A/N: Hi everyone! So sorry it took so long to post this next chapter. I started chapter 20, and it went so well that I didn't stop until it was finished. So I now have two chapters for you all to enjoy. I will post this one today and the other one later on after I have edited and checked it for anything I need to add. I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time. Please send good vibes and wishes to those working on the frontlines of this pandemic.
And now...please read, review and enjoy! The next chapter should be up in the next couple of days, and then we are in the home stretch! Only a few more chapters! Yay!
A month had passed since Elrond had woken, and he was making steady progress. Bones were mending, the lash marks and burns were healing slowly, and he was starting to regain the weight he had lost. His eyesight was improving as well, the black becoming gray and the gray becoming white. Shapes were starting to appear in his vision, but they had no defined outline.
All in all, Elrond was healing slowly, and his wrists and ankles were healed enough the healers had started working on strengthening them. It was slow, oftentimes frustrating, work, but Elrond was making progress. So much progress that he was able to convince the healers to let him outside on the balcony for a little while each day.
It may be winter, but Elrond was chaffing at being trapped inside for so long. He was much stronger and his lungs had healed from the pneumonia, and so now he wanted to breathe the fresh winter air and feel the sun again.
He had been trapped inside for too long.
The healers had agreed, reluctantly, and so one day when Glorfindel and Arahad came to visit they found the bed empty except for two white cats but the balcony doors open. Going outside revealed Elrond on a settee, wrapped and covered in several blankets and a cup of warm tea in his hands, enjoying the sunshine and air. The guards there were at either end of the balcony while Elrond was close to the doors, trying their hardest not to intrude.
Elrond's eyes were closed, and he was smiling slightly as he listened and relaxed to the muted winter sounds of the valley, but when Glorfindel and Arahad stepped closer he opened his eyes and smiled slightly, "Lord Glorfindel, Lord Arahad. Are you here to enjoy the morning as well?"
Man and elf looked at each other in surprise, then Arahad asked, "How..?"
Elrond's smile widened slightly, "You step heavier than an elf but lighter than a man, Lord Arahad, and Glorfindel is the only elf I know that wears bells at times. It was not a difficult guess."
Glorfindel's hand unconsciously went to the bells in his hair before he noticed and forced his hand down. He shook his head, making the bells chime before saying, "You may be too perceptive, Elrond," he cocked his head, "Why are you outside? It is cold, and the hunters –"
"Will not try anything until winter ends," Elrond cut in, "That woman is insane, but not stupid. It is a task in and of itself to be invisible to us, it is even harder during winter. Those hunters are more interested in staying alive right now. She won't try anything until winter is over and the thaw has started," he paused a moment, "And I am outside because I was bored, and I have not felt the sun in so long. I wanted some fresh air," closing his eyes and taking a deep breath after saying this.
Glorfindel shook his head again as he and Arahad sat in nearby chairs, "As long as the healers agreed, I will not press the issue. You know your limits, I will not push you into doing something you don't want to do."
Elrond smiled at that before turning in Lord Arahad's direction, "You have been quiet, my lord, is there something wrong?"
Arahad smiled slightly, glad to see that Elrond's compassion for others was still there even after all he had been through, "No, my lord, there is nothing wrong, but I thought you would want to know about something that worries me, more as a father than anything else."
That caught Elrond's attention, and he said, "Go on, my lord."
"It's about Elladan," Arahad said, "I am worried about him. He is actively keeping information away from you, and he is not letting many people visit you. Cendar and Tordag have been actively kept away from you, and you don't know why, or what else is happening in the valley. Even if he is doing this out of concern for you, it is causing friction. Young Tordag wants to introduce you to his sister, but your son has refused him repeatedly. I won't speak for you, my lord, but I would not tolerate this behavior from my son at all. It is unacceptable to alienate allies in such a way, especially when they have done nothing wrong."
Elrond had been listening quietly, but now he said, "I was not aware of any of this, my lord. I know information that might delay my recovery has been kept from me," Glorfindel winced at that, "but I was not aware Elladan was causing so much tension. I will speak to him about it. Glorfindel," he turned in the elf lord's direction, "Please find Elladan for me and send him here," Glorfindel, knowing the twins were not there, said nothing yet as Elrond turned back to Arahad, "I deeply apologize for the trouble he has caused, my lord, I will set things in order as soon as I can. Please have Tordag and Cendar come whenever they want, and bring Tordag's sister as well. I miss their company."
Arahad stood, and bowed, "I will do so right away, my lord," he left then, leaving the two old friends alone to talk.
Once he was gone Glorfindel turned to Elrond, "Elrond, I'm afraid the twins left on patrol yesterday. They will not be back for a couple weeks. It was difficult to convince them to leave, but they needed to get away for a while. I am sorry I did not mention it earlier, but I did not want to interrupt."
Elrond stared in his direction for a moment before turning to face forward. He stared at nothing for many long minutes before saying, "Never again, Glorfindel," the golden-haired elf stared at him in confusion, but Elrond did not notice and continued to speak, "Never again leave me out. I want to know what is happening in the valley now, and I want to start taking over my duties once more. My strength is returning and in a couple weeks, I will be able to see. I don't want to keep being surprised by events in the valley. When I first woke up, I was not told the Dúnedain were in the valley. Whether that was an accidental oversight or not, I need to know what is happening now. Soon I will be ready to lead the valley once more, and I have no intention of being surprised by anything."
Glorfindel was already nodding along, agreeing with Elrond, and so it was easy to say, "I will stop by every day with the latest happenings around the valley and I will let everyone know they are welcome to come and see you when they need to speak to you."
Elrond nodded, then said, "Now that that's settled, I think it is time to go inside. Mistaro will be here soon to help with the bandages," he tried to place the cup of tea on the table next to him but missed. Thankfully Glorfindel caught it quickly and set it on the table. Elrond sighed but said nothing as he peeled away a few layers of blankets and carefully swung his legs over the side of the settee. His broken leg was more or less mended but still rather stiff, and the broken hip caused problems some days. Both were improving, and Elrond could now walk with some assistance, which was a relief to all who saw it.
