::::::::::::::::: 
Title: Archery Practice 
Author: Invidi (maulz@excite.com) 
Pairing(s): Elrohir/Legolas, Elladan/Legolas, Elladan/Legolas/Elrohir, 
implied Elladan/Elrohir. 
Rating: NC-17 
Summary: 
Disclaimer: Only in my most erotic and wishful dreams could this have 
happened. And since dreams don�t come true in my life, this isn�t true 
either. 
Warning (only if necessary): Twincest (incest), very little naughty 
language, and must angst. 
Authors Note (if needed/desired): Feel free to email me and let me know 
whatcha think. I don�t bite (and if I do, it�s not very hard) and I love to 
talk back. Thank you kindly! 
:::::::::::::

The quiver on his back grew ever lighter, each arrow spent was an arrow 
that he would have to replace later.  He shifted from one foot to the other, 
letting his weight rest on a different foot as he tested the ground he stood 
on to be sure it wouldn't shift from beneath him when the crucial moment 
came for when he should let another shaft fly.  With an aggravated sigh, 
he shook his long hair away from his face once again.  He loved his hair as 
much as he loved to hone his skills with his bow, but as of now it was 
being nothing more then an annoying nuisance.  In his pack, he knew that 
several leather straps were resting there for the specific reason to rid one 
of hair in their field of vision.  He didn't wish to make his flowing locks 
captive but at this rate he would have to.  For once in a long, long while he 
had decided to let it loose with no braid, clips, or bands; Natural through 
and through.

"You had best quit bothering me or I may as well shear you off..." Legolas 
snapped at a particular grouping of hairs that simply refused to lie flat, but 
agreed to stray into his sights to upset his perfect aim.

He used his lips to blow the strand away for the blink of an eye, thinking it 
would be long enough to get his aim set.  The strand fell flat against his 
right eye and he threw his bow and single arrow to the ground in disgust.

"Warning after warning and you do not heed them!  I fear that now I must 
take you prisoner." His footfalls were silent as he approached his brown 
haversack, kneeling before it.  In it he dug, pulling out several unimportant 
items and dropping them next to his feet for his search for the ever-elusive 
leather strips.  He sat on his haunches while he explored the bag and threw 
an arm in the air, mumbling away the entire time as his hair fell into his 
face once more.

"You are beginning to be far more trouble then you're worth!" The fair 
prince told his long tresses, "Where in Middle-Earth could they be?  I had 
just stored them here but a moment before leaving the House." He slapped 
his hands against his thighs in confusion and anger.  It wasn't often that he 
was confused, to not know what to make of a situation, so when he 
stumbled upon one he was more then slightly irked.

"This is madness...I know I put them in here and yet they rest not where I 
left them." He just sat there, wondering what trickery was out and about to 
steal his hair accessories and what its purpose was to do so.
	
"Our young Prince seems to be missing something he places great value 
on, dear brother.  Whatever shall he do about it?"

Legolas hung his head in defeat, feeling laughter well up within him, "So 
you are the Wizards responsible for my sudden difficulties.  I should not 
have expected any other."

Elrohir smiled smugly, waving one of the bands before him tauntingly.
	
"It is a rare and wonderful gift to see hair so intoxicating free from its 
clasps from such a beautiful creature as yourself.  Elrohir and I felt it was 
time for you to realize this, as we did so long ago." Elladan was bracing 
his body against the gray bark of a tree that the Prince had not been 
shooting at, arms crossed in an amused manner over his chest.

Legolas felt flame rising up to his cheeks and let his head fall back down 
to his pack.  It never ceased to amaze him.  It had been decades since he 
had first found himself lost in the gray eyes of the twins but each and 
every comment that fell from their full lips felt as if it were the first, as if 
he had never had something loving said about him through his long life.  
That feeling was one he cherished, accompanied with the feeling of love 
long-desired.  It was wonderful to feel wanted for more then what your 
over-achieving father and siblings had in mind.  His love was one that was 
ever growing.  Legolas was shocked that he still held the other two Elves' 
interest.

"Intoxicating?  This rat's nest?  I dare to object to such a bald-faced lie." 
He held his smooth hands up, screwing his face up slightly.

Elrohir and Elladan exchanged slightly flustered expressions before 
closing in on Legolas, linking their hands as they came close enough to the 
other.

That was another thing that set the Prince thinking for hours on end when 
the two he loved were away from the House.  It was not a said taboo for 
children from the same family to choose each other as mates but it was 
highly frowned upon by all who knew they were related.  Elrond had 
shown no favor nor any sign of approval over his feelings of his two sons 
announcing that they were lovers as well as siblings.  Legolas knew 
Thranduil would never condone such an arrangement if it were the case 
between he and any of his brothers.  The fact that Lord Elrond seemed so 
laid back to the choosings of his brood showed much about his character.

"You know how enchanting you are my beloved... you're the very essence 
of desire and want.  You are just frustrated with your hair's ignorance to 
what you wish.  But do not put your self worth down, never have we seen 
such an eye holding individual.  It pains us when you say such things that 
we know are not true.  Trust us Legolas, you are worthy of all praise we 
give.  That and so much more." Elrohir's speech was cut off with the 
abrupt connection of lips against his.

Elladan laughed in surprise, "My goodness, perhaps I should use this 
technique from hence forth!"

Legolas's mind was reeling with joyance.  Never had love felt to good as it 
did at moments like these.  Elrohir's arms were pushing down against the 
ground at either side of him due to Legolas's onslaught of physical 
emotions, the Prince straddling him, and pushing against his chest.

A voice belonging not to the three Elves in the backwoods brought them 
out of their indulgence, "Master Elladan..."

"Yes?" He tore his eyes from the sensual pair beside him to bid his 
attention to the young Elf who looked to be bearing a message.

The other Elf bowed low, speaking through a curtain of long hair, "You 
father wishes an audience with you."

Elladan nodded resolutely, leaning over and smacking Elrohir's arm, 
"Come brother, our father needs to have a chat with us."

"Begging your forgiveness my young Master, but he said he wished an 
audience with only you, at this time." The messenger broke him.

With a nervous chuckle Elladan stood and brushed the moss and dead 
leaves from his rear, "Well doesn't that sound foreboding?"

Legolas peeled himself away from Elrohir long enough to give his lover a 
moment to breath and give his brother an answer, "Put in a good word for 
me Elladan and be sure to warn off any wanders from this area."

Elladan watched Legolas's cheeks brighten with joy but also sadness that 
he wouldn't be able to share both of the men he loved.  But with his eyes 
he gave an intense promise that later there would be time for he and 
Elladan would exchange their show of love.
	
Elladan sighed happily, "Alright...those eyes will be the death of me.  
Enjoy yourselves." He motioned the message carrier to walk before him, 
so that he might get a last view of the goings on behind him.  Finally, he 
turned his back to them when he and the one in front of him went around a 
bend in the trail.

Legolas trained his eyes on the Elf whom was smiling up at him, "Why 
did you say such things about me?  I hardly feel that I am one pleasing to 
look at."

Elrohir leaned back on his elbows, shaking his hair over his shoulder, 
"Because I loved you from the moment I set my gaze on you.  You held 
yourself with such grace and confidence.  Elladan and I were sure we 
would never catch your fancy.  You may not think so but the woods of 
Lothlorien pale to compare to your magnificence.  Over these years we 
have grown to love you more then life itself.  Have we ever given you 
reason to trust us not?"

Legolas felt himself melting under the intense gaze of the other, 
"No...never."

"Do you think of us as liars?"

Legolas's eyes widened in shock, "Whatever gave you that idea?  No!"

"Then when we speak compliments over you, know they are true and heart 
felt and not just a way to get into your trousers." Elrohir gave a wry smile, 
tugging at Legolas's waistband.

If it were possible, Legolas felt an upwelling of even more love and desire 
to these two brothers.  He ended Elrohir's speech by placing two fingers 
over those soft lips, putting pressure on Elrohir's chest with his other hand 
so that the two might lie down on the forest floor. Legolas entwined one of 
his legs with Elrohir's, laying part of his chest upon the other Elf's torso, 
staring deep into his eyes.  With a slender finger he traced the edge of his 
hairline, winding his finger into one of the dark locks, bringing it to his 
lips to kiss.  Elrohir sighed his pleasure, bringing his hands up Legolas's 
sides, up and over to his back and shoulders.

"Mmm...Elrohir..." Legolas's soft voice caused the other to moan out with 
him.

He brought his lips down to rest upon the other's neck, brushing dark locks 
of hair away from the wanted spot.  What began with soft suckling and 
licking soon turned to gentle love bites that would leave a lasting mark 
against Elrohir's flawless skin.  Neither cared, it felt too good to be a bad 
thing.  Slowly, using his tongue, Legolas made his way from one side of 
his lover's neck to the other and began the same process he had just used 
to make Elrohir squirm beneath him.

"Lego-las!  Enough of this torture..." Said Elrohir, but made no sign of 
stopping the other from his duty.

	Lust began to claw its way into the bodies of both, causing the 
dark haired Elf to pull Legolas down for a kiss filled with passionate 
enthusiasm.  Legolas was nearly driven senseless with such a sudden rush 
of feelings throughout his being.  He yanked Elrohir up so that he was 
now straddling him and twisted his fingers into the under layers of the 
dark tresses, so different from his but in texture, so very alike.  Legolas 
felt fingers under his neck, working to loose the leather ties of his shirt.  
He brushed the fumbling fingers away to do the job himself, feeling eager 
fingers stroking his clothed chest the whole while, trying in vain to find 
silky skin.

	"You are like a child searching for a treat..." Legolas laughed, 
finally shedding his shirt with the shrug of his shoulders.   

Elrohir was eager enough to forgo the fastenings on his own tunic and 
elected to cross his arms over each other to grasp the edges of his shirt and 
simply pull the thing off, flinging it away to the side.  Legolas smiled in 
appreciation of the muscular body that sat across his lap, bring his head 
down to lick at the creamy skin he had grown quite familiar with over the 
years.  Elrohir hissed through his teeth, raking his fingers across Legolas's 
neck and shoulders in the most pleasing of ways.  

Legolas felt now would be a good time to press Elrohir onto his back 
again and ravage his body that way.  Elrohir put up little struggle as he 
was lain upon Legolas's sweet smelling shirt.

"I love you so much more then I ever thought possible..." Legolas felt 
tears pricking against his eyes when he admitted this.

"I love you more and more each day we spend together...let us show each 
other how we feel." Elrohir whispered, a sly grin on his face.

Legolas felt his tears dry up, "You're terrible..." He was delighted none the 
less.  He buried his face in the dark hair and neck of the other man.  With a 
stifled sigh of contentment, he pulled back and gave his own crafty smile 
to Elrohir.  He took an erect nipple into his mouth and began to massage it 
with his tongue, using his fingers to give the same treatment as the other 
nipple.  His leg was still thrown across Elrohir's lap and he could feel the 
hardness that told him what he was doing did have a positive effect.  He 
used a leg to rub the length a few times to fire up his lover that much 
more.  He felt the deep rumbling of Elrohir's vocalizations through his 
mouth, still pressed against his chest, and that feeling did more to him then 
he thought capable.

"Elrohir...you must stop teasing me like that...your voice..." Legolas 
breathed, moving his mouth away from its possession for only a moment.

Elrohir was shocked, "Me!?  I lay here, nearly in pain at the sensations 
you are invoking and you accuse me of teasing?  You need to be 
punished." Without warning he swung Legolas off of his chest and onto 
his side and then completed the move by rolling over on top of him. 

Legolas smiled in surprise, overjoyed at the current situation.  The sight 
before him sent conflicting thoughts to his mind.  The loose hair of the 
other spilled over Elrohir's shoulders, framing his lovely face in a dark 
way.  But then, upon a longer look, leaves and grass were seen to be 
poking up all over the place from his stay on the ground.  Legolas 
dismissed that thought with another large smile and grasped at Elrohir's 
forearms to pull him down to rest against his body.

Elrohir shifted around slightly, wishing his pants weren't hindering the 
movement of what lay between his legs.  Legolas caught this and began to 
untie the knots that held the other man's pants up.  Elrohir returned the 
favor, shucking him out of his clothes and leaving them both breathing 
heavily with the sight of each nude.  

"Such beauty has only ever been seen when looking upon a God..." Elrohir 
was caught up at the sight before him.

"Come, I wish to mingle with my earthly creatures..." Legolas grinned 
seductively, holding his arms up in an unasked manner hoping to get 
Elrohir to join him on the forest floor.

Little could have stopped the other man from doing so.  As he lay himself 
down over Legolas he snaked his hand down between their bodies to take 
Legolas into his hand.

"Elro-!" Legolas cut himself off by biting his lip and throwing his head 
back, arching his hips further into the other's hand.

Much pleased by the reaction Legolas gave, Elrohir tightened his grip on 
the pillar of flesh and began to move his hand faster, loving each and 
every toss this elicited from Legolas.

Elrohir heard a growl come from below him and, before he knew what had 
happened, he found himself on his back with Legolas sitting with one leg 
on either side of him.  He gave a forceful kiss against Elrohir's lips before 
shimmying his way down the long body of lover, shuddering when he felt 
Elrohir's stiffness against his rear.  But now was not the time for such an 
intimate linking, not out in the wide open spaces of Rivendell, so he kept 
moving down until his cheek brushed against the other man's twitching 
arousal.  Elrohir's expression was one of tense longing.  It looked as if he 
feared what would happen next.  It was not so much fearing what would 
go down but rather what he would feel when Legolas went down.

Legolas gave a dainty lick, keeping his eyes glued to Elrohir's as he blew a 
soft current of air over the hot flesh.  He got a shudder in response and he 
smiled smugly, giving another small lick, watching for anything to 
happen.  He repeated this a few times before suddenly taking Elrohir's 
entire length into his mouth.

Elrohir, shocked by the sudden warmth wrapped around him, jerked 
upright ever so slightly, moaning his appreciation, digging his long fingers 
into the mossy earth around either side of him.  Legolas's mouth was 
highly skilled in this area of sexual pleasure, as Elrohir and Elladan both 
knew, and he was quickly being brought to the brink of his sanity, not 
being able to hold back for much longer.  

"Lego-las!  Oooh...Lego-las!" He cried, thrusting his hips up into 
Legolas's waiting mouth.

