Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

A/N: I’m back!!!! :o) Sorry for the super long delay. As a result of some real life issues, I have been having some time management problems and have been unable to write. Things have gotten better recently so I’m hoping to start posting more frequently again. Anyway, thanks for your patience and support. I hope you enjoy the new chapter.


Chapter 13: What Lies in Dreams


The next two days passed by quickly in Rivendell as warriors prepared themselves for the first competition. Legolas and Elladan hadn’t seen much of one another. Elladan was going to be one of the competitors in the events taking place on the first day of the games and was busily practicing and perfecting his swordsmanship. Legolas, too, was very busy helping his brothers prepare for battle.

Elladan paced nervously around his bedchamber waiting for the horn of Rivendell to call all of the warriors to the battlefield. He checked his reflection in the mirror and sighed. He didn’t think that his tunic, which bore the colors of Rivendell, made him look very attractive. In fact, he wasn’t sure if he really liked the color blue. *It is such a sad color.* But then he thought about the hue of Legolas’ eyes and quickly changed his mind. He missed the elven prince and wished he had time to speak to him before the competition. He fondled the necklace that Legolas had given him as an engagement gift, suddenly feeling as it was a link to his lover.

“Elladan?”

The dark-haired warrior turned around and smiled. “Hello, Legolas.”

Legolas returned the smiled and looked Elladan up and down. “Hmm… you do not usually wear blue.”

“I know,” Elladan pouted. “I look like a creature from the sea.”

Legolas chuckled. “Actually, I was thinking that you look like one of the Valar. You should wear blue more often; it compliments you.”

“Thank you,” Elladan said unenthusiastically.

“I have missed you these last two days. We have spent far too much time apart since I have returned to Rivendell.”

“That is true,” Elladan remarked, pacing around the room once again. “How have you been these last two days? Have you had any more nightmares?”

“Nay,” Legolas lied. “In fact, I haven’t slept lately. I have been busy helping Makail and Dace prepare for today’s sword competition.”

Elladan stopped pacing for a moment and regarded Legolas. “And how are your brothers' spirits this day? Are they ready for the competition?”

“They are in good spirits… especially Dace. Apparently, Father did not tell Tialise that Dace had been confined to his quarters for the opening ceremony. Instead, he told her that his sons were tending to some royal matters… then he invited her to partake of the evening meal with us soon after the opening ceremony; she dinned with us last night. I have never seen Dace look so happy. Makail is still a bit saddened by his recent separation with Danal, but told me that he is not ready for a new relationship just yet. Anyway, they are both doing well and seem ready for today’s battle.”

“Sorry to hear it,” Elladan said, pacing around the room again.

“Why?”

“Just ignore me. I am so nervous… even my teeth are agitated.”

Legolas chuckled. “Being nervous is normal and expected before a competition.”

“I know. But… wellam sam so nervous that I am afraid it will affect my performance. What if I drop my sword because my hands are shaking so fiercely? Legolas, this competition will be in front of elves from every realm. What if I humiliate myself in front of everyone?”

“You won’t.”

Elladan scoffed. “Look at my hands.” He held the palms of his hands out so the prince could inspect them. “How can I hold my sword when I am in this state?”

Legolas grasped both of Elladan’s hands and pulled him close. “I can think of only one thing that will calm your nerves.”

“What?”

The prince smiled, planting a soft kiss on his lover’s mouth and began to tug at the waistband of Elladan’s leggings.

“Legolas, what are you doing? Legolas… Legolas, I do not have time for this right now. I will be summoned in just a few moments.”

“Do you wish to be calmed or don’t you?”

“I… I want to be calm… but…”

“Stop protesting and let me help you, then,” the prince interrupted. Legolas slid Elladan’s leggings down his legs to his feet.

“Why are you trying to help me?” Elladan asked in dismay. “Both of your brothers are competing today. Don’t you want them to win… don’t you want Mirkwood to win?”

“Calming you will not necessarily help you to win; your skill, not your nerves will have to be greater than my brothers’ in order for you to win. I do not feel disloyal for helping you. You are correct, my allegiance is to my realm… but if my brothers do not win, then I hope you do.”

Elladan smiled and then gasped when Legolas stroked the tip of his member.

