Thank you all for the wonderful reviews! I'm sorry but R2R will be on next
chapter, I didn't have enough time to respond. But for all of you wondering
about Elrohir, you will find out more this chapter!
Chapter 4
Elrohir shivered as he knelt in the snow. Darkness had long ago claimed the land, and the wind now was blowing harshly, making his eyes water and the tip of his ears ache. His coat was soaked thoroughly due to his careless actions of dragging it through the snow, and the tips of his fingers were a bright red, his gloves forgotten somewhere behind him.
It was snowing now, coming down in thick wet globs, dampening his cap and scarf. He rubbed his tiny hand together, blowing to warm them. His stomach growled, reminded him that he had not eaten since breakfast, and he looked around hoping to find a berry bush, but in his heart he knew no fruit could grow in this cold.
He wiped away a tear sliding down his cheek. No he must stay strong, like his father. At that thought a sob broke from his lips. He wanted nothing more than to be home right now, if only he could find it.
Wearily he pushed himself back to his feet, staggering off in a different direction now. He had been wandering in mere circles for over an hour ago, and no matter what way he went, he only got himself more lost. He walked along the edge of a small ravine, the river at the bottom frozen from winter's chill. After a while he wandered further into the forest, hoping for some signs of familiarity in the surrounding forest.
Falling once again, Elrohir pulled his knees up under his chin, wrapping his arms around his legs. He looked around once again, hoping to find some source of as his stomach growled once again. The youngest twin froze when he saw a form skitter between the shadows of the trees. Twin eyes stared at him from the blackness, yellow and glaring.
Elrohir pulled back some as the wolf trotted out from his cover. His white coat nearly blended in with the snow, calm and inviting, only the yellow piercing glare contrasted with his gentleness.
Elrohir forced himself to his feet; his eyes steady on the wolf. He knew it was rare for wolves to travel alone, and he spun carefully, searching for his brothers. Finding none he turned back to face the lone wolf, but to his surprise, he no longer stood in the clearing.
"Where," Elrohir breathed softly, searching in the darkness.
He heard the silent steps of the wolf only mere seconds before the creature dug its claws into his back, knocking him to his knees. The wolf landed on top of him, pressing the young Elf face first into the snow. Elrohir struggled helplessly underneath the large creature as it tore at his back, shredding his coat and tunic, the claws biting into his skin.
Somehow Elrohir was able to scoot out from the unrelenting attack of the white beast, scrambling to his feet. His back ached as fresh blood spilt from the claw marks on his back, staining the whiteness of the snow crimson.
The beast wasted no time in tracking his young prey down. With a fierce snap of his jaw, the jagged teeth snapped far to close to Elrohir's neck for comfort. The wolf found his teeth in cloth, rather than flesh as they became embedded in fine weaving of the scarf.
With a ferocious jerk, the wolf began pulling the young Elf easily across the snow. Elrohir did his best to resist the force, gasping in surprise as the scarf only tightened around his neck inadvertently choking him. With a sudden swipe the claws of the creature ran across his face, digging harshly into his small face. With an airy cry Elrohir's fingers fumbled at the base of his neck, trying desperately to lessen the threat. But it only worsened the situation as the cloth became tighter.
The wolf continued to yank and pull its prey forward in the snow, as Elrohir's gasping became less and uneven as his lungs fought for air. Elrohir could barely see the faint outlines of the ravine as the creature continued to pull the helpless Elf along. Stars began to dance before him as he vision wavered, and with a last weak effort he disentangled the clinging fabric. It slid off harmlessly, dropping the wolf in the snow.
Breathing hurt as the cold air pierced his lungs. Scrambling on his hands and knees Elrohir hurried away from the snarling creature, but didn't get far when the powerful jaws landed on his ankle, drawing even more blood.
With his free foot, Elrohir landed a swift kick to the side of the wolf's head, throwing him off only momentarily. He could feel the teeth digging into his flesh before sliding down and catching his shoe, dragging its prey backwards. Catching onto a limb Elrohir struggled to pull free. With a final kick he threw the wolf off, the creature's teeth still clinging onto the Elf's shoe, pulling that and his sock off.
Too near the ravine the wolf slipped as the ground beneath gave way, sliding down onto the frozen river. Elrohir watched as ice broke swiftly under the creature's weight, dropping the animal into the freezing water. With a cry it struggled to pull itself out. Elrohir wasted no more time watching as he scrambled to his feet, racing through the snow, his bare foot leaving slight bloody impressions as he went.
