Erhothwen-

Elrohir is my favorite too, this is why he will be the most featured in this fic. But still plenty of Elladan, 'don't worry sweetie, you are the 1st best as well, just as Thwen says.'

And Carrie says she is updating tomorrow (Saturday). So if she doesn't, feel free to e-mail her your complaints at lionesscrs@yahoo.com. Not me! I don't have the last chapter.

JediKnightBalthasar-

How old when Elladan first kisses a girl (Or a boy, to be fair, since he declared he wouldn't) I really don't know. Haven't gone into that yet. LOL, they probably know about the finder's keeper's rule, but that doesn't work when Atar steps in!

Simpsons, I like the Simpsons, my mom doesn't though, so I don't see it very often.

Chapter 3

Small specks of snow flew off the ground as the rabbit hopped lightly over the soft white ground. Elrohir ran swiftly after him, only moments behind. The rabbit skipped towards its den, disappearing under a fallen log and out of sight.

Dropping beside the log, Elrohir began to scoop the snow out of the way in attempt to get, his long black hair falling I front of his face, obstructing his vision. Tossing his hair over his shoulder, the young Elfling pulled off his gloves so that he could dig better.

Once clearing the entrance he reached an arm inside, feeling around, hoping that the rabbit would be somewhere nearby. A sharp cry left his lips as pain seared through his hand. Yanking it free of the hole Elrohir could see the vague marks of the rabbit's teeth on his index finger before blood spilled out.

"Stupid rabbit," Elrohir whined, standing up. With a determined kick in the snow he turned around, sticking his finger into his mouth. He began walking slowly, staring up at the treetops that seemed to hang so high above him.

With a sigh he shrugged out of his coat, smiling when the cool wind landed against his flushed cheeks and warm body. His smile disappeared when he noticed for the first time how late it was getting.//I should be heading home now// he thought inwardly.

Elrohir looked around and took off in the direction he suspected was home, dragging his coat behind him in the snow. He smiled to himself at the thought of home; he would get there soon enough. Or so he thought.

*~*~*~*

"Elrohir."

The voice was lost on the wind, not even the echo could be heard. Elrond frowned lightly as Celebrian stepped up beside him. It was very unlike Elrohir to disappear like this. It was Elladan that usual wandered off during play, but now the eldest twin sat inside with Glorfindel.

The sun had set over an hour ago now, and the wind had picked up speed. Clouds hung over head, threatening to release even more snow. Worry creased the Elven Lord's brow as he called his youngest son's name once again.

"He'll be fine, we'll find him," Celebrian told him quietly, laying a hand on his forearm.

Elrond locked eyes with his wife and saw the same fear in the deep blue eyes that he felt in his chest. He forced a smile, and nodded. The two Elves made their way further toward the shady woods, the last spot Elladan had claimed to see his younger brother.

Kneeling in the snow, Elrond caught the small indents in the snow of a rabbit, and a larger print here and there chasing after the animal. Elrond pointed the signs out to his wife, who nodded. The deeper they went into the forest, the harder it was to track the small prints of the rabbit. Every so often they would find a print left behind from their son, more in likely where he fell or stumbled.

Elrond's worry mounted as they continued Elrohir had gone deep into the forest, much deeper than either of the twins had been. Wolves traveled this far out, and he feared for his son's safety. A young Elfling alone was a target most animals would seek.

They hadn't gone far when Elrond heard the slight sounds of company. Searching among the trees he could see the slight figures of wolves watching them as they paced to and fro. Elrond pulled Celebrian closer as he realized both of them were unarmed. Now he regretted not taking an extra minute to grab a sword or bow. He truly thought they didn't need anything. Soon they would have to face the creatures alone, and unarmed.

*~*~*~*

Glorfindel walked quietly down the hall. He had spent the last few hours watching for a sign of Elrond and Celebrian, but now he had work to attend to, despite how much he disliked it. He slowed however, when he passed Elrohir's room, hearing a soft sniffling coming from inside.

He was surprised to find Elladan, sitting on the bed, his knees tucked under his chin. He gently rapped on the door, causing the young Elfling to look up suddenly. Elladan drew a sleeve across his face, drying up his tears and wiping his nose.

Glorfindel sat on the edge of the bed, holding out his hands in invitation to the eldest twin, who didn't think twice about the offer. Elladan buried his head in Glorfindel's robes, crying softly.

"You miss Elrohir."

It wasn't a question. Elladan whimpered as he nodded his head. Glorfindel held the child tight, rubbing his back gently.

"All will be well young one, your mother and father will find him, and bring him back safe."

A sob broke the Elfling's lips as he shook his head. "N-no he-es not," he whined, holding onto the folds in the elder Elf's robe.

