A/N - First things first, I've done a lot of research for this story, so most of the names here are actual Tolkien creations. My creation is the lady you'll read of. By the way, that was my disclaimer for the whole story. The time line is set during and a little after the first meeting of the White Council. (T.A. 2463) Enjoy
~Brothers First~
~Prologue ~ Companionship and Brotherhood~
Among the trees whose leaves danced in the wind gushed a flowing stream. It was early spring, and the water was cold and crisp, clear and sparkling. Pools gathered in deeper places and became favored swimming holes for the elven children, and most adults, who lived in the area.
Two boys played near one of these pools, skipping rocks and catching frogs.
"Elladan, I got a big one," shouted Elrohir as he waved his cupped hands around.
"Careful, you'll get him dizzy," Elladan called to his twin.
Leaning in close, they peered at the toad, who in turn, peered back. The chin inflated and deflated with each breath.
"Let's show him to Nána," Elrohir said mischievously.
A stern glance from Elladan stopped the idea. Shrugging, Elrohir let the creature free and watched as he hopped away for cover. He looked up and saw a blue jay swoop into a nest in a nearby tree.
"A nest I wonder if there are babies," he exclaimed as he ran to the tree.
Elladan watched curiously as he bent and picked up another stone. His twin climbed the tree swiftly and began to crawl along the branch, which hung over the stream. The young elf became anxious.
"Be careful, brother," the elder called.
"Don't worry, Elladan. I am an elf, you know. Graceful and elegant by nature," he said as he inched closer to the nest. The blue jay, sensing the danger, swooped at the boy.
"Don't you worry either, Mr. Blue Bird, I just want to take a look," Elrohir cooed to the angry avian.
But the bird didn't trust the elf. He swooped once more. Elrohir swatted at him, which also shook the branch where the nest lay precariously. Noticing the danger, the boy stilled his movements, but the bird was strong willed. He flapped by his head as he tried to crawl back.
The branch, to Elrohir at least, seemed to have moved on its own and dumped him into the frigid waters. The stream was nearly two meters deep in the hole. When he finally broke the surface, the boy flailed as he tried to catch his breath and bearing. The water quickly began robbing his body heat.
Vaguely, he heard a splash beside him and was suddenly enveloped by two arms. Elladan had jumped in after him. The elder pulled his brother up the steep bank and onto dry land. They lay there a few moments, sputtering and shivering, before speaking.
"Graceful and elegant indeed," Elladan muttered.
Smiling coyly, Elrohir murmured his thanks. Knowing that they needed to remove the cold wet clothing, the twins began to walk back to Rivendell.
"What shall we tell Adar and Nána," Elrohir asked, feeling abashed.
"That we fell in," Elladan replied simply.
Elrohir glanced sidelong at his brother, "Then you will not tell on me?"
He laughed lightly, "Whether by accident or on purpose, we still both fell in."
Smiling gratefully, Elrohir nodded, "I like your reasoning."
~Chapter 1 ~ The First Meeting ~
The council hall of Rivendell was neither hot nor cold, but as Elladan son of Elrond stepped further away from the Elven dwelling, he noticed a chill in the air. To the mortals of Middle-Earth, it was just another of their few winters. To the elves, it was an endless cycle that they preferred not exist.
The very first meeting of what was deemed the White Council had just ended for the day, and it seemed to the elf that it had only been a formality used to introduce everyone who was important, or thought of themselves as such.
Elladan knew such formalities were proper, but he also knew that courtly proceedings would only tie them down into stagnation. Already there had been tempers flaring, and not just from dwarves. Curunir, a wizard also known as Saruman, had insisted on running the proceedings, despite that fact that the Council was held in Rivendell, which was Lord Elrond's haven.
But in a show of grace and good will, and in wisdom Elladan could someday hope to wield, Elrond gave the seat to the Valar-sent being. Also in attendance was Olórin, known as Mithrandir, advisors to Lord Círdan of the Grey Havens, advisors and ambassadors from Lord Celeborn in Lothlórien, and from King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Dwarves from Erebor were represented by Náin, son of Óin, and Dáin, son of Náin, and a few of their advisors. Only two men had come, Boromir, son of Denethor, the Ruling Steward of Gondor, and his servant Dagnir.
