(A sequel to "A Brother's Care")
Elrohir’s face was expressionless as he met Haldir’s eyes. His hands tightening on Elladan’s shoulders, the elf-knight reached out cautiously with his thoughts.
Will you hear him, ‘Dan?
Elladan was still for a long moment before nodding almost imperceptibly.
I will speak with him, aye.
The bitter undertone, apparent even in words unspoken, made Elrohir glance at his brother warily. Pressing his cheek to the top of Elladan’s head, he reluctantly moved away. “I will be near if you have need of me, tôren,” he said aloud, his eyes fixed on Haldir’s face. “Very near.”
As the elf-knight passed him, Haldir stepped back suddenly, blocking the door. “I wish to apologize, Elrohir,” he said quietly. “My remarks were made in jest, though I know that to be poor excuse for such an offense. I intended only to tease Orophin...”
Elrohir cut him off crisply. “Any perceived injury to me is the least of your worries, Marchwarden. Save your breath and fine words for the one you have wounded with your absence.”
Haldir flinched at the stinging rebuke, but nodded nonetheless, moving aside without reply.
The elf-knight turned in the doorway, intending to lend his brother a last bit of encouragement, but his smile faltered at the cold, almost malicious gleam in Elladan’s narrowed eyes.
‘Dan? Elladan?
The elder twin cocked one eyebrow in silent acknowledgement.
There is no honor in truth told only for the pain it causes, tôren. Remember that you play for higher stakes than your pride.
Elladan pursed his lips slightly and it seemed he would speak, then his face became unreadable, his eyes hooded as he met his brother’s concerned gaze.
Indeed.
Elrohir slowly descended the ladder, struggling in vain to throw off the sense of foreboding that assailed him as he pondered Elladan’s ambiguous reply.