Within thirty years Rhudaur was empty of all men except a massive army that was invading Cardolan and pushing all those people south to Tharbad or Minhiriath and to the sea. We scarcely saw the twins during the next eighty years, but their deeds filtered to us from those who served with them. Elrond's pride in them grew and one spring day in TA1400 he called Glorfindel and I to his office.

"Glorfindel, I want you to take a troop and find Elladan and Elrohir and tell them I wish to see them." He looked at me. "Summons the Great Eagles for me."

When he spoke no further, my wayward friend and I debated asking what was amiss. Spring planting went smoothly; our halls were devoid of guests and healing halls empty. Finally I broached the reason for Elrond's actions. I tried to be tactful. "Elrond, perchance you could share…" I began, only to be cut off by that infuriating overgrown elfling.

"Let me guess, Elrond," Glorfindel butted in. "You have a new assignment for the twins because you understand the last repetitive hundred years is beginning to bore them?"

Elrond drilled us with grey eyes and a stern visage. Then he smiled broadly. "All right, I can't keep this a secret any longer. Last fall, I received a private letter from Círdan. Elrohir told me when he presented it in the privacy of my chambers that Círdan told him it must be destroyed before falling into enemy hands so they took great care in delivering."

"And you are just now sharing?" Glorfindel put as much hurt into his question as he could and just for a minute we saw a splash of remorse for not divulging its contents months before.

I glanced at my fellow conspirator and saw a satisfied smile at Elrond's reaction.

Elrond recovered. "Círdan has given his blessing and commendation that the twins receive their lordship titles."

"While you're still alive?" Now Glorfindel gasp in horror.

I started laughing at his antics and Elrond finally focused on the teasing at his expense. "Their daerodhron's will be here for summer solstice and I expect you to be back with our wayward elflings before then." He focused on Glorfindel, but threw me a look that said I better have my assigned task completed also.

Glorfindel rose. "I'll make ready and depart after lunch."

I lagged behind until alone with Elrond and dropped my tact. "What brought this on?"

"Círdan is tired of young Lord Fállon throwing it up to the twins each year when they come to lead the caravan east that he is a lord and they are not. He suggested I fix that situation or he will and in front of young Fállon, or something like it was mentioned in the letter." Elrond rose and paced to the windows and stood like a statue with his hands behind his back. "You know, Erestor, not once did they complain to me their treatment at the hands of that simpering idiot who only received his lordship due to his father sailing. If Fálmar thought for one minute I would warm up to his elflings with him gone, he was once again mistaken."

I was quite surprised Elrond felt so strongly, but should have guessed by his rivalry for thousands of years with Lord Fálmar.

I went to our highest lookout point and waited for an eagle to appear, as they patrolled our lands daily. Taking a mirror, I flashed our signal and saw it glide to my location. Upon landing, I greeted the eagle and was surprised to see today's guardian was Meneldor, one of Gwaihir's hatchlings. "Lord Elrond has messages he wishes the Great Eagles to deliver in person."

"Do you wish a ride down the mountain?" Meneldor asked and I eagerly climbed onto its back. With elfling like abandon, I enjoyed the short flight down to the landing and thanked him for the ride.

Elrond appeared with several leather pouches with shoulder straps. He held them out and Meneldor carefully reached long talons out, hooked and locked them in claws of steel. "I have messages that must be delivered ASAP to King Thranduil, King Amroth, Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel and Lord Círdan."

Meneldor nodded his great head and departed, climbing steeply upwards to miss the cliffs over the Bruinen. We watched until he was out of sight. I looked around and Glorfindel never appeared. "Is Glorfindel already gone?"

Elrond nodded. "He left an hour ago with a handful of our finest." As we began our long climb to the house, he again smiled at me and I was happy to see my lord in good spirits. "I am inviting all to Imladris for a summer solstice party."

I lost my return smile at that bombshell. "Has the lady of the house been informed she has to have the place ready for all these guests?"

