DISCLAIMER: Lord of the Rings, and its characters, sadly, do not belong to me. They are the property of JRR Tolkien, et al. No money is gained from the writing of this story. Its sole purpose is for the enjoyment of myself and all who read it.
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Destinies Entwined
Chapter Two
Part One
As
the little band approaches the bridge that will take them over the
river from which
Rivendell derives it's name, Elendil is awed by
the beauty that surrounds her. After spending so many centuries
roaming about the darkness of Mirkwood and it's surrounding terrain,
including parts of Ered Mithrin, the sight which assails her is
nearly overwhelming. The waterfall in the distance glistens like
falling diamonds and she can hear the trees singing. The overall view
is absolutely breathtaking. As they get closer to Rivendell, Elendil
can hear the chattering of birds and can smell the sweet scent of
flowers on the air.
Riding through the arched gateway of Rivendell, Elendil lifts her face to the sun, and her gaze falls upon the elves assembled in the courtyard. Descending her mount, she approaches them.
"Lord Elrond," Arethien says at Elendil's approach. "Allow me to introduce Lady Elendil, niece of Lord Thranduil, Elf Lord of Mirkwood."
"Mae govannen, Lord Elrond," Elendil says, bowing slightly in respect.
"Mae govannen, Lady Elendil," Elrond responds. "We have prepared for your arrival. These are my sons Elladan, Elrohir."
"Mae govannen," Elendil says softly, staring into the deep grey eyes of Elladan Elrondion. Looking into those eyes, she feels as though she could get lost in them forever. Spotting a small dark head peeking around Elladan's leg, Elendil kneels down. "And who might this little imp be?" she asks merrily.
Turning, Elladan scoops the small child up into his arms. "This imp, as you so eloquently put it, is our little brother Estel, who was supposed to be taking a nap."
"Not sleepy," the child says, grinning shyly.
"Estel, this is Lady Elendil of Mirkwood."
Upon hearing the name 'Mirkwood', the child's eyes became large round orbs. "Dat's where the BIG spiders are, isn't it?" he asks Elendil.
"Yes, it is," she says matter- of- factly.
"Estel, mind your manners," Lord Elrond says with mock gruffness.
"Yes Ada. Mea govannen Lady Elenie," he says, unable to pronounce her name properly.
"Mae govannen to you too, little one," Elendil says, laughing at the pronunciation of her name.
Suddenly,
the sound of someone clearing their throat can be heard behind
Elendil. Looking over her shoulder, Elendil sees the mischievous look
on her friend's face.
"Forgive me. I seem to have forgotten
my manners," Elendil says, turning slightly to indicate the dark
haired she-elf behind her, "Lord Elrond, Prince Elladan,
Elrohir, and little Estel, this is my friend and traveling companion,
Meoi."
"Mae govannen," Meoi says, not taking her gaze away from that of Elrohir long enough to acknowledge anyone else.
"Mae
govannen to all of you," Lord Elrond says. "I have had
rooms prepared for you.
Trendilan will show you to your rooms so
that you can rest and refresh yourselves," he adds, indicating a
young elf-maid who is standing quietly off to the side. "Our
stable master will see to your horses," he tells them as several
elves arrive to take the horses away.
Leading them through the great halls of the Last Homely House, Trendilan chatters about the excitement that accompanied the arrival of the Mirkwood elves. "It isn't often that we have visitors from Mirkwood, other than Prince Legolas, of course," Trendilan says, barely containing her excitement over being the one to show the visitors to their rooms.
Opening a door, she bows respectively to Elendil. "I hope this room is to your liking, my lady," she says shyly.
"It's perfect," Elendil says smiling, trying to set the girl at ease.
"And my room is where?" Meoi asks in mock annoyance.
"I'm sorry," the girl says, jumping at the annoyance in the older elf's voice. "Your room is right next door," she says hastily, indicating the room on the left.
"Meoi, shame on you," Elendil says laughing, "scaring the iell like that! Don't worry," shesays, turning to the young she-elf, "Meoi isn't really annoyed with you. She just has a tendency to joke when she shouldn't be."
