Chapter 10: Curiosity
Summary: Though he has been with his lover for two hundred years, Legolas finds he knows much about Elladan the warrior and adult, but little about him as a child. Curious, the prince confronts Elrond's trusted advisors, and former tutors to the twins, about the eldest son.

He found it wildly curious as he watched with keen sapphire eyes from his perch on the balcony, while the object of his endless affection mounted the stallion and rode off with the morning's patrol. Over the past few days during his yearly visit to Imladris, Legolas couldn't help but notice how little he knew about Elladan. He had pondered the thought before; Mirkwood's youngest prince had known his dark-haired lover for a little over two centuries now. He had seen Elladan the elf, Elladan the warrior, Elladan the son and brother, and, of course, Elladan the lover. But, Legolas realized, he knew nothing about Elladan the child, and whatever mischievous things he might have gotten himself into, which, he suspected, numbered among the plenty.

Deciding to rectify the problem, Legolas stepped away from his balcony perch to turn and head down the vast and intricate corridors of the Last Homely House, seeking out someone who could tell him a story, or two. He passed a few servants, whom he greeted along the way, familiar with many of the inhabitants of Imladris from his visits over the years. The young prince wandered the halls without thinking too much about where he was going. Turning a corner, he nearly collided with his sister, who was eagerly dragging his two brothers by the wrists.

"Oh, Legolas!" Nimriel cried in excitement, rocking on her heels, as she was unable to keep still in her sudden excitement. "Come with us! Gildor is visiting, and we are going riding with him. Arwen and Elrohir are coming along as well. Please say you‘ll join us." Legolas smiled at her somewhat childish nature. Now well into her six hundred years, Nimriel still acted much like an elfling. He would have loved to join her, and have a pleasant conversation with Gildor, but he had other matters in mind.

"Nay, gwathul-nîn," he declined gently with a chaste kiss to her golden crown of hair. "I wish to speak with Glorfindel and Erestor today. Please give Gildor my regards, and tell him I shall speak with him at the evening meal."

"I will." With a dazzling smile, and a quick kiss upon her brother‘s cheek, Nimriel proceeded down the corridor towards the stables, still dragging her two other very reluctant brothers behind her. Legolas chuckled softly to himself at the sight, especially that of Arondil and Celeron's much annoyed faces, before continuing on his way towards the library.

The large oak doors opened at the faintest touch, barely making a sound on their hinges. Rows of shelves lined with scrolls and books decorated the much-used library, the room where most of Elrond's paperwork was stored. Passing the stacks, Legolas found the lord's two advisors sitting at a table near the large paneled windows, maps of Imladris spread out before them as they spoke in hushed whispers about various things concerning the valley haven. For a moment Legolas was silent, watching the two of them converse, before Erestor sensed the prince's presence and turned to him.

"Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion," the dark haired advisor greeted. At the sound of the greeting, Glorfindel looked up, following Erestor's gaze before smiling and bowing to the prince.

"Mae govannen, Erestor, Glorfindel."

"What brings you to the library this morn so that you may grace up with your presence, ernil-taur?" Glorfindel inquired, re-rolling a few of the maps and setting them aside to allow his lean form to perch on a corner of the table. Erestor remained seated, slim hands folded upon each other as they rested on the table. Legolas took a seat opposite both of them, tilting his head slightly as he thought of what to say. "I would think you had other things you would rather be doing than spending time with two old elves, such as ourselves." Legolas grinned at Glorfindel's good-natured teasing before speaking.

"I was wondering if you could enlighten me a little."

"As to what?" Glorfindel's curiosity was sparked to say the least. He had always found it fascinating how Elladan and Legolas seemed to compliment each other, much the same as between himself and the twin's father. While the young prince seemed to enjoy the company of the pair of advisors, he spent less time with them than he did with the servants and stable hands. Legolas usually only sought out their company when he wanted to learn something about the twins that Elladan never spoke of.

"I was hoping you could tell me what Elladan was like as an elfling." The silence that followed was stifling, or at least it felt that way to Legolas. For a moment, neither advisor spoke. Glorfindel seemed to be staring out at something through the windows while Erestor suddenly found his lap of great interest. Then, almost as one, the both of them broke out into laughter, having to lean on one another for fear of losing their balance and collapsing onto the floor in their hysterics. Legolas could do nothing but stare, completely confused by the scene taking place before him, especially that of Erestor. The dark-haired advisor always seemed stern, even when he was being pleasant--quite the opposite from Glorfindel, who was always lively and energetic, engaging the younger elves in sportive events. But, here was the pair of wise advisors, laughing in near hysterics, while leaving poor Legolas completely out of their amusement. Eventually they calmed, straightening their rumpled clothing as the last giggles left them.

"Forgive us, Legolas," Erestor said at length, a bit breathless from his fit of laughter. "We weren't expecting such a question from you."

