Disclaimer: None of the characters, places, ect. belong to me. They are the
property of the Tolkiens. I am not making any money and am writing just for
the pure fun.
Author's Note: Wow, I just finished typing this out and I realized how much longer it is than my other chapters. This one is angsty plus a little bit of fluff but I hope you guys like it anyway. It may take a little while for the next post so please be patient with me. Thank you so much for the reviews, I really really appreciate them.
Chapter 4:
***
When Estel woke he found himself buried under a large pile of blankets, but he nevertheless felt cold. It was still night for his room was dark except for the slight glow put off by the dying embers in the fireplace. He used his palms to push himself up into a sitting position and instantly regretted it. The room immediately began to spin and his body added a coughing fit in further protest to the movement. He slumped back against the pillows and vaguely wondered why his arm hurt. Estel pulled up his sleeve but was unable to see anything so he decided that he would have to go over to the fireplace. Wiggling out onto the floor, he grabbed one of the blankets from the top of the pile and leaned against the bed until his world stopped moving. He stumbled over to the hearth with the blanket around his shoulders and again pulled up his sleeve. 'Oh this is defiantly not normal' he thought bitterly 'why does this stuff always happen to me?' Estel sighed as he slumped down into a sitting position on the floor and rested his head against the warm stones. The small scratches on his arm had turned an angry, inflamed red and little dark colored spots were beginning to appear on his skin. Again, his body protested and another volley of coughs rose painfully from his chest. This set was longer and crueler than the others and by the time it ended all Estel could do was focus on trying to get air into his tired lungs.
***
Elladan awoke to the sound of coughing and knew that his little brother must no longer be asleep. His room was right next to Estel's and so his elven ears had no trouble picking up the noise. 'Tis strange' he thought 'that Estel should waken so soon. He was sleeping quite soundly when we left and Ada said he should not be up till morning.' After Estel had fallen asleep the brothers had finally related their story to Elrond, Legolas, and Glorfindel. When he had been satisfied by the twins' responses to his questions, Elrond had gone to check on his youngest. The boy seemed to be resting so peacefully that Elrond had felt comfortable suggesting that they all get some sleep. Elrohir had tried to protest, but Elrond responded that Estel just had a cold and would be fine, besides they would return in the morning before he woke. 'And now he is alone.' Elladan thought sadly as he got out of bed. With his long legs, it only took him a few steps to reach Estel's room. When he arrived and saw his brother hunched by the smoldering fire, Elladan quickly moved to his side.
"Estel?" he asked with concern.
When Estel turned his face up to look at his brother, Elladan gasped. What was left of the fire highlighted his face so Elladan could see that Estel's gray eyes were cloudy with pain and fever and that his skin was covered with dark spots. Estel's breaths sounded more like shallow gasps and his body was shaking with cold.
"Titta mine, what are you doing out of bed?" he asked as he scooped up his brother and carried him back to his bed. Estel did not reply but merely looked into his brother's eyes. After tucking him back under the mountain of blankets, Elladan placed his hand on Estel's forehead and winced at the heat. He had never felt his brother grow this hot before and decided that it was time to wake Elrond.
"I am going to get Ada. Can you stay awake until I return?" he asked Estel softly. Estel responded with a very small nod and Elladan hurried out the door.
***
Estel tried to smile in reassurance as Elrond and the twins rushed into his room. His mind was moving so slowly that he could barely comprehend what was being said.
"Elladan, please build up that fire and light some lamps so that I might see." Elrond ordered as he strode over to Estel's bed. It was at that moment that Estel's body choose once more to express its displeasure with a new round of painful coughs. Tears began to form in his eyes as he struggled for breath, but mercifully the fit ended almost as quickly as it had begun.
"Ada." Estel's voice sounded quiet even to him as it passed through his raw throat.
"Hush, Estel and let me look at you." Elrond said. Elrohir came over with an oil lamp and for the first time they were able to get a good look at Estel. Elrond's face drained of color as he saw the glazed eyes and black spots.
"Oh dear Elbereth." Elrond murmured as he placed a hand on Estel's forehead. Estel's brow creased in concentration as he tried to comprehend what was going on. 'Why do they look so worried?' he wondered to himself. Nothing was making sense to him and the more he tried to think the harder it became to do so. He felt Elrond lift the layers of blankets and unbutton the top of his nightshirt. Elrond frowned at his shallow breathing and the red, infected cuts that contrasted greatly with the pale, black speckled skin. After finishing his examination and replacing the covers, he turned to face the twins.
"Could either of you identify the plant in which Estel was stuck?" Elrond asked hopefully.
Elrohir nodded his head. "Aye, I believe I might.
A little of the strain seemed to flow out of the elf lord's face at the younger twin's words.
"Would you two please stay with your brother while I retrieve something from my study?" Elrond didn't even wait for a response before he hurried out of the room.
The elves turned toward their little brother and exchanged a worried look. What was wrong with Estel and what did some plant have to do with it? Estel's eyes were half closed and his breathing was short and labored. Elrohir took his previous place on the bed next to his brother and began to speak softly to him in elvish. On the other hand, Elladan began to pace like he often did when he became worried. They only had to wait a few minutes before Elrond returned with an old leather bound book in his hands.
"Elrohir" he said drawing the twin away from Estel, "is this the one?"
"Aye, tis the bush. What is the importance of this, Ada?" he asked.
"I was afraid of this. I had not realized that this plant was present in our forests. Ai, if only I had known." Elrond said more to himself then his impatient sons.
"Please, Ada we understand not what you speak of." Elladan said as he paused in his pacing.
Elrond sighed "Of course you do not, there was never a need for you to learn of it. The bush is known as Raynos. Its juices are harmless to elves, but cause a deadly fever in humans. Without the counter agent Estel will die." The final words barely made it out of his mouth for his voice was riddled with grief.
"Ada, do you have the counter agent?" Elrohir asked quietly from his position on the bed, afraid of what the answer might be.
"Nay, for neither plant is native to these forests. I never thought." his voice faded out and was replaced by Estel's harsh coughing.
"Is there anything you can do for him?" Elladan asked softly as he watched his twin comfort Estel.
"There is little I can do without the herb." Elrond replied bitterly.
"Elrohir and I shall find it, Ada. Just tell us where to search and we will leave at once." Elladan declared.
"The needed herb is called Gypset and can only be found in the forests of Lothlorien. It is extremely rare, but I seem to remember Celeborn having a few specimens. If he still has them," suddenly hope began to glimmer in Elrond's eyes, "and if you two could bring it back here within ten days, I might be able to save Estel. It will be close, very close, but it is our only hope."
"Then we shall pack now and leave as the sun rises." Elrohir said already on his way out of the room.
"Leave to go where?" a sleepy Legolas asked from the doorway.
"Legolas, if you will kindly allow the twins to pass and come help me with Estel, I shall explain everything." Elrond said as he moved over and began to mix the liquids from different bottles together.
***
(a few hours later)
"'Ro?" Estel whispered. 'Where did he go? I wish he would come back.' Everything hurt and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't seem to get enough air.
"It is ok, Estel. I am here, but Elladan and I have to go now and find the medicine you need. Legolas and Ada will stay with you and we will be back as soon as we can." Elrohir said gently.
"You must hang on until we return." Elladan added.
"Love you toro. Love you ono." Estel managed as the two left.
"We love you too, Estel. Do not worry, we will return soon." Elladan said over his shoulder as they hurried from the room.
***
(one week later)
Estel wished that his brothers hadn't left. He was wondering where they had gone and why they needed to get more medicine when Ada has lots already. A voice broke through his thoughts and he turned his head towards it, hoping it would make more sense if he could see the face it belonged to. The lips were moving and sound was emerging but it seemed so strange and slow that Estel screwed up his face in concentration. He could not tell to whom the face belonged because his vision had become blurry and unfocused. The head had seemed to understand and instead of moving his lips, he propped Estel up and placed a cup to his mouth. Estel tried to pull away, but the cup was quite persistent and forced some of the bitter liquid passed his lips. He relented and swallowed until the unidentified head was satisfied and allowed him to lie back once more. He soon realized with a small bit of approval that there was an absence of sleeping draught in the mixture he had been given. 'However I guess I really don't need it, I am getting pretty tired again.' he reasoned to himself. His body felt as if it had been wrapped in wet wool. It felt so heavy and hot that maybe if he would just close his eyes for a few minutes everything would be ok. Once again the room began to spin and the voice sounded from somewhere. This time he could understand parts of it. The voice was so familiar and he desperately wanted to answer it. His name. The voice was calling his name and was becoming more and more desperate. Oh! How he wished to respond, but it was too much for his body. Estel heard his name one last time before it finally gave up and he once again passed into darkness.
***
"Estel! No not yet. Estel, please it is too soon for you to give up. Just hang on. Estel!" Elrond practically screamed at his foster son. His hand was resting on Estel's forehead as the boy's breathing faltered and then ceased. Silver tears rolled down his cheeks as Elrond began to close his eyes in defeat. Now hope was truly lost, or was it.
***
Author's Note: Wow, I just finished typing this out and I realized how much longer it is than my other chapters. This one is angsty plus a little bit of fluff but I hope you guys like it anyway. It may take a little while for the next post so please be patient with me. Thank you so much for the reviews, I really really appreciate them.
Chapter 4:
***
When Estel woke he found himself buried under a large pile of blankets, but he nevertheless felt cold. It was still night for his room was dark except for the slight glow put off by the dying embers in the fireplace. He used his palms to push himself up into a sitting position and instantly regretted it. The room immediately began to spin and his body added a coughing fit in further protest to the movement. He slumped back against the pillows and vaguely wondered why his arm hurt. Estel pulled up his sleeve but was unable to see anything so he decided that he would have to go over to the fireplace. Wiggling out onto the floor, he grabbed one of the blankets from the top of the pile and leaned against the bed until his world stopped moving. He stumbled over to the hearth with the blanket around his shoulders and again pulled up his sleeve. 'Oh this is defiantly not normal' he thought bitterly 'why does this stuff always happen to me?' Estel sighed as he slumped down into a sitting position on the floor and rested his head against the warm stones. The small scratches on his arm had turned an angry, inflamed red and little dark colored spots were beginning to appear on his skin. Again, his body protested and another volley of coughs rose painfully from his chest. This set was longer and crueler than the others and by the time it ended all Estel could do was focus on trying to get air into his tired lungs.
***
Elladan awoke to the sound of coughing and knew that his little brother must no longer be asleep. His room was right next to Estel's and so his elven ears had no trouble picking up the noise. 'Tis strange' he thought 'that Estel should waken so soon. He was sleeping quite soundly when we left and Ada said he should not be up till morning.' After Estel had fallen asleep the brothers had finally related their story to Elrond, Legolas, and Glorfindel. When he had been satisfied by the twins' responses to his questions, Elrond had gone to check on his youngest. The boy seemed to be resting so peacefully that Elrond had felt comfortable suggesting that they all get some sleep. Elrohir had tried to protest, but Elrond responded that Estel just had a cold and would be fine, besides they would return in the morning before he woke. 'And now he is alone.' Elladan thought sadly as he got out of bed. With his long legs, it only took him a few steps to reach Estel's room. When he arrived and saw his brother hunched by the smoldering fire, Elladan quickly moved to his side.
"Estel?" he asked with concern.
When Estel turned his face up to look at his brother, Elladan gasped. What was left of the fire highlighted his face so Elladan could see that Estel's gray eyes were cloudy with pain and fever and that his skin was covered with dark spots. Estel's breaths sounded more like shallow gasps and his body was shaking with cold.
"Titta mine, what are you doing out of bed?" he asked as he scooped up his brother and carried him back to his bed. Estel did not reply but merely looked into his brother's eyes. After tucking him back under the mountain of blankets, Elladan placed his hand on Estel's forehead and winced at the heat. He had never felt his brother grow this hot before and decided that it was time to wake Elrond.
"I am going to get Ada. Can you stay awake until I return?" he asked Estel softly. Estel responded with a very small nod and Elladan hurried out the door.
***
Estel tried to smile in reassurance as Elrond and the twins rushed into his room. His mind was moving so slowly that he could barely comprehend what was being said.
"Elladan, please build up that fire and light some lamps so that I might see." Elrond ordered as he strode over to Estel's bed. It was at that moment that Estel's body choose once more to express its displeasure with a new round of painful coughs. Tears began to form in his eyes as he struggled for breath, but mercifully the fit ended almost as quickly as it had begun.
"Ada." Estel's voice sounded quiet even to him as it passed through his raw throat.
"Hush, Estel and let me look at you." Elrond said. Elrohir came over with an oil lamp and for the first time they were able to get a good look at Estel. Elrond's face drained of color as he saw the glazed eyes and black spots.
"Oh dear Elbereth." Elrond murmured as he placed a hand on Estel's forehead. Estel's brow creased in concentration as he tried to comprehend what was going on. 'Why do they look so worried?' he wondered to himself. Nothing was making sense to him and the more he tried to think the harder it became to do so. He felt Elrond lift the layers of blankets and unbutton the top of his nightshirt. Elrond frowned at his shallow breathing and the red, infected cuts that contrasted greatly with the pale, black speckled skin. After finishing his examination and replacing the covers, he turned to face the twins.
"Could either of you identify the plant in which Estel was stuck?" Elrond asked hopefully.
Elrohir nodded his head. "Aye, I believe I might.
A little of the strain seemed to flow out of the elf lord's face at the younger twin's words.
"Would you two please stay with your brother while I retrieve something from my study?" Elrond didn't even wait for a response before he hurried out of the room.
The elves turned toward their little brother and exchanged a worried look. What was wrong with Estel and what did some plant have to do with it? Estel's eyes were half closed and his breathing was short and labored. Elrohir took his previous place on the bed next to his brother and began to speak softly to him in elvish. On the other hand, Elladan began to pace like he often did when he became worried. They only had to wait a few minutes before Elrond returned with an old leather bound book in his hands.
"Elrohir" he said drawing the twin away from Estel, "is this the one?"
"Aye, tis the bush. What is the importance of this, Ada?" he asked.
"I was afraid of this. I had not realized that this plant was present in our forests. Ai, if only I had known." Elrond said more to himself then his impatient sons.
"Please, Ada we understand not what you speak of." Elladan said as he paused in his pacing.
Elrond sighed "Of course you do not, there was never a need for you to learn of it. The bush is known as Raynos. Its juices are harmless to elves, but cause a deadly fever in humans. Without the counter agent Estel will die." The final words barely made it out of his mouth for his voice was riddled with grief.
"Ada, do you have the counter agent?" Elrohir asked quietly from his position on the bed, afraid of what the answer might be.
"Nay, for neither plant is native to these forests. I never thought." his voice faded out and was replaced by Estel's harsh coughing.
"Is there anything you can do for him?" Elladan asked softly as he watched his twin comfort Estel.
"There is little I can do without the herb." Elrond replied bitterly.
"Elrohir and I shall find it, Ada. Just tell us where to search and we will leave at once." Elladan declared.
"The needed herb is called Gypset and can only be found in the forests of Lothlorien. It is extremely rare, but I seem to remember Celeborn having a few specimens. If he still has them," suddenly hope began to glimmer in Elrond's eyes, "and if you two could bring it back here within ten days, I might be able to save Estel. It will be close, very close, but it is our only hope."
"Then we shall pack now and leave as the sun rises." Elrohir said already on his way out of the room.
"Leave to go where?" a sleepy Legolas asked from the doorway.
"Legolas, if you will kindly allow the twins to pass and come help me with Estel, I shall explain everything." Elrond said as he moved over and began to mix the liquids from different bottles together.
***
(a few hours later)
"'Ro?" Estel whispered. 'Where did he go? I wish he would come back.' Everything hurt and no matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't seem to get enough air.
"It is ok, Estel. I am here, but Elladan and I have to go now and find the medicine you need. Legolas and Ada will stay with you and we will be back as soon as we can." Elrohir said gently.
"You must hang on until we return." Elladan added.
"Love you toro. Love you ono." Estel managed as the two left.
"We love you too, Estel. Do not worry, we will return soon." Elladan said over his shoulder as they hurried from the room.
***
(one week later)
Estel wished that his brothers hadn't left. He was wondering where they had gone and why they needed to get more medicine when Ada has lots already. A voice broke through his thoughts and he turned his head towards it, hoping it would make more sense if he could see the face it belonged to. The lips were moving and sound was emerging but it seemed so strange and slow that Estel screwed up his face in concentration. He could not tell to whom the face belonged because his vision had become blurry and unfocused. The head had seemed to understand and instead of moving his lips, he propped Estel up and placed a cup to his mouth. Estel tried to pull away, but the cup was quite persistent and forced some of the bitter liquid passed his lips. He relented and swallowed until the unidentified head was satisfied and allowed him to lie back once more. He soon realized with a small bit of approval that there was an absence of sleeping draught in the mixture he had been given. 'However I guess I really don't need it, I am getting pretty tired again.' he reasoned to himself. His body felt as if it had been wrapped in wet wool. It felt so heavy and hot that maybe if he would just close his eyes for a few minutes everything would be ok. Once again the room began to spin and the voice sounded from somewhere. This time he could understand parts of it. The voice was so familiar and he desperately wanted to answer it. His name. The voice was calling his name and was becoming more and more desperate. Oh! How he wished to respond, but it was too much for his body. Estel heard his name one last time before it finally gave up and he once again passed into darkness.
***
"Estel! No not yet. Estel, please it is too soon for you to give up. Just hang on. Estel!" Elrond practically screamed at his foster son. His hand was resting on Estel's forehead as the boy's breathing faltered and then ceased. Silver tears rolled down his cheeks as Elrond began to close his eyes in defeat. Now hope was truly lost, or was it.
***