Ch 16 Come out, come out

Elladan and Elrohir realized Estel, along with Thranduil and Legolas had effectively neutralized the elves of Rivendell. They were the only ones still not captured.

Estel, Legolas, and Thranduil knew the only way to ‘capture’ the twins would be to separate them. They also knew it would not be easy.

Legolas, however, had a plan. He told Estel and Thranduil, “Sometimes the simplest is best.”

The three again checked the second level. All the pieces of silk were gone, but that did not mean that there were no more traps. The twins’ could be arguing. “I am hungry! Are we going to starve?”

Just then, Legolas rolled a small ball down the hall and hid. He could see the door open a crack. He watched as two heads were quickly pulled back in. Legolas smiled, and saw Thranduil take an object out of his pocket. Again there was the sound of a rolling object - going in the opposite direction.

As the twins again looked out, Legolas and Estel “accidentally” let the twins see them.

The twins let out a yell. “We have you now!” Estel and Legolas quickly disappeared back to the first level to their hiding place.

Thranduil could hear the twins as they neared his hiding place. He waited; he was in no hurry to ‘capture’ the twins. He would play them as a cat plays with a mouse.

Elladan and Elrohir raced down the staircase - only to see no sign of their quarry. How could those two disappear so thoroughly? Since they were near the kitchen, it was Elladan’s opinion that some food and drink were in order.

Estel, Legolas and Thranduil raced for the second level, where they checked for any more traps. None were found. Estel swiftly fixed the door to the twins’ bedroom so it would not open. The three then entered Glorfindel’s room.

Elrohir was muttering as he ascended the stairs with both hands filled with a tray of food, while Elladan came behind with two pitchers of drink.

Thranduil could see Elrohir as he reached the door of his room. He tried to open it, but it would not budge. Elladan then tried and failed.

A cold chill went down Elrohir’s spine. Estel, Legolas and Thranduil were near - they knew it. But where? As they stood there, they heard the *snick* as a door closed. Elladan whirled around. No doors were open and all seemed to be in order.

Elladan sat the pitchers on the floor. He whispered to Elrohir, “I am going to check the rooms. Wait for me.”

Elrohir hissed, “Nay, we should stay together.”

Elladan nodded. The tray and pitchers were set outside their door.

The twins went to the far end of the hall, and started to check each room. As soon as they disappeared, Thranduil snagged the tray, while Legolas retrieved the pitchers. Meantime, Estel had removed a small piece of parchment from the top of the door to Elrohir’s room. From there the three went to the balcony. They made it to the roof, and sat there, eating and drinking.

From their vantage point, they had a clear view of the hall. They watched, trying not to laugh as the twins realized their tray and drinks were gone. Elladan looked up and down the hall, while Elrohir gave a mighty push - only to have the door swing open and unceremoniously dump him on his back.

“Elrohir! This is neither the time nor the place to be playing!” said Elladan as he saw his brother lying on his back.

Elrohir started to splutter. “I am not playing.”

As they entered the room, their eyes were drawn to the curtains. They could not believe what they saw. This was really too much!