|
|
Disclaimer:
Any recognizable characters and places associated with the Lord of the
Rings are creations of J.R.R. Tolkien and property of Tolkien Enterprises.
No money is being made off of this story, it is for entertainment only. The
conversation between Gilraen's parents comes from Appendix A of The Lord of
the Rings and was not written by me.
*******
Authors Note: It has been awhile since I have been around an almost three year
old, so I am sorry if Aragorn's speech is a little more advanced than a normal
toddler. I had conversation with my one-year cousin when he was little, though.
Writing children is hard for me even without trying to incorporate it into a
non-humor story.
Note:
<< >> surrounds flashbacks or memories
*******
Chapter
2: Bitter Awakenings
What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to
what lies within us.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
*********
Earlier on Arathorn's fateful day Gilraen the Fair, daughter of Dirhael, was
preparing lunch and humming merrily to herself. Her long dark hair was tied back
with a leather tie and she wore a simple dress of wool. She was still young
among the women of the Dunedain and had not reached the age at which her
kinswomen were accustomed to marry and have a child. This fact, however, did not
daunt Gilraen and she hummed merrily because she was happy. She had a good
husband and a healthy, bright child and she was content.
As a crash resounded from outside Gilraen winced in surprise and narrowly
avoided cutting off her finger with the knife she was using to slice at a loaf
of bread. Speaking of a son that was probably her very active ball of sunshine
now. She smiled warmly as she placed the knife firmly on the counter and headed
outside to investigate. Leodry was watching over Aragorn as she worked in the
kitchen. She suppressed a chuckle and shook her head. She was convinced that men
of all ages could use a chaperon once in awhile.
Gilraen stepped out of the house and shielded her eyes from the sun with one
hand.
"What in Middle Earth?" she asked out loud.
Trithen the horse's fence had a, for lack of a better word, hole, in it. The
normally placid horse was breathing hard and staring at Leodry with the utmost
indignantly. Leodry's face was flushed and he was eyeballing the horse with
trepidation. Her two-year-old son and one of the older boys were practically on
the ground rolling with laughter.
What on earth?
Gilraen hurried over to the trio with her skirt fluttering around her ankles.
Aragorn stopped his laughter and called to his mother when he saw her coming.
Bypassing Leodry she went straight to the flustered horse and stroked his neck
to calm him down. When the horse appeared to calm considerably she turned to
face the two boys and one man. The two older ones lowered their eyes to the
ground under the motherly stare and Aragorn not understanding if he was going to
be in trouble or not imitated the other two. Trithen held his head up high
beaming.
"What is going on here?" she asked fixing the full motherly look on
Leodry.
"Um, well, we... we, you see, it wasn't my idea..."
Aragorn forgetting he was supposed to be looking sad couldn't contain himself
anymore.
"Mommy, mommy! You missed it! Trithen broke the fence!"
Gilraen fondly looked at her son as he spoke and picked the excited child up
when he was finished. Her look turned disapproving as she turned back to the
other two. She held her hand up to cut off the string of confusing explanations
coming.
"I do not want to know. Someone could have gotten hurt. Do you understand?
What if one of the boys had been sitting on the fence? It is time for Aragorn's
meal and nap. Fix that," she pointed to the fence, "quietly."
Gilraen started to head back to the house, but wheeled around after a couple of
steps causing the two boys to jump.
"And take care of Trithen, gently."
With that final comment she left the two boys standing next to the gloating
horse. As soon as Gilraen entered the house Leodry and the boy sighed in relief.
*****
Later that night after Gilraen put Aragorn to bed she sat tiredly down at the
kitchen table. She loved her son immensely and was fond of being a mother, but
why did two-year- olds have to touch everything? Between taking care of a little
one, keeping an eye on the boys repairing the fence, and trying to finish all
the normal household chores she was exhausted. As she sat there drinking her tea
anxiety swept through her and she felt in her very soul. She felt panicky and
short of breath. A memory pushed itself to the front of her mind.
