Woo hoo!! Chapter 10 has arrived! This is the longest and most involved fic I've ever written. And it's all thanks to you wonderful people who have continued to read and review. I never would have been motivated enough to come so far if weren't for everyone's encouragement. Thanks again!

Landslide

Chapter X

By NekoMegami_chan

Nekomegami_chan@hotmail.com

            Glorfindel rubbed his face with his hands. He was emotionally and physically drained. Settling the visiting elves from Greenwood into their quarters had been trying, to say the least. His nearly inexhaustible patience was worn dangerously thin.

            Taking a deep breath, the Elda pushed away from the wall he had been leaning against and made for the kitchen. He was desperately in need of a glass of strong wine, and perhaps a trencher of bread with cheese. Glorfindel was certain that Elrond would appreciate some food and drink as well. The healer often forgot such basic necessities of life when tending to a patient.

            He was quite shocked when he entered the kitchens and nearly ran into a maid. She was carefully sweeping up the shattered remains of a ceramic mug. A half eaten bowl of stew sat atop the table and the chair in front of it was badly askew.

            "Is something the matter Lord Glorfindel?" The maid asked; although truth be told she had no desire to hear his answer.

            "One could ask you the same thing," he replied, wishing that he could remember her name. He knew that she had been in the service of Elrond's house for half a century at least. He considered it to be in poor taste to not know one's own servants.

            "My lord Elrohir and Elladan have only just left," her voice was small and meek. "Lord Elladan bade me prepare tea and a meal for his brother with this," she retrieved a small wet sack from her apron pocket and offered it to him.

            Glorfindel took it and held it to his nose, sniffing lightly. "I can deduce what happened next," he said, recalling his previous assessment of the room. Neither of the twins took well to being drugged. He shrugged the incident off and continued. "Make up a try of whatever is left of dinner whilst I fetch a bottle of drink, please."

            "Shall I have it taken to My Lord's chambers?" The maid propped her broom up against the table. She was beginning to question her position at the Last Homely House. Hardly a fortnight passed that she wasn't awoken in the night to serve her lords, all of whom seemed prone to accidents and odd nocturnal gatherings. Perhaps she should request a season of leave to visit her cousin in the Golden Wood? So absorbed was she in her private ponderings that she nearly missed Glorfindel's answer.

            "Nay, bring the food to the western wing of the Healing House. Now, if you will excuse me?" Glorfindel politely inclined his head, took a candle from its sconce, and disappeared down the short flight of stairs that led to the wine cellar.

            The maid gathered her long night dress around her and tied on a starched white apron. Yes, she decided as she set a variety of cold meats, cheeses and rolls on a platter, it was far too long since she had visited her kin.

            Glorfindel reemerged moments later with a bottle of strong red liquor. "I regret to inform you that your services may yet be needed this night. Please remain available," it was less a request and more a demand. Glorfindel threw one golden braid back over his shoulder and departed, taking the candle with him.

            Her mahogany eyes smoldering, the maid added a last slice of fruit to the tray and began to organize her traveling plans.  

* * *

            Elladan tugged the quilt over his brother's prone form. Turning down the lamps he climbed into the bed beside Elrohir. They had often shared a room after their mother had sailed for Valinor. Arwen had even joined them for the first few weeks before she had been sent to Lorien to be raised by their grandparents. Elrond had been to absorbed in battling his own grief to properly attend to theirs,

Drawing Elrohir into a loose embrace, Elladan studied his twin. The normally glowing skin was still white, though his lips had regained a hint of color. Elrohir's eyes were red and swollen from the bitter tears he had shed. The straight black lashes lay against his high cheeks; Elrohir was far too deeply sedated and exhausted to sleep with his eyes open. For his brother's sake, Elladan hoped Elrohir did not dream - for no dream he might have this night could possibly be pleasant.

            "You are my brother and my best friend. I have never wished you aught but happiness," he whispered. "Even when we fought as children and I got you into trouble I always felt so wretched afterwards for having hurt you. You are the only thing that keeps me in this world. You must come back to me Elrohir, weather or not all goes well with Legolas."

            Elladan resisted the urge to weep and steadied himself. It was unlikely that Elrond would call for them before midday; he should allow himself to rest. He pressed his forehead into Elrohir's shoulder and let his mind drift.

* * *

            The dense fog began to dissipate. Tendrils of clinging mist swirled away from his feet as he walked. He had heard a sound, echoing through the bleak greyness. A presence, like a voice and easily as recognized. "Elrond!"

            A light appeared in the distance. It was dim and cast only a feeble white light over the surrounding mist. Legolas picked up a jog but found that he tired quickly. His breath came in short gasps and after only a short distance he was forced to his knees. Waves of pain shook him like a ravenous wolf. He cried out in frustration and staggered towards the light.

            He could hear Elrond calling for him now, words of support and encouragement. There were other essences as well, though their voices were silent. Legolas was saddened to know that Elrohir was not among them.

            Nevertheless, the warrior prince fought his weakness. He gathered his courage and set his will before him as a shield. He had come too far to fail. "Elrohir, I am coming," he rasped out.

* * *

            Elrond released his hold on Legolas' mind. Panting for air he slumped back in his chair, only the armrests kept him from falling out of it altogether. Blinking hard he managed to take in the room around him.

            Erestor had collapsed against a nearby cabinet. His raven locks were in disarray, sticking to his sweat-dampened face. His eyes were tightly shut and his lean body was trembling in the aftermath of the healing.

            Thranduil was passed out on the floor at Elrond's feet. His blond hair pooled around him and his hands were curled into fists. The king snored softly.

            Slowly, as if afraid of what he might see, Elrond redirected his gaze to the bed.

            Legolas' eyes were open. The blue orbs were as watery as those of a newborn babe. His mouth worked soundlessly for a moment before Elrond placed a gentle hand over it. "Have no fear, Legolas. You did well by returning when I called. You must rest now, I will remain close."

            The prince nodded. He still hurt, but it was a bearable kind of pain and one he was unfortunately all too accustomed with. It was the pain of wounds healing, bones and flesh slowly knitting themselves back together, though he knew it was not his own natural ability that was the cause of his recovery.          

            Elrond turned around shakily when Glorfindel entered the room. The ancient elf looked at Elrond as he uncorked a bottle of wine. "I thought you could use a drink," he said cheerfully by way of explanation. He handed a glass of the ruby liquid to Elrond and held another to own lips. He paused. "A toast to you Legolas. Welcome back."

* * *

            Sorry! I know it was a dreadfully short chapter but it just worked out that way! In any case, I promise that the next one will be longer. But hey, at least I updated on time, right?

                Just let me know what you think, okay? Thanks again for reading!!