Aearlinn

Gentle and joyous was the song of the trees surrounding the sylvans' glade; soft and soothing the rush and rustle of leaves stirred to mellow exultation by the breeze, proof of the Wind Lord's blessing upon the new bond between these three of Eru's children. Balance was restored, the union eternal and true, and all Imladris felt the easing of tension as the twinned souls, already immutably intertwined, merged with the younger, brighter spirits of their mate and his nascent child. The confluence was not a complete immersion, as was Legolas and Elrond's fusion, but rather a blending of auras. The three feär revolved in a repeating dance, swirling close, touching, retreating to return anew, like ternary stars caught in the irresistible pull of each other's twinkling brilliance.

They remained conjoined, arms draped in a droopily proprietary pose, slackened genitals held in place within Legolas' uniquely made body by the weight of the Wood Elf and the nature of their position, though the archer's legs had dropped from around Elrohir's hips. He was too tired to hold them there. They were all recovering from the sensation of shared essence, both physical and spiritual, content just to hold onto one another for a time.

For Legolas, though, this was his second coupling of the day and he was starting to feel fatigued. It made him weary just thinking of the night to come with Elrond, for if their earlier bout of love-making in the grotto was any indication, he would be in fine form. The elven Lord had incredible stamina and could remain hard for hours, controlling and restraining his release for he enjoyed the act of fucking Legolas as much as the ultimate moment of orgasm. In addition, he recovered with inordinate alacrity and seemed to be capable of producing voluminous quantities of sperm on demand. Legolas had often wondered why Elrond only sired three other children.

Legolas felt his face grow hot, not certain of the etiquette concerning multiple bonds but feeling innately it was rather rude to be ruminating about one mate's prowess whilst locked in the embrace of the other two. Which was, he had to admit, a very nice place to be. He felt safe and secure, no longer fearful of the twins at all. Perhaps the new bond truly would strengthen him. He smiled; the echoing reverberation of their paired hearts was comforting and he had no desire to hasten from their protective clasp. Just as they had been his foremost detractors before, now their acceptance would serve as a shield against the slurs and insults of others.

It was about then he realised he'd completely forgotten to administer the drug designed to make the twins forgetful. Lindir, he decided, was indeed a wise and worthy elf. Legolas no longer wanted them to forget their bond with him. He sighed lightly and wriggled between his two mates, nuzzling Elrohir's neck and reaching back to caress Elladan's head where it rested on his shoulder. Even so, what happens now? That thought made Legolas' heart jump a little, for he'd been so sure he wouldn't want or need anything more from them than this one encounter.

Elrohir stirred and lifted Legolas' head from his shoulder, smoothing back the tangled, sweaty hair, smiling into the bright blue eyes that met his for but a second before dropping away. "That was wonderful, Lúthadron. Thank you for trusting us," he whispered, dipping his head to kiss the ruby lips still so plump with passion. His tone was gentle and encouraging but try as he might Elrohir could not get the young elf to lift his lowered countenance. "I wasn't expecting you to mark me, though. Is there something, perhaps, you want from me?"

The archer's head came up in an instant, his stunned expression revealing he had no recollection of doing such a thing. "Ai Valar! I'm sorry, Elrohir! I didn't mean…"

"Did I sound disappointed or angry about it?" interrupted the younger twin, his smile winningly compassionate and playful. "I'm rather pleased, if you must know."

"And I'm a trifle jealous," pouted Elladan, pulling Legolas back so he rested more against his chest than his brother's.

"Oh, I didn't mean to neglect…"

"Hush, Legolas!" exclaimed Elladan, wrapping strong arms around his new mate's shoulders, laughing gently as he pressed his nose into the abundant golden tresses. "I wasn't scolding you in earnest. You can surely correct the oversight anyway, hmmm?"

"Ai Valar!" breathed Legolas, turning to peer over his shoulder, an answering grin dawning on his blushing features.

