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Princes Three: The Beginning	By : nuwing Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 19708 -:- 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.

Chapter List
- 16
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Chapter 14

Legolas buried his face deeper in Elrohir�s sweat-damp neck, never relinquishing his grip on Elladan�s arm. "I refuse to leave this bed," the woodland prince declared soberly, his voice muffled. "If I rise, I shall have to prepare to go."
"You did not wish to come to this bed, last night," the elf-knight teased, dropping a kiss on the flushed forehead. "Even though �twas your last chance to rest in a bed for some days. I nearly carried you from the den, if my memory serves."
"The furs were soft," the prince retorted. "And I was understandably tired. I still am, in fact. I need more sleep."
"We would not wish you from bed, either, anor n�n," Elladan said, pressing his face into the tangled golden mane, "But �tis well after dawn. Your guards will be readying for the journey, ere you have breakfast. �Roh and I will bathe quickly, then we can gather your things while you soak, hmm?"
"Aye, you are right I suppose," Legolas sighed, turning to brush a chaste kiss to the dark elf�s mouth. "But could we not all bathe?�, he asked, his eyes twinkling. "�Twould save water, if not time."
Elrohir laughed softly, curling more tightly around the golden prince. "As tempting as that offer is, melethen, you have a long ride ahead. A good soak will serve you far better than company, I deem."
"I will go clean up first," Elladan offered, rising with a graceful stretch. "I will be quick."
"That would be a strange occurrence," the elf-knight snorted. "You are part water creature, t�ren, from the time you usually spend in the tub."
"Don�t exaggerate, �Roh," the elder twin chided good-naturedly. "I am simply appreciative of hot water, and take my time enjoying it while we are in the valley. �Tis hard to come by in the wilds." Flashing a grin at Legolas, he went on, as he headed for the tub, "But I promise to control my enthusiasm this day."
Listening to the splash of water from the bathing chamber, Legolas snuggled tighter against the younger twin. "Have you ever had a real disagreement in your lives?", he asked jokingly, running his fingers idly through the ebony-dark locks. "I do not ever remember being witness to one, in all our years of travel."
"Not since our majority," Elrohir replied, pressing a kiss to the archer�s head. "And rarely, before that. But as elflings, we fought like wargs a few times," he admitted with a chuckle. "We always wanted exactly the same thing. The same toy, the same book, the same piece of pie- and if there was only one, fur flew. But when we came of age, and our bond was fully formed, that stopped." Reaching up to touch the fair face with a gentle hand, he continued with a smile, "Now we share."
"What are we sharing, now, rohir n�n?", Elladan asked with a grin, padding back into the bed-chamber.
Looking at his twin ruefully, the elf-knight returned, "Right now, �Dan, we are sharing secrets. How is it that we have the same body, and the same features, yet you look quite fetching in a towel, while I resemble a drowned rat?"
"�Tis due to the extra breaths I drew, being born a full two minutes before you, �Roh," the elder twin replied, seemingly serious. "�Tis why I do everything better. Is that not so, �Las?"
"Nay," Elrohir shot back with a grin. "By now those two minutes have turned on you, and you are failing in your advanced age. Right, �Las?"
Legolas snickered, shaking his head firmly. "I will not touch either of those questions, mellynen. I refuse to participate in this dispute."
"A wise decision, anor n�n," the younger twin chuckled, heading for the bathing-chamber. "I will hurry, so you will have time to soak."
Elladan pulled on his leggings, then turned back to the bed to find Legolas staring at him intently. Lifting one ebony eyebrow questioningly, he returned the gaze.
"You do look quite fetching in a towel, though, el n�n," the prince said, patting the bed invitingly. "Come sit with me?"
Pulling his damp hair over one shoulder, the elder twin settled himself against the headboard and reached for Legolas, wrapping him in a snug embrace. His head tucked under the Elladan�s chin, the woodland prince sighed contentedly, combing the silky black strands with his fingers.
"We shall miss you, too, anor n�n," the dark elf whispered, as though answering the other�s thoughts. "And ere long we will come to Taur-na-Fuin, and aggravate your adar for a while, hmm?"
"Aye, I know," Legolas answered sadly, "And I should not mope like an elfling denied sweets. But I find myself unable to stop."
Returning quietly from his bath, Elrohir raised an eyebrow at his twin.