"Yes, young one, I am sorry. I must try to remember that the elves here aren't accustomed to my sense of humor," Meoi says laughing.
"You can leave us now," Elendil tells the elfling, shaking her head at her friend.
"If you need anything...," Trendilan begins.
"Don't worry, we won't," Meoi tells her.
"As you wish," the girl says, leaving the two friends alone.
"Can you believe this place?" Meoi asks. "I never knew there could be so much beauty in one place," she adds, her eyes twinkling.
"I know what you mean," Elendil says with a sigh. "The waterfall leading into Imladris is absolutely breathtaking. It makes me long for the beauty that our home must have been, before the darkness came in and destroyed it. I would have loved to have seen it when it was Greenwood the Great," she adds, a far-away look in her eyes.
Walking across the room as Elendil is talking, Meoi opens the sheer curtains covering the opening that leads out onto the balcony. Hearing vaguely familiar voices, she and Elendil both step out onto the balcony and look out. Looking down onto the wide expanse of greenery, they see Elladan and Elrohir, princes of Rivendell, rolling around outside with little Estel.
"They're like children themselves," Elendil says, laughing quietly at the two elves rough housing with the child. "Did you notice that their 'little brother' is not an elfling, but a human child?", Elendil asks Meoi.
"No, I hadn't noticed," she answers, not taking her eyes off of the trio below them.
Noticing for the first time a tray of fresh fruit, a pitcher and several glasses sitting on a table, Elendil realizes that she is suddenly parched. Approaching the table, Elendil pours herself a drink. The juice is sweet and refreshing. Turning to Meoi, she mentions the table. "There's some wonderfully refreshing juice and some very appetizing fruits over here. Would you like any Meoi?" Elendil asks, watching her friend.
"No, I'm not sleepy. But if you'd like to rest, that's fine. I'll just stay out here."
Shaking her head and laughing softly, Elendil approaches her friend. "Meoi, do you mind if I cut your braid off?" she says, pretending to reach for her dagger.
"No, I don't mind, go take a bath," Meoi says, still watching the trio intently.
"Meoi," Elendil says, shoving her friend to get her attention.
"Ow. What was that for?" Meoi counters.
"You didn't hear one word I just said," Elendil says, in mock anger.
"Yes I did," Meoi responds.
"Oh, really? Then what did I say?" Elendil asks, enjoying her friend's mild confusion.
"Um.. well... oh, all right. I wasn't paying attention! Happy now?" Meoi asks, grinning mischievously.
"Yes, I am."
Shaking her head, Meoi turns back to watch the two elves. "Can you really blame me?" she asks, indicating the twin elves. "After all, it took me clearing my throat not once, not twice, but THREE times before I was able to drag your attention away from Elladan Elrondion."
"No it didn't."
"Yes. It did," Meoi counters, laughing at the bemused look on her friend's face.
"Oh.. well... um...", Elendil starts.
"That was eloquent", Meoi says laughing.
As they stand there watching the twins playing with their young human brother, Elendil sighs and leans further on the rail.
"Watch out. You don't want to fall off," Meoi says laughing.
"Very funny. I was just thinking of those deep grey eyes Elladan has. I could get lost in them."
"I know what you mean", Meoi says. "Elrohir has the same grey eyes," she adds, grinning at the slightly jealous look in her friend's eyes.
"So he does, doesn't he?"
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"You seem quite taken by Lady Elendil," Elrohir says, teasing his twin. "I thought you had sworn off women, she-elves in particular, after that fiasco with... oh, what was her name again...?" Elrohir added, grinning at the dark look on his brother's face.
"You know very well what her name is. And I have... did... whatever," Elladan says, finding it impossible to remain angry whit his twin for very long. "Just as you were with her friend, Meoi," Elladan adds, tackling his brother and bringing him to the ground, where Estel proceeds to pounce on his chest.
"No fair double teaming," Elrohir laughs.
"What's the matter 'Ro, can't handle it anymore? You must be getting old," Elladan says mischievously.
"Well, if I am, you're getting even older 'Dan," Elrohir counters, circling his twin, looking for any opening.
