Elladan remained still in the water, afraid if he moved in the
slightest he would once again resume is venture upstream. After racing
along with the rapids, he had the good fortune, if you could call it that,
of getting his calf caught between two large rocks protruding from the
river's floor. He sighed, frustrated, the shore was so close but he could
not risk reaching for it; there was a better chance of his rescue if he
could just remain in this one place. But every moment it became more
difficult as he struggled for air, which was in competition with the water
assault from both the sky and the river. You have been in worse
circumstance, he thought to himself, though the thought hardly comforted
him. All he could do now was wait and trust that his brother and father
would not let him down.
***
Legolas flew through the trees, his eyes resting upon the river, allowing his instincts to take care of his body, trust that his hands would find the branches without the help of his eyes, and up until now they had proved sound in their devices. But much to the young one's disappointment, there was not a single sign of his friend. That thought did not waver his singular concentration on his search, neither did his drenched state; the young one was completely focused on the rescue at hand, perhaps had this been another circumstance things would have rang differently and fear been present in his heart for himself. The trees that he raced through were none that he had ever seen before, and their branches precariously slippery from the torrent of rain pounding them. It is strange how one can forget of their own welfare when that of another's is placed in peril.
"Ell'dan!" he shouted, spotting something floating atop the water, bouncing as the current raced by. It could be none other than him, jumping from branch to branch, Legolas made his way to the ground, and sped toward the bank near the form of the elder of Elrond's twins, who was watching with a surprised look: not expected help to arrive so soon, and to arrive in the shape of saturated little elf.
"Legolas, where are the others, no, further back, do not step so close to the edge!" Elladan shouted, worried for the safety of the elfling who was stepping dangerously close to the edge of the water, if he fell in, there was no way for Elladan to reach him. Legolas seemed not to hear though as he surveyed the area and the situation, building a plan of action in his head, how would he get to Elladan and pull him out; it was certain he was much to little to reach him and not yet strong enough to pull him out, even a young one knew his limitations. If only he could be his ada right now, ada could do anything; and he was just the right size to accomplish the task of fishing Elladan from the water.
"Ell'dan you must come out!" Legolas cried, tears welling up in his eyes as he realized the direness of the situation, what if no one came; he felt so helpless staring at Elladan. He should be able to do something, anything but just look; maybe if he hoped hard enough then Elladan would be saved.
"Do not worry Legolas, I will come out. But right now, we need to make sure that you do not fall in, so just do me a favor okay?" Legolas nodded but with much less enthusiasm as he normally would have had, as he sensed the seriousness of the situation and as he was terrified of what would become of one of his dearest friends. "Okay, just take one 'big' step, okay? That's good, that's really good Legolas," Elladan sighed, at least he had that problem settled, now for the problem of himself. A sudden urge of selfishness took hold of him as he looked to Legolas, standing frightened in the rain; at least he had company now, at least now he was not alone, even if now Legolas was also at risk. He was less panicked now, there was a calm deep inside, perhaps it was having the presence of the younger there, a need to be brave and put the child's worried mind at ease, whatever was the case, Elladan was able to relax as he lay in the waters. Somehow through the thick wall of rain, Elladan could see tears fall from Legolas' eyes, as he took in what was happening, nervously tugging at his rain heavy tunic. "It will be alright Lego! Do not cry for me, it will not be long before someone comes. Just you keep yourself right there far away from the water. Just promise me that you will stay there."
"I sorry I not brave like you Ell'dan. I sorry I can no help you, but I promise I stay right here." Legolas vowed, holding his feet firm to the ground, trying to wipe the tears away from his eyes, just t get them mixed with the water from the sky.
"Me? Brave? I may look it Legolas, but I am not so brave." The child stared at him with wide eyes, what did he mean he wasn't brave, there he was in the water, trying to sooth him, standing safe on the land, crying like a little baby, he looked to the ground ashamed of himself; how could he become a warrior if he could not even save a friend. "Come now, look at me Legolas!" Elladan yelled, sputtering water from his mouth. If he concentrated on Legolas, his attention would be diverted from his present circumstance.
"You brave, Ell'dan. I cry, but you no." Legolas admitted his shameful thoughts to his older friend. But there was no malice or disgust in Elladan's eyes, as Legolas lifted his to make contact, Elladan did not look as though he thought less of him for being afraid, Legolas found this curious.
"Hey, you know what, I think it was brave of you to come find me in the rain, and I think it is brave of you just to stand there. When I was your age, I would be much too scared to attempt such a daring, courageous feat. You know what, this is scary, but you know why I am not crying right now. I do not cry because I have you here to keep me company. If you were not here, I do not think I could make it." Elladan said, glad to see Legolas puff up with a bit of pride, he felt good to make the child glad, especially in the condition he was in. This might be all right he thought, just wait sometime and soon the others will be here.
No sooner had he thought the words, then he began to feel his calf begin to slip from the grips of the rocks. This could not be happening, he looked around panicked, trying to think of a way to remain stationary. How long would it be till someone found him if he continued to drift in the current, how long could he survive while drifting in the current?
With a mere flash of terror in Elladan's eyes, Legolas perceived the change, could feel the new danger arrive, without one word spoken by the elder, he knew something was amiss. He was tempted to rush forward, but the calmer side of his mind, reminded of the vow he had made to Elladan, and Legolas honored it.
"Ell'dan, what is wrong?" he cried out, Elladan had become all but petrified, not willing to move a muscle unless he had to. The idea had come to him, but he was reluctant to follow through, it was not fair to risk the others life for his own. Think of how Sildulin would react if she lost both himself as well as the younger brother that she treasured beyond all else. But, it was all that could be done, was it selfish to want to survive? It would not be long and then help would arrive and by Valar, no harm would befall either of them, he felt deep in his heart that all would word out; he prayed it would all work out, he did not wish, nor would he be able to bear, to have the death of Legolas burden his heart and mind.
"Legolas, I need you to do something for me, and I will need you to be brave, and be strong for me, okay?" He saw the young one nod his head, unable to find his voice. "Okay, I need you to find me a large branch, or stick, something sturdy that I can grasp. Got that? Okay, after you find, I need you to reach it out to me, you are going to have to come close to the water, but listen carefully to this, grab onto something when you come near hear. Do you see that small tree that right there you can grab and it will keep you from falling in, but you must hold onto it tightly. Can you do all this for me? Do you understand it all?"
"I save you?"
"Yeah, you got to save me. I trust you though, I know you can do it." Elladan assured, though he truly believed that the child could, he wished upon him all the speed in the world, as his calf began to slip through a little more. Legolas wasted no time in getting started in his search. It was more difficult to find the right sized branch in the rain, where his sight was handicapped, and his movements made sluggish by the mud and puddles. But soon he found what he was looking for and made a mad dash to the river, but he did not see Elladan anywhere in sight, had he been to late?
"Ell'dan!" he called frantically, searching in every direction, perhaps they had come to save him already and Elladan had forgotten him. It was too much for the little elf and he began to tremble from his sobs. Never before had he felt so deserted or so alone, he gripped the branch tighter, his little knuckles groping white with tension. "Ell'dan!"
"I am here!" Elladan reemerged from beneath the water, taking in a quick gasp of air, which his lungs where so desperately calling out for, an undertow of sorts had taken hold of him and dragged him down. It was tricky to get up without the use of his legs in his attempt at limited movement, but he had managed to break the surface and keep his leg caught. Legolas grinned, despite himself, just happy to catch sight of the elder of the two. He walked carefully to the edge, not wanting to worry Elladan, gripped the tree with his left hand, and extended the hand, with which he gripped to branch, out towards the water. Elladan extended his hand and easily took hold of the nearby branch, in just the right time, as his calf made a mad dash from the rock, and was carried by the water.
For a moment he was not sure he could keep his grip on the slippery surface, but luck was with him, and his hands remained glue to the spot as the water attempted to pull him away. Just a little bit longer he thought, already his tired muscles straining.
"Slippery Ell'dan!" Legolas yelled, he too was losing his grip on the branch, and only stubbornness and sheer determination to save Elladan, kept his hands where they were. The two continued their struggle in silence, focusing their energy on just keeping hold. Please come now, Elladan begged, feeling his strength drain away and be swept by the river. He saw Legolas eye tightly shut as he struggled with all his might to just hold on a bit longer. This is it, Elladan conceded, for he saw little hope of being rescued now.
