A/N: Here's a little chapter, since I won't be able to post tomorrow. Stupid real life, stupid midterms, stupid term papers!! And I promise this will get more interesting after this part. Elrohir gets a little pissed, Glorfindel gets grumpy…well, I can't tell you everything now, can I? ;)

Part 8:

Glorfindel hurried as quickly as was dignified for an elf lord through the open halls towards Lord Elrond's study. The few elves in the passages moved discretely out of his way, knowing that anything that could cause Lord Glorfindel to rush was more important than their own errands for the moment. He found Elrond in his study, sifting through books on herb lore. The heavy volumes and loose scrolls covered most every surface around his desk and teetered in uneasy stacks on the floor.

"How goes it, my Lord?" Glorfindel asked in a way of announcing his presence.

"I now have a better idea of the poison used against Elladan, and how to treat it," Elrond replied heavily. "It is not lethal, but he will feel the lingering influences for a long time, and it will delay his healing." He looked up from his books with a concerned gaze. "Why are you not with him?"

"Erestor is, for the moment. I came to seek you, for he has awoken."

"So soon?" Elrond asked, immediately rising to his feet. "I should have stayed with him, to be there when he woke." His tone was full of regret.

Glorfindel shook his head. "Do not worry. You will be there when he wakes again. But I seek Elrohir at the moment, for I need to speak with him."

"He was in the courtyard last I saw him. Find him and I will see to his brother," Elrond said as he left to Elladan's room.

Glorfindel left in the opposite direction, out past the gardens and covered porches to the courtyard. Elrohir was indeed there, perched on a stone bench. He sat with his arms wrapped around his drawn up knees, looking east with dry eyes. Glorfindel slowed his steps as he approached and sat beside the forlorn figure.

"How fare you, Elrohir?" he asked gently.

"Well enough," Elrohir said. "How is Elladan?"

Glorfindel smiled at the younger twin's fierce loyalty and concern. "He was awake a little while ago." Elrohir's eyes brightened at that. "And your father has discerned that the poison is not deadly, though it will weaken him for a while."

"Can I see him? Though I don't know why he would want to see me right now."

"Why would you think that, Elrohir?" Glorfindel asked, astonished. "He loves you just as much as you love him."

"I left him there. I ran away and couldn't protect him. Just like we couldn't protect Mother, Glorfindel. The same thing happened to her and she sailed west and left us behind."

"Your mother loved you too much to stay," Glorfindel said softly, edging closer to Elrohir. "She didn't want you to see her in pain. She was very brave, and it was the last resort she had, to allow you and Elladan and Arwen to keep your innocence."

Glorfindel had his hand on Elrohir's knee and he squeezed it affectionately. "If Elladan chooses to sail across the sea as your mother did, you can go with him. You always have that choice also, Elrohir."

"I always thought that when the time came, to sail west or to stay here or whatever else might come our way, Elladan and I would face it together. But I am not ready to leave Arda! There is still so much joy to found under the trees and in the rivers and the skies! I do not know if I could leave it behind, even for my love for my brother."

"That is not a choice to make now, sweet Elrohir. Do not worry yourself over it until the time comes." Glorfindel sighed to himself and the surrounding trees. "Now, I came to ask a question of you."

"Anything, Glorfindel. I am in no mood for secrets," Elrohir replied, shifting his position on the bench.

"Is there anyone else we should send word to on Elladan's condition? Someone he would not tell me or your father about?" he asked gently, not sure of how the message would be received by the younger twin.

"Yes, there is. Elladan took a lover, this time last year. They were together until we parted to return home. No vows were exchanged, but I could see there was love between them."

"And who is this mysterious stranger that has stolen your brother's heart?"

"Legolas of Mirkwood."

Glorfindel laughed aloud, his voice echoing through the valley as the birds sang in return. "What a fine match that is—and a fine mess if I ever heard of one! His father will not be pleased, but I will send word to the young prince."



The hint of an impish smile alighted Elrohir's face. "I already have."