An Honorable Title

"Lord Thranduil?" I heard a meek voice address me. I looked up from my book and was met with two identical pairs of eyes staring curiously at me. I fought back a smile as I stared back at them.

Even though they have been here, in my home for the past few days I still cannot tell them apart. They were identical in every way from their detailed hairstyles, to their clothes, with matching colors, and down to their shoes. It's a wonder their parents can tell them apart.

Instead of trying to figure out which one spoke to me, and in fear of hurting their feelings I address them both.

"Yes, little ones?"

The one that spoke starts shifting his eyes, and rubbing his hands nervously as he looked at his brother for support. They looked into each other's eyes communicating in ways twins only know how. I already know what they will ask of me. It is around this time that I spend with my guest the eager elflings wait for what goodies I bring them as well as a new playing partner

I'm patient as I wait for them to ask me the inevitable question.

"Will you play with us?" The soft voice asked.

Ahem, I looked to my left at the sound of disproval coming from Elrond.

He does this every time they ask something of me. He thinks that someone as busy as myself does not have such time to spend with little elflings. Especially with this council that will be taken place in my realm soon. Nonetheless they are guest in my home and it is my obligation as their host to entertain them. Whether that includes singing songs, telling stories of old, and playing with them; then that is what I will do. After all they are still young they get bored easily.

Elrond did tell me that their early arrival for the council would be like a holiday for his family, and Celebrían couldn't agree more. I have received letters upon letters of Elladan and Elrohir from every stage and achievement. Her last letter expressed how excited she was that we would finally meet.

At first the two seemed a little shy around me. They shared nervous glances at the other and stuck to their parents and did not utter a sound except for their names.

Luckily I made sure to have some fresh tarts prepared for my guest, and upon smelling the warm flaky crust with sweet gooey fruit inside. All nervousness was melted away as they began to slowly open up to me. Who knew a simple dessert would slowly craft this special bond with them. Just thinking about the past few days, fills my heart with so much love and joy.

Ignoring Elrond I stand and their bright eyes follow my movements as I stand at my full height. Their heads tilt back as they continued to watch me. Their eyes shine brighter and I see their mouths turn to a grin in anticipation. I follow them to where they last played in the middle of the room. From their seats Elrond and Celebrían had the perfect view if they needed to glance up from their own task.

"What would you like to play my little lords?"

They looked at each other and giggled as I address them with such a title.

"You are the Balrog, and I am Glorfindel."

"Elladan, I want to be Glorfindel!" The other whined.

"Fine," Elladan pulled his brother closer to him as he addressed me. "We are Glrofindel. Are you ready?"
I nod not sure exactly I have gotten myself into.

"Attack!" Elladan yelled and they both tackled my legs.

As they struggle to unbalance me, I stand stiffly as I look over at Elrond and Celebrían. It's always a struggle to start out playing with them at first. I have been on my hands and knees, and have made the most ridiculous sounds I could muster to be whatever they wanted me to be. It was a little humiliating, and I rather Elrond and Celebrían not be here when he we do play. I suppose it is better than have a servant drop by and see their king on the floor in a most unkingly manner playing with little ones.

I see Elrond mouth twitch and occasionally his shoulder shake from his silent mirth as he flips a page. At least he tries to hide it. Celebrían on the other hand covers her mouth at the sight and little whimpers of laughter escape as she doubles over.

'Well I can't turn back now.' It's difficult, but I ignore them the best I can. I want to give the sons of Elrond my best.

"GRRR!" I growl in the most menacing way as a Balrog would and lifted the one on my left and held him above me.

"Glorfindel help!" He squeaked

The other, which I believe is Elladan stops tackling me and looks up with a fire in his eyes. "Don't worry Glorfindel, I will save you!"

After much tackling and tickle fights I find myself on the floor, Elrohir, or 'Glorfindel,' already rescued as they beat and pounce on me. I roll on my stomach and bury my face in my arms, for protection, even though I am grinning like a mad man.

Not too long after I feel them step away, triumphant as they give a victory cry I exhale feeling relieved that play time is over; for now.

I roll onto my side and I can't help but to smile at them.

"We won Glorfindel!" One of them exclaimed.

"You claim victory too soon, mighty Glorfindel." I drop my voice and snarl, as I crawl to them. The two turn towards me all traces of excitement gone, as it is replaced by fear. They turn and run, but I snatch one before they flee, crushing him to me as I rest on my legs.

"Ella- I mean Glorfindel!" Elrohir faces me in a safe distance, as he watches his brother helpless in my arms.

"Go, save yourself!" Elladan struggles against my strong hold as I bury my face in his hair, hiding my smile. Then I look up at Elrohir as he decides on what to do. With a nod to his brother he turns around, and runs as far as the room allows.

He stops and slowly turns with determination in his eyes as he charges to me. I prepare for the attack as my grip on my left hand tightens as I free my right hand. I hold my hand out to stop Elrohir, and as he comes closer he leaps. His tiny hands push onto my shoulders and with his momentum and a little exaggeration on my part I fall on my back. My grip on Elladan loosens and they are back to tickling my middle. I toss my head from left to right trying not to laugh out loud. I can feel my hair beneath me start to become messy and tangled. I grind my teeth and attempt to roll over, but it is surprisingly difficult.