" 'Dan!" It was Elrohir! Rather than loose their concentration now, both Legolas and Elladan fought harder to keep hold till Elrohir was able to get there. "It's alright now, Lego. I got this now." He put his hand on the branch, excusing an exhausted Legolas from his duties. He looked to his brother, saw the resurgence of strength within him, he smiled. Elladan knew he was there to get him out, and they both knew that he would. "Okay, 'Dan, just keep hold." Elladan nodded. With a low grunt, Elrohir began to pull the branch towards him, fighting the wind and rain and current, and in but a few moments, his efforts were rewarded with the site of his brother laid out upon the ground of the bank. "Quickly now, let us get you away from there." Elrohir guided, taking his brother's hand and half dragged, half pulled his brother, closer to where Legolas stood.
"You save him!" Legolas cheered, hugging Elrohir tighter than one might imagine possible for a little child. Elrohir collapsed to the ground beside his brother in exhaustion as well as deep-seated relief, for now he knew he was safe. Legolas clamored up to him and set himself upon his lap, his mood changing completely, seeing everyone okay cheered him up so greatly he hardly noticed every fiber of his being was utterly and completely soaked twice, if not thrice, through.
"Are you okay?" Elrohir asked his brother, as he began to cough, though there was not a great amount of concern in his voice as he observed that no lasting harm had befallen his twin.
"Just an unfortunate side affect of near drowning, dear brother, nothing for you to bother yourself with." His brother exchanged light heartedly, just glad to have solid ground beneath him. The only problem they faced now was returned to the great home of the King, which seemed far off in their wet, bedraggled states, though Legolas' mind was not so vexed by the problem as he clung to Elrohir's neck with a huge smile plastered across his fair face. "Do the other's come," Elladan asked, hinting that he wished to return to the warmth of the castle walls as soon as possible, for he was made quite uncomfortable soaking in the freezing river water for such a length of time, even elves, resistant as they are to the heat and cold, have their limits; and not only was the thought of warming himself near a warm fire appealing, the thought of changing into dry clothes which did not cling to him uncomfortably, brought a distant smile to his dripping wet face.
"They went to get some guards posted nearby, do not worry, 'Dan, we will have you safe and tucked in bed before you know it."
"I can tell you bedtime story if you like," Legolas offered, though he thought it peculiar that Elladan would go to bed so early, for they had not even had dinner yet, but being in a river just might tucker one out he concluded.
"I do not think that will be necessary, Legolas, though I thank you for the offer. But all I need is some food and dry clothes and I will be fine." He replied graciously, not to hurt Legolas feelings, which by the looks of it, he had not. Now, he sighed, it is a waiting game; and so wait, they would.
***
"Do not worry ada, Verya is out there, and most certainly he will be able to find them. He is you most apt and trusted warrior, he would never let you down, you know that." Kaimelar said, following his father as he traced his hall, outside his main doors, up and down. Even the thought of his relied upon friend and captain of his troops, did not ease the King's mind, he could easily picture his golden haired child, drifting off in the river, crying out for him.
Nearby, seated in a chair, was Lord Elrond, his knee nervously bouncing, as he awaited news about the fate of his own two sons. How predictable these children are, he thought wryly, of course they manage to put their lives at risk in what seems a harmless expedition. What else could one expect, when they seemed so apt and consistent in running head on into harm's way. He looked up when he heard the light footsteps of Sildulin making their way down the hall, looking decent enough for how she had first entered the palace.
Both the kings knew something was amiss when after the light drizzle turned into a downpour, their children had not come back, as the time passed the two Kings became increasingly more worried, fearing that they had drowned or some such catastrophe had struck. As they paced the front corridor, King Thranduil's two oldest children were escorted in by one of the guards, both soaked to the bone, with a look of dread and anxiety in their face. Thranduil had sent them both up to get warm and dry and change into more suitable, and by suitable meaning dry, clothing, and after they left the guard who had guided them home was debriefed. No new news had come since then, so they all just waited for something, anything, pray thee positive, of the fate of the remaining children braving the weather and nature.
