Title:  Twin Mischief
Author: Cierah
Rating: pg-13 
Summary: 
The twins first meeting with the elves of Mirkwood, turns out to be more then they barganed for. 
Feedback: saeess@excite.com


Wary Encounters

They stood outside the great doors, whispering softly to each other, while they came up with a great plan to enter the feast. Elladan chuckled at his twin's suggestion. Both decided that would be the best way.
"You enter first, I will hide and remain here for a time. Then I will come in and hopefully no one will be the wiser at my lateness." Elrohir smiled broadly.
"You do realize that father will ask me again where you are. I suppose I will tell him the same thing I did at lunch." Elladan shrugged.
"Ella, it will be perfect. Just do not tell father which one of us you are." Elrohir smirked. "Confuse him by not seating yourself right away. Then we can switch seats throughout the night."
"Oh Varda, this will be fun." Elladan placed his hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter. "Now go hide, before someone comes." He reached out and pushed his younger brother towards the doors across from the gardens.
Elrohir glared over his shoulder to his brother, but walked through the doors to a small study that scholars used to review their students work. He glanced around him, never before noticing the many books that littered the shelves. Curiously, he walked over to one shelf, and left his hand drift over the tightly bound leather. He pulled one down and opened it wrinkling his nose at the musty smell.
He flipped through the pages glancing at pictures and the cursive script under them. "Hmm, must have been written before my time."
He closed the book and placed it back onto the shelf pulling another down. He opened the new book and flipped through the pages, but stopped startled, and flipped back to the picture that caught his interest. He stood there and stared at the picture in stunned wonder. His eyes wandered over the cursive script under the worn out hand drawn picture. 
His lips mouthed the words. "Elrond and Elros Peredhil." He drew in his breath stunned. He knew his father had a twin brother. He had never before seen a picture of his uncle, and standing there staring at the book; he felt his heart fill with wonder. "Identical."
Elrohir shook his head and placed the book gently back onto the shelf. 
He turned around and started for the door, it was time for him to make his appearance at the feast, before his father sent a search party looking for him.
Taking a deep breath, Elrohir turned the handle of the doors entrance to the gardens. He opened the door and walked through the foliage to the tables set in the clearing. He slowly smiled at the look on his father's face when he entered, and earned a rewarding smirk from his brother.
Holding himself tall, he bowed his head to his father and mother before taking his brother's seat at the table. He glanced around the table and nearly laughed out loud at the look on the youngest prince of Mirkwood's face. His mouth hung open, and his eyes stared at him and Elladan in wonder. Legolas turned to his father and whispered something to him, but Thranduil shook his head.
He glanced briefly at his brother and met identical gray eyes that were filled with mirth. He leaned over and whispered in his ear. "That was great, now the challenge of getting them to guess which is which."
Elladan nodded, his eyes watching his father's stare at the two of them. "Careful however, father is watching us like a hawk. You know how he misses nothing."
Elrohir turned his head and met his father's, angry eyes. The youngest twin put on a look of innocence. "Father, what is wrong?"
Elrond raised an eyebrow, then leaned over and hissed at the twins. "What game is this?"
The twins glanced at each other, feigning shock. "Game?" The both protested together. "Whatever do you mean father?"
"It was by pure chance that we dressed alike."
Elrond snorted unelven like. "Aye, and I am a Balrog."
Elrohir felt his mouth drop open. "I apologize for my tardiness, I got caught up reading a book." The younger twin paused debating on whether or not to bring up the picture he saw. "I came across an interesting picture father."
"Is that so, Elrohir?" His father murmured.
Elladan choked on his wine.
Hiding his surprise, he nodded. "It was a picture of you and uncle Elros."
It was Elrond's turn to choke. "I beg your pardon?"
Elrohir cursed himself silently, casting a wary glance at Elladan, who stared at him confused. He lowered his head, ashamed for bringing up his father's brother.
"And where by chance did you find this picture?" Elrond asked quietly. His father's face had turned ashen.
"In the study across the gardens." Elrohir whispered, wringing his hands worriedly.
Elrond stared at his youngest son hard.
"Ro, what are you doing?" Elladan whispered frantically in his ear.
"King Thranduil, Queen Lalaith, May I introduce my youngest son, Lord Elrohir. I apologize for his tardiness, he was busy with items that were not his business." Elrond announced.
"There goes our plan, fool, and you thought I would botch things up." Elladan hissed in his twin's ear.
Elrohir shot him a dirty look. "I was shocked with what I saw. Did you know that father and uncle Elros were identical, such as us?"
Elladan's eating utensil stopped halfway between his plate and his mouth. "What?"
