Chapter 10: With you
After Haldir's hasty exit and the end of the morning meal, Elladan and Legolas had decided to go riding. After saddling their horses, they were off to explore the woods. The Peredhel greatly enjoyed the day as he pointed out spots to the prince along the path they rode, recounting stories in which Elladan and Elrohir had created more than their fair share of trouble. The melodic laughter of Mirkwood's youngest prince hardly ever ceased as the morning wore on.

"I cannot believe you would play such a trick on poor Glorfindel!" Legolas exclaimed after Elladan had finished retelling an incident involving Imladris' seneschal, lunch and some caterpillars.

"Poor Glorfindel? He should have kept a better eye on his plate when he knew two elflings were around with innocent expressions on their faces." Elladan gave a mock pout to emphasis his point, the pout turning into a smile when Legolas laughed again. "I enjoy hearing you laugh," he whispered, blushing fiercely when the words had slipped out before he could stop them.

Legolas drew his horse to a halt and turned to stare at Elladan over his shoulder. The Peredhel looked embarrassed and squirmed in the saddle as if he wished he were somewhere else. The young Prince of Mirkwood found his companion intriguing; in his chest, his heart began to beat rapidly as his stomach fluttered below. What was this he was feeling? It was strange and new, but not at all unwelcome.

"I like listening to your tales," Legolas whispered in reply, feeling his own cheeks growing warm and a nervous smile tugging at the corners of his lips. They were approaching a stream, and in delight Legolas dismounted. Within moments he was at the banks of the stream, his boots stripped off and feet dangling in the cool waters.

Elladan watched the flaxen-haired elf in amusement before following Legolas' lead. Their horses remained close, grazing on the lush grass of the woods; sunlight streamed in through the shifting canopy of leaves overhead, bathing the two elves in warmth. For a time the pair said nothing, gazing out into the woods and feeling the water on their feet.

"Legolas?" Elladan asked, tilting his head slightly as he gazed at the other elf.

"Hm?"

"Have you ever been in love before?"

The question surprised him, as did Elladan's curiosity. Slowly, Legolas turned to his companion, again feeling the unfamiliar stirring in his stomach and the quickening in his chest. He admired the way the sunlight caught on the Peredhel's hair, sometimes turning the dark strands a blazing red. Gray eyes were fixed upon the prince, awaiting his answer in curiosity and anticipation.

"No, not in love," Legolas replied slowly. "There have been elves I have fancied, been infatuated with. But love...that is something I have not experienced yet." He noticed the incredulous look on Elladan's face and smiled in return. "You find that difficult to believe."

"Aye," Elladan said with a slight nod. "You are fair--beautiful. I do not see how love can evade you."

"There have been people who have professed undying love to me, both males and females. While I am flattered by their words of affection, I cannot return their feelings." He watched as Elladan shifted his position, the Peredhel pulling his feet from the water so that he was able to rest on his stomach and dangle his fingertips in the stream instead. "I do not believe love to be as easily found as some people seem to think it is."

"What are your feelings on the matter then?" Elladan gazed up at Legolas curiously, intrigued at how much thought the prince was putting into the matter.

"Love...must be mutual," the flaxen-haired elf began. "I don't believe in one-sided love, and I chide the person who thinks it should exist. If you are not loved in return by your object of desire, then the pursuit must end; there is always another out there. It must go deeper than looks and sweet words."

"Then, you do not believe in love at first sight?"

"On the contrary, I do believe in it. I do believe it exists and it happens, but such times are rare. It happens, I know it does. But I'm skeptical as to whether or not such a thing will happen to me."

Elladan was not oblivious to the hitch in Legolas' voice and the averted azure eyes when the prince spoke his final words. Licking his lips and propping himself up on his elbows, the Peredhel decided to forge ahead with his thoughts, consequences be damned. "Would you believe me if I said I fell in love with you the first time I saw you ride into the valley?"

The revelation startled Legolas, to say the least. He spun to face the twin so quickly that the braids on either side of his temples hit him, temporarily blinding his sight. When his vision had cleared, Legolas could do nothing but stare and stammer. "How? Why? Me?"