Elladan pictured each face; most had a personality that matched their countenance, but a few stood out as especially stolid. Mostly elves, he figured, who can hide their emotions with years of experience.
Yet in the things which wonder them so, such as the trees even unadorned as they were, the passion and romanticism flow forth in everything they see and touch. Elladan looked about him; the land surrounding Rivendell was in the jaws of winter, it's colorful spring through fall held off for a few short months.
Once he began to see snow, he knew he was outside his father's magical circling, which kept such weather from the elven haven. Elladan glanced over his shoulder at the trail of footprints in the snow. When he turned back to his front, he noticed his feet were not the only ones to have walked there; another set, smaller and lighter, went along the outside of the path, apparently avoiding leaving tread marks.
"These are fresh prints," he noted that they were not melted or covered by new snow.
He stopped to examine both the prints in the snow and in the dirt path as he put to use the training he and his twin brother Elrohir had learned from their father. The tracks paused occasionally and turned from side to side but kept in the direction he had been going.
"The walker was viewing scenery or checking if they were followed," he murmured.
The foot prints that walked forward were small in length and spacing apart.
"The walker is short, maybe a woman," he said.
A longer patch of snow revealed a pattern in the snow that was not from feet.
"The walker is a woman, that is a dress that hangs to the ground," he said with proud certainty as if he were a clever child who had passed a test, "I wonder what a woman is doing out here alone."
The foot prints continued until the path curved and he could see no more. Elladan stepped off again. Perhaps she was traveling north to collect the winter berries that grew from hardy shrubs along the northernmost boundaries of Rivendell. Though the more he thought about it, he realized they ripened in early spring, not mid winter.
'Perhaps I will catch up to this wayward traveler. I would like to know just who she is,' he thought, his concerns turning to possibilities of leaks to the enemy.
Such an occurrence would be disastrous, though the only useful information from today would be who had attended, and how important they were.
As he rounded the turn of the path, he saw someone walking in the distance. Elladan concluded that the individual ahead of him was the one making the foot prints. Her step was genteel and measured, though her feet were covered by a long cloak and dress. He followed her for a short distance, until she paused and looked behind her.
A hood covered her features, but as he neared the first thing he noticed was a small silver band and blue gem that was placed upon her forehead. Blonde hair peaked out along the sides, but he imagined it fell longer down her back. Her eyes were blue and sparkled with, what was it? Irritation perhaps?
Elladan had not stopped walking but she had. She remained half turned until he came up to her.
"Were you sent to follow me," she demanded, her tone indignant.
"Follow you? No, I am out for a simple walk," he murmured, still taking in her beauty.
She silently eyed him suspiciously, but saw no prevarication in his grey eyes. She turned to him fully. As the resentment left her expression, Elladan lightly smiled at her.
'Anger does not suit your lovely face,' he thought.
"I am Silluina, daughter of Nostarion," she said with a proud air.
'Nostarion,' he repeated to himself. He knew that name from the Council.
"I am Elladan, son of Elrond," he said to her.
Her face contorted to one of surprise, "Elladan? I was wondering when I would meet the sons of Lord Elrond. Little did I expect to see one so far from the Council."
"Well now you have," he smiled slightly, "Would you like to walk with me?"
Silluina smiled at the offer, "I would."
They walked side by side along the path.
"These woods are beautiful during the summer," Elladan said, "Bright flowers and singing birds, soft breezes and sweet smells. They're full of life and love."
She smiled at the image he presented.
"I live in the Grey Havens, where my father is an advisor to Lord Círdan. These woods are very different from the bay and coast. I think I would like to travel more, maybe even see the Lady of the Woods and Lothlórien."
Elladan glanced at her, "What stops you?"
She sighed, "My parents. They fear that it is not safe to travel far in small companies. Mother stayed in the Grey Havens because of this fear. She doesn't know what she is missing."
"Tell me, my Lady, why are you out here alone?"
Silluina crossed her arms and tugged lightly on the edge of her cloak, "I had to get away from all the formalities for a while. One of your mother's ladies told me of this path and that it is little traversed during winter. I am used to walking alone in the Grey Havens and along the nearby coast. There are hardly any dangers there."
He nodded, "I know what you mean. These woods are safe though, you needn't worry about orcs here."
She glanced at him sidelong, "Yet you have brought a short sword."
"It's a habit," he replied quickly, "Truly, my Lady, you are safe here."
"Because I am with you, my Lord," she bowed.
At first she was in jest, but now she mocked him. Elladan was unsure of where to take the conversation, if there would be any more. He didn't like being derided; he didn't even understand why she had spoken so. Perhaps she really was tired of formalities.
'Come to think of it, so was I,' he thought to himself.
They were still in stubborn silence when they approached a stone fence with a small gap for the path. Silluina looked out at the gentle downslope and mountains behind that. Leafed bushes dotted with small white flowers lined the inside of the fence. Where the tree line ended at the stone row, knee-high grasses covered the ground to the beginning of a different tree line.
"This is as far as I go," Elladan said, deciding to change the subject, "Summer brings wildlife to the field, but winter brings wolves and fell creatures."
Frowning slightly, Silluina suddenly had no intention of going any further than the stone row. She was, in fact, now somewhat hungry.
"We should go back. It will soon be dinner time," she said.
The couple turned and began to retrace their walk. Their stony silence continued and Silluina felt guilty for it. She knew she had, perhaps, overstepped her boundary. They had just met, after all, and he couldn't have known she was just being playful.
She sighed softly, 'Back to formalities.'
"My Lord, I think we have had a rough start," she began gently.
Elladan searched ahead for a few steps before turning to her. He looked into her eyes which were apologizing and, in turn, brought guilt to his own.
"Then let us start again. I am Elladan, son of Elrond," he said.
"And I am Silluina, daughter of Nostarion. It is an honor to meet you at last," she replied.
Her blue eyes were glad and the sapphire gem on her forehead sparkled. Elladan's heart skipped a beat. There were many beautiful ladies in Rivendell, including his sister, who was known as Arwen Undomiel, Evenstar of her people. But in that moment, few compared to Lady Silluina.
He repressed the urge to kiss her cheek and instead kissed her proffered hand. She blushed befittingly for a proper lady and they continued on their return. Though there was little talk, the silence was less icy than before.
~Brothers First~
~Prologue ~ Companionship and Brotherhood~
Among the trees whose leaves danced in the wind gushed a flowing stream. It was early spring, and the water was cold and crisp, clear and sparkling. Pools gathered in deeper places and became favored swimming holes for the elven children, and most adults, who lived in the area.
Two boys played near one of these pools, skipping rocks and catching frogs.
"Elladan, I got a big one," shouted Elrohir as he waved his cupped hands around.
"Careful, you'll get him dizzy," Elladan called to his twin.
Leaning in close, they peered at the toad, who in turn, peered back. The chin inflated and deflated with each breath.
"Let's show him to Nána," Elrohir said mischievously.
A stern glance from Elladan stopped the idea. Shrugging, Elrohir let the creature free and watched as he hopped away for cover. He looked up and saw a blue jay swoop into a nest in a nearby tree.
"A nest I wonder if there are babies," he exclaimed as he ran to the tree.
Elladan watched curiously as he bent and picked up another stone. His twin climbed the tree swiftly and began to crawl along the branch, which hung over the stream. The young elf became anxious.
"Be careful, brother," the elder called.
"Don't worry, Elladan. I am an elf, you know. Graceful and elegant by nature," he said as he inched closer to the nest. The blue jay, sensing the danger, swooped at the boy.
"Don't you worry either, Mr. Blue Bird, I just want to take a look," Elrohir cooed to the angry avian.
But the bird didn't trust the elf. He swooped once more. Elrohir swatted at him, which also shook the branch where the nest lay precariously. Noticing the danger, the boy stilled his movements, but the bird was strong willed. He flapped by his head as he tried to crawl back.
The branch, to Elrohir at least, seemed to have moved on its own and dumped him into the frigid waters. The stream was nearly two meters deep in the hole. When he finally broke the surface, the boy flailed as he tried to catch his breath and bearing. The water quickly began robbing his body heat.
