
morning meal. So, he was confident that he could escape 
unhindered.

Once the prince was outside, he began to walk quickly 
towards the stable. He wanted some time alone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Where are you going?" Elrohir asked Elladan, grabbing his 
shoulder a bit forcefully.

"I. . ." Elladan began slowly. "I need to see him. I need to 
explain."

"Elladan," Elrohir said gently, "give Legolas some time to think. 
He may need to adjust to your arrival. After all, you said that 
he seemed very upset last night."

"I know," Elladan remarked quietly. "But I have to see him. I 
have to."

Elrohir shook his head in disagreement as Elladan headed 
toward the prince's bedchamber.

Elladan searched the manor, but the prince could not be 
found. Becoming more determined than ever, he decided to 
go and look in the stable.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas entered the manor, making sure to look around 
carefully. Sighing with relief that there was no sign of Elladan, 
the prince headed toward Elrond's study.

"Legolas?" Elladan said, approaching the prince.

Legolas stopped abruptly and gave Elladan an irritated look. 
"What?" he asked coldly, avoiding Elladan's eyes.

"I was wondering. . . wondering if we could. . . if we could 
talk?"

"Talk?" Legolas spat. "Talk about what?"

"About us," Elladan replied gently. "About our relationship."

"Relationship?" Legolas asked, shaking his head in disgust. "We 
have no relationship, Elladan."

"I know that you are angry," Elladan said, sighing heavily. "But I 
just wanted to explain. . ."

"You wish to explain?" Legolas asked, interrupting Elladan. 
"And what would you say? Would you tell me that you are 
sorry? Would you ask for my forgiveness?"

"Legolas, please. . ." Elladan said with a hint of pleading in his 
voice.

"I do not wish to hear anything that you have to say," Legolas 
said angrily. "Do you know what I had to go through when 
you left? You knew of my condition. You knew how much I 
had suffered and yet, you still left me. Now, you suddenly 
reappear and you want to talk?"

"Legolas. . ." Elladan said, looking at the floor.

"I shan't listen to you!" Legolas hissed. "It is my turn to talk, and 
your turn to listen."

Elladan continued to look down at the floor.

"I came here to find solace. And I found it when I met you. . . I 
found comfort in your arms. You knew how serious my 
condition was and yet you left me here to die."

"I didn't. . . " Elladan tried to explain.

"Yes you did!" Legolas yelled. "We spent nearly every waking 
moment together. . . and yet, you felt the need to steal from 
me. . . to lie. You used me."

"Legolas," Elladan said, "you don't understand."

"I do not care to understand you," Legolas said flatly. "I do not 
care to ever see you again."

"Please don't say that," Elladan said pitifully. "I only want to talk 
to you. . to explain. . . that is all I ask."

"I do not care about what you want," Legolas stated furiously. 
"I do not want to hear your excuses. As far as I am 
concerned, you are a liar and a thief. What else have you 
hidden from me? If you stole my letter and my parcel, then 
perhaps you have taken more from me."

"I shouldn't have read the letter. . ."

"How noble of you to admit your error after your deceit has 
been discovered," Legolas said sarcastically.

"Please, I. . ." Elladan began.

"Hold your tongue, Elladan, for I shan't listen to anything that 
you have to say. You can go and stay in Lothlorien for 
eternity. . . I care not," Legolas said icily. "I do not need you 
any longer. You have been replaced. Just like I have no use 
for an old bow, I have no use for you. I require your services 
no longer."

Elladan inhaled and exhaled emotionally. He felt as though 
he had been struck across the face.

"I have gotten much better without your aid," Legolas 
continued coolly. "And thus, you are a hindrance to me 
rather than a help. If you'd like to service me, perhaps you 
could begin by washing the dirt from Yon's hooves. You 
shouldn't mind, I'm sure," he sneered. "After all, it would seem 
that you and the filth on the ground are similar."

"Ai," Elladan said softly. The sting of Legolas' words bit deeply 
into the dark-haired warrior's heart.

"You are dismissed," Legolas said simply. "Perhaps you should 
go and find Ulan. I'm sure that the two of you had plenty of 
time to talk during your journey here. I believe that you have 
much in common. You will make a lovely pair. And because 
you are both selfish liars, I'm sure that a courtship between the 
two of you would be everlasting."

"That is cruel," Elladan said, meeting Legolas gaze.

Legolas could see the effect that his words were having on 
Elladan as he stared at the prince mournfully. Although a part 
of him felt badly about the cruelty of his words, the other part 
of him wanted to see Elladan suffer. "**I** am cruel? Indeed? 
Well, I have spent most of my time here with you, have I not?" 
Legolas asked coldly. "I have learned from the best."

Elladan closed his eyes and reopened them slowly. He 
couldn't believe what Legolas was saying.

"I only have one other thing to say to you," Legolas said 
sharply. "Perhaps, you will recognize the phrase as it is one 
you used so eloquently with me. I have to go." The prince 
brushed past Elladan and walked up the stairs abruptly.

Elladan stood in the center of the room staring after the 
prince in incredulity. He knew that Legolas would be angry, 
but he had never anticipated the extent of the damage that 
he had done to their relationship.

"Elladan?" Elrohir said as he emerged from the parlor and 
walked over to his twin. "You look dreadful. What has 
happened?

Elladan looked at Elrohir in disbelief. "Legolas hates me," he 
replied sadly.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas stormed outside, muttering under his breath. Walking 
to the south garden, the prince's anger seemed to blind him. 
Without warning, he ran into something and fell backwards.

"Ai!" Arwen exclaimed as she fell to the ground.

"Arwen!" Legolas said, getting to his feet quickly and assisting 
the fair maiden. "I am very sorry. I did not see you. Are you 
alright?"

"Aye," Arwen said as the prince helped her to stand. "You look 
upset. . .are you well?"

"I. . . I," Legolas stammered. "Aye, I am fine."

"You spoke to Elladan, didn't you?" Arwen asked slowly.

"Aye," Legolas replied, sighing.

Arwen wrapped one of her arms around the prince's waist 
gently. "I see."

Legolas felt some of his burden lessen in the company of 
Arwen. He pulled her into a tender embrace and rested his 
chin on top of her head. "We fought."

"I know," Arwen said softly. "I can see it in your eyes. You are 
hurting."

"Aye," Legolas remarked. The prince thought about their 
argument for a moment. *And so is he.*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

That night, Legolas did not go to the evening meal. Still trying 
to avoid Elladan, the prince decided to take a walk. He 
wandered to the northern garden for a change and sat 
down on the soft grass. Looking up at the sky, he enjoyed the 
warm breeze on his face.

"Good evening."

Legolas looked around quickly and forced a smile when his 
eyes rested on Mander. "Hello."

Mander approached the prince and stared at him carefully. 
"'Tis good to see you once again, Prince Legolas. How are 
you?"

"I am well," Legolas lied, trying to smile brightly. "And how are 
you?"

"I am doing much better than you, it would seem," Mander 
remarked, eyeing Legolas skeptically. "Your smile and your 
eyes are not in agreement."

Legolas exhaled loudly and looked at the sky again. "I just 
need some time alone."

"Ah," Mander said, nodding. "I will leave you then. Farewell."

"Nay. . . nay," Legolas said, standing up abruptly. "I didn't 
mean for you to leave. In fact, I would welcome your 
company. When I met you before, you said that you would 
like to become better acquainted with me. Perhaps, we 
could spend some time together now."

"Alright," Mander said, smiling warmly. "I just got off duty and 
was going to get something to eat. Would you like to join 
me?"

"Aye," Legolas replied, smiling sincerely.

"Let us away then," Mander said, patting the prince on the 
back.

Legolas walked away with Mander without looking back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When Elladan awakened the next morn, he bathed and got 
dressed quickly. He rushed to the prince's bedchamber, 
hoping that he could talk to him before Legolas could 
escape. Upon entering the room, Elladan felt his heart skip a 
beat. The bedchamber was empty and it was apparent that 
Legolas had not slept in his bed. Immediately, Elladan 
became concerned. Choosing to forgo the morning meal, he 
decided to go and search for the prince. He silently prayed 
to the Valar that nothing had happened to his beloved.

Quickly, Elladan hurried down the stairs and out of the manor. 
But before he could get very far, he heard laughter. Hiding 
behind a large tree, he listened carefully.

"I shan't let that happen again." Mander said comically. 
"Those beasts should fear me!"

Elladan peeked around the tree and stared openmouthed at 
Mander and Legolas as they approached the manor.

The prince placed his hand on Mander's shoulder and 
howled with laughter. "That they should. But perhaps you 
should try not to fall off of your steed in the future."

"I was just a child!" Mander protested, grinning happily.

"You were not," Legolas remarked playfully. "You were older 
than I am now. I hardly consider that to be a child. Save your 
excuses for the orcs. After your blunder, they may listen to 
you!" He began to laugh so hard that he clutched his 
stomach.

Mander chuckled and looked into the prince's eyes. "I 
enjoyed spending the night with you. Perhaps. . . if you want 
to. . . you could. . ."

"Stay with you tonight?" Legolas asked anxiously.

"Aye," Mander replied, smiling. "If you agree, I have a surprise 
for you."

Elladan felt his face flush with anger as he dug his nails into 
the tree.

"I will arrive at your home at dusk," Legolas said excitedly. "I 
have a surprise for you, too. And I assure you that mine is 
much better."

"We shall see," Mander sneered playfully.

"'Til dusk then," Legolas said, nodding.

"'Til dusk," Mander said, smiling.

Elladan watched as they parted and felt his heart nearly split 
in two. *I really have been replaced.*

---


Chapter 18: Confrontation



Elladan watched in disbelief as Legolas and Mander parted. 
He stared in dismay as the prince entered the manor. Elladan 
couldn't help but feel as though he had been stabbed in the 
chest. Trying to decide what course of action to take next, he 
walked slowly to the south garden alone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"What have you done to yourself?" Legolas asked gently, 
inspecting Revin's wounded arm carefully.

"I fell out of a tree," Revin replied, blushing furiously.

"You fell out of a tree?" Legolas asked, eyeing the young, 
male elf skeptically.

"Aye," Revin replied, nodding vigorously.

Legolas smiled and nodded his head, pretending to accept 
Revin's story. But Elrond had told the prince that Revin desired 
to be a great warrior and would often take his father's sword, 
sneak off and practice unsupervised. He had injured himself 
on numerous occasions. No matter how much he was 
scolded for doing this, Revin would never listen.

Legolas prepared a salve for the wound and then dipped a 
piece of cloth into a small bowl. Gently, he began to clean 
Revin's injury.

"Ai," Revin whimpered, flinching as the prince continued to 
treat the wound.

"I am sorry Revin," Legolas said gently. "This ointment stings a 
little, I'm afraid. However, in just a few moments it will feel 
much better."

Revin nodded slowly even though his eyes were tightly shut.

Legolas couldn't help but smile. It had been many years since 
he had come in contact with an elf as young as Revin. His 
princely duties kept him so occupied that he did not usually 
have time to speak with elves who were not yet fully grown.

"Revin?" Legolas asked curiously. "May I ask you a question?"

"Aye," Revin replied, never opening his eyes.

"How old are you?" Legolas asked, placing the cloth onto a 
nearby table and picking up another one and dipping it into 
a small bowl of water.

"I am nearly ten years of age," Revin said, opening up his eyes 
when Legolas applied the cool water to the wound.

"Ai, you are young," Legolas said, grinning.

Revin pouted and glared at Legolas in annoyance.

Legolas felt his smile widen. Revin looked so much like 
Elladan. He had the same grey eyes and dark hair and the 
same stubborn demeanor. For a moment, Legolas began to 
think about their argument and he felt guilty for hurting 
Elladan's feelings.

"I will be ten years of age on the date of my conception," 
Revin explained. "So you see that I am not **that** young."

"You are right," Legolas said apologetically. "I am very sorry for 
the mistake." He began to wrap Revin's cut arm with a long, 
thin strip of cloth. "Methinks that it would be prudent for you to 
stay out of trees for awhile."

"Aye," Revin said, nodding.

"Here are some additional cloths for you. Tell your parents that 
the wound needs to be rewrapped at midday and again this 
evening. That way, it will stay clean and free from infection. 
By tomorrow morn, the wound should have almost 
completely healed. Thus, you can take the bandage off. I 
shall come and see how you are doing this evening."

"Alright," Revin said, turning to leave.

"Revin?" Legolas called.

"Aye," Revin replied, looking back at the prince.

"Your father will wonder where his sword is if you do not hurry 
home and put it away," Legolas said firmly. "Lord Elrond has 
spoken to me of your folly and has asked you not to use your 
father's weapon without his permission."

Revin stared at Legolas, openmouthed.

"If you promise that you will not take it again, when I journey 
to your home tonight, I shall ask your parents if I can teach 
you some very basic techniques."

"You will?" Revin asked excitedly.

"Aye," Legolas said, smiling gently.

"I give you my word," Revin said, running over and embracing 
the prince around the waist tightly. "Thank you."

"You are welcome," Legolas said, as Revin let go of him and 
raced out of the study.

Legolas washed his hands in a large bowl of clean water and 
dried them with a cloth. Smiling to himself, he decided that 
he truly enjoyed healing the injured and wondered what it 
was like to heal an elf that had been seriously hurt. He 
wondered what it had been like when Celebrian was brought 
home.

"Father?" Elladan said as he entered the study.

Legolas turned around and gave Elladan an annoyed look. 
"He is not here."

"Oh," Elladan said quietly. "Do you know where I may find 
him?"

"He is meeting with some of the elves from Lothlorien," Legolas 
said, ignoring Elladan and beginning to busy himself around 
the study.

"Perhaps I should wait here for him," Elladan said, hoping to 
engage the prince in conversation.

"That is not necessary," Legolas said coolly. "I will tell him that 
you were here."

"Are you learning to be a healer?" Elladan asked curiously. He 
was trying to change the subject, so that he could spend 
some time with the prince.

"'Tis none of your concern," Legolas replied icily. "Now, if you 
will excuse me, I have much to do here."

"Legolas?" Elladan began. "I know that you are angry with 
me. I know that I have made some mistakes, but. . ."

"Elladan," Legolas warned, "I do not wish to speak to you 
about this. I do not wish to speak to you at all."

"Please, just let me explain," Elladan pleaded.

"Nay!" Legolas snapped, becoming angry. "I want you to 
leave at once!"

"Why won't you just speak with me?" Elladan asked sadly. "I 
know that I deserve your wrath and thus, you do not have to 
act like a victim. . ."

"What?" Legolas spat angrily, interrupting Elladan. "The only 
victim in this room will be you in just a moment, if you do not 
leave at once!"

"I shan't leave until you speak to me," Elladan said in 
desperation. "Please, Legolas. . ."

"Alright then," Legolas hissed, glaring at Elladan. "What aspect 
of your deceit do you want to explain to me? Ah! Perhaps, 
you can justify the reason you stole from me. Not only did you 
pilfer my letter and parcel, but you stole my heart as well."

"Your heart, eh?" Elladan asked, slowly. "Well, it would seem 
that whatever I took from you has been returned. You now 
have the belongings that I hid from you. And your heart has 
been given to Mander. Clearly, I am not a very good thief if 
everything that you lost was returned so quickly."

"You are an expert thief and a spy, too, it would seem," 
Legolas said derisively. "And my relationship with Mander is 
none of your concern!"

"I. . . I want you to be happy," Elladan said, looking in the 
prince's angry blue eyes.

"Indeed?" Legolas asked coldly. "Tell me, is that what you 
would have said to my father if I had died because of your 
departure?"

"I doubt if the **great** Thranduil would have cared what I 
said," Elladan snapped hotly. "I am only a Rivendell elf. We 
are only good for bedding and cooking. Perhaps, the 
magnanimous king would come here for a reprieve from his 
daily royal woes and indulge in the hospitality of Rivendell. I 
know of a few ignoble elves that would be pleased to satisfy 
him in **every** way. Of course, all elves from this realm are 
vile creatures. . . so I guess the darling king can choose any 
elf that suits his fancy."

"How dare you speak about my father that way!" Legolas 
shouted. "Are you calling my father a whore?"

"I am simply saying that I do not care for the king or anything 
that he has to say about Rivendell or the inhabitants here," 
Elladan said frankly.

"Well, that explains why you would treat me so badly," 
Legolas retorted. "If you do not like my father, then you must 
not like me. We are very much alike, the **great** Thranduil 
and I."

"Indeed?" Elladan asked crossly. "Then I have underestimated 
you, Prince. While my guise did not fool you, you certainly 
tricked me. I thought that you were noble and brave, not a 
coward like the king."

Legolas' face turned bright red. He placed his hand 
underneath the edge of a nearby table and overturned it. 
The table and all of the contents upon it crashed and fell to 
the floor.

Legolas gave Elladan a threatening stare and began to 
approach him predatorily. "This is the second time that you 
have mocked my father this day!" he shouted. "But I assure 
you, it shall be the last time that you speak ill of him or anyone 
else."

"I am not afraid of you, Legolas," Elladan said indignantly.

Legolas stopped abruptly. "Indeed?" he asked threateningly. 
"Well, your fearlessness will change when I cut your tongue 
out!" He lunged toward Elladan abruptly. "Do you fear me 
now?"

Elladan moved out of the way just in time. "I stand by my 
word. I do not fear you. You are not the only warrior in this 
chamber. I assure you that cutting my tongue out will not be 
easy. But if you are somehow able to slay me this day, 
perhaps, you should take my heart instead of my tongue to 
your father. I'm sure he could display it along with all of the 
other hearts that he's stolen."

"You would mock him thrice?" Legolas yelled, enraged. "You 
will pay for your lip, Elladan!"

"I care not," Elladan said sadly. "I have already lost everything. 
. . my mother and my dearest love. Losing my life no longer 
matters to me, for I shall die the day you leave for Mirkwood."

"What?" Legolas shouted, looking at Elladan, confused.

Elrond and Elrohir entered the study and looked carefully at 
Legolas, Elladan and the disarray in the study.

"Elrond, you'd better get your treacherous spawn away from 
me, or your ability to heal will be tested this day. I wonder 
how difficult it would be to reattach someone's arms? In a 
moment, we shall see!"

"Legolas," Elrond said commandingly, "calm yourself at once."

Legolas frowned and crossed his arms over his chest defiantly.

"Please allow me to speak to my son alone," Elrond 
continued, looking at the prince firmly.

"Very well," Legolas said, casting Elladan an angry glance.

Elrohir looked at the prince with determination and followed 
behind him silently as he left the room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Legolas, may I have a word with you?" Elrohir asked the 
moment that they were away from the study.

"Aye," Legolas said, turning around to face Elrohir. "What is it?"

"I want to speak to you about Elladan," Elrohir began. "It is not 
right for you to be so cruel to him. He is suffering, too."

Legolas set his jaw and looked at Elrohir in exasperation. "Our 
conflict is none of your concern."

"Yes it is," Elrohir protested. "Elladan is my twin brother and I 
love him. I want him to be happy."

"Aye," Legolas said, smiling faintly. "But your loyalty is to your 
brother, not to me. What about what I want? Have you even 
considered that I am hurting, too?"

"I. . . I. . ." Elrohir stammered.

"I have no doubt that Elladan tells you everything," Legolas 
continued. "And thus, you may have known about his deceit 
for a very long time. I do not hold you accountable though, 
as the majority of the treachery was done by Elladan himself."

"Legolas. . ." Elrohir began.

"Nay, Elrohir," the prince said, interrupting Elrohir. "You are a 
good brother. You would stand by Elladan through anything. . 
. whether he is right or wrong. I admire your loyalty. But you 
must understand that loyalty to Elladan usurps your concern 
for me. I know that you are twins, but you do not have to 
make the same mistakes. Do not cross me, Elrohir."

Elrohir watched in defeat as Legolas stalked off down the 
long dark corridor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Elladan," Elrond said sternly, "you will not bring the prince to 
wrath, do you understand?"

"Ai, slow down Father," Elladan said, raising his hands in 
protest. "I did no such thing. Remember, the prince tried to kill 
**me**."

"If the two of you come to blows, I will hold you responsible. 
Despite what happened between you, Legolas is a guest 
here," Elrond stated firmly.

"He threatened to rip my arms off!" Elladan exclaimed in 
shock. "And he told me that he was going to cut my tongue 
out!" He crossed his arms and began to caress them 
affectionately.

"Elladan. . . " Elrond began.

"I am quite fond of my arms, Father," Elladan said flatly. "I like 
my tongue, too."

"Elladan. . . " Elrond tried to speak once again.

"What would our kindred think if you told them that vile 
creature without any arms and no tongue was your son?" 
Elladan asked, looking at Elrond with wide eyes. "However 
would I fight or even speak to you, or anyone? What if I came 
upon some noble elves while on a great journey?  What 
would I say to them? Nothing. . . because I would not be able 
to speak! And how would I sit comfortably upon my steed? 
Have you even considered that, Father? I suppose you could 
get some rope and tie me to my horse. That way I could still 
serve Rivendell. I couldn't guide my steed very well, but at 
least I could stay on it! I would not be a he. I would be an it. 
My name would be changed from Elladan to Itadan. Perhaps 
I could remain on the border patrol and frighten away the 
orcs with my appearance. Ha! Tell the prince to come at me 
again! Even without arms I still have my legs. I will. . . I will kick 
him, Father."

"Elladan would you be serious for a moment?" Elrond asked in 
annoyance. "You will not distract me or successfully change 
the subject by jesting this day. You need to calm yourself."

"I am completely serious, Father," Elladan said innocently. "The 
next time someone threatens to. . . de-tongue and. . . be-
arm. . . un-arm you, I surely won't think that you are jesting."

Elrond gave Elladan a reprimanding look and Elladan sighed 
in defeat. "Legolas is confused, angry and hurt."

"I know," Elladan admitted.

"When you left his condition worsened and he blames you for 
that," Elrond explained gently. "Remember, I told you not to 
leave, but you did not listen. You will have to face the 
consequences of your actions. You will not be able to jest 
your way into his heart."

"I know," Elladan said sadly. "But. . . I love him and I know not 
what to do."

"What do you want to do?" Elrond asked.

"I want to talk to him. I want to explain. . . everything. I want to 
tell him the reason for my deceit. . . my treachery."

"Treachery?" Elrond asked in alarm. "Have you been dishonest 
with the prince?"

"Aye," Elladan said, nodding. "The day that I gave you the 
letter from King Thranduil, Legolas also received a letter and a 
parcel. I. . . I hid them from him."

"What?" Elrond asked in disbelief. "Why would you do such a 
thing?"

"I. . . I. . . " Elladan began.

"Elladan," Elrond said gravely, "you should not have done 
that."

"I know," Elladan said, looking down at the floor. "But I just had 
to know. . . I. . ."

"It is none of my concern," Elrond said abruptly. "I do not want 
you to anger the prince further by sharing any of his private 
information with me. This quarrel is between you and Legolas 
and I do not want to be a part of it."

"I love him, Father," Elladan said softly. "I love him. Please, tell 
me what to do."

"The prince may never forgive you, Elladan," Elrond said 
gently, placing his hand on his son's shoulder. "However, if I 
were in your position, I would fight for him. Do not corner or 
confront him, because Legolas will lash out at you. Perhaps, 
you can find a creative way to convince him to talk to you. 
Maybe, in time, he will understand your reasoning."

Elladan pondered his father's words and then smiled brightly. 
"I have an idea."

---



Chapter 19: Revelations



Over the next few days, Legolas kept his distance from 
Elladan. He busied himself by continuing to spend time with 
Mander and his female friends, assisting Elrond in the healing 
ways and teaching Revin the proper way to wield a sword. 
Even though the prince had very long and busy days, 
something was missing.