*~*~*~*
"He was here," Elrond said softy as Glorfindel knelt beside him. He held in his hands the black gloves his youngest son had been wearing earlier that morning. The fresh falling snow and harsh wind had nearly covered them, but Elrond had been able to spot the fine blackness barely visible within the snow.
Any tracks showing his way were covered, lessening the chances of finding the young Elfling. Worry was now visible on the Elf Lord's face; the night was growing cold, and an abundance of wolves tracking the borders. Twice now they had been attacked, but now armed with weapons the two of them had been able to drive them off easily.
Elrond said no more as he continued to stare at the fine woven gloves he held in his hands. They were so small, he realized as he rubbed his finger of the cloth. He couldn't lose him, his heart broke at the very thought that now was becoming even more of a reality as the moments passed by.
He found himself remembering how he Celebrian were so happy together, before the twins were born. Elrond thought it was hardly possible that their lives would become even better, then he had learned that Celebrian was with child.
The news was overwhelming, the thought that he would be a father, something that had never before entered his mind. He grinned at the image of a young one running through the halls, and waking them early on the mornings. But when two were born. . . he smiled inwardly. Two wonderful boys.
They had not yet chosen names for them, unlike the custom of man, Elves were often given names that resemble a certain feature, attitude or likeness. It was finally decided that the eldest twin would be named Elladan, meaning 'Man of Elves' since his resembled the driving attitude of his father. The youngest twin was granted the name of Elrohir, meaning 'Horse Lord' seeing how easily his attention was drawn to the horses that lived in Rivendell.
As he grew, Elrohir insisted more and more on spending his free time in the stables, brushing and stroking the soft neck of the horses. His favorite was Yávië, a young mare that still had lively spirit. After much pleading, Elrond finally agreed to give the horse to his son. Elrohir took care of her well enough, always making sure she had enough to eat or drink, and was always comfortable at night before he came inside.
A tear slid down the Elrond's cheek, and he bothered not to wipe it away. The fear of never seeing him again twisted in his heart, choking off all thought. A hand on his shoulder suddenly brought the Elf Lord back to his surroundings.
"Someone comes, my Lord," Glorfindel whispered into his ear.
Elrond looked up quickly, hopefully, but it vanished quickly as the footfalls were to heavy to be that of an Elf child's. It was horse; he could see the dark flank breaking through the storm. Pressing the gloves into Glorfindel's hands he stood approaching cautiously. It was then that Elrond saw it then.
A small figure, wrapped up in a thick blanket was settled in the arms of the she-elf that rode on the bare back of the large horse. Blue eyes locked with Elrond's, and he could see the worry that lay beneath. Could it be? Elrohir? He tried to whisper his youngest son's name.
"Lord Elrond, I was on my way to see you. I hate to burden you at this hour, but my son. . ." she glanced downward at the bundle that shivered in her arms. "He was attacked by wolves, just outside of our home. I was hoping you could help him."
Elrond nodded as he stepped forward, pushing aside the sadness that rose swiftly in his chest. As he took the child from her arms he spoke to her, trying to keep his mind off his own lost son.
"What is your name miss?" he spoke softly as he pulled back the blanket.
"Aiwëvana, my son is Hísië. Can you help him?" she pleaded, tears forming in her eyes.
Elrond's eyes became dull when he saw the wound in the child's side. It was deep, and bleeding heavily. The Elfling shook lightly in his arms, unresponsive to his surroundings. The child was dying. He pulled the child close to his chest, wrapping him back in the blanket.
"I must return, and quickly if I am to hope to save him."
Aiwëvana nodded as she dismounted, holding the horse steady so the Elrond could mount. He turned to face Glorfindel. "Lead her back, I must not linger," his voice was soft, as his eyes drifted, hoping to find some sign of his own son before leaving. But the child trembled in his arms, reminding him that he had not much time, and spurred the horse into a quick gallop.
Glorfindel hung his head as he folded Elrohir's gloves, placing them in his pocket as he realized what it meant. The search would be abandoned for the night; it was up to Elrohir to survive the unforgiving dangers of the night. He knew that Elrond's decision had been a most difficult one. But his people came first, even before his own son. Shedding his outer coat Glorfindel wrapped it around the Aiwëvana's shoulders before leading her slowly back to Lord's dwelling.
TBC. . .
Chapter 4
Elrohir shivered as he knelt in the snow. Darkness had long ago claimed the land, and the wind now was blowing harshly, making his eyes water and the tip of his ears ache. His coat was soaked thoroughly due to his careless actions of dragging it through the snow, and the tips of his fingers were a bright red, his gloves forgotten somewhere behind him.
It was snowing now, coming down in thick wet globs, dampening his cap and scarf. He rubbed his tiny hand together, blowing to warm them. His stomach growled, reminded him that he had not eaten since breakfast, and he looked around hoping to find a berry bush, but in his heart he knew no fruit could grow in this cold.
He wiped away a tear sliding down his cheek. No he must stay strong, like his father. At that thought a sob broke from his lips. He wanted nothing more than to be home right now, if only he could find it.
Wearily he pushed himself back to his feet, staggering off in a different direction now. He had been wandering in mere circles for over an hour ago, and no matter what way he went, he only got himself more lost. He walked along the edge of a small ravine, the river at the bottom frozen from winter's chill. After a while he wandered further into the forest, hoping for some signs of familiarity in the surrounding forest.
Falling once again, Elrohir pulled his knees up under his chin, wrapping his arms around his legs. He looked around once again, hoping to find some source of as his stomach growled once again. The youngest twin froze when he saw a form skitter between the shadows of the trees. Twin eyes stared at him from the blackness, yellow and glaring.
Elrohir pulled back some as the wolf trotted out from his cover. His white coat nearly blended in with the snow, calm and inviting, only the yellow piercing glare contrasted with his gentleness.
Elrohir forced himself to his feet; his eyes steady on the wolf. He knew it was rare for wolves to travel alone, and he spun carefully, searching for his brothers. Finding none he turned back to face the lone wolf, but to his surprise, he no longer stood in the clearing.
"Where," Elrohir breathed softly, searching in the darkness.
He heard the silent steps of the wolf only mere seconds before the creature dug its claws into his back, knocking him to his knees. The wolf landed on top of him, pressing the young Elf face first into the snow. Elrohir struggled helplessly underneath the large creature as it tore at his back, shredding his coat and tunic, the claws biting into his skin.
Somehow Elrohir was able to scoot out from the unrelenting attack of the white beast, scrambling to his feet. His back ached as fresh blood spilt from the claw marks on his back, staining the whiteness of the snow crimson.
The beast wasted no time in tracking his young prey down. With a fierce snap of his jaw, the jagged teeth snapped far to close to Elrohir's neck for comfort. The wolf found his teeth in cloth, rather than flesh as they became embedded in fine weaving of the scarf.
With a ferocious jerk, the wolf began pulling the young Elf easily across the snow. Elrohir did his best to resist the force, gasping in surprise as the scarf only tightened around his neck inadvertently choking him. With a sudden swipe the claws of the creature ran across his face, digging harshly into his small face. With an airy cry Elrohir's fingers fumbled at the base of his neck, trying desperately to lessen the threat. But it only worsened the situation as the cloth became tighter.
The wolf continued to yank and pull its prey forward in the snow, as Elrohir's gasping became less and uneven as his lungs fought for air. Elrohir could barely see the faint outlines of the ravine as the creature continued to pull the helpless Elf along. Stars began to dance before him as he vision wavered, and with a last weak effort he disentangled the clinging fabric. It slid off harmlessly, dropping the wolf in the snow.
Breathing hurt as the cold air pierced his lungs. Scrambling on his hands and knees Elrohir hurried away from the snarling creature, but didn't get far when the powerful jaws landed on his ankle, drawing even more blood.
With his free foot, Elrohir landed a swift kick to the side of the wolf's head, throwing him off only momentarily. He could feel the teeth digging into his flesh before sliding down and catching his shoe, dragging its prey backwards. Catching onto a limb Elrohir struggled to pull free. With a final kick he threw the wolf off, the creature's teeth still clinging onto the Elf's shoe, pulling that and his sock off.
Too near the ravine the wolf slipped as the ground beneath gave way, sliding down onto the frozen river. Elrohir watched as ice broke swiftly under the creature's weight, dropping the animal into the freezing water. With a cry it struggled to pull itself out. Elrohir wasted no more time watching as he scrambled to his feet, racing through the snow, his bare foot leaving slight bloody impressions as he went.
