A Gift of Love

CHAPTER 2 ¡V Part 3

How it came to be - Celebration in Edoras

I could have fallen asleep in the arms of my brother and not only from our recent exertions. The travel to Edoras had been a long one and while we were not in the constant state of vigilance we were on most occasions, we still needed to be alert.

However, it could not be. We had taken enough time selfishly to ourselves for the moment. It was time to ready for the purpose of our visit. I doubted our host, pleasant though he appeared would brook the late arrival to the feast of the elves. Further I did not think he would care for the reason we were late.

"Elrohir,¨ I whispered to my sleepy brother, "I think it best you bathe in your own room and dress there. It would cause too much talk if we were together.¨

Elrohir sighed. He knew I was correct, but just as I, was loathed to part so soon.

"Later.¨ I promised with a kiss. His hand went to my cheek to hold him there while his tongue pushed passed my lips and his pressed hard to me. I love his soft tender loving kisses, but I love more the ones that are hard and claiming, the one that make me feel truly his, and only his.

" will hold you to that.¨ He smiled, rose from the bed and gathered his clothing. I rested on my elbows to watch him bend to scoop up his clothes, then as he covered each piece of his slender body. When he had finished he walked back to me, his mouth firm on mine. Then he stepped back a little, ran his finger over my neck.

"You had best cover that.¨ Removing his fingers, he bit the already I supposed red mark. "Yes, you had best cover that.¨

Laughing he turned to the door. The pillow caught his head before he closed it behind him.

I was left then wondering just how best to cover it.

The bath was hot, warmed as it had been by the fire beneath it that still glowed with red embers. I sank gratefully into it. The river water had kept us clean but it had been bitterly cold, fed as they were from the mountains. Water such as this was indeed a luxury.

My mind drifted a little as I washed. Thinking to the ceremony tonight that Ada had been most careful in describing. The babe passed to each of us in turn, Elrohir first as the younger, then to me to recite the words. I had memorized them though none but the child and I would hear them. There would be food aplenty, but little wine and ale until the heir had been welcomed and presented to his people. Given our experience with men and ale, I thought this a wise ritual. So we would eat more, watch the men drink more than their fill and then¡K..and then the Elven ambassadors will politely excuse themselves. Had my brother been there to see, he would have grinned at the smile on my lips. He calls me predatory sometimes when my thoughts turn to the bed. I wonder if others see it, or how long it will be until our secret is no more.

The mirror revealed the full extent of my need to cover my neck. What had Elrohir been thinking? My finger traced around the deep mark. I could not bring myself to mind. It was his mark, the only one who would claim me thus.

The knock to the door came as I sat combing my hair. When the door opened before my call I knew it was my brother. No other enters our rooms in like manner, not even Ada now, I mused, frowning slightly. I wondered as I swung round, but then all thought flew. Elrohir stood framed by the candle light behind him and I gasped. He turned slowly round for me to see. He was exquisite. Dressed in the rich burgundy red I so love on him as it catches the dark of his hair, unbraided I noticed, waiting for me to tie it. The tunic fell halfway down his thighs, split up to his hip, the black belt matching the tight leggings he wore and soft boots. I smiled at the high collar on the tunic that hid his neck. As he walked toward me I barely noticed the silver coronet in his hand. His hips swayed a little as he moved, the fabric shimmering in the light, the slit material revealing his hard muscled thighs.

"You have said nothing. Is it so bad?¨ He placed the headpiece down to run his fingers through my hair.

I had to swallow before I could speak. "I am thinking on taking my sword to brandish at those who think they can come close to you. You are breathtaking.¨

"I love you.¨ He replied as he deftly worked my own mithril adornment into my hair.

I swapped places with him, pulling his hair back from his face, my fingers deliberate in their brushing on his ears. Two small plaits either side, pulled back from his face, the coronet caught between them, pressing on his brow, as I knew he had done mine. I kissed the top of his head. "I love you.¨

We stood together, arms around each other, foreheads touching. "Later,¨ we breathed in unison.

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My brother has little idea the effect he has on others, particularly others who have little contact with elfkind. He jests on how others look on me and of chasing them off with sword raised high, and I have seen the flare in his eyes when others come too close, but it is small in relation to how they look at him.

Heads turned to us and all spoken words ceased when we entered the great hall. A company of 12 elves entering the feasting site of men is not a common sight, but so many eyes, male and female alike, rested on the figure draped in dark blue silk. Elladan¡'s dress matched mine but for the colour. He radiated as only he can, fabric flashing as he moved adding to the effect, his strong body flexing with each step, the smooth tightness of his leggings emphasing his strength and build. We made our way slowly to the high table, bowing to the king who stood to greet us. We took our places, as we sat I touched my hand to Elladan¡'s, needing to feel him close to me after watching so many look to him. They do not even see me when you are by my side, he had once said, you outshine us all. He had kissed me then, and as is his way with me, I forgot my jealousy to enjoy the love he gives only to me.

"See how they look at you,¨ he whispered in my ear as he placed his hand briefly over mine, "I should have brought my sword.¨

I knew no one else would have heard, the others in our escort were seated apart from us, so I fought to stop the smile reaching my lips, instead it danced in my eyes.

Before I could reply to him, a plate was placed before me. The feast had begun.

We ate, as Ada had instructed us, what we recognized and a little of what we did not.
I could see diplomacy wearing a little thin on Elladan as he reached for his wine after one particular slice of something. Diplomacy and a healthy constitution would see us through I decided. What would see me through the blatant touching of my brother by others, I did not know. There seemed to always a serving person who placed a plate to close to him letting a part of their body trail across him, or one of the lords or ladies placing a hand on his arm to speak to him.

Though I had to concede, despite Elladan¡¦s protests, he appeared nothing but born to the role of representative of our kin. And his occasional brush of hand over mine, or touch on my knee calmed some of my anxiety, making me long for the evening to conclude and for us to return to his room.

The loud clang of metal on metal rang out in the hall and all fell silent. At the far end of the hall the ladies of the queen¡¦s court stood. Before them a banner of stiffen material emblazoned with a crown and horse. Slowly, silently they walked the length of the Golden Hall, each citizen bowing as they passed. Behind all, cradled in white cloth in the arms of his mother, came the future king. The ladies moved aside forming an arch with the stems of flowers they had held at their sides. Carefully the babe was carried to the king and father who took it with reverence but undisguised joy. I watched spellbound as the child was held so loving. For the briefest of moments the one holding the child was dark haired, and as the child was turned, the outline of a delicately pointed dear was revealed. I shook my head, I was not given to foresight as Ada is, so it puzzled me. An elven child in the arms of Elladan. The fine features of my brother¡¦s face were filled with such joy, the tears in his eyes sparkled. The child so obviously his. The vision of my brother looked to me, smiled, then his gaze went back to the child and to who I supposed the mother of this joy was. It pleased and hurt me as I strained to catch a further glimpse . A loud cheer erupted around me, the vision faded and a plaintive cry rang out. I returned to myself.

The babe was but a few days old. I smiled as the tiny life was handed to me, kissing its brow in welcome. His tiny eyes were tight shut brimming with tears brought on by the noise and strangers about him. His small face red with the exertion of voicing his distress. My small part complete I passed him to my brother.

The crying ceased as he was placed in Elladan¡¦s arms. I looked from child to Elladan.
Elladan did not hold the child in the awkward arms I had expected. He cradled the small body with one hand at his head, the other splayed over his back, tiny feet pressing lightly against his chest. They gazed at each other, his grey eyes to his blue. Elladan leaned close bringing the child forward as he did, kissing the brow then whispering the blessing before handing him back to his besotted father with a smile.

Elladan had always maintained when the subject was broached that immortals had little need for heirs. But the light in his eyes when he beheld the child had nought to do with heirs and succession, and all to do with fulfillment and love.

I was mesmerised by what I had just witnessed. All of Elladan¡¦s past talk swept away in that one moment. He may deny what he felt in words but his heart had betrayed him. As right as it seemed for Elladan to father a child, I knew what Elladan¡¦s answer would be to any proposal put to him. And truth was it would break my heart to send Elladan to another. And truth was it would break Elladan¡¦s heart to go to another. But there was the vision once more surfacing in my mind. Elladan and a child. Elladan so unmistakably happy. Could I deny this to him, no matter the cost?

Once more I was shaken from my contemplation by the noise around me. King Theoden held his son aloft, named him Theodred, his heir and successor. More wine was poured, more food platters brought out, the child returned to his mother and spirited away to peace and calm.

My own peace and calm was not to be restored for some time. I glared at the man who was currently occupying my brother. He was tall, reddish hair on his head and face, handsome in a way some men can be. He was leaning close to Elladan who was attempting to maintain some distance between them all the while trying to remain polite. It was not only Elladan who wished a sword had accompanied us.

I was part way to him when my passage was hindered by another of the Rohirrim. A measure shorter but stockier than an elf. His arm went around my waist as he breathed heavily against me. I caught Elladan's eyes. I truly understood then the saying I had heard in villages. If looks could kill. Elladan excused himself from his present company.

"I think brother, it is time for us to depart.¨ He addressed the man who had dropped his arm with Elladan's approach. My brother can be intimidating when the mood takes him.

"We have traveled a great distance with little chance to rest, as I am sure you understand. My brother and our companions will retire and leave you to your revelry." I nodded, awed by Elladan's thinking. He nodded to the others and as a group we sought Theoden¡¦s leave. The celebrations would last many hours more, it was not necessary for us to remain.

At the door of Elladan's room we stopped, waited for the corridor to clear before entering.
Once inside I held Elladan close, disturbed by the manners of men and the vision. I had to reassure myself that I was still his as I pulled at his clothes to undress him. I knew Elladan would think something amiss, but now was no the time to approach him about siring a child. Although it would haunt me, I would not mention it until we were safe within the borders of Imladris, safe surrounded by familiar things. It would be enough to say the manners of men had disturbed me.

"At last,¨ I moaned.

"At last. I cannot abide them touching you Elrohir.¨

"Nor can I, Elladan, nor can I abide the closeness they seek from you¨

I had to have him make love to me that night, though it is rare that he does. I had to feel him take me. Needed the sweet breath of him on my body, telling me how he loved me and wanted me. How he would never let me go. I had to have his hard flesh buried deep within me and feel his hot seed spill inside me. Needed his soft lips caressing every part of me, pressing his tongue to mine, claiming my mouth and body as he did my heart and soul. His the only hands I wanted on me. And importantly to me right now, only my hands on him.

"Take me to bed, Elladan,¨ I asked quietly. We would attend to making my room look slept in later. Much later.

Elladan smiled his predatory grin as he divested us of our clothing and led the way to the bed. As he lay on top of me and I sunk into the mattress, there were no thoughts of the rough hands of men nor babes with pointed ears and dark hair.


CHAPTER TWO Part 4

How it came to be Days in Edoras

Protocol did not require us to stay longer than the three days of feasting and in truth I would be glad when the days ended. Elladan perhaps would have wished the days pass more slowly. He was bright with the desire to learn whatever the Men of Riddermark could offer him. The way the Rohirrim bred and trained their horses, the weapons they made and used while on horseback, the sounds the young prince made, the smell of him, the weight of him in his arms.

It was wrong of me to wish him away from that which he had taken such a regard to. But each time I looked upon him with the babe in his arms, my heart lurched.

The vision would not leave my thoughts. Elladan with a child as dark haired as he, eyes the grey of steel. Unmistakably elf, unmistakably my brother's son. Why Ada's gift had been so cruelly been bestowed on me at this time I could not chance an answer to.

And to see him now was to have that vision in part made real in front of me. He smiled and shook his head. I knew he did not understand either. He handed back the infant and joined me.

"Shall we ride? "

"Alone?¨

"If you wish.¨

We had accompanied Eomund in the past two days as he rode once East and once West to survey the land. Short journeys of less than half a day. Enough to exercise the horses and to see something of the land. It was for the most part a lush land, designed for the horselords and their steads. I had enjoyed simply riding without fear of attack for a while, to find a measure of contentment instead of constant wariness.

A different mix of our kin rode with us each time. They had discovered their own distractions within the walls of Edoras so that the fascination and curiosity that elves presented to these people was satisfied by those who were willing than we were. I was grateful, it meant that though there were those who still challenged themselves with Elladan and I, they were few. It was as well we were pursued less often, Elladan's hand had rested often on the hilt of his sword.

"I wish.¨ I finally had replied after he had touched my arm.

"Then we go alone brother.¨

We took our horses from the stables, rode them through the gates, then took off a speed over the plain, the wind whipping our hair behind us. Elladan looked to me in delight, the smile almost enough for me to pull him off his horse and have my way with him in full view.

We stopped to gather our breath by the river, leaving the horses to their own care while we sat, Elladan in my arms. We did not speak for some time. We did not always find it necessary to convey how we felt with words. Even alone a simple touch was all that was needed. Elladan¡¦s fingers laced in mine was enough for now.

The river flowed, catching a reed here and there and sending it spinning. I watched for a while, startled when Elladan spoke.

"Do you think Ada knows?¨

My grip on him tightened. I did not have to ask the subject. It was something I had thought on, but not decided. I would think on it more as I spoke.

"There is not much that does not come to his notice in one form or another. We have been careful Elladan, but I see the way your eyes shine and I know mine are mirrors of yours. Perhaps he knows and he is happy that we have found a love such as ours and does not wish to interfere. Perhaps he chooses not to see the light between us, as others choose not to see it. It matters little, we are who we are, and I will not give you up.¨

"I do not think he would ask that. I wonder sometimes.....¨ I did not let him finish, turning his head to mine, silencing him with my mouth. I did not need the honey cakes to emphasise the sweetness of his being.

The sun was in the decline when we re-entered the gates and saw to the bedding down of the horses. We smiled to each other as the sounds of joyous celebration reached our ears.

"Little wonder they were granted such short lives, there is not the drink in all of Arda that would last them into immortality.¨ Elladan laughed, wrapped his arms around me.

"I am grateful for our immortality, brother, all the longer to have you in my arms.¨

We followed the sounds, entering once more the great hall. Such celebrations were now casual affairs, where the ale and food flowed freely, as did the cordiality. The king often in attendance, mingling happily with his citizens. We had no need to dress, what we wore was enough. We stayed the short while needed, though we were greeted heartily by Theoden and urged to linger. The morrow would dawn and we would return to our home. So we begged his leave. Something as we left had me turn, he still watched us intently, as if to solve some puzzle whose answer was just a breath away but somehow eluded him.

I bedded Elladan that night as we finished the last of the honey cakes together. Licking the crumbs as they fell about us, Elladan¡'s tongue straying to where no crumbs fell more than once. I chided him that I was not that clumsy an eater, but he would have none of it, insisting he be diligent in his retrieval of all offending particles. I cannot say I minded as his tongue traced over my ear, his teeth nipping softly. Nor did I protest when his quest led him to nuzzle at my thigh, tongue gliding along an organ long since aroused by him. When he deemed himself finished, he lay cheekily on the bed, hand finding the half cake that remained, crushing it in his hand to sprinkle the crumbs over his torso. I could have bade him eat it for I needed little encouragement to taste his lithe body.

Morning found us as other mornings in the Riddermark had found us, curled in the protective circle of each other¡¦s arms. Elladan still slept as I ran my finger over the still red mark on his shoulder. He at least would not have to tailor his dress this time. I however wondered how my travel garb would conceal the mark he had placed on my neck. I knew what he had been thinking when he placed it there. I dearly loved him for it. I was his, always his.

I nudged by sleepy brother awake. Our belongings had been packed the previous night before we retired. All that remained was to ruffle my bed and bid our hosts farewell.

As we stood before the King to wish him and his house well, the dark creature hovered near. There was a chill to the air as I looked to him, then to Theoden as I shook off some foreboding. I would be glad to be rid of this land of horse masters and the foresighting it seems to force on me.


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My brother was strangely quiet on our journey home as if something of great import weighed on him. Despite my pleas he would only reassure me nothing was amiss and whisper how he missed a comfortable bed at night and that he was anxious to return home to again enjoy such comfort. The look in his eyes told me it was perhaps what was in that bed he missed. I hoped so, for I missed him. For all its strangeness and our need for stealth, I had enjoyed our time. It was not looked on as too strange that we spent so much of the evenings together, none urged us with any great intent to join them instead. So we were left, to pursue diplomatic discussions.

We rode back as we had left. Constant vigil on the road, stolen moments of closeness at night that did nothing to soothe the ache we held for each other. At times I wished for the appearance of orc to concentrate my thoughts elsewhere, though I doubted it would be for long.

Elrohir. I glanced to him as we rode, he beside me. He appeared lost in his own musings for he did not turn to me. I could not take his assurances that nothing was amiss. Had unknown to me, a man approached him? Surely not, for we were never far from each other. Was, and this seemed impossible, unbearable to dwell on, he tiring of me and the secret way we had to live. Did he long for a lover with whom he could openly show his love? As this thought drifted through my mind and I gripped the reins of my stead tight, he turned to me. His smile dazzling, his eyes shining. I fell in love in a matter of moments al over again. He inclined his head and I saw what lay ahead. Imladris in all her glory shining in the midday light.

¡§We are home,¡¨ he whispered. I smiled back understanding the intent behind his words. We were home to hold each other in our arms. Home to step into our rooms and close the door behind us. Home to settle into a soft bed and feel his gentle weight atop me. All thought that he would seek another vanishing in those words. I chided myself in my doubt. Yet the illicitness of our love was a darkness and there were times when it held me stronger than it should.

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I had felt Elladan's silent concern for me. Felt it as we rode, as we made camp. The closer we came to our home the more anxious I became. The vision could be nothing but what was to come to pass. I was certain of that. Elladan and his child. It had begun to haunt me. Not only that, it was the one thing I had not shared with my brother and that weighed heavily upon me.

I knew for certain he did not believe my small lie that nothing was amiss. I was sure he was taking upon himself to doubt as he had done often in the early days. As we came to look upon our home, I smiled at him. And with three words that to the ears of others meant nothing more than a joy at our return I told him he could allay his fear. I was forever his.