It meant his strength truly was returning.
Glorfindel looped Elrond's arm around his shoulders, helping him stand and hobble to his room and to his bed. Levenil meowed and moved out of the way, while Lavaneth did not move at all. Once Elrond was settled in bed Glorfindel asked, "Is Lavaneth alright Elrond? She seems...lazier than usual."
Elrond smiled, "She is fine, Glorfindel, but if you could leave the clothes closet open when you leave I am sure she will appreciate it."
Glorfindel stared at him a moment before murmuring, "I don't want to know," going over and opening the closet door before saying farewell and leaving. As soon as he left Lavaneth stood up and jumped off the bed, disappearing into the closet and not coming out again.
Elrond only smiled and laughed slightly, but revealed nothing when Mistaro came, deciding not to spoil the surprise.
It certainly would be memorable for all there when it happened.
Far away from Rivendell Avorneth shivered slightly in the cold dungeons, waiting. She did not know how she knew but she knew she would not get away with her escape attempt unpunished. She knew she was about to be punished, but how she did not know.
All she knew was that she needed to be ready when it finally happened and fight as hard as she could.
She would not let these hunters win, no matter what they did or tried to do to her.
She would not break because of them.
A week after Elrond met with Glorfindel and Arahad, Cirion and his troops were making good time towards Rivendell. The winter storms had slowed them down, as expected, but not enough to cause significant delays.
They would still reach Rivendell before spring, maybe sooner, and then they would help the elves, and see Cendar again.
Hithaer and Reineth were more than looking forward to that occasion, and if Cirion was honest with himself so was he. He had not seen his friend for so long. He could not wait to see him again, and then they would find the hunters and end this.
And then everything would be back to normal as it should be.
Over a week later Elladan and Elrohir's patrol returned to Rivendell. It had been a routine patrol, with no excitement of any kind, unless one of the horses constantly spooking and throwing his rider at the sight of icicles counted as exciting.
How could a horse be afraid of frozen water, anyway?
They were greeted in the courtyard by Glorfindel who asked, "How was your patrol, my lords?"
"Uneventful, thankfully," Elrohir said as he dismounted, "You were right my lord, we certainly needed a break outside the valley. I feel refreshed and somewhat relaxed."
"I am glad to hear it," Glorfindel said, then turned to Elladan, waiting for him to finish speaking with a member of the patrol. Once finished he also addressed Glorfindel: "I also feel refreshed my lord. The fresh air has done me some good."
Glorfindel nodded, but his smile was gone now, "I am glad to hear it," he stared at Elladan a moment before saying, "Your father wants to speak to you Elladan," when Elrohir started to go with him Glorfindel added, "Alone."
Both twins stopped in their tracks, and Elladan looked at his twin in confusion. Elrohir only looked even more confused than his brother, and then they both simultaneously turned to Glorfindel, "Why?" they asked in unison.
"I did not ask," Glorfindel said, "But he wants to see Elladan immediately, and Elrohir is instructed to see me in my office with a report of your patrol activity after tending to the horses and your men. Afterward, Elladan, you need to find me as well and give me your report," with that he turned and walked away, leaving the twins alone.
The twins looked at each other again, then Elrohir shrugged and left for the stables, taking his brother's horse with him as well. Elladan was left standing alone in the emptying courtyard for a few minutes before climbing the stairs to the House and walking swiftly to his father's chambers. When he arrived he let himself in, looking around the living area before seeing his father actually standing on the balcony. When he had left Elrond had not been strong enough to do such a thing, but now his strength was returning, albeit slowly from what Elladan could see.
His father was still weak, and it showed in the way he was trembling slightly from the exertion of remaining standing, as well as from the cold as well. Elladan joined his father on the balcony, grabbing a blanket and wrapping it around his father's shoulders as his father was only wearing a sleeping tunic and trousers, "Are you sure you should be out here, Adar?" he asked quietly.
Elrond smiled slightly, "The short walks do me good, Elladan. And the weather revives me more than anything else right now."
"But it is still cold out, Adar, maybe you should come inside and rest for a moment?" Elladan asked worriedly.
Elrond only stared out at the valley and said nothing for many long moments before nodding and walking inside, sitting on the couch by the fire while Elladan sat in a chair opposite him. Once settled Elrond asked, "How was your patrol?" looking directly at his son when he asked this.
"How are your eyes?" Elladan asked instead, surprised to see his father looking directly at him for the first time in months.
Elrond smiled again, "Almost back to normal. There is still a bit of a blur around the edges, but it will resolve itself soon enough," he paused a moment before continuing, "You did not answer my question though. How was your patrol?"
"One of the horses was afraid of icicles for some reason and was constantly spooking, but other than that it was a very uneventful patrol," Elladan said with a slight smile.
Elrond smiled at the image in his head his son's words had inspired, then said, "I am glad to hear it," he paused a moment before saying, "But that is not why I asked you here."
Elladan looked at him in confusion, "Why did you ask me here, ada?"
His father looked at him carefully, "You are actively keeping things from me, my son. And you are actively keeping people away from me. I could understand your reasoning in the beginning, I was very sick and weak, but my strength is returning now. I do not appreciate being kept in the dark about the happenings in the valley. Especially now, with so many people here."
Elladan bowed his head at his father's words and glanced at his father's right hand. Vilya was gone, her strength and power restored enough that she could be invisible now while regaining the rest of her strength. Soon she would be back to protecting the valley.
"I am sorry, ada, for not letting you know things. We were waiting for you to be strong enough," Elladan said quietly.
"And I can understand that," Elrond said, "But I do not understand why you made Cendar and Tordag stay away, and Eafled as well. That is something I do not understand."
