Sorry for taking so long to update. Things have been crazy, I moved, and found out recently that I am pregnant.
Elrond awoke early and immediately went to the library where he started to study on the other Maiar and Valar. He wasn't in there for long before Andreth joined him.
"Do you have plans for our lessons today, Andreth?"
"A bit," he answered. "Oropher and Thranduil will be joining us for dinner tonight."
"I thought Gil-Galad said to stay away from them and that Oropher is very judgmental."
"Gil-Galad wanted to warn you of Oropher and how he may raise his son. Please know that Oropher may not be kind come dinner. He has a tendency to make unnecessary comments."
"As long as he doesn't make comments like the moral men do about Elros and me, I think I will be okay," Elrond said looking up at him.
"The comments you told me about?"
"About getting us both in bed with one of them, yes."
"If anyone makes a comment like that again, let me know."
"I will, Andreth, but I don't plan on being around mortal men again. Unless I have to or unless Elros chooses that path. At that time, I will be around them for him," Elrond said with a sad look. "I know I can't force him to pick what I want and even if I could, I wouldn't. I want him to be happy and that means picking what he wants and being okay with it."
"You are a good kid, Elrond. Don't forget that," Andreth said as he left the library leaving Elrond alone to his own studies.
Walking down the halls, Andreth headed to speak with Elros. The other twin being in his room getting ready to head out into town like he did everyday. Knocking on the door, Andreth heard Elros say enter before he opened the door.
"Andreth, good to see you," Elros smiled adjusting his sword on his hip.
"Pleasure to see you too. Do you have a moment to talk?"
"I do," Elros said sitting in one of the two chairs and motioning for Andreth to join him.
"Tonight Oropher and Thranduil will be joining us for dinner," he explained, sitting in the open chair. "Oropher may be very judgmental towards you and your twin. He may also make some unnecessary comments. I figured I would warn you about that before dinner came."
"Have you talked to Elrond about this?"
"I have. I think he is worried about it," Andreth said receiving a nod from Elros. "The other thing I was going to ask is whether or not you have thought about your choice."
"I have and I am pretty sure it won't be the choice Elrond wants me to make."
"He wants you to be happy, Elros."
Elros sat silently for a few minutes thinking over those words. His twin wanted him to be happy, but would they be happy without each other? Would Elrond be able to move on without him by his side?
"I don't want to be counted with the first born," he said softly. "I haven't told Elrond my decision yet, though."
"He may be upset, but he wants you to be happy, like I said."
"I'll tell him... Just not right now. I need to find the perfect moment to."
"Okay," Andreth nodded. "Enjoy town."
Elros thanked him as the two left the room and headed in separate ways. Elros went outside and to the market where men came to trade. Here he made some friends and talked about the world and their travels. It was these men that helped Elros decide to not be counted as a first born. These were the men that had changed his view on the world. What he didn't know was that Andreth had been watching him every time he went out to make sure nothing happened to him. This day was no different. Andreth watched Elros as long as he could before asking a guard to keep an eye on the twin. This just happened to be the same guard that overheard Thranduil with the twins.
Andreth went inside as he checked on preparations for dinner and made his way to Gil-Galad who was getting ready for the evening. He had pulled out his best robes and was getting bath water pulled. He wanted to give Oropher as little to fuss over as possible.
"Andreth, please make sure the boys are presentable for dinner," Gil-Galad said as the last bucket of water was being added to his bath.
"As you wish, my king," Andreth bowed.
"Forget the formalities in here," Gil-Galad said dropping his robes before sinking into his bath, watching the servant who fixed his bath leave. "Are the boys safe?"
"As always. Elrond is in the library and Elros is hanging with some men in town. I have a guard watching each of them," Andreth answered as he sat down. "I did talk to each of them and it seems they each will choose a different path."
"I feared they would. Elros seems less interested in the first born than Elrond by far."
"And that's what they told me. Elros despises the first born due to the Third Kinslaying. Elrond on the other hand has never found a reason to hate the first born. He is drawn to knowledge and learning like most Noldor elves are."
"Elrond may love knowledge, but he needs to learn to fight as well. Knowledge won't kill an enemy," Gil-Galad commented.
"I am working on that right now. He is getting better. Elros is much better than Elrond. I really think it is going to take a real fight for Elrond to realize he needs to seriously learn."
"Maybe take him on an orc hunt. That should help."
"That may be. And it won't be too dangerous that he could get hurt," Andreth smiled.
"Go get those kids ready," Gil-Galad replied.
Andreth nodded and left Gil-Galad's chambers to get Elrond and Elros. Walking back into town, he got the guard's attention and asked for Elros to be sent inside. Walking back inside, he made his way to the library. Reaching it, he knocked before entering seeing Elrond hunched over books, reading without realizing someone had entered the room.
"Elrond," Andreth said softly, causing the boy to jump. "It's time to get ready for dinner."
"Can I get a few more minutes?"
"I am afraid not. If it wasn't for company tonight, I wouldn't worry as much. But you have a lot to do before Oropher and Thranduil arrive."
Sighing he nodded as he mentally took note of where he was in the book before closing it and standing. He stretched his stiff back before picking up the book and looking at the servant that cared for him.
"I am ready to go," he smiled, the book tucked safely under his arm.
"Let's go," Andreth said shaking his head, trying to hide his smile.
Elrond walked by him and down the hall. He was silent as he made his way to his room. the walk felt like it took forever compared to normal, especially knowing what would be happening in a few hours. Part of him in complete disbelief that they would invite Oropher if he was as judgmental as everyone says he is. And still part of him happy to see Thranduil again after yesterday's fiasco. He knew he was hard towards Thranduil, but he didn't know entirely what he wanted. In his heart he knew his brother wouldn't stay be his side, but if he wanted Thranduil to, would he? Or would he choose his father instead?
Entering his room, Andreth started to draw a bath as Elrond placed the book on his side table. Pausing for a moment, he looked at his brother's side before going to the bath. He had just pulled off his outer robe when Elros came into the room. Elros smiled at his twin as started to remove his sword and outer wear.
"How was town?" Elrond asked as he brought his robe to their bed.
"Silent, most of the merchants are closing for the day. Not too many men in town. A few dwarves stopped into trade. That's about it. Find anything interesting to read?"
"One book," Elrond said watching his brother remove his robe as well. "It's mainly information on Valar and Maiar."
Elros smiled as the boys started to untie their pants.
"Anything interesting in it so far?"
"Not really. Most of it is stuff that I already knew. It is almost all stuff our parents taught us," he explained folding his pants and placing them by his robe.
"Both of your baths are ready. I will come back and check on you two in a few," Andreth said leaving the room.
Elrond moved to the bath and sunk in slowly with Elros following right behind him.
"Hey, I just wanted to say I am sorry about yesterday. I didn't know Thranduil was going to say something that would bother you or I wouldn't have brought him here."
"You are fine, Elros. How were you to know? I truthfully keep thinking about what he said all day. To the point, I didn't do much studying or reading."
"Anything you want to talk about?" he asked as he started to wet his hair.
"Well, the major things include did he mean that in a flirtatious way. If he did, then what does he want or mean from it?" Elrond admitted wetting his hair as well.
"Do you like him?"
"I don't know. Nothing like what you mean to me. Would I let him bed me or I him? I think I would have to decide if it ever comes up," Elrond explained as he started to shampoo.
"If it came up today, would you?"
"I..." Elrond paused thinking of how he would answer that. "Maybe. I don't want him to come between us. If I was sure he wouldn't, then yes I probably would. If I had any doubt that it would come between us, then I would say no in a heartbeat."
"I don't see Thranduil coming between us, Elrond. We are twins and always will be. No matter what happens," Elros smiled at him shampooing his hair as well.
Elrond smiled as he started to rinse his hair. "If I knew Andreth wouldn't come in, I would climb into your bath and kiss you."
"Maybe you should," Elros joked with a laugh as he poured water over his head, closing his eyes as he rinsed his hair.
Elrond took this opportunity to slip out of his tub and climb into his twin's bath before leaning into his and pressing his lips firmly to the identical ones in front of him. This caused Elros to drop the cup and pull his brother closer to him, a soft moan escaping his lips. Elrond let their kiss grow deeper as their want heightened. Elros' hands slipped down Elrond's back gently as a knock on the door startled them. Elrond quickly climbed out of the bath panting.