<< Gilraen was straining to hear to her parents through the door. Arathorn
son of Arador sought her hand in marriage and, although young, she wished it to
happen. Her father was against it she could tell and she was wondering why. Did
he not think the future Chieftain of the Dunedain good enough for her? What more
could he ask for in a son in law? Her father's voice wafted through the door and
she listened.
"Arathorn is a stern man of full age, and will be chieftain sooner than men
looked for; yet my heart forebodes that he will be short-lived."
Gilraen had to keep herself from gasping at her father's words. What did he mean
by that? She heard, Ivorwen, her mother speaking and quieted her thoughts.
"The more need of haste! The days are darkening before the storm, and great
things are to come. If these two wed now, hope may be born for our people; but
if they delay, it will not come while this age lasts."
Gilraen was not sure what her parents were talking about and hearing her mother
side with the marriage pushed it from her mind. Her mother would convince her
father to agree with it as well. She ran back to her room excited about the days
to come. >>
Gilraen's cup shattered when it hit the floor and she startled back to the
present. The wave of anxiety was passing and she forced herself to breathe
normally. She brought a shaky hand up to her chest as she forced herself to calm
down. Why had she just remembered that? The occurrence of that memory and the
sudden anxiety gave Gilraen a sense of foreboding. She knew with out a doubt
that something had happened to her husband and that whatever it was not good.
******
Singing.
The first thing Elladan was aware of was singing. A velvet dream drifting
through and illuminating the dark maze. It was so familiar. So comforting. For a
long time Elladan was content to just stay there and listening to the sweet
melody. Even though he could not make out the words the voice was still fair. As
he listened the rest of his mind slowly awakened and he recognized the voice. It
sounded like his mother. He was aware enough to realize that was impossible.
Was he dead then?
He ruled that possibility out as well when he noticed he could, albeit dully,
feel his side throbbing. It also occurred to him that she wasn't dead either.
Still, it sounded so much like his mother.
Elladan became panicked when the singing stopped. No! He mentally screamed. He
feared he would never hear the sweet sound again. A mumbled voice replaced the
singing and he faintly felt something touch his shoulder. Unsure of what it was
he tried to recoil from the touch. The single voice grew into many and his fear
heightened. Who were they and why would they not leave him alone?
Something grabbed a hold of his wrist and he tried to fight it off. Another
unseen foe touched his forehead and he felt a sense of calmness spread through
him. One of the voices cut through the darkness so strongly that Elladan
understood the words.
"Elladan, listen to my voice. Follow it back to the light and open your
eyes."
The voice continued to talk and push back the darkness surrounding Elladan's
mind until he became fully aware of his senses. He followed the voice's command
and opened his eyes.
He was somewhat confused by the scene that presented itself. The room he was in
was dark and his father was bending over him with his hand touching his forehead
the other applying pressure to his chest. Elrohir was sitting on the bed beside
him holding his wrists down. As he continued to absorb his surrounding he saw
his sister standing patiently behind Elrohir. All three of them where staring at
him with matching expressions of concern. Had he had the strength, Elladan would
have laughed, his father, however, was not laughing.
"Elladan?"
At the mention of his name Elladan's attention was drawn back to his father. He
was looking at him with a combination of concern, confusion, and that 'look' he
gave him when he had done something. Elrond looked him in the eyes and seemed
satisfied with what he saw. Elladan saw him nod to Elrohir and his brother
released the grip he had on his wrists and Elrond lifted his hand up. Elladan
was confused by that brief exchange. Why was his father and brother holding him
down anyway? Right now he was sure he didn't have the strength to lift his head
let alone hurt anyone.
Elrohir moved back giving Elrond room to sit beside Elladan. Elladan scanned the
room in confusion again before his tired gaze settled on his father.
"Ada, what..."
Elladan couldn't force the rest of his question past his dry throat. Arwen
appeared to his other side with a glass of water. She helped him sip at it until
he indicated he had had enough. Needing no words he gave her a look that
expressed his gratitude and she smiled warmly back at him.
Elladan felt his eyelids becoming increasingly heavy and he forced them back
open to look at his father once more. He had not finished his question. Elladan
had to fight to stay awake even as he spoke.
"What...happened?"
