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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness	By : MPB Category: -Multi-Age > General Views: 26421 -:- 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 XXVII

Mirkwood, Urúi T.A. 1090

An infant's gurgling coos resonated in the Elven-king's study, eliciting smiles from all present. Lalorn cradled his first-born son, his proud perusal of the babe tinged with some anxiety and much protectiveness. His concern was understandable given that it had taken his lady wife nigh seven centuries to get with child. Lalorn's mate was a delicate creature of impeccable birth but whose line was known for being lamentably unprolific in progeny. Lalorn had wooed and wed her nonetheless, quite prepared to endure childlessness if that was their lot. And all these years, he and his wife had indeed thought it their lot to bring no children into Arda.

But as is oft the case when expectations are at their lowest, the unexpected occurred and now Thranduil had another grandchild that he would one day bounce on his royal knee. Still and all, Lalorn could not help being anxious about his son's health and prospects after having thought never to father one at all.

Galvreth smiled at his brother's overly fidgety behavior. Truly, were they not all cognizant of the cause, they would have chided Lalorn for behaving in so un-elvish a manner. His smile widened when Thranduil leaned over Lalorn's shoulder to stroke the infant's plump chin with his finger. Whereupon the babe snortled happily, pleased by the attention paid to his tiny self.

The argent-haired prince glanced at the door in time to see Legolas enter the chamber. His brother was clad in hardy raiment fit for patrolling the forest, which was what he would be embarking on soonest. As would Lalorn.

The unschooled observer would think the archer over eager to do his duty for Legolas undertook such missions with unwarranted frequency. But verily it was but a means to distract himself from his yearning for Elrohir, a way to keep himself from dwelling on his unceasing need for his absent mate.

True to his own prognosis, Legolas did not fare well during this separation from Elrohir. Oh, he was hale and whole and nowhere near pining away for want of his darkling spouse. But what did go missing were his sunny demeanor, his ready smile and his sweet temper. Not until Elrohir returned to his side would the Wood-elves hear their youngest prince's merry laughter once more.

He kept in touch with Elrohir, of course. Every fortnight he would ascend to the rooftop deck of the royal residence and scour the skies, seeking the fleet falcon that bore Elrohir's missives to him from the south and would carry his own messages back to the Elf-knight. The letters never failed to bring a sparkle to his eyes or a glimmer of a smile to his lips. But they were a poor substitute for the reality of Elrohir's warm arms around him.

Galvreth, too, had received missives by way of that same falcon. In the three years since their falling out, Elladan had sought to salve some of the hurt he knew he had inflicted on the woodland prince. His letters were warm and reverent and even entreating at times. Upon reading the first of these, Galvreth had felt his anger and bitterness seep away. But not his sorrow.

Elladan did not speak of love or hint at affection greater than what one accorded a favored lover. Galvreth perceived his guardedness in the way he worded his letters and knew the older twin still unwilling to give himself completely in eternal wedlock.

Disheartened and lonely, Galvreth has striven to balm his wounded heart as best as he could. He did not know if the means he had used to attain his goal were right. He could only hope that they would be enough to keep his spirit from utterly failing.

He watched Legolas fondly run his fingers through their nephew's downy locks before inquiring whether Lalorn would be ready to leave within the hour. Lalorn nodded though with scant enthusiasm. With a sigh, he beckoned to his son's nurse then gazed long and longingly at the infant before surrendering him to the Elf-woman's care.

It was while he and Legolas were taking formal leave of their father that Galvreth came to a sudden decision. “Hold, Lalorn,” he said. “I will go with Legolas in your stead.”

“You have just returned from the borders yourself,” Lalorn objected.

“And I have no pressing need to remain safe as do you, brother,” Galvreth replied. “Your son should not have to risk losing his sire afore he has even been named.”

“Galvreth…” Thranduil began to protest.

“Oh, do not worry overmuch, Ada”-Papa-Galvreth assured him. “'Twas but a turn of phrase. I meant nothing by it. Besides, Legolas will be with me. Is there any greater surety than the presence of our stalwart archer?”

This last was said teasingly but also affectionately, testament to the close fraternal bond the two had forged over the centuries. Thranduil had to smile as he always did when presented with evidence of his sons' solidarity.

