"By the Valar, forgive our rudeness," Ro exclaimed as he and his brother bounded down the staircase towards a cloaked and armoured figure. "How long have you been waiting?"
"Not long at all. I was admiring the artwork," he said, pointing towards a portrait of the twins. "It does neither of you any justice." They blushed silently.
"I assume I hold the privilege of the company of the sons of Elrond," the warrior continued, removing his hood.
"And us of Haldir of Lothlôrien. Welcome," said Elladan, grinning as flirtatiously as was permittable.
Aragorn had been leaving them out of the loophole. This elf was blonde and very, very beautiful. He was very typically elven, but his cheekbones were non-existent. This characteristic made him all the more appealing, as if he were some sort of rare and wild man creature, begging to be tamed. His long hair cascaded over his shoulder in great waves, and his long, flawless face held nobility and sincerity. It was obvious that this once was not easily bedded. His high eyebrows arched like their own, and Elladan felt himself being drawn in by this petty similar factor.
"The King sends apologies, but he is wrapped up in political matters, and ones concerning his binding tomorrow. Please, let us show you around his kingdom until this evening's festivities."
"Ah yes, Aragorn always was one to busy himself. Thank the Valar he has such striking young elves as you to help him keep this place functioning," he laughed, showing a row of perfect white teeth, and he gave Elladan a friendly wink.
Elrohir could see himself getting visibly annoyed with this growing alliance. "Come, this way. Leave your weaponry at the door, and dismiss your men freely. You are our guest," he said, with a false smile, dragging him away from his brother.
"Tôrbain, slow down," cried Elladan with a laugh. "You took off so fast that I was going to call for a search party."
Haldir looked confused for a moment, and Elrohir elbowed his twin sharply. "Brother, you know not what you say," he whispered loudly. "Tôrbain? Let the Sindarin come to me at night, where it is appreciated most," he added, smirking a little.
"Aye, but the Sindarin wishes to come now," his twin joked.
"Hush!"
Haldir's eyebrows raised in amusement. "Is everything alright - ah, forgive me, I know not how to tell one from the other!"
Elladan pushed himself forward, smiling. He loosened his braids, and let his black hair flow over his shoulders, like a dark waterfall of sorrow. "Elladan," he announced, "and this curious creature is Elrohir. Now you can tell us apart, aye?"
The blonde nodded and smiled. "Thankyou. That gesture is appreciated. I did not mean to offend. I am sure you are both very different in manner."
"We are indeed, but our common bond is our love."
Haldir smiled, and the truthful nature of this statement washed over his head. Their brotherly love delved deeper than he would ever know.
"This way, my Lothlôrien friend. There is much to see."
Legolas was finally enjoying some of Aragorn's company, in private. The two sat in the gardens, Legolas cross-legged at his Lord's feet, and the other draped casually over a wicker chair. The pair had indeed not been united in such a way since the embrace shared at Helm's Deep, and the elf had thought it time to drag his man-friend away from the pressures of his royal ties. There were many a protest, but now, Legolas could tell that Aragorn was relaxed in his company.
The rugged beauty gave a content smile as he loaded his pipe. He leaned back into his chair, and blew large oval rings of white into the bold blue sky. "Come tomorrow, Legolas, I shall be a man bound to his Lady. Such an event, and yet, I have not an inch of fear. Just anticipation. The feast shall be one to behold, so I hear," he laughed loudly.
Before Legolas could reply, there was a murmuring in the bushes nearby, and with a flash of red velvet, emerged the twins.
"Forgive us, my Lord," Elladan said, bowing before the pair. "We did not know you were here." His eyes roamed to Legolas, and a smile flicked over his lips. The blonde reciprocated, and nodded gently at Elrohir.
"No apologies necessary. What have you cheeky morion been up to? And what of Haldir?"
"What of him indeed?" said a mischievous voice, and a strong ring-laden hand grasped Aragorn's shoulder. The King spun in his chair, and looked upward to see Haldir hovering over him, radiant in fresh blue finery, his hair glowing as if it were the sun itself.
"Well, well. What news from the Lady Galadriel, my dear friend?" He rose to embrace the elf. Legolas watched, with the butterflies arising in his empty pit again. The twins were indifferent, but Elladan raised an eyebrow curiously at the way Aragorn playfully slapped at the elf's behind.
"All is well, that is all that can be said of now. And Rivendell's walls are just as you left them, my princes," he added, turning to the twins with a fond smile. "I made sure of that much."
"Aye, and I hope we shall never see those musty walls again," Elladan rasped under his breath. Elrohir elbowed his twin, eyed him a little and straightened his back up, in a very self-important sort of a way.
Haldir took a seat beside the King, and the two took into deep conversation instantly. They talked of politics, ancient lands, and forgotten maidens to whom their hearts had once belonged. Watching them as long as his sanity could bear, Elladan was mesmerised by the beauty of the new arrival. He sat down on the grass at the foot of his brother, making himself more comfortable for the conversation at hand. He glanced towards Legolas, smiling, conveying to the elf his exact thoughts without realising his indiscretion. Haldir is a splendid piece of work, he found himself thinking, and suddenly there was a cry of:
"Mind your manners, Elladan! You are spoken for."
All eyes turned to Legolas, and he turned a little red.
"Such an odd elf you always were, Legolas," smiled Haldir, stroking the elf's blonde locks affectionately. "What troubles you?"
The King laughed, and poured some wine for each of his companions. "Fear not. The twins of Rivendell play their jokes now and again. Highly attuned mental communication is the gift of the Valar to this unlikely pair. Such a dangerous toy for such mischievous boys."
"Ah," cooed Haldir, and joined in laughing. "So, spoken for, and so young, Son of Elrond?" he now asked casually, spinning his light form in the chair to face the twins. He smiled playfully as he said this.
"Aye. Spoken for indeed. Nearly 60 years now. My heart has never belonged so deeply to another." He smiled sincerely as he said this, and flicked his gaze to Aragorn. The King's face remained straight, but there was an obvious tenderness in his stare.
"And what of your brother?"
Legolas sprang to his feet and grabbed at Haldir's arm just as Elrohir opened his mouth to say something.
"Come, soldier of Galadriel. More tales and wine can be enjoyed at tonight's festivities. You must be weary with travel. I pray you, take my bed while the twins and I see to preparing you a proper chamber."
Haldir twisted free of the awkward grasp a bit huffily, and straightened his clothes, as only an elf would. He flicked the locks of blonde hair out of his eyes, and, now that he was respectable again, his expression was one of thanks.
"Many thanks, Mirkwood friend. I shall see you all in the evening," he excused himself, nodding respects to the twins and his Lord as he departed with the younger blonde.
"Discretion," warned Aragorn as he put out his pipe. "Remember that promise, my brothers."
"All I was going to say was that my heart belonged to the most beautiful elf in all of Rivendell," smiled Elrohir. "We remember our promise, my Lord. Fear not."