"Don't misunderstand," Glorfindel said quickly, reading the bristled expression coming to Legolas' face. "We're not amused by your question, but at the answers we could give you. Elladan and Elrohir were quite...precocious little elves when they were younger." Another fit of laughter seized the blond Elda. "I will never forget the frazzled looks on Elrond's face all those years."

"Nor will I," Erestor replied, trying desperately to stifle a giggle, but failing in his attempt. A faint smile of mirth began to tug at the corners of Legolas' lips.

"So, they were a handful, I gather?" he asked innocently. Erestor nearly fell out of his chair at the question, but collected himself at the last moment.

"I believe ‘handful' does not quite describe how they were. More like...terrors?"

"That's more appropriate, I believe," Glorfindel concurred with a nod of his head. "Always running around causing trouble, those two were. Few could calm them down when they were feeling mischievous. There were times when Elrond would throw up his hands in annoyance and frustration before threatening to feed the twins to the first dragon or Orc he could find." Glorfindel sighed, a twinkle in his azure eyes. "Seems like forever ago, but it really wasn't." Legolas' sapphire eyes widened at such a confession.

"They were THAT bad??"

"Oh yes, quite," Erestor replied, smoothing out a wrinkle from his sleeve as if to distract himself. "Do you remember the time they decided to give one another haircuts, Glorfindel?" A loud snort issued from the blond before he said a word.

"That has got to be one of the worst times. I remember Elladan looking something like this." Using his hands and hair, Glorfindel began to demonstrate, illustrating a lopsided coiffure with raggedly cut streams of hair on the right side, the left being impossibly short with frizzy ends hanging into his eyes. Legolas couldn't help the sudden laughter that overcame him; he had to grip the arms of his chair hard to keep his seat, tears of mirth just beginning to roll down his cheeks.

"And Elrohir?" he managed to ask through his hysterics.

"Completely gone," Erestor said as Glorfindel fixed his mane. "We fixed Elladan with a short cut, but Elrohir lost so much hair to the blade that nearly all of it was gone. The poor boy wouldn't come of out his room for a week afterwards, then proceeded to blame Elladan for the whole incident. But, of course, it had been Elrohir's idea from the start. I always thought the honey-in-bed incident was quite difficult to manage though." The corners of Erestor's lips twitched at the wide-eyed smile Legolas fixed on his person.

"Do tell," Legolas said, rather insistently when Erestor didn't speak right away.

"Well, the twins were quite fond of sweets when they were young." A blush from the prince told the advisors at least one of them still was. "Every few nights or so, one of them, usually Elrohir, would sneak into the kitchen and pilfer a slice or two of bread, and either some butter, jam or honey. On this particular night, it was Elladan who snuck into the kitchen and indulged himself just a bit much with the honey." Erestor paused for a moment as Glorfindel let out a snort of amusement in reference to the deepening flush on Legolas' face; he chose not to comment as he continued. "Well, it all boils down to the two dozing off while in the middle of their snack. The next morning, Elrond received a knock on his chamber door and found two sticky, sheet-wrapped boys on the other side. They had been thrashing around in their sleep, mingling the honey and the linens to create a horrid mess in the morning."

"The twins are quite active in their sleep sometimes," Glorfindel commented.

"Aye, this I know." Legolas bowed his head, unwilling to look into either of the advisors' eyes. The blond Elda found the prince's reactions highly amusing, but forced himself to concentrate on the subject of the conversation, at least for the time being. "So, how did you get them untangled?"

"We didn't," Erestor replied. "Elrond did. He was the only one awake at the time. The whole household awoke to a rather loud squawking sound. It took us a moment to realize the sound came from the baths. When we reached them, we discovered that Elrond had, rather unceremoniously, dumped both twins, and sticky sheets, into a pool."

"Yes, indeed," Glorfindel said, taking up the narration. "There, in the middle of the largest pool, were two wet boys trying to disentangle themselves from one another, and the sheet. And, in the corner of the room sat Elrond in a fit of hysterics, and offering his sons no help at all. Can't say I blame him either. It was all too amusing to watch Elladan and Elrohir climb out of the pool looking like a couple of wet hens, fuming at their father, though knowing full well that it was all their fault. They haven't snuck any honey or sweets into their rooms since."

"That's what you think," Legolas murmured unconsciously, unaware of the snickers he set off in the advisors. The prince coughed, trying desperately to control his blush and to draw attention away from himself. "So? What else did they do?"

"Ah, what else indeed?" Glorfindel said, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Are there even enough hours in the day to relate them all?"

