By: WolfPyre
Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing with them for a while.
Warnings: Corporal punishment
Summary: Celeborn and Galadriel visit Imladris with their fosterling
Haldir. Also features The twins, Legolas, Elrond, Celebrian, Arwen
and Glorfindel.
**********
�Elladan, Elrohir, it is time to rise.� Celebrian said softly as she kissed each of them on the cheek.
Elladan rolled over and covered his head with his pillow while Elrohir yawned and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He watched as his mother went to the wardrobe and took out two Royal Blue tunics with matching leggings. He noted the small leaf designs, made of the finest silver thread, on the collar and cuffs and groaned.
�Nana, why are you taking out our formal tunics?� He asked warily.
�Because my mother and father will be arriving soon.�
Elladan turned over and frowned. �But why do we have to dress up?�
�Because they have not set eyes on you in two seasons and I wish you to make a good impression.� Celebrian set the clothing on the chair by the bed and faced her sons. �They are also Lord and Lady of Lothlorien and deserve a proper welcome.�
�But the collar itches-�
�-And so do the leggings!�
�It will be torture!�
�You are both strong, brave elflings. I am certain you will survive such suffering.� She pulled the covers down. �Now, please wash and get dressed.�
�But Nana-�
�-We do not want to dress up!�
�Is there a problem?� A voice sounded from the doorway.
Celebrian smiled at her husband. �Our sons are not happy they must wear their formal attire and are doing their best to change my mind.�
Elrond crossed his arms over his chest and glared at his sons. �What have I told you about arguing when you are instructed to do something?�
�We are sorry Ada.� The boys said quietly.
�Yes, so you say every time, yet you continue to do so. Tula sinome (Come here).�
The twins climbed out of bed and slowly moved to stand before their father. Elrond took them by their shoulder, turned them sideways, and gave each bottom three firm smacks. �It would not be wise to disobey me on this again. Lle rangwa amin (Do you understand)?�
�Yes Ada.� The boys replied as they tried to rub the sting away.
�Good. Now, please wash and get dressed.�
�I may need your assistance again in a moment.� Celebrian stated once the boys were in their bathing room.
�Why is that?�
�I have not yet told them they are to have their hair braided.�
Elrond sighed. He knew how much the twins detested that particular action. �Would you like me to handle this while you see to Arwen?�
�I thought you would never ask.� Celebrian kissed him softly on the lips and patted his cheek. �Please do not kill them.�
~~~
An hour later two sullen elflings and a stern father entered the dining hall. �Sit!� Elrond commanded before taking his own seat. He noted with concealed amusement that Legolas wore a similar expression to his sons. Glorfindel, who had been given the task of getting Elrond�s fosterling ready, nodded at the questioning glance. The boys simply glared as they ate their meals quietly.
�That was mine!� Elrohir yelled, breaking the silence.
Elladan smiled as he popped the last berry in his mouth. �Not any more!�
Elrohir angrily shoved his brother, who immediately shoved back.
�That is enough!� Elrond�s voice boomed. He waited until they looked at him. �This behavior will stop now.�
Both boys lowered their heads. �Yes Ada.�
�Now, since we are on the topic of behavior, I will remind you that Haldir is now your grandparent�s fosterling and he will be received as such when they arrive.� He leveled a stern glare on all three boys. �I will not tolerate any of the behavior you displayed when you were last together.�
�But Ada!� Elladan complained. �He is a vain and arrogant horses- mmumph.�
�We understand Ada.� Elrohir answered and removed his hand from Elladan�s mouth.
�I am glad that you do, because this is your one and only warning. Any misbehavior, from any of you,� Elrond�s gaze swept the table, pausing briefly at each child. �Will result in immediate punishment. Am I clear?�
All four children replied in varying forms of acknowledgement.
Elrond turned to the adults. �Do you have anything to add?�
�I believe you covered everything. �Glorfindel replied. �Though that does not mean any misbehavior we neglected to mentioned will go unpunished.� He smiled inwardly at the disappointment in Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas�s eyes. He knew them all too well to not include that statement.
Before anything more could be said, a servant entered the room. �Excuse me My Lord, but the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien have crossed the border.�
�Thank you Helle.� Elrond stood and held his hand out to Celebrian. �Shall we?�
~~~
�Naneth! Adar!� Celebrian called excitedly as they dismounted. She rushed down the stairs into her mother�s waiting arms. After a moment she released her and hugged her father. �I have missed you!�
Elladan groaned and shared a look with Elrohir, who was scratching his leg. �Will this suffering ever end?� He hissed as tugged at his collar.
Legolas frowned and rubbed at the irritated skin beneath the tunic cuffs. �It is taking forever.�
Glorfindel moved behind them. �Tampa tanya (Stop that).� He growled into their ears. They dropped their hands and sighed.
