Underneath it all

UIA 12 - going to Rivendell

A month more had passed, and now my belly had grown to the extent that I had difficulties to even pick things up from the floor, or even worse, rise from the bed. I felt like a large blob of lard.

But this specific afternoon, as the first winter winds swept over the golden woods, Haldir and I were sitting in front of the fire. He was telling me of the increasing amounts of orcs seen on the borders, when there came a knock at the door.

Haldir opened the door with a surprised look on his face. He stepped aside to let someone enter. The elf pushed the hood away, and the vision made my heart beat faster. "Elrohir, my sweet. What are you doing here?" I asked with a raised brow.

He smiled back, and touched Haldir on the shoulder. "Legolas, I come with words from Celeborn. Please forgive me for ruining your evening," he murmured.

"You are not ruining anything," Haldir said and sat down in his chair, looking at Elrohir.

Elr sar sat down and looked first at Haldir and then at me. "My grandfather thinks it wise that you travel with me and Elladan to Rivendell, to let my father tend to the birth."

"Me in Rivendell?" I gasped.

"Ye," Elrohir said, "Rivendell."

"He is not going to travel with Elladan," Haldir suddenly said.

"I am afraid he will," Elrohir said. He looked pained, as if he saw Haldir's point. "My grandfather does not make requests Haldir, you know this, and non of us has a choice."

"Yes, you are right," Haldir mumbled. "I guess there is no point in arguing with him."

"No," Elrohir said and smiled at me.

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Then a week later I was sitting on my horse once more. But this time I was heading for Rivendell. I was curious as to how the reception there would be. I was the former prince of Mirkwood after all.

Elrohir had bartered with his grandfather until he had allowed Haldir to follow us. My friend was now seated on a horse to my right, between Elladan and I.

The elder prince had not even given me a second look. He had simply ignored my presence, much to Elrohir's aggravation. He had argued with his brother in silence, hoping Haldir and I would not hear, but Elladan did not even answer his own brother. This sickened my heart. I had never wanted to stand between them. Never in my life had I thought that twins would part, and if they did so because of me I would be so ashamed that I would never be able to look another Imladris elf in the eyes.

We said our goodbyes from Lorien, and to my surprise Rumil had cried. 'That sweet soul' I thought, he was too emotional for his own good. Orophin had given me a parcel that I was not to open before I reached Rivendell, so I had just stuck it in my saddleback. I was very curious to what it could be that was such a secret, but I would just have to wait.

The first night had fallen upon us, and Haldir left to find wood for a fire. Elladan was sitting on a rock looking at the sky. I was close to going over to him and asking him if he really hated me so much that he would jeopardize his and Elrohir's relations. I realized I had drifted off when Elrohir tucked a blanket around me. I blinked confusedly, and he smiled at me.

"Sleep my love," he whispered and sat down next to me.

"Where is Haldir?" I asked through a yawn.

"He is sleeping," Elrohir said as he gestured at a bundle of blankets on the other side of the fire.

"Oh Haldir... I wonder why he even wanted to come?" I whispered and looked up at Elrohir.

"He does not trust me, that is why," the dark haired elf whispered.

"What is there not to trust?" I said and smiled.

"My intentions I guess," he said with a chuckle. "I might have impure thoughts about the pregnant ex prince."

"Impure?" I said and blushed in a demure way.

Elrohir leaned in and kissed my brow. "Very impure my sweet," he whispered.

I laughed softly, "Good."

This made Elrohir laugh too, and he poked my side and bit my ear playfully. "Now my sweet, do not play games like that with me unless you wish for me to ravish you right here, with your best friend and my brother sleeping not far from us."

I smiled mischievously. "They would never hear."

"Yes they would," came a voice from the other side of the fire. Both Elrohir and I paled.

"Sorry Elladan," Elrohir said and just curled up behind me.

I felt his lips curl up in a smug grin against my neck before he kissed me. "Sleep tight," he whispered and wrapped an arm around me.

I smiled in the dark. But I couldn't help feeling a strong disliking towards Elladan. Apparently I was good enough when I was just the prince of Mirkwood, another conquest for the elder prince of Imladris. I wondered what he had actually told Elrohir. He had said that Elladan had spoken kindly of me, but somehow I doubted that. Would Elrohir come to loathe me too? What would he say of me once he grew tired of me? That I was a little insecure brat, a whore? Or perhaps even something worse?

I could feel that he had fallen asleep behind me, and I slowly sat up, careful not to wake him. He let out a grunt as I removed myself from him. I worked hard to stand up soundlessly, but I managed. I walked over to stir the dying fire when I noticed Elladan's sleeping place was empty. Where had he gone?

I looked around and finally spotted him on a large log, apparently having a drink. I watched him raise the bottle to his lips. I was about to sneak off to lie down next to Elrohir again when I heard his voice.

"So you can't sleep either?"

I sighed and walked towards him. "No," I whispered.

"We will soon be within the boarders of Imladris. Once we are there you *will* address me as Prince Elladan." He took another gulp of the bottle. "But I am willing to let this one slip, if you answer me this truly."

This game seemed dangerous, and Elladan appeared slightly drunk, but I had no other option but to play al "O "Of course Prince Elladan."

He turned his head and smirked. "Well then, Legolas, do you really think that you will find a refuge in Rivendell?"

I was at loss for words. "I…I don't know," I finally managed to stutter.

"Then let me tell you," he said and turned his head once more. "You won't." Elladan took a giant gulp of the bottle and turned towards me again. "I don't know why Elrohir finds you so amusing, but he won't find you charming forever - rest ass lit little one," hid, id, squinted his eyes so that it came as a warning. "Do you really think he will claim the title of sire for your little bastard brat?"

"S-stop," I whispered and felt those much hated and treacherous tears sting again. Why was he so hateful and evil?

But he continued, "And our father will help you, because for some reason grandmother, grandfather, and Elrohir feel that he should, or perhaps just because you are a medical freak and he has never seen the like." He stood up and grabbed my wrist in a painful grasp. "So if I were you, I would leave here with Haldir. Afterall, it is he who so badly wants to be the knight in shining armour. Give Haldir what he wants."

"S-stop, just stop!" I said with a trembling voice.

"What?" Elladan hissed.

I hung my head. "Please stop Prince Elladan," I whispered. I then jerked my hand free from his grasp before fleeing the scene, hurrying back to the camp and Elrohir, who was still sleeping soundly. I managed to lay down next to him, and he instantly cuddled up to me again.

"Why are you crying?" he mumbled half asleep.

"Hush, just sleep love," I whispered back.

"Did Elladan do something?" he yawned.

I didn't answer. I just kissed his knuckles and stared at the night sky. I wished this nightmare would be over. I wished that Elladan's words had been a lie. I went to sleep praying to the Valar that they were.

-tbc-

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- This is beated by Steph. hugs to you my internet saviour :)
I want feedback - as always *smiles*


Az.