Thanks to Artista 321, Merlinisawesome and ilovevolleyball for the reviews and to Athrun432 and Teapot of transformation for following. I hope you all continue to read and enjoy.

Thanks also to everyone else still reading. :)

ILVB choc cupcakes and coffee sound very, very good to me. Hope you are feeling better soon *Hugs*

Right - heres the next instalment. Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 30

Staring up at the impressive gates before them the twins can't help but smile. It had not taken much in the way of persuasion for the three wood elves to escort them to the entrance of the Kings fortress, in fact, they had seemed quite enamoured with the idea and had been only too willing to accompany them there. Little conversation had flowed between the elves on the short journey, each side staying very wary of the other and the twins curiosity regarding numbers and patrols was left unsated. They were glad however, for the reduced guards whatever the reason as it meant an easier passage not only for themselves but also for Estel, whom they assumed to be well on the way to meeting Legolas' friend by now.

The gates smoothly swung back to reveal a courtyard bustling with activity. Green and brown clad elves seemed to be every where and all armed to the teeth as if for battle. As they watched a group of fifty or so lined up in formation at some secret signal then began to march out into the forest, no one elf appeared to lead or be in command so well drilled were they, yet they moved as one unit and disappeared into the trees.

"The King will be in his reception hall." The elf who had initially made himself known to them spoke brusquely, "it is this way." He turned to lead them into the fortress.

" We have been here before, hannon le, thank you" Elladan matches his tone, "We do know the way."

The twins make as if to brush the wood elf aside and suddenly find themselves facing the sharp end of a brace of arrows once more as the two archers they had jumped earlier, re arm their bows.

"I knew we should have disarmed them, gwador, brother." Elrohir chuckles.

"But they would have been so upset 'Roh" His brother replies with a twinkle in his eye.

The Mirkwood elves glance at each other, unsure how to take the apparent nonchalance with which the twins are taking being held at arrow point.

" I suppose we ought to allow them to do their duty 'Dan" the banter continues, "else they may feel the need to actually stick us with those arrows, and that would be unpleasant to say the least."

"Aye," replies his brother " I for one have no wish to discover how it feels to be a pincushion, gwador."

They have been gradually making their way down the corridor whilst chattering inanely, each contingent believing that they are leading the other until eventually reaching the doorway behind which the king is ensconced.

The twins cease talking as they approach the hall and with a silent communication to each other allow their guards to lead them through the entrance and up to the great throne upon which Thranduil is seated, his stern countenance emanating disapproval and something else they can not quite place.

.

Feigning surprise at the two figures who have appeared in front of him brandishing their swords Estel drops his stick and stands still. Warily eying the men he raises both hands in the universal signal which signifies he is unarmed and unwilling to fight.

"Hold!" The larger of the two barks out the order. "Where have you come from?" Confusion briefly flits across his face. "And what are you doing here?" Suspicious eyes narrow as he looks over the young man from head to toe, lingering on the sword hanging from his hip before returning to his face.

"I come from a small village away back yonder sir. " Estel waves one hand vaguely behind him. "I am on the way to petition the king for the right to extend our hunting grounds." He thickens his voice and slumps his shoulders to appear more like the simple villager he pretends to be. "I mean no harm sir, to you, nor nobody." He lowers his eyes in apparent deference and waits to see if his ruse has been accepted then smiles to himself as he hears the faint scrape of metal on leather as two swords are re sheathed.

"You look young to be out here on yer own." The voice is harsh and Estel looks up to meet its owners questioning gaze. "Where are your companions?" For a brief moment the young man thinks the man means the twins, but on reflection realises it unlikely so decides to brazen it out. "I have no companions sir," his gaze is open and direct. "There was no one else to spare for the journey." The two men share a quick glance at this statement and the taller smiles unpleasantly.

"You hungry?" this from the smaller man, "we was just goin' to eat. Ow!" He glares at his companion who has cuffed the side of his head once more. "What was that fer?" Rubbing at his ear he frowns at the other male who is glowering back at him.

"Please excuse my friend here," the tallest breaks eye contact to look to Estel, "we only have enough for the two of us I'm afraid." The gruff voice shows no trace of regret with these words. "We also have had problems trying to get enough to fill our bellies," he nods his head to the young man, "mebee we should join forces to confront the elf king with you." His eyes once again glance to the sword at Estels side, "this forest holds many dangers for a lone traveller."

The young man nearly laughs at this statement but manages to restrain himself to a mere nod of the head.

"Company would be most welcome sir," he smiles at both men. " I must admit I am unused to being alone and find myself jumping at the smallest of sounds." He smiles shyly, playing his part with ease as the two men lead him back to where they discarded their packs and joins them as they sit once more under the tree.

"We have no food to spare but have ample ale if you care to join us" the taller man hands Estel a ceramic bottle which when uncorked reveals itself to be full of a deep amber beer, not unpleasant to his palate.

" I thank you sirs," Estels mind is racing as he feigns taking a deep draught, he needs to find out more from these men and perhaps the ale will help loosen their tongues.

.

Standing before Thranduils throne, their heads held high, the twins meet him eye for eye, refusing to bow or otherwise acknowledge his station. The elven guards accompanying them look on with growing anger at their apparent lack of respect and one even pokes Elladan in the back with an arrow.

The kings face has become thunderous, as he rises to his feet the room turns deathly silent and Elrohir wonders if perhaps they should have thought this out better. Thranduils temper is legendary and they may be just about to find out what it is like to be on the receiving end. He walks slowly down the steps of the raised dias the throne sits upon until he stands face to face with them, just an arms span away. Steel blue eyes, lighter yet harder than his sons, flash from under heavy brows as he rakes them from head to foot with murder written on his face.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your company, Pehedril?"the last word leaves his mouth as a sneer.

"We have come to claim redress for the insult to our father and our realm perpetrated by your representatives." Elladans long winded words evokes gasps from the guards and Thranduils expression darkens further, but the twins both hold their ground.

"And to seek justice for our friend" the younger twin adds in soft tones.

"You dare!" The king thunders. "You dare, come into my hall, demanding satisfaction!" He leans forward so that his nose is barely an inch away from Elladans. "Insolent pups!" His voice now lowers to a cold drawl and he backs away once more. "So the father sends the sons to find salve for his own wounded pride, ha!" He turns to direct his speech to the throng of elves now gathered. "Elrond, as ever, hides himself away in his safe little haven and sends others to do his bidding," his voice gains in volume. "The Noldor ever were a cowardly breed." He turns his blazing gaze back on the twins once more.

"And what of you, Your highness?" Elladan can take no more, he feels his anger rising. "You who would not even come to pass judgement on your own son," he stalks towards the king, almost spitting out the words. "Who was the coward then?"

Eyes so dark they are almost black lock with Thranduils glacial blue and for a moment there is neither sound nor movement in the hall, then.

"Take. Them. Away!" Each word is forced out through clenched teeth and for a moment the guards do not seem to realise their meaning, "TAKE THEM AWAY!" The imperious shout has the guards scrambling for position and the twins suddenly find themselves grasped and held in ungentle hands.

"Where shall we take them, my lord?" one of the guards asks as he holds onto a struggling Elladan.

"Take them to the dungeons." The kings voice is once again under control and menacing. "Let us see how bold they are after a few days locked in the dark."

He turns away as the guards begin to pull the twins back towards the door and never gives a second glance as they are almost carried from the room cursing in every language they know, so they never see the brief look of pain and contrition that flashes across his face to be quickly replaced once more by the mask of cold disdain.