The Missing Years

Chapter 9 – Hope

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Legolas moved quietly through the corridors. It was early and very few were awake, but even in the middle of the day the valley was subdued. Everyone was waiting with bated breath for news of Elladan and Elrohir. There was some small hope, they were improving, albeit slowly but that caused another problem. Every moment the Prince could see guilt in their eyes, not only over her death but with their continued existence. They had lost their very reason for living and yet they were still here. Finally reaching the gardens the wood elf breathed deeply. The trees would calm his mind and hopefully give him the inspiration he needed to help his friends.

Elladan and Elrohir were awake, but they lay side by side staring up at the ceiling. They couldn't understand it, why were they still here? Why wouldn't Mandos take them? They had nothing to live for anymore, nothing but the painful reminders of what they had lost. They had caused the death of their best friend, they had brought grief to the entire valley, everyone expected them to fade over her loss, they expected to fade over her, and yet they were still here. Everyday they had awoken expecting it to be their last and everyday they were disappointed. Everyday the guilt over her death had may way a little for the guilt they felt over their own survival. Their entire lives she had been by their side, and suddenly she was gone. What use was there in laughing, or drinking, or feasting without her there? What use was there in hunting or training or dancing? What use was there in anything? As the sun rose two heads turned towards the window to follow it's light. It was time to start another day without her.

Legolas frowned slightly when he heard what sounded like laughter coming from a clearing up ahead. He hadn't heard laughter since he arrived, and not like this. This was true and happy laughter. He peared around the trees and smiled. Lord Elrond was sitting on the ground as a small boy chased butterflies back and forward. The boy was laughing merrily as he played. Legolas realised that this was the child Elrond had been holding when he arrived. It was then that Elrond looked up and saw the prince. "Prince Legolas, you remember my foster son Estel?" Legolas grinned widely, inspiration had come to him at last.

Arwen breathed a sigh of relief as the valley came into view. She was home, home and ready to face whatever awaited her there. She could put aside her own grief to help her brothers. She only hoped she wouldn't be too late. Urging her steed forward she made her way towards the last homely house.

Legolas was practically pulling his friends down the corridor, urging them forward with his inexplicable enthusiasm. They had come a long way but there was still much healing to be down. Lastirith had made them face up to what they had lost, but now it was time to give them something to live for, A reason to go on without her. She had been his friend as well and he refused to let her death come to nothing. Pushing open the door Legolas led them into the room where Elrond and the little boy waited. The twins looked at each other confused. Why had Legolas brought them here? "This is Estel." Legolas said. "This is the boy that Athriel died to protect. She fought so that you could get him to safety. And he is safe, but one day he will need to claim the throne that is rightfully his, one day he will lead the world of men as your uncle once did. Until then he will need guidance and protection. He is your foster brother and he will need your help. Do not let Athriel's death be in vain. She died to save you and to save him, so you have to go on, you have to make sure Estel reaches his destiny." The two stood staring at the child in their father's arms. He was their kin, they knew that. A direct descendent of Elros, their father's twin and the hope of men. "Will you not come and meet your new brother properly my sons?" Elrond asked as little Estel just looked up at them in wonder. "Why are there two of you?" the boy asked curiously seeing the two identical faces. Elrond closed his eyes as he saw the rememberance flash across their features.

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Elladan had seen her first, running into the room to hug Glorfindel. "She is here Roh" His brother looked up following his gaze and grinned. Finally another elfling to talk to. They had been waiting for days for her to arrive. "Then let us go and greet her Dan" They stood together and wandered over to the group. ""You're new."" They said together as Athriel spun around to face them. She looked between the two faces for some time making them laugh. "Why are there two of you?" she asked. ""We're twins"" they said laughing.

"We are twins" Elladan said kneeling down to greet his little brother. "I am Elladan and this is Elrohir. We are your big brothers." Elrohir knealt beside him. "We are going to look after you. Legolas and Elrond looked at one another. There was hope after-all. Estel would give them something to live for, it would be difficult but they would heal. They would find a way to live without her until they sailed and were reunited. Estel was their hope and he would be their reason for living.