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Princes Three: Darkness Unforeseen	By : nuwing Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 8756 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Only the quirks and perversions are mine. Everything else belongs to the creator-god of Middle-earth, J.R.R. Tolkien. I am awed by his gifts and humbled by his vision. No profit made or sought.

Chapter List
- 22
- 23
Chapter 18

His lavish dinner sitting like a stone in his stomach, Elrond wandered idly around the bedchamber, his fingers tracing the intricate whorls and rich inlays of the Haradin-inspired furniture that had so fascinated Celebr�an. The work of a mortal woodwright long attached to C�rdan�s court, the pieces were at once less refined and more alive than the sternly elegant furniture her mother had preferred, and she had been completely captivated, furnishing their boudoir in a style worthy of a barbarian king.

Few of the uninitiated would have believed his soft-spoken Lady had chosen the vivid hues and boldly patterned fabrics that yet graced the rooms they had shared. But Celebr�an had delighted in the vibrant colors and sensual textures of the south, indulging herself as she seldom did, and the room was awash in silk bedding, crystal lanterns, and pillows of every shape and size. Elrond doubted very much that there were such things in Valinor, and the thought tore at his heart.
His heart, which was already burdened by grief and guilt of such varied shades that Elrond sometimes thought its stopping might be more grace than tragedy.
�Do not wall up your heart,� she had whispered, nearly the last words from her lips before the door had opened and Galadriel had called and she had left him � left them � to carry on in a home made unfamiliar by her absence.
He had not heeded the words, instead drawing away from children and friends alike, his spirit dimming until only the husk of his body remained, a fragile shell to hold the heartache and self-recrimination that had seemed the only things left him-
And then Anteruon had come again, as he had in the awful days after Celebr�an was rescued, showing Elrond that he could lean on another, drawing Elladan from the bog of guilt and anger that had so long held him, setting both father and son back on the path to healing.
Elrond moved from the main bedchamber to the small side room, where desk and chair had replaced cradle and crib long ago, his eyes fixed on the narrow bed that yet remained � the bed where he had once comforted teething babies and feverish toddlers.
The bed he now sometimes shared with Anteruon.
Over the months since they had succumbed to the unexpected, had stepped beyond the bounds of their mentor-student relationship to become first true friends and then lovers, Elrond�s feelings of guilt and confusion had begun to fade and then returned with a vengeance, now focused as much on the unfairness of the situation he had created for Anteruon as on his betrayal of Celebr�an�s trust.
That he cared for Thranduil�s firstborn was without question, but more sure still was the strength of his bond with Celebr�an. Anteruon was colleague, friend, confidante, lover...but Elrond�s Lady owned his soul, had owned it since the early days of the Age, when she first helped him pick up the pieces and look forward, rather than back.
His attention focused inward, Elrond was unaware of another�s presence until Anteruon touched his arm. �I thought you might be hiding here,� the prince said, smiling slightly. �You were missed in the Hall, and now you are wanted in the kitchen.� Anteruon�s smile grew. �They are planning a near feast for breakfast tomorrow, in honor of Galueth�s last morning in the valley, and there is some question that begs your personal attention.�
Elrond forced a smile, though it did not quite reach his eyes. �Taurwen is unlikely to need my approval on anything of consequence, you know. It is merely a show of deference. My interference is as unwelcome as anyone else�s intrusion in the kitchen.�
Anteruon looked at him thoughtfully, though his tone remained light. �I did notice that the menu is being planned with Galueth in mind, rather than Legolas.� He chuckled. �My brother�s comings and goings are too common to be marked with a meal, it seems.� There was a curiously fraught silence, and Anteruon�s smile faded, his brow furrowing. �Elrond? What-�
�It might be wise for you to return to Mirkwood, as well,� Elrond broke in hoarsely, forcing the words through a throat that tightened as though to choke them off. �You have been long away, and the winter fast approaches. There will be no further chance until the spring.�
Anteruon�s face blanched, but to his credit, his voice remained steady. �Do you wish me gone, my lord?�
In the painful stillness, Elrond at last shook his head slowly. �No,� he whispered, his eyes dropping to the wine-red scrap of ribbon he worried between his fingers. �But I wish you happy, and whole, and that ending does not lie down this path we are walking.�
�Then perhaps you cannot see the end of the path as clearly as you imagine,� Anteruon countered, stepping closer to grasp his lover�s shoulders. �I understand that what we share now is only for a season, Elrond,� he said gently. �But I do not believe that our season is past. Not yet.� He swallowed thickly. �I trust that we will both know when that day comes.�
�Not yet?� Elrond echoed with a rare uncertainty, searching Anteruon�s face.
