Finally chapter 9. Thank you lovely beta reader Leggyrespect! Enjoy reading and please please please leave me a review to improve my writing and this story!

Chapter 9. She heard, as she learned later...

She heard, as she learned later, the Ford of Bruinen before she saw it. The clear sound of water cascading gently over smooth rocks and boulders was soothing. The uneven river bedding made the sound of water surprisingly musical, as if the river played a complex but subtle piece of music. The smell of pine trees hung heavy in the air, the sweet smell invading all her senses. She took a deep breath and instantly a peaceful feeling took a hold of her. Looking to Elladan she noticed he had stopped the horse and sat still as a statue in the saddle, eyes closed, nostrils flaring. A great calm seemed to take hold of him and she wondered if there was more to the water than met the eye. Elrohir behind him did not stir.

After the crossing, the land changed abruptly. Within a few hundred meters, a new kind of tree appeared with a white trunk and leaves of gold and pale green, a faint echo of birch trees. In between them the ground seemed tidy, she had no other word for it, as if the shrubs were clipped, the grass was vacuum cleaned, no fallen leaves or branches to be seen. The horses seemed to know their way, the reins felt useless in her hands. Soon they rode up a smooth hill on a grassy road. While descending on the other side, wind swept up from the valley, grasping her hair whipping it around her head blocking her eyes from the view.

When she freed her face from her stubborn long locks, she saw a magnificent set of buildings against the other side of a grand green valley. Focussing her eyes, she noticed that the buildings seemed constructed with care and mastery, showing many terraces facing the hilltop where she was standing. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the structures and making them shine with delicate quality.

Looking at Elrohir, sagged behind his brother she frowned concerned: "Should we not make haste?"

"That would be unwise, we will risk injuring him further if we pick up pace. The guards have detected us long before we crossed the Ford of Bruinen, they will fetch my father, and arrange special transport for my brother as we speak."

Butterflies hit her stomach instantly. Soon, she would meet Elrond himself. She felt nervous for meeting the master of Rivendell and she felt even worse about him being their father. What would he think of her? Would she be allowed to stay? Also, she would meet a lot more Elves. She dreaded facing so many new persons at the same time. She kind of happened upon the twins and everything evolved in a steady pace from there. She had time to adjust to them and while travelling, conversation came naturally. Social events where she had to make idle talk with strangers, were not her forte.

She only socialized with a few training partners in Japan, mainly Hideo. She liked to be on her own. She did not go to parties or clubs. The cabin in the wood was her idea of a relaxed weekend. And now... Swallowing, she forced herself to think only about Elrohir and the medical attention that he needed. As long as she was with the twins, she would be alright. Right?

After an hour riding in a steady pace, the road straightened and ran underneath a canopy of golden leaf trees. The trunks of these trees seemed to be exceptionally straight and even. After some time, the canopy was slowly replaced by simple wooden pointed gothic arches, placed a few meters apart from each other. They were rich in colour and modest of width, only three horses could pass. They reminded her of torii in Japan; the red gateways to Shinto sanctuaries.

After a while the road reached a round space fringed with ancient trees, their trunks bend and crooked with age, like olive trees. On the far side of the space, a stone staircase with uneven and worn down steps climbed up the hill and soon winded out of sight. Two ancient stone statues flanked the beginning of the staircase, like guards. They were weather beaten, green with moss, their shape diffused by age.

Upon entering the open area, an armed Elf that stood guard at the bottom of the stairs, raised his hand in a silent greeting to Elladan. Rin stared at him amazed. He was so different and yet the same as the twins. Fair of face, noble even, but eyes of the same eerie blue color as a husky dog and golden hair, flowing from underneath an elaborately forged helmet. He wore a minimal amount of armour, not like a knight, less bulky and more practical: a leather outfit padded with metal plates on the shins, the arms, shoulders, chest and back. Individually strapped to his body, the armour was protective but also allowed the Elf to move freely. The metal seemed to shine from within, the elaborate designs glowing. The motives of his round shield, were mimicked in the decoration of his weaponry.

Behind him three Elves hurried down a long winding stair with worried faces. The first was dark haired, clad in grey-blue tunic and tight pants, leather shoes, his grey cape following his hurried pace down the stairs. The other two Elves were fair haired and dressed in light grey tunics and pants. They carried a stretcher in between them, slowing them down.

When they reached Elladan, they cried with concerned voices in Elvish. She could not understand what they were saying but she did hear them speak Elrohir's name.