Legolas saw Elladan from afar and felt his heart begin to beat 
with excitement. Even though the prince was still furious with 
Elladan, he longed for the companionship that only Elladan 
could provide. Wishing that he hadn't been so quick to 
dismiss his former lover, Legolas wondered what Elladan 
would have said. Pushing the thoughts of the handsome, 
dark-haired warrior aside, the prince tried to absorb himself in 
his daily tasks. He hoped that they could somehow replace 
the emptiness he felt inside.

To keep himself occupied, Elladan, along with Elrohir, took up 
his duties once again on the border patrol. He only worked 
during the morning hours though, hoping that the prince 
would eventually give him the opportunity to explain 
everything that had happened. In the meantime, he held his 
father's words close to his heart. *Fight for him. Find a creative 
way to convince him to talk to you.*

After a few days had passed and Legolas was still avoiding 
him, Elladan decided to take matters into his own hands.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Legolas!" Tialise exclaimed as she entered Lord Elrond's study. 
"Come quickly! Your skill is needed."

"What has happened?" Legolas asked with concern.

"Someone has gotten hurt! You must come right away!" Tialise 
yelled.

"Perhaps I should call upon Elrond," Legolas said hesitantly. 
"His skill greatly outweighs mine."

"There is no time," Tialise protested. "You must come at once!"

"Very well," Legolas said. He gathered together a few supplies 
and placed them inside a small cloth bag. Hurriedly, he 
followed Tialise out of the manor and into the south garden.

"Over here," Tialise said, pointing to an empty bench.

"Where is the injured elf?" Legolas asked, looking around in 
confusion. The prince looked in Tialise's direction, but she was 
gone. Shaking his head in dismay, he started to leave.

"Legolas, thank the Valar that you are here," Elladan said, 
running over to where the prince was standing.

"Elladan?" Legolas said, looking at him skeptically. "What is the 
meaning of this?"

"'Tis Orcwen," Elladan replied hurriedly. "The creature is loose."

Legolas gave Elladan an annoyed look, sighed and began to 
walk away.

"Prince, it is true," Elladan said, chasing after Legolas. "It is why 
we asked you to come here. Elrohir and Zera have fallen 
victim to the beast. Tialise, Ellaria and I have managed to 
thwart its attack on us thus far, but it is unstoppable. Wait! 
Where is Tialise? Legolas, where has she gone?"

"I know not," Legolas replied, shrugging. "One moment she 
was here and then she was gone."

"The creature must have gotten her," Elladan remarked, 
nodding his head and stroking his chin. "Orcwen is more 
clever than I realized. Please, can you help us?"

"Elladan," Legolas said flatly, "I am not in the mood for your 
jests."

"Very well," Elladan said in mock sadness, "but the deaths of 
Zera, Tialise and Elrohir will be your fault. No matter how you 
feel about me, you could at least assist the female warrior, 
my twin brother and the infantile she-elf!"

"Elladan. . ." Legolas began, becoming irritated.

"They are dying, Prince!" Elladan exclaimed dramatically. 
"Come quickly! We haven't a moment more to spare!"

Legolas sighed and ran behind Elladan. The prince wondered 
what he was planning.

Suddenly, Elladan stopped.

Legolas gasped in horror when he saw Zera, Elrohir and Tialise 
lying on the ground covered with blood.

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" Ellaria screamed.

"Ellaria!" Elladan shouted, looking in the direction of the 
scream. "Legolas, please tend to Elrohir and the others. I will 
go and find Ellaria."

"But. . ." Legolas tried to protest, but Elladan was already 
running away. The prince exhaled noisily and knelt beside 
Elrohir as his injuries looked much worse than Zera's or Tialise's. 
Quickly, he tried to decide what to do. He began to examine 
Elrohir's chest and felt relieved when he discovered that the 
younger twin was alive.

Deciding to stop the bleeding, the prince got some fresh 
bandages from the small pack and began to try to 
determine where the blood was coming from. Legolas began 
to explore Elrohir's body carefully, trying to find the wound 
that was causing the blood to flow so freely. He began to 
search Elrohir's stomach and he heard a noise. He looked 
around curiously and continued to probe Elrohir's belly.

"Ai! That tickles!" Elrohir said, laughing and pushing the prince's 
hand away.

"Elrohir?" Legolas asked, concerned. "You are hurt. Please 
hold still while I examine you."

"Alright," Elrohir said, trying to hold still.

Legolas continued to examine Elrohir and wished that Elrond 
were near, as he could still not find the source of the blood. 
Sweat poured down the prince's face. He knew that Elrohir's 
life could rest in his hands. Nervously, Legolas wiped his brow 
and flinched when some of Elrohir's blood ran down his face. 
Looking at Elrohir in dismay, the prince began to smell his 
hands. Then, he licked one of his fingers. "This isn't blood. This is 
crushed berries!"

Elrohir sat up suddenly. "Legolas, wait. We just wanted. . . that 
is to say. . we only wanted. . ."

"To deceive me yet again!" The prince shouted, standing up 
abruptly. "Elrohir, I warned you not to cross me!"

Zera and Tialise sat up and looked at the prince in alarm.

Suddenly everyone's attention shifted to Elladan. He was 
running wildly, along with Ellaria. They were being chased by 
something.

Legolas stepped aside as Ellaria ran over to them. He looked 
carefully at the creature that was chasing Elladan. It was 
Arwen!

Her hair was sticking out all over her head and her clothing 
was tattered beyond recognition. She had broken chains 
around each ankle and she wore a rather unpleasant 
expression on her face. To complete her look, Arwen had her 
arms upraised and groaned loudly as she chased behind 
Elladan.

"Save yourselves!" Elladan shouted as he ran toward a nearby 
tree.

Legolas began to chuckle to himself; he couldn't help it. The 
sight of Elladan climbing up a rather flimsy tree, pretending to 
be afraid of Arwen, was quite amusing.

"Get back, Beast!" Elladan hissed as Arwen began to climb up 
the tree behind him.

Legolas watched in amazement as Elladan scaled the tree 
with ease and made his way to a narrow branch.

"Ha! You fiend!" Elladan exclaimed dramatically. "Just try to 
attack me now, evil Orcwen."

Arwen groaned and placed her foot on the base of the 
branch that Elladan was standing on.

Without warning the branch made a loud cracking noise.

Elladan looked at Arwen in shock. "Arwen," he said nervously, 
"please, step back. It seems that this limb cannot support the 
two of us."

Arwen removed her foot from the branch immediately, but it 
was too late. In one fell swoop, the limb and Elladan came 
crashing down.

Legolas felt his heart begin to pound in his chest, and without 
a moment's hesitation, he was at Elladan's side.

"Ai, my arm," Elladan groaned, grasping his left arm 
protectively.

"It is alright," Legolas said, kneeling beside him. "I am here."

Elrohir, Arwen, Ellaria, Zera and Tialise gathered around to 
make sure that Elladan was alright.

"May I see your arm?" Legolas asked gently.

"Aye," Elladan replied, hesitantly. The memory that the prince 
had threatened to rip his arms off was still fresh in his memory. 
Elladan winced as he held his arm out for inspection. He 
wasn't sure what hurt worse, the piercing pain that was 
shooting up his arm or his crushed ego.

Gently, Legolas began to probe Elladan's now swollen arm. 
Sighing heavily, he announced, "It is broken. I will bind it for 
you, so that the bone will be held in place. I would ask that 
you have your father look at this wound, though. I am only 
half the healer that Elrond is, and I would not want the bone 
to set improperly."

"Aye," Elladan said, nodding slowly.

Elrohir looked at Arwen, who looked at Ellaria, who smiled at 
Zera, who then nodded to Tialise. Without a word, they 
departed.

Legolas opened his sack and pulled out some very large 
bandages. Moving closer to Elladan the prince began to 
fashion a sling.

"You have learned a lot from my father, I see," Elladan said, 
watching the prince in awe. Even though he was in pain, he 
closed his eyes and tried to enjoy the way the prince's hands 
touched his arm.

"Your father is a wonderful teacher," Legolas said, glaring at 
Elladan. "However, he would be wise to teach you a thing or 
two about foolish jests. Just what exactly were you doing? 
What did you think that you would accomplish by falling out 
of that tree? Are you mad? That was very dangerous. You are 
lucky that I am only trying to mend your arm instead of your 
neck!"

"I didn't plan to fall from the tree," Elladan explained pitifully. "I 
only wanted to make you laugh. . . the way I used  to. I 
thought if you could laugh at one of my jests. . . then perhaps, 
you would speak to me."

"Oh, Elladan," Legolas remarked in exasperation.

Elladan cast his eyes downward.

Legolas stared at the forlorn look on Elladan's face and felt his 
heart long to comfort him. Smiling faintly, the prince began to 
chuckle softly to himself when he thought about how funny 
Arwen had looked with her hair sticking out all over her head.

Elladan looked at the prince curiously, but didn't speak.

"As always, I found your jest amusing," Legolas said, shrugging. 
"Arwen was simply hilarious. How did you ever convince her to 
do such a thing?"

"I can be very persuasive," Elladan said, smiling brightly.

Legolas gave him a disbelieving look.

"I have to learn to do needlepoint," Elladan said sheepishly.

Legolas began to laugh. "You would sew with Arwen just so 
you could speak to me?"

"Aye," Elladan said softly, "but my plan failed."

"No it hasn't," Legolas said simply. "You may have your say. I 
promise to hold my tongue until you are through."

"You do not have to. . ." Elladan said, stopping himself 
abruptly. "You do not have to talk to me if you do not want 
to." He winced as Legolas continued to gird his arm.

"I know," Legolas said, "but after all that you have been 
through this day, I will hear you. I want the answer to many 
questions anyway. But perhaps we should go somewhere 
alone."

"We are alone," Elladan said, looking around.

Legolas began to scan the area and realized that Elladan 
was telling the truth. "Where did they go?"

"I do not know," Elladan replied truthfully. "They were probably 
hoping that we could have some time alone."

"I see," Legolas remarked. "Well, we are alone. So, what do 
you wish to say to me?"

"That I love you more than I thought possible," Elladan blurted 
out.

Legolas stared at Elladan in shock.

"I knew from the moment I met you that my heart would 
never again be mine," Elladan began. "But with some 
encouragement from Elrohir and Arwen, I eventually gained 
the courage to tell you how I felt. . . in Gaidon. Do you 
remember?"

"I do," Legolas said, still staring at Elladan in shock.

"I know that you are above my station," Elladan said slowly. "I 
know that you are a prince and that you are the most 
beautiful elf that I have ever seen. Many elves desire your 
companionship. . . your love. I knew that you could never 
truly love me. So, I decided that any part of you, even a small 
part, would be better than none of you at all."

"Elladan?" Legolas said, shaking his head. He continued to 
bind Elladan's arm.

"When you kept trying to bed me. . . I knew that all I had to 
offer you was physical pleasure," Elladan continued, flinching 
suddenly.

"Come, let us away to see your father," Legolas said gently, 
completing his task of wrapping Elladan's arm. "He will be 
able to give you something for the pain."

"Nay," Elladan said abruptly, "I want to finish talking to you."

"I promised to listen to you, Elladan," Legolas said firmly. "But 
now you need the skill of a master healer."

"Please, let me have my say," Elladan said. "My arm can wait 
a bit longer."

Reluctantly, the prince nodded his head in agreement.

"I knew that you never wanted me, Legolas," Elladan said 
sadly. "I knew that you only wanted my body, not my soul. But 
I wanted to wait until you were better before partaking of 
intimacy with you. I also. . . I. . . I also knew that giving myself 
to you would inevitably seal my fate. But I wanted and 
needed you, and thus, I gave in to my desires."

"Elladan, what you are saying. . ." Legolas began.

"Nay, Prince," Elladan interrupted abruptly, "you promised to 
let me speak."

Legolas frowned and nodded.

"Sometimes, you were so secretive," Elladan said. "You 
wouldn't share the burdens of your heart with me. Thus, when 
the letter came from Mirkwood, I knew that in order to glean 
any information, I would have to resort to thievery."

Legolas sighed and shook his head again.

"Everything that the letter said. . . everything that I feared was 
confirmed," Elladan said emotionally.

"What was confirmed?" Legolas asked in disbelief.

"That you would leave me," Elladan said as his voice cracked 
with pent up emotion. "I always knew that you would leave. . . 
that you would not stay here, but I never thought that you 
would never come back. In the letter, your father instructed 
you to eat the extraordinary cuisine of Rivendell and to bed a 
comely elf while here. . . to help relax you. Then he said that 
he would never make you come here again, as he promised. 
He said that the elves of Rivendell aren't good for much, but 
they excel where cooking and bedding are concerned. He 
called us 'exotic' and said our 'dark charms' are alluring. He 
told you not to worry about breaking any hearts. . . that the 
inhabitants of Rivendell are much like their leader. . . 
heartless."

Legolas sighed and met Elladan's eyes.

"I knew that you didn't love me. . . that you didn't want me," 
Elladan said, barely able to utter the words. "But my heart 
nearly broke when you lied to me. . . when. . . when you said 
those words to me in the stable."

"When I told you that I love you?" Legolas asked.

"Aye," Elladan whispered. "I allowed you to use me for your 
pleasure. I wanted to comfort you. . . to pleasure you. I am to 
blame for everything. But to say those words to me. . . to try to 
make me believe that. . . that you loved me. . . that **you** 
loved me?"

"And why is that so hard to believe?" Legolas asked gently.

"Because I am not worthy of love," Elladan said, unable to 
hide the emotion in his voice. "The last thing my mother ever 
said to me was that she loved me. And. . . and. . . and then, 
she left. . . forever." Elladan looked down at the ground. He 
could feel the corners of his eyes stinging.

Legolas couldn't believe what he was hearing. Elladan had 
never spoken about Celebrían to him before.

"After what had happened to her. . . after she was tortured. . 
." Elladan wiped his right eye quickly as a tear escaped. "I 
stayed with her every day and every night. She was. . . in such 
a bad way, Legolas. What they did to her. . . to my mother." 
He began to sob softly. "Father, Arwen and Elrohir were there 
often, but it was I who never left her side. . . and then one 
day, she left mine."

Legolas was speechless. He didn't know what to do or say, 
but he now realized that Elladan had suffered as much as he.

"One night, I fell asleep by my mother's side. When I 
awakened, she was gone," Elladan clutched his heart as the 
tears streamed down his face.

"Elladan, please," Legolas said gently, moving to touch him.

"Your mother died. She left you because she was not given a 
choice." Elladan said, breathing heavily. "My mother 
abandoned me. She left me. .. and. . . and she will never 
return. I failed her and now I've failed you."

"Elladan," Legolas said, touching him on the shoulder, "that is 
not true."

"Yes it is," Elladan replied forlornly. "She said 'I love you,' and 
when I awakened she was gone. You said the same words to 
me, and now you will depart as well, never to return. I am not 
fit to love. It is not your fault nor Mother's. . . there is something 
wrong with me. Legolas, I know that you will never forgive me, 
and I do not fault you for that. We never had a formal 
arrangement. You do not owe me anything. I knew that you 
would. . . that you never could truly love me. I only wanted to 
make you happy. I didn't want to speak with you this day to 
try and convince you that I am worthy of your love. I just 
wanted you to know that I am happy that you are getting 
well. . . and. . . I wanted to explain. . . my idiocy. I hope that 
you and Mander are happy together. He is a noble elf and a 
fine warrior. Perhaps, he will prove to be more worthy of your 
love than I have."

Before Legolas could say another word, Elladan stood up and 
walked away. The prince stood there in silence for a moment, 
pondering Elladan's words, and began to walk slowly towards 
the manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Elladan didn't know where to go. The only thing he knew was 
that he wanted to go away. . . far away. He wanted to see 
his mother. Deciding not to go and see his father, Elladan 
headed toward the forest and began to wonder what the 
Grey Havens were like.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As Legolas approached the manor, he was startled when 
Tialise touched him on the shoulder, interrupting his thoughts.

"Tialise," Legolas said, looking at the young maiden carefully, 
"you startled me."

"I am sorry," Tialise said gently. "I only wanted to ask if you and 
Elladan were able to reunite?"

"I. . . I. . . I. . . don't know how to answer that question," Legolas 
replied, hesitantly. "Why do you wish to know?"

"Because Elladan's love for you is probably the strongest that I 
have ever seen. He longs for you. That is why I chose to help 
him lure you to the south garden. . . because his love for you 
is so deep. I also care for you and I want you to be happy."

The prince smiled and pulled Tialise into a tender embrace. 
"Thank you."

"Legolas?" Tialise asked, immensely enjoying the way the 
prince's taut body felt pressed against her own.

"Hmmm?" Legolas replied.

"If you and Elladan do not reconcile. . ."

"I know," Legolas said, smiling.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Elladan looked up at the sky as he headed back to the 
manor. The moon shone overhead, illuminating his path as he 
slowly approached his home. He had been deep in the forest 
all day. He hadn't eaten the afternoon or evening meals and 
didn't care if anyone had been concerned about his 
whereabouts. Elladan knew that he was going to get a fierce 
tongue lashing from his father for injuring himself, but none of 
that seemed to matter anymore, as he had decided to pass 
West when Legolas left Rivendell.

Stopping in front of the manor, he looked up at the large 
structure sadly. Reluctantly, he went inside. He walked into 
the entrance hall and towards the stairs, but stopped 
abruptly when he saw his father, Arwen and Elrohir sitting in 
chairs that had been placed near the stairs. He braced 
himself for his father's verbal attack when he saw the lord rise 
from his chair. He gasped in shock when Elrond wrapped his 
arms around him lovingly and kissed him on the forehead.

"Do you wish to kill me?" Elrond asked, still holding his son. "I 
have worried about you all day."

"I am sorry, Father," Elladan said sadly. "I just needed to be 
alone."

Elrond released his son and looked at him in the eyes. "If 
anything ever happened to you Elladan, methinks that my 
heart would not survive the day."

Elladan smiled. It was nice to be loved.

Arwen and Elrohir hugged him and told Elladan that they 
would go and get him something to eat.

"May I see your arm?" Elrond asked gently.

"Aye," Elladan said.

Elrond began to probe Elladan's arm gently and withdrew his 
fingers abruptly when Elladan flinched. "Legolas did very well. 
Your wound should be completely healed in a few days."

"You have taught him well," Elladan said.

"The prince is a quick and eager learner," Elrond remarked 
simply. "I only molded his interest into a skill."

Elladan nodded and looked at his father nervously. "I assume 
that Arwen and Elrohir told you about my jest?"

"Aye," Elrond replied.

"I behaved foolishly, and. . ." Elladan began.

"You did exactly what I told you to do," Elrond said, 
interrupting his eldest son. "You found a creative way to 
speak to the prince, and I am proud of you."

"Proud? Why?" Elladan asked in dismay.

"Because you fought for the one you love," Elrond said, 
smiling. "No matter what happened or happens as a result of 
your jest, you tried."

Elladan smiled and couldn't help but look at his father 
curiously. Even though he appreciated the lord's words, he 
sensed regret in his father's voice.

Arwen and Elrohir appeared with a platter full of food and a 
pitcher filled with apple cider.

"I shall go and get something for your pain, Elladan," Elrond 
said gently. "Why don't you go into the dining hall with your 
brother and sister and eat?"

Elladan looked at the sad look in his father's eyes. For the first 
time, he saw the loneliness within the ageless depths. "Nay, 
Father," he said. "Please, join us. I will come to your study after 
dinner, but for now, I wish to be with my family."

"Alright," Elrond said, smiling.

They walked to the dinning hall together, talking and 
laughing happily.

Elladan thought about the Grey Havens, but suddenly, going 
there didn't seem as important.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that evening, Elladan walked to his bedchamber. He 
wanted desperately to see Legolas, but decided against 
approaching him again. He knew that crying like a child and 
humiliating himself was definitely not the way to impress the 
prince. And anyway, he had been sincere when he told 
Legolas that he desired his happiness. He inhaled and 
exhaled loudly and stared at the prince's bedchamber door. 
He would never bother Legolas again.

Elladan opened the door to his room and walked inside. 
Looking around in amazement, he gasped when he saw 
dozens upon dozens of beautifully arranged flowers all over 
the bedchamber. Wondering who could have done such a 
thing, Elladan approached his bed. A large bouquet that was 
neatly tied with two maroon colored scarves sat on top of a 
little note. He lifted the bundle of flowers and inhaled their 
sweet scent before picking up the neatly sealed letter. 
Looking at the note carefully, he opened it and began to 
read.



Elladan,

I do not know where to begin, but I must see you tonight. 
Please meet me on top of the hill that overlooks the realm. I 
will be waiting.

-Legolas



Elladan placed the letter back onto the bed, raced out his 
bedchamber, down the stairs and out of the manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas looked up at the sky and frowned. *He's not coming.* 
Turning around to leave, the prince froze when he saw 
Elladan ascend the steep hilltop.

"You came," Legolas stated slowly.

"Aye," Elladan said, shifting nervously. "You. . . you wanted to. . 
. see me?"

"Aye," Legolas said, walking towards Elladan. "I asked you to 
come here because I wanted to explain a few things to you."

"Explain?" Elladan asked curiously. "Explain what?"

"That I am not the cruel creature that you think I am," Legolas 
replied. "After my mother died. . . I was so distraught. I was in 
a bad way. I was frightened and I felt so alone. I didn't know 
what was happening to me; I couldn't control my actions. No 
one could help me. . . I became a danger to everyone 
around me and. . . to myself. My father sent me here. I didn't 
want to come to Rivendell, but I obeyed him, as always. I 
didn't know what would be here. I felt as though I had lost my 
mother, my father and my home at the same time. I knew 
that I could die. I have never been so scared. And then. . . 
and then I met you. I met you and my fears went away. I 
have never felt so comfortable around anyone. . . except my 
family, of course. I could be myself around you. Despite my 
anguish, I could laugh. You put me on the path. . . the path to 
my recovery. Without you, I would surely be dead."

"And then I left you," Elladan said, looking at the ground. "I 
nearly killed you all over again."

"Nay," Legolas said, stopping directly in front of Elladan and 
shaking his head. "You stepped out of my life and because of 
that, I was able to finally get better. Your departure enabled 
me to see that I was using you as a crutch. I was still holding 
on to so much pain inside. When you left, everything came 
pouring out. I cried like I never had before. Through my tears, I 
was able to grieve and hate and. . . heal. I still have much to 
overcome, but I am no longer afraid to sleep. I can talk 
about my mother now. And even though my senses have not 
returned, and even though my heart still aches at times, I now 
know that I have the strength to overcome all of my troubles."

"I am very happy for you," Elladan said sincerely. "Very happy 
indeed."

"Elladan," Legolas began, "I am so sorry that you read the 
letter from my father. Those words were not meant for your 
eyes. I don't know why it did not occur to me how cruel the 
letter would seem to you. I guess when I finally had the 
chance to read the letter, I was so angry with you that I 
overlooked the harshness of my father's words. You must 
understand that he meant no harm to you or the inhabitants 
of Rivendell. Father has a wicked sense of humor. He thinks 
that I am too serious. I have not had many lovers, compared 
to my brothers. And I often get so busy with my duties that I 
forget to eat. As the youngest prince in a royal family, I am 
constantly trying to please my father. He loves me and has 
always been very proud of me, but I still strive for his approval. 
He says that I am too serious. So, he teases me. He tells me to 
drink and to be merry. . . to bed a few elves. I never do what 
he asks, of course, but he still teases me. . .relentlessly."

"I see," Elladan said, looking in the prince's eyes.

