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Topic: Alphabet Games
F. fractious (frac' tious) a: cross, irritable

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"My Lord Elrond, there seems to be a fractious air around your sweet Valley this eve."

Elrond looked down the table of from his seat and took in the varying expressions of ire and increasing puzzlement. "It would seem you are quite correct, Erestor." They both observed the deepening mutinous expression on Elladan's face as his brother continued to laugh and talk with Rumil and Orophin. Haldir was deep in conversation with Glorfindel, yet his eyes flicked somewhat nervously from his brothers, the twins and most surprisingly Elrond and Erestor.

"There is mischief afoot, my Lord."

Glorfindel raised his eyes at that moment to gaze across the table at Erestor. Erestor snarled silently at the Seneschal and Glorfindel smiled back at him. Elrond watched the interplay silently.

"It would seem that there is also more animosity than usual between my right and left hands."

Erestor shifted slightly in his chair to the right of Elrond, "There is a saying that one must always watch out for the left hand because that is the hand that performs the sleight while the right distracts the eye."

Elrond raised an eyebrow and leaned over to whisper in Erestor's pointed ear, "Do not fear sweet Counselor. I know very well what both of my hands have been up to. And while the left has been bit naughty of late, he does not act without direction or out of his bounds." Elrond leaned back and when Erestor looked once more in Glorfindel's direction he met knowing blue eyes and a complacent smirk.

"Elladan is positively livid. I believed that he had gotten over his irrational jealousy towards Elrohir's friends years ago."

Haldir looked at Elladan, "It appears he has had a relapse, my Lord. Do you want me to have a talk with Orophin and Rumil?"

"No, Elrohir is old enough to choose his own friends and fight his own battles. Elladan will always try to control him if he does not stand up for himself."

Haldir made a soft, noncommittal noise. "I do not suppose you have talked to Master Erestor since the last time we talked."

Glorfindel sighed, "No, sadly not. He has been very sure not to be caught alone in a room with me since then. He believes that he will be able to hide behind Elrond's robes but he is wrong. So very wrong."

Haldir raised an eyebrow, "So Lord Elrond approves then? Or do you have an open relationship?"

Glorfindel looked the other blond in the eye, "When you go to Celeborn, do you go to him alone or do you visit the Lady also?"

Haldir blushed a fiery red, "I...go to them both."

"And does Galadriel suffer your presence for the sake of her Lord or does she revel in your delight and his?"

Haldir nodded with understanding, "So you both would have a third and you have chosen Erestor." He was silent for a moment, "You both have your work cut out for you."

Glorfindel laughed, "I have always loved a challenge."

Haldir nodded again, "Yes, that is what Celeborn said also. I almost feel sorry for Erestor."

Glorfindel was oddly solemn, "No, it will not be Erestor who will suffer in this relationship."

Tomorrow the Letter G.