He blinked a few times, taking deep breaths, and fixed his eyes upon the 
one he loved so much.  He was licking lips, swallowing what was left of 
the other man's seed, and smiling down at him.

"My dear Legolas..." Elrohir sighed, flopping his arms down at his sides, 
"If you wish to receive your end of the deal you had best get with an arm's 
length reach of me."

In a hurry to get rid of the aching swelling between his legs, Legolas 
needed no further bidding and was at Elrohir's side in a matter of a second.  
He dropped his head down, convincing Elrohir's lips to participate with his 
in a kiss reserved for this one moment and no other.  Legolas began to get 
so lost in this that he hardly felt Elrohir's hand pulling away from its grip 
on his hair and moving down his body.

Elrohir noticed Legolas's ignorance and used it to his advantage, becoming 
giddy as his hand assumed stealth mode.  His lips were working furiously 
to keep up with that of his partner when he gave Legolas a hearty stroke.  
Legolas cried out into his mouth, making for the most interesting of 
feelings, and leaned heavily against his hand.

"Elrohir...oooh...more..." Legolas pressed his forehead against Elrohir's 
shoulder and chest as he was slowly being worked.  He felt all awareness 
of anything around him being lost as his focal point became centered on 
his hardened arousal and the hand that was bringing him so great a 
pleasure.  He was ready to explode, the intensity in which he rocked his 
body was proof enough for Elrohir, but Legolas kept going.  

With a small smile, Elrohir pulled out a trick he and Elladan discovered 
about the Elf they were so in love with.  He began to speak in low, 
soothing tones.

"Elladan would love to be here watching this Legolas...he would be 
stroking your back right now, kissing your neck, and moving against you 
in a way that would drive you mad.  Your hair would be spread across his 
stomach as you kissed your way up and down his body...he would moan 
your name..."

Out of nowhere, Legolas furiously came, collapsing atop Elrohir and 
murmuring his name quietly, over and over.

It was a tried trick that seemed to work time and time again.  Speaking to 
Legolas while he was on the receiving end of attention always resulted in 
the young Prince to reach the edge faster then if it had been silent around 
him.

"I hate you." Legolas growled, his face hidden beneath deep folds of 
Elrohir's hair.

The other Elf laughed, "Are you so sure that you hate me?  I recall you 
telling me and dear Elladan that you quite enjoyed that treatment."

"I would suggest you keep quiet or I might just end up biting you." 
Legolas threatened lovingly.

"But you DO enjoy it, admit it." 

	Nothing happened for a split second and Elrohir thought he had 
won.

	"OW!" He squealed, pulling back from the blonde Elf lying on 
top of him.  His eyes were huge.

	"You had that coming, Lord Elrohir." Legolas had a smirk set 
deep into his cheeks, feeling quite proud of himself.

	Elrohir sighed in amusement, chuckling softly as he stretched 
languidly and began searching for his clothing.

	Legolas already had his pants tied on and his shirt halfway laced 
up when Elrohir looked up at him next.   The Prince had a look of false 
concern on his face.

	"Why Elrohir, whatever is that on your neck?  It looks like 
something has mauled you!" His voice dripped with a taunting sarcasm.

	Elrohir felt the welt upon his neck and blushed, "Father will be 
most displeased...he'll live."

	Legolas laughed heartily, picking up his quiver and bow, leaving 
the arrows in the tree to be retrieved by a servant.  He walked up behind 
Elrohir, wrapping his arms around his waist as they walked, and began to 
sing softly of the trees.

	"I wonder was Lord Elrond wanted with your brother..." Legolas 
voiced, tilting his head to the side to deposit a small kiss on the nape of his 
lover's neck.

	"I suppose we'll find out, Legolas." Elrohir leaned back into the 
warm embrace and felt as if he truly belonged to this Elf Prince.

~~

"I do not honestly know.  He has been sitting there for quite some time.  
You wish to converse with him?" The servant asked.

	"Of course I do...I must..."

	The young Elf bowed respectively, but then held his hands up, "I 
am not to let anybody pass Master Legolas.  Master Elladan requested 
time to sit and think.  He stated that you would understand and let him toil 
over his thoughts alone."

	Legolas pulled back the blood red robe he wore and bared the 
necklace that spoke of his power and position in Elven society, "I need not 
exercise my rights to command do I?  I must speak with him.  He is 
troubled and you care not, you let him sit and suffer by himself."

	The slighter individual would not allow his gaze to meet that of 
the Prince, but he still held strong, "Princeling, do not make me call to 
Master Elrond about this.  A request from the Lord's son is as if it were a 
request from the Lord himself."

	Legolas smirked, his braided hair pulled away from his patrician 
face, "Lord Elrond is having a council with Master Elrohir as we speak.  
You know just as well as I do that they will not tolerate being interrupted.  
Stand aside and do not make me tell you again!" 

	Legolas felt upset at having to use that tone of voice, watching 
the young Elf cower against the wall.  He lifted a hand to flick a braid 
back over his shoulder and watched the servant wince and pull back as if 
he expected to be struck.

	"I would not hit you, out of rage at your disobedience, or 
otherwise.  Why do you pull back?" 

	When he spoke, the servant's voice shook with emotion, "You 
are NOT to pass.  Please do not anger Master Elladan, I fear not your 
wrath, only his."

	Legolas looked over the grassy knoll to the tree in which his 
lover sat, stroking the smooth bark.  He could not tell if he was singing by 
sight or by hearing fore the distance was too great.  But his posture gave 
away everything.

	"What is this that you speak of?  What wrath?" Legolas kept 
both hands by his side, his voice low and soothing as he moved closer, 
"Garal?  Tell me what it is you talk about."

	The servant shook his head stubbornly, keeping his body in front 
of the door in which Legolas wanted to go through, "I am not to speak of 
it."

	"Speak now!  Did Elladan strike you?" Legolas blurted, not sure 
if he was on target.

	No answer was forth coming.  Garal hung his head further.

	"Why...what would cause him to strike out at you?  You are his 
most loyal servant.  He's immensely fond of you!"

	"Fond of me?  If he truly cared for me he would not have treated 
me in such a way!" Garal pressed a shaking hand against the stony wall 
for support, turning his to avoid Legolas's penetrating stare.  In doing so, 
he bared a stretch of his neck.

	"Elbereth...what impassioned him so?  He struck you!  With 
what?" Legolas breathed.

	"His hand!  I was waiting by the Lord Elrond's chamber doors 
when the Master burst through as though a pack of Orcs were on his tail.  
He looked most displeased.  When I inquired of his troubles he left me 
with this bruise and strict orders for none to bother him."

	Legolas was stunned.  Elladan...his Elladan had struck a living 
creature?  The thought would have been impossible to even remotely 
consider precious moments ago and now, now it was as if he had seen it 
with his own eyes.  It was imperative that he talk to Elladan now but Garal 
was as loyal as they came and would not budge for anything.

	"Garal, I hate to repeat myself but I feel I must do it once more.  
I must speak with Elladan, stand aside!" He used a commanding tone, 
pulling himself up straight to dissuade anymore objections from this 
stubborn Elf.

	"I can not Princeling!  I fear not you, your demeanor frightens no 
one.  I fear my Master's hand.  And that is what I am afraid I will face if I 
let you by.  Do not ask this of me!" He pleaded.

	Legolas saw his opening and took it, "I will not ask it of you 
again.  I am telling you that I will speak with Elladan.  With your consent 
or without it.  I will speak to him and I promise you he will never lay an 
unkind hand upon you again.  Lord Elrond's words were what drove him 
to use violence.  Have you ever known your Master to hit anybody for any 
reason?" Garal shook his head, "Then trust my words and let me go to 
him."

	Without another word, the Elf was scampering down the hallway 
as fast as his legs would carry him, a backward glance was not even 
spared.

	Legolas looked at the distance he would need to cover in order to 
reach the one he so desired to talk to.  In the beginning he had been 
seeking the Elf for a sexual confrontation to make up for the one he had 
had to miss earlier that afternoon.  But now the situation was far more 
curious, more unpleasant, and more unpredictable then Legolas had 
anticipated.  A quick look at the sorrowful sun and the sky which 
promised rain, the Prince felt it best to leave his heavy robe he wore 
behind.  This could easily be solved inside as well as out.  He dropped it 
carelessly onto the stone bench just inside of the door.  He felt lighter with 
the thick garment gone and began to walk briskly to the tree.

	To strike a servant is not unheard of.  But it IS when speaking of 
any of Elrond's heirs.  What words could Elrond have spoken that would 
trigger such a violent reaction out of so calm an Elf?  How dare he strike 
Garal...Elrohir would never do anything of the sort.  
	
	Legolas jerked to a halt.  Elladan was called in for a discussion 
by Elrond first and then Elrohir after him.  Might they be linked together?  
And was he next?  This gets more complicated and puzzling by the 
moment.  What had started out as a perfect day was now turning into a 
storming sea of confusing and emotions.  He had since started walking 
again.

	Legolas began to look back at times he had felt most 
uncomfortable around Elrond, hoping to see something that would have 
made the Lord of Rivendell talk to his sons in such an upsetting manner.  
It struck him when he was halfway to the tree.  Anytime any physical or 
verbal show of affection Elrond would avert his eyes to something else.  
He would become quiet and withdrawn.  None of them had seen this.  In 
all the long years they spent in Imladris they had never once taken notice 
of this.

	Elladan suddenly spied the stealthily approaching Prince and 
looked ready to bolt, a childish move that he hadn't used since he in his 
early hundreds.  But instead he planted himself more firmly in the fork of 
the tree, wedging his body in so his back pressed snugly against the main 
trunk.  He watched his lightly dressed partner for signs of his mood and 
was dismayed.  His posture spoke of tension, his eyes were clouded with 
dread and confusion, his normally pouty lips dipping into a deep frown.  
Garal had obviously squealed but Elladan had expected it...just not so 
soon.  

	The distance grew short enough for words to be exchanged but 
neither offered to speak.  Elladan ran a weary hand over his eyes, rubbing 
them so that he might think a little more clearly.  Legolas stood at the base 
of the tree.

	"Are you coming down or will you force me to climb up there 
and sit on your lap?" He called.

	Elladan felt a small bit of relief, glad to know that Legolas wasn't 
too upset, "Do you really feel the need to ask a question that you know the 
answer to already?"

	Legolas smiled sadly and easily made the jump to the lowest 
branch, pulling his feet up over his head, hooking his legs on the branch he 
held, and sat up.  He blinked as a piece of bark landed near his eye and 
shook the leaves and dirt from his boots out of his hair.

	Elladan smiled fondly.  The Elf's seemingly innocent nature was 
positively alluring but now was not a time to take notice of such things.  
He wanted to reach out and touch this one person, one of the two that 
meant all of the world to him, but his father's words echoed in his mind 
again and he kept his hand down in his lap.  He felt ashamed of his 
previous flirting but pushed that thought out of his mind.

	"Oh Elladan, come here." Legolas read the signs of a struggle in 
his love's eyes and responded accordingly.  

	Elladan watched as Legolas scooched down the tree towards 
him, almost flowing down the branch with his poise and grace.  His 
balance never once faltered as he slid himself down to rest in the same 
fork Elladan rest against, their groins pressed firmly, though not painfully, 
against each other.

	"Lego-las, you are cruel!" Elladan lacked the will power to get 
up and avoid touching the one he held so dear.

	The Prince smiled, "You think I do not know this?  I feel not the 
need to tarry, so do me a favor.  Let us skip over the pleasantries and get 
straight to the point."

	"Aye, that sounds very good my...very good Legolas." I must not 
call him that any longer...

	"Elladan, what did you father tell you?  What would make you 
hit Garal?  Never have I seen you do such a thing before!" 

	Elladan stared at Legolas, "Never have I seen you be so blunt 
before, Prince.  What my father said is not of your concern.  He has yet to 
speak with you."

	Legolas felt a cold fear grip him, "What would he say when he 
spoke with me?  The same he has said to you?  And the same that he is 
undoubtedly saying to Elrohir?"

	"Yes."

	Legolas imagined the worse possible scenario running through 
his head, feeling that now wasn't a good time to consider feeling optimistic 
about anything involving his two lovers.  He wasn't so far off.

	"Let me know what he said, dear love, so that I might better 
prepare myself for his words." 

	Elladan eyed him, pulling his light tunic closer around him as a 
thick, black cloud blotted out the sun, "I swore to my father that I would 
not breathe a word of it to either you or Elrohir until he has talked to you 
both.  It is not by my choice that I withhold this from you Legolas, 
remember that."

	A sudden wind whipped Legolas's hair up and behind his head, 
"This I know,"

	The other Elf was captivated by the gorgeous view he had of the 
Prince and of the sweet sound of his voice, "I can not bear the thought of 
being without you." He blurted, his eyes stinging with tears.

	Legolas froze. His heart, his movements, but not his mind.  It 
raced more quickly then a falcon could dive, all of his thoughts driving 
towards one single goal: speaking.

	Elladan closed his eyes as tightly as he was able, feeling both 
foolish and ashamed at the same time.  Both of these emotions for two 
reasons.  Shame for crying in front of his life-mate and shame for letting 
his father down.  Foolishness for the tears he let drop and also for his 
inability to hold a secret that meant so much.

	"So then it is true...You father does not approve of us?" Legolas's 
voice cracked violently as he pulled himself away from Elladan's 
comforting closeness.

	Elladan reached out to stop Legolas from moving away but the 
lithe creature had already moved out of grabbing distance and resettled 
himself.  He sat precariously on the balls of his feet at the edge of the 
branch, looking unsure of himself and the situation he was suddenly thrust 
into.

	"Legolas...it is not by my own choice.  Father will let you know 
this.  Please, come away from the edge of that bough, I do not want to see 
you fall."

	"I fell only once in my lifetime, and it was only my heart.  It fell 
for you and for Elrohir.  I let it do this because I knew you would never 
break it or my trust.  I feel that I was wrong if you can not tell me what 
was said." Legolas gripped a thin vine over his head to keep his balance, 
his knuckles a deadly white.

	Splat. Splat, Splat...splat, splat, splat, splat...

	The rain that the clouds had been threatening suddenly opened 
up and began a depressing drizzle over the pastured landscape.  The trees' 
leaves began to dip under the weight of the water, making the peaceful 
land look sorrowful and tired.

	"Do not do this to me Legolas.  I love you because you let me be 
free and let things come to you in due time.  Do NOT ask this of me right 
now!" Elladan slapped his fist against his thigh.

	Legolas's hair began to stick to the sides of his face as the drizzle 
turned to a heavier assault of water, "I do not want to hear the whole truth 
from your father.  He would be uncaring of what he had to say.  You know 
this just as well as Elrohir does.  Just as well as I do.  Please do not block 
me out now Elladan...I can not stand the thought of you doing that to me."

	"You will find out soon enough!  My father's opinion of me 
stands on an edge so thin that if I push to far one way or the other I will be 
cut off from him forever!"

	"I can not wait for that time Elladan!  Do not choose between me 
and your father!"

	"It's not about father!  It's Elrohir and you-." He cut himself off 
one moment too late.

	Legolas's mouth was open, gaping like a fish out of water, no 
sound forthcoming.  He blinked as if his eyes were on fire, his grip 
faltering on the vine he held.  Elladan jumped forward, sliding across the 
slick bark, stomach down, and latched a firm grip onto Legolas's wrist.  It 
was at this moment when the Prince was wretched back into reality by 
Elladan's touch that he had to grab onto something, lest he fall.  This 
realization came a moment too late.  Both Elves clawed madly at the 
water-slicked branch, lurching forward in a vain effort not to fall.  Even 
their Elven abilities with balance and grace could save them not.  Together 
they crashed down into a massive puddle, a tangle of long legs and flailing 
arms.

	Elladan landed atop the slightly smaller Elf and heard the breath 
driven from his chest upon impact.  They slid across the wet earth for a 
few feet before finally coming to a smooth stop.

	Elladan dropped his head down against Legolas's chest, forehead 
resting on the small area of flesh the Prince's tunic bared, and took a deep 
breath to calm his already shattered nerves.

	"Legolas...are you alright?"

	When no answer came he opened his eyes and pulled his face up.  
Blood trickled from a small cut on Legolas's lips, staining his cheeks as 
the rain dripped dismally atop his face.  Legolas was staring into his eyes 
in so haunting a way that Elladan knew, he knew, that he would never be 
able to forget it.  He squirmed beneath the accusing glare and was about to 
move when a hand against his lower back stopped him.  His eyes closed 
out of habit and he pushed himself into Legolas's body.

	"You see?  You still do love me..." Legolas murmured, his voice 
full of hope.

	Elladan felt the tears coming again, "I have never stopped loving 
you.  I will never stop loving you." He sighed pitifully, "Father asks of me 
to choose between the two I love more then life itself.  This will not make 
an Elf as strong as I stop loving either of them.  He has all the power in 
Middle-Earth but that one."

	The look on the fair Elf's face could have driven the storm clouds 
away if it were possible.  Elladan wasted no time in closing the space 
between their lips, not bothering to wipe away the blood from the other's 
mouth, and felt the familiar warm fire racing through his stomach.  Only 
Elrohir could elicit such a feeling from him.  He felt Legolas's arms snake 
their way up his back, encircling him from behind and pulling so their 
chests would touch the way their mouths were.  He sighed heavily through 
his nose, tasting the slightly off taste of blood intermixed with saliva as his 
tongue began licking at Legolas's lower lip.

	A pathetic whimper issued from the blonde's soft lips, his groin 
bumping against Elladan's at a faster and faster rate.  Legolas slid his 
hands up underneath the soft fabric of his lover's tunic to feel the even 
softer feeling of the other's skin.  His hand slid falteringly across the damp 
surface as he smoothed his fingers around, up and down, over and over 
until the back of his fingers his the waistband that held his most desired 
prize.

	Elladan drew away from his work on the Prince's mouth to quirk 
and eyebrow at Legolas.  It was one thing for he and Elrohir to be out in a 
wooded area, where nobody could see their sexual ventures, but here on 
his father's own front garden was hardly appropriate.  But with one side of 
his brain wanting to listen to his father's long standing rules, the other 
fought back with the though, 'He is trying to separate all of us.  He has this 
coming to him if he thinks he has the right to do that!' He sat in a frozen 
sort of limbo, unmoving as Legolas's fingers danced across his back.  But 
then they too stopped.  But only for a moment.  The Prince gave a firm, 
sharp squeeze to Elladan's rear end, pulling their crotches into further 
contact with a sharp yank.

	This is what decided Elrond's oldest son.  He drove his tongue 
deeply and furiously into Legolas's mouth, wanting to take in all that he 
could, lest it be his last time with so intimate an encounter with him.

	Legolas was overwhelmed; Elladan's hands were everywhere on 
his body, but nearly in enough places.  He felt the exact same burning 
need the other Elf did, though his body received such attentions less then 
seven hours previous. His breath turned from even gasps into erratic, as 
well as erotic, moans of excitement and desperate need.

	He pushed against the one assaulting him, "Elladan...take me, 
now...please!"
	
	Elladan's world was being turned upside down, as it had so many 
times before in all of his intimate encounters with every single partner he 
had ever had, but it had never effected him as much as it did when he was 
with his two current lovers.  And when they used that voice, with that 
certain sound to it, it was all he could do not to ravage the one beneath 
him without another thought.  His mind was a fog as Legolas's fingers dug 
into his wet pants and jerked down, taking them clean down his knees in 
one swipe.

	"My...but aren't we eager..." Elladan breathed the words out, his 
need poking out quite obviously in front of him and into Legolas's openly 
spread legs.  

	Elladan pulled himself up and off of the other Elf and finished 
what the other had started and went so far as pulled his shirt from his wet 
body.  With a snicker he saw Legolas had done the same.

	"Behind the tree my love..." He stated.

	Elladan was feeling ever so slightly self-conscious about his 
open nudity in his father's gardens and was not surprised to see Legolas 
even more so.  He nodded quickly and sce-daddled behind the cover it 
provided.  Elladan could have laughed at the sorry state in which Legolas 
looked.  He knew he had to look the same but all of his attention was 
focussed solely on the gorgeous figure that...was about to maul him.

	Elladan laughed as he was tackled into the pillowy soft mud, 
feeling it squish into his already-wet hair and turn his hot flesh cold.  But 
his laughter died as he saw the seriousness written across Legolas's mud-
stained face.  He felt his head being mushed further and further into the 
mud as Legolas added more and more pressure with his mouth.  When he 
felt like he was going to pass out, Elladan finally pushed Legolas off of 
him and back against the trunk of the tree they so recently fell out of.  

	"Do you want me to take you or do you want to take me?" He 
asked him carefully.

	Legolas was on his knees in a flash, switching places with 
Elladan as quickly as he was able.  With insistent hands pressing against 
his chest, the ebony-haired Elf allowed his back to be pressed against the 
sturdy tree.  His arousal was arching high into the air, almost as if 
stretching to reach for the Elf he so loved.  Legolas wasted no time in 
taking advantage of this.  With a hurried rush, he positioned himself so he 
was poised right above the twitching erection but stopped himself so he 
was looking right into Elladan's eyes, the window's to his soul, and used 
his own rain drenched hand to guide the other man's arousal deep into his 
body, already fully relaxed with this practiced position. Both Elves 
clenched their eyes shut tight and bit back satisfied moans.

	All of the stress, all of the pain, misunderstanding, and confusion 
were lost in this moment of pure and utter bliss.  Elladan finally attached 
his hands to Legolas's delicate hips and lifted him up, letting gravity pull 
the light Elf back down.  

	Elladan finally peeled his eyes open and nearly lost it right then 
and there.  Legolas had his head throw back, panting softly as Elladan's 
length stroked him in every right way, his body rising and falling to the 
pace nature set.

	"Lego-las...open your eyes my love."

	With a clear struggle, Legolas lifted his lids and forced them to 
stay open.  Just at this moment, Elladan's free hand grasped him and began 
to work him to the rhythm of their hips.  

	"Ai...ai....ai...AI!" Legolas cried out, clenching all of his muscles 
and burying his rear into Elladan's crotch.  His seed was lost among the 
mud and water, but his cries of passion were not.  These were enough to 
knock Elladan a mile high, launching him into orgasm.  His body rocked 
against Legolas a few more times before he collapsed completely against 
the tree, pulling Legolas against him.  Their breathing eventually went 
from strained to relaxed and finally, the realization set in that Legolas was 
sitting atop a boneless Elladan, and they were both sitting in inch deep 
mud and other various fluids.  

	"I will not let father take this from us."

~~

The smooth hands traced up and over his shoulder blades and back, the 
rain adding to the easy, fluid movements.  The soft rain spattering over his 
neck and head felt as if it were cleansing his mind as well as his mud 
covered body.  Together they breathed as one, their limbs moved against 
each other when one of them shifted, and their thoughts drifted together as 
their bodies previously had.  Together, Elladan and Legolas lifted their 
heads and looked into each other's eyes, a silent agreement being reached 
by both.  As Legolas started to pull away, Elladan suddenly had a grip on 
his wrist and the back of his neck, drawing him for a sweet kiss.  Legolas 
tilted his head to the side to claim the mouth in a loving embrace.  The 
Elven Prince's wet hair stuck to Elladan's cheeks and throat, causing an 
irritating tickle, forcing Elladan to pull back too soon for either of their 
liking.

	"We have been gone far too long.  Garal has no doubt spoken to 
my father of my behavior, and possibly yours as well." Elladan's cheeks 
proceeded to stain the slightest of pinks.

	"My behavior?" Legolas voiced sharply.

	"Our behavior then." Elladan smiled in a cocky manner, "A 
much enjoyed behavior I might add."

	"And speaking of such, I never want to hear of you hitting or 
abusing any of the servants.  No matter what your rage, no matter who it is 
directed to, the servants are not the cause for our anguish." 

	Elladan joined Legolas on the opposite side of the tree to retrieve 
his pants, which were flung much further away then he remembered 
tossing them, and sighed heavily.

	"Your tone leaves no room for disagreement and I am perfectly 
happy with not being able to tell you that you are wrong.  I have never had 
a reason to hit anything in my entire life that wasn't an Orc or an annoying 
sibling.  I don't see why I should start now." Elladan snatched his shirt 
from the base of the tree and quickly retreated to the safety of the tree 
trunk that faced away form his father's home.

	Legolas was already there, "I am glad to hear that from your 
delicious lips." He smirked happily.

	Elladan smiled in retaliation and chose not to fire back a retort.  
For the next silent minute or so the two Elves fought a losing battle with 
their leather pants, wet and unruly as they were.

	"A sorry state we are.  Our sexual urges drive us to behave like a 
beast of burden and leaves our clothing in no shape to wear." Legolas 
turned his face skyward in mock annoyance.

	Elladan laughed, saying, "Our tunics are long enough.  Perhaps if 
we run as fast as we are able we will go unseen."

	"My robe sits right inside the doorway, on a bench.  There 
should be more then room enough for us both in there to hide our bodies 
from prying eyes."

	"Maybe we should keep trying love, and use your plan as a last 
resort." 

	Legolas plopped onto his rear end in answer, bunching up the 
bottom of his pant legs.  From there he tried to pull the brown leather over 
his wet feet and calves, to no avail.  One look at Elladan showed him that 
he was having the same lack of results.

	 "Tis useless!  Come, before the rain soaks us through and 
through!" Legolas threw his trousers up onto the lowest branch, the very 
one he had climbed, that was three feet above his head, "When the sun 
comes out they should dry well enough that way."

	"And make them stiff, brittle, and to lose their durability...all 
because a certain Elf is too lazy to carry them indoors.

	Legolas feigned surprise, "I am shocked you would say such 
things to me!  True they may be, but to my face!  I am more then 
dumfounded at your lack of thoughtfulness!"

	"Very good my Legolas." Elladan complimented his teasing, 
"You may one day be as good as I at this game."

	"Are you going to run your mouth off the rest of the evening or 
are you going to go share my robe with me?" Legolas taunted, starting to 
walk away.  The fabric of his shirt stuck to his body, outlining every 
curve.

	Elladan smiled happily.  That was not a bad view at all!  But that 
view became obstructed as his target of interest began a speedy run to 
cover the long distance required of them.  He too joined in the Prince's 
sprinting, not favoring the thought of his Lord and father seeing him 
prancing around half-nude with the very Elf he was not supposed to be 
with. 

	Soon his worries abated as he caught up to Legolas.  They began 
a half hearted attempt at touch and flee, trying to tag the other man and not 
be tagged back in the process.  Their laughter mingled freely with the rain, 
leaving them feeling as though this was the first time they had been free in 
a very long, long time.  The grip they had on the ground faltered 
constantly with the aid of the sheets of water being dropped from the sky 
but this only added to their fun.

	All too soon they were forced to stop their antics when they 
reached the doors of their home.  Elladan took a bow and waved his arm to 
show Legolas that he was to go first.  As the Princeling did this he felt a 
sharp pinch to his behind and jumped into the air out of surprise.

	"You are full of yourself Lord Elladan." He commented, 
grabbing up his large robe and throwing it over his shoulders.  He held one 
side open for Elladan.

	"We should head for Elrohir's room.  Perhaps father is done with 
him and he'll want to spend some time with his near nude lovers." 

	Legolas laughed heartily, "What if I told you that my body is 
quite satisfied with its ventures it has already had today?"

	Elladan folded the fabric even closer around them, so he could 
feel the body next to his that much better, "Then I would call you a liar."

	Legolas felt his breath catch in his throat.  There was that feeling 
again.  The one that he never grew tired of; love and desire.  He planted a 
hurried kiss against the full lips of his partner and sighed through his nose, 
"You know me better then I do." He decided.

	Elladan nodded and began shuffling to his brother's room with 
Legolas right on top of him, literally as well as figuratively.  Many an 
amused and questionable glances were give to the hobbling pair as they 
tried to coordinate their movements to actually become a walkable 
creature of sorts.  It wasn't known that the two were not supposed to be in 
each other's company so they enjoyed watching them flirt and enjoy 
themselves.  They hadn't done things like this for the longest time...being 
childish and carefree.  It was fun.  It was how they fell in love in the first 
place.

	Somehow, amidst much tripping, stumbling, and shouting, they 
were able to reach Elrohir's door.  Legolas banged raucously, shouting to 
be let in, all in good-natured fun.  Inside they heard nothing but the soft 
sounds of somebody crying; crying or laughing, but neither of them were 
able to discern which.  Elladan and Legolas exchanged confused looks, 
but they figured out all too soon what was bothering their brother and 
lover; Elrond had obviously finished discussing things with his youngest 
son and dismissed him from his chambers.

