Mending a Heart

A/N: Loa – Sindarin for a year


Chapter 5: Heart-to-Heart


The next morning, Elladan got up earlier than usual. He wanted to speak with his father about the prince. He got dressed hurriedly and quickly fashioned his dark brown hair. Gathering some hair on both sides of his head, he pulled it back and secured it with a fastener, allowing the rest to flow freely. Satisfied with his appearance, Elladan raced to the lord’s study, hoping to converse with him before he went down to the morning meal.

“Father?” Elladan asked, entering the lord’s study.

“Yes, Elladan?” Elrond responded, looking at his son and smiling.

“May I speak with you?” Elladan asked.

“Of course,” Elrond said, motioning his son to sit down.

Elladan sat down on a plush settee and Elrond sat on a matching divan across from him.

“Are you alright?” Elrond asked, looking at his son with concern. “I have never known you to arise this early in the morning.”

“Aye, Father,” Elladan said earnestly. “I am well, but I suspect someone else is not.” He looked at his father apprehensively before continuing. “I am concerned for Legolas. He is the reason I have come to see you this morning.”

“I see,” Elrond said slowly.

“I have seen the way he behaves each morning and the way he looks at you. It is as though the two of you have shared some sort of secret,” Elladan said. “I have also noticed that his demeanor changes like the wind. One moment he seems to be in great despair and the next, the prince is jovial. I was wondering, Father, does Legolas confide in you?”

“Very little, I’m afraid,” Elrond replied seriously. “Often, I will seek him out to see if I may be of some assistance, but usually the prince prefers to be alone. He has told me of some. . . ” Elrond broke off quick“som“some problems that he is having, but has not sought my assistance. I will not encourage Legolas to talk to me, nor will I try to force my counsel upon him.”

“But why, Father?” Elladan asked confused. “Shouldn’t you be trying to heal the prince?”

“Nay, Elladan,” Elrond said kindly. “Healing the physical body is not difficult. With the proper care, the body will heal itself. The soul, on the other hand,” he continued solemnly, “is something else altogether. Even with the gentlest care, the soul may never fully mend.”

“Do you think that Legolas’ soul will heal?” Elladan asked, trying not to sound too concerned.

“I do not know, Elladan,” Elrond admitted honestly. “When he is ready to mourn, the healing process will begin.”

“What?” Elladan asked, stunned. “Are you saying that he has not yet begun to heal?”

“Nay,” Elrond said, shaking his head. “I believe that the healing process has begun, but Legolas must move on; he must grieve. Only then will the prince begin to recover.”

Elladan frowned and looked at his father with great concern. He couldn’t help but wonder if the prince would ever overcome his sorrow.

“Do not be dismayed,” Elrond said gently, noticing the look on his son’s face. “I believe that Legowillwill confide in someone soon, and I believe he will choose you as his confidant.

“Me?” Elladan asked, flabbergasted. “Why me?”

“Legolas is drawn to you,” Elrond stated, smiling thoughtfully. “On the day of his arrival, he chose you.”

“But why me?” Elladan asked, dismayed. “I am. . . crude. I am. . . stubborn.”

“You are gentle. You are a healer,” Elrond said, looking into his son’s eyes.

“Nay, Father,” Elladan said in disbelief, “you are a healer, not I.”

“I beg to differ,” Elrond said warmly. “When Celebrían left, our hearts were in ruins. Who took care of Arwen and Elrohir?”

“You did, Father,” Elladan replied quickly.

“As did you, Elladan,” Elrond said gently. “You spent every waking hour with your siblings. You put your grief on hold so you could provide a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. You **are** crude at times and you can be stubborn, but you have the kindest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. You have grown into a strong and noble warrior, and I am very proud to be your father,” Elrond said sincerely.

Elladan looked at his father in amazement. Elrond’s words touched his heart, as the lord did not offer compliments freely. Elladan stood, walked over to his father and held him in a tender embrace. “Thank you, Father,” he said, releasing the lord. “But. . . what should I do if Legolas chooses to confide in me? How should I help him?”

“Mending a heart,” Elrond said looking at his son in the eyes, “is not my gift, but yours. You are a spirit healer, Elladan. When the time comes, you will be ready.”

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After the morning meal, Elladan and Elrohir went to the stable to ready their mounts.

Legolas, saying that he had something to do, stayed behind.

The twins worked in silence as they fed their horses before the journey.

Elladan couldn’t help but chuckle. He couldn’t wait until some burly human tried to cozy up to the prince.

“What’s so funny?” Elrohir asked curiously.

“I was just thinking about Legolas,” Elladan replied, smiling.

“Aye,” Elrohir remarked slyly. “You do that a lot, don’t you?”

“Begging your pardon?” Elladan asked, turning to face his brother. He didn’t like the mocking tone of his brother’s voice.

“The prince,” Elrohir said, grinning, “you think about him often. You touch him often, and you gaze into his eyes often.”

“So, what does Ellaria think about your trip to Gaidon, this day?” Elladan asked quickly, trying to change the subject. He hadn’t realized that Elrohir was aware of his feelings for Legolas.

“Ellaria knows that I am going to Gaidon, but she does not know why,” Elrohir admitted.

“Why is that?” Elladan asked.

“She is still embarrassed about calling Legolas a maiden,” Elrohir said seriously. “If I told her that we were riding to Gaidon to tease the prince about her error, I fear she would die from shame.”

“’Tigoodgood point, Elrohir. I would not like to embarrass Ellaria, but. . . ” Elladan paused smiling mischievously, “I could kiss your love upon her cheek for presenting me with this opportunity. I cannot wait to get to Gaidon to prove that she was correct. I shall win the jest this day!”

“But surely you do not believe that Legolas looks like a female?” Elrohir asked his brother in disbelief. “The prince is very fair, but he has the bearing of a warrior.”

Elladan smiled deviously. “He does not look like a she-elf, but I shan’t tell him that. He has outdone me nearly everyday with his wit. . . but not today. I will best the prince at last!”

“I wish you luck in your venture, Brother, but please be careful,” Elrohir said playfully. “I wouldn’t want the prince to hurt his wrist again while we are on our journey.”

“What?” Elladan asked, dismayed.

“Well, what will happen if we have the urge to grapple with the prince again?” Elrohir asked. “If he becomes injured, it will be difficult for you to straddle him while he is upon his steed. Perhaps, you could grab his wrist and pull him off the horse, and then examine his injury.”

Elladan blushed furiously. “I know not what you mean.”

“Elladan, do not insult my intelligence,” Elrohir said flatly. “It is clear to me that you fancy Legolas. So, why have you not tried to court the prince? He has told us that he is not in a relationship.”

Elladan sighed heavily. “You are mistaking my kindness for intimacy,” he said, avoiding Elrohir’s eyes. “I only wish to aid Legolas in his healing process.”

“And would you **aid** the prince in his bedchamber or yours?” Elrohir asked, smirking.

“Elrohir!” Elladan said in embarrassment.

“Elladan!” Elrohir mocked teasingly.

“Please,” Elladan pleaded, “the prince may enter at any moment, and I do not wish for him to hear your jests.”

“I am not jesting. Why are you lying to me, Elladan?” Elroaskeasked in disbelief. “If your guise does not fool the prince, then it will most definitely not fool me. I have spent every day of my life with you, and I will continue to do so for all eternity. You are my brother and my best friend. I cherish you and greatly desire your happiness. What prevents you from telling the prince how you feel?”

Elladan sighed again and looked down at the floor.

Elrohir walked over and placed his hand on his twin’s shoulder. “It is because of mother, isn’t it?” he asked gently.

“Aye,” Elladan admitted.

“But you have such a kind heart,” Elrohir said encouragingly. “It would be unfortunate not to share it with someone.”

“And if Legolas rejects me?” Elladan asked, meeting his brother’s gaze.

“He won’t,” Elrohir stated, smiling brightly, walking back over to his steed.

“How do you know?” Elladan asked puzzled. “You have not spoken to Legolas about this, have you?”

“Nay,” Elrohir said beaming. “But I would not allow someone to mount **me** unless I felt kindly towards them.”

Elrohir laughed and Elladan smiled sheepishly.

“Heed my words, Brother,” Elrohir said, becoming serious again. “Legolas is handsome, strong and I would imagine a magnificent lover.”

“Elrohir!” Elladan exclaimed, shaking his head at his brother’s crudeness.

“Anyone with eyes can see how stunning he is, Elladan,” Elrohir said, maintaining his serious tone. “Legolas will not wait for you forever. Tell him how you feel today.”

“Shhh,” Elladan said hurriedly, “he is coming.”

Moments later, Legolas and Arwen entered the stable. Arwen was laughing while Legolas shrugged, embarrassed.

“What is so funny, you two?” Elrohir asked, smiling in anticipation.

“A female has asked Legolas to court her,” Arwen remarked teasingly.

“Is that so?” Elrohir looked at Elladan piercingly.

“Aye,” Arwen said, beginning to laugh again.

Elladan felt his heart sink. *I am too late.*

“Well?” Elrohir said, annoyed. “Do not keep us in suspense. Who desires your heart, Prince?”

“Zera’s little sister,” Legolas said, blushing.

“But she is a child!” Elladan exclaimed quickly.

“Aye,” Legolas agreed, nodding.

“What is her age, Arwen?” Elrohir asked curiously.

“Hmmm…” Arwen said pensively. “She is Zera’s youngest sibling. I believe she is no more than one hundred and fifty.”

“She is a mere babe,” Elrohir said matter-of-factly.

Elladan let out a sigh of relief.

“’Tis so sweet, though,” Arwen said as she and Legolas began to ready their horses. “She wrote him the cutest little note. . . in her best script, nonetheless. Be gentle with her heart when you reject her, Legolas,” Arwen said a bit sadly. “The first male that I approached laughed at me. I cried for two days.”

Legolas’ eyes widened with sympathy. He placed his hand on Arwen’s shoulder and squeezed sympathetically.

“He did not laugh for long,” Elladan said, smiling menacingly. “Did he, Brother?”

“Nay,” Elrohir said, smirking. “Although, Father was furious,” he added, shuddering at the memory.

“I will be kind,” Legolas promised, looking at Arwen. “I do admire her bravery, though. At least she is direct.”

“So, you prefer a **direct** approach, eh, Legolas?” Elrohir asked smugly, glancing at Elladan.

Arwen looked at Elladan as well.

“Aye,” Legolas responded thoughtfully. “’Tis nice that she expressed her feelings for me, even though she is only one hundred and fifty.”

“Perhaps luck will be on your side today,” Elrohir said innocently.

Elladan glared at Elrohir threateningly.

Legolas looked at Elrohir quizzically, but continued to prepare Yon for the trip to Gaidon.

Arwen led her steed out of its stall, as she joined her brother’s excitedly.

“What are **you** doing?” Elladan asked Arwen in disbelief.

“I am going to Gaidon,” Arwen replied simply.

“You **are** not,” Elladan said firmly.

“You owe me a favor, Elladan,” Arwen said flatly. “Do you not remember the conversation that we had yesterday?”

“I remember,” Elladan spat, “that you told me I owe you a favor. And then you ran away with your friends before I could respond. I hardly call that a conversation.”

“Nonetheless,” Arwen continued, “we agreed to share the prince and yesterday you spent the entire day with him.”

“When did we agree to share the prince?” Elladan asked incredulously. “And how do you know about our journey anyway?”

“Legolas told me,” Arwen said, looking at the prince.

Elladan looked at Legolas in shock. “Is that why you did not come to the stable with us after the morning meal? Is that what you meant when you said that you had something to do?”

“Aye, but I only told her that I would not away with her today,” Legolas added quickly. “I did not know our journey was a secret.”

“It is a secret to those who are not invited,” Elladan said icily, glaring at his sister.

“I am going, Elladan,” Arwen said, mounting her horse, “and if you refuse me, I shall make you do needlecraft with me for a fortnight!” Arwen threatened.

“How can you **make** me do anything?” Elladan asked, shaking his head in utter disbelief.

“I will tell father that you grappled with Legolas and injured his wrist,” Arwen said, narrowing her eyes.

Elladan’s jaw dropped and he looked at Legolas accusingly.

Legolas raised both hands in protest. “I said nothing, Elladan,” Legolas remarked, shaking his head. The prince chuckled quietly as the siblings were once again fighting over him. He was debating whether or not to intervene, but had learned that this was their way.

“Nay, Elladan,” Arwen sneered sweetly. “Spending time with the prince has greatly improved my observation skills. Upon seeing Legolas, I immediately noticed his sad state and knew that his disrepair had to be the result of brotherly foolishness.”

“How could your observation skills have improved after one day, Arwen?” Elladan asked irritably. “Legolas had only been here for one day when we grappled. And, anyway, what would father do?” he asked, smiling haughtily. “I am fully-grown. I do not believe that he would try to punish me.” Elladan looked at Elrohir for support.

Elrohir widened his eyes in disagreement while Arweook ook her head knowingly, raising her eyebrows.

“Perhaps I should ask, Father,” Arwen said cunningly, “I believe that he is in his study with some noblemen. Or, is he in a private council meeting? No matter, I shall interrupt him at once as this is a pressing matter, indeed!” Arwen began to dismount.

“Alright!” Elladan exclaimed angrily. “You can come with us. But I would ask that you leave us be when we arrive in the human city. . . unless you know the purpose for our journey and wish to spoil that as well.”

Elrohir’s face paled and he looked at his sister nervously. Arwen and Ellaria were good friends, and he feared that his sister would not keep this jest a secret.

“I know not the reason for this expedition, and I care not,” Arwen remarked candidly. “I only wish to leave Rivendell for a day and purchase human goods for my amusement. Is that too much to ask?”

“Yes!” Elladan exclaimed sharply. “And what are **you** doing?” he cast a disbelieving look at Legolas.

“What do you mean?” Legolas asked, mounting his steed.

“Why are you armed as though we are going into battle?” Elladan asked, looking up at the prince and shaking his head doubtfully. “Gaidon is only across the river. We will be there and back before nightfall. I hardly think that a journey such as this would require a bow and quiver, a sword and two knives.”

“You and Elrohir are not planning on arming yourselves?” Legolas asked, stunned.

“Gaidon is just beyond the western border of Rivendell,” Elladan explained. “There is no need for concern.”

“Elladan, I need not tell you that orc attacks have become more commonplace recently. It matters not if we travel for an hour or a loa. If you and Elrohir do not arm yourselves, Arwen and I shan’t go,” Legolas stated firmly.

Elladan looked at Elrohir in shock. He considered reminding the prince that he was Arwen’s brother and should be the one to forbid her to go. Noticing the stern look upon Legolas’ face, however, he held his tongue.

“But, I. . . ” Arwen began to protest.

“Nay, Arwen,” Legolas said curtly. “You are not a warrior, and could not do battle if set upon by the enemy. If your brothers are unwilling to meet my terms, I will not go and neither will you.”

Elladan looked in the prince’s eyes and could see that Legolas was serious. “Elrohir?” he said finally, “Arm up.”

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TBC. . .