Nightshade glad you like it.
Evenstar-Elfstone thanks for your suggestions and the phrases.
HobbitsRFun thanks for the link, glad you enjoyed the first chapter.
DxInsider he is cute isn't he. While I was writing bits I kept on thinking about my little cousins.
The Life of a Ranger Chapter 2
The next morning Gilraen woke up in quite a happy mood. She went to wake Estel up when she heard him crying.
"Estel what's wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"I don't feel well mommy," he said just before he threw up.
"Oh my baby, wait there I'm going to get Ada, he'll no what to do." She said running out the door.
She got to the study and ran straight in. Elrond was in their talking to Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel.
"Gilraen what is wrong?" Elrond asked when he saw her.
"It's Estel, he's been sick, I didn't know what to do." She said before bursting into tears.
"Elladan, Elrohir can you get the room next door ready with my herbs and medicines please. Glorfindel can you stay with Gilraen and when she has calmed down take her next door, if she wants," Elrond barked before rushing out the door to find Estel.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"Don't worry Gilraen, Estel will be all right," Glorfindel said kindly.
"Oh I'm sorry Glorfindel," Gilraen said after she had calmed down, "It's just he's never been ill before, except the odd cold here and there."
"It's natural for a parent to be worried about their child so there's no need to apologise. And if it's more then just a bug, Elrond will be able to heal him, don't worry. Shall we go and see him. Elrond is going to keep him in the room next door for now so he can keep an eye on him." Glorfindel said.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Elrond had just reached Estel's room when he heard crying within so he rushed in and saw Estel lying on his bed being sick.
"Oh my poor Estel," Elrond said as he made his way over to the bed and started rubbing soothing circles on Estel's back. When Estel had finished Elrond gently picked him up and carried him back to the room Elladan and Elrohir had got ready.
When Elrond reached the room he laid Estel carefully on the bed and started to take his clothes of him. Which were now covered in vomit.
"Elladan heat some water for a bath for Estel. Elrohir put some clean pyjamas and some towels in front of the fire to warm up," Elrond said as he was wrapping Estel up in a blanket while they were waiting for the water to warm up.
"Ada is this warm enough?" Elladan asked Elrond, who walked over to him, rolled up one sleeve and put his elbow in.
"Yes, thank you Elladan." Elrond said pleased with his son. "Do you think you could help your brother warm those towels and pyjamas please?" he asked.
"Of course," Elladan replied.
"Ada," Estel cried,
"What?" Elrond asked kindly, walking back to him.
"I feel sick," he cried before bursting into tears.
"Elrohir pass me that bowl," Elrond ordered. "Estel if you think you are going to be sick use this okay," Estel nodded before being sick into the bowl. Elrond sat next to him on the bed and hugged him. Suddenly, a noise from the doorway alerted him of Gilraen's presence. Gilraen saw Estel being sick and couldn't stop herself from running out crying. Elrond tried to call to her but she had already gone so Glorfindel ran after her.
"Ada, what's wrong with mommy?" Estel asked after he had finished vomiting.
"She's just upset because you're poorly. Don't worry she will be all right, Glorfindel has gone after her. Are you ready for a bath?" Elrond asked, smiling at the concern Estel showed for his mother. Estel nodded at his question, but soon stopped because it was hurting his head.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Half an hour later Estel was lying in clean pyjamas in his bed, surrounded by Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. "Ada, can I go to sleep now please?" Estel asked.
"Not yet little one. I need to find out why you're being sick first," Elrond replied kindly.
As Elrond was checking Estel over he felt the unnatural heat coming off him. "Elrohir can you wet a cloth with some water with athelas in it please," Elrond asked.
"Estel do you feel hot?" Elrond asked. Estel nodded. "Do you have a headache or tummy ache?" Elrond asked starting to feel worried. Estel nodded again.
Elrond walked over to the fire towards Elrohir followed by Elladan. "What is it Ada? What is wrong with him?" Elrohir said quietly so Estel could not hear him. Elrond smiled slightly at how worried Elrohir was about someone he had only met that afternoon.
"I think he has." Elrond said but stopped quickly when he heard Estel calling him.
"Ada I'm going to be sick," he cried. The three elves rushed over to him, Elrond grabbing the bowl at the same time. Just as Elrond held the bowl in front of Estel, he started vomiting. Elladan and Elrohir hugged him as Elrond held the bowl in place.
When he had finished Elladan took the bowl to empty it and Elrond pulled him gently on to his lap until he had stopped crying.
"Ada it hurts," Estel said through his tears.
"I know," Elrond said hugging him, "I know. If you let Elrohir take you I can go and get something to help you, okay?" Estel nodded but stopped quickly because it hurt too much. Noticing this, Elrond quickly went to the table that was covered in all different bottles and things. He picked up a beaker and put some water in it. Taking the cork out of two different bottles he poured a few drops of each into the water. Walking back to the bed with it he saw Estel falling asleep, so he put the beaker down and shook Estel gently to wake him up.
"I want to go to sleep, Ada," Estel said unhappily.
"I know you do but you've been a very good boy so far, I need you to just drink this and then you can go to sleep," Elrond said smiling kindly down at him. "It won't taste very nice I'm afraid. If you stay leaning against Elrohir I'll help you drink it."
Elrond sat down on the bed next to Estel and Elrohir and poured a very little bit of the liquid into Estel's mouth as Elladan came back with the clean bowl. When the liquid touched Estel's throat he started squirming.
"Estel I know it's not nice but you need to drink this," Elrond said as Elladan walked up to them. He held Estel gently but firmly so he couldn't move away. Meeting his gaze Elrond smiled gratefully at his son before carrying on. When the liquid touched his throat this time, not being able to move he started crying. When he had swallowed the last mouthful he curled into a ball and started crying even harder.
Elrond lifted him onto his lap and hugged him till he stopped crying. "Good boy for drinking it all. It will make you feel better I promise," Elrond said gently to the crying boy on his lap. Do you want to go to sleep now?" Estel nodded.
"Okay. In you get. I will be back in a minute." Elrond said pulling the covers up till they reached Estel's chin.
"Ada, what's wrong with him?" Elrohir said again even more worried.
