Chapter 4: By the Twilight
Summary: The night is a mystical time in dark Mirkwood, as two new lovers will soon discover.

Days, weeks, months passed in a near blur. Autumn turned into winter, the cold melting away into spring. As midsummer approached, and preparations were made for the moonlight festival Mirkwood held every year, the princes and princess of the forest found themselves eagerly awaiting not only the much anticipated festival, but the journey they would be undertaking just a few short months later. For it was nearly time for Elladan and Elrohir's foster year to come to a close; by early autumn, they would return to Imladris in the company of Arondil and his siblings, who would then begin their year with the twins in the valley. Thranduil's children had heard much about the Last Homely House, but never expected to visit it--at least not for a while longer. They eagerly spoke amongst themselves, wondering what Imladris would be like, and if the elves were anything like the twins. They almost found themselves wishing they could leave that day, but knew their presence was needed at the feast and for a bit longer in Mirkwood.

Though the twins were looking forward to returning home, they felt a slight sorrow fill their hearts at having to leave the woodland realm. They had had their shares of battles with Orcs and Wargs and other dark servants of the enemy who dared enter the forest; these clashes were much anticipated at times, since the twins rarely left the Greenwood during their stay. They also had memories of happier times, talking long into the night with the king and queen, who they came to view as second parents. They also found themselves tutoring the patrol apprentices daily with the princes. Other days were spent taking walks along the streams with Nimriel, who eagerly asked them questions about Lorien, Imladris and their sister, Arwen.

For Elladan, none of these other activities seemed to compare with the nightly strolls he took along the vast halls of the king with Legolas. The pair would talk about anything and everything that came to their minds. Though he always felt his heart go aflutter when in the prince's company, Elladan also found it strangely alluring and comforting. They talked with ease together, sometimes embarrassing the other, laughter spreading through the corridors at their companion's expense. They were unaware of the two shadows who often trailed them, their number multiplying by two when Celeron and Nimriel had discovered the same looks of longing in their eyes, just as Arondil and Elrohir had.

Circling the preparations being made for the night's feast, Elladan discovered that, deep down, he was grateful for his father's insistence that he and his twin foster a year in Mirkwood. Thranduil had been nothing like what he had expected. He had steeled himself to meet a proud, haughty king who thought of nothing but himself and his line. Instead, he found someone willing to do anything and everything for his family, even against his own wishes, something Elladan knew his own father could relate to. Thranduil was the type of king and father who would swallow his own dislike for someone, or something, if his children found approval. Although there were times Elladan saw a flicker of contempt in the king's blue orbs when someone reminded Thranduil of the Noldorion or human blood that the twins possessed, he composed himself quickly and tried to remain pleasant. For the king would never openly admit to anyone, save his wife and children, that he had become quite fond of the twins during their stay, as they had proved themselves pleasant company and experienced warriors. He had nearly adopted the Imladrian twins as his own, and was rather saddened to see them go.

As Elladan walked, stopping now and then to talk to other elves, he was unaware of a pair of sapphire eyes following him, the same blue orbs that always watched him from afar, but seemed too shy away when he was near. Legolas slyly lurked in a corner, watching the twin in fascination, disregarding everything else that was going on around him. He felt a warmth filling him as he observed Elladan, a warmth he always felt when watching the dark-haired elf, or when speaking to him. Curious, he had once asked his mother in passing what such a feeling would mean; Erinien had simply smiled happily and announced that he would learn soon enough; it was not her place to tell him if he could not discover his feelings on his own. Her evasive answer had annoyed Legolas in the last three weeks since he spoke with her, and still he had not found an answer. The truth be told, he knew what he was feeling, but was afraid to voice it to himself. But the time come where Legolas could not rely on another to discover his feelings. He had to speak of them, and to Elladan. He had to speak about them now.

Mounting the courage he needed, something he found terribly difficult to do despite the many times he had rushed into a battle without thinking, the prince steeled himself, forcing his hands not to tremble, as he walked into the hall and towards the twin. His steps were slow and deliberate, giving him time to gather together his thoughts in a coherent manner. It took several deep breaths before Legolas could get his voice to work, without sounding anything but calm.

"Elladan?" At the sound of his name, the twin pardoned himself from the maid he had been speaking to and turned to the one behind him. He was slightly surprised to find himself facing Legolas; Elladan had to squelch the sudden flow of excitement threatening to bubble over inside him.

"Yes, Legolas?" Elladan marveled at the golden beauty he saw in Mirkwood's youngest prince, and not for the first time. Again he felt his heart go aflutter, and tried desperately to calm his nerves. He had spent many a sleepless night dreaming about the flaxen-haired prince now standing before him. Elladan had lost count of how many times he wished he could run fingers through the golden hair, imagine the touch of the creamy-pale skin underneath his hands. Sometimes, as they went on their nightly walks, his hand would brush against his companion's, sending jolts up his arm and leaving a tingling sensation, after which he would try to find any excuse to make accidental contact again. Elladan fought to keep his composure as Legolas began to speak.