"I dare say there are not," Erestor commented, pleased at the excited look his words elicited in the prince. This would be quite an eventful morning.

~~~~~~~~~~
"And then there was the time the twins snuck beetles into Arwen's bed when she was about twenty. The outcome was not pretty."

"Do not keep me in suspense. What did she do?" The time was nearing noon. Soon, the maids would be calling everyone to lunch and the morning border patrols would be returning. Within Imladris' library, Glorfindel and Erestor had been recounting numerous stories to Legolas, who had eagerly sat and listened to them all. The young prince hadn't realized his lover had gotten into so much trouble when he was an elfling. He couldn't understand why Elladan had never told him such stories before. He reminded himself to ask the twin about the matter later.

"What did Arwen do?" Glorfindel repeated. "Well, what do you think she did? One look at all the little black bugs crawling all over her bed set her off."

"If I remember correctly," Erestor said, "first, she screamed. Then, she ran to Elrond. And, the next thing anyone knew, Arwen had grabbed Hadhafang and began chasing her brothers done the corridors, waving the sword around. Now, mind you, this is a child chasing around two grown elves. And yet, Elladan and Elrohir were running for their lives as they knew, once they were caught, Arwen would be serious in whatever punishment she decided to deal out."

"I'll never forget her face, either," Glorfindel added with a snicker. "If you think she's sweet and refined now, Legolas, you should have seen her then. Dress hitched up in one hand so she wouldn't trip, dark hair flying loose behind her, elven sword swinging wildly in the air, and a look that promised instant death to anyone who got into her way. Since that day, neither of the twins dared to play another trick on her. The only reason they got away then was because they got to their horses before she got to them." The room exploded into laughter before the Elda had a chance to finish speaking. The source of the mirth came solely from Legolas, who was doubled over on the table, shaking with uncontrollable laughter. He found it becoming increasingly difficult to breathe, but couldn't stop the flow of hysterics issuing from him. The advisors found the sight before them highly amusing, but checked their laughter to a mere giggle.

"I never imagined Elladan and Elrohir could cause so much trouble," the prince said once he had calmed down enough. "You would never think so just by looking at them."

"You had to have been there to see it all," Erestor replied. "I've lost count of the number of times..."

"Legolas?" Elladan's voice filtered in from the open doors of the library. He had returned early from the patrol and was seeking out his lover. "Legolas? Where are you?"

"In the library," Legolas replied. A moment later, a dark head appeared, smiling when Elladan caught sight of the object of his affection. He blinked in surprise when he discovered Glorfindel and Erestor also in the room.

"Am I interrupting something?" he asked, taking a step inside.

"No, not at all," Erestor said calmly with a faint shake of his head. "Glorfindel and I were just recounting some memories to the prince."

"What kind of memories?" Elladan seemed worried at the snicker that issued from Glorfindel.

"It's nothing, melme," Legolas said, rising from his seat and taking Elladan's hand. "Come, let us make for the dining hall. The maids will be announcing the noon meal soon." Elladan nodded, following his flaxen-haired lover out, not noticing the smile Legolas threw the two advisors. Snickers and giggles could be heard as the library door closed.

"What were you talking about in there?" Elladan asked as they walked down the corridors.

"Nothing much. I had asked Glorfindel and Erestor to tell me a story or two to entertain me while you were gone."

"Did it have something to do with me?"

"Why so worried, melethron-nîn? It was nothing bad." Elladan didn't seem convinced. Smiling, Legolas laid a brief kiss upon the twin's lips, never breaking stride as they walked. "Do not worry so. I just wanted to know what you were like as a child. Glorfindel and Erestor were the only ones I could find to tell me about such things." He suppressed a laugh at the raised eyebrow he received in reply. "If I have hurt you, ithil-nîn, then I shall make it up to you later tonight." Elladan's gray eyes seemed to sparkle at such a prospect; Legolas found himself stifling another giggle.

"You promise?"

"Aye, I promise."

"I'll hold you to that then. And you had better not disappoint me."

"Trust me, I won't." A bright smile swept across Legolas' fair face as Elladan placed a loving kiss upon his brow. The two continued on their way towards the dining hall, hand-in-hand. The prince made a mental note to ask Elrond more about the twins' childhood. He was sure the elven lord could tell him a great deal about Elladan. His lover had had an interesting childhood. Legolas wanted to know as much as he could about the dark twin, and if he had to ask the whole of Imladris to find out everything that he wanted, then so be it.

Translations:
Gwathul-nîn-My sister
Mae govannen, Legolas Thranduilion-Well met, Legolas son of Thranduil
Ernil-taur-Forest prince or prince of the forest
Melme-Love
Melethron-nîn-My love/lover

Chapter 11: Lessons from Lovers
Summary: Legolas and his siblings are returning for their agreed-upon visit as a young Estel wonders what is keeping his eldest foster brother in such high spirits; it couldn't hurt to ask, could it?

