Whispers of the Heart  (5/?) 
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. 
Distribution:  Wordsmithsthree, OEAM, AFF, Ardaslash, and LoM.  All others, please 
ask first. 
Summary:  Unrequited love and sibling rivalry.  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 Five 
 
 
Echuir, Third Age 291 
Imladris 
 
 
 
Elrond stood on the landing atop the steps that led from the courtyard into the Last 
Homely House East of the Sea.  His family and advisors gathered with him there to 
greet the companies from Lothlórien and Greenwood the Great that were, according to 
a page, but a short distance away.  The Lord of the Hidden Vale looked about proudly 
at those assembled. 
 
 
His beloved iel, Arwen, was aglow with nervousness and excitement, anxious to meet 
her naneth’s parents for the first time.  As they had with her brothers, the Lord and Lady 
of the Golden Wood had delayed a trip to meet their youngest grandchild until such 
time as they could celebrate her majority with a nice, long visit.  Elrond had no doubt 
that she would soon become a favorite with her Daernaneth, of whom she often 
reminded him.  Even at such a tender age, Arwen had proven her will and intelligence 
as great as the serenity that surrounded her at times, traits that Galadriel herself 
possessed in abundance.  She was much more her mother’s child in ways than his, yet 
the Lord could not love her more. 
 
 
His sons were a different matter altogether.  Elladan reminded Elrond often of his own 
twin, Elros, for he was less reflective and certainly more impulsive than Elrond had ever 
been.  There was a sort of nonchalance to Elladan that at times worried Elrond when he 
thought of his son in battle, for it could be dangerous to not feel the fear that one should 
in approaching an enemy.  Fear was a healthy thing, as long as one did not let it rule 
his life.  It seemed that the Lord prayed often and earnestly for his eldest to learn that 
lesson before it was taught to him violently and perhaps irreversibly. 
 
 
Elrohir was an entirely different matter.   The youngest twin, if anything, had become 
more pragmatic over the last few decades.  While he still accompanied his brother in 
relatively harmless exploits now and again, his overall demeanor was best described as 
thoughtful.  He had well ingratiated himself amongst the Elves in his father’s realm with 
his kindness and nobility.  The Lord was as likely to find his youngest son aiding a 
distraught elfling in mending a broken toy as he was to find him lounging upon a chaise 
on his balcony with a historical book after a day’s work, waving and taking the time to 
speak to all that approached. 
 
 
Elrond highly suspected that only Elrohir’s diligence and forethought tempered his twin 
from rushing headlong into situations that might prove ill for the elder son.  He also was 
well aware that the change had occurred during their time in Greenwood, no doubt 
under the gentle tutoring that the Crown Prince had given him, if Glorfindel’s accounting 
of the trip had been as accurate as Elrond believed.  The Lord was, in fact, relieved to 
learn that it would be Raunien who would travel to Imladris for this celebration in his 
father’s stead and without the company of his younger brother.  Thranduil had confided, 
in a secret missive that had arrived with the official acceptance letter, that he thought it 
best that Legolas remain behind to allow more time for the three younglings’ fervor with 
regards to each other to cool.  It had become apparent to Elrond then that the young 
Prince was still quite attached to his eldest son, and he silently agreed that more time 
was indeed needed lest it strain the relations between the twins once again. 
 
 
A soft touch upon his arm by his lady-wife drew Elrond from his musings to see his law-
parents enter the courtyard with the Crown Prince.  The Lady was resplendent in her 
flowing cloak of purest white over a gown of the same color, which contrasted against 
the dark brown of her mare.  She soon removed the hood of her cloak, revealing hair of 
spun gold that shimmered ethereally in the afternoon rays of Arien.  Her Lord, clothed in 
a soft dove gray that highlighted his own silvery-blond locks,  dismounted quickly from 
his white and black dappled stallion and with an affectionate smile raised his hand to 
assist his beloved from her own horse.  The Lady answered him with a slight upturn of 
the lips and soulful blue eyes that glittered endearingly at her mate. 
 
 
The Lion of Greenwood, dressed in the deepest of greens and accented by the golden 
shirt beneath his tunic, waited attentively for the Lady to dismount before he, like her 
Lord, offered his arm respectfully to her, though on the opposite side.  With a pleased 
nod, Galadriel took the proffered arm of each ellon and began the short walk across the 
courtyard to greet their hosts, as the combined Lórien and Greenwood forces continued 
to pour into it.  At the head of Greenwood’s warriors was Thandion, a fact that brought a 
fond grin to the Elf-Knight’s face.  As expected, Marchwarden Haldir led the Lórien 
contingency, which found Elladan sucking in his breath sharply.  Elrohir looked 
quizzically at his twin but was given no ready explanation for his disturbance at seeing 
Haldir again, instead merely a slight shake of the head and a tight smile. 
 
 
The greetings were formal, as was usual among the Eldar, with only a slight breach in 
decorum spared for the exuberance of Arwen upon meeting her Daernaneth and 
Daeradar.  Galadriel shook her head once when Celebrían would have corrected the 
child who had thrust herself animatedly into her grandparents’ arms.  Celebrían smiled 
happily at the obviously affectionate embraces bestowed by and upon her daughter, 
while Elrond took his lady’s hand in his own and squeezed it encouragingly.  Both 
parents were proud indeed when the Crown Prince and then his lieutenant greeted their 
sons as warriors and they returned the sentiment placidly, even though a fond look was 
shared between them.  Then, as Raunien greeted Glorfindel heartily, Haldir came to 
stand before the twins. 
 
 
“Mae govannen, gwenyn,” he said in his usual unhurried drawl, bowing his head slightly 
in acknowledgment of their position in the Valley. 
 
 
“And to you, Haldir o’ Lórien,” the Elf-Knight replied easily.  “I trust the journey was 
pleasant?” 
 
 
“Indeed it was, hannon le,” Haldir smiled slightly at the effort put forth by the younger 
twin to be cordial.  His eyes strayed to the elder twin who seemed unwilling to speak. 
 
 
A near imperceptible nudge from Elrohir finally loosed his twin’s tongue. “I...we are 
happy to hear that then,” Elladan managed with a slight tremor in his voice.  Haldir, to 
his credit, made no comment, instead bowing his head slightly once more before he 
moved along to greet the Balrog-Slayer, the Chief Advisor, the Head Minstrel, and the 
Head Librarian successively. 
 
 
“What was that about?” the Elf-Knight peered questioningly at his twin. “I have never 
seen you at such a loss for words.” 
 
 
Elladan shrugged peevishly.  “I suppose it is because I do not like him overmuch,” 
Elladan whispered, his face flushed with what might have been embarrassment at a 
rare moment of having been caught off-guard. 
 
 
“You will do well to remember, tôren, that he will be here for some time now and that 
you will undoubtedly have need to put aside your dislike of him if you do not wish to 
raise Ada’s ire with you,” Elrohir cautioned a bit too sternly for Elladan’s liking. 
 
 
After the guests had all been shown to their rooms, Elrohir took the opportunity to visit 
the library to return a couple of books he had borrowed.  Melpomaen, made the Head 
Librarian only recently to allow Erestor to focus on his advisory duties, smiled warmly at 
the younger twin and waved him over. “Hello again, Elrohir.  I see that you have 
brought the books I suggested back.  I hope that they were agreeable to your tastes.” 
 
 
“Indeed, Master Melpomaen,” the Elf-Knight responded politely, “I found them most 
informative.” 
 
 
“I am glad, then.  If there is aught else that I might assist you with, I would be most 
pleased to do so,” the elder elf beamed hopefully. 
 
