Author's note: I'm early to post! Sort of... but at least it's not 9 o'clock this time.

Before you ask... yes, I decided to include the secret scene. 5 reviews are only one shy of 6, true, but too much of the scene was important to the plot to just PM it. Besides, it gave the chapter more depth and variation, so I just weaved it in. Keep in mind that I thoroughly edited this chapter over the week, but a lot of it is new material, so any errors you find should be small. Enjoy!

Thank you to all the wonderful people who reviewed the last chapter: AraneltheSilvan, leelee202, margie-me, Lady Aurelia, and TeenMuggle. I loved reading every one of your comments! And I will be catching up on responding to them this weekend.

I struggled with whether or not to include a certain scene in this chapter, but since this is a T rated story, I believe you guys can handle it.

Chapter Six: Sins of The Brothers

~LOTRLOTRLOTR~

Legolas awoke almost an hour later, much more rested and at peace.

A gentle smile stretched his lips as he recalled the dream. It was a happy memory of the time his mother climbed trees with him.

Thranduil had been too busy with political matters to go along with them at the time. At least, that was only part of the truth. His mother had told him that Thranduil just wasn't the sort of elf that climbed trees. He loved them and respected them as much, if not more than any other wood elf, but he never climbed them. When confronted with the reason why, Thranduil had said, "A King does not climb trees like a young ellon. He has to be seen by his subjects as a strong figure that does not while away precious time doing anything that isn't necessary for the betterment of his kingdom."

Legolas wondered what had made his father so different. He hoped that nothing would ever stand in the way of his love for climbing trees. With this last thought, Legolas thanked the tree for its faithful watch and bid it farewell for the day. If he hurried, he would still be able to take a short walk around the garden before the next meal.

Gripping the branch above him, he dropped down onto the next and then swung over to the one below it, landing gracefully. The prince froze when he heard a distinct voice and his stomach flipped when he recognized who it belonged to. He leaned down to get a better view, and sure enough, the twins were standing under the same tree he was perched.

"You see, Elladan? To find a wood elf all one has to do is find a tree and one will turn up."

"You are not right yet, the other retorted. "You don't even know if there are any elves up there?"

Legolas sighed in relief, covering his mouth as soon as he did. He shifted uncomfortably as Elrohir marked him.

"Ah, there is an elf up there."

"Elladan rolled his eyes at his brother. "Alright, I owe you. But you will have to wait until we return home for your payment."

"Fine with me," the Elrohir replied. "Prince Legolas, how fares the view from up there?"

Legolas swallowed, praying that his voice would remain steady. "It's fine."

"Only fine? Where is that refined and embellished speech of the Mirkwood elves?" Elrohir quipped. "No, I'm afraid that we are going to need proof."

"Tell us something only Prince Legolas would know," Elladan clarified.

Legolas was indecisive. These were the last people Legolas wanted to converse with right now. They wanted only one thing, and Legolas was certain the twins would not stop hounding him until he pacified their interest with a carefully crafted truth. At least, that is what his ada did sometimes, so it should work for him as well. Until he could do this, the twins would not leave him alone, but he hoped the chances of them doing so would increase the more he bent to their demands.

If only I had my knives with me, Legolas thought as he leaped down, landing in front of the two elves.

"Woah, we surrender." The twins held up their hands in mock-surrender before dropping them, taking a few steps toward the young prince. Elladan cocked his head to the side, smugly crossing his arms. "We're waiting."

Legolas was blank. What could he possibly tell the twins to convince them he was the prince? "I don't know what can convince you," he said.

Elrohir tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. I have an idea. Do you have an important secret given to you by us?"

Legolas visibly paled. "Y-yes."

The twins both smiled, although it didn't reach their eyes. "We have the right elf after all," Elrohir stated, though Legolas got more of a predatory vibe than friendly.

"Tell us, did you tell that secret to anyone?"

~LOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTR~

"I believe the new trade route would benefit both parties. Mirkwood will carefully consider your offer." Thranduil gestured for the speaker to take his seat and then stood before the council. "If no one else has anything more to put forward I think we can call this meeting adjourned."

"Wait, your majesty…"

Thranduil turned his attention to a group of twelve elves now standing in the audience of both people of Dale and of his realm, immediately recognizing them. They were not dressed not unlike the courtly attire, but less ostentatious than most of the members. Though unlike the others, their mouths were drawn in languid forced smiles, their gazes distant and frightened.

Thranduil did not blame them. One of the houses in their village had exploded nearly a week ago. The blast radius was large enough to send shrapnel flying large distances, and according to some, the deafening boom had been felt even by the outlying houses a quarter of a league away. Miraculously, no one was occupying the house at the time it exploded, so thankfully no one was killed, only injured. The cause of such a blast continued to elude him, although, after the recent gruesome event, Thranduil suspected Orcs had a hand in it somehow.

"You may speak," Thranduil told them.

They continued. "As a token of our gratitude for the aid given to our village, I present our Elvenking with three barrels, each filled to bursting point with only the finest Dorwinion wine."

Thranduil inwardly sighed. He did not need gifts or praise for having common decency. Any king worthy of governing so many would have lent aid to those in need of it without expecting a reward. Although, in retrospect, declining a gift so freely and kindly given came off as rude and often offended the giver. Thranduil knew by these people's demeanor and mannerisms that their faith had been shaken and their continence was hanging by a thin thread. He did not want to break it.

Mustering a smile that showed his pearly-white teeth, he spoke. "I accept your most generous gift and I will have them sent to my cellar right away."

Thranduil had to admit that the gratified light that momentarily shined in their eyes had been worth it. He watched them, and everyone else file out of the room until only one person remained. Then, certain he was not being watched by unfriendly eyes, he dropped his shoulders, sighing heavily and grasping onto the table.

"How do you feel?"

Thranduil knew the question was more teasing than a genuine inquiry. "As though I could devour every barrel of wine in my cellar and still want for more."

"That doesn't seem terribly out of character for you," a voice said dryly, "You've always carried an unhealthy fixation for it."

Thranduil didn't take the bait. "In any case, wine has its uses, he replied simply, slightly disappointed when his words didn't glean any reaction. Though, he did not let the disappointment show, and instead, he padded over to the tray housing two glasses and a decanter of something that called to his very being. He pressed the rim of a glass to his lips, inhaling the sweet perfume of the red liquid filling it to the brim. What would normally be consumed gingerly, was downed like a drowning man in need of oxygen.

"That, Elrond, is called liquid strength." Elrond could have sworn he heard him purr in contentment as he drew the empty glass away and set it on the tray.

"My lord, may I speak with you in private?" a voice called.

The elf lord turned his attention toward the doorway and the elf standing there. "Of course, I will be there in a moment," he said promptly.

Elrond faced Thranduil. "You should heed the desire of your body and take rest. I will come to check on you in a few hours."

"If that is what the master healer suggests, I would be a fool not to obey."

Elrond caught the mirthful glimmer in his eye but knew not to read too much into it. Thranduil was more at ease around him, but it was obvious he still held a grudge against him. Without speaking another word, Elrond departed the meeting chamber and then guided the waiting elf into an empty hall. Certain the path would remain clear of traffic, for the time being, he turned inquisitive eyes toward him, taking in his disheveled appearance and posture, which was, in the peredhel's opinion, appalling.

"We are alone, but it may not be for long" Elrond stipulated. "What did you mean to speak with me about?"

"My lord, you operated on my brother yesterday."

Elrond was surprised. "You're the brother? Forgive me for not recognizing you, Toross, I am not myself."

Toross shook his head. "You've done nothing that warrants forgiveness. I should be thanking you. Ailred told me what you did and from what I've heard you sacrificed a great deal to save him."

Elrond swallowed. "What else did he tell you?"

"If you are referring to his ordeal, he did mention it."

"I am deeply sorry. If I had known-"

"Please my lord, do not apologize," Toross interrupted. "You saved his life. My brother is alive because of you."

Before Elrond could say another word, Toross embraced him. He hesitantly returned the gesture, and then the elf pulled away, meeting his eyes.

"Thank you."

Elrond nodded, the profound gratitude shining in the elf's eyes deeply moving him more than words could. Although, nothing could erase his guilt for what he had done to Ailred.

"Oh, I almost forgot… my brother wanted you to have this." Toross pulled out a scalpel from the inner pocket of his robe and handed it to the elf lord. "He made it himself and wanted to give it to you the last time he saw you. Since he could not come, I promised I would give it to you."

Elrond tested the weight of it in his hand. "This blade is well balanced. Your brother is a skilled craftsman indeed to make such an instrument."

"My brother told me what happened to your other one. You will find that this blade does not bend so easily and can cut through bone. At least, that's what my brother promises anyway. But you can be sure he speaks the truth," Toross assured. "Speaking of which…" he pulled out a translucent covering the same shape as the edge of the blade. "Ailred was in the process of building you a case, but since the surgery has made him immobile for the time being, he instructed me to give you this covering. You can see through it so you do not mistake which knife you use during operations until my brother can finish its case."

Elrond took the small covering from the elf and placed it over the sharp edge of the blade. "That will not be necessary. I believe I already possess a case that will do just fine. Tell your brother to conserve his strength. As a matter of fact," Elrond continued, "I want you to remind him that he is not to exert himself over the next three weeks and is to stay in bed until my next visit."

Toross rubbed the back of his neck. "When will this be? You know how impatient my brother can be. He will want to know the span of time."

"Soon." Elrond smiled slightly at the helpless look he received. "He must learn patience."

Toross nodded. "I will tell him of your instruction when I return home to him."

"Good. Is there something more you wish to tell me?" Elrond questioned.

"There is nothing more."

Elrond smiled gently. "Then go and care for your brother and tell him I am grateful for the gift and will put it to good use."

