Fallout

Fallout

Posted: June 29, 2007
Title: Fallout
Series: The Sons of Elrond
Sequel to: Temperance
Author: Eresse
Type: FCS
Characters: Elrohir/Legolas, Elladan, Elrond, Celebrían, Gildor
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: 047. Heart
Word Count: 2262

Summary: Even the most enviable of relationships has its share of pitfalls.

****

Elrohir never imagined he could resent the advent of any of the Wandering Companies in Imladris. Always had he welcomed the presence of these itinerant Elves who called no particular realm home, fascinated as he was by their nomadic way of life. And Gildor Inglorion was invariably kind and forthcoming with his tales of the lands and folk outside the valley. Elrond's sons oft spent their days following him about, asking nigh innumerable questions about his adventures in the Wild.

But now, it was not Elrohir who was spending an inordinate amount of time with Gildor. And Elladan kept away as well in a gesture of brotherly sympathy and solidarity.

The younger twin pondered his chances as he made his way to the archery yard. He suspected Legolas' schedule was already filled and there would be little time to spare for him. That had been the case for many a day now. Nevertheless, the intrepid Elf-knight had to make the attempt. Just this last time, he somberly promised himself.

As expected, he found the archer assiduously honing his already considerable bowman's skills. When the Wood-elf was done, Elrohir joined him in gathering his arrows.

“My thanks, Elrohir,” Legolas said.

Elrohir handed over the arrows he had collected. “You are truly the best archer I know, Legolas,” he remarked as he watched the prince return the bolts to his quiver. “Would that I could do half as well as you.”

Legolas smiled at him. “I think you will do better than that. You and Elladan have the makings of exceptional archers.”

“Do we?” Elrohir beamed. “I am glad. I should like to excel in all the martial skills if possible.”

“And I would be glad to teach you what I can.”

“Oh! Then what about now?” Elrohir hopefully suggested. “My morning is free for Erestor has been tasked by Father to help him correct some erroneous manuscripts.”

Legolas slung his quiver over his shoulder. “I wish I could, pen neth”-young one-he replied. “But I promised Gildor that I would join him for a morning's hike.”

As if on cue, Gildor strolled up to them. He warmly greeted Elrohir then asked Legolas if he was ready.

“I am,” Legolas answered. He looked at Elrohir. “Another time perhaps?”

Though he had half expected the rebuff, Elrohir found it no easier to take. Nonetheless, he managed to evenly say, “Aye, another time.”

But he did not seek Legolas after that. It would simply be too painful to be turned down once more.

“You should try again,” Elladan urged him a few evenings later while they watched some of the visiting Elves perform with Lindir in the Hall of Fire.

“To what purpose?” Elrohir murmured. “It is clear his interest in me is at an end.”

“You do not know that.”

“Elladan, what can children like us offer in the way of entertainment compared to an Elf of Gildor's experience?” Elrohir looked down gloomily. “And Gildor can meet certain of his needs that I cannot as yet.”

Elladan stared at him. “You have seen evidence of intimacy between them?”

“Nay, but I cannot imagine it otherwise. He is a hot-blooded Wood-elf and beautiful besides. Think you Gildor has not made an overture?”

“But that does not mean he accepted,” Elladan insisted.

“Oh?” Elrohir nodded his head toward the hall entrance. “Then what do you make of that?”

With some consternation, Elladan saw Legolas laughingly follow Gildor out of the hall. He turned back to his brother just as Elrohir stood up.

“I am tired,” the younger twin tightly whispered. Giving Elladan no chance to speak, he departed as well.

Morning found him in as morose a mood as the evening before. Elrond and Celebrían wondered about his uncharacteristic taciturnity at breakfast but he refused to reveal the cause. Elladan, on the other hand, did his best to subtly succor him in the same way that Elrohir had oft seen him through his own periods of pining.

