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
4
Part One
Four
days after leaving Rivendell, Elladan, Elrohir and the elves sent by
Lord Elrond reach Mirkwood. Entering the gates, they are greeted with
the sight of elves from both Mirkwood and Caras Galathon. Spying
Haldir of Caras Galathon, they dismount and approach him.
"Mae govannen, Haldir," Elladan says to the blond elf.
"Elladan, Elrohir, mae govannen to you as well. I am surprised to see you here. I thought for sure Lord Elrond would tie you up and lock you away before letting you get mixed up in this," Haldir says, smiling at the twins.
"Father could have tried," Elrohir begins.
"But he would not have been successful," Elladan finishes.
"In all honesty, I was a little surprised to learn that Lord Thranduil asked your father for assistance. There is no love loss between them stemming from the Last Alliance," Haldir says.
"That is true. There isn't. But a tenuous bond was formed between them when father rescued Legolas from enslavement," Elladan says, shivering at the thought of what the prince must have gone through.
"Besides, this new threat affects all our kin, be they from Lasgalen, Imladris or Lothlorien," Elrohir adds, determination in his grey eyes.
"That is very true. This threat does affect us all. Now, let me take you inside. Lord Thranduil will be very happy to learn that the elves of Imladris are here as well," Haldir says, leading the twins inside.
On the way to the Great Hall, they run into Ranien and Trelan. Elladan is surprised to see them, as he had learned from Elendil that the two elves were off with Legolas. Realizing that Legolas must also be there, Elladan is not at all surprised to find the blond elf in the Great Hall with his father.
As the new arrivals enter the Great Hall, Legolas looks up from where he is leaning over a map, and a broad grin crosses his face. Walking over to them, he greets them first with the respect due them because of their royalty, and then as old friends.
"Mae govannen, mellon nins. I am glad to see you. It has been far too long since the last time," Legolas says. Gripping his friends' shoulders.
"It is good to see you as well Legolas," Elrohir says, grinning as well at seeing his friend.
"However, there is something we need to discuss with you, when time permits," Elladan says, a look of deviltry in his eyes.
"You're
quite right, brother. There is something we need to discuss with the
prince of
Mirkwood when time permits," Elrohir says
cryptically.
"I don't like the sound of that," Legolas says, in mock concern.
As the three friends talk and banter back and forth, it is as if no time has passed at all. "Come, I will show you where you can unpack your things. Then we can speak with my father about the plans to rid us of this new threat," Legolas says, leading them away from the Great Hall. Showing them to the guest quarters, Legolas turns to leave.
"Not so fast, Prince of Mirkwood," Elladan says, teasing.
"There is still something else we need to discuss," Elrohir says, finishing his twin's sentence.
"Really? What could be so important it could not wait?" Legolas says, noticing the playful look in the eyes of his friends.
"It seems that you have been keeping a secret from us mellon nin," Elrohir says seriously.
"I have kept no secrets," Legolas says, not sure what his friend is referring to.
"But you have, Legolas," Elladan counters. "You never told us that the she-elves here were so charming."
"Yes. If we had known that the she-elves here were so charming, and so lovely, we would have visited much more often," Elrohir says, laughing.
Laughing as well, Legolas just shakes his head. "You must have met my cousin, Elendil and her friend Meoi. Besides, you never asked," he says impishly. "Had you asked, I would have told you." With that, he turns around and leaves the twins to their thoughts.
Within two days of the arrival of the Rivendell elves, the preparations are complete. Marching out of the gates towards Ered Mithrin, the elves separate into small units, each with a specific directive.
A group of elves from all three elven kingdoms scouts ahead, their purpose to find what is pushing the orcs out of the mountains. The group consists of Elladan and Elrohir, twin sons of Lord Elrond of Rivendell, Legolas, Ranien and Trelan of Mirkwood, and Haldir of Caras Galathon.
Knowing that their mission is crucial, they travel light, carrying only the barest of necessities. They know that the area where the creature was seen last is at least a four day journey into the mountains. They travel quickly, only resting breifly when needed. They must find this creature, and, if at all possible, find out if there are any more and if so how many. Working their way deeper and deeper into Ered Mithrin, climbing ever higher, and getting closer and closer to the peaks, they begin to wonder if they are on a fool's errand.
As late afternoon begins to give way to shadows, Elladan begins to get impatient. "For nearly four days we have seen nothing. No orcs, no wolves, nothing," he says, frustrated.
"Are you sure your father didn't send us out here under false pretenses to keep us out of trouble?" Elrohir asks seriously.
"I don't know," Legolas says, teasing. "Maybe Lord Elrond sent my father a message with one of the other elves requesting that he send you where you are less likely to find trouble," the elf prince adds.
Before either one of the twins can respond, a piercing screech fills the air. The noise is unlike anything any of them has ever heard before, and it echoes off the mountainside, making it almost impossible to trace back to its source.
"Then again," Elladan says, eyes scanning the mountain terrain, "maybe there really there is something out here after all," he adds, his excitement mounting at the idea of finally having something to attack. He had grown weary of looking at bare mountain rock, feeling cheated out of getting to take his anger out on a worthy enemy. All of that was gone now, his muscles tensed, waiting for the enemy's next move.
As
the six elves form a loose circle, their backs to each other, they go
on the defensive, waiting for the enemy to show itself. They do not
have long to wait. Within moments of hearing the screech, several
large shapes loom out of the shadows. The creatures are nearly ten
feet tall and are adorned with thick scale-like armor. Their fingers
end in six- inch long, razor sharp claws. Although they resemble
dragons and fire- drakes, the elves can see that these creatures have
been changed, distorted
somehow, by evil magic. As the creatures
approach, the elves are amazed at the speed with which they move.
Their size and bulk belie their swiftness of movement. As one, the
three creatures attack, claws and teeth slashing.
The elves pair off to fight the creatures with their swords. The creatures are vicious and relentless, and no matter how many times the elves make contact, they seem to be doing little damage.
Haldir, trying to dart out of reach of the teeth of the creature he is fighting with Trelan, feels razor sharp claws graze his back. Angered by the creatures obvious glee, Haldir renews his attack, this time aiming for the creatures head. When the creature darts in at him, just before grazing him with its claws, Haldir notices a place on the creatures neck that is relatively unprotected. Swinging his sword at the area, he feels it slide in with relative ease. As it does, the creature screams in pain and its companions turn in unison.
With a deafening roar, the two creatures that are left charge Haldir, who is saved from their rage when Trelan throws himself at the older elf, knocking them both out of the creatures' path. Their momentum carries them over the edge of an outcropping of rocks and they drop twenty feet to a narrow ledge, leaving Ranien, Legolas, Elladan and Elrohir to deal with the other two creatures.
"Haldir!
Trelan!" Elladan yells, trying to get closer to where the elves
went over while
avoiding the creatures.
"Are you all right?" Elrohir yells, finishing his brother's sentence.
"Yes," Trelan yells up. "Just concentrate on those things up there and don't get killed."
"They are vulnerable in the side of the neck, just below the jaw-line," Haldir yells, hoping the others can hear him over the sounds of battle. "Your leg is broken. Do not try to move it," he tells Trelan needlessly, as the elf has no intention of doing so.
"Do you think they heard you?" Trelan asks, wincing at the pain in his leg.
"I don't know. I hope so though," Haldir says, concerned for his companions above.
Over the noise of battle, Elrohir just barely hears Haldir's words. Darting back and forth to keep out of the enraged creatures, he raises his voice and repeats what he heard. "Haldir says these things are vulnerable in the side of the neck, just below the jaw-line," he yells out, hoping his friends can hear him.
A
few moments later, the ear piercing death scream of one of the
remaining creatures
reverberates across the ridge. Glancing over
to where Legolas is pulling his sword from the dead creature, Elrohir
allows himself to be momentarily distracted. This moment of
distraction proves to be very dangerous indeed.
The creature, seeing that the elf is distracted, takes the opportunity to lash out. Catching the elf off guard, the creature embeds its claws into the elf's upper arm.
Screaming in pain, Elrohir jerks away and the creature's claws leave a long jagged gash along his upper arm.
Elladan, enraged by his brother's injury, throws himself at the creature in a blind fury. Just before he sinks his blade into the creatures neck, the beast rakes both sets of its claws across the elf's back, shredding both clothing and skin.
At the sound of his twin's anguished, pain- filled cry, Elrohir looks up just as Elladan's sword reaches its mark, killing the creature. "'Dan!" he screams, rushing to his twin, catching him with his good arm before he can fall to the ground. "'Dan?" he says, staring at the pale face of his brother.
Smiling weakly, Elladan tries to get up, but falls back down in agony.
"Don't move Elladan," Legolas says. "I have to turn you over. I know it's going to hurt, and I am sorry mellon nin, but I have to get a look at those wounds," e adds, kneeling beside his friend. Gently turning the elf over, Legolas gasps at the long deep gashes on his friend's back.
Remembering what his father had told him of the elf scout who barely lived long enough to tell the elf lord what happened, Legolas has Ranien remove one of the creature's claws so it can be checked for poison. "We have to get him back to my father quickly. But first we must get Haldir and Trelan back up here."
Getting
up, he motions for Ranien to follow him. Going over to the edge, he
looks down at the two elves. "We're going to throw down the rope
to you," Legolas
tells them as Ranien ties it off.
"Just be careful when pulling me up," Trelan calls up. "My leg hurts enough as it is."
"I'll go first. Three of us will be able to pull you up easier," Haldir says, hiding a smile.
Once the two elves are back on top of the ridge with their friends, Legolas finds some sticks to splint Trelan's leg with. Then, with Haldir supporting Trelan and Legolas and Elrohir carrying Elladan between them, Ranien leads the way back towards Mirkwood. Not stopping to rest, they make the four day trip in less than three.
Entering the gates, Legolas orders an elf to fetch the healer while he sends another to get his father. Taking Elladan to the healing hall, they gently lay him down. He has lost a lot of blood, and the wounds are still not healing, leading the other elves to fear that he was poisoned by the creature. Elrohir, fear etched on his features for his brother's life, refuses to leave Elladan's side, even after the Healer and Thranduil arrive.
The healer gently removes the bandages that Legolas had put on the wounds. One look at the ugly red gashes and the healer shakes his head. "This is beyond my skill. There is only one in all of Middle Earth who can help him."
"Our father," Elrohir says, knowing exactly who the healer is talking about.
"Yes. Lord Elrond of Rivendell," the healer says in confirmation. "He is the only one who may be able to save him."
"I'll send word to him at once," Lord Thranduil says, turning to leave.
"No", Elrohir says, stopping Lord Thranduil. "I will take my brother back to Rivendell."
"Elrohir, be reasonable. It's a dangerous journey," Legolas says, trying to reason with his friend.
"If we wait for word to reach my father and then for him to travel here, it may be too late. I will not lose my brother," he says hotly. "I will leave within the hour," he adds, brooking no argument.
"Very well," Thranduil says, seeing that there is no way to sway the young elf. "I will see that you have all you will need."
"I will be going as well," Legolas says. "If you run into trouble, you may need the help," he adds in response to the questioning look on Elrohir's face.
"Annon le, mellon nin," Elrohir says, watching his brother. "I did not relish doing this alone."
Looking around the room, he realizes that Trelan, Ranien and Haldir are no longer there. Legolas, seeing Elrohir looking for their other companions, places his hand gently on his friend's shoulder. "Trelan is in his quarters resting his leg. Ranien and Haldir left with my father to tell him what happened and where. Rest assured, they are concerned for Elladan also, but felt you needed to be alone."
Nodding, Elrohir turns back to watch his brother.
True to his word, Lord Thranduil has everything prepared when they are ready to go. After Elrohir mounts his horse, he helps Legolas to place Elladan on the horse behind him. Taking his brother's hands, he pulls him forward so that Elladan is leaning against him.
Once Legolas has mounted his own horse, they ride out of Mirkwood headed for Rivendell, and the healing hands of Lord Elrond.
Part Two
Riding as hard as possible, and stopping only briefly, the three elves reach Rivendell in two days time. Rushing through the arched gateway, Elrohir yells at the first elf he sees to go and tell his father, Lord Elrond, that he is needed in the healing hall. Dismounting, he and Legolas help Elladan down and carry him into the Last Homely House.
Upon hearing that his sons have returned, but that one of them is seriously injured, Elrond takes off for the healing hall to find his sons. Entering the room, he is mildly surprised to see Legolas there as well. Approaching the bed, he looks down at the still, pale form of his eldest son. Choking back a gasp, he kneels down and begins peeling the shredded clothing off. "What happened?" Elrond asks, worry in his eyes.
"We were attacked Ada. We went to find out what was driving the orcs out of Ered Mithrin. The creatures claws grazed my arm and 'Dan jumped at it. It's claws... he was too close," Elrohir says, choking back a sob.
"We think it's poison," Legolas says, holding out the claw that was taken from the creature.