The elf gave a bow and Elrond watched him leave before stepping out in the still-empty corridor. But one elf remained standing by the entrance of the meeting hall. Elrond strode over the elf, arching an amused brow.

"The mighty Elvenking has led armies in battle, but could not even surpass the doorway. What doom awaits the woodland realm when the power of liquid strength fails."

Elrond grew concerned when Thranduil made no cutting remark or any sound at all, his eyes staring fervently ahead. He knew it was not sleep which held the Elvenking in such rapture. Elves were not horses. Not even full elves could sleep while standing.

A firm hand gripped his arm before he could contemplate further and Elrond was surprised to find damp blue-grey eyes staring imploringly into his own.

"My son is in trouble!"

~LOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTRLOTR~

Legolas backed himself against the tree as the twins drew closer. "I told you, I didn't tell anyone!"

"You are supremely bad at lying, Legolas." Elladan snapped, his calm façade gone. "Do you know what our ada will do to us if he finds out from yours what we told you?"

"No.." Legolas trailed off weakly.

"None of us do either. He's constantly changing punishments. One time he tried to throttle me because I got in a fight, and he grabbed Elrohir's arm so hard it bruised. We only agreed to come with him to Mirkwood because we're afraid of what he would do to us if we stayed home."

Elladan's eyes darkened and his mouth curled into a snarl. "You, prince, have practically sentenced us to death. And now you will pay for it. Ro, hold him down."

Legolas did not wait to find out what terrible thing the twins were going to do. Pushing off the tree, he ran out of the courtyard, jumping over small bushes and dodging overhead branches. He yelped when something tugged on his hair, and wrenched it from the sticky grip of a pine branch, barely breaking his stride. The quick footsteps still pursuing him spurred him onward past a stream and into the small ravine that led into to the woods.

Satisfied that he had outrun the twins, Legolas allowed himself a small moment to rest and catch his breath. He was terrified what the twins would do if they caught him, but Legolas knew he could go no further or he would be breaking one of the most important rules: do not go into the forest no matter what.

Not wanting to face his ada's wrath, Legolas walked to the very end of the ravine and sat down on a rock. It was well hidden behind a shoulder of compacted stone, so it was the safest place to be at the moment besides the palace. Legolas's stomach churned. Why didn't he run to the palace? Surely his ada would have done something to stop the twins and protect him, but instead, he chose to run somewhere remote where no one could help him. Stupid.

The prince rested his head in his hands, shrugging. Why was this happening? Legolas remembered having so much fun whenever the twins visited. They used to be kind and friendly, never once threatening him unless it was in jest. Now they were unfriendly and mean-spirited. What changed them?

Legolas jumped to his feet and slowly stepped back toward the forest when he saw the twins running at him. There was nowhere left run. He must fight.

Resolutely, Legolas strode forward. He was small but perhaps he could use it to his advantage.

Elrohir tried to grab him first but Legolas dodged him, sliding between his legs. Quickly, he got to his feet and kicked the elf to ground. Elladan growled and ran at him, tackling the prince to the ground with his arms, but Legolas took advantage of this moment and freed one of his legs, kicking him in the chest. Legolas watched him lying there gasping for only a brief second before rounding on Elrohir coming up behind him. He dodged the blows but one of them managed to impact his chest, striking the healing muscle.

Legolas cried out and elbowed Elladan in the face, causing the elf to wince in pain.

"Fighting us is useless, Legolas. We are stronger and bigger than you are," Elladan said, kicking out toward one of the elfling's legs.

Legolas dodged the first kick, but the other knocked him off balance onto his stomach. Groaning, Legolas raised his head, but no one was not there.

"No, please!" Legolas struggled uselessly against twins, his terror mounting as their strength easily outmatched weak punches and kicks as rolled him onto his back, pinning down his arms and legs.

"Please, I'll talk to my ada and he won't tell him. I promise!" Legolas whimpered, close to tears. For the twins to try this hard to capture him, they must have something horrible planned for him. Legolas was sure of it.

"That won't work," one of them (Legolas did not know which at that moment) said, and pulled out something that made Legolas's heart stop and his struggles cease before they renewed tenfold.

"Hold him still," Elladan barked, unsheathing the knife.

"No! Please don't do this!" Legolas screamed as loud as he could. But he knew he was miles away from the palace, which meant no one would hear his cries. His only chance was gone.

Heart thudding in his ribcage, he watched them bring the knife closer. More than anything, Legolas wished that his ada were here to save him.

"This will hurt, but you'll just grow it back. You are an elf aren't you?" Elrohir asked nonchalantly, apparently believing that elves were part lizard.

Legolas fervently shook his head. "I can't grow it back!" he ground out, trying to squirm away.

"Shame," Elladan replied, though Legolas heard no remorse in his voice. "Well, perhaps next time you will think twice about tattling on us." Elladan glanced at his brother. "Ro."

"No," Legolas squeaked as the knife was positioned over his hand.

Then, tears clouded his vision.

Author's note: Feel free to review, fav, and follow this story.

Next update: Friday!