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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 26417 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter XIV

Golden sunlight streamed into the chamber with near annoying brilliance and cheerfulness. Or so it seemed to the recumbent figure on the wide-four poster bed. With a groan Elladan lifted his head from his pillow and scowled as the light all but blinded him. Of course, that was an exaggeration but to the bleary-eyed Peredhel that is what it felt like.

He forced himself to rise from bed and trudge the short distance to his bathing room for a bracing wash. Much as he would have preferred to burrow under the covers and sleep until past noon he knew that was not advisable. Duty called and he needed to answer that call.

Their woodland guests would be leaving this morn and he and Elrohir had to see them off. He groaned again as a distinct throbbing in his temple reminded him of his overindulgence the eve before.

Splendor of Eru, why did he have those three cups of Dorwinion on top of the ale and miruvor he had already consumed? As he splashed water on his face, his fuzzy senses cleared somewhat and he found the wherewithal to grin. Well, if he felt like Orc leavings at the moment, what more his twin? Elrohir had downed four brimming cups of the blasted liquor when he returned to the porch and Elladan knew he'd already had two before he escorted Legolas to his room. His grin grew more marked as he envisioned just what the archer had done to put his brother in such a patently needful state.

He had just emerged from the bath chamber, refreshed and more or less awake, when several sharp raps on his apartment door and a barked “Elladan!” heralded the advent of his brother.

The odd urgency in Elrohir's voice spurred him to hurry across the sitting room and yank the door open. And gape at the apparition that stood before him.

Elrohir was still dripping from an early morning bath, his dark hair clinging to his neck, cheek and shoulders in wet tendrils. But he had not bothered to dry himself ere dressing and his shirt and breeches stuck to his body in damp patches. Yet what struck Elladan most was the utter wretchedness on his twin's pallid countenance.

“Valar, Elrohir!” he gasped. “You look like something a Warg dragged in!”

Elrohir brusquely brushed past him and strode into the sleeping chamber. Elladan closed the door and followed him, wondering at his demeanor. To his dismay, he saw Elrohir's shoulders begin to shake and heard the sounds of smothered sobs drift back to him.

“Sweet Eru!” he exclaimed, catching Elrohir in his arms. “What ails you, gwanneth?”-younger twin?

Elrohir slumped against him and fought to still his weeping. At length he managed to collect himself and he looked at Elladan, his eyes bright with tears.

“I have sinned, Elladan,” he choked out. “Ah, brother, what shall I do now?”

“Sinned? How? And against whom?”

“Legolas…”

Elladan stared at him. “Tell me,” he said, leading his distraught twin to the hearthside couch.

Hardly were they seated when Elrohir began to speak with scarcely enough coherence for Elladan to understand him.

Out spilled a sordid tale. Of awakening naked in a strange bed. Amidst soiled sheets. Beside a slumbering equally unclothed Elven prince. Only it was the wrong Elven prince. Elrohir could barely keep his bile down as he described his horror upon recognizing Nimaras.

He had not given the situation further thought but had thrown on his rumpled clothes, fled the chamber and raced to his own apartment. After emptying his roiling stomach into the chamber pot, he had drawn a hot bath, the hottest he could stand, and soaked in it for nigh an hour, scrubbing himself nearly raw to be rid of the scent of an Elf he loathed with ferocity. Elladan gazed at him in shock when he ceased his narration.

“But why?” he blurted out. “Why did you agree to go with him?”

“I do not know!” Elrohir cried. “I do not recall anything beyond the moment when he suggested we help each other to our rooms. Everything else is naught but a blur to me.”

“Elbereth, do you think he forced himself upon you?” Elladan anxiously asked.

Elrohir shook his head. “Would that I could claim that charge. But there was no sign of a struggle as far as I could tell. I must have been there on my own volition. He did not force me, that much I believe.” He began to shake once more.

Elladan tightened his hold on him. “I am here, brother,” he murmured soothingly. “Take heart, I am here.”

It was several minutes before Elrohir calmed down. Only then did Elladan voice a troubling thought.

“You will have to tell Legolas,” he cautiously said.

Elrohir jerked back and stared at him in horror. Before Elladan could stop him, he leaped to his feet and started to pace to and fro in agitation.

”Tell him?” he said, his tone verging on hysterical. “I might as well call off our betrothal forthwith!”

“Would you rather Nimaras brought him this tale?” Elladan pointed out. “He would make it seem worse than it is and blacken you beyond redemption. You must tell Legolas, Elrohir, and be the first to do so!”

Elrohir covered his quivering mouth with his fist. “He will not forgive me.”

“You cannot know that,” Elladan insisted. “You were intoxicated. You were not fully aware of your conduct. Surely he will take that into consideration.”

“'Tis no excuse. Or should every human wife pardon her husband for wenching while in his cups?”

“That matters not. You must go to him at once, Elrohir. 'Twill be far more ruinous should Nimaras get to him first.”

Elrohir went utterly still.

“I will lose him,” he whispered finally. “As sure as the sun rises each morn, 'twill be the end of his regard for me. My confession will be the death knell of our love.”

Elladan felt his throat constrict when he felt his brother's fear and anguish. He rose and went to him, shaking his head vehemently.

“I do not believe that,” he insisted. “If he truly loves you, he will pardon this one transgression. Eru's blood! You have borne yourself with honor and restraint all these years! Only this once have you stumbled and 'twas not even a true coupling but a drunken tumble.” He grabbed Elrohir by his arms. “Legolas loves you. I cannot believe that he will sunder your betrothal because of this single failing.”

Elrohir looked at him with eyes that were far from comforted. “I wish I could be as confident as you,” he said. “But you are right. I must tell him whatever the cost. There is no helping it.”

“Then go and array yourself as befits your station,” Elladan told him. “Besmirched you may be in his eyes this day but you will still comport yourself as a prince of Imladris.”

Elrohir sadly nodded. When he turned to go, Elladan thought of something and caught his wrist, staying him a while longer.

“Elrohir, I must know. Did he…?” Elladan swallowed. “Did he take you?”

Elrohir looked away for a moment then shrugged wearily and turned back to face him. He sighed. “I cannot be sure,” he whispered. “But I felt some discomfort when I woke up. It faded during my long bath and I feel nothing now.” A single tear trickled down one pale cheek. “That is all I know for certain.”

Elladan threw an arm around his drooping shoulders. “Ah, what wrong have you done that so grievous a hurt should befall you?”

“Mayhap 'tis the Valar's retribution for my failure to keep my trust.”

“Because you assuaged some of your needs and his? Fie, brother, then we should all be struck down to an Elf for being mere flawed beings!”

Elrohir bowed his head. “I must go and dress. Will you stand by me should he take my confession ill?”

“You know I will.”

**********

Elladan placed a calming hand on Elrohir's shoulder before they entered the princes' suite. The Elf-knight showed no visible manifestation of his perturbation save for the slight pallor of his complexion. But Elladan could sense his brother's thrumming apprehension and did his best to bolster the latter's faltering resolution.

His heart sank when they stepped into the sitting room to find all four brothers gathered within, their baggage already collected in a neat pile by the door. Elivorn was discussing something with the Elf-lieutenant who would head their escort while Galvreth was conducting a last sweep of the bedchambers to make certain that nothing of import had been left behind. He glanced sharply at Nimaras, wondering if the prince had already apprised his youngest brother of the previous night's events. But Nimaras appeared engrossed in his weapons and seemed not to notice their arrival. As for Legolas…

To his and Elrohir's surprise, as soon as the young Elf marked their entrance, he beamed brightly and at once hurried to enclose Elrohir in an affectionate hug.

“You are tardy, my Elf-knight,” he chided. “I thought we would perforce say our farewells in the courtyard in full view of everyone.”

“I - I needed to recover from last night's indulgence,” Elrohir managed to say with only the faintest hint of a stammer.

When Legolas chucklingly nuzzled his throat, the younger twin darted an incredulous look at his brother then at Nimaras. He wiped his expression clean of emotion when Nimaras finally looked up and laid eyes on the brethren. Elrohir tensed and braced himself for the expected verbal blow.

But Nimaras only squinted at them, took note of their impeccable appearances and apparently hale constitutions and broke into his trademark scowl.

“Neither of you look worse for wear,” he complained growlingly. “How is it that Half-elves withstood the effects of Dorwinion while we pure-bloods could barely open our eyes this morning?”

Galvreth looked at the twins and grinned, his smile growing fonder when it was directed at Elladan. “Mayhap it is the Maia in them that shields them,” he suggested.

“Hmph.” Nimaras' scowl deepened. “'Tis a strange thing that they should be so pert and bright-eyed when I cannot even remember the knave who dared sully my beddings last night.”

