Chapter 13: After the Council
Summary: It has been decided that Legolas is to be part of the Fellowship. Elladan does not take the news well, but promises to see his lover off in high spirits, hoping they will meet again.

The council had been a weary and trying time for all those who had been present. Few expected to hear the news of Gollum's escape from the Mirkwood elves; even fewer had suspected it to be revealed that the Ring of Power was in the hands of a Hobbit of the Shire. Men and elves alike were astonished at the news that the One Ring was to be destroyed; some believed it would be safer hidden from the Dark Lord, whilst others believed they would never be safe until the ring was destroyed. The council had been divided in the matter, but, in the end, it had been decided that Frodo Baggins would take on the duties of a Ringbearer and the responsibility of casting the cursed object into the fires of Orodruin.

Since the dismissal of the council, all of Imladris had been in uproar, for it was known that the hobbit would need companions on his quest. Nine had been the number Elrond had designated for, what the lord called, the Fellowship of the Ring. There was to be one representative from each race of Middle-earth. Of these nine, four were already chosen; Frodo, of course, would bear the ring, and Gandalf would lead the way. Sam would not be content unless at his master's side, and Aragorn would also join them as part of his own journey. At the Istari's persuasion, Elrond had chosen Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck to also accompany their friends and companions. To represent men, Boromir of Gondor would go, and for the dwarves was Gimli, son of Gloin. Which left the matter of who would journey for the elves, who themselves were preparing to make their way to the Undying Lands.

"Will you undertake this quest, Legolas?" Elrond asked, turning to the young prince of Mirkwood seated in a plush, velvet chair within the lord's study. Leaning on his desk, the Peredhel lord observed his eldest son's lover in quiet contemplation as Legolas debated with himself whether or not to accept the proposal. The prince sat slightly forwards in the chair, elbows on knees, hands clasped together, head bent and hair shielding his face. Legolas chewed thoughtfully on his lower lip as he thought of Frodo and his burden of the One Ring.

"Why choose me, Lord Elrond?" the blond finally asked after a measurable silence. Sapphire eyes lifted to meet a gray gaze, so similar to one Legolas had drowned himself in numerous times over the last few centuries. "Of all the elves in company here now, today, why choose me? My brothers..."

"Are in Mirkwood at this moment," Elrond finished. "And while the task of the Ringbearer will not begin for yet another month, your brothers will not have the courage, nor the energy, to accompany Frodo after journeying to Imladris. You are here now, Legolas, and I can think of no one more skilled for this quest. Nor anyone I would trust more."

"You trust me more than one of your own children?" Elrond sighed, understanding why Legolas was being so inquisitive. The long journey did not bother the prince; he was experienced in traveling far from his home, or other elven havens. Nor was he frightened of the uncertain; the quest would be filled with unexpected dangers, but Legolas would be able to overcome them all. No, the prince would accept the offer, but he need to know Elrond's reasons behind the his choice. Silently, Elrond stepped away from his desk and claimed the seat directly opposite Legolas.

"If I were to ask them, neither of my sons would decline the offer. Both Elladan and Elrohir would bravely face anything to see that Frodo accomplishes his task. I do not wish to risk their lives on this perilous journey. Indeed, I do not wish to risk your life either, for I know how much you mean to Elladan. Indeed, you mean a great deal to us all; you are as another son to me, and I do not wish to see you harmed. Nay, Legolas, I ask this of you for I know you would bravely see to the safety of the hobbit. He is in need of all the guidance and guardianship he can find."

"Aye, this I understand. And I accept this task, Lord Elrond."