The tallest of the three, inspected Elrohir's vitals and then commanded the other two in quick clipped words to untie him and lift him off the horse with care.

"Orc arrow, maybe poisoned." Elladan said in Elvish. The tall Elf stared at him pointedly, "You were lucky. As always"

Elladan gritted his teeth in annoyance: "Do not start this discussion Lindir, for I tire of it."

Lindir looked agitated but left the discussion for what it was, following the two guards that carried Elrohir up the stairs in haste.

While they dismounted the horses, the Elf guard whistled, loud and high, and then low again. More Elves appeared as if on cue from in between the trees, greeting Elladan with reverence and then took the horses by the reins.

Rin stroked Suldal's head, putting her forehead against his muzzle, mumbling a quiet thank you to the horse. The Elf that held him, looked at her curious, softly saying something that she could not understand. Then he smiled. His ageless face showed the tiniest lines around the corners of his blue eyes, his teeth were peculiarly white, almost unnatural. She returned his smile and nodded. Then, she felt Elladan's hand on her shoulder, his warmth radiating from him, heating her side. They stood there for a while watching the horses disappear in between the trees. It felt strange to not have them around.

Elladan squeezed her shoulder. "We can check on them tomorrow if you wish. They are in good care now."

She nodded silently. He let go of her and motioned with one arm towards the stairs, one corner of his mouth curved into a small teasing smile. "After you, my lady."

She frowned at him, thinking this was not the time for teasing and walked up the stairs. Suddenly the worry for Elrohir kicked in again and she picked up her pace, rushing up the steps. Elladan seemed in no hurry. She paused and stared down at him.

He looked apologetic at her. "We are of no use in the House of Healing when my father is in charge. They will not let us in before they are done with him, which will be many hours. Let us get cleaned up now and rest, he will be alright, I promise."

"Really? Swear it to me!"

Her fierce attitude on the matter startled him, but he shook his head earnestly.

"I will not swear it to you, since the way life runs its course is sometimes elusive. But I will tell you this, Rin; he and I have been wounded worse than this, in the past. And although I have been troubled by his state, and I have felt his pain on our journey here as if it were my own, he is now in the care of the most skilled healer in Middle Earth. You must leave your worries behind now, for they serve no purpose."

She nodded reluctantly wondering how he could just flip that switch in his head. On the top of the stairs, he took her hand reverently, squeezing it softly to give her comfort. He smiled at her and she felt warmth flooding her body instantly.

"He will be alright, Rin. Come, let us rest for a while and rid ourselves of this dirt. I am sure my brother would not mind, but others may take offence." He stared at her for a moment and then his mouth curved into a sly smile again. "And I would not want my brother becoming pray of your foul mood again, if it can be helped by mere hot water and soap!"

She tried to shoot daggers at him with her eyes but failed, a giddy laugh forcing itself up through her body. He led her to the right, through a wide passageway that penetrated the thicket, laughing merrily. His hand felt warm and dry in hers, the gesture intimate and comforting. It somehow felt natural after their ordeal. He managed to lift her spirits, but a small part of her could not let go of her worry.

Soon they followed what seemed to be a winding staircase towards a higher platform. When they reached the top she gasped. The view was magnificent. Looking out over the valley, the golden light caressed her face, warming her body.

Crossing many terraces and smaller staircases, she started to notice her fatigue. Her feet were hurting, her legs tired and heavy. Then, to her relief, he led her towards a large door of elaborate design. Two trees were carved in the wood, the branches reaching each other at the top of the door, which was decorated with many animals entwined with floral patterns. Two wolves stared at her from the centre of it.

Silently, he led her inside and closed the door after her. The silence that filled the room was unnatural. Being in nature for so many days, with the wind and sounds of animals and plants around her constantly, the silence and lack of movement of air was suffocating, the room felt like a vacuum.

The apartment, for that was what it seemed to be, was soberly decorated. They were standing in a large room with white plastered walls and the heavy wooden ceiling was held up by smooth wooden pillars. Where the top met the heavy beams, the capitals were decorated with complex patterns of leaves. On the other side of it, were large doors that stood ajar. She caught a glimpse of another terrace with a mighty vista. In front of it, stood a daybed. The middle of the room contained a large heavy wooden table with six chairs and a wall full of books. The table was littered with paperwork, scrolls and books. There was another room where she saw a large king size bed, the headboard decorated with the two wolves again. High above the headboard was a round window, through which light fell in beams onto the bed.

