The Favorite Weapon
Summary: The twins must write a report on their favorite weapon. Elladan has trouble choosing.
Story Notes: If you recognize it, it's not mine. I'm just borrowing them. Who knows, I may even give them back one day...... Maybe....... At least I haven't bruised them.
Elladan sat at his desk, his mind blank, staring at the paper. His hand held the quill loosely, the ink slowly collecting into a drop on the tip. From his left, he could hear the noise of his brother's quill, scratching furiously as he wrote. In front of his desk came the occasional sound of turning pages as Erestor read from whatever large tome he had unearthed this week.
His favorite weapon and why. 200 words. That was all he had to write. But what was his favorite weapon? And why? Obviously, Elrohir was sure of his choice and his reasoning. How should he decide? He did favor his sword, but he very much enjoyed the bow. Of course, there was also a long knife he had just started learning. And never did he go anywhere without a dagger. Each weapon had its merits. But which was his favorite?
"I am finished, Lord Erestor", Elrohir stated as he rose from his seat, completed paper in hand. He handed it to the instructor, then returned to his desk and capped his ink.
"Thank you, Elrohir. You may go now." The young elf, collected his parchments and books, and with a parting nod, left the room. "Elladan, you may go as well."
"But, I have not finished." The young elf lightly protested.
"I know, but you do seem to be at a bit of a loss. It will do you no good to stay sitting here staring at the parchment."
"But…"
"Go, Elladan."
Sighing, he put aside his quill and capped his ink. After collecting his parchments and books, he stood and turned to the door.
"I will expect your report tomorrow afternoon."
"Yes, my lord. Enjoy your day."
"You as well."
Elladan left the office of the chief counselor. After a brief stop in his room to divest himself of his belongings, he decided to visit the training fields. Perhaps some use of the weapons in question would help him to make a decision.
Two hours later, he was no closer to a resolution. At the evening meal, he was notably quiet and his mother questioned him almost moments into the meal.
"Elladan. You are very quiet tonight. Is there something amiss?" the Lady of Imladris asked her son, concerned.
"Nothing, Naneth." He replied with a sigh. "I am just pondering a writing assignment that Lord Erestor gave me."
"Surely you have finished." Elrohir broke in. "Just write what you like about your sword and be done with it."
Elrond's brow quirked, "He assigned you to write about the features of your sword?"
"He told us to choose our favorite weapon and tell why it is our favorite." Elladan answered.
"And you do not choose your sword?" his father asked.
"Well, not yet. I am not sure that it is my favorite. I think I will take a walk and think on it further. Please excuse me." Elladan rose from the table and retreated from the dining hall.