Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, places, ideas or anything else from Lord of the Rings. I do however lay claim on Elrond's twin daughters as Tolkien never wrote about any twin elven girls anywhere in his books. Everything else though, as much as I wish it, is not mine and belongs to the Estate of J.R.R. Tolkien (a wonderful, wonderful man). Except for a 2-year-old toddler by the name of Estel (forever called tithen min by his siblings) who needs looking after.
~~~~OOOOO~~~~
Legolas Thranduilion departed for Mirkwood the next day; ending his shortest visit ever to the Valley. The twins went with him, much to the relief of a great portion of the valley, Elrond included. They would not be back until the fall, if not the next spring, and he planned to fully enjoy the peace and quiet of his home until such a time as they did return. He could handle his twin daughters alone. Although, from the miserable look that hung on Dúnë's face for the rest of the day, he doubted she would be of any great company for awhile.
But Rómë was only too eager to monopolize her father's time and knowledge. Elrond thought it a lucky event indeed, that Ilúvatar had dropped a pregnant mortal on their doorstep. What better way for his daughter to gain first-hand knowledge of childbirth? Even if it ensured his first grandchildren would not be hers.
Rómë had taken to spending as many hours as Iselle was able to, walking the grounds of the city. It was an exercise Elrond's youngest daughter had always enjoyed, from the time she had first been able to walk any great distance on her own and for the very pregnant mother, it was a time to relax as well.
"I think I have finally discovered the reason my father has so many benches along the garden paths," Rómë stated. It had been nearly three full days since the two mortals had arrived in the valley, and the summer sun was presenting a good opportunity to bask in its warm rays on a garden couch.
"Certainly it was not for my use," Iselle smiled. "But I am thankful nonetheless. It is becoming so tiring to walk very far at all. I shall be most thankful to give birth; I do not know how much longer I can stand to be this large!"
"I know not how you have withstood it so far. I do not think I shall ever have children. Poor Ada; he shall have to wait until Arwen marries, as I think she shall be the only one to have a family. The twins will never marry, and Dúnë has sworn many oaths in my hearing that she shall never, for all eternity, have a child. She would not know what to do with one," Rómë finished; the slight twist of her mouth showing Iselle she was merrily teasing.
"Is that common?" Iselle queried. She had been full of question about Elven life and Rómë was only too pleased to answer them. "For elves to not have any children at all?"
"Frequently, yes. And those that do often do not have more than one. We are not a large race, but we are immortal. There is little need for children to continue our race. Because of that, elves love children above all else; and elflings are treasured gifts from the Valar. But now…" she trailed off looking wistful. "There have been no children born in Imladris since Dúnë and I. None at the Grey Havens either, whose folk are dwindling with each passing year. As for Lórien and the Greenwood, there are very few young elves there either. Even now we are a failing race in Middle-earth, and although we mourn for that, still we rejoice in the knowledge that Valinor awaits us one day. There we are a vast people who have lived at their height for thousands of years. And will continue to do so for thousands more. Especially when the elves of Arda Marred sail West in the years to come."
Iselle look saddened at this, but whether it was because the elves were leaving to a more beautiful place that mortals could not follow, or whether it was because they seemed a failing race, Rómë could not tell. "Do not grieve for us, Iselle. Our time has come and gone, as yours is still approaching. This was fated since the beginning of Arda and we are content with that. Although our final sailing will mean grief for some, who's loved ones will never leave here; still it will mean rejoicing for most. Almost all the elves that dwell here have family in Valinor or in Mandos' Halls and they long to see them."
"And you as well?"
"And my family as well. My grandparents; my father's parents dwell there and my father's foster father walks the Halls of Mandos even now. There are many others besides. My father has kin ties with almost all of the great families and kindreds and many sailed west before I was born, or never journeyed here at all. But that time is long off even now. The elves still have a part to play in the history of Middle-earth and we shall not leave until that part has been played. My father especially; for he is tied here through his brother and descendents and will not leave until it is safe for men to rule their own lands. It was a promise made, and a promise that will be kept. Elrond's children cannot sail until he does and we would not wish to besides. There is still much to learn here, and many lands left still that I have not seen. I am still a child, after all." She smiled sweetly, and for the first time since Iselle had arrived the woman saw in her eyes the child the elf still was.
"The sun sets and it is nearly dinner hour. Will you come inside with me?" Rómë was already rising and extending a hand to help the young mother up. They followed the winding gardens paths back towards the lights of the Last Homely House as the sun dipped below the trees and Eärendil rose to sail across the night sky; a beacon to show all those left in Middle-earth that Valinor had not yet forgotten them, and awaited their return to its green shores.