Elladan opened the doors further and she followed him onto the terrace and she gasped at the beautiful view. When she looked at his face, it was unreadable, while he stared into the distance.

"Is this your house?"

He smiled that darn beautiful smile of his, the light of the sun making his eyes shine silver. "Yes, I share it with my brother."

"Why the wolves? You even have them on your cape." she stretched out her hand to touch the wooden clasp of his mantle.

"Centuries ago, we have started this hunt of the enemy, always together. My people compared us to wolves because they hunt in packs and if they choose a companion, it is a choice that will last their lives. It seems a fit comparison to the relationship I have with my brother."

She nodded at him in understanding.

He disappeared in the bedroom and appeared again, walking barefoot with only a white tunic and pants on. The tunic fell open partially, showing a glimpse of his pale chest making her blush. She cursed in her mind, what was this idiotic attraction! Underneath his arm he carried some white cloths. She was sure he noticed her blush. His eyes were twinkling mischievously, but he did not make a remark on the matter. Instead he motioned with his head towards the door: "Let us find that hot water shall we?"

To her utter and blissful delight, he led her towards beautiful natural hot springs, bubbling up in between grey smooth rocks. The springs were all natural, but the entrance was Elf made, elaborate sculptures marking it. They undressed without shame and lowered themselves into the water. She could not smother a groan of ecstasy. The water was hot almost, immediately soothing her muscles. She fell all tension drain from her muscles and mind and disappear into the water. What a bliss! She missed the onsen of her home, a daily habit after training that made life bearable.

She saw Elladan relish the water with the same intensity as herself. Lowering his body all the way until his nose. Only hissing when the water touched the cut in his arm.

They had the hot springs for themselves. It was noon and according to Elladan everyone was eating in the central halls. She felt pleased at the thought. The idea that she needed to socialise at this moment frightened her. She just wanted to be with Elladan and enjoy their silence in the hot water. She sighed, letting herself drift off.

He grabbed her elbow suddenly, softly warning her: "Don't fall asleep in the water…"

"I won't…. Just enjoying the warmth."

He seemed satisfied. "Good….I do not wish to have another casualty at my hands…." his eyes were soft. His features relaxed and open. She noticed his hair was still braided and stiff with blood.

"Here, let me…" she swam towards him and settled behind him in the water. He stiffened for a moment but soon relaxed. She reached for his hair, marvelling at the silk like texture in the parts without blood. She undid his braids with difficulty, straightening out his long tresses. There were wooden bowls standing nearby and she reached for one. She scooped water and rinsed his hair with it, running her fingers through it carefully. The blood seeped in rivulets over his back into the water. With every scoop of water he seemed more relaxed, she saw his muscles loosen, his head tilted more backwards, his eyes closed.

When all the blood was gone she murmured: "There you go. All clean…" but she did not swim to sit at his side. Instead, feeling bold, she leant into him, her breasts touching his back. She blushed furiously but the need to touch him was so strong that she could not resist. She wrapped her arms around his chest and his waist, caressing his soft skin and leaned her head against his back. They sat there for a while like that and she felt him, for a second time, slowly relax in her arms.

After some time, she released him and sat back at his side. Her blush still burned at the thought of facing him after her display of affection. When she cast a shy glance she saw his intense stare, nostrils flaring. His jaw was set. Butterflies erupted, what was this tiger going to do now? Plucking up her courage she faced him head on, staring into those dark eyes, showing the dark want in her own.

He stared at her for a few moments and then he grasped her waist and pulled her into him, his lips smashing into hers with force. HIs tongue demanded entrance aggressively. She opened her lips and the kiss deepened, tightening things low in her body.

He pulled her onto his lap hard and forced her legs straddling him, her intimate parts completely opened up for him. His fingers pressed into skin of her thigh painfully, she was sure it would leave bruises the next day. His body was rock hard against her and his erection pressed against her pelvis almost painfully. One hand clawed her hair, pulling her head backwards and she felt his lips grazing her neck, causing goose bumps instantly. She let out a shaky moan. He hissed upon hearing her enjoy his teeth and he smashed into her lips a second time. Releasing her lips, they were both panting, trying to catch their breath, staring wildly at each other, pupils dilated. Then he released her abruptly, almost pushing her away: "Sorry Rin. I made a vow to you. This will not happen again."

