Eli was all but ready to fall asleep atop Whitewing when they had finally reached Dunharrow, and came to the Golden Hall of the Kings of Rohan.
Camille walked up to her, nudging her in the ribs to keep her awake as they climbed the steps up to the hall. "Hey Eli, snap out of it! We still have to eat dinner before we can all collapse in bed."
Eli groaned. Oh jeez, dinner?! I just want to SLEEP! "Can I skip it for tonight? I'm afraid that if I even sit down to dinner, I'll just fall face-first into my food."
Camille rolled her eyes. "Oh you're hopeless!" She fiddled with her pack, and pulled out a small dark object. "Here, have some of this. It might keep you awake long enough to act decent all throughout dinner tonight."
Eli cupped the object in her palm, and looked at it through bleary eyes. It was a piece of coffee-flavored candy, still wrapped. "What do you want me to do with a piece of candy?"
"Oh gee, I dunno, maybe you could give it to Sauron and we can kill him while he's on a sugar high!" Camille muttered sarcastically. "Eli, I know you're tired – maybe that's why you're brains are not up to speed right now – but you've got to put something in your stomach. We've got a long, hard trip tomorrow, though I think it's going to be harder on you than on the rest of us. The candy will keep you up for a while longer, long enough that you can eat and not fall asleep right away."
Eli only shrugged at whatever Camille told her. She's right; my mind isn't completely clear right now. Without another word, she tore open the wrapper, and popped the candy into her mouth, sucking it slowly as they entered the hall to be greeted by Eowyn. When they reached the dining hall, she was more or less back to being herself, if a little hyper, due to the caffeine and the sugar in the candy.
When supper was through, Eli made her way to the outside patio, away from the crowd and the other people in the hall. She wanted to spend some time with herself, and sort her troubles out – particularly where they concerned a pair of Elven twins.
Sitting down in a stone bench, she leaned forward on her elbows, and rubbed her forehead slowly. This is definitely NOT a good place to be, she told herself. I mean, it was easy to forget about this whole thing because there were at least a thousand miles between us, and there were other things to keep me occupied. But now that they're around…things are going to get messier.
At that, something soft and warm was draped over her shoulders, and the faint scent of a deep forest wreathed in mist enveloped her. She jerked out of her thoughts, and lifted her hands to her shoulders. Her fingertips touched the soft fabric of a gray Elven-cloak. She turned, and her eyes widened when she looked up at a pair of steely gray eyes framed by dark brown hair. Oh jeez, one of the twins! The question is, which one is it? "Elrohir?"
Elrohir – for it was indeed he – smiled down at her, his eyes gleaming softly in the moonlight. "You should not stay out here for long, Eli. It is too cold for you."
Eli smirked, trying to stay calm. Keep your cool Eli. He isn't going to bite. "That's easy for you to say; you Elves don't really feel the difference between hot and cold."
"True, but it is sufficient enough for me to know whether it is too cold for mortals or not," Elrohir replied with a smile of his own as he sat down beside her on the bench.
They shared a companionable silence for a while, the two of them just looking at the stars that hung overhead. The wind grew a little bit colder, and Eli drew the cloak more tightly around her body to shield it from the chill. As she did so, she pulled out the Pendant of Imladris from underneath her clothes, since the silver felt cold against her skin.
Elrohir must have noticed it, because he smiled then, and said, "So you have received the present Father sent to Lothlorien. I feared that it would not get to you in time for your departure."
"I'm wearing it right now, so it certainly got to me in time," Eli said as cheerfully as she could muster. But her face fell as her fingers unconsciously twined around the pendant. But the words that went with it are what worry me. Should I really choose between the two of you? Oh sure I should, I can't exactly have the both of you at the same time… But if I choose one, then I risk losing the other, and if I lose the one I have chosen, then I lose both.
She was startled out of her thoughts once more when she felt strong, slender fingers wrap around her hands that were still gripping the Pendant tightly. She looked up, and met Elrohir's gaze, which seemed to her like molten silver as they looked back at her.
He sighed softly as he gently pried her hands from around the Pendant, fitting her fingers in the spaces between his own. ^As I gaze upon this fair maiden, I see again the treasure I thought I did not desire and gave away, but in the end longed for it, and desired that it be returned. But what can I do, when I have given her away so freely to someone else? Have I returned to the one my heart desires, only to learn that she does not return my love? Is my journey here to seek and to plead my case before My Lady and beg for her favor all in vain?^
Eli froze in her seat at the statement that Elrohir had put forth. What?! What's he talking about?! Her mind was spinning too fast for her to form proper thoughts, but somehow, deep in the back of her mind and heart, she knew exactly what he was talking about, and it was frightening. ^Elrohir, what are you-^
^Trying to say?^ Here Elrohir laughed softly. ^Oh Eli, Eli, fair Elisarien, as my grandmother Galadriel has named you, I wish to say that I love you, and nothing would please me more than to know that you return the feelings as well.^
That did it. Eli got up, the cloak dropping from her shoulders. She pulled away from Elrohir, tugging her hands away from him. She swallowed against the lump in her throat, and turned from him. ^Elrohir…please…could you just leave me alone?^
The Elf was stunned, probably by her sudden rejection. ^Eli, what-^
"Just leave me alone!" Eli exclaimed, and she dashed into the hall, heading for the room she shared with Camille. As she ran, she felt the tears come out of her eyes, and she swiped them away with her hand. Stupid, stupid, stupid! You KNEW this was bound to happen, you KNEW you were going to get caught up in it! So now who's to blame? No one else but YOU!!! She then threw herself onto the bed, and gradually cried herself to sleep.
* * *
Camille grimaced as she watched Eli run past her in the hallway, oblivious to anyone who happened to see her. Something bad just happened.
"What has happened to Eli?" Aragorn asked softly as he approached her from behind.
Camille sighed, and smiled wanly. "I don't really know. She just kind of ran past me, if you didn't notice."
"Now is not the time for jokes, unfortunately," Aragorn replied gravely. "Do you have any knowledge of what may have happened to her?"
Yeah, I might, but it isn't really pretty. "Are you sure you want to hear about it?"
"Eli is as a sister to me, and you are the same. It is only natural for an older brother to want to know what is the matter with his younger siblings."
Camille shook her head, and smiled at the Ranger. She looked from left to right, making to sure that none of the twins were close enough to hear. When she had assured herself that the coast was clear, she dragged Aragorn into a nearby room, and answered, "Look, I'm not sure if you've already figured this out, but Eli's having a tough time deciding between Elladan and Elrohir."
Aragorn seemed surprised. "Is Eli not with Elladan? I believe I saw them kissing in Rivendell months ago."
Camille snickered. You and everybody else in the world… "Yeah, I know, but it looks like even then, Eli had her doubts. I don't plan on telling you the whole story yet; because I feel that if Eli found out I spilled the whole thing to you she'd kill me. All I'm going to say is that Eli doesn't know whom she really prefers, and it's hurting her a lot." She paused, then added, "Though I think that, in some strange way, she likes Elrohir better than Elladan."
Aragorn cocked an eyebrow at her. "And how have you managed to contrive such a conclusion?"
"Instinct," Camille replied, though her face was as straight and serious as it could ever get.
Aragorn stared at her for a long while. He sighed, and turned away, gazing at the dark sky outside. "You do not need to tell me anything further, for I know everything that has passed between the three of them. Elladan and Elrohir have been my brothers since my childhood, and I feel I know them as no one else does, save for Arwen and Elrond himself. They are opposites, for Elladan is forward and outgoing, while Elrohir is somewhat shy and retiring, allowing his older twin to take control of most situations.
"But when it comes to their loyalty for one another, it is unquestionable. Elrohir is willing to sacrifice anything – even if it is his own happiness – for his brother, and Elladan will readily do the same." Aragorn bowed his head in thought. "But it seems that this is an issue that Elrohir is not so willing to let go. And I cannot blame him for it. Love for a woman is potent enough to tear apart even affection as strong as theirs."
"But that's the LAST thing she would want to happen!" Camille exclaimed, panicked. "Eli would rather be food for a Mirkwood spider than be the cause of an argument between the two of them!" She swallowed, and then added, "She would rather go back to our world than see the two of them fight all over her."
Aragorn fell silent, brooding again. "No, that is not good either." He sat for a while in silence, and after what felt like an eternity, he looked up again, his gray eyes holding the same determined glint they did when the first started the hunt for Merry and Pippin from Parth Galen. He stood up, and made a move towards the door. "I shall go speak with them."
WHAT?! No way! Camille jumped up, and tugged at Aragorn's sleeve to restrain him. "Aragorn, you can't DO that! It'll only hurt her more!"
"You must trust me on this, Camille," Aragorn said as he smiled down at her in brotherly affection. "I know what I am doing. Please, I beg you, trust me on this."
Camille stared up at him for a while, trying to see if he had really thought this through. When she saw that there was no backing out for him, she simply sighed, and let her shoulders slump forward in defeat. "Fine, fine, do what you have to do." She narrowed her eyes at him in warning. "But if something goes wrong and Eli gets hurt, I'm going to lay the blame on you."
Aragorn chuckled softly, and pressed a brotherly kiss on her forehead. "Yes, I shall keep that in mind." He pushed her gently out the door, following behind her. "Now go, foster-sister, go to your rest." He paused, then with a mischievous smile, added, "But do not forget to bid a goodnight to your betrothed before you do."
Camille tried to scowl, but it came out a silly-looking grin. "If anyone mentions THAT again tomorrow, they're going to be on the end of a severe tongue-lashing. And that goes for you too, future King of Gondor or no. I'm going to take advantage of the fact that you're not a king yet and get all the fun I can out of it."
Aragorn laughed at her for a moment, then turned, heading out the hall into the gardens beyond.
* * *
Aragorn breathed in deeply as a blast of cool night air hit him square in the face. He lifted his eyes to the sky, and noticed a multitude of stars twinkling in the darkness, providing him with little light, but perhaps enough to see by.
^What is your business out here, Estel? It is late; you must get your rest.^
Aragorn chuckled as he turned, and saw Elrohir approaching him from some other part of the courtyards. He had lived with the two twin sons of Elrond for long enough that he could tell them apart. ^Why must I remain inside when the stars are shining in the sky?^
Elrohir chuckled. ^Truly you are of the Children of Luthien! Why else would you wish to see the stars as much as we of the Firstborn do?^
^Yes, I do suppose it runs in the family,^ Aragorn said good-naturedly. But this is not the business I came here to do. Clearing his throat, he said, ^Elrohir, there is something I wish to talk to you about.^
^And what would that be?^ asked the Elf, apparently noticing the change of Aragorn's demeanor, and guessing that whatever he was about to say was important.
Aragorn hesitated a moment, thinking about what Camille had said to him. Aragorn, you can't DO that! It'll only hurt her more!
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. No, this must be done. It is a gamble, certainly, but if it works, then it will bring much peace of mind to Camille, to Eli, to the twins…and to myself. ^Elrohir, please tell me of your feelings for Elisabeth.^
Aragorn noticed Elrohir stiffen visibly, which was strange for him, as he usually took things calmly, but he relaxed eventually under Aragorn's gaze, and replied, ^What is there to say? I love her, but I am certain that my brother loves her as well. He has since he saw her.^
^But I know that there is no such thing as 'love at first sight' among the Elves,^ Aragorn answered.
Elrohir chuckled softly. ^Ah Estel, you do not know your own story then!^ He turned to look at the mortal, his silver-gray eyes glowing faintly in the dim light of the stars. ^'Love at first sight', as you call it, is not frequent amongst Elves, but it happens. It happened when Luthien looked upon Beren. It happened when Elwing beheld Earendil. It happened when Arwen looked at you those many years past in Lothlorien. And it happened when Legolas espied Camille in Mirkwood.^
Aragorn nodded, realizing that Elrohir did have a point. ^Aye, you are right,^ he conceded. He glanced at Elrohir again. ^But how certain are you that it is the case with Elladan and Eli?^
Elrohir was silent for a long, long while. At length, he spoke, ^I was certain of it, when I saw the look in my brother's eye as he gazed at her. But I was quick to realize that Eli was much too cold for him to reach, so I attempted to bring her out of her shell.^ He fell silent again.
^And?^ Aragorn pressed.
^And often took the guise of my brother when I spoke with her,^ Elrohir replied with a deep sigh. ^I made her believe that it was Elladan she was speaking to, and I concerned myself with speaking to her as often as I could, trying to learn more about her. All of this I told to my brother, and when he finally felt sure of himself, he made his move. But I knew Eli more than he did.^
Aragorn gaped. So this is it! This is the root of it all! ^Indeed, this is a very strange plot that you have woven, Elrohir!^
^Aye. In the course of trying to learn more about her, I fell in love with her, more deeply, perhaps, than I have ever loved before. But I have attempted to put aside my feelings for her, after witnessing the kiss in the birch grove. She would not have allowed Elladan to do such a thing if she did not love him.^
^But she did not know it was you whom she had been speaking to her,^ Aragorn said gently. ^If she had known, then perhaps she would have resisted, and gone to you instead.^ He smiled then. ^And do not lose heart, not yet, at least. She is still…divided in her heart.^
Elrohir looked up suddenly, and it seemed there was a new spark of hope in his eyes. ^Are you certain of this. Estel?^
^Fairly certain,^ Aragorn answered. ^Camille has told me that Eli cannot quite decide whom she should choose, for she adores not one, but the both of you. However, Camille senses that her heart is weighted in your favor.^
Elrohir laughed. ^And how can she be certain of such a thing?^
^I am not sure,^ Aragorn replied thoughtfully. ^It is hard to guess how she has come to such a conclusion. But I trust her judgment in this.^ He smiled then, and got up. ^Do not lose hope yet, Elrohir. She may yet come to you.^
^I pray that you are right, Estel,^ whispered the Elf, and he turned his gaze up to the sky to watch the slow dance of the stars.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Heehee, I have fulfilled my promise! Told you Eli would get a sappy chapter all to herself!! Though so far, it seems that Aragorn and Camille have been meddling…hmm rubs chin thoughtfully, maybe I should try to keep them out of the next chapters as much as possible. Poor Elrohir!!! Why is it that I have to make these characters suffer the way they do? Because things actually get better in the later chaps! So keep on reading folks! Don't worry; this fic is slowly winding to its climax, and that means…THE END?!?!? But when it DOES end, I promise you folks that it will be beautiful! Ja ne!
P.S: Since my classes at University start soon, I will no longer be able to update as frequently as I used to. Now, I will only be able to post one chapter every week, two or three if I'm lucky. Oh, and by the by, if any of you readers out there are from the Philippines and are incoming freshmen in the College of Liberal Arts at De La Salle University, DO drop me a line, please! I'd like to know where and who you guys are. I'm a Lit Major, LR-39! Well, that's it for now. I'm sorry if I've caused any disappointment because of this announcement. See you!!