Love's arrow

Chapter one Introduction

Elrohir smiled as he closed the book. It made him realise he shouldn’t postpone this anymore. His grandparents realm just didn’t provide him with inspiration. He would miss the people but he couldn’t dwell here longer. Perhaps Mirkwood would give him what he needed?

He sat down behind his desk and started his weekly letter to his twin. He grinned as he wrote the opening line, asking Elladan about this week’s elves. His brother never responded to it, but he just couldn’t help teasing him.
He told Elladan everything about his disappointment and his hopes and longings. He had always felt comfortable talking and writing to Elladan. /I really miss you./

He looked out and smiled. His twin would without doubt be disappointing his latest conquest at the moment. He wondered who it was this time. He didn’t think there were many elves left his twin hadn’t bedded. And Elladan made it a rule never to take the same lover twice. He didn’t want to get involved or attached. Or worse: have them attached to him.

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In Imladris Elladan was in fact laying awake in bed.
He felt confused. Last night had been different from every other. He looked at his bed partner, who had simply settled down beside him and pulled him into a warm embrace after they were done instead of asking if he could stay as all the others did.
The twin smiled for he had to admit that it felt nice and after the first shock had worn off he enjoyed it. And he realised the other had been different in bed as well; never before had Elladan had such an active lover, one who didn’t remain passive but really engaged.

Staring at the face he was stunned to see the beauty. Overcome by a sudden urge he claimed the lips, another first, he never kissed them.

The other’s orbs filled with awareness before he started responding in the kiss, letting his tongue duel with Elladan’s as he pulled the twin closer. He could read the confusion in Elladan’s eyes but pretended not to. He knew he was acting different, but he had not accepted the offer for Elladan’s pleasure only.

The twin broke off and smiled. “I don’t even know your name.”
A pearl laughter filled the room and the other smiled. “You never asked, you never ask.” He smiled warmly. “But now that you do: it’s Cirthén.” He reluctantly sat up, knowing the time to part had arrived. “The sun is about to break through. I have patrol-duty soon.”
Elladan nodded and remained in bed. “Can you walk?”
Cirthén smiled, knowing Elladan didn’t ask out of concern for his well-being, but out of fear. As well known Elladan activities were that’s how well known Elrond’s wrath was and Elrond would not be pleased if Elladan’s nightly activities endangered the realm. His eyes sparkled with mirth. “Don’t worry. Elves heal fast, remember?” He fastened the last clasps and left, not looking back once.

Elladan, left alone, had the time to ponder the differences once more. This one hadn’t begged him to stay, hadn’t told him anything without being triggered, and more confusing, didn’t seem to regret it.

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Erestor shook his head at Elrond’s expression. “Why don’t you let me respond to this letter? You do not want to risk war, meldir.”
Elrond growled. “But…”
Erestor shook his head. “But nothing. You know as well as I do you will not find a hidden meaning, simply because there is none. Give Thranduil the benefit of the doubt.” He normally was patient with Elrond, knowing that for some reason the Peredhel had an unexplainable revulsion towards Thranduil, but today even Erestor was irritated by this behaviour.

“And what’s in Celeborn’s message? Is Elrohir well?”
The ploy worked. Elrond’s face lit up and his eyes shone with happiness. “Aye, though they write he’s become more silent and introvert lately.” He smiled with barely disguised hope. “Perhaps soon he will journey home?”
Erestor smiled as well. “Perhaps.”

The door opened and Glorfindel walked inside, his eyes aflame.
Elrond groaned. “What is it?” If Glorfindel entered the study in the morning it usually meant trouble.
Glorfindel plunged down and glared at the Peredhel. “Do something, Elrond. Elladan is getting worse. I can only hope he didn’t break his heart.”
Erestor gasped and placed a hand on the blond’s shoulder. “Calm down, Goldilocks.” He smiled as the glare shifted to him. He knew Glorfindel hated this mortal term. “I suppose you are referring to Elladan’s latest bed-partner?”
Glorfindel nodded. “Aye. Cirthén. And I would have stopped it had I known.”
Elrond frowned. “Why? You never bothered before.”
Glorfindel growled. “Because it is a common secret he -loves- Elladan.” Erestor and Elrond gasped and goggled at the blond, who shrugged. “Amongst the soldiers, anyway.” It was true, no other knew, which is why this news had dropped like a bomb, but Glorfindel couldn’t care about tact and decorum at the moment.
Elrond sighed and nodded. “We shall keep an eye on him and if he shows any signs of pain or grief I shall personally get involved.” His promise was good enough for Glorfindel, who smiled sadly before he left.

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Galadriel and Celeborn looked at each other. They had anticipated Elrohir leaving them, but they had figured he would return to his father and twin. Journeying to Mirkwood was wholly unexpected but their shock remained invisible; millennia long training and ruling now paying off.

