Chapter 8

Legolas stared at the arches in the dim morning light, unable to rest despite the early hour. Surrounded by warm skin and silken hair, he could feel the gentle rise and fall of Elrohir’s chest beneath his hand, and the steady beat of Elladan’s heart reverberated softly against his back.

He had had never felt so secure, so at home - nor so apprehensive. Legolas looked toward the promised talk with fearful anticipation. There were questions that begged answers, and yet the very explanations he sought seemed to threaten his current state of sweet contentment.

Moving carefully, so as not to wake the deeply sleeping twins, he slipped out the bottom of the bed, going to the bathing chamber for a quick wash. Returning, he searched the wardrobe, snaring a light outfit of shirt and leggings to don in place of his formal wear from the previous evening, and went quietly into the den, pulling the heavy door silently closed behind him.

Dressing quickly, Legolas tied his unbraided hair back in a loose knot, then headed for the balcony, drawn by the first slivers of pink and gold in the dawn sky. Standing in the cool fragrant air, he closed his eyes, concentrating on the faint roar of the waterfalls, then the first stirrings of birdsong, and thankfully felt some of his anxiety drain away.

Legolas moved back into the chamber, starting a small fire to dispel the chill that had come in with the night. To his surprise, there was a soft knock on the door. Uncertain - and decidedly unready to face Lord Elrond at dawn, dressed in borrowed clothing, with the twins still asleep - he stood still, but when the knock was repeated, he went to the door, fearing the sound would wake Elladan and Elrohir.

To Legolas' surprise, it was Glorfindel who stood outside the door, dressed in leggings and light shirt, his glorious golden hair tied back in a simple strip of leather. "May I join you?" Glorfindel asked quietly. "I brought tea, and a pre-breakfast morsel," he added with a smile, indicating the laden tray in his hands.

"Of course," Legolas said, opening the door wide. "Did I wake you, híren?"

Glorfindel chuckled softly. "You did not," he assured Legolas. "I have been a dawn riser through two lifetimes. I will not stop just because Erestor is a slug. I noticed you on the balcony, and feared you would not feel free to go to the kitchen for tea."

"Thank you," Legolas replied, warmed by the thoughtfulness evident in the gesture. "Come sit by the fire with me for a while, if you will."

"Aye, I will. I take it that the twins are still abed? They are sometimes slug-like, also, I fear, though only at home," Glorfindel twinkled, settling himself in a chair. "But in their defense, I would wager the three of you had a late night last eve. Spirits were certainly high in the dining hall, at any rate."

His cheeks burning, Legolas could think of no answer that would not cause more embarrassment, so he nodded silently, handing his companion a cup of tea. Glorfindel smothered a kindly smile. "I meant no harm, young one," he said gently. "You have not exactly been secretive. And you can hardly blame me for drawing the obvious conclusion, when you are in these rooms at dawn, wearing the twins' clothing...and the marks of their teeth, I might add," he finished with a grin.

"Oh, Valar’s light," Legolas groaned, mortified. "Is the whole of Imladris discussing me?"

"If they are, it is with jealousy," Glorfindel replied cheerfully. "Do not distress yourself."

Nodding silently, Legolas sipped his tea, watching as Glorfindel uncovered a dish of strawberries, a plate of sweet muffins, and a crock of blackberry jam. Glorfindel spread a split muffin generously with the jam, and handed it to his companion with a smile. "Eat something, Legolas," he insisted. "I sense tension in you this day. You will be better able to face whatever is ahead with a bit of food in your stomach."

Legolas reluctantly accepted the sweet roll and was surprised to find that he really did feel somewhat better after a few bites. Smiling gratefully, he said, "It does help, at that. I am thankful for your care, and your company, Glorfindel."

"You are welcome to both," Glrofindel answered with a smile. "All of us enjoy having you in the valley."

After a few minutes comfortable silence, during which both elves finished their sweets, Legolas looked at his companion curiously. "Glorfindel," he began hesitantly, "I would like to ask you something. If you feel it would be disloyal to answer, tell me, and we will forget the query."

Glorfindel nodded expectantly, waiting for the prince to continue.

Gathering his courage, Legolas said, "’Dan and ‘Roh, do they often take other lovers?"

"Besides yourself, you mean?" Glorfindel asked, and when the prince nodded, he replied, "There are several answers to that question. Aye, they do occasionally take another to their bed. But I have never before seen them choose a close friend, such as yourself. Nor have I ever seen them hold to a third as they have you. Such a liaison is usually far more fleeting."

Legolas nodded thoughtfully, then the two sat in companionable silence, drinking tea, each occupied with his own musings.

