Elladan was angry.
The fact in itself was naught to ponder, as Elrond's firstborn was, like every other living creature, given to occasional bouts of annoyance. The fact was naught to ponder, but the expression of his mood was something else again.
Elladan was having a fit. A raging emotional tirade of the kind usually indulged in by his more impulsive, less sedate twin.
"Why am I the eldest?" he demanded, eyes blazing with the irrational fury common to all preadolescent beings. "Why must I remain here, to read histories and study trade agreements while 'Roh prances off to Rohan to see the Mearas? Why?"
Erestor's answer was reason itself. "Because 'tis your duty, 'Adan. Your place is here with your..."
A booted foot hit the stone floor with a resounding thump. "I do not care! I did not ask to be born first, I do not wish to lead. I want to see the horses!"
"That will be enough, Master Elladan," Erestor broke in sharply, his voice cutting through the outburst in highly satisfactory fashion. "More than enough."
Chastised by the stinging reprimand from the usually affable advisor, the elder twin flushed brightly, though he was unable to squelch a final grumble. "I still do not know why I had to be born first. Why did the Valar pick on me?"
Erestor blinked away memories of the younger twin's displeasure, of broken crockery and books strewn like boulders, to smile at the repentant youngling before him.
"You are eldest, 'Adan, because the alternative was Elrohir."