Elrond squirmed as we cleared the last step and entered the house. "That's my next stop."

"I'll accompany you," I offered. I didn't want to miss what might be an entertaining squabble. I was extremely disappointed when Celebrían's face lit like the sun and she said it had been way too long since she'd seen her parents.

'I see twelve Rhudaurian soldiers,' Elladan mentally communed to his brother. They split a ravine in the hills around Amon Sûl scouting for the elven realms of Mithlond and Imladris. The last major battle in TA1356 in the west gave way to border skirmishes and the dark forces of Angmar didn't test men for a long time. Young King Arveleg under the guidance of Círdan was able to unite the last two kingdoms back into one realm under the Arthedain flag. He formed a firm line that the Witch-King hadn't yet been able to break.

'There should be a hundred warriors,' Elrohir replied in kind. 'Wonder what Angmar is up to?'

'I don't know, but it's been nice getting our wagon train through the lines unhindered like we've done the last thirty years.'

Elrohir notched two arrows on his bow. 'He is most likely regrouping and growing more orcs for another large battle. We almost didn't win the last one.'

'Every time we got in a tight spot, our Glorfy or Daeradar came to bail us out. I was ever so glad to see one of them.'

'I hope you're as happy to see me now.'

Elrohir almost let his shot loose too soon as he spun into an amused look of the Balrog slayer. 'How'd you sneak up on us?'

'Easily, unfortunately. I see we still have training in your future,' Glorfindel replied and surveyed the enemy. 'Do you need help? Or can I watch your form to see if your fighting has become as sloppy as your hearing.'

In response Elladan let his two arrows fly, followed a split second later by Elrohir's and four men of Rhudaur fell dead and in the confusion of trying to find the enemy and take cover, the rest died from more arrows. Done killing, the twins cautiously entered the camp and searched for valuables.

Glorfindel motioned for his elves to stand guard and joined them. "Are you still splitting the spoils between men and elves equally?" he asked aloud and searched a body, pulling a handful of coins from an inner vest pocket.

"Per the written agreement Lord Elrond, Lord Círdan and King Arveleg agreed to," Elladan quoted by rote as he searched a horse.

"Good. You boys are helping Imladris meet its financial obligations," Glorfindel confided. He saw them smile at each other with pride.

A horn sounded from his posted guards and he rushed to Asfaloth; the twins hot on his heels. He stopped by the one who sounded the alarm and looked where the finger pointed. In the distance a banner fluttered as horses galloped at a lazy pace down the Great East Road just south of their position. He smiled and waited for one of the twins to identify the approaching riders.

Elrohir was first to recognize the emblem. "Elves from the Havens. I haven't seen them this far inland since they helped King Arveleg push the forces of Angmar back to Rhudaur."

Elladan pointed. "Look, the personal banner of Lord Círdan," he exclaimed animatedly. He kicked his horse into motion and led the charge to cut them off.

'We are almost upon you, Círdan,' Glorfindel mentally warned his fellow elf with Maia powers.

Círdan, at the head of his group, held his hand up and slowed his horse just as Elladan and Elrohir plowed up dirt jumping from a ditch onto the road in front of him. With broad grins, they greeted the lord and bowed from their saddles. Behind them, Glorfindel lit up with joy and issued his own greeting.

"We are on our way to Imladris for a meeting and summer solstice," Círdan explained, although he knew Glorfindel was aware of the other reason. 'Do the youngsters know they are to be knighted?' he spoke narrowly into Glorfindel's mind.

Glorfindel shook his head. Audibly he replied, "We are also going home as soon as we burn some bodies. Camp here tonight and we can all leave at first light." He led the way back to the ravine.

The twins looked at each other uncertainly. Finally Elladan broached what was on their minds. "Glorfindel, why did you come upon us today?"

"Why to tell you that your adar wishes to see you." He spoke pleasantly. "For many years the fighting has died down and you two deserve a break. Your adar has given you the rest of the year off."