"The feast isn't due to be begin for another hour," he said, hoping his voice didn't tremble as he thought it did. "There is little we can do while the maids prepare; we would only be getting in their way. Would you care to accompany me on a walk about the grounds?" The twin merely nodded as the two left the hall, the ends of their formal garments fluttering around them.

As they made their way down the corridors and out into the night-filled forest, Elladan caught himself glancing over at his companion more than once. The prince wore yet another silver tunic, one Elladan had seen him wear on many a formal occasion; vines in a pale golden thread had been stitched expertly over his shoulders and down his arms in graceful twists and arcs. No belt adorned his trim waist, as the tunic tapered to his fitted form. Tapered sleeves flared slightly from above the wrist to rest in lazy waves halfway down a slim hand. Moss-green leggings and brown leather boots completed the look; a soft moss brown cloak fell from his shoulders in placed folds, held in place by a single black leather belt.

"Elladan?" The musical voice broke the Imladrian prince from his thoughts as he raised his eyes to his companion‘s face. He inclined his head briefly to indicate that he was listening. "Have you enjoyed your time here?"

"Very much so," Elladan replied as the two weaved in and out through of beech trees, the stars shining down on them from above. With another sideways glance he noticed Legolas' hair was braided in the same fashion as usual, nothing elaborate for the feast, the ends flowing over the prince‘s shoulders in tumbling waves. "Elrohir and I did not know what to expect when we first arrived. Indeed, we were reluctant to come in the first place. I'm glad our father insisted on our going. Somehow, he knew we would enjoy it here. I know not how, but he knew, and I am glad for his persistence in the matter."

"I'm glad." Elladan blinked at the sound of relief flooding into Legolas' voice. "In truth, I was a little apprehensive about you arriving as well. My brothers thought the idea was just when my father presented it to us; they felt, as he did, that a strong alliance, which would come from a foster year. My sister was excited to see elves from outside the Greenwood, especially ones who would be arriving from the valley."

"And you? You said you felt apprehensive." Legolas sighed deeply, nodding at his companion's keen observation, barely registering the brush of Elladan's velvety wine robe against his fingers. "So? How was it you felt when you heard?"

"I did not know what to think in the beginning. My father respects yours as a lord, but doesn't seem to really be attached to the Noldorion and human history lord Elrond possesses. It is no secret that my father has an extreme dislike for the Kinslayers, and a slight bitterness for the death of my grandfather. He chose right in hoping to gain a peaceful alliance with Imladris, and he has done well to hide any dislike of your bloodlines he may have. I believe it is safe to say that he rather adores you and Elrohir." Elladan couldn't help but smile at such a comment. He was indeed pleased that he and his brother had been able to win over the king of Mirkwood, as well as his wife and children. Realizing Legolas had not yet finished speaking, Elladan continued to listen, keeping his thoughts quiet for a moment longer. "Even knowing this, I was still a little apprehensive about your arrival, mostly because I knew not what kind of people I would be dealing with. And I would be dealing with such people on a daily basis for a year; nay, two years once my foster year began. But, yes...it all melted away after a few days."

"Then you..." He cocked an eyebrow, waiting in anticipation for the prince's answer.

"Enjoyed your company? Very much so." The prince smiled, bringing a warm feeling to Elladan's core with the simple act. "You and Elrohir are a pair of caring, understanding people. You must be, for what you go through to avenge your mother, as I have heard. You must have loved her very much. I have never met Lord Elrond, but it seems to me from all the stories that I hear that you resemble him greatly."

"Many others have told us so as well. Elrohir and I tend to deny it. We are not as old and bookish as our father, nor indeed do we ever wish to be." Legolas let out a soft snort of laughter at Elladan's paternal teasing.

"I know the feeling well, for many have been kind enough to point out the similarities between my father and myself." Elladan grinned at the sigh of annoyance Legolas unwillingly let out.

The pair stopped beneath a beech tree, turning to gaze at one another. Legolas marveled at how the moonlight played over Elladan's wine and silver-gray robes, the garments draped from the twin‘s long limbs in lush waves and folds. His dark hair had been twisted expertly in places; a clasp of beaten mithril held most of the tresses out of his eyes and face. He was unadorned with jewelry, but proudly wore the colors of his father's realm; he and his twin would be a sharp contrast from the many Mirkwood elves that would be in attendance. Legolas found the dark beauty before him breathtaking, feeling his heart quickening a pace or two. Slowly, almost cautiously, he reached up, first twirling slender fingers into a twist of silky dark hair laying over a shoulder, before moving his hand further up to cup a warm cheek. He was ever aware of Elladan's eyes fixed on him, though he didn‘t return the gaze just yet.

