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Ariel dusted off her hands as Elladan and Elrohir spilled into the kitchens. The maids stopped sweeping, cooks hovered over hot pans, and apprentices critically surveyed their creations.

Elrohir hesitated, unsure of the sudden change of atmosphere, before he announced, "My brother and I will be visiting and using the kitchens frequently from now on; we learned to cook while we were away. When we do use the kitchens, we request you all carry on normally and not treat us like fragile glass. Thank you; as you were."

Steam rose from the pans simmering over the stoves at the far corner of the room and stacks of crisp loaves covered the floury tables near the clay ovens. Ariel wound through the tables down the length of the room and inquired, "What is all this?"

"We were hoping," Elrohir explained, "You would not mind us cooking here. We wanted to make something special for ada and nana, in gratitude of their support and a better home."

"In Mirkwood, we often used the kitchens," Elladan added. "We . . . kind of wanted to be the same here."

"Well," said Ariel, "You will find no objection from me and I am sure the rest of the staff will grow used to having you around. What would you like to make?"

The twins consulted each other. "Just to be clear, we do not intend to cook a whole meal . . . yet. We were thinking something sweet and delicate that ada and nana might enjoy over a glass of wine."

Ariel grinned, and her dark eyes twinkled. "I can think of a dozen things fitting that description."

"Can we make those little rolls of crispy shortbread filled with sweet custard or fruit jam?"

"We certainly can. Come, I will show you where the bowls are and you can start. If you need help, I will be frying down by the stoves."

"Is Erestor home with Nightwing?" Elladan asked.

"Ah, no, he is here with me."

"Oh?" Elrohir glanced around. "But I thought ada said—"

"Lord Elrond had plenty to say about Nightwing coming to work with Erestor and I but if he desires to command delicate sweet meats, he shall have to pay properly for them."

Elrohir giggled at her face. After a moment he asked, "Are you the sort who will smack me if I take a cookie?"

"Do you think I would smack my son?"

Elrohir fidgeted. "I do not know. Some mothers do."

Ariel put a hand on his head. "I do not smack, Elrohir. Not you and certainly not my son. However, since you mean 'take' in the vein of steal, I would not appreciate that. If you want a cookie, there is a secret jar I will entrust you with where I put the broken cookies, and you are free to help yourself to those."

She indicated a tall ceramic jar on one of the counters marked 'Tea'. While Elladan rushed to retrieve a handful, Elrohir said, "I think I will enjoy being here with you as much as I enjoyed Mirkwood's kitchens."

Ariel smiled. "A fine compliment. Now, if you expect to deliver a tray of sweets to your parents by wine hour, we better start cooking."

It was after dinner when Elladan and Elrohir tiptoed toward the family room. Elrond looked up from his armchair as they entered. "I thought I tucked you into bed."

"Yes," Elrohir said. "But we wanted to bring you and nana something in celebration of being home and all you have done for us. We made it."

He put the tray down with care on the coffee table and clasped his hands behind his back in anticipation of a reaction.

Celebrian swung her legs over the edge of the sofa and sat up, discarding her book. "That is very sweet of you. It looks divine."

"Ariel would not let me bring up the wine," Elladan apologized.

"Mmm," said Celebrian. She picked up a flute-shaped piece of golden bread and bit into it. "You must taste these, Elrond; divine."

"And you are quite sure you made them?" Elrond asked, as he surveyed the dainty arrangement on the tray.

Elladan looked offended. "We spent all afternoon making them. I know Ariel could have made them but they would have meant the same thing if she had. We wanted to say thank you for . . . being here for us. It means a lot to have a home we feel safe and loved in with you."

Elrond hugged the top of his head to his chest. "Hannon le, ions. It means so much to us knowing we have two beautiful sons who love us. We will enjoy these treats knowing you baked them with us in your hearts."

Celebrian put down the flute in her hands with a flash of guilt in her eyes to swoop Elrohir into an embrace. After she kissed his cheek, Elrohir took his twin's hand and sidled toward the door. He skipped into the hall as Ariel approached from the opposite direction with the wine in hand.

When he burrowed into bed, he mused, "It felt good. I never understood why Legolas enjoyed bringing Thranduil flowers and treats but now I do."

OoOoO

"Elladan, dinner. Put the pencils away, please."

Elrohir took the pencil out of his mouth and closed his drawing pad as he sat up, collecting his supplies. Elladan lingered on his stomach, contemplating the sketch before him. He jumped as Elrond said, "Elladan, you heard me."

The elfling glanced back at his page before hesitating to meet his father's gaze from the doorway. "Ada, I know dinner is important but I can have dinner every day. I cannot find this vibe so easily; it is hard to find the right mood and, once I leave it, I know I will never get it back. I want to finish this sketch and having dinner will ascertain I can never finish it."

"Elladan, I do not appreciate this kind of drama."

"It is not drama, ada. It is truth!" Elladan protested. "Please may I have five minutes to finish?"

"You expect us to wait for you?"

"Not at all! I expect you to start."

Elrond looked at him. "This drawing means a lot to you."

Elladan looked down at the faces on the paper and his eyes softened. "Yes."

Elrond tipped his head back. "Well, you may have five minutes. When you are finished, join us. But do not complain if your brother has eaten the garlic bread."

Elladan grinned. "Hannon le, ada."

"Can I watch him?" Elrohir asked.

Elrond took his arm. "No, you may not. Come to dinner."

Elladan put his pencil back to the paper as Elrond guided his twin away. He looked up at the hearth, remembering a paper he had burnt there once, long ago, and the spanking he had endured.

After a moment he smiled and the smile bore no bitterness.

Does anyone remember where this ending scene happened before? *Raises eyebrows*.

Thank you (yes, you), for reading! I love you for it and love your kind sharing of thoughts even more!

Three chapters left, people! Savor this!

Next Chapter: Legolas attends a party.