Whispers of the Heart (6/?) 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 Six Echuir, Third Age 291 Imladris The following morning’s meal found a continuance of stilted conversation around the table from some participants, while the others seemed to realize that something was wrong. Haldir was unusually reticent even when Glorfindel spoke of making a short patrol to show Raunien and Thandion some likely points of interest with regard to the vale’s defenses. Celebrían looked from one to the other of her parents with a slightly furrowed brow at the Marchwarden’s seeming disinterest in joining the patrol. Though his face remained a mask of indifference, Celeborn’s eyes were questioning when he gazed at his lady-wife. Galadriel, for her part, granted him but a small, serene smile and then turned her head to speak with her law-son about trivial matters. When Elladan had ascertained that Haldir did not wish to accompany the patrol, he volunteered himself and his twin to go along. He wanted to get away from the Marchwarden for a time, as his embarrassment from the day before was still keen in his memory. Though not always as astute as his brother in sensing underlying tensions, the elder twin realized that Elrohir was diligently avoiding any potential eye contact with Erestor. Elladan was determined to ask his twin about that as soon as he could do so privately. He wondered at what could possibly alienate the Elf-Knight from his mentor so. Elladan was hardly the only one to notice the avoidance. Glorfindel and Elrond each took a turn at silently questioning Erestor with their eyes. Each received the same fixed look, tightly drawn lips and unfathomable eyes, coupled with a slight shake of an inky-maned head and knew they would get no further answer at this time. Raunien’s acuity in reading the body language of others necessitated his offering to lend a private ear to the Elf-Knight as soon as was feasible. Even young Arwen seemed to appreciate that there was tension brewing among her family and guests causing her to fidget unnaturally in her seat before requesting that she be excused from the table. Elrond seized the opportunity to escape the situation for a time and, after hastily ensuring that everyone was finished with their meal, was only too glad to dismiss not only his daughter but to excuse himself and the others as well. The Elf Lord sincerely hoped that whatever was causing such unspoken contention at his table would be righted before the nooning meal. As Elrond took his mate’s arm and led them away from the others to take their morning stroll through her rose gardens, he was lost in thought, a fact that was not lost on Celebrían. “What do you suppose is amiss, my love?” she asked quietly. “Amiss?” “Aye, and please do not tell me nothing when it is obvious that something is troubling Haldir and there is tension between our youngest son and Erestor,” she continued. “I will not then, yet I am at a loss as well. Elrohir was withdrawn for a time last night, but I had surmised that it had to do with his twin’s conversation regarding young Legolas. Perhaps, he and Erestor spoke of it afterwards when they both disappeared for a time; though what could have caused their apparent discomfort now, I do not know. As for Haldir, I cannot begin to guess why he is troubled, yet he seemed to keep to himself last night, an unusual event for our generally companionable Marchwarden.” Elrond’s gaze became unfocused as he digested the pieces of information and tried to discern their meaning. “It is puzzling, my Lord. Should we speak to them and offer guidance?” Celebrían queried softly. “Nay, my love, I think each will seek out someone of their choosing in time, though I pray it is soon. Eru help me, I cannot imagine many more meals such as this last one.” Elrond chuckled mirthlessly and, after receiving an understanding nod from his lady-wife, led her into the gardens to while away some time before he had to address business for the day. ***** Walking toward the stables, Glorfindel was pondering much the same as his Lord. He had wanted to ask Erestor to explain as soon as they were dismissed, but he had known his dear friend long enough to know that Erestor would confide in him only when he was ready and not beforehand. Finally realizing that Raunien, Thandion, and the twins had joined him, he blushed and grinned sheepishly. “I do apologize. I confess I was lost in thought. It is unusual for Haldir to miss such opportunities as our patrol, and I merely wondered what would keep him away.” “There is much to see here in this wondrous valley,” Thandion enjoined. “Perhaps, the Marchwarden had other plans?” “Perhaps,” Glorfindel agreed. “He knows this realm as well as anyone who does not live here can. He has many friends here among my guard, in fact. I suppose it is not surprising that he would want to spend time