"As for the remark that he made about your father," Legolas 
said slowly, "I cannot explain that so easily. He shouldn't have 
said that about Elrond. I am unsure of what occurred 
between my father and the lord of this realm, but it must 
have been terrible for his hatred to run so deeply. I cannot 
speak for my father, but in my time here, I have begun to 
think of Elrond as a second father. I love him. . . almost as 
much as I love you."

Elladan stared at the prince, openmouthed.

"When I told you that I loved you, I wasn't lying," Legolas said 
warmly. "I love you so much that my heart aches. I am not 
above your station. And even if that were of some concern, 
you are also of nobility. If I am not mistaken you are a 
descendant of the royal houses of the Sindar and the Noldor 
and two other noble houses. It would seem that you are more 
royal than I. Perhaps I am unworthy of you."

Elladan looked at Legolas in dismay.

"Elladan, you are not unworthy of my love. You are the most 
beauteous elf that I have ever seen. Whenever I am near 
you, I wonder why the Valar gave me such an extraordinary 
gift. It is a strange irony. . . that my mother's fate allowed me 
to meet you. If you will have me, I wish to be with you. I want 
to. . ."

"It is not a good idea," Elladan said abruptly, interrupting the 
prince. "I left you, Legolas. I cannot be trusted. Do you know 
that I am like my mother? Has anyone ever told you that?"

"Aye," Legolas said, nodding, "Elrond told me that Celebrían 
loved to jest and that she was always laughing."

"Aye," Elladan said. "My mother and I were very close. . . and 
very much alike. Elrohir and Arwen are more like my father; 
they are more serious than I. It would seem that I have my 
mother's sense of humor as well as her lack of courage. When 
I can no longer cope with my troubles, I leave. . . just like her. 
Thus, a relationship with me would not be sensible. You 
cannot trust me and I cannot trust myself. Besides, you have 
found another."

"Of whom do you speak?" Legolas asked, looking at Elladan 
in incredulity. "Are you speaking of Mander?"

Elladan nodded his head.

"Mander and I are friends, Elladan," Legolas said firmly. "We 
have much in common. He is the youngest elf in his family 
and he also has several older brothers."

"But. . ." Elladan began hesitantly. "I heard you tell Mander 
that you were going to give him a surprise."

"Aye," Legolas said, smiling. "And he gave me a surprise, too. 
He prepared a custard cake for me. 'Tis my favorite dessert. 
And I invited Hylia to his home for the evening meal."

"Hylia?" Elladan asked.

"Aye," Legolas replied, grinning. "Mander fancies her."

"Oh," Elladan said, meeting the prince's blue orbs.

"And as for your mother," Legolas said gently. "Celebrían was 
not a coward. She was very brave. You should admire her. . . 
not admonish her."

Elladan looked at Legolas disbelievingly.

"I cannot imagine what Celebrían went through," Legolas said 
slowly, "the terror and the pain she must have faced. And yet, 
she endured. . . she survived. She came home to you. She 
stayed here until she healed physically. She knew that she 
may never heal emotionally. Celebrían didn't want her family 
to see her suffer that way. She wanted to be remembered for 
her laughter, not her pain. So, she did the bravest thing that I 
have ever heard of. . . she left. She did not abandon you, 
Elladan. She set you free.  Celebrían loved you; she loved all 
of you, but her suffering stopped the laughter. It made all of 
the joy go away. She couldn't stand to see her family suffering 
and thus, she did the only thing that she could. . . she left. 
One day, you will see her again and she will be whole. She 
will be laughing."

Elladan wiped a tear away quickly and sighed. "How do you 
know this?"

"I know of Celebrían's choice because I know you," Legolas 
said. "You are one of the most courageous elves that I have 
ever met."

Elladan shook his head in disagreement. "And what if I try to 
leave you? What will you do?"

"I will follow you," Legolas said, brushing a stray hair from 
Elladan's handsome face. "I love you." He wrapped his arms 
around Elladan, making sure to avoid his wounded arm, and 
kissed him on the lips tenderly. Suddenly, he could taste the 
salt of Elladan's tears, but he didn't care. Holding him tightly, 
Legolas scolded him for not telling him about his concerns 
and fears. Then he threatened to break his other arm if 
Elladan ever did that again. The prince also reminded him 
that now that he had been given a note and flowers, he 
could never be jealous of Tialise or Mander again.

Elladan laughed and kissed Legolas on the lips. "I love you, 
my Greenleaf."

"And I you, my Elladan, and I you."



Chapter 20: Silent Sadness



Elrond entered his study and sighed when he did not see 
Legolas. He had known that Elladan and the prince's 
reconciliation would end their newfound camaraderie, as 
Legolas would become too busy to spend time with him any 
longer. However, Elrond had grown accustomed to the 
prince's presence and wished that Legolas would continue to 
spend time with him. Deciding to put his loneliness aside, 
Elrond sat down and began to catalogue some herbs that 
the prince had gathered for various remedies. Suddenly 
sensing someone's approach, the lord looked up expectantly.

"Good morn, Elrond," Legolas said cheerfully. "How are you?"

"Legolas?" Elrond asked curiously. "What are you doing here?"

The prince furrowed his brow and stared at Elrond in dismay. "I 
am assisting you?" Legolas asked, surprised by Elrond's 
question.

"Do you not wish to spend the morning with Elladan?" Elrond 
asked gently.

"Nay," Legolas replied simply. "Elladan has border patrol duties 
in the morn. And anyway, I am greatly enjoying your 
teachings, Elrond. I have grown to like the healing arts very 
much. And I like spending time with you."

"Indeed?" Elrond asked, shocked.

Legolas laughed at the astonished look on Elrond's face. "You 
seem surprised by my words. Is it so difficult to believe that I 
enjoy your company?"

"Aye," Elrond replied, nodding slowly. "I am… I am dull, 
especially compared to my children. I'm sure you would have 
more enjoyment if you were with them this morn."

"Nay," Legolas said in disagreement. "You have become like a 
second father to me. Spending time with you is entertaining 
indeed."

"Hmmm… " Elrond muttered in amazement.

Legolas assisted the lord all morning and finally departed 
when the sun shone high overhead. Realizing that he had 
forgotten to put away two bowls of herbs, he returned to the 
study quietly, hoping not to disturb Elrond.

The lord was so busy that he did not notice Legolas' return. 
The only thing that got his attention was Glorfindel.

"Good afternoon, Elrond," Glorfindel said as he entered the 
study.

"Afternoon?" Elrond asked, looking out of a nearby window. "Is 
it midday already?"

"Aye," Glorfindel replied.

"Of course," Elrond said a bit wearily. "Legolas told me that he 
was departing a bit earlier. I was so busy that I barely said 
goodbye. I hope that I did not offend him."

"Nay," Glorfindel remarked, shaking his head. "The prince is 
quite amiable and he is the son of a king. I am sure that he 
understands how important and tiring the duties of a leader 
can be."

"Aye," Elrond nodded in agreement.

"The elves from Lothlorien departed this morn," Glorfindel said, 
looking at Elrond.

"Ah yes," the lord said, "I bade them farewell before the sun 
rose. I am glad that our dealings went smoothly, and that 
they are safely on their way home."

"Aye," Glorfindel agreed, touching Elrond on the shoulder. 
"Are you free tonight?"

Legolas looked up and began to watch the two elves with 
interest.

"Aye," Elrond said, meeting Glorfindel's eyes. "Why?"

"Because I would like you to come and dine with me," 
Glorfindel said, squeezing Elrond's shoulder gently. "I know 
how demanding the past few weeks have been for you, and 
I think that you need a relaxing night. If you agree, I shall 
prepare a feast for you. What say you?"

"I do not wish to impose, Glorfindel… " Elrond began.

"It is not an imposition, Elrond," Glorfindel said firmly. "I insist 
that you eat, drink and make merry with me tonight. It will be 
very entertaining."

Legolas, who was listening very intently, widened his eyes and 
smiled. *Elrond and Glorfindel?*

"Alright then," Elrond said, smiling brightly. "May I join you at 
dusk?"

"Aye," Glorfindel said, smiling. "I will see you this evening." 
"Very well," Elrond said as Glorfindel left the lord's study.

Legolas sat in silence for a moment and could feel a huge 
grin spreading across his face. *I have a good idea.*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


A bit later, Legolas went to meet with his female companions 
and with Elladan and Elrohir for the afternoon meal. He was 
so preoccupied with his thoughts that he nearly ran into 
Tialise.

"Ai!" Tialise shouted, jumping out of the way.

Legolas looked up suddenly. "I am sorry, Tialise," he said 
sincerely. "I did not see you."

"'Tis alright," Tialise remarked, smiling at the prince.

"How are all of you?" Legolas asked the females and Elrohir.

"Very well," Arwen said, answering for the group as the others 
nodded in agreement.

"Where is Elladan?" Legolas asked curiously, but before 
anyone could answer, Elladan jogged over to where he was 
standing.

"Hello Prince,"' Elladan said, smiling warmly.

"Hello Elladan," Legolas said, looking at the dark-haired 
warrior carefully.

Elladan looked simply breathtaking. He wore a deep colored 
maroon tunic and sable colored leggings. But what really 
caught the prince's eye was Elladan's hair. All of it was pulled 
back and tied with two maroon scarves. Legolas had never 
seen a hairstyle like this nor had he ever seen Elladan look so 
handsome. He couldn't help but stare blatantly.

"See something you like, Prince?" Elladan asked quietly.

"Aye," Legolas replied huskily, looking into Elladan's eyes. "I see 
something that I like very much."

Elladan smiled seductively. His plan had worked. He had 
dressed particularly well this day and had taken extra time 
when styling his hair. He hoped the prince would notice and 
want to ravish him. Elladan watched Legolas expectantly, but 
was disappointed when the prince began talking about 
Elrond. *Legolas and I have not been intimate since our 
reconciliation. I wonder if I have done something wrong?*

"I am concerned about Elrond," Legolas began slowly.

"Concerned?" Arwen asked a bit alarmed. "Has something 
happened?"

"Nay," Legolas said, deciding to approach this subject 
carefully. "It is just… "

"Just?" Arwen asked.

"He just seems so lonely at times," Legolas said, looking at 
each of the lord's children.

"Aye," Elrohir said, nodding. "He has been that way ever since 
Mother left."

"I see," Legolas said pensively. "May I ask the three of you a 
very personal question regarding your father?"

"Aye," Arwen and Elrohir replied while Elladan nodded his 
head.

"Would you be angry if he met someone that he could love?" 
Legolas asked hesitantly.

"Nay," the siblings chorused.

"But who would want Father?" Elladan asked.

"Glorfindel," Legolas replied, grinning.

"Glorfindel?" Elladan and Elrohir asked simultaneously with 
disgust.

"Oh, Legolas!" Arwen cooed. "Is it true? Are my father and 
Glorfindel interested in one another?"

"I am not sure," Legolas replied, shrugging, "but Glorfindel 
invited Elrond over for the evening meal tonight. Glorfindel is 
going to prepare a feast for him."

"Indeed?" Arwen asked, beaming.

"Arwen, how can you be so giddy about this? It is disgusting." 
Elladan said flatly.

"And why does it disgust you?" Arwen asked coolly. "You know 
as well as I that Father has suffered greatly since Mother's 
departure. Do you not wish him to be happy?"

"I want father to be happy, but not with Glorfindel. That is 
absolutely repulsive! I have known Glorfindel since I was but a 
mere babe. If they were together… if they were intimate… 
ugh."

Elrohir laughed, as did Zera, Ellaria and Tialise.

"So you are offended by intimacy, are you?" Arwen asked 
abruptly.

"Only where Father is concerned," Elladan replied.

"Well, be grateful that he doesn't find intimacy disgusting, or 
you nor I would be born,"' Arwen quipped.

"Oy! That is repulsive," Elladan said, frowning. "Arwen, please 
keep your lewd comments to yourself. I am going to partake 
of the afternoon meal in just a moment and would prefer to 
keep it in my stomach."

"You are so immature sometimes, Elladan," Arwen snapped. "I 
guess you think that someone being intimate with me is 
disgusting, too."

"That is the most sickening thing that I have ever heard," 
Elladan said looking at Elrohir who was nodding in 
agreement.

"It is not!" Arwen yelled defensively. "One day, I shall find a 
wonderful elf who will love and cherish me always."

"Elf?" Elladan asked, beginning to laugh. "Arwen, no 
respectable elf would have you."

"Nay," Elrohir said, chuckling. "I am afraid that you would 
scare any decent elf away, Arwen."

Ellaria punched Elrohir on the shoulder and looked at Arwen 
sympathetically.

"Arwen, the only way that you will ever wed is if Elrohir and I 
can find you a human," Elladan said, laughing.

Arwen glared at Elladan and folded her arms across her 
chest.

"Do not heed their words," Legolas said, touching Arwen on 
the shoulder gently. "You, dear Arwen, are fit for a king and I 
suspect that you will marry one someday."

"She will," Elladan said. "She will marry the king of Gaidon or 
some other human realm. He will probably be a rugged type 
of fellow. You know… long disheveled hair and a scruffy 
beard. Now that you mention it, Legolas, I believe that you 
are right. Arwen **would** be perfect for a king like that!" he 
howled with laughter as did Elrohir.

"I shan't listen to this any longer!" Arwen hollered. "I shan't 
have lunch in the garden today due to my hateful company. 
I will go and dine in the manor. Anyone, aside from my idiot 
brothers, may join me if they wish." She stalked out of the 
south garden with Zera, Tialise and a seething Ellaria behind 
her.

"Elladan?" Legolas began, unable to hide the annoyed tone 
in his voice.

"I know, I know, Prince. I should not treat Arwen that way, but 
it is very entertaining. You should try it sometime," Elladan 
encouraged, smiling.

Before Legolas could respond, Glorfindel entered the south 
garden and sat on a bench. Eating some bread and fruit, he 
began to flip through the pages of a thick book.

"Elladan do you really think that Glorfindel fancies Father?" 
Elrohir asked, staring at Glorfindel curiously.

"Surely not," Elladan said, shaking his head.

"Perhaps we should speak to him about it," Legolas 
suggested.

"'Tis a wonderful idea," Elladan said happily as he began to 
walk toward the unsuspecting warrior.

"Elladan," Legolas warned, "Glorfindel may not appreciate it if 
we pry into his personal matters. Please, do not be crass. Let 
us ask our questions carefully so that Glorfindel doesn't know 
the nature of our curiosity."

"Crass?" Elladan asked, offended. "I am never crass."

Legolas gave Elladan an annoyed look as they approached 
Glorfindel.

"Good afternoon," Glorfindel said cheerfully, looking up at his 
visitors. "It is a beautiful day."

"Ah yes, so we've heard," Elladan said, shaking his head and 
staring at Glorfindel skeptically.

"What do you mean, Elladan? What have you heard?" 
Glorfindel asked, looking at the dark-haired warrior with 
concern as he took a large gulp of cider.

"That you fancy my father and want to leave the border 
patrol so you can service him… in a different way," Elladan 
sneered.

Glorfindel spit all of the cider out at once. "Wh… what?" he 
stammered.

Legolas shuddered while Elrohir laughed.

"So your new position makes you excited then?" Elladan 
teased. "When the two of you wed, may I call you Second 
Father?"

Elrohir clutched his side and began to howl with laughter.

Legolas shook his head and hoped that Glorfindel would not 
be offended.

"You can continue to call me Glorfindel," the ancient warrior 
remarked, finally able to recover from Elladan's accusation, 
"as the lord and I have no plans to wed and I have no plans 
to leave the border patrol."

"Elrohir… Legolas? Did you notice the way that Glorfindel said 
lord? It sounded rather flirtatious, did it not? So, Glorfindel, do 
you wish to serve your **lord** in **every** way? When you 
prepare a feast for him tonight, will you be the dessert?"

"Elladan!" Glorfindel exclaimed as his face turned crimson.

"I understand your need for an attractive and virile male elf. I, 
too, share your desire," Elladan said, glancing back at 
Legolas. "But, methinks that you are looking in the wrong 
direction. I believe that Mander is unwed. Perhaps you should 
set your sights elsewhere?"

"Elladan you are so exasperating at times," Glorfindel stated in 
annoyance.

"What was that, Father Two?" Elladan asked, grinning 
wickedly. "Do you wish to punish me for my insolence? Very 
well, but you should check with Father Number One before 
proceeding. We wouldn't want any misunderstandings, would 
we? And anyway, if you plan to strike me upon my bare 
buttocks, I suggest that you discuss it with your lord first. I 
wouldn't want him to get jealous of your affection for me."

"I do not know how you know about my plans with Elrond 
tonight, but I assure you that they are platonic," Glorfindel 
said, sighing in annoyance. "And as far as I am concerned, I 
am already your second father. That is why I have chosen to 
remain alone for all of these years… so I would spare Middle-
earth of another unruly elf, like you."

"Ai," Elladan said, grabbing his chest. "You words sting. But do 
not fret; I shan't get angry, Father Two. I have known you for 
many years and if it is my father that you desire, so be it. Allow 
me to help you claim his heart. Elrohir, go and fetch my bow 
and quiver."

"What?" Glorfindel asked in disbelief. "Why do you need your 
bow and quiver?"

"I am going to shoot you in the arse," Elladan stated simply.

"You will not, Elladan!" Glorfindel said, standing up abruptly.

Elrohir ran over to where they had laid their weapons after 
their border patrol duties and brought Elladan's bow and 
quiver to him as asked.

Arming his bow, Elladan pointed the arrow at Glorfindel's 
crotch. "Glorfindel, this would be much easier if you would 
turn around."

"Elladan put that weapon down!" Glorfindel ordered.

"But this is the best way," Elladan protested, still aiming the 
weapon at Glorfindel. "If you are injured, then you will have to 
go and see my father. If I shoot you in the arse, he will have to 
examine you. And if you are **very** lucky, he will examine 
you thoroughly. I shall count to three and then I will fire, 
alright? One… "

"Elladan put that weapon down!" Glorfindel shouted angrily.

"Elladan!" Legolas hissed.

"Two!" Elladan shouted, staring at his target earnestly.

Elrohir watched his twin with excitement.

"Elladan? Elladan!" Glorfindel exclaimed.

"Three!" Elladan yelled.

Glorfindel threw his book and food and began to run toward 
the manor.

Elladan drew the arrow back and fired in Glorfindel's 
direction. The perforator sliced through the air and went into 
the trunk of a large tree just to the right of the fleeing elf.

Glorfindel shrieked and began to run faster. He began to 
scream that Elladan had lost his mind.

Elladan and Elrohir collapsed on the ground, laughing 
hysterically.

"I never knew that Glorfindel could run so fast," Elrohir said 
between laughs.

"Neither did I," Elladan said. "It is amazing how persuasive an 
arrow in the arse can be." He looked at Legolas.

The prince frowned at Elladan and started to speak when 
Elrond came storming out of the manor.

"Oh no," Elrohir said nervously as he and his twin stood up.

"Father," Elladan said politely, "it is so wonderful to see you. 
Don't you think this day is lovely?"

"Elladan, stop with all of the niceties," Elrond snapped. 
"Glorfindel just ran into the manor, saying that you shot at him. 
He said that you were trying to kill him."

"Nay, Father, nay," Elladan said. "I wasn't trying to kill him… 
hurt him a little, yes, but never kill him." Elrohir tried to stifle a 
laugh.

"I do not find your jest amusing, Elladan," Elrond said seriously. 
"Why would you do such a thing?"

"I was trying to help him," Elladan stated, grinning deviously. "If 
you will allow me to go into the manor, I will complete my 
task. Then you and Glorfindel can be together."

"Be together?" Elrond asked in dismay. "What do you mean?"

"Oh come now, Father, let's not play dumb," Elladan replied 
scathingly.

"Begging your pardon?" Elrond asked, giving Elladan a 
reproachful look.

"I know about your plans to court Glorfindel tonight… "

"What?" Elrond asked, unable to hide the amusement in his 
voice.

"I know that the two of you are secretly in love. Admit it," 
Elladan demanded.

"You know, Elladan," Elrond began as he shook his head, "I do 
not know what is thicker… the trunk of a tree or your head."

Legolas and Elrohir began to laugh, but silenced themselves 
when Elladan gave them a menacing look.

"Surely, you do not truly believe that I feel that way about 
Glorfindel," Elrond said in disbelief. "What would ever make 
you think such a thing?"

"Legolas," Elladan replied, glancing at the prince. "He is the 
one that told me about your evening plans."

Legolas could feel his face turning red as he and Elrond's eyes 
met.

"Ah yes," Elrond said, focusing his attention on his eldest son 
once again. "Legolas was listening to our conversation, eh? 
And I suppose it was also the prince's idea to go and speak 
with Glorfindel about this foolishness as well."

"Aye," Elladan said seriously, nodding his head.

Elrond shook his head and looked at his son doubtfully.

"He did!" Elladan protested, glaring at the prince in frustration.

"Glorfindel is like a brother to me, Elladan… you know that," 
Elrond said gently. "We have been very good friends for many 
years, and I cherish him. But I do not have romantic feelings 
towards him… and he does not feel that way about me. Why 
have you suddenly taken an interest in my personal matters?"

"Because… " Elladan said, trying to choose his words carefully. 
"You seem so lonely sometimes. I… we… we want you to be 
happy, Father. We love you."

"That is very kind," Elrond said, smiling gently. "I admit that I 
feel very alone at times. I miss Celebrían terribly. But I do not 
wish to rush into such things. One day, perhaps, I may wish to 
court someone… I am glad that I have your support."

Elladan shook his head and stared down at the ground.

"I… I do have your support, do I not?" Elrond asked, looking at 
the revolted look on Elladan's face with concern.

"Aye, Father, you do," Elladan said, meeting Elrond's eyes. "It is 
just… "

"Just?" Elrond asked.

"Disgusting," Elladan remarked, shrugging as Elrohir laughed 
and Legolas shook his head in dismay.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


After lunch, Elladan went and apologized to an annoyed 
Glorfindel while Legolas and Elrohir met the females in the 
parlor.

By the time he arrived, everyone was knitting silently.

Arwen, still very cross, glared at Elladan as he entered the 
room. She demanded that he sit down at once so they could 
continue their knitting lesson.

Even though Elladan was happy that he and Legolas had 
been able to reconcile, he now wondered if the price had 
been too high. *I hate knitting!*

"You are not doing it right!" Arwen snapped. "Here, let me 
show you the proper way."

"Ai!" Elladan hollered, waving his right hand in the air 
dramatically.

"What is the matter with you?" Arwen asked in annoyance.

"I pricked my finger," Elladan whined.

"I shall prick **you** if you will not complete your stitching for 
today," Arwen said scathingly.

"You are cruel," Elladan said, casting his sister a disapproving 
look, "very cruel indeed, Orcwen."

Arwen spun around and glared at Elladan threateningly. 
"Elladan! If you… "

"Allow me to handle this, Arwen," Legolas said quickly as he 
stood up and walked over to where Elladan was sitting.

"Here, let me show you how to do it," Legolas said, holding out 
his hand.

"Why should I listen to you?" Elladan asked, folding his arms 
across his chest childishly. "You have been deceiving me for 
months."

"Deceiving you?" Legolas asked, looking at Elladan in dismay. 
"Whatever do you mean?"

"You have been spending everyday with these females and 
you never once said that you could sew," Elladan scolded.

"Why does it matter to you?" Legolas asked in incredulity. "You 
do not like to do needlepoint."

"That is true," Elladan said, nodding. "But I would not have 
spoken ill of it, if I had known that you liked it."

"So, you would have lied to me then?" Legolas asked, 
squinting his eyes suspiciously.

"Aye," Elladan replied. "I mean, nay. Oh, Legolas! Do not try to 
change the subject!"