	"Elrohir!  Let us in...we need to talk to you." Legolas tried his 
soft voice first, knowing that the aforementioned was usually powerless to 
its persuasion.

	It didn't work this time.

	Elladan and Legolas exchanged confused glances.  There hadn't 
been a time ever that either could recall Elrohir not responding to one of 
them.  He was sensitive to other Elves and Humans in a way that made 
some jealous.  Elladan tried his luck with his 'brother' tone.

	"Elrohir!  Enough of this madness, let us in!  We know why you 
wish not to speak with us...let us talk with you!" His voice was loud 
enough to go through the heavy wood but not loud enough to echo so 
others could hear.  Now they were getting less then flattering looks by 
passerby in their current state of dress, or lack of, and their frustrations 
were quickly mounting.

	A tiny squeak issued less then a foot from their bodies, the 
hinges were in need of oil, and the door drifted slowly open.  There was 
nobody standing there.  Elladan gave his head a graceful jerk forward to 
show Legolas his intent so as to not leave him standing robeless when he 
moved.  

	The room they entered was darkened to the point of hardly being 
able to see an outline of furniture.  Legolas bit back a yelp as he stubbed 
his toe against some unseen assailant.  He quickly got his bearings when 
he moved deeper into the room as most of the furnishings were in the 
same places they always had been.  A sound.  There, by the bed.

	"Oh, Elrohir..." Elladan breathed, feeling despair eating at him 
already, "Lego-las, would start a fire please?  Tis far too dark to see..."

	Legolas dropped his side of the robe, letting Elladan take the full 
weight of it, and moved off to find the tinder pack.

	"Brother, come here." Elladan had barely sat down next to 
Elrohir when he had an armful of sibling, sobbing helplessly into his 
shoulder, "Elrohir...I'm so sorry." He too joined in the crying.

	Legolas felt himself begin to shake as the anguish flowed off of 
the two he loved more then life, their heart ache was his as well, their tears 
were tears that flowed down his cheeks; they were one.  The fire seemed 
reluctant to take to life, eating up the shredded tree bark with a vengeance, 
but refusing the larger sticks of kindling.  Legolas grew impatient with his 
job when he heard the reassuring murmuring of one of the brothers to the 
other.  He wanted, needed, to be there, to be able to support them as well 
as himself.  He growled silently at the fireplace and grabbed too large a 
handful of tinder, throwing it on the cold logs already set inside.  He 
pulled out the piece of flint to strike a spark that would light the fire, and 
let all of his anger, his fears of losing Elladan and Elrohir, and his anger at 
Elrond flow through his arm and he struck the flint hard.  A flare light lit 
his cream colored face and settled in the very middle of the shredded bark.  
It caught this time, swallowing the kindling whole and began to work on 
the logs.  Legolas tossed the flint to the floor in disgust, with himself, and 
with the fire for taking so long. 

	When he settled on Elrohir's other side, he felt the cold 
clamminess of his wet shirt touch his skin.  Without a thought of 
consideration he peeled the tunic off and let it land on the floor with a 
slurping pop of a sound.  A similar sound let him know Elladan had done 
the same.

	A moment of silence ensued.  Elrohir took a deep shuddering 
breath and brought his hands to his cheeks to swipe away the wet trails the 
tears had left behind. 

	"Forgive me, I haven't cried like that in ages..." His voice was 
soft and weak.

	"If father told me what it is he told you, then there is no reason in 
Middle-Earth that you should be sorry."

	Legolas suddenly felt separated from the two.  He only had the 
basic rough edges of what had been talked about, rather then the whole 
deal.

	"Why would he do this to us?  Why does he wish to see us torn 
apart?  Only a month ago he was telling me how happy he was to see our 
spirits uplifted!  He said he was happy for us..." Elrohir sound like a child 
that wanted a toy but knew that he wouldn't be getting.

	"Nobody can understand him fully, not even mother.  Perhaps 
that's the true reason she left..."

	Legolas snorted, "Nonsense.  You know just as well as I do that 
her vision of Middle-Earth was spoiled because of her encounter with the 
Orcs.  Stop with the bitter ideas Elladan.  We should discuss what we 
already know."

	Elladan looked the part of a man who was faced with losing all 
he held dear.  He knew he would never be forced to part with these two 
but it was a cold feeling knowing that someone else wanted it that way.

	"I will be blunt and to the point.  Father told me that I had to 
choose between you and Elrohir.  That he wouldn't allow three Elves to 
rule Rivendell.  It hasn't been done before and he does not want to see 
things change.  He also so that we should leave if we choose to stay, all 
three of us, together." He clenched his hands into fists and pounded on his 
knee.

	Legolas sighed, "What did I tell you about hitting things?"

	Elladan felt a small stirring of laughter in his throat, "I am sorry, 
I did not know that that applied to myself."

	Legolas nodded sharply, "It does.  But if I have any say in this 
matter, any at all, I will NOT let Lord Elrond take away what we have.  I 
have never loved as I love now.  All of my thoughts are filled with you 
and how well you treat me. How you return my love as thought I actually 
deserved it-."

	"Because you do." Elrohir put in.

	Legolas smiled softly, "As you say.  But I can only hope that you 
return those feelings even a fraction of what I feel.  That alone would 
show me that you loved me dearly."	

	"And we do.  If you don't recall it was Elladan and I that had to 
court you, son of Thranduil.  How frustrating you were!  All of the 
maidens and warriors vying for you affection, even just your attention!  
You were much sought after.  Imagine our shock when you finally gave 
into us and joined in our love.  It was the happiest day I had ever lived to 
see, and still is." Elrohir spoke softly, fervently the entire time.

	Elladan saw the reaction from Legolas immediately and was 
nearly pushed off the edge of the bed with his vicious attack on Elrohir's 
lips.

	"I really need to learn how to do that."

	Legolas sat up, leaving a stunned Elrohir still lying on his back 
between the two.

	"You kiss wonderfully Elladan...you need to learn nothing." 
Legolas stated.

	"No!  How to speak in such a way...it gets him mauled every 
time he does it!" 

	Elrohir giggled from his spot, "Use your mind brother, or what 
you have of one, and speak what your heart tells you to speak.  Let it come 
out as though you are thinking it to yourself."

	Elladan leaned down and pressed his lips against Elrohir's, 
pursing his mouth to take in the sweet taste and pulled back, "Thank you 
for the advice Elrohir."

	Elrohir blinked happily, "Anytime!  Legolas, have you any need 
for advice?"

	Elladan and Legolas laughed, giving fond looks to the youngest 
twin.  The Prince took a deep breath and made to lie down.  Elrohir hissed 
when his cold, damp hair met his chest and neck.

	"What have you been doing to make your hair so wet my 
Prince?" He gasped.

	Legolas exchanged an amused look with Elladan, "Do you want 
us to show you?"

	Elrohir felt as if he was a prey animal, about to be attacked by 
the predator, "More than anything..."


Legolas awoke to most intoxicating and addictive thing in the world; 
The smell of his two lovers.  Both were spooned around him to his back, 
Elladan cupping Elrohir from behind and Elrohir wrapped about Legolas.  
With the sunshine pouring through the open area aside the wall, it made 
for the perfect way to wake up and spend one's morning.  There was 
nothing more important or meaningful at the moment then these two Elves 
and the feelings that he felt for them, and the feeling that they too 
loved him back.  He sighed, shifting slightly lower in Elrohir's arms 
so he was able to touch that much more skin.  

	Elrohir stirred, moaning as he tightened his grip on the Elf he 
held, not willing to let go of the prize so easily.  Legolas felt the 
need of a drink of water, not just a sip, but a good few mouthfuls to 
replenish himself after the long night of passion he had happily 
endured.  With a sluggish grin pulling gently at his cheeks, he reached 
around and prodded Elladan lightly in the leg, making him groan and 
latch tightly onto Elrohir.  The younger of the twins quickly 
transferred his grip from Legolas, who slid unnoticed from the bed, and 
onto his older brother.  Together they snuggled down on the bed and 
resumed their meditative slumber.

	Elrohir had many robes in his wardrobe closet and Legolas felt 
that a light pullover tunic with a sash at the waist would be 
appropriate to sneak into the other room, the only part of the bedroom 
where servants were allowed to go, and fetch some water.

	With a final casting glance over his shoulder to ensure the 
sleeping state of the twins, he opened one of the doors into the next 
room and pressed it so it was closed.  When he turned around, a large 
smile adorned his ethereal face.  The servants must have heard all of 
the noise they had been making throughout the night.  A large buffet of 
cold foods was laid out on breakfast platters, begging to be picked at.  
What an assortment to choose from!  Surely they didn't deserve all of 
this, it was only one night!  Legolas was so caught up in his surprise 
that he failed to notice the door open.  But when he did, he jerked his 
head to the side in time to catch one of the servants holding a jug of 
some liquid, nearly spilling it all over herself in her fright.

	"I am sorry!  I did not know the servants were still coming in, 
I shall take my leave."

	The young woman looked confused, "What are you doing here?"

	Legolas stopped in his tracks, "There is always water in this 
chamber and I came in to take a pitcher back into our room with me."

	She looked troubled, almost angry at him, "Forgive my rudeness 
Master Legolas." She firmly planted the container of cold raspberry tea 
down on the table before him and left in a flurry of shuffling feet and 
swooshing fabric.

	"Whatever was that all about?" He questioned himself.  He chose 
not to worry about it at the moment, the enticing smell of the tea 
became too much for him.  He found a small mug-like goblet and poured 
himself a large drought, emptying it down the back of his throat.  
Legolas wiped his lips, knowing they would be stained a slight purple-
red for the duration of the morning.  He chuckled, hoping to do that to 
certain parts of the twins' body before the dawn passed.  He brought a 
jug of ice cold water back with him through the doors and set it down 
across the room.  He was mildly surprised when he felt hair being 
brushed away from the nape of his neck, allowing room for a small kiss 
to be placed there.  He leaned his head forward to make access all the 
more easy for whichever Elf was pleasuring him and took a deep breath.  

	"Would you like something to eat, or would you rather just keep 
going..." Legolas teased.

	Elladan licked his shoulder blade, the one he bared with a 
simple flick of his wrist to toss the fabric aside, and began to nibble 
softly at the flesh that was presented.  Legolas held himself still, 
not daring to utter a sound, lest this treatment be stopped.  Elladan's 
hands danced down his body, reaching under the delicate folds of his 
robe, and brushing his rear with feathery soft touches.  

	"Food...not my body.  FOOD my dear Elladan." Legolas said in a 
breathy moan.

	Elladan stopped his administrations immediately, "Elladan hasn't 
been touching you..." The voice sounded amused.

	Legolas spun on his heel, ready to apologize for a mistake he 
hadn't made in years, when he was greeted with a smart aleck grin from 
the very twin he knew it to be in the first place, "Elladan...I would 
beat you to a bloody stump if I didn't love you."

	Elladan smirked, running his fingers over Legolas's lips, "I am 
sure you would.  Now what was this about food my love?"

	Legolas pulled him along as he began walking back the way he 
came, but instead of bringing him along, he shoved the surprised Elf 
onto the bed with strength that would have shocked a Human.  He laughed 
at the man's shocked face and indignant laughter as he cosied back up 
to his brother.

	He stole back into the room as stealthily as he could, not 
wanting to be caught by the uptight servant woman again, and piled an 
assortment of fruits, jellies, and breads onto a tray, and scurried 
back the way he came.  The twins were sitting obediently on the edge of 
the large canopy bed, looking identical but each wearing an entirely 
different attitude on their shoulders.  Legolas gave them a warm, 
loving smile and carefully balanced the tray as he crawled to the 
center of the mattress.

	"A breakfast fit for a king!" Elrohir exclaimed, partially 
serious and partially sarcastic.

	"We have done nothing to deserve this sort of treatment.  Father 
is not so noble that he doesn't require us to come and fetch our own 
food." Elladan added.

	Legolas could only nod.  This was quite out of the ordinary.  
But he was one to make the best of the moment, he picked up a delicate 
loaf of bread, bite sized, and spreading a generous amount of jam over 
the top, he neatly depositing it in his mouth.  For the next ten 
minutes the twins followed his example until the tray was emptied of 
all of the bread and most of the jelly.  There were several different 
fruits, sliced to perfection and dripping in sugared syrup.  These were 
saved for last, to be savored in the slowest way to let the taste last 
longer.

	As Elrohir was lifting one of the sticky morsels to his mouth, a 
large glob of the thick liquid dripped off of the edge and slid down 
his chest.  He made a grimace and was about to wipe it off, having 
missed the look passed between Legolas and Elladan, when his sticky 
hands were caught by the wrist.  He looked up, already knowing what was 
going on, and smiled in the dirtiest manner as Elladan bent down and 
ran his pink tongue down his chest, licking up the long trail.  He went 
up and down a few more times, just to be sure he had gotten what he 
wanted out of the whole deal, and then leaned in, his hair a dark 
curtain to veil his actions from Legolas, and engaged in a kiss with 
his brother and lover.  With little struggle, Elrohir pulled his 
previously trapped hands free and dug his fingers into the indents 
Elladan's ribs made, pulling his brother up atop him.

	Elrohir's leg came dangerously close to knocking the sugary 
fruit syrup all over the bed but Legolas's swiftness saved them from 
disaster just in time.  He set the tray on the floor, slightly under 
the edge of the bed, but chose to put the fruit on the stand right next 
to the bed, just incase...

	He turned back and grew lightheaded and aroused with what he 
saw.

	Elrohir and Elladan had switched positions, with Elrohir resting 
comfortably atop Elladan, between his spread legs, and giving savage 
licks and firm love bites to his neck.  Elladan looked as if he were 
overwhelmed and that he hadn't a clue as to what he was supposed to do.  
Legolas dove right in to "save" him from his position.  As carefully as 
he could he crawled up beside the two, planting his hands on the back 
of Elrohir's shoulders, and running them down his back, all the way 
down to the backs of his thighs.  His actions stopped promptly and 
Elladan looked like he may have dropped down a level, his head hitting 
the pillow softly.

	"Lego-las, I nearly had him..." Elrohir ground his teeth in mock 
annoyance.

	"My hero!" Elladan blurted fatuously from his spot beneath the 
two men. 

	He got two stares for his efforts and closed his mouth, smiling 
smugly from his spot.