Gently rolling his son over and removing the bandages, Elrond sucks in an involuntary gasp. There are long angry gashes along his back. Although elves normally heal quickly, the wounds on Elladan's back have barely just begun.
Testing the claw, Elrond is not surprised to discover that it does, in fact, have poison on it.Working furiously, he creates a poultice and applies it to his son's ragged back. He then makes a potion for Elladan to drink to help combat the poison in his blood.
"You said the thing got you too?" Elrond asks, turning to Elrohir.
"Yes, but it only grazed me. I've already healed. I guess the contact wasn't long enough for the poison to affect me. Will he...?" Elrohir starts, his voice trailing off in pain.
"He's going to live," Elrond says, hiding his own fear from his son. "All we can do is wait."
Elendil is sitting on the balcony of her room with Meoi talking about what they are going to do after Elladan and Elrohir return. Hearing the sound of horses approaching rapidly, Elendil cocks her head, trying to listen to her friend, and the approaching horses as well. Elrohir's voice floats up to them, and they can hear the faint sound of concern in his voice.
"That was Elrohir!" Meoi says.
"Something's wrong. I could hear it in his voice," Elendil says, running into the room and through the door. Racing through the corridors, Elendil stops at the open door to the healing hall.
Standing there staring at the elf lying so still on the bed, tears begin streaming down her cheeks. "Elladan!" she gasps, slowly entering the room. "Sweet Elbereth. What happened to him?" she asks, reaching his bedside.
"He was attacked," Elrohir says, turning pain- filled eyes on her. "I... I couldn't stop him from getting hurt. If he hadn't been trying to protect me...," he adds, his voice strangling on a sob.
Meoi, who entered the room while Elrohir was talking, goes over to him and wraps her arms around him. "Don't. You can't blame yourself Elrohir. Elladan wouldn't want you to blame yourself. Besides, he's going to be okay. Isn't he?" she asks, turning to Elrond with pleading eyes. Her heart was aching for the pain Elrohir was in over the possibility of losing his twin.
"Yes," Elrond says. "He's already getting some of his color back. As I told Elrohir, all we can do is wait."
Pulling a chair over to the side of the bed, Elendil reaches out and takes one of Elladan's hands in both of hers. Looking down at the handsome elf, she wishes he would open his eyes and smile at her. "You can't leave me now, 'Dan. I've only just found you," Elendil whispers close to his ear. "Middle Earth would be empty without you. Don't give into the shadows. You have to come back to me or I'll never forgive you," she teases softly, hoping he can hear her voice. "Please, 'Dan, open your eyes soon," she adds, wiping tears from her eyes.
Hearing a strangled cry, they all look over at the door. Little Estel is standing there in total shock. Moving swiftly, Elendil goes over and picks the child up before his father or brother can reach him.
"'Dan? Is 'Dan okay? Is he gonna die? Please tell me he isn't gonna die," he sobs, burying his head in Elendil's shoulder.
"Shh, little one. 'Dan is going to be fine," Elendil says gently. Sitting back down beside the bed, she turns Estel so she can wipe his tears. "'Dan was hurt badly, but he's going to be okay. He's not going to die. We won't let him," she adds, soothing his fears.
Sitting there holding Estel, Elendil begins rocking him back and forth, singing a soft, soothing lullaby in the high tongue of the elves. The song has the desired affect, and soon his sobs cease. Before long, he is sound asleep in her arms. Gently handing the child over to his father, she resettles in the chair, determined to be there when Elladan wakes up.
As the long hours drag by, Elrond changes the dressing on his son's back several times, making sure that the antidote is in fact working. Watching the two she-elves with his sons, Elrond can't help the smile that crosses his face. In the short time they have been in Rivendell, they have left strong lasting impressions on all three of his sons.
At the moment, Meoi is dozing in the chair beside Elrohir. Elendil, however, still has her eyes riveted on the face of his eldest son waiting for any sigh to indicate he is finally waking up.
"You should get some rest," Elrond says to her, approaching the bed his son is lying on.
"Not until he wakes up. I'm not leaving his side," Elendil says, vehemently.
Elrohir, who has also kept vigil beside his brother, laughs gently at the heat in her eyes. "She's as stubborn as 'Dan father. No wonder they get along so well," he says, laughing even harder at the look on her face. The laughter serves to help relieve some of the tension in the room.