"I think he's got yellow flu," Elrond said worriedly.
"Yellow flu? I thought you could only get that if you've been out in the wild for a few weeks without the right supplies," Elladan said confused.
"Well they where travelling for three days till they got here," Elrond replied.
"Exactly he was only travelling for three days," Elrohir exclaimed just as confused as his twin.
"But he's only two years old. Three days is long enough for someone his age to catch yellow flu," Elrond explained.
"Are you going to tell Gilraen?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes I'm going to now. Can you two watch Estel until I get back," Elrond asked them both.
"Yes. Is there anything we can do to help him?" Elladan asked.
"You could just try and keep his temperature down with the athelas water," Elrond suggested.
"Alright," they both said in unison.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
'Knock Knock'
"Who's there?" Glorfindel asked.
"It's just me, Elrond." Elrond replied.
As he was waiting for a reply the door was swung open and there stood a frantic Gilraen. "How is he?" she cried. "How's my baby?"
"Gilraen please calm down. If you let me in I will tell you," Elrond said trying to calm her.
"I'm sorry, Elrond I just need to know about my Estel," she said, slightly calmer. "Come in."
"Glorfindel, if you would like to go and see Elladan and Elrohir I'm sure they could use your help," Elrond said to his friend.
Elrond followed Gilraen into her room and sat down next to her on the small sofa.
"Gilraen have you heard of yellow flu?" Elrond asked. He decided to see how much she new about it.
"Yes, I remember some rangers coming back from a hunting trip with it one time. Why? Estel can't have it. People only get it after being in the wild for a few weeks without the correct supplies." Gilraen said starting to panic.
"Well I'm afraid three days was enough for Estel to get it. After all he is only two years old," Elrond said. "Do you know the symptoms of yellow flu?"
"Only vomiting," Gilraen said nervously. "Please Elrond tell me what else is going to happen to Estel. He won't.." she couldn't bring herself to say the word 'die' but she didn't need to Elrond already knew what she was going to say.
"No, don't worry. It's perfectly safe but Estel is in for a rough couple of weeks. As well as vomiting Estel will have headaches, tummy aches and a fever. I'm hoping this will be a mild case of yellow flu. If it's not he will also fall unconscious for quite a few days during the second or third week." Elrond said unhappily. At this Gilraen burst into tears. "I'm sorry, Elrond. It's just the thought of my poor baby going through all that," she said through her tears.
"You really are stubborn," Elrond said smiling kindly as he wrapped his arms round her to comfort her. "How many times have I told you that you don't need to keep apologising?"
At this sudden unexpected contact Gilraen flinched slightly. The last time somebody had touched her like that it had been Arathorn. Elrond feeling her flinch drew back and said, "I'm sorry Gilraen, I didn't mean to offend you,"
"It's all right. I know you were only trying to comfort me. Do you think I could see Estel now?" she asked uncomfortably.
"If you think you're up to it. Or you could have some lunch first. Estel's sleeping at the moment," replied Elrond.
"Well I don't think I can eat anything until I have seen Estel," she said.
"Of course, but remember you need to keep your strength up, for Estel as well as your self," he said kindly before he left the room followed by Gilraen holding Estel's teddy.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
When they entered the room they saw Elladan and Elrohir sitting either side of Estel's bed. And Estel had a damp cloth on his forehead. Glorfindel was looking through the bottles on the table. As Gilraen walked up to the bed she was glad Elrond was with her. Lying in the middle of the bed was a very pale Estel, if it wasn't for the slight movement of Estel's chest moving up and down, Gilraen would have thought he was dead.
Noticing the look on Gilraen's face Elrond said, "He looks much worse then he is Gilraen."
Elladan got up so she could sit down. She found Estel's small hand and held it tightly in her hers. Then remembering what was in her other hand she put the teddy down next to him where he could find it when he woke up. Elrond saw this and smiled at the little detail that would make Estel feel slightly better. "Would you like some lunch with us, Gilraen," Elrond asked.
"What if he wakes when he's on his own?" she asked.
"He won't wake till later this afternoon," he replied kindly.
"Okay then," she said. She kissed his cheek then got up and followed the elves out.
*-*-*-*-*-*
"Adar," Elrohir said quietly outside Estel's room, "Will Estel's illness be a mild case or not?" hoping it would be a mild one.
"I'm afraid I can not tell yet," Elrond replied sadly, "Gilraen knows what to expect if it's not a mild one. I only hope it will be mild. For Gilraen's sake more then Estel's," he said before they entered the room. Gilraen was sitting on a chair by the fire and Glorfindel and Elladan were sitting either side of Estel's bed.
"Glorfindel, come here please," Elrond said. "How's Gilraen?" He asked quietly when Glorfindel had reached him.
"Not bad so far," Glorfindel replied looking over at Gilraen. "Estel was a bit restless earlier and she came and sat with him but when he calmed down she went back over there," he said pointing to the chair by the fire. "I think she thinks that she'll be in the way if she sits by Estel."
Suddenly, a noise from the bed told them Estel was awake. "Ada, I'm going to be sick," he cried. Elrond ran over after asking Glorfindel to stay with Gilraen. After Estel had finished being sick he was embraced gently by both Elladan and Elrohir. Elrond went over to Gilraen and bent down so he was at eye level with her.
"Are you alright Gilraen?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you. How is Estel?" she asked concerned about her son.
"Come and see for yourself," Elrond said smiling kindly at her.
"I don't want to get in the way," Gilraen said not looking at Elrond. Elrond lifted her chin till they were eye level again.
"Gilraen, he's your son. You wouldn't be in the way sitting next to him. And he'll be awake for quite a while now so I'm sure he would like to see you," he said.
"Estel," Elrond said happily, "You've got someone to see you,"
"Mommy," he cried excitedly, "Ada my head hurts again," he said not so happily.
"I'm going to make you some broth and I'll give you some medicine like this morning," he said kindly.
"But Ada that made me sleepy, I don't want to go to sleep now," Estel said.
"Well you won't go to sleep then," Elrond said smiling down at him. "Are one of you two going to let Gilraen sit down," he said to the twins.
"Oh sorry Gilraen," Elladan said as he leapt up from his seat.