There he went again, practically skipping down the halls in glee, dark hair breezing around him as he rushed down to his room to change from robes to leggings. There was a childish playfulness that had not been seen on his face for quite some time. He ignored everything and everyone in his path, too immersed in this thoughts to take notice. Only once was he forced to stop, when a maid carrying a folded stack of linen suddenly appeared in his path. Too happy to feel angry at the intrusion on his joy, he kissed her playfully on the cheek before racing down the corridor, leaving the maid giggling knowingly at his behavior. He didn't notice the pair of gray-blue eyes focused on him the entire time, not even after he had shut his door with a grin.

It was a sight he never expected to see among the elves, his foster family in particular. It had been days, and still Estel could not fathom what was keeping his eldest foster-brother in such high spirits. And this wasn't the first time either. In his ten years of living in Imladris, the young Dunedan had noticed Elladan's gleeful behavior exactly once a year. Such playfulness was then replaced by a gloom countenance a few weeks later. And it always, always occurred either when the twins were scheduled to visit the forest of Mirkwood, or when Thranduil's children were paying Imladris a visit. This time happened to be the former.

When it was announced at breakfast that the Mirkwood siblings would be paying their bi-yearly visit, beginning that day, Elladan had nearly upset the entire table as he shot up in his chair. A mix of happiness, surprise and another emotion Estel couldn't read had flashed across his face before it was quickly masked. Yet, the third emotion had remained in his eyes as he settled back into his chair, and throughout the rest of the day. Judging by the looks on his foster-father and Elrohir's faces, they knew just what it was that had raised Elladan's spirits, but neither were willing to share at the meal. Estel had tried in vain to pry the information from Glorfindel and Erestor later that morning; both had remained tight-lipped and merely replied that he would find out soon. Soon wasn't fast enough. He wanted to know now. Though he had decided against it at the start, Estel finally chose to ask Elrond about the matter. He would cave in after some persuasion--or so Estel thought.

"Ada?" Estel asked, cautiously sticking his head into Elrond's study. The elven lord sat busy at his desk, quill poised above a sheet of parchment, when the sound of his foster-son's voice reached his ears.

"Estel? What is it?" The lord of Imladris set down his quill, motioning for the boy to come closer. Shutting the door quietly behind him, Estel stepped into the room and towards the desk, which was overflowing with papers. Though always busy with some sort of work, Elrond seemed to make time for his children when they were in need of him. He could tell from the look in Estel's eyes that the boy was curious about something, and had come to Elrond seeking out answers. Nimbly, Estel climbed into a chair opposite Elrond. He fumbled with his hands a moment before speaking.

"I wanted to ask you something, Ada."

"About what?" Again, the young child fumbled with his hands, trying to find the right words to say.

"About Elladan." The elven lord arched an eyebrow at the reply.

"What about Elladan, Estel?"

"Well, he was really happy at breakfast when you said Arondil and the others would be visiting today. It started me thinking. Every year before he and Elrohir leave for Mirkwood, or when Arondil and the others come here, he's always really happy. And then, a few weeks later, he's always really sad and gloomy. I don't understand. I thought maybe you could tell me, Ada." Elrond regarded his foster-son for some moments. Estel was unusually observant at times; if something seemed to be amiss, he was usually one of the first to realize it. The lord of Imladris had known that, one day, the young child would inquire about the relationship that existed between his eldest son and Thranduil's youngest son--he just didn't expect Estel to ask so soon. And, now that he had, Elrond found it rather difficult to explain the emotion of love to a human child. He decided to diverge from the answer and hope Estel would either forget about the matter or figure it out on his own.

"Estel, I'm not sure that..."

"My lord?" Two pairs of gray eyes turned towards the door at the sound of the voice. There stood Glorfindel, rolls of parchment in his arms. He looked as if he was in a hurry, and a bit frazzled.

"Yes, Glorfindel?"

"There are some important matters than cannot wait any longer for your opinion, my lord," the Elda said, striding into the room and setting the rolls down upon Elrond's desk.

"Your question will have to wait, Estel," Elrond said with a sigh. "I'm afraid there are more pressing matters that require my attention at the moment." With a nod, Estel rose from his seat, bowing to his foster-father and his advisor before leaving, shutting the door behind him.

"You have impeccable timing, melme." His words caused Glorfindel to grin, and lay a kiss upon Elrond's brow.

"I figured Estel would come to you, asking about Elladan's reaction at breakfast this morning. He didn‘t get any answers from Erestor and I, so naturally you would have been the next person he would have asked."

"So you come with a distraction. I thank you for that." The Elda gave his lover another grin before unrolling a parchment.

"Thank me later. These documents really do need your approval." Elrond sighed deeply, retrieving his quill and proceeding with the work, wondering what his children would be up to this day.