Elrond gave his sons a quick look of disapproval before turning to embrace Celeborn and Galadriel. �It is good to see you again.�
�You look well.� Celeborn stated.
�You expected differently?�
�After the tales of my grandsons in the letters from Celebrian, I thought you to no longer have hair and a stump of calloused flesh for a hand.�
Elrond caught sight of Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas elbowing each other. �That may still happen if they continue their recent behavior.� He said loud enough for his sons to hear. They stilled and looked up guiltily. Glorfindel quickly pulled Legolas to his side and took a few steps back, putting some distance between the trio.
Celeborn smiled and held his arms out to the twins, who immediately ran into them. �You have grown much since I last saw you. Soon you will be great warriors traversing the countryside.� He laid a kiss on each of their heads and released them. A small tug on his cloak caused him to look down.
�What about Arwen?� The little girl pouted not wanting to be left out.
�You, my darling child, will be a beautiful maiden whom young men will swoon over.� Galadriel answered for her husband as she picked Arwen up and placed a kiss on her forehead.
She set Arwen down and took Legolas�s chin in her hand. �And what of you, little prince? How fair you since your stay two seasons past?�
�Much the same as Elladan and Elrohir, I would assume.� Celeborn stated as he joined his wife. He stroked Legolas�s golden hair affectionately. �Have you been behaving yourself?�
Legolas wrapped his arms around Celeborn�s waist and looked up with a smile. �As much as I always do.�
Celeborn released the elfling. �Is that the great warrior Glorfindel I see?� He jested after he saw the golden-haired elf waiting patiently to welcome them.
�Have your eyes grown so weak that you cannot tell?� Glorfindel replied in kind as he accepted Celeborn�s embrace. �Nae saian luume�, Heruamin (It has been too long, my Lord).�
The clearing of a throat and an exaggerated sigh interrupted the greeting. Celeborn turned a stern eye on the elfling standing to his left. �That will be enough, young one.� He motioned the boy to his side. �I am sure you remember Haldir.�
Haldir bowed. �Mae govannen (Well met).�
All save Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas greeted him warmly. They merely glared at him, the animosity between the boys almost a living thing. Haldir opened his mouth to speak, but after a warning look from Galadriel, quickly closed it.
Celebrian stepped forward. �Come, you must be tired from your journey. I will show you to your rooms.�
~~~
Later that day:
�Oh great!� Elladan muttered as he stepped outside.
Legolas and Elrohir looked over his shoulder to see what brought on that reaction and groaned. �Should we ask him to play with us?� Legolas asked.
�NO!� Elladan answered firmly.
�You heard what Ada said.� Elrohir stated. �He will surely be cross if we do not.�
Elladan crossed his arms over his chest. �Fine, but do not complain to me when he ruins our fun!�
They walked over to where Haldir was standing. �What do you want runts?� He asked.
Elrohir put a restraining hand on Elladan�s arm. �We are going to play and wanted to know if you would like to join us?�
�Play? With you?� Haldir sniffed. �I�d rather kiss an Orc.�
�I am sure that can be arranged.� Elladan growled.
�Never mind. He is not brave enough to come with us today. Let us go.� Legolas said.
Haldir stiffened. �I am braver than the three of you, I assure you.�
Elladan smiled. �Then come with us and prove it.�
�If I must.� Haldir stepped aside to allow the others to lead the way.
~~~
�It appears our sons have decided to spend the day together.� Elrond turned from the window. �Though I cannot help but feel wary.�
�I only hope the discussion I had with Haldir made an impression.�
Elrond�s mouth quirked. �So you had the �appropriate behavior� discussion as well?�
�I felt it necessary.� Celeborn settled into one of the overstuffed chairs. �Haldir has improved much since we took he and his brothers into our home last season, but he can be still quite stubborn and difficult. �
�If I may ask, why did you choose to foster them? I thought Orophin and Rumil were intent on raising Haldir themselves.� Glorfindel asked as he seated himself across from Celeborn.
�They were. Unfortunately, their duties kept them away for long periods of time. Their patrols were set so one would be with him always, but as you well know, schedules can sometimes become confused.� Celeborn sighed. �Haldir would be left to his own devices, which led to much mischief. Galadriel and I grew weary of the complaints and persuaded Orophin and Rumil to allow us to foster all three of them. They agreed, however since they are past their majority, it was decided only Haldir would remain in our care.�
�I cannot believe Haldir was happy with the arrangement as he would no longer have the freedoms he once did.�
Celeborn laughed. �That, my friend, is an understatement. Fortunately I was able to persuade him to accept the arrangement.�
�I am glad you did. He has much potential. I would hate to see it wasted because he lacked strong parental guidance.� Elrond stated seriously.