Elrohir nodded, glancing at his father, whose head was bent over his plate, eating slowly.
Elladan stood up from the table and walked to the wine cart that stood near the banquet-serving table. He picked up the wine decanter and walked around the table pouring fresh glasses for their guests. He had just finished pouring Prince Erysyn's glass, when a hand stopped him. He glanced down at the middle prince, surprised.
"Did we meet you this morning and at lunch?" The prince asked wrinkling his brow.
"At lunch yes, this morning, no." He smiled sweetly, and moved onto the next glass.
After he finished pouring their guests wine, he stood off to the side and caught his brother's eye. He motioned him over and quietly whispered to him. "Why did father not mention anything of uncle Elros to us before?"
"How would you feel, had I chosen a mortal life and left you to live yours immortal?" Elrohir hissed. "Can you be so dense?"
"Do you think they were as close as you and I?" Elladan whispered.
Elrohir looked over his shoulder towards their father. "I do not think so, Ella. Perhaps close, but nothing like you or I?"
Elladan sighed. "I cannot believe you mentioned it now of all times. You know I do not read, so you gave yourself away. Now father is angry, and we have his wrath to deal with later."
"Do you really think that father would not have eventually guessed who was who? It does not matter. We were not here to fool father, or mother, but to fool those Dark Wood princes. I think it succeeded."
Elladan nodded smiling to his brother. "Oh, I believe it did, brother. The crown prince already asked who he had met."
Elrohir returned his brother's smile, and cast a glance over his shoulder at the princes of Mirkwood. "Yes, you are right. Even now they do not know who is who. Perhaps the game is still on?" The younger twin turned his gray eyes to his brother's in question.
Elladan shrugged. "Why not, we are already in father's bad books." Elrohir snorted at his brother's implication.
"Books indeed. I will show you this book later." Without another word they turned and walked back to the table, this time seating themselves in their rightful chairs.
Elrohir picked up his wine glass and drained it in one gulp, and sat back against the plush fabric of the chair. His eyes caught those of Prince Galen's and he found his eyes locked in a battle stare of wits. Startled, he lowered his gaze, and looked at Elladan who was whispering to his father. Now filled with curiosity, he allowed his gaze to be met once again with those dark blue eyes of the crown prince. 
What he found in that gaze was one of anger, and hatred. Elrohir shivered, and sat up straight in his chair. He was not accustomed to seeing hate in the eyes of elves. Especially from one elf to another. Warily, he broke eye contact with the prince, and instead glanced at the youngest prince of Mirkwood. He was busy giggling and conversing with the middle prince, both who seemed to be having a good time. Elrohir frowned, and leaned over to whisper in his twin's ear. 
"Catch the look the Crown Prince shot us?" 
Elladan turned his head slightly, and let his eyes casually wander over to the royal family. "That is strange." His brother whispered back.
"I do not think he likes us too much." Elrohir snickered behind his hand.
Elladan shrugged and responded back. "Like that matters? We are accustomed to stares and looks of jealousy."
"I do not think it is one of jealousy, Ella. But one of hatred."
Elladan looked at his brother surprised, raising an eyebrow.
Elrohir snorted unelven like. "You should see yourself. You hold the same look father makes."
"Oh, and you do not?" Elladan snapped louder then he intended.
A stunned silence filled the garden, even their father paused his discussions with his aide to glance at his eldest shock.
Taken aback, Elrohir sat back in his chair frowning at his brother.
"What is wrong with you two tonight?" Elrond hissed.
Elrohir lowered his head, allowing his brother to explain his out burst.
"Nothing father. All is well." Elladan whispered. "My apologies." He said glaring at his twin.
Taking a deep breath, Elrohir stood and turned to his father. "With your permission father, might I be excused?"
Elrond narrowed his eyes at the twins, but nodded. "I would like to see you both in my chambers tomorrow morning."
Elrohir nodded then bowed and exited the gardens to wander the halls alone.
The youngest twin did not know how long he wandered those halls, but lost in his thoughts he did not notice Prince Legolas walking towards him until they almost bumped into each other.
"Hello." The young prince said happily. "I was sure I was the only one wandering around. I am glad to meet someone to talk to."
Elrohir raised his eyebrow. "You still wish to talk with me after earlier?"
"Why not?" Legolas shrugged. "I have never before met twins. I was only surprised."
Elrohir nodded.
"What is it like?" The blonde Prince asked.
"What is what like?"
"Always having someone around who looks like a mirror?"
Elrohir shrugged. "Much the same as a brother. Only we share a face." Elrohir paused. "We share a closeness that is similar to a love fae."
Legolas smiled broadly. The two walked through the halls chatting softly to each other long into the night, neither of them aware of the presence that followed them.





