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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 XIX

Bright, cheerful sunlight streamed into Elrond's study through the arched windows that overlooked his wife's lush garden. A startling contrast to the somber mood within.

Legolas gazed out at the wide expanse of lawn where little Arwen capered about, her nurse in tow. Celebrían had sent her babe out to play as soon as she discovered the rather sordid nature of the conversation to be had with the Greenwood king. Unwilling to listen to a recounting of the event that had blighted his life for the last two years, Legolas chose to move over to the windows and view the lovely scenery in silence.

Occasionally he would glance back to where his father and Galvreth sat facing Elrond and his lady before the hearth, Elladan perched on the armrest of his mother's chair. He could tell from each grimace or wince on the listeners' faces when his sire's narration was proving most distressing. Only once did he look over at Nimaras who sat silently in a corner of the room, a vigilant Gilthalion just a few paces away. His brother did not return his gaze and verily Legolas was glad he did not for had he glimpsed yet another flare of dislike in the older prince's eyes, he knew he would not be able to hold back his own temper. Eru only knew then what havoc would invade Elrond's pristine study.

The pealing laughter of the child outside drew his attention to the outdoors once more and he watched Arwen dash off toward the orchard, her nurse in pursuit. He smiled sadly, recalling the days when he had not been much older and he and Elrohir had played many a game on those same grounds.

The thought of his beloved Elf-knight was enough to cause his chest to tighten with emotion. He both desired and dreaded to meet Elrohir again. Longed to renew their pledge of affection yet feared to reap naught but rejection. Not that he could blame Elrohir if the latter elected to close that chapter of their shared history. Their last encounter had been most unpleasant to put it politely. And now here he was again, about to turn Elrohir's life inside out once more. If Elrohir would permit him after hearing of Nimaras' deeds against both of them.

They had arrived at the Last Homely House in the early hours of the day accompanied by Elladan who was given leave by Glorfindel to conduct the Elven-king and his sons to Imladris. Elrond and Celebrían were patently surprised by the suddenness of their visit but they welcomed them no less graciously and bid them break their fast with them. Afterward, they were shown to the three-bedchamber suite where Legolas and Galvreth had oft quartered when visiting Imladris. After freshening up they allowed themselves only the shortest of rests before meeting with Elrond and Celebrían and their older son in the quiet study.

But Elrohir did not yet appear. Elrond had informed them earlier that the younger twin had left at daybreak for a long ride to the north of the valley realm as was his wont these past couple of years. He would likely be back by midday. Legolas wondered if it was to their secret place by the bubbling stream that the Elf-knight had ridden. With a pang he realized that he might no longer have a share in that peaceful haven.

He looked sideways when Elladan suddenly joined him at the window. He braced himself for some reproachful comment for the older twin had been distant from the moment of their meeting on the lonely plains of Eriador. But to his surprise, Elladan sighed and said: “I beg your pardon, Legolas.”

“Whatever for?” the archer asked, perplexed.

“For my poor welcome and surly behavior toward you,” Elladan replied.

Legolas blinked then countered: “You had just cause. I mistreated your brother.”

Elladan shook his head. “Elrohir would be the first to deny that. He heartily rues his failure to apprise you of what he recalled of that shameful night and says he deserved your anger and disdain. But I was sore at heart after having seen him through the worst and forgot that you are also a victim in this.”

Legolas swallowed hard, moved by the brethren's continued concern for his welfare, even Elladan. “How - how is he?” he hesitantly queried.

“Middling, as the humans would say,” Elladan told him. “Though when we left Eryn Galen he seemed so poorly I wondered if he had succumbed to some mortal affliction. I beg you, do not assail yourself, Legolas, he would not have it.”

Legolas obediently closed his mouth but he felt more remorseful than ever at the thought of his love in such straits. “I just wish I had not spoken so harshly,” he finally whispered after a pensive while.

Elladan's eyes flickered with understanding. “You were in pain,” he said. “I know I was hardly charitable toward you but I cannot in truth pretend that his concealment was in any way excusable. If only he had not retreated before his fears. Ah, my fierce, gallant brother, felled by the what-ifs of his own fertile imaginings!”

“I should have let him explain at the very least,” Legolas insisted. “Even the vilest felons are permitted to speak in their own defense before judgment is laid upon them yet I denied him that. And then I struck at him where I best knew he would hurt. How can he still think well of me?”