"What is it about you, Elladan?" the prince asked in a hushed whisper, as if afraid to break the peace of the moment, moving to look into the gray eyes focused only on his person. "Why is it that when I'm with you the rest of the world can drop away, and I wouldn't care? For once in my life I feel like I'm being hunted, and yet I don't mind or care in the least."

"I could ask you the same thing." The dark elf pressed his cheek further into the warmth encircling it, bringing his own hand up to cover the other's. "I am vulnerable around you, when I have never been so in my life since I was born. I look into your eyes and drown in them, even in my sleep. Days and nights are filled with thoughts of you."

"Mine as well." The prince blinked in confusion as Elladan's eyebrows shot up in wonder, a bit of teasing hidden in their cloudy depths.

"You think of yourself all the time? How very vain of you, my dear Mirkwood prince." Legolas felt himself coloring at the jest, wrenching his hand playfully away from Elladan's in a mock attempt at throttling the other. Elladan grinned, catching his wrist in an equally playful manner before the two leaned against one another in fits of laughter.

Moments passed before they calmed, listening to the steady rhythm of the other's breathing as their own returned to normal. Lifting his head, Legolas looked into the dark elf's gray eyes, feeling his own slip closed as Elladan leaned forward, pressing their lips together in a light caress. He pulled away, only to come forward again, the kiss deepening. Slender arms encircled his neck as his own wrapped firmly about the trim waist. Lips touched and parted, allowing exploring tongues to play and wrestle with each other in an enticing dance for what seemed like an eternity. The need for air forced the pair slowly apart, their breathing again returning to normal as they gazed at one another with heavy-lidded, and star-filled eyes.

"How long?" Legolas asked, breaking the silence that had began to settle in. Elladan considered his question for a moment before answering, his palm drawing warm circles on the prince's lower back as the golden head rested against his shoulder.

"Since the day I met you, I believe," he replied, his voice low but the words spoken near the prince's almond ear, tongue darting out to flick against a lobe. "You were the first thing I saw when I rode up to your family. It's you I always look at during meals, you I always watch when tutoring the patrol apprentices, you I always think about when going to sleep each night."

"I think of you as well, and nothing else. I find myself distracted because of you. Do you realize I almost walked into a wall yesterday because I was watching while you rode through the trees? I have not walked into a wall since I was knee-high. My father was almost appalled when he heard of the incident!" He playfully batted at his new lover when Elladan let out a laugh of amusement at such a revelation. "The things you do to me!"

"And you to me, ernil-nîn." The dark elf leaned in for another love-filled kiss. Legolas smiled against him, relishing in the feel of their lips touching, their bodies brushing together, causing jolts of excitement to race through them both. He wanted this moment to go on forever, but someone else had another plan.

Their moment was interrupted by a voice sounding into the darkening forest as a maid called for Legolas. The feast was about to begin. Reluctantly, the two pulled apart, a touch of regret in both of their eyes.

"I'll go first," the prince said, slowly stepping away from the twin before straightening his clothing. Legolas began to head to the house; Elladan lingered behind a moment. A silent promise passed through them as Legolas stepped into the doorway and turned for one last look, a promise to meet again as soon as the feast was over.

/This dinner is going to be too long/, Elladan thought as he too headed for the house with a long sigh.

Translations:
Ernil-nîn-My prince

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Chapter 5: A Moment Together
Summary: Stealing stealthily away from the feast, Elladan and Legolas steal some time for themselves and get to know one another a little bit better.

Elladan had been right, it was a long feast. At least it had been for him, and probably for Legolas, as well judging by the half-hidden, bored expressions he caught on the prince‘s face when he chanced to glance over. Throughout the evening, Elladan had found himself dragged from one conversation into another, all of which he found terribly boring when normally he wouldn't. The elder twin also ended up avoiding as many dances as possible, passing partners off to his brother, who didn't seem to mind as much as Elladan thought he would. In fact, it seemed to Elladan, Elrohir accepted his rejected partners with grace, occasionally throwing his brother a knowing, thoughtful look. Elladan began to wonder if Elrohir knew how he felt about Legolas, and why he wasn't acting himself that night. He shook his head; his twin knew a great deal about him, but he couldn't possibly know about that.

As the feast came to a close, and guests were taking their leave of the king and queen's hospitality, the royal family retired one by one. Elladan made his apologies, excusing himself as being tired from the day's events and the feast. Elrohir watched him go, flashing a look and grin in Arondil's direction as Legolas also bade good night to his parents a few moments later. Snickering was heard behind the younger twin and he turned, finding Celeron and Nimriel observing Legolas' exit. The four elves smiled knowingly at one another before also taking their polite leave from the feast.