The boys grinned at each other. "Just think of all we can do," Elrohir began to be finished by his brother's, "to make life miserable for everyone."

There was a general chuckle around the campfire left burning by the men they slaughtered.

Even Círdan grinned. "I think you will be busy of a different nature, but if you happen to steal cookies, spiced oatmeal are my favorite."

With haste the large party traversed Rhudaur territory encountering not one fell being or man and with relief entered the protective lands of Elrond, dropping into the hidden valley in time to bathe for supper.

Halfway down the track, a loud voice broke the silence. "Look!" Elrohir cried, "Daeradar and Daernaneth." Suddenly they couldn't get across the stone bridge fast enough. Both boys flew off their mounts before they stopped and were engulfed by loving grandparents, leaving their parents to greet Círdan and his party.

After the usual boisterous welcome and reunion, rooms were assigned and after settling in and bathing we met in the dining hall to catch up and exchange news over a supper of fresh greens and trout. Several conversations took place at once until Círdan asked, "Is Thranduil joining us?"

Talking died down, for nobody had heard from Greenwood.

Elrond answered. "I sent an eagle to him like I did you. He didn't respond, but if not here by the solstice, we will have to start without him."

Círdan nodded that he understood and sadness crossed his features. "Has anyone seen him since Ríllas….," he trailed off, fore it still hurt too much to remember what happened.

"Mithrandir passed this way several years ago," Elrond quietly replied. "He mentioned he was spending time east of the Misty Mountains, so assume Thranduil was on his list of stops and to see Legolas. Thranduil hasn't let him leave the protection of Greenwood forests yet."

"I have yet to see the boy," Círdan commented, almost to himself.

"In answer to your question, has anyone seen Thranduil," Galadriel brought them back to the topic. "Before Angmar rose in power, Celeborn and I visited and spent the winter with them over a hundred years ago. Thranduil is back to being as before he wed and suffering the loss of Ríllas has almost forced him to sail. It is only Legolas that keeps him here. He told us he understands now the grief his adar endured when his own naneth was killed during the War of the Wrath. As far as he is concerned, he doesn't care if Legolas ever leaves the forest or if anyone ever enters his realm again."

"He can be indulged for a season, but forces will prevail against his kingdom and he will be forced to rejoin events in Middle Earth," Círdan replied and changed the painful subject. He addressed Elrond. "So, mellon-nín, have you divulged the other reason we are all gathered?"

Elrond studiously avoided looking at his sons and focused on the mariner instead. "In time, but not yet."

A horn blew signaling one rider entering the valley halted all conversations in the hall for a brief moment. Elrond motioned for Glorfindel to see who was coming and we watched the warrior depart the hall with haste. Conversation and eating resumed and we figured either a Dúnedain or messenger had arrived.

Galadriel looked in the direction of landing and smiled, but kept her knowledge to herself.

"May I join this merry gathering?"

Everyone cranked heads to see Mithrandir standing not far from the head table with Glorfindel to his right with a broad smile gracing his handsome features.

As one we rose and hurried to greet our absent friend. Elrond motioned for another place to be set between Círdan and Celeborn and we resumed our meal. There was so much information to be shared that Elrond declared, "Let's eat and then adjourn to the council chamber for desert and a meeting." It was his way of telling us not to divulge any sensitive information in the main area.

Light conversation surrounded Mithrandir's travels and weather conditions in the mountains. Elrond, seeing all were done eating, rose and offered a hand to Celebrían. Celeborn copied with Galadriel and the two couples led the way to a secluded area overlooking the falls and partly carved from the cliffs and ringed with a gentle stream full of goldfish. Topics stayed general and the twins told how they cleaned out that pack of scouts and several other small parties the two months they were absent from Imladris.

Elrond dismissed the servants after they served tea and cookies. "Okay, now for an impromptu meeting. Iôns-nín, what is the situation?"