~~~~~~~~~~
"Elrohir?"

"In the stables, Estel." He wandered into the stables to find the youngest of his foster brothers clearing out four empty stables--likely, Estel gathered, to be later occupied by the horses that bore the children of Thranduil. Moving to a corner, he perched himself upon a stool nearby, watching as Elrohir filled the stalls with rich hay for the horses.

"Something bothering you, Estel?" Elrohir asked without turning. Once the hay was piled, he then moved make sure everything else was settled.

"There's something I wanted to ask you," Estel began. "I tried asking Glorfindel and Erestor, but they didn't give me an answer. Then I tried asking Ada, but he had work to do."

"So you came to ask me. All right then, what is it you want to know?" Finished with the preparations, Elrohir turned to his foster-brother, regarding him carefully. The younger twin had, as of late, found Estel to be rather curious of a number of things. The young boy picked up on a number of things that, sometimes, the elves failed to take notice of.

"It's about Elladan."

"All right. What about Elladan?"

"Well..." Estel fumbled for a moment, picking at a loose thread on his sleeve. "When Ada said Arondil and his siblings would be visiting at breakfast, Elladan seemed really excited."

"And you want to know why?" Estel nodded. "Well, Elladan is really looking forward to seeing Legolas again."

"So am I. But, I don't act like that." He tilted his head in curiosity when he noticed the faint touch of a blush coming to Elrohir's cheeks.

"Yes, but Elladan is excited in...um, a different way."

"What kind of way?" By Elbereth, Elrohir could not believe he was having this conversation with Estel. He was beginning to understand why Glorfindel and Erestor had not answered the boy's questions, and why his father suddenly took an interest in his overwhelming load of paperwork.

"Elladan and Legolas are...really good friends, Estel. And, they don't see each other often. So, they sometimes get rather excited when they hear the other is going to be visiting." Elrohir hoped his answer was enough for the boy. Apparently, it wasn't. Estel adopted his ‘come to think of it' look when a sudden thought occurred to him.

"You're really good friends with Orophin, right, Elrohir?"

"Y-yes. What's your point, Estel?" He did not like the turn this conversation was suddenly taking; when had the talk moved from Elladan onto himself? Elrohir hoped the sudden rush of heat he felt coming to his cheeks was not yet showing.

"Do you act that way when you hear he's going to be visiting?"

"W-what makes you say that?!"

"Well, you said Elladan and Legolas are really good friends, so that's why Elladan gets so excited when Legolas is visiting. I was just wondering if you felt the same way when Orophin pays a visit, or when you go to Lorien." By now, Elrohir was blushing furiously in his embarrassment. If he had felt uncomfortable talking about his brother's relationship with Legolas, he was feeling really edgy about his own relationship with the Galadhrim. He prayed to the Valar that something--anything--would occur to release him from such an awkward state.

"Elrohir! Estel!" The younger twin let out a loud sigh of relief at hearing his double's voice call him; at the same moment, Estel sounded a grunt of frustration at having his conversation interrupted, again, before he received an answer. Following Elrohir out of the stable, they hurried to the entrance of the manor in time to see the Mirkwood siblings ride up with smiles on their faces; in their company was an old, gray-garmented wizard.

"Mithrandir!" Elrohir greeted. "Tis a pleasure to see you again!"

"And you, master Elrohir," the Gray Pilgrim said, grinning from ear to ear as he dismounted from his gray steed. He chose not to take notice as Elladan helped Legolas down before the two shared a brief, concealed kiss. "And how are you this bright morn, Estel?"

"As well as I can be," the boy replied. A pair of bushy eyebrows shot up in disbelief.

"Something troubles you this day, my young friend. Come, let us see if we can remedy it." The wizard led the boy away for some privacy as Elladan turned to his twin.

"What was that all about?" he asked as stable hands and maids came to tend to the horses and luggage. Elrohir sighed, passing a hand over his face.

"Estel has been asking about you and Legolas," he replied, eliciting a confused blink from the prince being mentioned. "I didn't tell him anything, and neither did Ada, Glorfindel and Erestor. I suppose now he'll try to get an answer out of Mithrandir." Elladan appeared thoughtful for a moment. He turned to his lover, a silent thought passing between them.