�Not yet,� Anteruon affirmed, brushing his lips over Elrond�s in a chaste kiss. �When it is time, we will know.�
Elrond stood very still, testing the assertion as it settled into his heart and mind, a wash of relief flooding his chest. �We will know,� he agreed with quiet assurance, then took Anteruon�s hand. �Now,� he said lightly, �you can accompany me to the kitchen.� Elrond smiled slightly. �There is strength in numbers, after all.�
**********
Elladan�s teeth scraped him teasingly, a whisper of pain in the midst of near unbearable pleasure, and Elrohir let out a litany of curses, the colorful oaths expressing his own approval as well as conveniently drowning out the muffled sounds that filtered through from his father�s chambers. Some things were best left unacknowledged.
Or so Elrohir thought. His brother did not always seem to agree.
A bit louder, t�ren. I can still make out the rocking of their bedstead.
�Elladan!� Elrohir shouted, appalled, but his outrage was short-lived, ending in a wordless groan as Elladan chuckled in response, the resulting vibrations shattering the last tattered remains of Elrohir�s control. Then a gentle tongue cleaned him, a trail of soft kisses meandered up his body, and he found himself looking up into amused grey eyes. Gasping for breath, he tried to glare at Elladan, but failed utterly. �How can you be so...so... unconcerned?�
Elladan�s grin broadened. �I think of it as just retribution, for all the unwelcome sounds that Ada has likely endured over the years. He took that room for a private study just as soon as the nursery was dismantled, remember?�
�It is hardly the same thing, �Dan,� Elrohir pointed out wryly, wincing as a particularly loud moan wafted through the thick stone wall. �Those sounds are coming from my father�s bed � his second bed, if you prefer,� the elf-knight corrected, taking some small comfort in the fact.
�And any keening and cursing that Ada bore came from our bed, and we are his sons,� Elladan retorted, his expression sobering. �Do you think it so different?�
Elrohir looked away. But Nana is not there.
The words hung between them, unspoken, and Elladan sighed.
�I am trying,� Elrohir whispered, laying his palm against his brother�s cheek. �Truly.�
Elladan pressed a swift kiss to Elrohir�s mouth. �I know,� he said gently, �but Elros is gone, as well, �Roh. Ponder that before you declare your lot the most uncomfortable.�
Elrohir�s eyes dimmed and he tightened his hold on Elladan, as though to ward off the horror raised by his brother�s words.
�This conversation is becoming far too fraught for my liking,� Legolas interrupted firmly, worming his way beneath Elrohir�s arm, �and it ends now. I had happier plans for my last night in Imladris.�
Elrohir chuckled in mingled relief and amusement. �Did you, indeed, wood-elf?� he teased, giving Legolas� bottom a resounding smack. �And what if your plans do not suit me?�
�I daresay they will,� Legolas returned cheekily, tracing Elrohir�s lazily stirring shaft with one finger. �Though �Dan has set things back dramatically with his foolishness.�
Elladan snorted. �I heard no complaints,� he drawled, rocking suggestively against his brother�s hip, �and I would say �Roh had the better part of the deal.� He grinned wolfishly. �Besides, you only need coax him back up.�
�I think,� Legolas replied with an answering smirk, �that I can manage that.�
***********
The morning dawned clear and cool, the slight hint of frost that gleamed on the hills surrounding the valley vanishing as if by magic at the first brush of sunlight. Legolas had been up before the sun, his usual reluctance to leave the twins at war with his burning desire to go home, to see his father and his brother, to walk the paths of his beloved wood.