Both looked up when the bed chamber door swung open quietly. Elladan walked into the den, stretching lazily. He was dressed only in leggings and his raven locks hung unbraided, not quite concealing the wealth of nips and faint bruises that decorated his neck. Smiling warmly, he came to the fire and settled himself easily into the large chair beside Legolas, pressing a soft kiss to his lover's mouth. "Good morning, anor nín," he murmured, before turning to Glorfindel, who sat watching the exchange with frank curiosity on his face.

"Good morning, Glorfindel," Elladan said with a grin. "Up early as usual?"

"Aye, I am. And a good thing, too, or your prince would have been without tea while waiting for you sluggards," Glorfindel replied teasingly.

"Can you not wait until after breakfast to insult us?" Elrohir chuckled, strolling into the room. Like his twin, he wore only leggings, but had taken time to pull his hair back in a careless braid. Joining the group at the fire, he threw himself unceremoniously into Elladan’s lap, his legs falling across Legolas' thighs. Leaning forward, the elf-knight planted a tender, but far more than friendly, kiss on Legolas’ lips. "Mornin’ ‘Las," he said sweetly, then turned and kissed Elladan warmly. "Good morning, el nín."

"No, I cannot wait, and a good morning to you, also," Glorfindel retorted. "Will I see the three of you at breakfast? Or would you prefer that I have something brought to your chambers?"

"That would be most appreciated," Elladan said gratefully. "We have much to discuss and the sooner we may start, the earlier we shall finish."

"I will see to it, then, 'Adan," Glorfindel responded, rising to his feet. "I must go assure myself that Erestor is among the moving, then I will order your meal." Turning to Legolas, he smiled kindly. "Thank you for your company, young one."

The prince smiled in return. "And for yours, híren. Give Erestor my greetings."

After Glorfindel departed, an uneasy silence fell over the trio left by the fire. Pulling himself up with a sigh, Elrohir headed for the bed chamber. "We should finish our morning ablutions, ‘Dan, before breakfast arrives," he said. "Come and dress, so we can braid and be done with it."

"Aye, I suppose you are right," Elladan agreed, squeezing Legolas' shoulder warmly before rising from the chair. "We will come in here to braid and bead, ‘Las, if you want to remain by the fire."

Legolas nodded and settled back in the chair, watching the flames dance in the fireplace. So intent was he on his musings that he did not notice the twins had returned until they dropped to the cushions in front of the fire, brush and beads in hand. Glancing up, he saw that they were once again dressed alike, this time in thin, charcoal grey leggings and deep blue shirts, a darker echo of the light grey and blue clothing he had borrowed from their wardrobe.

As Elladan braided his twin’s hair, slipping mithril beads into the ebony plaits, he turned to the prince. "’Las, we will braid your hair, if you wish," he offered, raising both eyebrows in question.

Hesitating only briefly, Legolas replied, "Aye, I would like that." Lowering himself to the floor beside the twins, he watched Elladan complete the elf-knight’s braids with practiced ease.

"Now, for you, wood-elf," Elrohir said with a grin. With two pair of hands working, it was only a few minutes before Legolas' pale gold hair hung perfectly brushed and braided. As the prince stood, his braids swung forward, and to his surprise he found they were dotted with beads, alternating lapis lazuli and mithril.

In answer to the arch of a golden eyebrow, Elladan grinned widely. "They go with the clothes, ‘Las," he explained innocently. "Did you not know?"

Before Legolas could mount a suitable reply, a knock at the door announced the breakfast Glorfindel had promised. The old tray was whisked away, and a new one, laden with savory breads, sweet rolls, butter and a pitcher of fruit juice was placed in its stead. A fresh pot of tea appeared, and the serving maids vanished, almost magically.

Lounging in front of the dying fire, the three ate heartily until, left with nothing but tea, their conversation turned reluctantly to serious matters. Elladan took a deep breath, and looking to Legolas, asked "Where would you like to start, ‘Las? We would answer your questions, if we are able."

"I am not sure," Legolas began, his thoughts swirling. "There is so much I do not understand, yet...I do not know what to ask, nor how to ask." After a moment’s hesitation, he continued, "Help me comprehend what I saw last night. What does it mean?" Smiling slightly, he added, " In simple sentences, please."

Glancing at his brother, Elrohir started, "As you said before, 'Las, we share one soul, born into two bodies. The two halves seek each other constantly, so we always feel more complete together, but what you witnessed last eve...well, you saw our soul truly whole...fused...as it can be only when our bodies are coupled." Looking at Legolas questioningly, Elrohir received a nod, and continued, "It is as if the boundaries are gone, and our spirit is united for a short time."

"But why?" Legolas asked curiously. "Why were you born into two bodies?"

"No one has yet answered that question," Elladan replied. "Ada believes it is because we have a purpose to serve, a cause that is better met by two. Myself, I do not know, and choose not to guess."

Legolas nodded, then asked, "Tell me - right now, as you are, do you share the same thoughts? The same wants and hates and opinions?"