Ok here is Chapter Four. I sort of got stuck on where to go, so I am changing the story a little. Enjoy, I hope you like it. Review and let me know what you think...should I continue? Or what?

Tables Turned

Elladan raced down the halls towards his brother's room, skidding to a halt when he reached the door. He pounded on the great oak doors, glancing around him nervously. "Ro! Open up!" 
He heard a grumble from inside, a loud thud and a muffled curse. "Ai, Valar!" The door opened to reveal a slightly tousled twin.
Elladan's hand flew to his mouth to stifle his laughter. "What in Varda's name happened to you?"
Elrohir's hair was unbraided and damp, and his clothing was wrinkled. His eyes narrowed dangerously, as he stepped aside allowing his brother to enter. "You might want to ask a small Dark Wood princling."
"Legolas?" Elladan walked into the room glancing at his brother again raising an eyebrow in baffled question. When he got an affirmed nod, he chuckled. "Pray tell."
Elrohir raised his own matching eyebrow. "Perhaps I wish to keep what dignity I have remaining intact, Ella."
"Oh no. You cannot keep me in the dark about this." Elladan walked over to a small-carved table and pulled out a chair for himself before sitting on the plush blue cushion.
Elrohir shook his head, also walking over to the table, and poured a glass of wine for his brother and himself. Picking one up and handing it to his brother, he sat in a chair sighing loudly. "You laugh at my mishap, and I will dump this glass on your head." He held up the wine goblet for emphasis narrowing his eyes again at his brother to show his intentions.
Elladan's lips twitched slightly, but he nodded his head in agreement, while he crossed the fingers of his right hand lying out of his brother's line of sight. He brought the goblet to his lips and took a sip while his brother glanced at him warily.
Shaking his head again, he began his encounter. "We were walking through the gardens, past the garilium flowers; you know the ones."
Elladan nodded, taking another sip. Swallowing he said, "The ones near the fountain of Ulmo?"
Elrohir nodded his affirmation. Elrohir started his tale once more, not only drawing his brother through the account verbally, but also mentally.

Legolas smiled at the elder twin who walked beside him. ""Always having someone around who looks like a mirror?"
Elrohir shook his head, shrugging at the question. "Much the same as a brother. Only we share a face." Elrohir paused. "We share a closeness that is similar to a love fae."
The two young elves talked for a while, sitting themselves under a great willow tree, that sat beside a delicately carved fountain.
"What is this?" Legolas asked, pointing at the fountain and picking up a stick.
"That is a fountain." Elrohir smirked.
Legolas huffed with impatience. "I know it is a fountain, dimwit, but I have never seen one so beautiful before."
Elrohir chuckled. "That is the fountain of Ulmo. Gil-Galad had it carved long before even Ella and I were born."
Legolas turned and looked at Elrohir confused for a moment. "Ella?"
The dark haired elf chuckled again. "They were childhood names we gave each other. I guess before we could pronounce our full names."
Legolas nodded and put the tip of the stick into the water drawing circle designs. "What did Elladan call you?" He asked while he sat on the edge and gazed into the sparkling blue water. "Even the water is beautiful." He smiled to himself.
"Perhaps I will allow, Elladan the courtesy of informing you of my childhood name."
Elrohir frowned. He turned his eyes into the coming darkness. "Did you hear that?"
"What?" Legolas turned bright blue eyes towards the dark haired elf.
Elrohir stood up and faced the way they had come. "I thought-" He shook his head. "It was nothing."
"I think we should head back. My father will probably be looking for me." Legolas stood up and started walking towards the great house of Elrond.
The younger twin nodded and led the way through the thick under brush of his father's gardens. With a startled yelp, he flew through the air and up into a tree. Hanging upside down he looked up at his foot, which was tied around a rope. Confused and bewildered, he glanced down to the forest floor he had been standing not long ago. Legolas stood there holding his sides, laughing. Elrohir narrowed his eyes, but felt them widen when the other two Mirkwood princes emerged from hiding.
"Good evening, Elrohir- or is it Elladan?" Galen mocked, barely holding in his laughter.
"Ai! What prank is this?" Elrohir groaned.
"Nothing far from the one you pulled on us." Erysyn hooted gleefully. 
"Your prank was successful, now would you kindly get me down from here?"
The three princes glanced at each other, and then back up at the elf stuck in the tree. "We have something better for you, twin son of Elrond." Galen called up to him.
Elrohir groaned defeated. "Oh? And what would that be?" Before he could utter another word, he plummeted down to the forest floor. Landing with a loud oomph, he tried desperately to get to his feet. But Erysyn was faster, and tackled him before he could gain his footing.

"The next thing I knew, I was head first in the fountain." Elrohir shook his head. He glared at his twin who despite his word, was roaring with laughter. "You gave me your word!" He accused.
"My apologies, Ro." Elladan gulped. He lowered his head trying desperately to stifle his chuckles. 
"Oh, do not worry, dear brother, I am certain those Dark Wood princes have something cooking up just for you."
Elladan felt his eyes widen with mock worry. "Oh, come on, Ro! We have pulled pranks since we were elfling's. We can out smart those three in a heart beat."
"You forget brother, we are two, and they are three." Elrohir felt his heart lighten a little.
The elder twin shrugged. "So?"
Elrohir nodded. "You are right, I only wish it had been you first, instead of me."
Elladan snorted. "You forget brother, that I am older and smarter then you are."
The younger twin felt his mouth drop in surprise. He got up quickly and tacked his brother who still sat in his chair. Both fell to the ground in a heap and were tangled in a pile of limbs, when the door opened and revealed their father.
Elrond shook his head at the sight of his two sons. "What is the meaning of this?"
Elrohir looked up as best as he could from a headlock given by his older brother. "Nothing father, we were only having a pleasant conversation."
Elladan grinned from the floor. Trying to wiggle out from under his brother. "Aye, nothing to worry about." Elladan squirmed desperately as his brother pinned him back onto the floor, tightening the grip he had on his younger brother's neck. Elrohir coughed and released his hold slightly so he could breath.
Elrond shook his head and turned from the room. "TWINS!"
Both twins burst into renewed laughter that followed Elrond down the hall.

Let the Games Begin

Elrond entered the council room and slumped into his chair. He lowered his head into his hands. He groaned loudly.
"AI!" Came a startled cry from behind a pillar.
Elrond jumped to his feet just as startled, at the stranger who appeared. "Thranduil?"
"Valar Elrond!" The king cried accusingly. "Warn someone before slinking into your trances."
"I wan not in one of my trances." Elrond defended himself. "Perhaps you should not be in my council room sneaking about."
The king's face darkened. "I was not sneaking around, Elrond Peredhil. What are you doing here?"
"This is my council room!" Elrond spread his arms wide, flabbergasted. "I might ask what you are doing here."
Thranduil's face softened and he chuckled. "I was remembering the time we sat here and your beautiful wife decided to cool us down."
Elrond stopped pacing and lowered his arms to his sides. His eyes grew distant as he wandered into memory. Then he laughed. "That's right!" Elrond sat down in his chair again. "We were in a heated discussion."
"It seems of late, we are always involved in headed discussions, Peredhil." Thranduil sat down in the chair to Elrond's right.
Elrond nodded briefly. "True, but why is that so, Orpherion?"
Thranduil raised his eyebrows at the title Elrond passed him. "Orpherion? I have not hear that in some time."
Elrond shrugged. "I called you that when we were friends." Elrond lowered his eyes and sighed. "A friendship I miss."
"That was not my fault, and you know it." Thranduil's eyes grew dark again, his blue eyes flashing dangerously.
Elrond raised his eyes holding his hands out in front of him in defence. "I meant nothing from it. I know that after, things got airy. I have not even let my children enter there for fear that something dreadful would happen."
"It always does, in those woods, Peredhil. Mithrandir should see them. I am sure that he could solve the riddle that lays within."
Elrond nodded in agreement and drew his lips into a thin line.
Thranduil put a hand onto Elrond's shoulder, and smiled slowly. "That is long in the past, if we can over come the tragedy of that day perhaps we can regain the friendship we lost."
Elrond raised his grey eyes and met the blue ones of the king. "You would be willing to attempt friendship once again? Have our kingdoms sit in alliance?"
Thranduil stood stretching his arms. "I am known as a hard, and cold king. Certain things I do not allow in my kingdom because of the darkness that now lingers there. Perhaps I have been hard and cold too long." He turned around and glanced at the Lord sitting in his chair. "Perhaps we shall speak more of this tomorrow? But in your study?" He gave the elf lord a half smile.
Elrond laughed. "What so you can ignore my words while you rifle through my books?"
"Of course, I have always loved your collection." Thranduil grinned broadly.
Elrond stood shaking his head, he placed his hand on the king's shoulder and both walked into the great house both sharing small talk they had not had for many years.

They did not notice the two ladies who sat in the shadows above the council room. "That was a nice sight to see." One said quietly.
Celebrien smiled. "Indeed, it was long coming. Perhaps they can put their dignity and differences in the past, and both admit they were at fault that day. Perhaps a friendship can reblossom."
Lalaith nodded her head in agreement. The two ladies sat in the darkness for a while laughing with each other, long into the night.

Legolas wandered down the halls with his brothers Erysyn and Galen. Talking quietly to each other, plotting their revenge on the twins, when loud laughter stopped them in their tracks. It came from a room down the hall, and they quickly ran to investigate. They rounded the corner and came to a door that stood slightly ajar. 
Legolas pushed slowly, poking his head around the corner to glance inside. He was not able to look at the contents of the room for a bucket fell from its perch above the door frame and crashed to the floor spraying all three princes with red colored berry juice.
With a startled exclamation, Legolas jumped back, his tunic and leggings dripping. He turned and looked at his brothers who stood there flabbergasted. He burst into laughter, both his brothers blond hair dripped with the red juice, and both held a look of utter horror.
All three stood there speechless. But turned quickly when Lord Elrond and King Thranduil came around the corner.
Elrond stopped and stared at the three red elves in question. "Wha-?"
Thranduil chuckled. "Let me guess." Thranduil turned and glanced at Elrond. "The games have begun?"
"Oh they have indeed." Elrond smiled and glanced once again at the young elves. "You three know you are dripping on my nicely polished floor?"
They looked down, then back up at the two elders standing there. They turned face and bolted down the halls in retreat.
Elrond burst into laughter, followed by the king. "Oh, this shall be interesting." Thranduil muttered wiping tears from his eyes.
"It shall indeed. I hope your children have lots of tricks up their sleeves." Elrond laughed.
Thranduil raised his eyebrow.
"My twins have been pulling pranks since they were able to walk, they have years of practice."
"Oh Valar." Thranduil whispered. "I hope they do also." He chuckled.. Both elves continued down the halls stepping over red juice as they passed the room where the prank had taken place. Elrond stooped as he passed and picked up the wooden bucket, and placed it on a whicker bench.
"To the study?"
Thranduil nodded and followed the elf lord down the halls.

Elladan and Elrohir watched as their father disappeared around the corner before emerging from their hiding place. Both held broad grins, and bright gray eyes. "Next step?" One twin asked.
The other nodded mischievously. "Yes." Both took off down the halls silently.

Legolas and his brothers finally stopped their running and stood outside the shower hall. The three elves stripped down out of their clothes and pushed open the delicately carved swinging doors to enter. 
"I cannot believe those blasted twins got the better of us." Galen muttered angrily.
Legolas raised an eyebrow looking at his older brother. "Why do you hold anger towards them?"
"I have heard the stories father told me about the Peredhil family. Perhaps you should ask him sometime." Galen stormed into the stalls and reached out for the cord to release the water. Nothing came out. Surprised he glanced up and received a face full of sand. Startled he stumbled back wiping his face with his arms, spreading sand and paint on it.
Legolas burst into renewed laughter, as he pulled a towel from a peg on a hook. He passed it to Galen, who snatched it and wiped the sand out of his eyes. Erysyn snickered climbing the stairs to glance in the water barrels. He looked at the contents and called down. "Only yours has sand in it, Galen. The others appear to be fine."
They nodded and Galen and Legolas both stepped forward to rinse themselves off. Legolas pulled on his rope that released the water, and felt something sticky fall on his head. He released the cord and lifted his hand to his head. "Ewwww. What is this?"
Galen stepped forward and took some of the sticky stuff off Legolas' head. "It's sap." He said sniffing at the stuff on his fingers.
"SAP?!" Legolas exclaimed. His hands flying to his delicate locks.
Erysyn frowned. "I just looked in that one. I saw only water." He muttered walking up to his brothers.
They looked up and saw a torn piece of cloth that tore open when the cord was pulled. "Well I looked inside not the outside."
The three elves stood there shaking their heads. "What do we do now? There is no way I am retiring for the night with sand in my hair."
"Use this one, there is only water now that the cloth was ripped." Erysyn smiled pointing at the stall Legolas had used.
"You first dear brother." Galen smiled slyly.
Erysyn felt his smile fade, but stepped forward and pulled the cord, wincing as he did so. Nothing happened, but a thin stream of water pouring over his head. He quickly washed the red juice off his body, then allowed his brothers to wash themselves.
"How will I get this sap out of my hair?" Legolas moaned..
"Sap will come out eventually, just braid your hair until it does." Galen muttered toweling himself off. He wrapped the towel around his middle and sat on the bench, waiting as his brother washed himself off. "This means war, you know that right?"
Erysyn nodded wrapping a towel around him, glancing at Galen. "How will we outsmart those two?"
"Oh, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. If they want to play dirty, we shall play just as dirty." Galen smiled evilly.
Legolas finally emerged and grabbed a towel. The three young elves walked out of the stalls, never noticing the two identical brothers crouched behind a barrel above. "Step three?" One twin whispered.
"Yes." They stood up and climbed through the opening at the top that allowed water from rain to enter the barrels. 
"They plan to outsmart us?" One asked raising an eyebrow, and smiling from ear to ear.
"Think they can?" The other matched his brother's broad grin.
Both lightly laughed shaking their heads, disappearing into the darkness.

Erysyn wandered down the halls towards his room. He had left Galen and Legolas alone at their rooms, all three checking doorways and anything that could surprise them. But they had found nothing.
Cautiously he opened his door stepping back to see if anything fell from the doorframe. Nothing happened. He grinned and wandered into his room, finally at ease. He changed into his night ware and crawled into bed lying back against the plush feather pillow.

Elrond leaned back in his chair talking with the king of Mirkwood. Both elder elves jumped to their feet when a loud angry cry drifted into the room, filling the night with angry curses. Elrond shook his head and mouthed the words. "The twins."
Both elders sat back down and chuckled.

Adventures Planned

Elrohir flung himself onto his bed, laughing at the stunts he and his brother had pulled that day. 'Those Dark wood princes won't be able to match this.' He thought to himself happily. His brother walked into the room, closing the door behind him, and sat down at the little table by the fireplace. 
"Good day?" He asked.
Elrohir propped himself up on his elbows and nodded. "What shall we do tomorrow?"
Elladan shrugged. "Perhaps we shall wait and see what those three come up with?"
Elrohir frowned. "What? Please tell me you are jesting."
Elladan grinned. "Of course, dear brother. Do you really think that we will rest, while three new elves are in Rivendell that we can prank on until the stars fall?"
Elrohir lowered himself back onto his bed staring at the ceiling delicately designed with ocean scenes. "I feel up for an adventure. I wish to travel." He turned his gray eyes to meet with his brothers.
Elladan nodded in agreement. "I agree. But you know father will not allow us to while the Mirkwood family are here."
"True, but if we were to just leave, then what would he say?"
"Think of the trouble we would be in when we returned." Elladan sighed defeated. "I wish to see Bree." 
Elrohir sat up and stared hard at his twin. "What?"
"Well, do you not wish to see the men of this world? We have yet to travel so far as to meet with other races." Elladan returned the hard stare of his brother.
"Sweet Eru, no." Elrohir hissed. "They are smelly, and I hear they never bathe. I also hear that they are loud and crude."
Elladan chuckled. "Well yes, I hear so as well. But to travel and see for ourselves would be a great adventure."
Elrohir groaned loudly. "You are impossible to argue with, do you realize that?"
"Of course, I am older and smarter then you are, and far more skilled with argument."
Elrohir sat up and tossed his pillow at his twin. Elladan caught it and threw it back. "Alright, but when shall we go?"
"Tomorrow night? Then we will be able to get provisions for travel, and elude father."
"Weapons?" Elrohir raised his eyebrow.
Elladan snorted. "Of course weapons, we do not know how men are to strangers, and we know little of Bree."
The younger twin nodded and leaned back on his elbows. "Now if you do not mind, I wish to rest."
Elladan smiled. "What is stopping you?"
"You are, go away, return to your own bed." Elrohir rolled over and pulled his blanket up to cover himself before closing his eyes.
Elladan took a deep breath and stood up. "Good night, Ro." He whispered walking to the door and closing it behind him silently. He stood outside his brother's door for a moment before walking to his own, but before he was able to turn the handle an elf raced around the corner heading towards him.
He caught sight of Galen, and paused hesitantly.
"Peace!" Galen called. "Have you seen my brother's?"
Elladan frowned. "No, not since this afternoon. Why? Have you lost them?" He slowly smiled.
"This is no laughing matter. They said they wanted to wander Rivendell and explore. I have not seen them since we parted at our rooms." Galen growled.
Elladan held up his hands in defense. "My apologies. Did they say where they were headed?"
Galen shook his head. "No, only that they saw a waterfall near some woods, that they wanted to see."
Elladan felt his eyes widen. "Oh-" He paused wondering if he should reveal where he suspected they were. "Give them some time to return." He rubbed his eyes warily.
"You will not help?"
"All I said was give them time to return before panicking. How long have they been gone?" Elladan asked curiously.
"Far too long." Galen hissed angrily.
The elder twin sighed. "Alright, let me wake Elrohir, and then we will search for them." He turned around, his eyes looking longingly at the door to his bedroom, where his large comfortable bed sat unused. He knocked lightly on his brother's door, earning a complained growl.
"I am not here." Came the tired response. "Come back when daylight approaches."
Elladan chuckled. "Ro, get up, we have two lost princes."
"You go, I will keep my bed warm." 
"Erhir!" Elladan growled, slipping to his childhood name reserved for his younger twin. "Up, now!"
The door opened revealing a wide-eyed elf. "That was most strange." Elrohir slipped out of his room, glancing at Galen curiously. "Was I dreaming?"
Elladan shook his head. "Nay brother, let us help the crown prince locate his brother's then we shall sleep."
Elrohir frowned. "You called me-" He paused pursing his lips. "Never mind." He slipped back into his chambers then returned with a cloak and his two short swords. "Go, get your stuff, I will wait." He said grumpily.
Elladan glanced at his twin then murmured in their twin speech. "I think they explored to Gur woods."
Elrohir's mouth dropped open. He shook his head, trying to clear the fog from too little sleep. "Say again?" He uttered.
"You heard." Elladan disappeared into his own chambers exiting with a bow and quiver of arrows.
"You have not-" Elrohir once again paused, earning a hard look from his older twin. He fell silent.
"Where have your brother's gone?" Elrohir questioned an impatient crown prince.
"I already said I do not know" He snarled.
Elrohir frowned. He turned to his older brother. "What makes you say Gur woods?" He muttered in their twin speech.
"I see you have not forgotten how to speak our language."
"Well, obviously not. Seeing as you wish our words spoken to be secret, why do you say those dratted woods?"
"Galen said the waterfall near the woods on our boarders." Elladan shrugged. "Only a guess, until we have more proof."
"Ai!" Elrohir moaned. "This will impress father." He wrinkled his nose.
"Do you two mind speaking words, I can distinguish?"
Elladan and Elrohir glanced at each other hesitantly. "Let us go, we must find them before our parents send out a search party." Elrohir flashed his twin a broad grin and dashed off out the doors, calling over his shoulder. "It seems, dear brother, that we shall get our adventure after all." With a wild laugh he disappeared into the darkness.
Elladan glanced at Galen quickly, shrugged, and took off after his twin. "Come Galen, we race." Elladan sprinted into the darkness, followed closely by the crown prince of Mirkwood.


Elrond lifted his head from his paper work. Had he just heard the twin's laughter? 'At this hour?' He thought to himself. 'What are those two up to now?' He frowned, a sense of dread entering his heart.
He stood up and walked over to the window and glanced around the grounds for signs of his son's. But also knowing he would find none, if they choose to remain hidden. Turning away from the window, he shivered. Taking a deep breath he walked to the doors, and decided to check and see for himself whether they were up to no good.

By the time Elrond had searched the entire house, looking for his mischievous twins he was exhausted. He had discovered that those two, and the princes of Mirkwood had all gone out on a nightly adventure of sorts. He still was unsure as to what, but the sense of dread increased as he wandered back to his study. He shivered and wrapped his robes around his frame and hesitated by the large windows before his study. "Valar, protect those five." He whispered out into the still night air. Turning he reentered his study and proceeded back to his paper work, his thoughts drifting to his wayward children.


Okay here ends this chapter.... thanks to all my reviewers, you have all been awesome. You help me stick with the story and I love hearing words back to see if I can improve or what. HUGS to you all. And thanks again.

Cierah....
Story will sort of turn now a bit from humorous, to adventure and stuff.... we will find out why these woods are bad, and why the elf Lords do not want entrance there.
Has anyone else noticed the Mirkwood Princes names? HEHEHE I know of one who has so far.... A little test I guess. Scrabble anyone???? *GRINS*


Chapter Eight

Elrohir knelt beside the small waterfall on the boarders of his father's lands, and scooped up a handful of water, splashing it on his face. He quickly snatched his hand out of the water however when a childhood memory flashed through his mind. He glanced nervously at the small pool, and remembered once a long time ago he and his brother had swam in this deep blue lake. Frowning he briefly touched his ankle, where a small ache resurfaced. He cleared his throat and stood staring at the rippling water with reawakened fear. He had never stepped foot into the lake after the accident those many years ago. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back one.
His brother stood against a tree his arms crossed, a look of anger on his face, as he argued with the crown prince of Mirkwood. The night was new and the stars shone in the blackened sky above signaling a clear night free of storm and rain.
"I do not agree. Once we find your brother's trail then we shall proceed. It is foolish to wander around aimlessly." Elladan grumbled.
"We need to find them, this is absurd. I cannot stand around while you and your brother banter back and forth, as though this is no important matter to you." Galen hissed.
"Elrohir and I banter back and forth to ease tension in the air, foolish one." Elladan shot back. "The stress flowing from you is enough to dampen a roaring fire."
Galen threw his hands up into the air. "I have had enough." He turned and wandered over to a large boulder by the river.
Elrohir looked over his shoulder to his brother, and raised an eyebrow. Shaking his head and strode over to the two arguing elves. "Calmly brother, do not allow the stress to dampen your spirits. I feel it when you are upset over something and it effects me much the same as it does you." He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We have always been able to keep our wits about us, when hunting, do not allow this to distract us in our tracking." Elrohir glanced over his shoulder and looked at Galen who sat on the boulder frustrated.
Elladan followed his twin's eyes and sighed nodding in agreement.
"The dark wood prince is impatient and careless. If we follow his lead, we may miss the simplest of signs to indicate where the other princes have gone."
Elladan flashed a grin at his younger brother. "You have always been able to ease a worried mind, always calm, and collected. You miss nothing."
Elrohir returned the smile and winked at Elladan. "Come, let us scout and find out where those two have gone off to."
Elladan placed his hand on his brother's arm staying his movements. "You don't suppose this is some prank of theirs do you?"
"The possibility crossed my mind at first, but Galen is either great at showing distress, or is truly worried about his brother's." The younger twin nodded in the crown princes direction as he spoke. "He appears to be distraught. I will not take the chance however that they are pulling a stunt and dismiss the search." Elrohir shook his head.
Elladan sighed. "Let us keep our eyes open and keep our wits about us none-the-less."
The only response the older twin got was a snort of a reply, as his brother disappeared into the trees beside the falls. "Your highness, if you will." Elladan mocked scornfully.
"Save it half elven!" Galen growled back, causing Elladan to raise his eyebrow angrily.
A voice drifted into the small clearing. "Will you two stop your ranting? It is growing quite tiresome."
Elladan turned and sprinted into the trees, locating his brother in a tall birch wood glaring at him. "You can be so childish, Ella." Elrohir jumped down in front of his brother frowning. "Come let us make haste and find those two before day. If father finds out he will have our hides."
Galen strolled into the clearing his movements stiff. "That would be a sight I would give jewels to see."
"I bet!" Elladan smirked.
"Stop it both of you!" Elrohir barked. "We have a situation here, that must be remedied. Now this question for you Galen. Is this some sick stunt you and your brothers have planned? If so, then I will waste no more time on this, I will return home to bed."
Galen walked up to Elrohir and put his face close to his. "If this was a prank, then do you not think it would have been planned better? I find being so close to either of you to be more then my stomach can handle. I have better things to do then take a stroll in the woods unknown to me, in the dark, and argue with either of you Peredhil!"
Elrohir narrowed his eyes. "Then what exactly did your brothers say to you before they left, so that we may find them and make this trip end quickly, seeing as our half elven blood disgusts you so."
Galen sighed taking a step back. "They only thing Erysyn said was that he and Legolas were going for air. He said that he saw a waterfall and wanted to fish. I am presuming this waterfall?"
Elrohir also took a breath calming himself. He rarely lost his temper, but lack of sleep and the insults were grinding on his nerves. "This is the only one close to Rivendell, besides having to trek up the mountains to gain access to the others. This one lies on the boarders, and keeps the home safe from outsiders who do not know the area." Elrohir pointed to the trees around him. "This forest also keeps things out of sight. The woods I am fearing your brothers have decided to travel to, lay beyond these ones, and are dreary."
"They said nothing of going to a forest, so what makes you think they went there?" Galen frowned glancing at the younger twin suspiciously. 
Elrohir shook his head. "If we are to do this we must work together. I have never been to those woods, but I felt drawn to them somehow. Elladan also felt it before your family arrived. Something about those woods-"Elrohir's words trailed off. He shrugged. "That is where I am heading to find signs of them. Follow if you choose. If not, stay here with him." Elrohir pointed his finger at his twin and strolled off towards Gur woods.
Galen looked at Elladan, then at Elrohir's retreating form, and sprinted towards the younger twin. "Wait for me."
Elladan chuckled, following more slowly.

Elrohir entered the field and faced the mysterious woods and stopped stooping to his knees checking the ground for signs of travel. Elladan moved off to his brothers left, also searching for signs, as the crown prince of Mirkwood stood and stared at the woods curiously.
"By the Valar, you were not kidding about these woods." Galen whispered. 
Elrohir nodded slightly, his eyes catching a clump of earth, signaling an elven step. "Ella?" He called to his twin switching to their twin language. "Take a look at this." Elrohir pointed to the footprint glancing at his twin as he approached. 
Elladan sighed. "Well we now know where they went." He murmered following his younger brother's lead with his words.
"Should we inform father?" Elrohir stood slowly glaring at the woods.
"Are you mad?" Elladan narrowed his eyes. "We cannot. If we find Legolas, and Erysyn and bring them home safely, then perhaps we will be allowed to explore these woods, and find out why the elders fear them so."
Elrohir closed his eyes briefly. "Alright, then let us go. I wish to sleep still this night." He flashed a smile at his twin before stepping forward towards the dark, menacing woods that lay before them.
Galen watched the two brothers whisper to each other and felt a sense of dread enter his heart, as one, he wasn't sure which one, walked forward waving his arm for him to follow. Galen gingerly took a step then another, watching the trees, as they grew larger, and appear more frightening then even his own home. A few of the trees appeared dead, the leaves withered and hanging limply from the branches. The bark wasn't a healthy brown but a mossy grayish green. The bushes, which should have been lush and full, were lank and dying. He watched as the twins slipped into the forest slowly, and swallowed following more slowly. The shrill voice of the trees caused his hair to stand up on the back of his neck, and he felt himself shiver with a feeling of fear he had not yet experienced.
The warning the trees cried out to the three strangers who entered, were left on deaf ears, as they slipped unnoticed for the time being into the dead woods of Gur. Sadly, the trees who sat on the glades edge, watched the elves disappear from sight, and knowing that they would never be seen again, they cried out in anguish as memories from long ago entered the song of the trees. The only words that were hissed into the night air were the names of three elves who had once entered.
'Elrond, Thranduil, Sîralda.'


Elrond lurched up in bed, shivering. He felt his skin grow cold as a hissed warning drifted in from the windows of the Last Homely House. He glanced around him, confused, and slowly stood up to exit his rooms before he disturbed his wife's sleep. As he opened his chamber doors he felt something impact with the door and he heard a loud thump and a disgruntled 'umph'. Elrond poked his head around the oak door and saw Thranduil rubbing his head his eyes narrow.
"Sorry. I actually wanted to come looking for you, but it seems you have sought me out." Elrond muttered. "Something is wrong."
Thranduil nodded and both elves wandered to Elrond's study, whispering softly to each other in the darkness.