Disclaimer: The conversation between Gilraen's parents comes from 'Appendix A' of The Lord of the Rings and was not written by me.

Authors Note: This is a long chappie full of thoughts. But I felt that Elrond's decision to bring Aragorn to Rivendell is an important one in the LotR's universe. It shaped whom the future King of men grew to be, after all.

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 conversations with my one-year cousin when he was little, though, as strange as that was. Writing children is hard for me even without trying to incorporate it into a non-humor story.

Note: Italics denotes 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 tunic and long skirt of wool. She was still young among the women of the Dúnedain and had not yet reached the age at which her kinswomen were accustomed to marry and have a child. This fact, however, did not daunt Gilraen the Fair 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 morning sun with one hand.

"What in Middle Earth?" she asked out loud.

Trithen the horse's fence had a, well 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 older two 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 in triumph.

"What is going on here?" she asked fixing the full motherly look on Leodry.

"Um, well, we... well, you see, it wasn't my idea..."

Aragorn, forgetting he was supposed to be looking sad, couldn't contain himself anymore.

"Momma, momma! 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 explanations she knew was 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 men to jump back.

"And take care of Trithen, gently," she stressed the last word.

With that final comment she left the one man and boy 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 it to her very soul. She felt panicky and short of breath. A memory pushed itself to the front of her mind.

"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'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 couldn't be good.

Singing.

The first thing Elladan was aware of was singing. A velvet dream drifting through the heaviness and illuminating the darkened 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. A comforting voice he had not heard in 400 years. But that was impossible.

Was he dead then?

He ruled that possibility out as well when he could, albeit dully, feel his side throbbing. He also knew that his mother wasn't dead either.

Still, it sounded so much like Celebrían.

Elladan became panicked when the singing finally 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 sudden touch. The single voice grew into many and his fear heightened. Who were they and why would they not leave him alone?

Something forcefully grabbed a hold of his wrist and he tried to fight it off. Then something held his chest down and he was stuck, with no way to move. Another unseen foe touched his forehead and he felt a sense of calmness spread through him despite the situation. 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 guide the elf from the darkness until Elladan's mind finally pushed his senses to awareness. 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 firm pressure to his chest. Elrohir was half leaning over him holding his wrists down. As he continued to absorb his surrounding he saw his sister standing patiently behind Elrohir with slight trepidation in her eyes. 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?" Elrond asked sternly.

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 even lift his head from the pillow.

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 suddenly appeared at 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 all right, 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' and the warmth that word brought pushed him over the edge, and 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. Granted, his son still slumbered in the exhausted state with his eyes closed instead of open as they should be, but he was not overly worried. The elder elf looked up from his son's pale features to his daughter sitting on the other side of Elladan.

"Are you alright, Arwen?" he asked calmly.

Arwen smiled serenely at her father with a twinkle in her eyes that reminded him she had grown to adulthood with two brothers.

"I am fine father. Elrohir came in soon after he began to struggle."

"What was that, father?" Elrohir asked from behind Elrond.

"His fever has spiked again 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 father, I am not tired," Elrohir argued.

"I will be fine by myself," Arwen said at the same time.

Elrond held up his hand to stay the arguments.

"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 inept?" Elrond finished with a quizzical smile daring them to argue.

"Nys, adar," Arwen and Elrohir answered together.

With one last reluctant glance Elrohir left the room. Arwen stopped just before she passed through the door.

"You cannot carry the burden of the entire world on your shoulders, father. Capable as they may be. You encourage us to talk about our grievance and it is wise advice. Remember, I am only down the hall."

Arwen closed the door gently behind her as she left. No further words were needed.

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 that Arwen had occupied minutes before. 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, 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 six and half millennia, Elrond decided that grief 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 with his other son. Elladan was protective of others and one to put the blame on himself, so his would be the tougher battle.

Elrond sighed again as 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 darkening Elrond was not so sure. The way yesterday's events had been foretold led Elrond to believe the orcs had gotten who they were after. Could the enemy have found out whom Arathorn was? More importantly, was someone still looking?

If that were the case then he doubted Gilraen's people alone could protect her or more importantly, her son. They were too few in number. 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 out Lothlorien. It was well protected, even more than most knew, but it was still too close to Mordor. Outsiders were not as welcomed in Galadriel's realm because of that fact. 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. Elrond also felt obligated to help his brother's descendants. And if anyone had found out about Arathorn, it would be best for his son to disappear for a time. He would have to leave the name of Aragorn behind until he was old enough to carry the burden. 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 in a gentle curtain 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 some time.

After several minutes the song ended.

"Oio naa elealla alassa', muinthel. I enjoy listening to you sing," Elladan said with a voice rough from unuse.

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?"

"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," she said lightly.

Elladan's eye went wide as he realized what she was saying.

"Did I hurt you?" he asked alarmed.

Arwen gave a silvery laugh.

"As I told Elrohir, I have survived growing up with the two of you, 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 used all over her considerably control to keep her expression neutral. She had not known Arathorn very well, but her brothers had. Father had warned her that Elladan might not remember what had happened, but he would remember in time. If not, he would break the news to Elladan himself. How could she not answer him, though? She would 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 wrong?"

"Elladan, please don't..."

"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 that gentle way of stopping further argument, something she had picked up from their mother. 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 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.

"Father 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 too often over the years. Do I look as if I have gone mad?"

"You worry far too much my 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 wrapped protectively 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 the lamp she placed it on the table and sat down.

"You do realize father 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 lady sitting at the table and staring at her as if she were the dark lord herself. She almost laughed out loud 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.

