Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

Chapter 21: Farewell

The next days passed slowly for all the inhabitants of Rivendell. The progression of Thranduil’s health crept along arduously and kept everyone on alert, especially Elrond, who was by his bedside constantly. The human warriors who had fought so bravely had been invited to rest in Rivendell, a rare treat indeed for men. Glorfindel and Haldir were ordered to keep a watchful eye on them, however, just to be sure that the men were on their best behavior.

Elladan was thrilled about Legolas’ recovery and proud of his part in saving the elf he loved, but something still pulled at his heart. He wasn’t sure why, but he wasn’t completely happy and he knew that Legolas sensed this. Elladan played the part of an enamored elf very well, partly because it was true… and partly because he did not know what else to do. How could he tell Legolas that saving him was not enough? That somehow, his pain lingered on. He couldn’t, even though there was something odd in Legolas’ eyes… something mystical about the way he looked at the Rivendell warrior. The prince would disappear at odd times during the day, along with his grandmother. When Elladan asked Legolas about this he simply remarked, “You will see.”

Elladan tried to pretend that things were back to normal, and spent some of his free time teasing Glorfindel about Haldir, but the ancient elf assured Elladan that although Haldir was handsome and kind, he had no intentions of coupling with him. Of course, then Elladan teased Glorfindel for using a word like coupling. And while his jests seemed to be the same as always, they were hollow, for Elladan gained no pleasure from his taunting. Through all that had occurred, he had perhaps, forever changed.

Because of everything that had happened, the competition had been put on hold. No one knew exactly what to do. There had been some discussion of canceling any more games. However, Celeborn and Galadriel did not want to make any decisions without first consulting with Thranduil – who was still healing, and Elrond – who was completely immersed in the Mirkwood king’s recovery.

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Elladan awakened one morning to find his bed empty. However, there was a note on Legolas’ pillow. Elladan carefully unfolded the letter and read the contents. It read:

When you awaken, collect all those in your immediate family. Only they are invited. Bring them to the hill that overlooks the whole of the realm. Make haste. We will be waiting.

-Legolas

Elladan read the note several times before rising from the bed and getting dressed. He put the letter in a pocket in his tunic and pulled his boots on. Looking at his thin and slightly sallow reflection in the mirror he shrugged, not even bothering to comb his disheveled hair. He decided to go in search of Elrohir first to see how his twin reacted to the letter.

Elladan rounded a corner and nearly ran into his brother.

“Elladan?” Elrohir said, dismayed. “Did you not sense me?”

“Nay,” Elladan muttered in embarrassment.

Elrohir looked at Elladan’s sorry state but remained quiet. He was concerned.

Elladan could see Elrohir’s worried expression and thrust the letter into his hand before he could say anything. “I found this only a short while ago,” he blurted out. “What do you make of it?”

Elrohir opened the letter and read it. “Who is ‘we’?”

Elladan shrugged.

Elrohir sighed. “Very well, let us away to the healing chamber. Father will probably be there.”

Elladan nodded and they walked briskly to find their father. They were both pleasantly surprised to see their father and Arwen in the chamber.

“Father… Arwen,” Elrohir said. “Elladan and I come bearing a riddle. Read this.” He handed the note to his father.

Elrond walked over, taking the paper from Elrohir, and read it intently. Furrowing his brow, he handed the paper to Arwen, who read with a curious expression on her face.

“Who is ‘we’?” Arwen asked, looking at Elladan, who shrugged in response.

“The letter instructed us not to tarry,” Elrond said. “We should leave at once.”

They followed behind their father, exiting the healing chamber.

Elrond looked back at Elladan who was staring down at the floor as he walked. He glanced at Elrohir who shrugged and cast his gaze upon his brother. The lord also caught Arwen’s eye. She was obviously concerned about Elladan, too.

As the small company exited the manor, they couldn’t help but wonder what they would find on the hillside in the distance.

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A bit later, when the four elves reached the top of the hill they discovered Legolas and Galadriel, who were smiling brightly.

Moments later, Celeborn arrived, looking just as confused as Elladan, Elrohir, Arwen and Elrond.

“What is the meaning of this?” Elrond asked, unable to hide his curiosity any longer.

Legolas stepped forward and smiled. “I have a gift for all of you and Lady Galadriel has been kind enough to offer me her assistance in bringing this to fruition.”

Elrohir and Elladan exchanged perplexed expressions.