Vaguely, he heard a splash beside him and was suddenly enveloped by two arms. Elladan had jumped in after him. The elder pulled his brother up the steep bank and onto dry land. They lay there a few moments, sputtering and shivering, before speaking.
"Graceful and elegant indeed," Elladan muttered.
Smiling coyly, Elrohir murmured his thanks. Knowing that they needed to remove the cold wet clothing, the twins began to walk back to Rivendell.
"What shall we tell Adar and Nána," Elrohir asked, feeling abashed.
"That we fell in," Elladan replied simply.
Elrohir glanced sidelong at his brother, "Then you will not tell on me?"
He laughed lightly, "Whether by accident or on purpose, we still both fell in."
Smiling gratefully, Elrohir nodded, "I like your reasoning."
~Chapter 1 ~ The First Meeting ~
The council hall of Rivendell was neither hot nor cold, but as Elladan son of Elrond stepped further away from the Elven dwelling, he noticed a chill in the air. To the mortals of Middle-Earth, it was just another of their few winters. To the elves, it was an endless cycle that they preferred not exist.
The very first meeting of what was deemed the White Council had just ended for the day, and it seemed to the elf that it had only been a formality used to introduce everyone who was important, or thought of themselves as such.
Elladan knew such formalities were proper, but he also knew that courtly proceedings would only tie them down into stagnation. Already there had been tempers flaring, and not just from dwarves. Curunir, a wizard also known as Saruman, had insisted on running the proceedings, despite that fact that the Council was held in Rivendell, which was Lord Elrond's haven.
But in a show of grace and good will, and in wisdom Elladan could someday hope to wield, Elrond gave the seat to the Valar-sent being. Also in attendance was Olórin, known as Mithrandir, advisors to Lord Círdan of the Grey Havens, advisors and ambassadors from Lord Celeborn in Lothlórien, and from King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Dwarves from Erebor were represented by Náin, son of Óin, and Dáin, son of Náin, and a few of their advisors. Only two men had come, Boromir, son of Denethor, the Ruling Steward of Gondor, and his servant Dagnir.
Elladan pictured each face; most had a personality that matched their countenance, but a few stood out as especially stolid. Mostly elves, he figured, who can hide their emotions with years of experience.
Yet in the things which wonder them so, such as the trees even unadorned as they were, the passion and romanticism flow forth in everything they see and touch. Elladan looked about him; the land surrounding Rivendell was in the jaws of winter, it's colorful spring through fall held off for a few short months.
Once he began to see snow, he knew he was outside his father's magical circling, which kept such weather from the elven haven. Elladan glanced over his shoulder at the trail of footprints in the snow. When he turned back to his front, he noticed his feet were not the only ones to have walked there; another set, smaller and lighter, went along the outside of the path, apparently avoiding leaving tread marks.
"These are fresh prints," he noted that they were not melted or covered by new snow.
He stopped to examine both the prints in the snow and in the dirt path as he put to use the training he and his twin brother Elrohir had learned from their father. The tracks paused occasionally and turned from side to side but kept in the direction he had been going.
"The walker was viewing scenery or checking if they were followed," he murmured.
The foot prints that walked forward were small in length and spacing apart.
"The walker is short, maybe a woman," he said.
A longer patch of snow revealed a pattern in the snow that was not from feet.
"The walker is a woman, that is a dress that hangs to the ground," he said with proud certainty as if he were a clever child who had passed a test, "I wonder what a woman is doing out here alone."
The foot prints continued until the path curved and he could see no more. Elladan stepped off again. Perhaps she was traveling north to collect the winter berries that grew from hardy shrubs along the northernmost boundaries of Rivendell. Though the more he thought about it, he realized they ripened in early spring, not mid winter.
'Perhaps I will catch up to this wayward traveler. I would like to know just who she is,' he thought, his concerns turning to possibilities of leaks to the enemy.
Such an occurrence would be disastrous, though the only useful information from today would be who had attended, and how important they were.
As he rounded the turn of the path, he saw someone walking in the distance. Elladan concluded that the individual ahead of him was the one making the foot prints. Her step was genteel and measured, though her feet were covered by a long cloak and dress. He followed her for a short distance, until she paused and looked behind her.