"We shall talk to him later," Legolas said. "But, come. Let my siblings and I greet your father. Then we shall have a few moments to get reacquainted before we seek out Estel." The twins nodded, following Legolas and his siblings into the manor.

~~~~~~~~~~
"And, I can't get an answer out of anybody this morning. I keep getting interrupted before they reply, though I am beginning to get the feeling that they are all avoiding answering my questions on purpose. It is infuriating, Mithrandir!" The wizard listened to Estel's heated conversation in silence. He, of course, knew what passed between Elrond's eldest son and Legolas. He understood well why Elrond, his advisors and Elrohir had all avoided the boy's questioning as best they could. If it were he in Estel's place, Mithrandir knew he would be equally frustrated.

"Have you tried asking Elladan or Legolas?" Estel seemed to sigh in exasperation, lightly kicking a stone in his path out of the way.

"I haven't had the chance. Elladan seemed too content this morning after the news to ruin his mood. And I only thought of something being unusual this morning, otherwise I would have asked Legolas before." The boy stopped, first staring at the bright, clear sky before turning to the wizard. "Is it something I'm not supposed to know?"

"I do believe, Estel, that you shall learn the answers to your questions soon enough. Patience is a virtue, one you should be well acquainted with in all your years spent with the elves. They have a great deal of time before them, therefore they do not hurry when they do not see a need to." He patted the boy's shoulder affectionately. "Give it time, Estel. You might even receive your answers right..."

"Estel?"

"Now." With a wistful smile, the wizard turned. He inclined his head to the pair before making his way into the manor to speak with the lord of Imladris. Elladan and Legolas likewise bowed their heads briefly as they passed the wizard and made their way towards where Estel was waiting.

"Estel, I believe we need to talk," Elladan said. The boy nodded, sitting on the overturned log behind him as Elladan's gesture; the twin and the prince sat on the ground opposite Estel. For a few, uneasy moments the three remained silent. Finally, Elladan cleared his throat. "Estel, is there something you want to ask us?"

"Well..." He had achieved what he wanted, a chance to talk to Elladan and Legolas about their recently weird behavior. Now sitting before them, however, he found himself unable to come up with anything that sounded coherent. He decided to blurt it right out. "What's been going on between you lately? You always act so different when Ada says Legolas is visiting. And then, when he leaves, you're all depressed, and it takes forever to get you back to normal. And you, Legolas, are no better. Always very cheery when you first arrive, then glum before you leave. I just don't get it."

The elves squirmed at the end of Estel's questioning. Somehow he had made the pair feel like elflings again, under the severe questioning of their parents after they had misbehaved. Estel was nothing more than a babe compared to them, and yet he had managed, in a few short sentences, to render the two princes and warriors speechless and uneasy. Elladan flashed gray orbs at his lover, hoping Legolas would speak and ease the silence. After a moment or two, the prince obliged.

"It's a little complicated to explain, Estel," Legolas began. "Elladan and I...well, we're a little more than friends. There's something between us that's different from what goes on between Elrohir and I, or Elladan and my brother. It's difficult to explain, Estel. It's kind of like..."

"Kind of like what goes on between Ada and Glorfindel?" Estel interrupted.

"Well, yes," Elladan replied. "Something like what goes on between Ada and Glor...how do you know about that anyway?" Both Elladan and Legolas seemed rather shocked; Estel had to stifle a giggle at the incredulous looks on their faces.

"They don't always remember to lock the library doors." The laughter poured out of the boy as he watched the blush stain Elladan's cheeks, indicating the twin had also walked in on his father and the Elda. "Anyway," Estel resumed after his giggled died down, "why didn't you come right out and tell me what was going on? It would have made things so much simpler."

"Well...you're rather young, and we didn't think..." Estel waved his foster-brother silent.

"Just because I'm a mere ten years of age doesn't mean I don't understand some of the workings of the world. Besides, if you haven't noticed, I'm rather observant." The elves nodded, knowing the last statement was true. They remained silent as Estel rose and brushed dried leaves clinging to his leggings. "Anyway, I'm happy for you both, and for myself for finally figuring this out. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll go embarrass Elrohir some more and ask him about Orophin." With a wide, dazzling grin, Estel set off, shouting Elrohir's name as he raced for the stables, leaving the two lovers in quiet contemplation.

"What just happened?" Elladan asked after a time.

"I have no idea," Legolas replied before giving his lover a smile. He leaned over to rest his head against Elladan's shoulder. "I think Estel is more grown up for his age than we believe him to be. He is wise for one so young."

"You mean a wise aleck. He‘s much to observant, persistent and sarcastic for his own good." Legolas tried not to laugh at the comment. "Still, I feel better now that he knows. I'm more certain now than ever that Estel will grow to be a wise ruler of his people."

"As am I, anor-nîn." Elladan leaned his head upon Legolas', pressing his temple on top of the golden crown as the lovers fell silent again, whiling the afternoon away. In the distance they could hear the exchange going on between Estel and a very embarrassed Elrohir, smiles crossing their faces as they imagined what was being discussed. The sun shone down on them, illuminating their hair and bathing them in light. They stayed that way for a while before Elladan felt compelled to join his foster-brother in hounding his young twin about Elrohir's love life. Legolas followed with a mirthful smile, hoping to find some entertainment in the tirade.

Translations:
Ada-Father
Melme-Love
Anor-nîn-My sun

Chapter 12: Before the Feast
Summary: It is yet unknown as to why the elves are gathering in meeting with men and dwarves. The lovers set aside their questions for the night and get reacquainted sincetheir last visit with each other (slash).

The news he was bringing to Imladris could have been better. He didn't think himself the best messenger to deliver such news to Elrond, but his father had thought otherwise. Perhaps Thranduil had good reason for choosing Legolas rather than one of the prince's brothers to relate the news of Gollum's escape; but, if there was such a reason, the young prince was unaware of it. Legolas simply wanted to tell the tale he was sent to relate and be done with the task.

As he journeyed closer to Imladris, he swore to himself that he would wait to tell the story with everyone present who needed to be, and would only tell it once. The prince didn't like to repeat himself. He took a deep, steadying breath after making such a decision, and smiled as the familiar rushing of the waters of the Bruinen filled his ears.

After spending so long battling the darkness that was threatening to take over all of his home of Mirkwood, Legolas relished the visit he was paying to his second home. Imladris had fostered him and his siblings many times over the years; the valley had indeed become another home for the sons and daughter of Thranduil. Its inhabitants became a second family, and its lord a second father. It was very much what one called ‘a home away from home,' and Legolas had missed it. He had missed the place, missed the people; he, of his little troupe of siblings, held the closest ties to the valley, and Legolas missed that the most.

There had been little time to visit Imladris over the last few years with the threat of the darkness growing. The princes of Mirkwood were needed to help the patrols on their excursions. Nimriel alone was available to make the yearly journey, but Thranduil would not let his daughter go without at least one of her brothers. The siblings loved their home, but they also longed for the peace and calm Imladris brought, and the company of their friends. Even if the news he carried was less than pleasant, Legolas was determined to enjoy his short retreat to the valley.

"Daro!" Legolas smiled at the sound of the familiar voice; the smile broadened when a dark-headed elf appeared, steering his horse to stop next to the prince's steed.

"Elrohir," the prince greeted. The younger twin smiled upon seeing his friend, clapping Legolas warmly on the shoulder.

"Legolas, it's been a while. It is good to see you in the valley again."

"Indeed, meldir. I am quite glad to return."

"I take it your call isn't entirely social, however." Legolas nodded as Elrohir let out a long, slow sigh. "Very little news that is brought to the valley lately is good. I'm sure Ada would like to hear something pleasant rather than all this dark business. These days bring nothing but sadness and dampened spirits. Although your coming alone will make some very happy."

"How is he?" Legolas asked as the pair began to ride back towards the Last Homely House; the elves that had journeyed with Legolas quickly paced their horses to follow the two. The prince couldn't help but smile faintly as he thought of Elrohir's double.

"He misses you, as much as you miss him I suppose. Actually, we've just returned from helping the northern Dunedain. The raids against the Orcs helped clear his mind a bit; I daresay he needed a bit of action lately after spending a few months at home. As I said before, little news these days is good; everyone‘s spirits are a little less lively than normal."

"Aye, I imagine it would be so. It is no different in Mirkwood, I‘m afraid. The darkness grows; we are at constant war with it. At times, it seems like we will be overwhelmed and should flee the wood. But that is something we cannot do. It is our home, the forest we have all grown up in. Who can simply pick up their belongings and leave their home without a fight? Each day is a struggle; although somehow we continue to move on."

"I know, meldir. I know." Elrohir patted his friend's shoulder sympathetically. Each knew and understood the troubles that plagued the other. They understood the hardships, the struggles, the triumphs and the defeats. Speaking on the matter seemed to dampen their spirits, so they remained silent for the rest of the ride.

"I shall go and speak with your father," Legolas said as they reached the house and dismounted; as always, the stable hands and maids came to claim their horses and belongings. Many greeted Legolas kindly, remembering the prince who had fostered years in Imladris. Elrohir smiled and nodded as the pair parted ways, Legolas seeking out Elrond while Elrohir went to lend some help to the stable hands. They would see each other later at the feast Elrond was sure to host, but at the moment they had other duties to attend to--and other people to see.