"It is alright, my son. All will be answered when you wake. Rest."
Elladan's eyes closed again and he tried unsuccessfully to pry them open as his
father spoke. He felt a gentle touch on his forehead and a peacefulness settle
over him. The last thing he heard was the command 'rest' before he sunk back
down into the inviting darkness.
******
Elrond heard his son's breathing become light and regular signally he had
drifted back to sleep and he sighed. 'Well, that was unexpected,' he thought.
Elrond looked up from his son's pale features to his daughter sitting on the
other side of Elladan.
"Are you alright Arwen?"
Arwen smiled serenely at her father with a look in her eyes that reminded her
father that she had grown up with these two and survived.
"I am fine ada. Elrohir came in soon after he began to struggle."
"What was that, adar?" Elrohir asked from behind Elrond.
"His fever has returned and I believe he was not fully awake, so knew not
what was happening."
"I do not believe it is anything to worry about Elrohir," Elrond added
after seeing a look of worry enter his son's eyes.
"I will watch over him now. You two may head back to your rooms."
"But ada, I am not tired."
"I will be fine by myself."
Elrond held up his hand to stay the agreements.
"Yes, my daughter I know you would be and Elrohir you have had a hard day.
I need time to think anyway and I can do that while I watch over Elladan. Unless
the two of you think me incapable?" Elrond finished with a quizzical smile.
"Nys, adar," Arwen and Elrohir answered together. //no, father//
With one last reluctant glance Elrohir left the room. Arwen stopped just before
she passed through the door.
"You can not carry the troubles of the entire world, adar. You encourage us
to talk about our grievance and it is wise advice. Remember, I am only down the
hall."
Arwen closed the door behind her as she left. No further words were needed to.
Elrond smiled to himself. It still amazed him sometimes that his children were
grown and could possess such wisdom. He quietly rose from the corner of the bed
and sat in the chair next that Arwen had occupied moments ago. He had purged
most of the poison from his son's body, but small amounts undoubtedly remained.
They had given Elladan something to fight his fever already and Elrond did not
think it wise to take the risk of giving him more so soon. Such happenings were
not unexpected when it came to poisons and he did not believe it anything to be
concerned over. Still, it was his son and as a parent he could not help but to
worry somewhat, so he had decided to keep an eye on Elladan himself.
It was turning out to be a restless night for the Lord of Rivendell anyway.
Elrond sighed and looked out at the balcony to the green beyond. Arathorn had
been a friend and after living through millennia Elrond decided that loss did
not get any easier. He was pained by the loss, as was Elrohir. He had spent the
better part of the night convincing Elrohir that there was nothing he could have
done differently. He knew that when Elladan awoke and remembered what had
befallen he was going to have to go through this all over again. Elladan was
protective of others and one to put the blame on himself, so his would be the
tougher battle.
Elrond sighed again as he a thought came to him. Gilraen was going to have to be
informed of what had transpired. He did not look forward to this task either.
The death of Arathorn left her and their small son alone. Her people would
undoubtedly help and try to protect them, but would it be enough? With the days
ahead darkening Elrond was not so sure. The way yesterday's event had been
described and the fact that Elrohir meet no resistance from the orcs while
trying to escape lead Elrond to believe that the orcs had already gotten who
they were after. Could the enemy have found out who Arathorn was? More
importantly was someone still looking?
If that were the case then he doubted Gilraen's people alone could protect her
and or more importantly her son. The little one was now the sole heir of Isildur
and was not old enough to even realize what that meant. Elrond knew that the boy
would need to be taken somewhere safe from the reaches of the enemy. The two
safest places were logically either Lothlorien or here in Imladris. Elrond ruled
Lothlorien out, though. It was well protected, even more than most knew, but it
was still relatively close to Mordor. There were also no outsiders in
Galadriel's realm. The young one would be alone there where travelers of all
kind, including his own people, frequented Rivendell.