Everyone in the room began to laugh.

"You have been teaching them to fight," Elladan continued. 
"How could you do that without asking Elrohir and I if we 
wanted to assist you?"

"But Elladan, you said that you did not want to spend any 
time with the females. So, I just assumed… "

"You **assumed**?" Elladan asked, looking at Legolas in 
shock. "Elrohir, he assumed. Let me explain something to you, 
Prince. If anyone is going to teach Arwen how to kill, maim 
and destroy, it's going to be me."

"Or me," Elrohir said.

"Be quiet, Elrohir," Elladan spat.

Elrohir looked at Elladan, openmouthed. "Furthermore, you 
never told me that you went swimming and that you rode the 
steeds and went on walks… you never told me anything!"

"But Elladan," Legolas tried to explain, "I… "

"Nay," Elladan said dismissively. "I do not wish to hear any of 
your excuses. I shan't speak to you, unless you can convince 
me otherwise."

Legolas smiled deviously and bent down so that he could 
whisper into Elladan's ear. "If you behave yourself, I shall give 
you a delectable treat tonight."

"Arwen? Could you help me with this new stitch? I can't get 
the thread to loop properly," Elladan said, suddenly feeling 
quite enthusiastic about knitting.

Legolas smiled and walked back over to his seat. He couldn't 
help but laugh when he saw Elladan sewing frantically.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Later, after the evening meal, Elladan followed Legolas 
outside.

Walking slowly, the prince led Elladan to the south garden. 
There, in the center of the landscape, a table and two chairs 
seemed to be awaiting their arrival.

"What is this?" Elladan asked curiously.

"'Tis your surprise," Legolas replied, smiling.

"Oh," Elladan said, trying to hide his disappointment.

Legolas looked at Elladan curiously. "Please, have a seat."

"Alright," Elladan said as he sat down.

Legolas opened a small sack and placed a bannock on the 
table.

"For me?" Elladan asked, smiling brightly.

"Aye," Legolas replied. "All for you. I know that it is your 
favorite." The prince sat down across from Elladan.

"Please, have some," Elladan said, offering the prince some of 
the sweet cake.

"Thank you," Legolas said, taking a bite of the delicious desert.

"So… " Elladan began slowly. "Is this my only treat?"

"What?" Legolas asked, chuckling. "You desire more than 
this?"

"Aye," Elladan said, nodding vigorously. "I desire you."

Legolas smiled seductively and looked into Elladan's eyes.

"But I guess my body will be a treat for you as I am a Rivendell 
elf and am very versed in the ways of physical pleasure," 
Elladan quipped.

"Begging your pardon?" Legolas asked in incredulity.

"You heard me, Prince," Elladan said smiling. "You haven't 
tried to bed me once… for weeks. I am highly offended. In 
the past, I thought that you wanted me for my body. Now, 
you don't seem to want me at all."

"I want you, Elladan," Legolas said simply. "**All** of you. But I 
did not want you to think that I didn't care for you… that all I 
wanted was your body. I knew that you would tell me when 
you were ready to become intimate. I knew you had to learn 
to trust me."

"Humph," Elladan muttered, crossing his arms over his chest 
stubbornly.

"You have barely eaten any of your treat. Don't you like it?" 
Legolas asked slowly.

"It is not up to Rivendell's high standards," Elladan teased. "You 
know that we dark elves are quite good at cooking… in and 
out of the kitchen."

"Indeed?" Legolas asked, smiling deviously. "Well, I must say, 
Mirkwood elves are gifted in those arts, too."

"Nay, nay, Prince," Elladan said, shaking his head in 
disagreement. "You fair elves cannot provide the sheer 
animalistic quality to your bedding techniques. It is a pity. Prior 
to this conversation I wanted to bed you, but I've suddenly 
lost my desire." He hoped that Legolas would say what he 
wanted to hear.

"Is that a fact?" Legolas asked in mock horror. "Well, you have 
never been bedded properly by a Mirkwood elf then. 
Perhaps I should give you a lesson in the art of pleasure, 
Mirkwood style."

"Aye," Elladan said, nodding. "Perhaps you should.

"Let us away to the manor, Elladan, for I have much to teach 
you," Legolas said huskily.

Before Elladan could respond, Legolas grabbed his wrist and 
was dragging him towards the manor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Where are we going?" Elladan asked as Legolas led him to 
the fourth floor of the manor.

"I am going to make you scream this night," Legolas replied 
earnestly, "and I do not wish to awaken the others."

"You may try," Elladan remarked, "but I do not think that a 
Mirkwood elf, such as yourself, could cause that much 
pleasure."

"We shall see, Elladan," Legolas said, smiling. "We shall see."

They entered a large bedchamber that was very sparsely 
furnished. It only had a bed, a dresser and a chair. The room 
was cozy, however, and smelled of sweet pine mingled with 
dew.

"Elladan," Legolas said, smiling faintly.

Elladan turned and the prince pulled him into an embrace 
and began to kiss him tenderly.

The prince opened his mouth, inviting Elladan's tongue inside.

Elladan responded to the prince's wordless request and 
slipped his tongue into Legolas' mouth.

Legolas arched his back, pressing his body closer to Elladan. 
The prince wrapped his arms around his neck while Elladan 
grasped Legolas' buttocks, pulling the prince's groin forward.

Elladan moaned when his shaft pressed against Legolas' 
body. He grasped the prince's hips firmly, trying to get as 
close as possible to Legolas. 

"Wait," Legolas said, breaking the kiss. "I wish to give a gift to 
you tonight, Elladan."

"But I don't need a gift," Elladan said in protest. "You are my 
gift."

"I know," Legolas said lustfully. "I am your gift tonight."

"Oh," Elladan said, smiling brightly.

"I am going to show the Mirkwood art of physical 
gratification," Legolas said. "If you do what I say, I will take you 
to realms of pleasure that you have never experienced. Will 
you yield?"

"Aye," Elladan nodded, trying not to sound too excited. "I will 
yield."

Legolas grasped Elladan's hand and led him over to the bed. 
"Lay down on your back," he demanded seriously.

Elladan nodded and did as the prince asked. Waiting 
patiently, Elladan wondered what Legolas was going to do.

"I like the way your hair is styled," Legolas whispered. "Are 
those the scarves that were wrapped around the flowers that 
I gave you?"

"Aye," Elladan said, looking up at the prince. "The flowers 
faded long ago, but I keep the scarves with me at all times."

"Why?" Legolas asked, looking at Elladan carefully.

"Because you gave them to me," Elladan replied, meeting the 
prince's eyes. He felt an overwhelming feeling sweep through 
him all at once. Love intertwined with… with… sadness. Sitting 
up abruptly, he grabbed his chest.

"Elladan?" Legolas asked with concern. "Are you alright."

"Aye," Elladan said, smiling faintly. "I am alright." He settled 
himself back onto the bed slowly, surprised that the feeling 
had passed.

"May I have the scarves for a little while?" Legolas asked.

"The scarves?" Elladan asked, looking at the prince in 
incredulity. "Why?"

"Because they will aid me in pleasuring you beyond belief," 
Legolas said, grinning.

Elladan nodded and untied his hair. Without hesitation, he 
handed the scarves to the prince.

Gently, Legolas grasped Elladan's right hand and extended it 
above his head. The prince tied Elladan's wrist to the 
headboard.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked nervously. "What are you doing?"

Legolas smiled and walked over to the other side of the bed. 
Quickly, the prince tied Elladan's other hand to the 
headboard.

Elladan tried to break free, but the bond had been tied 
securely. "Legolas?" he called fearfully.

"I won't hurt you," Legolas said soothingly. "Are the bonds too 
tight? Are you in pain?"

"Nay," Elladan said timidly, feeling especially uneasy because 
the darkness veiled Legolas' face. "But I'm… I'm a little 
nervous."

Legolas got on top of Elladan and looked into his eyes.

Elladan felt his fear disappear when he saw the kindness in 
the prince's blue orbs.

"I love you, and I promise that I will not hurt you," Legolas said 
gently. "I only wish to show you the way I feel with no 
interference from you. Relax, Elladan. In a few moments, your 
anxiety will be replaced with more pleasure than you ever 
thought possible."

Elladan nodded and tried to relax, but it was difficult for him 
to relinquish control.

Legolas removed himself from Elladan and disappeared.

The only sound that Elladan could hear was the beating of his 
own heart.

Legolas returned and placed something on the floor.

Whatever it was, it sounded heavy.

The prince placed a bottle of oil on the nightstand beside the 
bed, and smiled devilishly at Elladan.

"I'm going to undress you now," Legolas said gently. The 
prince pulled Elladan's boots off and then carefully pulled his 
leggings off. Legolas sat on top of his lover and began to 
unbutton his tunic.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked, amused.

"Aye?" Legolas replied, continuing to undo Elladan's buttons.

"How will you remove my tunic?" Elladan asked, smiling. "My 
hands are tied to the headboard."

"Like this," Legolas said, grinning naughtily. The prince 
dismounted and picked up the object that he had placed on 
the floor.

Elladan saw something shine in the faint light of the moon 
that shone through the open windows in the bedchamber. 
He felt something cold on his right wrist and turned his head 
to see what Legolas was doing. His eyes widened when he 
saw that Legolas was holding a sword. He could feel his 
heartbeat quicken as he heard the sleeve of his tunic begin 
to rip. Elladan held completely still while Legolas sliced 
through the clothing. 

Legolas moved to Elladan's other sleeve and cut through it 
quickly.

Elladan lay completely naked upon the bed. "Uh… Legolas? 
You… you are not still angry with me? Are you?"

"Angry?" Legolas asked, placing the sword on the dresser.

"I… I mean…" Elladan stammered. "You do not still wish to... to 
rip my arms off?" he asked, trying to sound jovial.

"Nay, Elladan," Legolas replied. "Although the thought of you 
being completely helpless and under my control is **very** 
appealing." He looked at his lover's beautiful body lustfully. 
"You will enjoy this," the prince said eagerly. "I promise."

Elladan was panting softly, looking at Legolas hungrily.

Carefully, Legolas climbed onto the bed, straddling Elladan. 
The prince explored Elladan's chest with his hands slowly.

Elladan bit his lower lip when Legolas began to stroke his 
nipples gently.

Watching Elladan carefully, Legolas moved his hips down a 
bit to ensure that their crotches were touching. Slowly, 
Legolas began to move his pelvis against Elladan's, rubbing 
their rigid members together languidly. At the same time, the 
prince continued to stroke Elladan's nipples.

"Oh," Elladan moaned, pushing his hips upward.

Legolas continued to writhe against Elladan's pelvis while 
bending forward slowly. The prince began to lick Elladan's 
right nipple while caressing the left one with his fingertips.

Elladan moved about slowly against Legolas' leggings. He 
could feel the prince's hard shaft straining against his 
breeches, and he longed to touch it.

Legolas moved his mouth to Elladan's left nipple and began 
to caress his right nipple with his fingers, never ceasing the 
slow grinding movement of his pelvis.

"Oh, Legolas," Elladan moaned softly.

Legolas moved his mouth up to Elladan's neck and began to 
kiss and suck gently.

Elladan began to move his body faster against the prince, his 
breath coming in short, hard pants.

Legolas found Elladan's lips and began to kiss them gently.

Elladan opened his mouth as Legolas slid his tongue inside.

"Oh Elbereth," Legolas moaned in Elladan's mouth as the 
prince moved his pelvis frantically. "Enough," he said quietly, 
climbing off of Elladan.

"Uh," Elladan said in protest, eyeing Legolas, dismayed.

Legolas smiled and began to disrobe.

Elladan watched the prince lustfully.

Legolas unbuttoned his tunic and let it fall to the floor. Then 
the prince pulled off his boots and then moved to the 
waistband of his leggings. Slowly, Legolas pulled his breeches 
down, never taking his eyes off of Elladan.

"What is that?" Elladan asked, looking at the beautiful, little 
stone that was around the prince's neck.

Legolas touched the necklace gently and smiled. "Do you 
remember the parcel that came from Mirkwood?"

"Aye," Elladan said. "How could I forget?"

"That is a good point," Legolas said, chuckling. "This is what 
was inside. It was my mother's. My father saw fit to give it to 
me and I have worn it ever since. It is like I have a part of her 
with me now. So, I love this gift as it belonged to someone 
that I cherished more than myself."

"It is beautiful," Elladan said, suddenly feeling the sadness 
overwhelming him once again. He watched as Legolas got 
back onto the bed and straddled him once again. This time, 
however, Legolas straddled Elladan's chest.

"Suck," Legolas said firmly, looking at Elladan sternly.

Elladan raised his head awkwardly and opened his mouth.

Legolas, seeing Elladan's discomfort, rearranged the pillows 
so that he would be more comfortable.

Elladan smiled gratefully and took Legolas' full length into his 
mouth. The feeling of sadness had disappeared once again.

Legolas gasped and placed his hands on Elladan's head for 
support.

Elladan sucked and licked Legolas' shaft as though it were a 
delicacy.

Legolas began to pant and pull Elladan's hair as though he 
would lose control at any moment. "No," he said softly. "Not 
yet." The prince removed his member from Elladan's mouth 
carefully.

Legolas kissed Elladan's mouth tenderly, tasting some of his 
seed on the male's lips. Hungrily, the prince licked the seed 
from Elladan's mouth and began to descend down his body. 
He sucked, licked, kissed and nibbled his way down Elladan.

Elladan moaned and writhed, begging Legolas for more.

Legolas spread Elladan's legs open and sat in between them. 
Gently, the prince began to kiss Elladan's inner thighs as a 
prelude to the pleasure that would soon follow.

"Please don't tease," Elladan begged.

Legolas chuckled quietly and placed his mouth on the tip of 
Elladan's shaft.

"Ah, Legolas!" Elladan groaned.

Legolas tenderly sucked the tip of his lover's shaft, slowly 
moving his mouth further and further down Elladan's member.

"Legolas… Legolas…" Elladan cooed softly.

Legolas removed his mouth from Elladan's shaft and began to 
nibble the side of his member gently.

"You're killing me, Greenleaf," Elladan said between clenched 
teeth.

"My killing has only begun," Legolas said, smiling. "Do not 
release until I tell you. Do you understand?"

"But…" Elladan argued.

"Do you understand?" Legolas asked again sternly.

"Aye," Elladan said slowly.

Legolas smiled and lowered his head.

"LEGOLAS!" Elladan screamed as the prince began to lick his 
scrotum.

"So, you like Mirkwood pleasuring?" Legolas asked. He was 
especially gentle with this part of Elladan's body, but he 
wanted to pleasure Elladan mercilessly. Legolas placed one 
of Elladan's sacks into his mouth and rolled it carefully in his 
mouth.

"Legolas, oh…" Elladan whimpered.

Legolas released one sack and then placed the other into his 
mouth. The prince caressed the tender flesh gently with his 
tongue, listening to Elladan moan in ecstasy. Legolas moved 
his mouth even lower and began to lick the place between 
Elladan's anus and scrotum.

"Legolas, I can take no more. Please, Legolas," Elladan 
pleaded.

"I'm not done yet," Legolas said between licks.

Legolas slid his tongue inside of Elladan's anus.

"Elbereth help me," Elladan said breathlessly, squeezing his 
eyes shut tightly.

Legolas slid his tongue in and out of Elladan's opening 
frantically, alternating his attention from his lover's anus to his 
scrotum to the place in between the two.

"Legolas, please," Elladan said shakily.

Legolas looked up at Elladan whose face was wet with tears. 
Legolas took Elladan's full length into his mouth and began to 
suck relentlessly.

"Can I?" Elladan asked, panting loudly.

Legolas nodded, never removing his lips from Elladan's shaft.

"Oh, Legolas!" Elladan shouted as he released his seed into 
Legolas' mouth.

Legolas swallowed every bit of Elladan's offering and smiled 
gently when
Elladan closed his eyes with fatigue.

"Legolas," Elladan whispered between pants, "I have never 
had a lover like you. You are marvelous."

"I'm not done either," Legolas said lustfully.

Elladan looked at Legolas carefully and realized that the 
prince was serious.

Legolas got the small bottle from the bedside table and 
opened it. The prince poured a generous amount of the 
liquid on his hands and placed the jar back onto the table. 
He watched Elladan intently as he smoothed some of the 
liquid onto his own shaft. The prince couldn't help but moan 
quietly as he smoothed the oil over the head of his own shaft 
and down its length.

Elladan watched Legolas in fascination, already becoming 
hard again. 
Legolas smiled when he saw Elladan's rigid shaft.

Legolas moved in between Elladan's legs and used some of 
the excess oil to coat three of his fingers. Carefully, the prince 
inserted one of his fingers in Elladan's opening.

Elladan sucked in his breath sharply, but tried to relax as 
Legolas inserted a second finger.

The prince scissored his fingers gently inside of Elladan, 
making sure that he wasn't hurting his beloved.

Elladan moaned quietly, letting Legolas know that he was no 
longer experiencing discomfort.

Legolas inserted a third finger pushing all three digits deep 
inside of Elladan.

"Oh, yes," Elladan cooed. "Please, Legolas. Please don't stop."

Legolas moved his fingers in and out of Elladan slowly as 
Elladan moaned and groaned softly. The prince removed his 
fingers carefully.

Elladan looked at Legolas in adoration. "I love you," Elladan 
said quietly. "I will always love you."

These words pushed the prince over the edge. Legolas 
kneeled in between Elladan's legs and extended them over 
his shoulders. Carefully, he rose up on his knees, lifting his 
lover's buttocks off of the bed. Holding on to the sides of 
Elladan's hips, he inserted the tip of his shaft into his 
welcoming entrance. Gently, the prince pushed forward, 
sliding the rest of his rigid shaft inside of Elladan.

"Oh," Elladan gasped. He had never been in this position 
before, and he found it very erotic. He loved the way it felt to 
have his hips suspended in mid air and the way Legolas 
looked sliding in and out of him from up above.

Legolas thrust his hips slowly at first, watching the expression 
on Elladan's face. He began to increase the power behind his 
thrusts, smiling when he heard Elladan moan. He began to 
plunge in and out of Elladan deeply.

"Legolas, Legolas, LEGOLAS!" Elladan screamed as the prince 
rode him like he never had before. He couldn't stand it any 
longer. He exploded once again, releasing his seed all over 
his own stomach.

Legolas drove in and out of his lover and cried out when he 
released his seed inside of him. Hoping that no one heard 
their screams of pleasure, Legolas panted heavily and slowly 
pulled himself out of Elladan. Carefully, he lowered Elladan 
back onto the bed, and used part of the blanket to wipe the 
seed from his lover's stomach.

Elladan kissed Legolas on the forehead when the prince lay 
beside him. "Legolas?" he asked in exhaustion.

"Aye," Legolas replied.

"Will you untie me, please?" Elladan asked quietly.

"Oh!" Legolas exclaimed. "I forgot." Quickly, the prince freed 
Elladan.

"Ai," Elladan said softly, grabbing his aching left shoulder.

"Did I hurt you?" Legolas asked in alarm.

"Nay," Elladan said, smiling, "my arms are just a little sore."

"Oh, Elladan," Legolas said apologetically. "I'm sorry." He kissed 
Elladan arms lovingly.

"Oh, believe me, Legolas," Elladan said pulling the prince into 
his arms, "it was worth it. You are worth it. And before you say 
anything spiteful, I will be the first to say that Mirkwood 
pleasure is almost as good as what we Rivendell elves have 
to offer. Almost… "

Legolas laughed. "I love you, my Elladan," he said, looking into 
his misty grey eyes.

"I love you, Legolas," Elladan said, stroking the prince's hair 
gently until the lovers fell into a peaceful sleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Later that evening, Elladan awakened. Disentangling himself 
from the sleeping prince, he arose from the bed and walked 
over to the open window. He looked out over Rivendell and 
felt the warm wind caressing his face. He stood there for hours 
listening to the beating of his heart…aware of every breath 
that he took… feeling the sadness wash over him until he 
thought his heart would stop beating. In the distance, Elladan 
saw a leaf fall from a tree. He watched as it danced on the 
wind, slowing descending. *My Greenleaf is leaving.*

---



Chapter 21: Arrival of the Brothers



Legolas had fully recovered. He could eat, sleep and talk 
about his mother, even though at times, the pain that he felt 
was still evident in the depths of his eyes. Slowly, the prince's 
elvish senses began to resurface, which confirmed the 
prince's mental and emotional improvement.

Legolas couldn't remember ever feeling happier than he did 
now, and thanked the Valar everyday for coming to 
Rivendell and for his luck in love.

Elladan embraced his own happiness, too. Although, he 
knew in his heart that Legolas would be leaving soon. He 
wasn't sure why or how he had come to this realization, but as 
the air became a bit cooler and the delicate green leaves 
began to fall, he knew that things were about to change.

He tried to discuss his concerns with Legolas, asking him if the 
king would accept their relationship. But Legolas denied that 
the king would have any problem with his newfound 
happiness. In fact, the prince believed that Thranduil would 
be elated that he had finally found love. Elladan wasn't so 
sure.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


"Hey!" Elladan protested loudly. "That is **my** stitching 
needle, Elrohir."

"Nay," Elrohir said, eyeing the object carefully. "This is the 
needle that I used to mend Father's tunic."

"It is not!" Elladan spat irritably. "I purposely chose a red 
needle and then scratched it so that I would know that it 
belongs to me. Do you not see the markings upon the tip?"

"But red is my favorite color," Elrohir said, annoyed. "I wish to 
use **this** needle."

"You shall give it to me this very instant!" Elladan demanded. 
"Lest you curtail my creative flow." He jerked the needle out of 
Elrohir's hand roughly. "Here… here is a nice orange needle. I 
am sure that it will do your stitches justice."

"But I do not like the color orange," Elrohir pouted.

"Well, that is just too bad, Elrohir," Elladan sneered. "Perhaps if 
you are kind, I shall allow you to use mine when I am done."

"Oh, alright then," Elrohir said dejectedly. "Will you hand me 
the green needle then? Perhaps I can still sew as well without 
using the needle of my choice."

Elladan and Elrohir looked around suddenly when they heard 
someone giggle.

Arwen, Zera, Ellaria, Tialise, and Legolas were staring at the 
twins in amazement.

"What?" Elladan asked defensively. "I hate to sew… you know 
that, right?"

"I hate needlecraft, too," Elrohir added quickly. "Elladan and I 
were just jesting."

"Aye," Elladan said, forcing a smile. "We were just jesting."

Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another and pretended to 
laugh.

Legolas smiled, shaking his head in dismay while the females 
giggled freely.

Suddenly, in unison, all seven elves looked toward the 
window. Their keen elvish senses told them that someone was 
coming.

Legolas ran to the window and peered down the road. In the 
distance, he could see four riders approaching on horseback.

"Joren!" Legolas exclaimed excitedly. "Joren, Makail and 
Dace!" Legolas exited the room abruptly, running toward the 
entrance hall without looking back.

Elladan felt a knot form in his stomach. While Elrohir and the 
females looked at one another with confusion, Elladan knew 
the reason the prince was so excited… his brothers had 
come.

"Who are Joren, Makail and Dace?" Elrohir asked curiously.

"They are Legolas' brothers," Elladan said quietly, looking at 
the floor.

Elrohir placed his hand on Elladan's shoulder sympathetically 
when he saw the saddened look on his brother's face.

The females exchanged looks and surrounded Elladan as a 
demonstration of support for his suffering and their own. 
Legolas was leaving.

"We should go meet them," Elladan said after a long pause. "It 
is the polite thing to do."

The other elves nodded silently.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~


Legolas was standing outside when his friends joined him. The 
riders approached languidly, seemingly engaged in an 
animated conversation with Glorfindel, who was leading the 
small group. Legolas fidgeted with excitement, acting as 
though he could barely wait to see his brothers.

