The twins sat in silence hidden in an alcove for more privacy. Their eyes glazed over as they relaxed and opened their minds to begin conversing with their father. This decision, though theirs to make, was too important not to take counsel with him. They hid nothing, letting him freely explore their thoughts.
"I am pleased with your decision to bond with Alatariel, my sons," Elrond said as he began far speaking with them. "I felt the strong bond between the three of you from the time the ladies first washed up on the shore."
"I cannot begin to explain how wonderful this feels, Ada," Elladan said. "My heart is overwhelmed with the feelings I have for her. I thank the Valar my brother and I will become whole once the bonding is complete."
"I know what is in your heart, ion-nin," Elrond responded. "Your mother and I can feel your bond become even stronger as your love for Alatariel grows."
Elrohir, who had remained silent thus far, spoke "Ada, are we moving too quickly? Should we wait to bond with Alatariel?"
"No, ion-nin, not if you feel in your heart it is the right decision. I can sense your need, but I can also sense the love you and your brother have for this elleth. I will caution you to take things slowly since she is not experienced in these things."
"I do not understand, Ada," Elrohir answered. "What do you mean in saying she is not experienced?"
"When they washed ashore, it was my duty to examine both ladies thoroughly. I am saying you will be Alatariel’s first lovers, as it should be, but you must take care to make this a wonderful experience for all of you," he cautioned.
Elladan spoke now and said, "Do not worry, father... we will make it a night she will never forget nor regret. I can show patience." Elrohir seemed to laugh at this, but Elladan continued, "Together we will give her the most wonderful night of her life."
"Follow your hearts, my sons. They will not fail you. She will make a wonderful wife and your mother and I look forward to many elflings," he added, causing Elladan to grin and Elrohir to blush. "Travel safe and listen closely to Erestor. He will take care of all of you so that you are able to return to us safely."
The twins smiled at one another as the connection with their father faded away. "Let us go prepare our room for tonight," Elladan told Elrohir. Together they walked toward their cabin.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Having been invited to enjoy a delicious meal with Erestor, Cel apologized to him for having acted so rashly earlier that day. Erestor graciously accepted her apology, seemingly in better spirits now. He in turn apologized for treating her like a child. "You are much like the elleths who live in Elrond’s House," he said, smiling at Cel and then looked toward Legolas. "I believe you will be a wonderful addition to the family when we return."
Legolas only laughed, saying, "I find her to be very refreshing and invigorating."
Over dinner, Erestor and Cel discussed many things about the modern world and the conveniences they wished Valinor had. Legolas felt left out as he did not understand much of the conversation, though both Erestor and Cel made attempts to explain things best they could. After they finished dinner, Cel felt she should make amends with Legolas for having excluded him from the discussion. She suggested they go on deck to enjoy the moonlit night after Erestor shooed them away from the table they offered to help clear.
"Where have the twins and Alatariel gone?" she asked.
"Elladan and Elrohir planned a quiet dinner with Alatariel in their room," he answered as if reading it from notes.
"You said that at dinner, but why do I have the feeling you know more than you are saying?" she grinned.
"I have promised not to betray their confidence, meleth-nin," he stated.
"Then I shall not ask you again," Cel responded.
They sat in silence for a time looking at the stars and enjoying the comfortable silence they felt with one another. "Cel," Legolas began after a while,"I will tell you here and now that I am not good at this. I have long been a warrior. I do not fear battle as much as I fear falling in love. It is probably hard for you to understand. I hope you will be patient with me and my clumsiness. I have watched the twins, Haldir, and many others, but I have never felt at ease with women like they seem to be."
Legolas paused and looked nervously at Cel, but her friendly smile persuaded him to continue. "Perhaps it is because I knew I would eventually find the right one for me and I felt like being with others was a waste of time. For many years, I believed that I would have a mate chosen for me by my father... probably an elf from Mirkwood, or someone of royal blood. I accepted this as my duty, just as my brother had before me. After I was sent to the Council in Imladris and joined the Fellowship of the Ring, things changed. I became far more independent. I saw more of Middle Earth than most will ever see."
"After the ring was destroyed I traveled and learned many things... one thing being that love isn’t like you think it is. It is complex in many ways yet simple in others. I do not want to over think this. I tend to do that," he smirked. "My heart knows what is true, but I am willing to admit that I was not prepared for this. I knew you were the one for me when we found you on the beach. When you agreed to allow me to court you I took it seriously, and for the first time I began to feel whole. I want us to truly understand and respect each other before we join ourselves. I have witnessed many unions... all I want is for you to be happy. I am rambling now, aren’t I?" Legolas laughed.