Seeing this, Legolas continued. “Because of this family, I am alive. When I came here all those months ago… after my mother’s death… I nearly died. My heart was mended by your efforts. Once again, my life was in danger and you saw fit to nearly relinquish your lives so that I may live. I owe everything to you. You gave me hope, comfort, laughter and love. Sadly, you have suffered a great loss, too. But little has been done to try to ease your pain. So, I want to give you something so that you too may be healed. I want to give you closure.”

Elrond looked at Celeborn who widened his eyes in response. He obviously had no idea what was about to take place.

Legolas walked back over to where Galadriel was standing and she turned to face him. The prince closed his eyes and raised his arms toward the sky. Galadriel mirrored his actions. Suddenly, a bright beam of light engulfed the prince and the Lady of Lórien.

The small band of elves covered their eyes to shield themselves from the light, only removing their hands as the light slowly faded away.

There was another elf among them.

As the light dissipated, a woman with dark blonde tresses, blue-grey eyes and a violet dress stepped forth.

Arwen gasped. “Mother?”

Elrohir’s mouth fell open.

“How… how did you…” Elrond began to ask, but watched in amazement as Celeborn raced toward his daughter and embraced her.

Arwen followed behind her grandfather, holding her mother so close that Celebrían could hardly breathe. Tears of joy streamed down the maiden’s face; she was too overcome to speak.

Elrond met Celebrían’s eyes and smiled. He was happy to see her but he found himself dismayed about her presence. He wanted to have a relationship with Thranduil but now that Celebrían was back… everything would change. He tried to push these thoughts out of his mind. He walked over to Celebrían and embraced her. “Tis good to see you,” he said sincerely.

“It is good to see you as well,” she said softly.

Elrohir stood rooted to the spot. He looked to his right to see Elladan’s reaction but his twin was nowhere to be found.

“Elrohir,” Celebrían said, approaching her youngest son.

Elrohir met his mother’s eyes, holding her gaze for several moments. “I… I… I do not have the words…”

“Then do not say anything,” Celebrían said, pulling Elrohir into her arms. “There will be time for us to talk.”

Elrohir was not sure what his mother meant but returned her embrace fully.

“Where is Elladan?” Celebrían asked when Elrohir released her.

“Legolas has gone to fetch him,” Galadriel said. “Do not fret over Elladan,” the lady of Lórien instructed gently. “Enjoy each other. This is a rare gift indeed. Do not waste it.”

The company of elves sat on the grass and began conversing animatedly.

Galadriel was pretending to listen to the idle chatter but was in fact not taking her own advice. She was very concerned about Elladan and could not help but to fret incessantly.

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“Elladan?” Legolas said, approaching his lover. Legolas had followed Elladan into the woods and called out his name once they were out of earshot of the Rivendell warrior’s family.

Elladan turned to face Legolas and shook his head. “I cannot do this. Please do not make me face her.”

“Face her?” Legolas asked, standing directly in front of Elladan.

“You do not understand, Legolas. I failed her. I let her down. If I go back there… and we talk… I will know how much I have disappointed her. She does not know about Henna. She does not know that I failed her once more. I… I cannot go back there.”

“You must,” Legolas said gently.

“Why?”

“Elladan… you mended my heart. You have saved my life twice,” Legolas explained, taking a step toward Elladan. “I only want to do both for you.”

“I am fine,” Elladan said simply.

“Have you looked into a mirror lately?” Legolas asked bluntly.

Elladan sighed.

“You have lost your love of life. You are no longer the hilarious… and sometimes annoying Elladan I once knew. I miss your laughter, your mischief, they way you used to tease me, the way you used to touch me…”

Elladan looked away.

“You have not come too close to me since I became well.”

“I…” Elladan began to explain.

Legolas raised his hand to silence Elladan. “Elladan, my love for you goes far beyond the bedchamber. That is why I brought your mother here. I believe she can make your pain go away.”

Elladan walked over to a nearby tree and began to pick at the bark, making sure to avoid Legolas’ eyes.

“I am not a healer, but I do know the source of your pain. Grief and guilt are the names of your disease. They are very cunning – grief and guilt… they eat away at you slowly over time and when they are done… only emptiness remains. The only way to be free is to face that which has caused your sickness. You must go and see your mother.”

“Legolas…” Elladan said after a long pause. “I cannot go.”

“If you will not do it for yourself… then do it for me.”

