Whispers of the Heart  (4/?) 
Daeomae 
FPS 
NC-17 
Elrohir/Legolas, (implied) Elladan/Legolas, others 
Disclaimer:  All characters except for OC’s are Tolkien’s.  OC’s and the plot are mine. 
Warning:  Slash, Angst 
Beta: Janalynn27, all other mistakes are of my own making. 
Summary:  This is the expanded, non-songfic, version of “The Vault” and inspired by not only Def 
Leppard's songs but also, in part, by a couple of comments on the original that managed to really get 
me thinking about what this story could be.  I hope that I manage to capture it truthfully and well. 
 
 
A/N:  // = memories 
 
 
 
Chapter Four 
Laer, T.A. 240 
 
 
After Raunien had ridden off for patrol, Elladan asked Legolas what his brother had said earlier.  The 
twin had felt the sheepishness of his lover after the exchange and could not help but wonder if it had 
aught to do with their relationship.  Legolas quietly informed him that the Crown Prince had pointed out 
their tendency to overlook all else in favor of their liaisons, the foremost being Elladan’s own twin.  The 
younger Thranduilion had been abashed to realize that they had indeed abandoned the Elf-Knight to 
find his own entertainment for well over a month as they both had enjoyed the honeying time of their 
new relationship. 
 
 
Elladan nodded in reluctant agreement. “I suppose your brother has a valid point there.  I had not 
realized Elrohir was so obviously unhappy, what with him apparently spending his time with Thandion 
and Raunien so frequently.  However, I agree that we should do our best to include him in our daily 
activities, though I may be hard pressed to keep my zeal for your touch at bay, Ernilen.” 
 
 
Legolas predictably blushed becomingly at such lovely teasing from his lover.  His coy smile was a 
flash of white amongst the sudden pink of his face. “I too may have difficulty, Elladan, but he is your 
twin and my friend, so we must do what we can to keep him occupied as well.  ‘Tis only fair.” 
 
 
The young Prince’s gaze turned to the one in question who was looking forlornly at the now closed 
gate, his shoulders slumped as in defeat.  Legolas returned his eyes to his lover and motioned with his 
head toward the lonely figure.  Elladan turned to see what Legolas had espied and nodded his 
understanding.  They both soon covered the distance between them and the Elf-Knight. 
 
 
Elrohir turned to leave when he saw the two standing between him and the palace entrance.  Mentally, 
he forced himself to put a thin smile on his face and greet them pleasantly.  “Legolas, tôr,” he said as 
he bowed his head slightly to each, “Is there something I might do for you?” 
 
 
“Nay, Elf-Knight, nothing other than to share our company if you will.”  The Prince’s face appeared 
slightly hopeful. 
 
 
“Yes, brother, you have been avoiding us quite enough,” Elladan teased sheepishly. 
 
 
Elrohir recognized it for the apology it was hidden behind the words, and half-smirked. “Never let it be 
said that I would insert myself where I am not...needed,” he quipped in return, his eyebrow rising in 
emphasis. 
 
 
“Nonsense, Elrohir!  Your presence will only enhance our enjoyment of your last few weeks’ visit here 
among the Greenwood,” Legolas hurriedly assured him. 
 
 
When Elrohir eyes betrayed the slightest doubt as to that remark, Elladan hastened to add, “Our days 
are at your disposal, tôren.” 
 
 
The Elf-Knight, being ever intuitive to his brother’s word choices, recognized that they were offering to 
share their days with him but keep their nights for themselves.  He supposed there was little to be said 
or done about that if he were to keep his promise to Raunien to attempt the mending of fences with his 
brother and the Prince, thus he smiled kindly and nodded his agreement, putting an arm around each 
ellon’s shoulders.  “What shall we do first then?” 
 
 
******************** 
 
 
Later that Night 
 
 
Elrohir found himself once more in the King’s study after dinner, Legolas and Elladan having stolen 
away as soon as possible from the table.  The Elf-Knight listened distractedly as the King discussed 
some point of interest about Esgaroth.  He could hear the occasional grunts of agreement from 
Glorfindel, who seemed to be rather liberal with his wine intake at dinner, something that had not 
lessened as they sat in front of the fire now. 
 
