Sorry if this chapter is cringey, I hope you enjoy it anyway!
Thalia is a strong and young mare who has been under Elrohir's care since she was born. She has always been loyal and cared fondly for her master, therefore the same feelings fall towards his brother. When the third day rolled around after near-constant traveling Elladan once again found himself struggling to stay conscious atop the saddle. Wheezed breaths and haggard coughs are the only sounds that escape him as he leans onto the neck of the mare loosely gripping onto her mane. She moves steady but swift ensuring he does not fall as she follows the familiar road to where she knows home is. While her rider may not be able to lead her she knows who and where safety is. That is why, when a handful of elves come riding towards the galloping mare, she doesn't hesitate in stopping before them turning quickly for the patrol to easily glimpse the collapsed elf atop her.
The Rivendell elves numbering a small patrol of five move quickly the Captain, Odnir, dismounting his own horse to climb atop Thalia to support Elladan. "Datriel, ride ahead and warn Lord Elrond of our coming," he orders the youngest of the group who instantly nods in understanding and takes off back towards Imladris. He then pushes the chestnut mare in the same direction trusting her to follow the path while he turns his attention on the unconscious elf before him.
"Lord Elladan can you hear?" he asks, shaking the elf gently being careful not to jostle a wound on the ellon's shoulder. He does not respond and from the heat radiating off the young elf it is obvious to the Captain poison must flow through his blood as well. Worry fills Odnir as he questions the whereabouts of the two missing elves who had been traveling with Elladan. Glorfindel is a mighty warrior this is widely known, but he fears if the golden-haired elf is not here with Elrohir something must have happened to them. Sadly he can not be certain of what until Elladan awakens and that likely will not be until Lord Elrond has had the time to look over and heal his son.
With this thought in mind, he pushes the mare on, the other elves following suit as they make haste back to Rivendell. By the time they reach the gates they are wide open and Lord Elrond is waiting in the courtyard worry sketched into his time-worn features. He rushes forward greeting them halfway and quickly helping take his son off the horse. His dark eyes instantly land on the wound on his shoulder moving the bandages aside to glimpse it briefly before brushing a hand over the sweat-covered brow with concern.
"I must get him to the healing halls at once. Elrohir and Glorfindel were not with him?" the elven lord questions as he swiftly scoops up his son and briskly heads towards the royal chambers. Odnir follows him easily matching the quick pace as he releases a breath.
"They were not my Lord. He was unaware when we found him atop Lord Elrohir's horse so we could not ask him where they may be. I had hoped they would only be a short distance behind us," Odnir says quietly noting the deep frown etch itself onto the elven lord's face.
"This wound is a few days old, I fear that may not be the case. Although we will not know for sure until Elladan awakens, luckily whatever poison plagues him does not feel too serious. It is strange it almost reminds me of when Estel was young and would come down with the flu, I can sense the same sickness in him," he mutters turning down a hallway before entering an elegant wooden door that leads into a large room filled with the scent of different herbs and flowers used for medicine. A fire was lit the moment Datriel returned bearing word his son was injured, a pot of water hanging over it that is now boiling.
"Odnir please fetch Erestor for me I may need his help," Lord Elrond says distractedly, barely noticing said elf leave as he sets his son down gently on one of the small beds nearest an open window. He strips off the dirty cloak and blood-covered shirt followed by the obviously hastily made bandages. The wound had clotted itself together a few days ago and was even in the beginning stages of scabbing. He's relieved to see it's healing but whatever poison had covered the arrow is still affecting his son.
The experienced healer moves over to a shelf gazing over the various herbs before grabbing a few and setting them down on a counter. He then grinds them together before grabbing the boiling water and pouring it into a cup. He dumps the crushed herbs into the water before mixing them and allowing the water to cool. Once it's no longer scalding hot he returns to Elladan setting the cup down on a table beside the bed before reaching out to grip his son's hand. Closing his eyes he focuses on reaching out to his son trying to give him the energy to wake up. He's pleased when the hand in his tightens and he opens his eyes to find blue ones that nearly mirror his looking up at him blearily.
"Ada?" Elladan whispers quietly, his voice scratchy and grating as if he had inhaled sand.
"It's okay ion, you are safe. Here drink this it will help," Elrond says softly picking up the cup and allowing his son to slowly drink some of the brew. When he's finished the younger elf collapses back in the bed closing his eyes as fatigue pulls at his aching muscles.
The door opens revealing the dark-haired advisor his eyes landing on the young elf in barely concealed worry. "What has happened Lord Elrond?" Erestor questions approaching the two and bringing a hand up to feel the sweaty brow of Elrohir. A frown settles across his face dark eyes glancing towards him in slight alarm, "He feels sick."
"That is because he is," he responds quietly before turning his attention towards his son, "Elladan can you tell me what happened? Where are Elrohir and Glorfindel?"