It took all of Legolas' willpower not to race down the corridors and to Elladan's chamber at the end of the guests' hall. Normally, he found the moonlight festival pleasant, and looked forward to the feast that was held. But, tonight, other thoughts were on his mind, specifically on a certain Peredhel twin. Time and time again Legolas found himself having to drag his attentions away from Elladan and back to whatever conversation or dance he was currently engaged in. Now that it was all over, he found, much to his dismay, that he could not yet relax until he was behind closed doors, lest he raise suspicions he was not yet ready to face. Legolas forced himself to walk slowly and discretely down the halls, avoiding as many people as possible on his way.

Finally, in far too long of a time period, the prince found himself facing the intricately carved oak door, behind which were Elladan's quarters during his stay in Mirkwood. He took a breath, calming his nerves before knocking, and entered at the slightest sound he heard. As he turned to shut the door, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his shoulders and waist, drawing him back against a warm body. Closing his eyes, Legolas breathed in the scent of pine and damp air that Elladan always seemed to be surrounded in, leaning his head back against a shoulder as a pair of lips gently caressed his neck.

"I thought that feast was never going to end," Elladan's voice whispered into his ear, before Legolas felt himself being turned, gray eyes gazing lovingly down at him. He smiled warmly, raising his arms to encircle his new lover's neck.

"My thoughts exactly. It lasted far too long for me, though I never seemed to mind before."

"Oh? And why is that, dear prince?"

"Because I was looking forward to certain...activities that were to be performed after the feast." Elladan let out a soft chuckle as he began to steer the two of them towards the bed. He stood with one knee on the bed above Legolas, as the prince took a seat on the soft straw mattress.

"You don't think we left in too much of a hurry, do you?" the dark twin asked near the pointed ear, tongue darting out momentarily to glide against a tip. A shudder raced through Legolas' frame at the warm, wet touch, craving more of it on other regions of his person.

"If we did, then we can let the others wonder as to why."

"I like your way of thinking, ernil-nîn." Legolas simply smiled in return, tugging Elladan down to sit next to him as they both leaned in for another deep kiss. Slipping his tongue within the dark recesses of the prince's mouthl Elladan wrestled with his lover's, eliciting small gasps and moans from his prince. His hands were busy unbraiding the golden hair, freeing it from its bonds; slender hands also moved in his dark locks, undoing the twists and releasing the clasp. Hands dived in, fingers twining around strands as each marveled at the other's silky downiness. The need for air became apparent as their chests began to feel tight. Reluctantly they pulled apart, cloudy, dark eyes holding the other's gaze as cheeks stained a faint pink.

The gaze lasted a moment longer before Elladan smiled, steering the golden prince so that he was lying down on his back in the center of the bed with the dark twin kneeling over him. Half-lidded eyes watched intently as Elladan worked at his clothes, first divesting Legolas of his cloak before working on the intricate fastenings of his tunic. The whole while the twin kept his mouth busy, planting soft kisses and nips along the side of his lover's neck, biting down softly at Legolas' pulse point and bringing out a groan of pleasure from the silvery voice. Finally, when the tunic fell open, warm hands weaved their way over pale skin; the sensations racing over the prince's skin caused him to arch up into the touch, bringing a smile to Elladan's face.

"Are we enjoying this?" he asked, the grin never leaving his face as his lips brushed against quivering skin.

"You are such a tease, melethron-nîn." Legolas' voice was barely above a whisper, quivering with the desire building up within him. Elladan smiled wider, continuing his ministrations as he felt slender hands working to unfasten his own robes before mirroring the movement of his hands. He moaned at the faint brush of fingers on his heated flesh, stopping his own movements to savor the jolts of energy racing up his spine, sending small stars dancing in his eyes. Feeling a nuzzle on the side of his head, Elladan placed his lips over Legolas' once again as arms were slipped out of sleeves before tunic and robe were cast aside. Feverish hands moved to rid the other's body of suddenly too tight leggings. Once completely free of any article of clothing, Elladan allowed his body to lower onto that of the prince, both letting out a gasp as their skins touched and created delicious friction.

"Ve' ôl," Elladan murmured, his tongue flicking out over a leaf shaped tip.

"Alôl," Legolas whispered back, lips brushing the spot behind Elladan's ear, delighting in the moan the action brought forth. "Hae'ôl, ithil-nîn." Burying his hands in locks of the richest dark browns, Legolas marveled at the beauty in his lover he had only seen before in the face of the moon. Elladan was the presence that gave light to the dark; Legolas was the one bearing light for the day.