"Legolas, everything was perfect, you did fine, and we will treasure this day forever. We're your mates now, too, and there is nothing we wouldn't share with you." Elrohir said, shifting aside the golden mane so that he could lick and kiss the throbbing artery in the Wood Elf's neck. "Anything, everything you desire, whatever it may be…"

"…we're more than willing to try." Elladan finished, contenting himself with a lovely red ear-tip poking provocatively through the flaxen strands. We both know what he wants to do; what you want him to do. Try to convince him, Muindoren.

"Legolas," Elrohir felt his heart pounding anew as his brother affirmed his wishes. "Look at me, please." He waited until his hervenn found the wherewithal to do so, for the renewed stimulation to his neck and ear had the archer in a foggy haze of somatic pleasure. The wide pools of blue blinked at him inquiringly. Elrohir smiled, taking hold of the sturdy chin and impulsively kissing the tip of the fine straight nose. "Legolas, are you listening?"

"Aye, Elrohir."

"I like how he always knows who is whom," Elladan announced brightly, giving the slim frame another squeeze before shrugging sheepishly in response to his twin's impatient glare. He didn't care; he could feel Legolas' smile even if he couldn't see it.

"So do I, but that's not what I was about to say." complained an annoyed Elrohir. His brother had that disappointing habit of voicing even a lovely, romantic thought in a prosaic and mundane manner. He was also prone to expounding upon things totally unrelated to the intense passion of the moment during love-making. He sincerely hoped he wasn't going to do that now and spoil the mood. To make sure he didn't, Elrohir insinuated his hand between Legolas' back and his brother's chest, seeking for a tight brown nipple to pluck.

"Ah, Muindoren!" Elladan shuddered and imitated what his brother was doing on Legolas' body. He claimed the left ear while Elrohir licked the right.

"Ai Valar," Legolas mumbled, eyelids fluttering shut. He squirmed; they were becoming aroused, slowly hardening inside him, the twin shafts stretching him as they grew erect and solid. They meant to fuck him again. Like father, like sons. His penis responded in kind and he reached for Elrohir, pulling him close, claiming the mouth that so readily opened to him.

Elrohir let him take control of the kiss, moaning wantonly as his hand dropped to fondle the swelling organ jammed against his belly, using the sticky residue he found there as a lubricant. He smiled against the groping tongue as Legolas startled and parted their lips. "I want you." Elrohir's voice was almost pleading, the words barely more than a whispered sigh mingling with the archer's panting breath.

Legolas' vision shifted between Elrohir's eyes, now shimmering with desire like pools of steely fire. "You… you have me."

"Differently," explained Elladan, biting down on the ear beneath his lips while pinching the nipple beneath his fingers. The resultant shimmer rippling through the Wood Elf's nerves made his penis flex deep inside Legolas. "He wants you to thrust your lovely cock inside him while I ride you until we all come."

Hearing this crude description of the position made Elrohir's penis swell and twitch; suddenly he didn't so much mind his brother's blunt demeanour.

"I…" Legolas found himself unable to speak, vision locked with the smoulderingly hopeful expression defining Elrohir's features. This was one of the archer's most dearly cherished fantasies, though it was always Elrond he envisioned in the submissive roll. "You…want…?"

"Very much." Elrohir kissed him twice in quick succession, the swift wet sounds a sultry supplication, hands resuming their solid press upon his sides. Lift him he sent the silent command to his brother, groaning as it was obeyed.

Elladan rose to his knees, arms wound around their mate's waist, and drew him gradually up, enthralled as Elrohir slowly reclined on his elbows, his cock retreating, straining forward until at last it slipped free, rocking back toward his belly, slick with the combined juices of his release and the archer's secretions. Elladan couldn't help shoving his hips hard as Legolas quivered at the moment of separation, overwhelmed with the need to placate the quietly bereft whimper that arose from the silvan's soul. "Sidh, aderthatham." He slid one hand lower to massage the rigid shaft and cup the tender balls, encountering a slippery smear where the tip of Elrohir's penis had dragged against the scrotum.

"Bring him to me now," urged Elrohir, legs bent at the knee and spread wide in welcome, arms stretching to reach his mates. He caught and clasped Legolas' hand as Elladan gradually knelt and settled them on the mattress.