"He's going to die, and-and it's all my fault." He was sobbing now, the tears spilling down his reddened cheeks.

"Elladan, what is this you speak of?" Glorfindel demanded, a bit harsher than he meant.

"I-I said mean things to him, and he-he isn't gonna come home, a-a-and he- he's in the forest, where-where all the wolves, a-and, Orcs, a-and W-w- wargs are, a-and they, they are gonna eat him!"

"No, they won't," Glorfindel told him, brushing away a few stray strands of his black hair.

"Yes they will!" Elladan screamed, burying his head even deeper into the elder Elf's chest.

Glorfindel held the child close, unknowing what to do. Elladan had never before acted in this matter, but it was obvious that the child was upset. Cupping a hand he drew Elladan's chin up, so that the younger Elf looked in his eyes.

"Calm yourself, no more tears," he told him gently. Elladan nodded weakly, wiping his face once more.

Glorfindel smiled, "There, that's better. Now what exactly did you say to Elrohir?"

Elladan looked down as he spoke. "Well, I-I said, I said.I-I-I said-"

"Well, it's good thing we know who said it, we just need to find out what was said."

Elladan smiled softly, but not for long as it dropped into a frown. "I said that, that Atar and Atara didn't expect him, and that they loved me more."

"It is true that they never expected two children, but it doesn't mean they love either of you any less. The fact that two healthy children were born is blessing that you must understand. You don't really think your mother and father like Elrohir any less, do you?"

Elladan shook his head.

"Why then, would you ever say such a thing to your brother?"

Elladan let out a sigh. "I got mad because Elrohir wouldn't help me build a snow Orc. I didn't mean it, it just sort of happened."

"Both of you need to learn to cooperate. Just because you want to do something doesn't mean Elrohir wants to do it as well. It wouldn't be fair if Elrohir had to do everything you wanted, would it?"

Elladan shook his head, leaning against the Elf once again.

"Now don't you think it's a bit shameful to say something like that to anyone, just because they won't do what you want?" Glorfindel questioned.

Elladan nodded, a sob escaping his lips. "I just want to see him again Glori."

Glorfindel smiled, rubbing the child's back. "I know you do. Elrohir will be home before you know it."

Further conversation was halted as the door banged open, caught by the heightening wind. Glorfindel eased Elladan back onto the bed, making his way quickly out into the den. Elrond came in slowly, supporting Celebrian. He had his arm wrapped around her waist as he made his way over to the couch.

Glorfindel rounded the other side and offered his help, wrapping her arm around his neck taking off some of the burden of walking.

The two Elves laid her gently on the couch, Glorfindel placing pillows beneath her head. It was then he saw the gash that ran up her thigh. Small cuts rested on her hands and face, nothing serious besides the gash on her leg. Elrond had also accumulated a few bruises and cuts here and there, but overall was fine. He left to fetch herbs and bandages, leaving the two of them alone in the room.

The Elven Lord brushed away the strands of hair that stuck to her face, whispering to her softly. "Lie still, I don't want you harming yourself anymore than you need."

Celebrian laughed lightly, swatting his hand away. "It's just a scratch Elrond."

"Aye, and I want it to remain a scratch as well. As soon I finish seeing to this wound I'm going back out to search for him."

"I'm coming with you," she whispered deafeningly.

Elrond shook his head. "No, wolves can easily smell blood, and we would only find ourselves back in the same situation as before."

He could remember how they barely got away. Finding rocks near the base of an old worn tree, they had turned them into deathly weapons. A few precise throws warded off the pack, but not before one placed a bite on Celebrian's leg. Elrond had freed her from the attacking animal, resulting in scratches on his hands and face. The thought that a pack would attack two elder Elves made him worry more about his son.

"You aren't going alone," Celebrian told him harshly.

"No he won't, and I'll see to that," Glorfindel replied, coming back into the room.

"My friend, I cannot ask for you services, the storm is worsening, and I will not jeopardize your safety."

"And I will not see a young Elfling, nor my friend die out there. I'm coming. Now, the sooner we see to that wound, the sooner we can go out," Glorfindel replied, sitting down on the edge of the couch.

Unseen, Elladan slipped back into the darkness of the hallway. It was his fault that Elrohir was somewhere out in the storm, his fault that his mother was hurt, it was his entire fault. Who could ever love an Elfling who made his brother run away and hurt his parents and friends like this?

He sniffed certainly not his parents. Slinking back to Elrohir's room, Elladan closed the door behind him, frightened momentarily by the darkness. But instead of opening the door again, he crawled into his brother's bed, curling up under the covers, crying softly. Who could love him? Not his brother, and certainly not his parents.
TBC. . .