"I am so sorry, Lord Elrond. This is all my fault, and I hope, Valar forbid, anything happen to Elladan, that you will be able to forgive me," Sildulin wept, taking hold of the Lord's hands, as she knelt before him. The elf-lord looked lovingly into her eyes, he had known her since she was born, and in someway was his own child, as all Thranduil's children had become to him; and most certainly vise versa. He took one hand from hers and brought it to her cheek, wiping a tear away from her pale cheek.
"I do not believe those words ought be spoken. There is no one to blame here, and I do not want to see you placing any amount of guilt on yourself, burdening your heart. If anything does happen to Elladan, we will stand beside each other, and we will continue to live." She nodded at his words, though she could not at the moment, completely wrap her heart around them, "Besides, Sildulin, there is not one doubt in me, that my son is fine, both my sons, as well as that little brother of yours. Do not worry yourself, let us all wait for their expectant return."
She simply let out a breath and rested her head onto his lap, as she stroked her head, in gentle loving strokes; how lucky we would all be if she and Elladan were to wed, she would be so welcome to my household.
"Ver?" Sildulin raised her head, that voice was so familiar that she hardly believed her ears when she heard it; the others as well proceeded to be still, Kaimelar finally having the good sense to run to the door and throw it open; revealing the sopping shapes of Verya with Legolas holding his hand, and behind them the twins, engaged in some type of battle of wits.
"Legolas!" Thranduil exclaimed, dropping down to one knee as his son ran to him, glad to finally see his ada, what a tale he had to tell him. Elrond too rose with Sildulin next to him. For a brief moment, joy was cut off, as Elladan and Sildulin locked eyes, at a lost as to what to say.
"Can you forgive me?" Elladan asked, stepping up to the challenge of speaking first, feeling like a fool as his behavior that afternoon returned to him.
"I should not have treated you like a child. I understand why you remained in the water." Sildulin replied quietly, for the moment she had walked through the doors, she ran the day's events through her head; beating herself up for the demeaning way she had spoken to him. She had no right to be so undercutting, or so she thought, as the idea of losing him filtered through her mind.
"I was a child, face it Sil. I let my pride take me over, I was a victim of my own devise, and I have no learned a lesson. Granted I learned it the hard way." She ran into his arms, the two embraced for a moment, before she pulled away giving him an angry shrug.
"And you better believe you deserved it and if you ever behave like that again I'll have your head for it. You got that?" she demanded, now that her relief and guilt had left, she finally realized how angry she was at him. After one last glare, she turned to her father who held her brother, who so wet resembled a drowned rat, and kissed him on the cheek. "I am glad to see you are safe, but you too, don't go running off like that."
"Promise!" Legolas declared, just happy to be home.
"If anyone needs me I will be in my room, preparing for dinner." The two kings exchanged glances, surprised by Sildulin's decisive behavior.
"Well I think Sildulin took care of the reprimands, but I do have my own little prepared lecture for the two of you, but I think it best to save that for after dinner. Right now, I recommend you two clean yourselves up," Elrond replied. The twins nodded and started to head off, but before they could pass their father, Elrond swept them both up into a hug that warmed them more than any fire could, "I am so glad to see you both here safe and sound, but don't think for a moment that means I will go easy on you."
"We wouldn't even dare think it." The twins replied, as their father let them go so they could finally get out of their rain-wet clothes.
"Ver?" Legolas called out to the elf captain who still stood in the main entrance, taking in the happy scene of families begin united, he nearly forgot that Legolas had entangled him once again in the question game, he was a sucker for it.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for bringing me home." Legolas said, holding his arms out, so he could hug the tall elf warrior, who when he leaned over to get a hug from the child, lost no dignity, even with his slightly reddened cheeks; Thranduil smiled, at the thought that the captain of his troops was abashed by the show of affection by a child, better not let the enemy see this.
"It was my pleasure, my Prince. But if you will excuse me, I would like to get dry myself, my Lord," he said addressing Thranduil.
"I cannot deny a request from the elf who also seems to save my children from whatever chaos they seem to implant themselves in." Verya bowed and discreetly left the room, leaving the King and his son alone; Thranduil began walking towards Legolas room, not wanting his son to remain in the wet clothing for too long.
"I help save Ell'dan." Legolas said proudly, glad that he was finally able to help.
"Did you?" Legolas nodded, then his smile grew.
"But you know what, ada?" He paused for a bit, just for some dramatic affect. "Throwing acorns at his head was much more fun."