"Yes, maybe a little," Cel smiled. "I understand though. I think now is a good time for us... this journey, I mean. We can get to know each other better and get comfortable with each other. Legolas... If I might..." She paused. "I want to ask something of you," Cel stated.
"Of course, anything." Legolas looked a bit unsure.
"I want us to wait to become... more intimate. Until we return to Valinor," Cel spat out.
"You want what?" Legolas choked out. "You have truly thought that far about this?" he questioned. "Naturally, I will honor your wishes, and I had no intention of doing anything improper on this journey, nor so soon, but may I ask why and how you came to this decision on your own?"
Cel almost laughed at the look on his face, but managed to refrain. As Legolas sat there looking down at her he seemed shocked, a little hurt, and slightly indignant while he tried hard to be understanding and patient at the same time. "Do you not share my views?" she teased.
"I’m not sure," he admitted. "From what I have been taught, it takes time to develop a relationship. Then, after the couple is committed, there is a ceremony of engagement, and of marriage a year later. Only after that is the bonding to occur." He decided not to mention that neither his parents, nor Elrond and Celebrian, nor- well, that he couldn’t think of anyone in his entire family who truly had followed these rules, but as he had been taught, it was proper protocol to follow them. "I know why it is that I wish to wait, but I do not know why you wish to wait," he said, taking hold of her hands.
As they sat together, Cel explained her past and how she had been emotionally hurt. She explained that she had vowed to never put herself in the same position again. Legolas began to understand how important this was to her and how much it would mean to her to give herself to someone again. He thanked the Valar for her numerous times as they talked long into the night.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Elladan and Elrohir found Alatariel sitting on deck at the bow of the ship. "Good evening, meleth-min," they said in unison.
"Good evening to you both," she smiled. "I wondered where you two were. I’m hungry and dinner should be ready soon. Shall we head over to the galley?" she asked.
"We thought we could enjoy our evening in private," Elladan responded. "Doesn’t that sound better?"
As the three sat on the bow of the ship they admired the brilliant sunset. Pinks, purples, blues, reds, and oranges painted a beautiful picture across the sky. The moon, barely rising, would soon blanket the sea in a soft glow. For the next half-hour the two elves and Alatariel just sat gazing at the twinkling stars that lit up the sky. It was a perfect night. A cool breeze began to sweep over the ship, causing Alatariel to shiver. "Meleth-min, you are cold. Perhaps we should go inside?" Elladan suggested.
"When do we eat?" she laughed.
"You can join us in our room for a light meal and some conversation," Elrohir added as he gave his twin a knowing glance.
"What a wonderful idea, brother," winked Elladan to Elrohir. "Come with us, Alatariel. I do not wish for this special evening to end just yet." Elladan stood and held his hand out to assist her.
"Nor do I," Alatariel answered, taking his hand and rising to her feet. Together the three of them made their way toward their rooms.
Upon entering the twins’ quarters, a soft glow shone about the room. The small table was set, three chairs stationed around it. A red tablecloth was draped over it and the centerpiece was a beautiful vase filled with red and white roses. ‘Much like Valentine’s Day,’ Alatariel thought. Two tall candles stood on either side, flickering in the breeze that drifted through the windows. "How did the two of you manage this?" she blushed. "It is lovely." Both were quieter than usual and seemed shy for the first time since she had met them.
"We are glad you approve," Elladan finally spoke first.
"We had a little help. Erestor has a greenhouse on the ship, although we were a little surprised he grows flowers," Elrohir piped up.
"Please, sit," the twins said nearly in unison, and almost knocked into one another to pull a chair out for Alatariel. They stood until Alatariel was properly seated and then they sat nervously at either side of her and yet also next to one another. "We hope you enjoy the meal we had prepared for us," said Elladan.
"It smells wonderful," Alatariel assured them as covers were lifted from the dishes. Although she knew she would not find meat of any kind, the rich spices on the food that was presented were more than enough to tempt her taste buds.
During the meal, Alatariel noticed that Elrohir was not eating much and seemed a bit nervous. In fact, both of them seemed to be more serious than usual. "What’s up?" she asked.
Elladan looked a little startled, while Elrohir dropped his fork onto his plate. "Well, it’s just that we... um... we..." Elrohir stammered.
"We want this to be a very special evening for all of us, meleth-min," Elladan finished.
"It has been a beautiful evening, so you can stop trying so hard," she smiled.
"We wish to..." Elladan began as Elrohir interrupted, "As you already know, we have very special feelings for you, meleth-min, and wish to show you how much you mean to us," he said carefully.
"We do not wish to rush you," Elladan added, "but our hearts tell us it is time."
"Time for what?" she questioned.
"’Tis time to claim you as our own," they said together.
Alatariel looked from one to the other as she set her goblet down. "Claim me? Am I supposed to be flattered?" she asked.
"Perhaps I should rephrase that," Elrohir said, smiling nervously. "We wish to bond with you this night... to become one."
"You mean three don’t you?" she joked, trying to ease the tension.
"Does the thought frighten you?" Elladan asked.
"No, it’s just that... I know this is a serious step for you, " she stated. "It is for me, too." The peredhil were watching her intently, almost predatorily, for her answer. "I want this as well," she finally said.
Rising from the table in one fluid motion, Elrohir reached her first and pulled back her chair from the table. Elladan grinned wickedly and picked her up in his arms. He carried her a few feet before tossing her onto her back on the bed. "Wait! I wanted dessert!" she joked.
"You are dessert," the twins countered, one crawling up onto the bed on either side of her.
Both stared into her eyes, trying to penetrate her deepest thoughts and fantasies. "What do you want, Alatariel? Tell us, meleth-min," Elladan spoke.
"We can fulfill every wish... just ask," chimed in Elrohir with a seductive smile.
She felt a surge of electricity as Elrohir’s hand gently brushed hers. Normally shyness would have caused her to pull away, but she felt strangely comfortable. She heard them, but it was as if her mind wasn't working. She wasn't exactly scared, but seeing the two of them, one on either side like mirror images of lust, was almost too much to take. She couldn't seem to formulate an answer.
She wanted them, these gorgeous, assertive, yet quiet men. Elves? Peredhil. They kindled the flames in her heart that she believed had burned out long ago. They awakened every nerve in her body and she felt complete love from both of them. The slight glow she emitted was not a surprise, as Galadriel had told her about that. The twins glowed slightly as well, their breathing heavy and labored. The tingling sensation was now a constant when they were near each other. She felt so vulnerable, yet so protected. Safe, yet anxious. No fear was present. She trusted them with her life.
Alatariel wondered how far she should let this go. Remembering what Galadriel had said, she was hesitant to actually let the twins have control. She knew they would go too far simply out of lust, but then she had been hoping for this. She knew that the bonding could happen without them making love, but that was rare. However, once they actually made love then the bonding would be complete. She knew in her heart that this was right, but it seemed to be happening so fast.
Elladan wasted no time and began to nibble on her ear and lick down her throat. He bit gently at her lips. Alatariel's heart beat faster. As the kisses quickly became more passionate, she ran her hands through his long, beautiful hair. In the meantime, Elrohir had pulled down the bed covering and had undressed and was patiently waiting for Elladan to give him some time to play. He whispered that Elladan should take the time to get out of his clothing, however, Alatariel began taking care of that as she tugged at the tunic and peeled Elladan out of it. When he laid her back, Elrohir took over while Elladan finished undressing. Alatariel's mind was reeling. 'They will be the death of me,' she thought. The twins, having heard her thoughts, grinned proudly and told her that they were well read upon the subject of love making and she might possibly declare her death before they were through with her. She rolled her eyes at them but quickly realized that although they seemed to be joking, they were completely serious.
They had her undressed before she realized it and now each twin sucked on a rosy nipple. Alatariel pressed into their touch and moaned deeply. This wasn't enough for her. Her hand found one of her lovers’ erections and she stroked him tentatively. "Oh sweet, elleth," Elladan groaned as he grasped her hand, helping her speed up the rhythm. "That feels wonderful, meleth," he growled. It wasn't long before she felt his pre-cum on her fingers and he began to press harder into her hand. Elrohir, still playing with her nipples had now moved down her stomach and was running his tongue around her belly button and down just close enough to her that she could feel his breath on her wetness. "I need you," she moaned. Elladan could wait no more and shot his seed into her hand, shuddering as he let her loosen her grip on his cock. The darkness in his eyes told her his desires were only beginning and she was in for far more than this.
Elrohir moved in quickly, rubbing her womanhood a few times. Soon Alatariel had responded by spreading her legs to welcome anything that the twins had to offer. A fire burned within Elrohir, and he found himself doing and saying things more boldly than was his usual nature. He wanted to devour her, drive his erection into her until she screamed with passion, but he knew he had to be patient. Things could wait. He could wait. Grabbing the oil from the night stand, he opted to slowly insert one finger into her and began to stretch her a little at a time. She bucked up into his hand and he and Elladan exchanged glances.
