“But Nana…” the Elfling protested, “I’m…”

“No excuses, Elrohir!”

“But Nana, I’m Elladan!”

Celebrían stopped her scolding and looked again at her son. “Ai, I am sorry, Elladan. I thought it was Elrohir that had gone out. Though you still should not be running through the halls in muddy boots!”

“Yes, Nana.” Pulling off his boots, Elladan sighed heavily and went back to his room.

Pushing open the door that was really far too heavy for such a small Elfling, he stomped in. “Elrohir! Nana yelled at me instead of you again!”

Sitting cross-legged on the floor with several toys about him, Elrohir looked up slowly. “That is nothing!” he declared. “The cook at lunch thought I was you and served me cabbage! She didn’t believe that I wasn’t you and I had to eat it all!” he made a face. “I am tired of always being called you!”

Elladan nodded in agreement. “Me too! But what can we do?” He dropped down next to his twin. “What happens if they think I am you and make me eat carrots? That would be the worst thing ever!”

Elrohir nodded seriously. Being forced to eat vegetables was a serious matter indeed. But what to do?

Suddenly, he had the most wonderful idea. “I know!” he cried, jumping to his feet. “Come with me!” Taking Elladan’s hand, he dragged him out of their room to the study where they had their daily lessons and pulled open one of the cupboards.

Seeing what his twin had planned, Elladan’s eyes opened wide. “Elrohir, you are wonderful! Now they will know for certain!”

Pulling out what he needed, Elrohir grinned. “Just hold still!”

**********

Elrond looked at two empty seats at the dinner table and frowned. Where were his sons? It was unlike them to be late for dinner.

“Do you wish me to find them, my lord?” Glorfindel offered from across the table.

“I will give them a moment longer,” Elrond replied. “I am sure they will not be long.”

As if on cue, the door opened and the young lords entered the room.

A room that immediately fell silent.

Celebrían was the first to find her voice. “Elladan, Elrohir, what have you done?” she asked, rising slowly from her seat.

“Is it not wonderful?” Elladan said cheerily. “Now you will know who is who!”

“Indeed,” their mother replied, rather weakly. “For quite some time, I would imagine.”

“Will that come off?” Elrond asked, when he had recovered from his own shock. He stared in horror at his sons. He certainly hoped that the twins would not be expected to attend any formal functions anytime soon.

“Aye, eventually,” Celebrían muttered.

“Well, it is quite amusing, if nothing else,” Glorfindel said, though he was swiftly silenced by glares from his lord and lady and returned his attention to the twins and their new - identification.

It had clearly been a joint effort - they had taken a pot of red ink, a soft brush and painted their names in their best handwriting across their foreheads. They looked extremely pleased with themselves, not understanding the reactions of their elders.

“Perhaps we should get them pendants?” Celebrían suggested slowly.

Elrond looked at the bright red ink, which was going to be visible for weeks, if not longer. “Aye,” he agreed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in resignation. “Perhaps we should.”

THE END