Mending a Heart and the Tie that Binds

Chapter 5: Trouble Lies Ahead


Elladan awakened the next morning to the smell of freshly bakedad aad and warm apple cider brewing in the kitchen downstairs. He stretched languidly and let his eyes fall upon the slumbering beauty next to him – Legolas. Elladan stared at the prince’s handsome face unabashedly, smiling at his pouty expression. Moving closer to Legolas, Elladan gently removed the blanket from the prince’s body so that he could admire his beauty more fully.

Legolas was lying on his side, facing Elladan, and stirred slightly when he felt a gentle breeze waft across his bare chest.

Elladan let his eyes travel down the length of the prince’s body and stopped for a moment, gazing longingly at Legolas’ member. He thought briefly about the night before, remembering how skillfully the prince had used his organ to pleasure him mercilessly. He closed his eyes, letting the memories wash over him. Suddenly, he could feel a warm sensation pooling in his lower region as an intense arousal took hold.

Legolas made an acerbic sound and rolled onto his back, frowning.

Elladan paused for a moment and then moved close to the prince, hovering over his face. “Legolas?” he whispered.

The prince did not move.

“Legolas?” Elladan whispered again. “It is morning.”

“Uh,” the prince muttered irritably, shifting his body in a rough manner.

“Awaken fair prince,” Elladan said, brushing a stray blonde hair from Legolas’ face. “The morning meal has been prepared and I cannot decide if I should go and eat or ravish you.”LegoLegolas chuckled. He looked at Elladan and smiled. He rubbed his eyes and stretched, yawning sleepily.

“Well, what say you?” Elladan asked, running his fingers through the prince’s flaxen locks. “Methinks that we are perfectly dressed… or undressed, rather, for early morning intimacy. The food is quite tempting but not so much as the prospect of riding you like a steed.”

Legolas laughed and caressed Elladan’s face. Raising his head up off of the pillow, he kd hid his lover gently, closing his eyes.

Elladan cupped the back of the prince’s head for support, deepening the kiss by sliding his tongue into Legolas’ mouth.

The prince moaned softly and opened his eyes, breaking the kiss. “Good morning, my Elladan. Did you sleep well?”

“Quite well,” Elladan said.

“And your fell mood, is it gone?” Legolas asked.

“Well, that depends,” Elladan said slowly.

“On what?”

“Thewer wer to the question that I asked earlier.”

“Intimacy or the morning meal?” Legolas asked for clarification.

“Aye,” Elladan said, nodding.

“Well…” Legolas began. “I… I…”

“Oh no, you do not feel like being intimate, do you?” Elladan wailed.

“Nay, nay it is not that,” Legolas said quickly. “Intimacy sounds wonderful. But I… well, I… I promised Arwen, Zera, Tialise and Ellaria that I would spend some time with them this morn. I must get dressed at once so that I am not late for my meeting with them.”

“Uh!” Elladan groaned and flung himself back onto the bed in exasperation. “I cannot believe this.”

“What?”

“That you would pass up the opportunity to wallow in hours of pleasure to go and chat with a group of females. Their greatest amusement in life is the latest needlepoint techniques and female hair fashions.”

“That is not true. Do not forget that Zera is on the border patrol and Arwen, Ellaria and Tialise can wield a sword, almost as well as their warrior, female companion. And while they enjoy needlepoint, we do not always discuss sewing and fashion,” Legolas explained. “You do not give your sister and her friends enough credit. They are very interesting.”

Elladan shook his head in disagreement and exhaled loudly.

“Please do not be angry,” Legolas said, climbing out of the bed and pulling his leggings on.

“How can I not be?” Elladan asked, sitting up and looking at the prince. “You would rather spend time with Arwen than me.”

“That is note ane and you know it, Elladan,” Legolas said, putting his overtunic on and buttoning it. “I love being with you, but sometimes we must commit to other obligations.”

“But the mornings used to be reserved for me,” Elladan whined.

“I know,” Legolas said. “But I cannot arrange my time the way I did when I was here before. The competition will be taking place soon, and much of our day will be spent competing against one another. It will be difficult to see each other at all then.” I knI know,” Elladan said glumly.

Legolas began to run through his hair with a wooden comb. He sat on the bed and began to braid his hair as he spoke to Elladan. “What if I promise that you can have your way with me later on today? Would that please you?”

“Very much,” Elladan said, cheering up a little.

“Good, then it is settled,” Legolas remarked, standing. “Would you like to meet me at midday? We can dine and then spend some time alone together.”

“’Tis a good idea,” Elladan said.

Legolas smiled and eyed Elladan’s bare chest hungrily. “Methinks that spending time alone with you will be great fun.”

Elladan looked down at his bare chest and grinned. “Aye, it will indeed.”

“Until midday,” Legolas said.

“Until then,” Elladan said, watching the prince as he exited the bedchamber.

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“Good morning, Sire,” a servant said, bowing deeply when the king passed by.

“Good morning,” Thranduil remarked, nodding politely to the laborer. He exited the manor and inhaled the morning air. Looking around and smiling, the king set out, armed with a small knife. He took in the beauteous sights of Rivendell as he walked, admiring the large trees and the multiple streams. He saw two butterflies dancing together on the wind, seemingly enamored with one another as they flitted about frantically. The king’s mind drifted to Elrond and he felt his heart leap in his chest. If only they were butterflies, he thought, then perhaps they could be together. The trappings of royalty and past wrongs would no longer be an issue.

Thranduil sighed and bowed politely when he saw a group of females staring at him blatantly.

“Hello,” a tall female with long auburn hair and hazel eyes said, curtseying deeply.

“Hello,” Thranduil said, smiling when the other females spoke to him. The king didn’t shis his pace.

The maids swooned under the king’s gaze. Feeling their knees weaken and their heartbeats quicken, the females blushed furiously unable to do much more than grin foolishly.

The king had to refrain from shaking his head in dismay once he had passed the she-elves. He could never understand the way elves reacted to him or why he was often treated as some sort of oddity instead of just a king. He was proud of his title and had worked tirelessly to gain the respect of elves from near and far. But sometimes he wished that being a king did not set him so far apart from his kindred. As he walked he could feel the females’ gaze lingering on him, but he didn’t look back.

He rounded the path and found a clearing encircled by a cluster of large trees. Deciding that this was the spot he was looking for, Thranduil stepped off of the path and into the forest. Scouring the ground, he discovered a large limb that was lying on the ground. Taking it in his hands, he sat underneath an enormous oak tree and pulled out his knife. Stripping the limb of its bark, the king looked carefully at it and then broke the small branches off. Silently, he began to carve the wood.

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“Thranduil?” Elrond said, entering the grove. “Are you alright?”

“I am fine,” Thranduil said, quickly hiding the wooden sculpture and his knife behind his back. “Why?”

“You were not at the morning meal,” Elrond explained. “I was concerned that you were still upset about last night’s uproar.”

“Nay,” Thranduil said sincerely. “Actually, I rarely partake of the morning meal. Usually, I prefer to take a walk each morning to awaken my senses.”

“I see,” Elrond said, looking at Thranduil. “May I join you?”

“Of course,” Thranduil replied.

Elrond sat down on the ground beside the king and flinched when he leaned against something that was very hard. “What is this?” he asked, reaching behind his back and holding up what he thought was simply a long, thick piece of wood.

“It is nothing,” Thranduil said, attempting to swipe the limb from Elrond’s hands.

The lord shifted the wood quickly, thwarting Thranduil’s’ attempt to gain access to it, and began to study it carefully. At once, his mouth fell open in awe.

Etched painstakingly into the wood was the manor of Rivendell in all it’s glory. So realistic was the carving that Elrond wondered iazemazement if the very doors that had been expertly carved into the limb would suddenly swing open and his children would appear.

“It… it is not very good,” Thranduil stammered.

“Not very good?” Elrond repeated in complete shock. “You are right, Thranduil, this is not very good. For a work of art such as this could only be deemed as greatness. I did not know that your were gifted in the art of woodcraft.”

“I’m not,” Thranduil said, shrugging. “I have never been formally educated in art… except for the appreciation of it. My father forbid me to study what he called ‘a frivolous pursuit.’ So, I would hide my carvings. No one has ever seen my work… until now.”

Elrond smiled. “It is exquisite. In all my years, I do not think that I have ever seen woodwork as fine as this. But…”

“But?” nduinduil asked.

“But why do you still hide your art? Your father died long ago. Now, you are king. You should share this with your sons,” Elrond encouraged gently.

“I cannot,” Thranduil said, shaking his head. “My duty is to my kingdom, not to my craft. I do not want to guide my sons’ interests from their royal duties to those of… lesser value.”

“But your talent is not of lesser value. And if you truly believe what you are saying then why do you do it?” Elrond asked.

“Because…” Thranduil began slowly. “Because the burdens of being a ruler can take a toll after a while. When I fashion something out of woo can can direct all of my thoughts into what I am doing… escape into my carving. For a few moments, I am not a king… I am just Thranduil.”

“You do not want to be king?” Elrond asked.

“I have said too much,” Thranduil muttered, shifting uncomfortably.

“Nay… nay, you haven’t,” Elrond said warmly. “Do not forget, I am a ruler, too. I understand the hardship that can be caused when trying to command a realm.”

“But it was your choice,” Thranduil said. “It was my destiny.”

Elrond pondered Thranduil’s words for a moment in silence, having never really contemplated the unfairness of a monarchy. “Did you ever speak to your father about this?”

Thranduil gave Elrond sbelsbelieving look.

“I would not have told him my feelings either,” Elrond admitted. “King Oropher was a bit intimidating.”

“A bit?” Thranduil asked, smiling.

“Very well, he could be quite frightening at times,” Elrond said. “But… he did love you, Thranduil.”

“I know,” the king said, “but he was cruel sometimes.”

Elrond nodded and looked in the king’s blue-green eyes. “You did not like your father very much, did you?”

“Nay,” Thranduil said truthfully. “Father always wanted what he thought was best for me. I was the crown prince and he expected me to act as such at all times. His praise was unfaltering when I pleased him and his displeasure was relentless when I failed him. He was very hard on me, believing that his constant scrutiny was a form of love. It is ironic that I am much like father in some ways. I am very strict where my children are concerned and will not tolerate disrespectful or outlandish behavior. Nonetheless, I am quite mild compared to my father.”

“I agree,” Elrond said, nodding. “You are not your father. You are a better king than he. I have been told that you are greatly loved by your people, that you have shown bravery in the face of great peril. Even though you may not always like being king, you are good at it.”

“It is what I was bred to do,” Thranduil said. “The whole of my life has been dedicated to my reign. And under the close watch of my father, you tend to learn **very** quickly,” he quipped, smiling.

Elrond chuckled.

“Now, what I wish to know is how you managed to trick me into self-disclosure. I have never spoken of this to anyone in all my years and yet here I am, sitting on the ground, confessing some of my most personal thoughts to you. Tell me, is sorcery akin to your talents as a healer?”

Elrond smiled. “Unfortunately not. I think that you confided in me because you trust me. You know that I will not reveal what you have said to anyone.”

“That is true; I do trust you. Of course, you are fully aware of the foul temper that I inherited from my father,” Thranduil added, grinning deviously. “I would hate to banish you from Mirkwood again, but would be forced to if you angered me.”

Elrond laughed, as did Thranduil.

The warriors spent the rest of the morning together talking and laughing and Thranduil felt extremely disappointed when the sun was high overhead signaling that midday had come. He knew that Elrond would probably have to take his leave to attend to his own affairs, but he couldn’t help but wish that they could spend just a bit more time together.

“It is midday,” Elrond announced, almost on cue.

“Aye,” Thranduil said, looking up at the sky, cursing it silently.

“I must away as I have some matters to attend to,” Elrond announced, standing up.

Thranduil stood as well, trying to hide the disappointment in his voice as he spoke. “Yes, the work of a good leader never ceases. You should be on your way.”

“Why don’t you join me?” Elrond asked. “I only need to speak to Glorfindel about some additional security measures for the competition and then would like to partake of the midday meal. I would very much enjoy your company… if you do not have plans.”

The king could feel his heart leap in his chest but remained calm. “That would be nice,” he said nonchalantly.

“Good,” Elrond said, smiling.

As the two warriors left the grove together Thranduil looked at Elrond. “Thank you for listening to my incessantttlettle this morn. As a king, I have few friends… save Goel, a constable in Mirkwood.” The king’s voice trained off suddenly, as his loneliness took hold.

“I enjoy talking with you, Thranduil. And you could never prattle on about anything. I know that this has been a difficult time for you. The loss of Areen must have been as difficult for you as it was for Legolas… I know how much you cared for her. But… you had to endure -- for the sake of your kingdom and your children. You have had to keep so much of yourself concealed from others… but you can reveal yourself to me. I want to know you -- to be your friend again.” Elrond stopped speaking abruptly, suddenly painfully aware of the distant look on Thranduil’s face and the sadness in the depths of his eyes.

“I…” Elrond began, unsure of what to say. “It would seem that I am the one who is babbling unceasingly. I… I am sorry if I… if I offended you.”

Thranduil shook his head and smiled faintly. “Your words… your words cut like a knife, because they ring so true. I am not offended, only saddened that we lost so many years as friends because of my anger toward you. I… I am so sorry, Elrondknowknow that there is nothing that I can say or do to make up for my behavior. To be honest, I do not know why you would want to rekindle a friendship with me. If our positions were reversed… I do not think that I would be as forgiving as you have been.”

Elrond stopped walking and gazed into the king’s eyes; he was surprised at what he saw. Thranduil stood before him like a child who was about to be chastised. There was so much regret, sadness and loneliness in his orbs that Elrond felt a deep swell of pity for the king. “Misunderstandings are the bane of friendships. You made a mistake… we all do. Do not dwell on the past, for errors made then can no longer be undone. Let us deal only with the present, so that we may, over time, forge a kinship that will be indestructible in the future.”

Thranduil nodded. “I would like that.”

“As would I,” Elrond said sincerely.

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Legolas waved to his female companions, bidding them farewell before joining Elladan, Elrohir, Dace, Makail and the Lórien brothers for the afternoon meal. Everyone was waiting patiently in the parlor for the prince’s arrival.

Elladan watched as the prince approached, gasping softly when he came into view. Legolas was so beautiful. He smiled to himself, feeling honored that the prince could love him.

“Hello,” Legolas said to the group.

“Hello,” everyone said, except for Elladan. He was too busy admiring the prince to say anything.

Legolas looked at Elladan with a genuine look of worry. “Elladan?”

Elladan felt his smile widen when he saw the prince’s expression of concern. “Hello,” he said, absently caressing Legolas’ face.

Legolas leaned in to Elladan’s touch, temporarily forgetting that they were not alone.

“When the two of you have finished fondling each other can we eat?” Elrohir asked in annoyance.

Makail, Dace, Rúmil and Orophin laughed.

Haldir shook his head in dismay.

Elladan’s hand fell to his side at once and Legolas gave Elrohir a shocked look. He had never known the younger twin to sound so rude.

“Do not mind him, Legolas,” Elladan said, giving Elrohir a reproachful look. “Fell moods are catching these days.”

Elrohir looked at Elladan disdainfully for a moment and then his look softened. Sighing heavily, he bowed his head and stared at the ground.

“Elrohir,” Elladan said gently, moving away from Legolas and turning to face his younger brother. He placed his hand on Elrohir’s shoulder, “I am sorry… I… I know… I… perhaps we should speak in private.”

Elrohir nodded is head slowly.

“I will be back in a few moments,” Elladan said, looking at Legolas. “Go ahead and begin the afternoon meal without us.”

Legolas watched as the twins exited the parlor and stood in the entranceway of the manor.

“What is wrong with Elrohir?” Makail asked, looking at Legolas.

“I do not know,” Legolas said, unable to tear his eyes from the identical elvish figures in the distance.

“He has been… different lately,” Haldir commented. “He seems troubled.”

“Dace, do you notice something different about Little One?” Makail asked, changing the subject. “Look at his skin.”

“What?” Dace asked, confused and then smiled deviously when Makail winked. “Yes, I see what you mean. Legolas is glowing. I have never seen him look so… radiant.”

“Nor have I,” Makail said, smirking. “If it were cloudy outside, perhaps Legolas could brighten our day.”

Dace laughed.

“Huh?” Legolas asked, glancing at Makail.

“We were just saying that you are glowing this day. Are you using the sageberry cleanser that Mara made on your skin?” Makail asked innocently.

“Nay,” Legolas said, confused.

“That is hard to believe,” Makail said.

“Very hard to believe,” Dace said, nodding his head, trying not to smile.

“Why?golagolas asked, looking from one brother to the other.

“Because you look positively radiant. But since you are not cleansing your face differently, then perhaps something else happened last night to make your face shine,” Makail explained.

“He did leave the feast a bit early,” Dace said, looking at his older brother. “And when I called for him he was nowhere to be found… neither was Elladan.”

“Ah!” Makail exclaimed, smiling brightly. “So that’s what it is. You and Elladeft eft the celebration early so that you could show him the sageberry cleanser. There is no need to try and hide it, Little One.”

Legolas looked up at the ceiling in disgust then glared at his brothers in annoyance.

“The look on Legolas’ face would suggest that he was not showing Elladan how to properly cleanse his face last night,” Dace said, chuckling.

“Indeed?” Makail asked in mock innocence, studying Legolas’ face carefully. “But what would you and Elladan rather do than to attend a glorious feast? What is better than that?”

m cem certain that Legolas and Elladan found **something** to do last night,” Dace said between chuckles. “And whatever it was, it must have been much better than the celebration. Why, if his face shines any brighter, we will be able to use him as a beacon late at night.”

Makail laughed, as did Dace.

Legolas shook his head in dismay.

“What is so amusing?” Ean aan asked.

Legolas looked at Elladan in surprise. He had been so preoccupied with his brothers teasing that he had not heard the twins approach. He smiled at Elladan and then looked at Elrohir. He noticed that the younger twin seemed to be in a better state of mind. He started to speak to Elrohir, but his brothers cackling interrupted his thoughts. Legolas sighed and met Elladan’s eyes, “We are the source of their amusement. They… they are curious as to our reasoning for leaving the feast so early. They want to know what could have been more interesting than a realm-wide feast.”

Elladan’s eyes widened and his cheeks flushed slightly. Within moments, however, he had composed himself and was smiling deviously. “I can assure you that what Legolas and I were doing was **far** better than anything that the two of you were doing last night. Unless, of course, you believe that spending time with an elf who is barely old enough to dress herself is interng, ng, Dace. Or in the case of you, Makail, that you actually enjoyed your time with elves that are older than the moon, especially Glorfindel, then perhaps you are right. What Legolas and I were doing was completely and utterly boring.”

“Glorfindel is amazing,” Haldir snapped suddenly. “He is fascinating, intelligent, witty…”

“I was going to tease you about Glorfindel later, Haldir, but your loose lips have made it easy for me. I saw the way you were looking at him last night; you fancy him, don’t you?” Elladan said, grinning.

Haldir sighed loudly and looked toward the dining hall. “I am famished. Let us go and eat.”

“Trying to ignore my comments, eh, Haldir?” Elladan asked, chuckling.

Elrohir smiled faintly.

“Oh, Elladan!” Haldir exclaimed in annoyance.

“Jesting is my specialty,” Elladan explained, looking triumphantly at Dace and Makail. “You would be wise not to try to best me in a verbal joust, for you will surely lose. While your father has been preparing you in the ways of royal etiquette, I have honed my skills as a master of wit. As such, you should bite your tongue when you feel the urge to tease me, or anyone that I hold dear. I will refrain from further mockery at this time, as I prefer to taunt Haldir right now. But be warned… I have not jested with you in the past out of respect. Legolas is your younger brother, after all. But now that we have gotten quite acquainted, I will spare you no more. ave ave been warned. ”

Makail and Dace shook their heads in dismay when Legolas and Elrohir laughed.

“You did not answer Elladan’s question, Haldir,” Rúmil said slowly. “Do you fancy Glorfindel?”

“Nay, nay,” Haldir said quickly. “He is just fascinating, that is all.”

Rúmil and Orophin exchanged looks, stared at their older brother for a few moments and smiled faintly. They knew that Haldir was lying.

“Let us away to the dining hall,” Elrohir said. “I am hungry.”

As everyone began to walk toward the refectory, Legolas placed his hand on Elladan’s elbow.

Elladan looat tat the prince and smiled.

“Is all well… with Elrohir, I mean?” Legolas asked softly, looking at Elrohir who was leading them to the dining room.

“He is fine,” Elladan said. “He is in a fell mood, that is all.”

Legolas frowned and stared at Elrohir’s back. “He is tense. I have never seen him behave that way. Elrohir is always so good natured… it is odd for him to be… cross.”

“He is just… he is in a bit of a bad way as of late,” Elladan stopped speaking abruptly.

“Why?” Legolas asked.

“I… I cannot say, Legolas. Elrohir has entrusted me with his burden and I cannot reveal it… not even to you,” Elladan said apologetically.

“I understand,” Legolas said sincerely.

Elladan stroked the prince’s cheek and smiled.

Legolas smiled at Elladan and focused his eyes on Elrohir once more. He could see the tension in the warrior’s posture and feel somethinrangrange emanating from him. Was it anger? He glanced at Elladan, and was startled when he saw the saddened and distant look in his eyes.

Elladan looked at Legolas and smiled brightly, and for a moment, the forlorn look withered away. He grasped the prince’s hand, squeezing it affectionately.

Without warning, a gust of wind swept across the dining hall through the multiple, open windows. The br mad made the paisley curtains undulate on the air for a moment and theny lay lay dormant as if the draft had never come.

There was something in the wind -- a warning. Legolas could feel it in his bones, in his soul. Someone was coming -- today. He would be here before nightfall. The prince suddenly found that he could not return his lover’s smile for his heart foretold him that trouble was coming.

---

TBC…