	Their lovemaking began anew, Legolas taking part just as much as 
Elladan and Elrohir.  With these two his passion never seemed to be 
dampered, by anything.  All those long years with them felt as though 
they were still the first beginnings of their relationship.  He was 
about to dive in whole-heartedly when a knock sounded at the door of 
their chambers.

	All three were breathless and quite aroused, not sure what they 
should do in this case.  Elladan and Legolas both turned in time with 
each other to stare at Elrohir.  It was his room after all, it was only 
natural for him to answer a beckoning at his door.  He gave an 
exasperated sigh and ripped the robe from Legolas's shoulders and tied 
it around himself as he left the room.  Elladan and Legolas turned to 
each other and grinned.  

	With a gentle push, Legolas forced Elladan to lie back against 
the mattress.  Legolas traced the outline of his body with a silky 
finger, every contour he ran across received attention, some more so 
then others.  He lay his entire upper torso against Elladan's bare 
chest and breathed heavily with the new sensation.  Legolas nudged the 
top of his head against Elladan's chin, to get better access to the 
tender flesh there, worrying a small section of it with his teeth.  His 
hand snaked down Elladan's body, ready to grasp the vieny pillar of 
flesh that he so desired, when Elrohir made his reentrance.

	He wasted no time, "Legolas...Lord Elrond wishes a word with 
you, at once."

	Legolas's stomach dropped, as did his expression.  Every bit of 
excitement he had felt racing through his veins was lost and his 
demeanor suddenly looked like that of a puppy about to be punished.  
His body turned cold as he nodded resolutely.  They knew that he would 
be getting talked to, they just hadn't thought it would be this early 
into the new day.

	"Elrohir, how did they know I would be here?" Legolas's voice 
was shaky, unstable.

	"They tried to summon you from your chambers, but you weren't 
there.  They tried Elladan's room but we weren't there either.  They 
came here bearing news that father is outraged with us...but he must 
talk to you before he deals with us all." Elrohir answered him.

	"But why all of the food in the outer chamber?  I have never 
seen that done in all our long years here." Legolas stated.

	Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks, speaking through their eyes 
and expressions.  Both came up with the same answer:

	"Perhaps you should ask father when you speak with him?" This 
spoken by Elladan.

	The young Prince finally stopped the quaking of his knees to the 
point of being able to stand without risk of falling over or stumbling.  
He shuffled to Elrohir's closet, not looking at what he grabbed, and 
brought the robe, leggings, and tunic over to the bed to dress himself 
in.  He pulled listlessly at the laces at the throat of the shirt, 
trying to remove a small knot that his bumbling fingers couldn't quite 
catch onto.  With a yell, he flung the thing across the room, the heavy 
fabric sending it quite a distance.  The twins stood in shocked 
silence, but not unmoving for long.

	"Legolas, love...we mustn't let him effect us this way.  We are 
strong.  We know we love each other and we wish not to be broken apart.  
Listen to father's words but do not let them touch you or your mind.  
You are strong, stronger then either of us, and know that he will try 
to bend his words around you to fool you.  Do not fear him...and know 
that we love you." Elladan had a firm grip on his hands the whole 
speech through, occasionally running his fingers over Legolas's cheeks 
and through his hair.

	Legolas bit back a small cry, leaning forward to gently brush 
his lips against the Elf's mouth that held his hands.   It was just a 
caress, one that showed his appreciation for the words that would later 
give him strength when he need it the most.

	"My life would be far too dull and colorless without you two in 
it...thank you for your words Elladan."

	Elrohir approached now, holding the tunic, knot-free, in his 
hands, "Arms up." He ordered.

	Legolas smiled, remembering similar orders from his dam when he 
was just a child, and put his limbs up over his head, closing his eyes 
when eh fabric brushed against his face.  He felt hands tying the laces 
at his neck and waist as he smoothed his hair back down into place with 
careful strokes.  With two pairs of hands on his body, doting over him, 
it made Legolas feel as though he were the most important person in the 
world to these two.  And he was.

	He closed his eyes, feeling hands smooth up over his calves as 
his trousers were pushed up his legs.  He sighed contentedly as he was 
stroked and petted, fawned over, and fussed with.  His hair was brushed 
and pulled back, his clothes were smoothly on, not a wrinkle in sight, 
and his boots were strapped to his legs perfectly.  A peck on each 
cheek from two different pairs of lips allowed him to finally open his 
eyes.  He looked down and smiled at the transformation in himself.  His 
confidence was boosted significantly and he felt as though Elrond was 
the least of his worries.

	Legolas held his hands out, Elrohir and Elladan each taking one, 
and pulling him to his feet, "Thank you my loves.  I guess I should ask 
one more thing of you."

	"What is it?  Whatever you wish, it is yours..." Elrohir 
murmured.

	"A well wishing of luck..." Legolas nervously stowed a braid 
behind his ear.

	The twins smiled sadly at their lover, Elrohir stating, "It will 
not be so bad...we lived through his lecture...perhaps you will too.  
Good luck either way my dearest.  You had best be off, being late is 
not something father is agreeable to." Elladan nodded and kissed 
Legolas one more time, escorting him to the door.

	With a final look behind him, Legolas struck off down the 
hallway.

	By Elbereth...where did all of my courage go?  I feel as though 
it is still back down the corridor.  Breathe Legolas, use your mind, 
and you will be fine.

	As he passed through one hall to the next, he could hear many a 
harsh whispers from the ruder of the citizens.  Most of them held the 
names of he and his lovers' in more then just curiosity, but strangely 
enough, in mild contempt.  Legolas held his head high, in spite of 
their uncouth ways, and marched with a sense of strength that he wished 
he could feel within himself as well.  

	So I have displeased their Lord with my ways...they were once 
happy for us, when Lord Elrond was happy.  Now that he is upset, they 
choose the way of sheep...glass-eyed and only there to follow one 
another.  If this is what I missed by living in Mirkwood for so long, 
then I missed nothing at all.

	He turned a final corner with this last thought and there stood 
the Lord of Rivendell himself, at the door to his chambers with three 
young servants, one of whom he had seen earlier in Elrohir's chambers.  
He felt a stab of betrayal in his mind before he brushed it off.  No 
bother, she wasn't worth his time if she was going to behave that way.

	"Princeling, you join me at last.  We have some talking to you, 
as you no doubt have guessed.  This way." Elrond held his hand up and 
swung in inwards to indicate his more private spaces.

	Legolas shot the accused servant a glare, his icy blue eyes 
boring into her green ones and she was the first to lower her head.  
Legolas passed her by without a second though.  His robes flowed 
regally behind him as he followed the father of his loves.  He noted 
with a sense of bitterness that he was never once looked back upon or 
acknowledged as they passed through Elrond's extensive chambers.  
Finally, Elrond's innermost room, his bedroom, where a small fire was 
going, more as a calming influence rather then for the unneeded heat, 
and a pitcher of wine and several goblets.

	"Seat yourself Legolas, and let us have a chat." Elrond sounded 
cool, collected.  No wonder...he had had practice with two previous 
people before him.

	"What is it you wish to speak to me about, my Lord?" 

	Elrond measured his expression up, considering the words and how 
seriously he needed to take them, "I feel that you know already for the 
most part, so I shall not pretend to exchange pleasantries.  It 
concerns you and my sons and what it is you are planning to do with 
them."

	A moment of silence passed between them, Legolas blushing 
slightly when he realized that the last statement was more of a 
question then otherwise, "I plan to love them, for as long as I am 
able."

	Elrond gave him a steady look, "And what of your living 
arrangements?  I know that Thranduil is not entirely agreeable to your 
relation to my sons.  Is that why you stay here, because you know that 
I give my acceptance?"

	Legolas nodded slightly, "And for that Lord, I am greatly in 
your debt.  Up until the last couple of days you were as another father 
to me, I looked to you for any guidance that I needed, whether it be a 
problem between Elladan, Elrohir, and I, or anything else."

	Elrond had a warm look in his eyes, a welcoming one, "And you 
have been another son to me Legolas, and still are.  But there are 
certain problems with the relationship you and my heirs have.  And this 
has weighed greatly on my mind."

	Legolas felt this stomach bunch up into a knot, ready for a 
mental blow that would strike him down, "And what would those be, Lord 
Elrond?"

	The Lord of Rivendell grunted, most un-Elf like, and sat a 
little straighter to poor wine into the fancy cups.  He handed one to 
Legolas and sipped on his own, "The ruling of Imladris for one."

	Legolas felt his brows connect, "Begging your forgiveness, but 
what of it?"

	Elrond looked out upon the gardens that Legolas and Elladan had 
romped through the day before and sighed deeply, "I wish not to stay 
here forever, Legolas.  I have heard the sea and it wishes to call me 
back to its arms.  Celebrian awaits me in Gray Haven, and I do not want 
to be separated from her for another age."

	The blonde wood-elf sat in a severe case of confusion, waiting 
for Elrond to continue and give him understanding.

	"I supposed I should stop babbling and reach my point young 
Prince.  Only two can rule Rivendell.  A mated pair or a single Elf who 
has already produced an heir.  Elladan, Elrohir, and you are neither.  
So there is my problem and yours also." 

	Legolas's eyes flitted from side to side as he tried to fend off 
the growing panic, but then a thought came to him, "What of Lady Arwen?  
Surely she could-."

	Elrond held his hand up, "You assume that I have not thought 
through this thoroughly.  You are wrong.  For the passed eight or nine 
seasons I have been thinking, frowning every moment I saw you and my 
sons enjoying yourselves together, knowing that I would have to destroy 
that for my own greed.  This is a greed I feel that I deserve.  I wish 
to be with my wife, but my sons' happiness and your own means a great 
deal to me.  Arwen is not a possibility.  She wishes to wed 
Aragorn...and he has already told me that he desires to not rule 
Rivendell, but to roam until he has found his calling."

	"And Lady Arwen would let him do this?"

	"It is out of love that she lets him roam free Legolas.  She 
does not want to pin his wings, to take away his freedom of a lifestyle 
he has lived for nearly his whole life.  Would you do that to Elladan 
or Elrohir?"

	"You know I would not."

	Elrond took a long sip from his cup, "Then you see why she can 
not ask Aragorn to rule this place with her.  They have yet to wed, on 
top of this."

	Legolas bobbed his head up and down in silent understanding, 
fearing that his voice would fail if he tried to use it.

	"I hate to put you in a spot as difficult as this, but for my 
sake and the sake of Imladris, I have to."

	Legolas's breathing began to escalate, "You needn't do this to 
us...tis only a foolish tradition that binds you to make this 
decision!"

	Elrond cocked an eyebrow, Legolas didn't know for what emotion, 
but it made him uncomfortable all the same, "

	"That 'foolish tradition' is what has kept Rivendell from 
failing, like other places similar to it.  Think about you say young 
Prince...speak after."

	"I wish not to be insulted Lord Elrond, what is it you would ask 
of me to do?"

	The Lord looked back to the gardens to calm his swirling mind, 
to compose his thoughts, "I want you three to choose who will stay and 
who will find a new mate.  Only two can rule this place, no more.  I 
want an answer soon Legolas..."

	"You ask the world of us!  You ask us to throwaway a third of 
our souls in doing this!  To take us away from one another would be to 
break us!  You can not ask this of us.  What if we refused?  All three 
of us?"

	"Then I would call you children.  Children run from problems 
that need to be solved instead of facing them and having them resolved.  
I would be deeply upset that you would take away the chance to see my 
Celebrian at last, something I have earned many times over."

	"You spent many centuries with her, more then a millennia!  
Elladan and Elrohir have not been with me for even a half-century.  You 
are being selfish.  You know of love and how deep it spears your 
heart...you ask the impossible." He had taken to stalking the area 
around his chair, occasionally pounding against the back in emphasis.

	Elrond buried his face in his hands, rubbing briskly to clear 
away tension, "Trust me, I would not ask this of you unless I had 
poured over every other solution first.  And I have and this is the 
only one left."

	"It is not!  There must be another!  There is another Elrond!  
You are just too blind to see it!  There are two that I see as plane as 
day!  You are being selfish!  All these years and you're being selfish!  
It would not kill you to stay here for just that much more longer!"

	"You do not understand Legolas-."

	"I DO!  You are a greedy Lord!  You wish to have power!  Power 
over Elladan and Elrohir!  And me!  Perhaps that is the true reason 
Celebrian left Middle-Earth!" His emotions made him irrational, harsh 
and wanting to hurt Elrond for the hurt he was bestowing against him.

	Elrond was on his feet in an instant, his eyes a blazing fire of 
rage and barely controlled fury, "Speak only what you know of Lego-las!  
Harsh words against a woman you never knew are unwise and ill found!  I 
understand your anger but you have no right to say things as you did!" 

	Legolas stalked up to him, "Then drop your pointless tradition.  
We both would get what we wanted." He stabbed Elrond in the chest with 
a finger, "I get to keep the men I love more then life itself, 
Rivendell gets its new Lords, and you go to the Gray Havens with your 
Celebrian."

	 Elrond's eye twitched, "If it were so simple I would do it.  
There are more complicated things in this matter then simply your 
happiness." He was nose to nose with the Prince now, his eyes ablaze.

	"You know nothing of my life and what I had to live through 
before I found the love of your sons.  They have kept me safe and able 
to live on.   It is not one or the other that does this for me, it is 
both.  If they would rule Rivendell as a mated pair without me, then so 
be it.  I would find a swift way to end my life and become just a 
whisper of a memory on Middle-Earth.  I will not be without one or the 
other...I would be with both and I would not let you stop us from being 
together."

	Elrond's temper and reason was far beyond rational at this 
point.  Legolas had give far more of a struggle then his two sons had, 
if only for the reason that they had no idea what to expect from him 
and were in a state of shock.  Legolas had had a good solid day to 
think things over and sharpen his tongue for the battle he knew would 
be coming, "My sons would honor my orders as a father and their Lord if 
I asked them to choose.  They would do this or they would no longer be 
my sons." Elrond sounded as if he didn't doubt that they would listen 
to him and he felt even surer that he had bested Legolas.

	He was wrong.

"If they feel as I do, then you have just lost your sons."