His efforts came to naught however when, just as they were finishing their meal, Legolas entered the dining hall with Gildor. Elrohir paled then flushed. Mumbling an excuse to his parents, he rose and tried to leave unnoticed by the archer.

But as luck would have it, Legolas looked in his direction. The prince flashed a friendly grin at him. For once, Elrohir could not respond in kind. Averting his eyes, he hurried out a side door. His unexpected evasion did not escape his parents' notice.

“Do you know what is amiss with Elrohir?” Elrond questioned his older son.

Elladan reluctantly nodded. He glanced at his mother when she reached across the table and laid a hand on his arm.

“If it is in your power to set aright whatever ails your brother, then do so, dear one,” she counseled. “Do not let his pride hinder you in aiding him.”

After a moment's hesitation, Elladan rose to his feet and walked to Legolas. The archer was seated with Gildor and some of his band but his frequent glances at the door through which Elrohir had exited betrayed his concern. When Elladan neared him, he stood, an uncertain smile on his face.

“I trust you had a good night,” Elladan ventured after exchanging greetings with the archer. His eyes briefly strayed to Gildor.

Legolas saw the furtive glance and frowned. He decided to dispense with diplomacy.

“Elrohir has made himself scarce of late,” he remarked. “Have I given him reason to be displeased with my company?”

Elladan pursed his lips then said: “If you wish to know his reasons, I suggest you go to him now. There is a path by the east wing of the house that leads up to a high ledge on the slope behind. It overlooks the valley. We like to go there when we are - troubled.” He turned to leave then paused and looked back at the archer, a warning in his eyes. “Do not bring anyone with you, else you will not know my brother's company again.” Whereupon, he rejoined his parents.

Legolas only lingered long enough to take leave of his companions. After that, he wasted no more time taking Elladan's advice.

He found the path easily and swiftly climbed the steep slope. It was thickly wooded in this section, which effectively hid the trail from any unaware of its existence. He soon came to a flat expanse of ground shaded by an overhanging outcropping of solid rock.

Elrohir sat on a spongy mat of heather and grass, knees drawn up with his arms around them, eyes focused on the panorama of forest and streams and, way below, the clustered homes of the vale's dwellers. Legolas took a moment to admire the comely picture he made before stepping onto the ledge.

So quiet was he that Elrohir did not mark his presence until he was at his side. He looked up in surprise when Legolas sank down beside him. The archer regarded the vista before them.

“Small wonder that you like this place,” he commented. Elrohir did not answer but only dipped his head in assent. Legolas sighed and shifted closer. “You have been avoiding my company these past few days,” he said.

Elrohir stiffened but he did not face the archer. “On the contrary, I have sought it but you have not seen fit to bestow it on me.” He hugged his knees closer. “Not since Gildor and his folk arrived.”

Silence met his reply. A moment later, Legolas raised a hand and gripped his shoulder. The prince contritely said: “I am sorry, I did not mean to neglect you. It shall not happen again.”

Elrohir looked sidelong at him. “Please do not apologize for what was only to be expected,” he murmured. “It was kind of you to spare me so much of your time but verily it was never possible for me to hold your attention indefinitely.”

When Legolas started to protest, he forestalled the archer with a firm shake of his head “I have neither the depth of knowledge nor the wealth of experience you undoubtedly seek in your companions.” He smiled a little sadly. “I am only a child after all.”

Legolas grimaced. “Knowledge and experience do go a long way in keeping a conversation lively. But if the desire for another's company goes no further than that, then they count for little.” He squeezed Elrohir's shoulder. “I will not deny that I enjoy talking with Gildor. And I admit my elation over learning much from him caused me to behave so poorly toward you. For that I beg your pardon, Elrohir. But know that I have no intention of going beyond talk with Gildor. I would make him a friend but not a lover.”

Elrohir sharply glanced at him. “You did not-” He caught himself and flushed.

“Pass the night in his bed,” Legolas finished for him. “We parted after a few drinks in his quarters.”

“Surely he importuned you,” Elrohir softly said.

“He did but I declined.”