 
Thranduil, sensing that he had lost his audience in full, quipped, “And thus I told the Chancellor of 
Esgaroth that the great Lord Elrond would promise his second-born son to the Chancellor’s daughter 
and his Seneschal to the barmaid with but three teeth.  He seemed quite pleased indeed with this 
pronouncement.”  This induced another grunt from Glorfindel and after a few moments, Elrohir raised 
his furrowed brow to the King, blinking rapidly in confusion.  Thranduil could not resist the undignified 
smirk that twisted his lips and the slight shake of his shoulders.  “Never fear Elrohir, I was only jesting 
once it became obvious that no one was truly listening anymore.  In truth, I did not tell the Chancellor 
that about his daughter,” his gaze wandered to Glorfindel who seemed as yet oblivious. “However, I 
most assuredly promised the Balrog Slayer to the near toothless barmaid.” 
 
 
“What?” Glorfindel’s head shot up at that last remark. 
 
 
“So very nice of you to rejoin the conversation Lord Glorfindel.”  Thranduil’s amusement increased. 
“The two of you are rather woeful companions this night.  Perhaps, I am a poor host?” 
 
 
“Nay, my Lord!” Glorfindel hastened to assure the King, flushing from embarrassment and much 
Dorwinion. “I must apologize for I have imbibed more than I aught of this fine wine of yours, and Elrohir 
no doubt misses his nightly chess game with his Highness.  You are, as ever, a fine host indeed.” 
Neither the King nor Elrohir were certain how the Balrog Slayer managed to sound so dignified even 
as his eyes seemed to have difficulty focusing on each of them. 
 
 
Thranduil smiled at the Elf-Knight and shook his head. “Come Elrohir.  Mayhap, you and I should 
deliver your guardian safely to his chambers whilst he might yet aid us in doing so?” 
 
 
“Aye, your Majesty.  I think that might be for the best.” Elrohir replied penitently, ashamed that he had 
failed to realize the need to intervene sooner before his Captain had overdone.  He absently wondered 
whenever he had seen Glorfindel intoxicated to such an extent and could not remember a time in his 
still relatively few years.  He determined that he would have to speak with his Captain on the morrow 
about this, but for now, he rose and walked to the Balrog Slayer and aided the King in getting 
Glorfindel on his feet. 
 
 
After having made it safely, if slowly, through the weaving hallways of Thranduil’s palace that lay 
between his study and Glorfindel’s rooms, the two tucked the Captain away for the night that he might 
sleep off the mighty effects the overindulgence of the Dorwinion had caused him.  As they exited the 
chambers, Elrohir began to amble back to his own rooms to face the rest of the night depressingly 
alone.  He and the King got as far as the turn-off that the King would take before he turned to bid 
Thranduil goodnight. 
 
 
He barely opened his mouth before the King interrupted him, “Might I inquire something of a personal 
nature, pen-neth?”  Elrohir blinked for a moment before motioning his acceptance.  Who was he to tell 
a King no in his own realm?  “Walk with me for a while, if you will then.” 
 
 
The Elf-Knight fell into step once more beside the Ruler and idly realized that they were heading for 
the courtyard.  His curiosity was piqued by this time.  What could Thranduil have to say that he wished 
them to discuss outside of the palace?  Having arrived at the landing, Thranduil motioned him to one of 
the benches that lined the edges of it, and the younger twin waited for the King to be seated before he 
too took his seat.  The night was truly beautiful with starlight twinkling overhead and soft rustles 
emanating from the trees.  An owl, no doubt perched on a nearby branch, hooted mournfully, 
unknowingly echoing the song within the Elf-Knight’s own heart.  He finally realized that the King was 
watching him intently and blushingly grinned, his head bowed slightly with embarrassment. 
 
 
Thranduil smiled benignly at the expression, as he looked fondly at the young one. “Tell me, Elrohir. 
 Do you miss my son’s company overmuch this evening?” 
 
