The morning was just rising over the Valley of Imladris, covering it in a splash of pink, red and orange hues giving it an unearthly feel. Almost a mystical, frivolous atmosphere, leaving the impression of being transported to some whimsical land.
Inside the House of Elrond, most of the citizens were still asleep, for it was not quite nearly time to rise. The only beings to be up at this hour was the staff of the Last Homely House, who were bustling around to get the morning breakfast ready for when the rest of the Elves awoke; which would not be too long, and the Lord of Imladris, who had woken well before the sun. Indeed, he had been well aware and alert before it had even risen over the hills. And he was not too happy about it. In fact, he was quite peeved his body decided to wake up at such a ghastly hour, for he knew he would more than likely be in a foul mood the rest of the day.
The lord hurriedly got dressed, deciding he might as well get some much-needed paperwork done. That way, he could spend the rest of the day with his wife. His sons would be busy that afternoon, spending some much-needed time with the other members of the summer camp. Both he and Celebrían had suggested throwing a picnic by the Bruinen as a way for his sons to branch out, and get to know their fellow teammates, and when they had come back excitedly telling them the majority of them had accepted the offer, Celebrían was thrilled proposing to make the lunch for them.
Elrond hoped this would take his eldest son's mind off Faegon and was slightly disappointed to learn Elladan had invited him anyways. However, when he stopped to think about his son's actions, he couldn't help but smile. It made him see exactly what was in Elladan's heart. And his older son obviously had more tact, compared to Faegon, who would have shoved it in Elladan's face, bragging about the fact he had invited everyone else and not him. However—and to their complete relief—Elladan told them Faegon declined in his usual, beastly manner. Hopefully, just for this one day, Elladan could relax and have fun instead of always being on alert and defending himself against constant, never-ending attacks. Elrond shook his head and stifled a yawn, heading slowly out to his study. Glorfindel and Faron would be back any moment from their overnight scouting mission.
They had been sent out at the last minute due to some mix up in the patrol rosters. Someone messed up when writing the lists, and now they were short-staffed. Unfortunately, that meant Glorfindel and Faron had to go instead. When he entered his study, he was surprised to see both of his captains waiting for him.
"Lord Glorfindel, Lord Faron, what are you doing here at this hour? I would have thought you would have at least cleaned up a bit first. The report could have waited a few hours." Indeed, the two ellyn were covered in dirt and looked as if they had not slept at all that night.
"Yes, well we wanted to brief you on what we found first before we cleaned up and got some overdue rest," Glorfindel explained tiredly, trying to hold back a yawn. Elrond cringed at the pitiful sight of his two captains and realized just how glad he was he didn't have to do those horrid nightly patrols anymore. Although, he had to admit sometimes he would take those patrols over doing mountains of paperwork.
"What is it you have found that could not have waited until you were rested?" he asked with a half concerned, half sympathetic look. Faron took this time to step forward and bowed slightly, causing a bit of dirt and a twig or two to fall out of his black hair.
"My Lord Elrond, we have discovered a small band of slave traders not too far from our borders. They are selling slaves to the Easterlings; for what purpose, we do not know." Elrond nearly dropped his glass of water. Slave traders here? The very thought made him sick. They would have to find out where they were getting the slaves and what the purpose was for them.
"I see," Elrond said slowly still trying to take all this in. "This is alarming news indeed. We must find out exactly where they are getting their victims from, and what they are using them for. For right now I suggest you get cleaned up and get some rest. You two will have to hold off on training the summer recruits for the time being, while you gather some of the veteran warriors to put a stop to these slavers." Glorfindel and Faron's face fell at hearing training would have to be put off for a while.
"My Lord Elrond," Faron said, trying to find the right words to use. "I know they must be stopped, but we only have a few months to get the younger trainees up to par for their final exam. The longer we hold off, the less likely they will be ready, and they will have to retake this course next year. There is no one else to train them."
Elrond thought about this. He knew Faron was right, but they could not let this atrocious act continue. Then he had an idea, it was crazy, but it just might work—at least for now.
"I understand your concern. Nevertheless, there is no other choice. You two are the best trained in my patrol, and you must stop this slave trade at all costs." Faron and Glorfindel made to protest, but Elrond put his hand up to silence them.
"So, while you are gone, I will take over with the training. All you have to do is give me the roster and what you have planned for the next week or two and I will take over from there." Glorfindel and Faron just stood, staring at Elrond as if he had just grown two heads.
"My Lord Elrond, with all due respect, you have not done training in a few thousand years, and as your sons are on the list, it may not be the best idea," Glorfindel said, trying not to sound disrespectful. Elrond nodded his understanding and sat down folding his hands.