Have you talked to him?
Nay, not yet. I fear �twill spark his temper, rohir n�n, and make this day even worse.
But it needs saying, �Dan. "Twould have been better done earlier. Shall I?
I will. But come sit beside, saes?

Elrohir slipped into his leggings, then threw himself down on the bed, snuggling close to his lovers. Catching his brother�s eye, he gave an encouraging nod.
Squeezing the prince tightly, Elladan drew a deep breath. "�Las?", he began, restlessly playing with the golden hair, "�Roh and I need to say something, and we do not want you to become angry. Agreed?"
Frowning slightly, Legolas tilted his head to look at the elder twin. "I cannot imagine what you need to say that would anger me, but, aye, it is agreed."
"You said you were moping like an elfling denied sweets?", the dark elf asked lightly, receiving a sheepish nod from the prince. "Well, you are not, anor n�n, so do not berate yourself," he went on, his tone serious. "But we do not wish to deny you anything. We would not deny you pleasure, �Las. If you have need of comfort while we are apart, we will bear it, so long as you make it clear where your heart lies."
Eyes glittering dangerously, Legolas returned with deadly calm, "You are offering me permission to bed as many elves as I choose while we are apart? You do not care?" Face mutinous, he attempted to pull away from the elder twin.
"Nay, I did not say we did not care, melethen. And I said nothing of bedding as many elves as you choose. You exaggerate my meaning," Elladan replied, refusing to loose his grip on the prince. "I said we would bear it, if you have need of comfort. And only if the other understands full well where your heart lies. �Tis a major difference. And you agreed not to become angry."
"Aye, there is a difference, I suppose," Legolas admitted, relaxing somewhat. "I do not believe I would do such a thing, but�Do you expect to need comfort?", he asked suddenly, blue-green eyes narrowing ominously.
"We have comfort, �Las," Elrohir broke in gently. "There are two of us. No, we do not wish for other comfort, nor permission to seek it. Melim chen, anor n�n. We want no other. And we do not relish the idea of another touching you, but we will bear it, if need be. Our situations will be different, pen vain. �Tis of no benefit to pretend otherwise."
"Mayhap," the woodland prince agreed slowly. "But I would not betray you so easily. And that is what it seems to me now. Betrayal."
"Do not anguish over this," Elladan insisted, pressing a kiss to the down-turned mouth. "�Twas something that needed to be said, and would have been better said many days ago. Now we need not speak of it again. Ever, for my part."
"Aye," Elrohir added promptly. "We have all had our say, and the discussion is closed. Get to your bath, wood-elf, while we go gather your belongings. Have a good soak. �Twill be awhile ere your next chance."
Rising reluctantly, Legolas looked solemnly at the twins for a long moment, then smiled suddenly. "Melin chen," he said, leaning over to kiss each of his lovers lightly. "I am going to bathe. I will try not to drown. Will you bring me some of my own clothing? �Twould be best if I matched my guard, I suppose."

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

Looking around the guest chambers morosely, Elladan sighed. "I believe we have it all, t�ren," he said, handing Elrohir a final pile of green and brown clothing. Only Legolas� traveling garments remained unpacked.
As the elf-knight tucked the last items into a well-worn leather pack, he caught a glimpse of blue and grey among the green, and looked questioningly at his twin. "What is this, �Dan?", he asked curiously. "�Tis from our closet, by the colors."
"Aye, it is," the elder twin agreed. "�Tis the mate to the set you destroyed that day by the falls." Grinning wickedly, he continued, "I deemed it an appropriate remembrance."
"I guess it is, at that, el n�n," Elrohir chuckled. "�Twas a very good day."
"It was, indeed," Elladan replied, his smile fading. "Just as this seems a very bad day, rohir n�n. �Tis harder than I thought."
"Aye, I know," the elf-knight said softly. "�Twill be hard to watch him go. It is not yet real to me, that this day has come."
Shaking his head sadly, Elladan picked up the loaded bag and placed it by the door, to be collected by the Mirkwood guard. "Come, t�ren," he sighed, wrapping an arm around Elrohir, who had collected the traveling garb. "We must get these clothes to �Las, if he is to have time for breakfast."
Even as they left the guest chamber, a guard from the Mirkwood party arrived to collect the filled pack. Bowing low, his red-gold braids falling forward, the warrior began, "Forgive me, h�ren. I will return later�".
"�Tis alright," Elrohir broke in with a smile, clasping the guard�s forearm in a traditional warrior�s greeting. "And you need not bow for us. We do not often stand on ceremony."
"You are Tiriadon, the guard�s Captain, are you not?", Elladan asked with a friendly grin. When the elf nodded in surprise, the elder twin continued, "Your Prince thinks highly of you, Captain. And I have seen you spar. I am grateful Imladris and Taur-na-Fuin are allies, rather than enemies."
Reassured by the twins� open manner, the Captain returned the grin, his moss-green eyes twinkling. "And I have watched both of you spar, also, h�ren. I find myself doubly glad we are on the same side. If you would, let Prince Legolas know we are ready to move at his convenience. I have only to get the horses loaded."
"Aye, we will give him the message, Tiriadon," Elladan nodded, his smile dimming at the reminder of just how short their time had become.
Bowing slightly, the Captain started away, then turned back to the twins. "Prince Elladan, Prince Elrohir, I�if it is not too forward of me to say so, h�ren, I am sorry that you are not able to return to Taur-na-Fuin with us, or that my Prince cannot remain here in the valley a while longer. �Tis a cruel thing, and we in the guard would wish better for you all."
"Nay, �tis not too forward, Captain," Elladan answered, clasping both the guard�s arms firmly. "And we thank you. We will relay your message to Legolas."
Hurrying back to their chambers, the twins found Legolas, towel-wrapped, sitting on the window seat that overlooked the gardens. Looking up as they entered, the woodland prince grinned. "Have you brought my gear, or must I breakfast in a towel this morning?"
"I suppose you may dress for the breakfast hall," Elrohir replied with a snicker. "�Twould be difficult for the rest of the household to eat, faced with you in not but a towel. �Tis hard to chew, with your jaw dropped."
Pulling on his muted traveling clothes, Legolas was unmindful of the elder twin�s stare, �til he reached for his boots. "What is amiss, el n�n?", he asked curiously, sitting down to finish dressing. "Have I grown horns and a tail?"
Shaking his head slightly, Elladan said, "Nay, not yet, anor n�n. But it has been a number of days since you last wore those colors. I have somehow never before noticed how like Thranduil you are." Turning to his twin, he queried, "Don�t you think, �Roh?"
Elrohir looked thoughtfully at the golden figure. In contrast to the blues and greys he had taken to wearing while in Imladris, the prince wore muted greens and browns this day, his soft brown leather leggings covered to the knee by bark-brown boots, his murky forest green tunic covered with a belted fawn-brown jerkin. "Aye, there is an uncanny likeness, t�ren," the elf-knight agreed. "�Tis no wonder we are so smitten, hmm?"
Golden eyebrows arching elegantly, Legolas returned, "For the love of Eru, tell me you have not bedded my Ada. �Twould be too much to stand." When he received no immediate response, the others seemingly lost in memory, the prince�s eyes widened. "Elladan?", he croaked questioningly.
"Relax, melethen," the elder twin said with a smile. "We have no history with your ada, other than as elflings under his feet. Though the fact is not from lack of trying, on �Roh�s part, at any rate."
Elrohir snorted rudely. "To my mind you were every bit as struck with him as I was, Elladan." Grinning at Legolas, who was understandably flustered, the younger twin said soothingly," �Twas but a crush just shy of our majority, anor n�n. Long before your brother was born, even. I have no doubt he knew, and he was very kind to two adoring elflings. Nothing more."
"Aye, he would have been kind," the woodland prince replied, greatly relieved. "He has always enjoyed elflings, and he has quite a soft spot for the two of you."
"That was before we ravished his second-born," Elladan pointed out with a wry smile. "I guess we shall see, hmm?"
"We shall see very soon, I hope, el n�n," the prince agreed, running a comb through his damp hair. "Will you braid me? I can at least wear the braids of Imladris for a while longer."
"�Twould be best without beads, I suppose?", Elrohir asked regretfully, parting the sunlit strands. "Your cuff will cause enough comment, I wager."
"Aye, I suppose," Legolas answered sadly, stroking the gleaming mithril that curled �round his right arm. "I shall take advantage of the travel to consider how best to approach Ada. I am not decided about the timing. I would have you there when he learns of us, but I fear he will discern a change long before you arrive. He is quite unsettling, that way."
Elladan nodded in agreement, tying off the end of a golden braid. "�Tis the same with Ada. He knows much before you are willing to admit it. Mayhap it is due to the parent bond. It can be most discomfiting, I know."
"There," Elrohir said, his assigned braid complete. "We should head for breakfast now, I fear, �Las. �Dan and I ran into that captain you think so highly of, and he sends word that the guard is ready to move at any time. He seemingly approves of us. Good taste, he has."
As they started for the breakfast hall, Legolas chuckled and replied, "Aye, he does. Tiri and I grew up together, as he is scarcely ten years my senior. I regret there has not been better opportunity for the three of you to become acquainted over the years. He is my friend, as well as my guard�s captain."
As matching ebony eyebrows flew upward, the prince went on with a grin. "But nothing more than my friend. Do not scowl so, rohir n�n. I have better judgement than to bed the captain of my personal guard. Besides which, Tiri does not fancy males, or at least not much. He has an love-struck elleth waiting at home."
"�Tis good to know his preferences," Elrohir chuckled. "Mayhap we can persuade him to help fend off any of your over-zealous admirers."

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

The breakfast hall was empty, save for those elves that lingered at the high table. Legolas had forced himself to eat a little, though his stomach rebelled at every bite. Even the pastries of the Imladrian kitchen, legendary in their own right, were as dry and tasteless as dust in his mouth. As the woodland prince listlessly tore a roll into shreds, Elrond looked at him sympathetically. "I will have Taurwen pack some pastries and such for travel, pen neth," he said kindly. "You may feel more like eating when you are some way down the trail."
"Hannon chen, h�ren," Legolas replied politely, his thoughts obviously elsewhere.
Glorfindel sighed, laying a friendly hand on the prince�s arm. "�Tis no use torturing yourself by delaying, ernil neth," the balrog-slayer said gently. "Come along, let us go to the stable," he urged, standing slowly. "We must go break the news of your going to Asfaloth, as well. He has become quite fond of your Ornfaer. I expect he will sulk near a week."
Smiling slightly, Legolas said, "Aye, and Ornfaer has become unusually close to him, also. �Faer does not normally tolerate other stallions well." The woodland prince rose reluctantly from the table, his gaze fastened questioningly on the twins.
"We will join you in a moment, anor n�n," Elladan assured him with a sad smile. "�Roh and I will go by the soldier�s quarters and check on your guard."
As he watched the two golden-haired elves leave the dining hall, the elder twin stood abruptly, turning his back to the table, but making no move toward the door. Clasping his brother�s hand tightly, Elrohir dropped his own head without speaking.
"Elladan? Ionen?", Elrond said softly.
"I cannot do this, Ada," the elder twin replied tightly, without looking at the other. "I can not."
Hearing a tremor in the usually firm voice, the peredhel lord quickly rose and embraced his son, his own heart wrenched by the single tear coursing down one pale cheek. "You can, ionen, because you must," he said gently. "�Tis hard, aye, but you can."
Elrohir raised his head, his silvery eyes welling with tears he stubbornly refused to let fall. "But �tis so far, Ada. And the road becomes more dangerous every moon. It will be impassable without a full patrol ere long."
"Elrohir," Elrond replied, "Legolas is no less a warrior now than when he arrived in Imladris, or when he last journeyed with you. And his guards are formidable, as well." Placing a comforting hand on the elf-knight�s shoulder, he continued, "Do not worry overmuch for his safety on the road, ionen."
"Come on, �Roh," Elladan said quietly, his fingers running over one mithril-sparked braid. "�Las will be wondering what keeps us."
"Aye," Elrohir agreed, rising from his chair. "�Tis becoming no easier with the wait, t�ren."
As they approached the barracks, the twins saw Tiriadon and the other four guards leading their laden horses toward the gates. Raising a hand in salute, the Captain called, "We are in no hurry, h�ren."
Returning the greeting, Elrohir nodded, veering toward the stable. Glorfindel came through the door as they approached, Legolas� dark-bay stallion following him like a puppy. A sympathetic smile on his face, the elder said "I will leave you alone with your prince."
Legolas stood with his back to the door, and did not turn when the twins entered the dim space. Wrapping their arms around the golden figure, the dark elves snuggled tightly as his arms curled around them. "I did not know �twould hurt so," the woodland prince whispered forlornly, his head bowed.
"I know, anor n�n," Elladan replied softly, dropping a kiss on the pale gold hair. "We would have it different, if we could."
"Aye, we would," Elrohir agreed, stroking the prince�s back gently. "Melim chen."
Nodding silently, Legolas raised his head, revealing tears slowly coursing down the ivory cheeks. "Melin chen. That is why it is so hard, I suppose."