amongst the troops from the three realms.” “I would not doubt that he is organizing them, even as we speak, to compete in friendly sparring sessions as a way to learn from each other,” the Elf-Knight intoned thoughtfully. “Aye, Elrohir, you are most likely correct. ‘Tis indeed something our friend would do, as he is ever looking for a way for we elves to improve our battle skills and to make friendly wagers as well,” Glorfindel agreed laughingly, somewhat lightening the mood as they reached the stables and gathered their respective horses. “Shall we?” he asked, and at the collective nod he received, mounted Asfaloth and led the small patrol through the courtyard and out into the surrounding woods. As soon as Haldir espied the patrol’s exit, he made his way out of the nearby bushes and headed toward the barracks. He was grateful that Glorfindel and Elrohir had managed to deflect some of the concern over his refusal to join the group, because he did not want Elladan to know that he was in any way overly uncomfortable in the twin’s presence. He could remain withdrawn at the table and pass it off as being thoughtful, but being within an environment in which he normally thrived, it would be more difficult to explain. As the Elf-Knight had readily, if unknowingly, given him an excuse for his absence, he decided that he would indeed arrange a sparring session for the troops. ‘Better to seem predictable than to give myself away,’ he thought determinedly. ***** The breeze through the trees sent a kaleidoscope of light and shapes across the path that the patrol took in the woods outside the main boundaries of the Last Homely House. The birds trilled happily from their branches, and even the small game scampered alongside the path merrily. The overall ease of the ride began to soothe the Elf-Knight’s frayed nerves. The tension in his frame lessened as the group drew further away from the reminders of his folly from the night previous. Noticing that Glorfindel was busy addressing one of Thandion’s questions while Elladan seemed lost in thought, Raunien brought his horse alongside Elrohir’s to afford them some modicum of privacy. “Care to lighten the load you seem to be carrying upon your shoulders just now, mellon-nín?” The Lion of Greenwood looked intently at his young friend as he awaited an answer. “Am I that transparent, meldir?” Elrohir shook his head at Raunien’s nod. “I apologize for darkening the mood of this brilliant morn for you, then.” “There is no need to apologize to me, Elf-Knight. Besides, if I did not wish to lend you an ear, I would not have asked.” The blond’s lips quirked in light amusement. “Shall we continue to dance about the issue, or will you tell me what is troubling you? Has this aught to do with Elladan‘s questions last night concerning my brother?” The younger twin sighed quietly and shook his head. “Only in as much as it precipitated my hasty behavior.” Seeing Raunien’s confusion, the twin elucidated further. “I was indeed shaken by mention of Legolas last night. After we returned from our visit to your realm, I worked hard to downplay my attachment to him, instead concentrating as you suggested on becoming the ellon that I can be. With little to no mention of him in these intervening years, to hear it last night shook my resolve more than I had imagined possible. A...dear friend lent me his ear as you are now, but I took some advantage of the situation. I am afraid that I have affronted him and potentially harmed our friendship by doing so.” Raunien looked at the darkling elf thoughtfully for a few moments. “I cannot imagine that you would do such a thing intentionally.” “It was not intentional by any means, I assure you,” the Elf-Knight hastily agreed. “Then, do you not think if I, who have only shared a short acquaintance with you, believe in your sincerity, that perhaps a dear friend would as well?” The Crown Prince waited patiently as his young friend processed his words, and when a look of comprehension lit the stormy gray eyes, he smiled. “Might one to whom you have ascribed sincerity prevail upon you to listen to the circumstances now in full and perhaps offer advice as well?” the Elf-Knight questioned shyly. Raunien quirked his eyebrow and nodded at the younger twin in answer, causing Elrohir to chuckle at himself for doubting it. He took a focusing breath and began a short recounting of the event. “As you surmised, I was quite upset with the mention of Legolas and left after the night meal to think in Naneth’s rose gardens. I believe my friend followed me to ensure that I had someone to speak with if needed. He spoke kindly to me when I once again lapsed into melancholy over the differences between Elladan and myself. Raunien, he told me that I was beautiful.” Elrohir blushed shyly at that and fidgeted for a few moments before continuing, “I have never seen myself as such, yet