"Be safe, son of Thranduil." Slowly, Elrond reached over, closing the space between them. His fingers lightly brushed against the mithril ring that encircled Legolas' right ring finger; Elrond smiled as he felt the cool metal beneath his touch, understanding the significance of the small token of love. "And come back to him." The prince smiled, gently clasping the hand of his beloved's father as he rose from his seat and made his exit from the study.

~~~~~~~~~~
"You agreed to join the Nine Walkers?!" Elladan struggled to keep his voice calm, but his efforts were in vain. His eyes betrayed him, belying his sudden rush of emotions even as his face and voice tried to remain impassive but failed miserably. Legolas stood a few feet away from where his lover sat on the bed, keeping his eyes focused anywhere other than on the twin. He knew Elladan wouldn't take the news lightly, would demand that he go back to Elrond and withdraw his acceptance. But the Peredhel knew the prince would never do so.

"Aye, I am joining them," Legolas replied, clasping his hands behind him.

"Why, Legolas?" Sapphire orbs lifted to fix upon Elladan's face as lips worked to form an answer to the twin's question.

"It is my duty, Elladan. I have accepted this task; I cannot turn my back on the Ringbearer now." He let out a long, slow sigh as he watched Elladan's shoulder's slump in defeat. "I also represent our race on this quest, melme."

"Ada could have chosen someone else." Legolas shook his head, tossing his golden hair about him with the action.

"He could have, but he didn't. I understand how you are feeling, melethron; if it were you who were to take this journey, I would not want you to go. But it is not your journey to undertake. It is mine, and I will complete it." He watched as Elladan closed his eyes, the twin's slim hands wringing in his lap. His voice was quiet when he next spoke.

"May I have some time alone, melethron? I would like to think about this, and I fear that, while you are here, I might say something I will later regret." The prince nodded, striding over to lay a tender kiss upon a dark crown before he retreated to the door.

"I'll be back in a few hours." Elladan nodded as his lover left, softly closing the door behind him. With an exasperated sigh, he fell back upon his bed, dark hair spraying out around him. He silently prayed to the Valar that Legolas would change his mind, but the Peredhel knew this plea would go unanswered. The youngest prince of Mirkwood had always been set in his ways; no amount of pleading or persuasion would alter Legolas' decision once his mind was set on a course of action.

Elladan knew that all he would be able to do would be to see Legolas off in a loving manner, and pray that the prince would return to him safely. But, bringing himself to that state was a trial indeed, a trial he wondered if he was prepared for. Rolling over onto his side, he closed his eyes and thought hard on the matter at hand. The twin was afraid of losing his love, but knew the importance of the quest at hand.

"Elbereth, this is so difficult," he groaned. He was in for a rough few hours with his thoughts.

~~~~~~~~~~
"Legolas?" Mirkwood's prince had been wandering the corridors aimlessly for the last couple of hours after leaving Elladan alone to his thoughts. He had not noticed the sidelong glances of wonder in the faces of the people he passed due to the melancholy air about him, nor had he realized that, to others, he seemed gloomy and distraught. Legolas had been lost in his musings, not paying attention to what direction he was traveling in--not caring really. He hadn't stopped at the sound of Elrohir's voice; indeed, he had only stopped to face his lover's twin when a hand came to rest upon his shoulder. "Legolas, are you all right?" Elrohir asked, worry evident in his eyes.

"I'll be fine, Elrohir," Legolas replied, his voice a near whisper. He tried not to show his worry towards his friend and smiled in an attempt to quiet any protests Elrohir might voice; he wasn't very convincing.

"Come on, a walk will do you some good." Before the prince could react, the twin had taken him by the arm and led Legolas out towards one of Elrond's private gardens. The lord of Imladris had a few gardens that he tended to when his duties didn't eat away at his leisure time. Often they were frequented by his sons and seneschals, whenever one of them needed a peaceful place to think. It was one of these which Elrohir directed Legolas towards, and of which the pair began to wander one of the winding paths. "Now then, meldir," Elrohir said. "Spill your troubles; I am here to listen."

"It is the quest of the Ringbearer that troubles me," Legolas said, knowing there was no way the twin would leave him be until he voiced his concerns. "Your father has asked me to accompany Frodo to Mordor, and I have accepted."

"I see. And my brother is not taking the news very well." Legolas shook his head. "That is to be expected."

"Should I have refused the offer? I felt it was something I am supposed to do, but now I'm not so sure." Elrohir patted his shoulder affectionately.

"Nay, you were just in accepting Ada's proposal. You felt it was your duty so you accepted; you cannot turn your back on the hobbit now."

"But, Elladan..."

"Cannot force you to change your mind. He knows this. Elladan may not like the fact that you have accepted to become a part of this quest, but he will not keep you from accomplishing your task either. He understands the consequences of this journey, we all do. It is the consequences that worry him the most, Legolas. Elladan fears you might not live to return to him." Legolas was about to speak, but Elrohir cut him off with a gesture of the hand. "He will let you go with the other Walkers. But he needs to be reassured you will return. Elladan fears you will leave him just as our mother did."

