Author warning: in this universe, elves can have lovers before they meet and bond with their fëa-mates. I figure - beings living centuries or even millennia before meeting their soul-mate cannot wait such a long time before having a lover - that would be a very boring life indeed!
Chapter 3 ended with:
"What was that language you were speaking? And did you see how gorgeous these men were? Especially the two that seem to be twins. Tell me, do you know them well?"
Valerie sighed. It would be a long conversation indeed.
Chapter 4 – Twin temptation
"So let me get this straight: we are in a different world where elves, dragons and dwarves exist. Elves came to get you in our world because there is a prophecy about a woman from our world that will have babies with an elf, and they think it's you?"
"Yes," Valerie confirmed, the description of the situation being relatively accurate.
"And then, you figured, why don't I get my sister here too, so she can be stuck with me in this crazy adventure?"
"You were never meant to be here. I only asked them to get Phoebe and Adam. You were the unexpected bonus."
"Why? Why did you want the children with you?"
"They are my children! They should be with their mother! Who else was going to take care of them?"
"Me!"
"I didn't know that! I did not want to impose this burden on you and I knew that our parents would never take care of them. And you were working so hard at the hospital, taking care of your patients, I truly did not believe that you would want to raise children. And with your panic attacks..."
"What is this supposed to mean? How judgmental of you!"
Valerie took a deep breath. "Allison... let's be realistic. Our upbringing in a dysfunctional family, the neglect we suffered from a love point of view while money was flowing all around us, it had a major impact on the both of us. And while our brother thrived in this atmosphere, my rebellion against our parents sent me directly to boarding school for most of my teenage years. You suffered the most. In all honesty, aside from your professional career, you are not the most stable elleth."
"I am not an elleth, I am a woman!"
"Not anymore," Valerie reminded her. Her sister had gone through the same deep sleep she had experienced before, and had awaken with the elven flame in her spirit. She also now had the lighter, glowing skin, the pointier ears, the improved senses. "Listen, I am sorry. I wanted my children, and I knew they would never send me back. A warrior accepted to go back to get them. I sincerely apologize about the fact that you are stuck here because of me."
"Can't I go back?"
"No. It is not possible. You are an elf now, an immortal, a being of light, an Eldar. You are here to stay. I am very sorry," she apologized again.
Allison stared at her sister, breathing deeply. "I must admit, I am surprised that I don't have a panic attack as we speak."
"Elves are not getting sick."
"Great! What will my profession be if I am to remain here?"
"Elves don't get sick, but they get injured. There are some nasty creatures out there, and our warriors are fighting them with courage and great dedication. Regularly, some of them are brought to the healing rooms with gruesome injuries. Your knowledge would be very precious. I know Lord Elrond is anxiously waiting to discuss your training with you."
"I bet he is! This is some kind of Middle Ages you brought me in! How I am supposed to perform surgeries under these archaic conditions?"
"I understand they use sleeping draughts."
"Sleeping draughts!" Allison huffed.
Valerie smiled. Allison was already planning what her life would be like here. Unlike Valerie months before, who had been alone in an unknown world where people did not speak her language, Allison had her close family with her, the only three people that she truly cared for. She could be happy here.
"How are men here? I saw quite a few gorgeous specimens, between the healers and the three lords from before."
"Elves are gorgeous beings. There are quite a few single warriors and scholars. If they can get over your age, you can date people as much as you want..."
"What is wrong with my age? Am I too old at 33 years old?"
"It's quite the opposite! Childhood lasts 50 years for an elf. We are so very, very young for them, despite the fact that we are obviously adults physically. The youngest elf in Imladris is more than 800 years old."
"They have no children?"
"The darkening of their world weighs heavily on their spirits. Their hope is diminishing, many elves are sailing to a land of peace out West... They do not wish to bring new life in this world."
"We are talking about the same world that we are stuck in?"
"Yes. I am supposed to bring them hope and unity. Do not ask me how I am supposed to achieve this, I still have to figure it out."
"I am sure you will figure it out. Now about the males, how do I know who is available and who is not?"
Valerie rolled her eyes. "They have wedding rings here too, not that it ever stopped you before. But elven binding is unbreakable. Once bound, a couple will never cheat, for they share a spiritual bond beyond anything we can imagine. This is some form of magic, ensuring that a couple can remain in love for eternity. It would be very inappropriate for you to seduce a married ellon, by the way."
"I will do my best not to be frowned upon, I promise! Now when I woke, there were these two twin men, dark haired..."
Valerie sighed. Of course, Allison had to pick the sons of Lord Elrond of all people to start hunting!
