Carfaron (deed hunter) had never grown into his name, becoming instead an amazing chef. His friends spent hours thinking of potential epessë that would suit him, although he had still not found one to his liking. He was affectionately known as "Cook", a title that brought him much happiness. Cook turned the corner to the door of his domain and took a deep breath to fully appreciate the pastry chef's morning creations. He smiled at the heavenly aromas of vanilla and freshly baking bread and detected an unexpected lilt of honey.
"Honey cakes and vanilla biscuits! Cheredeth you are certainly outdoing yourself this morning." Cheredeth, the baker was already preparing the fourth tray of aurcram, the lightly sweetened breakfast cakes.
"Good morning Cook. It is early for you to be up and about." She smiled brightly. They were well matched in the kitchen and had trained countless apprentices together.
"It is a day to celebrate. So many friends have at last returned."
"Thank Elbereth for their safe arrival. I have some ideas to make tonight's dinner extra special." Cook turned to see another figure coming towards them. The elf was looking downward, seemingly concentrating on his steps. Shiny dark unbound hair cascaded to the elf's waist while rich sleepwear protruded from a faded blue robe. The total picture was one of vulnerability, which the elf was most probably unaware of. Cook could not imagine who might be up searching for food at this hour. "We are not yet ready for breakfast." He called to the approaching figure.
"Perhaps you might make an exception?" The other asked hopefully, finally looking up. Familiar silver eyes looked back at him. Cook held back a gasp as he recognized the figure.
"My Lord! Welcome back! Please come sit down." Cook exclaimed as he ran to greet him. "Let me help you. How can I best help you?" Cook stopped suddenly unsure of how to help. He had heard that Lord Elrond was injured. He did not want to risk accidentally harming the beloved elf. The Lord of Imladris was out of breath and seemed slightly disoriented. Wet leaves stuck to the bottom of his house shoes, revealing that he probably traversed the shorter outdoor path to the kitchens.
"Careful of my left arm and shoulder." Elrond admitted as he swayed slightly. Cook caught him carefully under his right arm. Noting how chilled the clothing beneath his hands was, he led him to a table by the ovens. Elrond chose the chair on the side of the ovens and closed his eyes, obviously savoring the warmth.
"Can I get you a cloak? Should I contact the healers?" Cook worried and turned to grab his cloak off the hanger.
"I was hoping to sample a vanilla biscuit. They smell wonderful." Elrond's stomach rumbled, and he blushed uncharacteristically. "I fell asleep before the evening meal."
"The Aurcram require ten minutes more." Cheredeth fretted as Cook draped his cloak over the Master's shoulders.
"But let it not be said that I left my Lord in his need." Cook chortled readily as he grabbed a pan and rustled up the ingredients for a two-egg omelet. He was well acquainted with his Lord's preferences and lamented the fact that fiddleheads were out of season. Perhaps he would alter the evening menu to include a savory soup as he knew that his Lord particularly enjoyed creamy soups in the winter. It was in the mists of this preparation that the first of their apprentices arrived. The young elf stood gaping at the Master of Imladris until Cook sent him off to inform Lord Erestor of their early morning visitor. Soon Elrond was happily indulging in a pepper and mushroom omelet and enjoying the easy banter between the kitchen staff.
Xxxxxxx
Erestor, always a morning riser, had just finished showering and dressing and was braiding his hair when he heard the commotion in the hallway. He quickly donned his house shoes and went to investigate. A young elf, Rhídor, was talking to the guards.
"But he is in the kitchen." The elfling repeated, visibly quaking. The warriors, who dwarfed him in size, daunted him. "Cook just sent me to inform Lord Erestor."
"Inform me of what, Penneth?" Erestor stepped up to them.
"The Master," the young elf blushed and sputtered "in the kitchen. I mean to say Lord Elrond is in the kitchen. Could you send his cloak?"
"Our Lord is still in his rooms. No one past here." The guard contradicted the boy.
"If our Lord wants to move about unseen." Erestor thought as he held back a smile and commented aloud. "Perhaps our Lord walked by when you were changing shifts. He did miss the evening meal." The guards were adamant in their dismissal of that possibility.
"What is going on?" Erestor was shocked to see Elladan emerge from Elrond's study. The Peredhel was fully dressed and had obviously been working. He was quick to recognize the young elf, for all elves and edain who resided in the valley were required to take basic weapons training. Rhídor had been all left thumbs and his archery classmates were lucky to have escaped unscathed from the experience. The elfling was of the age where they rotated among internships to encourage them to choose a career.
"Your Adar is apparently enjoying an early break of fast in the kitchens." Erestor informed him. "Did you know he was awake?"
"I had not heard anything, but I was concentrating on the pile of documents on his desk. So, he could not wait for the morning meal." Elladan smiled in amusement. "I could use a bite as well. Thank you Rhídor for informing us. I will be down momentarily with his cloak."
"But no one passed us." One of the guards gaped.
"Do not worry." Glorfindel appeared like a sunbeam, brightening the hallway. Elrond's cloak was draped over his arm. "Should the Lord of Imladris wish to roam unseen in his own house, surely he is allowed. Please remain here on watch, in case our elusive Lord reemerges." Both warriors bowed slightly with their hands over their hearts in acknowledgement of the cheerfully delivered order. Glorfindel and Elladan exchanged quick words with Erestor. The chief councilor was quick to pick up on their unvoiced worries pertaining to Celebrimbor's ring of the air. The prior evening, Erestor had been surprised to learn that Elrond had carried on a chain around his neck on their return journey instead of wearing it on his hand, as had been the case for over a thousand years. Erestor turned to first inform Elrohir of the change in morning plans. He also intended to check his Lord's chambers to see if Vilya was secure. Elladan glanced back over his shoulder to make sure the guards were indeed out of earshot before voicing his queries.
"You did not notice Adar leave this morning?"
"He must have woken very early for I heard nothing." Glorfindel was embarrassed to admit. Glorfindel omitted the fact that he fell asleep on the large reading chair and was at a loss to explain how he had ended up peacefully slumbering on Elrond's oversized bed. Thankfully, Elladan did not probe further.
"Unless he decided to jump from his balcony, which I sincerely doubt, Adar would have had to walk right by the guards."
"Elladan, one does not place the Lord of Imladris under house arrest." Glorfindel teased.
"We just stationed guards there for Ada's safety."
"We did not tell him that there were guards, perhaps he was so intent on his destination that he did not notice them."
"Glorfindel!" Elladan sighed audibly.
"I remember a tiny elleth, who eluded many a guard including her brothers, simply by thinking herself invisible."
"She was a tiny child who could slip away unseen. This is a grown elf."
"A grown elf who similarly eluded many of the best guards in the Kings service."
"No! Really?" Elladan was astounded by the revelation. They were drawing near to the kitchens and could already hear Cook and Cheredeth animatedly discussing some incident. They emerged into the bright open workspace that was Imladris' kitchens.
"Fair morning to you!" Glorfindel greeted as he quickly surveyed the area. Cook and Cheredeth were deep in preparations for the morning meal. They waved to them. Several apprentices and helpers were loading the carts with plates and utensils. Elrond sat unobtrusively in the corner, next to the massive ovens. Glorfindel noted the blank look and stiff demeanor, signs that the Lord was mentally checking the security of the valley. He immediately moved in front of the elf Lord. He gently laid his hand on Elrond's shoulder and waited quietly, knowing that the brightness and familiarity of his fëa would be of comfort.
"Mele? Gwador?" Elrond's confused voice rang quietly in his head. He focused his thoughts towards his friend.
"Mellon-nin, we are in the kitchen. Should we move to another room, so you can relay your observations?" Glorfindel spoke mind-to-mind and then aloud for the benefit of others. A chilled hand reached up to cover his. He turned his hand both to hold it and to feel for the ring of power. But Vilya did not lie on Elrond's finger nor did seem to be on his person for its song was faint. "How are you feeling, my Lord? Shall I send for Silsilalda?"
"Are you well Ada?" Elladan knelt in front of him, listening for the ring's melody. The experience of having the ring's power flow through him as it had healed Legolas had left him with the ability to detect its melody when it was close by. Its absence was puzzling. He was thankful that they had ordered the guards to remain in the hall outside the family wing, for he did not believe that his Adar carried the ring of power.
"I was just hungry but that has been remedied." Elrond voice lacked its characteristic authority. He blinked dazedly as his son picked some wet leaves off his slippers.
"It would seem so, Ada. The guards swear they did not see you walk by and you obviously took the shortcut through the gardens even though it is rather brisk out to say the least." Elladan teased but straightened as he saw his Adar's eyes focus and narrow.
"Since when does someone require permission to go to the kitchens?" Elrond's left brow rose slightly.
"We were usually admonished and sent away empty handed." Elladan smiled as he stood up.