"I don't know. Because that's the way I feel. Yes, you." Elladan grinned wickedly as he watched the flaxen-haired elf open and close his mouth like a fish out of water. Slowly raising himself into a sitting position, Elladan sat on his heels as he faced Legolas, taking one of the prince's hands in both of his own. "Since the first day you arrived, I kept feeling something for you. Your spirit, it's so bright; it felt as if I wasn't truly alive unless I was with you. I found myself drawn to you, drawn to your company and all I could think about every time we parted was the next time I would be with you. I only now realize this is love."

"Elladan...I don't know what to say."

He nodded in understanding before shifting closer. The Peredhel stared deeply into the azure eyes, smiling when Legolas returned his gaze. "How about telling me how you feel? About me."

"I..." Legolas found himself blushing and averting his eyes. His emotions were in turmoil...but it felt so good having Elladan close and holding his hand. Could it be...could he...no! Then again...This could be love, something he had been looking for.

"Legolas?"

"I...I think..."

Elladan merely sat silently and waited. He was a little impatient to know the prince's answer, but as it had taken so long for him to realize his own feelings, he could only allow Legolas to find his.

He swallowed thickly, the blush remaining on his cheeks as he closed his eyes. Taking a deep and steady breath, Legolas opened his eyes to stare down at where his hand was being cradled gently in Elladan's.

"I didn't think to examine my feelings toward you until now," he said slowly. "I guess I never expected anything other than friendship to form between us. But, now that I look inside myself more closely, I see there is something else." Legolas raised his free hand, cupping Elladan's cheek in his palm and smiling as the Peredhel leaned into the caress. "I think I do love you."

The last words were whispered and could have easily been drowned out by the running stream behind them, but Elladan heard them clearly. His face broke out into a stunning smile as he wrapped his arms around Legolas and embraced the flaxen-haired prince tightly. He silently thanked the Valar for the gift they were giving him as he took in the scent of pine and beeches emanating from his new lover.

Legolas found that he felt warm and safe within Elladan's arms, something he had not truly felt since he was a child and in the embrace of his father after disturbing dreams. He smiled when he heard Elladan whisper into his ear, declaring his love to the prince. Raising his head, Legolas captured his new lover's lips in a sensual kiss. He shifted forward until he was straddling the Peredhel's lap; slender hands cupped Elladan's face, deepening their kiss as strong arms wound their way around Legolas' waist. The flaxen-haired elf moaned softly when he felt their bodies being shifted before he ended up on his back with Elladan hovering over him.

"Meleth," Elladan whispered, his lips brushing over Legolas' ear tip after he released the prince's now kiss-bruised lips.

"Have me, melethron-nīn," Legolas said as his hands brushed over Elladan's chest, beginning to undo the lacings of the twin's tunic.

With a nod of his head, Elladan complied as he leaned closer to claim another kiss. His hands made busy as they undid the clasps to Legolas' clothing, tossing the garments aside as each was removed. He felt hands upon him, doing the same, and soon the pair were lying bare under the scrutiny of the other's love-filled gazes. Running his hands over the smooth skin of his lover, Elladan marveled at the miracle that had managed to bring them together. He nipped lightly at Legolas' collarbone before suckling possessively on the skin of the prince's neck.

His flesh felt like it was on fire; Legolas moaned softly as he arched his back, pressing his skin against Elladan's and bringing their hardening erections into contact. Pleasurable spasms sped through his body as he watched his lover's eyes darken from stormy gray to nearly black. His lips parted willingly when Elladan claimed them again and he began to duel with Legolas' tongue.

"Meleth-nīn..." Legolas felt his control and restraint withering when Elladan cupped his arousal in a warm palm, stroking the rigid flesh and toying playfully with the sac underneath. The tension that had unconsciously been building inside him whenever he was in the twin's presence now demanded a release. They had time to explore one another's bodies, time for foreplay, but that time was not today. Legolas needed what Elladan was giving him, and he needed it now. "Please, Elladan..."

They had only been lovers a short time, but already Elladan could tell what it was Legolas wanted. "Aye, meleth," he whispered in agreement, kissing the prince whilst fumbling blindly in the pockets of his tunic. He had the habit of keeping some oil with him to care for his leather gear; once Elladan had found the small, crystal vial he fished it out and pulled the stopper. Warmed by the sun, the clear liquid dribbled onto his fingers. Bowing forward, Elladan swallowed Legolas' erection whole and in one swift motion, whilst his other hand gingerly massaged his lover's entrance.