Once the broth and the medicine was ready Elrond walked over to the bed, when Estel saw the beaker of medicine he started whimpering, "Mommy I don't like that stuff," he said very unhappily.
"I know you don't but you have to have it," Gilraen said smiling sadly down at him.
"Oh Ada," Estel said starting to cry, "I don't like it."
"I know but like mummy says you have to have it. It will stop your head from hurting," Elrond said.
Elladan and Elrohir remembering when Elrond tried to give Estel some medicine got into the same places but Elrond stopped them. "Elrohir, maybe Estel would prefer it if he sat on Gilraen's lap," he said looking at Gilraen.
"Where would you like me to sit then," Gilraen asked standing up.
"If you can sit there and let Estel sit on your lap," he said smiling kindly at Estel who had stopped crying for a moment. "Are you ready Estel?"
"No," Estel said grumpily.
"Come on poppet, you have to take your medicine," Gilraen said kindly.
"Oh fine then," he replied.
"Good boy," she said giving him a quick hug. It took longer this time for Estel to drink it all because he knew what to expect. But in the end he drank it all.
"Good boy," said Gilraen to Estel who was now crying into her dress. "Are you ready for some broth now?"
"I'm not hungry," he said.
"Estel," Elrond said gently pulling him onto his own lap, "You need something to eat, and this might stop you from being sick so much."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After ten more days like that Elrond realised that it would not be a mild bout of yellow flu like he had hoped, he told Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel but not Gilraen.
"Do you think I should tell her?" he asked the three elves outside Estel's room.
"No," they said together. "You told her what would happen if it isn't a mild case, there's no point worrying her even more by telling her that it definitely will happen." Glorfindel said to his friend.
They walked into the room and saw Gilraen sitting next to Estel talking happily to him then, "Mommy I'm going to be sick!"
All three elves rushed to the bed, Elrond holding the bowl that had just been emptied, but it was too late. The blankets, duvet, pillows and Estel were all covered in vomit. Glorfindel noticed Gilraen run out, but decided to wait. Once Estel had quietened down Glorfindel told him that Gilraen had rushed out. "Elrohir can you heat some water for Estel's bath. Elladan can you get some clean pyjamas and some towels by the fire please. Glorfindel can you stay with Estel I will be back in a minute," Elrond said quickly.
"If you want I'll go after Gilraen, Elrond," Glorfindel offered.
"No I want to talk to her. When the water's ready if I'm not here could you and Elrohir start to give Estel a bath please." Elrond replied before going to find Gilraen.
When he got to Gilraen's room he heard someone else being sick. He ran into the bathroom and saw Gilraen leaning over the toilet being sick. He went over and started rubbing her back until she had finished.
"You must be fed up with us Elrond. First you're kind enough to let us live here, then Estel gets sick and I'm not even strong enough to stay with him," she said before accepting the glass of water he handed her.
"It wasn't your fault Estel got sick. And it's the first time he's been sick so it will be hard for you. And I'm definitely not fed up with either of you," Elrond said smiling kindly at her. "I'm going back to check on him do you want to come?"
"No, I'd like to be alone for a bit," she said.
"If that's what you want then that's fine, but remember what I said, you won't be in the way sitting with him," he said before he left.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"El'dan and El'hir said they'll teach me some elfish," Estel said grinning at Gilraen,
"Really," she said smiling back.
"They already taught me what mummy is, it's.." Estel said before falling back onto the pillows.
"Estel, Estel wake up," Gilraen cried distraughtly.
Elrond hearing Gilraen's cry rushed in to see what was wrong.
Gilraen hearing Elrond's voice turned and cried, "He was just talking to me and then he fell back onto the pillows and he won't wake up," before bursting into tears.
"Come over here Gilraen," Elrond said guiding her over to a sofa near the fire, "You remember I said if Estel's illness isn't a mild case he may fall unconscious. Well it looks like he has," he said before pulling Gilraen close and letting her cry on his shoulder. After a while Elrond realised that Gilraen had cried her self to sleep so he got up, laid Gilraen down, got a blanket and put it over her. Realising that someone was in the door he looked up to see Glorfindel looking first at Estel then at Gilraen then Elrond.
"How long will it be till he wakes up do you think?" Glorfindel asked moving up to the bed.
"Two or three days," Elrond replied sadly, then seeing where he was looking now said, "Gilraen's just resting. I think the stress of seeing Estel fall unconscious rather upset her. I'll be in my study." Elrond said before leaving the room.
"Adar can I have a word?" Elladan asked.
"Of course, come in. What's wrong Elladan?" Elrond asked concerned.
"I saw you earlier with Gilraen. How could you touch her like that?" Elladan asked disgusted with his father.
"I beg your pardon Elladan," Elrond said rising.
"I saw the way you put your arms round her," Elladan replied also rising.
"Elladan I was comforting her. She had just watched Estel fall unconscious," Elrond said angrily.
"That was the way you used to comfort mother if one of us was injured," Elladan shouted.
Unknown to the elves a figure ran away from the study.
"I don't have different ways of comforting different people, Elladan," Elrond said walking towards his son.
"You don't comfort other parents like that, if you're healing one of their children," Elladan said.
"Gilraen has lost her husband and now her son is lying unconscious next door. How can you be so thoughtless Elladan?" Elrond said sadly.
"I'm sorry Ada, it's just.." Elladan said sitting down again.
"I know how you feel. But I could never love anyone like I love your mother," Elrond said kindly. "I'm just going to check on Estel, we need to keep his temperature down, are you going to come?"
"Yes Ada," Elladan replied standing up.
When they got into Estel's room the first thing Elrond noticed was that Gilraen was gone. He went over to Estel and felt his forehead.
"His temperature is already rising Elladan. Can you get some athelas put it in some water and start trying to keep his temperature down. I'm going to find Gilraen," Elrond said before leaving.
When he reached Gilraen's room he could hear some one in there so he knocked on the door and went in. Gilraen was dressed in the clothes she had arrived in and she had a bag on her back. This confused Elrond so he asked, "Are you going somewhere?"