“Because he does not fault you in the least,” Elladan pointed out. “Indeed, though it saddened him greatly, he did not begrudge you the companionship you sought after the breaking of your troth. And though it pains me to admit it, he is right. The promises you made to each other no longer hold.”

Legolas felt a shudder ripple through him at the mention of his caustic declaration to Elrohir. He turned to Elladan, his fair face pale and pinched.

“But I did not-”

Before he could complete what he sought to say, a muted commotion behind them cut him off. They turned in time to see Elrohir enter the study, still clad in riding raiment, his expression questioning. His quicksilver gaze quickly raked the chamber, taking note of who was present. Legolas held his breath when it fell on him, his heart pounding in joint anticipation and apprehension.

Elrohir's eyes widened slightly but he made no move to approach Legolas at once. Instead, after another brief glance in the archer's direction, he did his duty and greeted Thranduil and Galvreth. But if Legolas thought the Elf-knight would ignore him out of spite, he was mistaken. As soon as he was done with formalities, Elrohir walked to him. Almost at the same time, Elladan left his side and joined Galvreth. Legolas managed a few steps forward of his own before his hands were taken in a warm grip.

“How do you fare, ernilen?”-my prince?-Elrohir quietly asked.

“Not very well,” Legolas honestly replied. “We discovered deceit in the very heart of our family.”

Elrohir followed his gaze until his eyes fell on Nimaras. His mouth tightened and he regarded the bronze-haired Elf with a controlled rage that was more terrible to behold than unleashed boiling fury.

“I see,” was all he said however though his voice cooled considerably. But when he looked at Legolas again it was with much warmth. “Well then, let us hear what dire deed has troubled you so.”

Legolas felt his heart soar at the Elf-knight's lack of frigidity toward him and he kept an avid, hopeful gaze on the younger twin while the latter turned to listen to Galvreth who took it upon himself to repeat the tale. Thranduil watched him with some sadness, knowing it was not going to be as simple as all that to mend matters between the two. For he had seen, as Legolas in his elation had not, the shadow that lurked in the depths of Elrohir's argent eyes.

After Galvreth finished relating the story, all looked at Elrohir to seek his reaction. To their perturbation, the younger twin seemed more confused than enlightened by it. He stared first at an oddly nervous Nimaras before turning a puzzled gaze on Elladan who stood by his side.

“What is it?” Elladan asked.

“His claim that he did not take me,” Elrohir frowningly said. “How is that possible when…?”

Elladan gaped in sudden recollection of that topsy-turvy morning. He swung around and glared at Nimaras. “Pray tell, how is it that my brother knew an ache the morning after where never had any ventured before? Do you still claim innocence of taking him against his will?”

A concerted gasp greeted his pronouncement for none other than Elladan was aware of that particular fact. Legolas felt the bile rise in his belly and a slow ire begin to percolate. But Nimaras apparently knew what Elladan was talking about for he suddenly blanched and, leaping to his feet, raised his hand in a gesture of denial.

“I did not take him!” he insisted. “I swear I did not!”

“Then explain his discomfort, dog!” Elladan growled.

The prince flushed, conscious of every one's eyes on him. Much of his bravado had faded during the long journey to Rivendell when his father and brothers spoke little to him and when they did only with sorrow and shame. In particular, the realization that he had caused Thranduil to be ashamed of him had a crushing effect on his previous boldness of spirit and when they at last reached the elven refuge, he was all but unrecognizable in his uncharacteristic meekness.

“I - I did desire to take him,” he said in a low voice. “But not without due readying for I did not care to injure him.” He unconsciously flexed the fingers on his right hand, the action telling them what he could not bluntly say. “When I realized I could not proceed when he remained witless, I grew angry and - and rough. I likely raked him with my nails. But I swear that is all.”

“That is all?”

Before any could move, Elrohir strode forward, his face thunderous, and dealt Nimaras two vicious clouts that sent the prince stumbling backward before he dropped to one knee, dizzied by the blows. One cheek sported a rapidly purpling bruise while blood trickled from a cut in his lower lip.

“Elrohir!”