Elrohir managed to smother a shocked gasp while Elladan peered closely at the bronze-haired Elf.

“You had company last night?” he inquired with feigned pleasantness.

“I assume I did.”

“Assume? Do you not know?”

Nimaras shrugged. “I have only my stained sheets to inform me that I did not pass the night alone.”

Elladan's eyes narrowed. “And how do you know 'twas not only your own seed that marked your beddings?” he bluntly asked

Nimaras snorted, bristling at the older twin's seeming skepticism. “Because I am raw where I ought not to be if I had merely spent myself by my hand. Nay, 'tis clear I rode some Elf last eve. But who I rode…” He shook his head in frustration. “A pity. I should like to know who serviced me so well that I might avail of his favors again next I visit here.”

While he spoke, Elrohir had blanched, the prince's assertions confirming his awful suspicion. Forcing down a shudder of revulsion, he clutched Legolas even more snugly to him. The archer looked at him curiously.

“What is wrong, seron vell?”-beloved?-he softly asked.

Elrohir steadied his nerves as best as he could. “Legolas, may I have a word with you?” he said. “In private?”

Legolas smiled. “'Twas what I was hoping for.”

Taking Elrohir's hand, he led the Elf-knight to his vacated room. Elladan watched them go, his expression grim. So absorbed was he in his worry for his twin that he was verily startled when a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned to face an inquiring Galvreth.

“What ails Elrohir?” the silver-haired Elf asked. “He seemed not quite himself.”

Elladan swiftly considered what he could reveal of his brother's plight then decided against saying anything when Elrohir had not told Legolas anything as yet.

“'Tis not my place to speak of his troubles. That matter only Legolas may be privy to. But you are kind to concern yourself with Elrohir's woes, Galvreth.”

Galvreth hesitated then quietly said, “I cannot help it. He is your brother and very dear to you.”

Elladan bit his lip at the veiled allusion to Galvreth's feelings for him. A part of him yearned to give in to his attraction to Legolas' brother. But another part, the more prudent part, urged him to practice caution where his heart was concerned lest he fall as deeply into the abyss of love and desire as Elrohir had. He was not ready to tie himself down to anyone or anything except for family and duty to land and folk. Yet he could not quiet his regret either at the hurt and frustration Galvreth harbored but never expressed to anyone, least of all to him. Impulsively, he clasped Galvreth's hand as the latter was withdrawing it.

“Elrohir and I will visit Greenwood within a five-year if circumstances permit,” he said. “I pray you will still welcome my company, ernil daur.”-forest prince.

Galvreth's eyes widened at the unexpected gesture of affection. Collecting himself, he nodded and replied a shade hoarsely, “Always, mellon vell.”-dear friend.

With a suddenness that bespoke a surge of courage that could easily trickle away, Galvreth lifted their linked hands and before Elladan could guess his intent he turned the Elf-warrior's hand over and dropped a swift kiss on his palm. Just as hastily he let go and strode across the room to join Elivorn, his ivory cheeks markedly coloring.

Elladan stared after him, caught in momentary thrall. The sensation of surprisingly soft lips against the flesh of his palm seemed as scorching as a smoldering ember freshly pulled from the fire. He clenched his fist, unable to banish the feeling and not certain whether to savor the pleasure of it or fear it.

While Elladan debated which course to take, Elrohir struggled against the insidious urge to hold his tongue. Legolas had turned to go into his arms as soon as he closed the door behind them. He looked at his beauteous love and felt a reluctance to mar the young Elf's felicity just when they were about to part.

Nimaras did not remember, he thought again with some disbelief. Elbereth, he felt as if he had been gifted with a second life. Yet Elladan's counsel continued to resound in his mind. If by ill chance the Elf-prince should regain his memory, what then?

“Elrohir, what is wrong?” he heard Legolas ask again, anxiety limning every word.

With a resigned sigh, Elrohir forced himself to speak. “Legolas, there is something you should know,” he began.

“And what may that be?” Legolas pressed.

“About last night… What I did…” Elrohir faltered, unable to continue without pause.

His hesitation cost him for Legolas preempted any further outpourings with a softly exclaimed: “Oh that! Please, melethen”-my love-“do not fret over that. I know you did it to indulge me. And while I confess I was quite overcome by the experience and somewhat abashed, I assure you I do not regret it in the least. So why should you?”

