We're back!!! Lol!!

Sorry this is late, meant to post last night and my internet went kablooy!! Oh well!

Hope you enjoy this chapter!! And as always r/r!

Title: Hope and Despair

Rating: ummm about PG-13 for violence and angst.

Disclaimer: *SIGH* NOT saying it again!!! But if you sue, just to warn you, I have NOTHING!!!! Just my computer, so you won't get much. Rhonda might though, don't know! *grins evilly*

A/N: Well this a first. Rhonda's first fic and my first co-authored fic. Hope everyone enjoys, feedback is always welcome!

Please Note: Much like Cassia and Sio, we feel that when Tolkien said that Aragorn was "raised in the house of Lord Elrond" he meant that Estel grew up in Rivendell with Elrond as his father and the twins as his brothers. Also in this fic (again like Cassia and Sio) we feel that Aragorn's mother died along with Arathorn, and she has no place in this fic.

Iawen Londea: lol np! Glad for the extra review!! Glad you are enjoying this!! Hope you like this chapter too! Wow just noticed you've reviewed every chapter!!! *huggles Iawen* *hands out cookie to Iawen* Thanks!

Firniswin: lol!! We weren't trying to cause you more pain, well maybe this chapter will make up for it when you get back from camp??? Hope you have a great time at camp! Thanks for reviewing!

Elendrila: *grins* thanks!!! Lol @ Mr. Burns impression! That's great! Hope this chapter is to your liking as well!

Aemilia Rose: *chuckles* Hmmmmm it COULD be AU, guess you'll just have to read and find out! Lol!! We won't leave it there, forever! Next chapter's here! Don't hurt us!

Anime Elvengirl: lol!!! Everyone wants to kill Thaynes! Hehe! Don't worry too much 'bout him, if there is anything left of him when Rhonda and I get through with him you can have him! Lol!! Hope you like this chapter!

Arifel: *grins* thanks!! We haven't even begun torturing that poor boy yet, read on! Lol! Thanks for reviewing!

Whew! That's everybody!!! *huggles all reviewers* Thanks guys!!!!!! You're the best!!!!!!!!!

Now, on with the fic!

Chapter 7

Lord Elrond and the twins burst into the last homely house as if the Dark Lord himself was on their heels. Elrond's only thought was for his youngest, Estel would not last much longer. He had to get Estel home where he could treat his youngest. Estel already had a high fever, and was moaning in pain when they arrived home. Elrond was not sure if the fever was caused from injury or if it was from poison, but either way was bad.

Elrond quickly carried his son upstairs and laid Estel gently onto his bed. Then he sent Elrohir for his healing herbs and to get water to heat and boil. Then he sent Elladan to take Thaynes to a temporary confinement cell, and then to help Elrohir. Once the twins were sent on their tasks Elrond removed Estel's tunic and began to assess the damage. He winced in sympathy. Estel's whole chest was black and blue and there was a place in the middle that looked as if something heavy had hit it, and it was now swollen and it appeared as if that area could have blood poisoning as well.

Several ribs were broken, that was an understatement, it seemed to the elf lord that more of Estel's ribs were broken than were healthy. Elrond also noted that Estel's back hardly had any flesh left at all so many lacerations covered it. Estel also suffered from a broken wrist and several small bruises and contusions, but what really worried the elf lord was the wheezing sound coming from Estel's lungs.

Elrond placed his ears to Estel's chest and confirmed his fears, Estel had punctured a lung. Elrond now felt a sense of urgency, he had to pull the rib that was sticking into Estel's lung out, and patch the hole or Estel's lung would collapse and he would die.

Elrond felt torn, he didn't know what to do. If he operated on Estel he could die because of the fever and other injuries, but if he didn't operate on Estel he would surely die. It was not a choice really, Elrond had to do everything he possibly do to try and save Estel. However, the mighty elf healer was not looking forward to this case. He had no time to lose, he needed to administer some fever reducing herbs, but unfortunately he could not use the one's that would keep Estel from waking, and put him into a healing sleep, for he was afraid if he made Estel sleep he would not awake.

At that moment Glorfindel burst into the room followed closely by the twins who were carrying enough healing herbs and water to heal a small army.

"I heard you had found Estel, and he was in great need of medical assistance, how fares he?" Glorfindel asked.

"Ada we have the herbs and water that you requested, how is Estel?" Elrohir inquired at the same time.

"Thaynes has been taken care of, what do you need us to do ada?" Elladan also jumped in at the same time.

All three elves glared at each other.

"You are so rude brother, let Glorfindel speak" Elrohir teased his twin.

"You interupted as well little brother" Elladan threw back.

"Younger by minutes only!" Elrohir exclaimed "Both of you hush! Your brother is VERY sick, there is still much work to be done if he is to survive this night, and I will need all of you." Elrond scolded them as well as answered their questions at the same time.

"I am here brannon nin, what do you need me to do?" Glrofindel asked.

"It is bad mellon nin, he has a punctured lung, and broken ribs, and more lacerations, bruises, and contusions than I can count." Elrond elaborated quickly.

Glorfindel noticed the anguish in Elrond's eyes and quickly took control of the situation.

"Very well, Elrohir put some water on to boil. Elladan prepare the herbs and then come over here to assist your father." Glorfindel stated in a commanding voice.

Then he went to Lord Elrond and put a hand on his shoulder in support. "Can you do this mellon nin?" he asked Elrond quietly.

"I have to Glorfindel, his life depends on it." Elrond stated quietly, but firmly with the resolve of a warrior, or healer that has set himself to a task.

By this time the twins had finished their tasks and had returned to their little brother's bedside.

All the elves looked at each other a moment, preparing themselves for the long hard night that lay ahead of them, as they sent silent prayers to Ilvultar for Estel's life.

TBC.......

Mellon nin- my friend

Brannon nin- My Lord

Ada-Father/Dad

Well, hehe don't kill us!!!!

Come on, it's not that bad is it????

*looks at furious readers*

hmmmm maybe it is!

*points at Rhonda*

Blame her!!!! Lol!

Well till next time mellon nin!

*runs and hides from readers and a confused looking Rhonda*