Elrond's voice cut through the stunned silence even as Elladan and Legolas grabbed at the younger twin's arms. But Elrohir made no other move and only stared down at the fallen Elf.

“Rest you, father, I am done,” he snarled through gritted teeth. “One blow each for Legolas and myself is all I craved.”

At a sign from Elrond, Elladan slowly let go of his brother but Legolas did not and kept his hold on the Elf-knight's arm. Elrond bent over Nimaras to examine his injuries. As he did he studied the prince's demeanor as well. Whatever it was he saw seemed to satisfy him and when he straightened, he gently pulled the younger Elf to his feet much to the latter's surprise. He had half expected Elrond to be severe with him for his assault on Elrohir.

Elrond said: “Your choice of punishment is just and apt, Thranduil. Nimaras indeed needs time to reflect on his deeds and repent of them and away from those who might hearken to him out of the bonds of race or kinship. But my heart grieves for you and yours that it may be an entire age of this world or more ere you discover if he has redeemed himself. For I warrant you all love him dearly, even you, Legolas.”

Legolas stared at the Elvenlord, startled at being singled out unbidden but then nodded in assent. “He is still my brother,” he simply replied.

“I would alter one aspect of his banishment then,” Elrond suggested.

“And what would you change?” Thranduil inquired with interest born of paternal concern.

“Exile him from your realm by all means but not beyond the shores of Middle-earth,” Elrond said. “Instead, give him into the care of Gildor Inglorion and his wandering bands. He will perforce abide amongst others whether he favors them or not for Gildor's folk are pure-blooded Noldor to an Elf. Yet you will not need to cross the Sea to learn of his fate.”

Thranduil considered the suggestion for a space. He glanced at Legolas for his opinion and received it in the form of a barely discernable nod. He turned his eyes next to Nimaras to assess his reaction. Nimaras was obviously torn between hope and fear. The hope was due to the unlooked for chance of being able to remain in the lands he called home. The fear stemmed from the prospect of being in the custody of a Noldo who likely still held some affection for Elrohir, a fact Legolas had blithely recounted to his brothers long ago. Gildor would have no great love for an Elf, prince though he may be, who had put his erstwhile lover through deep pain. Last of all, Thranduil looked at Elrohir inquiringly.

“If Elrohir is not averse to such a change, I would heed your counsel, Elrond,” he said, keeping his eyes on the younger twin.

Elrohir met his gaze squarely. “My sire's counsel is always sound, my lord,” he replied. “My only stipulation if you take it is that Nimaras never steps within the bounds of Rivendell even when Gildor and his folk sojourn here. Else I cannot promise that I will do him no harm.”

“An understandable demand and a reasonable one,” Thranduil agreed. “Very well, this balms my heart I will admit. Elrond, would you speak to Gildor for me?”

“But of course, meldiren”-my friend-Elrond promptly assured him. “I will send scouts to search for him at once.” He extended a hand, gesturing to the door in invitation. “But for now, I urge you to take more rest than what you had this morn. You may not care to admit it, Thranduil, but you are weary beyond bearing. I can see it in your eyes.”

Thranduil heaved a heavy sigh. “Indeed, but methinks 'tis more a weariness of the spirit than of the body.”

“Your spirit's lassitude will affect your body's haleness ere long,” Elrond pointed out. “Come, delay no more and rest yourself.”

He led Thranduil out of the study. At a sign from the king, Gilthalion followed with a thoroughly subdued Nimaras in hand. After a quick word with Elladan, Galvreth left as well. But Celebrían lingered, her thoughtful eyes on her younger son and Legolas who had not moved from Elrohir's side.

The archer was staring at Elrohir's right hand, eyes wide with consternation. Now he reached for the twin's hand and lifted it. Elrohir looked at him, a tad startled.

“When did you cease to wear your ring?” Legolas anxiously queried.

Elrohir started then bit his lip before murmuring, “That night, when I saw how much it displeased you.”

Legolas winced. “Nay, it did not displease me!” he said plaintively. “Ah, Elrohir, will you not wear it again? As I would wear mine if you would be kind enough to return it.”

Elrohir caught his breath, taken aback by the sudden bald request for the reinstatement of their troth. An odd expression crossed his features. He glanced at Elladan and then at their mother as if in need of aid. Finally he looked at Legolas once more. To the archer's alarm, he gently disengaged his hand from his grip.