That Anteruon would remain in Imladris for the winter eased his worry for both his lovers and their father, but did nothing to mitigate the confusion that his unexpected attack of homesickness had spawned. He was grown, past majority several times over � surely he should be content wherever life led, as long as Elladan and Elrohir were beside him? He was no callow youngling, to dream of a childhood home and a father�s care and pride when he had but recently regained so much he had feared lost forever...
�You still think too much, �Las,� Elladan said with a ghost of a smile, breaking into the endless whirl of the prince�s thoughts. Giving Legolas� shoulder a quick squeeze, he advised, �Go home, mollify your father, harass Barangolas mercilessly, and enjoy Tiri�s company.�
�But-�
�We will be here when you are ready to return,� Elrohir broke in firmly.
�You will stay until the thaw? Until spring?� Legolas asked, his gaze focused on Elladan. �You swear it?�
Elladan hesitated, then nodded decisively. �We will remain in the valley until spring,� he promised. �There is much here we have sorely neglected over the last several years.�
�Besides,� Elrohir said dryly, �someone must keep an eye on Anteruon and Ada.�
��Roh,� Elladan began, one eyebrow lifted in warning, �you are-�
�Trying,� Elrohir interjected, a rueful smile twitching at the corners of his lips, �and that is all I can manage just yet.�
�That is enough,� Legolas assured him, stuffing the last of his clothing in his nearly-full pack. �As long as no blood is shed, it will be enough.�
�No blood,� Elrohir agreed cheerfully, the quickness of his response a tad unsettling, and Legolas found himself feeling profoundly sorry for Anteruon.
A shrill whistle drew Legolas� attention to the courtyard, and he waved to his brother in acknowledgement. �The guard is ready to ride,� he said, biting at his lower lip. �I suppose it is time to go.�
�Best to make the first pass by dark,� Elrohir agreed soberly, glancing at Elladan before drawing Legolas into a snug embrace. �I...we-� he faltered, then paused, drawing a deep breath. �Thank you,� he said at last. Pressing a fleeting kiss to the prince�s mouth, he repeated himself, having found no better words. �Just...thank you.�
Legolas nodded without speaking. He would not trivialize the storm they had all weathered with words of false modesty. Tightening his arms for a moment, he released Elrohir and moved to stand before Elladan.
Elladan framed Legolas� face with his hands and kissed him gently, the fierce passion of the previous nights giving way to a lazy, affectionate warmth. �Take care, anor n�n,� he whispered, resting his forehead against Legolas� own for a moment. Reaching over to clasp Elrohir�s hand, he drew his brother into their embrace.
The buzz of conversation from the courtyard increased, and Legolas moved away reluctantly, hoisting his pack to his shoulder. �They will be sending Galueth for me soon,� he joked, still torn between his sorrow at leaving and his yearning to be at home, if only for a season.
�That must be avoided at all costs,� Elrohir teased, ushering Legolas toward the door. �I cannot bear to have her illusions shattered as they would be by the shambles we have created in here.�
�Pardon me, but the jam was your idea, t�ren,� Elladan pointed out, with a vaguely sanctimonious air. �I told you it would stain.�
�But tying him up was your suggestion, �Dan,� Legolas, snickering despite himself, retorted as they reached the main hall.