I know that my friend would never coddle me with false platitudes. He is well known and respected for his honesty. When he told me that he found me beautiful, it spurred something within me that I have not felt before, and I found myself reacting uncharacteristically. I...I...kissed him.” The younger twin swallowed harshly as he remembered the event, and shook his head. “He believed that I had done so because I was intent on using him as a replacement for Legolas and told me that I could come to him only when I wanted him for himself.” “Yet, that really had naught to do with Legolas and more to do with finding someone that you trust implicitly is perhaps attracted to you?” “Indeed it was. Mayhap, it was a balm to my bruised sense of self with regard to physical attraction from an incident before, yet I can readily admit that I find my friend more than passing fair and a good and honorable ellon as well. Is it wrong to share myself with someone such as that when I have such deep feelings for Legolas but fear they will never be returned?” The darkling elf looked pleadingly at the Crown Prince for guidance. The Lion of Greenwood let his suddenly pain-filled gaze wander to the rest of the small group just a short distance ahead of him. “Nay, Elrohir, I do not think so. Sometimes we love one who proves beyond our reach. We can either choose to let our despair overwhelm us as we keep everyone at bay, or we can choose to find solace with another. I think as long as we are honest with ourselves and our lovers, never leading anyone to believe falsehoods of deep love yet being open to sharing deep affection, we can find a measure of peace. Perhaps one day we find that the deep affection has become a deep love for the one we would not have guessed was possible.” While the Prince seemed distracted by memories, the Elf-Knight was in deep thought. Had he not overheard as a youngling much the same story with regards to his own parents? As best as he had understood at the time, his Adar had been profoundly in love with the former High King yet lost him to Mandos’ Halls in the Last Alliance. He had later met the ‘Silver Queen’ and gradually formed a deep affection for her, and from what the twin could tell now, his Adar was indeed in love with his Naneth. Both friends soon found themselves rejoining the others in body if not in mind. They each barely followed along with Glorfindel, Thandion, and Elladan’s conversation, only nodding where it seemed appropriate. Realizing that he had lost their interest in the patrol, the Seneschal soon began to wind it down so that they might return to the Last Homely House. ***** “Care to share with your husband what is amiss with our son?” Celeborn stepped onto the balcony where Galadriel overlooked the training fields. “His determination is wavering with the nearness of his love,” the Lady answered softly. “You are uneasy about this.” The words were more of an observation than question for Celeborn easily read his lady-wife’s moods if not her mind. “Our grandson is still young and impetuous. Haldir must give him more time, as you have counseled him if I am not mistaken.” “Indeed I have, though whether or not he heeds my words depends on his courage and conviction that I am right in this.” Celeborn nodded solemnly. “Surely it is a good sign that he has chosen to keep himself away from more intimate settings with Elladan, such as the patrol?” “It is a beginning, my husband. What will be most telling is when he is comfortable enough to be in the closest of proximity and still manage to keep the twin at arm’s length.” The Lady smiled fondly at her mate. “With our support, his chances are surely improved greatly.” The Lord answered her, punctuating it with a chaste kiss to her forehead. “I believe that I will join him in the field. Perhaps, I may yet learn a thing or two from these younglings.” He smirked slightly before turning away to make his way to Haldir’s side. ***** After leaving the others to their discussion of partaking in a longer patrol soon, the twins made their way out of the stable and back across the courtyard toward their home. Elladan nudged Elrohir suddenly and nodded toward the training field in the distance. “It seems you know our Marchwarden well, gwenneth. Perhaps, you should court him,” the elder twin teased his brother, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively. Elrohir laughed openly at the very suggestion. “I would think your personality much better suited to dear Haldir’s than mine would be. Maybe you should be the one to court him?” the Elf-Knight countered, laughing even harder when his brother blushed prettily and sputtered. “I shall leave you to it, then,” he continued before lightly shoving his brother toward where their grandfather and Haldir were sparring. “I have my own quarry to catch,” he informed his twin before disappearing up the