Elrohir gaped at him in consternation. Sweet Eru, Legolas thought he was referring to their torrid tryst. He gazed at the prince's happy countenance, the azure eyes shining with love and trust and adoration. Elrohir felt his resolve wither in the face of such fervent devotion. Though guilt and shame wracked him, he could not bring himself to reveal his fall from grace.

He caught Legolas in a tight embrace and sealed their mouths in a long, hard kiss that set them both trembling violently. Legolas hung on to him, lost between the opposing poles of lust and trepidation wrought by so ardent an onslaught.

When at last he was released, the prince leaned weakly against the Elf-knight, his heart beating wildly and his chest heaving with breathlessness. It was then that the dam broke and Legolas began to sob.

“I will miss you so,” he wept. “Ah, how will I bear the years, Elrohir? They seem so empty when I am without you.”

Elrohir snuck a hand under his chin to cup it and tip his face upward. He kissed the younger Elf's tears away before bestowing a tender caress on his lips.

“I, too, find the loneliness nigh unbearable when we are apart,” he murmured. “All I can do is hold on to my memories of our time together. Every word and look and deed of yours I keep close especially in the deeps of the nights when I feel the wanting most keenly.”

Legolas moaned and burrowed further into the younger twin's arms. They stood there, locked together in love and sorrow, until Galvreth discreetly called them forth.

They were composed enough when they rejoined the others and proceeded to the courtyard where the princes' warriors awaited them. There the woodland brothers bid their hosts a formal farewell, Elivorn conveying on the others' behalf their gratitude to Elrond and Celebrían for seeing so meticulously and warmly to their wellbeing.

A collective chuckle greeted the sight of the dark-haired prince tickling Arwen beneath her tiny chin until the infant elleth fairly shrieked with glee and wriggled in delight in her mother's arms. Mayhap Elivorn was imagining a girl-child of his own now that he had won his long-pursued ladylove, Erestor was heard to murmur to a grinning Glorfindel.

But at last, the princes mounted their steeds, Legolas snatching a last hug from his Elf-knight before swinging himself onto his horse. The Greenwood party slowly rode out of the courtyard in single file. Elrohir did not take his eyes off his golden prince until the archer was well beyond the range of his Half-elven vision.

He sensed Elladan come up beside him. Knew what the older twin would say.

“You did not tell him, did you,” Elladan murmured.

Elrohir sighed. “I could not,” he admitted.

“When then?” Elladan persisted. “If ever.”

“I cannot say,” Elrohir replied. “Mayhap when I find the courage for it.” He bit his lip and looked shamefacedly at his twin. “Say it, muindor.”-brother. “I am a craven fool.”

Elladan blew out his breath. “Would that it were that simple. You are caught in a hard place and I will not pretend that I would do any better in your stead.” He curled his arm around Elrohir's shoulders and squeezed him sympathetically. “But I still counsel you to confess last night's dealings when next you meet him, Elrohir. Nimaras' fortuitous forgetfulness may not be permanent. You have been granted a reprieve, that is all.”

“I know,” Elrohir whispered. He lifted his eyes to gaze unseeingly in the direction the woodland Elves had gone. “I will tell him when I feel brave enough to face his certain wrath. Or worse, his disillusionment with me.”

His own heart almost breaking in empathy with his brother's misery, Elladan held him even more lovingly.

“If Legolas' love for you is true, he will set aside your mishap though his initial reaction be indeed of rage. If he does not, then you will know his heart not fully devoted to you and therefore unfit for an eternal mating. In which case, painful though it will be, you would be better served not to bind yourself to him.” Having delivered the unpleasant truth, he sought to ease its sting. “But he belongs with you as you belong with him. Your spirits know this and have already formed a primal bond and even should strife tear you apart, 'twill not be sufficient to sunder that bond. This I truly believe, Elrohir. I feel it deep in my very bones. Come what may you will be together. You will find a way.”

Elrohir's answering smile was wan but grateful. “You hearten me, gwaniuar”-older twin. “Always have I drawn hope and strength from your wisdom and great heart. Thank you, tôr vell.”-dear brother.

Elladan smiled back encouragingly then urged his twin back to the house. “Come, we have duties that demand our attention,” he said. “Best you forget your troubles for the moment in matters worth your while.”

********************************

Glossary:

Peredhel (pl. Peredhil) - Half-elf/Half-elven

miruvor - the cordial of Rivendell

forthwith - without delay

elleth - Elf-maid

To be continued…
- 14
- 15
- 16
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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness