Chapter 16: Before the War
Summary: The lovers are reunited and spend the night under the stars, sharing whispered promises and heartfelt caresses, and dreading the day to come yet welcoming it all the same (slash).

Valar, it felt like forever since he last saw him! Once the group of Northern Dunedain had finally caught up with Estel and the company of Rohan, Elladan was at last allowed to be reunited with Legolas. How he had missed him! Not even a full year had passed since they parted, and that to an elf is nothing. At the same time, however, it felt like forever to Elladan. He had spent many a night worrying over how Legolas was faring on the journey and whether or not he had helped Frodo complete the quest they were sent out on.

The lovers were reunited now, yet they were not yet allowed their time alone. There was much that the twins needed to discuss with Estel, messages from their father, sister and grandmother they needed to relate and instructions to give. There was still work to be done against the evil growing stronger in the land. But, at the same time, those against the Dark Lord needed much rest before they would possess the strength to complete their work.

"Then the Paths of the Dead is the road we must take?" Estel said during the private discussion he was having with the twins alone. "Ada suggest that to be the best route? ‘Tis is a perilous road."

"Aye, it is," Elladan replied. "Only you have the power to command the dead that reside there, Estel. It is the shortest distance from here, and a path in which you can gather a great number of warriors at one time."

"But who would follow me into such a path?"

"We would," Elrohir said. "You are our foster-brother and a dear friend; we would follow you to the end. The Dunedain would follow, for you are their chief; and certainly Legolas and Gimli will not abandon you after traveling in your company this far."

"You are both right. The Rohirrim will ride forth towards Gondor of their own accord while we take the more perilous route. Come then, let us take out rest tonight. Tomorrow will be an eventful day at the very least."

The twins nodded their agreement before parting from his company. Halbarad and the other Dunedain had already set up camp and constructed a fire, which everyone was gathered around for warmth. Rations for the night were being passed around as the twins joined them, followed shortly after by Estel. The company spent the evening in quiet whispers; the center of their conversation was the path they should take to get to Gondor and the final confrontation with the Dark Lord.

Elladan, though, spent most of the evening giving his lover sidelong glances; most of the time, he also caught Gimli staring at him and often had to look away, embarrassed. The Dwarf thought long and hard about the glances he saw being shared between his friend and the eldest son of Elrond. Come to think of it, he had also seen similar looks during his stay at Imladris; he wondered what it all meant.

"Legolas," the Dwarf said, turning to his companion. "Is there something going on between you and Elrond's son?"

"Why, of course, my friend," Legolas said very casually as he nibbled on a wafer of lembas. "We have been friends for nearly five hundred years. We've gone hunting, riding, traveling, almost everything together. Elrohir and I are very close friends, almost brothers."

"Is that one Elrohir?" Gimli, not being able to tell the twins apart, simply pointed at Elladan and watched as Legolas' gaze followed his finger.

"Nay, 'tis Elladan, his elder brother."

"All right then, what is your relationship with him?" Gimli huffed; was the elf actually blushing? Always composed and poised, Legolas was actually feeling embarrassed? What was the world coming to?!

"Well...um..."

"Yes?"

"I don't know how to say this..."

The Dwarf was getting rather impatient with all the evasive statements his elf friend was making. "So just say it!"

"I...I think I'm going to go clean up a bit." And, with that, Legolas jumped to his feet in no time at all and all but dashed from Gimli's side. The Dwarf was left in utter confusion with a snickering Aragorn for company.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all, Gimli," Aragorn replied, stifling the rest of his laughter.

"Indeed, you did nothing but embarrass our fair Mirkwood elf," Elrohir said as he came to claim the spot Legolas just vacated. "Which, might I add, is a fair accomplishment in itself."

"Just what did I say to embarrass him?" Gimli asked, turning to pin Elladan with his gaze.

The eldest son of Elrond swallowed thickly as the dark gaze fixated upon his person. He squirmed under the intense look and felt the heat rise to his cheeks as Aragorn and Elrohir turned to look at him as well. Hastily, Elladan got to his feet and smoothed out his tunic in a nervous manner. "I...um...think I'll go clean up a bit."

"You elves are always cleaning yourselves up," Gimli replied while puffing on his pipe. "A little dirt and grime isn't going to hurt you." The Dwarf huffed again as Elrohir rolled his eyes, while his twin attempted to defend himself.