"You were apt to adopt stealth strategies and other unmentionable actions." Elrond's lips curved into an answering smile. "I, on the other hand, simply asked and was rewarded by Cook and Cheredeth with a delicious breakfast and wonderful entertainment."
"You are very welcome my Lord." Cook bowed slightly with his hand over his heart while Cheredeth beamed at the compliments. "Perhaps you might consider trading jobs and joining us in creating culinary delights for a year."
"Have you tasted his healing draughts?" Elladan inquired, his lips curving into a smile.
"I sweeten them with honey when possible, although some medicinal agents are rendered less effective in mixtures." Elrond informed him.
"Ah, but I hazard to guess that it has been a long time since you last cooked a meal?" Glorfindel gathered Elrond's hair into a loose pony tale and tied it back with a small cord.
"Not in several thousand years." Elrond acknowledged as he rose. For the first time in a month, he was not wearing a sling. Raised eyebrows and a wordless glance passed between Elladan and Glorfindel as they noted how stiffly Elrond held himself. Obviously, the healing draught had worn off. Elladan moved to his Father's side.
"Stop your worrying. Healing can not be rushed." Elrond chided, his voice and eyes leaving no doubt that though he might be injured, he was still the Lord of Imladris.
"Then the time is ripe for a change." Cook laughed, having missed the exchange. "Although perhaps we best wait until you are recovered."
"Some morning snacks for you and your brother." Cheredeth offered a tray filled with honey and vanilla breads, cheeses and jams. Elladan's eyes widened in surprise as he gratefully accepted the tray. Glorfindel reacted by moving close enough to his friend to offer assistance should it be needed but not so close as impinge on his personal space.
"I prefer the warmer route indoors, if you do not mind." The golden warrior flashed an impish grin.
"As you wish." Elrond's serious mien was met with Glorfindel's splendid laughter.
"Come Ada, we should get you into warmer clothes." Elladan worried as they exited the kitchen.
"I am fine Ion-nin. I do not require warmer clothes."
"You chose a seat by the fire. You were cold." Elrohir pointed out.
"Because I decided to take the garden path."
"Elrohir is preparing a healing draught for you. Then you should rest." Elladan continued. Glorfindel tried not to smile at the less than satisfied 'humph' that left Elrond's lips, knowing that the noble Lord was trying to be patient with his sons, who were dangerously close from turning overbearing in their zeal to keep their remaining parent safe.
"Was there any movement along the borders that I should be aware of?" Glorfindel thought it time to change the subject. Elrond halted and turned to face him. The bright silver eyes flashed in concern.
"I sense several stray bands of orcs beyond the eastern border, less than ten to a group. We should at the very least send reinforcements to our outpost."
"How far from the border."
"Well beyond the border. My sight does not extend so far as to judge distance. I was surprised that I sensed them at all." Elrond frowned. They were approaching the ornately carved doors that marked the library, having not yet passed any others awake and about. The Peredhel Lord paused for a moment to consider his options and found that he needed to wave off the offered help from his overzealous companions. "There were a few books I wanted to consult. Perhaps I will spend the morning in the library."
"Adar you should rest." Elladan blurted out and was met with a dark glare from his Father.
"I am unlikely to do anything strenuous in the library." The sharper tone of the usually dulcet tenor alerted Glorfindel to the danger and the golden warrior tried to diffuse the situation. It was very rare for the Lord to lose his temper, unlike their dear departed King.
"Perhaps we should consult further in your rooms this morning. I would summon Cirulian and we could talk further about the borders."
"You can discuss the matter with Cirulian directly." Elrond countered still intent on settling in his favorite reading nook.
"Elrohir is bringing a healing draught."
"I do not require any of your heavy handed sleep inducing teas. It has been two months since the injury and my arm is healing well enough to start rehabilitation exercises in another week or two."
"But you are obviously in some discomfort Ada."
"Elladan could be stubborn as stubborn as his Adar." Glorfindel thought amusedly although he resolved to try to mitigate Elladan's overbearing attitude. If he were in Elrond's place, he would have given the young elf a good dressing down. Elrond rubbed his brow, obviously reminding himself again of his sons' good intentions, unnecessary and irksome as they were. After a short discussion, they continued back to the family quarters.
"Guards?" Elrond noted with surprise as the warriors greeted them. "They were here earlier?"
"You passed this way?" Glorfindel inquired quietly. An affirmative nod was the reply. They continued down the corridor to Elrond's chambers, where Erestor, Elrohir, Cirulian, Merwen and Silsilalda were having an animated conversation. Elrond winced at their loud voices.
"Where were you? We were worried." Erestor exclaimed. Elrond simply shrugged and walked past the tumultuous group.
"Why did you not tell the guards were you were going?" Elladan exclaimed.
"A healing draught." Elrohir offered but Elrond waved it away. Elrohir, steaming cup in hand, followed his Father over to the sitting area, where Elrond chose the comfortable reading chair and settled down.
"You might have been injured. Who knows what could have happened." Silsilalda continued. Glorfindel leaned against the closed door and watched the spectacle. He had not seen so many elves trying to speak at one time in many a yen.
"Quiet!" Everyone halted, stunned by the command and menace one world could hold. "While it is true that I am still recovering from an injury, my brain has not been addled. I am still the Lord of this Valley, and I can assure you that I am still in control of my faculties."
"Adar, we just want you to rest and recover." Elrohir began but Elrond interrupted him.
"And I thank you for your thoughtful care over the last months. But, let me remind you how well you follow such orders. Rarely have I ever confined you to your room unless you were truly incapacitated. Rest and recuperation is often found in the gardens or libraries as much as in bed. I have just traveled from Lothlórien. I do not find walking to the kitchens in the least bit strenuous." His silver eyes flashed in barely controlled anger. His sons, Erestor, Merwen and Silsilalda offered their apologies. "I thank you for taking up my duties for a time." His voice held a tone of dismissal.
"It is our pleasure Adar." They said in unison. Elrohir paused to exchange a long glance with the senior healer before making his exit. Elladan turned to the others.
"Elladan, I suggest you discuss the border issues and decide on a course of action."
"Borders?" Cirulian immediately looked concern.
"There is some new information." Elladan motioned to the door and Cirulian and Merwen followed. Glorfindel indicated that he would join them later. Erestor sat down on the couch across from Elrond while Silsilalda took the seat next to their Lord.
"Elrond, you appear to be in some discomfort." She glanced to his shoulder and held her hands palms up. "May I examine you?" Elven healers always sought permission before treating conscious patients.
"I was subjected to enough probing last night. Naught has changed over a single evening." Elrond frowned obviously still annoyed.
"My skills have ever been at your service."
"No, I am in no mood for this."
"Then would you consider a simple draught of willow bark and camomile, just to take the edge off the pain?" The Peredhel knew his own mind and a "no" meant 'no'. So she merely sat palms up and met his flashing eyes with equanimity. Silver, intense, and uncharacteristically irritated, those remarkable eyes regarded her for long minutes before Elrond sighed.
"That would be acceptable. Thank you."
"No, it is I who am sorry that last night's examination and this morning's incident caused you such aggravation and discomfort. I will return with the draught shortly. I hope afterwards you can truly relax." She rose and after a deep curtsy departed. Glorfindel closed the door behind her, leaving just three of them in the chamber. He waited until the footsteps outside faded.
"You did not go directly to the kitchens." Glorfindel held his friend's gaze steadily.
"It is no longer here within your chambers." Erestor noted. They sat in an uncomfortable silence until Elrond rubbed at his temple and then replied.
"No, it is not. I have returned it to its original spot." Only the three of them had ever been to the secure underground chamber that was accessible only by a secret passage in the quiet and private family gardens. A dwarven lock, keyed to Elrond's voice and hand print secured the door.
"Those stairs and underlying chambers have not been accessed in millennia." Erestor said in alarm. "Is it even stable?"
"Perhaps because the caves housed such a talisman for so long or," Elrond paused and shook his head slowly. "I have no explanation but I knew it would be so. The lock still recognized my hand and opened upon my command. The steps were secure with no signs of wear. The cave is perfectly preserved. Even the three thousand year old fabric on the table is intact and as vibrant as if it were dyed yesterday. The walls glowed with the faint blue light as Vilya passed. I hung it in its original place and then directed its power to strengthen the curtain that protects the valley. Afterwards, I left by the same route and paused to study the rocks that hide the entrance. There was not a sign that anything had passed there."
"But you used its power in the kitchens when you assessed the security of the valley." Glorfindel could not banish the fear that crept up inside him.
"Yes," Elrond freely acknowledged. "The link between us has grown stronger. I no longer need to wear it on my hand in order to wield it. Its link with the valley is stronger as well. I do not completely understand nor can I predict what dangers are associated with it. But I would release my soul to join the wind or escape to Mandos hall before." He trailed off unwilling to speak what they feared – that Sauron was indeed reemerging.
Xxxxxxxxx Greenwood's Stronghold xxxxxxxxX
Thranduil rinsed the suds from his hair, thinking again how lucky they had been. They had only arrived back at the stronghold a few hours ago. Joy and relief rose up in him. Legolas was safe and had upon their arrival been set upon by his cousins. The young elf was likely off enjoying their attention, which would do him a world of good as he had been tentative and nervous on their return journey having come so close to death on their last travels. Yet again he said a prayer of thanks to Elbereth as he exited the shower and slipped into the heated pool.
"Where they so inhospitable in Lothlórien? I have rarely seen you rejoice at coming home in recent years." Orodiun remarked as he and Andapher entered. Between the two of them, they carried ample wine and refreshments.
"Is this to be an official debriefing?" Thranduil asked with raised brow. His brothers merely laughed.
"Do not give us that look! We are only concerned about your well-being." Andapher admonished.
"Yes, of course this is your debriefing." Orodiun continued seriously. "The door is closed. There is no one else within earshot. Now you can disclose the unabbreviated story of the incident with the Nazgul."
"I should have known you would detect the omissions." Thranduil smiled. His younger brother had suffered in Mordor. He shook away the memories of the haunted specter they had nursed back to health and recalled Elrond and Erestor's role in the aiding their family. At Thranduil's silence, Orodiun continued.
"I was present when the healers examined Legolas. I saw the site where the arrow pierced him. He should be dead."
"Yes he should be dead. It was no less than a miracle." Thranduil conceded. "Now we must keep a careful eye to gage his well being. He was as new recruit on our return journey."
"As any would expect given such a brush with death." His brother looked at him expectantly. Thranduil rubbed at his temples as he mentally prepared to share the terrible memory.
"The light was draining out of him even as I ran to his side. I knew immediately that he was dying." Thranduil whispered. Andapher poured out glasses of the heavy Dorwinian red wine. Thranduil took a large sip and waited for his brothers to settle into the pool. Then in an unusually quiet voice he described exactly what had occurred from the moment the wind whispered to him to the battle and its aftermath.
"Light poured from the air through the young Peredhel's hands!" Andapher repeated in shock. "A miracle." Thranduil looked into the astonished eyes of his brothers and came to a decision.
"A miracle made possible by one of Celebrimbor' follies." He added softly. They gasped at this revelation. "Now, what I am going to tell you must never be spoken to any other."
"One of the elven rings!" Orodiun gasped. "I knew it resided in Lothlórien but how?"
"That there is a ring in Lothlórien, I have little doubt." Thranduil agreed. "We have long speculated on that; however, the ring did not prevent traitors from entering that land. Neither does it fully protect its people. The leaders of Lothlórien asked for our help and council in strengthening their borders and in detecting returning travelers or warriors who might have been compromised, but that is yet another story." He held up his hand to forestall the inevitable questions.
"A reprieve for now, but we are not likely to forget such statements." Andapher returned.
"As for who wields the ring in defense of Lothlórien, I have no proof. However, the ring of the air is wielded by the son of a star."
"Elrond!" Oropher gaped. "But it could not save Celebrian."
"Nay, it is a powerful talisman but certainly not all powerful. You are not to divulge this knowledge to any one else." Both Andapher and Orodiun moved their right hands over their hearts as the sign of their oaths. Satisfied, Thranduil continued.
"We spoke long in private. Elrond told me he did not wield until Imladris was under dire risk of discovery around 1405 when Witch King sent forces to seek out the haven."
"Why would he not employ such a weapon earlier?"
"He was wary that the flora and fauna of Imladris would become dependent on its power, a dependence that while protective would greatly weaken Imladris in the end. It pulls on the bearer's own qualities and strengths in ways I think even Elrond is blind to. He was actually transformed into the wind and traveled disembodied to whisper warnings directly to me. That he was able to return to himself is nothing short of a miracle."
"But he wields it to protect his people."
"As would I, if given the choice. Our stronghold offers protection, but our warriors and villagers are ever in danger. Only our strategies, ingenuity, and courage stave off invasion."
"Celebrimbor's ingenuity."
"His ingenuity also helped Sauron develop his own skills. Skills that enabled the forging of the Evil rings."
"Elrond wields it only for his people."
"Were our need dire, I believe he would bring it here."
"Would he give it to you?"
"Perhaps with many cautions and warnings. From what I observed, wielding such a device takes a great toll on its bearer. I believe that Elrond will not be able to wield it for more than another several hundred to a thousand years."
"Then we shall lose another ally to the west?" Orodiun asked. Thranduil did not give voice to thoughts on that matter.
"He thinks the enemy will move before then."
"From the activity in the forest, that does seem to be the case."
"The council will soon be swayed to strike against Dol Goldur." Long discussions with Celeborn had convinced him that this would be the case.
"How soon?"
"Within the next yen." Thranduil held out his glass. Andapher refilled it with the rich wine.
"There is much for us to digest and still more, I think, for us to hear." Orodiun wisely commented. "But I think it behooves us to appoint regular emissaries to visit Lothlórien and Imladris."
"And not the Grey Havens?"
"I would not risk our people venturing to the sea. Few charged with such duties return here for long."
"Besides, we can hear the news from Mithlond and the Havens filtered through the Imladris perspective."
"Gildor and his wandering company can also be persuaded to stop here more regularly." Thranduil offered.
"Communication is key, if we are to coordinate our efforts." Orodiun paused, a look of dread passing momentarily over his face.
"We are not launching an attack on Mordor, Gwadur." Thranduil knew where his brother's thoughts had fled. "Nor will we cede control or planning to the White council or to another kingdom. Nay, it is due to our solidarity that Green Wood has stood against the darkness. But if the others were to move against our enemy it would be important for us to know."
"Such knowledge would be indispensable to our own strategies."
Xxxxxxxx Imladris xxxxxxxX
"Elrond, Mellon-nin, perhaps you could settle the argument before dinner." Glorfindel opened the door to Elrond's private chambers and stepped in. Elladan and Elrohir followed him closely.
"Adar will agree with me." Elrohir declared. Elrond was sitting at a desk in the alcove and did not look up. The Master of Imladris was deep in concentration, his pen moving slowly and deliberately across the parchment. "Adar?" Elrohir moved closer out of curiosity, their argument forgotten.
"You are not working, are you?" Elladan asked, but still their Father did not respond. Glorfindel motioned them to take a seat in the comfortable chairs that surrounded the fireplace. Elrond's desk was positioned under the window to take advantage of the natural lighting. The warrior walked loudly but the noise did not catch Elrond's attention. His sons chuckled in the background. Glorfindel stood patiently at the desk's side.
"Poetry? Elrond is writing poetry." Glorfindel was surprised, though happy, that his friend was indeed taking some time to enjoy his own hobbies and interests. The warrior waited until the quill in Elrond's hand was removed from the paper and rested against Elrond's cheek.
"Elrond?" He called gently. Elrond visibly jumped at the unexpected visitor. The movement must have jostled Elrond's injured arm because Glorfindel heard his soft moan. Silver eyes looked up at them and Glorfindel saw emotions flit across the silver orbs: surprise, annoyance, and embarrassment. "Embarrassment?" He wondered.
"Glorfindel, you could have knocked." Elrond rose from his chair. Laughter behind him caused him to turn too quickly.
"We did Ada!" Elrohir and Elladan proclaimed in unison. Elrohir noted how carefully Elrond held himself. "Come sit Ada. Did you rest this afternoon?"
"I enjoyed the solitude and began to put my thoughts on paper."
"And I see you changed into more presentable clothes." Glorfindel teased.
"Bredeli and Silsilalda saw to that." Elrond acknowledged with a wry smile.
"So what were you writing?" Elrohir asked curiously, but it was Glorfindel who gleefully supplied the answer.
"Your Adar was writing poetry."
"Poetry?" Elladan gaped.
"I am a writer. Surely, you have seen at least one or two of my manuscripts." Elrond's face was unreadable. He merely raised an eyebrow.
"There was a travel novel about the dwarven city." Elladan supplied thoughtfully.
"Is that the only one you have read?" Elrond's lips curved up in amusement.
"Texts on healing, botany and ornithology," Glorfindel grinned. "Elros thought your text would fill several shelves. He quite underestimated you, although he probably only read the book about your trip among the dwarves."
"Elros read a number of my books." Elrond corrected him. "Although the book you keep referring to was written when I was barely twenty years old. I cringe when I read it now."
"Your handwriting has not changed." Elrohir teased. "So when do we get to read your poetry?"
"Sometimes writers enjoy privacy. I write fiction and poetry for pleasure."
"He means never." Glorfindel translated as the twins laughed.
"Well, perhaps slightly sooner than never." Elrond rose.
"After dinner?" Elladan quipped as his brother paused in front of the mirror to gage whether his appearance was acceptable.
"Not that soon."