steps and into the house, leaving a flustered elder twin frozen in the courtyard. Elrohir soon found that quarry bustling about the library while Melpomaen wrung his hands. The twin felt sorry for the Head Librarian, knowing that everything was up to specification, yet aware that part of Erestor’s excessive need for control was his own fault. “Master Melpomaen,” he greeted the harried Librarian. “Would you be opposed to my borrowing our Chief Advisor for a time? I have a matter that requires his full attention.” The relief upon the small brunet’s face was palpable. “Nay Elrohir, I would not keep the Lord from his important duties. Please do not let me hamper you in retrieving him for your business,” Melpomaen said just loudly enough for the distracted Erestor to hear. The Advisor’s head shot up quickly, and he locked eyes with his former student. He crossed the distance between them at a steady pace, his face a mask of indifference. Elrohir nearly changed his mind in the face of such antipathy, until Erestor was close enough for him to see the uncertainty in the dark eyes. Instead, the twin found himself mentally preparing for an overdue explanation and apology to his mentor. “May I speak to you in private, Lord Erestor?” Erestor stilled momentarily before ushering the twin out of the Library and down the corridor to the Advisor’s private office. He seated himself in his oversized chair behind his desk as he motioned Elrohir to sit in one of the chairs in front of it. While Elrohir would have preferred for them to be seated less formally, he supposed he should be grateful that Erestor was willing to speak to him at all at the moment. He cleared his throat self-consciously before he began his hastily prepared speech. “First, I must apologize for my rash behavior last night. Your kind words were well appreciated, and I found myself responding thoughtlessly to them. However, I would be remiss if I did not explain that I was not imagining Legolas when I reacted as I did. I cherish our friendship, Erestor, and would not damage your opinion of me by having you think that I would treat it and you so callously. You have ever been an important influence in my life, and my respect for you knows no bounds.” The Elf-Knight fell silent momentarily while he attempted to gauge the Advisor’s reception to his words. He found only relief and understanding swirling in Erestor’s dark orbs, and it gave him the strength to continue. “While I will not deny that I still have intense feelings for the Woodland Prince, I have long known that it matters not. He is in love with my twin. He readily chose him over me, and there is nothing that I can do to change that. I may be young, Erestor, but even I know that I cannot wait indefinitely for something that may never materialize. While I will not speak of deep abiding love to you, for that would be a falsehood at this point in time, I must say that I have always held you in my affections and trust you unreservedly with myself, something that I have not been able to say heretofore about any potential lover. There is no confusion in my mind either as to what I ask or to whom I ask it. If you would still have me, I wish to explore a closer relationship with you.” Elrohir sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly, shaken but satisfied that he had managed to get through his apology and explanation with reasonable dignity. All he could do now was to hope that Erestor responded favorably to it all. Translations: Echuir - early Spring mellon-nín - my friend meldir - friend ellon - male elf (s.) Naneth - mother Adar - father gwenneth - younger twin Whispers of the Heart (7/?) 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 permission. 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 Seven Echuir, Third Age 291 Imladris After listening with an open heart and mind to his former pupil, Erestor sighed deeply. While he had known that it was unfair of him to have held the rather innocuous response of the night before against one as young and indeed as honorable as the Elf-Knight, he had fretted all night and into the day over the potential meaning of such an unexpected action. While the Advisor was no blushing virgin, he was often reticent to show his emotions, refusing to let others see any perceived weakness in him. He had known that by sharing his less than chaste attraction with the youngling, he had opened himself to unrequited longing for one still so vulnerable and skittish. He was well aware of the troubles that the younger twin had in facing the carnality of others with regards to himself. One rather unpleasant experience with a less than savory ellon had weighed heavily upon Elrohir’s heart. Indeed, the Advisor theorized that the overwhelming attraction that the Elf-Knight had originally for the young Prince had blossomed from his realization that Legolas was