A hiss of pure bliss escaped the prince when Elladan took him in. His back arched off the grass, seeking to press himself further into the warmth. His hands dived into the raven mass of his lover's hair, twisting the silken strands as Elladan slipped two fingers into him, gently scissoring and stretching the guardian ring. When Legolas felt three fingers press inwards, he thought himself more than ready and let the twin know by pressing back against the digits. The movement caused unmentionable pleasure to wash over him as his hidden gland was brushed.

Feeling the arousal in his mouth swell at the same moment as his own, Elladan deemed it time and released Legolas. Before the prince could utter a sound in protest, the Peredhel had slipped between his legs, his oil-slicked sex pressing against Legolas' opening. He felt his lover press back as Elladan pressed forward; soon he was embedded deep inside his love. He paused, giving them both time to adjust as he leaned forward and claimed Legolas' lips once again.

"Ithil-nīn," Legolas whispered once his lips were released. "Move, please."

"As you wish," Elladan replied before he gave the first thrust. He adjusted the angle a moment before thrusting again, smiling as Legolas let out a gasp and the hands in his hair tightened. He thrust a few more times before reaching between their sweat-slicked bodies and curling his fingers around Legolas' straining arousal. Elladan set a steady rhythm, thrusting in time to the stroke of his hand, bringing both lovers to their completion.

Stars danced in his eyes, mingling with the sunlight that danced past the canopy overhead. Something within Legolas tightened each time he met Elladan's thrusts. With his lover's name on his lips he came, creamy seed covering the Peredhel's hand. His inner muscles contracted with his release; above him Elladan groaned and grew still as his orgasm took hold and he spilled himself into Legolas. The flaxen-haired elf smiled as he opened his arms, cradling Elladan lovingly when the twin fell forward as they rode out the waves of their orgasm.

For long moments neither moved nor said a word as they held one another, marveling at the love they shared. Legolas' fingers gently combed through the tangled mass that had before Elladan's mane, once in a while bestowing a gentle kiss to a raven lock. He released a disappointed moan when the Peredhel finally moved and pulled out of him. In silence they both dressed, each helping the other into their garments and picking out grass from their hair. Once they deemed themselves presentable, the lovers shared a smile and a kiss before finding their horses and heading back to the manor hand-in-hand.

Soon they would have to tell their families what had transpired between them--if they hadn't already guessed, which Elladan was sure at least one of them had. But there was time for that later. All they wanted for the time being was one another and to share the new love they had found.

---

Chapter 11: Woodland Tales
"Do you remember Thingol's treasury? Valar, it always seemed like the very stars were all captured down there, glittering and trying to get out."

"Thingol had a passion for jewels--much like you do, Thranduil."

"I resent that. All right, I admit that perhaps I seem more interested in such trivial things than either you or Elrond. But I do know what's important in life."

"I don't doubt that," Celeborn replied with a smile as his pale blue eyes stared up at the clear sky overhead. For hours the two elven lords had been reminiscing about the last days of Doriath, recounting stories and sharing a few mutual memories.

"I was a mere child when Doriath was sacked," Thranduil said wistfully, his back braced against the tree he sat with the tree behind him and his hands folded in his lap. "I wish I had the chance to know Beleg and the King's daughter."

"They were wonderful people," Celeborn replied. "You would have especially liked Beleg, Thranduil. You and Legolas are very much like him."

"Is that so?"

"There you are!"

Both Celeborn and Thranduil looked up at the voice of Elrond. The Imladrian Lord approached them slowly, his scarlet velvet robes glittering in the sunlight. His head was unadorned and the dark hair lightly braided. The large sleeves of the robe hid Elrond's hands, but Thranduil had noticed the tremor in the lean limbs despite the Peredhel's outward calm appearance. Though he had professed his love to Elrond and the Peredhel had begun to slowly recover from the loss of Celebrķan, the dark-haired elf still feared being alone at times. Thranduil gathered that it was that fear that had caused Elrond to seek them out.

