Conjectures

Conjectures

Posted: June 29, 2007
Title: Conjectures
Series: The Sons of Elrond
Sequel to: Acquaintance
Author: Eresse
Type: FCGen
Characters: Elladan, Elrohir/Legolas
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: The characters belong to the wizard of storytelling himself, JRR Tolkien and/or his estate. No offense is intended or profit made in my use of them.
Prompt: 045. Moon
Word Count: 990

Summary: When one twin attempts to plumb his brother's feelings, he learns more than he bargained for. This will make more sense if that story is read first.

*****

“You are enamored of him, aren't you?” Silence met the query. “Elrohir?”

The younger twin did not turn from his contemplation of Ithil. He was seated on the balustrade of his bedchamber balcony, face raised in seeming adoration of the moon's radiance. Yet in truth it seemed as if 'twas he that Ithil worshipped. For so tenderly did he bathe the Elf-knight in silvery light that he looked more a divinity than a Peredhel of the line of the gallant Mariner. At length, Elrohir lowered his rapt gaze and looked at his brother who was seated on his bed.

“And if I am?” he said.

“'Tis not surprising,” Elladan replied. “He is more than passing fair. And a tried warrior and governor as well.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “You have exceptional taste, brother.” When Elrohir only wanly smiled, he regarded him searchingly. “What troubles you?”

Elrohir sighed. “Best I not dwell on it,” he murmured. “It will come to naught.” At Elladan's surprised stare, he added: “He will not want me following him about.”

Elladan frowned. “Since when have you been so lacking in confidence?” he demanded. “What is it about the Wood-elf that has overcome you?”

“The same thing that leaves you oft speechless when a certain much esteemed Elf smiles at you,” Elrohir archly replied. He grinned when his brother blushed deeply. “It seems we are of a piece, you and I, when it comes to such matters.”

“Speak for yourself,” Elladan retorted, his cheeks hot. “I will not hesitate when the time comes, I promise you.”

Elrohir chuckled. “I will hold you to that, tôr iuar”-older brother-he teased. “Mayhap I might learn enough to serve my own cause.”

The older twin looked at him thoughtfully. “Surely you do not doubt your charms,” he said. “Did you not mark how he eyed us earlier? He appreciated what he saw, Elrohir, and more so when you spoke to him so boldly. Why so diffident now?”

The Elf-knight studied the darkened landscape a space before replying. “I have realized that I am no more than a mere sapling to him,” he said at last. “What interest could he possibly take in one as green as I? And one of his greater years and beauty would have his pick of Elves to warm his bed. He would not need or care to wait for a child to grow up. Provided he even thought that child worth his time.”

Elladan stared at him. Uncertainty shadowed his eyes. “You believe this of him yet, for all his years, in age or knowledge he is no match for-” The older twin looked quite crestfallen. “No wonder you think my aspirations so amusing.”

Elrohir's eyes widened. “Nay!” he softly exclaimed with a shake of his head. “There is a difference. A great one.” At Elladan's skeptical look, he said: “Legolas knows nothing about me. How can he even begin to consider more than a passing friendship with one he has only just met? But with you…” He gently smiled at Elladan. “If you only knew how he looks at you when he thinks no one sees.”

Elladan caught his breath. “How does he look at me?” he whispered.

“As one who is patiently biding his time.” Elrohir snorted when his twin gaped at him. “He knows us well, Elladan. He has known us since our swaddling days. 'Tis probable that he has deduced what we will be like when we are full-grown. But whether he has or not, I wager he has already decided which one of us is very much to his liking.”

Elladan considered this. “Strange that you should see what I cannot,” he murmured. “Yet if what you say is true, then…” He smiled so sweetly, Elrohir felt his own frustration diminish somewhat. “Mayhap 'tis because you do not care for him as I do. In which case, it is very likely I will read Legolas' heart more easily than you can.”

Before Elrohir could respond, someone knocked on the door. Elladan rose and went to see who it was. He blinked upon finding Legolas at the door.

But he was no more surprised than the archer who frowned and said: “Forgive me, I thought this was Elrohir's room.”

“It is his room,” Elladan confirmed, noting that Legolas had unerringly identified him. He nodded in the direction of the balcony.

Legolas followed his gaze and saw Elrohir just as the younger twin got to his feet, his expression quite priceless in Elladan's opinion. Elladan fought the urge to snicker. The urge grew even stronger when he espied the gleam of pleasure in Legolas' eyes. But who would not be pleased when presented with the wondrous picture his brother made, his whole being all-aglow in the moonlight?

“I saw you from my window,” Legolas said. “I wondered if you would care to take a turn with me around the garden.” At Elrohir's bemused reaction, he explained: “I always find it difficult to sleep the first night I am in a new place. A short walk oft helps me unwind.”

Elrohir quickly collected his wits. “I would be happy to accompany you. And if the walk does not suffice, a mug of hot milk with honey does wonders.”

Legolas smiled. “Ah, that brings back memories. 'Twas my mother's supreme remedy when I was a child and too restless to sleep.” He gestured to Elrohir to precede him. “Shall we?”

Elladan carefully covered a burgeoning grin with his hand.

Interesting that he sought you out, brother, when either of us would have served.

Elrohir spared his twin a sheepish glance, cheeks turning rosy as he passed him on the way out. Elladan's grin widened.

Leaning against the doorframe, his arms folded across his chest, he watched the two make their way down the hallway, already companionably conversing. Oh, this was going to be a most interesting summer, he decided.

*****

THE END

Go to the next story in the series: Expectations

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