Disclaimer: See chapter 1
When 'Ro returned, he had a grown doe slung over his shoulder. He dropped it in front of them, not even glancing in their direction before he turned and stalked away. But he knew that Rubah saw his bloodshot eyes, the glittering tear tracks on his cheeks.
That was why, as soon as he was out of sight, Rubah stood to follow him.
"Where are you going?" Estel asked with a curious voice, not a hint of animosity in his voice, for which Rubah was grateful, considering their last conversation.
"I'm going to speak to 'Ro." He said softly.
"Why?" Elladan interjected, not even bothering to keep the clear anger he felt out of his tone. Rubah swallowed hard and looked at the ground.
"He had a breakdown in the woods." That caught everyone's attention and the elf's twin leaned forward.
"What?" Elrond asked in horror.
"You don't notice? He'd been crying. His eyes were red."
"But, why…" Rubah glanced around as if looking for an escape route.
"It's not my secret to tell." He replied with conviction.
"He's my brother! He's our father's son! We deserve to know!" Elladan shot back, leaping to his feet. Rubah lifted his head and met Elladan's eyes with… sorrow?
"Did he tell Estel everything he told you? Did he tell Arwen everything he told you? Or Legolas? Just because he was your sibling did not mean he told you everything. I'm sorry, but it's not my secret to tell Until the time comes that he trusts you with it, or you need to know, you will remain in the dark. I'm sorry."
Rubah started to walk away, but Elladan's shout at his retreating form made him stop.
"You're not his brother!" The man didn't even look at him.
"I am. You're just going to have to accept that." He answered, but there was no fire in his tone. It was calm, almost sad. No one said anything.
As soon as Rubah knew he was out of hearing distance from the group, he broke into a run, feet flying over the earth, brambles tearing at his face. Closing his eyes, he strained for any sound of water and, finding it, turned to that direction. Even before 'Ro had told him, Rubah had realized that, when upset or angry, the elf would seek out rivers or streams of comfort. Now was no different. 'Ro had taken off his boots and rolled up the ends of his leggings to let his legs dangle lifelessly in the rushing water. Rubah sank beside him, opting to sit cross-legged instead of how his brother was.
"What's wrong, 'Ro?" Rubah asked when the elf didn't even look at him.
"She was right. I can't do anything right. I am worthless." Rubah looked at him, aghast, but still taking note of how he didn't say Ruthiel's name.
"No, no, no!" The man explained, gently turning the elf's head to look at him. "She was so wrong. So, wrong. You are worth so much. To me. To Diatimur. Utara, Thea, Ivan." Rubah paused. "Dami." He added softly, unsure if bringing Dami into this was the best idea. 'Ro eyes, which had previously been pointed to the ground, jerked back up at the mention of Dami.
"…Dami?..."
"Yes, Dami." Rubah assured, "You mean so much to him. I don't know what he'd be without you."
"I-I can't…"
"Shhh," Rubah whispered, enveloping his brother in his arms. "You mean so much. To me. To everyone. Think about what would have happened if you hadn't stumbled into our lives. I don't think I would be here, brother. I was ready to do die when Miriam left. You saved me, 'Ro. You saved me. You are worth so much. You are an archer, a swordsman, a healer. You are a jokester; you love to laugh. You are the voice of the Foxchildren, 'Ro. But more than that, you're my brother. Just like your Diatimur's and Utara's. And cousin to Ivan and Thea. And you know what you are to Dami. You're his world."
"Rubah…" The elf said softly, voice slightly choked.
"Shh… Don't talk. I love you, 'Ro, so much." Rubah answered, giving the quivering body in his arms a slight squeeze. "You are worth so much, do you understand?"
"I am not worthless?"
"Of course, not, 'Ro." At that, 'Ro finally hugged him back with a sob.
Author's Note:
Ahh! So sweet and fluffy! Who are Dami and Ruthiel? You'll find out!
Another shorty! Sorry, but, again, it was a great place to end!
VERY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ!:
I just heard about this law that the EU is trying to pass called Article 11 and 13. This law will basically take over the internet and ban all things that violate copyright laws in all Europe (i.e. fanfic, fanart, memes, etc.). This makes me super sad.
We need to rise up and stop this from happening! So please, even if you don't live in Europe— I don'—take the time to sign one of the numerous petitions to stop this. Even though the law is confined to Europe, it is very likely to spread if signed. Please help stop this!
Coming Up Next… The Family of Elrond discuss whether or not 'Ro is still Elrohir and, if not, how they should treat his elf.