Elladan had no answer to that, at least no answer he wanted to share with his father, and so remained silent. Elrond's eyes narrowed for a moment before he said, "I don't need an answer right now, my son. But you will not do such a thing again. You will not restrict the information or people that come to me, do you understand? My strength returns, and soon I will leave this room. When that happens I do not want any surprises of any kind."
Elladan nodded, keeping his eyes down, and then there was a knock on the door and Arwen entered. Elrond looked over his shoulder and smiled before turning back to his eldest child, "If you need anything my son, you need only ask. You don't have to shoulder all responsibility alone. There are many here to help you, myself included."
Elladan nodded silently before saying, "I should go report to Glorfindel," he looked at his father, "Is there anything you need while I am on my way there?"
Elrond shook his head, "No, thank you, my son. You go ahead. We both know how Glorfindel hates being kept waiting."
Elladan nodded again and left, giving his sister a quick kiss on the cheek before leaving. Once he was gone Arwen walked over to the couch, "What was that about, ada?"
Elrond smiled at her, "Nothing you need concern yourself with," Arwen still looked doubtful, but then Elrond said, "I've heard whispers that everyone is worried about Lavaneth. Something about her not being herself?"
Arwen nodded as she next to her father, him taking her hands in his. His fingers and hands were getting their old strength back, but bandages were still wrapped around his wrists, the wounds still very deep.
"I am worried about her, ada, she just isn't herself. I am concerned she is sick," tears coming to her eyes as she thought of the possibility that a cat she had known all her life could be sick, or dying. That was something she could not bear to think about.
Elrond gently wiped her tears away, "She is not sick, Arwen, or dying, or injured in any way. She is as healthy as ever."
"Then why is she behaving so strangely, ada?" Arwen asked, "Why is she not herself? I miss her causing mischief."
Her father did not answer. Instead, he stood up and beckoned her to follow him. She did so, following him into his bedchamber. Once there he took a candle and lit it, before leading her into the clothes closet. Again she followed, still not understanding. He led her, once inside, to a corner where a few of her mother's dresses still hung. He lowered himself carefully down to the floor, beckoning Arwen to join him. She did so, saying, "I still don't understand, ada."
Elrond only smiled. He placed the candle on the floor and pushed the dresses aside, revealing the most beautiful sight Arwen had seen in a long while. Lavaneth was there, curled up in a nest she had made of a few of her father's shirts. She was lying on her side, purring lazily.
And there, with her, were five tiny kittens. They were nursing and were so tiny that they looked like little balls of fur. One was white, two were tortoiseshell, another was an orange tabby, and the last was a brindle with a white belly.
"She had them this morning," Elrond said quietly, reaching out and stroking Lavaneth's head, "Maeassil and I have been feeding her in here so that she would feel comfortable and safe enough to have them here. And Levenil doesn't like being in here, so Lavaneth can have some peace and quiet without her sister bothering her."
"They are beautiful, ada," Arwen whispered, stroking Lavaneth's back gently. The white cat continued to purr, and Arwen gently picked up one of the tortoiseshell kittens, holding it like it was a delicate treasure. Lavaneth watched carefully but was not too concerned.
She knew Elrond would not let anyone hurt her kittens.
Arwen held the slightly squirming kitten gently, smiling when it tried to nurse on her finger. The kitten was still slightly damp from being born and washed by its mother, but it would dry soon enough. It squeaked a little, and Arwen placed it back with its mother, watching as it quickly latched on and continued to nurse. Lavaneth licked that kitten for a moment, letting it know it was now safe with her again before relaxing again.
Once she had settled Elrond said, "I think we should leave, and let Lavaneth rest," standing up stiffly while Arwen grabbed the candle. She stroked Lavaneth's head one more time, saying quietly, "They are beautiful, Lavaneth. Congratulations."
The cat meowed quietly and yawned, and Arwen smiled. She then left with her father, and once they were back in the bedchamber Elrond asked, "Are you still worried, Arwen?" a teasing light in his eyes as he sat in a chair.
Arwen laughed, "Not anymore, ada. I'm actually excited; new kittens are always a joy. Now I have even more reason to come and visit every day!"
"Oh? Seeing me every day is not enough?" Elrond asked teasingly.
Arwen laughed again, "Baby animals are always cute, ada, and they are fun to play with. It will be fun when they start exploring and getting into trouble," she looked at her father carefully then, "Speaking of trouble, have you met Eafled yet?"
"I have," Elrond said with a smile, "She is a joy to be around, and finds joy in everything. It is almost hard to believe that she survived everything she has survived. She certainly is an inspiration."
"Yes she is, and I promised her I would take her for a quick ride around the valley for fun," Arwen said, "I should go before she decides to leave without me!"
Elrond laughed, "Yes, you should. She certainly is a rather independent mindset."
Arwen laughed as well, giving her father a quick kiss on the forehead before leaving to find Eafled, leaving her father alone. He stayed in the chair for a few minutes before rising and going out on the balcony, resting his hands on the rail as he thought about leaving his chambers for the first time. Up until now, he had not had the strength, but now he knew he could. A few more days and he would be able to leave his chambers, and see the valley as a whole again. He had been cooped up for too long, and it was making him stir-crazy.
And he knew exactly where he was going to go first.
Early morning almost a week after Arwen saw Lavaneth's kittens for the first time, Edhelvain was headed for the stables to feed Veryafion before getting her own meal. Veryafion's appetite had returned after visiting Lord Elrond in his chambers, and Edhelvain was glad.
She honestly did not know what to do if Veryafion became sick from not eating and having no interest in life whatsoever.
When she arrived at the stables she was surprised at what she saw. Veryafion was, by no stretch of the imagination, into being woken up early. It usually meant she was cranky for the rest of the day. And yet, right now, at the near crack of dawn, Edhelvain was treated to the sight of Veryafion not only awake but also happy.
She was resting her throat on an elf's shoulder, eyes closed and nickering quietly, contentment easy to see. Her head was blocking whoever was with her, but the elf's arm was wrapped around her neck in an embrace and they both seemed happy just being in each other's presence.