OoOoO
"You have been here for many months, have you not started dating an ellon?" Allison inquired one evening at dinner. They were speaking in English most of the time, since Valerie's sister was still learning Sindarin. It was an arduous task, even if she too, had been helped by Mithrandir, who had given her improved language skills like he had done for Valerie before.
"No," Valerie sighed regretfully. "It seems like they see me as this... sacrificial virgin. I must remain pure, untainted."
Allison snorted loudly. "Despite the evidence that you are not, thanks to these two little devils running around the manor and its grounds, creating havoc? How could they not have noticed this?"
"I told you about the prophecy. I am promised to one of three ellyn, and no male will even approach me unless they are bringing me word from Lord Elrond. The ones that are considered lords will sometimes have a strictly friendly discussion with me. This is frustrating!"
"Yes... I can imagine the frustration..." Allison added, her expression suddenly dreamy.
"Have you chosen yet which one of the twins will have the honor of sharing your bed?"
Allison had proven her worth to the Imladris healers and Lord Elrond in particular after an attack at the Eastern border. Many warriors had come back with injuries, and Allison had taken care of the most gravely injured in the lot, Elrohir. The ellon had received three arrows, one to his left shoulder blade, and two in his chest. Internal organs had been damaged, and Lord Elrond had done what he could, but in these times, injuries to internal organs were regularly fatal. Allison had respectfully pushed the lord aside, and after making sure that Elrohir had been given a strong sleeping draught, she had started working, showing her extensive expertise as a surgeon. She had worked for three hours in complete silence, never stopping, never complaining, the other healers joining them in the room after all the other patients had been taken care of. When she had finally closed the last wound, she had slumped on her chair, exhausted, and Lord Elrond and Elladan, who had joined during the procedure, had helped her to a comfortable chair and given her something to drink.
In the following hours, the three of them had quietly spoken of medicine in her world while Elrohir was still sleeping. They also talked about the care Elrohir would need to receive over the next few weeks. The lord and his heir expressed their gratitude for having saved Elrohir's life. They knew they could never repay that debt.
In the days that had followed, Elladan and Allison had tended to Elrohir, and the three of them had become friends. Until that day when Allison had interrupted a discussion between the twin brothers, the subject being her and potential ways to seduce her. They had quickly recovered and changed the subject. Allison had shared the information with Valerie, who had been quite interested to hear that her sister may soon have more success in her love life with the elves than she did herself.
"Well, there is a little something I never told you..." Allison finally answered Valerie. She watched around the room where almost all of Imladris was having dinner. The only other two people who spoke English, Adam and Phoebe, were playing by the fire and were out of earshot. "It seems that the twins have shared in the past a common interest for ellith."
"And?"
"They share."
"They share? What do you mean by that?"
"They share ellith. It has been at least a century that each time they have a common interest in an elleth, they both... sleep with her."
Valerie stared at her sister, struggling to process that information. And then, she burst out laughing, very loudly. Her hilarity was contagious, and Allison, after a few moments of bafflement, joined her in her merriment. Their giggles caught everyone's attention, and the lords and ladies stared at them.
"It is the first time that I hear Valerie laugh so heartily," Arwen told her father with a smile.
"I am glad that she can finally be herself instead of this wounded elleth who has been torn away from her world and thrown here thoughtlessly." Glorfindel's voice was hard, and all the lords at the table knew that they were being reminded of their carelessness in handling this most important matter.
"What is important is that the situation was fixed, thanks to you," Arwen replied, wanting to avoid a confrontation between her father and the captain.
They kept watching as the two elflings were drawn towards their mother and aunt, wanting to share their happiness. The children were very active and had been seen all over Imladris, sometimes with their naneth in tow, playing in the numerous stairs, swimming in the river, discovering every single room in the manor and trying to communicate with the servants to get whatever it was they wanted at the time. All were still watching the elflings with kindness despite their disruptive behaviors with the staff.
Allison gave them some cake while Valerie gave them lots of kisses. The four talked and laughed for a little while before the children went back to play, and immediately, the whispered conversation between the sisters resumed.
"So this is going to end as a threesome? They are brothers, this is so... wrong. I am sure incest is not accepted here either."
"Did I use the word threesome?" Allison asked dramatically. "I said they share. Not that they sleep together!"
"What does that mean? How does this work?"
"Well... it seems that the elleth sleeps some nights with one of them, and some nights with the other."
"And did they tell you yet which one of them is better in bed? So you know which one to try first? Or is it a trial and error kind of experience? Maybe they can tell you who they slept with in the past, and these ellith could tell you which one to start with?" Valerie laughed out loud again, this time tears rolling on her cheeks.