~~~~OOOOO~~~~
"Dúnë?! Where are you seler?" Rómë stepped onto the deserted archery range, a look of untold frustration on her face. Dúnë had said she would be on the field practicing all morning, so where was she? "Dúnë!" she called again.
Still no answer. She had been searching for nearly a half hour, since her father had bid her find and send her sister to his study. She was perfectly aware it was to have a talk about none other than the Prince. And although Elrond would be quite aware it might take her some time to find her sister, he would no doubt be growing somewhat impatient it had taken this long. "Dúnë!?! Wherever you are, Ada wishes to see you. Do not keep him waiting seler!"
A rustle from the bushes to her left alerted her to her sister's sudden presence.
"Where have you been?" Rómë declared, her impatience showing through her voice.
"Practicing archery, just as I told you. Where have you been?" she fired back.
"In the study, practicing this week's lesson as you should have been. But Ada sent me to find you as he wishes your presence."
The annoyed and haughty look on her sister's face abruptly vanished, to be replaced by one of growing terror. "He wishes to see me? Why?"
"I believe the topic of conversation is the Prince. Although, perhaps I am mistaken and he merrily wishes you for a lesson, since you have missed three this week already."
The look of horror was growing into one of terrified realization. Rómë let the smug look of one who is trying in vain to withhold the words 'I told you so', show on her face. "I have been looking for you for over half an hour. Ada will not be pleased you have kept him waiting."
Andúnë had vanished along the path towards the house before Rómë had even reached the last word of her sentence. Smiling widely, she bent to retrieve her sister's forgotten bow and arrows, and set off down the field towards the targets. It had been over a week since she had been able to find a few hours in which to practice when the range was not in use. Besides, despite all the extra time she sat about in the library learning of how to heal injuries and treat the sick, it did not mean she cared nothing for the art of causing injuries, so long as they were against the enemy. And she would never allow her sister to surpass her in archery, although she had long ago admitted defeat when it came to the art of the sword.
"Adar? May I enter?" Dúnë hesitated at the doorway to her father's study, although the door itself, as always, was wide open.
"Come in, Dúnë. I've been awaiting you for nearly an hour."
His daughter had the grace to look ashamed. "Forgive me Ada, but Rómë could not find me easily. And I felt I should change before coming to you." Her father simply nodded; quite well aware she had probably made it hard for her sister to find her on purpose. He motioned towards the window seat overlooking the valley and joined her there.
"Dúnë, do you know the reason why I called you here today?" He was not looking at her; gazing out the window across the valley instead.
"You wished to speak with me about…Legolas," she ended in a defeated sigh.
"Yes, that is mostly the reason. However, at the same time, I do not think I need tell you that you are yet too young to enter any relationship with the Prince," he held up his hand to stop her protests. "Hear me out completely before you begin to argue, please. I have given it much though, and talked with your mother. You are aware that no betrothal may take place until you reach your first century. And no serious…relationship," he said, obviously having meant to say something else, "can take place between you until you are betrothed. Do I make myself quite clear, iell?"
She nodded. "Yes Ada. I do understand that. But—"
He stopped her protest again. "I am not finished. Your mother and I have discussed it, in great depth, and we have decided. If Thranduil agrees to your union, we could wish no better match. There are few I would consider worthy of my daughters, and although I had at one time hoped that Legolas and Arwen might find love together, if you and the Prince had found it instead, I will give my blessing. A union such as this would be beneficial for both our realms. But not until you are of age. Until then, I would prefer you see as little of the Prince as possible, but you may write when you will. I will send a letter to Thranduil as soon as may be and see if he will approve of this as well. But if he should say no, tithen min, there is little I can do. I will not create enmity between our kingdoms over this. You understand?"
"Yes Adar. Thank you Adar," she beamed at him and hugged him tightly. "May I go Adar?" She was already standing up as she spoke.
"Dúnë?"
She paused. "Yes Ada?"
"You will attend your lessons with your sister from now on, do I make myself clear? You may practice archery and swordsmanship when you will, but not when you are supposed to be learning healing."
"Yes Ada. I will not miss anymore lessons. May I go?" At her father's nod she retreated quickly from the room, hopefully before he changed his mind about anything he had said.
Elrond smiled ruefully after his wayward daughter. Now, if only he could find a way to confine her to the valley for the next forty-five years.