Hearing the tinkling of laughter, Elladan is momentarily distracted, giving his brother the opportunity he was looking for. Darting in, Elrohir trips Elladan, and as he does, they both fall to the ground, rolling around for a few brief moments. Elrohir grins as he pins his twin to the ground. Not about to be left out, Estel pounces on him just as he had done to Elrohir a few minutes before.
"At least I had the sense not to stare at our guests 'Ro," Elladan says, twisting and turning, trying to free himself without hurting Estel.
"Sense, pha. That's only because you had little Estel here to contend with, 'Dan," Elrohir says, joking.
"Are you talking about Lady Elenie and her friend? I like Lady Elenie, she's nice."
"Yes Estel, we are," Elrohir begins.
"And yes, she is nice," Elladan says, finishing his brother's sentence.
"How come you do that?" Estel asks for about the thousandth time.
"Do what?" Elladan says laughing, knowing exactly what the child was talking about.
"Finish what each other's saying. How come you do that?" he answers with the impatience of youth.
"Because we're twins, and we usually know what the other is thinking," Elrohir says to the old familiar question.
"S'not fair!"Estel says with a pout, making his brother's laugh.
"What's not fair?" Elladan asks, this being the first time Estel has said that.
"I want a twin too! Why can't I have a twin?" the child says quite seriously.
"Because, little one," Elladan begins.
"One of you is more than enough to handle," Elrohir adds.
"And two would be way too much," Elladan finishes, laughing at the look on the child's face. It never ceased to amaze him just how much Estel was like his father, his real father Arathorn. Remembering the friend that was lost brings a brief sadness to his eyes. Pushing the past aside, he returns his attention to the present.
"...brother, to let me slip in under your defenses so easily," Elrohir says.
"What was that 'Ro?"
"Daydreaming again, eh? What I said, 'Dan, was that it isn't like you to let me slip in under your defenses so easily."
"I was momentarily distracted by the tinkling of laughter."
"Oh really? Are you sure you weren't just thinking of a certain elf-maiden from Mirkwood?" Elrohir teases.
"No more so than you are 'Ro," Elladan counters.
"Ahh, tis true brother," Elrohir says admitting to what his twin already knew. "If I had known the she-elves of Mirkwood were so lovely, I would have traveled there more often," he adds, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"We must discuss this with Legolas the next time he is in Imladris," Elladan says with a similar glint in his eyes.
Listening
closely, they both can hear soft laughter wafting down at them from
above. Looking up, they see both Lady Elendil and her companion Meoi
watching them.
"They seem to be enjoying the entertainment,"
Elrohir says with mischief.
"They do, don't they?" Elladan agrees.
"Shall we continue, 'Dan?"
"By all means, 'Ro." With that, Elladan tackles his twin, dragging him to the ground.
Laughing, Little Estel jumps onto Elladan's back. Wrapping his small arms around his brother's neck, so as not to be dislodged from his perch, the child yells out "I'm on top, so I win!" With that, they collapse into uncontrollable fits of laughter.
As much as I would love to stand here and watch them", Elendil says, indicating the trio, "I can't. I must speak with Lord Elrond." So saying, she turns and leaves, knowing that Trendilan will be waiting just outside in case she or Meoi required anything.
"My lady?" Trendilan says, as Elendil enters the hall.
"I need to speak with Lord Elrond," Elendil says, adding, "will you take me to him please?"
"At once, my lady," Trendilan says, leading the way to an outdoor council hall. "Wait here," she adds and then leaves.
Looking about herself at the splendor of the council hall, Elendil is still awed by the beauty and serenity that surrounds her. Turning around, she sees Lord Elrond watching her, his features unreadable. As Lord Elrond approaches, Elendil gives him a small smile. Vaguely remembering Celebrian, Elendil can see where his sons get their regal and beauty from; their parents.
"I trust you are rested," Elrond says, taking a seat. After doing so, he motions for her to sit beside him.
"Yes, my lord," she says, sitting.
"I can see urgency, and impatience, in your eyes young one. You must learn to control them," he says chuckling softly. "Now, tell me, how fairs Lord Thranduil? I hope he is well in Mirkwood."
"Yes, he his well. He sends wishes for your well-being as wel,l, Elendil says, squirming with the effort to control her impatience.
Laughing heartily at the strain on Elendil's face from trying, but failing miserably, to control her patience, Lord Elrond decides not to make her wait any longer. "I can see that patience isn't one of your virtue,s, he says, still chuckling softly. "You and Elladan would get along very well, I should say, very well indeed. Now, on to the reason why you have traveled all the way to Rivendell, Lady Elendil."
"My uncle, Lord Thranduil, sent me with this," Elendil says, pulling a sealed message from a pocket inside her cloak.
"I see. And have you been made aware of the nature of this message?" Elrond asks, taking the parchment from her.
"Yes, my lord. I know what it contains, for the most part. There is danger in Mirkwood. More so than usual. The trees have been silent for so long that their cries are nearly deafening now. They speak of a great evil, a great darkness. But, my uncle's message is much more detailed, my lord."
"I see. Now, how long do you plan on staying in Imladris, Lady Elendil?" Lord Elrond asks, changing the subject.
"In all honesty, my lord, I hadn't really given it much thought until now," she says turning thoughtful. "But now that I think about it, I would like to stay for a time though, to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Rivendell."
"You are most welcome to stay as long as you wish, Elendil of Mirkwood," Elrond says, rising.
"Thank you, Lord Elrond," Elendil answers, rising as well. Bowing in respect, she then turns and leaves.
Part Two
After
two days in Rivendell, Elendil is still enchanted by the beauty that
surrounds her. Walking through the beautiful gardens, she sees the
yellow and black of the exotic tiger irises, the pink and blue of
pixie tails, and the bright yellow of sun-dollops. Sitting down on an
intricately carved stone bench, she tilts her head back and closes
her eyes, letting the sweet scents from the flowers waft over her.
Hearing a small noise near her, Elendil opens her eyes, and finds
herself looking into twin pools of silver.
"Mae govannen, Lady Elendil. Enjoying the day?" Elladan asks, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Very, Prince Elladan," Elendil says, smiling as well. "Would you care to join me?" she asks, moving over slightly.
"I'd be delighted to join you," Elladan says, sitting beside her. "You seemed... preoccupied," he adds, a twinkling of mischief in his grey eyes.
"I was just... thinking how different it is here from Mirkwood. It's so much more peaceful here. It reminds me of Caras Galathon."
"You've been to Caras Galathon?" Elladan asks, merriment in his voice.
"I was born there," Elendil says in answer to his question.
"Really? I had no idea. I thought you were from Mirkwood."
"No, not really. My naneth is though. She and Lady Namarien are sisters. That's how Legolas and I are cousins. But my adar, Galen, was from Caras Galathon. He was killed by orcs when I was very young, and my naneth chose to return to Mirkwood, because the memories were too strong for her to stay."
Seeing
the look of anger and sadness that flashes through Elladan's eyes at
the mention of orcs, Elendil regrets having mentioned them. "It
was thoughtless of me to
mention those vile creatures after...
after all that happened to your naneth, Celebrian. Forgive me.
Celebrian was truly a beautiful soul, and didn't deserve what
happened to her," Elendil says, placing her hand gently on
Elladan's arm.
Looking into Elendil's grey- green eyes, Elladan can see the sparkle of unshed tears. "Annon le," he says, choking back a sob. "But there is nothing to forgive. I admit, it was hard when she was taken by them. But it was even harder when she came back. She was alive on the outside, but her spirit was broken. She had no desire left to remain here. When she left for the undying lands, such rage, and a desire for revenge, came over 'Ro and I, that we were blinded by it for some time. All we could see or feel was our hatred for them and our desire to destroy them.Having Estel here though, has changed us some, given us another purpose," he says, watching the fluffy white clouds meander by in the sky above.
"How is it that the elven sons of Lord Elrond have a human child for a brother? I mean no harm in my asking," Elendil says quickly at the look on the elf prince's face.
"He is an adorable child. I was intrigued by his presence in Rivendell is all."
"Estel
is a foundling. His parents were killed by orcs. Elrohir and I were
there when it
happened. We were unable to save his parents, but we
were able to save him. He was two years old when we brought him here.