Elladan watched the prince carefully, feeling the knot in his 
stomach expand. *Legolas has already forgotten about me. 
When he leaves Rivendell, he will do so without looking 
back… just as he did only moments ago.*

The horses stopped directly in front of the manor as various 
ranch hands and attendants rushed out of the large home to 
assist the newcomers.

Glorfindel dismounted, followed by the three Mirkwood 
warriors. All three males wore their hair in the traditional 
Mirkwood fashion and bore a similar likeness to Legolas.

The servants unburdened the horses and rushed into the 
manor while the ranch hands led the steeds to the stable.

"Hello all," Glorfindel said cheerfully. "May I present Joren, the 
crown prince of Mirkwood, royal chancellor to King Thranduil." 
He motioned to the tallest and most virile of the three elves.

Joren had blonde hair, green eyes and a more solid build 
than Legolas. He was clearly the eldest and had the bearing, 
not only of nobility, but that of a king.

"'Tis a pleasure," Joren said gallantly, bowing respectfully.

"This is Makail, Thranduil's second-born son and royal aid to 
the crown prince," Glorfindel said, smiling.

"I am happy to make you acquaintance," Makail said, 
politely.

Makail had green eyes, like Joren. However, he was a bit 
shorter than his older brother and had dark blonde hair. He 
still had a solid build, though, and possessed an unmistakable 
royal air.

"This," Glorfindel said, positively beaming, "is Dace. He is 
Thranduil's third-born son and royal emissary to the king.

"It is very nice to meet you," Dace said warmly as he bowed. "I 
am glad to finally get the opportunity to witness the beauty of 
Rivendell with my own eyes."

Dace looked the most like Legolas. He had golden blonde 
hair, blue eyes, and a smaller, more lithe frame than his older 
brothers. While Dace had the bearing of a prince and was 
handsome, like all of his brothers, none of them were as 
comely and elegant as Legolas.

"Allow me to introduce Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen," Glorfindel 
said proudly, "Lord Elrond's children." "'Tis a pleasure to meet 
you," the three elves chorused, bowing and curtseying 
graciously.

"This is Ellaria, Zera and her sister Tialise," Glorfindel said. "They 
are friends of Lady Arwen.

"Very nice to meet you," Ellaria said as she, Zera and Tialise 
curtseyed.

The brothers bowed politely.

"Where is Legolas?" Glorfindel asked, concerned.

Everyone began to look around. No one had noticed that 
the prince had left.

"I thought that you had eyes in the back of your head, dear 
brother," Legolas said, dropping out of a nearby tree. "Or is 
that not what you told me so many years ago when I was just 
a babe? You a liar then, for you should have seen me from 
behind." Legolas asked in mock indignation, approaching 
Joren.

"I only have eyes to see what I wish to see," Joren quipped 
playfully.

"And what do you see?" Legolas asked, smiling.

"My youngest brother, who has been made whole again," 
Joren replied, embracing Legolas lovingly. "I am happy to see 
you, Little One."

"And I of you, Elder," Legolas said, releasing Joren.

"Has he gotten shorter?" Makail asked Dace, looking at 
Legolas and smirking.

"So it would seem," Dace said in agreement. "Perhaps 
becoming whole consists of losing an inch or two."

"Aye," Makail said, nodding his head. "I would like to speak to 
Lord Elrond about this. Perhaps, I could stay here and 
become shorter as well. I have always wanted to see eye to 
eye with my younger brother and have never been able to 
manage it."

Everyone laughed loudly.

"For your information," Legolas sneered, "I have grown taller. It 
is the two of you who have diminished since our last meeting. 
Perhaps you **should** speak with the lord of Rivendell. 
Maybe he can brew a tonic for your loss of height **and** 
your soon to be loss of tongue!"

Everyone laughed again as Dace and Makail embraced their 
brother tightly.

"If you will please excuse me," Glorfindel said. "I will away so 
that I may tell Lord Elrond that you are here."

Joren nodded and watched as Glorfindel entered the 
manor.

"I did not know that you would be journeying here so soon," 
Legolas said, looking at his brothers curiously. "I thought that 
Father would send word to Rivendell prior to your arrival."

"He planned to, but when we got Lord Elrond's last letter, he 
told us that you had recovered and that we were welcome 
to come and collect you at any time. Father instructed us to 
come and get you right away. He is looking forward to seeing 
you, Little One."

"I see," Legolas said quietly, becoming distant.

"What is wrong?" Dace asked, placing his had on his younger 
brother's shoulder. "You are not allowed to be sad, Legolas. 
Simply put, I forbid it. Father has always told you to respect 
your elders… so smile. That is a command from your older 
brother!" he ordered teasingly.

Legolas smiled faintly and met Dace's gaze. "When do we 
leave?"

"If it would not be an imposition, I would like to remain in 
Rivendell for a week, maybe two," Joren said. "Our journey 
here was very long and tiresome. It would be nice to take 
some rest and explore this wondrous realm."

Legolas sighed and looked down at the ground sadly.

"Perhaps we should speak to our brother alone, Joren," Makail 
suggested, looking at the saddened expression on Legolas' 
face with concern.

"Aye," Joren said, looking at Legolas, dismayed. "Unless you 
wish to tell us what is ailing you."

"I have found love here and it pains me to leave," Legolas 
said slowly. "I came here with a broken heart and I shall leave 
here with one."

"You are in love?" Dace asked, looking at Joren and Makail in 
incredulity. "That is wonderful! Tell us, whom do you love?"

Dace, Joren and Makail immediately turned their attention to 
the elves that were standing behind them.

Dace tapped Makail on the shoulder and began to smile 
wickedly.

Makail nodded and moved over to where Dace was 
standing.

"I…" Legolas began.

"Shhh!" Makail hissed. "Can you not see that we are trying to 
guess?"

Legolas smiled and nodded.

Dace and Makail eyed each elf carefully and then began to 
whisper to one another. After a few moments Makail 
exclaimed, "We have come to an impasse, and therefore 
cannot agree! But I know who your love is."

"Alright," Legolas said, "who do you think I love?"

"One of the twins," Makail said, grinning.

"I suggested that Lady Tialise may be your love… she is… she 
is breathtaking," Dace said, staring at Tialise blatantly.

Tialise blushed and looked down at the ground shyly.

"So?" Makail asked, impatiently. "Who is it? Who is your love?"

"You are right Makail," Legolas said, smiling brightly. "I am in 
love with one of the twins that you see before you. Now, since 
you are so clever, tell me which one I fancy?"

"How should I know?" Makail asked, shrugging. "I only know 
that one of them would have been my choice."

"Ha!" Dace exclaimed, chuckling to himself. "I will make sure 
to tell Darval what you said when we return to Mirkwood. I 
wonder how he will feel about your new interest in the 
comely twins of Rivendell?"

"If you speak to Darval about any of this, then I am afraid that 
Elrond **will** have to brew a tonic for your tongue, Brother," 
Makail said menacingly.

Everyone laughed.

"Although I cannot tell the twins apart," Makail said, looking 
from Elladan to Elrohir, "I wonder how you managed to steal 
the heart of such a beautiful warrior? How did he end up with 
the likes of you?"

"That is exactly what I was wondering," Dace said in 
agreement.

Elladan looked at Elrohir who stared at him with an identical 
expression on his face. They liked Makail and Dace as they 
were much like the two of them.

"Because Legolas is special," Joren said, finally speaking. He 
walked toward the twins slowly.

Elladan could feel his heart pounding in his chest as Joren 
approached. He felt as though he had won favor with Makail 
and Dace, but was unsure of the way the crown prince 
would react to the news of Legolas' love.

"So, you have won my little brother's heart, have you?" Joren 
asked seriously, standing in front of Elladan.

"Aye," Elladan said, making sure to look Joren in the eyes.

Everyone looked at Joren in awe, amazed that he had 
correctly guessed who Legolas was in love with.

"Hmmm…" Joren said, looking Elladan up and down carefully. 
"May I see your hand?"

"Alright," Elladan said, offering his hand to Joren.

Joren studied Elladan's palm and fingertips carefully and then 
looked into Elladan's eyes once again, never letting go of his 
hand.

"You have the hand of a warrior," Joren said finally, "the hand 
of a warrior and the eyes of a male that is deeply in love. I 
would never accept anything less for my Little One," Joren 
said firmly. "Do you understand?"

"I do," Elladan said, his gaze never wavering from Joren's.

"I am the crown prince of Mirkwood, but I am an older 
brother first and foremost. My family will always come before 
my duty," Joren said earnestly. "I do not know you, but 
somehow I feel that you know of what I speak," Joren said, 
searching Elladan's eyes for an answer. 

"Like you," Elladan said seriously, "I am also the eldest child of 
a ruler. With that birth position comes certain responsibilities… 
certain sacrifices."

"And a willingness to forgo your own feelings for those of your 
siblings… to comfort and protect them when no one else can 
or will," Joren added pensively.

"Aye," Elladan agreed.

"I like you," Joren said simply. "You are sincere. I can see it in 
your eyes. The question is… will my father see it?"

"But he allowed you and Makail to choose your companions." 
Legolas said hopefully, "Do you think that father will deny 
me?"

"I don't know," Joren said gravely. "Elladan is of nobility, but he 
is also Lord Elrond's eldest son. Father and the lord of Rivendell 
are not friends, Legolas… you know that. Will Elladan live in 
Mirkwood, then? Will you live here? Father would be irate at 
the very suggestion."

"I know," Legolas said quietly.

"But they are in love," Makail said, smiling. "Elladan seems to 
be worthy. Surely, Father would not deny them."

"Makail," Joren said sternly, "you know as well as I do that 
father's opinion can be like the wind… it sometimes changes 
depending on his mood. Whatever decision he makes will be 
final."

"To be sure," Makail said nodding in agreement. "But Father 
has seen Legolas suffer. Surely, he would not refuse him 
happiness now that his heart has healed."

Joren nodded thoughtfully. "Legolas, we will tread carefully. 
Do not tell Father about your love until I am present."

"Aye, Brother," Legolas agreed, nodding.

"Oh, Little One," Joren said kindly. "I am so happy for you. It is 
so good to see you smile again. However, if you wish to speak 
to Father about your choice of lovers then we should not tarry 
here in Rivendell. When we leave here, we shall make haste."

"Alright," Legolas said.

Lord Elrond appeared and began to welcome the visitors 
and invite them in for food and rest.

Legolas grabbed Elladan's hand and pulled him aside. "See," 
the prince whispered, "I told you that everything would be 
alright. With my brothers by my side, Father cannot refuse 
me."

"Agreed," Elladan said, smiling and giving Legolas a quick kiss 
on the lips. In the back of his mind, though, he couldn't help 
but wonder how this would end.

---


Chapter 22: The Last Day




For the next two weeks, Elladan and Legolas were 
inseparable. Elladan asked his father and Glorfindel if he 
could be relieved of duty and Legolas lessened his chores so 
that they could spend every moment together. The lovers 
clung to one another as though there were no tomorrow, 
which Elladan feared might be exactly the case.

Elladan had finally come across a topic that was too painful 
to jest about - Legolas' departure.

While in Rivendell, Joren, Makail and Dace had become very 
well liked by the inhabitants of the realm. However, their 
presence represented the prince's inevitable departure. Thus, 
Legolas' brothers often got a kind but sad welcome from their 
Rivendell kindred.

The prince's brothers were amazed at Legolas' popularity in 
Rivendell, and quickly realized why he was reluctant to leave. 
Not only had he found a lover in the fair realm, but he had 
also found sisters in Arwen, Zera, Ellaria and Tialise, another 
brother in Elrohir and perhaps uncles in Glorfindel and Lord 
Elrond.

Joren discovered that he was able to cast most of his cares 
aside while in Rivendell and welcomed a chance to explore 
an unfamiliar land. He even found great joy in making fun of 
Dace and his newfound affection for the **very** youthful 
she-elf named Tialise.

In the midst of his laughter and fun, though, Joren knew that 
the day was quickly approaching when he and all of his 
brothers would pack up their belongings and set out for 
Mirkwood. And although Legolas put on a cheerful face in 
front of him, Joren could see the utter sadness in the depths 
of his youngest brother's eyes. Amazed at the intensity of the 
love between Legolas and Elladan, Joren silently swore that 
he would do everything in his power to aid his youngest 
brother with his newfound happiness. He couldn't help but 
wonder, though, if even his insistence would be enough to 
convince his father.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The days had passed quickly and it was already Legolas' last 
evening in Rivendell. Wanting to spend a quiet and romantic 
evening alone, Elladan and the prince crept away after the 
evening meal and went up to the hill that overlooked the 
realm.

Legolas stood at the edge of the cliff and looked out over 
Rivendell, inhaling deeply.

Elladan arranged some blankets and pillows under a nearby 
tree and then joined the prince at the edge of the bluff. He 
wrapped his arms around the prince from behind and kissed 
his neck gently.

"It is so beautiful," Legolas said softly.

"As are you," Elladan said, pulling the prince even closer.

"I will miss coming up here," Legolas said thoughtfully. "I will 
miss you, Elladan." He could feel the warmth of his lover's 
embrace and leaned back against Elladan's muscular arms 
and chest. "Elladan?" he said. "Elladan?" The prince turned 
around and looked at his lover.

Elladan's handsome face bore a forlorn look.

"Nay, Elladan," Legolas said softly, touching his lover's face. 
"Do not be sad this night, please? I want our last evening 
together to be full of happiness. I want to remember this night 
when I am back in Mirkwood."

"What if your father won't let you come back?" Elladan asked 
miserably. "What if I never see you again?"

"Elladan…" Legolas protested.

"I want you to listen to me," Elladan said, brushing a stray hair 
out of the prince's face. "I do not think that you understand 
how much you mean to me, Greenleaf… how much I love 
you. In all my years upon this land, my brother and I have 
shared a bond so strong that few understand it. And although 
Elrohir's love for Ellaria is beautiful, in her he has only found a 
lover. You are not just my lover… you have become 
something else… you are my best friend. There is only one 
other with whom I would entrust my life, and he shares my 
blood and my face. I would die to protect my family, Legolas. 
I would die ten thousand deaths for the ones I love… and… 
and… I count you among those that I would perish to protect. 
My heart will bleed until we can be together once again. 
And if you never return, I fear that my life will fade, as my 
heart will not be able to bear the burden of my grief."

Legolas looked in Elladan's eyes. "I love you," he said warmly. 
"Nothing can keep us apart. And if you died and left me 
alone… upon hearing the news of your passing, my heart 
would not survive the hour, for grief would come on swift 
wings and carry me away."

Elladan embraced the prince and kissed him on the lips 
tenderly.

Legolas moaned quietly when Elladan pressed his body firmly 
against Legolas', sending shockwaves of desire through him.

"I want to make a memory tonight," Legolas said, gazing into 
Elladan's eyes. "Will you help me?"

"Aye," Elladan said hungrily.

The lovers walked over to a large tree and sat down on the 
blankets they had brought from the manor.

"I want to pleasure you, Elladan," Legolas said lustfully. "May 
I?"

"Of course," Elladan said eagerly, flopping back on the pillows 
and spreading his legs wide open.

Legolas laughed and shook his head with dismay. As usual, 
Elladan could always make him laugh.

Legolas mounted his lover carefully, drawing a blanket over 
them. Slipping in between his legs, the prince gazed into 
Elladan's grey eyes and then kissed him on the nose. "You are 
so beautiful," he said, his mouth only inches away from 
Elladan's.

Elladan smiled and moved his head forward. The lover's kiss 
was gentle, but became more passionate when the prince 
pushed his pelvis forward, rubbing his shaft against Elladan's 
slowly. He moaned softly as Legolas moved his lips 
downward.

The prince kissed the dark-haired warrior's neck languidly, 
nibbling and sucking his adam's apple teasingly.

"Oh," Elladan moaned softly.

"I want to undress you," Legolas said quietly, between kisses.

"Where is your sword this night?" Elladan asked light-heartedly, 
referring to the time that Legolas had used his weapon to cut 
off his clothes.

"The only sword I need tonight is right here," Legolas said 
pressing his crotch against Elladan's firmly.

"Mmmm…" Elladan groaned, "I like that sword."

"You will like it even better in a short while," the prince 
promised.

"To be sure," Elladan said, smiling.

Legolas sat up on top of Elladan and allowed the blanket to 
fall away. Quickly, the prince began to unbutton his lover's 
tunic.

Elladan reached in between Legolas legs, caressing his shaft 
affectionately.

"Ohhhh," the prince moaned, throwing his head back.

Elladan watched Legolas carefully as he began to stroke the 
prince's shaft more fervently.

"I… I… can't undress… oh, you… when you… ohhhh… are 
doing that… ah… Elladan," Legolas said breathlessly.

"I'm trying to make a memory, too," Elladan said wryly, sitting 
up slightly and sliding his right hand inside of the prince's 
leggings.

"Elladan!" Legolas protested, annoyed. But only moments 
later the prince's head had been thrown back in ecstasy. 
"Elladan… oh, Elladan," he cried, writhing slowly.

"I love touching you," Elladan whispered huskily, moving his 
hand up to the head of the prince's shaft and caressing the 
tip of Legolas' member.

"Elladan," Legolas said, trying to control himself, "we have only 
just begun. In just a moment, I shall already be done if you do 
not stop at once."

"But you are very resilient," Elladan argued. "You are never 
spent for long."

"That is true," Legolas said, shrugging, beginning to undo 
Elladan's buttons hurriedly. "But I want to focus on you right 
now."

"You know, Legolas," Elladan said sarcastically, "just because 
you are a prince does not mean that you must behave like a 
spoiled child. You must learn to give and receive. You cannot 
always have your way."

"Indeed?" Legolas asked. "Would you like to share then?"

"Aye," Elladan said, reaching for the prince's crotch once 
again.

Legolas slapped Elladan's hand away roughly.

"Ai!" Elladan said in shock. "I thought that we were going to 
share," he complained.

"We **can** share," Legolas sneered, "as long as I am in 
control… as long as I have my way!"

They both laughed.

"I love the way you laugh," Elladan said softly.

"I love the way you make me laugh," Legolas said standing up 
and helping Elladan to his feet.

Standing, they gazed into one another's eyes.

Legolas removed Elladan's unbuttoned tunic and tossed it on 
the ground.

Elladan began to undo the prince's buttons quickly.

Legolas watched him, smiling faintly. The prince's tunic was 
tossed on the ground and Elladan moved to his waistband.

"My boots," Legolas said as his lover began to pull his 
breeches down, "they are still on." But his complaint was too 
late. Elladan had already yanked the prince's leggings down 
and was pulling down his own before Legolas could protest.

The prince smiled and shook his head while he removed his 
own boots and pants.

"Come here," Elladan said, getting back onto the palette on 
the ground. 

Legolas obeyed and resumed his position on top of Elladan. "I 
will go first," he said.

Elladan smiled and nodded. *Spoiled prince.*

Legolas pulled the blanket over them once again and 
resumed his kisses. He moved his lips to Elladan's neck kissing 
tenderly. Slowly, the prince moved his mouth downward 
stopping at Elladan's nipples. He sucked and licked his lover's 
nubs and smiled when Elladan began to moan softly. The 
prince moved his lips further down until he was completely 
covered up by the blanket. In the darkness, Legolas allowed 
his mouth to guide him downward, to the tip of Elladan's hard 
member. Pausing for a moment, he deep throated his lover 
so abruptly that Elladan cried out in shock. Legolas smiled 
and moved his mouth up and down his lover's shaft, making 
sure to lavish attention upon the sensitive tip of Elladan's 
member.

"Legolas!" Elladan moaned as waves of pleasure spread 
through his body. "Please, I do not want to release just yet."

Legolas ignored his lover's pleas for a moment, continuing to 
pleasure Elladan mercilessly.

"Please, Legolas," Elladan begged, "not yet." He propped 
himself up and found that not being able to actually see 
what Legolas was doing to him was very arousing.

Legolas made his way back up his lover's body as his head 
reemerged from underneath the blanket.

"I want to pleasure you now," Elladan said seriously.

"Alright," Legolas said, a bit disappointed, switching places 
with Elladan.

Elladan straddled the prince and bent down to kiss him lightly 
on the lips, pushing the blanket aside. The kiss lingered 
however, and Elladan found that his world tilted upside down 
when Legolas' tongue slid into his mouth. The kiss went from 
tender to passionate as the lovers explored one another's 
mouths feverishly.

Elladan broke the kiss and moved his lips to the prince's neck. 
Hungrily, he sucked and licked the prince's pale flesh while 
caressing the tips of Legolas' sensitive nipples with his fingers.

"Elladan… please… oh Elladan," Legolas moaned quietly.

Elladan moved his mouth down to the prince's nipples and 
began to nibble gently.

Legolas inhaled sharply and arched his back, wanting to 
receive more pleasure from his lover.

Elladan shifted his attention to the prince's other nipple, 
nibbling and sucking tenderly.

"Ell… oh… Elladan!" Legolas cried.

Elladan moved his mouth downward and found the prince's 
navel. He placed his tongue inside of Legolas' little pit and 
began to lick slowly.

"Elladan… you are killing me," Legolas said breathlessly.

Elladan smiled and moved his lips to the tip of Legolas' shaft, 
licking the head lazily. He grabbed the prince's shaft with his 
right hand, moving it up and down the length firmly. At the 
same time, he nibbled and gently sucked on the tip of 
Legolas' member.

"I want you now!" Legolas demanded.

Elladan looked up at his lover and nodded.

"Mount me," Legolas said earnestly.

"What?" Elladan asked, dismayed.

"Mount me," Legolas repeated sternly.

Elladan nodded and straddled the prince.

"Here," Legolas said, handing his bottle of oil to Elladan.

Elladan opened the bottle and poured some of the liquid 
onto his hands. He also poured some oil onto Legolas' hands 
before putting the top on the bottle and putting it aside.

Elladan got up and mounted the prince again, but this time 
his back was to Legolas. Straddling Legolas on his knees, 
Elladan began to rub the oil onto his lover's rigid shaft.

"Oh, Elbereth… that… that feels so good," Legolas whispered. 
The prince placed one of his fingers inside of Elladan's 
upraised arse. Slowly, Legolas slid his finger in and out of his 
lover trying to prepare him for the pleasure that he was about 
to receive.

"Ah," Legolas moaned, as Elladan moved his hand up and 
down his shaft slowly. The prince placed another finger inside 
of Elladan and began to move them in and out of his lover 
deeply.

"Legolas," Elladan moaned softly. "Please… please."

Legolas withdrew his fingers immediately.

Elladan stood up once again and turned around to face the 
prince before straddling him. He grasped Legolas shaft 
carefully and placed the head at the entrance of his anus. 
Pushing down gently, Elladan descended down on the 
prince's member.

Legolas moaned and closed his eyes when he felt Elladan's 
tight muscles grip his shaft. The prince nearly screamed as 
Elladan began to gyrate his hips against Legolas' member, 
thrusting up and down slowly.

The prince wrapped his hand around Elladan's member, 
caressing it tenderly as the males moved rhythmically.

Elladan began to thrust fiercely, forcing Legolas' shaft deep 
inside of him.

"Oh… oh!" Elladan cried as his release drew near. 
Inadvertently, he squeezed his muscles as Legolas began to 
move against the sweet spot inside.

Legolas moaned loudly and released his seed inside of 
Elladan.

Elladan continued to thrust while Legolas slid his hand up and 
down Elladan's member firmly. In a moment's time, he 
released his seed on the prince's hand, and sat, panting 
heavily.