"Yes," he called out pulling his eyes away from his other half and grabbed a towel to start drying off.
"I came with clothes," Andreth responded.
"Come in, Andreth," Elros said as he stood up and got out of the bath.
Andreth opened the door and came in, closing the door behind him.
"Gil-Galad requested that both of you dress in the finest clothes. That's what I have brought for tonight," he said placing a set of fine silk robes and pants in silver and green on each side of the bed. "I am also to make sure both of you," he said looking at Elrond, "brush your hair and look your best. The last thing we need is for Oropher to dislike you for not only being half-elven, but also due to not looking nice."
"Yes sir," Elrond said softly as he grabbed a brush and brushing through his hair quickly dropping the brush and pulling on his pants.
"You are not done," Andreth said as he motioned for Elrond to sit.
Reluctantly Elrond sat as Andreth grabbed the discarded brush and pulled it through his hair. Pulling some aside, he started to braid the dark hair into the proper fashion for a high status Noldor. This didn't take Andreth long due to the fact he was use to doing the twins hair. Now the twins on the other hand still struggled to do proper braids. Elros pulled on his own pants and brushed his hair knowing he was next in line for braiding.
As soon as Andreth finished, Elrond got up and sat on his bed watching his brother sit. Making sure Andreth was busy he reached for his book.
"Leave the book alone, Elrond, and finish getting dressed," Andreth said never turning his eyes from Elros' hair.
Elrond sighed and grabbed his robe instead.
"How did you know?" he asked sliding his arms in the under robe's sleeves.
"Because I am smart and know," Andreth answered as he worked on Elros' second braid. "Do you really think I wouldn't? You also stay up late reading."
"I..." Elrond paused knowing he couldn't deny that. "Yes sir, I do."
Finishing Elros' hair, Andreth turned to Elrond. "I know and yet I don't say a word. But you need to pay better attention during fighting practice."
Elrond just nodded as he finished the many buttons and picked up the top robe. Making sure the under sleeves were held, he pulled his arms through and let go of the silk bell sleeves. This robe even had more buttons than the last, but there was nothing he could do, but keep his mouth shut and button them as his twin pulled on an identical outfit.
"Andreth, exactly how bad is Oropher?" Elros asked.
"I have only dealt with him a handful of times, so I can't exactly answer that," he answered even though he knew the truth.
"Will you be at dinner with us?"
"I will be, but I won't be eating with everyone. I will be eating afterwards in my room. To Oropher, I am merely a servant even though Gil-Galad does not treat me as such. So tonight I will be playing the role of a mere servant."
"How..." Elrond started, but was interrupted by a guard knocking on the door.
"Andreth, hurry. Oropher has arrived."
"Thank you," he called and checked over the boys who quickly threw on their boots. "Remember your manners tonight."
Rushing the boys down the hall, he knew they had one chance to impress the Sindarian noble. Please make these boys stay calm, he prayed to the Valar.
Nodding at Gil-Galad, he positioned the boys beside him before taking his place behind the High King. Gil-Galad nodded at the guard who allowed Oropher and Thranduil to enter.
Elrond's eyes went straight from Oropher to Thranduil where they stayed. His heart pounded even harder as he gazed upon the beauty in front of him. He knew right away that even if he doubted his intentions earlier, he wanted him now. Everything about him was perfect. His silver robes made his blue eyes stand out even more than before.
Thranduil half smiled at the twins before looking back at Gil-Galad. Part of him praying his father would be civil, but he knew deep down that was too much to ask.
Oropher and Thranduil bowed before standing and glancing from the King to the twins and back to the King again.
"Your highness, why do you have two halvers by your side?" Oropher asked.
Thranduil closed his eyes in shame as the term halver left his father's mouth. The word hurt and he knew it would hurt the twins even more. Elrond held his breath feeling betrayed as he heard the derogatory term being used to describe them.
"Because I plan to name one the next High King of the Noldor."
"You can't do that," Oropher snapped at him.
"I can because they are kin."