"Are you sure this is what you heard?" Gil-Galad questioned.
"Yes sir," the guard replied.
"You are dismissed," he said watching the guard leave before turning to his smiling adviser. "Is that the proof that I need?"
"it's more than you had, but not entirely. It is good to hear that Elrond may have a new friend."
"If nothing else, I am happy he is being friendly. Don't get me wrong, Andreth, but he needs to get out every once in a while."
"The comments geared towards Elros and him don't help in the matter."
"I know it doesn't, but the reason the comments are made is because they are twins and seen as desirable. We have put an end to majority of the comments, but it is hard to stop them all."
"Hopefully one of these days they can live and walk through the streets without worrying about anyone saying anything."
"One day that will happen, but it will be a while," Andreth told him before leaving the room.
Andreth walked down the hallway silently as he thought about what he had heard. If the guard had heard correctly, which he was almost positive he had, Thranduil son of Oropher had flirted with Elrond. A smile crossed his face when he entered the library and saw the twins sitting at their normal table.
"I thought I would find you two in here," he sat down across from them.
"Andreth, what do you know about Melian?" Elrond looked up at him.
Andreth thought about the question for a minute. He knew a lot more about her than most elves alive, but he also didn't want to raise suspension on who he was. Running a hand through his silver blonde hair, he spoke again.
"What do you want to know about her?"
"Everything. I know that she is our great-great-grandmother. Her daughter is our great-grandmother, Luthien."
"That is correct. What else do you know?"
"She is associated with songbirds. One book said she taught nightgales how to sing."
"She did. The song that the nightgales sang followed where ever she went."
"Did you know her?" Elros asked.
"Do you really think I am that old?" Andreth looked at him with a look of concern.
"No," they quickly came back with.
"I hope not," Andreth sighed. "Elwe fell in love with Melian at first sight. They stood hand in hand for many years, unable to speak or move. When they recovered, they ruled Beleriand together. She protected many from Morgoth and predicted Beren coming."
As he spoke, Elrond ignored his book as Elros joined him in learning about the Maia they were related to.
"Did she know her daughter would fall in love with Beren?"
"I don't know," he answered. "I know she taught Galadriel how to make lembas."
"What does lembas taste like?" Elrond asked.
"I really don't know how to explain it other than being pleasant."
"Have you had it before?"
"No," he said calmly. "It is meant for those taking long journeys. Why would someone like me take a long journey? Could you imagine Gil-Galad without my help for months or years?"
The twins laughed at this thought before shaking their heads.
"Now if we are done talking about Melian and lembas, will you explain to me about the blonde that came to the library?"
"Elros met him and wanted me to meet him too," Elrond said turning to his brother.
"I just wanted Elrond to make a friend," Elros said as his twin spoke.
"One at a time," Andreth told them causing both of them to go silent. "Elros, you first."
"His name is Thranduil, son of Orophor. I met him yesterday and we talked for a bit. I figured Elrond needed more friends so I invited him to meet us today," he explained as Elrond faced away. "And it went well till Thranduil made a comment that seemed to upset Elrond."
Andreth watched Elron silently before thanking Elros for the explanation. "Elrond, do you want to add anything or talk?"
"No," he said. "I am good."
Andreth refused to take his eyes off Elrond realizing there was more that wasn't being said.
"Elros, give me a minute alone with your brother." Elros nodded and left the library without another word as Andreth adjusted. "What was said that offended you?"
"If I tell you, you will tell Gil-Galad," Elrond said glancing up slightly to look at Andreth.
"I promise not to tell him unless it is something that endangers your brother's life, your life, or the life of Gil-Galad."
Elrond stayed silent for a few moments while he thought about that. None of it endangered anyone's lives so that meant it would be kept a secret as long as Andreth kept his promise. And he didn't seem to think that Andreth would not keep his word.
"You promise?"
"Yes," he nodded.
"Thranduil made the comment that he found knowledge to be attractive," he started. "And when it got awkward he continued by explaining that someone who is well read is more attractive than someone who isn't."
"And this bothered you?" Andreth asked only receiving a nod. "Why?"
"Because Gil-Galad made it very clear to us the day we arrived that love between members of the same sex was unwelcomed under his roof."
"I think the thing you need to understand is, you have to live the life you want and not the one someone else wants for you. If that means you end up with a male and not a woman, that's your life. Does that mean you have to tell Gil-Galad? Not unless you want to. No one is pushing you to do anything. Same thing goes for you choosing between being counted as one of the first born or as a man. That choice is yours, but I will tell you that men are less tolerant of love between two members of the same sex than the first born. I hope that helps you."
"It does. Can we talk about one more thing?"
"Anything."
"I have a feeling that Elros is not going to pick being counted as a first born. And I don't know what I am going to do if he makes that choice."
"And what are you feeling like you will choose?"
"I want to be counted as a first born. I don't think anything will change my mind."
"Then you cherish your time with him. Love him because if he chooses a different path, he won't always be here."
"I think that is what scares me."
"You fear the day you will loose him."
"Yes. He has always been beside me no matter what. He was there the day we lost our mom, the day Maglor took us, the day we arrived here and I had to face Gil-Galad for the first time. He has always been by my side and if he leaves, I will be alone."
"Not necessarily. You will have Gil-Galad and myself. You will have any friends you have made..."
"I don't have any friends."
"Are you not going to be friends with Thranduil?"
"I don't know... Maybe?"
"I think you should. It would be good for you. What do you say to me convincing Gil-Galad to have Oropher and Thranduil join us for dinner one evening."
"I guess."
"I will mention it to Gil-Galad. I am sure he won't mind," Andreth said as he started to pull his hair back. "Now it's time to get ready for practice. Go and change and meet me in the courtyard with Elros."
"Yes sir," Elrond closed his book and left the room as Andreth watched him.
Making his way to his room, Elrond entered silently to find his twin already ready.
"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Elros said as he watched the door close.
"You didn't. I think I just needed to think about what was said."
"Did you tell him?"
"I only told him what was said and why it bothered me was because Gil-Galad doesn't want those types of relationships under his roof."
"Okay," Elros replied.
"Andreth wants Gil-Galad to invite Oropher and Thranduil to dinner one night."
Elros paused. "And how do you think that will go?"
"I don't know. I worry that it won't go well," Elrond said pulling his hair back. "Will you grab my sword?"
"Of course," Elros said grabbing it and walking over to Elrond.
"Thanks," he responded kissing his twin on the lips as he took his sword from the identical hands. "Ready?"
"If you keep that up, no."
"Let's go," Elrond smiled kissing him once more as they left the room and headed to the courtyard where Andreth waited for them patiently.
Please know that I didn't realize till after writing this chapter that there is a canon character named Andreth. I didn't know that, but still like the name and wanted to keep it.