"We have been riding for days, Master Dwarf."

"And we've been running for days, not to mention fighting stinking Uruk-Hai in near darkness, with rain pouring throughout the night."

Elladan sputtered, not quite knowing how to respond. He had his own intentions for leaving, but wasn't about to let the Dwarf know what they were. He shot Aragorn a piercing glance when the Dunedan burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. "I will grant you the benefit of the doubt, Master Dwarf. But I am still in need of some cleaning up."

"So what are you still doing here?!" Elrohir exclaimed, throwing a half-eaten wafer of lembas at his twin, who narrowed missed the flying projectile. "Get on with it and stop standing around arguing, conversing, implying...whatever in the Valar's name you are doing! Go to it already!" The younger twin batted some hair out of his eyes as Elladan took off in the direction Legolas had previously left in.

Gimli was left looking quite confused as Elrohir stood and retrieved the lembas, muttering something about his twin losing half his wits at birth, and Aragorn burst into a new round of laughter. "Did I miss something?" the Dwarf asked, scratching the coarse hair upon his head.

"Nay Gimli," Aragorn replied through snickers as Elrohir reclaimed his seat and bit into his wafer. "Just a little brotherly banter is all. This happened quite often in the past." He snickered again as Elrohir rolled his eyes and said something about an understatement. It was then that Gimli decided that, though he had came to appreciate elves, he would never understand them.

~~~~~~~~~~
Elladan, by this time, had successfully made his way out of the camp and towards a small nearby stream; he reminded himself to both thank and throttle Elrohir later for the exchange that had occurred between them. His twin had nearly given away the comings and goings of what went on between the eldest son of Elrond and the youngest prince of Mirkwood, something Elladan did not want Gimli to be aware of yet.

He wasn't afraid of any disapproving remarks the Dwarf would make; in fact, if Gimli even uttered a word against their relationship, Elladan would make sure he lived to regret it. No, it was more along the lines that the Peredhel didn't have the energy at the moment to put up with all the teasing Gimli could possibly rain down on the pair. Plenty of time later for teasing; right now Elladan was more interested in resting with his lover.

Rounding a tree, Elladan suddenly found himself braced against the rough trunk as a pair of lips claimed his hungrily and eager hands roamed the front of his tunic. He moaned wantonly as he returned the caresses, remembering familiar peaks and plateaus whilst wrestling with the all too demanding tongue that sparred with his own.

"What took you so long?" Legolas asked breathlessly as they parted, before his lips claimed the point of an ear.

"Master Dwarf demanded an argument from me before I was allowed my leave," Elladan replied, leaning into the touch and drawing his love closer. "Remember when you arrived at Imladris?"

Legolas allowed himself a sly smile as he bit lightly into his lover's ear and elicited a sigh from Elladan. "How could I forget, ithil-nîn? Did you enjoy the greeting?" Legolas gasped as suddenly the prince of Mirkwood found himself turned and his back pressing against the tree he had previously trapped Elladan against.

"Allow me to ‘greet' you this time, anor-nîn."

"How?"

"Oh, you'll find out soon enough." Slender hands made quick work of the prince's garments as well as his own, tossing the clothing aside as they were slipped from arms and legs. Gently, Elladan guided them towards the ground until Legolas was lying upon the grass with the eldest twin kneeling between his knees. The Peredhel took a moment to admire the beauty he had fallen in love with just over five hundred years ago.

"Like what you see?" Legolas asked teasingly as he observed the darkening orbs of his lover.

"Very much so. But I like touching even more." Just as he finished speaking, Elladan's hands began to wander over the pale thighs of his love; he allowed his fingertips to dance over the skin, moving from knees to hips in swirling patterns. He kept his eyes trained on his lover's chiseled features during his ministrations, a faint smile gracing his lips.

At the warm touches bestowed upon him, Legolas moaned and closed his eyes, drowning in the long-missed contact. "Ithil-nîn..."

"Here." Elladan leaned forward, pressing a ghost of a kiss upon Legolas' lips; he bestowed butterfly kisses upon the prince's cheeks, eyelids, neck and collarbones as his hands busily pleasured his love with faint touches. He knew the light contact was driving Legolas mad, and he delighted in seeing the frustration etched upon that beautifully flushed face. Soon, however, Elladan too was growing impatient. Licking his lips, he moved lower and, with a swift motion, claimed Legolas' sex entirely with his mouth.

Legolas suppressed a scream at the heated cavern engulfing his erection. Biting down sharply upon his lower lip, his hands strayed to the dark tresses of the twin, fingers tangling within the silken strands. Gasps and moans of pleasure and delight fled his parted lips as he felt himself being taken by that luscious mouth of his lover's. "Elladan...please, don't stop." He raised his hips, seeking to press himself deeper into that warm cavern, but a grunt of frustration sounded as firm hands held him in place.

"Easy, melme," Elladan whispered after releasing Legolas for a moment. "Just a bit longer." His tongue flickered over the head of his lover's erection then swirled down to the base and back up again. Elladan repeated the procedure a few more times before, feeling Legolas about to climax, he swallowed the sex whole and sucked hard.