And so ended Legolas's recollection of his discussion with The Lord of 
Rivendell.  Elladan and Elrohir sat before him in full garb, dressed 
and ready for the new coming day.  Their responses weren't making it 
from their minds and out of their mouths.  They exchanged a look 
between themselves and Legolas could not decipher its meaning.  Legolas 
was pained by this realization.  The twins, his two lovers, the men he 
would lay down and die for, were having a private discussion right 
there in front of him that they didn't want him to know the content of.  
Suddenly he wasn't so sure of his earlier tirade in the presence of 
Elrond, his doubts began to grow and crowd his mind.  They multiplied 
as Elrohir's expression began to darken, his eyebrows bowing down to 
the bridge of his nose.  Elladan spun on his rear to lock his eyes with 
that of the young Prince.

	"Legolas, we must speak alone.  Only so much can be said by 
looking at a person's face." He added the slightest bit of sarcasm in 
hopes of dampening the serious undertones they all knew to be there.

	"I have dealt with your father and your father's harsh words.  
Would not the things you have to say be said with me still in the room?  
Without worry of hurting my feelings?"

	It took a moment for the sadness on Elrohir's face to sink in, 
but when it did Legolas knew what it meant and knew what he had to do.  
He dropped his eyes to the floor in a sudden flash of paranoid 
humiliation, nodding as he walked quickly towards the door.  He heard 
the twins call his name more then once, but he paid them no heed and 
continued on his way out.  Legolas slammed the door shut behind him and 
leaned back against it, feeling the anguish well up in the form of 
tears in his eyes.  The twins began to move within the chambers and 
Legolas made a hasty retreat, not willing to show how effected by their 
decision to leave him out he was.  They'd never done that before.

	The door he left behind him opened harshly, the voices of 
Elrohir and Elladan spilling out into the hallway, begging Legolas to 
come back.  But he was already gone.

	"We mustn't make a mistake in what we decide.  The outcome for 
us all is too costly." Elladan snaked his arm around his brother's 
waist, drawing him near.

	Elrohir felt himself being pressed to Elladan's chest, he 
burrowed closer to take in his sibling's scent, "You are far wiser then 
Legolas and I take you for." 

	Elladan looked down at the coy face of Elrohir, giving him a 
squeeze, "This is no time for jokes and foolish words.  We have a lot 
to discuss and none of it is pleasant."

	Elrohir turned his head and snuggled into the crook of Elladan's 
neck, "I suppose you're right.  Lets go inside and talk this over 
further, I would rather not have the rest of the population know 
anymore then they already do of our troubles."

	Simultaneously, as though their thoughts were one, the two 
brothers turned and walked through the darkly wooded doorframe, arms 
wrapped tightly around each other.  Whether out of support or need, 
neither knew...

:::::::::::::::::

	I trusted them!  I threw my heart and caution into the wind and 
they crush it as if it is nothing more then a child's fantasy.  Father 
warned me and I did not listen!  Curse these damned robes!

	Legolas tore at the heavy fabric hanging loosely from his arms, 
the thick folds of velvety soft material hindering his desire to flee.  
He gave a mighty yank on the shoulder of the garment and succeeded in 
ripping the stitches from their seems, allowing the garment fall into a 
lifeless heap on the ground.  His resolve to withhold his tears was 
lost as soon as the soft robe left his shoulders, its comforting weight 
no longer there.

	I can not stand this!  All of this waiting and I know not what I 
am waiting for!  I was so sure of myself, I knew that Elrohir and 
Elladan loved me...they DO love me still, for all that I know.  But 
Elrohir's face...by Elbereth...it was bewitching...in the worst way.

	Legolas's fast paced walking grew more and more hurried as his 
temper flared higher and higher.  It boiled to a point that he could no 
longer stand and his legs took over, forcing his body to comply, and he 
ran.  Prince Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood, youngest son of Thranduil, 
ran as if his life were at stake.  As though there were a great many 
deadly beasts writhing at the end of taut chains, foam pouring from 
their mouths.  It was not this image that he ran from.  Rather, he 
thought of the twins behind him, mocking him, laughing at his foolish 
ideas of love and being bound for all eternity.  Legolas ran from 
Elrond and the mocking look he knew would be covering his face when the 
twins chose each other rather then sticking by him, as they had always 
said they would.  He would not return to that place until he had 
thought things out.  Thinking always solved things, or it made them 
worse, but a little clearer at the same time.  Yes, he would think for 
the time being and let the twins decide his fate.

	After all, they courted me, why should I be able to have a say 
in it?  Up ahead, the trees outline began to turn from a fuzzy haze on 
the horizon into a clear distinct line of a forested area.  Legolas 
altered his course slightly so that he would encounter the trees sooner 
then if he held his current direction.  His hair was strung out behind 
him, flailing wildly like summer grass in a stormy wind, his heart 
wrenching in his chest at every step.  His soft face was turned cold 
and hard by the confusion eating away, at the doubt, the fear of 
losing.  All gained up on and took advantage of his delicate state of 
mind and left him feeling breathless and with little hope.  His terror 
at losing the two men he loved so dearly was almost too much for him, 
Legolas staggered and leaned heavily against a nearby tree to steady 
himself and calm his misbehaving nerves.

	The forest surrounding him was alive with the sounds of nature, 
of his footsteps as he leaned against an ancient beech.  Sometimes, 
when the need to be alone became too much, he would come to this place, 
this area of the woods, and just think.  And now, his thoughts were of 
when he had first met Elrond's twin sons and how he had felt when he 
first saw them...

	<<He nodded slowly to a young maiden, feeling slightly 
uncomfortable.  His golden finery made him out as a beautiful hero 
mentioned in songs of old.  His hair rested against his chest and over 
the back of his shoulders with many decorative braids holding the front 
half of the tresses out of his line of sight.  Another young suitor 
brushed a hand over the soft golden sleeve of his robe, bravely meeting 
Legolas's eyes in a daring flirtatious maneuver.  The Prince felt his 
pale cheeks blush crimson, he tore his gaze away in embarrassment, 
feeling foolish for his behavior.  He ducked his head and pushed 
further into the milling suitors and maidens.  How horrible of him, so 
rude to pull away from a man that held such a high status, but how 
could he help it?  He had never been around so many gorgeous Elves of 
such high nobility in his life and all of them were here to court one 
another.  

	But somehow Legolas had become one of the most sought after 
prizes here.  Men and women alike were desperately trying to gain his 
attentions.  They hoped that later it would turn from attention into 
affection and then into something more, much, much more.  Legolas 
flushed at the thought, excusing his eye sight from that of the 
courtiers that were crowding in all on every side of him.  They had 
eyes for him only.  But to him, at the moment, all they were, every 
single one of them, were eyes.  Predators going in for the kill, 
looking like animals who were there to fight over the most desired 
scrap of meat.  There was no love there...only want, only greed.

	There.  Something right there.  Two sets of gray eyes filled 
with the same as all of the others, but there was more in them, more 
then what the others had.  And then they were gone.  Legolas was at a 
loss.  He blinked, feeling as thought he had something taken from him.  
The dark green leaves around the rest of the roughly rectangle paved 
deck hid the ones he had suddenly become so attached to.  He was 
curious, but more then that, he felt desire.

	<Legolas Greenleaf, whatever has come over you?> He shook his 
head and walked through the ancient building in wonderment.  Where had 
they gone?  The flaky rock crumbled under his fingers as he dragged 
them across the surface of the wall.  His sleeves hung over his strong 
fingers as his footsteps became only soft scrapings against the floor.  
He nodded once again to the other Elves and kept moving.  That's all 
they were to him before and that's all they are now.  Those enchanting 
eyes...>>

	Legolas broke free of his day dreaming, taking a deep breath.  
That was one of the more fond memories he held near and dear to his 
heart.  The first time he had the chance to meet the twins.  It wasn't 
even a meeting really, but more of a glance.  But what a glance!  He 
remembered spending the rest of that day bumbling through greetings, 
shaking hands and kissing cheeks of maidens and suitors alike, hoping 
to catch a glimpse of those eyes and who they belonged to.  But what he 
wanted wasn't what he was going to get, a lesson he really needed to 
learn.

	<<"Master Legolas, I would be honored to introduce you to a good 
friend of mine, if you would be so kind as to humor me."

	Who was this little man? "I would be delighted." He allowed 
himself to be lead away, curious about this tiny Elf and where he came 
from.

	"Excuse me, but may I make an enquiry of you?"

	The small Elf turned slightly to acknowledge him, "Yes, you may 
sir..."

	"What is your name?"

	He stopped all together now, turning around to bow low, "They 
call me Garal, kind Master."

	Legolas smiled and nodded.  Garal...a servant's name.  That 
'friend' of his must be making him fetch me.  Well then, I shall allow 
myself to be fetched, but what then?  His Master shall see...Legolas 
smiled smugly, lengthening his stride to keep up with the speedy Elf.  

	After looping around several individuals, not making eye contact 
with anything but the ground, Legolas realized the little man had begun 
to speed up, unconsciously letting him know they were nearing their 
destination and the cowardly Master who would send his servant to get 
him instead of doing so himself.  Legolas smoothed the front of his 
tunic down, shifting his robe on his shoulders, and tossed his hair 
back over one shoulder.  This should be interesting, at least, though a 
waste of his time.

	"Master Legolas Greenleaf, it would be my pleasure to introduce 
you to my Masters."

	"Masters?" He blurted, his eyes instantly brought away from the 
little Elf's and up to the two individuals he hadn't looked at yet.

	<Elbereth...I thought creatures so fair existed only in my most 
erotic dreams...the eyes!  The gray eyes...>

	"...and Master Elrohir.  Both are the sons of Elrond Half-Elven, 
Lord of Imladris."

	Legolas blinked rapidly, taking in the sight the two Elves 
presented him, it was as though they were the same person, "Ex-excuse 
me?  I'm afraid I didn't catch one of your names...and I do not know 
who to apply Elrohir to."

	The smirks the two young men had on their faces almost made 
Legolas write them off completely, but there was something else there 
that held him.

	"My twin brother, Elrohir...and I am Elladan.  We are at your 
service young Prince, in any way you will have us." The one that 
identified himself as Elladan gave a slight bow, indicating that he 
felt they were both of equal status.

	At this, Legolas slid his gaze over to the other one, Elrohir, 
and raised a brow in question.  He duplicated the posture his brother 
has just assumed.

	"My service?  I have all the servants I need.  I am rarely in my 
father's kingdom to use them, so what would I do with two noble 
attendants that I couldn't do with the ones who were bred and raised 
for that specific job?" Legolas realized with a start that he was 
flirting with them.  When had thought taken a step behind his body's 
wanting?

	The first one, Elrohir was it?  He stepped forward with a grace 
that held Legolas at rapt attention, his head held high, and he held 
his hand out for Legolas's.  The Prince nearly complied, his heart so 
fluttery with new feelings, but he stopped himself short of lifting his 
arm.  Instead he gave this Elrohir person a tilt of his head and 
another raised brow.  

	Elrohir's cheeks flushed a slight pink, which Legolas found 
quite alluring, but he stayed where he was and reached down for the 
hand he had been forbidden to touch, and lifted it up in the air.  
Legolas felt his stomach jump at the nerve and audacity he was just 
subjected to, but allowed it to continue out of curiosity.  He watched 
as the slightly older Elf slid the sleeve of his robe back to the 
middle of his forearm and then turning his hand so it faced the 
heavens.  Unbeknownst to Legolas, Elladan had slipped around beside 
him, to his left side, and slipped his hand beneath his brother's.  His 
interest was piqued and nothing short of a kick to the pants could have 
broken his attention from what was going on.  He caught a quick flash 
of silver in Elrohir's (or was it Elladan's?) hand but then it was 
gone.  Elladan suddenly appeared, wrapping a gentle hand around his 
wrist, and pulling it slowly in his direction.  When he had Legolas's 
arm where he wanted, the silver flashed again but this time it stayed 
in view and slid gently over his wrist.  With a dexterity that had the 
practiced bows-man in awe, Elladan secured the beautiful, though 
simple, bracelet in place and returned to his spot, sliding backwards 
to do so.  Elrohir's irresistible eyes controlled Legolas's own and he 
slowly bent down, placing a feather soft kiss against the bracelet and 
the skin just beneath it.

	"Keep us in mind Master Legolas, our interest in you will not 
falter." 

	The two bowed once again, holding his eyes with their own, and 
walked away in no apparent hurry.  Legolas watched as their crimson 
robes swept the ground bare behind them, leaving flower petals left on 
their sides as they passed by.  His breath shuddered out of his chest.

	"By everything holy, what in the world was that all about?" 
Legolas held a hand to his chest, feeling his heart trying to beat its 
way from his ribcage.  He reached to his wrist and clasped his fingers 
around the simple piece of jewelry.  He refused to look at it, to do so 
would give satisfaction to Garal, still sneaking glances over his 
shoulder at them in his place behind the twin brothers.

	Legolas cast a paranoid glance around and felt his jaw clench in 
annoyance and amazement.  Every one of the suitors and maidens were 
staring at him.  All were jealous of the bravery the two Imladris twins 
showed and at the obvious effect it had on the Prince of Mirkwood.  
Legolas jerked his eyes away, but kept his chin level with the ground, 
walking away with a smile held in check.  He hadn't meant to, but he 
had just found something to hold his interest while he was here...two 
somethings if he was lucky...>>

	Through all of those memories, still as sharp as ever, Legolas 
knew he could never lose the affections of Elrond's sons and still live 
to tell about it.  His cheeks were cool from the wind whisking away at 
the tears that had steadily been leaking from his reddened eyes.  His 
vision disappeared as his eyelids slid down and he buried his head in 
knees, taking a deep breath and calming his nerves.  Surely it could 
not be so difficult for the twins.


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

	"But I fail to see why it is so important..."

	"Father's bent on keeping traditions...he knows that Imladris is 
failing, that our people will be leaving soon.  He wants things to stay 
the same for as long as possible once he leaves for mother."

	"Yes, but why now?  He said he is not leaving in the next couple 
of hundred years, perhaps longer..."

	Elladan leaned back and rubbed his hands against his thighs, "Do 
not ask questions that I don't have the answers to...we are not here to 
discuss father or mother or, or, or...we're here to discuss our options 
with Legolas and us."

	Elrohir dropped his head, rolling it around to loosen the 
muscles in his neck, "Yes, yes...but I can tell you are just as 
reluctant as I am to talk about our options.  Any route we choose will 
severely hurt somebody, but our job is decide who will hurt more and 
how fast they will get over it...and if they get over it at all."

	Elladan watched his brother pace the length of the room, 
compassion evident in his expression, "It will be the same pain for 
both...father loves mother like we love Legolas."