"Do not weep, �Las," Elladan begged, another rogue tear slipping down his face. "You will have �Roh and I sniffling like elflings."
"�Tis alright," the elf-knight retorted, his own cheeks wet. "Some things deserve tears."
Holding his lovers tightly, the woodland prince stood quietly, struggling to compose himself. Finally, he drew a deep breath and managed a sad smile. "Kiss me good-bye, hmm?", he said quietly, turning his head to catch the elder twin�s gaze. "�Tis time to leave."
Elladan flicked his tongue across the prince�s cheek, removing a final tear. "Melin chen," he whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to the trembling mouth. "Always."
Legolas smiled, tucking an ebony braid behind the elder twin�s ear. "Always," he agreed softly.
Pushing back a swath of golden hair, Elrohir buried his face against the ivory neck. "I will miss you, anor n�n," he murmured, sliding his mouth up to cover the prince�s in a warm kiss. "Melin chen."
Squeezing both twins tightly, Legolas said, "Walk with me to the gates. I know they are waiting."
Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor stood waiting at the foot of the main stairs into the manor, their faces sober. Legolas impulsively embraced Erestor, taking the reserved elf by surprise. "I thank you, h�ren, for your good advice," the woodland prince said quietly. "I am in your debt."
"Take care, ernilen," the Chief Advisor, answered, his smile kind. "And you are most welcome. Elbereth�s protection to you."
Gripping Glorfindel�s forearms tightly, Legolas kissed the elder warrior on each cheek. "I hope I am entitled to such a farewell, mellonen," he asked with a smile. "I am in your debt, also."
Returning the ritual kisses, the balrog-slayer grinned. "You are indeed entitled to your farewell, meldir. And there is no need for talk of debt between friends. Be safe, Legolas."
Standing before Elrond, the prince bowed deeply. "Hannon chen, h�ren," he said, his eyes downcast. "I am grateful for your hospitality, as well as your kindness."
"And I have been grateful for your presence, and deeply regret your going, pen neth," the Imladrian Lord replied, pulling the astonished prince into a warm embrace. "You can best thank me by returning soon."
Grinning in spite of his heavy heart, Legolas said, "I would like nothing more, Lord Elrond."
Bowing a last time, the prince turned reluctantly to where his guard waited with his laden horse. With a final embrace for his lovers, he slapped Ornfaer�s neck affectionately. "Ready to go, �Faer?", he asked, jumping easily astride the restive stallion.
Reaching up, Elladan and Elrohir clasped the Captain�s arm firmly, nodding to the rest of the guard. "Take care of him, Tiriadon," the elf-knight said quietly.
"I will, h�ren," the Captain answered soberly. "You have my word."
Nodding, the twins turned to Legolas. "Be safe, �Las," Elladan whispered, his jaw set firmly.
"We will arrive in the Wood before you know it," Elrohir added. "Take care."
Afraid to speak less his voice betray him, Legolas simply nodded, opening his mind.

Melin chen, el n�n, rohir n�n. Navaer.

Smiling sadly, he felt two voices brush his own thoughts.

Melim chen, anor n�n. Navaer.

Turning to his captain, Legolas drew a deep breath. "Come on, Tiri," he said quietly. "'Tis time to go home."

~Finis~

Names:

Tiriadon � guardian or protector

Ornfaer � "tree spirit" (�Las� horse)
Elvish Translation:
anor n�n - my sun

melethen - my love

t�ren - my brother

rohir n�n - my knight

mellynen - my friends

el n�n - my star

Taur-na-Fuin - Mirkwood (wood of nightshade)

Melim chen - We love you

pen vain - beautiful one

Melin chen - I love you

h�ren - my lord(s)

Ada, Adar - Dad, Father

elleth - female elf

pen neth - young one

Hannon chen - Thank you

ernil neth - young prince

ionen - my son

ernilen - my prince

mellonen - my friend

meldir - male friend

Navaer � farewell
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Princes Three: The Beginning