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Princes Three: In the Shadows of Mirkwood	By : nuwing Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 4141 -:- 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
- 20
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Chapter 18

Elrond paced the study of the woodland king restlessly, his gaze wandering repeatedly toward the open door. Turning to retrace his steps yet again, the peredhel lord found his way barred by a towering golden figure.
�Sit down, mellonen,� Glorfindel said firmly, urging the dark elf toward a large chair. �You will wear out your legs, as well as Thranduil�s floor-cloth. Grant them a few final moments of privacy. They will be down when they are ready.�
�I know,� Elrond replied with a half-hearted smile. ��Twould be thought that I might be accustomed to such partings by now, but��
�..but �tis never any easier, no matter that you have done the same many times before,� Thranduil finished with a sigh. �I know meldir. I know. And the waiting is nearly as stressful as the parting, or so it seems to me.�
�It is indeed,� Glorfindel agreed soberly. �For the pin nith, also, I wager.� Focusing on the woodland king, he added, �What strength of ellyn did they finally agree to muster?�
�Less than a score, �Thranduil answered unhappily. �I would have them take twice that, but we cannot leave the borders poorly guarded at any time, least of all while I am away.� Shrugging ruefully he continued, �And Legolas feels a larger guard would do naught but give the enemy more warning.�
�He is likely right, mellonen,� Elrond said thoughtfully. �These packs of thugs are rarely large, and surprise serves better than number to defeat them.� Chuckling softly, he amended, �At least thus says the wisdom of my gwanûn�as well as my seneschal, eh, Glorfindel?�
�Aye, wisdom does agree, híren,� the balrog-slayer replied with a smile. �And your seneschal, in doing his duty, must ask after your own travel preparations. We should leave with the dawn tomorrow, I fear. Our soldiers can move at a few hours� notice.�
The peredhel nodded. ��Tis time we were getting back to the valley. I am ready, save a bit of last-minute packing.� Turning his attention to the Mirkwood king, he asked, �What of you, Thranduil? Are you game for the journey?�
�I have little taste for travel, as you well know, Elrond,� the woodland royal retorted wryly. �Legolas inherited that love from his naneth, I suppose.� Smiling at Glorfindel, he went on, �Yet there is much waiting at the end of this trek that I have long missed. Aye, I am prepared.�
***********************************************
Elladan came from the bathing chamber in a puff of steam, a towel tied loosely around his hips. Noting the broad grins gracing the faces of his lovers, the elder twin raised an eyebrow in silent interrogation.
�Water creature,� Elrohir snorted, shaking his head in amusement. �I share my faer with a water creature.�
�Aye, but he is quite fetching in a towel,� Legolas teased, quoting the elf-knight�s own words from a well-remembered conversation in Imladris. �And even more fetching without it,� he added as the towel dropped to the floor.
�Hot water is not to be sneezed at,� Elladan said sternly, his eyes twinkling in repute of his tone. Tugging up his worn leather leggings, the dark elf tied them snugly before continuing. ��Twill be a long wait ere we have the chance to soak again, I wager.�
�Aye, �twill be a long wait ere we have a chance to soak�among other things,� Legolas grumbled so darkly that both twins burst into laughter.
�Shall we call off the pursuit, then, anor-nin, that your bed-calendar might remain full?� the elder twin chuckled, pulling his scowling lover back into a snug embrace.
�Do not tempt me, melethen,� the woodland prince retorted good-naturedly, a grin spreading across his face. �I might be persuaded.�
Turning to face the dark elf, Legolas looked searchingly into the sparkling grey eyes. ��Tis alright now, �Dan?�, he asked, pushing back a strand of raven-dark hair. �You are alright now? I would not have you go on such a mission distracted by worry or regret.�
�Aye, �tis alright now,� Elladan agreed with a smile. �There is no longer worry, �Las�and there never was regret.�
�Good,� the prince said simply, pressing a lingering kiss to his lover�s mouth before pulling away with a sigh. �The morn grows no younger, I am afraid. We had best be getting on.�
As the twins pulled on their preferred battle-garb of blue, grey and black, braiding their hair in ebony ropes sparked with their signature beads, Legolas arrayed himself in the dark greens and rusty brown favored by the woodland warriors. Reaching up to begin his woven braids, the prince was stopped by a hand on his shoulder.
�I will do it,� Elrohir offered, already separating the heavy golden mass into sections. With skill born of centuries, the prince�s hair was woven into a single heavy braid, the strands dotted with beads of mithril and blue. �There,� the elf-knight nodded smugly. �Now you are perfect.�
�Nearly so,� Elladan agreed, offering no further explanation as he lifted heavy leather pads to his shoulders, raising his arms to allow Elrohir to tighten the buckles securely, then lifting his chin as his brother fitted the high collar of stiffened black leather that completed the armor.
Watching as the warriors he had so long known and fought beside appeared in full guise, Legolas found himself frowning in concentration. Something was not quite right�something was missing�
The elf-knight donned his own protective gear in turn, moving his arms experimentally to be sure the pads were well-placed and secure, before turning to help his twin secure the prince�s scuffed brown leather armor. The job done to his satisfaction, Elrohir turned expectantly toward his brother.
Dipping his thumb in the tiny box he cradled in one hand, Elladan drew a single stroke of black under each of the elf-knight�s eyes, following the sharp rise of his cheekbones. Handing over the earthen box of kohl, the elder twin then stood as he was marked in turn.
Legolas smiled ruefully. Of course�the kohl stripes completed the familiar picture. The markings had been a part of the peredhel twins� battle-dress for as long as he could remember, emphasizing the silvery gleam of their eyes, and the steep slope of their cheekbones.
Identical grey glances met and held for a long moment, then Elrohir solemnly handed the container of silken black powder back to his brother. Moving to stand before the prince, Elladan met the questioning blue-green gaze soberly, then firmly striped the angular cheekbones with two sure strokes. Smiling slightly at Legolas� astonishment, he said, �Now you are perfect.�
***************************************
�Here they come,� Barangolas announced soberly, turning expectantly toward the faint squeak of leather that heralded the trio�s descent to the courtyard.
Following the youngest prince�s gaze, the assembled elves watched bemused as the warriors approached, greeting the three with expressions ranging from broad grins to wordlessly raised eyebrows. Galueth, as was her wont, cut directly to the heart of the matter. �Your face is dirty, �Golas,� she announced without preamble, drawing chuckles from all present.
�So it is, pen dithen,� Glorfindel agreed with a grin. �But does it not make Legolas look fierce? As though he could eat an orch raw, mayhap?�
�Ellonath do not eat yrch, �the princess giggled, wrapping her arms around her brother. Suddenly sober, she asked, �Must you leave, �Golas?�
�Aye, I am afraid so, Galueth,� Legolas answered gently, kneeling to embrace his sister tightly. �I will return as soon as I may, hmm?�
Frowning slightly, the elfling demanded, �Can you not leave me El�dan? Or El�hir? I would watch him closely.�
The prince forced back a chuckle at the thought of either of his lovers supervised by the impulsive elleth. �Nay, thêl dithen , I have need of the gwanûn on this trip. They will come back to see you. Now say navaer, pen neth. We must be going soon.�
�Navaer, El�dan�El�hir,� Galueth chimed obediently, hugging each twin in turn. �Navaer, �Golas.�
Thranduil and Elrond stood apart, watching with heavy hearts as good-byes and hopeful wishes were exchanged. Pride warred with worry as they waited, smiling wryly when their eyes met and shared emotions were recognized. Laying a hand comfortingly on the king�s shoulder, the Imladrian lord turned his gaze back to the others.
�Do not be too long, tôren,� Barangolas said soberly, embracing the second-born prince. �And I think you look quite fine,� he finished quietly, green eyes sparkling as he moved to bid the twins farewell. His goodbyes completed, the youngest prince sighed. �I will gather the raiding party,� he announced reluctantly, heading for the stable.
�Be safe, pin nith,� Glorfindel ordered seriously, drawing each of the departing princes into a warrior�s embrace. Clasping the younger twin�s forearms, he asked softly, �Man toged, Elrohir?�

��Las,� the elf-knight answered, keeping his voice low. ��Tis his company, after all. But he is not too proud to accept advice, from whoever may have it to give.�
�That is well, then, �Glorfindel sighed with relief. His irrepressible grin breaking through, the balrog-slayer added, �Maer farad.�
To everyone�s surprise, including his own, Anteruon embraced his brother tightly in farewell. �Maer galu, tôr dithen,� he said quietly. �Be careful.�
�I will, tôren,� Legolas responded, touched by the rare display of affection. �Take care of Galueth and Barangolas, hmm?� he continued with a smile. ��Tis a far bigger job than caring for the realm.�
�That is true,� the eldest woodland prince chuckled, moving to catch Elrohir�s arm in a warrior�s clasp. �Navaer, mellonen.�
�Navaer, mellonen,� the elf-knight returned, squeezing Anteruon�s shoulder. �Do not worry overmuch.�
Facing Elladan, the crown prince arched his brow wryly. �Navaer, peredhel,� he said, clasping the dark elf�s arm. �Take care of them. Of him.�
�I will�wood-elf,� the elder twin replied, only the faintest hint of a twinkle visible as he gripped the other�s shoulder before turning to move toward his father and the king.
�Elladan?� the Mirkwood royal said suddenly, hesitating as his companion swung around, one ebony eyebrow lifted in question. �Nanithach maetolo sí uireb.�
�Hannon chen, Anteruon,� the dark elf replied with a smile. �And you are welcome in the valley, gwador.�
Legolas gaped in surprise at the endearment, but had little time to ponder its meaning before his attention was claimed by the king. Shaking his head ruefully, Thranduil studied the kohl-marked face of his son, then reached out to touch the bead-flecked single braid. �A golden-haired peredhel,� he chuckled, ��Tis a rare sight, ionen.�
�Does it displease you, Ada?� the prince asked uneasily, his gaze fixed on his father�s face.
�Nay, it does not displease me, pen neth,� the king answered with a smile, embracing Legolas tightly. Stepping back, Thranduil retained a grip on his son�s forearms. �Melin chen, ionen. Elbereth�s protection.�
�Melin chen, Ada,� Legolas returned. �Avosto. We will be well.�
Embracing each of the twins in turn, the woodland king placed a hand on each leather-clad chest. �Elbereth�s protection, pin nith,� he said soberly. �Taur-na-Fuin is grateful for your service.�
�And we are grateful for your acceptance, híren,� Elrohir replied, �So both debts may be considered paid.�
�We are even then, ernilen,� Thranduil agreed, his eyes twinkling. �That is well.� Turning to the elder twin, he smiled faintly. �Hannon chen, Elladan. I neither know nor wish to know what occurred. But you have my gratitude.�
Inclining his head wordlessly, the dark elf smiled before moving to stand near his own father, who was speaking earnestly with Legolas. �Have you orders to keep us on a tight rein, �Las?�, Elladan teased as they were joined by the younger twin.

�He is well aware of our failings, Ada,� Elrohir added with a grin. ��Tis not necessary to list them.�
Raising one expressive eyebrow, Elrond retorted, �I daresay that is true, ionen.� Glancing at the elder twin, he said, �And though you oft need a tight rein, pen neth, I was in truth reminding the prince that the two of you are not only very skilled, you are also very dear to me. I would see you all return intact.�
�I know that, Ada,� Elladan replied, his face serious. �Melin chen. I jest only to ease the strain of parting.�
�And I am well aware of that,� the peredhel lord returned, pulling his eldest into a snug embrace. �Melin chen, �Adan. Be safe. Valar�s grace to you.� Gathering the elf-knight in a fierce hug, Elrond repeated his ritual farewell. �Melin chen, �Rohir. Be safe. Valar�s grace to you.�

�Melin chen, Ada,� Elrohir said with a smile, �and Elbereth�s protection to you, also. �Tis a long journey to Imladris. Will you leave tomorrow?�
�Aye, with the dawn, or so Glorfindel insists,� Elrond sighed, his face so pained that all three of the younger elves grinned broadly.
A whistle from the gate drew Legolas� attention to the gathered company of warriors, where the balrog-slayer could be seen, apparently deep in conversation with three riderless horses. ��Dan��Roh�they are ready,� the prince pointed out, indicating the mounted guard.
Grinning at the sight of the legendary Imladrian seneschal chatting with several obviously fascinated stallions, he added, �I fear Glorfindel is giving Ornfaer and your friends some last-minute instruction.�
�I do not doubt it,� Elladan snickered as they walked toward the gates, strapping on assorted swords, knives, and quivers. �He has my Mithrengil- and Alagos- under his thumb completely.�
�Aye, and I would have this one, too, with a few days effort,� the balrog-slayer broke in with a chuckle as Ornfaer rubbed against his shoulder. �He is a fine animal, Legolas.� Giving each horse a final pat as the trio mounted, he nodded. �They will guard you well. Navaer, mellynen.�
�Navaer, Glorfindel,� the three chorused soberly. �Look after Ada, híren,� the woodland prince added quietly.
�You have my word, ernilen,� the elder elf promised, stepping back to stand beside Thranduil and Elrond.
�Navaer, pin nith,� the peredhel lord said, looking at each of the princes intently. �Send word as you can.�
�Aye, indeed,� the woodland king agreed. �Do not be long, younglings. Navaer.�
�Navaer, híren, �the trio chorused, smiling once more in farewell before resolutely turning their mounts toward the forest path.
Raising a hand in ritual salute to his warriors, Thranduil drew a deep breath, then uttered the blessing which set them on their way. �Syl vain, mellynen.�
***********************************
Leading the way up the narrow path, Legolas paused where the trail began to widen, allowing the company to reform, and the twins to move up beside him.
�Where to first, �Las?�, Elrohir asked curiously. �To Esgaroth for news? Or shall we make a broad sweep?�
�Not to Esgaroth, yet, �Roh,� the woodland prince replied thoughtfully. �I would have a look around ere we reveal ourselves to the humans. South, I think. We will ride toward the Old Forest Road. There has been much villainy in that region of the Wood for many years.�
Legolas dropped back for a moment to inform his captain of their destination, then rejoined Elladan and Elrohir. So closely was he watching for Tiriadon�s sign that the raised arm was acknowledged even before it was fully extended.
The prince turned to the twins, a feral smile spreading across his fair face. �Come on, mellynen,� he said, his eyes sparkling wickedly. ��Tis a fine day for hunting.�

**Finis**

Names: (Just a reminder)
Ornfaer - �tree spirit� (�Las� horse)

Mithrengil - "grey-star" (�Dan�s horse)

Alagos - "storm of wind" (�Roh�s horse)

Elvish translations:

mellonen - my friend

meldir - friend (male)

pin nith - young ones

gwanûn - twins

faer - soul, spirit

anor nín - my sun

melethen - my love

pen dithen - little one

thêl dithen - little sister

navaer - farewell

elleth - female elf

orch - orc

Ellonath - elves (the entire race)

yrch - orcs

pen neth - young one

tôren - my brother

Man toged? - Who is leading?

maer farad - good hunting

maer galu - good luck

gwador - sworn brother

tôr dithen - little brother

Nanithach maetolo sí uireb - You will always be welcome here

Hannon chen - Thank you

ionen - my son

avosto - do not worry

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

híren - my lord(s)

ernilen - my prince(s)

Melin chen - I love you

syl vain - fair winds

mellynen - my friends
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Princes Three: In the Shadows of Mirkwood