 
“I thank you, but I think that I will search about for a bit and see what strikes my fancy,” 
Elrohir replied as a slight blush colored his cheeks.  While he was well aware that 
Melpomaen thought kindly of him, he had not expected the former scribe to respond 
quite as he had.  Melpomaen’s manner had become increasingly attentive over the past 
few months, and Elrohir had, at first, dismissed it as being merely eager in his new 
office.  However, he was slowly becoming aware that there was perhaps more beneath 
the surface than he had first surmised.  With a quick, if strained, smile, Elrohir left the 
borrowed books upon the desk and padded away, hoping to lose himself among the 
many shelves of books that housed Imladris’ large collection. 
 
 
Meanwhile, his twin was far from running from a potential suitor.  In fact, Elladan was 
most intent to discover where Haldir had absconded to nearly immediately after having 
been shown to his room.  He carefully followed the Marchwarden along the path 
through the back gardens that led to the riverbank.  From there, Haldir turned upstream 
searching for something.  This only piqued Elladan’s interest.  He began to wonder if 
Haldir had once again set up a secreted rendezvous with the Head Groom upon his 
return to the Vale. 
 
 
Haldir, however, with the keen hearing of all elves,  could hear the soft footsteps trailing 
in his wake, and easily recognized them as Peredhel, for no human could step so 
quietly and no full elf so heavily, unless they wished to be heard.  When the Galadhel 
finally found the inlet that he apparently sought, he began to strip rather slowly out of 
his tunic and breeches.  Elladan, hidden among the trees, found himself inexplicably 
focused upon the smooth, pale skin as it was revealed to him.  His breath caught in his 
throat as his eyes strayed to the place where only moments ago a loincloth had 
occupied.  He slowly expelled that breath as Haldir turned to lay the clothing upon the 
large rock that rested beside the waters of the small pool.  Leisurely, the Galadhel 
stepped into the pool and then swam until he was poised near the small waterfall.  He 
climbed upon the small ledge that lay at the base of the fall and stood beneath the sun-
warmed water as it flowed tantalizingly over his naked body. 
 
 
That sight alone aroused something in Elladan that he struggled to fight against, yet he 
could not tear his eyes away from the temptation that Haldir presented.  When the 
Silvan took himself in hand and began to work his wrist to and fro, Elladan bit his lip so 
hard that he drew blood as he tried to stifle the moan that rose unbidden in his throat. 
 He found himself loosening his suddenly uncomfortably tight breeches and mimicking 
the movements of the Marchwarden.  Before long, he achieved his release, but was 
unable to completely silence his hiss of pleasure.  Noticing that Haldir had stepped 
away from the falls sometime prior to the twin’s release, Elladan hurriedly pulled his 
breeches over his hips and fled amongst the trees.  The elder twin missed the 
Galadhel’s knowing smile as he spied the flowing dark hair whisking away through the 
forest. 
 
 
Elladan sprinted quickly through the woods and across the back gardens before 
sneaking stealthily into the house and to the suite that he shared with his twin.  His 
breath was ragged as he closed the door.  He turned in time to see Elrohir stepping out 
of his own bedchamber into their shared sitting room.  The raised eyebrow he received 
was met with an exaggerated shake of the head. 
 
 
“Really, tôren, you should tell your lover to be more considerate next time.” The Elf-
Knight stared pointedly at the dampened spot upon his brother’s breeches. 
 
 
Elladan looked down and groaned.  “Please, do not ask,” which was met with a wry 
chuckle. 
 
 
“All right, I will not, but perhaps you should clean yourself and change before we escort 
Raunien and Thandion about?”  The elder twin groaned again, having forgotten entirely 
their promise to show the Crown Prince and his lieutenant about the house and 
gardens before the night meal.  He nodded reluctantly before rushing to his room and 
flinging the door closed. 
 
 
When he emerged again, Raunien and Thandion had joined Elrohir in waiting.  “I 
apologize for delaying our tour, but I am quite ready now to proceed,” the elder twin 
informed his guests and brother. 
 
