Ball masque

Chapter ten Breakfast trouble

Elladan woke when he felt movement on his right side. Blinking he stared at his twin’s face. “Ro, what is it?”
Elrohir smiled. “Nothing. Just can’t sleep.” he said while he yawned.
Elladan grinned. “Aha. If that’s your way of saying you want my body pressed against yours…” He laughed at Elrohir’s appalled face. “Oh, Ro, you are so easy to shock.”

Elrohir shrugged and yawned again. “I was worried about Legolas and went to check on him.”
Elladan raised his eyebrows. “And?”
Elrohir grinned. “He’s not there.”
Elladan nodded and yawned. “That doesn’t mean anything. He can be hiding somewhere.”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, I’ve searched. I wanted to make sure he’s all right. Istat massë ni tuvanë ron?”
Elladan shook his head. “No, but I have the feeling you’re going to tell me. Your eyes are sparkling.”
Elrohir nodded and grinned. “Up the roof.”
Elladan yawned again and settled back in his mattress. “So. He probably wanted to see the stars. You woke me up for that?”
Elrohir beamed and nodded. “In adar’s arms.” He grinned when Elladan’s eyes widened and his twin flared back up. “What? Are you sure? Where they….?”
Elrohir grinned. “Yes, I am sure. No, they did not see me, though with las las you can never know. And I don’t think anything happened. They were fully clothed and before you say anything: they didn’t look extra crumpled to me.”

Elladan smiled. “Wow, that’s good news. At the very least it means adar actually likes Legolas now. But I do hope it evolves in something more. They are so suited.”
Elrohir grinned. “Who knows. We’ll watch them.”
Elladan nodded and smiled. “But without any interference from Aragorn or Arwen. Maybe we can entice Legolas to go out riding with us and Eldarion?”
Elrohir shook his head. “No, I don’t know what our sister and brother have told their child but he is reluctant to spend even a minute in our company. He’s fond of adar though.” He frowned when he saw his twin’s glint. “What?”
Elladan shrugged. “We should send him on chaperone duty then.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil looked above his head, judging the weather. He smiled and nodded. If the weather stayed, he would not get delayed. He hadn’t stopped at night to rest. Although evil still swept the lands, it was no longer a huge threat and what evil he might find would find not only the capable Mirkwood King but also his escort.

They did not complain about the high pace their King kept them on. They were hardened warriors, who would not shun a hard ride. Their only concern was their leader.
They smiled, seeing Thranduil’s signal for halt. It was a good spot to feed, drink and rest the horses, they being the only reason Thranduil occasionally did order a stop.

Thcaptcaptain stepped forward and bowed before their king. “Sire, is everything all right with our Prince?”
Thranduil smiled at them and nodded. “Everything is fine.”
“I that case, sire, might it not be more appropriate to send a messenger ahead, informing Lord Elrond of our arrival?”
Thranduil closed his eyes, sighed and nodded. “But we are not slowing down our pace.”

The captain nodded and instructed the fastest rider to ride ahead. If they kept up the pace the elf would arrive only minutes before they would. He shook his head, hoping Elrond would not take this the wrong way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Legolas stirred to the sense of someone rubbing his hair. He smiled when Elrond’s scent caressed his nostrils.

Elrond smiled lovingly when Legolas’ eyes regained their awareness. “Good morning, beloved.” The smile Legolas send him could rival the sun.

He raised his head and sighed. “Morning. Was it not too uncomfortable for you?”
Elrond raised one eyebrow. “Just because I am a lord and do not live in trees does not mean I cannot sleep on a hard floor.” He grinned at Legolas’ shocked face. When the blond opened his mouth to apologize or protest Elrond smiled. “But that’s just my pride talking. I am sure my muscles will think otherwise.”

He smiled and inhaled deeply. “Breakfast starts in about half an hour. I don’t know if you wish to freshen up.”
Legolas nodded and half raised himself. “I think that’s best. It won’t do if we both come to dinner table wearing the same clothes as last eve.”
Elrond smiled. “Wear something comfortable. I am going to show you my realm.”
Legolas smiled. “All right. Thank you for last night.”

Elrond stood up and came to stand before Legolas. “Don’t thank me. Thank yourself. You’re the one that reached out first.” He looked deep within Legolas’ eyes and embraced him.
Legolas responded by closing his arms around Elrond. He wetted his lips, hoping Elrond would claim them. His heart somersaulted when Elrond did. He leaned closer and moaned in Elrond’s mouth, eagerly melting in the strong arms.

“Adar, ná te amsímen?”
They jumped backwards, their eyes wide as they looked at the stairs in horror. Elrond forced his voice to be steady. “Arwen, what in the Valar are you thinking? You are not supposed to be climbing all those stairs. You are very close to delivery and…”
Arwen appeared within view and glared at her father. “We’re all waiting for you. In case you have forgotten the time up here, it’s breakfast. And you are needed. You are lucky Legolas is late as well, which is rather unusual for him. Elrohir said he saw you up here so I thought I’d warn you, but if this is the treatment I receive from my own father….” She rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hip.
Elrond shook his head. “Really, Arwen. I am not Aragorn. That pose will not work on me. I saw you in diapers.”
Arwen’s glare intensified. “Just get down. You’re the host. Legolas will take it personal.” Legolas smiled at the shocked expression in Arwen’s eyes when he appeared in her view. “No, I won’t. We didn’t realise it was this late. Shall we go join the others?” He bowed to indicate Elrond should lead the way and they both had a hard time suppressing their chuckles at Arwen’s I-am-not-amused face.

She grabbed Legolas’ arm as he walked past, leaning a little on him as they took the stairs down. “What were you doing up there with adar?”
Legolas smiled. “Watching the stars. Talking.” His eyes locked with Arwen. “Becoming friends.”
Arwen smiled and would have hugged him had the situation permitted it. “Really? That’s great. Elrohir hadn’t mentioned you were up there as well. Poor Erestor. He’s looking for you.”
Legolas’ eyes widened. “Aiya. We’ve to hurry then.”

He graciously handed Arwen to her father and broke into a run. Elrond’s eyes widened at the behaviour but he sighed longingly when he saw the agile legs. He shook his head to get rid of the erotic images that filled his mind.

Arwen’s eyebrows went up at this strange behaviour. “Adar? Is everything all right?” Elrond nodded, not trusting his voice to remain steady. Arwen narrowed her eyes. “Adar? What happened up there?”
“Hmmm? Up where?”
Arwen cocked her head, taking in her father. “Up the roof! What happened between you and Legolas? Did you talk or…” She stopped speaking when she saw her father blush and a huge smile adorned her face before she suddenly hugged him. “Oh, adar. You two deserve it. Everybody will be jealous of you both. Half the population wishes to have you while the other half pines for Legolas. The stories I’ve heard….”

She grinned. “Tell me, is he any good?” She laughed at her father’s reddening face. “We’re almost at the dining room, so tell me quick.”
Elrond increased his speed. “Arwen, there’s nothing to talk about.”
Arwen pouted. “Adar! I am a married woman now, pregnant even. I’m no longer a sweet innocent girl.”
Elrond smiled. “-That- I know. A sweet innocent girl would never ask her father such questions.”
Arwen sighed and her expression became determined.

She smiled and approached Legolas, who had just rescued Erestor from an endless search. Erestor was telling Elrohir off and Legolas enjoyed it as he helped himself to his breakfast.
Arwen rushed to her seat and smiled widely at Legolas. He swallowed. He had seen Elladan and Elrohir smile like that as well just before they were about to say or do something to embarrass him.

“Legolas?” He looked up. “Yes, Lady Arwen?”
She smiled innocently and waved her hand. Aragorn recognised the signs and looked apologetically at Legolas. “Please, call me Arwen. After all: you are practically family. You already were of course, but now you’re even more so. But tell me” She leaned in closer and hmilemile widened. “Is father any good in bed?”

Legolas spat out the tea and his mouth opened and closed without speaking. He sensed the others looking at him and frantically wished for a hole to swallow him up.

Elrond’s eyes were dark and his face was set grim. Aragorn and the twins, who would have loved making Legolas squirm more, backed away as much as possible, seeking the safety of their chairs. Elrond hardly had that look on his face, but when he did it was safest to stay away.

Arwen was unaware of that and she gently touched Legolas’ hand. “You can tell me. You spend the night together on the roof. Talking and stargazing can only take so much time, Legolas. So what did you do the remainder of it? Are you getting married? Or was thist a t a one night stand?”
“ARWEN!” She jumped up at the anger in her father’s voice. His eyes pierced her and she swallowed. “Adar, I was only…”
“Embarrassing out guest, shaming yourself, your family and your realms. You will refrain from repeating these or any relevant questions.”
Arwen smiled sweetly. “Adar, I meant no disrespect; I was just curious.”
Elrond’s eyes narrowed and he glared at her. “Did I ever ask Aragorn how you perform in bed? Did I ever ask you what you’ve been doing on the hidden bridge whenever you went to meet him there? Did I ever wanted to know just when, where and how Aragorn got you pregnant?” His voice was close to exploding and Arwen lowered her head, realising arguing was pointless at this time. “No, adar. I apologize.”

Elrond sat back down, his face grim, and nodded, deeming this has ended.
Arwen too sat down. She smiled victoriously and leaned backwards. “See, something happened.”
Aragorn squished her. “Be silent, wife.” He knew that word would piss her of, enough to shut her up. He stood and smiled. “Legolas, adar, please take my deepest apologies for Arwen’s words. She’s pregnant and that makes her act strange.”
Arwen glared at him. “I might be pregnant and sometimes that does make me act strange, but that does not affect my eyes and ears. They did have sex tonight and I just want to make sure our friend and our father aren’t making a mistake.”
Elladan shook his head and smiled. “Arwen. They are both old enough to make their own decisions, be they wise or not. It is not up too us to intervene. And if they really had sex last night their clothes would have looked a lot more rumpled, sister. Or should we show Aragorn how it is really done?”
Aragorn jumped up. “Watch it, you two. It is not beneath me to run after you.”

Elrond sighed, shaking his head. “My family is insane.”
Legolas laughed and a twinkle entered his eyes. He took another sip of his tea and smiled. “What flavour is this?”
Elrond shrugged, indication he had no idea. He sipped and smiled. “Melon.”
Legolas cocked his head and smiled. “Interesting taste. I like it too.”

Elrond smiled. “Erestor.” Erestor continued eating and Elrond sighed. He picked up his glass and threw it across the table, smashing it against the opposite wall, silencing the whole room instantly and drawing the attention of everyone at the same time. He smiled. “Thank you for your silence. Erestor, will you please make sure Legolas has a large sample of the roseleaf-flavoured tea and the melon? And any other tea he might wish for.”
Erestor inclined his head and wrote down the two names. “It shall be done.”
Legolas smiled at him. “Thank you, Erestor, for your trouble. We have only herbal tea back home and these are just fantastic.”
Aragorn grinned. “I know. I have set up a huge trade with adar just for the tea. Hey. Why don’t you do the same? I am sure Mirkwood has something to offer.”

Legolas frowned and thought. “Not much that Imladris doesn’t already have. There’s our wine, but you already get that.”
Elrond shook his head. “No, there are no trades with Mirkwood. And that’s my fault.”
Legolas placed his hand on Elrond and shook his head. “Dwell not in the past but look towards the future. And you do get our wine. Don’t you have a wine trade with Dale?”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, our herbal wine for their Dorwinian.”
Legolas nodded, smiling and buttering his bread. “But the Dorwinian is just rebottled Mirkwood wine.”
Elladan widened his eyes. “And your father allows that?”
Legolas nodded. “In exchange for a share of the proceeds. Out of every ten tons of your wine five go to Mirkwood.”

Elrohir grinned. “So what’s your wine really called?”
Legolas shrugged. “It doesn’t have a name. We always just called it wine. And then we started trading and it became Limpuinbar, wine from home.”
Erestor smiled. “But that’s perfect. Dale has excellent quality wood, but they refuse to trade it. Perhaps if we can trade the wine directly with your father we’ve ave a leverage to achieve the wood.”
Legolas nodded. “Aye, but you need more than just your herbal wine to get them willing.” His eyes lit up. “Hobbit beer! They don’t have it, or know itt ont once they’ve tasted it I am sure they’ll trade anything for it. Including their wood.”
Erestor frowned but nodded. “I think it will be possible to send a barrelbit bit beer to them this load. If I place a marking on it you’re father can make sure it does not get to the barrels send to him.”
Legolas grinned. “You are devious, master Erestor. Aye, but make it a Quenya marking, crossed over by a Dwarven. That way the people of Dale won’t be able to figure it out if one of them is slightly different.”
Erestor nodded. “May I throw the compliment right back? I shall instantly go after the Hobbit beer.” Elrond inclined his head as Erestor greeted him as he left.

Elladan smiled and slapped Legolas on the back. “Who knew? I swear, had anyone told me three days ago you and adar would not only be friends, but you would help us plan things as well, I would have declared them insane.”
Legolas grinned. “I’m sorry about last night. Are you tired?”
Elladan shook his head. “No, though I’d rather not be reminded of it.”
Legolas laughed. “All right. Don’t spy and I won’t speak of it.”
Elrohir placed a hand over his heart. “But Legolas, then where would we find our entertainment?”
Elrond shook his head. “Your sister perhaps?”
Arwen smiled, her eyes glittering. “O yes, adar, I’ll keep them busy for you. I’m working a nice tablecloth at the moment and can use a little help.”
The twins groaned in unison. “No, Arwen, we’ll rather ride to Mirkwood and back, but we are not doing any needlework.”
Arwen glared at them. “It isn’t needlework. It’s embroidery.”
Elladan shrugged. “It involves a needle doesn’t it?” Arwen nodded and Elladan smiled. “Than it’s needlework and we stay far away from that.”
Arwen shook her head. “You two handle swords much sharper and larger and you are afraid of a little needle?”
Elrohir growled. “We’re not, but we aren’t doing it. It isn’t masculine.”
Arwen growled at him. “And spying on your father and friend is?”
Elrohir grinned. “We’re not the ones asking them about their prowess in bed, sister. We would have had the decency to leave after the first kiss, should it have occurred, but thanks to you it didn’t even get that far.”

Arwen growled and was about to jump at them but Legolas stood and narrowed his eyes. The glint in them unnerved the twins and they swallowed. Legolas licked his lips. “I wonder why you removed the miruvor. Did you drug it?”
Elladan’s eyes widened but he smiled. “What? Drug the wine? Us? What do you think of us?”
Elrond shook his head. “That you would be perfectly capable of just that. We all do. Did you?”
Elrohir and Elladan nodded and lowered their heads in guilt. , bu, but we removed it. We were trying to before Aragorn bellowed at us.”
Aragorn snorted. “I didn’t bellow, I merely wanted to alert Legolas and adar you were present.”
“You could have been more discreet!” Elladan ducked to avoid his sister’s punch.
She glared at him. “Discrete? You should talk. You, the discretion personified. Ha, don’t make me laugh.”

Elrond grinned at Legolas’ lost and confused expression and came to stand next to him. He placed his arm on his shoulders. “Don’t worry. They are always like this. I’m glad Aragorn is more controlled now. It was worse when he was younger.”
Legolas turned and grinned. “It’s hard to believe they are sophisticated elves when I see this.”
Elrond smiled. “There were times I wondered if things would ever turn out right. But they have and I am eternally grateful for that.”
Legolas smiled at the loving expression in Elrond’s eyes and placed his arms around his beloved’s waist. “If I kiss you now, will they notice?”
Elrond’s eyes darkened with lust and leaned closer, completing the embrace. “Only one way to find out.”

Legolas quickly closed the distance and claimed Elrond’s lips, pleased when Elrond eagerly parted them and his teeth. He moaned when he felt Elrond cup his buttocks and he tightened his hold, pressing his body closer. He no longer heard sounds but did not care whether that was because the others had stopped everything or because the world had stopped existing. The only thing that existed for him was the elf kissing him and he hungrily deepened the kiss.

Elrond opened his eyes and smiled at his children, who were staring at them wide-eyed. Arwen even gaped like a fish. They never would have thought them to be doing this in front of them or so soon.
Aragorn was the only one composed and nodded his consent when he saw Elrond’s eyes open. His own mouth was twisted in a smile. Though he was happy for them he did not wish for Legolas to get hurt. Elrond read his eyes and closed his eyes once, signalling his understanding.

The King of Gondor turned when he heard someone approaching. He smiled when he saw Glorfindel. “Glorfindel, what is it? Is the realm under attack?”
The golden haired warrior panted and plunged himself on a chair. Legolas and Elrond had broken the kiss and stared at him in worry and concern.
Elrond approached him and knelt down. “Glorfindel, what is it? You’re out of breath.”
Glorfindel nodded and gratefully accepted the glasses of water Elladan and Aragorn handed him. “I came straight from the borders, my lord. Thranduil of Mirkwood is approaching, fast. He has a small host of warriors with him and one rides ahead. I don’t know what to make of it.”
Elrond looked at Legolas who smiled. “Don’t worry. Let’s ride and meet them. I’ve missed adar.”
Elrond nodded. “Of course we will. But he’s an experienced warrior, who needs no large escort.”
Legolas shrugged. “He wouldn’t have been able to leave without them. They would not let him.”

End chapter 10
TBC

Translations:
Istat massë ni tuvanë ron? Means Know where I found him ?
Adar. Ná te amsímen? Means Father, are you up here?