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