�Speaking of guidance, how has Legolas been faring?� Celeborn asked. �He looks well.�
�He is. We had some trouble with him sleeping on the floor in the twin�s chamber or they on his as neither wanted to be away from each other. Eventually, we turned the unused second library into one large chamber for the boys. As a result, Legolas�s nightmares have virtually disappeared and he has become further integrated into the family. He has even started to call me Ada and Celebrian Nana.�
�Do you feel he has dealt with his past and his treatment at Thranduil�s hands?�
�Not entirely, but I think he will recover fully in time.�
~~~
Haldir looked at the tall, thin tree with a skeptical eye. �I do not think it is safe to climb.�
�We have climbed it many times. I assure you, it is safe.� Elladan replied.
�Well, I am not going to try. I do not wish to injure myself should I fall.�
�Surely if a lowly Mirkwood Elf such as myself can climb it, a great elf of the Golden Wood can.� Legolas smirked. �Since you fear this tree, I can only assume you are not true Lothlorien.�
Haldir�s eyes flashed indignantly. �I am not afraid!�
�Then climb it!� Elrohir challenged.
�Fine!� Haldir grasped the lower limb and swung himself into the tree. Carefully and cautiously he climbed, smiling down triumphantly when he reached the top. �I have done it!� He called down.
Elladan smiled evilly. �You are not finished. You must climb out onto the limb to your left and touch the end. Then you will have done as we have.�
Haldir hesitated. The limb did not look as if it would hold his weight.
Elrohir mirrored his twin�s expression. �What are you waiting for?�
�Do not tell me you are still afraid?� Legolas yelled.
�I am not afraid!� Haldir gathered all his courage and slowly crawled out onto the limb. A scream ripped through the air as the tree swayed to the left, flinging him off into the cold lake below. Several loud curses followed as he broke the water�s surface.
The boys fell to the ground in hysterics. �You scream like a she-elf!� Elladan gasped out between giggles as Haldir pulled himself out of the water.
�I am going to kill you!� Haldir yelled.
The trio jumped up and ran for the house, Haldir in hot pursuit. They bolted across the lawn and into the main foyer in an effort to escape. Haldir, being older and faster, easily caught Elladan, who was the closest, and tackled him to the floor. He pinned him down and was set to deliver a punch to his face when Legolas and Elrohir joined the fray. Legolas gave Haldir a good kick to the leg and Elrohir landed an elbow to his back as they fought to break his grasp on Elladan.
�What in Elbereth is going on out here?�
Elladan used the moment of surprise to push the older boy off, kneeing him in the stomach as he did so. Haldir cried out and managed to punch Elladan once before the boys were pulled apart by firm hands.
�Enough!� Elrond growled. He turned Elladan to face him. �What is the meaning of this?�
�I know not Ada. We were by the lake when Haldir fell from a tree into the water.� He said, not bothering to contain the laughter the thought induced.
�He screamed like a she-elf!� Elrohir added with his own snigger.
Legolas giggled too. �And used language the Border Guards would be proud of!�
�I would not have fallen if you did not dare me to climb out onto one of the limbs!� Haldir replied angrily as he tried to pull from Celeborn�s grasp. A quick swat to his wet bottom caused him to still.
�We did not dare you! We merely pointed out you would not have done as we have if you did not climb out and touch the end!�
�You knew the tree would sway!�
�We did not!� The boys yelled in unison.
�You did too!�
�Did not!�
�Did too!�
�Dina! (Be silent!)� Glorfindel took Elrohir�s chin in his hand. �Would this happen be the same tree you three convinced Telutan to climb?�
Elrohir averted his eyes. �Yes Sir.�
�After you were told to not do it again?� Elrond asked outraged. �Apparently your punishment was not enough to deter you from disobeying a second time. That shall be remedied, I assure you!�
�You have done this before?� Celeborn asked.
The three boys nodded.
�Haldir could have been injured! Why would you do such a thing?�
Elladan�s eyes flashed angrily. He lashed out before either Legolas or Elrohir could stop him. �It is not our fault he is an arrogant ass who allows three�three�what did he call us?�
�Runts.� Elrohir replied halfheartedly as he could see the anger in his father�s eyes.
�Runts convince him to climb a tree any elfling would know not to climb! Besides, unlike with Telu, we knew Haldir could swim.� Elladan smiled smugly. �We simply gave him what he deserved.�
�I have heard enough.� Elrond stated sternly. �All of you to your room, Sii� (Now)!� He watched them trudge up the stairs, frowning when he only counted three bodies. He turned to Haldir. �Did I speak in a language you have not yet learned?�
Haldir looked up in surprise. �But I did not do anything!�
�That is where you are mistaken.� Celeborn took him by the arm. �Come, you must change into dry clothing, then we will discuss your part in this escapade.�
~~~
Legolas slumped against the bedroom door. �We are in big trouble.�
�Maybe we will only be given additional chores or an early bedtime.� Elladan replied hopefully.
�If you believe that then Haldir must have hit you harder than I thought.� Elrohir dropped onto the bed. �We disobeyed Ada, Elladan! You know what he will do!�
Before Elladan could reply, Elrond entered the room. The boys watched in wide-eyed fear as he walked to the dresser and picked up their hairbrush.
Elrond turned to face them. �Was I not clear at the morning meal?�
�You were very clear, Ada.� Legolas answered.
�Then explain to me why you immediately went out and started trouble with Haldir.�
�He started with us!� Elladan exclaimed angrily. �We asked that horses ass to play with us, but he called us runts and said he would rather kiss an Orc!�
Elrohir paled at his brother�s words. �Uh, what Elladan means to say is we tried to be friendly, but Haldir did not want to return the gesture.�
�So you felt that him falling from a tree would be an appropriate response to his offense?�
�YES!� Elladan replied.
Elrond stepped forward and took Elladan�s chin in his hand. �You would do well to control your anger and attitude, child. I will not tolerate it any longer.�
Elladan gulped. �Yes sir.�
Elrond nodded and released the boy�s chin. �Now, if I recall correctly, you were punished for this same misdeed last season, were you not?�
�Yes Ada.�
�Yet you did it again. In addition to this, you three and Haldir decided a brawl in the common hall would resolve your problems.� Elrond switched his stern gaze from one son to the other. �Have I forgotten anything?�
�No Ada.�
�Then we will move on to your punishment.� He stepped back a pace. �Please lower your legging and brace yourselves on the bed.�
As soon as his sons were in position he brought the brush down, alternating between the three bottoms in no particular pattern. When he felt the lesson was learned, he landed two additional swats to Elladan�s backside for his attitude and profanity before allowing them to stand. He felt a small pang of guilt at the pained expressions on his sons� faces as they pulled their leggings up, but was determined to remain firm.
�I trust we will not have a repeat of this behavior?�
�No Ada.� The boys replied.
Elrond took his customary, post punishment position on the bed. �Good. Tula sinome (come here).� The boys climbed into his arms and laid their heads on his chest. Elrond dropped a kiss on each head and rubbed their backs until the drifted to sleep.
~~~
Celeborn directed Haldir into his room and shut the door. �Go change your clothing. We will have our discussion once you are dry.�
Haldir glared at Celeborn. �But I did not��
�NOW!� Celeborn smiled to himself when the boy hurried to the bathing chamber do as he was told.
Haldir returned to the room several minutes later and found Celeborn sitting on the bed. He moved to the bed but kept himself out of arms reach.
�What did I tell you before we arrived?�
�That I was expected to behave and not provoke the twins or Legolas. Which I did not!�
�So rebuking their efforts of friendship was your way of trying to get along with them?�
Haldir did not have a response so he hung his head.
�Eyes on me child.� Celeborn directed firmly and waited for the boy to comply. �I asked you a question.�
�No Sir. It was not.�
�Then you climbed a tree you knew was not safe. You are lucky you fell into the water else you would be seriously injured.�
�They tricked me!�
�Maybe, but it was your pride that let them.� Celeborn leaned out, grasped Haldir�s arm and pulled him to his side. �Then you chased the trio into the common hall and decided the best way to restore your pride was to start a physical altercation with them. Am I correct?�
�If they did not��
�Am I correct?� Celeborn interrupted in a slightly louder voice.
Haldir thought about continuing but the look on Celeborn�s face told his it would not be wise to do so. �Yes Sir.�
�I warned you what the punishment would be if you did not behave. Lower your leggings and bend over my knee.�
Haldir gulped and did as he was told. He did his best to remain silent as Celeborn peppered his bottom with sharp smacks. He lost his resolve by the fifth stroke and yelped each time Celeborn�s hand landed. By the time all was over, he was a sobbing, contrite elfling.
Celeborn gave Haldir a few moments to compose himself before helping him to his feet. Haldir pulled up his leggings and allowed Celeborn to pull him into his lap. �I trust we will not have a repeat performance?�
�No Sir.�
�Good. Then we will speak no more about it.� Celeborn rocked the boy until he felt his body grow heavy with sleep then stood and placed Haldir face down on the bed before quietly leaving the room.
~~~
Celeborn was met up with Elrond as he was heading back to the library. �Is all taken care of?� he asked.
�Yes. You?�
�Thankfully, yes.�
They walked in silence for a moment before Celeborn smiled. �I guess we should be glad they did not break anything or start a fire like the last time they were all together.�
�Yes, I guess we should be.� Elrond snorted. �Come, I have a bottle of Dorwinion waiting to be opened. We can celebrate our luck that Imladris will stand for another day.�
�We hope.� Celeborn added under his breath as he followed Elrond.