Returning Hope
Chapter Ten
No More Loss
"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win."
My thanks to Evendim for letting me borrow her title, Hunter's Moon. Please check out her story of the same title. It is amazing.
Erestor's eyes bulged. "You ride at once? The child has just returned from a long and terrible journey. Surely, my Lord, you cannot mean to take him on another trip so soon."
Estel giggled and Elrond looked benignly at his seneschal. "Of course I am not taking Estel. I am surprised you would even suggest such a thing."
"I?" sputtered Erestor, until he caught the twinkle in the elf lord's eye. "What is going on here?"
"I apologize Erestor," said Elrond. "You were just so outraged that I could not resist teasing you." He looked pointedly at Glorfindel. "That one is, undoubtedly, a bad influence."
"Oh, of that I am certain," said Erestor, glaring at the golden warrior.
Glorfindel raised his eyebrows, the essence of innocence.
"Erestor, my friend," said Elrond, "would you gather provisions for a journey of a few weeks?"
"Of course, my lord, I will begin immediately.
Erestor turned to leave, but then turned back quickly and held out his hand to Estel. "Come with me, Estel, it is well past time for your lunch. Cook has prepared your favorite chicken soup."
Estel smiled and gave his hand to Erestor. "With noodles?"
"With noodles," confirmed Erestor, dropping his voice dramatically, "and while you eat, perhaps you can fill me in on just where your Adar is going."
Glorfindel chuckled as he watched the pair walk away. "The comedy act soothed Erestor's nerves, but I know the pain that is in your heart."
Elrond sighed. "It was nice to put it aside for a moment."
"Where are we traveling?"
Elrond met Glorfindel's eyes. "Mirkwood. Estel believes that his King Adar can help Elladan."
Glorfindel carefully hid his surprise and kept his voice neutral. "You have told me what Estel believes. What do you believe?"
For only a moment the golden one could clearly see the haunted look in Elrond's eyes. "I believe I will do anything to save my son."
Glorfindel nodded his agreement. "I will make the necessary arrangements."
"Good," replied Elrond, his mind already searching ahead for what must be done. "I am going to speak with Prince Legolas. We leave before dawn. Ithil will be full and gift us with light."
O-o-O-o-O
Legolas led his mount into the main stable of Imladris where all the horses of the Peredhil family and their honored guests resided.
Aradol was immediately there to offer assistance. "May I see to him, my lord?"
"Thank you, Aradol." Legolas patted the stallion fondly. "Treat him well, he has earned it today."
Lord Elrond and Celeg were both looking for you," Aradol informed Legolas, taking the reins.
The prince's blue eyes clouded. "Is something amiss, Aradol? Has there been another attack?"
"Not to my knowledge, my lord," responded the stable master, leading the stallion away to be brushed down, fed, and watered.
Puzzled, Legolas turned and started towards the Last Homely House, wondering why Lord Elrond, in particular, might be seeking him out. His heart was heavy for Elladan. That was one reason he had spent so long riding this afternoon. It always lifted his spirits to be out in the sunshine enjoying the gifts of Arda. Now, he feared more bad news was coming his way.
As he was crossing the yard, Legolas heard his name being called. He turned to see Celeg striding towards him.
"My prince, almost all is in readiness for our departure tomorrow."
Legolas looked at the Elite as though he had grown two heads. His eyes sought the mountain tops. The warm weather had been most welcome, but he was not so sure that all the passes were cleared this early. In any event, he had planned to remain in Imladris a while longer. "Whatever are you talking about, Celeg?"
It was Celeg's turn to be surprised...and chagrined. Had he been played falsely? "I am sorry, my prince, but Lord Glorfindel himself told me that we were leaving at first light. I did not expect a practical joke from him."
Legolas's puzzlement grew. "Glorfindel would not toy with you in this way, Celeg. Continue your arrangements while I speak with Lord Elrond."
"Yes, my lord." Celeg bowed and continued on to consult with Aradol concerning the Mirkwood mounts.
As he continued on towards the house, Legolas's mind raced. This must be why Lord Elrond was looking for him. Dread filled him as he worried that some word had come from Mirkwood that would require such a precipitous return.
As he entered the house, he immediately noticed the hustle of activity that signaled something out of the ordinary was occurring. His pace quickened as he headed towards the elf lord's study.
The son of a king, Legolas was well schooled in protocol, but such was his distraction, that he entered the study without even pausing.
Elrond looked up from his preparations, clearly surprised. The long shadows of late afternoon gave the room a warm and welcoming feel.
"Lord Elrond, forgive me," stammered Legolas. "Has ill news arrived from Mirkwood? Is that why my warriors are preparing to leave?"
"Prince Legolas," Elrond responded calmly, indicating a chair beside his desk. "Please sit down." He continued as the prince took the seat. "I regret that you were alarmed. No word has come from Mirkwood. I asked Glorfindel to speak to your warriors because I wish them to accompany me. Forgive me for not seeking your council first."
Legolas was clearly dumb stuck, his mind racing. To his knowledge, Lord Elrond never left Imladris...had certainly not left since his lady wife sailed some years ago. "Accompany you where, my lord?"
"Why, to Mirkwood, of course." Elrond could not help but smile as the prince's mouth fell open. "I must speak with Thranduil as soon as possible."