"I would not have told you a thing if I had known you would laugh about it!" Allison replied, getting angry quickly. She started to stand to leave the table they usually shared with the children, and Valerie grabbed her wrist, suddenly serious.
"I am sorry, Allison. Please forgive me. This is strange for me. You have to understand, no one has shown any interest in me. No one. And you find yourself with two suitors, incredibly attractive, and you tell me that you will probably have two lovers at once, and that everyone will think it is normal. Please... Humor me. I need some merriment in my boring, sexually frustrated life."
Allison sat back down, her pride wounded.
"So... which one do you prefer?"
"I do not know. They are both so similar physically!"
"But mentally? Elladan is more serious, Elrohir is a prankster. I would have thought that Elladan would be more interesting to you." Valerie reflected on this for a moment. "Allison, you do know that you don't have to sleep with both of them if you do not wish to?"
"That is not the problem."
"Oh, I see. You want to be with the both of them?"
"Kind of?" Allison said with uncertainty.
"Wow! This world is really changing you! And to think our mother was scolding me for having my twins outside of wedlock! She would be outraged by what you are about to do!"
"Yes, I think being here has changed me. I feel... free. There are no expectations. No parents and brother to make our lives miserable. I mean, do you even miss them?"
Valerie snorted. How could she miss John Thompson, founder and sole owner of a major entertainment and information business that had been his pride and joy, neglecting his own children to grow his profits and wealth? Did she miss her brother John Junior, who was their father's successor and who had always been cold and calculating with his younger sisters?
"You are right, you are much better here," Valerie finally admitted.
"What about you? Are you not better here? A life without the stress of managing a magazine, without the pressure from our family?"
"Do I have to remind you that I have been brought here to have children with an ellon? I am expected to become a laying hen."
"A laying hen?" Allison repeated.
"Yes, year after year, I will pop a child," Valerie said, and putting her finger in her mouth, she took it out with a loud popping noise that everyone heard in the room. Realizing she had drawn the attention of many again, and that Elladan and Elrohir had snickered loudly, Valerie blushed furiously while Allison giggled.
"How did she make that noise?" Arwen whispered. Elrohir immediately repeated the sound, earning a glare from his father.
Lowering her voice, Valerie continued for her sister. "Having children. That is my sole purpose for being here. And I don't even get to choose the father of all these babies."
"I thought you had the choice between three men?"
"And what if I hate them all? What if there are repulsive?"
Allison lifted an eyebrow. This was a ridiculous statement. All the elves were insanely gorgeous, regardless of their hair or eye color.
"Well, beauty is not the only important thing. What if they are boring? Or rude, with poor manners? And I doubt that... they will like me. I am, at best, strange to the people here."
"Why do you say that?"
"I told you! I think... I may be ugly to them. Maybe it's my hair?" she asked, taking a lock of her fiery hair and showing it to Allison. Her sister's brown hair was closer to the norm in Imladris.
"You are insane," Allison dismissed her concerns. "I spent years being secretly jealous of you since high school. Everywhere you go, you draw everyone's attention. Guys used to follow you around, almost drooling."
"These are elves. Not some hormonal teenagers."
"Ellyn are males too! What happened to you? Why did you lose all your self-confidence?"
Valerie sighed in defeat.
"Listen to me," Allison insisted, taking her big sister tone. "You are beautiful, even more so than before. That whole elven transformation gave you this incredible aura – if I were an ellon, I would take you to my bed right now."
"You're so stupid," Valerie grumbled, but she smiled nevertheless.
"What about Captain Glorfindel?" Allison discreetly watched the table where Lord Elrond was with his closest advisers and his children. She made eye contact with Glorfindel, whose eyes were on the two sisters. "He is watching us," she whispered. "Is that not a good sign?"
"I made a fool of myself – this is why he is watching. Glorfindel... He told me weeks ago that he is not indifferent... But he is respecting the fact that I am destined for other ellyn."
"Then seduce him! Do I have to remind you how to take a man to your bed? You used to be very good at it!"
"I do not understand why he is resisting. He must not find me attractive, even if he says he is not indifferent. It makes me feel like the ugly duckling of the story!"
"I will ask the twins."
Valerie looked at her children and turned back with a questioning look to her sister.
"Not your twins, my twins!" Allison laughed.
"They are already yours? What will you ask them?"
"If it is true that people find your red hair offensive. And I will ask them if Glorfindel ever speaks of you when you are not around. I will get to the bottom of this!"
"I feel like we are fourth graders in the school yard, asking my best friend to ask boys out for me! Do you find Valerie attractive, because she likes you," she chanted like a little girl. "Do you want to be her boyfriend?"