Elladan stood up slowly, while Legolas rolled over onto his 
stomach. The prince was about to wipe Elladan's seed onto 
the grass when Elladan stopped him.

"Wait," Elladan said quickly. "I need that." Elladan grasped the 
prince's hand and rubbed it against his. Spreading the 
prince's legs open, Elladan coated his fingers with the 
substance and inserted one of his fingers into Legolas' 
opening.

Legolas rested his head on a pillow and groaned softly.

Elladan inserted another finger, scissoring them gently.

"Yes… yes, Elladan," Legolas said.

Elladan inserted a third finger and began to slide them in and 
out of the prince slowly.

"Ah… Elladan," Legolas moaned as his shaft hardened again.

Elladan removed his fingers and placed his newly hardened 
member slowly inside of his lover.

Legolas gasped as Elladan began to move slowly inside of 
him.

"Elladan… oh Elladan, please," Legolas begged as his lover 
began to thrust eeper. "Elladan!" he screamed.

Elladan thrust fervently, whispering lustfully into the prince's 
ear with each movement.

"Elladan!" the prince cried as he released once again.

Elladan felt the prince's muscles tighten around his shaft and 
exploded inside of Legolas only moments later.

The lover's lay panting heavily.

Carefully, Elladan removed his shaft and lay beside Legolas.

The prince rolled over and looked at Elladan in the eyes. "You 
are wonderful," he said, still panting softly.

"Oh, Greenleaf," Elladan said quietly, "it is you who are 
wonderful."

Legolas smiled tiredly and kissed Elladan on the lips.

"I love you," Legolas whispered as he fell asleep.

Elladan stared at his lover sadly, stroking the prince's golden 
hair gently. He was trying to memorize Legolas' face. *I may 
never see him again.* He felt his chest begin to ache and felt 
his fingers tremble as he stroked the prince's beautiful face. * 
Do not be sad this night, please? I want our last evening 
together to be full of happiness.* He wrapped his arms 
around Legolas protectively as the rays of the sun peaked 
over the hills in the distance. Legolas would depart this day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Legolas awakened in Elladan's arms and looked in the sorrow 
filled depths of the dark-haired warriors' eyes.

"Elladan?" Legolas asked, concerned. "What ails you?"

"The sun rose," Elladan said softly.

Legolas pondered his lover's words and felt sorrow overcome 
him. "The sun rose," he repeated sadly, pulling Elladan close.

"My brothers will be looking for me soon," Legolas said after a 
long pause. "I must prepare Yon and get my belongings. Will 
you help me?"

"Aye," Elladan said slowly. "Why don't you go to the manor 
and get something to eat? When you are done, bring your 
possessions outside of the entrance hall. I shall go prepare 
Yon and bring him to you."

"Alright," Legolas said.

The lovers stood and got dressed in silence.

Elladan folded the blankets and placed them in a large 
knapsack along with the pillows that they had brought up to 
the hill the night before.

Legolas touched Elladan's wrist gently. The lovers gazed into 
one another's eyes longingly and embraced. Their lips met in 
an ardent kiss and they only broke apart when they heard 
someone calling Legolas' name in the distance.

The prince and his lover walked down the hill hand in hand 
and kissed once again before going their separate ways.

Legolas carried the pack to the manor where he bathed, 
changed his clothes and got a quick bite to eat. He 
embraced an already tearful Arwen, who told him that he 
couldn't leave. In no time, Legolas was downstairs, taking his 
belongings outside, refusing the assistance of Elrond's 
servants. He wanted to bear the burden of his departure 
alone.

Joren, Makail and Dace were in front of the manor, fully 
armed and ready to depart. The brothers were already sitting 
on top of their steeds, waiting patiently for their younger 
brother.

Legolas placed his belongings on the ground and looked 
around, wondering where Elladan and Yon were.

All of the prince's friends came to bid him farewell. Legolas 
made his way to the beginning of a line and worked his way 
down, saying goodbye to many sorrowful elves.

"I shall miss you, Glorfindel," Legolas said smiling faintly.

"And I you, Prince. Have a safe journey," Glorfindel said.

Legolas smiled brightly and embraced the warrior. "I know 
that Mander is patrolling this morn, please tell him that I said 
farewell."

"I shall," Glorfindel said.

"Ah, Ellaria," Legolas said stepping in front of the elvish beauty, 
"I shall miss you."

"I will miss you for only a short while, as you will soon come 
back to us," Ellaria said, embracing the prince affectionately.

"Well, I say good riddance," Elrohir said, forcing a smile. "I 
never liked you anyway, Prince."

"Is that a fact?" Legolas asked innocently. "Well, I was going to 
give you Elladan's red sewing needle, but since you do not 
care for me, I guess I shall take it to Mirkwood."

"The red needle?" Elrohir asked, widening his eyes. "Oh, 
alright," he said shrugging, "you are decent, I suppose."

"That will do," the prince said smiling, handing Elrohir the 
needle.

"Hey! This is the orange needle, Legolas!" Elrohir protested.

Legolas smiled and embraced Elrohir tightly. "Take care of 
him for me, please?" he whispered quietly.

"You have my word," Elrohir said earnestly, meeting the 
prince's eyes.

Legolas nodded and moved to stand before Zera.

"Farewell, Legolas," Zera said.

"Farewell, Zera. I hope that you will continue to train Arwen 
and the others to wield a sword and utilize a bow and quiver," 
Legolas said.

"I will," Zera said, nodding. "And when you return you shall be 
amazed at their skill."

"I'm sure I will be," Legolas remarked as he embraced Zera.

"Oh, how I will miss you," Tialise sobbed, pulling Legolas away 
from Zera and weeping on his shoulder.

Legolas held Tialise close and kissed her forehead. "I shall 
return soon," he said soothingly. "I promise that when I return, I 
will teach you how to wield a knife."

"Oooo, that would be nice," Tialise said, cheering up a little.

"Here," Legolas said, handing Tialise one of his knives, "I want 
you to watch over this for me until I return."

"But I cannot take your weapon," Tialise said softly.

"I will be back to collect it soon," Legolas said embracing her.

"When you do return, bring Dace with you," Tialise whispered.

Legolas smiled. "I will," he said as he released the young she-
elf.

"I never understood how some elves could die from a broken 
heart," Arwen said as the prince stepped in front of her. "Now 
I know." She wrapped her arms around Legolas and cried 
without restraint.

"Oh, please do not cry," Legolas said gently.

"I do not want your needle or your knife," Arwen said, sobbing 
softly. "I only want you to stay."

"I will return soon, I promise," Legolas said earnestly.

"I'm holding you to that," Arwen said threateningly. "You have 
seen Orcwen before and I cannot and will not be responsible 
for what she will do to you if you are lying to me."

Legolas laughed and embraced Arwen and then moved to 
stand before Elrond. He knew that this goodbye would be 
very difficult.

"When you return," Elrond said, seriously, "your place in our 
home will still be here." The lord embraced Legolas tightly. 
"You are always welcome here, Prince, always."

Legolas didn't trust himself to speak. Instead, he nodded and 
bit back the emotions that threatened to overcome him.

Elladan appeared as if on cue. He was riding Yon and 
dismounted once he had approached the prince.

Legolas met Elladan's eyes and then, in silence, the warriors 
began to burden the prince's steed. Once all of Legolas' 
belongings were on Yon, the lovers faced one another.

"Please don't leave me," Elladan said, softly. "Please?"

"I shall return soon," Legolas said, stepping forward and 
placing his forehead against Elladan's.

"I love you, Greenleaf," Elladan said softly as his voice 
trembled with emotion.

"And I you, my Elladan," Legolas said, unable to stop a tear 
from rolling down his cheek. "And I you."

Without another word, Legolas mounted his steed and he 
and his brothers were heading out of the realm.

Elladan along with his family and friends stood in silence until 
the prince disappeared into the distance. Unable to hide his 
grief, Elladan sank to his knees, sobbing in despair.

---




Chapter 23: There and Back Again



Legolas and his brothers rode into Mirkwood approximately 
fourteen days after their departure from Rivendell. Although 
the prince missed Rivendell, he suddenly felt excited about 
being back home and wished that Elladan would someday 
come to Mirkwood.

The brothers rode up to the large castle in the heart of the 
forest and dismounted.

At once, Legolas found himself in a strong embrace by his 
father.

"My Legolas," Thranduil said warmly. "You have returned to 
me, and for that I am grateful. I wish to hear all about your 
stay in Rivendell and what you have been doing while you 
were away."

"I… I… uh…" Legolas stammered, looking at his brothers 
nervously.

"You must be tired," Thranduil said, mistaking the prince's 
hesitance for fatigue. "Please, go and bathe, eat a proper 
meal and take some rest. We can talk this evening. I will have 
the cooks prepare a feast in your honor. How does that sound 
to you?"

"Very good, Father. Thank you," Legolas said, smiling sincerely.

"Ravik?" the king called to his head servant as many 
attendants came out of the castle.

"Aye, Sire," Ravik said, bowing.

"I want my youngest to be taken care of this day, for he has 
come back to the royal house. He shall be spared no luxury. I 
want you to see to it that all of Legolas' desires are met," 
Thranduil ordered.

"Aye, Sire. It shall be done," Ravik said, bowing once again.

"Joren, Makail and Dace, you have been missed," Thranduil 
said as he embraced each of his older sons. "Tonight the four 
of us will dine together. I am sure you will have many 
interesting things to say."

"Aye, Father," Makail remarked, smiling wryly. "We have 
**much** to tell you."

"Indeed?" Thranduil said, raising his eyebrows. "I look forward 
to tonight then. Legolas, I know that you have only just 
arrived, but there are some pressing matters that I must take 
care of at once. I hope that my departure will not cause you 
any ill will towards me."

"Nay, Father," Legolas said earnestly, placing his hand on 
Thranduil's shoulder. "A king's work is never done. No one 
knows that better than we, your sons. Do not fret; I 
understand the importance of your duties. I will see you 
tonight… we can talk then."

"It is so good to see you, Little One," Thranduil said, embracing 
Legolas once again before departing.

"It is good to see you, too, Father," Legolas said. The prince 
watched the king enter the castle and then turned to face his 
brothers. "Well, what do you think? Do you think that Father 
will accept my love for Elladan?"

"Aye, of course," Makail said encouragingly.

Dace nodded in agreement. "Father has no reason to deny 
you your happiness, Legolas."

"And Joren, what say you?" Legolas asked, looking at his 
eldest brother with anticipation.

"We shall approach this subject very carefully tonight. If 
handled properly, Father may agree that Elladan would be 
well suited to you."

"You are right," Legolas said happily.

Joren walked slowly behind his three younger brothers as they 
walked towards the castle and sighed heavily. He could think 
of one reason that Thranduil would not want Legolas with 
Elladan – Elrond.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Later, when Legolas had some time alone, he made his way 
to his bedchamber. Looking around at the enormous room, 
he suddenly missed his smaller, and perhaps cozier 
bedchamber in Mirkwood. Inhaling and exhaling deeply, he 
busied himself by unpacking his belongings and then taking a 
long bath.

He found that the day seemed to linger on and on. But as 
nightfall drew near, so did his fear of his father's reaction to 
the news of his affection for Elrond's son. He had always 
believed that his father would be happy for him, but now he 
wasn't so sure. Now that he was back in Mirkwood, Rivendell 
seemed so far away.

Legolas wandered around the castle, getting reacquainted 
with his home. Walking down a long corridor, he looked to 
the right of a staircase and into a small chamber. Legolas 
entered the room and felt instantly overwhelmed with 
sadness. *Mother's sewing room.*

Legolas sat in his mother's favorite chair and began to think 
about the past. He remembered the time that she had 
brought him into that very room to give him a sweet cake for 
sitting in a council meeting all day, more than two thousand 
years ago. He remembered when he fell off of his horse and 
badly cut his knee; she had brought him to the sewing room 
to clean his wound and wipe away his tears. He remembered 
the time that he had a bad dream and she brought him into 
the sewing room and read him a tale about the noble elves 
of old. The prince remembered… and fell into a deep 
slumber, unknowingly grasping the jewel that he wore 
underneath his clothes and around his neck.

Hours later Legolas awakened with a start when he heard 
Dace calling for him. Dinner was served.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

When Legolas entered the royal dining hall, his brothers and 
father were already seated at the table.

"Legolas," Thranduil said, smiling brightly at his youngest son, "I 
see that you took my advice and took some time to rest."

"Aye, Father," Legolas said as he sat down beside Joren.

"You look different," Thranduil remarked, looking at Legolas 
thoughtfully. "Perhaps you took my letter to heart and finally 
bedded one of those comely Rivendell elves."

Makail spit all of his cider out and Dace nearly fell out of his 
chair.

"Makail? Dace? What is wrong with you two? Have you gone 
mad?" Thranduil asked, concerned.

"Nay, Father," Makail said quickly, "I simply thought that we 
would be drinking Mulberry cider tonight and was not 
prepared for the bitter sweetness of the Wildberry cider that 
we have before us this night. I apologize for my reaction."

"As do I, Father," Dace said, politely. "Makail's ill manners 
nearly scared me witless, and thus I nearly fell out of my chair. 
Please, excuse the interruption." 

"How can I scare you witless when you have no wits to 
scare?" Makail whispered to Dace, who elbowed him in the 
ribs when their father wasn't looking.

Servants came into the large room and began to serve all 
kinds of delicious foods.

When the attendants left, Thranduil took a bite of a piece of 
bread and asked, "So Legolas, what did you do in Rivendell? 
Were you able to make any friends?"

"Aye, Father," Legolas said, slowly, looking at Joren for 
support.

"Yes, it seems that Legolas was quite popular in Rivendell. 
Everyone there seemed so sad to see him go," Joren said.

"Is that a fact?" Thranduil asked, looking at Joren, surprised. 
"Well, Legolas, if you ever decide to go back there, I am sure 
that the elves there will be happy to see you."

"There is one in particular who will be happy to see him, 
Father," Joren said carefully.

"And who would that be?" Thranduil asked, focusing his 
attention on Legolas.

"The one I fell in love with while in the fair realm," Legolas said, 
trying not to sound nervous.

"You have fallen in love?" Thranduil asked, standing up. 
"Legolas, that is wonderful!" He walked over to his son and 
embraced him affectionately. "Please, I wish to hear more 
about this elf. What shall I call the one who has claimed my 
youngest son's heart?"

"His name is Elladan," Legolas said slowly.

"Elladan?" Thranduil said, rubbing his chin pensively. "Elladan. 
Does not the name Elladan mean 'elf-man?' Is your love a 
descendant of men?"

"Aye, Father. But he is of nobility and is the eldest son of 
three," Legolas explained quickly.

"The only elf that I have ever known to descend from mortals 
is Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell. He… he is of nobility, too. The 
king paused for a moment and then looked at his youngest 
son in disbelief. You… you have fallen in love with one of 
Elrond's sons?" Thranduil asked, looking down at the floor and 
then in Legolas' eyes.

"Aye, Father," Legolas said, holding his father's gaze.

"I forbid it," Thranduil said simply. "I will not have my youngest 
son, or any of my sons for that matter, associated with the 
likes of Elrond or any of his kin."

"But Father," Legolas protested, "you have never even met 
Elladan. To meet him is to know him. Please, give Elladan a 
chance."

"As far as I am concerned, I have met Elladan. His association 
to Elrond soils him. I will not waste my time meeting him when I 
already have experience with his maker. Nay Legolas, my 
word is final on this."

"Your word?" Legolas asked, giving his father a disbelieving 
look. "I did not ask for your permission. I was simply telling you 
that I am in love and that I will be with Elladan."

Thranduil looked at Legolas in amazement. "You would dare 
to speak to me in such a tone? Never have you challenged 
my authority… never. What could have happened to you in 
so short a time, to make you behave like a disrespectful little 
fool? Hah! I know what ails you, Legolas… it is Elrond! He has 
bewitched you somehow, hasn't he? I knew it! I just knew it! I 
should never have sent you to Rivendell. I sent you there so 
that you could be made well and he probably just glossed 
over your illness with some of his **noble** words of wisdom 
and then threw his son at you to keep you too occupied to 
grieve. The cur!"

"Father, you must calm down," Joren said gently, placing his 
hand on the king's arm.

"Calm down?" Thranduil asked, becoming enraged. "I will kill 
Elrond for this. Do you hear me? I will kill him for pretending to 
heal my son. That is why Legolas does not look like himself. 
That is why he looks different. He has been bewitched!"

"I have not been…" Legolas began angrily, but a look from 
Joren silenced the youngest prince.

"Father, I do not think that anything bad has happened to 
Legolas. He looks different because he is in love. It has 
changed him and for the better, I think. I have met Elladan… 
spent some time with him. He is a very kind, strong and noble 
elf. He is a choice worthy of Little One. You have always 
encouraged Legolas to meet someone special. You would 
be proud of his selection."

"Since when has Legolas ever listened to me about his 
personal life?" Thranduil asked, glaring at Joren. "Never! So, I 
get my jollies by teasing him about bedding comely elves…" 
the king broke off suddenly. "Legolas, you didn't… did you?"

"What?" Legolas asked, shifting uncomfortably under the 
weight of his father's stare.

"Did you bed that… that Elladan?" Thranduil asked.

"Father!" Legolas exclaimed, blushing furiously. "That is none of 
your concern."

"You bedded the spawn of Elrond? Oh, Legolas how could 
you?" Thranduil asked miserably.

"I love him, Father," Legolas said, trying to control the anger in 
his voice. "And I am not bewitched; I am in love."

"Joren, Makail, Dace you are in charge of Mirkwood," 
Thranduil said. "It would seem that I have business in 
Rivendell."

"Father, you can't be serious," Joren said in protest. "Legolas 
just arrived."

"Aye," Thranduil said, nodding, "and for that I am sorry. But this 
cannot wait. It must be taken care of now. Ravik!"

Ravik came rushing into the dining hall and bowed politely. 
"You called, Sire?"

"You and four other servants of your choosing are coming 
with me to Rivendell. We shall leave at first light. I will expect 
you and the others to be packed and ready to go by then," 
Thranduil ordered.

"Aye, Sire," Ravik said, bowing and exiting the room quickly.

"But Father," Makail said, gently, "Lord Elrond will not be 
expecting you. He may not be prepared to host six elves."

"Six?" Thranduil said, looking at Makail in disbelief. "I shall also 
take a band of warriors with me as well. So, the **great** Lord 
Elrond had better be prepared to host, feed and house at 
least twelve elves, or more if I see fit."

"Father?" Dace asked, meeting the king's eyes. "May I journey 
with you to Rivendell… as one of the warriors?"

"Why, Dace?" Thranduil snapped. "Do you wish to witness a 
massacre?"

"I only thought that I could be there for you," Dace said 
simply. "I thought that you could use one of your kin on your 
side."

Thranduil pondered Dace's words for a few moments and 
then nodded. "Alright, you may come to Rivendell. It is nice to 
know that someone sees the way of things."

Dace smiled at his father, but gave Legolas a reassuring pat 
on the back when the king was not looking.

"But Father," Legolas said, trying to protest once again.

"Be silent!" Thranduil spat. "You are not in your right mind 
Legolas. Elrond's trickery and charms have led you astray. But 
do not fret. I do not blame you for any of this. You were a 
victim. I sent you to Rivendell when all hope was gone and 
you were taken advantage of. You could not have known 
that this was going to happen. We shall go back to Rivendell 
and I will force Elrond to put you back the way you were. We 
will find some other way to deal with your grief."

"But Father," Legolas said in annoyance, "I have overcome my 
grief. I really do love Elladan."

"I must assume that the curse that has been placed upon you 
is forcing you to say such foolish things," Thranduil said simply. 
"Because the Legolas I know puts his family first. Duty, honor 
and obedience to his father are always foremost in his mind. 
He is a prince and he knows that being a prince means that 
certain sacrifices must be made."

"And what if I refused to obey you?" Legolas asked. "What if I 
put my love for Elladan above all else?"

"Then you would be released from your duties as a prince and 
as my son," Thranduil said seriously. "I am not concerned 
though, you are not quite right… it's the curse talking. Once 
we journey to Rivendell, and I can throttle Elrond, all will be 
well. And you can go back to your life, just as it was before. 
But if I am mistaken, which rarely happens, and you are not 
under a spell… If you have truly chosen to love this… this… 
this Elladan, then, you already know what my thinking is on 
the matter. It will not be discussed further. You will have a 
choice to make. Would you turn your back on Elladan or your 
whole family? The choice is yours." Thranduil turned and left 
the room.

Joren, Makail and Dace walked over to where Legolas was 
sitting and tried to encourage him.

Legolas couldn't hear them, though; for all he could think 
about was one person. *Elladan.*

---


Chapter 24: Arrival of the King



"Look at him," Arwen whispered to Elrohir.

"I know," Elrohir said quietly, looking at Elladan with concern. "I 
have never seen him like this."

"Nor have I," Arwen remarked, staring at her eldest brother. 
"Perhaps we should do something to cheer him up."

"'Tis a good idea," Elrohir agreed. "Do you have any ideas?"

"I do," Arwen said, grinning. "The two of you are not patrolling 
today, are you?"

"Nay," Elrohir said. "Why?"

Arwen's smile widened.

Elladan pushed his plate away and sighed. He had hardly 
eaten any breakfast. Staring out of the window sadly, he 
wasn't even aware of the looks of concern that were being 
cast in his direction or of the plot to make him smile again. All 
he could think about was one handsome elf. *Legolas.*

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Elladan sat alone on a bench near the stable. Lost in his 
thoughts, he found that his only comfort was the memories 
that he had of the Mirkwood prince. He was so lost in his 
remembrances, he barely noticed the raindrops that began 
to fall from the sky. Sliding his feet around on the newly 
dampened ground, Elladan reminisced for hours.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Elladan!" Elrohir shouted, running toward his brother. "Elladan! 
Help!"

"Huh?" Elladan asked, giving Elrohir an annoyed look.

"It is the foul beast, Orcwen," Elrohir said, stopping directly in 
front of Elladan. "The beast has declared war on us. She is 
demanding that we feed her regularly and she wants new 
shackles for her feet. If we do not meet her demands, she has 
threatened to pulverize us!"

"Leave me be, Elrohir," Elladan said, annoyed. "I do not want 
to jest this day. The weather is foul and so is my mood. Now, 
go away."

"I am not jesting, Brother," Elrohir said, trying to sound serious. 
"Do not let the rain clouds dampen your spirits; for I assure you 
that Orcwen will find a way to ruin your
mood all together."

Elladan started to speak when a large ball of mud hit him in 
the center of the chest. "What the…" he began to say as 
another enormous sphere of sludge hit Elrohir on the back of 
the leg.

Arwen was running wildly toward her brothers carrying a large 
basket filled with neatly formed balls of mud. With two broken 
chains around each ankle and her hair sticking out all over 
her head, Arwen was quite a sight to behold.

"Arwen, I do not want to jest this day," Elladan said hotly, 
wiping the mud from his tunic. "I am in a fell mood and wish to 
be alone."

"Arwen?" she said in a gruff voice. "Who iss dat?" She groaned 
loudly and launched another globule at Elladan, hitting him 
directly in the face.

Elrohir roared with laugher, but stopped when Arwen threw a 
ball of mud at him. The orb landed on top of his head. "Uh!" 
he exclaimed. "Arwen!"

Arwen laughed as the sludge slid down both sides of Elrohir's 
face. She laughed even harder when she saw that Elladan's 
was covered with mud.

The twins looked at one another and smiled. Without a word, 
they began to chase a screaming Arwen.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Glorfindel," Mander said, guiding his horse over to the warrior, 
and then looking in the distance once again. "Riders are 
approaching."

"Can you see who it is?" Glorfindel asked, trying to peer 
through the thick underbrush.