 
“I suppose I am rather transparent at times,” the twin admitted abashedly.  “Raunien has provided me 
much company these past few weeks, and I am most grateful to him for that.  He has become as close 
as a brother in that time, and I do miss him, yet I also know how important he is to the security of your 
realm, Sire.” 
 
 
“I am pleased to hear that Raunien is thought of so highly, pen-neth, yet it was not of him that I spoke.” 
 The Sinda peered at the twin carefully that he might catch any glimpse into his thoughts before he had 
time to mask them.  The surprise and embarrassment was there in the gray eyes only momentarily 
before Elrohir dipped his head. 
 
 
“I am uncertain as to your meaning, Sire,” the twin hedged hoping that he had not given himself fully 
away. “I have spent the entire day with my twin and the Prince, and only a few hours since, hardly 
enough to miss either as yet.” 
 
 
Thranduil looked pointedly at the twin, his eyes narrowed only slightly in something between 
amusement and impatience. “I think you know precisely of what I speak, Elf-Knight.  I am not only a 
King but a father as well, and as such, I am entitled to have concerns for my child’s welfare. Do you 
think your brother serious in his intentions regarding Legolas?”  The King watched as the young one 
struggled to swiftly compose an answer in his head that would not be a falsehood, yet would not shed 
an ill light on his twin.  Thranduil held up his hand before Elrohir could begin to answer him. “It is as I 
thought, then.  No need to overly worry for your twin, as I can read it in your eyes and would assure 
you that I hold no particular ill will toward him.  Rather, I recognize youth for what it is, a time of 
discovery with little thought of later consequences.” 
 
 
Elrohir released a soft sigh, relieved that Thranduil was not angry at his twin’s escapades. “He cares 
for him as a dear friend above all else.  I do not believe he would intentionally lead Legolas astray with 
untruths about his level of devotion.” 
 
 
“No, I do not suppose that to be the case either.  Yet, as Legolas is very impressionable, I worry that 
he will read more into their relations than he should and thereby suffer hurt later for it.”  Thranduil was 
nothing if not forthright and did not attempt to disguise his concern. “Yet, Legolas is young and benefits 
now from such attentions, even if short-lived, for they make him more confident in himself.  I suspect 
that the fervor of their coupling will wane tremendously given the distance and time apart they will 
experience all too soon now.” 
 
 
“I believe you to be correct in that, my Lord...” The Elf-Knight shrugged and let his words drift upon the 
light breeze as his attention subconsciously turned to a rather uninteresting bush that grew beside the 
bench. 
 
 
The King waited some moments for him to finish his thought, yet Elrohir was not forthcoming with 
anything further, and the two lapsed into a reasonably companionable silence for a good while.  When 
finally his gaze met the King’s once more, the twin smiled shyly, unsure what else he could say at the 
moment to reassure Thranduil in his concerns.  The edge of the Sinda’s mouth quirked slightly. 
 
 
“You are indeed your father’s son, Elf-Knight, so diligent in your diplomacy even when it affects you 
thus.  He would be proud, and your twin should be thankful.” The King turned and grabbed the twin’s 
chin lightly with his fingers. “One day, pen-neth, you will find that it is you who will have true dominion 
over the hearts of others through your natural constancy, gentility, and generosity.  Tend those traits 
properly, for they will serve you well in the future.”  He smiled into the doe-like eyes, and with a light 
ruffle of the younger twin’s hair, he rose and bid the young one a goodnight. 
 
 
******************** 
 
 
Iavas, T.A. 240 
 
 
The morning of the Imladrian party’s leave taking saw Elrohir deep in thought.  He had gained some 
ground in bettering his friendship with Legolas and restoring his fraternal bond with his twin.  The two 
had kept their word and regularly included Elrohir in their daily activities aside from those few days that 
Belben had availed upon the younger twin to accompany him on one pursuit or another.  All three had 
taken to training for a couple of hours early each morn with the Lieutenant, and Elrohir had been 
grateful for Belben’s insistence that he spend time with him, for inevitably, those days were ones 
where his distraction was plain for the warrior to see. 
 