Not a moment had passed before the prince reached orgasm, spilling his seed down his love's throat; Elladan followed soon after, releasing himself into the grass before letting Legolas' lax member slip from his mouth. Crawling forward, he lay down next to his lover and bestowed gentle kisses upon Legolas' face. The prince smiled and snuggled, feeling strong arms encircling his waist. They lay together quietly for some time, relishing the breeze that cooled their heated skin and the warmth radiating from one another.

"You know," Legolas mumbled from Elladan's shoulder. "We ought to head back soon before Gimli decides to come and investigate why it's taking us so long to bathe."

Elladan groaned. "You're right, I wouldn't want him catching us like this."

"Afraid he'll object, ithil-nîn?"

"Nay, I'm afraid of all the teasing that will follow. ‘Why Master Elladan, why didn't you say you had a thing for the prince here? Comely, isn't he? Come now, there's no reason to blush. It's just mutual, attraction. It is mutual isn't it? Are you blushing again?'" Elladan rolled his eyes as Legolas let loose a fit of laughter. Once he had calmed down, the pair shared a kiss before rising to their feet and heading to the nearby stream to bathe. Upon getting cleaned, dried and dressed properly again, the lovers took a moment to share an embrace before rejoining the others. The war was about to start; they hoped this wouldn't be the last time they would be together.

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

Chapter 17: Midst of Battle
Summary: Legolas loses sight of his love during battle and fear grips him.

The black ships moved steadily upstream against the current on the river Anduin, thanks to the rowers down in the lower decks and the favorable breeze that blew. Manwë was aiding them, aiding the union of the race of Men against the black creatures of the Dark Lord. The rowers, in the deepest bowels of the vessels, were pulling the oars with all the strength they had; they were Men, captured from Gondor when they were just boys, but now they were free. Their King had come for them. With that knowledge in mind, they set themselves to the task of bearing their savior and his companions to Minas Tirith, and to the end of fear and tyranny.

The breeze was pleasant as it buffeted the slender form of the Prince of Mirkwood, whipping through his hair and sending it in golden streams behind him. He looked ahead and up the river to the battlefields that awaited them all. But all he could hear was the crying of the gulls back in Pelargir, calling to him to sail the Sea and visit the Undying Lands. Legolas couldn't resist the urge, the temptation to set sail. He would not do so yet as there were far too many things left for him to do; one day, however, the time would come. A time would soon arrive in which he would set foot on board a ship, and never again see Middle-earth.

The thought of leaving his homeland saddened the Prince a little. Looking about the deck, he gazed at each of his gathered companions to distract himself. There was Aragorn with Halbarad and a few other Dunedain quietly discussing the forthcoming battle. Other Dunedain were spread about, some signaling to the other ships and their companions, others joking and laughing amongst themselves as their cleaned and readied their weapons. Seated and leaning against the mast was Elrohir; his head was bent low, raven hair obscuring his face from view. Legolas guessed that the younger twin was dozing, catching up on sleep after a hard ride from the Stone of Erech and the battle at Pelargir so that he would be ready at the Pelennor Fields. Not far from the twin was Gimli, humming some Dwarvish songs while fixing the notches in his axes as best as he could manage. But there was no sign of...

"Anor-nîn?"

Legolas smiled and turned to the voice just as the wind picked up, golden hair obscuring his vision. He felt a warm arm twine about his waist and a gentle kiss upon his brow as Elladan brushed his hair aside. Leaning against his lover, Legolas sighed contently as the pair embraced quietly. No one seemed to notice, or did not show it if they did. The lovers were left to their own devices with some measure of privacy.

"Is there something troubling you?" Elladan asked quietly, hands weaving through golden hair. "You seem sullen and disturbed. It is not the war, is it?"

"Nay, it is not." Legolas fell quiet for a moment, drawing a breath before speaking again. "I heard the cry of the gulls at Pelargir."

Elladan understood quickly. A change had come over his lover ever since the band had left Pelargir for Minas Tirith. There was a certain longing in the blue eyes Elladan had only seen in his father's gaze as of late. "You feel the Sea calling to you. The Sea longing has awakened." He felt Legolas nod against his shoulder, and he pulled the Prince closer. Elladan dipped his head a bit to kiss the golden crown and whisper into a pointed ear. "Will you heed the call? Will you sail with the rest when the time comes?"

"Nay, I cannot."

"Why?"

Legolas lifted his head from his lover's shoulder to stare into the storm gray eyes whilst he spoke. "There are still things I need to attend to, unfinished business that needs to be done. I will not sail until my duties are complete no matter how strong the calling becomes. I cannot leave Aragorn whilst he lives. There is much to be done once this war is finished, and I fear he will need as much help and advice as he can muster. He is a dear friend and I wish to stay at his side should he need me, whilst he yet lives in this world."

"Then you will stay until he passes from this world?"

The Prince nodded as his voice fell to a hushed whisper. "And I will not leave you behind."

"Legolas, I..." Elladan was unable to tell his lover about his vow as Aragorn beckoned him over, seeking his advice. Reluctantly he pulled away, laying a kiss upon Legolas' temple as he passed to join the future King and Halbarad.

Legolas watched him go, half-afraid of Elladan's unfinished statement. What was he about to say? Did it have to do with his choice? The Prince was frightened of what the twin would tell him, praying to the Valar to not let them be separated. The Sea calling was strong in him, but he would not give into it. There was still too much to do. He could not leave. Not yet.