	Elrohir's head snapped on his neck, his gaze sharp, "I hadn't 
thought of it quite that way.  Why can't we just be selfish?  It would 
be so much easier."

	"Yes, it would." 

	"And why does Imladris have to be so important?  What role does 
it have to play that father won't tell us about?"

	"So many questions little brother...all answered in due time.  
We need to concentrate on Legolas..."

	"Right, sorry.  I do not want to lose him.  He is more important 
to me than anything else in all of Middle-Earth."

	Elladan stayed quiet, "So you would choose him over me?  I doubt 
this..."	

	"You are right to doubt that feeling.  I am not faced with 
losing you so much as him.  He is so insecure...I never would have 
expected that to be a trait of his.  He is one of the most gorgeous 
members of our species, he should be expecting us to serve his every 
beckoned call, but he worries more over us then he does over himself!  
Have you seen the look on his face whenever we tell him how much he 
means to us?"

	"I have.  It's that look...the one where he wonders how he got 
so lucky."

	"When in truth it is we who are lucky.  He blesses our lives 
everyday when he is with us."
  
	"But we are skipping off subject again..."
	
	"And you think I am doing this on purpose?" Elrohir gave him 
another pointed look.

	"Of course."

	Elrohir nodded, "I love him Elladan.  I love him and I love you 
and I don't want the choice of choosing between you two.  As mad as it 
sounds, I would not mind leaving Imladris if it meant I was still with 
him...and you."

	Elladan heard the silent question and considered his answer.  
Then it hit him.  He didn't know what his answer was.

	Elrohir held his breath.  Like Legolas had done, he expected 
Elladan to answer straight away and to know that the answer would the 
one he wanted to hear.  Now he knew why Legolas stormed off in such a 
huff.  He started to feel desperate, he knew the fear Legolas felt.

	"Elladan...if we left, would you join us?" His voice shook 
harshly.  His twin didn't need to look to know he was crying.

	"For how long?  How long could this go on Elrohir?  Father's 
reach extends ours by a great distance.  He would let us live out our 
romantic fantasy of running away together, never to be seen again...and 
then he would crush it.  He would send the Men of N�menor after us and 
they would find us with the help of father's most loyal trackers.  
There would be no hope...no point in our leaving.  We must choose a 
more mature route."

	"WE!?  Why us?  Why not father!  His selfishness is what is 
driving us to argue!  He wants what we want!  He had so much time with 
mother...why will he not let us have the same with Legolas?" He 
collapsed then, suddenly and without warning. 

	Elladan had no chance to catch him, but he dropped to the floor 
next to his sobbing lover and wrapped his arms around him.  His body 
shook with sobs, but not his, they were from Elrohir.

	"Do not worry, we will figure this out...it may not turn out as 
we want it, but it will work out."

	He only got a harsh sniffle in reply but his brother kept up his 
body-jarring sobbing.  

	He was always more sensitive then I was...so easily upset and 
emotional.  What would I do without him, my other half?  Elladan closed 
his eyes and smoothed his hands down Elrohir's dark locks, knowing they 
would continue their discussion as soon as the situation had calmed.

::::::::::::::

	Legolas could tell his rear would be numb when he climbed down 
from the tree, and that time was now.  It had gotten darker then he had 
wanted it to get before heading back, but that couldn't be helped now.  
His grip was less then superb on the branch he held, and he skinned his 
hands a few times on the way down, but the rough bark wouldn't get in 
the way of his hungry, growling stomach.  He hoped that the twins had 
reached some sort of conclusion by now.  And he hoped that conclusion 
was one that he would like.

	And even if it wasn't, he would be satisfied, however negative 
it might be.  He would then have an answer instead of having to face 
the unbearable highs and lows of hope and fear constantly thrashing his 
mind.  He sighed and continued walking back.

	Upon reaching the city, he noted that all of the inhabitants 
were already in for the evening, no doubt having heard the news of the 
opposing father/sons/lover and wanting to stay out of the way.  He 
shook his head in sadness.  Why was all of this happening to them?  
They were so happy, so carefree, there was nothing to worry about in 
the world...until Elrond had intervened.

	His jaw clenched when he thought of his lovers' father.  He 
turned one more corner and came to Elrohir's bedroom, his mind still 
running laps over how much he would enjoy delivering a bone-shattering 
slap to the Lord's face for the troubles he caused.  He slowed his 
walk, letting his attention shift to his hearing.  He stood an inch 
from the door, listening carefully.  Then, his pointed ear pressed 
against the cool wood, picking up no more then he had before.  Legolas 
pushed the door open and crept inside, shutting it soundlessly behind 
him, hoping not to gain attention.  He knew he should have gone back to 
his room, but he had no idea how much longer he would be able to be 
with his lovers and he wanted to take in all that he could of them 
while he still had the chance. 

	He walked through the outer chamber and used even more caution 
then he had before and shut it just as quietly.  He had his back to the 
main room, having turned so he wouldn't have to see the accusing eyes 
of the twins.  When no sound but breathing was heard, he finally forced 
himself to turn back around.  

	What in the world...

	There sat the twins, wrapped in each others' arms, sitting in 
the middle of the bedroom floor.

	Legolas had a sad smile warming his face.

	"You two are the most adorable things to grace this world." He 
didn't want to wake them, their stares told him they were deep in their 
dreams.

	"But loves, that really cannot be comfortable." 

	He considered moving them once more but finally decided against 
it.  There was a small space between the two on their laps, since they 
were both still sitting, so Legolas pulled a pillow from the bed and 
gently set it there.  He straightened, gave a back-popping stretch, and 
laid his head between Elrohir and Elladan, and dropped off into a 
restless meditative state.

"Do you think father felt this way when he looked upon mother?"

	"By the way he is acting now, yes I do."

	Legolas's back was sore and stiff and when his eyes regained 
their focus he realized that Elladan and Elrohir were talking about 
him.

	"Good morning beautiful Prince, did you rest well?"

	Legolas smiled softly, stretching his legs out, "Aye, but I fear 
that you and Elrohir did not.  Elbereth!  You are still sitting!  I am 
sorry!" Legolas pulled himself up and away from the protesting hands of 
the twins and stood, "Forgive me, I did not mean to remain idle for so 
long." He offered a hand to each of his lovers, frowning when they 
weren't taken.  He pulled his hands away quickly and flushed.

	"I do not think it will be quite that simple Legolas." Elrohir 
stated, cringing as he stretched his knees for the first time in hours.  
Elladan looked afraid to even attempt moving yet.  

	Legolas looked to the older of the twins and was ready to lend 
him a helping hand when an ear-shattering 'pop!' resounded no more then 
a foot from his sensitive ears.

	"Oh Elbereth!" Elrohir was gripping his knee, rocking back and 
forth on his rear end.

	Legolas felt the laughter gathering in his chest and he knew 
that he could hold it back if he really tried.  He didn't want to try.

	"Legolas, stop laughing...my knee feels like it is in pieces 
here..."

	Elladan started giggling, most un-Elf-like, and just lowered 
himself so he was lying on his back and took in a deep sighing breath.  
Slowly but surely he began to stretch his sore legs straight out ahead 
of him, across the whimpering Elrohir's lap.  He began flexing the 
muscles in his calves, working up to his knees while his younger 
brother sat on the floor, holding his pulsing knee.  Finally, Elladan 
made it to his feet and offered a hand up down to Elrohir.

	"Nay!  Assist him with his breathing, let me try to regain some 
sort of dignity.  Elbereth...my rear is entirely numb, I do not think 
it will ever live to feel your pleasures again!" Elrohir lifted an 
elegant hand to his brow, feigning great woe, and began to stretch his 
own legs.

	Meanwhile, Legolas had taken to digging through the closet in 
between breakouts of giggling and pulled a black pair of leggings and 
also a black tunic.  He would worry about a robe later.

	"Oh, eei, aii, oooooh my legs will never let me forget what I 
have done to them."

	Legolas pulled the fresh shirt over his head, smiling as he 
listened to the childish complaints coming from Elladan as he tried to 
cover the short distance between Elrohir and the bed.  Suddenly, 
another loud pop was heard.

	"Elrohir!  Move slowly, have some sort of semblance to 
patience!"

	Legolas eavesdropped as the two brothers bickered back and 
forth, pulling his leggings up over his rear.  He took a dark belt from 
a shelf in front of him and fastened it around his waist so the tunic 
didn't hang listlessly down his body.  He then spun around and walked 
to Elrohir.

	"Shut your mouth and lift your arms." He barked, a gentle 
expression on his face.

	The arms went up.

	"Hold still."

	Elrohir held perfectly still.

	With a soft grunt, Legolas picked up the youngest of the twins 
and gently deposited him on the bed next to Elladan and went back over 
to the closet to find outfits for his lovers.

	Elladan grinned, "Well why did I not get such an easy route to 
the bedding?"

	"Because you don't know how to pull sympathy from the ones who 
love you, and I do." Elrohir pressed a finger against the tip of 
Elladan's nose and pressed in, wiggling it around.

	Elladan slapped his hands away, giggling once again, and laid 
himself down against the bed to stare at the ceiling.  He heard Legolas 
approaching them again but didn't move, just listened.

	"Arms up."

	Laughter from Elrohir, "What?"

	"Put your arms up.  If you do not, I will not be able to dress 
you."

	Elladan smirked when two arms came into his line of sight, right 
next to the beautiful face of his Prince charming.  He sighed in 
delight, hoping that he might be the next to be ordered around by the 
normally docile Legolas.

	Elrohir smacked at Legolas's hands, "You should not be doing 
this my dearest..."

	"And why not?"

	"My body responds to any touch you give it, and I doubt that it 
would be the best idea to engage in any sort of...physical delights 
right now."

	Legolas felt the strain in his words, but dismissed them with a 
small smile and turned back to the closet, one more time.

	"Do I get my turn Legolas?  I will not complain as much as 
Elrohir did, this I promise." The soft chuckle that resulted from the 
comment easily made its ways to Elladan's ears.

	Elladan sat himself up and took in Elrohir's clothing.  Dark, 
muted gray pants and a red tunic so blood dark that it almost looked 
black.  Was Legolas doing this on purpose?  The dark angry colors were 
probably reflecting how he was feeling, he decided.

	He went through the same process Elrohir had but put up no such 
struggles.  The stress in the room had only grown and grown since his 
brother's last comment and Elladan found it quite difficult to enjoy 
this treatment.  Legolas obviously felt the same way.  Through and 
through he had made no eye contact, no tickling, no gentle kisses, 
nothing.  Elladan was mildly upset that Elrohir had unintentionally 
fouled Legolas's mood.  

	"You can put your leggings on easily enough, can you not 
Elladan?"

	"Yes dear Legolas, I think I might be able to manage."

	He was given a weak grin for his sarcasm.

	Elrohir watched the goings-on with more interest then either of 
the other two perceived.  He felt horrible for upsetting Legolas 
without meaning to and he knew that they still had masses of things to 
discuss.  And hopefully the Prince would not run away again.  No, he 
didn't run away.  You chased him away Elrohir...accidentally, but 
whether on purpose or not, he was chased.  He is too proud to run away.

	His big dark eyes took in every graceful movement, every flip of 
golden hair over a sleek shoulder, loving looks given to both he and 
Elladan.  Elrohir hadn't known he could fall in love all over again, 
but it was possible, as he had just found out.  Then he turned his gaze 
to his brother.

	Such a sharp, apparent contrast to Legolas.  Instead of sun-
ripened wheat coloring his hair, it was as black as a starless night, 
flecked with deep red highlights, much like his own.  Deep, calculating 
gray eyes, ones that took in the person for who they were and left them 
feeling disconcerted if it was so chosen.  Shoulders that were just a 
smidgen wider then his and a short length bulkier then Legolas's.  They 
were both well muscled from their hunting of Orcs, more so then their 
Prince.  Not the usual fair for Elven kind, but he thought Elladan was 
still the most beautiful thing ever put upon Middle-Earth.  Legolas was 
the only one who could ever rival this opinion, this thought, this 
fact.

	Elladan's smooth-flowing voice cut through his thoughts like he 
would cut through an Orc; with little effort at all...

	"I think we needn't worry about our feelings right now and just 
bring this out in the open.  We need to discuss what we're going to do 
about our situation."

	Elrohir had been staring affectionately at Elladan as he spoke, 
but as soon as he realized what was being said, he tore his eyes from 
one lover and put them upon the other.  

	"Yes, that would be wise.  What did you decide while I was gone 
last night?"

	Elbereth...I have never seen such sorrow...not since father lost 
mother to the Gray Havens...Elrohir averted his gaze again, this time 
putting it on the floor before speaking.

	"Several ideas were thrown around but we decided on nothing.  We 
could not."

	Elladan scooched over so his thigh was pressed tightly against 
his brother's leg, brushing a strand of hair out of his face, "This 
will work out love, worry not about how, but who will hurt in the 
process.  Worry for them...calm yourself, I can feel your anger and I 
am sure Legolas can too." Pressing gently, Elladan turned Elrohir's 
head so their lips could meet, fleetingly, but strewn with so much 
emotion that it caught them both off-guard.

	"I am so glad that you two might be so happy with each other, 
but we have more pressing things that need to be taken care of first." 
Legolas interrupted them loudly.  He turned to the side and crossed his 
arms across his chest as he tried to fight down the irritation he was 
suddenly overcome with.

	Elladan pulled back sharply, feeling as though he betrayed 
Legolas, and feeling betrayed by him at the same time.  He took a deep 
breath, settling his nerves, and held himself in check from touching 
anybody for the time being.  

	"I am sorry Legolas, though I do not know what I am apologizing 
for.  Please, come sit with us.  Let us talk as mature beings and not 
with rashness.  Please, Legolas?"

	The beseeching tone made up Legolas's mind, "Nay, it is not you 
who is to be sorry Elladan.  I am deeply troubled and finding it hard 
to keep my spirits up.  I see no wisdom in your father's reasoning.  I 
understand that he wishes to see Celebrian again, claims of her beauty 
were well found and her soul shined brightly.  I would miss you as much 
as your father misses her.  But I still see no reason for him to be 
acting such a way."

	"You know how hard traditions are to break Legolas, especially 
with our kind.  The times now are dark, Orcs attack without the 
slightest provocation, change can only bring disastrous results when 
the People need stability the most."

	Elladan looked at Elrohir, impressed with his words more so then 
Legolas.