***So, this one was longer. But I hoped you like it and I hope you continue to review cause your constructive, sweet, nice comments brighten up my day. Thanks so much for writing in. I think next chapter might be the last, not quite sure, but I hope you continue to enjoy it.***
***
Legolas flew through the trees, his eyes resting upon the river, allowing his instincts to take care of his body, trust that his hands would find the branches without the help of his eyes, and up until now they had proved sound in their devices. But much to the young one's disappointment, there was not a single sign of his friend. That thought did not waver his singular concentration on his search, neither did his drenched state; the young one was completely focused on the rescue at hand, perhaps had this been another circumstance things would have rang differently and fear been present in his heart for himself. The trees that he raced through were none that he had ever seen before, and their branches precariously slippery from the torrent of rain pounding them. It is strange how one can forget of their own welfare when that of another's is placed in peril.
"Ell'dan!" he shouted, spotting something floating atop the water, bouncing as the current raced by. It could be none other than him, jumping from branch to branch, Legolas made his way to the ground, and sped toward the bank near the form of the elder of Elrond's twins, who was watching with a surprised look: not expected help to arrive so soon, and to arrive in the shape of saturated little elf.
"Legolas, where are the others, no, further back, do not step so close to the edge!" Elladan shouted, worried for the safety of the elfling who was stepping dangerously close to the edge of the water, if he fell in, there was no way for Elladan to reach him. Legolas seemed not to hear though as he surveyed the area and the situation, building a plan of action in his head, how would he get to Elladan and pull him out; it was certain he was much to little to reach him and not yet strong enough to pull him out, even a young one knew his limitations. If only he could be his ada right now, ada could do anything; and he was just the right size to accomplish the task of fishing Elladan from the water.
"Ell'dan you must come out!" Legolas cried, tears welling up in his eyes as he realized the direness of the situation, what if no one came; he felt so helpless staring at Elladan. He should be able to do something, anything but just look; maybe if he hoped hard enough then Elladan would be saved.
"Do not worry Legolas, I will come out. But right now, we need to make sure that you do not fall in, so just do me a favor okay?" Legolas nodded but with much less enthusiasm as he normally would have had, as he sensed the seriousness of the situation and as he was terrified of what would become of one of his dearest friends. "Okay, just take one 'big' step, okay? That's good, that's really good Legolas," Elladan sighed, at least he had that problem settled, now for the problem of himself. A sudden urge of selfishness took hold of him as he looked to Legolas, standing frightened in the rain; at least he had company now, at least now he was not alone, even if now Legolas was also at risk. He was less panicked now, there was a calm deep inside, perhaps it was having the presence of the younger there, a need to be brave and put the child's worried mind at ease, whatever was the case, Elladan was able to relax as he lay in the waters. Somehow through the thick wall of rain, Elladan could see tears fall from Legolas' eyes, as he took in what was happening, nervously tugging at his rain heavy tunic. "It will be alright Lego! Do not cry for me, it will not be long before someone comes. Just you keep yourself right there far away from the water. Just promise me that you will stay there."
"I sorry I not brave like you Ell'dan. I sorry I can no help you, but I promise I stay right here." Legolas vowed, holding his feet firm to the ground, trying to wipe the tears away from his eyes, just t get them mixed with the water from the sky.
"Me? Brave? I may look it Legolas, but I am not so brave." The child stared at him with wide eyes, what did he mean he wasn't brave, there he was in the water, trying to sooth him, standing safe on the land, crying like a little baby, he looked to the ground ashamed of himself; how could he become a warrior if he could not even save a friend. "Come now, look at me Legolas!" Elladan yelled, sputtering water from his mouth. If he concentrated on Legolas, his attention would be diverted from his present circumstance.
"You brave, Ell'dan. I cry, but you no." Legolas admitted his shameful thoughts to his older friend. But there was no malice or disgust in Elladan's eyes, as Legolas lifted his to make contact, Elladan did not look as though he thought less of him for being afraid, Legolas found this curious.