Celeborn opened his arms and embraced him. “I know you do not wish an escort, but please be alert on the road. I do not wish to hear about your demise.”
Elrohir smiled and nodded, walking into the embrace. “I am sorry, ata’da, but I do think Mirkwood can offer me inspiration. I shall come through here when I go back home.”
Galadriel nodded. “Have you informed your father of this decision?”
Elrohir nodded. “I wrote Elladan. I am sure he will tell adar.” He stepped out of Celeborn’s embrace and stepped closer to his grandmother. “Thank you for you care and concern. I love you.”
Galadriel smiled and affectionately kissed his hair. “And we you, Elrohir. And we you. Please take good care of yourself. I shall contact Thranduil to let him know you are coming.”
Elrohir nodded, knowing it was the proper thing to do. He swiftly mounted his horse and smiled. “I shall take the swift road and not linger anywhere, I promise.”
Soon he was well out of their view.

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Glorfindel frowned when he saw Elladan talking to a stable hand. He didn’t need to listen in on their conversation to know what it was about. The comely boy was to be this night’s conquest.

He walked to Erestor. “I haven’t heard about new conquests last night.”
Erestor smiled. “Because Cirthén warmed his bed, as he did the night before.”
Glorfindel widened his eyes. “What? Three days in a row? The same elf? Is Elladan ill?”
Erestor shrugged. “Or finally healing.” He smiled deviously. “But I think it is because the elf acts different from any other and that Elladan is intrigued. Soon, I think, Cirthén will warm his bed again.”
Glorfindel shrugged. “I don’t know.” He was still worried the other would end up heartbroken. But he had to agree with Erestor: Cirthén knew what he was doing.

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Elladan stood on the hill, overlooking the practising area. Anger coursed through his body. /Why isn’t he jealous? He should be jealous!/
/He knows you, as does everybody. Face it, Elladan, you are not one for long term relationships. One night/
/But he came back for two more./
/After I asked. Why did I?/
/Does this mean I -want- him to be jealous?/ Elladan shook his head, not at all ready to come to this conclusion or the one that should logically follow.

He stalked back to the manor. Last night had been horrid and he had gone unfulfilled. After half an hour he had sent the boy away.

He went to the healing wing and went about his business. It was his turn to check the herbs and make new potions.

After some hours of intense labour he left and he gasped when he bumped into the elf that haunted his thoughts. “Cirthén!”
Cirthén smiled and bowed. “My lord Elladan.” About to walk on he stopped when Elladan spoke. He turned and smiled. “Aye, my lord?” He figured he already knew what the other wanted to ask.
Elladan seemed to change his mind and Cirthén smiled. “Glorfindel is looking for you, my lord. He seems worried. Did you not sleep well, last night?”
Elladan widened his eyes but then his gaze hardened. “I was prevented my rest.” /Better now, get it over with./ /But what if he says no?/ “Do you have any plans tonight? Or do you have the night’s patrol?”
Cirthén shook his head. “No plans, my lord.” He cocked his head. “Why? Do you wish for my company?” He smiled warmly at Elladan’s insecurity. “I can image a stable boy does not provide the cheeky banter a warrior can.”
Elladan laughed. “Don’t flatter yourself. But aye, come to my room tonight.” They parted and Elladan was well aware the other had just saved him a humiliation.

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The next morning came with joy for Elladan. He reluctantly admitted he yearned the other’s presence, but he would be dead before he’d let it show. He disentangled himself and got dressed. He needed to run a while. He figured the other wouldn’t be alarmed when waking alone. So far Cirthén struck him as capable of handling everything. He was a good warrior and Glorfindel often praised him, so he must be a good person too, Elladan mused.

Chapter two Starting a journey

Elrond smiled warmly and barely refrained from ripping the letter open. He released happy sounds when Elladan finally walked into the dining room. “There you are!”
Elladan smiled warmly. “I am sorry I am late, adar, but some bottles broke and I had to replace them first.”
Elrond waved his excuse away and looked at the letter. “Elrohir wrote. Now do your old man a favour and open it!”
Elladan laughed but eagerly ripped it open and devoured the contends. He gasped. “He’s left for Mirkwood. Oh, father, what if he finds no inspiration there either? He’ll be devastated.”
Elrond nodded. “Aye, but what can we do?” His eyes hardened. “I hope Thranduil behaves himself.”
Elladan nodded. “Ro is your son, adar, and thus a Prince. I don’t think they will treat him beneath his station.” He sighed. “Can I go there, adar? I need to be there to support Ro if….” He dared not speak the words again.
Elrond nodded, swiftly agreeing to Elladan’s plan. “Aye, you should go. Leave tomorrow and use today to prepare.”
Elladan nodded and finished his breakfast in silence.

