Summary: Lord Elrond takes his sons on a journey to the human town. The elves find the terms of the agreement unsuitable and the situation threatens to get from under control, when the twins are kidnapped to ensure the elves' cooperation.
Disclaimer: I think it's rather unnecessary statement, but Arda with all it's characters belongs to Professor Tolkien. I own only those, created by me.
NOTE: I know I had other unfinished stories and I assure you that I do intent on continuing them. It's just that sometimes you want to do something and simply can't. I write, read, delete, try to come up with something better… This story was born few days ago after reading lots of different other fan fiction stories posted here. I do not intent on making it too long and I just simply wanted to write some angst/adventure story about young twins. Hope you'll like it. And I think I won't shock anyone by telling that reviews do tent to speed up the updates.
The first treachery
Chapter 1. The arrival
"A human delegation from Bredron had just arrived, my lord, - one of the servants informed Elrond with a small but respectful bow. – They await in the courtyard".
"Thank you, I'll go there immediately. Please, inform lord Erestor that I expect him to come there as well".
The other elf nodded, leaving the room in a dignified hurry.
Clothing the book and taking the still unsorted patches of leaves back to the spacious basket that stood in the corner, the lord of Imladris rose from his sit, straightening his robes as best as he could. It wasn't that he was an untidy person or put too much value in his looks, but the humans were rather strange when it came to the matters of the official clothing. There was no use in spoiling their first opinion with something as trivial as crumpled clothing or some accidental stain.
The courtyard was rather noisy and crowded. For an elven one, that is. In the strongholds of men this atmosphere would probably be considered unnaturally silent. A group of fifteen men stood in the specious area, looking around in awe and wander as their horses were being led away into the direction of stables.
"I welcome you in Imladris, friends", - Elrond said, smiling politely to the humans, as he slowly walked up to them, coming to stop few feet away.
"We thank you for welcoming us, lord Elrond and for agreeing to meet and discuss our lord's proposition", - one of the humans stepped forward, bowing. He was a middle-aged man with sharp intelligent eyes and well-build body of someone, who wasn't unfamiliar with blades. His short dark hair had a touch of grey, but that was the only sign that this human was not young anymore.
"I see no reason why I shouldn't. Let the servants show you to your rooms now. The dinner will be set in two ours and we can talk afterwards if you would feel rested enough".
"Thank you, - the human answered with a genuine gratitude. – The road here was safe but rather long. Me and my men would appreciate the rest indeed. But where are my manners? I hope I didn't offend you, my lord. I'm Gorthan, a member of the city council of Bredron".
"Pleasure to meet you, master Gorthan".
The humans were led inside the building and Elrond just stood there, watching them in silent thought. Some strange tickling feeling arose in his heart and even though it was as light as the whisper of the summer wind, the lord of Imladris was too experienced to just dismiss it.
"Is something amiss?" – a soft melodic voice asked to his left and Elrond turned, smiling at his councilor and one of best friends.
"No, Erestor - he shook his head. – Not really. I sense trouble, but I don't know whether it is connected to this humans or not. We'll hear them out first and then decide what to do".
"That we will, my friend", - the other elf nodded.
"By the way, have you seen the twins?" – Elrond changed the subject, suddenly realizing that it was suspiciously quiet around here of late.
"I don't think I saw them ever since breakfast, - Erestor frowned a bit. - They are probably on the training grounds. I heard them promise Glorfindel they would practice hard while he's gone".
"Yes, they can pull all sorts of pranks on him, but they crave for his approval", - Elrond smiled.
"Few elves were able to resist his charms, - Erestor nodded. – Especially among the younglings. He seems to have some special talent when it comes to children".
"True, - Elrond smiled, remembering all those episodes from the twins' early years when mighty Balrog Slayer of Gondolin was playing a pony or a werewolf to please the two young ones' fantasies. - But I better go find my sons now".
He nodded to his friend and walked into the direction of the training grounds. Even before he rounded the corner, he heard the loud clanking sounds and two excited voices, calling to each other and laughing.
"Turn a bit further to the left when you block it, El, - Elladan advised. – I made the same mistake at first".
"Like this?" – another clank.
"Yes, that's it! Now you learned the move too!"
"You both are doing great, - Elrond stepped closer, smiling as he saw his sons. Both were disrobed, wearing only their pants, dancing around each other with blunt training swords in hands. Their youthful bodies were well build and their moves naturally graceful. They still were considered children, but soon enough they'll start the warrior training and all too soon to his liking he'll loose them to adulthood. – Glorfindel would be proud", - he noted, trying to blink the dark thoughts away.
"You think so?" – they asked in unison, looking both pleased and doubtful.
