Firstly, although this chapter is not is any way related to death, I would like to dedicate this particular chapter to my classmate who passed away recently due to a hit and run accident.
Heavens! All the parents in my neighbourhood must have thought me to be an escaped criminal by the way I was stalking all the babies last week - two even asked me why, and I sounded extremely stupid when I replied, "I'm observing the habits of a baby." I seriously got some weird looks after that.
Also, before I continue, I'm terribly sorry for posting so late, but my O'Level Examinations are going on, and I have to fit in my 'writing' time, which doesn't come too often. Anyway, I hope the following chapter makes up for this late delivery.
Enjoy!
Special thanks to all those who so kindly reviewed my last chapter.
- Sphinx -
Nice observation there, but you're correct - the theme of differences will probably be made use of later on in the story, maybe in Chapter 4 or so, because I will have to observe the behaviour of a real pair of twins (fighting etc) who I know before putting it into words.
- Hellga -
Yeah, you guessed right - I've always been fascinated with Russian history, especially regarding the Romanovs, and this particular book certainly fitted my temporary needs. Also, sincere thanks for website - I've been looking for a good one, though *groans loudly* I'll probably have to hunt for each word individually.
-daw the minstrel -
The weather actually signified the mood of the characters in the beginning of the story - it's so dark and gloomy, and then *drumroll please* the twins are born, revealing that hidden ray of sunlight. Well, at least someone appreciates the stormy weather here.
- Nurnoleiel -
Glorfindel is one of my favourite Elf lords as well - Thranduil, for some vague reason is my first choice. Your review made me rewrite this chapter seven times - I'd finished it long ago, but your particular review made me correct it and correct it and correct it until I was a little more satisfied than I was last week. Well, it says hard work pays - I'll have to see if that's true!
- Dragon -
You made my day - I'm still smiling like nuts.
-Frodoelessarbaggins -
Whoa! That was a long screen name to type! Anyway, just curious, but in what way was the first part confusing? But, on the whole, I'm glad you enjoyed the beginning of 'Black and White'. Other than that, I'm working on my portrayal of Glorfindel right now - thanks for pointing that out!
- arabella thorne -
My best friend's mom gave birth to a pair of twins quite recently, and I was there at the time - actually, the emotions of Elrond were very similar to those displayed by the dad - although he knew quite well they were going to have twins, he was terribly freaked out once the doctor handed him both kids - if he could have fainted, he would have, believe me! Besides, what's a story without dramatics? LOL!
Chapter Two - IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT -
Not for the first time that night, Elrond awakened to hear the muffled cries of two very disgruntled babies coming from the closed nursery.
"Ai Elbereth!" Elrond murmured to himself once he realised the time - almost half past two.
"Your sons are calling you," mumbled Celebrían into her pillow, then turned around and yanked the covers over her head.
Elrond pulled on his dressing gown and padded softly into the room, flinching as the full blast of wailing reached his ears.
Elrohir had obviously been the culprit - he was clutching onto Elladan's favourite pillow with a fierceness matched by no other.
"There now," crooned Elrond, bending over the bed and disengaging the pillow from the younger twin. Elrohir glared back at him and stuck out his tongue.
"I must say, he certainly resembles his father as a child," said a light voice, and Elrond looked up to see Glorfindel leaning against the wall, a smirk on his face.
Elrond ignored the witticism and continued trying to calm the twins, who were in no mood to be pleased. Elladan, now quite happy with his pillow, snuggled under the covers and fell asleep. It was Elrohir's turn to be annoyed, and it was all Elrond could do to soothe the babe.
"Come now, Teler, all is not lost because of a pillow," he said quietly, and reached for the child.
Elrond yelped when Elrohir bit the closest solid form - his finger, and held on for dear life.
Glorfindel shook with silent laughter at the display. "He does have very good preference for a child, Peredhil," he remarked, eyes sparkling.
The fledgling father managed to extract his finger from the child's mouth and scooped up the baby. "Naturally," he gasped, when Elrohir pulled his hair - hard. "He takes after Celebrían."
Glorfindel, his gracious streak getting the better of him, removed the baby from Elrond's arms. "I advise you to clean yourself," he said, biting his lip firmly to prevent an unnecessary laugh from escaping.
Elrond muttered something under his breath and washed his hands.