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Elrond frowned when there was a knock on his study-door. He wondered who it could be. Erestor and Glorfindel were in the village and his counsellors were arguing with new and old traders. He swiftly bid his visitor to enter and his frown deepened when he saw a warrior walk inside. “Yes?”
Cirthén smiled. “My lord, is it true Elladan is leaving for Mirkwood?”
Elrond nodded, realising who this was. “Aye, Cirthén, he is. His twin may need him.”
Cirthén smiled. “I figured it was something like that. But my lord, I would like to join him, if I may? I’ve never been outside Imladris and I would like to see the world and surely the twins will return through Lothlórien.”
Elrond was about to decline when he realised the other would be able to keep a close eye on Elladan and make sure nothing happened to disrupt the fragile peace he had with Mirkwood. For even though he loathed the Mirkwood king, he would not risk a war. His people came first. He nodded. “But of course. I would rest safer, knowing someone is keeping my son company and is looking after him.”
Cirthén understood and he nodded. “I shall guard him with my life, my lord.” He was glad Elrond had so easily agreed and his heart fluttered in his chest. To see the world… With Elladan… It was a dream come true.

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Elladan was furious when his father informed him he was to travel with another. But Elrond didn’t relent. “My child, I would rest easier if you weren’t alone on the road. Accidents can happen and knowing you have someone to cover your back makes me fear the raiding orcs less.” He knew it was emotional blackmail but he also knew it was the only way to get his son responsive.
Elladan snorted but capitulated. “Very well. And what great warrior have you chosen for this task?”
Elrond shook his head. “You can drop the sarcasm, ion-nín. I shall ask Glorfindel for suited warriors and I shall pick one from the list he gives me. You will find out tomorrow.”
Elladan sighed. “Just makes sure he can take it. I will not take care of him if he is afraid bugs will creep into his sleeping bag.”
Elrond laughed at the picture his son drew and nodded. “Noted.” He made his voice sound serious but couldn’t help the speckle of mirth from showing in his eyes. “Now go and get some needed rest.”

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The next morning Elrond smiled warmly as he watched them depart.
Erestor and Glorfindel stood beside him with goggling eyes and straining their hearing, fearing the second they were out of sight the twin would attack the poor elf.
Elrond laughed at them. “Relax. Cirthén looks like he can take care of himself.”
Erestor nodded. “Aye, but you don’t know…”
Elrond laughed and he placed a hand on Erestor’s shoulder. “Do you seriously believe I do not know what my sons are up to? Galadriel and Celeborn promised to keep me informed and I know about Elladan’s nightly activities as well.” Nay, he had faith in this one. Plus, the journey would force Elladan to look into himself.

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Cirthén smiled and couldn’t stop a gasp from leaving his mouth. The world beyond the borders was grand and exquisite. He smiled warmly and only half looked out for danger, which was only because of Elrond’s words when they had departed. The Peredhel had told him to take good care of Elladan and to cover his back in battle. Taking in the ever changing scenery he didn’t notice Elladan’s hateful stare turning into a confused one before curiosity took over. The twin was seeing a side in him Cirthén hardly ever showed. To anyone.

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When the evening approached they had reached the out-skimps of the realm and wordlessly made their way to one of the cabins to spend the night. Elladan prepared their dinner.

Cirthén smiled. “How many days before we reach Mirkwood?”
Those words were the first spoken and Elladan raised his eyebrows. “That eager to get off the road?”
Cirthén shrugged. “Not really. I was merely wondering how many days of bliss are waiting for me.” He cocked his head. “But then again, discovering Mirkwood will be special too, so perhaps counting the days of the journey there doesn’t really count.”
Elladan was stunned. He forced a smile. “There’s only one bed here and it is important we both rest tonight. All others we shall have to take turns guarding.”
Cirthén nodded and reached for his duffle bag, frowning when Elladan prevented him from making his bed. “It is big enough for two, Pánchuil (Nature).”
Cirthén laughed and blinked at Elladan. “Why call me that?”
Elladan smiled. “We had to stop because you freed the rabbit. You placed a bird’s nest back in the tree, even though it was empty.” He shrugged. “You respond to nature as it responds to you.”

He undressed himself. “I am glad father chose you to accompany me.” His tone and movements were pure seductive, making sure the other knew why.
Cirthén swallowed and Elladan stilled his movements.
For one moment he had thought about pulling rank, but realising there were several days ahead of them prevented it. “Of course, you don’t have to…” Cirthén’s laughter made him jump back and look at him in shock.
Cirthén smiled and swiftly undressed, before Elladan could rethink it. “That’s not why I… you know.” He sighed. “Your father didn’t ask me, my lord.”
Elladan frowned. “Adar, Glorfindel, Erestor, doesn’t matter.”
Cirthén smiled. “It -does- matter. -I- asked him.”

