Part Twenty-Seven

"I am not afraid of him," Elladan told Saelbeth, but it was a lie. He was afraid of Celeborn. Very much so. He was afraid of losing the fragile emotion that was beginning to bloom between himself and the elf of Mirkwood.

Celeborn had stayed no more than a few minutes in the talan, but it had been enough to cause a ripple in what Elladan and Saelbeth were trying to weave together. Elladan physically felt Saelbeth withdraw. If he himself was afraid, Saelbeth was many times more so.

Elladan's grand-father had stared at them, gloating, and told Elladan he wished to speak with him later in private. His eyes had raked over their naked bodies with a burning heat and for the first time, Elladan felt truly uncomfortable.

He had always loved Celeborn. He had been proud to be told he took after him, and smirked when he and his brother were told that Elrohir was more like Elrond. He had liked being lustful and proud and able to have any elf he desired… but now he realized that it had all been an illusion.

Finally Elladan understood the meaning of life. To be alive was only fully achieved by loving and being loved in return, and until now he had only been a small portion of the elf he had been born to be. If Saelbeth gave him his trust and affection, Elladan knew he would finally be able to mature, to be worthy of being Lord of Rivendell should Elrond truly wish to sail to the west. He would be able to fill that role and Arwen would not be forced to wed so young.

And Legolas, sweet, beautiful, kind-hearted Legolas would be free to love where he chose.

"You are not like Lord Celeborn," Saelbeth said.

"It means everything that you should say that."

"I know."

"We should dress ourselves, Elladan, as tempting as it is to drag you back to bed."

Elladan smiled seductively at Saelbeth and was pleased when his new lover smiled in return. "I will have my grand-mother's seamstress make you a whole new wardrobe. Do you think King Thranduil will let you move to Rivendell? Or will giving you and Silindë both up be too much for him?"

Saelbeth smiled mildly and turned away from Elladan to start putting his clothing on, so Elladan followed suit. He opened his armoire, which had been filled with robes like those Celeborn wore, after Elladan had expressed his pleasure in them and the way they flattered both his face and figure. Now he felt ashamed to wear them, but he had nothing else as his clothing had been lost in the spider web.

"I think Legolas is no longer in need of his guards," Saelbeth said. "Go on, Elladan, get dressed. The robes look wonderful on you, and surely they are more comfortable than leggings."

"You make progress already," Elladan said, and he took the robe out of the armoire and slipped it over his head.

"I am not afraid of clothing, nor does it remind me so much of him that I would have you concern yourself about it."

"I am more than willing to remain naked all day if that will make you feel better."

"You tempt me."

"You fight temptation too well."

Saelbeth moved forward to take Elladan into his arms and kissed him full on the mouth. Elladan felt dizzy with it.

"It is unlike with anyone else," he whispered.

"I know," said Saelbeth. "I feel it too. It is like a surprise. A very pleasant one."

"It will not hurt…"

"I hope you are right."

"I've never felt this way before, Saelbeth."

"Truly…nor have I. Who would ever have thought?"

"Elladan?" Elrohir's voice rang through the talan and suddenly his twin appeared in the doorway. He stepped into the bedroom and Elladan was glad they had gotten dressed.

"Good morning, brother. Where is Orophin? I am amazed that he has let you out of his sight."

"He and Rúmil have gone on the mid-day border patrol and are not expected back until after nightfall, so I thought I should come and see how you were faring," Elrohir said cheerfully, his gaze going to Saelbeth. "But what is this? Have I interrupted something?"

"I have much to tell you," Elladan said, grinning at his twin.

"You seem much changed," Elrohir commented. "And for the better. Saelbeth, is this your doing?"

"Perhaps," Saelbeth said, smiling mildly. "I should go to King Thranduil, and see if he requires anything of me today…"

Elladan knew he was trying to be polite, so that the two brothers could speak together privately, and Elladan found that he much desired a private council with Elrohir, so he nodded.

"You tell him that I would have you return to Rivendell with me," Elladan said.

"I will approach both him and Lord Elrond on the subject."

"You are likely to find them together," said Elrohir, smirking slightly. Saelbeth nodded to him, then left the talan. "Now, Elladan, tell me everything."

"I am in love," Elladan sighed.

"Are you certain? I would not have you break Saelbeth's heart… not after grand-father hurt him so badly."

"How much like our father you sound."

Elrohir laughed. "Ai, I must be maturing too quickly. And you! Should we abandon this path of love and go back to our trouble-making ways?"

"No, never!" Elladan cried, and he flung his arms around his twin. When he drew back, he looked Elrohir over carefully. A silver mirror hung on one wall of the talan, and Elladan turned them both towards it so they could see their reflection together. "You have filled out again. You look so much better. Healthy. I must thank Orophin for his tender care of you."

"Yes," Elrohir said, "We are identical again. Orophin has done nothing but stuff me with nuts and sugared peaches and sweet-cakes since we got here."

"I could not believe how much you had wasted away. You were fading, Elrohir."

"If you were to leave us for the Halls of Mandos, I would follow you there," Elrohir said softly, clinging to his twin. "You are my brother, my twin, my closest companion. Even though now we seem to have found our mates, I will not let anything separate us."

Elladan hugged Elrohir tightly, then took a deep breath and told him all that had passed with their grand-father. His twin listened carefully and nodded.

"I must go to him soon, but I know not what he will say to me."

"I do not like this, and he has intimidated you, Elladan. I fear he will use your feelings against you. I have a thought. Let us switch clothing, and I will go and speak to him, pretending to be you."

"I would not have you put yourself at risk for me."

"It is no risk, Elladan. Quickly now, off with that robe!"