"Uma, naa'l ôl, anor-nin, anor-nin. Naa menel." The sun smiled against the moon as they came together for another desire-filled kiss, lips bruising in the contact, but neither minding. Elladan broke away far too soon for Legolas' liking, using his lips to explode the planes of the archer's chest whilst hands busily stroked against any skin they could find. Legolas could do nothing but surrender to the kisses and caresses, hands buried deep into raven tresses, fingers twirling and stroking the soft locks. He could feel his lover's tongue working to map his torso and abdomen, gasps leaving his lips as he felt suddenly sensitive patches of flesh being touched with the briefest of strokes. He writhed beneath his love, silently imploring him not to be so torturous.

Elladan took his time, delighted at the feel of creamy skin under his hands and the sounds coming from his lover, like music he played with natural talent. He kissed the taut muscles of Legolas' abdomen before moving lover. Lifting his head, he gazed into the prince's face, the ends of his hair tickling Legolas' stomach whilst his hands gently stroked the skin of his lover's inner thighs to calm him. A faint wisp of a smile spread across the Greenleaf's face as the sudden absence of touch.

"Metho nin, melethron."

"Úsi, nan' thentenn." He felt rather than saw the other's body writhe in impatience before he claimed his lover in his mouth. Legolas bit down a scream, and his hands, having left Elladan's hair, knotted themselves in the sheets as he arched upwards in an effort to bury himself further into the hot cavern surrounding him. Firm hands on his hips held him down as soothing fingers drew small circles on the skin in an attempt to calm the prince. But Legolas was far from calm as he felt Elladan began to suck on the shaft, his tongue scraping along the skin of the heated column, sending stars into his lover's eyes. A low groan sounded from the depths of the prince's throat as Elladan pulled away, teeth nipping playfully at the tip before engulfing his love once again. He repeated the action a handful of times, the tip of his tongue lapping at the pre-cum pearling at his lover's slit.

"I can't stand it," Legolas gasped out.

"Then let go, ernil-nîn," Elladan soothed before taking him in again. The pressure of the building sensations and the feel of the twin swallowing his erection yet again caused Legolas to release into the other‘s mouth, his back lifting off the bed before tumbling down again as his passion died down in rolling waves. Closing his eyes, Legolas steadied his breathing, feeling the cool forest breeze brushing over his skin through a window he hadn‘t realized was open.

Elladan released him, swallowing the last of the creamy seed before sliding himself upwards over the lithe pale body. The golden hair spilled out like a halo on the pillows around the lean face, eyes closed and face aglow as his passion ebbed. Heavy-lidded sapphire eyes opened again as gentle fingers traced a cheekbone, a warm smile greeting Elladan, one which he returned before kissing the soft lips before him. Legolas could taste the saltiness of his seed on his love's lips and in his mouth as he sucked lightly on the tongue that sparred with his own. Mischievously, he grinned into the kiss, one hand sliding down to wrap long fingers around Elladan's ever present hard-on. He delighted in the surprised gasp he heard and felt as he gently pumped the organ.

"Daro ungwal nin," Elladan pleaded as his body spasmed in the pulsating touch his lover provided.

"Pân naa fael i n'alatelien, melethron-nîn," the prince cooed before taking a delicate earlobe between his lips and sucking.

"Far n'alatelien." Musical laughter left the golden one beneath him.

"Im nowe lin aloio athonaya." Elladan merely smirked, leaning into for another bruising kiss before reaching for something on the nightstand next to the bed. A pop was heard, followed by the sounds of the twin fumbling with something while never breaking the kiss. Legolas squirmed underneath his moon, impatient for his lover's touch. And then it was there, slick fingers moving from his hip, lazily over to his thigh, before pressing at his entrance. He moaned into the twin's mouth as a finger pushed in; the slight discomfort caused him to release Elladan's lips, a sharp intake of breath passing through his own bruised pair. He stopped moving for a moment, adjusting to the intrusion. The prince hadn't realized his eyes were closed until he opened them to find himself gazing into a pair of concerned, loving gray orbs. Smiling as the pain subsided, Legolas wiggled his hips a bit as he began to feel pleasure from the digit within him.

"Saes, melethron-nîn," he whispered, kissing his lover's lips to reassure him and ask him to continue. It was enough for Elladan as he smiled, leaning forward to slowly kiss the creamy column of neck before him whilst preparing his precious one further. Twisting his finger ever so slightly, he gently urged the tight ring of muscle to open and allow another digit to accompany the first. In the process, he brushed against something only to cause Legolas to writhe and groan more. Concern filled him again as Elladan lay motionless on top of his prince for fear of hurting him again. Frustration from the sudden cessation of movement crept into the lithe body, but Legolas forced it down again as he fixed his gaze onto his lover, immediately understanding the concern written there.

"Saes, údaro," he pleaded, reassuring Elladan with another brief kiss. Another smile, this one of relief, passed over the dark elf.

