Interlude - Educating the King

~Mirkwood 2151 III~

Legolas paced the floor of his bed-chamber, distractedly toying with the mithril cuff that wrapped his upper arm. He had just returned from a two-week patrol to welcome news. Elladan and Elrohir were on their way to Mirkwood at last and expected within the week, barring unforeseen delays. After a separation of almost four moons, the prince was to be reunited with his lovers - and he had still not spoken with his father.

Sighing, Legolas cursed himself soundly for delaying the inevitable. Though he had once thought it best to await the twins' arrival before telling Thranduil of their changed relationship, he now felt it a grave mistake. Mirkwood was his realm, thus her reaction - as well as that of her king - was his responsibility. In addition, Thranduil was aware of his son�s unusual reticence, and saddened by it.

Legolas feared that, however unwittingly, his continued silence would foster the impression that he was ashamed of his lovers, of their bond. He would not let Elladan and Elrohir arrive to such a reception. Thranduil, at least, must know exactly how things stood between the three before the twins' arrival. His mind made up, Legolas headed for the king�s study.

*********************

Thranduil looked up expectantly as Legolas knocked on the open door, beckoning his son in with a broad grin. "Come in," he invited, laying down his quill.

"I hope I am not interrupting, Ada," Legolas said with a weak smile. "I need to speak with you, if you have time."

"Nay, you are not interrupting. It is time for a break, anyway," Thranduil answered, his brow creasing slightly as Legolas firmly shut the door. "Pour us a drink?"

Rising from his chair gracefully, the king moved to one of the comfortable chairs that sat before the open balcony doors. Legolas filled two goblets with the heady Dorwinion red that Thranduil always kept near to hand, then dropped into his seat, handing one glass to his father.

Thranduil sipped his drink appreciatively, then turned his emerald gaze on the prince. "What is troubling you, Legolas?" he asked gently. "You have been distant from me these past weeks, even when you were present."

Legolas bowed his head guiltily. "I know Ada, and I am sorry," he sighed. "I have struggled with this for many days, unable to see my way."

"And now you have decided that it is best to share your problem with me?" Thranduil said, his eyes twinkling slightly. "I would like that."

Unsure how exactly to proceed, Legolas bit his lip. "It would be incorrect to call it a problem, Ada," he began. "At least, it is not a problem for me."

"But you fear it may be a problem in my eyes," Thranduil guessed, looking intently at his son. "Am I that frightening, young one?"

Legolas shook his head firmly, holding the king�s gaze. "Nay, Ada, not frightening. But I love you dearly and your esteem is important to me. I would not risk losing it without great cause."

"And this event is sufficient cause?" Thranduil asked, his face sober.

Legolas was still for a moment, then nodded. "Aye, it is, indeed. �Tis sufficient cause to take the risk. Or any other risk, Ada."

The king smiled suddenly, and reached for his son�s hand, gripping it tightly. "Then we will work it out, for I am loath to lose your esteem, also."

Somewhat heartened, Legolas took a deep breath, and began. "I have not told you of all that happened in Imladris. It was more than a pleasant holiday, h�ren. I...I have left the larger part of my heart there, Ada."

"In whose care?" Thranduil asked gently, touching the gleaming mithril cuff. "I assume it is one of the sons of Elrond?"

Legolas swallowed hard, then met his father�s questioning gaze frankly. "Nay, Ada, not one of Lord Elrond�s sons," he replied honestly, searching the king�s face for understanding.

Thranduil looked puzzled, his brow wrinkling. "But the cuff...surely no other would dare..."

Reaching out to lay a hand on his father�s shoulder, Legolas repeated, "It is not one of Elrond�s sons, Ada. It is..."

Thranduil�s eyes widened suddenly, as realization dawned. "...it is both!" he broke in, his voice rising at least an octave. "For the love of Elbereth, son, what are you thinking? You are bedding both the Peredhil twins?"

Wincing at the language, Legolas agreed cautiously. "Aye, but it is more than a simple tumble, Ada. I love them..."

Holding up a hand, the king closed his eyes for a moment. His voice nearer its normal rich timbre, he asked, "Does Elrond know?" When Legolas nodded, Thranduil rolled his eyes, muttering unflattering remarks in which �secretive, devil-spawning Noldo� figured prominently.

Regaining control, the king asked, "But how do they feel about sharing? There is but one of you, Legolas, and I would not have you torn in half, literally or in spirit. And it would pain me to see the twins turn on one another."

Uncertain how much detail his father needed - or wanted - Legolas chose his words carefully. "There is no danger of that, Ada. Elladan and Elrohir share one soul. It is as one being that they love me, not as rivals. To them it is not a matter of sharing. There are only two souls involved."

"Two souls, aye, but three bodies, Legolas," Thranduil pointed out. "How can such an arrangement survive?" The corners of his mouth curling slightly, he queried, "Will you keep a bed calendar?"

Surprised by the unexpected teasing, the prince found himself grinning at the idea. �I will have to suggest that when they arrive,� he thought, suppressing a snicker. Turning his attention firmly back to his father, Legolas looked at the king appraisingly before speaking. "I am not sure how much you want to know, Ada. Surely this is an uncomfortable subject for you."

"What is an uncomfortable subject?" Thranduil asked with a small smile. "My son�s bed-play?"

His cheeks reddening slightly, Legolas nodded.

The king shook his head, his face kind. "Nay, the subject is not too uncomfortable." Smiling at Legolas' flushed face, he said, "Though if the memories cause you to color like that, I want no details, thank you all the same."

Grappling for a way to explain the triad without creating explicit mental imagery, Legolas sat silently for a long moment, then drew a deep breath. "We need ready no guest rooms for their stay, Ada."

"But surely we must provide a second bed chamber. I cannot have Elrond�s sons sleeping by turn on the floor," Thranduil protested. "A chamber near yours, of course. There is that nice one just below..."

"Ada," Legolas broke in firmly, securing the king�s attention. When Thranduil raised a questioning eyebrow, he said gently, "We have no need of a second chamber, Ada. Nor a second bed. Mine is quite sufficiently large. And all that is needed."

Thranduil stared at his son for what seemed an eternity, and opened his mouth to speak. Then closed it again. After several attempts, he managed what he knew was a singularly inadequate response.

"Oh."

*~*~*~*~*

Ada, Adar - Papa, Father
h�ren - my lord