Not being able to look at him, Gilraen suddenly found the floor rather interesting while she said, "I'm sorry Lord Elrond. I heard you arguing with Elladan in your study about me. I have decided it would be best if I left. Please look after Estel for me, and when he wakes up tell him I love him and will never forget him," when she looked up Elrond could see tears running down her face.
"Gilraen, Elladan is fine with you being here. He was just a bit upset when he saw me with my arms around you. He thought I was forgetting about his mother, but we have sorted things out. And you can't leave me with the twins and Estel," he said smiling at her. "And don't apologise and don't call me lord," he said his smile widening. At this comment Gilraen laughed but then stopped when she said, "How is Estel?"
"Well his temperature is rising but Elladan is with him trying to keep it from going to high. And it is important that while he's unconscious we make sure he has enough liquid in him and maybe a bit of broth so that when he wakes he won't be too weak," he said kindly. *-*-*-*-*-*-*
On the second day Estel had been unconscious Elrond and Glorfindel were trying to get some broth into him. "If you can sit there and let Estel lean against you," Elrond told Glorfindel as he opened Estel's mouth. He got a small bit of broth on a spoon and put it in Estel's empty mouth. He then rubbed Estel's throat until he swallowed the broth. After the third or fourth spoonful Glorfindel said, "Why don't we get one of the twins to hold him still like when you tried to get him to take some medicine? It might help me."
"How would that help? Estel can't squirm when he's unconscious," Elrond replied.
"Then what's he doing now?" Glorfindel said smiling at the look on his friend.
"He's waking up. Glorfindel he's waking up. Please go and tell the twins then bring Gilraen here." Elrond said before picking Estel up and sitting him on his lap.
"Estel," he called gently, "Estel, wake up."
"Ada," Estel said softly, "Ada, where's mummy?" he asked.
"Estel, my baby," Gilraen cried as she ran in and pulled Estel onto her lap.
"Mummy, what's wrong, you're crying?" Estel said noticing the tears rolling down his mums face.
"I was just happy you're awake, that's all," she said wiping them away. This confused Estel. Why shouldn't he be awake? He decided to ask Ada. Seeing the look on Estel's face he said, "Do you remember when you were talking to mummy about learning elvish?" Estel nodded. "Do you remember what happened?" "No, all I remember is waking up in Glorfi's arms," he said.
"Well you're poorly and sometimes when you get this illness, you fall unconscious for a few days," Elrond explained but seeing that Estel didn't know what that meant he said, "If you fall unconscious it's like falling asleep and not being able to wake up for quite a while. You'll have to stay in here until some when next week." Estel nodded but then stopped. "Ada," he said, "My head hurts."
"I'll just go and get some medicine for you," Elrond said, standing up after patting Estel gently on the head. He went of to the table to get the medicine while Estel and Gilraen just sat on the bed talking a little bit.
"Mummy, I'm going to be sick," Elrond heard Estel cry, he rushed over to help Gilraen, but Gilraen was fine. She just sat on the bed with Estel and the bowl on her lap hugging her son. Elladan and Elrohir walked in and saw what was going on. Elladan walked over to the bed and sat by Gilraen while Elrohir went to talk to Elrond, who seeing that she was alright and that she had Elladan had gone back to get Estel's medicine.
"Ada, will Estel vomit much more this week," he asked.
"No, hopefully this will be the last time." Elrond replied before walking over to the bed. When Estel saw what he was carrying he curled up into a ball and started crying on Gilraen's lap.
"Estel," Elrond said firmly, "You have to take this. It will stop your head from hurting so much. And it will make sure you can eat something without being sick afterwards."
The only thing that happened when he said that was that Estel started crying even harder. Elrond passed the beaker to Glorfindel who had just come in and then bent down and lifted Estel's head up gently but firmly, who then uncurled himself and tried to run away, but Gilraen held onto him.
"Estel, please be a good boy for us," she whispered in his ears. Estel stopped moving and decided to sit on Gilraen's lap ready for his medicine. Seeing this Elrond moved closer to Estel and whispered something in his ear that only he could hear. When Elrond stood up the other four people in the room could see Estel's face, it was full of excitement.
"Really?" he asked, his voice also full of excitement.
"Yes, but only if you drink all this," he said smiling at the boy.
"Oh fine," Estel replied grudgingly. Hearing this last bit the twins moved into hold him, but when Elrond shook his head they pulled back rather confused.
"Estel will you do it without Elladan and Elrohir having to hold you still?" Elrond asked gently.
"I'll try, it's just it doesn't taste very nice and I can't stop myself from moving," he said unhappily.
"I know and it's not your fault but at least you'll try, and just think about what I promised you for after it," Elrond replied. He poured a little bit into Estel's mouth, who swallowed it with some difficulty but managed not to squirm too much.
"Good boy, are you ready for another mouthful?" Estel nodded looking like he was about to burst into tears. Elrond poured a bit more in but this time Estel managed to swallow it but then squirmed and tried to get off Gilraen's lap.
"I'm sorry Ada, its just it tastes yucky," Estel said through his tears.
"I know," Elrond said giving him a hug. "Ready for some more."
"Ok," he said unhappily tears still rolling down his cheeks. Elrond poured a bit more in and this time he had to rub Estel's neck to get him to swallow it. Once he had swallowed it he started crying rather noisily. Elrond looked at the twins who nodded in agreement then came over. After Elrond had managed to get Estel to sit still on Gilraen's lap, Elladan and Elrohir came and sat either side of him and held him so he couldn't move and Elrond poured the rest of it down his throat, he swallowed it without much bother. When Estel had taken it all he got into his bed with Elrond and Gilraen sitting either side of him and he said, "Ada, will you tell me that story now please?"
"Oh yes, I did promise didn't I," he said grinning at the twins.
"What story?" Elrohir said worriedly.
"I promised Estel that I would tell him the story about when you two fell out of that tree and you both broke at least three bones each," Elrond replied his smile widening.
"Ada, I thought you said you wouldn't tell any one else that story," Elladan said.
"Well trying to get Estel to take his medicine reminded me of that story, but I did promise him." Elrond said before turning back to Estel and telling him the story.
Please review and tell me if you want anymore. Can anyone think of a better title?