Legolas found himself poised above Elrohir, one arm planted just beside his ear, fingers cushioned by the dark hair, very aware of the tingling zone of contact where the flesh of his thighs met the exposed underside of the younger twin's legs. Before he had a chance to panic over his lack of experience in such a position, Elrohir reached down and grasped both their cocks in one hand. Legolas heard himself warble out a very eager call and bucked forward, pulling off Elladan only to feel the elder twin shove back inside at once. Legolas groaned; he'd never known such an agony of desire before, and blushed as the sound raised a triumphant grin upon the younger twin's face.

"Oil," Elrohir gasped out. "Where is it, Muindoren?" There was no hiding the urgency in his voice.

"Don't know," murmured Elladan, pivoting his hips for another thrust, revelling in the tight heat in which he was encased, the delicious friction as he retreated and advanced. He exhaled an impatient moan. "Doesn't matter. Take him, Legolas, I can't hold back…" True to his word, Elladan shoved hard, arm cinching fast around the sylvan's waist and manoeuvring his body into alignment with Elrohir's anus.

"Nay, wait, Elladan, Ai!" Legolas resisted with difficulty, for Elrohir was aiding to guide his cock, holding the sensitive tip against the puckered red opening. "He isn't prepared," wailed Legolas, thinking on the care with which Elrond stretched and oiled him before entry.

"He's not a virgin, Lúthadron; it will be well," insisted Elladan and then both brothers froze, the same revelation inundating their combined consciousness. But he is! Their eyes locked and they shared their excitement. Elladan groped around on the mattress for the small vial in earnest now. "Sidh, I found it," he announced triumphantly and held it out to Legolas.

The archer took it with a trembling hand, casting a fleeting look into Elladan's eyes, imploring assistance, but it was Elrohir who acted.

He opened the oil and then removed the glass from Legolas' fingers. "Here, hold out your hand," he said and as Legolas complied poured out a dollop onto the upturned palm. He smiled at the sylvan's confused expression. "I don't need preparation, hervenn. Just make sure you are thoroughly slippery and it will be enough." Elrohir led Legolas' hand to his own cock, covering the long, slender fingers with his, together stroking down and up, down and up.

"Enough," breathed Elladan. "He needs you now, Legolas." As before, the older twin took control, removing the hands from the archer's penis and shifting until they were all in proper position. Then he retreated completely from Legolas' body and re-entered the second opening with a mighty thrust that drove Legolas' shaft completely inside his brother's body. Both Elrohir and Legolas cried out and Elladan gave a feral growl of satisfaction, allowing no pause, plunging into the hot hole with sufficient impetus to reach Elrohir's sweet-spot every time.

Elrohir arched and writhed beneath them, eyes shut tight as he relished the sensation of Elladan claiming him in such a manner, using Legolas' cock as an extension of his own. Just that thought sent him into a feverish frenzy of delight and he crooned out an incoherently pleading cry for more. Suddenly he felt the press of Legolas' lips upon his, wet red tongue seeking entrance, and Elrohir granted it, opening his eyes to find a veil of golden strands cascading around his head.

Legolas lapped and laved Elrohir's mouth frantically, grasping his cock and pumping in tandem with Elladan's forceful lunges. The sensation of having every fraction of his aroused penis buried inside the warm, constricting walls of such willing and responsive flesh thrilled him, and yet he was almost frightened. As before, he had absolutely no control; Elladan was driving him relentlessly, hands gripping at his hips to keep him where he wanted him. Every motion he made was governed by the rigid organ verily skewering him as if Elladan wanted to merge with him completely, their cocks as one, stroking Elrohir into a frenzy of passionate abandon. They were not playing out his fantasy, he realised, but Elrohir's.

At that moment Elladan altered his angle and achieved a deeper penetration, striking Legolas' core and raising a blinding explosions of tiny stars before his eyes. He broke from Elrohir's lips, a shout escaping his lungs, back curling as his head fell back, mouth open and eyes sealed.