"Nay," Mander said.

"Be on your guard," Glorfindel said, looking around at all of 
the warriors present. He, along with all of the other border 
patrol guards, armed themselves.

The Mirkwood elves entered the borders of Rivendell and 
were instantly approached by Glorfindel and two heavily 
armed guards.

"Legolas!" Glorfindel exclaimed as he rode his steed toward 
the prince. "Dace, what are you…" he broke off suddenly. 
"King Thranduil, it is an honor to see you again, it has been 
many years," he said politely. "I did not expect to see you or 
your sons this day. Is Lord Elrond expecting you?"

"Nay," Thranduil said, looking into Glorfindel's eyes. "I have an 
urgent matter to discuss with the lord of this realm and must 
see him at once."

"I shall escort you to the manor right away," Glorfindel said, 
giving his steed a nudge.

Glorfindel looked back at Legolas as they made their way to 
the heart of the realm. He couldn't help but frown when he 
saw the dismal look on the prince's face. *Something is 
wrong.*

A while later, the riders stopped in front of the manor and 
dismounted. Servants from Rivendell attended to the new 
arrivals while the servants from Mirkwood dismounted and 
began to help them.

Thranduil looked at Elrond's home in disgust. "Did Glorfindel 
call this a manor?" he asked Dace. "It looks more like a burrow 
for rodents, if you asked me."

"Father," Dace said, shaking his head in dismay.

Glorfindel rushed into the manor and only moments later, 
Elrond appeared.

"Thranduil," Elrond said slowly, meeting the king's gaze. "What 
has happened? Glorfindel told me that you needed to speak 
with me right away."

"I do," Thranduil said coolly.

"Please, come inside my home," Elrond said politely. "You must 
be weary from your journey."

"Humph," Thranduil muttered as the king and his two sons 
entered the manor.

Elrond took his guests to the parlor and implored them to sit. 
"Would you like something to eat or drink?" he asked, looking 
at each of the elves encouragingly.

"Nay," Dace said. "I am fine."

"Legolas?" Elrond asked, looking at the prince with concern.

Legolas shook his head slowly, avoiding the lord's eyes.

"Thranduil?" Elrond asked.

"The only thing that you could offer me in a goblet is your 
blood and the only thing I would accept on a platter is your 
head," Thranduil remarked icily.

"What?" Elrond asked, looking at Thranduil in shock.

"Oh, do not give me that innocent look," Thranduil sneered. "It 
will not work."

"Thranduil?" Elrond said, raising his hands in protest. "Why are 
you so angry? What have I done?"

"You lied to me!" Thranduil spat, standing up abruptly. "I sent 
my son here so that he could be healed, and what did you 
do?"

"I assisted him in the healing process," Elrond replied calmly.

"Ha!" Thranduil exclaimed. "Is that what you call it?"

"Call what?" Elrond asked, confused.

"Allowing your spawn to poke my Legolas in the arse is hardly 
what I call healing," Thranduil said scathingly.

Legolas cringed and felt his face flush with humiliation and 
anger. He had never seen his father behave this way before.

"Thranduil," Elrond said gently, "please calm yourself. I assure 
you that Legolas received the best of care while he was 
here."

"Aye, and from what I've heard he got **a lot** of care," 
Thranduil said furiously. "How could you let your son place his 
hands, among other things, upon my youngest born son? 
Where were you when your greedy little elf-man took 
advantage of one so vulnerable?"

"Elladan did not take advantage of Legolas," Elrond 
explained. "He simply made himself available to the prince 
when he needed comfort."

"I'm sure he did," Thranduil said, glaring at Elrond. "You tell that 
insufferable son of yours to stay away from Legolas or the king 
of Mirkwood will poke him until he screams. The only 
difference will be that I will use an arrow!"

"Thranduil…" Elrond began, beginning to lose his patience as 
Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen ran into the parlor covered with 
mud.

Upon seeing that they had guests, the lord's children stopped 
abruptly and stared in shock at the sight before them.

There stood the most beautiful elf that any of them had ever 
seen. His hair shone in the sunlit room like Mithril. He was well 
built, regal and his piercing blue-green eyes seemed to stare 
right through them. Suddenly, they realized who this was. This 
handsome male elf looked very much like Legolas. At the 
same time, Elladan, Arwen and Elrohir turned their attention 
to a nearby settee. There sat Legolas, looking very dejected, 
and Dace who stared at them in horror.

"Ah yes," Thranduil said matter-of-factly, "I assume these are 
your children. It is just as I suspected. They are ill mannered 
and disgraceful. Look at them! What sort of foolishness do you 
let them take part in Elrond? What were they doing? Were 
they running about playing 'orc hunt?'"

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen exchanged embarrassed looks.

"Look! Even your she-child behaves like a fool. Legolas, is this 
what you want? Do you wish to have a mud-covered lover? I 
think not," he said, answering the question for his son. "Which 
one of you is Elladan?"

Pretending not to be nervous, Elladan stepped forward and 
bowed. "I am Elladan, Sire."

"You are Elrond's eldest son, are you not?" Thranduil asked, 
looking at Elladan with dislike.

"I am," Elladan said, hoping that his knees wouldn't give out as 
he stood facing the king.

"If I were your father I would be outraged by your state," 
Thranduil said hotly. "You are the eldest. Thus, you are 
responsible for your own actions and the actions of your 
younger brother and sister. However, I can see clearly that 
you are a foolish and ignorant child."

"Thranduil," Elrond said in protest, but Thranduil continued.

"Legolas has told me about you… about being in love with 
you. But simply put, I forbid it. You stay away from my son," 
Thranduil said flatly.

Elladan felt himself weaken as he clutched his chest and 
stared at Thranduil in disbelief.

"Elrond," Thranduil snapped, "I do not know what sort of 
enchantment you put on my son, but I want you to remove it, 
now!"

"How dare you!" Elrond exclaimed. "How dare you come into 
my home, uninvited, and start making demands. We brought 
your son into our home. We cared for him… loved him, when 
you could not. And you repay our kindness by lashing out at 
my children and insulting me in **my** home?"

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen stared at their father in shock. They 
had never heard him raise his voice in such a way.

"I am the king of Mirkwood and shall go wherever I please," 
Thranduil remarked icily. "You are beneath me, Elrond, and 
shall do whatever I say."

"Indeed?" Elrond asked, glaring at Thranduil. "Well, if I am not 
mistaken you are no longer in Mirkwood; you are in Rivendell. 
I am the king in these lands and thus, you shall bow to me. 
Regarding my son, Elladan… he is a brave, noble and 
kindhearted elf. He is a worthy choice for Legolas."

"I think not," Thranduil spat. "I do not like men and will not 
have my son associated with an elf whose lineage is 
corrupted."

"Corrupted?" Elrond said, becoming furious.

"You see?" Thranduil said sarcastically. "Even your ears have 
deteriorated because of the man-blood that runs through 
your veins."

"Thranduil," Elrond fumed, "this is not your decision. To prevent 
our sons' love would be pitiless."

"And what do you know of true love or pity for that matter?" 
Thranduil asked. "Do not speak of what you know nothing 
about!"

"I have loved deeper than you could ever know, Thranduil," 
Elrond said coolly. "And I…"

"Ah yes," Thranduil interrupted Elrond, "I know **all** about 
your great love."

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen exchanged looks.

Legolas looked up and stared at Elrond in dismay.

Elrond gave the king a dangerous look.

"Do not fear," Thranduil said, "I shan't speak of this to those 
present here. However, I will say that you are a liar and a 
chameleon. You pretend to care so much for my son… for 
everyone, when you only are concerned with your own 
interests. You smile in the face of so many elves and sharpen 
your sword when they are not looking. You are a merciless, 
foul creature. My son will never experience the bitterness of a 
relationship with your son; for befriending a Peredhil is like 
befriending an orc!"

"You speak of **my** cruelty… **my** treachery?" Elrond 
asked angrily. "I may have the blood of men in my veins, but 
at least I do not act like one. Look at you! You are a bitter, 
spiteful king. Your words are sheer poison and your actions, a 
curse!" Elrond took a step toward Thranduil. "Are you sure that 
Legolas is really your son? Aside from a likeness of face, he is 
nothing like you. He carries himself with the dignity and honor 
of a prince. You behave like a little man-child. Perhaps, we 
are more alike than you think. I have the blood of a man and 
you are one!"

"You will live to regret that!" Thranduil said, lunging toward 
Elrond.

"Wait! Wait!" Dace said, standing up abruptly and stepping in 
between his father and the Lord of Rivendell. "This quarrel has 
gone on long enough."

Thranduil glared at Elrond who stared back at the king with 
the same ferocity.

"Father, the journey here was long," Dace said calmly. "I am 
sure that you are very fatigued. Perhaps you should take 
some rest."

"Well…" Thranduil began.

"And Lord Elrond," Dace continued, not waiting for a response 
from his father, "we appreciate your hospitality and apologize 
for the inconvenience of our arrival."

"Humph," Thranduil muttered, looking away with disgust.

"Please, Lord," Dace asked cordially, "if it pleases you, we shall 
only stay here but a few days. Then, we will be on our way."

Elrond sighed heavily and then focused his attention on 
Dace. "Very well. I shall have my servants find 
accommodations for all of you. Please feel free to go and 
find comfort and food. I must away now, as the air in this 
room is no longer to my liking." Elrond cast Thranduil another 
menacing look and exited the room without another word.

Elladan looked at Legolas and their eyes met.

"You are not to associate with him during our short stay here," 
Thranduil said flatly. "Do you understand, Legolas?"

"Aye, Father," Legolas replied, tearing his eyes away from 
Elladan's.

"Let us away then," Thranduil said, giving Elladan an annoyed 
look and pulling Legolas to his feet.

"Aye, Father," Legolas said. As he followed behind the king 
and Dace, the prince looked back and stared at Elladan as 
he left the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*~*~*~*~*~*

"Legolas," Thranduil said later as he entered his youngest son's 
bedchamber. "May I speak with you for a moment?"

"Aye, Father," Legolas said sadly, "of course."

"I know that it may seem cruel now, but you will thank me for 
all of this in the future," Thranduil said gently. "I love you with 
my whole heart, Little One, and I do not want to see you hurt. 
I would die trying to protect all of my sons; for my love for you 
is unsurpassed. But you must trust me now; I know of what I 
speak. Elladan is not right for you. But do not fret, you will find 
your counterpart elsewhere. I have faith in you, Legolas. 
Please have faith in me." He gave the prince a reassuring 
squeeze on the shoulder and exited the bedchamber.

Legolas sighed heavily and looked out of a nearby window. *I 
have already found my counterpart.*

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*~*~*~*~*~*

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen bathed, changed their clothes 
and went to their father's study.

There the lord sat, patiently waiting for their arrival.

The siblings entered the room and stood in silence, waiting for 
him to speak.

"I am sorry that you had to witness my anger today," Elrond 
began slowly. "I do not think that I have ever behaved that 
way in front of you, and I regret that you had to witness it."

"Thranduil was crude," Elrohir said earnestly. "You were only 
defending yourself and us, your children. While your outburst 
was a bit… shocking… it did not seem inappropriate. You 
reacted in the same way that I would have… the way that 
any of us would have."

"But we did not make things better, Father," Arwen said. "I am 
sorry for our disrepair when we appeared. We embarrassed 
you. Please do not blame Elladan or Elrohir… the jest was my 
idea."

"I have always encouraged you to find the good in life… to 
jest and make merry. Thranduil came unannounced. None of 
us could have known that he would arrive this day. But if it will 
comfort you, he would not have liked you if you threw flowers 
at his feet and were dressed in garments made from Mithril. I 
am still sorry, nonetheless," Elrond said, "for my behavior. I 
apologize… to each of you. Elladan, please do not take 
Thranduil's words to heart. He truly believes that he knows 
what is best for his son. And even though we argued this 
day… and even though the king can be harsh… he loves his 
son."

Elladan nodded weakly and stared at the ground. He could 
feel himself trembling.

"Elladan?" Elrond asked with concern, walking over and 
placing his hand on his eldest son's shoulder.

Elladan looked up slowly, meeting his father's eyes.

Elrond looked at his son carefully, observing the sallowness of 
Elladan's skin. "I will speak to the king again. You and Legolas 
should not be punished for our inability to be friends. This is not 
your fault, Elladan."

"I know," Elladan said quietly. "Perhaps… perhaps the love 
that the king mentioned is the reason for his malice towards 
you."

"I… I…" Elrond stammered.

"You did not love Mother, did you?" Elladan asked, looking for 
an answer in his father's eyes.

"I have always been honest with you, my children," Elrond 
began, "so I will answer your question as best I can. But this is 
a very personal matter, so I will only disclose what I deem to 
be appropriate for your ears. I loved Celebrían, and was 
saddened to see her set sail and journey to the west. She was 
a wonderful wife and mother… and a friend. I loved her… 
yes. Did I love another before her? Yes. I did not have the 
kind of passion for Celebrían that you have for Legolas, 
Elladan… or that you have for Ellaria, Elrohir. Our marriage 
was one of convenience more than of love. We met in 
Lothlórien and I thought that she was beautiful. We had much 
in common and would spend time together. When I had to 
return to Rivendell, I greatly missed her. We were friends… 
best friends. I could tell her anything… everything, and she 
could always make me laugh. You  are so much like her 
Elladan," Elrond said, looking at his eldest son fondly. "I miss 
her."

"I am sure that she misses you too, Father," Arwen said 
sorrowfully, wrapping her arms around her father's waist.

Elrond kissed Arwen on the top of the head. "I do not wish to 
say anymore about this…" he broke off suddenly. "Elladan? 
Elladan?" He sprung forward and caught Elladan as he fell, 
unconscious.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
*~*~*~*~*~*

"Legolas," Dace said as he entered the prince's bedchamber.

"I am here," Legolas said, staring out of the window, looking 
out over the realm. "I feel so lost, Dace… so lost, and no one 
can help me."

"I shall help you," Dace said, walking over to his brother. "That 
is why I am here… to help."

"You should not concern yourself with such things," Legolas 
said. "Go, explore the realm… visit with Tialise; she likes you. 
She will be happy that you have returned."

"I dream about her," Dace said, smiling faintly. "That little she-
elf has captured my heart, somehow. But she is not the 
reason that I came here. I am here to serve you. I will do 
everything that I can to be by your side now… to see that all 
is well with you."

"All is not well," Legolas said, finally meeting his older brother's 
eyes.

"I know," Dace said, nodding. "Father is very upset."

"I have never seen Father behave like that," Legolas 
remarked in agreement, staring out of the window again. "He 
is the most just and kind elf that I know. But today, he 
behaved so unbecomingly. I should not say this, but I was 
ashamed of him this day. I…" Legolas broke off suddenly.

Dace looked at him very concerned. "Legolas?"

"I will fade," Legolas said quietly. "It is a strange fate that I 
would come to Rivendell to be healed, and then to 
recover… only to die anyway."

"What makes you think that you will die?" Dace asked in 
disbelief. "I know that this day has been trying, but there has 
to be a way… a way for you to live, Little One. You must 
fight."

"Fight for what?" Legolas asked. "I shall fade no matter what I 
chose to do. If I leave Elladan… if I obey Father, as I have 
always done, I will forsake Elladan. And in so doing, I will lose 
my life. If, one the other hand, I chose Elladan and relinquish 
my family, my title and all that I am… I shall still die from grief. I 
am doomed."

"You will not die, Legolas," Dace said sternly. "I will find a way 
to get you to your love. You will see him tomorrow. Together, 
we will find a way to make Father see that the two of you 
belong together. If you hold on to nothing else… hold on to 
that."

"But Father will not approve of my seeing Elladan," Legolas 
protested.

"That is my concern," Dace said, "not yours. Tomorrow you will 
be reunited with Elladan for as long as I can manage. You will 
not fade. All will be well, Little One."

"I hope that you are right, Dace," Legolas said dismally.

Dace smiled encouragingly, but silently thought, *So do I.*

---


Chapter 25: A Look Back



"Hurry up, Legolas," Dace hissed as he motioned to his 
younger brother, "Elladan will be waiting for you by now."

"Dace," Legolas said hesitantly, "if father catches us…"

"He won't," Dace said, trying to sound confident. "Now make 
haste, Little One."

Legolas and Dace crept out of the manor after the morning 
meal. Looking around carefully, Dace led Legolas to a 
clearing in the forest.

"Elladan," Legolas said, upon seeing his lover, "it is very good 
to see you."

Elladan met Legolas' eyes and smiled faintly. "'I have missed 
you, Greenleaf."

Legolas tried to hide his surprise when he saw the color of 
Elladan's skin and the dark circles under his eyes. Pretending 
not to notice how terrible he looked, Legolas said, "You seem 
well."

"Liar," Elladan said, grinning weakly.

"I must away, now," Dace said hurriedly. "Please return to the 
manor no later than midday. I do not want to try to answer 
Father's questions if you are not at the afternoon meal."

"I understand," Legolas said, nodding.

Dace smiled and headed back towards the manor.

Before Legolas could speak Elladan had pulled him into a 
tender embrace. "I just want to feel you next to me, 
Greenleaf. I do not want to let you go."

Legolas wrapped his arms around Elladan and placed a 
gentle kiss on his neck. "I have missed you."

"No more than I have missed you," Elladan said sincerely as he 
released the prince and stared into his eyes.

"Elladan," Legolas said, "you… well… you…"

"I am falling ill," Elladan said, simply. "I know. You shall be the 
death of me, Legolas."

"I do not know what to do, Elladan," Legolas said miserably. 
"You were right. I did not believe that my father would deny 
me this, but I was wrong. I should have listened to you."

"I am glad that you didn't," Elladan said sincerely. "If you had 
listened to me, then we would never have been together. 
You have made me so happy, Legolas."

"You are speaking as though you shall die this very moment," 
Legolas stated in dismay.

"I might," Elladan said, "and… I am afraid. But I would rather 
be with you in the afterlife than not at all."

"Elladan," Legolas said sorrowfully, touching the handsome 
warrior's face.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Thranduil entered the south garden and inhaled deeply. As 
much as he hated Elrond, he couldn't deny that Rivendell 
was beautiful. Wondering where his sons were, the king 
stretched languidly and began to scan the area. He hoped 
to find a quiet little spot where he could collect his thoughts in 
solitude. Casting his sight into the distance, Thranduil saw two 
figures in an impassioned embrace. It did not take long for 
the king to realize what he was witnessing. *Legolas?*

Sitting on a nearby bench, Thranduil placed his head in his 
hands. *How can I save my youngest son from this peril?*

"Thranduil?" Elrond said as he walked toward the gloomy king. 
"Are you alright?"

Thranduil looked up at Elrond and frowned. "Leave me be. I 
do not wish to speak to you."

Elrond held his ground. "Long ago, you always spoke to me. 
We were friends. I know that thousands of years have passed 
and that much dissension has come between us. Is there no 
way that we could become friends once again?"

"Too much has happened, Elrond," Thranduil said. "Too 
much…"

"But our sons are in love, Thranduil," Elrond explained. "If they 
decide to wed, the ties between Mirkwood and Rivendell 
would be strengthened."

"You already know my feeling about this," Thranduil said flatly. 
"I do not wish to discuss this further."

"I know that through the years we had disagreed about many 
things, but you cannot stop this, Thranduil," Elrond said 
seriously. "You cannot prevent Legolas and Elladan from 
being together."

"My son is loyal to me," Thranduil stated. "He knows how I feel 
about his relationship with your son; he will not defy me."

"Nay," Elrond said. "He will not defy you because he will be 
dead."

Thranduil looked at Elrond in shock. "Of what madness do you 
speak?"

"Whether you accept it or not, Legolas loves my son. I have 
no doubt that he will obey anything that you ask of him; he 
loves you dearly and would remain loyal to you unto his 
death. His heart belongs to Elladan, however, and if you tear 
them apart, I fear that he and my son will fade."

"You lie!" Thranduil exclaimed, glaring at Elrond.

"Nay," the lord said quietly, "for Elladan has already fallen ill 
from the elf sickness."

Thranduil looked at Elrond in dismay and then his face 
softened. "How much of the illness has conquered him?"

"He is in the early stages," Elrond said sadly. "Thranduil, please 
do not kill my son. You may hate me, you may harm me, and 
you may have anything that I own, but please, please do not 
make me watch my eldest son die."

Thranduil pondered Elrond's words for a moment. "I fear for 
Legolas," he said as Elrond sat down on the bench beside 
him. "The days of old and the days of new have become one. 
History is repeating itself. What will happen when Elladan 
rejects Legolas? What will become of my Little One then?"

"Reject him?" Elrond asked in confusion. "But Elladan loves 
Legolas; he would never reject him."

"Is that what you said as you drove the dagger of your 
abandonment into my heart?" Thranduil asked seriously.

"What?" Elrond asked in shock. "Of what are you speaking? I 
never rejected you. You rejected me and then sent me from 
the lands of Mirkwood."

"I sent you away when you declared your love for Areen," 
Thranduil said softly.

"I never declared my love to Areen," Elrond protested.

"Do not lie to me Elrond," Thranduil said, meeting the lord's 
eyes. "I found the letter in the folds of her cloak. You never 
cared for me… you loved her."

"That is not true," Elrond explained gently. "I gave Areen the 
note and asked her to give it to you."

"What?" Thranduil asked. "You mean to say that the letter I 
found was for me?"

"It was," Elrond said, smiling faintly. "I wanted to tell you… that I 
loved you."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

3,237 years ago…

Elrond felt his heart begin to beat wildly as the most beautiful 
elf that he had ever seen entered his bedchamber.

"Welcome to Mirkwood. I am Thranduil, the crown prince of 
this land. I shall be your host while you are here. If you need 
anything, please do not hesitate to call upon me," the prince 
said, bowing politely.

"I am Elrond," he said smiling. "It is a pleasure to make your 
acquaintance, Thranduil. Under Gil-galad's tutelage I have 
learned much about the healing arts. But I look forward to 
studying with Cerin, the greatest healer from this realm."

"You will learn much with her aid," Thranduil said, smiling 
brightly, "and you will have a companion in your studies. A 
dear friend of mine, Areen, will join you. She has trained 
extensively in Lothlórien and wants to further her knowledge 
in the art of healing. She is very kind. I suspect that the two of 
you will become great friends."

"And what of you, Prince?" Elrond asked, trying not to sound 
too curious. "Will you also be partaking of Cerin's lessons?"

"I would love to," Thranduil said a bit sadly, "but the work of a 
future king is never done. I must, regrettably, tend to my 
various duties. I am envious of you, Elrond. While you and 
Areen get to go into the forest and discover different herbal 
remedies, I must attend royal meetings and oversee countless 
events."

"Are you ever able to have some time alone?" Elrond asked, 
unable to stop staring at the crown prince.

"I am alone more than I would like to admit," Thranduil said 
sadly. "But this is my fate, nonetheless. I am to be the king of 
Mirkwood someday and I must learn to honor and accept 
that responsibility."

"That sounds very well rehearsed," Elrond remarked teasingly.

"It is," Thranduil said, grinning. "It is the speech that my father 
always gives me. Did it sound believable?"

"Very believable," Elrond said with enthusiasm. "In fact, it only 
sounded slightly rehearsed. You almost had me completely 
fooled."

Thranduil laughed and placed his hand on Elrond's shoulder. 
"Methinks that you and I will be very good friends, Elrond… 
very good friends indeed."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 
*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, after the morning meal, Thranduil led Elrond to 
a large tree just beyond the castle gates. "Cerin will meet you 
here."

Elrond nodded and then looked over Thranduil's shoulder as a 
beautiful, flaxen haired maiden approached.