*~*~*~*
"He was here," Elrond said softy as Glorfindel knelt beside him. He held in his hands the black gloves his youngest son had been wearing earlier that morning. The fresh falling snow and harsh wind had nearly covered them, but Elrond had been able to spot the fine blackness barely visible within the snow.
Any tracks showing his way were covered, lessening the chances of finding the young Elfling. Worry was now visible on the Elf Lord's face; the night was growing cold, and an abundance of wolves tracking the borders. Twice now they had been attacked, but now armed with weapons the two of them had been able to drive them off easily.
Elrond said no more as he continued to stare at the fine woven gloves he held in his hands. They were so small, he realized as he rubbed his finger of the cloth. He couldn't lose him, his heart broke at the very thought that now was becoming even more of a reality as the moments passed by.
He found himself remembering how he Celebrian were so happy together, before the twins were born. Elrond thought it was hardly possible that their lives would become even better, then he had learned that Celebrian was with child.
The news was overwhelming, the thought that he would be a father, something that had never before entered his mind. He grinned at the image of a young one running through the halls, and waking them early on the mornings. But when two were born. . . he smiled inwardly. Two wonderful boys.
They had not yet chosen names for them, unlike the custom of man, Elves were often given names that resemble a certain feature, attitude or likeness. It was finally decided that the eldest twin would be named Elladan, meaning 'Man of Elves' since his resembled the driving attitude of his father. The youngest twin was granted the name of Elrohir, meaning 'Horse Lord' seeing how easily his attention was drawn to the horses that lived in Rivendell.
As he grew, Elrohir insisted more and more on spending his free time in the stables, brushing and stroking the soft neck of the horses. His favorite was Yávië, a young mare that still had lively spirit. After much pleading, Elrond finally agreed to give the horse to his son. Elrohir took care of her well enough, always making sure she had enough to eat or drink, and was always comfortable at night before he came inside.
A tear slid down the Elrond's cheek, and he bothered not to wipe it away. The fear of never seeing him again twisted in his heart, choking off all thought. A hand on his shoulder suddenly brought the Elf Lord back to his surroundings.
"Someone comes, my Lord," Glorfindel whispered into his ear.
Elrond looked up quickly, hopefully, but it vanished quickly as the footfalls were to heavy to be that of an Elf child's. It was horse; he could see the dark flank breaking through the storm. Pressing the gloves into Glorfindel's hands he stood approaching cautiously. It was then that Elrond saw it then.
A small figure, wrapped up in a thick blanket was settled in the arms of the she-elf that rode on the bare back of the large horse. Blue eyes locked with Elrond's, and he could see the worry that lay beneath. Could it be? Elrohir? He tried to whisper his youngest son's name.
"Lord Elrond, I was on my way to see you. I hate to burden you at this hour, but my son. . ." she glanced downward at the bundle that shivered in her arms. "He was attacked by wolves, just outside of our home. I was hoping you could help him."
Elrond nodded as he stepped forward, pushing aside the sadness that rose swiftly in his chest. As he took the child from her arms he spoke to her, trying to keep his mind off his own lost son.
"What is your name miss?" he spoke softly as he pulled back the blanket.
"Aiwëvana, my son is Hísië. Can you help him?" she pleaded, tears forming in her eyes.
Elrond's eyes became dull when he saw the wound in the child's side. It was deep, and bleeding heavily. The Elfling shook lightly in his arms, unresponsive to his surroundings. The child was dying. He pulled the child close to his chest, wrapping him back in the blanket.
"I must return, and quickly if I am to hope to save him."
Aiwëvana nodded as she dismounted, holding the horse steady so the Elrond could mount. He turned to face Glorfindel. "Lead her back, I must not linger," his voice was soft, as his eyes drifted, hoping to find some sign of his own son before leaving. But the child trembled in his arms, reminding him that he had not much time, and spurred the horse into a quick gallop.
Glorfindel hung his head as he folded Elrohir's gloves, placing them in his pocket as he realized what it meant. The search would be abandoned for the night; it was up to Elrohir to survive the unforgiving dangers of the night. He knew that Elrond's decision had been a most difficult one. But his people came first, even before his own son. Shedding his outer coat Glorfindel wrapped it around the Aiwëvana's shoulders before leading her slowly back to Lord's dwelling.
TBC. . .
