Chapter 14

Legolas buried his face deeper in Elrohir’s sweat-damp neck, never relinquishing his grip on Elladan’s arm. "I refuse to leave this bed," he declared soberly, his voice muffled. "If I rise, I shall have to prepare to go."

"You did not wish to come to this bed, last night," Elrohir teased, dropping a kiss on Legolas' forehead, "even though it was your last chance to rest in a bed for some days. I nearly carried you from the front room, if my memory serves."

"The furs were soft," Legolas retorted, "and I was understandably tired. I still am, in fact. I need more sleep."

"We would not wish you from bed, either, anor nín," Elladan said, pressing his face into the tangled golden mane, "But it is well after dawn. Your guard will be readying for the journey before you have breakfast. ‘Roh and I will bathe quickly, then we can gather your things while you soak."

"You are right I suppose," Legolas sighed, turning to brush a chaste kiss to Elladan’s mouth. "But could we not all bathe?’ he asked, his eyes twinkling. "It would save water, if not time."

Elrohir chuckled softly, curling more tightly around the prince. "As tempting as that offer is, 'Las, you have a long ride ahead. A good soak will serve you far better than company."

"I will go clean up first," Elladan offered, rising with a graceful stretch. "I will be quick."

"That would be a strange occurrence," Elrohir snorted. "You are part water creature, tôren, from the time you usually spend in the tub."

"Do not exaggerate, ‘Roh," Elladan chided good-naturedly. "I am simply appreciative of hot water and take my time enjoying it while we are in the valley. It is hard to come by in the wilds." Flashing a grin at Legolas, he headed for the tub. "But I promise to control my enthusiasm this morning."

Listening to the splash of water from the bathing chamber, Legolas snuggled tighter against Elrohir. "Have the two of you ever had a real disagreement in your lives?" he asked jokingly, running his fingers idly through the elf-knight's hair. "I do not ever remember being witness to one, in all our years of travel."

"Not since our majority," Elrohir replied, pressing a kiss to the prince’s head, "and rarely, before that. But as elflings, we fought like wargs a few times," he admitted. "We always wanted exactly the same thing. The same toy, the same book, the same piece of pie - and if there was only one, fur flew. But when we came of age and our bond was fully formed, that stopped." Reaching up to touch Legolas' face with a gentle hand, he continued, "Now we share."

"What are we sharing now, rohir nín?" Elladan asked with a grin, padding back into the bed-chamber.

Looking at his twin ruefully, Elrohir said, "Right now, ‘Dan, we are sharing secrets. How is it that we have the same body and the same features, yet you look quite fetching in a towel, while I resemble a drowned rat?"

"It is due to the extra breaths I drew, being born a full two minutes before you," Elladan replied, seemingly serious. "That is why I do everything better. Is that not so, ‘Las?"

"Nay," Elrohir shot back with a grin, "by now those two minutes have turned on you, and you are failing in your advanced age. Right, ‘Las?"

Legolas snickered, shaking his head firmly. "I will not touch either of those questions. I refuse to participate in this dispute."

"A wise decision, anor nín," Elrohir chuckled, heading for the bathing chamber. "I will hurry, so you will have time to soak."

Elladan pulled on his leggings, then turned back to the bed to find Legolas staring at him intently. Lifting one ebony eyebrow questioningly, he returned the gaze.

"You do look quite fetching in a towel, though, el nín," the prince said, patting the bed invitingly. "Come sit with me."

Pulling his damp hair over one shoulder, Elladan settled himself against the headboard and reached for Legolas, wrapping him in a snug embrace. His head tucked underElladan’s chin, the prince sighed contentedly, combing the silky black strands of Elladan's hair with his fingers.

"We shall miss you, too, anor nín," Elladan whispered, as though answering his lover's thoughts, "and before long we will come to Mirkwood, and aggravate Thranduil for a while."

"Aye, I know," Legolas answered, "and I should not mope like an elfling denied sweets."

Returning from his bath, Elrohir raised an eyebrow at his twin.

Have you talked to him?

Nay, not yet. I fear it will spark his temper, rohir nín, and make this day even worse.

But it needs saying, ‘Dan. "It would have been better done earlier. Shall I?

I will. But come sit beside, please?

Elrohir slipped into his leggings, then threw himself down on the bed, snuggling close to his lovers. Catching his brother’s eye, he gave an encouraging nod.

Squeezing Legolas tightly, Elladan drew a deep breath. "’ Las?" he began, restlessly playing with the golden hair, "’Roh and I need to say something, and we do not want you to become angry. Agreed?"

Frowning slightly, Legolas tilted his head to look at the elder twin. "I cannot imagine what you need to say that would anger me, but, aye, it is agreed."

"You said you were moping like an elfling denied sweets?" Elladan asked lightly, receiving a sheepish nod. "Well, you are not, anor nín, so do not berate yourself," he went on, his tone serious. "But we do not wish to deny you anything. We would not deny you pleasure, ‘Las. If you have need of comfort while we are apart, we will bear it, so long as you make it clear where your heart lies."

Legolas' eyes glittered dangerously. "You are offering me permission to bed others while we are apart?" he said with deadly calm, tensing in Elladan's arms. "You do not care?"

"I did not say we do not care, 'Las, and I said nothing of bedding as many elves as you choose. You exaggerate my meaning," Elladan replied, refusing to loosen his grip on the prince. "I said we would bear it, if you have need of comfort, and only if the other understands full well where your heart lies. It is a major difference."

"Aye, there is a difference, I suppose," Legolas admitted, relaxing somewhat. "I do not believe I would do such a thing, but...do you expect to need comfort?" he asked suddenly, his blue-green eyes narrowing ominously.

"We have comfort, Legolas," Elrohir broke in gently. "There are two of us. No, we do not wish for other comfort, nor permission to seek it. We love you. We want no other and we do not relish the idea of another touching you, but we will bear it, if need be. Our situations will be different. ‘Tis of no benefit to pretend otherwise."

"Perhaps," Legolas agreed slowly, "but I would not betray you so easily. And that is what it seems to me now. Betrayal."

"Do not anguish over this," Elladan insisted, pressing a kiss to the prince's down-turned mouth. "It was something that needed to be said, and would have been better said many days ago. Now we need not speak of it again. Ever, for my part."

"Aye," Elrohir added promptly, "we have all had our say, and the discussion is closed. Get to your bath, wood-elf, while we go gather your belongings. Have a good soak. It will be awhile before your next chance."

Rising reluctantly, Legolas looked at the twins for a long moment, then smiled suddenly. "I love you," he said, leaning over to kiss each of his lovers in turn. "I am going to bathe and I will try not to drown. Will you bring me some of my own clothing? It would be best if I matched my guard, I suppose."

*********

Looking around the guest chambers morosely, Elladan sighed. "I believe we have it all, tôren," he said, handing Elrohir a final pile of green and brown clothing. Only Legolas’ traveling garments remained unpacked.

As the elf-knight tucked the last items into a well-worn leather pack, he caught a glimpse of blue and grey among the green, and looked questioningly at his twin. "What is this, ‘Dan?" he asked curiously. "These are from our closet, by the colors."

"Aye, they are," Elladan agreed. "That is the mate to the set you destroyed that day by the falls." Grinning wickedly, he continued, "I deemed it an appropriate remembrance."

"I guess it is, at that, el nín," Elrohir chuckled. "That was a very good day."

"It was, indeed," Elladan replied, his smile fading. "Just as this seems a very bad day, rohir nín. It is harder than I thought."

"Aye, I know," Elrohir said softly. "It will be hard to watch him go. It is not yet real to me, that this day has come."

Shaking his head, Elladan picked up the loaded bag and placed it by the door, to be collected by the Mirkwood guard. "Come, tôren," he sighed, wrapping an arm around Elrohir, who had collected the traveling garb. "We must get these clothes to ‘Las, if he is to have time for breakfast."

Even as they left the guest chamber, a guard from the Mirkwood party arrived to collect the filled pack. Bowing low, his red-gold braids falling forward, the elf began, "Forgive me, híren. I will return later..."

"It is alright," Elrohir broke in with a smile, clasping the guard’s forearm in a traditional warrior’s greeting. "And you need not bow for us. We do not often stand on ceremony."

"You are Tiriadon, the guard’s captain, are you not?" Elladan asked with a friendly grin. The elf nodded in surprise. "Legolas thinks highly of you, captain," Elladan continued, "and I have seen you spar. I am grateful Imladris and Mirkwood are allies, rather than enemies."

Reassured by the twins’ open manner, the Mirkwood elf returned the grin, his moss-green eyes twinkling. "And I have watched both of you train, also, híren. I find myself doubly glad we are on the same side. If you would, let Prince Legolas know that we are ready to move at his convenience. I have only to get the horses loaded."

"Aye, we will give him the message, Tiriadon," Elladan nodded, his smile dimming at the reminder of just how short their time had become.

Bowing slightly, the captain started away, then turned back to the twins. "Lord Elladan, Lord Elrohir, I...if it is not too forward of me to say so, híren, I am sorry that you are not able to return to Mirkwood with us, or that Legolas cannot remain here in the valley a while longer. It is a cruel thing and we in the guard would wish better for you all."

"Nay, it is not too forward," Elladan answered, clasping both of the guard’s arms firmly, "and we thank you. We will relay your message to Legolas."

Hurrying back to their chambers, the twins found Legolas, towel-wrapped, sitting on the window seat that overlooked the gardens. Looking up as they entered, he grinned. "Have you brought my gear, or must I breakfast in a towel this morning?"

"I suppose you may dress for the breakfast hall," Elrohir replied with a snicker. "It would be difficult for the rest of the household to eat, faced with you in naught but a towel. It is hard to chew, with your jaw dropped."

Pulling on his muted traveling clothes, Legolas was unmindful of Elladan’s stare, until he reached for his boots. "What is amiss, 'Dan?" he asked curiously, sitting down to finish dressing. "Have I grown horns and a tail?"

Shaking his head slightly, Elladan said, "Nay, not yet, anor nín. But it has been a number of days since you last wore those colors. I have somehow never before noticed how like Thranduil you are." Turning to his twin, he asked, "Don’t you think, ‘Roh?"

Elrohir looked thoughtfully at the prince. In contrast to the blues and greys he had taken to wearing while in Imladris, Legolas wore muted greens and browns for the journey, his soft brown leather leggings covered to the knee by bark-brown boots, his murky forest green tunic covered with a belted fawn-brown jerkin. "Aye, there is an uncanny likeness, tôren," the Elrohir agreed. "It is no wonder we are so smitten."

Golden eyebrows arching sharply, Legolas exclaimed, "For the love of Eru, tell me you have not bedded Ada! That would be too much to stand." When he received no immediate response, the others seemingly lost in memory, his eyes widened. "Elladan?" he croaked questioningly.

"Relax, 'Las," the elder twin said with a smile. "We have no history with your ada, other than as elflings under his feet. Though the fact is not from lack of trying, on ‘Roh’s part, at any rate."

Elrohir snorted rudely. "To my mind you were every bit as struck with him as I was, Elladan." Grinning at Legolas, who was understandably flustered, he said soothingly, "It was but a crush just shy of our majority, anor nín. Long before your brother was born, even. I have no doubt Thranduil knew, and he was very kind to two adoring elflings. Nothing more."

"Aye, he would have been kind," Legolas replied, greatly relieved. "He has always enjoyed elflings and he has quite a soft spot for the two of you."

"That was before we ravished his second-born," Elladan pointed out with a wry smile. "I guess we shall see if his opinion has changed, hmm?"

"We shall see very soon, I hope, el nín," Legolas agreed, running a comb through his damp hair. "Will you braid me? I can at least wear the braids of Imladris for a while longer."

"They would be best without beads, I suppose?" Elrohir asked regretfully, parting the sunlit strands. "Your cuff will cause enough comment."

"Aye, I suppose," Legolas answered, stroking the gleaming mithril that curled around his right upper arm. "I shall take advantage of the travel to consider how best to approach Ada. I am not decided about the timing. I would have you there when he learns of us, but I fear he will discern a change long before you arrive. He is quite unsettling that way."

Elladan nodded in agreement, tying off the end of a golden braid. "It is the same with Ada. He knows much before you are willing to admit it. I suppose it is due to the parent bond. It can be most discomfiting, I know."

"There," Elrohir said, his assigned braid complete. "We should head for breakfast now, ‘Las. ‘Dan and I ran into that captain you think so highly of, and he sends word that the guard is ready to move at any time. He seemingly approves of us. Good taste, he has."

As they started for the breakfast hall, Legolas chuckled and replied, "Aye, he does. Tiri and I grew up together, as he is scarcely ten years my senior. I regret there has not been better opportunity for the three of you to become acquainted over the centuries. He is my friend, as well as my guard’s captain."

As matching ebony eyebrows flew upward, Legolas grinned. "But nothing more than my friend. Do not scowl so, rohir nín. I have better judgement than to bed the captain of my personal guard. Besides, Tiri does not fancy males. At least not much. He has a love-struck maiden waiting at home."

"It is good to know his preferences," Elrohir chuckled. "Perhaps we can persuade him to help fend off any of your over- zealous admirers."

***********

The breakfast hall was empty, save for those elves that lingered at the high table. Legolas had forced himself to eat a little, though his stomach rebelled at every bite. Even the pastries of the Imladrian kitchen, legendary in their own right, were as dry and tasteless as dust in his mouth. As the prince listlessly tore a roll into shreds, Elrond looked at him sympathetically. "I will have Taurwen pack some pastries and such for travel," he said kindly. "You may feel more like eating when you are some way down the trail."

"Thank you, híren," Legolas replied politely, his thoughts obviously elsewhere.

Glorfindel sighed, laying a friendly hand on the prince’s arm. "There is no use torturing yourself by delaying, Legolas. Come along. Let us go to the stable," he urged, standing slowly. "We must go break the news of your going to Asfaloth, as well. He has become quite fond of your Ornfaer. I expect he will sulk near a week."

Smiling slightly, Legolas said, "Ornfaer has become unusually close to him, also. ‘Faer does not normally tolerate other stallions well." He rose reluctantly from the table, casting a questioning glance on the twins.

"We will join you in a moment, anor nín," Elladan assured him. "’Roh and I will go by the barracks and check on your guard."

As he watched Legolas and Glorfindel leave the dining hall, Elladan stood abruptly, turning his back to the table but making no move toward the door. Clasping his brother’s hand tightly, Elrohir dropped his own head without speaking.

"'Adan?" Elrond ventured cautiously, "What..."

"I cannot do this, Ada," Elladan said tightly, without looking at his father. "I can not."

Hearing a tremor in the usually firm voice, Elrond quickly rose and embraced his son, his own heart torn by the single tear coursing down Elladan's cheek. "You can, because you must," he said gently. "It is hard, aye, but you can."

Elrohir raised his head, his own eyes welling with tears he stubbornly refused to let fall. "But Mirkwood is so far, Ada. And the road becomes more dangerous every moon. It will be impassable without a full patrol before long."

"'Rohir," Elrond replied, "Legolas is no less a warrior now than when he arrived in Imladris, or when he last journeyed with you. And his guards are formidable, as well." Placing a comforting hand on his son’s shoulder, he added, "Do not worry overmuch for his safety on the road."

"Come on, ‘Roh," Elladan said, reaching out to run his fingers over one mithril-sparked braid. "’Las will be wondering what keeps us."

"Aye," Elrohir agreed, rising from his chair, "and it is becoming no easier for the wait."

As they approached the barracks, the twins saw Tiriadon and the other four guards leading their laden horses toward the gates. Raising a hand in salute, the captain called, "We are in no hurry, híren."

Returning the greeting, Elrohir nodded, veering toward the stable. Glorfindel came through the door as they approached, Legolas’ dark-bay stallion following him like a puppy. A sympathetic smile on his face, he said "I will leave you alone for a moment."

Legolas stood with his back to the door and did not turn when Elladan and Elrohir entered the dim space. Wrapping their arms around the prince, the twins pressed close as his arms curled around them. "I did not know that it would hurt so," Legolas said hoarsely.

"I know, anor nín," Elladan replied, tightening his hold. "We would have it different, if we could."

"Aye, we would," Elrohir agreed, stroking Legolas' back soothingly. "We love you."

Nodding silently, Legolas raised his head, brushing away the tears he could no longer supress. "And I love you. That is why it is so hard, I suppose."

"Do not weep, ‘Las," Elladan begged, another rogue tear slipping down his face. "You will have ‘Roh and I sniffling like elflings."

"'Tis alright," Elrohir retorted, his own cheeks wet. "Some things deserve tears."

Legolas stood silent for a moment, struggling to compose himself, then drew a deep breath. "It is time to leave."

"Our love goes with you," Elladan whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to Legolas' mouth. "Always."

Legolas smiled, tucking an ebony braid behind Elladan’s ear. "Always."

Elrohir buried his face against the prince's neck. "I will miss you, anor nín," he murmured, lifting his head to catch Legolas' mouth in a warm kiss.

"I will miss you...both of you," Legolas said, swallowing thickly. Squeezing his lovers tightly, he said, "Walk with me to the gates. I know they are waiting."

Elrond, Glorfindel and Erestor stood at the foot of the main stairs into the Last Homely House, their faces sober. Legolas impulsively embraced Erestor, taking the reserved councilor by surprise. "I thank you, híren, for your good advice," he said quietly. "I am in your debt."

"Take care, Legolas," Erestor, answered, his smile kind, "and you are most welcome. Elbereth’s protection to you."

Gripping Glorfindel’s forearms tightly, Legolas kissed the elder warrior on each cheek. "I hope I am entitled to such a farewell," he said with a smile. "I am in your debt, also."

Returning the ritual kisses, Glorfindel grinned. "You are indeed entitled to your farewell. And there is no need for talk of debt between friends. Be safe, Legolas."

Standing before Elrond, Legolas bowed deeply. "Thank you, híren," he said, his eyes downcast. "I am grateful for your hospitality, as well as your kindness."

"And I have been grateful for your presence and deeply regret your going, young one," Elrond replied, pulling the astonished prince into a warm embrace. "You can best thank me by returning soon."

Smiling in spite of his heavy heart, Legolas said, "I would like nothing more, Lord Elrond."

Bowing once more, the prince turned reluctantly to where his guard waited with his laden horse. With a final embrace for his lovers, he slapped Ornfaer’s neck affectionately. "Ready to go, ‘Faer?" he asked, swinging astride the restive stallion.

Reaching up, Elladan and Elrohir each clasped the guard captain’s arm firmly, nodding to the rest of the warriors. "Take care of him, Tiriadon," Elrohir said.

"I will, híren," the Mirkwood captain answered soberly. "You have my word."

Nodding, the twins turned to Legolas. "Be safe, ‘Las," Elladan said, his jaw set firmly.

"We will arrive in the Wood before you know it," Elrohir added. "Take care."

Afraid to speak less his voice betray him, Legolas simply nodded, opening his mind.

I love you, el nín, rohir nín. Farewell.

He immediately heard their answer echo in his own thoughts.

We love you, anor nín. Farewell.

Turning to his captain, Legolas drew a deep breath. "Come on, Tiri," he said quietly. "It is time to go home."

Tiriadon – guardian or protector
Ornfaer – tree spirit (Legolas’ horse)

anor nín - my sun
tôren - my brother
rohir nín - my knight
el nín - my star
híren - my lord(s)
Ada, Adar - Dad, Father