Stwabewees!
Ribbons of down-soft ebony hair bounced and waved, as a small head shook frantically.
No, ‘Wadan! Those ‘Lorbindel’s bewees!
Grey eyes narrowed above the beginnings of an ominous pout.
Mine. All stwabewees MINE, ‘Ohiri!
Ignorant of the drama unfolding at knee level, Glorfindel dipped another plump red berry into the bowl of warm chocolate, his attention still firmly fixed on the ebb and flow of conversation engaged in by the elves who lingered at the table. A sudden jostle and pinch startled the Balrog-slayer, and he looked down to find Elladan’s small, chubby hand firmly anchored on one thigh, while Elrohir tugged ineffectually at his brother’s tunic.
Horrified, Elrohir relinquished his hold, frowning at his usually reticent twin. “Now twubble!” he whispered, causing Elladan to look around in surprise. They still rarely spoke aloud to one another, much to the household’s consternation.
With the understanding of one who had known the elflings since birth, Glorfindel smiled, winking slyly as he slid two of the bright crimson berries into Elladan’s reaching hand. One soft ‘thump’ was quickly followed by another as Elladan sat down among the chair legs to eat his berries, Elrohir glowering nearby.
‘Ohiri? Bewee?
A hesitant nod later, Elladan smiled happily, scooting closer to his twin as he held out the remaining strawberry.
See? We get bewees. ‘Lorbindel my fwend, ‘Ohiri.
There was a rustle of heavy robes and a shadow fell over the twins' hiding place. Glancing at one another uneasily, they looked up to meet Elrond’s stern glare.
Ada no fwend, ‘Wadan.
Seeing the smile that twitched behind his friend’s determinedly solemn expression, Glorfindel chuckled. “Leave them be, híren,” he advised, as Elrond broke into a reluctant grin. “Stealth is a valuable lesson, best learned young.”
Sobering suddenly, he met Elrond’s understanding gaze. “It’s not always a misfortune being overlooked.”