Leaning down to check on the wounds on his son's back, Elrond covers the smile that plays at the corners of his mouth. The wounds are finally beginning to heal and both Elladan's color and temperature are finally returning to normal. Breathing a silent sigh of relief, Elrond sits back and watches the exchange between Elendil and Elrohir. Now, all they could do is sit back and wait for Elladan to return to consciousness.
"Do you have to laugh so loudly?" Elladan asks with a growl.
"'Dan! You're awake," Elrohir says, rushing over to his brother's side.
"Yes, I am. Now please quit shouting." Hearing soft laughter, he turns his head and looks into the grey green eyes of Elendil.
"Mae govannen, Elladan," she whispers, a smile in her voice.
"Lady Elendil," he says, a little groggy.
"She hasn't left your side since you arrived yesterday. She's a very determined she-elf," Elrond says, smiling at Elendil.
"I know", Elladan whispers. "I heard you calling," he says, looking into her eyes. "I felt lost until I heard you. I was drawn to your voice," he tells her, emotion filling his grey eyes. "Annon le," he adds, before drifting off into a healing sleep.
Looking up at Lord Elrond with tears in her eyes, she gives him a radiant smile. "Now I will get some rest," she tells him, keeping her voice down so that she won't disturb Elladan. "But before I do, I want to look in on Estel. He's been so worried. It would ease his mind to know that Elladan is well. Please let me know when he awakens again." After Elrond nods his agreement, Elendil leaves and goes to Estel's room.
After knocking lightly, she enters the room and sees Estel curled up on his side on his bed. Had she been a human, she would have thought the child was sleeping. Being an elf, however, she can hear the muffled sobs the child is trying to hide.
"Estel?" she says gently, approaching the bed. As the child turns his tear streaked face to her, she can see that he has been crying for quite some time. His blue-green eyes are red and puffy.
Reaching down and picking the child up, she hugs him close. Wiping his tears, she gently kisses his forehead. "You can stop your tears now little one," she says softly. "Elladan is going to be fine. He awoke a little while ago. He's sleeping now," she adds at the excitement in the child's eyes. "You can see him on the morrow. You need to sleep now," she adds, trying to lay him back down on his bed.
"No!", Estel cries, clinging to her.
"Okay," Elendil says, sitting down in the chair in his room with him in her arms. Holding him close to her, they both fall asleep.
After Elladan falls back to sleep, Elendil and Elrond both drift out of the room. Meoi, making her mind up, gets up from the chair she is sitting , goes over to Elrohir and hugs him. "See. I told you he was going to be fine," she says teasing. "Come. You have sat here far too long. Your brother is sleeping peacefully. It is a beautiful night. Would you take a walk with me?" she asks, grinning impishly at him.
Knowing exactly what the she-elf is trying to do, Elrohir chuckles softly. "It would be an honor to take a walk with you," he says, taking her hand in his and leading her from the room.
Walking through the gardens in the night breeze, Elrohir pulls Meoi close to his side. "I missed you," he says softly.
"And I missed you 'Ro," the she-elf answers, using the same nickname his brothers used.
"You look sad though. What is it?" he asks, stopping and turning her to him so he can look into her eyes.
"Well... it's just that Elendil and I can't stay here forever. We were discussing that when you arrived," she says, looking away and up into the night sky.
"I thought I was the only one out here," Legolas says, approaching them.
"Legolas!" Meoi says approaching him and hugging him lightly. "I had almost forgotten you were here."
"I felt there were enough people in the room. I didn't want Elladan to feel smothered when he awoke. Which, since the two of you are out here, I'm assuming he has done so."
"Yes," Elrohir says to his friend, understanding why Legolas left the room. "'Dan is sleeping peacefully now. A healing sleep. He's going to pull through."
"I'm glad he's going to be fine. I have the feeling my cousin helped bring him back," Legolas says, an impish grin on his handsome face.
"Yes, I think she did at that," Elrohir says, agreeing.
"Well. I'll let you two get back to your walk," Legolas says, slipping off into the darkness again. Smiling as he walks off, Legolas knows that the twin sons of Elrond have finally lost their hearts.
"As I was saying before Legolas interrupted. Elendil and I were talking about what we were going to do," Meoi starts again, as they continue their walk.
Stopping, Elrohir turns her towards him, pulling her into his arms.
Startled by Elrohir's sudden embrace, Meoi looks up into his grey eyes. "What?" she says, voice trailing.
The moment Meoi looks up, Elrohir leans down and kisses her. The contact of their lips sends his senses reeling. Emotions he never knew existed come to the surface, and as the she-elf leans into the kiss, he deepens it, pulling her even closer to him. When the kiss finally ends, they are both breathless. Smiling down at her, he drapes one arm over her shoulder, holding her close, and continues walking.
"You were saying?" he says, struggling to regain his composure.
"I forget," she says, laughing softly. "It doesn't matter right now," she adds, snuggling close to him.
Walking her to her door, he turns and kisses her gently. "Maer fuin," he says softly.
"And to you as well," she answers. As Elrohir walks away, Meoi knows that she will indeed have a good night, one filled with pleasant dreams of him.
The
following morning, Elrond goes to check on Elladan. The wounds have
healed
considerably and there appears to be no lasting affect from
the poison. Gently turning Elladan back over onto his back, he looks
down into his eldest son's smiling eyes.
"So, what's the verdict, Ada?" Elladan asks, teasing.
"You'll live. Fortunately for you," Elrond answers. As Elladan looks around the room, Elrond knows exactly who is son is looking for. "Elendil finally agreed to get some rest after she knew you were going to be okay. She asked me to let her know when you awoke. If you can control your impatience for just a few minutes, I will go and get her," he says, smiling at the look of impatience on the face of his eldest son.
Going directly to Elendil's room, Elrond discovers that she isn't there. Knowing that she went to check on Estel the night before, he decides to check there for her. Sure enough, when he gets to the room she's there sitting in the chair with Estel asleep on her lap. Speaking softly, so that he doesn't disturb his youngest son, Elrond wakes Elendil.
Waking up, Elendil sees Lord Elrond standing there. "He's awake?" she asks softly.
"Yes. And he's looking for you. He seemed just a little impatient," Elrond says, smiling.
Chuckling softly, Elendil gets up and gently places Estel on his bed. Leaving the room, she goes straight to the healing hall. Entering the room, she smiles impishly at Elladan. "I hear you are impatient to see me," she says, laughing.
"Very," Elladan responds.
Sitting in the chair she had vacated the night before, Elendil reaches out and takes his hand. "You gave us all quite a scare, Elladan Elrondion, eldest son of Lord Elrond of Rivendell," she says, teasing him.
"My humblest apology Lady Elendil, niece of Lord Thranduil of Mirkwood," he says, teasing as well.
"It's
good to see you in such good spirits. I'm sure you'll be up and about
before much
longer," she tells him, a hint of sadness in her
eyes.
Seeing the sadness in her eyes, Elladan gets concerned. "What is it Elendil? Why the sadness?"
"It's nothing, really. Meoi and I were talking just before you arrived about what we were going to do after your return. No matter how much we like it here, we can't stay here forever. It just saddens me some is all. Although, I have decided that I wish to visit with my father's family in Lorien. It has been a long time since I last saw them. Don't worry, we aren't leaving right away," Elendil says, seeing the look of concern on his face. "I'm not going anywhere until I know you are completely healed," she adds, all teasing gone from her voice.
Laughing at the determination on her face, Elladan swings his legs over the edge of the bed and stands up. He is a little unsteady on his feet for a few seconds, but then gains his balance. "I have been in that bed long enough," he says in response to the concerned look she gives him. "I want to be out in the fresh air." Taking her hand in his, he leads her outside to the gardens. Thefresh air does him a great deal of good and before long he is feeling almost back to normal.
Four days after Elladan has healed completely, Elendil and Meoi are preparing for their journey to Caras Galathon. Walking to her horse with Elladan beside her, Elendil is deeply saddened to be leaving him. As he pulls her close to him, she snuggles into his embrace. She knows she will miss him greatly, but she also knows she will see him again.
Leaning down, Elladan gently kisses her lips. "I will miss you Lady Elendil. More than you know."
"And I will miss you Prince Elladan. Know that you will always be close, in here," Elendil says, placing his hand over her heart.
Helping Elendil onto her horse, he lingers for just a moment, and then removes his hands from her waist.
"I am going to miss you 'Ro," Meoi says as Elrohir walks her to her horse.
"Not as much as I will miss you Meoi," Elrohir tells her, kissing her gently. After a quick embrace, he helps her onto her horse.
As the two she-elves ride out of Rivendell, Elladan and Elrohir, the twin sons of Lord Elrond, both feel pangs of loss at their leaving.
TBC...
