When I looked to insure the order of our party, as was my habit; I saw Ríllas riding beside Thranduil, knees touching and they were holding hands. He ordered his warriors, who were bored these three years in Mithlond, to accompany us. I was riding just behind Círdan and Celeborn when we departed Mithlond upon the Great East Road I just traversed. It took us just a few hours longer to reach the River Baranduin than when I raced westward. Celeborn was an elf possessed to reach his loved ones.
Celeborn and I led the warriors into Elrond's camp, which was still erected from that first night. A handful of warriors greeted us as the Lord dismounted, his keen gaze assessing the situation. I also was anxious as to the fate of those most dear to me. It was with great relief when Lady Celebrían stepped from her tent and with a wide smile and cry of, "Adar," rushed into his arms.
I stepped to their sides. "Erestor," she reached out and took my hand for a brief moment, before greeting Círdan, Thranduil and Ríllas who joined our intimate circle. "Elladan is in need of a healer?"
An elf pushed through the milling horses and warriors. "I am a healer, my Lady."
"In that tent," Celebrían pointed to the one she shared with her family. "My son has a puncture wound and I fear it has broken his arm." I noticed she was still in the protective embrace of her father. I informed him on the return trip of Elladan's arrow wound.
"Where is Elrond?" Celeborn spoke for the first time in his commanding tone that rarely was raised in anger.
"South, after our horses." Celebrían informed us of that much before slipping from her father's arms and following the healer.
Celeborn with a lightning strike, grabbed her arm and requested, "Come, pen neth, tell us what befell you these last days," as he guided his only child to the campfire. Seeing her seated, he sat and took her hand. "Do you require anything?"
She shook her head. "Now that you are here, I have comfort. When Elrond returns, I'll be complete. That night after you left, Erestor, fighting raged for a long time. We found out the next morning that they were a decoy to steal the horses. Elrond sent scouts along the river and they found grounded corsairs and men from the land of Umbar using our horses to try and pull the ships off the sandbars. Elrond took most of the warriors and went after our horses. Keine," Celebrían pointed to a warrior near us, "came back with word. I'll let him tell you."
The young Imladris warrior stepped before the Lords and bowed. "Lord Elrond sent me back to camp with his instructions. He told us to wait here until either he returned or someone from the Havens came and escorted us there. About four hours on foot, south along the river were three corsairs, all grounded. When we arrived, they were using the horses to try and move the ships. Lord Elrond gave the orders to shoot burning arrows and sink the ships. Before the men knew what was happening, their ships were ablaze and sinking, leaving them in confusion. They stole the horses and rode south. They escaped because they were on the opposite side of the river. Lord Elrond sent me back with what happened on the off chance they were overpowered. He continued on foot after the men."
"Glorfindel went with him?" Celeborn asked.
Keine nodded and answered, "He did my Lord. I was sent back as I'm the youngest warrior and have the least experience in tracking."
"How many men? And how long has Elrond been gone?" Círdan picked up with the questions, but we could see the warriors that came with us were getting restless, wanting to press on when they heard of elves in need.
As Keine replied, Elrohir came from the tent and crawled into his grandfather's arms for a most welcome hug and kiss.
"How are your supplies holding out?" Celeborn asked Celebrían.
"We could use more if we are going to wait for Elrond."
"You're not staying here. Círdan will take you to the Havens and I'll fetch your wayward spouse."
"I have my sword, Daeradar. I can fight." All talking ceased and everyone looked at the small elfling in Celeborn's arms.
"Okay. A warrior takes orders." Celeborn was all business. "I hereby order you to protect your Naneth and brother on the trip to the Havens."
Those of us close enough could see disappointment on his face and his chin trembled as he fought tears at not going with his grandfather.
"I only trust you with your brother," Celeborn reasoned. "Why don't you take me to him?" He sat Elrohir on his feet and was led by the hand to the tent, with Celebrían on her adar's other arm.
Wanting to see Elladan with my own eyes, I followed and heard Círdan ordering his warriors to remain behind and leave the pack horses with Celeborn. Before I was out of hearing, I heard Ríllas tell Círdan he was in charge of her warriors, as she was going with Thranduil.
Elladan was on a cot with his upper torso bare and his arm wrapped in white linen.
The healer issued his report to Celeborn. "Master Elladan is healing fast and told me his naneth has imparted much healing."
"I'm not a healer, just a worried naneth," Celebrían protested. "He is in pain and I'm out of medicine."