Elrohir was playing with Glorfindel's tunic quite happily, but the minute he saw Elrond, the cries began again.
"Yet again, the insistent cry of a child awakens the Lord of Imladris?" asked Celebrían from the doorway.
Elrond looked up from the cradle. "They are yours, not mine!" he growled, and ducked again when Elrohir glared at him.
Celebrían pulled Elrohir onto her lap and whispered soft words into his ears. "Hush, Teler, all will be well."
Elrohir's wails reduced considerably, and soon the room was silent except for an occasional sniffle or two.
"Gug," said Elrohir, and Celebrían nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Elrohir," she smiled. "Gug."
"Goo," said Elrohir, very pleased to have found someone who understood him. "Gluggy."
Celebrían beamed proudly, and patted Elrohir. "Goo goo," she said.
Elrohir put his finger in his mouth and licked his lips.
Celebrían reached forward, and the baby reached for her nose, pinching it fondly.
"Led go, Teler," said Celebrían, shaking her nose free from the child's firm grip.
"Gee gee goo gaa," continued Elrohir, sucking his thumb merrily.
"Gaa goo," responded Celebrían to this phrase.
Elrond watched the two, all the while stroking Elladan's back protectively. "Do you actually comprehend was he says, meleth nin?"
"Glug," said Celebrían to Elrond, a hidden twinkle in her eye.
Glorfindel clamped his hand over his mouth at Elrond's facial expression. "My Lady," he managed finally, adding in a slight tone of formality, knowing it would provoke Elrond even further. "May I have your permission to laugh?"
Celebrían looked at Elrond, and allowed a smile. "Yes, Glorfindel, you may."
Elrond concentrated on Elladan, tuning out Glorfindel's enticing laughter. The older twin turned over and slept on, oblivious to Glorfindel's sniggers.
Elrohir caught hold of Celebrían's gown and pulled it several times. "He is obviously not tired," said Celebrían at last.
Elrond looked at Elladan. "Why shouldn't he be? Elladan is worn out after today's excursion around the nursery," he said.
Celebrían shook her beautiful head. "Being identical twins does not mean their characteristics are similar, Peredhil."
Glorfindel snorted. "If you had seen Elrond as a child, you would certainly know the differences. For one, when Elros would be out playing, Elrond would be following Lady Elwing around, 'assisting' her in whatever way he could, though his favourite job was opening the containers of flour and spreading it all over the kitchens."
Elrond flushed to the tips of his ears at this description. "I was a very helpful child," he said defensively.
Celebrían chuckled. "My sons are like the black and white keys of a piano," she said affectionately. "For though each key looks the same, each note has its own unique tone."
Elrond got up from the floor and yawned widely. "I will go and rest," he said to Glorfindel. "'Tis has been tiring."
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows at Celebrían, who nodded. "You may have your leave, mellon," she said, a soft smile on her lips.
The fair-haired Lord bowed and followed Elrond out the door.
Celebrían looked at Elrohir sternly. "And what must I do to get you to sleep, Teler?" she asked quietly.
Elrohir stared back innocently, and Celebrían cuddled him. "The more innocent you look, the naughtier you have been," she said.
"Goo," agreed Elrohir, and Celebrían chuckled quietly.
Elrond paused at the door, and smiled happily at the sight that met him - Celebrían's slim figure, illuminated by the crackling fire, curled up in an armchair with Elrohir on her lap, singing an Old Elvish tune.
He shut the door quietly, and left, leaving his wife alone with Elrohir.
Celebrían looked up at the quiet click the door made when it closed, and smiled to herself. Elrohir gurgled softly, and she kissed his forehead, beginning a new tune. She leaned into the comforts of the soft chair, Elrohir clasped in her arms, and rocked him gently.
"Gee!" said Elladan, looking over the rim of his blanket. Celebrían's warm eyes opened in surprise.
"So you too have decided to join me?" she asked. Elladan smiled a toothless smile at her.
Laughing, Celebrían deposited Elrohir on the floor, and gathered Elladan, blankets and all.
Slowly, she made her way back to the chair, picked up the younger twin, and continued her song, as both children snuggled closer to her for the warmth she radiated.
It was in this position that Sólia found her the next morning, when she arrived to dust and air the spacious room.
*
Elrond held his head in his hands, trying to pacify the pounding headache.
Glorfindel sat on the opposite end of the study, polishing his sword. He looked up when Elrond unconsciously swore for the hundredth time that afternoon.
"Is the heat too much, Peredhil?" he asked.
Elrond looked at the Elf. "I am tired," he said quietly, not wishing to raise his voice incase the headache worsened.
Glorfindel smiled sympathetically. "Go and rest, then," he said. "I will take over for the afternoon."
Elrond smiled gratefully at his friend. "Hanta lyë, mellon," he said quietly and left the confines of the library.
The bedroom door was slightly ajar when he arrived, and he peered in slowly before entering.
Celebrían sat on the bed, the twins by her side. Both were pulling at her robes and giggling.
"Good afternoon, Celebrían," Elrond greeted, before collapsing on the bed.
"Are you well, Elrond?" said Celebrían in concern.
Elrond sniffed. "An Elf, may I remind you is never ill." Then seeing Celebrían's face, he answered her earlier query. "I am merely tired. A rest would calm me."
He shut his eyes and relaxed.
A tiny pair of hands pinched his left cheek and he sat up at once.
Elladan smiled cheerily at him and pinched his cheek again.
Elrond groaned and looked at Celebrían pleadingly. "Please, meleth nin, give me some peace."
"Glug!" said Elladan indignantly, when Celebrían pulled him away from Elrond.
"Hush, Pityo," she said. "Ada needs to rest."
Elrond sighed in relief when the door closed. He slowly succumbed to the sleep threatening him.
*
"I think I should move them nearer to Sólia's quarters," said Celebrían to Glorfindel.
Glorfindel shifted Elladan to his other hip and nodded. "It would give Peredhil a peaceful time."
The two strolled casually down the gardens of Imladris, basking in the warm sun.
"Goo!" said Elrohir and put a strand of Celebrían's hair in his mouth.
Celebrían removed the hair and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. "Nay, Elrohir. You must not do such dirty things!" she chastised.
Elrohir squirmed and kicked and she put him down on the grass.
Glorfindel placed Elladan next to his brother and watched the two roll in the sweet smelling grass. "They look like angels," said Glorfindel.
Celebrían smiled. "They are devils in the eyes of many."
Glorfindel chuckled and sat down beside the Lady. Moments like these were very rare, when the two could sit back and discuss old times.
Elladan crawled towards Celebrían and put the edge of her gown into his mouth, smiling widely.
"No, Elladan!" said Celebrían, and pulled away the fabric.
Elrohir was contenting himself by stuffing mud into his mouth.
Glorfindel reached forward and pulled the child towards him. Elrohir spat the filth onto Glorfindel, and the Elf Lord rubbed it off gingerly. "I take back what I said," he said. "They are little devils!"
"Goo gee," slurred Elrohir, with his mouth full.
Celebrían raised her eyebrows at Glorfindel. "I feel the nursery is the safest place for babies," she said.
Glorfindel quickly pulled Elladan away from a rather juicy looking and unsuspecting ladybird. He pulled himself to his feet, balancing Elladan as he did so. "Your suggestion has been considered and taken," Glorfindel said, offering her his hand.
Elrohir caught hold of Glorfindel's leg and held on for dear life. The struggling Elf lord waited patiently for Celebrían to remove the child before wiping his forehead. "Shouldn't the little ones take a nap?"
Celebrían pulled away the handkerchief Elrohir was chewing. "Yes, but they are too lively at this time of the day. It is less tiring to keep them awake."
Elladan stuffed his finger up Glorfindel's nose, and the victim of the child's innocent taunts looked at Celebrían in despair.
*
Celebrían entered the chambers quietly and shut the door.
After many hours of persuading, the twins had decided to fall asleep in Glorfindel's room, and the older Elves had decided not to move them, for fear that they awaken again.
Elrond was still sleeping comfortably, and Celebrían stopped for a minute to adjust the covers under which he was curled. The Lord had slept undisturbed for almost four long hours, and Glorfindel was already showing signs of strain.
Celebrían sat down on the window seat and pulled a bag of flowers towards her. Minutes later, she was twining the blossoms together into what would eventually be a headband for a feast later in the night. The Elf sank further into her work, calmly ignoring the soft snores coming from Elrond's direction.
"My Lady?"
Celebrían looked up, and an Elf entered, balancing two trays on one hand.
"What is it, Celahir?" she asked, dropping the half-finished necklace.
"Lord Glorfindel wishes to see you," said Celahir. He held the door open for her, and she rushed towards Glorfindel's study, hoping and praying that the twins would be safe and intact.
"Is everything alright, Glorfindel?" she said, hurrying in.
The fair haired Lord looked up and motioned for her to sit down. "This is a list of the troubles plaguing Rivendell," he said. He passed her a roll of parchment. "There are several minor problems, none of much importance. All I can say is that Peredhil has the patience of a cow to put up with this every day. "
"'Tis donkeys who are considered patient," said Celebrían whimsically, and Glorfindel snorted.
"Then Elrond has the endurance of a cow, mule and horse," he replied dismissively.
Celebrían read the first few lines, and laughed. "The tomatoes aren't growing as well as they should," she said, and looked at Glorfindel. The Elf invited her to read on, and Celebrían smiled. "Too many poppies are springing up in the fields?"
Glorfindel shifted in his chair. "If that is ridiculous, read the next."
Celebrían did what he told her to, and chuckled. "The grocer delivers too many pounds of flour."
The Elf opposite her shook his head at the list. "It is no wonder Peredhil was swearing constantly this afternoon."
Celebrían handed back the list and looked at the twins, who were now sleeping with their arms around each other.
"When Peredhil awakens, please tell him to see me," said Glorfindel. "There are other important matters he has to tend to."
"What matters?" asked Celebrían curiously.
Glorfindel kept his face as straight as he possibly could. "He has to visit the house of Lady Tarí and ensure her potatoes and onions are perfectly well."
Celebrían laughed. "Why should they be unwell?"
Glorfindel sighed. If he had been permitted to roll his eyes in front of Celebrían, he would certainly have done so, but his respect for her kept him from doing so. "Tarí sent me a long letter saying there were spots on the vegetables, hence, a visit from Elrond would be extremely necessary."
Celebrían chuckled and raised herself from the chair. "I have to return these devils to their crib," she said pointedly, and Glorfindel obligingly picked up Elladan, thankful for this unexpected break.
As they passed the doors to the chambers of the Lord of Imladris, several soft snores exited the room.
"I pity him when he wakes," said Glorfindel.
When Celebrían looked at him questioningly, he elaborated. "I will very benevolently hand that blasted list to him," he said.
Celebrían placed Elrohir beside Elladan and watched as an unconscious battle for the same pillow issued.
"They are angels when they sleep," pronounced Glorfindel.
Elladan kicked Elrohir and snatched the pillow into safekeeping.
*
The feast was more prolonged than usual, and Elrond returned to his chambers feeling very tired. Although the earlier rest had done him well, he now felt quite exhausted and climbed thankfully into his warm bed.
"I think I should let Glorfindel take over more often," he said to Celebrían, when she moved closer to him and wrapped her arms around him.
"He was saying the same about you," said Celebrían softly, and Elrond smiled, despite the fact that his cheeks pained terribly after the three hours of unremitting articulating.
Elrond kissed her on the cheek, and turned off the lamp beside their bedside. " Maer dû, Celebrían," he said.
Celebrían pulled him closer and shut her eyes, knowing her husband would be taken away for the second half of the night.
"My fervent wish is that all little children sleep well tonight," said Elrond, yawning widely.
"Their earnest wishes are one - that you do not sleep well," Celebrían teased.
"Thank you for that artful jibe," mumbled Elrond sleepily, before entering the dream state.
*
Slightly later that night, Elrond was dragging on his dressing robe and rushing into the nursery yet again, whilst Celebrían slept peacefully on, not disturbed in the least by the angry and tearful wails, rising in volume every second.
*
*Translations -
Teler - Little Elf
Meleth nin - my Love
Hanta lyë, mellon - Thank you, friend
Pityo - Little One
Maer dû, Celebrían - Good night, Celebrían
*
Well, I finally finished rewriting and editing this chapter, though all of you get my sincere apologies for not being able to put it up sooner. Other than that, I hope you enjoyed it - I know I enjoyed writing it!
As always, feedback is deeply appreciated, as it helps an author improve etc - I don't mind flames (though these will be fed to my pet iguana who amazingly likes chewing paper), constructive criticism or 'praise' (I've run out of suitable words because of my long and tiresome Literature Examination).
*