himself a novice in the ways of lovemaking and, therefore, little threat to the younger twin’s self-esteem and relative inexperience. That they both could meet as equals only seemed to have solidified the twin’s desire to share himself with Thranduil’s youngest son. Now, that same youngling sat before him, as aware of himself and his desires as Erestor had ever seen him. The twin had made himself plain in his intentions at great risk of being ridiculed or shunned by one with much more experience in all that life had to hold, yet he had refused to be daunted as he made his own attraction known. Elrohir had made no false promises, instead had, in fact, been honest nearly to a fault with his mentor. Erestor could not help but smile proudly at the pluck of the youngling. “I must say that I appreciate your candor and aplomb, pen-neth,” the Advisor began. “You have eased my mind in this matter, for now I am confident that you know what it is that you ask of me, and I know what it is you are willing to give in return. I do not require platitudes of anything more profound than that which you are offering, Elrohir. I find that I am most agreeable to your terms. ‘Tis enough for me that we spend time together and let matters progress as they will between us, if indeed they progress at all.” He continued to smile benevolently as a grin-accompanied blush spread across the youthful facade. “I thank you for your indulgence of my clumsy handling of so potentially delicate a matter, Erestor,” the twin replied with a sigh of relief. “I promise that I shall endeavor to clarify better my motivations in the future, lest there be such confusion between us again,” he promised earnestly. “And I shall promise not to react hastily without allowing you the proper opportunity to explain,” Erestor readily agreed, his lips quirking in amusement over their misunderstanding now that everything had been properly explained. Elrohir shifted shyly in his chair now that he knew nothing else to say for the time being. Sensing that, Erestor quickly added, “I suppose that you have need of playing the gracious host once more to the Crown Prince. Perhaps after dinner you will accompany me for a turn about the gardens?” Glad for the change in direction of their conversation, Elrohir readily agreed. “Aye, I should find Raunien and see if there is aught he would like to see to while away the afternoon so that we may set out straightway after the nooning meal, and I would be most honored to accompany you later. Until then?” he asked as he slid gracefully from his seat. “Indeed, I shall look forward to it,” Erestor replied affably before watching the twin retreat much more spryly than he had entered the office. ***** After searching a goodly number of the extensive rooms that composed his home and failing to find the Lion of Greenwood, Elrohir once again made his way down the steps outside the house that led to the great courtyard. He was surprised to find his twin in much the same spot as he had left him some time before. So intent was Elladan on watching what appeared to be the end of the sparring sessions between those that Haldir had inveigled into participating, that he failed to notice his twin’s return until he was started by the hand lain upon his shoulder. At his brother’s surprised look, the Elf-Knight chuckled merrily. “I thought you were going to proclaim your suit to the fair Marchwarden, gweniaur?” he teased his twin unabashedly. However, when a sudden flush heightened his brother’s cheeks, the younger twin quickly adopted a serious expression. “Dear brother, could it be that you have, in truth, developed a lustful fascination with one you have so keenly mocked since our own majority over a century ago?” Elladan’s eyes flashed with ire at his twin’s jest. “Have not you something more pressing to attend to than to scoff at my obvious consternation?” The Elf-Knight held up his hands in submission. “Forgive me, gweniaur. I did not mean to offend,” he softened his voice appropriately, hoping to quiet the waves of irritation that verily crested across his brother’s face. “I will not pry, but if there is aught that you wish to confide in me, I promise that I will listen with all the seriousness due such confidences.” The elder twin bowed his head remorsefully. “Nay, Elrohir, it is I who should apologize. If anyone would understand my situation and bolster my suddenly flailing self-esteem, it is my own twin. I can only offer my uncharacteristic confusion as an excuse for speaking so unfairly. I appreciate your willingness to attend me, but I feel I must sort out things within my own mind before I relate them to another as clearly as would be my want.” “Fair enough, brother,” Elrohir conceded. “I shall not keep you from your musings any longer. I have need to find Raunien now at any rate.” Elladan nodded distractedly. “I believe I last saw him in