Twilight Tales - An Ounce of Kindness

Chapter XXXIX

Imladris, 26 September T.A. 2938

Lassen vell,

You have just left the valley and already I miss you so. How I wish I could have accompanied you. But thanks to that pig-headed, son-of-a-troll Alhael I must content myself with following you to Mirkwood instead. You would think that in these times, these mortals would band together instead of taking offense over imagined slights to their good names. Not that Alhael possesses much of a name that could not withstand further sullying. How the Dúnedain spawned such a thick-skulled hothead I cannot comprehend. Thank Eru for Halbarad and his sensible ways. He actually managed to shame Alhael into behaving himself simply by setting an unassailable example. He is turning out to be a most promising youth and Elladan and I look forward to training him.



I must commend you on your timing in leaving when you did however much I rue parting from you. Or should I say express my envy? Estel has been overly frisky these past weeks, harrowing everyone with his mischief. I am not certain whether 'tis a great improvement over his remarkable tendency toward mishaps. Father has oft said he has put enough stitches into that boy to make a quilt. Personally, I think he has understated the matter. Estel will be lucky to survive to his majority considering the number of times he has perforce frequented the healing halls.



Thus far only Glorfindel and I have not fallen victim to his more hair-raising pranks. Mayhap 'tis because our deeds as Imladris' principal defenders have been impressed enough on him to intimidate him. If so, then I am truly grateful that I was not first out of the womb. Elladan says that if Estel does not desist very soon, no one will blame him if he resorts to fratricide in the name of peace and quiet. Even Father has not been spared though Estel tempers his misdeeds when he plays them on him. And then he is so charming and repentant when caught that Father cannot do aught but forgive him and take him back into his good graces.



I once said I did not mind rearing the get of others. Do you recall that? Well, I obviously spoke too soon. It is entirely different when one must contend with a youngster for the space of a season or two. To actually have a hand in the day-to-day care of one as precocious as Estel is a veritable lesson in survival! Even you were not so gamesome, melethron, for all that you were a handful. Then again, you are still a handful and a most pleasant one at that.



I look forward to rejoining you as soon as I escort Alhael and his cohorts to the borders. Halbarad will be staying on however. Erestor is tutoring him in Elven lore and Númenorean history. He will be good company for Estel provided the boy does not drive him mad first.



All my love,

Elrohir



Mirkwood, 5 October T.A. 2938

Berethen,

My sympathies are with you and yours that you must bear the brunt of a youngling's play. More than ever I am grateful that our brushes with child rearing will be sporadic at best. There is something most comforting in the knowledge that one can return one's nephews or nieces to their parents should they begin to fuss beyond one's forbearance. And I admit, mine is perilously low when it comes to teething infants and crankly Elflings.



But fie on you to call me a handful. You belittle me, Elf-knight, for you know full well that I am MORE than a measly handful. Mayhap I should work on reminding you of this when you join me.



Father says he hopes we will not be questing again too soon. A decent night's sleep eludes him when we are far a-field, so great is his concern for our well being. Do remind Elladan to reply to Galvreth's last letter forthwith if he does not wish to be without bed or mate when he gets here. As for myself, I await your arrival as patiently as possible which, my brothers claim, is a feat in itself. Verily, I have no idea why they think I would demean myself otherwise.



Hasten here if you care for an armful of Wood-elf to warm your nights, Elf-knight. I promise you, there will be little need for the hearth to be lit if you let me have my way with you.



Yours evermore,

Legolas



Imladris, 20 August T.A. 2939

Dearest one,

This last sojourn was black beyond belief. Not because of the perils and griefs we encountered but because I was without your presence, my love. Have I ever told you how thankful I am that you persisted in questing with me? If not, let me say it now. 'Twas a gift beyond compare that you bestowed your inimitable company upon me even in times of hardship and fear. You have made this onerous charge bearable and given me more reason to persevere. I know I am helping forge a more wholesome and peaceful world for us all. If I have one regret, it is that I feel your absence even more keenly having gotten accustomed to your steadfast company.



There is not much to say beyond the usual. We discovered an Orc encampment not far from Imladris. They grow bold, these beasts. We gave them no quarter and burned down their camp one night and them with it. Have you ever marked how utterly impossible it is to feel pity for Orcs even when you hear them screaming in pain? They neither whimper nor plead for mercy but curse you and each other to their dying breath. And these scoundrels had no compunction about shoving their own fellows into the flames if by doing so they might save their own miserable hides. Is it any wonder that we Elves have no compunction about destroying them without a second thought? They are wretched, twisted things and as evil and ruthless as their foul creators. Would that we could wipe them from the face of Middle-earth with nary a trace to ever tell of their existence.



I regret that once again I shall not be able to join you but we must now be on guard against other incursions into our territory. Glorfindel has returned to active duty despite Erestor's entreaties to the contrary. We simply cannot take the chance that other foes have been similarly emboldened to trespass on our lands and mayhap bring innocent folk woe as they did my family when Naneth was hurt. I do not do this lightly. It grieves me each time I break our contract to abide together. You always forgive me and assure me of your understanding but I know how much it rankles that duty and honor have parted us far too often of late. I can only beg your pardon anew, melethen, and promise to make amends for my neglect of you when we come together again. Until then, may the Valar keep you safe and sound.



I am ever your,

Elrohir



Mirkwood, 15 February T. A. 2941

Dearest,

You mentioned in your last letter that the Dúnedain wish to ride out sooner this year than usual. Have there been more raids on the settlements to your north? These Goblins are truly a pestilential menace and I cannot blame the Rangers for wishing to deal with them as swiftly as possible. Write me regarding your plans that Galvreth and I might ready ourselves to join you. We are free to ride with you this season and I refuse to allow the opportunity to pass.



Strange that I should count it a stroke of fortune to be able to hunt Orc. But it is the surest means to be with you and I will abide anything in order to do so. I miss you terribly, maethoren vorn. I pray we will be together ere much longer even if it must be in the wilds of Eriador.



Devotedly,

Legolas



Imladris, 28 February T. A. 2941

My Greenleaf,

The Dúnedain have sent word that they shall rendezvous in the Ettenmoors. The Orcs ceased to prey on the northern hamlets after we destroyed their main nest which was brazenly located in one of the villages they had earlier ravaged. We cannot allow this to continue, Legolas. They must be driven back to the mountains where they can do the least harm to the folk in these parts. Aye, they will be a bane to travellers but at least those who traverse the Hithaeglir know enough to arm themselves and always journey in large numbers. I must warn you that we shall likely not return until the onset of winter. We have received reports that the number of brigands and trolls is also on the rise once more. Needless to say, the Rangers intend to eliminate as many of these menaces as possible even if it means hunting way past the end of autumn.



You and Galvreth need not come all the way to Imladris. Elladan and I will ride to meet you at the usual place at the base of the mountains. My love, do not let misplaced pride rule you. Have a large and well-armed escort accompany the both of you over the mountains. I will not have you risk being taken and tormented as Naneth was.



I look forward to being with you again after so long a separation. Eru speed you on your way, my golden prince.



Yours always,

Elrohir



Mirkwood, 22 December T.A. 1941

Rochiren vell,

I have returned from a most unlooked for adventure and verily am still reeling from the suddenness of it all. Hardly had Galvreth and I set foot once more in Mirkwood when we had to march forth with our father's host. All we could get out of the others was something about Dwarves spying on or attempting to rob us. Father caught them but to everyone's surprise they somehow escaped from their cells. Do not raise your eyebrows at me, bereth. I know full well that Imladris has dungeons as well though admittedly they are rarely if ever used.



In any case, we learned through our agents that the missing prisoners had turned up at Esgaroth along with an odd creature that called itself a Hobbit. That certainly piqued my interest for I recall you speaking of a place called the Shire and that its inhabitants call themselves Hobbits though you referred to them as Halflings. The Lake-men also sent word of a sudden attack by that accursed dragon Smaug after the Dwarves set out to reclaim Erebor from him. Smaug destroyed Lake-town but a bowman named Bard slew him with an arrow to his breast. How he knew of that one weakness in the dragon's armor I do not know but 'twas a most welcome stroke of luck.



Naturally, Adar decided to go to the Lake-men's aid. Out of courtesy to allies, he said, but I warrant simple curiosity was the greater reason. So we marched to Erebor and at once came up against the most mule-headed Dwarf of all. How anyone can stomach Thorin Oakenshield as his liege is beyond me but I suppose Dwarves do not mind such incivility as his so long as a reward of booty is in the offing.



I did get to see the Hobbit up close ere more trouble broke out. He had the temerity to come down to our camp and attempt to treat with us. A remarkable person this Bilbo Baggins is. Mithrandir seems to think very highly of him. At any rate, he offered Bard the use of the Arkenstone as a bargaining tool. You have heard of it I presume? But the actual gem far surpasses any description I have ever heard. Small wonder these Naugrim are so jealous of their troves if such treasures are to be had.



Unfortunately, Thorin was utterly unreasonable and refused our suit for peace and concessions. He even banished the Hobbit after hearing of his attempt to prevent war. And so fight we did. And here the sequence of events becomes quite befuddling as I am sure you will agree.



At first, 'twas the Dwarves who were our foes. Thorin somehow got word to his kinsman Dáin and asked for his help. A veritable army of Dwarves descended on Erebor, clamoring for battle. So there we were, our combined armies of Elves and the Lake-men against those stubborn Dwarves. But then that pathetic excuse for an Orc-lord Bolg appeared unlooked for with his own army and a great pack of Wargs. Before we knew it, we found ourselves allied with the Dwarves against the Goblins and Wargs.



Can you believe it? Elves fighting alongside Dwarves? 'Tis nigh incredible and I for one have no desire to repeat the experience. They are fierce fighters, I will give them that. But their language is uncouth and the mere sound of it is a pain to one's ears. Why is it that when you speak Dwarvish you manage to make it sound quite pleasant? Indeed, I recall how you once seduced me while whispering that outlandish tongue. Though I understood not a word you said, you reduced me to begging to be used as you desired. I blush just remembering my shamelessness that night. But I digress. And I really ought not to put such things down in writing lest the wrong people lay their hands and eyes on them.



The upshot of the whole affair is that we had the victory. Bolg was slain by Beorn the skin-changer of whom I had only heard rumor. He is a fascinating creature, I must say, and one I would not care to meet in battle. Sadly, many of our folk perished. And tragically, so did Thorin. I may not have liked his manners but he proved himself a most able ally and a valiant captain and 'tis a pity to lose such a one to Mandos' keeping.



The Dwarves are returned to Erebor and Dáin is now King under the Mountain. He gave the Lake-men a goodly portion of the treasure that they might rebuild Esgaroth and mayhap Dale as well. Indeed, there is a clamor to proclaim Bard king of Dale, which is not a bad thing for he seems a Man of courage, good sense and justice. Definitely of higher moral fiber than the Lake-men's Master whom I have never trusted much.



As for my people, we also came away with treasure aplenty much to Father's delight. It is his one weakness, this liking for gold and other such baubles. Ah well, no Elf is perfect, not even one's sire however highly esteemed he might be. Mithrandir rode away with the Hobbit after we parted from them at the outskirts of Mirkwood. Where they have gone I have no idea. I do hope they fared well and did not come to grief anew. But at least Beorn travelled with them and I doubt any would dare waylay them so long as he is at their side.



Here my tale comes to an end. A most unexpected welcome home this adventure has been. And strangely enough, it has whetted my appetite for your company once more though we are but recently parted. I expect I will not be at liberty to journey forth any time soon. Father will want to keep an eye on Erebor and the rebuilding of Dale and will expect us to do our part. And so I fervently hope that instead you will be able to come to me ere too long, my Elf-knight. Until we can be together again, I remain and always will be your,



Legolas



Imladris, 2 May T.A. 2942

My fair prince,

Adventure will indeed oft come when we least expect or desire it. That seems to be the case with the esteemed Bilbo Baggins. Aye, I have finally met him. For even as I write this letter, he sits in the Hall of Fire with Father and Mithrandir. I concur, he is a most remarkable person. So unassuming in appearance but with a gamesome streak I wager even he never suspected himself of possessing. He plans to stay a week ere making his way home. You need not worry for his safety for Mithrandir shall be with him nigh to the end of his journey.



I wonder though whether Mithrandir spoke at length to your father about the goings on at Dol Guldur. None of your recent letters have mentioned the Necromancer or his stronghold. It gives me reason to believe that you have not yet been apprised of the news of his overthrow. 'Tis true, my love. Even as you battled it out before the Lonely Mountain, the White Council assailed Dol Guldur and drove the Necromancer from his lair. Mirkwood will be wholesome once more and the threat to your folk's safety will be much reduced. Is that not news worth rejoicing in?



How his downfall will affect the rest of the North remains to be seen. I suppose we shall know a little more peace though not enough that Elladan and I may cease our questing. Unfortunately, the Orcs will continue to spawn regardless of the Necromancer's absence and likewise the Rangers will not desist from hunting them down. But I hope I shall not be so hard-pressed to defend our borders and Elladan and I have decided not to ride with the Dúnedain as often or lengthily as before. We shall be able to abide together more constantly as we did of old, dear one. Indeed, I refuse to delay our reunion much longer. When Mithrandir and Bilbo Baggins depart Imladris, so will I. But while they head west, I shall ride east. To you, melethen.



Your devoted,

Elrohir



Mirkwood, 19 July T.A. 2943

Beloved,

I pray your journey home was without incident. I have not grown accustomed to watching you leave despite all the centuries that have passed. I do not think I ever will. I know 'tis unlikely we would ever have met, much less loved had we not been born to our lord-sires. Yet I cannot help longing for the day when we may at last set aside duty and be free to live and love as we desire.



Ah, if only you could have come with me to Dale as we had planned. It would have been a novel experience for us, helping the hardy Dale folk rebuild their homes. Failing that, I wish I could have returned with you to Imladris. I so miss the Last Homely House and your father and Arwen and all your folk. And I so yearn to see our cabin again. How I regret giving my word to Aelluin that I would assist him in treating with King Bard.



Why does Mithrandir deem it important for you and the Dúnedain to keep watch over the Halflings' lands? What could these little folk possibly have that might attract unwelcome attention? I will not pretend to understand the tortuous paths a Wizard's mind travels. I only hope that his reasons are worth the sorrow of parting from you yet again.



Please convey my regards to everyone, especially your father, Glorfindel, Erestor and Estel. And kiss Arwen for me if she is returned from Lórien. What does Estel make of her by the way? I just realized I have not seen him since his seventh summer. I know he is much grown but as he is a mortal child I am not quite sure how grown up he is in relation to an Elfling of the same age. You have oft told me that they mature much more swiftly in body than we do and so I would venture a guess that he is no longer a toddler but fast approaching his adolescence. If so, he must be even more of a handful now than when he was just barely removed from infancy.



Write me, Elrohir. Keep my loneliness at bay. I find great comfort in your letters though nothing can truly assuage my longing for the sound of your voice or the warmth of your arms around me.



Ever yours,

Legolas



Imladris, 28 August T.A. 2943

Pen vuil,

I will be departing tomorrow morn for Bree where Elladan and I will meet the Rangers. Mithrandir still has not enlightened us as to the need for this guard on the Shire and we know better than to press him when he is not ready to reveal his thoughts to us. Though I dare say he has confided some in Adar if not the whole of his fears. I do not yet know how long we shall be away but in all likelihood we will winter in those parts at the very least.



Arwen is not yet returned and so Estel has not seen her. Indeed, he does not even know she exists as Father has forbidden us to speak to him about her. It seems he has had forebodings with regard to this matter but he cannot explain what it is that fills him with unease. You know how it is with foresight. We cannot always clearly see what is to come. More oft than not we only glimpse or sense something of it.



Estel is not merely nearing his adolescence but has already fallen headlong into it. He is now all of twelve summers and as confused and curious as any man-child of that age. And he has become infatuated with just about everyone who resides in the Last Homely House save for Father and Elladan and me of course. He has spared no one his attention, not even Silivien for all that she is one of the oldest Elves in Imladris. I did note that he is especially enamored of fair-haired Elves for he remains smitten with them longest.



When Gildor last visited, he became the recipient of a roomful of blossoms. He did not quite know how to explain to Estel without overly embarrassing him that one does not ply an ellon with flowers. It fell to Glorfindel to do so and the next thing he knew Estel began to pay court to him instead. Of course, Father then had to inform my little brother of the sanctity of elven wedlock and that, as Glorfindel is bound to Erestor, he is off the market so to speak. I very much doubt however that Estel fully comprehends the concept of strict marital fidelity. Imladris has enough traffic with Men for him to have observed that not all of his kindred keep their vows as stringently as we do. Ah well, he is very young and still has much to learn before he comes into his own.



I miss you terribly as well, my Legolas. I, too, look forward to a time when we can be together all the days of our lives. I will write you as frequently as circumstances allow and eagerly await the balm of your replies in return. I remain as always your devoted,



Elrohir



Mirkwood, 10 June T.A. 2944

Melethron,

I should be angered by your prolonged absence but I cannot fault you for doing your duty. Gondor needs watching ever so often and you and Elladan know the south-kingdom and so are the most logical choices to venture there. I only wish Gondor were not so far away or that you must reside there for more than the length of a year each visit. Is this second Ecthelion a wise Steward? And what of the Men of Rohan? How have they fared in all these troubled years? Not that any of these matter to me as much your welfare. Do not put yourself too much at risk, my love. I could not bear it were evil to befall you and we so far apart that I cannot easily or swiftly come to your aid. But enough of that. I would not have you accuse me of discouraging you when what you need is cheering up.



Lalorn has another Elfling to his name after so very long. 'Tis a maid-child and according to Ada she has Mother's eyes and nose. Naturally, he dotes on her and will even carry her into council with him. It amuses us no end and Galvreth oft says 'tis a good thing none of our foes have witnessed our father thusly else they would lose all fear of him! Elivorn is expecting another addition to his brood this winter and Nimaras' wife is childing and due to give birth early next year. The nursery is going to be full again at this rate.



You will be surprised when you finally get to see Dale. It has progressed phenomenally in the past year or so. They are an indomitable people, these Men of Dale. With a king like Bard to guide them, I have no doubts that they will become a realm to reckon with ere very long. They are friendly to the Lake-men and likewise with the folk of Erebor. I cannot say the same of us with regard to the Dwarves however. Father's caution runs deep and I confess so does mine. I know 'tis ancient history but none of us can truly forget that 'twas at the hands of Dwarves that our kinsman Thingol met his end. We are not hostile toward them but neither do we have much to do with them. And truth be told, they avoid us as well so obviously the distrust goes both ways.



Again, I plead with you to take care, beloved. And I pray you will be able to come home to me ere the ache of our separation becomes too much to bear.



Faithfully,

Legolas



Imladris, 28 September T.A. 2946

Forgive me, Legolas,

I cannot go to you as planned for troubling circumstances have arisen. Hirvegil has just returned from patrol and he informed me that a band of brigands has taken to terrorizing travellers on the Great East Road. I need to attend to this problem at once. We cannot let these villains believe that they are free to rob and murder at will. The sooner we retaliate and make an example of them the better.



I promise I will ride to Mirkwood with all haste as soon as I have dealt with the matter. I am quite desperate to be with you after so long a time apart.



Regretfully,

Elrohir



Mirkwood, 14 October T.A. 2946

My Elf-knight,

Why in Arda did I have to wed the guard-captain of Imladris? Verily, this is getting out of hand. Once more I must twiddle my thumbs waiting for you. Do you realize how undignified it is for an Elf to twiddle his thumbs? And if you must send me word of your inability to come here, do not ever do so again through the person you should have arrived with. Elladan is fortunate that 'tis not my habit to strike at the bearer of bad news else Galvreth would be busy nursing him back to health instead of tending to more basic needs.



They are quite a raucous pair by the way. Father now rues giving them the apartment next to his. He says he never realized that they could be so boisterous when 'tis Elladan who is - what is that Mannish phrase again? When it is Elladan who is firmly in the saddle! Adar sometimes jests that he wishes Galvreth had not gotten whole just yet. Though of course you know he would gladly spend the rest of his eternal life in interrupted sleep just to see my brother's felicity at being loved so well.



Unfortunately, watching them is next to no comfort for my own loneliness. I pray that you will be able to come ere too long, Elrohir. Seeing to my own needs is nowhere near as satisfying as having them attended to by you.



Yearningly,

Legolas



Imladris, 25 October T.A. 2946

Calenlassen vain,

You tempt me overmuch with your pleas for my attention. Such care will I lavish on your much too enticing self when I join you, my one. And join with you as oft as time and endurance permit.



How would you have me service your needs? Would you have me plunder your mouth or suckle your throat until you are breathless? Or would you rather I be more venturesome and milk you dry of your seed? I would not mind in the least for a mouthful of your ample flesh is one of the greatest pleasures I have ever had the fortune to experience. Equal only to the joy of plumbing the depths of your delectable posterior, which I deem softer than the finest satin and headier in flavor than vintage Dorwinion.



I could get drunk just supping on your graces, ernil daur, whether 'tis the honeyed warmth behind your lips, the opulent cream of your spending or the earthy sweetness of your most secret core. Oft have I had to stay myself from ravishing you after having a draught of these ambrosial delights and turn to some distraction or other to sober my lust for you. Though, I confess, the taste and feel of your nipples are far from calming to a rapacious Elf. However, the exercise of teasing them to stiffness does divert my desire to bury myself in your irresistible body if only for a brief spell and so divert myself with them I will. That is if I do not busy myself sucking your toes, licking your knees or kissing the insides of your thighs.



Ah, just thinking of the pleasures I shall have of you will be enough to keep me awake through this night. I shall have to take myself in hand and imagine that 'tis your hand upon me that gains me some measure of relief.



I will be with you by November's end. I firmly suggest you wipe your slate clean of any less than pressing matters unless you wish to be cleaved whenever and wherever my desire finds you. 'Tis no idle threat I make so heed me well and ready yourself for many a long hard ride through the winter, my golden one.



Ravenously,

Elrohir



Mirkwood, 3 November T.A. 2946

Confound you, Elf-knight!

I could scarcely walk back to our rooms after reading your letter. Had I known how bawdy its contents would be I would not have opened it while amidst my family. Elladan must have suspected the cause of my discomfort for he snickered when I suddenly stood up and left. No doubt he has apprised Galvreth of my predicament by now and I will not hear the end of it for the next several days.



Whatever possessed you to put down so lewd a message in writing? Valar! Had the haggard that bore your missive been waylaid and this fallen into other hands, whatever would be thought of Elves in general and the sons of Elrond and Thranduil in particular? Truly, you ought not to commit such prurient speech to paper.



As you probably intended, wicked one, not only could I barely walk back to our apartment with so fearsome an arousal hampering my stride, but I also could not sleep through the night even after spilling myself twice beforehand. So deeply did you impress your intentions on me that they invaded even my dreams and I awakened more than once entangled in soiled sheets.



By Elbereth, you had better hold to your word when you arrive, Elrohir. You have to make amends for my embarrassment over unbidden stiffenings and spillages because of your lubricious treatise!



Impatiently,

Legolas



Mirkwood, 25 November T.A. 2946

Legolas groaned in frustration when he felt the withdrawal of knowing fingers from within him and the cessation of wet warmth around his straining length. He desperately looked down into bewitching twilight eyes. Had his hands been free he would have reached down and hauled the owner of those eyes up and into place between his legs. But they were not and the silken cords that secured his wrists to the headboard while soft and comfortable where aggravatingly strong and refused to give however hard he tugged at them.



He groaned once more as lips and fingertips ghosted over the tops of his quivering thighs and overly tense groin.



“Please, Elrohir, you promised…” he implored, almost sobbing with need.



The Elf-knight lifted his head and a perilous smile curled his sensuous mouth, which only served to heighten the Mirkwood prince's nigh excruciatingly stoked passion. At last, he crept up the length of the archer's trembling body and poised his hips exactly where they were most urgently needed.



“Weep not, cunn lend”-sweet prince-he huskily crooned. “You know I always keep my word.”



In one smooth plunge, he slid in to the hilt, cleaving his deliriously enraptured mate with the bounty of his flesh and filling his heart with the splendor of his loving.



***************************

Glossary:

lassen vell - my dear leaf

berethen - my spouse

melethron - male lover

Naneth - Mother

melethen - my love

maethoren vorn - my dark warrior

Hithaeglir - the Misty Mountains

rochiren vell - my dear knight

Adar, Ada - Father, Papa

Naugrim - the Elves' name for the Dwarves

pen vuil - dear one

ellon - male Elf

calenlassen vain - my fair greenleaf

ernil daur - forest prince



To be continued…