 
The four soon set out on a grand tour of the Last Homely House.  Raunien was 
impressed with the integrity of the architecture which seemed to blend the indoors and 
outdoors near seamlessly.  Thandion found himself taken with the Hall of Fire, its 
enormity still maintaining an intimate feel.  Both were duly astonished with the Library, 
for neither had imagined anything as grand as the sheer volume of carefully displayed 
books and scrolls all catalogued into specific sections upon beautifully hewn wooden 
cases. 
 
 
Melpomaen blushed happily at the compliments from the Prince and his lieutenant. 
“Perhaps you would care to visit again soon and allow me the pleasure of pointing out 
some excellent books concerning weaponry and warfare for you to read, Lieutenant?” 
he asked politely. 
 
 
“I would be most pleased to have your assistance in that, Master Melpomaen, as soon 
as I am free to do so,” Thandion responded with a courteous nod and a soft smile that 
Elrohir did not fail to note.  He would have to see what could be done to encourage the 
two to spend some time alone together and soon. 
 
 
The twins soon shepherded Raunien and Thandion out of the Library, with Elrohir 
directing them forward to the entrance of the gardens behind the house so as to save 
his naneth’s prized rose gardens for last.  The small group had only just finished seeing 
the fruit trees and begun to tour the large herb garden when Haldir came walking up the 
path into the gardens from the river.  Raunien motioned the Galadhel over politely. 
 
 
“Well Ernilen, it seems that the Gwenyn are giving you a tour of the grounds,” Haldir 
smiled affably. 
 
 
“Indeed, they are.  Will you join us, Haldir?” 
 
 
“I am afraid that I have just come from taking a tour myself along the river and really 
should refresh myself before dinner.  It is indeed a beautiful walk from here and not so 
very far.  I have no doubt that the twins know the shortest paths through the woods to 
take at any rate.” Haldir grinned slightly as he looked pointedly at the elder twin, whose 
eyes widened slightly and skin paled before taking on a rosy glow between the blush 
and the sudden perspiration that formed upon it. 
 
 
“I quite understand,” the Prince answered, not seeming to notice anything amiss. “We 
shall see you at dinner then.” Raunien inclined his head and soon fell into step with 
Elrohir and Thandion as they continued their impromptu lessons on the different herbs 
that were found among the rows of the garden. 
 
 
Elladan also tried to follow yet found himself loathed to walk too close to Haldir or to 
give him too wide of a berth, lest he seem either overly fond or afraid of the Galadhel. 
 Haldir saved him the trouble of deciding on the best path when the Marchwarden 
walked past him and, in doing so, barely brushed his shoulder against Elladan’s before 
continuing along his way.  The elder twin spun upon his heel toward Haldir, but the 
Silvan never missed a step in his unhurried retreat.  Instead, he relished the knowledge 
that he once more had Elladan’s full attention.  A satisfied smirk settled upon his lips as 
he walked through the doorway and out of sight, while Elladan hung his head and 
muttered darkly under his breath before joining his twin and the others. 
 
 
When the bell for dinner was sounded, the foursome meandered into the formal dining 
hall that had been opened for just such occasions.  Its size and decor was much more 
suited to hosting guests of importance than the smaller family dining room.  There was 
a long table set upon a dais at one end of the room that easily accommodated Lord 
Elrond’s family, Chief Advisor,  Seneschal, Head Minstrel and Librarian, as well as their 
royal guests and their respective seconds, Thandion and Haldir. 
 
 
Elladan was thankful that his position in the family secured him a place between his 
Daeradar and his twin and opposite of Erestor.  Haldir was two from Erestor’s left and 
thus not close enough to carry on a conversation easily with, though they could most 
certainly see each other clearly enough.  The elder twin decided to do his best to keep 
Lord Celeborn and Raunien, who sat to Erestor’s immediate right, involved in 
discussion to avoid Haldir’s gaze as much as possible. 
 