It took only a moment for Legolas to regain his composure. "Mirkwood stands ready to offer any assistance you require, my Lord. I would be happy to relay any request to my father, but I feel sure I may speak on his behalf. It is not necessary for you to make such an arduous journey yourself."
As Elrond's eyebrow rose, Legolas flushed at the thought that his words might have been taken as an unintentional slight towards the elf lord's warrior-hood.
Elrond smiled and patted the young prince on the shoulder. "Peace, Legolas. This is a journey I must make, and I have a request for you as well. I would like for you to remain here in Imladris with my sons while your warriors accompany Glorfindel and me. It is an imposition, I know, but Estel is comfortable with you and with Elrohir necessarily spending so much of his time with Elladan, the little one will need a big brother to spend time with him. Elrohir may also need your help to keep up Elladan's spirits."
"It is no imposition, I assure you, Lord Elrond," Legolas acknowledged quickly. "I care deeply for your sons and am honored that you would place them in my trust."
Elrond bowed his thanks. "I will feel better leaving as many of my warriors here as possible, and I know that Glorfindel would never allow just the two of us to make this journey, so...."
Legolas rose. "The warriors of Mirkwood are yours to command, my lord," he spoke formally.
"A simple accompaniment will suffice, I am sure," smiled Elrond. "I foresee no difficulties."
O-o-O-o-O
Elrond stood on the terrace outside the beautifully appointed room, his mind a seething cauldron starkly contrasting with the peaceful scene of the valley before him. Rather he found himself more like the rushing Bruinen as it tumbled down the waterfall and crashed upon the rocks below. Though still a few hours before the dawn, it was bright enough outside for him to see quite clearly the activity of the gathering elves. His wandering eye fell upon the full and luminous Ithil, accompanied by its glittering entourage of stars. It was called the Hunter's Moon by those of Elros' line. Again, the familiar ache fell unbidden upon his heart, and he accepted it without complaint, for it was the only tie he had left with his twin.
Loss, so much loss…the word almost seemed to define his life. Eärendil, Elrond's father, left his family to seek the aid of the Valar in the fight against the evil one. It was a noble undertaking, but one that separated him, this side of the blessed realm, from his wife and sons. Not long afterward, Elwing cast herself from the cliffs; borne by Elmo himself, she flew as a bird, bearing the precious crystalline jewel far from the reach of Fëanor's sons. Her choice left her two small sons alone and at the mercy of those who had been denied the Silmaril.
Elrond's eyes closed, as though to shut out the feeling of abandonment that would rise to engulf him, if he allowed it. His adult mind could process and accept the decisions his parents made, but the child was the one who had lived the experience. He and Elros were kept by the kin-slayers until being found and rescued and restored to their Noldor kin. They were then raised by Gil-galad and Cirdan, the elves who had become his mentors and friends.
He grew strong and powerful under the tutelage of the future king and the shipbuilder, immersing himself in the library of Lindon and learning all that he could force into his brain, as though he could learn enough to arrest the losses that had so defined his young life. But it was not to be. As Elrond lost himself in study, Elros was finding his love of the sea, and as the sea sang to his brother's heart, so too did the mortal blood cursing through his veins.
When Elros chose to follow the mortal way, the severing of the twin bond had almost been more than Elrond could bear, for beyond the physical and emotional rending was the niggling knowledge that, once again, a choice was made to leave him.
With a deep sigh, he moved resolutely back into the room and crossed to the wardrobe. "Enough of this," he muttered. He would not, could not, let his mind travel to the most grievous loss of all...that of his beautiful and gentle Celebrían, not with Elladan's spirit hanging in the balance. He would lose no more.
It took him only moments to don the deep brown breeches and matching tunic. His hair was twisted back in to a braid that hung down his back. With precise and practiced movements, he strapped the golden dagger, a gift from Gil-galad, to the specially made sheath that would secure it to his booted calf.
Hadhafang was next. "Ah, my friend," he spoke to the sword, turning it to appreciate the soft glow of the lamp light reflected upon the burnished surface, "you may once again be called upon to sing, as in days of old." Gently, almost reverently, he ran his fingers over the fluid script on the sword's surface. Aen estar Hadhafang I chatholhen thand around dan I thang an arwen. This blade is called Hadhafang, a noble defense against the enemy throng for a noble lady.Deftly, he swung the sword in an arc, reveling once again in its balance and precision, and then sheathed the deadly instrument.
With long, sure strides he walked across the room, ready to make his way downstairs and to the stables. Elrond paused at the doorway to Estel's room. A soft light shown, illuminating Legolas sitting in the rock-ing chair, keeping watch over the sleeping child. Elrond swiftly crossed the room, touching Legolas's shoulder in thanks before bending over to brush a kiss to Estel's forehead. "Sleep well, tithen pen," he crooned. "Your ada will return to you soon."
"He will be well cared for, my lord," Legolas assured Lord of Imladris. "May your journey be successful."
Elrohir was waiting in the doorway when Elrond straightened to leave Estel. He stepped into the hallway to speak privately with his father. "Adar, are you sure about this?"
Elrond pulled the younger twin into a comforting embrace and spoke into his ear. "Stay close to your brother, Elrohir, for I feel his spirit waning, and you are all that is keeping him tethered to middle earth. He must remain here until I return."
Elrohir shuddered at his father's words, for he felt them to be true. He stepped back, his eyes awash with tears. "Be swift, Adar, be swift..."
TBC
A/N: Sorry for the long delay. Life has been hectic.