	"Darkening?  Yes, but not for long.  We have always had 
infestations of those vile creatures and that phase will soon pass, as 
they always do.  And what People, Elrohir?  The Elves of Imladris, 
here?  They care only to hear of the dark tidings of the Dunadain, of 
the messengers who come through here."

	"Yes, but they are also comfortable with wisdom and the role 
father is playing perfectly by leading this haven.  They have known 
others who have lead them, yes, but why attempt to fix something that 
is still whole, that is unbroken?  It makes no sense, love." Elladan 
rubbed his hands over his thighs, keeping his voice tight and 
controlled.

	Legolas began to pace, crossing the room in lengthy strides as 
his emotions became unbearable, "I have never been faced with the 
choice of losing you two and now that I am, I truly see how valuable 
you are.  I care deeply for Lord Elrond, but not as you do.  He is not 
my father.  I understand why you are reluctant to go against him.  He 
is kind, he is understanding for the most part," The twins grinned, 
"And he cares not who is sons are in love with.  I, too, would have a 
great reluctance to show disobedience if my father treated me in such a 
way.  But my entire life has been spent trying to please him.  
Thranduil wanted for me to marry a maiden from a nearby country, I was 
supposed to join her there, to make room for my brother's expanding 
family.  I told my father I wanted not that fate.  I was made to act as 
a warrior and it took a decade of fighting until my father accepted my 
apologies.  Would your father have treated you so?"

	"You know he would not.  He has not."

	Elladan nodded.

	"So then you met me and my life has changed so drastically.  My 
father would never accept what we have and your father has.  That is 
what makes this so difficult." He sat down finally, upon a small stool 
before the twins, and waited for their words. 

	Elrohir was the first to break the straining silence, "He has 
been so kind to us for so long, I guess this is to be expected that 
heaven can't last forever.  But was his choice really so sudden?  Why 
now?"

	Elladan shrugged, "Father is a very sensible person, he wouldn't 
do any of this just for no reason.  A purpose behind all of this, 
something incredible, is why he is making us choose."

	Legolas threw his hands up in the air, frustrated to the point 
of wanting to scream, "What are we going to choose then?  We have been 
talking about it for the passed day and yet we come to no conclusion.  
I do not want to lose you, I know this, neither of you.  You do not 
want to lose me either, correct?"

	"You know we do not, we would never abandon what we have.  
Father's happiness means a lot to us, but not as much as you do." 
Elladan nodded at what Elrohir just stated, showing that he agreed 
whole-heartedly.  He linked his fingers with his brother's.

	"Then what do we agree upon?  And how do we go through with it?  
Your father said that only two of us could take his place here in 
Rivendell.  Either that or we had to leave."

	Elrohir nodded emphatically, "Exactly!  We could simply leave 
and not let father know where we headed.  It would be our secret and 
father would be none the wiser."

	Elladan gave him a withering look, "Father said we could leave, 
not run away.  I am sure there are some sort of conditions he has for 
that choice.  But why turn us away when he could just as easily stay 
here and let us live happily as he has done with Arwen?"

	"There is no way to know that for certain, he has reason behind 
what he is doing.  Why he will not share them with us, I do not know, 
but it makes things that much more difficult."

	Legolas nodded to what Elrohir was saying, feeling that his 
entire world was fast crumbling beneath him and he had no power in 
which to stop it.

	"We go around in circles yet again Elrohir.  This we have 
said...ENOUGH!  We must come to a conclusion and we must come to one 
before we leave this room."

	And then they were quiet.  Agonizing silence tore through the 
room like wind through delicate spring shoots, making all those in its 
wake feel it's wrath.  Elrohir, Legolas, and Elladan all exchanged 
glances, reading different emotions, different thoughts, and different 
levels of anxiety.  Elladan broke the silence at last.

	"We have to find some sort of way to get father to let us reside 
here, all three of us, in peace so that he may return to mother.  But 
how?"

	"He will not listen to anything, he is stubborn.  'Lest we bind 
him and give him to somebody else for safekeeping.  Leaving is our only 
option left open."

	Legolas tilted his head in a questioning manner, "Are you really 
so eager to leave the place you have spent your entire life?  Why do 
you wish to abandon it?"

	Elrohir took a single step, kneeled before Legolas, and grasped 
one his hands in both of his, "I love you Legolas.  You are the world 
to me, just as Elladan is, and I wish not to lose you.  Our father is a 
stubborn and cantankerous old man at times and now is one of those 
times.  He wants mother.  We want you.  He wants to take you or Elladan 
away from me...or cast me away to be alone until my death.  I would 
rather run like a cowardly Orc from my own flesh and blood, my own 
father, then to be forced to spend my life without you and Elladan.  
This, and only this, is why I wish to leave the sanctuary of this 
place." Elrohir threw down Legolas's hands in favor of wiping the 
stinging tears from his eyes.  

	Suddenly, he spun back around, "All of this, I would give up for 
you and for Legolas, Elladan.  Please say you will leave with us.  I 
would live with Legolas by myself for the rest of my days, but I would 
only be half-complete.  You must come with us, please say you will.  If 
we can not convince father to let us live as three Lords then promise 
Legolas and I you will come away with us." He kneeled again, this time 
before his twin, and placed a hand on each knee, squeezing them, 
"Promise us..."

	Elladan opened his mouth, his emotions tearing him to pieces, 
and only a squeak came out.  He closed his eyes and clamped his jaws 
shut, "You ask me to betray my father and my Lord, dear Elrohir..."

	"It is not we who would betray him, but he who would betray us." 

	Elladan and Elrohir cast their eyes to Legolas, who stood with 
his arms folded protectively across his heaving chest.  The twins were 
in awe and suddenly they were taken back to when they first thought 
they might have actually won the Prince's affections.

	Elrohir recalled that Legolas had been complaining that the 
bright colors he was wearing was cause for most of the attention and he 
had weaseled his way into black robes over the rest of his green garb.  
He had stood there, pouting childishly at him and his brother, with icy 
blue eyes drilling into them, soft golden hair framing his face, and 
emotion running deep behind his immature act.

	Except now, there was nothing childish or immature about him.  
He had grown wiser and more beautiful since that time and more fearsome 
in his emotional state.

	Elladan was intimidated by that look, it caught him off guard 
and took him back to a time when he was first falling in love with the 
Prince, and he wanted that time back as badly as he wanted his father 
to be on their side again.  He broke the stare, looking at the wall, 
his vision blurred by the vast amounts of tears welling up within his 
eyes.  I cannot do this, I cannot...

	His breaths turned to gasps and it was then that he broke down 
into sobs, his brave fa�ade breaking to pieces at last, and he cried as 
he hadn't cried since he was child.  He stayed just as he was, bent at 
the waist, and unaware of anything around him, just the pain of loss 
swelling within his chest.

	Legolas exchanged a knowing look, one of deep hurt and fear, 
with Elrohir and strode across to the bed, "It is all right Elladan.  
We understand more then you think we do.  Hush now, come on love, no 
more tears..." Legolas didn't take up the other Elf in his arms, but 
chose to sit a hand span away, rubbing his back.

	Elrohir felt inclined to join them, and would have, had not a 
knock came at the door.

	Legolas' brows creased together and he motioned Elrohir to get 
it with a fluid jerk of his chin.  He turned back to Elladan when his 
order was listened to.

	Elrohir strode to the inner chamber doors where the knocking had 
come from and pulled against the handles, stepping back to allow only 
one of the doors to fully open.  His mouth dropped open in shock.

	There stood a messenger of Mirkwood, in full dress, with two 
more Elves on either side of him holding various other representations 
of the Prince's home in their hands and upon their clothing.  Elrohir 
watched the one in the middle, dressed in dark greens and browns, with 
a golden mark on his chest, pull out a scroll, and held it beneath his 
underarm.

	"We were told that our Prince Legolas was here.  We have urgent 
news from Mirkwood concerning him and need to speak with him at once."

	Elrohir threw a look over his shoulder, taking in the sight of 
his brother being comforted by Legolas, and turned back, "You.  Only 
you.  The other four can wait in the outer chambers.  The servants are 
right outside the door if they should need anything."

	As his voice left no room for argument, the Elf with the scroll 
walked in as if he owned the entire city of Imladris and curled his lip 
in distaste when he watched his Prince lay a gentle kiss on the lips of 
one of the dark twins.  He wasn't sure which one it was, but it caused 
him great unease all the same.

	He cleared his throat, "Prince Legolas, King Thranduil requests 
that you read this as soon as it has arrived." He bowed low, hardly 
showing any respect in his stance, and handed over the scroll.

	Legolas treated the messenger as he had been treated, waving him 
off to a far corner rudely.

	"Elrohir love, comfort your brother while I go over this." 

	Elrohir understood immediately what Legolas was up to, and when 
he stood up to his full height, he pressed a mouth bruising, passionate 
kiss in Legolas' lips and sank down a moment later to rub Elladan's 
back.  He acted as if nothing had happened.

	The messenger's eyes were wide with revulsion and contempt.

	Elrohir had already decided he didn't like this Elf, but now he 
had one more cause to dislike him that much more.  What a vile thing he 
is.  Judging love he knows nothing about.  Infantile mind.

	He sighed bitterly, thumbing his lip with one hand, and rubbing 
his fingers across the silky fabric of Elladan's robe with the other.  
His twin's sobs had long since quieted, leaving tiny sniffles and deep 
breathes in their place, and he leaned heavily into Elrohir.  A moment 
later, the younger of the brothers felt the other's body begin to 
slacken ever-so-slightly, indicating he was resting his mind.  Elrohir 
wrapped an arm around to keep him from tilting over, eyed the riled up 
messenger, and decided it was safe to watch Legolas now.

	Tense shoulders...his ears are red...stiff arms...he is not 
pleased at all.  What could this possibly be about?  

	A short moment later, Legolas stood up, and hurled the parchment 
in the general direction of the Elf who had brought it to him and 
stocked across the room in great strides.

	"Legolas my love, calm yourself!   What is it?  What did it 
say?" Elrohir gave Elladan one harsh shake to rouse him and left him to 
his own devices for the moment.

	And Legolas was there in his arms, abruptly, and shivering like 
a leaf in the wind, "Mithrandir needs me.  In Mirkwood." Legolas pulled 
back, and gray eyes met blue and both were filled with confusion.

	Legolas now stood on his own, his breath as jagged as the peaks 
of Caradhras
.

	Elrohir felt Elladan's body pressing against his back as he 
spoke, "Legolas, what is it?"

	"They found it..."

"Found what?" Elrohir asked.

	The messenger stood stalk still, his body held rigid with 
interest and tension.  Legolas was also unmoving.  But he looked as 
though he was about to collapse, the shock of his unknown surprise 
seeming to be too much for him.

	"It cannot be revealed in writing, for the threat is too great, 
too terrible." He took in a heavy sigh, flicking his hand in the 
general direction of the message bearer, dismissing him.

	Elladan moved up ahead of his brother and crushed his fingers 
over Legolas's forearm, "You speak in words that leave much unsaid, 
unclutter your thoughts and speak as though you what it is you say."

	Legolas's eyes had an unfocused, far away look, one that took 
him back to his place of birth.  He shook his head in a manner more to 
let Elrohir and Elladan know that he was 'back' from his thoughts.  
Many would describe him as looking ruffled up, agitated but calm, had 
they been able to see him.

	"This cannot be spoken of here.  I need to see your father." He 
held his hands up at the protests of the twins, "No more questions now, 
I need to talk with Lord Elrond."

	Legolas deposited a nearly unnoticed kiss upon the cheeks of his 
lovers and hurried to where he had flung the scroll.  Without another 
look he was opening the great doors, parchment in hand, and shushing 
his royal messengers and guards as he strode away.

	"By Elbereth...is he possessed?"

	Elrohir shook his head in complete ignorance, mouth hanging open 
wide.

::::

	Legolas held his goblet carefully between his hands and a 
respective and awed look on his face, "That is why you would do this to 
us.  It makes so much more sense now Lord.  But why are you being so 
secretive?  Why the risk of losing your sons?  We were ready to take 
our leave...imagine our chagrin when we were brought back to be 
explained to as though a child, not an adult."

	Elrond nestled down further in his seat, wrapping his robes over 
his arms, "What if the threat was false?  Worry needn't be stirred up 
and the people panicked."

	"Do any others know of the Rings whereabouts?"

	Elrond sat up suddenly, barking sharply, "Use not the name of 
the threat!  These days are dark, time is short, and few can be 
trusted.  If any should find that we know as much as we do, they would 
be upon us in an instant!"

	Legolas had shrunken down in his chair, feeling foolish for 
having not realized this sooner, "Forgive my ignorance my Lord."

	Elrond eased himself back into his seat and gave a short nod, 
"Know now that you are getting involved with the fate of the entire 
land of Middle-Earth.  Know that your love for family, friends, lovers, 
heir, or otherwise cannot and will not get in the way of protecting 
those who need it."

	Legolas shook his head, not understanding what was being said.

	Elrond then shifted in his seat, his manner changing completely, 
"I understand that Mithrandir wishes you to be in Mirkwood as soon as 
you are able."

	It took a moment for the wood-elf to regain his senses from the 
abrupt change, "Aye..."

	"Good, then you will need to leave at once, and with all speed 
back to your father's realm.  We will supply you with all that you need 
to ensure a swift departure from Imladris."

	Legolas had had enough, "Why am I of so much importance?  I am 
far from wise and know very little of these matters!"

	Elrond gave a wry grin, "Indeed.  Are you not the son of 
Thranduil?  A high Prince of Mirkwood?  It would make sense for you to 
be there for political reason, young Legolas."

	Leaning back, the blonde elf closed his eyes in frustration, "I 
cannot think clearly...what is happening to me?" 

	Though he spoke to himself, the Lord answered for him.

	"Love.  You are painfully reluctant to leave my sons behind.  
You have hardly been separated before and now it seems as though you 
have been asked to deliver the moon to your father instead of only 
yourself."

	Legolas lifted his head from the back of the chair and blinked, 
bleary eyed, "Why does wisdom seem to come so easily from your lips?" 
He sighed and stood, "This has been a trying time for you and I both 
Lord Elrond, forgive my stupidity in such trivial matters in the face 
of such a dangerous situation."

	Elrond waved off his words an elegantly arched brow, 
"Nonsense...I would have done the same in your position...probably 
much, much