Evenstar-Elfstone thanks for your suggestions and the phrases.
HobbitsRFun thanks for the link, glad you enjoyed the first chapter.
DxInsider he is cute isn't he. While I was writing bits I kept on thinking about my little cousins.
The Life of a Ranger Chapter 2
The next morning Gilraen woke up in quite a happy mood. She went to wake Estel up when she heard him crying.
"Estel what's wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"I don't feel well mommy," he said just before he threw up.
"Oh my baby, wait there I'm going to get Ada, he'll no what to do." She said running out the door.
She got to the study and ran straight in. Elrond was in their talking to Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel.
"Gilraen what is wrong?" Elrond asked when he saw her.
"It's Estel, he's been sick, I didn't know what to do." She said before bursting into tears.
"Elladan, Elrohir can you get the room next door ready with my herbs and medicines please. Glorfindel can you stay with Gilraen and when she has calmed down take her next door, if she wants," Elrond barked before rushing out the door to find Estel.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"Don't worry Gilraen, Estel will be all right," Glorfindel said kindly.
"Oh I'm sorry Glorfindel," Gilraen said after she had calmed down, "It's just he's never been ill before, except the odd cold here and there."
"It's natural for a parent to be worried about their child so there's no need to apologise. And if it's more then just a bug, Elrond will be able to heal him, don't worry. Shall we go and see him. Elrond is going to keep him in the room next door for now so he can keep an eye on him." Glorfindel said.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Elrond had just reached Estel's room when he heard crying within so he rushed in and saw Estel lying on his bed being sick.
"Oh my poor Estel," Elrond said as he made his way over to the bed and started rubbing soothing circles on Estel's back. When Estel had finished Elrond gently picked him up and carried him back to the room Elladan and Elrohir had got ready.
When Elrond reached the room he laid Estel carefully on the bed and started to take his clothes of him. Which were now covered in vomit.
"Elladan heat some water for a bath for Estel. Elrohir put some clean pyjamas and some towels in front of the fire to warm up," Elrond said as he was wrapping Estel up in a blanket while they were waiting for the water to warm up.
"Ada is this warm enough?" Elladan asked Elrond, who walked over to him, rolled up one sleeve and put his elbow in.
"Yes, thank you Elladan." Elrond said pleased with his son. "Do you think you could help your brother warm those towels and pyjamas please?" he asked.
"Of course," Elladan replied.
"Ada," Estel cried,
"What?" Elrond asked kindly, walking back to him.
"I feel sick," he cried before bursting into tears.
"Elrohir pass me that bowl," Elrond ordered. "Estel if you think you are going to be sick use this okay," Estel nodded before being sick into the bowl. Elrond sat next to him on the bed and hugged him. Suddenly, a noise from the doorway alerted him of Gilraen's presence. Gilraen saw Estel being sick and couldn't stop herself from running out crying. Elrond tried to call to her but she had already gone so Glorfindel ran after her.
"Ada, what's wrong with mommy?" Estel asked after he had finished vomiting.
"She's just upset because you're poorly. Don't worry she will be all right, Glorfindel has gone after her. Are you ready for a bath?" Elrond asked, smiling at the concern Estel showed for his mother. Estel nodded at his question, but soon stopped because it was hurting his head.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Half an hour later Estel was lying in clean pyjamas in his bed, surrounded by Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. "Ada, can I go to sleep now please?" Estel asked.
"Not yet little one. I need to find out why you're being sick first," Elrond replied kindly.
As Elrond was checking Estel over he felt the unnatural heat coming off him. "Elrohir can you wet a cloth with some water with athelas in it please," Elrond asked.
"Estel do you feel hot?" Elrond asked. Estel nodded. "Do you have a headache or tummy ache?" Elrond asked starting to feel worried. Estel nodded again.
Elrond walked over to the fire towards Elrohir followed by Elladan. "What is it Ada? What is wrong with him?" Elrohir said quietly so Estel could not hear him. Elrond smiled slightly at how worried Elrohir was about someone he had only met that afternoon.
"I think he has." Elrond said but stopped quickly when he heard Estel calling him.
"Ada I'm going to be sick," he cried. The three elves rushed over to him, Elrond grabbing the bowl at the same time. Just as Elrond held the bowl in front of Estel, he started vomiting. Elladan and Elrohir hugged him as Elrond held the bowl in place.
When he had finished Elladan took the bowl to empty it and Elrond pulled him gently on to his lap until he had stopped crying.
"Ada it hurts," Estel said through his tears.
"I know," Elrond said hugging him, "I know. If you let Elrohir take you I can go and get something to help you, okay?" Estel nodded but stopped quickly because it hurt too much. Noticing this, Elrond quickly went to the table that was covered in all different bottles and things. He picked up a beaker and put some water in it. Taking the cork out of two different bottles he poured a few drops of each into the water. Walking back to the bed with it he saw Estel falling asleep, so he put the beaker down and shook Estel gently to wake him up.
"I want to go to sleep, Ada," Estel said unhappily.
"I know you do but you've been a very good boy so far, I need you to just drink this and then you can go to sleep," Elrond said smiling kindly down at him. "It won't taste very nice I'm afraid. If you stay leaning against Elrohir I'll help you drink it."
Elrond sat down on the bed next to Estel and Elrohir and poured a very little bit of the liquid into Estel's mouth as Elladan came back with the clean bowl. When the liquid touched Estel's throat he started squirming.
"Estel I know it's not nice but you need to drink this," Elrond said as Elladan walked up to them. He held Estel gently but firmly so he couldn't move away. Meeting his gaze Elrond smiled gratefully at his son before carrying on. When the liquid touched his throat this time, not being able to move he started crying. When he had swallowed the last mouthful he curled into a ball and started crying even harder.
Elrond lifted him onto his lap and hugged him till he stopped crying. "Good boy for drinking it all. It will make you feel better I promise," Elrond said gently to the crying boy on his lap. Do you want to go to sleep now?" Estel nodded.
"Okay. In you get. I will be back in a minute." Elrond said pulling the covers up till they reached Estel's chin.
"Ada, what's wrong with him?" Elrohir said again even more worried.