"Im údaro." And he didn't as he once again worked to prepare his lover, this time in a gentler fashion than was necessary, but all the more cautiously. He took his time, slowly scissoring the flesh until Elladan felt all was ready. Quickly, he coated his own erection with the remainder of the oil on his hand before rising on his heels a little, hands loosely grasping Legolas' hips. His golden lover gave him a nod and another smile, one that reassured him and stated his readiness. Leaning in for another kiss, Elladan lifted those slim hips off the bed just the barest amount before slowly pressing into his lover, feeling himself begin swallowed by heat unimaginable. Once fully sheathed inside his prince, he paused, allowing both of them time to adjust to their new connection. Only when Elladan had decided the moan he heard coming from the fair one beneath him was from pleasure and not pain did he begin to set up a rhythm.

Slow and steadily, he pulled himself out until he had almost left his prince all together. Just as slowly, Elladan pushed back in again, relishing in the feel of the searing heat enveloping him and the tight ring of muscle surrounding his base. Twice more he pulled out and pushed back in, his second thrust brushing against the secret spot just as his fingers had done, eliciting a strangled moan of pleasure from his lover. Even the half-swallowed, half-voiced sound felt like music to his ears; smiling he thrust in again, the moans growing louder each time he touched that hidden gland. The dark twin quickened his pace as one hand slid over a hip to grasp at Legolas' weeping erection, stroking the slit with his thumb while fingers and palm began to pump the column.

The sensation of being doubly connected was mind blowing to the prince. Craving more of his lover's touch, Legolas arched his back, feeling himself nearing his edge. He willed himself to hold back for just a moment longer to savor the warmth, the loving touches. But Elladan's steady rhythm was ever quickening, pushing him nearer and nearer to orgasm. With a strangled cry he came again for the second time that night, creamy seed spilling forth in rivulets over his lover's hand. At the sound of his voice and the tightening around his cock, Elladan gritted his teeth as he too felt himself coming, releasing himself deep within his lover. Exhausted but satiated, he fell forward, his warm body covering the one below him.

Chests rose and fell against one another, breathing returning to normal as stars cleared away from behind closed eyes. Coming back to his senses, Elladan opened heavy-lidded eyes. Wearily he reached over for a cloth lying on the nightstand for unknown purposes, using it to clean himself and Legolas of the prince's seed. Tossing the used rag away, he withdrew from his prince, a bit reluctantly, to pull sheets over him. With a sleepy smile on his face, Legolas shifted closer, snuggling against Elladan's warm body and burying his face amidst the smooth skin of the twin's neck and silky waves of his raven hair. Swallowing a yawn, Elladan encircled his arms around his love's back, rubbing small circles on the skin through the sheets as both drifted off into a contented sleep, secure with the other and knowing they were loved.

Translations:
Ve' ôl-Like a dream
Alôl-Not a dream
Uma, naa'l ôl, anor-nin, anor-nin. Naa menel-Aye, tis not a dream, my sun. Tis heaven.
Metho nin, melethron-Finish me, lover
Úsi, nan' thentenn-Not yet, but soon
Daro ungwal nin-Stop torturing me
Pân naa fael i n'alatelien-All's fair in foreplay, my lover
Far n'alatelien-Enough foreplay
Im nowe lin aloio athonaya-I thought you'd never offer
Saes, melethron-nîn-Please, my lover
Saes, údaro-Please, don't stop
Im údaro-Then I won't

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Chapter 6: Traveling to Lil' Bree
Summary: The year in Mirkwood is up; the children of Thranduil prepare to leave with the Peredhel twins to spend their allotted time in Imladris. But first, a detour to the town of Lil' Bree to see what humans can really be like.

The mid-autumn day was pleasant and warm. The sun beat down comfortably onto the backs of six travelers. They rode together down the last leg of the Misty Mountains in merriment, their musical voices filling the air as they laughed and talked with one another. To someone observing them from afar, they seemed to appear to be warriors traveling in company, six men either heading out to a hunt or coming back from one. In actuality they were five elven princes and one elven princess, disguised as a male warrior to keep her safe from prying eyes. Rather than journeying to a hunt, they were moving from one elven haven to another, but their path veered slightly away from their final destination, heading towards a small human town instead.

It was Nimriel's insistence that had prompted the group to make a slight detour. The young princess wanted to see what men were really like having encountered few outside of the sparse villages that dotted Mirkwood's borders. Her brothers, who had had more encounters than she, and even the twins, had tried to convince her that it was probably not the best of ideas for a whole elven escort to simply enter a human village and wish to stay for the night. To their surprise and dismay the princess had agreed, saying they would travel without an escort and she would willingly disguise herself as a male warrior to keep her identity and gender safe. Much to their loathing, especially that of the twins, Thranduil and Erinien had agreed, stating that it would be good for the princess to know and learn more about the world outside of the Greenwood. Their only condition in the matter had been that the town needed to be one close to either Mirkwood or Imladris so that, if need be, they could take off in a hurry to an elven shelter. The five princes had no choice but to agree, and promise to keep Nimriel safe from harm.