"I am wondering what they are talking about," Arwen murmured, a little jealous of the relationship between the sisters. She was wondering if Allison's arrival would mean that Valerie would not pursue a close friendship with her.
"Whatever it is, it cannot be good. They have this determined air that means they will do something inappropriate again," Erestor groaned.
OoOoO
"Dear Allison, I was wondering where I would find you," Elladan said as he entered one of the healing rooms.
"I do not believe you," Allison said in Sindarin. "I am always here."
"This is inexact. You spend a great deal of time in your sister's chambers, where I cannot track you."
Elladan watched the half-elven elleth who was cleaning the room after having removed the tip of an arrow from the leg of a warrior that had been brought earlier that evening.
"Will he be able to walk soon?"
"It will be a few days before he can go back to the... borders?"
"Yes, borders is the word. You are speaking our language very well now," he complimented her.
"Thank you."
"I thought we could celebrate your achievements tonight. You and I."
Allison stared for a moment. "What about your brother?"
"Tonight is about you and me. Forget Elrohir. Are you done here for the night?"
"Yes."
"Then come to my rooms. I want to get to know you better," he seductively said, getting closer to her until he was almost touching her.
Allison still had not decided to accept the proposal of the twin brothers. She had had many lovers, sometimes two during the same period of time, but the men had never known each other, did not even know she was seeing other people. She had had a carefree love life, without obligations. This had been necessary to endure the stress of her life as a surgeon dealing with multiple trauma victims. No attachment. And now, two brothers, twins so similar that telling them apart was difficult, wanted to be her lovers. Knowing that she would spend some nights with one, some with the other. Was it not a recipe for disaster? How long would it last? How awkward would it get after it was over?
Elladan did not seem to be worried about eventually fighting with his brother over her. A sure sign that he did not care for her, but only wanted her physically. She was a novelty in Imladris, an elleth very different from the others. Why would she say no to that kind of relationship without attachment? That was what she had always been looking for, and new world or not, this was still what she wanted. Should Valerie and her children move to another realm because she chose an ellon from Greenwood or Lothlorien, Allison was more than likely going to follow them. They were all she had, and nothing, not even two gorgeous twin brothers, would keep her in Imladris if Valerie left.
Elladan pulled her closer to him. "You look like a scared elfling," he murmured. "I will not hurt you." He slowly put his lips on her neck, right under her ear.
"I am not afraid," she said shakily. She breathed deeply, putting her hands on his broad shoulders, feeling his muscles under his tunic. He was a spectacular elf. She had never been with anyone so good-looking in her entire life. Were elves very different from men?
He had left her neck and was now watching her with his serious, grey eyes. Observing her like a predator watches his prey. She would show him who was the prey! She grabbed his neck and pulled him to her. She kissed him and immediately deepened the kiss, their tongues battling for dominance. She slowly pushed him against the wall, feeling him smile under her lips.
"A feisty elleth! I am delighted!"
"Your room?" she asked, showing her patience was at an end.
"Follow me, dear lady!" he said, pulling her by the hand.
OoOoO
Allison had spent many a night with Elladan before he went back to the borders. It had been some of the best sex she had had in her entire life. Elrond's son was insatiable, he could make love for hours on, until she begged him to stop and allow her to sleep a few hours before dawn. Together, they had done things he had said proper ellith did not do, things he had only done with women when he was traveling in mortal realms. She had not known if she should have been flattered or not by his comment at the time. She had shared her worry with Valerie, and her sister had reassured her that if she felt comfortable doing some wild things with Elladan, she should not be ashamed of herself. Arwen had told Valerie in the past that ellith were generally submissive in the bedroom. Since the two sisters had experimented modern sex in their world, it was likely that their habits would be a little disconcerting to ellyn. Not that Elladan was complaining.
Allison was leaving Elladan's room before dawn, never falling asleep in his bed. It was her own way of remaining unattached. Elladan and her were, in some ways, friends with benefits. Neither of them had promised to be faithful to the other. She would miss him while he was at the border, but most of all, she was nervous. She remembered that the twins had both approached her and clearly expressed their interest in her. Elrohir was due to come back from the borders that day, just as Elladan was leaving, and Allison was wondering if the younger twin would come to her like Elladan had done before him.
He appeared in the healing rooms during the first evening, knowing she would want to make sure his three arrow wounds had properly healed while he had been away. He barely spoke to her while she was conducting her examination, and she was persuaded that he was angry with her.
"Do you fell pain in your chest when you move? When you lift your sword or your bow?"
"No, not anymore."
"Your scars are healing well," she told him, finally making eye contact. "You have applied the salve regularly, I can tell. I was worried about the scar on your shoulder blade."
"I did not wish to have permanent scars," he remarked, putting his tunic back on. "I am grateful for what you have done for me, Allison."
"It was my pleasure. I used to do surgeries like this back in my world, although I had never seen arrow wounds before. It was a bit of a challenge. I have spoken to your adar about some instruments that I would like the blacksmiths to create for me."
"My father expressed his satisfaction at having found a healer with such knowledge of the body and internal organs. He seems very impressed with your work. You should be proud, few healers earn his respect so quickly."
Allison blushed under the praise.
"Would you like to have dinner with me?" he asked quietly, observing her reaction. She wondered what the invitation entailed. Was it a date? His brother had never invited her on a date. Was he expecting to finish the evening in her bed? She suddenly remembered that she had had an early dinner with Phoebe and Adam while Valerie had gone riding with Arwen.
"I am sorry, I already had dinner," she mumbled.
His expression did not change. "Have a good evening then." He started turning around to leave the healing room they had been in.
"I was planning to have a stroll in the garden later..." she whispered, hoping he would interpret this as an invitation.
He stopped. "Would you consider... having company for that stroll?"
"I was hoping you would like to join me..."
"Then I will meet you in the garden."
To her surprise, after spending an hour walking around in the former gardens of Lady Celebrian, they had gone their separate ways and he had respectfully kissed her hand, wishing her a good night. She did not know if she had been relieved or disappointed.
They had met in the garden every night after their first walk. They had discussed their childhoods, their respective occupations, and she had described her world while he was teaching her about elven history. She appreciated these quiet evenings, even if it was cold outside. She was forgetting the temperature when she was listening to him. He could have serious conversations, but he also made her laugh with his remarks full of wit and his plans for future pranks. He had promised to let her know before the accomplishment of the next one he was planning for Lord Erestor. She had little affection for the cold counselor who seemed to be at odds with her sister. Valerie had told her that Erestor had been an important player in the decision to take her away from her world and that he had never shown any compassion for her struggles, while Lord Elrond had shown remorse numerous times.
A week later, Elladan came back from the border, and both brothers were in the Last Homely House for a few hours. Allison had heard about an altercation between them, but she had not been able to discover the subject of their fight. She did not have the pretentiousness to think it was about her. After all, it was clear that Elrohir had no physical interest in her. He saw her as a friend only, of that she was certain.
Elrohir left for the borders without saying goodbye to Allison. At dinner time, when she entered the dining room, Elladan approached her and discreetly inquired about her interest in pursuing their previous arrangement. Allison looked around to see if anyone had heard him, but fortunately, no one was paying attention to their conversation. She told him she would meet him in his room later that evening and went to sit with Valerie at her usual place.
"What did Elladan want?" her sister asked.
"What do you think?"
"He did not waste time!" Valerie chuckled. "Lucky you! I wish I had someone at my feet like this."
"Elladan is not at my feet."
"Arwen and I had bet about this. She said that he would not come back to you straight away, that he might visit another one of his friends. I bet the opposite. He seems fascinated by your... talents."
"Hush!" Allison cried.
"What talents?" Adam asked curiously.
"Aunt Allison is a good surgeon, she is really good with her hands," Valerie told him with a straight face. "Elladan really likes that about her."
"Really?"
"Yes! And when you are a warrior too, you will appreciate her surgeon talents. She will heal all your injuries."
"You will?" Adam asked his aunt for confirmation.
"Yes, I will. Just make sure not to get hurt too frequently." Allison turned to her sister. "What did you bet with Arwen?"
"She owes me two evenings of babysitting."
"Nice!"
"I wish I had something to do, I might just end up sleeping."
When dinner was over, Valerie wished her good night, wiggling her eyebrows to tease her. Allison went to her room, took a bath and put on a dress that was a little more revealing that what the Imladris ellith liked to wear. She slowly walked to Elladan's bedroom, but on her way, she stopped in front of Elrohir's door. She wondered if their bedrooms were very similar. She put her hand on the handle and slowly opened the door. It was dark, but she was able to see that Elrohir's room was less ornate than Elladan's. He had weapons on the walls, while Elladan had more bookshelves, furniture and paintings. It truly was a warrior's bedroom. His scent was all over the room since he had left it only a few hours before. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. Memories of her strolls with Elrohir came to mind. She realized that she would rather spend the evening talking with Elrohir than having fun in Elladan's bed.
She closed the door quietly behind her and stared at Elladan's door, located just in front of Elrohir's. The twin was probably waiting for her. She walked to his door and knocked lightly, foolishly praying that he was not in. The Valar did not grant her wish. He opened his door with a smile, obviously thrilled that she was there so early.