"I think he's got yellow flu," Elrond said worriedly.
"Yellow flu? I thought you could only get that if you've been out in the wild for a few weeks without the right supplies," Elladan said confused.
"Well they where travelling for three days till they got here," Elrond replied.
"Exactly he was only travelling for three days," Elrohir exclaimed just as confused as his twin.
"But he's only two years old. Three days is long enough for someone his age to catch yellow flu," Elrond explained.
"Are you going to tell Gilraen?" Elrohir asked.
"Yes I'm going to now. Can you two watch Estel until I get back," Elrond asked them both.
"Yes. Is there anything we can do to help him?" Elladan asked.
"You could just try and keep his temperature down with the athelas water," Elrond suggested.
"Alright," they both said in unison.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
'Knock Knock'
"Who's there?" Glorfindel asked.
"It's just me, Elrond." Elrond replied.
As he was waiting for a reply the door was swung open and there stood a frantic Gilraen. "How is he?" she cried. "How's my baby?"
"Gilraen please calm down. If you let me in I will tell you," Elrond said trying to calm her.
"I'm sorry, Elrond I just need to know about my Estel," she said, slightly calmer. "Come in."
"Glorfindel, if you would like to go and see Elladan and Elrohir I'm sure they could use your help," Elrond said to his friend.
Elrond followed Gilraen into her room and sat down next to her on the small sofa.
"Gilraen have you heard of yellow flu?" Elrond asked. He decided to see how much she new about it.
"Yes, I remember some rangers coming back from a hunting trip with it one time. Why? Estel can't have it. People only get it after being in the wild for a few weeks without the correct supplies." Gilraen said starting to panic.
"Well I'm afraid three days was enough for Estel to get it. After all he is only two years old," Elrond said. "Do you know the symptoms of yellow flu?"
"Only vomiting," Gilraen said nervously. "Please Elrond tell me what else is going to happen to Estel. He won't.." she couldn't bring herself to say the word 'die' but she didn't need to Elrond already knew what she was going to say.
"No, don't worry. It's perfectly safe but Estel is in for a rough couple of weeks. As well as vomiting Estel will have headaches, tummy aches and a fever. I'm hoping this will be a mild case of yellow flu. If it's not he will also fall unconscious for quite a few days during the second or third week." Elrond said unhappily. At this Gilraen burst into tears. "I'm sorry, Elrond. It's just the thought of my poor baby going through all that," she said through her tears.
"You really are stubborn," Elrond said smiling kindly as he wrapped his arms round her to comfort her. "How many times have I told you that you don't need to keep apologising?"
At this sudden unexpected contact Gilraen flinched slightly. The last time somebody had touched her like that it had been Arathorn. Elrond feeling her flinch drew back and said, "I'm sorry Gilraen, I didn't mean to offend you,"
"It's all right. I know you were only trying to comfort me. Do you think I could see Estel now?" she asked uncomfortably.
"If you think you're up to it. Or you could have some lunch first. Estel's sleeping at the moment," replied Elrond.
"Well I don't think I can eat anything until I have seen Estel," she said.
"Of course, but remember you need to keep your strength up, for Estel as well as your self," he said kindly before he left the room followed by Gilraen holding Estel's teddy.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
When they entered the room they saw Elladan and Elrohir sitting either side of Estel's bed. And Estel had a damp cloth on his forehead. Glorfindel was looking through the bottles on the table. As Gilraen walked up to the bed she was glad Elrond was with her. Lying in the middle of the bed was a very pale Estel, if it wasn't for the slight movement of Estel's chest moving up and down, Gilraen would have thought he was dead.
Noticing the look on Gilraen's face Elrond said, "He looks much worse then he is Gilraen."
Elladan got up so she could sit down. She found Estel's small hand and held it tightly in her hers. Then remembering what was in her other hand she put the teddy down next to him where he could find it when he woke up. Elrond saw this and smiled at the little detail that would make Estel feel slightly better. "Would you like some lunch with us, Gilraen," Elrond asked.
"What if he wakes when he's on his own?" she asked.
"He won't wake till later this afternoon," he replied kindly.
"Okay then," she said. She kissed his cheek then got up and followed the elves out.
*-*-*-*-*-*
"Adar," Elrohir said quietly outside Estel's room, "Will Estel's illness be a mild case or not?" hoping it would be a mild one.
"I'm afraid I can not tell yet," Elrond replied sadly, "Gilraen knows what to expect if it's not a mild one. I only hope it will be mild. For Gilraen's sake more then Estel's," he said before they entered the room. Gilraen was sitting on a chair by the fire and Glorfindel and Elladan were sitting either side of Estel's bed.
"Glorfindel, come here please," Elrond said. "How's Gilraen?" He asked quietly when Glorfindel had reached him.
"Not bad so far," Glorfindel replied looking over at Gilraen. "Estel was a bit restless earlier and she came and sat with him but when he calmed down she went back over there," he said pointing to the chair by the fire. "I think she thinks that she'll be in the way if she sits by Estel."
Suddenly, a noise from the bed told them Estel was awake. "Ada, I'm going to be sick," he cried. Elrond ran over after asking Glorfindel to stay with Gilraen. After Estel had finished being sick he was embraced gently by both Elladan and Elrohir. Elrond went over to Gilraen and bent down so he was at eye level with her.
"Are you alright Gilraen?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you. How is Estel?" she asked concerned about her son.
"Come and see for yourself," Elrond said smiling kindly at her.
"I don't want to get in the way," Gilraen said not looking at Elrond. Elrond lifted her chin till they were eye level again.
"Gilraen, he's your son. You wouldn't be in the way sitting next to him. And he'll be awake for quite a while now so I'm sure he would like to see you," he said.
"Estel," Elrond said happily, "You've got someone to see you,"
"Mommy," he cried excitedly, "Ada my head hurts again," he said not so happily.
"I'm going to make you some broth and I'll give you some medicine like this morning," he said kindly.
"But Ada that made me sleepy, I don't want to go to sleep now," Estel said.
"Well you won't go to sleep then," Elrond said smiling down at him. "Are one of you two going to let Gilraen sit down," he said to the twins.
"Oh sorry Gilraen," Elladan said as he leapt up from his seat.