So it was that the group found themselves steadily approaching Lil' Bree, so named because it looked and felt like a smaller replica of the town on the borders of the Shire. The place had had its own name once, but travelers and its inhabitants alike kept calling it Lil' Bree; pretty soon, its original name was forgotten. It was a place inhabited mostly by men and dwarves; it was too far for hobbits to visit, and few elves ventured into the city, though Imladris was less than a day's ride away. The town saw little adventure, its inhabitants mostly farmers, shopkeepers and miners. News of the outside world didn't seem to concern the inhabitants, as they often felt no need to know what the other parts of Middle-earth were up to. Rangers passed through now and then though they often were not given a warm welcome; it mattered little to the Dunedain, for they tarried only a short while in the town before moving on towards other places and destinations. Other than that, Lil Bree rarely received any strangers from other lands or races. Today, however, would break such ideals.

Nimriel squirmed in her saddle, fighting the urge to push her mare into a canter and into the town. It was difficult for her to keep still and calm during the ride. She was, after all, supposed to be disguised as a warrior; she was well versed in the usage of the bow and knew a little about the sword, able to help her brothers and the twins in the event that a fight should break out. Nimriel indeed looked the part of a warrior. But she held nothing of the poise and composure a proud, weathered elven bowman or swordsman possessed. Instead Nimriel was a princess, a lady, and, above all else, a girl filled with curiosity about something she had never laid eyes on. All she really wanted to do was take off, leaving her brothers and the twins behind and go explore the town that seemed to beckon to her.

Nimriel scowled faintly as her eldest brother reached over, drawing the hood of her cloak over her ears and warrior-braided hair.

"Best to hide as much of our features as we can," Arondil said calmly, pulling his own hood over his head as the others followed suit.

"Aye, tis true," Elladan agreed, turning slightly in his seat to face them, face partially shadowed by his cloak. "I know not how the men and dwarves of Lil' Bree will react to seeing a small troupe of elves venture into their town. Imladrian elves seldom come here, and in disguise when they do, lingering little."

"There are dwarves in the village?" Legolas asked, his eyes lifting in slight amazement at the news. His siblings seemed equally amazed as they turned to the twins for an explanation.

"Aye," Elrohir answered. "The dwarves of Lil' Bree care nothing for the grudge between elves and their kind, however. They mine by day and drink by night and make merry whenever they can. ‘Tis likely that these dwarves have never heard of elves, if so then only in tales." Celeron snorted in amusement.

"Then it is likely that if we are somehow discovered, Elbereth forbid, we will be revered as beings thought long lost."

"Or chased out of the village," Elladan countered. "Either way, this will be an interesting stay."

"Far better than staying on the ground another night," the princess said. "I am weary from the journey. Though I will enjoy this adventure, I find myself wishing to be in the halls your father is so famous for founding. Yet Imladris is another half day's travel, and Arien is beginning to sink."

"Aye, I agree," Elrohir said. "Setting aside what may happen, we'll find comfort indoors tonight in Lil' Bree. ‘Tis well we all speak Westron else we draw more unwanted attention. Our appearance, even hidden, draws the attention of far too many eyes already." The others agreed, their steeds now beginning to enter the streets of the town. They seemed, at first glance, no different than the other men and women going about their business in the busy little town. But, as they rode down the main street, eyes turned to them and lingered for longer than the elves would have liked. Despite their worn clothing, their more regal garments hidden among their possessions, and weathered looks, the six companions seemed to stand out from the rest of the town as if they had walked in with a procession behind them, glittering in gold and mithril.

At Elladan's gesture, the riders headed to a tavern in the middle of the town just as the owner stepped out. Bowman Butterbur was the owner of the Trotting Stallion; he was also the cousin of Barliman Butterbur, who operated the Prancing Pony in Bree. He was portly, yet cheerful and kind, not to mention a bit forgetful at times, much like his cousin. Though his was far from the only tavern, even in such a small town, it was one that tended, unknowingly, to draw the most unusual of visitors. His warm smile behind a brushy mustache and stained apron made old friends and new customers feel right at home.

"Good day, young warriors!" he greeted in a cheerful voice, his mustache twitching faintly with his words. His dark eyes widened in amazement at his new guests but he kept his voice pleasant and warm. "Have a good hunt?"

"Yes indeed," Elrohir replied, dismounting as the others followed suit. "And now we are in need of a night's rest, for both ourselves and our horses. Can you accommodate us?"

"You are in luck, my young friends." Bowman seemed not to take notice of the slight twitching of lips that occurred when he referred to them as ‘young.' As he spoke, he seemed a little preoccupied with the fact his new customers, even the princess, stood almost half a head taller than he. "I have in fact two rooms available that might suit your fancy, nice big and cozy rooms."