His mind made up Elrond decided that Isildur's heir was to be brought to
Rivendell as soon as possible. The boy was a distant relative after all and it
would not draw attention if humans were to stay in Rivendell. Elrond also felt
obligated to help his brother's descendents. And if anyone had found out about
Arathorn, it would be best for his son to disappear for a time. He will have to
leave the name of Aragorn behind for the time being. If the boy was too young to
understand whom he really was than he could be raised without anyone telling
him. He would be safer if he did not know until the time was right. Elrond
decided that if he was going to take on the responsibly of protecting the little
one than he could do it best if the boy was kept in this very house.
******
When Elladan opened his eyes everything was blurry except the moonlight that was
streaming into the room. Someone was singing softly in the direction of the
light. He squinted and concentrated on the bright doorway. After several moments
the picture he saw focused into clarity and he saw a figure illuminated in the
open balcony doorway. Arwen was standing there in all of her radiance. Her long
dark hair hung freely cascading down her back and shimmered in the moonlight.
She was facing the open balcony so Elladan could not see her face.
The last thing Elladan remembered was spiraling down the side of a drop off and
scrambling over rocks behind Arathorn. The rest of his memories were unclear.
Obviously he had been brought home and, testament of the framed image of his
sister; his family was keeping a vigil over him. His arms and legs felt weak so
he must have been lying here for sometime. Elladan tried to swallow and found
the task hard. He remembered the reason for that, though. He did remember
painfully inhaling dust and it severely scratching his throat. Elladan relaxed
and listened to his sister's tune.
After several minutes the song ended.
"Oio naa elealla alassa', muinthel. I enjoy listening to you sing,"
Elladan said softly. //ever is thy sight a joy, sister.//
Arwen turned around at the sound of her brother's voice and gave him a radiant
smile. She walked over, sat on the edge of the bed, and took hold of her
brother's extended hand.
"Hantale, muindoramin. Sut lle tyava?" //Thank you, my brother. How do
you feel?//
"A bit confused. How long have I been here?"
"Elrohir brought you back two days ago. You woke briefly yesterday, do you
not remember?"
"No, I am afraid I do not."
"Your fever had not broke and you were a bit delusional."
Arwen gave him an amused smile.
"I never thought one so ill could grip so hard."
Elladan's eye went wide as he realized what she was saying.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked alarmed.
Arwen gave a light laugh.
"As I told Elrohir, I have survived growing up with two brothers and I can
handle myself. But no, brother, you did not. Let us just say that I am glad your
reaction to my singing was less dire this time."
Elladan shared a mischievous look with his sister then arched his brow when a
thought struck him.
"Two days you say? Are you not supposed to be well on your way to
Lothlorien?"
"I was to set out to visit our grandparents two day ago, yes, that was
until my brother showed up on the doorstep barely alive. I have sent a messenger
to tell grandmother that I will be a few days late."
"Speaking of doorsteps, I do not remember how or why I was brought back
here. What happened?"
Arwen fought to keep her expression neutral. She had not known Arathorn very
well, but her brother had. Father had warned her that Elladan might not remember
what had happened and he would remember in time. If not he would break the news
to Elladan himself. How could she not answer him, though? She could not lie to
him.
"Are you hungry?"
Although Arwen did not let her thoughts reflect on her face Elladan picked up on
the sudden change of subject.
"What is it?"
"Elladan, please..."
"Arwen!"
"I am not the one to discuss this with, my brother. Now are you hungry or
not?"
Despite the frustration he felt Elladan smiled to himself. Arwen had the gentle
way of stopping further argument that their mother had and the ability to answer
one with a question like their father. Knowing that stubbornness ran in the
family, he let it drop for now.
"Yes, actually I am."
Arwen sighed mentally.
"Very well, I will bring you something."
"No need Arwen," he said with a charming smile, far too charming for
Arwen.
"I will come with you."
It was Arwen's turn for her to stare at Elladan with wide eyes as he sat up.
Before he could swing his legs out of bed she placed a restrictive hand on his
chest.
"Adar has not given you permission to go anywhere and you especially are
not getting out of bed on my watch."
"Come sister, what harm could it do? Trust me."
Arwen answered with the closest thing Elladan had ever heard as a snort from
her.
"I have heard those words from the both of you far to often over the years.