~~~~~~~~~~
"Legolas? Lad, are you all right?"

"Aye, Gimli. I am fine."

"You don't look it. Rather a bit paler than usual if you ask me. Have you been eating at all lately?"

Legolas allowed himself a smile at his friend's concern and compassion. It wasn't far now to the Pelennor Fields; just a few more minutes and they would see the lay of the land. The Dunedain were beginning to assemble as the ships drew nearer, Legolas and Gimli among them. The twins and Aragorn were making some last minute preparations in one of the lower holds. The Elf and the Dwarf stood watching the land move by as they awaited the moment of battle.

"Legolas?"

"Oh, forgive me, Gimli. What did you say?"

The Dwarf gave a frown as he observed his friend closer. "Come now, lad. Tell me what's troubling you. Your mind is not focused on the battle ahead, and that could cost you. So let's hear it. Best get things off your chest now while you have the chance."

"It is nothing, Gimli. There is no need to be concerned."

"Nothing you say? I shall judge for myself if it is nothing. Now tell me what it is before I am forced to draw it out of you, which you well know I am capable of."

The Elf gave a musical laugh at the good-natured mockery directed at him. Gimli scowled for a moment, but amusement was clearly shining within his dark eyes. "You have come to read the mannerisms of Elves quite clearly during this journey, my friend."

"Perhaps, but I still do not understand you. Now talk and let us see if we cannot fix whatever it is that is amiss."

Legolas paused a moment to determine how he should put his concern into words, and in as short as time as possible. The battlefield was looming ahead, there was no time to go into lengthy details. "It is about Elladan."

"Ah, yes. I was wondering about when you would come around to telling me about you two." The Dwarf smiled at seeing the faint tinge of a blush stain his elven friend's face.

"You knew?"

"I guessed. Now, what about the young master?"

"Lord Elrond is sailing soon. Elladan and Elrohir must make a choice soon."

"A choice, you say?"

The Elf nodded. "A choice of whether to go and retain immortality...or stay and forsake their elven heritage."

"'Tis a difficult choice indeed," Gimli said after a moment's pause for contemplation. "And you are worried he will stay? Well, lad, it seems to me from what little I know of Master Elladan that he will make a choice he feels best suits him."