"I'll make a fresh batch," the healer replied and quickly left to gather his supplies.
Celeborn dropped to one knee, leaned over and kissed his brow. His eyes took in the holes in the tent's roof and walls and I became the next object of his indomitable gaze. "They were inside when this occurred?"
I nodded without speaking.
Celeborn shifted up and sat on the edge of the cot and allowed his hand to stroke Elladan's hair. In his other arm, he still cradled Elrohir to his side. "I will have words with Elrond. He left Imladris with thirty warriors against four hundred men. When you return home, Thranduil and I will accompany with our forces. Let anyone dare attack three hundred armed elves. After we eat, we will break camp. You have been here long enough for word to reach Bree and we don't want visitors." Celeborn stood, picked up Elrohir in his arms and stalked out of the tent.
"Naneth, can I get up?" Elladan asked his mother.
She took her father's place on the cot and took his hand on the uninjured arm. "You have been very good, iôn-nín. Maybe you can ask Erestor to carry you so if you feel faint you won't fall. I don't want your arm re-broken." She looked at me with a silent plea and I melted. I would do anything for this blessed lady when she smiles like that. "You are one of the few I trust with my iôns."
"I will be careful," I promised and scooped him off the cot. I looked for Celeborn and carried Elladan to where he was talking with Keine.
Seeing me, Celeborn sat and placed a boy on each knee. While we ate, the Lords planned. They would ride towards Tharbad as the raiders would need a bridge to cross. Soon camp was dismantled and a horse brought for Celebrían. Celeborn held her tightly and helped her mount, although not needed.
"Erestor, I entrust my family to your capable hands," Celeborn stated as I mounted. He handed Elladan up to me. Círdan insisted on taking Elrohir, as we would ride long into the night and the boys would most certainly sleep, especially the injured one.
We watched two thirds of the warriors break off and gallop south, with Celeborn and Thranduil at their head. Círdan led his forces back to the west with the remaining third. It was a much larger force than accompanied Elrond from Imladris.
The sun was warming our backs when Círdan stopped us at a slow moving stream so the horses could rest and eat from the plentiful grass. Elladan had been asleep for hours, his head cradled in my arm and both legs stretched over my right thigh. I let his injured arm have the outside and it was bound to his chest. I woke him. "Elladan, I need you to get up and stretch."
Celebrían reached for him and hugged tightly. "How is my elfling holding up?"
"My arm hurts." Tears welled and then dripped down his young cheeks. The mother in her wanted to take his pain and all she could do was kiss his forehead and dab his eyes with her handkerchief. "Go with Erestor; you too, Elrohir. I'll have the healer make more pain medicine."
I led the boys into the brush and helped Elladan with his leggings. As I laced his front, I teased. "I used to do this when you were a baby."
"Have you ever had a broken arm, Erestor?" He asked as I tied his laces.
"I have had a few broken arms, so I know how badly they can ache." I led them to their mother who was over a fire feeding wood gathered by warriors. "I got my first broken arm when about your age. I jumped from a tree on a dare."
The twins laughed, so I told them the entire story as we walked back to their mother.
It was two more days before we rode into Mithlond. This time, many of the residents greeted us, along with Galadriel, who was standing with Galdor just inside the massive iron gate.
"I have baths ready for everyone," Galadriel announced. She looked directly at me and enumerated, "You are without proper bathing for twenty days."
"Twenty-three," I muttered and smiled at her laughter. I was led by a servant to the bathing rooms in the palace with the boys, who promised to tell of their adventures after cleaning up. I told the ladies I would personally see to Elladan.
The Havens don't have natural hot springs like Imladris or even Thranduil's kingdom, but a boiler provides hot water to all the bathing rooms and kitchens in the city through stone ducts that have held heat since the city was built at the beginning of the second age. Soon we were soaking to our necks and even the elflings enjoyed becoming clean.
We were taken to a section of the palace reserved for Celeborn when his travels took him to the sea. It was dinner time and a table was laden with fresh garden vegetables and seafood.
"Elrond is going to miss the boys' first taste of the ocean," Celebrían lamented as she helped Elladan into his seat.
Círdan entered with a present in each hand. "I received word from your adar that you wore the ships I made for you out. I have larger and sturdier vessels for you to improve your sailing skills." He sat one in front of each twin and for a moment food was forgotten. Each boat was about two foot in length and had a movable mainsail and rudders with small sailors and cargo.