The prince knelt before Elladan, positioning himself directly in front of the Rivendell elf’s member. Grasping it firmly, Legolas began to work his hand up and down the long shaft slowly.

Elladan moaned and placed his hands on the prince’s shoulders. “Le… Legolas… Legolas… what are you doing? I… I thought we were going to… I thought you wanted to lay together.”

The prince looked up at Elladan and smiled. “I am not the one who is nervous. Listen, Elladan, release has a calming effect. So, relax. Enjoy this.”

Elladan nodded slowly and then inhaled sharply when he felt Legolas’ tongue dancing across the tip of his now hardened shaft. “Mmm… Legolas,” he groaned as the prince nearly swallowed his entire member, sucking forcefully and stroking his twin sacks deftly.

Legolas loved to pleasure Elladan and especially enjoyed the fact that his lover was seemingly overcome with desire. Every moan, gasp and groan was encouraging, and he sought to take Elladan to new heights with the passing of each moment.

Elladan bit his lower lip, trying not scream Legolas’ name… trying to stop the gyrating movement of his hips, but the world seemed to be crashing down all around him. Waves of pleasure overcame him. He threw his head back when he felt Legolas’ teeth graze the tip of his member and could feel his release drawing near.

Legolas continued to suck and lick Elladan’s shaft, lavishing the large organ with attention. He watched Elladan for a moment and smiled wickedly; he recognized the expression of near-release on his lover’s face. So, he thrust Elladan’s member into his mouth once again, moving his shaft in and out rapidly.

Elladan dug his nails into Legolas’ shoulders, unable to hold on any longer. He moaned when he spilled his seed into the prince’s mouth, slumping over in exhaustion.

Legolas stood, pulling Elladan’s leggings up from around his ankles and back around his waist.
Elladan watched the prince walk over to the dresser and pour himself a glass of water. The prince took a long sip and smiled. Walking over to his lover, Legolas offered the glass to Elladan. “Would you like some?”

Elladan nodded slowly, taking the glass and drinking the rest of the water in a single gulp.

Legolas grinned. “How do you feel?”

“A little tired.”

“But not nervous.”

Elladan paused and then smiled. “You are right; I am not nervous at all.”

Legolas’ smile widened. “Lay on the bed for a few moments before the horn blows. I will stay here with you to make sure you do not oversleep. And when you awaken, you will be rejuvenated and ready for battle.”

Elladan nodded and climbed onto his bed. He was a bit surprised when Legolas curled up beside him, cradling his head in his arms and stroking his hair gently. Legolas wasn’t usually very affectionate. At any rate, Elladan appreciated his lover’s attentiveness and felt himself drifting into slumber.

Legolas observed Elladan, staring at the plains of his perfect face. His love for the Rivendell elf seemed overwhelming suddenly and he felt emotion begin to churn inside of him. He wanted to protect Elladan from the horrors of the world; he wanted to shelter him, to never let him go. Legolas gasped and touched his face; there were tears on his cheeks and didn’t know why. After all, Elladan didn’t need his protection. Elladan was an accomplished warrior. So, why was he crying? What was wrong with him?

Elladan stirred suddenly and Legolas planted a kiss on the warrior’s temple. In the distance the horn of Rivendell sounded.

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“Greetings all,” Elrond began, scanning the crowd attentively. The Lord of Rivendell stood on a platform before an enormous mass of elves from all three realms. The spectators surrounded a large, grassy clearing where most of the battles would take place. His eyes fell upon Thranduil for a moment and he felt his heart catch in his chest. As always, the king of Mirkwood looked stunning. He was bedecked in the beautiful, autumn colors of Mirkwood, sporting an elegant olive colored tunic and bark colored leggings. A simple, but stunning crown of leaves ornamented the king’s head and his eyes sparkled with mirth. Elrond faltered when looking at the king, but quickly regained his composure when Glorfindel nudged his ribs firmly. “As most of you know, today’s events will involve the sword. Yesterday, a private, single realm, preliminary match was held to determine who would be allowed to compete in today’s tournament. All interested warriors fought elves from their own realm; the winners, the best from each realm, will face the best from other kingdoms to determine the final winner. The champions from yesterday’s match are as follows: from Lórien, Rúmil and Orophin will be in the sword fight tournaments and Haldir will compete in the forms competition; from Mirkwood, Dace and Makail will be in the swordfight tournament and Makail will make another appearance in the forms competition; and for Rivendell, Elladan and Elrohir will be in the sword competition and Elrohir will make a second appearance in the forms competition.”

The crowd erupted with applause.

Elrond smiled, raising his hands to silence the crowd. “The first battle, the single swordfight, is about to take place. Would all of the competitors for the first battle come forth?”

Elladan, Rúmil and Dace stepped forward into the center of the battlefield and faced Elrond.

“The three of you will be battling with one another. Do you fully understand that you are to cause no major harm to your opponent?”

“Aye,” the warriors chorused.

Elrond nodded. “Good. Your goal is to force your opponent out of the pre-marked area. The last elf in the main area of the battlefield is the winner. Is that understood?”

“Aye.”

“Other-realm judges, would you please come forth?” Elrond asked.

Celeborn emerged from the crowd at once and took his place on the platform beside Elrond. Thranduil made his way through the crowd as quickly as possible but noticed that he was met with strange looks and excessive whispering. Finally reaching the platform, the king took a seat beside Elrond and felt as though the entire crowd was staring at him. He glanced at Elrond, Celeborn and Glorfindel for a moment, and they also seemed to notice the odd behavior of most of the elves.

Elrond was puzzled but decided to try to focus the crowd’s attention back on the competition. “Glorfindel, would you take your place on the battlefield? You will determine, in case there is any question, whether or not someone steps outside of the battle area.”

Glorfindel nodded, stepped off of the platform and took his position on the battlefield.

“Warriors, take your mark,” Celeborn said.

Elladan, Rúmil and Dace stood facing one another, in a triangular type of formation. They raised their swords above their heads, allowing the tips to touch.

“Begin!” Celeborn exclaimed.

The crowd went wild as the battle began. Swords clanged loudly as the warriors fought for their realm.

Elladan’s nervousness had completely disappeared. He quickly repelled a strike that was launched by Dace, nearly knocking the Mirkwood warrior over by the force of his counterattack.

Rúmil took advantage of Dace’s stumble and struck the Mirkwood warrior’s sword as hard as he could, forcing him out of the enclosure.

A groan emerged from the disappointed Mirkwood onlookers, but warriors from Rivendell and Lórien cheered louder than ever.

Legolas was sorry to see Dace lose. He looked to where his brother was standing and saw that Tialise was already tending to Dace’s wounded ego. Legolas smiled when he saw that Tialsie was wearing Mirkwood colors. He focused his attention on Elladan once more and felt himself become a bit aroused. Elladan looked so allurwhenwhen he was in the midst of battle, staring at his opponent dangerously. Legolas had never had the chance to watch his lover fight. He hated to admit it, but Elladan was the best swordsman he had ever seen. He knew it was unlikely that Makail and Dace would be able to defeat Elladan and Elrohir in the next match.

Elladan and Rúmil paused for a moment before resuming their battle. Elladan waited patiently, knowing that Rúmil was a bit impetuous and would strike first.

As expected, Rúmil struck out abruptly, hoping to catch Elladan off guard.

Unfortunately for Rúmil, Elladan had anticipated this kind of battle tactic and met his blade with great force.

Stunned by the power of Elladan’s strike, Rúmil was unprepared for the Rivendell elf’s attack.

Elladan began wielding his sword in such a bizarre way, that Rúmil was not sure how to counter. Elladan switched hands, twirled the blade in his hands and continuously struck Rúmil’s sword, all the while forcing Rúmil closer and closer to the edge of the enclosure.

Rúmil battled fiercely, but was no match for Elladan’s skill. Within moments, he had been forced out of the surround and the inhabitants from Rivendell began to cheer. Elladan had won.

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The next competition, the doubles dual, went well for Rivendell. Elladan and Elrohir were an unstoppable force together, defeating both Mirkwood’s and Lórien’s teams of warriors. Rúmil and Orophin and Dace and Makail proved to be no match for the twins, and actually seemed to struggle against the Rivendell brothers’ vicious tactics. The crowd cheered wildly from every realm in awe of Elladan and Elrohir’s sword fighting prowess. When all was said and done, no one could argue that the twins were two of the best swordsmen in Middle-earth.

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It was now midday and the competitions came to a halt so that the warriors could rest and everyone could have some time to partake of the midday meal.

Legolas decided to dine with his dejected brothers so he could offer some cheer, despite their defeat. He soon discovered that Tialise offered more comfort to Dace than he could, and watched her hug and kiss his worries away. So, he focused his attention on Makail who genuinely seemed to appreciate his company. Legolas was especially pleased when his older brother laughed at one of his off-color jokes, realizing that Elladan had influenced his sense of humor.

After lunch, the prince decided to go for a walk alone; he wanted some time to think about all that was happening to him and wanted to analyze his new, overwhelming feelings of emotion and protection for Elladan. Walking alone for a while, he stopped abruptly when he saw an elf in the distance; it was Haldir.

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Haldir practiced his forms routine over and over again, perfecting his moves with each attempt. He positioned his sword high in the air and stepped forward gracefully, swinging the weapon downward in a swift motion. Bringing the sword upward, he lunged forward and gasped when he saw someone standing there… it was Glorfindel. Haldir gained his composure quickly and bowed deeply. “Begging your pardon… I… I… did not sense you.” The words felt strange on Haldir’s lips… probably because he had never said them before.

“I am both shadow and light,” Glorfindel remarked. “My presence is not often perceived.”

“Ah, yes,” Haldir said, nodding. “I have heard stories about your departure and reentry into this world.”

Glorfindel nodded. “I was watching you.”

Haldir felt his face redden. “You… you were?”

“Aye, you are a very good swordsman, your form is excellent.”

“Thank you,” Haldir said, beaming inwardly, but maintaining his outward composure.

“Good luck in the forms competition.”

“Thank you.”

Glorfindel bowed and walked away.

Haldir watched the ancient warrior until he disappeared into the forest. He turned and gasped audibly when he saw Legolas standing before him. “Prince… Legolas!”

Legolas stared at Haldir in shock, surprised by his star rea reaction.

“I… I am sorry. I did not know you were there,” Haldir said, giving the prince a strange look. “I did not sense you…”

Legolas began to speak but was taken aback when Haldir raised his sword, pointing it at his chest.

Haldir stared at the prince for a moment before speaking. “Who are you?”

“What?” Legolas asked in dismay. “I am Prince Legolas, son of Thranduil…”

“I did not sense you drawing near. You are not the king’s son.”

Legolas’ mouth fell open. He was shocked by Haldir’s actions, but tried to remain calm. “It is I, Haldir. I **am** Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. If you did not sense me, it may be because you were preoccupied with Glorfindel.”

Haldir pondered these words for a moment and lowered his sword. He bowed deeply and cast his eyes to the ground. “I am sorry, your Highness. I meant no offense.”

Legolas smiled and grasped Haldir by the shoulders. “You needn’t be sorry. You were only startled. Please rise, you are not required to bow to me.”

Haldir stood and regarded the prince. Legolas looked different somehow. There was something luminous about him.

“I saw you practicing with the sword,” Legolas said, interrupting Haldir’s thoughts. “You are quite good.”

“Thank you,” Haldir said, smiling. “Glorfindel said the same thing.”

Legolas nodded.

“Legolas… do you think… do you think that someone like me would ever have a chance with Glorfindel?”

The prince regarded the Lórien warrior for a moment, trying to think of an answer to his question. He was tempted to lie but decided that telling the truth would be better, as he did not want to mislead his new friend. “I am not certain, of course,” Legolas began, “but in truth I must say that it is very unlikely Glorfindel will ever see you in the manner that you see him.”

Haldir’s shoulders drooped, as did his head. He stared at the ground sadly.

“I… Haldir, I am sorry,” Legolas said gently. He placed his hand on one of the crestfallen warrior’s shoulders and reproached himself inwardly for deciding to be so honest. “It is just that Glorfindel is so… so… untouchable… so unreachable. If the truth be told, I would be surprised to see him with anyone.”

“Except you,” Haldir said, raising his head and meeting Legolas’ crystal, blue eyes. “If you desired him, Glorfindel would not deny you.”

Legolas stared at Haldir in shock for a moment and then smiled. Soon, he was laughing good-naturedly.

Haldir wasn’t offended by the prince’s laughter; it warmed his heart somehow. The youngest prince of Mirkwood was so charming that even his laughter was alluring.

“Me? You believe that Glorfindel would want me?” Legolas asked, amused by the notion.

“Aye,” Haldir replied, shrugging. “You are everything I am not. You are sophisticated, fair, poised and humorous. Next to you I am a dead leaf on a tree.”

“You imply that your humor is nonexistent,” the prince commented between chuckles. “You are obviously very comical if you believe that Glorfindel would desire me. Despite what you think, you are every bit as fair and as poised as me. You carry yourself with a great deal of aplomb.”

“But I lack your confidence,” Haldir lamented. “Whenever Glorfindel is near I cower before him.”

“Yet you have something I do not.”

“I do?”

“Aye,” the prince nodded as he spoke. “You are at least a thousand years my senior. Methinks that Glorfindel is not as impressed with bearing and attractiveness as he is with age and wisdom. Without these, I believe that it would be very difficult to sway the elder.”

“Maybe you are right,” Haldir said sadly. “What a cruel fate it is to love someone that you can never have.”

“There will be others,” Legolas said, trying to raise Haldir’s spirits.

“Nay,” Haldir said, shaking his head. “My heart belongs to Glorfindel. I shall never love anyone else.”

Legolas placed his hand on Haldir’s shoulder once again and felt something odd. Coldness crept over him. He saw, in his mind’s eye, dark clouds forming all around Haldir and darkness overtaking him. The prince removed his hand from the Lórien warrior abruptly as though he had been burned and stared at it, awestruck.

“What is it?” Haldir asked.

“…Nothing… it is nothing,” Legolas smiled sincerely as the strange images of Haldir faded away.

“You looked… frightened,” Haldir said slowly, not wanting to anger the prince. “Your expression reminded me of the night you were having the nightmare…”

Legolas nodded slowly. “Aye, my dreams seem to be haunting not only my nights but my days as well. I just had some disturbing thoughts… I… I am nortairtain as to their nature.”

“Does Elladan know about your dreams?”

“Aye,” Legolas said. “Aside from him, you are the only one who knows.”

“Your brothers do not know?” Haldir asked in shock.

“Nay,” Legolas admitted, shrugging. “They would fret and tell my father. Then he would fret and tell Elrond. Then everyone would fret. What would possibly be accomplished by anyone else finding out?”

“Perhaps, you could be helped,” Haldir encouraged gently, making sure to tread softly around the prince’s quick temper.

“Perhaps,” Legolas said. “But methinks I will be fine. But between you and Elladan’s constant harassment to expose my ailment, I am uncertain as to the state of my sanity by the time my dreams cease.”

“Elladan wants you to tell Lord Elrond about your dreams?” Haldir asked, surprised.
“Aye,” Legolas replied. “He is very concerned about me… he always is.”

Haldir’s eyes widened but he didn’t speak. He had known Elladan since he was a mere babe and couldn’t quite fathom the concerned, caring individual that Legolas was speaking of. The Elladan he knew was foolish, immature and more than a little bit selfish.

“You do not believe that Elladan is good enough for me, do you?” Legolas asked, interrupting Haldir’s thoughts.

“I…”

“Do not try to deny it,” Legolas said. “I can see the disapproval in your eyes.”

Haldir cursed inwardly, but met the prince’s eyes. “I have known Elladan for a long tiIt iIt is not that I believe he is beneath you. I guess it is difficult for me to understand what you see in him. In my experience, he is quite difficult to get along with.”

Legolas smiled. “I have seen the two of you argue; you behave like brothers.”

“We are… in a way,” Haldir said, relieved that he hadn’t angered the prince. “Or, perhaps, I am like an uncle to Elladan. The Lady and Lord of Lórien are almost like my parents…”

“It is the depth of your bickering that intrigues me,” Legolas said slowly. I have often wondered if the two of you argue so fiercely because you are former lovers.”

Haldir’s mouth fell open in shock. “Former lover… of… of Elladan? Me?”

“Do not fret,” Legolas said simply. “We all have a past.”

“That is true,” Haldir said, “but be assured that Elladan is not part of mine. Our arguments are based on mutual annoyance with one another and nothing .”
.”

The prince nodded and smiled. “Do not fear for me. While Elladan may seem foolhardy it is merely a guise he uses to protect his heart. He is not as nonsensical as he seems.”

Haldir nodded politely but disagreed inwardly. He would never understand why Legolas would consort with Elladan.

“As for Glorfindel,” the prince continued, interrupting Haldir’s thoughts, “I may be wrong about him. Perhaps he is slow to warm to the idea of companionship. From what I have heard, he has been alone for hundreds of years.”

“Thousands of years,” Elladan stated as he, Elrohir, Dace, Makail and Haldir’s younger brothers entered the clearing.

“Hello, Elladan,” Legolas said, meeting his lover’s storm colored eyes.

“Hello.”

Legolas wanted to congratulate Elladan on his victorious morning, but refrained from doing so in front of his brothers.

Without speaking, Elladan seemed to understand; he turned his attention to Haldir. “Are you still enamored with Glorfindel? I care for the old elf very much but get a new pastime, Haldir. The ancient-elf-young-elf scenario is quite rare…”

“It is not as uncommon as you think,” Orophin interrupted, grinning.

“What do you mean?” Elladan asked.

“There is a rumor that Arwen has become involved with an elder.”

“What?” Elrohir asked in shock. “An elder? Who?”

Orophin paused before continuing, staring at the Mirkwood princes for permission to continue. He was surprised by their vacant expressions and decided to continue. “I mean no disrespect,” he said to them. “I have been told that Arwen and King Thranduil have found favor with one another.”

The Mirkwood princes exchanged disbelieving glances.

“Arwen and King Thranduil?” Elladan asked, unable to keep his voice low. “That is not very funny, Orophin. If you would choose to be a court jester then I suggest you have adequate training first. You should study by your oldest brother’s side, for he is one of the funniest elves I know.”

Haldir grimaced and cast Elladan a reproachful look.

“I am not jesting; the courtship between Arwen and the king is the topic of every conversation in all three realms.”

“What?” Elladan asked, looking at the Mirkwood princes.

“I do not know,” Legolas said, shrugging. “It cannot be true… I do not think it can be true, anyway. Arwen is like a younger sister to me. So, I cannot imagine my father having a relationship with her. She is so young… she is even younger than I… nay, certainly he would not pursue one so innocent.”

“From what I have heard Arwen is not innocent anymore,” Orophin added.

“What do you mean?” Elrohir asked, rounding on Orophin.

“Do not be angry with me,” Orophin said quickly, noting the enmity in the younger twin’s eyes. “I was told that Arwen and the king have already… that is to say… they…”

“Please do not tell me that they were intimate,” Elladan said, interrupting Orophin.

“That is what everyone is saying,” Orophin confirmed, keeping a close eye on Elrohir.

“I do not believe it,” Makail said firmly. “Legolas, Dace, we must speak to Father at once. Let us depart and talk to him prior to the next competition.”

Legolas and Dace nodded and went in search for their father.

“Perhaps we should go and speak with Arwen,” Elladan suggested just as he sensed her approaching.

“Why do you wish to speak with me?” Arwen asked, stepping into the clearing.

“Arwen…”

“Aye.”

“Arwen, there are… rumors… about you.”

“Rumors?”

“Aye. According to Orophin, every elf in the land is saying that you and king Thranduil are… are…”

“Lovers,” Elrohir said, completing Elladan’s sentence. He folded his arms across his chest in indignation.

Arwen’s eyes widened and her face flushed slightly.

“Arwen, I demand an answer from you at once,” Elladan commanded. “As your older brother you are required to disclose your whereabouts to me.”

Arwen stared at Elladan in shock for a moment and then felt a knot of anger form in her stomach. “I will reveal nothing to you, Elladan. I am fully grown and am not required to share personal matters with you.”

“Personal matters?” Elrohir asked, meeting Elladan’s horror filled eyes.

“So, it is true, then,” Elladan stated, shaking his head. “You and the king were… intimate.”

“My relationship with the king does not concern you,” Arwen said coolly as Haldir, Orophin and Rúmil watched the saga unfold.

“Yes, it does,” Elladan said angrily. “Firstly, I am going to wed the king’s son. Secondly, your thoughtless actions could mar our good family’s name. And thirdly, the notion of you and Thranduil is revolting!”

“Revolting?” Arwen asked angrily, rounding on Elladan.

“Aye, it is completely disgusting,” Elladan spat, folding his arms across his chest and glaring at Arwen. “How could you disgrace yourself this way?”

“Disgrace myself?” Arwen asked. “And why can I not take a lover? I am fully grown and am not devoid of desire.”

“But why would king Thranduil want you?” Elrohir asked, shaking his head.

“Why not?” Arwen retorted, glaring at Elrohir. “If you recall, Legolas once said that I am fit for a king and may marry one someday.”

“It is not that you are not good enough for King Thranduil,” Elrohir said, trying to hide the annoyance in his voice. “It is just that…”

“It is just that I had a shred of respect for King Thranduil until today,” Elladan said, interrupting Elrohir. “I thought that the king had better things to do than to play with impressionable, little females. Arwen, you must tell me that the king did not… deflower you.”

“Whom I bed is no concern of yours.”

“Do you hear yourself?” Elladan asked. “You sound like a harlot!”

Without hesitation, Arwen slapped Elladan’s face as hard as she could.

Elladan was so stunned by the blow that he didn’t speak. He simply touched his face and stared at his sister in shock.

“You will not treat me like a child,” Arwen spat. “Perhaps next time you will think before you speak to me so brashly.” Without another word, Arwen turned and stalked away, muttering something under her breath.

Elladan met Elrohir’s eyes and shook his head. “We must go and speak with Father at once.”

The twins raced toward the manor leaving the Lórien brothers to form their own conclusions.

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“Father,” Makail said as he entered that Mirkwood guesthouse.

“Aye,” Thranduil responded, hurriedly exiting the parlor when he heard the panic in his son’s voice. “What is it? Is something wrong?”

“I… I…”

“What is it, Makail?” Thranduil asked firmly.

“There are rumors,” Makail said slowly.

“Rumors?” Thranduil asked, perplexed. “Rumors about what?”

“About you,” Dace added, deciding to assist Makail.

“Me?” the king asked, surprised. “Why? What rumors?”

The princes remained silent.

“I beseech you to tell me what is being said about me.”

“We were told that you and Arwen are…”

“Yes?” Thranduil said impatiently.

“That the two of you are lovers,” Legolas said.

Thranduil blinked forcefully for a few moments and smiled. His smile widened until he began to chuckle. Then, the king began to laugh. He laughed until his face reddened pleasantly.

Legolas, Makail and Dace sighed with relief, assuming that their father’s laughter indicated that the rumors were not true.

“Where did you hear this absurd tale?” Thranduil managed to ask between chuckles.

“One of the marchwardens from Lórien told us that everyone in all three realms is talking about it,” Dace explained.

“That would explain the strange looks I was receiving this morn,” Thranduil said, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

“Why would someone say such a thing, Father?” Makail asked.

“I spent quite a bittimetime with Arwen recently,” Thranduil said. “We had a nice discussion in the cover of the woods, but someone must have seen us and assumed we were meeting secretly.”

“But why would anyone think that?” Dace asked.

“I do not know,” Thranduil said, seriously. “When I find out who is responsible, however, he or she will have to answer to me.”

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“Father! Father!” Elladan called as he and Elrohir raced into the manor.

“What is it?” Elrond asked as he Celeborn and Glorfindel emerged from the healing chamber.

“Father, we must speak to you at once,” Elladan said.

“What happened to your face?” Celeborn asked, noticing that Elladan’s right cheek was bright red.

“Arwen,” Elladan remarked.

“Arwen?” Glorfindel asked. “What do you mean?”

“Arwen struck me,” Elladan said simply, “when I confronted her about King Thranduil.”

“Wait, slow down,” Elrond said. “Come into the healing chamber and let me apply a poultice to your face.” Elladan and the others followed Elrond into the room and waited until the lord had gathered some herbs and began using a pestle and mortar to crush them. “Now, what happened? Why did you confront Arwen? And what does any of this have to do with King Thranduil?”

“You do not know, then?” Elrohir asked.

“Know what?”

“About the rumors.”

“What rumors?”

“Word has spread across this land that Arwen and Thranduil have had… intimate relations,” Elrohir said.

Celeborn’s mouth fell open and Elrond and Glorfindel exchanged horrified looks.

“As soon as we heard the rumors, we spoke with Arwen,” Elladan explained. “She became very defensive and slapped me.”