"Gimli?" Legolas could not determine what his friend was trying to say, but he patiently waited for Gimli to continue.

"Master Elladan is no child, lad. He can decide for himself what choices are best for him, what paths he will walk down in his life. It appears to me that he is not some little tyke who is so eager to please someone that he will make a reckless decision, thereby possibly endangering himself and causing others distress. Nay, lad, he will weigh all the options and pick the best for him...and the best for you, I daresay."

"I don't understand." He blinked when a look of indignation appeared on Gimli's face.

"Don't understand? Now see here, Legolas. The young master loves you, does he not? Clearly he knows what will happen to you should anything happen to him. If he loves you as much as you love him then there is no question that he will do anything to keep you out of harm's way. Put more faith into the other half of your heart, Legolas. Now stop worrying and get your bow ready. I don't want some sulking, worrisome Elf watching my back this day." And with that, Gimli turned his attention to Pelennor as the fields came closer into view, the sounds of battle reaching their ears.

Legolas smiled thankfully at his friend and offered Gimli a gentle pat on the shoulder. The Dwarf said nothing but muttered something about not worrying as Aragorn and the twins appeared out of the lower holds to join the others. As the future King and the younger twin stood and gazed out fixedly at Pelennor, Elladan shifted to Legolas' side. Wordlessly, he sought out the archer's hand and gave it a light squeeze. Legolas smiled faintly at the gesture before returning it, and placing a gentle kiss upon his lover's temple.

"I love you, ithil-nîn," the Prince whispered.

"I love you as well," Elladan replied. "We'll make it through this."

Legolas nodded, willing himself to believe the simple statement. There was no reason they wouldn't safely see the end of the battle, the end of the war. After all, both of them have survived their fair share of combat, danger and the unexpected. The chances of surviving were good, and strongly in their favor. And yet Legolas couldn't help but feel that something terrible might go wrong. He forced the dismal feeling away, hiding the emotions playing across his face as Pelennor came full into view.

Those aboard the ship made ready to descend as the vessels slowed: swords, knives and arrows were pulled from their scabbards and quivers and held at the ready. Halbarad, in a flick of the wrist, unfurled Aragorn's standard, the gems the Lady Arwen had sewn into the black fabric glittered in the sunlight as the ships came to a halt. The chaos in the fields momentarily ceased, the frightened cries of the ‘Corsairs of Umbar' died as the planks were lowered, and the Dunedain rushed the fields. Relief washed over the faces of the Rohirrim and the Gondorin guards as they recognized their Northern allies, and they began to fight the Uruk-hai and Orcs with renewed vigor.

The battle was not yet won and the fighting still fierce, yet the Men fought on. Their hearts lifted to see the sons of Elrond, the Prince of Mirkwood and a lone Dwarf fighting at their sides with speed, skill and strength.

"Come and get me, I say! Let them come!" Gimli was shouting and laughing as he sliced through enemies as easily as cutting his meal. The Elves smiled at the glee on their friend's face and renewed their advances against their foes.

The battle raged on; it seemed at times as if it would never end. Halbarad fell, as did many as valiant as he. Yet those who still lived fought on in their stead, taking up their arms and doubling their efforts. His arrows long spent and without the time to gather more, Legolas had resorted to his trusted knives. He almost seemed to perform a deadly dance on the battlefield; nothing dark yet lived within his reach. A body heavily connected with his; Legolas moved to strike, but stopped when he recognized Elrohir.

"How do you fare?" the twin asked over the noise of battle.

"I yet have strength left within me," Legolas replied. He did not like the slight look of worry that had etched frowns into the twin's brow. "What is it?"

"I have lost sight of Elladan."

/Valar, no.../ His motions stopped, his limbs suddenly feeling heavy with weariness. The cacophony of sounds dimmed around him as all Legolas could think about was what Elrohir had just said. /He can't...no, I refuse to believe it! He can't be gone!/

"Legolas!"

Gimli's voice sounded close to the archer's elbow; shaking himself back to reality, Legolas was in time to see the Dwarf sink his axe into an Uruk-hai about to sever Legolas' head from the rest of his body.

"Pull yourself together, lad! We're at war here!"

"But..."

"Have faith in him, lad. He lives yet, believe that. Worry about keeping yourself alive, and then we'll worry about finding him."