Edhelvain watched in amazement as Veryafion began rubbing her chin up and down the elf's back before gently grooming his coal-black hair. The elf seemed to smile before pulling away, revealing Lord Elrond. He was thinner than when he had first left the valley but had already gained some weight since she had last seen him. And some strength, Edhelvain realized as she watched him gently push Veryafion away when she again tried to groom his hair.
"No, my heart, my hair is not for eating," he said quietly but laughed as she decided to nuzzle his neck and groom his shoulder. He laughed again when she lipped his fingers, eager for more attention. He obliged, massaging her ears and gently massaging her jaw with his knuckles.
Edhelvain turned to leave then, not wanting to intrude, but was stopped by a voice: "Where are you going, my lady?" she turned back to see Lord Elrond looking at her, smile still on his face as he petted his mare, "You haven't said good morning to Veryafion yet."
Edhelvain smiled slightly at his mild teasing as she walked over to them, "I did not want to intrude my lord. You and Veryafion have not seen each other in so long," reaching up and stroking Veryafion's neck.
Elrond nodded, "I know, although I heard that you arranged an opportunity for her to visit me a while ago," Edhelvain glanced at him and he continued, "Thank you for doing that. I have no memory of it, but if it helped Veryafion I am glad you did it."
"You are welcome my lord," Edhelvain said, then lapsed into a silence that was broken by Lord Elrond then saying, "And I also need to thank you for taking such good care of her while I was gone. I imagine it wasn't easy; she is very independent and free-spirited, and must have her way, always."
"It was no trouble my lord," Edhelvain said, "She calmed a bit when she had her foals, but became anxious only in the last year. She gave me two exhilarating, terrifying rides, but that was all. She was rather easy to take care of."
Elrond raised an eyebrow, "Only two wild rides? She usually does one a month," smiling at Edhelvain's surprised and slightly scared look and then asked, "Where are her foals? I have not seen them yet."
Edhelvain smiled, "I can show, my lord."
Elrond nodded before giving Veryafion one last, quick embrace and then followed Edhelvain down the aisle, stopping only to greet Asfaloth and Veryafion's older foals. Gledswith and Cendar's gelding also demanded greetings, which he gave willingly, and soon they were at the twin foals Veryafion had had recently. They were in stalls next to each other and both nickered greetings when Elrond and Edhelvain arrived.
The two fillies had grown and were now ready to be saddle-trained, which Laeron had started then on, as well as de-sensitizing them to things that might scare them. Edhelvain's assumption that they would stay black had not come true, as both now were turning gray with black on their legs and faces still. It was likely they would not be the pure white of their sire or the silver of their mother, but they would still be strong beautiful mares.
Elrond smiled when he saw them, reaching out and stroking both their necks before saying, "They are more beautiful than I thought they would be," laughing as the elder filly tried to play with his hair, just like her mother.
"They were mischievous when they were born, my lord, and constantly got into trouble," Edhelvain said, "I don't know how Veryafion managed it."
"Experience with past, just as adventurous, twin foals most likely," Elrond said, before turning to her, eyes solemn. He then said, "I know why you are here so early, Edhelvain. You are afraid for your sister, but want to put on a brave face for everyone, so you come here early, every day, to show only the horses your pain," Edhelvain looked down, knowing Lord Elrond had hit on the truth, and Elrond continued, "However, you still let some see your pain. I am guessing Idhrenor is one of them?"
Edhelvain's head shot up, surprise in her eyes, and Elrond smiled, "It was not hard to miss the ring on your finger, Edhelvain. Congratulations, I hope you have many happy years together."
"Thank you, my lord," Edhelvain said, then asked desperately, "About my sister, my lord. When can we..?"
"In the summer," Elrond said promptly, "I wish it could be sooner, but the fortress is impossible to get to until the thaw comes. You have my word, Edhelvain, as soon as we can get there we will go."
Edhelvain nodded unhappily, knowing there was nothing else to say on the subject, and stayed with Lord Elrond as he left the two fillies and continued down the aisle until they came to three stalls. Two were empty, while the one in the middle was closed. They both looked inside, and Elrond sighed at the sight before them.
It was Urelais.
He had improved over the last months, the strangles leaving him and his appetite greatly improving. He was still heavily sedated, though, to keep him from aggravating his leg. He still lay, propped against hay bales, too groggy to try and stand or move. His leg was still propped on a pillow, mending slowly but correctly, and Laeron was optimistic that it would heal completely and not cause him any pain in the future.
For the present though, Urelais was unable to have contact with other horses because it might cause him to get excited and injure his leg further, but Nortaro still came every day to see him and keep him company.
The groom hadn't arrived yet, and so Urelais was alone, dozing and quiet. Elrond sighed again before entering the stall, kneeling down in the bedding and stroking the stallion's head. Urelais stirred as he woke up, eyes opening lazily as he recognized Elrond's scent. He nickered a greeting, which Elrond returned by pulling his head into his lap for a brief moment before reaching out and placing a hand on the broken leg. He reached out with his senses, sensing the severity of the break and how it had been set and how it was healing. He also checked the hoof, finding it mending as slowly as the bones but mending well.
Urelais would be racing the wind again, someday.
Elrond opened his eyes then, coming back to the present and saw that Laeron was in the bedding next to him, looking at him in concern. Likely he knew that Elrond may try to help Urelais heal when he did not have the strength for it yet. Elrond put his mind at ease when he said, "I was not going to heal him, Laeron, I just wanted to see how his leg was doing. You did a perfect job setting it."
"Thank Hadlathon as well when you see him," Laeron said, the concern still in his eyes but easing slightly, "He was the one who set the leg and stitched it closed. And you did an excellent job binding it."
Elrond nodded thoughtfully, eyes distant as he said softly, "I don't remember..."
Laeron stayed silent, not saying anything as Elrond trailed off, trying to call the memory back for a few minutes before giving up. He shook his head before looking at Laeron, "Thank you, for taking good care of him," standing carefully as he did so. His hip was still a bit stiff and sometimes caused trouble, but it was getting better.