Elladan turned to face Legolas, his grey eyes filled with despair. “For you,” he said softly.

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Legolas and Elladan walked through the forest in silence until they emerged through the woods and into the clearing on the hillside. The current conversation stopped abruptly when they appeared and Celebrían rose to her feet.

“Elladan?” she said softly. “Do you not wish to speak to me?”

“I cannot,” Elladan said, staring at the ground.

“Why?”

Elladan did not speak, but his haggard breathing could be heard.

Celebrían moved toward Elladan slowly, concerned that any sudden movements may send him back into the forest. She stopped only a few feet from him and stared at his frail frame and mussed hair. She touched her heart involuntarily as she spoke. “I had no idea,” she said softly. “Elladan, I did not know that I caused you so much pain.”

Elladan shook his head slowly while he stared at the ground, his trembling was evident. “It was I that caused you pain,” he said with difficulty. “I should have been able to save you…” his voice broke and he stopped speaking abruptly.

“You did,” Celebrían said.

“Nay,” Elladan said. “If I had been there… if I had gotten there sooner… you would not have left us… you would not have left me.”

Celebrían stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Elladan. She pulled away, trying to dry his tears but his sorrow could no longer be contained.

Elladan wept harder than he ever had. It was as though a dam had been broken and the contents of his heart streamed out of him. He didn’t care that his family saw him like this, and it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. His heart was bleeding and he didn’t know if it would ever stop.

Elrond approached Elladan and Celebrían slowly, placing his hand on Elladan’s back. “Why did you not tell me of your suffering, Elladan?”

Elladan did not answer. He buried his face on his mother’s shoulder, sobbing softly.

“It is time,” Galadriel said, looking at Legolas.

The prince nodded.

“Time for what?” Celeborn asked.

“Legolas and I are going to send all of you to the Grey Havens… you will return with Celebrían.”

Elrohir thought of Ellaria and began to protest but was silenced by a look from his grandmother.

“As you know, no one has ever returned from the west… until now. Legolas and I opened a portal, so-to-speak, to allow Celebrían to come here today. She cannot stay here. She must go back through the portal… and you can accompany her if you would like to spend more time with her.”

“But I thought you just said that no one has come back from the west… and that because of this Mother must return. Can we come back if we journey west with her?”

“Aye,” Legolas said, before Galadriel could. “Your mother went to the Grey Havens in a ship… the only commonly known way to get to or from the west. You will go in a magical way… through a doorway that Lady Galadriel and I created. Since you never really went there… you will not really be there…”

Elrohir looked confused.

“It is difficult to explain,” Legolas said. “It is a loophole. You can go and return but she cannot.”

“How long can we stay?” Arwen asked.

“The portal will stay open indefinitely. You can come back to Rivendell whenever you are ready… but once you are back, you cannot return.”

“What if something enters the portal by mistake… like an animal? Will it end up in the Grey Havens?”

“Nay,” Legolas said. The portal will only let those who enter it, exit it. Once you have all returned, the portal will close automatically.”

“Do all of you understand?”

The elves nodded.

“How… how did you learn how to do this?” Elrohir asked, looking from Legolas to his grandmother.

“It is too difficult to explain,” Galadriel said. “And even if we could… it would prove to be very confusing.”

“All you need know is that I have gained great power. If Lady Galadriel and I link our powers… we can achieve many things. I cannot really explain it but I knew we could bring your mother here. And now, we must send her back.”

Galadriel and Legolas resumed their previous positions. Raising their hands up to the sky and looking upward, they became engulfed in light once again. Suddenly, an opening appeared. It was as though there was a doorway in the middle of the forest, and on the other side was the most beautiful place any of them had ever seen. It was a utopia, bearing flowers of every type, huge trees that stretched toward the sky and emerald-colored rolling hills.

Legolas and Galadriel lowered their arms, but this time the doorway remained.

“The doorway on this side will shrink but will not disappear… the same will happen to the portal on the other side. Remember, once you have come back though… you will not be able to go back.”

Elrohir approached the door cautiously and stepped through. Once on the other side, he peered back through the door and looked at his family.

Arwen followed behind Elrohir and then Elrond.

Celeborn went to the edge of the doorway and looked at Galadriel. “Do you not want to come? Certainly you want to spend some time with Celebrían.”