"Come in," he said, pulling her hand before people saw her enter his room. She pulled her hand back.
"Elladan," she whispered pleadingly.
"Is something amiss, Allison?"
"No! Yes!" She took a deep breath. "Elladan, I do not feel like doing this tonight. I am sorry."
"Are you unwell?" he asked, putting his hand on her forehead. Everyone in Imladris now knew that the half-elven were feeling the cold more acutely than elves. They had yet to see of they could have a fever or catch a cold.
"No, I am fine," she declared.
"Maybe you can come back tomorrow?"
"Maybe... but more than likely... no. I am sorry, Elladan. I do not think I can do this anymore. This whole sharing thing... this is not for me."
His hand went from her forehead to her cheek. "I will miss you, Allison. But do not think that I am angry. I admit that I am disappointed, but I am not angry."
"I am sorry," she repeated.
"Please stop apologizing. I hope we can remain friends."
"Yes, yes, I would like that," she replied, relieved. Above all, she did not want to have a disgruntled former lover in Imladris.
"Good night," he told her, and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "Go to bed. You seem tired."
Allison turned around and walked away.
"Allison?" he called back. "Did you like my brother's room?"
Allison's felt her heart stop. But Elladan only smiled teasingly and closed his door, leaving her alone in the hallway, ashamed of her indiscretion. How had he known about it?
OoOoO
Elladan joined his brother at the borders a few days later and was surprised to see that his twin was in a foul mood. Elrohir barely spoke to him, answering his inquiries with monosyllables, and spent time with other warriors instead of his own brother. Seeing that Elrohir needed space for the first time in centuries, Elladan volunteered to be part of a group that would go scout in the north to see if bands of orcs were gathering in that area.
Around the fire that first night, a warrior remarked that Elrohir's mood had been dark since his last sojourn at the Last Homely House, but the foulness had greatly increased when his twin had arrived a few days before. Elladan would have liked to explain this to his brothers-in-arms, who cared for both brothers, but he himself was at a loss to explain the situation to them.
He took the first watch, and as he sat near the fire, his senses on high alert for any noise or other signs of threat, his thoughts were nevertheless wandering to Elrohir. He suddenly had an epiphany about the cause of his brother's displeasure. Allison's hesitation and later refusal to share his bed, her prying in Elrohir's bedroom... Allison's original uncertainty to resume her relationship with Elladan meant that her heart was conflicted, but that she had ultimately chosen Elrohir. The fact that she knew nothing about Elrohir's room also told him that they had not shared physical intimacy. A first for Elrohir, who usually took ellith to bed and asked their names later, so to speak.
Elladan grinned in the dark. And his brother, fool that he was, was thinking that Allison had returned to his bed the minute he had left for the borders. Elrohir could not stand the sight of his alleged rival, even if he was his twin brother. Elladan toyed with the idea of leaving his brother in doubt as some form of vengeance for not opening up to him about his feelings, but thought better of it. His brother was the most important person for Elladan. As twins, their fëar were intertwined, a communion of spirits, a bond similar to the one shared between fëa-mates. His twin's pain was his own, and he would not let Elrohir suffer needlessly. As soon as he saw his brother again, he would put his mind at ease. Now if only these orcs could show themselves so their mission could end quickly!
OoOoO
Allison was reading a complex book about herbs, using all her concentration to understand the beautiful but convoluted elvish characters. She used a parchment to write down notes with a quill, comparing her former knowledge on natural products properties to what Elrond's book was describing. Her handwriting with a quill was quite pathetic, and there were ink spots all over the page. Valerie had gotten the hang of the quills much faster than Allison, and was openly laughing at her at each possible opportunity.
"I had no idea that sage could be used in the treatment of gingivitis," Allison murmured to herself. Not that any elf suffered from the affliction, but mortals were sometimes coming to Imladris, mainly rangers, and quite frankly, their oral hygiene was seriously lacking. Arathorn, chief of the Dunedain rangers, had come to visit a few weeks before, and for Allison and Valerie, it had been difficult to see how some of the mortals lived in Middle Earth. Their uncleanliness and rudeness had been quite shocking. Although Arathorn had been charming. People in Imladris seemed to like Arathorn, who had been raised in Imladris when he was a child.
"Yes, sage is good to treat gingivitis," a voice said behind her. "It also helps people with arthritis."
"That I knew!" she said, pleasantly surprised to hear the voice of Elrohir. She turned from her desk and smiled at the ellon who was still wearing his warrior's gear. He even still had his sword to his side. He obviously had not stopped to his room before meeting with her. "I was not expecting you to be back for another week."
"I had more... pressing matters. The captain allowed me to leave early," he answered, sitting on a chair beside hers and turning it in her direction.
"Matters more pressing than keeping Imladris safe from an orc invasion?" she asked, wondering what could have brought the ellon back home so quickly.
Her heart skipped a beat when he leaned closer, his face just a few inches away from hers. He immediately realized her nervousness, and smiled knowingly. "Some might not think it is, but I personally think that declaring your love and securing the affection of the elleth you love is a matter of capital importance. What is your opinion on the matter?"
"I think... I think you are right," she said breathlessly.
"I am glad that we are on the same page. There is another matter that also needs clarification between us. It is about my brother -"
"When your brother was back, we did not..." she started, but was unable to continue. It seemed distasteful to talk about the fact that she had shared Elladan's bed with the brother she had not.
"I know, Allison. He told me. It was... a relief." He tentatively put his hand behind her head and brought her face even closer. His eyes were burning hers, so serious he seemed to be suddenly! "I have shared in the past, but no more... I cannot speak for the future, we are just at the beginning of a journey together. But while we are together, I will be with you and only you. I would appreciate if you could promise the same faithfulness."
"I cannot imagine anyone else, since the first evening we spent together in the gardens. My dreams, my thoughts, are only filled by images of you."
"Good," he simply replied. "Now let us make these images a reality." Their lips met in a searing kiss.
They were interrupted when Lord Elrond himself entered the healing room Allison had been studying in. Used to his sons' lack of decorum, he only rolled his eyes and left the room, closing the door behind himself, mumbling about the craziness of youth.
Allison started giggling uncontrollably, and Elrohir joined her in laughter. "Maybe we should take this to a more appropriate location. I understand you were curious about my room?"
Allison blushed violently. "Your brother and you never keep any secrets?"
"Rarely. Would you care to visit my room again, or do you prefer that we go to yours?"
"Yours. Mine is too close to my sister's. If she hears us, there will be no end to the teasing!"
OoOoO
Elrohir was walking aimlessly in one of the many open hallways of the Last Homely House. He had a perfect view of the southern yard, and hearing cries and laughters, he leaned against a pillar to watch the little family playing in the snow. Snow was a rarity in Imladris, but there had been a romantic snowfall the night before, leaving behind two inches of snow that had made the delight of the two elflings. They were currently making snowmen with their mother and aunt, making limbs with twigs, and eyes, noses and mouths with little rocks. Valerie and Allison had sacrificed their scarves so the snowmen would not be cold. The elflings seemed excited and happy, happier than Elrohir ever recalled seeing them. Imladris was a serious place since the attack on Lady Celebrian and her departure to Valinor, and keeping the elflings entertained so they would not irritate the adults around was a full-time task that Valerie mastered with ease. Still, Elrohir was certain that Valerie lacked adult companionship, outside of the presence of Arwen and Allison, who were her usual confidants.
Elrohir looked around, and to his great surprise, he saw that Glorfindel was spying on the family too, hiding behind another pillar not too far away from his own. He was playing distractedly with a blue velvet pouch in his hand, but his eyes never left the family. So the captain is not as indifferent as he would like us to believe! It was worth some teasing, but remembering how he had suffered when he thought that Allison and Elladan were still sharing a bed, he decided not to hurt the ellon who had trained him to become the deadly warrior he now was. Even if Glorfindel was a cold ellon, Elrohir knew what was hidden behind the mask, and he respected and loved his mentor deeply.
He silently walked to Glorfindel, amazed that the captain did not hear his approach.
"A cheerful sight, is it not?" he remarked. Glorfindel started, but did not reply. He calmly observed Elrohir and brought his eyes back to the four half-elves in the yard. They remained silent for a long time, watching the antics of the children and the playful banter between the sisters.
"I understand that Allison and you have become quite close," Glorfindel stated.
"Yes, we are. We have been together for a few weeks now."
"How is that sharing with your brother going?"
Elrohir winced. "It has stopped."
"Good. You know I never approved of it. This can only create misunderstandings and jealousy."
Elrohir remained silent. It had indeed created jealousy. He had worries, but no one to share them with.
"What is it?" Glorfindel inquired. He knew his soldiers well, and his lord's sons more particularly, having participated in their upbringing.
"You are right, I am still jealous of my brother. I keep imagining Allison and him together. I wonder if he satisfied her more than I do, and it is a disturbing thought." Elrohir could not even look at his mentor while he shared his doubts. He was afraid his concerns would sound silly to the captain.
"Why would you even wonder about that? Did she mention anything in this regard?"