"I will not." The defiance in the sapphire eyes was evident; Elrohir allowed himself a small smile upon spying the heated look.

"Then go and tell him that." The prince nodded, rushing back into the house and leaving Elrohir in the gardens alone. The twin sighed, seating himself on a nearby stone bench. He clasped his hands together in order to still the slight tremble that had overtaken them.

/I can only imagine how Elladan must be feeling now. I do not know what I would have done if I learned my lover was to become part of such a dangerous quest./ Closing his eyes, one hand felt for the mithril ring that hung about Elrohir's neck; he clasped it tightly through his tunic, fisting the material. Feeling the ring gave him some measure of strength. Taking a deep breath, Elrohir rose from his seat and headed back to the manor to finish his duties for the day.

~~~~~~~~~~
"Elladan?"

"Over here." At the sound of the quiet voice, Legolas shut the door to the bedroom and wandered over the balcony; he took a moment to marvel at the sight before him. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Elladan seemed like a vision from the past, valiant elves in stories his father used to tell him. His dark hair was set aglow, seeming to be set on fire against the pale gray of his robes. His skin became a rosy tint as the sunlight warmed the flesh. Gray eyes gazed out into the distance, spying the rainbow reflected off the spray of the Bruinen. Watching this beauty before him, Legolas prayed to the Valar that he would return safely to this creature's arms.

Sensing eyes upon his person, Elladan turned and offered a smile and a hand to his flaxen-haired love. Legolas took the hand, allowing himself to be drawn into the warm circle of Elladan's embrace. He sighed softly, breathing in the scent of pine as he buried his face into the dark hair. Gentle fingers combed through his pale golden locks; Legolas wanted this moment to last forever.

"I do not like the idea of you joining this quest," Elladan whispered, kissing the golden crown. "But I will not keep you from your duty either. Something tells me that we will meet again before the final confrontation. I only pray that the day comes swiftly, and that you will be safe until then."

"I will return to you, melethron. I will sail into the West with you at my side; I will not leave this world before then."

"That is all I ask for." Legolas smiled and lifted his head from Elladan's shoulder to gaze into stormy orbs. A slender hand cupped his cheek, bringing him closer until his lips met the other's. They shared a kiss full of love and hope for the future as the sun met the horizon, and night began to envelop the valley. They had some time before the Fellowship was to leave on its quest; they would make the most of the lasting days to come.

~~~~~~~~~~
The Fellowship is leaving Imladris, and my heart is going with them. I am almost tempted to tear my eyes away from the sight of his golden hair passing over the bridge, but I dare not. This is the last I will see of him for many weeks, maybe even months, to come. I want this last image of my lover, my sun, to stay with me until the day we are to be reunited.

Even now I wish my father had chosen someone else to represent the elves within the gathering of the Nine Walkers. But I know there is no one better for this mission, no one who can equal his skill and cunning. Even I would be a poor substitute, though I would gladly take his place if it meant knowing he would not see battle. He is a warrior, however, and I cannot keep him from his calling. For I too know the sound of war, and I too must soon depart to answer it.

He turns back once, his azure eyes glancing over the valley until they rest upon me. I am not the only one on the balcony, but I am the only one he sees. I do nothing but smile at him; the gesture is enough, for he smiles in return. I see his lips move, and I know what he is saying. He tells me he loves me, that he will return. It is a promise he has made countless times in the last month, yet I never tire of hearing his reassurance echoed time and again. With another loving smile, he turns and sprints to rejoin the others.

I begin to twist the ring upon my finger as he moves further and further away from Imladris. I remember watching him as he removed the ring from his finger last night, choosing to wear it upon a chain about his neck for the journey. He said it was to keep me close to his heart, but we both knew it was also for practicality's sake. I raise my hand, and lay a gentle kiss upon the band as if I were kissing him instead. Before he rounds a bend and disappears from sight, I whisper words, knowing the wind will carry them to his ears before he is too far away to hear.

"Nai tiruantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna, anor-nîn. Im mela lle."

Translations:
Melme-Love
Ada-Father
Melethron-Love/lover
Meldir-Friend
Nai tiruantel ar varyuvantel i Valar tielyanna, anor-nîn-May the Valar protect you on your path , my sun
Im mela lle-I love you

---

Chapter 14: Journey to One's Fall
Summary: Within the woods of Lothlorien, Legolas finds himself grieving for Gandalf, and craving the comforting caresses of his lover; but there is someone else who wishes for the touch of the elf (Boromir/Legolas; Legolas‘ POV, Elladan‘s POV).

On any other occasion, it would have been a pleasure for me to visit Lothlorien, the home of my lover's mother. But, at this particular time in my life, even the Golden Wood cannot lift my spirits. For we, the remaining members of the Fellowship, are here now but without Mithrandir. He was our guide, but he was also a good deal more. He was a friend to Aragorn and I, and perhaps more than a friend to the Hobbits. Now he is gone.

We've come this far, and all we have gained is less distance between us and Mordor. What we have lost is a beloved friend and comrade. The loss, I feel, overshadows the gain. Though I will not pass into Mandos' Halls, I still feel grief over losing someone I have known, and known well. I cannot even remember how long it has been since I've met the Istar. All I know for certain is that I've known Mithrandir longer than I've known Elladan. There is much that the wizard has taught me about the world over the years. He was a dear friend, and I miss him.

The night is quiet as I wander among the mellyrn in silent contemplation. Even though I am mourning, I am not able to dismiss the serenity and comfort I feel among the trees here. It is a feeling I have always relished in during my visits, and it lightens my heart. But this visit is different from the rest; the companions I bring with me are different. They are not elves, not my siblings or friends, but four little Hobbits, a Dwarf and two Men. When was the last time I was in the company of another elf? In Imladris? How long ago was that? It seems like years, but it was just a few months, I believe. It must feel like forever ago to the Hobbits perhaps. Even for me, one who does not particularly feel the passage of time, it seems as if I have not seen the valley for many years. My heart aches as I remember the last time I was there.

Haldir, my dear friend, has tried to comfort me since my arrival. His brother, Orophin, has tried harder; he knows best what it is I am feeling. It is not homesickness; though I do miss the Greenwood, I miss something more. The touch of a lover, the whispers of endearment; I miss them the most. Of my friends in Lorien, only Orophin knows the melancholy I feel, only he knows it best of the three brothers. For it is he who holds the heart of my lover's twin; in such a way, the pair of us have a great understanding of the other's inner turmoil. He has tried to comfort me, but understands that it is not his company I crave. Thus, I walk alone beneath the mellyrn alone this night.

I do not venture far from my companions, staying within an elf's listening distance. I must seem far away to the others since they are unable to hear or see me, but they are very close from my standpoint. We need each other's strength and company from this point on, but I crave some time alone for the moment. I will rejoin them later when I feel more composed and collected. My hand wanders up the front of my tunic, seeking for something hidden behind the shimmering fabric. The sudden feeling of being watched alerts me even before I hear the snap of a twig. I freeze in place before glancing over my shoulder to see who is disturbing my quiet thoughts.

I expected Aragorn or one of the Hobbits, but instead it is Boromir. There is a look in his eyes that I do not particularly like. Humans have never frightened me; my father has befriended many small human tribes and frequently trades goods with them. Most men that I have known have been honorable, much like Aragorn. But there are some with which my senses have screamed at me to be cautious and alert should I be alone with them. Boromir has never been one of those men; even during our trifling argument in Elrond's court, he seemed honorable. But now I find my intuition screaming at me to move. There is a look in his eyes this moment I find very...predatory. I turn back and try to walk away, but his voice forces me come to a to halt again.

"Wait, Legolas." My feet cease their moment, but I do not face him just yet. Why do I stop when he calls me? Perhaps I feel compelled to. Perhaps I feel that my intuition is wrong, just this once. I hope it is so. Again I turn to him; the hand previously searching my tunic drops slowly to my side. Yet my guard is up, just in case. "You are grieving."

I nod once. "Aren't you?"

It is his turn to nod. "Do you wish for some company?" I am tempted to refuse him; I do not wish to share my grief with others. It is not my nature to grieve before others, even my lover. I remain quiet as I consider how to answer. He takes my hesitation as an affirmative and steps closer. I will myself not to step back, not to seem affected by the closeness of his presence; my intuition tells me to run but I dare not move yet. "You grieve for Gandalf," he says.

"We all do," I reply. "He was our guide on this quest, and a dear friend."

"You knew him long?"

I nod. Long is an understatement really, I've known him much longer than the others could ever dream. "He always possessed a good ear. And he always gave wise council. We elves were fond of the news he would bring us. We will forever grieve this loss." Silence passes between us. I avert my eyes as I feel the tendrils of mourning possess me again. When he speaks again, I feel my eyes drawn back to his face; I do not like the intense gaze he is giving me.

"You miss more than just Gandalf," he states. It is becoming harder to suppress the urge to run as Boromir takes another step closer. His eyes are searching mine for something; what is he looking for? My hands clench into fists as I force down a shudder and maintain eye contact.

"What are you implying, Boromir?" He takes a third step forward; now he is too close for my liking, and I step back. Why is he pressing me like this? What is it he wants? I cannot maintain eye contact with him any longer. There is something unsettling in Boromir's eyes; it sends faint wisps of fright over my skin. I step back again as he steps forward, feeling the aged trunk of a mallorn press against my back. My eyes dart around, looking for a means to move away. But before I can act, Boromir closes the distance between us, pinning me in place with his body.

"Do not fear me," he whispers into my ear. "I mean you no harm. I have only come to comfort you."

"I am not in need of comfort." I raise my hands to push him away, a task easily done had he not taken hold of wrists. Jerking against his hands, I attempt to free myself while not causing him too much injury. Why do I suddenly feel so panicked in his presence? Just what is he wants that I am so unwilling to comply with? I look into his eyes, and realization dawns on me a little too late. "I think we should return to the others, Boromir." Again, I attempt to free myself, this time applying more force to my movements. But he unrelenting and presses his body harder against mine, further pinning me between himself and the tree.

"What are you frightened of?" I can feel his warm breath against the skin of my neck, and I shiver at the unwanted contact of his lips just grazing my skin. "I have no intention of hurting you. I only want to give you comfort and ease your pain."

"There is no need."

"Why do you deny me?" He has raised his voice slightly, whether it is due to frustration or anger I cannot tell. I do not want to stay and find out.

"Because this is not what I want! Now kindly let me go." Something primal flashes in his eyes. His movements are more feral now as he attempts to rid me of my clothing. I am soon grappling with him, trying to prevent him from getting what he wants, and what all elves fear. I cannot let him have his way with me--I will not! I am no maiden who would succumb to his charms and sweet voice. I am an elf, a prince, a warrior, and I have already pledged myself to another. I will not betray my lover, unwillingly or no. I will not allow another to possess me against my will and travel to Mandos' Halls before my time!

He is having a difficult time restraining me, his movements becoming more frenzied as he becomes more desperate. But he is unable to subdue me. Elves are more slender in shape, more fragile looking than men. But we possess a greater strength and can easily overwhelm those who try to restrain us. I know I can do a great deal of injury to Boromir should I wish. But he, like I, am part of this Fellowship to protect Frodo; harming him to incapability is not an option for me. I strike out, one of my fists pummeling against his chest with enough force for him to release me. Boromir issues a pained wheeze and staggers a few steps back even as he succeeds in opening my tunic.

The moonlight streaming in through the leaves overhead glitters upon the mithril ring around my neck. The sight of my beloved's gift seems to freeze him in his tracks; his eyes transfix themselves upon the simple piece of jewelry. Does it remind him of the ring Frodo carries? I do not stay to ponder the matter. The moment he releases me, I run and disappear into the trees. I hear him call after me but I do not respond, nor do I cease my running. I have always suspected that he was being tempted by the Ring. What did it promise him? Fame? Glory? The throne of Gondor? Me? I shudder to think of the possibilities and what might have passed between us.

I run back towards the others, towards camp. But I am unable to tell if I am going in the right direction for tears have welled up in my eyes; my other senses, however, assure me I am on the right path as I can no longer see once the tears begin to fall. I raise an arm to wipe them away, and end up colliding with another body. Strong arms gently wrap themselves about me as a soothing voice whispers into my ear.

"Legolas, meldir." It is Orophin. Hearing a shuffle from behind him, I raise my eyes to see Haldir and Rumil gazing back at me with concerned looks upon their faces. I feel a tug at my hand; when I glance down, there is Gimli with a similar concerned look. My mind barely registers the amazement at finding the three Galadhrim in the Dwarf's company before I give in to the sobs that are beginning to overwhelm my body. Sinking against Orophin, I grip his tunic in a white-knuckled hold, and bury my face into his shoulder to hide my tears.

Oh Elladan! How I need you know. How I wish you were here and holding me. Elbereth, please, let me be reunited with my moon soon. I need him.

~~~~~~~~~~
Gimli blinked in disbelief as he watched Legolas being consumed by his grief, the elf sinking bonelessly against Orophin as the Galadhrim whispered words of comfort in the elvish tongue. The dwarf wasn't yet ready to admit it, but he respected Legolas for his prowess and strength in battle. The archer's accurate aim saved them all during the trek through Moria, and he was beginning to learn things about Legolas that contradicted Gimli's earlier feelings toward elves in general.

Upon noticing his companion missing from the campsite, Gimli had gone looking for Legolas but quickly became lost in the woods of Lorien. Unexpectedly, he had run into Haldir and his brothers, the very same elves who almost refused the Fellowship admittance into the Golden Wood because of Gimli's presence among them. The dwarf was about to tell them off in both the common tongue and that of the dwarves, but decided not to upon learning the three were also looking for Legolas. Deciding it best to go along with the brothers, Gimli was not all that surprised to learn they were old friends with the archer from Mirkwood. It had been a surprise to learn that both Legolas and Haldir's eldest kinsmen had each fallen for one of Elrond's sons. Gimli had never realized his elven companion had someone other than family waiting for him to return from this quest.

"Will he be all right?" the dwarf tentatively asked the nearest Galadhrim. Rumil bestowed upon him a small smile, and patted Gimli's shoulder reassuringly.

"Aye, Master Dwarf, he will be," the youngest brother replied. "Our young prince here can be rather emotional at times, but he would never dare let his feelings show in his outward appearance. He will be touchy with us for the next few days when he comes to his senses and realizes we have seen him cry." Gimli nodded as he continued to watch Orophin comfort Legolas. He reminded himself later to speak with the archer on a number of matters.

/He could use a friend right about now,/ Gimli thought. /And I intend to be that friend./ He frowned slightly at the thought. A dwarf befriending an elf? Unheard of! But not impossible. /This friendship just might work./

~~~~~~~~~~
I can't sleep. The night is clear and the watchmen are wide awake; there is nothing that should trouble me. Yet my mind is troubled, though I cannot place my finger on the source of the uneasiness I feel. I cannot remain still any longer. Rising from my bedroll, I deftly pass my brother and the company of sleeping Dunedain to find a quiet spot for myself. Passing Halbarad as he keeps watch, I find a large smooth rock in a partially secluded area that allows me a view of the clear night sky. It is just large enough to accommodate my frame as I stretch out on my back upon the aged stone. Staring up at the Ithil and the stars, I allow my mind to drift.

It has been months since my sun left Imladris to travel with the Fellowship on their quest. Not long afterwards, Elrohir and I rode to the Redhorn Pass to make sure the passage was safe for all those who wished to travel through. Sometime later, we rode to the borders of the Shire to accompany the Northern Dunedain in watching the little people; Estel had feared that since Frodo possessed the Ring, harm might come to his homeland. Thus far, nothing has happened, and the Dunedain have talked about turning back to Imladris for some rest and to ask Ada for a bit of guidance. Elrohir is happy about the prospect of returning home, even for a short stay. I suppose I am as well.

But my mind is elsewhere, wherever he is. I wonder how far Legolas and the Fellowship have traveled by now. Surely they are past Hithaeglir at this point; how far South have they journeyed? Lorien? They might be in Gondor now, if speed was with them. I pray to Elbereth that, wherever they are, the Valar are keeping them safe.

I sigh deeply as I feel the night air caress my exposed skin, playing with my hair. Legolas...how do you fare? What troubles have you seen and what awaits you? When you accepted my father's proposal to join the Fellowship, did you intend to stop at Minas Tirith, or accompany Frodo Baggins all the way to Oroduin? I fear for you, melme; I fear for us both. The future is uncertain at this point. Tomorrow is an uncertainty, and each day after that brings upon us more troubles and questions. But know that I love you, and I always will.

My ring glitters in the moonlight as I raise my hand to gaze at the band; it seems to shine more brightly when I think of you, and that brings a smile to my face. Legolas, ithil-nîn, wherever you are I will always be with you. I miss you terribly, and wish for the day we will be reunited to come quickly. But, until then, until the day I am able to bind myself to you, my soul will be where you are. Have faith in us, in me; I will always protect you. Trust in the promise that binds us. I will see you again.

Translations:
Meldir-Friend
Ada-Father
Hithaeglir-Sindarin for Misty Moutains
Melme-Love
Ithil-nîn-My moon

---

Chapter 15: Path to Rohan
Summary: On the way to meet Aragorn in Rohan, Elladan speaks with his brother on the matter of their mortality, and what is to be done once the war is over.

The path before the riders was clear of obstacles, though vision was obscured. Of the group of thirty, only two were able to pick their way through the darkness with ease; as such, they acted as guides to the rest of the company. Different were they from the others, tall and fair-skinned, their hair dark and their faces identical. The twin sons of Elrond rode in silence, heads covered by the thick material of their cloaks, stormy gray eyes scanning the open plains before them. They rode slightly ahead of their Dunedain friends, and close to each other‘s sides to share a whispered conversation or two.

The group made for Edoras, the seat of power in the land of Rohan. There they were to meet with Aragorn and accompany him wherever he should choose to go: these were the instructions they had been given in Imladris. They also carried messages from both their father and sister to the future King of Men. The twins had opted to travel with their Northern companions and see through the battles yet to come; it was their calling in life, and they answered it without question. But, it was not the up-and-coming battles that weighed heavily upon the twins' minds. It was something else.

"How much further do you think?" Elrohir asked his brother in a whisper meant only for Elven ears. Elladan rode quietly for a moment as he judged the distance before answering. The plains opened before him, tall grass gently swaying in the night breeze. Other than the horses trotting through the grass and the soft breathing of the steeds and their riders, there was no other sound to be heard. The sky overhead was clear and the weather fair, allowing one to glimpse the stars for miles, though their light helped little; it seemed as if something darker kept the lands of the horse lords hidden. Unless the dark forces should otherwise conspire against the riders, they were making good time through the lands of Rohan.

"Another day's ride or so. I believe we can reach Edoras by tomorrow evening, but we will need to rest soon for the night. The horses need to be unburdened for a time, and our friends could do with a little sleep and some food. We too could do with a little rest."

Elrohir nodded in answer, and, for a time, the brothers rode on in companionable silence. Behind them they could hear the Dunedain riding quietly, keeping pace with the twins; occasionally they stole whispered conversations with one another as they traveled the plains. "Gwanur, there is something we must discuss," Elrohir finally said.

Elladan sighed deeply, closing his eyes momentarily. "Aye, I know. We cannot put this off for much longer."

"Ada will be leaving with the others, there is no doubt about that. Once the war is over and peace has returned, he will take ship and sail for the Grey Havens. There is no question that Arwen will be staying; our sister's heart belongs to Estel, and she will not leave these shores while he yet resides here." Elrohir paused for a moment while observing his brother nod in response. "So then, what of us? What would you decide?"

"I know not. And I shall not decide until I know your heart."

"I know not my own heart at this time." The silence that settled in was not comfortable. There was a slight tension in the air as each twin tried to seek out his soul's wish. "I do not want to be separated from you, Elladan," Elrohir finally spoke.

"Nor do I want to be separated from you. We are twins, Elrohir. We share a soul and a mind; we are linked, and forever will be, though we may be different people. We have our own lovers, who we shall follow if they ever travel to Mandos' Hall. But I fear I will also seek the Halls of Waiting should you journey there before I."

"I too am of the same mind, gwanur. Whatever we decide, we must make the same conclusion." Elladan nodded in agreement but said nothing more on the matter as he called a halt. The Dunedain reined their horses to a stop, dismounting and making camp in a near silence. Out in the open, they knew they were vulnerable to an attack should it come, but they did not plan to tarry long.