Galadriel smiled. “I have been there more than once recently. Legolas and I journeyed there and spoke with Celebrían before bringing her here. Also, we need to remain here… just in case something goes awry. Neither one of us can open the portal alone.”

Celeborn nodded, still searching his wife’s eyes to make sure she was not having any regrets.

Understanding Celeborn’s gentle stare, Galadriel grasped her husband’s hand lovingly. “I have made my peace with the past. It is time for the rest of you to do the same.”

Celeborn nodded, kissed Galadriel on the lips and stepped through the portal.

Celebrían escorted Elladan to the doorway. Tears still streamed down the warrior’s face and he was despondent.

Celebrían walked to the doorway and smiled at her mother. “I love you.”

Galadriel kissed her daughter on the forehead. “And I you, my daughter. Be well.”

Celebrían nodded and glanced at Legolas, who was staring at Elladan forlornly. “Prince Legolas?”

Legolas met Celebrían’s eyes.

“You seem a worthy choice for my son. I only wish I could have gotten to know you better.”

“Me too,” Legolas said, letting his gaze rest on Elladan once more.

“I do not know the manner in which Elladan will return,” Celebrían said slowly, locking eyes with the prince. “I only know he will return… the rest will be up to you, then.”

Legolas nodded and watched as Elladan and his mother entered the portal and it shrank out of sight.

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Nearly three months had passed. And in that time, one by one, the family of Elrond and Celebrían returned from the Grey Havens. Like seasons, things had changed. Due to everything that had happened, the competition had been cancelled. Thus, everyone had returned to their respective realms. Only those closest to Elrond and his family stayed behind with the exception of Celeborn and Ulan. Celeborn had returned to Lothlórien to reassume command of the Golden Realm while Galadriel stayed behind to await Elladan’s return. As Celeborn had promised King Thranduil, he had discovered the source of the false rumors about Arwen and the King. And somehow, he managed to wrench a confession out of the dimwitted elf.

Luckily for Ulan, Thranduil was quite happy to be among the living and decided on what he thought was a lenient punishment – servitude for as long as he remained in Rivendell.

Rivendell had returned to normal, for the most part.

Thranduil had made a complete recovery. And, although he had remained in Rivendell, he knew that he would have to return to his kingdom in the near future.

Despite all that had happened, he and Elrond had kept one another company. The king had wanted to repay Elrond for taking care of him after the battle. And despite the lord’s assurances that he was okay, the king knew better. He could see the worry in Elrond’s eyes and knew that the lord wondered in he would ever see his eldest son again.

As such, Thranduil did not mention Elrond’s confession of love or ask questions about a possible relationship between the two of them. He knew how he felt about Elrond and how Elrond felt about him. In time, perhaps they would be united. But for now, the king was happy to be alive and happy to be able to be with the Rivendell lord.

He had been told of Elladan’s magical journey to the West and understood the distant look that Elrond always seemed to wear in the recesses of his eyes because Legolas had the same expression.

Thranduil silently made it his mission to care for Elrond and his son, even if they did not know he was doing so. He tried to tend to their needs when they least expected it… or, of course, have Ulan do it. But as the days wore on, he couldn’t help but wonder if Elladan would ever return.

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Legolas awakened with a start, clutching his pillow tightly. His dreams had been filled with Elladan, again.

He stood up, stretched and walked over to the open window. Although it was a beautiful day, Legolas barely noticed. He couldn’t help but wonder what Elladan was doing at that very moment. He wondered when his lover would return… or if he would ever return. He wondered if he could open a new portal and go to see Elladan. Then again, he wasn’t sure how Elladan would react if he showed up suddenly. Legolas knew that Elladan had much healing to do, and healing takes time. And anyway, he had only been gone for three months, twelve days and two sun hours, which wasn’t long to an elf.

After all, the prince reasoned, I have lived for many years, three months is nothing to take notice of.

But despite Legolas’ best efforts, he had noticed the passing of every day that Elladan was gone. And even though he busied himself around Rivendell, and had basically replaced Elladan as a marchwarden, the prince found himself yearning just to see his lover’s grey eyes and hear his voice.

“Legolas?”

The prince jerked abruptly and whirled around. He had been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn’t heard anyone enter his bedchamber. He stared at his visitor, openmouthed.

“Elladan? Elladan when did you retu…”

“I’m Elrohir,” he said gently. “Remember, I’m the younger, more sensible twin.”