She stared at him confused, searching her brain for something to say. "What do you mean?"

He stared at her angrily: "This cannot be, Rin! You must understand! You are mortal. We have always been together! You must let us go now before one of us gets hurt!" he grabbed her by the arms staring wildly into her eyes: "I cannot lose him!"

She stared at him as if she saw fire burning: "Why would you lose him?"

He cursed, standing up abruptly, leaving the hot spring, drying his body with one of the cloths. She saw his erection still pressed against his lower belly. Tears sprang into her eyes. What was happening? Why was he so angry? One moment he kissed her, the next he pushed her away! It confused her. It was the same with their mood earlier! One time they seemed angry, the next they were affectionate. What was up with these brothers?

She got out of the water as well, drying herself off and following him back towards their house. She needed to run barefoot to catch up with him. When they reached the door of his quarters, she grabbed his arm making him turn to face her: "Elladan! I will not hurt either of you! But you need to explain things to me soon, because I do not understand, you infuriating Elf! You cannot push me around like this!"

He did not look at her but supported himself against the door, hands braced on the wood. When she finished he slapped the wood with a thundering sound, yelling inarticulate. When the anger seemed to pass, he said softly, almost defeated. "Aye, Rin, I know. Let us talk later. But for now, we must see my brother."

He lay in a simple bed in a bright room with open windows, a gentle breeze stirring white see-through curtains. His face was peaceful, his lashes cast tiny shadows on his cheeks, his dark hair was, for once, not braided, a stray lock of hair from the back lay on the covers. His face had a normal colour again, the arrow was seemingly removed and the wound was wrapped in bandages.

An Elf who could only be Elrond himself, sat in a large wooden chair next to the bed, watching his son with unreadable eyes. He was dressed in the colors of the woods surrounding his realm, his face ageless, eyes full of wisdom, dark hair matching that of his sons. Power and might radiated from him, filling the tiny room with heavy air, almost too heavy to breathe.

Rin's noticed him only vaguely while hastily walking towards the bed. Looking down on him, tears sprang from her eyes, until she cried fully. All the tension of the past few days combined with her recent argument with Elladan poured out of her. Softly she whispered his name, taking his hand tentatively. His eyes fluttered open immediately as if he sensed her presence even in sleep: "Meleth nîn … do not cry over me. I am fine…."

Elladan froze behind her, while Elrond felt the blood draining from his face. Meleth nîn, the meaning stirred his understanding like a bolt of lightning. His son had been talking during his ordeal. And now the broken pieces of his sons rambling fell together with thundering finality upon hearing these words. These words explained the stubborn presence of this mortal child in his son's thoughts. It explained the tears that she shed for him before his eyes. He recognized instantly the beginning of a bond between them.

Blessed and cursed with the gift of foresight, many possibilities passed before his mind's eye. The infiniteness of them swirling around him like a vortex. His love for his sons clouded his mind, making him too emotional to read the events around his sons with clarity. He stood up abruptly, the chair making a hissing sound on the floor, and he nearly staggered towards the door, his thoughts in disarray.

He could not oversee the consequences of the situation yet, but it was certain that he would lose at least one of his sons, and maybe both. He could not remember the last time he felt pain like this soaring through his body, almost ripping his fëa apart. Before he lost control over his carefully build reserve, he pushed past Elladan, fleeing the room.

The latter was as well utterly shocked by the display. In the wilderness the closeness between the three of them was obvious and ever present. But in this stark white room in Rivendell, reality seemed to light the consequences of that closeness in all its ugly beauty.

His brothers choice of words, made the inevitable, reality. He felt left behind by his brothers boldness and he felt fear deep in the pit of his stomach. Rin did not understand the consequences of this bond, nor was it clear if she felt it herself. He was on the verge of losing his brother or the possible love of this girl and it scared him, a fear that he had not felt for centuries.

Paradoxically he sat down in the chair next to the only person that would understand and could comfort him. He grasped his brothers good shoulder, shaking it softly: "Good to see you mended."

Elrohir smiled at him, barely able to tear his eyes from Rins'. Sharing a look, realisation dawned on him and sadness and understanding filled his eyes. He nodded at his brother, his jaw working.

Soon, a soft knock on the door startled them. An Elleth came in the room. "Forgive me, my Lords, my Lady. Master Elrond requested me to take the Lady to her quarters and for Lord Elladan to join him in his study. Lord Elrohir needs to rest now. Please follow me, my lady."