“Just make certain that 'tis to allow Lalorn time with his child that you wish to take his place,” he said.

“That is my wish, Ada,” Galvreth answered. “'Tis agreed then,” he addressed Lalorn to stay his dissent. “Legolas, give me a quarter of an hour and I shall be ready.”

He swiftly departed leaving his father and brothers to ponder his mood.

“Is this wise, Ada?” Lalorn prodded. “Aelluin said that he was less than vigilant of his safety last they patrolled together.” His voice lowered sadly. “It has been so since the gwenyn rode away.”

Thranduil sighed. “I do not know if it is wise or not,” he said. “But I would rather he occupy himself with some endeavor that will make him see his worth. He seems lacking in confidence in himself these days.”

“But what of his safety? What if harm comes upon him because he gives little thought to it? Ah, do not let him go, Ada. I am more than ready to do my duty.”

“Nay, Lalorn,” Legolas firmly said. “Whatever his true reasons, Galvreth is right. You must spend this time with your son and let him get to know you well. And as for his safety, 'tis not as if we shall be alone. Surely a whole troop of Elves is shield enough for the two of us.”

Thus it was with Galvreth that Legolas set out on his tour of patrol duty. They would be gone for two months at the very least, perhaps even longer should conditions beyond the Woodland Realm's bounds prove troublesome. The Silvan Elves were not content to sit secure within their domain. Peril was kept at bay not from within the heart of the forest kingdom but through the thorough scouring and cleansing of their considerable corner of Mirkwood. The farther they kept trespassers of any kind from even nearing their realm, the less the risk of invasion of the kingdom itself.

Ere they could set off, an Elf-maid hastened after them, her pretty face pale with worry. She spoke to Galvreth, asking why he was leaving once more after having just returned. The hand she laid on his arm bespoke familiarity, as did her daring in beseeching one of the king's sons in such a fashion.

When at last Galvreth managed to assure her that all would be well, she hugged him close and pressed a kiss to his lips. Only then did she step back to let him rejoin his brother. Legolas looked askance at him as he came to his side.

“She is quite the tender heart,” he remarked, leading the way into the forest. “I wonder if she is suited to be a warrior's wife.”

Galvreth looked at him with mild amusement. “That is a most unsubtle way of trying to discover whether I have proposed to her.”

Legolas shrugged. “And have you?” he pressed. “Pardon my curiosity but you have been taciturn of late. Maddeningly so.”

Galvreth wanly smiled. “I have not,” he said. “I do not feel that 'tis the right time.”

“But you like her enough to consider it?”

“What a question! Of course I do else would I have kept company with her all this time?”

Legolas fell silent for a spell. And then he glanced warily at Galvreth and ventured to ask, “And has she a chance of replacing Elladan in your heart?”

The utter stillness that came over Galvreth's features warned him that he was treading dangerous ground. It was always the case when any mention of Elladan was made. Yet he knew precious little of what had actually passed between the two. Galvreth steadfastly refused to speak of it to any of them. But especially did he hold his tongue with Legolas where before he had always been open.

The archer could not fault him for his reticence. Galvreth's honor and good sense would not permit him to speak ill of Elrohir's brother. Not if it might spark friction between Legolas and Elladan and thereby place Elrohir in the most uncomfortable position of trying to keep the peace between his mate and his twin. Galvreth had decried Nimaras' divisive actions long ago. He would not demean himself and do likewise now.

Yet Legolas could not let it rest. Placing his confidence in Galvreth's love for him, he would attempt every now and then to pry a bit more information out of his brother.

“Has she a chance?” he repeated when Galvreth did not reply.

“Would you welcome her?” Galvreth countered.

“If that would make you happy, yea, I would,” Legolas replied. “We all would. And Aewithen is kind and gentle and lovely besides.”

“But…?”

“But does she content you?”

Galvreth stared unseeingly into the distance. At length he said: “She makes me smile.”

Legolas' eyes softened. “And for that I would sing her praises. Eru knows we have seen little of your mirth these days. But are you happy with her?”

Galvreth's lips curved slightly at his brother's persistence. “As much as I am capable,” he replied shortly.

Legolas frowned. “Which does not seem all that much judging from your demeanor of late. Galvreth, I know you will never tell me what drove you and Elladan apart. But will you not at least confide in me what is in your heart? I would help you mend what wounds lie within. I wish you would let me, brother.”