"You're welcome, my lord," Laeron said, "We will have him on his feet in no time, and soon he will be causing trouble once more."
Elrond smiled slightly at that but said no more as he left the stall and disappeared out of the stables, stopping only to say goodbye to Veryafion. Once he left Laeron sighed, "I think this hurt him more than he is letting on. I haven't seen him so withdrawn and closed off since his brother died," turning to Edhelvain as he said this, "He won't say anything to anyone about what he has experienced, at least not where anyone can hear it. He will only talk where only nature can hear his pain. That is one of the few parts of him that is Sindar. They keep things inside until nature forces it out. Hopefully, it won't take too long."
"He said we could go and find my sister in the summer," Edhelvain said bleakly, "Why not the spring?"
Laeron smiled sadly, "We need to capture the hunters camped outside the valley first, Edhelvain. To do that we have to find them. Lord Elrond likely wants to capture them in the spring and then go for your sister. By then he will be at full strength and can participate in the fight. He would not have it any other way. He promised your sister he would come back for her, he intends to keep that promise."
Edhelvain nodded unhappily, walking with Laeron to the feed room to get the morning feeding started. She could only hope Laeron was right and Lord Elrond had a plan.
She did not know what she would do if he didn't or her sister got hurt because they were too late.
A week after Elrond visited Veryafion and Urelais and spoke with Edhelvain, some of the worst storms of the year came through the mountains. With those storms came below freezing temperatures, which Legolas and Thranduil took advantage of to slip out of the valley and meet up with Feren and Elros.
It was time to see these hunters in person, and Feren had reported through Mithien that the humans had taken shelter in a cave to keep from freezing.
It was the perfect chance to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Legolas and Thranduil left the valley early in the morning, slipping away quietly so that none noticed they were gone. Tauriel and Galion would cover for them until they returned.
Father and son, dressed in tunics and trousers the colors of the winter forest, raced through the treetops with ease, avoiding the border guards and following Feren's instructions carefully. When they arrived several hours later, they were greeted by a sentry and led to the small camp the elves had created among the trees.
It was nothing more than a flet with a few blankets and canvasses serving as walls, but it was well hidden and camouflaged. A person would not know it was there until they were right next to it.
Once they arrived they were greeted by Feren: "Aran nín, ernil nín."
"Captain," Thranduil said, "where are these men?" in no mood for pleasantries or waiting.
Feren immediately said, "Just follow me, my lord. We only have a couple elves watching them at a time, just so they don't feel as though they are always being watched by many different sets of eyes."
Thranduil nodded while Legolas said, "Good thinking captain. Lead the way."
Feren nodded, leading them quickly to the cave where the hunters had taken refuge against the winter storms. Once there they settled in to wait and watch, watching as the only woman there led and ordered her men with confidence and cruelty, never wavering or hesitating. The only one that seemed to be spared from her cruelty was a teenage boy that she seemed to have some affection for. He never had to do anything and seemed to be someone she actually cared about.
Legolas whispered quietly to his father, "Tordag said the woman had brought her son along to learn how to hunt, that must be him."
Thranduil nodded, watching all that was happening closely, until after several hours he gave the signal to withdraw. He, Legolas, and Feren left while the two elves that were there to watch the hunters continued their watch.
Back at the camp, Thranduil said quietly, "The only weakness that woman might have is her greed. I doubt she cares all that much for her son. He may just be a means to an end for her," looking at Legolas as he said this.
Legolas nodded, "I think you are right, hir nín. But another weakness could be that she is still here, near Rivendell," his father looked at him in confusion and Legolas continued, "Lord Elrond said this was her obsession. She is still here, waiting for him to leave the valley. We can use this to our advantage when the time is right."
Thranduil nodded thoughtfully before turning to Feren, "Keep watching them closely, we will send word when there is a plan in place."
"Yes, my lord," Feren said with a bow. Not long after that Thranduil and Legolas returned to Rivendell, a better understanding of the woman and the hunters in their minds.
Now, all they needed was a plan.
A week and a half later and Thranduil was marveling at the chaos around him.
Chaos caused by the fact that no one could find Lord Elrond. Now that his vision had completely returned and his bones had mended so that he could walk, he had taken to taking walks every day around the valley to gain strength.
But he usually told someone where he was going. The fact he had told no one put everyone on edge. Every except Thranduil and Círdan. They both knew where he had likely gone. So while Círdan stayed behind to help in the search of the valley and keep people away from Elrond at the moment, Thranduil walked down to the pastures for the horses, a blanket tucked under one arm. He walked until he came to a pasture where a lone horse trotted around.
It was Veryafion, enjoying a wintry day. Winter was ending, but the snow was still thick and heavy on the ground. Looking close at the snow in her pasture, Thranduil could just make out a few footprints leading in the direction of a lone oak in the middle of the pasture whose center had been hollowed out years ago and was where children liked to hide now when they played games with each other.
Thranduil smiled when he saw the nearly-invisible tracks, 'Smart horse,' he thought, 'Her antics hide one who does not wish to be found.'
He entered her pasture then, climbing through the fence with ease, stroking Veryafion's face when she came to say hello before walking over to the tree and leaning down to look inside. Sure enough, Elrond was there, eyes closed and enjoying the song the tree was singing to him. He didn't move when Thranduil joined him and Thranduil didn't speak, respecting Elrond's desire for privacy and silence.
He would speak when he was ready.
And eventually, he did.
"I miss this," he said quietly, "I miss the quiet. Before, I went about my day as always, everyone respecting that I prefer the quiet and the peace of mind it brings. Now though..." he trailed off, shivering slightly with the cold.
"You're going to catch your death out here," Thranduil said, unfolding the blanket and draping it over Elrond's shoulders. Elrond only held it tightly as his shivering eased a bit, but he still didn't look at Thranduil.
