Elrohir rode the borders of Rivendell, leisurely watching the trees go by and listening to the birds sing in the trees. Today more than ever the elf longed to leave this place and sail for the peace of the western shore. But he would not leave his twin, and Elladan's heart was in Arda-Marred for the time being. It was issues such as the one that now weighed on his mind that turned Elrohir's heart to the west.
This issue was the disappearance of his nephew, Yaonorme Eruedraithon. Glorfindel had ridden into the valley three weeks ago, lamenting the disappearance of the youth. Ever since then, every one of the few remaining elves in Imladris had been searching for word of Yaonorme in every way they knew. But no sign of the boy had turned up.
Elrohir sighed sadly, then cried out in surprise as the gray gelding beneath him halted, prancing in place nervously. He patted the horse's neck soothingly and sat up straighter, looking around to see what could've startled his mount. Then he heard a voice hiss, "Keep down! It's my uncle!" Elrohir squinted into the undergrowth suspiciously.
"Yaonorme? Is that you?"
A snarl of frustration came from the brush and the golden-haired elf rose to his feet. "Hi Uncle 'Ro."
Elrohir, though relieved to find Yaonorme unharmed, kept a stern expression on his face. "Who are your friends?"
Yaonorme's eyes widened. "What others?"
Elrohir tapped his fingers impatiently. "Yaonorme, you've always been a bad liar. And the puppy eyes won't work. Come on."
Yaonorme sighed and waved his hand. "Come on. He got us."
Elrohir watched silently as a badly scarred hobbit woman stood. Her curly brown hair was filled with leaves and her one clear blue eye (the other was covered by a hide patch) darted from her feet to Yaonorme to Elrohir.
Yaonorme looked up at his uncle, but Elrohir just nodded. "Keep going." The boy sighed and rolled his eyes. Briar Rose reached down and tapped someone on the shoulder.
A tall elven woman with chocolate brown hair stood up. Her near-black eyes were filled with fire, and like the hobbit's they darted between the ground and the elves.
Yaonorme smiled at his uncle, but Elrohir wasn't fooled. "There's one more down there."
Finally, reluctantly, a man stood. His black hair was streaked with silver and he glared at Yaonorme with green eyes that blazed with anger.
"A fine mess, Yaonorme," the man said icily. "I thought you were going to lead us around Rivendell, not into it."
"Angrenbor," the elf woman warned, but Yaonorme waved her off.
"It's alright, Galenwen, I'm no more happy than he is over this." Then he turned to face the one called Angrenbor. "Look, I'm sorry. My father doesn't normally order the patrols to ride this far. I didn't know!"
Angrenbor curled his lip. "You knew they'd be looking for you. You never wanted to come with me, you led us in here on purpose!"
"I never did! I didn't want to get caught anymore than you did! The whole point of ditching Glorfindel was to get out on my own. I meet up with you and look what happens! You're supposed to be a wizard!"
Briar Rose hissed. That was cold. Angrenbor's face paled noticeably. "You dare?" He raised his staff and looked as if he was about to floor Yaonorme, no matter who was watching.
Elrohir chose this moment to interrupt. "Ahem, ditched Glorfindel? Come on, I'm taking all of you back to Imladris. You've all got some things to explain."
Elrohir led the way, frequently glancing over his shoulder to see if they were all still there. The four travelers never even thought of running off, as they were occupied instead with a whispered argument that continued until they arrived at the Last Homely House.
Upon arriving, Elrohir took them all straight to the Hall of Fire. He knew Elladan would be there, planning yet another scheme to find his son.
To his mild surprise, not only was Elladan there, but also Glorfindel, Erestor, Celeborn, and every other elf in Imladris. [iThe patrols must have just returned[/i, Elrohir realized. The elves turned and stared as he led the four into the hall. The two groups regarded each other silently for a moment.
Then all of Angband broke loose and there was great rejoicing. The elves fell on Yaonorme and there were many tears, kisses, hugs, and questions being asked of Yaonorme and Elrohir. The others stood by to one side, watching in amazement at the sudden onslaught of people.
Every one of the elves expressed great joy and relief at Yaonorme being found alive. It was plain to see that he was the favorite of Imladris. Each elf embraced him warmly. Each elf, that is, except one. When Yaonorme approached him, Melpomaen slapped the youth. Hard.
Angrenbor and Briar Rose both flinched. The room went dead silent as the boy touched a hand to his cheek. Red marks were beginning to form where the elder's hand had connected. Elladan started forward, eyes hard and lips ready with a command. But Yaonorme stopped him with an upraised hand.
"It's alright, Ada. Melpomaen has only given me what I deserve for causing so much worry."
Elladan's grim look dissolved, though he still shot Melpomaen a dark glance. "Well, that's certainly true enough. But here, who are the others Elrohir has brought to us?"
Yaonorme turned to his waiting companions. "Ada, these are my friends." The blond elf raised his eyebrows at the three, as if to say, [iWell? Introduce yourselves