"Aye Elladan, like that, just like that!" urged Elrohir, deeply roused by the sylvan's reaction. His brother grunted a reply and redoubled his efforts, straining to lick the Wood Elf's upturned face, his tongue flickering inside the gaping mouth. Elrohir shivered and strove to get his legs higher, wider. The slender penis inside him was new, the shape unique, the idea of being taken by a stranger dangerous, captivating, erotic.

Through it all, Legolas' fist never relinquished the throbbing rod, working Elrohir in quick, jerking movements. The placement of calluses moulded by use of a bow, the breadth of the palm covering him, the subtle difference in the pace and pressure was unique and tantalising. None but Elladan had touched him this way; no other penis had pierced him before. The combination sent Elrohir's pulse surging. Now, Muindoren! he commanded and Elladan obeyed, shuddering in uncontrollable delight as they both erupted in orgasm.

Legolas gasped as the hot semen spilled over his fingers just as the quick pulse of liquid heat bathed his interior, Elladan gripping him so tight about the waist he could scarcely breathe while Elrohir seized him at the back of the head and crushed their lips together, plumbing his mouth with ferocious intensity. The sylvan was too spent already to experience a similar rush of ecstasy but he didn't mind. He was still reeling and giddy from the overpowering dominion of Elladan, the equally urgent desire to be dominated in Elrohir. What his role was still eluded him, yet a deep sense of fulfilment ensued, pleased and proud he could render such pleasure.

The pace slowed and finally halted as Elladan abruptly sagged against his back, the sudden weight pushing Legolas flush atop Elrohir. They lay in this tangled heap in absolutely harmonious exhaustion, relishing the lingering warmth of their union. Yet the brothers were perplexed.

He didn't come.

Maybe I shouldn't have switched openings.

Nay, he's not made like us. You felt the small gland, saw his response, didn't you?

Aye, you know I don't miss my mark once I've found it, Muindor.

Then it's something else. Maybe he only wanted to do that with Ad…his other mate.

The twins argued in silence but their subtly building uneasiness did not go un-noticed by Legolas. He raised his head from Elrohir's chest and gazed into the worried grey eyes that met his. "What is it? Did I do something wrong?"

"Nay!" the twins cried as one, the tone strident enough to make the sylvan wince and drop his face back to the strong body beneath him.

"If you but think a moment you will have no doubt of the pleasure you've given us both," reminded Elrohir. His fingers softly combed the tangled hair. "We are worried about you."

"Aye, and rudely discussing you within our mental link, for which we humbly apologise…"

"…Yet can't promise never to do it again for it is too much part of our nature."

"I wouldn't want you to cease mind-speaking because of me," insisted Legolas, "and there's no reason to be concerned on my behalf. I'm just a bit tired."

Elladan began to withdraw and at once perceived the strain in Legolas' body. Comprehension dawned. "Ai! We're idiots, Muindoren." Tired indeed, not to mention sore. He was with Adar most of the morning. He settled on his side and drew Legolas carefully from within Elrohir, for which he received two disgruntled groans, and then turned the archer to face him. "Legolas, forgive me for not realising sooner. This was your first time with us, but not your first time this day, correct?"

"Aye." Legolas was blushing in embarrassment and kept his eyes on the depression where Elladan's throat met his collarbones.

"No need to hide such things from us," murmured Elrohir, spooning up close behind the Wood Elf and kissing him below the ear. "We've both experienced that, though Elladan not so much as I."

That revelation only made Legolas' cheeks even redder and now he squeezed his eyes closed. How could they talk so freely about something so personal and private?

"Quiet, Muindoren, You're not helping," scolded Elladan. "Be at peace, Legolas, we've arranged for a soothing bath and while I guide you there Elrohir will run back to the healing wards and get something to remedy the soreness."

"Right," announced the younger twin with purpose, rising from the comfortable bed. "Go with Elladan now and have a good soak. I'll be right back."

Legolas watched him stride over to the pile of discarded clothes and grab up a pair of the trousers, stepping into them and tying them up even as he moved away, smiling over his shoulder. A quick wave and he was gone. "I don't believe he did that," the sylvan blurted out before he realised it, then glanced to see what Elladan made of this criticism.

"Did what?" the elder son of Elrond was mystified.

"He walked off half-dressed, with all the evidence of what he's…we've been doing still on him," explained Legolas with something close to horror.

"Hah!" Elladan snorted in high humour. "That is nothing new for us; the folk of the household are accustomed to our hedonistic ways." He stood and stretched all the way up onto his toes, arms reaching high, and then held out a hand to help Legolas up as well, a cheeky grin adorning his fine features. He was absolutely certain his new mate had enjoyed that little show and the high colour staining the archer's cheeks confirmed it. "Come on, we've planned this all out, you know. You're going to love it."

"I am?" Legolas grasped the hand and let Elladan hoist him up, casting his eyes about to learn where this bath was meant to take place and finding nothing in the clearing useful for cleansing. "I am not going to wander the grounds naked, Elladan, no matter how lovely the bath at the end of the journey. Nor will I don my clothes over all this…"

"Evidence?" asked Elladan, breaking into snickery giggling with a shake of his head. "My, you truly are the modest one! Worry no more; I won't make you get your party clothes all sticky. See? Lindir warned us about your obsession with excessive, secretive bathing and advised we provide a robe for you to wear." With a flourish he pulled from behind the cushions a truly lovely, fluffy cotton bathing robe in pure white with a sky-blue silk sash. He held it out for Legolas.

"It isn't obsession to want to be clean," argued Legolas, permitting Elladan to wrap the garment around him and cinch the sash with a loose bow-knot. He did not add that he wondered if the twins would have appreciated it very much if he'd arrived with the scent, and other residues, of their Adar still clinging to him. Elladan just smiled and took his hand, leading him off toward the woods, stark naked and not a bit bothered by it.

"No arguing with you, I can see that. Stubborn streak, knew it at once."

"What? I am not stubborn. I'm conscientious, well-mannered, and forthright. Those are admirable qualities, not something to mock or scorn." Legolas was not pleased and sought to get his hand free.

"Yes, those are excellent qualities. I was but teasing you; forgive me?" Elladan tightened his grip around the slender fingers and sent an imploring and contrite smile to the sylvan youth. Legolas wouldn't look at him though, merely heaving out an exasperated and disappointed sigh. The elder twin became serious at once. "Nay, listen here," he said, stopping and turning to face Legolas, both hands now clasping the archer's. "I was wrong to tease, considering how we've treated you. I wasn't thinking of that and I'm truly sorry. It's too soon for you to know this, but it's my manner to joke when I'm a little nervous."

"You're nervous?"

"Aye."

"Oh." Legolas studied him, seeing the hesitant and worried caste to the bright grey eyes now that the glinting light of jesting mirth was gone. "Because of this binding?"

"Yes, and how it's all going to work out." Elladan hesitated a moment and took a breath. "I don't want this to drive you and Adar apart, yet I am most pleased to have Elrohir back. Is that terribly selfish?

"You can't know; he's been so filled with anger. When he would look at me, the mixture of pain and disgust was unbearable. I believed I would fade if something didn't change soon."

"No, I don't think you're selfish. I would do anything to keep Elrond in my life." He smiled and gave the older elf a thorough scrutiny. "I shouldn't be so surprised you're nervous, wandering around in the woods without a shred of cloth to guard your dignity."

Elladan gave a gentle laugh but decided not to respond in kind.

They resumed their walk in companionable silence and by-and-by the trees began to thin out once more. The pleasing noise of a rushing freshet met their hearing and before long the destination was reached. Trees and bracken gave way to a lush meadow carpeted in wildflowers and bordered by an offshoot of the Bruinen, the clear water leaping over a scatter of boulders loosed from the cliff long ago. The place was aglow with the warmth of the afternoon sun and the water sparkled in open invitation.

Legolas sighed. "This is lovely spot, yet not one I would choose for bathing,"

"Why not? No one from the city ever comes out here; it's part of Adar's estate. Go on, ask your trees if you doubt me." Elladan left him, traipsing out into the open without a care at all, shaking his tangled hair as he went.

And his rear end, too. Legolas noted with a silly smile. He did as suggested, placing his palm against the bark of a weeping willow, and learned that this was a place favoured by the twins since their childhood days. That surprised him, for he didn't think of them as lovers of nature so much as warriors forced to endure the wilds to pursue their quest. He followed to the banks of the stream where Elladan was already in the water, seated in the shallow tumble with his back against one of the stones, eyes closed, head cushioned on arms crossed behind his neck. Now he shows off the admirably well-muscled torso. He startled when Elladan opened his eyes just then and caught him staring.

"Join me," the command was softly spoken and accompanied by a pleased smile as Elladan held out his hand to the Wood Elf for the third time this day. His sight fell on the chain adorning Legolas' neck as the sun caught on the mithril links, glinting so brightly it hurt his eyes.

Glancing around him once more to ensure no eyes were watching, Legolas discarded the robe and waded into the water, catching Elladan's fingers and lowering himself carefully to sit in the rushing flow. He sighed and relaxed, shifting to take some of the pressure off his aching underside whilst parting his legs enough to let the cooling water soothe delicate tissues inflamed by passionate coupling. "This is very nice."

"You like our place? We pretty much laid claim to this section of the estate when we were but elflings and Adar deeded it over to us once we reached our majority. The idea was to build our homes here, for we were expected to find mates and raise families." Elladan stopped speaking, eyes flickering over the sylvan's abdomen, afraid he would say too much too soon and frighten Legolas. He half-rose, reaching into a basket wedged between the rocks and from it withdrew a soft cotton cloth and a bottle of soap. Lathering it liberally, he began washing Legolas, smiling at the faint blush this raised in the fair sylvan's cheeks. "Ah! Don't be offended, but I love it when your face gets all pink and your ears positively rosy."

"What are you doing to him now, Muindoren?" Elrohir's voice reached them before he did but in no time he was striding through the flowered field, a medicinal kit in hand.

"It's not my fault," insisted Elladan. "Legolas' colouring is so fair he can't hide his reactions and the most innocent phrases make him blush." To both their enjoyment, this statement intensified the effect.

"Stop taunting him; it must be an onerous burden to have every little discomforting thought so readily revealed," admonished Elrohir. He tossed the kit to his brother and hurriedly pulled off his pants, splashing into the water to join them. "I get to wash his hair then, since you're the lucky one smoothing that slippery cloth all over his lovely body. So that's why you sent me to get the healing herbs."

"True, you've figured it out, oh Wise One, but I wasn't taunting him. Besides, there's another cloth if you want to help."

"I can wash myself, you know," Legolas insisted.

They both froze, Elladan's bubbly rag making a soft splat as he dropped his hand into the water, Elrohir halting in the act of grabbing the extra cloth. The brothers shared a rueful look between them before turning this apologetic expression upon their mate.

"Aye, we're sorry," began Elladan. "Would you rather we left you alone?"

The idea filled Legolas with a strange mixture of panic and relief. On one hand he had no desire to be watched as he cleaned himself of their seed, inside and out. On the other, he was a bit uncomfortable bathing in this place, fearing someone would come along unexpectedly as when Finduilas arrived at the spa. Both scenarios were mortifying yet the latter he deemed the worse of the evils.

"I don't want to be left by myself here," he said haltingly, "but I need my privacy, too." Of course, he could feel how his cheeks fairly flamed. He was grateful to see that neither twin was smiling about it.

"That is well," said Elrohir. "We will stay but refrain from gawking. We can just go sit on the other side of these rocks. Would that suit?"

"It will," agreed Legolas and accepted the washcloth from Elladan with a smile. He watched as they rose and climbed over the boulders, certain they were deliberately showing off again, and relaxed as they began chattering together as they bathed. He wasted no time, quickly and thoroughly cleansing the more intimate areas of his anatomy, and discovered that Elladan had left the medical kit in easy reach.

