Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters and/or places thereof
HardcoreWWnut: It seemed to me that someone so politically inclined would have certain problems with emotional attachment. It isn't favoritism so much as understanding, so it comes off wrong.
Daw the Minstrel: Ah, but of course I am going to tell you more! And yes, Elladan is. . .well, mostly he's just angsty, but of course 'just angsty' is an oxymoron.
Pinto: Do so, I love the twins, too! That's a big part of why-this-story-came-into-being. Thanks, and I am so sorry it took this long to get the new chapter done.
Sphinx: I've never read anything about Elves not cutting their hair, so I'm not really certain. That's one reason Lord of the Rings is such a difficult domain to choose; there's so much history to it.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed! And sorry this chapter took so long!
*****
Elrohir dipped the flannel into the earthen bowl and raised it, waiting as the oversaturated cloth dripped water back into the bowl. His jaw was burning, shooting jolts of pain all along his nerves, but he did not feel it, for Elrohir was no longer with his physical body. He had retreated to the recesses of his mind, to a time so different than this.
/~/"Bet you can't catch me, Elrohir!" Elladan shouted, bolting out into the high raipeseed. Glad to be out of classes for the day, Elrohir did not have Elladan's great energies, but wished to find a shady tree to seat himself beneath and read a nice book). For a moment Elrohir stood, considering the challenge, staring into the raipeseed growth and thinking perhaps it would be good to run about for a little while. But then, he also wished to read his book. As Elrohir stood, deciding, Elladan returned, looking concerned. "What is it, Elrohir? Are you all right?"
"Bet I can!" Elrohir cried, making his decision in that second and flying down the steps, tackling his brother to the ground./~/
Elrohir held the wet cloth against his jaw, letting the cool water ease the pain. When he returned the cloth to the bowl, there was blood on it. A pinkish-red cloud filtered into the water. It was a stain, Elrohir thought, and perhaps it could be some high power trying to tell him that his and Elladan's relationship was tainted for ever more. Was it?
/~/"Elladan, wake up." Little Elrohir shivered, his feet gathering coldness from the floorboards below. Outside, rain lashed at the window, and Elrohir jumped as lightning flashed and thunder sounded just at the same moment. "Elladan!" he squealed, clutching the arm of his ragged teddy bear even tighter. Elrohir was indeed frightened, wishing Elladan would just wake up!
"Elrohir? Is something wrong?" Elladan asked sleepily, squinting as he poked his head out from beneath a pile of blankets and quilts.
"Elladan…I am scared," Elrohir whispered. Thunder sounded again, and Elrohir started. "Elladan, please!"
"Come on, 'Ro," Elladan said, taking his brother's hand and pulling Elrohir under the covers with him. "Don't be scared, all right? Nothing is going to hurt you, I promise." It was dark and stuffy under all those bedcoverings, but despite that Elrohir felt quite scared, and could not stop shivering. "Elrohir, I promise you will be safe. I promise." Elladan wrapped his arms around Elrohir, and Elrohir relaxed. In moments both boys were asleep. /~/
Elrohir was brought back to reality by the metallic taste of blood in his mouth. He spat, then took a drink of water. Instead of swallowing, he swished the water around, then leaned out the window and, being sure that no one was near, spat out the bloody water. Before he had a chance to continued cleaning his wounds, there was a knock at the door. 'How stupid of me!' Elrohir thought. 'I left the door open!'
Elrohir turned to see his father in the doorway, looking partially angry, though probably with Elladan, partially concerned, and partially displeased. Mostly, Elrond looked unreadable, as usual--Elrohir understood in that flicker of a moment why Elladan thought of their father as emotionless. "Yes?" he managed, astounded at the unexpected comprehension.
"Elrohir, are you…what happened?" asked Elrond, realizing as he spoke that a bruise was forming on Elrohir's jaw.
"Nothing--" Elrohir moved to hide it, but it was too late. Elrond crossed the room in four quick strides and pulled Elrohir's hand away from his face, gently touching the bruised skin. Elrohir shuddered with the pain.
"What happened, Elrohir?" Elrond asked again, still fingering the bruise.
"I tripped. And please stop, that hurts!"
"You are behaving just like your brother, Elrohir. I know full well that you did not trip, you are an Elf, not some clumsy mortal. Who did this, Elrohir? It is all right, you can tell me."
Elrohir shook his head.
"Elladan," Elrond said, knowing.
"No!" Elrohir cried, not wanting his brother to be in trouble, no matter how angry he was. But Elrond paid him no mind, already heading out of the room. "No, it was not Elladan, he would never!"
"Elrohir, after the scene your brother caused tonight I very much doubt there is anything he 'would never' do. Wait here, I will see to that bruise in a few moments," Elrond stated, and then he left.
"Oh," groaned Elrohir, sitting down on his bed. "What have I done now? Nothing, though, for Elladan brought it on himself with his own lack of control. I have always had control to make up for his lack, of course, I only lapsed tonight. Elladan must grow up some time."