Legolas smiled and nodded, focusing his attention on the scenery outside the window instead of meeting Elrohir’s steady gaze. He didn’t want him to see the disappointment in his eyes.

“I understand,” Elrohir said gently.

“You understand?” Legolas asked, his gaze fixed on a tree outside.

“You miss him as much as I do.”

Legolas turned to face Elrohir, finally meeting his gaze. Elrohir wore a sincere expression; his eyes were full of kindness and concern.

“Aye,” the prince said nodding. “I miss him.”

Elrohir stepped forward until he was face to face with Legolas. Inhaling sharply, he exhaled loudly as if he needed a great deal of air to say what was on his mind. “I want to see him,” Elrohir blurted out. “I want you and my grandmother to let me go back. There has to be a way. I will go and get him.”

“Elrohir, I…”

“Legolas,” Elrohir said firmly. “I need him too. He is my twin brother… and he’s my best friend.”

“Elrohir…”

“Before you say no…” Elrohir added quickly, “just… think about it. If I could go… I could try to have Elladan back here by tomorrow. I’m certain… well fairly certain that he will come back with me. And he must miss us as much as we miss him… and…”

“Elrohir,” Legolas said firmly to get the warrior’s attention, but he didn’t get to complete his sentence.

“Aren’t the two of you on morning watch?” Glorfindel asked, sticking his head into the bedchamber.

“Aye,” Legolas and Elrohir responded in unison.

“Well, you should be on your way,” Glorfindel instructed. “We had a problem last night at the Eastern Post, so I’d like the two of you to take the lead positions there. I have increased security by a dozen elves… three additional elves at each gate. I’d like to reassign the two of you to the Eastern Post along with Myryl, as the Eastern Post is the most susceptible to intrusion.”

“What happened last night?” Legolas asked.

“Some humans entered the woods and wanted passage into the Blue Realm.”

Elrohir’s eyes widened in incredulity. “Did they say what they wanted?”

“Aye,” Glorfindel replied. “They said that it was not fair that we had invited human warriors here, after the battle, and not allowed the common folk to come as well. They demanded to be taken on a tour of the realm and fed handsomely due to our erroneous, elvish ways.”

Legolas shook his head in dismay. “Were the humans violent?”

“They were,” Glorfindel said. “No one was injured. However, two of the men drew their swords when they were asked to leave and another threatened to burn the forest if the lot of them were not treated to ‘elvish hospitality.’”

“We will report to duty at once,” Legolas said.

“Thank you. Let me know at once if a disturbance occurs.”

“Aye,” Legolas and Elrohir said as Glorfindel disappeared down the hallway.

Legolas turned to face Elrohir and smiled. “We have no time to continue our previous conversation, but perhaps we can talk more this evening.”

“Very well,” Elrohir agreed.

“I just hope today is uneventful,” Legolas remarked thoughtfully.

“As do I,” Elrohir agreed.

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The sun was high overhead and thus far, all was quiet at the Eastern Post. As usual, the elves took their stations, somewhat scattered throughout the easternmost section of the forest, ready to take an intruder by surprise. Legolas noticed that his comrades were especially alert and many of them had brought additional weapons in case any problems occurred.

Legolas hadn’t bothered to bring more weapons, nor did he fear an altercation with human intruders. And although his body was stationed under a large oak tree, his mind was far away, mulling over what Elrohir had proposed only a few hours before. He wondered if he and Galadriel could reopen the portal and send Elrohir through again. Would it affect Elladan’s way back to Rivendell? On the other hand, what if Elrohir really could bring Elladan back in the near future?

The Mirkwood warrior snapped back to reality when he heard a noise in the distance. Someone was entering the woods. The prince listened carefully. It wasn’t an elf. Legolas could tell that a human had entered the forest simply by the sound of his heaviness of foot when he walked. Humans had a tendency to drag their feet; they were not as lightly trodden as elves.

Legolas could sense the elves positioning themselves in the forest, readying themselves for what could be a fight.

Elrohir appeared from the forest thicket and touched Legolas gently on the shoulder. “Human,” he whispered.

Legolas nodded and wordlessly told Elrohir that he would make first contact with the human.

Elrohir nodded and used hand signals to command the elves in the area. He signaled one to go back to the manor to report to Glorfindel.

Elrohir perched himself high in a tree to watch the scene unfold from up above. He also wanted to have the perfect position to perforate the human’s heart if things got out of hand. His archery wasn’t as good as Legolas’, however, like any elvish warrior, he never missed his mark.