"I'm sure of it, but you can ask him in a few weeks when he returns with your mother".
"Mother's coming home too?" – the two couldn't hide their joy. Celebrian was staying with her parents in Lorien for almost three years now and both her sons and husband missed her grately.
"Yes, - Elrond smiled at the excited hopeful notes in his sons' voices. – And she might even bring your sister".
"That would be great! – Elrohir smiled radiantly. – I'd love to see them!"
"Yes, it feels like ages! I missed little Arwen! – Elladan agreed. – It's a bit dull when there's no one, whom you can give a ride on your back".
"How about me?" – laughed Elrohir.
"You're too heavy! Should eat less!" – his twin scowled in mock disgust.
"Enough of your beakering, please, - Elrond put both hands palms up, stopping he twins. He knew that they were able to argue for hours. The fact was rather surprising indeed, for both were so close, they sometimes were even talking and thinking in unison. But despite it all they took great pleasure in this lighthearted arguments. – The human delegation from Bredron arrived some minutes ago. The dinner will be set in two hours. I know you don't like those official meetings, but I would really like to see you there".
Two identical sighs were his answer.
"Properly dressed…"
"… and well behaved".
The two finished for their father, making Elrond smile despite their unhappy faces.
"Sure, father", - they said in unison, their smiles fading. Not for long, of course. He doubted that the two of them could stay upset with something for long.
Elrond just shook his head as he saw Elrohir jump onto his brother's back with a triumphant howl and, after a short debate, Elladan gripped his twin's legs tighter and broke into a mad run, both of them laughing loudly.
"They are blessed to have each other", - the elder elf thought, an unwanted tear rolling down his cheek. How he hoped that his sons would not do the same mistake he and Elros did, would not break their bond, separating from each other forever.
"My lord, - a guard walked up to him, averting Elrond's attention from the depressing thoughts. – One of the patrol groups had just returned. They report spotting signs of a group of brigands to the south-east of here".
"Brigands? – Elrond frowned. – Those news are disturbing indeed. Make sure that all patrol groups are informed. Do not pursuit them unless necessary, but try to keep an eye on their whereabouts".
"Yes, my lord".
The warrior bowed, leaving. Elrond shook his head. Brigands… Humans rarely dared to wander close to Imladris if not with purpose. Hopefully, this group would just pass by, not risking to attack the firstborn. But it never pained to be prepared. The younger race was quite often arrogant and self-assured and Elrond didn't want his warriors to loose their lives or to kill the humans without absolute necessity.
Remembering about the human delegation just in time, he headed back to the main building, inwardly scowling at his luck. Why do this troubles always happen when Glorfindel was away? It wasn't that Elrond was not a warrior himself, but his golden haired friend was commending their troops for centuries and he knew how and when to act best. Hopefully, this troubles would not grow into something bigger and more threatening. Not until his friend returned, at least.
"The arrangements are done, - Erestor reported, catching up with him. – The servants are preparing everything in the main hall. I won't ask if you had found the twins. Only completely deaf and blind person would miss their arrival".
Elrond winced.
"Well, I'd better speak to them about behaving more properly for now. The elves here are quite used to their antics, but I doubt that they would make good impression on our human guests".
"Hm… I would say that is there problem, my friend. I like your sons better. Besides it's not as if we are in any need of whatever this humans may propose, so if they are offended by the twins' lively spirit, I won't shed a tear over their departure".
"Thank you, Erestor", - Elrond laughed softly. Stern and serious, his friend always knew how to lighten his spirit. He didn't do it often, of course, for it was Glorfindel's job usually, but he could be no less lighthearted than their mutual friend when needed.
"Go get changed, - the other elf replied, smiling. – I'll see to it that everything is made properly".
Nodding, Elrond walked toward his chambers, the ghost of worry still troubling his heart.
XXX
Gorthan looked out from the wide beautifully carved window, mesmerized by the wonderful gardens below. What magic one must posses to create something as breathtaking as this? He took a deep breath of fresh air, sweet with the scents of countless flowers. He must concentrate on his mission.
The task wasn't all that hard or inappropriate: to convince lord Elrond of coming to Bredron. He knew not what his lord's plans were, but he doubted they were good. Gorthan lived his whole life in the city and was the member of it's council for more than twenty years. That term was more than enough to understand that lord Giald did nothing that would not bring him profit or satisfaction. He, much like his father, had no mercy or compassion whatsoever, but unlike the hot-tempered Galdir, who lived solely for the battle, his son liked plotting more. Plotting and striking when none expected…
Gorthan never truly liked his lord, not even when Gilad was a small child, for he even then was a heartless and cruel person. But, what else could he do but follow orders? He had his wife and two daughters, both married and settled in Bredron. He soon would be blessed with grandchildren too. Those were the things that truly mattered. And that is why he would do exactly what he was ordered.
A soft knock on the door returned the man to reality.
"Come in", - he said, turning to face the newcomer.
It was a young she-elf, beautiful as all her race.
"The dinner is set. Lord Elrond expects you in the main hall. I will show the way".
She seemed friendly and sincere, but it was hard to tell whether those emotions were genuine or just a sign of courtesy. Deciding that he didn't actually care, Gorthan looked in the mirror, checking his appearance, and exited the room, following the maiden down the corridor.
Despite his long-practiced self-restraint, the man could not stop all the emotions from showing on his face. The whole stronghold of Imladris was beautiful, it's architecture above anything a human mind could come up with. The decorations were simple, but so elegant, it took the breath away.
The hall where the dinner was set was simply huge. Long table was arranged near one of the side walls for his men and a smaller one - near the far wall. Connecting to the longer table, but standing one step higher. Various foods and drinks were already placed on the tables, reminding Gorthan that he had little but dry rations for the past ten days. Restraining his growing sense of hunger, he walked toward the smaller table.
"Your halls impressed me much, lord Elrond, - he bowed, studying the four elves that set before him. This must be the immediate family, he thought. – Your house is beautiful".
"Thank you, master Gorthan, - Elrond smiled. – Let me introduce my sons, Elladan and Elrohir, - he pointed to the two completely identical youths that set to his right. – And my advisor and a family friend, lord Erestor".
This, Gorthan thought, studying the dark-haired advisor closely, was not a person to fool easily. The elf looked young, just as very other one he saw around here, but his eyes spoke of a sharp mind and centuries of experience. He must be careful around this one. Gorthan thought, for the first time realizing just how hard it might be to complete his task without waking suspicion in this elves.
"Pleasure to meet you, my lords", - he bowed again.
"Welcome in Imladris, master Gorthan", - the twins said in perfect unison, nodding at him with what seemed to be one move for two, sending shivers down the human's back. Now, that was creepy.
"We hope your stay would be pleasant", - one of them added.
"Your companions would be here shortly, - Erestor informed, inviting the human to the sit beside him. – We can start the dinner then".
Gorthan nodded, taking the pointed sit. Already, first of his men came through the widely opened doors. They all came to greet the lords before taking their sits at the long table. When all were present, the dinner began. There were no speeches, no ceremonies… Lord Elrond invited them all to share the food and drinks and they started eating.
Gorthan let himself relax for a while, enjoying the delicious food and light wonderful wine. He had never tasted anything better. He doubted even his lord did. Not to mention that there was no tension one might expect while sharing a meal with a nobility of another race. The elves behaved naturally, with polite friendliness, that seemed quite genuine. The realization provoked a small sting of what had to be his conscience, but Gorthan shoo it away, almost angrily.
"Master Gorthan, - lord Elrond turned to him, his piercing eyes almost making him to choke on a piece of bread. – My warriors report seeing a group of what seemed to be brigands. That patrol came from the direction of your city. Any rumors about them troubling your people?"
Gorthan frowned. There indeed were few accidents at the smaller villagers near Bredron. But should he tell this to the elves? Would it be considered as an obstacle to visit the city?
"Unfortunately, brigands are not rare, - he said cautiously, carefully choosing his words. - I doubt there is any inhabitant or visited areas that do not contain a gang or two".
"True, yet this news are slightly disturbing. But let us not ruin the dinner with such topics".
There was no further discussion of the matter. Nor other talking, at that. It seemed that the elves tried not to use their language not to cause discomfort to their guests, but they still had close to no topics to discuss with almost complete strangers. Once the bellies were filled, the dinner ended. Just like that.
"So, master Gorthan, do you wish to discuss the purpose of your visit now or would you prefer to wait till morning?" – Elrond enquired.
"I would prefer to do it now, if that suits you, my lord", - he bowed.
"Good, we can discuss it in my study. Lord Erestor will join us. If the matter requires further discussion, I'll arrange the council meeting tomorrow. Elladan, Elrohir, you may retire to your room now".
The two nodded and walked away, softly speaking to each other in their melodic language. Gorthan looked after them in wonder. He saw the sets of twins before, but never were they this close. To share not only the same appearance, but also the same spirit.
"This way, master Gorthan", - Elrond drew him out of his musings and he followed the two elf lords toward lord Elrond's study. His mind had already shoved all unnecessary thought to the back and concentrated solely on his mission.
… TBC
NOTE: I hope to finish the next chapter tomorrow, perhaps even tonight, but I think I'll wait for the first reviews before posting it. I don't know if you'd like it after all. And with little luck my writing spree could help produce new chapters to other stories as well.