the company of Glorfindel near the barracks.” “Hannon-le, gweniuar,” Elrohir threw back across his shoulder as he set off for the barracks, still flummoxed by his twin’s apparent change of mind as to the suitability of Haldir as deserving of his consideration as a potential paramour. Indeed, so stumped was he by this newest and quite unexpected development that he found himself in the doorway of the barracks without realizing that he had covered the distance fully. Apparently, Elladan’s own distraction was not so great that he was mistaken about where he had last seen the Crown Prince, for from his place in the threshold, Elrohir easily found Raunien ensconced with the Seneschal discussing some weaponry from the Second Age that had its place of honor upon one of the outer walls of the main assembly room for the troops. The Elf-Knight found himself bemused by the easy camaraderie between the tawny Sinda and golden Vanya. Both were of noble bearing and accomplished leadership. Their similarities were arguably plentiful, and their differences seemed few and unimportant as they volleyed ideas to and fro on the feasibility of using certain types of warfare prevalent in the last age to combat the evil spawn that yet roamed Arda even now. Elrohir felt that he could listen to the exchange for hours upon end and not be bored with it. There was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to be learned from two such venerable warriors. When finally the two realized that they had an audience, Elrohir smiled enthusiastically. “Please do not let me interrupt such an intriguing discussion, my Lords. I am quite happy to simply listen and learn.” Glorfindel threw his head back and laughed heartily. “You have suffered through many such lessons from me in your young life, pen-neth. Would you have me bore you needlessly with such repetitive prattle about an age gone by?” “Nay, Glorfindel, I do not find it prattle but rather a true accounting of some historical significance. Who is to say whether or not it may become relevant to my own survival in the distant future?” Elrohir insisted fondly. The Seneschal beamed with pride at his former pupil’s aptitude. “How you have grown to be a thoughtful ellon, gwenneth. You remind me more of your dear Adar with every year that passes. He was always disposed to arming his young mind with as much knowledge as was possible when he was not much older than you are now, a fine trait to have inherited to be sure,” Glorfindel crowed affectionately, as he maneuvered Raunien toward Elrohir and thus the door. “Come pen-neth. I am certain that the Prince has other things that he wishes to do whilst here in our fair valley than to indulgently listen to his old mentor’s endless chatter. Mayhap, you can make some suggestions that would seem more favorable instead? I have veritable piles of paperwork upon my desk that I fear will await my leisure no longer, lest I cause undue stress upon our goodly Chief Advisor.” Glorfindel winked at the twin conspiratorially, knowing that Elrohir would understand the perils of raising Erestor’s ire over lax attention to duty, however odious one found a particular task. With a brief grip of his hand upon the Prince’s shoulder, the Seneschal excused himself from their company and made his way toward the house and his office. “Though I doubt that I make as knowledgeable or as interesting a companion as our dear Balrog-Slayer, perhaps you might entrust me to show you the sights along the Bruinen this afternoon, mellon-nín?” Elrohir asked impishly. “I suppose you would be a fair replacement given such short notice, meldir,” the Prince retorted comically, before the twosome burst into a fit of sniggers. “Shall we fortify ourselves with a repast ‘ere we embark upon our tour?” “We shall,” Elrohir hastily agreed, as he found his appetite much improved from the morn once he and Erestor had resolved things between them sufficiently. “Lead on then, kindly sir,” Raunien gestured with a grand sweep of his arm, his eyes dancing merrily in jest to the amusement of the Elf- Knight. ***** “Adar still cuts a fine figure amongst the troops, does he not, íon nín?” Celebrían twittered proudly to her eldest as she drew beside him upon the landing outside the front entrance to their home. “Aye, Naneth, a fine figure indeed,” Elladan answered absently, appearing to observe the same area of the training field as his mother even while surreptitiously scrutinizing the fair-haired Captain of his Daeradar’s warriors. Celebrían, unaware of her son’s patent preoccupation with one she considered as a brother, resumed her questioning. “Why did you not join him, Elladan? I would think it a perfect opportunity to study under ones as learned as he and Haldir, though I certainly mean no disrespect to Glorfindel. Our Seneschal has done much to hone the skills of both my sons admirably. However, I believe it would behoove a future Elven ruler to learn the various techniques employed by all of our kind rather than to rely only on that of our mostly Noldorin realm alone.” She spoke fondly of not only their Sindarin heritage, but also of the Silvan subjects in Lothlórien where her parents currently acted as regents of Caras Galadhon in light of King Amroth’s determination to remain at Cerin Amroth near his unrequited love, the elleth Nimrodel. Elladan had the grace to blush at his mother’s soft chiding. He knew that she was an accomplished archer and swordswoman herself, and that she knew of what she spoke. He cleared his throat as he thought of a suitable answer. “We did not return from our patrol with the Prince until late, and I did not wish to interfere with a session in progress, Naneth. Hopefully, there will be another opportunity yet before Daeradar leaves to seek his tutelage in such matters?” He hedged hoping to satisfy her for now. “Indeed so, íon nín. I will speak of it to him for you. I have no doubt that he or Haldir will be most happy to offer their assistance in your education,” she assured him happily. “For now, I think it time for you to escort me to the nooning meal. I see Elrohir and the Prince heading this way now, no doubt for the same reason. We would not want to appear as ungracious hosts, now would we?” She persisted on, as she guided him inside, oblivious to his discomfort at having to be seated near the Marchwarden once again, especially knowing that she was likely to be flinging them at one another shortly, albeit for an innocent enough reason. ***** The scene in the small family dining hall was much more relaxed than it had been that morning. With Erestor absence as he took the meal in his office and having worked out their troubles earlier in the morning, Elrohir was much more inclined to comport himself in his usually jovial manner. Even Haldir seemed much more at ease, no doubt fresh from the invigorating success that had been his sparring competition. He easily carried on a conversation about the similarities and diversities of the training among the different realms. Only Elladan seemed hesitant to voice an opinion, nearly slinking down in his seat when his naneth brought up the suggestion of the twins spending time in Lothlórien training with the Galadhrim along the borders. Any hope he had that the idea would remain merely theoretical was quickly quashed when not only Celeborn, but also Elrond, deemed it a fine proposal and began to discuss the timing and details of such a prospect. Elrohir, sensing his twin’s growing unease, subtly placed his hand upon his brother’s arm and squeezed it in support. “Raunien and I are going to tour along the river after the meal. Would you care to accompany us, gweniuar? Perhaps, we may speak of this new development more privately then?” The elder twin nodded in relief. “Aye, Rohir, I would appreciate that greatly.” Once dismissed from the table, two sable-haired Peredhil and one tawny- maned Sinda made their way through the back entrance to the house and down a large path through the fruit trees to take a smaller woodland trail that led to the Bruinen. The Crown Prince stopped in a few spots along the way to converse silently with the older trees for a few moments. His smile betrayed his delight in communing with the foliage of a new place. The wind was light and moderately warm for the time of year, and Arien’s rays glimmered gaily upon the water as they reached the mighty river. “Tis lovely here, gwenyn,” the Lion of Greenwood commented almost reverently as he took in the sights. “I have never seen such magnificent waterfalls and sprightly springs. It is little wonder that you missed this whilst in the Great Forest, gwador.” He grinned knowingly at the Elf-Knight. “I fear the one you oft visited in my realm was but a poor substitute for the majestic cascades that abound here.” “Hannon-le, but there were wonders aplenty to discover in Greenwood. The trees themselves easily made our Daeradar seem young in comparison, and they were so lofty and lush that I could scarce see the tops of them from the ground.” Elrohir lauded in return, drawing a fond smile from his friend. “They are that, yet it is not so different from the vast mellyrn to be found in Lórien. They too are something to behold, do you not agree?” Raunien queried affably. “I fear we would not know, gwador, for we have never visited our grandparents there,” Elrohir answered softly, even as Elladan fidgeted. “Mayhap that will change soon enough then, should you undertake to train with the Galadhrim as your naneth has suggested?” Raunien continued innocently. “I have no wish to do so,” Elladan retorted petulantly, causing Raunien to miss a step in astonishment before looking to both twins with mild expectancy. “If you would but explain, gweniaur, it might be that Raunien