“If you would excuse me, I think I should bathe,” he murmured in tacit evasion. “I reek of horse and sweat.”

“Nay, that is not so,” Legolas objected, reaching for him once more. “Elrohir-”

Elrohir held up his hand in a mute request for Legolas not to press him further. The archer was astonished to see the slight trembling of his upheld hand

“Mayhap we can speak of this later,” Elrohir said.

Legolas started to protest once more but the younger twin gazed at him so pleadingly that his words all but died on his lips. With a slight bow to Celebrían, Elrohir briskly left the study.

Legolas stared after him, feeling as if his world had just upended once more. He glanced askance when a hand landed on his shoulder and came under Celebrían's sympathetic regard.

“Does he no longer want me?” Legolas mournfully asked, his eyes beginning to swim with tears.

“Nay, Legolas, 'tis not that,” she softly said. “Did you not see his eyes? He is afraid.”

“Afraid?” Legolas gasped. “Of me?”

“Not of you,” Celebrían corrected, “but of what might happen should he fail you once more.”

“Fail me!”

“Yea, he knows he wronged you and feels it his just desserts to have tasted your wrath. Naught that you said to him does he deem undeserved.”

“But I would take them all back now,” Legolas desperately said. “I would have him back.”

“He needs time, pen neth.”-young one.

“Time for what?”

“Time to muster his courage to take up your love again.”

“Elrohir is no coward!” the archer exclaimed indignantly.

Celebrían pensively smiled. “I did not say that he is. But think, Legolas, he invested nigh two score years in you, in your troth. And he sought to live up to the high esteem in which you held him. So impossibly high that he could not help but be toppled from it for there is none alive save almighty Eru who bears no flaws, not even the Powers themselves.” Seeing Legolas' grimace of guilt, she shook her head to forestall him. “You worshipped him with all the innocence of a child, do not fault yourself in that. If aught bears the blame mayhap 'tis my lord husband and I that we did not help you temper your adoration of our son. But then Elrohir always carries himself as one of greater years and easily lulls most into forgetting that he is so young himself, barely past his first century as it is. I fear we took it for granted that he would know what to do when your worship of him exceeded reason or if he erred and showed himself to be as fallible as any creature under the sun. That was a costly mistake and we have rued ever since that we did not intervene ere he stumbled.”

Legolas could not gainsay her. “What do I do now?” he asked in so lost a voice it quite broke Celebrían's tender heart.

She raised her white hand and gently brushed her knuckles against his cheek. “Have patience, Legolas,” she crooned. “I believe your reward will prove well worth the wait.”

Casting a wan smile at Elladan, she glided out of the room and went about her duties as chatelaine of her husband's house. The older twin regarded the woodland prince with as much sympathy as his mother had shown previously. Legolas became aware of his scrutiny and looked at him.

“I will win him anew, Elladan,” he suddenly vowed.

Elladan pursed his lips. “And what makes you think that you need to?” he quietly countered. “He deems himself yours, Legolas. Despite everything he loves you.” Elladan paused then said: “He still bears his betrothal ring.”

“But his finger was bare-”

“On the silver chain he wears around his neck,” Elladan clarified. “Right next to yours.”

Legolas' breath hitched at the thought that Elrohir had not only worn his ring until very late but had also borne the prince's as well to this very day.

Elladan saw the rekindled hope in the archer's eyes. “I pray I do not regret telling you this but heed him not when he claims himself unsure of his feelings,” he counselled. “'Tis not his feelings for you that he doubts but himself. As my mother so sagely put it, he knows not if he is brave enough to chance losing your regard once more. For him to worry so is a testament to his heart's true yearning. And that was ever you, Legolas. And still is.”

Legolas straightened, determination limning his stance and every word. “And he is mine and ever will be,” he fervently declared. “I will not leave Rivendell until I know our rings bestowed where they belong, Elladan.”

Some humor sparked in the older twin's eyes. “Arwen may mistake you for another brother if you live here long enough though what she will make of your lack of Peredhil height and breadth I can only imagine,” he quipped.

Legolas smiled then. “But I will indeed be her brother if I succeed.” He slightly frowned then firmly amended to Elladan's faint amusement, “When I succeed.”

To be continued…
- 19
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- 21
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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness