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~Brothers First~
~Chapter 2 ~ Laughter Down the Hall~
Dinner was a formal affair as each of the Lords were introduced, once again, and seated in due order. Elladan and Elrohir were by their father's left side while their mother sat to his right and Arwen to her right. Elladan watched for Silluina, trying to remember which was Nostarion.
At length, a blond-haired elf Lord entered escorting his daughter, Silluina. She wore a soft pale green gown embroidered with gold thread. The sapphire-gemmed fillet glinted in the lamplight.
"Who's the maiden," Elrohir asked discretely when he noticed his brother's gaze.
Elladan pushed down the jealousy that suddenly arose, "She is Lady Silluina, daughter of Lord Nostarion."
"Nostarion," Elrohir murmured as he tried to think, "Don't remember him."
Elladan rolled his eyes, "He's a councilor of Lord Círdan, he's here for the council."
"Oh yes," his brother lightly nodded, "Though I imagine his daughter inherited her mother's looks..."
He nudged Elladan's ribs. Elrond glanced over his elder son to the younger. It was enough to stop Elrohir's teasing. Elladan's soft glare subsided when his brother looked away. Elrohir was a flirt, knowing his brother like he did, who cavorted with many ladies and gave his heart to none. He was building a bad reputation, but his flings seemed only to be through words and stolen kisses.
'Any lady I might show interest in, he'd probably steal her heart and break it,' Elladan thought with irritation.
During the dignified dinner, Elladan returned momentary gazes from the blue-eyed elf maiden. He didn't notice her intrigue of the twins themselves. Elrohir caught eyes from other ladies but Elladan had his sights set on one.
Silluina.
Nothing had made him feel so happy and confused all at the same time as the green-clad lady.
'Could it be love?' He thought as he sipped his wine, 'I didn't think love at first sight could happen to me.'
Absently, he sipped for more wine before he realized there was none left. Elrohir noticed his vacancy.
"You are even more flighty than usual, brother," he said quietly, "Is there something on your mind?"
"I am not flighty," Elladan replied hastily, "I am simply preoccupied. You are the flighty one."
"Ha," he countered, "I seem to be the only one of us who notices shy glances from beautiful maidens. We are old enough to start returning them..."
Elrond glanced at the younger son again, this time with ire.
"Under the most honorable of circumstances, of course," Elrohir added, slightly abashed and shame reddening his face.
The drawn out dinner was concluded as the company rose and filed out in their entry order. The brothers and sister followed their parents through the archway and down the hall. Elladan stole a glance from Silluina as his family passed her table.
She blushed lightly and the blue gem on her forehead sparkled.
As the group came to a different hall, Celebrían turned to her family.
"Proper etiquette will serve you well in all functions, my son," she spoke gently to Elrohir, "Please observe that rule in future situations."
Elrohir felt shame rise again in red color. He hated disappointing his mother; seeing that disgrace in her eyes tore his heart in two.
"Forgive me Nána, I will not forget it," he said with eyes downcast.
After nodding at her son, she said, "I shall retire," bowing to them, she smiled coyly at Elrond.
Elrohir turned and went the opposite direction, to lick his wound Elladan supposed.
"Good night, Ada, Elladan," Arwen bowed and left for her own chambers.
"Adar," he spoke, pulling Elrond from his captivation of their mother, "The council will meet again tomorrow, correct?"
He nodded once, "There is much to discuss. Rest well, I will need your historical expertise in good shape. Good night."
"Good night," he murmured as his father soon followed his mother down the hall.
He turned in the direction of the Hall of Fire, where music and poetry would likely be lively this night but he was interrupted.
"My Lord," a light-haired elf approached him, "I know you are a son of Elrond, but I am not sure of which."
There was mirth in his plain-spoken words.
'Been at my father's wine tonight,' he thought.
Bowing, he replied, "I am indeed a son of Elrond; if you search for Elladan, then you have found him."
"Ah good," his face brightened, "I am Ruintur, an advisor to Lord Celeborn. I have heard your knowledge in first and second age history is impressive, despite the fact you remember neither."
Elladan laughed lightly, unsure of where this was leading, "I have studied many books and maps. There is quite a collection in my Adar's library."
His peripheral vision caught a blue flash. Silluina was walking down the hall, her outstretched hand delicately held in her father's larger hand.
"If you don't mind, Lord Elladan," Ruintur brought his attention back to the conversation, "Please show me this legendary library of Imladris."
Torn, Elladan couldn't just walk away from the other elf lord after his brother had been reprimanded for bad manners minutes earlier. Nodding, he decided to try and forget the lady for a couple hours by pouring over ancient maps and texts with another willing master.
~*~*~
Elrohir relaxed into his chair. He held his favorite wine, his favorite bard was singing his favorite song, and the stars were clear overhead. The several sets of doors were opened in the Hall of Fire, allowing entry to those who would enjoy the lively after-dinner entertainment.
The elf had decided to sit mostly outside where he could see the comforting stars above. His eyes traced lines through their paths as the bard raised and lowered her voice in song. He knew he would be called in eventually to share mirthful stories of his adventures, though most would call them 'mis-adventures'.
He smirked in memory of each as he tried to decide which ones to dispense with that night. Elrohir sat forward and drank from his cup as a familiar looking lady approached him.
"My Lord, you are well tonight," she said, offering her hand.
Surprised at her outspokenness, but at the same time flattered, he rose and kissed her hand, "Indeed I am. The blue of the ocean shines in your eyes."
Dark lashes lowered and she blushed, "You are too kind."
'So this is Elladan's flame,' he thought as he took in her beauty, 'Sil... Sil... Silluina, that's it.'
"I am also observant, Lady of the Sapphire Light," he said, referring to her sapphire circlet and name. Sweet perfume emanated from her.
'The light in his eyes seems different than before,' Silcalena thought as she gazed into his eyes, 'More lively. I wonder if he is drunk...'
"My Lord," an elf called from inside, "We wish to hear a story."
"Ah yes, called to my duties," he grinned, "I will try to keep them enamoring for those who have heard them many times."
He gestured for Silluina to go ahead, "It would be my pleasure if I could entertain you with an amusing story, Lady Silluina."
Despite the fact that she sorely desired to hear his story, she had one other duty to complete before she could join him
"Though I very much wish to hear your tales, I must visit with a dear friend I have not see in many years. I shall see you later," she bowed and reentered the hall, searching for her friend.
Elrohir watched her depart. He could see why his brother seemed so taken by the maiden. When she glanced back at him, the light of the fire flashed the blue gem on her forehead and drew his attention to her shining blue eyes. He felt his heart skip a beat.
"Elrohir, you keep us waiting," another elf called in jest.
He shook his head and her image from his mind and found the story he wished to tell. He sat in a semi-circle and told it, but he kept imaging the bright smile on her face as she laughed at the jokes and ladylike fright in her eyes at the dreadful battles.
~*~*~
Much of the night's entertainment had ended and only a few elves remained in the Hall of Fire. Elrohir watched the stars again from his chair.
"The time has passed quickly this night," he murmured as he observed the change in the moon's position.
Though it was called 'The Wanderer' in Sindarin, the moon could still tell the passage of time. Elrohir knew the council would last at least a few more days; he wasn't even sure what they would discuss, but he knew it had something to do with Sauron reappearing in Dol Guldur and Nazgúl and orcs and other things he didn't really care to think about at the moment.
What he did care to think about was a lovely lady named Mellelin... and Silluina. While Mellelin had sung to him with her sweet voice, Silluina hadn't returned to hear his stories and Elrohir was rather disappointed. There was something about her that made men turn their heads as she passed. Of course, most female elves had that affect on young men.
Elrohir leaned back in his chair and saw the star Eärendil. Its beauteous light enchanted the young elf. For a long moment, the star cleared his mind of the woman named Silluina. It was a while before he became aware of a presence behind him. A familiar flowery perfume drifted into his nose.
"The stars shine brighter when you are near, my Lady," he murmured a quote from a romantic poem.
Silluina smoothed her dress as she sat on the porch next to his chair. Elrohir would have none of that.
"Take my chair, please," he cried as he stood.
"I am quite comfortable here," she smiled at him with a playful light in her eyes.
Taken aback, he moved to sit beside her, "Have you had an enjoyable evening here in the Hall of Fire?"
"Yes, I have. The Grey Havens has a similar place. On the last day of the week there is song and dance for all hours of the night."
"Sounds fun," Elrohir said, "But you missed the best part this night. My stories are quite lively, I'm sure you would have been thoroughly entertained."
She looked at him, "Why don't you tell me one now?"
Thinking for a moment, Elrohir found the story that caused the most laughs from his audience. He wished to hear her laughter.
"Now quite some time ago, I was sent to work in Nána's gardens as a punishment," Elrohir started.
"Why were you punished," Silluina interrupted.
"Oh that's a whole other story. Rather much longer than this one," at her nod, he continued, "Near my Nána's garden is the fence line for the horse pastures. Being only half of my current height and size, I was forced to climb this fence in order to see any of the horses up close."
"Yet you were supposed to be working in the garden," she said with a wry smile.
Disobedient elven children were uncommon. It was probably why Elrohir's stories of his mischievous childhood were so popular. He continued with a dismissive wave.
"Oh I would always climb this particular fence in that particular area. As it happened, though, that was the day the fence chose to break under my weight. So there I was, lying face down in a large mud pit that I had normally jumped over, with boards and rocks scattered all over the place. Not the most dignified position for an elf Lord's son," he grinned.
Silluina laughed at the image, "Surely there is more to this story."
"Of course," he feigned impatience, "Now on that particular day there happened to be only one horse in that pasture. He was a magnificent steed, tall and strong. He was white with deep black eyes. We called him Morro."
One eyebrow frowned, "A white horse named Morro?"
(Morro means Dark/Black Horse)
"Well, you see, Morro was strong and beautiful, but he had the standing will of a mountain and the personality of a dwarf. He was pure evil."
She laughed again. Elrohir smiled at the playful light in her eyes.
He continued, "Morro was extraordinarily intelligent, and so when he saw my mud dive and the new hole in the fence, he bolted. It was up to me to stop him; I was already in it from Nána, I didn't need trouble from Adar too. So as he came at me, I grabbed the reigns and leapt to his back. But... I missed his back.
"Being upset at the extra weight suddenly dragging along side him, Morro turned from the fence and pulled me right through the mud pit I had fallen in. I turned myself and managed to leap onto his back but it was too late. He had already turned and gone headlong through the gaping fence hole. He tore through Nána's garden, ripping shrubs and flowers. All through Rivendell that evil creature carried me, tossing elves into bushes and flinging mud all over.
Silluina was giggling at this point. Such havoc among the dignified elves was also uncommon.
"I had already given up trying to stop him and could only hope he would tire. As it turned out, the only being who Morro would hearken to was Adar. It was Adar who did calm him, much to my relief," Elrohir finished as he brushed at dust on his shoe.
She cocked an eyebrow, "So your adar caught Morro. What happened after that?"
"Ah," he smiled, "It so happened that Nána had seen much of the commotion and was frightened silly at the prospect of my injuries. I dropped from Morro's back only to be scooped up by Nána. I was fine but her pristine white dress wasn't."
He grinned evilly. Silluina laughed heartily. Her laughter echoed around the empty halls and corridors. Elrohir's heart sailed at the lovely sound of her voice.
"I had no idea you could be so treacherous," she jested.
"Well now you do. Consider yourself warned," he winked.
Silluina's eyes smiled with her mouth; Elrohir was drawn to her. Before his mind could stop his body, he leaned to her, and she to him. Eyes lowered, their lips met halfway, only for an instant. He parted and feared he had gone too far with a lady to whom he had not been introduced, but she met his lips again.
When they parted again, he cupped her cheek with his hand and looked deep into her blue eyes. His heart beat rapidly in his chest; he was unaccustomed to the emotion he was feeling. His face flushed. Silluina sighed with want as her eyes searched his. Her stomach ached with a brand new feeling.
'This couldn't be Elladan, not the Elladan I met earlier today. My heart beats so,' came her flustered thoughts.
Finally realizing what was happening and possible consequences of being caught, both faced forward again. Elrohir's heart was still racing.
The elves heard footsteps behind them. They were greeted by a young maid.
"My Lord, Lady," she bowed, "Lady Silluina, your adar has sent me to find you."
She jumped up as a gasp escaped her lips, "Oh no, he must be furious that I am out so late. Please, excuse me, I must go."
She bowed to Elrohir as he stood. He looked sad, as sad as she was at her forced departure.
"When will I see you again," he called.
Over her shoulder, she answered, "Soon."
With her golden hair flowing in her haste, her form hurried from the darkened hall. Elrohir stared at the dwindling fire and took a deep breath. It was then that he realized that Elladan had practically 'marked' Silluina as his, and he had stolen a secret kiss from her.
'I've kissed many maidens,' he thought, 'There is something about her that makes me both afraid and overjoyed at the same time. Is this what I do to ladies? And what am I to tell Elladan?'
Excuses for his behavior ran through his mind but he could find none that were satisfactory. Elrohir had never intended to hurt his brother in this way. He could only hope that he hadn't stolen her heart like she had taken his.
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~Brothers First~
~Chapter 2 ~ Laughter Down the Hall~
Dinner was a formal affair as each of the Lords were introduced, once again, and seated in due order. Elladan and Elrohir were by their father's left side while their mother sat to his right and Arwen to her right. Elladan watched for Silluina, trying to remember which was Nostarion.
At length, a blond-haired elf Lord entered escorting his daughter, Silluina. She wore a soft pale green gown embroidered with gold thread. The sapphire-gemmed fillet glinted in the lamplight.
"Who's the maiden," Elrohir asked discretely when he noticed his brother's gaze.
Elladan pushed down the jealousy that suddenly arose, "She is Lady Silluina, daughter of Lord Nostarion."
"Nostarion," Elrohir murmured as he tried to think, "Don't remember him."
Elladan rolled his eyes, "He's a councilor of Lord Círdan, he's here for the council."
"Oh yes," his brother lightly nodded, "Though I imagine his daughter inherited her mother's looks..."
He nudged Elladan's ribs. Elrond glanced over his elder son to the younger. It was enough to stop Elrohir's teasing. Elladan's soft glare subsided when his brother looked away. Elrohir was a flirt, knowing his brother like he did, who cavorted with many ladies and gave his heart to none. He was building a bad reputation, but his flings seemed only to be through words and stolen kisses.
'Any lady I might show interest in, he'd probably steal her heart and break it,' Elladan thought with irritation.
During the dignified dinner, Elladan returned momentary gazes from the blue-eyed elf maiden. He didn't notice her intrigue of the twins themselves. Elrohir caught eyes from other ladies but Elladan had his sights set on one.
Silluina.
Nothing had made him feel so happy and confused all at the same time as the green-clad lady.
'Could it be love?' He thought as he sipped his wine, 'I didn't think love at first sight could happen to me.'
Absently, he sipped for more wine before he realized there was none left. Elrohir noticed his vacancy.
"You are even more flighty than usual, brother," he said quietly, "Is there something on your mind?"
"I am not flighty," Elladan replied hastily, "I am simply preoccupied. You are the flighty one."
"Ha," he countered, "I seem to be the only one of us who notices shy glances from beautiful maidens. We are old enough to start returning them..."
Elrond glanced at the younger son again, this time with ire.
"Under the most honorable of circumstances, of course," Elrohir added, slightly abashed and shame reddening his face.
The drawn out dinner was concluded as the company rose and filed out in their entry order. The brothers and sister followed their parents through the archway and down the hall. Elladan stole a glance from Silluina as his family passed her table.
She blushed lightly and the blue gem on her forehead sparkled.
As the group came to a different hall, Celebrían turned to her family.
"Proper etiquette will serve you well in all functions, my son," she spoke gently to Elrohir, "Please observe that rule in future situations."
Elrohir felt shame rise again in red color. He hated disappointing his mother; seeing that disgrace in her eyes tore his heart in two.
"Forgive me Nána, I will not forget it," he said with eyes downcast.
After nodding at her son, she said, "I shall retire," bowing to them, she smiled coyly at Elrond.
Elrohir turned and went the opposite direction, to lick his wound Elladan supposed.
"Good night, Ada, Elladan," Arwen bowed and left for her own chambers.
"Adar," he spoke, pulling Elrond from his captivation of their mother, "The council will meet again tomorrow, correct?"
He nodded once, "There is much to discuss. Rest well, I will need your historical expertise in good shape. Good night."
"Good night," he murmured as his father soon followed his mother down the hall.
He turned in the direction of the Hall of Fire, where music and poetry would likely be lively this night but he was interrupted.
"My Lord," a light-haired elf approached him, "I know you are a son of Elrond, but I am not sure of which."
There was mirth in his plain-spoken words.
'Been at my father's wine tonight,' he thought.
Bowing, he replied, "I am indeed a son of Elrond; if you search for Elladan, then you have found him."
"Ah good," his face brightened, "I am Ruintur, an advisor to Lord Celeborn. I have heard your knowledge in first and second age history is impressive, despite the fact you remember neither."
Elladan laughed lightly, unsure of where this was leading, "I have studied many books and maps. There is quite a collection in my Adar's library."
His peripheral vision caught a blue flash. Silluina was walking down the hall, her outstretched hand delicately held in her father's larger hand.
"If you don't mind, Lord Elladan," Ruintur brought his attention back to the conversation, "Please show me this legendary library of Imladris."
Torn, Elladan couldn't just walk away from the other elf lord after his brother had been reprimanded for bad manners minutes earlier. Nodding, he decided to try and forget the lady for a couple hours by pouring over ancient maps and texts with another willing master.
~*~*~
Elrohir relaxed into his chair. He held his favorite wine, his favorite bard was singing his favorite song, and the stars were clear overhead. The several sets of doors were opened in the Hall of Fire, allowing entry to those who would enjoy the lively after-dinner entertainment.
The elf had decided to sit mostly outside where he could see the comforting stars above. His eyes traced lines through their paths as the bard raised and lowered her voice in song. He knew he would be called in eventually to share mirthful stories of his adventures, though most would call them 'mis-adventures'.
He smirked in memory of each as he tried to decide which ones to dispense with that night. Elrohir sat forward and drank from his cup as a familiar looking lady approached him.
"My Lord, you are well tonight," she said, offering her hand.
Surprised at her outspokenness, but at the same time flattered, he rose and kissed her hand, "Indeed I am. The blue of the ocean shines in your eyes."
Dark lashes lowered and she blushed, "You are too kind."
'So this is Elladan's flame,' he thought as he took in her beauty, 'Sil... Sil... Silluina, that's it.'
"I am also observant, Lady of the Sapphire Light," he said, referring to her sapphire circlet and name. Sweet perfume emanated from her.
'The light in his eyes seems different than before,' Silcalena thought as she gazed into his eyes, 'More lively. I wonder if he is drunk...'
"My Lord," an elf called from inside, "We wish to hear a story."
"Ah yes, called to my duties," he grinned, "I will try to keep them enamoring for those who have heard them many times."
He gestured for Silluina to go ahead, "It would be my pleasure if I could entertain you with an amusing story, Lady Silluina."
Despite the fact that she sorely desired to hear his story, she had one other duty to complete before she could join him
"Though I very much wish to hear your tales, I must visit with a dear friend I have not see in many years. I shall see you later," she bowed and reentered the hall, searching for her friend.
Elrohir watched her depart. He could see why his brother seemed so taken by the maiden. When she glanced back at him, the light of the fire flashed the blue gem on her forehead and drew his attention to her shining blue eyes. He felt his heart skip a beat.
"Elrohir, you keep us waiting," another elf called in jest.
He shook his head and her image from his mind and found the story he wished to tell. He sat in a semi-circle and told it, but he kept imaging the bright smile on her face as she laughed at the jokes and ladylike fright in her eyes at the dreadful battles.
~*~*~
Much of the night's entertainment had ended and only a few elves remained in the Hall of Fire. Elrohir watched the stars again from his chair.
"The time has passed quickly this night," he murmured as he observed the change in the moon's position.
Though it was called 'The Wanderer' in Sindarin, the moon could still tell the passage of time. Elrohir knew the council would last at least a few more days; he wasn't even sure what they would discuss, but he knew it had something to do with Sauron reappearing in Dol Guldur and Nazgúl and orcs and other things he didn't really care to think about at the moment.
What he did care to think about was a lovely lady named Mellelin... and Silluina. While Mellelin had sung to him with her sweet voice, Silluina hadn't returned to hear his stories and Elrohir was rather disappointed. There was something about her that made men turn their heads as she passed. Of course, most female elves had that affect on young men.
Elrohir leaned back in his chair and saw the star Eärendil. Its beauteous light enchanted the young elf. For a long moment, the star cleared his mind of the woman named Silluina. It was a while before he became aware of a presence behind him. A familiar flowery perfume drifted into his nose.
"The stars shine brighter when you are near, my Lady," he murmured a quote from a romantic poem.
Silluina smoothed her dress as she sat on the porch next to his chair. Elrohir would have none of that.
"Take my chair, please," he cried as he stood.
"I am quite comfortable here," she smiled at him with a playful light in her eyes.
Taken aback, he moved to sit beside her, "Have you had an enjoyable evening here in the Hall of Fire?"
"Yes, I have. The Grey Havens has a similar place. On the last day of the week there is song and dance for all hours of the night."
"Sounds fun," Elrohir said, "But you missed the best part this night. My stories are quite lively, I'm sure you would have been thoroughly entertained."
She looked at him, "Why don't you tell me one now?"
Thinking for a moment, Elrohir found the story that caused the most laughs from his audience. He wished to hear her laughter.
"Now quite some time ago, I was sent to work in Nána's gardens as a punishment," Elrohir started.
"Why were you punished," Silluina interrupted.