The young elf blinks his eyes open slowly still blurred from fever but a little more alert thanks to the herbal tea. It is a concoction that Elrond has used before when Estel was young and easily fell sick, it had always helped the child feel better within the day. While poison is a completely different matter than the common cold or flu he prays the herbs will have the same effect in healing his son.
"We were still heading East, about a half a day ride from the mountain pass," Elladan answers quietly stopping when a cough wracks through his lithe frame. Elrond helps him sit up allowing some of the strain off his lungs while also handing him the cup of tea. Elladan sips at it for a minute his eyes brightening and some of the blush that had overtaken his fair features retreating. After nearly finishing the drink he sets it on the table before taking a deep breath, tears building in his eyes as he continues, "It was raining heavily, we had stopped to discuss resting until it passed. As the storm was loud we had to shout to hear one another so we were left unaware of orcs lurking in the nearby tree line. They hit me with an arrow a-and I can't remember much after that until I awoke some hours later atop Thalia. I know Glorfindel had dismounted to meet the foul creatures head-on and I can only guess Elrohir stayed with him. I only stopped twice but I have not seen nor heard any sign of them Ada. I should have gone back."
Tears now roll down the young elf's face, dirt-covered hands wiping them away angrily. "Do not fret my son, I believe we would know if Elrohir fled to Mandos. Besides, we can not doubt Glorfindel or he will surely be upset if he hears about it," Elrond returns with a smile that causes the young elf to chuckle quietly.
"My lord, should we send a search party out?" Erestor asks beside him, his words even despite the wild concern and impatience flashing in his dark eyes.
"Yes, but we must be cautious. Something tells me we must tread carefully, gather at least sixty I will ride with them. Tell them to be ready before sunset," he orders surprised when his advisor does not move right away. Instead, he stands in the spot tilting his head slightly as he glances away from the inquisitive eyes of his lord.
"I was wondering with your permission Lord Elrond if I could ride along with you," he asks eyes suddenly growing hard with determination meeting his at the end of his words. Elrond can't help the small smile and breathless laugh that escapes pasts his lips.
"I know Glorfindel has become like a brother to you, I will not stop you from coming with. Just ensure you bring that sword above your mantle," Elrond jokes lightly causing the counselor to roll his eyes before swiftly leaving the room to do as ordered. Only a couple of hours remain until the sun dips below the trees and night falls over the forest. He knows it is risky traveling through the night even with such large numbers, but it must be done.
"Ada I want to come with you as well," Elladan says seriously sitting up straighter in his bed.
"Elladan you still have poison in your blood that I have not seen. It has made you sick much like the sickness Estel has had before," Elrond responds seriously sitting in a chair beside his son.
"I remember when Estel would complain of the same symptoms that plaque me father and he could still run around with the energy of a young foal. I will be fine with so many others riding beside me I promise. I can not leave them behind again," he argues eyes now clear and full of fire. Elrond sighs closing his eyes, knowing he's going to regret giving into his children so easy one day, he just hopes it won't be today.
"Fine, but you must keep your waterskin filled with water and mint at all times. It will assist in clearing your lungs faster, now rest until then. I will fetch you some spare clothes while I get things in order myself," he advises smiling in relief when his son at least listens to this small order, laying back in the bed and allowing himself to fall into a light slumber.
Elrond does not wait much longer after his son falls asleep to hurry away to his own chambers, slipping out of his robes in favor of some simple light armor. He then grabs his belt with a long, elegant sword made of mithril already attached nestled safely in its scabbard. He heads to his son's room next making sure to grab Elladan's own armor that is usually left behind, collecting dust in the wardrobe.
Along the way, he stops by Erestor's chambers surprised to find what one could easily confuse as an everyday warrior replacing his usual quiet advisor. He does not wear any outward armor but having once lived in Eregion the elven lord would not be surprised if sturdy chainmail lay hidden from the eye. A simple black tunic with traces of blue and silver stand against his fair skin and give the illusion of his hair being only the darker. He wears dark grey trousers and old black hunting boots that, tied with the long sword hanging at his hip, make the elf look anything but the cool-headed councilor he truly is. They do not speak for a moment before Erestor's eyes meet his, and there he can see the young advisor he's known for so long. Fear and doubt hang in those dark orbs but there is also hope and conviction to be seen as well.
"Elrond... you said you could feel if Elrohir has left Middle-Earth," he stops for a second as if weighing out his words glancing towards the open doors of his balcony before continuing, "What of Glorfindel?"
"I am sorry mellon nin, but the bond I share with my children is much different than that with my friends. I would like to think I'd know if he left us but I can not say for sure. We have to hold onto the hope that they are both alive and well," he comforts reaching out to grip his friend's shoulder who meets his gaze with a new set resolve roaring like a storm in his eyes. He nods with stern determination and Elrond forces himself to feel the same. They will find Glorfindel and his son. They will be okay. They have to be.