Everyone listened as the boys gave their reports. Mithrandir, hearing this for the first time gave his report without being prompted after the twins ceased talking. "I spent time in the Orocarni's searching for the blue wizards. Nobody had seen them or if they had, just stated they passed by and kept going east, but it's been three hundred years since the last spotting of them. Eventually I found myself at Saruman's new home, Isengard."

"I suggested the abandoned fortress might suit him," Círdan added. "I haven't seen Saruman in a hundred years."

"He traveled the east looking for the blues and then went south into the country of the Haradrim looking for them. He told me not one sighting of them was in the south, so they didn't go that way," Mithrandir explained and continued. "I spent several years with Radagast, helping him get established in the middle part of Greenwood and moved north to Thranduil's halls where I've been for the last fifty years. I personally tutored Prince Legolas in history and languages. He is a fine lad and more levelheaded than his father. Thranduil is quick to anger and slow to forgive, especially anyone encroaching on his territory. I do have letters for everyone though."

"He's not coming?" Elrond asked just to be sure.

Mithrandir shook his head. "He'll not leave Legolas in charge at his young age or take him from the safety of the halls just yet. Legolas is becoming a fine warrior, but as with all youth, requires more practice and training."

"Well then, we'll get our meetings out of the way first." Elrond looked at his in-laws. "And you are double certain King Amroth won't come?"

Celeborn looked disgusted and Galadriel calmly replied. "Nimrodel takes ever more of his thoughts. If she doesn't agree to marry him, I fear he will fade."

"Why don't they just sail to the undying lands so Nimrodel stops whining about all the invaders to Lórien," Elrond snapped. "I tell you she is not normal."

Mithrandir, hearing this for the first time broke out laughing. "I would agree with you, Elrond. She didn't even want me tarnishing the Mallorns with my presence."

Celebrían suggested they halt for the night and motioned for her sons to escort her to their private chambers so she could have a chat with them.

The twins were exceptionally well behaved the month leading up to Summer Solstice and I suspect their mother had something to do with it. What she told them was never divulged, but they abstained from their usual mischievousness and spent time with their horse lines instead. The day we waited for finally came.

Right before the feast, Elrond called the entire community together. "This year is special, not only for our distinguished guests, but for my ions as well."

Everyone looked at the twins; standing near their father and saw them look at each other and shrug. Good-our secret hadn't made way to their sharp ears.

Elrond started talking again. "Círdan has a story about the twins he wishes to tell us, so I'll turn it over to him."

Círdan came to stand beside Elrond on this sunny, warm day and to the twin's embarrassment told the following account.

"The battle to drive the army of Angmar out of Arthedain and Cardolan was long and bloody. I took Elrond's ions as my subordinate lieutenants under the command of Lord Fálmar."

Elrond's eyes almost popped out of his head. It was a story that never reached our hidden valley and murmurs were heard among our community.

"Fálmar dredged up every dirty detail he could think of and the boys never complained, just carried them out and excelled at each task; fighting during the day and being a personal slave to Fálmar at night. Young Fállon was his adar's attaché and would smirk at the endless demeaning chores pawned off on Elrond's ions. I would have stepped in, but was measuring their character for myself and how well Elrond raised them. I knew them to be exceptional warriors and to be grooming horses or shoveling dung was way beneath their skill set or even what the offspring of any lord should be doing."

The community looked with sympathy and pride at the squirming twins.

"The day of the final battle arrived and I suggested to Fálmar that Elrond's ions lead the charge. After three weeks of unfair treatment, I knew they were so angry they wanted to kill something and I was trying to head off a kinslaying. They are related to Fingolfin after all."

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

"There will be a kinslaying if ever I see Fálmar again," Celeborn vowed.

"I reserve the right to at least wipe the floor with him," Elrond roared angrily. He looked at his sons. "Why did you never tell me?"

"Or me." Twin voices of Celeborn and Glorfindel merged into one.

Again the twins shuffled their feet. "For this very reason," Elladan answered. "Lord Fálmar and his twit of an ion aren't worth your thoughts. As soon as we were shed of them, we vowed to forget what happened and did until today."