A hood covered her features, but as he neared the first thing he noticed was a small silver band and blue gem that was placed upon her forehead. Blonde hair peaked out along the sides, but he imagined it fell longer down her back. Her eyes were blue and sparkled with, what was it? Irritation perhaps?
Elladan had not stopped walking but she had. She remained half turned until he came up to her.
"Were you sent to follow me," she demanded, her tone indignant.
"Follow you? No, I am out for a simple walk," he murmured, still taking in her beauty.
She silently eyed him suspiciously, but saw no prevarication in his grey eyes. She turned to him fully. As the resentment left her expression, Elladan lightly smiled at her.
'Anger does not suit your lovely face,' he thought.
"I am Silluina, daughter of Nostarion," she said with a proud air.
'Nostarion,' he repeated to himself. He knew that name from the Council.
"I am Elladan, son of Elrond," he said to her.
Her face contorted to one of surprise, "Elladan? I was wondering when I would meet the sons of Lord Elrond. Little did I expect to see one so far from the Council."
"Well now you have," he smiled slightly, "Would you like to walk with me?"
Silluina smiled at the offer, "I would."
They walked side by side along the path.
"These woods are beautiful during the summer," Elladan said, "Bright flowers and singing birds, soft breezes and sweet smells. They're full of life and love."
She smiled at the image he presented.
"I live in the Grey Havens, where my father is an advisor to Lord Círdan. These woods are very different from the bay and coast. I think I would like to travel more, maybe even see the Lady of the Woods and Lothlórien."
Elladan glanced at her, "What stops you?"
She sighed, "My parents. They fear that it is not safe to travel far in small companies. Mother stayed in the Grey Havens because of this fear. She doesn't know what she is missing."
"Tell me, my Lady, why are you out here alone?"
Silluina crossed her arms and tugged lightly on the edge of her cloak, "I had to get away from all the formalities for a while. One of your mother's ladies told me of this path and that it is little traversed during winter. I am used to walking alone in the Grey Havens and along the nearby coast. There are hardly any dangers there."
He nodded, "I know what you mean. These woods are safe though, you needn't worry about orcs here."
She glanced at him sidelong, "Yet you have brought a short sword."
"It's a habit," he replied quickly, "Truly, my Lady, you are safe here."
"Because I am with you, my Lord," she bowed.
At first she was in jest, but now she mocked him. Elladan was unsure of where to take the conversation, if there would be any more. He didn't like being derided; he didn't even understand why she had spoken so. Perhaps she really was tired of formalities.
'Come to think of it, so was I,' he thought to himself.
They were still in stubborn silence when they approached a stone fence with a small gap for the path. Silluina looked out at the gentle downslope and mountains behind that. Leafed bushes dotted with small white flowers lined the inside of the fence. Where the tree line ended at the stone row, knee-high grasses covered the ground to the beginning of a different tree line.
"This is as far as I go," Elladan said, deciding to change the subject, "Summer brings wildlife to the field, but winter brings wolves and fell creatures."
Frowning slightly, Silluina suddenly had no intention of going any further than the stone row. She was, in fact, now somewhat hungry.
"We should go back. It will soon be dinner time," she said.
The couple turned and began to retrace their walk. Their stony silence continued and Silluina felt guilty for it. She knew she had, perhaps, overstepped her boundary. They had just met, after all, and he couldn't have known she was just being playful.
She sighed softly, 'Back to formalities.'
"My Lord, I think we have had a rough start," she began gently.
Elladan searched ahead for a few steps before turning to her. He looked into her eyes which were apologizing and, in turn, brought guilt to his own.
"Then let us start again. I am Elladan, son of Elrond," he said.
"And I am Silluina, daughter of Nostarion. It is an honor to meet you at last," she replied.
Her blue eyes were glad and the sapphire gem on her forehead sparkled. Elladan's heart skipped a beat. There were many beautiful ladies in Rivendell, including his sister, who was known as Arwen Undomiel, Evenstar of her people. But in that moment, few compared to Lady Silluina.
He repressed the urge to kiss her cheek and instead kissed her proffered hand. She blushed befittingly for a proper lady and they continued on their return. Though there was little talk, the silence was less icy than before.