Do I look as if I have gone mad?"
"You worry far to much sister," he answered with a glint in his eyes,
"besides what could be so difficult in just walking out to the
kitchen?"
"Absolutely not," she said firmly.
*****
Ten minutes later Elladan and Arwen crept silently down the hall. She had, with
much annoyance from Elladan, one arm rapped around him for support. Both elves
stopped as they approached their father's door. 'Why does Elladan's room have to
be at the end of the hall?' Arwen thought with another mental sigh. 'Moreover,
why do I let them get me into such situations?"
She looked at Elladan and mouthed the words, "I can not believe you talked
me into this," as quietly as possible.
Elladan smiled with suppressed mirth and silently nodded his head for them to
continue. Elrohir and he were experienced at creeping by their father's door,
but Arwen had not had as much practice.
Arwen held her breath as they passed the door. Their father would be most upset
if he discovered Elladan out of bed and her helping, especially if they were
caught right in front of his door! She sighed in relief as they cleared the
entrance and turned the corner. As soon as they turned the corner she whispered
into her brother's ear.
"I feel like a guilty elfling trying to sneak out of the house to meet
someone in the gardens."
Elladan stopped walking and stared as his sister. At Elladan's incredulous look
she added with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Not that I know what that is like, of course."
They entered the kitchen and Arwen quietly shut the door. Elladan sat down at
her insistence and Arwen went about lighting one of the lamps. After she lit it
she placed it on the table and sat down.
"You do realize adar will be most upset if we are discovered?"
"Why sister, are you having fun?"
Arwen gave Elladan a guilty look and cleared her throat. She was spared
answering Elladan as the kitchen door swung open and the two elves sucked in
their breath.
Celaviel entered the kitchen to discover one of the young lords and the lady
sitting at the table and staring at her as if she were the dark lord herself.
She almost laughed out load at the looks of immense relief that crossed both
faces as they realized who it was. She could not, however, keep a merry smile
off her face.
"Why my young lord, I do believe you should be in bed, should you
not?"
She did chuckle at the matching guilty looks. Arwen answered first.
"Quel lome, Celaviel. Elladan was hungry and I was just going to find
something for him." //Good evening//
Celaviel laughed softly.
"Do not worry Arwen, your secret is safe with me. If you get caught,
however, I will deny I was ever in the kitchen tonight."
Elladan and Arwen sighed in relief.
"What are you doing in the kitchen so early?" Elladan asked.
"I was just getting an early start in gathering a mixture of healing herbs
for Elrohir's trip to Eriador tomorrow."
At the mention of his brother leaving he looked sharply at Celaviel.
"And just why is Elrohir leaving for Eriador tomorrow?"
Elladan did not miss the warning look Arwen gave Celaviel. He looked from one to
the other and settled his gaze on Arwen. They were not telling him something and
he did not know what, but for some reason he was filled with dread. He stood and
walked over to Arwen.
"Arwen?"
Elladan gave her such a besought look that she could not continue to let him
guess. She stood and gave him an empathetic look.
"Elladan," she took a deep breath and continued carefully, "What
exactly do you remember?"
He saw the apprehension in his sister's eyes and his feeling of dread increased.
"I remember getting caught in a rockslide with Arathorn and then following
him through the dark with Elrohir. The rest is a jumble of blurry images,"
he said shaking his head.
Arwen placed her hand supportively on her brother's arm.
"The reason Elrohir brought you back here was because you were shot with a
poisoned orc arrow."
An arrow. An orc arrow. That triggered a memory and Elladan shut his eyes to try
and hold onto it. He heard Arathorn's voice.
<< "Great, they have archers." >>
<< "We have to get out of here before we get surrounded"
>> he heard himself say.
Elrohir's voice entered his mind.
<< "I am sorry Elladan. I do not wish to leave him, but I can no
longer save him. I can help you, though." >>
Can no longer save Arathorn? Save him from what? 'Think,' he commanded himself.
Save Arathorn from what?
<< "Ed' i' ear ar' elenea!" he cried as he dashed over and knelt
down. >> //By the sea and stars//
Then the image he had been dreading came to him - Arathorn lying motionless on
the ground with an orc arrow piercing his eye.