Legolas observed the human carefully as he approached him; his hand was loosely placed on his bow. This was a precautionary measure rather than one of fear. In fact, he found himself unafraid. After all, it was only one human… and there were nearly a dozen elves nearby ready to chase the human back from whence he came. The prince made up his mind to simply order the human back to his city. Then, he would have time to think more seriously about Elrohir’s proposition.

Legolas could see the human plainly now as he emerged from the underbrush and into a clearing. The man was fat, with long chubby legs and a stomach to match. His clothes were so ill-fitted that Legolas assumed that the man was a commoner, as no one of noble rank would go anywhere dressed like that. His trousers were a muddy brown color that seemed to bag in all the wrong places. He had a rope around his waist instead of a belt. His jacket only covered his arms and his sides, but was too small to fit around his hugely rounded belly. His shirt, which he wore under his jacket, was white and soiled in color, and looked as though it would explode from the strain of trying to contain the bulging girth of the man’s torso. He wore a dusty grey hat and brown boots, laden with holes. He couldn’t see the man’s eyes, as his face was turned downward. But he could see the man’s tangled brown hair and his knotted-looking beard and moustache.

Legolas stopped walking once the man was only a few meters away, unsure if the man had seen him approaching. At any rate, his job was to get the man to go back to Gaidon or wherever he was from and he decided then and there that was what he would do.

“You have entered the borders of Rivendell,” Legolas said in a commanding voice, watching the man carefully for some sort of a reaction. “If you have lost your way, I can point you in the right direction. If not, you must state your reason for traversing in the Sacred Wood. Only then may you press onward.”

The man seemed to ignore Legolas and continued walking towards him.

The prince was bewildered. “Human, did you hear me? Have you lost your way or do you have cause to be here? Either way, I can be of assistance to you.”

The man remained silent until he was standing within arms length from the prince. His head still bowed, he spoke in a deep, rumbly voice, “You are in my way, Elf.”

“That is correct,” Legolas said calmly. “Can I assist you?”

“Aye. You can get out of my way!” the man snapped, lunging toward Legolas.

The prince was too quick, however, and had his bow and arrow pointed at the man’s heart in mere seconds. “If you leave now, no harm will come to you,” Legolas said evenly.

The man chuckled bitterly. “You are very confident,” he said, still looking downward. “Unfortunately, I am going to go to Rivendell this day, and the likes of you isn’t going to stop me.”

Legolas was stunned by the man’s words, but his aim was true. “I will kill you,” Legolas said in a deadly serious tone.

“How?” the man asked, “when you have nothing to kill me with?”

Before Legolas could react, the man had disarmed him and knocked him to the ground.

The prince was completely infuriated, shocked and amazed. How had a human been able to defeat him?

“Humph,” the man snorted. “No offense, but I’m not very afraid of girls.”

The prince rose to his feet, ignoring his dirt and leaf covered leggings. “I am as male as you are and a warrior as well.”

The man laughed crudely. “So you’re a boy, huh? You’re the prettiest boy I’ve ever seen. Tell me, do you have male parts? ‘Cause I’ve heard that elves have men’s and women’s anatomy… if you know what I mean.”

Legolas narrowed his eyes.

“After I visit Rivendell, maybe I can visit you,” the man said smoothly. “I’ve gotten a little thick in the middle,” he said swatting his swollen belly. “How about you give me a little exercise and see if we can’t work off some of this extra flesh I’m carrying around. You’re pretty enough for me, she-he elf… so how about it? I can make you scream like a woman and come like a man.”

“You’ll be dead before you get the chance,” Legolas said, ready to attack.

“You’ll have to catch me first,” the man said with a snort and tore into the woods.

In all his years, Legolas had never seen a human move so fast. He wasn’t even sure how the man had managed to get past him. The one thing he did know was that this man was unlike any human warrior he had ever encountered.

He raced after the man, uncertain of his direction. The man who had seemed heavy footed and ill-clothed now seemed unstoppable. Legolas silently cursed at himself for allowing the man to get into the forest. If anything happened to anyone, he would take full responsibility. After all, if he had been more focused on the task at hand, he could have stopped the man.

Ahead the prince could see the man surrounded at arrow point by several elves. Elrohir met Legolas’ eyes to indicate that everything was under control.

“You will be escorted out of the Blue Wood,” Elrohir said simply. “If you return here again, we won’t be so kind.”

