Mending a Heart

Chapter 24: Arrival of the King

“Look at him,” Arwen whispered to Elrohir.

“I know,” Elrohir said quietly, looking at Elladan with concern. “I have never seen him like this.”

“Nor have I,” Arwen remarked, staring at her eldest brother. “Perhaps we should do something to cheer him up.”

“’Tis a good idea,” Elrohir agreed. “Do you have any ideas?”

“I do,” Arwen said, grinning. “The two of you are not patrolling today, are you?”

“Nay,” Elrohir said. “Why?”

Arwen’s smile widened.

Elladan pushed his plate away and sighed. He had hardly eaten any breakfast. Staring out of the window sadly, he wasn’t even aware of the looks of concern that were being cast in his direction or of the plot to make him smile again. All he could think about was one handsome elf. *Legolas.*

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Elladan sat alone on a bench near the stable. Lost in his thoughts, he found that his only comfort was the memories that he had of the Mirkwood prince. He was so lost in his remembrances, he barely noticed the raindrops that began to fall from the sky. Sliding his feet around on the newly dampened ground, Elladan reminisced for hours.

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“Elladan!” Elrohir shouted, running toward his brother. “Elladan! Help!”

“Huh?” Elladan asked, giving Elrohir an annoyed look.

“It is the foul beast, Orcwen,” Elrohir said, stopping directly in front of Elladan. “The beast has declared war on us. She is demanding that we feed her regularly and she wants new shackles for her feet. If we do not meet her demands, she has threatened to pulverize us!”

“Leave me be, Elrohir,” Elladan said, annoyed. “I do not want to jest this day. The weather is foul and so is my mood. Now, go away.”

“I am not jesting, Brother,” Elrohir said, trying to sound serious. “Do not let the rain clouds dampen your spirits; for I assure you that Orcwen will find a way to ruin your mood all together.”

Elladan started to speak when a large ball of mud hit him in the center of the chest. “What the…” he began to say as another enormous sphere of sludge hit Elrohir on the back of the leg.

Arwen was running wildly toward her brothers carrying a large basket filled with neatly formed balls of mud. With two broken chains around each ankle and her hair sticking out all over her head, Arwen was quite a sight to behold.

“Arwen, I do not want to jest this day,” Elladan said hotly, wiping the mud from his tunic. “I am in a fell mood and wish to be alone.”

“Arwen?” she said in a gruff voice. “Who iss dat?” She groaned loudly and launched another globule at Eln, hn, hitting him directly in the face.

Elrohir roared with laugher, but stopped when Arwen threw a ball of mud at him. The orb landed on top of his head. “Uh!” he exclaimed. “Arwen!”

Arwen laughed as the sludge slid down both sides of Elrohir’s face. She laughed even harder when she saw that Elladan’s was covered with mud.

The twins looked at one another and smiled. Without a word, they began to chase a screaming Arwen.

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“Glorfindel,” Mander said, guiding his horse over to the warrior, and then looking in the distance once again. “Riders are approaching.”

“Can you see who it is?” Glorfindel asked, trying to peer through the thick underbrush.

“Nay,” Mander said.

“Be on your guard,” Glorfindel said, looking around at all of the warriors present. He, along with all of the other border patrol guards, armed themselves.

The Mirkwood elves entered the borders of Rivendell and were instantly approached by Glorfindel and two heavily armed guards.

“Legolas!” Glorfindel exclaimed as he rode his steed toward the prince. “Dace, what are you…” he broke off suddenly. “King Thranduil, it is an honor to see you again, it has been many years,” he said politely. “I did not expect to see you or your sons this day. Is Lord Elrond expecting you?”

“Nay,” Thranduil said, looking into Glorfindel’s eyes. “I have an urgent matter to discuss with the lord of this realm and must see him at once.”

“I shall escort you to the manor right away,” Glorfindel said, giving his steed a nudge.

Glorfindel looked back at Legolas as they made their way to the heart of the realm. He couldn’t help but frown when he saw the dismal look on the prince’s face. *Something is wrong.*

A while later, the riders stopped in front of the manor and dismounted. Servants from Rivendell attended to the new arrivals while the servants from Miod dod dismounted and began to help them.

Thranduil looked at Elrond’s home in disgust. “Did Glorfindel call this a manor?” he asked Dace. “It looks more like a burrow for rodents, if you asked me.”

“Father,” Dace said, shaking his head in dismay.

Glorfindel rushed into the manor and only moments later, Elrond appeared.

“Thranduil,” Elrond said slowly, meeting the king’s gaze. “What has happened? Glorfindel told me that you needed to speak with me right away.”

“I do,” Thranduil said coolly.

“Please, come inside my home,” Elrond said politely. “You must be weary from your journey.”

“Humph,” Thranduil muttered as the king and his two sons entered the manor.

Elrond took his guests to the parlor and implored them to sit. “Would you like something to eat or drink?” he asked, looking at each of the elves encouragingly.

“Nay,” Dace said. “I am fine.”

“Legolas?” Elrond asked, looking at the prince with concern.

Legolas shook his head slowly, avoiding the lord’s eyes.

“Thranduil?” Elrond asked.

“The only thing that you could offer me in a goblet is your blood and the only thing I would accept on a platter is your head,” Thranduil remarked icily.

“What?” Elrond asked, looking at Thranduil in shock.

“Oh, do not give me that innocent look,” Thranduil sneered. “It will not work.”

“Thranduil?”ond ond said, raising his hands in protest. “Why are you so angry? What have I done?”

“You lied to me!” Thranduil spat, standing up abruptly. “I sent my son here so that he could be healed, and what did you do?”

“I assisted him in the healing process,” Elrond replied calmly.

“Ha!” Thranduil exclaimed. “Is that what you call it?”

“Call what?” Elrond asked, confused.

“Allowing your spawn to poke my Legolas in the arse is hardly what I call healing,” Thranduil said scathingly.

Legolas cringed and felt his face flush with humiliation and anger. He had never seen his father behave this way before.

“Thranduil,” Elrond said gently, “please calm yourself. I assure you that Legolas received the best of care while he was here.”

“Aye, and from what I’ve heard he got **a lot** of care,” Thranduil said furiously. “How could you let your son place his hands, among other things, upon my youngest born son? Where were you when your greedy little elf-man took advantage of one so vulnerable?”

“Elladan did not take advantage of Legolas,” Elrond explained. “He simply made himself available to the prince when he needed comfort.”

“I’m sure he did,” Thranduil said, glaring at Elrond. “You tell that insufferable son of yours to stay away from Legolas or the king of Mirkwood will poke him until he screams. The only difference will be that I will use an arrow!”

“Thranduil…” Elrond began, beginning to lose his patience as Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen ran into the parlor covered with mud.

Upon seeing that they had guests, the lord’s children stopped abruptly and stared in shock at the sight before them.

There stood the most beautiful elf that any of them had ever seen. His hair shone in the sunlit room like Mithril. He was well built, regal and his piercing blue-green eyes seemed to stare right through them. Suddenly, they realized who this was. This handsome male elf looked very much like Legolas. At the same time, Elladan, Arwen and Elrohir turned their attention to a nearby settee. There sat Legolas, looking very dejected, and Dace who stared at them in horror.

“Ah yes,” Thranduil said matter-of-factly, “I assume these are your children. It is just as I suspected. They are ill mannered and disgraceful. Look at them! What sort of foolishness do you let them take part in Elrond? What were they doing? Were they running about playing ‘orc hunt?’”

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen exchanged embarrassed looks.

“Look! Even your she-child behaves like a fool. Legolas, is this what you want? Do you wish to have a mud-covered lover? I think not,” he said, answering the question for his son. “Which one of you is Elladan?”

Pretending not to be nervous, Elladan stepped forward and bowed. “I am Elladan, Sire.”

“You are Elrond’s eldest son, are you not?” Thranduil asked, looking at Elladan with dislike.

“I am,” Elladan said, hoping that his knees wouldn’t give out as he stood facing the king.

“If I were your father I would be outraged by your state,” Thranduil said hotly. “You are the eldest. Thus, you are responsible for your own actions and the actions of your younger brother and sister. However, I can see clearly that you are a foolish and ignorant child.”

“Thranduil,” Elrond said in protest, but Thranduil continued.

“Legolas has told me about you… about being in love with you. But simply put, I forbid it. You stay awrom rom my son,” Thranduil said flatly.

Elladan felt himself weaken as he clutched his chest and stared at Thranduil in disbelief.

“Elrond,” Thranduil snapped, “I do not know what sort of enchantment you put on my son, but I want you to remove it, now!”

“How dare you!” Elrond exclaimed. “How dare you come into my home, uninvited, and start making demands. We brought your son into our home. We cared for him… loved him, when you could not. And you repay our kindness by lashing out at my children and insulting me in **my** home?”

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen stared at their father in shock. They had never heard him raise his voice in such a way.

“I am the king of Mirkwood and shall go wherever I please,” Thranduil remarked icily.
“You are beneath me, Elrond, and shall do whatever I say.”

“Indeed?” Elrond asked, glaring at Thranduil. “Well, if I am not mistaken you are no longer in Mirkwood; you are in Rivendell. I am the king in these lands and thus, you shall bow to me. Regarding my son, Elladan… he is a brave, noble and kindhearted elf. He is a worthy choice for Legolas.”

“I think not,” Thranduil spat. “I do not like men and will not have my son associated with an elf whose lineage is corrupted.”

“Corrupted?” Elrond said, becoming furious.

“You see?” Thranduil said sarcastically. “Even your ears have deteriorated because of the man-blood that runs through your veins.”

“Thranduil,” Elrond fumed, “this is not your decision. To prevent our sons’ love would be pitiless.”

“And what do you know of true love or pity for that matter?” Thranduil asked. “Do not speak of what you know nothing about!”

“I have loved deeper than you could ever know, Thranduil,” Elrond said coolly. “And I…”

“Ah yes,” Thranduil interrupted Elrond, “I know **all** about your great love.”

Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen exchanged looks.

Legolas looked up and stared at Elrond in dismay.

Elrond gave the king a dangerous look.

“Do not fear,” Thranduil said, “I shan’t speak of this to those present here. However, I will say that you are a liar and a chameleon. You pretend to care so much for my son… for everyone, when you only are concerned with your own interests. You smile in the face of so many elves and sharpen your sword when they are not looking. You are a merciless, foul creature. My son will never experience the bitterness of a relationship with your son; for befriending a Peredhil is like befriending an orc!”

“You speak of **my** cruelty… **my** treachery?” Elrond asked angrily. “I may have the blood of men in my veins, but at least I do not act like one. Look at you! You are a bitter, spiteful king. Your words are sheer poison and your actions, a curse!” Elrond took a step toward Thranduil. “Are you sure that Legolas is really your son? Aside from a likeness of face, he is nothing like you. He carries himself with the dignity and honor of a prince. You behave like a little man-child. Perhaps, we are more alike than you think. I have the blood of a man and you are one!”

“You will live to regret that!” Thranduil said, lunging toward Elrond.

“Wait! Wait!” Dace said, standing up abruptly and stepping in between his father and the Lord of Rivendell. “This quarrel has gone on long enough.”

Thranduil glared at Elrond who stared back at the king with the same ferocity.

“Father, the journey here was long,” Dace said calmly. “I am sure that you are very fatigued. Perhaps you should take some rest.”

“Well…” Thranduil began.

“And Lord Elrond,” Dace continued, not waiting for a response from his father, “we appreciate your hospitality and apologize for the inconvenience of our arrival.”

“Humph,” Thranduil muttered, looking away with disgust.

“Please, Lord,” Dace asked cordially, “if it pleases you, we shall only stay here but a few days. Then, we will be on our way.”

Elrond sighed heavily and then focused his attention on Dace. “Very well. I shall have my servants find accommodations for all of you. Please feel free to go and find comfort and food. I must away now, as the air in this room is no longer to my liking.” Elrond cast Thranduil another menacing look and exited the room without another word.

Elladan looked at Legolas and their eyes met.

“You are not to associate with him during our short stay here,” Thranduil said flatly. “Do you understand, Legolas?”

“Aye, Father,” Legolas replied, tearing his eyes away from Elladan’s.

“Let us away then,” Thranduil said, giving Elladan an annoyed look and pulling Legolas to his feet.

“Aye, Father,” Legolas said. As he followed behind the king and Dace, the prince looked back and stared at Elladan as he left the room.

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“Legolas,” Thranduil said later as he entered his youngest son’s bedchamber. “May I speak with you for a moment?”

“Aye, Father,” Legolas said sadly, “of course.”

“I know that it may seem cruel now, but you will thank me for all of this in the future,” Thranduil said gently. “I love you with my whole heart, Little One, and I do not want to see you hurt. I would die trying to protect all of my sons; for my love for you is unsurpassed. But you must trust me now; I know of what I speak. Elladan is not right for you. But do not fret, you will find your counterpart elsewhere. I have faith in you, Legolas. Please have faith in me.” He gave the prince a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder and exited the bedchamber.

Legolas sighed heavily and looked out of a nearby window. *I have already found my counterpart.*

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Elladan, Elrohir and Arwen bathed, changed their clothes and went to their father’s study.

There the lord sat, patiently waiting for their arrival.

The siblings entered the room and stood in silence, waiting for him to speak.

“I am sorry that you had to witness my anger today,” Elrond began slowly. “I do not think that I have ever behaved that way in front of you, and I regret that you had to witness it.”

“Thranduil was crude,” Elrohir said earnestly. “You were only defending yourself and us, your children. While your outburst was a bit… shocking… it did not seem inappropriate. You reacted in the same way that I would have… the way that any of us would have.”

“But we did not make things better, Father,” Arwen said. “I am sorry for our disrepair when we appeared. We embarrassed you. Please do not blame Elladan or Elrohir… the jest was my idea.”

“I have always encouraged you to find the good in life… to jest and make merry. Thranduil came unannounced. None of us could have known that he would arrive this day. But if it will comfort you, he would not have liked you if you threw flowers at his feet and were dressed in garments made from Mithril. I am still sorry, nonetheless,” Elrond said, “for my behavior. I apologize… to each of you. Elladan, please do not take Thranduil’s words to heart. He truly believes that he knows what is best for his son. And even though we argued this day… and even though the king can be harsh… he loves his son.”

Elladan nodded weakly and stared at the ground. He could feel himself trembling.

“Elladan?” Elrond asked with concern, walking over and placing his hand on his eldest son’s shoulder. Ell Elladan looked up slowly, meeting his father’s eyes.

Elrond looked at his son carefully, observing the sallowness of Elladan’s skin. “I will speak to the king again. You and Legolas should not be punished for our inability to be friends. This is not your fault, Elladan.”

“I know,” Elladan said quietly. “Perhaps… perhaps the love that the king mentioned is the reason for his malice towards you.”

“I… I…” Elrond stammered.

“You did not love Mother, did you?” Elladan asked, looking for an answer in his father’s eyes.

“I have always been ht wit with you, my children,” Elrond began, “so I will answer your question as best I can. But this is a very personal matter, so I will only disclose what I deem to be appropriate for your ears. I loved Celebrían, and was saddened to see her set sail and journey to the west. She was a wonderful wife and mother… and a friend. I loved her… yes. Did I love another before her? Yes. I did not have the kind of passion for Celebrían that you have for Legolas, Elladan… or that you have for Ellaria, Elrohir. Our marriage was one of convenience more than of love. We met in Lothlórien and I thought that she was beautiful. We had much in common and would spend time together. When I had to return to Rivendell, I greatly missed her. We were friends… best friends. I could tell her anything… everything, and she could always make me laugh. You are so much like her Elladan,” Elrond said, looking at his eldest son fondly. “I miss her.”

“I am sure that she misses you too, Father,” Arwen said sorrowfully, wrapping her arms around her father’s waist.

Elrond kissed Arwen on the top of the head. “I do not wish to say anymore about this…” he broke off suddenly. “Elladan? Elladan?” He sprung forward and caught Elladan as he fell, unconscious.

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“Legolas,” Dace said as he entered the prince’s bedchamber.

“I am here,” Legolas said, staring out of the window, looking out over the realm. “I feel so lost, Dace… so lost, and no one can help me.”

“I shall help you,” Dace said, walking over to his brother. “That is why I am here… to help.”

“You should not concern yourself with such things,” Legolas said. “Go, explore the realm… visit with Tialise; she likes you. She will be happy that you have returned.”

“I dream about her,” Dace said, smiling faintly. “That little she-elf has captured my heart, somehow. But she is not the reason that I came here. I am here to serve you. I will do everything that I can to be by your side now… to see that all is well with you.”

“All is not well,” Legolas said, finally meeting his older brother’s eyes.

“I know,” Dace said, nodding. “Father is very upset.”

“I have never seen Father behave like that,” Legolas remarked in agreement, staring out of the window again. “He is the most just and kind elf that I know. But today, he behaved so unbecomingly. I should not say this, but I was ashamed of him this day. I…” Legolas broke off suddenly.

Dace looked at him very concerned. “Legolas?”

“I will fade,” Legolas said quietly. “It is a strange fate that I would come to Rivendell to be healed, and then to recover… only to die anyway.”

“What makes you think that you will die?” Dace asked in disbelief. “I know that this day has been trying, but there has to be a way… a way for you to live, Little One. You must fight.”

“Fight for what?” Legolas asked. “I shall fade no matter what I chose to do. If I leave Elladan… if I obey Father, as I have always done, I will forsake Elladan. And in so doing, I will lose my life. If, one the other hand, I chose Elladan and relinquish my family, my title and all that I am… I shall still die from grief. I am doomed.”

“You will not die, Legolas,” Dace said sternly. “I will find a way to get you to your love. You will see him tomorrow. Together, we will find a way to make Father see that the two of you belong together. If you hold on to nothing else… hold on to that.”

“But Father will not approve of my seeing Elladan,” Legolas protested.

“That is my concern,” Dace said, “not yours. Tomorrow you will be reunited with Elladan for as long as I can manage. You will not fade. All will be well, Little One.”

“I hope that you are right, Dace,” Legolas said dismally.

Dace smiled encouragingly, but silently thought, *So do I.*

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TBC…