"Hello," she said politely.

"Hello," Elrond said, bowing.

"Elrond, this is Areen," Thranduil said. "Areen this is Elrond. He 
will be joining you in your studies of the healing arts."

"It is a pleasure to meet you," Areen said, grinning.

"And you," Elrond said warmly.

"Well, I must away," Thranduil said, shrugging. "Father wants 
me to attend a council meeting this day. Please think of me 
often while the two of you are making merry."

"I will," Elrond said quietly as Thranduil bowed and walked 
away.

Elrond watched as the crown prince made his way back to 
the castle.

"He is very handsome," Areen said, looking at Elrond curiously.

"Huh?" Elrond asked, distracted. "Ah yes… I…. I mean no… I… 
I…"

Areen laughed. "Do not worry. I agree with you. I have never 
seen his equal in fairness of face and he is as kind as the years 
are long."

"So… he is your…" Elrond began.

"Yes?" Areen asked.

"Are you to be wed to Thranduil?" Elrond asked hesitantly.

"King Oropher would like to see us wed," Areen said, "as I 
descend from two noble houses. But Thranduil has quite a 
mind of his own and will probably wed whomever he 
chooses."

"I see," Elrond said slowly. "And how do you feel? Do you love 
Thranduil?"

"Nay," Areen lied. "I only want Thranduil to be happy," she said 
sincerely.

Elrond nodded.

"Cerin will be waiting for us," Areen said. "Come let us away to 
our meeting place in the forest."

"Alright," Elrond said as he followed Areen into the woods.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Elrond spent five years in Mirkwood and grew to be the best 
of friends with both Areen and Thranduil. They spent all of their 
time having serious discussions or laughing until they couldn't 
breathe.

With the passing of every day, Elrond felt his love grow for 
Thranduil. However, he was unaware that Thranduil's love was 
even deeper than his own.

So smitten was the future king that he thought about the 
handsome Rivendell elf all day, and longed to be with him. 
He kept his feelings a secret, though, fearing Elrond's 
rejection. He often wondered how he could tell Elrond that 
he was in love with him.

Even though Areen loved the crown prince, she could see 
the look on Elrond's face and the happiness that Thranduil 
exuded when he was in the presence of Elrond. Deciding that 
Thranduil's happiness was more important that her own, 
Areen loved him in silence.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Do you have it?" Areen whispered to Elrond.

"Aye," Elrond said, looking at Thranduil, who was talking 
animatedly with the leader of the border patrol. "I feel unsure, 
Areen," he said slowly. "Perhaps I should not do this. What… 
what if Thranduil rejects me."

"You are in love with him," Areen said firmly. "The two of you 
have become the best of friends. Perhaps now, you can 
become more."

"But what if he does not feel this way about me," Elrond asked 
nervously. "What if I give him this note and he scoffs at me. 
Our friendship would be lost forever."

"Elrond, you must do this," Areen encouraged, touching him 
on the shoulder gently. "You mustn't be afraid. Tell him how 
you feel. You and I both know that Thranduil would never 
confess his feelings to you; he is too proud. So, you must be 
the one to come forward first. It is the only way."

"I am having doubts now," Elrond said, holding the letter 
tightly. "I… I should not do this. Perhaps tomorrow will be a 
better day."

"That is what you said yesterday," Areen said, shaking her 
head in disagreement, "and the day before that. Nay, Elrond, 
you must do this… today."

Elrond sighed. "I cannot."

"Then I will do it for you," Areen said.

"What?" Elrond asked in disbelief.

"Give me the letter and I shall see that Thranduil gets it," Areen 
explained. "This way, you will not have to be present when he 
reads it. It will be easier this way."

"Yes… yes," Elrond said pensively. "That is a very good idea."

Thranduil was barely listening to the border patrol guard 
when he found his eyes wandering to where Areen and the 
beautiful Elrond were standing. He watched them out of the 
corner of his eye, unable to defeat the jealousy that he felt. 
The two of them had seemed particularly close lately as they 
were always whispering and giving one another knowing 
looks. Thranduil wondered what the source of their 
conversation was. *Could Elrond love Areen?* He felt his face 
flush with anger as he clenched his fists. The crown prince's 
fears were confirmed when he saw Elrond glance around the 
room and slip Areen a piece of paper. Feeling his heart begin 
to beat wildly in his chest, his worse fears were confirmed as 
Areen hid the note in her cloak. *He has been using me. All of 
this time, I suspected that Elrond loved me, but now I see that 
he was using me to get closer to Areen. He does not think 
that I have noticed the way that he has been spending more 
time with her lately. They are in love! How can this be? How 
could Elrond do this to me? Does he not know how I feel? I 
have tried to tell him on many occasions. He has rejected 
me. He does not love me!* Thranduil began to breathe 
heavily.

"Are you well, Prince?" the guardsman asked.

"Nay," Thranduil said between breaths, "I… I must away at 
once." Before the patrolman could utter another word, he 
walked away and toward his friends. "Hello," he said loudly, 
startling his comrades.

"Oh, hello Thranduil," Areen said nervously. "Are you ready to 
have dinner now?"

"Aye," Thranduil said coolly. "Uh, Areen, it is warm out this 
night. Would you like me to hold your cloak for you?"

"That would be nice," Areen said gratefully. "Thank you." She 
handed her cloak to the crown prince as the three of them 
made their way to the royal dining hall.

When they weren't looking, Thranduil took the letter and hid it 
in his tunic. He would read it later.

After the evening meal, Thranduil excused himself and went 
to his bedchamber. He knew that Areen would be looking for 
the letter, but he no longer cared. He opened the note and 
read it.



My love,

I am in awe of you. Your beauty, your strength and your 
courage make my heart sing. I have never met another like 
you and would like to spend all eternity discovering why you 
make me feel this way. I shall leave this realm one day soon, 
but if it pleases you, I will always return to you. I love you.

-Elrond



Thranduil dropped the letter on the floor and grasped his 
heart. *I will kill him! I will kill him!*

Without thinking, Thranduil took up his sword and rushed 
downstairs. He went into the sitting room, where Elrond and 
Areen were having what seemed to be another one of their 
secretive conversations.

"How dare you!" Thranduil screamed, pointing his sword at 
Elrond.

"What?" Elrond said standing up abruptly. "What is wrong, 
Thranduil?"

"What is this?" Thranduil asked, throwing the letter on the floor.

"I… I…" Elrond said, looking at Areen in horror, which 
confirmed everything to the prince.

"You disgust me!" Thranduil spat. "I… I thought that you knew, 
but it would seem that you do not care about what I think or 
how I feel."

"Thranduil," Elrond said in dismay, "what are you talking 
about?"

"Do not play the role of a fool!" Thranduil sneered. "You 
cannot trick me."

"Thranduil," Elrond said, trying to understand the crown 
prince's reaction.

"Keep quiet!" Thranduil hissed. "Areen? Do you love him?"

"What?" Areen asked in dismay.

"Answer the question!" Thranduil demanded.

"Nay," Areen said gently. "Elrond and I are friends."

"That is a good thing," Thranduil said icily. "Now get out."

"What?" Elrond said, nearing tears. "But Thranduil, I…"

"Get out of Mirkwood and never return! If I ever see your face 
in this realm again, it will mean your death," Thranduil 
shouted.

Elrond ran out of the room at once, unable to hold back his 
tears any longer.

"Thranduil," Areen said as tears streamed down her face. 
"Elrond…"

"Never utter his name to me again! He will not be spoken of 
here unless necessary. Do you understand?" Thranduil said.

"Yes," Areen said slowly. "But Thranduil… I…"

Thranduil dropped his sword and clutched his chest. 
Staggering forward, the crown prince collapsed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Elrond left Mirkwood at daybreak the next morn. He did not 
understand Thranduil's reaction, but now knew that he was 
wrong to believe that the crown prince could have ever 
returned his love. Looking back at what had been his home 
for the past five years, Elrond made his way back to Rivendell 
knowing that he had lost a part of his heart forever.

Thranduil faced a much harder road than Elrond as the elf 
sickness took hold. No one thought that he would survive. The 
pain was great and the suffering unthinkable as Thranduil 
endured the torment of a broken heart. It was said that the 
departure of his best friend caused the illness. And only he 
knew the truth behind the tales.

Areen stayed by Thranduil's side morning, noon and night, 
trying to make him comfortable before he passed to the halls 
of Mandos.

Thranduil found strength in Areen's presence and discovered 
that she was in love with him. Allowing his hatred for Elrond 
and his pride to mend his heart, Thranduil recovered his 
strength and asked Areen to marry him. Although he did not 
love her, she bore him four sons. She was a good wife, a 
passionate lover and a devoted mother. Thranduil could not 
have asked for more. For some reason, he kept the note that 
he had found so many thousands of years before. And even 
though it pained him, he would read it often, pretending that 
the letter had been written to him… still longing to feel 
Elrond's touch, his lips upon his skin. Often realizing that his 
face was wet with tears, Thranduil held fast to his hatred, 
hoping that it would give him the strength to go on.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Present day…

"You misunderstood," Elrond said, looking at Thranduil in 
amazement. "You banished me because you thought that I 
loved Areen?"

"Aye," Thranduil said emotionally, looking straight ahead.

"You almost died, because of me?" Elrond asked, looking at 
Thranduil.

"Twice," Thranduil said slowly. "My heart nearly broke after I 
sent you away. And my life was nearly claimed again once I 
heard that you were to marry. Before Dace or Legolas were 
born, I fell ill once again. But the reason for my suffering was 
easily hidden as a good friend of mine perished in battle. That 
was the excuse I used to shield my pain," he explained.

"Why did you never tell me how you felt?" Elrond asked.

"Because I knew that you did not feel the same way about 
me," Thranduil said sadly, making sure to avoid Elrond's eyes 
as he spoke. "I knew that you would never love me."

"But I did love you," Elrond said, touching Thranduil on the 
shoulder.

"Did?" Thranduil said quietly. "So, your love for me has waned."

"Hasn't yours?" Elrond asked.

"Nay," Thranduil said. "My love for you has never ebbed. And 
seeing you again has made it worse."

"Do not say such things," Elrond said, brushing a stray lock of 
golden hair from the king's face.

Thranduil looked at Elrond as a single tear rolled down his 
handsome face. "Do you believe that we could find a way to 
put all that has happened behind us?"

"I do not know," Elrond said, gazing into Thranduil's eyes.

"Well," Thranduil said as he rose to his feet, "please think on it, 
as my departure to Mirkwood may be very soon."

Without another word, the king walked away.

Elrond watched Thranduil for a moment and looked into the 
distance. Legolas was sitting in the center of the clearing, 
watching Elladan as he walked away. *The days of old and 
the days of new have become one. History is repeating itself.* 
He looked towards the manor, but Thranduil was already 
gone. Sitting in silence, he wondered if things would ever be 
the same again.

---



Chapter 26: A Token of Love



The next morning, Elladan lay in his bed writhing slowly, 
clutching his chest. The pain seemed to increase with the 
passing of each hour. He found himself wondering when his 
life would finally fade and he could meet Legolas in the 
afterlife. *Someone is coming.* He stopped moving at once 
and sat up. "Legolas? Legolas is that you?" Elladan asked, 
unable to see who had entered, as the pale rays of sunlight 
had only just begun to illuminate his room.

"It is not Legolas," a voice said. "It is his father." Thranduil 
approached Elladan and stood by his bed.

Elladan was afraid. He wondered if the king had seen he and 
Legolas together in the forest.

"Your father told me that you have fallen ill… that the elf 
sickness has taken hold," Thranduil began slowly.

"Aye," Elladan said, trying to behave as though he did not feel 
the stabbing pain in his chest.

"So, you really do love my son," Thranduil stated quietly.

"I do," Elladan said, flinching.

"Please, lie back," Thranduil said gently. "The pain will lessen if 
you are relaxed."

Elladan nodded and lay back onto the bed. Instantly, the 
pain decreased.

"Do you know why I have come here this morn?" Thranduil 
asked.

"Nay," Elladan said, afraid to look into Thranduil's eyes.

"I wanted to see you so that I may apologize for my 
inexcusable behavior," Thranduil said sincerely. "I am sorry for 
the way I treated you. I acted very unbecomingly."

Elladan's mouth fell open as he met the king's eyes.

Thranduil smiled. "I judged you too quickly, Elladan. You seem 
to be a worthy choice for Legolas. He has been very careful 
when choosing lovers; he has always wanted to make a 
prudent decision, and I think he has."

"What… what are you saying?" Elladan asked in disbelief.

"I am saying that I was wrong to try to deny you or my son 
happiness," Thranduil explained. "You are free to be together."

Elladan stared at Thranduil in incredulity.

"Elladan? Elladan it is I. I have come to…" Legolas stopped 
abruptly when he entered Elladan's bedchamber and stood 
facing his father.

Thranduil gave Legolas a scornful look.

"Father… Father… you see, I… I was just… that is… I..." Legolas 
stammered.

Thranduil raised his hand to silence his son. "Come here, 
Legolas."

Legolas walked toward his father dejectedly.

"Give me your hand," Thranduil demanded.

Legolas did not speak and presented his right hand to his 
father.

The king led his youngest son to the bed and placed his hand 
in Elladan's.

Legolas looked at his father in shock.

"Please forgive my crude conduct, Little One. I am very sorry 
for… for everything," Thranduil said gently. "I love you, and I 
thought that I was protecting you. Hearing about your love 
for Elladan made me relive my past… and I did not want to 
remember the pain that I felt then. I also did not want you to 
have to suffer the way that I had. It was wrong of me to try to 
tell you whom to love. If Elladan is your choice, then so be it. 
You have my blessing."

Legolas looked at his father in amazement and then smiled. 
Unable to hide his happiness, the prince embraced his father.

Thranduil smiled and placed a kiss on Legolas' forehead. 
"Elladan?"

"Aye, Sire," Elladan said, trying to hide the excitement in his 
voice.

"Be healed," Thranduil said, "for the elf sickness has no reason 
to linger now."

"Aye," Elladan said, squeezing Legolas' hand affectionately.

Thranduil nodded politely and left the room.

Legolas climbed into Elladan's bed and planted kisses all over 
the dark-haired warrior's face.

Elladan wrapped his arms around Legolas just barely noticing 
that the pain in his chest had almost completely diminished.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Thranduil walked into his bedchamber and sighed. He was 
happy for Legolas, but couldn't help but feel sorry for himself. 
Seeing Elrond again had made him remember the past so 
clearly. And all he could feel now was regret.

He walked out onto the balcony that was adjoined to his 
room and closed his eyes. He inhaled the cool air and felt the 
gentle touch of the morning breeze. And suddenly the wind 
smelled differently. It was masculine, intermingled with the 
scent of pine. It was Elrond.

Thranduil turned around and faced the lord.

"I am sorry to disturb you," Elrond said, bowing politely.

"You are not disturbing me," Thranduil said. "Do you wish to 
speak with me?"

"Aye," Elrond said, nodding.

"Very well then," Thranduil remarked as he reentered the 
bedchamber. "Of what do you wish to speak?"

"I wanted to thank you for sparing my son," Elrond said 
sincerely.

"How did you know that I had spoken to your eldest born?" 
Thranduil asked in incredulity. "I only left his chamber a 
moment ago."

"I know because I know you, Thranduil," Elrond said simply. 
"You are as stubborn as a wild steed and have the temper of 
one too. But you have a kind heart. I did not believe that you 
could truly stand to watch Legolas or Elladan suffer."

"Aye," Thranduil said, shrugging. "I would not want anyone to 
suffer the loss, the pain or the regret that I have."

"Regret?" Elrond asked in dismay. "Why do you have regrets?"

"Because I have wasted so many years shrouded in doubt 
and hatred," Thranduil said, looking into Elrond's eyes. "I have 
been such a fool."

"We cannot help the way we feel," Elrond said, touching 
Thranduil on the shoulder. "The decisions you made… the way 
you felt was based on your knowledge at that time."

"And now?" Thranduil asked.

"Now you have more knowledge," Elrond said warmly. "Now 
we can put the past behind us and move forward… as 
friends."

"Friends…" Thranduil said softly.

"We have made so many mistakes where our hearts are 
concerned," Elrond explained gently. "Would it not be wise to 
try to rekindle our long lost friendship before trying to rekindle 
our love? After all, you wanted to kill me only a few days 
ago."

Thranduil laughed. "Well you know how we  **wild steeds** 
act. I was only behaving in a normal fashion."

"Indeed?" Elrond said in mock amazement. "Then you will not 
mind if I try to tame you before our newfound friendship 
progresses further. I tend to value my life and would not want 
to see it forfeited if you suddenly decided to behave like one 
of you descendants."

Thranduil laughed again and placed his hand on Elrond's 
shoulder. "Methinks that you and I will be very good friends, 
Elrond… very good friends indeed."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

Two weeks later, many things had changed since the 
Mirkwood elves' arrival in Rivendell. The king and Elrond spent 
many hours together each day. And instead of arguing, they 
reminisced about the past and conversed about the future. 
Elladan had made a full recovery and was as humorous as 
ever. And Dace was rarely seen as he spent almost all of his 
free time with Tialise. 

Finally, on their last night in Rivendell, Legolas, Thranduil and 
Dace joined Glorfindel, Ellaria, Zera, Tialise, Mander, Elrond 
and his three children for a farewell feast in the dining hall.

"I have been in this realm longer than I planned and I find 
that I do not want to leave tomorrow morn," Thranduil said to 
everyone present. "But I will miss the company even more 
than I will miss the place."

"I agree," Dace said, touching Tialise's hand gently.

"So do I," Legolas said, looking into Elladan's eyes.

"Well then, it's settled. I invite all of you to come and visit us in 
Mirkwood soon," Thranduil announced.

Everyone nodded excitedly.

"There is only one problem, Sire," Elladan said, smirking.

"And what is that?" Thranduil asked, looking at Elladan 
curiously.

"From what I'm told, my father cannot enter Mirkwood, for you 
banished him from the wooded realm many years ago. He 
has been disallowed to enter Mirkwood under pain of death. 
Perhaps it would be wise to lift the ban, prior to our arrival," he 
remarked simply. "Unless," he said grinning, "you would like to 
see what my father looks like when he is being chased by a 
horde of fully armed elves. Hmmm… perhaps I spoke too 
soon. Do not lift the ban as I would like to see just how quickly 
my father can run from Mirkwood to Rivendell."

Everyone laughed.

"You may get your wish, Elladan. You may get to see an elf 
running very fast in just a moment," Elrond said calmly.

"Indeed?" Elladan asked stupidly.

"Aye," Elrond said, nodding. "Please be sure to bring a looking 
glass with you so that you do not fail to see yourself being 
chased out of this realm by your fully armed father."

Everyone laughed again.

Elladan blushed.

"It is too bad that I did not have more time to explore the 
outer borders of Rivendell while I was here," Thranduil 
remarked thoughtfully. "I wish that I could stay just one more 
day and venture out beyond the edges of the realm."

"'Tis a wonderful idea!" Elladan said, brightly. "I suggest that 
you, Glorfindel and my father venture to Gaidon. It is a 
nearby human city. I guarantee that it will be an experience 
that you will **never** forget."

Elrohir and Legolas snickered quietly.

"Hmmm…" Thranduil mumbled. "I am not sure if I want to 
explore a human city. I don't often find that men are very 
friendly."

"These ones are," Elladan said, trying not to laugh. "And I am 
sure that they would love to meet **you** especially, 
Thranduil."

Elrohir covered his mouth to try and hide his laughter while 
Legolas put his head on the table, unable to conceal his 
mirth.

"I will think on it, Elladan," Thranduil said, failing to notice the 
wry smile on Elladan's face. "Thank you."

Elladan smiled and nodded.

"I would like to bid King Thranduil, Dace and Legolas good 
tidings and a safe journey home," Elrond said raising his 
chalice. "Peace be with you as you travel back to Mirkwood 
and may our journey be safe when we meet you once 
again."

"Aye," Thranduil said as everyone raised their glasses and then 
drank in unison.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
~*~*~*~*~*~

"Legolas?" Elladan asked, looking towards the manor from the 
south garden. "Have you ever noticed the way your father 
looks at my father?"

"Aye," Legolas said, turning his attention to the lord and the 
king. "I think that my father may be in love with your father."

Elrond and Thranduil were standing on the terrace, seemingly 
engrossed in conversation.

"That is simply disgusting," Elladan said, looking at Legolas and 
shaking his head. "I do not believe that they told us everything 
about the loss of their friendship so many years ago. It would 
seem that love was the reason for the misunderstanding that 
they spoke of."

"That was my guess as well," Legolas said, facing Elladan.

"So," Elladan began slowly, "how are we going to spend our 
last night together?"

"Hmmm…" Legolas said, grinning wickedly, "I will have to think 
about that for a moment."

Elladan smiled as Legolas pulled him into a warm embrace.

The lover's lips met passionately as they kissed until they 
couldn't breathe.

"I… I…" Legolas stammered breathlessly.

"Yes?" Elladan asked.

"Will you come with me?" Legolas asked. "I would like to give 
you something."

"Alright," Elladan said, nodding.

Legolas grasped Elladan's hand gently and led him to the 
bluff that overlooked the realm. The moon shone high 
overhead, illuminating the hillside.

Legolas stopped near the edge of the cliff and faced 
Elladan. "I love you," he said grasping both of Elladan's hands. 
"You mean so much to me, my Elladan. I do not know what I 
would have done without you."

"You would have been fine," Elladan said sincerely. "You are 
very strong, Greenleaf; you are a survivor. I only helped you 
along the way. You never really needed me."

"I have always needed you," Legolas said gently. "And I need 
you now."

Elladan raised his eyebrows and looked into the depths of 
Legolas' blue eyes. "I will do anything for you, Legolas. Please, 
tell me what you want."

"I need you to be my love forever," Legolas said, trying not to 
sound nervous. "I want us to be wed."

Elladan couldn't speak. Instead he stared at Legolas is shock 
as the reality of what the prince was saying began to take 
hold.

"I am sorry," Legolas said, trying not to sound hurt, 
misunderstanding Elladan's silence. "I did not mean to upset 
you. But please understand that I love you. I want and need 
you more than you could ever imagine. And although a 
formal union between the two of us would be difficult, as I 
have my duties in Mirkwood and you in Rivendell, I am willing 
to do whatever it takes to be with you… if… if you will have 
me."

Elladan smiled, released Legolas' hands and embraced him 
lovingly. So overcome with emotion was he that all he could 
say was, "Yes."

Legolas kissed Elladan again and then pulled away slowly. He 
reached into his tunic and removed the necklace that he 
wore around his neck. Without hesitation, he handed the 
little, blue stone to Elladan.

"Legolas, you cannot give this to me," Elladan said in protest. 
"This belonged to your mother. I could never take a treasure 
such as this from you."

"It is a token of my love for you, Elladan," Legolas said gently. 
"We will often be apart, but as long as you have this gift, you 
will be reminded of my love for you. Please accept this from 
me as it is the most precious thing that I can offer you."

"Nay," Elladan said, touching the prince's face. "You are the 
most precious gift that you could have given to me, and thus, 
I accept both wholeheartedly."

Elladan put the necklace around his neck and smiled. 
Wrapping his arms around the prince's waist he said, "I love 
you, my Greenleaf."

"And I you, my Elladan," Legolas said, enjoying the warmth of 
his lover's embrace. "And I you."
---

THE END



A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who has been reading this 
story. All of your reviews, emails, e-cards and well wishes have 
meant so much to me. All of you are truly wonderful and 
have made writing this fic an amazing experience. I only 
hope that my future fics will receive such an enthusiastic 
response. Thanks again for everything.

-McKenna Espenshade