Legolas nodded, understanding the reasoning behind his friend's words. He willed his limbs to move, slicing through an Orc about to sink a blade into Elrohir's torso. /Please, melethron. Be alive. I'll find you, just be alive./

Translations:
Anor-nîn-My sun
Ithil-nîn-My moon
Melethron-Lover

Chapter 18: Shared Victory
Summary: The fighting is over, the dark armies destroyed and yet there is no sign of Elladan; Legolas fears for the worse.

It was over and they had won, but the wounded and dead were still numerous. The wounded were carried to the healing houses to be attended to; the dead were also carried away to be buried properly; the Uruk-hai and Orcs were piled to be burned. They had found Merry with Eowyn, the King Theoden next to them; he had died valiantly in battle, and would be honored for it. The little Hobbit and the White Maiden were injured and taken away, their wounds grievous. Though he had vowed not to step into Minas Tirith until the appropriate time, Aragorn followed into the city to attend to the injured.

Others, however, remained on the battlefield, searching for those who still possessed some sign of life. Among them was a lone Dwarf, shifting through the carcasses with his axe, being rather gentle with the bodies of fallen Men when he encountered them. With him were two elves, the youngest son of Elrond and the youngest prince of Mirkwood. Together they searched for one amongst the fallen, one whom they had lost sight of during the heavy battling. They each prayed they would not find him as lifeless as the corpses before them.

"Elbereth, where is he?!" Legolas' voice sounded rather frenzied as he searched the battlefield with maddening speed. His heart was racing, blood pumping in a thunderous roar in his ears as blue eyes darted left, right, everywhere. His footsteps were light yet quicker than normal as his searching became almost frantic.

"Lad, get a hold of yourself!" Gimli shouted at his friend, his voice surprisingly calm and even. He understood what Legolas must be going through; the joy that surged at finding his love was not the body before him, mixed with the dread that Elladan might be the next. The Dwarf was mildly put out by the indecisive display of emotions, and that the young prince had not lost his head earlier. Sparing a glance to the elf at his left, Gimli was not surprised to find Elrohir's lips grimly set in a thin line nor the slight worry that showed in his storm-gray eyes. They were all worried, the Dwarf no less than his companions, but somebody had to keep their head. "We'll find him, Legolas."

"Gimli is right, gwador," Elrohir said. "Do not worry. I would know if something terrible happened to Elladan."

Legolas seemed to visibly relax hearing Elrohir's words. His limbs suddenly felt heavy as the weariness showed in his eyes; he was tired and in need of rest, as he knew his companions must be, but he was not yet willing to leave the bloodied field. Legolas wanted--needed--to find Elladan first and make sure his lover was all right; it was all he could think about right now.

"Legolas? Gwador?" Elrohir laid a gentle hand upon the prince's shoulder, his thumb rubbing over the cloth-covered skin comfortingly. He knew his words had reassured his friend, but could clearly see that Legolas was still worried. "Come, rest. Master Gimli and I will continue searching. Be at ease, we will find him."

The archer nodded and allowed himself to be steered to a clear patch of ground that had, miraculously, been spared of any mark of the bloodshed that had taken place. Legolas allowed Elrohir to help him sit on the ground comfortably before the twin resumed the search with Gimli. He sat quietly watching them, his knees drawn up close and his slender arms wrapped about them. The archer tried to keep his mind from thinking of the horrors that might have befallen his lover. Instead, he tried to concentrate on happier times, times they shared when their hearts were light and all they could think about was love.

Trenaro nin o pent alui trenare in pennar
Tolo annin in i aduial in laire môr an lű

Sano nin ad i dôr
Manke anírarim-nîn n'onnen
I fenedror edra i fen naa ned camlann-lîn
Si revio nin ennas

The words tumbled from his lips without Legolas even realizing it. He was unaware of the stunned looks etched upon Gimli and Elrohir's faces as they and others still on the battlefield turned to the singing prince. The words kept coming, the song familiar. It was a song he knew well, one Legolas had sung the first night he had met Elladan. He sang the next verses unconsciously.

Milur utu sen menel in alui-meth alagor
Palantíri o rusva naa moeglîr an adonnen

Wait...what was that sound? Legolas sat up straighter, his ears straining to catch any sound. He was vaguely aware of Elrohir looking around as the twin also heard the sound. Swallowing thickly, the prince found his voice again.