"All those years I was gone, I was never alone. If it wasn't the hunters, then it was Cendar and Tordag. There was never a peaceful moment, never a chance to truly stop and relax. I remember I tried waking dreams in the beginning, but the hunters noticed and I had to give it up. It was unnerving and upsetting that I couldn't even escape into dreams. I used to dream, Thranduil, of seeing Celebrían again, healed and content on the White Shores, waiting for me. Now...all I see is the herd of oliphaunts running me down or the Kine of Araw trampling me to death. My dreams have turned dark, and they disturb my rest. I don't know what to do."
Thranduil remained silent, not speaking of anything. As long as he remained silent he knew Elrond would reveal everything.
Elrond sighed, "In the beginning, it was not so bad. I found a cache of supplies in the mountains near the Sea of Rune, and that lasted quite a while. Whoever left it has my unending thanks, even though Cendar said it was likely an Easterling that did not approve of the hunts," he chuckled slightly as Thranduil looked at him skeptically, "I almost didn't believe it either, but I can understand his reasoning. Perhaps an Easterling truly did leave that cache for the hunted. We will never know," he looked down for a moment before looking up once more and staring ahead once more, "I came close to one of your long-range patrols once, and I could do nothing. I could leave no clue or sign, and could only turn away. Always, in the back of my mind, the fear for Avorneth kept me from reaching out. I haven't felt that kind of fear since Celebrían was taken in the mountains."
Elrond paused a moment, then continued, "Things got better when I met up with Cendar, but I still was not alone. I could never be alone, no matter what, and things were happening here. Merilinel nearly died giving birth, and so I sent my spirit here, hoping and praying that woman wouldn't notice. She didn't thankfully, and Merilinel is safe and healthy, but it was a near thing. And I could do nothing about returning home. Always, Avorneth's safety haunts me, and what she must be experiencing right now. She is a lively one and is not meant for chains. And yet, she is in them, even now. And we can still do nothing to help her. It's maddening!" Elrond slammed his fist on the ground and was silent for many long minutes. Thranduil stayed silent as well, waiting for Elrond to get his temper under control.
Once he did he continued, "Things deteriorated for me after I thought Heledhon dead. I almost gave up, and the pain I was in was unbearable. I stopped myself praying for death more times than I wished to. I truly do not remember much of anything of the last year, even after what Cendar and Tordag told me. I can't remember, and it is frustrating. Thankfully, I haven't had any bad reactions to anything, so my subconscious was not badly disturbed. But it still leaves me at a disadvantage, especially now."
Thranduil raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"
Elrond sighed again, "Galadriel tried to speak to me about all that has happened, and so have others. But I still don't remember, and they act as though I am being ignorant on purpose. They act as though I am now fine china, in danger of breaking, and my son is becoming the worst of the lot. I know he is afraid I may disappear again, but I was not aware I had to ask him for permission to do anything. Even his brother accepts that I am healing and that I do not need constant companionship and scrutiny. Elladan is forgetting I am his father, and it will be a highly unpleasant conversation when I cannot take it anymore."
Thranduil only said, "I won't try and justify his behavior, you are in no mood for that. All I will say is that he had a lot of responsibility placed on his shoulders very suddenly, be easy on him when the argument comes. He is not trying to upset you on purpose, he is just afraid. His fear is dictating is actions more than anything else right now."
"I know," Elrond said quietly, "I am just not used to being told I can't do something by my own son. He has tried to talk me out of everything from riding Veryafion and practicing my sword to going into my study and doing some work. I feel restless Thranduil, I am not someone who can sit on his hands and do nothing for hours or days on end. Perhaps it is my Edain blood, the constant desire for a task, that makes me restless. But I am ready, and soon I will want to begin my responsibilities again."
"So why not now?" Thranduil asked.
Elrond smiled slightly, "Because...I am not ready for the inevitable argument with my son. A few more months and things will be different. My strength will be fully recovered and all my wounds healed. I will be as I was when I left, only missing a few body parts," he smiled at that, knowing that his body was still adjusting to having a kidney and most of his liver removed. He still wasn't allowed to drink alcohol until his liver was fully healthy.
Thranduil didn't smile though, "It was bad, Elrond. Hadlathon had to send for me," Elrond looked at him for the first time, surprise in his eyes, and Thranduil continued, "We all had to watch as you nearly died, and then watch again as you clawed your way back to the living. A less stubborn being wouldn't have survived. You truly have the strength of Men and Maiar in you, but it was a terrifying time. We were all waiting, for several weeks, for the healers to say you had succumbed to your wounds. It was that bad."
Elrond stared at him for several long moments before facing forward and saying, "I didn't know it was that bad. I only assumed Hadlathon performed a routine surgery. I did not know he sent for you. I am sorry you had to make that decision, old friend."
"I honored our pact, just as you have honored it," Thranduil said simply, "Just as you honor it now."
Elrond nodded and was silent, but Thranduil was not finished speaking yet, "I can't help you with Elladan, that is something the two of you need to resolve. All I can say is that you will find the peace you desire, someday. As your strength returns our worry lessens. You will be left alone, as you desire, soon enough, and you will enjoy it. But for now, there is not much that can change. I will speak to the others about how your strength returns and your wish to be left to your own devices. I can guarantee nothing, but I will try," getting ready to stand and leave the tree.
"Thank you, Thranduil, I appreciate it more than you know," Elrond said with a smile.
Thranduil nodded and left the tree. He didn't leave right away, turning back and asking, "Are you coming?"
"No," Elrond said, "I think I will stay and enjoy the song of this tree for a while longer. It is very soothing."
"Very well," Thranduil said, then crouched down a moment later, curiosity in his eyes, "Did you really see the Kine of Araw? They really exist?"
Elrond smiled, "They truly do, and it was an amazing sight. Urelais can vouch for me. I can draw you a picture of them later."
"He probably would too," Thranduil muttered before saying, "And please, draw that picture for me as soon as you can. Well...I'm leaving to "find" you. I will see you later."