~~~~~~~~~~
"I have missed you, melme." Elladan started at the voice that whispered into his ear. He had just returned from making a round of the borders with Glorfindel and the western patrols. The twin was tired and a bit hungry; all he really wanted was a warm bath, some food and sleep. His weariness, however, dissipated before a quiet, silvery voice, which he had not heard in some time, and had greatly missed.

"Legolas," he whispered, turning to his lover and drawing the prince into a tight, warm embrace. Elladan sighed into the flaxen hair, inhaling the scent of beeches. "I have missed you, anor-nîn."

"And I you, ithil-nîn." The twin smiled, tilting his lover's chin upward and covering Legolas' lips with his own. They kissed long and deeply; it was a caress filled with love and longing, shared by two who had not seen the other half of their hearts in years. "You are tired," Legolas stated as the kiss ended.

"Aye," Elladan replied with another sigh. "The patrols are hard pressed to keep the borders clear and the roads safe to travel. The northern Dunedain also have been quite busy the last few months. Orc raids are getting more and more numerous lately, and there are too few hands. Ada is planning a feast for tonight and a council tomorrow; I doubt I will attend either. I am much too tired for such elaborate affairs."

"I wish I could join you, melethron-nîn. However, I am required to attend both, as a guest and a messenger."

"You bring news from Mirkwood then?"

"Aye."

"It is not good news." A plain statement, to which Legolas nodded in reply. "No news is good lately."

"Elrohir said the same when I met him on the road. He told me about your recent riding with the Dunedain."