"Elladan was the first one of us to be with her. He told me of the things they did together. Without being indiscreet, let me just say that he described unrestrained sexuality from an elleth coming from an advanced world."
"I see. She is more conventional with you, and it worries you," Glorfindel asserted.
"Yes," Elrohir marveled at Glorfindel's perceptiveness. "Any advice?"
"In my humble opinion, you do not have to worry. If your couplings are passionate, and that there is love between you, it is probably more a question of shyness than indifference. She must be afraid that you will think less of her if she shows interest in more... enthusiastic practices. Allison and Valerie speak with Arwen, and do not think that they do not speak about ellyn. Allison must know by now that ellith are traditionally more... modest in the bedroom."
Something clicked in Elrohir's mind. "You think she is afraid I will think her a whore?"
"Perhaps it is her worry. A worry she did not have when it came to Elladan. She did not care for his regard as much as she does for yours. In all cases, you should discuss this with her, not with your captain."
"Your guidance is always precious to me, Glorfindel," Elrohir said to his mentor, putting his hand on his chest in a sign of respect while he bowed his head. He lifted his head back up and grinned mischievously. "Now, it is my turn to give you advice."
"Do I need your advice?" Glorfindel asked, an eyebrow lifted, challenging the younger ellon in front of him. He was millennia older than Elrond's son. What could Elrohir possibly want to give him advice about?
"This is about Valerie." Glorfindel watched him with an indifferent expression. But Elrohir was not fooled. "Allison is not aware, so I assume that you have not told Valerie yet that you are one of the ellyn of the prophecy."
"Prince Legolas and Haldir deserve a fair chance."
"There is no fairness in the matters of the heart. I saw you when we were sleeping in the woods when Valerie escaped. You were caressing her hair while you thought no one was watching. She is here, in front of you. Seize her before it is too late."
"I will consider your words."
"She is very sad and lonely, Glorfindel. She thinks she is physically unappealing because no ellyn will approach her, while they are afraid to displease you. Everyone but her knows you are destined to be her mate. And you ignore her, leading her to believe you find her displeasing while she feels attracted to you."
"Who told you this?"
"Allison, of course! Certainly not Valerie herself! If you keep acting like this, when she meets Prince Legolas and Haldir, all she will remember about you is your coldness. She will choose one of them if you are not careful. I do not know Legolas very well, but I know Haldir because of my numerous stays in Lothlorien. He will not hesitate and will show no scruples. He will snatch her away before you can even blink."
Elrohir left Glorfindel, intending to join the sisters and the elflings. He wanted to spend more time with Allison, become more intimate with her life, including her family. Glorfindel watched as a few minutes later, Elrohir joined the family and a snowball fight started with him and the elflings against the sisters. To Glorfindel's surprise, Valerie and Allison were quite good at this and retaliated with both enthusiasm and viciousness. The volume of noises in the yard grew to levels that had never been reached before, attracting everyone's attention.
Glorfindel could see some servants, counselors, lords and ladies watching the source of the disturbance with slight annoyance. Was he ready to welcome such turmoil in his life?
A/N: Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed the sisters moments, and that you liked Allison's dilemma about Elrond's sons. I want to take a few moments to answers a few questions about the story.
LadyLindariel: In my mind, Valerie, her children and her sister are truly half-elves, since they used to be humans before. The transformation they went through gave them many elven characteristics, but didn't make them elves entirely. One of the human characteristics they kept is that they can feel the cold. Their skin can also get tanned, without burning though. When I compare them to Elrond, his grandfather was a man, even if he is called half-elven, he is only ¼ elven, while his children have even less human blood. I imagine that at this point, they have little human characteristics left versus Valerie and her family. I hope this answers your question! Thank you for reviewing.
Glassary: yes, Glorfindel likes to have control over his emotions, but it is mostly because he hates being the center of attention, with many people being curious about his previous life and death. Being cold puts up a barrier that curious people will usually not cross…
Paperlanterns86: I hope you are happy with Allison's choice…
: I have other plans for Legolas in this story. Hopefully, you like the choice I made for her!
Aralinn: you will see Valerie's reaction about Glorfindel being one of the prophecy ellyn in about 2 chapters. Stay tuned!
Guest: I am sorry to hear that you don't like Allison in the stories. Although she is not a major character, she always provides support to Valerie during difficult times – this is a benefit for someone arriving in a new world.
I don't want to forget the others who left me a review – thank you so much for letting me know your opinion on the previous chapter. I am really looking forward to your comments each time I publish a chapter: foofie01, imurhuckleberry, Laurelin, princessnera, Peridot Eyez, helenaalana and tadah2.