could offer some worthwhile advice to you? He is an honorable friend and would not disclose your secrets to another, I assure you,” Elrohir entreated his twin, confident that the Prince would understand and offer his wisdom as well. The elder twin squirmed a few moments more before exhaling harshly. “Your word, gwador?” He inquired of Raunien. “I give it without hesitation,” was the simple reply. Elladan ran his hand through his flowing hair and furrowed his brow. “It is Haldir,” the explanation began. “Since his visit at our majority celebration, I have always considered him to be a preening peacock, vapid of any intelligence or character outside of his ability as a warrior. Indeed, I took great pleasure...” “We took great pleasure,” Elrohir interrupted. “In mocking him during his stay. I...erm, that is to say we, spied on him regularly and laughed at his mortification when we caught him in a compromising position with another ellon.” Raunien frowned slightly in disapproval. “But now?” “Now, things are different. I am no longer fifty years old, and I can see him with the eyes of an adult, albeit a young one compared to him.” Elladan steeled himself for the rest of his confession. “I believe him to be an honorable and decent elf. He must be not only skilled but also trustworthy if he has earned the admiration of his Lord and Lady, for they suffer no fools gladly. Our own naneth treats him as a cherished brother, and Glorfindel sees him as an esteemed colleague. I have treated him so dreadfully, much worse than you ever did and you well know it, Elrohir. How can I now face him, train with him, when I am so ashamed? I would not be amazed if he laughed in my very face, should I even attempt an apology, and even that would hardly make things right between us.” “Is your pride so great that you will not make the effort, then? Perchance, he may respond spitefully. However, if he is as you now believe him to be, do you really think it likely that he will? This may well be the first step in showing him that you have truly matured. It may even lead to some sort of understanding and camaraderie between you in time. I think that well worth a few moments of discomfort on your part, do not you?” the Crown Prince advised evenly. “I suppose you are correct. I will think on it and find the best way to request forgiveness from the Marchwarden ‘ere he leaves Imladris. Hannon-le, gwador. If you will both excuse me, I have some considering to do.” The elder twin inclined his head thoughtfully and turned to take the path back toward the house. Though secretly taken aback that his twin had failed to mention his burgeoning attraction to Haldir, Elrohir knew that it was not his tale to tell. Instead, as soon as Elladan was out of earshot, Elrohir turned and smiled thankfully at his friend. “I knew if anyone could make him understand, it was you, Raunien. Your kind forbearance in lending an ear and sharing your wisdom with regard to my own troubles has ever been appreciated and well received. I thank you for sparing some for my twin as well.” “It was no hardship upon me, gwador.” Raunien’s sympathetic grin soon turned hopeful as he remembered the last confidence that the Elf-Knight had shared with him. “Is there aught you wish to tell me about your encounter with a certain acquaintance of yours this morn after our own secreted conversation?” When Elrohir stared at him in utter amazement, the Prince laughed. “Did you think I would not ascertain a much- improved change in your disposition from then to now? I only waited until we were well alone and had leave to speak freely to ask.” The Elf-Knight smiled sheepishly. “I confess I was only delaying mentioning it previously myself for much the same reasoning.” “And?” Raunien goaded the twin cheerfully. “He accepted my apology and explanation fully, praise Eru. We found that we have a mutual resolve to allow our relationship to develop naturally, without an undue burden of expectation. In truth, he requested that I join him in a turn about the gardens after dinner this very night.” Elrohir blushed becomingly. “I am much gladdened to hear such news and relieved that you both intend to show such careful restraint with regards to one another. You are both yet young, Elf-Knight; thus there is little reason to press ahead hastily.” The Prince counseled warmly. “Aye,” the younger twin agreed readily, a secretive grin tugging at the corners of his lips. ‘If you only knew, my friend,’ the Elf-Knight thought. Translations: Echuir - early Spring ellon - male elf (s.) pen-neth - young/little one gweniaur - older twin (loosely) hannon-le - thank you gwenneth - younger twin (loosely) adar - father mellon-nín - my friend meldir - friend íon nín - my son naneth - mother daeradar - grandfather (loosely) elleth - female elf (s.) gwenyn - set/pair of twins gwador - sworn brother (not blood related)