"It is tiring work, even for an elf. But Estel wishes the Shire folk to be safe and kept unaware, as always, of the impending darkness. They are resilient folk, even if they are mostly unaware of the outside world. I have seen the hobbits that arrived with Estel, and they are indeed of a stout stock." Legolas nodded, remembering tales his father related of Bilbo Baggins and the Battle of the Five Armies. He listened as Elladan continued speaking. "I feel for the hobbits. Once the rest of Middle-earth has fallen, if that ever happens, they will be the next to be taken. It is something I'd rather not think about."

"Then let us not speak of it," Legolas said, silencing Elladan with a brief kiss. He took his lover's hand and began to walk down the corridor. "You are tired, and would like your bath first, I suppose? Let us get you one. Since you said you will not be attending the feast, then you can rest while I do so." Elladan nodded and smiled, happy to be with his lover again. He followed Legolas down the corridors, watching as the prince selected a private pool, shut and locked the door before drawing the bath water, which he scented lightly with some dried lavender.

The Peredhel twin put up little resistance as Legolas began the task of removing Elladan's dusty, worn traveling garments. Slender hands deftly unlaced the tunic, slipping it from the twin's shoulders to crumple onto the floor. Elladan obediently lifted one leg after another to have his boots removed; hands then slipped to the lacings of his leggings, which soon accompanied the rest of his clothing. Once his love was undressed, Legolas quickly divested himself of his own garments before tugging on Elladan's arm, the two of them slipping into the bath and sinking into the warm, steaming water.

It was Legolas' turn to sigh as the two submerged themselves in the scented warmth. Ripples formed and spread as the prince slipped to his lover's side, molding his body to fit against Elladan. The twin smiled, wrapping an arm about Legolas' trim waist, resting his head upon the prince's as the dark and light strands of their hair mixed in the water about them. They stayed in that position, silent, for a few moments before Legolas' hand slipped along Elladan's thigh and wrapped itself about the twin's sex, slowly working the organ into a full erection.

"Melme," Elladan's voice ending in a gasp, "what in the Valar's name do you think you are doing?"

"What? Are you not enjoying this?" With a smirk, Legolas shifted his position to straddle Elladan's hips, never letting go of his lover's now rock-hard erection. "You are tired and in need of some relaxation. I am only providing the stimulus."

"You are a tease." Musical laughter filled the bath at his words.

"Did you not already know that from the moment we met?" Elladan scowled before his lips were claimed in a heated kiss. He moaned into Legolas' mouth as the flaxen-haired elf twisted his hand, raking his nails lightly over Elladan's heated column. The bath water seemed to further increase the heat that was flowing over the twin's skin; a delicious tingling sensation worked its way from Elladan's head, down to his toes before pooling at his core.

Legolas' ministrations were gentle and soothing, yet brought Elladan closer and closer to his peak. Warm, silky lips slipped from his own to trail down his neck. A slick, pink tongue darted out to lick the mingled sweat and bath water from his pale skin as Elladan arched his head back. Legolas smiled against his neck, lightly nipping at the skin.

"Come for me, ithil-nîn," he purred into Elladan's perfectly pointed ear. "You know you want to."

"Talking dirty, are we?" Elladan moaned as Legolas flicked his thumb over the twin's erection.

"You know you like it."

"Who says?!"

"Says me. Remember the last time we did this?"

"That was far too long ago. But I distinctly remember you thoroughly enjoying yourself as I rode you."

"Rode me rather hard that night, did you not?"

"Is this payback then?" The bath was filled with Legolas' laughter once again.

"Hardly, melethron. I enjoyed the ride! Are you not enjoying this?" Again, he flicked his thumb over the slit, this time producing a deep-throated groan followed by a bruising kiss as Elladan crushed his lips against the prince's.

"Finish me, anor-nîn."

"As you wish." Legolas sealed Elladan's lips with his own as his hand gave the heated flesh of the twin's cock a few more firm strokes. Fingertips lightly teased the sac beneath the engorged sex; the touch was feather light but enough to force Elladan over the edge. He came with a throaty moan as he leaned back heavily against the tub's edge, spilling a few handfuls of water onto the bath floor. With a light kiss and a smile, Legolas sank into his arms, cradling his golden head on his lover's shoulder.

"Is that all the relaxation I get tonight, melethron?" Elladan asked, his voice thick with still-unsatisfied lust.

"For the moment," Legolas teased. "There will be plenty of ways for you to relax...after the feast."

"Going to make me wait?"

"Of course. Waiting makes the heart grow fonder."

"And the libido impatient." They both shared a hearty laugh at Elladan's words, followed by another kiss. As the bath water grew lukewarm, the pair removed themselves from one another, toweling off before slipping back into the clothes and out into the corridor. With a final kiss in parting and farewell, they went their separate ways, anticipating the moment they would reunite and make up for the years they had been apart.

Translations:
Daro-Halt
Meldir-Friend
Ada-Father
Melme-Love
Anor-nîn-My sun
Ithil-nîn-My moon
Melethron-nîn-My love/lover

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