The man chuckled.

“It is very interesting that you find your own demise amusing,” Elrohir said severely. “However, I assure you that this is no jest.”

“Aw, come on, and I was just getting to know the pretty blonde elf there,” the man said, pointing at Legolas.

The prince was taken aback by the sheer crudeness of the man, but was also amazed by his lack of fear. He was also perplexed as to why the man was continuing to look downward.

Glorfindel suddenly appeared through the thicket on his horse and said in a commanding voice, “Take him away.”

The elves urged the man forward, but in a moment, the man jumped upward, grasped a long tree branch, swung his body through the air and landed on the back of Glorfindel’s steed. Before Glorfindel could even respond, the man kissed him on the cheek.

For the first time ever the young elvish warriors were unsure how to proceed. They aimed their arrows at the human but were completely shocked by the man’s actions.

Glorfindel unsheathed a knife that he wore in a leather holster around his waist. Twisting his body he held the knife to the man’s throat. This time however, the man met Glorfindel’s eyes. Their gaze seemed to be locked on to one another’s for only a moment before Glorfindel exhaled in annoyance. He withdrew his knife and shook his head. “Stand down,” he ordered the Rivendell warriors.

They obeyed Glorfindel, but wondered why he wanted them to disarm. Perhaps he was in danger or the man was some sort of a wizard. The answer to their questions came immediately.

“This is perhaps the most foolish thing you have ever done!” Glorfindel shouted.

The other elves were shocked by Glorfindel’s tone.

“’Twas only a jest,” the man said.

“Elladan, you are going to get yourself killed one day! Do you realize that?”

“Elladan?” Legolas said softly.

“It was my intention to help,” Elladan said, grinning. “A good training drill is necessary every once in a while, don’t you think? And did you see those elvish response times? I don’t know about you, but I am impressed.”

“Elladan? Elladan!” Elrohir shouted, glaring at his brother.

“Aye,” Elladan said finally raising his eyes for everyone to see.

Legolas stared at the heather grey orbs and felt his heart melt. It was Elladan; he had come home.

“I don’t believe it,” Elrohir spat. “I will see if you are truly Elladan myself.” Without another word, Elrohir pulled Elladan off of Glorfindel’s horse. The elder twin landed with a thud on the ground.

“Ai! Get off me Elrohir!” Elladan wailed.

Elrohir wrestled with Elladan on the ground, ripping his wig and facial hair off and pulling the stuffing from underneath his shirt – much to Elladan’s dismay.

“Ai! Elrohir that hurts! Ha, ha, ha… that tickles,” Elladan said, rolling around on the ground.

Once the costume was gone, there stood Elladan. His clothes were now even more tattered than they had been before, but he looked more handsome than he had in ages. He had gained weight and his eyes danced with mischief. He faced his brother with a smirk, “Now is that any way to treat your older brother?”

“Nay,” Elrohir said. He lunged toward Elladan so abruptly that Legolas thought Elrohir was going to hit his twin. Even Elladan flinched when Elrohir came at him so suddenly. Instead, however, Elrohir embraced his brother.

Elladan smiled and hugged Elrohir back.

“When?” Elrohir asked. “When did you return?”

“Yesterday,” Elladan admitted.

“Yesterday?” Elrohir said, releasing his brother.

“I arrived late in the evening. I was making my way to the manor when I heard a skirmish in the forest. I saw the humans from Gaidon making a scene and saw Glorfindel and the others make them leave. Humans are persistent… I assumed that they may return. So, I went to Gaidon and spoke to Kress about the encounter. He assured me that he would address all the people of Gaidon and forbid them to come to Rivendell without permission. He gave me shelter last night and I came here after that. Of course, I acquired a costume in Gaidon and figured I would return with style.”

“You call that returning with style?” Glorfindel asked.

“Of course,” Elladan replied. “What do you call it?”

“Returning Elladan style,” Glorfindel said, shaking his head.

“Hmmm…” Elladan murmured, scratching his head, “I like the sound of that.”

Glorfindel laughed as did the other elves who were in the woods. All except Legolas, who stared at Elladan in wonderment.

Elladan met Legolas’ eyes and smiled.

Glorfindel exhaled and smiled. “Legolas… Elrohir, it would seem that Elladan has taken care of the human problem. So, you are free to leave.”

“Thank you,” Elrohir said.