"What do you say to Lord Círdan," Celebrían prompted and was embarrassed her sons forgot manners so easily.
A chorus of thank-you's rang out in harmony and each twin was pouring over the intricate designs. The boats were similar, but the heads of the swans were in different angles so the boys would know and not fight.
I quickly grabbed them as Celebrían and Galadriel set plates in place of boats. The adults sat and were served the first real meal I had in far too long. We watched the boys experience crab leg meat and saw them smile in delight and dig in.
There was several crab dishes and Círdan explained a fishing ship from the north docked the day before.
"We had fresh seafood almost every supper in Aman," Galadriel reminisced and then requested, "Pick up your story, Celebrían. You were to the point where Erestor had ridden away?"
Celebrían continued from where they were interrupted by the boys and I returning from our baths and listened to her account of events. "That night was horrible. Glorfindel stayed with us while Elrond took point in driving the men away. Once the horses were a safe distance from us, the men fled into the forest. Elrond rushed back to check on us and saw his iôn injured. He got us back into the tent and worked swiftly on Elladan's arm while Glorfindel organized the warriors into two groups, one to protect camp and the other to chase after the horses. The elves stripped armor off for lighter running and left on foot as scouts arrived back into camp with the direction the horses were going, which was along the river. With just a few warriors in camp, the enemy became boredom and worry."
"May we be excused?" Elladan interjected before his mother could continue.
"I don't want you moving your arm. Keep it in the sling," Celebrían admonished.
"Can we take our boats to the fountain?" Elrohir asked hopefully. "You know the big one we rode by."
"I know the one. I used to play in it when your age." She paused. "You may, but be back in this room by dark."
We watched as the elflings ran to the boats and each took the one given to him. "I'll get the door, El," Elrohir was heard to say as they left.
"That was very kind of you to give them such nice presents. Forgive me their lapse in manners," Celebrían pleaded with Círdan.
"I would have been more concerned with impeccable manners upon receiving such a gift from ones so young." Círdan's kind tone and sentiment put Celebrían at ease and we could all see it.
A week passed before the horns sounded and a servant rushed to say a large group approached. I escorted the ladies to the main gate and instructed the twins to stay by my side. I could see Círdan was relieved I was taking charge of Elrond's sons when he joined us at the gate. We waited impatiently as they drew closer. I heard Celebrían say, "Praise be to Elbereth, they found them." I knew she could reestablish their bond long before they were close enough to identify.
Elrond swung from his saddle and scooped Celebrían into a tight hug and then kissed her soundly. Normally elves don't show such affection in public, but we must remember he is Peredhil. He then towered over his sons and placed a hand on each head. "My star is shining brighter upon reunion with those I love." He then took Elladan's arm and imparted healing while his son squirmed, wanting to see all the excitement of three hundred returning soldiers.
"Can you hold me up?" Elrohir had his arms raised to me. I lifted him to my shoulder and soon Elladan was pleading for someone to do likewise for him.
Glorfindel came to his rescue after greeting Lady Celebrían, and I assured for myself he was hale. I wanted to ask many questions, but knew in time the story would be told. For now I enjoyed the reunions. Celeborn was holding Galadriel's hand and she was beaming as whatever he was imparting to her.
A commotion caught our attention and Glorfindel laughed joyfully. Thranduil was following Ríllas as she stalked angrily to Círdan. "The wedding is off. I'll not marry this orc. I would kill him."
Círdan turned to Celeborn instead of replying to his great niece. "Lord Celeborn, you were their chaperone. Did something go amiss I should learn of?"
Instead of answering, Celeborn replied, "I'm going to the baths and taking Thranduil with me as I don't trust your niece not to carry out her threat." With that, he and Thranduil left, as did a grinning Glorfindel. Wanting to hear the tale, I quickly took the boys to the ladies. Galadriel read me clearly and motioned for me to follow.
I caught up with Elrond and spoke softly. "What happened?"
"Not until we are in water." Elrond looked around. "Did you lose something?"
"I pawned them off on Celebrían and Galadriel. They have kept me quite busy this week."
"I wanted to show them the city," Elrond bemoaned.
"And you shall. I showed them the palace so they wouldn't get lost and took them to the stables. Círdan gave them each a new boat and we have tried every fountain, rivulet and baths within the grounds. In fact, they haven't bathed without them all week." That got a grin out of Elrond.