They walked a little further in silence as Galvreth considered Legolas' plea. Finally, he said: “I once believed I would know the wedded bliss you and the others have found. So great was my faith that I willingly waited for nigh 800 years for that dream to come true. But I have learned a painful lesson since. Not all of us are fated to know such joy.” Legolas sharply glanced at him when he heard the resounding sorrow in his brother's voice. “The dream I held to was naught but an illusion and hence nothing more than wishful thinking on my part. I would that I could still have a dream to build on. An illusion cannot support the weight of my hopes however paltry they now may be.”

Legolas felt his throat tighten in like sorrow and sympathy, so desolate was his brother's face and voice. “I cannot believe that what you shared with Elladan was little more than an illusion,” he softly insisted. “There was more to Elladan's feelings for you than mere lust. Anyone could see that.”

Galvreth smiled sadly. “Oh, I know that, tôr neth”-younger brother. “But it means nothing if he will not even admit it to himself.” He shook his head. “Too long did I hang on to my hopes. I cannot go on as before. I have to find some means to let go else I will break. I have striven to hide it from you but verily the grief is oft too great to bear.” He paused, his voice catching.

“And you have hidden it well,” Legolas murmured. “Ah, Galvreth, I wish you had not kept this from me. I know I cannot fill the gap he has left in your heart as Aewithen might but still I would have liked to succor you in whatever way I can.”

“You already have,” Galvreth whispered. “Simply by always offering your comfort even when I would not take it. And as for Aewithen, I do not know if she can fill that gap either. Indeed, I do not think any can. Elladan made that place in my heart his very own. Mayhap - mayhap the only way would be for her to make a new place for herself.”

“If she can,” Legolas said doubtfully. “Forgive me, brother, but I find her wanting. She does not possess the strong heart or mettlesome spirit of a mate fit for a warrior prince.”

“Then if not her, some other,” Galvreth replied. “Just so I can move on.”

Legolas looked at him unhappily. That his brother should despair of knowing true joy and be willing to settle for much less out of a lack of hope was simply too painful a prospect to endure.

**********

As he passed beneath the eaves of the first line of trees on Mirkwood's western bounds, Elrohir heaved a sigh of relief. For the last several hours, a vague unease had nagged him and, though he could not discern its cause, he intuitively suspected it had to do with Legolas. He wondered if his mate was in some fraught state for him to sense his disquiet unbidden. A quarrel with someone mayhap?

At his side, Elladan remained silent for the most part, his fair face thoughtful as they journeyed deeper into the great forest. Elrohir noted how his twin would now and again lift his hand to his left breast, brushing it over the inner pocket of his tunic in which was secreted a gallant woodland Elf's gift.

Their sojourn in Gondor had proved exhilarating, enlightening or exasperating by turns. Mithrandir was extremely pleased with all they had gleaned from their stay and vowed to return thence when time and circumstance permitted. But he had also marked the brethren's diminished enjoyment of the venture; fraught feelings shadowed them throughout. No fool he, the Wizard deemed it prudent that they return to the north sooner than planned. What good after all would his companions be should they languish the longer they stayed away from the reasons for their discontent?

Elrohir felt the falcon perched on his shoulder bate in impatience and he reached up to sooth the creature. He had not advised Legolas of his premature return thinking to surprise his mate with his unexpected advent. He smiled a little as he imagined Legolas' reaction when he realized his spouse was home at last.

It was then that he suddenly felt a surge of fear mingled with rage course through him with such ferocity it nearly toppled him from Uilos had he not been tightly clutching the reins. Elladan extended his hand to steady him.

“Elrohir!” he exclaimed. “What is wrong?”

The younger twin turned alarmed eyes on him. “'Tis Legolas! Some evil has befallen him. I felt his anger and fear.”

“Fear?” Elladan repeated incredulously. “Are you certain? Legolas fears nothing!”

Elrohir shook his head, spurring his steed forward. “'Twas not for himself that he was afraid but for those in his charge. He is not unsettled easily otherwise. Ah, let us hurry, brother! I am afraid for him.”