In it he found the same soothing ointment Aragorn had given him for the irritation left by the cinnamon poisoning. Checking to make sure they weren't watching, Legolas applied it and sighed as the ingredients began their work. He could almost feel the tissue rejuvenating and leaned back to relax. A light spray of water cascaded over head as one twin playfully splashed his brother and both laughed. Legolas smiled, glad they were no longer divided. He was just beginning to feel a bit lonely, excluded from their companionable banter, when Elrohir called to him.

"Is everything well with you, Legolas?"

"Aye."

There was enough uncertainty in his tone to cause them both to frown. In unison they turned and peered over the rock ledge dividing them to find a pair of slightly forlorn blue eyes gazing back. Without hesitation they simultaneously rose and leaped over into his side of the stream.

"What is it?"

"Don't hold back, please. We wish to ease whatever fears you have."

"Nay, it's just…" Legolas looked from one concerned face to the other and shrugged, dropping his sight to the running water. "I missed you, I think." Ai Valar, could I sound more foolish? Before he could brave another glance to see what they might make of so childish a statement, two pairs of strong arms enveloped him and he was smothered in a thick drape of ebony locks, sandwiched between their hard, wet bodies.

"We're right here."

"We didn't mean to neglect you."

"Let me wash your hair, please?"

That was from Elrohir who smiled hopefully as both drew back enough to let Legolas breathe properly. He nodded and learned that the younger son had inherited his sire's love of hair, taking a great deal more time to clean the golden mane than it really required. He wasn't surprised to feel the press of a partial erection against his hip as he lay across Elrohir's lap, hair drifting in the current around them both. Legolas shared a glance with Elladan, who gave a slight lift of his brows and a barely discernible shake of his head.

"There is something we want to discuss," he said quietly as both helped Legolas sit up. "About tonight. We don't want to cause any friction between you and Adar…"

"…Nor do we want anyone in the valley to suspect what has happened today…"

"…So this is what we have planned. At the bonfire, we will arrive together.…"

"…and Lindir will be there; he has elected to seduce Erestor."

Legolas' eyes grew huge but they continued before he could interrupt.

"We will dance with them and to the crowd it will seem that Elrohir has chosen Erestor while I shall leave with our beloved minstrel."

"That is only for show, Legolas. Please don't be offended or hurt."

"It must appear that we choose to scorn your presence…"

"…As we have always done before…"

"…We are not about to lie with them, or anyone else, except ourselves."

"We will honour our bond to you." They spoke their pledge together and waited for Legolas' response. It was more than gratifying, for he threw his arms first around one and then the other before draping one arm across each neck, drawing them close to impress a brief kiss on each set of lips.

"You honour me indeed. The same vow I give to you." With a jolt of surprise he realised he hadn't given them anything; the anklets were still in the clearing wrapped in parchment. "Elbereth, I'm all scattered today," he announced dejectedly.

"What now?" asked Elladan.

"I haven't given you the presents I brought," admitted Legolas.

"You got us gifts?" Elrohir was clearly delighted. "Hurry up, I want mine." He stood and drew the other two alongside, dragging them as he waded through the water.

"They won't vanish, Muindoren. By the way, what did you get for me?"

"Why, my eternal devotion and benevolent forgiveness, of course. Didn't you notice those wondrous benefits?"

"I did," spoke Elladan softly, completely serious now as he pulled back to make his beloved stop. "I confess; I've nothing to offer you of equal value."

"Nonsense, Muindor," crooned Elrohir. They both released Legolas and drew together, tightly clasping one another, heart to heart. "Grant me the same and I'll be content."

They fell silent, tenderly touching each other's face and hair in wonder, discovering anew their overwhelming need for one another, whatever their souls needed to express too private for voices to utter. They shared a tender kiss and breathed in and out as one before separating, hands linked, turning with peaceful smiles to Legolas. They found he had politely turned away and left the stream. They gazed upon him, realising they beheld the source of their reconciliation, and if they had wondered at the swift dissolution of their resentful anger they did so no more. The twins joined him on the bank where he was just tying on the robe and Elrohir reached for his elbow, drawing him back between them.