He sat down on the bed, looking at Elladan. He had to get this out in the open, but he knew very well he was risking it all. Elladan -had- inherited his father’s temper. “I’ve never been outside Imladris before and I wanted to see what it was like.” He smiled. “And joining you was the solution.”
Seeing Elladan’s anger coming he smiled warmly. “Look, you can send me back, but I think your father would have send someone with you at any rate and now at least you know who you’re with. I mean, you’ve bedded me already. Four times, I might add. There’s no reason why the road to Mirkwood should be unpleasant for you.”

Elladan’s temper melted and cocked his head. He didn’t really look forward to seducing him every time he wanted to… He growled and crept in the bed, straddling the other, who instantly caressed his naked torso. “Are you sure about what you are offering? It’s not too late to retrace your steps. Know that I will take you whenever I want to.”
Cirthén nodded. “I know. Now stop babbling and touch me. Or must I make you?”
Elladan’s eyebrows went up. “Make me?” Cirthén smiled deviously and before he knew it the twin was on his back, the other straddling him. He watched in wonder as the other stroke them both a single time, collecting their precum in his hands and raise himself.

Elladan growled as he watched the other prepare himself. /Aye, I couldn’t wish to be with anyone else. You are the only one willing to give me what I want without making demands./

Soon Cirthén raised himself once more only to lower himself and take himself. Elladan reached out and steadied him. He was amazed by the way it looked, but he preferred to be the one to drive himself into the other. But he would grant this, knowing there were many more days and nights to come.

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Elrohir smiled. He had travelled swift and had now reached Mirkwood. He knew it was growing dark soon, but he didn’t want to stop, eager to sleep in a comfortable bed again and he figured he was relatively safe amidst the Mirkwood trees.

After a long ride he gasped when the strangest creature ever jumped from the trees. He soon realised this was a really large spider and he vividly remembered the tales about them. Weren’t they destroyed? How come one specimen was about to have him for dinner?
But he would not give in without a fight and he stalked through the legs, meanwhile stabbing it with his sword.

He repeated the procedure several times and would probably come out all right, hadn’t it been for the branch sticking out. He tripped and lost his sword.
He could have sworn he saw the creature’s eyes shine with victory.
Elrohir saw in horror as it came in for the kill, but then a rain of arrows hit the creature, effectively killing it.
He looked over his shoulder to see who saved him and he gasped when he saw three blond-haired elves. /Mirkwood soldiers!/

He hastily jumped up and thanked them for saving his life.
The middle one addressed him. “What brings you to Mirkwood in the dead of night?”
Elrohir smiled. “My name is Elrohir Peredhel. Could you please direct me to the royal palace?” He wondered why the others laughed at him, but his upbringing forbade him to show it and listen intensely to the directions he received.
Shocked about what had happened he hastened there as fast as he could, not eager to get another one of those weird and dangerous encounters.

When he arrived he was surprised to see the same soldiers walking there. /They obviously took a swifter road./ He frowned when the one who had given him the directions approached him, but he smiled when he saw Legolas walking beside him.
He jumped off his horse and bowed.

Thranduil smiled, but decided not to shock the other or to prolong the charade. “Welcome to my realm and my house. You are fortunate Galadriel has informed me of your imminent arrival or we wouldn’t have been there to safe you, Elrohir.” He laughed. “Aye, I am Thranduil. You will forgive me the outfit, won’t you? I shall greet you properly in the morn. For now we all need our rest. Legolas shall show where everything is.”

Legolas hurried forward, eager to take care of him. He had been stunned beyond belief when Thranduil had informed days ago of Elrohir’s visit and he had instantly accepted when his father had asked him to be his guide, since Legolas was the only elf the Peredhel had seen before. The only hope Legolas now had was keeping his secret a secret, especially from his father and Elrohir.

Elrohir listened in amusement as Legolas went on about his home, telling Elrohir all he wanted to know. “I can show you around tomorrow, so you won’t become lost if you decide to do some walking.”
Elrohir laughed and nodded. “Aye. What is the library like?”
Legolas grinned. “It’s large, but I doubt there will be books you don’t know. They’re all copies from Lórien and Imladris and the ones we have of our own are long ago copied for your father. But come, I shall show you. We’re passing it as we speak.”
Legolas opened the door and Elrohir, though travel wary, could see Legolas had spoken the truth. Nothing he didn’t know yet.
Legolas smiled warmly. “So, rooms now and I shall collect you for breakfast in the morn. Do you require some refreshments?”
Elrohir shook his head. “Nay, thanks. I don’t sleep well on a full stomach. But thank you.”
Legolas inclined his head and left Elrohir in peace. He hoped the other would stay for a long time.


TBC02