"That is true, but I am still able to read reports and handle a weapon, and Erestor can help me if needed. As for my sons, that will not be a problem. I am not prone to showing favoritism, and I assure you they will be treated the same as everyone else. Now, this discussion is closed. Get some rest, for you leave in two days. When you get up, you can get everything I will need together to take over your classes."
Glorfindel and Faron knew there was no point in arguing, for when Elrond made his mind up about something, he would not back down. Sighing in defeat, they bowed their heads in acknowledgment and left his office to clean up and rest. As soon as the two had gone, Elrond took up his quill. Shaking his head, he got to work on the reports and began to count down the hours until he could spend time with Celebrían.
"Nana, we are going to be late for the picnic. Everyone is already there!" Elladan yelled from the eating hall. They were supposed to have been at the Bruinen almost an hour ago, and they had not even left the manor yet. Celebrían bustled out of the kitchen, carrying two huge baskets of food. When the boys told her they invited several teammates from their training camp to a picnic at the river, she was ecstatic and had offered to cook up the lunch for them.
"I am sorry ion-nín. I just wanted to make sure you had enough for everybody," she said sheepishly while handing Elrohir and Elladan each a basket of food.
Nearly dropping his, Elladan looked up at his mother with wide eyes. "Nana, what on earth did you pack? From the weight, you would think we were feeding an army of yrch!"
Elrohir stifled a laugh. However, when he tried lifting his basket, he couldn't help but grunt himself. "Nana, I promise food is not going to run out. We are only going to be gone for a few hours."
Celebrían blushed softly. "I know, but you are growing boys, and you need to keep up your strength. Besides, I didn't know what your friends liked, so I packed a little of everything to be safe. Now, remember to behave yourselves. Don't do anything foolish to try and show off. Just be yourselves, and the real people will be the ones to befriend you."
Elladan and Elrohir groaned. "Nana, we promise we will behave. You don't have to worry about us. We are fifty after all."
"I am your mother, and therefore I will always worry about you, even when you are three thousand years old. It is my job. Now hurry up and get going and be back before sundown."
"As much food as is packed in here, it will take us until sundown just to get there," Elrohir mumbled to his brother, picking up his basket. Elladan chortled softly.
"What was that young man?" Celebrían asked arching an eyebrow at her youngest.
"Nothing Naneth! I said we would be careful and we would be back before sundown," Elrohir corrected himself quickly, watching his brother as he tried not to smirk.
"That is what I thought you said."
Quickly walking out the doors, the two made their way slowly to the river, trying to come up with a good excuse as to why they were so late. When they got there, everyone was already having fun, splashing in the water and joking around with one another. Off in the distance, they noticed another set of twins with reddish brown hair sitting on a boulder, taking turns tossing pebbles in the river. Elladan and Elrohir had talked with them a few times in training, and the four of them had become good acquaintances. Indeed, they were the same age and had a bit in common.
"Hey look, Elladan and Elrohir have finally shown up!" one of the twins yelled out.
"Well it is about time," the other exclaimed, hopping off the boulder to help Elladan set the basket down.
"We were beginning to think you were not showing up."
"Sorry, our mom decided to pack enough food to feed an army," Elrohir said dryly, setting his basket down.
"What is your name again?"
"Oh, sorry, my name is Raithon, and that is my older twin Radhron. If you want to know an easy way to tell us apart, my brother has a cleft in his chin and freckles on his nose. I, as you can see have a cleft, but no freckles," the twin that had helped Elladan said, laughing. Elrohir looked closer and noticed Raithon was right; he indeed did not have any freckles.
"So, who, all is hungry? I think there is something for everyone here."
"I believe we all are," said another Elfling Elrohir recognized as Leston, a blond hair Elfling that had on occasion been seen talking to Faegon. Elrohir was not entirely sure about him yet, as he was slightly distrustful of anyone who was on friendly terms with his brother's rival. The rest of the ellyn came running over at the sound of food and sat down.
"Wow, your naneth knows how to pack a picnic! I wish mine would feed us like that," Sarndir cried out, beginning to help himself to a roast beef sandwich and some fruit. The other's laughing started to help themselves to the food, and soon, the whole Bruinen was filled with the sound of laughter as they all told jokes and family stories. Yet, not everyone was happy, for watching from a distance in a tree, was a very disgruntled Faegon.
So, I was right, Faegon thought to himself, the spoiled bratty royal sons of Elrond can have as many friends as they want without even having to try. They can do what they want and have whatever they want and get away with it. Well, just wait Elladan, soon I will show everyone just how stuck up you, and your brother is, and everyone will see you for who you are. A nobody!
Quietly climbing down from the tree, Faegon slipped away to go and begin to put his plan into motion.
Lord Illyren: I agree with you. Elladan needs the confidence for Faegon will be making his life a living hell very shortly