Elrohir frowned. “Why? He is handsome and kind and highborn. And he has seen much that many have not. What was lacking?”

“He does not touch my heart.” At Elrohir's puzzled expression, Legolas explained. “When I was newly come of age, I was as indiscriminate in my choices of partners as any callow youth. But time and circumstances have taught me to forego mere dalliances in favor of true intimacy.”

He reached for one of Elrohir's hand and clasped it in his. “I must feel something more than simple lust for me to engage in bodily union with another,” the archer continued. “I would counsel you to learn from my mistakes, pen neth. If and when you choose to share yourself thusly, look beyond the heat of the night to the cold morning after. Ask yourself first, 'Will it be a memory to cherish or regret?'”

The younger twin regarded him curiously. “It seems you rued a number of your early experiences.”

Legolas sighed. “I was young and eager and heedless. I did not give thought to what my partners wanted of me; only what I desired of them.” He looked keenly at Elrohir. “You are as I, a king's son though your father refused the crown. Many will covet you for that alone. Holding yourself aloof will be your best defense. Yet it can also be your worst weapon, hurting those whose desires go further than lust for your name or beauty. Prudence tempered with gentleness will go a long way in easing hurt feelings.”

Elrohir nodded thoughtfully. “Have you ever given your heart?” he asked.

“If I had, I would be wed by now,” the archer pointed out. “I held some affection for a chosen few but never so great that I was tempted to bind my spirit for eternity.”

Emboldened by Legolas' forthrightness, Elrohir dared another query. “Who are you most likely to espouse: an ellon or an elleth?”

Golden eyebrows rose in some amusement. “Wherefore your question?”

Elrohir shrugged though his cheeks colored slightly. “I would like to know your true preference,” he honestly replied.

Legolas faintly smiled. “My first experiences were with ellith,” he recounted. “But when I started training in my father's army, I also trysted with ellyn. However, being heir has its limitations and I have been encouraged to dally with maids. Not that my father forbids me to bind to an ellon. But for so long as we live east of the Sea, there is no certitude of life. He would naturally prefer that there be another generation after me to ensure our house continues to hold the crown. Needless to say, I was as determined as he to do as duty dictates.” Legolas paused. “But now… that is no longer the case.”

Elrohir's breath hitched. “Why so?” he asked in a hushed voice.

Blue eyes met grey. “I came to Imladris,” Legolas simply said.

The color in Elrohir's cheeks heightened. But the young Elf did not jump to any conclusions. That would be foolish and only asking for disappointment. After all, he was still many years short of his majority. However, he could be frank about one thing.

“I hope that does not change too soon.”

“It will not.”

“How can you know that?”

“Because the reason for it still has some growing to do.”

Elrohir gazed searchingly at the archer. “You will need to be very patient,” he reminded him.

Legolas chuckled. “I have gone without for nigh three score years. What is another two decades or so?”

“You will abstain then?” Elrohir said somewhat doubtfully.

“I told you, I do not share myself lightly.”

Elrohir studied him for a long spell. A soft exhalation escaped his lips and he turned his eyes once more to the view of the valley.

“I have lessons,” he murmured. “We had best be getting back.”

They rose to their feet, Legolas regarding Elrohir with some concern. But just before he stepped off the ledge onto the path, Elrohir turned back and looked at him, his eyes alight with quiet joy.

“Thank you,” he whispered. Before Legolas realized what he was about, he stretched up and pressed his lips lightly to the Wood-elf's cheek. Then he was hurrying down the path.

Legolas stared after him in astonishment. He raised a hand to where Elrohir's lips had touched his cheek. His eyes gleamed and the corners of his mouth turned up.

For this alone the archer deemed his sojourn in Imladris well worth his time. He swiftly followed Elrohir down the slope.

*****

Glossary:
wherefore - for what reason (archaic)
ellon (pl. ellyn) - male Elf
elleth (pl. ellith) - Elf-maid

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THE END

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