 
Nevertheless, it was a more solidified relationship with the youngest Prince that the Elf-Knight had 
secured for himself, and he hated to leave when he felt there was still much to accomplish on that 
front.  Elladan took their parting the great woods in stride.  Though the couplings between himself and 
Legolas had been more feverish of late, he missed his home and was ready to return to it, or so he 
had absently confided to his twin and Glorfindel the night previous. 
 
 
The great Balrog Slayer for his part seemed anxious to be away as well.  He had never admitted the 
reasoning behind his night lost in the Dorwinion.  However, Elrohir suspected that it had to do with the 
discussions that he and the King often had possibly having stirred up some unpleasant memories for 
his Captain.  There had not been a repeat of that night since, as Glorfindel was careful to only drink a 
glass or two at dinner and no more.  Rather, the famous Balrog Slayer had become, if anything, near 
overly reserved, leading Elrohir to believe that perhaps the King had mildly chastened his friend for his 
unusual slip in decorum. 
 
 
The opening of the door swiftly roused the Elf-Knight from his musings.  He looked up to find his twin 
padding across the floor to the large wooden wardrobe where a few of his clothes yet remained even 
after effectively moving himself into his lover’s rooms. “I should have taken care of this last eve,” 
Elladan sighed and rolled his eyes playfully, “but I could not seem to find the time.” 
 
 
“I cannot imagine why that might be,” Elrohir mumbled testily, causing the elder twin to stop in his 
tracks. 
 
 
“Are you still sore about Legolas?” Elladan asked, his lips pressed together in an impatient frown. “I 
had thought you beyond that by now.”  When his brother did not deign to answer, Elladan continued, 
“Come now tôren, soon we will be home, and you will no doubt have your pick of ellyn and ellith that 
have missed your kindly presence and would gratefully keep you company.  Why must we quarrel over 
one Sindar Princeling who will no doubt have all but forgotten us both by the time we reach the 
Anduin?” 
 
 
“Think you so little of his devotion to you?” 
 
 
“His devotion, as you would call it, is grounded alone in my skills as a lover, Elrohir.  As soon as he 
finds another to replace me, he will but remember our time together fondly.  ‘Tis not as if he truly feels 
anything more than the rush of our coupling’s fervor and the fondness of a dear friend,” Elladan replied 
confidently. 
 
 
“You seem terribly certain of that, tôren.” Elrohir, however, doubted that greatly. 
 
 
“Of course, I am.  I have not spent all this time with him to not have a reasonable understanding of his 
character.  He only fancies himself in love, for there is a certain security in it for him.  Yet, once we are 
away, he will find that he is able to understand things more keenly and will soon come to realize that it 
was naught but a previously unknown passion that was merely kindled within him.  It could have been 
nearly anyone, and ‘twould have been the same.” Elladan saw his twin’s skeptical look at this 
pronouncement, but merely shrugged it off and continued his packing in silence, feeling certitude in the 
matter. 
 
 
After a while, they both presented themselves in the courtyard to bid the Royal family farewell.  They 
found Glorfindel, the Imladrian troops, and a small contingency of Greenwood warriors awaiting them 
upon their horses, their own mounts whickering and snorting impatiently as they stood ready with the 
others.  Both twins thanked their hosts formally before receiving brief embraces and words of well 
wishes from the King and Queen. 
 
 
During this time, Legolas shifted nervously from one foot to the other waiting his own turn to say 
farewell.  His eyes shimmered with barely restrained tears as he quickly pressed his lips to Elladan’s 
and embraced him mightily.  “I will miss you, meleth.”  The Prince’s voice was raspy with emotion. 
 
 
“And I shall miss you as well, Ernilen,” the elder twin rejoined fondly, before he placed a final kiss to 
the Sinda’s forehead and stepped aside to await his twin. 
 