Glorfindel waited for a response from the Mirkwood prince, but the wood elf seemed unable to do much more than stare at Elladan. He smiled, shook his head and turned his steed back in the direction from which he came.

“There is so much I want to say…” Elladan said, highly aware of all the prying eyes around him. “I have some things to take care of first. Will you meet me on the hillside at early dusk?”

“Aye,” Legolas replied.

“I will see you then,” Elladan said, turning to face his brother. “Elrohir, let’s go home.”

The younger twin nodded and the two disappeared into the forest, leaving Legolas and the other warriors behind.

The prince was experiencing everything from elation to frustration and even quite a bit of concern. He had been the first person Elladan had encountered while playing his charade and not once had he let on who he was. In fact, he had disarmed him and knocked him to the ground. Furthermore, Elladan had just left with Elrohir and not him. He wondered if Elladan had changed his mind about their relationship. Sometimes relationships happen when one is in a weakened state. Perhaps, that’s all he had ever been to Elladan. And now that he was no longer needed, he would be dismissed back to Mirkwood. He made his way back through the forest alone not sure if he should hope for early dusk’s quick arrival or pray for it never to come. Either way, he would have to wait.

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

Legolas arrived on the hillside at early dusk to find Elladan waiting for him. Despite his hesitance he couldn’t help but notice how handsome Elladan looked. He wore a grey tunic that brought out the storm-cloud hue of his eyes. His thighs looked lean and muscular in his black leggings and boots. And his hair looked freshly washed and the sides were pulled back neatly, in the traditional Rivendell style, while the rest was free and fell like amber waves about his shoulders. He tried to push aside the lust he was feeling after months without physical contact, so he inhaled deeply and focused Elladan’s eyes. He decided to start the conversation casually. “So… how have you been?”

“Fine,” Elladan said, after a slight pause. “Better…”

“That is good to hear,” Legolas said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Elladan took a few steps forward and was standing directly in front of the prince. “I… I…,” he stammered.

“This is a bit strange, isn’t it?” Legolas said, smiling faintly. “It hasn’t even been very long since we have seen each other, but somehow it is a bit… awkward being together…” Legolas paused, tearing his eyes away from Elladan’s powerful stare. “I… there… there is so much to say… I… I… have so many questions I want to ask… so many things…”

“Legolas?” Elladan said, interrupting the prince.

“Aye,” Legolas responded abruptly, meeting Elladan’s gaze once again.

“Do you still love me?”

“What?” Legolas asked in incredulity.

“Do you still love me? Do you want to be with me? After everything that has happened… after all that we have both been through… do you still want to intertwine your life with mine?”

“I do,” Legolas said confidently, casting his doubts aside.

“Then, you have eternity to ask me questions and for me to answer them.” He brushed a stray hair from the prince’s face and felt his pulse begin to race when Legolas brushed his lips across his wrist. “I… I do not know how to thank you for finding a way for me to see my mother,” Elladan said softly. “Methinks you saved my life.”

Legolas smiled. “Then I suppose my debt to you has been fulfilled.”

“What debt?”

“You saved me… after my mother died,” Legolas explained. “Now, I saved you.” The prince paused for a moment, “Mothers certainly possess a great deal of power, don’t they?”

Elladan laughed softly, “They do.”

“To be honest,” Legolas said slowly, “I do not really think my saving you is as powerful as your saving me.”

“Why not?” Elladan asked, dismayed.

“Well… when you saved me, I was a stranger to you… your assistance was selfless,” Legolas said. “When I saved you, it was because I love you. I saved you for you… and for me…”

Elladan rubbed his chin dramatically, eyeing the prince up and down. “That isn’t entirely true. Our relationship started before you were well. But who am I to disagree with your assessment? You are right. You are a very selfish elf indeed. I suppose the only way for you to make amends is for me to punish you.”

Legolas raised his eyebrows.

“Over… and… over… again,” Elladan said seductively, caressing the prince’s face.

Their lips met in a tender kiss. It stole Legolas’ breath and it made Elladan tremble from head to toe. Their tongues intertwined, their hands explored and their bodies ached for more contact. When they finally pulled away from each other they embraced, holding one another as if their lives depended on it.

“You mended my heart, Greenleaf, and I mended yours,” Elladan whispered in the prince’s ear. “It is the tie that will bind us together forever.”

They pulled apart and stared into one another’s eyes, knowing that forever was starting today.

---

THE END