I sat in a chair while the Lords soaked in the heated pool. Within minutes, Círdan and Galdor arrived and sat beside me at the pools edge. A servant brought wine and poured for those in the water first at Círdan's hand motion.
"Thranduil, Ríllas was ripped from my side by Galadriel and Celebrían for her version of the story. I have put much into wedding plans and you will not stop a wedding, even if I have to find another partner for my dear Ríllas."
Thranduil sputtered and choked on his wine and laughed all at the same time. "I do not know what I was thinking. Elrond must have slipped something in my drink three years ago."
"I don't think it was the contents, but amount," Elrond quickly responded.
Círdan sighed. "Will someone tell me why I should not drown Thranduil?"
"Because he didn't do anything to deserve drowning. Maybe banishment," Celeborn offered from his place in the water. His head was resting against the edge of the stone and a drink was lazily taken to his mouth at the end of his statement.
"Okay, you're banished." Círdan got his desired result when Thranduil and most of those in the water looked at him in shock. "I trust Celeborn's word. No more need be said." He started to rise.
Thranduil kicked Celeborn under the water, splashing wine into the pool from both glasses and the recipient threw a curse back. "She wanted to come with us, so I allowed her to be part of my group." Thranduil settled back into his former position as did Círdan. "We rode hard following the tracks left by the horses and could tell Elrond picked up the trail as footprints were seen occasionally. When we neared Tharbad, we heard fighting. Celeborn told me to split my forces and flank from the east and west. I put Ríllas in charge of the east group and we went our separate ways. Celeborn charged right into the fray head-on, where Elrond was fighting a vastly superior number. Did I mention it was night? Anyway, it was chaos as we slaughtered the men. Fighting died down and there was no sign of Ríllas. I was worried we missed some and I gathered my warriors and we went searching for her. In the dark we couldn't see hoof prints so returned to the others. About an hour later, Ríllas entered the battle area herding Elrond's horses to us."
"You just should have said thank you, like Elrond did," Celeborn interrupted.
"I asked her to explain not joining the fight," Thranduil continued as if Celeborn hadn't spoken.
"You have to learn never to use that tone with the one you plan on wedding or bedding. Right now, I would say either is far off." Celeborn didn't let up, but was now sporting a slight smile.
"She was under my command and not my intended at that moment," Thranduil snarled and downed his glass. He held it over his head and a servant quickly refilled.
"Don't work that way, elfling," Celeborn chastised. "Let's just say, I have experience in saying the wrong thing to one I love. How many years did that cost me, Círdan?"
The elder shipwright chuckled. "More than you had the patience for."
"Now if I accidently snap at her, it's with the understanding she is right." Celeborn explained.
"So getting married neuters one?" Thranduil asked sarcastically.
Everyone laughed.
"Only if you want to sleep in the marriage bed," Elrond added. "I heard your tone, Thranduil. I've never spoken to Celebrían in that way."
"Of course you haven't. She has two parents who can kill you with a look," Thranduil threw back not willing to concede he might have over reacted.
"No, I love my wife and don't want to hurt her," Elrond sounded like he was talking to one of his sons.
"Did you listen to her explanation?" Galdor asked quietly.
"He did not," Glorfindel added happily. "He ordered her off her horse and demanded to know why she was so late to the party."
"In front of all your people?" Galdor asked in the same quiet tone.
Thranduil was silent; his lack of response condemning him.
"Thranduil, in all the long years I've know you; you are consistent. I see much of Oropher in you. You must learn how to please an elleth. I'm postponing the wedding one year. In that time, you better not let one hint of disrespect to Ríllas reach my ears or I'll add a hundred years to your wait," Círdan issued his decree.
"I believe that's what Thingol threatened me with," Celeborn commiserated with his cousin.
"You have much groveling to do," Elrond advised.
"Let me chaperone when he does," Glorfindel requested.
A boat was plopped into the water with a splash and another followed more carefully so Elladan wouldn't reinjure his healing arm.
"We wanted to show you our boats, Ada," Elladan explained their presence.
"Nana said all ellon should be punished and we are the executors, whatever that means," Elrohir added as he pushed his boat to his father.
Elrond smiled in Thranduil's direction. "Maybe I should have you sit for the next year and if these two can make you remain polite, you've mastered enough control to be around Ríllas.
Thráin felt his eyes grow heavy and with reluctance set the book aside after placing the page marker. He went to his bedroom and stripped to his underwear. Sliding under the thick fur, he dropped off to sleep unaware a set of eyes was watching from a dark corner.