 
“May the Valar keep you until we meet again.” Elrohir smiled softly at the Prince before awkwardly 
embracing his heart’s desire. 
 
 
“The same to you, Elf-Knight.  Good journey to you all.” Legolas trembled as he looked from the 
younger to the other twin and fell silent, afraid to embarrass himself with more words. 
 
 
The twins bowed a final time to their hosts and walked side by side to their waiting horses.  Once they 
were settled, Glorfindel called for the troops to move out, inclining his head once more to the Royal 
Family before nudging his horse along.  The twins waved at the figures standing upon the palace 
steps, and with one final look of longing at his beloved Prince, Elrohir and the others rode past the gate 
and into the mighty forest. 
 
 
******************** 
 
 
After nigh two days of riding, Elrohir found himself greatly longing to return to the cavern palace of 
Thranduil.  There was so much left unsaid on his part, and he feared it would be many years before he 
had the opportunity again.  However, he could hardly ask that they all return for his sake when so 
many were eager to return to their home in Imladris, even if Glorfindel could be convinced to command 
it.  He had, instead, kept his thoughts his alone, though his aloof demeanor spoke clearly of his 
unhappiness. 
 
 
They rode through the densest part of the forest, the vibrant flora and inquisitive fauna of no 
consequence to one whose thoughts were elsewhere.  He hardly even noticed a slowing of the 
procession until his mare came to a full halt, unable to move forward for the horses that stood still in 
front of her.  Elrohir looked ahead to see that the Crown Prince had indeed kept his promise, for 
Raunien and his patrol stood only a short way ahead on the road awaiting the procession.  Belben 
rode forth to greet his Captain while the others, for the most part, waited patiently.  The two spoke for a 
few minutes before signaling to the awaiting group to join them. 
 
 
Asfaloth cantered straightway to the waiting Prince, his master smiling at his stallion’s impatience. 
Elrohir urged his mare forward quickly, eager to see not only Raunien but Thandion as well, while 
Elladan moved along at a more leisurely pace.  The younger twin had soon dismounted and, like 
Glorfindel, embraced his friends heartily.  Suddenly, his heart felt lighter than it had in weeks.  He 
found himself eager to speak with the Prince to assure him that he had indeed managed to keep his 
promise, yet he knew that would have to wait as the apparent campsite was sorted out and duties 
assigned. 
 
 
“You look well, gwador,” Raunien observed quietly, a sweet smile curving his lips.  “I trust that you did 
not miss me overmuch.” 
 
 
Elrohir blushed under the gentle scrutiny. “I did indeed miss your kindly presence, but I was not 
completely wanting for company in your absence.” 
 
 
“That is well, then.  I would hear more of it when we have the opportunity.” 
 
 
The younger twin nodded agreeably, before turning his attention to his Captain who was currently 
giving instructions to the Imladrian warriors.  “Elladan, Belben and Thandion have asked that we 
accompany them on a short hunting expedition.  Elrohir will remain to assist the Prince as needed.” 
Glorfindel smiled secretly at Raunien and the younger twin, having unintentionally caught the very end 
of their conversation. 
 
 
Thandion and Belben exchanged amused glances, yet did not dare to challenge the Balrog Slayer’s 
contention that they had asked for assistance.  It was obvious to them both that the Prince and the 
younger twin had things to discuss privately, and they were only too happy to accompany Glorfindel 
and Elladan on a hunt to secure them some time. 
 
 
When they were left alone and all duties had been attended to, Raunien motioned Elrohir to a nearby 
fallen tree that they might discuss the happenings at the palace since his departure.  “Tell me, how are 
things between you and the others now?” 
 
 
Elrohir smiled fondly at his friend, having known that Raunien was generally an elf of few words, the 
same as he, and would move along to his point swiftly. “I will miss your forthright nature, gwador,” the 
twin said accentuated with a barely restrained chuckle. “The relationships are better than when you 
left, though my feelings have not changed.  Elladan feels that all will be back to some semblance of 
normal soon enough, and I am inclined to believe it...to a point.  I harbor much less pain over the 
situation, for I have realized that deep down Legolas is an innocent caught in a fantasy of his own 
creation, while Elladan is proving that he knows nothing of a true relationship or devout caring for a 
partner.  If I am wholly truthful, Raunien, I must say that I pity both for their ignorance, as I fear it will 
come at a high cost to them one day.” 
 