It is hard to believe it was only three- and- a- half years ago, and
he has no memory of the horrors that took place that day. Estel may
not be our brother by blood, but in all other ways that count, he
is."
"That
poor child," Elendil whispers, picturing the small smiling face.
"To have been so
young... But then being so young, like you
said, he doesn't have to bear the memories of that day, and of losing
both his parents."
"Estel is safe and loved here. 'Ro and I make sure of it."
"I know. I have seen the two of you with him." Out of the corner of her eye, Elendil sees a certain small human child sneaking up behind Elladan with something in his hands. Pretending not to see him, Elendil returns her full attention to the elf prince beside her. "Estel is lucky. He has a loving family and a safe home."
Just seconds later, Estel, who has been slowly sneaking up on his brother proceeds to pore a pitcher full of cold water over Elladan's head.
"What in Varda?" Elladan roars, as the icy cold water pours down, soaking part of his tunic causing the thin material to cling to his chest. Turning at the sound of childish laughter, Elladan sees Estel doubled over with merriment from the prank he has just played on the elf.
Elendil, who has been trying very hard not to laugh, finally loses the battle, and bursts into tinkling laughter. Before too long, even Elladan is laughing as well.
"I was soooo worried", Estel says between fits of laughter. "When I saw you look at me Lady Elenie, I just knew you were gonna warn 'Dan. But then you didn't, and that was the best."
"Ohhh... so you knew he was there did you?" Elladan says in mock annoyance.
"Well, I saw him sneaking up on you, yes, but...," Elendil says with a shrug.
"You saw him and didn't tell me, eh?"
"Well, I didn't want to come between brothers," Elendil says, merriment dancing in her eyes.
"Oh, you think this is funny, do you?" Elladan says, wringing water out of his hair.
"Yes, actually, I do," Elendil answers, giggling.
Estel, seeing the look on his brother's face, knows exactly what is coming. "Ooo, you're in trouble now!"
"We'll just see how funny you think it is in a minute," Elladan says, picking Elendil up in his arms. The instant he touches her, his senses ignite. Carrying her over to the nearest water fountain, he flashes her a mischievous grin.
"You wouldn't," Elendil says, not realizing just how serious he is.
"Oh, wouldn't I?" Elladan says, grinning even wider. With that, he proceeds to drop her into the clear, cool water.
Estel, his eyes wide at the swiftness in his brother's actions, collapses to the ground in laughter when Elladan drops Elendil into the fountain.
"Now I know where the little imp gets it from," Elendil says, laughing as well.
Meanwhile, Meoi, deciding to train instead of sitting around relaxing, goes to an
open area and takes out her daggers. As she feints and lunges, twisting and turning, Elrohir happens upon her.
After
watching her from a short distance for a while, he approaches her
quietly.
"I have always had a weakness for beautiful
she-elves who are proficient in sword play," Elrohir says,
startling Meoi.
"Prince Elrohir. I didn't hear your approach," Meoi says, blushing prettily.
"It is all right, Meoi. I shouldn't have come upon you so quietly."
"You have no need to apologize. This is your home."
"And you are a guest here." Deciding to change the subject, he tries a more direct approach. "Would you care to take a walk with me? It's a wonderful afternoon," he adds, offering his arm.
"I'd be delighted," Meoi says, re-sheathing her daggers. Placing her hand in the crook of Elrohir's arm, they begin strolling through the very same gardens Elendil had walked through not long ago. Hearing laugher ahead, the pair follows the sound to its owner. One glance at the scene and Meoi bursts into laughter.
"What in varda happened to you?" Meoi asks, laughing at her friend, who is sitting in the water fountain.
"Well...", Elendil begins.
"'Dan put Lady Elenie in the water," Estel says, giggling hysterically.
"I can see that," Meoi says, "but why?" she adds, smiling as her friend tries to climb out, and falls back in.
"You put me in here, now pull me out," Elendil says, glaring at Elladan.
Laughing, he leans down and gives her his hand. With a mischievous smile, and with the quickness of her elven blood, Elendil moves slightly, and pulls Elladan down beside her.
Estel, not one to be left out of anything, jumps into the water fountain and begins splashing around, spraying them all.