"And back to my story," Círdan asserted control. "They fought harder and better than all but my most seasoned warriors who had thousands of years fighting behind them. All were impressed, even Fálmar. He said to me that one of them just had to wed his iell, Kolli."

"Never, I forbid it," Elrond again roared and the crowd laughed, tension that their own had been mistreated dissipating.

Círdan held his hand up. "One more outburst, Elrond, and I will insist on a wedding." Mirth rippled through the residents.

Elrond bridled his tongue and waved his hand for the mariner to continue.

"We captured a fleeing orc to interrogate for numbers and the next planned attack. To our surprise, he laughingly told us in his halting black speech Rivendell was the next target because they wouldn't expect an attack when the flying birds would have told them the main army was in the west."

Everyone sobered again and remembered the horrible time in the winter of TA 1356 when Imladris came under siege, but that is another story.

Círdan finished his story. "The twins saddled up to ride for home. Bone tired from weeks of fighting after weeks of abuse they asked for my leave, which I granted, and disappeared in a cloud of dust within minutes, fearful I might change my mind. I turned to Fálmar and said, 'If I were you, I would think on sailing because if Elrond, Celeborn or Glorfindel ever hear of your treatment of their beloved boys, I won't be able to stop them seeking revenge and most likely in the form of a good pounding times three.'"

Several voluble voices that more than the lords would pound on Fálmar floated from the crowd and I, Erestor, added my own intent to harm the lord should I ever cross his path in Aman.

"He stalled until twenty years ago and made his son a lord and sailed. He told me because he didn't hear one word of complaint from Elrond, his rough treatment of the twins was overstated and imagined by me. He did confide in me that he treated you thus due to your treatment of Fállon when you were but youths." Círdan looked fondly at the boys. "You've shown much maturity these last hundred years, especially at the hands of one that abused his position. Now, Elrond has a little something for you."

Elrond hugged each son and told them how proud he was of them quietly in their ears. He stepped back and with his herald's voice ordered, "Elladan Elrondion and Elrohir Elrondion, kneel before me."

The twins did as ordered and Elrond pulled Hadhafang. "As of this day, June 21st year fourteen hundred of the Third Age, I hereby grant you the title of Lord." He touched each shoulder. "Rise, Lord Elladan; rise, Lord Elrohir."

With eyes wide, they did as bidden and were engulfed in hugs from their mother and grandparents immediately.

"Did you suspect?" Celebrían asked them.

They both shook their heads, and for once didn't have a smart remark.

"I'm not done," Elrond took over again and the loved ones stepped back. "I have emblems denoting your new title." He handed each a ring and clasp. "I also had new quivers made and sheaths for your swords denoting your rank. You have made your naneth and I very proud. It seems just yesterday I held you in...," he stopped talking when Elrohir whimpered.

Elladan whispered, "Please, Adar, no long speeches."

With a wink to me, Elrond raised his voice. "Everyone enjoy the feast, dismissed."

I knew then Elrond planned his little trick and had no intention of giving a dreary, long-winded reminiscence and smiled back at him.

Círdan and his party left that fall, but waited for his caravan loaded with supplies from Mithlond to arrive and went home with it. In his possession were letters from Elrond bound for Aman on the next ship to sail addressed to the High Kings spelling out Lord Fálmar's nature and deeds and a vow he would never allow any of that line to wed into his.

Celeborn and Galadriel stayed for three years until a letter from King Amroth begged them to return and restore order once again. During this time, the twins stayed home, rested and reverted into the elflings we loved. The titles, as expected, didn't go to their heads and they were content to be younger elves in the house of Elrond.

Finis

Thráin marked and closed the book. With a yawn, he shuffled to bed, lined slippers making no noise on polished stone. As he lay down on the large bed, he hoped Thorin's tenure as a married dwarrow lasted much longer than his own and let his mind wander back to nights he had Lis lying beside him and drifted off to pleasant memories.