 
Raunien’s eyebrows rose dramatically at that last statement.  Where had one so young come into such 
knowledge?  “You are wise beyond your years, my friend.  In truth, I fear much the same myself, yet 
we must allow them to make the mistakes of youth and pray to the Valar that they learn well from 
them.  There is naught else to be done, if they are to stand on their own when it most counts.” 
 Raunien’s eyes clouded temporarily, a great sadness creeping over his face. “I confess, Elrohir, I have 
not the foresight of your Adar or Daernaneth, but I fear that this time of peace cannot last indefinitely. 
 There is yet much evil in this world, and it only awaits a master to serve before it strikes out at those 
that would live in peace and harmony.” 
 
 
Elrohir shivered as he sometimes did after his father had had a vision of great import.  He was, on the 
whole, unconvinced that the Lion of Greenwood did not possess some measure of the gift as well. 
 Feeling the younger twin’s discomfort, Raunien soon smiled soothingly. “I have frightened you, and it 
was most certainly not my intention, gwador.  I only wish for you to do everything within your power to 
be the Elf that I know you to be deeply within, for there may come a day when it will be all that stands 
between you and evil’s grasp.  Always remember the goodness and light within yourself, and let it 
guide you in all that you do.  It will never fail you as long as you put your complete faith in it and hold it 
close to your heart.  This I promise you.” 
 
 
Elrohir nodded seriously as he allowed every word to consume him and be forever branded in his 
mind.  He was unsure why, yet he felt that these words were of the greatest importance for him to 
remember.  He trusted his friend well enough and knew him to be quite sage for a warrior Prince. 
 However, there was something on the periphery that the Elf-Knight’s mind could not quite grasp that 
caused him to pay particular notice to what seemed to him an omen that would have far-reaching 
consequences to him personally. 
 
 
Elrohir’s thoughts were interrupted when Raunien spoke in welcome to the returning hunting party.  He 
rose from his seat, bowed slightly in thanks to the Prince, and slowly wandered back to his twin.  With 
Elladan’s excitement over his quarry, Elrohir finally managed to gather his thoughts well enough to 
participate in the conversation and agree to help his twin with preparing the meat for the warriors who 
were readying a fire for cooking.  He looked once more to the Crown Prince, and seeing him in some 
sort of discussion with Glorfindel, turned his attention fully to the task at hand. 
 
 
The rest of the night passed by quickly for Elrohir, what with the Prince and Glorfindel often deep in 
conversation and his twin eagerly expounding upon the wonders of their own realm with Thandion and 
Belben.  The elder twin had quite cleverly extracted a promise from each that should the opportunity 
arise, they would accompany their Sire or his emissary to Imladris that the twins might show them the 
same hospitality that they had so kindly provided this visit.  Elrohir had seconded the desire to see 
them again and show them his home, for he would sorely miss their companionship.  He readily 
appreciated that their steadying influence, along with their Prince’s, had kept him from brooding 
overmuch and helped to make his visit less lonely than it could have been. 
 
 
With the early morning light, the twin bid his friends a fond, if somewhat somber, farewell and prepared 
for the long trip back to Imladris.  He could not conceive then how many years might pass before he 
saw them again.  He knew that he could never forget even one of their kindnesses to him, and only 
hoped to be able to one day properly pay them in kind. 
 
 
tbc.... 
 
 
Translations: 
 
 
Laer- Summer 
tôr - brother 
tôren - my brother 
ellon - male elf (s) 
pen-neth - young one 
Iavas - early Autumn 
ellith - female elves (pl) 
ellyn - male elves (pl) 
gwador - sworn brother 
meleth - love 
Ernilen - my Prince 
Adar - father 
Daernaneth - Grandmother (loosely)