Elladan smiled slightly. "We each have our own emotions, and thoughts, aye, but it is as if you were of two opinions about something within yourself. There is not the option of getting angry and walking away. And the flow through our bond insures that we stay in close accord. We sense each other’s feelings, and of course we mindspeak freely."

Seeing the dawning distress on the prince’s face, Elrohir broke in, "We do not intrude on one another's thoughts without leave, nor feel the other’s physical sensations, ‘Las, save when we are joined. ’Dan does not know what you say to me, nor do I know what you say to him unless it is freely shared." He grinned slightly. "If you tried to kill me, of course, he would know, because our bond would carry my terror, as it carries all strong emotion," Elrohir's grin broadened, "and I assume he would come to my rescue."

Legolas shifted uncomfortably, recalling another strong emotion he had recently shared with Elrohir. Elladan, rightly divining the reason for the sudden restlessness, smiled slightly. "Aye, the bond carries that emotion, too. But we try to shut it out...unless we have permission to share," he ended cheekily.

"How did you know where to bring clean clothing yesterday, then?" Legolas asked, looking to Elladan in confusion.

"I knew where ‘Roh would go to bathe, and I thought you might go with him," the elder twin answered simply, waiting for the question he knew was coming.

Suddenly remembering the voice, Legolas stared intently at Elladan. "You said it was you, the voice when no one was there?"

"Aye, it was," Elladan replied quietly. "You did not answer. I was unsure you had even heard."

"I did not answer?" Legolas said uncomprehendingly. "I do not mindspeak, ‘Dan. I have never heard or answered anyone. Why could I hear you? Why did you speak in the first place, come to think of it?"

Elladan sighed, running a hand across his eyes before answering. "’Las, I...I have an idea why, but I am not certain." Looking at the prince soberly, he said, "And I am not sure how you will take this."

"Then spit it out, gwadoren, and we will see," Legolas replied, pinning the elder twin with a piercing stare.

"I think...nay, I know...I...I felt you, 'Las," Elladan began haltingly. "I could feel your anger, and confusion. Not as clearly as I feel ‘Roh, but there, none the less." As Legolas started to interrupt, his eyes huge, Elladan raised a hand. "Let me finish, please, then you can speak. I could sense your uncertainty, whether to follow him or not...I did not know exactly what happened, I still do not know exactly what happened. I did not read your mind, or even try to touch you. It was all just there, flowing toward me." Sighing again, he returned the prince’s astonished gaze steadily. "So I sent my thoughts out, to try and soothe you, urge you to go after him. But I did not know whether or not I reached you."

"I did hear you, though I was uncertain where the voice came from," Legolas replied, his eyes wide in a pale face. "But you still have not answered part of my question, ‘Dan. Why could I hear you?"

"I can think of only one explanation," Elladan said gently. "We are forming...have formed...a bond of some kind."

"A bond? Of some kind?" Legolas parroted. When Elladan nodded, he went on, "This bond, is it between all of us? Have you felt it also, ‘Roh?"

"It must be, anor nín. One half of our soul could not form a bond without the other," Elrohir answered. "You must not fear harming our twin-bond, ‘Las. You could not, even if you wanted to, and we know you would never choose to try."

Quietly, as though fearing the answer, Legolas asked, "Elrohir? Elladan? Why do you call me anor nín? Since that first night...it is not a friend’s endearment."

Elrohir looked searchingly at his twin, who nodded slightly, then said, "Nay, it is not a friend’s endearment. And we call you anor nín because you are...because you have become anor nín, to both of us."

Elladan reached out and touched Legolas' arm. "We did not set out to complicate our lives, or yours. But it has happened, and we cannot be sorry. We love you...are in love with you, 'Las. Have you not guessed?"

Legolas sat stunned for a moment before struggling to speak. "I want to...I do..." he stammered, before taking a deep breath and starting again. "I do not know what to say. I have felt our relationship change. I feel...I do not remember being more content than I have been these days, but I am not sure I can..."

"’Tis alright, ‘Las," Elrohir said soothingly, "We do not mean to distress you.’

Legolas felt tears coming to his eyes. "It seems the two of you are always telling me something is alright," he said with a shaky laugh. "Please, I must have some time alone, to think. I do not wish to say or do something that will cause us all pain."

"Aye, if that is what you need," Elladan said quietly, and Elrohir nodded in agreement.

Rising quickly, trying to block out the shadow of pain that had darkened his lovers' eyes, Legolas gave each twin a quick hug and left the chamber.

Elrohir watched him go, then turned to his twin, pulling Elladan into a tight embrace. "That went about as expected," he said morosely.

"Aye, it did, rohir nín," Elladan replied, his face buried in Elrohir’s hair. "But if I expected it, why do I wish to cry?"

*~*~*~*~*

híren - my lord
el nín - my star
anor nín - my sun
rohir nín - my knight
gwadoren - my sworn brother