Elladan remembered.
He remembered everything from the rockslide, to watching the ranger kill the orc
who blocked their path, his brother pulling him down and being hit in the
shoulder, Aethaenyn bursting through the orcs, and then turning to find his
friend lying on the ground.
Arathorn was dead.
Elladan felt his legs weaken and the sudden realization crushed him to the
ground and he felt himself collapse to his knees. It became increasingly hard to
breathe. A black wall of grief surrounded his mind and blocked out his vision.
Elladan's ears were ringing so loud that he couldn't hear anything either.
His friend had fallen.
He replayed the events in his mind.
<< "These tracks suggest the orc was not alone. What could such a
horde be up to?" Arathorn had asked.
"Nothing good I can assure you. Whatever it is I suggest we inspect it a
little closer," He had answered. >>
It was all his fault they were following the orcs in the first place. The orcs
split into three bands.
<< "A trap do you think?" asked Elrohir.
"Mayhap, but how would they know we are behind them?" >>
Why did he not listen to his brother and turn around right then? Had he not
urged them on Arathorn might still be alive. Had he not told them to cross the
pass there might have been a chance they could have pushed through the group of
orcs on horseback.
As Elladan was thinking about the rockslide and being shot, his shoulder and
side began to burn and throb. He had not given it much thought before lying in
bed or easily walking with Arwen's support, but now his injuries made themselves
apparent. A few ribs were broken, they had to be, the healer part of his mind
accessed. As the pain grew in fierceness it snapped his awareness back to
reality.
Elladan was kneeling on the floor with his father kneeling in front of him.
Elrond had a hand on both sides of Elladan's face causing him to look in his
direction. He glanced around with his eyes and saw Arwen was sitting on the
ground beside him holding him upright and Elrohir was kneeling next to his
father. The ringing in his ears died down and his father's voice floated to his
ears.
"Elladan! Look at me, my son! Can you hear me? Elladan! Elladan answer me.
Elladan!"
His father's voice held a sense of urgency that he was not used to hearing and
it brought him out of his trance. He swallowed trying to find his voice through
the grief and pain. Elladan couldn't think of anything to say so he placed his
hands on top of his father's to let him know he could hear him. He bowed his
head in an attempt to hide the tears that were welling up.
Elrond stopped his calling when Elladan looked at him with recognition and
grabbed a hold of his hands. He leaned in and touched his forehead to his son's.
He had to briefly shut his eyes and take a steadying breath to calm himself.
Arwen tightened her hold, leaned her head on her brother's shoulder, and tried
to calm her rapidly beating heart.
Elrohir bowed his head and sighed. He leaned forward onto his arms for support.
Celaviel, who was standing out of the way behind Elladan, gripped and leaned on
the counter in relief.
No one in the kitchen moved for an entire minute. Elrond finally looked up and
broke the silence.
"Come Elladan," he said softly, "I think you should return to
your room and lay down."
Elladan felt Arwen's arm slip away to be replaced by Elrond's. Elladan keep his
head bowed for he couldn't stand to meet the concerned gazes he knew were there
and he was barely holding back the tears that burned his eyes. He stood as his
father slowly pulled him to his feet and felt Elrond's arm tighten protectively
as he swayed unsteadily. They walked all the way back to his room like that with
Elrond half guiding and half supporting him and Elrohir and Arwen close behind.
After helping Elladan back into bed Elrond gave Elrohir and Arwen a look that
said he wanted to talk to Elladan alone.
Arwen walk over and kissed her brother on the forehead.
"Quel kaima, Elladan," she whispered. //Sleep well//
Elrohir squeezed his brother's shoulder comfortingly and the two left the room.
Elrond sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Elladan, look at me."
Elladan meet Elrond with the same tear filled sorrowful look he had to endure
with Elrohir yesterday. The difference was that Elladan's eyes did not hold as
much denial as Elrohir's once did, but more guilt.