Wordlessly, and with a loving smile upon his face, Thranduil held out his hand, inviting Elrond to sit with him. The Peredhel accepted the offer, his tremors stilling when his skin touched that of Thranduil's. His slender frame melted against the golden-haired elf's side and a soft sight escaped his lips when he rested his head upon the Sinda's shoulder.

Celeborn watched the pair closely as Thranduil leaned in to kiss the top of Elrond's head, the Mirkwood King's hand idly rubbing Elrond's back. They made a perfect pair in Celeborn's eyes. The silver-haired elf was happy for the father of his grandchildren; he did not doubt the love Elrond felt for his daughter, but Celeborn knew it was time to move on. And there was still the promise Elrond had made to Celebrķan before she sailed.

"What were you speaking about before I interrupted?" Elrond asked quietly, looking first at Thranduil and then Celeborn.

"Old days in Doriath," the silver-haired lord merely said. He gazed quizzically at Elrond when sadness washed over the stormy gray eyes. "Elrond?"

"I wish I could have seen Doriath before it fell," Elrond murmured. "Nana never spoke much about it, and Ada never said anything about Gondolin. It must have pained my parents to think of their old homes, once bright and proud elven realms, now long gone. Sirion and Lindon couldn't have possibly compared with them."

"Such times are long past us," Thranduil whispered, resting a cheek upon Elrond's crown. "There is little we can do to bring them back, except remember the happy days we spent there."

"Wise council, King of Mirkwood," Celeborn said. "Your days in Thingol's realm were brief, but no less happier than mine were."

"Aye, they were short but I cherish those memories all the same."

"What was it like?" Elrond asked, his voice quiet and child-like as he gazed at the other two elven lords before his eyes settled upon Thranduil. "What were you like as a child?"

"Me?" Blue eyes widened at the unexpected question. "Precocious, I suppose. I know I caused my father worry on more than one occasion."

Celeborn let out a most undignified snort at the statement. "Worry does not describe the fits Oropher would throw when Thranduil did not return in time for a meal or a lesson with one of his tutors. Of which I was one, might I add." He grinned when Thranduil turned and glared menacingly at him.

"Sounds much like my own sons...and brother," Elrond said before looking up at Celeborn. "Tell me more." A smile tugged at the corners of his lips when Thranduil let out a squawk of protest.

"Gladly!" Celeborn smirked at Thranduil, ignoring the other Sinda's threatening stare. The Lórien Lord made himself more comfortable as he prepared to speak. "Thranduil, you might actually enjoy the tale I am about to recount."

"I highly doubt that," the Mirkwood King replied, but otherwise remained quiet as he gently stroked Elrond's raven mane.

The silver-haired elf shrugged and smiled before facing Elrond again. "I remember this one day when Thranduil here was just a lad of seven. Oropher wanted him to learn as much as he could about the first days of Doriath and Thingol's realm; he employed me to teach Thranduil his history lessons, which were to take place every morning between breakfast and the noon meal. Naturally, Oropher required his son's presence at luncheon, which was regularly taken in my company and that of the King and Queen's."

"Of course," Elrond said gently. "Your presences as princes of the realm would be required." He waited until Celeborn and Thranduil had affirmed his observation with nods before voicing his next question. "So, what happened that day?"

"We were well into the lessons after a few weeks, and Thranduil was a quick learner though I know he preferred the outdoors rather than studying books and scrolls. On this particular day I had released him early from his lessons, giving him some time to visit the stables. One of Thingol's mares had given birth and Thranduil had taken to the young colt.
"Well, in any case, the noon meal arrived. I had previously excused myself that day to visit with Galadriel. I had assumed, as I always did, that Thranduil would return in time rather than face his father's wrath on the matter."

Thranduil snorted at his friend's last statement. "Wrath is a mild understatement to the tantrums my father was liable to throw at any moment."

"Yes, of course, Thranduil. I have no doubt of that considering the state Oropher was in that particular day."

"I did nothing wrong, Celeborn."

"Yes, I know that perfectly. Now, may I continue with the story?"

Elrond watched in amusement when Thranduil merely waved in annoyance, signaling for Celeborn to move on.