 
For the better part of the meal, the elder twin was successful in doing just that.  He 
began by asking his Daeradar many things about the Golden Wood.  When he inquired 
upon the subject of the defenses of the realm, the Lord advised his grandson to 
question to his Marchwarden when he next was able.  Finding that line of thought 
particularly detestable at the moment, Elladan soon turned the discussion to 
Greenwood, trusting that Haldir would not be mentioned again. 
 
 
They discussed the King and Queen, the state of the realm, and the wild beauty of the 
great forest.  Elrohir even joined the conversation for a time.  However, when Elladan 
asked about Legolas, Elrohir suddenly seemed to lose interest in not only that 
conversation, but any other that surrounded him.  For the most part, his sudden 
withdrawal went unnoticed.  He still smiled politely when expected to and practiced a 
thoughtful look at other times, yet there was no longer a twinkle to his eyes. 
 
 
However, it did not escape the keen eyes of the Chief Advisor.  Having long been close 
friends with Lords Elrond and Glorfindel, he was privy to the discussion upon 
Glorfindel’s return from Greenwood concerning the twins and their respective 
relationships with the youngest Prince and each other during that time.  He had 
watched as the Elf-Knight had fought to put the incident behind him, while his twin 
returned almost as if nothing had occurred to come between them.  The sadness that 
the mere mention of Legolas’ name caused his former pupil was difficult for Erestor to 
see.  He resolved to offer the younger twin his support as soon as he could manage a 
few moments alone with him. 
 
 
Erestor’s opportunity came later as dinner was officially adjourned in favor of the 
entertainment Lindir and his fellow minstrels would provide in the Hall of Fire.  The 
Advisor kept the twin in sight, even as he strayed from the rest of the group in favor of 
seeking the peace of his naneth’s rose gardens.  ‘Just as he has always done when 
troubled,’ the Advisor thought as he smiled knowingly.  When Elrohir took a seat upon 
the bench that sat secluded in the corner of the main garden, Erestor soon made his 
presence known. “I do hope that I am not disturbing you, pen-neth, but it seems that we 
both wished to take in some fresh air just now.  These affairs seem to drag on for 
hours, and I find that a small respite from them is often quite welcomed.”  He smiled 
benignly at the Elf-Knight, hoping he would not be turned away. 
 
 
“Nay, Master Erestor, ‘tis no disturbance to me.  You are quite right.  A respite was 
needed,” the younger twin replied graciously. “Please, do be seated.” 
 
 
The Advisor took a seat beside the Elf-Knight and quietly observed him for some time. 
 He could feel the frustration radiating from the twin and easily guessed that it had to do 
with the mention of the Woodland Prince earlier.  Erestor felt quite sorry for his former 
pupil, yet at the same time admired his determination to nobly suffer in silence. 
However, in his experience, the Advisor knew it was unhealthy to do so.  A confidant 
was needed. 
 
 
“Do you trust me, pen-neth?” Erestor finally asked, to Elrohir’s confusion. “Will you not 
confide in me as you did when you were younger?  I did not betray your confidences 
then, nor will I now.” 
 
 
Elrohir swallowed raggedly and furrowed his brow.  “’Tis not that I do not trust you, only 
that I do not wish to burden anyone with my insecurities.” 
 
 
“Never have you been a burden, but always a joy, Elrohir.  I would be honored to aid 
you in any way I might, whether by listening alone or advising you as I may.”  Erestor’s 
hawkish eyes focused on the young face meaningfully. 
 
 
The Elf-Knight nodded gratefully and began his story.  Erestor sat patiently as the 
younger twin questioned his failure to possess at least some of the appeal that his 
brother seemed to easily inspire.  He wondered if there was aught that he could do to 
change his own behavior that would fair more successfully in inspiring love and 
devotion so readily.  Erestor found himself quite perplexed as to why Elrohir would think 
that he did not already do so, albeit in his own way.  When Elrohir’s words finally trailed 
off, the Advisor took the opportunity to share his thoughts on the matter. 
 