"Good morn, Celaviel. Elladan was hungry and I was just going to find something for him."

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. Arwen stood went about preparing something light to eat for her brother.

"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 asked curiously.

Elladan did not miss the warning look Arwen flashed Celaviel. He looked from one maid to the other and settled his gaze back on Arwen. They were not telling him something and he did not know what, but for some reason he was filled with a sense of dread. He stood and walked over to confront Arwen.

"Arwen?"

Elladan gave her such a pleading look that she could not continue to let him guess.

"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 rock slide with Arathorn and then following him through the dark with Elrohir. The rest is a jumble of confusing images," he said shaking his head.

Arwen gently took one of her brother's hands and wrapped it in both of hers.

"The reason Elrohir brought you back here was because you were shot with a poisoned orc arrow," she started, trying to prompt his own memory.

An arrow. An orc arrow… That triggered a memory and Elladan shut his eyes to try and grasp it. He heard Arathorn's voice.

"We have to get out of here before we are encompassed," he heard himself say.

Elrohir's voice echoed around 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.

Elladan remembered.

He remembered everything from the rock slide, 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 motionless 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 above the clatter.

His friend had fallen.

"Nothing good I can assure you. Whatever it is I suggest we inspect it a little closer," He had answered.

"A trap do you think?" asked Elrohir.

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. Many 'what if's' sprang to mind… but the fact was, none of them would bring Arathorn back.

The memory of the rock slide and being shot made 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. The fierceness of pain finally snapped his mind 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 forcing the elf's head to look at his father. He glanced around with his eyes and saw Arwen was sitting on the ground beside him. He felt, more than saw, her arm wrapped tightly around him holding him upright. Elrohir was kneeling next to his father looking for all the world, as if he might break down and cry. The ringing in his ears died down to a hush and his father's voice floaded his ears.

"Elladan! Look at me! Can you hear me? Elladan! Elladan please answer me. Elladan!"

His father's voice held a sense of urgency that he had never heard before. Elrond was frightened. 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 and leaned her head on her brother's shoulder to let him know she was there for him. Elrohir bowed his head and sighed as 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 stronger one. Elladan keep his head bowed for he could not 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.

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 much more guilt.

"I know you cannot convince yourself now, but in time you will come to realize that this was 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 accepted 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 some time 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 back the tears 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 so long.

Elrohir and Aranel would be leaving for Eriador 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 widow 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 healed quickly, so he had plenty of time to recover on the trip there. The ghost of a smile graced his pale, 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 Aranel..."

"Not that one," she interrupted, "the other one."

"Elladan?" Arwen asked, "that could not be. I checked on him before Elrohir left and he was resting in bed."

"Well he is no longer, my lady. I went to his room to change the bandages 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 ornate 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 slammed the cabinet doors shut and turned with fierceness in his eyes.

The uncharacteristic and rare display of anger from the normally composed Elrond made Arwen and Celaviel jump in surprise as he forcefully slammed the closet shut. Elrond wheeled around to face them and Celaviel unconsciously took a step back in fear. She had never seen her lord so openly angry.

"Senseless child! Is he trying kill himself?"

Elrond fumed toward the door and Arwen and Celaviel wisely sidestepped out of the way to let the furious elf lord 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. She looked to the other elf maid and smiled ruefully.

"It looks as though my departure will have to wait a little 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 feeling 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 be damned if she let either of them go.

TBC...
Ciria - Thank you for the review and I hope the story is still interesting for you! Lots more Aragorn to come. Promise! I think this is about as fast as I have every updated a story before. :P Thanks again for the review and please feel free to keep reviewing. It keeps the chapters coming faster.

kurleyhawk2 - Thank you and I'm pleased you like it. I am sure your question has been answered already, but - almost three. The chapters will keep coming as long as the reviews do! I know, not so subtle of a hint was it? I could just beg. :P

Hobbit-eyes - I know, I found it kind of ironic to be dedicating a drama/angst like story to such a humor fan. But it was your idea to write a story about when the twins first meet Aragorn. I had originally planned to make it a cute story, but it sort of evolved into a touching one. Even in my serious ones I like to keep a bit of humor in, though. For your lighthearted streak, don't worry, I plan on making The Misadventures of Elladan and Elrohir into an ongoing series. So more cute stories on the way!! And thank you ever so much for adding me to your favorites!!!!

xsilicax - Yes, he does need hugs and now so does the other one. Thank you for your lovely comment. You'll get lots of emotion in my stories. I follow the philosophy that the characters are more important than the story line, although I have thought that out. ;) You will have to wait a little bit longer before you get to see the impact our little youngster has on the dynamic duo, but it should be fun! Thanks again for the review!

Karri - Thank you! Sniff? Thanks again. I was trying to be sad. I simply love the wee Legolas story. I was soooo cute! Oh, I tried to click on the link to the picture for Dark Horizons, but it didn't work. So, I did not get to see the picture! Darn it. Anyway, just thought I'd let you know.

Nione Lasgalen - (aka: melissa greenleaf) ;) Hantale!! Well, he is kind of ok. Poor elf, I have to have someone to pick on after all. Hope you like this chapter as much. Thanks again for the review!!

Aralondwen - Thank you kindly for the praise! I am touched. Blushes Returns hug I love hugs!! You should join our hugging club from my other story. (I know, a bit sappy, but hey.) I simply cannot resist puppy eyes. ;) So here you go. I wrote this chapter at the expense of updating the other story and now have to dodge thrown object for leaving the Choices... gang with a cliffhanger. But that's ok, I have good reflexes. :P