"Hey, you know what, I think it was brave of you to come find me in the rain, and I think it is brave of you just to stand there. When I was your age, I would be much too scared to attempt such a daring, courageous feat. You know what, this is scary, but you know why I am not crying right now. I do not cry because I have you here to keep me company. If you were not here, I do not think I could make it." Elladan said, glad to see Legolas puff up with a bit of pride, he felt good to make the child glad, especially in the condition he was in. This might be all right he thought, just wait sometime and soon the others will be here.
No sooner had he thought the words, then he began to feel his calf begin to slip from the grips of the rocks. This could not be happening, he looked around panicked, trying to think of a way to remain stationary. How long would it be till someone found him if he continued to drift in the current, how long could he survive while drifting in the current?
With a mere flash of terror in Elladan's eyes, Legolas perceived the change, could feel the new danger arrive, without one word spoken by the elder, he knew something was amiss. He was tempted to rush forward, but the calmer side of his mind, reminded of the vow he had made to Elladan, and Legolas honored it.
"Ell'dan, what is wrong?" he cried out, Elladan had become all but petrified, not willing to move a muscle unless he had to. The idea had come to him, but he was reluctant to follow through, it was not fair to risk the others life for his own. Think of how Sildulin would react if she lost both himself as well as the younger brother that she treasured beyond all else. But, it was all that could be done, was it selfish to want to survive? It would not be long and then help would arrive and by Valar, no harm would befall either of them, he felt deep in his heart that all would word out; he prayed it would all work out, he did not wish, nor would he be able to bear, to have the death of Legolas burden his heart and mind.
"Legolas, I need you to do something for me, and I will need you to be brave, and be strong for me, okay?" He saw the young one nod his head, unable to find his voice. "Okay, I need you to find me a large branch, or stick, something sturdy that I can grasp. Got that? Okay, after you find, I need you to reach it out to me, you are going to have to come close to the water, but listen carefully to this, grab onto something when you come near hear. Do you see that small tree that right there you can grab and it will keep you from falling in, but you must hold onto it tightly. Can you do all this for me? Do you understand it all?"
"I save you?"
"Yeah, you got to save me. I trust you though, I know you can do it." Elladan assured, though he truly believed that the child could, he wished upon him all the speed in the world, as his calf began to slip through a little more. Legolas wasted no time in getting started in his search. It was more difficult to find the right sized branch in the rain, where his sight was handicapped, and his movements made sluggish by the mud and puddles. But soon he found what he was looking for and made a mad dash to the river, but he did not see Elladan anywhere in sight, had he been to late?
"Ell'dan!" he called frantically, searching in every direction, perhaps they had come to save him already and Elladan had forgotten him. It was too much for the little elf and he began to tremble from his sobs. Never before had he felt so deserted or so alone, he gripped the branch tighter, his little knuckles groping white with tension. "Ell'dan!"
"I am here!" Elladan reemerged from beneath the water, taking in a quick gasp of air, which his lungs where so desperately calling out for, an undertow of sorts had taken hold of him and dragged him down. It was tricky to get up without the use of his legs in his attempt at limited movement, but he had managed to break the surface and keep his leg caught. Legolas grinned, despite himself, just happy to catch sight of the elder of the two. He walked carefully to the edge, not wanting to worry Elladan, gripped the tree with his left hand, and extended the hand, with which he gripped to branch, out towards the water. Elladan extended his hand and easily took hold of the nearby branch, in just the right time, as his calf made a mad dash from the rock, and was carried by the water.
For a moment he was not sure he could keep his grip on the slippery surface, but luck was with him, and his hands remained glue to the spot as the water attempted to pull him away. Just a little bit longer he thought, already his tired muscles straining.
"Slippery Ell'dan!" Legolas yelled, he too was losing his grip on the branch, and only stubbornness and sheer determination to save Elladan, kept his hands where they were. The two continued their struggle in silence, focusing their energy on just keeping hold. Please come now, Elladan begged, feeling his strength drain away and be swept by the river. He saw Legolas eye tightly shut as he struggled with all his might to just hold on a bit longer. This is it, Elladan conceded, for he saw little hope of being rescued now.
