Not much happening in this chapter, but the next one will be up soon, I promise.

The Quest

Disclaimer: Sadly, neither the characters nor the places mentioned in this story belong to me. I just use them for my entertainment.

Warning: If the thought of two males being in love with each other bothers you, don't read.

"conversation"

thoughts

Chapter 2: Of insane plans and difficult conversations

"Just to make sure I understood this correctly…You want us to change places and while pretending to be you, I am supposed to make Legolas fall in love with me or rather you." Elladan shook his head. "This is absolutely impossible."

"Why? I know it can't be hard for you to get his attention, a few days at the most. Before anyone can notice, we will be ourselves again."

Seeing the determined look in his brother's eyes, Elladan knew he would lose this discussion. In spite of his rather shy nature, Elrohir could be extremely stubborn when he had his mind set on something. And this was most definitely one of those occasions. Still, he made one last attempt to bring his twin back to his senses. "Even if we manage to fool everyone, even if I can get Legolas to like me…"

"Oh, he will love you."

"That is exactly the problem, he will love me, not you, do you understand? I really think you should just try to get to know Legolas. Spend time with him; give him a chance to get to know you. If doesn't like you the way you are, he doesn't deserve you anyway."

Elrohir knew his brother only meant well and he appreciated his concern, but he also knew that this might be his only chance to get Legolas's attention. "But how is he supposed to appreciate my inner qualities when I can hardly utter one coherent sentence in his presence? Please, it would be so much easier for me if he already thought of me as a friend."

Hearing Elladan's sigh, he knew that he had won.

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Elrond was getting desperate. He had spent the whole afternoon in his office, trying to come to some sort of agreement with Thranduil, but the king had flatly refused all of his suggestions about how to improve relationships between Imladris and Mirkwood.

Deciding that they could just as well continue their argument the next day, he stated that they should both prepare for the feast that would be held in honour of Thranduil and Legolas later that evening. Surprisingly enough, the king had no objections to this and left the office without another word.

Wondering why the king had made the long journey when he obviously did not want to talk to him, Elrond went to his own rooms to change for the evening.

He was feeling incredibly tired and would have given anything to hide in his rooms instead of attending the feast. But it would have been extremely rude for the Lord of Imladris not to be present and as he did not want to insult Thranduil unnecessarily…

At least, he did not have to talk to him during the meal. The King of Mirkwood would be seated next to Elladan, while Elrond would entertain Prince Legolas. He had also decided that Elrohir would be allowed to have dinner in his room; his son had looked rather sick in the morning and the rest would be good for him.

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The evening went not as bad as Elrond had feared. With Glorfindel and Elladan seated between him and Thranduil, he could not even see the king without dislocating his neck and was therefore able to ignore his presence completely. When he had informed Elrohir about the arrangements for the evening, his son had burst into hysterical laughter, convincing Elrond that he was not completely recovered. However, he was sure that Elrohir had merely spent too much time with his books and only needed some rest. Soon, he was absorbed in an animated conversation with Legolas, happy to explain the extraordinary architecture of his home to the prince.

Two seats away, an extremely nervous Elrohir was trying to keep himself from running away. Nobody had warned him in advance and he had therefore been completely unprepared when Thranduil had taken the seat next to him. He knew he was expected to make conversation with the king but he had absolutely no idea what to say. The other did obviously not plan to be the one to talk first and left this task to the Imladris-elf.

This is ridiculous. I have had diplomatic training for years and now I am unable to do some polite small talk. I cannot embarrass me, or rather Elladan, like this.

If only the king was a little less intimidating. In his mind Elrohir could almost hear Erestor, telling them to talk about unimportant topics during official occasions. Gathering all his courage, he smiled politely at Thranduil. "So…how is the weather in Mirkwood?"

For a moment, the other just stared at him, but then, to Elrohir's utter relief, he answered. "In winter, it is rather cold, but the summer is usually quite nice."

Thranduil's face was completely serious, but Elrohir could have sworn there was a hint of amusement in his voice.

TBC

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Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. You all really encouraged me to continue this.

Haldir's Heart and Soul: sigh Was it that obvious? ;-) Anyway, thanks for reviewing

daeomae, kel, gazette, redrose2310, Lady Anck-su-namun: Thanks, I'm glad you liked it.

zerah: Wow, thank you so much! I would be nothing without my dictionary ;-)