"We're in accord, then," Elladan smiled.

"Good, now can I have my present?" quipped Elrohir, picking up the pace again so that Legolas laughed.

He broke free and raced ahead, eager to get there first, thinking to take some of the flowers to tuck into the humble wrapping. They chased after with muffled curses and caught him just as they were at the verged of the dell. Once in the clearing, Legolas was again amazed for another transformation had taken place. All the bedding had been changed, the red satin replaced by fresh coverings in vibrant sapphire trimmed in silver. His elegant clothes had been collected from the grass and neatly folded. Amid the trees and garlands now hung a hundred little silver lanterns, as yet unlit, ready to provide soft illumination for his time with Elrond later.

That they had thought of changing the bedding made him embarrassed but extremely grateful, for he had no wish to bring Elrond to the bower in the condition he'd just left it. "This is…Thank you," sighed the Wood Elf.

"My brother's idea." Elladan leaned in and gave him a quick kiss.

"We had the thought at the same time, as usual. I was just here when it happened, so I did the redecorating," Elrohir explained. He raised expectant brows at his youthful mate, hands on his bare hips.

Legolas took the hint and moved over to the stack of clothes, finding the packages and bringing them over. "I hope you like them. The colour matches the light in your eyes at dawn," he flashed a shy glance at Elrohir, whose turn it was to blush.

The twins made short work of tearing loose the paper and let out silumtaneous gasps of delight as each held up the jewellery, marvelling as the translucent gems sparkled in the golden glint of the departing sun. They swarmed over Legolas, once more smothering him in a double embrace and dual kisses before settling on the grass, each attaching an anklet to his brother's left leg. "We love them, Lúthadron," they announced in chorus, gazing up with winning smiles.

"Glorfindel told us the story that goes with them, too."

"It was an amazing kill; neither of us have faced down one troll alone much less two."

"Imladris is fortunate to have your skill at her defence."

Legolas beamed, very pleased indeed, and stood up straight and tall.

Elladan chuckled to see it. What I want to know is what happened to those huge garnets. "Now, there's a little time before sunset and you need rest. Elrohir will stay here and I am going to see what I can steal from the kitchens."

"You are to eat and sleep…" I'm fairly certain they're in the wooden box but I couldn't get it to open. Wood Elf magic.

"…Truly sleep…" Ah well, we'll just have to snoop in Ada's wardrobe while he's in council.

"…While we watch over you. Fear not; we'll wake you before it is completely dark." Won't work if he keeps them in that spell-bound box.

With that they settled Legolas among the pillows and moved into the clearing to dress. Elladan departed and Elrohir located his flute, sitting against the trunk of a tree close to the bower. "Sleep!" he ordered with a smile and began to play a dreamy tune.

Legolas bypassed Ôlpathu, plunging into a deep and peaceful slumber, eyes drifting half-closed, the dulcet tones of the melody swirling and eddying around him, the vision of the dark-haired piper ever before him.

TBC

~ ~  Glossary  ~ ~

Sidh, aderthatham: peace, we shall reunite


Lilta Nár: Fire Dance

hervenn/hervinn: husband/husbands

Lúthadron: Enchanter, the twins' nickname for Legolas.

NOTE: More between the twins and Legolas, hopefully to highlight the differences/similarities between what he shares with Elrond and what he shares with them. The bath and the talk again offering counterpoint to a similar episode with Elrond. I guess this should have been in the last chapter but I was just having difficuly with it so please forgive me. The Fire Dance and Elrond's gift are next, and of course we STILL don't know what Legolas has procured for Elrond's Ened Ethuol present. If anyone missed it, there's an Extra Treat Chapter, a fun scene I just had to write but again couldn't figure out where it should go. There's also a link for it now in the new fiery celtic emblems button bar up top. See below for the link to get these and other terrific celtic designs for buttons and such.

© 10/21/2007 Ellen Robey