A/N: First of all, thank you for the wonderful reviews! And don't worry, this story has a ways to go yet! In other notes, this part is short because it is late and I have an early class tomorrow. Real life is such a bother sometimes! But keep telling me what you think, and I'll keep trying to get the next part out!

Part 6:

The night deepened and the fires burned lower, but Elrond sat awake. Elrohir slept on, his head still pillowed on his father's knee. His sweet Elrohir, forever trying to do right in the eyes of his loved ones, but as wild as any untamed colt. Still, his loyalty was the substance of legends. Tears leapt to Elrond's eyes and he let them fall. He was certain that if Elladan's soul fled for the Halls of Mandos, Elrohir's would not be far behind.

Elladan whimpered in his sleep and Elrond quickly shifted Elrohir to allow him to lean over Elladan's bedside. His breathing was uneven and his eyes began to flutter open, a sure sign of waking. Elrohir came awake, instantly sensing the change in his brother.

A low groan was torn from Elladan's throat as he came fully awake. Everything hurt so much that he was tempted to fall back into the dark oblivion he had escaped from. Even the low firelight burned his eyes, and breathing took all the effort he could muster. He was about to give up trying to keep his mind steady when he felt himself lifted into a half- sitting position and something cool was placed against his parched lips.

"Elladan, try to drink this," his father's voice urged him. "It will help with the pain."

He managed to swallow most of the liquid, though some escaped to dribble down his cheek and splatter on the blankets. He was laid back down and a warm hand wiped the spill away. Elladan was able to focus on his father's face, etched with worry and pain, looking down at him. There were tear tracks tracing his face that he did not try to hide.

"Am I dying, Father?" Elladan asked. His voice sounded rough and cracked to his own ears.

"No!" It was Elrohir's voice now.

"No," Elrond repeated, quieter, though endlessly deep with pain. "Do you remember what happened?"

There was silence for a long time as Elladan looked away. Elrohir groped for his hand under the covers, trying to offer what support he could.

"I…remember," Elladan finally said, almost too softly for even Elvish ears to hear.

Quiet sobs racked Elrohir's body, for his brother could not meet his gaze. He laid his head down on the bed, cheek pressed against Elladan's uninjured hand. Elrond was impressed that he was able to keep his own hand steady as he stroked Elladan's hair out of his face. He could see the fear and shame in his son's eyes as he looked down at him.

"I am so very proud of your bravery and your loyalty, my son," Elrond said. "Try to rest now. You will need your strength for the ride tomorrow."

Elladan nodded and closed his eyes obediently, his hand still gripped tightly by his brother. It did not take long for the exhaustion and the powerful medication to send him back into a dreamless sleep.