"That is one less than we were hoping for, but it is acceptable," Arondil replied, handing the man the reins to his steed. "Kindly see to our horses, and that our things are taken straight to the rooms, kind sir. We shall return shortly for the night's supper."

"I shall be awaiting your return with a hot meal and ale aplenty." Bowman watched as the six slung bows and quivers to their backs, strapping knives in their boots and swords to their hips. As they journeyed down the main road, he couldn't help but wonder that there was something distinctly different about the group. Shrugging it off, he led their steeds into his large stable, the majestic beasts seeming less weary than the other horses already in holds, despite the long journey. Bowman then took their things, remarkably light contrary to their size, up to the designated rooms before preparing for the evening meal.

~~~~~~~~~~
"The town seems lively enough for one so small," Celeron said in Westron as the group roamed the streets, killing time before returning to the tavern for the evening meal. The elves spoke in the common tongue so as not to draw more unwanted attention to themselves; occasionally, they would speak in low whispers in elvish that only their keen ears could hear.

"It is fascinating!" Nimriel nearly exclaimed before lowering her voice at the slightly reproachful look her brothers gave her. "It is nothing like the villages on our borders. They were always small, mostly just a few families and homes. But this is different. Are all human towns and cities like this?" Arondil laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Calm yourself, sister," he said in a calm voice. "Yes, they are all like this, and no, they are all different."

"Aye," Elladan agreed. "Most towns of Rohan are much the same as the villages you have seen, maybe just a little bigger. But the cities of Gondor are said to be large and majestic with colorful banners waving from high white towers and twisting streets between buildings. In the north there are few cities, but they differ little from Lil' Bree. I have not seen the towns of the fabled Shire, nor the little people that inhabit it, but they are told to be a cheery place."

"How I would love to visit the Shire," Nimriel said. "But it is too far to travel."

"I am afraid that, even if we were to make it that far," Legolas interrupted her musings, "we might startle the little people. I doubt they have ever seen men and dwarves, much less elves."

"Aye, ‘tis true," Elrohir agreed with a nod. "The stories told tell us that the Halflings are cautious of men, whom they refer to as the big folk. None know much about dwarves, and even less of our kin. It is not far from truth to say that if we were to stroll into the Shire, we would scare the Halflings witless with our presence. They would tell stories of such an encounter for years and generations to come." The group stopped walking as a dozen children, all much shorter in stature than the elves, ran across their path, disappearing around a corner only to poke their heads out a moment later to gape at the strangers in awe.

"It never ceases to amaze me how human children and elflings can be so different," Arondil said, smiling at the wide-eyed children who ducked away from his gaze before appearing again. "They mature quickly, reaching their majority much earlier than we. I remember Ada not being able to cease calling me elfling until I had reached my one-hundredth year."

"Aye, I remember that as well," Legolas said. "Even after majority, he still referred to us as if we were children for a while longer. It would annoy me to no end at times."

"And yet a human life is so fragile," Elladan mused. "We feel no cold, no heat, little pain and little fear. Yet they feel it all heavily, and reach the end of their mortality quickly. ‘Tis a sad idea to ponder." He smiled wistfully as he felt a hand grasp his own, a flash of gold and sapphire from the corner of his eye confirming Legolas' presence. The elves continued on down the street in silence for a few moments, always aware of the curious children who followed in their steps.

"It is getting late," Arondil announced. "Did you find this excursion to your liking, gwathel-nîn?"

"Very much so," Nimriel replied. "Yet I feel the need for rest, for now I am anxious to arrive in Imladris tomorrow. The valley intrigues me, as we will be staying there a full year. I almost wish we could ride there tonight."

"The paths and forests are not safe at night, as we all well know," Legolas pointed out as the group steered back towards the Trotting Stallion, their shadows still following, much to their amusement. "Though I do not know about the rest of you, I would not want to spend tonight worrying about Orcs, Wargs or Easterlings attacking us during our sleep. We have spent plenty a night worrying about such things already on this trip."

"Aye, and father does not expect us until midday tomorrow," Elladan said. "He will be ill prepared to receive us, especially in the middle of the night. We should rest and refresh ourselves in the meanwhile." The others nodded as they entered the already bustling tavern. The door shut behind them with a faint thud, leaving the children outside and away from the smoky and ale-filled place.

Undaunted, the dozen little ones made their way to a nearby window and packed themselves around it. The fair strangers had grasped their attention on the street, though the children knew not why. As they lingered at the window, the elder ones holding up their younger counterparts, they kept their attentions focused on the six riders who seated themselves in a dark corner away from the rest of the tavern. They were hoping for a show, and would not leave until they got what they wanted.

Translations:
Gwathul-nîn-My sister
Ada-Father

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