Elrond smiled at that and Thranduil left. He stayed inside the tree, alone, for several more hours, before being joined by Círdan. In that time his doubts came out in full force, and it was then that Círdan found him: when his doubts were about to crush him. Círdan had more or less left Elrond alone over the past weeks, waiting for the right moment to speak with his son.
That moment was now, and Círdan could tell in the tension in his son that while what Thranduil had said had helped, it had not been enough.
Elrond still needed to speak with him about a few things he couldn't admit to Thranduil. And that was why Círdan was there, with him, waiting for him to find the words he needed to voice his pain and uncertainty.
"I can't!" Elrond said suddenly, then was silent. Círdan said nothing, waiting for the words Elrond needed to say. They came soon enough: "I can't do this again. I can't take all this again. Not so soon."
"Oh Elrond," Círdan said, pulling his son to him and holding him close. Elrond did not resist, and Círdan felt dismayed at how tense he was. He held him close for a long moment then said, "I know you think you can't survive after everything you have recently suffered, but you already have. I know it feels that after Celebrían left and now what you have experienced, that you can't do anything, but in truth, you can. You are ready, my son, and now it is time for you to do as you have always done. You are still the leader of your people, and they are waiting for you to lead them again. Have faith in yourself."
"How?" Elrond whispered, "That woman took everything from me. Safety, peace of mind, my family and friends, my dignity and independence. Everything that I felt was mine alone she took, and it was all for nothing in the end. And Avorneth is still subject to her every whim, and I can do nothing right now."
Círdan said nothing for a long moment then said firmly, "You listen to me carefully, my son, and listen well. That woman took nothing from you. Nothing you have not regained already. Do not dwell on that."
"She took almost three years from me, adar," Elrond said quietly, "I missed Veryafion foaling, Heledhon nearly died and I could do nothing, and Edhelvain is engaged to Idhrenor. Faneth, Quildolorë, and Merilinel were pregnant when I left, and I promised them I would deliver their children, as I had done in the past. I was not here and Merilinel nearly died. I met their children and they are so beautiful, and yet I have missed much. How does one get back the years?"
"I don't know the complete answers to that, my son," Círdan replied, "The only thing I can say is that perhaps you should not let her take anything else from you. She took those years, yes, but don't let her take your focus or your attention. She is not worth it."
"And yet she will have both until she is captured and this ended," Elrond said bleakly, "And until we find Avorneth, I will continue to worry. There is nothing that can be done to change that."
"Which is why you are such a good leader for your people and others," Círdan said, "You shoulder responsibility no other wants, and do so without complaint or thought of reward. It is admirable, my son."
Elrond smiled slightly, "I had an excellent teacher."
Círdan returned the smile and held him closer for several long minutes before saying, "Everyone is looking for us by now I reckon. Shall we put their worries to rest?"
Elrond sighed, "I suppose we must. Although I was enjoying the peace and quiet."
"I know, child," Círdan said, "Thranduil and I will work on that, you focus on recovery and finding the peace you need."
Elrond nodded quietly, and then followed Círdan as they left the tree, Veryafion trotting over to give greetings and ask for attention. She was anxious for a ride and eager for Elrond to come to her with no saddle or bridle so they could race the wind and her sister.
"Soon, beautiful one, soon," Elrond said as he petted her head and massaged her jaw, "A few more weeks and I will be ready for a ride."
Veryafion nickered and bobbed her head, following them out of the pasture and back to the stables, needing no rope or halter to guide her. Once there they were greeted by Laeron, who said nothing as he led Veryafion inside. Once he was gone, Elrond said quietly so only Círdan could hear, "Thank you, adar."
"Always, my son," Círdan said quietly, "Always you will have my help. You need only ask."
A few days later and overlooking the valley, Gwaereneth stood. She had heard from the wind that Elrond was healed enough and would soon be strong enough to ride and so she was ready for him. She would wait, as long as necessary, to race him and her sister.
She may even let him win this time.
Next to her, watching quietly, stood a broken elf. Maglor watched the happenings of the valley with interest, then said quietly, "Do you think I should seek him out? He is struggling with something, perhaps I can help?"
Gwaereneth regarded him closely for several long minutes. This son of Fëanor wasn't the worst of his brothers and was wise. After all he had suffered, perhaps he could reach Elrond and help him move on. Perhaps he could help someone that had nearly been broken by a trial in his life, just as Maglor had been.
Maglor was surprised when she nudged him, looking at her as though he could not quite believe her actions. She only nudged him again, nodding her head and nickering. He only said, "Are you certain, my lady? Do you really think I can help him?"
Gwaereneth only nickered and gave him a more forceful push in the direction of the house. Maglor hesitated before looking at her. He bowed his head a moment before taking a deep breath.
Then he began his slow descent into the valley.
Behind him Gwaereneth watched him, hoping she had not just made a mistake. Relations between Maglor and his foster-son now were an unknown to her, and all she could do was pray this was not a big mistake on her part.
She did not want to hurt Elrond anymore.
Late that night the moon and Eärendil were witnesses to a troubled elf slipping silently through the halls of the Last Homely House. He had slipped out of his chambers while the guards were changing, and was employing every trick he knew to not be seen or detected. The shadows cast everywhere were his hiding places, the moon his guide and light. He went quietly, and none saw or heard a thing.
Eventually, he made his way outside. Stopping briefly to listen to the night sounds of the valley for anything that seemed out of place, he only shook his head and continued on, wincing slightly as the burn on his neck complained.
He was truly tired of that injury, Elrond realized as he walked through the gardens. The rest of his wounds had healed, but the one on his neck continued to plague him.
Not letting that train of thought distract him Elrond continued deeper into the gardens, eventually coming to a small bridge. It was the same one Arwen would go to to see the stars, but tonight Elrond was alone.
At least, he thought he was.
He had only been there a few minutes when, over the sounds of the night and the trickle of water over stone, he heard something strange and familiar. Familiar in that he recognized it as a harp, strange in that he knew he should not be hearing one in the gardens, so very late at night.