 
“I must confess that I am quite astounded by your words, Elrohir.  Never had I realized 
that you felt in any way inferior to Elladan,” the Advisor began. “There is certainly no 
need to affect a change in who you are to gain favor from others.  You are intelligent, 
often wise beyond your years, noble, kind, thoughtful, and exceedingly beautiful.  What 
more would you wish for yourself?  What more could anyone wish for,  pen-neth?” 
 
 
Erestor’s questions hung in the air as Elrohir stared at him in astonishment.  He had 
almost given up hope that the twin would acknowledge them at all, when he suddenly 
found petal soft lips pressed tightly against his own, as strong arms wrapped 
themselves tightly about his shoulders.  The young one was nothing if not zealous in his 
attempt to gain entrance into the warm cavern of Erestor’s mouth, but the Advisor’s 
original surprise was suddenly overcome, and the request was gently denied as he took 
the Elf-Knight’s arms and carefully disentangled himself from them.  When Elrohir 
realized what Erestor was doing, he released the Advisor’s lips and drew away from 
him to hang his head.  Knowing hands soothed him, one upon his face, the others 
threading through his hair.  He slowly looked up into Erestor’s dark eyes, fear and 
embarrassment waging in his own. 
 
 
“While I am terribly fond of you, pen-neth, I feel this ill-conceived,” he said carefully as 
he watched the twin lower his eyes in shame, tears brimming along the surface.  “’Tis 
not to say that I would not welcome you as a lover and companion,” Elrohir’s 
questioning eyes suddenly rejoined his own, “but that I would have you come to me of 
your own accord, not as a substitute for your Prince, but fully aware of who I am.  If and 
when you can do that out of desire and not despair, then will I welcome you heartily.” 
Erestor finished before placing a chaste kiss to Elrohir’s brow and gently drawing away 
to leave the Elf-Knight once again deep in thought. 
 
 
The younger twin was not the only one lost in his thoughts, for Haldir sat in a darkened 
corner of the Hall of Fire, musing on his own troubles.  His eyes constantly strayed to 
wherever the elder twin was currently engaged.  He had watched him dance lively with 
both males and females and entertain Raunien, Thandion, and Glorfindel with what 
must have been humorous tales, if their laughter was anything to judge by at all. 
 Though he had placed himself where he was not easily seen, he was not surprised that 
his Lady would notice him just the same. 
 
 
“I sense that your resolve is failing, dear one,” she murmured softly to him. 
 
 
Haldir closed his eyes tightly and drew a shuddering breath before opening them again 
to look sadly into the questioning blue eyes. “I find it more difficult to be patient whilst he 
is so near,” he admitted raggedly, his body trembling slightly in spite of his best efforts 
to control it. 
 
 
“You must not lose faith now, Haldir.  Stay the course agreed upon, and all will be well 
in time,” she counseled him with a slight smile of encouragement. 
 
 
“’Tis not a small thing that you ask of me, my lady.” 
 
 
Her blue eyes twinkled in understanding. “Nay, it is not, but would you stand 
heartbroken upon the very precipice of victory?  Give in now, and you will gain naught 
but temporary pleasure.  Be patient, and all you wish...all you have dreamed of for 
years untold, shall be yours,” she admonished softly as she ran the back of her fingers 
across his trembling jaw.  She smiled slightly at him once more, before rising and 
leaving him to contemplate her words. 
 
 
 
Translations: 
Echuir - early Spring 
iel - daughter 
naneth - mother 
Daernaneth - grandmother (loosely) 
Arien - the Sun 
ellon - male elf (s.) 
Daeradar - grandfather (loosely) 
mae govannen - well met 
gwenyn - twins 
hannon le - thank you 
tôren - my brother 
Ada - papa, daddy 
Peredhil - half-elven (pl.) 
Ernilen - my Prince 
pen-neth - young one