Chapter 14
"I am going with you, ‘Las," Elrohir said firmly, never raising his eyes from the sword he was whetting. Finding the edge keen, he began to oil the steel before continuing. "There is no need for further discussion."
"’Roh, you cannot..." Legolas began, only to be interrupted decisively.
"No more discussion," Elrohir repeated, a subtle warning in his tone.
Turning to Elladan, Legolas sighed in exasperation. "’Dan, this would be easier, perhaps, with some support. Tell him."
Elladan laid down his own weapon and looked soberly at the prince for a long moment before replying. "But he is right, anor nín. You need us."
Eyes widening in equal measures of disbelief and irritation, Legolas retorted, "Aye, need you I do, but not to fight for me. Tiri and I have survived innumerable battles over the centuries. I would not have ‘Roh risk combat before he has regained his prowess. He is foolhardy to consider it!"
"I am sound as ever, ‘Las," Elrohir objected. "There is no benefit in waiting. Only a real engagement can test my skills and stamina now. The training field has served its purpose." Pinning the prince with his silver-grey gaze, he added, "And ‘Dan speaks the truth. You will need our abilities against such opponents."
As Legolas opened his mouth to protest, Elladan laid a calming hand on his lover’s arm. "Peace," he said soothingly. "We do not intend to belittle your battle readiness, or that of your guard. But these brigands are Men, ‘Las. Not orch-spawn, not spiders, but evil Men. And no disparagement is intended when I say you have little experience with such treacherous foes."
Elrohir nodded in agreement. "They are cruel as any orch, and often far more cunning. And such experience as you have against them was garnered in our company. We will not risk losing you to such an enemy. We shall go."
"And I would not lose you," Legolas replied earnestly, dropping to the bench where the elf-knight sat. "I cannot lose you and continue."
"Do not speak of such things, ‘Las," Elladan chided gently, settling close beside Legolas. "There is no profit in such thoughts."
"It is naught but the truth, el nín," Legolas said quietly, his eyes clouded. "I thought of little else while ‘Roh was so ill. If he had passed, you would have quickly faded...and I would have followed, I wager."
"Yet you would have us remain here, or return to Imladris, while you wander the wilds, subduing these bands of thugs?" Elrohir asked in disbelief, moving to face Legolas. Giving his lover no time to speak, he continued, "And if you fell, ‘Las? While we sat idle in the safety of the Halls, or the hidden valley? It would be no different, in the end, anor nín. How can you..."
"Enough, tôren," Elladan broke in firmly, shooting a warning glance at his twin as he slipped a reassuring arm around the prince. "Your point is well made." Turning to Legolas, he added gently, "Though we are often loath to remind you, we can claim ten centuries experience living before you were born. Our mind is decided. We will go."
Looking soberly at his lovers, Legolas sighed in resignation, tucking an ebony braid behind Elladan’s ear, then briefly touching Elrohir’s cheek. "I concede, though I like it little enough," he said, breaking into a grin as he added, "ancient ones."
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Elrond drew a deep breath, passing one hand over his eyes. "They will ride with the prince, of course."
"Of course," Glorfindel agreed, a wry smile playing over his lips. "Will you try to dissuade them?"
"Do you require their services at home?" Elrond countered, one elegant eyebrow arched in question. "We must leave ere the week is out, ourselves."
"Nay," Glorfindel replied, shaking his head slowly. "They are highly skilled, and thus valuable...but we are well protected, even without the twins." After a moment’s silence, he asked curiously. "Would they heed you if you forbade this sojourn, híren?"
Elrond met his captain’s sapphire gaze and smiled ruefully. "My pride is best served by not dwelling on that question. And I would not have Elladan and Elrohir put in such a position."
"Is Elrohir fit enough for such travel?" Glorfindel prodded, concern coloring his voice. "It has been little more than a moon since he was attacked."
Sighing, Elrond nodded reluctantly. "Aye, he is well enough, I suppose. He trains fully, and has regained nearly all his former strength." Elrond looked intently at his captain. "Will Thranduil travel with us?"
"Aye," Glorfindel smirked. "He will. Anteruon will manage, with the king’s advisors for support, and Barangolas is more than capable of what little governing the warriors require. The troops of Mirkwood need little direction from any other than their captains. They will miss Legolas, certainly, but his brother will suffice."
"I would have Anteruon come to us in Imladris for several seasons," Elrond said, diverted by the captain’s remark. "Perhaps this winter, for the first. He shows great interest in the healing arts, and considerable ability."
Glorfindel eyed his friend seriously. "He shows considerable interest in another attraction of the valley. Will you involve yourself?"
Elrond sighed deeply. "I am still undecided. I do not wish to cause pain by my speech, nor allow it by my silence. It is Elladan’s concern, in the end, rather than mine. He will handle it as he deems best, and I have complete faith in his diplomacy. And there is every chance the situation will resolve itself once the battle-party leaves."
"It may, indeed. It is likely naught but fascination with the new and exotic," Glorfindel agreed. "Is Legolas aware, do you imagine?"
Elrond shook his head. "I daresay not." His grey eyes twinkling, he added, "And that is a good thing, too, I wager. I have little to no faith in his diplomacy."
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Anteruon forced back yet another smile. "We will be fine, Ada," he repeated, for seemingly the hundredth time. "The realm will stand for a moon or two without your presence. Barangolas will be here to manage the patrols in Legolas’ absence, and your advisors could well manage without me."
"Aye, I suppose you are right," Thranduil admitted guiltily. "I find myself loath to relinquish control, even to one who will himself rule one day." Laying his hand on the prince’s shoulder, he added, "One of whom I am extraordinarily proud."
"Thank you," Anteruon replied, flushing slightly at his father’s praise. Changing the subject quickly, he asked, "What of Legolas’ plan, Ada? It is an ambitious undertaking, is it not?"
The king nodded soberly. "It is indeed ambitious. One would be tempted to say foolhardy, did Glorfindel and the twins not lend it their support." Smiling slightly he added, "It is hard to consider my own second-born a gifted strategist, though Elrohir assures me he is exactly that."
"It will be a great relief to the whole region to be free of those bands of thieving murderers, and likely improve trading, as well," Anteruon said slowly. "’Tis a worthwhile aim, certainly. But the cost may be too high."
Thranduil drew a deep breath. "We must trust in the Valar, and the warriors' skills. Legolas will not risk lives unnecessarily. And the twins were fighting before you were born, my son."
"Aye, I know," Anteruon agreed. "I would choose to be with them, though..."
"I know that well," Thranduil broke in, his tone causing his son to look up sharply. "But I need you here. And I would not give you leave to go, in any circumstance. It is best this way." Raising a hand to silence the impending protest, he continued, "Your duty is to rule the realm in my absence...and manage Galueth, of course."
Groaning in dismay, Anteruon shook his head, all other complaints forgotten. "It will be far easier to rule the realm, Ada, than to manage our princess!"
*~*~*~*
anor nín – my sun
el nín – my star
rohir nín – my knight
tôren – my brother
híren – my lord
Ada, Adar – Papa, Father