Elrond hesitated, trying to decide a course of action. He could try and ignore the harp and hope whoever it was stopped playing and left, or he could see who it was. The decision was made for him when the harpist increased their volume slightly, and Elrond sighed. He would find no peace that night until he sought out that harpist, this he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt.
He crossed the bridge, walking on silent feet deeper into the gardens. He followed the music, the song eventually becoming familiar to him the closer he came to it. It was a song he remembered from when he was young and there had been a loud thunderstorm. The one who had played it had meant safety and security, but Elrond was not sure what he meant now and he paused a moment before continuing on.
Maybe the one playing was someone else, and not the one Elrond was partially hoping for?
That somewhat hope was dashed against the rocks when Elrond turned the corner and entered a small clearing. The same clearing where Arwen had met Maglor for the first time all those years ago, Elrond realized as he looked around before turning to a large rock, already knowing who he would see sitting there.
Sure enough, Maglor was there, strumming his harp quietly but surely as he gazed at the stars. He hummed as he played, and straining his ears Elrond could just make out the melody to one of his favorite songs.
A song only Maglor knew he loved. All others that had known were gone where he could not follow, yet.
Elrond walked over then, settling on the ground next to the rock where Maglor sat, content to simply listen to the music he crafted. It gave him peace, he realized, listening to music. It had been too long since he had last heard music.
The valley had been silent for too long.
Eventually, Maglor's song came to an end. He sighed, still gazing at the stars, before saying, "I thought that the worst travesties that could ever be inflicted on anyone had come and gone with the First Age. I never imagined that this existed," he looked down at Elrond then, who looked up at him, "I won't ask about what happened; that is for you to say to whom you wish. All I will say is that you will know your way again. I know you feel lost and adrift, but you will know your way again."
Elrond was silent for a moment before asking, "Why have you come? You never have in the past let me see you."
Maglor only said, "I did not think you wanted to see me after everything I did, so I stayed away. You don't deserve me, Elrond, and I don't deserve anyone. I only come to you now because you feel lost and alone. You are never alone, child, you are never without those that have experienced something similar. They are out there, and even if you never meet them know that they share that pain as well."
Elrond stared into his eyes for several long minutes before looking away into the darkness of the garden. He was silent for several moments before he said, "Why did you come now? What has changed?"
Maglor smiled slightly, "I come now because I needed to. What has changed? You, I think," Elrond looked at him in confusion and Maglor continued, "You are stronger now, Elrond. This experience may have hurt you, it may even have nearly killed you, but you are stronger for it now. You can either build on that strength or let the horror you have suffered crush you. We both know what that is like," and Elrond knew he meant Maedhros. The torture reaped upon Maedhros by Morgoth had eventually cost the red-haired elf his sanity,
"How do I build on that strength though?" Elrond asked, "It seems an impossible task."
"It is not impossible. Difficult? Yes. Impossible? No," Maglor said firmly, "Your strength has always been an inner strength, Elrond. You carry your people in your heart, you bring them with you wherever you go. The strength of your will has never been broken, the power in your mind and spirit will always carry you. To build on those strengths?" he smiled slightly, "You already know the answer to that. It is the thing you are now hesitant to do."
Elrond drew in a deep breath, and Maglor continued, "Vilya is ready, Elrond. Are you? You are the Master of this valley and the Keeper of the most powerful of the Three. Are you ready to lead your valley once more? Are you ready to let the power of Vilya flow through you once more?"
Elrond was silent, uncertainty in every line in his body, but it was replaced by confidence when Maglor said, "You have never turned away from your people, Elrond. You have never turned away from those you protect. You are ready."
Elrond nodded firmly, doubt and uncertainty gone from his stance and his eyes, and he looked as he had when he had left all those years ago. He was ready for that which came next. He reached out with his mind, and Vilya responded immediately. She had been waiting, patiently and quietly, for her Bearer to be ready to protect their home once more.
Now he was.
She reached out, in turn, to her sister Narya, who immediately retreated away, leaving Vilya to take the next step. She let her power flow through her Bearer, gently so as not to surprise him or be too much for him at once, and then reached out through him, extending her protection around the valley. The Bruinen came alive, feeling its master fully returned and ready to bend to his will again. Elrond smiled slightly, feeling more at peace now that his mastery of his valley had returned. Watching him Maglor smiled as well, sensing the power of the Ring of Air about him and glad Elrond was ready to be the Protector of his valley once more.
'Are you ready?' Elrond heard Vilya ask, and he nodded mentally. She responded by opening herself to her sisters, reaching out and re-establishing that which had been severed. Nenya and Narya responded with laughter and joy, while their Bearers only smiled to themselves and went back to sleep after gently touching Elrond's mind with their own to make sure it was really him.
Elrond Peredhil was fully returned and they were glad of it.
Finally, Elrond opened his eyes and was greeted by an empty clearing and a deserted rock. Maglor was gone, and in his place was a carving. It was a carving of two elves, copies of each other but different at the same time. One wore a crown of Men, the other a circlet of Elves. But both stood tall and proud, side-by-side, identical smiles on their faces. The carving had been painted and polished, and Elrond smiled at the sight.
Maglor still cared. He may be broken, but he still cared. Elrond sighed as he stood and picked up the carving. He looked around once more before he left the clearing, marveling at the change he felt in himself. His physical strength was still returning, but the confidence he felt was gone was back and stronger than before. He now felt ready to face whatever challenges came next.
He looked over his shoulder one last time as he left the clearing, and glimpsed a shadow disappearing into the depths of the garden. He smiled slightly and faced forward, ready for what the next day would bring.
And, amazingly, his neck no longer hurt or twinged with every movement.
Translations:
Adar/ada – Father/daddy
flet – a high platform used by the elves to build buildings and cities in the trees
Aran nín, ernil nín – My king, my prince
hir nín – my lord
Edain – plural form of "man"