Once the broth and the medicine was ready Elrond walked over to the bed, when Estel saw the beaker of medicine he started whimpering, "Mommy I don't like that stuff," he said very unhappily.
"I know you don't but you have to have it," Gilraen said smiling sadly down at him.
"Oh Ada," Estel said starting to cry, "I don't like it."
"I know but like mummy says you have to have it. It will stop your head from hurting," Elrond said.
Elladan and Elrohir remembering when Elrond tried to give Estel some medicine got into the same places but Elrond stopped them. "Elrohir, maybe Estel would prefer it if he sat on Gilraen's lap," he said looking at Gilraen.
"Where would you like me to sit then," Gilraen asked standing up.
"If you can sit there and let Estel sit on your lap," he said smiling kindly at Estel who had stopped crying for a moment. "Are you ready Estel?"
"No," Estel said grumpily.
"Come on poppet, you have to take your medicine," Gilraen said kindly.
"Oh fine then," he replied.
"Good boy," she said giving him a quick hug. It took longer this time for Estel to drink it all because he knew what to expect. But in the end he drank it all.
"Good boy," said Gilraen to Estel who was now crying into her dress. "Are you ready for some broth now?"
"I'm not hungry," he said.
"Estel," Elrond said gently pulling him onto his own lap, "You need something to eat, and this might stop you from being sick so much."
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
After ten more days like that Elrond realised that it would not be a mild bout of yellow flu like he had hoped, he told Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel but not Gilraen.
"Do you think I should tell her?" he asked the three elves outside Estel's room.
"No," they said together. "You told her what would happen if it isn't a mild case, there's no point worrying her even more by telling her that it definitely will happen." Glorfindel said to his friend.
They walked into the room and saw Gilraen sitting next to Estel talking happily to him then, "Mommy I'm going to be sick!"
All three elves rushed to the bed, Elrond holding the bowl that had just been emptied, but it was too late. The blankets, duvet, pillows and Estel were all covered in vomit. Glorfindel noticed Gilraen run out, but decided to wait. Once Estel had quietened down Glorfindel told him that Gilraen had rushed out. "Elrohir can you heat some water for Estel's bath. Elladan can you get some clean pyjamas and some towels by the fire please. Glorfindel can you stay with Estel I will be back in a minute," Elrond said quickly.
"If you want I'll go after Gilraen, Elrond," Glorfindel offered.
"No I want to talk to her. When the water's ready if I'm not here could you and Elrohir start to give Estel a bath please." Elrond replied before going to find Gilraen.
When he got to Gilraen's room he heard someone else being sick. He ran into the bathroom and saw Gilraen leaning over the toilet being sick. He went over and started rubbing her back until she had finished.
"You must be fed up with us Elrond. First you're kind enough to let us live here, then Estel gets sick and I'm not even strong enough to stay with him," she said before accepting the glass of water he handed her.
"It wasn't your fault Estel got sick. And it's the first time he's been sick so it will be hard for you. And I'm definitely not fed up with either of you," Elrond said smiling kindly at her. "I'm going back to check on him do you want to come?"
"No, I'd like to be alone for a bit," she said.
"If that's what you want then that's fine, but remember what I said, you won't be in the way sitting with him," he said before he left.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*
"El'dan and El'hir said they'll teach me some elfish," Estel said grinning at Gilraen,
"Really," she said smiling back.
"They already taught me what mummy is, it's.." Estel said before falling back onto the pillows.
"Estel, Estel wake up," Gilraen cried distraughtly.
Elrond hearing Gilraen's cry rushed in to see what was wrong.
Gilraen hearing Elrond's voice turned and cried, "He was just talking to me and then he fell back onto the pillows and he won't wake up," before bursting into tears.
"Come over here Gilraen," Elrond said guiding her over to a sofa near the fire, "You remember I said if Estel's illness isn't a mild case he may fall unconscious. Well it looks like he has," he said before pulling Gilraen close and letting her cry on his shoulder. After a while Elrond realised that Gilraen had cried her self to sleep so he got up, laid Gilraen down, got a blanket and put it over her. Realising that someone was in the door he looked up to see Glorfindel looking first at Estel then at Gilraen then Elrond.
"How long will it be till he wakes up do you think?" Glorfindel asked moving up to the bed.
"Two or three days," Elrond replied sadly, then seeing where he was looking now said, "Gilraen's just resting. I think the stress of seeing Estel fall unconscious rather upset her. I'll be in my study." Elrond said before leaving the room.
"Adar can I have a word?" Elladan asked.
"Of course, come in. What's wrong Elladan?" Elrond asked concerned.
"I saw you earlier with Gilraen. How could you touch her like that?" Elladan asked disgusted with his father.
"I beg your pardon Elladan," Elrond said rising.
"I saw the way you put your arms round her," Elladan replied also rising.
"Elladan I was comforting her. She had just watched Estel fall unconscious," Elrond said angrily.
"That was the way you used to comfort mother if one of us was injured," Elladan shouted.
Unknown to the elves a figure ran away from the study.
"I don't have different ways of comforting different people, Elladan," Elrond said walking towards his son.
"You don't comfort other parents like that, if you're healing one of their children," Elladan said.
"Gilraen has lost her husband and now her son is lying unconscious next door. How can you be so thoughtless Elladan?" Elrond said sadly.
"I'm sorry Ada, it's just.." Elladan said sitting down again.
"I know how you feel. But I could never love anyone like I love your mother," Elrond said kindly. "I'm just going to check on Estel, we need to keep his temperature down, are you going to come?"
"Yes Ada," Elladan replied standing up.
When they got into Estel's room the first thing Elrond noticed was that Gilraen was gone. He went over to Estel and felt his forehead.
"His temperature is already rising Elladan. Can you get some athelas put it in some water and start trying to keep his temperature down. I'm going to find Gilraen," Elrond said before leaving.
When he reached Gilraen's room he could hear some one in there so he knocked on the door and went in. Gilraen was dressed in the clothes she had arrived in and she had a bag on her back. This confused Elrond so he asked, "Are you going somewhere?"