They traversed the rest of the track at a breakneck gallop. Thus, they came to the borders of the Woodland Realm in little more than half the time others might at a more leisure pace. Elrohir's fear mounted as they passed the kingdom's boundaries with nary a sentry to challenge them. That could only mean that they had been recalled for some dire need other than guarding the marches.

They burst into the clearing before the delved palace to find a great troop of Silvan warriors preparing to march forth. And at the fore were Thranduil and all his sons. Save for Legolas and Galvreth.

“Aelluin!” Elrohir cried to the nearest prince. “What has happened? Where are Legolas and Galvreth?”

He and Elladan flung themselves off their mounts almost before the elven horses came to a stop. Aelluin hastened to meet the twins. His face was grim as could be.

“They left on patrol but two days past,” he quickly explained. “But just an hour ago, one of their scouts returned near swooning from weariness and his wounds. They were ambushed by orcs nigh to our southern bounds just yestereve.”

The twins stared at him in horror. “Were they taken?” Elladan sharply asked when Elrohir in his shock failed to speak.

“We do not know,” Aelluin said. He continued apprising the brethren of the situation while the latter swiftly armed themselves to the hilt. “The last Fingaran saw of them, they were retreating further south with the survivors they managed to gather.”

“Further south!” Elrohir gasped in disbelief.

“The orcs cut off any escape to the north. They were likely going to attempt a roundabout route to get back here.”

“But how did Fingaran get away?” Elrohir demanded as he and Elladan strode back to the waiting Elf-soldiers with Aelluin.

“He was mistaken for dead. When the orcs gave chase after my brothers, he made his way back here to inform us of what had happened.”

Thranduil welcomed them with hurried hugs afore taking his place at the head of his forces. The Wood-elves silently melted in the deeps of the forest, leaving behind a dazed and fearful citizenry.

As they marched, the princes recounted more details of the ambush to the brethren. Galvreth and Legolas had been lured into a trap. Just a few leagues away from the elven path they came upon a small group of Wood-elves bound and gagged and strung from a great tree. The Elves were part of a hunting party that had gone missing but a four-day past and had been one of the reasons for the patrol's foray into this part of the forest. All bore signs of mistreatment and deprivation.

Horror and pity had clouded the Silvan warriors' judgment, even Legolas and Galvreth's. They had not paused to consider that the captive Elves need not have been gagged unless it was to keep them from warning their rescuers of danger. Too late did the first victim voice a panicked warning. Nigh a horde of goblins swarmed into the clearing, outnumbering the Wood-elves nearly five to one. The Elves fought well and valorously but they were overwhelmed by their foes' superior numbers.

Fingaran had suffered a blow to his head and fallen amidst his vanquished fellows in a daze. Realizing the orcs were running their swords and spears through any prone form that moved, he feigned death and kept absolutely still. That was when he espied the princes repelling the last of the orcs that had engaged them, regrouping the remnants of the troop and heading south. Becoming aware of their retreat, the remaining orcs chased after them. Fingaran did not think they would be caught too soon for they knew the woods as the orcs did not. But hampered by injuries amongst them, he doubted they could move as swiftly as needed to evade their pursuers. Sooner or late, if they did not manage to elude the goblins and head back toward the bounds of the Wood-elves' domain, they would be taken.

Elrohir did his best to keep calm despite the almost unending spate of emotions that assailed him through his mating-bond. Gritting his teeth in determination not to fall apart ere he could come to his beloved's aid, he suddenly noticed the peculiar pallor of Elladan's face. He gripped his brother's shoulder and looked at him inquiringly. Elladan swallowed hard then spoke.

“I delayed too long,” he hoarsely said. “I did not tell him how dear he is to me and now it may be too late!”

“Take heart, gwaniuar”-older twin-Elrohir attempted to sooth him despite his own inner tumult. “Legolas is alive. I can sense him. The chances are great that Galvreth is with him and therefore alive as well.”

“Aye, alive,” Elladan retorted. “But whole? What if those beasts have broken them? You know full well what orcs can do! And here we are, still too far to aid them. How can you bear this - this helplessness, Elrohir?”

“Because I must,” Elrohir pointed out. “We both must. They will need us when we find them. We have to be hale for them, Elladan.”

To this the older twin could make no reply.

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

Glossary:

Urúi - Sindarin for August

gwenyn - twins

To be continued…
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Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness