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aubreymPart One: Tuile – True Spring
The first day of Tuile dawned bright and clear. A breeze, lightly scented with roses and a hint of coming Laire drifted through the library where two dark heads bent over scraps of parchment. Quills raced over the page until the errant breeze rustled the curtains, then one slowed and finally stilled. A head raised, peeked surreptitiously out the window. Fierce whispers broke the silence.
"But Erestor..."
"Will never know if we're back before our lesson ends."
Two identical grins bloomed over matching faces and they slipped out the window, across the gardens and away.
The two elflings raced through the wood surrounding Imladris. The one in the lead would often glance back to be sure the other followed. Though he second was a bit slower, he followed the first without hesitation or doubt.
Sun peeked through the new leaves dappling the forest floor with shifting patterns of light and shadow. Flowers poked their heads up from the loam here and there, lending the air a fresh scent. Though the elflings had escaped unnoticed by their mentors, neither worried that they might be unsafe. Imladris was their home and their father and mother kept it safe.
"'Dan, come on! If we don't hurry Erestor will find out we've gone and tell Ada." Elrohir stopped and looked back over his shoulder yet again. Elladan was struggling over the fallen tree that Elrohir had just scrambled over. He hesitated at the top, unwilling to simply leap off as Elrohir had.
"Help me?" Elladan asked, clinging to a branch to hold himself up.
Elrohir hurried to him, holding out his arms. "I'll catch you," he said with full assurance. "Go ahead and jump."
Elladan smiled and released his hold, jumping forward into his brother's arms.
Elrohir held him close for a moment. "See how easy?"
"I knew you wouldn't let me fall."
"Never," Elrohir said firmly, resting his forehead against Elladan's briefly. Then, when he continued on the path only he could see, he kept hold of his brother's hand. "This is the best place ever," he said. "We can be explorers and look for treasure like Dwarfs. Won't Ada and Nana be surprised when we come home with lots of jewels. They won't even know where we got 'em!"
Elladan seemed less sure about the plan. "Don't dragons guard treasure? Maybe we should have brought Glorfindel."
Elrohir shook his head. "He'd never let us come this far. And during lessons, too! He'd make us go back to the stuffy library and we'd be stuck inside all day. If there's a dragon, we'll fight it ourselves." He picked up a long stick and brandished it like a sword, releasing Elladan's hand as he feinted and stabbed at an offending bush. "We're warriors aren't we?"
"You'd better give me that then. Glorfindel said I'm better at swords than you." Elladan made a grab for the stick, but Elrohir danced back, eluding his reach.
"Did not!"
"Did!"
"Not!" Suddenly Elrohir, still moving backwards, tripped over a tree root which jutted up from the path and fell. The stick dropped from his hand as he landed on his behind.
Elladan, completely ignoring the chance for victory, ran to his brother's side. "You all right, 'Ro," he asked, offering him a hand up.
Elrohir took his hand and stood up slowly, rubbing his backside and wincing. "Yes." He left the stick where it lay. "There won't be any dragons." His tone was somewhat subdued.
It was Elladan's turn to put an arm around him and they walked on. "I didn't think you'd take me somewhere with dragons," he said stoutly.
Elrohir grinned, his good humor restored. "Even if I did, they'd think you were one of them, dragon-breath."
Elladan stuck out his tongue and their laughter rang through the wood, mingling with the birdsong.
Elrohir took the lead again as they came to the edge of the forest at the foot of the Misty Mountains. Here there were large boulders poking up from the ground and there were several cave mouths just a little climb up into the hills. It was one of these Elrohir entered, dragging Elladan behind.
Old, dead leaves had collected in the front of the cave, but Elrohir urged Elladan deeper in. The walls were damp and cool to the touch and grew colder the further back they went. The sun did not penetrate this far, but Elrohir continued into the depths unmindful. They wound their way through a small passage, footfalls muffled by dust that had gathered over the stone floor.
"'Ro, are you sure there aren't any dragons," Elladan asked. His voice was small and nearly lost in the silence.
"No dragons, 'Dan." Elrohir squeezed his hand reassuringly. At last the passageway opened out into a large chamber. Sun shone in from an opening above and spread across the chamber walls. They sparkled with chips of quartz and crystal, dust danced in the light. Elladan sighed in delight at the sight before him, releasing his twin's hand and drifting forward. Elrohir watched him gaze around the chamber, eyes wide, fingers moving in a dance of pleasure, trailing the shine of the crystals and weaving a silent spell. Elrohir cared not at all for the splendor of the cave; it was his brother's joy he craved.
They explored the chamber, following various passageways and searching for treasure as the afternoon passed. Neither noticed as clouds gathered outside and thunder began to rumble in the distance. It was not until their growing hunger reminded them that Erestor would soon be returning to the library to dismiss them for dinner that they returned to the entrance of the cave. They stared in some concern at the sight before them.
No longer was the breeze gentle, it had grown into a wind that roared through the treetops and whipped through their hair as they hesitated in the mouth of the cave. Clouds raced across the sky and the first fat drops of rain splashed on the ground. Their eyes met in a mutual look of dismay.
"Come on, run!" Elrohir said and, grabbing Elladan's hand, took off, flying across the clearing as the sky opened and rain poured down over them both. Lightning flashed overhead and they counted the pause before the thunder together. "One... two... three..." the final number was drowned by the clap. They startled and quickened their pace.
As they came in sight of the palace, they found both Elrond and Celebrian standing on the terrace. Elladan's hand went cold in Elrohir's and he shivered. For the first time since they had escaped the library, Elrohir doubted the wisdom of his plan. He had not expected rain.
Their steps slowed as they reached the palace until they were barely plodding forward.
"Elrohir, Elladan – come inside immediately," Elrond ordered over the sound of the storm. Elrohir found his scowl more forbidding than the weather, but a sniff from Elladan urged him up the steps and into the warm hallway. As they passed their parents, Elrond's fierce look did not fade, but Elrohir caught the swift look of relief that crossed Celebrian's face. For a moment he regretted causing her worry. But then he remembered the reflection of the crystals in Elladan's eyes and it was all worth it.
Until Elladan shivered again. And sneezed. Elrohir reached out to hug him, offering his meager warmth, but Celebrian stepped forward and wrapped the younger twin in a towel. She dried him quickly and carefully. "To your rooms now, both of you. Change and wait there. Your papa and I will be in once we have discussed the consequences of your actions."
"It was my fault; I made 'Dan go..." Elrohir said quickly.
"Enough. You both disobeyed, therefore you will both be punished. Go," Elrond said. A roll of thunder punctuated his words and the twins raced upstairs without another word.
Though they had their own rooms, they slept together more often than not and Elladan followed Elrohir into his room. Rain still dripped from his hair and puddled on the floor in soft drips. His teeth chattered and Elrohir frowned.
"You're falling ill again, are you not?"
Elladan shook his head, but his eyes had already taken on the glassy sheen that spoke of fever. He sneezed again, rubbing his nose on the sleeve of his tunic.
"Ai, 'Dan... I'm sorry," Elrohir crossed to room to his brother's side. With nimble fingers he unlaced Elladan's breeches and urged him into a dry pair of loose cotton breeches. Then he tugged his tunic and shirt over his head, replacing them with a sleeping shirt. With gentle nudges he urged Elladan into bed, only stopping to change his own clothes once Elladan was wrapped in the quilt and settled among the pillows.
"'Twas not your fault, 'Ro. I felt it coming when I woke up this morning." Elladan's voice was growing hoarse.
Elrohir climbed onto the bed next to him and Elladan scooted over, giving him room. "Still, getting chilled could not have helped."
"No, it would not," Elrond agreed. In one hand he held a steaming mug, in the other a scroll of parchment and a book. To Elladan he handed the mug, to Elrohir the scroll and book. Both scowled. "Your Nana and I have decided. Neither of you is to leave the palace for three days. Elladan, once you are well enough, you will have extra lessons with Glorfindel. Elrohir, until Elladan is well, you are to have extra lessons with Erestor. Beginning immediately. I do not want to hear of Elladan doing your translations, Elrohir. Or Elrohir taking your place on the practice fields, Elladan. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Papa," they chorused.
"Very well." Elrond paused, then sat before them on the bed. "I worry about you, my sons. We did not know where you had gone. Even though Imladris is as safe as I can make it, you could still be hurt. Neither Celebrian nor I would forgive ourselves if anything were to happen to you."
"We're sorry," Elrohir said.
"We won't do it again," Elladan finished.
A small smile curved Elrond's lips. "I will believe that when I see it. I know my two wild changelings too well. Now, Elladan drink you tea. It will soothe your throat and help you to sleep. And Elrohir, you may complete the lesson you left unfinished in the library." He stood and straightened his robes, then bent and kissed them each upon the forehead.
Both twins scowled, but both bent their heads dutifully. "Yes, Adar," they said, once again in unison.
"Very good. In a few hours your dinner will be sent up to you. You are not to join us at the table this evening."
"But Ada," Elrohir began. He had been hoping to tell Lindir about their exploits. The young minstrel might even make a song from the adventure.
"No arguments, Elrohir," Elrond said sternly. "You are fortunate your mother convinced me to be so lenient."
Elladan elbowed Elrohir in the ribs. /Quiet,/ he mindspoke quickly. /If you press him he shall make the punishment last longer. At least he is allowing us to spend the evening together./
Elrohir elbowed his brother back, but more gently. /Very well; for you 'Dan./ "I am sorry, Adar. " Affecting a look of contrition, he picked up the book and began searching for the place where he had left off.
Elrond leaned forward one last time, laying a hand across Elladan's forehead to check for fever. "Let me know if you feel worse, ion-nin."
"I will," Elladan yawned and with one last warning glance at Elrohir, Elrond left them alone.
The moment Elrond had left the room, Elladan set aside his tea and pushed himself up straight among the pillows. "How did you find that cave, 'Ro? Are there more," he asked, eyes shining with excitement.
"Remember when Glorfindel took me with him during the change of the patrol," Elrohir asked. At Elladan's nod, he continued. They were so focused on the conversation that they did not notice when a passing elf stopped in their doorway. He leaned against the frame, studying them for a long moment before clearing his throat.
Both twins jumped guiltily. "Erestor," Elladan exclaimed.
"We did not hear you enter," Elrohir finished.
"That is quite apparent," the Chief Advisor said dryly. "I was under the obviously mistaken impression that you were supposed to be studying, Elrohir."
Elrohir sighed, retrieving his book. Elladan, however, was unrepentant.
"Would you tell us a story first, please, Erestor? You tell them best. Even better than Adar." Elladan asked, with the pleading look he knew melted even the Advisor's stony heart.
"Yes, please? I promise I will finish the lesson afterwards," Elrohir mirrored the expression and under this dual attack, Erestor crumbled.
"Very well," he said sighing with mock-exasperation. "Is it even necessary for me to inquire as to what you wish to hear?"
Elladan shook his head at the same time as Elrohir nodded. They shared a quick glance, and Elrohir's shoulders slumped slightly and then he shook his head too. It would have to be that one – 'Dan loved it and Elrohir, Elrohir could deny him nothing. Elladan grinned, and held up a corner of the coverlet, wordlessly inviting Elrohir to join him beneath. /'Tis cold, warm me?/
Elrohir slid between the sheets, put and arm around Elladan's shoulders and pulled him close. /Always, gwador./ Elladan snuggled down, resting his head against Elrohir's chest, and Elrohir ran his fingers slowly through his twin's hair. Had either of them happened to glance at Erestor they would have wondered at the furrow of his brow, the storm gathering in the steel of his gaze. Wrapped up in each other and their relief to be home and out of trouble for the moment, neither did and the moment passed. Their eyes closed at the same instant as Erestor took a breath and began the story.
"Once upon a time," he said, velvet voice softening and taking on the even cadence of an oft-told tale. "in a land much like this one, there lived a Lord and his Lady. Dark as the Lord was, his Lady was equally bright and they complemented each other well. With his beloved Lady at his side the Lord ruled the land justly and kind. Her wit sharpened his vision, her calm soothed his temper. They were happy, but always their life seemed to be missing something.
"Then, one bright fall day the Lady approached her Lord as he studied in his library, surrounded by scrolls and leather tomes. 'I have news, my Lord, my love,' she said in a voice barely above a whisper. He glanced up from his books and met her eyes, which sparkled like jewels. Almost before she spoke the words he knew.
"'I am with child,' she said and the Lord lifted her in his arms and they whirled together, their laughter ringing through the room. They would be a family and their joy would increase.
"The Lady was gifted with a measure of her mother's Sight, so even before the birth, she knew she would bear twins. She spoke to them in a wordless language, surrounding them with her presence, letting them know they were welcomed. While the Lord was without such abilities, he spent long nights beside her as she slept. One hand rested on the ever-growing rise of her belly as he whispered to his sons. He told them of his experience as a twin and introduced them to their uncle, who they would not meet otherwise.
"Suddenly, in the midst of their good fortune, a cloud covered their light. The Lady went into labor too early. Perhaps her body could no longer contain the twins, perhaps they were eager to join the waiting world, but whatever the cause they were early and all of the best healers in the land were summoned to assist the Lady in bringing them forth.
"For long hours she labored, an unusual occurrence among elleth. But her strength, ever formidable, did not waver. Her Lord sat at her side through the day, speaking encouragement both tender and firm. At last the Master Healer, who had been monitoring the energy lines of both the Lady and her babes came to the Lord with an urgency in his tone and manner. The first twin had not turned properly, his feet positioned first. But, what was more concerning, the life cord had wrapped around the neck of the second twin. Something must be done, or the babe would die. Choices were few and none simple.
"The healer could attempt to manually maneuver the first twin, attempting to turn him. This, however, would likely take too long to save the second. The healer could administer an herbal tea and manipulate the flows of energy to stimulate stronger contractions, but this could be dangerous to both twins, especially if the first did not turn. Finally, the healer could perform a surgery that would save both twins, but possibly leave the Lady to languish and fade. There was little time to decide."
Beneath the blankets, Elladan sought Elrohir's hand with cold fingers. Elrohir wrapped his hand firmly around Elladan's. No matter how often the younger twin heard the story, a thrill of fear always rushed through him at this part. Elladan sighed against him and though Elrohir could still feel a lingering tension in his body, he knew Elladan relished the telling.
"The Lord, a skilled healer himself, knew what needed to be done. He would assist the Master Healer, guiding and shoring up the energies of his Lady and his sons as the Healer brewed his tea and began his ministrations.
"And so it was. The Lord sat behind his Lady upon the birthing bed, cradling her against him. In the depths of her pains she felt him there and she calmed. Her breathing slowed and deepened as he began to chant in a soft, hypnotic voice."
Elrohir could almost hear the tones of the healing chant. His lips formed the syllables unconsciously as he imagined them, the Lord and Lady – his adar and naneth. Erestor's voice painted the picture bright against his eyelids. Celebrian pale and trembling with exertion, held safe by Elrond. Safe. Elrohir rested his cheek on the crown of Elladan's head. With their Adar as Lord of Imladris they would be safe. Always.
"At last, as the first glint of Ithil's light shone into the room and spilled across the bed, the first twin turned within the Lady. With a final push he slid free, followed quickly by the second, who had his fingers still clasped around his brother's ankle. The Master Healer cried out in triumph and joy as two lusty wails rent the air. 'Sons, my Lord and Lady. You have two sons.'
"The babes were quickly cleaned and swaddled and passed to their exhausted, but endlessly pleased parents. The Lady held the elder, the Lord the younger. As they smiled at their babes, they bent their heads and bestowed upon them each the names they had chosen, whispers caressing tiny leaf-shaped ears.
"Elrohir, the Lady called the eldest. Elf-knight because he helped bring forth his younger brother. And Elladan, named by the Lord. Elf-Numenorian in celebration of their heritage from the noble houses of Elf and Edain." Somewhere in the midst of this telling, the elflings had passed from waking to slumber. Erestor moved quietly from the room so as not to disturb them.
The days of their punishment passed surprisingly swiftly for the elflings. During those blissfully quiet few weeks, the other members of Elrond's household breathed a collective sigh of relief at the unanticipated respite from their mischief. Elrohir spent much of his free time with Elladan in his bedroom, ever vigilant and ensuring that he drank the medicinal teas Elrond brewed and rested as much as possible. When he began to grow restless Elrohir would talk about their passed adventures.
"Remember when," Elrohir would begin, sprawling himself across the foot of Elladan's bed.
"Ada took us to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Lothlorien," Elladan would finish, giving Elrohir a jumping off point.
"And while we rested on the journey, you wandered away and got lost."
"But you came and found me." Elladan's eyes shone.
"Then we were both lost, but we found the waterfall and went swimming. 'Member how good it felt? It was so hot! But Grandma and Grandpa got worried and called out the guard to find us."
"Haldir discovered us there. 'Member how you ran across those rocks, trying to get behind the falls before he caught you?"
"And he slipped and fell in!" Elrohir burst out laughing, the sound echoed by Elladan. It had been a most amusing sight – the staid and somber Warden of the March dripping wet, official red robes ruined. "His expression..." Elrohir gasped, trying to catch his breath.
"He glowered as though he would put an arrow through your stomach."
"So ridiculous, all sopping wet like that. Was it my fault he was clumsy as a dwarf?"
"I got sick that time too," Elladan said and suddenly Elrohir calmed. He sat up, face gone serious.
"You scared me then, 'Dan. I thought you might die."
Elladan shook his head with a small smile. "You made me better, like you always do, 'Ro. Do not worry; I will never leave you." He crawled across the bed until he was beside Elrohir then lay down and pulled his twin close. "As long as I have you, I never need to be afraid," he whispered.
Elrohir, even clasped gently in his brother's embrace, could not relax. Even as Elladan's breathing slowed and deepened into sleep, he lay stiff, heart pounding in his chest. He reached up carefully, testing Elladan's forehead for fever. It was warm, but not hot. It seemed the chill was passing at last.
It was not the first time Elrohir had lain awake thus, and he figured it would not be the last. He didn't mind. It was the way it was. Elladan had never been quiet as strong as he. The younger twin often fell ill, and stayed ill longer than the elder twin. Elrohir did what he could, sharing every bit of healing he had learned from his father, but still he worried. At last, exhausted by his own anxiety, he slept as well.
Neither woke as Elrond entered silently. For a long moment he gazed down at them, arms twined around each other, legs entangled, faces turned toward each other even in repose.
Celebrian stepped up behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder. He covered it with his own. "You worry," Celebrian said softly, not questioning.
Elrond nodded. "They are so close," he whispered. If either elfling had been awake to hear, he would have been surprised to find their father's firm voice quiver.
Celebrian wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his back. "They are twins." He did not relax into her hold, merely stood stiff and staring. She let him remain thus for only a short while before urging him from the room. Both Lord and Lady were silent as they walked to their chambers. It was not until Celebrian was ensconced in her favorite chair by the fire that she spoke to her husband again. "No one can see their path, meleth. It is useless to worry. We will protect them as best we can and we will love them no matter what. They are young still, mere elflings. Give them time to find their way."
Elrond, unable to sit, stood motionless before the fire, one hand resting on the mantle. The other picked idly at a thread on his robes. He rubbed his forehead and pinched the bridge of his nose against a building headache. "They are young; they are twins. But you see the signs as well as I." He stared into the fire unseeing. Its heat did nothing to penetrate the chill that held him. "Without Elrohir, Elladan would be lost," he said softly. "Perhaps he should not have lived."
Celebrian's brows snapped together and when she spoke, her voice was sharp and cold as winter's ice. "How can you even speak such words?"
"I say it because it is truth. You must face it, Celebrian. You must prepare as I have."
The Lady shook her head. "Nothing is certain." But her words convinced neither of them. They remained cloaked in silence, lost in their own memories of the twins' youngest years. They had been years of great pleasure and great worry commingled. Elrohir and Elladan were the Lord and Lady's first children and so they were years of discovery and wonder. Watching as they took their first steps, hand in hand with each other. Days when they would be separated and one twin would cry, only to be comforted by the presence of the other.
The worry did not begin until Elrohir began to speak and Elladan did not. Only the elder twin could draw the younger from the shell he had built around himself. Only Elrohir could encourage Elladan to speak. Only Elrohir's presence could convince him to join the other elflings at play or in studies. The two were never apart for very long. Together, but separated by silence, the Lord and Lady worried.
Even as they grew older, with separate interests – Elladan in history, language and art, Elrohir in strategy, defense and the arts of war – they still spent most of their days together. Each participated in the other's joys so that they could remain side by side.
It was not until Elrohir and Elladan reached their majority that Elrond began to relax. Their circle of friends expanded, though slowly, mostly due to Elrohir's outgoing manner, but strengthened by Elladan's more quiet regard. They grew friendly with Lindir, a bard in training; with Tinuvel, a young healer training with Elrond; with Malpomaen, Erestor's scribe and librarian; and with Rumil, Haldir of Lorien's youngest brother. Though none of these friendships took the place of their own closeness, Elrond allowed his vigilance to wane. And so it came to pass that a shift occurred – one which Elrond feared, but did not see.
It was a warm spring evening, soon past the feast which celebrated the twins' majority. The chill of winter was finally banished, but the heat of summer had not yet taken hold. Elladan sat on the balcony of his rooms, painting the view before him. Even before Elrohir reached him, Elladan sensed his presence and called out a greeting. "'Tis fortunate that you stopped at the baths before coming in here smelling of the practice yards."
Elrohir grinned as he stepped from the shadows and joined Elladan on the balcony, perching carefully on the railing where he could see both his brother's painting and the waterfall he rendered. "Always, brother mine. It would not do to offend your delicate sensibilities with the scent of a day's work."
Elladan scowled in feigned annoyance. "As though waving a sword around and taking a beating from Glorfindel were work. I know how much you enjoy having him above you."
"You have no idea." Elrohir heaved a huge sigh and grinned, then opened a sack which sat at his feet. "And so, I need to relax. Care to join me?" He offered a small bottle.
Elladan left brush and paints on the table to examine the bottle more closely. It was one of Mirkwood's finest, and most potent, red wines. "'Ro, this is from Adar's private selection. How did you get it?" He handed it back with a mischievous grin.
"Flattery and a small kiss have remarkable powers," Elrohir said, using a knife to remove the cork. He held out the bottle for Elladan to take the first drink.
"You are incorrigible," Elladan grumbled, but his eyes sparkled. "You leave a trail of broken hearts along your path."
"None interest me. They are too soft." Elrohir shrugged. "And who could compare to you?"
Elladan affected a pose. "None hold your interest, you mean." Then, raising the bottle to his lips he took a long drink. The richness of the wine spilled over his tongue, tasting of berries overlaid with a hint of something darker. The alcohol sent a delicious heat from his throat, to his stomach to radiate outwards and he sighed, dropping into a chair. "Yes, this is what I needed."
Elrohir held out a hand. "Do not take it all for yourself, Balrog-breath."
Ignoring 'Ro's all-too-common insult, Elladan thrust the wine into his twin's hand, then leaned back in the chair, staring up at the gathering dark.
Elrohir studied the bottle in his hand for a long moment. He drank then, uncommonly aware that his lips were where Elladan's had been but a moment before. The realization sent a shock through him. The wine, mixed with the odd thrill formed a heat in the pit of his stomach. Elladan reached for the bottle and Elrohir returned it to him without a word.
The stars had begun to appear in the twilight sky. They glittered in Elladan's eyes, mirrored in the mithril depths. Elrohir swallowed and glanced away into the gardens below.
Elladan tore his gaze from the sky at last, his attention caught by his brother's uncommon stillness. Ithil's first light shone down, bleaching Elrohir's skin until it shone alabaster, his dark hair, pulled back in warriors braids, the only darkness about him. He sat perfectly still upon the rail, as though one of Elrond's statues. Elladan's mouth went dry and he took a long gulp of the wine to refresh himself. "'Tis a beautiful night," he said softly.
Elrohir nodded in agreement, but said nothing, continuing to stare into the garden.
Elladan pressed the bottle into his empty hand and Elrohir drank. As he did, a drop of wine slipped from the corner of his mouth, staining his pale skin red. Unthinking, Elladan leaned forward and captured the errant drop with the tip of his tongue. Elrohir's skin was surpassing soft and warm against him.
Slowly Elrohir turned and was confronted by that open gaze. In Elladan's eyes he saw his own banked desire glowing. Gently, with more care than he took with any other, Elrohir pressed his lips to Elladan's in a wine-sweet kiss. He caught the tremor that shook Elladan at the touch of their lips and Elrohir nearly pulled away. Perhaps he had presumed too much. After only the barest of hesitations, Elladan's mouth opened and his tongue darted out to tentatively taste of Elrohir. The elder twin sighed, wrapping the younger in a tight embrace. The wine bottle, empty now, dropped to the garden below, forgotten.
Elladan raised his arms, sliding his hands under Elrohir's tunic and it was the elder's turn to tremble. Elrohir's fingers tangled in Elladan's hair. /Come meleth,/ Elladan beckoned, urging Elrohir into his chambers. The balcony doors stood slightly open behind them, allowing the breeze, scented with early blooming lilac to play over their fevered skin.
They tumbled into bed as easily as they always had, legs entwined, hands roaming; they shed their clothes like outgrown skins. Here, then, was the desire Elladan felt nowhere else. Here, then, was the passion Elrohir did not know how else to express. Their breath came in short pants, broken by a rare gasp of surprise as one or the other discovered a new form of pleasure.
They were as one elf, reflected in a mirror - each movement met and replicated by the other. Elrohir watched as the heat setting his body afire stained Elladan's skin a faint pink. Elladan watched as the need he felt darkened Elrohir's eyes until they turned the color of the sky before a storm.
At nearly the same moment they reached down and grasped the root of the other's desire. Their moans lapped at the walls as they stroked their lengths, first slowly but growing faster. A sheen of sweat broke out across their skin and they gazed in amazement at the mirror of their beauty. They reached their peak together, each swallowing the other's cry and holding it deep in their belly.
Sleep claimed them quickly and they slipped away together, still clasped in their embrace. Ithil's gaze shown down over them both and the sweet scent of lilac mingled with their lovemaking.
Thus did Elrond's fear come to pass, though he knew it not. As Elladan and Elrohir reveled in the passion they had found, spring gave way to summer.
The first day of Tuile dawned bright and clear. A breeze, lightly scented with roses and a hint of coming Laire drifted through the library where two dark heads bent over scraps of parchment. Quills raced over the page until the errant breeze rustled the curtains, then one slowed and finally stilled. A head raised, peeked surreptitiously out the window. Fierce whispers broke the silence.
"But Erestor..."
"Will never know if we're back before our lesson ends."
Two identical grins bloomed over matching faces and they slipped out the window, across the gardens and away.
The two elflings raced through the wood surrounding Imladris. The one in the lead would often glance back to be sure the other followed. Though he second was a bit slower, he followed the first without hesitation or doubt.
Sun peeked through the new leaves dappling the forest floor with shifting patterns of light and shadow. Flowers poked their heads up from the loam here and there, lending the air a fresh scent. Though the elflings had escaped unnoticed by their mentors, neither worried that they might be unsafe. Imladris was their home and their father and mother kept it safe.
"'Dan, come on! If we don't hurry Erestor will find out we've gone and tell Ada." Elrohir stopped and looked back over his shoulder yet again. Elladan was struggling over the fallen tree that Elrohir had just scrambled over. He hesitated at the top, unwilling to simply leap off as Elrohir had.
"Help me?" Elladan asked, clinging to a branch to hold himself up.
Elrohir hurried to him, holding out his arms. "I'll catch you," he said with full assurance. "Go ahead and jump."
Elladan smiled and released his hold, jumping forward into his brother's arms.
Elrohir held him close for a moment. "See how easy?"
"I knew you wouldn't let me fall."
"Never," Elrohir said firmly, resting his forehead against Elladan's briefly. Then, when he continued on the path only he could see, he kept hold of his brother's hand. "This is the best place ever," he said. "We can be explorers and look for treasure like Dwarfs. Won't Ada and Nana be surprised when we come home with lots of jewels. They won't even know where we got 'em!"
Elladan seemed less sure about the plan. "Don't dragons guard treasure? Maybe we should have brought Glorfindel."
Elrohir shook his head. "He'd never let us come this far. And during lessons, too! He'd make us go back to the stuffy library and we'd be stuck inside all day. If there's a dragon, we'll fight it ourselves." He picked up a long stick and brandished it like a sword, releasing Elladan's hand as he feinted and stabbed at an offending bush. "We're warriors aren't we?"
"You'd better give me that then. Glorfindel said I'm better at swords than you." Elladan made a grab for the stick, but Elrohir danced back, eluding his reach.
"Did not!"
"Did!"
"Not!" Suddenly Elrohir, still moving backwards, tripped over a tree root which jutted up from the path and fell. The stick dropped from his hand as he landed on his behind.
Elladan, completely ignoring the chance for victory, ran to his brother's side. "You all right, 'Ro," he asked, offering him a hand up.
Elrohir took his hand and stood up slowly, rubbing his backside and wincing. "Yes." He left the stick where it lay. "There won't be any dragons." His tone was somewhat subdued.
It was Elladan's turn to put an arm around him and they walked on. "I didn't think you'd take me somewhere with dragons," he said stoutly.
Elrohir grinned, his good humor restored. "Even if I did, they'd think you were one of them, dragon-breath."
Elladan stuck out his tongue and their laughter rang through the wood, mingling with the birdsong.
Elrohir took the lead again as they came to the edge of the forest at the foot of the Misty Mountains. Here there were large boulders poking up from the ground and there were several cave mouths just a little climb up into the hills. It was one of these Elrohir entered, dragging Elladan behind.
Old, dead leaves had collected in the front of the cave, but Elrohir urged Elladan deeper in. The walls were damp and cool to the touch and grew colder the further back they went. The sun did not penetrate this far, but Elrohir continued into the depths unmindful. They wound their way through a small passage, footfalls muffled by dust that had gathered over the stone floor.
"'Ro, are you sure there aren't any dragons," Elladan asked. His voice was small and nearly lost in the silence.
"No dragons, 'Dan." Elrohir squeezed his hand reassuringly. At last the passageway opened out into a large chamber. Sun shone in from an opening above and spread across the chamber walls. They sparkled with chips of quartz and crystal, dust danced in the light. Elladan sighed in delight at the sight before him, releasing his twin's hand and drifting forward. Elrohir watched him gaze around the chamber, eyes wide, fingers moving in a dance of pleasure, trailing the shine of the crystals and weaving a silent spell. Elrohir cared not at all for the splendor of the cave; it was his brother's joy he craved.
They explored the chamber, following various passageways and searching for treasure as the afternoon passed. Neither noticed as clouds gathered outside and thunder began to rumble in the distance. It was not until their growing hunger reminded them that Erestor would soon be returning to the library to dismiss them for dinner that they returned to the entrance of the cave. They stared in some concern at the sight before them.
No longer was the breeze gentle, it had grown into a wind that roared through the treetops and whipped through their hair as they hesitated in the mouth of the cave. Clouds raced across the sky and the first fat drops of rain splashed on the ground. Their eyes met in a mutual look of dismay.
"Come on, run!" Elrohir said and, grabbing Elladan's hand, took off, flying across the clearing as the sky opened and rain poured down over them both. Lightning flashed overhead and they counted the pause before the thunder together. "One... two... three..." the final number was drowned by the clap. They startled and quickened their pace.
As they came in sight of the palace, they found both Elrond and Celebrian standing on the terrace. Elladan's hand went cold in Elrohir's and he shivered. For the first time since they had escaped the library, Elrohir doubted the wisdom of his plan. He had not expected rain.
Their steps slowed as they reached the palace until they were barely plodding forward.
"Elrohir, Elladan – come inside immediately," Elrond ordered over the sound of the storm. Elrohir found his scowl more forbidding than the weather, but a sniff from Elladan urged him up the steps and into the warm hallway. As they passed their parents, Elrond's fierce look did not fade, but Elrohir caught the swift look of relief that crossed Celebrian's face. For a moment he regretted causing her worry. But then he remembered the reflection of the crystals in Elladan's eyes and it was all worth it.
Until Elladan shivered again. And sneezed. Elrohir reached out to hug him, offering his meager warmth, but Celebrian stepped forward and wrapped the younger twin in a towel. She dried him quickly and carefully. "To your rooms now, both of you. Change and wait there. Your papa and I will be in once we have discussed the consequences of your actions."
"It was my fault; I made 'Dan go..." Elrohir said quickly.
"Enough. You both disobeyed, therefore you will both be punished. Go," Elrond said. A roll of thunder punctuated his words and the twins raced upstairs without another word.
Though they had their own rooms, they slept together more often than not and Elladan followed Elrohir into his room. Rain still dripped from his hair and puddled on the floor in soft drips. His teeth chattered and Elrohir frowned.
"You're falling ill again, are you not?"
Elladan shook his head, but his eyes had already taken on the glassy sheen that spoke of fever. He sneezed again, rubbing his nose on the sleeve of his tunic.
"Ai, 'Dan... I'm sorry," Elrohir crossed to room to his brother's side. With nimble fingers he unlaced Elladan's breeches and urged him into a dry pair of loose cotton breeches. Then he tugged his tunic and shirt over his head, replacing them with a sleeping shirt. With gentle nudges he urged Elladan into bed, only stopping to change his own clothes once Elladan was wrapped in the quilt and settled among the pillows.
"'Twas not your fault, 'Ro. I felt it coming when I woke up this morning." Elladan's voice was growing hoarse.
Elrohir climbed onto the bed next to him and Elladan scooted over, giving him room. "Still, getting chilled could not have helped."
"No, it would not," Elrond agreed. In one hand he held a steaming mug, in the other a scroll of parchment and a book. To Elladan he handed the mug, to Elrohir the scroll and book. Both scowled. "Your Nana and I have decided. Neither of you is to leave the palace for three days. Elladan, once you are well enough, you will have extra lessons with Glorfindel. Elrohir, until Elladan is well, you are to have extra lessons with Erestor. Beginning immediately. I do not want to hear of Elladan doing your translations, Elrohir. Or Elrohir taking your place on the practice fields, Elladan. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Papa," they chorused.
"Very well." Elrond paused, then sat before them on the bed. "I worry about you, my sons. We did not know where you had gone. Even though Imladris is as safe as I can make it, you could still be hurt. Neither Celebrian nor I would forgive ourselves if anything were to happen to you."
"We're sorry," Elrohir said.
"We won't do it again," Elladan finished.
A small smile curved Elrond's lips. "I will believe that when I see it. I know my two wild changelings too well. Now, Elladan drink you tea. It will soothe your throat and help you to sleep. And Elrohir, you may complete the lesson you left unfinished in the library." He stood and straightened his robes, then bent and kissed them each upon the forehead.
Both twins scowled, but both bent their heads dutifully. "Yes, Adar," they said, once again in unison.
"Very good. In a few hours your dinner will be sent up to you. You are not to join us at the table this evening."
"But Ada," Elrohir began. He had been hoping to tell Lindir about their exploits. The young minstrel might even make a song from the adventure.
"No arguments, Elrohir," Elrond said sternly. "You are fortunate your mother convinced me to be so lenient."
Elladan elbowed Elrohir in the ribs. /Quiet,/ he mindspoke quickly. /If you press him he shall make the punishment last longer. At least he is allowing us to spend the evening together./
Elrohir elbowed his brother back, but more gently. /Very well; for you 'Dan./ "I am sorry, Adar. " Affecting a look of contrition, he picked up the book and began searching for the place where he had left off.
Elrond leaned forward one last time, laying a hand across Elladan's forehead to check for fever. "Let me know if you feel worse, ion-nin."
"I will," Elladan yawned and with one last warning glance at Elrohir, Elrond left them alone.
The moment Elrond had left the room, Elladan set aside his tea and pushed himself up straight among the pillows. "How did you find that cave, 'Ro? Are there more," he asked, eyes shining with excitement.
"Remember when Glorfindel took me with him during the change of the patrol," Elrohir asked. At Elladan's nod, he continued. They were so focused on the conversation that they did not notice when a passing elf stopped in their doorway. He leaned against the frame, studying them for a long moment before clearing his throat.
Both twins jumped guiltily. "Erestor," Elladan exclaimed.
"We did not hear you enter," Elrohir finished.
"That is quite apparent," the Chief Advisor said dryly. "I was under the obviously mistaken impression that you were supposed to be studying, Elrohir."
Elrohir sighed, retrieving his book. Elladan, however, was unrepentant.
"Would you tell us a story first, please, Erestor? You tell them best. Even better than Adar." Elladan asked, with the pleading look he knew melted even the Advisor's stony heart.
"Yes, please? I promise I will finish the lesson afterwards," Elrohir mirrored the expression and under this dual attack, Erestor crumbled.
"Very well," he said sighing with mock-exasperation. "Is it even necessary for me to inquire as to what you wish to hear?"
Elladan shook his head at the same time as Elrohir nodded. They shared a quick glance, and Elrohir's shoulders slumped slightly and then he shook his head too. It would have to be that one – 'Dan loved it and Elrohir, Elrohir could deny him nothing. Elladan grinned, and held up a corner of the coverlet, wordlessly inviting Elrohir to join him beneath. /'Tis cold, warm me?/
Elrohir slid between the sheets, put and arm around Elladan's shoulders and pulled him close. /Always, gwador./ Elladan snuggled down, resting his head against Elrohir's chest, and Elrohir ran his fingers slowly through his twin's hair. Had either of them happened to glance at Erestor they would have wondered at the furrow of his brow, the storm gathering in the steel of his gaze. Wrapped up in each other and their relief to be home and out of trouble for the moment, neither did and the moment passed. Their eyes closed at the same instant as Erestor took a breath and began the story.
"Once upon a time," he said, velvet voice softening and taking on the even cadence of an oft-told tale. "in a land much like this one, there lived a Lord and his Lady. Dark as the Lord was, his Lady was equally bright and they complemented each other well. With his beloved Lady at his side the Lord ruled the land justly and kind. Her wit sharpened his vision, her calm soothed his temper. They were happy, but always their life seemed to be missing something.
"Then, one bright fall day the Lady approached her Lord as he studied in his library, surrounded by scrolls and leather tomes. 'I have news, my Lord, my love,' she said in a voice barely above a whisper. He glanced up from his books and met her eyes, which sparkled like jewels. Almost before she spoke the words he knew.
"'I am with child,' she said and the Lord lifted her in his arms and they whirled together, their laughter ringing through the room. They would be a family and their joy would increase.
"The Lady was gifted with a measure of her mother's Sight, so even before the birth, she knew she would bear twins. She spoke to them in a wordless language, surrounding them with her presence, letting them know they were welcomed. While the Lord was without such abilities, he spent long nights beside her as she slept. One hand rested on the ever-growing rise of her belly as he whispered to his sons. He told them of his experience as a twin and introduced them to their uncle, who they would not meet otherwise.
"Suddenly, in the midst of their good fortune, a cloud covered their light. The Lady went into labor too early. Perhaps her body could no longer contain the twins, perhaps they were eager to join the waiting world, but whatever the cause they were early and all of the best healers in the land were summoned to assist the Lady in bringing them forth.
"For long hours she labored, an unusual occurrence among elleth. But her strength, ever formidable, did not waver. Her Lord sat at her side through the day, speaking encouragement both tender and firm. At last the Master Healer, who had been monitoring the energy lines of both the Lady and her babes came to the Lord with an urgency in his tone and manner. The first twin had not turned properly, his feet positioned first. But, what was more concerning, the life cord had wrapped around the neck of the second twin. Something must be done, or the babe would die. Choices were few and none simple.
"The healer could attempt to manually maneuver the first twin, attempting to turn him. This, however, would likely take too long to save the second. The healer could administer an herbal tea and manipulate the flows of energy to stimulate stronger contractions, but this could be dangerous to both twins, especially if the first did not turn. Finally, the healer could perform a surgery that would save both twins, but possibly leave the Lady to languish and fade. There was little time to decide."
Beneath the blankets, Elladan sought Elrohir's hand with cold fingers. Elrohir wrapped his hand firmly around Elladan's. No matter how often the younger twin heard the story, a thrill of fear always rushed through him at this part. Elladan sighed against him and though Elrohir could still feel a lingering tension in his body, he knew Elladan relished the telling.
"The Lord, a skilled healer himself, knew what needed to be done. He would assist the Master Healer, guiding and shoring up the energies of his Lady and his sons as the Healer brewed his tea and began his ministrations.
"And so it was. The Lord sat behind his Lady upon the birthing bed, cradling her against him. In the depths of her pains she felt him there and she calmed. Her breathing slowed and deepened as he began to chant in a soft, hypnotic voice."
Elrohir could almost hear the tones of the healing chant. His lips formed the syllables unconsciously as he imagined them, the Lord and Lady – his adar and naneth. Erestor's voice painted the picture bright against his eyelids. Celebrian pale and trembling with exertion, held safe by Elrond. Safe. Elrohir rested his cheek on the crown of Elladan's head. With their Adar as Lord of Imladris they would be safe. Always.
"At last, as the first glint of Ithil's light shone into the room and spilled across the bed, the first twin turned within the Lady. With a final push he slid free, followed quickly by the second, who had his fingers still clasped around his brother's ankle. The Master Healer cried out in triumph and joy as two lusty wails rent the air. 'Sons, my Lord and Lady. You have two sons.'
"The babes were quickly cleaned and swaddled and passed to their exhausted, but endlessly pleased parents. The Lady held the elder, the Lord the younger. As they smiled at their babes, they bent their heads and bestowed upon them each the names they had chosen, whispers caressing tiny leaf-shaped ears.
"Elrohir, the Lady called the eldest. Elf-knight because he helped bring forth his younger brother. And Elladan, named by the Lord. Elf-Numenorian in celebration of their heritage from the noble houses of Elf and Edain." Somewhere in the midst of this telling, the elflings had passed from waking to slumber. Erestor moved quietly from the room so as not to disturb them.
The days of their punishment passed surprisingly swiftly for the elflings. During those blissfully quiet few weeks, the other members of Elrond's household breathed a collective sigh of relief at the unanticipated respite from their mischief. Elrohir spent much of his free time with Elladan in his bedroom, ever vigilant and ensuring that he drank the medicinal teas Elrond brewed and rested as much as possible. When he began to grow restless Elrohir would talk about their passed adventures.
"Remember when," Elrohir would begin, sprawling himself across the foot of Elladan's bed.
"Ada took us to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Lothlorien," Elladan would finish, giving Elrohir a jumping off point.
"And while we rested on the journey, you wandered away and got lost."
"But you came and found me." Elladan's eyes shone.
"Then we were both lost, but we found the waterfall and went swimming. 'Member how good it felt? It was so hot! But Grandma and Grandpa got worried and called out the guard to find us."
"Haldir discovered us there. 'Member how you ran across those rocks, trying to get behind the falls before he caught you?"
"And he slipped and fell in!" Elrohir burst out laughing, the sound echoed by Elladan. It had been a most amusing sight – the staid and somber Warden of the March dripping wet, official red robes ruined. "His expression..." Elrohir gasped, trying to catch his breath.
"He glowered as though he would put an arrow through your stomach."
"So ridiculous, all sopping wet like that. Was it my fault he was clumsy as a dwarf?"
"I got sick that time too," Elladan said and suddenly Elrohir calmed. He sat up, face gone serious.
"You scared me then, 'Dan. I thought you might die."
Elladan shook his head with a small smile. "You made me better, like you always do, 'Ro. Do not worry; I will never leave you." He crawled across the bed until he was beside Elrohir then lay down and pulled his twin close. "As long as I have you, I never need to be afraid," he whispered.
Elrohir, even clasped gently in his brother's embrace, could not relax. Even as Elladan's breathing slowed and deepened into sleep, he lay stiff, heart pounding in his chest. He reached up carefully, testing Elladan's forehead for fever. It was warm, but not hot. It seemed the chill was passing at last.
It was not the first time Elrohir had lain awake thus, and he figured it would not be the last. He didn't mind. It was the way it was. Elladan had never been quiet as strong as he. The younger twin often fell ill, and stayed ill longer than the elder twin. Elrohir did what he could, sharing every bit of healing he had learned from his father, but still he worried. At last, exhausted by his own anxiety, he slept as well.
Neither woke as Elrond entered silently. For a long moment he gazed down at them, arms twined around each other, legs entangled, faces turned toward each other even in repose.
Celebrian stepped up behind him, resting a hand on his shoulder. He covered it with his own. "You worry," Celebrian said softly, not questioning.
Elrond nodded. "They are so close," he whispered. If either elfling had been awake to hear, he would have been surprised to find their father's firm voice quiver.
Celebrian wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his back. "They are twins." He did not relax into her hold, merely stood stiff and staring. She let him remain thus for only a short while before urging him from the room. Both Lord and Lady were silent as they walked to their chambers. It was not until Celebrian was ensconced in her favorite chair by the fire that she spoke to her husband again. "No one can see their path, meleth. It is useless to worry. We will protect them as best we can and we will love them no matter what. They are young still, mere elflings. Give them time to find their way."
Elrond, unable to sit, stood motionless before the fire, one hand resting on the mantle. The other picked idly at a thread on his robes. He rubbed his forehead and pinched the bridge of his nose against a building headache. "They are young; they are twins. But you see the signs as well as I." He stared into the fire unseeing. Its heat did nothing to penetrate the chill that held him. "Without Elrohir, Elladan would be lost," he said softly. "Perhaps he should not have lived."
Celebrian's brows snapped together and when she spoke, her voice was sharp and cold as winter's ice. "How can you even speak such words?"
"I say it because it is truth. You must face it, Celebrian. You must prepare as I have."
The Lady shook her head. "Nothing is certain." But her words convinced neither of them. They remained cloaked in silence, lost in their own memories of the twins' youngest years. They had been years of great pleasure and great worry commingled. Elrohir and Elladan were the Lord and Lady's first children and so they were years of discovery and wonder. Watching as they took their first steps, hand in hand with each other. Days when they would be separated and one twin would cry, only to be comforted by the presence of the other.
The worry did not begin until Elrohir began to speak and Elladan did not. Only the elder twin could draw the younger from the shell he had built around himself. Only Elrohir could encourage Elladan to speak. Only Elrohir's presence could convince him to join the other elflings at play or in studies. The two were never apart for very long. Together, but separated by silence, the Lord and Lady worried.
Even as they grew older, with separate interests – Elladan in history, language and art, Elrohir in strategy, defense and the arts of war – they still spent most of their days together. Each participated in the other's joys so that they could remain side by side.
It was not until Elrohir and Elladan reached their majority that Elrond began to relax. Their circle of friends expanded, though slowly, mostly due to Elrohir's outgoing manner, but strengthened by Elladan's more quiet regard. They grew friendly with Lindir, a bard in training; with Tinuvel, a young healer training with Elrond; with Malpomaen, Erestor's scribe and librarian; and with Rumil, Haldir of Lorien's youngest brother. Though none of these friendships took the place of their own closeness, Elrond allowed his vigilance to wane. And so it came to pass that a shift occurred – one which Elrond feared, but did not see.
It was a warm spring evening, soon past the feast which celebrated the twins' majority. The chill of winter was finally banished, but the heat of summer had not yet taken hold. Elladan sat on the balcony of his rooms, painting the view before him. Even before Elrohir reached him, Elladan sensed his presence and called out a greeting. "'Tis fortunate that you stopped at the baths before coming in here smelling of the practice yards."
Elrohir grinned as he stepped from the shadows and joined Elladan on the balcony, perching carefully on the railing where he could see both his brother's painting and the waterfall he rendered. "Always, brother mine. It would not do to offend your delicate sensibilities with the scent of a day's work."
Elladan scowled in feigned annoyance. "As though waving a sword around and taking a beating from Glorfindel were work. I know how much you enjoy having him above you."
"You have no idea." Elrohir heaved a huge sigh and grinned, then opened a sack which sat at his feet. "And so, I need to relax. Care to join me?" He offered a small bottle.
Elladan left brush and paints on the table to examine the bottle more closely. It was one of Mirkwood's finest, and most potent, red wines. "'Ro, this is from Adar's private selection. How did you get it?" He handed it back with a mischievous grin.
"Flattery and a small kiss have remarkable powers," Elrohir said, using a knife to remove the cork. He held out the bottle for Elladan to take the first drink.
"You are incorrigible," Elladan grumbled, but his eyes sparkled. "You leave a trail of broken hearts along your path."
"None interest me. They are too soft." Elrohir shrugged. "And who could compare to you?"
Elladan affected a pose. "None hold your interest, you mean." Then, raising the bottle to his lips he took a long drink. The richness of the wine spilled over his tongue, tasting of berries overlaid with a hint of something darker. The alcohol sent a delicious heat from his throat, to his stomach to radiate outwards and he sighed, dropping into a chair. "Yes, this is what I needed."
Elrohir held out a hand. "Do not take it all for yourself, Balrog-breath."
Ignoring 'Ro's all-too-common insult, Elladan thrust the wine into his twin's hand, then leaned back in the chair, staring up at the gathering dark.
Elrohir studied the bottle in his hand for a long moment. He drank then, uncommonly aware that his lips were where Elladan's had been but a moment before. The realization sent a shock through him. The wine, mixed with the odd thrill formed a heat in the pit of his stomach. Elladan reached for the bottle and Elrohir returned it to him without a word.
The stars had begun to appear in the twilight sky. They glittered in Elladan's eyes, mirrored in the mithril depths. Elrohir swallowed and glanced away into the gardens below.
Elladan tore his gaze from the sky at last, his attention caught by his brother's uncommon stillness. Ithil's first light shone down, bleaching Elrohir's skin until it shone alabaster, his dark hair, pulled back in warriors braids, the only darkness about him. He sat perfectly still upon the rail, as though one of Elrond's statues. Elladan's mouth went dry and he took a long gulp of the wine to refresh himself. "'Tis a beautiful night," he said softly.
Elrohir nodded in agreement, but said nothing, continuing to stare into the garden.
Elladan pressed the bottle into his empty hand and Elrohir drank. As he did, a drop of wine slipped from the corner of his mouth, staining his pale skin red. Unthinking, Elladan leaned forward and captured the errant drop with the tip of his tongue. Elrohir's skin was surpassing soft and warm against him.
Slowly Elrohir turned and was confronted by that open gaze. In Elladan's eyes he saw his own banked desire glowing. Gently, with more care than he took with any other, Elrohir pressed his lips to Elladan's in a wine-sweet kiss. He caught the tremor that shook Elladan at the touch of their lips and Elrohir nearly pulled away. Perhaps he had presumed too much. After only the barest of hesitations, Elladan's mouth opened and his tongue darted out to tentatively taste of Elrohir. The elder twin sighed, wrapping the younger in a tight embrace. The wine bottle, empty now, dropped to the garden below, forgotten.
Elladan raised his arms, sliding his hands under Elrohir's tunic and it was the elder's turn to tremble. Elrohir's fingers tangled in Elladan's hair. /Come meleth,/ Elladan beckoned, urging Elrohir into his chambers. The balcony doors stood slightly open behind them, allowing the breeze, scented with early blooming lilac to play over their fevered skin.
They tumbled into bed as easily as they always had, legs entwined, hands roaming; they shed their clothes like outgrown skins. Here, then, was the desire Elladan felt nowhere else. Here, then, was the passion Elrohir did not know how else to express. Their breath came in short pants, broken by a rare gasp of surprise as one or the other discovered a new form of pleasure.
They were as one elf, reflected in a mirror - each movement met and replicated by the other. Elrohir watched as the heat setting his body afire stained Elladan's skin a faint pink. Elladan watched as the need he felt darkened Elrohir's eyes until they turned the color of the sky before a storm.
At nearly the same moment they reached down and grasped the root of the other's desire. Their moans lapped at the walls as they stroked their lengths, first slowly but growing faster. A sheen of sweat broke out across their skin and they gazed in amazement at the mirror of their beauty. They reached their peak together, each swallowing the other's cry and holding it deep in their belly.
Sleep claimed them quickly and they slipped away together, still clasped in their embrace. Ithil's gaze shown down over them both and the sweet scent of lilac mingled with their lovemaking.
Thus did Elrond's fear come to pass, though he knew it not. As Elladan and Elrohir reveled in the passion they had found, spring gave way to summer.