I open my mouth to let them know I yield, but the only thing that escapes my mouth was gasp of air.

I hear Celebríans laugh reach my ears and then Elrond followed by the two 'Glorfindels.' I can imagine how I must look, crawling away on my stomach with determined little heroes chasing after me. I decide to give in and open my mouth as a laugh escapes my lips.

I roll over in just enough time to catch the two elflings jump on me. Our laughter fills the room and I feel the weight of all my responsibilities wash away.

After days of singing and laughter we are once again sitting around in the family room. I feel that after spending much time with Elladan and Elrohir I should be able to pick them out individually. My eyes linger on them as I sort differences.

They both look like their father, but surely one of them is like their mother. I think back to all the times we've played I look at them in every detail, from their personalities and physical differences. I capture each of their faces to find something, even the slightest difference in them.

Suddenly it comes it me, I remember the eyes. The blue cheerful bright eyes that have always entranced me, are the same as one of her sons. Even though his eyes are a different color I can see that his eyes are just as bright and bold as Celebrían's.

As I continue to look at them I see them glance my way and back to each other. They seemed to come to a sort of agreement as they slowly approach. As they come closer I beam at them as I can finally tell them apart.

"Lord Thranduil," I lean forward in my chair to show that they have my attention.

"Yes, little ones."

"We were wondering," a nervous glance at his brother and with a nod he continued. "Are you nana's brother?" The question brought a few chuckles from their parents and myself, but I was quick to mask my amusement so they wouldn't feel embarrassed.

"No, I am not her brother, but we are cousins, and the love I feel for her." I glanced at Celebrían feeling a little shy as I admit my feelings. "The love I feel for is like a sister." Our eyes meet and she smiles warmly back at me, and I know she feels the same.

Their faces brighten when I say this and they look at each other and back at me. Suddenly I am curious as to why they asked such a question.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Nana talks about you,"

"A lot," the other piped in.

"Really?" To hear this wasn't a surprise, but I was curious as to what she would say to them. I decided to voice my question. They seemed to speak at once as talk about all the times Celebrían and I spent together.

Then the first one that spoke said something that caught me off guard. "She says that you need a woman's touch."

I feel my eyes grow wide, unsure of how to respond. From the side I see Elrond face go pale and Celebrían biting her lower lip and a slight shake of her shoulders as she conceals her laughter.

"No that's what ada said. Remember he said not to repeat it when he caught us listening to his conversation."

"Oh yeah."

I turn to Elrond whose face was now beet red and Celebrían hand was wrapped tightly around her mouth as she struggled not to let her laugh escape.

"Did he?" I raised my eyebrow at him playfully. In his fear or embarrassment, maybe both Elrond avoided eye contact choosing to look anywhere but my way and his children.

"Lord Thranduil," he spoke formally and with a slight quiver in his voice. I waved my hand dismissing any words he wanted to say afterwards. Despite his embarrassment it was amusing.

"Is that what you wanted to tell me," I turn my attention back to them with a grin on my face.

They shook their head in unison and then looked back at each other gathering some type of confidence.

"We wanted to ask if we," they glanced at each other again before speaking.

"Can we call you uncle?" Time stood still, and all around was absolute silence. I could feel my eyes growing wide. They stood in front of me looking as nervous and shy like the first time we met. They shifted from foot to foot, and exchange glances at the other awaiting my choice.

I have earned many titles, all of them from the results of hard work and proper training. Usually there would be some sort of celebration and everyone would offer me their congratulations. I would stand or sit proudly at my place with head held high as I humbly thank them.

Those times seem so long ago, when I was an elfling; at least that's what adar always reminded me years after I reached my adulthood.

I feel my heart soften and my eyes glow as my smile spreads wider on my face.

"I would be honored, to be given such a title." Their faces brighten and they shout in delight at my answer, and I silently chuckle at them. Then the one to the left is shushing the other all enthusiasm gone. "Remember the test."

"Oh right." They faced me again with serious expression, well as serious as elflings could be.

"There are few who can tell us apart," The one on the left spoke.

"Can you tell us who is who?"

I feel my eyebrows bend to a frown in thought. If I don't get it right, then they won't call me their uncle. Of course I already know who is who, but I look at them for a moment just to build the anticipation.

I feel my lips turn as I go one from one to the other as they eagerly wait for me.

"You are Elladan," I point to my right, "and you are Elrohir."

Their jaws drop astonished I hear their parent's chuckle.

"How did you know?" Elrohir exclaimed.
"I am your uncle," was the only reason I could give them.

They happily jumped on to the seat with me and wrapped their tiny arms around me, as I did the same.

We smile and laugh and I have a feeling I will enjoy being their uncle very much.

Not sure how many wanted to see the wedding of Elrond and Celebrian, in this chapter, but I will hopefully get around to it. I was thinking of making another story that is filled with funnier moments of Thranduil's family, and not solely on his relationship with Celebrían.

This story is actually longer than what I thought it would be, I was planning quick snap shots of Thranduil's life with more of his family involved. Anyway thanks for all of those who are still following up on this story.

July 26, was Uncle and Aunt Day. I did have a story planned out, that I was going to post here, but decided to make it separate story.

Thanks again.