"I know you can not convince yourself now, but in time you will come to
realize this is not your fault. Elrohir told me everything that happened and
there was nothing you could have done. It was the orc who was at fault and not
you. Such are the risk when one travels abroad. Arathorn knew the dangers of
such a life and excepted them as do you and Elrohir every time you venture
forth."
Elrond could see his son was not ready to open up so after squeezing his
shoulder in much the same fashion as Elrohir he stood to leave.
"Remember my son, when you are ready talk, I will always be ready to
listen."
Elrond walked to the door and was about to reach for the handle when Elladan
stopped him.
"Ada?"
Elrond turned back to the bed.
"Where is Elrohir going tomorrow?"
"Elrohir and Aranel are going to inform Gilraen about her husband and bring
her and her son back to Rivendell."
*****
Elrond closed the door behind him and as expected he found Arwen and Elrohir
waiting in the hallway.
"He is grieving and I think it best to give him sometime to sort his
emotions out alone."
Arwen and Elrohir nodded in understanding and went off to their separate rooms.
*****
As soon as the door closed Elladan sat up in his bed and cried. He hadn't cried
since his mother left some 400 years ago, but he could not hold it back now.
Elladan vented his anger, grief, and guilt until his throbbing ribs made him
stop. He finally looked up and glanced out the window. The first pale fringes of
light were beginning to spread over the land. He did not realize he had been
weeping that long.
Elrohir and Aranel would be leaving for Eraidor soon. He wished to go with them,
but he knew there was no chance his father would agree to that. He had trouble
finding the strength to walk unaided let alone travel. Still it was his fault
Arathorn was slain and there was no way he was going to let anything happen to
his wife or son. He owed it to Arathorn to make sure his family safely arrived
in Rivendell. Besides, Elrohir and Aranel were confident fighters and elves heal
quickly, so he had plenty of time to recover on the trip there. The ghost of a
smile graced his fair features as he remembered the phrase Elrohir and he lived
by. 'If father does not know about it, he cannot say no.'
******
Elrond and Arwen looked up from their breakfast as Celaviel came bursting into
the dinning hall. She briskly walked over to Elrond and gave a slight bow.
"Your son is gone, my lord."
"Yes, he left a short while ago with..."
"Not that one," she interrupted, "the other one."
"Elladan? That could not be. I checked on him before Elrohir left and he
was in bed," Arwen stated.
"Well he is no longer, my lady. I went to his room to change the bandage on
his shoulder and he was not there. Before you ask, yes, I checked the rest of
the house. He is simple gone."
Elrond rose and headed for his son's room with the two elf maids on his heels.
He arrived and pushed open the door without bothering to knock.
It was as he feared - empty.
Elladan's weapons were gone and he opened one of the closets to see his travel
things missing as well. He did not need to ask where Elladan was heading. There
was no doubt in his mind that he was following after Elrohir. Elrond practically
slammed the cabinet doors shut.
The uncharacteristic and rare display of anger from the normally composed Elrond
made Arwen and Celaviel jump in surprise as he forcefully closed the closet.
Elrond wheeled around to face them and Celaviel had to fight the urge not to
take a step back. She had never seen her lord this angry.
"Senseless child! Is he trying kill himself!?"
Elrond fumed toward the door and Arwen and Celaviel sidestepped out of the way
to let him pass. Celaviel sighed in relief after he stormed out of the room
robes swirling angrily behind him. She turned to face Arwen.
"Your brother has done it this time. I have never seen him that angry
before."
Arwen had to agree. She had seen her father that way once before, only once
before. It was when her brothers and she were but elflings and from her memory
she was extremely grateful her father's ire was not directed at her this time.
She looked to the other elf maid and smiled ruefully.
"It looks as though my departure will have to wait a little while
longer."
*******
Gilraen woke with a start and sat up in bed trembling. She forced herself to
breath deeply to calm her shaking body. This was the second night in a row she
had awoke from her sleep from bad dreams and a feel of anxiety hanging over her.
Yes, something horrible had definitely happened. Deep down Gilraen already knew
what it probably was, but she would not let her mind express it. Besides her
son, hope was the one thing she had to hold onto and she would not let either of
them go.
********
back
/ next