"Oh that's a whole other story. Rather much longer than this one," at her nod, he continued, "Near my Nána's garden is the fence line for the horse pastures. Being only half of my current height and size, I was forced to climb this fence in order to see any of the horses up close."
"Yet you were supposed to be working in the garden," she said with a wry smile.
Disobedient elven children were uncommon. It was probably why Elrohir's stories of his mischievous childhood were so popular. He continued with a dismissive wave.
"Oh I would always climb this particular fence in that particular area. As it happened, though, that was the day the fence chose to break under my weight. So there I was, lying face down in a large mud pit that I had normally jumped over, with boards and rocks scattered all over the place. Not the most dignified position for an elf Lord's son," he grinned.
Silluina laughed at the image, "Surely there is more to this story."
"Of course," he feigned impatience, "Now on that particular day there happened to be only one horse in that pasture. He was a magnificent steed, tall and strong. He was white with deep black eyes. We called him Morro."
One eyebrow frowned, "A white horse named Morro?"
(Morro means Dark/Black Horse)
"Well, you see, Morro was strong and beautiful, but he had the standing will of a mountain and the personality of a dwarf. He was pure evil."
She laughed again. Elrohir smiled at the playful light in her eyes.
He continued, "Morro was extraordinarily intelligent, and so when he saw my mud dive and the new hole in the fence, he bolted. It was up to me to stop him; I was already in it from Nána, I didn't need trouble from Adar too. So as he came at me, I grabbed the reigns and leapt to his back. But... I missed his back.
"Being upset at the extra weight suddenly dragging along side him, Morro turned from the fence and pulled me right through the mud pit I had fallen in. I turned myself and managed to leap onto his back but it was too late. He had already turned and gone headlong through the gaping fence hole. He tore through Nána's garden, ripping shrubs and flowers. All through Rivendell that evil creature carried me, tossing elves into bushes and flinging mud all over.
Silluina was giggling at this point. Such havoc among the dignified elves was also uncommon.
"I had already given up trying to stop him and could only hope he would tire. As it turned out, the only being who Morro would hearken to was Adar. It was Adar who did calm him, much to my relief," Elrohir finished as he brushed at dust on his shoe.
She cocked an eyebrow, "So your adar caught Morro. What happened after that?"
"Ah," he smiled, "It so happened that Nána had seen much of the commotion and was frightened silly at the prospect of my injuries. I dropped from Morro's back only to be scooped up by Nána. I was fine but her pristine white dress wasn't."
He grinned evilly. Silluina laughed heartily. Her laughter echoed around the empty halls and corridors. Elrohir's heart sailed at the lovely sound of her voice.
"I had no idea you could be so treacherous," she jested.
"Well now you do. Consider yourself warned," he winked.
Silluina's eyes smiled with her mouth; Elrohir was drawn to her. Before his mind could stop his body, he leaned to her, and she to him. Eyes lowered, their lips met halfway, only for an instant. He parted and feared he had gone too far with a lady to whom he had not been introduced, but she met his lips again.
When they parted again, he cupped her cheek with his hand and looked deep into her blue eyes. His heart beat rapidly in his chest; he was unaccustomed to the emotion he was feeling. His face flushed. Silluina sighed with want as her eyes searched his. Her stomach ached with a brand new feeling.
'This couldn't be Elladan, not the Elladan I met earlier today. My heart beats so,' came her flustered thoughts.
Finally realizing what was happening and possible consequences of being caught, both faced forward again. Elrohir's heart was still racing.
The elves heard footsteps behind them. They were greeted by a young maid.
"My Lord, Lady," she bowed, "Lady Silluina, your adar has sent me to find you."
She jumped up as a gasp escaped her lips, "Oh no, he must be furious that I am out so late. Please, excuse me, I must go."
She bowed to Elrohir as he stood. He looked sad, as sad as she was at her forced departure.
"When will I see you again," he called.
Over her shoulder, she answered, "Soon."
With her golden hair flowing in her haste, her form hurried from the darkened hall. Elrohir stared at the dwindling fire and took a deep breath. It was then that he realized that Elladan had practically 'marked' Silluina as his, and he had stolen a secret kiss from her.
'I've kissed many maidens,' he thought, 'There is something about her that makes me both afraid and overjoyed at the same time. Is this what I do to ladies? And what am I to tell Elladan?'
Excuses for his behavior ran through his mind but he could find none that were satisfactory. Elrohir had never intended to hurt his brother in this way. He could only hope that he hadn't stolen her heart like she had taken his.
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