Not being able to look at him, Gilraen suddenly found the floor rather interesting while she said, "I'm sorry Lord Elrond. I heard you arguing with Elladan in your study about me. I have decided it would be best if I left. Please look after Estel for me, and when he wakes up tell him I love him and will never forget him," when she looked up Elrond could see tears running down her face.
"Gilraen, Elladan is fine with you being here. He was just a bit upset when he saw me with my arms around you. He thought I was forgetting about his mother, but we have sorted things out. And you can't leave me with the twins and Estel," he said smiling at her. "And don't apologise and don't call me lord," he said his smile widening. At this comment Gilraen laughed but then stopped when she said, "How is Estel?"
"Well his temperature is rising but Elladan is with him trying to keep it from going to high. And it is important that while he's unconscious we make sure he has enough liquid in him and maybe a bit of broth so that when he wakes he won't be too weak," he said kindly. *-*-*-*-*-*-*
On the second day Estel had been unconscious Elrond and Glorfindel were trying to get some broth into him. "If you can sit there and let Estel lean against you," Elrond told Glorfindel as he opened Estel's mouth. He got a small bit of broth on a spoon and put it in Estel's empty mouth. He then rubbed Estel's throat until he swallowed the broth. After the third or fourth spoonful Glorfindel said, "Why don't we get one of the twins to hold him still like when you tried to get him to take some medicine? It might help me."
"How would that help? Estel can't squirm when he's unconscious," Elrond replied.
"Then what's he doing now?" Glorfindel said smiling at the look on his friend.
"He's waking up. Glorfindel he's waking up. Please go and tell the twins then bring Gilraen here." Elrond said before picking Estel up and sitting him on his lap.
"Estel," he called gently, "Estel, wake up."
"Ada," Estel said softly, "Ada, where's mummy?" he asked.
"Estel, my baby," Gilraen cried as she ran in and pulled Estel onto her lap.
"Mummy, what's wrong, you're crying?" Estel said noticing the tears rolling down his mums face.
"I was just happy you're awake, that's all," she said wiping them away. This confused Estel. Why shouldn't he be awake? He decided to ask Ada. Seeing the look on Estel's face he said, "Do you remember when you were talking to mummy about learning elvish?" Estel nodded. "Do you remember what happened?" "No, all I remember is waking up in Glorfi's arms," he said.
"Well you're poorly and sometimes when you get this illness, you fall unconscious for a few days," Elrond explained but seeing that Estel didn't know what that meant he said, "If you fall unconscious it's like falling asleep and not being able to wake up for quite a while. You'll have to stay in here until some when next week." Estel nodded but then stopped. "Ada," he said, "My head hurts."
"I'll just go and get some medicine for you," Elrond said, standing up after patting Estel gently on the head. He went of to the table to get the medicine while Estel and Gilraen just sat on the bed talking a little bit.
"Mummy, I'm going to be sick," Elrond heard Estel cry, he rushed over to help Gilraen, but Gilraen was fine. She just sat on the bed with Estel and the bowl on her lap hugging her son. Elladan and Elrohir walked in and saw what was going on. Elladan walked over to the bed and sat by Gilraen while Elrohir went to talk to Elrond, who seeing that she was alright and that she had Elladan had gone back to get Estel's medicine.
"Ada, will Estel vomit much more this week," he asked.
"No, hopefully this will be the last time." Elrond replied before walking over to the bed. When Estel saw what he was carrying he curled up into a ball and started crying on Gilraen's lap.
"Estel," Elrond said firmly, "You have to take this. It will stop your head from hurting so much. And it will make sure you can eat something without being sick afterwards."
The only thing that happened when he said that was that Estel started crying even harder. Elrond passed the beaker to Glorfindel who had just come in and then bent down and lifted Estel's head up gently but firmly, who then uncurled himself and tried to run away, but Gilraen held onto him.
"Estel, please be a good boy for us," she whispered in his ears. Estel stopped moving and decided to sit on Gilraen's lap ready for his medicine. Seeing this Elrond moved closer to Estel and whispered something in his ear that only he could hear. When Elrond stood up the other four people in the room could see Estel's face, it was full of excitement.
"Really?" he asked, his voice also full of excitement.
"Yes, but only if you drink all this," he said smiling at the boy.
"Oh fine," Estel replied grudgingly. Hearing this last bit the twins moved into hold him, but when Elrond shook his head they pulled back rather confused.
"Estel will you do it without Elladan and Elrohir having to hold you still?" Elrond asked gently.
"I'll try, it's just it doesn't taste very nice and I can't stop myself from moving," he said unhappily.
"I know and it's not your fault but at least you'll try, and just think about what I promised you for after it," Elrond replied. He poured a little bit into Estel's mouth, who swallowed it with some difficulty but managed not to squirm too much.
"Good boy, are you ready for another mouthful?" Estel nodded looking like he was about to burst into tears. Elrond poured a bit more in but this time Estel managed to swallow it but then squirmed and tried to get off Gilraen's lap.
"I'm sorry Ada, its just it tastes yucky," Estel said through his tears.
"I know," Elrond said giving him a hug. "Ready for some more."
"Ok," he said unhappily tears still rolling down his cheeks. Elrond poured a bit more in and this time he had to rub Estel's neck to get him to swallow it. Once he had swallowed it he started crying rather noisily. Elrond looked at the twins who nodded in agreement then came over. After Elrond had managed to get Estel to sit still on Gilraen's lap, Elladan and Elrohir came and sat either side of him and held him so he couldn't move and Elrond poured the rest of it down his throat, he swallowed it without much bother. When Estel had taken it all he got into his bed with Elrond and Gilraen sitting either side of him and he said, "Ada, will you tell me that story now please?"
"Oh yes, I did promise didn't I," he said grinning at the twins.
"What story?" Elrohir said worriedly.
"I promised Estel that I would tell him the story about when you two fell out of that tree and you both broke at least three bones each," Elrond replied his smile widening.
"Ada, I thought you said you wouldn't tell any one else that story," Elladan said.
"Well trying to get Estel to take his medicine reminded me of that story, but I did promise him." Elrond said before turning back to Estel and telling him the story.
Please review and tell me if you want anymore. Can anyone think of a better title?