�Not the �on the table� part,� Elladan countered smugly, pushing open the massive door. �The table idea was all yours, �Las.�
�And an excellent idea it was, too,� Elrohir chortled, stopping abruptly as several curious gazes lit on him expectantly. �We were just reminiscing, Ada,� he said, in answer to Elrond�s pointed stare. �Nothing worth the telling.� Elrohir studiously avoided Elladan�s laughing eyes. �You really had to be there.�
Elrond harrumphed noncommittally, though his lips twitched as he looked from one son to the other. �I will take you at your word,� he said dryly, then turned to embrace Legolas. �I am sorry to have you leave the valley, though I know you are longing for your home and people,� Elrond said, �and that they are missing you sorely.� Legolas would have protested, despite the truth of his host�s observation, but he was silenced with a look. �Just be safe on your journey and return when you are able,� Elrond charged him, �and everyone here will be well pleased.�
His attention on Legolas as the prince moved to bid first Anteruon, then Glorfindel and Erestor farewell, Elladan was taken by surprise when Galueth caught him in an embrace of unexpected strength, rising to her toes to kiss his cheek. �You will take care of Anteruon, yes?� she asked, her serious expression at odds with the lightness of her tone. �Do not let �Rohir damage him.�
�I will manage �Roh,� Elladan assured her, �and keep an eye on your brother as well.�
�And I will look after Legolas,� Galueth promised solemnly. �You need not worry for him.�
Elladan chuckled, echoes of a similar pledge made centuries ago by a precocious princess lifting his spirits. �You likely do not remember, little one,� he said, ignoring Galueth�s indignation at the endearment, �but you made that same vow once many years ago, as �Roh and I were leaving Mirkwood.�
�It seems I kept my word, then,� Galueth retorted with a smile, hugging Elrohir in turn, �so you both may sleep easily tonight.�
�More easily than Thranduil will sleep after news of Anteruon�s newest healing method reaches him,� Elrohir agreed with a flash of dark humor. �I hope your father does not decide to kill the messenger.�

�What messenger?� the princess replied with a pragmatism unexpected in one of her scant years. �Ada will not hear it from me, or from Legolas, either, unless I am sadly mistaken. The story is Anteruon�s to tell, if he sees fit.�
Elrohir glanced skeptically toward the assembled guards, and Galueth shook her head confidently. �Their captain�s first loyalty is to Anteruon, as Tiri�s is to Legolas. They will not carry tales.� She sighed dramatically, her eyes twinkling. �And right now they are all waiting for me with poorly concealed impatience.� Hurrying to her horse, Galueth allowed the guard�s captain to lend completely unnecessary aid as she mounted, flashing a quick smile at the twins.
�That poor fellow is completely hoodwinked,� Elrohir said under his breath as they moved to Legolas� side. �She will soon have him eating out of her hand.�
�She already does,� Legolas whispered, grinning broadly as he reached down from atop his horse to clasp Elrohir�s arm, �and he is not the only one. Though I think he is the current favorite.� Looking around at the readied party, his regret and anticipation mingling almost painfully, Legolas� smile faded. �I suppose we are ready.�
Their good-byes having been said earlier, in the privacy of their suite, Elrohir contented himself with a quick squeeze of Legolas� knee. �Be careful, anor n�n.�
�I will,� Legolas replied, his gaze wandering to Anteruon and Elrond before settling on Elladan. �Anteruon is not a fool,� he said quietly, casting a quick glance at Elrohir. �He knows it is only for a time, but-�
Elladan nodded. �Anteruon will be fine,� he promised in answer to the silent question. �I will look after him.� The impatient snorting and stamping of the guards� horses broke through the sober mood, and Elladan smiled ruefully. �They are going to leave without you in a moment.� Reaching up to grasp Legolas� arm, he squeezed it tightly. �Take care, �Las, and enjoy Mirkwood�s winter. We will come in the spring, if we can.�
�In the spring,� Elrohir echoed as they stepped back to join Elrond and the others, watching the company ride through the open gates and around the river�s bend, until they were swallowed up by the forest that covered the valley�s steep slopes.
Tearing his eyes from the now-empty path, Elladan looked from Anteruon, who still lingered forlornly on the stairs, to Elrohir, then cocked one eyebrow meaningfully. He stepped closer and touched Anteruon�s shoulder. ��Roh and I know where they hide the pastries,� Elladan whispered conspiratorially, �and the best of the sweet apple wine.�
Anteruon glanced from one twin to the other uncertainly, a wary hope flickering in his eyes, and Elrohir smiled.
�Care to join us?�
*~*~*~*~*
t�ren � my brother
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Princes Three: Darkness Unforeseen