"In any case," Celeborn continued as if nothing had happened. "I was in my study, speaking with Galadriel when Oropher stormed in, demanding where that ill-gotten son of his had gone to. I was, as usual, prepared for his normal ranting and raving about schedules and heirs being on time as expected of them. Oropher did not disappoint me as he began to turn his anger from Thranduil to me."

"And what did you do?" Elrond inquired, whilst snuggling comfortably against the warmth of Thranduil's side.

"Remained quiet, of course. Everyone in Doriath knew it was better to let Oropher shout and take whatever insult he aimed at you rather than retaliate. After a time, he calmed down enough to bow curtly to me and left the room, muttering something about punishment. I was sure Thranduil would be in a frazzled state when I saw him the next morning after he had faced his father."

Realizing Celeborn's side of the tale had come to an end, Elrond turned curious gray eyes up to his golden-haired lover; Thranduil merely shrugged, attempting to hide the smirk that was beginning to form on his face.

"I wasn't late for the meal, if that is what you are thinking," the Mirkwood King stated with mirth in his voice. "In fact, it was my father who was late as he had spent so long looking for me. I arrived early, in fact, and was just being dismissed by Lady Melian when Ada stalked in. He took his usual place, three seats down on Thingol's left, and promptly began, a bit angrily I might add, asking the King what he should do about a disobedient child who is constantly late."

"And Thingol?"

"Merely stared at my father in awe and shock at some of the words coming out of his mouth." Thranduil paused a moment to laugh at the memory, Celeborn's voice accompanying his after a moment. "Lady Melian kept glancing at me, but I had no idea what my father was talking about. When Ada realized neither Thingol nor the Lady were answering him, he followed their glances and found me staring at him. Valar, I can't recall any other time when my father looked more embarrassed!"

Elrond tried to imagine the stern Oropher he had known at the Last Alliance positively shocked and embarrassed. He couldn't, and the inability to relate two different views of the same person causing him to join in Thranduil's laughter.

Smiling happily at the sight before him, Celeborn thought it high time he left the pair alone. While still overcoming their fits of humor, the silver-haired elf quietly rose to his feet and slipped away, giving the lovers some time to themselves.

It was a few more minutes before the mirth died away, though the amusement was still present. It was Thranduil who first realized Celeborn had disappeared; he silently thanked his friend for being so considerate before turning back to Elrond. The Peredhel was snuggled against the Woodland King's side, his eyes shining in the sunlight with a happy smile on his face. Thranduil leaned closer, placing a loving kiss on the dark crown and smiled when gray eyes glanced up at him.

"It would have been nice to have been in Doriath during those days," Elrond said quietly. "I would have liked to have known you then, when there was relative peace, rather than meet you before the face of war."

"Aye, the Valar have odd timing when bringing two people together." Another smile spread across Thranduil's face when Elrond nodded before he captured the Peredhel's lips with his own, swallowing the surprised moan.

Elrond allowed himself to be swept away by the unhurried kiss; parting his lips and teeth, he granted Thranduil entrance, moaning softly when a questing tongue dueled with his own. His fingers knotted in the golden King's robes and hair as warm hands cupped his face, drawing them closer together and deepening the kiss. Elrond could feel warmth flowing from the pit of his stomach and across his limbs, leaving a tingling sensation all over. He sighed in disappointment when Thranduil pulled away, leaning his head against a strong shoulder and closing his eyes.

For a time neither said a word as they sat wrapped in one another's arms. Thranduil idly played with a lock of raven hair, softly kissing a pale temple as he simply enjoyed holding the one he loved close. A warm breeze appeared, rustling the elves' hair and clothes as the sunlight continued to warm their skin. Eventually it was Elrond who spoke, his voice a gentle whisper as his eyes remained closed.

"Thranduil?"

"Hm?"

"Tell me more about your childhood. I want to know more about what you were like."

Thranduil smiled, giving Elrond's crown another loving kiss before telling the Peredhel about his days as a youth in the woodland realm. For hours the pair sat together, talking softly about happier days; so enraptured were they that they almost forgot the time until the twins and Legolas came looking for them. Sharing another gentle kiss, the lovers rose and returned to the manor hand in hand.

TBC...

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