Elladan moved and explored her mouth and neck as Elrohir pumped two and then three fingers inside her. She was going wild as Elrohir repeatedly hit her sweet spot. Before she could try to stop it, she came hard, spilling her juices and screaming out both partners’ names. Elrohir bent and began to lick her juicy essence and Elladan moved down to join him. As she came to her senses Elladan moved atop her. Just as she opened her eyes, he entered her gently but in one swift movement that almost sent her over the top again. Elladan glided his throbbing cock further into her. He started with long, slow thrusts as he kissed her deeply, increasing his pace. Alatariel moaned more and more as he pumped faster and harder until he came, exploding deep inside her.
Elrohir anxiously moved into position as his passion grew at the sight of his brother making love to their mate. Alatariel soon discovered that his talents were equal to those of his twin. They made love many times before sleep overtook them for the night.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Interlude 3
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Many things I can command the Mirror to reveal," she answered, "and to some I can show what they desire to see. But the Mirror will also show things unbidden, and those are often stranger and more profitable than things which we wish to behold. What you will see, if you leave the Mirror free to work, I cannot tell…"
*~*~*~*~*~*
"The mirror." Haldir sat up in bed, shivering and panting. He looked to the window, and saw the pitch-black sky between the slits of the curtains. How he came to have the thought now, and so suddenly, he did not know.
Sitting in the bed, he calmed his breathing until he had controlled himself enough to step silently out of bed. Tucked under one arm was a well-loved purple rabbit. He clutched the stuffed bunny close to his chest for a moment before placing it on the bed. Pulling his sleeping pants off of the chair he’d tossed them on, he hurriedly put them on and went to the door.
One hand pressed against the wood, and he closed his eyes as he observed with the rest of his senses. Everyone was asleep. He could wait until morning for what he felt compelled to do, but he wouldn’t. Slowly, he opened the door and stepped into the dim hallway.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"…For it shows things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be…"
*~*~*~*~*~*
Stretching out on the couch, she flipped the pages to see how many more she had until the end of the chapter. "Too long," she muttered. "Quick scene with the mirror, and then we’ll skip back to Haldir again," she promised Harley. The cat merely rolled onto his back with indifference.
"I suppose you really don’t care. Don’t worry, I won’t read all the hobbity stuff," she assured the cat. "Again, not that you care."
Shaking her head, she searched for her spot on the page again. Her finger marked the place as she reached for the bowl of custard on the table. "Look at it this way. I’m about this close to dozing off. If you’re lucky, I’ll fall asleep before I’m able to go back and reread ‘Lothlorien’ again." Harley sat up, seemingly interested now.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"…Do you wish to look?"
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Yes," answered Haldir, but to whom and what, he wasn’t certain. He felt as if some unnatural force was pulling him toward the closet in his parents’ bedroom. Feeling blindly for the handle of the door to their quarters, he held his breath as he entered the room. Two figures were resting in the bed, and Haldir felt a pang of envy in his chest.
Cautiously, focusing on keeping every single step as silent as the next, Haldir reached the door to the closet rather quickly. His long time spent on the fences in old, creaking trees helped in his ability to open the squeaky closet door without making a sound.
A slight shimmer of silver caught his eye. The basin was still shined daily, kept hidden away now as it had little use. Grasping the edge with one hand, Haldir lifted it from its pedestal and backed out of the closet.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"You cannot go home alone," said the Lady. "You did not wish to go home without your master before you looked in the Mirror, and yet you knew that evil things might well be happening..."
*~*~*~*~*~*
"It’s not that I cannot go home alone, it’s that I cannot go home period," she sighed. "Thanks to the Valar." Harley hissed and spat, and he was gathered up and placed into a warm lap. "Oh, they aren’t that bad," she relented. "I just wish I knew what it was I did."
Harley purred and rubbed against his mistress as she traded the book for her custard again. "Maybe I should just go to bed." Looking into the nearly finished bowl of custard, she sighed and took it to the kitchen, dumping it into the sink. Back to the living room she went, picking up Harley as she retreated to the bedroom.
She came back around once more to retrieve the book. After getting comfortable in bed, she tried to stay awake to finish the rest of the page.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"No," she said, "I do not counsel you one way or the other. I am not a counselor. You may learn something, and whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet it may not. Seeing is both good and perilous…"
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Don’t forget the pitcher."
Haldir turned abruptly, knowing the voice only too well. His mother’s eyes were on him, but were filled with understanding. "In the closet, in the corner," she whispered very softly. Evidently, she was trying not to wake Celeborn, whose arms were wrapped protectively around her even in his reverie. Haldir gave a nod and stepped back into the closet, reaching around the corner with his free hand. "Leave the doors," she instructed when he reemerged with the pitcher. "Good luck."
"Thank you," he said, taking the time to kiss his mother’s cheek before leaving the room and heading down the stairs and out to the garden.