" 'Dan!" It was Elrohir! Rather than loose their concentration now, both Legolas and Elladan fought harder to keep hold till Elrohir was able to get there. "It's alright now, Lego. I got this now." He put his hand on the branch, excusing an exhausted Legolas from his duties. He looked to his brother, saw the resurgence of strength within him, he smiled. Elladan knew he was there to get him out, and they both knew that he would. "Okay, 'Dan, just keep hold." Elladan nodded. With a low grunt, Elrohir began to pull the branch towards him, fighting the wind and rain and current, and in but a few moments, his efforts were rewarded with the site of his brother laid out upon the ground of the bank. "Quickly now, let us get you away from there." Elrohir guided, taking his brother's hand and half dragged, half pulled his brother, closer to where Legolas stood.
"You save him!" Legolas cheered, hugging Elrohir tighter than one might imagine possible for a little child. Elrohir collapsed to the ground beside his brother in exhaustion as well as deep-seated relief, for now he knew he was safe. Legolas clamored up to him and set himself upon his lap, his mood changing completely, seeing everyone okay cheered him up so greatly he hardly noticed every fiber of his being was utterly and completely soaked twice, if not thrice, through.
"Are you okay?" Elrohir asked his brother, as he began to cough, though there was not a great amount of concern in his voice as he observed that no lasting harm had befallen his twin.
"Just an unfortunate side affect of near drowning, dear brother, nothing for you to bother yourself with." His brother exchanged light heartedly, just glad to have solid ground beneath him. The only problem they faced now was returned to the great home of the King, which seemed far off in their wet, bedraggled states, though Legolas' mind was not so vexed by the problem as he clung to Elrohir's neck with a huge smile plastered across his fair face. "Do the other's come," Elladan asked, hinting that he wished to return to the warmth of the castle walls as soon as possible, for he was made quite uncomfortable soaking in the freezing river water for such a length of time, even elves, resistant as they are to the heat and cold, have their limits; and not only was the thought of warming himself near a warm fire appealing, the thought of changing into dry clothes which did not cling to him uncomfortably, brought a distant smile to his dripping wet face.
"They went to get some guards posted nearby, do not worry, 'Dan, we will have you safe and tucked in bed before you know it."
"I can tell you bedtime story if you like," Legolas offered, though he thought it peculiar that Elladan would go to bed so early, for they had not even had dinner yet, but being in a river just might tucker one out he concluded.
"I do not think that will be necessary, Legolas, though I thank you for the offer. But all I need is some food and dry clothes and I will be fine." He replied graciously, not to hurt Legolas feelings, which by the looks of it, he had not. Now, he sighed, it is a waiting game; and so wait, they would.
***
"Do not worry ada, Verya is out there, and most certainly he will be able to find them. He is you most apt and trusted warrior, he would never let you down, you know that." Kaimelar said, following his father as he traced his hall, outside his main doors, up and down. Even the thought of his relied upon friend and captain of his troops, did not ease the King's mind, he could easily picture his golden haired child, drifting off in the river, crying out for him.
Nearby, seated in a chair, was Lord Elrond, his knee nervously bouncing, as he awaited news about the fate of his own two sons. How predictable these children are, he thought wryly, of course they manage to put their lives at risk in what seems a harmless expedition. What else could one expect, when they seemed so apt and consistent in running head on into harm's way. He looked up when he heard the light footsteps of Sildulin making their way down the hall, looking decent enough for how she had first entered the palace.
Both the kings knew something was amiss when after the light drizzle turned into a downpour, their children had not come back, as the time passed the two Kings became increasingly more worried, fearing that they had drowned or some such catastrophe had struck. As they paced the front corridor, King Thranduil's two oldest children were escorted in by one of the guards, both soaked to the bone, with a look of dread and anxiety in their face. Thranduil had sent them both up to get warm and dry and change into more suitable, and by suitable meaning dry, clothing, and after they left the guard who had guided them home was debriefed. No new news had come since then, so they all just waited for something, anything, pray thee positive, of the fate of the remaining children braving the weather and nature.
"I am so sorry, Lord Elrond. This is all my fault, and I hope, Valar forbid, anything happen to Elladan, that you will be able to forgive me," Sildulin wept, taking hold of the Lord's hands, as she knelt before him. The elf-lord looked lovingly into her eyes, he had known her since she was born, and in someway was his own child, as all Thranduil's children had become to him; and most certainly vise versa. He took one hand from hers and brought it to her cheek, wiping a tear away from her pale cheek.