Throughout the night the twin Peredhil kept watch, one sometimes slipping into the realm of dreams while the other relieved his brother. They spoke no more on the matter concerning their mortality; they first needed to search the depths of their hearts before they would be able to voice their convictions.

~~~~~~~~~~
The next night passed much the same as the first, though much clearer, allowing the twins and the Dunedain to make better time in their travel. Thus the Northern Rangers were allowed to ride almost side-by-side with their elven companions, but the sons of Elrond afforded themselves a little pace ahead for some means of privacy. They had things to discuss that did not require the input of their mortal friends, no matter how much they were loved. Again, it was Elrohir who broke the silence between the brothers, though his question was of a slightly different nature that night.

"Has the Lord Thranduil spoken about whether or not he will take ship?"

Elladan arched a delicate eyebrow at the question. "Not that I have heard. I do not know whether or not the King of Mirkwood will sail with our father and grandmother, or if he will delay his departure if he journeys at all. Why do you ask?"

"A simple reason, gwanur. Legolas might very well choose to stay and rule his people should his father and brothers choose to sail to Valinor. Will that not make your decision more difficult?"

"So it shall. But what of you? I find it highly likely that Orophin will take one of the first ships. I know your feelings for our Galadhrim friend, Elrohir. You care for him, love him deeply. You will surely pass from this world should you be separated from him for an eternity."

Elrohir sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Our decision is not an easy one. Why must we decide at all?"

"We are the Peredhil, gwanur," Elladan's lore master side reasoned in a calm and even tone. "Our grandmother made her choice; our father and uncle made theirs, as did our sister. It is now our turn to choose which race we wish to be counted amongst.
"The blood of three races of Elves, of Men and the blood of a Maia courses through our veins. We are unique among the races, exotic compared to others. But, really, we are no different. We are family, we have lovers, we live our lives as we see fit. True, this choice before us is more life-altering than any we have had to make up to this point. However, it is nothing more than that: a choice. The only difficultly is, what will we choose?"

"I do not wish to be separated from you," Elrohir confessed. "Nor do I wish to be separated from Orophin, for you are the other half of my soul, yet he holds my heart. You are in the same situation since Legolas holds your heart.
"Thus, I see this dilemma: should Orophin sail and Legolas not, you and I will be torn since we will not separate ourselves. Yet, should they both sail, I am reluctant to join them until our foster-brother and sister have lived their lives and passed from this world."

"Aye, I too came to the same conclusions. Yet there is another thought I have had that you might have missed. Legolas is in love with the woods and the forest now, but the future is uncertain. It is said that once the Sindar hear the call of the Sea, they can no longer deny it. Grandmother‘s message to the prince troubles me."

"I have thought of that, though you may not have realized it, Elladan. I believe grandmother is foretelling his leaving of these shores."

"Then we are of the same mind." As with the previous night, silence fell upon them. "Elrohir?"

"I am thinking the same, gwanur."

"Immortality then?"

"Aye. Our hearts shall sail over the Sea, and we shall follow them."

"But not before we have seen our sister and brother live their lives to the fullest. That shall be our last remaining task once this war is over."

Elrohir nodded as the pair gazed up at the stars and, together, spoke the words their father spoke years before.

"I ónoni Elrondo Pereldarioní, cilmmë nótinë míca Eldar sin nório. Nan cilmmë erin falassellon Ardo, tuluvammë nossëmma m' i nórí Valaron." Overhead, the stars brightened after receiving their admission; whispers sounded behind the twins as the Dunedain noticed the change and remarked upon it. The twins shared a smile, their hearts feeling lighter now that their choice was made. They would sail to the Undying Lands when their time came, not sooner, not later. For now, though, they had another task at hand.

"Edoras is near," Elladan remarked over his shoulder. "Let us join our brothers-in-arms before the night is out." A quick, answering shout from the Dunedain was heard before the party urged their steeds onward. The alliance against the Dark Lord would be strengthen before the night was out, and with them would ride the sons of Elrond, strengthen in their resolve and decision. They would not falter nor fail in their quest. They would see it through to the end.

Translations:
Gwanur-Brother
Ada-Father
I ónoni Elrondo Pereldarioní, cilmmë nótinë míca Eldar sin nório. Nan cilmmë erin falassellon Ardo, tuluvammë nossëmma m' i nórí Valaron-We, the twin sons of Elrond Peredhel, choose to account ourselves among the Firstborn of this land. Though we choose to tarry longer on the shores of Middle-earth, we will join our kindred within the land of our makers (Quenya)

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