“This cannot be true,” Celeborn said, shaking his head. “Thranduil is very honorable. He would not despoil Arwen. If he were going to court her, he would do it in a proper manner.”

“She did not deny it,” Elrohir added. “In fact, she said that who she beds is her own concern.”

Elrond’s face paled. “I will speak to Thranduil after the forms competition.”

“As will I,” Celeborn said, between clenched teeth. “If what you say is true, Elladan and Elrohir, a new event may be added to the competition roster. It shall be named ‘the Killing of a King!’”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

All of the excitement about Arwen and Thranduil’s alleged affair had put a damper on the day’s final event. Celeborn glared at the King constantly who seemed indifferent to the ever-increasing stares of his comrades. Arwen made a point to speak to the king who smiled warmly and invited her to sit with him and Tialise. Of course, this only incriminated him more in the eyes of everyone, especially Celeborn who began to tremble with rage.

Glorfindel, Thranduil and Celeborn were the judges in the forms competition and watched each contestant compete, in the center of the enclosure, to determine who had the most fluid prmanrmance.

Much to Elladan’s dismay, Haldir won the competition, defeating both Elrohir and Makail. Of course, Elladan protested his younger brother’s loss to his grandfather and to their teacher, Glorfindel, but to no avail.

Glorfindel simply said that Elrohir kept dropping his shoulder, just like his father Elrond, and refused to comment further.

Elladan was convinced his grandfather’s anger toward the king had forced him to choose Haldir as the winner and that Glorfindel’s subconscious desire for Haldir had swayed his decision as well. He was already quite cross after his encounter with Arwen and decided that another confrontation would only enhance his day. He watched an elated Haldir enter the woods and followed behind him, ready to protest the victory that he felt was owed to Elrohir.

The sky had darkened considerably, a testament to an impending thunderstorm.

Elladan looked at the sky and nodded. He watched as a bolt of lightening passed through the sky and felt quite justified. *Perhaps the heavens had a bad day, too.*

Legolas could see the embittered expression on his lover’s face and knew that no good would come from an altercation between Elladan and Haldir. He raced into the woods behind them and could see Haldir walking a few paces ahead of Elladan. He heard Elladan call Haldir’s name.

Haldir stopped under a massive tree and turned to face Elladan. He folded his arms across his chest as if in anticipation of a quarrel.

Legolas stopped suddenly when he heard a strange sound. It was as though the wind had surrounded him and he could hear nothing… nothing except for the whoosh of air that engulfed him. He could see, however, and saw darkness form around Haldir. He felt a cold hand clutch him around the neck and begin to squeeze. He couldn’t breathe; he was dying. He tried to scream but he couldn’t. He could taste the blood in his mouth… the taste of death. He saw a bolt of lightening strike an enormous limb directly above Haldir and watched it plummet to the ground crushing the Lórien marchwarden and splitting his head in two. The innards spilt onto the ground, slowly seeping out like molasses from a tree. He watched as Elladan fell to the ground in horror and sobbed hysterically.

Suddenly, Legolas seemed to awaken from this strange dream. He could still taste the blood… still feel the coldness… death was in the air. The hand released him, the funnel of air was gone, but the image of Haldir lingered on in his mind. The prince looked upward and saw lightening streak through the air, its tendrils threading across the sky in warning. Thunder boomed above; it was laughter. The sky was laughing at him… taunting. *Save him if you can,* it said.

Legolas felt the coldness again. It wrapped itself around him painfully. He saw Haldir standing underneath the tree and remembered the limb that would forever seal his fate. Another clap of thunder… the sky’s laughter taunted the prince and he knew what he had to do. He ran toward Haldir with all of his might. He could taste the blood again, he could feel the cold overcoming him, and he could see Haldir’s broken body beneath the limb.

Haldir froze when he saw Legolas running toward him like a madman.

Even Elladan was shocked by the prince’ s actions.

Suddenly, an explosion sounded directly above Haldir. The marchwarden looked upward only to see a colossal tree branch tumbling toward him. He gasped and felt himself being knocked backwards only moments before the limb crashed to the ground.

Haldir sat up and stared at Legolas in shock.

Elladan ran over to Haldir and the prince.

“Legolas, you… you saved my life,” Haldir said, wide-eyed.

“Legolas?” Elladan said, concerned.

But the prince had lost consciousness.

---

TBC…