Rin frowned. Looking at the brothers with doubtful eyes. "My own quarters?" but with a sinking feeling, she understood. Of course. Their free life in the woods had ended. They would be separated from now on, it would not be proper to sleep with them, live with them the way they did for the past days. She sighed in defeat and followed the Elleth sending a longing look to the brothers.

Elladan smiled at her: "We will meet for dinner in the Great Hall, Rin. You will be alright." But just like the other time, the smile did not reach his eyes, confusing her greatly.

The Elleth led her to a beautiful apartment with a nice view over the valley. Clear water clattered merrily from underneath the terrace, cascading over rocks down into a larger river. The apartment consisted out of two rooms, one with a hearth with in front of it a comfortable chair and a chaise-longue, behind it, a large table and chairs. The second room had a single bed, a dress draped upon it, for her to wear no doubt. All the furniture was beautifully carved. There were murals on the walls depicting stories that she was unfamiliar with. The walls around the murals were painted a dusty blue that complemented the warm brown of the ancient wooden beams and columns. When the Elleth left and the door closed, the silence was deafening.

She lay her katana on the bed and took off her hoodie, she might be clean, but her clothes still smelled like death. Rummaging around she found some soap and decided to wash her clothing in the fountain that she had seen outside. Not wanting to scare the locals, she wore the dress that was lying on the bed, a lavender color that she really hated.

When her clothes were drying in the sun, she sat on the railing of the terrace to enjoy the vista. She had a lot to think about. It was the first time since she got lost in this world that she was alone. She used to love being on her own. And now, she could only think that she missed their presence. She missed being with them, talk to them, riding the horses. She missed their bickering, their hands and their glances. The feeling was so intense that she felt literally as if a part of her was gone.

Tears formed in her eyes again. What was happening to her and why were they pushing her away? It was obvious that they withheld something of importance from her. It was obvious now that they were attracted to her, but they also kept pushing her away. It hurt that they did not tell her why. Did they knew they hurt her?

Searching her own feelings she knew that apart from lusting after them, she felt a strong mental connection to them. As if they were pieces of a broken puzzle, they just fitted together perfectly. She felt at ease, respected and safe with them. They were just awesome and they somehow managed to extract her darkest secrets from her in a few day's time. They seemed to understand intuitively just how her mind worked asking the right question at the right time, they sensed her moods and knew how she felt. And in the process somehow some old trauma and hurt seemed to have mended, if only a little bit.

She wondered where these newly discovered feelings would take her. After the incident she had not cared about marriage or children. Only her sword was important. And her revenge. There was nothing else. To stay in Middle Earth robbed her of her revenge was hard to wrap her mind around. But she could live with that, if it meant roaming the wild with these twins, hunting orcs. In the wild this seemed a possible future, but here in Rivendell, she was unsure. She knew nothing of their life here, of the people or elves in it, of the expectations of their father and the responsibilities that they had.

Her mind was approaching her situation again and again from the same angles, she was not getting any further. She could sense that they felt something for her. But what was it that held them back? She could think of a few things. She was mortal and not from this world. And they were of noble birth, centuries old and powerful. Why would they spend their lives with her in the wild hunting orcs? Maybe their father would be opposed. And what if they felt attraction or lust, but nothing more? Was that even possible? They had told her about Elvish coupling and it confused her, it was so abstract and it had no connection to the feelings that tormented her mind and body.

Was it selfish of her to claim them for herself? To claim a life in the wild? She only met him for a few fleeting minutes but it was clear that Elrond rather had his sons in Rivendell more often. He was worried about them and loved them.

Her thought kept ploughing the same topics over and over again, drawing circles in her mind until she forgot about time and place. She became aware when dusk came. Lanterns were lit in all the buildings, creating a soft shimmering atmosphere that seemed magical. And then the Elleth came to get her for dinner.

"Right, hold on. I need to get dressed."

"But you are dressed my Lady!" the Elleth was confused. Her fine blond brows knitted together.

"But these are not my clothes." she grunted, irritable. And she stepped in the apartment, her moist clothing in her arms. It felt shitty to be dressed in wet clothes, but it was better than to wear a lavender dress. She followed the still frowning Elleth towards the Great Hall dressed in black, her arms full of scratches and the wounds from her journey, the racer back stuck to her body as a second skin, the katana strapped to her back. The weight of the weapon gave her courage. She was about to face a hall full of elves. She rather faced an army of orcs.