"Hey! Watch that short- stuff," Meoi says, feigning anger. "Now, will someone please tell me how you ended up in the water fountain?", Meoi asks, laughing.
"Help me out of this", Elendil says to her friend.
"Not a chance. You're not pulling me in there," Meoi says, knowing very well that's what Elendil intended.
Elrohir, who was watching the exchange between the she- elves, doesn't realize just how close he is standing next to his brother. Seeing that his twin is preoccupied, Elladan moves Estel to the safety of his lap, then reaches out and grabs hold of Elrohir. Jerking him, Elladan causes his twin to lose his balance, and Elrohir finds himself in the fountain next to his brothers, who are laughing hysterically at him.
"Well, at least I'm still dry," Meoi says smirking.
The three elves look at each other, and in one swift movement, they reach out and grab the she-elf, pulling her in as well.
"Not anymore!" Elendil exclaims, splashing water at her friend.
"What in the name of VARDA is going on out here?" Lord Elrond bellows, coming out onto the balcony across from where his sons and his guests sit, drenched.
"Um.. Er... well... You see...," Elladan begins.
"Never mind," Elrond says, shaking with the effort not to laugh as well. "I don't even think I want to know," he adds, shaking his head. Stepping back into the room, he turns to Glorfindel.
"My lord," Glorfindel asks, seeing the look of strain on Elrond's face.
"It is nothing, mellon nin, nothing to worry about. It seems my sons have found something else, besides Estel, to take their minds off their revenge," he tells his friend. "I know they love Estel, and I know that when they are with him, their eyes are alight with joy, but that joy is all too quickly replaced by anger and darkness. Perhaps now, they can begin to heal," he adds, a melancholy note in his voice.
"What did you see out there that makes you think they will ever end the vendetta they have against the beasts that took their naneth away?" Glorfindel asks his friend candidly.
"Go and look," Elrond answers, still hearing laughter from outside.
Taking Lord Elrond's advice, Glorfindel steps out onto the balcony. Looking out, and down, he is momentarily stunned by the sight that assails his eyes. Not only are Prince Elladan and Elrohir splashing about in the water with their young brother, Estel, but Lady Elendil and her companion Meoi are there as well. Shaking his head slightly to be sure that his mind isn't playing tricks on him, Glorfindel suppresses a laugh as he returns to Elrond's side. "I see what you mean, mellon nin. They do seem to have an air of lightness in their countenances. Perhaps Lady Elendil and Meoi will be very good for them after all."
"Now,"
Lord Elrond says, his voice turning serious, "have you sent a
runner to Lord
Thranduil?"
"Yes. He left at once with orders to stop only long enough to rest his horse. He should be there on the morrow."
"Good."
"About Mirkwood...," Glorfindel begins.
"Yes?"
"How do you intend to keep them from finding out?" Glorfindel says, indicating the twins.
"That I haven't figured out yet," Elrond says, in all seriousness.
"All right," Meoi says, after they have all climbed out of the fountain. Taking a seat in the grass beside Elrohir, Meoi wrings water from her long dark tresses. "Now that we are all soaking wet, will someone please tell me how all this started?"
"I wanna tell! I wanna tell!" Estel says, bouncing with energy.
"Then be my guest, little one," Elendil says, smiling at the child.
"See," Estel begins, "I was gonna play a trick on 'Dan... and I was sneakin up on 'im... and, Lady Elenie... she saw me... and I was afraid she was gonna tell... but she didn't... and I dumpeded water on 'Dan... and he was mad 'cause it was cold... and Lady Elenie laughed... so 'Dan, he picked her up..and said he was gonna put her in the water fountain... but she didna believe him... and.. and he did it... and then she pulled him in... and then I jumped in... and then you two showed up!" Estel tells them, still bouncing around in excitement. "It was soooo funny!"
"Yes, you should have seen 'Dan's face when the water was poured on him," Elendil says, unconsciously using the same nickname his brothers used.
"Not nearly as funny as the one on your face when I dropped you into the water fountain," Elladan says good- naturedly.
As they sit there in the warm afternoon sun, watching little Estel run and jump around, the four elves form a bond that will become impossible to break.
TBC...