"I do not believe those words ought be spoken. There is no one to blame here, and I do not want to see you placing any amount of guilt on yourself, burdening your heart. If anything does happen to Elladan, we will stand beside each other, and we will continue to live." She nodded at his words, though she could not at the moment, completely wrap her heart around them, "Besides, Sildulin, there is not one doubt in me, that my son is fine, both my sons, as well as that little brother of yours. Do not worry yourself, let us all wait for their expectant return."
She simply let out a breath and rested her head onto his lap, as she stroked her head, in gentle loving strokes; how lucky we would all be if she and Elladan were to wed, she would be so welcome to my household.
"Ver?" Sildulin raised her head, that voice was so familiar that she hardly believed her ears when she heard it; the others as well proceeded to be still, Kaimelar finally having the good sense to run to the door and throw it open; revealing the sopping shapes of Verya with Legolas holding his hand, and behind them the twins, engaged in some type of battle of wits.
"Legolas!" Thranduil exclaimed, dropping down to one knee as his son ran to him, glad to finally see his ada, what a tale he had to tell him. Elrond too rose with Sildulin next to him. For a brief moment, joy was cut off, as Elladan and Sildulin locked eyes, at a lost as to what to say.
"Can you forgive me?" Elladan asked, stepping up to the challenge of speaking first, feeling like a fool as his behavior that afternoon returned to him.
"I should not have treated you like a child. I understand why you remained in the water." Sildulin replied quietly, for the moment she had walked through the doors, she ran the day's events through her head; beating herself up for the demeaning way she had spoken to him. She had no right to be so undercutting, or so she thought, as the idea of losing him filtered through her mind.
"I was a child, face it Sil. I let my pride take me over, I was a victim of my own devise, and I have no learned a lesson. Granted I learned it the hard way." She ran into his arms, the two embraced for a moment, before she pulled away giving him an angry shrug.
"And you better believe you deserved it and if you ever behave like that again I'll have your head for it. You got that?" she demanded, now that her relief and guilt had left, she finally realized how angry she was at him. After one last glare, she turned to her father who held her brother, who so wet resembled a drowned rat, and kissed him on the cheek. "I am glad to see you are safe, but you too, don't go running off like that."
"Promise!" Legolas declared, just happy to be home.
"If anyone needs me I will be in my room, preparing for dinner." The two kings exchanged glances, surprised by Sildulin's decisive behavior.
"Well I think Sildulin took care of the reprimands, but I do have my own little prepared lecture for the two of you, but I think it best to save that for after dinner. Right now, I recommend you two clean yourselves up," Elrond replied. The twins nodded and started to head off, but before they could pass their father, Elrond swept them both up into a hug that warmed them more than any fire could, "I am so glad to see you both here safe and sound, but don't think for a moment that means I will go easy on you."
"We wouldn't even dare think it." The twins replied, as their father let them go so they could finally get out of their rain-wet clothes.
"Ver?" Legolas called out to the elf captain who still stood in the main entrance, taking in the happy scene of families begin united, he nearly forgot that Legolas had entangled him once again in the question game, he was a sucker for it.
"Yes?"
"Thank you for bringing me home." Legolas said, holding his arms out, so he could hug the tall elf warrior, who when he leaned over to get a hug from the child, lost no dignity, even with his slightly reddened cheeks; Thranduil smiled, at the thought that the captain of his troops was abashed by the show of affection by a child, better not let the enemy see this.
"It was my pleasure, my Prince. But if you will excuse me, I would like to get dry myself, my Lord," he said addressing Thranduil.
"I cannot deny a request from the elf who also seems to save my children from whatever chaos they seem to implant themselves in." Verya bowed and discreetly left the room, leaving the King and his son alone; Thranduil began walking towards Legolas room, not wanting his son to remain in the wet clothing for too long.
"I help save Ell'dan." Legolas said proudly, glad that he was finally able to help.
"Did you?" Legolas nodded, then his smile grew.
"But you know what, ada?" He paused for a bit, just for some dramatic affect. "Throwing acorns at his head was much more fun."
***So, this one was longer. But I hoped you like it and I hope you continue to review cause your constructive, sweet, nice comments brighten up my day. Thanks so much for writing in. I think next chapter might be the last, not quite sure, but I hope you continue to enjoy it.***