Adgellam naa'nnas
In dôr en elei teli
I fenedror edra i fen naa ned camlann-lîn
Si revio nin ennas

There! The voice sounded again! Jumping to his feet, Legolas looked around the field, hoping to catch a glimpse of whomever it was he had heard. And then he saw him, a lone dark figure in the distance making its way slowly towards them. A tattered cloak blew his wake, sunlight streaming through their dark hair as gray eyes gazed up and a smile appeared.

"Elladan..." He raced along the bloody field as fast as his weary frame could carry him. All he could think about was the one in front of him, alive and as well as could be.

Elladan had stopped walking the moment he saw Legolas move, the gashes on his arm and across his hip forgotten as he caught the lithe form in his arms. He enfolded the familiar form of his lover in his arms, hugging him tightly as he felt kisses being planted over his face. "Legolas, melme..."

"You had me so worried!" Legolas nearly shouted, beating a fist on the light armor Elladan wore. "I thought...you might have...I didn't..." He couldn't voice his concerns as his voice choked and tears of relief filled his eyes.

"Forgive me, anor-nîn. Forgive me." He pulled Legolas closer, hugging him as tightly as the pain in his left arm would allow. Neither were aware of the smiles on Elrohir and Gimli's faces as they joined the lovers. All seemed well in the world.

~~~~~~~~~~
"You gave us all quite a scare, gwanur."

"I can assure you that my intentions did not involve being swept away by a wayward band of Orcs only to fight them off on my own...Estel!" Elladan squirmed as Aragorn attempted to apply some balm to the twin's various gashes, cuts and scrapes, but being far from soothing the paste was beginning to sting and burn. "Is that really made from athelas?"

"Yes, gwanur, it is," Aragorn said in slight exasperation mixed with a bit of tiredness, ignoring the small chuckle Elrohir gave from over his shoulder. "Now will you kindly hold still so that I may attend to you?"

Elladan grumbled something unintelligible, but obediently sat still as Aragorn finished the cleansing and binding of his wounds. Behind the King, Elrohir, Legolas and Gimli waited in silence, each watching Aragorn perform his work to his satisfaction before stepping away from his eldest foster brother, who promptly began to redress.

"I would say you are fairly lucky, gwanur. Whatever created the wounds to your arm and hip was not poisoned. Just as a precautionary measure, I would suggest you take the next day to rest and heal so as not to aggravate the healing."

"Now you sound like Ada, Estel."

Aragorn snorted at the remark and turned to leave, followed by Elrohir who ushered Gimli out before him. Elladan was left alone with Legolas, who rose from the seat he had been occupying to sit next to his dark-haired lover.

"How do you feel?" Legolas asked in a quiet voice.

"Tired...well, exhausted is more like it. But I'm healing. My injuries are not so great." Elladan sighed and wrapped an arm around the prince's waist and drew him closer. He closed his eyes and rested his dark head upon his lover's shoulder. Another sigh escaped his lips as Elladan felt Legolas' fingers gently shift through his hair to untangle the locks. "I am sorry to have frightened you, anor-nîn."

"You are all right; it matters not anymore. I thank the Valar that they returned you to me safely." Legolas tenderly kissed his lover's brow, drawing Elladan closer. "Rest, melme. Aragorn does not intend to ride out from a few more days. You need to rest and heal in the meantime."

"Stay?" There was a small pleading tone in Elladan's voice as he gazed up at Legolas.

"Of course." He smiled when he observed the contentment that crossed the twin's face. Legolas began to hum gently in an effort to lull his love to sleep; in a few moments, Elladan was gently dozing against his shoulder. Moving slowly so as not to awaken his lover, Legolas managed to maneuver them both into a lying position, pulling the sheets up about their forms. "Rest, ithil-nîn. Let me watch over your dreams." Another smile graced Legolas' fair face as Elladan shifted in his sleep to cuddle closer. The prince kissed his love's cheeks, and began to hum again as the noise around them settled down and peace enveloped the lovers.

Translations:
Gwador-Brother (for those not blood related)
Melme-Love
Anor-nîn-My sun
Gwanur-Brother (for those blood related)
Ada-Father
Ithil-nîn-My moon

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